Ajay Gupta and Narendra Nath Dubey, filed their nominations for the upcoming Presidential election 2017, they are making a buzz with their intresting background.

By India Today Web Desk: Presidential elections this year seem to have garnered momentum ever since the names of top prospective candidates came out. While the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA has zeroed-in on Ram Nath Kovind, there are a slew of other candidates, although lesser known, making a buzz with their interesting backgrounds.

Ran Nath Kovind, BJP nominee for President

Ajay Gupta, a lawyer from Haridwar

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Ajay Gupta, a lawyer by profession, filed his nomination for the upcoming Presidential election 2017. In 2013, Ajay chose to contest Mayor's election from Haridwar, but did not win. This time, while showing thumbs down to all small posts, he is looking forward to conquering the position of the first citizen of India.

Shiv Sena, PDP and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JDU have declared their support for Ram Nath Kovind's candidacy. Despite the clamor, the Opposition, however, is yet to announce their preferred candidate for the top post.

Even as he eyes on the post, Gupta says that there is no value for president's post in India, but he said that if he wins, he will work for the welfare of the common man.

Narendra Nath Dubey, from Kabir Das' Kashi

Narendra Nath Dubey, who hails from Kashi, filed his nomination for the President's post the day before. Dubey has been contesting elections to become an MP, MLA and even the Vice President, but never succeeded. Despite consecutive failures, Dubey has been at it.

The man has other ambitions. He wants to become the next Kaka Joginder Singh

Dubey said that that his aim is not winning, but to make a Guinness World Record as the man who has contested most number of elections. He has earned a name in Ashtanga yoga but now he aspires to be the first citizen of the country.

Dubey is now nicknamed Kaka Joginder Singh in his locality. Kaka Joginder Singh, who was called Dharti Pakad (the one who clings) contested 300 elections in his life but never won.

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Delmonico Steakhouse in Las Vegas has released its Summer Trio menu, featuring Delmonico favorites and seasonal suggestions by Chef de Cuisine Ronnie Rainwater (Pictured: BBQ Salmon).

Offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning restaurant at a value-oriented prix fixe, this years menu includes five appetizer options, four entrees, and three in-house made desserts.

The popular chef-selected seasonal menu will be available Sun-Thurs nights only from July 1 through Aug. 31 for $75 per person (plus tax and gratuities).

The Summer Trio Menu includes:

First Course (Choice of one) Traditional New Orleans gumbo Shrimp and andouille sausage Potato parmesan soup La Quercia prosciutto and fresh chives Organic baby mixed greens salad Creole spiced croutons, sherry vinaigrette, shaved manchego cheese, teardrop tomatoes and red onion Petite iceberg lettuce wedge Wisconsin buttermilk blue cheese dressing, homemade apple-smoked bacon and red onion Beef carpaccio Parmesano reggiano, wild arugula, crispy capers and roasted garlic emulsion Second Course (Choice of one) Emerils BBQ salmon Potato and andouille sausage hash, spicy onion crust and homemade Worcestershire Buttermilk fried young chicken Corn waffle, warm black-eye pea salad and spicy Creole tomato glaze Dry-aged petite ribeye Fingerling potatoes, bourbon onions and chimichurri sauce Mushroom crusted petite filet medallions Mushroom and panko bread crumb crusted, with apple-smoked bacon, homemade worcestershire sauce and parmesan cheese Third Course (Choice of one) Caramel butter cake Vanilla double cream Banana cream pie parfait Caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs Pecan pie Oatmeal shortbread crust, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce

Delmonico will also offer wine pairing options from Sommelier Dylan Amos, as well as new seasonal cocktails created by Lead Bartender Lillian Hargrove.


Ricky Martin, one of the most intriguing and impactful performers of all time, will return to Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino June 23 through July 2 for his headlining Las Vegas residency All In.



The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist launched his non-stop, electrifying show in April to rave reviews from fans and media around the globe.

The show was awesome  the best production of any Vegas headliner.

 Perez Hilton 

 Perez Hilton  the crowd geared up for a thrill ride through his catalog and they got it.  People Magazine

 a phenomenal debut to say the least. Martin pulls out all the stops and goes all in for All In  and he hits the jackpot.  Las Vegas Review-Journal

 made more than a splashy arrival on the Strip. With seemingly infinite energy driven by the peerless charisma of its star, this show is built for the Las Vegas audience of right now.  Las Vegas Sun

The one-of-a-kind show, promoted by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, features Martin performing 21 of his greatest and current hits, including Livin La Vida Loca, Shake Your Bon Bon, She Bangs, Cup of Life and many more, backed by 16 dancers and a nine-piece live band.

All In is helmed by legendary director Jamie King, who has directed more than two dozen tours for superstars including Madonna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Rihanna, and wrote and directed the acclaimed Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. King previously directed Ricky Martins 2007 Black and White Tour, and 1999s Livin La Vida Loca Tour. The show features spectacular costumes by Dsquared2, and mind-blowing choreography by over a dozen choreographers, led by supervising choreographers Jason Young and Paul Kirkland.


Americana Las Vegas in Desert Shores is serving up the tastes of the sea every week for its new Oyster Fest Tuesdays, benefitting the Silver Hearts Foundation (Pictured: American Market Oysters).

Every Tuesday, Americana will offer 75 cent unlimited oysters while Chef and Owner Stephen Blandino hosts a cookout on the patio, overlooking the stunning Lake Jaqueline. Hosted by Beau Joie Champagne and Yacht Club Vodka, $10 from every bottle of Beau Joie Champagne and $1 from every Yacht Club Vodka cocktail purchased on Oyster Fest Tuesdays will benefit the Silver Hearts Foundationa foundation that works to provide quality healthcare services to underprivileged woman and children.

Cocktail offerings featuring Yacht Club Vodka include the Fourth of July-themed Red, White and Blueberry Lemon Drop, made with Yacht Club Vodka, Blue Curacao and fresh lemon, garnished with a sugar rim and raspberries; and the White Cosmo, a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan made with Yacht Club Vodka and white cranberry juice, served in a martini glass.

Americana will also host guest grillers on the patio every week to benefit the Silver Hearts Foundation, starting with local business owner Dallas Horton of Dallas Horton & Associates. Those interested in grilling on the patio for charity should contact Samantha Jones at 702-331-5565.
A car bomb exploded just outside a bank killing at least 29 and wounding dozens others in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province. Most of the killed where from police and army.

By AP: A huge suicide car bombing struck Thursday outside a bank in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, targeting Afghan troops and government employees waiting to collect their salaries ahead of a major Muslim holiday and killing at least 29 people, officials said.

Hayatullah Hayat, the provincial governor in Helmand, said most of the casualties were civilians. The explosion near the Kabul Bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah also wounded at least 60 people, he said.

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No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but Helmand has been at the center of bitter battles between the Taliban and Afghan security forces, aided by NATO troops. The insurgents, believed to control nearly 80 percent of the province's countryside, have increasingly been pressing a push onto Lashkar Gah and its environs in efforts to take the city.

In recent weeks, the Taliban have overrun Helmand's key Sangin district, where both British and U.S. troops had fought for years to keep them at bay.

The attacker struck as scores of people, many of them Afghan soldiers or civil servants, were waiting near the Kabul Bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid -al-Fitr holiday, which follows the holy month of Ramdan, which is expected to end later this weekend.

Esmatullah, an Afghan border policeman, who was at the scene of the explosion said the noise from the blast was deafening. He said many are missing in the ensuing chaos as witnesses, survivors and ambulances struggled to ferry first the most seriously wounded to hospital.

"We are taking children to the hospital," said Esmatullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

Twelve-year-old Hosnia, was crying outside the bank as she searched for her father who had brought her to buy shoes ahead of the Muslim holiday.

"I couldn't find anyone, my brother and my father," she said. "My father told me he will take me to buy shoes. We came here and then there was the explosion."

Helmand is considered a key region because it is one of the largest opium producing provinces for the Taliban, who charge opium traffickers a hefty tax to move their contraband to market. Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material used to make heroin.

Afghanistan is the world's largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other opium-producing countries combined, according to United Nations estimate.

Meanwhile, a militant attack the previous night inside a mosque in the country's east killed two members of the local council.

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Salim Sallhe, spokesman for the provincial governor in eastern Logar, said gunmen opened fire at worshippers during prayers at a mosque in Baraki district on Wednesday night. Two other local officials were wounded by the gunfire.

Sallhe said police are investigating. No group claimed the attack but Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied the insurgents were behind the shooting.

ALSO READ:

Pakistan's ISI behind Kabul blast which killed 90: Afghanistan govt to India Today

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on NATO convoy in Kabul

WATCH: Kabul blast: India Today accesses visuals of moment when truck exploded

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Samsung Viet Nams survey trip led by its president Shim Won Hwan at HTMP Mechanical Co. Ltd. -VNS Photo

This includes 25 tier-1 vendors and 190 tier-2 vendors, all of whom supply to Samsungs various factories such as Samsung Electronics Viet Nam (SEV), Samsung Electronics Viet Nam Thai Nguyen (SEVT), Samsung Electronics HCM City Complex (SEHC), Samsung Display Viet Nam, Samsung SDI Viet Nam and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Viet Nam.

It is expected that Samsungs tier-1 vendors will increase to 29 in 2017.

Samsung Viet Nam has also recorded breakthrough figures in raising the localisation rate of its products, from 35 per cent in 2014 to 57 per cent now.

The information was released on Tuesday during a survey visit made by Samsung Viet Nams board of directors at three enterprises - Thanh Long Electronic Production JSC, Hanel Plastics JSC, and Viet Nam HTMP Mechanical Co . Ltd . - that are participating in their consultation programme by experts from Samsung South Korea. The assessment is part of a 12-week programme designed to strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese businesses that are part of Samsungs components and accessories supply chain.

During the first two weeks, the experts survey and assess these enterprises and then for the next 10 weeks, they work interview and work directly with these businesses to improve their production processes and ensure they fulfil Samsungs products and components standards.

The programme feedback has been positive, helping businesses improve production and capacity as well as become more well-rounded.

Take the case of Thanh Long Electronic Production JSC, which is SEHCs tier-2 vendor and the only local enterprise in the Samsung ecosystem in Viet Nam to supply electronic PCB boards, a sophisticated, hi-tech electronic component. After three months of the consultation programme, its Final Quality Control rate has dropped 68.5 per cent, equipment operating rate has increased 23.8 per cent and inventory cost has fallen by 28.6 per cent.

The consultation programme is Samsungs response to the Vietnamese Governments call to increase localisation rate and the involvement of local businesses in Samsungs component supply chain.

In 2017, Samsung is expected to offer consultation to 12 local supply enterprises, increasing the total number of businesses that have undergone the programme to 26 since 2015. The priority is on supporting businesses in the technical sector, and expanding the scope of consultation to domestic partner companies.

Samsungs consultation model is not only for its supply vendors, but also aimed for the development of potential support industry enterprises in Viet Nam in general. We hope to help Viet Nams support industry develop further, Hwan said. To make it effective, we expect to work more closely with associations and relevant departments of the Vietnamese government.

After completing the consultation programme for the three businesses in the north, Samsung Viet Nam will take the programme to HCM City on Thursday for three enterprises: Viet Nhat PTE (wire harness), Viettronics Binh Hoa JSC (transformer), and Tien Thinh Co . Ltd . (copper-made wire).
Airbus and Boeing are both looking to target the lucrative maintenance market in the coming years. (AFP/ERIC PIERMONT)

Boeing finalised an order for three 787 Dreamliners to Israeli carrier El Al and inked a memorandum of understanding with leasing company Air Lease Corporation for 12 737 MAXs, while Airbus announced US$1.5 billion in orders for Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air and Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly.

Away from the order books, Airbus and Boeing are targeting the service and maintenance market as a means of boosting business, with the global fleet of planes on course to double by 2036.

Boeing values global demand for aerospace services at US$2.6 trillion over the next 10 years. Europe and North America are expected to remain the biggest markets, but the fastest growth is set to come in Asia, where demand for new planes is booming.

The US giant predicts the global aviation support market - which includes maintenance, engineering, training and information services and analytics - will be worth some US$8.5 trillion between 2017 and 2036.

These services go alongside the massive growth in global air traffic and demand for new aircraft - Boeing estimates more than 41,000 planes will be needed in the next 20 years for an estimated US$6.05 trillion.

DATA-DRIVEN FLIGHT

Boeing said its customers are increasingly using technology and data to improve their business decision-making and passengers' travel experience.

"It is clear that our customers, in both commercial and government sectors, are searching for more efficient ways to keep their fleets operating and ready for use in an age of rapid technological advancement," Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Global services, said in a statement.

"As commercial airline fleets continue to grow worldwide, demand for after-market services designed to increase efficiency and extend the economic lives of airplanes will follow."

Boeing, which achieved a turnover of US$95 billion in 2016, announced the creation of a dedicated services division late last year, due to start operations on Jul 1.

It has a 50 per cent share of the civil and military aviation market, but only seven to nine percent in services.

Airbus estimates the services market will be worth US$3.2 trillion over the next 20 years, including US$1.85 trillion for maintenance alone.

The European giant also announced plans to install new floating black box flight data recorders on its long-haul planes from 2019.

Each plane will be equipped with two recorders, one fixed in the forward part of the aircraft and a second in the tail which could detach and float on the surface if the plane crashes in the sea.

This would help avoid a repeat of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014 with 239 people on board and has never been found, despite a huge search in the Indian Ocean.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn walk through the House of Commons to attend the state opening of Parliament in London on Jun 21, 2017. (Photo: AP/Kirsty Wiggleswort/Pool)

The state opening of parliament by Queen Elizabeth II came after a string of tragedies which have shaken the nation, and the election on June 8 in which May's Conservatives saw their parliamentary majority wiped out.

The queen, at an occasion shorn of its usual pageantry, read out the watered-down list of proposed legislation and lawmakers will then spend the next few days debating before bringing it to a vote.

May could be forced to resign if she loses the vote, expected on Jun 29, just as the country embarks on highly sensitive negotiations for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was ready to step in and build a rival government - although he and other opposition parties lack the collective numbers to bring down May.

"This is a government without a majority, without a mandate, without a serious legislative programme led by a prime minister who's lost her political authority," Corbyn told parliament.

"Labour is not merely an opposition. We are a government in waiting," he said during hours of heated debate in which May fended off calls to resign.

After four terror attacks and a deadly tower block blaze that have darkened the national mood in the past three months, anti-government campaigners also staged "Day of Rage" protests that converged outside parliament.

"Bring Down The Government", "Austerity Kills" and "You Can't Trust Her", read some of the placards.

A banner said "We Need Justice For Grenfell Tower" - a reference to the tower block fire last week in which 79 people died, prompting criticism of budget cuts and officials for ignoring warnings about fire safety risks.

May apologised for the chaotic official response to the fire, telling MPs it was "not good enough". "As prime minister, I apologise for that failure," she said.

MAY HUMBLED

The enfeebled premier, who is still locked in difficult talks with a Northern Irish party to prop up her administration, said her programme was about seizing opportunities offered by Brexit.

The queen said: "My government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union."

She said her government would seek "to build the widest possible consensus on the country's future outside the European Union", amid divisions within May's own cabinet over the best strategy.

Business leaders reacted positively to the change of tone in the speech and Corbyn said he also hoped for a Brexit deal "that puts jobs and the economy first".

The speech announced no fewer than eight bills to implement Brexit, and new legislation aimed at tackling extremist content online after the terror attacks.

But the speech was notable also for what it did not contain.

There was no mention of May's hugely controversial invitation to US President Donald Trump to come on a state visit.

Also absent were key pledges the Conservatives had given in their manifesto for the recent election which analysts said had bombed with the electorate - such as reform of social care for the elderly and more shake-ups in schools.

There was no mention too of May's controversial promise to allow a parliamentary vote to repeal a ban on fox hunting, which angered left-wingers.

The Times branded May's administration the "stumbling husk of a zombie government" and said she was now "so weak that she cannot arbitrate between squabbling cabinet ministers".

"Downing Street is a vacuum," the newspaper said, two days after Britain and the EU formally started their Brexit negotiations.

NO DEAL YET

May called the snap general election in a bid to strengthen her mandate heading into the Brexit talks.

But the plan spectacularly backfired, leaving her with a minority government that is now trying to form a majority with Northern Ireland's ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

May has resisted calls to resign and is hoping for the support of the DUP's 10 MPs to boost her tally of 317 seats in the 650-seat parliament, but a deal has proved elusive so far.

"We are doing what is in the national interest, which is forming a government to address the challenges that face this country at the moment," May said.

But a DUP source said a deal was "certainly not imminent" as the talks "haven't proceeded in a way that the DUP would have expected" and cautioned that the party "can't be taken for granted".

Even with DUP backing, the government would command only a tiny majority, and just a few rebel MPs could be enough to undermine it fatally.
The Memorandum of Understanding was, rather symbolically, signed in Vietnam, at Doosan Vina

Doosan Heavy will provide consultancy services on administration, financial management, and business management to support the partners to establish their subsidiaries or manufacturing facilities at the site of the Doosan Vina plant.

It will also enter into negotiations with the local authorities to help the partners receive benefits, like tax cuts and other incentives.

Kim Myung Woo, president of Doosan Heavy Industries (center) with Yeon In Jung, CEO & general director of Doosan Vina (second from the left), and five directors of Korean companies

The power generation market in Vietnam has strong growth potential as the country is expected to add new facilities, generating 100GW of energy by 2030.

We will expand our support beyond Vietnam to India to help our partners start business there as well, said Kim Myung-woo, chief executive of Doosan Heavy.
Vietnam Energy Partnership Group, combining Vietnamese and European energy development expertise, is now open to facilitate Vietnam on its quest for sustainable green growth

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and development partners (DPs) advocate cooperation in energy development in Vietnam in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

They will endeavor to align official development assistance (ODA) to the extent possible with national policies and systems, and enhance coordination and dialogue for effective ODA disbursement in the energy sector.

Minister of Trade and Industry Tran Tuan Anh commented, The consultation among development partners and Vietnamese government agencies have affirmed the necessity of setting up a national energy partnership group. The foundation of this framework will create a more comprehensive and coherent mechanism of cooperation which will enhance the attraction of resources, improve the efficiency of high-level consultation on policies as well as help Vietnam in the implementation of objectives on energy security and socioeconomic development.

He added that, This will also support Vietnam in implementing its national efforts and international commitments on sustainable development.

Ambassador Bruno Angelet, head of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam, emphasised that, "Sustainable energy development is a key objective for the Vietnamese economy and we are strongly committed to doing our best to help Vietnam in addressing this important challenge. This requires a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration the socioeconomic development goals of the country. Achieving a greener economy through sustainable energy is good for Vietnam and, therefore, good for us all."

Waste-to-power is twice sustainable Foreign investors have made their ambitions clear for building green energy waste-to-power projects in Vietnam.

Rent-a-Port NV further expand its business in Vietnam with green energy focus On April 8, Rent-A-Port Green Energy inked the MoU with Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on wind and solar driven micro desalination to solve the problems of salinisation in the rice fields in the Mekong Delta.
HCM City targets selling 5,000 state-owned residential houses and apartment buildings this year. - Photo chinhphu.vn

Land-use fees and housing ownership duration have not been fixed, leading to sluggish sales, according to the Department of Construction.

The city has 10,000 state-owned residential houses and buildings that have not been sold, but instead have been rented out, said o Phi Hung, deputy director of the department.

Many tenants are not paying rent because of financial difficulties, he added, with outstanding rental debt now standing at VN45.2 billion (US$1.99 million).

Hung said that the city had petitioned the Ministry of Construction to ask the Prime Minister for guidelines to solve these problems.

Nguyen Van Dung, head of the citys People Councils Economic and Budget Board, urged the construction department to adjust the rental price; review tenants debts and find ways to collect the rent; and closely monitor rental activities to prevent tenants from subletting their accommodations.

Residents living in old apartment buildings should also be relocated soon to ensure safety, he added.
Long-delayed Diamond Rice Flower project may just make it in the hands of its new owner (Source: eosland.com)

The announcement took insiders by surprise because in June 2016, Kinh Bac made the news by setting up a special company named Lotus Hotel Development Company to develop this long-delayed project.

Along with the establishment of Lotus Hotel Development Company, Kinh Bacs chairman Dang Thanh Tam only a few weeks ago announced that the chartered capital of this company was increased to VND1.5 trillion ($66.6 million) from VND145 billion ($6.4 million).

This increase, according to Tam, is meant to give the project a push after more than eight years of delay.

With the sale of 100 per cent from Lotus Hotel Development Company, Tam has officially given up on his dream to build a landmark building with sophisticated design in My Dinh area in the west of Hanoi.

Delayed since 2009, Kinh Bac has so far paid more than VND26 billion ($1.15 million) to Foster & Partner for its design and the zoning expenditures for the project.

Before that, the prime location was assigned to a consortium of Japanese Riviera Corporation and CSK Finance in the early 2000s. These investors, however, could not implement their project due to a financial crisis in their home country.

Taking over the project, Kinh Bac paid $5 million to the Hanoi Peoples Committee and committed to building a childrens home in a remote area of Hanoi, with the cost of $1.5 million.

Considering the situation of the real estate market in Hanoi, Kinh Bac has decided to reduce the scale of the project from the original 100 to 50 floors.

Growing Sun Investment Joint Stock Company, the buyer of the project, was established in 2006. With this new investor, insiders expect that the design of the Diamond Rice Flower hotel complex will be revised once more.
Vietnam is in need of quality contractors for the nation's infrastructure network

In Decision No. 1614/QD - BGTVT dated June 1, 2017, on ranking contractors in 2016, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) announced the assessment results of 474 contractors that have participated in transportation projects funded by state budget in the country.

MoT's published results are based on information provided by main investors and project management units.

The assessment criteria were based on actual on-site scenarios, such as mobilisation of capital and equipment, capability of meeting requirements on project progress and quality, work safety, payment and acceptance procedures, and project maintenance.

Amongst these 474 contractors, 453 contractors (95.65 per cent) meet the standards required and 21 contractors were in the average group, accounting for 4.4 per cent.

The top of the list of all contractors that meet the standards, most names are very familiar in the construction field, such as Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 4 Ltd. (Cienco 4), Thang Long Group, Truong Son Construction Corporation, Vietnam Waterway Construction Corporation (VINAWACO), Van Cuong Construction United Co., Ltd.

As for the average group, these contractors usually made four to six errors per package or eight to 20 errors in total.

Amongst the 21 contractors that were listed as average, there are many Korean contractors, including Posco, Lotte, Samwhan, or Doosan. Most of these Korean contractors have made several errors while implementing the Danang - Quang Ngai Expressway project.

Lotte made five errors in Package A1 and five more in Package A4. Posco made five errors in Package A5.

Vietnam Expressway Corporation, the main investor of Danang-Quang Ngai Expressway, said that they had to replace Posco Project Manager for Package A5 and Lotte Project Manager for package A4 because they could not meet their required standards.

Chinese contractors, such as China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd. (CRCC), or Guangxi Road and Bridge Construction Company Ltd. are also on the list. China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd. made four errors in mobilising equipment, overall progress, detailed progress, and work safety at the Cat Linh-Hadong metro line in Hanoi.

Within the average group there are also Vietnamese names, such as Thanh An Corporation, Construction Corporation No.1 JSC, Thang Loi Group Company Ltd.
Hanwha Techwin has earmarked some 10ha of land near Ha Noi to build a plant to manufacture aircraft engine parts. - Photo nhipcaudautu.vn

The company has requesting approval of its investment from the Vietnamese Government.

It will start construction of the plant in August following approval and begin operations in the second half of next year. The plant is expected to cover a site of some 6ha.

Hanwha Techwin is planning to expand its sales of civilian aircraft engine parts to some one trillion won (US$900 million) by 2025 by expanding its engine parts production capacity through the setting up of plants overseas.

Viet Nam was chosen since the country has a satisfactory logistics environment and high competitiveness.

Hanwha Techwin started building the Hanwha Techwin Security factory at Que Vo Industrial Park in the northern province of Bac Ninh in April this year.

The first phase of the project has investment capital of $100 million, specialising in manufacturing electronic circuits, semiconductors, chips, computers and cameras.
French Justice Minister Francois Bayrou played a key role in sweeping Marcon to the presidency. (Photo: AFP/Iroz Gaizka)

Justice Minister Francois Bayrou, leader of the small MoDem party and a key ally of Macron's in the presidential campaign, told AFP: "I have taken a decision not to be part of the next government."

European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez is also set to resign, meaning all three MoDem ministers are leaving the cabinet after just over one month in office.

Defence Minister Sylvie Goulard stood down on Tuesday, saying she could not carry on while MoDem was facing an investigation into claims it broke European Parliament rules by using funds to pay assistants who are actually based in France.

MoDem entered an alliance with Macron's 14-month-old Republic on the Move (REM) movement for the presidential and legislative elections.

In exchange, the president rewarded the party for its support by giving them key jobs in his first cabinet - a caretaker government between the two elections.

France's youngest ever president has pledged to usher in a new era of cleaner politics after a series of scandals involving ministers under his Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande.

Observers say that pledge makes it difficult for Macron to keep MoDem in his new government while it is facing a probe.

Richard Ferrand, a junior minister from Macron's party, has also left the government, this time at the president's request after he became embroiled in a conflict-of-interest scandal involving his wife.

Macron hopes to complete a reshuffle later Wednesday after his party won a commanding majority in the parliamentary elections at the weekend.

REM took 308 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, meaning it does not need the support of MoDem, which won 42 seats, to push legislation through parliament.

But Bayrou's departure also deprives Macron of a centrist partner as he seeks to pull together a new government to push forward his pro-business agenda.

KEY SUPPORT IN CAMPAIGN

Bayrou, 66, was a key backer of Macron's 14-month-old party during the presidential campaign, and his support was crucial in lending legitimacy to the inexperienced candidate.

When Bayrou threw his weight behind Macron's fledging party, the future president hailed it as a "turning point" in his campaign.

Government spokesman Christophe Castaner said Bayrou's decision to quit was a "personal choice" which "simplifies the situation".

"He wanted to defend himself in this affair," Castaner told Europe 1 radio.

The opposition Republicans called the resignations a "political scandal" and a "major government crisis".

"A quarter of the government has gone," said Laurent Wauquiez, the conservative party's vice-president.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front who lost to Macron in the presidential election, said Bayrou had been discarded because he was no longer any use to the president.

"I think Macron used Bayrou during the presidential campaign and now that he has a majority without MoDem, he has tossed him away like an old rag," Le Pen said as she took up her seat in the National Assembly.

Le Pen's party has been investigated over similar accusations of misusing European Parliament funds to pay for staff in France.

Bayrou, who has run three times for president, has dismissed the allegations against his party.

Paris prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation this month after the claims first emerged in the Canard Enchaine investigative newspaper.

Bayrou himself had announced plans to ban lawmakers from hiring family members, one of a raft of proposals under Macron's bid to clean up politics.

The new president has said he wants to restore confidence in politicians which has been battered by a string of allegations of abuse.

One major scandal swirls around conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon, who is accused of paying his wife around 900,000 (US$1 million) to work as his parliamentary assistant with little evidence she performed many tasks.
Before the Narendra Modi government decides to sell Air India to Tata Sons or any other interested buyer, we take a look at some of the factors that led to the downfall of the Maharajah.

The government is looking at privatising debt-ridden Air India. Illustration: India Today/Nilanjan Das

By India Today Web Desk: Reports of Tata Sons considering to buy a controlling stake in Air India have got many saying that the Narendra Modi government is doing what should have been done ages ago--privatisation of the loss-making national carrier.

Air India's share in the domestic aviation market is a mere 14 per cent with Indigo and Jet Airways enjoying the lion's share.

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In the international aviation sector--once considered a strength of Air India--the profit margins are receding.

The national carrier's current losses stand at a staggering Rs 52,000 crore.

In a scenario like this, when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told Doordarshan that "if 86 per cent of flying can be handled by the private sector, it can handle 100 percent", no one was surprised.

Niti Aayog, the government's think tank, has already recommended strategic disinvestment of Air India and the Cabinet is expected to take up the subject for discussion soon.

Before the government decides to sell Air India to the Tata Sons or any other interested buyer, we take a look at some of the factors that led to the downfall of Air India.

GOING ON AN ACQUISITION SPREE

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government was in favour of privatisation of both Air India and Indian Airlines and had tasked the Naresh Chandra Committee in 2003 to study options. The committee in its report suggested privatisation of both the airlines an creation of and autonomous civil aviation regulator.

However, when the UPA-1 government under Manmohan Singh came to power, then aviation minister Praful Patel pushed for modernisation of the fleet. The Naresh Chandra report was shelved.

The government instead acquired 111 aircraft at an expense of Rs 70,000 crore--the Air India signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for supply of 50 aircraft at a cost of Rs 33,197 crore. The idea was to fund the acquisitions through debt and repay through revenue generation.

A subsequent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India found this idea unreal and called it a "recipe for disaster".

CBI's FIR in May 2017 charged Praful Patel and unnamed officials with ordering purchases without transparency, causing immense loss to the exchequer.

Air India's many assets. Source: India Today.

MERGING AIR INDIA AND INDIAN AIRLINES

Soon after the large-scale acquisition of aircraft for Air India and Indian Airlines, the UPA government decided to merge the two airlines in 2007 to bring in more "synergy". The result was disastrous and the losses mounted.

In 2002-03, the combined losses for Air India and Indian Airlines were Rs 63 crore which rose to nearly Rs 7,000 crore in 2010-11.

The CAG report was critical of the UPA government's decision and observed that it would have been better to have worked out the merger before making the acquisition. In just five years, the combined Air India-Indian Airlines entity piled up a debt of Rs 20,000 crore.

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The current Air India chairman Ashwani Lohani had recently blamed the merger for the national carrier's "downfall".

A TURNAROUND PLAN THAT DIDN'T WORK

In 2011, the UPA-II government decided to pump in an equity of Rs 48,212 crore for a period of 20 years starting 2011-12 and ending in 2031-32 to stop Air India from bleeding.

Air India was expected to show positive earnings from the financial year and a cash surplus from 2017 onwards. The opposite happened. Air India's inability to service the annual interest payments led to the losses mounting to Rs 52,000 crore this year.

In the meantime, the national carrier had exhausted the Rs 25,000 crore committed under the turnaround plan.

LEASING AIRCRAFT, INCURRING LOSSES

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has raised charges of irregular leasing of aircraft by Air India without due consideration, a proper route study and marketing-pricing strategy.

"It was alleged that the aircraft were leased even while aircraft acquisition programme was going on," CBI spokesperson R K Gaur said after the agency registered three FIRs and a preliminary enquiry to probe the controversial decisions made by the Manmohan Singh government

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According to CAG, the estimated losses from leasing of aircraft stood at Rs 405.8 crore between March 2011 and May 2014.

How Air India performs against competitors like Indigo. Source: India Today.

SELLING AIRCRAFT FOR A LOWER PRICE

According to the CAG report tabled in Parliament in March 20017, Air India incurred a loss of more than Rs 671 crore by selling five Boeing 777-200 long-range aircraft to Etihad below cost price.

Air India sold these five Boeing to Gulf carrier Etihad for USD 336.5 million, which comes to roughly USD 67.3 million per plane.

According to CAG, the aircraft were sold a price lower than the indicative market price of USD 86-92 million per aircraft obtained from two parties, M/s AVITAS and M/s ASCENT.

The losses mount when one adds the interest paid on loans to procure these aircraft which stands at Rs 324.6 crore.

Only 17 of the airline's services recovered costs in 2015-16 while 36 services ran into losses.

READ THE DETAILED STORY: The endgame

ALSO READ:

Tatas may buy debt-ridden Air India in partnership with Singapore Airlines: Report

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CBI to probe Air India-Indian Airlines merger, aviation deals signed under UPA tenure

Air India-Indian Airlines merger, purchase of 111 aircraft collective decision of UPA government: Praful Patel

ALSO WATCH: CBI to probe Air India-Indian Airlines merger, launches preliminary enquiry

--- ENDS ---
MTA Vietnam announces the lineup of its 15th edition

According to John Tang, director of the Taiwan Trade Centre (TAITRA) office in Ho Chi Minh City, Taiwan has emerged as the fourth biggest investors in Vietnam. Many investors are now using machinery and equipment imported from Taiwan at their Vietnamese production lines.

Taiwanese machinery and equipment has been exported to Germany, Italy, and Japan, reaching world-class standards with a more competitive price. To support the Vietnamese manufacturing sector, more than 60 Taiwanese firms will gather at MTA Vietnam 2017 to showcase a variety of manufacturing solutions and technologies, he said.

In addition to the Taiwanese pavilion, the event also marks increasing participation from Japanese companies under the auspices of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

Enomoto, Fuji Tool, Nakano, Sakagami, and Thermal are only a few of the highlighted exhibitors at the Japanese pavilion.

Meanwhile, South Korea is amongst the biggest group pavilions presenting at the show, with six pavilions hosting more than 40 individual companies.

The German pavilion also congregates a strong line-up of companies who are the front runners in the field of precision engineering and manufacturing. Notable German brands include Guehring, Hoffmann Quality Tools, Knuth, Trumpf, Zoller, and more.

According to BT Tee, general manager of UBM VES, visitors to MTA Vietnam can interact with over 420 local and international exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, with many hands-on opportunities offered by the latest machine tools, equipment and manufacturing solutions on live display.

MTA Vietnam has grown alongside the demand for advanced manufacturing in Vietnam. The 2017 trade exhibition features a strong line-up of technology leaders, covering a wide spectrum of the manufacturing value chain. Both buyers and suppliers can leverage MTA Vietnams platform to network and source new manufacturing technologies and business opportunities, he said.

MTA Vietnam 2017 will return from July 4 to 7, 2017 at Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. As its 15th edition, MTA Vietnam will be once again the premier gateway for Vietnams industrial manufacturers to be re-tooled with the most progressive machines, technologies, and innovations available in the global marketplace for precision engineering and industrial manufacturing.
A possible design for Long Thanh International Airport

A careful consideration

At the June 19 meeting, the National Assembly Standing Committee said that the Long Thanh International Airport project has been seriously considered by the government for a very long time. Also, when giving the in-principle agreement to implement the project, the NA carefully considered many aspects and was clear on the necessity of the component projects.

The overload of Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the increasing demand for air transportation lead to the urgency to build Long Thanh International Airport.

As site clearance is time-consuming and may hold a lot of obstacles, potentially increasing costs if the site clearance period is extended, the NA Standing Committee proposed to divide resettlement and site clearance compensation into different component projects in order to ensure the project stays on schedule and to cut expenses.

Shortage of fund for site clearance

Numerous NA deputies requested the government to clarify the funds used for resettlement and site clearance compensation.

The NA Standing Committee said that based on the obtained information and the latest updated prices from the Dong Nai Peoples Committee, the total estimated cost for site clearance, including the construction of resettlement and cemetery areas, is about VND23 trillion ($1 billion).

Currently, the government provides the Long Thanh project with VND5 trillion ($220 million) for the medium- and long-term plans on site clearance. However, this amount accounts for only 21.7 per cent of the actual funds necessary.

After resettlement and site clearance compensation are allowed to be divided into component projects, the government will direct related agencies to conduct a feasibility study report for each smaller projects as well as a detailed site clearance plan in order to calculate the exact amount of investment needed. This will be a foundation for the prime minister to direct related agencies to carefully prepare the needed capital and report to the NA for consideration.

The resolution on dividing resettlement and site clearance compensation into component projects stipulated that the total land area for the Long Thanh International Airport project was 5,000 hectares, including the acreage for resettlement and cemetery areas, as well as other auxiliary construction.
Nguyen Huu Tan, deputy director of the Tax Policy Department, expresses confidence in the infallibility of the new natural resource tax regime

The database for calculating natural resource tax rates (also known as royalty tax in Vietnam) shall be collected, summarised, and classified into new categories by tax offices. Would it possibly lead to illicit profit-making behaviours when the price brackets used to calculate natural resource tax rates are different from the market price?

The tax regime to calculate natural resource tax is set by the Ministry of Finance (MoF). Meanwhile, revenues from natural resource tax are 100 per cent allocated to local authorities (except for those collected from crude oil and natural gas exploration and exploitation). MoF is thus not motivated by any kind of incentive to design tax brackets that do not closely follow the market.

The database of prices used in natural resource tax calculation has been centrally and uniformly constructed, as well as regularly updated by the General Department of Taxation so that MoF can develop the appropriate tax brackets. On this basis, the peoples committee of each city or province will introduce a scheme of resource tax rates in accordance with local circumstances. Sources of information forming the natural resource tax database usually come from tax declaration forms declared by taxpayers, customs declarations for export or import of natural resources and minerals, accounting reports and financial statements of enterprises, as well as the purchase prices on the market. Hence, as the tax regime closely sticks to the market price, it is hard to raise illegal profits from it.

However, the price brackets for natural resource tax calculation are too wide, with differentials ranging at 30-42 per cent. Is there any possibility where some localities may adopt the lowest rates of natural resource tax to enrich their budget and affect other localities?

According to the Law on Minerals, the state will develop a string of strategies and master plans on minerals to achieve sustainable socioeconomic development, national defence, and security in each period. Steps will be taken to ensure that mineral reserves are protected and exploited rationally, economically, and efficiently. The exploration and exploitation of minerals and natural resources must be in accordance with the strategies and master plans, while sticking to the protection of the environment, natural landscapes, historical-cultural relics, and tourist attractions, as well as securing national defence, security, social order, and safety. Exploiting natural resources and minerals must be guided by the principles of socioeconomic efficiency and environmental protection as its basic standards.

Additionally, these activities need to apply advanced mining technologies that are suitable to the scale and characteristics of each mine and each kind of mineral for maximum recovery. Therefore, not all localities with sizeable stocks of resources and minerals will charge the lowest natural resource tax to encourage further businesses in resource exploitation to increase their budget.

Moreover, according to Decree No.158/2016/ND-CP specifying the execution of a number of articles of the Law on Minerals, in order to explore and exploit natural resources, enterprises must satisfy a myriad of highly-demanding conditions on the minimum level of chartered capital and technology, among others. Thus, even if local authorities manage to adopt the lowest prices for natural resource tax calculation, it will not be easy to find qualified investors.

Even so, has it not happened that local authorities intentionally adopted the lowest natural resource tax rates to attract investment?

This tendency might have taken place before 2010, before the National Assembly enacted the Law on Minerals (amended). However, in recent years, it is no longer so. As the exploitation of natural resources is deeply related to transportation infrastructure as well as land or environmental pollution, there are hardly any local authorities taking the risk to cut down the price brackets on natural resource tax calculation, especially when it is likely to allow businesses to destroy the transportation infrastructure system and distress the environment.

Currently, before licensing the exploration and exploitation of mines under their management, local authorities must cautiously measure and calculate (the proportionate amounts of) natural resource tax, along with other benefits, against the damage costs or expenses that may come with the works. Therefore, if no actual benefits are in sight, localities will not seek to encourage exploitation activities. Besides, as the government has placed some restrictions on the export of raw materials, it is not easy to attract more businesses to the field anymore.

Then why is MoF building a natural resource tax regime that allows such a huge disparity between the lowest and highest tax rates?

The natural resource and mineral reserves vary between different mines. Natural resources and minerals are located everywhere, but are normally concentrated in areas with difficult or extremely difficult socioeconomic conditions, even in highland areas where there are no inhabitants, traffic or natural water sources.

Also, there are substantial gaps in the exploitation cost of a unit of mineral among different regions of the country. If a narrow and relatively constrained scheme of royalty-liable prices is applied, it might discourage the business of mining enterprises in areas with difficult socioeconomic conditions or extreme natural conditions.
VNA's focus in 2017 will be on safety, stability, and sustainable development, as well as protecting the rights of shareholders

Diversifying services

At the June 20 meeting, VNAs board of directors and executive board satisfied shareholders by spending more than one hour, twice as long as expected, on answering a wide range of difficult questions involving production and business plans and how VNA will position itself in the intense rivalry among air carriers in Vietnam.

VNA does not copy our competitors, we have our own strategy, chairman Pham Ngoc Minh said when a shareholder compared VNAs stocks (ticker HVN on HoSE) with other low-cost carriers.

We are trying to reach the target of sustainable and stable development, Minh said.

Accordingly, VNAs business strategy is to improve itself and diversify its services to increase competitive advantages. In particular, VNA focuses on the high and medium-income segments, while other low-cost carriers like Jetstar Pacific focus on the lower-income segment.

VNA is the national carrier. We have a responsibility to develop sustainably for our shareholders benefits, as well as contribute to the development of the Vietnamese economy, society, security, and defence, and enhance Vietnams position in the world, Minh said.

Regarding the HVN stock price, Tran Thanh Hien, head of Finance and Accounting, said that after the equitisation, VNA hired consultancy agencies to price its stocks in accordance with international standards.

At the time, many organisations priced HVN at VND22,300 ($0.98) per share. In January 2017, once again, HVN was revaluated by a number of international financial institutions and was priced at VND28,000 ($1.23) per share.

Over the last month, HVN was floating about VND26,000-VND29,000 ($1.14-$1.28). This is a fitting price to a high-standard air carrier which has good profitability indicators, internal factors, and stable stock price.

With the market price of about VND27,000 ($1.19) per share, VNAs capitalisation value is about $1.4 billion. This is fairly high in comparison with Thai Airways, the biggest air carrier in Thailand ($1.17 billion), and Garuda, the flag-carrier of Indonesia ($0.67 billion), Hien said.

Raising chartered capital

The 2017 annual shareholders meeting discussed and passed many documents, such as the report on production and business results in 2016 and the main targets of production and business in 2017, and the plan on raising the charted capital by selling stakes to existing shareholders.

In 2016, VNA reported record high production and business results. It had nearly 140,000 completely safe flights and handled more than 20.6 million passengers, up 13 and 21 per cent on-year, respectively. VNAs pre-tax profit in 2016 was VND2.601 trillion ($114.4 million), 1.5 times as much as in 2015.

Regarding VNAs 2016 financial results, the total after-tax profit of the parent company was VND1.737 trillion ($76.4 million) of the total, VND736.52 billion ($32.4 million) went for dividend distribution. It means that VNAs shareholders would receive a cash dividend of VND600 (3 US cent) per share for the fiscal year 2016.

VNAs shareholders approved the plan on issuing an additional 191,191,337 shares at the price of VND10,000 ($0.44) apiece for its existing shareholders, in accordance with their right to purchase additional shares in the company before the general public. The money collected from this plan will be spent on purchasing eight Boeing 787-9 aircrafts and ten Airbus 350 aircrafts in 2017-2019. This purchase plan has been approved by the prime minister.

Regarding the production and business plan in 2017 passed by the annual shareholders meeting, VNA targets to handle more than 22.5 million passengers and generate a consolidated revenue of VND87.9 trillion ($3.9 billion). Of the total, the parent company sets the goal of VND66.872 trillion ($2.9 billion) of revenue. The goal of consolidated pre-tax profit of the whole VNA is VND1.638 trillion ($72 million), and VND1.256 trillion ($55.3 million) of this is hoped to be generated by the parent company.

VNA will focus on measures that ensure our safety, stability, and sustainable development, bring out better services for customers and protect the legal rights of shareholders, Duong Tri Thanh, general director of VNA, said.


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As the worlds 22nd largest economy with a land area of approximately 14,400 square miles (36,000 km2), Taiwan is the worlds 39th largest island. It is about 245 miles (395 km) long (north-south) and 90 miles (145 km) across at its widest point, and has a coastline of 708 miles (1,139 km). There are many beautiful lighthouses of Taiwan.

Please watch the following video of the stunning lighthouses of Taiwan.

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In addition to its main island, Taiwan (Republic of China) also has jurisdiction over 22 islands in its Taiwan group, including Xiaoliuqiu () off the southwest coast, Green Island () and Orchid Island () to the southeast, as well as the Penghu archipelago () to the west, and the Kinmen archipelago () and Matsu archipelago () near the coast of Chinas Fujian Province.

Lighthouses of Taiwan

Surrounded by the sea on four sides, there are a total of 36 lighthouses of Taiwan of different styles and shapes. Among them, 20 are staffed with lighthouse keepers, and 12 are open to the public free of charge. Taiwans lighthouses used to be managed by the Directorate General of Customs, Ministry of Finance.

But after the government restructuring on January 1, 2013, the agency was renamed the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance, and the function of lighthouse management was transferred to the Maritime and Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

With 36 appealing lighthouses of Taiwan having distinct architectural features and fascinating histories, Taiwan is a paradise for lighthouse lovers. In 2016, about 1.2 million people visited the lighthouses of Taiwan that are open to the public.

Among them, nearly 420,000 people visited Eluanbi Lighthouse (), and about 110,000 visitors came to Fugui Cape Lighthouse (), while approximately 97,000 people visited Sandiao Cape Lighthouse ().

Situated on Eluanbi Cape in Kenting National Park at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, Eluanbi Lighthouse () has a splendid panorama. It is a landmark sightseeing spot, and is called The Light of East Asia, as its intensity is the most powerful among the countrys lighthouses. It was the only fortified lighthouse in the world.

Fugui Cape Lighthouse () is the northernmost of the lighthouses of Taiwan, and was the first lighthouse built by the Japanese for the sake of constructing a submarine cable and navigation system between Taiwan and Japan.

Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Yuwengdao Lighthouse (), and Dongyong Lighthouse () are the three lighthouses of Taiwan that are equipped with fog horns ().

Situated on the northeastern tip of Taiwan, Sandiao Cape Lighthouse () was also built by the Japanese. As Sandiao Cape Lighthouse is an outstanding mark on the Pacific Ocean, it is called the Eye of Taiwan. It was Taiwans first lighthouse opened to the public.

Visitors not only can take in the beauty of the lighthouse itself, but they can also enjoy the nearby beautiful northeast coastline. Additionally, with the artsy and creative decor in the plaza around it, the lighthouse is a hot spot for wedding photos.

Of the 36 lighthouses, Yuwengdao Lighthouse () and Dongquan Lighthouse () were designated as second-grade historic sites, while Kaohsiung Lighthouse () and Dongyong Lighthouse () were designated, respectively, as third-grade historic sites by the Ministry of the Interior.

Several museums hold exhibitions featuring the lighthouses in Taiwan, including the Lighthouse Museum, the Customs Museum, and the Yang Ming Oceanic Culture and Art Museum.

Operated by the Maritime and Port Bureau, the Lighthouse Museum was inaugurated on March 1, 2017 at Keelung City in northern Taiwan. Some lighthouse models and photographs, as well as various lamps, lenses, and other optical systems, are on display.

As the Customs Administration has been the agency responsible for the management of Taiwans lighthouses over the past decades, the Customs Museum has an exclusive section featuring lighthouses. Besides various lighthouse models, there is a brief introduction to the history of each lighthouse, along with other relevant articles. The most striking objects displayed in the museum are a replica fog cannon and an ancient bronze fog warning bell.

Besides holding a lighthouse-featured exhibition years ago, the Yang Ming Oceanic Culture and Art Museum has also been sponsored by the Yang Ming Cultural Foundation to conduct a cultural activity dubbed Museum-on-the-Go to display the beautiful photos of the lighthouses of Taiwan in various places across Taiwan.

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The Bihar School Examination Board went for physical verification of Class 10 toppers before declaring the final result today. This was done for the first time in Bihar.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The much awaited results of the Bihar Board Class 10 exams were declared today, with 50.12 per cent students passing the exams. Of the total 1723911 students who appeared for the examination, 863950 passed. Prem Kumar from Lakhisarai was declared the state topper securing 465 marks (93 per cent) followed by Bhavya Kumari, who became second topper securing 464 marks (92.8 per cent). Harshita Kumari with 462 marks (92.4 per cent) was declared the third topper. The second and third topper are from Simultala Residential School in Jamui.

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"The results of the matriculation has been declared, and this year we ensured that the examinations are held in fair manner. Apart from conducting the exams in fair manner, we have also ensured that evaluations of answer sheets are done correctly," said Anand Kishore, Chairman of Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB).

13.91 per cent students passed with first division, 26.88 per cent in second and 9.32 per cent in third division. The pass percentage this year has been marginally high in comparison to 2016 when it was a mere 46.6 per cent. The pass percentage in 2015 was fairly high at 75.17 per cent. The Bihar Board recently drew flak with the declaration of the intermediate examination results when it came to light that Ganesh Kumar, a 42-year-old man forging his birth date not only appeared for the exams but also was declared the Arts topper. To avoid another embarrassment, the Board went for physical verification of Class 10th toppers before declaring the final result on Thursday. This was done for the first time in Bihar.

"System of physical verification was never there in Bihar earlier. This year, as a precautionary measure, the Board re-evaluated the answer sheets and physical verification of the students was done to be sure about them. The answer sheets and physical verification was done by a four member committee,"said Anand Kishore, Chairman of BSEB.

Anand Kishore said that there were many students who were not present in the state when physical verification was done and the Board made special arrangements to bring them back to the state to face the Committee.

"There were some students who were not in Patna when physical verification was done and the Board paid for to and fro air fare and railways fare. We also are providing them travelling allowance for the same," said BSEB Chairman.

Interestingly, the Board also gave grace marks to many students who were failing by few marks, due to which the passing percentage rose to 50 per cent. Had that not been done, the pass percentage would have seen a major decline.

ALSO READ:

Bihar Board Class 10 Result 2017 declared at biharboard.ac.in; 51 per cent pass the exam

ALSO WATCH:

Toppers scam impact: 64 per cent students fail class 12 Bihar board exams

--- ENDS ---

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Robbery at New Harbours

Yesterday afternoon Police received a report of an alleged Robbery taking place at a warehouse within New Harbours Industrial Estate. During the robbery, four warehouse employees were tied up and 3 of them received injuries consistent with having been physically assaulted.

They received treatment for their injuries at St Bernards Hospital, although they didnt require hospitalisation and were able to provide their witness accounts to police once discharged from hospital.

Police have confirmed that a substantial amount of money is alleged to have been stolen and that the perpetrators are alleged to have had a handgun. In a statement released this afternoon, the RGP have explained "we are still working to confirm whether this was real, a replica or a toy"

During the course of the night a number of search warrants were carried out at residential addresses. Three local men were arrested on suspicion of robbery and are currently still in police custody assisting with enquiries. No property has so far been recovered.

A large amount of CCTV footage has been seized and is currently being examined. Police have said that all lines of enquire remain open.

Whilst police have already spoken to a great number of the public they would like to urge any person who believes they may have information material to this investigation to contact police at their earliest opportunity.

The point of contact is the Duty Officer through the police control room on telephone 20072500.
Every week Vulture highlights the best new music. If the song is worthy of your ears and attention, you will find it here. Read our picks below, share yours in the comments, and subscribe to the Vulture Playlist for a comprehensive guide to the years best music.

Lorde, Hard Feelings

Im going to break the apparent rule that criticism and the personal should be kept separate because Lorde didnt make Melodrama expecting people to hear it and feel nothing. Hard Feelings (and Im only going to praise the first half of this song) will bulldoze the heart before it even knows what hit it because it was written from the place of a heart thats already been flattened. Lorde fell out of love and this is how she coped. Thank god it happened to her in her teens and not, say, at 25 when you thought youd cleared that hurdle. Breakups are terrifying when they happen later in life. Sudden change, change of any kind, gets harder. Getting to the point where youll care for myself the way I used to care for you takes longer to put into practice; Im glad Lorde thinks she has it figured out already, and, hell, maybe this acutely self-aware prodigy does. But one fact transcends age: shit hurts. Thats why when Hard Feelings implodes into a severe cacophony of Jack Antonoff noise, you cant just shut it out. Thats not how heartbreak works.

Now, heres the criticism: Hard Feelings/Loveless is just as mathematically imperfect as everything else on Melodrama that Max Martin probably cant stand, and thats especially true of its second half, the spiteful Loveless. But the process of letting go will always be imperfect; theres no other way to do it. That doesnt mean the work cant be as perfect as Hard Feelings truly is in the face of that hard truth. Dee Lockett (@Dee_Lockett)

Haim, Little of Your Love

The question was recently asked: Is it corny to like Haim? The answer is increasingly yes, but it turns out my enjoyment of these L.A. witches is a function of that corniness, because I really enjoyed old Haim. But I love new Haim. I want to swan dive into a pool of Wilson Phillips. I want Danielle to sing to me about getting just a little of your love over a hand-clapping beat. I want it all. Jordan Crucchiola (JorCru)

Kane Strang, My Smile Is Extinct

The first time I heard New Zealands Kane Strang was on The Web, which was about meeting someone on the internet and then pretty much just living a hermetic existence without ever interacting with that person in the real world. It was charming and melancholy, and I come back to it often. My Smile Is Extinct, the latest single from his upcoming Two Hearts and No Brain, is another song in the Kane Strang mold, meaning he approaches a basic idea  in this case death/sadness/breakups (well-worn territory to be sure)  and then elevates it to creative new heights: I said kill me now / I want to die / I heard theres a chance at an afterlife / I might not get in, but at least I wont be living. I promise it doesnt sound as bleak as it seems when you read those lyrics. Sam Hockley-Smith (@shockleysmith)

Queens of the Stone Age, The Way You Used to Do

Queens of the Stone Ages announcement that theyd enlisted Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars producer Mark Ronson for their follow-up to 2013s excellent Like Clockwork has had some diehards crying pop! But front man Josh Homme sounds as badass as ever here, singing about fever dreams and the world exploding over maniacal guitar riffs and cheeky hand claps (the man loves his hand claps). Our first taste of Villains sounds like what the bluesman Slim Harpo might have put out if hed grown up in the age of energy drinks, MTV, and Adderall  and in Palm Springs. A recent NME interview quotes Homme as saying that this track is all about screwing. But that doesnt fully capture the spirit of the song; Ill bet you anything that the word he actually used was fucking. Gabe Cohn (@gabescohn)

2 Chainz, Trap Check

Even if Trap Check didnt sample Jeezys Get Ya Mind Right and T.I.s ASAP  two songs dear to my trap-loving heart  it would still tick all the boxes for a great trap standard. Theres nothing I want more from this kind of Atlanta-bred sound than a murderous beat (bless you Buddah Bless) and a grocery list of humblebrags delivered any way but humbly. Pretty Girls Like Trap Music is fast becoming my favorite 2 Chainz album with every repeat listen. DL

The Range New Lots

As the Range, James Hinton has a knack for melding vocal samples to his original music in a way that elicits shocks of pure emotion, and then follows that emotion up with some sort of cathartic release. Its the promise of EDM fully realized through a sound that isnt really connected to EDM. New Lots is the latest release from Hinton, and while he doesnt have the space to explore all the different ideas he did across the entirety of 2016s Potential, he does manage to put another solid notch in the electronic subgenre I just now invented: This is pure crying at the music festival but not because of alcohol or drugs music. SH-S

DeJ Loaf, No Fear

Its pretty amazing DeJ Loaf hasnt released her debut album yet  but then, listening to her latest song and keeping in mind how slowly artist development works these days (thats when it exists at all), no it isnt. Its clear from No Fear shes still testing the waters and figuring out exactly what she wants to say and, especially, how. Half her songs are slick melodic raps, then the other half are split between bedroom bangers (Me U & Hennessy remains flawless) and, like No Fear, pop-ish. This is more proof of DeJ Loaf being unafraid to bare her soul and tell it how it is to a lover. Shes trying to be with you, bro, despite the apparent obstacles. Give her a chance! DL
Cosby. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Last week, Bill Cosbys sexual-assault trial ended in a mistrial after jurors were deadlocked for days. (New information suggests they were leaning toward conviction.) And although prosecutors intend to retry him, Cosby has already gotten busy filling his schedule. In an interview on Good Day Alabama picked up by TMZ, Cosbys publicists Andrew Wyatt and Ebonee Benson announced that Cosby plans on touring this summer to teach people how to avoid being accused of sexual assault. According to their description, it appears the tour wont necessarily focus on sexual-assault awareness and prevention, but rather Cosby, who has been accused by more than 50 women of assault, will advise people  especially athletes and married men  on how to handle these kinds of allegations.

They need to know what theyre facing when theyre hanging out at parties and doing certain things they shouldnt be doing, Wyatt says. Asked if the tour is a do as I say not as I do situation, Benson adds: The statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended, so this is why people need to be educated [that] a brush against a shoulder  anything, at this point  can be considered sexual assault. Its a good thing to be educated about the laws. Cosbys speaking engagements (or town halls, as Wyatt calls them) are expected to begin in July. Its unclear how a retrial would affect the tour.
Bill Cosby. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

A juror on Bill Cosbys sexual-assault case told ABC News on Wednesday that it was ultimately a small minority on the jury that led to hours of deliberation and an eventual mistrial. The comedian faced three charges in the case that alleged that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted former Temple employee Andrea Constand at his home in suburban Philadelphia. The anonymous juror claimed that the jury was in a ten-to-two agreement that Cosby was guilty of the first count, that he digitally penetrated the accuser, Andrea Constand, without her consent. The same number were deadlocked in favor of a guilty verdict for the third count, which charged Cosby with giving Constand intoxicants without her knowledge, thus impairing her ability to resist his advances. The jury was flipped in the other direction, however, on the second count that Constand was unconscious or unaware during the incident, with 11 jurors to 1 calling for Cosbys acquittal. The inside source says that on counts one and three the two holdouts were not moving, no matter what.
Cat. Photo: Matthew Murphy/O&M Co.

Get your tickets now to see Rum Tum Tugger, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella, and the rest of those Jellicle felines, because the Broadway Cats revival is closing December 30. When it shutters its door it will have run for 16 previews and 593 regular performances. After, the musical will go on a national tour starting in January 2018. The original Broadway production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster set a record with its 18-year run  an impressive feat later broken by another Webber musical, Phantom of the Opera. Despite boasting one of the most famous musical numbers (Memory) and carrying a family-friendly appeal, the revival was not as popular with critics and received no 2017 Tony nominations.
While the internet may still be reeling from the Black Panther trailer, star Chadwick Boseman is playing another kind of hero entirely in Marshall. Here, the 42 actor plays the titular Thurgood Marshall as a young lawyer before Marshall made history as the first African-American Supreme Court justice. As an NAACP lawyer, Marshall defended Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), a black chauffeur who was falsely accused of raping a white socialite in 1940. Josh Gad plays Sam Friedman, a Jewish lawyer who also worked on the case and who faced anti-Semitism for participating in the defense. The film opens in October.
Drake says relax. Photo: Steven Lawton/Getty Images

Like clockwork, Drake has arrived to soundtrack those summer nights when theres a cool breeze but youre still in your feelings. Hes dropping a song called Signs on Thursday, and it originally premiered for Louis Vuittons new SS18 collection for Paris Fashion Week. The song is available for an early listen via LVs video of their runway show. Signs begins around the 4:30 mark of the stream. There are no oratorical fireworks on this track, just a chill beat that encourages champagne with breakfast, drinking all day, and taking it easy, easy, easy.
Jennifer Lopez. Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

Jenny is returning to her block! Not the Bronx, necessarily, but to romantic comedies, a (disappearing) genre she is exceptional at. The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and even Monster-in-Law  J.Los back at it, baby. She has announced plans to develop and star in Second Act, a romantic comedy from STX Films (Bad Moms), to be directed by Peter Segal (50 First Dates). Second Act will follow a big box store employee who reinvents her life and gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as a college degree, according to the Wrap. Shes currently working on NBCs Shades of Blue, and serving as a judge on the networks dance competition show, World of Dance, but thats okay  after seven years away from leading her very own rom-com (2010s The Back-Up Plan), were back in the love business. At this point, though, she could livestream her daily life with A-Rod, and wed be satisfied.
Bombay High Court today dismissed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) petition against Maharashtra cabinet member Prakash Mehta, who was accused of obstructing the demolition drive in Tilak Nagar.

By Vidya : Bombay High Court today dismissed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) petition against Maharashtra cabinet member Prakash Mehta, who was accused of obstructing the demolition drive in Tilak Nagar.

The court in the statement said that BMC "can always move the court in case any hurdle is created by any agency or person."

A BMC official had filed an affidavit accusing Mehta of hindering the demolition work. Court had asked Tilak Nagar police station for CCTV footage of April 15, when Mehta visited the site.

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The BMC had submitted an affidavit on April 26, listing instances where it could not demolish encroachments.

Maharashtra Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni told the court that Mehta had never opposed the demolition, on the contrary he had been asking for the slums to be removed from the area.

However, the division bench headed by Justice Abhay Oka said, "It cannot be a matter of coincidence that the same minister who opposed the demolition drive allotted flats to select 400 people."

"No corporation officer will have the courage to say what transpired during a minister's visit, so the truth will come out only if someone goes through the video," he added.

With this he also pointed out that the BMC demolition work was on track and had not been affected.

The court is currently hearing a public interest litigation filed by Janhit Manch pointing out the large number of slums that have grown in and around the water pipelines over the years. The work is set for completion in 2018 and slum dwellers who live around the pipelines have to be rehabilitated.

Another petition had been tagged along with this petition by slum dwellers pointing out that specifically 400 slum dwellers from Mehta's constituency were being given a special allotment in Kurla while others were discriminated upon and were being sent to Mahul. However Kumbhakoni made it clear that the state goverment has now decided to rehabilitate all at the same place.

Also Read

Bombay High Court pulls up Maharashtra Minister in hutment demolition case

BJP trying to dislodge Shiv Sena from BMC by projecting it as corrupt one

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Waco theatergoers can sample the sweet and entertaining side of the stage this weekend with the opening of two productions offering warmth, humor and charm in varying combinations.

At Waco High Schools Richfield Performing Arts Center, its the Broadway musical Hairspray, a Waco Independent School District/Waco Civic Theatre collaboration that mixes dancing high schoolers, early television, and the civil rights movement in 1960s Baltimore.

At Baylor Universitys Theatre 11, its Who Am I This Time?, the adaptation of two Kurt Vonnegut short stories about love and relationships.

Both plays open Thursday, Hairspray for a two-weekend run, Who Am I This Time? for a four-performance run.

For Hairspray director Aaron Brown, 30, its a return to a familiar musical, but on a more manageable level. The Waco company he oversees numbers about 40 students and adults. He had more than 100 in the version he directed while teaching at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, before coming to Baylor University for graduate studies.

I thought, 40  yay, a small show!  he said with a laugh during an interview before a recent rehearsal. Its exciting to do this with 40 people. You have more times to interact with the cast. I got to direct and choreograph.

Brown, a Houston native who studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University, counts Hairspray among the shows that hooked him into musicals, a winning combination of 1960s pop music and dancing, humor, gravity-defying hair and a feel-good message about acceptance and tolerance. Its the second summer for the WISD/Waco Civic Theatre collaboration, following last years Beauty and the Beast.

Adapted from John Waters 1988 film of the same title, Hairspray concerns Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad (Lexie Rains), an exuberant fan of The Corny Collins Show, a popular television show whose charismatic host (Joey Tamayo) introduces Baltimore teens to the latest dances and songs.

Much to her thrill, and that of best friend, Penny Pingleton (Kaleigh Huser), Turnblad gets a chance to take part on the show, even as her chunky body runs afoul of the visual standards set by show producer  and former beauty show queen  Velma Von Tussle (Kristi Humphreys) and her daughter, Amber (Lily Myatt).

Body image isnt the only thing keeping some teens off the air. The Corny Collins Show, like much of Baltimore in the 1960s, is racially segregated, and black kids, including those who Turnblad shares school detention with, cant dance with white ones in the show.

She protests, and the resulting hubbub pulls in record store owner and Corny Collins Show host of Negro Day Motormouth Maybelle (Charity Gaines); Maybelles son, Seaweed J. Stubbs (Cameron Dinkins); as well as Turnblads parents, Edna (Bill Selby) and Wilbur (Bob Sowder); Tracys high school crush, Link Larkin (Nick Atkins); Pingletons mom, Prudy (Cathy Hawes); and the Von Tussles.

I love this show . . . Its truly joyous and heartwarming, has great music and a message, Brown said. Plus the idea of integration and unity is extremely poignant at this time.

The joint production between school and community theater has resulted in a racially diverse company that features high school and junior high students from Waco and surrounding school districts, Baylor University and McLennan Community College; singles and married adults.

A seven-piece band will provide live accompaniment, and the shows choreography borrows not only from 1960s pop dances, but various stage and television productions of Hairspray.

We want to make this as lively and bright and outrageous as we can go in a family-friendly way, said the director. This show is a freight train. . . . I tell them to breathe at intermission and breathe after you bow.

Joining Brown on the directorial and organizational side are music director Christie Lujan, assistant choreographer Evelyn Kunch, technical director Cory Garrett, costume designer Geneece Goertzen and stage manager/wig designer KLynn Childress.

Action takes place in such varied locales as a television studio, a high school, a city jail, the Turnblad home and the Miss Teenage Hairspray beauty pageant. All the female characters have multiple costumes and  its the era of the beehive hairdo, after all  wigs, wigs, wigs.

More than 30 wigs to prepare kept stage manager Childress busy styling and spraying while actors ran lines and songs onstage. During rehearsals, this place smells like the title, Brown joked.

Brighter, buoyant

Baylor Theatres Who Am I This Time? works on a much smaller scale with only a cast of eight and two songs. Thats the nature of the June season for the Baylor theater department, which usually stages two productions led by graduates working on their masters degrees in directing.

This year, however, only had one grad student working on a production, Cooper Sivara, whose Grand Concourse ran last weekend. Faculty member DeAnna Toten Beard agreed to step in and lead a second show, in part to give opportunities for more actors as well as a change of pace for audiences.

We wanted something brighter, more buoyant, she said.

Toten Beard found that in Aaron Posners Who Am I This Time? (And Other Conundrums of Love), an adaptation of three short stories from author Kurt Vonneguts Welcome to the Monkey House. The Baylor production will feature only the first two stories, with Posners permission, opting to omit the third, a middle-aged love story.

What audiences will see are The Long Walk to Forever and Who Am I This Time? The former concerns a soldier, Newt (Griffin DeClaire), who visits his hometown friend Catherine (Megan Buetow) on the eve of her wedding to another man, as they realize their relationship may have been deeper than mere friendship.

Who Am I This Time? has Helene (Lily Howard), a newcomer to a small Central Texas town (relocated from the originals New England village) in 1962, who becomes involved in a community theater production of A Streetcar Named Desire, whose shy actor in the Marlon Brando role of Stanley Kowalski, Harry Nash (Lucas McCutchen), turns passionate once in character.

Rounding out the cast are Noah Patten (Tom) and Kate (Juliana Zepeda), who help frame the stories and form part of the community theater, joined by community actors Verne (Chase Ellsworth) and Doris (Hanna Hunt).

The challenge for both plays is navigating the tricky territory of sentiment. We wanted to present simple and kind love stories that didnt go Hallmark Cards, Toten Beard said.

To do so, she and her actors add a little quirkiness: ways in which actors play instruments and 60s audiovisual technology of slide projector and record player.
By Press Trust of India: London, Jun 22 (PTI) Skirting the issue! A group of teenage boys at a UK school turned up for classes in cool skirts in a bold protest against the institutions no shorts uniform policy despite the ongoing heatwave.

Five boys from ISCA Academy in Exeter, Devon, strolled in wearing the attire after being told by teachers that they would be placed in isolation were they to walk into class in shorts.

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The mother of one of the pupils said her 14-year-old was told a day earlier by the head teacher, "you can wear a skirt if you like", after he complained about the heat.

So he -- along with four others -- wore official uniform skirts to school so as to avoid any possibility of action by authorities.

"My son wanted to wear shorts but was told he would be put in the isolation room for the rest of the week," the mother told Devon Live.

"The head teacher told them, Well you can wear a skirt if you like, but I think she was being sarcastic. However, children tend to take you literally and so five boys turned up in skirts today -- and because she told them it was okay there was nothing she could do as long as they are school skirts," the mother said.

She said one of the boys did get in trouble, but only because his skirt was "too short". The mother said that children should have a voice, no matter how old they are.

After the success of the boys uniform objections, 50 boys are apparently now planning to follow suit, the report said.

"Children also dont like injustice. The boys see the women teachers in sandals and nice cool skirts and tops while they are wearing long trousers and shoes and the older boys have to wear blazers. They just think its unfair that they cant wear shorts in this heat," the mother said.

"They are doing this to cool down -- but also to protest because they dont feel they have been listened to," she said.

Headteacher Aimee Mitchell said they are considering revising the school uniform policy as the heatwave continues to beat down on Britain.

"We recognise that the last few days have been exceptionally hot and we are doing our utmost to enable both students and staff to remain as comfortable as possible," she said.

"Shorts are not currently part of our uniform for boys and I would not want to make any changes without consulting both students and their families. However, with hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change for the future," the headmistress said.

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The heatwave in the UK saw five sizzling days in a row during which temperatures in parts of the country have topped 30 degrees Celsius. PTI ASK AKJ ASK

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A draft ordinance intended to bring order to Wacos vacation rental boom would make it easier for on-site homeowners to host guests for extra income, but harder for those wanting to operate short-term rentals from a distance.

City staff this week laid out the recommendations of a task force appointed to write new rules governing bed-and-breakfast and other short-term rentals, which over the past year have sparked neighborhood disputes and lengthy council meetings.

The ordinance is intricate, sorting rentals into five categories, but in some cases would streamline the process. For example, homeowners wanting to rent out extra rooms while they are home could win zoning and licensing approval without having to go before the Waco Plan Commission and council for a special hearing.

But city planning director Clint Peters said the ordinance also should allay some concerns about neighborhood character being compromised by too many vacation rentals owned and managed by off-site owners. Vacation rental homes not occupied by their owners, known as short-term rental II properties, would require a special-use permit in many zoning areas and could not be approved for a license if they were within 500 feet of another such property.

I think this ordinance does put more protection in for the neighborhood, Peters told the Plan Commission in a work session Wednesday.

In addition to zoning approval, applicants would have to get a license to operate, which would require a safety inspection and could be revoked for noncompliance.

The nationwide popularity of online lodging platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, combined with the Waco tourism boom sparked by Magnolia Market and the Fixer-Upper renovation show, have led to a land rush for vacation rentals here.

As of Tuesday, Waco City Council has approved 58 special permits for such properties, while denying four.

The city late last summer started notifying property owners who advertised on rental sites that they needed to pay occupancy taxes and get special zoning permits. Those with owners on-site could get a bed-and-breakfast homestay permit, while those with owners off-site would have to get a temporary residential rental unit special permit.

But city council members found the special permit process cumbersome and the criteria for approval too ill-defined.

In one of the most contentious cases, residents of the Cameron Park neighborhood opposed plans by a real estate investor to turn a home and several accessory buildings at 404 Baker Lane into a vacation rental with several units available for separate rentals. The council denied the special permit.

Henry Wright, an attorney who lives next door to that property, told the Plan Commission in October that allowing the rental would compromise the stable character of the residential neighborhood.

We want neighbors, Wright said at the time. Wed love for someone to move in and be part of a fun and wonderful group of people.

Writing the ordinance

Wright was appointed to the task force to write the new ordinance, along with neighborhood leaders and short-term rental owners from across the city.

He said the ordinance wont satisfy everyone, but its a good step in protecting neighborhood stability.

I think the ordinance tries to recognize different ways people can use their residential property, he said. If you can rent out a room long-term, why not short-term? But if youre just buying a property to flip it as a short-term rental, thats a kind of usage that needs a little more control. The spacing requirement of 500 feet between each one is a way to achieve that balance.

Wright said he thinks owners of short-term rentals are doing a good job improving their properties and selecting good tenants, and their property rights should be taken into account.

This was an honest effort to balance the interests of the property owners and their need to make money on their property, along with preserving low-density neighborhoods, he said.

Under the new ordinance, the Baker Lane property could not have qualified for any of the permitted categories unless the owner had changed her plans for it. A short-term rental with off-site ownership and units that could be rented under separate reservations would have to be a bed-and-breakfast inn, which is not allowed in single-family zoning districts. Bed-and-breakfast inns also would require on-site management.

Still, some at a public meeting on the ordinance Monday suggested the proposal goes too far in favor of the rental property owner.

Provision questioned

Judson Griffis, a resident of Castle Heights, questioned the provision that allows short-term rental I permits in residential neighborhoods by right, rather than requiring a special permit with a public hearing. Griffis was among the neighbors who gathered en masse to protest three vacation stay permits in Castle Heights and Karem Park.

Two of those would have been operated by off-site owners, but one at 3501 Castle Ave. would have qualified under the new ordinance as a short-term rental I.

This recommendation would say this person would automatically be eligible for a permit, Griffis said. I didnt see a whole lot here that gives the neighborhood a lot of input.

Peters said the task force debated that point but ultimately concluded that owners should have the right to rent a room on a short-term basis, just as they can rent long-term. He said neighbors would still be notified of the pending permit applications and could submit their concerns to city staff in writing.

At Wednesdays Plan Commission meeting, member Jose Villanueva said requiring a special permit and public hearing for short-term rental I properties would defeat the whole purpose of rewriting the ordinance.

Member Joe Mayfield agreed that special permits shouldnt be necessary for a homeowner to rent out space in their own homes.

I think it ought to be by right, Mayfield said.

The Plan Commission will vote on the recommendations at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the Waco Convention Center's Bosque Theater, 100 Washington Ave. The Waco City Council will vote on the ordinance at its July 18 meeting at the same location.
A small house on South Seventh Street is carrying a big asking price that has local real estate agents shaking their heads in disbelief.

Its the talk of the town, said Kathy Schroeder, who oversees residential services for Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors.

A shotgun house extensively remodeled by Chip and Joanna Gaines for an episode of Fixer Upper has hit the market priced at $950,000, though it is only 1,050 square feet in size and is appraised for tax purposes at $132,010, according to the McLennan County Appraisal District.

Thats probably a typo, said Julie Pendergraph, a residential sales specialist with Keller Williams Realty, commenting on the listing for 624 S. Seventh St. that appears on realtor.com.

Informed that the numbers indeed are correct, she said: Youre kidding. There is no way on Gods green earth they are going to get that kind of money. Thats $905 a square foot. Its a nice house, with one bedroom and one bath, and its over there by Magnolia Market, but still.

Houses sold in Greater Waco typically range in price from below $100 a square foot to $200 a square foot for custom homes, said Trammell Kelly, a residential specialist with Kelly Realtors.

I saw it on Facebook. Ive not actually driven by the place, but Im heading there now, Kelly said. Ive had two or three conversations with people who mainly are texting and sending me pictures and asking, Whats the deal with this? I really dont know what to say. Im stumped for a comment. Its like Im speechless.

He said the chatter will grow louder if the home, owned by Cameron and Jessica Bell, actually sells for anything close to that figure.

Im not going to be critical of what theyre doing by any means. People like the efficiency and minimalist aspect of some properties, and they do have their place, Kelly said. But Ive never, ever seen one with that kind of price tag on it, like its on a beach in California. But if someone pays that, more power to them. It will be a game-changer for the local market.

One agent listing the property is Jennifer Roberts with Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty in Dallas. Roberts said the house has enhanced value because the Bells make it available as a bed-and-breakfast location.

Investment property

Its a Fixer Upper home within walking distance of the Silos, within walking distance of Baylor University and not far from the river and riverwalk project there, Roberts said. The Bells dont live there, have never lived there and view it as investment property.

She said the Bells charge $325 a night to stay in the home, and there are $40,000 worth of bookings on the calendar now, and it stays about 90 percent booked. That business would be conveyed with the sale of the property.

Roberts said she has had about a dozen inquiries.

The Bells did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Cameron Bell in 2015 moved the frame house now for sale from South 10th Street, where a developer was about to raze it to create room for a commercial venture across Interstate 35 from Baylor University.

As reported by the Tribune-Herald, Bell said he became intrigued with the long, skinny house on visits to Waco, saying it was similar to houses he had seen in southern Louisiana. The house appears to date back at least to 1899, according to old city insurance maps, and was part of a mostly black neighborhood that is disappearing as development expands.

He reportedly brushed off suggestions that he build from scratch if he wanted to live near the growing Waco downtown, saying he was attracted to the structure because of the idea it has been there so long.

Melissa Harrell, with the Harrell & Associates Home Team, said she and other agents couldnt resist discussing the new listing.

We were discombobulated by the price, Harrell said with a laugh. When I first looked at it, I said, There are too many digits in there. I would be shocked if they get what they are asking. We even had some of the commercial guys in here offering their opinions.

Schroeder, with Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors, said there are too many unknowns for her to make a definitive comment about the listing.

I dont know the numbers, the commercial numbers. Is it real estate or is it a business? she said. All I know is Ive never been exposed to something quite like this, and neither have my agents.
The McLennan County Appraisal District is seeking a 15.7 percent increase in its 2018 budget. The $628,000 boost would let it hire a new employee, contract with a consultant, cover increasing litigation costs and take more photographs to document property changes, among other expenses.

The county appraisal districts proposed fiscal year 2018 budget is for $4.6 million. The county wont know how much its contribution to the district will be until all the taxing entities in McLennan County have set a tax rate, County Auditor Stan Chambers said. But staff estimates the countys share will increase to $888,000, $120,000 more than its $768,000 contribution for this budget cycle, Chambers said.

The district serves 44 taxing entities, including 20 school districts, 18 cities, the county and five other entities. The city of Leroy will be added for 2018. The district is responsible for appraising more than 120,000 parcels with a market value in excess of $20 billion, according to the district.

Despite the request, the appraisal districts budget could decrease by the time it is finalized, said Precinct 4 Commissioner Ben Perry, who sits on the appraisal district board.

The board could decide not to add another person to its payroll, a request the board has made and not received for several years, Perry said. The new hire would take some of the load off the chief appraiser.

Lawsuits against the appraisal district more than doubled in 2016. More than 40 lawsuits disputing property appraisals were filed against the district last year, compared with 18 in 2015 and 22 in 2014.

No one enjoys paying property taxes, and the tax burden affects affordability and creates difficulties for residential and commercial property owners, according to a letter to commissioners from board chairman John Kinnaird, who also is a Waco City Council member.

As our community continues to grow and develop, the role of the appraisal district in the state-mandated public education funding mechanism and the commensurate impact of rising valuations and property tax bills has become an increasingly contentious and debated topic, Kinnaird wrote.

County appraisal districts are made to be the scapegoat and receive the ire of taxpayers and lawmakers, when in reality appraisal districts are constrained by the valuation edicts set forth for them by the state Comptrollers Office, Kinnaird wrote.

School funding

The state dictates to all county appraisal districts the target aggregate appraised value for each school district in its area and provides a 5 percent confidence interval around the figure, he wrote. If the appraisal district fails to achieve that inflated value assigned to a school district, the shortcoming is reported to the Texas Education Agency, and the school districts portion of state funding is cut, he wrote.

State legislators rely on this system to reduce the amount they must find to fund education, Kinnaird said.

Furthermore, the Texas Supreme Court, while barely finding our education funding apparatus constitutional, identified that it is fundamentally broken and in need of significant modification and strongly recommended that the Legislature address its failings, he wrote. The Legislature was unable to do so in the session that just now concluded.

Kinnaird said the appraisal district works to make the appeals process as transparent and efficient as possible.

Perry said about $250,000 of the increase is to cover costs associated with the jump in lawsuits from individuals challenging their appraised value. Another $110,000 would go toward a one-time expense for a consultant, Perry said.

The appraisal district wants to hire a law firm to review homestead exemption claims to ensure they are not fraudulent or false, Perry said. Once the law firm locates fraudulent claims, the firm would contact the homeowners in question and inform them of the amount of back taxes they owe, he said.

It just makes sense to us that if theres that much out there, then we probably need to engage someone that can go through the tax rolls, Perry said. Some folks may not even realize they have an exemption they no longer qualify for.

The audit is expected to cost $348,000 over three years but return $1.2 million to the taxing entities, according to the proposed budget.

The proposed budget, excluding the new hire, the consultant and legal expenses, would be a 0.2 percent increase over the 2017 budget.
U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan, will face a challenger from the Democratic Party when he seeks a fifth, two-year term representing Texas 17th Congressional District in November 2018.

The district is headed for a contested Democratic primary race in March, with two people already announcing their intention to run for the seat and others considering a run. Dale Mantey, 27, a doctoral student, and Scott Sturm, 43, a critical care paramedic, have announced they will run.

Mantey hosted a campaign kickoff event Thursday morning at the Waco Suspension Bridge. A Rockdale native pursing a doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Texas, Mantey said he aims to bring high-tech, manufacturing and engineering jobs to the district. Those jobs would focus on solar, wind and other renewable energy production.

Im an old Chet Edwards fan, Mantey said, referring to the Democratic congressman who represented the district from 1991 to 2011.

People do tend to vote party, but politics are local, Mantey said. When you talk about issues that impact (the district), were not presenting our platform as, This is a left idea or right idea. 

Mantey, who has worked professionally in chronic disease prevention, criticized Flores decision not hold town hall meetings in April. Flores instead held two conference calls broadcast on Facebook Live and made an appearance on a radio call-in show.

(Edwards) would come out to Milam County and the small towns, Mantey said. Bill Flores wont come to the small towns, let alone cities. He wont be in any way, shape or form accountable for us.

Sturms inspiration

Sturm, the other Democrat to officially announce his candidacy, is living in New Braunfels, outside of the district. He said he was inspired by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, last year during his presidential campaign.

I believe in single-payer Medicare for all, Sturm said. Allow everyone in this country, every single man, woman and child, to be covered.

Sturm also said he supports granting visas to undocumented immigrants who are hardworking and law-abiding. He supports making college more affordable and raising the minimum wage.

Congress has become a partisan battleground, and it shouldnt be, Sturm said. It shouldnt be all about partisan politics. It should be about the people. Period.

Others mulling run

Local Democratic Party Chairwoman Mary Duty said several other Democrats are mulling a run for Flores seat. She said that group includes William Matta, a McLennan Community College department chair who received 34.5 percent of the vote against Flores last November in his first run for public office.

I think the message the Democratic Party is trying to put out there, especially in 2018, is this is what were for, Duty said. This is how we can help Central Texans. This is how we can transform last centurys jobs into this centurys jobs.

In a statement to the Tribune-Herald for this story, Flores press office said the congressman remains focused on the priorities that the people of Central Texas and the Brazos Valley have repeatedly elected him to help solve: unleashing our economy to help create good-paying jobs for our hardworking families, strengthening the security of our nation to deal with an increasingly dangerous world, and limiting the growth of government so our families and businesses are free from the heavy hand of federal regulations.

District 17 includes all or parts of McLennan, Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Falls, Freestone, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Milam, Robertson and Travis counties.
James Kaatz

March 25, 1927 - June 20, 2017

James Fred Kaatz, 90, of Waco, died Tuesday, June 20, 2017, after battling lung cancer.

He was preceded in death by his special friend, Helen Rose. The two were together for over 18 years. He was also preceded in death by his five brothers and five sisters.

He leaves behind: daughter, Alisa Kaatz Ried; son, James Fred Kaatz, Jr; step-daughter, Elizabeth Graham; grandchildren, Steven Ried Jr., Angela Ried-Elizondo, Beau Blackshear, Sherry Beal; six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Mr. Kaatz was born on March 25, 1927, and raised in Buckholtz, Texas, the son of Rudolph and Helena (Harms) Kaatz.

Mr. Kaatz enlisted in the United States Army after high school fighting in World War II. After leaving the military Mr. Kaatz worked for Southwestern Bell telephone company for over 30 years. After retiring from the telephone company he volunteered with Telephone Pioneers of America. Mr. Kaatz was always proud of his family, home, and his yard and loved to dance every week. He also loved to travel on cruises every time he could.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 22. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Friday, June 23, both will be held at Marek Funeral Home in Cameron, TX, with grave site ceremony in Buckholts, TX, following the funeral service.
Charles Ray Kennedy

June 16, 1925 - April 1, 2017

Charles Ray Kennedy passed into a better place on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Burial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 24, at Waco Memorial Park. It will be followed by a reception there; his friends are warmly welcomed to attend.

Charles was born June 16, 1925 in Personville, TX, to Doyle and Naomi Rand Kennedy. Charles joined the US Army in 1944 and served in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. In August 1951, Charles graduated from Officer's Training School to become a 2nd Lt. and he went on to earn the Bronze Star in Korea in 1952. Charles also graduated from the 2nd class of the Special Forces at Ft. Bragg in 1962. He retired from the US Army as a Major in 1964. He then went on to earn his Master's degree in Government from Sam Houston State in 1967. After that, he began a second career as a college professor; he taught at MCC for over 25 years, and retired in 1992.His parents, brother, J. Dell Kennedy, and his first wife, Daisy Hawkins Kennedy, preceded him in death.

Charles is survived by his wife, Evelyn Dillon Kennedy; and by his only child and son, Charles Ray Kennedy, Jr. and wife, Kathy; grandchildren, Erin Kennedy Craver and her husband, Jon, and Paul Martin Kennedy and his wife, Candice; and great-grandsons, Elijah Kennedy and Charlie Craver.

Okay. Those are the basic facts and figures about Charles' life. But here's what his family and friends will always treasure in our memories:We'll remember how much he helped and cared about people. Charles was not what some people call a 'church-going man.' He had no interest in preaching or promoting spiritual beliefs. Instead, he chose action over words. His daily life made it clear and evident that he always did much more than his fair share to make this world a better place. He considered it his duty, pure and simple.

We'll remember that there was not a bigoted, racist bone in Charles' body. He had learned the Life Lesson of seeingand treatingall people with respect and dignity. This message that all of us are equals is something that he did his utmost to pass on to those he loved. We consider it a special blessing.

Another thing we'll remember is how much Charles loved to fish. And how he'd always claim that he caught the biggest one. That same competitive spirit was on display when he played bridge and chess. When he wonwhich was oftenhe loved to pound his chest like a gorilla. As for when he played Double Solitaire, well, if his opponent made an error, he took great delight in yelling "Mistake!" gleefully.

We'll remember how much Charles loved to travel, and how fortunate he considered himself to be that he got to do a lot of it. He made his last big trip in 2012. He always referred it his "Last Big Hurrah!" Together with Evelyn, Charles Jr., Kathy, Erin, Jon, Paul, Candice, and Elijah, he enjoyed the sights of France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.

Finally, we remember the special bond he had with his great-grandson Charlie, who was born in December 2014. The two of them togethereven though they were on the total opposite ends of the age spectrumwas a sight to behold. It was akin to magic.

If you would like to remember Charles in a tangible way, please consider making a charitable contribution to Doris Miller Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Voluntary Services 135-W, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX 76711.

Charles' time in the service of his country meant a great deal to him, and we believe that he would appreciate knowing that his name was honored with heartfelt generosity.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has offered fellow European Union leaders a "fair" deal for EU citizens living in Britain after Britain's exit from the bloc.

By Reuters: Theresa May offered fellow EU leaders a "fair" deal on Thursday for compatriots living in Britain after Brexit, though her peers are likely to push for more from a prime minister weakened by an electoral misfire two weeks ago.

Given the floor at the end of a Brussels summit dinner, her first since she launched the two-year withdrawal process in March, May outlined five principles, notably that no EU citizen resident in Britain at a cut-off date would be deported. There are roughly 3 million living there now.

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That was, she told them, "a fair and serious offer", a British official said. It was "aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives, and contributing so much to our society".

Promising details in a paper on Monday, May also said those EU citizens who had lived in Britain for five years could stay for life.

Those there for less would be allowed to stay until they reach the five-year threshold for "settled status". Red tape would be cut to make gaining permanent residency easier and there would be a two-year grace period to avoid "cliff edge" misfortunes.

But May's push to set the cut-off date as early as March 29 this year, is unlikely to wash with many in the European Union, whose position is that nothing must change until Britain leaves -- scheduled for March 30, 2019. And there was much missing from an outline offer which the British previously called "generous".

Going into the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the bloc's main power broker, said she wanted "far-reaching guarantees".

"Anything that provides a great deal of security for people living in Britain or planning to live in Britain during the time in which Britain is still a member of the EU would be useful," she said, underlining EU attachment to a cut-off only in 2019.

Others, like Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, said they were relaxed about the cut-off -- reflecting the fact that most of her country's expats already qualify for permanent residency.

NO DISCUSSION

Another sticking point could be May's rejection of another EU demand that expats be able to enforce their rights in the EU court. The source said they would have to accept British judges.

Brussels has been dismissive of May's call for sweeping and quick guarantees for expats, including over a million Britons on the continent, and says only detailed legal texts can reassure and take account of complex, multinational family situations.

Leaders had agreed with summit chair Donald Tusk not to open discussions with May and she left immediately afterwards, leaving the other 27 to discuss other Brexit issues without her.

They were to be briefed by Michel Barnier, who launched the Brexit negotiations for them on Monday, and discuss the move of two EU agencies from London after Britain quits.

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Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others, had made clear that they did not want to be drawn into Brexit talks and preferred to focus on the future of the EU without Britain.

May seemed keen to calm the mood with the continentals after weeks of sniping during her election campaign, stressing that London wanted a "special and deep partnership with our friends and allies in Europe".

Merkel also expressed a desire for constructive talks with Britain, but made clear that the EU's priority now was its own future: "We will conduct these talks in a good spirit," she said. "But the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27."

France's new president spoke of working with Germany to revive European integration and Macron did not refer at all to Britain during his remarks before talks got under way.

'NOT THE ONLY DREAMER'

Weakened by an election she did not need to call, May has watered down her government's programme to try to get it through parliament and set a softer tone in her approach to Brexit.

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Yet her aims have held - she wants a clean break from the bloc, leaving the lucrative single market and customs union and so reducing immigration and ending EU courts' jurisdiction.

On Thursday, her finance minister, Philip Hammond called for an early agreement on transitional arrangements to ease uncertainty that he said was hurting business.

Reflecting, confusion on the continent about what kind of Brexit she will ask for, Tusk said ahead of a separate meeting with May: "We can hear different predictions, coming from different people, about the possible outcome of these negotiations: hard Brexit, soft Brexit or no deal."

Some Britons had asked him if he could imagine Britain not leaving after all: "The European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows?," the former Polish prime minister said before quoting John Lennon's song "Imagine":

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one."

Other leaders took up the late Beatles theme, though were clear they though a U-turn on Brexit highly improbable. Lithuania's Grybauskaite, who has over 100,000 compatriots in Britain, insisted relations would remain close and tweeted the Motown post-breakup lyric: "Ain't no mountain high enough".

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ALSO READ | Britain and European Union launch Brexit talks in Brussels

ALSO READ | UK PM Theresa May isolated after election fiasco as key aides quit

ALSO WATCH | India's dismal extradition record from UK: Mallya victim or villain?

--- ENDS ---
I cant stop thinking about Otto Warmbier. And the more I think about him, the more I remember all the smart people Ive heard over the years explaining why the North Korean regime  the regime that brutalized and terrorized Otto, as his father said last week  shouldnt be challenged or destabilized.

Warmbier was a smart and immensely likable kid who graduated from high school in 2013 in his hometown of Wyoming, Ohio, and enrolled in the University of Virginia. Toward the end of 2015 he was traveling in China when he signed up, out of curiosity and a sense of adventure, for a four-day New Years trip to North Korea. As the rest of his tour group departed from Pyongyang International Airport on Jan. 2, 2016, Warmbier was detained.

Two months later he showed up on North Korean television confessing to his supposed offense: trying to pilfer a propaganda poster from his hotel to bring home as a souvenir. We dont know if the coerced confession was truthful or made up. Even if truthful, the resulting sentence of 15 years at hard labor was obscene.

Warmbier wasnt seen or heard from again till last week when the Trump administration managed to secure his release and fly him home to Ohio where he quietly died. Warmbier was incapacitated and apparently had been for almost his entire time in captivity.

His neurological condition can be best described as a state of unresponsive wakefulness, said Daniel Kanter, a University of Cincinnati Medical Center neurologist who examined Otto after his release. 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. . . . This study showed extensive loss of brain tissue in all regions of the brain.

We dont know whether North Korean guards beat Warmbier into a coma or whether his abuse and maltreatment came in some other form. What we do know is that a healthy young man flew to Pyongyang, was unjustly seized and then became lost to the world  with no one bothering to inform his parents.

Heres something else we know: Thousands  no, hundreds of thousands  of Koreans have been subjected to similar criminal abuse as Otto Warmbier suffered at the hands of North Koreas Stalinist regime. The gulag of the Soviet Union, the concentration camps of Nazi Germany  they have been replicated in North Korea. The whole world knows this  and yet the regime lives on. How can this be?

It turns out plenty of people find the regime repugnant but convenient. Chinas Communist rulers are first in that line: Kim Jong Un annoys them, but they do not want a unified, pro-Western Korea on their border. South Korea has a Ministry of Unification but also many citizens who do not want the responsibility or expense of bringing 25 million impoverished North Koreans up to their living standard (South Koreas population is about 50 million).

For its part, the United States is more interested in negotiating an end to North Koreas nuclear weapons program than helping its captive millions. Our goal is not regime change, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in April. And so, though the country is backward and totally dependent on outside assistance, the regime lives on. The prison camps endure. And Otto Warmbiers heartbroken mother sat by his side, hoping to coax some sign of consciousness from her damaged boy, till he finally passed into another realm.
WAHOO  Bids were approved Tuesday morning for two bridge projects in Saunders County.

The Saunders County Board of Supervisors approved guard rail repairs on a bridge west of Ceresco. M.E. Collins Contracting Co. Inc. had the winning bid of $179,342.

The project will begin Oct. 17 and be done by Nov. 30, according to the bid specifications.

Midwest Underground of Syracuse was the lowest of seven bidders for a bridge project southeast of Ithaca.

This project was originally bid earlier in the year, but all bids neared $600,000, Saunders County Public Works Director Steve Mika told the supervisors.

We thought we could do better, Mika said.

Bids were let again, with a new engineering estimate of just under $400,000.

Midwest Underground will begin the project Aug. 3 and be done by Oct. 31. Their bid was for $388,155.

In other business, Jail Administrator Brian Styskal said the county has renegotiated the daily rate with Sarpy County for inmates staying in the Saunders County Jail from $45 a day to $65 per day.

The $45 per day contract was negotiated in 2009 and needed to be adjusted, Styskal said.

Saunders County also houses prisoners from Dodge County and had previously renegotiated a similar rate adjustment.

Styskal said Sarpy County has been dealing with a lack of bed space at their facility and have been moving inmates all over southeast Nebraska.

Theres not a lot of bed space on the eastern half of the state, Styskal said.
COLON  Colon residents are fighting groundwater issues on two fronts.

Village Chairman Doug Novotny said full sewage lagoons are an ongoing problem and approximately half-a-dozen village residents are seeing water come into their basements. Both problems are due to a high water table.

Novotny is one of the towns residents with water in his basement. He has lived in the house his whole life and said he has seen water in the basement before.

But, he said other village resident have reported never having water in their basement due to the water table.

The high water table relates to rainfall in recent years and the groundwater recharge.

Lower Platte North Natural Resource District Water Resources Manager Daryl Anderson said the water table is at approximately 8 feet below the surface and is at the highest level measured since the NRD installed a groundwater monitoring well west of the village in 1985.

Anderson said the groundwater level measurements at Colon are not perfect, because the monitoring well is approximately half-a-mile west of the village and there is a 10-foot elevation change between the monitoring well and the village.

High rainfall over the last two springs has allowed farmers in the area not to have to pump as much irrigated water, he said.

The aquifer has been naturally recharging itself since the drought year in 2012, when the water table depth was 18 feet below ground.

A 10 feet increase in the last five, non-drought years is not unusual.

Its just mother nature, Anderson added.

The village is taking steps to remedy the issue of the overfull lagoons.

Novotny said the village had its sewer pipes scoped last summer to see where there might be infiltration from storm drains.

He said there were several places where groundwater was entering cracks in old sewer pipes. It was also discovered that the lift station was pumping groundwater into the lagoons.

With the help of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Novotny said a project will take place in October that will line the interior of the pipes, sealing off the cracks in the worst places.

The project would not cover all the sewage lines in the village, but he said it would take care of the worst problems.

The USDA grant is for $50,000, and the village has to pay $8,000 for the project.

In addition to the sewage pipe treatment, the village plans to work with a local farmer to irrigate some of the lagoon contents to water crops.

Anderson said this is not an uncommon practice and the water will be tested by Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to ensure the water is not harmful to the crops or humans.

Novotny would not name the farmer, but said the farmer has been very agreeable in aiding the village and is helping to get bids on the pump and pipe for the lagoons.

Novotny said the two water issues in the village are not related and have no impact on each other.

Though the lagoons built in 2015 are not lined, Novotny said leeching is minimal and the lagoons are not near the water table.

None of the residents with groundwater entering basements due to the high water table will be affected by lagoon water or contents, he added.
On July 8, The Museum hosts Seattles premiere of a new documentary about one of the most sensational women pilots of the 1930s. Aviatrix: The Katherine Sui Fun Cheung Story tells the story of the young Chinese immigrant who defied racial and gender bias to become a daredevil stunt pilot during the Golden Age of Aviation. The 2 p.m. screening will be introduced by the films director Ed Moy, and be followed by a discussion with Moy, Vincent Chin Hsiang Yao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle, the films associate producer Jasmine Shih, and voice actress Katherine Park, who is featured in the documentary.

The documentary features archival newsreel from a 1935 womens air show in Long Beach, Calif., where Katherine performed stunts with her biplane. Katherines story has been the inspiration for short films, stage performances, visual art pieces, and even a comic strip.

Several Asian American artists who created works based on Katherines story were interviewed for the documentary, including actresses Marilyn Tokuda (Xanadu), Karen Huie (Wild Bill), Jully Lee (Jane the Virgin), Leslie Ishii (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Katherine Park; additional interviews include artists May Sun and Colleen Quen; film director Barbara Beck and playwright Judy Soo Hoo; Congresswoman Judy Chu and Chinese-American Historian Judy Yung.

Aviatrix: The Katherine Sui Fun Cheung Story won the Audience Award for Short Film at the Marina del Rey Film Festival and was a Best Documentary Short Film Nominee in last years Long Beach Indie Film, Media, and Music Festival. The documentary also received a Most Inspirational Short Film Award from the Culver City Film Festival.
By India Today Web Desk: Gaurav Khanna who's playing Prince Virendra Singh on Life OK's Chandrakanta has no time for honeymoon. Work takes most of his time, as getting in and out of the costume and getting ready in general is time consuming in a fantasy show. The actor got married to actress Akanksha Chamola in November last year.

"Prem Ya Paheli Chandrakanta takes a lot of my time, as it's a fantasy show and I take longer than usual to get ready in my costume. Shooting in the climate of Mumbai also takes a toll. But the audiences love it, so we feel the effort is worth it. After the wedding, when I returned to Mumbai, I was offered the show and we started shooting within fifteen days," Gaurav said.

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The actor however tries to make up for his absence by taking wifie out on his off day.

"When you work long hours, you need a support system at home," adding, "my wife knows what it takes to be committed to a show. To make it up to her, I take her out whenever I have a day off. I call it my wife day (laughs). When I get a break, hopefully, in the next few months, I will whisk her away for a holiday."

Pooldips...break from the heat...loving it @akankshagkhanna #love #swimming#marriott #dayoffwork #partyon A post shared by Gaurav Khanna (@gauravkhannaofficial) on May 20, 2017 at 9:58am PDT

Hope that happens soon. Also read: Chandrakanta review: We would rather watch the original Doordarshan version Also read: Kritika Kamra refuses to work on Sundays for Chandrakanta; here's why Also read: Chandrakanta actor Gaurav Khanna has postponed his honeymoon for this reason

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jun 21 (PTI) China needs to be more involved in the global efforts to combat terrorism as it is being increasingly affected by the menace due to its growing overseas interests, a top US official has said.

Susan Thornton, the US acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said the US will raise the issue as part of the US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue in Washington.

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The US official noted that China is increasingly involved in economic and other ventures abroad, including in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East as well as throughout Africa.

"We believe that China is increasingly affected by the growing global challenge of terrorism," Thornton told reporters during a conference call ahead of the US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue.

"The two Chinese citizens being taken hostage and then killed in Pakistan sort of underlines that thesis that China is increasingly going to be not only affected, but running into terrorism in places where it is overseas," Thornton said in response to a question.

"Its overseas interests are growing, its investing more in other places, its going to have an impact on governments and stability in other countries as it moves into those countries with major investments, and we think that China needs to be more involved in the global efforts to combat terrorism," she said.

Noting that up to now, Chinese have taken a fairly limited profile in counter-terrorism efforts undertaken by the international community, Thorntonsaid, adding that the US would like to see them step up and take more responsibility.

"They have a lot of interest, for example, in Iraq and we think that they should be doing more to contribute to the efforts of the international coalition to defeat ISIS," she said.

Of late, the US has seen them become more interested over time.

"Its kind of an early feelers on getting more involved in this, and wed like to have a good discussion with them about what more we think they could do," she said.

"Certainly, in the way of providing resources to governments that are battling against terrorism and trying to help with capacity building for governments and security forces in various places, theyve been involved in some of this effort, but very, very limited to date, and I think that we are interested in seeing what else they could do," Thornton said in response to a question. PTI LKJ AMS NSA AMS

--- ENDS ---
An Australian businessman is in a Thai immigration detention centre pending extradition to Australia to face possible charges linked to a troubled IT company.

John Falconer, 68, who faced a Thai court earlier this month, is expected to fly back to Australia within 30 days to face charges related to his position as a former company secretary and director of the ASX-listed TZ Ltd.

In 2010 the NSW Supreme Court ruled that allegations against Falconer were "serious and involve large sums" in his role as a former company secretary and director of TZ. Credit:Louie Douvis

The Australian charges follow a 2009 Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) investigation into TZ Ltd accounts over charges of illegal payments to senior directors.

ASIC said it was unable to comment on the case.
Australian Taxation Office deputy commissioner Michael Cranston allegedly told his son how to avoid being prosecuted for tax fraud, saying he could "mount a good case" for his eldest child that may throw investigators off.

Mr Cranston, 57, is captured in phone intercepts allegedly suggesting that Adam Cranston should tell a judge that he is not "the real director" of the fraudulent scheme's parent company and canvassing the possibility his son may be pursued for "unexplained wealth".

Adam Cranston has had his assets frozen by the Australian Federal Police. Credit:AAP

"They won't get you criminal, it's civil," he said, according to intercepts contained in police documents tendered in court.

The explosive phone taps have left Mr Cranston's reputation in tatters, ending a 35-year career with the ATO chasing wealthy individuals for tax fraud.
Alan Tudge, Michael Sukkar and Greg Hunt could be charged with contempt of court. Credit:Andrew Meares Tudge said some were "divorced from reality". They seemed "more concerned about the terrorists than the safety of the community". Benson packaged their texts with quotes from judges at the hearing in question, all but one of which he took from the ABC website. His lawyer confirmed that, like the ministers, he had no other source. The Victorian Court of Appeal had been considering the sentence handed down for two men convicted of terrorism over a plan to run down and behead a police officer at an Anzac Day march in 2015.

Hunt, Sukkar, and Tudge may have left it too late for an apology. What infuriated the judges was that they hadn't yet made a decision. The minister's texts, amplified through The Australian, could be seen as an attempt to influence their decision. Much worse, they ran the risk of being damned whether they took account of them or not. "On the one hand if we dismiss the appeals, then we will be accused of engaging in an ideological experiment or being hard-left activist judges, or on the other hand, if we increase the sentences ... the respondents may have an understandable grievance that we were doubtlessly affected by what three prominent ministers for the Crown had to say," Chief Justice Marilyn Warren said. "Can I add to that?" added Justice Stephen Kaye. "If we dismiss the appeals, it may be said we are reacting, perhaps overreacting, against the content of what your client said."

The technical term is "scandalising the court". Justice Kaye said he had never seen anything like it in more than 40 years in the law. Warren and Justice Mark Weinberg agreed. The three had invited the three ministers to appear before them on Friday to explain why they should not be tried for criminal contempt of court. It was their last and only opportunity to put a case before the judges decided whether to refer their conduct to the Office of Public Prosecutions. None turned up. Instead, they sent the Commonwealth Solicitor-General Stephen Donaghue, QC, who made it clear he was representing them in their "role as ministers within our system of government". He had his work cut out. The video shows him opening by reading a statement in which the ministers neither withdrew what they had said nor apologised. Then after 39 minutes of excruciating questioning, he received his own text.

"I have just received instructions from Mr Sukkar that he is content to expressly withdraw the statement about hard left activist judges," he informed the court. "Does he apologise for it? He doesn't apologise," Kaye noted, amid nervous laughter from the packed public gallery. "Sounds like somebody's on the telephone," Weinberg observed, before adding: "Could I ask whether any of your three clients are lawyers or legal practitioners with any experience in the law at all?" All three were lawyers. None had turned up. "In other instances where these kinds of developments have occurred, the minister has taken the opportunity to retract the statement and apologised to the Court," the Chief Justice pointed out.

And then another text, amid more nervous laughter. "My instructions have evolved somewhat in the course of the morning," Donaghue stammered. "I can convey to the Court that I have received instructions to withdraw three of the statements in the article." "Ideological experiments" and "divorced from reality" were also withdrawn. And, on further questioning, the statement about the judges being appointed by Labor governments was withdrawn. They had "multiple appointments to judicial offices for governments of both the Coalition and Labor," Warren pointed out. Loading
Mental health issues are one of the most common forms of illness in Australia with 3 million of us currently living with anxiety or depression alone. But it's not just our personal lives that are affected by mental health. It's our work and careers, too.

A recent report conducted by Beyond Blue showed that one in every five Australians took time off in the last 12 months due to mental health issues.

It's important to understand that it's not your job to "fix" her. Credit:Stocksy

Similarly, a Safe Work Australia report showed that mental health compensation claims are fast becoming one of the most costly problems in the Australian workplace.

However, despite these stats, mental health issues in the workplace are often overlooked, with employers focusing more on physical health. Mental health remains a taboo. Therefore, when it comes to calling in sick, people are unlikely to disclose the true purpose for their absence.
As a new mother I was anything but a "yummy mummy". Having gained a considerable amount of weight I had no hope of fitting back into my pre-baby wardrobe, so I dressed in maternity jeans and oversize tees. I didn't bother blow-drying my hair. I couldn't be arsed with make-up before I had a baby, so there was no chance I would be wasting time on it once baby was earth-side. I was sleep deprived and shell shocked. Frankly, I didn't give a f--- what I looked like.

I didn't hear the term "scummy mummy" (also known as "slummy mummy") until my baby was a few months old. It made me laugh and although I knew that in theory it was quite offensive I also found it apt for my laissez-faire approach to motherhood.

I often saw yummy mummies around the traps, pushing designer prams, looking elegant and stylish despite the Sydney sun. I admired their enthusiasm for personal grooming and wondered how they found the time. In contrast, I struggled to finish a cup of tea and frequently left the house with baby puke down my top.

On one occasion I attended a baby massage course and arrived late to find a room full of yummy mummies sitting cross-legged on mats in front of their beautifully dressed babies. Within 10 minutes of the class starting my baby had projectile vomited over my shoulder and pooed in my lap. At the time I assumed that this was par for the course for a scummy mummy. Now I realise it was just bad luck.
It's not an easy or pleasant thing to withstand the outrage of others, especially when it is directed at you (or people like you). The desire to comfort and console is strong in most humans, and assuming they don't have an egg as an avatar, this is also true online. Personally, I concede my interest in niceness is at the lower end of the scale. If I were creating an ad for new friends, "nice" would fall well below funny, clever, politically aware and "drinks gin" on my list of selection criteria. But I think my preference for a sharp-tongue among friends is irrelevant. You see, there is a difference between public discourse and interpersonal interaction. All pile-ons are not created equal. The language we use to defend an individual who is publicly shamed for, say, being fat in a change room, should not be the same language we use for a millionaire journalist who shames a fat person for their access requirements.

A group of schoolyard bullies teasing a disabled kid is not the same as a group of Indigenous Australians criticising a prominent journalist for being racist. These incidents don't exist in a vacuum, they take place in a society with complex structures of privilege. In a statement about the Red Symons incident, Isabel Lo, spokesperson and co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, wrote: "An exchange like this between a senior media personality and a producer like Beverley Wang demonstrates the kinds of barriers journalists from culturally diverse backgrounds can face. Cultural insensitivity from experienced broadcasters can really discourage the next generation of diverse journalists." It is no coincidence that those most often accused of "capitalising on" an incident like this are from the oppressed minority offended. Many of those writing about Mia Freedman last week were fat, queer and/or women of colour. These people are not given the same platform, not always given a chance to speak, unless it is in response to discrimination or insult. When the media's focus is consistently directed at the privileged, those lacking a voice must wait their turn, and present their ideas as reaction rather than thesis.

With this in mind, cries for civility don't actually result in a pervasive "niceness". Rather, they derail a conversation in one of the few arenas in which marginalised voices are acceptable; that is, in responding to prejudice. It's not about kindness. It's about who has the microphone. In a critique of British writer Jon Ronson's widely celebrated book on this subject, So You've Been Publicly Shamed, Jacqui Shine writes: "Ronson's right, of course, that each of us is a "mass of vulnerabilities," and we shouldn't have to face a gauntlet of shame when we make mistakes. But we're also subjects of wildly disproportionate privileges and privations. In a world where people who have historically been powerless have a new means with which to fight back  or at least make their voices heard  it's important to notice when this empowerment is made out to be dangerous." Let me be clear. I am not advocating a free-for-all. Violent threats, doxxing and insults focused on, say, a person's appearance, serve no one and are inexcusable. But too often, those engaging in robust debate, direct criticism and satire are lumped in as part of a "pile on", the specifics of their circumstances and the mode of their communication ignored. In another critique of Ronson's work published by Salon, Katie McDonough writes: "The Internet may be a clumsy equaliser in need of some humanity, but it is also breaking down the silos of privilege. We can talk about how to navigate this new kind of visibility in a way that fosters more kindness, but accountability to others is not the enemy here."
Thermostats that pre-cool your home on a hot day, better battery storage, and energy companies offering you money to turn off your pool pump are among the projects that could be developed by a new state-federal initiative to change the way we use energy.

NSW homes and businesses will also be paid to use less power on hot days as part of a joint pilot program between the state and federal governments designed to stabilise the electricity grid and change people's "demand" for electricity.

The state government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced $15 million in funding for a pilot program managing electricity demand on Friday.

The scheme aims to reduce demand for electricity on extremely hot days or during emergencies in order to reduce unplanned outages on the electricity grid.
Russian hackers targeted 21 US state election systems in the 2016 presidential race and a small number were breached but there was no evidence any votes were manipulated, a Homeland Security Department official has told US Congress.

Jeanette Manfra, the department's acting deputy undersecretary of cyber security, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Department of Homeland Security officials say Russia's campaign included email hacking and online propaganda.

US intelligence agencies have concluded the Kremlin orchestrated a wide-ranging influence operation that included email hacking and online propaganda to discredit Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump, a Republican, win the White House in November.

The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office. The extent of interference by Russian hackers, and whether they or others could interfere in future elections, has been the source of speculation and media reports for months.
Freeing up your hands to enjoy an organic soy latte and gluten-free banana bread, Chinese company Cowarobot's autonomous stroller follows you around the factory outlets with your precious cargo in tow.

Unveiled at the CES Asia technology show in Shanghai earlier this month, the motorised smart baby stroller follows you at arm's length, using built-in cameras to track your every move and hopefully avoid bumping into things and waking the baby.

Should the smart stroller lose sight of you, it homes in on your wrist bracelet to ensure you don't accidentally leave bub behind. You can also double-tap on the bracelet to call the stroller to your side.

The control bracelet has a 30-metre range, should the stroller decide to stroll away, but as a fail-safe the stroller also has built-in GPS. So there's no need to panic, as you can always pull out your smartphone to check on your baby's adventures while you grab another latte and peruse your baby's Instagram account to see if it's spotted any bargains in the vintage clothing store.
Over the past few years I've been evaluating as many cameras as I could get my hands on, in the hope of finding the perfect replacement for my ageing Canon 550d. The 550d was an entry-level DSLR when I bought it. It's still a great camera, but after 10 years' service, I could justify replacing it, and there are were a few compelling reasons to do so.

The most obvious is just how good autofocus has become in recent years. Even on budget DSLRs like Nikon's D3400  around $400 including lens kit  it is almost impossible to take a bad picture. Sony cameras have phenomenal, lightning-fast autofocus, which is important when capturing images at press events, and just as handy when trying to focus on a fast-moving toddler.

The Panasonic G85 is a lot of camera for the price.

Before I go any further I should answer one question that I'd been asking myself: does anyone really need a stand-alone camera in 2017? I'd say yes, if your budget allows. Sure, the camera in your phone is amazing, but it still can't compete with the image quality you'll get from a mirrorless or DSLR camera. It's a simple matter of physics: a smartphone cannot house a large image processor, or large, interchangeable lenses. And in years to come, when you're looking back at your photos on high resolution screens, you'll be thankful for the images you took with a real camera.

I was leaning toward a mirrorless model , something smaller than a traditional DSLR, but with a wide range of interchangeable lenses, and the ability to shoot 4K. This sadly ruled out my long-time favourite maker, Canon, which seems to keep 4K video to their high-end shooters.
Former Calcutta High Court judge Justice CS Karnan was taken to the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain on June 22. He was sent to Presidency Jail in Kolkata on Wednesday.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Former Calcutta High Court judge Justice CS Karnan, who was sent to Presidency Jail in Kolkata on Wednesday, was taken to the SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain.

Sources said the beleaguered judge, who was arrested a day ago from Coimbatore by the West Bengal CID officials in a case of contempt of court, complained of illness on Wednesday evening after being brought to the jail directly from the Kolkata airport.

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"He was taken to SSKM Hospital for conducting some tests as he complained of chest pain," a Presidency Correctional Home (jail) official said.

Earlier at the Kolkata airport, the CID officials who brought Karnan from Tamil Nadu, said his medical tests were completed at the airport and no irregularities were found.

The controversial judge, who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on May 9 for contempt of court by the Supreme Court and had remained untraceable, was brought to Kolkata from Chennai in a plane around 3.00 pm on Wednesday and was taken directly to the Presidency Jail.

Justice Karnan's arrest came 42 days after the apex court on May 9 held him guilty of contempt for his utterances against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the apex court and action against them, and sentenced him to six months in jail.

However, the same day Justice Karnan left Kolkata for Chennai and had remained underground and virtually untraceable since then.

He retired from the service earlier this month.

ALSO READ:

'Sorry, nevertheless,' said Supreme Court's Justice Chandrachud as he rejected CS Karnan's bail plea

Controversial Calcutta HC judge Justice C S Karnan retires

Justice CS Karnan: First High Court judge to retire while absconding

Also Watch:

Supreme Court orders medical examination for Justice Karnan

--- ENDS ---
Bangkok: An Australian man is facing criminal charges following a traffic accident in central Thailand that left two people dead and a third in a critical condition in hospital. The 55-year-old expat is being held in police custody following the accident in Udon Thani, 560 kilometres north of Bangkok. A local street in Udon Thani, Thailand. Credit:YouTube/MBS Thai media say the accident occurred when the Australian, driving an Isuzu utility, attempted to flee police after a minor accident where he grazed a local taxi and bus near a shopping mall.

Thai media said police found the man Joel Mackerry, "name transliterated from Thai script", sobbing behind the wheel of his truck. The Australian is reported to have panicked after police took chase and allegedly crashed into a motorbike driven by a 50-year-old woman and carrying two young male passengers.The woman died at the scene, while her 15-year-old nephew was taken to Udon Thani Hospital where he later died from his injuries. The woman's 11-year-old son survived the accident but is reported to be seriously injured. The man told police had been drowsy after taking medicine following a visit to a local clinic, according to local media reports. A legal representative confirmed to AAP from the local police cells that the accident occurred on Tuesday and said the man was too distressed to speak.
Mr Trump's statement brings to an end speculation that began shortly after accounts emerged about the president's exchanges with Mr Comey  speculation that Mr. Trump himself began with a tweet that warned the former FBI director that there might have been tapes of their conversations.

"With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking, and illegal leaking of information," Mr. Trump said in a pair of tweets shortly before 1pm, "I have no idea . whether there are 'tapes' of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, such recordings."

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had not recorded his conversations with James Comey, the FBI director he fired amid the Justice Department's investigation into the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia.

Mr Trump appeared at the time to be referring to an article in The New York Times reporting that he had asked Mr Comey to pledge loyalty during a dinner at the White House shortly after the inauguration, only to be rebuffed by the FBI director, who considered the request inappropriate.

US President Donald Trump had called for a shutdown of Muslims entering the US during his campaign. Credit:AP

The president's tweets on Thursday left open the possibility that the conversations may have been taped without his knowledge. But they largely confirmed the suspicions of outsiders that Mr Trump had been levelling a baseless threat at Mr Comey on May 12, when he wrote, "James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"

Some legal experts have said that Mr Trump's threat could be used in an obstruction of justice case against him, since it could be interpreted as putting pressure on Mr Comey not to discuss their conversations about the FBI's Russia investigation.

Earlier this month, Mr Comey testified in detail about those conversations, saying the president had appealed to him on multiple occasions not to pursue an investigation of his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and his alleged links to Russian officials.
Davidson appears to be teasing police and the media by "checking in" to locations throughout Europe. Credit:Amilia Rosa "We are holding them for that. We are questioning them now," he said. "We confirm that two men we arrested are the two escapees based on the photos of the men and their names." Australian man Shaun Davidson is still on the run. Credit:The Age Novo Turismo Resort and Spa receptionist Romi Smith said the two arrested men had checked in on June 21 and were due to check out on June 23.

He said they had checked in using a Russian passport under the name of Nikolas Georgios. "They looked like normal tourists," he said. "They went to the restaurant, to the pool. We didn't talk much, just said hi when they passed by." Bulgarian Dimitar Nikolev Iliev after being arrested in East Timor. Mr Smith said the men were arrested outside the hotel and the police brought them back to collect their luggage. "When the police arrived with them we said: 'Wow, what's going on?'" Bali escapee Sayed Mohammed Said after being arrested in East Timor.

Bali police's vice-director of Special Criminal Investigation, Ruddi Setiawan, said Indonesian authorities had arranged to pick the men up soon. "We are still searching for the other two," he said. Malaysian man Tee Kok King is also on the run. Credit:Amilia Rosa Mr Setiawan said the Bali police chief would make a formal announcement after the two men had been picked up. The prisoners had staged a brazen escape from Kerobokan jail via a hole in the wall of their prison block and a 13-metre tunnel, which had been assumed to be a septic tank.

Bali corrections chief Surung Pasaribu said "Praise God" when he learned of the prisoners' arrest. Earlier Mr Pasaribu had said the tunnel, dug under the noses of the prison guards, was believed to be the work of professionals, expressing incredulity there was no evidence of digging. "There was no left over dirt. So professionals. Hopefully we can uncover the matter," said Mr Pasaribu. He said the "professionals" could have come from inside or outside the jail. "When I asked my officers, they didn't know there was a hole there." Mr Pasaribu warned the men would face further charges for damaging property after they broke a hole in the ceiling of the Bedugul block sometime before 8am on Monday.

Under Indonesian law the maximum penalty for property damage is two years and eight months' jail, but escaping from prison does not result in an increased sentence. However, any remissions for good behaviour would be revoked and they would be placed back in the "introduction cells", which are the most cramped in the chronically overcrowded jail. Asked if they would be put into solitary confinement - the notorious cell tikus (rat cell) in Kerobokan jail, Mr Pasaribu said: "Let's wait for them to return. Don't make them afraid". In an interview with Fairfax Media last September, Davidson said when he first got to the jail 20 people were crammed inside the cells allocated to new prisoners. They were not even given a mat. "No beds, no nothing, you don't get given anything. Just like concrete floors. In the corner they have got a bit blocked off where there is a hole in the ground. That's pretty much the toilet and the shower," he said at the time.

However perversely it appears Davidson was hopeful of extending his stay in Hotel K, as the jail is colloquially known. Outstanding warrants remain for the 33-year-old, who failed to show up at the Perth Magistrates Court in 2015 on charges of possessing methamphetamine and cannabis with intent to sell or supply. "It's quite simple. He didn't want to come back to Australia and do more jail time," a former inmate told Fairfax Media. "I spent a lot of time with those guys. The breakout is no surprise to me." Kerobokan Prison governor Tonny Nainggolan said he had been informed of the arrests and the return of the men was still being coordinated.

He said an internal investigation into the breakout was still being concluded and would soon be handed over to police. To date no-one had admitted to assisting the prisoners escape. Mr Tonny said police would investigate if anyone from the outside had been involved, a crime that carried a four year jail sentence, possibly more if bribery was involved. Loading As for the escapees, Mr Tonny said several of their rights would be "eliminated", including access to visitors, remission and parole.
Senior CBI counsel Deepak Salvi said that he has not yet decided if he will be asking for death sentence or life sentence for the extradited underworld gangster Abu Salem.

By Vidya : Senior CBI counsel Deepak Salvi today commenced his argument in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case and said that they will be asking for maximum punishment that is death. Pointing out at the casualty figures, he added that the court has to look at some glaring facts.

"257 people had died and 713 were critically injured. These two numbers are sufficient to show the brutality that existed at that time and court will have to keep this in mind while giving sentence," Salvi said.

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Salvi quoted various Supreme Court judgements and said that crime and punishment are two sides of same coin. He added that the defense would put forth many mitigating circumstances before the court and will plead and cry for lesser sentence but the magnanimity of crime was such that 1500 kilograms of RDX had been brought to Mumbai which could have destroyed the city.

He also quoted various judgements to say that although there are voices raised around the world against capital punishment but many countries including US, Russia and others, which cannot be called uncivilized and immature, have endorsed it for punishing acts of terror. Salvi also read out the Yakub Memon's judgement who was the only convict to be hanged while many others were given life sentence in the 1993 blast judgement.

The arguments in the case by prosecution is likely to go on till the beginning of next week. However, outside the court Salvi added that he had not yet decided if he will be asking for death sentence for extradited underworld gangster Abu Salem.

Saleem had been convicted by the special TADA court last week in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case for not just helping in executing the bombing plan but also for planning the entire conspiracy. Salvi said that his acts were not less than other convicts and it deserved death punishment. "But the fact that an extradition treaty has been signed between Portugal, from where Saleem was arrested and sent to India, and our country where in it is explicitly written that India cannot give death sentence to Saleem, I have not been able to decide if I should ask for death sentence for him or not," said Salvi.

Deepak Salvi is expected to describe the role of each convict and then ask for a corresponding sentence according to that.

Last week special TADA court had convicted six people and acquitted one after it arrived at a conclusion following a five year long trial. Apart from Saleem, Mustafa Dossa, Karimullah, Feroz Khan and Tahir Merchant were convicted by court. Another accused Riyaz Siddiqui was only convicted under TADA and not under other charges so Salvi is not likely to ask for death sentence for him as well.

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ALSO READ:

Mumbai blasts verdict: How Rakesh Maria cracked 1993 serial bombing case with help of approver

1993 Mumbai blasts case: TADA court adjourns arguments on quantum of punishment till tomorrow

ALSO WATCH:

Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem convicted in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case

--- ENDS ---
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from CCF Japan, organized a National Workshop on Rules of Origin for Cameroon Customs. This Workshop was conducted in Douala from 12 to 16 June 2017, and was attended by 23 officials from Cameroon Customs.

Cameroon has signed an interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and has started to provisionally apply the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Central Africa. In the absence of a protocol on rules of origin in this Agreement, a national Decree has been issued for the applicable rules of origin for importations into Cameroon. For exportations to the EU, the rules of origin are those contained in Annex II of the EU Market Access Regulation.

Topics discussed during the Workshop included the key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, the establishment of an efficient organization and provision of effective training and private sector outreach.

During the Workshop, the WCO facilitator presented the Revenue Package initiatives, including the Guidelines on Preferential Origin Verification, Origin Certification and Advance Rulings, which have been designed to assist WCO Members in bringing the provisions in Free Trade Agreements into smooth operation. The WCO Comparative Study on Preferential Rules of Origin and the Database of preferential trade agreements were also presented.

Participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the lack of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to administrative cooperation. Discussions also emphasized the importance of verifying the originating status of goods, rather than merely checking the authenticity of the Certificate of Origin.

The knowledge and experience gained from the Workshop will assist the Administration in the correct application of Cameroons Free Trade Agreements, in particular the EPA and will help Cameroon benefit from the regional economic integration and promote exports of originating products while ensuring a correct application of preferential treatments for importations.
Reacting to remarks made by Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has said that there is nothing like Hindu terrorism. But, Digvijaya Singh referred to 'Sanghi aatankwaad'.

By India Today Web Desk: Taking a jibe at Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij's remark that Hindu cannot be a terrorist, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has questioned RSS' ideology.

ANI has quoted Digvijaya Singh as saying, "Unhone sahi farmaaya hai, Sanghi aatankwaad hota hai... Hindu aatankwaad kabhi nahin hota" (He has stated truth. There is Sanghi (related to Sangh) terrorism... There is never Hindu terrorism)."

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By using Sanghi, Digvijaya Singh is apparently referring to the RSS, the parent organisation of the BJP.

The matter did not rest with Digvijaya Singh. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy later told new agency ANI that what Anil Vij said was correct "in the actual sense."

Subramanian Swamy said, "It is a contradiction to say Hindu and terrorists because religious terrorism cannot take place unless there is a fundamentalist attitude in that religion. Hindu religion is not fundamentalist because we have many books, many ways of thinking."

"Somebody worships Shiva, while some worship Vishnu. There is no one doctrine in Hindu religion. We don't have one book, one church or one Mecca. With this variety and widespread alternatives it is impossible to be fundamentalist," Subramanian Swamy added.

WHAT ANIL VIJ EXACTLY SAID

Earlier, referring to the Samjhauta blast case, Anil Vij had said yesterday that there could not be a term like 'Hindu terrorism' as a Hindu could never be a terrorist.

ANI quoted Anil Vij on Wednesday as saying, "A Hindu cannot be a terrorist. There cannot be any term like 'Hindu terrorism'. Hindu, by nature, can never be a terrorist. If Hindus had been terrorists, then no other terrorists can have existed."

Anil Vij was speaking on the Samjhauta Express blast case. He said it is a very serious issue that the two people arrested from Pakistan in the matter have been released while the people from India are still treated as terrorists and call it Hindu terrorism.

In the 2007 Samjhauta blast incident, 68 people had been killed.

Anil Vij further said, "If Hindus had been terrorists, then no other terrorists have existed. However, because of political reasons, Congress party wanted to create Hindu terrorism to counter terrorism created where Muslim terrorists are involved."

ALSO READ |

Hindu can't be a terrorist, Congress used Hindu terror for political gains: Haryana Minister Anil Vij

--- ENDS ---
The NIA has set up a camp in Agra and is keeping a strict vigil on 80 Bangladeshi women, who are suspected to be engaged in fake currency dealings. A team of West Bengal police is assisting the NIA team in Agra.

By Siraj Qureshi: After India Today broke the story in February this year about a Bangladeshi woman being arrested in Agra for dealing in fake currency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took up this case for probe.

At present, the NIA is tracking 80 such women in Agra and Firozabad. The identities of the suspects have not been revealed by the NIA.

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It is suspected that as many as 15 of them, are living in Itmaduddaulah area of Agra posing as grocery vendors while their real business is of dealing in fake currency. All these women are on the NIA scanner and their activities are being monitored.

IN SYNC WITH WEST BENGAL POLICE

Following the arrest of Bangladeshi national Apan Sheikh in Kolkata, the NIA hopes to get more details about these women, who are suspected to be the last link between the open market and the fake currency dealers. A team of Kolkata police officers and constables is closely working with the NIA, which has set up camp in Agra.

Deputy Superintendent of Police B S Tyagi told India Today that the local police have not been informed about the NIA probe. The local police have only been deployed for the security of the entire operation and the camp.

ATS ALSO ROPED IN

The NIA has also warned the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) about these women. An ATS team is expected to arrive soon in Agra to investigate the links of these women with any terror module.

Meanwhile, National All Party Muslim Action Committee chief Haji Jamiluddin criticised NIA action against these women saying that they were being harassed because of their religion. Jamiluddin claimed that these women are poor and legally married to Indian nationals.

They have children and are subsisting by selling vegetables, Jamiluddin said. He further said that these women were innocent and wrongly accused.

ALSO READ |

Bangladeshi woman arrested in Agra in connection with fake currency racket

Agra: Violence breaks out as police arrests Hindu activists for attacking Muslim grocers in Fatehpur Sikri

ALSO WATCH | Instagram Vending Machine Allows Customers Buy Likes and Followers

--- ENDS ---
Farmers clashed with police and torched vehicles on Thane-Badlapur highway. Farmers were protesting land acquisition by the Defence Ministry.

By India Today Web Desk: Farmers protesting against land acquisition turned violent in Maharashtra's Thane district resulting in clashes between them and the police.

Several cops were injured as protesting farmers went on a rampage torching several police vehicles. The Thane-Badlapur highway has been blocked the farmers who claimed that their land was being acquired by the Ministry of Defence.

Additional forces, including riot control police have been rushed to the spot to control the situation.

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The Navy is constructing boundary wall encircling an old British-era aerodrome in the area. The huge portion of land had been encroached upon by the locals over the years.

Farmers blocked Thane-Badlapur highway.(Photo:ANI)

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra farmers, protesting for loan waiver, call off strike after meeting Fadnavis

MP farmers perform shavasana on highway in protest

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Sikkim Chief Minister backs the demand for a separate Gorkhaland, to be carved out of hill areas in West Bengal. Pawan Kumar Chamling also highlighted the problems Sikkim faced due to recurring blockading of its lifeline National Highway-10 during the last 30 years of the Gorkhaland agitation.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has come out in support of the demand for a separate Gorkhaland, to be carved out of hill areas in West Bengal.

"The fulfilment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling hills, which is deeply connected with the national identity of the Indian Gorkhas, will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism, which has been second to none," Chamling said in a letter written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday and made available to the media on Thursday.

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"The creation of Gorkhaland will restore permanent peace and prosperity in the region. Sikkim will be hugely benefited as her developmental tempo can thus be maintained," the Chief Minister said.

PROBLEMS FACED BY THE PEOPLE OF SIKKIM

Chamling also highlighted the problems Sikkim faced due to recurring blockading of its lifeline National Highway-10 during the last 30 years of the Gorkhaland agitation.

"The blockade of transportation of essential goods and the unrest causes unmanageable inconvenience. Also, the atmosphere of uncertainty along NH-10 poses great threat to lives as well."

He recalled that the Sikkim assembly had passed a resolution in 2011 seeking "a permanent solution to the pressing and longstanding problem of the people of Darjeeling hills".

PARTHA CHATTERJEE CRITICISM

Chamling's comments come amid an indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha in the West Bengal hills over the Gorkhaland demand.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee criticised Chamling's stand, saying all state governments should function within their constitutional limits.

All major political parties in the hills, including the GJM, and West Bengal opposition parties -- the Left Front, Congress and BJP -- boycotted a state government-sponsored meeting on Thursday in Siliguri.

The Left Front accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trivialising the "sensitive issue" of Gorkhaland. The Congress questioned the meeting's effectiveness in the absence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

ALSO READ:

Sikkim CM extends support to Gorkhaland demand

BJP in catch-22 on Gorkhaland issue

Bimal Gurung: Gorkhaland dreamer and the man behind Darjeeling's hot summer

ALSO WATCH:

Gorkhaland demand: Protest during admission season creates chaos for students

--- ENDS ---
Cub Scout Day in Land Between the Lakes Nov. 19
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 21, 2017 | 06:47 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A Paducah woman known for her philanthropy has died.Kathryn "Kay" Eckstein passed away Monday at her home at the age of 90.She and her husband, Ray, formed the Ray and Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust in 2005, but they had been giving to special interests in selected communities for years - especially Paducah, where they have lived for decades, and Ray's native Wisconsin.Kay was born in Chicago, and met Ray when they both attended Marquette University. They married in 1948, graduated a year later, and Ray practiced law in Cassville, Wisconsin. He later started a river transportation business, then sold it. In 1978 he formed Marquette Transportation, which is headquartered in Paducah.Their philanthropy has made their names familiar in many places, especially Marquette University, where in 2010, Eckstein Hall became the focal point of their law school, and in Paducah, where both hospitals have named facilities in their honor. Lourdes Hospital opened the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in 2015, and Baptist Health Paducah will celebrate the Ray and Kay Eckstein Cancer Care Center on Wednesday, June 28.Numerous other local charities have benefited from the Eckstein's generosity, including educational, municipal and missional grants, especially those connected to their Catholic faith.Kay is survived by her husband, Ray, seven children (four of whom live in Paducah), and dozens of grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, two brothers, and four grandchildren.A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Cassville, Wisconsin.Click the link below to read Kay's full obituary.

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The 35-year-old victim was abducted from Sohna in Gurgaon and thrown out of a car in Greater Noida early on Tuesday after being gangraped for hours

By India Today Web Desk: The Greater Noida Police today arrested three people accused of kidnapping, raping a woman in moving car earlier this week. The police have also recovered the Maruti Swift car which was used in the crime.

The 35-year-old victim was abducted from Sohna in Gurgaon and thrown out of a car in Greater Noida early on Tuesday after being gangraped for hours by three men as they drove through the National Capital Region.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The woman was found outside Chacha Ka Restaurant at Greater Noida's Golf Links, a long distance away from where she had been abducted, at about 4am. The woman was picked up from Sohna in Gurgaon at 8.45pm on Monday and flung out of the Swift car several hours later, police said. She shared the story of what happened with locals who informed police in Gautambudh Nagar. "Some beer bottles were also found from the spot which indicates that the accused persons were inebriated at the time," a senior Greater Noida police officer said. The woman was later taken for a medical examination and her statement was recorded. The woman, who belonged to Bharatpur in Rajasthan, said she had been walking near her residence in Sohna on Monday night when she was pulled into a car by the men. She said they started molesting her and took turns to rape her in the moving car for at least four to five hours. After driving through Delhi, they reached Greater Noida where they threw her out in a dark spot before escaping. They also allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if she approached the police. The woman had come to Gurgaon 10 to 15 days earlier and was staying with her family in Sohna area.

ALSO READ:

Woman gangraped for hours in Gurgaon in moving car, dumped in Greater Noida, FIR registered

Gurugram: Woman gangraped in auto, 6-month-old daughter killed

Gurgaon: Woman gangraped by 7 men on pretext of job, 4 arrested

WATCH: 35-year-old gangraped in moving car, thrown in Greater Noida

--- ENDS ---
By Bill Hughes Jun. 22, 2017 | 12:51 PM | WICKLIFFE, KY

Ballard County Judge-Executive Vickie Viniard, who is facing fraud and other charges, has announced she will retire on June 30.Ballard County Attorney Vickie Hayden told West Kentucky Star the announcement was made during Tuesday's Fiscal Court meeting. She said the court voted Magistrate Bob Renfrow as interim Judge-Executive until Governor Matt Bevin appoints someone to the office.Hayden said the Fiscal Court passed a resolution Tuesday recommending the appointment of Deputy Judge-Executive Todd Cooper to the position. She said several Ballard County officials will also be sending letters to Bevin, recommending the former sheriff for the job.Viniard was indicted in November on counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements on a loan application. According to the indictment, she and Ballard County Treasurer Belinda Foster took out around $450,000 in bank loans in total, pledging a $500,000 Ballard County certificate of deposit as collateral, all without authorization from the Ballard County Fiscal Court.Foster pleaded guilty in December, but her sentencing has been postponed until after Viniard's trial. It is set to begin August 7 in Paducah, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nute Bonner and a public corruption prosecutor presenting the case. Attorney Butch Bradley is representing Viniard.

On the Net:
By The Associated Press Jun. 21, 2017 | 05:06 AM | FRANKFORT, KY

Officials say annual counts have found 4,025 homeless people living in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Housing Corporation released results on Tuesday of the statewide point-in-time count of people living on the streets, in emergency shelters or in other temporary housing. The agency coordinated a count in all communities other than Louisville and Lexington, where separate counts were conducted.

The agency says its point-in-time count on Jan. 25 found 1,940 homeless people. Meanwhile, the agency says Lexington reported counting 1,051 homeless and Louisville reported counting 1,034, for a total statewide of 4,025.

Kentucky Housing Corporation Director Kathryn Peters said while it's encouraging to see the overall number of homeless decline, the reduction isn't significant. She says a majority of people reported being homeless for the first time.
NORTH HENDERSON'S BURLESON NAMED "APPLE AMBASSADOR"

FOR THIS YEAR'S NC APPLE FESTIVAL C

Miranda Rachel Burleson has been named 2017 Apple Ambassador for the North Carolina Apple Festival.

The Apple Ambassador represents the festival and at other events across the State. Each year, the Festival selects its Ambassador from local rising high school seniors.

Burleson attends North Henderson High and is the daughter of Andrea Staton-Jacklin and Chris Burleson.

Students are required to submit their transcripts, list of activities, provide letters of recommendation and write an essay on the Apple Festival and the importance of the apple industry to this area.

The Apple Ambassador is selected based on this information and through an interview process.

The Apple Ambassador and runner-up are awarded the Evelyn Lutz Hill Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors Hill, who served as the secretary of the North Carolina Apple Growers for many years. She was serving as president of the festival when she died in 2004.

The runner-up is Alexandra Lexi M. Iurato of West Henderson High. She is the daughter of Bob Iurato and the late Tracy Iurato.

Other participants this year were:

--Lauren Alecia Maybin of East Henderson High

--Sydney Noel Allison of East Henderson High

--Viginia Frances Teel of Hendersonville High

--Emma Coston Laughter of Hendersonville High

--Annie Grace Plott of North Henderson High

--Shannon Elizabeth Sellers of West Henderson High
The Goods and Services Tax will be rolled out on July 1 at midnight. The price market is going to change for most of the commodities prompting shopping outlets to announce clearance sale. But, you need to be wise.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Despite skeptics raising doubts about smooth transition of existing tax regime to Goods and Service Tax structure, the stage is set for GST roll out on July 1 from midnight. A special session of Parliament too has been convened for the launch of GST.

All states except Jammu and Kashmir have passed GST enabling laws with West Bengal having promulgated an Ordinance for the purpose. This is going to be a historic moment when existing taxes will cease to apply and new uniform taxation will take over.

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There is apprehension in markets prompting many outlets to announce discounts. Online shopping sites are every day announcing new pre-GST discount sales.

But, be wise while you choose what to buy in the pre-GST and GST regimes.

GOLD AND JEWELLERY

This is perhaps the best time to buy gold jewellery. Though the tax incidence on gold remains unchanged on the two sides of GST divide, it is the making charges that are going to make gold jewellery costlier under the new taxation regime.

At present, gold attracts one per cent excise duty and two per cent VAT. From July 1, there will be three per cent GST on gold. But, while making charges are not taxed at present, the craft would attract 18 per cent GST from July 1 making gold jewellery expensive.

But, if you are looking to invest in gold bars, biscuits and the like, better check the international rates.

MOBILE PHONES

Pre-GST tax incidence on mobile phones is around 13.5 per cent while after GST roll out it will be 12-18 per cent. Chances are that the mobile phones will become costlier by 5 per cent. The impact will be more felt in the southern states.

While the rest of India has a VAT of 12 per cent on mobile phones, the southern states levy 5 per cent VAT on them. So, traders in those states fear huge loss as under the GST they cannot claim input credit for their stocks piled for over a year. This has led to clearance sale at many places in the south. Many online platforms have offered greater discount on these phones sourcing them from southern states.

The mobile phones made in India are likely to cost more in comparison to imported phones under GST regime. So, if you are looking for one of the Indian brands, this is the best time to buy one. Since, there would not be much difference in price of these phones after GST, you may wait or go for it if discount rate is more than 10 per cent.

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CAR AND BIKES

This is tricky area of purchase. Smaller cars are likely to become costlier by 8-10 per cent. So, if you are planning to buy one, the next seven days are for you to execute your plans. You may also get a discount in the range of 5-10 per cent as the dealers are apprehensive about the sale equation once GST is rolled out on the midnight of June 30th.

But, if you have been waiting for SUV and luxury cars, then wait for a little longer. Big cars are will attract 28 per cent GST from July one. At present, taxes on SUV and luxury cars are over 32-33 per cent.

For those looking for two-wheeler, a wait for another week is advisable. They may purchase a bike of their choice about two per cent cheaper.

LAPTOP AND DESKTOP

Laptops and desktops are set to become costlier as the present tax incidence on them is about 15 per cent which is set to go up to 18 per cent on July 1.

The prices of branded laptops and desktops would rise by around 5 per cent in effect. Though, the difference of rates between the online stores and offline retailers would be bridged a bit after GST roll out.

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But, if you are planning to buy a laptop, you may easily find some of the best discount sale as the inventory of over one year old would not bring the benefits of input credit to the traders. Clearance sale is being seen everywhere.

TV AND FRIDGE

Television and refrigerators attract differing rates of taxes in different states. Generally the tax ranges between 23 and 28 per cent. But, revenue states like Delhi do not charge entry tax or octroi, TV and fridge usually cost lower.

Under GST regime, TV and fridge would attract 28 per cent tax. So, except in places like Delhi, there would not be much difference between the pre-GST and post-GST prices of TV and fridge. There would be nominal increase of about 2-3 per cent in prices.

It is better to wait for GST roll out as the dealers would then be under pressure to clear their stock of over six months old. The consumers are likely to get more discount than at present.

Same logic applies to furniture where wooden furniture is affected by GST regime. However, furniture made up of plywood, plastic and iron-steel is likely to cost more. But, then the dealers would be under pressure to clear stock after GST roll out.

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ALSO READ |

Parliament's special midnight session for GST: PM Modi to share stage with Manmohan Singh, Deve Gowda

GST: 17-year-journey of missed deadlines and shifting political goalposts

What is the GST bill? Here's all you need to know about India's biggest tax reform

GST Bill: How goods and services tax regime will impact your life

ALSO WATCH: GST rates finalised: Hits and misses for common man

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Jaipur, Jun 22 (PTI) Congress leader Ashok Gehlots tweet about a local media report claiming that the Rajasthan government is marking houses of BPL families has resulted in political mudslinging with the ruling BJP saying the previous dispensation had begun it.

The media report tweeted by Gehlot also carries photos in which, "I am poor and I take ration through NFSA" (National Food Security Act), is seen written with red against a yellow colour patch on the walls of the houses purportedly belonging to BPL families.

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"What a shame, how admn in Raj is humiliating poor ppl! Putting boards outside homes declaring their poverty, is worst form of mental torture," (sic) the former chief minister had tweeted along with the local media report three days back.

The tweet resulted in a furor with people on social media blaming the state government for its anti-poor policies.

While the Opposition has accused the Vasundhara Raje government of "humiliating" the poor by "branding" them, the state government said it was actually the Ashok Gehlot dispensation that had started the practice.

State Minister of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Rajendra Rathore said, "The practice of identifying BPL families by writing BPL outside their homes was started by the Congress government through an order dated August 6, 2009."

"It is not right to politicise the matter. It was started by the Ashok Gehlot government. By writing BPL on the walls, not only valid beneficiaries are identified but also those ineligible for the scheme get discarded," Rathore had said in a statement.

"The BJP government did not order writing I am poor and I take ration through NFSA on those walls. The matter will be investigated," the minister said today.

According to the local media report those graffiti can be seen on the walls of over 50,000 houses of families belonging to below poverty level in Sikrai and Bandikui tehsils. In some photographs, the graffiti was seen painted multiple times on the walls of the same house.

Dausas Additional Collector K C Sharma said the district administration had not issued any such order but the zila parishad could have issued the directive. PTI AG NSD

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) India and Iceland may establish direct air connectivity by next year, which will provide a fillip to the tourism sector of both the countries.

Ambassador of Iceland to India Thorir Ibsen made the announcement during a media interaction here today. He said an Iceland-based private carrier might provide the services.

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Ibsen said tourism, apart from renewable energy, was one of the biggest contributors to the Nordic countrys resource- based export economy and Indias share in it had risen steadily over the last three years.

"The two countries may have direct air connectivity by the fall (autumn) of 2018. A private Iceland carrier may start operating," Ibsen told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club.

Ibsen, who took office in September 2014, said Indias share in Icelands tourism sector might not reflect in terms of absolute figures, but it had increased by about 50 per cent over the last three years.

He informs that trade between the two countries stands at around 60 million US dollars, with Indias share being nearly one-third of the total, which can be "much more".

Although India and Icelandss political relations date back to 1972, it was only in 2006 that Iceland established its embassy in New Delhi.

The embassys jurisdiction also includes Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, the Seychelles, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

Presently, one has to fly via Europe to reach the Nordic country. PTI SBR SMN

--- ENDS ---
If the Indian navy gets the unarmed surveillance drones, it would be the first such purchase by a country that is not a member of the NATO alliance.

By Reuters: India is pushing for US approval of its request to buy a naval variant of the Predator drone, officials said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries to revitalise relations with Washington when he meets President Donald Trump for the first time. Securing agreement on the purchase of 22 unarmed drones is seen in New Delhi as a key test of defence ties that flourished under former President Barack Obama but have drifted under Trump, who has courted Asian rival China as he seeks Beijing's help to contain North Korea's nuclear programme.

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Modi's two-day visit to Washington begins on Sunday. Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in April and has also had face-time with the leaders of nations including Japan, Britain and Vietnam since taking office in January, prompting anxiety in New Delhi that India is no longer a priority in Washington. If the Indian navy gets the unarmed surveillance drones it wants to keep watch over the Indian Ocean it would be the first such purchase by a country that is not a member of the NATO alliance.

"We are trying to move it to the top of the agenda as a deliverable, this is something that can happen before all the other items," said one official tracking the progress of the drone discussions in the run-up to the visit. India,a big buyer of US arms recently named by Washington as a major defence ally, wants to protect its 7,500 km (4,700 mile) coastline as Beijing expands its maritime trade routes and Chinese submarines increasingly lurk in regional waters.

But sources tracking the discussions say the US State Department has been concerned about the potential destabilising impact of introducing high-tech drones into South Asia, where tensions are simmering between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir, which is divided between them. Other strains have emerged, with the United States vexed by a growing bilateral trade deficit and Trump accusing New Delhi of negotiating unscrupulously at the Paris climate talks to walk away with billions in aid.

US officials expect a relatively low-key visit by Modi, without the fanfare of some of his previous trips to the United States, and one geared to giving the Indian leader the chance to get to know Trump personally and to show that he is doing so. Modi is also not expected to press hard on a US visa programme the Trump administration is reviewing to reduce the flow of skilled foreign workers and save jobs for Americans, seeing limited gains from raising a sensitive issue, they said. Indian Trade Secretary Ria Teaotia told reporters this week the H-1B visa programme, under which Indian IT firms send large numbers of professionals to the United States, would be one of the one issues on the table during Modi's visit.

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FALLING OFF THE RADAR

"There is a palpable fear in New Delhi that the new US president's lack of focus on India, and limited appointment of South Asia focused advisors, has resulted in India falling off the radar in Washington," Eurasia Group's Shailesh Kumar and Sasha Riser-Kositsky said in a note. Defence deals, however, are one area where the two countries could make progress because of bipartisan support, an Indian official involved in the preparations for the visit said.

The two sides have stepped up efforts in recent weeks to get inter-agency clearance for the sale of the Guardian drone, made by California-based General Atomics. India has raised the issue of the drones with the Pentagon three times since June 2016, officials said. US Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner wrote in March to Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying the Guardian deal, estimated at more than $2 billion, would advance US national security interests and protect US jobs.

An industry official involved in promoting India-US business ties said the drone sale enjoyed support from the White House and Congress, and was now awaiting clearance from the State Department. While the Guardian drones that India is pushing for are unarmed, the Indian military had originally asked for missile-firing Predator Avenger aircraft, a request turned down by the Obama administration. Sources say there is some concern in the State Department that if India were to get the surveillance drones New Delhi would renew its push to acquire armed drones, which its military has eyed ever since they were deployed by US forces against militants in Pakistan.

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US export laws typically prohibit the transfer of such arms to a country unless it is fighting alongside US forces.

FIGHTER JETS

India and the United States will also discuss the sale of US fighter jets during Modi's trip, in what could be the biggest deal since they began deepening defence ties more than a decade ago. On Monday, Lockheed Martin announced an agreement with India's Tata Advanced Systems to produce F-16 planes in India, provided it won a contract to equip the Indian Air Force with hundreds of new aircraft.

Lockheed has offered to shift its ageing F-16 production line from Fort Worth, Texas as part of Modi's "Make-in-India" drive while it ramps up production of the high-end F-35 aircraft at home. Since Trump's election on an "American First" platform, US and Indian officials have sought to play down any contradiction between his stated desire to protect American jobs and Modi's "Make in India" policy, arguing, for example, that deals in which components made in the United States are shipped to India for assembly benefit workers in both countries.

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ALSO READ:

PM Narendra Modi to meet US President Donald Trump on June 25-26

ALSO WATCH:

Ahead of PM Modi's US visit, Donald Trump may ease restrictions on H1-B visa issue

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/06/2017 (1969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dont expect to see a for sale sign on the Hudsons Bay Companys historic downtown building any time soon, one prominent Winnipeg retail developer said Wednesday.

Although a U.S. activist shareholder is pressuring the struggling retailer to sell, spin off or redevelop some of its properties, Shindico Realty Inc. president and CEO Sandy Shindleman said the downtown Winnipeg store wouldnt be one of the properties the shareholder has in mind.

Winnipeg doesnt rank very high on their radar screen when theyre looking to find value in the Bays real estate assets, Shindleman said.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files The downtown Hudson's Bay Store on Portage Avenue. Finding tenants for the 650,000-square-foot space has been mostly unsuccessful for the past decade.

I would say their leases at Polo Park and St. Vital (where the company also has retail outlets) would have a higher value than the downtown store they own. They have absolutely incredible leases there that they could sell to the landlords or whatever.

He also noted HBC has properties in cities like Toronto, New York, Boston and Chicago that are a lot more valuable than its Winnipeg store.

Shindleman is well versed in the challenge of trying to find a new use for the nearly empty six-storey building at the corner of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard. Shindico spent much of the previous decade unsuccessfully trying to find new tenants for the 650,000-square-foot building, which would have helped pave the way for its redevelopment.

But nobody was going to move in there, he said. So they are not going to find a buyer all of a sudden because of this activist investor. Thats not going to happen.

The president and CEO of the citys downtown development agency  CentreVenture Development Corporation  Angela Mathieson also said the Winnipeg building would be a very, very small asset in the context of the other assets they would be looking at first.

And because of the costs that would be involved, HBC isnt likely to try redeveloping the building on its own, she added.

That would only go to exacerbate the problem they have, which is too much debt.

Mathieson agreed the key to redeveloping the building is in finding new tenants to fill the top four floors the Bay is no longer using.

But if you can find tenants for a building of that scale, who are willing to pay close to market rents, a plan could be developed, for sure, she added.

Mathieson recently estimated it could cost upwards of $150 million to redevelop the building, and most observers believe it would be extremely difficult to do without some sort of government involvement.

Shindleman suggested the best thing to do is to let HBC figure out what to do with the building.

The local people are saying, Weve got to do something with the Bay, weve got to do something with the Bay. The Bay (building) isnt our problem yet. Leave it as the Bays problem.

But the CEO of the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone thinks otherwise. Stefano Grande said the downtown business community would love to see the pressure from U.S. activist shareholder Land & Buildings Investment Management LLC result in the Bay building being put up for sale.

There is an appetite for good properties in our downtown and it is getting stronger every day, he said. So I think the time is the best it has ever been in terms of interest in our downtown and optimism.

Grande said the Bay building is also too important to the downtown and to the citys history to let it remain in limbo indefinitely.

Its the gateway to the downtown. When people arrive from Portage Avenue or are coming from Osborne Village, theyre greeted by this incredible, majestic building, he said.

Of all the important buildings that are in the downtown, that one would be in the top 10 for sure.

HBC said in a statement earlier this week it is reviewing Land & Buildings request and will respond in due course.

murray.mcneill@freepress,mb.ca
The US-India Business Council awarded Juster with the Blackwill Award in 2004 for his contributions to India-US relations. The Washington Post called him a "top-notch India expert".

By Santosh Chaubey: Kenneth Juster, who's set to be the next US Ambassador to New Delhi, is an experienced India hand.

Juster has been a pro-India voice ever since he was an Under-secretary in the US Department of Commerce in the George W Bush administration. The US-India Business Council awarded him with the Blackwill Award in 2004 for his contributions to India-US relations.

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The Washington Post, which first broke the news, described Kenneth as a "consensus pick" and a "top-notch India expert".

"Senior Trump Administration officials say his impending appointment to represent Washington in New Delhi is a consensus pick that places a top notch India expert in a crucial diplomatic post and he is currently going through a new round of clearances before his appointment can be officially announced," the Post report said.

Juster has admired India's technical competence, especially in life sciences and engineering, and founded and chaired the High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) in 2002 to broad-base trade of dual-use goods and bilateral high-technology commerce.

TRUMP'S DEPUTY ASSISTANT FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

In his various responsibilities, he has overseen trade dealing with export of sensitive goods and technologies to other countries. He has also been actively involved in policymaking on China, Japan, Israel, the Persian Gulf and Latin America.

A trustee of The Asia Foundation, a non-profit development organization, and member of the Council for Foreign Relations, a strategic think-tank of global influence, Juster is currently Donald Trump's Deputy Assistant for International Economic Affairs. He's also Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, and has been the first contact point for senior Indian officials for access to the Donald Trump administration.

According to Bloomberg, Juster has over 30 years of experience as a lawyer and senior business executive. He completed his law education at Harvard Law School. He went on to earn a Master's degree in Public Policy from the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Kenneth Juster will replace Richard Verma, the first Indian-American to become the US Ambassador to India. Verma was appointed by Donald Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, and resigned as Donald Trump took over the US presidency.

ALSO READ | Trump's key aide Kenneth Juster will now be America's new ambassador to India

ALSO READ | PM Modi to address Indian diaspora on June 25 in Washington DC

ALSO READ | Narendra Modi's new India vision will help US job creation: Sean Spicer

ALSO WATCH | Ahead of PM Modi's US visit, Donald Trump may ease restrictions on H1-B visa issue

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--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/06/2017 (1969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  The federal Liberals say theres no guarantee that irregular asylum claims will rise at Emerson this summer, while their opponents claim the situation is getting out of hand.

Our numbers actually indicate that the number of irregular crossers through Emerson is down, much down, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said Wednesday. These fluctuations happen from year to year.

RCMP data show the number of irregular claims in Manitoba dropped from March to May.

But Canadian Border Services Agency data show that the number of people claiming asylum at Quebecs border with the United States has increased alongside the temperature for the past three years. The annual number of claims in January have doubled by September in that province. The Free Press could not immediately obtain monthly data for Manitoba.

In any case, Hussen said his government has helped move people up from Emerson to Winnipeg, where theyve funded groups that welcome refugee claimants.

We have mechanisms in place to make sure that we respond as appropriate, and move resources around to where theyre needed the most.

The Conservatives insist thats not enough. On May 5, two Tory MPs visited Emerson and asked the government to close the loophole of the Safe Third Country Agreement. That agreement forbids most people from making an asylum claim at the Canada-United States land border.

According to a 1951 United Nations agreement, Canada cant prosecute people who cross irregularly and then make an asylum claim. Media and advocacy groups interpreted the Conservatives loophole remarks to mean either jailing people who cross irregularly, or somehow expanding the agreement to send back claimants to the U.S.

But Tuesday, the Conservatives changed their tone, instead asking the Liberals to strongly condemn this practice as unsafe and develop a plan to reverse the procedural, legislative and resourcing issues that encourage people to cross.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said Wednesday his party doesnt yet have its own plan on how theyd address the issue. The situation, I believe, is untenable, he said, noting years-long delays in resettling people from refugee camps abroad and processing asylum claims made in Canada. Scheer said the government should produce a fast-track system to deal with people who arent facing persecution, who are not legitimate refugees.

Scores of people who have crossed from the U.S. at Emerson in recent years have secured refugee status in Canada. Still, Scheer said those crossing on foot are using resources in a system that has limited capacity because of encouraging messages from the government.

The Prime Ministers tweets has given the impression to many people that they can just walk over the border.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GRAND FORKS  What happens when an asylum seeker tries to cross into Canada properly? A single mom trying to escape gangs threatening her and her son in El Salvador took her life savings and made a run for safety to Canada.

But when she showed up at the Emerson border crossing and asked for refugee protection, she was turned away.

She learned the hard way about the Safe Third Country Agreement  that automatically she would be rejected if she presented herself to border officials and asked for refugee status in Canada because the U.S. is considered a safe third country for refugee claimants.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Lizbeth, 54, says shes been living in limbo in Grand Forks, N.D., after she was turned away at the Canadian border in October.

It never dawned on her that, in order to make a refugee claim in Canada, she would have to sneak across the border.

I never broke the rules in my life, said Lizbeth, 54. Since she was turned away at the border in late October, she has been living in limbo in Grand Forks, N.D. She didnt want her last name published because her six-month U.S. tourist visa expired in April and shes scared shell be deported to El Salvador. Her son, now 15, is there with his grandparents hiding from gang recruiters, she said.

My boy is my life, said Lizbeth, dabbing at tears and running mascara with a tissue. I did not know about the agreement between the two countries and I came alone with the hope and security of the support that Canada offers to those who need help.

She flew from San Salvador to Houston on Oct. 24. She took a bus to Grand Forks and arrived on Oct. 26. She had just $150 and spent $145 on a cab to the Canadian border. She had a friend in Winnipeg she was sure would help them.

When she got to the Canadian border she was told that, while she may have a legitimate refugee claim, Canada had no choice but to turn her away: This is the law and the law says no.

Theres no way of knowing how many asylum seekers in the U.S. like Lizbeth mistakenly think theyre doing the right thing by going to the Canadian border and asking for refugee protection.

A spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency said its systems do not track claims either accepted or rejected because of the Safe Third Country Agreement.

The Canadian border officer, Lizbeth said, seemed empathetic and gave her contact information for the Northland Rescue Mission and the Global Friend Coalition in Grand Forks but told her she wouldnt be able to apply to enter Canada for one year.

He walked me to the border of the United States. In the U.S., only one-third of refugee claims from El Salvador are approved, according to Nolo.com, a non-profit legal aid website. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Salvadorans fled their home to escape a long and brutal civil war. Starting in the 2000s, it was to escape drug trafficking and violence from gangs. Theyre fleeing harm or fear of harm by criminal gangs that the government of El Salvador cannot control that rely on forced recruitment to expand their membership. Recruiters often target specific groups of people, particularly the poor or otherwise marginalized, Nolo.com says.

At the U.S. border office, Lizbeth was finger-printed and photographed before being taken to a gas station in Pembina. She was offered a motel room to sleep and shower and told that an area pastor would pay for it. The next day, she was driven to Grand Forks. She spent her first months at the mission taking English and sewing classes and trying to figure out what to do. Her friend in Winnipeg, Julio Pintin, has written emails and letters to his MP, Terry Duguid, and Immigration Ministers John McCallum then Ahmed Hussen asking them to allow her to come to Canada on compassionate grounds.

Duguids response defended the Safe Third Country Agreement, calling it an important tool for Canada and the U.S. to work together on the orderly handling of refugee claims made in our countries. There was no response from either immigration minister, said Pintin.

Immigration lawyer Bashir Khan said hes unsure of what options are available to someone in Lizbeths situation. If she was to sneak into Canada now, she wouldnt be able to make a refugee claim. She could however, apply for a pre-removal risk assessment and if she can prove that it is too risky to return to El Salvador, she could stay in Canada and be allowed to work. The question is whether her son would be allowed to join her, said Khan.

Unless Jose can get to a country outside of El Salvador, like Costa Rica, where the UNHCR can grant refugee status, or make a run for Canada and sneak in on foot to ask for refugee protection, theres little hope of him getting to Canada any time soon, said Khan.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Lizbeth, a single mother from El Salvador, learned about the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement the hard way. When she arrived at the Canadian border in October to try and make a refugee claim through the proper channels, she was told she couldn't because the U.S. is considered a safe country under the deal.

If you go the right way, you dont have the right to make a refugee claim, he said.

Lizbeth is being sheltered at the home of someone in Grand Forks faith community and trying to keep a low profile to avoid deportation. Shes volunteering at the mission and praying for a miracle.

I need peace and no fear and opportunity for my son, said the divorcee, saying everything shes worked for has been for him. Shes received no support from her ex-husband but made sure their son, Jose, went to a private Catholic school that was gated and out of reach of the gangs. To make ends meet, the university-educated mom worked in marketing, found an affordable place to rent outside of the capital and drove Jose 25 kilometres to school every day before going to work.

Trouble started when their community became saturated with gangs, she said. Streets became invisible borders with gangs charging residents a dollar to pass through their territory. Last summer, when Jose was 14, a gang member approached her and her son and called him by name, saying Youre growing up, you have to join us.

Its a shocking experience, said Lizbeth. She went to the U.S. embassy to get a tourist visa for her son, thinking they could fly to the U.S. then catch a bus that runs close to Canada. There is no Canadian embassy in El Salvador, she said. The closest is in Guatemala, with long waits for visa processing, she said. The U.S. gave Lizbeth a tourist visa but wouldnt allow one for her son. In September, when she was out with her son, the gangs forced her to act.

Five thugs grabbed Jose. She shouted at them to let him go and she was thrown to the ground. My son was screaming Mom! Mom! Mom! A man in a car saw what was happening and caused a ruckus that allowed Lizbeth and her son to escape. When they went to the police, they refused to help. They said theres nothing they can do. Thats when we moved, she said, dabbing at tears.

With its humane reputation, respect for human rights and lack of discrimination, she believed Canada would offer her asylum and allow her to raise her son there in safety.

I took a backpack with two pairs of pants, two blouses, and say OK  I have hope and faith and I love my son and got on a plane to Houston, she said. My only objective is to move to Canada. I need to work and I need for my boy to have opportunities and to be safe.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/06/2017 (1969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba doctor has had his licence suspended for six months and was ordered to pay $110,000 in costs after falsifying allegations that a hospital colleague strangled him and threatened to kill him.

Dr. Tahseen Mahdi made accusations he knew or ought to have known were false, reads the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba inquiry panels written decision dated May 19 but posted online Wednesday.

Mahdi did not return a request for comment left at his clinic.

The College inquiry panels 62-page document outlining the reasons for its decision describes brewing tension at a hospital somewhere outside of Winnipeg  the College has withheld the names of all witnesses, facilities, and the regional health authority  over emergency room scheduling.

In July 2013, the hospitals chief of staff, referred to only as Dr. H, called a meeting of all the doctors working in the hospitals emergency room to discuss a scheduling process dating back to 2012 that wasnt working as intended.

What happened next, per Dr. Hs recollection, is accepted by the inquiry panel, which labeled him an impressive witness who was disinterested in the outcome of these proceedings or at least, more so than the affected parties.

A physician referred to in documents as Dr. A began to berate Mahdi, standing over him and telling him that he was incompetent and had been sent away to Winnipeg for additional training. Dr. A was, per the decision, unhappy at having not been assigned any emergency department shifts in August. Although Dr. H tried to calm Dr. A, Dr. A continued verbally abusing Mahdi.

He wagged his finger at Dr. Mahdi and walked towards him saying things such as I am going to beat you. I am going to throw you down. I am going to send you to hell. Dr. H distinctly remembered that there was physical contact, both Dr. A putting his finger in Mahdis face and then punching him in the chest.

While Dr. A denied the punch, saying he might have touched Dr. Mahdis chest, he acknowledged his behaviour was inappropriate and that he lost control of his emotions and regretted doing so. Mahdi reported the incident to the RCMP the next day, which began investigating. Its unclear based on the file what came of that investigation.

Its what Mahdi alleged transpired after that  on Aug. 1, 2013  that the inquiry panel said never actually happened. And the inquiry panel for the College, which is the regulatory body for all physicians and surgeons across the province, said the accusation was so severe as to constitute professional misconduct.

Mahdi alleged he was in his office on Aug. 1 when he was, per the written decision, surprised by an attack by Dr. A, who came from behind you, choked you with his hands, said you better drop the charges or you are going to lose your life, and pushed you to the floor.

Except, the panel said, an investigation and testimony over the course of five days last spring, showed that couldnt have happened. The panel didnt dig into the motives of either Mahdi or Dr. A, but relied on substantial evidence from other witnesses indicating that Dr. A did not assault Dr. Mahdi.

As a result, last September the panel found Mahdi guilty of professional misconduct specifically for planned and deliberate allegations against Dr. A even when he knew them to be false. It took until last month for the College to decide on a suitable punishment and until this week for it to be posted online.

The College has suspended Mahdis licence for six months, with two months considered already served owing to a two-month suspension in 2013 as a result of the summer incidents. His remaining four-month suspension begins Sept. 1. Mahdi must also pay costs to the college of $110,000 with half due by the end of the summer and the other half due next summer. He is also required to complete a medical ethics and professionalism course before the end of the year. The panel had no concerns with Mahdis patient care.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @Jane_Gerster
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/06/2017 (1969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fifty years after 10 indigenous teens ran 800 kilometres only to have their glory stripped from them at the finish line, one returned to Winnipeg Wednesday to complete the journey.

On National Aboriginal Day, Dave Courchene lit the Centennial Torch as a symbol of the upcoming 2017 Canada Summer Games.

For Courchene, it also represented just how far Manitoba has come since that day in 1967, when, after the Pan American torch relay from St. Paul, Minn., to the stadium in Winnipeg, he was forced to hand the flame to a non-indigenous man for the glory lap.

Aboriginal teenagers gather on the field at Winnipeg Stadium in this 1967 photo. Thirty-two years after the group relay-ran the Pan Am torch from St. Paul, Minn., to the gates of Winnipeg Stadium only to have a white athlete take the glory lap, seven of the survivors will finally complete the journey July 23. (Winnipeg Free Press)

When Courchene was first told he couldnt enter the stadium and run the final yards up to the Pan Am cauldron, he said he didnt fully understand what was going on.

In hindsight, its clear to him.

It really reflected the marginalization that was the environment of our people We were never really considered to be a people that could make a full contribution, he said Wednesday.

The moment he lit the Centennial Torch  on National Aboriginal Day  he knew it was different.

Something happened emotionally that touched my own spirit, that we had finally come to reach that point to be acknowledged, he said.

Following the torch-lighting, indigenous elders led ceremonies at the Manitoba Legislative Building that havent been filmed since 1951 after being deemed illegal under the Indian Act.

Now an elder, Courchene shared traditional knowledge with those in attendance and explained the significance of the fire illuminating the Centennial Torch, constructed for the 1967 Games. We felt it was very important to encourage people to rediscover the real significance of the meaning of fire because it has a spiritual power, he said.

Elders say fire is spirit made manifest  its untouchable, yet it touches people with warmth and light.

John Woods / The Canadian Press Elder Dave Courchene, carrying a sacred fire torch carried from Manitou Api in Whiteshell Provincial Park by indigenous athletes, lights the Centennial Torch during a lighting ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The 1967 Pan American Games' Centennial Torch was re-ignited as part of a day of indigenous cultural ceremonies.

The flame Courchene used to light the Centennial Torch on Memorial Boulevard came from a sacred fire at Manitou Api.

Four young torch-bearers representing the original peoples brought the flame to Winnipeg. They were accompanied by four young water carriers, who sang at Wednesdays ceremony to honour water and encourage the protection of it.

The sacred fire will stay lit for the entirety of the Canada Summer Games, which run July 28 to Aug. 13.

The framework of Wednesdays events came from indigenous elders who consult Canada Summer Games officials, said Jeff Hnatiuk, president and CEO 2017 Games. We wanted to make sure we were really inclusive of our indigenous culture and our indigenous leaders, he said, adding he hopes to use the Winnipeg Games as a vehicle to share indigenous culture.

stefanie.lasuik@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobas first tornado of 2017 touched down on the first day of summer.

Numerous sightings of a funnel cloud were reported near Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Wednesday around 2:30 p.m.

Environment Canada meteorologist Robyn Dyck said a tornado has been confirmed at Sapotaweyak Cree Nation near Pelican Rapids, about 115 kilometres northeast of Swan River.

SUPPLIED PHOTO A picture of the tornado taken at Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Wednesday.

We do think it was not necessarily a landspout tornado, but a real supercell tornado from a thunderstorm. They can be quite severe so they can produce large hail, strong winds and severe rain. These are the types of thunderstorms that we expect to produce tornadoes, Dyck said Thursday.

A landspout originates on the ground, while a supercell tornado develops skyward from a thunderstorm, she said.

Sapotaweyak Cree Nation is located about 600 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg along the southeast shore of Lake Winnipegosis and near the Shoal River. Pelican Rapids is located just to the west.

The tornado was estimated to have been on the ground for a few minutes, Dyck said.

Environment Canada monitors social media, particularly the hashtag #MBstorm, which is where the first reports of the tornado were discovered, she said.

There were no injuries where the tornado touched down and no reports so far of any damage. The tornado has been given a preliminary rating on the Enhanced Fujita scale of EF0 which is common for confirmed tornadoes with no reported damage and means wind speeds were estimated to be between 105-137 km/h.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  A major food-shipping company is putting pressure on the provincial and federal governments to implement food subsidies for Churchill, saying it will stop subsidizing most of its products Sunday.

Hudson Bay Railway owner Omnitrax Canada ceased operations on the rail line to Churchill May 23 after a heavy spring melt damaged the track at multiple locations.

Since then, residents and officials have asked to join the federal food subsidy Nutrition North to offset the high cost of flying in food.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS CEO Edward Kennedy said the North West Companys first quarter was a very strong one in northern Canada.

In a Wednesday evening statement, the head of the North West Company says it will stop subsidizing most items it sells.

The suspension of rail service to Churchill is a public infrastructure failing that is being borne 100 per cent by the citizens, businesses and other organizations in Churchill. If this crisis was in a rural or urban area, action would have been taken within days, wrote CEO Edward Kennedy.

The notice says the company has eaten the added cost of air shipments, but claims it would cost $700,000 a year in added costs for serving the community of less than 900 citizens.

North West advised both levels of government last week that it was only prepared to keep subsidizing prices until June 25. Prices will begin to reflect air freight costs on that date, though not on some key items like milk, according to a release from the company.

The statement comes amid confusing messages from Ottawa. A blunt email Wednesday afternoon from Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs spokeswoman Valerie Hache told the Free Press: Churchill has not qualified for the food subsidy.

But a top department spokesman clarified hours later the minister was looking at potential costs and needs before deciding whether to grant an emergency authorization for Churchill.

It has not been decided yet; it has not been rejected. We are working on it, wrote James Fitz-Morris.

The company feels that subsidies are needed immediately which Churchill clearly now qualifies for, and says it cant arrange marine shipments until the fall, which would still be more expensive than rail transportation, but less than air.

Until the sealift arrives in October, assistance is also needed on non-perishable items. The long-term solutions may be complicated but the immediate ones are not.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The justice system has an insatiable appetite for delays, Manitobas highest court said in a ruling on a case that took two years  and 31 court appearances  to sentence a Winnipeg teen who had pleaded guilty to armed robbery.

In a 74-page decision released Wednesday, the Court of Appeal imposed a longer sentence on 17-year-old Jared Madison Okemow, who was previously sentenced as an adult for two armed robberies he committed three years ago, saying it was too lenient, and called out systemic delays in the justice system.

The contemporary Canadian criminal justice system has a seemingly insatiable appetite for adjournments, the courts decison states, condemning the practice of keeping a criminal case in limbo by simply re-scheduling court dates.

John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files

Okemows case had 31 court appearances over the course of two years and was anything but timely, the appeal court decided.

After he spent two years in pre-trial custody, the teen was given a three-year sentence with credit for 29 months, so he had only seven months left in jail at a youth facility as of last June. Not only did it take far too long for the case to wrap up, the appeal court ruled, but the sentencing judge erred by putting too much weight on the teens fetal-alcohol-related diagnosis when she crafted the sentence.

The teen had Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), but that didnt necessarily mean he had diminished moral culpability when he orchestrated two armed robberies when he was 14, the appeal court decided. A university student suffered a stab wound and a broken nose during one of the robberies, a group street mugging that Okemow led, court heard. It was also his idea to rob a convenience store while armed with a knife about three days prior, causing a store clerk to urinate himself in fear.

In a decison written by Justice Christopher Mainella, the appeal court decided to increase the teens sentence for denunciation and fair and proportionate accountability because of the adult-like maturity he displayed when he committed the two armed robberies in June 2014. A probation officer had described Okemow as a very street-wise young man.

In each case, the victims were vulnerable, defenceless and outnumbered. Significant violence was either threatened or used by the young person, Mainella wrote.

The teen has been ordered to serve an additional 12 months behind bars as a result of the appeal courts decision and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Hes considered a fugitive because he didnt show up for his appeal hearing in March and hasnt reported for his probation.

The case also brings to light an unsatisfactory state of affairs regarding continued delays in the youth criminal justice system, the decision noted. The panel of judges condemned significant delays in this case, some of which were caused by the youth court judge.

On June 30, 2014, the day after the second armed robbery, Okemow had his first court appearance. By Aug. 20 that year, hed pleaded guilty to all 14 of the criminal charges he faced. Despite that relatively prompt guilty plea, almost two years would pass before the teen was sentenced as an adult on June 28, 2016. The judge had expected to give her decision in January 2016, but delayed it even further to wait for the appeal court to release its decision in another case.

Sentencing courts are not expected to delay their work for an extended period on the off-chance that a pending appellate (court) decision might be of assistance to them, the appeal courts decision states.

The youth court judge had previously granted an adjournment at the defences request, allowing for the court process to be delayed while they waited on an additional psychological assessment that turned out to be repetitive and unnecessary, for the sentencing and violated a requirement in the Youth Criminal Justice Act for all assessments to be completed within 30 days for a youth in custody unless there has been a court-ordered extension.

The ruling cautions Manitoba judges not to rely too heavily on expert opinion before imposing their decisions.

Expert evidence provides context but not the answer to a legal dispute, the decision states.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DAUPHIN RIVER FIRST NATION  Its still a ghost town for now, albeit a shiny one, except for all the construction workers and tradespeople.

But residents of Dauphin River First Nation, who were forced to flee their community in 2011 because of flooding, will soon be able to return to 43 new homes relocated from the former Canadian Air Force base in Gypsumville.

Another six homes not from the airbase are still being built, and 19 more original homes will be part of Phase 2 of the communitys restoration process.

PHOTOS BY WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Daniel Stagg of Dauphin River First Nation stands by a new home  one of many built in the community since the flood in 2011  across the road from his familys home.

Dauphin River, located 250 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, will also get its own water and sewage treatment plants, replacing well water and septic fields, quite a perk for a tiny populace of about 300 people. It is also receiving 1,800 additional acres of land.

Its a brand new community. Youre getting brand new infrastructure, a brand new school, a brand new office. I would say the ball is in our court as far as how we want to build our community, said Emery Stagg, the housing co-ordinator for Dauphin River First Nation.

Most Manitobans can be forgiven for not knowing the story of Dauphin River First Nation or where its located. Its been overshadowed by the much larger Lake St. Martin First Nation, which was also evacuated in the 2011 flood.

Dauphin River, the waterway the Ojibway reserve is named after, is nowhere near the City of Dauphin or Dauphin Lake but farther to the east. Dauphin River is the tail end of the controversial drainage of the Assiniboine River via the Portage Diversion and through Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin. The Dauphin River is the final leg of that relay race carrying water into Lake Winnipeg.

Dauphin River is also the name of the Metis village connected to it. The reserve and village are located where the Dauphin River empties into Lake Winnipeg.

One of the many new homes at the Dauphin River First Nation. The community is still under an evacuation notice.

The reserve is much further ahead in the rebuilding process than Lake St. Martin. But its also further behind. It was supposed to open last December. Then it was supposed to reopen this month. Now its not expected to be ready until sometime in August. There have been problems, including a fiasco where main sewer lines had to be installed three times. Yards still need to be landscaped.

The federal government has not released what the flood, evacuation and reconstruction have cost so far for bands such as Dauphin River.

Being away for six years is a long time, said Stagg. I want to go home. Im excited to go home. But nothings ever 100 per cent of what you had, he cautioned.

Not everyone will return to the reserve once the federal governments financial sponsorship of evacuees ends in August. Over the course of six years, some residents have died and some may have put down roots in Winnipeg. Some peoples children have grown up in Winnipeg and wont want to leave.

As well, the Dauphin River School, also being rebuilt, only runs to Grade 8. Families with teenage children may opt not to return to the reserve so their kids can finish high school in Winnipeg.

Helgi Einarsson, mayor of the village of Dauphin River that is integrated with Dauphin River reserve, predicts 75 per cent of people will return and the rest will keep their new residences for weekends.

Einarsson, a commercial fish harvester, believes people will come back because its a strong commercial fishing community. About 20 band members have a quota to harvest fish commercially, including Einarsson, who also rents cabins and runs a fishing outfitting service. Every person with a quota usually hires two helpers, so thats a significant proportion of the community.

However, local fish stocks have plummeted because of the increased flow from the provinces operation of the Portage Diversion, local fish harvesters say. The increased flow wiped out much of the pickerel spawn in 2011, 2012 and 2014, said Einarsson. Thats according to study for Manitoba Infrastructure by North South Consultants in Winnipeg, he said. The walleye spawn could be lost this year due to increased flow, too, he said.

The province did not return messages about the fish stocks. The province is consulting with local fish harvesters about how to avoid future spawning losses.

Losing a couple years of spawn has kind of screwed things up, said Billy Pierce, who runs the Dauphin River Fisheries, which collects the local fish catch for the Manitoba Freshwater Fish Marketing Board.

Dauphin River First Nation members and commercial fishermen Terry Stagg (left) and son Daniel dock their fishing boat along the Dauphin River. Elder Norman Stagg (right) says only about a dozen fishermen put their nets in this spring.

Emery Staggs brother, Norman Stagg, estimated only about a dozen commercial fish harvesters bothered to put their nets in this spring. Thats out of the 63 who hold quota in Dauphin River, Little Saskatchewan, Lake St. Martin and the town of Gypsumville, and who fish in Sturgeon Bay on Lake Winnipeg.

The artificial flooding by the Portage Diversion has also littered the river with trees and other debris, destroying many fishing nets.

Emery Stagg scoffs at any assertion the federal government is overbuilding Dauphin River.

Theres always a housing backlog in First Nations across Canada. Well never fulfil that dream of housing for First Nations across Canada, he said.

Its been a long six years, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I hope its not a train, he said with a laugh.

Dauphin River First Nation elder Norman Stagg says only about a dozen commercial fish harvesters put their nets in this spring.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/06/2017 (1969 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  As a contentious battle over the Indian Act continued Wednesday in the House of Commons, Manitoban youth took centre stage outside at a jovial ceremony to mark National Aboriginal Day.

Some Manitoban parliamentarians are in a contentious faceoff with the government over Bill S-3, which aims to restore Indian status to women who married non-indigenous men, as well as their descendants.

The federal Liberals tabled the bill in November after a court case in August 2015 found the policy violated Charter rights. The original bill would fix the lineage provisions of the Indian Act for those who lost their status from 1951 onward and their descendants.

Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press Justin Trudeau and Perry Bellegarde celebrate National Aboriginal Day.

But last month, Manitoba Sen. Marilou McPhedran amended the bill to apply to cases dating to 1876, which the Senate approved in its final vote.

With support from Manitoba Sen. Murray Sinclair and Winnipeg Centre MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, the amendment turned into a dramatic standoff, with the government ominously warning about dire, unintended consequences.

The Liberals say they want to fix the law incrementally, to quickly grant Indian status to roughly 35,000 people while consulting with indigenous bands for a later bill to avoid a sudden onslaught of members with voting rights. It is unknown how many Manitobans would be eligible.

The government has refused offers to extend the courts July 3 deadline and activists say they dont trust bureaucrats to properly craft a later bill.

In a Wednesday vote, the governing Liberals passed the bill in its original form, with Conservative support bringing a 242-42 result. The bill will be sent back to the Senate for a final vote as soon as Thursday.

As the Free Press reported, some senators are mulling a rare procedural move  last used in 1947  to have a private meeting of MPs and senators to settle the dispute.

Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined indigenous leaders to announce the Ottawa building housing his office will no longer bear the name of Hector-Louis Langevin, a father of Confederation and an architect of the residential school system.

At a midday ceremony, Trudeau also announced the government will rename National Aboriginal Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day  though hes resisting calls to make it a federal holiday.

His key announcement was a building that sits directly across from Parliament Hill  a 1930s structure that has been vacant since the U.S. embassy relocated in 1998  would become a space to commemorate First Nations, Inuit and Metis people by 2023.

David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, said the announcements sent a powerful message to Canadians.

This is a time for the nation to come together, he said, standing under a massive banner adorned with Metis symbols. Without doubt, I think Canadians will embrace this; I know in Manitoba they will.

The ceremony included almost a dozen young Manitobans dancing a traditional Metis country ballad.

Following the performance, one of the dancers ran to a chair, picked up a red object and made a beeline toward Trudeau, stepping on stage.

That caused a handful of tall people with sunglasses and earpieces to suddenly perk up.

The young woman presented a traditional arrowed sash on behalf of the Metis people, and proceeded to loop it around the waist of Trudeau, who was seemed surprised but happy.

Tayler Fleming, a fiddler from Minitonas, later admitted to being star-struck as she played a traditional Metis number on violin in front of Trudeau.

It was super crazy, she said. To play in front of him, I had to put that in the back of my mind.

Portage la Prairie resident Calista Sainsbury, who danced alongside the Metis Prairie Steppers, said having a spot so close to Parliament gave her hope for reconciliation. Its time for us to be noticed, in the community and across Canada. Its definitely a step in the right direction.

Chartrand noted historical Metis leader Louis Riel couldnt take his seat in Parliament because of warrants for his arrest.

Im sure Riels smiling down on us today, he said. While our leader was denied, well be right there, across the street, looking at them eye-to-eye.

 with files from The Canadian Press

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Earlier this month, the Toronto Star published an expose, complete with graphic photographs, depicting horrific torture and abuse of prisoners in Iraq. What made the story and images so shocking was that this barbarism was not the handiwork of Islamic State evildoers, but rather that those atrocities were blatantly perpetrated by the Iraqi Emergency Response Division (ERD).

The ERD is considered an elite counter-terrorism unit under the command of the Iraqi governments Ministry of the Interior. The ERD has been a critical factor in the allied effort to recapture the city of Mosul from IS.

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command soldiers are working closely with Kurdish militia in that same vicious struggle to retake Mosul. While Canadians are not directly in support of the ERD, the soldiers in this elite unit are very much Canadas close allies in a common struggle.

JUSTIN TANG / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance.

That is why the images of the ERDs torture victims are so disturbing. The photos were taken by Ali Arkady, a photographer embedded with the ERD troops who seemingly had no qualms about allowing themselves to be filmed putting knives to prisoners heads, pressing fingers into eye sockets or beating trussed-up captives suspended from the ceiling.

Even more bizarrely, the ERD soldiers actually provided Arkady with a video depicting the execution of a terrified captive. In other words, there is no shame or guilt associated with their ruthless brutality; these guys are happy to have their violent exploits broadcast for all to see.

Last week, General Jonathan Vance, Canadas chief of defence staff, reacted to the torture revelations in an interview with the Toronto Star. It doesnt even fall into the category of understandable. In fact it mirrors what IS is doing, and you lose if you dont maintain the moral high ground in this kind of war.

Vance also conceded that Canadians might question why Canadas military is involved in a conflict wherein our allies are committing the exact same atrocities as those evil-doers we are fighting against.

However, instead of questioning Canadas role, Vance saw the ERDs brutal behaviour as further proof why Canada should stay in Iraq. Theyre horrible. They need training, advice, and assistance, he said.

To his credit, Vance apparently gets the fact that the ceaseless cycle of violence in Iraqs interfactional conflict will continue unabated as long as reciprocal revenge is waged.

What Vance does not understand is that this level of barbarity is not going to be stopped by a few more lessons in a classroom, taught by good old Canadian combat soldiers with a firm grasp of the Geneva Convention. We do not have a training plan that stresses the fact that prisoners are not to be beheaded, eye-gouged, or chained to the ceiling for days at a time. Some things we simply tend to take as a given.

Another problem with Vances assertion that training and assistance could turn the ERD around is the fact that they are not some ragtag militia as he asserted to the Star. The ERD are among the best-trained and motivated units available to the Iraqi central government in Baghdad.

When IS first rolled out of Syria and captured a vast swath of Iraq in 2014, the U.S.-trained and -equipped Iraqi army collapsed without much of a fight. Tens of thousands of soldiers defected en masse, leaving their weapon arsenals and vehicle fleets at the disposal of IS fighters.

The only thing that prevented IS from seizing Baghdad was a desperate call-out for volunteer Shia militias to stem the Sunni Muslim fanatical IS.

Those same Shia militias are still in the fight against IS and, therefore, are also ostensibly Canadas allies in this fight. Unlike the Iraqi governments ERD unit, these Shia militias truly are ill-disciplined and ragtag.

They are also fighting for purely faction-based revenge against ISs Sunni supporters.

If a photographer embedded with an elite Iraqi government unit can uncover rampant occurrences of torture and execution, one can only imagine what sort of revenge abuse is being meted out by Canadas even more notorious allies  the Shia militia.

Vance was right in his first assessment of the torture revelations: Canadians should seriously question why we are taking sides in this barbaric bloodletting.

Scott Taylor is the founder and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine. He is a bestselling author and award-winning documentary filmmaker.
According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the countdown for the launch of the satellites, that also includes 29 foreign and one Indian, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh began at 5.29 a.m.

By India Today Web Desk: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch earth observation satellite Cartosat. The 28-hour countdown for the launch of the satellite, which would also carry 30 mini-satellites from other countries, began today.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the countdown for the launch of the satellites, that also includes 29 foreign and one Indian, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh began at 5.29 a.m.

advertisement

The Indian space agency said propellant filling operations were under progress.

The Mission Readiness Review (MRR) committee and Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) on Wednesday cleared the 28-hour countdown.

India on Friday will launch the Cartosat-2 series weighing 712 kg and 30 co-passenger satellites.

According to the ISRO, the PSLV rocket's XL variant was expected to lift off on Friday at 9.29 a.m. from the Sriharikota rocket port.

The 30 satellites would together weigh 243 kg and the total weight of all the 31 satellites, including Cartosat, is about 955 kg, ISRO said.

The rocket would sling the satellites into a 505 km polar sun sunchronous orbit (SSO).

The co-passenger satellites comprise 29 nano satellites from 14 countries - Austria, Belgium, Britain, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the US as well as one Indian nano satellite.

The 29 international customer nano satellites were being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO's commercial arm, the Antrix Corporation Ltd and the international customers.

The Indian nano satellite 15 kg NIUSAT belongs to Nooral Islam University, Tamil Nadu. The satellite will provide multi-spectral imagery for agricultural crop monitoring and disaster management support applications.

ALSO READ:

PSLV to launch Cartosat-2 with 30 nano satellites on June 23

ISRO to launch another satellite of Cartosat-2 series by June-end for high-res spot imagery

ALSO WATCH:

ISRO's PSLV creates record, launches 104 satellites in single mission

--- ENDS ---
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/06/2017 (1968 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Today, Susan Thompson will finally get the recognition she deserves. The City of Winnipeg is renaming the administration building the Susan A. Thompson Building.

The decision was made in November, when council voted unanimously to honour Winnipegs first and only female mayor, who held the position for two terms, from 1992 to 1998.

Thompson had the tenacity to change city hall culture by implementing the strong mayors model of governing, getting rid of the board of commissioners and replacing it with a chief administrative officer in 1995. Thompson also inherited a city with the highest property taxes in the country. Her response was to implement a property-tax freeze and bring spending under control.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES A city administrative building will be named after Susan A. Thompson, Winnipegs first and only female mayor.

Almost 20 years after leaving office, she will finally win recognition that is long overdue.

How often do we see women represented in public spaces in Winnipeg? Women have played an integral in building the city of Winnipeg, as politicians, activists and visionaries. But are they getting formal recognition?

Its the kind of question two online organizations are interested in answering. March on Canada, which evolved out of the Canadian womens march from Jan. 21, 2017, is a coalition of organizers that works to uphold equality, diversity and inclusion. It is partnering with Completing the Story, which is examining how women are being represented in public spaces.

As Completing the Story outlines on its Facebook page, It is time to profile all the powerful women who have built our communities, supported our people and provided care to others. We want to see women recognized in public places throughout the country, so that we all have a visual representation of what women leaders are and can be. We want our daughters to know that they have an important place in this world. At the end of the year, its sending out what will become an annual survey to municipalities to see how they rank in terms of representation of women in public spaces.

Just recently, Completing the Story called out Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi to make womens statues visible in that city: Calgary has some great public art, including an installation of the Famous Five. Unfortunately the women are tucked in a park behind a building. It is much easier to spot the statues of men throughout the city. You are such a progressive mayor so we are sure you will change this quickly!

It also took the town of Rossland, B.C., to task for its statue called Girls Can Do Anything, a three-foot-tall statue of a nameless girl riding a pig. According to their Facebook post, the plaque says, The girl represents women struggling to reach their full potential. Across the street there is a 12-foot statue of a real man from Rosslands history. Women struggle to reach their full potential because of this kind of disparity! Maybe the pig-riding girl should be replaced by a 12-foot-tall real woman from Rosslands history! Maybe Nancy Greene?

At the Manitoba legislature, there are some women in public spaces. For example, when you take a walking tour of the Manitoba legislature grounds, youre greeted by a formidable statue of Queen Victoria, completed in 1904. There is also a statue of Queen Elizabeth, along with the gorgeous work of Helen Granger-Young depicting the Famous Five: Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards and Nellie McClung. Above the pediment and below the Golden Boy, there are sculptural groups representing industry, art, agriculture and science and learning. Women make up some of the sculptures there, representing the arts, agriculture and learning.

At Assiniboine Park, there are 43 inductees into the Citizens Hall of Fame, the long line of busts of men and women singled out for their hard work to make Winnipeg the city it is. But women are outnumbered by men there, as well. There are only eight busts of women activists and volunteers, with the first female inducted in 1993: Isabel Auld, the former chancellor of the University of Manitoba. Nellie McClung didnt make the cut until 1998.

When examining the list of Winnipeg parks compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society, only 12 of the 107 parks documented have womens names on them. Also, according to the historical society, there are few Winnipeg streets named after women. Adele Avenue and Charlotte Street, for example, were named after the daughters of prominent businessmen, while there are streets such as Gaboury Place or Parker Avenue that are named after important women: Marie Anne Gaboury Lagimodiere, the first white woman in the west, and journalist Elizabeth Fulton Parker, who assisted in founding of the YWCA in Winnipeg.

There are other important women in Manitobas history. Theyre Olympians, such as Sandi Kirby from the 1976 Summer Olympics, and Carolyn McRorie, a Winnipeg curler whose team won silver in 2010. Theyre politicians such as Muriel Smith and activists such as Mary Scott. Theyre the firsts, too, who need to be recognized: the first female lieutenant-governor in Manitoba, Pearl McGonigal, the first female doctor, Charlotte Ross, who practised from 1881 to 1910, the first female lawyers, Winifred Wilton and Ellen Ann Sissons, who were called to the bar in 1915. Where are their statues? They should take their rightful place alongside Louis Riel and poet Taras Shevchenko at the Legislature. Shouldnt their busts be in the hall of fame and their names on buildings and bridges or on city streets and avenues?

If we honestly believe that girls can do anything, then we need to honour the women who really have done it, despite all odds. And we need to recognize them.

Shannon Sampert is the former perspectives and politics editor at the Winnipeg Free Press and the current director and editor-in-chief of EvidenceNetwork.ca. She is also an associate professor at the University of Winnipeg.

s.sampert@uwinnipeg.ca Twitter: @paulysigh
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JUNEAU  A warrant was issued for an 18-year-old Vesper woman who is accused of entering a residence in Beaver Dam last winter and stabbing a 17-year-old girl with plans of enacting a suicide plan.

Kaylee B. Derrie is charged with felony counts of burglary to a building or dwelling, physical abuse of a child and false imprisonment. She faces up to 24 and a half years in prison and a $45,000 fine if convicted of the charges.

According to the criminal complaint, Derrie and a 16-year-old Juneau boy pulled into a parking lot in the 800 block of Park Avenue Feb. 15. The boy told police that he left a handgun in the car and the two walked to the girls house. The handgun belonged to the boys father and the complaint says he had brought it along so the two could kill themselves. However before he died, he wanted to say goodbye to a girl in Beaver Dam whom he had dated.

According to the criminal complaint, Beaver Dam Police were dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Park Avenue Feb. 15 at 7:15 a.m. for a stabbing. They made contact with a 17-year-old girl who described Derrie and said Derrie had entered her home with an ex-boyfriend. Derrie allegedly began hitting and strangling her.

The girl said she tried to call her father or 911, but the phone was taken away from her. The girl was able to access a knife and started stabbing Derrie in the back so she could free herself from her. After she stabbed Derrie, her ex-boyfriend and Derrie left the home.

The officer noted that the girls right hand was bleeding and there was a one-inch gash between her thumb and index finger.

Police received a tip about a car stopping at the Wild Goose Gas Station at Highways 33 and 26, and that a person was looking for medical supplies and was stabbed in the back.

Derrie was taken into custody by Washington County deputies. The stab wounds were not life threatening, but she was taken to St. Josephs Hospital in West Bend.
The Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living represents skilled nursing and assisted living centers across the state. On behalf of Wisconsins care providers and the elderly and disabled residents they serve every day, we thank Rep. Mark Born for his commitment to long-term care during budget proceedings on the Joint Finance Committee. Rep. Born supported efforts to secure critical reimbursement for long-term care facilities.

Wisconsins long-term care providers are currently facing a crisis in the availability of frontline caregivers. A recent statewide provider survey found that one in seven caregiver positions remains unfilled. Providers have worked tirelessly to deliver quality care with limited state resources, but additional reimbursement is needed to maintain care excellence and to ensure access for our frail elderly and disabled community members.

Rep. Borns leadership in securing resources for long-term care providers will mean more competitive wages for caregivers and will translate to better paying jobs, which will help providers fill open caregiver positions to provide quality care to long-term care residents.

Wisconsins care providers thank Rep. Born for his commitment to long-term care.

John Vander Meer, executive director, WHCA/WiCAL, Madison
Community members from Columbus, Rio, Fall River, Marshall and Sun Prairie walked in support of new playground equipment for Washington Park during the Columbus Community Hospital Walk in the Park May 31 at the American Legion in Columbus.

Proceeds from the event are being donated to the City of Columbus Recreation Department to assist in the purchase of new playground equipment to be placed in the city park on the corner of Park Avenue and Fuller Street. The new equipment will connect various components together to form a continuous play opportunity for kids, encouraging decision-making and interaction with others.

The walk encourages those participating to exercise by taking a walk through scenic Firemans Park while donating to a local cause. CCH has been sponsoring the Walk in the Park for over 20 years. Carol Smith, LPN at CCH, and Darlene Marks, retired LPN and member of the Volunteers of CCH, lead the organization of the walk each year.

Past donations have been given to the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Police Department Medication Disposal Box, Columbus Area Senior Center Equipment Loan Closet, Horsing Around playground equipment, the Columbus Firemans Park Pavilion Elevator Fund, the Columbus and Fall River Food Pantry, Columbia County Project Lifesaver, the CCH Wellness Walkway, the American Diabetes Association and more.

For more information regarding the Columbus Community Hospital Walk in the Park, call the CCH Community Relations Office at 920-623-1280.
The Volunteers of Columbus Community Hospital will host the Nutman Co. at the hospital on Tuesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of nuts, candies, chocolates and snack mixes, including sugar-free varieties, will be available.
Juneau County Director of Human Services Scott Ethun gave county officials a sobering look into the countys opioid drug epidemic June 20.

Speaking during the board of supervisors meeting at the county courthouse in Mauston, Ethun said the problem is unlike anything hes seen in 37 years working in human and social services. Ethun said his department is the only one growing in the county, but its out of necessity. He said personnel are working with families struggling with addiction, trying to keep children in the home, if possible.

We have some great people in the department who work so hard every day in some challenging situations, Ethun said. Addiction of opioids, heroin and methamphetamine is very problematic. Adults and children seem to be present with more complex mental health, developmental and behavioral challenges. Our crisis system, both in daytime and after hours, has had a record number of contacts. Our limited resources have been stretched to the limits.

Ethun praised the board for steadfastly supporting the department in recent years. The department has created some strong programs, like the Comprehensive Community Services Program.

I believe if we would have built this program 10 years ago, we wouldnt be in the situation we are in with our budget, Ethun said. The problems with the budget have never been as much about staff costs as its been with placement cost for foster care or treatment care for children.

To address the drug problem, Ethuns department has worked with the countys corporation counsel and the sheriffs office. Ethun said his staff would like to see a drug treatment court come to Juneau County. Social workers, along with the departments health unit, have examined cases closely to determine what steps to take to keep families healthy and safe.

In some cases, the parents are very challenged, Ethun said, and in those cases, we have to remove the children from the home. In some cases they go to a foster home and in others, they need to be placed in a treatment foster home out of the county.

Ethun admitted the department didnt do well at returning the children to their homes, once they were deemed safe, a few years ago. He said hes made it a huge emphasis for the department. Ethun said out-of-home placements are the biggest expense for the departments budget.

We have a lot of young people were working within the Comprehensive Community Services Program; a lot of people who very likely will be parents and we teach them about the huge responsibility of parenting and not using drugs, Ethun said. Believe me theres significant effort from our staff to prevent what we have today.

The director also said his department has made strides to keep mentally ill clients in their homes.

You wont find people on staff sitting in their offices, Ethun said. Theyre always out in the community.

Board member John Wenum said he worked closely with the courts and state agencies on neglected and abused children cases in another state prior to moving to Juneau County. Wenum said he can relate to what the countys human services department is going through.

To grapple with this on a daily basis is mind boggling and its destructive of a persons humanity, Wenum said. Its frightening and one wonders how we can hold together as a society. God bless you and your people for doing what you do; its a thankless and seemingly endless job. All I can do is say god speed.

Ethun said he constantly thinks about what his department can do to help break the cycle of drug addiction. He said the process has changed from telling clients to stop abusing drugs and alcohol to asking them what they can do to help themselves.

Its about giving them a voice, he said. What more can we do? Sit on our hands? If I would do that, Im not doing my job. But were seeing people who weve helped go to their friends and tell them they can trust our staff to help them.

During the meeting, he board approved adding staff and extending hours for current human services personnel. Michelle Lee, an adult protective service worker, saw her hours increase from 32 to 40 and the board approved a resolution for the hiring of a full-time facilitator in the Comprehensive Community Services Program.

Brooks doing well

Board chairman Alan Peterson said Rep. Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg) sent a thank you letter to the county board for wishing him well as he battles cancer.

Board member Roy Granger said he talked to Brooks June 18 and the assemblyman was doing well.

When I talked to him he said the last test showed he was cancer free, Granger said.

Courtrooms to get audio and video upgrades

The board decided it was time for new audio and video equipment for courtrooms at the countys justice center.

On June 20, the board approved the purchase, not to exceed $130,000, for new audio equipment in courtrooms 1 and 3 and video systems in rooms 1 and 2. The county plans to use funds from the American Transmission Companys purchase of easements for the Badger-Coulee transmission line to pay for the upgrades.

Some of the equipment is 15 years old and they cant record things like they should, Peterson said. It saves money in the long run when everything is working well.

Crawford honored

Debra Crawford, who plans to retire June 30, was honored for more than 27 years of work with the countys Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

Crawford began as a van driver in 1990 and eventually became the centers client account specialist for finance in 2004. The commendation said Crawford enjoyed working with the countys elder population. After retiring, Crawford plans to spend time traveling and with her family.
Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the only two giant panda twins in the United States, have reached a new milestone as they now enjoy all-day play in their d
Students who disrupt speakers on University of Wisconsin System campuses would be punished and potentially expelled under a bill scheduled for a vote Wednesday in the state Assembly.

The controversial legislation has drawn criticism from those who say it would curb free speech rather than expand it and that it would stand in the way of the UW System's authority to manage its own campuses. Its supporters say its goal is to encourage free expression and to ensure all viewpoints can be heard at public universities.

"Today we are ensuring that simply because you are a young adult on a college campus, your constitutional rights do not go away," said bill author Rep. Jesse Kremer, R-Kewaskum.

Under the measure, students who repeatedly engage in "violent or other disorderly conduct that materially and substantially disrupts the free expression of others" would be subjected to discipline that, on a third incident, would result in expulsion. The bill requires UW System campuses to launch investigations and hold hearings the second time a student is alleged to have interfered with the expressive rights of others.

The hearings and their outcomes would be reported annually to a newly formed Council on Free Expression.

While critics of the proposal say it's a solution in search of a problem, its backers say it's needed to prevent controversial speakers from being shouted down when they visit campuses. Its passage comes amid a growing national focus on political speech on college campuses.

"Somehow young people, and frankly some of the administrators, have taken the position that some speech doesnt have the right to be heard," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.

Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, said the country has faced free speech struggles throughout its history, but they have been resolved without legislative intervention.

"This is really part of a political program," Berceau said. "Its part of the continuing effort to really establish a conservative stronghold in our country on every institution, and now theyre going after or universities."

The bill is similar to others being considered throughout the country, modeled after sample legislation prepared by the conservative Goldwater Institute, and takes some pieces from a provision members of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee removed from Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal.

Critics of the legislation have noted that no instances have been reported of protesters shutting down speakers on UW campuses  although controversial speakers have sparked protests.

Students clashed on the UW-Madison campus in November, when conservative columnist Ben Shapiro delivered a speech titled "Dismantling Safe Spaces: Facts Dont Care About Your Feelings" to a crowd of about 450. After about 10 minutes of chaos, Shapiro responded to a shout of "F--- white supremacy" by flipping off the protesters with both hands.

Provocateur and former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos ridiculed a transgender student by name while speaking in December at UW-Milwaukee. A scheduled Yiannopolos appearance at the University of California-Berkeley in February was canceled after it provoked a riot.

UW-Madison senior Savion Castro said last month he doesn't oppose speakers who espouse hurtful views on campus, but as an African-American, he should be able to protest someone who calls his race genetically inferior without fear of reprisal. Castro was alluding to "Bell Curve" author Charles Murray, who was shouted down several months ago at Middlebury College. Murray, at an event sponsored by UW student groups, spoke in Madison last month and was not disrupted.

The UW System has not taken a position on the proposal, but has said it is "committed to ensuring freedom of expression at our institutions."

Jessica Tormey, vice president for university relations and chief of staff for UW System President Ray Cross, said during a legislative hearing last month that the system needs to do "a better job at ensuring all voices are heard at our institutions," but urged lawmakers to ease up on the disciplinary measures prescribed under the bill.

ACLU of Wisconsin legal director Larry Dupuis has called the mandatory punishments laid out under the bill "unnecessarily draconian."

"A heckler can be legally removed from an invited speaker's presentation, but the extreme sanction of suspension or expulsion could chill legitimate, but pointed, questions from the audience," Dupuis said previously.

Rep. David Murphy, R-Greenville, is chairman of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. Murphy said the bill differentiates between "demonstration and disruption."

"You can demonstrate and carry signs out in front of venues, you can hand out leaflets, you can do all these kinds of things," Murphy said. "What the bill really is about is ending disruption, and I think thats the focus that we have here."

The bill requires "free expression" orientations for UW freshmen and requires university system institutions to remain neutral on controversial policy matters. Critics have questioned whether the so-called "neutrality clause" would prevent instructors from including controversial subjects in their curriculum.

Judith Burstyn, a chemistry professor and president of the faculty advocacy group PROFS, has said the provision could stifle academic debate, especially for professors whose research is in areas "within the realm of public policy or have implications for public policy."

Vos said the bill would have no effect on what happens in the classroom.
The Iraqi military said Islamic State militants blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul, where the terrorist group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" three years ago.

The gate of the Great Mosque or al-Nuri Mosque (AP Photo)

By Reuters: Islamic State militants on Wednesday blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, Iraq's military said in a statement, as Iraqi forces seeking to expel the group from the city closed in on the site.

It was from this medieval mosque three years ago that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" spanning parts of Syria and Iraq.

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"Blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat," Iraqi Prime Minister said in a brief comment on his website.

The Iraqis called the 150-foot (45-metre) leaning minaret Al-Hadba, or "the hunchback." Baghdadi's black flag had flown over it since June 2014.

US-LED COALITION DENIES IT WAS BEHIND MOSQUE'S DESTRUCTION

Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque, a claim swiftly denied by the US-led coalition fighting the militant group.

"We did not strike in that area," coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian told Reuters by telephone.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," US Army Major General Joseph Martin, commander of the coalition's ground component, said in a statement, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The media office for Iraq's military distributed a picture taken from the air that appeared to show the mosque and minaret largely flattened and reduced to rubble among the small houses of the Old City, the historic district where the militants are under siege.

A video seen on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically in a belch of sand and dust, as a woman lamented in the background, "The minaret, the minaret, the minaret."

The mosque was destroyed as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got within 50 meters (164 feet) of it, according to an Iraqi military statement.

An Iraqi military spokesman gave the timing of the explosion as 9:35 p.m (1835 GMT).

'CRIME AGAINST ALL OF IRAQ'

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," said US Major General Martin.

Iraqi forces said earlier on Wednesday that they had started a push toward the mosque.

"This will not prevent us from removing them, no, killing them not removing them, inside the Old City," Lieutenant General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, senior CTS commander in Mosul, said in a video posted over a messaging app.

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The forces on Tuesday had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under Islamic State control in Mosul.

Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph," or ruler of all Muslims, from the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

Baghdadi's speech from the mosque was the first time he revealed himself to the world, and the footage broadcast then is to this day the only video recording of him as "caliph."

MINARET WAS VULNERABLE

Iraqi officials had privately expressed hope that the mosque could be retaken in time for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. The first day of the Eid falls this year on June 25 or 26 in Iraq.

"The battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces with that objective in mind," said Martin.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate," even though Islamic State would still control territory west and south of the city, the largest over which they held sway in both Iraq and Syria.

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Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria, according to US and Iraqi military sources.

The mosque was named after Nuruddin al-Zanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and housed an Islamic school.

By the time renowned medieval traveler and scholar Ibn Battuta visited two centuries later, the minaret was leaning. The tilt gave the landmark its popular name: the hunchback.

It was built with seven bands of decorative brickwork in complex geometric patterns also found in Persia and Central Asia.

Nabeel Nouriddin, a historian and archaeologist specialising in Mosul and its Nineveh region, said the minaret had not been renovated since 1970, making it particularly vulnerable to blasts even if it was not directly hit.

The Mosque's destruction occurred during the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, marking when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to prophet Mohammed.

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Islamic State fighters have destroyed many Muslim religious sites, churches and shrines, as well as ancient Assyrian and Roman-era sites in Iraq and in Syria. The group posted videos online in 2015 showing the destruction of artifacts in the Mosul museum, some of which dated from the 7th century BC. It is also suspected of selling artifacts.

ALSO READ | How ISIS lures youth with women, meat, chocolates to recruit in Kerala. An India Today exclusive

ALSO READ | To check ISIS radicalisation online, Maharashtra ATS comes up with a video

ALSO WATCH | India Today penetrates Islamic State's India module, terror tapes reveal recruitment drive in Kerala

--- ENDS ---
In debate on the Assembly floor Thursday, Democratic opponents of a Wisconsin campus speech bill accused Republicans of hypocrisy in presenting themselves as champions of free speech while they routinely squelch protest in the Capitol and try to silence speech at the University of Wisconsin that they dont like.

The Republican majority has cut hundreds of millions in funding to the UW System in the past two bienniums and prevents protesters from holding signs in the chamber's gallery, noted Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, D-Milwaukee.

Those who run the show have shown hostility to free speech and hostility to the university, he said.

That hostility extends to the habitual mansplaining to female legislators and efforts to close down classes that address touchy topics like race or gender in a way Republicans find offensive, Democrats argued in a lengthy debate.

Generated by the perception of Republican leaders that conservative voices are silenced on UW campuses, the Campus Free Speech Act protects unpopular speech, its authors say. Opponents argue it will chill opposing speech by exposing students who engage in it to penalties including expulsion from the university.

The bill passed the Assembly by a 61-36 vote and moves to the Senate, where a similar bill already has been introduced.

Author Jesse Kremer, R-Kewaskum, called it a proactive piece of legislation developed at the request of UW System regents, students and constituents to ensure the university remains a free marketplace of ideas.

The bill mandates expulsion of UW students who materially and substantially disrupt the free expression of others three times, and requires the UW to remain neutral on public policy controversies.

Republican legislators complain about a lack of conservative discourse on UW campuses, yet most refuse to visit campus to debate current issues, said Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison.

She noted Speaker Robin Vos effort to document the political leanings of guest speakers invited to campus.

Its a little creepy, she said. Whats next? Cataloging political affiliations of professors and staff? Do you think this will influence how they teach? How they teach science and math?

Taylor also criticized Republicans who are frequent critics of the content of classes taught at UW. Some have urged that legislators restrict funding because of a class on race or gender that they find offensive.

Sen. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, for example, last year urged colleagues to use the power of the purse strings to convince UW-Madison to scratch a class called The Problem of Whiteness. Rep. David Murphy, R-Greenville, joined Nass in condemning a UW-Madison program on masculinity they said declares war on men.

Taylor argued that Republican lawmakers have been restricting opposing speech in the Capitol since they assumed control, curtailing the ability of protesters to gather in the building's rotunda, a public forum where people are entitled to the most heightened protection on speech.

Taylor said she has been admonished to ask fewer questions in committee sessions and was prevented from using funds to attend a conference on reproductive rights.

Thats a violation of the First Amendment. You cant restrict state resources based on the content of speech, she said.

Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, said the bill is so broad in its potential prohibitions on speech that it could be applied to some legislators interruptions of their female colleagues.

We are constantly interrupted, Shankland said. You call us names and make fun of us and sometimes you laugh.

Interfering with the expressive rights of others is not adequately defined in the bill, and could be construed as interrupting or mansplaining on campus she said.

Could it be construed as interrupting another teacher, or another student in small group? Shankland asked. You guys need to think about what this legislation does and doesnt do.

The bill requires a mandatory investigation if two people accuse student, staff or faculty of disrupting free expression.

Under this bill, if two people get really tired of this person in political science speaking up every day, and asking good questions, could they decide to report them? Shankland asked. If you man-terrupt me in feminism class, I can sue you?

Not only is the free expression of visitors to the chamber curtailed, it seems backers of the bill did not want to hear from students, said Rep. Jill Billings, D-LaCrosse, who argued that the UW System has done a good job of protecting speech.

I dont think it was an accident that this bill came out for public hearing during finals week, she said, when students from around the state were unable to travel to Madison to attend.

If people in the gallery cant sit quietly in protest with a piece of tape on their mouth, I dont think we are the experts and role model on free speech, she said.
Assembly Republicans introduced and passed a bill early Thursday that provides some protections for those with pre-existing conditions should Congress roll back protections under the Affordable Care Act.

The bill caught Democrats by surprise  it was introduced as an amendment to their own bill prohibiting lifetime caps on health insurance coverage, something the ACA, also known as Obamacare, also prohibits. The Democrats used a procedural maneuver to bring the bill to the floor, where it would most likely fail, to force Republicans to debate and vote on a contentious topic.

In a surprise move, Republicans stripped out the Democrats language and inserted their own, passing the bill 62-35 along party lines. It still must pass the Senate and be signed by Gov. Scott Walker before becoming law.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said Senate Republicans were still reviewing the bill Thursday.

Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, said the GOP move served notice that Republicans are willing to engage Democrats on the issues they bring forward.

If you want to have this debate here and now were willing to have it, Steineke said. Unfortunately their whole goal last night was political gamesmanship instead of actual policy-making. If they learn a lesson from that, maybe that will make them a better caucus.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, noted Democrats forced a vote on a separate bill Wednesday night that would have ensured health insurers cover everyone with pre-existing conditions, similar to Obamacare, but Republicans voted against it. Instead, what they passed gives the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to alter protections in the bill for those with pre-existing conditions.

They pulled the wool over everybodys eyes, Barca said. It certainly is not their intention to maintain the kind of simple protections for people that you cannot be discriminated against for any circumstances. Period.

A spokesman for the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans declined to comment on the bill.

The language that Republicans used came from a bill Reps. Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin, and Kevin Petersen, R-Waupaca, had been working on since early May after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act.

An alternate U.S. Senate version of the AHCA was unveiled Thursday, but its future remains uncertain.

Democrats have assailed the House bill for opening up the possibility that Americans with pre-existing conditions who dont currently have coverage might be denied health insurance or charged exorbitant rates. Those who dont have coverage currently or lose their coverage and dont find new coverage within 63 days could be forced to pay a penalty if they want to participate in state health care exchanges set up under Obamacare.

Sanfelippo said the bill that passed the Assembly ensures Wisconsin residents who dont maintain their health insurance coverage would have an option through a state-run high-risk pool similar to one that existed before Obamacare passed. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance would be responsible for working out the specifics.

The last thing we want to do is see anyone without insurance, Sanfelippo said. Were going to find a plan that will stop that loss of coverage or come up with options for people.

Sanfelippo said he wouldnt have a problem with the Senate passing the bill as is, or putting it through a committee public hearing and review process.

I think its out there now, Sanfelippo said. It will have a lot of time for people to be able to look at it and give us some feedback on the thing. If there are changes that need to be made, were always willing to look at that.
When Columbia County Board Chairman Vern Gove turned over a ceremonial spade full of dirt in March 2016, he reflected on history.

On Wednesday  roughly 15 months after the groundbreaking for the new Columbia County Administration Building  Gove reiterated the same theme, as the County Board convened for its first meeting in the building.

Tonight, Gove said, we get to live a bit of history.

Before the meeting, dozens of visitors also reflected on history, by walking through the County Boards meeting room to view historic photos from all areas of Columbia County. Various county supervisors sponsored the display of those photos, which are mounted with loop fastener for easy changes in the display.

Some partook of pre-meeting refreshments on the glass-enclosed connector bridge that will someday join the Administration Building with the Health and Human Services Buildings on the opposite side of the Portage Canal. The HHS building, not quite finished, wasnt open, but visitors could get guided tours of the three-story Admin Building.

From the connector bridge, some visitors tried to glimpse the schools of fish that some county employees said theyve seen swimming in the recently-dredged canal.

Mark Aquino., division administrator for external services at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said the canal cleanup, which included removing debris and sediment, happened at warp speed, thanks to the cooperation of the DNR, the county and the city of Portage.

Thats the way government is supposed to work, he said.

In a new building and a new meeting space, there were new electronic systems to learn, and occasional glitches, such as microphone feedback.

One of the meeting rooms new features is a button, on the desk of each supervisor, that the supervisor is to push when he or she wishes to speak. When the chairperson recognizes the speaker, the button goes green and the microphone goes on.

Among the features not ready yet, but expected to be operational next month, is the electronic vote tabulator.

The supervisors are seated in the numerical order of their districts. When the voting mechanisms are operational, every vote will be, in effect, a roll-call vote, with an electronic record of how each supervisor voted.

Although representatives of the companies were not present, Gove acknowledged the work of the Madison design firm Potter Lawson for managing the project, and of the Madison construction firm J.H. Findorff and Sons for overseeing the construction of the $45.51 million building project.

The project isnt done yet.

Supervisor Kirk Konkel of Portage, chairman of the County Boards five-member Ad Hoc Building Committee, noted that the county expects to take possession of the HHS Building next week, and the court-related offices will be moved there temporarily starting July 5 and 6.

Also on tap for next week, Konkel said, is asbestos and lead paint abatement in four West Conant Street buildings, including the countys Annex, that are scheduled to be razed for the courthouse remodeling project.

Supervisor Fred Teitgen of the town of Dekorra, vice chairman of the Ad Hoc Building Committee, expressed delight with the building.

I knew it would be a nice building, because we had such a good team, he said. But it exceeded my expectations.

The meeting started with a ceremonial presentation of the U.S. and Wisconsin flags by retired Col. Jan Bauman and retired Master Sgt. Rebekka Cary, the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the May 31 explosion at Didion Milling in Cambria and an invocation from Supervisor Barry Pufahl of Pardeeville.

Pufahl also closed the session by echoing a theme from his invocation  the need for thoughtful, impartial decision-making on the part of Columbia Countys elected officials.

For that, he turned to President John F. Kennedy, who would have been 100 years old in the year of the Admin Buildings opening: Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past; let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
Im excited to announce that last month marked my 10-year anniversary at Hope House! The community education and prevention program at Hope House has expanded immensely since 2007.

For instance, in 2015, we received a grant to hire a new staff person to work with Baraboo High School on sexual assault prevention. And in 2016, Hope House gave 357 presentations to PK-12 youth on topics like healthy relationships, internet safety, bullying and harassment, protective behaviors, dating violence, sexual assault and consent, gender roles and violence, media literacy, and bystander intervention.

Im excited to see the program continue to grow, and you can help! In honor of my 10-year anniversary, Im asking community members to consider donating $10 to Hope House to support our prevention program. You can send donations to Hope House, P.O. Box 557, Baraboo, WI 53913 or you can donate online at www.HopeHouseSCW.org/donate.html.

Thank you to all our schools, churches, service agencies, and community partners for working together with Hope House to educate others and prevent abuse!

To learn more about what were doing for community education and prevention in our five-county service area, please visit www.HopeHouseSCW.org or call us at 608-356-9123 or 1-800-584-6790.

Jess Kaehny, community education program manager, Hope House of South Central Wisconsin
By India Today Web Desk: The latest entry in censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani's bad books is Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's upcoming film Jab Harry Met Sejal. The reason behind Nihalani's unhappiness is the word 'intercourse' in the Mini Trail 2 of the film.

The second trailer - Mini Trail 2 as it is called - was released on the internet on Monday (June 19). Shah Rukh and Anushka discuss sex and an indemnity bond in the trailer and the word 'intercourse' has rubbed Nihalani the wrong way.

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In the trailer, Anushka asks Shah Rukh to sign an indemnity bond which absolves him of all charges if they end up in a 'sexual relation'. Anushka says in the mini trail, "Agar humare beech koi sexual relation hota hai, amounting to or not amounting to full intercourse, you are absolved of all legal charges."

While this trailer was okay for the internet, seems like this uncensored version has reached certain TV channels including news channels too. And Nihalani is mighty miffed with the course of events.

Pahlaj Nihalani told Deccan Chronicle, "We've granted a U/A certification to the trailer on condition of deletion of the intercourse dialogue. They're yet to come back to us on that. So in principle, the trailer has not been passed yet."

Nihalani, notorious for running his scissors over films like Lipstick Under My Burkha, Udta Punjab, Spectre, etc., is furious with what has happened with Jab Harry Met Sejal too.

He added, "They've uploaded the uncut trailer on YouTube. The CBFC cannot stop content on the Internet. But we can and will stop the broadcast of the uncensored footage on television. The trailer has been picked up from the web and is being aired on various news channels. This is completely against the law, and we plan to take the strictest action against the channels which have aired the censored content from Imtiaz Ali's film."

However, the team of Jab Harry Met Sejal told India Today Television that the entire matter is a non-issue, "We have not released the promo of the film where the word 'intercourse' has been used, either in theatres or for TV. Only the censored promo has been released for TV and theatres. The promo where word 'intercourse' has been mentioned, was released only on the internet, and there is no censorship there. We have not broken any law."

Imtiaz Ali's Jab Harry Met Sejal hits the screens on August 4 this year.

ALSO SEE: Bank Chor unacceptable to CBFC, but what about these gems from Pahlaj Nihalani's dictionary?

ALSO SEE: Puhleez, Nihalani. We're adults, don't be a nanny

ALSO SEE: Your job is to certify, not censor, Bombay HC tells CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani

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ALSO WATCH: There's nothing dirty about sex or the word adult, says Anurag Kashyap

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SA government should support UN resolutions now

Civil society calls on government to support resolutions currently before the UN Human Rights Council to address violence against women and end child marriage.

Three important resolutions to address violence and discrimination against women and girls have been tabled at the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. One focuses on the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, another on accelerating efforts to eliminate violence against women by engaging men and boys in preventing and responding to violence against all women and girls, and the other on child, early and forced marriage in humanitarian settings.



All three resolutions contain language that is in line with commitments laid out in South Africas Constitution. All three call on UN member states, including South Africa, to take action to address multiple and intersecting forms of violence against women and girls.



Despite South Africas ongoing crises of violence against women and girls, and despite now familiar reassurances from senior government officials that addressing and preventing violence against women is a national priority, South Africa chose not to join the nearly sixty countries which co- sponsored these resolutions when they were tabled last Thursday at the Human Rights Council.



To date, the South African government has still not indicated whether it will co-sponsor or support these resolutions when they go before the Human Rights Council this Thursday and Friday. Our government has also not provided a rationale for its inaction.

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Government should support UN resolutions on women and children

Civil society calls on government to support resolutions to address violence against women & to end child marriage currently before the UN Human Rights Council

Three important resolutions to address violence and discrimination against women and girls have been tabled at the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. One focuses on the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, another on accelerating efforts to eliminate violence against women by engaging men and boys in preventing and responding to violence against all women and girls, and the other on child, early and forced marriage in humanitarian settings.



All three resolutions contain language that is in line with commitments laid out in South Africas Constitution. All three call on UN member states, including South Africa, to take action to address multiple and intersecting forms of violence against women and girls.



Despite South Africas ongoing crises of violence against women and girls, and despite now familiar reassurances from senior government officials that addressing and preventing violence against women is a national priority, South Africa chose not to join the nearly sixty countries which co- sponsored these resolutions when they were tabled last Thursday at the Human Rights Council.



To date, the South African government has still not indicated whether it will co-sponsor or support these resolutions when they go before the Human Rights Council this Thursday and Friday. Our government has also not provided a rationale for its inaction.



The civil society organisations listed below call on the South African Government to endorse these resolutions by immediately signing on as co-sponsors, opposing any hostile amendments tabled by conservative states and by voting for the resolutions later this week.



As womens rights and gender equality organisations, we expect South Africa to act in line with its commitments to human rights as contained in national, regional and international law. Over the years we have observed an inconsistent approach by South Africa to womens rights in UN and other inter-governmental spaces. This flies in the face of South Africas hard won largely progressive legislative framework on womens rights. It also sends a message domestically that addressing violence and discrimination against women is simply not a priority in the face of other agendas.



All three resolutions contain progressive language and include commitments to action sorely needed to address and prevent endemic violence and discrimination against women in South Africa. None contain any language that could be construed as conflicting with our own laws.



While nearly 60 countries co-sponsored these resolutions, South Africa, a member of the Human Rights Council, has to date failed to indicate whether it will follow suit.



Drafted by Canada and co-sponsored by sixty countries including Ghana, Rwanda and Botswana, the Resolution on Accelerating Efforts to Eliminate Violence against Women is the first resolution ever in the Human Rights Council to call on States to implement strategies to engage men and boys in preventing and responding to violence against all women and girls. It includes strong and clearly articulated strategies sorely needed in South Africa. For instance, it identifies patriarchal norms as a root cause of gender based violence and it calls on States to design, implement and regularly monitor the impact of national policies, programmes and strategies that address the roles and responsibilities of men and boys, including through transforming social-cultural norms and traditional and customary practices that condone violence against women and girls.... Amidst concerns about the inadequacy of funding for womens rights organizations, the resolution includes important language ensuring resources for women and girls are not compromised in order to fund initiatives focused on engaging men and boys.



The resolution drafted by Mexico and Colombia on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and Girls was co-sponsored by forty-three countries, including Botswana and Rwanda in the Africa Group. It also includes commitments needed here at home. It urges States to challenge patriarchal attitudes and eliminate gender stereotypes, address unequal power relations that view women and girls as subordinate to men, reaffirms womens bodily autonomy and right to make decisions over their lives and health, and calls on States to collaborate with womens and community-based organizations, feminist groups, women human rights defenders and girls and youth-led organizations. These are all measures that are sorely needed in South Africa.



The resolution drafted by El Salvador and Sierra Leone on Child, Early and Forced Marriage in Humanitarian Settings represents an important step in putting the issue of child marriage in humanitarian contexts on the agenda of governments, UN agencies, humanitarian actors and others in crisis contexts. It calls upon States and a wide range of other actors to take specific actions to address child marriage, and for the first time says that these efforts are particularly important in humanitarian contexts. It advances the debate on child marriage in the UN context by acknowledging the basic need for access to justice, sexual and reproductive health and civil registration/vital statistics in humanitarian situations as ways to address child marriage; condemning attacks on educational institutions; and, by acknowledging that gender inequality is the root cause of child marriage.



The civil society organisations listed below call on government to indicate its support for these resolutions by immediately co-sponsoring them and opposing any hostile amendments proposed to limit their scope and potential impact.



We expect our Government to uphold the values and commitments enshrined in our constitution and in national law, including to equality, health, dignity, and physical and psychological integrity. Now more than ever we need clear and unequivocal action to advance womens rights and to end violence against women and all forms of discrimination.



Endorsed by:



Amandla.Mobi

Centre for Applied Legal Studies, University of Witwatersrand

Centre for Law and Society, University of Cape Town

Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction, Rhodes University

Coalition of African Lesbians

Equal Education Law Centre

Gender, Health & Justice Research Unit - Faculty of Health Sciences - University of Cape Town

Grassroot Soccer South Africa

Lawyers Against Abuse

Lawyers for Human Rights

Optimystic Bikers Against Abuse

Metro Community Service

MOSIAC

Rock Girl

Shukumisa Campaign

Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition

Sonke Gender Justice

Teddy Bear Foundation

Thando Care

The Southern Africa Litigation Centre

Treatment Action Campaign

Triangle Project

Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture

Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre to End Violence Against Women

Vanessa Japtha (personal capacity)

Wish Associates

MEDIA CONTACTS:



Dean Peacock, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice, dean@genderjustice.org.za, +27 72 461 7751



Nondumiso Nsibande, Executive Director, Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre to end Violence Against Women, nondumiso@tlac.org.za, +27 11 403 4267
A civilian was killed and at least 12 people injured when clashes erupted between security forces and protesters at Kakapora after three LeT militants were gunned down.

Clashes erupted between security forces and protesters after three LeT militants were gunned down in Pulwama. (File photo for representation)

By Ashraf Wani: A civilian was killed and at least 12 people were injured in clashes between security forces and protesters at Kakapora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district today.

The clashes erupted after three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants - Majid Mir, Shariq Ahmad and Irshad Ahmad - were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama that began on Wednesday evening. An Army Major was injured in the fierce exchange of gunfire.

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Police had to resort to tear gas shelling and aerial firing after people assembled near the encounter site early today and clashed with them and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The militants were killed in Kakapora area in a joint operation by the security forces including Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police spokesman said.

"All three slain militants belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. Three weapons have been recovered from them," he said.

Internet services in south Kashmir had been blocked in some areas, and authorities have decided to close colleges and schools in Pulwama today to avoid any protests.

ALSO READ | Kashmir: Three LeT militants killed in encounter with security forces in Pulwama district

ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir: Centre, state spending crores on separatist leaders, alleges RTI activist

ALSO WATCH | Stone pelting in Kashmir's Pulwama, Shopian amid shutdown over student's killing in encounter

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Britax is recalling about 207,000 infant car seats because the chest clip can break.

If the chest clip breaks, that can pose a choking hazard to the infant.

The recall involves chest clips on certain B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite and Bob B-Safe 35 infant car seats manufactured between November 1, 2015 and May 31, 2017.

Britax is sending a free remedy kit to owners who've registered their product.

You can confirm your car seat is a part of the recall and request the remedy kit by visiting

.

Britax says the car seats remain safe in a crash without the chest clip until the remedy kit can be installed.

A document and a video on the Britax website both explain how to switch out the clip for the replacement.

Britax is unaware of any injuries related to the problem.
KP Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts.

By India Today Web Desk: A 57-year-old Kerala farmer has committed suicide in a village near here after revenue officials refused to accept his land tax. The government has ordered a probe into the incident.

KP Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts.

Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years. Following a huge public outcry over the incident, village revenue assistant Sirish was suspended today for dereliction of duty.

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State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran today said the incident was most unfortunate.

"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media.

Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.

State Power Minister MM Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy today, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.

"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here.

According to the local people, Joy and his family had some time backstaged a one-day protest before the village office when the revenue officials failed to collect his land tax. Following that protest, the authorities accepted the land tax.

However, in 2017 again Joy was treated roughly by the officials. This, tghe locals said, forced him to write a letter to the officials that he would have no other option but to commit suicide if the authorities did not accept his land tax.

Village Council chief Shiji said the state authorities were requested to extend a helping hand to the family. "We requested them to provide a state government job to one member of the deceased's family."

Shiji also said that it was understood that Joy had taken a loan of Rs 1 million.

Kozhikode District Collector UV Jose who arrived to pacify the furious locals assured action against the erring officials.

Jose said he would see to it that Joy's land tax was accepted, and that he would recommend write-off of Joy's loan and a state government job to one of his family members.

Joy is survived by his wife and three daughters. While two of his daughters were married, the third is a student.

ALSO READ | Madhya Pradesh: Another debt-ridden farmer commits suicide; eleventh in a week

Tamil Nadu farmers threaten to agitate again over Palanisamy government's controversial report on suicide

ALSO WATCH | Maharashtra: Farmers stage massive stir over land grab near Kalyan

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China News on Women





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And it's going to cost them USD 113,850 (Rs 73,41,674) for the whole procedure.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Popular Hollywood couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have reportedly hired a surrogate to have their third child.

According to sources, the deal will cost the couple USD 113,850 (Rs 73,41,674), reports tmz.com.

The pair made the decision after discovering that Kim suffered from placenta accreta -- a condition that makes another pregnancy life-threatening.

The couple, who currently have daughter North and son Saint, have used an agency to source a surrogate and they will pay her the USD 45,000 in 10 monthly installments of USD 4,500.

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Kim and Kanye are also required to deposit USD 68,850 with the agency.

My baby girl turned 4 years old today! She's my light & my everything!!! I love you to the moon & back North A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Jun 15, 2017 at 11:33pm PDT

"The surrogate is required to refrain from smoking, drinking and drugs during the pregnancy. She also agrees to restrict sexual activities in the weeks leading up to the pregnancy, including foregoing sexual intercourse for three weeks following embryo implantation," the source said.

"The surrogate cannot go in hot tubs or saunas, cannot handle or change cat litter, apply hair dye, drink more than one caffeinated beverage per day or eat raw fish," the source added.

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Canadian siting studies for commercial IMSR

22 June 2017

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Terrestrial Energy has begun a feasibility study for the siting of the first commercial Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' (CNL) Chalk River site, with a further vision of creating a technology hub at CNL to support the commercialisation of small modular reactors (SMR).

A vision of an ISMR facility (Image: Terrestrial Energy/CC-BY-SA)

Terrestrial Energy said the study is being conducted by CNL and in parallel with a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) that CNL launched on 2 June. CNL will use the responses to the RFEOI to inform a roadmap taking into account the considerations of reactor developers, the supply chain, end users and other stakeholders. The organisation aims to position itself as a key partner in the development and deployment of SMRs.

Terrestrial Energy CEO Simon Irish said the company, which aims to deploy the IMSR in the 2020s, was pleased to begin the process to identify a suitable location to build the plant.

"Supporting the research, licensing and siting of Canada's first advanced reactors is an important part of CNL's long-term plan," he said.

CNL and Terrestrial Energy last year signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct testing and validation activities in support of Terrestrial's IMSR engineering program. The non-exclusive agreement covers a range of CNL services including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, metallurgy, chemistry, waste management and decommissioning. CNL is not restricted from building other nuclear reactor designs, and Terrestrial is not restricted from building IMSRs at other locations.

Terrestrial is also examining sites in the USA for its first commercial plant, including the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and additional sites east of the Mississippi River. The company said in January it plans to start pre-application interactions with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission this year and to make its licensing application in late 2019.

Molten salt reactors use fuel dissolved in a molten fluoride or chloride salt which functions as both the fuel (producing the heat) and the coolant (transporting the heat away and ultimately to the power plant). This means that such a reactor could not suffer from a loss of coolant leading to a meltdown. Terrestrial's IMSR integrates the primary reactor components, including primary heat exchangers, to a secondary clean salt circuit, in a sealed and replaceable core vessel. It is designed as a modular reactor for factory fabrication, and could be used for electricity production and industrial process heat generation.

CNL's RFEOI was launched following the release of the nuclear research and technology organisation's long-term plan, which set out a vision for the future of Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario after the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor closes down on 31 March 2018 after 60 years of operations. The NRU is one of the largest and most versatile high-flux research reactors in the world, and an important supplier of medical isotopes.

The strategy's science and technology goals include the siting of a new SMR by 2026.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News
UK regulator identifies 11 proposals for research

21 June 2017

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The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has 53 research projects and proposals amounting to about 1.2 million ($1.5 million) in its Regulatory Research Register for 2016-17, which it published last week.

The ONR is the public body set up under the Energy Act 2013 as the independent, statutory regulator of nuclear safety, nuclear security, and conventional health and safety at nuclear sites. The Act enables ONR to carry out or commission research in connection with its purposes and supports delivery of its vision of being an exemplary regulator, it notes in the report.

Of the 53 it identified, 11 proposals for action this financial year amounted to expenditure of 500,000. A further 48,000 was allocated for attendance and participation in research activities, such as conferences, seminars and other related engagements, together with membership subscriptions for various research topic groups. In previous years, ONR's structural integrity specialism - particularly its graphite research program - was managed as a separate research activity. For 2016-17 this activity has been merged with its wider regulatory research.

ONR's research objectives are contained in its research strategy published in August 2015. This states that ONR will use research to support its independent regulatory decision-making, based on objective scientific and technical understanding of the safety issues. The main objectives of the strategy are to ensure that ONR's inspectors form their regulatory judgements "confidently and effectively using sound, up-to-date scientific and technical information".

Potential research needs and opportunities, to achieve ONR's objectives, are identified through its 15 specialisms, including: fault analysis; human and organisational capability; mechanical engineering; radioactive waste/nuclear liabilities; radiation protection and criticality; process and chemical engineering; security; and structural integrity.

Research proposals pass through a selection procedure, utilising defined principles and criteria to screen and prioritise our research proposals and check they are aligned with ONR's strategy. Research proposals carried forward are "translated into specifications" and then discussed with ONR's stakeholders, for example, the environment agencies, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the wider nuclear industry and key research providers.

This "seeks to deliver maximum value" from its research activities, ensures duplication of work is avoided and promotes the sharing of good practice as widely as possible, it said. Research proposals that have successfully progressed through this process are added to the Regulatory Research Register.

Changing landscape

In the 2016-2017 report, the ONR says the nuclear landscape is "changing rapidly", with the nuclear industry poised to expand as plans to design and build several new nuclear power stations and emergent small modular reactor technology develop. With this changing landscape it is important that ONR positions itself to ensure it can adequately meet the challenges, it added.

Research plays a critical role in its understanding of a wide range of complex, often unique challenges, it said. Its research needs differ from many organisations in that they support its independent regulatory decision making and ensure its regulatory processes remain robust, it said. This needs to be based on objective scientific and technical understanding of the safety and security issues that may arise, it added.

Anthony Hart, director of ONR's Technical Division, a role which encompasses ONR's research portfolio, said the annual report includes case studies that "show how our research strategy has helped support ONR's enabling regulatory approach, in addition to informing the development of relevant good practice".

The first case study, 'radiation protection risks arising from using non air-fed suits', gained the following "safety intelligence", it said: use heart rate monitors with alarms; only ask workers to undertake one entry per day to allow sufficient resting time; ensure good hydration and rehydration is available; tight controls warranted over non air-fed suit activities when using non permeable PVC suits in high temperature environments.

The second, 'graphite core ageing', recommends: identification of inherent uncertainties which are present in predictions of graphite core ageing; advice to ONR in determining whether the licensee has made reasonable assumptions and appropriately accounted for uncertainty in its predictive models of graphite core behaviour; and advice to ONR in determining whether the limits and margins within the licensee's graphite core safety case are adequate to support continued safe operation.

The third, 'prediction of pressurised water reactor fuel behaviour in faults', states that "it is now feasible to better quantify the uncertainty in critical heat flux for boiling conditions, though further research is needed to do this with precision for dryout". The ONR now has "an enhanced objective basis" for critical assessment of the safety cases for PWR type stations, it said.

The ONR's research evaluation process is still to be finalised, it said, but it is developing a strategy in which it reviews the regulatory impact and value for money when its projects are completed.

"As we enter a new financial year, our research team will continue to identity ONR's needs to ensure that we are equipped to meet the regulatory challenges arising from the evolving nuclear industry. This will include reviewing our strategy and identifying areas that are framed around innovation and technology," it said.

11 actions

A spokesman for ONR told World Nuclear News yesterday that, following discussions with licensees and stakeholders, it had "confirmed the industry were already funding most of the identified work" and thus of the 53 proposals, ONR had identified 11 for action.

"These were mainly across Fault Studies (Internal Hazards and Fuel and Core), Chemistry, Structural Integrity and Radiological Protection specialisms," he said. "Since then, three projects have now been completed and findings published. Five are live ongoing contracts or memberships of coordinated research programs.

These are:

RRR-018 - THAI 3 (OECD-NEA program to further investigate issues specific for Water Cooled Reactors under severe accident conditions: fission product behaviour, hydrogen mitigation and combustion);

RRR-019 - STEM 2 (OECD-NEA program on Iodine Chemistry in Reactor Accidents);

RRR-027 - NDT Research on Structural Integrity;

RRR-023 - Use of Burn-Up Credit (BUC) to Improve Assessment of Criticality Risk;

RRR-053 - Research to provide support to ONR in Nuclear Graphite Structural Integrity.

Three were deferred and will now be undertaken in 2017-18.

These are: RRR-011 - Oil Mist Explosions; RRR-021 - Research into Board Performance, Corporate Governance relevant Good Practice and Impact on Nuclear Safety; and RRR-023 - Review of Methods and Products either in use or having potential for use within the Nuclear Industry for Asset Management of Long Term Decommissioned Facilities or Equipment Exposed to Severe Environmental Conditions.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
The export of guns, ammunition, firearm parts, and accessories is classified under the small arms and weapons trade. The trade is constantly growing, with countries increasing their net production of small arms weapons. Most industrialized countries rank high among the leading producers of weaponry due to their advanced technological know-how, financial stability, and improved research in the development of new weapons. Countries in Asia and Africa are the major importers of these arms, due to the heightened conflicts in the regions. The sale and demand for small arms keep the vicious cycle of conflict going. The proliferation of small arms (legal and Illegal) has been linked to increased rates of armed crimes, murders, and wars in developing countries in Asia and Africa. The widening of the market for small arms has led to increased investment in weaponry research to develop many powerful and compact weapons that are easy to carry around. The number of people with access to small arms is also on the rise for reasons such as prestige and security. Guns and firearms are a major contributing factor to the decline of animal species in the wild due to increased sport and illegal game hunting.

10. Czech Republic ($318 Million USD)

The Czech Republic is the tenth leading exporter of small arms raising about $318 million. The defense in the country has been growing steadily due to increased insecurity and warfare which has increased the demand for small and light weapons as well as their accessories. Czech Republic exports its arms to Ukraine, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Algeria, the US, and Slovenia.

9. Brazil ($365 Million USD)

The growth of the small arms and light weapons trade in Brazil has increased over the years. Brazil exports guns, ammunition, firearms, and firearm accessories worth $365 million to more than 100 countries, mainly conflict stricken countries in the Middle East and Asia. The export of these weapons to fragile countries has been criticized by the United Nations and other humanitarian bodies, as the weapons are used in the abuse of human rights. Brazil is one of the leading small arms producers with small arms companies such as Taurus and the Avibras Industria Aerospacial.

8. Austria ($414 Million USD)

Austria makes about $414 million from the export of small arms and light weapons and their accessories making it the eighth leading exporter of small arms. Austrias small trade industry mainly fulfills the external weapon demand due to a small, unreliable domestic market. Austria exports its guns, ammunitions, firearms, and firearm accessories to the US and Asian countries. Glock and Steyr Mannlicher are the leading weapon manufacturers in Austria.

7. South Korea ($438 Million USD)

South Korea generates $438 million from the export of guns, ammunition, firearms, and accessories. South Korea began developing its defense industry through partnerships with the US. Several South Korean arms companies such as Samsung and LIG Nex1 are listed among the top manufacturers in the world. The growth of defense industry has experienced enormous growth and by 2007 motivated South Korea to pursue the global market which placed the country among the world's top exporters of arms. South Korea exports its weapons to Iraq, Indonesia, the UK, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Philippines.

6. Turkey ($443 Million USD)

Turkey is one of the countries with an increasing level of independence in the production of its weapons. For more than ten years, Turkey has increased its small arms production consequently placing the country on the list of the worlds leading small arms and light weapons exporters. The small arms industry in Turkey generates about $443 million. Turkey exports its weapons to the US, Germany, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Britain, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey has been striving to modernize its army and has seen tremendous growth of the defense industry which has subsequently contributed to the growth of the small arms industry.

5. Belgium ($517 Million USD)

Belgium receives revenue of $517 million from the export of small arms, light weapons, and their accessories making the country the fifth leading exporter in the category. Most of these weapons are exported to the unstable Middle East countries, primarily Saudi Arabia. Other countries that import Belgium small arms include countries in the European Union and the US. Belgium ranks high in countries with transparent weapon trading systems.

4. Germany ($578 Million USD)

Germany is the fourth leading country in small arms exporting and generates a revenue of $578 million. The weapon industry in Germany is one of the leading and most technically advanced industries in the world. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea are the top importers of Germanys small arms. Despite the restrictive policies relating to the sales of small arms to conflict zones, the industry keeps expanding with more sales recorded annually

3. Israel ($868 Million USD)

The weapon industry in Israel was developed in the 1920s through illegal weapon manufacturing by Zionist movements. The industry has grown steadily since independence to become one of the worlds leading small arms exporter. Previously, most of its small arms were exported to the third world and communist countries. Israel exports arms worth about $868 million. Most of these arms are exported to more than 130 countries especially in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and India. India is currently the largest arms market for Israel.

2. Italy ($1.71 Billion USD)

Italy has the second largest small arms export industry after the US. Italy generates a revenue of about $1.7 billion. The United Arab Emirates, India, Turkey, Peru, Spain, and Chile are the leading importers of Italys small arms. The small arms industry grew rapidly between 2011 and 2014 due to the global financial crisis which forced the country to export more. As a result, Italys arms sales depend hugely on external rather than domestic orders for the weapons.

1. USA ($5.02 Billion USD)

The US is the worlds leading exporter of small arms with sales of about $5.02 billion. The US exports most of its weapons to war-torn countries and the Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and African countries such as Egypt. In these countries, the US has established a market stronghold which keeps growing. The US small arms industry is projected to keep growing due to investment in weaponry research and development. Top manufacturing companies in the US include Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Government Of Tajikistan

The government of Tajikistan operates under a presidential republic system, which means the president acts as both head of state and head of government. Tajikistan has gradually moved toward more political stability in recent years. Its status as a prior member of the Soviet Union left the country in political turmoil after its independence in 1991. The country has struggled with civil war, Taliban control, drug trafficking, and violence. The constitution of Tajikistan, established in 1994 and last amended in 2003, outlines a separation of political powers through 3 branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Executive Branch Of The Government Of Tajikistan

The executive branch consists of the president, prime minister, and Council of Ministers. The president of Tajikistan is elected by a direct vote, which means the general population submits ballots for the candidate they want in office. As of 2003, the presidential office is limited to 2 terms of 7 years each.

The prime minister is appointed by the president to head the Supreme Assembly and ensure that the Council of Ministers carries out legislative duties as enacted by the legislative branch. The Council of Ministers was previously made up of 19 ministers, 9 committee directors, and 2 deputy prime ministers. After the 2006 presidential election, President Rakhmon eliminated 10 minister positions and 5 committees.

Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Tajikistan

The legislative branch of government is made up of the Supreme Assembly, which has been a bicameral body since 1999. This legislative body is separated into 2 divisions: the Assembly of Representatives and the National Assembly. Together, these groups work to pass legislation and regulations that must be carried out by the Council of Ministers in all government functions.

The Assembly of Representatives is considered the lower legislative house. It has 63 members, who are elected to serve a 5-year term. The election process for representatives varies: 41 are elected based on a single-seat per constituency method and 22 are elected based on proportional representation. The Assembly of Representatives meets from November through June each year. Currently, the Peoples Democratic Party holds majority representation with 51 seats.

The National Assembly acts as the upper house of the legislative branch. It has 33 members, who are either elected or appointed to serve 5-year terms. The president appoints 8 seats, while the other 25 seats are elected by local-level assemblies. The National Assembly convenes two times a year.

Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Tajikistan

The judicial branch of Tajikistan operates independently of the executive and legislative branches. The legal system is often influenced by bribery and corruption, and the constitutional rights of citizens are often overlooked. The country's hierarchy of courts begins at the local level and continues through the district, regional, and national levels. Most cases are first heard by local level courts, and may then be appealed to the next highest level.

The president appoints judges to serve 10-year terms for the following national-level courts: the Supreme Economic Court, the Constitutional Court (which hears cases concerning the interpretation of the Constitution), and the Supreme Court (which serves as the highest court of appeals in the country).
Mount Everest is the worlds highest mountain with its peak at 29,029 feet. Mount Everest has attracted the attention of many explorers, both in past and present generation. Climbing routes have been established over several decades of the mountains climbing expedition. It is not clear whether the mountain was climbed in the ancient times. However, it may have been climbed in 1924. The first recorded summitting of Mount Everest occurred in 1953 and by 1987, only 200 people had summitted the mountain. By 2012, the mountain had been summitted over 5,650 times with about 223 deaths. Some of the people who have summitted Mount Everest the greatest number of times include:

Apa Sherpa

Apa Sherpa is a Nepalese mountaineer who holds the record alongside Phurba Tashi for having visited the top of Mount Everest more than any other climber. He made his 21st summit in 2011 as part of the Eco Everest Expedition. Apa was born in Thame in the Everest region of Nepal in 1960. After four attempts, he reached the summit of Mount Everest for the first time on May 10, 1990, together with a team from New Zealand that was led by Rob Hall. He began his work as a Sherpa for high altitude expedition in 1990 and made it to the top every year between 1990 and 2011 except for 1996 and 2001. All of his ascents except three have been in the month of May.

Phurba Tashi Sherpa

Phurba Tashi Sherpa is known for jointly holding the record for the most ascents of Mount Everest. He also holds the record for most total ascents of 30 including 21 ascents on Mount Everest, 5 on Cho Oyu, and one on both Lhotse and Shishapangma. He reached the summit of Mount Everest for the 21st time on May 21, 2013, and summitted the mountain three times in 2007. Tashi is the key figure in the 2015 documentary which highlights the events of the 2014 Mount Everest ice avalanches. He has retired from mountaineering and currently stays in Khumjung, Nepal.

Ang Dorje Sherpa

Ang Dorje is a Nepali mountaineering guide and climber who has summitted Mount Everest 18 times. He is well known for the expedition to the Everest in the spring of 1996 when a freak storm led to the death of eight people from several expeditions which are considered as the most disastrous in the history of the Everest mountaineering. He reached the summit of Everest for the 18th time in 2016 having ascended the mountain for the first time in 1992. He has also ascended Cho Oyu seven times since 1995 and has also ascended several other mountains including Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, and Ama Dablam.

Dave Hahn

Dave Hahn is a mountain guide and a journalist who also lectures in a university in Japan. He has summitted Mount Everest the most number of times than any non-Sherpa climber having reached the summit 15 times. He reached the summit for the 15th time in May 2013 having summitted Mount Everest for the first time in 1994. His other accomplishments include summitting Vinson Massif 35 times and reaching the summit of Denali 21 times over the course of 30 expeditions.
A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

By Press Trust of India: A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

The lawsuit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

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Greens counsel Kilgore and Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of defendants obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapurs discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."

"His termination was in violation of defendants policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.

"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination...Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," he said.

The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to June 28, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the "discriminatory nature of Infosyss employment practices".

Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.

Infosys co-founder Mohandas Pai told PTI, "The filing of lawsuit by Green against Infosys alleging employee discrimination will not have any bearings on the companys intent to hire 10,000 Americans in next two years."

"It will not affect the recruitment because it is very difficult to hire 10,000 people in two years. Its a tall target, and one quarter is nearly over.. These are statements that one can make to please politicians," he said.

Earlier, Head Hunters India founder and MD K Lakshmikanth had said the move to hire 10,000 American workers in next two years "can be seen as an act of Infosys to appease Trumps administration, which could file legal suites against IT companies, including Infosys for misuse of H-1B work visas programme".

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Pai, a former director of Infosys, said, "Since Infosys is not an American company, it is very easy to level charges of discrimination, and nobody wants to go for trial."

ALSO READ:

Infosys denies reports of co-founders selling stake

Infosys may hire 20,000 Indians despite layoffs

ALSO WATCH:

Infosys to hire 10,000 US workers, set up 4 innovation hubs

--- ENDS ---
Bridge above river (illustration)

By: Emily Lewis WorldWideWeirdNews.com

(Scroll down for video) A bank robber risked his life to get away from police, according to police in Missouri.

The St. Charles Police Department said that they have arrested 44-year-old Austin Denson, after being accused of robbing the Gateway Metro Federal Credit Union.

Denson was charged with three counts of first-degree robbery, three counts of armed criminal action, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was taken to the hospital after suffering life threatening injuries.

According to the police investigation, on Monday, at around 10:00 a.m., Denson entered the Gateway Metro Federal Credit Union located in the 1400 block of Jungermann Road.

He disguised himself with a fake beard. He pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and demanded cash.

Denson left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police caught up with Denson as he was getting into his car. Denson fled from the scene and headed to the Blanchette Bridge.

He parked his car on the eastbound lanes, and jumped off the bridge into the Missouri River. Witnesses at the scene said that Denson was not wearing a life vest and it appeared as if he wanted to kill himself by drowning.

Luckily, members of the Pattonville Fire Protection District were able to get to Denson in time and he was pulled out of the water.
Hacienda Classical Featuring University Lecturer and DJ to Open Glastonbury Festival Main Stage

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 22nd, 2017

Hacienda Classical featuring Wrexham Glyndwr University lecturer and DJ Graeme Park is to open this years Glastonbury Festival main stage.

The live show  which sees seminal dance classics from the days of the Manchester club reworked with Manchester Camerata orchestra, conductor Tim Crooks and guests  will kick-off the three day festival in the prestigious Friday morning Pyramid Stage slot.

Original Hacienda DJ partnership Graeme Park and Mike Pickering worked with Joy Division and New Orders Peter Hook to bring the show to the stage for the first time last year.

This years Hacienda Classical has been made bigger and better, and Graeme says the Glastonbury crowd can expect a dynamic and energetic performance.

He said: The only difference between this one and our other shows is that Glastonbury is shorter  we only have 45 minutes so we had some serious editing to do. But were very pleased with the result.

Although Ive DJd at Glastonbury many times in the Unfairground, Im very nervous and excited to be opening the Pyramid stage with the show.

Its a real honour and privilege to be performing on this iconic stage that has played host to many legendary performers.

Weve known for a while, but had to keep it quiet which was incredibly difficult. A few of my colleagues at Glyndwr go every year and it was very hard not to tell them until it was officially announced, added Graeme, who lectures on the universitys creative media technology degree courses.

Hacienda club nights have continued at venues around the country since the club closed and Graeme says the lower age group at these provided the spark for Hacienda Classical.

We wanted to come up with something that would keep the original Hacienda heads happy, because the audiences at Hacienda club nights were getting younger which meant we were playing more and more contemporary tunes, Graeme explained.

People who went to the Hacienda in the 80s and 90s dont go out as often as they used to and when they do they want to hear the tunes we used to play.

The scoring and classical arranging has taken simple, basic acid house from Chicago and Detroit to a new, euphoric level.

It proves that the people who made these tunes on cheap synthesisers and basic drum machines really knew what they were doing. All of the riffs and top lines translate to classical, analogue musicianship beautifully.

We had no idea that the first show would work until we rehearsed it. This year we knew that it would work and that it would be better.

The audience response and feedback certainly backs this up and weve had rave reviews.

Hacienda Classical executive producer Peter Hook said: After forty years in the music business I still count my three appearances at Glastonbury as the peaks of my career.

To be back with Hacienda Classical in 2017 is another landmark moment and is dedicated to Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton to celebrate their contribution to British music and culture.

Hacienda Classical with Graeme Park, Mike Pickering and Manchester Camerata Orchestra plus guests play Glastonbury Festival from 10.45-11.30am on Friday 23 June.

A full list of other 2017 Hacienda Classical dates and details of how to buy tickets can be found here.

Photo credit: Yannis Hostelidis
Police Boss to Spend Day on The Streets to Raise The Profile of Homeless People in Wrexham

This article is old - Published: Monday, Jun 19th, 2017

A police boss is taking to the streets of Wrexham to experience first hand exactly what life is like for the growing number of homeless people in the town.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones will be taking part in the sponsored Day on the Streets organised by AVOW  the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham  on Saturday 15th July.

Mr Jones will take to the streets as part of a group of between 20 and 30 people and spend 12 hours, from 8am until 8pm, going through the same laborious and precarious routine followed by many homeless people.

At the same time as highlighting their plight, the former police inspector aims to raise as much cash as possible for the charity, Wrexham Homeless. Any funds raised will go towards supplying those in need with sleeping bags, tents, food and warm clothing.

Recent figures released by the Welsh Government revealed that Wrexham has the second highest rate of rough sleeping in Wales after Cardiff with numbers up nearly 60% in a year.

A snapshot sample taken last November revealed North Waless largest town had the most with 27 people spotted bedding down outside at night. The numbers were up 59% from the 17 people who were spotted during a similar count taken in November, 2015.

A local charity dealing with the problem says there are currently about 30 people homeless people in Wrexham.

Peter Jones, a substance misuse volunteer co-ordinator with AVOW who is organising the day, explained that similar sponsored events in the town have raised a few hundred pounds for the Wrexham Homeless Charity.

He continued: Its usually an overnight sleep-out to simulate the hardships of spending the night outdoors but this is the first time well be doing it in the daytime. Thats because we believe 8am-8pm is the most difficult period for the homeless.

The night shelter in Holt Road where many of the homeless spend the night closes at 8am and they have to leave which means they have to find somewhere to go until it opens again at 8pm.

If they go into public buildings or bus shelters they can be moved on and if they have a Public Space Protection Order against them and go into the town centre they can be arrested for breaching it, so sleeping is the easy bit.

The event next month will begin at the Ty Nos night shelter on Holt Road, before participants are spilt into groups and are dispersed across the town for 12 hours.

There will also be a visit to Ty Croeso adult support centre on Grosvenor Road during the morning for a cup of tea and slice of toast, however after that participants are on their own for the rest of the day.

Organisers say the event will be made as realistic as possible, with those taking part carrying only a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or blanket.

Tanya Jones, manager of the Wrexham-based Rough Sleeper Intervention Programme run by the charity Wallich and recently won the PCCs People Award in his annual community awards, said Mr Joness involvement in Day on the Streets was very welcome.

Its incredibly important for him to be taking part and helping to raise the profile of homeless people in Wrexham, she said.

Being homeless is not just about sleeping out overnight but also the long daytime hours when people have nothing in their pockets and nowhere to go and are constantly being moved on.

Our clients have to deal with this for months and months on end. It can be soul-destroying and very lonely. Its important that the PCC sees this at first-hand.

The number of homeless people in Wrexham is escalating and it doesnt look like there will be any decrease in the figures. We estimate there are currently about 30 people either accessing the local night shelter or sleeping rough.

Arfon Jones said: It should be a very interesting and informative exercise and provide a real insight into the homeless problem in Wrexham.

Lots of people see a person suffering homelessness as spending their nights on the streets but for the rest of the time they are sitting on park benches and in doorways day after day, week after week, month after month. Theyre often asked to move on in all weathers carrying everything they own in a rucksack or carrier bag.

On July 15 well be experiencing exactly what this is like without funds and walking the streets.

He added: The reason Im getting involved is that theres a lot of correlation between substance abuse, mental health issues and homelessness.

The symptoms of all three of these things are similar  anti-social behaviour and criminal activity  because often the only way a homeless person can survive is by shoplifting and the only way they can feed themselves is via a charitable organisation.

If you are able to reduce the level of homelessness you can reduce harm to the individual who is homeless, reduce crime and offending and provide reassurance to the public who are fearful of homeless people.

Everyone is welcome to come and join us on July 15 and together we can hopefully make this a massive success.

I have set up a sponsorship page on Just Giving and my initial target figure is 500, although Im hoping to raise quite a bit more.

For those wishing to help sponsor forms are available from Ty Croeso at 31a Grosvenor Road, Wrexham, LL11 1BT, or via Mr Joness sponsorship page.
Wrexham Glyndwr University Presented With Silver Award in Teaching Excellence Framework

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 22nd, 2017

Wrexham Glyndwr University has received a Silver award for the quality of its teaching in a prominent new academic ranking.

The University was presented with a silver medal under the new Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) which was released today.

The independent study found the institution encourages high levels of student engagement, technology-enhanced learning and industry relevance in the curriculum.

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor, congratulated staff on the achievement.

The TEF is a scheme introduced by the government to measure academic delivery, giving it a quality rating of gold, silver or bronze, said Professor Hinfelaar.

We will be able to carry the TEF Silver badge for three years, placing us on a par with many excellent universities that have strong national and international reputations.

A panel made up of students, academics, widening participation experts and employers decided the assessment outcomes.

Overall they judged that Wrexham Glyndwr University delivers high quality teaching, learning and outcomes for its students and consistently exceeds rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education.

Professor Claire Taylor, Deputy-Vice Chancellor, paid tribute to staff for their continued dedication to putting the student and inclusivity at the heart of everything they do.

As one of the top universities in the UK for widening participation we value, support and enable excellent teaching, said Professor Taylor.

Our applied approach to learning, teaching and research, underpinned by excellent personalised support for students has resulted in good student feedback and student outcomes over the last year, and thats something we plan to further improve.

She added: We are delighted to receive a silver award and will strive to maintain and build upon this tremendous result.

The key purpose of the TEF is to: Give students clear information about where teaching quality is best and where students have achieved the best outcomes; and to Encourage a stronger focus on the quality of teaching in higher education.

Participating universities make submissions that are a combination of data  for example National Student Survey and graduate employability data  and a written submission.

The panel considered the University submission in relation to the TEF criteria and its judgement reflects, in particular, evidence of:

 Course design and assessment practices providing high levels of stretch, with work-based learning and curricula matching regional priorities.

 Teaching which encourages high levels of student engagement and commitment to learning with high levels of interaction with industry, business and the public sector ensuring currency and relevance in the curriculum.

 An institutional culture that facilitates excellent teaching through staff and student-led teaching awards, comprehensive professional development and an annual conference.

 High quality physical and digital resources including investment in new buildings and study spaces together with technology-enhanced learning and teaching facilities, which are used by students to enhance learning.

Travis Davies, Vice President of the Universitys Students Union, said the achievement reflects the dedication of staff and their attitude towards higher learning.

We work closely with the lecturers and the quality of teaching and the relationship they have with students is first class, so its no surprise to see the University rewarded in this way, said Travis.

Sarah Ellis, CEO of the Students Union, added: Competition for a place at university is tougher than ever, so this is another positive message to those joining Wrexham Glyndwr  your education is at the top of our agenda.

Further information about the award can be found here.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) Delhi is set to witness a major infrastructure upgrade as key projects such as underground tunnel through Pragati Maidan, signal-free corridor from Modi Mill flyover to the IIT Delhi, and extension of the Ashram flyover were approved today by Lt Governor Anil Baijal.

The decision was taken by the Lt Governor after chairing the 54th Governing Body Meeting of the Unified Traffic & Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) or UTTIPEC, at the Raj Niwas here.

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He also emphasised that these projects must see time- bound implementation on the ground so that there are no time and cost overruns. The L-G also stressed on giving importance to pedestrians and cyclists in the plan.

The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), principal secretary (PWD), Secretary-cum- Commissioner (Transport) of Delhi government, Chief Architect (DMRC), besides senior officials from the DDA.

The UTTIPEC is the planning body of the DDA. The Lt Governor is the chairman of the DDA.

The underground tunnel, proposed to be made through ITPOs Pragati Maidan will connect Mathura Road to Ring Road. The project includes underground U-turns on Mathura Road.

"Construction of two underpasses on the Outer Ring Road between Gopalpur Red light and Jagatpur Bridge to facilitate the right turning of light motor vehicles coming from Wazirabad side and going towards Jagatpur village was also approved," a senior official said.

Short term plan to decongest the Najafgarh area that includes one way traffic circulation around Phirni road along with Non Motorized Vehicles (NMV) lanes was also accorded approval.

"Other projects approved today include corridor development plan of GT Road from Old Yamuna Bridge to Apsara Border including, doubling of existing Seelampur flyover. Proposal also includes a two-way flyover on Shastri Park junction along with two clover-leaves to decongest the Shastri Park junction," he said.

Extension of existing Ashram flyover upto DND/Ring Road to facilitate right turning movement for traffic coming from Kilokari village towards Lajpat Nagar side was also given a nod.

"Provision of stack parkings in place of brick-and-mortar parking complexes, street furniture, landscaping etc which can leverage the latest technology as well as enhance the beautification of the roads were also emphasised upon," the official added.

The Lt Governor also approved the proposal of grade separators on the Outer Ring Road that includes connecting existing Modi Mill flyover with existing Kalkaji flyover.

Doubling of Savitri Cinema flyover, two-way flyover on Malviya Nagar junction and proposal of underpass along Marginal bund road on its intersection with Wazirabad road was also given a green signal.

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Underground pedestrian connectivity from Kidwai Nagar GPRA towards Delhi Haat side across Aurobindo Marg, and multi -modal integration of the six existing metro stations i.e. Shastri Nagar, Jahangirpuri, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Dwarka Mor, Nehru Place to provide the last mile connectivity for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles, were also given a go- ahead by the Governing Body of the UTTIPEC. PTI KND DIP

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Among the 4 farmers who committed suicide in the past 24 hours are 48-year-old Gulri Kurmi of Sagar, Mahesh Tiwari of Chhattarpur, Shatrughan Meena of Hoshangabad and Shyam Yadhuvanshi of Chindwara.

By Hemender Sharma: Four farmers committed suicide in different parts of Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths since June 6 to 19, after farmers protest in Mandsaur turned violent.

Five farmers were killed in police firing in Mandsaur on June 6 while one farmer died on June 8 after suffering critical injures during police lathi-charge.

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Among the 4 farmers who committed suicide in the past 24 hours are 48-year-old Gulri Kurmi of Sagar, Mahesh Tiwari of Chhattarpur, Shatrughan Meena of Hoshangabad and Shyam Yadhuvanshi of Chindwara.

Gulri Kurmi of Khimlasa village in Sagar left behind a suicide note in which he alleged that his farming land had been usurped by moneylenders. According to the suicide note, he owed Rs 2.5 lakh to a money lender of the same village.

Mahesh Tiwary of Narayanpur village in Chhattarpur district, who committed suicide by consuming poison, suffered losses of Rs 90,000 and he took the extreme step as he had nothing to give to the landlord from whom he had taken the farming land on rent, his family members said.

Shatrughan Meena of Godia village in Hoshangabad district too committed suicide by consuming pesticide. According to his family members, he owed Rs 12 lakh to banks and money lenders, and had suffered losses in farming this year.

Shyam Yadhuvanshi of Chindwara, who committed suicide by consuming pesticide, owned 2.5 acres of land and owed 1.5 lakh to a private bank. He also owed around 25,000 to money lenders.

The state government, however, continues to stay in denial and has refused to attribute debt traps and distress as causes that are forcing farmers to take their own lives.

Also read: Kerala farmer commits suicide, government initiates probe

Also read: Maharashtra: Farmers clash with police, block highway near Thane, several cops injured

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In the wake of Sundays US shoot-down of a Syrian fighter plane and the following days warning from Russia that it will treat all American warplanes flying west of the Euphrates River as targets for its surface-to-air missiles, the threat of an armed confrontation between the worlds two largest nuclear powers is now greater than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis nearly 55 years ago.

This threat, which carries with it the grim prospect of the annihilation of humanity, is the product of a calculated escalation on the part of US imperialism.

The downing of the Syrian fighter marked the first time in this century that a US warplane has shot down the plane of another country. The last instance of such aerial combat took place in 1999 during the US-NATO war against Serbia, when an American fighter plane shot down a Serbian MiG.

The gravity of the event was underscored Tuesday with Australias announcement that it is grounding its planes that have been flying over Syria. Australia was one of the few members of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition that made any significant contribution to the increasingly murderous US air campaign against both Iraq and Syria. While the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, responded to the Russian threat with bravado, extolling the ability of US pilots to take care of themselves, the Australian military clearly believes that one of its planes could be brought down.

The escalation of the conflict continued Tuesday with a US warplane shooting down an Iranian drone in southeastern Syria.

What will be the consequences if a Russian surface-to-air missile battery fires on a US plane seen as posing an imminent threat to Moscows forces on the ground in Syria, or, for that matter, if a US warplane painted with the radar of a Russian SAM site takes preemptive action?

No one knows. Complacent US foreign policy experts insist that the last thing either Washington or Moscow wants is a nuclear conflagration, and, therefore, it will not happen. This fallacious argument is then employed to justify unbridled US aggression.

The supposed rationality of capitalist ruling classes has again and again proven no deterrent to the outbreak of catastrophic wars. As former defense secretary Robert McNamara recalled in the documentary Fog of War, during the Cuban missile crisis, Rational individualsKennedy, Khrushchev and Castrocame that close to total destruction of their societies.

In a number of ways, the current situation is even more combustible than that in 1962. At that time, the demand of the fascistic Air Force chief of staff, Gen. Curtis LeMay, that he be allowed to bomb Russian missile sites in Cuba was overruled by President Kennedy. Today, US military policy in Syria, and for that matter in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe, has been delegated by Trump to a cabal of active-duty and recently retired generals, headed by Defense Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis, as well as to area commanders, whose outlook, in most cases, does not differ from that of LeMay.

A glimpse of their attitude toward the Syrian crisis was provided by a recent forum of the Council on Foreign Affairs featuring the longtime Pentagon advisor on both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Kimberly Kagan.

Kagan, who now heads the Institute of the Study of War, first invoked the tired pretext of the war on terror as the justification for the US intervention. Syria, she asserted, represented a vital national security threat because it was exporting terror and terror groups from its borders. She acknowledged that ISIS posed a threat, but went on to insist that Al Qaeda posed an even greater danger because it had been allowed to carve out its own safe haven in Idlib province.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Syria is not an exporter of terror, but rather the victim of the Al Qaeda-linked militias that were unleashed upon the country by the CIA and Washingtons regional allies in a war for regime change. As for Al Qaedas safe haven, it has been defended by the US, which has repeatedly denounced the Syrian government and Russia for bombing these so-called rebels and insisted that only ISIS can be targeted.

Kagan dispensed with her twisted arguments about terrorism to concentrate on the real concerns within the US military and intelligence apparatus. Iran and Russia posed a long-term strategic threat to the US, she argued, because of their military presence in Syria, challenging American dominance of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

The threat was to be dealt with by the US military seizing for itself a base of operations in what is eastern Syria, along the Euphrates, from Raqqa in the north to the Iraqi and Jordanian borders to the south. One of the aims of the American intervention, she stated, would be to energize Sunni populations in the Euphrates River zone, which has been a hotbed of ISIS support, but before it, Al Qaida support. In other words, Washington will seek to reignite the sectarian war for regime change based on Sunni Islamist militias, but this time with American boots on the ground.

How many US troops will this operation require? I dont know, Kagan said. Its not 150,000 guys. But its got to be enough to be present and to extend presence forward. Key to this military adventure, she added, was to prepare for what the Russians and the Iranians will try to do to respond.

In other words, what is being preparedbehind the backs of the American people and without any debate, much less a shred of legalityis another full-scale Middle East war directed not just at Syrian regime change, but at confronting Iran and nuclear-armed Russia.

Nor is this conflict confined to the Middle East. Also reported on Tuesday was a Russian jet armed with air-to-air missiles intercepting a US RC-135 spy plane over the Baltic Sea near the strategic Russian military base at Kaliningrad, with the two planes reportedly coming within five feet of each other. Each side accused the other of operating dangerously.

Meanwhile, NATO held a ceremony in the former Soviet Baltic republic of Latvia to mark what it said was the full deployment of a 4,500-strong deterrent force on Russias border. The Pentagon recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers and other aircraft as well as Army units to the region for exercises. Russia has reportedly countered with a buildup of its own on its western border.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he didnt see any imminent threat of an armed confrontation in the Baltic region, but Russias ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, described the military dynamic as dangerous.

The American media has treated the escalating confrontation in the Middle East and the heightened tensions in the Baltics as virtual nonissues. At the first White House press briefing held in over a week, press secretary Sean Spicer made no statement regarding recent US military actions in Syria and the assembled poodles of the press corps didnt ask him a single question on the growing war danger.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, working in close sync with the Pentagon and the CIA, has conducted an unrelenting campaign of anti-Russian hysteria aimed at creating a new, ostensibly liberal, constituency for war among privileged layers of the middle class. Democrats have endorsed every new act of military escalation in Syria, demanding only that the Trump administration present a comprehensive plan for war and, in some cases, calling for the passage of a new authorization for use of military force to legitimize military aggression.

The efforts of the Democratic Party and the pseudo-left organizations that orbit it notwithstanding, the same crisis of US and world capitalism that gives rise to war also produces its opposite, the growth of the class struggle and ripening of the objective conditions for socialist revolution. The most urgent task is the development of a mass political movement of the working class in opposition to war and its source, the capitalist system.
The WSWS warned last September that hysterical media accusations about Chinese agents of influence in Australian politics and society raised the prospect of political purges, police raids, mass arrests and internment camps for traitors and enemy aliens.

With the renewal of a McCarthyite-like anti-Chinese campaign over recent weeks, that prospect is becoming ever-closer to reality. The Liberal-National Party Coalition government has initiated an inquiry by the Attorney-Generals Department, tasked with proposing updates to legislation relating to treason and espionage, as well as new laws against foreign interference.

The inquiry has been given bipartisan support by not only the opposition Labor Party, but the Greens and the various populist third parties in the parliament.

A Joint Committee on Security and Intelligence hearing last week provided an ominous insight into the type of police-state measures being contemplated. The committee consists of 11 Coalition and Labor representatives from both houses of parliament. Its current chair is Andrew Hastie, a right-wing Liberal MP and former Army and Special Air Services (SAS) officer, who did tours of Afghanistan in 2010 and 2013 and the Middle East in 20142015. Elected to parliament only in 2016, he has been rapidly elevated based on his military credentials.

The committee took testimony from Heather Cook, the acting head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), who declared: Foreign interference is happening in Australia.

Cook did not directly name China but she did not need to. The state-owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Fairfax Media newspapers are conducting a joint investigation into Chinese Communist Party influence in Australia and have acknowledged that ASIO is the primary source of their information.

Serving as ASIOs conduit, the media has implied that Chinese and Chinese-Australian business figures, leading establishment politicians and personalities, universities, Chinese-language newspapers, and Chinese students studying in Australia are allconsciously or notpart of an attempt by the Chinese regime to shift Australian foreign policy toward Beijing and away from the US alliance.

In this context, Cook told the parliamentary committee: Foreign powers want to gain advantage for their nation or to disadvantage us. They were trying, she asserted, to influence our polity, bureaucracy and civil society ... and clandestinely interfere in Australias affairs. Their activities, she claimed, were extensive, unrelenting and increasingly sophisticated.

Cook proceeded to outline ASIOs demands. The intelligence agency wants the draconian powers it has been granted since 2002 on the fraudulent pretext of combatting terrorism to be extended to all areas of security.

Under anti-terror legislation, ASIO can seize a person suspected of terrorist activities and secretly hold them for questioning for up to seven days, without charges. Those interrogated cannot tell anyone they have been detained. Cook declared: The fact that we dont have it open to us under our current legislative regime, to be able to use a power such as compulsive questioning in the espionage and foreign interference space, is definitely a limitation.

Cooks statements have sweeping implications. Through the media, ASIO has indicated that it considers any expression of political opposition to Australian and US policy toward China as the possible outcome of foreign influence.

If ASIO is granted the powers it is demanding, the organisers of a demonstration opposing Australian military involvement in US-backed freedom of navigation operations against Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea could potentially be hauled in, held and questioned for seven days, ostensibly to determine whether they are Chinese government agents of influence.

Cook proceeded to insist that the age limit at which ASIO can detain people for compulsive questioning be lowered from 16 to just 14. She also indicated that ASIO wants the attorney-general to have the power to verbally grant search warrants against people suspected of aiding foreign interference, rather than ASIO and the police having to wait for a written document.

While the Attorney-Generals Department considers such measures, a parallel inquiry by Special Minister of State Scott Ryan is drawing up proposed revisions to Australias political donation laws. Currently, foreign corporations can donate to political parties and political pressure groups such as GetUp! Liberal and Labor, in particular, receive millions of dollars each year from American, European, Japanese and Chinese-based companies.

The Coalition government has mooted that it will table legislation by the end of this year banning such donations. This will make the establishment parties even more dependent on the donations they receive from Australian banks and corporationsthe majority of which have extensive share-holder interests from American-based finance capital.

The campaign to purge Chinese influence from the Australian establishment reflects the immeasurably greater influence of American imperialism.

Washington considers Australia an essential ally in the Indo-Pacific region. It hosts critical communications and spying facilities, and provides air and naval bases for American forces. US strategic documents, recalling how the Australian continent was used to wage the initial stages of the Pacific War against Japan from 1942, designate it as a sanctuary in the event of a major war against China.

Washington both cultivates and relies upon a vast network of pro-US elements in the major political parties, business, the media and the military-intelligence apparatus to prevent any shift by Australia from its strategic alignment with the US. American intrigue in the country increased significantly over the past decade, as China emerged as Australias largest trading partner and factions within the ruling elite began suggesting a refashioning of foreign policy in response.

Of even greater concern to both Washington and the pro-US constituency is that large sections of the Australian working class and youth are opposed to any more involvement in American-led interventions and wars.

The 2017 survey of public opinion by the Lowy Institute, a strategic think tank, underscores the contradictory and volatile popular sentiments. Reflecting the general affinity with the American people, the majority of the population supports the US alliance. A clear majority, however, opposes participation in a war against China over disputed territories and islands; or against Russia even if it invaded one of its neighbours. Despite the media hysteria over the threat posed by North Korea, a majority opposes any involvement in a war on the Korean Peninsula.

The media propaganda against China is aimed at silencing anti-war sentiment by stoking nationalism and chauvinism. The legislative changes being discussed seek to give the state apparatus powers to carry out the violent political repression of opposition, which will take increasingly overt forms as the dangers of war increase.
After last weeks acquittal of Jeronimo Yanez, the Minnesota police officer who shot and killed Philando Castile, additional material from the case has become publicly available. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released a heartbreaking video from the inside of a patrol car in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Castile.

The arrest of Diamond Reynolds, fiance of Philando Castile

Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter were placed in a patrol car for almost an hour after the shooting. Reynolds, who courageously livestreamed the immediate aftermath of the shooting on Facebook Live, was handcuffed and unable to hug her young daughter.

Reynolds daughter tries to comfort her, saying, Mom, please stop cussing and screaming because I dont want you to get shooted. Later, she tells her mother, I could keep you safe.

When Reynolds implies she could take off her handcuffs if she wanted, her daughter implores, No please, no, I dont want you to get shooted!

Such is America, where a four-year old girl who just saw a man shot to death by police comforts her mother out of fear that she could be next.

I wish this town was safer  I dont want it to be like this anymore, the little girl says. Her mother sadly says, Tell that to the police, okay? Tell them you wish they didnt have to kill people.

Police dashcam footage of Philando Castile fatal shooting

Another video released on Tuesday shows the shooting of Castile from the point of view of the police dash-cam. After an initial, calm exchange, Castile informs the police officer that he has a weapon on him, as is standard procedure for someone who has a license to carry a firearm.

Yanez tells him not to reach for it, and as Castile and Reynolds both assert that he is not reaching for it, Yanez within seconds fires seven rounds into the car, killing Castile.
This is an account published in Nasha Zhizn on June 19 (June 6, O.S.) of a speech delivered by Trotsky on June 18 (June 5, O.S.), 1917, at the First All-Russian Congress of Soviets held in Petrograd. In it he addresses the slanders being spread by Kadet leader Pavel Miliukov and others that he and Lenin were agents of the German government. In the passage from Miliukovs speech that the editors of Trotskys works included in the second note, both Lenin and Trotsky are accused of not only working for the German government, but of preaching permanent revolution.

Trotsky cited a passage from Miliukovs speech that was given by the latter at a special meeting of the State Duma. In talking about Robert Grimm [1], Miliukov compared Lenin and Trotsky with Kolyshko [2]. Trotsky said:

Miliukov accuses us of being hired agents of the German government. As I am speaking from this tribune of revolutionary democracy, I appeal to the honest Russian press (Trotsky turned to the journalists table) with a request that my words be published: until Miliukov removes this charge against us, he will bear on his forehead the stamp of a dishonest slanderer.

Trotskys declaration, delivered with force and dignity, met with a unanimous ovation from the entire audience. The whole Congress, regardless of factions, wildly applauded for several minutes.

Nasha Zhizn [Our Life] N. 41,

June 6/19, 1917

Notes by the Editors of Trotskys Works:

[1] Robert Grimmleader of the Swiss Social-Democratic Party. During the war, Grimm actively participated in the Zimmerwald Conference, although he was essentially a pacifist, rather than a revolutionary. In 1917 Grimm came to Russia, evidently with the intention of taking an active part in concluding a peace between Russia and Germany, thereby saving the Russian Revolution. All the clamor raised by the bourgeois press stemmed from the following: in Petersburg Grimm received a telegram (seized by counter-intelligence) in which a member of the Swiss government, Hoffman, told Grimm about the beneficial prospects for Germany concerning the conclusion of a separate peace between Germany and Russia. This telegram was a reply to Grimms query; as we noted, Grimm endeavored to serve as an intermediary between the warring countries. The bourgeois press raised a furious howl, accusing Grimm, and all the Zimmerwaldists along with him, of being German agents. Terrorized by all this, the Soviet leaders immediately sent Grimm abroad.

[2] The speech by Miliukov mentioned by comrade Trotsky was delivered by Miliukov at a private meeting of members of the State Duma on June 3 at Rodziankos place, addressing foreign policy. In view of the fact that it was precisely from this moment on that the uncontrolled slander of leaders of the left Soviet opposition begins, directed in particular against Lenin and Trotsky, we are providing in full an excerpt from the aforementioned speech by Miliukov in which he refers to comrade Trotsky:

Unfortunately, the provocative step of the Germans is not the only one: Germany seeks a separate peace not only at the front, in the trenches, it seeks one even in Russia. And here in Petrograd there suddenly appears the very chairman of the Zimmerwald conference, Robert Grimm, a figure very well known among all European Social-Democrats. I must say that in my capacity as minister I denied Robert Grimm entry into Russia, knowing that Robert Grimm is an agent of the German government. Today we read in the newspapers that Robert Grimm has been sent back across the border by the joint ministry with the participation of socialist-ministers. Only now did they learn that Robert Grimm is an agent of the German authorities, and that as an agent he is an intermediary, over the heads of the government, once again for the same issuethe question of a separate peace. There is still one more lamentable fact of the same kind. As you know, the rather famous writer Kolyshko was recently arrested; he has been writing under the name of Bayan and Serenky in various newspapers. His arrest has revealed unexpected things. It turns out that Mr. Kolyshko has been earning a great deal of German money by working for the removal from the first ministry the minister of war, Guchkov, and the minister of foreign affairs, Miliukov. Thus, the German activity is not limited to academic proposals for a separate peace. Highly energetic and purely practical work is being conducted. Working in parallel with the ideologists of Kienthal and Zimmerwald, the German agents are pursuing aims that are pleasing, on the one hand, to our extreme parties, and on the other hand, to the German government. We must add only one thingour Provisional Government arrested Kolyshko and drove out Robert Grimm. But Lenin and Trotsky are once again preaching permanent revolution, and their comrades, having sinned quite enough against all the paragraphs of the criminal code, are at liberty and are spreading their infection throughout Russian society and in the Russian army. I think that we must wish that our government be consistent and shift [their focus] from foreign and bourgeois agitators to socialist agitators, but of the same type. Let us wish that at some point Lenin, too, and his comrades are sent to the same place where Kolyshko now resides. (Rech [Speech], 4/17 June 1917).
On June 16, Amazon announced a bid to purchase US grocery giant Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. The deal, which is expected to close later this year, sent Amazons shares soaring and netted $2.88 billion for CEO Jeff Bezos in a single day.

The Whole Foods purchase gives Amazon a foothold in the $800 billion grocery industry and ownership of over 460 grocery stores across the US, Canada and Great Britain. The expansion is an expression of the unprecedented concentration of economic power among a handful of corporations that dominate the world capitalist economy.

The Wall Street Journal reported on June 17 that Amazons purchase is just the most extreme example of a larger, more consequential phenomenonthe fact that many businesses across industries are going to get bought or bulldozed and power and wealth will be concentrated in the hands of a few companies in a way not seen since the Gilded Age Were going to have to ask ourselves, as a country and as a civilization, just how much power were comfortable having consolidated in the hands of so few businesses.

The move foretells a ruthless assault on the jobs, wages and working conditions of Whole Foods workers, which will mark a new stage in the assault on all retail service workers. Bloomberg News noted that Amazon wants fewer employees in each [Whole Foods] store, with those who remain providing product expertise, rather than performing mundane tasks. Amazon workers horror stories of super-exploitation will give Whole Foods workers an idea of what they can expect.

Amazon has not only grown to become the largest online retailer, it increasingly owns the infrastructure of the marketplace, netting $1 out of every $2 spent online. Its algorithms conduct the flow of billions of dollars of products across the world each day. It has used its domination of the online market as a springboard into other industries, leveraging its economic clout to drive less powerful companies out of business by artificially lowering prices and then sweeping up market share.

Lina Khah wrote in a 2017 Yale Law Journal in regard to Amazons growing monopoly, that in addition to being a retailer, Amazon is a marketing platform, a delivery and logistics network, a payment service, a credit lender, an auction house, a major book publisher, a producer of television and films, a fashion designer, a hardware manufacturer, and a leading provider of cloud server space and computing power. For the most part, Amazon has expanded into these areas by acquiring existing firms.

Amazons cloud data storage service, for example, controls 33 percent of total market share, more than Microsoft, IBM and Google combined. Its clients include leading corporations and the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency and Department of Defense.

The company controls a significant portion of the logistical veins of international distribution, linking together roughly 400,000 warehouse workers at hundreds of fulfillment centers spread across five continents. Amazon commands a fleet of trucks, freighters, drones and airplanes, plus a small army of Uber-like flex delivery drivers who transport goods to over 100 countries.

Amazons growing dominance is part of a broader concentration of power across all industries. The share of GDP produced by Americas largest 100 corporations rose from 33 percent in 1994 to 46 percent in 2013. The five largest American banks now account for 45 percent of total banking assets, nearly double from 25 percent in 2000.

Each industryairlines, telecommunications, health care, computers, pharmaceuticals, etc.is dominated by a smaller and smaller number of corporations. This is the product of deliberate policies enacted by the Democratic and Republican Parties gutting corporate regulations and pulling the teeth from already meager anti-trust laws from the early and mid-20th century.

As a result, mega corporations are linked by a common network of owners concentrated in the financial industry. A small number of Wall Street firms own most of Amazon and Whole Foods, with institutional shareholders owning 62 percent and 93 percent, respectively. Three financial companiesBlackRock, Vanguard and State Streetare among the largest institutional shareholders of both Amazon and Whole Foods.

When their ownership stakes are combined, these three financial institutions represent the largest shareholder of 1,662 of the 3,900 publicly traded US corporations, employing over 23 million people and with a market capitalization almost equal to the GDP of the United States.

The domination of the banks and monopolies fuels competition among corporations to intensify the extraction of surplus labor value from their workforces, drastically expanding social inequality.

One 2017 study by two academics from Colombia University and the University of Girona in Spain, titled Finance and the Global Decline of the Labour Share, found that up to 57 percent of labors declining share of world income is explained by the growing domination of finance capital over the world economy, further enriching the financial oligarchy. According to US data from a 2016 report by economists Saez, Picketty and Zucman, 89 percent of all corporate equities are owned by the wealthiest 10 percent of the population.

Amazons vast international operation testifies to another subterranean process taking place in the world economy. The organization of global supply lines, spurred by advancements in the areas of communication, transportation and engineering, are transforming social relations, linking the international working class in different industries together in the process of production like never before.

The conditions for bringing the world economy into harmony with the needs of the human race are already present. But under capitalism, these progressive tendencies are turned against the working class and society as a whole. The advances in technology and the global integration of production become weapons in the hands of the capitalist class to destroy jobs and living standards for the broad masses of people, while the conflict between the global character of economic life and the nation-state system of capitalism erupts in the form of militarism and war.

What is required is the socialist transformation of the world economy, expropriating the wealth of corporations like Amazon and turning them from for-profit exploitative giants into international public services, organized and directed democratically by the workers themselves.

Amazons international logistics network is a prime example. Instead of enriching Amazon shareholders and facilitating the exploitation of the working class, the precision and rationality of Amazons supply lines could be used to rationally organize the distribution of goods across the world, from each region according to its ability, to each region according to its need, on a real-time basis.

Amazons vast data troves and its Echo device could be used to detect emergencies, disasters or areas of general social need. At the click of a button, workers could direct the distribution of medical equipment, building materials, clean water and food from all corners of the world. Thousands of schools, libraries, museums, hospitals, theaters, water treatment facilities and parks could be built. Geographic limitations would no longer determine the availability of resources or the cultural level of the inhabitants.

In May, the International Committee of the Fourth International launched the International Amazon Workers Voice, an online publication aimed at reporting on the struggles of hundreds of thousands of Amazon workers and providing a political strategy based on the understanding that the fight against this international behemoth requires an internationally unified response. The IAWV has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from workers in dozens of countries, thousands of whom follow the IAWV on Facebook.

The growing opposition to the company dictatorship among Amazon workers reflects the response of the working class to social inequality and the concentration of wealth and power among a handful of banks and corporations.

To defend their rights, workers must establish their own factory committees, based on the principle of the class struggle and free from the influence of the company, the nationalist and pro-capitalist trade unions, and the parties of the ruling class. The aim of these committees will be to link up with their class brothers and sisters around the world in a united international fight. This must be connected to a political struggle of the entire working class to end the dictatorship of the giant banks and corporations and establish a society based on social need, not private profit.

To learn more, contact the IAWV today and join the fight for socialism.
Former Milwaukee police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown, 24, was acquitted on Wednesday of all charges related to the police murder of Sylville Smith, 23, last August. The killing sparked protests in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee that saw the torching of cop cars and a handful of nearby businesses, as well as the mobilization of the National Guard.

The acquittal of Heaggan-Brown comes only days after the acquittal of Jeronimo Yanez, the police officer who killed Philando Castile in Minnesota last July.

Smith, who was African American, was reportedly suspected of being involved in a drug deal because he had out-of-state license plates. Heaggan-Brown, also African American, pulled over Smith and then, after Smith fled, engaged in a foot chase.

A graphic video from Heaggan-Browns partners body camera shows the quick and horrific resolution of the chase: The two police officers chased Smith to the area between two houses, where Smith encountered a fence. Smith, who was holding a gun by the barrel, attempted to throw it over the fence, presumably to surrender to the police unarmed so he could live.

Heaggan-Brown then shot Smith in the arm, and Smith fell to the ground on his back. Less than two seconds after the first shot, with Smith on the ground and his gun over the fence and out of reach, Heaggan-Brown fired the second shot. This shot was fatal, with the New York Times saying, An official from Milwaukee Countys medical examiners office said that the second shot traveled through Mr. Smiths heart and lung and was not survivable.

It took a mere 12 seconds from the beginning of the foot chase to the fatal shot.

Prosecutions in police killings are rare, and convictions are even rarer. It is likely that without the significant protests and unrest in Milwaukee after the killing, there would not even have been a trial.

As it stands, Heaggan-Brown was fired from the Milwaukee Police Department in October 2016 after an internal investigation into a separate incident. According to the Times, the night after the shooting, Heaggan-Brown went to a bar, met a man, drank heavily and bragged about being able to do whatever he wanted without repercussions.

Heaggan-Brown then allegedly raped the man and left him at a hospital the next day. Afterwards he texted his superior to receive help, saying that he needed to handle this in the most secret and right way possible.

Because the charges related to that incident are to be handled separately from the killing of Smith, information related to the alleged rape was not presented to the jurors to factor into Wednesdays decision.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, who prosecuted Heaggan-Brown for the killing of Smith, argued that while the first shotwhen Smith was tossing the gun over the fencewas justified, the second shotwhen Smith was unarmed, injured and on the groundwas not.

Heaggan-Browns defense argued that the officer followed police procedure when he fired the fatal shot into Smiths chest. According to his lawyer, Heaggan-Brown, like all Milwaukee police officers, was taught to follow the one-plus rule, meaning officers should always assume that someone with one weapon may have another, even if there is no direct evidence for this.

Based on this, Heaggan-Browns lawyers argued that, because Smiths arms were reaching toward his waist as he tumbled on the ground (no doubt a result of gravity and pain more than conscious intent), it was reasonable for Heaggan-Brown to fear that Smith was going to draw and use another weapon.

Jonathan Smith, Heaggan-Browns lawyer, said, A gunfight doesnt end until the threat is stoppedalthough, of course, the threat had stopped when Smith had thrown his gun away and fell to the ground injured.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted during the protests against Smiths killing, police killings are ultimately rooted in the class dynamic of the United States, including its deep and growing poverty and inequality. Whatever the role racism may playa 2011 analysis of traffic stop data found that African American drivers were more than seven times as likely as white drivers to be pulled over by the MPDthe war waged by the American ruling class has been directed at the working class of all races.

It is worth noting in this context that Smith, Heaggan-Brown, and fascistic Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke are all African American. While racial minorities are affected disproportionately by police brutality, whites still make up a majority or plurality of police killings. A perspective that boils down every aspect of American society to race cannot adequately explain, let alone combat, police violence or any other social phenomenon rooted in capitalism itself.
Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May set out her governments legislative agenda yesterday in the Queens Speech. It is widely acknowledged to be her first and last one.

May called a snap general election in June, fully two years ahead of schedule, hoping to use the crisis in the Labour Party to secure a significant increase in her governments narrow 17-seat majority. This was so as to force through policies of greater militarism and austerity, especially in the wake of last years vote for Britain to leave the European Union (EU).

Instead, popular disaffection over seven years of government spending cuts, saw her government reduced to a minorityseven seats short of the 326 required.

It is the first time in more than 40 years that a legislative programme has been set out by a minority government. The last was in 1974 when the then Conservative Premier Edward Heath also called a snap election, only to lose it to a Labour minority. In Junes election, although Labour increased its number of seats to 262, it does not have enough to govern without support from the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and others. Even then, it would still fall short of an absolute majority.

May had hoped to get a confidence and supply agreement with the 10 MPs from the ultra-right Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). This would mean the DUP backing May on key votes, crucially in preventing it being brought down by motions of no confidence. If May were to lose such a motion, or her legislative programme is voted down next week, the path would be cleared for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to form an alternative administration.

Eleven days ago, the government claimed it had reached agreement with the DUP but was forced to backtrack. Senior DUP sources complained they were being shown a lack of respect. This is in reference to criticisms of the partys hostility to gay marriage and abortion, amongst other democratic rights.

Sinn Fein and others have warned that any Tory/DUP deal would undermine the rigorous impartiality required of the British government under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. If any agreement is reached, it will face a legal challenge in the High Court on the grounds that it breaches the power-sharing arrangements.

Neither the threat of renewed conflict, nor the DUPs ties to loyalist paramilitary organisations, is what caused the stalemate, however. According to reports, May is holding out against DUP demands for an increase in public spending in Northern Ireland, and cuts in corporation tax, which the government is concerned would ignite similar demands across the UK.

The state opening of parliament underscored the degree to which the prime minister herself is, to all intents and purposes, the political equivalent of a human shield. Her many opponents in the Tory party are keeping her in position only so long as it enables them to regroup and, especially, implement their demands for a hard Brexit.

In the period since May called the election, the UK has seen three terror attacksin Manchester and Londonand the terrible blaze at Grenfell Tower, in west London that killed at least 79 people.

Both have laid bare, in the most devastating way, the human cost of the foreign and domestic policy pursued by successive governments.

The war on terror has been used to dismantle democratic rights, while the security and intelligence agencies have cultivated a network of Islamic extremists that are allowed to operate without hindrance because of their use-value in British imperialisms regime-change operations in the Middle East.

Likewise, the Grenfell Tower infernoin which the lives of working class people were knowingly jeopardised in the interests of cost cuttingstands as a grisly monument to the Thatcherite neo-liberal agenda enforced by the Tories, Labour and Liberal Democrats alike over the last four decades.

May had pledged to respond with humility and resolve to the message the electorate sent. She did nothing of the sort.

While the government has postponed its most contentious planssuch as junking free school lunches and forcing the elderly to agree to the sale of their homes in return for social carethere was no commitment to end austerity, or even to ease the freeze on public sector pay and welfare benefits.

The real attitude to working people was shown by the response to Grenfell Tower. While apologising for the failure of the state, local and national, to help people when they needed it most, May made no acknowledgement that it was the collusion between government policy and business interests that turned the high-rise into a death trap.

Nor was there any guarantee as regards future housing and compensation for all those affected, much less legal action against those responsible. All that was forthcoming was the pledge for a public inquiry that will produce yet another cover-up and the introduction of an independent public advocate, who will act for bereaved families after a public disastera sign that the ruling elite are fully reconciled to another such horror.

Most of the legislation outlined centred on the bourgeoisies main preoccupationBrexit. Negotiations on the terms of Britains exit from the EU began on Monday. Having pledged to win a massive mandate that would force the EU powers to accept all of its demands, the government is now so weakened that Brexit Secretary David Davis had to carry out a u-turn and accept the EU timetable in which the terms of the divorce must be agreed before discussions on future trade terms commence.

A section of the Tory Party, represented by Chancellor Philip Hammond, want a softer Brexit, based around a comprehensive trade agreement, a transitional deal for when negotiations end in 2019, and an option to maintain open borders. Hammond had outlined this policy in his annual Mansion House speech Monday, which was backed by Bank of England chief Mark Carney and the Institute of Directors.

Their stance represents significant sections of the City of London and big business that fear being cut out of EU markets. Automakers have said the government must keep the UK in the EU single market and customs union for at least five years or risk permanent damage to the industry.

Mays election debacle, however, has left her and the Tory Party even more beholden to its most extreme pro-Brexit wing, and right-wing billionaire media owners, such as Rupert Murdoch.

At the centre of the speech, and overshadowing everything, was the Great Repeal Bill. This is the largest legislative programme undertaken by a government and is intended to transfer existing EU laws and regulationsof which there are more than 19,000into UK law when Brexit is finalised. Described as the largest power-grab by a government in history, it provides for the use of secondary legislationso-called Henry VIII clauseswhich will enable ministers and civil servants to decide which aspects of EU legislation to keep or discard without recourse to parliament.

In addition, separate customs and trade bills, and an immigration bill are to be brought forward. These indicate that May hopes to stick to her pledge to remove Britain from the single market and the customs union, and to overturn free movement.

To this end, it was announced that the Queens Speech will not take place next year, as this parliamentary session will be extended for two years rather than one. This is because May does not expect to be able to get another legislative programme through.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats are to table amendments to the speech, which will be voted on next week. On Wednesday morning, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the Tories had no right to govern and that in the interest of the country, they should stand down.

Corbyn was more circumspect in parliament, presenting himself as a responsible Labour leader and prime minister-in-waiting. Claiming that austerity is a choice, he said a Labour government would ask big business and the rich to pay a little more. On anti-terror measures, he confined himself to criticisms of cuts in police numbers. No mention was made of the danger of war, while he insisted that immigration policy must be decided by what the economy needs.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Corbyn campaigned for a Remain vote. In the General Election, however, he said Labour accepted the Leave vote and would not seek to overturn it.

Asked in parliament to clarify the partys position, Corbyn said Labour would now fight for tariff-free access to the single marketan attempt to square the circle.

But a significant section of the Parliamentary Labour Partyled by many of the Blairites that have led the putsch attempts against Corbyns leadershipare demanding he end such ambiguities and commit to remaining in the single market.

A letter in the Guardian Tuesday was signed by 51 Labour MPs, including Blairite coup plotters Chuka Umunna, Liz Kendall, Ben Bradshaw and Wes Streeting, under the heading, As Labour politicians, we reject a hard-right Brexit, and defend the single market.

In a veiled threat, it set out the price of Corbyns continued leadership. As an ambitious and confident alternative governmentwith Corbyn at the helm, it read, Labour should fight unambiguously for membership of the single market.
Differences have begun to emerge between South Koreas new president, Moon Jae-in, and Washington over the approach to North Korea. Moons administration delayed the full installation of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile battery in South Korea and suggested a return to talks with North Korea if the latter halted its nuclear and missile testing.

An unnamed senior South Korean official told the Yonhap news agency on Sunday that US President Donald Trump expressed his anger over the halt to the THAAD deployment during a meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis on June 8.

Moon called for an environmental impact assessment before the final four THAAD launchers are installed. Two launchers and the accompanying AN/TPY-2 X-band radar are already operational.

Seoul is attempting to smooth over any disagreements ahead of a June 2930 summit in Washington between Moon and Trump. The South Korean president emphasized again on Tuesday: The carrying out of the environmental impact assessment does not mean we are delaying or overturning the [THAAD] deployment. His comment underscores the phony character of Moons posturing as an opponent of THAAD during the presidential election.

In a recent interview with the CBS This Morning program, Moon praised Trump, as he has done in the past. I highly commend President Trumps placing such great importance on the North Korean nuclear issue, and I also believe that thanks to President Trumps approach and attitude, there is a possibility of resolving this issue, he said.

Asked if he would oppose a preemptive attack on North Korea, Moon did not reject such a possibility. I believe that this is something we maywe candiscuss at a later stage when the threat has become even more urgent, he stated.

However, while giving his full support to South Koreas alliance with the US, Moon sought to ameliorate tensions with North Korea and also China. Beijing has repeatedly criticised the US deployment of the THAAD system to South Korea, pointing out that the powerful X-band radar can peer at military installations deep inside China.

Moon has suggested a revival of the so-called Sunshine Policy of former President Kim Dae-jung toward Pyongyang, which was aimed at opening up North Korea as a market and source of cheap labor for South Korean corporations. Speaking last Thursday on the anniversary of the 2000 Joint Declaration that eased tensions between the two Koreas, Moon declared: I clearly state that we can engage in unconditional dialogue if North Korea ceases further provocations with its nuclear program and missiles.

Washington is not willing to make any concessions, however. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Friday: Our position has not changed. For the DPRK [North Korea], for us to engage in talks with the DPRK, they would have to denuclearize. And that is not something were seeing them take any steps to do so.

Trump previously said he would be willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un under the right conditions. Following the death this week of Otto Warmbier, a US citizen held in North Korea for 17 months and released last week in a coma, White House spokesman Sean Spicer effectively ruled out a meeting. Clearly were moving further away, not closer to those conditions, he stated.

Another political figure in Seoul calling for a softer approach to Pyongyang is Professor Moon Chung-in, a special advisor to President Moon. He caused a stir on Friday when he suggested at a seminar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington that the US and South Korea could consider scaling down the use of strategic assets, such as aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, during joint military exercises if North Korea suspends its nuclear and missile programs. Professor Moon said this was part of Seouls plan for incremental, comprehensive and fundamental denuclearization of the North.

Seoul was quick to point out that Moon Chung-ins comments were his own private opinions and not necessarily held by the government. The presidents office contacted the professor and sternly requested he exercise restraint. The proposal to wind back joint US-South Korean military exercises if North Korea freezes its nuclear and missile programs has been made by China and rejected outright by the US.

Robert Manning of the US-based Atlantic Council think tank rejected any scaling back of the exercises. Some of the ideas floated by President Moon and his top advisers seem to be dusting off old sunshine ideas that failed, he said. Manning called for even tougher sanctions against the North, while saying that the USs shows of military force were excessive and counterproductive.

South Korean defense officials announced that two US B-1B strategic bombers took part in training exercises over the Korean Peninsula Tuesday, along with South Korean fighter jets. The officials claimed the drills were routine. In addition, the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey made a port call at Jeju Island. The ship, part of the 7th Fleet, is preparing for joint drills with South Korean and Canadian naval vessels.

Seouls attempts to reach out to Pyongyang cut across the Trump administrations efforts to ratchet up the pressure both on North Korea and China. Secretary of State Tillerson and Defence Secretary Mattis met with top Chinese officials in Washington yesterday and suggested that time was running out for a diplomatic solution to the confrontation with North Korea. By implication, they threatened military action.
Few teachers associations are planning to hold a protest against this decision of the Fadnavis government asking it to rollback the decision.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: A new Government Resolution (GR) of Maharashtra says that now all aided, non-aided, private school and junior college professors have to open their account in Mumbai District Co-operative Bank. The chairman of this bank is BJP leader Pravin Darekar.

The same bank was in news for an alleged scam of Rs 123 crore. There was an FIR also filed against its chairman Darekar.

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Now Shiv Sena leader Prof Manisha Kayande has objected to the GR of the state government.

"On one hand, the government is urging people to use nationalised banks after demonetisation but here the state is asking almost 30,000 teachers and non-teaching staff to open their accounts in a district co-operative bank. And moreover such a bank who's got few ATMs in city and is facing allegations of a scam." said Manisha Kayande.

Further, she added, "Why has the government chosen this bank only? It a pure case of favouritism, nothing else."

Teaching and non-teaching staff of private, aided, non-aided schools and junior colleges are worried and saying what if the bank fails to give them their deposited salary by the government.

Few teachers associations are planning to hold a protest against this decision of the Fadnavis government asking it to rollback the decision.

India Today tried to contact chairman of Mumbai District Co-operative bank Pravin Darekar but he didn't respond.

Also read: Maharashtra: Farmers clash with police, block highway near Thane, several cops injured

Also read: NCP, Shiv Sena slam Venkaiah Naidu for 'loan waiver now a fashion' remark

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The US Supreme Court ruled Monday in Ziglar v. Abbasi that top Bush Administration officials cannot be held personally liable for the unlawful detention and abuse suffered by Moslem immigrants following the 9/11 attacks.

This case began as a federal class action in 2002 filed by immigrants, most of whom were Muslim, over policies and practices that swept hundreds of people into detention centers on immigration violations in the weeks after the 9/11 attack. Most were held in small isolation cells for up to 23 hours at a stretch, subjected to beatings, humiliating searches and other abuses. All were later deported due to their immigration status.

The defendants included former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who is now serving as special counsel to investigate alleged Russian interference in the US presidential election.

The government appealed the denial by the trial court to dismiss the claims against Ashcroft and Mueller on the grounds that government officials cannot be held personally liable for actions performed in their official capacity.

Rachel Meeropol, one of the lead lawyers for the plaintiffs (and the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg), said, No one is above the law. To suggest that the most powerful people in our nation should escape liability when they violate clearly established law defies the most fundamental principle of our legal system.

A divided three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York, ruled in 2015 that this suit could proceed against these top government officials.

The Obama administration subsequently appealed this ruling to the US Supreme Court. In its petition seeking Supreme Court review, the Obama Justice Department urged the justices to put an end to the litigation, urging that the nations highest-ranking law enforcement officials should not be liable for the allegedly improper ways in which their undisputedly constitutional policies were being implemented by lower-level officials during an unprecedented national security crisis.

In its 4-2 ruling the Supreme Court overturned the lower courts decision, assuring that high-ranking government officials will be shielded from any personal liability for damages suffered by victims of federal violations of constitutional rights.

Only six justices heard the case. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan recused themselves because they were involved in the case before they joined the Supreme Court, and newly appointed Justice Neil Gorsuch was not a member of the Court when the case was previously argued.

On behalf of the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy concluded that Congress had the authority to decide whether suits against federal officials for money should be permitted, not the courts.

Kennedy wrote, Allowing a damages suit in this context, or in a like context in other circumstances, would require courts to interfere in an intrusive way with sensitive functions of the Executive Branch. The risk of personal damages liability is more likely to cause an official to second-guess difficult but necessary decisions concerning national-security policy.

Kennedy went on to acknowledge, If the facts alleged in the complaint are true, then what happened to respondents in the days following September 11 was tragic. Nothing in this opinion should be read to condone the treatment to which they contend they were subjected.

Justice Stephen Breyer who took the unusual step of reading his dissent from the bench, was joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Breyer would have allowed the plaintiffs claims to go forward, and he noted the plaintiffs were shackled, slammed against walls and verbally abused.

History tells us of far too many instances where the executive or legislative branch took action during time of war that on later examination, turned out unnecessarily and unreasonably to have deprived American citizens of basic constitutional rights, he said.

One of the many instances that Breyer was alluding to was the notorious Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. United States (1944), in which the Supreme Court infamously declared Japanese internment camps were constitutional on the grounds of military urgency.

The late Justice Antonin Scalia, who Justice Gorsuch has replaced, said in 2014 during a speech at the University of Hawaii, Well of course Korematsu was wrong and I think we have repudiated it in a later case. But you are kidding yourself if you think the same thing will not happen again.

Scalia invoked the Latin expression, Inter arma enim silent leges (roughly, in times of war the law is silent).

Thats what was going onthe panic about the war and the invasion of the Pacific and whatnot. Thats what happens. It was wrong, but I would not be surprised to see it happen again, in time of war. Its no justification, but it is the reality, he said.

The War on Terror, and the imminent threats of even greater wars, is the reality of today and underlies the legal apologetics for this latest assault on democratic rights by the Supreme Court as it does its part in laying the foundations for a police state.
VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - A 5-year-old has been hospitalized for head injuries after a camper detached from a car, causing that car to hit a tractor trailer.

The Georgia State Patrol says that the crash happened Thursday morning at mile marker-18 in Lowndes County.

A 2006 Lincoln Navigator towing a camper trailer, driven by 46-year-old Shawn Losie of Apollo Beach, FL was traveling north on I-75 in the left lane. A 2005 Freightliner tractor trailer, driven 25-year-old Jesus Aguilar of Fontana, CA was also traveling north on I-75 in the middle lane.

GSP says Losie lost control of his car when the camper he was towing began to weave back and forth. They say his car crossed into the middle northbound lane where his trailer became detached.

The trailer then overturned into the left northbound lane.

Troopers say Aguilar swerved to the right lane to avoid hitting Losie. However, the Losie's car ended up traveling into the right lane where it hit Aguilar's Freightliner in the front.

Losie and his front seat passenger, 41-year-old Christina Losie of Apollo Beach, FL both sustained minor injuries.

A five-year-old boy in Losies vehicle sustained a head injury and was transported to South Georgia Medical Center by ambulance.

Aguilar was not injured.

Troopers do not suspect any alcohol or drugs to be a contributing factor in this crash.

I-75 was closed for approximately one hour but has since been re-opened.

Losie was issued a warning for failure to maintain lane.
By Press Trust of India: Kathmandu, Jun 22 (PTI) A yoga camp was organised here by the Indian Embassy which was attended by Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala among others.

Around 500 people, including students from various schools in Kathmandu, performed yogic asanas in the camp organised by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with Osho Tapoban and Kathmandu Patanjali Yoga Kendra.

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Manisha and Yogmata Keko Aikawa from Japan were among the prominent personalities who attended the camp, the Indian Embassy said in a statement.

Indias Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri also attended the event organised to mark the third International Day of Yoga.

Addressing the gathering, Manisha shared her personal experiences of benefits of Yoga for a holistic living and fulfilling life.

The 46-year-old actress turned to Yoga and regained her health after she was diagnosed as a cancer patient. PTI SBP PMS

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LAKE CITY, Fla. (WTXL) - Funeral services are set tomorrow for a Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday.

The Lake City Police Department says that the services for Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant William T. Bishop are set for 11 a.m. on Friday at Christ Central Ministries located at 217 SW Dyal Ave in Lake City.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles says Sgt. Bishop was killed on the side on I-75 near the Alachua/Columbia County line when a car failed to move over.

Lake City PD have warned residents to expect delays on US 90 & US 41 due to the funeral procession.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Foundation National Office at 1355 Peachtree St NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.
THOMASVILLE, GA - Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle will be in Thomasville Thursday, June 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

He will be walking the downtown area, and going to stores to speak with local shop owners and residents.

He'll stop by Kevin's Gun Shop, Grassroots Coffee, and Sweet Grass Dairy among others.
LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - With severe weather comes the issue of standing water.

We've all heard the phrase, "Turn around. Don't drown."

It can take less than two feet of water moving across a roadway to float most vehicles, including SUV's and pickup trucks.

Leon County Emergency Management warns of what's called "washout", where roads can develop holes and depth from being under water.

Fortunately, this recent wave of severe weather hasn't closed any roads, but standing water is a concern whenever significant storms come through.

"Once it's been raining, the water is over a road or some location like that, you can have washout that may not be observed through the water," said Kevin Peters, the emergency management director of Leon County. "The water may be murky with mud and debris in it, so you definitely don't know what you're stepping into or driving into. You want to avoid it at all costs."

In addition to standing water, county officials say it only takes about six inches of moving water to knock someone off their feet, a danger especially for children.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has condemned Punjab Minister Manpreet Badal's beggar jibe for farmers and threatened to move a privilege motion against him in the Assembly.

By India Today Web Desk: After Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal triggered a controversy by comparing kin of debt-ridden farmers who committed suicides with beggars on the streets, the Opposition led by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has sought his unconditional apology.

Manpreet made these remarks in reference to the plight of farmers in the state on June 20.

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Sukhbir Badal not just condemned his estranged cousin Manpreet's insensitive comment, but has also threatened that he will move a privilege motion against him in the Punjab Assembly.

WHAT HAD MANPREET BADAL SAID

Manpreet had said, "Out of compulsion to stop farmers from committing suicides, the Punjab government had increased compensation from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Just as one gives alms to a beggar as one stops at a red light to get rid of him and in doing so encourages him to beg oftener, relatives of farmers who have taken the extreme step are given compensation."

Sukhbir Badal particularly objected to Manpreet's using the phrase 'dafa karo' for beggars on streets and implying the same for farmers. He added that Manpreet would not be allowed to get away with this and demanded an apology from the latter and Congress "not only before the Punjab Assembly, but also from the people of Punjab".

Sukhbir said, "Manpreet has not only insulted farmers, but also rubbed salt on the wounds of their families of those who have committed suicide by saying the state was giving them compensation just like one would give alms to a beggar. Is Punjab's farmer, who does not only feed the state but the entire nation a beggar? Such a remark shows Manpreet's mental state."

"Manpreet has denied using any such word in the Assembly. But we have told the Speaker that we have video recording as evidence of what he said which can even played in the house with the Chair's permission. Therefore, we will come with all proof and move privilege motion against the Punjab Finance Minister on Thursday", Sukhbir said.

SPURT IN FARMER SUICIDES AFTER CONG CAME TO POWER

Continuing to attack the ruling Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in the state for the spurt in farmer suicides, Sukhbir said, "Nearly 90 farmers have ended their lives in the last 3 months. It would have been better if Manpreet Badal and his government had kept its promise of waiving off farmer loans taken from nationalised and cooperative banks, and Arhatiyas (commission agents).

"Instead of that, Manpreet has announced a fraud in the name of loan waiver by making a provision of Rs 1,500 crore for farmer loans. Loan dues of farmers amount to Rs 90,000 crore. The meagre sum of Rs 1,500 crore allocated by Manpreet is not even enough to pay interest on their loans for three months," the SAD leader claimed.

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The SAD president said the SAD-BJP combine would also move a privilege motion against Local Bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for allegedly using "derogatory language" against SAD legislator Pawan Kumar Tinu.

AAP SLAMS MEAGRE ALLOCATION FOR FARM LOAN WAIVER

Meanwhile, Opposition parties have also criticised the Punjab government's maiden budget, saying it lacks sufficient funds for farm loan waiver and improving health and education sectors.

The Aam Aadmi Party also attacked the ruling Congress government for the meagre funds allocated to waive off farmer loans.

AAP MLA H S Phoolka said only Rs 1,500 crore had been provided for the purpose while in fact the requirement for the same was estimated to be Rs 21,000 crore.

(WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES)

Also read | Captain Amarinder follows Adityanath, Fadnavis, announces loan waiver for Punjab farmers

Also read | Amarinder Singh Cabinet skips farm loan waivers, pushes women's quota in Punjab

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ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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Wandering Hop Brewery has been busy since its first release this summer. And soon, fans of the Wandering Hops brews will soon be able to enjo
The attorney general position should have been split a long time ago. Greater and smarter people have said so before me. Three justice ministers (Yaakov Neeman, Daniel Friedmann and Ayelet Shaked) announced a reform and came under fire. International law experts have published studies about the importance of the split, which have been ignored, and now common sense comes into the picture too.

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Fate always laughs at fanatics, even at fanatics in the name of the rule of law. And now, in light of the claims the attorney general and the State Attorneys Office are making it difficult to investigate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and in light of the discussions on freedom of speech and press, it seems the psychological barriers can be lifted ahead of this important move.

With all due respect to jurists, the argument for the importance of this reform doesnt come from the legal world but from psychology: One person, as talented as he may be, is incapable of being both a defense counsel and a prosecutor at the same time. There is not a single jurist who is capable of advising the prime minister while simultaneously being in charge of his investigations. One person cannot help the government implement its policyas determined by the governmentand at the same time restrict the government with different arguments. This is something Knesset Member Bezalel Smotrich is right about in his new bill, which stipulates the attorney general should work for the government.

Mandelblit and Netanyahu. A person who drinks coffee with ministers, or hangs out with the prime minister for many hours, has to have a remarkable ability to ignore the personal relationship (Photo: Marc Israel Sellem)

If the government decided the State of Israel is advancing the Regulation Law , for example, there has to be someone to help and represent the government in the High Court. Its as important as the second legal official, who will have to explain to the government its limitations. The representative and the advisor cannot be the same person with a multiple personality.

The same applies to the investigations of public figures: A person who sits with ministers around the table and drinks coffee with them, or spends a lot of time with the prime minister, has to have a remarkable ability to ignore the personal acquaintanceship. There is no human iron wall when a person deals with issues that could destroy his acquaintances lives. Thats the nature of the world, thats the nature of man. I have personally seen one attorney general, who was supposed to deal with the people around him, in all his weakness. It didnt work then, and it wont work in the future. And its not the attorney generals faultits the fault of whoever created this odd position.

Absurdly, almost all of those who have been traditionally against splitting this position are the ones who have been blasting the attorney general in recent weeks over his failure to make decisions in the Netanyahu affairs. The opponents of the past are the protestors of today. Those who are demanding quick decisions are those who did not allow these decisions until today. Until today, they used the holy words protecting the rule of law as an argument for their perception, as if those who are working to reduce judicial activism and split the attorney generals position are seeking chaos.

Those who use historical and geographical comparisons for decisions made by the State Attorneys Office or the attorney general are wrong and misleading. Netanyahu is not Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israel isnt Turkey. This isnt Europe either. Its the land of folly.

And speaking of folly, the police raid on the offices of the Yedioth Books publishing house can be seen the same way. Transferring documents through his lawyers was apparently a foolish act on the part of former prime minister Ehud Olmert. I am unfamiliar with the jail procedures, but I am well familiar with the procedures of book publishing houses and censorship, as well as with the need to separate what you know from what you deal with publicly as a writer or as a journalist.

Unfortunately, most public figures allow themselves to talk more than their subordinatesa sort of reverse personal examplefrom Benjamin Ben Eliezer as defense minister and former Military Intelligence Director Eli Zeira, through former Mossad Director Meir Dagan who discussed his objection to a strike in Iran with the Americans, to Netanyahu whoas opposition leadertook responsibility for an incident that Israel had not acknowledged, and former prime minister and defense minister Ehud Barak, who was interviewed on the Iranian issue. And perhaps the worst thing of all: A highly classified presentation that was leaked to Channel 2 News during Operation Protective Edge, along with operative IDF plans.

Of all these things, writing a book on sensitive issues and handing it over to the censorship and to a ministerial committee, as required by the law, is the least problematic thing. The wise men at the State Attorneys Office will have to come up with good excuses for their decisions to stop playing by the rules.
Israel has a serious productivity problem and must address inequality through technological and vocational training, senior economists said earlier this week at the 2017 Israel Democracy Institute Eli Hurvitz Conference on Economy and Society, which this year was held under the theme of "Two Economies  One Society."

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Prof. Nathan Sussman, Director of the Bank of Israel Research Department, said Israels productivity is among the lowest of OECD countries, and this has been an ongoing problem for the last four decades.

This is a major cause of inequality, warned Sussman. "Inequality in Israel leads to low achievements, which leads to low skills, which leads to low productivity, which leads to low GDP, which leads to a low quality of living," he said. "These problems are only growing larger as the population grows. We are doing far too little, for example, in investing in vocational training for older people. We are in a vicious cycle. It is in motion and it won't let us out."

Prof. Nathan Sussman (Photo: Yossi Zelinger, Courtesy IDI)

Prof. Avi Simhon, Director of the National Economic Council in the Prime Ministers Office, said people must develop unique skills otherwise they will find themselves earning low wages and competing with workers in developing countries.

"There will be a large premium for people with unique skills," Simhon said. "A graduate with a degree from the Technion in electrical engineering is earning about NIS 25,000 per month after two years. The market is rewarding people with special skills. Those without special skills will find themselves competing with China, the Philippines and Thailand."

Shai Babad, the Ministry of Finance's director general, said in order to address inequality, Israel must seek new solutions for integrating the ultra-Orthodox and the Arab sector into the economy.

"We see a lot of activity to help ultra-Orthodox women and Arab men. But if you take a look at ultra-Orthodox men and Arab women, you see their rate of participation is very low," said Babad, noting there is also a large productivity gap between Israel and other OECD states.

Babad said it is time rethink efforts. "For many years, we have insisted that the ultra-Orthodox study core subjects We have not been successful. The question is: Should we try to develop an alternative track?"

Instead of insisting that ultra-Orthodox children learn math and English, the state should offer two-to-three-year technological training programs for ultra-Orthodox 19 and 20 year olds, who will then get internships and jobs. That, he said, would be far easier and more productive than attempting to convince ultra-Orthodox parents to let their children learn core subjects.
It is Meira Kumar vs Ram Nath Kovind for the post of the President of India.

By India Today Web Desk: The Opposition has decided to field former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as the Presidential candidate against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the upcoming Presidential election 2017.

Meira Kumar was unanimously selected by the Opposition parties as their nominee, making it a Dalit vs Dalit battle in the Presidential election 2017.

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Here is all you need to know about Meira Kumar

Meira Kumar, former Lok Sabha speaker, is a five time Member of Parliament. Born in Bihar's Arrah district, Meira Kumar was born to Former Deputy Prime Minister and prominent Dalit leader, Jagjivan Ram and a freedom fighter, Indrani Devi. Meria Kumar is the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha. She served from 2009 to 2014 as the speaker. Kumar completed her MA from Indraprastha College and LLB from Miranda House, Delhi University. In 1970, she joined the India Foreign Service. Meira Kumar served as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009 in the Congress-led government. In the 2014 general election, Meira Kumar contested from Bihar's Sasaram but lost by a margin of 63,327 votes. She is married to Manjul Kumar, a lawyer, and has four children.

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Israel's flag carrier El Al was ordered Wedneday to compensate a Holocaust survivor who was asked to switch seats following the request by an ultra-Orthodox man who did not want to sit next to a woman.

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The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court accepted a compromise agreement reached between the passenger and the airline, determining El Al's policy on the subject is unlawful.

Renee Rabinowitz, an 82-year-old retired lawyer, boarded an El Al flight from Newark International Airport to Tel Aviv in December 2015.

Shortly after she sat down in her allocated seat, a flight attendant approached her and asked her to move to a "better" seat up front, closer to first class, because of a request by an ultra-Orthodox man who was supposed to sit in the seat next to her.

Photo: GettyImages

Judge Dana Cohen-Lekach determined that "Under no circumstances should a staff member approach a passenger next to whom someone doesn't want to sit on account of the passenger's gender and ask the passenger to move to another seat on the plane, as this constitutes a violation of the law against discrimination in services."

The judge ordered El Al to instruct its employees in writing within 45 days and conduct frontal instruction within six months on the matter. In addition, the judge ordered the airline to pay Rabinowitz NIS 6,500 in damages.

"I didn't think the judge would close this case today. It was supposed to be a preliminary discussion. I'm happy with the verdict," Rabinowitz told Ynet.

"I hope El Al takes this verdict seriously," she added. "I look forward to my future flights with El Al, and I hope I could witness a moment in which an ultra-Orthodox man says 'I won't sit until you move this woman,' and the El Al flight attendant tells him the law prevents her from doing so."

Rabinowitz, herself an Orthodox religious woman, added, "My message to women in Israel is when they encounter an extremist religious ruling like this, they should each fight it in their own way."

She went on to quote Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, "who said that in the public sphere, there is no problem with sitting next to women."

Anat Hoffman, the head of the Israel Religious Action Center, welcomed the ruling, saying "An 82-year-old Holocaust survivor launched a struggle against El Al because she wanted to prevent the humiliation and discrimination of more women on flights. She is an Israeli woman who, at an old age and leaning on a walking stick, decided she won't have another woman go through what she went through. This is an important verdict and this is this older woman's contribution to Israel."

El Al said in response, "The sides reached an agreement that the airline's procedures on the matter would be clarified to its employees. The court validated this agreement and the company will respect the verdict."
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, met Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Wednesday to try to revive long-fractured Middle East peacemaking that Washington acknowledged will take some time.

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Kushner, a 36-year-old real estate developer with little experience of international diplomacy or political negotiation, arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning and was due to spend barely 20 hours on the ground.

Jared Kushner with Mahmoud Abbas

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After a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kushner travelled to Ramallah where he held two hours of talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily Ramadan fast.

Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said all major issues at the heart of the conflict were discussed.

In discussions with Greenblatt before Kushner's visit, Palestinian sources said the phrase "two-state solution" had not been used.

Palestinian sources said that ahead of Kushner's meeting with Abbas, they had been asked to draw up a list of 12 "bullet point" demands they would want met in any negotiations.

Jared Kushner with Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: Getty Images)

Earlier, video showed him giving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a friend of Kushner's father, a handshake and a hug as they prepared to sit down with the Israeli ambassador to Washington, the US ambassador to Israel and other senior officials for preliminary discussions.

"This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity and peace," Netanyahu said. "Jared, I welcome you here in that spirit. I know of your efforts, the president's efforts, and I look forward to working with you to achieve these common goals."

Kushner replied: "The president sends his best regards and it's an honour to be here with you."

Photo: Getty Images

Kushner did not speak to the media or take questions, maintaining the circumspect profile he has established since Trump took office in January.

US officials and Israeli leaders "underscored that forging peace will take time and stressed the importance of doing everything possible to create an environment conducive to peacemaking," the White House later said in a statement.

US officials called the trip part of an effort to keep the conversation going rather than the launching of a new phase in the peace process, saying that Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, the president's special representative for international negotiations, are likely to return often.

Jared Kushner and PM Netanyahu (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

Trump has described peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians as "the ultimate deal" and made it a priority. As well as receiving both Netanyahu and Abbas in the White House, he visited the region last month

When Trump met Netanyahu in Washington in February, he said he was not fixed on two states saying, "I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like".
Three Haredim wearing IDF uniform were verbally attacked on Wednesday evening by a crowd of radical members of the community while they were praying in a synagogue in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Yisrael.

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As the angry mob grew, the soldiers were prevented from leaving the synagogue and forced to endure a barrage of slurs and insults, including being called Nazis.

Radical Haredim surround synagogue (:    ,  , )

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Police arrived at the scene and the soldiers were eventually extricated from the synagogue unharmed. However, as the police vehicles made their way to the scene, they were hit by stones, eggs and other objects thrown by the agitated group.

The soldiers praying in the synagogue

The soldiers went to pray in the neighborhood which is considered to be one of the most hostile breeding grounds for radical Haredim vehemently opposed to members of their community drafting into the IDF.

While the number of radical Haredim responsible for such vitriolic abuse and violence remains proportionately low, their actions have become the subject of serious concern for security forces as the extent of their incitement and invective appears to have risen to increasingly potent levels.

One of the soldiers extricated from the synagogue

At the beginning of June, the Israel Police launched an investigation into posters put up calling on ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students required to draft into the IDF to murder female soldiers with the rifles they receive in the military.

The posters content signalled a significant escalation in the levels of incitement, which thus far has already been characterized by assaulting Haredi soldiers, protests, and burning effigies of ultra-Orthodox soldiers.
Officials at the Prime Ministers Office insisted again this week that there are no building restrictions in Jerusalem. Reality, however, says otherwise. Half a year has passed since Donald Trump was sworn in as president in the United States, and construction plans in Jerusalem are still deep in the national freezer.

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Take, for example, the construction plan in Givat Hamatos, which is located between Talpiot and Gilo. This plan, which has been under discussion for years, is vital for Jerusalem. The plan, which includes the construction of 3,000 housing units, 600 of them for the young residents of the Arab town of Beit Safafa, is stuck in the District Planning and Building Committee. This committee, like the Jerusalem Municipalitys local planning committee, is receiving messages from the Prime Ministers Office. Not directly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but through the National Security Council. They are basically telling them: Dont discuss this now. Theres a visit. Its sensitive. Discuss it in two weeks. In two months. In six months. Later and later and later. And this is how construction is created in practice.

The Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Zeev, where 300 housing units on the main street have been stuck for two years (Photo: EPA)

Everything that has to do with construction beyond the Green Line is stuck in the Prime Ministers Office. Thats where it stops, a senior Finance Ministry official told me this week. I find it hard to believe that Netanyahu will approve Givat Hamatos, not even after Trump. Its sensitive.

Things are sensitive in the heart of Pisgat Zeev too. Three hundred housing units on Moshe Dayan Street, the neighborhoods main road, have been stuck for two years. The contractor is losing his mind. So are municipality officials.

Our young generation is fleeing the city, Deputy Mayor Meir Turgeman, who is in charge of the construction portfolio, said this week. We are being told that there is no freeze, but the plans are stuck in the district committee. Before the Trump era, I used to receive all kinds of messages to avoid discussing certain plans. Im no sucker. I advanced them anyway. And then it got stuck in the Housing Ministry or in the district committee. After Trumps election, I felt a little less pressure, and I started trying to further plans that were stuck. Its not working. The district committee is simply not bringing them up for discussion.

Arieh King, a Jerusalem Council member and director of the Israel Land Fund (ILF), has come up with creative ways to go around the construction freeze in the city. In Beit Hanina, the neighborhood bordered by Pisgat Zeev, only one kilometer away from the 300 frozen housing units on Moshe Dayan Street, construction plans are being approved and advanced freely. The ILF bought lands in Beit Hanina, but avoided registering them. It waited for the construction plan on the land to be approved, and only then registered the conveyance of the land from Arabs to Jews.

Thats the way to build today in Jerusalem beyond the Green Lineto submit plans as an Arab, King explains. If youre a Jew, youll be stopped. Thats how were marketing the Nof Shmuel neighborhood in Beit Hanina, which will include 150 housing units. Similarly, the construction of 300 housing units in Gilo has been frozen, but King has managed to advance construction in the outskirts of Beit Safafa, just one kilometer away, using the same methods.

Construction hasnt been frozen everywhere in Jerusalem beyond the Green Line. Houses are being built in Neve Yaakov and in Har Homa, and following Fridays deadly terror attack at Nablus Gate, a few dozen units were approved this week in Har Shlomo. But there definitely are building restrictions in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu posted on his Facebook page this week a picture of a tractor preparing the ground for the construction of a new community for the Amona evictees . There has never been and there never will be a better government for the settlement, he wrote. I wish. Lets wait for pictures of the tractor on Givat Hamatos.
The United States, Russia and Jordan have reportedly reached an agreement on the creation of a safe zone in and around the city of Daraa in Syria, where Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias will not be allowed to enter, according to the Saudi-owned Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

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The area, where only Syrian forces will be allowed, will stretch for 30 kilometers from the Jordan border.

Asharq Al-Awsat quoted senior officials who listed three principles agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding between the three countries: no presence of non-Syrian forces inside the safe zone, a ceasefire between the Syrian regime and the rebel factions, bringing in humanitarian aid while returning refugees who fled to Jordan back to the area.

Battles in Daraa (File photo: AFP)

Meanwhile, the American administration is expecting the fall of ISIS' stronghold in the city of Raqqa in Syria, estimating the next step would be a direct conflict against Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Iranian patrons.

According to a report in the Washington Post, White House officials are pressuring the Pentagon to act in light of the advance of Assad and Iranian forces toward the desert in east Syrian. The administration is worried regime forces will get in the way of US-led coalition efforts in the area to cut ISIS' territorial continuity along the Euphrates River going into Iraq.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday of increasing pressure on Hamas in the Gaza Strip to "drag it to war with Israel."

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Lieberman, who spoke at the Herzliya Conference, warned that "the situation in Gaza can't last forever."

"This is an internal Palestinian crisis that's not going to end," he said of Abbas's decision to pay less for electricity to the strip, leaving Israel no choice but to reduce the electricity it provides Gaza , thus exacerbating the crisis

Lieberman at the Herzliya Conference (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

"Abbas is going to increase cuts and soon stop the payment of salaries in Gaza and the transfer of fuel to the strip as a two-pronged strategy: Hurt Hamas and drag it to war with Israel. Abbas is doing this unilaterally, without having coordinated with Israel or Egypt," Lieberman said.

Regardless, he stressed, Israel "has no intention to go to warnot in the north, nor in the south... we're leading a clear policy against Gaza, without trailing behind."

He also spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying a solution can only come as part of "a full regional agreement with all moderate Sunni states, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, when the agreement with the Palestinians is a byproduct of that. An agreement between Israel and the moderate Sunni states will bring $45 billion to the State of Israel."

Lieberman went on to say that "The Palestinians don't have the ability to sign an agreement with Israel on their own."

Electricity shortages in Gaza (Photo: AFP)

He rejected the Oslo Accords, saying the "basic principle of 'lands for peace' is wrong. The guiding principle must be land and population exchanges."

He also rejected former prime minister Ehud Olmert's peace efforts, saying "You couldn't offer the Palestinians more than what Olmer offered in Annapolis, and Abbas refused to sign that in the end. I felt sick by what Olmert offereda prime minister would never offer that."

Turning his sights north, the defense minister said Israel only acts in Syria "when there's a ticking time bomb leading to a terror attack, and we work to thwart it; or when we come under fire; or when there's an attempt to transfer advanced weapons to Hezbollah."

Lieberman argued Hezbollah "was taking advantage of the situation in Syria to open a front against us in the Golan and to smuggle advanced weapons systems, so it can establish itself on the border against us."

With that in mind, he sent a message to the Syrian regime, saying it would "bear the responsibility for that. The Damascus International Airport cannot be used as a smuggling channel for Hezbollah. When (the situation) reaches a certain line, we won't hesitate to act."

The defense minister went on to say that while he hoped "the US and Russia reach good agreements on Syria, it won't affect our freedom of action in the north."
Shaul Shamai, a 48-year-old teacher from Rishon Lezion accused of sexually harassing his young students, was charged on Thursday with multiple counts of indecent acts against a minor.

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Shamai was indicted at the Tel Aviv District Court for sexually harassing four second grade students and a 13-year-old girl he was privately tutoring. He was also charged at the Magistrate's Court in the city with working at an institution despite being convicted of a sexual offense.

Shamai worked as a substitute teacher at an elementary school in northern Tel Aviv from October 2016 until June 2017. He was arrested earlier this month after one of the students told her mother he had hurt her, and the mother complained to the principal.

The suspect, Shaul Shamai (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

While 10 complaints have been made by second grade students against Shamai, only four of the students and the 13-year-old girl's complaints were eventually included in the indictment.

According to the indictment, during his time at the Tel Aviv elementary school, Shamai sexually assaulted girls aged 7-8 in several separate incidents. He allegedly carried out the acts during class and in front of the other students in the classroom.

Shamai sat the students down on his lap, put his hands under their clothes and touched their private parts, at times despite their verbal and physical objections.

During the investigation, Shamai was confronted with the school's principal and claimed she authorized him to hug students. The principal denied the claim.

In the case of the 13-year-old girl, the indictment states Shamai committed indecent acts against her at four instances during the time he was giving her private math lessons at her home in Rishon Lezion. In one such instance, Shamai even told the girl to "relax a little."

In another, after Shamai had harassed her, the girl called her mother in tears. Shamai called the mother, and she asked him why her daughter was crying. Shamai denied any connection between the girl's crying and the private lesson.

According to the indictment, Shamai later returned to the girl's home and apologized for his actions, asking her not to tell anyone about what had happened. He told her that if she told anyone, it would ruin his career.

Police obtained two recorded phone calls between Shamai and the girl's mother. In one of them, the mother accuses Shamai: "My daughter told me everything. Have you no shame?" To which Shamai responded, "What do you want me to tell you?"

Shamai denied the allegations against him, claiming that apart from "a warm and embracing paternal treatment," he did not harm the girls. He further claimed "it was possible that while hugging, I accidentally touched (inappropriately)."

In his questioning, Shamai did confirm the girls would approach him during class and sit on his lap. When asked whether he touched their private parts, he said: "I don't remember anymore."

He also admitted to not informing the school principal he had been previously convicted of a sexual offense.

Shamai's lawyer Koby Kamar claimed "there was a process that caused an artificial increase in complaints. It's obvious the minors did not, of their own initiative, came to file a complaint at the same time. They were 'invited' to do so with the expectation of hearing what they were instructed to say. I'm not saying they're lying and that no one was hurt, but I'm advising caution before judging a man as has been done so far. My hope is that he at least gets treated fairly, even if he had done something."
The Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court ordered the police on Thursday morning to return to Yedioth Books a huge trove of documents related to a book currently being written by former prime minister and convict Ehud Olmert.

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The new ruling marks a victory for Yedioth Ahronoth, which on Sunday filed a petition to the court asking that it either cancel or amend the seizure order.

In addition to demanding the return of material entirely unrelated to Olmert, the publishing house also demanded that in the interim, police secure the material in order to avoid views by a third party or duplicates.

Former PM Ehud Olmert (Photo: Tal Shahar)

Numerous files were seized by police in a raid at the end of last week amid fears the documents being used for the book were classified and related to an investigation currently underway against Olmert.

Last month, the Israel Prison Service seized documents suspected of being classified from Olmert's prison cell and from his lawyer.

With the new ruling, the police is now obliged to return all documentation unconnected with the former premier, as well as documents pertaining to chapters in Olmerts book, with the exception of those relating to two of the chapters that are currently being examined for possible removal of confidential material.

Judge Oded Moreno gave the police until 5pm on June 29 to continue its examination, after which it will be required to return all the material, including books and digital information, bar the two aforementioned sensitive chapters.

In all, the police conducted two raids on Yedioth Books, the first of which resulted in the confiscation of more than 11,000 emails. However, according to a police representative, a technical malfunction had occurred on the disk on which the correspondence had been copied, preventing the investigators from reading it. Consequently, the representative claimed, the disk was destroyed. In the second raid only 30 emails were taken for examination by the police.

Copy of search warrant

Raising Yedioth Books request, the judge stated that the ramifications of the raid on the publishers' office should be taken into consideration, adding that it risked undermining freedom of expression and the protection of journalistic sources, particularly in the event that the seized materials are not returned.

Future writers of books on similar topics, Yedioth's legal team stated, would be afraid of writing books based on security information.

Freedom of expression is derived from freedom of the press, which is the life and soul of democracy, Jude Moreno continued before reminding that the overarching goal of publications was to stimulate dialogue and exchange of ideas.

The press, including a book to be published in the public-security sphere, is supposed to function as the public's long arm to allow for free dialogue and free exchange of opinions in a democratic society, he said.
Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts stretched, pulled and lunged on coloured mats in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday to celebrate International Yoga Day.

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Some 1,500 mats printed with artwork depicting Israel's future were laid out for the event in Rabin Square.

Israelis practice yoga during the International Yoga Day at the Rabin square in Tel Aviv (Photo: AP)

"This is the third International Yoga Day and we have basically an amalgam, a mix of all different yoga schools here in one place," said volunteer Yuav Yenen.

Other mass yoga sessions were held in China, Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.

Photo: AP

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 50,000 people in an outdoor yoga session in Lucknow.

Modi has pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline that is estimated to be worth around $80 billion
Tel Avivs Ichilov Hospital was forced to contend with treating copious numbers of patients who had overindulged in alcohol and drug use during the citys annual Pride Parade

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After the march we were flooded with people, particularly young people, who both drank and used drugs and were totally wiped, Professor Pini Halperin, the director of the hospitals emergency room told Yedioth Ahronoth.

Tel Aviv Pride Parad, 2017 (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

It happens every year. We receive dozens of people affected during the march but this time (the numbers) were exceptional, he continued. There was a feeling of rebelliousness, that the people had gone wild. A doctor who was at the event told me about people who were sprawled on the grasssomething that he wasnt used to seeing at previous marches.

Given the high volume of patients requiring treatment, Ichiliov Hospital requested that Magen David Adom paramedics take some of the intoxicated individuals to other hospitals.

Photo: Guy Yehieli

It felt like people had gone beyond what was acceptable, Professor Halperin added. I am not judging the behavior of people who want to celebrate the march, but as a doctor I have to respond the moment I recognize serious danger. This time I felt that a line was crossed and that the time has come to tell people that there is a danger in excessive use of alcohol and drugs.

Fortunately for those worst affected, no one who was treated ended up losing their lives. Most of the people survive because they are young and healthy, Halperin explained. But in past years people have died due to the combination of drugs and alcohol. Most of them dont even know what they have taken and we are forced to treat them blindly.
More than it being a political fight, fielding Meira Kumar seems to be directed at Nitish Kumar who backed Ram Nath Kovind on the ground that he was the Bihar governor and his relations with the government had always been cordial.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: The Congress-led Opposition declared former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as its presidential candidate. Like NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind, Meira Kumar is also a Dalit. For the first time perhaps, the presidential election has become a Dalit versus Dalit contest.

The Opposition's choice of Meira Kumar seems to have boiled down to targeting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar rather than taking on NDA in right earnest.

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Nitish, who also is the JD (U) chief, has already declared the party's support for Kovind. This has weighed the balance heavily in NDA's favour. Other non-NDA parties such as both the factions of AIADMK, TRS and BJD have also pledge their support to Kovind.

Samajwadi Party is divided over backing Kovind. While party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav has declared support to NDA, his son and SP president Akhilesh Yadav has announced that the Opposition candidate would have his faction's backing.

Mayawati led BSP may have to change its stand. On June 19, soon after Kovind's candidature was announced, Mayawati had said she would not oppose him. However, she added that her party would support the Opposition if it also came up with a Dalit candidate.

Besides these, BJP's ally Shiv Sena, which had been voting against the NDA candidate in the last two elections, has come back to the ruling party's fold in these elections. It had voted for Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee in the 2007 and 2012 elections respectively. NDA had supported the candidature of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and PA Sangma in these elections and Shiv Sena had voted against them.

With the odds stacked heavily in favour of NDA, the contest between Kovind and Meira Kumar seems to be a symbolic one. CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury has said that the Opposition would field a candidate as it was a "political war". Otherwise, he too perhaps is aware of the bleak chances of Opposition's candidate.

BIHARI PRIDE VS OUTSIDER

More than it being a political fight, fielding Meira Kumar seems to be directed at Nitish Kumar who backed Kovind on the ground that he was the Bihar governor and his relations with the government had always been cordial.

But by fielding Meira Kumar, the Opposition has sought to put the Bihar chief minister on the defensive. Meira Kumar comes from Sasaram in Bihar and is the daughter of former deputy prime minister Babu Jagjivan Ram.

The Opposition, including RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, would appeal to all MPs and MLAs from Bihar to vote for Meira Kumar, state's pride, rather than an outsider. They would seek to split JD (U) on the issue of backing a Bihar ki beti.

TRYING TIMES FOR NITISH

On the other hand, Nitish Kumar would have to work hard to convince his party lawmakers not to get swayed by the Bihari pride appeal and, instead, remain united.

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Meira Kumar may finally lose the presidential election, but it will surely put strain over the internal unity of the JD (U) leaders. This would be a testing time for Nitish to keep his flock together as whip is not issued in the presidential election.

Also read:

Presidential election: Why Nitish broke ranks with Opposition to back Ram Nath Kovind

It's official. Presidential election between Oppn's Meira Kumar, BJP's Ram Nath Kovind on July 17

Ram Nath Kovind for President: Nitish Kumar breaks ranks with Opposition, says will support BJP's nominee

From behind bullet-proof glass in Bihar, Yogi Adityanath fires at Nitish Kumar, Lalu Yadav

--- ENDS ---
Hezbollah has set up a network of observation posts along the Israel-Lebanon border under the guise of a civilian organization called Green Without Borders, according to intelligence Israel has passed on to the UN Security Council.

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The Hezbollah-funded organization's declared goal is to expand the green areas of Lebanon and raise awareness to environmental protection. It also promotes agriculture and collects ecological data.

One of the observation posts

In a letter to members of the UN Security Council, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon described an incident that occurred in April, when a group of civilians denied the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) access to an observation post belonging to Green Without Borders.

The letter included photos of the observation posts and maps detailing their exact locations.

Map detailing the observation posts along the border.

"This evidence proves Hezbollah is working along the Blue Line under the guise of civilian activity, while violating UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1559," Danon wrote.

"Hezbollah continues to grow its strength in southern Lebanon and is threatening the stability of the entire region. The international community must not turn a blind eye to these dangerous threats," Danon continued.

Green Without Borders logo

He called on the Security Council to demand the Lebanese government to dismantle the observation posts immediately.
A 16-year-old girl from Ashkelon was charged with the rape of a 12-year-old girl after leading her to a foreign Sudanese citizen's apartment and persuading him to rape her. She apparently did this because the victim failed to pay her extortion fee.

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An indictment was filed against her on Thursday. She is also charged with coercing a minor for asexual services and several other charges of aggravated assault, battery and extortion.

The 16-year-old defendant taking a selfie

In addition, an indictment was filed against the foreign citizen, Ibrahim Idris, who is accused of rape and sexual molestation of a minor.

According to the indictment, the 16-year-old coaxed Idris to have sex with the victim and pay NIS 300 to the defendant for sexual services. The man then raped the 12-year-old in a nearby orchard, allegedly aware of the fact that the minor was under 14 years of age.

The defendant denied such knowledge.

The 16-year-old defendant was charged with multiple cases of abuse after investigators discovered that she has been extorting the 12-year-old for weeks, beating her when she was late for payments or did not have enough to cover the "debt."

On several occasions, the defendant allegedly stabbed the victim with sharp objects such as broken glass, beat her with blunt objects, put out lit cigarettes on her face and even pressured other minors, usually under threat of violence, to physically abuse her, all while threatening to harm or kill the victim's family should she tell anyone about the abuse.

Ibrahim Idris (Photo: Yisrael Yosef)

Hila Yehezkel, the lawyer who represents the alleged victim, said in response to the indictment: "For a long time the girl could not share anyone of the defendant's actions. The defendant is known to the authorities and terrorizes the city."

Michael Buskila, who represents the accused girl on behalf of the Public Defender's Office, said in response: "The minor, who comes from a complex family background, has undergone severe tragedies and is in a difficult mental state. In light of her situation, the welfare authorities began to examine her situation. We are waiting to receive the investigation materials, and after we have studied them, we will respond in court."

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
At least seven people are dead and a dozen wounded after a suicide car bomb blast at a police station in Somalia's capital, police and an ambulance service said Thursday.

The bomber was trying to drive into the Waberi district's police station gate but detonated against the wall instead, Capt. Mohamed Hussein told The Associated Press.

Ambulance sirens echoed across Mogadishu, with dozens of soldiers at the scene. Aamin Ambulance Service said it had transported seven bodies and 12 wounded.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying 15 people had been killed including a minister, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors such groups.
Egypt's Interior Ministry says it has killed seven people in connection with recent attacks on the country's embattled Christian minority, including three church bombings and a deadly bus shooting, all claimed by the Islamic State group.

The ministry said in a Thursday statement that the militants, who were killed in an exchange of fire, were hiding in a western desert camp. It did not provide any further details.

Attacks on Coptic Christians have claimed the lives of more than 100 people and injured scores since December.

Earlier on Thursday, the state-run MENA news agency reported that Egypt's Cabinet approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency, declared by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi following twin Palm Sunday church bombings.
The coalition chairman, MK David Bitan (Likud), announced Thursday at a press conference that an agreement has been reached in which the disability pension will increase to NIS 4,000 a month from NIS 2,342.

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At the press conference, members of the coalition and the opposition, who announced that there was broad agreement on equating the pension to the minimum wage, added that it was the beginning of a move in the direction towards that goal.

Disabled citizens blocking a road in protest (Photo: Dana Kopel)

The agreements were reached following protests and heavy pressures put on the government by disabled citizens in recent months.

The plan, if approved, is expected to cost NIS 4 billion.

The opposition also welcomed the agreements.

MK Ilan Gilon (Meretz), one of the leaders of the campaign to raise the disability pension, said that "this is a historic moment that has come to do justice to a quarter of a million people with disabilities in Israel, who until now have been given a poverty pension and can now breathe a little more easily."

MK Ilan Gilon (Photo: Yogev Atias)

About six months ago, Gilon made a similar proposal in a preliminary reading in the Knesset against resistance from the coalition. According to MK Gilon, "We have been through difficult days, days of a struggle, of hopes, disappointments and confrontations. Today there is an unprecedented achievement in our struggle."

The press conference was also attended by MK Karin Elharar (Yesh Atid) who added: "Politics is usually a cynical place, but despite that, we have succeeded in achieving something we can build upon in the future.

"People here want to live with dignity. The outline that was agreed upon is a good outline, though a beginning, it is a good thing."

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
A meeting of ministers with ultra-Orthodox faction leaders on Thursday resulted in the cancellation of infrastructure work planned for Israel Railways in the South this Shabbat.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Transport Yisrael Katz, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Haim Katz and heads of the ultra-Orthodox partiesInterior Minister Rabbi Aryeh Deri of Shas and United Torah Judaism's Health Minister Rabbi Yaakov Litzman and Finance Committee Chairman Rabbi Moshe Gafniwere all present in the meeting. They announced that the parties would act to "prevent the recent expansion of Shabbat desecration in the field of transportation and work on Shabbat."

Rail infrastructure work on Shabbat (Photo: Damien Gleit)

A statement from Shas following the meeting stated that the ultra-Orthodox politicians insisted on the works' cessation in the meeting. The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs said that every Thursday, the professional bodies concerned would discuss the relevant issues and examine every application for a work permit to prevent non-essential work.

The ultra-Orthodox factions established a team of four Knesset members to monitor these activities: United Torah Judaism's Uri Maklev and Yisrael Eichler and Shas' Yoav Ben-Tzur and Michael Malchieli.

Shas and United Torah Judaism leaders announced earlier Thursday that they intend to promote a bill that would prohibit local authorities from permitting desecration of Shabbat in their jurisdictions in response to the High Court of Justice ruling that opened businesses in Tel Aviv on the day of rest.

In recent months, the ultra-Orthodox parties have urged the attorney general to ask the court to reconsider the petition, but they claim that he is "dragging his feet" and forcing them to advance a bill that bypasses the High Court.

The two factions announced in a joint statement that the proposal, which has been on the Knesset's table since 2014, binds the coalition because it is intended to preserve the status quo that was customary in High Court rulings on the issue.
Speaking in the name of Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, PA spokesman Nabil Shaath said the Palestinians have a social responsibility to offer monetary payouts to the families of prisoners in Israeli jails because they are political prisoners, and that the payouts are the PAs way of look(ing) after innocent people affected by the incarceration or killing of their loved ones as a result of the military occupation.

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Israeli victims of Palestinian terror were quick to respond, blasting Shaath for defending payments to terrorists, saying his speech showed the true face of the Palestinian political leadership.

PA spokesman Nabil Shaath (Photo: Reuters)

Indor added that the timing of Shaaths speecha day after Trump administration officials Jason Greenblatt and Jared Kushner met in Ramallah with Mahmoud Abbasshould be seen as a spit in the face to the administration, and quoted former President Ronald Reagan for what Indor considers the correct approach to deal with terrorism

"Reagan was right: You dont negotiate with terrorists. You fight them. I have no joy in saying that all those years ago, we were right (to oppose the Oslo process)."

PM Netanyahu consoles bereaved father of Hadas Malka (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

Other families were more subdued than Indor, but equally offended by Shaaths speech.

Seth Mandell, whose 13-year-old son Koby was stoned to death by Palestinians outside the familys home town of Tekoa, said if Shaath is concerned about innocent Israelis and Palestinians he would do well simply to call for an end to Palestinian terrorism.

"(That would) eliminate the need to send money to the families of those who kill and injure innocent people.

(But the) payment to people whose relatives are imprisoned after attacking Israeli citizens or neutralized while committing acts of terror encourages other Palestinians who otherwise might be deterred by the negative effect their murderous actions might have on those who depend on them financially, Mandell told TPS.
An IDF force identified a man crossing the border from Israel to Lebanon on Thursday.

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According to the IDF, a person was spotted crossing from Israel to Lebanon in the Upper Galilee, and the forces began searching the area.

The Israel-Lebanon border (Photo: AFP)

The cross was identified by observations and indicated by sensors in the border fence.

The cross was observed approximately 20:30 local time, near Metula.

Observations by the Galilee Division identified a civilian approaching the perimeter fence that is adjacent to the town, climbing it quickly and crossing north.

An IDF force in charge of the sector immediately directed a scouting force to patrol the area, which found marks of the crossing but did not find the person responsible.

According to a Lebanese news agency, the man who crossed the border is Shadi Bitros Mazhar, a 31-year-old member of a South Lebanese Army family who escaped to Israel in the year 2000.

The Lebanese army has reportedly arrested him, apparently after he turned himself in.

This was also confirmed by the IDF.

In recent years, a number of similar incidents have taken place, most of them due to the person's personal or mental problems.
Men are now embracing skirts, because they have a point to make.

By Shivani Chhabra: Soaring temperatures in the French city of Nantes has given rise to a heated argument--if men should be allowed to wear shorts at work like women are allowed to wear skirts.

Recently, the bus drivers of CFDT (Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail) Semitan union showed up to work wearing skirts following a ban on shorts for them.

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The explanation behind male drivers not being allowed to wear shorts is that passengers cannot see the driver's legs once seated.

Also Read: Happy birthday, Prince William: 8 things you didn't know about the British Royal

According to International Business Times, the drivers called the shorts ban "absurd", and pointed out that female drivers are allowed to wear skirts, but men are not allowed to wear shorts.

Picture courtesy: Facebook/LOL Memes

"Our uniform is not appropriate for these high temperatures. We envy women at moments like this," Didier Sauvetre, a driver from the CFDT union, told the local Presse Ocean news site.

According to The Telegraph, union member Gabriel Magner said that the high temperatures behind the windscreen combined with a lack of air conditioning in buses makes it "unbearable in trousers". He continued by stating that the "modern approach" to the issue would be to allow drivers to wear long shorts from time to time, and called the fact that women can wear skirts but men can't wear shorts "discrimination".

Also Read: 8 years after being brutally raped in India, this survivor is healing with yoga and theatre

The protest broke out after a UK call center worker Joey Barge was sent home for wearing shorts. He showed up in a pink dress at work the next day, and the company was forced to changed their dress code to state that men in the office would be allowed to wear three-quarter-length shorts in black, navy blue and beige only.

Picture courtesy: Facebook/Clouds Over Europe

In a similar protest, five boys from Isca Academy Exeter, Devon, went to school wearing skirts after they were forbidden to wear shorts to school.

The protests might sound funny to you, but clearly, they're a positive sign there, that there are at least some men in the world who do not look down on women's clothing, and are ready to embrace the freedom it can offer.

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: If Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan's son Taimur Ali Khan has become a favourite with netizens, daughter of Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput is also not far behind. The 10-month-old toddler has caught the fancy of many, and has already become a darling of many hearts.

It was back in February this year that Shahid introduced his daughter, and since then his fans can't get enough of the munchkin.

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From airport spottings to adorable videos shared by the Udta Punjab actor, Misha is almost everywhere. And the tiny tot was recently spotted enjoying a day out with mom Mira.

Wrapped around the arms of Mira, Misha looked cute.

Mira, during an interaction on International Women's Day, had said that she is a proud homemaker and wants to spend every minute with her daughter Misha. She had said, "I wouldn't want to spend one hour with Misha and then rush off to work. Why did I have her? Misha is not a puppy. I want to be there for her. Seeing her grow can't be quantified."

Photos: Yogen Shah

ALSO READ: Shahid Kapoor's daughter Misha learns to clap, actor posts adorable video

ALSO SEE: These adorable photos of Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput's baby Misha will make your day

ALSO WATCH: Misha's smelly diapers come to me, says Shahid Kapoor

--- ENDS ---
Gauteng: South Africa's highest court on Thursday ruled that lawmakers can cast secret ballots in a no-confidence vote in President Jacob Zuma, who is facing mounting criticism within the ruling ANC.

Although no date has been set for such a vote, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said the National Assembly speaker had the authority to order a secret ballot in a case brought by the country's opposition parties.



"The speaker of the National Assembly has constitutional power to prescribe that voting in a motion of no-confidence in the President of the Republic of South Africa be conducted by secret ballot," the chief justice said.

Opposition parties have lobbied for a secret ballot and called for African National Congress (ANC) lawmakers to "vote with their conscience", but Speaker Baleka Mbete had in April said she had no powers to approve a secret ballot.

"Whether the proceedings are to be by secret ballot is a power that rests firmly in the hands of the speaker, but exercisable subject to crucial factors that are appropriately seasoned with consideration of rationality," said Mogoeng.

The ANC holds a large majority in parliament and Zuma has survived similar votes in the past, which have not been secret.

Zuma's sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March fuelled public anger over years of government corruption scandals, record unemployment and slowing economic growth.

The president has recently faced unprecedented criticism from senior ANC figures, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Zuma, who came to office in 2009, is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, and as national president ahead of the 2019 general election.

He is seen as favouring his ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to succeed him -- rather than Ramaphosa.
Washington: The United States has said that China has a responsibility to exert much greater pressure on North Korea to prevent escalating tensions with a government that ignores the law and "provokes and provokes and provokes."

US diplomatic and defence chiefs met their Chinese counterparts for security talks and pushed China to rein in companies that allegedly deal with its wayward ally North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.

Trump has been counting on China to use its economic leverage with the government of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as American concern grows over the North's acceleration toward having a nuclear missile that can strike the US mainland.

Trump tweeted ahead of yesterday's talks that Beijing's efforts to sway Pyongyang weren't working.

That comment came amid outrage in Washington over the death of Otto Warmbier days after the comatose American student was released from imprisonment in North Korea.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Trump's commentary "represents the American people's view of North Korea right now.

We see a young man go over there healthy and with a minor act of mischief" and come home on the verge of death.

"What you are seeing I think is the American people's frustration with the regime that provokes and provokes and provokes and basically plays outside rules, plays fast and loose with the truth," Mattis told a news conference.

At the talks, Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hosted Chinese foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and Gen.

Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's joint staff department.

Their meeting took place against a backdrop of high tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula.

On Tuesday, the US flew two supersonic B-1B bombers there in a show of force. South Korea's Defence Ministry said the bombers engaged in routine exercises with its fighter jets aimed at deterring the North.

"China understands that the United States regards North Korea as our top security threat," Tillerson said.

"We reiterated to China that it has a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

Tillerson called for increased efforts to curtail the North's illicit revenue streams of revenue that allegedly help fund its nuclear weapon and missile programs.

He said the two sides agreed on the need for companies not to deal with North Korea in violation of UN sanctions, but did not specify any particular action China was promising to take.

Mattis said China "continues to work these issues." North Korea conducts about 90 percent of its trade through China, which maintains that it implements the UN sanctions properly.

Chinese officials were not immediately available for comment after the talks.

Beforehand, China said it was hoping for "positive outcomes" from Wednesday's dialogue. It had long pushed for a resumption of US negotiations with North Korea, which currently appears a remote prospect.

The talks also covered the South China Sea, where Beijing's island-building and construction of possible military facilities have rattled neighbours and caused tension with Washington.

The officials also discussed U.S.-Chinese military cooperation to reduce risk of conflict, as well as efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.

Divisive trade issues will be dealt with at a later date.

Like past presidents, Trump is finding the US has limited scope for punishing North Korea, particularly over the arrest of US citizens.

Three Americans remain in detention in the reclusive country.

Trump's administration is considering a ban on Americans visiting North Korea.

That would only slightly add to the North's isolation and loss of revenue.

The route to inflicting significant economic pain on Kim's government remains through China.

Washington has one threat it can use with Beijing: the possibility of "secondary" sanctions that go after Chinese companies doing business in North Korea.

Such a move risks fraying relations between the world's two biggest economies.

The Chinese state-run Global Times warned in an editorial that if Washington imposes sanctions against Chinese enterprises "it will lead to grave friction between China and the US.
Washington: The Los Angeles City Council has introduced a motion to rename a city street after former US President Barack Obama.

Council chief Herb J. Wesson Jr. announced the initiative on Twitter on Tuesday. He said that he wanted to change Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Nine years ago I had the honour of introducing then Senator Obama at his first campaign rally held at Rancho Cienega Park on Rodeo Road," Wesson wrote. "Our council district is home to Washington," he wrote.

Obama held his first rally on the five km long Rodeo Road after announcing his candidacy for President in 2007.

Los Angeles already has a number of streets named after former Presidents, including Washington Boulevard, Adams Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard.

This was, however, not the first plan to honour Obama in the second largest city of the US.

The California State Senate in May backed a plan to rename a stretch of the 134 Freeway running through the Los Angeles northern suburb after Obama, who attended the Occidental College in the Eagle Rock area nearby in 1979.
Yangon: Myanmar security forces have killed three people in raids on "terrorist" training camps run by Rohingya Muslim militants in the north of Rakhine state, state media reported on Thursday.

Guns, ammunition and gunpowder were found at the camps in the Mayu Mountains, part of a remote strip of land on the northwest border that is mainly home to the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.

More than 70,000 Rohingya have fled the area to nearby Bangladesh since October, when Myanmar security forces launched a brutal crackdown in response to militant attacks on police posts.

Rohingya escapees have told harrowing accounts of security officers slaughtering babies, burning people alive and staging gang rapes -- abuses UN investigators said may amount to crimes against humanity.

Myanmar denies the claims and says troops were conducting valid clearance operations to crush a Rohingya insurgency.

The government has refused to allow in a UN fact-finding mission to investigate.

The training camps found this week were allegedly run by the same group that carried out the October raids that killed nine policemen, according to state media.

The report said security forces killed three "armed attackers in self-defence" during the two day clearance operation, which was launched after they received a tip off the militants were training inside a secret tunnel at night.

The militants, now called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), were subsidized by "foreign monetary aids" and spent months training recruits in martial arts and the use of light weapons, according to the government report.

The report also blamed the "terrorists" for a recent spate of murders of villagers and local community leaders that has seen 34 people killed and 22 abducted.

The ARSA has denied killing any civilians, saying it is fighting for the political rights of the oppressed Rohingya.

The one million strong minority live mostly in Myanmar`s western Rakhine State, where they are denied citizenship, access to basic services and live in apartheid-like conditions -- many in squalid displacement camps.

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose civilian government ended decades of military rule last year, has faced global criticism for not defending the Rohingya -- who are maligned by the Buddhist majority -- or condemning the army`s brutal crackdown.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday condemned drone strikes on its soil as violations of sovereignty, after U.S. officials suggested Washington might ramp them up against Afghan Taliban taking refuge inside Pakistan.

The foreign ministry statement also came a day after Pakistan said its forces had shot down an Iranian drone near its southwestern border with Iran.

Washington claims Islamabad provides safe havens for the Afghan Taliban and other militants fighting the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, something Pakistan strongly denies.

U.S. officials told Reuters this week Washington was hardening its stance towards Pakistan, and a new policy on Afghanistan could see an increase in drone attacks..

"Our position is that drone strikes are counter-productive and violate the sovereignty of Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday in response to the Reuters report.

The United States has been carrying out attacks against militants on Pakistani territory for more than a decade.

Islamabad has repeatedly condemned such strikes in public, but U.S. diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks in 2011 suggested the Pakistani military tacitly approved of the drone programme.

U.S. drone strikes have slowed to a trickle in the past 18 months.

Pakistan has received more than $33 billion in U.S. assistance since 2002, but some aid was withheld last year because of Washington`s dissatisfaction with Islamabad`s actions against militants.

U.S. officials have said the Trump administration is also considering withholding some assistance.

"Pakistan attaches importance to its relationship with the U.S.," Zakaria said.

"We firmly believe that continued close cooperation between our two countries is critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond."

On Wednesday, Pakistan said it shot down an an unmanned Iranian drone flying over its southwestern Baluchistan province.

The incident followed warnings by Tehran that it would strike against Islamist militants who hid in Pakistan and carried out cross-border attacks.

Ten Iranian border guards were killed by militants in April. Iran said Jaish al Adl, a Sunni Islamist militant group, had shot them from inside Pakistan.

The border area has long been plagued by both drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants.

"Pakistan has already shared the information about striking down of this drone with the Iranian authorities indicating that the drone was struck down by our security forces as it was unmarked and there was no prior information about its flight," the Pakistan foreign ministry said.
Sydney: Kidambi Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth eked out thrilling victories in the men's singles second round to set up an all-Indian quarterfinal clash at the USD 750,000 Australian Super Series, here on Thursday.

Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu and defending champion Saina Nehwal also advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles competition.

Srikanth, who had edged out Son Wan Ho in the semifinals of Indonesia Open last week, once again had an upper hand against the World No. 1 Korean, beating him 15-21 21-13 21-13 in a 57-minute clash.

After this win, Srikanth had taken his head-to-head record against the Korean to 4-4.

"In the third game I thought I have to get the extra shuttle, that worked for me," said Srikanth.

"He's someone who doesn't attack too much, just keeps the rally going. You have to be more steady than him or you have to crack him. In these conditions it's hard to go on all-out attack. My training is paying off. I'm really confident about my fitness."

In another match, Sai Praneeth staved off a challenge from China's Huang Yuxiang 21-15 18-21 21-13 in a match that lasted 64 minutes. The Indian had beaten the Chinese at the 2015 US Open in their only meeting.

Interestingly, Srikanth and Praneeth had clashed in the final of Singapore Open in April with the latter emerging victorious.

In the women's singles, fifth seed Sindhu defeated China's Chen Xiaoxin 21-13 21-18 in 46 minutes. She will clash with World No. 1 and top seed Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei.

Sindhu has lost six times to Tai Tzu, while beating her thrice, which included a victory during the Rio Olympics.

The World No. 16 Saina survived a scare from little-known Soniia Cheah of USA 21-15 20-22 21-14 to set up a clash with sixth seeded Chinese Sun Yu.

The former World No. 1 has defeated Sun six times, including a win at the finals in the last edition of the Australian Open.

In the women's doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy fought well before suffering a 21-18 18-21 13-21 loss to seventh seeded Japanese pair of Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto.

The men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered a 16-21 18-21 loss to eighth seeded Chinese Taipei's Chen 789789--+9897ung Ling and Wang Chi-Lin.
Patna: After the Opposition named former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as its Presidential nominee, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U) on Thursday remained firm on its previous stand of supporting NDA's presidential candidate Ramnath Kovind.

"We decided to extend our support to Kovind and our decision will not change. We took everything into consideration. We can't change our decision every other second," JD(U) leader KC Tyagi told ANI.

Tyagi earlier in the day asserted that his party supported Kovind because he has proven his calibre at all levels.

"Ramnath Kovind's tenure in Bihar has been laudable. He has always performed his constitutional duties wonderfully. And as a governor, he has conducted himself very well and executed his duties with finesse," said Tyagi.

The JD(U) had earlier decided to support Presidential Kovind and skip the Opposition meeting which was held on Thursday.

The party also downplayed the reports of it opting out of the grand alliance and said that that favouring Kovind is the single incident where the party has supported the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that he would appeal to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to rethink over his decision of supporting Kovind.

Lalu also refuted the speculations of calling off alliance with the JD(U) and said, "I will meet Nitish Kumar tomorrow. Though it is his personal opinion, but we will appeal him to rethink. This is no matter of betrayal, but we will not break alliance. He should not do a historical mistake. His decision of supporting Ramnath Kovind is wrong."

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has named former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as the Opposition's Presidential nominee.

All 17 political parties have unanimously proposed name of Meira for forthcoming Presidential elections which is to be held on July 17.

The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17.

President Pranab Mukherjee will demit office on July 24.
Patna: A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced his support to NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav on Thursday said that he will appeal to the Janata Dal (United) supremo to back 'Bihar ki Beti' Meira Kumar in the presidential race.

"Nitish ji called me and said that it is his personal decision to back Ram Nath Kovind. I would appeal to him to rethink and support 'Bihar Ki Beti' Meira Kumar," Lalu told reporters.

"However, JD(U)'s decision to support Kovind will not have any impact on Bihar's ruling alliance," he added while refuting rumours of any crack in the alliance.

On Thursday afternoon, the Congress-led Opposition parties announced former Lok Sabha speaker meira Kumar as their presidential candidate.

Kumar, a five-time Member of Parliament, was elected unopposed as the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha and served from 2009 to 2014. She is a lawyer and a former diplomat.

Yesterday, dealing a major blow to the RJD, the JD(U) confirmed that they will support NDA's pick for the presidential post Kovind.

"All the leaders have decided that we will support Ram Nath Kovind for the post of president. He is Bihar`s first Governor who has been nominated for this post. We are very happy with this, it is a matter of Bihar's development," Senior JD (U) leader Ratnesh Sada said after meeting all party leaders here.

JD(U) has been a part of the Opposition's joint initiative on the presidential elections.

The Opposition has been against Kovind's name being finalised for the post of President on grounds that they were not consulted prior to the announcement.

The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17.

President Pranab Mukherjee will demit office on July 24.
Mumbai: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani is upset with media, especially television producers, for showing a clip of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Jab Harry Met Sejal" without proper certification and permission.

In one of the 'mini-trails' of Imtiaz Ali movie, actress Anushka Sharma is seen handing over an indemnity bond' to Shah Rukh, saying there won't be any legal ramifications if the couple ends up having intercourse.

In an interview to News X, Nihalani expressed his resentment.

He said: "Don't interfere with our work asking why we did this or that. We are doing our work and you do your own work. We have not given a certificate to them, we have only given them certificate for digital, but then they don't require certification for digital platform."

"Media, who is showing their mini-trails, is wrong because any material from film on television needs certificate. Producers are not showing them, media is showing it."

Three 'mini trails', of 30 seconds each, from the film were released as introduction to the world and personalities of Harry and Sejal on digital platforms. But problem started when they found their way onto several TV channels.

Nihalani said: "It doesn't matter where the trailer is from; but if you need to show it on television, one needs certificate. That is the rule, everyone knows it. So, if television knows this, how come they are showing material without certification and permission?"

According to a source, the 'mini-trails' were always meant for digital consumption and never for television audience.
Bengaluru: A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

The law suit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

Green reported to Nayak, who quit the company last year.

Green's counsel Kilgore & Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of Defendant's obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapur's discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."

"His termination was in violation of Defendant's policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.

"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination.. Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," the lawsuit said.

The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to June 28, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the Defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the "discriminatory nature of Infosys's employment practices."

Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.
New Delhi: Keeping up with the idea of delivery of fuel at dooresteps, a Bengaluru firm has actually done it.

Bengaluru's Mypetrolpump, a one-year-old startup by an IIT-Dhanbad alumnus Ashish Kumar Gupta, has become country's first firm to deliver diesel at the doorsteps, reported the Times of India.

On June 15 the company conducted a soft launch with three delivery vehicles -each with a capacity of 950 litres.

It has already delivered more than 5,000 litres of diesel. Diesel is delivered at the day's running price with a fixed delivery charge, TOI said.

The one-time delivery charge is Rs 99 for up to 100 litres of diesel. Above that one has to pay the diesel price plus one additional rupee per litre. One can place orders online, through a phone call or by downloading the free app.

The vehicles used for delivery have been specially fabricated by a firm approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. All necessary permissions have been obtained, Gupta told the TOI.

Earlier, in April, the Oil ministry had in a series of tweets stated that home delivery of petrol and diesel could be made possible.

Options being explored where petro products may be door delivered to consumers on pre booking @dpradhanbjp (1/2)  Petroleum Ministry (@PetroleumMin) April 21, 2017

This would help consumers avoid spending excessive time and long queues at fuel stations @dpradhanbjp (2/2)  Petroleum Ministry (@PetroleumMin) April 21, 2017

India consumed 23.8 million tons of petrol and 76 million tons of diesel in 2016-17 fiscal. This was higher than 21.8 million tons of petrol and 74.6 million tons of diesel consumed in the previous 2015-16 financial year.

As many as 3.5 crore people currently visit 59,595 petrol pumps in the country for buying auto fuel. Often, long queues are witnessed at petrol pumps during peak hours, leading to congestion on roads.
New Delhi: Promoting ancient Indian tradition of de-stressing though control of the body and mind, the Indian Embassy is hosting a three-day yoga and cultural festival across 15 cities in Hungary this week, an official said on Thursday.

"We are organising the second edition of Ganges-Danube Cultural Festival of India and the third International Day of Yoga in 15 cities from June 23 to 25," an official statement quoted Indian Ambassador to Hungary Rahul Chhabra as saying.

He said the cities where both the festivals would be held included Budapest, Balatonfured, Debrecen, Eger, Esztergom, Gyor, Nagykanizsa, Nagykoros, Miscolc and Pecs.

On June 24 and 25, besides yoga practices and workshops, Indian culture comprising dance, music, food and Bollywood movies will be showcased.

They will be open to the public free of cost.

Chhabra said for the first time ever the historic Chain Bridge was lit up with Indian colours and motifs on Wednesday to mark the International Yoga Day.

The festival kickstarts celebrations of the 70th anniversary of India`s independence.

"In Szentendre, which is a historic city on the banks of Danube river, a ceremony of mixing waters of the Ganga and the Danube will be performed, symbolising the confluence of two cultures," he said.

During the ceremony, religious ceremonies, including worship of both the rivers, will be done.

The Ambassador said several Mayors had contacted the Indian embassy to include more cities in the cultural festival in view of its huge success last year.
Washington: Job creation in India will be a key agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top American CEOs of global giants like Walmart, Apple and Caterpillar this Sunday during his visit to the US.

The discussions will also include efficiency in logistics arena, the post-demonetisation macroeconomic scenario and the potential gains through the GST rollout from next month, an official said.

Besides, the impact of new visa restrictions on the IT industry is expected to come up for discussion during talks with the technology CEOs.

"The discussions between the Prime Minister and nearly 20 top American CEOs in Washington would focus significantly on the employment front," said an industry leader who will be among those present for these meetings.

The government is expected to focus a lot of efforts on employment front going forward, while expectations are that 30-40 percent of the 12 million annual job creation can be addressed by retail sector alone.

New facilities to be set up by the American corporations are also expected to give a boost to the job creation.

Modi is slated to visit the US on June 25-26.

American CEOs expected to meet Modi on Sunday include Apple's Tim Cook, Walmart's Doug McMillon, Caterpillar's Jim Umpleby, Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella.

Among others are Mariott International chief Arne Sorenson, Jhonson & Jhonson's Alex Gorsky, Mastercad's Ajay Banga, Warburg Pincus's Charles Kaye and Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein.

Modi will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 for the first time. He will hold talks with Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules.

India has time and again raised the issue of H-1B with the US authorities and asked them to liberalise the visa regime as Indian companies contribute significantly to the American economy.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties.

Regional security situation including Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and other international issues are expected to figure prominently during the meeting of the two leaders.

Modi's visit comes against the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries.

Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said.

Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India had asserted it signed the Paris agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect environment.
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to announce the results of National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) 2017 by June 26.

Once declared, candidates can check their results on these websites - cbseresults.nic.in, cbseneet.nic.in and results.gov.in.

The Supreme Court had last week asked the board to release NEET results.

How to check the results:

- Visit cbseneet.nic.in, cbseresults.nic.in, results.gov.in

- Click on 'NEET 2017 result and rank'

- Enter your roll number and other details as required

- Click to submit

The aspirants are advised to take a print out of the result after it is displayed on the screen for future reference.
Moscow: Russia said on Thursday it has no information on the fate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the chief of the Islamic State terror group, nearly a week after the Russian military said it may have killed him in an airstrike.

"I have got nothing (to report)," the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked to comment on the possible death of Baghdadi in Syria last month.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has no information on the fate of the Islamic State's leader al-Baghdadi, Zakharova was quoted as saying by the official Tass news agency.

Her comments came two days after the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said the liquidation of al- Baghdadi has not yet been confirmed.

Last Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Baghdadi had been presumably killed by the airstrike on Raqqa's southern suburbs carried out by Russian warplanes.

According to the ministry, the airstrike was conducted on May 28 on a command post where the Islamic State leaders were discussing exit routes for militants from Raqqa through the so-called southern corridor.

US defense officials last week said they were unable to confirm the reports about Baghdadi's death.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death or him being critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.

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 ISIS terror group is known for imposing a hard-line form of Islam that has included stonings, amputations and beheadings.
By Mail Today Bureau: Summer seems to be finally giving way to monsoons and a metropolitan city is not exactly the place to enjoy the rains. It is also raining deals, with online travel companies, hotels and tour operators showering customers irresistible offers for monsoon travel.

Those who have missed out on their summer vacations, this is the time to travel, with rates dropping from 15 to 25 per cent in the domestic market.

advertisement

According to Karan Anand, Head-Relationships, Cox & Kings, "We have already witnessed an increase in the number of inquiries by 25 to 30 percent and it is primarily the Double Income No Kids (DINKS), segment and those between 21 to 26 that's driving this market.''

He adds, "According to Ayurveda, the monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies, for the atmosphere is dust-free, humid and cool. This encourages a large number of fitness enthusiasts to check-in at Ayurvedic resorts in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala.''

Goa

Other destinations that are popular for monsoon are Wayanad & Munnar (Kerala), Goa, Leh-Ladakh, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Konkan Coast (Maharashtra), Coorg (Karnataka), Spiti Valley (Himachal), Shillong (Meghalaya), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu) and Ranikhet (Uttarakhand).

Online travel portal, Ezeego1.com is offering up to Rs 2,000 cashback on select domestic airlines between June 1st and 20th and up to 70 per cent discount on select domestic hotel bookings until September 30.

Also Read:7 tips to help you travel better and safer during monsoons

Neelu Singh, CEO and Director, Ezeego1.com said, "Short weekend trips are popular for quick monsoon getaways. Trekking, waterfalls, camping, wellness getaways and night forest trails are some of the experiences that top the preference list of monsoon travellers. Waterfalls like Athirapally in Kerala, Dudhsagar in Goa, Nohkalikai in Cherrapunji create quite a spectacle for tourists in this season. We have seen a 25 percent increase in our enquiries."

She adds, "Road journeys closer home are very popular during the rains. Mumbai to Goa, Chennai to Pondicherry, Bengaluru to Coorg, Shillong to Cherrapunji, Darjeeling to Gangtok, Bengaluru to Ooty via Bandipur to name a few."

Leh-Ladakh

"With the development of new tourist circuits and improved rail and road connectivity to Tier II and Tier III cities, travellers are increasingly opting for domestic short haul locations for quick getaways. While Goa and Kerala continue to trend as favourites, fresh new entrants emerging on the radar for monsoon getaways are Bekal and Hampi," says Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head - Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

--- ENDS ---
Moscow: Russia said today that it was now "verifying" through various channels the fate of Abu Bakr al- Baghdadi, the chief of the Islamic State terror group, nearly a week after the Russian military said it may have killed him in an airstrike in Syria.



"According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it is highly likely that Daesh leader al-Baghdadi was eliminated as a result of a Russian Aerospace Forces strike on the terrorists' command post in the southern suburb of the city of Raqqa in late May this year," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said.



The "information is now verified through various channels," Syromolotov told the official Sputnik news agency.



Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said she did not have anything to say when asked to comment on the possible death of Baghdadi in Syria last month.



"I have got nothing (to report)," Tass news agency quoted her as saying.



Last Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Baghdadi had been presumably killed by the airstrike on Raqqa's southern suburbs carried out by Russian warplanes.



According to the ministry, the airstrike was conducted on May 28 on a command post where the Islamic State leaders were discussing exit routes for militants from Raqqa through the so-called southern corridor.



US defense officials last week said they were unable to confirm the reports about Baghdadi's death.



There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death or him being critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.



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 ISIS terror group is known for imposing a hard-line form of Islam that has included stonings, amputations and beheadings.
United Nations: Taliban "safe havens" are inside Afghanistan not outside, Pakistan`s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi has said.



"The resilience of the insurgency led by the Taliban cannot be explained away by convenient references to external `safe havens` or `support centres`," Lodhi told the 15-member UN Security Council during a debate on Afghanistan on Wednesday.



Relations between the two countries have turned sour since Afghanistan`s President Ashraf Ghani accused Pakistan of waging an "undeclared war of aggression" against his country, Dawn reported on Thursday.



Pakistan, Lodhi asserted, was committed not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against other countries.



"Pakistan`s Zarb-e-Azb and subsequent Raddul Fasaad military operations had succeeded in eliminating all terrorist and militant groups from its tribal territory bordering Afghanistan," she said.



She told the Council that Islamabad was "implementing border controls, including the fencing and monitoring of vulnerable sections of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border."



Lodhi said that "as a country that continues to host over two million Afghan refugees, Pakistan expects gratitude and not hostility from the Afghan government".



Both the countries, she stated, have suffered at the hands of terrorism and should cooperate with one another in order to eliminate terrorism from the region.



Lodhi said that apart from Afghanistan itself, there is no country other than Pakistan, which has suffered more from the wars and violence that have engulfed Afghanistan for over 35 years.



"There is no other country, which will gain more from peace in Afghanistan," she said.



Lodhi added that a political strategy is needed since it was impossible to reach a political solution with only an increase in troops and military involvement.



On his part, Afghanistan`s Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal said reversing the tide against terror was contingent on eliminating support centres beyond the country`s borders that produced, nurtured and empowered terrorists operating in Afghanistan.
Brussels: Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May will try on Thursday to convince European leaders she can still push through Brexit despite being badly weakened by an election bet that turned sour.

The two-day Brussels summit marks the debut of French President Emmanuel Macron, the figurehead of a renewed confidence among the remaining 27 states that Britain`s withdrawal can be a fresh start.

But talks on issues including post-Brexit defence plans risk being overshadowed by concerns that a disastrous election has left May so enfeebled that Brexit negotiations will be hampered.

"There is an enormous insecurity among the Europeans: how long will she last? Has she got the majority to deliver?" a senior EU official said.

In Brussels, security has been stepped up after Tuesday`s bombing at one of the city`s main rail stations by an Islamic State sympathiser, following attacks in Britain and France.

Over dinner, May is expected to fill in some of the blanks for the other EU leaders on Brexit.

It will be their first meeting since her Conservative party unexpectedly lost its majority in a June 8 election, leaving her in charge of a so-called "zombie government".

Britain`s shock referendum vote to leave the EU was a year ago on Friday, and the country remains in a dark national mood after a string of terror attacks and a deadly tower block blaze. "The PM will give an update to the other member states on the UK`s Brexit plans following the beginning of the negotiations this week," a Downing Street spokesman said.

During the dinner May will "outline some principles of the UK`s paper on citizens rights which will be published at the beginning of next week," the spokesman said.

The EU has made a priority of the rights of three million European citizens living in Britain, plus a million Britons resident in Europe.

At the first formal Brexit negotiations Monday, Britain accepted the EU`s timetable that the exit bill, citizens` rights and the Northern Ireland border be settled before its request for a free trade deal be considered.

EU diplomatic sources said May will try to keep it simple, with no discussion.

"We believe that the warming-up round of last Monday did create a positive atmosphere ... I don`t think that May will want to shatter that understanding," said one EU diplomatic source, who asked not to named.

After her comments, May will leave the room for the remaining 27 EU member states to discuss what she has told them, and the future relocation of key EU agencies from London.EU President Donald Tusk said the bloc appeared to have survived the worst of the anti-EU sentiment which drove Britain`s shock vote to leave exactly a year to the day on Friday.

"The current developments on the continent seem to indicate that we are slowly turning the corner," the former Polish premier wrote in his invitation letter.

His upbeat assessment follows a series of election setbacks for populist and eurosceptic parties, including French far-right leader Marine Le Pen who lost heavily to newcomer Macron in last month`s presidential poll.

Macron has joined forces with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, pledging to put a post-Brexit EU back on track to deliver prosperity and security after years of austerity and crisis.

Macron and Merkel are expected to recommend another six-month rollover of tough economic sanctions imposed in 2014 against Russia over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has claimed 10,000 lives.

The French and German leaders will brief their peers on the Minsk ceasefire process, which has seen continued clashes between Kiev forces and Russian-backed rebels.

Tusk and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker are also expected to report on recent meetings with US President Donald Trump.

Trump`s "America First" approach and dismissive remarks about the EU and NATO have and bolstered calls for the European Union to take on an increased defence role, while his decision to pull out of the Paris climate pact infuriated Europe.

The EU leaders will also discuss plans to push internet firms to clamp down on online extremism, and Europe`s migration crisis.
Istanbul: Turkey on Thursday sent its first ship loaded with aid for its embattled regional ally Qatar which has been hit by sanctions from Gulf powers led by Saudi Arabia, state media said.

Turkey has already sent over 100 planes with food and other aid for Qatar but this is the first time a cargo ship has embarked on the voyage to Doha.

The ship left the Aegean port of Aliaga in Izmir province with around 4,000 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs on board, the Anadolu news agency said. It should arrive in 10 days.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting "terrorism", leaving Doha economically and politically isolated.

But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately vowed to support Qatar.

Ankara vehemently rejected the accusations -- already strongly denied by Doha -- that Qatar supports terrorism, arguing the country had been a staunch opponent of Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said yesterday that Turkey had already sent 105 cargo flights to Qatar loaded with aid to help the country through the crisis.

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 relations with the key regional power Saudi Arabia.

Ankara has stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia's actions, merely calling on Riyadh to take a lead role in solving the crisis.

In a sign of the importance of the relations with Riyadh, Erdogan late yesterday held phone talks with Saudi King Salman after the sudden appointment of his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince in place of Mohammed bin Nayef.

Erdogan also spoke with Mohammed bin Salman himself and passed on his congratulations over the move, Anadolu said.

Both sides expressed a commitment to further strengthen relations between Ankara and Riyadh and to "step up efforts" to end the tensions concerning Qatar, it added.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey had been been damaged by Riyadh's role in the 2013 ousting of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, a close ally of Ankara.

But ties thawed considerably after the accession of Salman to the throne in 2015, with the king warmly welcomed on visits to Turkey.
New Delhi: In the wake of Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu's comment against loan waiver, Congress on Thursday said that former's party is "anti-farmer" and the Cabinet Minister "himself doesn't care about the farmers."

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that Naidu is not a farmers leader

"BJP is anti-farmer. Venkaiah Naidu ji is not farmer's leader. He doesn't care about the farmers," said Singh.

Echoing similar sentiment, Congress leader Surjewala also had castigated Naidu and said that the Union Minister should not have made such a harsh statement at a time when the situation in Madhya Pradesh is so volatile.

"Farmers are committing suicide and Venkaiah Naidu is saying that it has become fashion. We never thought that BJP will mock this situation. This is condemnable and shameful. In Madhya Pradesh, the government has lost his mental balance, the Chief Minister is not providing relieve facility," said Surjewala.

Naidu earlier in the day said loan waiver has become a fashion and should be waived in extreme situations only.

"Loan waiver has become fashion now. It should be waived but in extreme situations only. It's not a final solution. You have to take care of systems. The farmers should be taken care in distress," Naidu said at India's largest municipal bond programme here.

Naidu, however, later defended his stance, while saying that he was referring to the approach of the political parties who are not focussing on long term, but only short term problems.

"I am being misquoted. My statement was in a context that the political parties instead of addressing long term issues and bringing in structural policy changes are adopting short term methods which has become the fashion.

I was referring to the approach of the political parties particularly of going to the level of populist schemes like giving grinders, mixies, and lollipops to children," Naidu told ANI.
New Delhi: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that seeking loan waiver has become a fashion these days.

However at the same time, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said that loans should be waived off, but in extreme circumstances. He opined that loan waiver is not the final solution for the betterment of the farmers.

Criticising Naidu's statement over loan waiver, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said 36-40,000 farmers have committed suicide in the last three years, therefore calling loan waiver fashionable is a disrespect to our 'anndaata' (farmers)."

Naidu's statement comes after the Karnataka government on Wednesday announced waiving of crop loans of up to Rs 50,000 of over 22 lakh farmers from cooperative banks in the state.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday announced total waiver of entire crop loans for small and marginal farmers in Punjab.

The Maharashtra government alos has announced a loan waiver for farmers and decided to form a committee to decide the criteria of debt relief, after which cultivators called off their protests.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has ruled out central funding for any state's farm loan waiver.

"We have got Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act and fiscal deficit target, we intend adhering to it," the Finance Minister told reporters here during a press briefing when asked about the farmers' agitation demanding farm loan waiver in various states.

Madhya Pradesh has been witnessing widespread protests by farmers demanding loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce. The number of farmer suicides in the state has gone up to 10. On June 6, five farmers were killed in police firing while another died of his injuries later in Mandsaur district.

Yogi Adityanath led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had earlier announced a loan waiver of Rs 36,359 crore for small and marginal farmers in the state.
New Delhi/Washington: India is pushing for US approval of its request to buy a naval variant of the Predator drone, officials said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries to revitalise relations with Washington when he meets President Donald Trump for the first time.



Securing agreement on the purchase of 22 unarmed drones is seen in New Delhi as a key test of defence ties that flourished under former president Barack Obama but have drifted under Trump, who has courted Asian rival China as he seeks Beijing`s help to contain North Korea`s nuclear programme.



Modi`s two-day visit to Washington begins on Sunday. Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in April and has also had face-time with the leaders of nations including Japan, Britain and Vietnam since taking office in January, prompting anxiety in New Delhi that India is no longer a priority in Washington.



If the Indian Navy gets the unarmed surveillance drones it wants to keep watch over the Indian Ocean, it would be the first such purchase by a country that is not a member of the NATO alliance.



"We are trying to move it to the top of the agenda as a deliverable, this is something that can happen before all the other items," said one official tracking the progress of the drone discussions in the run-up to the visit.



India, a big buyer of US arms recently named by Washington as a major defence ally, wants to protect its 7,500 km (4,700 mile) coastline as Beijing expands its maritime trade routes and Chinese submarines increasingly lurk in regional waters.



But sources tracking the discussions say the US State Department has been concerned about the potential destabilising impact of introducing high-tech drones into South Asia, where tensions are simmering between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir.



Other strains have emerged, with the United States vexed by a growing bilateral trade deficit and Trump accusing New Delhi of negotiating unscrupulously at the Paris climate talks to walk away with billions in aid.



US officials expect a relatively low-key visit by Modi, without the fanfare of some of his previous trips to the United States, and one geared to giving the Indian leader the chance to get to know Trump personally and to show that he is doing so.



Modi is also not expected to press hard on a US visa programme the Trump administration is reviewing to reduce the flow of skilled foreign workers and save jobs for Americans, seeing limited gains from raising a sensitive issue, they said.



Indian Trade Secretary Rita Teaotia told reporters this week the H-1B visa programme, under which Indian IT firms send large numbers of professionals to the United States, would be one of the issues on the table during Modi`s visit.

FALLING OFF THE RADAR



"There is a palpable fear in New Delhi that the new US president`s lack of focus on India, and limited appointment of South Asia focused advisors, has resulted in India falling off the radar in Washington," Eurasia Group`s Shailesh Kumar and Sasha Riser-Kositsky said in a note.



Defence deals, however, are one area where the two countries could make progress because of bipartisan support, an Indian official involved in the preparations for the visit said.



The two sides have stepped up efforts in recent weeks to get inter-agency clearance for the sale of the Guardian drone, made by California-based General Atomics.



India has raised the issue of the drones with the Pentagon three times since June 2016, officials said.



US Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner wrote in March to Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying the Guardian deal, estimated at more than $2 billion, would advance US national security interests and protect US jobs.



An industry official involved in promoting India-US business ties said the drone sale enjoyed support from the White House and Congress, and was now awaiting clearance from the State Department.



While the Guardian drones that India is pushing for are unarmed, the Indian military had originally asked for missile-firing Predator Avenger aircraft, a request turned down by the Obama administration.



Sources say there is some concern in the State Department that if India were to get the surveillance drones New Delhi would renew its push to acquire armed drones, which its military has eyed ever since they were deployed by U.S. forces against militants in Pakistan.



US export laws typically prohibit the transfer of such arms to a country unless it is fighting alongside U.S. forces.

FIGHTER JETS



India and the United States will also discuss the sale of US fighter jets during Modi`s trip, in what could be the biggest deal since they began deepening defence ties more than a decade ago.



On Monday, Lockheed Martin announced an agreement with India`s Tata Advanced Systems to produce F-16 planes in India, provided it won a contract to equip the Indian Air Force with hundreds of new aircraft.



Lockheed has offered to shift its ageing F-16 production line from Fort Worth, Texas as part of Modi`s "Make-in-India" drive while it ramps up production of the high-end F-35 aircraft at home.



Since Trump`s election on an "America First" platform, U.S. and Indian officials have sought to play down any contradiction between his stated desire to protect American jobs and Modi`s "Make in India" policy, arguing, for example, that deals in which components made in the United States are shipped to India for assembly benefit workers in both countries.
New Delhi: BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy on Thursday categorically stated that there is no scope for the United Nations' intervention in Kashmir issue, while urging the world body to ensure that Pakistan doesn't encourage terrorism in the name of 'Jihad'.

Remarks from the firebrand BJP leader came a day after UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that his recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif were targeted at initiating dialogue between the two neighbours to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

Although the UN Secretary General did not give any impression that he would be mediating between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, his statement raised many eyebrows in India and is being seen as a 'mediation bid'.

Guterres made these remarks while addressing his first press conference at UN headquarters.

Reacting to his statement, Swamy said Kashmir is an integral part of India and so there is no question of any sort of negotiation.

"Kashmir is a part of India. There is nothing to negotiate. Only thing that the UN needs to see is that Pakistan does not encourage terrorism. There is nothing else to be done. So, there is no scope for UN mediation in the case of Kashmir," Swamy said.

Guterres met Prime Minister Modi in St. Petersburg this month on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, whereas he met Nawaz Sharif in Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit held this month.

The UN chief had met Sharif in January also during the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos.

Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since independence of both countries in 1947. The ties between New Delhi and Islamabad have worsened in the recent past.

Swamy also backed National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairman Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi following a controversy over the latter's remarks that those who have to cheer for Pakistan are free to leave India.

Swamy said if a person goes against the country and lowers the image of the nation then his citizenship can be withdrawn.

"If they have to cheer for Pakistan why are they here in India? It is clear that the people who are staying here is according to their own wish. We have not forced anyone to stay here. But if you go against the country and if you lower the image of the nation then we have all the right to withdraw your citizenship. According to law, we can do that. But instead of that they should leave the country themselves," he added.
New Delhi: Four Indian prisoners were set free by Pakistan and were handed over to the Indian government on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The prisoners, identified as Suraj Ram, Sohan Lal, Mohammad Maqbool Lone and Abdul Majid were released in Pakistan and have crossed over to India today.

Days after prime MInister Narendra Modi's casual meeting with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif, India on June 12 released at least 11 civil prisoners in what officials described as a 'goodwill gesture'.

Pakistan had sought the release of these prisoners as they had all served their sentence. This is the first such gesture from Indian authorities since alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was served death sentence by a Pakistan military court in April this year.

Earlier in March, India released at least 39 Pakistani prisoners including 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality.

Announcing their release, the External Affairs Ministry said they are being repatriated to Pakistan via Attari/Wagah check post.
Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday issues ranging from terrorism and regional security to economic cooperation with US President Donald Trump would be discussed.

Addressing the press, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "One of the agendas of visit is how to further push and develop economic and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit."

He added that regional security and terrorism would also be on the agenda.



"Our concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Pakistan are well known. Terrorism that emanates from there has affected not only India but also many other countries. We do talk to all countries, our friends and partners on how to counter cross-border terrorism and international terrorism," Bagly said.



"So it is logical to assume that the issues of global and regional security, and terrorism would figure in the discussions among the two leaders" he pointed out.



The MEA spokesperson added that all matters of bilateral interest would be on the table.



"When the two leaders meet, it is not our practice to constrain the agenda. The leaders have the entire gamut of relationship for them to talk. We can't say which matters would be taken up and which won't be," he maintained.



Baglay said the idea of the bilateral talks would be to give a thrust and direction to the "robust and expanding relationship often described as the defining partnership of the 21st century".

PM Modi is scheduled to leave India on Saturday (June 24) morning. He would first visit Portugal before reaching Washington DC.

He will be meeting US President Donald Trump on June 26 for the first time.

However, they have spoken to each other over phone three times since Trump's inauguration in January this year.

PM Modi last visited US in June 2016 at the invitation of the then US president Barack Obama.

The Prime Minister would meet the CEOs and senior representatives from the business community on June 25, Baglay said.

"On (June) 26 forenoon, there would be calls on the Prime Minister by senior officials and dignitaries of the US administration. And in the afternoon, we have the official engagement with President Trump," he added, as per IANS.



Asked if the government had prepared differently to deal with Trump, Baglay said the relationship between the two countries was institutional.



India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules is also expected to be discussed.

India has time and again raised the issue of H-1B with the US authorities and asked them to liberalise the visa regime as Indian companies contribute significantly to the American economy, as per PTI.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

PM Modi's visit comes against the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries.

Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal.

"India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said.

Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India had asserted it signed the Paris agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect environment.

(With Agency inputs)
By Press Trust of India: Kathmandu, Jun 22 (PTI) Nepal attaches high importance to its relations with China and will not allow the countrys soil to be used for any anti-China activities, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said.

Deuba who met Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou yesterday said Nepal highly appreciated Chinas non- interference in its internal affairs and the Communist countrys support for and understanding of its constitutional process as well as Chinas long-term assistance for its socio-economic development.

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Kong, who is here for the 11th round of the China-Nepal diplomatic consultations, said China and Nepal have enjoyed equal treatment and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations 62 years ago.

Kong said the two countries have been time-tested good neighbours, good friends and good partners.

Deuba said his government attached high importance to developing ties with China and adheres to the one-China policy.

"Nepal will never allow any forces to use its soil to conduct any anti-China activities," Deuba said.

Nepal welcomes and supports China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative which brings valuable development opportunities for Nepal, Deuba said.

He said the new Nepali government was committed to continuing the implementation of the consensus and agreements already reached between the two countries and is willing to promote his countrys development and the inter-connectivity in the region by jointly building the USD 50 billion initiative.

China will always uphold its non-interference in Nepals internal affairs and support the countrys efforts in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Kong was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

China congratulates Nepal on its positive progresses achieved in its implementation of the new constitution, Kong said.

Kong said China hoped that Nepal will realise the political and social stability as well as fast economic development at an earliest.

China is willing to join hands with Nepal to boost mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in the sectors including trade, investment, post-disaster relief, infrastructure construction, inter-connectivity, energy and people-to-people exchange so as to better benefit the two peoples, Kong added. PTI MRJ AKJ MRJ

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Major opposition parties will hold a crucial meet on Thursday amid indications that former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar could be their nominee for the Presidential Election.

Fuelling the suspicion was a meeting between Meira Kumar and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday. Though there was no official word about the meeting, it is widely believed that Meira Kumar could be the opposition's choice against National Democratic Alliance's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

The meet comes a day after the Janata Dal (United) announced its decision to back Kovind.

Like Kovind, Meira Kumar belongs to the Dalit community. She was the first woman speaker of Lok Sabha and also has been a Union Minister.

"Today in the opposition parties meeting which shall be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi these issues (Presidential candidate) would be discussed," Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said here.



"Let us see what comes out of the meeting," he said.



Reacting on the JD-U's decision to support Kovind, Kharge said: "Nitish Kumar's party JD-U's announcement to support Kovind is his decision."



"Earlier in the opposition parties' meeting, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav had advised not to decide on the Presidential candidate in hurry," he added.

Meanwhile, a JD(U) leader said its move backing Kovind was a "one-time, isolated case", maintaining that opposition unity was intact on other issues.

Ahead of meeting of opposition parties, Communist Party of India leader D Raja said that JD-U was one of the opposition parties which had come together to field a common candidate in the presidential polls and its parting ways will not have any bearing on the stance of other parties.

"It is one party. We are 17 parties who came together on the issue. (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar has taken such a position, it is for him. It does not mean all others follow Nitish Kumar," Raja told IANS.

Gandhi had taken the initiative to talk to opposition parties to evolve a consensus candidate in the Presidential Election. Nitish Kumar was among the leaders who met her and JD-U leaders took part in all meetings of the grouping.

JD-U leader Sharad Yadav was also a member of the sub-committee formed by opposition parties to decide the presidential candidate.

The Left parties are keen to put up a candidate against Kovind in what they call an "ideological battle".

Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Wednesday that there would be a "strong candidate" against Kovind.

"The question is of a political battle -- whether the basics of our Constitution would be protected or RSS would convert the country into a Hindu Rashtra (nation)," Yechury said.

Presidential polls: Ruling AIADMK announces support to NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind

It remains to be seen if BSP, which has also said that it cannot oppose a Dalit candidate unless the opposition has a more popular Dalit nominee, attends the opposition meeting.

For the record, the Congress said the question whether they would be putting up a candidate against Kovind will be known only after Thursday's meeting.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, whose father Mulayam Singh Yadav is toeing a different line, said that his party would go with the opposition led by Congress.

"There should be no talk about whether a Dalit should be there (be a President)... caste or religion. Whoever would be the protector of the Constitution should be above caste and religion," he said, adding that his party would attend the opposition's meeting on Thursday.

The other name doing the rounds as possible opposition candidates is of former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who also belong to the Dalit community.

Sources said former ambassador and governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi was still among the probables.

(With Agency inputs)
Delhi: Delighted at being nominated as Opposition's joint candidate for the Presidential election, Congress leader and a Dalit, Meira Kumar said on Thursday that she was grateful to the seventeen parties.

At the same time, she appealed to the electorate to take their decision in the best interest of the country based on cherished values of social justice and inclusiveness and on principles and ideologies.

"Express gratitude to 17 Opposition parties who selected me as Presidential election candidate. Delighted by Opposition's unity," Kumar told reporters.

"This unity represents coming together of forces which have strong ideological base. Going to contest election as their representative," she added, as per ANI.

"I would appeal to the collegium to take their decision on the best interest of the country, based on the cherished values and principles and ideologies. These are social justice, inclusiveness and values of composite Indian heritage which we hold so sacred," Kumar also said.

The Opposition today unanimously decided to field her against NDA's Dalit activist Ram Nath Kovind.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the 17 non-NDA parties in Parliament House Library, with the leaders endorsing the name of the former minister and diplomat, whose father, ex-deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, was often hailed as one of the tallest Dalit leaders in the country.

"We have 17 Opposition leaders present here and all of us have decided to jointly field Kumar as a candidate for the forthcoming election for the President of India," Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced after the meeting.

Asked to comment on Nitish Kumar's JD(U), which is supporting Kovind and stayed out of meeting, she said, "We do hope that other opposition parties join us." Gandhi added that she was "not upset with anybody".

Her party colleague, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Kumar had been "selected unanimously".

All the 17 parties had proposed her name, he said.

He added Kumar was the 'illustrious daughter' of former defence minister Jagjivan Ram.

"There could not be a better candidate than her," he said, as per PTI.

CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury said "we are appealing to everybody" to support her.

After the meeting Lalu Prasad of the RJD said he would meet Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and "appeal to him again to rethink" his party's decision to support the NDA nominee, which he called a "historic blunder".

He also said there was no threat to the Bihar government, a coalition of the JD(U), RJD and Congress.

BSP's Satish Chandra Misra said his party leader Mayawati had earlier said if there was a "better dalit candidate" (than Kovind), the person should be fielded by the opposition.

"Meira Kumar is a better candidate," Misra quoted the BSP leader and former UP CM as saying.

The brief meeting of the opposition parties started with an address by Gandhi where she stressed the need for opposition unity in putting up a joint candidate.

She then gave the floor to NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who said the names of three Dalit leaders - Kumar, former minister Sushilkumar Shinde and former Maharashtra MP Bhalchandra Mungekar - had been discussed for the top post.

When many in the group said Kumar was the best possible candidate, Gandhi proposed the name of the former speaker.

Earlier, Yechury had put forward the name of Prakash Ambedkar, but few among the leaders seconded him.

He also told the gathering that former diplomat-governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was earlier being considered as a joint opposition candidate, had also suggested after the NDA named Kovind that the opposition put up a Dalit candidate.

The meeting was attended by a galaxy of leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, NCP's Pawar, RJD's Prasad, Left leaders Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and the National Conference's Omar Abdullah.

Though Trinamool Congress's Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on May 26, were not present today, their representatives attended the meet. Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, Ramgopal Yadav, the SP and Misra, the BSP.

There were also representatives from the JD(S), RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.

Though the JD(U) skipped today's meeting, RLD chief Ajit Singh was there, making up for the numbers.

Most of the leaders were present at the May 26 luncheon meet hosted by Gandhi at the same venue.

The Congress said it was 'proud' that the party had fielded its second Dalit candidate and the second woman for the post of the President.

Azad urged the leaders, especially those who had travelled from their states to Delhi, to sign Kumar's nomination papers as proposers or seconders before returning home.

(With Agency inputs)
Chennai: The AIADMK's rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday announced its support for NDA's Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, voicing confidence that he will perform as a "good administrator."

Panneerselvam said BJP National President Amit Shah had sought support from him for Kovind and the matter was discussed with senior functionaries of the faction today, besides MPs and MLAs owing allegiance to him.

"Based on that and heeding BJP President Amit Shah's request, it has been unanimously decided to back Kovind," he told reporters here.

An "opportunity" has been provided for a member of the Dalit community to be elected to the President's office, and "for providing that opportunity (to Kovind), we have decided to support him," Panneerselvam added.

Asked if the faction, which has 12 MPs and an equal number of MLAs, was supporting Kovind since he hailed from the Dalit community, Panneerselvam said the presidential nominee has been a former MP twice, besides having served as Governor of Bihar, and was, therefore, "experienced."

"We are confident he will perform as a good administrator," he said when asked about Kovind's RSS background and reports that opposition Congress may also field a Dalit candidate against NDA's pick.

The Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction's announcement comes a day after the AIADMK's Amma camp had announced backing Kovind in the race to Raisina Hill.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had yesterday announced the faction's support to Kovind, who has since resigned as Governor of Bihar.
Delhi: Meeting of Opposition parties on Presidential elections is underway in Delhi on Thursday.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sitaram Yechury from CPI(M), D Raja (CPI), Darek O' Brien (TMC), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Satish Chandra Mishra (BSP), Omar Abdullah (NC), Kanimozhi (DMK) and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge are among those attending the meet.

Meanwhile, a day after backing Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the President's post, the JD(U) said on Monday said that there was no question of going back to the NDA and it continued to be an integral part of the united opposition.

"The decision to back Kovind's candidature is an isolated incident... We'll never go back to the NDA-fold again," the JD(U) national spokesperson KC Tyagi told PTI over phone from Delhi.

Tyagi said Kovind, the ex-Governor pf Bihar, had played a positive and non-confrontational role in the functioning of the state government.

During his nearly two years' tenure as the Bihar governor, Kovind handled himself with dignity and poise and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was quite impressed with the his demeanour and grace which convinced him to back his candidature for the president's post, he said.

He said Kumar, who is the JD(U) national president, and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri during the DMK founder M Karunanidhi's 94th birth day celebrations at Chennai on June 4 had discussed the name of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition's candidate and it would have stayed the course but for the NDA throwing a surprise by announcing Kovind's candidature.

"We are bound to support the former Bihar Governor's presidential bid as he had discharged his duties with grace and poise," Tyagi said, adding that having decided to back Kovind's candidature it did not make sense to attend the meeting of the Opposition parties in Delhi today to decide on the presidential elections.

The JD(U) national spokesperson asked the NDA to refrain from nursing any illusion about his party going back to the ruling alliance at the Centre and charged the Narendra Modi government with failing on all fronts.

"Despite backing Kovind's candidature for the president's post, we are of the considered view that the Modi government has failed on all fronts," he said.

Tyagi said that contentious issues like Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and Article 370 continued to be the sore points between the NDA and the JD(U).

"In fact, the communal strife has worsened throughout the country over the past three years," he alleged.

Stating that the JD(U)'s decision to stand by Kovind's candidature for the president's post is an "isolated incident," Tyagi said that his party would continue to be an integral part of the united Opposition.

The Presidential election is scheduled for July 17. President Pranab Mukherjee's term is till July 24.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who drew flak for his `loan waiver has become a fashion now` statement, on Thursday defended his stance, while saying that he was referring to the approach of the political parties who are not focussing on long term, but only short term problems.

"I am being misquoted. My statement was in a context that the political parties instead of addressing long term issues and bringing in structural policy changes are adopting short term methods which has become the fashion. I was referring to the approach of the political parties particularly of going to the level of populist schemes like giving grinders, mixies, and lollipops to children," Naidu told ANI.

Naidu further said that waiver has to be done in an extreme situation, but that cannot be a solution in the long term, adding that the government needs to focus more on infrastructure.

He further said that with his statement he wanted to imply that the Government should focus on basic infrastructure, including the problems of the farmers like godowns, cold storage, refrigerator vans agriculture rural credit, etc.

"What I had said was in the context of addressing the infrastructure including the problems of the farmers. I was talking about the lack of toilet areas, lack of roads, and lack of assured power supply that should be the focus," he added.

Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, he said his dispensation has taken many initiatives including comprehensive crop insurance scheme, and allocation of Rs 50,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojana.

"It is very surprising that the political parties, which were in power for years, could not do anything to address these issues and are blaming our Government and adopting populist schemes of asking for waiving loans," he added.

Naidu earlier in the day said loan waiver has become a fashion and that loans should be waived in extreme situations only.

"Loan waiver has become a fashion now. Loans should be waived, but in extreme situations only. It`s not a final solution. You have to take care of the systems. The farmers should be taken care in distress," Naidu said at India`s largest municipal bond programme here.

Slamming Naidu`s statement Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala castigated the former and said that the Union Minister should have not made such a harsh statements at a time when the situation in Madhya Pradesh is so volatile.
Apple has expanded its legal battle against Qualcomm, accusing the US chip maker of charging for invalid patents in the latest twist in the clash between the two tech giants.

In legal filings in a federal court in California on Tuesday, Apple claimed that several Qualcomm patents were invalid because they conflict with existing patents, while other patents were not essential for cell phone communications, according to details of the lawsuit reported by The Wall Street Journal.

In January the iPhone maker filed a lawsuit complaining that Qualcomm -- which produces chips widely used in smartphones and tablets around the world --abused its market power to demand unfair royalties, and demanded billions of dollars in compensation.

Apple filed two similar complaints against Qualcomm in China days later.

However Qualcomm countersued in April, claiming that Apple breached agreements and encouraged regulatory attacks worldwide on Qualcomm.

"Qualcomm`s illegal business practices are harming Apple and the entire industry," Apple said in an email Tuesday to AFP.

"They supply us with a single connectivity component, but for years have been demanding a percentage of the total cost of our products - effectively taxing Apple`s innovation."

Qualcomm, in a statement by legal counsel Don Rosenberg, denied the accusations.

Apple "knows well" that "Qualcomm`s innovations are at the heart of every iPhone and enable the most important uses and features of those devices," Rosenberg said.

"It simply is untrue that Qualcomm is seeking to collect royalties for Apple innovations that have nothing to do with Qualcomm`s technology."

In January, the US Federal Trade Commission hit Qualcomm with an antitrust suit alleging it abused its dominant market position for processors, resulting in higher prices for consumers.

The complaint said Qualcomm`s practices amount to "unlawful maintenance of a monopoly in baseband processors," which are devices that enable cellular communications in phones and other products. Qualcomm rejected the claims as "flawed".

The San Diego, California, group in 2015 agreed to pay $975 million to settle antitrust charges in China.

Qualcomm is challenging a European Union competition inquiry which could result in a fine of up to 10 percent of its annual sales, which amounted to $26.5 billion in 2015.
The head of Taiwan`s tech giant Foxconn said Thursday its pursuit of Toshiba "is not yet over", a day after the Japanese firm announced it preferred another group of bidders to acquire its prized chip business.

Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, is controlled by billionaire Terry Gou and reportedly had Apple as a financial backer in its multi-billion dollar bid for Toshiba`s memory chip unit, seen as crucial for the cash-strapped Japanese firm to turn itself around.

Toshiba said Wednesday it would hold exclusive talks with a consortium of US, South Korean and state-backed Japanese investors, dashing Gou`s ambitions.

But the Foxconn chairman vowed to keep pursuing the acquisition, saying the Taiwanese firm still has a chance.

"The Toshiba case is not yet over. It is very similar to the Sharp deal," Gou told shareholders at an annual meeting in New Taipei City.

He was referring to his takeover last year of the Japanese electronics firm for $3.7 billion, a move he described as "really worth it."

Gou is known for his aggressive dealmaking prowess, shown by his dogged determination to acquire Sharp despite concerns over the Japanese firm`s mounting losses.

"We still have a big chance," he said at Thursday`s meeting of the Toshiba quest, adding there were still "a lot of variables".

The inclusion of Japanese investors in the selected bidding group by Toshiba will ease reported government concerns about losing a sensitive technology to foreign owners.

But a Foxconn official criticized Japanese authorities for taking a protectionist approach.

"There`s no end to their corporate crisis if they are not able to open up," said Tai Jeng-wu, who took over as president of Sharp after Foxconn`s buyout.

The Taiwanese firm is the world`s largest contract electronics maker and is best-known for assembling products for international brands such as Apple and Sony.

Gou said earlier this year he was mulling a $7 billion investment to make flat panels in the United States in a joint project with Japan`s Softbank.

He also said Foxconn aimed to increase investment in China this year to try to boost Sharp`s market share in the country.
Jammu: Nearly a week after a Police Inspector and five policemen were killed in an ambush by militants, the Jammu and Kashmir government led by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has now provided bulletproof vehicles to police officers for patrolling in sensitive areas.

According to Hindustan Times, the state government has provided bullet-proof vehicles to at least 20 SHOs posted in sensitive areas.

The Mehbooba Mufti government had faced injtense criticism for politicising the killing of six policemen, including SHO Feroz Ahmed, by militants at Thujwara in Achabal area of south Kashmir last week.

Owing to the level of threat that exists to local police officers, it was imperative that they travel their areas in these vehicles, a senior J&K police officer was quoted as saying.

He also informed that the vehicles will be given to officers posted in south Kashmir and other disturbed areas of the Valley.

According to reports, 29 policemen have been killed in the last one and a half years in militant attacks in Kashmir.

Following the attack, senior police officials decided to transfer bulletproof vehicles given to them by the government to the SHOs for the time being, the officer said.

A decision in this regard was taken in light of a request made by the slain officer, Feroz Ahmed Dar, a native of the region, for a bulletproof vehicle several times before his death due to threat posed by the militants.

SP Vaid, Director General of Police, without specifying, said a lot of bulletproof vehicles were destroyed during the 2014 floods and during the agitation that followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani.

J&K police is sufficiently equipped to deal in the current situation, but a lot of our vehicles were destroyed during the flood and in the 2016 agitation, but we are trying our best to safeguard our officers, and at the same time, fight militancy, Vaid said.
Jammu: The Pakistan troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army is giving a bifitting reply to the ceasefire violation that is taking place in Khari Karmara areas of the Poonch sector.

A heavy firing is underway.

According to reports, Pakistani troops are resorting to mortar shelling and firing of small arms, automatics along the Line of Control areas.

The Pakistan Army, earlier in the week also, had initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in the same sector.

There has been a significant increase in the ceasefire violation from the Pakistan side in past one year. Several infiltration bids from Pakistani militants have been successfully foiled by the Indian security forces.

Further details awaited.
Srinagar: Three Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were gunned down by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The slain terrorists men have been identified as Majid Mir, Shariq Ahmad and Irshad Ahmad. Three AK47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.

A gun battle started between the security forces and the LeT men on Wednesday at 6 pm, after a cordon was launched by security personnel in Kakapora area of Pulwama district.

Some reports said that at least six terrorists managed to escape the cordon due to fierce stone pelting by the locals during the encounter.

The terrorists were killed in a joint operation by the security forces including Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police spokesman said.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Kakapora area of Pulwama around 6:00 pm following information about presence of militants there.

As the security forces were conducting the searches, they were fired upon by some hiding militants, a police official said.

The security forces retaliated, triggering a gunbattle which was going on till last reports came in, the official said.
Opposition parties are reportedly miffed with the way the Bihar chief minister and his party announced their decision about Presidential election in Patna on Wednesday.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: JD-U chief Nitish Kumar's breaking rank with the Opposition and extending support to NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind has not gone down well with other parties.

Opposition parties are reportedly miffed with the way the Bihar chief minister and his party announced their decision about Presidential election in Patna on Wednesday.

Many Opposition leaders told India Today that Nitish Kumar should have announced the decision in a 'decent' manner.

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Expressing his displeasure, CPI leader D Raja said, "Though it is their right to decide about Presidential poll but the way it was announced was incorrect. Nitish Kumar and JD-U should have discussed it with other parties in today's meeting before unilaterally deciding on their own."

This move of JD-U forced the Opposition led by Congress to re-work their strategy. The cracks emerging in United Opposition before the 'big' meet has led to sharp criticism of Nitish.

"Though it is not a big crack in opposition unity but this move of JD-U will have its own impact," said Raja.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi party Naresh Agarwal, downplaying the issue, said, "This is not new for Nitishji. Last time he had supported Pranabji as Presidential candidate."

When outgoing President of India Pranab Mukherjee was elected, JD-U was in an alliance with the BJP but he had supported former Congress's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

ALSO READ

It's a political war, Opposition will field candidate for presidential election: Sitaram Yechury

India's next President: Opposition may field joint candidate against Ram Nath Kovind. 4 names in the race

WATCH: Presidential election: Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is NDA candidate

--- ENDS ---
Ballari: A local Dalit BJP leader was hacked to death by unidentified persons at a roadside eatery in Ballari in Karnataka, according to PTI.

35-year old Bandi Ramesh, vice-president of the party's district SC Morcha was attacked with lethal weapons by the assailants, police said.

Police suspect previous enmity to be the reason for the killing of the BJP leader.

Ramesh had faced several criminal cases in the past, they added.
Thane: Farmers protesting land acquisition for a proposed airport at Nevali set vehicles on fire and clashed with police today, leaving four policemen injured.

The agitated farmers also blocked a busy road in the area by throwing burning tyres on it, a police official said.

A Defence spokesperson said the land is owned by the Ministry of Defence and the state government land records certify the same.

The state government had some years back started acquiring land in the area to set up the proposed airport which the farmers have been opposing.

However, their protest turned violent today as the farmers started agitating simultaneously at several places near Nevali, located about 50 kms away from adjoining Mumbai.

The angry protesters also clashed with police and pelted security personnel with stones when they tried to control the situation, the police official said.

Three police officers and a constable sustained injuries in the clash, he said.

Policemen also fired plastic bullets at the protesters to disperse them, police said.

The protesters blocked the Kalyan-Haji Malang road in the area by throwing burning tyres and wooden blocks on it. They also torched a police van, three trucks, two bikes and a tempo in the area, the official said.

Senior police and revenue officials rushed to the spot to control the situation.

The aggrieved farmers had earlier this month approached the Bombay High Court with a bunch of petitions challenging acquisition of over 1,600 acre land by the Ministry of Defence for an airport requisitioned during World War II.

According to the petitions, the land was requisitioned by the government through an order passed by the then Thane collector in February 1943, under the Defence of India Rules.

The petitions have challenged the validity of the requisition order.

The Defence spokesperson said, "The land in reference is owned by Ministry of Defence/ Indian Navy and the state government land records certify the same."

"The 7/12 (land) extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by the Ministry of Defence," he said.

The spokesperson further said, "The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard defence land from further encroachment."

"The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing police protection and support from the state/district administration and revenue authorities," the spokesperson said.
Jaipur: Nearly 26 farmers' associations have called for a shutdown in 45,000 villages across Rajasthan on July 9 to press for their demands, even after the RSS-backed Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) called off its proposed stir.

Farmers in these villages have decided to curtail supply of milk, vegetables and grains, and will wear black bands to show solidarity and fight for their demands.

The farmers' bodies have been demanding waiving agriculture loans, passage of a farmers' security Act and implementation of the recommendations of the M S Swaminathan Commission.

"Farmers in Rajasthan are no different from farmers of other states," the national president of Kisan Mahapanchayat, Rampal Jat, said here in a press conference.

"Farmers' demands have not been met. Holding talks with BKS representatives and assurances given to them were merely an eyewash and attempt to pacify farmers' protest.

"We have called for a shutdown in 45,000 villages in Rajasthan on July 9. Twenty-six associations representing farmers will support the protest," Jat said.

He has alleged that the BJP, which is in power at the Centre and in the state, have failed to fulfil the promises made to the farmers in its election manifestos.

Farmers in Rajasthan are under huge debt as their produce is not being procured at the government-fixed minimum support price (MSP).

Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab have waived farmers' loans.
Erode: Fifty-five students were hospitalised here today when they took ill after consuming noon meal served at a government boys school, police said.



The students of the school at Sivagiri complained of vomiting and purging about an hour after they had the meal, they said.



The school authorities rushed the boys to Sivagiri Government Hospital, from where they were referred to Government Headquarters Hospital here, they added.



The condition of all the students was stable, doctors said.



The authorities suspect that some poisonous insect or a lizard could have fallen into the food which caused the illness.



Education Department officials inspected the noon meal centre and the kitchen.



They also visited the hospital.
Rameswaram: As many as 21 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters today.



Four fishermen from Pudukottai district and 17 fishermen from Karaikal region in Puducherry were arrested by Sri Lankan navy for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu today, the police said.



The fishermen were taken to Kangesanthurai port in the island nation along with their boats, Rameswaram Fishermen Association president P Sesuraja said.



Last night, five fishermen from Rameswaram were taken to Thalaimannar by the Lankan authorities and beaten up, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line, the police had said.



They were, however, later let off, they had said.



Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today sought the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to secure the release of 20 fishermen from the state and 137 boats, allegedly apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.



In his letter to Modi, Palaniswami said only the retrieval of Katchatheevu islet will ensure restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by the fishermen.
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is all set to hit the silverscreen with Tubelight, will return to television earlier than expected.

According to the latest buzz, the hunk of an actors biggest reality show  Bigg Boss season 11, will be aired much before than the usual schedule followed prior to this edition.

If the report in India.com, originally attributed to DNA is anything to go by, then Bigg Boss 11 will be telecast much ahead of the other popular reality shows  Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Indias Got Talent. The makers are apparently focussing mainly on the show hosted by Salman.

Like last year, Bigg Boss 11 too will have commoners as contestants competing with celebrities.

The promos for show have started airing and the auditions for the same have begun.
Lucknow: BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday extended her party's support to the Opposition's nominee for President, Meira Kumar, saying she was "more capable and popular" than NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind.



"The Opposition's nominee for President's post Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA candidate," she said moments after the UPA announced Kumar's candidature.



"The BSP will support Meira Kumar in the presidential election," she said.



Mayawati had said on Monday that her party was positive about the NDA nominating Kovind but wished the ruling alliance had named a non-political Dalit candidate for the top post.



"Although Kovind has been associated with the RSS and the BJP from the beginning but since he is a Dalit, our party's stand towards him cannot be negative. It will be positive, provided Opposition parties do not field any Dalit for the post who is more capable and popular than him," she had told newspersons here.
Maharajganj: Suspected Hizbul Mujahideen operative Naseer Ahmad, who was arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) while trying to cross into India from Nepal, performed yoga asanas along with other inmates of the district jail here on the International Yoga Day.



"Clad in white kurta-pyjama, 34-year-old Naseer performed almost all the yoga asanas on the International Yoga Day yesterday, but abstained from singing national song 'Vande Mataram' and chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Maharajganj district jail superintendent Anil Kumar Rai told PTI today.



He said that Naseer along with other inmates began yoga with anulom-vilom (breathe-in, breathe-out exercise) and also performed various other asanas.



"He was in complete control of himself while performing the asanas. His conduct during the entire duration of the programme was good," he said.



Rai also mentioned that there was no pressure on anyone and everyone took part in the event willingly and enthusiastically. "Altogether 2,500 inmates performed yoga along with prison staff," he said.



Naseer alias Sadiq, hailing from Banihal in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, was held by the SSB, which guards the 1,751-km-long open border, on May 13 from Sonauli border post here.



He was trying to sneak into India from Nepal in the guise of a shawl and carpet vendor. He was carrying a Pakistani passport and an identity card showing him as a resident of Lala Musa village in Gujrat district in Punjab province of the neighbouring country, the SSB said.



Ahmed was handed over to the Uttar Pradesh ATS for further investigation.



According to security agencies, Ahmed had joined Hizbul Muzahideen in 2002-03 and moved to Pakistan. He was involved in a number of terrorist activities. In 2002, he sustained bullet injuries during an encounter with the Army in Banihal.



Ahmed was residing in Pakistan since September, 2003. He was involved in many attacks against civilians and security forces including an attack on an STF camp in India in 2003.

"He was sent to India by his handler for a specific mission," an SSB spokesperson had said.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shrikant Sharma on Thursday said that under the ' Power For All' scheme all the urban Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would get free electricity connection.

"Under the government scheme 'Power for all', urban dwellers below the poverty line shall receive free electricity connections. This falls under the scheme to provide electricity to entire Uttar Pradesh and seems to be another step to curb theft of electricity prevalent in parts of the state," Sharma said, while addressing a press conference in Lucknow.

He also announced a new Nagar Panchayat and said that a new medical insurance service has been initiated.

Earlier, in the month of April, in a big leap towards ensuring regular electricity to all, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Centre had entered into a pact to provide 24-hour power supply to district headquarters, 20 hours to Tehsil headquarters and 18 hours to all villages in the state.

The 'Power for All' pact was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power Piyush Goyal.

While stressing that his government has 'fulfilled its promise,' Adityanath said the goal was to ensure 24-hour power to all by November 2018, even as Goyal held that continuous electricity supply would help the state in industrialisation and job creation.

The State Government had also vowed to ensure curbing power theft by installing smart meters.
China has blocked every attempt that India has made for entry into the exclusive Nuclear Suppliers Group over years. China's opposition presents an opportunity for India to look beyond nuclear energy. There are more than ample reasons for this.

By Prabhash K Dutta: Switzerland is hosting 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in its capital Bern over next two days. Despite, India's persistent effort, its entry into the exclusive nuclear club does not seem a possibility during NSG plenary 2017.

China has stated that it has not changed its stand on India's entry into the NSG. China has been opposing India's entry to the club of nuclear nations saying that new members should sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

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India has not signed the NPT terming it discriminatory as it recognises only those nations as nuclear weapon states who conducted nuclear explosive devices before 1967. India conducted first nuclear explosion in 1974 followed by another in 1998.

Of the 48 members of the NSG, 10 are said to be 'not convinced' with India's candidature for the group with China leading the way in raising opposition. India's attempts have ended in frustration particularly after it signed a nuclear pact with the US.

But, China's opposition could be an opportunity for India to look beyond nuclear power. There is overwhelming evidence to show that the advanced countries and world leaders are moving away from nuclear energy. They seem to have reached the conclusion that nuclear energy is not the solution to energy crisis in a sustainable way.

The focus, now, is on renewable energy.

EXAMPLE OF NSG HOST SWITZERLAND

Ahead of the NSG plenary 2017, the host Switzerland saw a massive change in favour of alternate energy sources. On May 21, the Swiss public was asked to vote on the question of energy sources. Over 58 per cent voters backed energy overhaul in the country. They voted for moving away from nuclear energy.

The new energy policy of Switzerland will be rolled out from January next year. According to the Energy Strategy 2050 initiative, the government will try to bring about a four-fold increase in solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy output by 2035.

Under the plan, Switzerland will shut down its five nuclear plants in phased manner. The first nuclear power plant of Switzerland will be shut down in 2019.

However, the alternate energy sources are likely to cost more, still the Swiss people voted against nuclear energy. According to Swiss government estimates, it would have to share the burden of subsidies in the tune of USD 490 million per year while per household cost may go up by USD 41 annually.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER DEVELOPED NATIONS

Switzerland, interestingly, is not the only nation making shift from nuclear to renewable energy resources.

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According to a World Economic Forum report, Denmark is moving to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2035. Germany is planning to supply its 80 per cent power using renewable energy resources by 2050. Two German provinces have already transformed into a 100 per cent net renewable energy powered zones.

Australia is following the suit. About 40 per cent of southern Australia is powered by renewable energy. In fact, no major nation using substantial nuclear energy has announced a new nuclear power reactor in past several years.

Going by the records, a World Economic Forum report says that global annual nuclear energy generation peaked in 2006. However, the percentage contribution of nuclear energy to global electricity generation was recorded highest in 1993 at 17 per cent. Now, it is at around 10 per cent.

Except China, India, Russia and South Korea, no major technology and economy power of the world is making great progress in the field of nuclear energy.

Portugal recently experimented by living on renewable energy for four full days to get an idea of how it would be turn total green.

WHY THIS SHIFT?

Experts believe that benefits from nuclear energy far outweigh the dangers that it poses to population.

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Chernobyl disaster of 1986 was the first major warning to the world which exposed the dangers of using nuclear energy. More than 55 people were killed in the incident while it was estimated that the radiation could have killed any number of people between 4,000 and 93,000 (according to estimates by different expert groups) by causing cancer.

If Chernobyl was the wake-up call, the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan was the last nail in the coffin of nuclear energy. It convinced the world leaders that nuclear energy is no solution to the energy crisis. Until the 2011 incident in Japan, nuclear energy was considered as the low-carbon future of the world. But, the incident changed the perception forever.

Germany vowed to phase out nuclear power by 2022. It has already closed eight of 17 nuclear reactors permanently. Spain put a ban on construction of new reactors while Italy voted to remain non-nuclear.

Countries like Australia, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Norway have been staunch opponents of nuclear energy.

Further nuclear experts have pointed out that high grade nuclear fuel may not last for more than a few decades forcing the major energy consumers to rethink their strategy. Besides, there is another problem.

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High-level nuclear wastes require careful storage. Experts say that high-grade nuclear wastes should be safeguarded for about 1 lakh years or may be even more to make sure that the radiations emanating from them do not harm humans and other living beings. This is too much a cost to bear for a risky energy resource.

THE CHINA WAY

China too seems to have understood that nuclear energy is not safe future option to meet energy requirements. In fact, China is currently the leading green energy producer and consumer in the world.

According to Renewables 2016 Global Status report, the world produced about 785 gigawatts green energy. China's share was 199 gigwatts followed by the US at 122, Germany at 92 and Japan with gigawatts. India stood at fifth position with 36 gigawatts green energy.

China is also the leading wind and solar energy producer in the world.

China is also the biggest investor in green energy projects. From about USD3 billion in 2005, it has increased its green energy investment to USD100 billion in 2015. This figure seems humongous considering that the global investment in green energy projects for 2015 stood at USD285 billion.

These are enough indications for India to think beyond nuclear energy and NSG membership, which China seems vowed to oppose.

ALSO READ |

Nuclear Suppliers Group likely to meet next month, slim chance of India's entry

India has capability to make 2600 nuclear weapons: Pakistan

ALSO WATCH | What if India fails to become part of Nuclear Suppliers Group?

--- ENDS ---
Darjeeling: A fresh suo moto FIR has been lodged against Gorkha Janamukti Morcha supremo Bimal Gurung, his Asha and other supporters.

The fresh FIR was filed after GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland since June eight, decided to withdraw from the tripartite accord on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

The tripartite agreement paving the way for the setting up of the GTA, an elected body for the Darjeeling hills, was signed in 2011. The parties to the agreement were the Union home ministry, the state government and the GJM.

The GTA administers Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, some areas of Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district and the whole of Kalimpong district.

The GJM chief had slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for calling in the Army to control the situation in the hills and advised her to stay out as "the people of Darjeeling are well-equipped to take care of themselves".
Buenos Aires: The remains of a son of former Argentine president Carlos Menem were exhumed on Thursday amid charges that the young man, who died in a 1995 helicopter crash, was actually murdered.

Federal Judge Carlos Villafuerte Ruzo ordered the exhumation to determine if the body in the burial plot was indeed that of Carlos Menem junior, or if the body had been switched.

The official story is that the 26-year-old, known as "Carlitos", died when the helicopter he was piloting crashed in March 1995. The accident ocurred just before Menem, who was president from 1989 to 1999, was re-elected to office.

But Menem`s mother Zulema Yoma -- the ex-president`s former wife -- is convinced that her son was murdered.

The remains were exhumed from the Muslim cemetery of San Justo, on the western edge of Buenos Aires.

Forensic experts will carry out a DNA test on the cranium and other parts of the body, and send the results to Yoma and Menem, who is now 86, Yoma`s attorney Diego Storto told reporters.

The death of several witnesses and the lack of a expert report on the helicopter crash have fueled Yoma`s theory that her son was murdered.

Judge Villafuerte Ruzo initially ruled that the crash was an accident, and Yoma turned to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights after Argentina`s Supreme Court said the case was closed.

The former president had two children with Yoma, his first wife: Carlos junior and Zulemita. He had another son, 13 year-old Maximo Saul, with his second wife, the Chilean actress Cecilia Bolocco. The couple split in 2007.

Menem also recognized a third son, 34 year-old Carlos Nair, from an extramarital affair.

He has been a senator since 2005, a job that grants him parliamentary immunity and has allowed him to avoid a prison sentence for smuggling guns to Croatia and Ecuador during his presidency.
Baghdad: In a unique record of sorts, a bullet fired by a Canadian sniper aiming to kill an ISIS fighter in Iraq has surpassed the previous longest-confirmed kill by almost 1,000 meters.

According to News Week, the shot fired by the Canadian sniper travelled 3,450 meters (over two miles) and took less than 10 seconds to reach its target.

The identity of the Canadian sniper, who is a member of Canadas Joint Task Force 2, which is part of the US-led coalition that is fighting with the ISIS fighters in Iraq, has not been revealed for operational security reasons.

The sniper made the kill during an operation that took place within the last month in Iraq, the report quoted sources as telling The Globe and Mail.

A McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle - the standard long-range sniper of the Canadian military  was used to kill the ISIS fighter and the shot was fired from a high-rise building in an undisclosed location.

Firing from such a distance, the shooter would have had to account for wind; the round dropping as it was fired from a higher location; and even the curvature of the earth.

Notably, Canada has been involved in the war against ISIS since 2014.

Here are the top five longest confirmed kills recorded so far: -

-Canadian sniper in Iraq (2017): 3,450 meters.

-British sniper Craig Harrison in Afghanistan (2009): 2,475 meters

-Canadian sniper Rob Furlong in Afghanistan (2002): 2,430 meters

-Canadian sniper Arron Perry in Afghanistan (2002): 2,310 meters

-US sniper Brian Kemer in Iraq (2004): 2,300 meters
Beijing: China on Thursday chose to stay mum on the reports in the Pakistani media that Beijing will fund the USD 14 billion Diamer-Bhasha dam in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and has agreed to include the project in the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"For this specific project and including the construction of dam you mentioned, I am not aware of the details," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here.

For long, Pakistan has been looking for USD 12 to 14 billion funding needed to build the Diamer-Bhasha dam located in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK but failed to secure the money as it is proposed to be built in the disputed region. The Asian Development Bank, World Bank have already refused to commit funds for Pakistans project.

While evading a response, Geng, however, put up a strong defence of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), playing down India's concerns over violation of sovereignty.

"What I can say is that CPEC is a new cooperation framework for the two countries to achieve long term development. This corridor will not only promote bilateral development of two countries, but will also contribute to the development and prosperity in the region," he said.

"We know that there is some concern about the corridor but we keep stressing that this economic corridor is just an economic initiative for cooperation," Geng said.

"It targets no third country and is not connected to any sovereign dispute. We hope that the dispute between India and Pakistan could be resolved by consultation and negotiation," he reiterated.

Geng skirted a direct response to the dam issue apparently to avoid a strong reaction from India which has already opposed the CPEC as it passes through PoK.

India's objections to the project led New Delhi to skip China's high profile Belt and Road Forum (BRF) held in Beijing last month to highlight the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC is part of the BRI.

But Pakistan officials were positive that Beijing has agreed to take it up under CPEC, according to reports.

Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman Muzammil Hussain was quoted by the Pakistani media as saying that "the project with 4,500 MW installed capacity has been pending since long due to the fact that earlier in 2006, Asian Development Bank committed to fund the project, however, after 10 years, it declined to fund the project saying it was located in disputed territory".

However, the project has been revived as China had offered Pakistan to bring it under CPEC.

Pakistan to make visa rules stringent for Chinese

Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who is also in-charge of the CPEC, told the media few days ago that Pakistan expects China to fund the long-delayed project.

Iqbal was quoted as saying that a Chinese company along with a local partner would build the dam over a 10-year period. Work should begin in the next financial year, he said.

The project to be built on the river Indus was expected to generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, and a vast new reservoir would regulate the flow of water to farmland.

Iqbal said the dam is critical to Pakistan's food security.

The dam was reportedly part of an MoU between China and Pakistan which was signed last December to fund and develop Pakistan's Indus Basin dams. Pakistan estimates there is 40,000 MW of hydro potential.

(With PTI inputs)
Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump`s senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner held "productive" meetings with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Wednesday, the White House said.

Kushner, accompanied by Trump`s Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, is attempting to broker a deal to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, frozen since US-led talks collapsed in 2014.

Washington`s ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, also attended the sit-down with Netanyahu.

"The three United States officials discussed Israel`s priorities and potential next steps with Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledging the critical role Israel plays in the security of the region," the White House said in a statement.

"The meeting was productive and the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing President Trump`s goal of a genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians that enhances stability in the region," the statement read.

In short video released by Netanyahu`s office, the prime minister told Kushner: "This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity and peace."

"I welcome you here in that spirit. I know of your efforts, the president`s efforts, and I look forward to working with you."

Greenblatt and Kushner both accompanied Trump in May on his first visit as president to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Both men also met Abbas and his senior advisors in Ramallah, accompanied by US Consul General Donald Blome, for talks the White House also dubbed "productive."

"Kushner and Greenblatt discussed with President Abbas priorities for the Palestinians and potential next steps, acknowledging the need for economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investments in the Palestinian economy," it said.

A White House official said this week Trump "strongly believes that peace is possible," and that Greenblatt and Kushner expect to visit the region multiple times in coming months in a bid to build confidence between the two sides.
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Saudi Arabia's newly-appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he discussed the thorny diplomatic row between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, including Riyadh.

"The President and the crown prince committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond," the White House said in a statement about their telephone talks.

"The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar," the statement added.

The region is in the throes of a deep crisis.

Earlier this month, Riyadh and several of its allies including Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, cut ties with Qatar over accusations that Doha supports extremist groups, including some linked to Saudi foe Iran -- a claim Tehran denies.

In addition to diplomatic isolation, other measures taken included closing Qatar's only land border, banning its planes from using their airspace and barring Qatari nationals from transiting through their airports.

Qatar is home to the biggest US air base in the Middle East -- a hub in the war against the Islamic State group.

Trump's administration has sent contradictory signals on the crisis. While Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia, Washington has shown mounting frustration over the kingdom's role in the crisis.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on Tuesday that the US was "mystified" that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have failed to present details justifying their embargo on Qatar.

"The more that time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Nauert said.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been tasked by Trump to oversee an end to the crisis, has been working the phones in recent days trying to defuse a standoff that has put key US allies at loggerheads with one another.

Tillerson said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia and its allies had prepared a list of demands to be presented to Qatar.

"We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable," Tillerson said in a statement.

"We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort and look forward to this matter moving toward a resolution.
Brussels: European Union President Donald Tusk echoed rocker John Lennon`s "Imagine" Thursday as he said he hoped Britain might still stay in the bloc.

Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels where Prime Minister Theresa May was due to brief leaders on her Brexit plans, Tusk suggested the process could still be reversed.

"Some of my British friends have asked me whether Brexit could be reversed, and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the European Union," Tusk told reporters.

"I told them that in fact the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve, so who knows?" the former Polish premier added.

"You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one."

Tusk`s last line was a quote from "Imagine", the iconic 1971 ode to world peace by late former Beatle Lennon.

Britain stunned the EU when it voted to end its four-decade membership of the 28-nation bloc in a referendum a year ago on Friday.

But May`s disastrous showing in elections on June 8 in which she lost her majority has sparked speculation that her Brexit plans may be watered down, or even reversed.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble both said last week that the "door was open" for Britain to remain in the EU.

At the summit May is due to unveil a "generous offer" to resolve EU concerns about the rights of three million European expats living in Britain after Brexit.

Tusk meanwhile insisted the remaining 27 members had a renewed sense of optimism about the bloc`s future after years of crisis and mounting anti-EU sentiment culminating in the Brexit vote.

Despite it being his 80th summit as premier or EU head, "never before have I had such a strong belief that things are going in a better direction," he said.

"Our optimism should still be extremely cautious but we have good reason to talk about it."
Illinois: Otto Warmbier, the US college student imprisoned for more than a year by North Korea and sent back home in a coma that proved fatal, will be buried Thursday in his home state of Ohio.

Sentenced to hard labor for stealing a political poster from a North Korean hotel, the 22-year-old Warmbier was medically evacuated in a coma last week after nearly 18 months in captivity.

Suffering from severe brain damage, he died Monday in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. President Donald Trump slammed Warmbier`s detention and eventual death as "a total disgrace."

Warmbier`s funeral will be held at Wyoming High School -- located in the city of Wyoming, a suburb of Cincinnati -- from which he graduated in 2013. He will then be buried in Cincinnati`s Oak Hill Cemetery.

Blue and white ribbons, the colors of the high school, were still tied to trees in the city of about 8,000 to show of support for Warmbier`s family after Otto`s recent return.

Warmbier`s father Fred earlier told reporters that his son was lured to North Korea, as other US tourists have been, by tour groups run out of China.

"Otto`s a young, thrill-seeking, great kid who was going to be in that part of the world for a college experience and said, `Hey, I`ve heard some friends who have done this. I would like to do this.` So, we agreed to let him do that," Fred Warmbier said.

"They lure Americans, and then they take them hostage and then they do things to them, and that`s what happened to my son," he added.



Warmbier was arrested as he was about to leave North Korea and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years of hard labor. Soon after his family heard nothing more about his fate

Then, just before he was to be medically evacuated, the North Korean regime revealed that Warmbier had been in a coma for much of his imprisonment. Warmbier died Monday of severe brain damage, which doctors said was likely due to cardiopulmonary arrest.

Medical tests did not show what precipitated his injuries, but also found no evidence of the botulism infection that North Korea claimed was the cause of his coma.

The Hamilton County Coroner`s office did not perform an autopsy at the request of the Warmbier family.

Warmbier`s friends and relatives described him as a bright young man beloved in his community.

"He just lived life with such a zest and a passion that I haven`t really ever experienced in somebody before," Warmbier`s childhood friend Chris Colloton told the Cincinnati Inquirer newspaper.

"He was the best guy I knew. I still know him - I`m just going to miss him so much," the 22-year-old said.

In a statement announcing his death, Warmbier`s family described him as "a warm, engaging, brilliant young man whose curiosity and enthusiasm for life knew no bounds."

"You can tell from the outpouring of emotion from the communities that he touched -- Wyoming, Ohio and the University of Virginia to name just two -- that the love for Otto went well beyond his immediate family," the statement said.

Following Warmbier`s death, the tour group that arranged his trip said it would no longer take Americans to North Korea.

"Now, the assessment of risk for Americans visiting North Korea has become too high," said the China-based Young Pioneer Tours.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that Washington holds North Korea "accountable" for Warmbier`s fate, and demanded the release of three other Americans held by the reclusive regime.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang is running out.

"To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.
Tehran,: Iran has begun exporting gas through a pipeline to Baghdad under a deal set to make Iraq the Islamic republic's top customer, the oil ministry said.

"Iran's natural gas exports to Baghdad began yesterday evening," Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia said late yesterday in comments carried by the ministry's Shana website.

"The exports have started with a volume of seven million cubic metres a day and will eventually reach 35 million cubic metres," he said.

The announcement came two days after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Iran following a fence-mending trip to its bitter rival Saudi Arabia amid diplomatic turmoil in the Gulf.

A new pipeline links western Iran to Baghdad, while a second in Iran's southwest will pump Iranian gas to the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Once the Basra pipe comes online, Iraq's total gas imports from Iran are set to reach up to 70 million cubic metres a day.

Iran sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and produces some 600 million cubic metres a day.

But despite almost doubling its oil exports since international sanctions were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal, it consumes most of its gas domestically - partly for lack of export infrastructure.

Turkey has so far been its only export client, importing some 30 million cubic metres a day under a 1996 deal.

The Islamic republic, seeking to expand its gas market, is developing production facilities in the huge offshore oil and gas field of South Pars, which it shares with Qatar.

Shiite-dominated Iran and Iraq, which fought a devastating war in the 1980s, have become close allies since the 2003 fall of Sunni strongman Saddam Hussein and the rise of a Shiite-led government in Baghdad.
Irbil (Iraq): The Islamic State group destroyed Mosul's 12th century al-Nuri mosque and its iconic leaning minaret known as al-Hadba, when fighters detonated explosives inside the structures last night, Iraq's Ministry of Defense said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted early today that the destruction was an admission by the militants that they are losing the fight for Iraq's second-largest city.

"Daesh's bombing of the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque is a formal declaration of their defeat," al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.

The mosque, which is also known as Mosul's Great Mosque, is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called Islamic caliphate in 2014 shortly after Mosul was overrun by the militants. The minaret that leaned like Italy's Tower of Pisa had stood for more than 840 years.

The IS group blew up the mosque during the celebrations of Laylat al Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims. The "Night of Power" commemorates the night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is now underway.

An IS statement posted online shortly after the Ministry of Defense reported the mosque's destruction blamed an airstrike by the US for the loss of the mosque and minaret. The US-led coalition rejected the IS claim.

A coalition spokesman, US Army Col. Ryan Dillon, told The Associated Press that coalition aerial surveillance confirmed the mosque was destroyed, but he said a US strike was not the cause.

"We did not conduct strikes in that area at that time," Dillon said.

IS fighters initially attempted to destroy the minaret in July 2014. The militants said the structure contradicted their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, but Mosul residents converged on the area and formed a human chain to protect it.

IS has demolished dozens of historic and archaeological sites in and around Mosul, saying they promoted idolatry.

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," US Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, the commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq, said in a written statement.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," he added. ISIS is another acronym for the Islamic State group.

The mosque sat on the southern edge of the Old City, the last IS stronghold inside Mosul. Iraqi forces launched a push into the Old City earlier this week, but have made slow progress as the last IS fighters there are holed up with an estimated 100,000 civilians according to the United Nations.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the global coalition against IS, also criticized the destruction at the hands of the militants in comments today at an annual security and policy conference in Herzliya, Israel.

"In June 2014, Mosul, a city of nearly 2 million people fell to ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate from the mosque, the grand mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul's Old City," he said.

"And late yesterday, as Iraqi security forces closed in on that mosque about a hundred meters away, ISIS blew it up, a mosque that sat there since the 12th century, ISIS blew it up."

Earlier this month Mosul residents reported IS fighters began sealing off the area around the mosque. Residents said that IS fighters ordered families living in the area to evacuate in preparation for a final stand.

The fight to retake Mosul was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 850,000 people. While Iraqi forces have experienced periods of swift gains, combat inside the city has been grueling and deadly for both Iraqi forces and civilians.
Former Lok Sabha speaker and Dalit leader Meira Kumar was selected unanimously by the opposition parties.

By India Today Web Desk: Making it a Dalit vs Dalit battle in the presidential election, the Opposition parties today picked former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as their candidate for India's next president.

After a meeting of 17 opposition parties, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said Meira Kumar's name was selected unanimously by one and all. He said there could not have been a better candidate for the top constitutional post.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who chaired the meeting, said she appeals to all secular parties - if there are any left - to support Meira Kumar.

"I am not upset with anyone," Gandhi said.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's name for #PresidentialElection. pic.twitter.com/39PL0S1VqE; ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

Stating that Meira Kumar is a 'Bihar ki beti', RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav said he will meet Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and ask him to reconsider his decision on supporting NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

"It will be a historical mistake if Nitish does not rethink about his decision. I will meet and appeal him," Lalu said adding that only Nitish knows whether he has cheated us or not.

Nitish Kumar's JD-U was the first one to back out of the meeting saying they will support NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

The move has also put his ally Lalu Yadav in a tight spot.

The Bahujan Samaj Party has also decided to support Meira Kumar.

To finalise their strategy on presidential election and zero on a candidate for the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Opposition parties met today at Parliament House's library.

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh discussed the issue with Opposition leaders in the absence of Rahul Gandhi.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar proposed three names -- Kumar, former union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Rajya Sabha MP Bhalchandra Mungekar, both Dalits from Maharashtra.

CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury put forward thenames of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of B R Ambedkar.

WHO IS MEIRA KUMAR

Daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister and prominent Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, Meira Kumar is a 5-time MP and was the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014.

A lawyer and a former diplomat, Kumar had also served as a cabinet minister.

Also read:

Like it or not, Ram Nath Kovind is all set to be your next President

India's next President: After Nitish backing Kovind, Opposition split wide open ahead of big meet today ALSO WATCH THE VIDEO:

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--- ENDS ---
Lashkar Gah: At least 29 people were killed Thursday when a powerful car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan`s Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

Sixty wounded people were rushed to hospital after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

No group has claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

"At least 29 people were killed and 60 others wounded in today`s bombing," Mullah Dad Tabidar, head of Bost government hospital, told AFP as bloodied victims were rushed in on makeshift stretchers.

Tabidar said civilians and policemen were among the fatalities, warning that the toll could rise further.

In a similar attack in February, at least six people were killed when a Taliban bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into Afghan soldiers who had queued outside a bank in Lashkar Gah to collect their salaries.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

Intensified fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America still is "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Kathmandu: Nepal and China have hailed the smooth and healthy development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

While meeting with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou on Wednesday, Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Wednesday said his government has attached great importance to developing ties with China and has been adhering to the one-China policy, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Nepal will never allow any forces to use its soils to conduct any anti-China activities."

Nepal highly appreciates China's non-interference in its internal affairs, China's support for and understanding of its constitutional process and China's long-term assistance for its socio-economic development, Deuba said.

Nepal welcomes and supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative which brings valuable development opportunities for Nepal, the Prime Minister said, adding his government is willing to promote the Himalayan country's development and the inter-connectivity in the region by jointly building the Belt and Road.

For his part, Kong, who is here for the 11th round of the China-Nepal diplomatic consultations, said Beijing and Kathmandu have enjoyed equal treatment and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations 62 years ago and have been time-tested good neighbours, good friends and good partners.

China congratulates Nepal on its positive progresses achieved in its implementation of the new constitution, said Kong, adding China will, as always, uphold the non-interference in Nepal's internal affairs and support Nepal's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kong said China hopes that Nepal will realise the political and social stability as well as fast economic development at an earliest possible date.
Seoul: South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday China should do more to rein in North Korea`s nuclear program and he would call on President Xi Jinping to `lift all measures` against South Korean companies taken in retaliation against Seoul`s decision to host a U.S. anti-missile defence system.

In an interview with Reuters ahead of his trip to Washington next week for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Moon said `strong` sanctions should be imposed if North Korea tests an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or conducts a sixth nuclear test.

North Korea will acquire the technology to deploy a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland United States "in the not too distant future," Moon said.

"I believe China is making efforts to stop North Korea from making additional provocations, yet there are no tangible results as of yet," Moon told Reuters at the sprawling Blue House presidential compound.

"China is North Koreas only ally and China is the country that provides the most economic assistance to North Korea," Moon said. "Without the assistance of China, sanctions won`t be effective at all."

His comments echoed that of Trump`s who said in tweet earlier this week China`s efforts to use its leverage with Pyongyang had failed.

Moon was elected in May pledging to take a more moderate approach to the North and engage the reclusive country in dialogue, in addition to pressure and sanctions to impede its defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

G20 MEETING

South Korea and the United States agreed to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in response to the growing missile threat from North Korea.

But the move has angered China, which says the system`s powerful radar will look deep into its territory and undermine regional security. China has pressured South Korean businesses via boycotts and bans, such as ending Chinese group tours to South Korea and closing most of South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group`s Lotte Mart retail stores in China.

Moon said he hopes to hold talks with Xi at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany next month, and will urge him to take steps to ease measures against South Korean companies.

"If I have the chance to meet President Xi, I will ask for him to lift all of these measures," Moon said. "This is the agenda that we cannot evade."

Moon said he wants to sit down with as many world leaders as possible in Hamburg -- including Xi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin -- where he expects the North`s nuclear program will top the agenda.

Japan is an important partner in the effort to resolve the North Korean crisis but Tokyo`s refusal to fully own up to its wartime past as well as its growing military spending are concerning, Moon said.

"If Japan were to show its strong resolve in looking back on its past history and sending a message that such actions will never happen again... then I believe that this will go a long way in further developing its relations with not only Korea but also with many other Asian nations," he said.

Moon has said many South Koreans did not accept a deal reached by his conservative predecessor and Japan`s Abe in 2015 to resolve the issue of Korean "comfort women" -- a euphemism for women forced to work in the Japanese military`s wartime brothels.

Moon said he has "high expectations" for the upcoming summit with Trump next week and said the priority the two leaders have placed on North Korea has raised the possibility that the nuclear issue will be resolved.

"I`m very glad that President Trump has made the resolution of North Korea`s nuclear issue as top of his priority list on his foreign affairs agenda."
Wyoming: Thousands of friends and family members gathered in suburban Cincinnati on Thursday to say goodbye to an American student who died days after returning to the United States in a coma following 17 months in captivity in North Korea.

Otto Warmbier, 22, was arrested in the reclusive communist country while visiting as a tourist. He was brought back to the United States last week with brain damage, in what doctors described as state of "unresponsive wakefulness," and died on Monday.

Some 2,500 mourners attended a Thursday morning memorial at Wyoming High School in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming. Warmbier, who graduated from the school as salutatorian in 2013, will be buried at a local cemetery later in the day.

The exact cause of his death is unclear. Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated, declined to provide details, and Warmbier`s family asked the Hamilton County Coroner on Tuesday not to perform an autopsy.

Warmbier`s brother and sister spoke at Thursday`s memorial, as did a number of his friends, said attendee Fred Koss.

"I had to come out to support the family, and also just to show, in my opinion, the North Korean government that we are a dignified country, unlike them," said Koss a 70-year-old Wyoming resident.

A program for the memorial carried a quote from Andy Bernard, a character on the television show "The Office": "I wish there was a way to know you`re in the good old days before you`ve actually left them."

Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year from the University of Virginia`s McIntire School of Commerce.

"He was able to connect with grownups and children and he was one of those people that made you feel like you were his best friend, even though you had just met him," said his college counselor, Cynthia Meis, who attended the service.

"He was genuine and authentic, and so smart."

Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group. He was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.

He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labor for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.

Warmbier`s treatment was "appalling," US Senator Rob Portman of Ohio told reporters outside the memorial.

North Korean officials told US envoys that Warmbier contracted botulism after his trial and lapsed into a coma after taking a sleeping pill. The family disbelieves that account.

Warmbier`s death has only heightened tensions aggravated by dozens of North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since last year.
Ankara: Two Turkish soldiers died at the hospital where they were receiving treatment following clashes with militants in the mainly Kurdish southeast, the army said on Thursday.

The soldiers were wounded during an operation targeting militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeastern province of Bitlis, the army said.

Another soldier is being also treated at the hospital, it said.

One village guard was also killed in the southeastern province of Siirt in overnight clashes with PKK militants, the private Dogan News Agency reported.

The southeast has been rocked by violence following the collapse of a 2-1/2-year ceasefire between the state and the PKK in 2015.

The PKK took up arms in 1984 to fight for an autonomous state and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since.

It is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
Ankara: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Turkish counterpart that weapons provided to the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria would be taken back once Islamic State was defeated, Turkish defence ministry sources said on Thursday.

In a letter to Turkey's Defence Minister Fikri Isik, Mattis said the United States had informed Turkey about the weapons it had given the YPG and that it would provide monthly lists of the arms supplied, the sources said in a statement.

Relations between the two NATO allies have become strained due to the support the United States has given the YPG, which Turkey has fought in northern Syria, to support the campaign against Islamic State.

In his letter, Mattis told Isik that the United States would take determined measures to address Turkey's security concerns, the sources said, and that Arabs would comprise 80 percent of the forces to capture Syria's Raqqa from Islamic State.

The YPG is a leading part of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which launched an operation earlier this month to capture Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital.

Turkey has said that it would retaliate against the YPG if it felt a threat from the group.
Islamabad: Crew of a Pakistani TV channel drew the ire of students of an Islamic seminary for drinking water during the fasting period in Ramadan - the Muslim holy month of fasting.

The incident took place in Islamabad on Tuesday.

A team from Din News was beaten up by students of Madrasa Haqqania, Dawn reported.

The madrasa management claims the journalists were drinking water during the day and that they were initially asked to stop and beaten when they continued to drink water.

A reporter of the channel, Ali Usman, told the paper that he and five other team members were assigned to interview lawyer Salman Akram Raja, who is representing Nawaz Sharif`s son Hussain Nawaz in the Panamagate corruption scandal.

He said one of the cameramen, Rashid Azeem, went into the madrasa which is close to Raja`s place and poured water over his head to cool off.

Some students asked him why he was drinking water and left when they were told Azeem was pouring the water on his head.

According to Usman, they saw that the madrasa management was stealing electricity and one of the cameramen started recording.

He said it instigated the students who started beating Azeem, breaking two of his teeth and snatching his camera.

The team continued filming on another camera while students threw stones at the DSNG and took away cash and valuables from the team, he said.

A source in the madrasa said the team members were drinking water in the madrasa when they were allowed to come in as they said they wanted to offer prayers.

He said the newsmen started filming later, saying the management was stealing electricity, which was not true. The newsmen were told to stop and leave repeatedly and that students beat them up when they started misbehaving, he added.

A FIR has been registered against the madrasa management with the Margalla police.

(With PTI inputs)
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenias First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Garegin Melkonyan on June 20 hosted the European Commissions delegation members on the EUs GSP+ (Generalized Scheme of Preferences), press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

The meeting was also attended by head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski.

The delegation arrived in Armenia within the frames of process of monitoring stage of GSP+ trade regime and plans to hold meetings with the representatives of respective ministries and agencies, business community, civil society and other concerned agencies.

During the meeting issues related to the use of GSP+ regime in Armenia, the implementation of 27 international conventions relating to human rights, working rights, nature protection and effective governance as preconditions to use from GSP+ regime were discussed.

Within the frames of the visit, information event-discussion on GSP+ will be held with the business community representatives in the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments on June 22.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Artsakhs President Bako Sahakyan congratulated the 60th birthday of Arkady Ghukasyan  2nd president of Artsakh and the Ambassador At-Large of Armenia, the President's Office told ARMENPRESS.

I cordially congratulate You on the memorable jubilee, the 60th birthday anniversary.

Your whole life is a vivid example of serving devotedly to the Motherland and native people, due to which you were honored the title of "Hero of Artsakh".



You stood at the origins of the Artsakh National Liberation struggle and did your best for realizing our people's cherished dreams and aspirations, formation and development of the Artsakh Republic, solving socio-economic issues and raising living standards of our citizens.



Today you continue to apply your rich experience and knowledge for the benefit of our state and people.



I congratulate you once again and wish peace, robust health and great success in your patriotic activity, Sahakyan said in the letter.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Reality TV superstar, model and actress Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West hired surrogate to carry their third child, The Telegraph reports.

The couple made such a decision after the doctor warned Kim of another high-risk pregnancy.

People Magazine and E! News, citing unidentified sources, report that the couple has hired a surrogate and agreed to pay her more than 113.000 USD to carry a child.

It is unknown whether the surrogate is already pregnant or not. Kardashians representative refused to give a comment on this.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have two children  a girl, born in 2013 and a boy, born in 2015.
By Press Trust of India: Jammu, June 22 (PTI) In third such attack this year, a team of Pakistani special forces today sneaked 600 metres across the Line of Control (LoC) into the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing two Indian soldiers while losing one of their men in retaliatory action.

One of the attackers was injured in the Indian retaliatory action and his body was extricated under the cover of heavy firing by the Pakistani troops from their posts across the LoC, an Army official said.

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The Border Action Team (BAT), which generally comprises special forces of the Pakistan Army and some terrorists, carried out the attack at around 2 pm under the heavy cover fire by the Pakistani troops from their posts, he said.

This was the third BAT attack on Indian patrol party along LoC in Poonch this year.

"A Border Action Team of 5 to 7 heavily-armed men, under the cover of Pakistani firing, entered 600 meters inside the LoC in Gulpur forward area in Poonch sector around 2 PM and launched a fierce attack on Army patrol party with several types of weapons," the official said.

The Pakistani attackers came up to 200 meters near the Indian posts.

During the attack, the Pakistani troops resorted to firing in Gulpur-Karmara-Chakan-Da-Bagh area along the LoC.

The armed intruders targeted an area domination patrol of the Indian Army, triggering a gunfight, the official said.

The Indian troops killed one of the attackers and injured another whose extrication was facilitated by the cover fire by the Pakistani troops from their posts.

In the firefight, two Indian soldiers were killed.

They were 34-year-old Naik Jadhav Sandip of Aurangabad, Maharastra and 24-year-old Sepoy Mane Savan Balku of Kolhapur, Maharastra.

Naik Jadhav is survived by wife Ujala and Sepoy Mane by mother Shoba.

The Pakistani firing continued till 3.30 PM, the official said, adding the Indian posts retaliated strongly.

In a similar BAT attack on May one, two Indian soldiers were beheaded in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district.

That attack too was carried out under the cover of shelling by the Pakistani troops.

Prior to that, a BAT attack was carried out on February 18 but there were no casualties in that.

Earlier, there have been several BAT attacks in which Indian jawans have been beheaded or their bodies mutilated.

On October 28,last year, militants attacked a post and killed an Indian Army soldier and mutilated his body close to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil sector.

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In January 2013, Lance Naik Hemraj was killed and his body mutilated by a BAT. It had also beheaded Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh. Constable Rajinder Singh of the BSF battalion had suffered injuries in the attack. PTI AB AKK AKK

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YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. After the construction and commissioning of the Iran-Armenia and Armenia-Georgia overhead power transmission lines, Armenia will act as a regional energy hub  by linking the electricity-energy systems of Iran, Georgia and Russia.

The governments action plan for the upcoming five years fixed that both Iran-Armenia and the Armenia-Georgia transmission lines will be commissioned in late 2019, the ministry of energy infrastructures and natural resources told ARMENPRESS.

The Iran-Armenia 400kW transmission lines will enable to triple electricity exchanges with neighboring Iran. The construction has already begun.

The construction of Armenia-Georgia transmission lines will also begin soon, with a tender currently underway to select the contractor.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Parliament approved the Governments action plan, reports Armenpress.

64 MPs voted in favor of the action plan, and 31 votes against.

Before the voting Tsarukyan and Yelk opposition factions announced they will vote against the action plan.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Through Armenian-German joint efforts of studying the Armenian vishapakars ( characteristic menhirs found in Armenia, literally translated as dragon stones), archaeologists discovered a menhir in the territory of Goris, which differs from all the previously discovered ones.

Pavel Avetisyan, director of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia told ARMENPRESS that all the previously discovered menhirs in the Armenian Highlands have been sculpted.

This recent discovery in Goris is also sculpted, but it is unique by the fact that no such samples have been found prior to this point. The dragon menhirs are the exclusive samples of the Armenian Highlands monumental sculpting, which date back to the third millennium B.C. They are unique, which are mapped only within the Armenian Highlands, and dont exists anywhere else, Avetisyan said.

Many of the menhirs are damaged, with many being underground. They are found in the Geghama mountains, the foothills of Aragats and in Syunik, according to the director.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan assesses the Governments action plan as workable, calculated and professional, Armenpress reports.

While preparing our action plan we had internal disputes, we have discussed it with many serious specialists and presented a program which will change the life of our state to the better, the PM said during the discussion of the action plan in the Parliament on June 22.

He added that a team of honest and decent people has been formed in the Government. In reality we are open and very interested in holding constructive discussions every day. That team consists of people who have a desire to serve our country and carry out good jobs, Karen Karapetyan said.

According to him, the Governments team needs support to implement the outlined programs, adding that they clearly understand what they need to do.

The PM thanked the MPs for discussions, stating that it is very important to be able to form an atmosphere of tolerance.

The Parliament approved the Governments action plan with 64 votes in favor, and 31 votes against. Before the voting Tsarukyan and Yelk opposition factions announced they will vote against the action plan.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Armenias Parliament Ara Babloyan delivered speech during the discussion of the Governments action in the Parliament, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

Armenpress presents the full text of his speech:

Honourable Mr. Prime Minister,

Dear MPs,

Dear members of the government,

First of all, I thank all the MPs and factions of the National Assembly for the concerned debate of the government action plan. At the same time I would like to especially note that for the first time, at least in my memory, the Prime Minister attends the whole procedure of the Government program debate in the Parliament.

Dear colleagues,

Everybodys goal is to create developed, fair and secure state, where our citizens can work, create and fulfill their dreams and wishes, and see their childrens dignified future.

In the centre of all this should be the man, our citizen. At least the most talented program cannot have success, if there is no care in its events, actions, even between the lines towards the citizen.

Dear colleagues,

The factor of security is very important for us, as we have adventurous neighbours, who dont refuse the intention of solving the Artsakh issue by force.

The Artsakh issue is the most important component of our security and safety. The nation-army idea, as well as every step, which is directed at the security of our borders, the neutralization of threats, the upgrading of the armed forces, the rise of their combativeness, is directly connected with that issue.

Saying secure Armenia we highlight not only external, but also internal security. The stability of the country, the solidarity of the society, the fight against corruption, the protection of human rights is one of its most important guarantees. In fact, the human right, including the right of the children, elders, disabled, women, shall be comprehensively executed and perceived by all of us. Besides the right to freedom of expression and manifestation, it is also a right to working and creating, getting medical aid and education, and being socially protected.

The state cannot be developed, if its citizen has no sufficient living standard and dignified way of life, cannot be firm, if its citizen has no feeling of justice, protection and security, cannot be healthy, if its citizen has not possibility of getting decent medical aid.

Dear colleagues,

The action plan of the government for 2017-2022 envisages providing relevant guarantees for reaching the abovementioned goals.

This document is the combination of the obligations and actions of the government for the upcoming five years. The government distinguished events and steps for every sphere enshrined by distinct terms.

Presenting its action plan, the government with all responsibility announces that it is ready to provide stable economic growth, assume the solution of the existing problems in the short-term, mid-term and long-term perspective.

Fixing that the best key of the societys welfare is the economic growth the government designs to practically express it through dignified salaries and pensions, creation of jobs, reachable and accessible medical aid.

The principle of the social justice shall become a cornerstone for the society in the spheres of very sensible health care and social security.

To improve the demographic situation the Government aspires to use more efficiently our priceless capital, the human resource, create new jobs for its development and more favourable conditions.

The government considers as a key element the rise of the quality and efficiency of the state administration, as well as the provision of the responsibility and the accountability of the power towards the society.

Dear colleagues,

We shall be honest, we shall be conscientious, we shall be humane, we shall think about our peoples tomorrow every day, every moment, trust our government and continue to build together safe and secure Armenia, Armenia of right, Armenia of justice and confidence, where the man is the superior value.

Thus, we propose to approve this important document with the amendments mentioned in the Prime Ministers speech by him, being sure that we are moving forward in the right way, and this program stems from the interests of our citizen and our country.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Parliament will convene extraordinary session on July 6, Speaker Ara Babloyan announced at the end of the June 22 session during which the lawmakers discussed and approved the Governments 2017-2022 action plan, Armenpress reports.

Dear colleagues, I would like to inform that on July 6 by the initiative of MPs the Parliament will convene extraordinary session, Parliament Speaker Babloyan said.

He informed that the session will focus on discussing the 2016 state budget performance report. Before the plenary session, the report will be discussed in parliamentary standing committees which will launch from June 26.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The issue of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is always in the agenda of Russias Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova  spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, told reporters during a briefing, reports Armenpress.

Asked what is the assessment of the Russian Foreign Ministry on the current situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, Zakharova said: The statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs also reflects Russias stance and the latest assessment over the ongoing developments in the region. It completely expresses Russias stance on this issue.

The spokesperson said during the meeting of Russian and French Foreign Ministers last week the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not been discussed in-detail.

I can say that the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is always in the Russian Foreign Ministrys agenda, Zakharova said.

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France, and Richard Hoagland of the United States of America), together with the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk issued a statement on June 19 based on the results of their recent regional visit. The statement says in their talks in Baku, the Co-Chairs expressed deep concern over the recent violations of the ceasefire, resulting in casualties on the Line of Contact, on the eve of their visit to Azerbaijan. They appealed to the leadership of Azerbaijan to avoid further escalation. They encouraged the Sides to consider measures that would reduce tensions on the Line of Contact and the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In both capitals, the Co-Chairs called upon the parties to re-engage in negotiations on substance, in good faith and with political will. They underscored that this is the only way to bring a lasting peace to the people of the region, who expect and deserve progress in the settlement of the conflict.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) launched dialogue with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides over the issue of Armenian citizen Zaven H. Karapetyan who is detained in Azerbaijan, ICRC Armenia Communication Programs Manager Zara Amatuni told Armnpress.

The ICRC conducts confidential and bilateral dialogue with the sides concerned to obtain access to the detained person. Visits to persons detained in relation to conflict fall under ICRC mandate according to the norms of international humanitarian law, she said.

Earlier Vanadzors Mayor Mamikon Aslanyan told Armenpress the person who has appeared in the territory of Azerbaijan, Zaven H. Karapetyan, was previously convicted and had mental problems. He lived an uncertain life. He was registered at the elderly house just for receiving a passport, since he had no permanent place to live. He resided in different parts of Vanadzor in different periods, collected garbage and was homeless. He is not from Vanadzor. I dont know from which orphanage he came, but he had an uncertain lifestyle. We have had no information about him for many years, Aslanyan said.

Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan told Armenpress Armenia is well familiar with Azerbaijans methods of falsely depicting ordinary people, civilians as saboteurs. This person is a civilian, he doesnt serve in our army: even his appearance clearly shows this. We are familiar with the Azerbaijani methods of presenting ordinary people as saboteurs, Hovhannisyan said.

In the video, the man who is allegedly identified as Zaven H. Karapetyan, is asked in Armenian about his details, whereby he mentions that he was born in the Dovegh village of Noyemberyan region in Tavush province. The man says he was born in November 16, 1974.

It is noteworthy that according to the official voters registry of Armenia, the registration address of a Zaven H. Karapetyan is noted as Vanadzor, Lori province, not Dovegh village of Noyemberyan (present day Tavush province).

The local village official of Dovegh village Mr. Samvel Gorginyan told Armenpress that he doesnt know Zaven H. Karapetyan, no such person lives in their community and he has no information.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The defense ministries of Armenia and Artsakh deny the Azerbaijani defense ministrys report whereby allegedly an Armenian UAV was shot down on June 21.

We dont have toys in our army, Armenias defense ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan told ARMENPRESS.

Artsakhs defense ministry spokesman Senor Hasratyan urged not to be deceived by the Azerbaijani made-up stories.

The Azerbaijani defense ministry released another disinformation today on shooting down an Armenian UAV, and then it cooked up its own lie, saying the counterblow will be destructive.

There is only one impression from these kind of empty and monotonous statements: making up imaginary successes in the military of the country called neighbor and getting excited by them has become a lifestyle. Conclusion: accept with understanding and dont get misled, he said.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The statement of the head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski over the results of recent parliamentary elections in Armenia has no link with Armenias internal affairs, Ambassador of Czech Republic to Armenia Petr Mikyska told reporters, Armenpress reported.

Mr. Switalski is supported by EU member states. The Czech Republic as well assisted holding observation mission in the electoral process, of course, with less funds, than that of the EU. I think the reactions of several Armenian officials were somehow exaggerated. It was the Armenian Governments desire to receive assistance from international structures for the electoral process. Armenia signed a number of international agreements which suppose a framework of concrete commitments. I dont think Mr. Switalski doesnt have the right to express his opinion over this, the Czech Ambassador said.

Ambassador Piotr Switalski announced that the CEC staff must be changed and it must involve also civil society representatives. Following his statement, Justice Minister Davit Harutyunyan called this statement as an attempt to intervene in Armenias inner-political affairs. Later Switalski said he has no need for public announcements to make his message clear. We need to positively react to public discussions and debates on key issues, but its important to follow certain elementary rules: before revealing something, be sure what has been said, watch the video again, listen to the recording, think and respect your speaker, the EU Ambassador said.
Pakistan will review its lenient visa policy for Chinese nationals to plug the loopholes in the current system, weeks after the killing of two Chinese missionaries who entered the country on business visas

By Press Trust of India: Pakistan will review its lenient visa policy for Chinese nationals to plug the loopholes in the current system, weeks after the killing of two Chinese missionaries who entered the country on business visas. The conditions and requirements for issuance of business and work visas to the Chinese nationals will be reviewed, the Interior Ministry said in a statement yesterday.

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The decision comes days after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had been informed that the murdered Chinese citizens were missionaries who were part of a group of Chinese nationals which obtained business visas and entered Pakistan.

Chinese nationals - Lee Zing Yang, 24, and Meng Li Si, 26 ? had been kidnapped in the city of Quetta in Balochistan province on May 24 by unknown gunmen and later murdered. The ISIS terror group claimed responsibility for their killing.

"The decision has been taken to ensure transparency in the visa process and also to preclude misuse of visa-friendly regime that exists between the two countries," it said.

It was part of efforts to ensure maximum security of the Chinese nationals visiting Pakistan on various visa categories and to streamline and regulate the entire process of visa issuance to Chinese nationals, the statement said.

According to officials, the murdered Chinese nationals were "misusing their business visas".

Taking note of a few incidents of showing forged and fake documents of ghost companies, it was decided to regulate the process of granting extensions in business visas and the authority to extend such visas have been transferred from the regional passport offices to headquarters in Islamabad.

Pakistani missions abroad would issue a maximum of one year multiple entry work visa and further extensions in work visa would be granted by the Ministry of Interior only.

Khan said that a comprehensive mechanism should be put in place for sharing of information of not only USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor related workers but also of other Chinese nationals visiting the country.

Keeping in view various issues being faced by the foreign spouses who are married to Pakistani nationals, it was decided to re-introduce Pakistan Origin Cards to the foreign spouses after addressing certain issues that led to suspension of these cards.

ALSO READ:

Pakistan under pressure as China 'highly concerned' over killings of its nationals

China asks Pakistan to step up safety after its citizens were abducted in Balochistan

ALSO WATCH:

Video released by Indian Army shows heavy shelling on Pakistani posts in Naushera

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YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armen Papikyan on June 22 hosted newly appointed Ambassador of Indonesia to Armenia Yuddy Chrisnandi (residence in Kiev) on the occasion of presenting the copy of his credentials, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

The Deputy FM congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed hope he will contribute to developing the bilateral ties.

During the meeting the necessary steps aimed at deepening and strengthening the bilateral mutual partnership were discussed over which a number of agreement were reached.

The officials also exchanged views on issues relating to the cooperation of both countries in international organizations, as well as on regional affairs.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Engineering Forum-Expo will be held in Armenia for the first time during which the sectors global developments, the challenges of engineering education and business environment will be discussed, reports Armenpress.

Director of Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) Bagrat Yengibaryan said the Engineering Forum-Expo will allow to see the recent challenges of the world. During the Forum the discussions will focus on three main directions: the recent developments of engineering industry, educational problems and advanced industrial apps, he said.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies Boris Demirkhanyan said the engineering developments can lead Armenia to brighter and better path.

The first experience will be in Vanadzor, but I am convinced it will not be limited by this. The most important is that the Forum will touch upon educational issues. I attach importance to the concept which will be proposed after the Engineering Forum, the Deputy Minister said.

The Engineering Forum-Expo will be held on June 24 in Vanadzor technology center. The event has been organized by the EIF, Armenias Government, Lori Governorate and Support to SME Development in Armenia program. It will be attended by over 150 participants.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani media reported on the capture of an ethnic Armenian man by the name of Zaven Karapetyan.

Armenian law enforcement agencies undertook clarifications and studies and revealed that the personal details of the report match with the details of Zaven Karapetyan, born 16.11.1974, registered in the nursing home of Vanadzors 1 Maymekh Street.

The Police HQ told ARMENPRESS the man was born in Nor Kharberd settlement. His mother was listed in the Kharberd Home for the Disabled.

In 1978, Zaven Karapetyan entered the Gavar orphanage, and in 1982 he was transferred to the Sovetashens auxiliary school of the capital.

In 1994, he moved to Vanadzor and for 4 years lived in a house which was provided by the Charles Aznavour foundation, together with another student of the auxiliary school, and later lived by himself in the territory of Armenia Spa of Vanadzor in a house which was given to him. Due to not having a residence registration, he was registered in the nursing home of Vanadzor in 2004, and received a passport later in the same year. After the passport expired, he didnt apply for a new one.

Karapetyan did not serve in the Armed Forces because he had mental disorders (mental retardation), and was exempt from military service by the defense ministry 24.12.1993.

Karapetyan later dismantled and sold his house and lived a homeless life. According to information, at one point he was engaged in cattle breeding as a way to make a living. He avoided interactions and his mental disabilities were obviously manifested.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The European Union has introduced a system whereby products up to 6000 Euros in worth wont require certification of origin upon exporting from Armenia to EU territory, first deputy minister of economic development and investments Mr. Garegin Melkonyan told a press briefing.

To use this, companies must be registered in a special system beforehand. This is important, because a privileged opportunity is being created for relatively small volume exporters  the requirement of one document decreases, which essentially has significance in terms of saving time and money, he said.

According to the deputy minister, there is also an electronic database which was created by the EU, due to which all companies which are interested in exporting to the EU can get detailed information on customs duties, GSP+ privileges and others.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. President of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) Artur Javadyan has departed for Basel, Switzerland to take part in the 87th annual general meeting of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the CBA press service told Armenpress.

The meeting will focus on current issues relating to financial regulation.

Within the frames of the event a number of meetings are scheduled with the heads of financial structures.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Artsakh Ashot Ghoulyan on June 22 hosted Belgian senator, member of the Flemish Parliament Joris Poschet, press service of the Artsakh Parliament told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guest, head of the Parliament said the recent meetings with the Belgian parliamentarians have formed certain traditions for giving more practical direction to the relations.

Through the Belgian parliamentarians we try to make the voices of Artsakhs state and public figures heard both in the Belgian parliamentary circles and European structures, Ashot Ghoulyan said.

In his turn the Belgian senator thanked for the reception and expressed readiness to assist deepening the cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. We as small countries should actively use our intellectual capabilities and diplomatic opportunities to find a way out of deadlock situations, he said.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views on the policy of European structures over the Artsakh issue, the Azerbaijani attempts on spreading disinformation and the mechanisms to counter them.

A number of officials of Artsakh, as well as representatives of Armenian structures operating abroad attended the meeting.

Thereafter, the meeting between the members of Artsakh-European Parliament friendship group and the Belgian senator was held in the Parliament.

Head of the friendship group Vahram Balayan expressed confidence that the group will continue to be a linking bridge on providing information about Artsakh to European partners.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece issued a statement condemning the Koran reading and holding of prayers in Hagia Sophia church, Armenpress reports citing the Ministrys official website.

The statement says:

"We condemn the Koran reading and holding of prayers in Hagia Sophia, which was attended by the head of Turkey's Directorate for Religious Affairs and broadcast by Turkey's state television channel.

Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO world heritage site. The attempt to convert it into a mosque  through reading of the Koran, holding of prayers, and a number of other actions  is an affront to the international community, which needs to be duly mobilised and to react.

This is a clearly unacceptable challenge to the religious sentiments of Christians everywhere and to all those who honour humanity's cultural heritage, and it is taking place at a time when the interfaith dialogue should be promoted rather than undermined.

We call on Turkey to conduct itself as a modern and democratic country, to protect the ecumenical nature of Hagia Sophia, and to respect the age-old tradition of this global monument.

A group of Muslims held prayer in Hagia Sophia demanding to convert it into a mosque.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. H.E. Petr Mikyska, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Armenia highly appreciates the Armenian-Czech relations, and said that recently progress has been recorded namely in the economic relations.

The Armenian-Czech diplomatic relations were established 24 years ago, we will mark the 25th anniversary next year. Two important moments happened in our relations: One being President Serzh Sargsyans visit to the Czech Republic in 2014, and the other President Milos Zemans visit to Armenia in 2016.

Naturally, in addition to this other important meetings were held between the Speakers of Parliament of the two countries and foreign ministers, the Ambassador told a press conference, adding that although the Armenian-Czech economic relations arent very satisfying, a positive progress has been recorded lately, which the Ambassador links with the economic progress of Armenia itself.

He found it joyous that more and more Czech companies are willing to launch industries in Armenia, one being underway already.

The Ambassador added that the cooperation is proceeding positively also in the educational and cultural spheres, Every year we allocate scholarships to Armenian students. More than 200 students have struggled for these scholarships, he said.

Speaking about the situation in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, the Czech Ambassador mentioned that he strongly opposes any armed conflict.

We are against any kind of violations. The OSCE Minsk Group is the only format for the settlement of the issue, which is acceptable by the international community. We live in the 21st century, when negotiations are the only path for solving conflicts peacefully, he said.
YEREVAN, 22 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 22 June, USD exchange rate down by 0.22 drams to 480.22 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.67 drams to 536.12 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 8.04 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.35 drams to 607.86 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 4.16 drams to 19183.49 drams. Silver price down by 1.36 drams to 254.9 drams. Platinum price down by 68.27 drams to 14157.96 drams.
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Recent violations of the ceasefire resulting in further fatalities on the Line of Contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone are a stark reminder that the status quo is unsustainable, reads the statement of Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyMaja Kocijancic provided to Armenpress by the European Union Delegation to Armenia Political, Economic, Press and Information Section.

The statement also says, The Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly committed to the ceasefire and the peaceful settlement of this conflict. The European Union expects de-escalation and restraint in deeds as well as in words.

The European Union fully supports the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and joins their appeal of 19 June for immediate consideration of measures to reduce tensions in the conflict zone and at the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as re-engagement of the parties in negotiations on substance, in good faith and with the necessary political will.
Prakash Ambedkar added that Meira Kumar is a good choice and that her candidature is likely to change the dynamics of presidential polls.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Prakash Ambedkar whose name was doing the rounds till the very last moment as a consensus candidate of UPA for the post of President has denied that he was in the running. Prakash, who is the grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar and leader of the Bhartiya Bahujan Mahasangh had emerged as a frontrunner of the UPA's choice for presidential nominee.

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But after a meeting of the UPA constituents, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumari's name was finalised as a consensus candidate.

"It was always the choice of the Congress and I was sure that they would choose one of their own," reacted Prakash Ambedkar, while speaking exclusively to India Today.

"My name was only proposed by the Left parties. But I was never really interested. Whether you win or lose, contesting a presidential election means that you have to gracefully retire from active politics... And I don't want to do that anytime soon...." quipped Ambedkar.

The 63-year-old former Lok Sabha MP added that Meira Kumar is a good choice. "She has been a minister and the Speaker of Lok Sabha. As a speaker she took everyone along... Hope she wins... and we will support her," added Ambedkar.

Ambedkar added that the choice of Meira Kumar is likely to change the dynamics of presidential polls. "Mayawati had said that she will support the UPA only if there is another strong Dalit candidate. Now (Ramvilas) Paswan and Nitish (Kumar) will have to rethink as Babu Jagjivanram is still a popular name in Bihar," he said.

On asked about his opinion on having a Dalit president, Ambedkar said. "(KR) Narayanan was a better president and more articulate... but he had little powers, this will be the same handicap for Kovind... but Narayanan was a man of conviction. Let's see whether he (Kovind) compromises on his convictions," Ambedkar said.

Also read:

Presidential election: Who is Prakash Ambedkar, top choice of Left parties against NDA's pick Ram Nath Kovind

Prakash Ambedkar emerging top pick of Left for prez post

Presidential election: Why Nitish broke ranks with Opposition to back Ram Nath Kovind

It's official. Presidential election between Oppn's Meira Kumar, BJP's Ram Nath Kovind on July 17

--- ENDS ---
Yorkshire-based Thomas the Baker has presented a cheque for 10,000 to the British Heart Foundation.

The bakery has organised a number of fundraising initiatives for the charity in the past year, including selling merchandise, running quizzes, having themed dress up days and a sponsored walk around the local countryside.

The donation will go towards the British Heart Foundations mission to fund research to fight against cardiovascular disease.

Over the last eight years Thomas the Baker has donated 74,000 to its chosen charities, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Together for Short Lives, Help for Heroes and Marie Curie.

Every year we ask members of our team to nominate a worthy cause to be our charity of the year, said Chris Chapman, quality assurance manager for Thomas the Baker. We were delighted to raise 10,000 for the British Heart Foundation, which is a cause very close to many of our hearts. Its great to get everyone at all our shops  both customers and staff  involved.

British Heart Foundations fundraising manager Jane Horshell said she would like to thank everyone who has helped to make its partnership with Thomas the Baker a success.

The money raised from this partnership will play a crucial role in helping us find new ways to help keep more hearts beating, Horshell said.

Thomas the Baker will continue its charity work for the next year with the Alzheimers Society.
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.
Editorials from the state's two large McClatchy newspapers show refreshingly different perspectives on same issue

The News & Observer of Raleigh and The Charlotte Observer have offered up a wonderful example of the power of free and independent thought.The example, in the form of a pair of wildly disparate editorials, was probably an accident and most likely elicited audible gasps and groans from the staffs of the respective newspapers.But to those of us who take our news from a grand buffet as opposed to a homogenous drive-thru window, the diversity of thought was refreshing and heartening.This is really only important because The McClatchy Co. owns both papers. Each paper covers its community well, although editors often share stories and photos. The websites are mirror images - as is the case up and down the McClatchy chain - although each paper produces some unique local content.Editorials in both papers lean left, though the liberal tilt of the N&O is typically more pronounced. The Charlotte paper veers toward a more moderate approach, although it did endorse a plethora of Democrats this past fall, including Gov. Roy Cooper, who is looking more and more like the short kid in the back of the classroom. He keeps trying to raise his hand, but people either fail to see it or summarily choose to ignore it.Cooper ordered the General Assembly to hold a 14-day special session starting the next day to redraw state electoral maps. The U.S. Supreme Court, as we've reported, ruled the current the General Assembly used an unconstitutional racial gerrymander to create 28 legislative districts.The General Assembly will redraw the maps, in time, as is their prerogative. The high court, in fact, offered no timeline for redrawing the maps and, in turn, scheduling a special election. Cooper, for mostly political reasons, chose to push the issue, ignoring a handful of mitigating factors in ordering the special session as lawmakers are busy working on a state budget.Call on me, call on me!Lawmakers, not surprisingly, rejected Cooper's order with little debate.First, the Charlotte newspaper took Cooper to task . The editors called Cooper's move "clumsy." They agreed with Republicans who accused the governor of grandstanding - telling them again what they know already - and reinforcingThe order, the paper wrote,Ouch.Yet the N&O seemingly can't help but to defend Cooper, against all enemies foreign or Republican.Ouch. Ouch.The N&O's editors called former Gov. Pat McCrory weak, who, they say, was dispatched after one ineffective term.He's taking his case to the people, they say.Yeah, right. It's the editors who are taking their case to their readers, and anyone else who may listen. The editors in Charlotte are doing much the same, but in a much different way and from a completely divergent perspective.This example resonates so loudly because the papers represent our state's two largest cities, and the editors work for the same newspaper corporation. Yet, taken together, the two views provide a single, compelling example of a functioning and indispensable free and independent press.I find that refreshing, regardless of the content.
In regards to the Russia Election Tampering matter: Is President Trump being treated fairly by core Democrats and the Mainstream Media? Yes, the new president is guilty until proven innocent. No, President Trump's treatment is dictated by the usual Democrat double standard. Don't care; there are more important issues facing America. 103 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



poll#101

In regards to the Russia Election Tampering matter: Is President Trump being treated fairly by core Democrats and the Mainstream Media? Yes, the new president is guilty until proven innocent. No, President Trump's treatment is dictated by the usual Democrat double standard. Don't care; there are more important issues facing America. 103 total vote(s) What's your Opinion?



The Democrat party began creeping to complete dysfunction before the anti-Capitalist Occupy Wall Street movement , the Socialism, and Barack Hussein Obama , but now, the Democrat party has ruptured into a full blown hemorrhage of loyal voters, flowing out and away. The tone of the Democrat leadership's response reminds one that this party, as the patient, may end up bleeding to death, whereby the leadership stays in power of this zombie-like-party tending majorities never regained in congress, and few presidential hopefuls ever making their Socialist way into the Oval Office.Remarkably, this barren political landscape will be gained by default; the Republicans, who at least govern by a modicum constitutional ideals, are in a mild disarray, and, while it is certain that they are without consistent direction, they are at least struggling to find a group footing and will, eventually, find a unified focus on a path forward. Where the The Democrats are failing is that they elected to become the party of identity politics, a party assuming the identity of every special interest group, and, therefore, with only one clear message - 'we are there for all of you', regardless that there will be real conflicts between all of the groups at some point. 'For all the rest of you that are loyal to the betterment of the Republic, you are not welcome here in our Democrat party'.This identity lace inclusive party to these splintered special interest parasites, but exclusive to patriots desirous of saving the Republic manifests a pitiful success rate of late, and that ever present Democrat philosophy can be well gauged by their four losses in the recent special elections. Special elections, where congressional seats traditionally held by Republicans in recent times, were won handily, yet again, by the GOP. Regardless of the recent political history of these Republican held seats, the Democrat party challenged mightily, wrongly convinced that Trump's so-called unpopularity in the Democrat Media tracking polls would translate into newfound political successes for the Progressive Liberals; the political heart of today's Democrat party.It did not happen. In fact all I heard was the flushing sound of Liberal's contributions forever spent on four lost causes.The most recent Democrat lost cause, Georgia's congressional 6th District , the former seat held by the Trump Administration's HHS Secretary Tom Price, was targeted by the Democrat party as a probable victory; so certain that they could win, they spent six times more campaign treasure than the Republicans to win this Republican held seat. The Democrat challenger, Jon Ossoff, was a good candidate; looked the part, worked hard campaigning, spent more than enough of the campaign funds necessary to win, but still lost by over 10,000 votes to the Republican, Karen Handel, who raised and spent one sixth of the money than that of her Democrat opponent.The Democrat Media breathlessly reported that Candidate Ossoff was an erudite candidate smartly campaigning to win a highly educated congressional district (as if smart people vote for Democrats, "Deplorable" Rednecks for Trump), and would, because of recent favorable polls (as we learned in the 2016 general election, the early polls are always right - Hillary was victorious: Right?), win the race for the Democrats for the first time since 1978. Well, the early polls were way off, and while documentary filmmaker Jon Ossoff was, that good, very well funded (most of the money from Hollywood New York Liberals /Socialists ), a majority of Georgia's 6th District voters just could not stomach just one more Liberal voting by the dictates of Nancy Pelosi, who governs strictly by the guided course of her so often stammered San Francisco values. Additionally, one might assume that Georgia's "well educated voters" just do not hate Trump at the level that New York /Hollywood Liberals unquestionably assumed.Could it also be that Georgia's 6th District voters do not embrace the core Democrats "Resistance" movement, where all efforts on behalf of their constituents is to obstruct the Republican /Trump agenda, which could be well influenced by Democrat bipartisanship. With our Republic truly now treading in troubled waters, these core Democrats would rather expend their misguided efforts to make matters worse for all Americans, and then lay ample polititcal blame on all elected Republicans, President Trump and the Basket of Deplorables that put them in office. This is the political climate that now exists in some Liberal /Socialist sectors of our United States.All the while, Liberals /Socialists bask in their newfound misbegotten momentum from their so-called Resistance Movement. This silly little exercise for yet one more infantile identity politics rallying point for yet another poorly considered exercise to win the hearts and minds of the unknowing, which well appears to be the core of the Democrat party.Years ago, in an attempt to lower the functional IQ of this Millennial Generation, to make them more intellectually malleable to their collective Progressive will, the predominately Liberal Education Industry has limited the instruction of our History as Americans as citizens of this World. Also, to lend new perspective to an age old necessity to get the past right, some stories of all collective past have been revised to represent a more fulsome Liberal perspective.At the nexus of this generation of unmotivated minds, we have great groups led by intellectual tyrants, who profess to be anti-fascist, but have a poor understanding of fascism at best, while engaged in a puffed up, petty Resistance Movement, where they have none or little knowledge of what resistance to tyranny actually looks like. Led by intellectually dishonest leaders, like L. Hillary Clinton , their cool little Resistance exercise for this Millennial inclusion of purpose denegrates the real Resitance movements of heroes who fought to overthrow real Fascist tyranny.A mere 75 years ago, a brutal war was waged to remove real Nazi Fascism from the whole of Europe, much of the Middle East, and to keep it from the shores of our United States. From the the shadows of France to the Ghettos of Warsaw and the streets of Serbia, this Resistance movement, in conjunction with the Allied powers, fought the Fascist Nazis at every strategic point of strategic interest, costing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Resistance fighters (men, women and children) and their collateral families, and greatly aided in the overthrow of the regimes of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. To liken a silly hissy fit by Core Democrats to their heroic struggle to resist the tyranny of real murderous Fascism sullies their heroic struggle, while casting, yet again, the new core Democrat as a poorly informed, non patriotic pathetic puppet of the Liberal /Socialist Elites.I just do not see the Democrat party recovering from this hyperbolic level of intellectual dishonesty to the point that they will be viable in an intellectually recovering republic, which is my sincere "hope" for the 'changing' of our United States, their "Resistance" movement be damned.
A Montreal resident accused of stabbing a police officer at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Mich., on Wednesday is being described by acquaintances as a "good person" and a quiet family man.

U.S. authorities named Amor Ftouhi, who is approximately 50 years old, as the suspect in Wednesday's attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terror.

On Wednesday afternoon, police descended on the apartment on Belair Street in Montreal's St-Michel neighbourhood that Ftouhi shared with his wife and three children.

Three people were questioned, and RCMP were expected to take over at the scene to begin a search and seizure operation.

In an update Wednesday evening, Montreal police spokesperson Benoit Boisselle said the police operation was part of anti-terrorism procedures triggered when national security is believed to be at risk.

Boisselle said no threats to public security were detected, but national security investigators will remain on site.

Mohcin Asrii, who lives in the building, told CBC that Ftouhi is a quiet family man who was always kind.

Luciano Piazza, who has owned the building for 55 years and is Ftouhi's landlord, said he was "very surprised" to hear his tenant is the suspect.

"He's a good person, very quiet. I've never had any problems with him," Piazza said, adding Ftouhi and his family moved in more than five years ago.

"They're really good people."

Ftouhi had been working as a driver through a job placement agency.

His Facebook page says he is originally from Tunis, Tunisia. It's not clear when he moved to Montreal.

According to a Facebook post, he graduated from College O'Sullivan on Mountain Street in downtown Montreal in 2009.

Two Muslim women living in the neighbourhood expressed worry and anger when they were told of the allegations facing Ftouhi.

"It scares me," Ichrak Laib told Radio-Canada. "Stupid acts like that put our lives in danger."

Story continues

"That's not us," said Seloua Ghalem. "No religion calls for violence and terrorism. It's ridiculous."

Officer wounded in knife attack

FBI spokesperson David Gelios said Ftouhi crossed legally into the U.S. on June 16 at Champlain, N.Y.

He didn't have information on why the suspect was in Flint.

Gelios said Ftouhi arrived alone at Bishop International Airport Wednesday morning and spent some time at a restaurant prior to the attack, which took place at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Gelios said Ftouhi stabbed the officer in the neck with a 30-centimetre knife after yelling "Allahu akbar," which is Arabic for "God is great."

"He made a statement something to the effect of, 'You have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and we are all going to die,'" Gelios said.

'A lone wolf attacker'

The attacker was quickly subdued by the wounded officer, identified as Lt. Jeff Neville, and three others.

The stabbing sent Neville to hospital in critical condition. His condition has since stabilized.

In an affidavit filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, FBI special agent Thomas M. Sondgeroth said Ftoui "asked the officer why he did not kill him."

Gelios said preliminary evidence indicates the suspect acted alone and there is "nothing to suggest a wider plot."

"At this time, we view him as a lone wolf attacker," he said.

During questioning, Gelios said the suspect was co-operative and talked about his motive for attacking the officer.

"Suffice it to say he has a hatred for the United States and a variety of other things," Gelios said.

Ftoui is charged with committing an act of violence at an international airport, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Gelios said Ftouhi was not known to the FBI, and that searches are continuing.

At a media scrum in Ottawa Wednesday afternoon, federal Public Security Minister Ralph Goodale condemned the "heinous and cowardly attack" and said the RCMP are co-operating with the FBI, which is leading the investigation.
IT Trends

Shadow HPC Moves to the Cloud

Providers such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft are luring college and university researchers to bypass IT for cloud-based high-performance computing resources.

Shadow IT is not a new phenomenon among college and university researchers, but the practice of using software and services not officially supported by a school's IT department is moving to the cloud. The instant access to elastic and virtually unlimited compute and storage resources  promoted by cloud providers such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft  is luring academic researchers and reigniting a long smoldering argument about how best to deal with these pockets of unsanctioned tech.

"It's true that shadow IT is not new, but it has morphed," said Erik Deumens, research computing director at the University of Florida, a large public research university in Gainesville. "We've always had the cluster in the closet, so to speak, and we still have some of those, but the cloud has really changed things. Today, anything you want to do, you can do in the cloud, and it offers a kind of instant gratification and nimbleness that is very good for research."

Another change: The cloud providers are marketing their offerings directly to academic researchers. Amazon's AWS Research Cloud Program promises to help them to "focus on science, not servers." Microsoft's Azure 4 Research program claims that its cloud platform "can help with almost any research computing task." Google sees itself as a supporter and participant in the academic research community, and promotes programs that provide funding for academic research enabled by the Google Cloud Platform.

These are effective pitches, and they're getting researchers' attention for obvious reasons: fast deployments and no university bureaucracy, said Patrick Mungovan, VP of Oracle's Higher Education, Research and Academic Medical Center Technology Sales group.

"If you look at what cloud does, it can be an incredible enabler for university researchers," he said. "The types of research we're seeing these days cross a variety of disciplines, and a lot of them utilize sensor data and the Internet of Things, which generate a staggering amount of data. The cloud is really the only thing that provides the bursting ability that allows researchers to take on massive amounts of information and stand it up or stand it down, depending on what they want to do with it."

The cloud vendors are also tapping into old organizational prejudices, albeit not necessarily deliberately.

"I think there is a presumption among researchers very often that the local IT organization is too expensive, too slow and might even be leveraging the grant to build out infrastructure," said Edward Chapel, senior VP at NJEDge.net, a nonprofit technology consortium of academic and research institutions in New Jersey. "The CIO looks at the researchers and thinks, 'They're doing an end run around me, creating inefficiencies and liabilities that will get dropped right into my lap.' There's what you might call a historical layer of distrust there."

It's also likely that the researchers who go directly to a cloud services provider are not exercising the due diligence a circumspect university CIO would pursue for what are essentially software-as-a-service agreements, Chapel said. "The researchers are not IT administrators," he explained. "They just want to get their work done, and the cloud helps them to avoid the often steep climb they face going through the local technology organization."
THURSDAY, June 22, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Heart disease is the leading killer of U.S. women, but many women and their doctors don't recognize the danger.

A survey of more than 1,000 women between 25 and 60 years of age found 45 percent were unaware that heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women in America.

Most respondents said they had had a checkup in the past year, but only 40 percent said the doctor had assessed their heart health.

"Eighty percent of heart disease is preventable, yet women's heart disease is underdiagnosed, under-researched and underfunded," said British Robinson, head of the Women's Heart Alliance, a nonprofit organization that paid for the study.

"It is critical that women ask their health care providers to check their hearts and that health care providers know that when it comes to heart disease, men and women are different -- women's hearts are smaller, their risk factors are different and their symptoms may be different," she added.

While 74 percent of women had one or more heart disease risk factors, the study found only 16 percent had been told so. And 26 percent said having heart disease would be embarrassing, because people would assume they were not eating healthy or exercising.

More than 6 out of 10 women admitted they sometimes delay seeing a doctor, and 45 percent said they had canceled or postponed a scheduled appointment because of their weight.

A companion survey of 200 doctors found that only 39 percent of primary care providers knew that heart disease is a top health concern for women. Only 35 percent said they discuss it during new patient exams.

In addition, only 22 percent of primary care doctors and 42 percent of cardiologists said they felt well-prepared to assess heart disease in women.

The study was published June 22 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"We clearly have a lot of work to do to make women aware that heart disease is a bigger threat to their health than all types of cancer combined," said study leader Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, director of the women's heart center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles.

"We also need to work with primary care physicians to make sure they understand how to assess and treat women with heart disease, which often presents with different symptoms than does heart disease in men," Bairey Merz added in an institute news release.

More information

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has more on women and heart disease.
Former MP and BR Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar is emerging as the top choice of Left parties for the Presidential election.

Former MP Prakash Ambedkar is emerging as the top choice of Left parties for the Presidential election.

By Alok Ranjan: Prakash Ambedkar, former MP and grandson of BR Ambedkar, is emerging as the top choice of Left parties for the presidential election against the NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Prakash (63), born on May 10, 1954 in Bombay, is a former Lok Sabha member from Akola in Maharashtra and is the leader of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM).

In the 12th (1998) and 13th (1999) general elections, Prakash Ambedkar emerged as the winner from Akola parliamentary constituency (in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region). In 1998 he contested on the Republican Party of India ticket, while in 1999, he emerged as the winner on the BBM ticket.

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Prakash failed to win in the consecutive parliamentary elections held in 2004, 2009 and 2014 on BBM party ticket.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, primarily based in Maharashtra, was formed in 1999 through a split in the Republican Party of India (RPI). The party fights for the rights of the OBC, SC, ST and Minorities (Bahujan) community.

Prakash completed his schooling from St Stanislaus High School and attended Siddharth College of Law in Mumbai. Prakash's 1999 Lok Sabha profile listed his profession as an advocate and social worker.

He is leading a movement of landless farmers in Maharashtra since 1980s.

ALSO READ | It's a political war, Opposition will field candidate for presidential election: Sitaram Yechury

Presidential election: After EPS, now Team OPS supports BJP nominee Ram Nath Kovind

Meira Kumar vs Ram Nath Kovind for President? 10 things we know so far

ALSO WATCH | Ram Nath Kovind for president: BJP's Dalit card to spook Opposition a masterstroke?

--- ENDS ---
WEDNESDAY, June 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- New research might turn conventional stroke treatment on its head.

An international study suggests doctors need not ask patients to lie on their backs, eyes trained on the ceiling, for the first 24 hours of their recovery -- a popular way to prevent complications. It appears patients do just as well if their heads are elevated, the study found.

"Head positioning does not seem potent enough to produce changes in the brain that make a difference to the chances of survival and recovery from acute stroke in patients," said lead author Dr. Craig Anderson, head of a global health institute at Peking University Health Science Center in China.

"They [head positions] also are not the key factor related to the harms associated with impaired swallowing and breathing disturbance after acute stroke," he added.

Doctors have long believed blood flow to the brain is better and swelling is reduced when patients lie on their backs in bed, with the head elevated 30 degrees, Anderson said. But, he added, "the optimal head position to produce the best outcome from acute stroke, and avoid potential risks, such as aspiration pneumonia, is essentially unknown."

Still, many U.S. and European stroke centers have strict policies for patients with acute ischemic stroke, ones caused by blocked blood flow to the brain.

They require patients to lie on their backs for up to 72 hours and limit trips to the toilet, often prompting complaints, Anderson said. "In much of the developing world, where most of the stroke burden exists, most patients are positioned lying flat as they do not have modern mechanical or automatic hospital beds that allow the head [to be] elevated," he said.

To shed more light on the issue, Anderson's team randomly assigned hospitals in nine countries to treat just over 11,000 patients with acute stroke in one of two ways for the first 24 hours. Those in one group were told to lie on their backs, while the other was allowed to sit up with head elevated at least 30 degrees.

After 90 days, researchers found no significant differences in death rates and disability between the two groups. Nor was there any significant difference in the rate of complications like pneumonia.

The findings could be good news for stroke patients.

Those in the study reported that lying on their backs was less comfortable and led to more back discomfort, Anderson said. They were also more likely to leave the study, possibly because they were uncomfortable, he said.

A U.S. neurologist said the new research provides useful information, since patients may feel better when they aren't lying on their back.

But Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele, chairman of neurology at Medical University of South Carolina, said the findings don't address all of doctors' concerns about bed positioning, because most of the patients studied had suffered milder strokes.

Patients who have more severe strokes are at special risk of developing pneumonia, and it's vital to put them in positions that improve blood flow, he said. The study doesn't offer clear answers about positioning for them, he said, meaning that many physicians won't do anything different.

Lead author Anderson said stroke patients should feel free to use whatever position they prefer. He added that nurses should position them "in a way that provides best care" and avoids problems with eating, getting to the bathroom and moving around.

Ovbiagele said, however, that side sleeping is not a good idea for recovering stroke patients because it wouldn't improve blood flow and could make the airway vulnerable.

The study was published in the June 22 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

More information

For more about care after stroke, try the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
A divided Supreme Court ruled Monday that an Alabama death-row inmate was denied his constitutional right to an independent mental health expert to help the defense team in his murder trial.





James Edmund McWilliams Jr. challenges his death sentence for robbing, raping and killing convenience store clerk Patricia Reynolds in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 1984.





Months before he murdered Reynolds, McWilliams attended couple's therapy with his pregnant wife and underwent psychological testing, which found that he is "extremely disturbed" and "has much internal anxiety."





While three doctors nevertheless concluded he was competent to stand trial, his defense counsel portrayed McWilliams during the penalty phase of his trial as someone who grew up with significant psychological problems. McWilliams and his mother testified that he sustained head injuries as a child and had a history of blacking out and hallucinating.





An expert appointed by the trial judge reported his findings simultaneously to the court, the prosecution and the defense 2 days before McWilliams' sentencing hearing.





The expert diagnosed McWilliams with organic personality syndrome, but defense counsel did not have a chance to discuss the findings with the expert or learn what the diagnosis meant for the purposes of mitigation.





Last year, McWilliams petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, arguing he was "precluded from meaningfully participating in the judicial sentencing hearing and did not receive a fair opportunity to rebut the state's psychiatric experts."





His case is nested inside the high court's 1984 decision in Ake v. Oklahoma, which held that poor criminal defendants using a defense of insanity are entitled to an expert to help support their claim.





McWilliams was charged by Alabama just a month after Ake was decided. His appeals over the years have been unsuccessful, with the 11th Circuit affirming the lower courts' denial of relief.





5 months after agreeing to take up the case, the Supreme Court reversed the 11th Circuit and ruled 5-4 Monday that McWilliams did not receive the assistance he was entitled to under Ake.





Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the majority, said that Ake does not require just an examination, but also requires the state to provide the defense access to a competent psychiatrist who will also help in evaluation, preparation and presentation.





"We are willing to assume that Alabama met the examination portion of this requirement by providing for Dr. [John] Goff's examination of McWilliams. But what about the other 3 parts?" Breyer wrote. "The dissent emphasizes that Dr. Goff was never ordered to do any of these things by the trial court. But that is precisely the point. The relevant court order did not ask Dr. Goff or anyone else to provide the defense with help in evaluating, preparing, and presenting its case."





McWilliams' requests for additional assistance under Ake were rejected by the judge in his case, according to the ruling.





"Since Alabama's provision of mental health assistance fell so dramatically short of what Ake requires, we must conclude that the Alabama court decision affirming McWilliams's conviction and sentence was 'contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law,'" Breyer said.





The Supreme Court said the 11th Circuit should determine on remand "whether access to the type of meaningful assistance in evaluating, preparing, and presenting the defense that Ake requires could have made a difference" in McWilliams' trial.





Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonio Sotomayor and Elena Kagan joined Breyer in the majority.





Justice Samuel Alito wrote the dissenting opinion, and was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch.





Alito said Ake "did not clearly establish that a defendant is entitled to an expert who is a member of the defense team."





"In Ake, we held that a defendant must be provided 'access to a competent psychiatrist' in 2 circumstances: 1st, 'when [the] defendant demonstrates to the trial judge that his sanity at the time of the offense is to be a significant factor at trial,' and, 2nd, at the sentencing phase of a capital trial, 'when the State presents psychiatric evidence of the defendant's future dangerousness,'" Alito wrote.





"The question that we agreed to review concerns the type of expert that must be provided. Did Ake clearly establish that a defendant in the 2 situations just noted must be provided with the services of an expert who functions solely as a dedicated member of the defense team as opposed to a neutral expert who examines the defendant, reports his or her conclusions to the court and the parties, and is available to assist and testify for both sides? Did Ake speak with such clarity that it ruled out 'any possibility for fairminded disagreement'? The answer is 'no.' Ake provides no clear guidance one way or the other."

Supreme Court ruling in capital case mandates psychiatric assistance for indigent defendants

The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Monday in favor of a man who has been sentenced to death in Alabama, holding that he had not received "the psychiatric examination and assistance necessary to prepare an effective defense based on his mental condition" as required after the 1985 case Ake v. Oklahoma. James McWilliams was convicted of raping and killing a convenience store clerk in 1984. At trial, the defense counsel repeatedly moved to continue the court proceedings so they could have an "expert" evaluate McWilliams' psychiatric report. The judge denied the requests, telling the defense they could have until 2 p.m. on the day of sentencing to look over the report, which the defense had only acquired 2 days earlier. The judge, taking the position that McWilliams was faking and exaggerating his mental illness, sentenced him to death.





Writing for the majority, Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out that the precedent set in Ake goes beyond simply examining an indigent defendant, but also requires assistance:





We are willing to assume that Alabama met the examination portion of this requirement by providing for Dr. Goff's examination of McWilliams. But what about the other 3 parts? Neither Dr. Goff nor any other expert helped the defense evaluate Goff's report or McWilliams' extensive medical records and translate these data into a legal strategy. Neither Dr. Goff nor any other expert helped the defense prepare and present arguments that might, for example, have explained that McWilliams' purported malingering was not necessarily inconsistent with mental illness. Neither Dr. Goff nor any other expert helped the defense prepare direct or cross-examination of any witnesses, or testified at the judicial sentencing hearing himself.





Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, issued a strongly-worded dissent, claiming the Ake decision was intentionally ambiguous, and that more deference should have been granted to Alabama's Supreme Court ruling.





The death penalty continues to be a point of contention across the US. Earlier this month the Supreme Court lifted the stay of execution granted by the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit for Robert Melson, who challenged the use of midazolam in the 3-drug cocktail used in Alabama executions, arguing that it does not properly insensate prisoners to the pain of lethal injection. In May the Delaware House of Representatives passed a bill that would reinstate the death penalty. In April the Texas Department of Criminal Justice sued the Food and Drug Administration for banning a shipment of lethal injection drugs to prison officials. Earlier in April Amnesty International released an annual report revealing the US to not be among the world's top 5 executioners since 2006. However, in March the Mississippi house approved a bill allowing firing squad executions. In March, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a new bill which stated that the death penalty may only be imposed by a judge upon unanimous recommendation from the jury. In January Ohio's lethal injection protocol was deemed unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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: courthousenews.com, June 21, 2017: jurist.org, June 21, 2017
Patrick Schroeder

TECUMSEH, Neb.  A recent change in lethal injection procedure intended to enable Nebraska to carry out executions has been challenged by an inmate facing a potential death sentence.





Concerns over the new drug protocol are among the 11 arguments in a motion filed this week by attorneys for Patrick Schroeder, who seeks to have Nebraskas death penalty law declared unconstitutional.





Schroeder, who is already serving a life sentence for murder, now faces the death penalty for allegedly choking to death his cellmate, Terry Berry Jr., on April 15 inside a special management unit cell at the Tecumseh State Prison.





He was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Johnson County District Court and enter a plea.





Instead, District Judge Vicky Johnson scheduled a July 28 hearing on Schroeders motion to overturn the death penalty.





Our society can no longer kill to show that killing is wrong, stated the motion to quash, filed by defense attorneys Todd Lancaster and Sarah Newell with the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy.





Johnson County Attorney Rick Smith, who is prosecuting the case with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office, declined to comment.





We will argue it at the hearing, he said.





Among issues raised by Schroeder in the 32-page motion:





The death penalty in Nebraska is racially discriminatory, considering that only one of the nine men sent to death row since the law was amended in 2002 is white. Five are Hispanic and three are black.

The death penalty is applied unevenly based upon geography. Since 2002, all death penalty cases have originated in four of Nebraskas 93 counties: Douglas, Madison, Scotts Bluff and Hall.

Nebraskas death penalty procedure requires juries to decide the aggravating factors necessary to impose death, but it requires a three-judge panel to weigh the mitigating factors in a defendants favor. Such a two-step process that limits the jurys role is similar to one used in Florida that was found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016.

Evolving standards of decency in a mature society have made the carrying out of executions increasingly rare in the U.S. Just 10 states are responsible for 83 percent of the 1,442 executions since 1976, the motion stated. Last year, the 20 total executions carried out were in five of the 31 states with capital punishment. Nebraska has not executed an inmate since 1997, when the method was the electric chair.

The highest courts in the states and the nation have previously banned the execution of juveniles, the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled. They also have prohibited methods once commonly used as cruel and unusual punishment.





The rejection of the nooses, bullets, gas and electricity signaled not only the discomfort with the method of execution, but with the death penalty itself, the motion stated.





Though Schroeder has not been convicted of the prison homicide, let alone sentenced, the motion was filed at this early stage to properly preserve the issues for appeal.





The death penalty challenge comes several months after voters reinstated capital punishment. More than 60 percent of those who cast ballots in November voted to reverse the Legislatures repeal of the death penalty in 2015.





In an effort to create a viable death penalty procedure in the wake of that vote, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services changed the lethal injection protocol earlier this year. That change is under attack by Schroeder.





Under the former protocol, inmates were to be put to death with injections of three substances in a specific order. But obtaining some of the drugs specified in the protocol became increasingly difficult for prison officials.





The new protocol gives the prisons director wide latitude in deciding the types and quantities of drugs to be used. He also may opt to use a single drug, as long as it first causes the inmate to lose consciousness.





Schroeders motion argues that the Legislature has unlawfully delegated its lawmaking authority to the prisons director to decide what drugs to use.





The motion also challenges the death penalty statutes for giving too little guidance as to when the penalty should be sought and applied. As a result, individual county attorneys decide who will be put to death in a manner that is arbitrary and capricious in violation of the U.S. Constitution.





The decision to file aggravating circumstances can be affected by the legal experience of the prosecutor, the size and resources of the particular county, any prejudice or bias of the prosecutor, the political ambition of the prosecutor or other political circumstances, the motion stated.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Congressional Republicans are reportedly considering transitioning from 10-year budget resolutions to those covering 20 or even 30 years. While this move is being portrayed as a gimmick that would make it easier to enact deficit-boosting tax reforms, extending the baseline would represent a broader step in favor of fiscal responsibility.

The purpose of the annual budget resolution as mandated by the 1974 Congressional Budget Act is for Congress to set yearly revenue and spending targets that are enforced by institutional rules. If Congress wants to cut taxes below the budgets revenue target, or raise spending above its target, a point of order is triggered against such legislation. Sixty Senate votes are required to bypass such a point of order.

This enforcement covers the duration of the budget resolution. The last budget resolutions ten-year spending and revenue targets meant that subsequent legislation would be measured for compliance over a full decade. Thus, a longer budget window generally enforces a longer period of restraint.

Yet there is one situation in which a longer budget window discourages deficit restraint. Budget reconciliation is a fast-track process that allows Congress to pass legislation meeting its budget targets without allowing a Senate filibuster. But even if the budget resolution targets make room for deficit-increasing legislation within their time window, a budget reconciliation bill cannot add to the deficit beyond the resolution window. Due to this Byrd Rule, named for the late Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), the deficit-enlarging 2001 and 2003 tax cuts were enacted with ten-year expiration dates, in order to align with the budget resolution window in place at the time.

This brings us to the current tax reform debate.

Republican lawmakers seeking to overhaul the tax code under this fast-track reconciliation process are likely to produce a bill with budget deficits beyond the ten-year window. While they can write a budget resolution with lower revenue targets to accommodate these tax cuts, the Byrd Rule would still require that this deficit-increasing reconciliation legislation expire at the end of budget resolution window.

The Republicans solution? Write a 20- or 30-year budget resolution in order to extend the life of deficit-financed tax reforms.

Critics see this as a gimmick to skirt the Byrd Rule and to abuse a reconciliation process that is not supposed to worsen long-term deficits. But there is nothing magical about a ten-year budget window. Budget resolution windows have expanded from one year (1970s), to three years (1980s), to five years (early 1990s), to the current fluctuation between five and ten years (a 1997 law set a minimum window of five years).

Far from an untouchable tradition, a ten-year budget resolution has been enacted only five times (1999, 2001, 2003, 2015, and 2017).

Extending the budget window would support rational tax policy. Lawmakers redesigning the federal tax code should focus on building a more efficient, predictable, permanent system that provides economic benefits over several decades. It makes no economic sense to hold these reforms hostage to their deficit-effect in year eleven, and to force their expiration before they can provide their full benefits.

Nor does a ten-year window accurately reflect the long-term cost of tax reform. The House draft includes transitional costs that decline substantially in future decades. A 20- or 30-year window could assuage deficit-hawks by showing declining tax reform deficits in later years, while moving the expiration date far enough down the road to give the policies time to work. Lawmakers could even tweak the tax reform draft to eliminate the smaller yearly deficit at the end of the extended budget window, eliminating the need for an expiration date.

Regardless of the unique case of tax reform (where a ten-year window does not capture the falling future costs), longer budget windows have traditionally been a tool to extend fiscal responsibility. Most budget-busting bills are introduced outside the reconciliation process, and have costs that persistently grow over time. Subjecting expensive proposals to a 20- and 30-year analysis (complete with points of order against exceeding the extended budget resolution targets) would likely induce sticker shock and prevent their enactment.

Additionally, the longer budget window would emphasize Americas long-term budget challenges. Congressional budget writers typically feel political pressure to show a path to balance within the budget window. A ten-year budget focuses Congress on addressing a national debt that is set to rise from $20 trillion to $30 trillion over the decade. Yet a 30-year budget resolution would force lawmakers to confront a national debt rising to $90 trillion over its time frame (and it could conceivably be double that amount). Stabilizing these catastrophic long-term costs would require Congress to bypass short-term deficit-reduction gimmicks and instead address the real drivers of debt.

Finally, a longer budget window would not repeal the PAYGO law requiring the sum of each years mandatory spending and tax revenue legislation to be collectively deficit-neutral over the next five and ten years  the tax reform bill itself would need to include an exemption.

Many of Americas economic and budgetary challenges have resulted from lawmakers focusing on short-term gains rather than long-term costs. Extending the budget window would encourage Congress to responsibly confront Americas long-term challenges, such as restoring fiscal responsibility and building a more rational, permanent tax code.

Brian Riedl is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Follow him on twitter @Brian_Riedl.

Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief.
This article originally appeared in Fox News.

On Tuesday House Speaker Paul Ryan, speaking at the National Association of Manufacturers, reiterated his call for the need for tax reform. Tax reform is urgent because the gap in corporate tax rates between the United States and our competitors is wide and increasing.

Ryan told the audience that as the world changed, our tax code has remained stuck in neutral. It has ballooned to 70,000 pages of rules and regulations that few people today actually understand. There is an old line about this: our tax code is about five times as long as the Bible, but with none of the Good News.

Ryan is right. The average tax rate of businesses in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries is 25%, compared to 35% for the United States. Canadas corporate tax rate is 15%. This means that our companies have an incentive to invert their ownershipto be owned by foreign companies.

For example, Burger King, the fast food chain, merged with Canadas Tim Hortons, a doughnut chain, in order to access Canadas lower taxes.

In America corporate profits are taxed three times, once at the business level, another time when they are distributed to individuals, and a third time at death. The high corporate tax discourages investment. The gap between American and foreign rates is widening, as foreign countries are lowering their rates even as the U.S. rate stays the same. In order to raise U.S. levels of investment, the corporate tax rate should be reduced to the range of 15 percent to 20 percent, as President Trump and Speaker Ryan propose.

The high corporate tax rate results in double taxation of income for equity financingraising capital by selling shares. When corporations take on debt in order to increase investment, the interest on the loan is tax-deductible. This is not true for equity financing. The returns to equity financing are taxed three times. They are taxed once at the corporate level through the corporate tax, once at the individual level, through individual taxes on dividends and capital gains, and once at death, through estate and inheritance taxes.

After all these taxes are taken into account, the tax rate on equity can reach well over 50 percent, depending on the extent of the estate tax. This encourages firms to take on debt for financing, which is distortionary.

Not only is the U.S. corporate tax an outlier, but U.S. corporations are taxed on their worldwide incomea path taken by only 7 of the 34 OECD countries (including the United States). This places America at a competitive disadvantage.

A global (or worldwide) tax system is uncompetitive with high tax rates because it imposes a high income tax rate on all profits, regardless of where they are earned. If an American company operates in the United States and Canada, its domestic affiliate pays U.S. taxes of 35 percent and its foreign affiliate pays U.S. taxes at 35 percent and Swiss taxes at 15 percent. America allows companies to deduct the taxes paid to foreign governments from U.S. taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service, but this means that corporations always pay the full U.S. rate and are unable to take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions.

In contrast, a territorial tax system, common to most of our competitors, taxes only the income earned domestically. Our American company operating in Canada and the United States would pay U.S. taxes on its domestic income and Canadian taxes on its Canadian income. In this way companies can take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions. Business decisions can be made more efficiently, since bringing profits back domestically will not result in those profits being taxed again  thus, capital can go where it is most needed.

America raised just under $300 billion from the corporate tax in 2016, according to the Office of Management and Budget, around 9 percent of all revenue, and the tax costs millions to administer. Most important, it effectively discourages investment in the United States.

American companies hold offshore about $2.6 trillion of earnings from foreign operations. No one knows how much would be repatriated with a lower U.S. tax, but it would be higher than it is now, adding to investment and employment. These are funds that, given proper incentive, can return to America and be used for capital projects, dividends/share repurchases, consumption, or job creation  all of which represent a boost to the weak economy.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of a sensible tax system to economic growth. Real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 1.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017. America needs tax reform to achieve three percent growth and increase job growth. As Speaker Ryan said, We need to get this done in 2017.

Diana Furchtgott-Roth, former chief economist of the U.S. Department of Labor, is senior fellow and director of Economics21 at the Manhattan Institute.

Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, e21 delivers a short email that includes e21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the e21 Morning Ebrief.
The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, and the Pan American Development Foundation, known as PADF, celebrated the success of dozens of Haitian entrepreneurs supported by the LEAD program at a large exposition at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince earlier this month.

Through the LEAD program (which stands for Leveraging Effective Application of Direct Investments), USAID has provided 45 Haitian and diaspora-led entrepreneurs with the capital and technical support needed to grow their business. Implemented by the PADF, the program supports long-term economic growth in the region.

Each company was awarded a grant after successfully completing a business plan competition. Together, these enterprises have created more than 13,600 jobs in Haiti and are on track to create a total of 18,000 jobs by the end of the year.

Since 2011, USAIDs LEAD Program has invested $7.4 million in businesses in various sectors of the Haitian economy, unlocking $12.7 million in private capital. LEAD has also delivered more than 10,000 hours of training to entrepreneurs to build their capacity and improve business operations. Together, LEAD supported businesses -- from the sanitary paper production plant to the solid waste processing plant, have generated nearly $28 million in sales.

Its inspiring to be in a room with so many dynamic and creative Haitian entrepreneurs, says Nadia Cherrouk, PADF country director. Their businesses are a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and persistence. Through LEAD, we are helping Haitians realize their business goals and creating a network of innovators. These entrepreneurs are paving the way to a more prosperous Haiti.

The event included a business-to-business networking session to help the entrepreneurs forge important relationships with financial institutions, service providers and sector experts. USAIDs LEAD project aims to attract investments in Haitian small and medium-sized enterprises and increase the development impact or remittances.

We congratulate the entrepreneurs here today, said Brian Shukan, Charge dAffaires of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. You are the leaders of Haitis new economy. The LEAD projects investment in these innovative entrepreneurs has unlocked millions in private capital. As their businesses grow, we anticipate that they will continue to attract financing from banks and equity investors, driving further economic development.
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury told India Today that the Opposition will field a candidate against the BJP's President pick Ram Nath Kovind.

By Ashutosh Mishra: Hours before the Congress-led Opposition's crucial meeting over presidential election, the Left has made it clear that the BJP-led ruling NDA would not be allowed a walkover in the July 17 election. Congress president Sonia Gandhi will be meeting leaders of 16 Opposition parties later today to discuss their strategy for the presidential election.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury told India Today that the Opposition will field a candidate against the BJP's President pick Ram Nath Kovind .

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"It is a political war. Opposition will definitely contest the presidential election. A name will be finalised soon," Yechury said.

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Yechury accused the BJP of acting unilaterally while announcing Kovind's candidature. "Barring one occassion, never in the history of this country a President has been elected unopposed. It is the BJP which has fielded candidates maximum times despite knowing it well they had no chance of winning. Why are they now wanting us to support them," Yechury said. "They fielded PA Sangama against Pranab Mukherjee, named Bhairon Singh Sekhawat against Pratibha Patil. We have no issues with the person they (BJP) have named. This is a political war and it is about character of person concerned," the Left leader added. Cracks appeared in the Opposition ahead of today's crucial meeting on the presidential poll, with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's JD-U deciding to stay out of the talks after extending its support Ram Nath Kovind. The opposition camp is yet to name its candidate for the poll, but former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar's meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Wednesday fuelled speculation that she had emerged as the front runner. Sources said top Congress and other opposition leaders talked to several leaders to ensure the presence of all non-NDA parties at the meeting, which will decide on the opposition's presidential candidate. Reacting to the JD-U's decision to support Kovind's nomination, CPI national secretary D Raja said the Nitish Kumar-led party should have consulted other opposition parties before supporting Kovind. The Samajwadi Party and Mayawati's BSP seem to be confused over whether they would support Kovind or not. BSP chief Mayawati had said her party could not be 'negative' to a Dalit candidate. However, she stopped short of expressing support for Kovind and said her party would be "positive" provided the opposition did not field any Dalit. Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agrawal said Opposition parties would jointly take a call on a candidate at the meeting today. However, some Left leaders pointed to Samajwadi Party's founding leader Mulayam Singh Yadav's presence at Yoga Day event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Lucknow on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:

India's next President: After Nitish backing Kovind, Opposition split wide open ahead of big meet today

India's next President: Opposition may field joint candidate against Ram Nath Kovind. 4 names in the race

Ram Nath Kovind as presidential candidate: How BJP continues to aggressively woo Dalits

Ram Nath Kovind is BJP nominee for President: 5 other times Amit Shah-led party surprised us

WATCH: Presidential election: Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is NDA candidate

--- ENDS ---
Since the mid-1990s when limited self-rule was established in the West Bank and Gaza, the United States has contributed more than $5 billion in economic and non-lethal security assistance to the Palestinians. Under President Donald Trump, that assistance is slated to continue. The goal of such assistance is to help meet the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and foster the conditions of stability and prosperity that could lead to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

But as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has made clear, the United States is looking for a change in the long-standing policy of the Palestinian Authority to make payments to the families of terrorists killed or wounded in carrying out violent attacks against Israelis.

In testimony before Congress, Mr. Tillerson said both he and President Trump raised the issue with Palestinian Authority President Mahmood Abbas during their May visit to Bethlehem.

Although the Palestinian Authority announced last month that it was stopping payments to some Hamas-affiliated prisoners, that move fails to address the scope of U.S. concerns over the practice of rewarding terrorists and murderers  which has continued.

As President Trump said, standing in Bethlehem next to President Abbas, Peace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded or rewarded. We must be resolute in condemning such acts in a single unified voice.
This month, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control or OFAC, sanctioned a senior Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) official pursuant to an Executive Order which authorizes sanctions in light of activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC. This action follows continued efforts by DRC President Joseph Kabila and the DRC Government to obstruct and delay preparations for a credible and inclusive presidential election that would lead to the DRCs first peaceful, democratic transfer of power in accordance with the December 31 agreement.

Specifically, OFAC designated Francois Olenga, the head of the Maison Militaire, or Military House of the President, which oversees the Republican Guard, an entity that has, or whose members have, engaged in actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the DRC. OFAC has also designated the Safari Beach, a resort located on the outskirts of Kinshasa, for being owned or controlled by Olenga. As a result of actions taken on June 1st, all of the designated persons assets within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Persons designated may be ineligible for U.S. visas under Presidential Proclamation 8693 or other authorities.

In his role as head of the Maison Militaire, Olenga has overseen security operations on behalf of President Kabilas efforts to suppress political opposition in the DRC. In addition, the Maison Militaire has supported the reassignment of senior military officers believed to have pro-opposition tendencies.

The Republican Guard has actively disrupted the political process in the DRC, including harassing political rivals, targeting opposing political parties, and arbitrarily arresting and executing Congolese citizens. As of 2016, Olenga had taken a more active role in the leadership of the Republican Guard. Additionally, Olenga developed a plan to use the Republican Guard to disrupt opposition activities and financial support.

This action against Olenga sends a strong message that continued acts of violence, aggression, and suppression by the Congolese military against its own citizens are unacceptable, said OFAC Director John E. Smith. The United States is prepared to apply additional sanctions against those who undermine the DRCs democratic or electoral processes.
- Veteran actress Iretiola Doyle opens up about harsh treatment from her family members

- In a recent interview she reveals she got pregnant as a teenager at 17

- Following the pregnancy was harsh treatment from her family members especially her own mother

In a recent interview, veteran actress Ireti Doyle revealed how she was treated badly by her family members for getting pregnant at the age of 17. The Wedding Party actress opened up about the worst treatment coming from her own mother.

READ ALSO: More shocking screenshots emerge from Tonto Dikehs

Doyle of today is a successful, happily married actress. Little is known of what she faced growing up as a young woman. Her recent revelation suggests she has had her fair share of downs in life.

Legit.ng earlier reported how much Ireti Doyle made from her movie in one year.

Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle

Speaking of life as a pregnant 17-year-old she said: "You have to surround yourself with people who love and support you. I was blessed to have people around me; unfortunately these people are not family members. My mother didnt take it lightly with me. I wouldnt have handled it the way she did because I belong to a different generation. I was nurtured by people I met and they constantly reminded me that my life didnt end with that bad situation.

READ ALSO: Evangelist Ebenezer Obey's daughter gets engaged to Oba of Kweme kingdom

As she spoke about her past at Harvesters International Christian Centre in Lagos she mentioned how the event weighed her down but she still prevailed.

She said: "I felt I still remained who I was. I came from a very good home, not by wealth but value. Education was not negotiable in my family. I didnt want that one mistake to define who I was. But it was quite difficult for me because it was the talk of the town for quite a number of years."

PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app

Watch Legit.ng video on those who can marry a baby mama below:

Source: Legit.ng
- Kannywood actor Sani Mu'azu has three children who were all born in June on different years

- He celebrated them on his Facebook on Wednesday, June 21

Kannywood actor Sani Mu'azu, who is also the past National President of Motion Picture Council of Nigeria, just celebrated his three children who were all born in the month of June.

READ ALSO: Soldiers encounter bush pig in Sambisa forest (photos)

He shared the photo of the three beautiful children, one girl and two boys, on his Facebook page on Wednesday, June 21.

He said: "My June kids. I tried to stay off social media through out the blessed month of Ramadan but I couldn't help celebrating my children after the way they celebrated me on Father's Day. To keep faith with my resolve, I am just reposting this post from 2 years ago with updates on their new ages only. Enjoy."

Actor Sani Mu'azu and his 3 children who were all born in June.

"All my 3 children were given birth to in the month of June and if you think that is mere coincidence, then wait for this. My first son Farouk Muazu and my last A'isha Yasmin Mu'azu were born on the same date - today 21st of June. Imran Muazu my second came 2 weeks earlier in the month of June, on the 7th. It is divine. Today, Farouk turned 22, Imran is 20 while A'isha Yasmin turned 17."

READ ALSO: I paid my own bride price and you watched your son dupe me - Tonto Dikeh allegedly says in new messages to her mother in law

"The family tradition is to shift Imran's birthday forward by 2 weeks or move the other 2 backward so we all can have fun, usually on a family outing. Today, both Farouk and Imran are away at the University battling exams while Yasmin, who just passed her JAMB, is busy writing her NECO exams right now."

Sani with his wife and children.

WANT MORE? Download Legit.ng Wedding app for android to get the latest posts

"Facebook becomes a platform to share this day with them, my friends as well as their friends and make the day special. Allah Yayi muku albarka and this is to wish you many happy returns of the day in good health and piety. Your lovely Father's Day messages sent earlier are also well appreciated."

Watch the video below of Legit.ng asking Nigerians if they can marry someone who already has a child:

Source: Legit.ng
Leading global medical technology company, Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX, popularly known as BD, recently announced that it has entered into an agreement with FlowJo, LLC, a life science informatics and data analysis company. Per the agreement, the companies would offer the cloud-based platform, FlowJo Envoy alongwith BD FACSymphony, a cell analyzer for their customers.

Stock Performance

Becton has had an impressive run on the bourse over the past one month. The company gained roughly 3.91%, which is higher than the Zacks categorized Medical/Dental-Supplies sub industrys addition of almost 3.41%. The current level compares favorably with the S&P 500s return of 1.26% over the same time frame. This, together with a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 11.29%, instills confidence in investors.

The estimate revision trend seems favorable for the stock at this moment, with one estimate moving up in the last 60 days and no downward movement. The above factor indicates chances of a recovery. The current year estimate for the stock stands at 53 cents per share.

Coming back to the news, the collaboration is a sound move from the two companies. The announcement was made at the 32nd Congress of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

The collaboration would bring together Bectons proprietary FACSymphony cell analyzer and FlowJo Envoy to enable scientists to collaborate, coordinate and execute high-parameter single-cell experiments seamlessly in real-time. This would enable the users to achieve a measurement of up to 50 different characteristics of a single cell. The combination will also enable researchers to improve their workflow, collaborations and store their data in the cloud and share single-cell analysis information in real-time.

Based in Franklin Lakes, NJ, Becton, Dickinson is a medical technology company engaged principally in the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. Going forward, BDs focus on product launches is a significant catalyst in our view. Additionally, its expansion plans, especially in the emerging overseas markets and the acquisition-driven strategy hold considerable promise.

On the flipside, lower demand for healthcare products, intensifying competition, significant exposure to foreign exchange volatility and higher debt levels pose major headwinds.

Story continues

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Becton carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Better-ranked medical stocks are Align Technology, Inc. ALGN, Inogen, Inc. INGN and Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc. AXDX. Align Technology and Inogen sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Accelerate Diagnostics carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Align Technology has an expected long-term adjusted earnings growth of almost 24.1%. The stock added roughly 32.8% over the last three months.

Inogen has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 17.5%. The stock has a solid one-year return of around 80%.

Accelerate Diagnostics has an expected long-term adjusted earnings growth of 30%. The stock added roughly 12% over the last three months.

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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research




Costco Rico

When I told friends I was going to Puerto Rico, they were jealous. When I told them I booked the trip through Costco, that jealousy transformed into confusion.

"You can buy a vacation through Costco?" I was asked at least a dozen times in recent months.

My answer: Yes, and it's incredible.

I became aware of Costco's travel deals last May when a friend suggested checking out the warehouse store's website while planning an upcoming vacation.

I was amazed by the variety of options, from airfare and hotel deals in Europe to Caribbean cruises. Costco even has a section dedicated to safaris, with trips to Botswana and South Africa.

That's right. You can book an entire weeklong safari  including a guide, airfare, and a place to stay  through Costco.

Costco Rico

The retailer launched Costco Travel in 2000.

"Following the same philosophy as in the warehouses, we offer a limited number of products in an effort to focus on partners who consistently produce high-quality, exceptional value and superb service," Nikki Chellew, a Costco representative, told Business Insider. "Costco Travel adds to the overall value of the membership with savings that can exceed the cost of an annual membership."

Three friends and I settled on a seven-day trip to Puerto Rico in August and purchased a trip that provided airfare, seven nights in a hotel, and transportation to and from an airport, all for a little more than $800 a person.

Having returned from the trip, I can confidently say that Costco Travel is going to change how I book vacations.

First of all, booking the trip through Costco left me confident I was saving money. While searching for deals, I perused packages sold by airlines, which included flights at inconvenient times, and semi-questionable websites that were too sketchy to trust. Costco matched or beat both in terms of cost, with the added bonus of reliability.

Story continues

Costco Rico

Second, it was incredibly convenient every step of the way. Scanning through Costco's deals felt like browsing a diner's extensive menu  it had plenty of options, but also narrowed down my choices and spelled out the benefits of each one. Once I arrived in Puerto Rico, the bonus of having a car to take me to and from the airport included in the trip was an extra convenience I hadn't given much thought about before booking the trip.

Finally, every aspect of the trip purchased via Costco  hotel, airfare, travel to the hotel  exceeded expectations. To head off skeptics: Costco did not know I covered it when the deal was purchased, this is not paid for by Costco, and there is no weird under-the-table sponsorship here. Everything was simply fantastic.

My biggest question after the trip was why everyone wasn't booking travel through Costco. And I was forced to conclude that most people just don't know they can.

Costco Rico

"It is difficult to have travel be top of mind for members when they think of Costco as a warehouse full of tangible products," Chellew said.

However, the company is trying to change that.

Costco is now advertising its travel packages using emails, travel brochures, and deals in the Costco Savings Book. Additionally, the retailer publishes an article by the travel expert Peter Greenberg monthly in its magazine, the Costco Connection.

Still, Costco is primarily growing its travel business via word-of-mouth. Chellew says members sharing their experiences has played the biggest role in Costco Travel's double-digit annual growth.

With that in mind, I'll add my positive experience to the public record. Next time you're booking a trip, check Costco Travel first. I know I will.

NOW WATCH: Here are the 8 food items you should only get from Costco

Related:





More From Business Insider
Team OPS said that BJP chief Amit Shah asked for its support, and after holding consultations with MPs and MLAs it has decided to back Ram Nath Kovind in presidential election.

By Shalini Lobo, Pramod Madhav: A day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced support to NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the AIADMK faction led by O Panneerselvam has also decided to follow suit.

Team OPS said that BJP chief Amit Shah asked for its support and after holding consultations with MPs and MLAs, it decided to back Ram Nath Kovind in presidential election.

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"We consider him a good administrator," Team OPS said.

In another development, E Palaniswami is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and pledge support to Ram Nath Kovind.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 7.50 pm today and meet Modi at 11.30 am on Friday.

The Sasikala-TTV Dinakaran camp, however, is yet to make an announcement on support to NDA presidential candidate.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHO SUPPORTS WHOM IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: On Wednesday, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) made it official that it would support to NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind in presidential election. Shiv Sena, which had suggested RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's name for president, announced support to NDA pick Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday. "After our discussions we have decided to back the NDA presidential poll candidate Ram Nath Kovind. After our support, I do not think it will be much difficult for the BJP to get him (Kovind) elected," Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said. Earlier, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik said that is his party would support Ram Nath Kovind in presidential election. "The office of the President of India is above political consideration and Biju Janata Dal wants to keep it above the politics," Naveen Patnaik said. K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh have also declared support to NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind. Ram Nath Kovind's nomination as presidential candidate by the BJP has left the Opposition on the back foot, with many wondering that there is no strong ground to contest Kovind's candidature, who is a Dalit leader too. Sonia Gandhi-led Opposition will hold a meeting today to decide on a candidate for the presidential election. Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar's name is doing the rounds as the probable candidate for the presidential election. Buzz in political corridors suggest that it could be a Dalit versus Dalit in the race for Raisina.

ALSO READ:

Like it or not, Ram Nath Kovind is all set to be your next President

It's a political war, Opposition will field candidate for presidential election: Sitaram Yechury

Presidential election 2017: After BJP chose Ram Nath Kovind, Congress' plans on shaky grounds

ALSO WATCH: Kin, neighbours of NDA's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind celebrate in hometown Kanpur

--- ENDS ---
Steve Jobs using an iPad

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA  You might think a product as revolutionary as Apple's iPhone might have been born out of some unique insight or high-minded feeling.

You would be wrong.

According to Scott Forstall, the iPhone's co-inventor, the roots of Apple's smartphone project are in founder Steve Jobs' disdain for Microsoft and a grating social interaction with a particular employee of the software giant.

"Steve hated this guy at Microsoft," Forstall said on Tuesday night at an event at the Computer History Museum here celebrating the 10th anniversary of the release of the first iPhone.

'First thing is, they're idiots'

Jobs wasn't referring to Bill Gates, his sometimes friend and longtime rival who founded Microsoft. The unnamed Microsoft employee in question was the spouse of a friend of Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve's wife, Forstall said. Because the two couples ran in the same social circles, they would often end up at the same parties and functions, much to Jobs' chagrin.

"Anytime he had any kind of social interaction with that guy, he'd come back pissed off," Forstall said.

The breaking point came when the Microsoft employee told Jobs that the software giant had "solved computing" with its Tablet PC effort.

Like the tablets that would come later, the Tablet PCs, which ran a special version of Microsoft's Windows software, were smaller and lighter than laptop computers and included touch displays. The part about them Jobs found distasteful, though  and what made the employee's comments so irritating to him  was that Tablet PCs would work only with a stylus.

Bill Gates tablet 2000

That interaction between Jobs and the Microsoft employee took place on a weekend. When Jobs returned to the office on Monday, he let out "a set of expletives," Forstall said. And then Jobs got Apple working to outdo Microsoft, developing a touchscreen device of its own that would rely on fingers, not a stylus.

Story continues

"First thing is, they're idiots. You don't use a stylus," Jobs said, according to Forstall. People lose them, Jobs said, and they were counterintuitive anyway. "We're born with 10 styluses!"

Initially, the development effort focused on building a tablet. Apple tapped Forstall to lead software engineering for the project.

The coffee-shop incident

That tablet project continued, with Apple's team making strides in building prototype multitouch displays. Apple changed its focus from creating a tablet to making a phone around 2004 after Forstall and Jobs visited a coffee shop.

Jobs noticed that many of the people in the shop were using their cellphones, but none of them seemed happy about it, Forstall said. To Jobs, that was an opportunity. He asked Forstall whether that multitouch project could be shrunk to a phone-size display.

And thus was born Project Purple, which would evolve into the iPhone. It was a "herculean" task to shrink the size of the device from the larger ones developed at the beginning of the project, Forstall said. But when the project was complete, Forstall saw that Jobs was right.

scott forstall

"There was no question," Forstall said. "This is how phones need to be made."

As a postscript, Microsoft's Tablet PC business never gained much traction in the market. It was only in 2010, when Apple introduced the iPad, that the tablet business became a mass market. When introducing the iPad, Jobs famously made his distaste for styluses known with a hearty "yuck."

But things have come full circle. Nowadays, Microsoft has its Surface line of devices, which focus heavily on stylus input. And Apple now offers a stylus for its iPad Pro tablets, the Apple Pencil.

NOW WATCH: Everything we know about the iPhone 8  including a total redesign





More From Business Insider


(James Saft is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own)

By James Saft

June 21 (Reuters) - Some enterprising manager ought to look into a Long Nice CEOs/Short Jerks hedge fund.

A new UK study find that companies with leaders who show psychopathic characteristics destroy shareholder value, tending to have poor future returns on equity. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2984999)

This, coming just a year after a study finding better operating results at companies with nice leaders, suggests there may be a viable investment strategy in buying the one and betting against the other. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2805635)

Lets talk about the bad apples first; they are always so much more interesting.

Psychopathy is a disorder characterized by antisocial actions, excessive risk taking, egotism and a lack of empathy and remorse. Sound like any successful CEOs you know?

The UK study doesnt seek to identify psychopaths per se, but, examining senior management and company characteristics as a whole, uses a series of markers which the authors believe are highly correlated with there being psychopaths in control.

For 4 out of the 5 proxies (for psychopathy) considered the relationship with returns is statistically significant. Such results imply that managerial psychopathic behavior is an ominous sign of shareholder wealth destruction, Tomasz Wisniewski of the University of Leicester, and Liafisu Yekini and Ayman Omar of Coventry University write.

The study measures the extent to which company annual reports use words which are aggressive, use self-absorbed language or show a tendency to blame others, all traits they theorize reveal psychopathic tendencies. As psychopaths break rules, they also measure how often companies are caught out in accounting troubles. As they are thrill seekers, the study looks at a measure of idiosyncratic company risk, and as psychopaths lack empathy, the study looks at corporate charitable donations.

Story continues

The upshot is though psychopaths may have some advantage in climbing the corporate ladder, once at the top they do shareholders no favors. Having psychopaths in the executive suite now points to poor returns in a years time, according to the study.

Psychopathic behavior in the executive suite may not be a small or isolated problem. A 2011 study of Australian white-collar managers found that 5.76 percent could be classed psychopathic and another 10.42 percent dysfunctional with psychopathic characteristics.

Overall, the reading of the literature reveals that the concentration of psychopaths tends to be particularly high in prisons and boardrooms, the authors write.

NICE PEOPLE DO FINISH FIRST

All of this accords well with the study last year from academics at Harvard, the University of Chicago and Stanford, which found that CEOs who score well for agreeableness are associated with companies which show better operating results.

Nice people, it seems, have a hard time getting ahead but do good work for those who employ them when they do.

That study looked at the language executives used in conference calls with analysts, which being unscripted are perhaps more revealing, and then mapped them to the five major personality traits of agreeableness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion and openness.

In terms of who gets to be a CEO it is not surprising that the group showed low levels of neuroticism, which is associated with emotional instability, anxiety and hostility.

While the mean scores for the other four traits were all more than three times higher than for neuroticism, it is striking that agreeableness was the fourth highest, with conscientiousness the highest. In other words, among personality trait holders only fretful neurotics are less likely to find themselves in the C-suite than nice people.

There is a robust negative association between extraversion and return on assets and cash flow. Similarly, openness is negatively associated with profitability, Ian Gow of Harvard University, Steven Kaplan and Anastasia Zakolyukina of the University of Chicago and David Larcker of Stanford University write.

As for agreeable CEOs, they tend to spend less on R&D but have far and away the strongest positive correlation to return on assets, both in current and future terms. Earlier research has posited that agreeable CEOs do well by encouraging cooperation and less hierarchical structures and cultures. While that might make a company less results-orientated it also might make it better able to make good medium- and long-term investment decisions.

Less agreeable CEOs are more likely to be found at firms which are innovative and take on more risk via the use of borrowed money. In part, we may be seeing an illustration of the truism that a small growing company needs a different kind of leader than an established one.

A remorseless psychopath is no-ones idea of a good leader, while having nice people in charge is not simply a matter of preference.

Investors, and companies, should work harder to weed out the one and promote the other. (Editing by James Dalgleish) )
- By Omar Venerio





Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio), the billionaire hedge fund manager, has achieved annual average returns of 30% in the last two decades. The top fund manager buys and holds a stock for relatively short-term periods.





In the last round of 13F filings, Point72 Asset Management reported an equity portfolio valued at $17.94 billion and a top 10 holdings concentration of 14.41%. The portfolio is mainly invested in Consumer Discretionary (21.52%), Energy (17.14%) and Health Care (18.59%) stocks. Point72 Asset Management's last 13F filing showed that the fund raised its exposure toward consumer discretionary and health care stocks, but Cohen reduced his holdings in the energy sector.

During the first trimester, he opened positions in 389 new stocks, made additional purchases of 218 stocks, eliminated 262 stocks and reduced holdings in 181 stocks. Let's now concentrate on one of his latest new purchase: Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX). Point72 bought 556,000 shares in the first quarter, with the position valued at just under $102 million. Since the time of purchase, the stock gained 5.3%; on a year-to-date basis, the stock returns 17.4% which is appealing.

The company has a "reiterated rating" of buy and hold by Jefferies Group and Royal Bank of Canada (RY). Its price target is $177 and $200. The med company is currently trading at $192.36. Yahoo (YHOO) Finance estimates a one-year target share price at $199.96.

Investors will be paid a dividend of $2.92 at the end of the year. Dividends have been paid since 1926, and during the past 13 years, the highest trailing annual dividend yield was 2.44%, the lowest was 1.12%, and the median was 1.77%. The current dividend yield is 1.53%, which makes me think the company may increase dividends in the near term to maintain the ratio.

Story continues

The company's acquisition of CareFusion has provided it with splendid intangible assets and what matters most is the ability to grow faster in the future due to the opportunities it will provide with the synergies all around the world, particularly in emerging markets. A significant portion of Becton's business is focused on those markets so it is positive to continue expanding on them.

The risk of commodities prices and competition in bioscience segments from strong rivals, such as Abbott (ABT), demonstrates the firm's concern in boosting operating margins. Net operating cash flow has increased to $725 million, about 30% when compared to the same quarter of last year. Moreover, the return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year ago, showing a sign of strength. Further, it exceeds the ratio of both the industry average and the Standard & Poor's 500.

Health care equipment remained relatively stable in the past; the company is well positioned to face the competition, and CareFusion's acquisition will provide long-term growth.

Disclosure: Author holds no position in any stocks mentioned.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.










tesla model s

Tesla says its longest-range Model S can drive 572 kilometers (355 miles) on a single charge, but two drivers surpassed that limit by over 300 kilometers (186 miles) on Tuesday.

Steven Peeters, the owner of a Tesla Model S P100D, and his friend Joeri Cools used a technique called hypermiling to drive a whopping 901.2 kilometers (560 miles) on a single charge, Peeters wrote in a blog post. The achievement is an unofficial world record.

Hypermiling is when drivers employ certain techniques to improve a car's efficiency. Peeters and Cools, for example, shut off the air conditioning to conserve energy, but the two aren't divulging their other hypermiling hacks.

The two Tesla drivers broke the record on a 26 kilometer (16 mile) loop in Belgium.

"Although it might be more beneficial to keep driving straight and preferable with a tail wind, our approach had the advantage that we could learn from each round," Peeters wrote in the blog.



Over 1000 km should be possible in a 100D with the right tires https://t.co/8czN3dVZE4  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 21, 2017

Peeters and Cools took turns driving for 23 hours and 45 minutes  not an easy task in the summer without AC. There were points where the internal temperature of the car reached 35 degrees Celcius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

"It was just like sitting in hell and the sun was really burning," Peeters wrote in the blog. "We let a sigh of relief every time we turned back around and had the sun behind us, were the tinted windows provided some protection."

Peeters questioned in his blog whether a Model S 100D would be able to drive farther than the P100D because the rear motor is slightly more efficient and weighs less.

After seeing the Electrek report about the new hypermiling record, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter it should be possible to drive over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in a 100D with the right tires.

Story continues

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

NOW WATCH: We drove a brand-new Tesla Model X from San Francisco to New York  here's what happened





More From Business Insider
AAP chief whip Sukhpal Khaira was suspended by Speaker Rana KP Singh after he shared a Facebook Live video of ruckus inside the Assembly on June 16.

By India Today Web Desk: The Punjab Assembly turned into a battleground today as a few Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) MLAs clashed with security men after they were thrown out of the House for creating ruckus.

According to reports, some of the MLAs were injured in the scuffle and taken away to hospital.

The MLAs tried to barge towards Speaker Rana KP Singh's podium but they were stopped by the marshals. The leaders were protesting against AAP chief whip Sukhpal Khaira and LIP leader Simerjeet Singh Bains being denied entry into the Assembly premises.

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AAP legislator Pirmal Singh Dhaula came out of the House with his turban in his hand and his hair open. He alleged that his turban came off during manhandling by the marshals after the Speaker ordered the removal of AAP lawmakers from the house.

"This is the worst situation for democracy. We have not witnessed such manhandling. The Congress government is to blame for it," Dhaula said after coming out of the house.

Khaira was suspended for sharing Facebook Live video of ruckus in the Punjab Assembly on June 16. Bains was also suspended after he threw paper balls at the Speaker on June 15.

ALSO READ:

Sidhu targeted by Opposition in Punjab Assembly over certain remarks

Captain Amarinder follows Adityanath, Fadnavis, announces loan waiver for Punjab farmers

--- ENDS ---
Montreal, Quebec, June 20, 2017 - SEMAFO Inc. (TSX, OMX: SMF) announces that it has drawn down the incremental $60 million of the credit facility with Macquarie Bank Limited for a total drawdown of $120 million. The recent visits to the Mana and Boungou Mine sites by Macquarie Bank Limited were key conditions for drawing down the incremental $60 million. The credit facility is repayable in eight equal quarterly installments of $15 million, starting March 31, 2019. Accessing the additional funds allows SEMAFO to maintain a high level of financial flexibility.

In addition, the Corporation announces receipt of the mining convention for the future Boungou Mine (Natougou Gold Project) from the Council of Ministers of the Government of Burkina Faso, which follows receipt of the mining permit in December 2016. Its fiscal and legal terms, which are based on the 2015 Burkina Faso Mining Code, were previously disclosed in the Natougou Technical Report NI 43-101 dated March 28, 2016 and filed on SEDAR. The convention is valid for the seven-year mine life of the initial mineral reserves at Natougou and can be renewed for additional periods of five years.

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities in West Africa. The Corporation operates the Mana Mine in Burkina Faso, which includes the high-grade satellite deposit of Siou, and is targeting production start-up of the Boungou Mine in the second half of 2018. SEMAFO's strategic focus is to maximize shareholder value by effectively managing its existing assets as well as pursuing organic and strategic growth opportunities.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "maintain", "pursuing", "growth", "opportunities" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include the ability to maintain a high level of financial flexibility, the ability to execute on our strategic focus, fluctuation in the price of currencies, gold or operating costs, mining industry risks, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral reserves and resources, delays, political and social stability in Africa (including our ability to maintain or renew licenses and permits) and other risks described in SEMAFO's documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in SEMAFO's 2016 Annual MD&A as updated in SEMAFO's 2017 First Quarter MD&A, and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. These documents are also available on our website at www.semafo.com. SEMAFO disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

The information in this release is subject to the disclosure requirements of SEMAFO under the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. This information was publicly communicated on June 20, 2017 at 7.00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

For more information, contact

SEMAFO

Robert LaValliere

Vice-President, Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations

Cell: +1 (514) 240 2780

Email: Robert.Lavalliere@semafo.com



Ruth Hanna

Analyst, Investor Relations

Email: Ruth.Hanna@semafo.com

Tel. local & overseas: +1 (514) 744 4408

North America Toll-Free: 1 (888) 744 4408

Website: www.semafo.com





Caution concerning Forward Looking Statements

Cautionary note to US readers concerning estimates of mineral resources (M&I and Inferred)

Note for the IFRS-non GAP Measures

Definition of the all-in-sustaining costs

Note for the Swedish Securities Market Act

For more information contact:

In appendix:

Cash flow table, capex, mining plan- follow example of Siou

Full reserves and resources table with appropriate accompanied notes

Plant layout





Attachments:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5f07766-ddad-4ac2-a56a-a4ed15055d1f
CLEARWATER, Fla., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, June 28th, United for Human Rights, a non-profit organization sponsored by the Church of Scientology, is hosting a reception for all human rights advocates to celebrate their two-year anniversary and welcome Emma Ashton, the newly appointed Executive Director of United for Human Rights Florida Chapter. At 7:00pm partners and friends of United for Human Rights will gather to celebrate two years of successful partnerships, and to welcome Emma into their family.



In celebration of the two-year anniversary of the Human Rights Center, dozens of educators, organizations and human rights advocates will get to know each other over light refreshments. There have been over 600 partnerships formed in the last two years while Cristian Vargas was holding the Executive Director position. Now, Emma Ashton is taking over the reigns with a vision to take United for Human Rights to the next level.

I believe that by learning your 30 inalienable human rights, and taking that one step forward to teaching others their human rights, we can safeguard our future generation from the horrific abuses, intolerance and hatred that we see today. Now, more than ever, we must realize that its no longer good enough to say you support human rights, but we have to effectively start putting those words into action. Were the words that Emma Ashton so fervently stated upon being appointed the Executive Director.

Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration. The event starts at 7:00pm, and wont go past 8:00pm. Cristian Vargas, former Executive Director, will open the event with a welcoming speech and then turn it over to Emma who will introduce herself. Afterwards, everybody is invited to network with each other.

The United for Human Rights (UHR) center features an information area devoted to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the award-winning audiovisual materials of the organization that bring to life all 30 of the Declarations articles through public service announcements and informational and informational documentaries.

L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology Founder and strong supporter of human rights wrote, Very few governments have implemented any part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These governments have not grasped that their very survival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms and thus giving their peoples a cause, a civilization worth supporting, worth their patriotism.

For more information about Youth for Human Rights or the event, please call (727) 467-6960 or email Emma@humanrights.com.

Youth for Human Rights:

Youth for Human Rights is an international non-profit, non-religious educational program which promotes the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its purpose is to teach youth their human rights and thus create valuable advocates for tolerance and peace. Youth for Human Rights is supported by the Church of Scientology.
June 22, 2017

SBM Offshore is pleased to announce that ExxonMobil has formally confirmed the award of contracts for the next phase of the Liza project in Guyana. Under these contracts, SBM Offshore will construct, install, lease and operate a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO). This follows completion of front-end engineering studies and the final investment decision on the project by ExxonMobil.

The Liza field is located in the Stabroek block, which covers almost 27,000 square kilometers, circa 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest.

The FPSO is designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of circa 170 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of circa 200,000 barrels per day. The converted VLCC FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of 1525 meters and will be able to store 1.6 million barrels of crude oil.

SBM Offshore CEO Bruno Chabas commented:

"We are proud that ExxonMobil awarded SBM Offshore the contracts for the Liza FPSO. The Liza Field offshore Guyana is one of the industry's largest oil discoveries of the past decade. We look forward to cooperating closely with our client and partners to make this project a success. This award underlines SBM Offshore's continued focus on building on our experience, our long term relationships and FPSO-led strategic vision."

Corporate Profile

SBM Offshore N.V. is a listed holding company that is headquartered in Amsterdam. It holds direct and indirect interests in other companies that collectively with SBM Offshore N.V. form the SBM Offshore group ("the Company").

SBM Offshore provides floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, over the full product life-cycle. The Company is market leading in leased floating production systems with multiple units currently in operation and has unrivalled operational experience in this field. The Company's main activities are the design, supply, installation, operation and the life extension of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. These are either owned and operated by SBM Offshore and leased to its clients or supplied on a turnkey sale basis.

As of December 31, 2016, Group companies employ approximately 4,750 people worldwide. Full time company employees totaling c. 4,250 are spread over five regional centers, ten operational shore bases and the offshore fleet of vessels. A further 500 are working for the joint ventures with several construction yards. For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this communication "SBM Offshore" is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general, or where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

The Management Board

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, June 22, 2017

Financial Calendar Date Year Half-Year 2017 Earnings - Press Release August 8 2017 Trading Update 3Q 2017 - Press Release November 7 2017 Full-Year 2017 Earnings - Press Release February 7 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders April 11 2018

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Bert-Jaap Dijkstra

Investor Relations Director

Mobile NL:

Mobile MC: +31 (0) 6 2114 1017

+33 (0) 6 4391 9302 Telephone: +377 9205 1732 E-mail: bertjaap.dijkstra@sbmoffshore.com Website: www.sbmoffshore.com

Media Relations

Vincent Kempkes

Group Communications Director

Telephone: +31 (0) 20 2363 170 Mobile: +31 (0) 6 25 68 71 67 E-mail: vincent.kempkes@sbmoffshore.com Website: www.sbmoffshore.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of the Company's business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would be", "expects" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or the negative thereof, or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this release as anticipated, believed, or expected. SBM Offshore NV does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Nothing in this press release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.
OTTAWA, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (Orezone or the Company) (TSX-V:ORE) is very pleased to report that recent core drilling at the P17S zone, which lies outside of the main Bombore deposit, has led to a new interpretation of the significance of historic high-grade hits within the main zone.



Over the past number of weeks, the Company's technical team have been reviewing all historical drill data in light of the recent consistent higher-grade intercepts at the P17S target. Drilling has shown that the P17S high-grade zones have a shallow plunge and are hosted in granodiorite.

Previous historical drilling in the main zone did return several high-grade intercepts and it is now recognized that these intercepts are generally within or in the vicinity of the granodiorite units. It was not recognized however, until this most recent review, how significant these shallow plunging structures may be.

Several of the historical intercepts are of significant width and grade and they also appear to follow a similar plunge to that of P17S zones. Furthermore, the high-grade intercepts occur along the entire strike of the main Bombore orebody and are within the oxide zone.

Patrick Downey, CEO, stated that, "this is exciting news for the Company, and I look forward to testing these four targets. Should we successfully prove that we have several continuous high-grade zones it could have a material positive impact on the ongoing development of the project."

It should be noted that capping and variography would have severely limited the impact of these intercepts within the previous resource model, without understanding the orientation and plunge of the zones.

The Company now believes that there is potential for several high-grade zones and shoots that have not previously been incorporated in the resource model and which could have a positive impact on both grade and tonnes of the Bombore resource model. Follow-up drilling is now planned to test four of the main targets.

For better clarity, highlights for the Siga South, Siga East/West, P11 and CFU (see below) show the main shallow high-grade intercepts of the 4 target areas that have been prioritized within the Bombore deposit for the next phase of drilling. Sections along each zone showing several of the historic intercepts are shown in the Corporate Presentation on the Companys website (www.orezone.com). There are other identified targets and follow-up drilling that will be completed on these areas at a later date.

Once further modelling has been completed, the Company plans to systematically drill each of the 4 prioritized targets immediately thereafter. This program will consist of up to 10,000m of Reverse Circulation drilling, which is expected to commence in July and take approximately 3 months. This program will be within the current 2017 exploration budget.

Highlights  Siga South (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC1388: from 18 to 23 m: 5 m @ 8.9 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 19.6 gpt;

BBC1393: from 24 to 39 m: 14 m @ 130.2 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 1,784 gpt;

BBC1396: from 44 to 48 m: 4 m @ 3.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 11.6 gpt;

BBD0161: from 36 to 40 m: 4 m @ 5.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 17.9 gpt;

BBC1333: from 16 to 20 m: 4 m @ 20.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 79.7 gpt;

BBC3261: from 9 to 17 m: 8 m @ 1.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.3 gpt;

BBC3262: from 30 to 38 m: 8 m @ 5.1 gpt, incl. 3 m @ 11.1 gpt;

BBD0744: from 14.5 to 17 m: 2.5 m @ 26.1 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 42.6 gpt; and

BBC1378: from 47 to 50 m: 3 m @ 10.4 m, incl. 1 m @ 27.0 gpt.

Highlights  Siga East and West (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC0597: from 36 to 40 m: 4 m @ 3.4 gpt;

BBC1090: from 34 to 35 m: 1 m @ 32.0 gpt;

BMC0080: from 38 to 54 m: 16 m @ 9.0 gpt, incl. 4 m @ 29.7 gpt;

BMC0093: from 42 to 46 m: 4 m @ 16.2, incl. 2 m @ 29.5 gpt;

BBC1626: from 23 to 28 m: 5 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.4 gpt;

BBC1626: from 30 to 34 m: 4 m @ 13.6 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 49.1 gpt;

BBC1670: from 16 to 21 m: 5 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. incl. 1 m @ 12.3 gpt;

BBD0246: from 32 to 38.5 m: 6.5 m @ 2.5 gpt;

BBD0246: from 45.5 to 55.5 m: 10 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 13.5 gpt;

BBD0246: from 57 to 63 m: 6 m @ 14.3 gpt, incl. 5 m @ 16.6 gpt;

BBD0789: from 36.5 to 38 m: 1.5 m @ 49.6 gpt;

BBC1955: from 16 to 18 m: 2 m @ 14.51 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 28.0 gpt;

BBD0359: from 66.5 to 71 m: 4.5m @ 23.0 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 67.0 gpt;

BBC0596: from 69 to 74: 3 m @ 3.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 12.1 gpt;

BBD0449: from 4 m @ 2.7 gpt;

BBC1167: from 2 to 4 m: 1 m @ 20.5 gpt in overburden over 1 m @ 5.3 gpt;

BBC1166: from 4 to 10 m: 6 m @ 5.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 20.8 gpt;

BBC1147: from 18 to 22: 4 m @ 4.6 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 12.9 gpt; and

BBC0250: from 57 to 58 m: 1 m @ 44.5 gpt.

Highlights  P11 (true width has yet to be determined)

BBD0339: from 19 to 20: 1 m @ 14.3 gpt;

BBC0568: from 3 to 4 m: 1 m @ 36.7 gpt;

BBC0568: from 72 to 75: 3 m @ 30.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 89.9 gpt;

BBC1061: from 1 to 5 m: 4 m @ 8.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 32.2 gpt;

BBD0423: from 7 to 9 m: 2 m @ 5.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.2 gpt;

BBD0862: from 40 to 46m: 6 m @ 3.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 14.3 gpt;

BBD0862: from 47 to 54 m: 7 m @ 5.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 27.0 gpt;

BBC1063: from 18 to 22: 4 m @ 3.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 11.0 gpt;

BBD0376: from 73 to 78 m: 5 m @ 2.0 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 16.2 gpt; and

BBC1050: from 59 to 60 m: hole stopped in 1 m @ 38.2 gpt.

Highlights  CFU (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC4365: from 39 to 44 m: 5 m @ 20.1 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 47.9 gpt;

BBD0921: from 59 to 63 m: 4 m @ 25.9 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 67.9 gpt;

BBD0921: from 75.5 to 78.5 m: 3 m @ 59.0 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 175 gpt;

BBC4223: from 60 to 65 m: 5 m @ 21.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 103 gpt;

BBC0768: from 89 to 92 m: 3 m @ 50.1 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 74.4 gpt;

BBC3160: from 68 to 70 m: hole stopped in 2 m @ 98.4 gpt; and

BBC0778: from 78 to 82 m: hole stopped in 4 m @ 22.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 81 gpt.

Qualified Person(s)

Tim Miller, SME and COO, Pascal Marquis, Geo and SVP and Patrick Downey, PEng and CEO of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 and have approved the information in this release. Readers should refer to the annual information form of Orezone for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Orezone since January 1, 2017 available at www.sedar.com, for this detailed information, which is subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. There is a current technical report entitled Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Bombore Gold Project, Burkina Faso, West Africa that was filed on SEDAR on February 27, 2017.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone is a Canadian company with a successful gold discovery track record and recent mine development experience in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company owns a 90% interest in Bombore, a fully permitted, undeveloped oxide gold deposit in West Africa, which is situated 85 km east of the capital city, adjacent to an international highway.

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (613) 241-3699 or visit the Companys website at www.orezone.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, potential, possible and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may, will, could, or should occur. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding, among others; the drill results from the recently completed P17S drill program have the potential to both expand higher-grade shallow resources at Bombore and open up previously untested zones recent drill results suggests potential for a 3 km prospective corridor along the P17S  17 trend, that could have a material positive impact on the ongoing development of the project and could have a positive impact on grade and tonnes of the Bombore project.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
A former Nigerian bus conductor identified as Mike Akinlabi has received a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge.

Legit.ng came across Akinlabis success story after it was shared on Twitter by Trends of Nigeria.

According to Trends of Nigeria, Akinlabi was a bus conductor in Nigeria before he received a Masters degree and went ahead to pursue his doctorate degree.

Akinlabi has now successfully received his PhD degree from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

READ ALSO: Nigerian becomes first black woman to receive PhD in Philosophy Public Affairs in the US (photos)

Meet talented Nigerian Mike Akinlabi who recently received PhD degree

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

Nigerian Twitter users congratulated the genius man for fighting hard for his success.

Meet talented Nigerian artist who paints prominent people.

Source: Legit.ng
By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: In a major flip-flop by the Rajasthan government, a government circular seeking caste details of doctors posted in 4 districts of the state was later termed a 'clerical mistake' by the health department's senior officials after Health Minister Kalicharan Sarraf's intervention.

According to a circular dated June 20, the health department had demanded caste details of doctors posted in Bikaner, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Barmer districts. This bizarre order was issued by the Directorate of medical, health and family welfare services of Rajasthan to Chief Medical and Health Officials (CMHOs).

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The notification sought details about the names, designations, caste, place of posting and term of service of officials posted at district hospitals, community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs) including CMHOs, deputy CMHOs, Principal Health Officers and Divisional Chief Health Officers. The letter listing the order bore the Additional Director's signature.

The Rajasthan health department's notification asking for doctors' caste details.

ACTED ON DIRECTIVES OF CMO: HEALTH DEPT OFFICIALS

Health Director VK Mathur has said that the order was issued only on the directions of senior officials of the Rajasthan government and for the purpose of better management of health services. On the condition of anonymity, the health department officials claimed that they had only acted on the directives of the chief minister's office. They admitted that they had received calls from the four districts in question to know why these details were being asked for.

Once the matter kicked up a row and the government drew flak for the same, Health Minister Kalicharan Sarraf assured that action would be taken against the officials responsible for issuing this circular. Following the minister's intervention, officials are calling it a 'clerical mistake'.

According to a Times of India report , Dr V K Mathur admitted that it was a clerical mistake. "It was just utter confusion. We never ask for castes of doctors or healthcare staff. In this letter, we asked for categories like SC/ST, general, specially-abled. It was a column for category, not caste. It happened due to utter confusion," Dr Mathur said.

CONGRESS SLAMS BJP GOVERNMENT

Meanwhile, the Congress has hit out at the ruling Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government for this entire flip-flop. Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma said, "Even on the issue of medical services, the BJP is adamant on dividing society."

It is noteworthy to mention here that this order went from the Rajasthan health department to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) and was later updated on the health department's portal. That it happened without the health minister and his secretary Veenu Gupta being in the loop is difficult to digest.

Also read | AIIMS, RML doctors delve into effects of yoga on migraine and schizophrenia

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Also read | Zafar Khan died of heart attack not lynching, says Rajasthan government citing post mortem report

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) The forthcoming visit of Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Mongolia has been postponed as he has suffered a hair-line fracture in the left ankle.

Singh was to visit Mongolia next month.

"The home minsters visit has been postponed," a ministry spokesperson said.

Singh had suffered the fracture during a morning walk at his residence on June 18.

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The visit was aimed at cementing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2015 visited Mongolia. A Mongolian delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhna, had met the Union home minister in November last year.

Diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia were established on December 24, 1955. India was the first country outside then Socialist Bloc to establish diplomatic ties with Mongolia.

India had supported Mongolia in getting United Nations and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) berths.

Both the countries share the concern on terrorism. PTI AKV SC

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: Kamakhya

Guwahati, Jun 21 (PTI) Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said Assam would be turned into a centre of religious and spiritual tourism, set around Ambubachi Mela and Kamakhya Temple.

Sonowal, who was taking part in the inaugural ceremony of Ambubachi Mela here, said Goddess Kamakhyas temple has established the state as one of the great spiritual destinations in the country.

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He said the temple was one of the 52 shakti peeths and all efforts would be made to highlight this great place of worship on the world stage.

Asserting that the people of Assam should have been one of the economically advanced communities in the country as they have the goddess blessings, Sonowal said this has, however, not happened because no concerted effort was made to harness the tourism potential of the temple.

"Kamakhya Temple should be the source of light and enlightenment for the world and our government is going to make all efforts in this regard," Sonowal said.

He said heightened publicity and awareness campaigns have been run in the national and international media this time resulting in increased tourist inflow to the city for attending Ambubachi Mela.

Sonowal appealed all the visitors to help the authorities in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during and after the Mela at the temple premises.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modis Swachh Bharat Abhiyan must be made successful and people must extend their support towards the initiative to keep the surroundings clean, he added.

Terming every citizen of Guwahati as an ambassador of the citys heritage and culture, Sonowal called on the denizens to give a good account of the states hospitality by helping the visitors and tourists coming to the Ambubachi Mela. In light of renewed thrust of Act East Policy, Guwahati would turn into the gateway of south east Asia in the future and state capital region has also been planned expanding into the nearby areas of the city. Therefore, visitors to the city must be given a good account of the place, Sonowal added.

Referring to Modis quote of "the north east being the new engine of growth for a new India", Sonowal said all sections of society must join hands for developing the state and the region as the government alone cannot make schemes and plans successful.

The young generation must be educated about the rich heritage and culture of the state so that they can spread the awareness outside Assam, he said

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Tourism Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a number of development plans have been initiated for Kamakhya and the redevelopment of the historic Mekhela Ujua road built originally by Narakasur following the order of the goddess on Nilachal Hill was also being planned.

The minister also siad another approach road to the temple was going to be built from the Pandu side and tour of the temple by water taxi by the Inland Water Transport Department was also being planned.

Kamakhya Temple would be developed in line with other pilgrimage sites of the country like the Vaishno Devi shrine and the main approach road to the temple would also be widened, Sarma added. PTI ESB AAR

--- ENDS ---
Even before I had my first dog, a Labrador Retriever, in June 2015, while walking and seeing a dog I often wondered what kind of breed it is. About a year ago, I found the Stanford Dogs Dataset and then asked a friend who had a Ph.D. in computer vision from CMU if its possible to use it and some machine learning algorithm on my iPhone and reach a recognition precision of about 80% or 90%, and this is what he told me: 80-90% will be really hard, unless you are willing to restrict your problem in some way. For example, request a user to take a picture in some specific angle, or reduce the number of classes. Also he said that for deep learning to work, you will need a lot more data (than the Stanford Dogs Dataset, which has about 100-200 images for each dog breed) to train the neural network.

Convinced naturally but disillusioned, I devoted more time and love for my own Lab dog. Late 2015, Google released their open-source AI and machine learning framework TensorFlow and I played with it for a while. Then at Google I/O in May 2016, I attended the session Machine Learning: Googles Vision and found this amazing codelab TensorFlow For Poets. Basically, I was informed that I can use TensorFlow and Googles publicly released deep learning model for image classification to retrain the model on a new image classification task of my own so I can perform my own image classification. And Google claims that TensorFlow can run on different platforms including mobile devices such as iPhone and Android phones. Wasnt that exactly what I tried to do?

It turns out that following the steps in the codelab above and then replacing the images with the Stanford Dogs Dataset to classify a dog on a command line in my computer is pretty straightforward, but it takes a lot more effort to finally be able to successfully run the classification on my iPhone. Below is the step-by-step summary of the whole process I went through:

Follow the steps in the codelab TensorFlow For Poets to install TensorFlow and see how a sample retraining works. I also did a Pip installation of TensorFlow using TensorFlow 0.8.0 binary ( https://storage.googleapis.com/tensorflow/mac/tensorflow-0.8.0-py2-none-any.whl ) and TensorFlow 0.10.0rc0 binary ( https://storage.googleapis.com/tensorflow/mac/cpu/tensorflow-0.10.0rc0-py2-none-any.whl ) respectively on my two Macs by setting export TF_BINARY_URL= before running sudo pip install --upgrade $TF_BINARY_URL . I realized that this might not be the best way to set up TensorFlow but it worked fine for me. Note that I had to keep the older 0.8.0 binary because a script named strip_unused, needed to run to fix a runtime error in a retrained model on iOS, works only on 0.8.0 and breaks after 0.8.0 (up till at least 0.10.0rc0). Note also that the latest TensorFlow release as of this writing is 0.10.0, which may have fixed the bug in running strip_unused after 0.8.0. [Update 09/24/2016: The latest source release v0.10.0, available here has indeed fixed the strip_unused issue. So now you can just install the TensorFlow 0.10.0 binary along with its latest source to build the strip_unused and run it (see step 5 below).] Download the Googles Inception v3 model and the Stanford Dogs Dataset. I unzipped the Inception v3 zip file and moved it to /tf_files and unzipped the dog dataset to ~/Downloads/dog_images . Get the TensorFlow source and build for iOS samples: cd git clone https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow.git cd tensorflow tensorflow/contrib/makefile/build_all_ios.sh You may also get a specific, relatively more stable, release of the TensorFlow source, such as v0.10.0, here. From the root of the TensorFlow source, build and then run the retrain script: bazel build tensorflow/examples/image_retraining:retrain bazel-bin/tensorflow/examples/image_retraining/retrain \ --model_dir=/tf_files/inception-v3 \ --output_graph=/tf_files/retrained_models/dog_retrained.pb \ --output_labels=/tf_files/retrained_models/dog_retrained_labels.txt \ --image_dir ~/Downloads/dog_images \ --bottleneck_dir=/tf_files/dogs_bottleneck You may need to run ./configure from the TensorFlow source root first before running bazel build ... . After this step, you can build and run the label_image script, documented here to verify that the top 5 accuracy of the dog breed classification is pretty high - in my test its about 90%. Build and run the strip_ununsed script: bazel build tensorflow/python/tools:strip_unused bazel-bin/tensorflow/python/tools/strip_unused \ --input_graph=/tf_files/retrained_models/dog_retrained.pb \ --output_graph=/tf_files/retrained_models/stripped_dog_retrained.pb \ --input_node_names=Mul \ --output_node_names=final_result \ --input_binary=true This is needed to fix a DecodeJpeg issue caused by the retraining model. See this github issue and another one for more details. Build and run the quantize_graph script: bazel build tensorflow/contrib/quantization/tools:quantize_graph bazel-bin/tensorflow/contrib/quantization/tools/quantize_graph \ --input=/tf_files/retrained_models/stripped_dog_retrained.pb \ --output_node_names=final_result \ --output=/tf_files/retrained_models/quantized_stripped_dogs_retrained.pb \ --mode=weights This step is needed to make the model run successfully on iOS. Before quantization, the retrained model size is almost 90MB, and the app would just crash when the model is loaded on an actual iOS device. With quantization, the model size is only a little over 20MB. For more details on why and how quantization works, see Petes blog or TensorFlows How To Quantize. Follow the TensorFlow iOS Examples Readme to run the simple sample app. Note that this app uses the Inception v1 model (about 50MB) - its unfortunate that both TensorFlow for Poets and the TensorFlow Image Retraining How To posts use the Inception v3 model (about 100MB), which makes running the retrained model on iOS more challenging but necessitates this blog. In the iOS file RunModelViewController.mm of the simple sample project, make the following 3 changes so you can use the stripped and quantized retrained dog model successfully on an iPhone: Add the quantized_stripped_dogs_retrained.pb file generated in step 6 and dog_retrained_labels.txt file generated in step 4 to the project, then replace the two paths: NSString* network_path = FilePathForResourceName(@"tensorflow_inception_graph", @"pb"); ... NSString* labels_path = FilePathForResourceName(@"imagenet_comp_graph_label_strings", @"txt");

Replace the following lines: const int wanted_width = 224; const int wanted_height = 224; const int wanted_channels = 3; const float input_mean = 117.0f; const float input_std = 1.0f; with: const int wanted_width = 299; const int wanted_height = 299; const int wanted_channels = 3; const float input_mean = 128.0f; const float input_std = 128.0f; For more info, see this github issue.

Replace: std::string input_layer = "input"; std::string output_layer = "output"; with: std::string input_layer = "Mul"; std::string output_layer = "final_result"; Note the names of input_layer and out_layer are used when running the strip_unused script in step 5.

With these changes, if you use a dog image instead of the default grace_hopper.jpg in NSString* image_path = FilePathForResourceName(@"grace_hopper", @"jpg"); in RunModelViewController.mm, you can run the simple app and get the dog breed prediction on your iPhone, and the accuracy would be the same as running the label_image script in step 4 on your computer.

You can get my dog breed recognition iOS app in App Store, using the quantized stripped retrained model, built by following the exact steps above. Its pretty cool to see TensorFlow finally working on my iPhone to solve a real problem, even without Internet connection, after all those steps and months of disillusion, patience, hope, and hard work. Now you can easily replace the dog dataset with another dataset of your interest, such as flowers and plants, to develop your own fun iOS apps.

[Update Oct. 7, 2016] My Android app using the retrained dog model described in step 4 above, followed by running the strip_unused script shown in step 5 (the quantize_graph script in step 6 is not needed for the Android app), is available for download at Google Play Store.
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
In conversation with India's most dearly loved author, Ruskin Bond, on the occasion of the launch of his autobiography, Lone Fox Dancing.

By Neha Vashishth: Ruskin Bond is a name every Indian has heard of. An author of a British descent, born in India's Kasauli, Bond is one of the most prolific writers India boasts of.

From his captivating short stories to inspiration-inducing novels, Bond has given the world a fine literary treasure.

Bond was born to Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond during the Colonial rule and spent most of his childhood in Jamnagar and Shimla. He wrote his first short story at the age of 16 and wrote his very first book, Room on the Roof, at the age of 17.

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The prolific writer recently launched his autobiography--Lone Fox Dancing--a book that revolves around the writer's life in India and the experiences that shaped him into what he is today.We caught up with him on the occasion.

Photo: India Today/Neha Vashishth

Mystery behind the title of his autobiography

In a candid interview with, Mr Bond said, "I used to consider myself a loner," when asked about the title of his autobiography. He then went on to recite the poem that brought upon the title of the book:

"As I walked home last night I saw a lone fox dancing In the cold moonlight.

I stood and watched. Then Took the low road, knowing The night was his by right.

Sometimes, when words ring true, I'm like a lone fox dancing In the morning dew."

Running away from home to become a writer

Talking about David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Bond recalled how the book inspired him to run away from home and become a writer, just like David's character in the book. Ranging from isolation to how writing in the '50s was not a stable source of income to how writers in today's time should be able to deliver even under pressure--Ruskin Bond was at his candid best about an array of topics that touch his life.

Here's his full interview:

--- ENDS ---


The United States Constitution bars Congress from abridging freedom of speech.

But at a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, some speakers said free speech is not being protected enough at American colleges.

Zachary Wood is a student at Williams College in Massachusetts. Wood heads a group called Uncomfortable Learning. The groups aim, he told the committee, is to invite speakers whose opinions are unpopular and troubling to college students.

Two years ago, Wood, who is African American, invited a speaker who had written about the results of blacks on intelligence tests. Some people described the speakers writings as racist.

Wood said the schools president canceled the speech, and he says that was wrong. Students, he said, should have a right to hear the speaker, and express objections to the speakers comments directly to him.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is a member of the Judiciary committee and the Republican Party.

Cruz said even morally indefensible comments, such as expressed by hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan and Nazi Party, should be a permitted.

The solution to hateful speech, he said, is not stopping it, but confronting it with truth.

Hearing follows incidents blocking speeches

The Judiciary Committee hearing was called after a series of cancelled or blocked speeches at American colleges and universities.

Political scientist Charles Murray has written about connections between intelligence and race. He was invited to speak in March at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Some Middlebury students spoke up during Murrays speech and shouted him down. After the event, protesters, some wearing masks, pushed the speaker and the professor who questioned him. Last month, the university punished 74 students it said interfered with the speech.

Cancelled speeches where free speech movement started

British media personality Milo Yiannopoulos was asked to speak in February at the University of California (UC), Berkeley. But university officials cancelled the speech after violent protests.

In April, the school denied permission for a speech by another conservative, Ann Coulter, saying it should take place at another date when it could provide better security.

But after legal action was threatened, university officials agreed the speech could move forward. Coulter decided not to give the speech because of the threats.

UC Berkeley is where the free speech movement on American college campuses began in the 1960s.

At some schools, safe areas were set up where students can go  places where they will not hear speech they might consider threatening.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. He objects to limits on free speech.

When universities suppress speech, they not only damage freedom today, they establish and push norms harmful to democracy going forward, Grassley said.

But Senator Dianne Feinstein said sometimes schools have no choice but to block speeches when faced with violence, often by people who are not students. Feinstein is the committees top Democrat.

Fanta Aw is acting vice president of campus life at The American University in Washington, DC. She said her university supports public discussion, no matter how controversial.

But there are limits, she said.

As an institution, we draw the line when expression has the potential to incite violence and/or is a direct threat to members of our community."

On the final day of the spring term, someone hung bananas from nooses on the American University campus grounds. It happened the same day a black woman became student government president.



Only one point of view

Zachary Wood, the Williams College student, said he is a liberal Democrat. But he said it isnt a good thing when students only hear a single liberal opinion on many issues.

Williams College President Adam Falk said his college appreciates Zach Woods work as a champion of campus free speech.

The college president told VOA that he and Wood share a commitment to free expression of ideas on campus.

Im Bruce Alpert.

And I'm Anna Mateo.

Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

uncomfortable - adj. causing discomfort

confront - v. to oppose or challenge someone in a direct and forceful way

controversial - adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument

institution - n. an established organization

commitment - n. a dedication to something

abridge  v. to lessen the strength or effect of something, such as a right

mask  n. a covering used to hide or disguise your face

noose  n. a large loop at the end of a rope that gets smaller when you pull the rope and that has been used to hang people
3 People take part in the 15th annual Times Square yoga event celebrating the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, during classes in the middle of Times Square in New York.
How national leaders react to crisis can influence the rest of their term in office.

Leaders may be forced from office early if the public is critical of, or questions the effectiveness of, their reaction.

People are interested not only in whether a leader will work to fix what went wrong, but also whether he or she inspired the nation at a difficult time.

In Britain, many people are now asking that question of Prime Minister Theresa May. They have been critiquing her reaction to a major fire last week. The fire destroyed a high-rise apartment building in London. Officials believe at least 79 people were killed. Many others are missing. Hundreds have no place to live.

May has been dealing with terrorist attacks in addition to the fire. Some of her critics say she has seemed cold and unfeeling. They criticize her for failing to quickly visit victims and survivors of the terror attacks and deadly fire.

Mays aides say the criticism is unfair. But even British newspapers that support her Conservative Party have turned critical. Writer Simon Heffer criticized Mays robotic performance and her complete failure to connect with the public.

In Western countries, people are quick to criticize national leaders for how they react to crises or disasters. Many people do not trust politicians anymore and are ready to follow leaders who have no political experience but offer simple answers.

Some observers say Europes leaders are being tested. And they say how these leaders deal with the effects of disaster is either helping them suppress populist anger, redirect it or be destroyed by it.

Last week, The Economist magazine noted a weakness in Britains political leaders, both conservative and liberal. Part of the problem, the magazine suggested, is that many politicians are professionals who make their livelihood out of politics. It noted that earlier leaders had a wide experience of life before entering politics.

May is not the only European leader who has been criticized for her reaction to crises. Francois Hollande, the former president of France, left office with the lowest popularity ratings for a French leader since researchers first studied French politicians more than 30 years ago.

But if national leaders react as people believe they should, a crisis may not hurt them. In 2016, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was praised for his governments reaction to earthquakes in central Italy. The quakes killed almost 300 people. Renzi quickly put in place new building rules to make structures safer. And he quickly visited the area, talking with workers, survivors and family members of the dead.

Italys La Stampa newspaper said Renzi has understood more than anyone that this earthquake involves him and exposes him personally. The quake calls for a strong demonstration of leadership.

Experts say national leaders must react within hours of a terror attack or a disaster. They say leaders should release statements and help people deal with mourning -- in addition to supervising the problem.

May seems to have listened to the criticism. After an attack in March on Londons Westminster Bridge, she did not communicate for six hours. But on Monday, she released a statement within four hours of an attack that targeted Muslims. She also spoke to the country on television and visited an Islamic center to meet with Muslim leaders.

Im Jill Robbins.

Jamie Dettmer wrote this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

inspire  v. to cause someone to have (a feeling or emotion)

apartment  n. a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live

professional  n. someone who has a lot of experience or skill in a particular job or activity; someone who engages in an activity full-time or for many years

livelihood  n. a way of earning money in order to live

expose  v. to leave unprotected
Lenovo recently confirmed that a 25th-anniversary ThinkPad laptop is coming later this year, but the company hasnt provided many details about what that means.

Now we have (a little) more information. About two years ago Lenovos chief design officer David Hill started hinting that the company was considering releasing a retro ThinkPad that combines modern hardware with classic design, and then began soliciting ideas from ThinkPad fans.

Now hes confirmed that some of those ideas will be incorporated into the upcoming 25th anniversary edition ThinkPad.

There still arent a lot of details, but here are a few things Hill is saying:

It has a wonderful black rubberized coating, three TrackPoint caps, and a keyboard to die for.

Exact pricing and availability are not finalized, but I can assure you it will not cost $5000!

Lenovo has never been keen on broadly sharing details concerning unannounced products. Retro ThinkPad has not been granted an exception to the corporate policy.

As for the sub-$5000 price tag line, Hill says that high price tag is nothing more than a rumor. Lenovo does offer some expensive laptops that sell for well over $1,000. But the company also has entry-level models that are priced closer to $300 even in its ThinkPad lineup. I suspect the Retro ThinkPad wont be that cheap, but its nice to know it probably wont be priced like an iMac Pro.

Id be surprised if the Retro ThinkPad had anything other than a black and red color scheme, which has been the case for pretty much every member of the ThinkPad family. Itll also likely have a TrackPoint in the center of the keyboard as well as a TouchPad below it. But as for retro features, perhaps well get a multi-color ThinkPad logo, a throwback-style keyboard with 7 rows, and maybe a screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio?

I wouldnt hold my breath on that last one but its not beyond the realm of possibility. While most notebooks in recent years have shipped with 16:9 displays, there are a handful of recent models with 3:2 screens. Maybe PC makers are finally deciding that one size/shape doesnt fit all.

We should know more about the Retro ThinkPad this fall. Lenovo plans to launch the 25th anniversary edition laptop in October.
By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan's Tubelight has been in news for more than one reason. From an intriguing plot line to Sino-Indian war to the reunion of Salman and brother Sohail Khan on screen, Tubelight has been busy making news. But it is the addition of Zhu Zhu, a Chinese actor, that has kept Bollywood enthusiasts all the more excited.

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While the makers were planning to fly down Zhu Zhu from China before the release of the film, but with a day left for the film to hit the screens, that definitely doesn't seem to be happening anymore.

During a recent interaction with media, when Kabir Khan was asked about Zhu Zhu's absence from the promotions, the filmmaker said, "She's busy there in China, isi liye woh aa nahi paayi hai."

However, if a report in BollywoodLife is to be believed, this is not the real reason behind her absence. A source was quoted as telling the website, "The Chinese government isn't too pleased with Tubelight and have apprehensions about how Kabir Khan and team have projected their country in this film. Considering that the film deals with Indo-Chinese war they are not sure if the Chinese have been projected in the right light. And that's why Zhu Zhu has been asked to stay away from the film's promotions."

Tubelight, which will also see Shah Rukh Khan in a cameo, is the story of two brothers set against the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian war. The film is set to hit the screens on June 23.

ALSO READ: Salman Khan's Tubelight co-star Zhu Zhu looks stunning in a bikini

ALSO SEE: Before Tubelight, 7 hot photos of Chinese actor Zhu Zhu that you cannot afford to miss

ALSO WATCH: Salman Khan hogs all the spotlight in Tubelight

--- ENDS ---
Terror recruits often seem to come from vulnerable backgrounds. But new evidence suggests that those suffering from traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be more at risk of being radicalised. It follows a number of high-profile cases where autism appears to have played a role in the offender's behaviour. So if people with ASD could be at higher risk, how can we protect them from falling under the spell of terror organisation such as Islamic State?

Terrorism involves committing violent acts for political, religious or ideological reasons. It can either be committed as part of an organised group or alone but it is traditionally characterised and understood as a group phenomenon. But a new type of terrorist threat has emerged in recent years  the "lone wolf". Over the last decade, the rise of lone wolf terrorists has necessitated the need for an understanding of the pathway from radical ideology to radical violence. A greater understanding of this issue would inform the development of more effective identification strategies.

Given that the examination of any connection between ASD and terrorism is in its infancy, a simple categorical model describing different levels of commitment to a terrorist cause may be one step forward. Arie Kruglanski and colleagues describe a "degree of radicalisation" scheme where different levels of commitment to different terrorist-related activities was identified. According to their scheme, the most prevalent group of individuals are those who are "passive supporters" (those who are sympathetic to the cause). Next, are individuals who are more active in the organisation (they may have an administrative function or recruit others). The next category involves individuals who actively support violence and are ready to fight for the cause. Lastly, they identify suicide bombers who are willing to give their lives. Lone wolf terrorism would fit this last category.

I have been examining the link between ASD and terrorism in collaboration with Lino Faccini, a New York State psychologist. Together we presented specific examples of people with ASD who had engaged in each level of commitment to different terrorist-related activities. We did this to illustrate how some of the symptoms of ASD can "help" make a pathway towards being inspired to act on behalf of a terrorist cause, join a terrorist organisation, engage in directed attacks  or indeed carry out lone wolf terrorism.

'Active supporters' and lone wolves

In 2015, Peyton Pruitt  a youngster diagnosed with Autism, mild intellectual disability and Attention Deficit Disorder  was arrested in Alabama for sending bomb making instructions to a person he believed was part of IS. This case may be about a naive and vulnerable person, who spent an exceptional amount of time scouring the internet without supervision. But in doing so he became fascinated or fixated with terrorism. Subsequently he found some affiliation with others whom he could relate to, via the safety of the internet. As a result, he was then exploited and/or became sympathetic to and inspired by IS.

Another case we discussed was that of Nicky Reilly, an 18-year-old man, diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Reilly did not have many friends and lived in a poor area of Plymouth, England. Reilly clearly had difficulties relating to other people and had a fixation with terrorism and martyrdom. He sought and found affiliation (and also what he believed was the right life). He became a practising Muslim in 2002. After his girlfriend left him, he befriended a group of Muslim men. Reilly became obsessed with martyrdom and with the Twin Tower attacks. He had posters of the attacks on his wall and as wallpaper on his computer. He would watch videos of the 9/11 attacks and watch video clips of beheadings. Reilly believed that he would be entitled to a better life if he died a Muslim.

Eventually, he changed his name to Mohammed Rasheed. Reilly also turned on his family calling them "infidels". He devised a plan to make three crude bombs, and strap them to his chest as a suicide bomber, then run out in a crowded restaurant killing as many people as possible. Reilly went into the bathroom of a restaurant with bottles containing sodium hydroxide, paraffin and nails. But when he activated the bomb, he had difficulty opening the bathroom stall door and it exploded. He was seriously injured. Tragically, Reilly took his own life while in prison some eight years later in 2016.

Risk factors

It is important to caution here that there is no substantial link between ASD and terrorism. However, there may be specific risk factors which could increase the risk of offending among people with ASD. Autistic special interests such as fantasy, obsessiveness (extreme compulsiveness), the need for routine/predictability and social/communication difficulties can all increase the vulnerability of an person with ASD to going down the pathway to terrorism.

Searching for a "need to matter" or social connection and support for someone who is alienated or without friends may also present as risk factors. People with an ASD may be more vulnerable to being drawn into increasingly more involved commitment. They also have a tendency to hyper-focus in on their fascinations and interests at the expense of other attachments and life interests. These are potentially the conditions which extremists are increasingly exploiting in people they target for recruitment and training.

Our findings clearly highlight the need for clinicians carrying out forensic evaluations of people who have engaged in terror-related actions to investigate whether ASD may be related to their behaviour. Such evaluations are vital  not just in delivering justice  but also to ensure rehabilitation and offender management are informed by an understanding of the ASD diagnosis in each case.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The Ebola virus, isolated in November 2014 from patient blood samples obtained in Mali. The virus was isolated on Vero cells in a BSL-4 suite at Rocky Mountain Laboratories. Credit: NIAID

Red Cross volunteers prevented a significant number of Ebola cases during the 2013-2016 epidemic in west Africa by using safe burial techniques, according to a study released Thursday.

The outbreak that killed more than 11,300 people and sickened nearly 29,000mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leonecould have been much worse, according to the study published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases medical journal.

Using statistical modelling, the study indicated that the efforts of Red Cross volunteers to properly bury the highly contagious bodies potentially averted as many as 10,452 Ebola cases, decreasing the scale of the outbreak by more than a third.

Due to the very high death toll at the beginning of the outbreak, there were meanwhile gaps in the statistics the researchers managed to gather, and they acknowledged that the number of averted cases could be as low as 1,411.

Early in the outbreak, "funeral practices and unsafe burials were causing large amounts of cases," said Amanda McClelland, an emergency health advisor with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

With traditional burial rites in the hard-hit west African countries requiring the kissing, washing and touching of the dead body, funerals quickly became "super-spreading events" with up to 70 people infected during a single ceremony, she told reporters.

Ensuring safe burials quickly became a priority in the fight against the deadly virus, along with isolating and treating the sick.

'Dangerous task'

Because of suspicion in the communities of outsiders and their intentions, the task of negotiating access and carrying out the burials fell especially to local volunteers.

In their bid to rein in the raging epidemic, the volunteers used the safe burial procedures for everyone who died in affected areas, regardless of their suspected cause of death.

In all, the Red Cross volunteer teams managed more than 47,000 safe burials, or more than half of all burials conducted during the outbreak, the IFRC said.

Organisation chief Elhadj As Sy said that efforts to understand and respect local culture and customs, as well as the families' feelings when faced with tragedy, had paid off.

"We stopped talking about dead body management and instead started talking about safe and dignified burials," he said in a statement.

"We talked to communities and did our best to understand their beliefs and priorities. Ultimately we earned their trust, and this was critical to success."

The IFRC had begun sending in a local to explain the situation before the volunteers in the yellow hazmat suits showed up, while also involving religious leaders in the efforts and allowing family members to touch the bodies while wearing protective gear, McClelland said.

About 1,500 trained local volunteers were involved in this work, sometimes at a high price.

Many of the volunteers remain stigmatised amid fears they might be carrying the disease, and some are struggling to find work.

"We do recognise that what we were asking of the volunteers was an arduous and dangerous task that would have long-term impacts," McClelland said.

The IFRC, she said, had been providing those in need with psychological and social support as well as food and services, along with small grants to help former volunteers start their own businesses.

 2017 AFP
One of the visited neighborhoods during the mosquito collections in Aracaju. Credit: Andre Luis da Costa da Silva

While more than 13,000 cases of Chikungunya viral disease were reported in Brazil in 2015, scientists had never before detected the virus in a captured mosquito in this country. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have identified a mosquitocaught in the Brazilian city of Aracajuthat's naturally infected with the East-Central-South-African (ECSA) genotype of Chikungunya.

Chikungunya, which often causes a fever and joint pain, is endemic in Africa and Asia and was first reported to be transmitted within Brazil in 2014. Researchers have identified three genotypes of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)ECSA, West African, and Asian. Both ECSA and Asian genotypes of CHIKV have been reported in patients in Brazil, and all Brazilian states are infested with Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitos, which have both been shown to be possible vectors of CHIKV in the lab.

In the new work, Margareth Capurro, of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and colleagues collected 248 mosquitos from both inside and outside homes in urban areas of Aracaju, where residents were complaining of symptoms consistent with CHIKV or related diseases. They then tested the mosquitos for CHIKV, as well as dengue virus and Zika virus.

Four strains of mosquitos were captured, with Culex quinquefasciatus the most common, making up 78.2%, and Ae. aegypti making up 20.2% of the mosquitos. One female Aedes aegypti mosquito was identified as carrying CHIKV and when the genome was sequenced, it was found to be the ECSA genotype. No mosquitos carrying dengue or Zika were identified in the current study.

"The surveillance of the Aedes mosquito should be expanded in order to prevent new CHIKV outbreaks in Brazil, since this country presents adequate conditions for the establishment of an endemic situation, which can also expose other countries at risk," the authors write.

More information: Andr? Luis Costa-da-Silva et al, First report of naturally infected Aedes aegypti with chikungunya virus genotype ECSA in the Americas, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2017). Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Andr? Luis Costa-da-Silva et al, First report of naturally infected Aedes aegypti with chikungunya virus genotype ECSA in the Americas,(2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005630
New developments and marketing have made an increasing range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic proceduresincluding botox, dermal fillers, implants, and skin lightening, as well as newer techniques such as 'fat freezing' and 'vampire' treatmentsbig business and widely accessible.

Today (22 June) the Nuffield Council on Bioethics publishes a wide-ranging new report, Cosmetic procedures: ethical issues, which makes a series of recommendations that highlight areas of concern for the practice and promotion of invasive cosmetic procedures. The report primarily focuses on the UK, but as cosmetic procedures and appearance ideals are global phenomena, and having looked at evidence from other parts of the world, we hope the report will help those asking similar questions elsewhere.

A ban on offering 'walk in' cosmetic procedures to young people

Under 18s are bombarded by social media and popular culture that focus on body image. The Council is concerned that they feel the need to conform to appearance 'ideals'. These expectations are exacerbated by apps that present cosmetic surgery as a game.

Jeanette Edwards, Professor of Social Anthropology from the University of Manchester, who chaired the Council's inquiry, said: "We've been shocked by some of the evidence we've seen, including make-over apps and cosmetic surgery 'games' that target girls as young as nine. There is a daily bombardment from advertising and through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat that relentlessly promote unrealistic and often discriminatory messages on how people, especially girls and women, 'should' look."

The report recommends that social media companies collaborate to carry out independent research to better understand how social media contributes to appearance anxiety, and to act on the findings.

Taking into account appearance pressures on young people, the Council also recommends a ban on providing invasive cosmetic procedures to people under 18, unless a team of health professionals, including specialists, GPs and psychologists, are involved.

Professor Edwards said: "Under 18s should not be able to just walk in off the street, and have a cosmetic procedure. There are legal age limits for having tattoos or using sunbeds. Invasive cosmetic procedures should be regulated in a similar way."

More data and improved testing for unproven products and procedures

The Council's report also calls for a complete overhaul of the regulation of products used in cosmetic procedures - particularly dermal fillers. Fillers that have no formal quality or safety approval can currently be bought freely in the UK, and there are no limits on who can inject them.

The report recommends that the UK Department of Health should make all dermal fillers 'prescription-only', which, as well as placing limits on which fillers can be used, will mean that those prescribing them need to take professional responsibility for their injection.

Mr Mark Henley, a plastic surgeon and member of the Council's inquiry group, said: "We need to overturn the belief that fillers are risk-free. I've seen serious and long-term injuries from fillers in my clinic. Even fillers injected properly can cause lumps [granulomas] that have to be surgically removed. They have even been known to cause blindness and loss of facial soft tissues in rare cases."

The Council says that the UK Department of Health must work with professional bodies to ensure that information on the number and type of cosmetic procedures carried out in the UK is collected and made publically available. Data and research are also needed to improve the very poor evidence base on the outcomes of procedures. Professor Edwards said: "These procedures are not trivial. To help people make good decisions, they need access to high quality information which they often don't get. We also need better information on whether these procedures provide the long-term physical and psychological benefits that people often hope for."

Improvements needed for an unregulated industry

The Council believes it is unethical that there is nothing to stop completely unqualified people from providing risky procedures like dermal fillers. It says that anyone offering invasive cosmetic treatments should be trained and certified before being allowed to practise. The Council also calls for an awareness campaign to help people check their practitioner's credentials.

Professor Edwards, said: "It should be easy for people to check that the person giving them a cosmetic procedure is properly qualified and trained, but at the moment it isn't." The Council also calls on the Government to fully implement recommendations made by the Keogh report in 2013 so the public can be assured that those providing cosmetic procedures, the places where they are carried out, and the products used are all properly regulated.

Provided by Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Credit: George Hodan/public domain

While crowdsourcing, a practice that enables study participants to submit data electronically, has grown in use for health and medical research, a study led by UC San Francisco comparing the online approach to a standard telephone survey has found that certain crowdsourced groups are either over- or underrepresented by age, race/ethnicity, education and physical activity.

Their findings, appearing online June 22, 2017, in the American Journal of Public Health, suggest greater attention needs to be given to determining what populations are and are not reachable using remote, electronic data collection platforms, and studies relying on crowdsourced respondents need to define the profile of the people generating those data, the researchers said.

Proactive efforts also are needed to understand and promote inclusion of underrepresented groups within projects using crowdsourced recruitment and data collection, they said.

"Online crowdsourced recruitment leads to systematic underrepresentation of some U.S. adults - such as certain racial and ethnic minorities, those with lower educational attainment, and older adults - and overrepresentation of others," said lead author Veronica Yank, MD, assistant professor of medicine at UCSF.

The growth of Internet-based sampling and data collection offers an important opportunity for cheaper, higher volume collection of health-related data. However, the resulting data may not be generalizable, and if certain groups are over- or underrepresented, the research may generate misleading conclusions when extrapolated to larger populations.

How participants enter a particular study also can greatly influence generalizability of results. Population studies traditionally have spent considerable effort on targeted recruitment of representative samples and statistical adjustments for over- or underrepresentation of subgroups among those enrolled, allowing investigators to determine the degree of confidence about the representativeness of the data.

Crowdsourcing, in which self-selected individuals provide electronic data or feedback, is currently one of the most innovative methods for study population accrual. Social science and psychology researchers widely use it, and the National Institutes of Health Precision Medicine Initiative will recruit participants this year through the Internet, social media and mobile technologies to form an "All of Us" cohort, the largest study group ever undertaken.

At UCSF, the ongoing Health eHeart Study currently has consented more than 100,000 participants, toward a goal of 1 million, and includes any interested adult with an email address. It harnesses the power of online and mobile technology to gather cardiovascular data through devices such as smartphone apps, ECG smartphone cases and portable blood pressure cuffs.

In their American Journal of Public Health study, Yank and her colleagues utilized Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), the world's largest online crowdsourcing platform, to compare demographic and health characteristics of adults recruited through it to those of the U.S. population. They focused on health characteristics that are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, many of which are suitable for remote measurement and data collection.

MTurk has 500,000 registered anonymous members overall, with about 400,000 in the United States and 15,000 active on any given day. Businesses or other entities who would like members to complete short tasks for compensation post descriptions on the platform website, with compensation of $0.10-$0.25 per 10 minutes. For this study, 2,015 U.S.-based adults at least age 18 completed the survey between July-August 2015.

For comparison, the researchers used 2013 data of 428,211 respondents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the world's largest telephone health survey. Administered annually in English by landline or cell phone to adult U.S. residents, the survey gathers cross-sectional data on demographic and health characteristics and disease risk factors. The selected questions focused on demographics, ethnicity, educational attainment, annual income, employment status, and individual characteristics known to influence cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Overall, compared to the BRFSS, the crowdsourced samples tended to be overrepresented in the 20-39 age range and underrepresented in the 40-75 age range. The cardiovascular disease risk profile of crowdsourced participants also differed in well-defined ways from the U.S. population, the researchers found.

Crowdsourced participants were younger, more likely to be non-Hispanic and white, and had higher levels of educational attainment. Those age 40-59 were most representative with regard to smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but even they had significant differences with regard to race/ethnicity, education and physical activity. Crowdsourced data from younger age groups were even less similar, and those age 60 and older were difficult to reach by crowdsourcing.

As a result, policymakers, funders of research and researchers should be explicit about the advantages and limitations of relying on crowdsourced data, especially when underlying sociodemographic characteristics or health variables may influence health outcomes, Yank said. The target population for the research or policy question must be reachable through the electronic platform, knowing certain groups will be underrepresented in the resulting data. The possible need for statistical adjustment for nonrepresentative samples also should be built into each study design.

"These findings have implications for the upcoming national Precision Medicine Initiative, which will use online crowdsourcing as one of its recruitment and data collection approaches for the million Americans it plans to enroll in its cohort," Yank said.

Among the study limitations, the researchers tested only one crowdsourcing platform, with relatively low hourly incentive. The Internet protocol addresses used for determining crowdsourcing respondent locations also might represent sites of employment or other community hubs, which are more likely clustered in urban settings, and the BRFSS has known limitations.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The survival rate of U.S. gunshot victims has not shown a marked improvement, as other recent studies have suggested, according to new research from Duke University and the University of California, Davis.

The purported increase in survival rate had been credited to improvements in emergency treatment and medical care of critically injured patients. But on close analysis, researchers found problems in the way data was collected and coded.

"Our analysis shows that neither the estimate of nonfatal shootings nor the fatality rate changed much in the decade after 2003," said Philip Cook, ITT/Terry Sanford Professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy.

Cook is lead author of the study published online June 22 in the American Journal of Public Health.

The researchers analyzed statistics from 2003 to 2012 from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)-All Injury Program and from the more detailed NEISS Firearms Injury Surveillance Study. The data comes from a sample of approximately 90 hospitals with six or more beds that provide 24-hour emergency care. It is then extrapolated to produce an annual estimate of the number of gun assault injuries.

The number of gun homicides is an actual countnot an estimatefrom the Centers for Disease Control.

During the 10-year period, some hospitals withdrew from the NEISS survey and were, in two cases, replaced by hospitals that "implausibly reported orders of magnitude more gunshot cases," the authors wrote.

The researchers also found a large decline in the number of gun assault cases classified as injuries of "unknown" cause and a large increase in gun assaults being correctly classified.

"As a result, it created an illusion that there were many more nonfatal gunshot cases than before," Cook said.

Previous analyses had interpreted the NEISS data to mean nonfatal assaults had increased 49 percent from 2003 to 2012 while the gun homicide count stayed steady. This suggested many fewer gunshot victims were dying and led to a presumed drop in the fatality rate from 25 percent to 18 percent.

After adjusting for the data reporting problems, the purported increase in nonfatal gun assaults disappeared. The adjusted estimate of nonfatal cases was 41,874 in 2003 and 41,996 in 2012, while homicides numbered 11,920 in 2003 and 11,622 in 2012. The fatality rate held steady at 22 percent.

Given that the U.S. population increased by 8.3 percent during the decade, from 290 million to 314 million, the population-adjusted rate at which Americans were shot actually declined, Cook noted. It dropped from 18.54 per 100,000 Americans to 17.07 per 100,000 Americans, a decline of 7.9 percent. That trend has reversed in the last few years.

Study co-author Garen Wintemute, a practicing emergency physician, professor of emergency medicine at UC-Davis, and director of the Violence Prevention Research Program there, said he questioned the previous interpretation of the NEISS data because it did not match other sources or the experiences of trauma centers.

"The idea that there was a sharp reduction in the death rate failed a basic test of plausibility," Wintemute said. "Absolutely, there have been major improvements in emergency medical care and delivery, but they have taken place over decades. In the short run, they simply could not account for the large change.

"In addition, reports from individual hospitals have shown fatality rates increasing, not decreasing. The on-the-ground experience conflicted with what the administrative data showed."

Cook added that understanding trends in gun violence is challenging because consistent, accurate data is hard to come by. Despite difficulties with the NEISS, it is important because "it is the only national estimate of injury we have."

More information: "Constant Lethality of Gunshot Injuries From Firearm Assault: United States, 2003-2012," Philip J. Cook, Ariadne E. Rivera-Aguirre, Magdelena Cerda and Garen Wintemute. American Journal of Public Health, June 22, 2017: e1-e5. Journal information: American Journal of Public Health "Constant Lethality of Gunshot Injuries From Firearm Assault: United States, 2003-2012," Philip J. Cook, Ariadne E. Rivera-Aguirre, Magdelena Cerda and Garen Wintemute., June 22, 2017: e1-e5. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303837
Payments by drug companies to doctors have become so common that most states have passed laws to promote transparency. Known as "sunshine" laws, they require drug companies to disclose payments to physicians.

Often one of the stated goals is to pressure doctors to prescribe lower-cost generic drugs instead of name-brand when possible. But does disclosure change the way doctors write prescriptions? And are there any other unintended consequences?

The answer to both is yes, according to new University of Michigan research. Ross School of Business doctoral student Tong Guo and professors Puneet Manchanda and S. Sriram studied the effects of a 2009 sunshine law in Massachusetts in three common drug categories.

They found that doctors prescribed significantly fewer name-brand drugs after the law was passed, and that doctors wrote fewer overall prescriptions. The implication is that while the decrease in name-brand prescriptions may have lowered costs, the decrease in generic prescriptionswhile not as dramaticsuggests possible underprescribing.

"What got us excited about this research was that the effect of payment disclosures on physician behavior was an open question," said Manchanda, the Isadore and Leon Winkelman Professor of Marketing. "Legislators were convinced this was the right thing to do, that once you have disclosure, the costs will go down. But it's also possible the law has other nuances they didn't take into account. So we wanted to dig into the data to learn what happened."

The authors examined prescriptions written by physicians in Massachusetts because it created a public database of payment disclosures and because bordering states of New York and Connecticut didn't enact such a law, creating a good comparison group. It differs in a few ways from a sunshine provision in the Affordable Care Act, which covers physicians and teaching hospitals. The Massachusetts law covers anyone writing a prescription.

Guo, Manchanda and Sriram used outpatient prescription information from January 2008 and December 2011, tracking the number of new prescriptions and refills written by each medical professional for three types of drugsstatins, antidepressants and antipsychotics. This information was made available to the authors by the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

"Drugs in these three categories treat chronic conditions with patients taking them over long time periods and are marketed heavily," Guo said.

Comparing Massachusetts physicians' prescriptions with the prescriptions written by physicians in the control group(s), they found a 48-59 percent decrease for name-brand statins, a 46-54 percent decrease for branded antidepressants and a 40-45 percent decrease for branded antipsychotics.

"These are economically significant effects," Sriram said. "We were initially concerned about the size of these effects, but the fact that we find them consistently across different control groups and drug classes gave us a lot of confidence."

The study only measured the effects of disclosure, not in any changes in payments the law may have triggered. But another result suggests the change in prescription behavior is driven by disclosuredoctors in Massachusetts also prescribed fewer generic drugs after the law passed. Generic drug companies generally do not pay physicians.

Generic statins dropped by 38-46 percent, generic antidepressants by 32-41 percent and generic antipsychotics by 38-40 percent.

"There was a much larger relative decrease in name-brand drug prescriptions, which means some doctors shifted toward generics as a result of the disclosure and that fits with the intent of the law," Manchanda said. "But we also have this decrease in generics, which suggests self-monitoring could be leading to underprescribing. This paper opens up many other questions that we and other researchers need to study to get the full picture."

More information: 'Let the Sun Shine in': The Impact of Industry Payment Disclosure on Physician Prescription Behavior: 'Let the Sun Shine in': The Impact of Industry Payment Disclosure on Physician Prescription Behavior: papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf  ?abstract_id=2953399
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Around one in five children with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, met criteria for autism in a study headed by UC San Francisco. But this prevalence may be more a reflection of similarity in symptoms than actual autism, according to the study's researchers.

Researchers tested 535 children and adults with Tourette's for autism, using a self-reporting test called the Social Responsiveness Scale. Among the 294 children tested, 22.8 percent reached the cutoff for autism, versus 8.7 percent of the 241 adults. In contrast, autism is estimated to affect between 0.3 and 2.9 percent of the general population, according to studies cited in the paper.

The Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition is a 65-item quantitative measure of autism symptoms that assesses the ability to engage in "emotionally appropriate reciprocal social interactions." It evaluates levels of social awareness, social cognition, social communication, social motivation, and restrictive interests and repetitive behavior. Its threshold for autism compares favorably with the diagnostic gold standard, the Autism Diagnostic Interview, the researchers noted.

The study is publishing on June 22, 2017, in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

OCD, ADHD Frequent Co-Occurrences

The researchers wanted to examine autism symptoms in patients with Tourette's, including those whose diagnosis was coupled with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conditions that frequently co-occur. Tourette's, OCD and ADHD have been shown to share common symptoms and genetic relationships in a recent study by the same researchers.

"Assessing autism symptom patterns in a large Tourette's sample may be helpful in determining whether some of this overlap is due to symptoms found in both disorders, rather than an overlapping etiology," said first author Sabrina Darrow, PhD, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at UCSF.

"Our results suggest that although autism diagnoses were higher in individuals with Tourette's, some of the increase may be due to autism-like symptoms, especially repetitive behaviors that are more strongly related to obsessive-compulsive disorder."

The researchers found that the highest scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale, which met autism criteria, were found in participants with Tourette's and either OCD or ADHD. Among those with Tourette's who met the cutoff for autism, 83 percent also met criteria for OCD, the researchers found, noting that high scores were especially evident in the part of the autism test that measures restrictive interests and repetitive behavior.

Wide Gulf Between Adults, Kids with Autism Diagnosis.

A potentially compelling argument against the surprisingly high rates of autism found in this sample was the wide discrepancy between children and adults who met the diagnostic criteria. Tourette's is usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 9; symptoms most often peak in the early teens and start to abate in the early twenties, with continued improvement in early adulthood.

"Children were more than twice as likely to meet the cutoff than adults, indicating that as tics recede, so do symptoms of autism. In contrast, autism is usually lifelong," said Darrow.

"Previous studies have shown that children with mood and anxiety disorders also have higher rates of autism symptoms, based on the Social Responsiveness Scale," said senior author Carol Mathews, MD, who did the research while a professor of psychiatry at UCSF. She currently is adjunct professor of psychiatry at UCSF and professor of psychiatry at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Psychiatric Impairment Possible Factor in Diagnosis

"This suggests that some of the increase may reflect underlying psychiatric impairment rather than being specific for autism. Some of the children in the study probably have autism, others have symptoms that mimic autism, but are not really due to autism. These symptoms are called phenocopies."

Tourette's affects between one and 10 in 1,000 children according to the National Institutes of Health. Like autism, it is significantly more prevalent in males. Common tics include repetitive throat clearing, blinking or grimacing. Most people do not require medication to suppress their symptoms, but treatment may be recommended for co-occurring ADHD and OCD.
These viruses dont survive well in the environment, and infected animals either succumb to PPR or recover and remain immune for life, said Jeffrey Mariner. Here, a female Mongolian saiga antelope. Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society

An endangered subspecies of antelope that roamed the earth at the same time as woolly mammoths now hovers on the brink of extinction as a disease that normally affects sheep and goats decimates its population.

An untreatable viral illness called peste des petits ruminants (PPR)also known as goat plaguehas killed more than half of the 10,000 saiga antelopes remaining in Mongolia since late last year.

International researchers are rushing to vaccinate and restrict the movement of domestic goats and sheep in Mongolia in hopes of containing the highly contagious virus, likely transmitted via infected livestock sharing the antelopes' grazing grounds. If they fail, PPR could threaten a number of other wild species, including the last of the wild Bactrian camels, located in southern Mongolia.

PPR has long been the bane of some of the world's poorest people. When Cummings School epidemiologist and professor Jeffrey Mariner, V87, and his collaborators analyzed PPR in 2015, they found that the disease cost sheep and goat herders around the world at least $1.5 billion annuallyand that spending an estimated $3.1 billion on eradication efforts could wipe the virus off the planet.

Inspired by those findings, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health acted swiftly, launching a global program in 2016 to eliminate PPR by 2030.

Now, Marinera key player in the international program that eradicated rinderpest, a cattle plagueis undertaking a $2.5 million project, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, in which Tufts and University of Florida researchers will test new strategies for PPR control in Uganda.

Mariner shared five things to know about PPR with Tufts Now.

It is nasty. "PPR is a Morbillivirus virus, which is related to measles in children and distemper in dogs. Infected animalsbe they domestic goats and sheep or their wild cousinsfirst develop a high fever and, within a couple days, severe diarrhea and sores in their eyes and mouth. These animals have a lot of puss around their eyes and nose. Their eyes glue shut, and their breath smells awful because the tissues on the surface of their lips and inside their mouths die of necrosis."

It is devastating to animals. "PPR infection usually ends up killing 70 to 90 percent of the animals in a herd. Baby and young animals usually succumb to the disease because of dehydration and nutrition loss resulting from the severe diarrhea. More mature animals may recover from the diarrhea, but often develop a secondary bacterial pneumonia that can last for weeks and often prove fatal. And the virus can do great harm if it spreads from livestock to an endangered species, given that these populations usually exist in very small ecosystems and may represent the last few thousand animals of their species left in any part of the world."

It cannot spread to humans, but it is devastating for people. "PPR is not contagious to humans from animals. But it has enormous effects on human economics and food security. The communities where you find affected sheep and goats depend on these animals for milk, meat and income. And in the developing world, sheep and goats are much more marketable than cattle. For poorer farmers, small ruminants are often the gateway to a bigger farm, and women are more likely to use small ruminant farming than cattle as a means to self-sufficiency. Around the world, the overall mortality in livestock from PPR might only be 2 percent, but if your household loses 70 percent of your herd to PPRthat's almost impossible to recover from."

It could go the way of smallpox. "PPR's closest relative is rinderpest, a cattle disease that was eradicated in 2011making it the second disease, after smallpox, to be completely wiped off the earth. And PPR is a good candidate for eradication, thanks to its many similarities to rinderpest. These viruses don't survive well in the environment, and infected animals either succumb to PPR or recover and remain immune for life. That means that the disease always has to find new susceptible hosts. When populations of new hosts are small, the virus will die of its own accord after an outbreak. There are good vaccines that provide lifelong immunity and protection against all strains of PPR and good diagnostics to use in the field. And similar to Tufts' role in helping eradicate rinderpest, we have created new formulations of the existing vaccines that can be used in the field for months at a time without refrigeration."

It requires vaccinating smarter, not harder. "It is much more important to study the disease and then take a surgical approach to attacking it than to vaccinate all the sheep and goats in a country. For example, with rinderpest, we convinced Ethiopia to stop trying to vaccinate all cattle and to instead focus on the few areas that were driving the problem. Once they finally started targeting the right cows, Ethiopia wiped out rinderpest within a year or twoafter decades of unsuccessfully trying. There also are some differences with PPR that present new challenges. For starters, there are about twice as many sheep and goats as there are cattle in the developing world, and they are sold or slaughtered much more frequently. Lots of animals often changing hands means our eradication plans have to be even better than they were for rinderpest. But we think we can cope with that."
Women and physicians do not put enough emphasis on cardiovascular disease in women, and a social stigma regarding body weight may be a primary barrier to these important discussions, according to research publishing today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 400,000 deaths and killing more women than all types of cancer combined. Although there has been a decline in overall mortality from heart disease, this decrease has been smaller for women compared to men and the death rate in women younger than 55 years old has increased.

"Increasing awareness of cardiovascular disease in women has stalled with no major progress in almost 10 years, and little progress has been made in the last decade in increasing physician awareness or use of evidence-based guidelines to care for female patients," said Bairey Merz, director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and the study's lead author.

For this study, researchers from the Women's Heart Alliance interviewed 1,011 U.S. women aged 25-60 years and collected physician survey data from 200 primary care physicians and 100 cardiologists. The goal of the surveys was to determine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding heart disease in women.

The researchers found that 45 percent of women were unaware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Awareness level was lower in women with lower levels of education and income and in ethnic minorities. Nearly 71 percent of women almost never brought up the issue of heart health with their physician, assuming their doctor would raise the issue if there was a problem. However, physicians were more likely to discuss cardiovascular health if prompted by the patient or due to the presence of a risk factor.

Physicians often did not discuss cardiovascular disease because the patient had a more immediate health issue or did not fully report their symptoms, indicating that prevention prior to symptoms was not a priority. Women who knew someone with heart disease were more likely to express concern and bring this issue up with their physician or to discuss heart disease with a friend thought to be at risk for having or developing heart disease.

While a majority of women reported having a routine physical or wellness exam in the past year, only 40 percent reported having a heart health assessment. While 74 percent reported having at least one risk factor for heart disease, just 16 percent were told by their doctor that they were at risk. Sixty-three percent of women admitted to putting off going to the doctor at least sometimes and 45 percent of women canceled or postponed an appointment until they lost weight. Many women reported being embarrassed or overwhelmed by their heart disease and many also cited difficulties in losing weight or finding time to exercise.

Only 22 percent of primary care physicians and 42 percent of cardiologists felt well prepared to assess cardiovascular risk in women. Additionally, only 16 percent of primary care physicians and 22 percent of cardiologists fully implemented guidelines for risk assessment.

"These findings suggest a need to destigmatize cardiovascular disease for women and counteract stereotypes with increased objective risk factor evaluation education to improve treatment by physicians," Bairey Merz said. "National action campaigns should work to make cardiovascular disease 'real' to American women and destigmatize the disease by promoting the use of cardiovascular risk assessment to counter stereotypes with facts and valid assessments."

In an editorial comment published with the paper, Jennifer G. Robinson, MD, MPH, from the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa discusses the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits early in life to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

"Helping women overcome barriers to increasing physical activity and healthier eating habits may help to avoid the stigma of focusing on weight loss," she said. "Women are often the gate-keepers for family meals, activities and health care, and a focus on healthy lifestyle habits may also encourage early prevention in the family as a whole."

More information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2017). (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.05.024 Dr. Bairey Merz will be a featured speaker at the ACC's Latin American Conference, taking place June 22-24, 2017 in Mexico City, where she will be discussing cardiovascular disease in women. Journal information: Journal of the American College of Cardiology
By Press Trust of India: Chennai, June 22 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of 20 fishermen and 137 boats, allegedly apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a letter to Modi, he said only the retrieval of Katchatheevu islet will ensure restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by the fishermen.

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"It is reported that four fishermen from Jegathapattinam fishing base in Pudukottai district along with their mechanised boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy yesterday," Palaniswami said in the letter.

The traditional and historical rights of fishermen are being denied consequent to the unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, he said. Former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had challenged the legal validity of the Indo-Sri Lankan accords of 1974 and 1976. The Tamil Nadu government had subsequently impleaded itself in this case and hence the matter of the International Maritime Boundary Line with Sri Lanka is sub-judice, he said.

"I reiterate the stand that only the retrieval of Katchatheevu will ensure restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by our fishermen," the chief minister said.

Long periods of impoundments of fishing boats would render them unworthy of sailing and it would push the life and livelihood propositions of Indian fishermen into misery, he said.

Palaniswami urged Modi to direct the External Affairs Ministry to urgently take up the issue with the highest authorities in Sri Lanka and secure the release of 20 fishermen from the state.

He requested the prime minister to ask the Sirisena government to return all the fishing boats and gear in refurbished condition.

On June 19, Palaniswami had appealed to Modi to take a strong diplomatic stand on the fishermens issue following the arrest of five fishermen from Rameswaram. PTI VIJ APR GVS

--- ENDS ---
When an American nurse working in West Africa became ill with Lassa fever and was evacuated to the U.S. for treatment in 2016, it provided a rare opportunity. With the consent of the patient, researchers were able to closely study, for the first time, how his immune system responded, including the persistence of Lassa virus in his semen after his recovery. An experimental drug was also used as part of his treatment.

A new report, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases (JID), describes the patient's immune response, at the cellular level, to Lassa virus infection. A related report describing his treatmentand that of another Lassa fever patient treated in Germany, who also survivedappears in Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID). Although findings from individual patients cannot be generalized to a broader population, the reports suggest areas of needed research for a neglected disease.

Discovered in 1969, Lassa fever affects an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 people each year in West Africa, where the infection is endemic and causes approximately 5,000 deaths annually. In mild cases, symptoms can include fever, weakness, and headache. Bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, muscle pain, and shock may develop in severe cases. Last year, the World Health Organization identified Lassa virus as a top-priority emerging pathogen for research and development.

Lassa virus is primarily transmitted to people through exposure to infected rats or their droppings and urine. Contact with an infected person's body fluids can also spread the virus. Sexual transmission has been reported, but the extent of viral persistence in the semen of male survivors over time is unknown.

After acquiring Lassa fever in Togo, the American nurse was treated in the Serious Communicable Diseases Unit at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta by a clinical team from Emory with Lassa-specific laboratory assistance from the nearby Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He recovered and was discharged 25 days later. Several semen samples taken from the patient had detectable levels of Lassa virus RNA, including a sample 23 days after his discharge. During his recovery, he also developed inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube near the testicles that stores and carries sperm. The German patient, treated at Frankfurt University Hospital, had detectable Lassa RNA in his semen 64 days after he was discharged.

"There's no capacity to monitor persistence of Lassa in the semen in resource-limited areas," said Emory University's Colleen S. Kraft, MD, who authored the CID report. "Much like with Ebola, we want to make sure we educate individuals who have recovered from Lassa to use safe sexual practices for a while."

Over the course of the American nurse's illness, researchers tracked his immune response, including the activity and function of virus-specific T-cells (immune cells important for fighting viral infections) in his body. The response was surprisingly robust and correlated closely with several symptoms and signs that developed late in his illness, even after Lassa virus could no longer be detected in his blood. This suggests that aspects of his own immune system may have actually caused some harm, said Anita K. McElroy, MD, PhD, author of the JID study, who is affiliated with CDC and Emory.

Future studies could lead to the development of therapies for Lassa fever that dampen certain harmful aspects of the body's immune response, complementing antiviral drugs that target the virus itself. "First and foremost, we need to do this same type of research in more patients," Dr. McElroy said. "You've got to know what's wrong in the immune response before you can attempt to fix it."

The U.S. and German patients' treatment included oral favipiravir, an antiviral drug licensed to treat influenza in Japan that has also been studied as a possible treatment for Ebola. Both patients appeared to experience few serious side effects from the drug, but clinical trials are needed to determine if the drug is effective against Lassa fever, Dr. Kraft said. The patients were also treated with another antiviral, intravenous ribavirin, which is the current standard of care for Lassa patients. Ribavirin's availability as an intravenous drug, however, is limited in West Africa, where the disease is most common.

In a related editorial commentary in JID, William A. Fischer II, MD, and David A. Wohl, MD, both of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, noted that Lassa fever remains underdiagnosed and understudied despite being a major cause of disease in West Africa. In commenting on the JID report, they wrote, "After a tragically prolonged pause in Lassa fever research, the work reported by these investigators is an important step in moving the science of this neglected virus into the 21st century."

More information: Fast Facts  Lassa fever is a viral illness that affects an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 people each year in West Africa and causes approximately 5,000 deaths annually.

 Researchers were able to closely study a Lassa fever patient's immune response over time, including the persistence of Lassa virus in his semen, after he was evacuated to the U.S. for treatment.

 An experimental drug, favipiravir, was used in treating the U.S. patient and an additional patient infected with Lassa virus in Germany. The drug appeared to have few serious side effects, but its efficacy is unknown.

 Individual patient reports cannot be generalized to a broader population, but the findings suggest promising areas for future research. Journal information: Journal of Infectious Diseases , Clinical Infectious Diseases
A depiction of the double helical structure of DNA. Its four coding units (A, T, C, G) are color-coded in pink, orange, purple and yellow. Credit: NHGRI

When Ricky Ramon was 7, he went for a routine checkup. The pediatrician, who lingered over his heartbeat, sent him for a chest X-ray, which revealed a benign tumor in the top-left chamber of his heart. For Ramon, it was the beginning of a long series of medical appointments, procedures and surgeries that would span nearly two decades.

During this time, noncancerous tumors kept reappearing in Ramon's heart and throughout his bodyin his pituitary gland, adrenal glands above his kidneys, nodules in his thyroid.

The trouble was, doctors couldn't diagnose his condition.

When Ramon was 18, doctors thought his symptoms were suggestive of Carney complex, a genetic condition caused by mutations in a gene called PRKAR1A. However, evaluation of Ramon's DNA revealed no disease-causing variations in this gene.

Now, eight years later, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have used a next-generation technologylong-read sequencingto secure a diagnosis for Ramon. It's the first time long-read, whole-genome sequencing has been used in a clinical setting, the researchers report in a paper to be published online June 22 in Genetics in Medicine.

Genome sequencing involves snipping DNA into pieces, reading the fragments, and then using a computer to patch the sequence together. DNA carries our genetic blueprint in a double-stranded string of molecular "letters" called nucleotides, or base pairs. The four types of nucleotides are each represented by a letterC for cytosine and G for guanine, for exampleand they form links across the two strands to hold DNA together.

'Illuminating a dark corner'

Current sequencing technologies cut DNA into "words" that are about 100 base-pairs, or letters, long, according to the study's senior author, Euan Ashley, DPhil, FRCP, professor of cardiovascular medicine, of genetics and of biomedical data science. Long-read sequencing, by comparison, cuts DNA into words that are thousands of letters long.

"This allows us to illuminate dark corners of the genome like never before," Ashley said.

"Technology is such a powerful force in medicine. It's mind-blowing that we are able to routinely sequence patients' genomes when just a few years ago this was unthinkable."

The study was conducted in collaboration with Pacific Biosciences, a biotechnology company in Menlo Park, California, that has pioneered a type of long-read sequencing. Lead authorship of the paper is shared by Jason Merker, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and co-director of the Stanford Clinical Genomics Service, and Aaron Wenger, PhD, of Pacific Biosciences.

The type of long-read sequencing developed by the research team's collaborators at Pacific Biosciences can continuously spool long threads of DNA for letter-by-letter analysis, limiting the number of cuts needed.

"This is exciting," said Ashley, "because instead of having 100-base-pair 'words,' you now have 7,000- to 8,000-letter words."

Falling cost

Thanks to technological advances and increased efficiency, the cost of long-read sequencing has been falling dramatically. Ashley estimated the current cost of the sequencing used for this study at between $5,000 and $6,000 per genome.

Though the cost of short-read sequencing is now below $1,000, according to Ashley, parts of the genome not accessible when cutting DNA into small fragments. Throughout the genome, series of repeated letters, such as GGCGGCGGC, can stretch for hundreds of base pairs. With only 100-letter words, it is impossible to know how long these stretches are, and the length can critically determine someone's predisposition to disease.

Additionally, some portions of the human genome are redundant, meaning there are multiple places a 100-base pair segment could potentially fit in, said Ashley. This makes it impossible to know where to place those segments when reassembling the genome. With longer words, that happens much less often.

Given these issues, 5 percent of the genome cannot be uniquely mapped, the researchers wrote. And any deletions or insertions longer than about 50 letters are too long to detect.

For patients with undiagnosed conditions, short-read sequencing can help doctors provide a diagnosis in about one-third of cases, said Ashley. But Ramon's case was not one of those.

The technique initially used to analyze Ramon's genes failed to identify a mutation in the gene responsible for Carney complex, though Ashley said co-author Tam Sneddon, DPhil, a clinical data scientist at Stanford Health Care who browsed through the database of Ramon's sequenced genome by hand, did notice something looked wrong. Ultimately, the long-read sequencing of Ramon's genome identified a deletion of about 2,200 base-pairs and confirmed that a diagnosis of Carney complex was indeed correct.

This work is an example of Stanford Medicine's focus on precision health, the goal of which is to anticipate and prevent disease in the healthy and precisely diagnose and treat disease in the ill.

An 'exceedingly rare' condition

Carney complex arises from mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, and is characterized by increased risk for several tumor types, particularly in the heart and hormone-producing glands, such as ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid. According to the National Institutes of Health, fewer than 750 individuals with this condition have been identified.

The most common symptom is benign heart tumors, or myxomas. Open heart surgery is required to remove cardiac myxomas; by the time Ramon was 18 years old, he'd had three such surgeries. He is under consideration for a heart transplant, and having the correct diagnosis for his condition was important for the transplant team. Beyond the typical screening for a transplant, Ashley said the team needed to ensure there weren't other health issues that could be exacerbated by immune suppressants, which heart transplant patients must take to avoid rejection of the donated organ.

Though it helps his medical team to have a confirmed diagnosis of Carney complex, Ramon has found it disheartening to face the fact that he cannot escape his condition. "I was pretty sad," he said. "It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I'll have this until the day I die."

He tries not to dwell on it, though. "Live one day at a time," he said. "The bad days are temporary storms, and they'll pass."

"His story is quite incredible," said Ashley, who said it was a privilege to be working on Ramon's team. "To have such a burden on such young shoulders, and to decide whether or not he wants a transplant, requires incredible courage."

Because he couldn't wait any longer for a transplant, Ramon recently underwent his fourth surgery to remove three tumors in his heart. Joseph Woo, MD, professor and chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford, performed the operation. "It is exceedingly rare to have tumors in the heart," said Ashley. "It was a particularly heroic operation." Though Ramon is still under consideration for a transplant, the need is less urgent now.

"I'm in good hands," Ramon said of the Stanford team. "I'm glad to be here."

A future in the clinic?

Ashley said he and many other doctors believe that long-read technology is part of the future of genomics.

"Now we get to see how to do it better," said Ashley. "If we can get the cost of long-read sequencing down to where it's accessible for everyone, I think it will be very useful."
Two chemicals known as triclosan and triclocarban are used in a welter of consumer products, particularly antimicrobial soaps, personal-care products and other items of daily use. But extensive research has shown that these chemicals are often ineffective in safeguarding the public from harmful microbes and, further, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Now, more than 200 scientists have joined together top call for a halt in the use of these products. Credit: Jason Drees/Biodesign Institute

A pair of chemicalsprized for their antimicrobial propertiesrose to become superstars in industry. Triclocarban is used in various soaps, while triclosan additionally appears in thousands of items of daily use in the United States and around the world, including pencils, clothing, toiletries, toys and yoga mats.

But a growing chorus of researchers has raised serious questions regarding both the efficacy and safety of these products. These voices have now culminated in the Florence Statement on Triclosan and Triclocarban, a declaration signed by more than 200 scientists and medical professionals from around the world. Their claim, supported by extensive peer-reviewed research, is that these chemicals are ineffective in safeguarding the health of consumers and in fact may pose grave risks to human health and the environment.

The full text of the Florence Statement appears in the current issue of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' flagship journal, Environmental Health Perspectives.

Rolf Halden, director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Security at Arizona State University and lead author of the Florence Statement, lays out a convincing case against these two ubiquitous antimicrobials:

"Triclosan is a case study of the many things that can go wrong when formulating consumer products. To start out with, it's a chemical that contains dioxina potent toxic carcinogen," he said. "When you use the chemical, it is mostly ineffective in protecting from germs and instead actually may increase microbial risks by producing bacteria that are cross-resistant to antibiotics your doctor prescribes to save lives. It increases susceptibility to allergies. When released into water or soil, it persists for long periods of time and forms additional dioxins. When it is burned, it produces the most toxic forms of dioxin known."

Triclocarban, a structurally related antimicrobial chemical, while free of dioxins, also contains and can be transformed to other potent cancer-causing chemicals, namely chloroanilines.

Further, research has convincingly shown that hand washing, as practiced by the average consumer, with products containing triclosan and triclocarban provides no additional health benefit beyond the use of simple soap and water, though these chemicals are implicated in a multitude of ill effects to health, including endocrine disruption. Research has demonstrated developmental impairment in animal studies, and the effects of these products on human reproduction and development are matters of serious concern.

As the Florence Statement notes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently responded to mounting apprehension over certain pervasive chemicals, issuing a September 2016 ban on 19 additives found in over-the-counter consumer antiseptic wash products, including triclosan and triclocarban. Unfortunately, as the Florence authors note, the restriction does not include a welter of building and household products that are outside the purview of the FDA but still contain hazardous and ineffective antimicrobials sold throughout the U.S. and worldwide.

Triclosan in particular remains widespread, finding its way into a broad range of personal-care and consumer products.

"It's an air pollutant, a water pollutant, a soil pollutant. It accumulates in the environment and is detectable in the breast milk of over 97 percent of U.S. women. It's detectable in babies at birth," Halden said.

Blood-borne triclosan and triclocarban readily cross the placenta, with triclosan showing up in samples of human cord blood.

It has also been detected in the urine of a majority of humans tested.

"Common sense dictates that we must abandon this failed chemistry and avoid unnecessary antimicrobials or turn to safer, greener alternatives where needed," said Halden, who is also a professor in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

But getting rid of persistent and hazardous chemicals is vastly more difficult than introducing them in the first place. Regulatory mechanisms often fail to properly examine the safety of newly introduced chemicals, from their point of production to the end of their use life. Discontinuing the use of these harmful chemicals often faces daunting obstacles, from aggressive industry lobbying to a lack of funding to carry out definitive scientific safety analyses.

Once such products have taken hold in society, their chemical legacy can persist in the environment for decades, even after they are formally discontinued. A case in point are remnants of triclosan and triclocarban that were used in New York and other coastal cities some 50 years ago and that persist to this day in coastal sediments of the East Coast, as revealed by Halden's research team.

Even when exceptional steps are taken to rid the market of hazardous chemicals, the problem often quickly resurfaces, as Arlene Blum, executive director of Green Science Policy Institute, explained: "I was happy that the FDA finally acted to remove these chemicals from soaps. But I was dismayed to discover at my local drugstore that most products now contain substitutes that may be worse."

While the human-health effects of triclosan and triclocarban are just beginning to be appreciated, their adverse impact on the environmentparticularly aquatic plants and animalsis well established. Triclosan typically appears in personal-care products that flow down the drain after use. They can accumulate in the environment due to the particular chemistry of triclosan, which is highly resistant to natural degradation.

When these antimicrobials are broken down, the results are often worse, as profoundly toxic byproducts including dioxins, chloroform and chlorinated anilines result. And the name "antimicrobial" is misleading because the chemicals harm seabirds, fish and marine mammals and are actually more toxic to algae and aquatic life than to the microorganisms they are supposed to wipe out.

The Florence Statement lays the groundwork for a broad rethinking of the effects of chemicals on human health and the environment, while also drawing attention to the shortcomings of current regulatory efforts. Triclosan and triclocarban provide a cautionary tale: In the future, chemicals produced and used in such massive abundance must be subject to far more stringent scientific scrutiny, if humans are to avoid falling victim to their own creations.
YEREVAN.  By violating the ceasefire in Karabakh conflict zone, Azerbaijan is trying to show its own public the capability of causing damage, European Parliament member Frank Engel told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Speaking about the recent ceasefire violation, the MP said it was nothing new, as Azerbaijani side is maintaining a certain impulse of threat which is explained by boasting of dead enemies.

MEP remains convinced that there is an urgent need to establish mechanisms for monitoring the line of contact and hopes that the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will insist on this during their conversations with the Azerbaijani authorities.

As reported earlier, three Armenian soldiers were killed as a result of the firing by the Azerbaijani armed forces on June 16. Karabakh Defense Army servicemen Arayik Matinyan (born in 1997), Vigen Petrosyan (born in 1997), and Vardan Sargsyan (born in 1997) were fatally wounded.

And in the morning of June 17, Karabakh army said Azerbaijan resorted to a new provocation as a result of which a 20-year-old soldier was killed in the morning. Two other soldiers were wounded.
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YEREVAN.  The parties grasp the actual talks and their final result very differently. But each party agrees to participate in the talks, on the condition that they will conclude just as it wants. But this is not the case in real life, and it cannot be as such when it comes to the Karabakh conflict, too. Thats why, sadly, the talks cannot achieve any results at present. And the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs efforts are aimed at preventing a possible war.

Russian political analyst Andrey Epifantsev told about the aforesaid to 168 Zham (Hour) newspaper of Armenia.

In his view, neither Bakus nor Yerevans position contributes to the talks, this is senseless, and each party speaks about how the other party shall fulfill its terms.

But in any case, as per Epifantsev, compromise will be painful for both parties.

Just as Yerevan will not give up Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku will not give up Nagorno-Karabakh in the same way, he added. And the current format of the talks is an impasse; it leads to war.
The European Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee has voted on the draft report on the 2016 Commission Report on Turkey.

Committee MEPs harshly condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his regime. The main message to Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party of Turkey (AKP) was that Turkeys EU accession talks should be suspended if the proposed changes to the constitution go ahead.

The resolution on Turkey was adopted by 51 votes to three, with 14 abstentions. The full House is scheduled to vote on it during the next plenary session in Strasbourg in July.

One of the amendments calls on the Turkish government to respect and fully implement the legal obligations, which it has undertaken relating to the protection of cultural heritage, and in particular to conduct in good faith an integrated inventory of Greek, Armenian, Assyrian, and other cultural heritage that was destroyed or ruined during the last century.

It also calls on Turkey to ratify the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and to cooperate with relevant international organizations, especially the Council of Europe, in preventing and combating illicit trafficking and the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage.

Another amendment calls on Turkey and Armenia to work on the normalization of their relations and stresses that the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border could lead to improved relations, with particular reference to cross-border cooperation and economic integration.
YEREVAN. - Armen Poghosyan, who is one of the arrested defendants along the lines of the criminal case into smuggling Igla missile system into Armenia, accepts the charge brought against him, his attorney, Viktoria Kirakosyan, on Thursday told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

She noted that the charge brought against her client was mitigated at the end of the investigation, and that he is now charged solely with illegal acquisition, carrying or transporting of weapons, and ammunition.

Kirakosyan noted that the smuggling charge against her client was dropped, since no respective evidence was found during the investigation.

Also, the attorney dismissed the rumors that her client had testified against Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) former Defense Minister and Defense Army Commander Samvel Babayan, and on the basis of which the latter was arrested within the framework of this criminal case.

Kirakosyan said Poghosyan did not know Babayan, and that he knew solely the other two defendants in this case: Sanasar Gabrielyan and Hrach Mayilyan.

To note, Mayilyan is also charged with illegal acquisition, carrying or transporting of weapons, and ammunition.

The charge of smuggling military products has been dropped also from the indictments against defendants Samvel Babayan and his Karabakh war comrade-in-arms, Sanasar Gabrielyan.

Now, Gabrielyan is charged only with illegal acquisition, carrying or transporting of weapons, and ammunition.

The charge brought against Babayan also was mitigated at the end of the investigation. But, subsequently, a new charge was brought against him: money laundering. Now, he is charged with two indictments.
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray elected representatives to donate a month's salary to support the loan waiver. Uddhav Thackeray himself will be donating a sum of Rs 10 lakhs collected from his photography exhibitions.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has ordered all elected representatives of the party to donate a month's salary to support the loan waiver.

Senior Shiv Sena Minister Diwakar Raote announced this in a press conference in Mumbai today. The party has written to the Chief Secretary of the state to accommodate the contribution in a separate head. The party has taken this decision to lessen the burden of loan waiver on government coffers.

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Uddhav Thackeray himself will be donating a sum of Rs 10 lakhs collected from his photography exhibitions.

SUPPORT TO FARMERS

"We have always been with the farmers to support their demands, including the latest agitation. But apart from agitations we have also been doing our bit to improve the farmers' lives by making them self- reliant by distributing sewing machines or organising mass marriages," Raote informed.

"The state government has issued a GR today appealing state employees to donate a day's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to help the suicide affected farmers' families. We thought that if we do our bit, it will help in some way to ease the burden on the state treasuries," Raote added.

All the MLAs, MLCs, ministers, MPs, corporators, president and chairman of local bodies belonging to the party will be donating their month's salary. The Shiv Sena has 78 members in the Maharashtra legislature including both the upper and lower house.

Ministers have a salary of Rs two lakhs, while MLAs and MLCs get an approximate salary of Rs one lakh sixty thousand.

Also Read:

NCP, Shiv Sena slam Venkaiah Naidu for 'loan waiver now a fashion' remark

Sena representatives to give months salary for loan waiver

Presidential election: Amit Shah to meet Uddhav Thackeray whose Shiv Sena has been backing Mohan Bhagwat for President

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN.  The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is conducting a dialogue with the parties involved, to get permission to visit Zaven Karapetyan, who is kept in Azerbaijan.

Zara Amatuni, the communications officer of the ICRC Yerevan Office in Armenias capital city, told the aforementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

She noted this when asked whether the representation of the Red Cross in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, received a notification from Azerbaijani authorities, with respect to Armenian citizen Zaven Karapetyan being kept in Azerbaijan.

Amatuni noted that under the international law, visits to such personspersons related to the conflictare within the framework of the Red Cross mandate.

As reported earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan on Wednesday informed about the capture Tuesday of an Armenian Armed Forces serviceman, on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

Later, the ministry released a video of the interrogation of this man, who was wearing Turkish-made body armor. The man stated that he was Zaven Karapetyan, a resident of Dovegh village nearby Noyemberyan town in Tavush Province of Armenia.

But such a person had never lived in this village. It was found out, however, such a person did live in Vanadzor town.

Karapetyan, who grew up in an orphanage, has mental issues. And those that know him had no information on him over the past several years.
YEREVAN.  The statements by head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, are not a case of interference in the internal affairs of the country, stated Czech Ambassador Petr Mikyska, at a press conference on Thursday.

In his words, the Czech Republic also supported the results of the observation mission during the recent parliamentary election in Armenia.

Mikyska expressed a view that some statements and Armenian officials approach were a result of exaggeration. He added that it was the Armenian government that had asked international donor support with the technical part during the recent electoral process in the country.

The Czech diplomat stressed that the Armenian government has signed several agreements with the Council of Europe and some other international organizations, and these agreements envisage certain obligations by Armenia.

Petr Mikyska stressed that if the observation mission concluded that there had been some incidents that were incompatible with the parliamentary election, he sees no reason why Switalski could not have expressed his view.

Reflecting on the recent parliamentary election in Armenia, the head of the Delegation of the EU to the country had noted that the respective EU preliminary report pointed to numerous cases of electoral fraud, and said they must be eliminated. As per the EU ambassador, Armenians need deep democracy, but the halls of power are attempting to make the election law suit their own political objectives. He added that Armenians need to think about how they can make the Central Electoral Commission become more reliable and that it should include representatives of civil society.

These statements by Piotr Switalski, however, caused discontent by several representatives of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. Justice Minister Davit Harutyunyan, and National Assembly Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov, for example, considered these statements as interference in the domestic affairs of Armenia.
Hearings into the case of imprisoned blogger Alexander Lapshin started in Baku court.

As APA reported, judge Alovsat Abbasov will preside over the hearing.

Preliminary investigation into the criminal case launched against Lapshin on charges of public statements directed against the state and illegal crossing border of the Azerbaijan Republic has already been completed.

After his visits to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2011 and 2012, blogger and journalist Alexander Lapshinwho is a citizen of Russia, Israel, and several other countrieswas blacklisted by Azerbaijan.

In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan--but with a Ukrainian passport--and, subsequently, he published several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities.

Afterward, Azerbaijan issued an international search for this famous blogger. On December 15, 2016, Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk, and based on this search.

On January 26 of the current year, the Minsk city court dismissed the blogger's appeal of the Belarusian General Prosecutor's Office decision to extradite him to Azerbaijan.

On February 7, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed the appeals that were filed into this case, and upheld the aforesaid decision by the General Prosecutors Office.

And on the evening of the same day, Belarus extradited Alexander Lapshin to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody.
The police on Thursday detained a 35-year-old Armenian citizen in Chelyabinsk, who earlier reported on assault and stealing of his briefcase with large amount of money.

A criminal case will be launched into false denunciation, Head of Information and Public Relations Division of the General Department of Ministry of Internal Affairs Olga Shterk noted, Chelyabinsk reports.

On June 14, an Armenian citizen residing in Chelyabinsk turned to the police, claiming that two criminals armed with guns attacked him and took from his car a briefcase, in which there were 975,000 rubles, 25,000 dollars and 50,000 ruble golden jewelry.

No unlawful actions were carried out against the claimant. He staged the aforementioned events on his own for extending the deadline for paying the outstanding debts, Shterk noted.

The police representative also noted that a case on fraud is already being considered in regard to the migrant. According to the investigation, he stole over 100,000 rubles from his clients under the pretence of car repair. A signature bond on not leaving the country was enforced against the man but he violated it. On this ground the court has now taken him into custody.
YEREVAN. - If someone doesnt want something, it shouldnt be imposed on himthis is how each free man thinks.

Justice Minister of Armenia Davit Harutyunyan told the aforementioned to Armenian News  NEWS.am on Thursday, referring to the statements of Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski on that if the European Union's presence in Armenia is unwanted anymore, they will not impose on it.

A few days ago, Piotr Switalski slammed the electoral processes in Armenia, noting that the composition of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Armenia is not reliable and thus representatives of civil society should be included it. Referring to the Electoral Code, he also stated that the halls of power are attempting to make the election law suit their own political objectives. In response to the Ambassadors statements, Justice Minister of Armenia Davit Harutyunyan noted that the Ambassador is interfering with the domestic affairs of the country, while Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov told Armenian News  NEWS.am that policy is not a wedding, where one pays money and orders music accordingly.

The harsh response of the ruling party representatives was followed by the press-conference of the EU Ambassador on Tuesday, during which he recalled that 90 percent of the external funding transferred to Armenia came from the EU and upon the public request of Armenia.

Asked whether such a harsh reaction by Switalski can be assessed as a threat to the Armenian side, Harutyunyan noted: I dont think Mr Switalski reacted harshly. There was [simply] no topic to respond to, but we are grateful for the funding. Of course, they can make proposals, but it depends on their boundaries and acceptability.

Referring to the question on the non-imposition of their presence, the Minister said this was not a threat. This is the mentality of each free man. If someone doesnt want something, that shouldnt be imposed on him. I agree with Mr Switalski on this, Harutyunyan said.
Apparently, Jhanvi Kapoor was very upset with the reports of her huge crush on Ranbir Kapoor.

By India Today Web Desk: A few days ago, the rumour mills were churning out stories of a smitten Jhanvi Kapoor following Ranbir Kapoor around at a party. Apparently, the teenager blushed when the actor greeted her and her actions left no doubt about her huge crush on him. Jhanvi's mother Sridevi opened up about the rumours in a recent interview with Mumbai Mirror.

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Sridevi said that the reports were untrue and greatly upset her daughter. "'But mummy, I was with Gauri aunty (Gauri Shinde, director of English Vinglish),' Jhanvi protested and I told her, 'Welcome to my world, if you want to be a part of it, you have to be prepared for all this.'"

Sridevi also added that her younger daughter Khushi might follow her elder sister's footsteps and want to pursue acting. She said, "She has already started modelling and it will end up with her saying, 'Mujhe bhi acting karni hai.'"

Jhanvi Kapoor is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Student Of The Year 2. According to reports, she has signed a three-film deal with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.

ALSO READ: Psst... Jhanvi Kapoor has a crush on Ranbir Kapoor?

ALSO READ: Sridevi says she would be happier to see Jhanvi get married than act

ALSO WATCH: Acting comes from the heart, not from the mind, says Sridevi

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN.  The Armenian government wants to increase exports from 17 to 40 -45% of GDP. This is stated in the program of the Armenian government, approved by the parliament on June 22.

In addition, poverty is proposed to be reduced by 12 % ( present figure is 30%), while the minimum wage is expected to increase by only 25% in the next five years.

By the end of 2020, the government offers to introduce procedures for legal assistance.

According to the action plan, the first large solar power station with a capacity of 55 MW will be built by 2018.

In 2017 - 2022 the government will continue to issue preferential agricultural loans to residents of border villages. By the end of 2017, it is planned to issue about 7 billion drams ($ 14.5 million) under 5% per annum.

It is also planned to hold negotiations with new budget airlines and to prepare background for the development of small aviation.

The government also plans to increase the number of tourists to 3 million annually in 2017-22.
YEREVAN. - First Deputy Defense Minister of Armenia Artak Zakaryan on Thursday held a meeting with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to Armenia Caroline Douilliez.

At the meeting, Zakaryan thanked the delegation head for the organization of international humanitarian law courses for servicemen, development of their scientific and methodological skills and awareness raising, as well as the efforts exerted by the Committee towards revealing the fates of persons who went missing as a results of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the press-service of the Defense Ministry informed Armenian News  NEWS.am.

Ms. Douilliez, for her part, praised the bilateral cooperation, expressing willingness to contribute as much as possible to the deepening of cooperation and exert efforts towards raising its efficiency.

Referring to the video released by Azerbaijani media outlets, which featured Armenian citizen Zaven Karapetyan, Zakaryan urged the ICRC to exert maximum efforts to visit Karapetyan in order to learn about his detention conditions and receive information.
YEREVAN. - The launch of a direct flight between Egypt and Armenia will help increase the trade between the two countries and deepen the already wonderful bilateral relations.

Egypt Ambassador to Armenia Tarek Maati told the aforementioned to Armenian News  NEWS.am at the festive event on the occasion of launching the flight on Thursday.

We mark the launch of the first direct regular flight between Egypt and Armenia (Hurghada-Yerevan-Hurghada). And we think this is a very important event, especially against the background of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two of our friendly countries. This flight means a lot both in terms of promoting tourism and communication between the citizens of the two countries. We are grateful to the Armenian community of Egypt for their significant contribution to this work. I should add that this is only the beginning. We hope that a direct flight will also soon be launched between Cairo and Yerevan, the Ambassador stressed.

According to Director of Anriva-Tour tour agency Ripsime Stambolyan, the direct flight Hurghada-Yerevan-Hurghada is quite affordable in terms of price. Armenian tourists will no longer have to leave for Tbilisi in order to head for Egypt. This will certainly result in the growth of tourism, since Egypt is a very good place for family rest, she added.

Deputy FM of Armenia, Armen Papikyan, for his part, noted: It is symbolic that within the framework of the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and Egypt flights will be carried out between Armenia and Egypt already twice a week. The relations between the two countries have deep historical roots. Thanks to these flights our people will communicate more, pay mutual visits and develop tourism.

Referring to the possibility of launching a direct flight between Yerevan and Cairo, the Deputy Minister noted that apart from the political component there is also an economic one here, and it is necessary to understand that the launch of the flight should be beneficial both to Armenia and Egypt.

The plane of Air Cairo Egyptian airlines, which carried out its first regular flight from Hurghada, landed at Zvartnots airport on Tuesday. The first passengers included representatives of political and cultural spheres of the Armenian community of Cairo and other guests, who were welcomed at the Yerevan airport.
UN shares the concerns of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs over the recent ceasefire violations on the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh, the statement issued by Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says.

We take note of the 19 June statement by the Co-Chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk Group following their recent travel to the region. We share the Co-Chairs concern over the recent ceasefire violations, which have resulted in regrettable casualties in the Line of Contact. We echo their appeal to the parties to avoid further escalation and to consider measures that would reduce tensions.

We also join the Co-Chairs in urging the parties to re-engage in negotiations on substance, in good faith and with political will. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts, if needed, the statement reads.
Standards, Research on New ASSE President's Agenda

"It's incredible and a truly humbling honor that ASSE members are giving me the opportunity to lead 37,000 of the best safety professionals," James D. Smith said June 21 during the conference's general session. "The oncoming year will be exciting, and I really can't wait to get started."

DENVER -- The 103rd president in the history of the American Society of Safety Engineers -- ASSE, but soon to be renamed the American Society of Safety Professionals, ASSP, if its members vote in favor -- greeted attendees June 21 at the society's Safety 2017 conference with a pledge to get immediately to work. James D. Smith, M.S., CSP, director of risk control services for Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, takes the reins July 1 to serve a one-year term.

"It's incredible and a truly humbling honor that ASSE members are giving me the opportunity to lead 37,000 of the best safety professionals," Smith said during the conference's June 21 general session. "The oncoming year will be exciting, and I really can't wait to get started."

Smith discussed some of the priorities he'll address during his ASSE presidency, which extends through the Safety 2018 conference and expo (June 3-6, 2018) in San Antonio. He said standards development will continue to be a big focus for ASSE during his watch, and he promised to expand ASSE's commitment to research, saying it's imperative to fill gaps in the profession's body of knowledge.

"We will encourage a shift from compliance-based approaches to risk-based strategies -- we have to get these workplace fatalities down," he added.

The session included Tom Cecich's final speech to the membership as president; honoring Fay Feeney, CSP, ARM, and C. Gary Lopez, CSP, as ASSE Fellows; the Edgar Monsanto Queeny Safety Professional of the Year award presentation to Jeremy Bethancourt; and Outstanding Educator of the Year awards to Georgi Popov of the University of Central Missouri and Sathyanarayanan Rajendran of Central Washington University.

Feeney noted she is only the fourth woman to be made an ASSE Fellow, the society's highest honor, since ASSE began recognizing some of the profession's leaders with that distinction in 1961. "Let's move forward to make the world safer, healthier, and more sustainable," she urged.

Lopez noted being made a Fellow is recognition of the honoree's life's work in safety. "I've read someplace that the most exclusive club on the planet is the U.S. Senate. You can have only 100 of them at any one time. There have been only 128 Fellows since we started recognizing them in the early 1960s, and only 51 right now. So take that, U.S. Senate," he quipped.

"We must continue to raise the bar of what it means to be a safety professional," Cecich told the members.
Kesslers Diamond Center, Inc., today announced that Joe Gehrke will join the company as president. Richard Kessler, founder and current president, will transition to the role of chief executive officer.

"Joe has been a trusted advisor of Kesslers Diamonds for several years. His understanding of our business coupled with his appreciation for our culture make him uniquely qualified to take on this important role in our company," Kessler said in announcing the transition.

Gehrke joins the company from Associated Bank, where he worked in commercial banking for the past 17 years. During his tenure, he provided financial guidance and services to variety of corporate customers, including Kesslers Diamonds.

"Ive had the benefit of an aspired career at Associated Bank, which has a similar culture to Kesslers Diamonds. Both organizations are focused on growing their businesses in a manner that benefits their customers, employees and the communities they serve," Gehrke said. "The commitment of Richard and his entire team of employee-owners have helped Kesslers earn its place as the largest seller of diamonds and diamond engagement rings in the state of Wisconsin."

In 2011, Kesslers Diamonds transferred ownership of the company to its employees with the formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Last year, the company formed a succession committee comprised of Kesslers Diamonds employee-owners and two external advisors, including Gehrke, to discuss future leadership of the company.

"We wanted to define the characteristics of the next president. Our final description fit Joe to a T," Kessler recalled. "He has a wealth of financial knowledge, understands how businesses operate and appreciates the importance of providing value to customers, which is something I experienced first-hand working with Joe the past several years."

While Gehrke was not interested in leaving the bank, he appreciates the opportunity move beyond to role of financial advisor to actually running a business. As president, he will help build the companys executive team and its growth strategy. Goals include increase the number of diamond centers from its current seven locations, and grow sales revenue.

"Though his leadership at Associated Bank will certainly be missed, I am excited for Joes future," said Associated Bank executive vice president, Milwaukee market president and head of Corporate Banking John Utz. "Kesslers Diamonds is one of the most distinguished organizations in our region."

As CEO, Kessler will remain very active in the business  that includes being the "voice" of Kesslers Diamonds in the companys radio ads. After that? It will be something, but not retirement.

"The idea of retirement doesnt have a lot of appeal to me; Ill do something," Kessler said.

Gehrke, a native of Michigans Upper Peninsula, lives with his wife and three daughters in Grafton. He holds a bachelors degree in finance and economics from the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University.
On Sunday, June 25, The Nomad World Pub, 1401 E. Brady St., will host a benefit for Matt Gonzales, a longtime Milwaukee bartender and musician who is currently in jail in the middle of the desert in Abu Dhabi.

The event runs from noon to midnight and will feature live music with a jam session hosted by Jeff Hamilton (Violent Femmes, Beatallica, The Probers). Other guests include members of The Cocksmiths, Kiss Me Im Sick, GoTown, The Carpet Baggers, 4th St Elevator, Liv Mueller, Matt MF Tyner and many more.

The Nomad will donate all proceeds to the cause. There will also be a silent auction of shirts and posters; all of the proceeds will go towards Gonzales' legal fees. Nomad owner Mike Eitel will host a "roast" of Gonzales, who was a bouncer and bartender at the Nomad for many years.

Gonzales was detained in Abu Dhabi on Easter Sunday. His family says he had prescription pain medication, but did not have the prescription with him as required by law.

Gonzales was in Abu Dhabi working for a Coral Springs technology company and he was scheduled to board a cruise ship to install cable and wire services.

Gonzales sister, Nicole Denil traveled from Miami to Abu Dhabi several times and presented the valid prescription to a judge, but Gonzales was still sentenced to two years in prison. He is living in a jail cell occupied by 17 people with seven cots for sleeping and, according to a family member, is fed a bowl of rice and gruel once a day.

His family is trying to get him released sooner and have already spent almost $100,000.

"The point is to raise funds for the exorbitant and ongoing legal fees and transportation costs involved in litigating Mattys timely release," says Hamilton. "The focus is to get him home yesterday."

Donations can be made via PayPal using this email address: freematty@outlook.com.

The Gonzales family is encouraging people to contact local representative and use #freematty in Tweets to your elected officials.
400 kilometres above the ground, in the ISS space station, you can't just stick your head out the window and breathe fresh air, if harmful gases should leak into the indoor environment of NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and her colleagues. Now, Norwegian and German technologists are developing new and fast working technology for monitoring the indoor air in the space station. Credit: NASA

How do we prevent astronauts in space from inhaling hazardous gases? A German-Norwegian hi-tech optical gas sensor provides a solution.

"Astronauts must receive early warnings if harmful or unpleasant gases get mixed in with their breathing air," says senior scientist Atle Honne at SINTEF. "Because in space, you can't just open a window to ventilate the room," he says.

As a child, he read everything he could lay his hands on about the stars. Fifty years later, some of his life's work is being applied in the great expanse of outer space  400 kilometres above the surface of the Earth! Honne is one of the architects behind the gas measurement system called ANITA, which was tested on the International Space Station (ISS) as a monitoring device of breathable air during 2007 and 2008.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has now commissioned a new, more compact and advanced version of the system that will be demonstrated and utilized initially on the ISS. In addition, the plan is to use the technology on future manned expeditions further out in space.

Early warning

Scott Hovland heads ESA's ISS Facility and Technology Unit and needs no encouragement to praise the qualities of the German-Norwegian sensor. Not least its operational speed.

"Early warnings of pollutants are essential, because they give astronauts the chance to take remedial actions in response to gas leaks or air purification system failures," he says. "Moreover, the ANITA technology is able to detect gases that we had never previously expected to find in the breathing atmosphere in space. Its ability to do this is extremely important to us," says Hovland.

Mammoths and mice

The ANITA technology uses optical measurements to identify gases. It can detect and distinguish between different gases by measuring how they absorb infrared radiation. On the ISS, the upcoming version of the sensor will complement today's monitoring systems, which are based on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

The challenge for all those seeking to monitor interior air quality is to identify and measure individual gases within complex mixtures. According to Honne, the optical technique provides faster and far more precise answers than current technologies in the analysis of gas mixtures.

"This doesn't mean that it's an easy task to measure many gases at the same time," says Honne. "We're looking for both mammoths and mice, and often the mouse will be hiding behind the mammoth," he says.

In space in three years

A decade ago, the first version of ANITA passed its first field test with flying colours on the ISS, where it was installed by the American space agency NASA. According to Honne, the system proved that it could measure many gases at the same time  fast and very accurately.

"During ANITA's year in space, our technology has shown that it can detect gases that other instruments fail to detect," says Honne.

In the same way as the previous model, the new version of the sensor will be developed by its Norwegian and German developers. The plan is to get it ready for operation on the ISS in 2020.

Fly me to the Moon

In addition, ESA intends to use ANITA on possible future space laboratories located in orbit around the Moon  closer to 400,000 kilometres from Earth.

Scott Hovland at ESA emphasises that effective monitoring of breathable air is essential for future deep space missions because, as he says, if serious problems should occur on their spacecraft, they can't make a quick return to Earth, which is always a possibility for the ISS crew.

"But adequate monitoring is just as important on the ISS," says Hovland. "I'm thinking about the importance of preventing false alarms. If a false alarm leads to an evacuation, large sums of money will have gone to waste for nothing and the astronauts will have to undertake a risky departure from the station for no reason," he explains.

ESA is investing in ANITA in order to avoid unwanted situations such as these, among other reasons.

Potential here on Earth

Atle Honne at SINTEF points out that there are also many potential applications for the high-flying ANITA technology here on Earth. The system can be used to check air quality in everything from submarines and aeroplanes to diving systems and laboratories. He also sees ANITA as ideally suited to the monitoring of industrial processes and environmental gas emissions, including waste gases produced by the agricultural sector.

"The space sector is interesting to us at SINTEF because it is a demanding market," says Honne. "If our measurement method passes the test in space, it will be well qualified for applications here on Earth," he says.

Provided by SINTEF
In an exclusive interview to India Today, former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Pannerselvam talks about Rajinikanth and the AIADMK factions.

Ever since Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) has been functioning as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and keeping his cards close to the chest on party issues, former chief minister and his rival O Paneerselvam has maintained a stoic silence.

In a rare and exclusive interview to India Today, O Panneerselvam, who is heading the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction, talked about Tamil Nadu politics and even Rajinikanth.

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With speculations around Rajinikanth's possible entry into politics gaining ground, Panneerselvam said that the decision to join politics is an individual's choice.

He, however, added that if the need arises, he will consider an alliance with Rajinikanth.

OPS HITS OUT AT EPS

Panneerselvam (OPS) said that EPS continues to function under the guidance of jailed AIADMK (Amma) leader Sasikala Natarajan.

AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran is not forming a rival faction as everyone is working hand in glove, said O Panneerselvam (OPS).

"We have demanded that the party be run by the cadre and people of the state. We formed the merger committee hoping that they (EPS) would also prefer this. But they were not up for it," OPS said.

MODI A DYNAMIC PM

Panneerselvam is all praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "He has ensured a clean and corruption-free government. He is a dynamic Prime Minister," said OPS, whose camp today pledged support to NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

On Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) allegations that the BJP is controlling the OPS camp, Panneerselvam said, "I am a seasoned politician and I take my decisions. Why should I be dictated by someone".

NO LINKS WITH SEKHAR REDDY

Panneerselvam said that he has no information on Jayalalithaa's will but maintained that "Amma never wanted Sasikala family in the party. She never accepted any of them back in the party. Only Sasikala returned, but at a personal (and not political) level".

Panneerselvam, however, denied charges of corruption and horse trading and alleged links with mining baron Sekhar Reddy.

"In Koovathur, only Sasikala camp gave money. If I had given money, I would have formed the government... Also, I have no links with Sekhar Reddy. When I was a minister, he took a picture with me," said OPS.

For now, OPS wants to focus on strengthening the party cadre and preparing for a possible mid-term Assembly election in the state.

ALSO READ:

Sasikala still controls AIADMK, will decide on support to BJP candidate in presidential election, says nephew

Presidential election: After EPS, now Team OPS supports BJP nominee Kovind

RK Nagar bypoll: Curious case of FIR by EC and Stalin's walkout over EPS' reply

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ALSO WATCH: Tamil Nadu government is controlled by Sasikala's family: O Panneerselvam

--- ENDS ---
The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (in red) produces a sticky sugar molecule (in green) to make a biofilm that is important for its virulence. It covers the fungus and allows it to stick to surfaces and tissues, making it difficult to remove and treat patients. Researchers developed a new innovative technique aimed at destroying biofilms. Credit: Brendan Snarr, McGill University Health Centre

Have you ever heard of biofilms? They are slimy, glue-like membranes that are produced by microbes, like bacteria and fungi, in order to colonize surfaces. They can grow on animal and plant tissues, and even inside the human body on medical devices such as catheters, heart valves, or artificial hips. Biofilms protect microbes from the body's immune system and increase their resistance to antibiotics. They represent one of the biggest threats to patients in hospital settings. But there is good news - a research team led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has developed a novel enzyme technology that prevents the formation of biofilms and can also break them down.

This finding, recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), creates a promising avenue for the development of innovative strategies to treat a wide variety of diseases and hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia, bloodstream and urinary tract infection. Biofilm-associated infections are responsible for thousands of deaths across North America every year. They are hard to eradicate because they secrete a matrix made of sugar molecules which form a kind of armour that acts as a physical and chemical barrier, preventing antibiotics from reaching their target sites within microbes.

"We were able to use the microbe's own tools against them to attack and destroy the sugar molecules that hold the biofilm together," says the study's co-principal investigator, Dr. Don Sheppard, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the MUHC and scientist from the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at the RI-MUHC. "Rather than trying to develop new individual 'bullets' that target single microbes we are attacking the biofilm that protects those microbes by literally tearing down the walls to expose the microbes living behind them. It's a completely new and novel strategy to tackle this issue."

This work is the result of a four-year successful collaboration between Dr. Sheppard's team and scientists in the laboratory of Dr. P. Lynne Howell, senior scientist in the Molecular Medicine program at SickKids. They have been working to combat biofilms for several years, focusing on two of the most common organisms responsible for lung infections: a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus. Infections with these organisms in patients with chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis represent an enormous challenge in medical therapy.

Biofilms grow on the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (in red) as seen in this 20 hour time-lapse video. It covers the fungus and allows it to stick to surfaces and tissues, making it difficult to remove and treat patients. Scientists from the Research Institute of the MUHC and SickKids have developed a new innovative technique aimed at destroying biofilms. Credit: Brendan Snarr, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

While studying machinery that these organisms use to make their biofilms, the scientists discovered enzymes that cut up the sugar molecules, which glue biofilms together. "Microbes use these enzymes to move sugar molecules around and cut them into pieces in order to build and remodel the biofilm matrix," says Dr. Sheppard, who is also a professor in the departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. The researchers found a way to use these enzymes to degrade the sugar armour, exposing the microbe to antibiotics and host defenses.

"We made these enzymes into a biofilm destroying machine that we can use outside the microbe where the sugar molecules are found," explains co-first study author Brendan Snarr, a PhD student in Dr. Sheppard's laboratory. "These enzymes chew away all of the sugar molecules in their path and don't stop until the matrix is destroyed."

"Previous attempts to deal with biofilms have had only limited success, mostly in preventing biofilm formation. These enzymes are the first strategy that has ever been effective in eradicating mature biofilms, and that work in mouse models of infection," adds Dr. Sheppard.

"When we took the enzymes from bacteria and applied them to the fungi, we found that they worked in the same way on the fungi biofilm; which was surprising," says the study's co-principal investigator, Dr. P. Lynne Howell, who is also a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. "What's key is that this approach could be a universal way of being able to leverage the microbes' own systems for degrading biofilms. This has bigger implications across many microbes, diseases and infections."

"Over 70 percent of hospital-acquired infections are actually associated with biofilms and we simply lack tools to treat them!" states Dr. Sheppard. According to both lead scientists, the potential of this novel therapy is enormous and they hope to commercialize it in the coming years.
Saturn's icy moon Enceladus is best known for its numerous geysers ejecting plumes of water and ice. These eruptive fountains perplex researchers searching for signs of microbial life beyond Earth. A dedicated spacecraft designed to study the plume-like features spewing from Enceladus could definitely tell us whether or not they contain alien microorganisms.

"We need a spacecraft to travel to Enceladus, fly through a geyser plume, and analyze the water that is immediately accessible," Geoffrey Marcy, a retired professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, told Astrowatch.net.

Marcy is a renowned exoplanet researcher who discovered many extrasolar worlds. He was one of the co-investigators of NASA's Kepler planet-hunting mission that detected more than 4,000 exoworlds. He was also involved in studies focusing on detecting signals from extraterrestrial civilizations and was the principal investigator of the Breakthrough Listen project. The program, funded by billionaire Yuri Milner, is looking for signs of extraterrestrial civilizations by searching stars and galaxies for radio signals and laser transmissions.

Marcy emphasizes that when it comes to searching for signs of microbial life in our solar system, assistance from billionaires investing in space projects could be helpful.

"The NASA missions, as currently planned, will require at least 20 years before a detection of microbial life will happen, at the earliest. However, a brilliant team of billionaires could work with NASA to fund a spacecraft to Saturn's moon, Enceladus. It could capture the water spurting out the geysers and use conventional microscopes to detect any microbial life there," Marcy said.

While a future mission to Enceladus would address complex questions about the origin of life, the spacecraft itself will be relatively easy to build and operate. According to Marcy, it would only require a dedicated probe equipped with a set of well-suited science instruments, capable of flying through the plumes and able to perform required measurements.

"The remarkable aspect of the search for microbes in the water spurting from geysers is that the spacecraft only needs to fly through the plume, well above the surface of Enceladus. No lander is neededjust a succession of flybys through the plumes as it orbits Enceladus," Marcy said.

He noted that such spacecraft should be fitted with a mass spectrometer to detect organic compounds that could be signs of microbial life. The spectrometer will look for amino acids and the structure of any organic molecules, especially fatty acids such as those composing cell membranes. It could also measure the relative amounts of isotopes of carbon (12 and 14) to detect non-natural anomalies due to biological processes.

Moreover, the mission to Enceladus would measure the properties of the water such as pH, oxidation and temperature, therefore assessing its suitability for organic life.

Marcy added that besides a spectrometer, the proposed spacecraft should also have an optical imaging system capable of capturing microscopic images in order to better examine microorganisms on this icy world.

"The mission should also include a microscope and camera to image directly any organisms in the water that are as small as a few microns in size," Marcy said.

Discovered in 1789 by William Herschel, Enceladus is the sixth-largest moon of Saturn with a diameter of about 310 miles (500 kilometers). First detailed pictures of this moon were acquired in the early 1980s by NASA's two Voyager probes. Since 2005, Enceladus is continuously studied by NASA/ESA Cassini spacecraft, which detected the water plumes erupting from the moon's south polar region.
In October 2015, tax giant KPMG published a report projecting a 60 percent reduction in the $135 billion auto insurance market by 2040 owing to the advent of driverless cars and the ensuing risk landscape. Despite projections, insurers will likely play a key role in supporting the safe deployment, adoption and sustainability of driverless cars. The relatively unknown nature, likelihood and extent of driverless accidents presents risk management challenges to both the automotive and insurance industries. Future motor policies may require non-traditional risk management, underwriting and actuarial approaches to account for driverless capabilities and shifting liabilities.

The new study "Risk Assessment of Semi-Autonomous Vehicles Using Driver Behaviour Risk Analysis: A Paradigm Shift in Motor Insurance," which will be presented by author Cian Ryan at the Society for Risk Analysis conference, June 19-21 in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, proposes how risks might be governed and policies constructed using the enormous reams of data that driverless vehicles will supply the automotive insurance market.

At present, the inherent uncertainties relating to driverless cars reside outside conventional insurance risk management due to their innate complexity and scarce historical data. A proactive risk governance approach is presented to support risk transfer and management in the face of uncertainty. Ryan is a researcher at the University of Limerick and a contributing partner to the Vision Inspired Driver Assistance Systems (VI-DAS) initiative, a grant-funded project under the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.

Ryan examines the "likely risk trajectories across six levels of vehicle automation" by examining automated driving anomalies, from swerving and braking to system disengagements. Due to the complexity of autonomous systems, safety-critical risks will likely materialize in the actuation process (i.e. steering, braking, and acceleration). Thus, any anomalous driving may be symptomatic of hardware or software faults, for example.

His paper proposes a model that takes advantage of the enormous data sets that will be generated covering hundreds of millions of driverless vehicle miles. As insurance risks shift from individual owners to original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, as well as software engineering firms, Ryan offers a model that can address the "potentially large loss exposures for these industries"

Manufacturers, software companies, insurers, law firms, and governmental agencies have a clear stake in what is likely to be a sea of change in risk policy across private and public sectors.

Provided by Society for Risk Analysis
Credit: SpaceWork Enterprises, Inc

We've spent a few articles on Universe Today talking about just how difficult it's going to be to travel to other stars. Sending tiny unmanned probes across the vast gulfs between stars is still mostly science fiction. But to send humans on that journey? That's just a level of technology beyond comprehension.

For example, the nearest star is Proxima Centauri, located a mere 4.25 light years away. Just for comparison, the Voyager spacecraft, the most distant human objects ever built by humans, would need about 50,000 years to make that journey.

I don't know about you, but I don't anticipate living 50,000 years. No, we're going to want to make the journey more quickly. But the problem, of course, is that going more quickly requires more energy, new forms of propulsion we've only starting to dream up. And if you go too quickly, mere grains of dust floating through space become incredibly dangerous.

Based on our current technology, it's more likely that we're going to have to take our time getting to another star.

And if you're going to go the slower route, you've got a couple of options. Create a generational ship, so that successive generations of humans are born, live out their lives, and then die during the hundreds or even thousands of year long journey to another star.

Imagine you're one of the people destined to live and die, never reaching your destination. Especially when you look out your window and watch a warp ship zip past with all those happy tourists headed to Proxima Centauri, who were start enough to wait for warp drives to be invented.

No, you want to sleep for the journey to the nearest star, so that when you get there, it's like no time passed. And even if warp drive did get invented while you were asleep, you didn't have to see their smug tourist faces as they zipped past.

Is human hibernation possible? Can we do it long enough to survive a long-duration spaceflight journey and wake up again on the other side?

Before I get into this, we're just going to have to assume that we never merge with our robot overlords, upload ourselves into the singularity, and effortlessly travel through space with our cybernetic bodies.

For some reason, that whole singularity thing never worked out, or the robots went on strike and refused to do our space exploration for us any more. And so, the job of space travel fell to us, the fragile, 80-year lifespanned mammals. Exploring the worlds within the solar system and out to other stars, spreading humanity into the cosmos.

Come on, we know it'll totally be the robots. But that's not what the science fiction tells us, so let's dig into it.

Credit: Universe Today

We see animals, and especially mammals hibernating all the time in nature. In order to be able survive over a harsh winter, animals are capable of slowing their heart rate down to just a few beats a minute. They don't need to eat or drink, surviving on their fat stores for months at a time until food returns.

It's not just bears and rodents that can do it, by the way, there are actually a couple of primates, including the fat-tailed dwarf lemur from Madagascar. That's not too far away on the old family tree, so there might be hope for human hibernation after all.

In fact, medicine is already playing around with human hibernation to improve people's chances to survive heart attacks and strokes. The current state of this technology is really promising.

They use a technique called therapeutic hypothermia, which lowers the temperature of a person by a few degrees. They can use ice packs or coolers, and doctors have even tried pumping a cooled saline solution through the circulatory system. With the lowered temperature, a human's metabolism decreases and they fall unconscious into a torpor.

But the trick is to not make them so unconscious that they die. It's a fine line.

The results have been pretty amazing. People have been kept in this torpor state for up to 14 days, going through multiple cycles.

The therapeutic use of this torpor is still under research, and doctors are learning if it's helpful for people with heart attacks, strokes or even the progression of diseases like cancer. They're also trying to figure out if there are any downsides, but so far, there don't seem to be any long-term problems with putting someone in this torpor state.

A few years ago, SpaceWorks Enterprises delivered a report to NASA on how they could use this therapeutic hypothermia for long duration spaceflight within the solar system.

Currently, a trip to Mars takes about 6-9 months. And during that time, the human passengers are going to be using up precious air, water and food. But in this torpor state, SpaceWorks estimates that the crew will a reduction in their metabolic rate of 50 to 70 percent. Less metabolism, less resources needed. Less cargo that needs to be sent to Mars.

The astronauts wouldn't need to move around, so you could keep them nice and snug in little pods for the journey. And they wouldn't get into fights with each other, after six to nine months of nothing but day after day of spaceflight.

We know that weightlessness has a negative effect on the body, like loss of bone mass and atrophy of muscles. Normally astronauts exercise for hours every day to counteract the negative effects of the reduced gravity. But SpaceWorks thinks it would be more effective to just put the astronauts into a rotating module and let artificial gravity do the work of maintaining their conditioning.

Credit: SpaceWork Enterprises, Inc

They envision a module that's 4 metres high and 8 metres wide. If you spin the habitat at 20 revolutions per minute, you give the crew the equivalent of Earth gravity. Go at only 11.8 RPM and it'll feel like Mars gravity. Down to 7.8, and it's lunar gravity.

Normally, spinning that fast in a habitat that small would be extremely uncomfortable as the crew would experience different forces at different parts of their body. But remember, they'll be in a state of torpor, so they really won't care.

Current plans for sending colonists to Mars would require 40 ton habitats to support 6 people on the trip. But according to SpaceWorks, you could reduce the weight down to 15 tons if you just let them sleep their way through the journey. And the savings get even better with more astronauts.

The crew probably wouldn't all sleep for the entire journey. Instead, they'd sleep in shifts for a few weeks. Taking turns to wake up, check on the status of the spacecraft and crew before returning to their cryosleep caskets.

What's the status of this now? NASA funded stage 1 of the SpaceWorks proposal, and in July, 2016 NASA moved forward with Phase 2 of the project, which will further investigate this technique for Mars missions, and how it could be used even farther out in the solar system.

Elon Musk should be interested in seeing their designs for a 100-person module for sending colonists to Mars.

In addition, the European Space Agency has also been investigating human hibernation, and a possible way to enable long-duration spaceflight. They have plans to test out the technology on various non-hibernating mammals, like pigs. If their results are positive, we might see the Europeans pushing this technology forward.

Can we go further, putting people to sleep for decades and maybe even the centuries it would take to travel between the stars?

Right now, the answer is no. We don't have any technology at our disposal that could do this. We know that microbial life can be frozen for hundreds of years. Right now there are parts of Siberia unfreezing after centuries of permafrost, awakening ancient microbes, viruses, plants and even animals. But nothing on the scale of human beings.

When humans freeze, ice crystals form in our cells, rupturing them permanently. There is one line of research that offers some hope: cryogenics. This process replaces the fluids of the human body with an antifreeze agent which doesn't form the same destructive crystals.

Scientists have successfully frozen and then unfrozen 50-milliliters (almost a quarter cup) of tissue without any damage.

In the next few years, we'll probably see this technology expanded to preserving organs for transplant, and eventually entire bodies, and maybe even humans. Then this science fiction idea might actually turn into reality. We'll finally be able to sleep our way between the stars.
On June 22 at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 UTC) GPM very little rainfall near Cindy's center of circulation but bands of moderate to heavy showers were seen moving into the states along the Gulf Coast. Storms over central Alabama were dropping rain at a rate of over 3.6 inches (91 mm) per hour. Credit: NASA/JAXA, Hal Pierce

NASA's Aqua satellite analyzed Tropical Storm Cindy in infrared light to identify areas of strongest storms and the Global Precipitation Measurement mission or GPM satellite found locations of heaviest rainfall as Cindy was making landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast states.

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite looked at Tropical Depression Cindy in infrared light. The AIRS image was taken on June 21 at 19:53 UTC (3:53 p.m. EST) and showed some cloud top temperatures of thunderstorms near the center of circulation as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius). NASA research has shown the storms with cloud tops that cold have the potential to generate heavy rainfall.

The infrared data was false-colored at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where AIRS data is managed.

Cindy made landfall around 3 a.m. CDT in southwestern Louisiana. At that time, the National Hurricane Center or NHC said that Cindy was centered about 30 miles (45 km) west-southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Measuring Rainfall Rates from Space

The GPM core observatory satellite passed above as Tropical Storm Cindy was approaching the western Louisiana coast on June 22, 2017 at 2:21 a.m. EDT (0621 UTC). Cindy had maximum sustained winds of about 40 knots (46 mph) at that time. Rainfall derived from Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) measurements showed that there was very little rainfall near Cindy's center of circulation but bands of moderate to heavy showers were seen moving into the states along the Gulf Coast. GPM's Radar (DPR Ku Band) found that storms over central Alabama were dropping rain at a rate of over 3.6 inches (91 mm) per hour.

At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, GPM radar (DPR Ku Band) data were used to show the 3-D structure of rainfall within Cindy's storm tops. GPM's radar revealed that a few storms within rain bands near New Orleans were reaching heights of over 7.2 miles (11.6 km). GPM's radar found that the heaviest downpours over Alabama were returning radar reflectivity values of over 51dBZ to the GPM satellite.

This infrared image of Tropical Depression Cindy from NASA's Aqua satellite was taken on June 21 at 19:53 UTC (3:53 p.m. EST) and showed some very cold (purple) cloud top temperatures of thunderstorms in the depression. Credit: NASA JPL/Ed Olsen

Cindy's Whereabouts on June 22

On June 22, NHC issued a Tropical Storm Warning from High Island, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana.

At 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Cindy was located near latitude 30.5 North, longitude 93.7 West. Cindy is moving toward the north near 12 mph (19 km/h), and a turn toward the north-northeast is expected later today, followed by a turn toward the northeast on Friday, June 23. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 kph) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 994 millibars.

Rainfall is the Biggest Danger

The National Hurricane Center noted that rainfall is the biggest threat from Cindy as it continues to move inland. NHC said, "Cindy is expected to produce rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated maximum amounts up to 12 inches over eastern Texas, western and central Louisiana, and southern and eastern Arkansas through Friday morning. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches over southern Mississippi, southern and central Alabama, and extreme western Florida Panhandle are expected through Friday morning. This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash flooding in these areas.

Rainfall is expected to begin and expand across parts of the Tennessee and Ohio valleys. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected through Friday morning."

In addition to heavy rainfall, tropical storm force winds, storm surge and a few tornadoes are possible. The tornado threat extends through tonight, June 22, from the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valley regions to the central Gulf Coast.

On the forecast track, Cindy will move into southeastern Arkansas early Friday, and into Tennessee later on Friday. NHC said Cindy is expected to continue weakening and should become a remnant low tonight.
Scientists have solved a decades-old puzzle about a widely used metal, thanks to extreme pressure experiments and powerful supercomputing.

Their discovery reveals important fundamental aspects of the element lithium, the lightest and simplest metal in the periodic table. The material is commonly used in batteries for phones and computers.

A mystery of how the metal's atoms are arrangedwhich influences properties such as its strength, malleability and conductivityhas been solved by their research.

An international team sought to better understand lithium's structure by studying it at cold temperatures. In this low-energy state, the fundamental properties of materials can be accurately observed.

Until now, it was difficult for scientists to explain previous experimental results indicating that lithium had a complex structure. To understand the theory properly required exceptionally accurate calculations using advanced quantum mechanics.

Their latest calculations, using the ARCHER supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, found that lithium's structure is not complex or disordered, as previous results had suggested. Instead, its atoms are arranged simply, like oranges in a box.

Scientists suggest that in previous experiments, rapid cooling led to misleading results. To avoid those problems, they reached low-temperature conditions by placing samples of lithium under extreme pressure - up to 4,500 times that of Earth's atmosphereby squeezing it between a pair of diamonds. They then cooled and depressurised the sample before examining it using a synchotron device, which uses X-ray beams to see atoms.

The study, from the Universities of Edinburgh and Utah, was published in Science.

Dr Miguel Martinez-Canales, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Physics and Astronomy, said "Our calculations needed an accuracy of one in 10 million, and would have taken over 40 years on a normal computer."

Professor Graeme Ackland, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Physics and Astronomy, said: "We were able to form a true picture of cold lithium by making it using high pressures. Rather than forming a complex structure, it has the simplest arrangement that there can be in nature."
An example of the use of Earth Observation for monitoring ecosystem services. A false colour composite of predicted abundance of Graminoids (Red) Shrubs (Green) and Bryophytes (Blue) representing vegetation composition on a peatland from Partial Least Squares Regression models on a hyperspectral image. Credit: University of Leicester

A team of scientists led by the Universities of Leicester and East Anglia are leading research to protect wildlife by using satellite data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting.

In a new article in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, a working group chaired by Professor Heiko Balzter, from the National Centre for Earth Observation at the University of Leicester, has looked at ways in which an array of technologies could be used to identify how many species are alive in an area and the risks they may be exposed to.

Using a combination of satellite and ground data, the team can map multiple indicators of monkey distribution, including human activity zones as inferred from roads and settlements, direct detections from mosquito-derived iDNA, animal sound recordings, plus detections of other species that are usually found when monkeys are present, such as other large vertebrates.

This data could be used to identify areas in which monkey populations are particularly vulnerable.

Professor Balzter explained: "There are ten times as many satellites in operation now as there were in the 1970s. Most people now use maps from Earth Observation on their mobile, such as Google Earth. The European Copernicus satellites now provide free global data every 5 days at 10m resolution. And think of small cube satellites that fit into a tote bag and weigh only 2kg. Satellite technology has undergone a massive change and has never been so accessible.

"However, satellites cannot observe small animals directly. Most biodiversity is invisible to a satellite.

"Scientists have developed indicators for biodiversity, such as land cover type, and modern ecological models that can digest satellite data and information on species occurrence are now offering near-real time monitoring of the land management impacts on biodiversity. We propose using a mix of new technology rather than a single remedy."

Among the technologies which can be used to map monkey distribution are automated recording devices that can automatically record animal sounds in a landscape.

Modern genetic fingerprinting on a massive scale, called 'high-throughput DNA sequencing', can also tell which species live in a landscape based on the environmental DNA that they leave behind in the form of saliva, urine, faeces or blood.

Mass-collected bulk samples of organisms can be collected in the field with relative ease.

For example, mosquitoes can be caught in a trap and blended into a 'biodiversity soup' to analyse the DNA in the blood of the animals they have been feeding on.

Professor Douglas W. Yu from the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, who co-led the research, said: "DNA-based methods are a powerful way to relieve the taxonomic bottleneck in biodiversity assessment, but they are only partially able to relieve the sampling bottleneck. In the end, the only way to cover whole landscapes is to combine satellites, sequencers, and statistics."

Together, the data on the animal sounds and photos, the DNA they leave behind, and satellite observations provide a wealth of biodiversity information.

Professor Balzter added: "It may sound like a strange idea - satellites that can see the genetic make-up of the blood sucked by mosquitoes. Of course they cannot directly see that. But big data from genetic fingerprinting of animal DNA in a landscape combined with fine-resolution satellite data and sophisticated ecological models can. We need to work across subjects to make this happen. These are very exciting times. If our research can help to save a species that gives me a very strong sense of purpose to my job as a university professor."

Many animal species are threatened with extinction. As a result of this, the UK has signed up to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to try and stop this loss of species.

In 2010, the Convention met in Aichi, Japan, and agreed a set of targets, called the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. These targets aim to address the underlying causes of biodiversity, reduce the pressures on biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and species, enhance the benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services, and enable participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.

The paper is led by Alex Bush of the Kunming Institute of Zoology and Canadian Rivers Institute.

Alex said: "For years ecologists have struggled to test or extend models of ecosystem-level change because the data were too expensive to collect at the required scales. Instead decisions have typically relied on surrogates with unknown consequences. With the parallel developments in remote sensing, genomics and more automated field recording, we now have the tools needed to collect data at large scales. Methods to model these 'big data' sources are already available and could improve how we conserve and manage ecosystems, and the essential services they provide, in a period of intense global change."
A graphic describing results from Martinez-Sykora et al. Credit: Carla Schaffer / AAAS

At any given moment, as many as 10 million wild jets of solar material burst from the sun's surface. They erupt as fast as 60 miles per second, and can reach lengths of 6,000 miles before collapsing. These are spicules, and despite their grass-like abundance, scientists didn't understand how they form. Now, for the first time, a computer simulationso detailed it took a full year to runshows how spicules form, helping scientists understand how spicules can break free of the sun's surface and surge upward so quickly.

This work relied upon high-cadence observations from NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, and the Swedish 1-meter Solar Telescope in La Palma, in the Canary Islands. Together, the spacecraft and telescope peer into the lower layers of the sun's atmosphere, known as the interface region, where spicules form. The results of this NASA-funded study were published in Science on June 22, 2017a special time of the year for the IRIS mission, which celebrates its fourth anniversary in space on June 26.

"Numerical models and observations go hand in hand in our research," said Bart De Pontieu, an author of the study and IRIS science lead at Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, in Palo Alto, California. "We compare observations and models to figure out how well our models are performing, and to improve the models when we see major discrepancies."

Observing spicules has been a thorny problem for scientists who want to understand how solar material and energy move through and away from the sun. Spicules are transient, forming and collapsing over the course of just five to 10 minutes. These tenuous structures are also difficult to study from Earth, where the atmosphere often blurs our telescopes' vision.

At the limb of the Sun, many jets shoot from the surface, as shown in the top image taken with the NASA IRIS spectrograph. In the middle panel, a numerical model is shown able to simulate these jets. In the bottom image taken with the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain), the jets are observed in the disc center of the Sun look like shortlived thin filament structures with seen at the blue shifted position in the spectrum since they are coming towards us. Credit: NASA IRIS spectrograph, Bifrost code developed at the University of Oslo, and Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain)

A team of scientists has been working on this particular model for nearly a decade, trying again and again to create a version that would create spicules. Earlier versions of the model treated the interface region, the lower solar atmosphere, as a hot gas of electrically charged particlesor more technically, a fully ionized plasma. But the scientists knew something was missing because they never saw spicules in the simulations.

The key, the scientists realized, was neutral particles. They were inspired by Earth's own ionosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere where interactions between neutral and charged particles are responsible for many dynamic processes.

The research team knew that in cooler regions of the sun, such as the interface region, not all gas particles are electrically charged. Some particles are neutral, and neutral particles aren't subject to magnetic fields like charged particles are. Scientists had based previous models on a fully ionized plasma in order to simplify the problem. Indeed, including the necessary neutral particles was very computationally expensive, and the final model took roughly a year to run on the Pleiades supercomputer located at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, and which supports hundreds of science and engineering projects for NASA missions.

At the limb of the Sun, many jets shoot from the surface, as shown with the NASA IRIS spectrograph. Credit: NASA IRIS spectrograph

The model began with a basic understanding of how plasma moves in the sun's atmosphere. Constant convection, or boiling, of material throughout the sun generates islands of tangled magnetic fields. When boiling carries them up to the surface and farther into the sun's lower atmosphere, magnetic field lines rapidly snap back into place to resolve the tension, expelling plasma and energy. Out of this violence, a spicule is born. But explaining how these complex magnetic knots rise and snap was the tricky part.

"Usually magnetic fields are tightly coupled to charged particles," said Juan Martinez-Sykora, lead author of the study and a solar physicist at Lockheed Martin and the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in Sonoma, California. "With only charged particles in the model, the magnetic fields were stuck, and couldn't rise beyond the sun's surface. When we added neutrals, the magnetic fields could move more freely."

Neutral particles provide the buoyancy the gnarled knots of magnetic energy need to rise through the sun's boiling plasma and reach the chromosphere. There, they snap into spicules, releasing both plasma and energy. Friction between ions and neutral particles heats the plasma even more, both in and around the spicules.

At the limb of the Sun, many jets shoot from the surface, as shown in the top image taken with the NASA IRIS spectrograph. In the middle panel, a numerical model is shown able to simulate these jets. In the bottom image taken with the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain), the jets are observed in the disc center of the Sun look like shortlived thin filament structures with seen at the blue shifted position in the spectrum since they are coming towards us. Credit: NASA IRIS spectrograph, Bifrost code developed at the University of Oslo, and Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain)

With the new model, the simulations at last matched observations from IRIS and the Swedish Solar Telescope; spicules occurred naturally and frequently. The 10 years of work that went into developing this numerical model earned scientists Mats Carlsson and Viggo H. Hansteen, both authors of the study from the University of Oslo in Norway, the 2017 Arctowski Medal from the National Academy of Sciences. Martinez-Sykora led the expansion of the model to include the effects of neutral particles.

The scientists' updated model revealed something else about how energy moves in the solar atmosphere. It turns out this whip-like process also naturally generates Alfven waves, a strong kind of magnetic wave scientists suspect is key to heating the sun's atmosphere and propelling the solar wind, which constantly bathes our solar system and planet with charged particles from the sun.

"This model answers a lot of questions we've had for so many years," De Pontieu said. "We gradually increased the physical complexity of numerical models based on high-resolution observations, and it is really a success story for the approach we've taken with IRIS."

The jets observed in the disc center of the Sun like short-lived thin filament structures seen at the blue shifted position in the spectrum since they are coming toward us as seen with the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain). Credit: Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope at the Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain)

The simulations indicate spicules could play a big role in energizing the sun's atmosphere, by constantly forcing plasma out and generating so many Alfven waves across the sun's entire surface.

"This is a major advance in our understanding of what processes can energize the solar atmosphere, and lays the foundation for investigations with even more detail to determine how big of a role spicules play," said Adrian Daw, IRIS mission scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "A very nice result on the eve of our launch anniversary."

More information: J. Martinez-Sykora at Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in Petaluma, CA el al., "On the generation of solar spicules and Alfven waves," Science (2017). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aah5412 Journal information: Science
Europe's wild snakes could face a growing threat from a fungal skin disease that has contributed to wild snake deaths in North America, according to an international collaborative study, led by conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London) alongside partners including the U.S. Geological Survey. The new study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, snake fungal disease (SFD) can lead to symptoms including skin lesions, scabs and crusty scales, which can contribute to the death of the infected animal in some cases. SFD was first recognised in wild snakes in eastern North America around a decade ago. Prior to this study, the only wild populations found to be affected had been those in the central and eastern United States.

Now, an analysis of samples collected from wild snakes in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic between 2010-2016 has confirmed the presence of the pathogen and SFD in Europe for the first time. While the disease poses no known risk to humans or livestock, scientists are calling for further research to fully understand the significance of SFD to Europe's snake populations.

Lead author and wildlife veterinarian Dr. Lydia Franklinos said: "Our team at ZSL found evidence of SFD in grass snakes (Natrix natrix) from the UK and a single dice snake (Natrix tessellata) from the Czech Republic. The analysis found that the fungus strains from Europe are different to those previously identified in North America - suggesting that rather than being introduced across the Atlantic, or vice versa, the disease could have been present below the radar in European snakes for some time.

"Of all terrestrial vertebrate wildlife, we probably know least about health conditions that affect reptiles such as snakes, so this study represents an important milestone and one that will hopefully encourage greater focus in understanding the threats facing these animals."

Dr. Jeffrey Lorch, a microbiologist with the USGS National Wildlife Health Center and the study's co-author, said: "The fungus that causes SFD is already known to occur across the eastern half of the U.S. and infect over 20 species of snakes. Comparing how SFD affects wild snakes on different continents may help us pinpoint the factors causing the disease to emerge and help managers identify mitigation strategies."

The increasing emergence of deadly fungal pathogens - including white-nose syndrome in bats, chytridiomycosis (chytrid) in amphibians and SFD in snakes - is of grave concern to wildlife disease experts worldwide. To learn more about ZSL's work on wildlife health, including citizen science opportunities, please visit: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/threats/wildlife-disease.

More information: et al, Emerging fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in wild European snakes, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03352-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports
White Knight Two carrying the spaceplane SpaceShipTwo. Credit: jfoust, CC BY

The announcement of the draft Spaceflight Bill in the Queen's Speech will allow the development of spaceports in the UK. This could see members of the paying public launched into space as tourists, or taking sub-orbital flights from London to New York in just 45 minutes.

Such adventures will be made possible through futuristic spaceplanes, as are already in development by companies such as Virgin Galactic, that will enable us mere mortals to experience weightlessness. If this sounds only of interest to those who can afford the six-figure ticket price, it also has major implications for scientific discovery. Space travel-related research has probably already had a more substantial positive impact on your life than you realise, and this announcement could increase this still further.

Space agencies such as ESA and NASA currently provide access to simulated microgravity for scientific research using parabolic flights. These allow human physiology research to be carried out more easily than on the International Space Station, but the time spent in microgravity is very short. Spaceplanes may provide longer sessions, which could enable more comprehensive research to inform the design of experiments into the longer-term physiological changes from spaceflight.

Perhaps one day we will see research teams launching groups of participants to spend a few weeks or months aboard a space hotel in order to study medical interventions that would slow the ageing process on Earth, and to help the human species colonise the Moon or even Mars.

ESA astronaut Samantha Christoforetti and others on a parabolic flight. Credit: ESA

Research dating back to the early years of the space race has led to technologies that benefit us all. Many scientific discoveries have come since the arrival of inhabitable space stations that act as orbital laboratories. NASA's first space station Skylab helped understand the effects on the human body of spending months in space and paved the way for the International Space Station.

A huge number of research studies have been completed on the ISS since the year 2000 in the areas of human physiology, biology, biotechnology, physical science and earth and space science. These studies have led to discoveries such as enhanced protein crystal growth for drug development, efficient combustion of fuel droplets, and an understanding of the effects of long duration exposure to microgravity on the human body, revealing that spaceflight has effects similar to ageing on Earth.

Despite much human physiological research being carried out in space, it has one major limitation  there are simply not enough humans currently going to space to act as research participants, leading to difficulties in research design. In fact, only 550 or so humans have ever been into space since Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin first orbited the Earth in 1961.

The International Space Station. Credit: NASA

Human physiological experiments in space tend to have very small participant numbers (for example, the NASA twins study) or they have to take place over many years. Could the boom in commercial human spaceflight accelerate the speed of human physiological discoveries in space? We certainly think so.

Commercial spaceflight companies such as SpaceX and Orbital are already launching rockets taking supplies and research equipment to the International Space Station. SpaceX is developing its habitable Dragon capsule to take space tourists around the moon, with ambitions to use its sibling, Red Dragon, to land astronauts on Mars.

Others are developing sub-orbital spaceplanes, such as Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, which will enable passengers to experience microgravity for a number of minutes or travel 30 times faster between cities than passenger airlines. To safely send throngs of space tourists beyond the atmosphere, we need to understand the health implications of just getting these "non-professional" astronauts into space through new medical research, and developing spaceports will provide access to exciting new platforms to expand these frontiers of science.

An artists rendering of the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Credit: SpaceX

A range of unknown health risks await space tourists, who are expected to be a far more health-diverse group than current astronauts. We will need to determine the effects of high g-forces on people with medical conditions, as well as in adolescents who might want to go on the ultimate school holiday adventure past the Karman line  traditionally taken as the boundary of space. It will be vital that risks to passenger health are reduced through remote physiological monitoring, and new monitoring technologies will need to withstand the high g-forces involved in launching into space.

The British government's commitment to become one of the most attractive places in the world for commercial spaceflight will allow space research to boldly go where only limited research has gone before.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Director Kabir Khan aspires to have an impact on people with his latest film Tubelight too, like his previous films Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ek Tha Tiger.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Tubelight director Kabir Khan is known to deal with political conflicts and how that affects humanity in most of his films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ek Tha Tiger, New York and Kabul Express. The filmmaker says that though he is aware that a film cannot bring any change in a society, he believes the power of cinema can impact the human mind.

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His forthcoming film Tubelight, featuring superstar Salman Khan and his brother Sohail, is set in the backdrop of the India-China war of 1962.

Asked whether his films reflect his political views, Kabir told IANS, "Absolutely! Like the way a painter paints to express his view, I as a filmmaker make films to express my viewpoint, my perspective on things. My ideology comes out in my films and I believe that we should have our ideology, without that we would be animals."

He added, "I know that a film cannot change the society but it can start a dialogue. I believe that a film is a powerful medium to make you think about things at least for once. It is not powerful enough to change the society; but hey, the fact that a film can make people think and discuss something itself is powerful enough."

Tubelight revolves around two brothers and how their lives get affected by the India-China war.

Kabir believes that war should not be the prime but the last solution to resolve an issue.

"War cannot be a solution to any issue, it takes lives of thousands of civilians from both sides of the countries who are involved in a war. We should not take war so lightly where our soldiers and civilians are dying! It should be the last resort," he said.

Kabir, who has made most of his films on Indo-Pak relations, points out that "Terrorism not just affects us but another side of the border too. Do you know how many people lost their lives in Pakistan? Around 65,000 (people)...we talk about Taliban, do you know who are the people killed by them (the most)? Afghans!"

Tubelight features Chinese actress Zhu Zhu, who is playing a pivotal role that captures an interesting situation of that era.

Giving an insight into that, Kabir shared, "Till 1962, around 20,000 Chinese families used to live in the eastern part of the country, especially in Kolkata (then Calcutta) that came there say around 1860 for business and their livelihood.

"But during the India-China war, Indian army suspected them as China loyalists and around 10,000 of were picked up by the army and put into a camp near Rajasthan. That broke their hearts because they were born in India of Chinese origin and lived for generations. So, in our film, Zhu Zhu is playing one of those characters."

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Talking about Salman's character, Kabir said, "In the first place the character was inherently difficult to play because of the fact that he (the character) is never completely off or completely normal, it's in between. So whether a newcomer or a star, it was difficult to play. On the other hand, Salman had to make people believe as a strong muscle man but a soft endearing character...so it was challenging in both ways."

Tubelight is releasing on Friday.

ALSO READ | The story of Tubelight in 10 points

ALSO READ | Will Salman Khan's Tubelight establish China as one of the biggest markets for Bollywood films?

ALSO WATCH | Before Tubelight, taking a look at Salman Khan's life

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The new Star dust wasp Archaeoteleia astropulvis preserved in Burmese amber. Credit: Dr. Elijah J. Talamas

During her study on fossil insects of the order Hymenoptera at China's Capitol Normal University, student Longfeng Li visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, carrying two unidentified wasp specimens that were exceptionally well-preserved in Burmese amber. This type of fossilized tree resin is known for the quality of the fossil specimens which can be preserved inside it. Being 100 million years old, they provide an incredible view into the past.

The subsequent analysis of the specimens revealed that both represent species new to science. Furthermore, one of the wasps showed such amazing similarities to a modern group of wasps that it was placed in a currently existing genus, Archaeoteleia which has long been considered as an ancient lineage. The species are described in a study published in the open access Journal of Hymenoptera Research.

However, Archaeoteleia has changed since the times when the ancient wasp got stuck on fresh tree resin. The authors note that "a novice might not recognize the characters that unite the fossil with extant species". For instance, the modern wasp species of the genus show visibly longer antennal segments and a different number of teeth on the mandible when compared to the fossil. In turn, the description of the new extinct species enhances the knowledge about living species by highlighting anatomical structures shared by all species within the genus.

This fossil wasp with living relatives received quite a curious name, Archaeoteleia astropulvis. The species name, astropulvis, translates from Latin to 'star dust'. The discoverers chose the name to refer to both "the ancient source of the atoms that form our planet and its inhabitants", as well as to commemorate the late David Bowie's alter ego - Ziggy Stardust.

The second new extinct wasp species Proteroscelio nexus preserved in amber. Credit: Dr. Elijah J. Talamas

Unlike the Star dust wasp, the second new species belongs to a genus (Proteroscelio) known exclusively from Cretaceous fossils. Likewise, it is a tiny insect, measuring less than 2mm in length. It also plays an important role in taxonomy by expanding the anatomical diversity known from this extinct genus.

The authors conclude that their discovery, especially the Star dust wasp and its placement in an extant genus, where it is the only fossil species, "exemplifies the importance of understanding the extant fauna of a taxon to interpret fossils".

"Such union of fossil and extant morphologies is especially illuminating and requires examination of both kinds of specimens," they add.

This is the modern wasp species (top) of the genus Archaeoteleia compared to its new ancient relative Archaeoteleia astropulvis (bottom). Credit: Dr. Elijah J. Talamas
Masculine stereotypes of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects corrupt the self-concept of female students and their career aspirations in such areas.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the so-called STEM subjects, are traditionally male dominated and it is well established that female students remain underrepresented in such programmes to this day. This gender discrepancy has been a hot topic among researchers and advocates who seek to understand this phenomenon to ultimately close or at least reduce the gap. For the few female students who successfully end up in STEM programmes, one would assume they overcame the barriers and are less prone to stereotype views. But is this so?

Professor Bernhard Ertl from the Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen, in Germany et.al. took a closer look at this topic in their recent study "The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on the Self-Concept of Female Students in STEM Subjects with an Under-Representation of Females" published in Frontiers for Psychology.

The study involved 296 women from different German universities who are all enrolled in a STEM programme with less than 30 percent female students. It aimed at investigating the impact of stereotypes and the role of family, school and society on the self-concept of female students already studying these scientific subjects. Stereotypes impact a person's self-assessment and lower their sense of competence, ability and self-confidence, i.e. the self-concept.

"We were astonished that stereotypes about STEM still corrupt the self-concept of female students who already crossed several barriers and found their way into a STEM subject with a quite low proportion of females." states Professor Ertl.

Even though the students participating in the study presumably had good grades in STEM, stereotypes still corrupted their self-concept. The STEM career path is considered untypical by many of the students' social environments and in some instances, was met with surprise or even scepticism. One of the reasons for this might lie in stereotypes that attribute girls' achievements to diligence instead of talent.

Professor Ertl expands "Stereotypes are grounded in society and therefore it is important for us to know the effect of our stereotypes on individuals' self-concepts, achievements and career decisions." The study points to the fact that family can have a negative impact on female students' self-concept and initiatives that directly seek to support the students may actually backfire and reinforce the stereotypical views instead.

Indirect support has proven to be more effective. This involves for instance giving children the opportunity to have positive experiences in science related subjects or by giving them the chance to meet role models that are enthusiastic about their STEM professions. Such measures may boost the self-concept of female students in STEM programmes, more so than direct encouragement.

To conclude, study co-author Professor Manuela Paechter highlights the key learnings from the study for education "We should realise that supporting students may have ambiguous effects. Consider this paradox: If we perceive a student as not sufficiently gifted by the standards of our implicit stereotypes, we may communicate this opinion subconsciously whilst at the same time giving them support. Even if well intentioned, such behaviour will foil the hoped-for effects. Instead, teaching subjects like physics while linking them to how they explain daily life phenomena could attract more girls (and also more boys). "

More information: Bernhard Ertl et al. The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on the Self-Concept of Female Students in STEM Subjects with an Under-Representation of Females, Frontiers in Psychology (2017). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00703 Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology

Provided by Frontiers
Zimbabwe is to transfer fifty elephants to Mozambique

The animals won't travel two-by-two, but thousands of safari stalwarts will soon begin their journeys from Zimbabwe to Mozambique in one of Africa's largest ever wildlife transfers.

Fifty elephants, 100 giraffes, 200 zebras and 200 buffaloes will be among the several thousand animals that will be transferred between the two neighbours, Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA) told AFP on Thursday.

They will travel 600 kilometres (370 miles) on dusty roads from the Save Valley Conservancy to Zimbabwe's eastern neighbour in an effort to replenish animal numbers that were devastated during Mozambique's bloody 15-year civil war.

"Zimbabwe approved the translocation of wildlife from the Sango Ranch in the Save Valley Conservancy to Zinave National Park in Mozambique," said PWMA spokesman Simukai Nyasha.

Willy Pabst, owner of Zimbabwe's Sango Wildlife Conservancy, said in a statement that he was "proud to support the initiative... with over 6,000 of our animals".

"For us this relocation is the perfect example how conservation in Africa works," he added.

A further 500 animals will be selected from Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park to help repopulate Zinave, the Peace Parks foundation which is coordinating the transfers said in a statement.

"This week saw the start of one of the largest wildlife translocation projects that Africa has ever seen," it said.

Some 7,500 animals from Zimbabwe, South Africa and elsewhere in Mozambique will be moved to help repopulate Zinave over the course of the three-year project.

 2017 AFP
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The August 21 eclipse is expected to spark watching parties and traffic jams as it darkens skies from Oregon to South Carolina, authorities said.

It is the first coast-to-coast total eclipse since 1918.

By Reuters: The first total solar eclipse across the continental United States in a century is expected to spark watching parties and traffic jams as it darkens skies from Oregon to South Carolina, authorities said on Wednesday.

During the August 21 eclipse, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun and leaving only its outer atmosphere, or corona, visible in the sky.

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It is the first coast-to-coast total eclipse since 1918.

Weather permitting, people can watch as the moon's 70-mile (113-km) wide shadow crosses through 14 states from 10.15 am PDT (1715 GMT) around Lincoln Beach, Oregon, to 2.49 pm EDT (1849 GMT) in McClellanville, South Carolina.

With 200 million Americans within a day's drive of the path, national parks and highways officials are bracing for a travel surge.

"Be prepared," Martin Knopp of the Federal Highway Administration said at a news conference, cautioning drivers against simply showing up. "It's not the time to pull over and be on the side of the road."

Travel groups and many scientists will be heading to Oregon's northwest desert seeking favorable weather for viewing, according to the website eclipsophile.com.

Total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth every year or so, but most cast their shadow over oceans or remote land. The last total eclipse over part of the contiguous US was in 1979.

All of North America will experience a partial eclipse, though the difference between a full and partial eclipse is "literally the difference between night and day," said astronomer Rick Fienberg of the American Astronomical Society.

He noted that even a 99 percent eclipse will not reveal the sun's corona. And during a total eclipse, the temperature drops and the horizon is ringed by the colors of sunset.

"The sky gets deep twilight blue and bright stars and planets come out," Fienberg said. "Animals and birds behave strangely, like it's the end of the day."

NASA said it plans to fly high-altitude research balloons and airplanes for solar physics and other experiments. Nearly a dozen US science satellites will observe the sun and Earth.

The US space agency will also broadcast the eclipse live from locations along the path.

Experts caution that the only safe time to look at the sun without special eclipse glasses is during totality when the surface of the sun is completely blocked by the moon.

ALSO READ | Ring of fire solar eclipse starts today

ALSO READ | WATCH: NASA's EPIC satellite captures breathtaking time-lapse of an entire year of Earth

ALSO WATCH | Retired NASA Scientists Harrison Schmitt and Buzz Aldrin Talk About Mars Mission

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FuturePay Joins Salesforce Partner Program to Drive Customer Success with Commerce Cloud

FuturePay delivers a customer-friendly financing option to help Commerce Cloud customers increase revenue and decrease cart abandonment

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah  June 19, 2017   June 19, 2017  FuturePay today announced that it has joined the Salesforce Partner Program in support of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, the fastest path to unified commerce. Commerce Cloud enables brands to provide personalized experiences for shoppers that span web, mobile, social and in-store. And now, as part of the worlds No. 1 CRM platform  Salesforce  brands can deliver completely unified experiences for customers that extend beyond commerce to include marketing, customer service and more.

FuturePay delivers an instant credit payment option that lets shoppers pay in flexible monthly payments. By giving shoppers a way to split purchases into smaller, more affordable payments, FuturePay has been shown to increase average order values and reduce cart abandonment by up to a third.

The Salesforce Partner Program is the industrys largest enterprise cloud partner program, empowering consultants, ISVs, VARs, agencies and other partners to drive customer success using the Salesforce Intelligent Customer Success Platform. Through a combination of business, technology and marketing benefits, and the worlds largest business app marketplace  the AppExchange  the Salesforce Partner Program helps partners of all sizes and industries build successful businesses leveraging the Salesforce Platform.

The FuturePay link cartridge for Commerce Cloud gives their e-commerce retailers the ability to easily provide an instant credit payment option, said Bobbi Leach, CEO of FuturePay. Integrating with Salesforce will allow FuturePay to help thousands of their retailers cater to the growing demands of omnichannel shoppers. We are very excited to have such a strong new partner.

Everything and everyone is becoming more connected and smarter than ever before, said Kori OBrien, SVP, ISV Sales, Salesforce. By joining the Salesforce Partner Program in support of Commerce Cloud, FuturePay is joining the worlds largest community of cloud partners committed to innovating on the Salesforce Platform and driving customer success.
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has sparked off a row by saying that loan waiver has become a fashion these days. Ally Shiv Sena and NCP from the Opposition have criticised the comment.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has sparked off a row by saying that loan waiver has become a fashion these days.

Delivering a keynote address in a function at the Bombay Stock Exchange, Venkaiah said, "Loan waiver has become a fashion now. Loans should be waived off but in extreme conditions only as that is not the final solution."

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His remark was criticised by Opposition parties. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Clyde Crasto said, "Such statements by ministers on farm loan waiver show their attitude towards poor farmers. This remark is an insult to them."

Venkaiah's comment comes days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ruled out any farm loan waiver and said that the Centre would stick to its fiscal targets. On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had urged PM Modi to waive off farm loans taken from commercial and nationalised banks.

Almost 22 lakh farmers will benefit from this farm loan waiver. The same loan waivers have been announced by states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab.

FARMER PROTESTS IN MAHARASHTRA LASTED A WEEK IN JUNE

Maharashtra witnessed farmer protests and strikes for almost 7 days at the start of this month. Since January 1 this year, as many as 50 farmers have committed suicide in Nasik district alone. After the 7-day-long farmer agitation across the state, the Fadnavis government decided to waive off their loans. So far states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have decided to waive off farmer loans.

Shiv Sena, BJP's ally in Maharashtra and at the Centre, has also criticised Venkaiah for his statement. During the farmer agitation, Shiv Sena also supported demands of farm loan waiver and Minimum Support Price (MSP).

"BJP leaders are now showing their true colours after coming to power. In the recent past, we have seen how BJP state president made a remark against farmers and now it's Venkaiah Naidu. It's sad to see such statements coming from these senior BJP leaders." said Manisha Kayande of the Shiv Sena.

Also read | SAD slams Punjab minister Manpreet Badal's beggar jibe for farmers, to move privilege motion

Also read | Maharashtra: Farmers clash with police, block highway near Thane, cops injured

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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The inbound tourism industry in Japan is booming. In 2016, the number of visitors hit a record 24.03 million, roughly 22% more than the year before. Tourism is now considered by the Japanese government to be one of the countrys key pillars of growth, and with the ambitious target of reaching 40 million visitors  spending a total of 8 trillion yen per year  by 2020, the numbers are set to grow even more.

Yet, the growth in tourism has highlighted a problem: a serious shortage of accommodation. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the occupancy rate for hotels in Tokyo in 2016 was 79.4%, while in Osaka it reached 84.1%  both on par with leading international tourist hubs such as London and Paris.

Rakuten has partnered with housing information service provider LIFULL to establish Rakuten LIFULL STAY, a platform that will link property owners with vacation renters in Japan.

In a move to alleviate the problem, the Japanese government on June 9 passed the Private Lodgings Business Law, which makes it possible for owners of unoccupied homes or rooms to rent them out as accommodation for a total of up to 180 days per year. The law opens the door for the so-called sharing economy to potentially transform the Japanese accommodation industry.

Prior to the passing of the new law, owners wishing to rent out homes or rooms short-term had to meet the same strict standards as hotel operators under the existing Inns and Hotels Act. Many observers, including industry advocacy organization the Japan Association of New Economy (JANE), worried that such conditions would throttle development of a room-sharing industry. In a proposal to the Japanese government in May 2016, JANE argued that individual owners could not be expected to adhere to the same zoning restrictions, facility standards and service obligations that were required of hotel operators.

To a large extent, the new law resolves these issues, creating a less stringent set of guidelines that individual owners need to clear in order to rent out their properties. That said, JANE still feels there is room for improvement in the law. In future, easing of the 180-day restriction needs to be considered, JANE stated in May.

Nevertheless, with the new legislation now in place, many players are now expected to enter the sharing economy, and Rakuten is no exception. Today Rakuten announced it has partnered with LIFULL, operator of a real estate and housing information site, to establish Rakuten LIFULL STAY, a platform that will link owners and renters in Japan.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Rakuten LIFULL STAY will let owners, known as hosts, register and rent out their vacant homes or rooms to users, called guests. Registration on the service is free, and hosts can set the price per night, with the company receiving fees from both the guest and the host.

The company is set to begin operations after the new law comes into effect, which is expected to be in January 2018, and will initially target business users in major cities around the country, but there are plans to gradually expand to more rural areas and provide the service to a wider variety of users.

According to Munekatsu Ota, Representative Director of Rakuten LIFULL STAY, the company is looking to offer something more than just accommodation. By providing opportunities for our guests to experience the local culture of the area they are staying in, we hope to create a new type of travel experience, said Ota.
In a diplomatic blow to Britain, the United Nations voted Thursday to ask the International Court of Justice to rule on the fate of the British-ruled Chagos islands, which host an important military base. The Indian Ocean archipelago has been at the center of a decades-long dispute over Britain's decision to separate it from Mauritius in 1965 and set up a joint military base with the US on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution presented by Mauritius and backed by African countries asking the ICJ to offer an opinion on the island chain's fate. The measure was approved by a vote of 94-15 with 65 abstentions, notably from many European countries including Germany and France. The vote was seen as a test of Britain's ability to rally support at the United Nations from fellow Europeans after it voted to leave the European Union. Britain and the United States had strongly appealed to the 193-nation assembly to vote against the measure, arguing that it was a bilateral dispute. British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft argued that the General Assembly should not intervene in a bilateral dispute that London was seeking to address through negotiations. "How many other bilateral disputes left over from history could be brought before the General Assembly in this way?" asked Rycroft. "The present draft resolution could set a precedent that many of you in this hall could come to regret." Russia and China abstained, refusing to back Britain at the General Assembly. Most EU countries also opted for an abstention, except for Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania and Montenegro. - Tarzans and Men Fridays - The resolution asks the ICJ to "render an advisory opinion" on Britain's decision to separate the Chagos from Mauritius and rule on the resettlement of Chagossians to make way for the military base. The ICJ's opinion would be non-binding, but it would lend support to a campaign by Mauritius for the return of the Chagos Islands. Mauritian Defence Minister Anerood Jugnauth told the UN assembly that bilateral talks with Britain had failed and that his country's sovereignty over the islands would not threaten the status of the Diego Garcia base. Diego Garcia was used by the US Central Intelligence Agency as an interrogation center for terror suspects from Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks. "More than five decades have passed, and now is the time to act," said the defense minister. Jugnauth accused Britain of working to block international action, saying "Chagossians were cynically refered to as 'Tarzans' and 'Men Fridays' to avoid the scrutiny by the United Nations." Mauritius argues that it was illegal for Britain to break up its territory while the Indian Ocean country was under British colonial rule. Mauritius won independence in 1968. Britain rejects Mauritius's sovereignty claim over the Chagos Islands, but has said it will return the archipelago to Mauritius when the military base is no longer needed, without specifying a possible date. India and African countries voted in favor of the resolution.
Colombia's National Liberation Army admitted Thursday that it has detained two Dutch journalists and announced plans to free them, in the midst of talks for the country's last guerrillas to end more than five decades of fighting. Derk Johannes Bolt, 62, and his cameraman Eugenio Ernest Marie Follender, 58, who were kidnapped Monday, "are in good health and will be released," the ELN rebels announced on one of their social media accounts. The two men were stopped in El Tarra, a region in the Norte de Santander district near the Venezuela border. In May 2016, ELN rebels kidnapped in the same region a Colombian-Spanish journalist and two Colombian TV reporters. The reporters were handed over to intermediaries a few days later. Norte de Santander Governor William Villamizar said a humanitarian commission was mediation the journalists' release, which could happen as early as Thursday. "We are indeed launching a humanitarian operation to allow the Dutch journalists to be delivered by the ELN in Catatumbo department," he told Blu Radio. "The release does not affect the dialogue being carried out with the ELN." On Tuesday, the government's chief negotiator with the guerrillas, Juan Camilo Restrepo, had warned that the latest kidnapping complicated negotiations with the ELN that began in February. Villamizar said the military and the ELN had been asked to reduced their operations in the area "so as not to endanger the lives of the Dutch journalists" and in order for them to be moved and released in safe conditions. The Dutch journalists work for Spoorloos, a program on Kro-Ncrv TV regularly presented by Bolt that helps Dutch people trace their biological relatives around the world. Since launching in 1990, the program says it has received more than 1,000 requests every year for help. The country's biggest rebel group, the FARC, is scheduled to complete its disarmament by June 27.
Islamic militants launched a day-long assault on a southern Philippine village Wednesday during which they held 31 people hostage inside a school, authorities said, raising fears of spreading violence as other jihadists fought a month-long urban war nearby. Hundreds of gunmen attacked a lightly guarded military outpost at dawn, with some then taking over the school and using civilians as human shields throughout the day before fleeing at night, the military said. "It's all resolved, all the hostages have been accounted for, no one was hurt," military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told AFP by phone on Wednesday night. The military said earlier that the gunmen had planted improvised bombs around the school, a small building in a rural area, and that soldiers had surrounded it. Padilla and a local military spokesman said the militants were able to use the cover of darkness to escape, while leaving their 31 hostages unharmed. They said 12 children were among the hostages. The unrest occurred in Pigkawayan, a farming town about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Marawi city where fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS) group have been battling troops for a month in a conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives. Armed forces spokesman Restituto Padilla said the attackers at Pikgawayan belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), one of four groups in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao that have pledged allegiance to IS. Local police said the BIFF attack may have been intended to help the militants in Marawi by distracting the military, although Padilla insisted it was unrelated. Padilla said gunmen engaged in skirmishes throughout the day in and around Pigkawayan, while others occupied the school and using civilians seized from neighbouring homes as human shields. Pigkawayan is part of a largely lawless areas with mixed Muslim-Christian communities where the BIFF, other Muslim rebels and political warlords hold sway. The town is surrounded by marshlands, mountains and farmlands. About 200 gunmen were involved in the initial assault, according to Pigkawayan mayor Eliseo Garsesa. - Hardline groups - Muslim rebels have been fighting for more than four decades for an independent or autonomous region in the south of the mainly Catholic nation, with the conflict claiming more than 120,000 lives. The major rebel organisations have signed, or are pursuing, peace deals with the government, but small hardline groups such as the BIFF have vowed to continue fighting. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across Mindanao, home to 20 million people, on May 23 immediately after fighters flying the IS flag rampaged through Marawi. Their assault on Marawi ignited an unprecedented urban war that has claimed hundreds of lives and which Duterte has warned is part of an IS campaign to establish a base in Mindanao. The fighting has left Marawi, the most important Muslim city in the Philippines, largely in ruins. The militants involved in the Marawi fighting are mostly from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf organisations, which have united with the BIFF under the IS umbrella, according to the government. The military has said foreign fighters, including those from Chechnya, Indonesia and Malaysia, have also joined the Marawi conflict. IS has ambitions of setting up a caliphate in Southeast Asia -- home to largely Muslim nations like Indonesia and Malaysia -- as the group loses territory in Iraq and Syria. The BIFF was blamed for attacking Christian communities in Mindanao in 2008, triggering a conflict that claimed about 400 lives and forced 600,000 people to flee their homes. Padilla said Wednesday's unrest at Pigkawayan was not related to the Marawi conflict, saying BIFF fighters were seeking to counter a military offensive against it. "Apparently they wanted to get even after recent setbacks," Padilla told AFP. str-mba-mm-kma/fa
The main forest fires that have raged in Portugal since the weekend and killed more than 60 people were brought under control on Thursday, authorities said, though grief and anger smouldered across the country. The fire in Pedrogao Grande, which ravaged 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of forests, was doused only late Wednesday as firefighters contended with searing heat as well as rapidly shifting winds. The giant blaze broke out initially at Pedrogao Grande and spread to adjacent central areas including Gois, Pampilhosa da Serra and Arganil. The blaze in Gois, the second biggest after Pedrogao Grande, was brought "under control" on Thursday, said Carlos Tavares, the civil protection official leading the operations, though he cautioned that some fires could resume. "The fire is totally neutralised -- there are no longer flames within its perimeter," said Pedro Nunes, head of rescue services at Gois. Now that the blaze has been doused local people evacuated two days earlier from some 40 surrounding villages can return to homes saved from the flames. Some 2,000 firefighters remained on duty to monitor the situation backed by 11 water-bombing planes sent from Spain, France and Italy. In both areas, temperatures were expected to fall after several days of intense heat, reaching 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), while in the rest of Portugal temperatures were forecast to top out at 34 C. Over the weekend, Portugal had sweltered under temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. Meanwhile, Spanish Agriculture Minister Isabel Garcia Tejerina on Thursday told lawmakers that conditions were worrying southwest Spain, hit by a drought. - Grief and anger - Funerals began Wednesday for the 64 people killed, while authorities on Thursday updated the toll of injured to 254. "Now that the most threatening fires are under control, I have two words for this unprecedented human tragedy: pain and solidarity," said Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, as he left a cabinet meeting in Lisbon wearing a black tie. "It is essential to fully clarify what happened," he added. Press reports have suggested that Portugal's fire plan had not been revised for four years and that the intense heat might have made some communication antennae malfunction. Interior Minister Constanca Urbano de Sousa late Wednesday acknowledged a partial failure in the country's communications systems. But the president of the League of Firefighters, Jaime Marta Soares, said Wednesday that he believed arson had caused the fire, contradicting an earlier account by police. On Sunday, police chief Almeida Rodrigues had ruled out arson, blaming dry thunderstorms for the blaze after saying they had found a tree hit by lightning. Marta Soares told local news media the fire had already been burning for two hours before the storm started Saturday. "I believe, until there is evidence to the contrary... that the fire was of criminal origin," he said. Reacting to the claims, the president of the parliament Eduardo Ferro said the country "needs clear answers to legitimate doubts." Questions also remain over how so many people could have died, most of them perishing on a single road that locals say should have been sealed off by first responders. "My nephew died, a fireman" said Joaquim Serra da Fonseca, 68, in Castanheira de Pera, which sits along the N236 national road that has since been dubbed the "road of death". As news of the fire spread on Saturday, his 40-year-old nephew and several colleagues rushed down the road to help. Faced with the fury of the fire, they turned back but in the thick smoke, they apparently crashed into a car full of people, Serra da Fonseca said, and were caught by the flames as they tried to help the passengers. The police moved to deflect the criticism, saying that at the time of the disaster it did not know the road was at risk. "The fire reached this road in a completely unexpected, unusual and frightful manner," said the country's police chief in a document addressed to the government. Questioned by the prime minister, the country's weather institute said it had been a particularly "complex and exceptional" situation, describing the strength of winds and intensity of the fire itself. A weather phenomenon known as a downburst projected burning fragments in several directions, it added. burs-cw/jm
By Yara Bayoumy and John Walcott WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's new crown prince and likely next king shares U.S. President Donald Trump's hawkish view of Iran, but a more confrontational approach toward Tehran carries a risk of escalation in an unstable region, current and former U.S. officials said. Iran will almost certainly respond to a more aggressive posture by the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally in battlefields where Riyadh and Tehran are engaged in a regional tussle for influence. Saudi King Salman made his son Mohammed bin Salman next in line to the throne on Wednesday, handing the 31-year-old sweeping powers, in a succession shake-up. Prince Mohammed, widely referred to as "MbS," has ruled out any dialogue with arch rival Iran and pledged to protect his conservative kingdom from what he called Tehran's efforts to dominate the Muslim world. In the first meeting between Trump and MbS at the White House in March, the two leaders noted the importance of "confronting Iran's destabilizing regional activities." But that could have unintended consequences, said some current and former U.S. administration officials. The greatest danger for the Trump administration, a longtime U.S. government expert on Middle East affairs said, was for the United States to be dragged deeper into the Sunni-Shiite conflict playing out across the Middle East, a danger that could be compounded by Trumps delegation of responsibility for military decisions to the Pentagon. If the administration gives U.S. commanders greater authority to respond to Iranian air and naval provocations in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, things could easily spiral out of control, the official said. U.S.-backed forces fighting in Syria are also in close proximity with Iranian-backed forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. U.S. military jets twice this month shot down Iranian-made drones threatening U.S. and coalition forces in southeastern Syria. The United States also supports the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen through refueling, logistics and limited intelligence assistance. "If we were to witness an incident at sea between an Iranian and a U.S. vessel in the Gulf, at a time of immense distrust and zero communication, how likely is it that the confrontation would be defused rather than exacerbated?" said Rob Malley, vice president for policy at the International Crisis Group. "If there's a more bellicose attitude towards Iran, Iran is likely to respond," said Malley, a former senior adviser on Middle East affairs under President Barack Obama. Eric Pelofsky, who dealt with Middle East issues at the White House under Obama, said the administration had "labored pretty hard to avoid a direct clash between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the high seas," in part because it would expand the Yemen conflict and there were questions "about what the outcome of such an encounter might be." But Luke Coffey, director of the Foreign Policy Center at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, doubted Iran would retaliate in a major way. "Iran has very limited ability or options to retaliate against U.S. forces in the region without suffering an overwhelming U.S. response," Coffey said. "I think Tehran knows this so they will stick to low-level tactics like harassing U.S. ships in the Gulf. This will be just enough to be annoying but not enough to be considered 'retaliating,'" he said. CLOSE RELATIONSHIP MbS was the driving force behind the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen against Iran-allied Houthi rebels, launched in March 2015. He also appears to have orchestrated this month's breach with neighbor Qatar, which was accused by Riyadh and three other Arab states of cozying up to Iran, funding terrorism or fomenting regional instability. Qatar denies the allegations. "Theres a danger that his foreign policy instincts, that do tend to be aggressive, especially toward Iran, but also toward Sunni extremism, might end up distracting from what he wants to get done economically," said a former Obama administration official, referring to "Vision 2030," MbS's signature economic and social reform agenda. Malley, who has met MbS, said his attitude toward Iran "stems from his strongly felt conviction that for too long the kingdom has been a punching bag, a passive witness to Iranian action, true or assumed, in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's own eastern province." "His view is that Saudi Arabia absorbed those blows and now there's no reason to absorb them anymore," Malley said. That dovetails neatly with Trump who has said Iran promotes evil and is a key source of funding and support for militant groups. MbS has also developed a close relationship with Trump's influential son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who at 36 is close in age to him. MbS's "desire to confront or even defeat Iran has appeal in the White House, where the crown prince has done an admirable job forging a relationship with the Kushners, who are of his generation," said the U.S. official. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, had dinner with MbS when the U.S. president visited Riyadh last month, the first stop on Trump's maiden international visit. Another senior administration official told Reuters that while Washington did not have advance warning of MbS's promotion, it could see it coming. "This is why the president has tried to foster good relations with him," the official said. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart and Steve Holland; Writing by Warren Strobel and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Andreina Aponte CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan troops on Thursday fired what appeared to be rubber bullets at protesters as they attacked the perimeter of an airbase, and a demonstrator was killed, bringing the death toll to at least 76 in unrest since April. At least two soldiers shot long firearms through the fence at protesters from a distance of just a few feet. One man collapsed to the ground and was carried off by other protesters, television footage showed. Paramedics took at least two other injured people to a hospital, a Reuters witness said. The protesters began attacking the fence outside La Carlota airbase in the wealthy east of Caracas when security forces broke up a march destined for the attorney general's office. Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets over the past months to protest a clampdown on the opposition, shortages of food and medicine and President Nicolas Maduro's plan to overhaul the constitution. Maduro says the violence is part of a foreign-led plot to overthrow his government. A man identified as David Jose Vallenilla, 22, died after arriving at a hospital in the Chacao municipality where the protest happened, the mayor said. "He died at a private clinic where he arrived in very bad condition," said Mayor Ramon Muchacho. Speaking outside the clinic, opposition lawmaker Jose Manuel Olivares said Vallenilla had been killed by the national guard firing rubber bullets at point blank range and criticized the shooting as repression. "The troops found responsible for crimes will be presented before the law," said Interior Minister Nesto Reverol, calling on the opposition to stop violent protests. Vallenilla suffered wounds to the lungs and heart, a doctor who attended him told Reuters. Reuters could not independently confirm that Vallenilla was the shooting victim shown in television footage. Venezuela's national guard is a wing of the military charged with internal public order. It mainly uses tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to control protests that frequently escalate into riots. Despite volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets, a small group of protesters throwing petrol bombs and powerful fireworks from behind flimsy homemade shields was able to rip down a section of the fence surrounding the airbase. On Monday, a teenager died during another protest in the same area. Footage of the protest showed a national guard soldier pointing a pistol at protesters. The government is investigating troops involved in that incident. "I have ordered an investigation to see if there was a conspiracy behind this," Maduro said earlier on Thursday, saying the men involved in Monday's shooting had been detained. (Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
From far away, El Volcan in the Nepena Valley of coastal Peru might look like a natural feature in the landscape.

But this volcano is artificial, a mound or pyramid built by human hands with a crater dug out of the top. And some archaeologists are trying to figure out what it was used for.

Robert Benfer, a professor emeritus at the University of Missouri who focuses on biological anthropology, had previously found a series of mounds shaped like orcas, condors and other animals in coastal valleys in Peru. He was looking for more of those earthworks by surveying valleys north of Lima when he spotted the volcanic cone that stands 50 feet tall (15.5 meters).[In Photos: Earthly Mounds Shaped Like Animals]

"I knew that a mountain in the valley had a large archaeological site, San Isidro, with platforms oriented to the solstice," Benfer told Live Science. "So with my team, we climbed it to get a better view of the surrounding valley, and I saw the Volcan site from a platform."

In the 1960s, archaeologists had noted the volcano-like mound and identified it as artificial, but Benfer and his team decided to investigate further. As the researchers report in the latest issue of the journal Antiquity, they dug a trench into the inner crater of the volcano, and found a collapsed stairwell that descends below a layer of adobe bricks to a mud-plaster floor.

Archaeologists dug a trench into the inner crater of the volcano-shaped mound, finding a collapsed stairwell that descended to a mud-plaster floor. Courtesy of Robert Benfer

They also found a fireplace at the bottom of the stairwell, full of bits of charcoal and shell. Archaeologists can determine the age of such organic material using radiocarbon dating. A sample of burned material from the hearth showed that the last fire was lit sometime between A.D. 1492 and 1602.

Benfer believes this date range is important. During the 16th century, there would have been four total solar eclipses, visible from El Volcan, in short order: in A.D. 1521, 1538, 1539 and 1543. This would have been a rare occurrence. "The chances that four solar eclipses could occur during the probability distribution of the radiocarbon date of the hearth is less than 0.0003," Benfer told Live Science. (That's less than a 0.3 percent chance of occurring.)

Story continues

In their paper, the researchers wrote that "the people of the northern and central coasts, the Yungas, unlike the later Incas, greeted eclipse[s] of the sun with joy, not fear." Benfer speculated that the fire might be all that's left of a ceremony linked to one of these eclipses.

The researchers are not sure when the mound was first built. It's possible that the original structure might be much older than the hearth. The nearby archaeological site at San Isidro was active during the Late Formative period (900 B.C.to 200 B.C.).

The meaning behind the mound's shape is also still unclear. Benfer noted that there are no volcanoes around El Volcan that would have served as models for its construction, if it was indeed meant to look like a volcano, and no other structures like it have been found in Peru.

Original article on Live Science.

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In 2017, the FCC introduced a new toll free prefix meaning there are now a whole new series of toll free numbers for businesses to claim. This could be important news for businesses; the 833 prefix opens up more vanity numbers and combinations that may be easier for customers to remember, providing some unique benefits.

In fact, toll-free numbers can make small businesses seem as much as three times larger than they actually are, says Yaniv Masjedi, Chief Marketing Officer at Nextiva.

Masjedi adds, Toll free numbers are a simple way for businesses  large or small  to achieve a professional image. Since toll-free numbers are easy to get and affordable, its something all businesses can consider.

Here are 10 things small businesses should know about the new prefix and what toll free numbers can offer to businesses.

Ways Toll Free Numbers Can Help Your Small Business

Toll Free Numbers Can Help Build a Brand

Of course, any business can reserve a regular phone number thats just a series of random numbers. But if you have a toll-free number, it can actually be a part of your brand. Think about 1-800-FLOWERS or other businesses that include toll free numbers in their business name or in marketing materials. Its much easier to make a catchy or vanity number part of your branding or marketing materials than a random assortment of numbers.

New Prefixes Open Up New Vanity Numbers

There are plenty of toll-free numbers out there already. But prefixes like 800 and 888 have already been picked over. So if you want something thats easy to remember, like 1-800-CAR-WASH, its probably already taken. New prefixes like 833 open up a lot of those vanity numbers for new businesses to take advantage of.

They Make It Easier for Customers to Call

In addition, toll free numbers can make it easier for customers to actually remember your number so they can call when they need your services. If you just use a random phone number, it can be difficult for customers to recall or find it if they just heard it in a commercial or saw it on the side of a bus.

Toll Free Numbers Are Great for Service Businesses

But not every business necessarily needs a number thats easy to remember or to include in marketing materials. According to Masjedi, these numbers can be especially useful for both local and service-based providers.

Buyers are far less likely to purchase from a business, no matter how reputable, if that company doesnt provide a free and simple way for customers to call the business, says Masjedi. Local service-based businesses may also benefit from using a toll free number along with a local number, especially when a vanity number would aid in their marketing or brand awareness initiatives.

Director of Products at Grasshopper Chris Bohlin puts it another way.

Bohlin explains, If youre dealing with someone like a landscaper, you need to talk with that person and have an actual conversation about what services you need. So that results in a phone call and your number is the front door to that communication.

Toll Free Numbers Add Legitimacy to Online Businesses

Even with online businesses vanity numbers can prove beneficial. An online presence gives a business the appearance of having a national reach. Unless you only work with local customers, the last thing you want to do is detract from this national branding. As Masjedi explains, this may be one of the many reasons small businesses may choose to utilize a toll free number.

He adds, Customers prefer to call either a number in their local area code, or a toll-free number, so for many nationwide businesses, toll-free numbers support an ideal customer experience. Plus, callers wont have to worry about long distance fees, and toll-free numbers makes businesses look more legitimate.

You Can Get Numbers from a Variety of Sources

If youre interested in securing one of these toll-free numbers, there isnt just one source you have to check with. Big name phone companies like AT&T and Verizon have access to these numbers, along with other providers like Nextiva. So you can check with the providers of your choice to see which numbers are available.

Its Similar to Buying Other Business Phone Plans

When you do secure one of these numbers, youll have a monthly plan similar to other business phone plans. Businesses can also add additional toll-free numbers to be used for anything from marketing campaigns to multiple departments.

While many providers may charge by the minute for toll free lines, some allow customers to add additional toll free numbers for a flat fee plus usage costs on only a few cents per minute. And this is often with no additional equipment required.

New Numbers Are Available Now

The FCC originally announced availability of the new 833 prefix in early 2017. But the release date was pushed back. But the numbers are now available for interested businesses.

Act Fast If You Want a Specific Number

There are still plenty of different numbers available. But the really easy combinations like 833-333-3333 are probably gone or close to being gone by this point, according to Bohlin. So if you have something really specific that you want to reserve, its best to act quickly.

New Prefixes Only Come Along as Needed

Before this latest release, the last prefix made available by the FCC was the 844 prefix back in 2013. So new sets of numbers dont come around that often. In fact, there isnt likely to be a new prefix until the 833 numbers are nearly all reserved. So dont count on a new set of numbers being released if you just miss your chance this go-round.
No matter where your small business is located, if youre hiring right now, youre likely competing against big demand from small businesses in the Midwest. Small businesses in large portions of the nations breadbasket are looking for a lot more breadwinners.

Midwest Small Business Job Market

New data from the job site Indeed.com finds small businesses in Midwestern and Northern states are adding considerably more employees than other states. Some are also adding less, compared to data from three years ago.

South Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska are the three states with the highest percentage increase of small business jobs over the last three years. Indeed looked at job listings from small businesses  with 200 or fewer employees  and compared the totals from the first quarters of 2014 and 2017.

In South Dakota, alone, the amount of small business jobs posted on Indeed rose nearly 75 percent since 2014. Idaho and Nebraska each saw about 64 percent increases. North Dakota (54 percent), Minnesota (52 percent), Wisconsin (43 percent), and Montana (38 percent) also made the top 10 in this list from Indeed.

Hawaii, Oregon, and Indiana also cracked the top 10 in small business jobs gains over the last three years, according to the information from Indeed.

We are seeing a trend in which small businesses in northern and Midwestern states are increasing their need for employees, says Paul Wolfe, head of HR for Indeed.com, while the number of SMB job postings in the Sun Belt and northeast are decreasing.

Arizona is truly a desert for small business jobs. The number available at small businesses compared to three years ago has dropped 42 percent.

Other states making the not-top 10 include Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, New York, Delaware, and West Virginia.

Why Are Jobs Hot Where the Weathers Not?

Jobs appear to be increasing at small businesses located in states where its not as expensive to live. This means small businesses can offer more competitive wage jobs because a prospective employees earnings will go further.

Not every small business can pick up and move to one of these states. Before you decide on a location for your business, consider the local economy. To grow, youll have to add employees and pay them. Its more difficult to attract the talent to grow if your wages just dont stack up against bigger companies  and other local competitors.
Activists launched a new anti-extremism campaign ahead of the autumn regional election in Banska Bystrica.

Together There Are More of Us campaign has been launched June 21, in front of the Banska Bystrica regional office. (Source: Sme - Jan Kroslak)

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The campaign will last until the autumn election and is calling on citizens in Banska Bystrica Region to vote for candidates who do not have extremist and fascist background, the nasabystrica.sme.sk website wrote on June 21.

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The campaign was launched in front of the Banska Bystrica regional office on June 21. Activists of Nie v nasom meste (Not in Our City) and the Centre of Community Organising initiated the new campaign called a Spolu je nas viac (Together, There Are More of Us) to tour nearby cities, towns, and villages until the regional election.

The incumbent regional governor, Marian Kotleba, is the chairman of the parliamentary party LSNS, whose members have faced charges of racist and extremist crimes. The party itself has been deemed extremist and faces a motion by the general prosecutor for its dissolution.

Read also:

Read also: Ciznar filed a motion for the dissolution of the Kotleba-LSNS party Read more

Martina Strmenova, coordinator of Not in our City, told the Nasa Bystrica website that the goal of the campaign is to encourage citizens around the region to vote for non-extremist and non-fascist candidates in the election.

Gradually, we want to put on the map those towns that will join the manifesto, Strmenova said, explaining that they have prepared various events around the region. She said that they have seen support from a large percentage of the region's towns and cities, and they expect this support to grow in the next few weeks.

The website www.spolujenasviac.sk will share details throughout the course of campaign, and visitors to the website can support the campaign online by joining and signing its manifesto.

Read also:

Read also: Will the far-right LSNS be banned? Read more

We want to use civic activities to motivate people to elect democratic candidates, the coordinator said. We are preparing a wide range of events which will be adapble to the current situation, she said. The activists do not yet endorse any specific political party or candidate for regional governor.

However, if there is a consensus among the current candidates on who is the strongest among them to challenge Kotleba, we will support him, she said.

Read also:
Paused strike negotiations at Volkswagen Slovakia are set to resume for third day at 15:30

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Both sides decided to pause the negotiations to perform some financial analyses, head of the Modern Unions Volkswagen (MOV) Zoroslav Smolinsky said. Both sides invited financial specialists who will study the documents to be prepared, and at half past three, we will resume the collective bargaining.

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Smolinsky said considerable progress has been made in the negotiations and that he is satisfied with the development.

We will continue to the next possible point, VW SK spokesperson Lucia Kovarovic Makayova said. The agreed documents will be prepared until the next negotiations, she added. According to TASR, she said that it is still in the best interest of the company to reach an agreement acceptable for both sides as quickly as possible.

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Read also: Bomb alert announced at VW plant; meanwhile negotiations are set to continue on June 21 Read more

The VW SK employee strike began on June 20 at 6:00 after repeated negotiations between management and unions did not come to an agreement on salary increases and other demands.

The strike has no definitive end date and is the first of this carmaker in Slovakia.

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Making the Commitment to Student Data Privacy

The 21st century, technology-enabled classroom offers many opportunities and a variety of challenges, including ensuring the privacy and security of student data. The days of storing student information on paper files have shifted to data management on the network, in the cloud and on devices. With that, community stakeholders have raised concerns and questions have risen about where the data goes, who has access to it, how it may be used, and how it can be protected from prying eyes.

These questions have led to the drafting of over 500 student data privacy bills across the states in the last three years. However, regulatory action alone will not move the needle on the special relationship between schools and their communities.

Now, more than ever, every school system must be poised to adequately address these questions to build a lasting trust with the parents.

The work starts with a deep understanding of the legal requirements, the responsibilities that come with collecting, storing and handling student data, and the complexities that arise when the work is done through connected technologies. That knowledge needs to be translated into enforceable, actionable policies and practices that guide all school system employees through their work, laying out the expectations for bringing technology into a school system and the behavior around student data. These policies and practices must reflect not just the federal and state regulatory requirements, but also the expectations of the district expectations and community norms.

Of course, policies need to be implemented with adequate and effective training that not only explains the rules, but also why they are in place. When employees understand the concepts behind the policies, they are able to apply the rules more effectively on a daily basis. In addition, school systems need to foster open dialogue with community members about technology, the benefits of the student data they collect, how that has or has not changed with the modern classroom, and the ways in which the school system protects and maintains control over the data. There is a good deal of fear  some real and some imagined  that needs to be addressed in the open, in order to build the confidence of the community.

To support these efforts, CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) developed the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program for school systems. Developed with 28 school system leaders, along with lead partners, the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), the School Superintendents Association (AASA) and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the program helps school systems understand the maturity level of their privacy and security programs and identify the gaps for growth. The program also recommends resources to help address those gaps.

School systems with a robust privacy and security model are eligible to earn the TLE Seal, demonstrating to their communities that they have taken tangible, measurable steps to properly manage the privacy and security of student data. To date, 12 school systems, reflecting a diverse cross section of small, large, urban and rural school districts, have earned the seal.

It is not an easy task, and the TLE Program reflects the rigors of the work that school systems need to undertake today. This is also a task that is never done, as any such program runs on a constant cycle of implementation, auditing, accountability and improvement. However, engagement around these issues is a critical part of the responsibility inherent in leveraging technology in a school system, and putting the right practices in place serves as the foundation for easing fears and building community trust.

For more information on the TLE program, visit trustedlearning.org, and for more information on CoSNs privacy resources, visit cosn.org/privacy.
By Kate Holton LONDON (Reuters) - Imagination Technologies , the British firm that lost 70 percent of its value after being ditched by its biggest customer Apple , put itself up for sale on Thursday in a disappointing end to a once-great European tech success story. Founded in 1985 and listed in 1994, Imagination has been rocked by Apple's announcement in April that it was developing its own graphics chips and would no longer use Imagination's processing designs in 15 months to two years time. Apple's decision, which analysts said posed an existential threat to the company, sent Imagination's shares plummeting 70 percent on April 3 and they have barely recovered since. The stock jumped as much as 21 percent on Thursday, however, after the sale announcement to 149.5 pence, giving the company a market capitalisation of 425 million pounds. Analysts said potential buyers could include Intel , Qualcomm , Mediatek <2454.TW>, CEVA and various entities from China, while Apple itself could be interested. "Imagination Technologies announces that over the last few weeks it has received interest from a number of parties for a potential acquisition of the whole group," the company said. "The board of Imagination has therefore decided to initiate a formal sale process for the group and is engaged in preliminary discussions with potential bidders." Imagination has said it doubted Apple, which accounts for about half of its sales, could go it alone without violating Imagination's patents. Analysts said legal battles were likely and Imagination started a dispute resolution procedure in May with the U.S. giant, which is valued at $761 billion. The British company initially responded to Apple's decision to walk away by putting two of its main divisions up for sale. "That was a pretty dire scenario, akin to selling off the family silver to keep the estate going a little longer," said Neil Wilson, Senior Market Analyst, ETX Capital. "Now the shutters are up and a buyer sought. A pretty ignominious end to what was a great British tech success story." APPLE RELIANCE Imagination has licensed its processing designs to Apple from the time of the first iPod and receives a small royalty on every device using its graphics. Imagination's shares rose sharply between 2009 and 2012 as sales of smartphones boomed, prompting Apple and Intel to buy stakes and the company was valued at more than 2 billion pounds in April 2012. Apple owns 8 percent of the shares. Imagination struggled, however, to reduce its reliance on Apple, and has faced increased competition from the likes of chipmaker Qualcomm and British rival ARM, which developed its own graphics to complement its core processor blueprints. Imagination downplayed fears it could lose Apple contract for years. Facing reports that Apple was building a graphics operation and hiring Imagination staff, the British firm told investors that Apple was just improving its customisation of the technology Imagination sold, rather than replacing it. Analysts at Stifel said they thought interested parties could include those groups that want to develop their own processing technology across platforms such as mobile, wearable tech, vehicles and the so-called Internet of Things. "This could include a coordinated Chinese bid, a hyper-scale vendor from the cloud or some other IP player," they said. Imagination said on Thursday it had received indicative proposals for its embedded MIPS technology - processors used in vehicles and home appliances - and its mobile connectivity division Ensigma, the two businesses put up for sale in the wake of the slide in its shares. While Imagination has other clients for its technology, UBS analysts estimated in April that its non-Apple business was worth just 81 million pounds and the MIPS division, which it bought for $100 million in 2013, was worth 77 million pounds. UBS said the company could be worth 110 pence per share on a sum of the parts basis. In May, Jefferies said the wind up value was about 96 pence a share while Morgan Stanley said the company could be worth as little as 106 million pounds, or just 30 pence per share, though its base case was 95 pence. The U.S. investment bank said Imagination's headquarters was worth 40 million pounds. (Additional reporting by Tom Bergin and Tenzin Pema; editing by David Clarke)
At least 100 people have been killed following violent clashes between armed groups in the Central African Republic.

The bloodshed in the town of Bria erupted hours after the country's government signed a truce with rebel factions.

Mayor Maurice Belikoussou has said the number of dead is certain to rise - with dozens of people wounded and Red Cross teams warning it is too dangerous to collect bodies.

"There are still dead lying in the neighbourhoods, in the road and in the bush," the mayor told the Reuters news agency.

A local clergyman added: "Witnesses coming from different neighbourhoods say they have had to climb over dozens of bodies that now litter the ground."

Bria and surrounding areas are coveted by militias for their diamond mines, and an estimated 41,000 residents in the town have fled for their lives over the past month.

"The warring parties burned villages and neighbourhoods in Bria, forcing more of the population out with many fleeing into the bush," said Arsene Kongbo, a local MP.

The bloody conflict in the Central African Republic dates back to 2013 - killing thousands and displacing a fifth of the former French colony's five million people.

Previous agreements to quell the fighting between religious and ethnic rivals have quickly failed - with Christian anti-Balaka militias pitted against mostly Muslim Seleka rebels.

The latest peace deal had been signed in Rome on Monday after five days of talks. It had been described as an "historic agreement, a deal full of hope".

All but one of the 14 rebel factions in the Central African Republic had agreed to end attacks and blockades in exchange for political representation - but intense gunfire erupted in Bria soon after the ceasefire began.

A spokesman for the Popular Front for the Renaissance of Central Africa, one of the factions which had signed the ceasefire agreement, said: "We have to defend ourselves. We can't allow an attack to happen without reacting."
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The dinosaurs may have volcanoes to thank for their domination of the planet, at least according to one theory. Most scientists think that a severe bout of volcanic activity 200m years ago may have led to the mass extinction that cleared the way for the dinosaurs rise. Now we  with a team of colleagues  have discovered new evidence that strengthens this idea: a global geological fingerprint indicating volcanic gases were affecting the whole world at the time of the extinction.

Geologists have previously discovered that the Earths crust hosts massive amounts of volcanic rock from the end of the Triassic period, 200m years ago. We know from the fossil record that, at about the same time, a very large proportion of Earths species died out, which made space for the remaining dinosaurs (and other species) to flourish. As volcanoes can produce large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), its possible that the volcanic activity that left these massive lava flows behind also provoked global climate change that led to this mass extinction.

What was missing was evidence that the volcanic activity really had such a worldwide impact. By examining geological records from all over the world, we discovered that large amounts of mercury were released into the atmosphere at around the same time as the extinction. As mercury is also released by volcanoes, this suggests the volcanic eruptions really were severe enough to affect the whole world and potentially cause the mass extinction.

The volcanic rocks cover a huge area, across four present-day continents. They are the remains of a huge episode of heightened volcanic activity that lasted about a million years known as the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP).

Previous studies have shown that this volcanism might have occurred in pulses. But we didnt know how the timing and frequency of these emissions compared to the timing of the extinction event and the subsequent recovery of life. Or whether the volcanoes had a worldwide effect. So we decided to look for a fingerprint of the eruptions in the same kind of sediments that record the mass extinction.

Story continues

Mercury marker

Modern volcanoes emit a large number of gases, most famously sulphur dioxide and CO 2 , but also trace quantities of the metal mercury. This mercury can stay in the atmosphere for between six months and two years and that means it can be distributed around the world before eventually being deposited in sediments at the bottom of lakes, rivers, and seas.

These same sediments record evidence of bouts of climate change and mass extinction. So, if a sediment layer that records a mass extinction also features unusually high mercury concentrations, we can deduce that volcanic activity likely coincided with (and maybe caused) that extinction.

Working with colleagues from the universities of Exeter and Southampton, we investigated six sedimentary records of the end-Triassic extinction for mercury concentrations. These records were from the UK, Austria, Argentina, Greenland, Canada and Morocco. This spread over four continents and both hemispheres gave us global insight into the impact of volcanic gas emissions during the end-Triassic mass extinction.

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Volcanic link

We found that five of the six records showed a large increase in mercury content beginning at the end of the Triassic period, with a distinct spike in mercury at the layer corresponding to the extinction itself. The extinction layer in the Morocco sample also overlaps with the volcanic rocks from the CAMP. This meant we could tie this large emission of mercury into the global atmosphere to a specific volcanic event, even though the eruption was around 200m years ago.

Whats more, this evidence reinforces the conclusion that mercury spikes found elsewhere in the geological record were caused by volcanic activity. We found other mercury peaks between the extinction layer and the layer that marked the start of the Jurassic period, which occurred approximately 100,000 to 200,000 years later. This suggests that multiple episodes of tremendous volcanic activity took place during and immediately after the end-Triassic extinction.

More importantly, we were able to show the elevated mercury emissions matched previously established increases in the amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere. This strongly supports the theory that the CO 2 emissions thought to cause the end-Triassic extinction came from volcanoes.

This link between increased atmospheric mercury and CO 2 at the same time as the end-Triassic extinction offers fundamental insights into some of the factors governing the evolution of life on our planet. And, from a geological point of view, it highlights the potential of mercury to help explain other extinction events in Earths history.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Tamsin Mather receives funding from the NERC.

Lawrence Percival receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (via the University of Oxford).
By Jean Yoon and Soyoung Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday China should do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear programme and he would call on President Xi Jinping to lift measures against South Korean companies taken in retaliation against Seoul's decision to host a U.S. anti-missile defence system. In an interview with Reuters ahead of his trip to Washington next week for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Moon said 'strong' sanctions should be imposed if North Korea tests an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or conducts a sixth nuclear test. It must be sufficiently strong enough that it would prevent North Korea from making any additional provocations, and also strong enough that it will make North Korea realise that they are going down the wrong path, Moon said. The comments mark the toughest warning yet by the liberal former human rights lawyer, who was elected in May after campaigning for a more moderate approach to the North and engaging the reclusive country in dialogue. As a candidate, he said, sanctions alone have failed to impede Pyongyang's defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. North Korea will acquire the technology to deploy a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland United States "in the not too distant future," Moon said. EXERT MORE PRESSURE "I believe China is making efforts to stop North Korea from making additional provocations, yet there are no tangible results as of yet," Moon told Reuters at the sprawling Blue House presidential compound. "China is North Koreas only ally and China is the country that provides the most economic assistance to North Korea," Moon said. "Without the assistance of China, sanctions won't be effective at all." Moon's remarks echoed that of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said in a tweet on Tuesday Chinese efforts to persuade North Korea to rein in its nuclear programme have failed. Top U.S. officials pressed China on Wednesday to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea-level in talks with their counterparts in Washington on Wednesday. Maybe President Trump believes that there is more room for China to engage North Korea and it seems that he is urging China to do more. I can also sympathise with that message, Moon said. China accounts for 90 percent of world trade with North Korea. Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbour, and has resisted tougher measures, such as an oil embargo and bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers. Washington has considered imposing "secondary sanctions" against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with North Korea. G20 MEETING South Korea and the United States agreed to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in response to the growing missile threat from North Korea. But the move has angered China, which says the system's powerful radar will look deep into its territory and undermine regional security. China has pressured South Korean businesses via boycotts and bans, such as ending Chinese group tours to South Korea and closing most of South Korean conglomerate Lotte Group's Lotte Mart <023530.KS> retail stores in China. Lotte handed over a golf course it owned in southern South Korea so the THAAD battery could be installed there. Moon said that while China has never officially acknowledged economic retaliation, many South Korean businesses face difficulties in China, and he hopes to hold talks with Xi at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany next month to address the issue. "If I have the chance to meet President Xi, I will ask for him to lift these measures. This is the agenda that we cannot evade," Moon said. If we were to link political and military issues to economic and cultural exchanges, this could lead to some hindrance to the development of our friendly relationship between our two countries. Moon said he wants to sit down with as many world leaders as possible in Hamburg -- including Xi, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin -- where he expects the North's nuclear programme will top the agenda. JAPAN'S WARTIME PAST Japan is an important partner in the effort to resolve the North Korean crisis but Tokyo's refusal to fully own up to its wartime past, its claims to the disputed islands between the two countries as well as its growing military spending are concerning, Moon said. "If Japan were to show its strong resolve in looking back on its past history and sending a message that such actions will never happen again... then I believe that this will go a long way in further developing its relations with not only Korea but also with many other Asian nations," he said. Moon has said many South Koreans did not accept a deal reached by his conservative predecessor and Japan's Abe in 2015 to resolve the issue of Korean "comfort women" -- a euphemism for women forced to work in the Japanese military's wartime brothels. "Japan does not make full efforts to resolve issues of history between our two countries, including the comfort women issue," Moon said. Moon said he has "high expectations" for the upcoming summit with Trump next week and said the priority the two leaders have placed on North Korea has raised the possibility the nuclear issue will be resolved. "I'm very glad that President Trump has made the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue as top of his priority list on his foreign affairs agenda." (Additional reporting by Jack Kim and Christine Kim in Seoul; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hungary and Poland hit back on Thursday at French President Emmanuel Macron after he warned eastern states that the European Union was no "supermarket" where they could pick and choose the parts of EU membership that they liked without regard for the bloc's values. Macron made the remarks in an interview with European newspapers ahead of his first EU summit since becoming president last month, saying countries that don't respect EU rules should face the consequences. His comments come amid an escalating row between the European Commission and the right-wing governments in Warsaw and Budapest, which have introduced curbs on judges and the media that the EU executive says undermines the rule of law and democratic norms. "The French president is very young. He is coming here for the first time," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told reporters at the summit. "His start has not been very promising. He thought yesterday that he could kick the central European countries. This is not how it works here." Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo accused Macron of showing off his antipathy towards central European states in the media. "It's good to talk about facts, not use stereotypes," she said. But Macron, who is due to meet with Orban, Szydlo and the leaders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic on Friday morning, received strong backing from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who usually steers clear of openly criticising eastern states. "I believe it was important that Emmanuel Macron said this again. Germany and France are completely on the same page," said Merkel, when asked about Macron's remarks. The European Commission has opened several legal cases against Warsaw and Budapest. Some EU states want to reduce EU funds for the eastern countries as punishment for their government's actions. Macron and the eastern states are at odds on a number of major issues currently under discussion in the EU. The French president has criticised them for not accepting refugees and is a vocal opponent of so-called "social dumping", in which companies employ cheaper labour, often from eastern countries, or move production to lower-wage countries. (Additional reporting by Noah Barkin, writing by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Noah Barkin)
While New Mexico may rank near dead last among all 50 states in child and family well-being, the state ranks better in how it delivers long-term services to older residents, people with disabilities and family care givers.

The just released scorecard from AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, ranks New Mexico overall 28th in the nation, based on 25 indicators in five key categories: Affordability and access; choice of setting and provider; quality of life and care; support for family caregivers; and, effective transitions between nursing homes, hospitals and homes.

We experienced a 3 percent improvement to 51.4 percent in the number of adults age 21 plus who have disabilities and are receiving Medicaid, said AARP state director Gene Varela. New Mexico is ranked 23 in this measurement.

What that means is more people have become eligible for services under the Medicaid expansion that was part of the Affordable Care Act, and in applying for that they realized that they were eligible for long term care services.

Under the choice of setting and provider category, 64.1 percent of Medicaid funds go toward long term services and support services, giving New Mexico a ranking of third.

New Mexico has been willing to put Medicaid and other state funds into allowing people to remain in their homes and receive long term services there, as opposed to going into facilities, Varela said.

New Mexico is ranked second in the nation in the number of home health and personal care aides per 100 adults 18-plus with disabilities. We now have 33 per 100, up from 28 per 100 in the last AARP study done in 2014, Varela said.

Under the support for family care givers category, New Mexico is ranked 30th overall, and 32nd in supporting working caregivers.

The vast majority of older New Mexicans want to live independently at home as they age, but because the cost of long term-care remains unaffordable for most middle income families, this can only be done with the help of unpaid family caregivers, Varela said.

More than 419,000 residents help their aging parents, spouses and other loved ones to stay at home by providing assistance with bathing and dressing, transportation, finances, wound care, injections, and more. The value of this unpaid care is estimated at $3.1 billion.

We need to figure out how to support them, and not necessarily with monetary compensation, but with things like flexible working hours and being able to use sick leave or vacation hours for caregiving duties, Varela said.

New Mexico has a dismal ranking of 49th in the indicator for affordability and access to long-term services and supports, based on the cost of nursing home care and long term care insurance, he said.
SANTA FE  Citing declining tax revenues, Rio Arriba County Manager Tomas Campos informed county employees of the first two of 24 planned furlough days expected to save the county about $1.5 million during the fiscal year beginning July 1.

With a few exceptions, county employees will not work July 3 and 28, meaning that county offices in Tierra Amarilla and Espanola, as well as all senior centers, the swimming pool in Tierra Amarilla and all other locations where County business is normally conducted will be closed.

Sheriffs deputies and corrections officers will not be furloughed, although administrative staff at the sheriffs office and detention center will. Some employees at the Health Commons health care program and all workers at the Substance, Treatment, Outreach and Prevention program whose salaries are paid through grants, rather than taxpayer money, will also not be furloughed, according to a memo from Campos sent to staff last Friday.

This has been a very painful decision to make, and the last thing I want is to hurt the Countys employees, Campos wrote. If there were better options that could lead us to a balanced budget, I would immediately take them. My goal is to continue to figure our different ways to reduce the Countys expenses to match our declining revenues. Please try to be patient, as this will be a painful process for all of us.

Campos confirmed some details pertaining to the countys budget, but did not provide answers to other questions the Journal emailed him on Wednesday, such as how many employees would be affected.

Rio Arriba County has already submitted a $14 million preliminary budget to the state Department of Finance and Administration. The county has about $4.1 million in reserve, but is required to keep about that amount on reserve for emergency purposes, based on the total budget.

The County Commission meets June 29 to approve its 2017-2018 budget.

Earlier this year, Gov. Susana Martinez directed her state Cabinet secretaries to draft plans for employee furloughs. Those plans were taken off the table, at least for now, after she approved a final budget that included an infusion of roughly $80 million from the states cash reserves.
MOSCOW  A NATO F-16 fighter jet approached and was then warned away from a jet carrying Russias defense minister, Russian media reported Wednesday, the latest in a string of aerial incidents that have marked rising tensions between the West and Russia.

The incident occurred over the Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe, according to reporters traveling with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in international airspace crowded with Russian and NATO jets testing one anothers nerve in sometimes dangerous proximity.

But no incidents yet had involved aircraft with high-ranking Russian or U.S. government officials aboard.

NATO confirmed the intercept, saying in an emailed statement that three Russian aircraft, including two fighters, had been tracked over the Baltic Sea. As the aircraft did not identify themselves or respond to air traffic control, NATO fighter jets scrambled to identify them, according to standard procedure, the statement read. NATO has no information as to who was on board. We assess the Russian pilots behavior as safe and professional.

The brush comes after days of close calls over the Baltics, as well as the first downing of a Syrian government plane by U.S. forces in that war-torn country. In response to the shoot-down, Russia said it would begin tracking U.S. aircraft in Syria as potential targets.

Despite expectations that relations would warm under President Trump, a vocal admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, geopolitical hot spots from the Baltics to the Middle East have continued yielding tensions where U.S. and Russian military assets are in proximity.

The Ukrainian conflict has also remained a point of tension. The U.S. government on Tuesday introduced new sanctions against Russia, aimed at a shadowy paramilitary group called Wagner accused of fighting in Ukraine and Syria, as well as a company tied to Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Putin associate sometimes called Putins chef.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday that he was canceling an upcoming meeting with the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, Thomas Shannon, in St. Petersburg because of the new round of sanctions, which target 38 Russian individuals and firms.

We regret that Russia has decided to turn away from an opportunity to discuss bilateral obstacles that hinder U.S.-Russia relations, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Wednesday. . . . If the Russians seek an end to these sanctions, they know very well the U.S. position: Our sanctions on Russia related [to] Russias ongoing aggression against Ukraine will remain in place until Russia fully honors its obligations under the Minsk Agreements. Our sanctions related to Crimea will not be lifted until Russia ends its occupation of the peninsula.

Trump and Putin were expected to meet for the first time next month during a Group of 20 summit in Hamburg. The meeting has been highly anticipated, a first encounter between two men who believe they can make use of each other despite a U.S. establishment livid over Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

But on Wednesday, Dmitry Peskov, Putins press secretary, said that there were no plans yet for a meeting.

It has not been prepared in any way for now, and nothing has been planned for July 7 so far, he told journalists, adding that the Kremlin does not rule out a meeting between Putin and Trump on the sidelines of the conference.

Peskov had previously said that the G-20 summit would be a good occasion to meet.

Asked by a Washington Post reporter whether his remarks Wednesday indicated doubt that a meeting would take place, he replied, It is still a good occasion.

There are concerns that the U.S.-Russian tensions could be playing out in the Baltics.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon said that an armed Russian Su-27 buzzed an American RC-135 reconnaissance plane, closing to a distance of five feet. U.S. officials told Fox News that the maneuver was provocative. Russian officials blamed the pilot of the U.S. spy plane.

On Wednesday, Shoigus jet was bound for the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad when it was intercepted by an F-16, the Russian reports said.

The NATO jet closed in and began flying parallel to Shoigus plane, video shot on board and released by the Defense Ministrys Zvezda news agency showed.

A Russian Su-27 fighter accompanying Shoigus plane then approached from behind and rocked its wings to show that it was armed. Then, the F-16 veered off.

NATO and Russia are building up their defenses in the Baltic region, where former Soviet states (and now NATO members) Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia border Russia.

Since 2016, NATO has deployed four battalion-size battle groups to the Baltic states and Poland as part of what a NATO statement calls the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defense in a generation.
Jeanine Iverson sat beside her family in a Bernalillo Metropolitan courtroom early last Friday staring at the man accused of killing her son and his friend just weeks before.

He was really nervous, Iverson said about 24-year-old Anthony Kapinski. Everybody was staring him down.

Iverson is the mother of 21-year-old Jordan Mucher, a man who was killed in what police say is a double homicide that also took the life of Paul Francia, 22.

How can somebody be so cruel? Iverson said.I want him to rot in there forever.

Kapinski, of Edgewood, was in court Friday for a preventative detention hearing in which District Judge Alisa Hadfield upheld the states motion to keep Kapinski in jail until trial.

The recent charges demonstrate an escalation of his previous recklessness, Hadfield said. His history evidences very concerning behavior that jeopardizes public safety.

That history includes charges that range from burglary and assault to receiving or transferring stolen vehicles.

Police say Mucher and Francia were killed by Kapinski on June 2 in a church parking lot near Carlisle and Montgomery in Albuquerque after a dispute.

Iverson said his attorney Craig Acorn, who couldnt be reached for comment, argued in court that Kapinski acted in self-defense.

I dont see how he can claim self-defense  I mean he shot two people, said Richard Francia, Paul Francias father. He needs to pay for his mistake.

Officers went to the parking lot on the night of June 2 after hearing gunshots and found the two men dead. Kapinski was arrested the next day in connection with both deaths.

Witnesses told police the incident began when Francia approached Kapinski in the crowded parking lot and punched him over alleged stolen car parts.

A fight began and Mucher jumped in to help Francia, a good friend.

My sons not going to just let some guy beat him (Francia) up, Iverson said. Hes going to jump in and help take care of his friend.

Thats when police say Kapinski shot both men.

He (Kapinski) took something from me and Im never going to get it back, Richard Francia said.

Richard Francia said while hes sure his son Paul had dreams for the future, he will never know what they were.

Mucher had a daughter on the way and was very excited to be a father in July, Iverson said. He and his girlfriend already picked out a name  Aria.

My family is just torn apart by this  I wish he was still here, she said. He was my baby.
A 40-acre fire is causing the evacuation of homes Wednesday evening in the San Pedro mountain area, according to the New Mexico Forest Service.

The Golden Fire, off of Highway 14 and Highway 344, is forcing the evacuations of 150 homes in the area of Ranchitos Road, and the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office is asking residents to report to Edgewood Elementary School, according to a news release.

Its burning in grass and pinion juniper, the release states. The New Mexico State Forestry Division along with multiple agencies including Santa Fe County FD, Bernalillo County FD, and BLM are responding. Air tankers are being called in.
In October, a sick leave measure will appear on voters ballots. While touted as nothing more than an effort to require businesses to offer their employees paid sick leave, the reality is that sick leave is only one of many issues addressed in the lengthy and complicated measure.

If passed, the ballot measure will fundamentally transform the relationship between local businesses and their employees. Organizing for the Land of Enchantment is the group of out-of-state left-wing activists pushing the issue  OLE is the successor organization to the discredited ACORN. While it claims to work on behalf of those of modest means, Albuquerques economic woes will only be worsened if this measure is adopted. If it isnt really about paid sick leave, whats it all about?

1) Control Businesses: Employers who think this doesnt apply to me or who already have generous sick-leave policies in place are in for a rude awakening. The same is true for all nonprofits and the smallest of businesses. All employers will be forced to comply with complicated new rules. For example, if an employee takes a sick day, for 90 days thereafter the employer faces a presumption of retaliation for any action like firing or other disciplinary action against the worker.

Employees could easily abuse this ordinance to tie an employer up in costly court proceedings. Making it more difficult to let employees go or discipline them may sound good for workers, but it is going to cause businesses to think even harder than before anytime they hire workers, especially those working for low wages and with fewer skills.

2) Boost Unions: This ballot measure provides a direct financial benefit to big labor. Albuquerques mandatory paid sick leave proposal specifically states the ordinance shall not apply to workers covered under collective bargaining  in other words, a union. Workers could soon see a portion of their paychecks diverted to union coffers as a means of protection for businesses.

Using local government to harass non-union employers and encouraging employers to unionize to obtain a get-out-of-jail-free card is a great way to boost the finances of a movement that continues to lose membership and popularity!

3) Tie Hands of Elected Officials: The ballot language contains an audacious line at its conclusion that attempts to tie the hands of future leaders of Albuquerque. It says, This chapter may be amended, but  not in a manner that lessens the substantive requirements or its scope of coverage.

Is such a provision really legal? Its doubtful, but we wont truly know until a future City Council decides to address some of the many problems with this ordinance. The fact that the advocates inserted such an outrageous provision into such a deeply-flawed ballot measure is one reason they are fighting so hard to keep its full text off voters ballots. It also sets a bad precedent for the courts, which might be inclined to allow such provisions to stand in other proposed ordinances.

Forcing businesses to pay for employee sick leave is in fact one of the justifications for the groups that have put this proposal on the ballot, but a limited, precise sick leave measure would take no more than a page. The complicated and arcane language of this (seven-page ordinance) requires voters careful consideration of its deleterious impacts.

If all that doesnt convince voters, they should follow what works. Denver is arguably the fastest-growing major city in America with a 2 percent unemployment rate as of April. In 2011 Denver voters overwhelmingly rejected a far less ambitious mandatory paid sick leave proposal. The vote was a landslide, 65 percent to 35 percent. Albuquerque, on the other hand, already has unemployment of 5.6 percent, well above the U.S. average.

Voters should reject this measure, which piles more regulations on businesses and unfairly empowers both trial attorneys and unions, all under the pretense of paid sick leave.

The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, non-partisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual responsibility.
Theres a tension so deep in how we think about free expression, it should rightly be called a paradox.

On the one hand, regardless of ideology, artists and writers almost unanimously insist that they do what they do to change minds. But the same artistes, auteurs and opiners recoil in horror when anyone suggests that they might be responsible for inspiring bad deeds. Hollywood, the music industry, journalism, political ideologies, even the Confederate flag: Each takes its turn in the dock when some madman or fool does something terrible. The arguments against free speech are stacked and waiting for these moments like weapons in a gladiatorial armory. Theres no philosophical consistency to when they get picked up and deployed, beyond the unimpeachable consistency of opportunism.

Hollywood activists blame the toxic rhetoric of right-wing talk radio or the tea party for this crime, the National Rifle Association blames Hollywood for that atrocity. Liberals decry the toxic rhetoric of the right, conservatives blame the toxic rhetoric of the left. When attacked  again heedless of ideology or consistency  the gladiators instantly trade weapons. The finger-pointers of five minutes ago suddenly wax righteous in their indignation that mere expression  rather, their expression  should be blamed. Many of the same liberals who pounded soapboxes into pulp at the very thought of labeling record albums with violent-lyrics warnings instantly insisted that Sarah Palin had Rep. Gabby Giffords blood on her hands. Many of the conservatives who spewed hot fire at the suggestion they had any culpability in an abortion clinic bombing gleefully insisted Sen. Bernie Sanders is partially to blame for Rep. Steve Scalises fight with death. And this is where the paradox starts to come into view: Everyone has a point.

The blame for violent acts lies with the people who commit them, and with those who explicitly and seriously call for violence, Dan McLaughlin, my National Review colleague, wrote in the Los Angeles Times last week. People who just use overheated political rhetoric, or who happen to share the gunmans opinions, should be nowhere on the list. As a matter of law, I agree with this entirely. But as a matter of culture, its more complicated.

I have always thought it absurd to claim that expression cannot lead people to do bad things, precisely because it is so obvious that expression can lead people to do good things. According to legend, Abraham Lincoln told Harriet Beecher Stowe, So youre the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war. Should we mock Lincoln for saying something ridiculous?

As Irving Kristol once put it, If you believe that no one was ever corrupted by a book, you have also to believe that no one was ever improved by a book. You have to believe, in other words, that art is morally trivial and that education is morally irrelevant. If words dont matter, then democracy is a joke, because democracy depends entirely on making arguments  not for killing, but for voting. Only a fool would argue that words can move people to vote but not to kill. Ironically, free speech was born in an attempt to stop killing. It has its roots in freedom of conscience. Before the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, the common practice was that the rulers religion determined their subjects faith, too. Religious dissent was not only heresy but a kind of treason. After Westphalia, exhaustion with religion-motivated bloodshed created space for toleration.

This didnt mean that Protestants instantly stopped hating Catholics or vice versa. Nor did it mean that the more ecumenical hatred of Jews vanished. What it did mean is that it was no longer acceptable to kill people simply for what they believed  or said.

But words still mattered. Art still moved people. And the law is not the full and final measure of morality. Hence the paradox: In a free society, people have a moral responsibility for what they say, while at the same time a free society requires legal responsibility only for what they actually do.
It just makes sense that when a corporation rips off a victim that any legal settlement should go either to that victim or, if the victim is the U.S. government, to the U.S. Treasury. It should not go to some nonprofit organization  however well-deserving it may be  that could be a favorite cause of some government official or agency.

New U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is putting a stop to the latter practice which allowed, or required, the big boys to donate some of their settlement obligations to organizations that were neither victims nor parties to the legal case.

Conservatives had argued that, in some cases, court-ordered donations were going to Democratic advocacy groups or liberal causes, and that such settlements bypassed the congressional appropriations process.

When the federal government settles a case against a corporate wrongdoer, any settlement funds should go first to the victims and then to the American people  not to bankroll third-party special interest groups or the political friends of whoever is in power, Sessions said in a recent statement announcing the end of the practice.

Past examples where payments were required to entities not directly related to the alleged corporate wrongdoers include Bank of America, which had to pay groups that provided housing counseling and foreclosures prevention as part of a $17 billion settlement to resolve its role in the sale of mortgage-backed securities prior to the 2008 fiscal crisis which, as you might recall, were fueled largely by questionable mortgage lending practices.

Under the new Justice Department policy, restitution can only go to victims or payment that directly remedies the harm that is sought to be addressed.

The new rule clears the air and marks a clearer path for settlements to benefit those who are actually harmed by poor or predatory business practices.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said hell propose legislation that would ban U.S. immigrants from receiving any welfare benefits for five years.

I believe the time has come for new immigration rules which say that those seeking admission into our country must be able to support themselves financially and should not use welfare for a period of at least five years, Trump said at a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Wednesday. And well be putting in legislation to that effect very shortly.

Trump campaigned on promises of a crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and signed an executive order shortly after taking office in January that has led to increases in deportations across the country, according to immigrant advocates. However, he has also targeted refugees and other legal immigrants, proposing to reduce the number who enter the country and establish new standards that would weed out people without high skills or much education.

We want to get our people off of welfare and back to work, Trump said. We also want to preserve our safety net for struggling Americans who truly need help. We want to help them. But others dont treat us fairly.

He did not detail his proposal to ban immigrants from receiving immigration benefits, which he has not previously disclosed. The legislation would presumably go further than the 1996 welfare overhaul passed under former President Bill Clinton, which banned many kinds of legal immigrants from receiving most federal welfare benefits for five years or more after entry into the U.S., including health programs, cash assistance and subsidies for home energy costs.

That law exempted certain immigrants, including refugees, people from Cuba and Haiti, and green-card holders, according to the National Immigration Law Center, an advocacy group.
Does resuming the practice of adding fluoride to Albuquerques community water supply aid in the prevention of tooth decay or lead to a host of other health problems?

Public comments offered Wednesday before the board of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority were pretty much split between those opinions, and members of the water authority gave no clue how they will rule on the issue Aug. 23.

About 70 people showed up for the Wednesday evening meeting, and more than 25 of them were given two minutes to share their thoughts.

Among the speakers were a number of dentists, hygienists and representatives of dental and public health organizations. They were in agreement that supplementing the water supply with fluoride ought to resume.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance found in many water supplies, including Albuquerques. In the early 1970s, voters approved a referendum to supplement the fluoride levels and bring it up to what was then a national standard. In 2011, the water authority suspended the addition of fluoride pending new recommendations on optimal levels from the federal government. In 2015, that new standard was determined to be 0.7 milligrams per liter.

Building a facility to add fluoride to the water supply would cost about $250,000, and yearly operating and maintenance costs of $250,000.

Ron Romero, former state dental director, said tooth sealants and fluoride are important tools in fighting dental decay. Citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiled in 2012, about the time Albuquerque ceased adding fluoride to water, 75 percent of the U.S. population on public water was using fluoridated water. That included 44 of the largest cities in the country.

The cost of fluoridating Albuquerques water supply would be about 20 cents per person per year, Romero said, and for every $1 invested in fluoride, $30 is saved in dental bills.

Patrick Manzanaras, a graduate student in public health studying at New Mexico State University, said he spent the past decade doing outreach in rural communities and reservations throughout New Mexico.

In that time I worked with communities that did not have fluoride in their water systems, and those that did, he said. What was clear was that there was an elevated incidence of tooth decay in those communities that did not have fluoride in their water systems, and a decreased incidence in those communities that did have access to fluoridated water.

Tom Schripsema, a dentist and executive director of the New Mexico Dental Association, said fluoridation of water is safe, effective and affordable, and the practice is endorsed not only by his organization, but by the CDC, the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association and many more.

We use evidence-based medicine, and thats the standard by which we provide care, he said. The evidence shows overwhelmingly and consistently that it does prevent tooth decay and does not cause any health problems.

The surface of a tooth is constantly dissolving and being re-mineralized, and fluoride aids in that re-mineralization process, he said.

However, not everyone was buying into the reported benefits of fluoride.

Albuquerque resident Debra Sapunar cited a March 2014 report in the Lancet medical journal that classified fluoride as a neurotoxin.

This is the same category as arsenic, lead and mercury, she said. There is no way to control the amount of fluoride each citizen will get. We drink, bathe and eat food and beverages prepared in the fluoridated water and mix baby formula with it. She also cited a recent national survey conducted by the CDC that said 40 percent of American teenagers exhibit visible signs of fluoride overexposure.

Another speaker, Mark Jurich, held up a chart using WHO statistics from 22 countries, some of which fluoridate their water and some that do not. Jurich said the chart shows there is no difference in the incidence rate of tooth decay among those countries.

The assertion that there is any benefit to adding fluoride to the water is simply not statistically valid, he said.

Karla Koch, a doctor of Oriental medicine, also came armed with statistics from the CDC and the WHO that indicated fluoride was effective against tooth decay when applied topically to the tooth surface, but there was no evidence of any benefit from systemic absorption from drinking sources.

Rather than spending money on supplemental fluoridation, we should invest those funds in school nutrition programs, in-school hygienist visits and low cost community-based dental programs, Koch said.

Albuquerque dentist and New Mexico Dental Association representative, Joe Valles said systemic absorption of fluoride is necessary.

When an embryo is forming, the buds that form teeth are also forming, and topical applications have no effect on that, he said. Its the ingestion of fluoride that makes the enamel hard.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  The director of the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico is among dozens of top U.S. Department of Interior officials asked by Secretary Ryan Zinke to accept new positions or resign, a move that drew criticism Wednesday from New Mexicos senators in Washington.

Amy Lueders, director of New Mexicos BLM office, has been reassigned to an as-yet-unannounced position in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Both agencies are part of the Interior Department. The Bureau of Land Management oversees millions of acres of federal land around the nation, including in New Mexico.

Amy has served as our BLM state director for the past two years, and she has been incredibly engaged and responsive, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., told Zinke at an Interior budget hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Quite frankly, I dont want New Mexico to lose her, and Im very concerned about the impacts of other changes as well.

Lueders declined to comment through a spokeswoman Wednesday. It is unclear who will replace her at the BLM.

Udall said Zinkes shake-up of the Interior Departments top ranks also includes the reassignment of Benjamin Tuggle, the Albuquerque-based Southwest Regional Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the newly installed director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Weldon Bruce Loudermilk, who is based in Washington. Udall said the scale of these changes is virtually without precedent.

The New Mexico senator asked Zinke for a comprehensive list of employees affected by the management shuffle, but Zinke told reporters after the hearing he could not provide one until its clear who is going to take the move or resign.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., told the Journal he worried the personnel changes dont take into consideration the employees hard-earned expertise in complex policy areas.

Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., said he backed Zinkes decision to make personnel changes at the department.

It is within Secretary Zinkes authority to ensure the Department of the Interior is operating as efficiently as possible, Pearce told the Journal. I will continue to voice New Mexicos priorities to Secretary Zinke as staffing changes are made throughout the department.

Interior Department Press Secretary Heather Swift told the Journal on Wednesday the move should not come as a surprise and is in the best interests of the taxpayer.

The president signed an executive order to reorganize the federal government for the future and the secretary (Zinke) has been absolutely out front on that issue, she said. In fact, he mentioned a department-wide, front lines-focused reorganization on his first day address to all employees. 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 move to reassign the employees, who are part of the federal governments Senior Executive Service  a category just under the top agency political appointees  is legal after the person has been in the job for six months.

An official with the Senior Executives Association, which represents 6,000 of the governments top leaders, told the Washington Post last week that Interior reassignments could involve as many as 50 people.
Former pediatrician Juan Torres Santos, who was found guilty of one count of sexual exploitation of children in October 2015, lost his appeal to the New Mexico Court of Appeals, the state Attorney Generals Office said Thursday.

Torres Santos was previously a licensed pediatrician in Pennsylvania and in Texas, and was working on his application for a medical license in New Mexico at the time of his arrest, according to a news release.

Torres Santos appealed his conviction claiming there was not sufficient evidence he intentionally possessed child pornography and that the district court should not have allowed the Office of the Attorney General to show the jury evidence of the child pornography. The Court of Appeals agreed with the Office of the Attorney Generals Criminal Appeals Division and upheld Torres Santos conviction.
The Santa Fe Police Department is investigating the death of a woman in the 1400 block of Zepol Road near Airport Road.

A person of interest is being questioned by officers in connection with the case.

The police departments published list of incident reports indicates officers responded to a homicide call just after 3 a.m. Thursday at the Vista Alegre Apartments at 1469 Zepol.

The Santa Fe police said later in the morning there is no threat to the neighborhood.

But all of Zepol Road was shut down for the investigation. Residents of the Zepol Apartments are asked to park at the Chamisa Shopping Center on Airport Road and walk to their homes.

If the death is a homicide, it would mark Santa Fes second in the past several days.

This follows the June 17 killing of 31-year-old Tim Baca, who was found dead in the street on Viento del Norte and Calle Mejia early Saturday. Christoper P. Owens, 30, who had been with Baca, Bacas wife and others at two night spots during the evening, is charged with an open count of murder.

A criminal complaint said Owens and Baca were arguing over a song during a ride back to Santa Fe from the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Pojoaque. When the driver pulled over and everyone got out of the car, Owens allegedly shot Baca twice.

Also, the June 14 death of 31-year-old Sheryl Flores is under investigation by the county.

She was found dead and covered in blood, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in Santa Fe District Court. Flores had a PIC line  a catheter that allows for intravenous access for a prolonged period of time  in her right arm, and her mother told a detective that she was being treated for a blood infection.
TAOS  The day the Taos Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously in May to approve a large scale hotel development permit for a proposed four-story, 85-room Holiday Inn Express on the south side of town, one of the commissioners found 16 tires, valued at $10,000, slashed on vehicles at his propane business.

Was the incident, in which two shadowy figures were seen on surveillance video entering at night, connected to Commissioner Billy Romeros vote?

In my opinion, it was, said Romero, owner of Rio Grande Propane. If it was connected to that, it sends a very negative message to people who volunteer for these kinds of positions and to elected officials.

The Holiday Inn apparently would be the first building in Taos with four full stories (not counting the historic multi-story adobe buildings on adjacent Taos Pueblo).

Even though the hotel site is a few mile south the towns historic center, many residents are angry about the prospect of pushing the town skyline upward.

Opponents also allege a back-room deal has brought the hotel near final approval  it still must come before the Town Council next week  and say its out of scale for this resort town and will block views.

While they allege coziness between local officials and Columbus, Ohio-based developer Jay Batra, town manager Rick Bellis says the town is doing what towns do: pursuing economic development.

Batra is a very professional and successful investor interested in investing in and creating jobs in Taos and has already demonstrated his commitment by turning around the once bankrupt Hampton Inn to 90 percent-plus capacity, Bellis said in an e-mail.

Should we be chasing him away? Bellis said, adding that 40 percent of the Taos economy is purely tourism, which means we have to get people here and get them to stay, eat, sleep, drink, shop and spend money.

Local activists, including resident Lawrence Baker, said they have gathered over 3,000 petition signatures against the project. Baker points to e-mails between Bellis and Batra as evidence that an October Town Council approval of a hotel specific overlay zone allowing heights up to 48 feet was all done behind closed doors.

In one message, Bellis asked Batra to prepare a preliminary site plan with the footprint of the building and an artists rendering of possible three- and four-story buildings, according to a March 2015 e-mail from Bellis to Batra.

I believe that we could have a quick and inexpensive preliminary answer for you, the town manager told the developer. This should allow you to then either apply for and likely obtain a variance within a month or for us to adjust the codes accordingly within a similar time frame.

Later in the same month, Batra e-mailed Bellis that he wanted to close quickly on the land for the Holiday Inn, which is next door to the Hampton Inn he purchased about four years ago, and to move on ground breaking.

I know the town wont absolutely allow anything more than 3 stories but thought (I) would ask, the e-mail states. We are also very interested in developing something downtown.

Batra called the allegations of coziness with the town government bogus in a telephone interview. The government out there is always going to take a look at who is pro-development. They are going to want to attract developers to take the town in a forward direction and thats all they are trying to do, he said.

Against towns character?

Danielle Vigil, who was born and raised in Taos and returned four years ago, opposes the four-story hotel. She obtained the e-mails through Inspection of Public Records Act requests.

I think it goes against the character of Taos and goes against the reasons people come here  for the beauty and the expansive (view), Vigil said in a phone interview. If Taos is no longer unique, why come here?

Santa Fe attorney Chris Graeser, who represents opponents, said he intends to file a lawsuit by next month alleging approval of the overlay zones new height allowance violates the towns land use plan which would not have allowed a four-story hotel.

There is information from e-mails that my clients received indicating it was done to facilitate this particular hotel, he said.

Bellis said the overlay zone was meant to keep in step with lodging industry changes. The planning commission, like the Town Council, was also convinced of the argument that the Town had been unable to get any individual developer or hotel chain to agree to build a two-story or three-story facility, said Bellis via e-mail.

It was less an accommodation of this individual project than a realization that the code was ambiguous, (and of) the cost of land in Taos and limited undeveloped locations available or zoned for hotels, Bellis wrote. He added that city officials didnt want to change the height requirements within the downtown and felt that the code, at least as it applied to hotels, was out of date with the changes in the industry.

Batra sees no problem with his communications with the local government. Its the towns obligation to format good relationship with developers to attract growth within the region, said Batra. The status quo is something that doesnt work for anybody in todays market. So how would you fault the government officials?

Taos loves a fight

Most rural communities around the country likely would welcome a new hotel, but Taos is a town that loves a good controversy before breakfast.

Activists beat back a proposal for a Walmart Super Store a couple of decades ago, turned back a town-supported move of the downtown post office, once picketed the then-mayors radio station and were part of a major kerfuffle over dumping the name of Kit Carson Park in favor of one that honored Native Americans instead. Taos is home to the infamous sign man, whose day-glow protest signs that he holds up along the towns major thoroughfare were once collected for display at an art show.

The Holiday Inn issue has drawn local traditions and a historic community into the fray. The hotel would be about one mile north up the road from the much photographed and painted, at least 200 year-old San Francisco de Asis Church in the Ranchos de Taos Plaza, which is outside Taos town limits.

They are building this hotel in our neighborhood, said David Maes, president of the 25-member Ranchos Neighborhood Association, which voted unanimously in September to opposed the project and its 48-foot height. The church is 27 feet tall and the historic Martinez Hall, across the road, is 30 feet, said Maes.

A three-story hotel would probably not have been opposed, he said. Its just the height, its too tall, too big, said Maes.

In October 2016, according to his written presentation to the Town Council, Maes stated that whether the planned four-story hotel is AT or ON our doorstep, it is too close, and generally not wanted. Ranchos residents would like to preserve our community in the lifestyle we have lived for centuries  as a small farming, ranching and residential community. We want to preserve this lifestyle we cherish  living our lives practicing our centuries-old traditions.

Taos tallest building?

The new hotel could conceivably be twice as tall as the Hampton Inn next door, said opponent Baker.

This valley has no building that high, Baker added.

The Holiday Inn opponents dispute accounts comparing the height of the hotel to that of the existing Taos County Administration/Judicial Complex, further north along the same road. There have been reports that the two-story county building is also at least 48 feet high, if rooftop appendages or a stairwell or elevator tower are included.

The longtime Sagebrush Hotel is across Paseo del Pueblo Sur, which is N.M. 68, from the Holiday Inn site.

Developer Batra said the height of a chain hotel wont change the essence of Taos. What defines the town of Taos is a lot more than just adding a couple of stories here, he said.

The new hotel is needed in town because of aging, existing lodging stock, said Bellis. The town has lost about half of its hotel and motel rooms and recently order a condemnation order for the Indian Hills Hotel and is about to extend orders to at least two other dilapidated hotels, he wrote. After two years of negotiating and pleading with the owners of many of the hotels to correct dozens of fire, building, health and life safety violations, we have few alternatives.

He also said four stories was the only way for the economics to work, for the town to get substantial concessions in the design that added costs and eliminated rooms, and to get national approval and financing.

Opponent Maes, though, said of the planned hotels Pueblo Style design, Its like putting lipstick on a pig. Its still a pig, its still too high.

Batra also hopes to rehab and reopen Taos old Don Fernando de Taos hotel, which he acquired about a year ago, in part with $500,000 in federal funds. He said his three properties will provide a total of 110 full and part-time jobs. Critics say pay will be low, perpetuating struggles for Taosenos trying to earn a living wage.

The Town Council will consider project Tuesday.
Ron Howard will take over directing the untitled Han Solo spinoff movie for Lucasfilm and Disney after the surprising news earlier this week that directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were leaving the project already well into production.

Hollywood trade papers first published the news of Howards hiring Thursday morning, with an official statement posted shortly after at starwars.com. The Oscar-winning director and producer emerged almost immediately as the name most mentioned for the job.

At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago, Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said in the statement. With that in mind, were thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.

The story that has surfaced this week is that the irreverent sensibilities of Lord and Miller, known for The Lego Movie and the Jump Street pictures, clashed with those of producer Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan.

The movie stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, with a cast that also includes Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Emilia Clarke and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The next picture in the revived franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, written and directed by Rian Johnson, will be released Dec. 15. The Han Solo movie is still expected to hit its previously announced release date of May 25, 2018.



2017 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WASHINGTON  Speaker Paul Ryan is expressing support for a popular bill that would hit Iran and Russia with new sanctions amid Democratic criticism that House Republicans are stalling for time to weaken the penalties at the Trump administrations request.

We just want to get moving on it, the Wisconsin Republican told reporters on Thursday. I support sanctions.

The sanctions measure was written by the Senate, where it passed last week on a 98-2 vote. But the passage ran afoul of a constitutional requirement that legislation involving revenue start in the House, known in bureaucratese as a blue slip.

Weve got to honor the blue slip, Ryan said.

Congressional Democrats said they fear the House is seeking to water down the Russia-related portions of the bill for the Trump administration. The sanctions aimed at Russia are intended to punish Moscow for meddling in the presidential election and for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and Syria.

House Republicans effort to obstruct and weaken the Senates bipartisan Russian sanctions bill is not only irresponsible; it endangers our national security and threatens our democracy, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement.

Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said his panel sent language to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee late Wednesday that he said would remedy the constitutionality issue in the bill. Brady said the proposed cure would allow the Senate to start a very simple process to take the bill back, make the change, and then move it forward.

Brady said hes confident of a resolution if the Senate moves ahead with the fix.

Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday were getting to a good place on the sanctions bill.

In addition to hitting Russia and Iran with additional financial penalties, the bill would strengthen Congress authority over Russia sanctions policy. The bill would require a 30-day congressional review period if Trump attempts to ease or end penalties against Moscow.

The Senate bill imposes mandatory sanctions on people involved in Irans ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them. The measure would apply terrorism sanctions to the countrys Revolutionary Guards and enforce an arms embargo.

___

Contact Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
Sangeeta Pendurkar has resigned as Managing Director  India and South Asia at Kellogg India. She had joined the organisation six years ago. Pendurkar will continue to lead the business for the next few months while facilitating a smooth transition for her successor, who is yet to be announced.

The business has more than doubled under her leadership and Kellogg India has transformed from a small organisation to a mid-sized agile, food company. Kellogg India, with a market share of 84 per cent in ready-to-eat cereals, has been at the forefront of building a purpose-driven business with a grain-based nutritious breakfast for a healthy start to the day at its core.

Part of the Asia Pacific leadership Team for Kellogg, Pendurkar has made significant contributions to the development of the region and the broader emerging markets agenda for the company.

Amit Banati, President, Kellogg Asia Pacific said, I would like to thank Sangeeta for her outstanding leadership and innumerable contributions over the last six years. Sangeeta brought in a strong strategic and consumer focus to the India business and has developed a diverse and future-ready organisation by embedding several new capabilities over the last few years. I wish her the very best in her future endeavours.

On her stint with Kellogg India, Pendurkar said, Its been an enriching and exciting leadership journey to have led Kellogg India. I am incredibly proud of what I and my leadership team has been able to create over the last six years. A strong foundation for the future has been laid and I am confident that Kellogg will scale new heights.
POKKT, Indias & SEAs leading smartphone advertising platform for mobile games (https://pokkt.com/main) has announced the appointment of Abdul Wahab as Vice President, Global Delivery Head. Abdul will be responsible for timely delivery of campaigns, optimizing cost, maintain KPIs towards the goals targeted, strengthening and exploring new partnerships with mobile game publishers. Abdul will report to POKKTs COO & CO-founder, Vaibhav Odhekar.

We are delighted to have Abdul on board as our Global delivery head. I have known Abdul personally for the last 5 years and his vast experience in digital advertising operations, delivery and optimization will help the company scale newer heights. He will surely help us reinforce our leadership team and will strengthen POKKTs position in the mobile video advertising space, said Vaibhav Odhekar, COO & CO-founder of POKKT.

On taking up his new role, Abdul said, Im excited to join POKKT and looking forward to ramping up the programmatic arm of the company. My overall endeavour will be to establish POKKT as a global leader in mobile video ad space. Having worked in a start-up environment and with tech-based companies, I will also be looking at establishing strong relationships with our clients and partners, both existing and new.

Abdul brings 13+ years of relevant industry experience to his new role having previously served as Senior Director-Supply and Delivery at C1 Exchange. He was handling the entire business operations from onboarding supply and programmatic delivery, for the US and APMEA region. He has also worked in leadership roles with several top companies like Vizury, Vserv, Ibibo and Zenith Optimedia. He has a complete understanding of the online advertising marketplace and has been a significant contributor to both business and technical aspects of ad Serving. His key accomplishments include delivering scale and value to the stakeholders.
Ad industry veteran Roda Mehta is the recipient of this years AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented to Mehta on July 14, 2017 in Mumbai. This Award is the highest honour given to an individual in India for his/her outstanding contribution to the Advertising Industry.

Roda Mehta played a legendary and pioneering role in establishing scientific media planning and buying in India. While doing so, she built a whole generation of media professionals for the advertising industry. She joined Hindustan Thompson Associates (now JWT) in 1971 and became the first MBA and first woman in the Media function of an advertising agency in India. She moved to Ogilvy Benson & Mather in 1975, and rose from Media Group Head to Media Controller for the Mumbai office in 1976 to represent Media for the first time on the Managing Committee of the Mumbai office in 1978 to being sent to London for 3 months to introduce Account Planning and Research in the Indian operation in 1980 to the Board as Director  Media & Research in 1982. She transferred, as President  South in 1992, became Director - International Client Service in 1994, and Managing Consultant - the Media Network in 1996. Along the way, she pioneered Outdoor planning and buying and set up a Rural Media network to service client requirements.

Making the announcement, Nakul Chopra, President, AAAI, stated, Roda Mehta is a pioneer in more ways than one. This Award is well-deserved recognition for the stellar leadership she provided our industry and our eco-system for over two decades, during which time she also nurtured a whole generation of professional talent.

Ashish Bhasin, who was Chairman of the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee  Selection, said, Roda Mehta has single-handedly played a vital role in getting due respectability for the Media function in Advertising.

Members of the Selection Committee for this Award included Sam Balsara, Srinivasan K Swamy, Ambi Parameswaran and Nakul Chopra.

Invited on several committees and associations by the industry, including the Expert Committee on TV Marketing for Doordarshan & AIR, Mehta was Founder Member of the Market Research Society of India (MRSI) and Founder Member and Chairperson - Technical Committee of the Media Research Users Council (MRUC). She chaired MRUC from 1994-96. Ms Mehta was also on the Board of several other committees including Advisory Board - Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (Govt of India), AAAIs Media Disputes Committee, Economic Times Advisory Panel, etc. An avidly sought after speaker at industry conferences/seminars, she served as faculty on training programs run by Ogilvy & Mather India and Asia Pacific.

Mehta bagged several prestigious awards, including the David Ogilvy Award for Asia Pacific & Agency of the Year Award (Public Service) 1992 for the National Literacy Mission campaign.

Currently, she is associated with several non-profit organisations as a Trustee of the Lila Poonawalla Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring to economically challenged girls from Maharashtra for post-graduate, graduate/diploma and secondary school education; Board Member & Treasurer of Nagrik Chetna Manch, a citizens watchdog organisation on public expenditure. She administers a very active Citizens Whatsapp Group for civic affairs of PMC Ward 21 and is a practitioner of Kriya Yoga.

The AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has been a practitioner of advertising for 25 years and been in top management position; has been or continues to be an active participant in industry bodies and/ or has made significant contribution in shaping industry priorities to enable the advertising industry to grow, prosper and become more professionalised; an individual known for her/his integrity, ethical practice and leadership qualities; who contributed to her/his Companys growth by innovative thinking and change management, leading it into newer directions; involved in projects of social consequence and seen as a role model for the industry at large.

This Award, instituted in 1988 by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), has been bestowed on 24 persons thus far.

AAAI is the official, national organisation of advertising agencies, formed in 1945, to promote their interests. The Association promotes professionalism, through its founding principles, which uphold sound business practices between advertisers and advertising agencies and the various media. The AAAI today is truly representative, with a very large number of small, medium and large-sized agencies as its members, who together account for almost 80 per cent of the advertising business placed in the country. It is thus recognised as the apex body of and the spokesperson for the advertising industry at all forums  advertisers and media owners and their associations and Government.
The LG V30 rumors just keep on coming, and a new one just surfaced in South Korea. According to this rumor, the LG V30 flagship phablet will actually land on August 31, one day before IFA in Berlin starts. The source also claims that the phone will actually be launched in Berlin, as part of IFA, but as its usually the case, the event will occur before IFA officially starts. This year, IFA is kicking off on September 1, and it will be open until September 6.

Now, in addition to this, the source provided quite a bit of detail when it comes to the device itself. If this info is to be believed, the LG V30 will become available for pre-order at some point, which will be the first time LG does this for its V series of smartphones. Those pre-orders will be available through three most popular carriers in South Korea, and youll be able to pre-order the device in a period of one or two weeks. The LG V30 will become available for purchase in September, says the source, and the device is expected to come in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage variants. The 64GB storage model is expected to cost 800,000 KRW ($699), says the source, and the phone will ship with an OLED panel, which is quite interesting. On top of all that, the LG V30 will, allegedly, sport a similar design to the LG G6, which means it will have really thin bezels all around, and the secondary display will be a part of this package yet again.

This phone is actually expected to sport a 3,200mAh non-removable battery, which will disappoint some people considering that the LG V20 sported a removable unit on the inside. According to the source, a non-removable battery will help LG make this phone both waterproof and dust resistant, as was the case with the LG G6. Now, according to previous info, this handset will come with a dual camera setup on the back, similar to the LG G6, and the phone is expected to sport 6GB of RAM, while Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC will fuel this phablet. A 3.5mm headphone jack will be a part of the package as well, and you can expect a Quad DAC to be included in the LG V30 as well.
The OnePlus 5T wont be powered by the Snapdragon 836, Qualcomms rumored revision of the Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC) thats said to be commercialized in the coming months, one industry source said earlier this month. The BBK Electronics-owned original equipment manufacturer (OEM) just announced the OnePlus 5 and is expected to follow up on it with the OnePlus 5T in late 2017, similar to how it released the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T in June and November of 2016, respectively. Whereas last years flagship revision was equipped with the Snapdragon 821 as opposed to the Snapdragon 820 featured in the OnePlus 3, this years iteration will likely sport the same piece of silicon present in its predecessor, i.e. the Snapdragon 835, latest reports indicate.

Qualcomms premium chip has been in short supply this year, being directly responsible for the fact that flagships like the Sony Xperia XZ Premium and HTC U11 were relatively late to the market compared to the Samsung Galaxy S8 series. Massive shortages of the Snapdragon 835 are also said to be the primary reason why the LG G6 launched with last years Snapdragon 821, with LG Electronics reportedly being unwilling to wait for Qualcomm to meet the demand for its first 10nm SoC. OnePluss supposed decision to ship the OnePlus 5T with the Snapdragon 835 as opposed to the Snapdragon 836 may be a cost-effectiveness move, with the company slowly evolving its product strategy in an effort to grow into a sustainable business, as evidenced by the fact that both variants of the newly announced OnePlus 5 are more expensive than the OnePlus 3 which started at $439.

Apart from the SoC, the OnePlus 3T also provided an upgrade over the previous model in the battery department by replacing the 3,000mAh unit powering the OnePlus 3 with a 3,400mAh one while retaining identical dimensions, measuring 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4mm in size. The OnePlus 5 is 7.3mm thin, negligibly taller, and a little narrower (154.2 x 74.1mm), though it ships with a 3,300mAh battery and theres currently no indication that the Shenzhen, Guangdong-based consumer electronics manufacturer is planning to increase the battery capacity with the OnePlus 5T, provided that its even able to do so in the first place. More details on the OnePlus 5T will likely be available later this year.
Samsung Electronics on Thursday announced the beginning of a new chapter for its chipset and IoT (Internet of Things) branches, as the company is now ready to push its first in-house IoT silicon into mass production. The firms IoT solution is called the Exynos i T200 and will be manufactured on a low-power 28nm High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) process.

According to the South Korean tech giant, the Exynos i T200 was designed to allow IoT devices to perform and process a variety of tasks without having to rely on an extra microcontroller integrated circuit (IC). The companys IoT solution achieves this by employing an ARM Cortex-R4 processor as well as an ARM Cortex-M0+ chip into a single package. The Cortex-R4 is ARMs smallest deeply embedded real-time processor relying on ARMv7-R architecture, and promises high performance, reliability, high-error resistance, and real-time responsiveness. On the other hand, the ARM Cortex-M0+ is the companys most energy-efficient processor featuring a low gate count and minimal energy requirements. Aside from the two ARM processors integrated into Samsungs SoC, the Exynos i T200 provides Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n single-band (2.4 GHz) connectivity certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance and Microsofts cloud platform Azure, in addition to boasting native support for IoTivity, an Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) standard enabling supposedly seamless interoperability between various IoT devices.

Samsung also revealed that its Exynos i T200 aims for increased security and privacy, and as such, the chipset uses a separate, designated security management hardware block called the Security Sub-System (SSS). Additionally, the companys IoT solution employs a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) IP providing device authentication and secure data storage through secure circuitry for key storage, as opposed to fusing a key into the silicon itself. The company claims that this method offers a much higher level of security compared to one-time programmable (OTP) solutions. According to the Seoul-based chipmaker, the Exynos i T200 is now ready for mass production, however, the company didnt reveal when its IoT solution will be available to device manufacturers, or which device may be the first to adopt it. More details on the matter are likely to follow in the coming weeks.
The Official TWRP App boasts support for 17 new Android devices as of earlier this month, with developers and contributors to the popular custom recovery tool being primarily focused on making the solution compatible with contemporary Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The service now supports two variants of the Galaxy Tab E, four models of the Galaxy J5, and five versions of the Galaxy Grand Prime, as well as the Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 LTE (2016) and the Exynos iteration of the Galaxy S5 Mini. Non-Samsung devices that recently became compatible with TWRP include the LeEco Le Pro 3, Razer Forge TV, and the Xiaomi Mi 6.

As always, none of the newly supported products have to be rooted if all youre interested in is performing version checking with the Official TWRP app but additional features like flashing images are only available on rooted handsets, tablets, and set-top boxes. The popular tool has yet to expand support for more image sources and can still only flash those stored in the internal flash memory of the device. Following the Google Play Store link beneath this writing will lead you to the listing of the Official TWRP App and the simplest way to keep the recovery tool up to date.

TWRPs latest expansion comes shortly after the tool started supporting all variants of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus powered by the Exynos 8895 system-on-chip (SoC), with the service now being available for the vast majority of Android devices that the South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) released this year. Galaxy S8 models powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 835 are yet to be made compatible with TWRP and its dubious whether that will ever happen, and a similar scenario is expected later this year after Samsung releases the Galaxy Note 8 as the U.S. variant of the upcoming phablet likely wont be compatible with the service. TWRPs list of supported devices has been expanding in a rather rapid manner in recent months and will likely continue doing so in the future, especially as the project is open to contributors, i.e. device manufacturers that can port their products themselves without too much hassle.
Wisconsin becomes the third state to legalize the use of automated delivery robots in the United States, after its governor, Scott Walker, signs a new law regulating the use of the said devices. Wisconsins approval follows the states of Idaho and Virginia in enacting laws that allow the use of delivery robots. A delivery robot, or personal delivery device as stated in Wisconsins law, is defined as any electronically powered device that weighs less than 80 pounds, runs at speeds of less than 10mph, utilizes sidewalks to transport cargo, and operates even without direct supervision from an operator.

The delivery robots are controlled by a human operator, which ensures that the device remains under control when something goes wrong and that the device does not break any existing pedestrian law. In addition, the law stipulates that the personal delivery device should not go into roadways and should be visible during hours of darkness. Meanwhile, drivers are reminded that once delivery robots hit the streets, the state law provides the robots with the same right-of-way as pedestrians. The proposal to enact laws that allow the use of delivery robots were lobbied by Starship Technologies, a company that makes delivery robots for food and other items sold online. There are some major concerns, however, with regards to a single company lobbying for regulation for an entire line of products. In the case of Wisconsin law, it may actually prohibit the use of delivery robots from Marble, a competitor of Starship Technologies.

The delivery robots currently being tested by Marble in San Francisco currently weighs more than 80 pounds, which is above the limit imposed by the Wisconsin law. Interestingly, the company which lobbied the legislation for Wisconsin, Idaho, and Virginia has yet to operate in these areas. Given the increasing demand to automate the delivery services, more and more companies are getting involved in the development of automated delivery devices like delivery robots and drones. Aside from Starship Technologies, other companies that are involved in the development of delivery robots include Marble and Dispatch. Meanwhile, Google is developing systems like navigation platforms that will enable the use of drones to deliver cargo automatically.
The law student who helped fend off youths who mugged a BigLaw partner at a Washington Metro station, possibly saving a senior lawyers life , has been accepted as a summer associate at the firm.John Rowley III, partner at Baker McKenzie Washington, told the Am Law Daily that he realised Andrew Miller, a George Washington University law student, would be a good addition to the summer associate program of the firm after getting to meet him a few weeks after the attack.I practiced law for quite a while now and, frankly, natural leaders are hard to find, Rowley told the publication. When I met him and I got to know him a little bit, reflecting back on the courage of jumping in, he was the kind of person that we wanted to have here at the firm this summer.In May, Rowley was waiting for a train to go meet a friend for dinner when he was attacked. He was punched, kicked, and thrown to the ground, with the teens eventually trying to push him towards the tracks. Rowley broke his hand, which hit a moving train.The 23-year-old Miller saw the attack and rushed to help Rowley. The teens then turned on him, before eventually fleeing the scene. Two of them were eventually caught at a different Metro station.Frankly, while I got some fairly significant injuries, that would have been a whole lot worse because he took some of the punches that were intended for me, Rowley previously told FOX 5 DC.He really is a cut above. I havent had too much time to work on him yet, but I am a former federal prosecutor and I am trying to nudge him in that direction, he said.
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The second teaser isnt about the LED headlights of the all-new model, but depicts the steering wheel and the instrument cluster. From it, its easy to work out that were dealing with digital instruments that are arranged in a more visually satisfying fashion that what the current Leaf has to offer.Oh look, it says Pilot there. It certainly does, and a second look reveals that the semi-autonomous driving system is operating at 95 km/h, translating to 59 miles per hour in American and British currency. Right under the D symbol, youll notice the odometer showing 225.5 kilometers. Is this an Easter egg that implies the Leaf can travel an EPA-rated 140 miles on a full charge?It might be, but theres more to it than that. You see, the 2018 Nissan Leaf is expected to be offered with an optional battery pack. From 60capacity, the lithium-ion battery should be good for anything between 215 and 250 miles (346 to 410 kilometers) . Thats the estimate offered by Kazuo Yajima, the automakers global director of electric vehicle and HEV technology.If I may turn the focus back to ProPilot , the system in the Leaf is meant to reduce the hassle of stop-and-go highway driving. Virtually the same semi-autonomous technology available in the Serena and X-Trail, ProPilot can control acceleration, braking, and steering during single-lane driving on the highway. The facelifted Qashqai will receive ProPilot in the spring of 2018, and Nissan is committed to perfecting the technology even further.As we wait for Nissan to hit us with the third teaser, it should be noted that the first-generation Leaf holds the title of worlds best-selling electric vehicle. To date, more than 270,000 examples have been sold in the entire world.
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Teased in May 2017 by an image depicting the LED-adorned headlights , the second generation of the compact hatchback has been spied once more by the relentless paparazzi. Pictured here with Michigan manufacturer plates and in U.S. specification, the newcomer is gifted with a design language more akin to a regular car rather than a frog-eyed freak of nature.Compared to earlier sightings, the heavy camouflage is now gone, thus allowing us to observe the design of the front bumper and front grille. A look at the profile reveals an airier cabin and a longer wheelbase, while the rear suggests more trunk capacity. As for the taillights, well, their C-shaped enclosures are inspired straight from the all-new-for- 2017 Micra Showcased by Calsonic Kansei but not yet confirmed by Nissan, the second-generation Leaf is expected to get an all-new Power Control System. As for battery options, the 2018 Leaf in its most no-frills specification is rumored to boast a range of approximately 150 miles (241 kilometers). A larger battery, probably the 60unit presented at EVS29 , will be available as an option. With it, the long-awaited electric vehicle could get really close to 214 miles (344 kilometers) or thereabout.If were to believe-HEV technology development director Kazuo Yajimas words on this subject, the redesigned Leaf will boast with anything between 215 and 250 miles according to the JC08 test cycle. So to speak, that sort of range would be a checkmate for the Chevrolet Bolt.Scheduled to arrive in the U.S. late in 2017 , European deliveries of the all-new Leaf will kick off in early 2018. The official debut, as confirmed by Nissan, will happen on September 6 in Tokyo, which translates to September 5 for most of the rest of the world. Till then, brace yourselves for plenty of teasers and Easter Eggs.
At first, one might be tempted to say that a 707 hp muscle car fighting a featherweight Ford might just qualify for the said tag, but, if we take a closer look at the specs of these beasts, it quickly becomes obvious why such an assumption is wrong.For one thing, the Ford GT40, which is actually a replica built by Superformance, has been blessed with 427 power, so we're looking at around 450 ponies at the rear wheels (this means the thing goes well above 500 hp at the crank).And when it comes to the scale footprint, a rough comparison will tell you that the Mopar machine weighs half as much as the Blue Oval toy.Nevertheless, since the Superformance origins of the machine means this is as close to the original as you can get, seeing such a contraption being thrown at a Charger Hellcat is overly enticing.The two met on the airstrip of the Rantoul Aviation Center in Illinois, engaging in half-mile shenanigans. And while may of you will pay attention to the trap speed, we have to mention that the two went for a standing start, so we can enjoy a direct sprinting comparo.Given the aura of the GT40, the 1320video crew, who captured the thing on camera, decided to deliver a complete take on the matter. As such, we're even taken inside the engine compartment as the beast accelerates down the runway.Oh, and perhaps we should mention that the Hellcat wasn't the only machine that fought the Ford GT40 during the drag racing event we have here.
No pictures have surfaced, nor did the spy photographers caught any test mule or prototype in the wild. Therefore, the revival of the Barracuda is still a sensitive subject in the automotive world. While some people call BS, others add fuel to the fire by bringing Alfa Romeo into the question.With Sergio Marchionne confirming that the Giorgio platform is go  well beyond Alfa [Romeo] , it became apparent that Fiat Chryslers U.S. division will make use of the vehicle architecture. At the present moment, the Giorgio platform serves as the basis for the Giulia compact executive sedan and the higher-riding Stelvio compact luxury sport utility vehicle.But dumping $2.7 billion in relaunching Alfa Romeo doesnt make sense from a financial standpoint, not as long as the Italian automaker cant get its mojo back as far as sales are concerned. Therefore, Dodge is one of the FCA brands thats expected to soften the financial blow by adopting a low-cost variant of the Giorgio for its next-generation Challenger and Charger If I may turn the focus back on the Barracuda , the consensus is that Dodge will position it as the convertible alternative to the 2019 Challenger. Expected to make its public debut sometime in 2018, the Barracuda for the 21st century is also reported to be that little bit smaller than the Challenger.The hype is getting real, though, for FCA US LLC has recently applied for a second trademark. Discovered by Allpar , the application for Cuda has a filing date of June 16, 2017. FCA, for its part, intends to use the trademark for motor vehicles, namely passenger automobiles. Given these circumstances, it looks like Dodge is pretty serious about the Cuda.Whatever the future holds for Mopar enthusiasts, one thing is certain. And that is, the current Challenger and Charger are in dire need of replacement. The latter, for example, dates back to 2005 and rides on a platform inspired by the underpinnigs of Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class and W220 S-Class
The build quality as an industry overall has gone up significantly over the past years and it appears to continue its growth, but just because cars have gotten better as a whole, it doesn't mean there aren't still those who cut a few corners for better profit margins.Normally, these things would remain something you talk about over a beer with your friends, and then they spread the world with their friends, and so on. And that's how perfectly good brands get an awful reputation just because somebody's friend of a friend had a bit of bad luck with their particular vehicle.Luckily, though, there is the annual J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study that takes most of the subjectivity out of the equation. It examines 233 problems organized in eight separate categories, and this year, it involved almost 80,000 respondents who had purchased or leased 2017 model year vehicles.These people provide their answers after 90 days of ownership, which should be enough for any initial quality issue to poke its ugly head into the open. The unit of measure is the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), and this year's average in the U.S. was 97. That's almost one for each car, but it's still eight better than last year's 105 PP100.J.D. Power discovered that the only areas where things have gotten worse are the ones - surprise, surprise - connected to the car's driver assist features. Cruise control, lane departure warning, collision avoidance/alert systems, and blind spot warning have registered the greatest increases in problems reported, which shows the manufacturers might be sending these things out without proper testing of market reception.The "least worst" brand in the Top 10 are actually two: Infiniti and Jeep are tied for the bottom place with 107 PP100. But while the American brand is on the rise (from 113 last year), the luxury Japanese one appears to be sinking (down from 103).Coming up at number eight (since there are two sharing number ten) is Subaru with 113 PP100, which is an improvement over last year's 118, but still not enough to take the Japanese manufacturer out of the hall of shame.At seven is another premium brand, only this time stemming from Germany. It's Audi, with a not at all enviable score of 115 PP100. The Ingolstadt carmaker also receives the honor of being the only German brand on the list.Doing only so slightly better than Audi is Mazda , which occupies the sixth place with 125 problems reported per 100 vehicles. Even though it did better by two problems compared with 2016, it wasn't enough to move Mazda from sixth.We now come across another tie: fifth place is split between British off-road specialist Land Rover and Mitsubishi, both with a score of 131 PP100. Again, even though they share the same spot in the chart, their situations couldn't be more different: Land Rover did one position better than last year, while Mitsubishi is a new entry after scoring 116 in 2016, enough to keep it out of the Top 10.We're now entering the podium, which opens with Swedish brand, Volvo . Despite registering 18 fewer PP100 than last year, Volvo is still in third place. The brand is currently going through a revamp of its range, though, so it'll be interesting to see how it does in 2018.In second we find another British manufacturer: yes, it's Jaguar, who seems to woo us with its nice design only to smack us in the back of the head with its quality issues. 148 problems per 100 vehicles were reported, which is 21 more than last year. It may not take the first spot, but it's definitely the worst premium brand in this study.Finally, the number one spot couldn't belong to a company from any other country than Italy, and here is FIAT to make sure tradition is upheld. The 11 PP100 improvement over last year's result wasn't enough to spare FIAT of the embarrassment, scoring 163 PP100 and receiving the unwanted crown for the company with the most initial quality issues.
Except Pompous Albert is not a man. He's not even hu-man. He's the latest feline to star in a commercial - well, we say "star" when all he really does is give us that disapproving glance that all cat owners know too well.But why would Honda use a cat in an ad for its Authorized Service Centers? We will ignore you even thought about asking such a ridiculous question: because cats make everything better . What have you been doing on the Internet these past years if you don't know this by now? Do you even know what "I can haz cheezburger" is?Let's change the subject before we get all riled up by your lack of knowledge. Well, perhaps we should get off our high horse and admit to the fact that we didn't know about Pompous Albert before Honda got involved either.It turns out the curly-furred critter is a bit of a star online, with more Instagram followers than we'll ever have - unless we get loads of cats ourselves, that is. The gremlin-looking kitty is just as displeased with you as the more famous Grumpy Cat , but definitely lacks his cute part. In fact, Pompous Albert could have been just as well called Creepy Albert because there's no doubt he looks at you as though he's plotting ways in which to end your insignificant life.Which makes his change of mood as he visited one of Honda 's Authorized Service Centers all the more impressive. We're old enough to know this is a commercial and we shouldn't take things so literally, but we'd really like to stay on Albert's good side, so we'd advise you to play along. Who's a good kitty? Sorry, Albert, we meant "who's a good Master of the Universe?"
Heres the lowdown from Automotive News : Aston Martin is ordering a global recall of 1,658 Vantage cars after problems with a routine transmission software update led to incidents in China in which some cars stalled and lost power. The call back operation comes as a result of an investigation prompted by customer complaints that date back since 2014.The affected vehicles, according to the cited publication, were built from June 2010 through September 2013, and theyre equipped with the Sportshift I and Sportshift II transmissions. In the British automakers jargon, that would be an automated manual boasting electro-hydraulic control. When it made its debut in 2006, Aston Martin described the box as being capable of shifting three times faster than the manual on which its based.Being an automated manual, the clutch is the this transmissions Achilles heel. The automaker told Automotive News that some dealerships failed to reset the position of the clutch after performing software updates to the transmission. Stalling on this occasion, in laymans terms, comes as a result of the clutch not being retaught the pre-software update biting point.Chief executive officer Andy Palmer declared that he blames himself and the other higher-ups for this situation. Basically, we should have explicitly said within the service action for the software that we should reteach the clutch. We didn't explicitly say that. Therefore, we take responsibility for fixing it."Up to this point in time, Aston Martin is aware of 21 instances of sudden engine stall in China . Among others, the fix also consists of replacing the Sportshift transmissions fluid pipe connectors.In related news, theres an all-new Vantage on the horizon. And just like the current generation of the baby Aston, the newcomer will be offered with a good ol manual as standard.
999 call received reporting that the Queen isn't wearing a seatbelt. #not999 #notevenwestyorkshire  WYP Contact Centre (@WYP_CCC) June 21, 2017

As it happens, Queen Elizabeth II recently traveled to Westminster, together with Prince Charles, to attend the formal start of the Parliamentary year in the U.K., both being driven in the sumptuous Bentley State Limousine.Nothing out of the ordinary so far, except someone reported the Queen to the West Yorkshire Police for not wearing a seat belt while being chauffeured around London.That sounds like made up news, but the West Yorkshire police confirmed the 999 call (UK's 911) in a tweet, along with the hashtags #not999 and #notevenwestyorkshire. For the Brits who are Geographically impaired and for everyone else outside the UK, West Yorkshire is a county that has nothing to do with London or the London area.According to UK laws, you must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you are using. The only persons not required by law to be strapped in are drivers going in reverse and those who are behind the wheel of a police car, an ambulance or fire and rescue services.The Queen's press office declined to comment on the tweet by the West Yorkshire police, and we can't really blame them. Apparently, Queen Elizabeth II could be caught dealing drugs or even killing someone, because civil and/or criminal proceedings cannot be taken against her in UK law. Thankfully, she hasn't done any of that, at least as far as we know.That said, the Bentley State Limousine, one of two cars ever built, is not even equipped with rear seat belts since most of the time it's being driven at almost pedestrian speeds. Before you get any ideas, it does have armor-plated cladding, a mine-resistant floor, bulletproof glass and the interior can be sealed off in the case of a gas attack.
John Lagerling, who ran business development and mobile partnerships at Facebook until earlier this month, is joining Mercari, a Japanese consumer-to-consumer e-commerce company that is expanding in the U.S. Like OfferUp and LetGo, Mercari wants to make it easier to sell your stuff from your phone. But while those companies are more like mobile versions of Craigslist, Mercari is more akin to eBay, focusing on shipping goods anywhere rather than meeting up with a local buyer.

Lagerling told Axios that as the company's Chief Business Officer, he will be leading its effort to continue growth in Japan and jumpstart business in the U.S. Before Facebook, Lagerling spent eight years at Google, working with Andy Rubin on the Android team.

He admits Mercari has a bit of work to do to raise his profile, noting that when he told his team at Facebook, only two of the 200 people had even heard of Mercari. But, he said, some of the obscurity comes from the fact that unlike a lot of startups, Mercari is targeting average consumers rather than the coastal elites. "It's a bit of a different profile."

By the numbers: Mercari currently operates in Japan and the U.S. and says it does more than $100 million in transactions per month.
U.S. forces have been interrogating detainees in Yemen after they have been tortured in secret prisons controlled by the United Arab Emirates, according to an AP report, which is well worth reading in full. They are being held as part of a U.S.-supported hunt for suspected al-Qaeda militants.

Why it matters: Obtaining intelligence that may have been gleaned as a result of torture, even if inflicted by another party, violates the International Convention Against Torture, and could qualify as a war crime. Plus, this sounds familiar because of the CIA's torture and rendition program after September 11th, which Obama shut down and which Yemen and the UAE were involved in.

The U.S. role: Senior U.S. defense officials acknowledged the U.S. is interrogating prisoners in Yemen but denied participation in or knowledge of torture. Several U.S. defense officials and Yemeni Brig. Gen. Farag Salem al-Bahsani confirmed the U.S. has been interrogating prisoners in Yemen, providing questions for others to ask, and receiving transcripts of interrogations from Emirati allies. The Yemeni Brig. Gen. said reports of torture are "exaggerated." The U.A.E. denied that the prisons exist.

The claims: The network of prisons includes locations in military bases, ports, an airport, private villas, and a nightclub. Lawyers and families claim there are about 2,000 men who have disappeared into the system. The methods of torture include "grilling" inmates  "in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire."

What's next: Human Rights Watch has documented the torture and disappearances. Amnesty International is calling for a UN-led investigation into the UAE and other countries' roles in the network of prisons
Uber has reportedly tasked law firm O'Melveny & Myers with investigating how a former executive obtained the medical records of a woman who was raped by a driver in India in 2014, Reuters reports, citing anonymous sources. O'Melveny & Myers is also representing Uber in a lawsuit filed last week by the victim for invasion of privacy, Axios has learned, so it's no surprise it's looking into the allegations.

A spokesperson for Eric Alexander, the executive in question who was fired last week after reporters inquired with Uber about the allegations, told Reuters that he got the documents through legal means and denied ever questioning whether the rape was a ploy by a competitor.

The details: The investigation will cover allegations that the records were obtained through bribes, and examine what then-CEO Travis Kalanick knew about how the records were obtained. Accounts of the situation from current and past employees vary greatly. Uber declined to comment.
At a rally in Iowa Wednesday night  seeming to enjoy himself as he deviated from prepared remarks and held forth for over an hour:

Immigration: Trump said he would introduce legislation stating that immigrants cannot receive welfare until they have been in the U.S. for 5 years  a 5 year ban is already in place under current law, so it's unclear what Trump would be modifying.

Trump said he would introduce legislation stating that immigrants cannot receive welfare until they have been in the U.S. for 5 years  a 5 year ban is already in place under current law, so it's unclear what Trump would be modifying. The wall: Axios' Jonathan Swan reported earlier this month that Trump had pitched Congressional Republicans a solar-paneled border wall. Tonight, he spoke about it publicly for the first time, giving himself a bit of credit  "pretty good imagination, right? My idea."

Axios' Jonathan Swan reported earlier this month that Trump had pitched Congressional Republicans a solar-paneled border wall. Tonight, he spoke about it publicly for the first time, giving himself a bit of credit  "pretty good imagination, right? My idea." On hiring rich people for roles like Commerce Secretary: "I love all people, rich or poor. But in those particular positions I just don't want a poor person."
22 June 2017 11:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijani Armed Forces destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Armenian side attempting to carry out reconnaissance flights over the Azerbaijani positions in the Tartar direction of the front on June 21.

Armenia uses UAVs against Azerbaijan from time to time. Last time, Azerbaijani Air Forces detected and destroyed a tactical UAV near Azerbaijans Agdam region on March 2. On February 25, Azerbaijani armed forces destroyed Armenian UAV and pillbox near the Talish village. Another UAV belonging to the Armenian armed forces was destroyed on January 22 in the direction of Azerbaijans Tovuz region.

Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war.

Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian Armed Forces once again used combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Azerbaijan Armed Forces units, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry reported on June 22.

The ministry noted that due to their poor quality, the UAVs used by Armenian armed forces did not cause any harm to the Azerbaijani troops.

The Defense Ministry also warned that adequate retaliatory actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be devastating for the enemy.

Earlier in the day, the ministry reported that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces destroyed an Armenian UAV attempting to carry out reconnaissance flights over the Azerbaijani positions in the Tartar direction of the front.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. 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.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) under the Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan started receiving investment projects on priority development areas of Sabirabad region, the Economy Ministry reported on June 21.

Following the business forum in Sabirabad, the NFES has launched accepting entrepreneurs' proposals for financing investment projects on creation of large farming and horticultural farms, livestock breeding farms, cotton growing, greenhouses, milk, fruit and vegetable processing enterprises.

Entrepreneurs can apply to the Fund through authorized banks and non-bank lenders, in accordance with the rules for using the funds of the NFES. Small projects can be fully financed through concessional loans.

About 150 million manats ($88 million) will be issued for granting preferential loans to entrepreneurs in 2017.

The main goal of the Fund, which was established in 1992, is to provide preferential loans from the state budget for small and medium business, in order to develop entrepreneurship in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Allocation of funds by NFES is aimed at the minimizing of the impact of global economic crisis to the national economy and minimization of its dependence on the oil sector. The country takes steps in its bid to diversify the national economy and provide for the development of entrepreneurship in the country.

---

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22 June 2017 12:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

A Mexican trade mission will visit Baku to organize presentations of traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage mezcal during Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will be held on June 23-25.

Mescal is distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico.

The commercial mission will hold 3 presentations to promote the variety of brands and types of this beverage, the Mexican Embassy in Azerbaijan reported.

Mexico for the first time participated in the Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition in 2017, where 16 categories of Mexican products, including ground chili, sweets with chili, fruits, drinks, beans, and also Mexican beer, tequila and mezcal were presented.

Mexican Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rodrigo Labardini previously noted that the volume of bilateral trade increased threefold and reached $22 million. In 2016 similar figures were observed.

The Ambassador stressed that the opening of the embassies of both countries greatly contributed to the growth of bilateral trade, further adding that the Mexican Embassy will further actively promote bilateral relations, developing friendship between Mexico and Azerbaijan.

Mexico recognized Azerbaijan's independence in December 1991 and the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in January 1992.

---

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22 June 2017 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Professor of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Israfil Israfilov has participated in the first World Theater Festival "Astana", devoted to the 80th birthday anniversary of Kazakh actor, theater and film director Assanali Ashimov.

European and Asian top theaters, the famous critics, playwrights, art and culture figures of Kazakhstan and CIS countries, reputable friends of the anniversary hero and young actors attend the event, inform.kz reported.

Astanas residents and foreign guests can attend performances by the best theater groups on the stages of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana Ballet Theater, Palace of Schoolchildren to be held in Astana until June 26.

The Chekhov Moscow Art Theater Festival (Russia), Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater (Belarus), the Chinese National Theater (China), Shota Rustaveli State Drama Theater (Georgia), the Berlin Drama Theater and many other world-famous theaters will show their performances.

--

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22 June 2017 10:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The United States is deeply concerned over the recent violations of the ceasefire on the line of contact between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops over the last week, which have resulted in multiple casualties.

We urge the sides to avoid escalation and encourage immediate consideration of measures to reduce tensions along the line of contact and the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the U.S. Department of State has said in a message.

In their statement released on June 19, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs called upon the parties to re-engage in negotiations on substance, in good faith, and with political will. The Co-Chairs further underscored that such negotiations are the only way to bring a lasting peace to the people of the region, who expect and deserve progress toward settlement of the conflict, said the Department of State, adding that the United States continues to engage intensely with the sides.

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.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 13:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The topic of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is always on the agenda of the Russian Foreign Ministrys efforts, the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on June 22.

Answering the question sent earlier by Trend that whether the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement was discussed by the Russian and French foreign ministers in Moscow on June 18, Zakharova noted that the issue wasnt discussed in detail.

Russia along with the U.S. and France is a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 16:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

There is a lack of security in the South Caucasus region, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict lies at the root of this, said Hikmat Hajiyev, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys Spokesman.

Hajiyev made the remark at an international public forum titled Armenias occupation policy: security in the region and humanitarian tragedy. The forum was organized by the Research Center for International Relations and the Azerbaijani Council of Support to Non-Governmental Organizations in Baku on June 22, Trend reported.

The spokesman said that the ceasefire should have created conditions for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. However, Armenia uses the ceasefire regime as an artificial factor. The situation resembles trench warfare and the World War II, he said, noting that Armenia has not changed its strategy over the past 25 years.

They are trying to prolong the occupation of our lands and ensure that the negotiations of the parties have only a protocol nature, Hajiyev said, adding that Azerbaijan stands for substantive talks on the conflict resolution.

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.

Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region.

Hajiyev went on to say that Azerbaijan has been facing a major humanitarian catastrophe during the past 25 years, with over a million refugees and internally displaced persons.

The status quo is primarily based on the fact of military aggression. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs again visited the region this month. There is a public discontent in Azerbaijan about the co-chairs visits to the region. They should draw conclusions from this, Hajiyev said.

He added that although Azerbaijan supports the work of the co-chairs, the result is obvious.

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.

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, tasked in mediation of the peace talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, finalized their next visit to the conflict region this week to get acquainted with the real situation on the ground and mull the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution.

During the visit, Ambassadors Igor Popov of Russia, Richard Hoagland of the U.S. and Stephane Visconti of France, together with Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, traveled to Yerevan, Armenia-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh and then to Baku.

Hajiyev mentioned that in their statement, the co-chairs called on the sides to hold substantive talks and demonstrate political will. The Armenian side should take this into account. The latest statements by Armenian officials show that Armenia does not have a constructive position.

He added that yesterday the U.S. Department of State also called on the sides to resume substantive talks.

Hajiyev underlined that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be resolved within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and after the return of the Azerbaijani community. Armenia should realize this. Azerbaijan will never accept violation of its territorial integrity, he concluded.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 17:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Belgian Senator, member of the Flemish Parliament Joris Poschet may be included into the list of undesirable persons of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry for illegal visit to the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia.

The Foreign Ministry is investigating information about the illegal visit of the Belgian politician to the Armenia-occupied Azerbaijani territories, and afterwards he may be included in the ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae, Ministrys Spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend on June 22.

Armenian media outlets report that Joris Poschet, being in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, met with representatives of the illegal regime created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia are considered illegal, and any individuals paying such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's "black list".

Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of illegality of visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions.

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.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on establishment of a State Advertising Agency.

Under the decree inked on June 20, in order to place advertising media in the open space in the territory of the country, control and unify regulation in the sphere of production and distribution of advertising intended for placement in the open space, a public legal entity "State Advertising Agency of Azerbaijan" is created.

The presidential administration was instructed within 15 days to prepare and submit to the President of Azerbaijan a draft statute of the public legal entity envisaged.

The head of state appointed Aydin Ibadov as a director of the newly created State Advertising Agency.

Advertising agencies are usually classified according to two criteria - the volume of services provided and the direction of the business, in which they specialize.

There are so-called golden rules of advertising. Advertising should be brief, informationally rich, original, something different from the others and memorable, visual, scientifically based, show the distinctive features of the advertised and the last but not least-be just beautiful.

---

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22 June 2017 10:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan`s Permanent Mission to UNESCO has arranged an iftar party with the participation of candidate to UNESCO Director General`s post Polad Bulbuloglu.

Head of Azerbaijan`s Permanent Mission to UNESCO Anar Karimov, addressing the event, stressed that the month of Ramadan is the month of tolerance, peace and solidarity.

The ambassador said that Azerbaijan has turned into one of the fastest developing countries of the world in the last years, Azertac reported.

He also stressed that Azerbaijan is historically tolerant country and spoke about the country's role in intercultural dialogue. Azerbaijan is a country, where representatives of different confessions and nations lived in peace, he added.

Karimov further talked about what was done by the Azerbaijani government preserve and promote multiculturalism globally.

He noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under the leadership of Azerbaijan`s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva carried out a number of projects in several countries for preservation of religious and historical monuments.

In his speech, Bulbuloglu said all religions served to tolerance and dialogue, describing Azerbaijan as an example of co-existence of people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds. He said multiculturalism is an integral part of state policy of Azerbaijan.

Bulbuloglu pointed out that ethnic and religious diversity is Azerbaijan's national asset.

He said that Azerbaijan has developed an exemplary model of multiculturalism, adding the country pays special attention to preservation and further development of historical and cultural heritage.

UNESCO has an invaluable role in protecting the cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue. We need to support this Organization, he said.

Jeyhun Rustamov highlighted living in peace and stability of representatives of various confessions in the country, adding various peoples of the region have historically enjoyed good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation based on the robust tolerance traditions, mutual respect and trust.

Azerbaijan signed and ratified almost all the conventions and other legal instruments of UNESCO. In 2003, Azerbaijan and UNESCO signed the framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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22 June 2017 12:22 (UTC+04:00)

An official welcome ceremony was held on June 22 for President of Moldova Igor Dodon, who is on an official visit in Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Moldovan president in the square decorated with the national flags of the two countries, Azertac reported.

The chief of the guard of honor reported to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

President Aliyev greeted President Dodon.

The national anthems of Moldova and Azerbaijan were played. President Aliyev and President Dodon reviewed the guard of honor.

State and government officials of Azerbaijan were introduced to President Dodon, and members of the Moldovan delegation were introduced to President Aliyev.

The guard of honor marched in front of the presidents to the accompaniment of a military march.

President Aliyev and President Dodon then posed for official photos.

Following the official welcome ceremony, President Aliyev and President Dodon held a one-on-one meeting. Later, the Presidents held a meeting in an expanded format.

Following the ceremony of signing documents, President Aliyev and President Dodon have made press statements.

An official dinner reception was later hosted on behalf of President Aliyev in honor of President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon.

--

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TRUST Re appoints Labuan Branch General Manager

TRUST Re has announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin QUEK as General Manager for its Labuan Licensed Branch Office.



Kevin QUEK will be leading and managing all activities of the growing and experienced team in the branch to ensure consistent delivery of services across all TRUST Re's Regional Centres, in line with its strategic direction and in compliance with regulatory and company standards.



A Singaporean national and holder of a Bachelor's degree in Economics (Business Finance), Kevin QUEK is a highly motivated professional with 25 years of experience in the field of insurance and reinsurance. His career began in Underwriting with Munich Re in 1992.



Prior to joining TRUST Re, Kevin QUEK was Head of Asia Pacific Specialty at Endurance for 8 years, preceded by a similar length term at XL Catlin in the capacity of Senior Underwriter.



Furthermore, Kevin QUEK has proven skills in leading teams to realise their full potential.



Commenting on this new appointment, Mr. Kamal TABAJA, Group Chief Operating Officer said "On behalf of TRUST Re's Executive Council, I am very pleased to welcome Kevin to our team. With his extensive experience in the Asian markets, we are confident that he will bring further added value by leading our dynamic operation and team as we seek further penetration of our brand in Asia. "



Mr. Thommy THOMAS, Labuan Branch CEO commented "The Labuan Branch welcomes Kevin on board; this further strengthens our regional expertise and commitment to be the Reinsurer of Choice for our Asian-based partners".



On his new appointment, Kevin QUEK said: "I am delighted to join TRUST Re to lead the team in Malaysia. I look forward to building on its strong franchise and its unique position in the Asian market".



Note: Labuan, officially the Federal Territory of Labuan, is a federal territory of Malaysia. It is made up of the eponymous Labuan Island and six smaller islands, and is located off the coast of the state of Sabah in East Malaysia. Labuan's capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as being an offshore support hub for deepwater oil and gas activities in the region.



TRUST Re (Trust International Insurance and Reinsurance Company) is a closed joint stock company registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with authorised capital of USD 500 million, and issued and paid-up capital of USD 250 million.



TRUST Re comprises over 270 employees located in our Bahrain Head Office and Branch Offices in Cyprus and Labuan, Malaysia. At the same time, TRUST Re also has a Representative Office in Morocco, and a Liaison Office in India.



Rated "A-" by S&P and A.M. Best, TRUST Re geographical scope includes the Middle East, Africa, Asia, CEE, SEE, Russia and CIS countries.



TRUST Re achieved Gross Written Premium of USD 230.8 million in Q1 2017, up 32.6% from USD 174.0 million one year ago. Net Profit rose by 5.9% to USD 9.0 million (Q1 2016: USD 8.5 million).





Author: Vlad BOLDIJAR on 22.06.2017





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22 June 2017 12:56 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Azerbaijani troops conducted a live-fire stage of the ongoing large-scale exercises, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported on June 22.

At this stage, artillery, air defense assets, aviation, as well as other forces and formations fulfilled combat-training tasks using weapons and military equipment, according to the ministry.

Effective use of troops and control systems was carried out with observance of the principles of modern combined arms operation in difficult relief conditions and taking into account the supposed action of the imaginary enemy.

The Azerbaijani troops carried out a live firing and fire maneuvers in various firing ranges and training areas equipped with modern equipment.

Azerbaijani Armed Forces started the large-scale operational and tactical exercises on June 19 to check the combat readiness of the troops, organize the command and control of forces and assets, as well as their interoperability. The drills are being held in line with the plan approved by Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev.

The six-day exercises involve up to 23,000 military personnel, up to 120 tanks and armored vehicles, up to 180 rocket artillery systems of different caliber, multiple launch rocket systems and mortars, up to 30 combat aircraft for various purposes, as well as new electronic reconnaissance assets and unmanned aerial vehicles are involved in the exercises.

---

Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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22 June 2017 17:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry allocated $50,000 to the people suffering from food shortage due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan and in the northeast of Nigeria.

Azerbaijans assistance was carried out through Azerbaijan International Development Assistance Agency (AIDA) at the request of UN secretary General Antonio Guterres, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The UN Secretary General's appeal stresses the need to help and support the 20 million people facing hunger, in particular young children and women, and to conduct timely and targeted humanitarian activities in coordination with these states in order to prevent this humanitarian crisis.

Along with the fact that sustainable economic growth has enabled Azerbaijan to focus on its national development strategy, it also allowed the country to actively support international development.

Azerbaijan renders international humanitarian and development assistance to a number of countries through Heydar Aliyev Foundation and AIDA under the Foreign Ministry.

AIDA, established in September 2011, is a responsible organ for provision of international humanitarian and development assistance by Azerbaijan and coordinates activities of relevant state agencies in this field.

Its annual budget is formed by relevant allocations from the state budget. Its activities are structured in line and concurrent with the foreign policy of Azerbaijan.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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22 June 2017 18:07 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), Ali Ahmadov met with leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova Zinaida Greceanii and Deputy Chairman of the Office of the President of Moldova Nikolai Posturus.

Ahmadov noted that fruitful cooperation exists between Azerbaijan and Moldova, adding that the positions of the two countries coincide on many issues.

Vice-Premier added that the relations between the ruling parties of both countries are also at a high level.

Greceanii, in turn, said that over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan and Moldova have developed strong economic ties, further adding that the visit of President of Moldova Igor Dodon to Azerbaijan will stimulate the bilateral ties between the countries.

Igor Dodon was received by the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 22.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on May 29, 1992. Azerbaijan opened its Embassy in Chisinau on October 5, 2005 and Moldova opened its Embassy in Baku on November 1, 2005.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Moldova amounted to $3.75 million in January-November 2016, some $3.25 million of which fell for imports from Moldova, according to the Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

The number of exported products will increase between the two countries, as this year Azerbaijan will export horseflesh to Moldova.

---

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22 June 2017 10:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called on Turkish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to observe the trials stemming from last years deadly coup attempt, Anadolu reported.

The failed coup attempt on July 15 last year, which the Turkish government believes was organized by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), martyred 250 and injured nearly 2,200 others.

Speaking at a Iftar (fast-breaking) dinner with NGO representatives in Ankara, Erdogan praised their contribution to inclusive democracy and peace in the country.

We dont see NGOs as a threat but the keystone of the nations unity and solidarity. You are tools of inclusive democracy and social peace in our country, he said.

The president stated that the NGOs are not against the state but complementary to it.

Without the support of and cooperation with NGOs, a state cannot reach its goal, regardless of how strong it is, he noted.

I would like to ask NGOs to attend FETOs coup trials, he underlined, stressing the judicial process against the coup suspects.

No sacrifice of youth to PKK, FETO

Following the deadly coup attempt, the Turkish government has launched wide-ranging investigation into the FETO terror network.

The government has also accused FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Erdogan also praised NGOs support against terrorism, including FETO and the PKK.

We cannot sacrifice this countrys youths to the terrorist barons in Qandil and Pennsylvania, nor to drug terrorism, he added, referring to the PKK base in Iraq and the U.S. home of FETO leader Fetullah Gulen.

Turkeys NGOs have a big role to play in the struggle against drug abuse Both armed terrors and drug terrors are same to us, said Erdogan.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015. Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 people, including women and children.

---

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22 June 2017 11:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkey will send 25 servicemen and five armored personnel carriers to Qatar on June 22, Turkish media outlets reported quoting sources in the countrys General Staff.

The first group of military instructors left for Qatar on June 19.

A military agreement entered into force between Qatar and Turkey on June 9. The document was signed on November 10, 2016 in Ankara.

Earlier, the Turkish parliament ratified an agreement between the two countries on the deployment of a Turkish military contingent in Qatar.

Moreover, the Turkish parliament ratified the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Education and Training for Gendarmerie between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the State of 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 adding that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims."

Turkey has been providing food and water supplies to Qatar and expressed its full support to the country.

Since the first day of the Qatari crisis, Turkey, which enjoys authority in the Islamic world, has been playing an active role in settlement of the conflict and held a number of negations.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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22 June 2017 12:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The German Bundestag on June 21 approved the decision to withdraw from the Incirlik Air Force Base in southern Turkey.

Berlin decided to withdraw its refueling and reconnaissance aircraft from Turkey's Incirlik base after Turkish side refused to let German lawmakers visit the roughly 250 German troops there. They will move to Azraq, Jordan.

Earlier, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said that the refueling plane will be moved as quickly as possible after the end of June and should be back in service in the second half of July.

Von der Leyen explained that moving the six Tornado reconnaissance planes will take two months, from August to September. Those planes should be fully back in service from October.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously said that the withdrawal of the German Air Force contingent from the Incirlik air Base in southern Turkey poses no problem for Ankara.

Turkey remains the key NATO member country in the Middle East. The Incirlik Air Base is one of the main bases of the United States and the alliance in the region. Aircrafts of the countries of the international coalition led by the United States, which participates in air operations against ISIS, are based here.

German military specialists are involved in the formation of crews for AWACS radar reconnaissance aircraft. Berlin also supports the coalition's actions with the help of six reconnaissance planes Tornado, which are deployed in Incirlik. The Bundeswehr's mandate in the Syrian operation does not involve participation in ground operations.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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22 June 2017 14:26 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Turkey has greatly reduced external dependence in the defense industry, said Turkeys Defense Minister Fikri Isik.

Isik noted that currently 65 percent of the defense products are produced in Turkey, Turkish media reported on June 22.

By 2019 we intend to localize 85 percent of the total production of defense products in Turkey, he said. The production of military helicopters will be established by 2018.

Turkey plans to implement about 500 projects in the sphere of defense industry. The total value of these projects will amount to 123 billion liras.

Just 15 years ago, Turkey's defense industry was 80 percent externally dependent.

Defense sector has shown a considerable growth in the last couple of years, with almost all leading arms companies developing new prototypes mostly along with Western partners.

Turkeys defense and aerospace exports rose from around $900 million in 2011 to $1.7 billion last year although its exports in 2016 remained largely flat from $1.65 billion in 2015, (a rise of only 1.4 percent), mainly due to problems that hit the countrys exports overall.

Since 2011, the production of mobile outposts, which have proven themselves in the fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, Canik TP9 pistols, ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles and other military equipment has been established in Turkey.

In May 2013, the Council for Scientific and Technical Research of Turkey (TUBITAK) made a proposal for the creation of laser weapons (YGLSS), with which it is planned to equip the ships of the Turkish Navy.

The work within the project will last for six years, and at the first stage two prototypes of laser weapons will be developed. They will be tested in the Black Sea.

The rocket system KAAN, manufactured by Roketsan Company, was presented at the international exhibition of the defense industry IDEF-2017 in Istanbul.

The KAAN missile with a diameter of 610 millimeters is capable of providing effective fire support to army units. It is equipped with an inertial navigation system and a global positioning system (GPS) for applying accurate shocks to targets. A rocket weighing 2.5 tons is capable of carrying a warhead weighing half a ton.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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22 June 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russia will not abandon the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, even if the South Stream project is revived, Deputy Director for energy of the Russian Institute of Energy and Finance Alexei Belogoryev said.

"Russia will not give up the realization of Turkish Stream due to its obligations to Turkey, not only economic, but also political," he told Trend.

Previously, Austrian media reported that Russias Gazprom and Austrian OMV are in secrecy discussing the possibility of reviving the South Stream project, which will pass through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Austria.

At least the first branch of the Turkish Stream, intended for the supply of Russian gas to Turkey, will be built, according to Belogoryev.

As for the construction of the second branch of the pipeline, there are still many questions related to ensuring the demand for this gas, he added.

Since gas from the second branch of Turkish Stream can only be used by European countries, it is necessary to build an infrastructure for its further transportation, primarily in Greeces territory, as Italy is expected to become the main buyer.

"It's not clear how this issue will be resolved, but in general, Gazprom will not give up Turkish Stream and this is a fact," Belogoryev said.

He stressed that the gas transportation to Europe via the South Stream would be economically more profitable for Gazprom.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Board of Directors Andrei Kruglov said that investments in the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project is approximately $6 billion, while the project can be realized only at the expense of Gazprom.

"The amount of planned investments in the Turkish Stream project is about $6 billion. As for project financing, we said that such an opportunity exists for financing the offshore part of Turkish Stream. Nevertheless, we planned that Turkish Stream can be implemented only at the expense of Gazprom," Kruglov said at a press conference on June 11.

Gazprom abandoned South Stream in late 2014 because the European Commission did not grant exemptions from the Third Energy Package, which, in particular, says that one gas provider should use no more than 50 percent of the pipeline capacity, and the remaining capacity should be put up for auction.

Later, the project was replaced by Turkish Stream, which will pass through Turkey. Turkish Stream gas pipeline was announced in December 2014. The intergovernmental agreement on the Turkish Stream project between Russia and Turkey was signed in October 2016.

The document envisages the construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline along the bottom of the Black Sea with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas each. One branch is envisaged for the supply of gas directly to the Turkish market, the other for supplying gas through Turkey to European countries. Initially, it was planned to build four branches of the pipeline. Gazprom started construction of the offshore section of Turkish Stream in May 2017.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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22 June 2017 17:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of IDB Group, and Uzbekistans Microkreditbank have entered into a Joint Strategic Collaboration to finance SMEs in Uzbekistan.

The CEO of ICD, Mr. Khaled Al-Aboodi, and the Acting Chairman of the Management Board of JSCB Microkreditbank, Shukhrat Rasulov, attended the signing of the Line of Financing facility agreement worth 12 million, APO reported on June 22.

The collaboration will focus on developing private sector especially SMEs, supporting economy, strengthening the balance sheet of the Bank, improving the living standard of the population by creating jobs, generating tax revenues for the government and promoting Islamic Banking in the country.

Al-Aboodi stated that the ICD has been successfully engaging with local banks in Uzbekistan to strengthen the SMEs. We are pleased to extend a line of financing facility to Microkreditbank which will be enhancing the impact of socio-economic development.

Mr. Shukhrat Rasulov said, We are delighted about this partnership with ICD and Microkreditbank. Through this partnership we are further committed to provide professional provision of wide spectrum of banking services which conform to the business needs of customers while promoting private entrepreneurship in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The ICD is a multilateral organization and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group. The mandate of ICD is to support economic development and promote the development of the private sector in its member countries through providing financing facilities and/or investments which are in accordance with the principles of Shariah.

It also provides advice to governments and private organizations to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises. ICD is rated AA/F1+ by Fitch and Aa3/P1 by Moodys.

---

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22 June 2017 18:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Air Forces of Qatar and Turkey plan to conduct joint military exercises at the end of the month.

The total number of Turkish soldiers currently deployed in the territory of Qatar is 113, the Turkish General Staff reported on June 22.

There are also five armored personnel carriers on the Turkish military base in Qatar, according to the report.

The first group of military instructors left for Qatar on June 19.

A military agreement entered into force between Qatar and Turkey on June 9. The document was signed on November 10, 2016 in Ankara.

Earlier, the Turkish parliament ratified an agreement between the two countries on the deployment of a Turkish military contingent in Qatar.

Moreover, the Turkish parliament ratified the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Education and Training for Gendarmerie between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the State of 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 adding that the diplomatic rift was based on "baseless fabricated claims."

Turkey has been providing food and water supplies to Qatar and expressed its full support to the country.

Since the first day of the Qatari crisis, Turkey, which enjoys authority in the Islamic world, has been playing an active role in settlement of the conflict and held a number of negations.

---

Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020.

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018.

* IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014.

* Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013.

* Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011.

2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100.

* Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010.

* Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010.

* Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010.

* Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll.

Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008.
22 June 2017 10:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Russias IrAero carried out the first international flight from Krasnoyarsk to Baku, the Yemelyanovo International Airport reported.

The first flight on the Krasnoyarsk-Baku route was carried out on June 21. Further flights will be carried out until the end of the summer schedule twice a week  on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The flight is carried out via Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

In early April 2017, IrAero obtained the permission from Russias Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) to carry out flights to Azerbaijan.

IrAero is an air carrier based in Irkutsk, Russia. It carries out domestic and international scheduled passenger services, charter and cargo flights.

Baku is among the most visited CIS cities among Russian tourists.

The increase of tourists coming from Russia to Azerbaijan is mainly related with the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe, various festivals, active promotion of the countrys tourism in the Russian market and new flights launched between the Russian and Azerbaijani cities.

Azerbaijan offers numerous must-see spots, one of which is the Shahdag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex. It was recently claimed to enter the Top 3 popular resort for mountain hiking among Russia and CIS countries, according to the tourist portal TurStat.

Over the past year, Azerbaijan received over 2 million tourists, 685,000 of whom were guests from Russia. Taking into account all mentioned above, this figure is expected to rise by the end of 2016.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
22 June 2017 13:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The Azerbaijani visa application process is actually a lot more simple these days than what it used to be.

In 2016, the country applied electronic visa, making the process of obtaining correct entry documents cheaper and quicker. And now, it gets easier  foreigners will get e-visas just in three hours instead of three days.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on June 21 on additional measures to develop and improve the "ASAN Viza" system and amend the decree dated October 20, 2016 on approval of the "Regulations on the "ASAN Viza" system.

In accordance with the new decree, ASAN service, Azerbaijans leading e-Government institution, should ensure consideration of applications of foreigners and stateless persons to obtain a visa in an expedited manner for those, who want to visit Azerbaijan, within three hours.

Today, citizens of 93 countries take advantage of ASAN Visa system. Electronic visa is a document for one entry, which determines the period of stay in the country up to 30 days.

Azerbaijan, situated on the Great Silk Road, and divided partially between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, blended the best from both cultures, forming its own unique rich culture, thats why its people are neither totally Eastern, nor totally Western.

Mountains, forests, farmlands, coastal areas, rich natural resources and nine out of a possible eleven distinct climate zones from subtropical to alpine climates provide Azerbaijan with a broad range of natural environments that can be used to develop a range of tourism activities and to attract a diverse group of tourists.

But beyond its nature, which is key reason for the tourism, the people of Azerbaijan are wonderfully welcoming and hospitable.

This initiative will definitely increase the tourists flow to the country this year. Nahid Bagirov, Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AzTa) Chairman stated that the influx of tourists to Azerbaijan this summer will increase by 15-20 percent compared to the same period of last year.

The main flow of tourists to the country is expected from Arab countries, he said.

"Starting from today, a large number of tourists from Arab countries are expected to arrive in the country to watch the competitions of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan. In general, it is expected that the number of tourists from the Arab countries will exceed the number of visitors from other destinations. But it should be noted that year by year Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from Europe, Asia and America and their number is also growing. Hotels in Azerbaijan are almost completely booked till the end of September. In particular, the hotels in Gabala, Guba and Gusar are filled. I think that, compared to last year, this year the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan will grow by at least 15-20 percent," Bagirov said.

Touching upon the main directions of Azerbaijani tourists this season, Bagirov noted that the most preferable countries will be Turkey and Georgia.

"For Azerbaijani tourists who will travel by plane, the main direction will be Turkey, in particular Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir and Antalya. Then comes European countries. As for those traveling by land, the main stream of tourists, in my opinion, will go this summer to Georgia. This is due primarily to the fact that hotels and recreation centers in Azerbaijan have already been filled up to September. And Georgia is the closest country where it is possible to get by land transport," Bagirov said.

In the five months of this year, up to 960,000 tourists arrived in Azerbaijan, while in the same period last year this figure was 768,000 people.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
At least 3000 depositors of the Caspian Foundation gathered In Tehran, in front of Iranian President Rouhanis office. The protesters chanted, The state of moderation has emptied the pockets of people, and, Head of the central bank, deceiving people is enough, also, Iran has become thief house, as well as, Our people are wary, they hate the liar, they included, Supporting the thieves is betrayal to the Quran, and additionally, Death to the thief .

Simultaneously, staff of the regimes aviation organization, whose deposits were used to build houses, gathered in front of the government building at Mehrabad airport in Tehran.

People blocked the Saat Square Street toward the University Square in Ahvaz. They chanted, If our problem is not solved, Ahvaz will rise. Police entered the square with armored vehicles to disperse the protesters.

Protesters gathered in front of the Mashhad citys court and chanted, Or Hojjat Ibn al-Hassan (12th Imam), uproot the oppression, and, This undeserved Seif must be executed.

People protested in Shiraz, Ahvaz, Mashhad, Masjed Soleiman, Omidieh and Parsabad on Tuesday, the day before.

A financial expert of the regime, Ahmad Hatami Yazdi, responded to the massive rally, saying, Our future situation will be very severe, adding, Those who launched these institutions had a certain political power and a certain backing that could circumvent the law, not implement it, create branches without a license throughout Iran and take deposits from the people

Ghavamins institution, one of the first formed establishments, was affiliated with the police. The central bank would say that the police force must be closed to stop this.

According to the government news network on June 20th, Mizan is affiliated to some of the Judiciary personnel in Mashhad. There are all kinds of power centers in the country that do not respect the law, they do not count the law an iota They all are created with the inappropriate political support and continue to exist with the same protections. They hanged the Caspian sign over their heads as the judiciary supported it, but it is not unlikely that the banks would suffer this disaster in two or three years. Our future situation will be very severe.

According to Economics News on May 20th, this government official admitted that behind these financial and credit institutions there are great powers. Powers that can change the decisions of the monetary and credit council, if needed. 
A martyr for our moment: 3 lessons from the radical Christian sacrifice of St Alban

Today is the feast day of St Alban  an iconic British Christian martyr, and one the world may need to remember now more than ever.

Alban's simple yet rich tale has been inspiration to Christians throughout history. Here are three reasons why.

1. The great reversal

As the story goes, Alban was a third century Roman citizen in the city of Verulamium, Roman Britain.

In a time when Christianity was forbidden, Alban gave shelter to a Christian priest fleeing persecution named Amphibalus. When Alban saw the life of this prayerful priest, he was moved by his courage and faith. He asked to be taught more about it, and eventually converted and was baptised.

Roman authorities soon caught up with Amphibalus, and came to search Alban's house  but not before the Roman played a dramatic ruse. He took on the priest's cloak, exchanged clothes and was arrested in his place  allowing Amphibalus to escape. Though only a young Christian, Alban profoundly embodied the loving sacrifice and role reversal that Christians celebrate in the cross of Christ Jesus. Alban chose death so that the priest might live.

2. Faith under fire

Alban was brought before the city magistrate, who was furious at Alban's 'blasphemous' sacrifice. He offered freedom if Alban would only sacrifice to the local pagan gods, but Alban with his newfound faith refused. He declared to the judge: 'I am called Alban and I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things'. His words live on in Church liturgy today.

Alban was then sentenced with the judgement facing the priest, and was beheaded on a hill outside the city walls. His courage to commit to a faith he'd not long known has moved many, and holds particular power for the Church today, where religious persecution across the world remains pervasive and severe.

Magistrate: "What is your family and race?"



Alban: "I am now a Christian." pic.twitter.com/Vlu3yusvvL  Catholicity&Covenant (@cath_cov) June 22, 2017

3. A saint for the ages

Alban's story spread far and he was soon honoured as a martyr, and is revered today as the first British martyr, and a Saint and icon of the then-undivided Church. In 2006 some in the Church of England lobbied to have Alban replace St George as Britain's patron saint. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said Alban's legacy was important to Britain 'because it's the beginning of the church in this country with martyrdom, wisdom and courage'.

This Saturday will see the famous Alban Pilgrimage to St Alban's Abbey, Hertfordshire. Many will travel across the UK to visit the site of his burial, and see Alban's story dramatically retold.

But Alban's legacy belongs not only to Britain but to all the Church across the world  and he is celebrated as such. He's a hero for a weary world where intolerance, persecution and selfishness seem to reign high. When he could have chosen comfort, Alban chose something radical, surprising and costly. He demonstrated in simple, timeless witness, the call of a Christian.

In a world that's putting up walls, Alban reminds us to open our doors, and practice hospitality to strangers and even supposed criminals. For the sake of another, Alban chose death, but in doing so, he also chose life.
In a press conference on Tuesday, held at the NCRIs Washington office, the scope of Irans missile program was made public, and is much more extensive than was previously imagined.

According to the report, the Revolutionary Guards, who are in charge of Irans ballistic missile program, have been carrying out operations at 42 locations, of which 12 were previously unknown.

The report alleges that one of the missile complexes is tied to SPND, the organization in charge of building nuclear bombs.

The information was obtained by the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), who first revealed Irans illicit nuclear program, disclosed the NCRI.

Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the NCRIs U.S. office, said in an interview with Fox News, The findings show the first full picture of the missile program of the Iranian regime, which is very extensive and costly. It also shows a close tie between the nuclear weapons program and the missile program.

Jafarzadeh continued,Tehran has accelerated its missile program to make up for its domestic impotence and increasing regional isolation. The missile program of the regime is essential for its survival. Unfortunately the missile program of the Iranian regime has remained primarily unchecked.

The nuclear accord failed to address a range of threats posed by the Iranian regime, including its involvement in other countries of the region, its ballistic missile program, and its human rights record.

The Obama administration, whose negotiations led to the deal, believed that the incentives provided by the JCPOA would curb Irans ambitions. Instead, Iran took advantage of the previous administrations appeasement policy and hands-off approach to pursue its agendas, including several ballistic missile tests and launches since signing the JCPOA.

Recent developments, like last weeks passage in the U.S. Senate of a bill that, if approved by the House and signed by President Trump, will enforce new sanctions against the Iranian regime for its ballistic missile development, arms transfers, support for terrorism, and human rights violations.

The recent summit in Riyadh, where leaders of major Arab nations highlighted the menace of Irans ballistic missile program, and committed to confront Tehrans subversive and destructive activities inside their countries, bodes ill for the Iranian regime.

The Iranian people deeply oppose the regimes nuclear and missile program and its interference in the region, stated the NCRI representatives, and they called for the enactment of further sanctions against the Iranian regimes missile program and all entities that are affiliated to it. Additionally they called for the expulsion of Irans forces and proxies from Syria and Iraq, and for the terrorist designation of the Revolutionary Guards.
Cathedrals in crisis? Three ways we could support their growing ministry

Speculation has been rumbling on in recent months about the health of English Cathedrals. Crises in finances and management at several high-profile Cathedrals have prompted the founding of a task group to look at their viability.

Meanwhile today, Coventry Cathedral is officially launching a fundraising appeal. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who used to work there, is playing his part in drawing attention to the parlous state of its finances. Coventry currently has a 100,000 annual deficit.

Cathedrals are integral parts of their communities with growing congregations, and a vital ministry to the cities in which they find themselves. Here are some ways they could be put on a more sustainable footing...

1) Find a new funding model

This sounds obvious, but it's tricky to get right. Cathedrals in thriving tourist areas can charge for entry, but it isn't without controversy  the idea of paying a fee to get into a church leaves many with a bad taste in the mouth. However, it is a regular and vital stream of income for Cathedrals such as St Paul's in London.

By contrast, the glorious Durham Cathedral is free to enter, but makes only 150,000 per year in donations  which only covers its costs for two weeks.

There are other options than charging for entry, though. One of them, which works in other countries is state support. There are differing models in France, Germany and elsewhere, but many European nations do give statutory funding support to their ancient Cathedrals. This has been done on an ad hoc basis by the UK government, but a more permanent arrangement is one funding option.

Others would include using some Cathedral owned land for redevelopment (which is what Guildford Cathedral wants to do), meaning that housing or business space could be developed nearby to Cathedrals. If it was sensitively done, then it could provide a cash boost and a good stream of income. This won't work in every case though  planning approval will be very hard to gain in certain cities.

2) Become a cultural hub

Cathedrals have been at the centre of their communities for hundreds of years. They have a long history of providing more than a programme of worship and prayer. Currently, Cathedrals host a range of concerts, meetings, events and art installations as well as the obligatory cafes and shops.

Yet, with some imagination, there is more that would be done. Manchester Cathedral has shown initiative and is hosting secular music gigs, following in the footsteps of entrepreneurial London churches. This could provide a much-needed stream of income in beautiful settings with acoustics to match.

There are a number of other opportunities that could be used to monetize the unique spaces that Cathedrals offer without becoming mercenary. The key is to respect the main purpose of the building  worship  while being entrepreneurial and inventive.

3) Invite in other churches

This week Southwark Cathedral hosts a public service for local people affected by the London Bridge terror attack which happened only yards away from its doors. This is a perfect example of the civic role Cathedrals can play. Yet, they could also, with some careful co-ordination, become seen by a City's Christian population as a centre of the community in that town.

Many non-conformist, evangelical and low church Christians will not imagine a Cathedral as their first port of call. The image of beautiful worship carried out according to ancient rites is attractive to many but can be a barrier to some in the wider Christian community who are used to worshipping in a more informal style.

Cathedrals sometimes host ecumenical events, but they should be pushing the boat out and making this a priority. The recent Thy Kingdom Come initiative showed the potential for Cathedrals hosting vibrant worship and prayer events and these could be made more regular.

Churches in a given city could take it in turns to host such events in their own style and invite all the other Christians in the city to attend. As well as the galvanising effect this would have on Christian unity, it would also cement the Cathedral as a place for all Christians, which would in turn help with fundraising efforts.

There are hundreds of other small and large ideas which could help to ensure the survival and thriving of Cathedrals. We should all be keen to play our part  after all, as Nicky Gumbel is fond of saying, empty church buildings are like an empty palace of a long-forgotten king  people walk past and think that the king is dead.
Inquiry into child sex abuse investigating 7,000 submissions relating to Anglican church

The inquiry into child sex abuse in England and Wales is investigating 7,000 submissions of evidence relating to the Anglican church, according to the counsel to the inquiry.

In a preliminary hearing today at the Royal Courts of Justice, Ben Emmerson QC updated Justice Goddard, who is chairing the inquiry which could last at least another five years.

He said that 114 sources of information were being considered, along with case studies relating to church abuse, including in the Chichester Diocese.

The Anglican section of the inquiry is expected to focus to a considerable extent on abuse by the former Bishop of Lewes, Peter Ball, who was jailed last year over crimes committed in the 1980s. A legal representative of Ball was in court today.

Emmerson said that more than 7,000 items of disclosure had been received from the Archbishop's Council, and from police forces and survivors including 'core participants'. So far 188 applicants have been granted core participant status by Goddard. Of these, 36 relate to the Anglican church.

Outlining the approach being taken by counsel, Emmerson said the inquiry was examining the extent to which the culture of the church "inhibits or has inhibited" exposure of abuse cases, along with "the nature and extent of any failures in the church to protect children from abuse".

He added that the inquiry was examining "the extent to which institutions and bodies failed to respond appropriately" to allegations against Ball, and the extent to which failings in the Chichester Diocese and relating to Ball "are representative of wider failings in the church".

Graham Tilby, National Safeguarding Adviser for the Church of England said: "We welcome today's update on the investigation into the Anglican Church in England and Wales and the acknowledgment from the Inquiry that the material already submitted is relevant and useful. We note that the Inquiry has received a substantial amount of material from us and other core participants and the analysis of this is now underway as is the process of identifying possible witnesses. As we said after the initial hearing in March we are committed to engaging with the Inquiry in an open and transparent way and believe its work will play a vital part in our commitment to making the Church a safer place for all."

The inquiry is currently considering whether it should be broadcast. Tomorrow it will hear an update regarding the Catholic Church.

On Monday, Emmerson said of the inquiry as a whole that "we are receiving 80 to 100 allegations a week and we are making an average of 20 to 25 police referrals each week," meaning it is generating potentially 1,000 new police inquiries a year.
ISIS demolishes historic mosque in Mosul in 'declaration of defeat'

ISIS militants yesterday blew up the iconic Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul, in a move the Iraqi prime minister called a declaration of 'defeat' for the jihadist group.

The mosque, and its famous 'hunchback' al-Hadba minaret (tower structure) were destroyed at 9:35pm local time on Wednesday, the Iraqi military said. The 12th century mosque is the same one from which ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a 'caliphate' across Syria and Iraq three years ago.

Last night the structure was reduced to rubble, to the lament of onlookers.

'Blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat,' Iraq's prime minister Haider al-Abadi said on his website.

The ISIS-run channel Amaq news agency said American aircraft were responsible for the destruction, but the US-led coalition combating the group denied the claim.

'We did not strike in that area,' said coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian.

The coalition's ground commander US Army Major General Joseph Martin said: 'The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS.'

He called the demolition 'a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organisation must be annihilated.'

The destruction came as coalition forces had closed in on the jihadists' stronghold in the Old City of Mosul, the last area in the city under ISIS occupation. Martin pledged continued to support to the Iraqi security force 'as they bring these terrorists to justice'.

ISIS' leader Baghdadi has departed the conflict in Mosul and is now believed in the border area between Iraq and Syria.

Additional reporting by Reuters
Most religious groups support gay marriage - with the exception of white evangelical Christians

An extensive survey has found that most US religious groups now support gay marriage, but white evangelicals still oppose it. It also found that in no major religious group do adherents believe businesses should refuse services to LGBT customers because of their religion.

The findings come from the 2016 Public Religion Research Institute survey, in a study published this month titled 'Who Sees Discrimination? Attitudes on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Race, and Immigration Status'.

The study explored contrasting perspectives on the discrimination of different groups, by different social, religious and ethnic groups in America.

Most US religious groups, the survey says, support gay marriage  but white evangelical protestants, by and large, do not.

The study said: 'A majority of white mainline Protestants (63 per cent), Catholics (62 per cent), and Orthodox Christians (59 per cent) favor same-sex marriage. At least two-thirds of Hindus (67 per cent), Jews (73 per cent), the religiously unaffiliated (78 per cent), and Buddhists (85 per cent) favor same-sex marriage. Equal numbers of black Protestants favor (45 per cent) and oppose (45 per cent) same-sex marriage.

'Similarly, Muslims (44 per cent vs 41 per cent, respectively) and Hispanic Protestants (41 per cent vs. 46 per cent, respectively) are about as likely to support same-sex marriage as oppose it.'

The majority of Mormons, Jehova's Witnesses and white protestant evangelicals however, do not support gay marriage. The latter showed the greatest opposition at 61 per cent, while 31 percent of evangelicals support same-sex marriage.

White mainline protestants have seen the biggest shift in their views: 63 per cent now support gay marriage, but in 2003 just 36 per cent said the same.

Following this pattern, the study also found that 'There is no religious group in which a majority favors allowing small business owners to refuse services to gay and lesbian people.

'Only half (50 per cent) of white evangelical Protestants and fewer than half of Mormons (42 per cent), Hispanic Protestants (34 per cent), black Protestants (25 per cent), and Jehovah's Witnesses (25 per cent) believe small business owners should be granted permission to refuse services to gay and lesbian people.'

High-profile cases in both the US and UK involving religious businesspersons citing their religion or conscience for not serving LGBT persons have raised questions about the proper balance of civil liberties and religious freedom.

In 2015, most white evangelical protestants (56 per cent) were in favour of refusing service according to religious beliefs, but in 2016 that had fallen to just 50 per cent.
Pope may miss meeting with Cardinals sparking speculation about division

There is further speculation around division at the highest levels of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis is preparing to announce the identity of a new group of Cardinals, the Bishops who assist him at the highest levels of the Church.

Usually, in the run up to the 'consistory' which sees the new cardinals announced, the Pope has a meeting with the whole College of Cardinals. Now though, the National Catholic Register reports that the meeting won't take place.

If that's the case, it's the second year in a row when the Pope will have chosen not to meet formally with the Cardinals. His predecessor Benedict XVI made a similar decision on just one occasion.

Tensions are thought to remain high after a group of four Cardinals went public with their questions over a teaching document Amoris Laetitia. The document contains sections dealing with divorce and remarriage and other areas which conservatives and more progressive elements disagree over.

Four traditionalist Cardinals hand delivered a so-called 'dubia' letter which outlined their five questions for the Pope over the teaching in the document. There was speculation they may resubmit the dubia as part of a meeting with the Pope.

Although the lack of formal meeting means there isn't the potential for a confrontation between the Pope and the four Cardinals, it does highlight the apparent division which extends into enthusiastic Vatican-watchers around the world. Conservatives are cautious about Pope Francis, while more liberal elements are encouraged by him.

The College of Cardinals is a key body, because it makes up the electorate for voting in the new Pope. Francis has encouraged diversity within the body, creating Cardinals from across the world.
Prince Harry: No Royal actually wants to be King or Queen

Prince Harry has said that no member of the royal family really wants to be king or queen, adding that 'we will carry out our duties at the right time' for the good of the country.

In a revealing interview with Newsweek, the fifth in line to the throne said that the royals were doing what they do not for themselves but for the 'greater good of the people'.

Prince Harry also opened up about his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in the interview with the American magazine which comes twenty years after her death. He spoke in particular about being made to walk behind his mother's hearse at her funeral procession when aged only 12, saying that 'no child should be made to do that'.

He said that his family and he were modernising the Monarchy and that the younger royals were determined to carry on the positive atmosphere generated by the Queen.

'We are not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people,' he said. 'Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don't think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time.'

Harry spoke about joining his father, Prince Charles, brother Prince William, who was then 15, his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh and uncle Earl Spencer, in a procession through London during his mother's funeral in 1997. 'My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television,' he explained.

'I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don't think it would happen today.'

In the interview, Harry also praised his mother for how ordinary she made their lives, saying that he often still does his own shopping and is determined to live a relatively normal life.

'My mother took a huge part in showing me an ordinary life, including taking me and my brother to see homeless people,' he said. 'Thank goodness I'm not completely cut off from reality. People would be amazed by the ordinary life William and I live. I do my own shopping. Sometimes, when I come away from the meat counter in my local supermarket, I worry someone will snap me with their phone. But I am determined to have a relatively normal life, and if I am lucky enough to have children, they can have one too.' He added: 'Even if I was king, I would do my own shopping.'

Asked if being too 'ordinary' would take away the 'mystery' of the royals, Harry added: 'It's a tricky balancing act. We don't want to dilute the magic....The British public and the whole world need institutions like it.'
South Korean Christian told to leave Pakistan after arrest on suspicion of covert missionary work

Pakistan has ordered a South Korean Christian arrested earlier this month to leave the country, accusing him of 'illegal preaching activities' after two of his students at a language school were killed by Islamic State.

'Investigations have revealed that [Juan Won-seo] went to Pakistan on a business visa, set up an Urdu academy in Quetta and got involved in illegal preaching activities,' Pakistan's interior minister said on 19 June, World Watch Monitor reported. 'We have revoked his visa and asked him to leave the country.'

Christian Today earlier this month reported the arrest of the man and members of his family.

A South Korean official had previously denied the preaching claim, telling the Hindustan Times on 14 June that 'nothing has so far been found to verify the suspicion that they were involved with a Korean missionary group'.

Lee Zingyang, 24, and Meng Lisi, 26, went missing last month in Quetta, capital of Pakistan's impoverished Balochistan province, and ISIS claimed responsibility for their deaths on 8 June.

They were among about a dozen Chinese people ostensibly studying Urdu and at least one other language at his school.

'The Korean family was training the Chinese nationals in missionary work,' said Quetta police official Abdul Razzaque Cheema told the Pakistan daily newspaper DAWN last month. 'We have interviewed around 50 people who were in contact with the Chinese and received text messages or calls from them. All of them have corroborated that the Chinese were involved in preaching'.

The incident prompted calls for a review of Pakistan's security and visa processes for Chinese nationals, and a databank that would track Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

China's foreign ministry previously said it would cooperate with Pakistan in the investigation, and said it opposed all forms of terrorism.

Carsten T. Vala, from the department of political science at Loyola University, Maryland, said: 'Chinese nationals are themselves quite active in foreign missionary work and in my more than ten years of interviews of Chinese Christians, I found a number of Chinese Christians who were eager to go abroad as missionaries. At least one Chinese church leader I interviewed reported that his congregation had sent missionaries to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other Arabic-speaking countries.'

According to World Watch Monitor, an increasing number of Chinese have settled in Quetta, as part of the $57bn China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which aims to re-establish a flourishing Silk Road between the two countries.
'The cross is an offence': Franklin Graham blasts judge's decision to remove 34-foot cross from Florida park

Franklin Graham has blasted as 'ridiculous' a decision by a federal judge ordering that a 34-foot tall cross be taken down from a Florida park on the grounds that it violates the US Constitution.

The evangelist blamed secularist organisations such as the American Humanist Association and the Freedom From Religion Foundation for 'ridiculous changes like this'.

Graham wrote on Facebook: 'The Bible tells us that the cross is an offense. That's because it represents the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the grave after three days to redeem us from the penalty of our sins.'

US District Judge Roger Vinson wrote in his ruling: 'I am aware that there is a lot of support in Pensacola to keep the cross as is, and I understand and respect that point of view. But, the law is the law.'

The lawsuit was filed in 2016 by the secularist groups on behalf of four citizens in Pensacola, where the Florida park with the cross is located.

The judge, who appeared to reach the ruling with some reluctance, pointed out that the park has hosted tens of thousands of people for roughly 75 years without causing anyone offense  until now.

The original cross, erected in 1941 at Bayview Park, was replaced with a 34-foot, white 'Latin Cross' in 1969.

Judge Vinson noted in his ruling the 'Bayview Cross' is 'part of the rich history of Pensacola and Bayview Park in particular,' adding that it had been the focal point for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day services as well as Easter Sunrise services.

'However, after about 75 years, the Bayview Cross can no longer stand as a permanent fixture on city-owned property,' the judge ruled, directing the city of Pensacola to remove the cross within 30 days. The judge also ordered the city to pay the aggrieved plaintiffs one dollar in damages  effectively a quarter each.

The American Humanist Association celebrated the ruling. 'We are pleased that the Court struck down this cross as violative of the First Amendment,' attorney Monica Miller said in a statement. 'The cross was totally unavoidable to park patrons, and to have citizens foot the bill for such a religion symbol is both unfair and unconstitutional.'

Judge Vinson said that if he had a 'blank slate' he would likely have dismissed the case. But he based his ruling on a precedent in court involving a similar cross that suffered the same fate in Rabun County, Georgia. 'If the cross under review in Rabun County violated the First Amendment and had to be removed, the cross here must suffer the same fate,' the judge wrote.

He added: 'The historical record indicates that the Founding Fathers did not intend for the Establishment Clause to ban crosses and religious symbols from public property. Indeed, "the enlightened patriots who framed our constitution"...would have most likely found this lawsuit absurd. And if I were deciding this case on a blank slate, I would agree and grant the plaintiffs no relief. But, alas, that is not what we have here.'
THE BETTER CARE RECONCILIATION ACTthe Senate GOPs version of the American Health Care Actmay be the most anticipated and least understood piece of legislation put forth by Republican lawmakers under the Trump Administration. Editorial boards around the country have criticized the secrecy surrounding the bills conceptionas detestable and unhealthy and too much. Newsrooms have an obligation to decry efforts by politicians to obscure major policy matters. But there is a risk that countless American communities may see their own unique health care problems as secondary to the political drama surrounding the health care plan.

CJR recently invited contributions from journalists whose work remains focused on the healthcare challenges specific to their communities. We asked each reporter the same question: As the nation anticipates passage of the American Health Care Act, what are the health stories that are most urgent for journalists to tell in your region? The first dispatch, from The Post and Couriers Lauren Sausser, is below. As the Senate moves towards a vote on the Better Care Reconciliation Act, well publish more dispatches to encourage journalists to cover the changing health care landscape from the ground up.Brendan Fitzgerald, editor, United States Project

LAST MONTH, CNN PUBLISHED a story that showed how local newspapers across the country treated breaking news about the so-called Comey memoa subject also recently parsed by CJR. Most featured the story on their front pages. Someincluding The Post and Courier, the Charleston, South Carolina paper where I workgave it top billing. The article pointed out that the Comey memo news was, generally speaking, big-ish news in swing statesthough, in most places, nowhere near as big news as it was in the Times and the Post.

The Post and Courier has similarly covered the American Health Care Actnow the Better Care Reconciliation Actas an important legislative debate, and written several articles about it for the front page. But the AHCA is far from the only health care story were reporting.

In South Carolina, weve covered decisions by some immigrants to opt their children out of health care benefits for fear of deportation. Weve reported on a proposed measure that could divert liver donations from the state. Since January, weve published articles about child sexual abuse, antibiotic resistance, teen suicide rates, lead poisoning, neonatal abstinence syndrome, Medicare reform, and a gynecologist from South Carolina who operated on slaves in the 19th century without anesthesia.

Were also focused on the Affordable Care Actlegislation whose impact still demands coverage, even as it is threatened with repeal. In one recent article, we developed a series of maps that show how most insurance companies have stopped selling ACA policies in South Carolina. The lack of competition in our marketplace is particularly worrisome for nearly 200,000 customers in the state who depend on the ACA for coverage.

RELATED: Reporter posts front pages of LA Times, WashPo & NYTimes. Something was missing.

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The looming passage of the Better Care Reconciliation Act is vitally important to our readers. But as local health reporters anticipate (and report on) those potential policy changes, they should also prioritize other equally important issues, such as the opioid epidemic and the existing insurance coverage gap.

If Congress reforms the Medicaid program, that decision could impact South Carolinas higher-than-average infant mortality rate, the number of low-income patients who qualify for behavioral health services, and more.

I MET A MAN LAST YEAR named Jim Connor, who was diagnosed with cancer and fell into that ACA coverage gap. Hed waited months to see a doctor because he was uninsured. A local hospital eventually covered the cost of his treatment, but charity care came too late, and Connor died in September.

Its impossible to say that a Medicaid card would have saved Jims life. But it would have helped him see a doctor when he started losing weight.

Medicaid covers more than 1 million South Carolinians, most of them children. That number represents 21 percent of the states total population. (Another 136,000 adults would qualify for Medicaid under the ACA if conservative South Carolina leaders opted into the expansion.) If Congress reforms the Medicaid program, as many Republican lawmakers would like, that decision could impact everything from South Carolinas higher-than-average infant mortality rate to the number of low-income patients who qualify for behavioral health services.

South Carolinas former Medicaid director recently detailed the impact of proposed federal cuts to the program. Such cuts would likely force the state agency to reduce the number of people who qualify for Medicaid, and reduce the amount of money the state spends on each patient. The state agency could cut spending, the director said, by scaling back benefits or reducing provider rates.

THIS IS SPECULATIVE, OF COURSE. The Better Care Reconciliation Act isnt public policy yet, and well continue covering its legislative journey. But the law will eventually have real life-or-death consequences for some South Carolina patients. Those are stories well certainly write about.

Id recommend other reporters do the same. But in South Carolina, and in many other states, there are very few reporters left at local newspapers who cover health care exclusively. That resource challenge is compounded by the difficulty of a topic that general assignment reporters cover only occasionally.

Still, there are patients, doctors, nurses, nursing home providers, hospital administrators, caregivers and Medicaid beneficiaries in almost every corner of the country who have much to say about the health care system. For me, covering their stories has always been a good starting point.

ICYMI: What a hyperlocal investigative powerhouse looks like

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Lauren Sausser is a health care editor and reporter at The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina. She previously worked as a journalist in Georgia, New Hampshire and Washington, DC. She graduated from Clemson University in 2005 with an English degree and from Columbia University in 2010 with a graduate degree in journalism. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Association of Health Care Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists and the South Carolina Press Association.
A great interview is one of the journalists most powerful tools. For the next five weeks, the Columbia Journalism Review and MaximumFun.org will broadcast conversations with some of the worlds greatest interviewers. Hosted by NPRs Jesse Thorn, the podcast, called The Turnaround, will examine the science and art of journalism.

ICYMI: Hey lottery players! This article might upset you

This first episode features Ira Glass, host of This American Life. An edited transcript is below.

GETTING STARTED IN PUBLIC RADIO

Jesse Thorn: I think one of the things that people who dont know much about you dont know about you is that before you started This American Life, you were a regular public radio guy for a full 20 years or so as a reporter and a producer starting when you had an internship as a teenager.



Ira Glass: Yes.



Jesse: Did being a reporter fit you naturally? Like was it an ambition for you?



Ira: No. Just, just the opposite in fact. I wasnt very good on the air, and so when I started I was basically like a tape cutter. I was a production assistant and a tape cutter and a behind-the-scenes person and got better and better at that part of it. And then I was a kind of producer who you would call in to fix problem situations or to do ambitious stories and so that was what I did. I worked for All Things Considered and Morning Edition. I was just like a favorite producer of the people who manage the place and got sent on a lot of great assignments and worked. Basically I produced other people. I produced Robert Siegel and Renee Montagne and Scott Simon and various reporters on various kinds of very ambitious projects and trips. And then when I was almost 30, I decided that I wanted to try to be a reporter myself, and I was not good at it. Like it would take me like a month to do a story that would take a normal reporter like three days. And I didnt, I just, I was a terrible performer on the air, and I was not good at interviewing people in a way that you could broadcast. Like their quotes were good, but I sounded terrible in the tape. And um, and I just had to learn every single part of it.

ICYMI: Bad news for Vice, Mashable and BuzzFeed



Jesse: Did you feel comfortable with the part of reporting that is just going and bothering people?



Ira: Yes. And I also felt comfortable since I was such an experienced tape cutter, that I knew the tape I needed and I knew when I had the tapewhich I didnt even understand was a separate skill until now that we have people who are inexperienced who come and work on our showor you know not as experienced as I was when I started to become a reporter. Like honestly like one of the things that I learned we have to teach people is to decide what tape they need before they go out to get the tape, and then to know when theyve got it. Like, I didnt even understand that I had that as a skill.



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TRENDING: This is a whole generation of young people who were basically sold a lie

WHAT MAKES GOOD TAPE?

Jesse: What kind of tape are you [looking for] when you say that you are listening for something that you know ahead of time that you need? What does that mean?



Ira: It means that I need this person to explain this story or to explain. I mean it depends on the kind of story like some stories Im going out, and I really dont know when Im going to find, right? But more typical is Im going out, and I have a basic sense of what the person can tell me.

Miki Meek, one of our producers, and I were doing some reporting in a small town in Alabama, and this is a story thats kind of a political fable about this town which in Alabama is the town where there have been more immigrants than any other town and is the town that Jeff Sessions and others have pointed to as being exemplary of the problem that immigrants bring to America. And basically were going in and saying: is Jeff Sessions right? Has a flood of mostly Mexican immigrants to this town made the town worse? Driven native-born Americans out of jobs, brought up the crime rate, driven down wages? Is that true? Lets just, just go in and justis it factually true? And it turns out, some of those things are true, and some of them arent. And some of them are sort of complicated in a really wonderful way. So this is like one of those projects which is like, it takes us months to do. And theres so much reporting and were getting so much more tape than winds up on the air, and with those interviews, we go into the interview like talking to people who are in the city council when the city council tried to take action about these immigrants, and we just know a bunch of moments in the history of the town that were trying to get them to explainlike what happened? You know, tell me the story of this. What did you think, what were the politics of it.



But even there Im going on with a plan of theres a bunch of stories I want to get you to tell me. I have no idea what the answer to these questions are. Like what happened in this particular council meeting on this day? But I want you to narrate through the whole thing as a narrativelike you know when the meeting starts, what is everybodys position, and what happens over the course of the meeting. What did people say? What do you remember? And then you know where do you come out on the other side of it? So even in that case when Im doing an interview, Im looking for narrative. And then there are certain places that I need people to jump out and give me the big picture idea of this story which in this case is is Jeff Sessions right about this town? Is that story correct? And if hes not right, what is he not getting exactly right? And theres a bunch of like Big Idea questions, too.

STRUCTURING THE STORY

Ira: Ive said this many times in many places, but the structure of stories on our show in this kind of narrative journalism is theres plot and then there are ideas. And those are the two elements that youre constantly monitoring to know whether or not youve got them. And in part I feel like when people hear that they dont even know exactly what is meant by that. All plot is is a series of actions where one thing leads to the nextsort of like this thing led to this next thing, led to this next thing, led to this next thing, led to this next thing, and then some of the things in this list can be, And then he said this to me, and as a result, I said this back to him, and then he said this back to me, and then I got angry and I stormed out and I wrote a bill saying What you want is one thing leads to the next leads to the next leads the next and the reason why we do that is because once you have any sequence of actions in order of like, this happened and then this happened and this happened that creates narrative suspense because you wonder what happened next.

And once you have narrative suspense, it just makes the entire project of getting somebody to listen to a story or listen to anything youre saying so much easier because they just want to find out whats going to happen. And then you can just take them on a journey and walk them through all kinds of feelings and ideaseven on subjects that they dont think they want to hear aboutyou know, because they just get caught up in like wait like what happened next? And so its just an enormously powerful tool for journalism, and even journalism thats like just very personal journalism about documenting somebodys personal life. You want the forward motion of events, and then the ideas that youre driving at dont have to be like the smartest ideas in the world.



So in these interviews that were doing, were seeing somebody for two hours, and most of it is not going to be on the air. But when somebody says the thing that is the tape, then we know it. Like I totally, Im editing in my head, and not only am I editing in my head, but once they start, like Im hearing it edited in my head, and Im egging them on to say more, so I can land it as a thing that will be on the radio, and then when we walk out of those interviews right then, Mikki and I talk about what were the moments that worked best. I will just jot down like the four or five things that were the things that were the best things.



Jesse: Do you ask people the same question over again?



Ira: Oh my god, yes. Over and over and over and over again. Yes, its completely key, because often they dont hear it exactly the way you mean it. And I will ask the person the same question four or five times normally before they give me an answer. Thats the actual answer to that question.

TRICKS OF HIS TRADE

Ira: Sometimes you have to theorize what the answer might be. Like I find myself in a lot of interviews saying, Well is it more like this or is it like this? I can imagine it would be this way or this way. What is it? And then when theyre forced to like kind of go somewhereto bat away one of your theories and to run at one of the others.

Jesse: Thats something I was talking with Marc Maron about for this show, which was Maron, always, I mean just because of the way Marcs brain works, he always has an ideation about what someones deal is and why they do the things they do.

Ira: Oh my god, I know. Hes a master. A master!



Jesse: Just make an assertion that they have to parry.



Ira: Yeah. I think about that less often. The version of that that we have on our show is that anything shitty were going to say about somebody we say it to their face.



Jesse: Is that like written on a whiteboard?



Ira: It should be. Its one of the laws of journalism, like basically when you think about it like the all you kind of need to know as a journalist really is youre going to be fair to everybody equally in the story. And youre going to make sure that everything is true. And if you have something bad to say about somebody, you say it to their face so they get to give their side of it. And, and so partly its just basic Journalism 101: You need to get their side of it. You know, and let them say youre wrong, whatever. But often thatll be like your very best tape, somebody batting that away. And also like anything thats my theory of the story, like my theory of Heres what I think their story is. I guess this is exactly like the Marc Maron or Howard Stern thing. Whatever my theory of the story is like if I think heres what I think your story means, I say it to their face like we all do. We say it to their face because if were right, we need to know that. And if were wrong, we really need to know that and often thats the most amazing tape, is where I say like I think whats going on is like you have these feelings about your dad and then you just act it out, and they say, You dont understand this at all. No. Heres whats really. And then they tell you the real story in exactly the way that youre saying, and yeah like it, yeah.

OUTSIDE THE COMFORT ZONE

Jesse: Are there situations in which you are uncomfortable asking people about things, personally?



Ira: Yeah I think, I think there are, there are many interviews I go into nervous for sure because I dont exactly know where the person is coming from, and Im nervous for how theyre going to react to the questions. And I hear often on the tape that the interview is kind of stiff until I relax which is really like an important thing to know.



Jesse: So are you saying that youre like youre nervous in part because youre not sure you have the story right?



Ira: No. Im nervous Im going to get the story. Im nervous about how theyre going to react to some of the questions. Like Im nervous about the content were going to be going through. Im nervous about whether theyre going to be frank with me, and like some people just make me nervous. Like Im nervous around famous people. Im nervous around people who I think would judge me.



Jesse: Ira, you know youre a famous person, right?



Ira: No one is famous to themselves, I think. Or maybe they are. I dont know. Like, I dont know. You know what I mean. I interviewed Pat Buchanan a couple of weeks ago, and you know Pat Buchanan is like one of the iconic political figures of the Nixon era. And you know his famous speech at the Republican convention. You know which said that theres a culture war in this country. Hes just this iconic figure who Ive been reading about since I was a kidand hes totally friendly to journalist guy. Hes not like a combative Republican who doesnt want to talk to journalists; he likes talking to journalists. He was a journalist like hes a totallyhes kind of a sweetheart in person actuallylike hes lovely. Hes really like a lovely, decent person to deal with. And happy to like bat around ideas and talk about anything you want. But I was nervous. I was nervous of the things we were going to be asking him about, and I was nervous because hes this iconic figure.



Jesse: Were you nervous in part because he is, unlike most people who are on your show and most people that you probably talked to in the course of your work, a professional talker, that he is a guy who knows how to



Ira: Thats a really good question. Thats a really, really good question. Yeah, like that that was part of it, that he was going to be kind of packaged, which he wasnt actually which which was really lovely. But often thats a huge problem. You know when you have somebody whos a professional talker.

FINDING SOURCES

Jesse: How do you decide on somebody to talk to when youre doing a piece as broad as you know with as big a question as what happened in this town? Do you just, do you do that thing where you walk into a diner and just start talking to people? I feel like thats every political reporters main thing they do.



Ira: No. I mean Im not above that, but for this story no. Because we know the thing that were looking for and what were looking for is we know the year that Mexican workers showed up in this town. And so we know the narrative were looking for. and what were looking for is the exact participants. People who worked in those jobs in poultry plants when Mexican workers arrived. And the Mexican workers themselves who arrived who are still around. Like the exact people like working for the specific people who were there when this happened, and the people who manage those plants, and were looking for the specific politicians who, who fought over this as the years went on. And so what were doing is we imagine a little map of the story and who would be interesting to hear from. And where would you want to begin the story and where would you want it to end. And then you just start going out and reporting it out and calling people, and knocking on doors literallyknocking on doors of the people who you want to getand because like a lot of people, it isnt a good idea to just be a voice on the phone from New York City calling a small town in Alabama. Like its better if you just show up and youre a human being standing in front of them who looks sort of normal, and, and just you know what I mean? Like people treat you nicely if youre there. Whereas on the phone youre just like, hey I dont know who the hell you are.



You make a map of the story in that case. And then the more common thing on the radio show is that you know were pitching each other possible stories and evaluating with each other like whether we should do them at all. You know, and we have a weekly story meeting and theres a pitch document where we pitch each other. And then there what were evaluating is, is the plot of the story interesting? Is it something we havent heard before? Does it lead to some interesting thought? Does it tell us something, like whats the likelihood that this persons going to be a good talker if there hasnt been a pre-interview done? You know, and so those are the things were looking for.

THE INTIMACY OF AUDIO

Ira: The thing that happens to me is that if its going well, and the person is really talking from the heart about a thing that means something to them. And Im talking back to them, and were understanding each other, and like I start to feel really close to them. I know that as like a professional journalist, its not like the right thing to say, to say this, but I start to really love them. Like it has the intimacy of any like actual intimate conversation with somebody who I feel super close to. And its exciting because were strangers, and so its like a very first date-y kind of conversation. I know this all sounds awful the way Im saying it. But like just to say to have somebody who you dont know, and then suddenly youre talking in a very real way about something very big that happened to them. Very emotional. They really share their emotions, and then I react with my real feelings about what happened to them. And were talking back and forth and back and forth, and we feel like were understanding each other, and like were sharing a thing thats real.



And I feel like theres a point in my career where I was around 30, where I understood, oh theres a power to hearing two people do that. Literally just like the feeling Im getting in the conversation, you can hear it in the tape, and it gives it to you over the air. And in the very best interviews I feel like the intimacy of that actually, like, transmits over the air and gives the listener that feeling as if they were in the conversation and gives the whole thing a lot of, a lot of, a lot of magnetism. I dont know a better way to say that. You just, it gives you like the feeling that you get when you, when youre having a great conversation with somebody. You know, and so, and in those moments I totally like, man, woman, child, any age, any sexit doesnt matter like who they are at all. Like I totally, like a part of my heart. Its just like I really start to love them, like its the actual accurate word for whats happening.



Jesse: Thats unusual, right?



Ira: No. I mean it doesnt happen every day, but I do a lot of interviews so I can get to that. Like thats the goal. The goal isnt just to give out information in a show like this, that Im doing. Like the goal is to have a moment thats special. And it took me a long time. I was doing radio for a long time before I was even able to name to myself what I thought those special moments were and how to get to them, and its a real trial and error process. I mean thats why we throw so much stuff away. Because I wanted to be at that level. And I, you know, yeah I get to that. I mean, I think at least once a week, but like to get that once a week, like Im doing a lot of interviews.



Jesse: Are there things that you do besides trial and error to generate that feeling?



Ira: Yeah, I mean I try to think through what, what the other person would feel if they had the experience they wereyou know just like its an active act of imagining and empathy. Theres a lot of like imagining what the other persons experience is which, which any good interviewer does. Well like, like Terry GrossI remember my very favorite Terry Gross interview question is this thing were about to probably quote in an upcoming show that were doing about magicians, where she asked Ricky Jay the author and magician. She asked him, Is there ever a trick where whats going on kind of behind the scenes that we dont see is actually more interesting than what we do see? And he got really excited hes like, Yeah. And shes like, Can you give me an example? He said, No, of course not. But like if you think about the construction of that question, thats like putting herself inside his world and inside his head so thoroughly, you know. Or another question I remember she asked my cousin Philip Glass, the composer, the very best question hes ever been asked in any interviewand I say that as somebody, Ive had to interview him on stage, and so Ive gone back through a lot of interviews of his to see like what people ask him, or what works and what doesnt. And she asked him like the perfect Philip Glass question which was, she asked him, Did you ever, have you ever tried to write music that doesnt sound like the music of Philip Glass? And he gets really excited like, Oh my, oh yes, yes, yes, absolutely. Every time. And then he pauses and he goes, And every time I fail.

ONCE MORE, WITH FEELING

Jesse: Ive talked to you a number of times on a few times on my show and a few times in real life and like social or semi-professional contexts, and you never fail to bring your enormous empathy muscle to bear upon me. You never fail to like, ask me about almost immediately about something important and how I feel about it in my life. Do you feel its comfortable being the subject of that or opening your own feelings and emotions up, as you do opening up the can of other peoples emotions?



Ira: You mean in my personal life or you mean on the radio?



Jesse: Either or both.



Ira: I mean over the last few years, at the urging of my spouse, Ive become much more articulate in personal situations about talking about my feelings. And in fact even knowing what my feelings are. Like Ive talked about this on stage, how, how like there have been many situations where I have been asked, you know like, so how do you feel about that. And I sort of like survey my own feelings and just nothing comes up like I look on the, I look on the radar screen, and theres no planes coming in at all. And you know, and um, and Ive consciously trained myself to understand better what Im feeling and all kinds of personal situations that I think I was just sort of like shutting down. Now thats maybe a more personal answer than youre asking for, but its a truthful answer. And on the radio, Ive always felt like its better for me to be to be more personal. For me to be in any situation where it seems like thats the appropriate place for the conversation to go, I go there, and it was interesting to me on our 500th show we did, kind of a look back at different things, and Sarah Koenig, she was like, that was something she had always noticed about my interviewsits like, if theres a chance for me to say something personalor if theres not a chance, but if theres an appropriate turn to deepen the conversation to say something personal, Ill say it. And honestly, like, a lot of times I say it, then we cut it out of the interview. And um, because it just like ends up not fitting into the pacing of the story and not being relevant enough to go there. But over time Ive gotten much more comfortable. And in fact like just a couple of months ago, I felt like I really took a turn in this, in that I wrote more personally about a thing than I ever have on the ever. And that is, like, within a few weeks, within a few weeks time, um, my wife and I decided that we were going to split up, and the person who I talked to every daya friend of mine from the neighborhood who is 89 years old, who I knew from the dog park but talked to every day and we traveled to Ireland together, and we were very closeshe died. And suddenly I was in a moment in my life where the two people who were the two closest people to me were gone, and it was odd. And there was a theme that came up the week that my friend Mary died, that it was appropriate to talk about. And just like, I wrote a draft of a thing and kind of read it to the staff, you know to some of the staff, and then editand they didnt know that I had separated from my wife three years before. They didnt know that we were thinking of splitting up, like this justbecause they kept, I feel like Im their boss and that they dontits just weird if your boss is telling you all kinds of personal stuff in the office. And so, and so, they didnt know any of that. They found it out in the edit which I apologized for, knowing how completely symbolic and maybe not the best way to handle things it was, but there we were and you know like I love the people I work with. You know what I mean we work together. You know, I dont know, anyway, I could say more about that too. But anyway. So maybe it wasnt the exact best way to handle it with them and basically read this very personal piece of writing to them. And I was like, I dont even know, oh does this belong on the radio? And theyre like yeah, yeah, this belongs on the radio. And so then I, then we put that, put that on the radio.

Jesse: How is it reflected in your life that you are more willing in a nonprofessional context to recognize and be open about your feelings?



Ira: I feel like Ive become a better friend to my friends and a little happier. It turns out being awake to your own feelings is just like a helpful thing.

THE QUESTION THAT ALWAYS WORKS

Ira: Its been so long so thought about this. Its like, he [Noah Adams] said that like the question that always works is: how did you think it was going to work out before it happened? And then how did it really work out. Is that it?



Jesse: Yeah, thats exactly it. And you then explain why its a good question.



Ira: Which I think the thing I see in the comic book is that because you get two stories.



Jesse: Right.



Ira: And you get the shift between them, you get the kind of like, heres how I thought it would go, which is one story. And then heres how the reality is different than the dream of that. And then the jump between the two is just kind of interesting.



Jesse: Yeah, I mean it forcesit basically forces someone to generate a This American Life story, which is to say it forces them into narrative. It forces them into another narrative and because theyve given these two narratives, it forces them into reflection, right? Like theres no choice but to compare them.

The Turnaround is available on MaximumFun.org. You can also subscribe on Apple Podcasts to get new episodes as they become available.

Photo credit: Stuart Mullenberg

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

The Editors are the staffers of the Columbia Journalism Review.
The regimes expert added: One of those excuses is Irans missile power issue, which threatens the security of the region  The IRGCs discussion, which should be subject to sanctions and be regarded as terrorist groups, and the discussion of human rights  The interpretation of Mr. Trump himself is that, the Iranians deceived us on the discussion of JCPOA, and we would not accept its conditions.

Kanaani Moghaddam then, goes on stating: In the second plan that they had, they created the Arab Nato as a consensus to hire some 34,000 mercenaries with Saudi Arabian money for a military alliance to confront ISIS. Islamic Republic of Iran is accused of having been involved in these issues, in both plans. First, the Revolutionary Guards are leading the attack on the ISIL command center in Deirazor.

Saeed Rabiee, a regime intelligence agent on the same issue in the regimes television on June 19, 2017, said: 18 years ago, after the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) action to eliminate Lt. Ali Sayyad Shirazi, IRGC took a retaliatory action, firing one thousand missiles and long range artillery targeted the MEK headquarters deep into Iraqi soil, from the Ashrafs garrison to Al-Amara. An action that, according to some considerations, was not publicized to media outlets for years to come. It was a strategic and lesson-oriented approach; in a variety of ways, the genius of that epic, which was silent for 18 years, has a similarity and solidarity with a missile strike against ISIL. That both operations were carried out in the form of a plane, in depth of the territory of a third country .

The state affiliated newspaper Arman, in his editorial titled Irans Missile Action and Three Strategic Objectives, on June 20, 2017, wrote: For the first time, Iran has launched its operational capability, after 80 missiles were fired at the headquarters of the MEK in the Ashrafs Garrison. The attack on MEK base was a border threat, but this operation was due to a regional threat and proved Iran as a regional power.

Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor-in-chief of the state affiliated Keyhan newspaper on June 20, 2017, acknowledged the factional goals of the regimes missiles launching, including wrote: America is undoubtedly the main audience of the missile attacks on Sunday night of IRGC, which over the past few years, and especially during the eleventh administration, it was also plagued with many conspiracies, and catastrophic mischievous actions that followed. JCPOA were just one of those many. The United States may have been in the illusion, that there are a partly some individuals within the system that have a number of responsibilities, and can be taken advantage of with the application of threat.

Shariatmadari in continuation has written: The IRGCs powerful move proved to the United States, that the US is not faced in the regime with some individuals, that according to the Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, are prepared to work with the United States to change the Islamic system  IRGC For America, European allies and in the region clearly contain the message that if the region is insecure for the economic and commercial activity for Iran, there is no rational and rational justification that is safe for the signed enemies of Islamic Iran, such as Westerners, Arabs and Hebrews. It is evident that the cost of this insecurity must be imposed on the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Shariatmadari also said on June 19, 2017 to IRGC news agency: The firing of IRGC missiles was code breaker for the US friendly domestic individuals.

Nasser Noubary, the last regimes ambassador to the former Soviet Union, in an interview with the governments Todays Homeland newspaper on June 20, 2017, referring to another aspect of the launched missile for Khameneis faction, said: This message, especially after the Iranian election, which was in a kind of disunity and disorientation showed the unity of decision-making had diffused the signs of disunity to our enemies.

This Khameneis faction person, despite making lots of noise and smoke in the regimes media against the region, in the case of the arrest of a regimes person by Saudi Arabia, elaborated: we must avoid hasty reactions with anger. Meanwhile, if the investigations showed it as intentional, necessary reactions, and our punitive action should not be the same as their actions, but should be an initiative aimed at preventing any repetition of it.
Todays credit union members and prospective members arent benchmarking credit unions against other financial institutions; theyre comparing them to all the experiences they receive from increasingly digital brands. In fact, research revealed to audiences at THINK 17 in New York City showed the following brands have set the bar in terms of exceptional consumer experiences: Amazon, Google, Facebook and Apple.

Taking the baton from these brands, financial startups Venmo, Rocket Mortgage, SoFi and Q2 confirm financial consumers have a growing appetite for digitally transformed banking services.

CO-OPs research team asked credit union executives what they believed members enjoyed and expected from these brands, and the answers came down to eight specific attributes:

Ease, Speed, Convenience

Access, Simplicity, Intuitiveness

Reliability, Security
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., through its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Fresh and Value-Added Products, Banana, and Other Products and Services. It offers pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables, melons, and vegetables; non-tropical fruits, such as grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and kiwis; other fruit and vegetables, and avocados; and prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks. The company also engages in the sale of poultry and meat products; and third-party freight services business. In addition, it manufactures and sells plastic and box products, such as bins, trays, bags, and boxes. The company offers its products under the Del Monte brand, as well as under other brands, such as UTC, Rosy, Fruit Express, Just Juice, Fruitini, Mann's Logo, Arcadian Harvest, Nourish Bowls, Broccolini, Caulilini, Better Burger Leaf, RomaLeaf, and other regional brands. It markets and distributes its products to retail stores, club stores, convenience stores, wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice operators. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. was founded in 1886 and is based in George Town, Cayman Islands.
Revlon, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells beauty and personal care products worldwide. The company's Relvon segment offers color cosmetics and beauty tools under the Revlon brand; and hair color under the Revlon ColorSilk and Revlon Professional brands. Its Elizabeth Arden segment markets, distributes, and sells skin care products under the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide, Prevage, Eight Hour, SUPERSTART, Visible Difference, and Skin Illuminating brands; and fragrances under the Elizabeth Arden White Tea, Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue, and Elizabeth Arden Green Tea brands. The company's Portfolio segment offers color cosmetics under the Almay and SinfulColors brands; men's grooming products under the American Crew brand; nail polishes, gel nail color, and nail enhancements under the CND brand; nail care products under the Cutex brand; anti-perspirant deodorants under the Mitchum brand; hair care products under the Creme of Nature; and hair color line under the Llongueras brand. Its Fragrances segment develops, markets, and distributes owned and licensed fragrances, as well as distributes prestige fragrance brands owned by third parties. This segment offers its products under the Juicy Couture, John Varvatos, AllSaints, Britney Spears, Elizabeth Taylor, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Aniston, Mariah Carey, Curve, Giorgio Beverly Hills, Ed Hardy, Charlie, Lucky Brand, Alfred Sung, Halston, Geoffrey Beene, and White Diamonds brands. It sells its products through sales force, sales representatives, independent distributors, mass and prestige retail, e-commerce sites, department stores, and specialty cosmetics stores, as well as licenses its Revlon and other trademarks to the manufacturers of complementary beauty-related products and accessories. Revlon, Inc. was founded in 1932 and is based in New York, New York. On June 15, 2022, Revlon, Inc., along with its affiliates, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
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.
Gannett Co., Inc. operates as a media and marketing solutions company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Publishing and Digital Marketing Solutions. The company's principal products include 230 daily print media with total paid circulation of approximately 1.9 million and Sunday circulation of 2.2 million; 249 weekly print media with total circulation of approximately 1.4 million; and 292 locally-focused websites. Its principal products also comprise 123 daily and weekly news media brands and approximately 80 magazines, and related digital platforms; sports network, as well as Reviewed.com, an affiliate marketing service; and USA TODAY NETWORK, a community events platform. The company also offers digital marketing solutions, such as online presence solutions, online advertising products, conversion software, and cloud-based software solutions. In addition, it produces niche publications that address specific local market interests, such as recreation, sports, healthcare, and real estate. Further, the company offers local market news and information, as well as advertising and subscriptions, and commercial printing and distribution services; and prints commercial materials, including flyers, business cards, and invitations. The company was formerly known as New Media Investment Group Inc. and changed its name to Gannett Co., Inc. in November 2019. Gannett Co., Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
Meggitt PLC designs and manufactures components and sub-systems in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Airframe Systems, Engine Systems, Energy & Equipment, and Services & Support. It offers ice protection products, radomes, and structures; air data and flight display products; brake control and tyre pressure monitoring systems, and wheels and brakes; engine health and vibration monitors, H2/O2 analyzers, and turbine monitoring and protection products; and aircraft cameras and security systems, and wireless aircraft systems. The company also provides ammunition handling, thermal, weapon scoring, and weapon training systems; energy storage, power conversion and distribution, and power generation systems; ducting systems, engine composites, and flow control valves; and fire protection and controls comprising bleed air leak detection products, cables, electronic control units, fire and overheat detection products, and fire suppression products. In addition, it offers ground fueling, and fuel systems and tanks; motion control actuators, electric motor drives, and electric motors; oxygen and specialty restraint systems; and accelerometers, ceramics, fluid sensors, magnetic and current sensors, position and inertial sensors, pressure sensors, speed sensors, and temperature sensors. Further, the company provides polymer seals; heat exchangers, printed circuit heat exchangers, thermal components, and thermal management systems; and live fire and virtual trainers, as well as aftermarket services. It serves aerospace, defense, and energy and equipment markets. The company was formerly known as Meggitt Holdings Public Limited Company and changed its name to Meggitt PLC in April 1989. Meggitt PLC was incorporated in 1947 and is headquartered in Coventry, the United Kingdom.
American Airlines has received an offer for a 10% stake in the company from Qatar Airways , a regulatory filing revealed on Thursday.

The state-owned Qatar airline has made the bid to acquire the stake for $808m, but it is not clear whether American will accept the offer.

The filing states that Qatar Airways is willing to make the stock purchase on the open market.

Two years ago the Qatari company took a 10% stake in another sizeable airline, International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia.

Qatar is currently in the midst of a diplomatic crisis after Saudi Arabia and several of its allies in the Middle East cut dies with Doha. Most of the states involved have closed off their airspace to Qatar Airways and have stopped flights in and out of the country.

According to the filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the CEOs of both companies spoke about the matter in a conversation initiated by Qatar boss Akbar Al-baker.

The notice advised that Qatar Airways intends to purchase at least $808 million and, in a conversation between the CEOs of the two companies initiated by the Qatar Airways CEO, Qatar Airways indicated that it has an interest in acquiring approximately a ten percent stake, it read.

American Airlines said it would respond in due course to the offer, but added that it was unsolicited and would not alter the firms strategies.

The proposed investment by Qatar Airways was not solicited by American Airlines and would in no way change the Companys Board composition, governance, management or strategic direction.
Saga , the provider of products for the over-50s, said its insurance and travels business had enjoyed a "good" first quarter as it begins a major transition to a new business model.

Ahead of its annual shareholder meeting, the FTSE 250 company said the insurance and travel businesses "continued their good start to the year" during the period from 1 February to 21 June, despite citing the backdrop of changing political and economic environment.

In March, new chief executive Lance Batchelor laid out his strategy to shift Saga to a new lower-capital model where it will use its deep knowledge of its most loyal 'High Affinity Customers' to enable it to increase margins by acting as a broker of various third-party services under the name of 'Saga Possibilities'.

Said Batchelor on Thursday: "We remain on track to deliver on our strategic objectives, including the launch of our membership scheme, Saga Possibilities, which will go live later this year."

Interim results will be announced on 22 September.

Previewing the update earlier in the month, broker Numis thought the first quarter was too early for the company to show material progress with its new strategy.

"Recently there has been less emphasis on outright growth in insurance customer numbers but instead greater priority on attracting insurance customers that are likely to become HACs," said analyst Nick Johnson.

"As such we do not expect significant growth in insurance customers in either motor or home this year. Instead we expect the travel business to be the main short term growth driver," he said.
The company will base one of its new Airbus A320 aircraft at the airport, increasing operations to 42 routes from Luton, including three new services to Tel Aviv in Israel, Pristina in Kosovo and Kutaisi in Georgia. The Luton-Kutaisi route will be the only direct connection to Kutaisi in the UK. Frequencies on some of the airline's most popular routes to Romania will also increase with the arrival of the new aircraft. Suceava will run five times a week, Constanta four times and Iasi flights will now operate daily.

Chief corporate officer Owain Jones said: "We are proud to celebrate the opening of the first Wizz base in the United Kingdom at London Luton Airport. Wizz Air's very first flight in 2004 was to London Luton and, since then, we have carried 30 million passengers on our low fare routes from the airport, stimulating the local tourism and aviation industries while strengthening business partnerships between the UK and CEE.

"Our new base operations at London Luton Airport will create a number of local jobs with Wizz and the new destinations added to the network mean even greater choice for Wizz's UK passengers with 42 popular routes to 18 countries operating from London Luton and ever more opportunities to discover Europe on Wizz's low fare routes"
Foreign secretary Boris Johnson has said Donald Trump s planned state visit to the UK will go ahead, despite its omission from the Queens Speech on Wednesday.

State visits to Britain are normally mentioned in the monarchs speech before the opening of parliament, but there was no official recognition of the US Presidents trip.

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that Trumps visit would not go ahead due to the prospect of protests in the UK, with the billionaire former reality television star reportedly uneasy about planned demonstrations.

Speaking to Sky News, Johnson said that the trip would be going ahead, and was not mentioned during Wednesdays speech as a date had not yet been confirmed.

Almost two million people signed a petition urging Theresa May to rescind the invitation

Johnson said: "That's because we haven't yet agreed a date with the White House. That was pushed back as a result of the election.

"The formality is that you cannot put the presidential visit in until the date has been agreed. But the visit will go ahead."

Almost two million people signed a petition urging Theresa May to rescind the invitation due to several decisions and statements made by Trump since he took over the Oval Office.

There had been a war of words between Trump and London mayor Sadiq Khan earlier this year after a tweet sent by the former in relation to terror attacks in the capital.
Imagination Technologies Group has formally put itself up for sale and is in talks about a potential takeover after receiving interest from "a number of parties" in recent weeks, which analysts suggested could include Intel, Qualcomm or even Apple .

Imagination last month began a dispute resolution process with Apple and has reserved its rights over the US giant's "unauthorised use" of its confidential information and intellectual property rights.

The company said it had made progress with the disposal of two of its three main businesses, MIPS and Ensigma, since putting them on the block on 4 May 2017, with indicative proposals received for both businesses.

Imagination's share prices has fallen more than 50% since it stunned the market at the start of April by saying Apple was pulling the plug on its chip supply deal in little over a years time.

With that price fall, no wonder buyers are keen, said analyst Neil Wilson at ETX Capital.

"Apple accounts for about half its revenues and the drop in the share price on the day of the announcement was one of the biggest on record for a mid or large-cap company, wrecking its market cap and forcing it to do all it could to shore up cash."

He said efforts to offload MIPS and Ensigma in a bid to strengthen the balance sheet "clearly werent enough", even though both operate in strong potential growth areas that could have delivered lasting revenue accretion to offset the loss of Apple.

"That was a pretty dire scenario, akin to selling off the family silver to keep the estate going a little longer. Now the shutters are up and a buyer sought. A pretty ignominious end to what was a great British tech success story."

Shares in IMG rose 16% on Thursday morning to 143p, their highest since the Apple announcement.

Broker Liberum regarded the start of a formal sale process for the whole group as being "very positive" and upgrade the stock to a 'buy' from a 'hold' and raised its price target from 95p to 193p.

Liberum believes there are likely to be a number of potential buyers for the group including Intel, CEVA, Mediatek, Qualcomm, Apple and "various entities from China".

The final selling price depends on multiple factors including the number of potential buyers, but analysts see a range of valuations from 153p to 233p.
Oil will continue to flow through the Dakota Access Pipeline this summer and into the fall, despite the ruling from a federal judge last week that the Trump administration must conduct additional environmental review of the project.

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lawyer told Washington, DC District Court Judge James Boasberg Wednesday that the Corps had no timeframe for the newly-ordered environmental review. Lawyers for the tribes bringing suit against the project told press they anticipate a decision by September, and expressed anxiety that the tribes will not be allowed to comment on the new environmental review.

As the DAPL project moves through court, the pipelines owner, Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), has been keeping busy: a new investigation from The Intercept shows that a private security firm employed by ETP to use military-style counterterrorism measures against NoDAPL protesters is now monitoring another ETP pipeline project in Pennsylvania.

The fight against Energy Transfer Partners and its Dakota Access pipeline is not over, nor is it an easy fight ahead, said Dallas Goldtooth, lead national organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network. We know that we face an uphill legal battle to victory, but we remain committed to the protection of the water and the power of our movement to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

A rally was held Wednesday at U.S. District Courthouse to support the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne Sioux tribes. Their battle is on behalf of all of us who share this planet, said Rising Hearts founder Jordan Marie Daniel. The fight against placing corporate interests above the health, safety and well-being of entire communities and the quest to end the assault against the earth we share moves forward.

For a deeper dive:

DAPL: AP, The Hill, Reuters, Politico Pro. PA pipeline: The Intercept

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
By BJ McManama

ArborGen Corporation, a multinational conglomerate and leading supplier of seedlings for commercial forestry applications, has submitted an approval request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to deregulate and widely distribute a eucalyptus tree genetically engineered (GE) to be freeze tolerant. This modification will allow this GE variety to be grown in the U.S. Southeast. The reason this non-native and highly invasive tree has been artificially created to grow outside of its tropical environment is to greatly expand production capacity for the highly controversial woody biomass industry.

For almost two decades, and under the radar from widespread awareness and public scrutiny, government, academia, biotech and the commercial forestry industries have invested millions of dollars into research and development (R&D) of GE trees. The few reports published about the R&D cite a major goal of many of these projects as providing a sustainable alternative for fossil fuels in the manufacture of consumer products and energy production.

Eucalyptus Trees are Not Native to North America

Eucalyptus trees grow faster, are highly combustible, and require more water than other species. Although some assurances have been given that this GE variety wont spread unintentionally, there are no guarantees this wont happen. Introduction of non-native, invasive organisms has been proven over the years to cause irreversible harm to the ecosystem theyve overtaken. This is true when done either intentionally or accidentally. Some of the non-GE eucalyptus trees, planted in California years ago have proven a huge problem for native species. Efforts to eradicate them have been largely ineffective and are recently the leading cause of wildfires burning hotter and causing more damage in areas where they have grown unchecked.

If the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) is accepted and this GE tree is deregulated, it will make it possible for these trees to be grown in industrial-sized tree farms from South Carolina to Texas.

More than 1 million acres of pine plantations, grasslands, pastures and once forested land could be forever altered by row after row of GE eucalyptus trees. Few other living things can survive on these plantations because all vegetation has been stripped from the land, soaked with herbicides and chemical fertilizers, and planted with row after row with thousands of unnaturally altered seedlings. Every five to seven years the trees are cut like hay and loaded on to giant tractor trailers headed to energy or feedstock processing facilities and the process from start to finish is repeated.

Other Trees in the GE Pipeline

GE eucalyptus trees wont be the only trees modified and mass produced for human demands if we dont stop this emerging biotech takeover of our natural world.

Biotechs R&D divisions and academic researchers have developed poplars and pines to grow faster, produce their own pesticides and be herbicide/pesticide resistant. Other varieties are being designed to have a weaker structure that requires less processing, and conversely some are being modified to have more density/strength for construction applications. For agro-fuel production, tree genes are being manipulated to make them easier to digest into liquid fuels, or for burning as biomass.

Creating trees for commercial applications will, in of itself, create new markets and uses for forest products. Assertions that these synthetic forests will save our precious natural forests is not realistic based on current trends and an ever-growing industry. We only need to look at the expansion of the international wood pellet market to see how demand is increasing.

U.S. southern hardwood forests are disappearing at an alarming rate due to the demand for wood pellets in the UK. Pellet production and export from the U.S. southeast has rapidly increased to keep up with demand. And will these natural forests with 100-year old hardwoods be regenerated? Doubtful, as they will most likely be replaced by mile after mile and row after row of fast growing GE trees.

Precautionary Principle Must Be Implemented

There are far too many unanswered questions regarding the risks associated with releasing millions of GE eucalyptus trees across the U.S. Southeast. Questions regarding invasion of surrounding ecosystems, chemical contamination, water depletion and human rights have to be addressed with certainty. These few questions alone precipitate a complete moratorium on approval of all genetically engineered trees and suspending all field trials until answers can be provided. Native American Tribes and front line communities must be consulted before GE tree plantations are established within their regions. Laws and regulations require agreement by all stakeholders and enforced to ensure protection from aggressive expansion tactics that have and are currently the cause of major human rights violations in developing countries.

As concerned citizens, we must voice our opposition to bio-engineering and commodification of Mother Earths natural resources. Please tell the USDA that approval for unrestricted planting of this GE eucalyptus must be rejected while considerations are given to all of the threats known and unknown, here.

Indigenous Rights, Forests and Biodiversity

We cannot continue to support an unsustainable natural resource extraction economy that has reduced intact forested areas by an alarming 9.7 percent in the last 15 years. According to data collected, approximately 919 thousand, nearly 1 million acres of forest disappeared between 2000 and 2015. Now, add these latest statistics to millions more acres lost to centuries of clearcutting, that even today, takes place out of public purview.

Non-GE eucalyptus and oil palm tree plantations in the global south have been replacing rainforests at an unbelievably rapid pace. Eucalyptus trees have been the cause of rivers drying up and Indigenous communities losing access to clean water resources along with vital subsistence needs of traditional foods and medicines. Front line and Indigenous communities have been removed from their ancestral homelands to make way for these mega-operations, sometimes violently, and forced into work-camps or relegated to city slums.

The mega-tree farms planned for the southeast U.S. wont be located next to million-dollar homes and corporate high-rises. These most certainly will be placed on or near southeastern Native American treaty and traditional lands, and in close proximity to small communities in rural farming areas. If this happens, the people will be subjected to high concentrations of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used for each growing cycle.

Forests are directly responsible for collecting, filtering and directing rainfall to streams, rivers and aquifers. Climate changes have reduced rainfall, and combined with warmer than normal temperatures, groundwater reserves are severely depleted. Recent droughts in the U.S. southeast have caused widespread crop failures and many areas have not yet recovered normal levels. In some areas, what reserves do remain, have shown to contain abnormally high levels of one or more toxic chemicals from industrial agriculture and other polluting industries. If monoculture tree plantation acreage is expanded as planned, human and animal health, and biodiversity will be sacrificed solely to increase corporate profits.

We cant allow the lands and resources of Indigenous and front line communities to be destroyed by large and powerful corporations, as has, and is currently happening in other countries. Click here to sign the petition to request the USDA reject this permit and reevaluate future priorities based on sound science, common sense and preserve these irreplaceable gifts of nature for the next Seven Generations to come.

BJ McManama is an organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network for their Save Our Roots campaign to stop GE trees and a steering committee member of the International Campaign to Stop GE Trees. She can be reached by email at: saveourroots@ienearth.org.
Just like

John Oliver predicted, Robert E. Murray has filed a lawsuit in response to the Last Week Tonight hosts June 18 show about coal that devoted a large segment skewering the Murray Energy Corporation CEO.

The Republican coal baron and outspoken Donald Trump supporter is suing Oliver, HBO, Time Warner and the writers for the show, the Daily Beast reported.

The suit was filed on June 21 in the circuit court of Marshall County, West Virginia. The complaint claims that the British comedian and his team executed a meticulously planned attempt to assassinate the character of and reputation of Mr. Robert E. Murray and his companies.

Worse yet, Defendants employed techniques designed solely to embarrass Plaintiffs, including Mr. Murray, a seventy-seven year old citizen in ill health and dependent on an oxygen tank for survival, who, despite the forgoing, continuously devotes his life, including by working seven days each week, to save the jobs and better the lives of the thousands of coal miners that he employs in West Virginia and elsewhere, the complaint states.

The complaint also said Murrays website was hacked and inundated with the message incited by Defendants: Eat shit, Bob.' In case you havent seen the show, at the end of airing, a man in a squirrel costume joined Oliver onstage with a missive at Murray: Hey, Bob. Just wanted to say, if you plan on suing, I do not have a billion dollars. But I do have a check for three acorns and 18 cents  its made out to Eat Shit, Bob.'

To be fair, Oliver practically welcomed the lawsuit. He pointed out during the episode that Murray is particularly litigious. His team also sent Last Week Tonight a cease-and-desist letter before the episode aired.

The segment compared Murray to a geriatric Dr. Evil and portrayed how his companies were not doing enough to protect its workers safety in light of its 2007 Utah mine disaster in which nine people were killed. Murray insists the collapse occurred because of an earthquake but government investigators say it was caused by unauthorized mining practices.

The complaint alleges that Olivers team ignored studies that supported the coal boss argument.

Because Defendant Oliver omitted any mention of the other reports he was aware of that evidenced that an earthquake caused the collapse, as Mr. Murray correctly stated following the collapse, Defendant Olivers presentation intentionally and falsely implied that there is no such evidence, it said.

The lawsuit claims the shows callous, vicious and false segment about Murray ignored facts and advances biases against the coal industry and disdain for Trumps pro-coal policies.

Since the date of the broadcast, and due to the stress and physical damage caused by the malicious and defamatory conduct of Defendants, and resulting misconduct of others incited by Defendants conduct, Mr. Murrays health has significantly worsened, likely further reducing his already limited life expectancy, the lawsuit concludes. No reasonable person could be expected to endure the emotional distress and physical damage that Mr. Murray has suffered as a result of Defendants conduct.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has let the world know that Donald Trump does not represent America in his choice to drop out of the Paris climate agreement.

Despite the presidents lack of support for the environment, the rest of America will continue to work towards a brighter and greener future, as Schwarzenegger makes clear in the video above.
President Donald Trumps top advisors and cabinet officials will debate whether the U.S. should pull out of the Paris climate change agreement.

The landmark accord, which aims to keep global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, was agreed upon by nearly 200 countries in 2015.

The Hill reported that the meeting is aimed at hammering out a growing divide in the administration between those in favor of the deal and those opposed to it. The meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday but had to be postponed as some participants are traveling with the president to Milwaukee.

During the presidential campaign, Trump vowed to  cancel the Paris climate agreement. The president, who once said climate change is a hoax and is working to dismantle environmental regulations, has surrounded himself with like-minded advisors and cabinet appointees such as senior adviser Steve Bannon and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt, who said last week we need to exit the deal.

POLITICOs sources said that the EPA chief is concerned that the Paris agreement could harm his legal position as he works to repeal President Obamas Clean Power Plan that regulates emissions from power plants.

On the other hand, Sec. of State Rex Tillerson, the presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a White House special adviser, have are urged the president to stay in the deal, as Bloomberg reported.

Trumps current position on the Paris deal is unclear, but the New York Times reported that the pro-Paris view is gaining favor.

We do not currently believe the Trump administration plans to withdraw from either Paris agreement, wrote Kevin Book, an analyst at DC-based ClearView Energy Partners in a memo to clients on Monday.

Incidentally, some major oil and coal producers have voiced support of the climate agreement, including Cheniere Energy Inc., ExxonMobil Corp., which was previously led by Tillerson, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and BP Plc.

Coal baron Robert E. Murray, however, has opposed the deal as just a way for other countries to get American money.

And Joseph Bast, the president of the climate change-denying Heartland Institute, commented that President Trump should run, not walk, away from the Paris climate treaty.

Most scientists do not believe global warming is a crisis that merits current efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, much less the draconian cuts envisioned by the Paris climate treaty, Bast said.

As Trump mulls the decision, other world leaders are prepared to ramp action in case the U.S. pulls out.

No matter how other countries policies on climate change, as a responsible large developing country Chinas resolve, aims and policy moves in dealing with climate change will not change, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang.

Similarly, Piyush Goyal, the Indian Minister for power and coal said that India is pursuing religiously its goal of developing 225 gigawatts of clean energy by 2022, adding its not subject to some other countrys decision.

Environmental groups have also weighed in on the deliberations. As the worlds largest economy, the United States withdrawal from the accord could significantly weaken the global pact.

The United States is the worlds largest historic climate polluter, said Friends of the Earth senior political director Ben Schreiber. Our country has a moral imperative to take action proportionate to our responsibility for this crisis.

Our commitments under the Paris Agreement were already woefully inadequate given our responsibility and the severity of the problem, Schreiber added. By holding this meeting, Trump has communicated to the rest of the world that the U.S. is a climate pariah. We call on world leaders to use every political and economic means available to compel Trump to act in accordance with what climate science and justice demand.

The White House meeting comes as activists gear up for the April 29 Peoples Climate March in the nations capitol and in sister marches around the country.

An overwhelming majority of people in the United States support staying in the Paris agreement, 350.org executive director May Boeve. Its one of the animating reasons why so many people are joining the Peoples Climate March this April 29th in Washington, DC and across the country.

As the Trump administration deliberates isolating the U.S. from the rest of the world, movements for climate, jobs and justice are mobilizing to continue to build bold solutions that protect our communities and tackle climate change, Boeve said. We know this deal is critical to defending our climate and communitiesthis is about our very survival.

White House Press Sec. Sean Spicer said last month that Trump will make a decision about the Paris agreement ahead of the Group of 7 leaders meeting in late May.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
Editors note: An erratum regarding this study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on August 14, 2017. The erratum can be found here: http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/70/8/1106.

Due to this correction, paragraph 8 of the below press release should read, Sixty four percent of primary care physicians and 82 percent felt very well prepared or extremely well prepared to assess cardiovascular risk in women.

Additional Changes can be found at the link above.

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2017) -- Women and physicians do not put enough emphasis on cardiovascular disease in women, and a social stigma regarding body weight may be a primary barrier to these important discussions, according to research publishing today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, accounting for nearly 400,000 deaths and killing more women than all types of cancer combined. Although there has been a decline in overall mortality from heart disease, this decrease has been smaller for women compared to men and the death rate in women younger than 55 years old has increased.

"Increasing awareness of cardiovascular disease in women has stalled with no major progress in almost 10 years, and little progress has been made in the last decade in increasing physician awareness or use of evidence-based guidelines to care for female patients," said Bairey Merz, director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and the study's lead author.

For this study, researchers from the Women's Heart Alliance interviewed 1,011 U.S. women aged 25-60 years and collected physician survey data from 200 primary care physicians and 100 cardiologists. The goal of the surveys was to determine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding heart disease in women.

The researchers found that 45 percent of women were unaware that heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Awareness level was lower in women with lower levels of education and income and in ethnic minorities. Nearly 71 percent of women almost never brought up the issue of heart health with their physician, assuming their doctor would raise the issue if there was a problem. However, physicians were more likely to discuss cardiovascular health if prompted by the patient or due to the presence of a risk factor.

Physicians often did not discuss cardiovascular disease because the patient had a more immediate health issue or did not fully report their symptoms, indicating that prevention prior to symptoms was not a priority. Women who knew someone with heart disease were more likely to express concern and bring this issue up with their physician or to discuss heart disease with a friend thought to be at risk for having or developing heart disease.

While a majority of women reported having a routine physical or wellness exam in the past year, only 40 percent reported having a heart health assessment. While 74 percent reported having at least one risk factor for heart disease, just 16 percent were told by their doctor that they were at risk. Sixty-three percent of women admitted to putting off going to the doctor at least sometimes and 45 percent of women canceled or postponed an appointment until they lost weight. Many women reported being embarrassed or overwhelmed by their heart disease and many also cited difficulties in losing weight or finding time to exercise.

Only 22 percent of primary care physicians and 42 percent of cardiologists felt well prepared to assess cardiovascular risk in women. Additionally, only 16 percent of primary care physicians and 22 percent of cardiologists fully implemented guidelines for risk assessment.

"These findings suggest a need to destigmatize cardiovascular disease for women and counteract stereotypes with increased objective risk factor evaluation education to improve treatment by physicians," Bairey Merz said. "National action campaigns should work to make cardiovascular disease 'real' to American women and destigmatize the disease by promoting the use of cardiovascular risk assessment to counter stereotypes with facts and valid assessments."

In an editorial comment published with the paper, Jennifer G. Robinson, MD, MPH, from the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa discusses the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits early in life to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

"Helping women overcome barriers to increasing physical activity and healthier eating habits may help to avoid the stigma of focusing on weight loss," she said. "Women are often the gate-keepers for family meals, activities and health care, and a focus on healthy lifestyle habits may also encourage early prevention in the family as a whole."

###

Dr. Bairey Merz will be a featured speaker at the ACC's Latin American Conference, taking place June 22-24, 2017 in Mexico City, where she will be discussing cardiovascular disease in women. To speak with Dr. Bairey Merz, please contact Rachel Cagan.

The American College of Cardiology is the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team. The mission of the College and its more than 52,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College operates national registries to measure and improve care, offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions, provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet stringent qualifications.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology is the most widely read cardiovascular journal in the world and is the top ranked cardiovascular journal for its scientific impact. JACC is the flagship for a family of journals that publish peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging and JACC: Heart Failure also rank among the top ten cardiovascular journals for impact. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Basic to Translational Science are the newest journals in the JACC family. Learn more at JACC.org.
When making judgments about who is lying and who is telling the truth, new research shows that White people are more likely to label a Black person as a truth-teller compared with a White person, even though their spontaneous behavior indicates the reverse bias. The findings are published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

"In our research, we document that White perceivers actually selected the truth response more for Black targets than White targets in a lie detection task, suggesting that they are over-correcting for their anticipated racial bias," explains E. Paige Lloyd of Miami University, lead author on the research.

"Critically, though, when White perceivers could not easily control their responses, we observed clear evidence of anti-Black bias," she adds. "In other words, White perceivers initially show an impulse to call Blacks liars, but then over-correct for this later in the judgment process."

Despite the importance of being able to distinguish honesty from deceit, considerable research shows that we are incredibly bad at making this judgment. In general, people typically show a so-called truth bias, erring on the side of caution and assuming that people are more likely to be telling the truth.

But does this truth bias hold for people of different races? Lloyd and colleagues conducted a series of experiments to find out.

In three related experiments, the researchers randomly assigned White participants to watch a set of videos in which Black and White college students described their acquaintances. The participants saw each of the individuals in the videos twice - in one case the individual was lying and in the other he was telling the truth.

For each video, the participant determined whether the student was telling the truth or a lie. After watching all of the videos, they completed a survey measuring the extent to which internalized reasons (e.g., "It is important to my self-concept to be nonprejudiced toward Black people") and extrinsic reasons (e.g., "I act in a nonprejudiced way toward Black people because I want to avoid disapproval from others") motivated them to respond without prejudice.

The results from all three experiments were clear: Participants were more likely to identify the Black students in the videos as truth-tellers compared with the White students. And motivations to respond without prejudice seemed to be the primary driver of this truth bias.

Data from another experiment indicated that both Black and White participants showed this truth bias for Black individuals -- however, motivations to respond without prejudice only played a role in predicting White participants' responses.

Together, these experiments provide consistent evidence for a truth bias in White participants' explicit judgments about Black individuals, but would their spontaneous behavior also show this bias?

As in previous studies, Lloyd and colleagues asked a group of White participants to make judgments about deception, but this time the researchers also recorded the participants' eye movements. Underneath each video, a "truth" response box and a "lie" response box appeared - participants determined the appropriate response in each video and clicked on the corresponding box.

Again, participants' deliberative judgments (i.e., the response box they clicked) showed a larger truth bias when the individual in the video was Black as compared to White. But their eye movements told a different story: They were faster to look at the "lie" box when the person in the video was Black compared with when he was White.

"This finding is important because many real-world lie detection judgments are made under time pressure or in less-than-ideal circumstances -- such as fatigue or distraction -- where the ability to correct for an initial impulse is not possible," says Lloyd.

In all, these findings shed light on an important aspect of social interactions, particularly those between people from different racial groups:

"Americans, and especially White Americans, often struggle to understand and to consider their potential role in creating and enacting prejudice. Some people deny the existence of racial prejudice, while others work hard to avoid expressing anti-Black attitudes," Lloyd explains.

"Understanding situations in which prejudice correction attempts are successful, are unsuccessful, and, as we observe in our work, are even counter-productive is important," she adds. "In contexts ranging from policing to classrooms to juries it is necessary to better understand when and how prejudice is likely to impact consequential, even life or death, decisions of trust."

###

Co-authors on the research include Kurt Hugenberg, Allen R. McConnell, Jonathan W. Kunstman, and Jason C. Deska, all of Miami University.

All data have been made publicly available via Open Science Framework. Researchers can access the videos free of charge after confirming their academic affiliation and signing a usage agreement. The complete Open Practices Disclosure for this article is available online. This article has received the badge for Open Data.

This work was funded by National Science Foundation Grant BCS-1423765.

For more information about this study, please contact: E. Paige Lloyd at lloydep2@miamioh.edu.

The article abstract is available online at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0956797617705399

The APS journal Psychological Science is the highest ranked empirical journal in psychology. For a copy of the article "Black and White Lies: Race-Based Biases in Deception Judgments" and access to other Psychological Science research findings, please contact Anna Mikulak at 202-293-9300 or amikulak@psychologicalscience.org.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications used to treat digestive problems such as ulcers and reflux disease by reducing the body's production of the acid that helps us digest food. Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of our digestive system; when they develop in the upper part of the small intestine they are called "duodenal ulcers." Reflux disease is a condition in which stomach acid or other fluids in the digestive system irritate our food pipe, also known as the esophagus.

Recently, safety questions about these medications have been raised in several studies. These studies suggested that PPIs increased the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people 75-years-old or older. Noting that the prescription of PPIs is on the rise among middle-aged and older adults, a team of researchers designed a new study to examine PPIs and the risk of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. They published their study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The researchers also examined whether people with mild cognitive impairment who took PPIs were at higher risk for developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers examined information from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database for 2005 through 2015. Data came from people who were 50-years-old or older and had either normal brain function (their scores on cognitive tests were normal and they could perform everyday activities) or mild cognitive impairment (their cognitive test scores were lower than normal but they could still perform everyday activities). The researchers monitored whether the participants took PPIs, how often they took them, and which PPIs they used.

Of the 10,486 participants:

More than 8 percent said they always used PPIs.

More than 18 percent used them occasionally.

More than 73 percent never used PPIs.

The people who always or occasionally used PPIs were significantly older than those who didn't. What's more, compared to the non-PPI users, a significantly higher percentage of those who took PPIs regularly or occasionally had heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, a brief stroke-like attack that generally ends quickly but still requires immediate medical attention), and depression.

A higher percentage of people who took PPIs regularly or occasionally also took a higher percentage of anticholinergic medications, which are often used to treat incontinence, depression, and sleep disorders. These medications have been linked to cognitive impairment, too.

There was a decreased risk of cognitive decline among the people who used PPIs regularly, as well as among people who used them occasionally, said the researchers. The researchers cautioned that clinical trials would be needed to confirm whether PPIs were linked to a greater risk of cognitive decline.

###

This summary is from "Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia." It appears online ahead of print in the May 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Felicia C. Goldstein, PhD; Kyle Steenland, PhD; Liping Zhao, MSPH; Whitney Wharton, PhD; Allan I. Levey, MD, PhD; and Ihab Hajjar, MD, MS.

About the Health in Aging Foundation

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.

About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Included in more than 9,000 library collections around the world, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) highlights emerging insights on principles of aging, approaches to older patients, geriatric syndromes, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric diseases and disorders. First published in 1953, JAGS is now one of the oldest and most impactful publications on gerontology and geriatrics, according to ISI Journal Citation Reports. Visit wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/JGS for more details.

About the American Geriatrics Society

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals that has--for 75 years--worked to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.
St. Paul, Minn. (June 2017)--Dr. R. James (Jim) Cook, a retired research plant pathologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), and emeritus professor of plant pathology, Washington State University (WSU), has built a storied career over the past 40 years, one that has profoundly impacted his scientific discipline and the farmers who benefitted from his breakthrough research on wheat.

Dr. Cook's exceptional new book, titled Untold Stories: Forty Years of Field Research on Root Diseases of Wheat, chronicles many of his insightful experiences--and imparts his philosophy, wisdom, and practical guidance for the benefit of researchers, students, agriculture professionals, and farmers.

"Untold Stories is more than just a memoir. It is a story of discovery and how seemingly insignificant findings can be harnessed into practical solutions for growers," said Dr. Tim Paulitz, research plant pathologist at USDA's ARS and Adjunct Professor at WSU. "Jim intuits how to convert observations into scientific theories based on the biology of the pathogens, and then translates them into management practices for growers. This book is a model of how to integrate applied field work with basic lab discoveries."

Throughout the compelling stories and personal experiences shared in this book, readers can find practical crop management techniques and other beneficial information that can be used in the field and the lab. It reports unique experiences and knowledge for budding and veteran scientists alike and serves up 'bushels' of knowledge that growers and crop consultants can use to make more informed and successful decisions in the field.

"This book puts in one place, and in chronological order, the key results of my field research on root diseases of wheat -- much of it published here for the first time -- and the stories behind the scores of projects," said Dr. Cook. "Most of the fundamental discoveries summarized in this book could only have been made in experiments conducted in the field, some requiring three years and longer."

Woven among the compelling stories and personal experiences, readers will find:

A comprehensive account of the four most common root diseases of wheat known to science, and the agronomic and seed-treatment options for their management, with a focus on direct-seed (no-till), cereal-intensive cropping systems.

Detailed experiences with root diseases of wheat and their management, encompassing 40 years of field research across all precipitation zones in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Fundamental discoveries that could only have been made in the field, such as the 15-20% difference in grain yield when comparing the presence and absence of Pythium root rot achieved using soil fumigation as a research tool.

Examples of Dr. Cook's unique research philosophy: test hypotheses in the field first, then research more deeply in the laboratory or greenhouse.

"One of my goals in writing this book is for scientists and growers to gain a new appreciation for the enormous economic and environmental cost of root diseases -- and seek ways through the latest tools and innovation to place root disease control on a level equal to what is already achieved with foliar diseases," said Cook.

In addition, the stories told and the realities shared in this book will help guide next-generation research, such as that in the new field of phytobiomes, inspiring a new generation of scientists to apply one of Dr. Cook's longstanding principles in conducting research on plant disease control: "Until it is done or confirmed in the field -- and in practice -- it is not done."

###

Untold Stories: Forty Years of Field Research on Root Diseases of Wheat is published by The American Phytopathological Society (APS) and may be purchased for $59.95 plus Shipping & Handling from APS PRESS.

Visit http://www.shopapspress.org to learn more about this and other titles from APS PRESS.

Book Specifications: 2017; 6"  9" hardcover; 400 pages; 79 images; 3 pounds; ISBN 978-0-89054-581-2

About the Author

Cook has a BSc in agriculture from North Dakota State University (NDSU); an MSc in plant pathology from NDSU; and a PhD in plant pathology from the University of California, Berkeley. After a one-year fellowship at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute in Adelaide, Australia, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in 1965 stationed at Washington State University (WSU), where he spent 33 years as a research plant pathologist. Cook then spent 7 years as the R. James Cook Endowed Chair in Wheat Research, a position endowed with a $1.5 million gift to WSU from the Washington wheat growers. His seven years on the WSU faculty included two years as interim dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences before he retired in 2005. Cook was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1993 and was co-winner of the 2011 Wolf Prize in Agriculture awarded in Israel. In addition to Untold Stories and 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, he has co-authored two books on biological control of plant pathogens and one on wheat health management.
They look like security gates, but change shape in a cascade

Biomedical engineers have built simple machines out of DNA, consisting of arrays whose units switch reversibly between two different shapes.

The arrays' inventors say they could be harnessed to make nanotech sensors or amplifiers. Potentially, they could be combined to form logic gates, the parts of a molecular computer.

The arrays' properties are scheduled for publication online by Science.

The DNA machines can relay discrete bits of information through space or amplify a signal, says senior author Yonggang Ke, PhD, an assistant professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory.

"In the field of DNA-based computing, the DNA contains the information, but the molecules are floating around in solution," Ke says. "What's new here is that we are linking the parts together in a physical machine."

Similarly, several laboratories have already made nanotech machines such as tweezers and walkers out of DNA. Ke says his team's work with DNA arrays sheds light on how to build structures with more complex, dynamic behaviors.

The arrays' structures look like accordion-style retractable security gates. Extending or contracting one unit pushes nearby units to change shape as well, working like a domino cascade whose tiles are connected.

The arrays' units get their stability from the energy gained when DNA double helices stack up. To be stable, the units' four segments can align as pairs side by side in two different orientations. By leaving out one strand of the DNA at the edge of an array, the engineers create an external trigger. When that strand is added, it squeezes the edge unit into changing shape (see illustration).

To visualize the DNA arrays, the engineers used atomic force microscopy. They built rectangular 11x4 and 11x7 arrays, added trigger strands and could observe the cascade propagate from the corner unit to the rest of the array.

The arrays' cascades can be stopped or resumed at selected locations by designing break points into the arrays. The units' shape conversions are modulated by temperature or chemical denaturants.

For reference, the rectangular arrays are around 50 nanometers wide and a few hundred nanometers long - slightly smaller than a HIV or influenza virion.

To build the DNA array structures, the engineers used both origami (folding one long "scaffold" strand with hundreds of "staple" strands) and modular brick approaches. Both types of arrays self-assemble through DNA strands finding their complimentary strands in solution. The origami approach led to more stable structures in conditions of elevated temperature or denaturant.

In the Science paper, the engineers showed that they could build rectangles and tubes of array units. They also include a cuboid that has three basic conformations, more than the two-dimensional array units with two conformations. Ke says his team is working on larger, more complex machines with three-dimensional shapes, which can be made using the same basic design principles.

###

The laboratory of Chengde Mao, PhD in Purdue University's Department of Chemistry contributed to the paper. The co-first authors of the paper are postdoctoral fellow Jie Song, PhD, now at Shanghai Jiaotong University, postdoctoral fellow Pengfei Wang, PhD, and Purdue graduate student Zhe Li.

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation (CAREER DMR-1654485, CMMI-1437301), the Marcus Foundation, the Office of Naval Research (N00014-15-1-2707) and the National Natural Scientific Foundation of China (21605102).
Today Scientists have called for action. The scientific journal Nature ecology & evolution have published a joint statement from scientists at Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, University of Copenhagen and North Carolina State University. The scientists call attention to a serious lack of data on the worldwide distribution of disease-causing organisms. Without this knowledge, predicting where and when the next disease outbreak will emerge is hardly possible. Macroecologists hold the expertise to create the needed data network and close the knowledge gaps.

We lack fundamental knowledge about the global distribution of a wide range of disease-causing species from viruses and bacteria to parasites. The joint warning, published today in the scientific journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, comes from scientists in Denmark and the US. Lead-author Assistant professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard from Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, explains,

- Today, we know less about where disease-causing organisms occur, than the global distribution of most mammals, birds and even ants. Without this basic knowledge it is very hard to predict if, for instance, certain bacteria or parasites, transmitted via mosquitoes or other bloodsucking insects, are likely to spread or not, and what measures we must take in order to prevent this.

Scientists have registered more than 2100 organisms worldwide known to make people sick. Of these, 355 are defined as clinical important and collectively kill almost 10 million people each year, mainly in the tropics. This disproportion has great implications for global health and economy. Yet, we only have detailed knowledge about less than 17 of these diseases' distribution.

- For most disease-causing viruses, bacteria and parasites we know only which countries they can be found in, not their prevalence, nor how they are changing through time. And even these terribly coarse data are often privately held. We are really still in the dark, ignorant about the species most likely to do civilization in, says co-lead author Professor Rob Dunn from North Carolina State University.

Networks, similar to the one the scientists call for, already exists for other organisms. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), for instance, is a platform to collect and make huge amounts of biodiversity data accessible. GBIF includes 700 million records of animals, fungi and plants shared by 977 institutions worldwide.

It is possible to close the knowledge gabs, because we hold the expertise to set up the needed network of databases. What we lack is recognition of the threat we face until it is established. I am sure, when people realise this, that time, money and collaboration among experts from crosscutting disciplines will not be hard to get. But until then, we cannot foresee how disease-spreading organisms move, interact and emerge due to climate changes, intensified agriculture or urbanization, says senior-author Professor Carsten Rahbek.

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[June 21, 2017] NetComm Wireless and Telefonica announce global IoT supply agreement

SYDNEY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) and Telefonica today announced the signing of an IoT Device Supply Agreement. The agreement further strengthens NetComm Wireless' presence in the US and Europe; and offers new 3G/4G M2M/IoT capabilities for smart city, mobility, retail and energy applications across multiple geographies as Telefonica extends its IoT reach to over 2,500 enterprises worldwide. "Telefonica is driving digital transformation on a global scale with a focus on IoT innovation and we are pleased to join Telefonica's partner ecosystem as the need for smart remote communication between business assets and machines becomes ever more critical for enterprises globally," said, Philip Micallef, General Manager M2M, NetComm Wireless. Both Telefonica and NetComm Wireless have received notable recognition for IoT innovation with NetComm Wireless having received the Australian communications industry's highest accolade for IoT innovation, the IoT Innovator ACOMMS Award; while Telefonica appeared for the third year running in the "Leaders" quadrant of independent analyst firm Gartner Inc.'s report "Magic Quadrant for Managed Machine-to-Machine Services, Worldwide" published in October 2016. Under the agreement, NetComm Wireless will supply a range of 3G/4G M2M/IoT devices including the: 4G M2M Router (NTC-140); 3G M2M Router Series (NTC-6200) and its 3G Serial Modem (NTC-3000).



About Telefonica Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world by market capitalization and number of customers with a comprehensive offering and quality of connectivity that is delivered over world class fixed, mobile and broadband networks. As a growing company, it prides itself on providing a differential experience based both on its corporate values and a public position that defends customer interests.

The company has a significant presence in 21 countries and over 349 million accesses around the world. Telefonica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefonica IoT is the global business area that develops and implements IoT solutions across all industry segments. It offers end-to-end global solutions to its customers around the world relying on its best-in-class connectivity that extends beyond their footprint enabled by Roaming agreements and partnerships. Main areas of Telefonica IoT include Smart Mobility, Smart Retail and Smart Energy. For more information about Telefonica's IoT business, visit iot.telefonica.com or follow us on twitter at @telefonica IoT and LinkedIn. About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of Fixed Wireless broadband, wireless M2M/Industrial IoT and Fibre and Cable to the distribution point (FTTdp / CTTdp) technologies that underpin an increasingly connected world. Our Listen. Innovate. Solve. methodology supports the unique requirements of leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers, system integrators, government and enterprise customers worldwide. For over 35 years, NetComm Wireless has engineered new generations of world first data communication products and is now a globally recognised communications technology innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand and Japan. For more information about NetComm Wireless visit: www.netcommwireless.com or follow us on twitter at @NetCommWireless and LinkedIn. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20150324/8521501794LOGO

SOURCE NetComm Wireless

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QUANTUM SENSORS: Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have introduced a new type of nanomechanical resonator, in which a pattern of holes localizes vibrations to a small region in a 30 nm thick membrane. The pattern dramatically suppresses coupling to random fluctuations in the environment, boosting the vibrations' coherence. The researchers' quantitative understanding and numerical models provide a versatile blueprint for ultracoherent nanomechanical devices. Among others, this enables a new generation of nanomechanical sensors to probe quantum limits of mechanical measurements, and more sensitive force microscopy. The results are published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature Nanotechnology.

Micro- and nanomechanical devices are ubiquitous in Science and Technology: they make watches tick, allow smartphones and cars to sense acceleration, and provide the basic element that Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) and its sophisticated derivatives rely upon. More recently, such devices have also come to the focus of Quantum Science. Experiments with the most advanced mechanical sensors now probe fundamental quantum limits to measuring forces, testing decade-old, newly relevant predictions from the gravitational wave detection community. Quantum-enabled mechanical devices are also poised to play a role in quantum communication and computing technologies, for example as memory or interface elements.

Figure 1. Silicon nitride membrane resonator suspended from a mm-sized square silicon frame. The hole pattern in the membrane has a phononic bandgap that confines vibrations at certain frequencies to the island ('defect') in the center.

A crucial characteristic for mechanical devices in these applications is their coherence: it essentially quantifies how much (or preferably, little) the motional dynamics are perturbed by random fluctuations in the environment. For a mechanical resonator oscillating at frequency f, a high quality factor Q indicates high coherence (per definition, Q/2pf is the energy storage time of the resonator). At the same time, measuring forces benefits from a small moving mass m. Then smaller forces have a more significant impact on the sensor's motion. Unfortunately, however, these requirements can be conflicting: past research has shown that low mass m often entails low Q and vice versa.

Update the textbooks

Now researchers lead by Albert Schliesser, Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, have introduced a new kind of nanomechanical resonator that defies this heuristic rule. It is based on a silicon nitride membrane stretched over a silicon frame like a timpano's drumhead. Yet its lateral dimensions are only in the millimeter range, and it is as thin as a few 10's of nanometers (Fig. 1). Its distinguishing feature is a pattern of holes etched through the membrane. The pattern's periodicity gives rise to a phononic bandgap, that is, a frequency range in which elastic waves cannot propagate. This allows to confine vibrations--whose frequency falls into this range--to a central island without holes, which is referred to as the defect (Fig. 2). Given the defect's small size, the vibrating mass amounts to only a few nanograms.

Figure 2. Maps of experimentally measured vibration amplitude of five different resonance modes of the defect (yellow: large displacement, blue: small displacement, black: hole). The modes' vibration frequencies are between 1.46 and 1.64 MHz for the 160 m distance between holes. Mode localization to the defect allows nanogram masses, while the gradual transition from vibrating to non-vibrating regions ('soft clamping') enables extremely high coherence (Q>108) even at room temperature.

Crucially, the hole pattern also boosts the Q-factor of the defect's vibrations in two complementary ways, as Albert Schliesser explains: "On the one hand, it prevents loss of vibrational energy by elastic waves propagating away--this was well known. On the other hand, the holey part of the membrane can still gently move, and thus provide a soft transition between the vibrating defect and the necessarily static frame of the device." Such soft clamping constitutes a novel type of boundary condition to a mechanically compliant element, unlike various forms--'sliding', 'pinned', 'clamped' and 'free'--known to mechanical engineering textbooks. And it is exactly this soft clamping which massively boosts the Q-factor via an effect called dissipation dilution. Indeed, the achieved quality factors of more than 200 million are unprecedented for resonators at megahertz frequencies. Most remarkably, these figures are achieved at room temperature. Conventional wisdom suggests that resonators made from any of the widely used materials such as quartz, silicon, or diamond, cannot achieve such high products of frequency and quality factor, unless they are cooled cryogenically. "However, with the right fabrication process, our approach can in principle be applied to resonators of any material, and thereby boost the Q," says PhD student Yeghishe Tsaturyan, who made the devices at the Danchip nanofabrication facility.

A new generation of quantum sensors

"This makes this study particularly useful," adds Albert Schliesser, "with our model and numerical simulations, we now have a deterministic, but versatile approach to design and build extremely coherent resonators. This used to be more of a dark art. Now you can take it and adapt it to your requirements."

But the record-high coherence of the devices created in the present work is already attractive for a number of applications. Especially experiments in quantum optomechanics will massively benefit from the nearly 100-fold enhanced coherence, compared to first-generation membrane resonators. Forces associated with quantum vacuum fluctuations are expected to be extremely prominent, allowing detailed studies of their effects also in complex settings and, eventually, room temperature. This will allow new investigations of quantum limits to force and displacement measurements, concepts highly relevant not least for the design of gravity wave detectors.

Another avenue of interest is to use the membranes in magnetic resonance force microscopes (MRFM). Similar to an AFM, these instruments are based on a force measurement, and achieve extreme spatial resolution at the nanometer scale. Unlike AFM, MRFM images magnetic properties of the sample, comparable to MRI scanners known from clinical use. At its full potential, MRFM promises no less than chemically selective 3d-images of, for example, a virus at molecular resolution. This would allow new insights into structure and function of biological systems at the molecular scale. The holey resonators introduced at the Niels Bohr Institute could help approach this goal.

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Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2017.101
Astrophysics: A joint European-US study led by experts from Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) at University of Copenhagen, Denmark, reveals a rotating stellar disk a la the Milky Way in a stone-dead galaxy 10 billion light-years from Earth. This has never been shown before. The galaxy examined is an early version of elliptical-shaped galaxies.

Acting as a "natural telescope" in space, the gravity of the extremely massive foreground galaxy cluster MACS J2129-0741 magnifies, brightens, and distorts the far-distant background galaxy MACS2129-1, shown in the top box. The middle box is a blown-up view of the gravitationally lensed galaxy. In the bottom box is a reconstructed image, based on modeling, that shows what the galaxy would look like if the galaxy cluster were not present. The galaxy appears red because it is so distant that its light is shifted into the red part of the spectrum.

Credits: Science: NASA, ESA, and S. Toft (University of Copenhagen) Acknowledgment: NASA, ESA, M. Postman (STScI), and the CLASH team.

The finding is remarkable, as this pattern of stellar rotation in a dead galaxy strongly contradicts prevalent astrophysical theory regarding the formation of elliptical-shaped galaxies shortly after the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago.

The galaxy has been named MACS2129-1, and the upcoming issue of the journal Nature will run a scientific article describing how the researchers detected the galaxy and how they managed to unravel some of its secrets.

"MACS 2129-1 is three times heavier than the Milky Way, our own galaxy - but only half the size. So MACS2129-1 is extremely compact", says study leader Sune Toft, astrophysicist at Dark Cosmology Centre at NBI in Copenhagen.

'Speed limits' also seem to differ somewhat between MACS2129-1 and the Milky Way, Sune Toft adds: "We were able to establish that the stars in MACS2129-1 rotate in circles around the center of the galaxy at a speed of over 500 km per second, more than twice as fast as stars rotate in the Milky Way".

Collisions

Galaxies are stellar systems in space and astronomers distinguish between two main types: disk-shaped spiral galaxies, e.g. the Milky Way, and elliptical-shaped galaxies. One of the distinct differences between the two main types being that while the disk-shaped galaxies still make new stars by transforming gas, the elliptical-shaped stopped doing this long ago - which is why the latter are deemed 'dead'.

Furthermore the stellar motions differs markedly between the two main types: In the Milky Way and in other disk-shaped galaxies stars rotate with a regularity that is predictable - whereas stellar motions in elliptic-shaped galaxies can be seen as rather more chaotic, says Sune Toft: "Here the stars seem to be all over the place, to move in all directions. And that was what we expected to find when we took a closer look at MACS2129-1".

Why elliptic-shaped galaxies stopped producing new stars way back in the history of the universe has long puzzled astrophysicists. The prevalent theory speculates that collisions between galaxies in some cases may have provoked a sort of over-production in certain galaxies - because all available gas was compressed in their center and transformed to new stars. Whereupon these elliptical-shaped galaxies ceased stellar production - and 'died'.

With MACS2129-1, however, things are different. Albeit it can be said with certainty that the galaxy is not producing new stars - and therefore can safely be considered stone-dead - its existing stars are nevertheless distributed in a rotating disc. Exactly as can be seen in the Milky Way!

This annotated image shows the size, scale, distance, filters, and compass for galaxy cluster MACS J2129-0741 and the gravitationally lensed galaxy MACS2129-1.

Credits: Science: NASA, ESA, and S. Toft (University of Copenhagen) Acknowledgment: NASA, ESA, M. Postman (STScI), and the CLASH team.

Natural lens

Can this atypical system of stellar rotation observed in MACS2129-1 be interpreted as a form of 'prototype' representing an early stage in the development of elliptic-shaped galaxies?

"Not at this point", says Sune Toft: "Before we can approach an answer to that question we have to study other 'dead' elliptic-shaped galaxies of the same age - and we have started this work".

Sune Toft and his collaborators had access to the Hubble-telescope in space as well as the Earth-based Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile - yet they struggled to get information about MACS2129-1.

In the end success was secured by the fact that the stone-dead galaxy was positioned behind a foreground cluster of other galaxies - a cluster which functioned as a 'natural lens' by amplifying as well as enlarging the image of MACS2129-1. And that made it possible for the researchers via Hubble and VLT to study in detail the distribution of stars in the galaxy as well as the patterns of stellar rotation, says Sune Toft: "Thanks to the natural lens we were able to to gaze into the core of this galaxy, which would otherwise have appeared not much larger than a star to our telescopes.

Further studies of the cosmological origin of elliptic-shaped galaxies will figure prominently when Cosmic Dawn Center opens later this year. This research centre - financed by Danish National Research Foundation with a grant of 66 million DKR - will be jointly run by NBI and DTU Space, a faculty of Technical University of Denmark (DTU), with Sune Toft appointed scientific director.

Beginning next year Sune Toft and his colleagues will gain access to equipment of hitherto unknown strength and precision when ESA, European Space Agency, CSA, Canadian Space Agency and NASA, the US space organization, put James Webb Space Telescope into orbit 1,5 million km from Earth.

The telescope which is much stronger than Hubble - its predecessor - will operate in a very cold and dark environment ideal for conducting observations, says Sune Toft:

"The Webb-telescope is designed to detect infrared light from the very first stars and galaxies. In theory it will make it possible for scientist to study what happened when the elliptic-shaped galaxies formed - and when they died. And because scientists from both NBI and DTU Space helped build some of the instruments on board the James Webb Space Telescope, Cosmic Dawn Center is guaranteed fast access to the telescope once it is in orbit".

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Sune Toft, Associate Professor, Dark Cosmology Centre, DAWN, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Email: sune@nbi.ku.dk Phone: +45 35 32 59 08

The European Research Council (ERC), set up by the EU in 2007, is the prime European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. Every year, it selects and funds the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age, to run projects in Europe. The ERC has three core grant schemes: Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants and Advanced Grants. The ERC is part of the 'Excellent Science' pillar of the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme.
Associate professor Liuba Belkin of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Maryam Kouchaki, assistant professor at Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois, conclude in a new study, that when when it's uncomfortably hot, we're less likely to be helpful or "prosocial."

In an interview with Quartz, lead author Belkin said, "The point of our study is that ambient temperature affects individual states that shape emotional and behavioral reactions, so people help less in an uncomfortable environment, whatever the reason they come up with to justify why they cannot do."

The three-part study, "Exploring the impact of ambient temperature on helping," published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, helps to explain how and through what mechanisms ambient temperature influences individual helping.

Data provided by a large Russian retail chain for part one of the study allowed the authors to analyze differences in individual behavior under hot versus normal temperature conditions. Clerks working in an uncomfortably hot environment, according to the data, were 50% less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, including: volunteering to help customers, listening actively, and making suggestions.

Liuba says "In part two of the study -- a randomized online experiment -- we asked paid online panel to just recall or imagine situations where they were uncomfortably hot and then, after measuring their feelings and perceptions and a number of survey questions, asked them to help with another survey for free. Participants weren't even experiencing heat at the moment -- and we still found that, compared to the control group, the participants were more fatigued, which reduced their positive affect and, ultimately, prosocial behavior."

Only 34% of the participants who were asked to recall a time when they were uncomfortably hot were willing to help with the free survey, compared to 76% in the control group. Interestingly, Belkin and her co-author also saw that recalling being uncomfortably hot also increased their negative affectivity, but it did not have any impact on prosocial behavior, while reduction in positive affect did.

In part three of the study, Belkin and her co-author found that even slight fluctuations in temperature changed behavior. Belkin chose students in two sections of a college management course as subjects for a field experiment (one group sat in a lecture in a room that was uncomfortably warm, the other group sat in a room that was held in an air conditioned room - there was a 15% difference in the actual room temperature). She then asked the students to answer a series of questions and fill out a survey "for a non-profit organization that serves children and underprivileged individuals in the local community."

Only 64% in the hotter room agree to answer at least one question, while in the cooler room 95% did so. Interestingly, even those who agreed to help in the hotter room, they helped less, answering, on average, 6 questions, almost 6 times less than the number of questions answered in the in cooler room (average 35).

Some of those students probably wanted to leave and escape the stickier room, said Belkin to Quartz, "but whatever the reason, it affected their perceptions, emotions and behavior."

Belkin adds that she was also able to replicate the mechanism that drives reduction in prosocial behavior - the same pattern of results as in study 2 showed that uncomfortably warm classroom temperature increased fatigue, reduced positive affect and led to less helping.

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In countries such as Portugal, bio-innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors that rely on existing natural resources -- the Sea, the Forest, certain crops -- or on long-standing industrial traditions (textiles and chemicals) are particularly relevant. This International Industry Roundtable (IIR) brought together key players from the Portuguese and European research and innovation ecosystem for a multidisciplinary discussion on the promise and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators in these fields.

The Session allowed participants to discuss common objectives, share new technologies and ideas, and promote networking and potential collaborations between participants. The initiative counted on the participation of speakers from companies based in Portugal such as Oceano Fresco, RAIZ, CUF, Syngenta, P-BIO, Catolica University, Minho and Aveiro University, BLC 3, Gabinete de Promocao do Programa Quadro de I&DT (GPPQ), A4F, MareLife, Devan Chemicals e SilicoLife.

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The International Industry Roundtables (IIR) are an ongoing initiative of the MIT Portugal Program in collaboration with multiple academic and business entities and this is the second edition dedicated to Cities, Energy and Transportation. The IIR aim is to use the neutral grounds of academia to bring together entrepreneurs, company executives, policy makers, scientists, engineers and graduate students around topics where cutting-edge technology is put at the service of sustainable economic and social development. The focus is to bridge views and find common objectives between industry and academia, as well as within industry and within academia.

Roundtable Program
Montreal, June 22 2017 - Have you ever heard of biofilms? They are slimy, glue-like membranes that are produced by microbes, like bacteria and fungi, in order to colonize surfaces. They can grow on animal and plant tissues, and even inside the human body on medical devices such as catheters, heart valves, or artificial hips. Biofilms protect microbes from the body's immune system and increase their resistance to antibiotics. They represent one of the biggest threats to patients in hospital settings. But there is good news - a research team led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has developed a novel enzyme technology that prevents the formation of biofilms and can also break them down.

This finding, recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), creates a promising avenue for the development of innovative strategies to treat a wide variety of diseases and hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia, bloodstream and urinary tract infection. Biofilm-associated infections are responsible for thousands of deaths across North America every year. They are hard to eradicate because they secrete a matrix made of sugar molecules which form a kind of armour that acts as a physical and chemical barrier, preventing antibiotics from reaching their target sites within microbes.

"We were able to use the microbe's own tools against them to attack and destroy the sugar molecules that hold the biofilm together," says the study's co-principal investigator, Dr. Don Sheppard, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the MUHC and scientist from the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at the RI-MUHC. "Rather than trying to develop new individual 'bullets' that target single microbes we are attacking the biofilm that protects those microbes by literally tearing down the walls to expose the microbes living behind them. It's a completely new and novel strategy to tackle this issue."

This work is the result of a four-year successful collaboration between Dr. Sheppard's team and scientists in the laboratory of Dr. P. Lynne Howell, senior scientist in the Molecular Medicine program at SickKids. They have been working to combat biofilms for several years, focusing on two of the most common organisms responsible for lung infections: a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus. Infections with these organisms in patients with chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis represent an enormous challenge in medical therapy.

While studying machinery that these organisms use to make their biofilms, the scientists discovered enzymes that cut up the sugar molecules, which glue biofilms together. "Microbes use these enzymes to move sugar molecules around and cut them into pieces in order to build and remodel the biofilm matrix," says Dr. Sheppard, who is also a professor in the departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. The researchers found a way to use these enzymes to degrade the sugar armour, exposing the microbe to antibiotics and host defenses.

"We made these enzymes into a biofilm destroying machine that we can use outside the microbe where the sugar molecules are found," explains co-first study author Brendan Snarr, a PhD student in Dr. Sheppard's laboratory. "These enzymes chew away all of the sugar molecules in their path and don't stop until the matrix is destroyed."

"Previous attempts to deal with biofilms have had only limited success, mostly in preventing biofilm formation. These enzymes are the first strategy that has ever been effective in eradicating mature biofilms, and that work in mouse models of infection," adds Dr. Sheppard.

"When we took the enzymes from bacteria and applied them to the fungi, we found that they worked in the same way on the fungi biofilm; which was surprising," says the study's co-principal investigator, Dr. P. Lynne Howell, who is also a professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. "What's key is that this approach could be a universal way of being able to leverage the microbes' own systems for degrading biofilms. This has bigger implications across many microbes, diseases and infections."

"Over 70 percent of hospital-acquired infections are actually associated with biofilms and we simply lack tools to treat them!" states Dr. Sheppard. According to both lead scientists, the potential of this novel therapy is enormous and they hope to commercialize it in the coming years.

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About the study

This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canada Research Chairs Program, the Fonds de recherche Quebec sante (FRQS) and SickKids Foundation.

Dr. Howell and Dr. Sheppard are also Network Investigators with the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet), part of the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada that has provided financial support for this work.

For additional information, we invite you to read the study. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/113696

About the Research Institute of the MUHC

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and healthcare research centre. The Institute, which is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) - an academic health centre located in Montreal, Canada, that has a mandate to focus on complex care within its community. The RI-MUHC supports over 460 researchers and close to 1,300 research trainees devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental, clinical and health outcomes research at the Glen and the Montreal General Hospital sites of the MUHC. Its research facilities offer a dynamic multidisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration and leverages discovery aimed at improving the health of individual patients across their lifespan. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Quebec-Sante (FRQS). http://www.rimuhc.ca

About The Hospital for Sick Children

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada's leading centre dedicated to advancing children's health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally. Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized child and family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit http://www.sickkids.ca. Follow us on Twitter (@SickKidsNews) and Instagram (@SickKidsToronto)

Media contacts:

Julie Robert

Communications Coordinator - Research

McGill University Health Centre

514 934-1934 ext. 71381

julie.robert@muhc.mcgill.ca

Suzanne Gold

Senior Communications Specialist, Media Relations

SickKids

416 813-7654 ext. 202059

suzanne.gold@sickkids.ca
At any given moment, as many as 10 million wild jets of solar material burst from the sun's surface. They erupt as fast as 60 miles per second, and can reach lengths of 6,000 miles before collapsing. These are spicules, and despite their grass-like abundance, scientists didn't understand how they form. Now, for the first time, a computer simulation -- so detailed it took a full year to run -- shows how spicules form, helping scientists understand how spicules can break free of the sun's surface and surge upward so quickly.

This work relied upon high-cadence observations from NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, and the Swedish 1-meter Solar Telescope in La Palma, in the Canary Islands. Together, the spacecraft and telescope peer into the lower layers of the sun's atmosphere, known as the interface region, where spicules form. The results of this NASA-funded study were published in Science on June 22, 2017 -- a special time of the year for the IRIS mission, which celebrates its fourth anniversary in space on June 26.

"Numerical models and observations go hand in hand in our research," said Bart De Pontieu, an author of the study and IRIS science lead at Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, in Palo Alto, California. "We compare observations and models to figure out how well our models are performing, and to improve the models when we see major discrepancies."

Observing spicules has been a thorny problem for scientists who want to understand how solar material and energy move through and away from the sun. Spicules are transient, forming and collapsing over the course of just five to 10 minutes. These tenuous structures are also difficult to study from Earth, where the atmosphere often blurs our telescopes' vision.

A team of scientists has been working on this particular model for nearly a decade, trying again and again to create a version that would create spicules. Earlier versions of the model treated the interface region, the lower solar atmosphere, as a hot gas of electrically charged particles -- or more technically, a fully ionized plasma. But the scientists knew something was missing because they never saw spicules in the simulations.

The key, the scientists realized, was neutral particles. They were inspired by Earth's own ionosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere where interactions between neutral and charged particles are responsible for many dynamic processes.

The research team knew that in cooler regions of the sun, such as the interface region, not all gas particles are electrically charged. Some particles are neutral, and neutral particles aren't subject to magnetic fields like charged particles are. Scientists had based previous models on a fully ionized plasma in order to simplify the problem. Indeed, including the necessary neutral particles was very computationally expensive, and the final model took roughly a year to run on the Pleiades supercomputer located at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, and which supports hundreds of science and engineering projects for NASA missions.

The model began with a basic understanding of how plasma moves in the sun's atmosphere. Constant convection, or boiling, of material throughout the sun generates islands of tangled magnetic fields. When boiling carries them up to the surface and farther into the sun's lower atmosphere, magnetic field lines rapidly snap back into place to resolve the tension, expelling plasma and energy. Out of this violence, a spicule is born. But explaining how these complex magnetic knots rise and snap was the tricky part.

"Usually magnetic fields are tightly coupled to charged particles," said Juan Martinez-Sykora, lead author of the study and a solar physicist at Lockheed Martin and the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in Sonoma, California. "With only charged particles in the model, the magnetic fields were stuck, and couldn't rise beyond the sun's surface. When we added neutrals, the magnetic fields could move more freely."

Neutral particles provide the buoyancy the gnarled knots of magnetic energy need to rise through the sun's boiling plasma and reach the chromosphere. There, they snap into spicules, releasing both plasma and energy. Friction between ions and neutral particles heats the plasma even more, both in and around the spicules.

With the new model, the simulations at last matched observations from IRIS and the Swedish Solar Telescope; spicules occurred naturally and frequently. The 10 years of work that went into developing this numerical model earned scientists Mats Carlsson and Viggo H. Hansteen, both authors of the study from the University of Oslo in Norway, the 2017 Arctowski Medal from the National Academy of Sciences. Martinez-Sykora led the expansion of the model to include the effects of neutral particles.

The scientists' updated model revealed something else about how energy moves in the solar atmosphere. It turns out this whip-like process also naturally generates Alfven waves, a strong kind of magnetic wave scientists suspect is key to heating the sun's atmosphere and propelling the solar wind, which constantly bathes our solar system and planet with charged particles from the sun.

"This model answers a lot of questions we've had for so many years," De Pontieu said. "We gradually increased the physical complexity of numerical models based on high-resolution observations, and it is really a success story for the approach we've taken with IRIS."

The simulations indicate spicules could play a big role in energizing the sun's atmosphere, by constantly forcing plasma out and generating so many Alfven waves across the sun's entire surface.

"This is a major advance in our understanding of what processes can energize the solar atmosphere, and lays the foundation for investigations with even more detail to determine how big of a role spicules play," said Adrian Daw, IRIS mission scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "A very nice result on the eve of our launch anniversary."

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During her study on fossil insects of the order Hymenoptera at China's Capitol Normal University, student Longfeng Li visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, carrying two unidentified wasp specimens that were exceptionally well-preserved in Burmese amber. This type of fossilized tree resin is known for the quality of the fossil specimens which can be preserved inside it. Being 100 million years old, they provide an incredible view into the past.

The subsequent analysis of the specimens revealed that both represent species new to science. Furthermore, one of the wasps showed such amazing similarities to a modern group of wasps that it was placed in a currently existing genus, Archaeoteleia which has long been considered as an ancient lineage. The species are described in a study published in the open access Journal of Hymenoptera Research.

However, Archaeoteleia has changed since the times when the ancient wasp got stuck on fresh tree resin. The authors note that "a novice might not recognize the characters that unite the fossil with extant species". For instance, the modern wasp species of the genus show visibly longer antennal segments and a different number of teeth on the mandible when compared to the fossil. In turn, the description of the new extinct species enhances the knowledge about living species by highlighting anatomical structures shared by all species within the genus.

This fossil wasp with living relatives received quite a curious name, Archaeoteleia astropulvis. The species name, astropulvis, translates from Latin to 'star dust'. The discoverers chose the name to refer to both "the ancient source of the atoms that form our planet and its inhabitants", as well as to commemorate the late David Bowie's alter ego - Ziggy Stardust.

Unlike the Star dust wasp, the second new species belongs to a genus (Proteroscelio) known exclusively from Cretaceous fossils. Likewise, it is a tiny insect, measuring less than 2mm in length. It also plays an important role in taxonomy by expanding the anatomical diversity known from this extinct genus.

The authors conclude that their discovery, especially the Star dust wasp and its placement in an extant genus, where it is the only fossil species, "exemplifies the importance of understanding the extant fauna of a taxon to interpret fossils".

"Such union of fossil and extant morphologies is especially illuminating and requires examination of both kinds of specimens," they add.

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Original source:

Talamas EJ, Johnson NF, Buffington ML, Dong R (2016) Archaeoteleia Masner in the Cretaceous and a new species of Proteroscelio Brues (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea). In: Talamas EJ, Buffington ML (Eds) Advances in the Systematics of Platygastroidea. Journal of Hymenoptera Research 56: 241-261. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.56.10388
Women who receive human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, in addition to a pap smear, receive a faster, more complete diagnosis of possible cervical precancer, according to a study of over 450,000 women by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) Comprehensive Cancer Center.

HPV is a virus that can cause cervical, vaginal, penile and anal cancers. More than 520,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide each year, causing around 266,000 deaths. A common screening procedure for cervical cancer is the Pap smear, which tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, used data from the New Mexico HPV Pap Registry in the United States. It is the first comprehensive evaluation of HPV testing on the long-term outcomes of women who had received a borderline abnormal Pap test result.

A total of 457,317 women were included in the study. Of these, 20,677 women (4.5 percent) received a borderline abnormal result through a Pap smear and were followed in the study for five years. Some of the women with borderline abnormal Pap smear results had an HPV test.

HPV testing led to a 15.8 percent overall increase in the detection of cervical precancers and time to detection was much shorter (a median of 103 days versus 393 days).

Virtually all cervical pre-cancers were detected in women who tested positive for HPV, suggesting HPV testing to be a good additional screening method after the Pap smear. Colposcopy, which is a medical examination of the cervix, could then be focused on women who would need it most: those with a positive HPV test.

At the same time, however, HPV testing of women resulted in 56 percent more biopsies and a 20 percent increase in surgical treatment procedures performed. Most of the additional biopsies were for low grade lesions which could have regressed, indicating some overtreatment due to HPV testing.

Professor Jack Cuzick from QMUL said: "This study shows that knowing a woman's HPV status can help determine her likelihood of needing additional procedures, and prioritise immediate treatment and medical resources to the women who need them most."

Professor Cosette Wheeler from the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center said: "The benefits of HPV testing outweigh the harms observed but it's important to understand and quantify the harms as well."

The authors warn that, as this was an observational study, the use of HPV testing was not randomised. So, it is also possible that there could be socioeconomic or other relevant differences among health care facilities that have not been measured.

###

For more information, please contact:

Joel Winston, Public Relations Manager

Queen Mary University of London

j.winston@qmul.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 207 882 7943 / +44 (0) 7970 096 188

or

Dorothy Hornbeck, JKPR

505-340-5929

dhornbeck@jameskorenchen.com

Michele Sequeira

UNM Cancer Center, 505-925-0486

msequeira@salud.unm.edu

Notes to the editor

Research paper: 'Benefits and Harms of Human Papillomavirus Testing Among Women With Cytology Showing Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance'. Jack Cuzick, PhD; Orrin Myers, PhD; Ji-Hyun Lee, DrPH; Yang Shi, PhD; Julia C. Gage, PhD, MPH; William C. Hunt, MA; Michael Robertson, BS; and Cosette M. Wheeler, PhD. JAMA Oncology

Paper is available here after the embargo lifts: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology

About Queen Mary University of London

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is one of the UK's leading universities, and one of the largest institutions in the University of London, with 23,120 students from more than 155 countries.

A member of the Russell Group, we work across the humanities and social sciences, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering, with inspirational teaching directly informed by our research. In the most recent national assessment of the quality of research, we were placed ninth in the UK (REF 2014).

As well as our main site at Mile End -- which is home to one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in London -- we have campuses at Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, and West Smithfield dedicated to the study of medicine, and a base for legal studies at Lincoln's Inn Fields.

We have a rich history in London with roots in Europe's first public hospital, St Barts; England's first medical school, The London; one of the first colleges to provide higher education to women, Westfield College; and the Victorian philanthropic project, the People's Palace at Mile End.

Today, as well as retaining these close connections to our local community, we are known for our international collaborations in both teaching and research.

QMUL has an annual turnover of 350m, a research income worth 125m (2014/15), and generates employment and output worth 700m to the UK economy each year.

About the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its 125 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 500 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provided cancer care for nearly 60 percent of the adults and children in New Mexico affected by cancer. They treated 11,249 patients in 84,875 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. These patients came from every county in the State. More than 12 percent of these patients participated in cancer clinical trials testing new cancer treatments and 35 percent of patients participated in other clinical research studies, including tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The 130 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNMCCC were awarded almost $60 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects and published 301 high quality publications. Promoting economic development, they filed more than 30 new patents in FY16, and since 2010, have launched 11 new biotechnology start-up companies. Scientists associated with the UNMCCC Cancer Control & Disparities have conducted more than 60 statewide community-based cancer education, prevention, screening, and behavioral intervention studies involving more than 10,000 New Mexicans. Finally, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 230 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery. Learn more at http://www.cancer.unm.edu .
Research deciphering the hidden magnetic messages encoded in a rare group of meteorites has helped secure nearly half a billion dollars of NASA funding for a journey to their parent asteroid

4.5 billion years ago in the violent, high-speed environment of the early solar system, a protoplanet roughly the size of Mars was involved in a series of fierce collisions with other large planetary bodies.

A number of powerful impacts stripped the planet of its rocky mantle, leaving an exposed nickel-iron core. After further blows, break-away pieces of metal were flung into space -- the final destination for some would be Earth.

This, scientists believe, is the story of Psyche. Now a cold metal world in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, the asteroid -- named after the Greek goddess of the soul- offers a unique vision of the violent history of collisions and accretion that created the terrestrial planets.

Research published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters has helped secure $450 million of NASA funding for a satellite to boldly go where no satellite has been before; on a mission to Psyche.

The study, led by a Fellow at St John's College, Cambridge, Dr James Bryson, reveals the hidden magnetic messages in a rare group of metal meteorites which scientists believe are from Psyche. The results indicate that Psyche had a strong and unstable magnetic field and support the hypothesis that the asteroid is an exposed planetary core that cooled quickly due to the absence of a rocky mantle. These conclusions about Psyche, reached in the laboratory, will now be tested by an eponymous mission to outer space.

The Psyche satellite will orbit the asteroid while gathering data. If proved correct, a pan-institutional team of scientists led by Professor Lindy Elkins-Tanton from Arizona State University, will have the opportunity to directly measure a metallic core like the ones that lie at inaccessible depths and conditions within the terrestrial planets, including Earth. Exploring this unknown world will provide researchers with a remarkable insight into the building blocks of planet formation and will enable scientists and the public to see, for the first time, a world made of metal rather than ice, rock or gas.

The study of magnetic messages in meteorites can yield important information about their parent body. Like a hard drive, meteorites store magnetic information and can reveal whether the object they came from generated a magnetic field and if so what that field was like.

In the case of Psyche, finding out about the magnetic field it once generated would allow researchers to infer important conclusions about its properties and formation such as how and at what speed it cooled and solidified.

The clues contained within metal-rich meteorites, however, were thought to be impossible to decipher. This is because metal meteorites are primarily made out of large pieces of iron - a material with a poor magnetic memory that engineers would steer well clear of when building a computer.

This changed when during his PhD, Bryson developed a pioneering detailed imaging technique to read the hidden magnetic memory of metal meteorites. "After developing the technique, I was talking about my work at a conference last year when I was approached by members of the Psyche team. They had a group of meteorites thought to be from Psyche due to their elemental composition and the rate at which they had cooled. They asked me to analyse them in the lab to see what they could tell us about the asteroid," said Bryson.

Hidden within the iron bulk of the meteorites, Bryson identified tiny particles of a metal called tetrataenite. This material is magnetically much more stable than iron and is capable of holding a magnetic memory going back billions of years. Reading the tetrataenite was a challenge because the particles measured between 10-100 nanometres (one nanometre is one billionth of a metre). However, using a big ring of magnets called a synchrotron which fires electrons around at near the speed of light, Bryson was able to produce intense beams of x-rays that allowed him to image the particles and measure the nanoscale magnetisation of the meteoric metal.

In addition, Bryson then carried out more conventional measurements of the magnetism of tiny pieces of rock contained within some of the meteorites using a magnetometer.

The results were consistent with the theory that Psyche is an exposed metal core as they suggest that the asteroid cooled very quickly, something scientists would expect to observe in a core stripped of its protective mantel. The meteorites contained the memory of an intense magnetic field, far stronger than Earth's. Planetary magnetic fields are produced by the churning motions of liquid metals in a planet's core that conduct electricity and have an electrical charge. Faster cooling generates strong convection currents which drive the liquid core to swirl faster and produce a more powerful magnetic field.

The secrets given up by the meteorites also suggested that Psyche's magnetic field was volatile, another property consistent with rapid cooling. When there is a vigorous liquid metal motion in a core caused by rapid cooling the positions of magnetic north and magnetic south are unstable and can interchange. The meteorites contained a record of being magnetised in different directions at distinct times supporting the idea that Psyche's magnetic field alternated in its polarity.

Evidence from the meteorites also indicates that, unlike the cooling process currently underway in Earth's core, Psyche cooled from the outside in. "In the case of Earth's core there is a lot of pressure from the rock in the mantle above which is causing its centre to solidify first. In the absence of a mantle, a core is more likely to start solidifying at the surface. This is exciting because we have never been able to study what this process looks like. Since Psyche cooled so quickly, the mission offers the opportunity to study an entire lifetime of planetary activity" said Bryson.

During the Psyche mission a magnetometer composed of two identical high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors will be attached to the satellite to detect and measure the remnant magnetic field of the asteroid. Other instruments will also measure Psyche's gravity field and elemental composition.

The mission, which was chosen by NASA in January 2017, is targeted to launch in October 2023. It will take six years to travel to the asteroid using solar-electric propulsion, arriving in 2030. Once there, the satellite will orbit the metal world for 12 months, performing its operations from four staging orbits and sending a stream of images and data back to Earth. The satellite will then crash into Psyche, bringing the mission to an end.

###

Paleomagnetic evidence for dynamo activity driven by inward crystallisation of a metallic asteroid, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters is available via: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012821X17302923 It will also be available in Volume 472 of the printed version of the Journal, to be published on 15 August 2017.

The Psyche Mission can be followed on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/NASAPsyche/ https://twitter.com/NASAPsyche
When Ricky Ramon was 7, he went for a routine checkup. The pediatrician, who lingered over his heartbeat, sent him for a chest X-ray, which revealed a benign tumor in the top-left chamber of his heart. For Ramon, it was the beginning of a long series of medical appointments, procedures and surgeries that would span nearly two decades.

During this time, noncancerous tumors kept reappearing in Ramon's heart and throughout his body -- in his pituitary gland, adrenal glands above his kidneys, nodules in his thyroid.

The trouble was, doctors couldn't diagnose his condition.

When Ramon was 18, doctors thought his symptoms were suggestive of Carney complex, a genetic condition caused by mutations in a gene called PRKAR1A. However, evaluation of Ramon's DNA revealed no disease-causing variations in this gene.

Now, eight years later, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have used a next-generation technology -- long-read sequencing -- to secure a diagnosis for Ramon. It's the first time long-read, whole-genome sequencing has been used in a clinical setting, the researchers report in a paper to be published online June 22 in Genetics in Medicine.

Genome sequencing involves snipping DNA into pieces, reading the fragments, and then using a computer to patch the sequence together. DNA carries our genetic blueprint in a double-stranded string of molecular "letters" called nucleotides, or base pairs. The four types of nucleotides are each represented by a letter -- C for cytosine and G for guanine, for example -- and they form links across the two strands to hold DNA together.

'Illuminating a dark corner'

Current sequencing technologies cut DNA into "words" that are about 100 base-pairs, or letters, long, according to the study's senior author, Euan Ashley, DPhil, FRCP, professor of cardiovascular medicine, of genetics and of biomedical data science. Long-read sequencing, by comparison, cuts DNA into words that are thousands of letters long.

"This allows us to illuminate dark corners of the genome like never before," Ashley said.

"Technology is such a powerful force in medicine. It's mind-blowing that we are able to routinely sequence patients' genomes when just a few years ago this was unthinkable."

The study was conducted in collaboration with Pacific Biosciences, a biotechnology company in Menlo Park, California, that has pioneered a type of long-read sequencing. Lead authorship of the paper is shared by Jason Merker, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and co-director of the Stanford Clinical Genomics Service, and Aaron Wenger, PhD, of Pacific Biosciences.

The type of long-read sequencing developed by the research team's collaborators at Pacific Biosciences can continuously spool long threads of DNA for letter-by-letter analysis, limiting the number of cuts needed.

"This is exciting," said Ashley, "because instead of having 100-base-pair 'words,' you now have 7,000- to 8,000-letter words."

Falling cost

Thanks to technological advances and increased efficiency, the cost of long-read sequencing has been falling dramatically. Ashley estimated the current cost of the sequencing used for this study at between $5,000 and $6,000 per genome.

Though the cost of short-read sequencing is now below $1,000, according to Ashley, parts of the genome not accessible when cutting DNA into small fragments. Throughout the genome, series of repeated letters, such as GGCGGCGGC, can stretch for hundreds of base pairs. With only 100-letter words, it is impossible to know how long these stretches are, and the length can critically determine someone's predisposition to disease.

Additionally, some portions of the human genome are redundant, meaning there are multiple places a 100-base pair segment could potentially fit in, said Ashley. This makes it impossible to know where to place those segments when reassembling the genome. With longer words, that happens much less often.

Given these issues, 5 percent of the genome cannot be uniquely mapped, the researchers wrote. And any deletions or insertions longer than about 50 letters are too long to detect.

For patients with undiagnosed conditions, short-read sequencing can help doctors provide a diagnosis in about one-third of cases, said Ashley. But Ramon's case was not one of those.

The technique initially used to analyze Ramon's genes failed to identify a mutation in the gene responsible for Carney complex, though Ashley said co-author Tam Sneddon, DPhil, a clinical data scientist at Stanford Health Care who browsed through the database of Ramon's sequenced genome by hand, did notice something looked wrong. Ultimately, the long-read sequencing of Ramon's genome identified a deletion of about 2,200 base-pairs and confirmed that a diagnosis of Carney complex was indeed correct.

This work is an example of Stanford Medicine's focus on precision health, the goal of which is to anticipate and prevent disease in the healthy and precisely diagnose and treat disease in the ill.

An 'exceedingly rare' condition

Carney complex arises from mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, and is characterized by increased risk for several tumor types, particularly in the heart and hormone-producing glands, such as ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and thyroid. According to the National Institutes of Health, fewer than 750 individuals with this condition have been identified.

The most common symptom is benign heart tumors, or myxomas. Open heart surgery is required to remove cardiac myxomas; by the time Ramon was 18 years old, he'd had three such surgeries. He is under consideration for a heart transplant, and having the correct diagnosis for his condition was important for the transplant team. Beyond the typical screening for a transplant, Ashley said the team needed to ensure there weren't other health issues that could be exacerbated by immune suppressants, which heart transplant patients must take to avoid rejection of the donated organ.

Though it helps his medical team to have a confirmed diagnosis of Carney complex, Ramon has found it disheartening to face the fact that he cannot escape his condition. "I was pretty sad," he said. "It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I'll have this until the day I die."

He tries not to dwell on it, though. "Live one day at a time," he said. "The bad days are temporary storms, and they'll pass."

"His story is quite incredible," said Ashley, who said it was a privilege to be working on Ramon's team. "To have such a burden on such young shoulders, and to decide whether or not he wants a transplant, requires incredible courage."

Because he couldn't wait any longer for a transplant, Ramon recently underwent his fourth surgery to remove three tumors in his heart. Joseph Woo, MD, professor and chair of cardiothoracic surgery at Stanford, performed the operation. "It is exceedingly rare to have tumors in the heart," said Ashley. "It was a particularly heroic operation." Though Ramon is still under consideration for a transplant, the need is less urgent now.

"I'm in good hands," Ramon said of the Stanford team. "I'm glad to be here."

A future in the clinic?

Ashley said he and many other doctors believe that long-read technology is part of the future of genomics.

"Now we get to see how to do it better," said Ashley. "If we can get the cost of long-read sequencing down to where it's accessible for everyone, I think it will be very useful."

###

Other Stanford co-authors of the study are genetic counselor Megan Grove; former graduate student Zach Zappala, PhD; postdoctoral scholar Laure Fresard, PhD; senior research engineer Daryl Waggott, MSc; Sowmi Utiramerur, MS, director of bioinformatics for Stanford's Clinical Genomics Service; research assistant Yanli Hou, PhD; research scientist Kevin Smith, PhD; Stephen Montgomery, PhD, assistant professor of pathology and of genetics; Matthew Wheeler, MD, PhD, clinical assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine; Jillian Buchan, PhD, clinical assistant professor of pathology; and James Ford, MD, professor of medicine and of genetics.

Ashley is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the Stanford Child Health Research Institute. He is also the founding director of the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, the co-director of the Stanford Clinical Genomics Service and the steering committee co-chair for the National Institutes of Health Undiagnosed Diseases Network.

Pacific Biosciences paid for the sequencing.

Stanford's Department of Pathology and the Stanford Cancer Institute also supported the work.

The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Stanford Children's Health. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu.
[June 21, 2017] AdParlor Recognized at Cannes Lions for Innovative Approach to Instagram Stories Advertising

CANNES, France, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AdParlor, a leading social and video ad tech company, announced today that Facebook showcased the company's technology at the 2017 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The company was recognized for developing innovative new creative analytics technology that is driving strong performance with the new Instagram Stories ad unit. Front and center was a campaign case study that demonstrated the application of AdParlor's unique Intelligence Tags technology to identify which product categories, calls-to-action, and color schemes drive the highest return on advertising spending (ROAS) for Today's Shopping Choice. "We're big believers in the power of Instagram Stories, and have been working since day one to help advertisers understand how to be effective with this new format," Paul Van Winssen, VP of Platform Partnerships at AdParlor said. "It's an incredible honor to be recognized by Facebook for the positive impact our technology is having on our clients' campaigns." Inelligence Tags, or Intel Tags for short, is technology that uses image recognition, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to automatically tag media assets. The tags are used to provide insight into which elements of creative drive the best results on a macro-level  a task that would otherwise be time-intensive and incredibly difficult.



The result is a deeper level of insight into what works and why. This, when applied, translates to more relevant and efficient advertising. Intelligence Tags are currently being used by several retail and eCommerce brands to drive better results for their Facebook and Instagram advertising. To learn more about AdParlor's Intelligence Tags, visit http://adparlor.com/intel-tags.

About AdParlor When advertisers want their social advertising campaigns to have the greatest impact, they enlist AdParlor. AdParlor's advertising solutions and strategies use data-driven approaches to get the best performance from Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn and Twitter advertising for over half of the Fortune 1000. For more information, visit adparlor.com. Contact Rion Martin

Senior Communications Manager

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adparlor-recognized-at-cannes-lions-for-innovative-approach-to-instagram-stories-advertising-300477940.html SOURCE AdParlor

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Early intervention to maintain and raise expectations could increase the number of teenagers from less privileged backgrounds entering higher education, a new study published in the Oxford Review of Education suggests.

The research, which analysed how young people's expectations of applying to university change between the ages of 14 and 17, found that those from less advantaged backgrounds were more likely to stop, and less likely to start, thinking they would apply than their more advantaged peers. This was true even when comparing individuals with the same test scores.

Through analysis of a survey of 14-20-year-olds conducted between 2004 and 2010, Dr Jake Anders of UCL Institute of Education (IOE) found that a substantial proportion of young people changed their minds about whether they were planning to apply to university -- with the change running in both directions -- and that socioeconomic background played a significant part in whether expectations changed. The study used data from the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England,

Compared to the most advantaged fifth of young people, the least advantaged fifth had more than twice the probability of switching from being 'likely to apply' to 'unlikely to apply'. Conversely, the most advantaged fifth had more than twice the probability of changing from being 'unlikely to apply' to 'likely to apply'.

How young people reacted to new information on their academic attainment at age 16 also depended on their background. For those with higher socioeconomic status, improvements in exam results were significantly more likely to raise expectations of applying for university.

Dr Anders said: "These findings suggest that part of the socioeconomic difference in university applications has its roots during the period when potential applicants are aged between 14 and 17 and, as such, it's not too late to target policies at this age group to try and narrow the gap.

"Intervening early to maintain expectations, rather than attempting to raise them later, is more likely to be successful as this will ensure individuals engage in steps that keep them on track to be in a position to apply for university.

"Sixteen could also be a key age for interventions. This is a difficult point in time to reach young people as many move between educational institutions or leave full time education altogether. However, it may be the case that providing fresh guidance in the light of exam results could play an important part in ensuring young people get the right educational message."

###

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS

* Read the full article online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03054985.2017.1329722

PLEASE NOTE: This link will not be live until 12:01 BST June 22nd 2017, after when it will be available and free to view.

For media enquiries and to interview Jake Anders, please contact UCL Media Relations: James Russell on +44 (0)20 3108 8516 / james.russell@ucl.ac.uk

For more information regarding the article, please contact:

Email: newsroom@taylorandfrancis.com

Follow us on Twitter: @tandfnewsroom

About Taylor & Francis Group

Taylor & Francis Group partners with researchers, scholarly societies, universities and libraries worldwide to bring knowledge to life. As one of the world's leading publishers of scholarly journals, books, ebooks and reference works our content spans all areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Science, and Technology and Medicine.

From our network of offices in Oxford, New York, Philadelphia, Boca Raton, Boston, Melbourne, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Stockholm, New Delhi and Cape Town, Taylor & Francis staff provide local expertise and support to our editors, societies and authors and tailored, efficient customer service to our library colleagues.

About UCL Institute of Education (IOE)

The UCL Institute of Education is a world-leading centre for research and teaching in education and social science, ranked number one for education worldwide in the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 QS World University Rankings. It was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2016. In 2014, the IOE secured 'outstanding' grades from Ofsted on every criterion for its initial teacher training, across primary, secondary and further education programmes. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment of university research, the IOE was top for 'research power' (GPA multiplied by the size of the entry) in education. Founded in 1902, the Institute currently has more than 8,000 students and 800 staff. In December 2014 it became a single-faculty school of UCL, called the UCL Institute of Education. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe
An algorithm developed at the Hebrew University cuts through the immense number of possible solutions to shorten drug discovery times from years to months

Antibiotics for treating particularly resistant diseases, molecules that block immune system overreactions, molecules that inhibit the growth of cancer cells by removing excess iron, molecules that may increase the digestion of fats: all these and more have been discovered in recent years using a unique computerized approach to solving particularly complex problems.

Over the past five years, an Iterative Stochastic Elimination (ISE) algorithm developed in the laboratory of Prof. Amiram Goldblum, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute for Drug Research, has been applied to the discovery of potential drugs. The Institute is part of the School of Pharmacy in the Faculty Of Medicine. First tested to solve problems in the structure and function of proteins, the algorithm has since been used to reduce drug discovery times -- from years to months and even to weeks.

Goldblum's solution is different from other algorithms called "heuristics," which are based on deriving solutions using logic and intuition, and suggests better solutions. In this instance, the algorithm produces a model for the activity of small molecules on one or more proteins known to cause the disease. A model is a set of filters of physico-chemical properties that distinguish between active and non-active molecules, or between more and less active ones. Millions of molecules can then be screened by the model, which enables the scoring of each molecule by a number that reflects its ability to pass through the filters based on its own physico-chemical properties.

A model of this type is usually built in a few hours and is capable of screening millions of molecules in less than a day. Therefore, within a few days or more, it is possible to make initial predictions about the candidate molecules for a specific activity to combat a disease. Most of those candidates have never been known before to have any biological activity.

For the development of this algorithm, Prof. Goldblum won an American Chemical Society Prize in 2000. Since then, the algorithm has solved many problems related to understanding various biological systems such as protein flexibility, proteins-small molecules interactions, and more. These and other discoveries stem from collaborations between Goldblum's laboratory, where his students employ the algorithm to solve various problems, and laboratories and pharmaceutical companies in the world that test Goldblum's predictions in Germany, Japan, the United States and of course in Israel.

On the strength of Goldblum's technology, the company Pepticom was founded in 2011 by Yissum, the Technology Transfer arm of the Hebrew University, to revolutionize the discovery of novel peptide drug candidates. Pepticom's key asset is an exceptional artificial intelligence platform aimed at designing peptide ligands based upon solved crystal structures of proteins.

Wide Applications

The algorithm can be applied to other types of problems, in which the number of possibilities is immense and are not solvable even if the world's most powerful computers would work on it together. These include problems in which the number of possible outcomes are 10 to the power of 100 and more, such as problems of land transport, aviation, communications and biological systems.

In the field of transportation, this could involve finding alternative ways to get from one point to another using traffic data on each of the alternative roads leading between the two points. In aviation, an optimal arrangement of landings and takeoffs at busy airports. In telecommunications, finding the least expensive routes within a complex array of communication cables. And in biology, a model that is constructed on the basis of a few dozen or hundreds of molecules serves to screen millions of molecules and to discover new drug candidates. These are then sent to experimental labs to be developed further, and in some cases have been crucial in furthering the development of treatment for Alzheimer's disease and different forms of cancer.

###

Kaye Innovation Award

In recognition of his work, Prof. Amiram Goldblum was awarded the Kaye Innovation Award for 2017.

The Kaye Innovation Awards at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have been awarded annually since 1994. Isaac Kaye of England, a prominent industrialist in the pharmaceutical industry, established the awards to encourage faculty, staff and students of the Hebrew University to develop innovative methods and inventions with good commercial potential, which will benefit the university and society. For more information about the 2017 Kaye Innovations Awards, visit http://bit.ly/kaye2017.

About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel's leading academic and research institution, is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Founded in 1918 by visionaries including Albert Einstein, the Hebrew University is a pluralistic institution where science and knowledge are advanced for the benefit of humankind. For more information, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
A students team from the Department of Aerospace Engineering won the Best in Theme Award for moon exploration system design at Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts - Academic Linkage (RASC-AL), an aerospace mission system design competition organized by NASA in the USA.

The KAIST team, consisting of Jaeyoul Ko, Jongeun Suh, Juseong Lee, Sukmin Choi, and Eunkwang Lee, and supervised by Professor Jaemyung Ahn, competed as a joint team with Texas Tech University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia,

The joint team was selected as one of the 14 finalists after two preliminary rounds. The finals of RASC-AL Forum took place from May 30 to June 3 in Florida. The team received the top prize with their design entitled 'Earth to Lunar Interchangeable Transportation Environment (ELITE) for Logistics Delivery Systems', one of the four themes of the competition.

Since 2002, RASC-AL competitions, managed by NASA, have been held with themes on innovative aerospace system and missions, in which world-class undergraduate and graduate students have participated.

This year's themes were ? Lightweight Exercise Suite ? Airlock Design ? Commercially Enabled LEO/Mars Habitable Module and ? Logistics Delivery System.

Moon exploration requires a great deal of time and supplies. The KAIST team has been researching supply delivery systems in space for long-term manned moon exploration with their joint team for the last eight months. In particular, incidents can occur during the initial stages of long-term manned moon exploration missions that are unpredictable during system design and planning. Therefore, to cope with such unpredictability in the mission, the KAIST team deduced a system and an operational concept with increased flexibility to maximize the cost effectiveness of the supply transport.

The spacecraft was divided into propulsion and transport modules based on their functionalities, and can allow the flexibility by switching the transport module according to the demands of the moon base. The operational flexibility and cost effectiveness are further increased by introducing multiple departure orbits from the Earth (e.g. low Earth orbit vs. geosynchronous Earth orbit) enabled by utilization of various launch vehicles.

Professor Ahn, the advisor for the team, said, "I am proud of the students who collaborated with the international joint teams and achieved great result." He continued, "I believe this to be the result of continuous efforts and initiatives of the department for system design-centered education. We will keep providing high-quality system design and education through various opportunities such as international cooperation in design education."

###
MISSOULA - The elusive American pine marten, a little-studied member of the weasel family, might be more diverse than originally thought, according to new research published by a University of Montana professor.

A study by Natalie Dawson, research professor in UM's Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences and director of UM's Wilderness Institute, suggests that the forests of northwest North America may harbor not one, but two distinct species of the mammal. The research, published in a recent edition of the Journal of Mammology, also points to the presence of hybrid marten populations in Montana's Rocky Mountains, where the two species converge.

Dawson, whose work builds on previous research conducted in the 1950s by late UM Professor Philip Wright, examined hundreds of DNA samples to differentiate between the separate populations. She said her findings are exciting because hybridization in different species of mammals is still relatively new, especially in natural ecosystems.

"This is one of the few cases where there has been long-term hybridization between species that still maintain their distinctiveness in their respective localities," she said. "This research also illustrates the importance of historical climate change as a driver for biological diversity in the mountains and landscapes of Montana, as well as throughout the rest of North America."

Currently, Dawson is furthering her research by examining historical pine marten skulls housed in UM's Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum in hopes of understanding the morphological, or physical, characteristic differences between the two species.

###

The study, "Historical biogeography sets the foundation for contemporary conservation of martens (genus Martes) in northwestern North America," is available online at https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/98/3/715/3827815/Historical-bi. For more information, call Dawson at 406-243-6956 or email natalie.dawson@umontana.edu.
A pair of scientists at The University of Texas at El Paso is one step closer to developing the first ever clinical Chagas disease vaccine.

Researchers Rosa Maldonado, Ph.D., and Igor Almeida, Ph.D., both faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, recently were granted a patent for "Mucin-Associated Surface Protein As Vaccine Against Chagas Disease."

"We dream of this [a vaccine for Chagas disease], but we don't know it is going to happen," Almeida said. "You dream to get something to help the people and you expect to make at least a small contribution," Maldonado shared.

The preventive vaccine had been in development since 2008 and most recently was tested at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (TBRI) in San Antonio on nonhuman primates in collaboration with John VandeBerg, Ph.D. Results are promising and may lead to clinical trials in the coming years.

A second vaccine, based on synthetic parasite sugars, in collaboration with Katja Michael, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at UTEP, also was tested in nonhuman primates at TBRI and yielded very promising results. Almeida started work on that vaccine 27 years ago and is currently awaiting patent approval. The vaccine studies were funded by the Kleberg Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

"The big problem with Chagas disease is heart failure," Maldonado explained. "We have determined the inflammation in the heart and the parasitic load significantly decreased, and this vaccine is protecting the animals from the disease. These are the first synthetic vaccines tested in a non-human primate model ever."

The UTEP scientists said that 6 million to 8 million people are chronically infected with the potentially life-threatening Chagas disease. Chagas is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to animals and people by insect vectors known as kissing bugs. The disease has been endemic in Latin America, but is rapidly spreading through the U.S., Europe and other nonendemic regions as a result of globalization. Yet, there is no clinical vaccine, although there have been several experimental efforts throughout the years.

Both UTEP researchers confirm kissing bugs are in the Paso del Norte region that includes El Paso, have been caught and tested, and many turn out positive with Trypanosoma cruzi. The number of people infected, though, is underreported because symptoms may take decades to turn up and doctors don't regularly test for this tropical disease.

"It is not like a viral infection; you don't see it, you feel like you have the flu," Almeida said. "After several years is when you start having problems. Seventy to 80 percent of those infected don't feel anything until they start having cardiac problems or gastrointestinal issues or both. That can take over 10-20 years."

Getting it from a kissing bug isn't the only way to contract the disease. Once a human is infected, the parasite can be transmitted to others via organ transplants, blood transfusions and from a mother to a fetus. In addition, the parasite can be spread through foods and juices tainted by the contaminated bug feces.

To prevent parasite transmission by the kissing bug, the scientists say it's important to be aware of the presence of the bugs in the house and yard.

"If you see kissing bugs, do not touch them. You can collect them using gloves and a jar. To prevent them from coming into your home, plug any cracks in your home, keep screens on your windows and doors and make sure there are no tears," the pair advised.

If you catch a kissing bug, call 915-747-6891 or 915-747-6086 or email ramaldonado@utep.edu or icalmeida@utep.edu so their team can pick up the specimen and test it.

Efforts are under way now to increase community awareness locally and seek funding for future studies.

"We feel good but would feel better if these vaccines went on to clinical trials," Almeida said.

"The anxiety to go to the next step is unbearable," Maldonado added. "Every step is a very hard fight."

###
Drawing on mankind's earliest spirit of adventure, nine teams of Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU) researchers and international peers will forge new ideas together on the sailing ship 'Thor Heyerdahl' in the summer of 2017. Recognised as a centre of excellence for innovation and international research, FAU has designed the 'Science Sets Sail' initiative around its major research topics. Through moderated discussions, presentations, on-board life and teamwork, FAU's goal is to grow together with research partners by sharing new experiences, while strengthening interdisciplinary research on themes that are critical to our world today. Meanwhile, 'Open Ship Days' at the five ports of call will broaden the initiative's audience and appeal.

FAU created Science Sets Sail as an innovative way to establish new forms of cooperation with academics in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland, Sweden and further afield - not to mention attract potential students and researchers to come to Germany. In doing so, the University intends to encourage international individuals with high potential to participate in FAU's cutting-edge research projects.

"I am really excited about the new scientific horizons that Science Sets Sail will enable us to cross, and so to change the world," says Prof. Dr. Joachim Hornegger, President of FAU. "I believe that the Science Sets Sail trip will support us in building strong and committed teams of international researchers around the important Scandinavian and Baltic region, enabling both FAU and guest academic institutions to push the boundaries of interdisciplinary research."

The three-masted topsail schooner sailing ship is named after the Norwegian researcher and explorer famous for leading the 'Kon-Tiki' expedition in 1947. Thor Heyerdahl showed that it was possible for ancient Polynesians to travel large distances using only materials and technologies available at that time. Following this inspiration, FAU research teams - matched by peers from the Baltic region and beyond - will participate from nine FAU entities during three consecutive legs of the voyage:

Leg 1: Kiel - Malmo - Riga (Saturday 15 July to Tuesday 25 July)

Chair of Factory Automation and Production Systems (FAPS)

Centre for Human Rights Erlangen-Nurnberg (CHREN)

GeoZentrum Nordbayern (GZN)

Leg 2: Riga - Helsinki - Tallinn (Tuesday 25 July to Wednesday 2 August)

Graduate School of Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT)

Erlangen Nurnberg Excellence Track - Leistungszentrum Elektroniksysteme (ENETLZE)

Chair of Economics - Discrete Optimization - Mathematics (EDOM

Leg 3: Tallinn - Danzig - Rostock (Wednesday 2 August to Friday 11 August)

Cluster of Excellence - Engineering of Advanced Materials (EAM)

Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy

Faculty of Medicine and Collaborative Research Centre 1181 "Switching points for resolving inflammation"

Open Ship Days

At each scheduled port, the Science Sets Sail teams look forward to sharing some of their experience locally via a mobile science fair referred to as Open Ship Days. These and other events at the ports of call will broaden the initiative's audience and appeal by inviting the participation of local municipalities and chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, researchers at different stages of their career, highly talented students and members of the general public.

Malmo, Sweden: Tuesday 18 July

Riga, Latvia: Monday 24 July

Helsinki, Finland: Saturday 29 July

Tallinn, Estonia: Tuesday 1 August

Danzig, Poland: Monday 7 August

The accompanying Science Sets Sail website shares information and stories from the ship and ports of call, including a growing list of events, and a ship's log book which will be updated in the run up to and during the voyage. For more information, please see: http://www.science-sets-sail.fau.eu

Picture download: http://www.fau.de/files/2017/06/KUS-Projekt_Thor-Heyerdahl.jpg

###

About FAU

With over 40,000 students, about 650 professorships and 14,000 employees, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU), founded in 1743, is one of the largest universities in Germany. In addition to the Cluster of Excellence 'Engineering of Advanced Materials' (EAM) and the Graduate School of Advanced Optical Technologies (SAOT), which was founded as part of the Excellence Initiative, FAU currently has more than 30 co-ordinated programmes with DFG funding.

The University of Erlangen-Nurnberg offers around 260 degree programmes, among them 7 Bavarian Elite Master's degree programmes and around 50 programmes with a distinct international focus. No other German university offers such a broad and interdisciplinary range of subjects on all qualification levels. FAU students enjoy global mobility through over 500 partnerships with higher education institutions in more than 70 countries.
In the wake of recent mass shootings in Alexandria, Virginia, and elsewhere in the U.S., a new study from two University of Illinois at Chicago political scientists looks at factors that drive support for gun control among whites, Latinos and blacks.

"This is the first study that provides analyses for each of the two minority groups separately," says Alexandra Filindra, associate professor of political science and lead author of the study. "Previous studies have analyzed aggregate public opinion or white public opinion."

Filindra and Noah Kaplan, UIC clinical assistant professor of political science, analyzed data from a 2015 survey on gun control conducted by YouGov.com, an online international market research firm.

The researchers found support for all forms of gun control is stronger among Latinos and blacks than whites.

For example, 74 percent of blacks and 61 percent of Latinos, but only 55 percent of whites support an assault weapons ban.

Similarly, 86 percent of blacks and 78 percent of Latinos, but only 62 percent of whites support the creation of a federal database that tracks sales of firearms.

Fear of crime, such as being afraid to walk in the neighborhood after dark, has no effect on gun control preferences for any group, according to the report.

"This suggests that perceptions of danger and concerns about the likelihood of becoming a victim are not a key driver of gun policy preferences," Filindra said. "There is some evidence that experience with criminal victimization dampens support for gun control among African-Americans, but not the other two groups."

Similar to findings from earlier research, the study indicates racial resentment, a measure of anti-black attitudes, is a significant predictor of the gun control preferences and related beliefs held by whites, and to a similar extent among Latinos.

"The same is the case for beliefs that blacks are more violent than whites," Filindra said. "Racial prejudice, even though it is no longer a dominant attitude among whites, still influences their gun control policy attitudes."

The researchers also found ideology and political partisanship are strong predictors of support for gun control among whites and Latinos, but not blacks.

"Based on the responses measured across all groups, the perception that crime is going up in the country correlates with stronger support for gun control measures," she said. "This undercuts the argument often made by gun rights activists that fear of crime is what drives individuals to support gun rights."

###

The study, "Testing Theories of Gun Policy Preferences Among Blacks, Latinos, and Whites in America," is published online and in a special issue of the journal Social Science Quarterly.

Data collection was conducted by the researchers with a grant from the UIC Chancellor's Discovery Fund for Multidisciplinary Research.
PITTSBURGH (June 22, 2017) ... In honor of significant contributions to the University of Pittsburgh, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher has appointed Minking Chyu as Distinguished Service Professor, effective September 1, 2017.

Dr. Chyu is currently the Leighton and Mary Orr Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Associate Dean of International Initiatives, and the inaugural Dean of the Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) in China. After officially opening its doors in fall 2015, SCUPI has already grown freshman enrollment from 100 to 160 students this past year. There are currently 22 faculty and staff members and a new 300,000 square-foot building is currently under construction.

"Dr. Chyu conceived the idea of creating a joint institute that would offer three University of Pittsburgh engineering degrees in China, led a team from the Swanson School to find a suitable partner, convinced the leadership of Sichuan University--a top 10 Chinese institution--to partner with Pitt, and persuaded the Pitt administration and the Chinese Ministry of Education of the merits of the joint venture. Dr. Chyu's vision will have an immeasurable impact on future engineers for generations to come," said Gerald Holder, US Steel Dean of Engineering at the Swanson School of Engineering.

Dr. Chyu received his PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. Before joining the University of Pittsburgh in 2000, he was a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University for 13 years. His primary research interests are in thermal and material issues relating to energy, power, and aero propulsion systems. Dr. Chyu is a recipient of four NASA Certificates of Recognition for his contributions on the US space shuttle main engineer program. He has served as an Air Force Summer Research Fellow, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Research Fellow, and DOE Advanced-Turbine-System Faculty Fellow.

He is also a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Associate Fellow of American Institute of Aerospace and Aeronautics (AIAA), and a member of the Scientific Council of the International Center of Heat and Mass Transfer (ISHMT). Dr. Chyu has published more than 300 technical papers in archived journals, books, and conference proceedings.

###
Thursday, June 22, 2017

(NewsUSA) -As the warm weather of spring and summer arrives, ambitious and well-intentioned homeowners embark on cleaning, maintenance, and improvement projects that often involve roofs, gutters, and ladders. However, working on a ladder can be dangerous.

Consider this: every year, approximately 164,000 people visit emergency rooms in the United States because of ladder accidents, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Underscoring the fact that lack of knowledge about ladder safety is a growing problem are recent survey results published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine which found that the number of ladder-related injuries in the United States has increased by more than 50 percent in 15 years.

Professionals and nonprofessionals alike can benefit by keeping some safety tips in mind, courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

-Stand firm. When positioning a ladder anywhere around your home, be sure to place it level on firm ground.

-Have a partner, but go solo. When climbing a ladder, have another person with you to hold the lower end for extra safety and support. However, only one person at a time should be on a ladder so it doesn't become top-heavy and fall over.

-Don't go to the top. Never stand on the top rung of a ladder, and don't reach from a ladder. Instead, climb down and move the ladder to the location of your choice.

-Watch for doors. Never place a ladder near a door that can be opened; an unexpected exit could lead to a ladder accident.

-Be shoe smart. Wear shoes with clean, dry soles when working on ladders. Avoid sandals or flip flops.

Most importantly, don't forget the rule of three: According to the American Ladder Institute, the "Three Points of Contact" rule means keeping either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the steps, rungs, or side rails of a ladder at all times to reduce chances of a slip or fall.

Gutter cleaning and maintenance are among the highest risk activities for ladder injuries. One option to reduce the risk is to install rain dispersal gutters that don't require routine cleaning.

Products such as the Rainhandler Rain Dispersal system are engineered to keep leaves and debris out of gutters.

Visit www.rainhandler.com for more information about how the right gutter management can simplify home maintenance.

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WEST SUNBURY, Pa.  Madeline McEachin grew up at a farm on a hill as tall as the Pennsylvania Fair Queen crown she now wears. Unlike the crown, which has to be attached to her hair with bobby pins, she wears her agricultural background naturally.

4-H career

McEachin began her 4-H career when she was 13. Now, at 19, McEachin says the fair was always the best part of the summer. She started out by showing horses with the rest of her 4-H club. For her last two years, she also showed Nigerian Dwarf goats, a breed of dairy goat.

McEachin has always found her home fair, the Big Butler County Fair, to be so tight-knit, but so welcoming. She says there are always new people at the fair, including exhibitors, vendors and visitors, but each year, everyone seems to pick up where they left off the year before.

Last summer, she was chosen as the Outstanding Youth, in addition to winning the fair queen title, at her county fair.

For the Outstanding Youth award, 4-H leaders nominate their club members, and the nominees are narrowed down into five final candidates who are then interviewed about the impact that the fair has had on them. The award is given based on participation in the fair and performance in the interview. McEachin was honored to be chosen out of all of her peers, who she greatly respects.

Then, in February 2017, she was crowned as the Pennsylvania Fair Queen.

Friendship stands out to McEachin as an important theme of the fair  she describes it as a 10-day-long sleepover with her friends. Many years, going to the fair was her summer vacation.

Ag background

Even before McEachin started showing at the fair, she was rooted in agriculture. Her parents, Paul and Karla McEachin, moved to their farm, which sits on land that her grandfather used to own, soon after they married. Her maternal grandparents own a beef farm near her home.

McEachin says she grew up with farmland all around her. However, sometimes distance provides clarity. McEachin just completed her first year as a student at Penn State, majoring in accounting and minoring in agribusiness. Growing up, she never really noticed, but returning from college, she sees the beauty in the scenic landscape of her farm.

Promoting ag

McEachin says her job as the new Pennsylvania Fair Queen is to promote agriculture. This includes visiting county fairs as well as other statewide events like Ag Progress Days near State College, and Cornucopia in Harrisburg. At these events, she represents the state fair and discusses the importance of agriculture and fairs with visitors.

She also recently attended Celebrate Butler County in her home county, and Farm to Table at Fox Chase Farm. Some of these events have been educational for her as well.

Fox Chase Farm is owned by the Philadelphia school district, and the opportunities the farm provides are part of the curriculum for students. McEachin says she had never seen that kind of program.

McEachin has also visited some elementary school classrooms. The visits included reading a Dr. Seuss book, Oh Say Can You Seed, and planting potatoes with the students. She currently has 30 fair visits planned for the summer and expects to schedule a few more in the coming weeks.

In the past she may not have realized it, but studying at Penn State has shown her how under-appreciated agriculture is by many of her peers.

This year, I hope to make people more aware of where their food comes from, she said.

She and her friends, along with many other exhibitors, often hang out by their animals stalls during the week. Her hope is that visitors will see the exhibitors around the barns and not be afraid to ask questions about the animals.

With so many things to learn and experience through visitors, vendors and exhibitors, McEachin says the fair is good for the community.
[June 21, 2017] Samsung Begins Mass Production of First Exynos-branded IoT Solution, the Exynos i T200

Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced the start of mass production of its first Exynos-branded Internet of Things (IoT) solution, the Exynos i T200. Built on a low-power 28-nanometer (nm) High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) process and featuring high processing capabilities along with Wi-Fi connectivity, the Exynos i T200 is an optimum IoT solution to deliver the performance needed for upcoming IoT use cases. In terms of processing, the Exynos i T200 utilizes both a Cortex-R4 processor and an additional Cortex-M0+ processor enabling the devices it supports to process and perform various tasks without the need for an extra microcontroller IC in the system. For connectivity, the Exynos i T200 supports 802.11b/g/n single-band (2.4GHz), and has received the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance (News - Alert), and Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT. It also natively supports IoTivity, an IoT protocol standard from the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF), which enables seamless interoperability between IoT devices. To address security and privacy, one of the biggest current challenges for device manufactues and consumers in applying IoT capabilities, the Exynos i T200 utilizes a separate and designated security management hardware block called the Security Sub-System (SSS). In addition, the Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) IP provides secure data storage and device authentication management without the need to fuse a key onto silicon, and rely on a discrete security IC for key storage. This security measure provides a much higher level of security compared to the conventional one-time programmable (OTP) based solutions.



"The Exynos i T200 is an IoT solution optimized to deliver both the performance and security demanded in the IoT market," said Ben Hur, Vice President of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. "With various Exynos solution offerings, Samsung will deliver further differentiated value to not only mobile devices, but also non-mobile spaces, including automotive and IoT." For more information about Samsung's Exynos products, please visit www.samsung.com/exynos.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170621006395/en/

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A Conservative MEP has failed to stop a complete EU ban on neonicotinoid pesticides, which critics say are harmful to Britain's bee population.

In March it was reported that draft regulations stated the Commission was likely to call for a 'near complete ban' of the pesticides from EU member states.

But some farming groups criticised the move saying the pesticides are 'vital' in protecting England's crops from pests.

National Farmers' Union (NFU) Vice President Guy Smith said there was 'no clear evidence' that neonicotinoids cause widespread impacts on bee populations.

Newly appointed Defra secretary Michael Gove appeared on BBC Radio 4's Farming Today programme, he said: "While the EU has often been a force for good in raising environmental standards, some of the means why which the EU has sought to improve the environment haven't always been the most effective regulatory tools.

"So getting those things right will be critical to making Brexit a success."

'Time to start listening'

Julie Girling, the Conservative MEP for South West of England in the European Parliament, launched a move against a proposed ban of three neonicotinoid pesticides.

She wanted the European Parliament to pass a series of 'objections' to the Commission's ban proposals, which she argues have not been supported by sufficient legal and scientific evidence.

But MEPs have today (22 June) rejected the attempt to oppose a full ban. 43 MEPs on the Environment Committee voted against the proposal by Julie Girling.

Matt Shardlow, who is at the conservation charity Buglife told The Guardian that Conservative politicians have 'repeatedly' led the charge to face down measures to restrict 'harmful pesticides.'

"Buglife would like to see a clear commitment from the Conservatives that after Brexit our environment and health will be in safe hands. It is time to start listening to the people and respecting the experts.

"We hope Michael Gove will listen to the experts and provide reassurance that in the UK and the EU action will be taken to ensure that the huge pollinator declines caused by pesticides never happen again."

'Clear evidence'

The NFU has said that because of the neonicotinoid restrictions, pest numbers have increased in recent years.

He said: "Highly targeted, highly controlled use of neonicotinoid seed treatment would help deliver significant benefits in controlling flea beetles and allow crops to establish and thrive."

Agricultural science institute Rothamsted Research also backed up Mr Smith's claims by saying production of UK crops is at risk if neonicotinoids are more widely restricted or banned completely.

"It will be very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain production of many crops if neonicotinoids are more widely restricted or banned completely," the organisation said.

"For example, in sugar beet, the control of aphids and the virus diseases they spread, is totally reliant on neonicotinoid seed treatments because the aphids are resistant to other control chemistries."

'28,800ha lost crop'

A previous study has found that the full cost to UK farmers of the neonicotinoid ban in 2016 was 18.4 million and resulted in almost 28,800ha of lost crop.

But evidence has mounted that they do in fact cause harm to bees, with a landmark paper from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology last year linking the pesticides to long-term bee decline in the UK.

It is backed by a report in April this year that found nearly all farms could cut their pesticide use while still producing as much food.
A lamb stuck down a 40 foot deep disused quarry tunnel in the Cumbrian fells has been rescued by the RSPCA and Coniston Mountain Rescue volunteers.

The lamb was returned safely to a local Coniston farmer.

An eagle-eyed geology student from Leeds University who was doing fieldwork at the old Ash Ghyll slate quarry near Coniston called the RSPCA for help when she spotted the stricken young Herdwick on the afternoon of Sunday 11 June.

An Inspector from the animal welfare charity met student Leigh Marsh at the site and quickly realised they would need to call on Mountain Rescue to help with the rescue.

The Cumbrian lambs predicament was alerted by a student field-worker (Photo: RSPCA)

RSPCA Inspector Victoria Westwood said: He was stuck down a deep tunnel inside an old quarry with very steep sides and he just couldnt get out.

It was clear that any rescue at this deep and hazardous site would need to be carried out by people with expertise in this kind of terrain. So I contacted Mountain Rescue who arrived within the hour.

After carefully making their way down into the quarry, the guys from Mountain Rescue had to wade through an old tunnel to get to the lamb. They were then able to catch it and secure it in an animal bag, while I traced the owner of the lamb.

The lamb was carefully hoisted up the quarry walls then Mountain Rescue carried him down the fells where we reunited the lamb with his owner, Mr Inman from Highground Farm. The lamb was checked over and despite its ordeal, miraculously hadnt suffered any injuries.

The RSPCA would like to offer their thanks to Leeds University student Leigh Marsh, who called the incident in and everyone at Coniston Mountain Rescue. That lamb would have died if it wasnt for them.

In April, footage emerged of a dramatic rescue involving a sheep which had got itself stuck on a cliff face in Wales after being chased by a dog.
A selection of British dairy will be promoted in India for the first time ever in a bid to boost dairy exports.

Promotional events across the capital city of Delhi over the next two months will entice the local populace to try British cheese.

The tastings have been organised by an Indian dairy importer and supported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) as part of its new export marketing programme which aims to promote premium cheese around the world.

Jean Pierre Garnier, Head of Exports for AHDB, said: We have chosen Delhi as the most appropriate city in India for this promotion as many shoppers there are used to international products and we already have a good market presence there.

Obviously, we market in India mid-price products which sell at a premium against local cheese but are still affordable for a large part of the population.

The Indian dairy market is the worlds largest and, although India is not yet one of our major outlets for cheese, the objective of this promotion is to support the long-term development in this country which has a huge sales potential.

Mr Garnier said the Indian consumer and retail scene is changing fast with an increased aspiration for imported food products on the back of growing incomes.

He continued: This promotion will also help to develop our image as a producer of tasty, high quality and sophisticated cheeses in the face of fierce competition from other European countries.

EU's largest customer

After Brexit, the UK would be the EUs largest customer for dairy products, if trade continued at recent levels.

According to AHDB Dairy, the UK imported around 2.5bn worth of dairy produce from the EU-27 (the 27 Member States of the EU, excluding the UK) during 2015.

This is equal to around 20% of EU-27s total global exports.

Despite excellent milk producing credentials, the UK has the second largest net dairy deficit in the world, behind China.

This trade deficit is largely driven by cheese imports, which made up around half of the value of the UKs total dairy imports in 2015.

It also imports significant quantities of infant formula, butter, yoghurts and buttermilk. As a result, the UK is one of the most valuable global markets for dairy and will be a key target for many dairy exporting nations.

AHDB Dairy has said it will now look at which EU Member States rely most heavily on the UK for their dairy exports.
COP27: Energy and food security must be addressed, farm leaders say
Iron ore is one of the main raw materials used to make steel. In fact, 98% of the iron ore mined each year is for steel production. Given the importance of steel to our global economy, iron ore is one of the most valuable metals produced by miners.

Because of that, companies that mine it tend to make a considerable amount of money. That's why the world's three largest iron ore miners, which combined to control more than 40% of the market, pay very generous dividends:

Iron Ore Stock Ticker Symbol Dividend Yield Rio Tinto (RIO 4.22%) 4.34% Vale (VALE -1.56%) 3.66% BHP Billiton (BHP 4.49%) 3.11%

Here's a closer look at the top dividend paying stocks in the iron ore industry.

Iron ore and so much more

Rio Tinto is the third largest iron ore producer in the world thanks to its network of 15 mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. That business produced robust earnings last year, generating $8.5 billion of underlying EBITDA, up 11% from the prior year, helping the company more than offset weakness in its aluminum, copper, and diamonds businesses so that it delivered $13.5 billion in EBITDA for the full-year, up 7% from 2015. Overall, Rio Tinto generated $8.5 billion in operating cash flow for the year and returned $3.6 billion to investors, including $3.1 billion in dividends.

Those payments should continue flowing to investors since a crucial part of Rio Tinto's value proposition is paying out 40% to 60% of its cash flow in dividends each year. Given that policy, Rio Tinto has the potential to pay higher dividends as cash flow rises, which is highly likely since it has several initiatives underway geared to increase earnings. One of those is its Silvergrass expansion project, which will deliver 20 million tonnes of iron ore per year when it comes online later this year, a nice increase for a company that produced 263.3 million tonnes in 2015. It's an incredibly high-return project, with Rio Tinto expecting to earn a more than 100% internal rate of return on the $500 million invested in the project. In addition to that, the company is working to increase the productivity of its mines, which should release an additional $1.5 billion of cash flow per year by 2021. Add in the fact that Rio Tinto has the best balance sheet in its peer group, and it should continue making dividend investors happy.

The global iron ore leader

Brazil's iron ore giant Vale is not only the largest iron ore producer in the world but that one commodity supplies more than 75% of its revenue. While that means it's as close to a pure play on iron ore as income investors will find in the sector, its lack of diversification and weaker balance sheet makes it higher risk during periods when iron ore prices are low. That was the case last year when the company only paid $250 million in dividends, which was a huge drop from the $1.5 billion it paid out in 2015 and the $4.2 billion it shelled out in 2014. That said, with iron ore prices rising over the past year, and a major growth project ramping up, the company's dividend has followed suit in 2017.

That growth project is the $14 billion S11D mine, which will add 90 million tonnes to the company's annual capacity as output ramps up. The mine will eventually enable Vale to produce 400 million to 450 million tonnes per year, which is a pretty big jump for a company that produced 346.1 million tonnes in 2015. Even better, cash costs of that mine will be 40% below those of its legacy mines, positioning the company as the low-cost leader in the industry. Because of that, Vale should generate tremendous cash flow in the future, likely enabling it to pay higher dividends.

An iron giant and then some

Like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton benefits from controlling several iron ore mines in Western Australia. That said, BHP is much more diversified since iron ore only contributed 42% of its underlying EBITDA in the back half of last year, while petroleum, copper, and coal each provided about 20% of underlying EBITDA. That diversification enabled the company to benefit from an improving iron more market as well as stronger demand for coal and copper. As a result, cash flow from operations jumped 46%, giving BHP Billiton the money to pay 150% more in dividends than it did in the prior period.

One of the drivers of that dividend increase is BHP Billiton's payout policy, which dictates that it return 50% of cash flow after maintenance capital to investors via dividends, with the rest allocated toward growth projects, share buybacks, debt reduction, and additional dividends. As a result of that policy, when cash flow rises so does the dividend.

While improving commodity prices will play a significant role in boosting earnings in the future, another driver will be growth projects. One such expansion is in its Western Australia iron ore business, where the company plans to boost annual capacity up to 290 million tonnes per year during 2019, which is a healthy increase from the 273.8 million tonnes produced in 2015. That future capacity increase, when combined with rising commodity prices, has the potential to fuel healthy dividend growth in the years ahead.

Investor takeaway

Because iron ore is an essential component for steelmaking, it tends to be quite profitable. As a result, the largest global iron ore producers generate substantial cash flow, which gives them plenty of money to pay generous dividends to shareholders when prices are high. Further, these companies have a history of reinvesting their iron ore cash flows into high-return growth projects, which should push profits higher even if prices don't follow suit, increasing the likelihood that their dividends will rise over time.
High-quality stocks with strong dividends are hard to come by, but both Verizon Communications (VZ 2.39%) and Philip Morris International (PM 2.51%) have the pedigrees that income investors want to see. With solid histories of dividend growth and attractive current yields, both Verizon and Philip Morris are blue-chip grade stocks that can fit in many investors' portfolios. Yet some of those following the two stocks worry about the respective challenges they each face, and that leaves would-be buyers in a position of deciding which one looks more promising. Below, we'll compare Verizon and Philip Morris by utilizing some useful measures of success, and then you can decide which stock makes more sense for your situation.

Stock performance and valuation

Verizon and Philip Morris have seen their stocks diverge sharply over the past year. Verizon has fallen more than 15% since June 2016, while Philip Morris has gained 18% over the same time period.

After having seen their shares move in essentially opposite directions, it's no surprise to see that valuations have moved away from each other as well. When you look at trailing earnings, Verizon looks like a relative bargain, trading at a trailing multiple of 15. By contrast, Philip Morris currently trades at nearly 27 times trailing earnings. That difference doesn't narrow when you take future earnings estimates into account. Philip Morris has a forward earnings multiple of 22, but Verizon weighs in at just half that number. Based on valuation, Verizon looks like the better pick over Philip Morris.

Dividends

Verizon's weak share price performance has also given it a relative advantage in terms of dividend yield. Verizon has seen its yield climb to nearly 5%, while Philip Morris' yield has slumped to just 3.4%.

For a while, Philip Morris had much stronger dividend growth than Verizon, compensating in part for its lower yield. Double-digit percentage increases in dividends were common during the tobacco giant's first years as an independent publicly traded company. However, over the past couple of years, Philip Morris has only made small dividend increases of just 2%. That's roughly comparable to what Verizon has traditionally done, with the telecom company making 2% to 4% boosts in most years recently.

Going forward, Verizon's lower payout ratio of about 75% gives it somewhat more latitude for dividend growth. Philip Morris has a higher payout ratio, equal to about 90% of its earnings. Based both on current dividends and future payout prospects, Verizon again gets an edge.

Growth prospects and risk

Verizon and Philip Morris both have growth opportunities, but they also face challenges. For Verizon, the search for growth has led to a huge gamble. The telecom company paid $2.2 billion for Straight Path Communications (NYSEMKT: STRP) in an effort to build up its holdings of high-band spectrum. Verizon hopes to use Straight Path's assets to help build out Verizon's 5G network, and that will be crucial in order to differentiate Big Red from its rivals in the wireless mobile space. But until 5G becomes available -- and perhaps even afterward -- the competitive efforts of Verizon's rivals will pose a threat to pricing power throughout the industry. Verizon is trying to market its qualitative advantages over rival networks, but many customers have been willing in the past to accept slightly worse network quality in exchange for substantial savings. An ongoing price war won't be good for anyone in the industry, but it will hit Verizon and its premium offerings particularly hard.

Meanwhile, Philip Morris has seen a tough trend continue in recent months, as its first-quarter results showed double-digit drops in cigarette sales volumes. Declines came throughout the company's global reach, with both of Philip Morris' European segments faring particularly badly. Asia was a high point for Philip Morris, largely because the success of the iQOS heat-not-burn tobacco system has continued to surprise even the most optimistic of investors. Even though Philip Morris has ramped up production of iQOS in order to meet demand, however, the company's anticipated transition from traditional cigarettes to reduced-risk products likely won't happen fast enough to prevent what could be a disruptive drop in sales. Philip Morris must not only retain its own cigarette customers with iQOS but also woo smokers of other brands to the reduced-risk product. With rivals coming out with heated-tobacco products of their own, Philip Morris will have to work hard to preserve its first-mover advantage and keep up its momentum.

When you weigh advantages and challenges, Verizon looks like the better buy between these two stocks currently. Better valuations and higher dividend yields give Verizon a bigger margin of safety against potential adversity than Philip Morris has right now. Both stocks will have to push hard, however, in order to overcome the obstacles in their paths toward future growth.
Over time, a company's operational performance will determine how its stock performs. For instance, when a company trips up badly, its share price frequently declines to match the market's lowered expectations. It's thanks to one of those major stumbles that even in this rich market, Kinder Morgan (KMI 3.53%) is offering investors value for the money they're investing.

In late 2015, pipeline giant Kinder Morgan and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP 4.86%) made an offer to acquire the struggling National Gas Pipeline Company of America. That transaction added debt to Kinder Morgan's balance sheet, which spooked Moody's into placing a negative outlook on Kinder Morgan's debt rating. That drove Kinder Morgan to cut its dividend to protect its balance sheet, sending its shares into free-fall.

Once bitten, twice shy

Those who had owned Kinder Morgan solely for its once generous dividend got burned by that decision, seeing their incomes from the shares decline 75% at the same time that their stock value plummeted. That was a one-two punch that made it very hard to replace the lost income. Kinder Morgan's dividend still sits where it did after that cut, keeping away investors who view a company's dividend policy as a signal of its management's true feelings on the strength of a company.

As a result, Kinder Morgan's shares still trade for less than half where they were trading in April 2015, before the whole balance sheet kerfuffle began. Still, for investors who recognize that a company's share price should depend on its future, rather than the past, today's Kinder Morgan offers an interesting value.

Where that value is coming from

Critical to the value picture is the fact that, despite the dividend cut, Kinder Morgan continues to generate billions in operating cash flow; over $4.6 billion of it over the past four reported quarters. It has put that cash flow to great use, shoring up its balance sheet to the point where Moody's no longer views it with a negative outlook. In addition, thanks to that lowered dividend, Kinder Morgan has been able to cover much of its expansion plan from operating cash flows, lowering financing costs.

In addition, Kinder Morgan recently raised around $1.3 billion U.S. (1.75 billion Canadian dollars) in a partial initial public offering of its Canadian assets to help finance its expansion plan there. That money, plus another $4.1 billion U.S. (C$5.5 billion) the company recently raised for Canadian expansion should eventually result in even more cash flows for the company -- and ultimately, its investors.

With a market capitalization around $42 billion, Kinder Morgan is trading at around 9 times its trailing operating cash flows. With all of the money it's funneling toward its expansion plans, the odds are good that those operating cash flows should increase over time. This is especially true since 91% of Kinder Morgan's revenues come from fee-based services, giving the company great visibility to the likely revenue streams from the assets it's spending those billions building.

Speaking of that dividend...

While Kinder Morgan hasn't yet restored its dividend since that late 2015 cut, it has indicated it intends to revisit its dividends in late 2017 with an eye toward likely increasing them in 2018. Since Kinder Morgan's cash flow remained strong, and it used much of the money it otherwise would have put toward dividends to shore up its balance sheet, it legitimately has the potential to do so.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed unless or until Kinder Morgan actually does announce an increased dividend, but given the steps it has taken to be able to do so, chances are good that it will. Since the slashed dividend drove a large part of the company's share price decline, it's reasonable to think a restored dividend could be the start of a decent recovery in its share price, too.

A strong business plus a weak stock drives your value opportunity

Kinder Morgan has long been a cash-flow-generating titan with a "tollbooth" style business that will be in demand as long as energy is produced away from where it is needed. It remains a strong company today, but its shares reflect the past weakness of its balance sheet along with its still-stagnant dividend from the painful cut it took to shore up that balance sheet.

If the company keeps to its published expectations, we should hear within the next few months whether it believes it has strengthened its balance sheet to the point where it can resume raising its dividend. If it does, investors who buy today could find themselves owning shares as the market recognizes the operational strength that has been there throughout the balance-sheet recovery.

And if it isn't confident enough to raise its dividend by the end of this year, investors who buy today still get a reasonable valuation for its still strong operations.
Q: Marcus, the departure of Monisha Kaltenborn as Saubers team principal seemed to come out of the blue. Did it seem very sudden to you? Marcus Ericcson: It was very sudden indeed. A very new situation for me as a driver. First, I have a lot to thank Monisha for - she was the one who gave me the chance after my one-year stay at Caterham  but also us as a team. She has been with the team for such a long time. Secondly, we have to trust that the owners know what they are doing and that they have a good plan for the future.

Q: How did you learn that she is no longer with the team? Pascal [Wehrlein] said that Monisha called him to inform him?

ME: I didnt get a call - I learned it from some team members. I dont know the details yet  nor the reasons for it. I am sure I will find out.



Q: Was it a complete surprise to you?

ME: Yes, I would say so!



Q: So it was out of the blue and everything was going smoothly up until yesterday?

ME: Well, there is always something going on inside a team. That goes for every team here in the paddock  but there was no way I could have seen this coming.

Q: There was a second press release from the Sauber board denying rumours that the teams drivers do not receive equal treatment. Theres a saying theres no smoke without fire  is there anything to it?

ME: Yes, there was a lot in the press yesterday about unfair advantages for one driver  and all this



Q: and very obviously this driver was not you

ME: yeah, I dont know. But when I read all these stories they were upsetting for me - and the whole team. Very disrespectful. All these rumours were false and untrue  and a slap in the face of every single member of Sauber F1. This is a team that works day and night to get back to success  with both cars and both drivers. And if somebody dreams up such a story it becomes a fact and everybody copies this bulls**t that the team is giving unfair advantages. This is completely unfair and disrespectful.



Q: Has the board contacted you to verify such a situation? Thats often what you do when you react to such an allegation

ME: No, they just responded to what was out in the press because it was hurting the team and we dont want to see things spread in the media that are completely false.



Q: So what is the feeling within the team?

ME: Surprise, as I said before. I dont think that anybody saw it coming. But we all trust the owners that they have a plan that will make the team stronger.



Q: How do you get along with Pascal?

ME: We work very well together. It is not that kind of relationship where we would go on holiday together, but the working atmosphere is good  we discuss all issues surrounding the car.
[June 22, 2017] NetComm Wireless and Telefonica announce global IoT supply agreement

SYDNEY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) and Telefonica today announced the signing of an IoT Device Supply Agreement.The agreement further strengthens NetComm Wireless' presence in the US and Europe; and offers new 3G/4G M2M/IoT capabilities for smart city, mobility, retail and energy applications across multiple geographies as Telefonica extends its IoT reach to over 2,500 enterprises worldwide. "Telefonica is driving digital transformation on a global scale with a focus on IoT innovation and we are pleased to join Telefonica's partner ecosystem as the need for smart remote communication between business assets and machines becomes ever more critical for enterprises globally," said, Philip Micallef, General Manager M2M, NetComm Wireless. Both Telefonica and NetComm Wireless have received notable recognition for IoT innovation with NetComm Wireless having received the Australian communications industry's highest accolade for IoT innovation, the IoT Innovator ACOMMS Award; while Telefonica appeared for the third year running in the "Leaders" quadrant of independent analyst firm Gartner Inc.'s report "Magic Quadrant for Managed Machine-to-Machine Services, Worldwide" published in October 2016. Under the agreement, NetComm Wireless will supply a rane of 3G/4G M2M/IoT devices including the: 4G M2M Router (NTC-140); 3G M2M Router Series (NTC-6200) and its 3G Serial Modem (NTC-3000).



About Telefonica Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world by market capitalization and number of customers with a comprehensive offering and quality of connectivity that is delivered over world class fixed, mobile and broadband networks. As a growing company, it prides itself on providing a differential experience based both on its corporate values and a public position that defends customer interests.

The company has a significant presence in 21 countries and over 349 million accesses around the world. Telefonica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefonica IoT is the global business area that develops and implements IoT solutions across all industry segments. It offers end-to-end global solutions to its customers around the world relying on its best-in-class connectivity that extends beyond their footprint enabled by Roaming agreements and partnerships. Main areas of Telefonica IoT include Smart Mobility, Smart Retail and Smart Energy. For more information about Telefonica's IoT business, visit iot.telefonica.com or follow us on twitter at @telefonica IoT and LinkedIn. About NetComm Wireless NetComm Wireless Limited (ASX: NTC) is a leading developer of Fixed Wireless broadband, wireless M2M/Industrial IoT and Fibre and Cable to the distribution point (FTTdp / CTTdp) technologies that underpin an increasingly connected world. Our Listen. Innovate. Solve. methodology supports the unique requirements of leading telecommunications carriers, core network providers, system integrators, government and enterprise customers worldwide. For over 35 years, NetComm Wireless has engineered new generations of world first data communication products and is now a globally recognised communications technology innovator. Headquartered in Sydney (Australia), NetComm Wireless has offices in the US, Europe/UK, New Zealand and Japan. For more information about NetComm Wireless visit: www.netcommwireless.com or follow us on twitter at @NetCommWireless and LinkedIn. Logo - http://photo.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183399LOGO

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Haiti - Politics : Youri Latortue speaks with the President of Vietnam





Tuesday in Hanoi, as part of his official visit to Vietnam from June 17 to 22, Senator Youri Latortue, accompanied by his wife, at a reception given in his honor, met with the President of Vietnam General Tran Dai Quang.



President Quang welcomed the results of his guest's talks with Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, President of the National Assembly https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21284-haiti-vietnam-youri-latortue-talks-with-his-vietnamese-counterpart.html as well as working sessions with Vietnamese ministries and agencies.



Citing the success of military-led Viettel telecommunications provider, in Natcom's joint venture in Haiti, as a model of the partnership, President Quang said the two countries should continue to facilitate the Natcom operation and cooperation in joint projects, in particular in telecommunications, agricultural-fisheries manufacturing and processing, infrastructure, agricultural machinery and consumer goods , and suggested further strengthening of mutual ties to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and to the Non-Aligned Movement.



Youri Latortue, meanwhile, said that Haiti hoped that Vietnamese companies are expanding their business operations in his country and hoped to receive technical assistance so that Haiti can become self-sufficient in food as targeted.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21284-haiti-vietnam-youri-latortue-talks-with-his-vietnamese-counterpart.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21261-haiti-news-zapping.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - UN : Appointment of a new Special Envoy for Haiti





Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Ms. Josette Sheeran as Special Envoy for Haiti.



The appointment builds on Ms. Sheerans extensive experience in the United Nations and her humanitarian work with Haiti. As Special Envoy, Ms. Sheeran will guide full implementation of the United Nations new approach to reduce the impact of cholera in Haiti and support national efforts to implement Haitis 2030 sustainable growth and implementation plan.



Let's recall that the new approach on cholera involves two tracks; the first to intensify efforts to reduce and ultimately end the transmission of cholera, improve access to care and treatment and address the longer-term issues of water, sanitation and health systems in Haiti. Track two involves developing a package of material assistance and support for those Haitians most directly affected by cholera.



Learn more about Josette Sheeran :

Ms. Sheeran's humanitarian work with Haiti includes serving as United States Under Secretary of State in 2006, visiting Haiti to promote economic growth and to assess United Nations effectiveness in her role as a member of the United Nations high-level panel on humanitarian and development assistance reform; in 2008 to assess the impact on the victims of the mudslides in the city of Gonaives; in 2010, as Head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), to work with the Haitian Department of Civil Protection on hurricane preparedness, and in January 2010, to the earthquake zone to help guide WFPs $279 million relief operation to reach 2 million Haitians with life-saving food; and in May 2010 to assess WFPs food and cash for work programmes.



Ms. Sheeran is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Society. Prior to this position she was Vice Chair of the World Economic Forum (2012-2013) and Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (2006-2012). She has held several senior positions in the United States Government, among them, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs and Deputy United States Trade Representative.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















[June 22, 2017] Redline and Future Technologies Partner to Deliver Private LTE Networks

First pilot initiated with military customer TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Redline Communications (www.rdlcom.com) Group Inc. (TSX: RDL), a leading provider of wide-area wireless networks for the most challenging applications and locations, today announces its partnership with Future Technologies Ventures, LLC (Future Technologies) to offer Future Technologies' military customers Redline's mobile LTE product line for tactical rapid deployment purposes. Learn more about Redline's private LTE network products. "Through consultation with our existing military customers who currently operate their own private networks, it became clear they required a network evolution that is standards based and LTE was the best long-term path forward. We are seeing this convergence of thought with all of our customers across all vertical markets," said Peter Cappiello, Future Technologies CEO. "With this in mind, we wanted to use the best technology on the market. Redline became the obvious choice for us after we tested various vendors unsuccessfully. Redline clearly demonstrated they have the best-in-class technology on the market and the skills required to ensure the solution truly works. We were also impressed with Redline's strong capability to deploy a full mobility LTE network including design, RF planning, deployment and commissioning. As a systems integrator, being able to leverage Redline's service exertise enhances the overall quality of service we deliver to our customers," Mr. Cappiello said.



Through this partnership, Future Technologies and Redline are jointly executing their first commercial LTE pilot for a military customer for use in disaster recovery, first responder and general tactical deployments. Redline's technology is ideally suited for the deployable LTE market. The form factor of the EPC core and eNodeB makes it perfectly suited for deployable situations such as mobile military units, providing coverage for temporary or permanent camps, and many other environments where there is no fixed infrastructure or where fast deployment coverage is required. In addition to this current pilot, Future Technologies has positioned Redline's LTE product across their private network customer base, across several vertical markets including rail, first responders, military, utility, maritime and oil and gas.

"Redline is very pleased to work with Future Technologies as one of our Certified Partners as we grow our channel and focus on our LTE deployments," says Redline CEO, Rob Williams. "Redline has found that LTE solutions require system integrators with advanced LTE expertise. We are delighted to have a world class partner in Future Technologies with the experience and capability to deliver full turn-key private LTE solutions." About Redline Communications

Redline Communications (www.rdlcom.com) is the creator of powerful wide-area wireless networks for the most challenging applications and locations. Used by oil and gas companies to manage their assets, militaries for secure battlefield communications, municipalities to remotely monitor highways, utilities and other infrastructures, and telecom service providers to deliver premium services. Redline's powerful and versatile networks reliably and securely deliver voice, data, machine-to-machine (M2M), Internet of Things (IoT) and video communications. For more information visit www.rdlcom.com. About Future Technologies Venture, LLC (Future Technologies) Future Technologies is a professional services company specializing in the assessment, planning, design, implementation, and support of innovative communications solutions focused on wireless infrastructures and their accompanying technologies for Public and Private network customers around the world. Maintaining a strong concentration on emerging standards such as 4G/5G technologies; which include LTE (Long Term Evolution) products, as well as established cellular (EVDO, GSM, and CDMA) and Fixed Wireless Backhaul solutions, Future Technologies consistently distinguishes itself as an industry expert in all aspects of customer network evolution. Future Technologies is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Visit - www.futuretechllc.com SOURCE Redline Communications Group Inc.

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Haiti - Politics : Vietnam an example of reforms for Haiti, according to Youri Latortue





Tuesday in Hanoi, on the occasion of his official visit to Vietnam https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21261-haiti-news-zapping.html rhe President of the Senate of Haiti, Senator Youri Latortue was received by the Secretary General of the Vietnamese Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong.



During this meeting, Youri Latortue, expressed his admiration for the reforms carried out in Vietnam which he considers as an example of economic reforms for Haiti, he thanked Vietnam for cooperation and assistance to Haiti and also briefed him on the situation in his country.



Senator Latortue explained that Haiti wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in various fields such as agriculture, transport, telecommunications and exchanges of high-level delegations to learn from mutual experience in leadership and management of countries.



Secretary-General Trong, while congratulating Haiti on its reform and national development efforts, described the visit to Vietnam of the Haitian parliamentary delegation as a landmark in friendship and cooperation between States, parliaments and the peoples of both countries.



He reiterated Vietnam's political will to intensify and broaden friendship and cooperation with Haiti by hoping that the two countries will continue to promote linkages in all aspects, particularly in potential areas such as agriculture, telecommunications and industrial production, thus contributing substantially to the development of their respective countries.



The leader of the Communist Party is convinced that the Haitian people will face all the challenges to obtain even greater gains in the construction of a prosperous and happy Nation.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21291-haiti-politics-youri-latortue-speaks-with-the-president-of-vietnam.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21284-haiti-vietnam-youri-latortue-talks-with-his-vietnamese-counterpart.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21261-haiti-news-zapping.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Environment: Presentation of the Management Plan of the Three Bays National Park





On June 20, the Caribbean Marine Biodiversity Program (CMBP) held a public meeting in Port au Prince to present the first management plan for Three Bays National Park to the Haitian government. The purpose of the plan is to conserve the marine and coastal environment along the Three Bays Protected Area and to support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding coastal communities. It was developed by The Nature Conservancy, FoProBiM, a local non-government organization, and a contractor through a highly collaborative process that involved the National Protected Areas Agency of the Ministry of Environment (ANAP), local community organizations and businesses.



Participants at the event included senior officials from environmental and fisheries agencies within the Governments of Haiti; a USAID delegation led by Mr. Jene Thomas (Mission Director in Haiti); representatives from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), of TNC, and other governments and national institutions, partners, Universities, Civil Society, and the local scientific community.



"USAID is proud of this important achievement and looks forward to continuing our support for biodiversity conservation in Haiti and the greater Caribbean Region. We are particularly pleased with the effective collaboration with the government and local communities," said (Jene Thomas, USAID Mission Director in Haiti).



Jeantel Joseph (Director of ANAP of the Haiti Ministry of Environment) who attended the meeting, noted that "this MPA management plan -the very first one for Haiti- is a major step and an important tool for effective management at Three Bays National Park and a model for the country. The Government of Haiti stands ready to provide the necessary support to this process- recognizing the need to work in close collaboration with the local communities for the success of this plan. ANAP has learned so much during this process of development of this management plan and we are very thankful to TNC and USAID for their support".



Jean Robert Badio (Director of the Haiti Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate) added "Local fishers and other community members at Three Bays National Park depend on a healthy marine and coastal environment in this area for their livelihoods and income. To effectively manage the Park will require collaboration between ANAP, the fisheries department, and local fishing communities. If properly implemented, the proposed zoning and the Fisheries Sector Action Plan will become a model for all the marine protected areas of Haiti -with the potential to regenerate the fish population along the coasts".



Maxene Atis (Haiti Program coordinator for TNC), who also attended the workshop, said "In our role as lead implementer of the Caribbean Marine Biodiversity Program, TNC is pleased to provide scientific, technical and other support needed to develop effective actions to sustain a healthy marine and coastal environment in Haiti's northeast coast."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - UN : Security Council mission to Haiti





The UN Security Council will be visiting Haiti from 22nd to 24th June 2017. This mission is organized by Bolivia in her capacity of President of the UNSC in June 2017 and lead by the Permanent representative of Bolivia to the United nations H.E. Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz.



The members of the Security Council will meet with the President of the Republic of Haiti, the Prime Minister and other Government officials; the leadership of the UN Mission; the UN Country team (UNCT); UN Police representatives and a range of civil society actors.



The UN Security Council intends to reaffirm its support to the Government and the people of Haiti to strengthen their country and institutions in order to contribute to the stability and development of the country.



The UN Security Council members will also conduct a review of the implementation of Resolution 2350 (2017) pertaining to the closure of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) and the transition to the new mission, the UN Mission for Justice Support (Minujusth).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Loews Hotels & Co. today announces the appointment of Geneya Sauro as general manager, Loews Minneapolis Hotel. Sauro will oversee all day-to-day operations of the 251 guest room hotel including the hotels four food and beverage outlets, and the hotels full-service spa, Embury, as well as the overall guest experience while ensuring the implementation of strategic hotel initiatives. Sauro has over 20 years of experience in the hotel industry and has been with Loews Hotels & Co. for 16 years. Most recently, Sauro was the Executive Assistant Manager of Loews Minneapolis Hotel, where she oversaw all operational divisions including rooms, food and beverage, convention services, engineering, and Embury. She played a key role in the propertys transition to a Loews Hotel & Co. hotel in 2014, and its multi-million dollar renovation in 2015. Prior to joining the Loews Minneapolis Hotel team, Sauro began her tenure at Loews Hotels & Co. in 2001 as a Conference Manager at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort steadily progressing her career to include Director of Conference and Catering, then Senior Director of Food and Beverage. Sauro held positions with Four Seasons, Omni, Westin, Radisson, and Marriott hotels before joining Loews Hotels & Co. She is a graduate of Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) has announced plans for a new educational session on Chinese travelers during next week's HITEC Toronto. The session will be organized by HFTP's allied association, China Hospitality Technology Alliance (CHTA), and is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

The HITEC super session, "How Chinese Travelers Are Reshaping Global Travel," will discuss how the booming Chinese economy is affecting the global tourism market. China is continues to grow globally in the areas of tourism and travel, and is a leader in the world outbound travel market. Leading this panel will be the following hospitality experts:

David Sun , general manager at BTG Homeinns Hotel Group as well as chairman & CEO at Homeinns Hotel Group.

, general manager at BTG Homeinns Hotel Group as well as chairman & CEO at Homeinns Hotel Group. Chenjie Hu , vice president at Alibaba.

, vice president at Alibaba. Michael Levie, CHTP , founder and COO at citizenM and HFTP Global Secretary.

, founder and COO at citizenM and HFTP Global Secretary. Marco Trecroce , SVP & CIO at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts.

, SVP & CIO at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. Monika Nerger , CIO at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and a 2017 inductee into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame.

, CIO at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and a 2017 inductee into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. Fiona Dou , CIO, tourism and commercial group at FOSUN GROUP.

, CIO, tourism and commercial group at FOSUN GROUP. Reno Wang, director at Alibaba.

"HFTP is once again proud to partner with CHTA," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. "This session will discuss key factors happening in today's global travel industry, and provide attendees with knowledge of how to effectively meet the needs of this growing market."

The partnership between HFTP and CHTA ensures the visibility of both associations at industry events. Event attendees benefit from the partnership as they are able to meet with representatives from CHTA at HITEC, as well as HFTP representatives at CHTA's Global Conference. HITEC, produced by HFTP, is the world's largest hospitality technology show and CHTA is recognized as the authoritative resource for hospitality technology in the Greater China and Asia region.

"I am honored to return to HITEC on behalf of the CHTA committee, and to have top industry leadership of both Chinese and Western sitting in one room to share the ideas and opportunities of Chinese Travelers made globally," said Jing Zhu, chairperson at CHTA. "CHTA and HFTP both work to improve the global hospitality industry, and together we continue to make a difference."

This year's larger North American event HITEC Toronto, HFTP's second HITEC of 2017, will take place from June 26-29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. HITEC Dubai, the third and final HITEC of 2017, will take place from November 14-15 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE in partnership with Naseba. In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-14 in addition to HITEC Houston on June 26-29.

For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at [email protected] or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec/. For more information on CHTA, please contact Jing Zhu at [email protected]. Stay updated with HFTP and HITEC on social media for conference updates: HFTP Connect; HITEC Bytes; HFTP Club Bytes; HFTP Finance Bytes; HFTP News; Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Flickr.

About HITEC

HITEC is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.

Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This will be the first time the global association's largest HITEC event  featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world  will take place outside of the U.S. In 2017, HFTP is producing its larger HITEC Toronto as well as two additional, inaugural HITEC events: HITEC Amsterdam and HITEC Dubai.

For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at [email protected] or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec. Download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is an international, nonprofit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry's problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. For more information about HFTP, email [email protected] or download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website.

About CHTA

CHTA is a non-profit organization with a strong focus on leading-edge Chinese technologies, which aims to set global standards in servicing both Chinese and international hotel chains. CHTA is a vehicle through which Western technologies can be effectively deployed to properties in China, not only international chains but also local Chinese groups. CHTA consists of a group of leading hoteliers and technology vendors that strive to bring the true value of technology to hotel guests and the business. CHTA is strongly supported by numerous volunteers from both membership companies and non-membership individuals.

Jessica Blankenship

Public Relations Manager

HFTP
Raleigh, NC  Broadvine, a leader in Business Intelligence and Analytics software for the hospitality industry, announced today that it is implementing its cloud-based application to optimize hotel portfolio performance for Midas Hospitality, one of the premier hospitality management groups in the Midwest.

Broadvine's application delivers robust Business Intelligence insights via Reporting, Forecasting, Labor and Expense Management to hotel management companies worldwide. By consolidating data from various PMS, benchmarking and labor systems, in combination with their accounting platform, Midas will be able to easily view and analyze data to make quicker, more profitable decisions.

"Midas Hospitality is an innovator in our industry and recognized the value in partnering with our organization to optimize the performance of their portfolio," said Shawn Barber, CEO of Broadvine. "Broadvine's mission is to enable our partners to deliver an exceptional guest experience by eliminating the time and frustration associated with aggregating and manipulating data into reports and insights."

"Broadvine's suite of modules will enable us to easily assess our performance and operational efficiencies, enabling our team to drive profitability while spending more time with our guests," said Jim Brueggermann, CFO of Midas Hospitality. "Using technology to improve our results to our ownership partners and delivering an exceptional guest experience is key to our continued growth and success."

About Midas Hospitality

Founded in 2006, Midas Hospitality has developed, opened and currently manages numerous properties including 30 hotels in 14 states. The company serves global brands including Hilton, IHG, Marriott, and Starwood. Midas was recently awarded Marriott's prestigious Horizon Award for demonstrated excellence in portfolio operations and development of new properties. Midas Hospitality's headquarters are located at 1804 Borman Circle Dr. in Maryland Heights, Mo. For more information, call (314) 692-0100 or visit http://www.midashospitality.com.

About Broadvine

About Broadvine

Broadvine delivers financial performance management software to help hotel management companies and ownership groups increase profitability and operational efficiencies across their portfolio. Broadvine"s software-as-a-service application consists of Reporting, Forecasting, Labor, and Expenses Management modules  providing a robust and flexible platform. Broadvine is utilized by 25 management companies and almost 1000 properties worldwide. For more information, visit www.broadvine.com .

Stephanie Hall

VP Sales & Marketing

919 227 3766
HFTP Allied Association, China Hotel Technology Alliance (CHTA), to Lead Chinese Travel Market Session at HITEC Toronto

CHTA will discuss the latest trends at the worlds largest hospitality technology conference

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) has announced plans for a new educational session on Chinese travelers during next week's HITEC Toronto. The session will be organized by HFTP's allied association, China Hospitality Technology Alliance (CHTA), and is scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

The HITEC super session, "How Chinese Travelers Are Reshaping Global Travel," will discuss how the booming Chinese economy is affecting the global tourism market. China is continues to grow globally in the areas of tourism and travel, and is a leader in the world outbound travel market. Leading this panel will be the following hospitality experts:

David Sun , general manager at BTG Homeinns Hotel Group as well as chairman & CEO at Homeinns Hotel Group.

, general manager at BTG Homeinns Hotel Group as well as chairman & CEO at Homeinns Hotel Group. Chenjie Hu , vice president at Alibaba.

, vice president at Alibaba. Michael Levie, CHTP , founder and COO at citizenM and HFTP Global Secretary.

, founder and COO at citizenM and HFTP Global Secretary. Marco Trecroce , SVP & CIO at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts.

, SVP & CIO at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts. Monika Nerger , CIO at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and a 2017 inductee into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame.

, CIO at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and a 2017 inductee into the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame. Fiona Dou , CIO, tourism and commercial group at FOSUN GROUP.

, CIO, tourism and commercial group at FOSUN GROUP. Reno Wang, director at Alibaba.

"HFTP is once again proud to partner with CHTA," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. "This session will discuss key factors happening in today's global travel industry, and provide attendees with knowledge of how to effectively meet the needs of this growing market."

The partnership between HFTP and CHTA ensures the visibility of both associations at industry events. Event attendees benefit from the partnership as they are able to meet with representatives from CHTA at HITEC, as well as HFTP representatives at CHTA's Global Conference. HITEC, produced by HFTP, is the world's largest hospitality technology show and CHTA is recognized as the authoritative resource for hospitality technology in the Greater China and Asia region.

"I am honored to return to HITEC on behalf of the CHTA committee, and to have top industry leadership of both Chinese and Western sitting in one room to share the ideas and opportunities of Chinese Travelers made globally," said Jing Zhu, chairperson at CHTA. "CHTA and HFTP both work to improve the global hospitality industry, and together we continue to make a difference."

This year's larger North American event HITEC Toronto, HFTP's second HITEC of 2017, will take place from June 26-29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. HITEC Dubai, the third and final HITEC of 2017, will take place from November 14-15 at the Conrad Dubai in Dubai, UAE in partnership with Naseba. In 2018, HFTP will bring back HITEC Amsterdam on April 11-14 in addition to HITEC Houston on June 26-29.

For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec/. For more information on CHTA, please contact Jing Zhu at jing.zhu@chta.com.cn. Stay updated with HFTP and HITEC on social media for conference updates: HFTP Connect; HITEC Bytes; HFTP Club Bytes; HFTP Finance Bytes; HFTP News; Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Flickr.

About HITEC

HITEC is the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference brand. HITEC offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education, access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines. Combined with the intimate opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, HITEC has everything to enhance your career.

Historically hosted annually in a different city throughout the United States, HFTP decided to break tradition in 2017 by hosting three HITEC events all taking place outside of U.S. borders in Toronto, Amsterdam and Dubai. This will be the first time the global association's largest HITEC event  featuring thousands of hospitality professionals from around the world  will take place outside of the U.S. In 2017, HFTP is producing its larger HITEC Toronto as well as two additional, inaugural HITEC events: HITEC Amsterdam and HITEC Dubai.

For more information about HITEC and HFTP's other global activities, contact the HFTP Meetings & Special Events Department at education@hftp.org or visit www.hftp.org and www.hftp.org/hitec. Download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is a global nonprofit hospitality association, headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA, that uniquely understands the industry's problems. HFTP has members and stakeholders across the globe. HFTP assists its members in finding solutions to industry problems more efficiently than any organization via its expert networks, research, conferences such as HITEC and certification programs. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segment of the hospitality industry. For more information about HFTP, email membership@hftp.org or download the HFTP/HITEC media kit via the HFTP website.
During the week of 11-17 June, the U.S. hotel industry reported occupancy fell 0.3% to 74.3%, ADR rose 1.7% to $129.32 and RevPAR increased 1.4% to $96.10.

The U.S. hotel industry reported mostly positive year-over-year results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 11-17 June 2017, according to data from STR.

In comparison with the week of 12-18 June 2016, the industry recorded the following:

Occupancy: -0.3% to 74.3%

Average daily rate (ADR): +1.7% to US$129.32

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +1.4% to US$96.10

Among the Top 25 Markets, Orlando, Florida, posted the largest year-over-year increases across the three key performance indicators. Occupancy rose 9.0% to 80.6%, ADR was up 12.8% to US$119.47 and RevPAR grew 23.0% to US$96.25.

Four additional markets saw double-digit growth in RevPAR for the week: Atlanta, Georgia (+14.3% to US$86.05); Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia (+12.7% to US$94.62); San Diego, California (+12.0% to US$145.76); and Detroit, Michigan (+10.2% to US$79.63).

San Francisco/San Mateo, California, experienced the largest drop in RevPAR (-15.5% to US$207.74), due primarily to the weeks only double-digit decline in ADR (-12.0% to US$231.93).

New Orleans, Louisiana, reported the largest decrease in occupancy (-8.4% to US$63.9%).

View weekly U.S. hotel performance review

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.
Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave will send an open letter, signed by global influencers and tech CEOs, to the Government urging them to pass anti-bribery and corruption legislation, writes Joyce Fegan.

"In my case, I feel I am somewhat freer to stand up and say things and I also think I am in a position where I can pick up the phone to the CEOs of many of the most significant technology companies in the world that have very large operations in Ireland and chat to them very openly and chat to their general counsels about the fact that Ireland remains essentially alone in the western world in being in breach of anti-corruption legislation and that would they be interested in signing an open letter to the Government," Mr Cosgrave said.

He was speaking at a Web Summit press conference in Dublin this morning.

Paddy Cosgrave says he wants to start campaigning against corruption in Ireland. Says white-collar crime rampant here pic.twitter.com/5leKmtXC7U  Adrian Weckler (@adrianweckler) June 22, 2017

"Over the last 36 hours, I've had lots of phone calls, not just to the CEOs of some of these very large companies that we all know but also to people I think who sit in very unique positions of influence around the world who I think can shine a light of encouragement on our new Government to do the right thing.

"So in September if there doesn't seem to have been any progress, but I have every belief that there will have been progress and the corruption bill will have been passed, I'll pass a letter to the Government signed by some great people from around the world," he said.

Mr Cosgrave was referring to the Draft Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Corruption) Bill 2012, which has yet to be passed into law.

"I am very, very optimistic that legislation, that is the most comprehensive update to our anti-corruption legislation since 1889, which is a long time it's like the Traffic Acts not being properly updated from horses and carriages but anyway, the legislation, whilst for many people they feel it's watered down and it doesn't go far enough, I actually think for what it is it's a very positive leap forward," he said.

"The legislation has effectively been sitting on ice for five years, it's kind of designated as emergency legislation but for whatever reason, it hasn't been passed," he said.

The Web Summit founder said he was "very, very optimistic" that the draft legislation will be passed into law "very, very rapidly" now that a new Taoiseach and Cabinet are in place.

Mr Cosgrave has also announced that he is bringing one of his events, MoneyConf back to Dublin's RDS next year.

"MoneyConf, it was in Madrid for the last two years and then we had to come back to Dublin and we had to find a venue that was very, very suitable.

"We looked at many venues, we looked at the Convention Centre for the first time and it's an absolutely fantastic venue but if you want to bring more than four or 5,000 people together, its maximum capacity at any one time is about 5,000 people so it's too small.

"So that then left us with one venue in Dublin, the management there I'm great friends with even if I've never given that impression before you should not be misled, so our venue for MoneyConf is going to be the RDS and we're delighted to be going back there," he said.

MoneyConf will be held in June 2018.
International research, published today by the Reuters Institute has found that Ireland has a higher trust in news media than the international average.

The survey of 36 countries found that 47% of Irish respondents trust the news media, compared with 41% internationally.

Meanwhile, just under a quarter (24%) of survey respondents worldwide said they think that social media do a good job in separating fact from fiction, compared to 40% for the news media.

In Ireland, the number of people who believe that news media does a good job is even higher, at 47%. The figure for social media is also higher among Irish respondents, at 28%.

Now in its sixth year, the annual Reuters Institute Digital News Report, published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, reveals high levels of dissatisfaction internationally with the quality of news and comment generally, and on social media in particular.

This is the third year that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has funded the inclusion of Ireland in the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, as part of its work on media plurality in Ireland.

Data relating to Ireland has also been the subject of a more detailed and specific report on the Irish results of the survey, produced by the Institute for Future Media and Journalism (FuJo) at Dublin City University and commissioned by the BAI.

The data for the research was collected between JanuaryFebruary 2017, reflecting the same data collection timeframe for previous years.

Key points arising from the Irish results include:

Facebook was the most used social media platform for news (41%), followed by YouTube (18%), Twitter and WhatsApp  both at 11%.

The major consumption shift was in the use of private messenger apps, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, which are used more in Ireland than in many other countries for general use, rather than for news use.

Irish consumers interest in news was consistently high over the last three years. 70% or more said they were extremely or very interested in news each year.

The 2017 report found that younger people are more likely to avoid the news than older groups. However, 41% of Irish consumers said they never avoid the news.

Some 54% of Irish news consumers felt they had a good understanding of political issues. However, almost 30% were unable to declare the extent of their political understanding, while 16% indicated they did not have a good understanding of Irish political issues.

32% of Irish respondents said they follow at least one politician / political party on social media. This is lower than the 37% average in a sample of six countries  Australia, Germany, Ireland, Spain, UK and USA.

In 2017, Irish Digitalists (those who consume news via smartphones, tablets and computers) fell 4% to 23%, whereas Traditionalists (those who consume news via newspapers, radio and TV) grew by 2% to 31%. Mixed users [Half and Halfers] increased by 1%, to 45%.

Consumer willingness to pay for online news has reached just 10% in 2017, a marginal increase over each of the last two years. Younger consumers are more likely to pay for news.
GDPR is designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe and to protect citizens data privacy. It not only applies to organisations within the EU but also to firms that do business inside member states.

Companies who fail to comply with the regulation can be fined up to 4% of annual global turnover, or 20 million.

The GDPR was ratified following four years of negotiation, replacing the existing data protection directive. Unlike an EU directive, which can be implemented over a certain time, the regulation is made law once it begins in May 2018, meaning penalties can be imposed from day one.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that companies must begin their preparations now for the GDPR, which has 90 different principles related to data protection. However Marsh UK & Ireland said GDPR was an opportunity for firms and should not be feared.

Cyber-risk leader at Marsh UK & Ireland, Peter Johnson said: Rather than regarding compliance with the GDPR to be a costly and disruptive undertaking, Irish firms should see it as an opportunity. These organisations can improve how they safeguard personal information, boost their understanding of how data can add value to their business, and forge a new relationship with clients based on enhanced transparency and security that can further build trust.

Marsh said that in preparation for what it called the most significant change to the EUs data protection laws in over 20 years, firms need to review their procedures for managing personal data.

It recommended firms re-examine their current insurance arrangements to ensure any applicable indemnity limits will cover the costs associated with investigations and breaches under the GDPR.

Marsh Ireland regional leader Charles Barry said: The GDPR will go a long way towards helping Irish firms repair the breakdown in trust with their clients in terms of how personal data is used, enabling proactive businesses to take greater advantage of the data-driven economy.

Research carried out by iReach ahead of the Dublin Data Summit last week found 66% of 150 businesses surveyed across the country did not realise what they would have to do regarding the GDPR. Some 62% are either unsure how long their business stores CCTV footage or have no related privacy policy in place.
Cork Business Association chief executive, Lawrence Owens, led calls last night for Irish Water to arrange discounts for those firms affected by the major outage.

It is hard to quantify the loss to businesses arising out of this fault. Water is essential for many businesses, especially those in the hospitality trade, and most of them had to close for a time yesterday. They are paying for a service and reliability, said Mr Owens.
Burma CSOs Oppose Karen State Coal-fired Power Plant

A privately-owned natural gas and steam power plant in Mawlamyine, Mon State. / Hintharnee / The Irrawaddy

MAWLAMYINE, Mon State  Nearly 150 civil society organizations (CSOs) across the country denounced a coal-fired power plant project in Karen States Hpa-an Township as a state minister confirmed plans for 11 new plants with an aim to source 33 percent of Myanmars energy consumption from coal by 2030.

According to the energy ministry, the countrys electricity consumption is increasing by 14 percent per year, said U Soe Hlaing, electricity and industry minister of Karen State, confirming plans for new plants in Yangon and Irrawaddy regions and Karen State.

So, if there is no new production, there will be a shortage of electricity, and people will be in trouble, he said.

Thirty-three CSOs based in Karen State prepared a statement denouncing the use of coal to generate power when there are renewable energy options available. Another 114 national CSOs signed in support.

The Karen State government allowed Thailand-based Toyo-Thai Corporation to establish a 1280-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Karen States Hpa-an.

The initial survey will be conducted until December this year and will include a feasibility study, an environmental impact assessment, and consultations with locals, according to a manager of the power plant project U Htet Aung Mon.

We dont know when the project will begin, we are still in the stage of conducting feasibility studies, he told The Irrawaddy. The project is planned for outside Hpa-an, but the location has not been decided yet, he added.

Toyo-Thai will use coal from Indonesia and apply ultra-supercritical clean coal technology to minimize environmental impact, he said.

It is about the technology and environmentally friendly facilities that remove sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide particles, he said.

Environmental activists are not convinced.

The company [officials] said in a meeting with locals that they guarantee the plant does not affect the environmentit is a lie, said coordinator of Karen River Watch Saw Tha Bo, one of the statements signatories.

Clean coal is just a technical termthe plant still has an impact on the environment, he added.

Company officials met locals of two villages on Monday and Tuesday, and Hpa-an town residents on Wednesday, to discuss the project.

According to minister U Soe Hlaing, Toyo-Thai plans to start construction in early 2018, and the power generated will go to the national grid.

Toyo-Thai also attempted to establish a 1280-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the village of Inn Din in Mon States Ye Township in 2014, but the project was suspended after of opposition from locals.

The governments energy plan from 2012-2030 aims to generate more electricity from coal power plantsup to 30 percentand solar powerup to five percentwhile trying to reduce reliance on hydropower and gas.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Harn Yawnghwe Not Blacklisted by Myanmar Govt: Spokesperson

Harn Yawnghwe (R) shakes hands with former President U Thein Sein in 2012 in Naypyitaw. / Supplied

NAYPYITAW  Harn Yawnghwe, an influential figure and son of Myanmars first President Sao Shwe Thaike, was not blacklisted by the Myanmar government but instead has had his visa changed from multiple-entry to social, presidential spokesperson U Zaw Htay told the press on Wednesday evening.

U Harn Yawnghwe can enter Myanmar anytime, but with a social visa. Weve informed the [concerned] embassies, said U Zaw Htay.

Harn Yawnghwe, who holds a Canadian passport, is the executive director of the Brussels-based Euro-Burma Office (EBO), an organization that provides funding to ethnic and civil society organizations.

The previous government issued him a multiple-entry visa because of his active role in the countrys peace process, but he is not participating in the peace process under the new government, said U Zaw Htay.

The new government has not signed any agreement or contract with EBO regarding the peace process. And he does not cooperate with the current government on the countrys peace process. We have not denied him a visa; he will just be on a different visa than he was in the past, U Zaw Htay told reporters.

There were rumors in the second week of June that Harn Yawnghwe had been blacklisted by the Myanmar government, which close friends of his confirmed.

We have informed him about his visa. But rumors spread in the media and the government has been widely criticized for this. This has impacted the peace process so we wanted to explain, said U Zaw Htay.

Harn Yawnghwe is an ethnic Shan from Myanmar who has played a major role supporting and advising ethnic armed organizations both in exile and inside the country for decades. Due to his influential role in ethnic affairs, critics claim his involvement is controversial. Some criticize him for dividing the unity of ethnic armed groups.

Established in 1997, the EBO has been one of the main donors to Myanmars democracy movement. In 2011, it was permitted to open a branch office in the country.
Burma Lawmaker Urges Government to Release All Political Prisoners

Prisoners released from Obo Prison in Mandalay. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  A lawmaker questioned the Upper House on Wednesday on why there were still political prisoners in Myanmar more than one year after the National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed office.

Lawmaker U Kyaw Kyaw of Rakhine State (4) Constituency cited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who once said there should be no political prisoners in a democracy, as he urged the government to release such prisoners.

Political prisoners are not the enemies of the government except when the government is authoritarian. In fact, political prisoners should participate in establishing a democratic nation, the lawmaker argued.

Myanmar has more than 80 political prisoners and 100 more facing trial, he told the Upper House.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Soe said the government has no definition of political prisoners or political offenses. It takes action against lawbreakers according to existing laws, he added.

The incumbent government has said it still has no plans to define political prisoner. At present, we take action in response to the violation of existing laws. And for the time being, we dont treat cases as political offenses or not, Maj-Gen Aung Soe told reporters after the parliamentary session.

In line with the military-drafted 2008 Constitution, the president has granted amnesty when he has believed it to be appropriate. Since taking office, the new government has released 286 Myanmar prisoners and 73 foreigner prisoners in six amnesties, he told Parliament.

Lawmaker U Kyaw Kyaw gave his definition of political prisoners as those who are imprisoned by the government for their political activities that run outside the governments political beliefs.

While Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was the opposition leader, she said, one political prisoner is too many in a democracy, added U Kyaw Kyaw.

The State Counselor has the full authorityhigher than the president. She has many opportunities to release all political prisoners in cooperation with the president and the home ministry, he said.

The government of former President U Thein Sein formed a committee to define political prisoner, but did not finish the task before it left office. Of the incumbent lawmakers in Myanmars bicameral parliament, more than 100 are former political prisoners, said U Kyaw Kyaw.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Ministry Expands Efforts to Combat Domestic, Sexual Violence

The division has two established 24-hour hotlines: 067-404666 and 067-40477, to which women can file complaints, she told The Irrawaddy. / Reuters

YANGON  The Womens Development Division under Myanmars Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement expanded its efforts to help women fight domestic and sexual violence.

The division will provide necessary help to victims within one week of receiving their phone calls, said division director Naw Tha Wah.

It has two established 24-hour hotlines: 067-404666 and 067-40477, to which women can file complaints, she told The Irrawaddy.

Women can call those numbers for assistance in cases of violence. They can leave their phone numbers if they do not want to provide detailed information to male receivers and we will respond, she said.

The division will help any woman living anywhere in the country, she added. The complaint lines were launched in October and have so far received more than 80 complaints.

Upon receiving a complaint, division staff will visit the victims at their homes within one week, help them obtain medical treatment and file a lawsuit. If the victims are young domestic workers or other women who need legal assistance, the division will file a lawsuit on their behalf, she explained.

Some women dont want to file lawsuits; they just want to receive medical treatment. We comply with their wishes. Currently, [hospitals] only treat victims when they are admitted with a police letter regarding the case. But we are negotiating with concerned authorities to allow treatment as an emergency response whether the victim files a complaint with the police or not, she added.

The division also assigns case managers to provide professional help to victims in specific cases, she said.

However, civil society organizations (CSOs) in ethnic areas have criticized that the government is not doing enough to help women who have suffered from sexual abuse in conflict areas.

A number of local Kachin CSOs released a joint statement on June 19International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflictdemanding that the government launch a mechanism to prevent sexual violence against women in conflict areas like Kachin State plus a complaint center where victims can file complaints in person or by phone.

Khun Jar of the Kachin Peace Network said, There is hardly a program for this [prevention of sexual abuse] run by the social welfare ministry here. I have not yet seen a plan or action in this regard by the concerned ministry.

In Kachin State, where there have been cases of unwanted pregnancies and abortion as a result of sexual abuse, the government does not run a post-abuse contraceptive program.

Naw Tha Wah said her division has a sufficient budget from the government to help women anywhere in the country during the 2017-18 fiscal year, though she declined to reveal the amount.

A draft law to prevent the sexual abuse of women will soon be submitted to Parliament, she added.

There have been several unresolved cases of abduction, sexual abuse and murder of women in Kachin State since 2011. An ethnic Kachin woman was abducted by the Tatmadaws Light Infantry Battalion No. 321 on Oct. 28, 2011, and is still missing. The case of two ethnic Kachin volunteer teachers who were raped and killed in Shan State on Jan. 19, 2015 remains unsolved.

CORRECTION: This article has been edited to clarify that the Womens Development Division was not newly incorporated, but rather, has recently expanded its nationwide efforts to stop domestic violence.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Myanmar Army Warns Four Kachin Villages of Operations

Locals travel on Ledo Road in Kachin State. / Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  In a further escalation of the conflict in northern Kachin State, the Myanmar Army has ordered locals of four Kachin communities to remain in their villages, as the military prepares for battles in the area.

The Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have clashed every day in the lands surrounding Hpakant and Tanai townships since June 4, forcing thousands to flee their homes and their work in the areas amber and gold mines.

In a written statement issued on Wednesday, the Myanmar Armys 297th Infantry Battalion ordered the village heads of Nawng Mi, Warazup, and Shaduzup in Hpakant Township, and Tingkawk in Tanai Township to tell residents not to leave their villages, including for activities such as farming, logging, fishing, hunting, and tending vegetables.

The order started on Thursday and will run until July 2, according to the statement, which put responsibility for any injuries endured by locals who leave the villages on the community leaders. All four villages are on Ledo Road, a highway passing through Hpakant, Tanai, and Myitkyina, the Kachin State capital.

Many residents are aware of the statement, as it is spread on social media, although the order was first sent to the villages heads, according to Kachin Baptist Church member Nor Seng from Tanai Township.

We tried to find out from the villagers about the letters, and they told us that it was true, said Nor Seng.

The Northern Alliance, to which the KIA belongs, detailed clashes with the Tatmadaw in La War village in Hpakant and Kunsawyan village in Tanai on June 21. Local people said the two forces clashed five times on Ledo Road between Tanai and Hpakant on June 20.

La Daw, an ethnic Kachin taxi driver who works the route from Tanai to Myitkyina, said the number of cars and buses making the 190-kilometer journey from Tanai to Myitkyina were dwindling as the conflict intensifies.

The Karen Baptist Church reported that 513 internally displaced people (IDPs) have arrived in Tanai since June 9most of whom were Kachin who fled from mining areas.

They abandoned their villages after the Myanmar Army ordered them via letters dropped from a military helicopter to leave the area by June 15 or else be recognized as insurgents.

Nine villages in the Hugawng Valley region were abandoned, according to a joint statement from 28 Kachin civil society organizations.

The statement accused the Myanmar Army and the locally elected National League for Democracy politicians of wanting to drive out residents and seize the lands and farms of: Nam Byu/Nam Hkam; Nam Gawn; NGa Ga; Hkan Ja; Tung Mali; Kawng Ra; Ding Hkun 1; Ding Hkun 2; and Mung Hkawm.

It is clear that the Tatmadaws current military offensive is aimed at seizing local lands to make way for Naypyidaw-approved mining companies, agricultural companies and so-called environmental conservation organizations, and preventing the thousands of local inhabitants from ever returning, read the statement.
Burma UN: Myanmar Must Enable Womens Entry Into the Workforce

Workers from Myue & Soe Garment factory stand during a protest for salary increment in front of the Mayangone township labor office in Yangon in 2012 / Soe Zayar Tun / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Myanmar needs to realize the potential of women and enable their entry into the labor market in order to generate economic growth driven by a gender dividend, said the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday.

The UN said the conclusion was based on the findings from a series of 14 papers from the 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census Thematic Report, which examines the total labor force participation rate of both men and women. The department of population completed the Thematic Report on the Labor Forcethe seventh paper out of 14in June.

Although men and women make up almost an equal ratio of Myanmars population, according to the census data, just 50.5 percent of women are working, compared with 85.6 percent of men.

ILO agrees these figures highlight the untapped potential of women in the workforce and how creating jobs for women could really boost economic development, Rory Mungoven, Liaison Officer with the International Labor Organization in Yangonthe UNs labor agencytold The Irrawaddy in response to the UNFPA report.

The UNFPA has maintained that women are critical to Myanmars development, and that they hold the key to Myanmars future prosperity.

The agency highlighted that if more women were to join the jobs sector, Myanmar would experience a dramatic rise in the countrys per capita income.

The gender dividend can be unlocked immediately if jobs are created. But for this to happen, women need equal rights to education, jobs, credit, land, and decision-making positions, said Janet Jackson, UNFPA Representative for Myanmar, in Thursdays statement.

A better and safer working environment for women is a real need, in addition to providing vocational skills development for women to enter the labor market, echoed Daw Thet Thet Aung, the in-charge of the Future Light Centre, who has been helping laborers mostly in Yangons industrial zones.

She told The Irrawaddy that she estimated that the vast majority of the total workforce in factories are women. She added that more women are entering employment, both domestically and internationally, as migrant workers.

She highlighted that many domestic workers may not be enumerated in the census as their jobs are in the home, and that, as a society, Myanmar tends not to consider them as laborers.

Many women in the workforce also need greater support to build their capacity, Daw Thet Thet Aung added.

It will be a significant challenge for Myanmar to build the skills of an inadequately educated population to the level required for an expanding modern economy, said Janet Jackson.

Young people in particular require targeted policies and interventions, she said, reiterating the argument from January, when the UNFPA released findings that one million new jobs were needed to ensure employment for Myanmars young population over the next four years.

The UN agency said youth unemployment in Myanmar contributes to the low labor force, and the causes are linked to socioeconomic status and education.

In Myanmar, from age 19, joblessness is the highest within the richest fifth of the countrys population. People with graduate diplomas have the highest unemployment rate, almost five times greater than those with no education.

One in four people aged 15-24 (25.6 percent) are not engaged in education, employment or training, a figure which is more than double for young women (34.9 percent) than for young men (15.8 percent).

However, those in then skilled labor sector, numbering almost 12 million, are underqualified for the work they perform, according to official census report.

Myanmars labor force is amongst the lowest in Asean, according to the UNFPA. Only 63.6 percent of the population is economically active, compared to 80.9 percent in Cambodia and 77.4 percent in Laos.
Burma Yangon Govt Bans 66(d) Opposition Signature Campaign Near Military Command

Members of the Committee for the Protection of Myanmar Journalists launch a press freedom campaign in downtown Yangon on June 16. / Thet Htun Naing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  The Yangon divisional government banned a signature campaign organized by journalists to oppose Article 66(d) of the Telecommunication Law that was going to be held near Yangon Region Military Command, stating that the area was restricted for national security concerns.

A letter from the government came after organizers were previously pressured to change the venue to a location in the same township but away from military command. It then deemed that location restricted as well.

Ko Tha Lun Zaung Htet, who works at the Democratic Voice of Burma and is a member of the Protection Committee for Myanmar Journalists, said organizers have now been told to move the campaign to Yangons City Hall.

We are still processing the venue but we will continue the signature campaign as planned on Friday, he said.

The signature campaign to repeal Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law is the second phase of the Protection Committee for Myanmar Journalists movement against the article, following 10 days of wearing white armbands in solidarity.

The first phase  which involved hundreds of journalists wearing white armbands and marching from a Bahan Township courthouse to The Voice Dailys office in support of the newspapers detained staff members  faced no objection from authorities.

Ko Tha Lun Zaung Htet said the military had pressured the committee members through authorities and also by contacting reporters close to members of the campaign to advise them not to collect signatures in front of the military compound.

The journalists wanted to launch the signature campaign in front of Yangon Region military command in Mayangone Township to show their opposition to the military for opening a case against two journalists from The Voice Daily for a satirical article that was published last month.

Ko Tha Lun Zaung Htet went to the Mayangone Township police station on Wednesday morning and gave notification of the event to local authorities in advance, in line with the Peaceful Assembly Law.

The chief of the Western District Police Force and the chief of the Mayangone Township Police Force summoned the committee members on Wednesday afternoon and told them to change the venue.

On Thursday, the township administration summoned them again to negotiate the venue.

We cant say the military pressured us directly. Authorities applied the pressure, said Ko Tha Lun Zaung Htet.

If they [the military] want to stop this, they should drop all lawsuits against journalists and citizens under 66(d). If not, we wont stop, he added.

After the signature campaign ends on July 11, the petition will be submitted to President U Htin Kyaw, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the speakers of the Lower House and Upper House.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

al-Hayat (Life) reports that on Wednesday evening around 9:30 pm local time, Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) blew up the Nuri Mosque in Mosul.

The destruction of the 800-year-old edifice was undertaken at a time when Iraqi government troops were closing in on this area in Mosuls Old City, the last remaining bastion of Daesh there, where 3,000 fighters are still keeping some 100,000 people as human shields. That is about a tenth the strength they initially had.

I once called the destruction by the US Air Force of the annex to the Iraqi National Archives where 19th century administrative documents were housed a cliocide, a killing of history itself. The razing of the Nuri Mosque is another act of cliocide. Ironically, I also once suggested that the main antecedent for Daesh, of a state that held both Mosul and Aleppo, was the Zangid polity before the rise of Saladin Ayyubi. Daesh emulated the Zangids geographically and now they have wiped out one of their major surviving architectural legacies.

Iraq prime minister Haydar al-Abadi remarked that the terrorist organization was by this act announcing its own defeat.

This is a fair observation. Daesh was proud of having captured Mosul and of having taken that mosque, built in the rule of Nur al-Din Zangi, a Muslim ruler who held Mosul and Aleppo during the era of the medieval Crusades. They would not have destroyed the mosque where their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his claim to the caliphate (a lapsed medieval institution akin to the Christian papacy) unless they knew they were about to lose control of it.

Daesh has beheaded and otherwise slaughtered so many real, living human beings that it is perhaps wrong to concentrate on the destruction of a mere building.

But historical consciousness matters, and helps make us who we are. Mosulis were fiercely proud of the great mosque. Its minaret famously leaned, and that seems to have started happening soon after it was built. The medieval traveler Ibn Battuta spoke of seeing a leaning structure at the citys citadel, and he likely was referring to this mosque.

The siege of Daesh has gone on for months, and the Iraqi counter-terrorism brigades are exhausted. They continue to fight on, and will eventually liberate all of Mosul.

Daesh sought support from sympathizers by falsely claiming that the US struck at the mosque. The US Air Force, however, denied that it was running any bombing raids in that part of Mosul.

We are seeing the slow destruction of Daesh as a territorial state. Eventually West Mosul will fall (though they have put up a more bloody-minded and dogged existence than anyone would have imagined.). Daesh believes that the last days are upon us, and its destruction of the mosque is likely an announcement of the near advent of the Judgment Day in their eyes. But actually well all be around for a while to do ordinary non-apocalyptic politics.

But the grievances that gave rise to Daesh and led to the establishment of this iniquitous city-date are still there. How Baghdad treats post-war Mosul will be crucial.



Related video:

CBS Evening News: Iraqi military says ISIS blew up iconic mosque in Mosul
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis defied his boss Donald Trump on Wednesday and inked a deal with the Qatar government to sell it $12 billion in F-15 fighter jets. Qatar hosts a US air base, al-Udeid, where some 11,000 US military personnel are based, and from which the US flies sorties against the Taliban and ISIL. Qatari pilots have flown missions against ISIL in northern Iraq, in cooperation with the US Air Force, and Mattis indicated that he hoped the deal would increase US-Qatari cooperation in this regard.

What makes this arms sale unusual is that Trump twice called Qatar a supporter of terrorism in the past week! If that were really true, the US couldnt sell it a hammer, much less all those F-15s.

While Trump took sides with Saudi Arabia in its anti-Qatar campaign, Secretary of State Secretary of State Rex Tillerson disagreed with his boss. He urged an early resolution of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, declining to take sides. Tillerson, amazingly, told the Senate on Wednesday that there was no daylight between him and Trump on Qatar.

Now Mattis is strongly supporting Qatar.

For a long time Steve Bannon seemed to be calling the shots in the White House so dexterously that people were calling him President Bannon. Since Trump is highly erratic, a single-minded ideologue like the alt-NeoNazi Bannon could influence him just by being consistent.

But on foreign policy perhaps we have to speak of President Mattis.

Qatar, of course, is not actually a terrorist-supporting state, and has in fact been a close ally of the US against al-Qaeda and ISIL. And if Saudi Arabia thinks it can come for it the way they came for Yemen, Riyadh has another think coming.

Because there is still an adult in the room on US foreign policy and he is Jim Mattis.



Related video:

Wochit Politics: Pentagon Agrees to F-15 Fighter Arms Deal Worth $12 Billion with Qatar
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 22, 2017) - INV Metals ("INV Metals" or "Company") (TSX:INV) is very pleased to announce it has commenced the preparation of the Feasibility Study ("FS") on its 100% owned Loma Larga gold project ("Loma Larga" or "Project"), located in Ecuador.

Ms. Candace MacGibbon, CEO, stated, "INV Metals will partner with an outstanding group of professionals to work with our team to achieve our goal to develop the underground mine with anticipated annual gold production of approximately 150,000 ounces over a 12 year mine life, while minimizing our environmental footprint and maximizing the benefits to the local communities. The FS will provide the engineering and economic support to allow INV Metals to proceed with permitting and financing upon completion. The FS is expected to take up to 18 months to complete." She added, "We continue our progress towards development and plan to commence the engineering required to design and permit the development of the mine adit, related infrastructure and underground ramp to access the Loma Larga ore body to engage in an advanced exploration program, confirm geotechnical conditions and provide employment and training opportunities for the local work force."

A consortium of consultants led by DRA Americas Inc. ("DRA") will prepare the FS building upon our Prefeasibility Study prepared in 2016, which resulted in a positive 26.3% after-tax internal rate of return, initial capital of US$286 million, AISC of US$590/oz of gold and an after tax NPV of US$301 million. DRA will supervise the preparation of the FS report and complete the engineering and costing for mining, processing facilities, and infrastructure, along with overall financial modelling. ERM Consultants Canada Ltd. will be responsible for the overseeing and preparation of the environmental, community and social relations, and environmental permitting aspects of the FS. NewFields Mining Design & Technical Services, LLC will advise on waste management, while Itasca Denver Inc. will continue to work on hydrogeological modeling and test work, Mine Design Engineering Inc. (MDEng) will continue its work on geotechnical modelling, and Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (RPA) will continue to work on resource modelling.

The Company remains focused on exploration and has budgeted $5 million for 2017; of which $3 million is allocated for a drill program at Loma Larga and $2 million is allocated for exploration at our regional properties. INV Metals also continues to aggressively pursue the acquisition of other highly prospective concessions within Ecuador.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. William Shaver, P.Eng, a Licensed Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, who is a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Please refer to the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Loma Larga Project, Azuay Province, Ecuador" dated August 29, 2016 (the "Prefeasibility Study") for additional assumptions and qualifications in connection with the Prefeasibility Study.

About INV Metals

INV Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INV Metals' primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold property in Ecuador, (2) its 100% interest in various exploration projects within Ecuador, and (3) its 35% interest in the Kaoko property, located in Namibia.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 22, 2017) - Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX:TV) (OTCQX:TREVF) (LMA:TV) (FRANKFURT:4TI) announces that at its recent Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 21, 2017, shareholders re-elected the nominated slate of directors. Shareholders also approved: the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the current fiscal year and authorized the directors to fix the auditors' remuneration; and the amended Stock Option Plan, Stock Bonus Plan and Share Unit Plan.

In accordance with Section 11.3 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, the Company hereby advises of the results of the voting on the matters submitted to the AGM of shareholders of Trevali held on June 21, 2017 (a total of 164,533,327 common shares of the Company were represented at the meeting, representing approximately 40.76 per cent of the total number of common shares of the corporation's issued and outstanding).

Description of Matter Outcome of

Vote Votes

For Votes

Withheld Votes

Against 1. Election of the following directors of the Company: Resolution approved by ballot Mark Cruise 164,302,903

(99.86%) 230,175

(0.14%) n/a Anton Drescher 145,420,639

(88.38%) 19,112,439

(11.62%) Christopher Eskdale 141,607,313

(86.07%) 22,925,765

(13.93%) Catherine Gignac 164,242,903

(99.82%) 290,175

(0.18%) Michael Hoffman 164,263,903

(99.84%) 269,175

(0.16%) David Huberman 164,236,903

(99.82%) 296,175

(0.18%) David Korbin 164,286,403

(99.85%) 246,675

(0.15%) 2. Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 and authorizing the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration Resolution approved by a show of hands 164,169,537

(99.86%) 227,325

(0.14%) n/a 3. Approval of amendments to the Stock Option and Stock Bonus Plan Resolution approved by ballot 110,408,511

(67.10%) n/a 54,124,567

(32.90%) 4. Approval of amendments to the Share Unit Plan Resolution approved by ballot 107,010,331

(65.04%) n/a 57,522,747

(34.96%)

ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION

Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with two commercially producing operations.

The Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander mine in Peru and its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. Trevali also owns the Halfmile and Stratmat base metal deposits, located in New Brunswick, that are currently undergoing a Preliminary Economic Assessment reviewing their potential development. Additionally, the Company has entered into a definitive agreement with Glencore PLC to acquire a portfolio of zinc assets from Glencore, including an 80.08% interest in the Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia, a 90% interest in the Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso, an effective 39.24% interest in the Gergarub project in Namibia, an option to acquire 100% interest in the Heath Steele property in Canada and certain related exploration properties and assets.

The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
OTTAWA, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (Orezone or the Company) (TSX-V:ORE) is very pleased to report that recent core drilling at the P17S zone, which lies outside of the main Bombore deposit, has led to a new interpretation of the significance of historic high-grade hits within the main zone.

Over the past number of weeks, the Company's technical team have been reviewing all historical drill data in light of the recent consistent higher-grade intercepts at the P17S target. Drilling has shown that the P17S high-grade zones have a shallow plunge and are hosted in granodiorite.

Previous historical drilling in the main zone did return several high-grade intercepts and it is now recognized that these intercepts are generally within or in the vicinity of the granodiorite units. It was not recognized however, until this most recent review, how significant these shallow plunging structures may be.

Several of the historical intercepts are of significant width and grade and they also appear to follow a similar plunge to that of P17S zones. Furthermore, the high-grade intercepts occur along the entire strike of the main Bombore orebody and are within the oxide zone.

Patrick Downey, CEO, stated that, "this is exciting news for the Company, and I look forward to testing these four targets. Should we successfully prove that we have several continuous high-grade zones it could have a material positive impact on the ongoing development of the project."

It should be noted that capping and variography would have severely limited the impact of these intercepts within the previous resource model, without understanding the orientation and plunge of the zones.

The Company now believes that there is potential for several high-grade zones and shoots that have not previously been incorporated in the resource model and which could have a positive impact on both grade and tonnes of the Bombore resource model. Follow-up drilling is now planned to test four of the main targets.

For better clarity, highlights for the Siga South, Siga East/West, P11 and CFU (see below) show the main shallow high-grade intercepts of the 4 target areas that have been prioritized within the Bombore deposit for the next phase of drilling. Sections along each zone showing several of the historic intercepts are shown in the Corporate Presentation on the Companys website (www.orezone.com). There are other identified targets and follow-up drilling that will be completed on these areas at a later date.

Once further modelling has been completed, the Company plans to systematically drill each of the 4 prioritized targets immediately thereafter. This program will consist of up to 10,000m of Reverse Circulation drilling, which is expected to commence in July and take approximately 3 months. This program will be within the current 2017 exploration budget.

Highlights  Siga South (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC1388: from 18 to 23 m: 5 m @ 8.9 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 19.6 gpt;

BBC1393: from 24 to 39 m: 14 m @ 130.2 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 1,784 gpt;

BBC1396: from 44 to 48 m: 4 m @ 3.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 11.6 gpt;

BBD0161: from 36 to 40 m: 4 m @ 5.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 17.9 gpt;

BBC1333: from 16 to 20 m: 4 m @ 20.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 79.7 gpt;

BBC3261: from 9 to 17 m: 8 m @ 1.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.3 gpt;

BBC3262: from 30 to 38 m: 8 m @ 5.1 gpt, incl. 3 m @ 11.1 gpt;

BBD0744: from 14.5 to 17 m: 2.5 m @ 26.1 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 42.6 gpt; and

BBC1378: from 47 to 50 m: 3 m @ 10.4 m, incl. 1 m @ 27.0 gpt.

Highlights  Siga East and West (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC0597: from 36 to 40 m: 4 m @ 3.4 gpt;

BBC1090: from 34 to 35 m: 1 m @ 32.0 gpt;

BMC0080: from 38 to 54 m: 16 m @ 9.0 gpt, incl. 4 m @ 29.7 gpt;

BMC0093: from 42 to 46 m: 4 m @ 16.2, incl. 2 m @ 29.5 gpt;

BBC1626: from 23 to 28 m: 5 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.4 gpt;

BBC1626: from 30 to 34 m: 4 m @ 13.6 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 49.1 gpt;

BBC1670: from 16 to 21 m: 5 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. incl. 1 m @ 12.3 gpt;

BBD0246: from 32 to 38.5 m: 6.5 m @ 2.5 gpt;

BBD0246: from 45.5 to 55.5 m: 10 m @ 3.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 13.5 gpt;

BBD0246: from 57 to 63 m: 6 m @ 14.3 gpt, incl. 5 m @ 16.6 gpt;

BBD0789: from 36.5 to 38 m: 1.5 m @ 49.6 gpt;

BBC1955: from 16 to 18 m: 2 m @ 14.51 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 28.0 gpt;

BBD0359: from 66.5 to 71 m: 4.5m @ 23.0 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 67.0 gpt;

BBC0596: from 69 to 74: 3 m @ 3.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 12.1 gpt;

BBD0449: from 4 m @ 2.7 gpt;

BBC1167: from 2 to 4 m: 1 m @ 20.5 gpt in overburden over 1 m @ 5.3 gpt;

BBC1166: from 4 to 10 m: 6 m @ 5.9 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 20.8 gpt;

BBC1147: from 18 to 22: 4 m @ 4.6 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 12.9 gpt; and

BBC0250: from 57 to 58 m: 1 m @ 44.5 gpt.

Highlights  P11 (true width has yet to be determined)

BBD0339: from 19 to 20: 1 m @ 14.3 gpt;

BBC0568: from 3 to 4 m: 1 m @ 36.7 gpt;

BBC0568: from 72 to 75: 3 m @ 30.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 89.9 gpt;

BBC1061: from 1 to 5 m: 4 m @ 8.8 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 32.2 gpt;

BBD0423: from 7 to 9 m: 2 m @ 5.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.2 gpt;

BBD0862: from 40 to 46m: 6 m @ 3.4 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 14.3 gpt;

BBD0862: from 47 to 54 m: 7 m @ 5.1 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 27.0 gpt;

BBC1063: from 18 to 22: 4 m @ 3.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 11.0 gpt;

BBD0376: from 73 to 78 m: 5 m @ 2.0 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 16.2 gpt; and

BBC1050: from 59 to 60 m: hole stopped in 1 m @ 38.2 gpt.

Highlights  CFU (true width has yet to be determined)

BBC4365: from 39 to 44 m: 5 m @ 20.1 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 47.9 gpt;

BBD0921: from 59 to 63 m: 4 m @ 25.9 gpt, incl. 1.5 m @ 67.9 gpt;

BBD0921: from 75.5 to 78.5 m: 3 m @ 59.0 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 175 gpt;

BBC4223: from 60 to 65 m: 5 m @ 21.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 103 gpt;

BBC0768: from 89 to 92 m: 3 m @ 50.1 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 74.4 gpt;

BBC3160: from 68 to 70 m: hole stopped in 2 m @ 98.4 gpt; and

BBC0778: from 78 to 82 m: hole stopped in 4 m @ 22.7 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 81 gpt.

Qualified Person(s)

Tim Miller, SME and COO, Pascal Marquis, Geo and SVP and Patrick Downey, PEng and CEO of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 and have approved the information in this release. Readers should refer to the annual information form of Orezone for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Orezone since January 1, 2017 available at www.sedar.com, for this detailed information, which is subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein. There is a current technical report entitled Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Bombore Gold Project, Burkina Faso, West Africa that was filed on SEDAR on February 27, 2017.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone is a Canadian company with a successful gold discovery track record and recent mine development experience in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company owns a 90% interest in Bombore, a fully permitted, undeveloped oxide gold deposit in West Africa, which is situated 85 km east of the capital city, adjacent to an international highway.
HALIFAX, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Further to the press release of Namibia Rare Earths Inc. ("Namibia Rare Earths" or the "Company") (TSX: NRE) dated April 7, 2017, the Company has now received all necessary approvals to transition its listing from the TSX to the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The common shares of the Company will be delisted from the TSX at the close of market on June 30th and will commence trading on the TSXV at the open of market on July 4th.

The transfer of the listing will provide continued trading liquidity for shareholders on a recognized trading platform and result in lower listing costs for the Company. The Company will continue to trade under the symbol "NRE" and no action is required by shareholders.

About Namibia Rare Earths Inc.

Namibia Rare Earths Inc. is focused on the accelerated development of the Lofdal Rare Earths Project in Nambia.

Web site: www.NamibiaRareEarths.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 22, 2017) - Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") (TSX VENTURE:MD) is pleased to announce that several new prospective areas were identified during the first phase of a joint exploration program carried out 50/50 with Osisko Mining ("Osisko"). This strategic alliance formed in 2016 covers a regional area of more than 100 kilometres in length, deemed highly favourable and respectively located to the northwest of the Eleonore gold mine and to the southeast of the new gold discovery at Cheechoo.

The first regional exploration program carried out in 2016 included till surveys (717 samples), lake sediment surveys (102 samples) as well as prospecting work (240 rock samples). As a result of this work, several prospective areas were delineated, including eleven (11) high-priority areas that will be the focus of a ground follow-up during the next phase of exploration.

These new exploration targets, identified during the 2016 program, may be divided into two broad areas, located on either side of the Eleonore mine: the Northwest Area and the Southeast Area. Anomaly thresholds for tills and lake sediments were characterized by Osisko using their regional database for the James Bay region.

Northwest Area

Target 1: Characterized by a cluster of till samples with anomalous gold values above the 95 th percentile ("PCT"), over more than 2 kilometres, in heavy mineral concentrates and in the fine fraction.

percentile ("PCT"), over more than 2 kilometres, in heavy mineral concentrates and in the fine fraction. Target 2: Presence of an anomaly in gold grain counts in till samples and of arsenic values > 95 PCT in the fine fraction, in addition to a 2-metre-wide iron formation that graded 0.17 g/t Au in the prospecting campaign.

Target 3: A follow-up on an anomaly in gold grain counts in till samples yielded a copper anomaly > 95 PCT in the fine fraction.

Target 4: Anomaly covering more than 6 square kilometres, characterized by four (4) lakes with anomalous gold values > 99 PCT and one lake with anomalous arsenic > 99.5 PCT.

Southeast Area

Target 5: Cluster of gold and copper anomalies in the fine fraction of till samples > 95 PCT.

Target 6: Area characterized by several gold anomalies identified by prospecting, with values of 0.48 g/t Au, 0.28 g/t Au, 0.21 g/t Au and 0.17 g/t Au in grab samples collected in mafic volcanic rocks and paragneisses with pyrrhotite and pyrite mineralization. This area is located at the contact between the La Grande and Opinaca subprovinces. (Note that values from grab samples reported in this press release are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralized zones).The contact between these two geological subprovinces is the most important gold metallotect in the region.

Target 7: Three copper anomalies in the fine fraction of till samples > 95 PCT, combined with a zinc anomaly > 99 PCT; a float boulder also yielded a grade of 6.85% Cu.

Target 8: Target characterized by favourable geology identified during prospecting, with the presence of a silicified paragneiss with calc-silicate alteration and 2-10% pyrite and 2-3% pyrrhotite mineralization, which yielded values up to 0.31 g/t Au in grab sample. This target is also located directly along the prolific contact between the La Grande and Opinaca subprovinces.

Target 9: A gold anomaly > 95 PCT in the fine fraction, where cursory prospecting work was carried out in 2016.

Target 10: Cluster of lake sediment anomalies over more than 5 kilometres, characterized by two gold anomalies > 99.5 PCT, one gold anomaly > 95 PCT, and one antimony anomaly > 98 PCT.

Target 11: Several lakes with anomalous antimony values ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 ppm Sb.

The upcoming exploration program, with a total budget of at least $200,000, will mainly include prospecting and till surveys to follow up on these high-priority targets identified in 2016.

This new joint venture with Osisko encompasses several properties for a total of 1,827 mining claims covering a surface area of approximately 952.9 square kilometres. These new properties are located about 12 kilometres to the southeast and northwest of the Eleonore deposit held by Goldcorp Inc. This world-class gold deposit hosts proven reserves estimated, as at June 30, 2016, at 3.09 million tonnes at a grade of 6.72 g/t Au (0.67 Moz Au) and probable reserves of 20.35 million tonnes grading 5.97 g/t Au (3.90 Moz Au). The ore deposit also hosts measured resources of 3.21 million tonnes grading 7.27 g/t Au (0.75 Moz Au), indicated resources of 1.92 million tonnes grading 2.97 g/t Au (0.18 Moz Au) and inferred resources of 5.14 million tonnes at a grade of 5.66 g/t Au (0.93 Moz Au). (Note that the resource is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property, and there is no certainty that a resource will be identified on the Company's property).

Quality Control

Rock samples from the EJV property are assayed by standard 30 gram fire-assaying with AA or gravimetric finish at AlS laboratories in Val d'Or, Quebec or Sudbury, Ontario. All samples are also analysed for multi-elements, using four-acid -ICP -AES method at AlS laboratories. Exploration program design, Quality Assurance/Quality interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with the industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Corporation as well as the lab.

Till samples of 15 kg were shipped to Overburden Drilling Management in Ottawa, Ontario for gold grain counts using a shaking table and then hand panning for gold. A non-magnetic heavy mineral fraction extracted from the 15 kg tills was shipped to Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario. The heavy mineral fraction was assayed for a multi-element analysis which consists in an atomic emission spectroscopy analysis (ICP-ES) with an aqua-regia digestion.

Till samples of 1 kg were sieved using a 63 micrometer mesh to get a fine fraction at Actlabs in Ancaster, Ontario. The fine fraction was analyzed using ICP-ES following a four-acid digestion and a neutron activation analysis (INAA). The data was reviewed by Mario Masson, VP Exploration for Midland, certified geologist and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Midland

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements, base metals and rare earth elements. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Osisko Mining Inc., Altius Resources Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Teck Resources Limited, IAMGOLD Corporation, SOQUEM INC., Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation, and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value.

This press release was prepared by Mario Masson, VP Exploration for Midland, certified geologist and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. For further information, please consult Midland's website: www.explorationmidland.com
By Yoon Ja-young

The permanent shutdown of the country's first nuclear reactor Kori 1 signals a transition in energy policy from nuclear and coal-powered plants to LNG and renewable energy. While President Moon Jae-in has emphasized safe and eco-friendly as keywords for his energy policy, experts say society should reach a consensus on accepting higher rates.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, 11 nuclear reactors will reach the end of their initial life cycle by 2029. Among them is the Wolsong 1 reactor whose original lifespan ended in 2012.

The Nuclear Security and Safety Commission, however, decided in 2015 to extend its operation to 2022. President Moon said he would shut down Wolsong 1 as soon as possible, considering energy supply and demand.

On top of shutting down aging nuclear reactors, the new administration will also scrap construction plans for new nuclear power plants. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is expected to scrap plans to build two plants in Uljin and two more in Yeongdeok, both on the east coast. To tackle the ultrafine dust threatening health, the administration has also vowed to stop building new coal-fired power plants while shutting down aging ones.

However, experts say the transition to clean and safe energy will not be easy.

Nuclear energy accounts for 31 percent of the country's total power generation, while 39 percent comes from coal-fired plants.












South Korea on Thursday cast caution over reading too much into a North Korean envoy's remarks proposing a conditional moratorium on the North's nuclear and missile tests.

North Korea's top envoy to India Kye Chun-yong said Wednesday that North Korea can place a moratorium on its nuclear and missile tests if the U.S. suspends its annual joint military drills with South Korea.

It marked the first time that the North raised the possibility of the conditional suspension of its nuclear and missile provocations since liberal President Moon Jae-in took office in May.

South Korea's unification ministry expressed prudence about giving its assessment over Kye's remark, saying that North Korea made a similar proposal in January 2015.

On Jan. 10, 2015, North Korea proposed that it would temporarily suspend its nuclear testing if the U.S. halted its joint military exercises with the South that year.












By Choi Ha-young



North Korea is stepping up its smear campaign against President Moon Jae-in over his tough stance on the North's provocations.



"His pledge to strengthen international sanctions is a betrayal of South Koreans' wish to enhance inter-Korean relationships," the North's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland said, Thursday.



This was in response to President Moon's speech last week to mark the 17th anniversary of the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration, in which he criticized Pyongyang's "disparity between what it says and what it does." There, Moon presented the conditions of dialogue  no more nuclear tests and missile test-firings.



Regarding the Moon administration's vague stance on the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment in the South, Pyongyang issued a strong message, Tuesday.



"Losing heart by the blatant threat of the U.S., the South Korean government looks lame," the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported. "The decision on THAAD would be a test bed for the administration, whether to be a puppet of the U.S. or a representative of South Koreans."



Despite the rosy expectations that the liberal President's inauguration would herald a brisk inter-Korean relationship, the North has been grumbling over Moon's speeches. Pyongyang has also been reluctant to accept any humanitarian aid from South Korean organizations.



"For North Korea, Moon's firm stance would fall short of its expectations. Pyongyang looked forward to the resumption of activities at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and Geumgang Mountain tourism after Moon took office," said Hong Hyun-ik, a senior research fellow of the Sejong Institute.



Despite the North's wishes, Moon has little room to make a breakthrough with Pyongyang. The U.S. has renewed its call for stronger sanction being slapped on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and the ROK-U.S. summit comes next week. To make matters worse, Otto Warmbier, an American student detained in the North, died after he was returned to the U.S.



"The situation explains why Moon recently withdrew his proactive policies on North Korea. Without the determination to push for Seoul's initiative, the President may idle away his five-year term of being President, tottering between Washington and Beijing," Hong said.




By Lee Han-soo





Tak Hyun-min

Cheong Wa Dae official Tak Hyun-min, who got into hot water last month over sexist remarks, is under more fire after another book he co-wrote featured similar sentiments.

In "The more I talk, the freer I become" he wrote: "I lost my virginity to a middle school student when I was in high school. She was not pretty, but it didn't matter because she was just a sex object."

He even said he had "shared" the student with his classmates.

He also said: "Men's sexual fantasy is always with teachers  when I was a student, I would feel horny even with pregnant teachers.'"

Opposition parties blasted Tak's remarks as extreme sexism and demanded his resignation.

"My temper rises to see that such a man with a low level of sexual perception is employed at Cheong Wa Dae," People's Party spokeswoman Rep. Kim Yoo-jung said.

Even female lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have called for Tak's resignation.

"I think it is true that the remarks Tak made in his book went way over the line," DPK spokeswoman Rep. Baek Hye-ryun said on radio.

She said Tak should make a decision, which was interpreted by many as asking for him to resign.

Opposition female lawmakers and a women's group last month bombarded Tak with criticism over sexual remarks in a book he published in 2007.

"Guidebook of Men's Mind" contained phrases such as: "It's like a terror attack against men if a woman with a flat chest wears a tank top."

He apologized then on Facebook, saying his views on women have changed compared with a decade ago.
By You Soo-sun



The Yongsan-gu district office is pushing ahead with a controversial plan to build a public daycare center at a park in Hannam-dong, a neighborhood in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. At the center of the controversy is the location for the new building: an around 700-square-meter park, a beloved site for nearby residents. Although the district office says the project is in the best interest of the country  to address the plummeting birthrate  residents remain opposed to the project for its lack of transparency, demanding its relocation.



The controversy first erupted last year when Yongsan-gu Office announced a plan to build a daycare center at the park, a location it deems ideal for administrative and technical reasons.



Residents, however, oppose the decision, arguing it is better to save the spot for what it's been  the only flat ground that adults and children can use for leisure. They further criticized the district office for beginning construction without their consent and for refusing their pleas to consider other locations nearby.



"I only wish to save our park. It's the only place around here kids and adults can spend quality time together," said Kim Tae-don, 55. "There's plenty of space around the neighborhood, not far from the designated location."



According to Kim, the situation intensified when over 70 district office representatives and police officers came to the construction site where no more than 20 residents stood in opposition. This evolved into a clash between some of the officials and residents; some residents now face lawsuits for interfering with the duties of public officials and causing injury.



"There were only 20 of us there. And now, even I face a lawsuit for just having been next to the fight," Kim said. Kim, who has lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, began a petition, so far collecting 1,300 signatures.



The residents argue they are not opposed to the idea of building a daycare center in their neighborhood, but just wish it could be built elsewhere. They have even recommended other sites nearby and requested meetings with the district head which were denied.



Kim Min-ju, 29, is also opposed to the plan. As a mother of a four-year-old boy, she also raised safety concerns. "The entrance to the place is quite infamous for causing a lot of car accidents. It won't be safe for the children either," she said. "Many parents are against this plan. We'd rather keep the park  it's really the only nice thing around here."



There are also suspicions regarding the financial source of the building: the LG Welfare Foundation of LG Group, one of Korea's leading conglomerates. Residents question if there is an alternative motive, speculating it to be a company scheme to get a hold of the property for the future.



Despite fierce opposition, the district office is determined to proceed with the construction. It denied all allegations regarding LG, asserting the district office will maintain its ownership of the property.



"We can't satisfy everyone," an official from the district office said. "Pain inevitably follows creation  we're in the process of alleviating that pain."




By Ranjit Kumar Dhawan





North Korea has often been depicted as an isolated country and a threat to global peace. The probable reason for this perception is that it has been involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). There are also allegations that the North Korean regime violates the human rights of its people, abducts foreign nationals and is involved in the narcotics trade and money laundering.

As a result, there have been several international sanctions imposed on this reclusive state and in the recent months North Korea has been losing the support of its close partners. Relations between the "Hermit Kingdom" and its closest ally  China  have plunged to a historic low. Also, after the killing of Kim Jong-nam  the elder brother of Kim Jong-un in Kuala Lumpur  North Korea lost a key ally in Southeast Asia as relations with Malaysia have become severely strained.

In this series, another loss of a friend to the Kim dynasty is that of India. India established consulate level relations with North Korea in 1962 and had maintained ambassadorial level relations with it since 1973. Despite Pyongyang's involvement in anti-India activities during the Cold War period and its role in the proliferation of WMD with Pakistan, New Delhi did not break diplomatic relations with North Korea.

India provided tons of food assistance, medical aid and educational support to the North Korean people and abstained from voting against the North Korean human rights situation at the United Nations. Both India and North Korea had been partners in the Non-Aligned Movement and share similar views on several international issues including disarmament.

India had also been one of the biggest trading partners for North Korea. However, the lack of foreign exchange, reliable banking, insurance and a logistics system in the North had been a big hurdle for the development of bilateral trade. In April 2015 the foreign minister of the North visited New Delhi, which was the first ever visit by any North Korean foreign minister to this South Asian country. Indian leaders have repeatedly urged the Kim dynasty to dismantle its WMD program and focus on economic development.

However, it seems that India has also lost its "strategic patience" with regards to the North Korean nuclear and missile issues. This is evident from the fact that in April 2017 the Indian foreign ministry came up with an official notification to severely punish the North Korean regime for the development of WMD. This is the first time in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries that New Delhi has put forth such comprehensive sanctions.

Although India also has nuclear weapons, it did not sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty because New Delhi regards it as discriminatory. But India has always supported the United Nations Security Council resolutions against the North Korean nuclear and missile programs. Nevertheless, India's latest notification against the North Korean WMD program is in contrast to India's position on the Israeli WMD program. In fact, India has emerged as one of the biggest buyers of Israeli weapons and Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to make the first ever visit by any Indian prime minister to Israel in July this year.

The Kim dynasty needs to understand that international relations are not determined by ethics but realism. The world has changed and North Korea also needs to change, otherwise it will keep on losing partners. Therefore, instead of further isolating itself, North Korea should make economic development its top priority and build partnerships with other countries.





The author is assistant professor at the Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi, India. His e-mail address is rkdhawan13@hotmail.com
By Bae Eun-joo





As the number of single households in Korea is increasing, people's interest in pets or companion animals also seems to be growing too.

Recent data shows that Korea's pet population has surpassed 10 million and is expected to double by 2020. The pet industry amounted to 3.5 trillion won in 2015. That figure is expected to reach 6 trillion won over the next three years, which means the pet industry will see a fourfold increase by 2020, compared to 2010.

Various financial packages and extravagant pet businesses are being introduced for the benefit of pets and their owners, which include medical insurance, pet accessories, pet mating services, beauty parlors and pet cafes.

Pets certainly seem to be heading into their golden age as some local governments have come up with pet owner-friendly ideas, capitalizing on these promising blue ocean strategies.

The North Chungcheong provincial government unveiled a plan to build a resort area in Chungju, a city famous for the Suanbo hot springs. The ambitious 4.3 billion won plan outlines a hotel equipped with a camping site, a water park and walking trails where visitors can freely enjoy their vacation time with their pets. Beauty parlors, a health care center and an academy customized for both the visitors and their pets are also included in the facilities.

Yeoju City in Gyeonggi Province proposed a 35.8 billion won plan to build a pet adoption center and a training school for pet whisperers. A private corporation will invest an additional 35 billion won to create a theme park, hotel and a shopping mall exclusively designed for pets in Yeoju.

Ulsan City is also planning to open a culture center for pets next year, which will house a play school, a therapy center and a concert hall.

A series of conventions and festivals for pets are held throughout the nation.

A Jindo dog festival was held in Jindo South Jeolla Province, the origin of the native Korean breed, which featured a racing competition, rescue dog demonstrations and beauty contests.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs estimates that over 20 percent of the nation's households, or 4.5 million households, are raising pets.

Experts cite that there are many benefits of being a pet owner.

The biggest benefit of having a dog in the house is that it exposes children to more germs and can make children less likely to develop allergies over the course of their lives.

Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than people who don't have pets, as interaction with their pets and the love receive from them can help people stay more positive. Pet owners not only benefit mentally but also physically by walking and playing with their dogs several times a day. Studies find that dog owners get to exercise 30 minutes more than non-pet owners every day. Polls also show that people trust others who have dogs more than just random people walking on the street and are more likely to approach them. Having a dog has the same emotional benefit as having a human friend.

Amid the increasing pet population and people's growing love for their animal companions, concerns are rising about safety and regulations.

A recent incident involving a loose dog raised alarm about the proper handling of pets.

Earlier this month, a seven-month old pit bull terrier attacked a small puppy while they were both being taken on walks by their owners.

Korea's Animal Protection Law mandates dogs of ferocious breeds, such as pit bull terriers or French bulldogs, to wear a mouth mask when walking outdoors. This pit bull terrier involved in the accident was not wearing a protective cap. In the midst of the dog fight, the owners were bitten by the animals and had to be medically treated.

In January, a shepherd dog on the loose rampaged through the subway platforms in Seoul and attacked commuters in fear. This incident happened only a year after a two-year old baby was bitten and killed by a pitbull terrier in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.

The number of accidents caused by pet dogs increased to 1,400 in 2016 from 700 in 2014. This is more than quadruple the 245 dog attack-related accidents in 2011.

A more serious problem seems to be the increasing number of abandoned dogs. The Animal and Pets Quarantine Agency says that 82,082 animals were abandoned in 2015, an increase from 81,147 in 2014.

The Animal Protection Law requires all owners register their pets with their local government. This can help the community respond more effectively to dogs wandering around at large, dog attacks, and the control of dangerous, menacing and restricted breeds of dogs and maintain a safe environment for all citizens.

The law also states that owners who fail to register their pets or who let their dogs wander on the streets are subject to a one-million won fine. Also, those who harm or capture loose dogs will be fined a 10-million won penalty.

However, many pet owners in Korea are unaware of the animal registration regulation that has been effective since 2013 and data shows that less than 50 percent of pet owners have registered their animals.

Owning a pet can certainly be a privilege and a pleasure. But pet owners need to remember that the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities and a lifetime commitment and lifelong care of their pet.
Energy experts discuss nuclear issues during the 2017 ATOMEXPO held at the Gostiny Dvor exhibition center in Moscow, Russia, Monday. More than 6,500 participants representing over 600 firms from 65 countries took part in the three-day event. / Korea Times photo by Jhoo Dong-chan

By Jhoo Dong-chan

MOSCOW, Russia  Global energy experts said that nuclear power is one of the key future green energy sources during the 2017 ATOMEXPO held at the Gostiny Dvor exhibition center in Moscow, Russia.

It is in stark contrast to the Moon Jae-in administration's stance for a nuclear-free energy policy, which President Moon has called for since his election campaign.

Participants in the three-day exhibition event agreed the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement can only be met by increasing the global share of nuclear power generation, which accounts for about 11 percent of the total power supply worldwide.

"Nuclear power has a smaller impact on the environment, and is the most effective way to generate power," said Sergey Kirienko, first deputy head of the administration of the president of the Russian Federation and chairman of the supervisory board of ROSATOM State Corp.

Russian publicly-owned ROSATOM is the country's largest electricity generating company, which produced 196.37 billion kilowatts of electricity last year. It also generated 18.3 percent of Russia's total power.

"In order to reduce carbon emissions as we promise in the Paris Agreement, nuclear is an inevitable energy source to fill the power gap with conventional fossil-fueled power plants gone."

Under the Paris Agreement, the world aims to hold the growth in the global average temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

A total of 195 countries signed the agreement while most of the signatory countries have already ratified it.












Climate change promises to bring with it longer, hotter summers to many places on the planet -- including central Illinois. This year June is turning out to be no exception! With more heat waves on the horizon, and a big one currently sweeping much of the U.S., the risk of heat-related health problems has also been on the rise. Paying attention to the outdoor temperatures and taking a few precautions will help us stay safe.

Heat exhaustion is a relatively common reaction to severe heat and can cause dizziness, headache and weakness. It can usually be treated with rest, a cool environment and hydration. Heat stroke is more severe and requires immediate medical attention -- it is often accompanied by dry skin, a body temperature above 103 degrees, confusion and sometimes a loss of consciousness!

As temperatures climb to numbers above our bodies' own healthy internal temperature for longer periods of time, how do we tolerate the heat? Our bodies cope with heat by perspiring and breathing. When either of those mechanisms is compromised, there are problems!

So, which is worse -- heat or humidity? As most everyone in the Midwest knows, the humidity is a huge factor. If you have extremely high temperatures and high humidity, a person will be sweating but the sweat won't be drying on the skin. Thats why it's not just heat, but the combination of heat and humidity that matters.

Obviously there are thresholds for both temperature and humidity higher than tolerable, and which we see an increase in deaths. We all know the running joke about the heat-humidity issue in the Midwest vs. the feel-like temperature in the Southwest. It's going to be a different temperature in Phoenix than it's going to be in Coles County, Illinois -- really!

When the temperatures are too high the systems in the body that enable it to adjust to heat become overwhelmed -- and thats where the real problems start. When exposed to high heat for an extended period, the first thing to shut down is the bodys ability to sweat. Once someone stops perspiring, the problem moves from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. That begins to affect the brain, and that's when people begin to get confused and can lose consciousness.

So what happens before heat stroke actually occurs? We need to be alert and look for skin redness, heat rash and muscle cramps. These are early signs of people being overwhelmed by heat. If you dont deal with these signs immediately, it can lead to more severe symptoms.

We know those highest at risk for dying from overheating are the elderly and those who are isolated and don't have access to air conditioning. Obese people are also at increased risk as are people on certain medications. And people who are exercising or working out in the heat, who don't even meet those criteria, can be at risk also!

The number-one factor that eliminates death due to heat is utilizing air conditioning. Fans do not work; they can actually make it worse! Consider comparing a fan to using a convection oven. By blowing hot air on a person, it heats them up rather than cooling them down. Who knew?!

Be smart -- stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed. In a heat wave, keeping your cool will keep you healthy. People and animals should stay indoors. If you dont have air-conditioning, go where there is air conditioning (your LifeSpan Center, for example) or to a community relief shelter. Remember to drink more fluids, but avoid alcohol and high sugar drinks. When going out, wear light clothing and never leave any persons, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle.

The Coles County Council on Aging offices are located at the LifeSpan Center, 11021 E. Co. Rd. 800N, Charleston. The telephone number is 217-639-5150 for the Coles County Council on Aging and LifeSpan Center. Come join us each weekday at noon for Lunch at LifeSpan.

Peace Meals, sponsored by Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, are served Monday through Friday at a suggested donation of $3.50. To register, reserve a lunch or learn more, call 217-348-1800.
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A sesame seed-size parasite that feeds on human blood, the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a nuisance known around the world. These tiny insects infest human hair and can also sometimes be found in the eyebrows and eyelashes.

An estimated 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations occur each year in the United States among children ages 3 to 11, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While school-age kids are believed to be those most commonly affected by lice, it's possible for people of any age to become infested with these flightless pests.

Signs & symptoms

Some people with lice never realize they're infested. However, there are several telltale signs that the bugs are present on the scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include:

A ticklish feeling on the scalp or neck.

An itchy scalp (the result of an allergic reaction to the bug's saliva).

Small red bumps on the scalp, neck and shoulders.

The presence of lice on the scalp.

The presence of nits (lice eggs) on shafts of hair.

Difficulty sleeping, which can lead to irritability.

Some people with lice may also develop sores on their scalp. Such sores are likely the result of bacteria from the person's own body infecting an opening in the skin made by scratching, according to the CDC. Some people may scratch their scalps raw due to the itch and cause skin infections, said Margaret Khoury, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Kaiser Permanente.

Because head lice are not known to spread disease in the United States, they should not be considered a "medical or public health hazard," according to the CDC. Lice are also not indicative of poor hygiene, Khoury said. However, several studies conducted in recent years in other areas of the world, including Africa, suggest that certain species of head lice are capable of carrying infectious disease.

One study, outlined in the May 2013 issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Disease, found that head lice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could spread plague. And another study, outlined in the same journal in May 2014, found that human body lice carrying a pathogen that can cause trench fever  among other diseases  can also inhabit human hair.

Diagnosis & tests

The best way to confirm an active lice infestation is to find a live louse on the head, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Because lice move quickly and avoid light, it's best to check for them after wetting the hair, which some experts say slows the insects down.

The most effective way to check for lice is to use a louse comb, according to the AAP. In a study published in 2001 in the journal Pediatric Dermatology, researchers found that using a louse comb was four times more effective than simply doing a visual check of the scalp for lice and that checks with the louse comb could be performed two times faster than visual checks.

Dandruff, dirt and other common debris found in the hair are commonly confused for lice, according to the CDC. Therefore, the best person to perform a head check for lice may be someone trained to identify these parasites, like a health care provider or school nurse.

If no live lice are found on the scalp, finding nits firmly attached to the hair shaft within a quarter inch of the scalp may indicate that a person is infested, according to the CDC. However, it's important to confirm that an infestation of head lice is actually active before pursuing treatment, according to the AAP.

Nits from previous lice infestations can remain attached to hair shafts, even if no live lice are present on the scalp. To make future diagnoses of lice easier, as well as to ensure that no living nits remain in the hair, all nits should be removed from the hair, even after the infestation has been treated, according to the National Pediculosis Association (NPA), a nonprofit organization that does not support the use of insecticides to treat lice.

Treatment & medication

The ideal treatment is one that is "completely safe, free of harmful chemicals, readily available without a prescription, easy to use and inexpensive," according to the AAP.

There are several treatment options for those with head lice, including shampoos and creams that contain pediculicides, or insecticides that kill lice, as well as combing the hair with a louse comb that removes lice and nits. Neither one of these treatments options is 100 percent effective at removing all lice or nits from hair.

When choosing a treatment for lice, people should be aware that, in some areas of the United States and Europe, lice have developed resistance to some of the most common pediculicides found in both over-the- counter and prescription lice treatments. The CDC recommends consulting with a doctor or pharmacist to determine what treatments are best to use. Khoury, along with the AAP, recommends that lice should first be treated with an over-the counter medication first and move on to prescription medication if the over-the-counter treatment is ineffective or there are potential allergies.

If no resistance to insecticides is suspected, the AAP recommends using products that contain pediculicides known as pyrethrins or the chemical permethrin. However, these chemicals are known to be toxic to humans and should be used with caution, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

"Permethrin has been the most studied pediculicide in the United States and is the least toxic to humans," Khoury told Live Science. She added that while pyrethrins are manufactured with natural extracts from chrysanthemum and have extremely low toxicity, those with known allergies to the flower, similar plants, or ragweeds can develop allergic reactions.

If you choose to use a chemical treatment for lice, be sure to follow dosing instructions correctly and consult with your health care provider if you plan to use these treatments on a child under age 2, according to the CDC. Khoury recommended making sure that you pay special attention to the directions on both over the counter and prescribed medications, including how long the medication should be left in, how it should be washed out, how often doses should be given, approved ages, and any allergy or chemical information.

To minimize exposure to the insecticides found in lice treatment shampoos, rinse the scalp and hair well with cool water after applying these products and try to avoid exposing skin (other than the skin on the scalp) to these products, according to the Canadian Pediatric Society. If you are bathing a child, rinse the treatment out of the hair over a sink. Do not place the child in a bath as the hair is being rinsed.

If the lice in your area are resistant to permethrin and pyrethrins, the AAP recommends using a product containing 0.5 percent malathion, another insecticide that is rubbed into the hair and scalp. Malathion has not been deemed safe or effective to use in children younger than 6, and the product is not safe to use in children younger than 24 months, according to the AAP. Neither malathion nor permethrin and pyrethrins effectively kill all of the egg stages of lice. This means that these chemicals need to be reapplied to the scalp seven to 10 days after the initial treatment.

There are also several other chemicals that can be used to treat lice, including lindane, which is available as a cream or a shampoo. This chemical has been known to cause severe seizures in children and cannot be prescribed to individuals who weigh less than 110 pounds (49.9 kilograms), according to the AAP. Other chemical treatments have also been linked to dangerous side effects in children, which is why organizations such as the NPA do not recommend the use of chemical treatments for lice.

The manual removal of lice recommended by the NPA can be performed using the same type of fine-toothed louse comb used to check the scalp for lice. Louse combs can be used on wet or dry hair, though some experts suggest that combing out lice and nits is easier on wet hair. Some people may also wish to use a conditioner before combing out the hair, according to the NPA.

Preventing the spread

Once a case of head lice is confirmed, the best way to prevent spread is to thoroughly treat and get rid of the head lice. Avoiding head-to-head contact as much as possible will also help curb an infestation, according to the CDC.

Although a less-frequent cause of spread, lice can travel from one person to another via shared clothing and accessories, such as hats, brushes and hair accessories. People with lice should avoid sharing these items with others, and should also avoid sharing a bed with siblings or friends. Though rare, lice can spread from person to person through infested upholstery or bed linens.

Once a person is treated for lice, all bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, hairbrushes and other items that had direct contact with that person's scalp should be thoroughly cleaned, according to the CDC. Clothes and bedding can be washed in hot water, hairbrushes and hair accessories can be boiled, rugs or other non-washable items can be dry cleaned, and items that can't be washed or dry cleaned can be stored in airtight containers for several weeks to ensure that live lice and nits do not survive.

Finally, vacuum carpeted floors and clean all furniture to prevent the spread of lice to others. Measures such as fumigation are not necessary and should be avoided, according to the CDC.

Households with pets do not have to worry about lice infestations moving to the family cat or dog. The CDC says that head lice do not live on pets (lice are species-specific) and are not involved with the spreading of an infestation.

While some schools follow a "no-nit" policy that requires children with lice to stay at home, the AAP does not recommend such policies. The NPA, however, supports stringent no-nit policies in schools.

Additional reporting by Rachel Ross, Live Science Contributor.

Additional resources
Teton Mountain Range

(Image credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher)

The Teton Mountain Range is one of the most dazzling, awe-inspiring natural places still found on the North American continent. The magnificent mountains are located in the state of Wyoming and encompass most of the Jackson Hole valley. The range is a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is the largest nearly intact natural area in the contiguous United States. Today, many species of animals such as bison, elk, bear, eagles and moose can still be found and enjoyed in the two national parks, seven national forests and two national wildlife preserves that make up the ecosystem.

From above

(Image credit: NPS)

The Teton Range is a young mountain range that was uplifted only about 9 million years ago. The tallest peak, the Grand Teton, rises some 13,775 feet (4,200 meters). The origin of the naming of the Tetons is shrouded in controversy. Some historians think that French explorers named the mountain range "Les Trois Tetons" (which translates to "the three breasts") to honor the female anatomy. Other historians contend that the mountains received their name from the local Teton Sioux tribe, one of the seven indigenous groups of Lakota people found on the Great Plains of North America.

Long and tall

(Image credit: NASA)

The Teton Range extends some 40 miles (64 km) in length while rising some 7,000 feet (2,130 m) above the Jackson Hole valley. The area has many lakes including the 15-mile-long (24 km) Jackson Lake, as seen here in this NASA Landsat photo. The primary downstream segment of the Snake River also meanders across the Jackson Hole valley.

From sea to mountains

(Image credit: NPS)

The geological history of the Teton Range began some 2.7 billion years ago along the edge of an ancient seaway known as the Cordilleran trough. The constant ebbing and flowing seafloor was being filled daily with thick layers of mud, sand and volcanic sediment that would over the years reach miles in depth. Some 60 million years ago, the Farallon Plate under the Pacific Ocean began to subduct below the North American Plate, resulting in the creation of today's Rocky Mountains. Then, 10 million years ago, massive earthquakes triggered by the shifting of the Teton fault began tilting the mountain blocks upward, resulting today in an offset along the valley floor of nearly 30,000 feet (9,140 m).

Young and old

(Image credit: NPS)

Even though the Teton Range contains some of the oldest rock found in North America, the Tetons themselves are one of the youngest (9 million years old) of North American mountain ranges. The 2.7-billion-year-old metamorphic rock, known as gneiss, make up the vast majority of the Teton Range. Before the collision of the two tectonic plates, these rocks of the Tetons were buried some 18 miles (30 km) below the Earth's surface.

Erosion over time

(Image credit: Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher)

The striking appearance of the Teton Range is due to both their relatively young age and the ever-present and constant forces of erosion. Massive Pleistocene Ice Age glaciers are responsible for sculpturing the rugged high peaks with their deep U-shaped canyons. These Pleistocene glaciers disappeared some 10,000 years ago, but smaller glaciers reformed in the Teton Range during the Little Ice Age (1400 CE - 1850 CE). Today, there are 11 active glaciers within the Teton mountains, 10 of which are large enough to be named on U.S. Geological Survey maps. The Teton Glacier is shown here just to the right of the Grand Teton peak.

Slice and dice

(Image credit: NPS)

The movement of glaciers through the Teton Range resulted in the carving of many deep depressions in the valley floor. Six, jewel-like morainal lakes are now found at the base of the Teton Range. Jackson Lake, shown here, is the largest of the glacier lakes covering 40 square miles (104 square kilometers) with a maximum depth of 438 feet (134 m). More than 100 additional backcountry and alpine lakes and ponds are also found scattered throughout the Teton Range.

Opportunities to wade

(Image credit: NPS)

The many opportunities to enjoy water throughout the Teton Range include world-class fishing along the Snake River, which meanders along the base of the mountains. With its headwaters on the Two Ocean Plateau inside of Yellowstone National Park, the Snake River is a major river of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The Snake River, shown here flowing near the Grand Teton, is 1,078 miles (1,735 km) long and is the largest tributary of the Columbia River.

Splendor in all directions

(Image credit: NPS)

With such natural beauty everywhere, it is little wonder that the Grand Teton National Park was established in February 1929. The park encompasses some 484 square miles (1,250 square kilometers). Park elevation ranges from 6,320 feet, (1,926 m) to 13,775 feet (4,200 m). Archeological evidence suggests that early hunter-gatherer Paleo-Indians first entered this land some 11,000 years ago. The Shoshoni tribe claimed this region when French and American fur trappers entered the beautiful river valley early in the 19th century in search of beaver pelts. A herd of American bison is shown here grazing in one of the meadows in front of Mt. Moran.

Perfect for plants

(Image credit: NPS)

The floor of the Jackson Hole valley, as well as the many mountain valleys, are predominately composed of a loose rocky soil that is ideal for water to percolate through it. With such ideal conditions of moisture and soil, more than 1,000 species of vascular plants grow within the park's boundaries. Big leaf sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata , dominate the valley floor, intermingled with a vast diversity of wildflowers. Conifers dominate the mountain sides and canyon regions. A patch of lupine flowers, Lupinus perennis, is shown here and is one of many species of wildflowers that add seasonal beauty to the national park.

Home to many

(Image credit: NPS)

With such a lush and diverse natural environment, wildlife abounds throughout the Teton Range. Sixty-one species of mammals, including bears, moose, badgers and more, are found in the area's alpine, forest, sagebrush flat and wetland zones. The national park is renowned for its excellent trout fishing. More than 341 species of birds, including the yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) have been documented within the park's boundaries. Both golden eagles, Aquila chrysaetos, and bald eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, are commonly seen soaring above the vast meadows along the Snake River in search of a delicious rabbit, carrion or trout dinner.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

The Earth is home to millions of species, but you wouldn't know it from the media's obsession with only a few dozen animals like tigers and gorillas.

This narrow focus makes the most of popular fascination with large and cute creatures. Conservationists take advantage of these nonhuman celebrities to raise awareness about important issues and to seek donations to help save endangered animals. Given the multi-billion-dollar funding shortfall for nature conservation, public support is crucial.

Very popular species attract the most wildlife conservation funding. But what about the Nimba otter shrew, the Cuban greater funnel-eared bat or other threatened yet obscure species? And don't all imperiled green spaces, not just the homes of snow leopards and orangutans, deserve attention?

Conventional wisdom counsels sticking with the old approach to fundraising, and conservationists tend to see animals like bats and snakes as lost causes. As conservation scientists, we wanted to discover whether marketing could perhaps rescue these species. If companies can successfully sell mops and other humdrum products, why can't conservationists raise money to save the unglamorous giant golden mole  even if it looks like a small cushion with a nose poking out of it? We sought the answer to this question by measuring the links between marketing efforts and conservation fundraising success.

Two different animals

Our recently published study contrasted online fundraising campaigns by two conservation charities: World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF-US) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), through its EDGE of Existence program.

These campaigns are very different. WWF-US raises money for a broad set of projects, addressing global issues from climate change and illegal wildlife trade to forest and ocean conservation. The EDGE campaign we analyzed focuses on saving 100 threatened mammal species.

Given these contrasting approaches, we wanted to see if and when marketing makes a difference. To do this we also had to account for whether the species used for fundraising mattered. This involved measuring an animal's "appeal," which depends on lots of factors, such as whether it is cute, large or famous. To see which animals were the most appealing, we showed 850 conservation supporters a random selection of the animal photos featured on the WWF-US and EDGE websites and asked these volunteers to rank the photos.

Let's first consider WWF-US, which raises money through animal "adoptions." When people donate, they signal their support for the well-known species. In return they get a stuffed toy, photos of the animals and adoption certificates. But the money WWF-US raised funds projects that benefit more than just the "adopted" animals.

We found two factors influenced WWF-US donors' choices: the animals' appeal and the degree of the threat of their extinction. Marketing efforts played no role. No matter how they were described or presented, the most appealing species always drew more donations. This was probably because people already knew and liked them.

The EDGE program raises money in a different way. It supports some universally familiar animals, like the Asian elephant, but many of the species it helps are less appealing to humans, including a variety of rats and bats. Each of these species is shown on their website, so people can click on a link to find out more and then donate.

We found that while people were generally more interested in donating to appealing species, the amount of marketing also made a difference. The animals EDGE actively promoted fared better with potential donors  including some homely ones. Similarly, pitches for the species shown higher up on EDGE's site got more donors interested in funding the animals' conservation.

A way to save the rodents

EDGE's track record suggests that using marketing techniques to raise money for wildlife conservation could increase donations aimed at helping less popular species. To estimate the difference that marketing could make in this regard, we created a mathematical model based on our analysis of the EDGE data. This is an equation that predicts donations based on a species' appeal (which is fixed) and whether it was promoted by EDGE or shown high up on the website (which we could vary).

Partnering with an EDGE staff member, we then modeled different fundraising scenarios for the 10 most appealing and 10 least appealing animals, as rated by our conservation volunteers. With no marketing effort, our model predicted that the most appealing species would raise 10 times more money than the least appealing animals. This was in line with what we expected and supported the WWF-US strategy.

However, things changed when we modeled the impact from EDGE's marketing efforts. If the group highlighted the least appealing species by making them prominent on its website, our model predicted a 26-fold increase in donations for those specific animals. This suggests that charities could raise conservation funds for species like bats and rodents, if they tried hard enough.

Our findings indicate that conservationists have more options than they may realize to raise money to aid wildlife.

When can marketing boost donations?

But when should they fundraise for more obscure species? The answer depends on how threatened the animal is, how much help it already gets, the cost of saving it and the chances of the project succeeding. When conservationists focus only on saving elephants, rhinos or other popular species, they often overlook these considerations.

That doesn't mean WWF-US should end its focus on familiar animals. Since the money it raises funds broad projects that benefit more than just the "adopted" animals, catering to widespread fixations with particular species makes sense.

To be sure, our research did not measure whether marketing efforts pay off by increasing donations overall. But including more kinds of species in a campaign may boost donations  especially for endangered frogs and tarantulas or other underappreciated animals  and even plants.

It might also increase the total number of species in the public eye, highlighting the many ways everyone can help save wildlife.

Conservationists often complain animals that are important to save can get ignored. Our results suggest that they should stop complaining and start marketing.

Diogo Verissimo, David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellow, Johns Hopkins University and Bob Smith, Director, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
CHARLESTON -- Friends, family and others in the community are stepping up to help out an Eastern Illinois University Police Department officer as he struggles with medical bills related to his past heart issues.

In recent years, heart surgeries have become commonplace for James "Big Jimmy" Williams, a Marine veteran of Operation Desert Storm and UPD officer for more than 20 years.

He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, a chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should, in 2007. Since that time, Williams has undergone five surgeries, including his most recent -- a heart transplant in February.

Williams said these surgeries along with all of the other expenses that have come with them total a hefty ongoing price. He noted a recent bill for $4,000.

These expenses, with the added struggle of being off duty for two years because of his condition, have strained his finances. However, a benefit organized by local residents has been scheduled this weekend to help the longstanding police officer with some of these bills.

The benefit is planned for 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Charleston VFW Post 1592, located at 1821 20th St., and organizers are encouraging those in the community to support Williams.

The benefit will have a silent auction of an assortment of items, 50/50 drawing and raffle. Kathy Rhodes, a benefit organizer, said outside of the cash bar, the proceeds will go to supporting Williams to offset those medical bills.

Currently, $15 tickets ($25 for two tickets) are still available to get a John Deere D140 riding mower, 22 horsepower with a 48-inch deck, or $1,500.

Taco boats and sloppy joes will be served at the event. Three to four bands will be performing that evening, with Coles County Sheriff Jimmy Rankin as the emcee.

Rhodes said those involved in the benefit see it as an obvious step to assist a community member in need.

If you ever met Jimmy, youd know why, she said.

She said Williams is one person the community needs and numerous others have felt the same way. Williams said the community has been generous so far helping out, supporting the purchases of his groceries and other things.

Rhodes said many people have been trying to pitch in to help. It speaks volumes to Williams' impact in the area, she added.

It was overwhelming, Williams said of the organizing of the impending benefit. People have really stepped up for me. It is a testimony to the character of people around here.

At this time, Williams is on a smooth track to recovery following his heart transplant. Williams said he is eager to get back on duty and hopes to return to the UPD during EIUs fall semester.

I miss the people, he said.

Williams noted that when he went on leave because of his surgery, he told colleagues he was not sure when he would return but was positive he would be returning.

Since dealing with the struggles that came with his heart issues, Williams has been an advocate for heart disease awareness, speaking at events at places like Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
WASHINGTON  Epic laser battles with highly concentrated beams of deadly light punching through starship hulls, slicing off limbs  or instantly vaporizing spacecraft, bodies and even planets  have been a much-loved and time-honored tradition in science fiction for many decades.

But anyone who has gripped a handheld laser pointer to lead a presentation or to tease a cat knows that lower-energy versions of lasers are quite common today. The focused light of lasers can be used for microscopy, to provide targets for weapons, to perform certain types of delicate surgery or to create spectacular visual displays at rock concerts.

And lasers are also frequently used in space  not as weapons, but to help scientists conduct highly precise measurements and observations, a group of NASA engineers and designers explained in a panel on June 16 here at Future Con. [The Most Dangerous Space Weapons Ever]

If you've ever marveled at the highly detailed Martian topography in the geobrowser Google Mars, you have lasers to thank, said Luis Ramos-Izquierdo, an optical systems engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

For four-and-a-half years, the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) used lasers to collect data on Mars' surface elevation, which was used to generate the most detailed global topographic map of any planet in our solar system, according to NASA.

Ice, ice baby

Closer to home, the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), scheduled to launch in 2019, will use laser technology to create 3D maps of Earth's forests and calculate their biomass, Ramos-Izquierdo said.

Another NASA mission using lasers to peer at Earth is named Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). Scheduled to launch in 2018, ICESat-2 will use an array of six lasers  three paired beams  to track ice-sheet thickness and changes across Greenland and Antarctica, so that scientists can better estimate the risks posed by melting ice due to climate change, panel member Brooke Medley, a research associate with Earth Sciences Remote Sensing at the Goddard Space Flight Center, told the Future Con audience.

ICESat-2 is continuing the work started by an earlier mission, ICESat-1, which was the first satellite to deploy lasers from space to measure surface elevation in the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, according to NASA.

The amount of ice cover in those two regions is enormous: Greenland's area is about three times the size of Texas, while Antarctica is roughly twice the size of the contiguous United States  far too big to accurately measure elevation changes from the ground or by airplane, Medley said. ICESat-2 will conduct multiple passes overhead at an altitude of 299 miles (481 kilometers), and its lasers will gather data that will enable researchers to calculate ice volume and track changes over time.

Kate Ramsayer, Luis Ramos-Izquierdo, Brooke Medley, Erwan Mazarico, Evan Hoffman and Jennifer Sager from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center extoll the many virtues of space lasers, in the Future Con panel "NASA's Space Lasers" on June 16, 2017. (Image credit: M. Weisberger/Live Science)

Another NASA satellite that resembles a mirror-studded disco ball  the LAser GEOdynamic Satellite (LAGEOS)  has been pinging back laser light beamed from Earth since it launched in 1976, returning data that enabled scientists to create the first models of Earth's gravitational field. Currently, there are two LAGEOS satellites in orbit, and their orbits are so stable that unless a piece of space debris collides with them, they'll be circling the planet for at least 1 million to 2 million years, according to panelist Evan Hoffman, a scientist with the Space Geodesy Project at Goddard.

In the moon's vicinity, the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter used lasers to gather billions of data points from the moon's surface while in orbit, enabling scientists to build the most detailed maps to date of lunar topography, Erwan Mazarico, a research associate with Planetary Studies at Goddard, said at the panel.

Lasers have also helped NASA researchers bring broadband to the moon, Jennifer Sager, lead system engineer and project manager with the Science and Planetary Operations Control Center at Goddard, told the panel audience. The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration tested a two-way communication system between Earth and the moon using a pulsed laser beam, establishing a data download rate of 622 megabits per second, Sager said.

And researchers are even investigating whether lasers could be used defensively in space  not to battle invading extraterrestrials, but to nudge aside space debris that could damage equipment or threaten astronauts, Hoffman added.

An artist's conception of NASA's moon-bound LADEE spacecraft using lasers to communicate with Earth. (Image credit: NASA)

Lighting the spark

Appearing at a conference like Future Con  where attendees are particularly enthusiastic about the real-world science behind their favorite sci-fi moments  allowed all of the scientists in the panel to touch upon some of the more interesting aspects of their research, even though the entire presentation was less than an hour, Mazarico told Space.com.

But each of the panelists could happily have spoken about lasers for much longer, Ramos-Izquierdo added.

"In reality, any one of us could talk for hours about our work and what we do  I could have gone on and on and on," Ramos-Izquierdo said.

"But it's good that they get a variety of the things we do at NASA, and maybe how it all comes together  for communication, for mapping the planet, for exploration. We gotta do all that work now, for science fiction to become real," he said.

Talking about space lasers at Future Con also brought NASA science directly to kids, perhaps encouraging the next generation of engineers and scientists, Mazarico told Space.com. And giving children a chance to meet the people behind the lasers might help them see themselves in those roles as adults, Medley added.

"We're just people that you could be passing in the street," she said. "Science isn't out of reach  it's something that is accessible for anyone."

Original article on Space.com.
A thirsty chameleon that perished during its desperate search for water may no longer be of this world, but its mummy  naturally preserved by India's hot, tropical climate  has intrigued people the world over.

That includes those who think it's a hoax.

The Indian chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus) was likely looking for water from an old pipe that had been dry for years, said filmmaker and writer Janaki Lenin, who found the critter and posted photos of it on Twitter. The animal was still clutching the pipe, even in death. [Photos: 11 Colorful Chameleons of Madagascar]

"The tragic story of a chameleon," Lenin tweeted June 18. "He must have remembered drinking water from this pipe a couple of years ago. But we had disconnected it." (Lenin removed the tweet yesterday, June 21.)

However, not everyone is convinced by this turn of events. It's strange that the dead chameleon was gripping the water pipe, said Christopher Raxworthy, the curator-in-charge of the Department of Herpetology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Chameleons that are dehydrated or weak lose their ability to grip and climb, and drop to the ground when they're close to death, Raxworthy told Live Science in an email. "I suspect someone put the dry chameleon on the pump as a joke, or to stage this," Raxworthy said.

But Lenin defended her story.

"My family lives on a private farm with no access to outsiders," Lenin told Live Science in an email. "None of the locals will touch chameleons, because they think they are venomous. Also, my husband is a well-known herpetologist and has seen his fair share of pranks, [too many] to be fooled by one."

Mummy mystery

If Lenin's story is legit, then it's likely that the intense sunlight and dry heat hastened the mummification of the chameleon, said Alan Resetar, manager of the Amphibian and Reptile Collections at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, who was not involved with the chameleon finding.

"The dry wind, too, would desiccate  would pull the moisture out of the animal fairly quickly," Resetar told Live Science.

During her examination of the mummy, Lenin noticed two small holes in its skin, she said. These were likely caused by ants that ate the chameleon's organs, probably speeding up the mummification process, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab).

The moment an organism dies, the bacteria that live in the creature's gut turn against it, accelerating decay by gulping down its soft tissues. That's why some ancient cultures eviscerated dead people (removed their organs) so that the individuals could more easily be mummified, Live Science reported previously.

The ants might have similarly eviscerated the chameleon, but only a necropsy (an animal autopsy) or a medical-imaging scan could tell for sure, Resetar said.

Still, animals and humans that retain their organs can be mummified if it's hot and dry enough. In 2003, an African crowned bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) found in Niger near a dried-out pond was naturally mummified with all its organs intact, Resetar said.

The mummy of a bullfrog that naturally mummified in Niger. (Image credit: Copyright Aquila Wilks/The Field Museum)

Moreover, he recalled an odd experience with mummies while he was working for a trucking company one summer during college. One day, Resetar was asked to check on a truck in the back lot that had been sitting there for months, if not years, he said.

"I opened it up, and there was a litter of mummified kittens inside the truck," Resetar said. "The mother must have escaped or been away when the truck door was closed, trapping the kittens."

The intense heat inside the truck's cab  "it was like a furnace," Resetar said  likely played a role in the kittens' deaths, and facilitated their mummification, he said.

"It was sad," Resetar said. "The thought still stays with me, and that was 40 years ago."

While finding naturally mummified animals is not an everyday occurrence, experiencing high temperatures is becoming more common as climate change heats up parts of the world. Higher-than-usual temperatures can kill animals, especially those that are ectotherms, or cold-blooded, according to National Geographic.

"A lot of these reptiles who live in the desert or tropics, they're in areas that are already almost as hot as they [the animals] can survive, so even a small increase in temperature beyond that could push them into pretty severe heat stress," Jeanine Refsnider, a herpetologist at the University of Toledo in Ohio, told National Geographic.

Original article on Live Science.
Hieroglyphics found at El-Khawy in Egypt show two storks, back to back, with an ibis between them (left), as well as a bull's head (right).

Archaeologists have discovered a "billboard" of hieroglyphs carved into the rocks near the Egyptian village of El-Khawy. The symbols, which show a message related to the cosmos, are the earliest monumental (large) hieroglyphs known, dating back around 5,200 years.

"This newly discovered rock art site of El-Khawy preserves some of the earliest  and largest  signs from the formative stages of the hieroglyphic script and provides evidence for how the ancient Egyptians invented their unique writing system," John Darnell, a professor at Yale University who co-directs the expedition that discovered the rock art, said in a statement from Yale University. The Egyptian antiquities ministry also issued a statement today (June 22) announcing the discovery.

The archaeologists also discovered another carving, this one showing a herd of elephants, created sometime between 4000 B.C. and 3500 B.C. One of the adult elephants in the scene was drawn with a little elephant inside its body  "an incredibly rare way of representing a pregnant female animal," Darnell said in the Yale statement. [Photos: 5,000-Year-Old Hieroglyphs Discovered in Sinai Desert]

Only a few similar scenes are known from Egypt. For example, a vase previously found at the site of Abydos depicts a pregnant hippopotamus, Darnell told Live Science.

In this rock carving, a little elephant is shown inside an adult elephant, an indication that the animal is pregnant. It was carved sometime between 4000 B.C. and 3500 B.C. (Image credit: Courtesy of Yale University)

Political message

The four early hieroglyphic signs were carved around 3250 B.C. And the carvers seemed to be making a statement, as the symbols are about 70 centimeters (27.5 inches) high and had "abright, almost white, color against the patina of the surrounding brown stone" after they were freshly carved, Darnell told Live Science.

"In the modern world, this would be akin to seeing smaller text on your computer screen and then suddenly seeing very large ones made the same way only on a billboard," Darnell said in the Yale statement.

One of the signs shows a bull's head on a short pole, a symbol found at other Egyptian sites. "The bull's head appears to be a symbol of royal power during the formative phases of the Egyptian state," Darnell told Live Science.

John Darnell, of Yale University, who co-directs the expedition that discovered the rock carvings, is shown here at the site, called El-Khawy. (Image credit: Courtesy of Yale University)

The other three signs show two storks, back-to-back, with a bald ibis bird in between them. The stork-ibis-stork arrangement suggests that those three signs are making a "statement about the cosmos through the solar cycle," Darnell told Live Science, noting that similar arrangements of symbols can be seen at other Egyptian sites.

Together, the four symbols were likely "an expression of royal authority over the ordered cosmos," Darnell said, adding that the "inscription was visible to travelers going to and from the early city of Elkab."

The hieroglyphs would have been visible to anyone who passed by during this time, suggesting that many ancient Egyptians were able to understand the signs, Darnell said.

The rock carvings were discovered by a joint expedition from Yale and the Royal Museums of Art and History, in Brussels. The expedition team works in collaboration with the Egyptian antiquities ministry.

Original article on Live Science.
A meeting in Brussels under the title "what is really hapenning in Venezuela" had a turn out of 85 people despite threats from Venezuelan opposition supporters to disrupt it.

A record number of 85 people participated in the last Jeudi du Marxisme organised in Brussels on the situation in Venezuela. The Jeudi du Marxisme is the monthly open activity of the Brussels branch of the International Marxist Tendency. This time it was organised jointly with the Hands Off Venezuela campaign. Faced with a growing number of questions of activists in the movement about the long tug of war between the violent right and extreme right opposition and the government we decided to invite three speakers at our activity. Ronnie Ramirez a Chilean filmmaker living in Belgium who used to work in Venezuela, Erik Demeester from the Hands Of Venezuela campaign and Luis Vargas of the Venezuelan Christian Workers Youth.

Despite numerous threats of violence at similar activities in Belgium and in the rest of Europe by frenzied oppositionists we decided to publicise this activity as widely as possible. Actually the best defence in this case is full publicity. Hundreds of posters were placarded in the streets and FB messages went viral announcing the activity. Learning from the attempted sabotage of previous meetings in Madrid, London and Germany we also warned everyone well in advance (on our posters and FB messages) that we would not tolerate any sabotage of our meeting. A special group of 20 people was organised to do the stewarding outside and inside the hall. The local Antifa group contacted us to help in case of trouble. The local police was also warned of a possible counter demo. We also added that everyone would be allowed to speak, including oppositionists, on condition they did not tried to sabotage the meeting. This bold attitude delivered results. The participants felt things were under control and they saw we took the security seriously. Despite calls for organising a picket against the event and threats of sabotage on the part of Venezulean oppositionists, nothing happened.

We also had a surprise visit of the Cuban and Venezuelan ambassadors to Belgium.

Erik Demeester, from HOV in Belgium, gave a general perspective of the events in Venezuela. This is a sustained and coordinated attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government and its president. They receive help from the local oligarchy and imperialism. We cannot stay neutral. At the same time we need to make a critical appraisal of the development of the policy of the government. Concessions to the capitalist class will not quieten them. Within the popular movement there is a growing demand for a radicalisation of the revolution or it will die. Our unconditionally defence of the revolution against the right wing and imperialist attacks goes hand in hand with critical solidarity.

Ronnie Ramirez analysed the role and the tricks the media use to blacken the revolution. He gave some good examples of the media manipulation and answered the lies and distortions published in the Belgian and international media. He also explained how in Venezuela itself the media are still largely under control of the private sector, i.e. the right wing opposition and how local community based media is building a counterweight to the dominance of the private radio and television.

Last but not least, spoke Luis Vargas from the Venezuelan Catholic Workers Youth (JOC). For many people present it was the first time they could hear someone from the rank and file of the revolutionary workers and youth movement. First of all he defended the revolution and its conquests. He lambasted calmly all the claims of the opposition about the economic crisis. I will not deny the dire social and economic situation but I reject the explanation of the right wing for this crisis. Then he went on explaining some of the growing contradictions in the movement between the bureaucracy and other rich people in the government and the state and the stubborn attempts of the popular movement to gain control over the process and press its own agenda of radicalisation. The elections for a new constituent assembly are an opportunity for the popular movement but it could also turn out like the past, where self-appointed bureaucrats take over. As expected most of questions were directed to him. Some oppositionists present also spoke and asked some questions. What struck the participants was the poverty of argument of those people. All their questions were answered. This was the moment when the ambassador of Venezuela stood up and took the defence of the government and the president against all the attacks they have been suffering.

After the meeting many people congratulated us for the activity and continued to discuss until late in the night. This successful activity is giving a new impetus to the solidarity movement in Belgium.
Laparoscopic surgeries are often automatically recorded from the point of view of the endoscopes lens. This is thanks to built-in recording equipment that accompanies many commercial endoscopic systems. What isnt easy is reviewing all those hours of footage to find something that may be useful for training clinicians or that may be used to improve laparoscopy-related equipment.

Now researchers at MIT have reported at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Singapore on a new video processing system that can, on its own, identify different stages of laparoscopic surgeries, potentially allowing researchers to quickly find relevant scenes that they can easily study.

The computer vision algorithm powering the system can spot when a biopsy is performed, a wound irrigated, or tissue stapled, among other activities. Moreover, other actions can also be programmed into the system for it to find among recordings.

While initially developed to analyze pre-recorded video, the same software may one day help surgeons intraoperatively, by recognizing what steps are being taken and warning when something doesnt look normal. It may also help suggest when and which instruments to use and generally serve as an additional vigilant eye over the course of the procedure.

Surgeons are thrilled by all the features that our work enables, in an MIT announcement said Daniela Rus, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and senior author on the paper. They are thrilled to have the surgical tapes automatically segmented and indexed, because now those tapes can be used for training. If we want to learn about phase two of a surgery, we know exactly where to go to look for that segment. We dont have to watch every minute before that. The other thing that is extraordinarily exciting to the surgeons is that in the future, we should be able to monitor the progression of the operation in real-time.

Via: MIT
100 years ago, June 22, 1917

MATTOON -- Illinois Adjutant General Dickson arrived in Mattoon this morning for an official inspection of the storm district. He departed this afternoon for an inspection of the Charleston storm district. Under terms of a bill passed recently by the state legislature appropriating $275,000 for the relief of the tornado victims, the adjutant general is given power to direct the distribution. to make this task easier, he plans to go to each storm district to obtain first-hand information... CHARLESTON -- The south portion of Charleston was lighted last night for the first time since May 25, the night before the big tornado. Street lights were glowing on almost every corner of that district. The north part of the city remains in darkness. The Central Illinois Public Service Company suffered a great loss and much damage in the storm, and the repair work has kept many employees busy night and day... MATTOON -- Lytle Park will formally open on Sunday, June 24. Motion pictures will be shown during the evening. The program will consist of nine films, including reels showing the U.S. Army and Navy in action, comic cartoons and a Max Linder comedy. Lytle Park sustained considerable damage from the May 26 tornado. A number of trees were uprooted or forced out of plumb. Buildings were partially wrecked.

50 years ago, 1967

CHARLESTON -- More than 300 Democrats heard Illinois Treasurer Adlai Stevenson III discuss the "new era of politics" at the Eastern Illinois University Union last night at a fund-raising dinner for Coles County Treasurer John Meeks of Mattoon. Stevenson said once-favored patronage jobs no longer hold the attraction for the party's foot soldiers. Pointing to crime, pollution, mass transportation and other problems, Stevenson said the federal government is "moving in," initiating programs because state governments have been slow to act... CHARLESTON -- A.J. DiPietro, who will become the head of the mathematics department at Eastern Illinois University on Sept. 1, received a 500-mile tie bar award given to those who cover 500 miles jogging under the supervision of the Charleston Run For Your Life Club. DiPietro, who has been a member of the group since April 1966, is the club's first member to earn the 500-mile award.

25 years ago, 1992

CHARLESTON -- Chilling temperatures may have limited the crowd assembled for the third annual Lincolnland Drum and Bugle Corps Review Saturday, but about 2,000 people braved the cold to watch an Illinois group win the contest for the second straight year. Saturday nights low reading sank to 41 degrees, breaking the old record of 45 degrees set for that date in 1945. The Cavaliers from Rosemont, ranked second in the world, won the contest with 75.1 points against seven other corps from six states. Finishing second with 64.9 points were the Bluecoats from Canton, Ohio CHARLESTON -- In a countdown to the universitys centennial in 1995, Eastern Illinois University officials marked Saturday what they called a proud history of fine arts education that helped produce such notable artists as Paul Sargent, Newton Tarble and Burl Ives. The keynote speaker was Robert Weidner, a professor emeritus of music.

100 years ago, June 23, 1917

CHARLESTON -- All employees of the City of Charleston, excepting members of the police and fire departments, are in the future to be protected in case of injury or death by casualty insurance. This step was taken by the Charleston City Council Thursday evening following an injury to J.D. Tutwiler, employed by the city in removing debris after last month's tornado. The injured man was allowed his regular pay until he was able to return to his duties as well as the fees of his physician. It was pointed out that the tornado had cost the city more than it would have taken to place every employee of the municipality under a liability insurance... MATTOON -- Mattoon will apply for a company in one of the regiments of the proposed new Illinois militia, being organized to take over the duties of the Illinois National Guard, after its mobilization for service in the war with Germany. At a meeting this morning with representatives of the governor and Illinois adjutant general, it was the consensus of opinion that Mattoon owes to the state of Illinois a company to serve in the new state militia. The benefit of having a state militia was shown conclusively during the May 26 tornado disaster when five companies of the National Guard, then waiting orders for mobilization, were sent her on police duty, remaining in Mattoon for 19 days. If Mattoon is given a company, its captain will be C.H. Douglas, according to tentative plans.

50 years ago, 1967

MATTOON -- Two Humboldt men met for the first time in more than a year last weekend -- in Vietnam. Air Force Capt. James G. Handley and Army Spc. 4 Michael J. Handley, sons of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Handley of Humboldt, spent last weekend visiting, a rarity in Vietnam. Aware that he was approximately 100 miles from where his brother was stationed, Spc. 4 Handley requested a three-day pass to visit his brother at Cam Ranh, which was unexpectedly granted... MATTOON -- Army Pvt. J.R. Watson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Watson of Mattoon, has been chosen a member of The Old Guard, the U.S. Army's famed Third Infantry. Watson, a 1962 graduate of Mattoon High School and 1966 graduate of Southern Illinois University, joined the Army in February. The Old Guard began service in the Revolutionary War and later assigned to guarding the nation's capital. The Old Guard also serves as personal escort to the president, marches as lead unit in the inaugural parade and guards the Tomb of the Unknowns... MATTOON -- Robert Webb, administrative assistant to the Lake Land College president, told Lions Club members yesterday that 225 students have applied for enrollment at the college for the fall term. Webb said he expects more than 300 students will be enrolled when classes begin. At present, 56 students from Mattoon, 22 from Charleston and 20 from Shelbyville have enrolled. Most of the remainder represent other high schools in the junior college district, although 30 students have enrolled at Lake Land who reside outside the district.

25 years ago, 1992

CHARLESTON -- For at least the second year in a row, the Coles County Board is on pace to have surplus money left in the fund it uses to pay board members. As of their June meeting, members had received about $18,400 during the 1992 calendar year for meeting and committee expenses, for an average payout of just more than $3,000 per month. For both the 1990-91 and 1991-92 fiscal years, the board budgeted $39,000 for those expenses. The total for the 12-member board was just more than $36,000 during the 1990-91 calendar year. Board member Eli Sidwell, chairman of the finance committee, said its more the rule than the exception for there to be money left over for the expenses SULLIVAN -- Kirby N. Rodgers has been named principal of the Sullivan Middle School. He has been principal of Washington Elementary School in Dixon for seven years and previously taught 11 years at a junior high school in Sterling. Rodgers, son of Gene and Dorothy Rodgers of Charleston, has bachelors and masters degrees from Eastern Illinois University MATTOON -- Richard W. Kruckeberg of Mattoon has been named director of the new Lake Land College physical therapist assistant program which will begin next spring semester. He and his wife Jamey own and operate Central Illinois Physical Therapy in Mattoon. Kruckeberg has previously served as staff physical therapist and clinical instructor for Rockford Memorial Hospital and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Welcome to Medgadgets coverage of HxRefactored taking place this week in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Now in its seventh year, HxRefactored, a Health 2.o and Mad*Pow event collaboration, brings together healthcare designers, practitioners, and technologists to learn about and discuss opportunities to improve health experiences through human centered design and technology. Over the events couple of days, HxRefactored is bringing together a combination of keynote speakers and breakout sessions to dive into the creative intersection of healthcare and design thinking.

Earlier this morning, prior to the formal event kickoff, attendees had a chance to hit the ground running by participating in pre-conference workshops on topics such as Behavior Change Design for Healthy Aging and Discovering Unmet Needs and New Solutions through Participatory Design.

Amy Cueva, Founder and CEO of Mad*Pow, and Matthew Holt, Co-Chairman of Health 2.0, launched HxRefactored from the main stage with a sampling of what attendees will be exposed to over the next couple days. Additionally, for all of those who missed the announcement, Matthew reminded attendees of Health 2.0s recent acquisition by HIMSS while Amy spoke about Mad*Pows Center for Health Experience Design, which is currently in the process of onboarding new individual and organization members to the group.

With the scene set, Amy gave the first keynote of the event on purpose driven design. While human centered design is important and appropriate in the context of healthcare where the patient should be the center of clinical systems and workflows, Amy believes that, by itself, human centered design is insufficient to achieve better outcomes. Purpose driven design is also necessary as a complement to human centered strategies and it already has a proven, incentivizing track record. Amy quoted sources which have shown that the top 50 purpose driven businesses consistently outperform the S&P 500.

Olga Elizarova and Samantha Depsey from Mad*Pow followed the opening keynote with a presentation highlighting health inequities. Data presented on the rates of premature death and homicide, as well as the percentage of families below the poverty line, and of adults with diabetes in Boston near MBTA public transit stops all showed evidence of the quote from Melody Goodman (NYU) that a zip code is a better predictor of your health than your genetic code. The conclusion drawn is that healthcare solutions serving patients should be designed from a point of view that is neither too broad (i.e. the state or city) nor too narrow (i.e. the individual). Instead, healthcare design should be at the level of the community and take into account the health inequities that exist at the community level, such as poverty, education, and violence. Three examples of projects that have taken this approach include Participatory City in the UK, and Harlem Childrens Zone and Way to Wellville in the US. Despite these examples of success, Olga and Samantha identified that the challenges in the way of designing with health equity in mind include a lack of financial incentives in fee-for-service payment models, long term ROI cycles that are not attractive to investment, and gaps in knowledge about when, where, and how best to implement these types of programs.

Aneesh Chopra, CEO of NavHealth and former CTO of the United States, followed on the main stage with a call to action around bringing open data to life for patient care. While there has been a significant effort around solutions that benefit patients, Aneesh stressed the importance of innovations which also enhance the capability of the provider. Two case studies in the Million Hearts program and Hackensack Meridian Health emphasized his point. The Million Hearts program, which is now in a payment trial, has already shown great opportunities to improve patient heart health through provider incentives. However, providers currently use a risk calculator, which can be downloaded to a mobile phone, to determine a patients ability to participate and derive value from the program. While current policy creates incentives to facilitate integrations that support the patient, an integration in this use case would make participation even easier for the provider. At Hackensack, hospital leadership invested in building mobile connected technologies on top of existing technology systems. Since Hackensack built the new technology themselves, the result is a successful model for how provider networks can make it easy for internal and external technologies to be used to engage both patients and providers, despite the fact that current regulations only focus on the patient.

Matt Park, VP of North American Sales for dacadoo, followed Aneesh to talk about dacadoos technology and patented Health Score. dacadoo, a Zurich-based company, offers a digital health platform that evaluates hundreds of data points related to an individuals lifestyle, mind, and body to come up with a real-time Health Score between 1 and 1000. Immediate feedback informs users about changes to their score, why their score is changing, and what the change represents. Scores are based on the validated Metric Health Model and can be used to predict disease and mortality risk along with basic health and wellness. Health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, life insurance businesses, and corporate wellness programs all can benefit from deploying the dacadoo platform. Tomorrow, Medgadget will be sitting down with dacadoo to take a deeper dive into the companys technology platform, current use cases, and future plans.

Closing the opening session on the main stage were Omar Ishaq and Saad Mir from the Human Theater Project, an initiative to humanize patients by giving them cameras to document their experiences in the clinical system. The duo shared emotional pictures and stories from some of their patients. After evolving the project for the past few years, Omar and Saad plan to continue to grow the effort with the goal to be a modality for patients to control their healthcare experience and drive clinical innovation.

Following talks on the main stage, attendees had the option to join a number of breakout sessions on topics ranging from wearables and sensors to designing for mental health. One session, Improving the Clinician Experience, brought together a range of technologists, providers, and healthcare executives to discuss ongoing changes to how clinicians engage with and deploy care to patients. One panelist, Alex Tam, Head of Design at Augmedix, spoke about his companys Google Glass technology that allows clinicians wearing Glass to be able to significantly decrease time spend on clinical documentation from 17 hours down to two hours per week. Augmedix allows a scribe to receive the live Glass feed and document the clinical encounter on behalf of the clinician while pulling up necessary documentation, visible to the clinician in the Glass screen, as needed. The decrease in documentation time correlates to an increase in the time clinicians are now able to spend on sustained, meaningful engagement with patients. Augmedix is next looking at how to reduce clinical time spent on administrative efforts through automation of standard tasks and machine learning tools, further increasing the time clinicians can devote to patients.

Jen Cardello, Head of Design Platforms for athenahealth, spoke on the panel about her companys strategy building and coordinating design teams, the culmination of which is the Forge Design System. A technology for architecting and managing collaborative design resources that will be released as an internal beta at athenahealth this year, with plans for a broader unveiling in the future. Forge is one of many steps athenahealth is taking to being the platform for healthcare on par with what Salesforce and Intuit have achieved for customer relationship management and payroll management respectively.

Following the panel session, Medgadget had a chance to sit down and take a deeper dive with two of this breakout sessions panelists: Roy Smythe, CMO of Healthcare Informatics at Philips, and Dr. Julie Rish, Director of Patient Experience Best Practices at Cleveland Clinic. Check out these interviews in Medgadgets upcoming extended coverage of HxRefactored.

A series of short sessions back on the main stage closed the first day of HxRefactored. At the conference last year, the US Department of Health and Human Services sponsored a design challenge to improve the medical billing processes. The winners of last years design challenge, announced last fall, were shared at this years conference. RedNet won the award for the easiest bill to implement given the current system, while Sequence won the award for the bill with the most transformative approach.

What better way to follow a previous design competition than to launch a new one?! This year, HxRefactored and AARP are collaborating to launch the Caregiver Quality of Life Challenge to create innovative solutions that (1) help in the identification of caregivers and address their level of caregiver burden, (2) find resources to ease caregiver burdens, and (3) connect with others to build and strengthen caregiver support systems. Jody Holtzman, SVP of Strategy and Innovation made the announcement while sharing some poignant statistics about caregivers, such as the fact that over 40 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid care. The goal of the program is to change the lives of a group of people currently relegated to the shadows, but who contribute to families and communities in ways that are not discussed or acknowledged. The deadline to submit for the design challenge is September 5th, 2017, and the winners will be announced at the Health 2.0 event in the first week of October. First, second, and third prizes include $10k, $7k, and $3k cash awards respectively.

Another short announcement followed on the availability of .health domains by Jennifer Lannon, Director of Brand Development at dothealth, the company managing the new domain space. Updating data that the market has been using since 2012, Jennifer shared some consumer health statistics from a larger 2017 Consumer Health Online report coming out later this year. Today, 85% of people use a smartphone or tablet to search for health information, 63% have a health app on their phone, and, relevant for new domain owners, people are 1.5x more likely to click on a .health than a .com domain when searching for health information. Industry access to .health domains begins next month on July 20th with general availability beginning December 5th of this year.

The energetic Casey Quinlan closed the final session of the day with a Jeopardy/Price is Right mash-up highlighting the almost game show-like way in which healthcare costs are incurred and exponentially accumulate over time for sick patients.

With that, the first day of HxRefactored comes to a close. Stay tuned for Day 2 coverage of the event and a sit down interview with dacadoo. Also be sure to check out Medgadgets interviews with two of todays breakout session panelists.

Link: HxRefactored homepage
by Aaron Baar , June 22, 2017

It's widely accepted that a bear does its business in the woods. But with no woods around, wayward New Yorkers and NYC tourists may have trouble finding an acceptable bathroom in a time of need.

Enter Charmin and its portable Van-Go bathroom, which, like an Uber, can be summoned directly to one's location in New York City.

Almost everything can be delivered to your door [these days], but you cant get a restroom delivered, Angie McAuliffe, family care communications associate manager at Procter & Gamble, tells Marketing Daily. This can meet you wherever you are.

Those wishing to have a restroom delivered can log onto a microsite, CharminVanGo.com, and request the van. The driver will confirm the request and give an estimated time of arrival. (So, plan accordingly, McAuliffe advises.) The van is only available, however, in a few NYC neighborhoods, such as Columbus Circle and Bryant Park (on the 21st) and Lincoln Center, Rockefeller Plaza and Union Square (on the 25th).

advertisement advertisement

The two-day promotional effort is an outgrowth (sort of) of a previous effort, in which Charmin erected free, clean restrooms in Times Square. That promotion ran from 2006 through 2010.

For the current promotion, the brand has enlisted Black-ish star Anthony Anderson to help ease the potential embarrassment of summoning a toilet for ones use. When I learned about Charmin Van-Go, my first thought was, Wow. New York City needs this! There have been too many times Ive been on the go but couldnt find a clean and convenient bathroom, Anderson said in a statement.

Charmin's "Van-Go," is currently slated only for a two-day New York City promo. (Why two days? Number 2 is our favorite number, she says.). While other cities arent currently planned, the possibility is always there, McAuliffe says.
Energizer Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brands, as well as primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries. The company also provides headlights, lanterns, and children's and area lights, as well as flash lights under the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac, Hard Case, Dolphin, Varta, and WeatherReady brands. In addition, it licenses the Energizer and Eveready brands to companies developing consumer solutions in gaming, automotive batteries, portable power for critical devices, LED light bulbs, generators, power tools, household light bulbs, and other lighting products. Further, the company designs and markets automotive fragrance and appearance products, including protectants, wipes, tire and wheel care products, glass cleaners, leather care products, air fresheners, and washes to clean, shine, refresh, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces under the brand names of Armor All, Nu Finish, Refresh Your Car!, LEXOL, Eagle One, California Scents, Driven, and Bahama & Co; STP branded fuel and oil additives, functional fluids, and other performance chemical products; and do-it-yourself automotive air conditioning recharge products under the A/C PRO brand name, as well as other refrigerant and recharge kits, sealants, and accessories. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and wholesalers; and through various retail and business-to-business channels, including mass merchandisers, club, electronics, food, home improvement, dollar store, auto, drug, hardware, e-commerce, convenience, sporting goods, hobby/craft, office, industrial, medical, and catalog. Energizer Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to reintroduce music education at the basic levels of the Ghanaian educational system.

This, according to the union, is in view of the immense benefits music education offers to both the individuals and the nation.

In a statement issued yesterday to mark World Music Day which is celebrated in over 700 cities in 120 countries worldwide, MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kuffour, also known as Obour, said the reintroduction of music education at the basic level would provide the necessary training for talented children which would help them adequately develop their God-given talents.

It is for this reason that the union is calling on the president to ensure that as a lover of music, this is done during his tenure.

He revealed that music education was cancelled from basic schools in Ghana in the wake of the 31st December Revolution as part of the restructuring of the educational curriculum.

This, he said, has created a situation whereby public schools do not teach music education at the basic level and students who are interested to pick up the subject at senior high school or university level after the gap in their primary schools.

The MUSIGA president, however, congratulated all music industry practitioners on the celebration of World Music Day which fell yesterday.

He added that with the renaissance of live music in Ghana and venues that provide live music increasing by the day, the level of musicianship in the country can only continue to improve and Ghana would sooner than later be adequately represented in the global community of music.
Shrewsbury International School

Job Opportunity

Position / Job Specification: Learning Support Assistant (This appointment is for a Thai national only)

Position Title: Learning Support Assistant (Full time 1:1 support for a pupil with physical difficulties)

Department: Learning Support

Salary: Shrewsbury International School salary scale applies. One year contract to be renewed annually by mutual agreement.



General:

Shrewsbury is one of South East Asias outstanding international schools, with enrolment of 1600 students from Early Years to Sixth Form, exceptional examination results and particular strengths in the creative arts, design and sport. The school itself enjoys a delightful and spectacular setting, right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok. The school is readily accessed by road and has its own boats, which provide an easy and quick link to Bangkoks Skytrain and the city centre. The link with Shrewsbury School UK (www.shrewsbury.org.uk) is taken very seriously and, year-on-year, develops into a world-class educational partnership.

Position Summary:

The Learning Support Assistant will be:

Responsible for providing 1:1 or group support for individual pupils in and out of the classroom.

Responsible for escorting children with physical difficulties safely around the school.

Responsible for scribing work during lessons

To have a flexible approach and be ready to support children across all key stages

Responsible for planning and implementing 1:1 or group sessions with support from a Learning Support Teacher

Responsible to the class teacher during lessons in which they are supporting a student.

Will have experience of working with children with learning difficulties and knowledge of their range of needs.

Will have excellent communication skills to collaborate with teachers, parents and outside agencies in a professional manner.

Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of good discipline in all lessons taught by following the Schools disciplinary policies and procedures and the guidance of the class teacher.

Responsible for ensuring that the individual student they support receives guidance in lessons, or individual sessions, which scaffolds the pupils learning.

Promote and support school policies on pupil behaviour.

Promote social and emotional development of pupils.

Maintain confidentiality about home-school / pupil- teacher/ school work matters.

Contribute to Annual Review meetings, as appropriate.

Professional Expectations:

The Learning Support Assistant will:

Be familiar with The Schools Statement of Philosophy and Objectives and commit fully to its aims;

Be familiar with The Schools English Speaking Environment Policy, commit fully to its aims and promote its implementation on a daily basis;

Attend Professional Development (INSET and external) as determined by the Principal;

Communicate with students, colleagues and parents in a respectful and courteous manner in accordance with the paradigms established by The Principal;

Will set the tone for students in attendance, punctuality, appearance, dress, courtesy and professionalism.

Will be able to provide two up-to-date professional referees (normally one will be from the current head) and be prepared to undergo a Thai police check.

Child Safeguarding:

Shrewsbury International School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to

attend in-house Child Safeguarding programmes

promote and safeguard the welfare of all students in the school

report to the Child Protection Officer any concerns they have for the welfare of a student. This may include unsafe practices witnessed within the school as outlined in the schools Speak Out (Whistleblowing) Policy.

keep professional relationships with students where personal boundaries are respected and maintained

seek advice from a Line Manager or Child Protection Officer with issues or concerns related to Child Safeguarding.

Requirements:

Satisfactory Thai Police Criminal Record check

Confirmation of identity (Driving License / Passport/National ID card).

Satisfactory references

Verification of qualifications and work experience





How to Apply:

Applications will be only be accepted on the official Shrewsbury International School Application Form, which is available on the school website Job Vacancies page.

Further Details:

Full details of the school are available on our website at www.shrewsbury.ac.th.

Any queries should be forwarded to jobs@shrewsbury.ac.th.
Samuel Attah Mensah

22.06.2017 LISTEN

The Citi Business Festival will today host a forum dubbed 'The Akwaaba Forum' to address challenging issues in the tourism and hospitality industry in the country.

The forum which will bring together all stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry will take place at the Alisa Hotel in Accra from 9:00am.

Participants include the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ministry of Aviation, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourism Development Company, Ghana Airport Company Limited and Ghana Tourism Federation. The rest are Ghana Hotels Association, Ghana Airlines Association, Tour Union Association of Ghana, Tourism Sites Owners and Jumia Travel.

The forum will, among others, discuss challenges facing the industry, explore ways to deal with the challenges, spell out synergies private sector and government can create to address the challenges and push industry ahead of its competitors, as well as explore ways to quicken but realistically fast track the implementation of Ghana's 15-year tourism development plan.

The forum will also consolidate proposed solutions from regulators and private sector, inform policy direction and present a detailed plan of action moving forward (blueprint).

The key areas the forum will look at include current state of industry, policy direction and formulation, investment in the sector, total infrastructure, workforce and the future of the sector.
The KINGS' CREW Drops a banger titled 'DEM GO SHAME' the new breeze of Urban gospel has made their presence known on the entertainment scene with a banger which they call 'DEM GO SHAME' the inspiration of the song comes from Micah 7 verse 8.

The Trio got signed to GOSPEL TOWNAFRICA which is Ghana's leading urban gospel label 3 months ago and have since been going through grooming to take the industry by storm.

The Kings' Crew popularly known as TKC is made up of Chara, a student of KNUST, Clericus and Kray all of the University of Ghana, Legon

Download the song for free with the link below

https://www.reverbnation.com/tkcmuzik/song/28165268-tkc-dem-go-shame-prod-by-dechorus
Once again, the government of Ghana is spending our limited resources for Christian pilgrims to Israel like it always sponsors Muslim pilgrims to Mecca. Are such expenses a top priority for the country?

According to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, "Let me assure you that we intend to have an eventful pilgrimage. Prayer at the Western Wall of the Temple of Jerusalem, visit to the Nativity Church of Bethlehem, renewal of baptismal promises in the river Jordan, ceremony of the awarding of Jerusalem Pilgrim Certificate. In view of this, the ministry has set up two sub committees which are the Planning and Screening Committees which are composed of members of recognized Christian bodies. Once the initial programme is successful in accordance with the key indicators, the Republic of Ghana shall be given a quota for subsequent pilgrimages. It is necessary that we secure an understanding of the quotas. The initial and agreed fee for the pilgrimage per person is $2,700."

First, Ghana depends mostly on external loans, aids, grants, and others to fund its economy. Are the countries who are giving Ghana these loans also sponsoring Muslim and Christian pilgrims to Mecca and Israel? Second, Muslims and Christians are making millions of cedis every weekend in addition to the hospitals, schools, and other social amenities they own in the country. Can't they use their profits to sponsor their pilgrims? Third, Ghana is a secular nation which should not necessarily engage in this. This will pave the way for every group to also come for sponsorship which you may not be able to deny them. ATR, Atheists, and other groups may soon seek support for their events. Can the government sponsor all group activities?

I think both the current and past governments are setting a dangerous precedent for the next generations. You are paving the way for the country to spend on something which we are not supposed to do. It is a fact that Christians and Muslims dominate the country, so every smart politician will make a move to appease this population. But you better be a cautious commander than a rush one here. This is not the best way to appease Muslims and Christians in Ghana because it comes at a cost against our scarce resources. The government should find another way to please Muslims and Christians than this wasted routine sponsoring of pilgrims to Isreal and Mecca.

To some Christians and Muslims who are happy because the government is supporting you on your pilgrim journey, just put things into perspective and see if this is the right choice for the country? No one is against you if you are a Christian or a Muslim and you want to go to Israel or Mecca. But if you want to go to your holy lands, you should have the capacity to do it yourself. The government does not have to use the limited resources on such journeys.
I was delighted to hear the Christian Council of Ghana through Apostle Dr. Onyinah rejecting the government of Ghana offer to sponsor Christian pilgrims to Israel. Few days ago, when the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs made a statement of the government decision to support Christian pilgrims to Israel, I wrote in my article, "To some Christians and Muslims who are happy because the government is helping you on your pilgrim journey, just put things into perspective and see if this is the right choice for the country? No one is against you if you are a Christian or a Muslim and you want to go to Israel or Mecca. But if you want to go to your holy lands, you should have the capacity to do it yourself. The government does not have to use the limited resources on such journeys." I feel happy because I got the response I wanted from the Christian Council of Ghana. I see this is one of the ways to put the government to task and also telling them the right way to use our resources for the betterment of Ghana.

According to Apostle Dr. Onyinah, "I dont think government should sponsor people to travel. Weve got so many things to do, the nation has so many challenges, the money of the nation should be used to develop the nation. If someone wants to travel for religious purpose the person should be asked to pay his own expenses, but if the government opens the opportunity for us and give us the formal way to make things for people I cherish that and I thank the government for that, but I dont support the idea that government should pay, sponsor those going out for religious purposes I dont buy that idea. The money should be used to develop the country.

A very classic response to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, "Let me assure you that we intend to have an eventful pilgrimage. Prayer at the Western Wall of the Temple of Jerusalem, visit to the Nativity Church of Bethlehem, renewal of baptismal promises in the river Jordan, ceremony of the awarding of Jerusalem Pilgrim Certificate. In view of this, the ministry has set up two sub committees which are the Planning and Screening Committees which are composed of members of recognized Christian bodies. Once the initial programme is successful in accordance with the key indicators, the Republic of Ghana shall be given a quota for subsequent pilgrimages. It is necessary that we secure an understanding of the quotas. The initial and agreed fee for the pilgrimage per person is $2,700."

The Christian Council of Ghana has set a good precedent for everyone in the country to follow. I understand some Muslims pay for their trip to Mecca, but they should come out to reject any financial sponsorship from the government. This momentum must continue and send a clear message to the government. Also, Ghanaians should learn from this to dismiss some needless government sponsorships and programs so that they will channel the limited resources to address pressing issues in the country. This is one of the best ways to put the government to task.

Let us understand the politicians are corrupt and sometimes manage our country haphazardly. In response to them, good citizens have the MORAL RIGHT to reject unnecessary things from them. Like what the Christian Council did, a good citizen should put himself/herself in a position to reject cash or all forms of favoritism and nepotism the government gives you. Doing so will send a strong message to our leaders. Again, civil servants, businessmen/women, lawyers, judges, doctors, nurses, etc. all has the moral responsibility to reject needless offers from the government. We have had enough of displacement of resources since our independence in 1957. Time to choose a new path and the Christian Council has shown us one of the paths.

#FollowTheLadder
22.06.2017 LISTEN

What is the usefulness of a governing council if it can not act in the best interest of the body it seeks to govern? I read with jaw dropping awe that the Christian council rejected an offer to facilitate Christian pilgrimage to the Holy land under the previous John Mahama administration and has again refused to be part of a similar offer by the Akuffo-Addo led administration. I think as the Bible rightly puts it, Christians are the salt of the earth, and if the salt loses its savor, it is rendered useless and must be thrown on the ground to be trampled upon. In a similar manner, the Christian council of Ghana will lose its usefulness if it cannot work in the best interest of the body of Christ it seeks to govern by refusing to accept a simple facilitating role of a government that has found it very necessary to help interested Christians visit the Holy Land on the flimsy excuse that the government has no business organizing Christian pilgrimages, then I would argue that if the takes this stand against the proposal by government, then the council has lost its usefulness and must be expunged from the Christian administration.

It seems to me that, all that the council is interested in is the propagation of false doctrines especially those on tithing and giving that coerce the people to give and give more so that they can fund their fat salaries and their very comfortable living without even thinking about the very wellbeing of the entire Christian population in Ghana that support their lifestyle. The council is behaving like someone who cannot afford to pay his children's school fees, and yet refuses an offer from a neighbor to pay the children's fees for him because that would amount to humiliation whilst the children stay out of school with their future in jeopardy.

This same Christian council supports the naked discrimination going on in the country against the southerners that are predominantly Christians. Whereas every northerner willing to go to school can do so free of charge from kindergarten to University, poor peasant farmers who can not afford tuition and other costs of schooling in the south have to watch their children either not enrolled in school at all, or drop out when paying their fees becomes a matter of choice between food and education. Yet we pride ourselves that we are all Ghanaians living under equal rights and justice. Where are the equal rights when my fellow Ghanaian from the north has the right to free education and my brothers from the south drop out of school for lack of money? And where is the justice when we all pay taxes into the same trough but the taxes are used to fund free education for some Ghanaians at the expense of others?

I am someone who believe that the government has no business in religious affairs, I believe in the principle of separation of Church and the state, however, if the government deems it fit to support the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca with my taxes, then why shouldn't the same privilege be extended to my fellow Christians who want to embark on similar adventure, and why should the Christian council that should support such an endeavor kick against it? This is unconscionable on the part of the council very preposterous to say the least. Christians and Moslems in Ghana deserve equal treatment when it comes to government expenditure. After all, what is good for the goose, they say, is equally good for the gander. Christian council, please stop the hypocrisy and support the government in this noble enterprise.
Lisbon (AFP) - Angolan Vice President Manuel Vicente will face trial in Portugal over allegations he bribed a magistrate to drop two investigations against him, according to a Wednesday ruling cited in Portuguese media.

Vicente, who was the president of Angolan national oil company Sonangol at the time of the alleged crimes, is accused of bribery, money laundering and document falsification, the public prosecutor's office said, according to Portugal's main news agency Lusa.

Lisbon's trial court has also ordered former Portugese prosecutor Orlando Figueira, who was arrested in 2016, to be tried on suspicion of receiving money from Vicente.

Vicente has denied any involvement in the affair, saying shortly after Figueira's arrest that he had "absolutely nothing to do with any payment".

Until news of the corruption scandal emerged last year, the 61-year-old had been strongly tipped as a potential successor to President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, who has ruled Angola since 1979.

He was informed of the indictment in February through a letter addressed to authorities in Angola, an oil and diamond rich former Portuguese colony in southwestern Africa.

According to Portuguese media reports, Figueira received 760,000 euros ($800,000) to bury cases involving the Angolan leader.

He is accused of accepting bribes, document falsification, money laundering and breaching the confidentiality of an official investigation.

One of the investigations which Figueira allegedly dropped in exchange for cash centred on the origin of funds which Vicente used to buy a luxury apartment in a Lisbon suburb.

In 2012, attempts to investigate alleged money laundering and tax evasion by several Angolan officials in Portugal chilled relations between the two countries, which have strong economic ties.

Portugal is Angola's main source of imports and Portuguese companies are active in banking and construction in the vast African country.

Less than a week after the Angolan vice president was charged, Portuguese Justice Minister Francisca Van Dunem postponed a visit to Angola in February, "at Luanda's request".
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is ready to return to the Flagstaff House in 2020, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has said.

His comments come days after the 13-member Committee tasked by the NDC to conduct a comprehensive review of its planning, execution and outcomes of campaign and participation in the election submitted its report.

The committee whose work is to help establish what went wrong in the 2016 election in order to guide its activities moving forward on Monday June 19, 2017, submitted to the hierarchy of the NDC a 455-page report capturing a series of diagnosis from its members nationwide on why it lost that years polls.

Some details of the recommendations leaked to the media mentioned of deep disconnect between the party and its grassroots, thus urging reconnection.

It also recommended that a healing tour be embarked on by credible and eminent persons within the party.

Speaking Wednesday on Starr Chat, Mr Bagbin who is also the Member of Parliament of Nadowli-Kaleo in the Upper West regiom and a member of the Prof. Botchwey-led committee said the report will help streamline the NDC for the victory in 2020 after its abysmal performance in 2016.

I think that the NDC is getting itself ready for the 2020 elections, he stated.

Asked by the host Bola Ray whether he is sure the NDC is putting itself together for the 2020 polls; he replied: I can assure you that.

Responding to a question on why John Mahama lost the 2016 election, he said it would be difficult to say but I think so many things.

According to him, former president Mahama did his best to keep the NDC in power, but the lost was meant to happen and that it is something that we should take with ease.

Making reference to the speech he delivered at Cape Coast stadium in 2016 during one of the partys numerous activities heading into the 2016 election, he said he did draw the attention of the party and everybody about the likely outcome of the results particularly the parliamentary perspective.
The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has revealed he was not surprised his party the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost the 2016 elections.

The veteran lawmaker who has served as both Minority and Majority Leader in Parliament under different administrations said he saw the NDC 2016 election defeat coming because he had warned the party about it.

President Akufo-Addo garnered 5, 716, 609 votes, representing 53.84 percent to snatch the presidency from former president John Mahama who secured 4,713,277 votes, representing 44.40 percent. The NDC also lost more than 40 parliamentary seats to the NPP, which gave the latter majority in Parliament. Akufo-Addo won the election after a third term bid.

Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray Wednesday, the MP for Nadowli-Kaleo constituency in the Upper West region, believes the opposition NDC will surely bounce back as the defeat is serving as a learning curve for the party.

According to him, the defeat was bound to happen and adviced all party members to take the loss in good stride.

As one of the longest serving MPs in Ghanas Parliament, he noted it will be difficult to blame former president John Mahama entirely for the partys defeat, saying Mahama did his best The former president did his best.

Bagbin, who is tipped as one of the front runners for the NDC 2020 flagbearer race, touted Mahama as a leader who scored high in governance.

Meanwhile, the National Organiser of the NDC, Kofi Adams, has stated that the party did not envisage losing the 2016 election .

No. no. We thought that we have done so well. We thought that the campaign went very well. We thought that we have reached out to many persons. As a government, the government was on course and very truthful to the people, he told Morning Starr host Francis Abban this week.
Warder (Ethiopia) (AFP) - The Somali people of Ethiopia's southeast have a name for the drought that has killed livestock, dried up wells and forced hundreds of thousands into camps: sima, which means "equalised".

It's an appropriate name, they say, because this drought has left no person untouched, spared no corner of their arid region. And it has forced 7.8 million people across the whole of Ethiopia to rely on emergency food handouts to stay alive.

But by next month, that food will have run out, aid agencies say.

Droughts are common in Ethiopia, and in past years the government and international community have mounted impressive efforts to curb starvation.

"The food is running out in about a month's time," Save the Children tells AFP about the drought devastating Ethiopia.

This year though, Africa's second most-populous country is struggling to find the money for food aid, say aid agencies.

"We're looking at the food pipeline actually breaking, so the food is running out in about a month's time," said John Graham, country director for Save the Children. "After that, we don't know what's going to happen."

Distracted donors

Once a global byword for starvation and poverty after a famine in 1984-85 killed hundreds of thousands, Ethiopia has seen its economy grow rapidly in the last decade. Health indicators such as infant mortality and malaria deaths have also improved.

A stronger economy allowed Ethiopia to spend an impressive $766 million (683 million euros) fighting one of its worst droughts in decades in 2015-16.

This year however, things are different.

Economic growth has slowed, due in part to protests spurred by long-simmering grievances against Ethiopia's one-party state.

In the drought ravaged Ethiopian town of Warder, the hundreds of displaced families crowding a ramshackle camp say handouts of rice and sugar are becoming less frequent.

Donors have also been distracted by other regional crises.

To the southeast, Somalia is suffering from severe drought, with warnings it could tip into famine.

Ethiopia's western neighbour, South Sudan, has suffered four months of famine, and extreme hunger is at its highest levels ever after more than three years of civil war.

Ethiopia by contrast has a strong central government and is relatively free from conflict.

But with the situation so desperate in the region, donors aren't responding to the country's emergency as they have in the past, said Mitiku Kassa, head of Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission, Mitiku Kassa.

"They are stressed with the needs, especially from those countries which (have) declared famine," Mitiku said. "That is why it is underfunded."

'Skipping meals is common'

Even though Ethiopia has contributed $117 million of its own money this year and the international community $302 million, a funding gap of $481 million remains, according to the United Nations.

In the drought ravaged town of Warder, the hundreds of displaced families crowding a ramshackle camp say handouts of rice and sugar are becoming less frequent.

Some humanitarian workers privately complain the Ethiopian government isn't doing enough to call attention the drought, suggesting it does not want to resurrect the old image of Ethiopia as a place of mass starvation.

"Skipping meals is common," said Halimo Halim, a grandmother living with her children in a shelter made of sticks and pieces of plastic. "Skipping is the order of the day."

Families of nomadic herders such as Halimo's are central to the economy of Ethiopia's southeastern Somali region.

The drought has deprived goats, sheep and donkeys of water, killing them or making them so weak that by the time the rains come they perish in the cold.

Around 465,000 people who have lost their livestock have migrated to an estimated 250 camps in the region.

The settlements are often located near water sources, but that presents its own problems.

In Warder, workers are present around the clock at nearby wells to make sure people drawing water chlorinate it before they drink it, lest they contract "acute watery diarrhoea", which has broken out in the region.

Some aid workers say this is actually cholera, which Ethiopia has long been accused of covering up to protect its image.

Paying the bill

Aid agencies have turned to so-called "non-traditional" donors like the Gulf countries for funding.

At the same time they are keeping a nervous eye on budget negotiations in top funder the United States, where President Donald Trump has proposed slashing the aid budget.

But some humanitarians privately complain that the Ethiopian government isn't doing enough to call attention to its plight.

The people of Ethiopia's southeast have a name for the drought that has killed livestock and forced hundreds of thousands into camps: sima, which means "equalised". It's an appropriate name, they say, because this drought has left nothing untouched.

They argue that Addis Ababa does not want to distract from its development gains or resurrect the old image of Ethiopia as a place of mass starvation.

"There is no shortage of funds to combat drought," communications minister Negeri Lencho insisted earlier this month.

If the international community doesn't send more money, Mitiku said the government would be "forced" to tap its development budget for drought relief in July.

But with a lead time of about four months required to procure emergency food, the UN says that may be too late.

In Warder, those uprooted by drought, like Sanara Ahmed, are wondering how long they can survive on unreliable food handouts.

"Some support was there, but it cannot substitute for our dependability on our livelihood," Sanara said.
The Eastern Region Secretariat of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has slammed a lecturer, Dr Ibrahim Zubeiru, for suggesting that former Communications Minister, Edward Omane Boamah and former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, are to blame for the partys defeat at the last general elections.

We condemn his comments unreservedly, said the NDC executives in a press release.

Dr. Ibrahim Zuberu is reported to have said that at Dr. Omane Boamah and Mr Terkper shared vital information with Accra-based NDC radio station, Radio Gold but did not make anyone privy to that information.

However, the Eastern Region NDC executives say the assertion by the lecturer was disappointing.

Read the full release below:

EASTERN REGIONAL NDC CONDEMN DR. ZUBEIRU's COMMENTS ON DR. OMANE BOAMAH AND HON. SETH TERKPER

The Eastern Regional secretariat of the National Democratic Congress has learnt with great shock and displeasure, radio commentaries made by one Dr. Ibrahim Zubeiru among others, blaming two appointees of the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama regime specifically, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Hon. Seth Terkper for the party's defeat at the 2016 polls. As an executive committee, we CONDEMN his comments unreservedly!

We find this attitude not only backward and disappointing, but also disrespectful and an act of indiscipline.

In the first place, we are surprised the said Dr. Zubeiru is being reported as a member of the Prof. Kwasi Botchwey-led Election Review Committee because we can say on authority as Regional executives that he never participated in the fact finding exercise in our region.

Indeed, checks from colleague regional executives in other regions corroborate this position. Is obvious he was just a committee member by name and NEVER got onto the field especially in the Eastern region. We are therefore at a lost as to why such a passive committee member would be jumping from one radio station to the another in an attempt to cast a slur on the image of colleague comrades, if not for a personal agenda.

As a Regional executive Committee and members of the National Executive Committee NEC (five of us), we can boldly say that Dr. Zubeiru was only trying to smuggle his personal opinion into the committee's report since NOWHERE in the submitted report are those comments he made captured. We wonder why he is struggling hard to discredit the quality of the report submitted by the committee with those unfortunate comments.

The appointees he sought to denigrate have obviously been very helpful and instrumental in the growth of the party at the national level in general and the Eastern Region in particular, together with other prominent members. Why therefore must such active and helpful party members be subjected to these baseless accusations?

Dr. Zubeiru should be mindful of the clarion call from the rank and file of our great party for unity and reorganization so we can recapture power in 2020.

We urge him to take inspiration from leading members like His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and even his committee chairman- Prof. Kwasi Botchwey and desist from this needless media commentary he has commenced with regards to the submitted report.

We went into the election as a team with a united front hoping for a resounding victory. We should therefore collectively accept responsibility for our loss much as we would have done if we had won.

It is therefore in nobody's interest to be pointing accusing fingers at others at a time when we are all gearing up to reorganize and recapture power; especially when those accusations are baseless and pure fabrications.

We plead with all rank and file to disregard Dr Zubeiru's comments and call on National Executives to take action on this anti-party conduct.

SIGNED

BISMARK TAWIAH BOATENG

Eastern Regional Chairman, NDC

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Are you ready to USE your TALENTS to make the world a better place for Children?





If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the worlds leading childrens rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote childrens survival, protection and development. The worlds largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
Some farming communities have turned down seeds meant to be supplied to them for government's Planting for Food and Jobs programme because according to them, they do not suit local conditions.

The farmers are thus using their own means to get hold of seeds to plant, a development which could encourage the use of unimproved, low yielding seeds.

Joy news Joseph Opoku Gakpo who has been on a tour of some farming communities in the Eastern and Central Regions reports farmers are not excited about the development, as some are being forced to rely on local varieties which may not provide them with good yield.

Government earlier this year rolled out the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme with the objective of increasing production of some of the countrys major crops to make the nation food secure.

Under the programme, farmers are being supplied with improved seeds and fertilisers at highly subsidized rates, as well as extension services.

This year, 200,000 maize, soyabean, rice, sorghum and vegetable farmers are expected to benefit from the programme.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie earlier this week expressed regret that local seed producers could not meet demand for improved seeds under the programme, forcing government to import some from neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso.

Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie

But farmers say some of the seeds meant to be supplied to them are not suitable enough to grow locally.

They want government to consult them adequately before deciding on the inputs to supply them.

In the Central Region, Assin South District Director of Agric Jacob Sackey explained in an interview with Joy News We opted (to take only) maize and rice seeds. For the vegetables, because the varieties that the government was able to provide wasnt very suitable here, we didnt ask for the seeds.

The agric officials are worried the tomato seeds being supplied under the programme will not be able to effectively resist pests that attack the vegetable, hence the decision not to accept the seeds.

"Nematodes and wilt have been affecting tomatoes here. So, farmers developed their own seeds called adjoba. But we havent gotten seed breeders to multiply that for us... The varieties that government has are not suitable for us here,Mr. Sackey explained to Joy news.

The other vegetable seeds they brought were onion and chili pepper. But over here, they prefer kpakposhito. So, maybe what we have to advice government is that the plant breeders should go in rather for the seeds that farmers and consumers here like, he added.

The farmers also lament that seeds and other inputs were brought in late. Although farmers started planting their on the fields in March following first rain, inputs including seeds and fertilisers under the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme were supplied in the middle of April, weeks after planting had started.

The Planting for Food and Jobs Programme has been hit with a number of teething challenges since it was rolled out. Various stakeholders including the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana have complained they were not consulted adequately before the start of the programme.

Minister of State in charge of Agriculture Dr. Nura Gyille also recently raised concerns the programme was struggling to register the expected 200, 000 farmers targeted under the policy.
The word bonding is one of the few words that become almost like a household name in the country for quiet some time now. The word is often heard whenever unposted trainee nurses embark on either picketing or demonstrations to seek postings. However, it seems people still do not understand this term.

Bonding is an agreement or a contract between trainee nurses and the government on the condition that the student( the trainee nurse ) accepts an allowance from the government whiles in school and be employed by the government right after the completion of their mandatory national service and with the clause that the trainee nurses should under no circumstance work with a private entity or even travel outside the country or oven seek for further studies until a period of five years after graduating from school.

Knowing perfectly that this is what the bonding entails, governments of these day always fail to honour their part of the contract even though the trainee nurses are being made to honour theirs whiles in school. For the past five years, there hasn't been any single year where these bonded nurses have been treated fairly when they complete their national service. Under normal circumstance, nurses should have been posted after their service but these days, nurses have to stay home for a period of one,two and three years after completion before they're finally posted and not to talk about the number of demonstrations and picketing they'll have embark on before being posted.

There was even a time where students of the Kintampo College of Health were out behind bars simply because they embarked on demonstration to seek postings. I always become sad when our leaders sit in their office unconcerned and watch these nurses hit the streets all in the name of seeking redress whiles its our duty to get them posted.

We are just six months into the Nana Addo's government and we've already had two separate demonstrations and pickettings by the unposted nurses. It has more or less become something like, each year you have to embark on demonstration before we posted so if you decide not to demonstrate, then don't think of being posted. Why should our leaders behave like donkeys who needs to be whipped before it works? Does all these show a sign of competent leadership?. What does the government take us for?.

After posting the first batch of unposted nurses in somewhere March 2017, it seems the health ministry has now relax in posting the second who picketted at the health ministry on the 8th of May 2017. Its been almost one month since they were told that their financial clearance has been released. From 8th May till now, the ministry has decided not to communicate any news of postings to them and i must say very soon, these trainee nurses will hit the streets again.

Governments of these day have failed us bitterly. When they want to be in power, they come to us in all forms of humility just like a heated male dog who wants to mate its female colleague. Once the nod is given to them, they turn away from the same promises they gave us and for this time, things of nature won't happen anymore. This selfish and greedy attitudes of our leaders must stop once and for all. How can you be treating nurses as if they're aliens. Are the not the same people that voted for you?

Finally, i will urge the health minister and his deputies that it took a very long time before Rome was built, hence they shouldn't be so much overwhelmed that they've been able to post nurses. They should try and communicate to those whose financial clearance was released in May as to when they'll be posted. People are fed up with the silence from the health ministry. They should open up and talk because it is very sad to completed school and be demonstrating before being posted.

Also, the health ministry should note that there's the last batch of the bonded nurses around ( Nurses who completed their service in February 2017 as well as allied health professionals who'll completed their service in July). This group have decided to remain silent because not because they won't act but rather, they want to give the health ministry some time.

This is the time for you Mr health minister to facilitate all processed that will lead to their financial clearance being released so that by the time they decide to demonstrate (which is the order of the day), you wouldn't have much problems. Don't wait till they hit the streets before you tell them you are working on their clearance, that will be a sign of incompetence. Honourable Agyemang Manu, please make hay whiles the sun shines.

God Bless All Nurses

God Bless All Allied Health Professionals

God Bless Us All.

Kwame Asante

Techiman.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Biafra, Biafra sounds like an echo from Venus. It might seem far from us but it is close enough to wreak havoc. It appears too close to tear us apart not only that it could destablise our forward march and obliterate our relative peace, if we ignore the tell-tale sighs After the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, one might think Nigerians are war weary and wouldnt ever dream about war or dare to have one.

But that seems to be a far cry. It appears some eminent Nigerians have already begun to beat the war drum. Theyre using the worlds most powerful information tool the Social Media or the New Media to convey their disconcerting messages. Yes theyve taken to WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook and organised what seemed like press conferences to beat the war drum. Frankly, nothing about it seems cool. It all points to one direction and one thing onlyWar.

Ironically there are already wars all around us. Theres war in the east and theres war down south. The west might seemingly look good for now but we cannot throw a dice here. And we cannot gamble with our hard won relative peace. In fact, I will spare my readers with the contents in those videos. I am not going to repeat anything said on those clips. Rather I will take this opportunity granted me here today by the Almighty God to beat the peace drum.

And I like to start with this humble question without taking sides:

My people do we really want war?

I think the conflicts around us speak volumes. The ongoing war in South Sudan the worlds youngest nation should send us enough wrong signals as proud people of this great continent. Last month the United Nations warned that the conflict in that country has caused the worlds fastest growing refugee crisis. It says nearly 3,000 people stream across the border into Uganda daily, which already hosts at least 800,000 refugees.

Just consider DR Congo, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia whenever youre musing on engaging in any battles-- be they fratricidal, ethnic or tribal war. Think about Iraq, Afghanistan, they may be far away but the news hit home hard. Sure if that isnt close enough how about our fight against Boko Haram a branch of the Islamic state of Iraq and the Levant.

Have we forgotten about the bombings of our churches and mosques and the kidnappings of our young girls? Since 2009 Nigerians have been fighting this group testing our peace and strength. And now we want to throw that peace away to the dogs?

Also, consider the little ones-- our children, our women, our mothers and wives, our sisters and daughters. Lets think through whatever decision were making today and tomorrow. We may not see eye to eye with one another, be they Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Fulani, Ibibio, Tiv and many more. However, we cannot afford another brutal war. We dont want another bloodbath, another war that will bring untold hardships upon our people including the surrounding neighbours.

History they say is the study of past events. Interestingly those events make us become a better people when we learn them well, do away with that which caused to sin in the first place and imbibe the virtues thereof.

I think the Biafra war which happened over forty years ago must remind us all that war isnt good and it isnt cool. War is expensive and devastating. That three-year, bloody conflict with a death toll that numbered more than one million people must inform us that we will be held account tomorrow if plunge our nation into turmoil or another war. We will be viewed as wimp because we failed to give peace a chance and we failed our young ones.

The Biafra civil war began just seven years after Nigeria gained independence from Britain. And it was precipitated by the secession of the southeastern region of the nation on the 30th of May 1967, when it declared itself the independent Republic of Biafra. It was no more one nation; brothers had no mercy towards their brothers as the guns rang across the four corners of Nigeria the international community intervened. But wed slaughtered enough people, spilled enough blood, devastated many homes and caused many to flee.

Why are we talking about secession today?

Some scholars have blamed Nigerias former colonial master Britain for carving out of the west of African nation without regard for preexisting ethnic, cultural and linguistic divisions, Could that be factor in what is brewing todays conflict?

Historically, Nigeria has often experienced an unreliable peace. It had been plagued with decades of ethnic tension in colonial Nigeria. At t the time political instability reached alarming proportions among independent Nigerias three dominant ethnic groups. They were the Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the southwest and Igbo in the southeast.

years after Nigerias independence , precisely on the 15th of January 1966, the Igbo launched a coup detat under the command of Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi in an attempt to save the country from what Igbo leaders feared would be political disintegration. As fate would have it that coup failed and widespread suspicion of Igbo domination was aroused in the north among the Hausa-Fulani Muslims, many of whom opposed independence from Britain.

The fear of Igbo insurrection spread over to the Yoruba west which would engender an alliance sort of between Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani countercoup against the Igbo six months later. A military officer General Yakubu Gowon led the countercoup and he would mete out punitive measures against the Igbo. With passage of time the animosity between Igbo and the Yoruba Hausa-Fulani on other side grew stronger and stronger.

Things had shaped up and a possible war seemed inevitable. Barely two months after Biafra declared its independence, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis failed. Then on Thursday 6 July 1967, the federal government in Lagos unleashed a full-scale invasion into Biafra.

We want peace and not war. Not another Biafra!
On the occasion of the 70th birthday of the great patriarch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, we the Young Cadres Association (YCA) of the NDC will want to wish you more blessings, more years to see your toils bearing fruits, and greater wisdom to impart on us, the young generation.

Very few men who have had the opportunity to steer the affairs of this country exude the level of courage, confidence and foresight as you do. Indeed, when the history of this nation is being chronicled some decades from now, your immense impact on the development of this country exemplified by the remarkable change this country witnessed in your era, will find immeasurable prominence among all others.

Indeed, for close to four decades, your vision, direction and knowledge shaped the fortunes of this country. Even in your retired years, you remain a key player in the political landscape of this country. And we, the youth of this nation, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of your sacrifices can only be grateful to you. For us, your devout desire to see this nation progress which is amply demonstrated by your selflessness is etched deep on our minds, and we will continue to be guided by the values you espoused and the principles you fought for.

As you bask in the glory of your new age, we the Young Cadres, the offspring of the apostles of the revolution would want to make one promise to you: to stand, fight and perpetuate the values you fought for. We see these values, namely probity, transparency and accountability, as the true legacy you will leave for the future generation of this country.

As the old book says, our years on earth are threescore and a ten, and if by reason of strength, four score. You have aged gracefully and our prayer is that the Almighty grants you the strength for you to go beyond the full throttle.

Happy Platinum Jubilee, Papa J.

Signed:

1. Michael Dery

President

Young Cadres Association

(0245983380)

2.Bright Botchway

General Secretary

Young Cadres Association

(0249999145)
It has been nearly eight months since I hoped to have written this article. Each time I had made the attempt, I had stopped myself in my own tracks, just to reflect. I just dont know why I have been stopping myself, but the announcement of the National Commission on Small Arms (NCSA), that the government is in the process of marking all the guns in the country, has forced something out of me.

In the year 2006, as a young banker I was attacked by armed robbers five times within one month, and in one of the instances they succeeded in rubbing nearly everything I had in the house. Each time the robbery attempt happened I called in the police patrol team, and they would get there sometimes an hour after the robbers were gone. Later, upon the advise of the Dansoman Police, I decided to acquire a gun.

The officer, the one in charge, let me call him Julius, at the arms and ammunitions section of the police Division where I had gone to acquire the gun, asked which type of gun I wanted to buy. I requested him to educate me on what gun is suitable for my amateur needs. The only gun I had known, then, had been the single and the double barrel analogue hunters guns that I had used for hunting when I was a teenage boy in Sankor, Winneba.

So upon this request, Julius recommended a pump action gun for my home use.

I anticipated that acquiring a modern gun was going to require me to answer some questions and provide some documentations, so I came with my passport, drivers license, passport pictures, utility bills, tenancy agreement, and a host of other documents, just to prove that I was not a criminal.

I was however shocked when, without asking for anything, not even my name, this arms and ammunitions officer pulled a pump action gun, placed it in front of me, and asked for me to pay for it. All the documents I brought were in my bag. Julius asked for nothing, no interview, no background check, nothing!

When I challenged him that he could have been selling the gun to a criminal, he became angry, and decided he would no longer sell the gun to me, and asked me to leave his office.

This was at the heart of one of the busiest police centers in Accra, and while I was waiting for a change of mind, this man sold two other guns to willing individuals who just walked in.

Apparently most of the guns he was selling were not officially recorded. I overheard a lot of conversations between him and other individuals that I suspect could be arms dealers who brought him the guns for him to sell on commission. The conversation and the characters of the people he was selling the guns to were so frightening. I had not heard of the Small Arms Center, but I think right there in that office laid the problems and the solutions for the NCSA.

The first of the guns Julius sold, while I was waiting, was to two young men who clearly had suspicious characters. They entered the office, and they whispered that they wanted to buy a gun. The Police Officer, just like he did for me, informed them that there was no pistol, and that only Pump Action gun was available. They asked how much, and the price was given as GHC800. The two excused themselves, went out of the room, and two minutes later came back in with the money, and the man opened something that looked like a wall drop, brought out the gun, and handed it over to these two men, and they were gone!

No receipt, no recording of any name, no identification, nothing, just exchange of money and gun!

How could we have sold guns to individuals as though we were selling onions on the market? I was so frightened, that though I was not the one who bought the gun, I became angry and challenged Julius. He drove me out of his office, and threatened to detain me, but I still challenged him, and threatened to report him to any available superior.

Long story short, I later, virtually, forced an identification and passport pictures on Julius, paid him the GHC800, got my receipt and got my gun, and I left.

So when I heard that the NCSA has announced that civilians who possess guns will now be expected to submit them for marking, as part of reforms to reduce illicit arms trade and gun violence in the country, I thought I should point them to start their exercise right in the offices of the arms and ammunitions department of the various security agencies. That is the deadly route to guns finding their ways into the hands of criminals.

About a year ago, the NCSA was reported to have destroyed 1,300 illegal guns in the country. The Commission estimates that there are over 2.3 million weapons in civilian hands in Ghana, with only 1.2 million of that number having been registered. Just walk into the offices of Julius and ask him where those 1.1million unregistered guns could be found.

It is believed that the marking of civilian guns will facilitate the identification of weapons when they are used in the commission of crimes and when they get missing, and to be able to trace them to the owners. But if Julius was doing his work well, and making sure that he was documenting every single gun he sold, and making sure that the documentation of all such sales are entered into a simple computer database, we would have had our one foot into addressing armed conflicts and gun control in Ghana.

Let us admit, and I have said this once too many times, that we are gradually getting Ghana on rather a dangerous path towards a failed state. We seem to be taking so many practical steps towards establishing governance institutions, but our actions, our greed, our rotten mentality will weaken the very institutions that we continue to create, and it will continue this way until one day, we will not be able to fool ourselves any longer. At that time it will be too late to stem the tide, the poor, the ignored, and the oppressed will have their guns, and all of us who are stealing from them, all of us will suffer, the guns we gave them, they will turn those same guns on us, and death will be the prize we will bear.

Look at it this way; a fellow citizen commits a crime against me, I report him to the police, the police take money in order to write down my statement, and the CID takes money before and after the investigation. The case goes to court, and the judge takes goats and romance in order to free the criminal. The criminal goes back to the police to freely take a gun, point it at you to demand for a portion of all the wealth you have acquired, and shoots you dead.

Where do you think I should report the next crime? Dont you think I would have been wiser if I had rather gone to Julius, to buy a copy of those machine guns he was selling, to protect my own self against the very person who was selling the guns to me? How do you expect me, assuming those who bought those guns were armed robbers, to report to this same police officer, Julius, of my robbery attacks? You see why there is instant justice?

James Kofi Annan
The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin has admitted to being corrupt.

According to the Member of Parliament for Nadowli-Kaleo in the Upper West Region, the political system in Ghana, makes public office holders corrupt.

We should all admit, we are all corrupt, it is a fact, because of the system, Hon. Bagbin told host of Starr Chat Bola Ray Wednesday.

Asked directly by the host if he is corrupt, Mr. Bagbin said Yes I am, adding Look we have Reverends, we have Pastors who go through the system, and they are corrupted.

The former Majority Leader also stated that President Akufo-Addo will struggle to fight corruption due to the financial support he had from people in the run up to all the elections he [Akufo-Addo] contested and lost before winning the 2016 elections.

When people invest in you and you are given office, of course that is one of the reasons why I said His Excellency will have it tough fighting corruption, because he fought the First World War [Election 2008], Second World War [Election 2012] and third world war [2016], sponsored by people.

Is he saying that those people are Father Christmas, no? As a country we have to look at this.

Hon. Bagbin added that politicians specifically MP aspirants spend over one million Ghana cedis during electioneering campaigns just to get votes which contributes to making some politicians corrupt when they get into office.
We must Never Give The National Media Commission Or Any Other Institution The Power To Review Or Ban Media Content In Ghana There seems to be a consensus amongst most ordinary Ghanaians that as a people we must not allow what are public resources, television frequencies, to be used to show pornography on television screens in our country.

It is a positive development - for we must do everything we can to stop the morals of young people in our country from being corrupted.

In the final analysis, however that particular issue is eventually resolved by Ghanaian society, it is important that a specific law is passed by Parliament to ban the broadcast of pornography by free-to-air television stations in Ghana. No other institution should have that power.

Furtheremore, under no circumstances should the issue of banning pornography on free-to-air television be mixed up with the dangerous notion of giving the power to review and approve media content to unelected officials in Ghana - which hypothetically constitutes handing over a potential building-block to deny Ghanaians the right to freedom of expression to tomorrow's tyranny.

There are sufficient remedies on our statute books available to those who are libeled and slandered by journalists and media houses. And public opprobrium is a powerful antidote to yellow journalism, after all, is it not?

It is said that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. A free and plural media ensures that. For that reason, the media in Ghana must remain unfettered always, till the very end of time.

We must never forget that brave individuals in the media, such as Tommy Thompson, P. V. Ansah, Kweku Baako, Kwesi Pratt and Kabral Blay-Amihere, fought to end the culture of silence that prevailed under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) military regime, at considerable personal risk.

Some - such as Tommy Thompson - even lost their lives in that fight for freedom of expression under the PNDC regime.

Let us jealously guard our right to speak our minds freely on the airwaves of radio and television stations and in the print media.We must never allow powerful people to manipulate the system to deny Ghanaians the right to speak their minds freely. Ever.

That fundamental human right to freely speak our minds is a bulwark against tyranny.

Let us treasure it always - and prevent those who would enslave us from taking it away from us through clever ruses such as giving the National Media Commission (NMC) the power to review and approve media content.

Today, we might be blessed to have good and decent individuals who are genuinely committed to democracy constituting the membership of the NMC.

However, who can assure us that in the distant future, the NMC will not become a tool for powerful people seeking to control the media - and stop journalists and ordinary people from freely speaking their minds on national issues?

We should never give the power to review and ban media content to either the NMC or any other institution in Ghana. Full stop.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 21, GNA - The the National Democratic Congress (NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament has urged Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana COCOBOD not to interfere in fixing producer price for cocoa farmers.

Mr Aidoo is reported to have announced in a radio discussion in Accra on June 8, 2017, 'to the effect that producer price of cocoa would not be increased and farmer would not be paid bonus for the 2017/ 2018 Cocoa Season, because the World market price has fallen.'

The announcement has since generated discussion in the Ghanaian Media, but the NDC Caucus, at a press conference at the Parliament House, in Accra, reminded the CEO that he is not 'clothed with the mandate to determine the producer price of cocoa for farmers.'

The press conference was addressed by Mr Eric Opoku, Ranking Member of the Food and Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, and attended by Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ranking Member on Finance, Casiel Ato Forson, Alhaji A B A Fuseini, Ranking Member on Communication, Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome, Ranking Member on Youth, Sport and Culture and Mr Samuel Abdulai Jabanyite, MP for Chereponi, Mr Sampson Ahi, MP for Bodi; and Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, MP for Juaboso.

Mr Opoku announced that most of the panellists themselves were cocoa farmers and reminded the COCOBOD CEO that it was the duty of the producer Price Review Committee to determine producer price of cocoa taking into consideration several factors including the economic situations prevailing in the country.

'We are therefore urging the CEO of COCOBOD to allow the committee established in 1984, which has since discharged its duties effectively and efficiently to continue its work without any form of usurpation,' the Minority said.

The NDC Caucus recalled the establishment of the Cocoa Stabilisation Fund under former President John Mahama, which was to be applied to sustain earnings of cocoa farmers and to cushion them, should the market price begin to decline and advised government that the recent decline in the price of cocoa internationally must trigger the use of the fund 'to put smiles on the faces of our farmers.'

'We are therefore encouraging the CEO of COCOBOD to make public how much is accumulated in the Fund and its impact on the farmers is critical,' Mr Opoku said, and stressed further for the usual extensive stakeholder consultations in achieving the best for Ghana's cocoa farmers.

The Minority recalled also that former President Mahama introduced the Cocoa Fertilisation Programme, which was among other things to increase cocoa production in Ghana, pointing out that fertilizer supply under the programme was free.

'Surprisingly, the NPP Government on assumption of office has replaced the Free Fertilization programme under which farmers pay GHE80.00 for a bag of fertilizer,' the NDC Minority Caucus said, adding ' this is unacceptable, we cannot sit aloof for the Government to cheat out cocoa farmers.'

The payment for fertilizer by the cocoa farmers, according to the Minority 'has exposed the Ghanaian farmer to intolerable levels of penury.'

The Minority described as 'broad day robbery' the selling of the same fertilizer that the 'cocoa farmers had indirectly through the producer price determination formula used for the 2016/17 cocoa season paid for the fertilizer.'

The NDC Minority Caucus therefore urged 'the NPP Government to be sensitive to the plight of the Ghanaian cocoa farmer by halting the sale of the fertilizer and revert to the NDC's free fertilization programme for the 2016/17 cocoa season.

Mr Ahi on his part advised Mr Hackman Owusu- Agyemang, Chairman of the COCOBOD Board to discontinue from telling cocoa farmers of no increase in producer price cocoa, saying that was not his prerogative but that of the Public Affairs Department of the outfit.

GNA

By Benjamin Mensah/ Christopher Arko, GNA
GNA Feature by Mohammed Nurudeen Issahaq, GNA

'The journalist is one of the major architects of the new Ghana and of the new Africa . It is by his pen that the will of the people can find expression, and our determination to be free, to unite Africa and to build a new society, is proclaimed for all the world to know'. [Dr. Kwame Nkrumah]

Perhaps for the first time in our nation's history since independence, the media have asserted their influence as the true'Fourth Estate of the Realm'. The media's stance in the on-going crusade against illegal small-scale mining or "Galamsey' is not only praiseworthy but also, hopefully, signals the beginning of a new era of advocacy and agenda-setting, reminiscent of that embarked upon by the Gold Coast press in the run up to independence.

The Gold Coast press played a pivotal role in the country's decolonisation process, and the subsequent creation of the modern state of Ghana. Mention can be made of 'The Royal Gold Coast Gazette and Commercial Intelligencer' founded in 1822, 'The Western Echo', 'The Gold Coast People', and 'The Accra Herald' (which later became the West Africa Herald established in 1857). There were also the 'Gold Coast Aborigines' and 'West Africa Times' launched in 1931, to cite but some.

Collectively, those simple and crude-looking publications, some of them hand-written, had a clear sense of mission during the independence struggle - to liberate the nation from foreign domination. They became a major vehicle for nationalist thought, serving as channels for the hitherto voiceless indigenous population to express their discontent against the colonial authorities.

Although the accomplishment of political independence might appear to many as the ultimate goal, in reality, the most important aspect of our freedom as a nation, has eluded us for the past 60 years.

Essentially, therefore, the assignment is far from over. And quite significantly, the mass media that once spearheaded the country's liberation struggle and onward march to political independence are also capable of championing the cause of socio-economic emancipation, given the same determination and focus. This is manifest in the impact achieved by the 'No to Galamsey' media campaign initiated by the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), and which has received immense support from a broad spectrum of Ghanaian society.

The reason for this support is not far-fetched, as one doesn't have to look far to see the dangers posed by galamsey to life and livelihood. How many times have we not witnessed death caused by the collapse of mine shafts, the wanton destruction of precious vegetation, the pollution of water bodies and virtual degradation of the environment, all as a result of illegal mining?

The on-going media crusade to stamp out the practice is, therefore, a 'just war' to say the least. The support given to the campaign by the Government provides a crucial boost but can only yield the desired outcome if it remains constant and resolute. The tendency for authorities to yield to some form of pressure or threat from the local communities should be avoided. Arm-twisting tactics such as comments about someone trying to deprive the people of their daily bread should be discarded on account of the fact that the Government does not owe law-breakers any means of livelihood.

Time is ripe once again for the media to re-awaken the national consciousness, and to galvanise the people for action to achieve success not only in the current anti-galamsey campaign but also in the crucial struggle for the nation's overall economic and social emancipation, without which our political freedom won on 6th March 1957 becomes meaningless. The media cannot fail in this task because considering their achievement during the anti-colonial struggle, their capability to lead and to prevail once they set the agenda for the entire nation, is absolutely without question.

Perhaps more than anything else, the campaign spearheaded by the GCGL also provides an opportunity for journalists in the country to step up efforts to de-politicise the media landscape and transform the mass media into a true marketplace of ideas, where vital issues pertaining to Ghana's march to economic prosperity are objectively appraised. The positive use of press freedom, which includes; critical but constructive debates on development issues, has contributed to the advancement and true freedom of the world's industrialised nations as we see them today.

In our context, the media could play a useful role in identifying and stimulating public debate on key issues of concern such as stimulating the growth of the nation's economy, job creation, the attainment of sustainable food security, and evolving an educational system that would make young school graduates entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. By stimulating such discussions, the media would provide an open marketplace of ideas that would allow for a cross-fertilisation of views, out of which significant breakthroughs could be arrived at to accelerate national development.

Refocusing the media's lenses, as it were, would not prevent journalists from continuing to hold Government accountable to the people. It essentially calls for a departure from pettiness, the removal of unnecessary media emphasis on partisan politics, and the shifting of that emphasis onto issues about improving the economic and social well-being of Ghanaian society - in other words moving the debate from politics to developmental issues, even as journalists continue to ensure that politicians are held to their campaign promises. Media practitioners would employ their various outlets towards exploring and exposing the country's rich economic potential including; tourist attractions, stimulate local industry at the district level and woo foreign investors.

Of equal importance in re-directing the media's focus is the improvement of the conditions of service of journalists so that poverty does not drive them into the hands of unscrupulous individuals and interest groups who would use them for their parochial ends. That is the only way to help transform the media into true agents of positive change, rather than political pawns for our own undoing.

In all these arguments, one thing is for certain - If the media today should gang up against poverty and under-development with the same determination and tempo as the pre-independence press approached the assignment of de-colonisation, and given a well-focused national leadership, Ghana could score another decisive victory in the crucial fight for economic emancipation - the true independence. The overwhelming public support received by the current media campaign against Galamsey confirms this assertion.

GNA
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Accra, June 21, GNA - The Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed judgement by an Accra High directing the National Investment Bank (NIB) to pay the $60million judgment debt Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited in 2013.

The NIB appealed to the highest court to reverse decision by the Commercial High Court presided over by Justice Amadu Tanko now an Appeals Court Judge, which decision was earlier upheld by the Court of Appeal, as defective.

The High Court on February 21, 2013, gave judgement against NIB in favour of Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited of Channel Islands, UK, for the recovery of the sum of US$60 million, plus interest, with effect from January 29, 2009, to the date of final payment.

The Court of Appeal, on July 4, 2013, stayed the execution of the judgement of the Commercial Court pending the outcome of an appeal filed by the NIB.

The bank, whose debt had doubled with a daily interest of $20,000, asked the Court of Appeal to quash the Commercial Court's decision because it was defective.

NIB lost the appeal and proceeded to the Supreme Court.

In its ruling the five member panel of the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Sophia Akuffo in a unanimous decision ruled that the appeal succeeds and that the writ of summons void.

The apex court said a writ which is void, cannot be perfected by a waiver or an amendment, saying in this instance the title of the writ did not disclose certain investors in the promissory notes.

'The rules of the court forms an integral part of the rules of Ghana, and as such much be treated with caution to ensure sanctity in the judicial system, thus failure to comply with the requisite of the law renders the writ void.'

It said Dominion Trustees had no capacity to have initiated the action and that the writ issued at the High Court did not indicate they were the real investors.

The court also set aside all proceedings found on the writ of summons as well as the judgement of the high court and the Court of Appeal and consequently awarded a cost of GhE500,000.00 against Dominion Trustees which was represented by Mr Kwame Pianim, as its investment consultant.

Mr Tsatsu Tsikata represented the NIB as the bank's counsel.

The suit was commenced against the NIB by Standard Bank Offshore Trust Company, which was later substituted by Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited, on behalf of investors who had purchased promissory notes issued by Eland Ghana Limited and guaranteed by NIB.

Under the terms of the transaction, the investors had to pay a discounted total sum of US$45 million in May 2007, and upon maturity of the promissory notes on January 29, 2009 reap US$60 million, thus earning US$15 million in profit.

During the trial the NIB led evidence to show that its Managing Director at the time, Mr Daniel Charles Gyimah, signed the guarantee without any authorisation from the board.

The bank also led evidence to show that the US$45 million was not utilised for the advertised purpose but was rather distributed by Mr Gyimah to Eland Ghana Limited and companies connected to it.

Other beneficiaries were Iroko Securities Limited, London, as well as private individuals, including Mr Gyimah's son, Stephen.

The largest beneficiary was Sphynx Limited, USA, which was given US$24 million. It also emerged that Sphynx Limited was a fully owned subsidiary of Iroko Securities Limited.

In the counterclaim, the bank joined Mr Gyimah, who according to the NIB did not have the mandate to authorise the promissory note and also joined to the counterclaim was Eland International Ghana Limited.

But the court, in its February 21, 2013 judgement, held a contrary view and declared NIB liable and ordered it to pay the $60 million, with 11 per cent interest, with effect from January 2009 till the day of final payment.

GNA

By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Tarkwa (W/R), June 21, GNA - The Tarkwa circuit court on Tuesday fined an 18 year-old unemployed, Gideon Kwaw, 600 Ghana cedis for causing unlawful damage and unlawful entry.

Kwaw pleaded guilty to the offence and would go to Prison for six months in default.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Faustina Celestina Anaman told the court that the complainant Vida Ezuah, a trader resides in the same area at Akyempim, near Tarkwa with the convict.

The prosecutor said on June 14, at about 0730 hours, the complainant locked the doors in her house and left for the market to purchase some items.

Inspector Anaman said when the complainant returned after an hour she saw Gideon attempting to open the main door leading to her room with a spanner.

She said the complainant then asked the convict what his mission was in the house and he started pleading for forgiveness.

She said the complainant quickly called two of her neighbours and Gideon was arrested and handed over to the police.

GNA

By Erica Apeatu Addo, GNA
Accra June 21, GNA - Persues Mining Ghana Limited, on Wednesday, donated GHE215,000.00 to the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) to help organise the 20th Union Africa Conference (UAC) on Tuberculosis (TB).

The Union African Conference, to he hosted in Ghana in July, aims at accelerating the implementation to end the epidemic of TB and it related diseases as well as Tobacco.

It would also unearth new findings that could empower stakeholders to fight TB on the continent.

Nana Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, King and President of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Council who doubles as the National TB Ambassador and the Board Chairman of Purseus Mining Limited who received the cheque on behalf of NTP said 'TB is curable when resources are available', hence, his enthusiasm about the donation.

The ambassador urged corporate Ghana to come on board to support the efforts of the National TB Programme to help the country's drive towards ending TB before the target year 2035 as set in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfill the Global end TB Strategic Plan.

Mr Stephen Ndede, the General Manager of Persues Mining Limited said the company was committed to helping eradicate TB in Ghana since the disease affected not only the poor but the rich as well.

He said the disease should have been eradicated long ago but lack of resources and support had retarded the process accounting for its high prevalence in the country.

Mr Ndede reiterated the need for individuals and stakeholders to join hands in mobilizing resources to end the spread of the disease.

Dr Frank Bonsu, Programme Manager for the National TB Control Programme who received the cheque on behalf of the Union commended Perseus Mining for their financial support and described the gesture as the first of its kind to help create awareness, remove stigma and prevent TB.

'We have never ever, in the lives of the National TB Control Programme, seen a single company donating such an amount to help fight the TB', he added.

Dr Bonsu noted that Ghana was chosen to organise the conference due to its immense contribution towards the fight against TB.

He explained that Ghana has introduced unique innovation to help in the swift detection of one's state regarding TB, which will offer other participating countries to opportunity to witness and learn from Ghana

Dr Bonsu said the programme will also be used to demystify the disease, mobilize resources and create more awareness to end it.

GNA

By Agnes Ansah, GNA
Tarkwa Bay is one of the popular destinations Lagos can boast of. However, it is not usually at the top of the list of itinerary of tourists and fun seekers who intend to explore the centre of excellence. This is because it sits several kilometers offshore from the bustling and busy Lagos Island. Really, you missing out of unending excitement and thrill by omitting this attraction from your list. Some of the things you will enjoy include boat cruise, amazing views and of course the warm breeze of the Lagoon.

Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency, has not even mentioned the unlimited fun activities awaiting you at the Bay. This said, it is important to add that Tarkwa Bay is only accessible by boat and the cruise will take approximately 20 minutes. For tourists who intends to visit Tarkwa Bay, these tips will help them have an unforgettable trip.

Carry a waterproof beach bag

Since you will encounter water most of the time you spend at Tarkwa Bay, it is advisable to carry a waterproof beach bag. This will prevent water from finding its way into your bag and probably damaging your valuables.

Go prepared with your swimsuit

If you plan to swim at the Bay, wear your swimsuit as part of your clothes. This is because there are no changing rooms at the Bay. You can remove your clothes with only the swimsuit remaining.

Get ready to rent beach chairs

Only a handful of things are free at the Tarkwa Bay. One thing that you are guaranteed not to get for free are chairs and shades to relax. You have to pay. However, ensure that you do not overpay. Find out from others how much they paid if you really need these chairs.

Pack only essentials to prevent theft

Like some public beaches in Lagos, there are thugs and urchins at Tarkwa Bay. So, pack as light as possible so that you do not give them the chance to steal your valuables. Even if you go with a whole lot, ensure that someone is on hand to watch them.

Go with your food and drinks

To help you cut cost and save money, it is better you go with your own foods and drinks. You do not need to patronise the vendors at the beach because it may be expensive.

Do not forget towels, sunscreen, and balls

Do not forget your towels, sunscreen, floating pads, and balls. They are accessories to enhance and make your trip more enthralling. Have fun!
22.06.2017 LISTEN

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has challenged the investor community to take advantage of Ghanas competitive advantages, especially within the West Africa sub-region, to make significant investments that would bring them appreciable returns.

The Akufo-Addo government, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia indicated, is looking for significant investments to do big things and is putting the necessary legislative and policy framework in place to ensure the private sector thrives in a business-friendly environment.

The six-month old Akufo-Addo government is committed to transforming Ghanas economy, ensuring macro-economic stability and managing our resources efficiently. We need significant investments to do big things, and any investor will find in us a partner committed to ensuring a win-win situation, Dr Bawumia stated this when he called on the President of the China Exim Bank, Mr Liu Liange in Beijing, China.

The Vice President, who is on a four day official visit to the Peoples Republic of China, is leading a delegation of Ministers and businessmen to the Asian country in a quest to deepen diplomatic and economic ties as well as create opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to form partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.

This visit is at the invitation of the Chinese government, and it is the first high level official state visit to China since the New Patriotic Party took office in January this year.

Speaking to the leadership of the China Exim Bank, Dr Bawumia proposed a strategic partnership between the China and Ghana Exim banks to facilitate the acquisition of machinery for the One District One Factory programme, as well as the various infrastructure projects outlined in the vision of the NPP government.

On his part, Mr Liu Liange indicated that, the Chnese Exim Banks confidence in Ghana is reflected in the fact that the country has received the largest amount of money from the bank in Africa for projects such as telecom and agriculture.

The bank also stands ready to help Ghana in the area of high speed railway, aviation, industry, manufacturing and the other priority areas for the government of Ghana he assured.

While in Beijing, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is expected to hold bilateral talks with the Chinese Vice President, Li Yuanchao, at the Great Hall of the People.

Ghanas Vice President will also meet Chinese leaders including Mr Yu Zhengsheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference.

Dr Bawumia is further billed to attend the China-Africa Industrial Capacity Cooperation-Ghana Promotion Conference.

The Vice President, who was accompanied by a government delegation including the Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo; Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen; Mr Joseph Ghartey, Minister for Railways; Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister for Transport; Joseph Kofi Adda, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources; Charles Adu Boahen, Deputy Minister for Finance; Mohammed Amin Adam, Deputy Minister for Energy; Mohammed Habib Tijani, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mrs Gifty Ohene Konadu, Coordinator of the One District One Factory initiative and Reginald Yofi Grant, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, will also meet with the Ghanaian community in China and brief them on happenings back home.

A number of Ministers are also expected to sign cooperation and project agreements with Chinese companies.

H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia returns to Accra on Sunday June 25, 2017.
WIlliam Baah and some of the government vehicles

The Asset Retrieval Taskforce at the Presidency yesterday seized expensive vehicles said to belong to the state from an individual.

The taskforce stormed an area called Oforikrom, near Nsawam in the Eastern Region in the early hours and raided a private property, where the 37 cars, including those registered in the name of State Protocol Department (SPD), were found.

Akwasi Abebrese, a member of the taskforce of the Office of the President, said the retrieved vehicles included a BMW salon car, two Toyota Land Cruisers, as well as Mitsubishi Pajero, which have since been transported to Accra.

Some of the vehicles are registered GR 4564Z (BMW); NR 5577-14 (Ford Explorer); WR 907-09 (Ford Expedition); GE 6275-11 (Ford Expedition); GN 5150-12 (Nissan Patrol); GR 7904 -10 (Toyota Land Cruiser); GS 6985-13 (Toyota Land Cruiser); GM 856-14 (Nissan Patrol); GC 5961-11 (Chrysler), among others.

The taskforce disclosed that the vehicles were found in a building of one William Baah, who is said to be an auctioneer.

According to the taskforce, there were about 60 vehicles at the house but Mr. Baah disputed the figure.

He reportedly did not deny that some of the vehicles belonged to the state but insisted he had court order to keep them.

Mr Baah said the vehicles in his custody were confiscated by the court.

He, however, failed to mention the court that confiscated the vehicles or ministry or state department they were confiscated from.

According to Akwesi Abebrese aka Ebubronkosua, a member of the taskforce, five of the vehicles which included a BMW salon car, two Toyota Land Cruisers as well as Mitsubishi Pajero were immediately retrieved.

Mr Abebrese explained that we saw SPD vehicles, including Land Cruisers and many other cars and after confronting the owner of the property, he said the cars are seized ones from court and he did not mention the name of the court.

He said the vehicles had been seized and the auctioneer would be arrested to assist in further investigations.

Several state cars were stolen by the former appointees of the previous NDC administration, with some giving them out to girlfriends and concubines.

According to Mr. Baah, All these cars can't be parked at the court premises. That is why we have auctioneers and debt collectors so when the cars are seized the court will authorise the auctioneer to go for the vehicles for preservation. The cars over here are not mine. When you put these cars on screen you embarrass the owners of the vehicles and the auctioneers.

When you owe a bank or an individual and the person takes you to court; the court goes to your house for execution and when they find a property or car on your premises they seize it and ask you to go and pay your debt after that you come for your vehicle, he added.

Mr Abeberese later countered Mr. Baah's claim, explaining to the press that per the procedures, it was possible for a court to confiscate a vehicle or other properties belonging to the state for possible auction, and that vehicle could be kept in the custody of the petitioner, which must be on the authority of the court.

It cannot be said that these vehicles were indeed confiscated by the court. The auctioneer has yet to produce any evidence detailing the circumstances and grounding his claims that the vehicles were confiscated on court orders, he said, adding that the vehicles would be seized after he reports to the officials at the seat of government and given the green light, then the auctioneer would be arrested to assist in further investigations.

Last week, an auto mechanic, who was contracted by the previous Mahama administration to repair state-owned vehicles, was also found to have acquired 10 of such vehicles.

They included four Toyota Land Cruisers, four brand new Pickups, a Toyota SUV and VW Passat bought at abnormally low prices, the National Operations Commander of the Task Force, Daasebre Kwabena Ahenkorah, revealed.

According to Mr Ahenkorah, two SUVs have been retrieved from the mechanic, Asem Emmanuel, at Olebu-Ablekuma, Accra.

He stated that the auto mechanic had diverted several state vehicles that were sent to him for repairs to his own garages.

Mr Ahenkorah told Kasapa FM last Thursday that Mr. Asem allegedly changed the registration numbers of the state cars before transporting them into his two garages.

He said the mechanic had admitted buying state vehicles at very low prices from elements of the previous administration.

He said receipts covering the purchase of the suspected state vehicles showed that the four brand new Double Cabin Pickups were bought at a total sum of GH18,000 while each of the four Toyota Land Cruisers was bought at GH2,000 totaling GH8,000.

Mr. Ahenkorah said it was only the Toyota V8 that was sold to Mr. Asem at the price of GH30,000.

From Daniel Bampoe, Nsawam
Assets of jailed drug baron, Nayele Ametefe, also known as Ruby Adu-Gyamfi, have been confiscated in accordance with an Accra High Court order.

Officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) carted furniture and furnishings from Nayeles business enterprise, Night Angels Enterprise, located at the Dzorwulu Motorway Extension in Accra.

The colourful furniture have been presented to three rehabilitation centres  Darferick at Medie House of St. Francis, Ashaiman and the Addictive Diseases Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where drug abuse patients are receiving treatment.

NACOB Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Addo stressed NACOBs commitment to fighting narcotic crimes and punishing those who have made wealth through the illegal trade.

We have been seizing houses, we have been seizing vehicles, he said.

Nayele Ametefe is currently serving an eight years, eight months jail term in the United Kingdom (U.K).

Nayele was arrested on November 10, 2014 at the Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom by officers of the UK Border Force with 12.5 kg of cocaine worth $5million in her hand luggage.

The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of transporting cocaine to the United Kingdom and was sentenced on her own plea by the Isleworth Crown Court in London in January 2015.

The mother of the convict, Akua Adubofo, is in court challenging the attempt to confiscate the East Legon house Ruby lived in before her arrest in London as well as the one in her hometown, Pease.

NACOB and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) filed an application on December 3, 2015 asking the court to grant an order for them to confiscate Ruby's properties.

The properties included two houses, one at East Legon in Accra and one at Pease in the Ashanti Region, an electrical shop known as Night Angels Enterprise, located at Dzorwulu, and six Fidelity Bank accounts with total cash of approximately GH23,000.

The court, in a ruling on April 6, 2016 granted the applications and ordered the confiscation of the electrical shop and the six bank accounts, stating that the properties were derived from the proceeds of a crime.

The confiscation order, however, did not include two houses in dispute due to a suit by Nayele's mother.

The houses are currently the subject of a legal battle between the mother of convicted drug peddler and the state.

Nayele's mother, Ms Adubofo, claims the houses, located at East Legon in Accra, and Pease in the Ashanti Region, belong to her and not the daughter.
Thirty-four accused persons initially arrested for allegedly lynching Major Maxwell Mahama on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Denkyira-Obuase in the Upper Denkyira West in the Central Region, have been discharged by an Accra Central District Court.

The 34 accused persons, who were discharged by the court, were immediately re-arrested.

The move was to allow the Police to consolidate the process and present one charge sheet for the 34 accused persons and 24 others arrested later.

The 58 accused persons were again arraigned before the court in connection with the murder of Major Mahama.

Thirty-two accused persons were remanded by the court to reappear on July 6, 2017, leaving 26 others.

DSP Sheila Abayie Buckman, Deputy Director in-charge of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service, who was in court, said the prosecution prayed the court to remand the 32 accused persons believed to be directly involved in the murder of the soldier while investigations continue.

The 26 others, according to her, who are not directly linked to the crime may be given police enquiry bail.

She said they are currently required by the police to assist in investigations.

All 58 suspects, who were transported to the court in two Police Black Maria vehicles, were protected by heavily armed policemen and officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The accused were escorted in groups of five to the District Court 3, presided over by Magistrate Ebenezer Kwaku Ansah.

Police prosecutors, led by DSP George Amegah, told the court that the prosecution now has three separate charge sheets that it intends to consolidate so that all accused persons could be presented to the court on one charge sheet.

On Monday, June 19, 2017, seven others, who were standing trial at a Cape Coast Court, were also discharged but re-arrested and sent to Accra for prosecution.

Meanwhile, five persons- Yaw Amankwa aka Bullar, the main suspect; Kweku Diesel, a motor rider, Tikwa, Kenkeba and Atipar, are still at large.

The CID has vowed to arrest all perpetrators who allegedly lynched Major Mahama at Denkyira Obuase.

According to autopsy conducted on the late Major Mahama's body, the 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 also suffered a fractured skull when the crowd descended upon him with cudgels, clubs and other deadly weapons.

Three people, led by suspect Yaw Amankwa, are suspected to have fired the shots at the soldier.

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

([email protected])


There are so many web hosting providers online that you will be confused about which one to choose. Hence, this is a difficult task because if you end up selecting a terrible, erratic and poor web host, you may be unable to build an effective and great online presence and it can also have a negative impact on your search rankings.

This is even much more important for businesses because if their website is always down, it may result in the massive loss of customers. Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency, shares things you should know before choosing a web host.

Purpose

Whether youre choosing a host for an existing website, or looking to start from scratch, what you want to use the site for should influence your hosting decisions. For example, do you plan to make money from your website, or is it something youre setting up for fun? If it is for fun or personal, free hosting will serve you well. However, if it is a business website, you require a paid host.

Price

Expensive does not necessarily mean it is the best. At the same time, you can not use a cheap web host for hosting your website especially if you rely on your website to make money. This is not a problem for small business and startup because they can upgrade later. But, blue-chip companies should never patronise cheap host due to their limited features.

Usability

Web usability is the ease of use of a website. The web host you choose has a huge role to play in making your website usable. The number one usability feature to look out for is if the web hosting provider has programs like cPanel, ispCP or ISPConfig. These programs allow you to set up and customize your website and hosting. Thus making it easier to use.

Speed

Expensive or cheap, you want a web host that is fast and responsive. It can be very annoying if your awesome and great website has a slow load time especially when you start getting engagement and traction. Simply, get a Web host that has features that make the site load quickly.

Customer Support

A web host provider must be customer friendly by ensuring they respond as fast as possible to your inquiries and complaints especially when your website is down. If they take forever to fix your website, do not use such a host. You can get information about this from your friends who already manages a website.
Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's highest court on Thursday ruled that lawmakers can cast secret ballots in a no-confidence vote in President Jacob Zuma, who is facing mounting criticism within the ruling ANC.

Although no date has been set for such a vote, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said the National Assembly speaker had the authority to order a secret ballot in a case brought by the country's opposition parties.

"The speaker of the National Assembly has constitutional power to prescribe that voting in a motion of no-confidence in the President of the Republic of South Africa be conducted by secret ballot," the chief justice said.

Opposition parties have lobbied for a secret ballot and called for African National Congress (ANC) lawmakers to "vote with their conscience", but Speaker Baleka Mbete had in April said she had no powers to approve a secret ballot.

"Whether the proceedings are to be by secret ballot is a power that rests firmly in the hands of the speaker, but exercisable subject to crucial factors that are appropriately seasoned with consideration of rationality," said Mogoeng.

The ANC holds a large majority in parliament and Zuma has survived similar votes in the past, which have not been secret.

Zuma's sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March fuelled public anger over years of government corruption scandals, record unemployment and slowing economic growth.

The president has recently faced unprecedented criticism from senior ANC figures, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Zuma, who came to office in 2009, is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, and as national president ahead of the 2019 general election.

He is seen as favouring his ex-wife, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to succeed him -- rather than Ramaphosa.
Accra (AFP) - Ghana's government is facing growing calls to keep its promises after it won elections on a pledge to stamp out corruption.

President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration have in recent weeks seen protesters take to the streets to raise awareness about the issue.

In May, hundreds marched on the Economic and Organised Crime Office in the capital Accra with a petition calling for the arrest and prosecution of offenders, and for stolen money to be recovered.

The action is similar to OccupyGhana, a citizen pressure group, which began taking corruption cases to court last year.

This month, the Supreme Court ruled in its favour after it submitted a petition calling on the auditor-general to fine anyone found to have misappropriated state funds.

"If you want to strengthen democracy, you have to strengthen the legal system," said OccupyGhana spokesman Nana Sarpong Agyeman-Badu.

"If the judiciary is strengthened and we put in more confidence in them, I don't think people in the executive and legislature can get away with what they do."

Ghana's previous government under John Dramani Mahama was hit by a succession of corruption scandals, including in the judiciary.

Undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in 2015 released secretly filmed footage of magistrates, circuit and high court judges taking bribes to influence verdicts.

'Name, shame and jail'

Anas, whose motto is "name, shame and jail", told AFP that every citizen should fight corruption and no institution should be "sacrosanct because of their names".

Anas operates in a variety of disguises and has been called "the James Bond of journalism".

He said in the 15 years he has worked as an investigative reporter, there had been an increasing response to his stories.

Ghana's previous government was dogged by a series of corruption scandals

"When I look at the past and I look at today, it is clear to me the average Ghanaian is beginning to understand that fighting corruption is not the job of government only but it's everybody's job," he said.

"We have moved forward as a country, we have moved forward as a people, there has been consistent education.

"People are beginning to see that it is important for us to put ourselves together and fight."

Shaky start

In Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption, Ghana scored 43 out of 100 last year.

A score of 100 indicates corruption free.

Ghana's score dropped from 47 in 2015 but a new report by the Ghana Integrity Initiative Consortium indicated that citizens are more ready to tackle the problem.

Nearly two-thirds of the 18,000 people from across Ghana who responded suggested corruption had increased in the 12 months to May last year.

Just over three-quarters (76 percent) said they had to pay a bribe to tax officials and more than half (61 percent) reported having to hand over cash to the police.

But 86 percent said they would get involved in fighting corruption.

Akufo-Addo's government, which took office in January this year, has by some accounts not got off to a good start.

In March, he was forced to defend his decision to appoint a 110-minister government against opposition charges of "jobs for the boys".

Then in May, a number of customs officials were arrested in Accra and accused in connection with the loss of some 1.2 billion cedi ($273 million, 244 million euros) in revenue.

The president has promised to set up a special prosecutor's office to investigate corruption allegations by late this year.

Last week, he promised: "I am going to do my best to make sure that the fight against corruption is won."

The executive-secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Beauty Emefa Narteh, said Ghanaians needed to ensure that Akufo-Addo did not make it "business as usual" when it comes to corruption.

Narteh said indications of public willingness to get involved was encouraging.

"We are moving from the previous era where citizens were very apathetic towards what was happening... Now they see themselves as part of government," she said.
The Grain Place Foundation plans to hold its annual tour of the Vetter family farm in early July.

Don Vetter started the organic farm near Marquette in 1953 and passed it on to his children.

It's an unconventional 280-acre farm with a nine-year crop rotation and educational component that includes grazing animals, said Jay Vetter, one of Dons sons and a retired United Methodist pastor.

Its the smallest farm with the smallest fields youll see for a while in this area and probably has the most trees, Jay Vetter said.

The tour theme this year is Organic solutions to a broken food system.

Tours will begin at 8:30 a.m. on July 8 and be led by David Vetter, who will share his vision of the farm, its history and the challenges facing it.

After a break for refreshments at 10 a.m. the tour will move to the Grain Place food processing plant to see how whole grains are cleaned, processed, rolled or ground and packaged.

There will be a meal at noon -- $20 at the door or $15 purchased online -- catered by Creative Cuisine and crafted by chef Fayne Petersen from locally sourced foods.

Keynote speaker Jeff Moyer, director of the Rodale Institute, will offer experience in sustainable, organic and regenerative agriculture.

Other attendees will include University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture Charles Francis and General Mills Organic Ambassador Katrina Heinze, who will share insights on General Mills' sustainability ambitions and organic brands.

The farm is at 1904 N. Highway 14, Marquette. For more information visit www.grainplacefoundation.org or contact Jay Vetter at 308-850-3020 or jay@grainplacefoundation.org.
Myjoyonline.com's Edwin Appiah is here to bring you a live update from the science competition which throws up serious, severe social bragging rights for a population generaly not in tune with science and maths.

There is a free distribution of GOIL branded polo shirt and exercise books. And while this is a science and maths quiz, there is an honesty contest going on here as lovers of the freebies appear to be trying to get more than the alloted one shirt, one book.

Contestants from all three schools are seated and ready. The boys from Ghana National College sandwiched between two sets of female rivals.None of the schools here have ever won the NSMQ since it began in 1994. But that's why they are here - to win.

So yes, this is the quarter-final stage of the National Science and Maths Quiz.. Aburi Girls' SHS from the Eastern region, Archbishop Potter Girls' and Ghana National College from the Central region will eye a pricey spot in the semi-final stage.

These schools are three out of 27 schools left here in the University of Ghana. Two regions Ashanti and Central region have the most schools left here with 7 schools from each region.

The Western, Volta and Eastern Regions have three schools each. There is only one school from the Northern region. There is no school from the Brong Ahafo, Upper East, and Upper West Regions of the country.

Some big names have fallen with Opoku Ware school, the last casualty after they were kicked out by these KETASCO boys.

Pope Johns SHS, St.Peters have been dumped from the competition. Will this year be the year of the underdog?

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
22.06.2017 LISTEN

How did your treatment go with prostate cancer? What were your fears and challenges after conventional prostate cancer treatment? Did you receive any post treatment support from your cancer team? Did the Doctor spare your prostate erection nerves?

What type of treatment did you received from your Doctor? Did you even understand the treatment regime before you accepted the treatment? Were you told about the stage of your prostate cancer and the treatments available based on it? Were you given information on how to deal with the side effect of these treatments?

Did you opt for Herbal or Alternative Medicine instead of mainstream medicine? What were you experiences on these modalities? How did it go is my question to you today?

Lets go now! Prostate cancer is a test of Manhood! Im no longer a man. Im all dried up, said his late Dad. You are less of a man, concluded. Later found comfort in the lyrics of a popular song: Im just a man who does the best he can.

This made me to focus one chapter of my doctoral thesis on Manhood for life Ghanaian men everyday life with prostate cancer. I realized that sexuality and ideas about masculinity are closely connected in Ghanaian men and about 80-90% of Ghanaian men diagnosed with prostate cancer have problem with their sex life. Few women have knowledge about the side effect of prostate cancer treatment on the men sex life! Only men who married health workers such as nurses have knowledge about the side effect of prostate cancer treatment.

Too much spotlight on impotence

My research is based on in-depth interviews with 5 men aged 5883 and 3 spouses aged 5268. The spouses were not married to any of the 5 men in the study. This minimised the danger of revealing sensitive information, which allowed the women to speak freely.

Several of the men felt that the health system focused a little too much on impotence as a possible side effect. In the beginning they had enough to deal with just digesting the fact that they had cancer, a frightening and potentially terminal disease.

They are given advice about what they can do, about Viagra, about sex with their partners. Its fine to get information about this, but the person who is sick should not feel pressured. There should not be too much focus on getting an erection.

In general, the older men were able to accept that their sex lives had changed and that it was better to extend their lives with treatment than to have a functioning penis. However, one of the younger men broke up with his girlfriend after he became impotent.

Sexuality was more important for the youngest men in my sample, those around 60 years old. Impotence was a huge problem for them.

Fat, tired and unconcerned

The men i interviewed were treated with hormones, not to cure the disease but to extend their lives. The hormones decrease the production of testosterone, which can cause major side effects.

In this case, you may become tired, gain weight, and lose initiative. Its a little like women going through menopause.

For the informants, being a man had to do with physical activity and having a strong body, among other things. While on hormones, they had to adjust the physical aspects of their lives.

One of the men used to be an active outdoorsman and mountain climber. Now he picks berries instead, and is very satisfied with that.

They manage to live good lives with prostate cancer and the side effects, but it has an impact on how they live. They live in a more cautious, thoughtful way.

Incontinence

Many of the men also suffer from incontinence. While several research studies have explored the topic of impotence, little research has been conducted on men who are incontinent and need to wear nappies.

The men I interviewed used nappies for incontinence. They have become babies in their homes

They wished they are not using the nappies

The women I interviewed, however, said that their spouses used nappies. They told me about difficult situations in the mens daily lives with nappies and that they had to joke about it to lessen its sting.

I did this research on the daily life of men with prostate cancer and what happens between spouses in such situations in Ghana.

The men talked mainly with their wives about the disease, except for one man who had not told his wife.

They could also talk to their sons while doing something together, but it was difficult to talk to their daughters. Having to say dad is sick had an impact on how they thought about themselves as fathers.

The men also felt that it is easier for women to open up than for men. Several of the wives said they had to push their husbands into telling them how they were doing.

The men usually said that there was not much to tell, but I found them to be very open and talkative with me during the interviews.

One man said that men can be cool on the outside, but a raging storm on the inside. These are courageous men who are working hard to cope with their illness. But there are issues there that they may not always get to talk about and express, which the health system does not take notice of. We dont have sexual clinics in Ghana and doctors dont pay attention to this. They dont also visit their patient. One patient I paid a visit was very grateful and was surprised to see his doctor visiting him to discuss the way forward. Men dont cry but now we are crying!

Reliant on their spouses

The men said that their wives were their most important source of support. The wives said that their husbands had become dependent on them.

Both the men and the spouses were concerned about sparing each other, but over time the women became tired of all the focus on their husbands cancer. They lost themselves in the mans illness.

It was also important for the women not to reveal sensitive information about their husbands. The spouses protected their husbands, but they found it difficult to be the only one who knew about the disease. Often people knew that the man was sick, but not what kind of illness it was.

Tricky sex life

With regard to the side effects of the mens illness, the spouses were often stoic at the beginning of the interviews. Everything was fine; nothing to talk about.

After awhile it became clear that some of them thought it was sad that their sex life had ended earlier than anticipated.

Some of the men said doctor please tells my wife that it is not my doing but the side effect of prostate cancer treatments so she should have patience.

One patient, when I started telling him about the side effect of prostate cancer treatment immediately called the wife to come and listen so that he should be free.

A woman who said in the interview that it was fine to have less sex called back the next day and said what I said wasnt true, its awful. It does something to the relationship. By the same token, they would not tell this to their husbands. It was important for them to protect their husbands masculinity.

However, it was not only problematic to be married to a man with prostate cancer. Some of the women found that the disease had brought them closer together.

Greater interest

In my researched interviews, there was little openness about the disease in the public sphere. This has changed dramatically since the establishment of Mens Health Foundation Ghana office in Dodowa, Akoto House.

The men think its important that more facts and knowledge about the disease is brought to light,

There is something about where the disease is located that leads to taboo and stigma. It must be given its rightful place without making these men and their sexuality an object of pity.

Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a research Professor of Prostate Cancer and Holistic Medicine at Da Vinci College of Holistic Medicine, Larnaca city, Cyprus and President of Mens Health Foundation Ghana. You can reach him on 0541234556
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Its Prostate not Prostrate-Prostate-to stand infront and Prostrate, to lie face Down. I bring you the amazing functions of the Prostate gland. Knowing this is a sure way to keep it healthy!

1. It is a Gland!

So you heard that it is called the prostate gland but what exactly the gland do? The most important job of the prostate is to manufacture and secrete some of the alkaline seminal fluids during ejaculation (about 30-35% of the semen ejaculate). Being alkaline, the prostate fluid, which is milky whitish in color, helps the sperm survive in the acidic vaginal environment. So our prostate is therefore considered to be a gland because glands produce something.

2. The Professor of blending

I called the prostate gland the professor in charge of mixing but not professor know everything. You are wondering why? Because, the prostate mixes its fluids with those from the seminal vesicles to convey the sperm made in the testicles. Collectively these fluids rush through the prostate into the urethra during ejaculation. The urethra doubles as the semen pipe during ejaculation and as the urine pipe from the bladder, both fluids move from the angle of the penis.

The prostatic urethra is the path that runs through the prostate gland and is about 3cm((1) in distance. And you have heard about the controversial, Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a fluid produced in the prostate, it plays a key role in helping the sperm to swim into the uterus by helping to maintain the semen in liquid form. It opposes and mitigates the clotting enzyme in the seminal vesicle fluid, which in effect binds the semen to the womans cervix, next to the uterus opening inside the vagina. PSA dissolves this glue with its own enzyme so that the sperm can hasten into the uterus and help impregnate an egg if it is available.

This is the same PSA that is tested during the PSA blood test, a very controversial test because of the many factors that can cause the results to vary extensively.

3. Muscle

For simplicity and better understanding a muscle is a body tissue consisting of long cells that contract when stimulated and produce motion or an organ that is essentially a mass of muscle tissue attached at either end to a fixed point and that by contracting moves or checks the movement of a body part. It has a physical strength, power and influence on a man.

So the prostate is also a muscle that pushes the semen out through the penis with adequate power to enter into the vagina to help the sperm do well in getting into the cervix and to help reproduction.

4. OH Man!

You are wondering why I am screaming. Probably you must know this because, the up and down movements of the prostate in no doubt feels good, making sex pleasing and therefore helping reproduction and remember that is why prostate problem can also leave a man to be infertile

5. Women, where are you? It is your Man G-Spot

Men also have a G-Spot so dont think that only women have G-Spot. Men prostate is their G-Spot. Do you how it is done? Simple, Prostate stimulation can create an extraordinarily well-built sexual response and strong orgasm in men that are open to this sexual method. So your ability to manage ejaculation at the prostate can also guide you to delayed orgasms and injaculations where no semen is move out-so men suffering from premature ejaculation you happy now. But this method is done in superior Taoist and Tantric sexual practices to contain the sexual energy within.

Sexuality plays an important part in our health and well being, but it is often not addressed in our rushed, modern world. Our puritan background and overachieving work ethic may have something to do with our reticence to delve there. Many people have taboos and wounding that can be triggered when they start looking into their sexuality. The ancient practices of Taoism and Tantra with their rich viewpoint can offer us a reawakening of a healthy sexuality.

Both Tantric and Taoist principles consider sexual energy the same as life force, and both practices use the energy centers of the body to increase life force as a means to increased spirituality and improved health and longevity. Both Tantra and Taoism have practices for conserving and building sexual energy. Joining of sexual energies by two partners is purported to bring the highest pleasure and spiritual enlightenment.

Medically, when two people make an intimate connection through sex, stress hormones decrease and serotonin increases. This provides a potent internal milieu for optimal health.

In researching Taoism, there is mostly information available on practices for males to use to energetically conserve their jing (life force) by learning to redirect the energy of orgasm throughout the body without ejaculating. The ancient texts gave much more instruction to men, and considered women to be merely a vessel or cauldron. While the place of women has changed over the years, less information is available for women to learn to redirect sexual energy. The Taoist practices are best learned with a teacher.

Tantric practices seem somewhat more approachable to the Westerner. Some simple steps for beginners are to create a sacred space, take it slowly, look into one anothers eyes, and work with the breath. Breath is the most important element in Tantra. Using your breath, you can spread orgasmic energy from your genitals through your entire body. With your partner, you can synchronize the breath, one inhaling while the other is exhaling. There are more elaborate practices for moving the sexual life force energies through the body, some that are safest to practice with a teacher.

If you are ready to open up more energy and health by harnessing sexual energy, you may find Tantra or Taoism a helpful pursuit

6. Sieving

The prostate also acts as sieve and removes toxins or waste for defense of the sperm, which helps men chances of impregnation and also made sure that men start with the most favorable class of sperm. I consider this as the prostates most significant function and, at the same time, can be one of the main reasons there is a rising problem of prostate disease and cancer as men in Ghana and the black communities as we deal with more and more toxins or wastes in our food, water and the surroundings.

7. Manhood for Life! Dont sleep on duty!

The prostate gland gives men their erections because the prostate erection nerves are in charge for erections. These nerves activate the penis to enlarge and solidify with added blood flowing into it, and this helps men in producing an erection.

So obviously, if these nerves, which attach to the sides of the prostate, get damaged then erectile difficulties are certain and they now call your inability to have sex with your woman due to prostate problem is called sleeping on duty!. That is why many medical prostate procedures (surgery or radiation) have an unwanted side effect of erectile difficulties or impotence and also when men have a problem with their prostate been it enlarged prostate et al the men have problem with their sex life, so if you are suffering from sexual difficulties please kindly check your prostate.

8. Secretions

Secretion is the process of elaborating, releasing, and oozing chemicals , or a secreted chemical substance from a cell or gland . In contrast to excretion , the substance may have a certain function, rather than being a waste product.

Prostatic secretions also play an expensive function by defending the urethra from urinary tract infections, which appear to be a great deal rarer in men than women.

9. Valves

The prostate, surrounds the upper part of the urethra tube just below the bladder (the prostatic urethra), its controls the flow of urine. It does this by preventing urine from exit the bladder, apart from when unrestricted by urination. It also prevents urine from destructive ejaculate during orgasm. It does this in a very critical way by using the two small prostatic muscles called sphincters. They act as gatekeepers with shut-off valves to control and regulate the dual-purpose urethra tube. These gatekeepers make sure the right fluids flow at the right time  urination or ejaculation. Great one by God and not a demon at all!

One of the sphincters is situated where the bladder and the upper part of the prostate convene (the interior upper sphincter). In a healthy state, it prevents urination until the man feels the need to go and pee and stops seminal fluid from moving backwards into the bladder during ejaculation. When injured, semen is pushed back into the bladder and finally exits with normal urination. This is known as retrograde ejaculation because the normal one is called ante grade ejaculation and is an added possible side effect of prostate surgery  no chance of seeding a woman then, Ronald M Bazar said this!

The second, external lower sphincter is at the bottom of the prostate and is subject to our control. It prevents dribbling after urinating and is how as men voluntarily can delay urination when ill-timed to go. Incontinence finally occurs when control of either sphincter is damaged and urine leaks or flows uncontrollably, this force many men with prostate problems to wear adult diapers.

But men can voluntarily control the lower sphincter and to stop urine or semen from moving if men have enough Kegel muscle control, the ability to squeeze the flow shut. Any one of these sphincter muscles will block the urine until the push for to peeing takes control and the timing is right to release and let the urine flow.

An enlarged prostate or BPH can squeeze the prostatic urethra tube and the upper or lower sphincter, making urination difficult with a host of unpleasant, uncontrollable symptoms. BPH surgeries that remove part of the prostate can easily have side effects of incontinence or retrograde ejaculation.

10. Father or God of male Hormones

I call the prostate gland the father of men hormones. Because, it contain a vital enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts the hormone testosterone in the body to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is at least ten to thirty times more powerful than simple testosterone. This potent hormone DHT has numerous function including male sexual drive and function. As men age and at a point in time, a build-up of toxins in the prostate may affect the production of this enzyme, which is then accountable for the declining sex drive in men as they age.

DHT and testosterone have erroneously been under attack as responsible hormones in prostate problems rather than the extreme rise in modern male estrogen levels, leading to medical interventions with serious side effects including lack of libido. Estrogen levels rise because of the predominance of estrogens in factory foods, commercial meats and dairy and estrogen-mimicking chemicals present in body-care and household products. Its even found in our water and some plastic food packaging.

The prostate gland is a very complex gland with numerous functions; if you dont take good care of it then certain prostate disease can cause havoc on your health. So I entreat you as men to do everything possible now that you know the functions of the prostate gland to be smart and pay close attention to your prostate gland likewise our women because they play a critical role in ensuring the health of our prostate gland. You see a detrimental prostate can have a huge impact on our sexual function and our daily urination. So you can describe it any way you want it but if you dont take good care of it then you are in doom and your inability to enjoyed good has now been term sleeping on duty!

Dr. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a Research Professor of Prostate Cancer & Holistic Medicine at Da Vinci College of Holistic Medicine, Larnaca city, Cyprus. You can reach him on 0541234556
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Introduction

Generally, Ghana is a peaceful country in West Africa. Ghana is commended globally for its strong polity and adulates politico-democratic transitions since the beginning of 1992, when Ghana attained the status of a democratic state. However, ethnic conflicts, land disputes and chieftaincy wars have become widespread since Ghanas independence in 1957. Northern Ghana in particular has experienced over 23 protracted ethnic conflicts alone between the 1980s and 2005. And for other forms of conflicts, a total of 43 different conflicts in northern Ghana were recorded in the two national dailies between 2007 and 2012. Ethnic conflict and chieftaincy succession violence, which are triggered by the struggle for recognition, identity, power and respect has had a detrimental effect on the socio-economic development of northern Ghana. For instance, the worst violence in the history of Ghana: the so called guinea-fowl war, between the Konkomba and Nanumba in 1994/5 resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and the displacement of over 200,000 people.

The Konkomba and Bimoba ethnic groups in Nakpanduri also fought wars in 1984, 1986 and 1989, and resulted in hundreds of deaths and several houses destroyed. The recent clash between the two ethnic groups in 2012, over a parcel of land in Kpemale has made Nakpanduri ridiculed and named the bloody land. Since 1984, the conflict has remained protracted till 2014 when the feuding parties themselves decided to end the violence. In the next sections, I have provided the overview of the conflict, the previous resolution methods employed, and how the conflict was finally resolved between the two ethnic groups.

Overview of the Conflict

Kpemale is a community in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district, which is located in the northeastern corner of the northern region of Ghana, West Africa. Bunkpurugu is the district capital. In the Bunkpurugu Yonyuo-district, settlements or villages are made up of a combination of either Mamprusi and Bimoba or Mamprusi and Konkombas. Nakpanduri is a suburban community located about twenty-two miles west of the district capital, and Kpemale can be recognised as a section of Nakpanduri. The conflict between the Konkomba and Bimoba ethnic groups has passed through transitions. The conflict first started in 1984 at Bimbagu, another town close to Nakpanduri. It was triggered by a quarrel between a Bimoba man from the Tamong clan and a Konkomba man from the Komba clan over the price of a mango fruit in a market. A second escalation of violence ensued when the Konkombas considered the attitude of the Bimobas disrespectful towards the chieftaincy skin occupied by a Konkomba; this was seen as a reflection of their broader disregard for the Konkombas claim to the land in the area.

The third outbreak of violence in 1989 was fuelled by the chief of the Mamprusi Traditional Area when he requested that Jandan Toitor, a Bimoba chief, should hand over the chieftaincy regalia to Naabi Tam, a Konkomba and an older person than Jandan, so that Naabi Tam could be installed as chief of Bimbagu. What triggered the violence were the relocation of Naabi Tam and his subjects to the Bimoba territory and the denial of the Bimobas access to their farmlands, which were located on the Konkomba side. The conflict extended to Jimbale in the early 1990s. There it became a conflict over inter-ethnic chieftaincy succession. The conflict expanded again to include Kpemale in 1995; in this case, land was the source of the conflict. It is estimated that 144 people died in the violence between 1984 and 1987, and that more than seven major incidents of violence occurred after 1995.

In 2012, the conflict resurfaced and about five people were killed, and schools were shut down for the safety of students and their teachers. Teens were targeted because each group saw in them a potential leader of the tribe who could come back for revenge killings. Elders of the two ethnic groups utilised ancient hatred, animosity, fear and identity to ignite the emotions of their groups for battle. This is why the 2012 violence saw the burning of scores of homes and other properties. For instance, 167 houses belonging to the Bimobas were set ablaze. Conversely, the Bimobas stormed the Kpemale area which is a predominantly Konkomba community; burnt and crushed down 31 houses and other properties.

The Resolution Process

In an attempt to address the recurrent violent conflicts in the area, a number of programmes for conflict resolution and prevention by the state, non-state actors, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been undertaken over the last decade. First of all, state institutions, including the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District Assembly, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the district police, as well as the Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Ministry of the Interior together have made collaborative use of intelligence, force, and diplomacy to manage the conflict to date. The Ministry of Interior increased the number of police in the area while the military command, since the violence began, sent about three contingent to maintain law and order, to embark on patrols to enforce curfews, and generally to protect Kpemale and its environs.

Non-state actors such as the religious institutions and peace actors, including the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese of the Catholic Church (NBDCC), which covers parts of the northern region, and the Church of Pentecost whose involvements in the conflict, form another important component within the conflict prevention strategies in Kpemale. The NBDCC came into the scene in 1984 during the violence at Bimbagu when it provided relief items. Since the transition process of the conflict, the Catholic Church has been prominent in the Kpemale conflict. It has advised community members and warned them about conflict entrepreneurs who stand to make profit from the violence. The Catholic Church, provided logistical support, provided neutral venues for peace programmes, and used its leverage as a religious institution trusted for its impartiality to bring parties together without resentment, and funded some peace making activities and items from its budgets. It also formed the Parish Peace Clubs, Community Peace Committees, and Parish Peace Committees, all of which are engaged in peace education and sensitisation activities, such as peace dramas and public forums, aimed at spreading the culture of peace.

CSOs/NGOs also played a significant conflict resolution and conflict prevention roles in the area. The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Ghana (WANEP-Ghana), for instance, has been instrumental and deeply involved in the search for a lasting peace in the area. In collaboration with the security commands and district assemblies, WANEP conducted sessions and mediations to intervene. One main dialogue was conducted on 15 May 2013 in Tamale, followed by a post-dialogue session attended by representatives selected by the feuding parties themselves. These dialogues provided a space in which both factions listened and responded to grievances surrounding land issues. The events were interlaced with peace education training sessions at neutral venues. A communique was drawn up after the negotiations, with timelines for implementation. The implementation of the agreement was monitored and threats to its implementation, including reactions from the communities involved, were proactively addressed to prevent attempts to derail the process.

The Cola Peace Broker

The efforts of state institutions, non-state actors and CSOs/NGOs discussed above helped to create a relative peace in the area even though Kpemale remained fragile. However, an application of the indigenous conflict resolution methods and practices, including cola nut chewing, an oath swearing, and cultural drumming and dancing has brought a sustainable peace in the area. The Konkombas and Bimobas resolved to end their three decades-long protracted land dispute themselves. The Nakpanduri chief, David Kansok, began hunting for a lasting peace in Nakpanduri- a place where attractive mountains and business marry each other, but was tagged the bloody land owing to the conflict. Chief David Kansoks initiative yielded a good result.

With support from REGSEC, the Catholic Church and WANEP, on 21 June 2014 the historic expiration of the conflict was marked in the presence of the Nayiri (the King of Mamprugu blessed with divine wisdom, believed to possess ancestral powers, and whose decision is final and abided by all) in Nalerigu. At a unification durbar at the palace of the Nayiri- Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, chiefs and the youth from the two feuding ethnic groups chewed a ritual cola nut from the Nayiri and sworn to denounce violence and to seal their unity and peaceful coexistence. Chewing the ritual cola nut also means the Bimobas in Nakpanduri have agreed to welcome back the Konkombas to resettle at Kpemale after they fled the community to neighbouring areas following the conflict. A colourful display of the rich culture of the two ethnic groups was demonstrated as the two chiefs who have renewed their friendship joined the youth to dance to the throbbing beat of the traditional gongon drums to prove their commitment to coexist peacefully. A land that was docketed-bloody land has now become a cleansed land. Nakpanduri has resumed its economic adventure.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Ethnic and chieftaincy conflicts as well as land disputes are a major problem facing national development in Ghana. Particularly, the Konkomba and Bimoba ethnic conflict with underlying issues like chieftaincy succession and land resulted in hundreds of deaths and properties worth millions of Ghanaian Cedis destroyed. Since 1984, the conflict remained protracted till 2014 when the feuding parties themselves decided to end the violence by chewing a ritual cola before the Nayiri. Since the renewal of friendship, the two ethnic groups have not witnessed any violence, and Nakpanduri in the last two years remains peaceful.

However, the efficacy of the cola is a matter of time and would be premature to judge just after two years of a renewed friendship. Nevertheless, with the Nayiri involved, there is hope for everlasting peace. Meanwhile, the national security apparatus should not relent and CSOs should continue the peacebuilding agenda in the area. Finally, Kusasis and Mamprusis leaders in Bawku, as well as Andanis and Abudus leaders in Dagbon should learn from the Konkomba and Bimoba leaders in Nakpanduri for sustainable peace in their area.

Abdul Karim Issifu

West Africa Peace Ambassadors Network

[email protected]
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Belief in witchcraft is not uncommon in Africa and Ghana is no exception. The Bolgatanga District Court, presided over by His Lordship 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 (Source: dailyguideAfrica.com, June 15, 2017). In 2010, 72 year old Ama Hemmah was burnt to death on the suspicion that she possessed witchcraft. Under the behest of an evangelical pastor, Ama was subjected to torturing into admitting that she was a witch. She was then drenched with kerosene and set ablaze. Her horrendous burns were so severe that she died the following day.

In northern part of Ghana, elderly women mostly widows lived in a camp as refugees because their communities accused them of witchcraft. In elsewhere Kenya, 72 year old Bayacharo Kafuna lived in Malindi. He was sleeping when two men attacked him with machetes. He was cut across the mouth, back, and the left side of his body. Had he not raised his own machete to defend himself, Kafuna says he would have been hacked to death. More painful than the injuries, though, was the emotional torment of learning identity of the culprits. His attackers were family: a grandson and nephew.

The problem started after [one of my] sons developed liver complications, Kafuna says. When he died, my relatives accused me of using witchcraft against him (Source https://qz.com/945296/young-kenyans-are-murdering-elderly-relatives-they-claim-are-witches-but-it-really-has-nothing-to-do-with-magical-beliefs/ March 30, 2017).

Now let us hear the pepper burning story. It was at dawn in 1996 December and the jolly Christmas season was approaching. I had accompanied my uncle, Kwabina Mensah to his Yam farm. The Harmattan wind was breezing in the misty weather. The ghost-grey fog seeping from the atmosphere enwrapped the entire surrounding. Then we got to our country about four Kilometers away from Techiman Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The entire village was wailing. The death of a Young Man, Yaw Kyeremeh had plunged the whole village into desolation. Looking at the face of my 78 year old grandpa (Now late), shock and bemusement were his portion at that moment. He shook his head and said we have to burn pepper. A middle age woman who appeared to be insufferably livid about Kyeremehs death responded Yes Nana we must burn pepper.

My curiosity knew no bounds, eager as I was to ascertain the meaning of burning pepper. When the sorrowful mood of my grandpa de-escalated, I quizzed him, Nana what is the idea behind burning pepper? He replied: All the members of the bereaved family will gather in a compound house, a dried pepper would be burnt, anyone who will cough is the witch or wizard responsible for Yaw Kyeremehs death. I instantaneously responded; Nkwasia sem to imply nonsensical practice. The old man was infuriated that I had insulted him and others who believed in the above practice. I had no option other than to show remorse and apologized. I cannot tell whether the planned pepper was burnt or not! Be that as it may, there was an idea demonstrating belief in witchcraft (employment of magical or mystical powers evil in nature in a secret fashion). Dont insult my village folks because they live in Africa. Witchcraft and traditions are trans-cultural. Hang on a minute, Koo, for the cited below story!

The belief in witchcraft and demonology is not peculiar to African culture. In Europe, under the influence of the Church, a useless book known as the Hammer of the Witches was published in 1480s. The book authored by two primitive German Dominican priests namely: Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger under the command of the pope in 1484 was almost invariably a symbol of insanity, cruelty and torturing. The book was textbook for inquisition (Gregorian ecclesiastical tribunal for the suppression of heresy).

The book outlined how to evaluate individuals with witchcraft in order to coerce them for a full confession. Accused witches mostly women were tortured in a lenient manner. Those who resisted the torturing skills were subjected to unthinkable cruelty and sadism. The accused witches were tied and submerged into cold water: if they floated, they were guilty of satanic possession, and if they sank and drowned, they were innocent. Once the women had resolved in their free will to work for the devil, they must be tortured. Double confessions were tantamount to death by hanging, drowning and burning.

So you see Koo! There is a horizontal correlation between the pepper burning at my village and lowering and floating in the cold water witch identification criteria. The only difference is that this primitive mindsets still permeate in Africa while the European ones had been jettisoned and consigned to history. I have been saying that Bible is one of the most difficult books to study. The early theologians designed a process of bringing sanity into the study of the bible and to curb nonsense as existed in inquisition era. Every accredited University that offers theology combines with philosophy and logic because ethics which is inseparable from pastoral work is a branch of philosophy. In USA, pastoral counselling is an accredited program at full-fledged universities. Who preaches/counsels our vulnerable citizens must concern all and sundry.

We in Africa behave as if Holy Spirit was only promised and bestowed to us. Those who brought Holy bible to us train themselves before working for God. Pastor Billy Graham is one of the standard bearers of Charismatic Christianity in the USA. He was trained in an accredited theology school in Florida. Today in Africa, ignorance triumph at the expense of knowledge. This partly explains why there is bald head hunt in a village in Mozambique. In Mozambique, some villagers believe that bald head men had gold in their head. Mozambique police confirmed (Source: BBC.com).

In Africa today, ability to Americanize or Anglicize Bible verses with a sweet accent is a substitute for anointing and righteousness. I wonder if the demons in Africa they exorcize understand those accents. Not until the government of Ghana be bold enough to make theological training compulsory and integral part of national planning, horrifying news like pastors and alleged witch murder or attempted murder will continue. Belief system is part of African and therefore Ghanaian social identity. The government and the media must be concerned with those preaching to the citizens. No matter the size of the church or the status of the pastor, a formal theological training must be a perquisite for pastoring or evangelizing. Founding a church does not necessary make one a theologian. They developmental projects carried out by the Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Anglican Church, SDA Church and others show that the benefits of formal and professional pastoral training cannot be gainsaid. We must be serious with God in Ghana! God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

By Nana Yaw Osei, Minnesota, USA

[email protected]
22.06.2017 LISTEN

I am especially elated at the fact that my laugh is certainly guaranteed by the never-ending farce that NDC sponsored events turn out to be. Baboonism is best described as the act of stupidity that draws unsavoury description, insalubrious slur, and resonating nothingness aptly styled for a party of goons that can hardly be described as sensible. But why not when in an attempt to demonstrate over nothing, the evil machinations of this charlatan NDC party are exposed.

On Friday, 17/06/2017, when the most loved politician in Africa, His Excellency President Nana AddoDankwaAkufo-Addo, visited London before returning to Ghana from an eventful trip abroad,people were called by the NDC to congregate in a formation of mass demonstration. Some sensible ones refused to be associated with this day of shame. A few members in the UK, 8 STRONG, though, () converged at a location, shouting some gibberish that the local British Newspapers did not find worthy to publish. In a puerile attempt to cover up the disaster that this demo turned out to be, some white ladies were called in to join, holding placards for the degassed fools who had no message to repeat. Worst of all, they paid each woman 50 Pounds Sterling to join the tomfoolery, according to sources from the Queens land.

NDC, all of a sudden seems to have gotten a British identity. I am beginning to wonder if this party of thieves, mobsters, and war mongers, has given up its Ghanaian identity for the colonial masters. Id say good riddance, then! I am surprised the NDC is demanding of the NPP administration of President Akufo-Addo to fix within six months what John Mahama and his vagabonds destroyed in eight years. It is such a disgrace that they would even muster the courage to sputter a word when shame has riddled them from head to toe. After all, is it not a fact that the nation was held ransom by a few draconian politicians who sold almost the whole country to family and friends for pittance?

It is mindboggling to note that DrOpuni, the former CEO of Cocobod under the shamed administration of John Mahama, built a mansion worth over $100,000 USD (one hundred thousand US Dollars) to serve as a tomb for his mother. Yet, during his era, cocoa farmers were suffering, barely scathing by. Their children could not receive the basic right to education because of extreme poverty that had beleaguered them due tothe unprincipled management of the sector.

Yesterday, there was news that one week prior to handing over the administration to the NPP, Ghana Bauxite Company was stripped naked by a stinking act of corruption and thievery in which 56% of its shares were sold to Ibrahim Mahama, the brother of the failed former President? I remember being called to a meeting by one D.Amankwah at Fiesta Royal Hotel to water down my zeal to expose Ibrahim Mahama.

He told me that chasing and nailing Ibrahim Mahama was in bad taste. He further claimed that Ibrahim was his trainee wanting to take credit for the formers affluence narrating a cock and bull story about how he personally brought him down to Ghana from the UK. I mentioned that that was one disservice he did to the nation, bringing such a character to come and leech on the blood of the nation.

Today, I am vindicated by the numerous scandals that Ibrahim Mahama, John Mahama, and the NDC highway robbers were involved in. I am more encouraged by the fact that our work was never in vain. But let me sound this clarion warning: All those involved in protecting the thieves of the NDC will end up burning their butts!

So I am just wondering why such an embarrassing group of pathetic sociopaths would not keep quiet. It is normal that when honourable people fail, they bow out and lay low to escape shame. So how would you call people who embarrass themselves and burr loudly in addition, like the NDC members? A friend suggested that we call them IDIOTS! I think he is right!
Like a river which starts in its youthful stage, flowing slowly from its source then at its middle stage is full of force and works ferociously towards its old age before ebbing slowly into the sea, what are you going to do at age 70 and thereafter?

Former President J.J. Rawlings tells me in an interview I had with him early this year that he was going to write his memoirs and from all indications, it will be a must-keep and must-read.

The former President marks his 70th milestone on Thursday and as part of activities to mark the birthday celebration, a public symposium on environment will take place at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Auditorium tomorrow.

At age 70, Flt Lt Rawlings is yet to embrace the traditional retirement and continues to boom without minding whose ox is gored in defending the vulnerable in society through wide-ranging public commentary on social and political issues.

He still remains politically active, loves to watch news and documentary channels on television and with passion, has happily embraced chat application, WhatsApp.

Love or hate him

Love or hate him, Ghanas history cannot be written without the name of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings who turns 70 on Thursday, June 22, 2017.

Globally admired for his charisma, sincerity, drive, patriotism and participatory leadership approach, Rawlings is also known for his anti-corruption credentials and for his unwavering advocacy of social justice, political and socio-economic empowerment of Ghanas people. But his political opponents have also insisted that he preaches virtues but practises vice.

Journey to heroism

Such is the man who burst onto the countrys political scene to become a national hero of our time.

His journey to heroism began with a failed coup attempt on May 15, 1979, when his insurrection was botched by Major Sulemana. All he needed to do on that troubling Monday was to stand by his conviction and tell the court martial that was trying him for mutiny to leave my men alone and took full responsibility for the events on that ill-fated day.

The heart-thumping speech he gave during his trial resonated with a large section of the public that rose up in his defence. While awaiting his execution, Rawlings was sprung from the Special Branch (SB), now Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), cell on June 4, 1979 by a group of soldiers who were sympathetic to his motivations.

He led the insurgency that ousted the Supreme Military Council II from office and installed the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). He thus burst onto the political scene as the youngest head of state at age 32 and thereafter supervised a transition to civilian rule.

Head of State at 32

At 32, Flt Lt Rawlings was the youngest head of state the country had ever had and for a brief period between June 4 and September 24, 1979 he brought a potentially chaotic popular uprising under control and handed over to an elected government.

The AFRC conducted what he termed "a house-cleaning exercise" whose aim was to purge the Ghanaian society of all the corruption and social injustices that members of the junta perceived to be at the root of their coup d'etat.

After initially handing power to a civilian government in September, 1979, he took back control of the country on December 31, 1981 as the Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

In 1992, Rawlings resigned from the Armed Forces, founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a political party established on the ethos of social democracy, and contested in an election which he won to become the first President of the Fourth Republic. He was re-elected in 1996 for a further four years.

He thus was the Head of State from 1981 to January 6, 2001.

President at 45

In 1992, Rawlings retired from the military and founded the NDC. He legalised political parties and organised presidential and parliamentary elections in response to demands for a more democratic process concerning the governance of the country. Rawlings and his party won with 58.3 per cent of the votes, with international observers declaring the exercise to be "free and fair."

In 1996, Rawlings went on to win a second term as President.

After two terms in office, barred by the Constitution from contesting any election, Rawlings endorsed his Vice-President, Professor John Atta Mills, as the partys presidential candidate in 2000.

End of term at 53/Post-presidency

Per his constitutional mandate, Rawlings's term of office ended in 2001. He exited from the presidency at age 53.

Since then he has served as the African Union Envoy to Somalia since October 2010.

In November 2000, Rawlings was named the first International Year of Volunteers 2001, Eminent Person by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan, attending various events and conferences to promote volunteerism.

He has given lectures in many universities, including the Oxford University, and has continued his heavy support for the NDC.

Awards and honours

October 2013: Honorary degree (Doctorate of Letters) from the University for Development Studies in northern Ghana.

This award recognised Rawlings's contribution to the establishment of the university. In 1993, he used his US$50,000 Hunger Project cash prize as seed money to sponsor the establishment of the state-owned university (founded in May 1992), the first of its kind in the three northern regions.

October 2013: Global Champion for People's Freedom award by the Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation.

Jerry John Rawlings was born in Accra, Gold Coast, on June 22, 1947 to Madam Victoria Agbotui (born September 9, 1919 at Dzelukope near Keta, in what is now the Volta Region of Ghana) and Mr James Ramsey John, a chemist from the United Kingdom, born in Castle Douglas, Scotland in 1907. Rawlings attended Achimota School.

Rawlings is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman with whom he has three daughters: Ezanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and a son, Kimathi Rawlings
Six months after the 2016 general election, the political parties that participated in the polls are yet to comply with the Political Parties Law which mandates them to submit their audited statements of accounts to the Electoral Commission (EC).

This was what came out of a fact-finding mission by the Daily Graphic to the head office of the election management body in Accra yesterday.

According to Section 14 (2) of the Political Parties Law 2000, Act 574, a political party shall, within six months after a general or by-election in which it has participated, submit to the commission a detailed statement in such form as the commission may direct of all expenditure incurred for that election.

The act further stipulates that a statement submitted under that section shall be supported by a statutory declaration made by the general or national secretary and the national treasurer of the political party.

Ironically, the EC has so far registered 26 political parties, but with only two weeks to the end of June, none of them, including the two dominant ones  the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)  has fulfilled this statutory obligation.

The other parties are the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), the Peoples National Convention (PNC) and the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Others are the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), the United Front Party (UFP), the United Progressive Party (UPP), the Independent Peoples Party (IPP), the All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Yes Peoples Party (YPP).

The parties which remain dormant but are captured in the data of the EC include the United Ghana Movement (UGM), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the National Reform Party (NRP), the United Renaissance Party (URP), the United Love Party (ULP), the New Vision Party (NVP), the Ghana National Party (GNP), the Reform Patriotic Democrats (RPD) and the Ghana Democratic Republican Party (GDRP).

Newly registered parties

It was also noted that most of the newly registered political parties failed to adhere to the declaration of their assets and their expenditure, as captured in Section 13 (1) of the law.

The section states: Every political party shall, within 90 days after the issue to it of a final certificate of registration under Section 11, submit to the commission a written declaration giving details of all its assets and expenditure, including contributions or donation in cash or in kind, made to the initial assets of the political party.

Confirmation

Confirming this to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the Director of Finance of the EC, Mr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, and the Director of Elections, Mr Samuel Tetey, disclosed that the seven-member commission would have to meet by the end of June to exact the appropriate punishment.

Expatiating on the provisions, they said the EC wrote to remind the political parties through a press release on April 11, 2017.

This was preceeded by an earlier letter which requested the parties to comply with the provisions of the law but, so far, they are yet to do so, they explained..

Before 2016 polls

It would be recalled that just before the 2016 elections, a few political parties were able to submit their financial statements to the EC as the law required, with most of them flouting it.

Section 14 (1) on the operations of political parties states that a political party shall, within 21 days before a general election, submit to the commission a statement of its assets and liabilities in such form as the commission may direct.

Despite the failure of the parties to adhere to that regulation, the commission may, at any time and upon reasonable grounds, order the accounts of a political party to be audited by an auditor appointed by the commission, Mr Asamoah pointed out, citing provisions of the law.

Seven parties out of the 25 registered parties as at the close of May 31, 2016 deadline set by the EC had submited their financial statements. They were the PPP, CPP, NDP, DPP, GCPP, IPP and the UFP. The NDC and the NPP fulfiled that obligation after the deadline.

Governance experts

Some governance experts and students of politics are asking why political parties desiring to rule and manage the resources of the country and even the party in power are flouting and showing disrespect to the law regulating their operations.

From the ECs records in the Fourth Republic which began in 1992, most of the political parties have consistently failed to honour their obligations to the state as far as meeting these financial requirements are concerned.

This is against the backdrop of some of the parties failing to make their presence felt in at least two-thirds of the 275 constituencies across the country.

When the EC raised the red flag about the absence of some political parties in two-thirds of the country last year, those parties tried to redefine the law by arguing that their presence did not mean that they should have offices in buildings but it could be a virtual office or their activities in those areas.

With the exception of the NPP, the NDC and to some extent the PPP, none of the other political parties has a physical presence and visibility in the constituencies
Kwaku Agyemang Manu (middle) cutting a tape to symbolise the official opening of Sunshine Healthcare Limited. With him are officials of the hospital

Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has inaugurated an ultra-modern diagnostic and specialist health facility dubbed 'Sunshine Healthcare Limited' in Accra.

Sunshine Healthcare Limited, situated at Airport Residential, near Association International School, is a foreign direct investment company with an investment of $2.8million.

It initially started operations in 2011 and is believed to be one of the highly specialised modern healthcare facility in Ghana, providing full range of Radiological and Laboratory services on 24 hour basis.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Friday, the minister explained that the commissioning of the facility was timely.

That, he said, was because there is rapid growth in the incidence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardio-vascular diseases, besides cancer.

According to him, while every effort is being made to drastically reduce and control the incidences of communicable diseases like malaria, cholera, AIDs, among others, through public awareness campaigns, the spectra of non-communicable diseases looms large and needs to be actively addressed by involving the Health Ministry, the public, healthcare institutions, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.

The burden imposed on the government is huge not only because of the financial implications but because loss of man days due to morbidity and mortality, he lamented.

It is against this background that the government is working on public-private partnership in all the sectors, including healthcare sector. The most vital requirement in the prevention and treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases is the need of early and accurate diagnosis, that is provided by radiological and laboratory tests, he explained.

While the government is continuously investing in improving its capability in providing the above diagnostic services to the citizens, he said, it accurately looks towards the private healthcare providers and diagnostic centres to augment its efforts.

He congratulated management of Sunshine Healthcare Limited, noting that we are happy to note that Sunshine Healthcare Limited has been doing a yeoman's service by providing the physicians/surgeons of Ghana with accurate, high quality and timely reports which has resulted in better patient treatment and has saved many lives.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sunshine Healthcare Limited, Bernard Joseph, said the new facility would help meet the health needs of the masses.

BY Melvin Tarlue
Alhaji Sanni, a former First Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, who wields a lot of respect in the party, has stated categorically that former President Jerry John Rawlings is not the founder of the party.

According to him, the NDC has founding fathers across the 275 constituencies in the country, adding that the perception that Mr. Rawlings is the sole founder, and for that reason the owner of the NDC is a hoax.

NDC is not for Rawlings, he is not the sole founder of our political party. The NDC has a lot of founding fathers, who are all over the various constituencies in the country and Mr. Rawlings is one of them, Alhaji Sanni stated during an interview on Asempa FM.

NDC Owners

The real NDC owners currently are the grassroots members of the party, who could be found in the small towns and big cities in the country. The NDC is not a bonafide property of Mr. Rawlings so the public should take note, he stated.

Asked if the formation of the NDC was not mooted by Mr. Rawlings, which automatically makes him the party owner, he retorted, If you form a company and float shares, the company automatically becomes the property of every shareholder so the NDC is not for Rawlings.

The former Ashanti Regional NDC First Vice Chairman therefore urged people that are erroneously propagating the falsehood to quickly put a stop to it, stressing that so far, the NDC has no single owner.

Leave NDC Alone

Alhaji Sanni, who was angry, sternly cautioned the former Ghana leader to stop making comments that can collapse the NDC, saying, Rawlings should leave NDC alone.

According to him, for some time now, Mr. Rawlings has been making controversial comments that are intended to create disaffection, confusion and enmity among the rank and file of the NDC, noting that such comments ought to cease now.

Jabs Rawlings Over Nana

Alhaji Sanni also questioned the loyalty of Mr. Rawlings to the NDC presently, stressing that the closeness of Mr. Rawlings to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is the leader of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), was unhealthy.

He said, Mr. Rawlings was the fifth on the list of key people that President Akufo-Addo expressed thanks and appreciation to when he was sworn in as president. And I want to know what Rawlings did for Nana Akufo-Addo that he expressed his thanks to him publicly.

Did Mr. Rawlings help Nana Akufo-Addo to push his faulty car or did (Rawlings) assist him to change the battery? the NDC stalwart quizzed.

He said the alliance between Rawlings and Nana Akufo-Addo should be examined.

From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
Luke Hansen didn't even have a full 24 hours to prepare the pitch for his startup, CompanyCam, to investors Wednesday.

Despite the lack of prep time, the Lincoln entrepreneur walked away with $100,000 from the Inside/Outside Innovation Summit pitch competition.

While working for his dad's company, White Castle Roofing, Hansen discovered the need for better communication between contractors and employees. He created the CompanyCam app two years ago to solve that problem. It allows contractors to access and save photos through geolocation tools and communicate via notes and chats attached to the photos.

His family was the company's first customer  and the most loyal.

"A lot of what I know about business and doing business is from my dad and the way that he treats people and his employees," Hansen said. "I've seen what it takes to build a sustainable business, and that's all from my dad."

Hansen was chosen as one of four wild cards for the pitch competition, finding out at 8:30 p.m Tuesday that he'd be competing against nine other startups the following afternoon.

He and his team went to work right away, talking over their plan Tuesday night and spending Wednesday morning assembling slides and getting the final presentation ready.

When the competition began at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Hansen felt nervous, but was confident that he knew what he was talking about because he knows his company  and the industry  inside and out.

The idea behind this week's summit is to bring together high-growth startup companies with corporations looking to innovate, with the goal of creating new technologies and products.

CompanyCam went up against startups from Omaha, California, Iowa and Missouri. Each entrepreneur gave a five-minute pitch about their startup, then answered questions from a panel of judges from Nelnet and Allo Communications.

Hansen felt his presentation went well, but he never expected to win.

"I was proud of what we did," he said. "Regardless of whether we won or not, we put it together well."

When his name was called to the stage and he saw the giant check made out to CompanyCam, he "was super-pumped."

The money, he said, will help create more jobs. The company currently has 14 employees and three interns.

"A company is just people," he said. "You get good people and then you can really do something. I don't know how to write code, I'm not that good at marketing, I'm crappy at following up with people, but there's a person on our team that's better at each of those than I am."
From left: Justice Emile Short, Former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Prof. Ransford Gyampo facilitate the roundtable discussion

THE INSTITUTE of Economic Affairs has demanded that the appointment powers of the President be streamlined and exercised in a manner that promotes inclusivity and meritocracy in the public sector.

Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a Research Fellow at the IEA made the call in a presentation at a roundtable yesterday in Accra, saying there was the need for the country to bring an end to the Winner-Takes-All (WTA) system of governance.

This relieves the President of the work load and burden to appoint so many people into office. With this relief, the President can focus on other critical issues and areas of governance, he added.

He warned that the President should not appoint members of the executive based on their political backgrounds but on merit.

Mr Gyampo, who is also a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG) recommended that all MMDCEs be elected and CEOs be appointed by an independent constituted body and not the President.

Make appointments of Chief Executive Officers of public corporations and institutions and other analogous positions transparent, competitive, well-advertised, inclusive, bi-partisan and based on competence, he said.

According to him, officials like the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief Justice, Justices of the Supreme Court, and the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson should be appointed by the President only after they have been nominated by a constituted body to be composed of several groups such political parties, religious, and traditional bodies, civil society organizations, the judiciary, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Trades Union Congress (TUC), among others.

For the vetting and approval of ministerial appointees, he said, it should be done by two-thirds majority of all Members of Parliament as against the current practice of simple majority.

Finally, Presidents must reach out to the main opposition political parties in search of competent people to help govern the country, according to him.

BY Bridget Boateng & Melvin Tarlue


Details are emerging about the numerous criminal activities of the Nigerian millionaire kidnapper, Chukwudi Dumem Onuamadkie, who was arrested on June 10, 2017 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria while attempting to leave that country.

According to reports, the suspect, who also bears the name Evans, started his criminal life as an armed robber at the age of 16 and ventured into kidnapping in 2009.

Reports said he was found to be in possession of a Ghanaian passport upon his arrest.

A visiting Nigerian Inspector of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, announced the arrest of 36-year-old Evans, saying that Nigerians were celebrating upon hearing that the kidnapper had been nabbed.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that Evans, a native of Anambra State in Southern Nigeria, was Nigeria's most wanted kidnapper prior to his arrest.

The suspect, in some of his operations, allegedly used two separate gangs to conduct kidnappings, with one gang responsible for carrying out the abduction and another for transferring the victim to a safe house.

Evans allegedly extracted millions of dollars as ransom from families of victims he kept in captivity sometimes for up to seven months.

According to reports, on June 10, as police raided a Lagos property belonging to the kidnapper, a gun battle ensued with the suspect and his associates.

Security forces eventually overpowered them and arrested seven people in the operation, while also seizing 10 guns and more than 1,000 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, DAILY GUIDE gathered.

That was after Evans and his gangs had reportedly held captive a successful Nigerian pharmacist and owner of Maydon Pharmaceutical Company at Ilupeju, Lagos, Donatus Dunu on Valentine's Day, this year and accordingly demanded about one 1million or 500 million naira from his family.

The suspect refused to take an amount 100 million naira to release the victim.

The wife of the victim, according media reports in Nigeria, while looking for the money, decided to organize a prayer session for her husband with staff of their company.

At the gang's den in New Igando, where Dunu was kept, he had reportedly given up hope on the possibility of regaining his freedom.

But media reports say the victim had a big break in the early hours of Friday, May 12, 2017, while his captors were deep asleep.

Despite losing weight, Dunu managed to wriggle out of the leg-cuff he was held with. He was only wearing a pair of shorts and white singlet. A perimeter fence with broken bottles was to become a major obstacle to his escape, but the victim used his bare hand to maneuver the shattered bottles and climbed his way to freedom, according to reports.

It was learnt that when he landed into an adjoining building, he was mistaken for a fleeing robber or cultist.

Extravagant Life

The suspect had reportedly been implicated in a series of high-profile kidnapping in Nigeria, and mainly targeted foreigners, traditional rulers and wealthy businessmen, which made him one of Nigeria's wealthiest alleged criminals.

He allegedly owns two mansions in an up-market district of Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, as well as two properties in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

One of his Lagos mansions cost about 130 million naira and he used about 40 million naira for its furnishing, with imported furniture mainly from Italy and Jacuzzi.

By Melvin Tarlue


Airtel Ghana has presented a cash prize of GH150,000 to Daniel Yaw Kumafo, a Credit Officer at MASLOC based in Ho in the Volta Region for accumulating the highest points at the end of the 'Wo Mmere Nie' promotion.

He beat close competition from Mustapha Toufik and Samuel Obeng Amoako Jnr, the first and second runners-up respectively.

'Wo Mmere Nie,' the telecom industry's biggest and most rewarding recharge promotion, was introduced in February to reward customers and empower them to make their dreams come true.

The well patronized promotion rewarded some 2.7 million customers with airtime, data bundles, smartphones and cash prizes over the period of the promotion.

The two runners-up, Mustapha and Samuel both walked away with GH100,000 and GH75,000 cash, putting the total cash pay out to the three finalists at GH325,000.

Presenting the ultimate prize at a ceremony in Kumasi, Rosy Fynn, Marketing Director, Airtel Ghana said, Wo Mmere Nie has truly been a phenomenal promotion for our customers. When we took the bold decision to launch this promotion in February, our objective was clear  to make the dreams of our customers come to life and we have done just that. The promotion was overwhelmingly accepted across the country and we are delighted for the opportunity to reward and impact the lives of more than 2.7 million customers through 'Wo Mmere Nie.'

She revealed that ours is a brand that is deeply committed to enriching the lives of our customers through our innovative products and services, as well as promotions such as 'Wo Mmere Nie.' We will continue to enrich the lives of our customers now and in the future.

I want to congratulate Daniel, Mustapha and Samuel for winning the top three cash prizes and to every customer that participated  you are all winners.

Ms Fynn was assisted by Airtel Ghana's Director for Sales and Distribution, Samuel Sarpong and Head of Corporate Communications, Richard Ahiagble to present the prizes to the top winners.

A business desk report




22.06.2017 LISTEN

The Supreme Court (SC) sitting in Accra, yesterday overturned the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed an earlier one delivered by the High Court also sitting in Accra, which ordered the National Investment Bank (NIB) to pay Dominion Corporate Trustee Limited $60 million. Counsel for the applicant, Tsatsu Tsikata, prayed the court to award his client a cost of GH600,000, but the judges settled on GH500,000, after listening to the plea of the counsel for the respondent.

The NIB was sued in 2010 by a foreign entity, Standard Bank Offshore Trust Company Limited, which was later substituted by Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited. The case was heard and judgment delivered on February 21, 2013, in favour of the plaintiffs (Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited), where the NIB was ordered to pay $60 million with interest at 11% percent per annum, starting from 2009 to the final date of payment.

According to NIB, the debt arose from a fraudulent promissory note transaction carried out in 2007, with the connivance of the then Managing Director of the bank. It further stated that the transaction did not reflect in any of the books of the bank, and was done on the blind side of the Board of Directors.

Speaking to the media after the ruling, the Head of the Legal Department of the NIB, Robert Kpatsa, indicated that the bank had confidence it would win the case at the Supreme Court, after having carefully examined the judgement of the High Court, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

Describing the Supreme Court ruling as a 'technical knock-out', the lawyer remarked that the bank had been vindicated. Giving the judgement, the court said the writ brought to court by the respondent (Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited), upon which the ruling was given in their favour, was not proper to the rules of court.

Commenting on whether or not the case was over, the Mr. Robert said: As far as we are concerned, the case is over, because the court said that the writ that was issued at the High Court was a nullity, was void, and, therefore, all consequential things that followed were also void. The High Court judgement has been set aside; the Court of Appeal's judgement has been set aside.

The SC unanimously overturned the decisions of the High Court and Appeal Court, after carefully reviewing the judgements of the latter, on the heels of the application by the NIB.

Under the terms of the transaction, the investors had to pay a discounted total sum of US$45 million in May 2007, and upon maturity of the promissory notes on January 29, 2009, reap US$60 million, thus earning US$15 million in profit.

During the trial, NIB led evidence to show that its Managing Director at the time, Mr Daniel Charles Gyimah, signed the guarantee without any authorisation from the Board.

The bank also led evidence to show that the US$45 million was not utilised for the advertised purpose, but was rather distributed by Mr Gyimah to Eland Ghana Limited and companies connected to it.

Other beneficiaries were Iroko Securities Limited, London, as well as private individuals, including Mr Gyimahs son, Stephen. The largest beneficiary was Sphynx Limited, USA, which was given US$24 million. It also emerged that Sphynx Limited was a full- owned subsidiary of Iroko

In the counterclaim, the bank joined Mr Gyimah, who according to the NIB, did not have the mandate to authorise the promissory note. Also, joined to the counterclaim was Eland International Ghana Limited.

By Maxwell Ofori
Goma (DR Congo) (AFP) - At least seven militants were killed Thursday in clashes with troops involving heavy weapons in a city in Democratic Republic of Congo's restive east, police said.

The fighting erupted in the eastern suburbs of Beni, a city in North-Kivu province, with residents hearing gunshots and heavy weapons fire.

A spokesman for the country's armed forces (FARDC) told AFP the confrontation started when a new rebel group staged an early-morning attack on two of its positions east of the city, saying the gunmen were thought to be from the Mai-Mai militia.

The clashes then moved to the centre of the city, which is home to some 800,000 people, with gunmen taking up positions near police headquarters and the military prosecutor's office.

"During clashes near the police headquarters, seven attackers were killed and an eighth was seriously wounded," police chief Safari Kazingufu told AFP.

School hit

As the gunbattle continued, a shell slammed into a nearby school where teenagers were sitting state exams, wounding a teacher, an examiner and an intelligence officer, the school's headmaster said.

John Mangaiko, a representative of the fighters, blamed the army for starting the violence by bombing the group's positions at daybreak. And he blamed the military for damaging the school.

"The army bombed a school," he told AFP, saying the group did not define itself as part of the Mai-Mai, which is a "self-defence" militia comprising members of the Nande, Hunde and Kobo communities as well as rivals from the Nyaturu, who are ethnic Hutus.

Last weekend, troops clashed with suspected Mai-Mai gunmen just south of Beni in a confrontation that killed a soldier and 12 militants.

Peacekeepers from the UN's MONUSCO mission in the vast African country were also ambushed by presumed Mai-Mai gunmen, killing five of them.

Prison escapees

The army said some of those involved in both the weekend clashes and Thursday's fighting had escaped during a mass jail break on June 11 when more than 930 inmates fled Beni's Kangwayi prison.

Map of eastern DR Congo locating the city of Beni

Speaking to AFP, the city's police chief characterised Thursday's fighting as a new attempt to free prisoners.

"The attackers tried to free prisoners being held at police headquarters, at the military prosecutor's office and at Beni women's prison," he said, indicating that they had been repelled from all three sites.

North Kivu has been plagued by regular flare-ups of ethnic bloodshed which over the past year has seen a cycle of attacks and reprisal raids between Hutu and Nande militias.

For more than 20 years, eastern DR Congo has been rocked by conflict waged by both domestic and foreign-armed groups and fuelled by the struggle for control of lucrative mineral resources as well as by ethnic and property disputes.
The opposition National Democratic Congress needs a fresh face to lead it to the 2020 general elections if it is to make an impact, a former National Security Advisor has said.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Nunoo-Mensah said Ghana has become too stale and needs a break from the norm which has pervaded the country's leadership for some time now.

He said the achievement of Emmanuel Macron in France whom he said is shaking up the system there should serve as an example to the opposition party and the country.

Gen. Nunoo Mensah was speaking on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Thursday in an answer to a question as to who is the NDCs best bet going into the next election in 2020.

President John Mahama who lost the 2016 presidential election is widely tipped to run again for the NDCs flagbearership.

He served only one term and hopes to serve his second and last term in office if he wins the 2020 election.

But he has to battle a forest of others lining up for the presidential slot of the opposition party.

Former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie told Super Morning Show host Kojo Yankson that Mr. Mahama, if he learns from his mistakes, will make a good candidate.

Appearing overly uncommitted, Mr. Ato Dadzie said, Mr John Mahama had quite a number of faults. He has to unlearn certain things.

We must [keep at bay family and friends] and let the party itself take leadership. Look you are president because you have been nominated by the party so we should see the party in government, he asserted, alluding to persistent complaints in the opposition that Mr. Mahamas family took precedence over party structures.

He suggested the former president can still lead the party unless he shows us that he learnt nothing from the past.

But Brig. Gen. Nunoo Mensah who was National Security Advisor in the late President John Atta Mills government disagreed.

We need something fresh and new, [something] dynamic like Nkrumah when he came to Ghana to shake us up; we are too stale; old and stale; look in Ghana a lot of things are sinking; we need to have leadership that is young and dynamic, he said.

Play audio attached:



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Mogadishu (AFP) - Five people were killed and 10 were wounded Thursday when a car packed with explosives rammed into the wall of a police station in southern Mogadishu, the security ministry said.

"The blast was caused by a car loaded with explosives, five people were killed and 10 others wounded," Ahmed Mohamud Mohamed, Somalia's internal security ministry spokesman told reporters.

Police officer Abdukadir Moalim said a suicide bomber had driven the car into the outer wall of the Waberi police station, killing mostly civilians.

Witnesses said the blast led to panic on the capital's busiest road, which runs alongside the police station.

"The road was congested when the blast occurred and I saw confusion as vehicles reversed, there was destruction and smoke," said witness Abdikarim Muktar.

Security forces cordoned off the road after the blast, and the wounded were being evacuated, another witness Ali Yusuf told AFP.

The attack comes just two days after Shabaab Islamists drove an explosives-laden minibus into local government offices in Mogadishu, killing 10 and wounding nine.

Last Thursday, at least 18 people were killed when six Shabaab militants launched a strike on two neighbouring restaurants in Mogadishu.

The Shabaab group, which wants to impose a Taliban-style rule on Somalia, has been fighting for the last decade to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu.

It has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda, both contributors to a 22,000-strong African Union force in the country.

Although pushed out of the capital in 2011, the group still controls parts of the countryside and launches regular suicide bombings and raids in the capital against civilian, government and military targets.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

The Minority in Parliament has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to be sensitive to the plight of the Ghanaian cocoa farmer, by halting the sale of fertilisers.

They have also asked the government to revert to the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) Free Fertilisation Programme for the 2016/17 cocoa season.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Parliament, the Ranking Member on Food, Agricultural and Cocoa Affairs, Mr Eric Opoku, indicated that the attention of the Minority had been drawn to some statements made by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, on June8, 2017, when he interacted with Joy FM, to the effect that the producer price of cocoa would not be increased, and farmers would not be paid increased bonus for the 2017/2018 cocoa season

According to the statement read by the Minority Spokesperson on Cocoa Affairs, Mr Eric Opoku, the reason given was that the world market price had fallen, thus, the decision not to increase the bonus.

Ladies, and Gentleman, first and foremost, we wish to state that the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD is not clothed with the mandate to determine the producer price of cocoa for farmers.

It is the duty of the Producer Price Review Committee to determine [the] producer price of cocoa, taking into consideration several factors, including the economic conditions prevailing in the country, in order not to inflict untold hardships on our farmers.

We are, therefore, urging the CEO of COCOBOD to allow the committee established in 1984, which has since discharged its duties effectively and efficiently, to continue its work without any form of usurpation, he stated.

Commenting on the Cocoa Stabilisation Fund, the Minority noted that in October 2014, the NDC government, under President John Dramani Mahama, established the Cocoa Stabilisation Fund with annual contributions from the FOB price as a risk-mitigation mechanism against declines in international cocoa prices.

They continued that the primary objective of the Stabilisation Fund was to apply it to sustain the earnings of cocoa farmers, and to cushion them should the market price begin to decline.

The recent decline in the price of cocoa internationally must, therefore, trigger the use of the Stabilisation Fund to put smiles on the faces of our farmers.

We are, therefore, encouraging the CEO of COCOBOD to make it public how much is accumulated in the fund, and its impact on the farmers in this critical period.

It is also important to note that extensive stakeholder consultation has always been the means of achieving the best for our hardworking cocoa farmers.

The statement said the erstwhile Mahama administration introduced the Cocoa Fertilisation Programme, among other things, to increase cocoa production in Ghana.

Adding that the Producer Price Review Committee, before the determination of the producer price of cocoa, made provision for the purchase of 2.2 million bags of granular fertilizser and 1.6 million litres of liquid fertiliser, to fertilise over 1 million hectares of cocoa farms free of charge to the farmer in the 2016/17 cocoa season.

Surprisingly, the NPP government, on assumption of office, has replaced the Free Fertilisation Programme with a programme, under which farmers pay (GH80) for a bag of fertiliser.

This is unacceptable, we cannot sit aloof for the government to cheat our cocoa farmers.

Under the Free Fertilisation Programme, the cocoa farmer was entitled to7.5 bags of granular fertiliser per every hectare of cocoa farm. So, a farmer who has 100 hectares of cocoa farm was given 750 bags of fertiliser free of charge.

Today, under [the] President Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, the same farmer is to pay (GH60,000) for the same 750 bags of fertiliser. This has exposed the Ghanaian cocoa farmer to intolerable levels of penury.

We want to emphasise that cocoa farmers have indirectly, through the producer price determination formula used for the 2016/17 cocoa season, paid for the fertiliser. Selling the same fertiliser to the same farmer is a broad day robbery.

We are, therefore, urging the NPP government to be sensitive to the plight of the Ghanaian cocoa farmer, by halting the sale of the fertiliser, and revert to the NDC's free fertilisation programme for the 2016/17 cocoa season, he concluded.

By Maxwell Ofori, Parliament House
Cotonou (AFP) - Over a thousand people took to the streets of Benin's economic capital of Cotonou on Thursday to protest against President Patrice Talon amid growing unease with his government's economic reforms.

A coalition of opposition parties and civil activists led the rally, which coincided with trade unions launching a two-day strike against the government's move to privatise port management.

"We wanted to say to President Talon that the people are hungry and that the poor governance that characterises their management enrages the people," said Cecil Adjevi, secretary general of an opposition party and a leader of the march.

"A large part of the people" are unhappy with Talon, said Alimatou Dramane, a trader in a Cotonou market.

"The president must take our demands into account. When people are going hungry, they must react," she said.

"We stand as one man against the savage privatisation of the regime," added Cedric Mankponse, a 24-year-old student.

On Wednesday, the local government refused to allow the march to take place, but Talon overruled the order in defence of free speech.

"The head of state specifies that the freedom of expression and opinion of the Beninese remains a cardinal value," Talon said in a statement issued by the presidency.

Elected just over a year ago, the 59-year-old former businessman won on a populist platform promising to revive Benin's economy, which is heavily reliant on agriculture and regional trade.

But his government's liberalisation reforms are stoking fears that jobs will be cut in key sectors of the economy, including the port of Cotonou and the cotton industry.

Other measures, such as the decision to banish street vendors from the capital, have also proved unpopular.

The unions of state companies working in the ports embarked on a two-day strike against the decision to privatise port management, which they say will lead to job cuts.

The unions hope to scuttle the privatisation plans after a "warning" strike last week and talks with the transport ministry.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) says the police administration will not sit by while the country degenerates into lawlessness.

Mr David Asante Apeatu said the police will deal with all social deviants who perpetuate cowardly acts of impunity.

Speaking at the National Police Command Conference in Kumasi Thursday, the police boss said lawless people who claim to be members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not be allowed to hold Ghana to ransom.

Why have we degenerated in our culture and tradition to such low levels in the era of our democracy where the rule of law and human dignity is supposed to be enhanced? Mr Apeatu lamented.

Related Article: Instant justice is in Ghanaian psyche, 'well deal with it'  Interior Minister

Such acts of impunity and lawlessness can no longer be condoned, he told the gathering of police officers and government officials.

Some Delta Force members at the Kumasi Circuit Court 2 after assaulting Mr Agyei

There have been pockets of political violence and acts of lawlessness in some parts of the country.

After the 2016 election results were announced, some militant groups affiliated to the NPP have engaged in acts of impunity all in the name of protecting party interest. The Invincible and Delta Forces, both NPP vigilante groups, have assaulted persons purported to be members of the past National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

There have also been attacks on members of the NPP with that of the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei by members of the Delta Force causing outrage. Some 13 persons are currently standing trial in respect of that attack.

The late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama

Related Article: Captain Mahama was to be promoted to Major - Defence Minister

Some Ghanaians take the law into their own hands and administer instant justice on people they suspect to have committed crimes. This type of justice, while not an everyday occurrence, is common in both the rural and urban areas of Ghana.

The grisly murder of a senior military officer, Major Maxwell Adam Mahama at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region on May 29 is one instance of mob injustice that is etched in the minds of Ghanaians.

The father of two boys was clobbered and torched after he was mistaken for an armed robber by residents of the community.

The Late Const. Micheal Kporyi

Related Article: Motor-riding police officer shot dead

Three weeks later, a police officer, Constable Michael Kporyi who was on a patrol duty was shot by unidentified attackers at Michel Camp in Accra.

Being the head of the main law enforcement agency, the IGP said the police will not hesitate to deal with law breakers.

The death of the two security officers, Mr Apeatu said has offended the collective conscience of the Ghanaian people.

Why do we have to kill the very people who swear to protect us? he quizzed, charging police officers to take charge of the country.

In fact, the death of any single Ghanaian on the platform of lawlessness is one too many. Dear commanders, I charge all of you to have as your mantra, zero tolerance for impunity the police boss said.

Listen to the IGP:



Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | [email protected] | Instagram: @realbrakopowers
A plan that received preliminary approval from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission on Wednesday will move the city's boundaries farther south and closer to the proposed South Beltway.

The commission recommended that the city annex nearly 220 acres south of Rokeby Road on both the east and west sides of 27th Street and change its zoning from agricultural to residential to accommodate a proposed new housing development called Iron Ridge.

According to plans submitted to the city, Iron Ridge could have up to 529 housing units and 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

However, because much of the land is in the floodplain, it's likely the actual number of units will be closer to 300, said Tim Gergen, a civil engineer with Clark Enersen Partners who is working with Apples Way LLC, the group developing the project.

Initial plans by the developers call for 192 housing units on the east side of 27th Street and 45 on the west side. The units would be a mix of single-family homes and townhomes.

Gergen said the developers asked for approval for the maximum number of allowed units to provide flexibility, even though it's unlikely they will come close to that number.

He said demand for new homes is high, so developers want to get started on the project as quickly as possible, meaning construction could start on homes later this year.

Assuming the City Council approves the project, it will push the city's southern border to within about a mile of the proposed South Beltway, which will connect U.S. 77 south of Saltillo Road to Nebraska 2 near 120th Street and Rokeby Road. Construction on the $300 million project is expected to start in 2020.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

BBC World Service, OS Outside Source, Wednesday 21.06.2017, 16:43: the discussion and live interviews were about people of black or dark colour (Pakistan) from Toronto, Canada in which a White Women, waiting in a Doctors Office, was captured on video asking for a white Doctor to attend to her needs that speaks English and not any other Physician. The radio host and caller labeled the incident, shown on social media, a racist act.

Every black African in or outside of the continent knows that African Presidents, Ministers, Politicians, rich businessmen -and anyone that can afford it- like to send their children abroad either to UK, USA, Germany, Russia, China and alike as they believe that in these countries education is at the highest level and their offspring deserve the best money can buy.

President Buhari of Nigeria is currently, for the second time this year, undergoing treatment in UK (he also was in Germany for a few days in spring this year but referred back to UK) for illnesses local Media in Nigeria claim they have the expertise and means to serve their President with the State of the Art assistance; most of these Doctors were trained in the world of the White Man in the first place.

President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, recently went to Singapore for his Medical checkup. Many members of the royal families in Arabia prefer treatment in Paris, London, Hamburg or Washington rather than relying on their own Doctors trained in the world of the White Man and equipped with Hospitals that are world class, many Hospital Administrators in Germany would be jealous of.

I want Shea Butter from Germany, said the Agent from Tunis, capital of Tunisia, to me a few months ago. I made him understand, that in Germany we do not grow Shea nuts but here in Ghana that is the right country to buy the Shea Butter from. He refused to order saying, Ghana is in Africa and therefore we in Tunis have no trust. When you can get the product from Germany, we have an interest and pay money there, no problem, was the end of our conversation and possible deal.

Africans are black, they go for treatment and education abroad to USA and Europe, among themselves have problems to trade with each other cross boarder or in their own countries themselves; as when they hear or see the colour of their potential business partners, they know the problems involved and back off or are very, very conscious of the obstacles involved to make business a Africa a big challenge. Once the sweet sound of white colour comes up and into a business transaction, Blacks feel more at ease and trusts sets in.

On daily basis I am confronted with this issue that Blacks want to use me for that particular reason for good or bad deals; something we Whites in Africa face on a constant basis. In the serious cases where business makes sense, and will be over time beneficial to all involved, it still makes Whites wonder what is wrong in African minds and societies as regards to this aspect.

And when it relates to broadcastings, like done over and over again by BBC World Service, it become annoying and boring as the whole truth about racism Blacks against White, Whites against Blacks- is not showcased. As Whites have a strong back bone, over time such single minded and single sided reports can be a boomerang and make people numb that need to stop their misplaced behavior; someone that is constantly seen as the target of such comments and complaints gets used to it and is asking himself, why should he change when he is anyway brand marked in a certain way and put into the corner to be named and shamed about.

Certainly, this is a very wrong approach to find an appropriate solution to this problem, while a holistic approach seems to be more helpful and make the trick to convince people to be respectful and tolerant to each other seeing the quality in everyone in the fact that a person is a human being after all, only different in character, tradition, life perception and qualification in the work place.

People in Ghana call me names behind my back knowing I do not speak Twi, but when my wife (Ashanti) hears what is spoken behind my back only because I walk in the streets, she feels shy to tell me the truth wanting to leave Ghana soonest.

So, let us all be conscious about what we do and see each other as special persons with our own character, our sins, shortcomings and more so our strength that we can make an impact to better the lives around us.

Thanks for listening(BBC World Service?)!

Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0)265078287, [email protected] , 21.06.2017
Arua (Uganda) (AFP) - The EU pledged 85 million euros ($95 million) to Uganda Thursday, ahead of a summit to raise twenty times that amount to help it deal with nearly one million refugees from South Sudan.

Uganda is facing the world's fastest growing refugee crisis as South Sudanese pour over the border to escape more than three years of civil war in their country.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is visiting a refugee settlement Thursday, before joining other top officials, donors and regional leaders for the Refugee Solidarity Summit in Kampala on Friday.

The summit aims to raise $2 billion for the coming year, however organisers say $8 billion is needed to deal with the crisis for the coming four years.

The European pledge is to "help Uganda deal with this unprecedented situation and support the most vulnerable refugees," said aid commissioner Christos Stylianides, who visited the Imvepi settlement in the remote north of the country with UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi.

"Uganda's example of helping vulnerable people cope with displacement is an example for the whole region and the world. However no country can deal with such a high number of refugees on its own," said Stylianides.

'Treating the symptoms'

According to the UN refugee agency more than 947,000 South Sudanese refugees are sheltering in Uganda, bringing the total number of refugees in the east African nation to more than 1.2 million.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, was plunged into civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.

An August 2015 peace deal was left in tatters when fighting broke out in Juba in July last year, spreading violence across the country.

It was this outbreak of fighting that led to the biggest exodus, with some 743,000 South Sudanese arriving in Uganda since July 2016, about 2,000 a day.

More than 270,000 are housed in Bidibidi settlement, which overtook Kenya's Dadaab earlier this year as the biggest refugee camp in the world.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been hailed for a progressive refugee policy in which refugees are allowed to work and access public services.

However the situation on the ground has been overwhelming for locals and aid workers, with not enough food and water to go around.

The UN estimates that another 500,000 South Sudanese will arrive in Uganda this year.

The summit will not include discussions on how to end the ongoing fighting, and there is no peace process in sight.

"We are treating the symptoms but the real root cause of this violence should be addressed. That is what is forcing people to run from their land," said Wadri Sam Nykua, the top government official in Arua, Uganda, welcoming the EU and UN officials to the refugee settlement.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

A Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr. Akilu Sayibu, has said that the current officials of the Authority were more equipped to effectively implement their policy of identifying and promoting at least one potential exportable product in each of the 216 districts of Ghana, after a successful 21 days capacity building seminar in China.

He told the international media in an interview that the topics being treated at the seminar, which are mainly Chinas Development experience, were very similar to the various development policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. The seminar is being attended by Senior Officials from Developing countries including Ghana.

Mr. Akilu Sayibu expressed optimism that the participation of the GEPA officials in the seminar had sharpened their skills and also positioned them to execute the national strategy on the promotion of non-traditional exports.

According to the GEPA Deputy CEO, the economy of China was growing at a very fast pace and it was only natural for the Ghana Export Promotion Authority to identify products and services that could be exported from Ghana to China to increase earnings from the Non-Traditional Export to enhance the development of Ghana.

The final set of topics to be treated at the seminar include: Chinas Experience in Agriculture Development and Agricultural Industrialization, Chinas Experience in International Economic and Technical Cooperation, Chinas Experience in Industrial Development, Chinas Policy and Experience in Poverty Reduction.

Some other topics already tackled at the seminar were, Chinas Foreign Aid, Chinas development path among other relevant topics.

Industrial and cultural visitations were also made to Beijings Economic Development Area, The Forbidden City and The Silk Street among other places.

The 21-day training programme which was sponsored by the Chinese government in collaboration with the Academy of International Business Officials and the Ministry of Finance and Commerce of the People's Republic of China brought together 122 participants from 17 countries and also presented an excellent opportunity for corporate networking, Mr Sayibu explained.

Samuel Lartey, Joyce Baah Tawiah, Zeanafa Ramatu and Janet Armah were part of the GEPA team.

The GEPA team is expected back to Ghana on Thursday June 22, 2017.

From Edmond Gyebi, Tamale
Bodo (Nigeria) (AFP) - Under a leaden sky in oil-rich southern Nigeria, young men hang around with nothing to do, covering their noses from the noxious fumes of the polluted swamp.

The sight in Bodo, some 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Port Harcourt, is repeated in communities elsewhere in the maze of creeks that criss-cross Ogoniland.

One year after the launch of a much-heralded clean-up programme, the oil slicks which blackened the waters, killed the fish and ruined the mangroves remain untouched.

Locals, deprived of their livelihoods from fishing and farming, and with the billions of dollars extracted from under them channelled elsewhere, are angry and frustrated.

"The progress made on the Ogoni clean-up is known only to the government," said Fegalo Nsuke, from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People pressure group.

"The people of Ogoni still cannot have access to safe drinking water, not to talk of electricity, basic schools and roads," he told AFP.

Environmental disaster

In January 2015, there were hopes Ogoniland's luck was changing after Shell agreed to pay 55 million ($70 million, 63 million euros) in compensation to more than 15,500 Bodo people.

The Anglo-Dutch energy giant also agreed to start a clean up of two devastating oil spills in 2008, following a three-year British legal battle that was settled out of court.

Bodo locals say they lack access to safe drinking water as clean up efforts appear to make little difference

In June 2016, Nigeria's Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo formally launched the project, which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said could take 30 years.

So far, however, only $10 million of the initial $1 billion programme has been released.

Since then, a governing council and trust fund have been set up, and a project coordinator appointed, but no equipment has been moved to the sites, residents say.

Drinking water is still not fit for human consumption.

"The fact is that Ogoni still drinks poisoned water and remains polluted and these cannot be changed by internal processes and media promotions," said Nsuke.

"Our people are frustrated," added Livinus Kiebel, chairman of the Bodo council of chiefs.

"The environment is completely devastated."

Fish and carcinogens

Ignatius Feegha, 41, used to catch fish as a child in the waterways of the Niger Delta.

"I used to wake up around 5:00 am with my father to fish and would come back with baskets of fish before going to school," said the civil servant.

Today, fishermen are lucky to catch even periwinkles.

Standing near a jetty, Buddy Pango holds up a plastic bottle filled with discoloured water as the heavens open and a boat heading to the Bonny Island natural gas plant speeds by.

"We can't see no fish in this water because the water is stained with crude oil," he said. "Before we can get some fish, we (must) go to the ocean and it is very far."

Fishermen have been particularly hard hit by contamination of the Niger delta by oil exploration

In places like Ogale, wells and boreholes are contaminated with the carcinogen benzene at levels more than 900 times above the recommended World Health Organization limit.

Signs beside boreholes warn residents not to drink the water.

"Every week, at least five people die because of cancer and respiratory diseases," said community leader Dandyson Nwawala.

Clean-up suspended

Roman Catholic priest Father Abel Agbulu, who has been mediating between Shell's Nigerian subsidiary and Bodo locals, said the clean-up could have started earlier but for opposition from some youths.

He said the youths who were unemployed insisted on being paid the money instead of allowing Shell to give the job to contractors.

"The youths said they wanted money instead. So Shell, which had already engaged two companies to do the job, had to back out," he added.

Agbulu said Shell was not ready to give cash to the youths and since they would not allow the contractors to handle the job, decided to suspend the clean-up.

The head of the government-appointed Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Marvin Dekil, said training local workers in the required skills is taking time.

"We don't want... to rush it and get it done in a wrong way," he explained.

In the meantime, some locals have taken matters into their own hands and begun planting trees to try to restore the damaged mangroves.

The UN's environment agency says cleaning up oil contamination in Ogoniland could take 30 years

The United Nations Development Programme's representative in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, visited Ogoniland last week and called for patience.

"This is a very technical investment, it is not a rural type of investment where you are going to see houses built within a short period of time," he said.

How long they will have to wait is anyone's guess.
Nice (France) (AFP) - A French farmer who became a symbol of the migrant crisis for helping Africans sneak across the border from Italy has been detained again, his lawyer said Thursday.

Cedric Herrou, a 37-year-old organic olive farmer, has been hailed as a hero by some and branded irresponsible by others for driving migrants across the border and then giving them accommodation.

He was let off with a suspended fine of 3,000 euros ($3,300) in February after going on trial charged with assisting some 200 illegal immigrants, most of them Sudanese and Eritreans.

He was unrepentant at the time, saying he would not stop helping people who had come to Europe.

"How can you sleep when people are stuck outside in the rain?" he said.

His lawyer Zia Oloumi told AFP Herrou was now in custody again, having been arrested on Wednesday.

"He is accused of assisting the entry, movement and residence of illegal immigrants," she said, adding that Herrou was detained after going to answer police questions about two underage migrants who had arrived at his door.

Herrou had flagged up the two youngsters' cases to authorities, she added.

Police were not immediately able to comment.

Herrou is one of several people to appear in court in southern France in recent months charged with illegally assisting migrants who have travelled up through Europe after crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 77,000 people have tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, according to the UN's refugee agency, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 2,000 people are believed to have drowned making the perilous crossing.
Accra, June 22, GNA - A total of 41 cases of sexual and gender based violence were reported in all four refugee camps scattered in Ghana in 2016, a figure being the highest recorded so far, indicating an increase in such violence.

These camps are the Fetentaa, Egyeikrom, Krishna and Ampain, the Ghana Refugees Board (GRB) has announced.

The Board has noted that a total of 27 of the cases reported involved adult victims while 14 of the victims were less than 18 years, comprising 35 females and six males.

However in 2015, 17 sexual violence cases with seven of them involving children survivors were reported among persons of concern living in the refugee camps located in the Western and Central Regions. The Fetentaa Camp did not record any cases that year.

Addressing a stakeholders' forum to mark World Refugee Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict in Accra, Ms Doris Tagoe, Eligibility and Protection Officer of the GRB, who made the disclosure said all the perpetrators of the violence crime were refugees living in those camps.

She said adjudicating of those cases had received slow response coupled with challenges with the legal representation and the existing legal aid services.

The GRB in collaboration with Hope For Future Generations (HFFG) and the Palladium, both non-governmental organisations, organised the stakeholders' forum to discuss the trend of sexual violence in the country.

Participants were updated on the current state of domestic/gender based violence in the country and what could be done to address the problem.

The main event for the Refugee day was commemorated at Ampian Refugee Camp in the Western Region, with activities including officials inspecting UNHCR funded health centre recently handed over to the government, and unveiling of the intelsat-sponsored WiFi kiosk, which provides free internet access to refugees and nationals living around the Ampian camp.

There was also an interactive distance learning programme for refugee children.

The day was also commemorated in all other refugee camps in the Central, Western and Brong Ahafo Regions.

Currently in Ghana, there are 13, 236 refugees from 34 countries of origin within and beyond Africa.

Ms Tagoe said a lot more needed to be done in the area of justice delivery for victims of sexual violence, especially, for refugee victims.

She said most of the victims' legal representation to courts remained a challenge because the existing legal aid services and pro bono lawyers require some fees, including transportation to courts and the preparatory steps for the proceedings.

'Sexual violence is the gross abuse of the human rights of the individual. One of the means by which this human right abuse can be prevented is by ensuring justice for victims.

As the GRB and HFFG mark World Refugee Day and the International Day of Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we join hands in solidarity with refuges around the world.

'We reiterate the call on all stakeholders, especially those involved in the judicial and justice process to double their efforts towards justice delivery in the elimination of all forms of sexual violence in our society,' Ms Tagoe said.

On her part, Mrs Cecilia Senoo, Executive Director of HFFG, said the day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict was set aside a year ago, to raise awareness on the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, and to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world.

She said, however, data obtained from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service and hospitals across the country indicated that reported cases of sexual violence including domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, forced marriage, and defilement were still increasing in many communities across the country with women, girls, and children being the most affected.

Mrs Senoo said various media report monitored indicated that within the last 365 days, there had been more than 50 sexual violence related cases reported.

She named perpetrators as including pastors, teachers, husbands, doctors, parents and other personalities in positions of trust.

'So the purpose of todays' gathering is to create awareness and call on law enforcement and judiciary to urgently do something about the situation', she said.

'As an organisation we have come to the realisation that in order for us to achieve desirable change in society, we the non-state actors would have to work together with state actors as well as the media as partners. It is our hope that we would all play our respective roles to end sexual violence', Mrs Senooo noted.

GNA

By Lydia Asamoah, GNA
Accra, June 22, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday indicated that his government's policy interventions over the last five months are having positive effects on the country's socio-economic fortunes.

He said already, there were positive signals that his administrations ambitious programme of social and economic transformation aimed at putting the country on the path of progress and prosperity, were lowering the cost of doing business and shifting the focus of the economy from taxation to production.

Speaking at a lunch meeting organised for delegates of the International Democratic Union (IDU) at the Flagstaff House in Accra, President Akufo-Addo said his programme of transforming the country was hinged on a clear industrial policy, restructuring the institutions of our governance, modernising agriculture, and rationalising the financial sector to support growth in agriculture, manufacturing and industrial sectors.

'We aim also to enhance further the business atmosphere and make Ghana an easier place to conduct business through paperless transactions at our ports, and the removal of all internal customs barriers by the beginning of September,' he said.

The IDU is a working association of 80 Conservative, Democratic and like-minded political parties of the centre and centre right formed in 1983.

It provides a forum, which parties holding similar beliefs come together and exchange views on matters of policy and organisational interest, with the a common purpose to promote democracy and centre right policies across the globe.

The Forum held its Executive/Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting in Accra from June 19 to 21.

The meeting, the first to be held in Africa, South of the Sahara, was hosted by the New Patriotic Party.

President Akufo-Addo noted that his government's flagship programmes, 'One District, One Factory', and 'Planting for Food and Jobs', have been launched, with the aim of making Ghana's economy the most business friendly on the continent of Africa, and in the world.

He said the process of economic and industrial transformation was going along with ensuring that the most basic elements of social justice are met - making quality basic education and healthcare accessible to all - to promote a culture of incentives and opportunities.

'We are determined to build a new Ghanaian civilisation, a Ghana beyond Aid. It is a Ghana where we aim to be masters of our own destiny, where we marshal our own resources for the future, breaking the shackles of the 'Guggisberg' colonial economy of a producer of raw materials, and a mind-set of dependency, bailouts and extraction.

'It is an economy where we look past commodities to position ourselves in the global marketplace at the high end of the value chain. It is a country where we focus on trade, not aid, a hand-up, not a hand-out. It is a country with a strong private sector. It is a country that recognises the connectedness of its people and economy to those of its neighbours. It is a country that is governed according to the rule of law, respect for individual liberties and human rights, and the principles of democratic accountability,' he said.

Noting that the world was being rocked by vicious terrorism; religious extremism; resurgent populism in the Western democracies; potentially devastating climatic and environmental changes; and growing inequality between the north and the south, President Akufo-Addo said: 'In my view, never has the necessity to organise, mobilise and articulate clearly our values and message been greater.'

'I have no doubt that, in doing so, we shall prevail here on this continent and around the world, and create harmony, serenity and progress for our common planet and our common humanity, and, thereby, banish global poverty and hunger.'

The President was expectant that at the end of the IDU meeting, 'we share best practices in governance, marketing strategies for winning elections, and refining the tools needed to ensure that we continuously gain and maintain the support of our electorate with each other.'

The political parties making up the membership of the IDU, the President said, were at the helm of some of the biggest and most successful economies and emerging markets in the world, and are having a positive impact on this generation.

'We must ensure that, with the aid of science and technology, the promotion of enterprise, innovation and creativity, and the spread of democratic values, we offer the prospects of constructing a new era of prosperity in freedom for all the peoples of the world.

'I am confident that we can work together to achieve this noble goal,' he added.

The Founding Members of the IDU included Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former US President George Bush Senior, Paris Mayor and later President of France Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and many other Party Leaders.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA
The United States Ambassador to Ghana has debunked reports that some 63 Ghanaians who were recently deported from were treated inhumanely.

Robert P. Jackson explained to the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament Thursday, that those affected were deported involuntarily as they had attempted to resist deportation.

The deportees are being sent home for various offences, ranging from drug possession, larceny, assault, theft, sexual assault, identity theft, illegal entry, forgery/fraud, resisting arrest and other non-criminal offences.

Most of them are said to have migrated from the Ashanti and the Central regions of Ghana.

There are reports that some Ghanaians who had gone to seek greener pastures in the US but ended up deported were handcuffed, forced and maltreated as they enplaned to Ghana.

The 63, who returned recently, arrived in a chartered flight, refused to board a civilian aircraft and return voluntarily. I do not consider the conditions under which they were returned inhumane," Mr Jackson said.

According to him, they were fed, they had some freedom of movement on the flight. It is not as if they were chained to their seats.

He confirmed that it is true that 7,000 Ghanaians who have overstayed their visas or are staying in the US illegally are in various stages of the deportation processes."

There will be additional deportations because the 7,000 people who are under deportation orders have either committed crimes in the United States or long overstayed the visas on which they entered, Mr Jackson said.

The Ambassador reiterated that the US is welcoming and accommodating to all Ghanaians who use legal means to enter the country and abide by the laws of the country.

He spoke of several nationals including Ghanaians who are currently in the US working legally without any threat of deportation.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected]
I believe minister of economy, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta was not entirely speaking the truth. When he used his biographical folklore to set the tune for what was going to be his take on the compact summit. The impact and his managerial quality to bring the economy on its footing. The revelation of his past personal life records was aimed - am alleging - at touching the sympathy spot or angle of the stakeholders of IMF. Made in the presence of director of IMF Christine Lagarde, prominent world leaders and bureaucrats at the UN global summit. Apart from his grotesquely curled-ball ploy, the minister of economy somehow indirectly called for bigger role of rich countries in building Ghanaian economy

Well, it depends individual understanding of "rich countries bigger role call". Nevertheless the theory of his unflagging mother strategy and demand for world players to transform the our economy went flat. The question is whether it was necessary to bring forth that family dirty, little secret out in that important world forum? Apart from the vagueness of the theory, the minister may well be just a bit naive. The truth of the matter is, while we do not need a soothsayer to tell it to us the empirical aspect of it. That until we are able to mobilize ourselves to do somethings for the country we will continue to lag behind.

That is, our socio-economic and political emancipation may not be in the interest of these rich countries at all. Because history has it that rich countries are largely invested ( pardon the pun ) in their individual country's economic gains as foreign policies. In other words, the more precarious and deplorable our economic situation is the easier it is for the them to dominate us. In essence it is so ridiculous for the minister to come out with out-of-wedlock monologue in such important platform meant to inspire good leadership around the globe

More so, l haven't seen a thing like this before. I mean, a minister who is supposed to selling Ghana to the international world out there, he unconsciously painted a gloomy portrait of the country instead. Using the country's debt as basis to court investor's confidence only puts us in tight corner of beggars with counterproductive consequence of scaring them away.

Needless to say it is time to experience the economic savvy capabilities of NPP team of which Dr. Bawumia is part of, Vice President touted to be economic wizkid. After all Ghanaian economy currently undergoing IMF credit infusion facility. But that is not to say that the economy is in that bad shape. NPP's reluctance or wrestling with the decision to extend IMF deal can attest to that! Moreover our economy is not in recession in comparison with countries like Nigeria etc.

The economy is growing already to create jobs after it is recovering from the 2013 - 2016 crash. The economy is projected to grow at 6.3% by this year and 8% next year. These are huge economic growth ratio enough for job creation. The main reason, there is no room for Highly lndebted Poor Country ( HIPC ) grading by world economic indicators. Translating the 73.6% debt stockpile to GDP, that will not exceed $27 billions.

The countries like Senegal that do not have that much as we do in natural resources, burdened with the same amount of debt but are not all over the places creating unsavory national and international embarrassment. Let Dr. Bawumia not say that we didn't warn him and his boss that austere government is the key to save money prior to colossal ministerial appointment!

Finally, the theory-oriented ( the so-called book long ) assessment of economy is unnecessarily exaggerated. We aren't full-baked economist anyway but very important and fundamental aspect of the economy, per my opinion, has been ignored all these years. And without addressing that submerged part of the economy it won't attract investors not to talk about flourish and create jobs at its full potential. Sustainable electricity power generation and permanent solution to drinking water vital for economic growth

So, minister Ken, grass is greener at your feet!

Agobodzo, Richard

You can contact me through [email protected] or www.facebook.com/Agobodzo Richard
22.06.2017 LISTEN

The members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in China (CN) has sent warm wishes to its 2nd Vice Chairman, Moses Antwi, on his graduation. Mr. Moses Antwi, the 2nd Vice Chairman of NPP-China Branch this week graduated from Shandong University of Science and Technology-Qingdao, China.

Mr. Moses Antwi is a native of Dantano near Kukuom in the Asunafo South Constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. He was born and raised in Goaso, Brong Ahafo Region.

He is a Telecom Engineer, Management Consultant, and also the Founder and Board Chairman of Dream for All Foundation (DFAF); Moses is active in the regional and national policy arena. He holds a bachelor degree in telecommunications engineering at Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao-Huangdao, China, having studied Network Security, Computer Network, Circuit Analysis, Antenna principles, Television Production. In 2016 Universities Robot Competition, Moses was awarded second class honors.

He also holds Certificate of Chinese Language from Binary University (Impian Language School), Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia. He studied Business in Senior High School and proceeded to Cape Town (South Africa) for a short course in Accounting.

From December 2016 till date, the telecom engineer expert worked as the Management Consultant/Teacher in America company called Baby Power, Wendeng, China, which he works to carry out research and data collection to understand the organization, conduct analysis. Run focus groups and facilitate workshops, prepare business proposals and presentations, identify issues and form hypotheses and solutions, manage projects and programs. He is frequently invited to speak on a range of issues, from the impact of public policy, the role of addressing students challenges. He has impacted education among the youth and students on various platforms such as seminars, conferences, workshops etc. He also works with China Mobile Company in Weihai District.

From 2015 till date, he worked as 2nd vice chairman of New Patriotic Party(NPP), China branch. As the telecom engineer expert, he introduced branch membership ID cards, website design for his branch. He was also a member of the NPP 2016 IT team and also was the Rep. of the NPP China Diaspora Mobilization for 2016.

He is widely considered among his peers to be one of the most innovative young professionals of today.

Between 2013 to 2015, Mr. Moses served as International Students Admission Advisor, Volunteer at Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao-Huangdao, China, which he was responsible for connecting with students, communicate with new students from a variety of venues, evaluates potential applicants. He is always seeking the welfare of Ghanaian students in various universities, moving from campus to campus to make sure things are in order for some of Ghanaians students.

From September 2013 - 2014, Moses was a board member of the Voice of the students of Shandong University of Science and Technology, China, which he works to make decisions in the interest of the students, Establish and monitor policies, develop strategy and maintain effective board performance.

Moses was personal aide to the Director of Impian Language Centre owned by Pusat Bahasa Impian Sdn. Bhd. back in Malaysia, which works to meet the needs of business and improve employment opportunities for foreigner college students, 2013; And also served as Maintenance Supervisor of His Sanctuary of Glory Global Ministries (HSGGM) Malaysia, 2013.

Negotiating for financial aids for students both Partial and Full and a lot more for Ghanaians who are willing to study in China, USA, Canada, and Germany, because of his links with a lot of universities.

Congratulations Mr. Moses Antwi (Nana Moses II).
The Savelugu New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth who clashed with the police over the appointment of the Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu have apologised to the President for their behaviour.

The youth last week stormed the premises of Savelugu/Nanton Municipal Assembly to stop the MCE from reporting to work.

They have fiercely resisted Hajia Ayishetu Seidu since her nomination by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in May.

Related Article: Savelugu Police clash with NPP executives over MCE

Brandishing machetes and clubs, the irate youth were reported to have made their way to the office of the MCE when two policemen who were guarding the entrance stopped them.

Savelugu/Nantong Municipal Chief Executive, Hajia Ayishetu Seidu

They unleashed their fury on the officers who bolted from the scene to call for reinforcement, Joy News Northern Regional Correspondent, Hashmin Mohammed reported.

The premises of the Assembly was turned into a war zone when the contingent of police and military personnel arrived on the scene. While the youth pelted stones, the security personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

The youth, dissatisfied with their action, threatened to do more if the President did not appoint someone who was instrumental in the NPP's 2016 victory in the Savelugu Constituency.

Related Article: I won't shield you from the law - Akufo-Addo tells off NPP Savelugu dissidents

President Akufo-Addo at the Monday swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo registered his disapproval of the clashes, charging the police to arrest the perpetrators.

He noted his government will not "shield" NPP supporters who fall foul of the law. Ghana's law will be applied to the letter without fear or favour, he said.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

But after a mediation meeting led by Minister of State at the Office of the Presidency, Bryan Acheampong, the youth have agreed to support the MCE.

Although they believe their concerns are genuine, the youth said their action was in bad taste hence their apology to the President.

They have pledged to work harmoniously with Hajia Ayishetu Seidu to champion President Akufo-Addos agenda in the Region.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com |
22.06.2017 LISTEN

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, has described as outrageous, the allocation and sale of government lands in the Residency and the Kabore areas at Ho by the Regional Lands Commission. According to the Minister, the lands were acquired for development into residential areas for government workers.

The Minister said upon assumption of office, he received several petitions from the residents of the government quarters, and patriotic citizens in Ho about the way and manner the Land Commission was indiscriminately selling government lands, which started under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government under its 'in-filling exercise' policy.

According to the Minister, it was unfortunate that an institution, that is supposed to protect government lands, is the very one selling them indiscriminately for private people to build houses and hotels on such strategic state assets.

The Regional Minister, who was addressing a press conference on the sale of government lands in Ho yesterday, argued that the Lands Commission's exercise beats normal reasoning  that the spaces left on the government acquired lands ought to be filled  and that they have been left fallow for long.

When I took office as the representative of the President in the Volta Region, the complaints that I received about this in-filling exercise were from occupants of public bungalows and ordinary people. Look, the in-filling exercise is a massive and extensive exercise, where allocations have been made too close to the residency, to the total neglect of the attendant security implications, he said.

The Regional Minister observed that some of the beneficiaries cannot even erect standard structures on the land they have purchased, yet, all the lands close to the residency had been sold to them. To make matters worse, the disputed lands have been leased for as many as 99 years, when the state had no resources in case it wants to acquire new lands and pay compensation for it.

The Lands Commission deemed it appropriate that the state lands in the Residency and Kabore enclave within the Ho Township as fallow lands which must be put to some kind of use at any cost, other than to preserve for government's use. In other words, the Lands Commission views the spaces between official bungalows as either fallow or wasteful, as long as there were no structures sitting on them, hence the policy to survey, create plots, and grant the leases, Dr. Letsa noted.

The Regional Minister expressed his disappointment with the Regional Lands Commission, which has the mandate to manage lands vested in the President of Ghana by the 1992 Constitution, but has decided to deprive the state access to such lands. He directed the Lands Commission to stop further sale of the lands.

According to the Minister, he had also informed the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources about the negative development.

Dr. Letsa also revealed that he had informed the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, calling on him to review the in-fill exercise or reverse it entirely, since it would not serve the interest of the state.

The Regional Minister further told the journalists that after a thorough assessment by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, if there was the need to reverse the decision to sell the lands, it would be done.

From Samuel Agbewode, Ho
Rabat (AFP) - Authorities in Morocco on Thursday dismantled a suspected "terrorist cell" linked to the Islamic State group and accused of plotting major attacks on tourist sites, the government said.

Four suspected cell members were detained and weapons were seized from them during the arrest operation in the Atlantic coast resort town of Essaouira, said the interior ministry.

They had been planning to carry out "large-scale" attacks on "sensitive installations and tourist sites of Essaouira", it said in a statement.

The group also intended to "broaden the scope of its terrorist operations to other cities of the kingdom," it alleged.

The security services in Morocco have regularly announced the dismantling of IS cells and arrests of suspected jihadist recruiters in the past two years.

The kingdom has been spared deadly jihadist attacks since a 2011 bombing in Marrakesh's famed Jamaa El Fna Square, which killed 17 people, mainly European tourists.
In the last quarter-final clash for Thursday, the auditorium is packed with supporters of the defending champions, Adisadel College.

The 2016 victory still ringing in their ears, Adisadel College are looking to win for the second time ever.

One side of the auditorium is full of New Juaben support. They don't want to be push-overs this evening. The quarter-final stage is dizzy heights for the school which has never reached this stage. They would want a semi-final spot.

New Juaben SHS: 'Expect excellence'

Takoradi SHS: 'May the perfect will of God prevail'

Adisco: 'What many people don't know is that Adisco is the only school that was actually built by the students themselves in 1910'

New Juaben SHS has an intimidating crowd here. There are no points for loud cheering schools. Only points for actual correct answers. Takoradi SHS needed a tie-breaker in the one-eighth stage to progress.

Adisco, a seeded school, kicked out Suhum SHTS and Nkroful Agric SHS in the one-eighth stage contest. That win by 38pts margin is one of the biggest so far in this year's competition.

They would want to replicate that form in this contest over less fancied New Juaben and Takoradi SHS. But you can be sure, the two schools will be getting enormous support from Adisco's rivals.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|Edwin Appiah|[email protected]
The Supreme Court has directed the Ghana Law School to reform its admission process, describing its current system as "unconstitutional."

The apex court on Thursday said the system which requires applicants to take an entrance exam followed by an interview before admission into the school, violates Legislative Instrument (L.I) 1296.

The L.I requires an applicant to have passed specific seven subjects during the LLB programme, be of good behavior and should hold an LLB degree to be considered for admission to the Ghana School of Law.

The case has been in court since 2015, following a suit filed by US-based Ghanaian Professor, Stephen Kwaku Asare, challenging the Schools admission process.

He argued in the suit that, the ceiling placed on students admitted into the school is grossly unfair, a development he said undermines national interest.

The matter stalled for months until it was revived in March 2017, after then presiding judge, Justice Jones Dotse indicated the court was ready to deal with the matter.

But after three years of legal tussle, the apex court said the current admission system at the School is unconstitutional and has to be reformed.

Presiding judge, Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe the system which requires an entrance exams and interview before admission into the school are not part of the LI 1296 requirements.

More soon

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com |
The Supreme Court has ordered that part of the findings of the sole Commissioner of the judgment debt commission must be expunged from governments white paper.

The Court by a unanimous decision ruled that the findings of the Justice Yaw Apau Commission relating to the Alfred Agbesie Woyome and the Attorney General as well as the Sky Consult Vrs Ghana Post cases were unconstitutional.

The court held that the Justice Apau Commissions report was in breach of Articles 125 (1) (3) 127 (1) of the constitution and amounted to judicial interference and a violation of the independence of the judiciary.

In the wake of the many judgement debt scandals that rocked the country in 2012 ex-president John Mahama caused to be constituted a judgement debt commission to look into the many judgment scandals at the time.

Chaired by Justice Yaw Appau, the sole Commission was inaugurated on October 8, 2012 and had the following as terms of reference;

a. ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments made from public funds in satisfaction of judgment debts since the 1992 Constitution came into force;

b. to ascertain the causes of any inordinate payments from public funds and financial losses arising from arbitration awards, negotiated settlements and akin processes since the 1992 Constitution came into force

c. to make recommendations to the Government for ensuring that, as far as practicable 2 i. the instances where public funds are utilized to make payments in satisfaction of judgment debts and public debts arising from akin processes are limited or avoided; ii. Government does not incur undue financial losses when it does business with private persons or institutions.

For more than two years, the Sole Commissioner looked into many high profile judgement debt cases including the infamous Woyome case, the Tsastu Tsikata, Akufo-Addo drill ship saga Sky Consult Vrs Ghana Post all of which had caused the country millions of dollars in debts.

The Commissioner submitted its findings to the government in May 20, 2015 and pointed to some breaches in procedure and law by government and public officials which led to causing financial loss to the state.

For instance the Woyome case, the Commission found: Either through inadvertence or pure mischief through connivance, both the Chief State Attorney Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh who was charged with the defence of the suit in the trial court, and the trial judge did not scrutinize the processes filed before them with judicious eyes. If the trial judge, particularly, had done so, he would not have granted the application for default judgment in the first place.

In the Sky Consult Vrs Ghana Post case, the Commissioner found Profits were shared when the accounts of the IMT business had not been audited and Sky Consult was also not made to pay withholding taxes on the monies paid to it as earned profit. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) must therefore take Sky Consult to task for the payment of withholding tax on the moneys paid to it as earned profit or revenue.

Sky Consult (a private limited liability company), had entered into a contract with Ghana Post (a 100% state-owned company) in 2005 to do the business of Instant Money Transfer (IMT) and to share the profit with Ghana Post.

The government upon receipt of the findings issued a white paper on the report as mandated by the constitution with President John Mahama later promoting the Commissioner from an Appeals Court Judge to the Supreme Court.

Even though Justice Appau was not part of the panel, his colleagues have ruled that the findings by the Commission were wrong in law and a usurpation of the powers and independence of the Judiciary.

His Excellency the president of the Republic by C.I. 79 of October, 2012 has no lawful authority to reopen, review and or declare any decision, order or judgement of any court of competent jurisdiction an error of law or nullity, the judges ruled.

They therefore directed the defendants to expunge from their records the said findings, recommendations and the government White paper thereon.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's media authority will lift a ban on around 20 foreign journalists who had been refused access to the country, a top media official said Thursday.

Earlier this month the government's media regulatory authority said it had banned the journalists over "unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories".

The National Dialogue Steering Committee -- tasked with leading consultations to restore peace in the country -- put pressure on the Media Authority to lift the ban.

"They are going to allow any journalists to come. They were preventing some journalists because they said some journalists are fond of criticism of what is happening in the country," said Alfred Taban, the committee's chief of media affairs.

"They were in other words skeptics. I said whether skeptic or not, they must be allowed to come to the country. So now if the BBC wants to come there is no question of somebody being denied a visa."

Media Authority chief Elijah Alier Kuai said permits would be granted to all foreign journalists and there was "no problem" with the reporters coming to South Sudan.

A report by Juba-based Eye Radio two weeks ago said those banned were deemed to have produced stories with "the potential to incite hate and violence" or that "do not have reliable sources or specific locations" or "that insult or degrade the country and its people".

Alier told the radio station: "You need to respect also the country, you can't just label the country as crazy."

Taban said Alier had since "promised that he will facilitate entry to the foreign journalists."

The civil war that began in South Sudan in December 2013, when President Salva Kiir fell out with his former deputy Riek Machar, has been characterised by ethnic massacres, attacks on civilians, widespread rape, the recruitment of child soldiers and other forms of brutality and human rights violations.

Both government and rebel forces are accused of what many commentators regard to be war crimes.

According to the Foreign Correspondents' Association of East Africa, journalists from leading news organisations -- most of whom had previously reported in South Sudan -- have been refused visas or accreditation over the past six months.

Last month Al Jazeera English staff were banned from working in South Sudan after airing a report from a rebel-held part of the country.
Harare (AFP) - The animals won't travel two-by-two, but thousands of safari stalwarts will soon begin their journeys from Zimbabwe to Mozambique in one of Africa's largest ever wildlife transfers.

Fifty elephants, 100 giraffes, 200 zebras and 200 buffaloes will be among the several thousand animals that will be transferred between the two neighbours, Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA) told AFP on Thursday.

They will travel 600 kilometres (370 miles) on dusty roads from the Save Valley Conservancy to Zimbabwe's eastern neighbour in an effort to replenish animal numbers that were devastated during Mozambique's bloody 15-year civil war.

"Zimbabwe approved the translocation of wildlife from the Sango Ranch in the Save Valley Conservancy to Zinave National Park in Mozambique," said PWMA spokesman Simukai Nyasha.

Willy Pabst, owner of Zimbabwe's Sango Wildlife Conservancy, said in a statement that he was "proud to support the initiative... with over 6,000 of our animals".

"For us this relocation is the perfect example how conservation in Africa works," he added.

A further 500 animals will be selected from Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park to help repopulate Zinave, the Peace Parks foundation which is coordinating the transfers said in a statement.

"This week saw the start of one of the largest wildlife translocation projects that Africa has ever seen," it said.

Some 7,500 animals from Zimbabwe, South Africa and elsewhere in Mozambique will be moved to help repopulate Zinave over the course of the three-year project.
Geneva (AFP) - Red Cross volunteers prevented a significant number of Ebola cases during the 2013-2016 epidemic in West Africa by using safe burial techniques, according to a study released Thursday.

The outbreak that killed more than 11,300 people and sickened nearly 29,000 -- mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone -- could have been much worse, according to the study published in the PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases medical journal.

Using statistical modelling, the study indicated that the efforts of Red Cross volunteers to properly bury the highly contagious bodies potentially averted as many as 10,452 Ebola cases, decreasing the scale of the outbreak by more than a third.

Due to the very high death toll at the beginning of the outbreak, there were meanwhile gaps in the statistics the researchers managed to gather, and they acknowledged that the number of averted cases could be as low as 1,411.

Early in the outbreak, "funeral practices and unsafe burials were causing large amounts of cases," said Amanda McClelland, an emergency health advisor with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

With traditional burial rites in the hard-hit west African countries requiring the kissing, washing and touching of the dead body, funerals quickly became "super-spreading events" with up to 70 people infected during a single ceremony, she told reporters.

Ensuring safe burials quickly became a priority in the fight against the deadly virus, along with isolating and treating the sick.

'Dangerous task'

Because of suspicion in the communities of outsiders and their intentions, the task of negotiating access and carrying out the burials fell especially to local volunteers.

Red Cross volunteers, wearing protective clothing, carry the body of a person who died from Ebola during a burial in Monrovia, Liberia, on January 5, 2015

In their bid to rein in the raging epidemic, the volunteers used the safe burial procedures for everyone who died in affected areas, regardless of their suspected cause of death.

In all, the Red Cross volunteer teams managed more than 47,000 safe burials, or more than half of all burials conducted during the outbreak, the IFRC said.

Organisation chief Elhadj As Sy said that efforts to understand and respect local culture and customs, as well as the families' feelings when faced with tragedy, had paid off.

"We stopped talking about dead body management and instead started talking about safe and dignified burials," he said in a statement.

"We talked to communities and did our best to understand their beliefs and priorities. Ultimately we earned their trust, and this was critical to success."

The IFRC had begun sending in a local to explain the situation before the volunteers in the yellow hazmat suits showed up, while also involving religious leaders in the efforts and allowing family members to touch the bodies while wearing protective gear, McClelland said.

About 1,500 trained local volunteers were involved in this work, sometimes at a high price.

Many of the volunteers remain stigmatised amid fears they might be carrying the disease, and some are struggling to find work.

"We do recognise that what we were asking of the volunteers was an arduous and dangerous task that would have long-term impacts," McClelland said.

The IFRC, she said, had been providing those in need with psychological and social support as well as food and services, along with small grants to help former volunteers start their own businesses.
Goma (DR Congo) (AFP) - Clashes between militants and government troops on Thursday left 16 dead in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the army said.

The fighting erupted in the eastern suburbs of Beni, a city in the troubled North-Kivu province, with residents hearing gunshots and heavy weapons fire.

The province has been plagued by regular flare-ups of ethnic bloodshed, which over the past year has seen a cycle of attacks and reprisal raids between militias.

"The provisional toll is 13 Mai-Mai militants killed, plus six wounded and three dead on the side of the FARDC (the Congolese army)," lieutenant Jules Tshikudi, an army spokesman in the region, told AFP.

"Calm has returned to the city," he added.

The UN mission in DR Congo known as MONUSCO, which says it has deployed peacekeepers to the region, gave a death toll of "nine Mai-Mai killed", spokesman captain Adil Asserhir told AFP, while confirming that the militants have been driven from Beni.

A local civil society leader Gilbert Kambale however warned that "the Mai-Mai are unpredictable" and for city residents it could be "a nightmarish night after the trauma of the attacks."

The army said the confrontation started with an early-morning attack on two of its positions east of the city, claiming the gunmen were from the Mai-Mai militia.

School hit

The clashes then moved to the centre of the city, which is home to some 800,000 people, and a shell slammed into a nearby school where teenagers were sitting state exams, wounding a teacher, an examiner and an intelligence officer, the school's headmaster said.

John Mangaiko, who says he's a spokesman for the militants, blamed the army for starting the violence by bombing the group's positions at daybreak. He also blamed the military for damaging the school.

The fighters "pursued the FARDC, but then retreated near the end of the day," he told AFP of the clashes.

He also said the group did not define itself as part of the Mai-Mai, which is a "self-defence" militia comprising members of the Nande, Hunde and Kobo communities as well as rivals from the Nyaturu, who are ethnic Hutus.

Last weekend, troops clashed with suspected Mai-Mai gunmen just south of Beni in a confrontation that killed a soldier and 12 militants.

UN peacekeepers were also ambushed by presumed Mai-Mai gunmen, killing five of them.

Prison escapees

The army said some of those involved in both the weekend clashes and Thursday's fighting had escaped during a mass jail break on June 11 when more than 930 inmates fled Beni's Kangwayi prison.

Map of eastern DR Congo locating the city of Beni

Speaking to AFP, the city's police chief characterised Thursday's fighting as a new attempt to free prisoners.

"The attackers tried to free prisoners being held at police headquarters, at the military prosecutor's office and at Beni women's prison," Safari Kazingufu said, indicating that they had been repelled from all three sites.

For more than 20 years, eastern DR Congo has been rocked by conflict waged by both domestic and foreign-armed groups and fuelled by the struggle for control of lucrative mineral resources as well as by ethnic and property disputes.
Led by the mesmerizing Teri Gender Bender, Le Butcherettes is one of the best live bands in the world. The trio proved that again Friday, delivering the best show of the first half of 2017 at Vega.

Taking the stage wearing an overall-like jumpsuit, Gender Bender led the trio through a 45-minute blast of punk and passion driven by the impressive pounding of drummer Alejandra Robles Luna.

Midway through, Gender Bender worked her way out of the jumpsuit, emerging in a pink dress that became sweat saturated as she non-stop attacked her guitar and keyboards and wailed away at the microphone

The set was primarily made up of songs from A Raw Youth, the bands superb 2015 album. But Im pretty sure there were a couple new numbers as well -- an indicator that the recorded blast of Le Butcherettes might be titled Graffiti Amargo is on the way.

Those songs of personal and social oppression are given an intensity live thats not possible on any recording, even without the bloody apron Gender Bender wore during the bands early days in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Its a good thing the apron has been retired. When the show ended -- smartly with no encore, Gender Bender came down off the stage and hugged pretty much everyone in the audience.

A decade in, Le Butcherettes, which in 2011 included Lincoln native Jonathan Hischke on bass, isnt a huge band. It is now supporting At The Drive-In, whose guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez has produced Le Butcherettes albums and is in a "supergroup" with Gender Bender and members of The Melvins.

Fridays show was a routing date between Denver and St. Paul, Minn. At The Drive-In went on to Minnesota. Le Butcherettes stopped in Lincoln -- and we got the best show Ive seen since Japan's Otoboke Beaver nearly started a riot at a South By Southwest show in March.

Nebraska Folk & Roots Festival washed out, blown away

The Nebraska Folk & Roots Festival was a couple hours into its Friday night show when a powerful thunderstorm blew through Branched Oak Farm, near Raymond.

High winds toppled vendor tents and port-a-potties, and forced banners and a tarp above the side-by-side stages to be cut down. Heavy rains swamped any uncovered gear -- a video console was lost in the storm-- and sent people scrambling to their cars parked in a nearby field.

When the storm passed it was clear the fest couldnt continue there Friday. Efforts to have the final three artists -- headliner Lydia Loveless, Aaron Lee Tasjan and The Dylan Bloom Band -- perform at a downtown venue failed.

Things got back up and running Saturday. But the festival lost one of its stages to storm damage, combined with some Saturday afternoon/early evening showers that backed up the evening musical lineup by a couple hours.

That meant headliners The Cactus Blossoms went on after 11 p.m., rather than 9 p.m. By then a good number of festival goers had headed home, including many older folks who would have enjoyed the Cactus Blossoms' Everly Brothers-style harmony-filled vintage country.

The brothers, Jack Torrey and Page Burkum, were superb throughout the hour-long set and were joined by a very good trio that played the music, spare, clean and pure country. Among the highlights were covers of The Kinks and Waylon Jennings and live versions of their best songs, like Stoplight Kisses -- that was stuck in my head for a couple days after.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

No doubt the Russians has the capability to shoot down America fighter jets in Syria. Same way US can bring down their planes. When two elephants fight, it is the grasses that suffer. When America and Russia begin to attack each other in Syria, it is the Syrian government, rebel groups, Kurdish, Iran, Hezbollah, Turkey, and other groups in the country that will suffer severely. Such a war can extend beyond Syria to the rest of the world and a possible WWIII.

Obviously, President Bashar Assad has no interest to go to war with America because he knows such a war can turn the table against him. So an attempt by Russia to shoot down America jet gives Syria government to America. Similarly, if America shoots down Russia plane, the rebels will suffer the consequence. Shooting down planes between Russia and America will not help the parties they went to Syria to help. Hence, such decision by both countries to attack each other is needless.

Furthermore, if Russia and America go to this level of shooting each other plane, it will further hurt restoring the relationship between them. Already, Russia is facing sanctions from America and some European states. US Congress is also preparing another sanction against Russia soon. Therefore, Russia has to play the chess game well in order not to suffer the consequence.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Christians who believe there is nothing wrong with their religion today are somehow telling us that, the Protestants/Reformers were wrong and that the Roman Catholic Church was right during the Reformation period in European history, all things being equal. Again, if you see nothing wrong with Christianity, then the 95 theses written in 1517 by Martin Luther of Germany was wrong and that the Catholic church was right. Furthermore, the execution of reformers by the Catholic church was right, etc.

For the purpose of learning, the Protestant Reformation was a religious, political, intellectual and cultural change that split Papal Europe and it eventually put up structures and beliefs that defined the continent till date.

Today, we see the same things the Protestants/Reformers fought against the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century in some parts of Africa, Middle East, and South America continent. It is also a fact that such practices exist in Europe, America, Russia and some parts of Asia today. But it is on a limited scale as compared to Africa, Middle East, and South America. The saying that history repeats itself is true. A critical look at today's Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, shows some resemblance in the Dark Ages of Europe where one church dominated and dictated everything in the society.

Proving my point above, in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America, it is common to observe widespread of (men of God sleeping with married women, women of God sleeping with young guys, fraud clergies, pastors claiming to have God's phone number, pastors causing people to chew grasses, Clergies and fake magic, paying for religious services, paying some pastors before they help you, selling anointing oils like the clergies were selling offices and indulgences, etc.) Again, it is common to observe stoning, beheadings, lynching, burning witches, stoning gays, and all kinds of unacceptable practices of European Middle Ages in these regions of the world above.

These were similar things which sparked a revolt against the Catholic church in Europe. And they happened partly because education was not massive as it is today in Europe. The same way some parts of Africa, Middle East, and South America has poor education today. In the absence of good education, unacceptable religious practices are inevitable in Africa, Middle East, and South America, all things being equal.

If the Reformers were alive today, I am confident they would be protesting against both the Protestant and Catholic Churches across Africa, Middle East, and South America. Christianity needs another reformation because some members of Christendom are taking us back to Dark Ages. In coming days, I will highlight on few things which need reform in Christianity.
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Sunyani, June 22, GNA - Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Wednesday, promised to perform his duties devoid of vindictiveness and partisan considerations.

He asked Head of Departments and Agencies in the Region to ensure that they and their subordinates cultivated and maintained positive attitudes, including early attendance to work, avoid loitering, and work hard to increase productivity.

Interacting with heads of departments and agencies at a meeting in Sunyani, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh entreated the heads to always submit quarterly reports so that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) would be abreast with progress of the implementation of government policies and programmes, as a performance measuring tool.

The Regional Minister asked them to endeavour and mobilise all available resources, including personnel and funds to assist in the implementation of especially the government flagship projects.

Successful execution of the planting for food and jobs, one-village one dam, one-district-one-factory, GHC1 million constituency infrastructural and the free senior high school education, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said would lessen the socio-economic burden of the ordinary Ghanaian.

He drew the attention of the departmental heads to the new Public Financial Management Act (Act921) 2016, and asked them to be mindful of their actions and inactions in the discharge of their duties by strictly adhering to the provision in order not to be found wanting.

Mr Asomah-Cheremeh expressed the optimism that the departmental heads would exhibit a high sense of patriotism and civility, create a synergy and collaborate to provide the needed leadership to speed up development process in the Region.

He observed that the challenges of inadequate and late release of funds, lack of logistics as well as inadequate residential accommodation and human resources seemed insurmountable, adding that the government was tirelessly working around the clock to find lasting solutions to these and other national problems.

Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said it would be a disservice to the nation, if the departmental heads failed to or remain reluctant to support the government in national reconstruction.

GNA

By Dennis Peprah/ Stephen Ofori Kanyiri, GNA
By Patience Gbeze/ Theophania Dzadza

Accra, June 22, GNA - Mr Geoffrey Arthur, Medical division of the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), has advised importers and exporters to register their cosmetics and household chemicals products before they offer them for sale.

He said the law stipulates that no retailer or importer will put any cosmetics product on his or her shelf unless the individual has registered it with the authorities before being sent to the open market.

Mr Arthur was speaking at FDB's stakeholders' meeting with cosmetic and household chemical importers, distributors and retailers in Accra.

He said their recent inspection of some shops in the Makola Market in Accra, revealed that 80 per cent of cosmetic products were unregistered and reminded them that importation of and sale of unregistered products violated section 118 of the Public Health Act, Act 851, 2002.

He explained that, when unregistered products were distributed on the market, the FDA was unable to vouch for the quality and safety of that product and thereby the public was at risk.

'Most of the products are also counterfeits and contained banned chemicals such as hydroquinone and steroid/corticosol, which are medicines and are supposed to be sold at drug stores,' he said and urged them not to accept such product into the open market to deter the manufacturers from producing them.

Mr. Arthur said to address these concerns for the markets business to become clean was for both the authorities and marketers to seek and find solutions to end such acts.

Mr Emmanuel Nkrumah, Head of Registration Department, called for collaboration between the Authority and the players in the sector to clamp down on those who imported such products in to the country.

He encouraged them to do group testing of products to save cost as those who were testing for only one product pay the same as those testing for 10 or more products.

'We do group testing as part of our corporate social responsibility at assisting businesses to thrive and I will encourage all of you to consider that to save cost and boost your businesses,' he added.

In a speech read on her behalf, Mrs Denis Darko, Chief Executive Officer of FDA, said the sentisation meeting was to address the concerns for public health and safety as well as for the benefit of their businesses.

She said an inspection carried out by the medical devices, cosmetic and household chemicals enforcement department within the Accra central market and its environs has revealed some worrying regulatory breeches with some respect to importation in the sale of cosmetics and other household chemical substances of which urgent steps needed to be taking to address them.

Mrs Darko expressed the hope that the meeting would assist them to find lasting solution to the menace to save innocent lives.

Some of the stakeholders urged FDA staff at the country's entering points to be up and doing to detect such products at the entering points and prevent them from entering the country.

'Until you start enforcing the law at the country's borders such products will continue to enter our open markets,' they added.

Some are also concerned about consumers' attitude towards banned products, and called for public education on the harmful nature of those banned chemicals to deter consumers from patronising them.

GNA
Kumasi, June 22, GNA - The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Ghana Police Service has discouraged the youth from traveling to the Gulf Arab countries in search for greener pastures.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Regina Eleanor Minta, Ashanti Regional Head of the Unit, warned that they could end up in slavery.

They should therefore refuse to be swayed by media advertisements about job opportunities in those places.

She said this in a speech read for her at a forum held at the Sokoban Wood Village in Kumasi, to sensitize the wood workers on the harmful effects of child labour.

The programme was organized by the Defence for Children International, an NGO, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Gender, the Labour Department and AHTU.

ASP Minta made reference to a study conducted by the Unit, which showed that greater percentage of young people, who embarked on trips to the Gulf region, aided by agents, ended up being sold virtually into slavery.

They either become sex workers or are engaged in forced labour under difficult and depraved conditions.

She reminded the woodworkers that it was an offence to engage minors to work for them and said any offenders would be prosecuted.

Child labour, she said, was inimical to their physical growth and development.

Dr. George Oppong, Executive-Secretary of the DCI, said the NGO managed to rescue seven teenage girls from being forced into early marriage.

The girls after counselling and therapeutic care have been returned to their parents.

Mr. Raphael Samaglo, Coordinator of the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association, said through the collaborative effort of stakeholders, there were no minors now working in the enclave.

GNA

By Stephen Asante, GNA
22.06.2017 LISTEN

Abeadze Kyeakor (C/R), June 22, GNA - Mr Kenneth Kelly Essuman Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive has advised his constituents who deliberately indulges in acts, which deprives them from equal opportunities to put a stop to it.

He said, it was unfortunate that children who were the future leaders of the country continued to suffer all forms of abuse.

Mr Essuman gave the advice while addressing a durbar organised by International Needs a non-governmental (INGH) organisation, with the vision to transform lives and change communities to commemorate this year's Day of the African Child, held at Abeadze Kyeakor in Mfantsiman Municipality.

Abeadze Kyeakor is one of the 16 communities the NGO is implementing a two-year project, which aimed at protecting, empowering and stimulating community action to end child marriage.

The day on the theme: 'Accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunities for children in Africa by 2030,' which was sponsored by UNICEF, was an event that is celebrated annually to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the full realisation of the rights of children in Africa.

Mr Essuman stated that, children were assets of the nation and their rights and welfare should be paramount and properly groomed to become patriotic citizens and useful to the state.

The Assembly will collaborate with the chiefs to put in place laws and regulations to drastically deal with people who abuse the right and welfare of the children, he stated.

Ms V. Elikem Awuye Programme Officer of INGH in her address said, Africa Day of the child is celebrated annually in memory of students uprising in Soweto, South Africa in 1976 of which students who marched in protest against introduction of Afrikaans as medium of instruction in the local schools by the then apartheid regime were massacred.

'We are celebrating the day geared towards the protection, empowerment and other interventions for the progress of the child,' she said.

She said the project being executed by INGH was to promote an enhance safe and protective environment for children that would prevent and respond to child marriages and other forms of child abuse and exploitation at the community level.

It is criminal to push a child into early marriages, engage them into force labour, commercial sex activities, maltreat and neglect them, she said.

She said, child marriage impeded the child's education, exposed her to child abuse and increase the risk of maternal mortality among others.

Madam Martha Acquah, Mfantsiman Education Director stated that, accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunity for the African child would be a mirage, if critical look was not taken by African Heads of State and governments on good health care, quality education, law enforcement, culture and tradition.

'Children are gifts from God and in respect of that all and sundry are answerable to Him, on how we have taken care, protected, empowered and given equal opportunity to them,' she added.

Detective Police Sergent Benjamin Wilson, a representative from Central Regional Directive of Domestic Victims Support Unit said it was illegal to mete out any form of abuse to the child, saying it is the responsibility of all and sundry to be bold to report offenders to the appropriate state institutions such as the Police.

He underscored the need to create safe environment and opportunities for children to receive quality education, have access to healthcare and decent accommodation.

He urged chiefs and opinion leaders to join the campaign at creating a safer and conducive environment to safeguard the rights of the child.

GNA
One of the plaintiffs who challenged the decision by ex-president John Mahama to accept into Ghana two terror suspects has welcomed the ruling by the Supreme Court.

Nana Boakye, who is the Deputy Head of the National Service Scheme (NSS) said they wanted the right thing to be done by government and not necessarily to demand a repatriation of the terror suspects.

I am happy for mother Ghana, Constitutional rule, the supremacy of the constitution and parliament. It is not because the Supreme Court said then President Mahama had acted unconstitutionally but it will set a good precedence not only for presidents to come but public officers in higher authority, he said.

He said such officers would see the writing clearly on the wall that they cannot massage the law to their whims and caprices.

According to him, the ruling was clear that such transactions, be it diplomatic arrangement or not, must come to Parliament for ratification as stipulated in Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution .

The Article (75) (2) reads: "A treaty, agreement or convention executed by or under the authority of the President shall be subject to ratification by- (a) Act of Parliament; or (b) a resolution of Parliament supported by the votes of more than one-half of all the members of Parliament."

There was a huge controversy in January 2016 when the president decided to admit to Ghana two terror suspects- Muhammed Al-Dhuby and Muhammed Bin-Atef- into the country.

The two had been held in Guantanamo Bay by the US for over 14 years on suspicion of being part of the September 11 terrorist attack in the US that claimed dozens of lives in the US.

The two were picked up in Yemen in 2002, sent to Guantanamo Bay where they were held for more than a decade until ex-president John Mahama decided to accept the two into Ghanas jurisdiction as part of President Barack Obama's efforts to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

Bin Atef

The reason for accepting the suspects was not explained but the decision triggered widespread criticisms from the then opposition NPP, civil society organisations and religious groups.

The ex-president in defence of the action said the two suspects were innocent young boys who were picked up in their countries, jailed for years without trial and deserved some compassion.

He appealed to Ghanaians to host the two suspects at least for two years.

But Nana Boakye and an 86-year-old retired conference officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Margarette Banful were not impressed with the presidents appeal for compassion.

They decided to challenge the decision in court.

The court in a 6-1 majority decision ruled the action by the then president was in breach of Article 75 of the constitution which required that all international agreements be brought before Parliament for ratification.

Speaking to Joy News, Nana Boakye said almost all their reliefs were granted, except the one asking for the suspects to be sent back.

The court after declaring the action of the ex-president as unconstitutional went further to direct the current government to either ratify the stay of the two suspects in Parliament or have them repatriated. The court gave the government three months within which to ratify their stay in Parliament.

Despite being appointed into government, Nana Boakye hoped the Akufo-Addo administration will uphold the law and do the right thing.

He did not understand why the previous government decided to act in secrecy on a matter as important as allowing terror suspects into the country.

There should transparency in governance, he said questioning why the then Attorney General Marietta Brew Oppong said the said agreement is of confidential nature, which would breach a security arrangement.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected]
Not long after saying 'I do' to the only man that tickles her fancy, HRM Queen Carmelita Akieh, in anticipation for her wedding, had a last outing with her very close friends which she termed 'Carmie's Chanel Bridal shower'.

The event which kicked off with a shoot at Mona studio situated in Gudu area of Abuja and then a procession for a light lunch followed with enough goodies to crunch and munch. Thereafter, the bride-to-be and friends, rounded it off at Xtacy club in Wuse2 area of Abuja up until mama called.

Speaking about the event, she said, "having been through life and knowing what it means to love and be loved, I wish to use this medium to express my gratitude towards my friends and equally wish them well in all their endeavours and as true love in its undiluted form has found me and led to the altar, so shall they be fulfilled also".

Not forgetting to reference her man, Godwin Obaje,Ifeanyi Uba FC Striker,whom she calls her pride, as she showers him with lots of praises.
Lincoln Police arrested a convicted sex offender paroled in January and are investigating his possible connection with a shooting Wednesday in Lincoln.

Ricardo Jackson, 48, was arrested just before 8 a.m. after negotiators from Lincoln Police and the Lancaster County Sheriff's Department worked seven hours to get him into custody without incident, Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said Thursday.

Jackson was arrested at a hotel near the Lincoln Airport where he was staying with a 29-year-old woman. Officers also found a 9mm handgun inside the room. Some hotel guests were forced from their rooms while officers worked to get Jackson into custody. Bliemeister said in some cases guests slept in the hotel lobby or in their vehicles.

Jackson was arrested on suspicion of not meeting his parole requirements, dating to a March 3 warrant, Bliemeister said. In June, LPD received another warrant for Jackson allegedly failing to comply with his sex offender registry requirements.

The investigation into any connection with Wednesday's shootings continues.

One person was injured in a pair of shootings and a third reported an incident involving a gun, Capt. Don Scheinost said Wednesday night.

The first of the three incidents occurred in the 1000 block of G Street just before 12:40 p.m., Scheinost said.

Investigators determined a round was fired at a home there, but no one was injured. A 28-year-old woman and other residents were inside at the time of the shooting, Bliemeister said.

Just before 3 p.m., a 54-year-old man reported hearing gunshots coming from a home in the 1300 block of Hudson Street, near 13th and South streets, Scheinost said.

Several people were reportedly seen running from the house after the gunshots rang out

Officers didn't find anyone injured when they arrived, but around 6:30 p.m., a 19-year-old woman showed up at Bryan West Campus with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Bliemeister said Thursday that police are still determining at what location she was injured.

Police said another woman reported someone pointed a gun at her in a residence in the 600 block of South 27th Street.

Bliemeister said Jackson is only suspected in that incident. Officers found one shell casing but it's not clear if a shot was fired, the chief said.

Jackson is a registered sex offender dating back to a 1999 conviction in Douglas County for first-degree sexual assault of an adult, according to the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.
Dead trees along HWY 108 View Photos

Washington, DC  A bill local congressman Tom McClintock supported, H.R. 1873 the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act, passed in the House yesterday but has yet to be brought before the Senate. The bill aims to make hazardous tree removal easier on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands near powerlines. The bipartisan legislation was introduced April 4th by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA District 1) and Democrat Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR District 5) and passed 300-118 yesterday.

LaMalfa said in a press release, Under current law it can take months for utilities to receive Forest Service or BLM approval to remove hazardous trees from transmission lines right of ways, even if trees are already in contact with electric transmission lines. In 2012, 232 wildfires were caused by trees falling on power lines. The following year in 2013, 113 wildfires were caused by fallen trees.

Congressman McClintock said in support of the bill, You may have noticed that common sense is not common to government.

LaMalfa states his bill provides utilities with the ability to rapidly remove hazardous trees by receiving pre-approval from the Forest Service to manage transmission line right of way zones and remove trees that are or could become hazards. Furthermore, if a utility requests authorization to remove a tree and is denied by the Forest Service, the Forest Service is responsible for any liability of firefighting costs that result from the failure to remove the tree.

Read McClintocks full statement on why he supports the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act here.
In recent years, the mainstream media has given attention to the problems of gender inequality in Nigeria. Authorities have changed their theoretical platform. It has resulted in continuous discrimination of women and widened socio-economic inequalities in the country. In this article, we will analyze the situation and try to find the way out.

Gender inequality in Nigeria politics

Gender equality is about providing equal opportunities, justice, equal hearing and treatment to all members of a social group irrespective of their gender.

Generally, gender inequality in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon. It has been a topic of concern for NGOs, stakeholders, and educators, etc., resulting in the outcry for equality in education for women and the girl-child. This is because the girl-child dimension of gender inequality in education has been on for a longer time and is more noticeable.

In Nigeria, gender issues revolve around societal beliefs and preferences, religious and economic factors. It encourages stereotypes with individual family members or organisation toeing assigned paths without giving a thought to such things as abilities, competence, and experience.

Gender inequality in education is not about political propaganda. It is not about the number of women in politics or governance, and not about separate schools for both genders. It is also not about the levels of educational achievement of boys and girls, nor the female/male ratio of the population. It is not about which of the genders can contribute more to benefit the family. It is about equal access to education and retention of these students.

Gender inequality in education statistics

Let's take a look at education in Nigeria, there is the need to balance access for both genders. For instance, the Nigerian census population figures (2007) indicate that there are more males than females in school. Research by Ofoegbu (2009) also shows that the literacy rate for males is higher than for females in the north due to early marriages, lack of belief in western education and other religious constraints. In the Igbo speaking states, according to Nnachi, (2010) females dominate in education and other vital sectors of life. This is mainly due to socio-economic considerations.

Reasons for gender inequality

READ ALSO: Problems of Nigerian federalism and solutions

The grounds of gender inequality are:

1. First, the parental preference for educating either of the genders because of trade-economic reasons. Economically, it is believed that an educated female would be more useful in the family while traditional practices support the preference for educating the male child who will succeed the father and sustain the lineage.

2. Another reason is the effects of stereotypes. Classroom observational studies in Nigeria have shown that sexism exists in schools.

3. Culture and social practices is another reason for gender inequality in education. The northern females are sheltered and groomed for early marriage, while the young Igbo males are required to get rich early necessitating their dropping out of school for business, trading, hawking, apprenticeship, etc.

Solution to the problem

We firmly believe that open, and distance learning (ODL) is a viable means of overcoming the challenges of gender inequality in education. It is a method of reaching learners in their homes, offices, shops, etc. It is a vehicle for democratizing education by providing unrestricted access, irrespective of the existence of socially induced barriers such as gender, economic status, disability, geographical location, religious/ethnic preference and so on.

Open Distance Learning has an impact on women's rights, poverty reduction, and gender equity through accessible, flexible, cost effective education for all who seek knowledge.

Above all, there should be a proliferation of ODL centers for easier access to education. These should be provided with necessary facilities and regular power supply. The government should also motivate employers to get mainly unskilled people in order to enable them to create avenues for ODL opportunities.

It is clear that education for both boys and girls is compulsory for a fulfilled life. Moreover, the high general level of education would certainly raise our country in all aspects. That is why we ought to put together all our effort to battle this issue.

READ ALSO: Importance of agriculture in Nigeria: How can it make our country rich?

Source: Legit.ng
- Police have arrested the gunmen that abducted and killed Olumide Odimayo, APC chieftain, in Ondo state

- They also found a gun and several bullet from the 8 suspected kidnappers of Odimayo popularly called Londoner

- Police found many phones that the suspected kidnappers were using to operate in the state

Police have parade the eight suspected killers of Olumide Odimayo, All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, in Ondo state.

Legit.ng had reported that armed kidnappers abducted an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olumide Odimayo, in Igbotu, Ese Odo local government area, Ondo state on Thursday June 15.

Legit.ng gathered that Mr. Odimayo, popularly called "Londoner," was kidnapped from his community early on Thursday morning by armed men numbering about seven.

Police parade 8 suspected killers of APC chieftain in Ondo sate

Police parade 8 suspected killers of APC chieftain in Ondo sate

Legit.ng also reported the chieftain of All Peoples Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Olumide Odimayo, who was kidnapped recently found dead in a river.

The local vigilantes said the corpse of Mr. Odimayo was found near Ogolo River, between Sabomi and Igbotu in Ese Odo local government area of the state.

Watch this Legit.ng TV Video of Nigerians whether government should offer Evans a job to help catch other kidnappers:

Source: Legit.ng
- Abba Kyari was instrumental to the arrest of the kidnappers of Okonjo Iweala's mother

- He was also involved in the arrest of Godogodo, the terrible armed robber, terrorizing southwest

- He was also behind the rescue of the three kidnapped female students from Babington Seminary in Ikorodu

Abba Kyari, no doubt, is one of the best policemen in Nigeria today.

His recent exploit in the arrest of notorious kidnapper Chukwudi Onuamadike aka Evans who was arrested last Saturday, June 10 in Lagos has been largely celebrated in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Excellent cooperation among West African police services ensured Evans arrest - IGP

Legit.ng has however compiled a list of the successes of Abba Kyari in tracking down criminals in Nigerian society.

1. Kidnappers of Dr. Okonjo Iwealas mother

Abba Kyari was instrumental to the arrest of the kidnappers of mother of former minister of Finance, Dr Okonjo Iweala.

Abba Kyari was instrumental to the arrest of the kidnappers of Okonjo Iweala's mother

The kidnappers were also responsible for the kidnap and murder of former deputy governor of Anambra state and the kidnapped wife of a sitting Supreme Court judge.

They operate in Delta, Edo and Port Harcourt.

Notorious kidnapper Evans and list of other criminals SUPER Police Abba Kyari has arrested

2. Arrest of Godogodo

Abiodun Egunjobi alias Godogodo, the most notorious armed robber in the South West in recent time met his waterloo after Abba Kyari got interest in his case.

Notorious kidnapper Evans and list of other criminals SUPER Police Abba Kyari has arrested

3. Arrest of Ejigbo general overseer and his gang members

Abba Kyari was also instrumental in the arrest of the general overseer of a church located at Ejigbo. The general overseer was part of the gang of robbers that attacked the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

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The gang perated at Ogun, Kwara and Rivers states.

4. Arrest of China, the Ghana based kidnapper

He was also involved in the arrest of Benjamin Osinachi a.k.a China and his entire gang of kidnappers based in Ghana, but operated in Nigeria.

5. Kidnappers that abducted Dangotes cousin

Kyari and his men also arrested the kidnappers that abducted Dangotes cousin. Another gang that kidnapped a British citizen, Mr. Dickson Lee, along the International Airport yoad.

6. Arrest of nanny who kidnapped the Orekoyas kids

He was also instrumental in the arrest of the nanny who kidnapped three boys belonging to same parents. The kids were called the Orekoyas kids. The nanny was caught within three days that Kyari and his men got the case.

7. Rescue of kidnapped female students from Babington Seminary, Ikorodu

He was also behind the rescue of the three kidnapped female students from Babington Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos in March 2016, and the arrest of the culprits.

8. The gunning down of Vampire

Notorious kidnapper Evans and list of other criminals SUPER Police Abba Kyari has arrested

He was also instrumental to the eventual gunning down of Notorious kidnapper, Henry Chibueze Aka vampire in March 2017.

Legit.ng had reported that Evans, Nigeria's notorious kidnapper, has led police operatives to his hideouts where he keeps his victims.

The secluded houses are in Alimosho area of Lagos state.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Nigerians expressing their opinion about Evans.

Source: Legit.ng
A former Pius X High School student who attacked a classmate in a school restroom in 2013 has been found not responsible by reason of insanity in a Douglas County arson case, according to court documents.

Sarah Piccolo, 20, was facing a first-degree arson charge after Omaha Police said she started a fire in a Metropolitan Community College bathroom on Nov. 5. She was a second-year, general-studies student at MCC at the time.

In April 2016, a Lancaster County judge gave Piccolo five years' probation for slashing Pius X classmate Ellen Kopetzky, after Kopetzky walked into a school bathroom Oct. 7, 2013.

In his court order Tuesday, Douglas County District Judge J. Russell Derr declared Piccolo a danger to herself and others because of mental illness and directed she be evaluated at the Lincoln Regional Center, a state psychiatric hospital.

While her arson case was pending, Piccolo had been out of jail on bail and receiving inpatient care at a mental health treatment center in Omaha.

Prosecutors in Lancaster County filed a probation violation allegation against Piccolo after her arrest in Omaha.

That case is pending.
- Nigerian youths are showing interest in the federal government's youth employment scheme, N-Power

- In one week, the scheme attained a major milestone by reaching 1.1 million graduate applicants

- This was disclosed by the senior special assistant to the president on job creation, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede

The federal governments youth employment scheme, N-Power, on Wednesday, June 21, attained a major milestone by reaching 1.1 million graduate applicants in just one week.

The senior special assistant to the president on job creation, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, dropped the hint in Asaba during an interaction with beneficiaries of the N-Power scheme in Delta state.

He announced this to emphasise the rules of the scheme to volunteers who had taken the scheme unseriously.

He said for every chance they had to be selected, there were hundreds of others waiting to grab the opportunity.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Accordingly, he said that those who perpetually absented from work or were irregular in attendance would be demobilised and replaced with applicants resident in the state.

Imoukhede said that in 2016, at least 751,000 applicants qualified for engagement, including 300,000 for non-graduate scheme, but 300,000 graduates were recruited nationwide.

He said that the non-advertisement of the non-graduate recruitment programme in 2017 was to enable those who applied for it last year to be selected.

It is for fairness that we did not open applications for non-graduates so that those whose applications were collected could be screened and placed.

The non-graduate scheme will be mobilized in batches from July, he said.

The presidential aide noted that the job scheme had five key sector targets, including volunteerism and entrepreneurship development.

Imoukhuede said the scheme was a fulfillment of the promise by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to give a dent to youth unemployment in the country.

He said that N-power offered youth the opportunity to do full-time paid volunteer job, develop entrepreneurial skills and have two-year job experience, to boost their curriculum vitae for future international or local jobs.

When you do not show seriousness through diligence, no one will take you seriously,  he said, and urged the volunteers to also use the opportunity to develop investment plans or pattern for themselves.

The presidential aide paid tribute to three N-power volunteers who established a mini laboratory at the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) at Otokutu, Ughelli South local government area by pulling their funds together.

He advised others to learn to form synergies and cooperation among themselves, to benefit from the government programmes for cooperatives.

Imoukhuede noted that such spirit was lacking in so many places among Delta volunteers.

Learn the art of cooperatives and entrepreneurship; if you do not have discipline and the right attitude to work, you cannot be an entrepreneur.

N-Power gives you an opportunity in a control room to take a giant leap into greater position and prosperity.

This is a ray of hope that Mr President has offered you and you must not allow it to slip by, he emphasised.

On the N-Tax component added to the new recruitment, he said it was being done as a leverage partnership with the federal ministry of finance and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to grow the countrys tax base.

The N-Tax volunteers would be posted to canvass the need for prompt and due tax payments and for the people to embrace the civic duty.

It is an advocacy programme which requires agile youths in a purely professional environment which they can also use to better their financial know-how and improve themselves, he said.

According to Imoukhuede, only 7,500 N-Tax recruits are needed immediately but 100,000 applications have filed applications for it in seven days.(NAN)

READ ALSO: Amaechi: Making steady progress one at a time

Read the seven major requirements to apply for the scheme here.

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
It was a shocking sight recently when the house of an 80-year-old man, Lamidi Abioye, was searched in Osun state.

Nigerian Tribune reports that police from the Osun state command found decomposing headless and decapitated bodies in Pa Abioye's compound in Gbongan town, Ayedaade local government area of the state.

Pa Abioye was said to have worked in a bakery at Abeokuta before relocating to Gbogan.

The shocking update was discovered on Monday, June 19, around 5pm after a resident of Idi-Ifa area of Gbongan town reported at Gbongan police station that there is a terrible odour from Pa Abioye's compound.

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A collage showing Pa Abioye

Based on the report, policemen stormed the compound and searched it thoroughly. They found shallow graves in which the decomposing headless bodies were found. Some parts of the bodies like bre*sts, heads, intestines, liver and heart were reportedly missing.

READ ALSO: Man who claims to have invisibility charms arrested in Bauchi state (photo)

Pa Abioye who claimed to be a farmer and herbalist, disclosed that one of the victims, a 15-year-old boy, had mental issues and was brought to him from Abeokuta, Ogun state, by his father for healing.

He however claimed that the boy died on June 19, after which he buried him without informing his father. The intestines were reportedly found inside his house preserved with gin.

Residents said they noticed a car which came to the suspects house on Monday, raising the suspicion that it could belong to one of the buyers of the missing body parts.

Source: Legit.ng
It took nearly 40 years for FarmHouse fraternity to put down roots in Lincolns East Campus neighborhood.

After bouncing around Lincoln  a rental house on S Street, a home on the corner of 26th and O, a temporary house near 40th and Holdrege  FarmHouse staked a claim at 3601 Apple Street in 1952.

The fraternity, which boasts a membership of about 100 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, has no plans to leave, and in fact is in the middle of building a $6.5 million new chapter house on the same plot it has called home for more than 60 years.

Demolition of the 1954 chapter house began Thursday and is expected to be done this week. Construction on a new house should begin next month.

Times have changed, and what students want for their living accommodations has changed with it, said Steve Wirth, a FarmHouse alum who chaired the fraternitys capital campaign.

The barracks-style living arrangement, where nearly two-thirds of the 80 members who lived in the house slept in three large rooms, has gone out of style, while suite-style quarters have become vogue for college residences, Wirth explained.

Plus, despite a $73,000 addition completed in the 1960s, $175,000 spent for interior makeovers in the 1980s, and the $1.4 million addition finished in 1999, the houses age had started to show.

Its about a 70-year-old structure with college students living in it, which makes it about a 380-year-old structure, he said.

The fraternity looked at plans to renovate its house to create a new living arrangement, but soon found it wasnt viable.

In 2013, FarmHouse purchased the lot directly to the east with the idea of building a new house and adding more off-street parking in order to become better neighbors with residents living around Idylwild Park.

Wirth said 88 members will be able to move into the new chapter house.

In the meantime, FarmHouse has rented a block of apartments at the Latitude complex  including a room for the fraternity's house mom  in downtown Lincoln for the upcoming school year to allow its upperclassmen to live in proximity to one another.

Freshman fraternity members, to keep in line with UNL rules requiring them to live in university-approved housing, will live in a block of rooms in Smith Hall on city campus.

FarmHouse President Jon Freese said the organization will be creative in maintaining its brotherhood as it navigates a school year without a chapter house.

The biggest thing were missing is the house, so were trying to stay as close as possible, and keep the traditions going the way weve always done, said Freese, a senior biochemistry major from Lincoln.

Monday night meetings will be held in the Nebraska Union rather than in the chapter house, with a catered meal, Freese said. Officers are also taking on new roles to engage members enjoying the amenities of the Latitude apartments, as well as the new scenery of downtown Lincoln.

Our officers are going to put more time and energy into organizing events throughout the year for our guys, Freese said.

Wirth said the fraternity is taking notes from Pi Kappa Alpha  the Pikes  which boasts membership exceeding 100 people but doesnt own a chapter house at UNL.

But for FarmHouse, a new era is just on the horizon.

It will be exciting to have a fresh place to be, Freese said.
- Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has been asked to intervene in the crisis in Taraba state

- This was the position of the Fulani communities in the north eastern state

- The crisis in the area is said to be due to an ongoing land dispute

A report by Premium Times indicates that Fulani communities in Sardauna local government area of Taraba state have called on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to intervene in what they described as genocide being perpetrated against them.

According to the report, the community leaders alleged that a local militia in the area has been killing Fulanis and destroying their property on the orders of the chairman of the local government, John Yep.

The allegations were made in a statement on Wednesday, June 21 and signed by four of their elders.

They said the crisis began after the militia started protesting the arrest of one Umaru CID, a ring leader of the group in Nguroje town by security operatives.

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The arrest was said to be as a result of ongoing litigation over a land dispute.

On the 16th of June, 2017 security personnel moved in the early hours and effected some arrests in Nguroje during which some suspected ring leaders of a group that has been fomenting trouble in the area got into the net of the security.

On getting information about the development, the chairman of the local government, Mr John Yep immediately led some Mambilla youths to storm Nguroje alleging that the arrest was instigated by the Fulani. This led to a total siege on Nguroje and its environs, they said.

They also said while the assault lasted, the council chairman ran across some villages mobilising his kinsmen under their militia group called Mun Nor Ambassadors of Peace being the political attack dogs of a prominent politician from the area.

Through this process, the council chairman was able to sell a dummy to his tribesmen across the entire local government painting a wrong and malicious picture that his kinsmen, the Mambilla ethnic group, was being attacked by the Fulanis.

In fact he made a personal radio message through the Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) Gembu Booster Station calling on his kinsmen to execute the genocide on the stations transmissions of Saturday evening and Sunday morning respectively.

What followed thereafter was a coordinated and simultaneous attack on over 300 Fulani communities

It is therefore with a heavy heart that we wish to draw the attention of the world to the ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing being perpetrated against the Fulani in Sardauna local government area of Taraba state in the last four days.

This carnage has escalated to all parts of the local government and is still going on with full impunity as the state government has remained unconcerned since then, they said.

They also said that four days after the violence began, the Taraba state overnment has failed in its prime responsibility to protect their lives and property.

They alleged that the state government failed to provide logistics support to the few soldiers deployed to the area.

It has become necessary to call on the Acting President to as a matter of urgent National Security evoke the relevant sections of the Constitution and also do the needful by declaring emergency rule to allow for full fledge emergency services and the protection of our remaining people.

We wish to further stress that the magnitude of this senseless killings deserves nothing less than a judicial commission of inquiry to be instituted by the federal government and the United Nations as we are not ready to accept any window dressing by the Taraba state government.

This is because four days after this carnage the government did not utter even a word nor issue a statement condemning the killings on the Mambilla Plateau, they said.

Reacting to the crisis, the spokesperson of the police in the state, David Misal, said the violence was caused by a civil case handled by a court in Gembu, the local government headquarters which led to the remand of a Mambila man in prison custody.

He said: The children of the Mambila man went to the home of the complainant, who is a Fulani man by name Mr. Riwi Ahmadu and demanded for the release of their father or else they threatened to deal with him.

When the demand was not met, they actualised their threat by setting ablaze the house of the complainant and inflicted injuries on him and property worth millions were destroyed.

He also said the police swiftly intervened on the matter and arrested those who attacked Mr Ahmadu.

He also said investigations have indicted some prominent elders in the community and they are being arrested.

He said both sides in the conflict took up arms against themselves instead of waiting for the law to take its course.

He added that security personnel comprising of mobile and conventional police officers were deployed to the area and that the state commissioner of police, Yakubu Babas, has relocated to the affected area in order to monitor the situation himself.

Seven people are being confirmed dead and a number of houses as earlier stated were set ablaze, he concluded.

READ ALSO: Soldiers encounter bush pig in Sambisa forest (photos)

Three days ago, Legit.ng had reported that the clashes were experienced in Gembu, Nguroje and other parts of Sardauna local government area.

Locals say that the crisis erupted Sunday morning after some youths took to the streets destroying property and smashing vehicles.

Meanwhile, Nigerians of Fulani descent have taken to Twitter to call the government's attention to the plight of their kinsmen.

The issue even made some people agree with the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu for the first time.

Some say the Fulani brought this upon themselves

Others are of the opinion that those campaigning now should speak up when the reverse is the case.

The state governor, Architect Darius Ishaku, has also been called out.

Watch Acting President Yemi Osinbajo talk about the unity of Nigeria on Legit.ng TV below:

Source: Legit.ng
- Udo Udoma says the federal government is set to bring down the price of farm inputs to aid the reduction of rice prices

- Farmers will now be advised on what type of fertilizer to use in order to avoid low crop yield

- The federal government is working together with state governments to achieve its aim

The federal government is working towards reducing the price of fertilizer to cut down the price of locally produced rice, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Minister of budget and national planning Udoma Udo Udoma said this on Wednesday, June 21 when he featured on a current affairs programme on television about the 2017 Budget in Abuja.

He revealed that the federal government was collaborating with the Morocco Government in this regard.

READ ALSO: Fulani communities seek Osinbajo's intervention in Taraba killings

He stated: The imported rice is coming in; most of them are subsidized and undercutting the locally produce rice, which has higher quality.

The problem is bringing down the price of our rice; we are trying to support rice production by bringing down the price of fertiliser because the price of inputs determines the price of output.

We are trying to see how we can bring down the prices of farm inputs so as to cut down the prices of local rice in the country.

We are also working on fertiliser; what the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has done is undertaking soil analyses of all soil in the 36 states.

And they have been able to ascertain the blend of fertiliser that is most suitable for a particular kind of soil.

The farmers will now be advised on what type of fertiliser to use, so that they wont apply fertiliser without specifications on crops as this often leads to low yield. So, we have that as part of the value chain.

Then, we are giving support in terms of evacuating farm produce to the market by constructing and maintaining rural roads. Most of the crops get spoilt as a result of not evacuating them to market in good time.

We are working on every stage of all the chain. The Federal Government is working with the state governments to achieve the objectives of this mission."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity stated that Nigeria is now the second largest producer of rice in the world.

He stated this at a special interactive session with the youths organised by Citizens Support for Good Governance in Nigeria in Abuja, Nigerias capital city.

Speaking on the efforts being made by President Buhari to restructure the economy, Garba Shehu, who called for patience among the citizens of the country, reportedly said the current administration met a ravaged economy and citizens used to lifestyles that could no longer be sustained.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of a market survey analyzing the price of various goods since Buhari's departure to London.

Source: Legit.ng
As a high school student, Brian Sabatka spent hours after class perfecting and designing sets for school plays.

He ended up going to culinary school and never imagined that he'd be behind the scenes creating stage sets again.

But when the International Thespian Festival made the University of Nebraska-Lincoln its home more than 20 years ago, he  with the rest of the Selleck Dining Hall staff  stepped up to the challenge.

Each night of the weeklong festival, they transform the empty Grand Hall in the Kauffman Center using a different theme. The elaborate room hosts nearly 350 teachers and provides snacks and beverages after a long day of work.

The annual festival brought nearly 4,000 students to Lincoln this week. While teachers enjoy the set decorations and snacks created by the Selleck staff, students attend a themed dance in the Student Union.

Since May, the staff has devoted every extra moment to preparing for the festival. Staffers don't have a designated work space large enough to hold all of the sets they create, so they work in "any place they can find," dining services manager Gina Guernsey said.

The sets are created almost entirely from recycled materials  old cardboard is spray-painted and cut, papers are recycled and molded into papier mache people or animals, and scraps of colored paper are glued to cellophane in intricate patterns to create stained-glass windows.

About 30 people consistently work on the sets, Guernsey said. They usually work for about two hours a day after they've finished serving lunch. When it comes time for the festival to begin, though, they spend all day in preparation.

"You get to see some of their other strengths," Guernsey said about her staff. "They work in the dish room, but they can put a stained-glass window together. And we've got cooks that are over putting a tent together, you see different skills and they have fun with it."

For the first night  with a Hunchback of Notre Dame theme  staffers spent more than nine hours setting up handmade decorations. And they still served breakfast, lunch and dinner at the dining hall.

The festival makes for a long day and sometimes employees work more than 12-hour shifts, but despite the hard work, the event is something they look forward to each year, Guernsey said.

"It's something different," she said. "It breaks the monotony of the regular part of the day."

Themes change every year, so once Sabatka and Guernsey get word of the schedule, they get to work planning.

Sabatka frequently looks up play sets that were used on Broadway and does extensive research online. Together, staffers brainstorm ideas for how they can bring the theme to life using their limited budget.

They save cardboard all year to use for the sets and purchase specialty items to bring together the themes or the menu for the night, Guernsey said.

She hunted down dried lavender this year to create a blueberry lavender lemonade that was served during the Hunchback of Notre Dame night Monday.

Festival volunteer Alex Minton was amazed at the designs. As he walked around, he snapped photos of the decorations.

"Everyone told me that UNL likes to design," he said. "But it was more than I expected even. I can't wait to see what they're doing for the rest of the nights."

The best part, Sabatka said, is watching the reaction on teachers' faces when they first walk in and see the decorations. He enjoys seeing the same teachers and being able to catch up with them each year. He's even received offers to come make sets at schools around the country.

"It's fun for us," Guernsey said. "We get to put on our own production for people who really appreciate it."
- Over 500 unemployed pilots and aviation engineers have taken to menial jobs like taxi driving in Nigeria

- These professionals are also seeking an audience with the ministers of aviation and interior

- The aviation professional have asked the ministers to intervene in their matter

The unemployment rate in Nigeria has gone so high that even pilots and engineers are affected.

New Telegraph in a recent report said over 300 pilots and an estimated 200 engineers in Nigeria have taken to menial jobs in order to earn a living.

Legit.ng gathered the 500 unemployed in the aviation industry have taken to odd jobs like Taxi driving and any kind of job they can lay their hands on.

READ ALSO: Meet T Shine, young man who plans to kill lots of Nigerians if Evans is killed (photos)

These aviation professional have also moved to compel their parent body, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to meet with the minister of aviation Hadi Sirika and his interior counterpart Abdulrahman Dambazau.

The aviation professional have asked the ministers to intervene in their matter

The professionals in their plea called for the ministers intervention in their plight.

Lamenting the national president of the association Ahmed Maikudi said many pilots and engineers are currently out of job.

Maikudi said it costs over $200,000 to train a pilot and a little less to train as an aircraft engineer.

He said: It is true that our pilots and engineers are out of job. There are some that have never been employed. Some of them have become cab drivers, pure water sellers and other menial jobs.

READ ALSO: SEE 5 Nigerians in court on June 22 for allegedly stealing billions (FULL LIST)

Part of our programmes is to restore the dignity of our labour and that is for those who are working and those who are outside.

He said the association is exploring avenues where it can work with the Nigerian government to restore the glory of the aviation industry.

Also speaking on the level of unemployment in the industry, the chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria Noggie Megison said he set up a platform for all unemployed aviation professionals to ensure focus in the sector.

I set up this platform for young pilots who havent found jobs as common pool where employers can tap from. It also provides them the opportunity to come together and get acquainted with developments in the aviation sector so they dont lose sight of changes in the sector rather than just sit at home and do nothing," Megison said.

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He noted that about 170 pilots with Nigerian licence had registered as members of the organization.

He said: "I cant employ all of them, so I advised them to come together so they can collectively put forth their plight to relevant stakeholders in the industry. Going forward, we will be creating awareness about the young pilots predicaments.

The awareness will also tell industry operators there is a pool of young pilots they can draw from rather than engaging expatriate pilots alone," he said.

You can watch this Legit.ng video of Nigerian calling for a mass burial of leaders in the country:

Source: Legit.ng
Iowa's Republican state chairman described Sen. Ben Sasse as an "arrogant academic" in a surprising outburst of personal criticism directed at Nebraska's Republican senator during President Donald Trump's rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday night.

Politico described the remarks by Jeff Kaufmann as "an extraordinary and seemingly unprovoked attack," reporting that Kaufmann suggested that Sasse "isn't welcome in Iowa" two weeks before the Nebraska senator is scheduled to keynote a local party dinner in the state.

Kaufmann spoke before Trump's appearance on the stage.

Sasse traveled to Iowa in advance of that state's 2016 Republican presidential caucus to oppose Trump.

"We had Sen. Ben Sasse from Nebraska, he crosses the Missouri River, and in that sanctimonious tone talks about what he doesn't like about Donald Trump," Kaufmann said.

"You know what, Sen. Sasse? I really don't care what you like. We love Donald Trump. And if you don't love him, I suggest you stay on your side of the Missouri River."

Later, Kaufmann told Politico that Sasse is "sanctimonious" and treats Trump voters with "condescension."

"I think this is all about him getting a name for himself," Kaufmann said.

"Ben Sasse is gonna say that because Ben Sasse is running for president in 2024," Kaufmann said.

Responding to the Iowa party chairman's remarks, a Sasse spokesman said: "The senator doesn't comment on ad hominem attacks unless someone smears the Huskers."
Press Release

Kerry, the Taste and Nutrition Company, will be offering samples of its sugar reduced chocolate milk solution for the first time publicly during the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo, June 25 to 28 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For every chocolate milk sampled at Booth 1440 during the show, Kerry will donate to Three Square, Southern Nevadas only food bank providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and Clark Counties.

Attendees can sample the sugar reduced chocolate milk solution from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day of the show, Sunday through Wednesday. To support Three Square, Kerry will donate $2.00 for every sample served, up to $5,000.

"IFT gives us the optimal opportunity to introduce the sugar reduced chocolate milk solution, and what better way to celebrate than with donating to Three Square and showcasing Kerrys dairy expertise during June Dairy Month," said John Buckley, vice president of taste innovation at Kerry. "Kerrys long dairy history helps it maintain the integrity and value of dairy, while its taste and stabilizer solutions deliver the flavor and mouthfeel children expect."

Less of the sugar, all of the taste.

Combining Kerrys cocoa powder blend, TasteSense flavor modulator solutions and stabilizer systems allows it to reduce the added sugar in chocolate milk up to 30 percent without impacting the recognizable rich and creamy taste. The sugar reduced chocolate milk solution is available in tailored bag weights.

Steps to reducing food shortages

Three Squares mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people while pursuing a hunger-free community. One in seven Southern Nevadans struggles with hunger, so Three Square was established in 2007 to provide hunger relief in the community. The organization sources wholesome, nutritious food, raises funds and relies on volunteers to reach more than 137,000 hungry people each month through a service network of 1,300 community partners.

"We are so grateful that Kerry has chosen our organization to be the beneficiaries of this unique opportunity," said Brian Burton, president and CEO at Three Square Food Bank. "Each sample will not only introduce the consumer to a product with increased nutritional value but will also put the equivalent of six meals back into the community for individuals and families in need."

In addition to its sugar reduced chocolate milk solution, Kerry will highlight a variety of concepts at Booth 1440 that incorporate clean label solutions.

Stop by to learn about the concepts and try the authentic-tasting sugar reduced chocolate milk solution while contributing to Three Square.

For more information, visit Kerry's website.
GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us.
A sniper with Canadas elite special forces in Iraq has shattered the world record for the longest confirmed kill shot in military history at a staggering distance of 3,540 meters (2 miles).

The 3.54 kilometer confirmed kill is 1065 meters past old record and was about 40% further.

The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed Thursday that a member of Joint Task Force 2 made the record-breaking shot, killing an Islamic State insurgent during an operation in Iraq within the last month.

The elite sniper was using a McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle while firing from a high-rise during an operation that took place within the last month in Iraq. It took under 10 seconds to hit the target.

The shot in question actually disrupted a Daesh [Islamic State] attack on Iraqi security forces, said a military source. Instead of dropping a bomb that could potentially kill civilians in the area, it is a very precise application of force and because it was so far way, the bad guys didnt have a clue what was happening.

Canada has a world-class sniper system. It is not just a sniper. They work in pairs. There is an observer, a military source said. This is a skill set that only a very few people have.

The skill of the JTF2 sniper in taking down an insurgent at 3,540 metres required math skills, great eyesight, precision of ammunition and firearms, and superb training.

It is at the distance where you have to account not just for the ballistics of the round, which change over time and distance, you have to adjust for wind, and the wind would be swirling, said a source with expertise in training Canadian special forces.

You have to adjust for him firing from a higher location downward and as the round drops you have to account for that. And from that distance you actually have to account for the curvature of the Earth.
RACINE  Racines calliope, ailing stalwart of Americana for the Fourth of July parade, will be repaired after all.

In a press release, Fourth Fest President David Maack said the $5,000 goal for restoring the whimsical organ has been surpassed.

Earlier this year the Fourth Fest committee set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $5,000 to help fix the calliope. But Maack said it was suspended as donors made it unnecessary.

Dr. Joseph and Nancy Geenen donated $5,000, the GoFundMe page raised $1,350 and a local civic group contributed about $500.

Thanks to the generosity of the community and Dr. Joseph and Nancy Geenen, the calliope will delight parade-goers for many years to come, Maack said. It will boast a new canopy during this years parade. Then, after the parade, additional repairs and maintenance will take place.

Built in 1931, the organ, which uses compressed air to make a whistling sound, needed cosmetic and mechanical upgrades because of its age, according to Maack.

We needed a new canopy on it, and those arent cheap but there is also some mechanical issues with the keys and those type of mechanics, he said. Were going to be sending it to a company in Missouri that actually builds calliopes.

We stopped the campaign because Dr. Geenen stepped up with a very generous donation, along with another community group that wants to be anonymous, Maack said.

Community treasure

Maack said the calliope is a community treasure.

If you look at how (few) communities have a calliope, its really unique, Maack said. Its something you can see at Circus World in Baraboo, but we actually have one in Racine, and thats pretty cool.

Geenen, a local gastroenterologist, took possession of the instrument from Ross Blomgren, who used to play it in the Fourth Fest parade. Geenen donated it to the Kiwanis Club in 1993 and got involved again this year with his $5,000 donation for the repairs.

Maack said exceeding the goal will allow for more thorough repairs of the calliope.

Parade co-chairman Wendy Spencer said the music brings childhood memories alive for her.

When I was a child, the calliope was something I couldnt wait to see. The crowd would break out in cheers as it passed by. The parade would not be the same without the Calliope, Spencer said. Many thanks to all who made sure it remained in Racine, and many thanks to those who care for it now.

Besides the Fourth of July, the calliope occasionally is brought out during First Fridays and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Racines annual Pancake Day.
RACINE  The future of North Beach Park will be discussed in a public meeting next Tuesday.

The North Beach Park community meeting, which is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St., will provide an opportunity for people to share their input about the future of North Beach Park, according to a City of Racine Public Health Department release.

During the meeting, ideas developed to date and public input on those ideas will be discussed. After the meeting, opinions will be reviewed to continue to gauge the priorities of the Racine community and create recommendations for the North Beach Park Master Plan.

For several years, the Racine Public Health Department, Department of Public Works, City Development, and the Park, Recreation and Cultural Services Department have collaborated to improve the experience for those visiting North Beach Park.

During Phase I, the city partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to develop a long-term vision for the citys prized beach. Previous community discussion centered on the importance of the beach to the community, the release said.

Citizens were invited to partake in feedback sessions and were encouraged to contribute input on their vision for the beach. That included protecting the natural environment and habitats, educational and recreational programming, comprehensive accessibility for all visitors, parking and other amenities.

According to the release, Phase II of the project will continue with discussion and interactions with the Smith Group JJR, which will serve as the projects consultants, and to utilize the foundational plan and previous feedback to continue developing the North Beach master plan.

The public, including community advocates, environmental groups, education specialists and children, is invited to attend.
Extremely hot days, when temperatures soar to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, can be miserable. Crops wilt in the fields. Electric grids strain to keep pace with demand. People are at greater risk of dying. And those hot temperatures are expected to be much more frequent in the coming decades.

Global warming under Paris pledges

Global warming under Paris pledges

Days per year above 95F 5 50 100 200

The map above, based on a new analysis from the Climate Impact Lab, shows how 95-degree days (35 degrees Celsius) are expected to multiply this century if countries take moderate climate action. In this scenario, countries would take some measures, but not drastic ones, to curb emissions  roughly the trajectory of the current pledges under the Paris climate agreement.

The resulting global warming would still cause significant shifts for many cities. In Washington, from 1986 to 2005, an average of seven days each year had temperatures of at least 95 degrees. By the end of the century, the city can expect 29 of these extremely hot days per year, on average. (The likely range is 14 to 46 hot days per year.)

Phoenix is used to the heat, averaging 124 days per year with 95-degree weather. At the end of the century, thats expected to increase to around 155 days  an extra month of extreme temperatures each year. Madrid would go from eight severely hot days per year to 43, Beijing from nine to 35.

The swings are even greater closer to the equator. New Delhi, Indias capital city, has historically averaged 105 days with temperatures of at least 95 degrees each year. Thats likely to rise to a range of 137 to 200 days per year.

Things could get worse if countries fail to take action

If the worlds nations took no action on global warming, and emissions continued to rise at the same pace they did in the first decade of this century  with total global warming of 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit or more by the end of the century  extremely hot days would become much more commonplace.

Global warming if no action is taken

Global warming if no action is taken

Days per year above 95F 5 50 100 200

By 2100, Washington could swelter in 95-degree weather for fully one-fifth of the year  around 74 days, on average. Large swaths of Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa would experience these temperatures for most of the year.

This worst case for global warming now appears less likely as global coal use declines and nations slowly move toward cleaner energy.

How 95-degree days disrupt our everyday lives

In the United States, electricity use soars as temperatures rise and more households use air-conditioning more frequently. One recent study found that the United States electric grid would have to handle a 7.2 percent increase in peak demand this century under a moderate warming scenario.

As temperature increases: Electricity consumption spikes. And crop yields plunge. Change in monthly California electricity usage relative to a 65F day, 1999 to 2009. Change in annual U.S. corn yield (bushels per acre) relative to 32F day, 1950 to 2015. 40F 60 80 100 40F 60 80 100 +2% +10% Range across California zip codes 8 0 6 4 2 2 0 4 Median 2 Electricity consumption spikes. And crop yields plunge. Change in monthly California electricity usage relative to a 65F day, 1999 to 2009. Change in annual U.S. corn yield (bushels per acre) relative to 32F day, 1950 to 2015. 40F 60 80 100 40F 60 80 100 +10% +2% Range across California zip codes 8 0 6 4 2 2 4 0 Median 2 Electricity consumption spikes. Change in monthly California electricity use relative to a 65F day, 1999 to 2009. 40F 60 80 100 +10% Range across California zip codes 8 6 4 2 0 Median 2 And crop yields plunge. Change in annual U.S. corn yield (bushels per acre) relative to 32F day, 1950 to 2015. 40F 60 80 100 +2% 0 2 4 Sources: University of California, Berkeley and NBER ; Michael J. Roberts/University of Hawaii and Wolfram Schlenker/Columbia University. Via Tamma Carleton/ Science

The flip side is that air-conditioning can be an essential adaptation tactic. In countries without widespread cooling, heat deaths rise more sharply during the hottest days. One study estimated that heat deaths in India increase by 3.2 percent for every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit above 68 (or every 1 degree Celsius above 20). Energy use in many countries may rise sharply as people struggle to adapt to a hotter climate.

Other scientists have found that corn and soybean yields in the United States plummet precipitously when temperatures rise above 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), and that worker productivity declines sharply, particularly for outdoor jobs. And researchers are trying to understand how crime and conflict might rise as temperatures increase.

Ultimately, people will be better able to adapt if they have a better idea of what individual cities and regions can expect, said Trevor Houser, who co-directs the Climate Impact Lab. In the United States, some urban planners are already experimenting with techniques like adding green spaces or increasing the reflectivity of rooftops to cool down city centers during heat waves.

Right now, when you start talking to people about higher temperatures, they tend to think, great, more beach days, said Solomon Hsiang, a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley who helps direct the lab. Whats often less appreciated is just how much an extremely hot day can distort our lives in all sorts of ways we dont often even think about.
Senate Republicans on Thursday unveiled a draft of their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, which they expect to vote on next week.

The bill is similar to the one passed by the House in May, but it makes several significant alterations, including deeper cuts and structural changes to Medicaid, a program that insures one in five Americans, including two-thirds of nursing home residents.

How the Senate bill alters major parts of Obamacare

Repeal Change Keep Taxes created under Obamacare Medicaid expansion Pre-existing conditions policy Subsidies for out-of-pocket costs Tax credits for premiums Dependent coverage until 26 Individual mandate Essential health benefits Employer mandate Prohibitions on annual and lifetime limits Restrictions on charging more for older Americans Health savings account

Medicaid expansion

Change

OBAMACARE Raised the eligibility cutoff to 138 percent of the poverty level in any state that chose to expand the program, around $16,000 for a single person. The federal government pays at least 90 percent of the costs for newly eligible beneficiaries.

SENATE BILL Allows the 31 states that expanded Medicaid to continue getting federal funding through 2023, with reduced funding starting in 2021. The bill sharply curtails federal support for Medicaid expansion in 2024, likely causing many states to end the expansion.

Separate from the expansion, the bill caps future federal funding per enrollee, based on how much each state has spent historically. States also have the option to receive a lump-sum block grant for some beneficiaries.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that similar policies in the bill passed by the House would cut more than $800 billion from the program over a decade. The Senate formula puts the program on a budget and substantially reduces future Medicaid spending.

Taxes created under the Affordable Care Act

Repeal

OBAMACARE Imposed new taxes to help pay for coverage expansion. They include taxes on investment income, wages above $200,000, medical devices, prescription drugs and indoor tanning.

SENATE BILL Permanently eliminates most of the taxes. A tax on high cost employer health plans, established under Obamacare, but yet to kick in, would be imposed beginning in 2026.

Subsidies for out-of-pocket costs

Repeal

OBAMACARE Provides subsidies to help people with lower incomes pay for out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-payments.

SENATE BILL Preserves the subsidies through 2019, then eliminates them altogether. This means many low-income people would face high deductibles.

Tax credits for premiums

Change

OBAMACARE Gives tax credits to middle-income Americans to offset the cost of premiums, based on their income and the cost of insurance in their area.

SENATE BILL Changes the formula for subsidies to make them less generous, and lowers the threshold for people who can receive financial assistance from 400 percent to 350 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $42,000 for a single person. The bill also expands the subsidies to Americans living below the poverty line, who were ineligible under Obamacare.

Essential health benefits

Change

OBAMACARE Requires all insurers to offer 10 categories of essential health benefits, like maternity treatment and hospital care.

SENATE BILL Preserves this rule, but states could apply to waive the standards. This means that some types of care, like maternity benefits, prescription drugs or addiction treatment, might not be covered in states that waive the rule.

Prohibitions on annual

and lifetime limits

Change

OBAMACARE Bars insurers from setting a limit on how much they have to pay to cover someone.

SENATE BILL Preserves this rule, but gives states the option to eliminate it as part of a waiver of insurance market rules.

Pre-existing conditions policy

Keep

OBAMACARE Requires insurers to cover people regardless of pre-existing medical conditions and bars them from setting prices based on a persons health history.

SENATE BILL Preserves this rule, but patients with serious illnesses may find that their coverage is less valuable if they live in a state that eliminates benefit requirements or allows limits on coverage.

Restrictions on charging more for older Americans

Change

OBAMACARE Bans insurers selling policies directly to individuals from charging their oldest customers more than three times what they charge their youngest ones.

SENATE BILL Allows insurers to charge older customers five times as much as younger ones.

Individual mandate

Repeal

OBAMACARE Requires all Americans to buy health insurance or pay a tax penalty, with exceptions for people who have experienced hardships.

SENATE BILL Eliminates the penalties. Starting in 2019, people who have gone without insurance for 63 days or more would be required to wait six months longer than everyone else before they could sign up for coverage again.

Employer mandate

Repeal

OBAMACARE Requires larger companies to provide affordable insurance to their employees, or face financial penalties.

SENATE BILL Eliminates the penalties.

Health savings account

Change

OBAMACARE In 2017, allows an individual to put $3,400 and a family to put $6,750 into a tax-free health savings account.

SENATE BILL Allows people to put more money into their health savings accounts, up to the maximum allowed for out-of-pocket costs, and lets spouses make additional contributions.

Dependent coverage until 26

Keep

OBAMACARE Allows children to stay on their parents insurance policies until age 26.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is pulling out of the federal health insurance exchange in Wisconsin  where, unlike some states, many other insurers are involved.

Anthem  which offers the plans in 44 counties, mostly in northern and eastern Wisconsin and not in the Madison area  blamed a volatile market for its exit from the Affordable Care Act marketplace. A shrinking and deteriorating individual market has made it difficult to determine the appropriate price for plans, Anthem spokesman Jeff Blunt said.

About 14,000 residents are covered by Anthem plans that will discontinue after Dec. 31, with another 4,500 on grandfathered plans that will remain. Overall, about 225,000 people in Wisconsin are on the federal exchange.

Currently, 15 insurers participate in the exchange in Wisconsin, more than in any other state, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In Dane County, they are Dean Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin and Unity Health Insurance.

Gov. Scott Walker said Anthems exit from Wisconsins marketplace shows Obamacare is collapsing.

Because of Obamacare, many Wisconsinites will now have to scramble to find new plans and new doctors, said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.

Democrats have said the Republican plan to replace President Barack Obamas health law would make the situation worse, and Congress and President Donald Trump are refusing to take steps that would make the marketplace more stable.

Anthem will still offer an off-exchange insurance plan in Menominee County next year.
From Paul Craig Roberts Website



Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would stay neck and neck with the US if President-elect Donald Trump expands the nuclear arsenal.

(Image by YouTube, Channel: CNN) Details DMCA



An idiot American pilot shot down a Syrian fighter that was attacking ISIS, thus confirming that Washington is not fighting ISIS, as Washington claims, but is protecting ISIS, its agent sent to Syria by Obama and Hillary to overthrow the Syrian government. General Michael Flynn revealed on a TV interview that Obama and Hillary had, over his objection as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, made the "willful decision" to send ISIS to Syria.

Washington's pretense that Washington is fighting ISIS, rather than supporting it, is the excuse for Washington's illegal presence in the Syrian conflict. Russia and Iran are in Syria legally, invited there by an elected government. The Americans are there uninvited as war criminals. Under international law established by the Americans themselves, it is a war crime to initiate aggression against a country that has not raised a fist against you.

So, to be in Syria, Washington has to pretend to be "fighting terrorism" rather than supporting it. The lie has been given to this claim many times, but now that an American pilot has proven that the US is in Syria to support its agent, ISIS, not even a Megyn Kelly presstitute can honestly claim to believe that Washington is fighting ISIS.

The Russians, Syrians, and Iranians have known this from the beginning. However, these official sources are all suspect in the presstitute Western media. So with the presstitutes' complicity, Washington's lie has stood until the idiot American pilot blew the lie out of the sky along with the Syrian fighter and its pilot.

Washington, of course, will lie through its teeth. It is the only thing Washington knows how to do. Washington will claim that it was a "coalition fighter," that is, some one else was flying the US F-18. It wasn't us. Or they will claim that the Syrian fighter was attacking women and children, or a trans-gendered compound or a maternity ward for women raped by Assad's "brutal troops." Washington will spin it in some way to make an aggressive war crime into an heroic defense of a victim group.

One question is: Did the idiot US pilot do this on his own, a hot shot playing Top Gun, or was this a planned provocation of the military/security complex outside of channels to begin a conflict between the US and Russia that would prevent any possibility of President Trump reviving his goal of defusing the high level of tensions with Russia? A $1 trillion, 100 billion annual military/secuity budget paid by American taxpayers is at stake.

We don't know if the pilot acted on his own or on orders.

What we do know is that it did not go down well with the Russians. The Russian Defense Ministry said today that it regards the decision by "the US command as an intentional violation of US obligations in the framework of the memo on avoiding incidents and the safety of aviation flights during operations in Syria signed on October 20, 2015."

Surprise! Surprise! The Americans broke yet another agreement Washington signed with Russia.

How many agreements with Russia does Washington have to break before the Russians finally understand that a signed agreement with Washington is meaningless? Will the Russians ever learn? The American Indians never did. There is a famous American T-shirt: "Sure you can trust the government: Just ask an Indian."

Perhaps the Russians finally have learned that any agreement with Washington is worthless at best and a death warrant at worst. The Russian Defense Ministry announced today that Russia is halting all interactions with the US within the framework on the memorandum of incident prevention in Syrian skies. Additionally, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russian missile defense will intercept any aircraft in the area of operations of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria and: "In areas where Russian aviation is conducting combat missions in the Syrian skies, any flying ojects, including jets and unmanned aerial vehicles of the international coalition discovered west of the Euphrates River will be followed by Russian air and ground defenses as air targets."

In other words, in Russia's understated way, Russia has declared a no-fly zone over all areas of Syria in which Syrian and Russian forces are operating. Any intruder into that area will be blown out of the sky. American, Israeli, whoever, they are dead meat.

As it is Russia, not Washington, who has air superiority in Syria, all that is required is one more dumbshit American pilot, who will get his stupid ass blown out of the sky, and the utter morons in Washington will have to back off or make a mistake. As stupid as Washington is and as full of hubris, the morons will make a mistake.

There is no intelligence in Washington. Only arrogance and hubris. The quarter century I spent there was with the most utterly stupid people on the face of the earth.

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If you can handle my tinny, nasally mid-Western voice, this video offers a detailed explanation on how candidate contracts take the guesswork out of voting and set a whole, new standard for electoral integrity in our country. Or you can just read the entire text of the presentation, which follows here:

The candidate contract idea is simple and straightforward.

The candidate contract takes the guesswork out of voting.

It sets a new standard for deciding where a candidate stands on crucial issues, how serious that candidate is about solving problems which are important to us voters, how serious that candidate is about representing his or her constituents. In fact, it sets down in writing what exactly that candidate will be doing when they arrive in Washington DC, right from Day One.

Every candidate says the right things. They always say what they think the voters want to hear, the things that will get them elected. Everyone understands this.

But talk is cheap. And after they get elected, when these folks arrive in our nation's capital and get inside that DC bubble, amnesia sets in.

How do I know?

That's simple. It's so obvious anyone can see it. You just have to look.

Just consider a few of these items.

63% of Americans want a federal minimum wage of $15.00 per hour.

That means more than 6 out of every 10 citizens want the minimum wage hiked to $15 per hour. Mind you the minimum livable wage in urban areas like New York, San Francisco, Boston is over $22 per hour. But $15 per hour would be a good start in the right direction. What is it now? It's equivalent in today's dollars to what it was in 1950! It's a paltry $7.25 an hour. It hasn't increased since July of 2009. That's eight years ago!

75% of voters want fair trade agreements protecting jobs, workers, the environment. 75%! That's a huge majority opposed to the trade bills which now give corporations enormous advantages, are responsible for exporting our jobs, destroying our unions, replacing good permanent employment with low wage temporary jobs. Is Congress listening? It doesn't matter which party is in the Oval Office or even on Capitol Hill. We still get NAFTA, CAFTA, TTIP, WTO. Last year our pay-for-play legislators in the deep pockets of the multinational corporations fast-tracked TPP, the worst trade bill in history. These neoliberal lapdogs won't quit until we're all back to being hunter-gatherers!

76% of voters want a cut back on military spending. So what do we get next year? Trump proposes an increase of $56 billion in the official defense budget with members of Congress from both parties cheering him on like a bunch of snarling pit bulls.

76% of voters want the U.S. completely out of Afghanistan. We've been fighting that miserable pointless war for 16 years, folks! They promised to get U.S. troops out of the country by 2014. Now it's 2017 and they're putting more troops back in. We're going to be there forever! For what? To waste another $600 billion dollars and have more of our best and brightest come back in body bags?

79% of voters want no reductions in Social Security. 70% support expanding it. 79% of voters want no reductions in Medicare. Here we have two of the most successful programs in our history, loved and supported by the people. Yet every new session of Congress, there's talk about cutting benefits, raising eligibility age -- slash slash slash. Or they talk about "privatizing" it, which is doublespeak for turning it over to Wall Street so they can gamble with the money we've put away all our lives. It's truly a crime!

There are many more. So far I've just scratched the surface.

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Saudi Arabia's king Wednesday (June 21) appointed his son Prince Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince, replacing his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef, as first in line to the throne.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz is 81 and reportedly not in the best of health.

Tellingly, replacing a Crown Prince is not unprecedented with the Arab monarchs.

In January 1999, while on the death bed, King Hussein of Jordan appointed his elder son Prince Abdullah as Crown Prince replacing his brother Crown Prince Hassan who enjoyed that position for about 33 years. King Hussein died on February 7, 1999 only 12 days after replacing the Crown Prince. The New Crown Prince Abdullah was from King Hussein's second wife, Toni Avril Gardiner, an Englishwoman. Crown Prince Abdullah was a graduate of the British military academy at Sandhurst, England. The background of Prince Abdullah tells everything.

Before his latest promotion, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was reportedly responsible for leading Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, overseeing the kingdom's energy policy, economic reform and announced plans to sell off part of the vast state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco.

According to BBC, the new crown prince is close to US President Donald Trump, and could ratchet up pressure against Iran - which would raise tensions in the region.

Al Jazeera pointed out that in March this year Mohammed bin Salman, visited the White House to meet President Donald Trump . That visit to Washington helped lay the foundation for Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia in May.

The decision by King Salman to promote his son and consolidate his power was endorsed by 31 out of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, the decree said. The council is made up of senior members of the ruling Al Saud family.

The Guardian

According to the Guardian, the upheaval follows a dizzying series of moves from the usually cautious kingdom, which in recent weeks has seen it recalibrate relations with Washington and open a diplomatic offensive against Qatar, led by Bin Salman's office, while pressing ahead with a war in Yemen and an ambitious economic and cultural overhaul at home.

Bin Salman has been central to the changes, which have helped his profile and powers grow rapidly under the tutelage of an 81-year-old monarch who has given him an almost free hand across most aspects of society, the Guardian said adding:

"By contrast, Bin Nayef, a former interior minister and intelligence chief, and more traditional US ally, had been increasingly marginalized and the decree removed him from all his positions. He had played little role in the reform program and was given little face time with Donald Trump during the US president's visit to Riyadh in May, which is widely seen to have precipitated the change in succession."

The decision to blockade and isolate Qatar, nominally a Saudi ally, was also led by Bin Salman's office. The move, which continues to reverberate around the regional Gulf Cooperation Council, was sparked by the Trump visit that publicly reprioritized Riyadh as a regional ally and wound back the Obama administration's warming relations with Iran.

Iranian reaction

The Guardian reported that Iran's Fars news agency Wednesday called the appointment "a political earthquake." A senior Iranian MP, Seyedhossein Naghavi-Hosseini, who is the speaker of the parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, urged restraint from the Saudis.

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Go to source



(Image by imgur.com) Details DMCA





The United States is at war with Syria. Though few Americans wanted to face it, this has been the case implicitly since the Obama administration began building bases and sending Special Ops, really-not-there, American troops, and it has been the case explicitly since August 3, 2015, when the Obama administration announced that it would "allow airstrikes to defend Syrian rebels trained by the U.S. military from any attackers, even if the enemies hail from forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad." With the U.S. Air Force--under Trump, following Obama's declared policy--shooting down a Syrian plane in Syrian airspace, this is now undeniable. The United States is overtly engaged in another aggression against a sovereign country that poses no conceivable, let alone actual or imminent, threat to the nation. This is an act of war.

As an act of war, this is unconstitutional, and would demand a congressional declaration. The claim, touted by Joint Chiefs' Chairman, Gen. Dunford, that the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against al-Qaeda provides constitutional justification for attacking the Syrian government is patently false and particularly precious. In the Syrian conflict, it's the Syrian government that is the enemy and target of al-Qaeda affiliates; it's the U.S. and its allies who are supporting al Qaeda. The authorization to fight al-Qaeda has been turned into an authorization to help al-Qaeda by attacking and weakening its prime target!

Will President Trump ask for a relevant congressional authorization? Will any Democratic or Republican congresscritter demand it? Is the Pope a Hindu?

Would it make any difference? Why should Trump bother? Obama set the stage when he completely ignored the War Powers Act, the Constitution, Congress, and his own Attorney General and legal advisers, and went right ahead with a war on Libya, under the theory that, if we pretend no American troops are on the ground, it isn't really a war or "hostilities" at all. Which I guess means if the Chinese Air Force starts shooting down American planes in American airspace in defense of Black Lives Matter's assault on the White House, it wouldn't really be engaging in an act of war.

It's impossible to overstate the danger in these executive war-making prerogatives that Obama normalized--with the irresponsible connivance of his progressive groupies, who pretend not to know where this would lead. In 2012, referring to the precedent of Obama's policies, Mitt Romney said: "I don't believe at this stage, therefore, if I'm president that we need to have a war powers approval or special authorization for military force. The president has that capacity now." Following Obama, for Trump, and every Republican and Democratic president, it now goes without saying.

In terms of international law, as an aggressive, unprovoked aggression against a country that makes no threat of attack on the U.S., it is also patently illegal, and all the political and military authorities undertaking it are war criminals, who would be prosecuted as such, if there were an international legal regime that had not already been undermined by the United States.

Syria is now under explicit attack by the armed forces of the U.S., Turkey, and other NATO states. Sixteen countries have combat aircraft buzzing around Syrian airspace under the effective command of the United States, and a number of them have attacked Syria's army.

Americans, and certainly self-identified "progressives," have to be crystal clear about this: American armed forces have no right to be in Syria, have no right to restrict the Syrian government from using any of its airspace, or to prevent it from regaining control of any of its own territory from foreign-backed jihadi armies.

The Syrian state and its allies (Iran and Russia), on the other hand, are engaged in the legitimate self-defense of a sovereign state, and have the right to respond with full military force to any attack on Syrian forces or any attempt by the United States to balkanize or occupy Syrian territory, or to overthrow the Syrian government. Whether and how they do respond will depend on their own military/political calculus, about which they have so far been quite careful and restrained. It would be the height of foolishness, as well as arrogance, for Americans to presume they can bully these actors into submission with an infinite series of discrete aggressions, with no sharp counterattack. Unfortunately, the world has not yet seen the limits of American arrogance.

So please, do not pretend to be shocked, shocked, if Syria and its allies fight back, inflicting American casualties. Don't pose as the morally superior victim when Americans are killed by the people they are attacking. And don't be preaching about how everyone has to support our troops in a criminal, unconstitutional, aggressive attack on a country that has not threatened ours in any way. American soldiers and pilots executing this policy are not heroes, and are not fighting to protect America or advance democracy; they are the international equivalent of home invaders, and as such are legitimate targets with no claim to "self-defense." The only heroic act they could do is refuse their superiors' illegitimate orders to engage in this aggression.

In response to American attacks, the Syrian Army has every right to strike back at the American military apparatus, everywhere. Every casualty of this war, however big it gets, is the ethico-political responsibility of the attacking party -- US. The first responsibility of every American is not to "support our troops," but to stop this war. Right now. Before it gets worse.

It's quite obvious, in fact, that the United States regime is deliberately making targets of its military personnel, in the hopes of provoking a response from Syrian or allied armed forces that will kill some Americans, and be used to gin up popular support for the exactly the kind of major military attack on Syria and/or Russia and/or Iran that the American people would otherwise reject with disgust. Anyone who professes concern for "our troops" should be screaming to stop that.

It's also quite clear now that the War on ISIS is a sham, that ISIS was always just a pretext to get the American military directly involved in attacking the Syrian army and destroying the coherence of the Syrian state. If the U.S. wanted to defeat ISIS, it could do so easily by coordinating their actions with, and not against, the forces who have been most effectively fighting it: the Syrian Arab Army, Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah.

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Different criteria for insanity are applied to individual and social actions. Social actions are seldom judged on the basis of insanity; but, especially in government policies, they can cause far greater harm than individual actions. An irrational action of an individual which injures himself or a few others may be judged a criminal act, but an irrational action of a government official that endangers or harms thousands or the nation as a whole, would be either a seditious or insane act by any common measure.

When the constitution was written, people lived in an entirely different world. Because of lack of instant communications, critical events happened without forewarning and may not have been noticed until weeks or months later. The Battle of New Orleans took place after signing of the peace treaty in the War of 1812. The science didn't exist to warn us of hurricanes, floods or melting glaciers. Today, it would be a requirement of the president to be correctly informed and to act rationally and expeditiously about all threats to the nation. In today's complex world of accelerated, inter-related actions and imminent perils, the position would require a person of broad knowledge and highly rational wisdom to perform those duties properly. To put a clown or unstable person in that capacity would be equivalent to insanity.

The Trump administration, in its short term of office has, by numerous acts, exhibited an overwhelming lack of understanding of the role of government appropriate to the hazardous age in which we live. Its disregard for the safety and well-being of all citizens in favor of the domination and prosperity of a wealthy elite has returned government to pre-Enlightenment times of autocracy. (Think of the French Revolution.)

The Constitution provides for removal of the president from office for bribery, treason, and for inability to perform the duties of that office. The actions of government officials that are contrary to the basic purposes set forth in the Preamble to our Constitution, and where great harm to the nation seems imminent or unavoidable, should be subject to swift evaluation on the basis of social insanity - not defined by narrow medical or legal definitions, but by the ethical criteria of our times and of our founding principles.

On the basis of the these arguments, I am suggesting that prominent spokespersons concurring with this viewpoint should present a citizens' case to Congress or directly to the Supreme Court to remove Donald Trump from office. If we had a reliable election system, not compromised by fraudulent accounting of votes and voting qualification procedures - as allowed by our defective constitution, he never would have been in office. The Republican Party, as presently constituted and by virtue of its reactionary policies, will always be the minority party in national politics in this modern age, and can win elections only by these corrupt election procedures, including gerrymandering of representative districts, and intensive, deceptive campaigning. Social insanity!
See original here

Obstruction of justice was among the articles of impeachment drafted against both Presidents Nixon and Clinton. The parallel between Nixon and Trump is almost exact. White House tapes revealed Nixon giving instructions to pressure the acting FBI director into halting the Watergate investigation.

Two weeks after Trump told Comey privately "I need loyalty. I expect loyalty," he had another private meeting with Comey in the Oval Office. After shooing out his advisers -- all of whom had top security clearance -- Trump said to Comey, according to Comey's memo written shortly after the meeting, "I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go."

Then on May 9, Trump fired Comey. In a subsequent interview with NBC Trump said he planned to fire Comey "regardless of [the] recommendation" of the Attorney and Deputy Attorney General, partly because of "this Russia thing." Trump also revealed in the interview that he had had several conversations with Comey about the Russia investigation, and had asked Comey if he was under investigation.

The federal crime of obstruction of justice applies to "[w]hoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law" in a proceeding or investigation by a government department or agency or Congress.

As in Nixon's case, a decision to support an "inquiry of impeachment" resolution in the House -- to start an impeachment investigation -- doesn't depend on sufficient evidence to convict a person of obstruction of justice, but simply probable cause to believe a president may have obstructed justice.

There's already more than enough evidence of probable cause to begin that impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump.


Dashcam video of police officer Jeronimo Yanez shooting motorist Philando Castile

(Image by St. Anthony, Minnesota Police Department) Details DMCA



On June 16, a jury acquitted St. Anthony, Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez of all charges in the 2016 killing of motorist Philando Castile. That acquittal was, in a sense, also a death sentence -- not for Yanez, but for future motorists unfortunate enough to encounter cops like him.

No, this is not a "bad cop" story. It's a sad tale and I actually feel sorry for Yanez. But the facts are what they are.

Yanez killed Castile. The killing was caught on video and neither Yanez nor his attorneys denied it.

His defense (that he feared for his life) was based on ridiculous grounds relating to the smell of cannabis and the presence of a child ("I thought, I was gonna die, and I thought if he's, if he has the, the guts and the audacity to smoke marijuana in front of the five year old girl and risk her lungs and risk her life by giving her secondhand smoke and the front seat passenger doing the same thing, then what, what care does he give about me?").

Reasonable fear of death or grievous bodily harm justifies a self-defense claim. Yanez's fears were far from reasonable, especially in a trained law enforcement officer whose partner was mere feet away and whose subject of interrogation was peaceful and compliant right up to the moment Yanez shot him.

Castile had informed Yanez that he possessed a concealed weapon and a permit for it, and was following Yanez's orders to produce the permit when Yanez panicked and fired.

Key word: Panicked. His fear wasn't justified. It wasn't reasonable. It was unthinking and irrational. That made him culpably negligent in the killing.

Jeronimo Yanez should have never been issued a badge, a gun, a patrol car, and authority to pull over and interrogate motorists. But he was. That's a failure of pre-employment psychological screening.

Once Yanez DID receive those items and that authority, the responsibility for what he did with them became his as well. Yes, it was a heavy responsibility, but one he voluntarily assumed and failed to fulfill.

The jury, in relieving him of the consequences of that failure, continued a sad tradition of holding law enforcement officers to a lesser standard of conduct than ordinary Americans. In doing so, they made the world a safer place for cops who shouldn't be cops -- and a more dangerous place for the rest of us.
A note from the actual author (that is myself, Steven Jonas, MD, MPH). Please note that this chapter was actually written in 1994-95. The similarities between the politics of the Republicans and of the Democrats then and in recent times are NOT purely coincidental.

Further, "Original Intent," is what we hear about the Supreme Court and its functioning from the Repubs., over and over again. Except when they do not want to hear it, as in "Original Intent" Scalia and "Heller," in which he ignored Supreme Court precedent and also rewrote the 2nd Amendment by hiving off its first clause. In this case, a Repub. Supreme Court recognizes that nowhere in the Constitution is judicial review mentioned.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Summary of the Decision (Supreme Court Bulletin)

"Supreme Court Has No Constitutional Review Authority"

Anderson v. Board of Education, Cer tiorari to United States Court of Ap peals for the Third Circuit.

No. 101"'11. Argued October 31, 2002--Decided May 13, 2003.

Petitioner, a parent acting on behalf of her minor child, brought a civil ac tion against the Board of Education of the state of New Jersey seek ing to pre vent it from enforcing a law passed dur ing the 2001 ses sion of the State Legis lature mandating voluntary prayer in the public schools of that state. Both the trial and appeals courts in the state of New Jersey found for the respondent. Petitioner appealed to the Su preme Court. With out arguing the merits, respon dent filed a brief claiming that under 28 U.S.C., Chap. 81, para. 1260, gener ally known as the "Helms Amend ment [1]," the U.S. Su preme Court did not have ju risdiction in this case.

Held: Under the cited section of the U.S. Code, the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to review appeals of state school prayer statutes. Fur ther, there can be found in the Constitution of the United States no grant of authority to the Supreme Court to review the action of any other branch of the Federal Government or any branch of any state government for its "constitutionality."

(a) Article 3, Section 2 of the Constitution defines the authority of the Federal judicial power: "The judicial power shall extend to all cas es, in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made under their authority; to all cases affect ing ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to contro versies to which the United States shall be a party; to controversies between two or more states."

(b) It is clear that the plain language of this article supports the hold ing of the Court. Under the Doctrine of Original Intent, by which the Constitution should always be interpreted, it is clear that the Consti tution means only what it says, not what any individual judge or group of judges collectively think that it ought to say or would like it to say. It thus be comes clear that the series of decisions handed down by Chief Justice John Marshall and his colleagues in the first quarter of the 19th century which established the theory of Supreme Court "judicial re view" for "constitu tionality" were based on faulty legal rea soning.

(c) In the first of these cases, Marbury v. Madison, the Court inval i dated an "Act of Congress giving the Court jurisdiction to hear origi nal appli cations for writs of mandamus, because in such cases the Con stitu tion limits the Su preme Court to appellate jurisdiction" (Cox). While that opin ion may be valid, nowhere does the Constitution give the Court the power to apply it with the force of law. Rather, as in Great Britain, the legisla tive branch, through the will of the majority, is the only ap propriate judge of the "constitutionality" of its own acts. In his written opinion, the Chief Justice stated that if "the courts lacked the power to give sting to constitu tional safeguards . . . , the Legisla tive and Execu tive Branches might too often override the Constitution" (Cox). That may well be true. But if the Founding Fathers had wanted to give the Federal judiciary that "protec tive" function, they would have clearly writ ten it into the Constitu tion. Chief Justice Marshall was reading into the Consti tution words that he wanted to see -- but were not there.

(d) In Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, Justice Joseph Story expanded the Su preme Court's review powers to include decisions made by the State courts (Cox). Like Chief Justice Marshall, Justice Story was reading into Article 3, Section 2 of the Constitution what he wanted to see there. In Cohens v. Vir ginia Chief Justice Marshall affirmed Justice Story's con clu sion in Martin, using the same faulty reasoning (Cox).

(e) Finally, in McCulloch v. Maryland, Chief Justice Marshall not only reaffirmed the Court's review authority, unstated in the Constitu tion, but found in it other "implied powers," giving the Congress au thority to undertake ac tions not otherwise specified by the Constitution (in this case renewing the charter of the United States Bank which it had originally established in 1791) (Cox).

(f) After extensive review of the opinions and reasoning in the deci sions made in the aforementioned cases, careful review of the language of the Con stitution itself, and a consideration of the available evidence on Original Intent, the Court was able to find no basis for the conclu sions on "implied powers" that Chief Justice Marshall and his colleagues drew in those decisions referable to the authority of either the Supreme Court or the Congress. Thus, the Court held, the precedents estab lished by those cases and all their successors down through the years were based on faulty rea soning and a reading of the Consti tution not in ac cord with the Doctrine of Original Intent. Thus those faulty prece dents must be abandoned. Since the specifics of Marbury, Martin, Cohens, and McCulloch had long since become moot, the Court chose not to reverse those decisions. However, it did reverse the holdings made in those cases that the Supreme Court had any power to review the actions of the Fed eral Execu tive and Legislative branches or any State courts for their "constitu tionality."

11 F. 11th 111, Affirmed. Chief Justice Steps delivered the opinion of the Court; seven justices joining, one dissenting.



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Author's Commentary

Anderson v. United States was the most signifi cant decision handed down by the Supreme Court in the old United States since Marbury v. Madison, re ferred to in the decision summary reproduced above. In that case, Chief Jus tice John Marshall had established the power of the Su preme Court to review actions of the two other branches of the Federal government. As cor rectly noted by Chief Justice Steps that power is no where clearly grant ed to it by the Constitution itself. Nevertheless, Mar shall said, if the Supreme Court found such actions to be unconsti tutional, they were null and void. His reason ing went as follows (Cox):

"The Constitution is either a superior paramount law, un change able by ordinary means, or it is on a level with ordinary legisla tive acts, and, like other acts, is alter able when the legis lature shall please to alter it. If the former part of the alterna tive be true, then a legislative act con trary to the Constitution is not law; if the latter part be true, then written constitutions are ab surd at tempts, on the part of the people, to limit a power in its own nature illimitable."

Marshall, of course, held that the "former alternative" was true, its truth found in the fact of the Constitution itself. He then drew the de fensi ble con clusion that the body given the power to adjudicate disputes arising under the Constitution, and Article 3 Section 2 surely did that, indeed had the power to review the actions of the other two govern men tal branches for their constitu tionality. That authority was extended to the appellate review of state court decisions having constitutional impli cations under the defen sible conclusion that by ratifying the Con stitution in the first place, the states had ceded to the Unit ed States that appellate jurisdiction, which is clearly con tained in Article 3 Section 2 (see the decision in Cohens).

Once the Court under Marshall's leadership had made those judgments, the full American power structure quickly came to agree with him. The Jeffer sonians did make several modest attempts to undermine the inde pendence and authority of the Supreme Court, but failed and ultimate ly gave up. From that time onwards, American jurisprudence came to be firmly established in the legal structure that Chief Justice Marshall had constructed on the Constitution's base, as he interpreted it.

One very important principle set forth by Marshall, and subsequent ly accepted by all parties to American government down to the Transi tion Era, was that the Constitution was a document that meant more than it explicitly said, that was open to interpretation, and held within itself "im plications." And by implication that meant the Constitution was a docu ment that could grow and change with changing times and circumstances, that it was indeed designed to grow and change with changing times and circumstances.

During the Transition Era there came to be propounded what the Su preme Court Bulletin's summary of Anderson refers to as the "Doc trine of Original Intent." One of its early protagonists was one Edwin Meese, the most promi nent of President Ronald Reagan's several Attor neys General, later President of Right-Wing Reaction's Transition Era coordinating body, the highly secretive Council for National Policy. A for mer local prosecutor with no back ground in Con sti tu tion al law, a lawyer who once was supposed to have said that if the police arrested some one that was evi dence enough he or she was guilty, Meese held that if it wasn't in the Consti tu tion, in clear lan guage, it didn't exist. (Meese later became the head of the National Council on Policy, the highly secretive coordinating body for a wide range of Reactionary Republican and Christian Rightist organizations during the run-up to fascism.)

A more cerebral proponent of the Doctrine was one Robert Bork. He had two principal claims to fame. One was that as the third"'ranking Jus tice De partment official in 1973, on the orders of President Richard M. Nixon he fired a supposedly independent prosecutor during the scan dal that eventually came to be known by the name "Watergate" and that eventually led to Nixon's resignation as President. (Bork's two superi ors at the time both resigned rather than carry out an order which in deed was later found to be unlawful.)

The other was that he was the most celebrated failed Supreme Court nomi nee in the history of the old U.S. And his nomination failed pre cisely because he held to Constitutional theories that were complete ly at odds with those held by almost everyone else at the time consid ered to be an authority on the mat ter. But his time eventually came. The Court did adopt the theory he es poused so eloquently in so many legal papers and articles. Summarizing the theory, Bork held that (1993):

". . . principles not originally understood to be in the Constitu tion [have no constitutional validity]. Where the Constitution is silent, [a Supreme Court] Justice has no [legislative review] authority. To act against legisla tion without authority is to en gage in civil disobedience from the bench and to perpetrate lim ited coups d'e'tat that overthrow the American form of govern ment."

By implication, of course, Bork was attacking Marshall, because what he found in the Constitution was certainly not originally under stood to be there (assuming that "originally" in this context means "when the Consti tu tion was written"). And by so doing, Bork was in the front of a move ment to deny 200 years of American jurisprudence. His, in essence, was the think ing behind Anderson.

It is interesting that Bork's theory of Original Intent would appear to have much in common with the theory of "Biblical Innerantism" that was all the rage among the Religious Right during the Transition Era and pro vided a major piece of the foundation of the thinking that lead to American Fascism. But that's another story, one we will get to later.

A spirited attack on the theory of Original Intent had been offered a few years before Bork wrote the article cited above by Judge Irving R. Kaufman, a Federal Circuit Court of Appeals judge (1987):

"I regard reliance on original intent to be a largely specious mode of in ter pretation. I often find it instructive to consult the Framers when I am called upon to interpret the Constitution, but it is the beginning of my inquiry, not the end. For not only is the quest for 'intent' fraught with obstacles of a practical na ture -- notably that the Framers plainly never foresaw most of the problems that bedevil the courts today -- it may also be more undemocratic than competing methods of construing the Consti tu tion.

"If the search for 'intent' sums up the constitutional enter prise, then cur rent generations are bound not merely by general lan guage but by spe cific conceptions frozen in time by men long dead. . . .

"The open"'textured nature of most of the vital clauses of the Con stitu tion signifies that the drafters expected future genera tions to adapt the language to modern circumstances, not con duct judi cial autopsies into the minds of the Framers. When the Founding Fathers talked about due pro cess, equal protection and free dom of speech and reli gion, they were em bracing gen eral principles, not specific solutions [emphasis added]."

Kaufman here is of course defending the expansive approach to Con stitu tional interpretation that lead to the broadening of protections for indi vidual rights that so enraged Right"'Wing Reactionaries in the latter half of the 20th century and lead eventually to Anderson.

It is ironic that in his younger days Kaufman was the judge who pre sided over the trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, accused of being atomic"'weapons spies, convicted, and eventually executed. Many peo ple around the world thought the trial and the subsequent failed appeals pro cess were possibly rigged and certainly major miscarriages of jus tice. Both Ethel and Julius were politi cal progressives and he was an active member of the Communist Party. Ethel was almost certainly not a spy, and if Julius was, he was apparently engaged only in stealing industrial, not atomic weapons, secrets.

The trial and execution of the Rosenbergs, it was revealed later, fea tured unprecedented collusion between the Federal Bureau of Investi gation, the Fed eral Department of Justice, and the Courts, including both Judge Kaufman and the Supreme Court (Meeropol; Schneir and Schneir; Wexley). But it was a major feature of the so"'called "McCar thy Period" (1945"'60). During that time of so"'called "anti"'Communist hysteria," indi vidual rights for many left"'wing Americans were harshly suppressed. Pun ishment, most often in the form of political and judi cial harassment and loss of employment, not imprisonment or death, was meted out simply for having, holding to, and expressing unpopular ideas, not for engaging in any even faintly illegal activity.

As an echo in a way of McCarthyism, in Anderson a group of Right"'Wing Reactionary justices overturned the whole U.S. legal tradi tion from the time of the founding and organization of the Republic because they didn't like the outcomes that tradition had produced. With the Court out of the way, by its own hand no less, Right"'Wing Reaction had suc ceed ed in emasculating the powers of one of the three protectors of Ameri can constitutional democracy, the Courts, the me dia, and the Congress, on which it had set its sights during the Transi tion Era (see Appendix III). Thus Anderson significantly accelerated the development of fascism in the old U.S. But who ever said that the Court was not always truly a political institution (Rodell)?

A Parthenon Pomeroy Diary Entry, May 15, 2003

We did it, we did it. We've finally got the Supreme Court out of our hair. And those old fogeys handled the comb them selves. The people are going to rule now. Wow! 15 years of hard work to change that damned Court. We're going to save our country, our freedom, our American way of life. I can't believe it. But i'd better believe it. I do believe it. This is going to fix things up all right. Jobs for every one. Cut taxes to the bone. And we can get the coons out of the schools, get sex out of the schools, get those f*ggots out of the schools, get prayer back in, where it belongs. Yowy kazowy. This is what we need to get America back to where it ought to be, to what it can be, to what it always was and always will be. Thanks, God, and thanks Pat, too.

References:

Bork, R., "The Senate's Power Grab," New York Times, June 23, 1993.

Cox, A., The Court and the Constitution, Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1987, pp. 58, 59, 63, 66, 75, 342, 360.

Kaufman, I.R., "No Way to Interpret the Constitution," New York Times, Jan. 2, 1987.

Meeropol, R., "Critique with Mort Mecloskey," WUSB"'FM, 90.1, Stony Brook, NY, October 30, 1995.

Rodell, F., Nine Men: A Political History of the Supreme Court from 1790 to 1955, New York: Random House, 1955.

Schneir, W. and Schneir, M., Invitation to an Inquest, New York: Dou bleday, 1965.

Supreme Court Bulletin (Windham, NH), "Supreme Court Has No Constitutional Review Authority," Vol. 24, No. 8, June 2003, p. 3.

Wexley, J., The Judgment of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, New York: Cameron and Kahn, 1955.

Author's Note:

[1] Author's Note: The "Helms Amendment," offered in Congress a number of times from the early 1980s onwards by Senator Jesse Helms (R"'NC) (Cox) and his ideologi cal succes sors, was finally passed by the 107th Congress in 2001. The language was unchanged from that version offered by Senator Helms in 1991 as S. 77: "Sec. . (a) This section may be cited as the 'Voluntary School Prayer Act'. (b) (1) Chap ter 81 of title 28, Unit ed States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new section: #1260. Appellate jurisdiction: limitations '(a) Notwith stand ing the provisions of sec tions 1253, 1254, and 1257 of this chapter and in accor dance with section 2 of Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court shall not have jurisdiction to review, by appeal, writ of certiorari, or otherwise, any case arising out of any State statute, ordi nance, rule, regulation, practice, or any part thereof, or arising out of any act inter preting, apply ing, enforcing, or effecting any State statute (and etc.) which relates to voluntary prayer, Bible read ing, or religious meetings in public schools or public build ings . . .'"

There is no indication or evidence that Senator Jesse Helms would have support ed the specifics of the Supreme Court's decision in Anderson v. Board of Education or any of the actions taken pursuant to it by any branch of the U.S. government or any succes sor.
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From Empire Burlesque



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Just days after President Trump came out firmly on the side of the Saudi Islamic extremists in their tiff with the Qatari Islamic extremists, his State Department, led by the rape-the-environment extremist Rexxon Tillerson, has denounced the Saudis for not coming up with a justification for their embargo of Qatar -- a move that Trump himself took credit for. The story is here.

This is the FUBAR form of government. This is rule by SNAFU. It also shows in stark relief the reality of the US government today. Exxon man and the generals are in charge of foreign policy. The Congressional extremists led by Ryan and McConnell are in charge of domestic policy. Steve Bannon, as he openly declared last year, is using Trump as an "instrument" to push his vision of white nationalist authoritarianism. The ignorant, infantile president, Trump, is not in charge of anything at all beyond the promotion of his own brand and the aggrandizement of his sleazy, crime-ridden family and their cronies.

Sometimes these power centers converge, sometimes they contradict each other (Trump contradicts himself on a regular basis); all of them are using the immense power of the US government to advance their grubby agendas -- but none of them, not one, give even the slightest damn about the well-being of the American people. The chaos at the heart of the American power system today makes the wildly careening Yeltsin government I saw in action years ago look like a model of reasoned statecraft.

The generals are pushing -- and provoking -- war with Iran and Russia; their sometime ally, Tillerson, wants war with Iran but rapprochment with Russia to secure lucrative oil contracts; Trump backs any country that bribes him with business deals, like Saudi Arabia and China; and the Congressional extremists, along with their allies in the cabinet, continue their crusade to kill the sick, kill the old, rob the poor and the middle-class, poison the environment and leave the country a smoking, hollowed-out ruin, all to fill the coffers of their oligarch masters.

I have written -- for decades -- about the crimes and depredations of the American power elite (including the mass murders and assassinations and corporate servitude of the great progressive god Obama); but there has never been anything quite like the monstrous chaos we now see at the heart of the American power structure. Where this out-of-control FUBAR/SNAFU form of government will lead us -- world war? nuclear conflagration? societal colllapse? authoritarian rule? -- is anyone's guess. But we are certainly living in more "interesting times" the planet has seen since the 1930s; and I think we will all know how that turned out.
Looking Back at the 11 PokerNews Cup Champions

June 21, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

When the 2017 PokerNews Cup returns to the Kings Casino in Rozvadov on August 16, it will be the 12th edition of this long-running and exciting event. Eleven players from around the globe can lay claim to being PokerNews Cup champions. Can you remember them all?

Dory Zayneh: 2007 PokerNews Cup Australia champion

The inaugural PokerNews Cup took place at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia in late October 2007. Back then, the tournament commanded a A$3,000 buy-in yet it still attracted 428 entrants who created a prize pool of A$1,198,400.

It was the up and coming Dory Zayneh who emerged victorious, defeating Kenny Ng heads-up to get his hands on the A$300,000 first-place prize.

Darren Kramer: 2008 PokerNews South African Open champion

After the success of the PokerNews Cup Melbourne event in 2007, the tour headed to Johannesburg, South Africa in 2008. A small but tough field competed for a $140,575 top prize, which was eventually won by Darren Kramer after he sent Chris Convery home in second-place; Convery collected $95,826.

Erich Kollman: 2008 PokerNews Cup Austria champion

A field of 201 players bought into the 2008 PokerNews Cup Austria, which was the first-ever European edition of the cup. Austrias Erich Kollman was the triumphant player, turning his 220 into a much more impressive 31,160.

Kollman has gone on to amass more than $1.73 million in live poker tournament winnings, enough for third place in the Austrian all-time money listings.

Nali Kaselias: 2008 PokerNews Cup Australia champion

The PokerNews Cup returned to its spiritual home of Melbourne in October 2008 and saw 410 players exchange A$2,200 for the chance to win a prestigious trophy.

Seasoned Australian pros such as Billy Argyros, David Saab, Grant Levy and David Gorr all made it into the money places, but it was Nali Kaselias who took down the tournament, his first recorded live cash, and collected A$250,000, which is still Kaselias largest cash to date.

Marcus Naalden: 2009 PokerNews Cup Alpine champion

The Netherlands Marcus Naalden won one of the two PokerNews Cups held in 2009 with his taking place in the beautiful ski resort in Hinterglemm. A compact field of 129 players made its way to the Alpine Palace Card Casino and created a 172,054 prize pool.

Naalden played his way to victory at a final table housing eight different nationalities, showing the PokerNews Cup had truly gone global, and banked 46,474.

Con Tsapkounis: 2009 PokerNews Cup Australia champion

Con Tsapkounis won what would turn out to be the last PokerNews Cup for five years when he navigated his way through a 381-strong field to scoop A$250,000. It was a superb result for Tsapkounis especially as he beat Joe Cabret heads-up for the title. Cabret went on to be the runner-up in the 2013 Aussie Millions Main Event for a life-changing A$1,000,000 cash haul.

Christian Krupp: 2014 PokerNews Cup Rozvadov champion

The PokerNews Cup returned with a bang when the Kings Casino in Rozvadov hosted the first PokerNews-run tournament for five years. A massive field of 1,230 entrants made 235 rebuys to smash the 200,000 guarantee by some 110,499.

Players from around Europe descended on the casino for the tournament but it was Christian Krupp of Freisem, Germany who claimed the lions share of the prize pool, namely 57,473. A superb return on a 250 investment.

Hanh Tran: 2014 PokerNews Cup Vienna champion

The Montesino Pokertainment Centre in Vienna played host to a 367-strong field in the second PokerNews Cup of 2014. Again, the 75,000 guarantee was smashed when a 90,675 prize pool was created.

Hanh Tran was crowned the tournaments champion and banked 19,010 after a three-way deal involving Fabian Gritsch (12,610) and Lubos Trembecki (10,000).

Daniel Can: 2015 PokerNews Cup Rozvadov champion

The 2015 PokerNews Cup ended in bizarre fashion when the entire nine-handed final table struck a deal for the remains of the 200,000 prize pool.

Germanys Daniel Can was credited with becoming the tournaments champion and walked away with 17,105 with the other eight finalists securing payouts of between 9,814 and 16,822.

Timur Caglan: 2016 PokerNews Cup Rozvadov champion

Another fantastic turnout of 904 entrants, who made 200 rebuys between then, ensured the 200,000 guarantee of the 2016 PokerNews Cup Rozvadov was beaten by 35,980. This lead to a 44,695 first-place prize, which was claimed by Germanys Timur Caglan.

Caglan is a regular at Kings Casino and it was here he won a WSOP Circuit ring in March 2017, an accolade that came with a 62,539 prize. Caglan is sure to be competing in the 2017 PokerNews Cup so watch out for him.

Ryan Van Sanford: 2016 PokerNews Cup Borgata champion

Ryan Van Sanford scooped the $68,676 first-place prize of the first-ever PokerNews Cup held in the United States. Van Sanford was joined by 119 opponents in the $2,150 buy-in event which was part of the WPT Borgata Poker Open.

Such luminaries as Jacob Bazeley, Aaron Massey, Christian Harder and Barry Hutter all showed a return on their investment, but none could match the prize awarded to Van Sanford.

Qualify for the 2017 PokerNews Cup at TonyBet Poker

TonyBet is hosting multiple satellites to give you a chance to win one of the 20 complete PokerNews Cup packages worth 600 that are being given away!

Each package prize includes:

1x 250 buy-in to the PokerNews Cup Main Event

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Six night accommodation at the King's Hotel

There are two ways to get your hands on one of these packages. First, you can partake in a daily 3 qualifier where if you finish in the top three, you have yourself a ticket for one of the main qualifiers. If you want to avoid that hassle, skip the line and play directly in one of the main qualifiers with the paltry sum of a 30 buy-in .

Here's the schedule:

Date Prizes Buy-In Add. Info June 25 at 7pm GMT 5 seats guaranteed 30 buy-in unl. re-buys/add-ons July 2nd, 7pm GMT 3 seats guaranteed 30 buy-in unl. re-buys/add-ons July 16th, 7pm GMT 4 seats guaranteed 30 buy-in unl. re-buys/add-ons July 30th, 7pm GMT 8 seats guaranteed 30 buy-in unl. re-buys/add-ons

The PokerNews team will be in Rozvadov for the 2017 PokerNews Cup. The question is: will you be joining us?
Advance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 07:55:50

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Renal cell carcinoma is one of the fastest growing disease of solid tumor oncology. From past couple of decades, there has been a dramatic alteration in the clinical framework that shapes both renal cell carcinoma understanding and treatment. Renal cell carcinoma is a malignancy that in advanced disease stages is highly resistant to systemic therapies. Advanced surgical interventions and novel drugs, have enhanced patient survival and prolonged clinically stable-disease states. The proportion of small and incidental renal tumors has significantly increased owing to the extensive use of abdominal imaging, e.g. ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Renal cell carcinoma is the eighth most common malignancy, which affects the adults, and it accounts for between 3% and 4% of new, different cancer cases globally. Statistically, it has been analyzed that renal cell carcinoma is the seventh common cancer in male and the ninth most common cancer in the female by various famed research institutes. Renal cell carcinoma represents hereditary disorders with distinct cytogenetic and immune-histochemical properties that have contradictory prognoses, imaging characteristics, and potential morbidities.Ask For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2003 Incidences of different types of renal cell carcinoma are:Clear Renal Cell Carcinoma: Most common- 7 out of 10 renal cell carcinoma patientsPapillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: Second most common- 1 out of 10 renal cell carcinoma patientsChromophobe Cell Carcinoma: 5 out of 100 renal cell carcinoma patientsAdvance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncrease in aging population is one of the major factors driving the revenue growth of the renal cell carcinoma market. Furthermore, renal cell carcinoma is a rare disease with a small patient-base constitutingall ages from infants to older adults. However, the disease is predominantly noted in age group of ~ 60-70 years, exposing a higher probability of occurrence. Expanding research into orphan drugs is a factor projected to create lucrative revenue potential for drug makers of renal cell carcinoma.Restraints include lack of technological advances in genome sequencing, stagnant number of diagnosed population base and low patient awareness levels among others.The disease pattern of renal cell carcinoma disease is also affected by the genomic alteration, changes in lifestyle etc. Other inevitable restraints include lack of product availability on specific diseases & target indications apart from feeble pipeline.Ask For Table of Content@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2003 Advance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market: SegmentationAdvance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market can be segmented based on drugs class and distribution channel.Based on pharmacological class, segments in advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market include:InterferonInterleukinFluorinated pyrimidine antimetaboliteTyrosine kinase inhibitorsRapamycin-derivative kinase inhibitorMultityrosine kinase inhibitorBased on distribution channel, advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market is segmented as:Hospitals and Hospital PharmaciesCancer Research InstitutesMultispecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersRetail PharmaciesOthersPalliative care CentersLong term Care CentersAdvance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market: OverviewAdvance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market is projected to decline during the forecast period due slow results of clinical trials with lack of safety data. Indeed, the advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market would show a stagnant CAGR due to increase in population in developing countries. While innovations like change in mode of action are being adapted; technical advancements in treatment procedures are expected to make the market shift significantly. The weak drug pipeline and lack of differentiation in drug therapy may hinder the progress of the advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market.Advance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market: Region-wise OutlookBased on geographic regions, advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America accounts for major revenue share in the global market of the disease, owing to an increasingly aging population and rising awareness towards innovative drug therapies. The pattern is closely followed by markets in Western & Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Lower acceptance of combination therapies followed by lack of facilities in disease diagnosis are factors that may have a negative impact on revenue generation from renal cell carcinoma therapeutics. The advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market in Japan will have a constant growth due to the balance between acceptance of combinational therapies and rising disease incidence due to changes in lifestyle. Markets in Middle East and Africa pose lucrative revenue generation opportunities for players in the renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market. This is fuelled by increasing expenditure on healthcare from foreign countries in the region to cover a large untapped patient population base.Advance Renal Cell Carcinoma Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersKey drug manufacturers targeting advance renal cell carcinoma therapeutics market include Exelixis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Pfizer, Eisai Co., Ltd, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, and Bayer among others.
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Gabriel Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---London, England (FSCWire) - Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX:GBU). has issued a press release with the following headline:Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Gabriel Resources Ltd. (Gabriel)To 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 Gabriel Resources Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Gabriel Resources Ltd.Source: Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX: GBU, WKN: 931885, ISIN: CA3619701061)Date: June 21, 2017Time: 7:37 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Gabriel Resources Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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The Asia-Pacific Ultrasound Devices Market has been estimated at USD 1.38 Billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 2.02 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.92% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Ultrasonic devices are used to detect objects and measure distances. Ultrasound imaging or sonography is often used in medicine. In the nondestructive testing of products and structures, ultrasound is used to detect invisible flaws.Government and private funding for R&D in ultrasound imaging, aging population, increasing number of healthcare providers, curtailment in the size of ultrasound devices, and higher incidences of chronic diseases are some of the factors that are propelling the growth of the market. However, lack of skilled labor to handle the equipment and stringent FDA regulations are turning out to be restraints for this market in Asia-Pacific region.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-ultrasound-devices-market-578/ Asia-Pacific market for Ultrasound devices is segmented based on Technology, Device Display, Portability, and Application. By Technology, the market is segmented as Diagnostic Ultrasound (2D Ultrasound, 3D & 4D Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasound) and Therapeutic Ultrasound (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound, Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy). By Device Display, the market is segmented as Color Ultrasound Devices and Black and White Ultrasound Devices. By Portability, the market is segmented as Trolley/Cart-based Ultrasound Devices and Compact/Handheld Ultrasound Devices. By Application, the market is segmented as Radiology/General Imaging, Cardiology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Vascular, Urology and Other Applications (Includes Breast Imaging, Hepatology, Anesthesiology, and Emergency Care). The trolley/cart-based ultrasound devices segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Asia-Pacific ultrasound market in 2015; whereas, the compact/handheld ultrasound devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Cardiology application is expected to be the fastest growing segment during forecast period owing to rising incidence of cardiac diseases across the globe.Geographically, Asia-Pacific market for Ultrasound devices is segmented into China, Japan, India, South Korea and Australia. Increasing number of age-related illnesses, growing public awareness about therapeutic benefits offered by ultrasound, and increasing focus of international device manufacturers on strengthening their distribution networks in APAC, are the factors that are noticed in this region which is attracting the companies to enter into this market.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/asia-pacific-ultrasound-devices-market-578/request-sample General Electric Company (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Siemens AG (Germany), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Esaote S.p.A. (Italy), Mindray Medical International Ltd. (China), and Analogic Corporation (U.S.) are some of the key players in the Asia-Pacific ultrasound market.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: 2017-06-22 11:30:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Banyan Gold Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Banyan Gold Corp. (TSX Venture:BYN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Banyan Gold Corp Closing First Trance Of Non-Brokered Private PlacementTo 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 Banyan Gold Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Banyan Gold Corp.Source: Banyan Gold Corp. (TSX Venture: BYN)Date: June 22, 2017Time: 5:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Banyan Gold Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Indiana Resources Limited--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---West Perth WA (FSCWire) - Indiana Resources Limited (TSX:IXR). has issued a press release with the following headline:Drilling of high-priority gold targets at Naujombo and KishuguTo 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 Indiana Resources Limited, 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/Indiana Resources LimitedSource: Indiana Resources Limited (TSX: IXR, TSX: IDA, ISIN: AU000IDA0, WKN: A2AMKT)Date: June 21, 2017Time: 7:49 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Indiana Resources Limited 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.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Electrical Steel Coating Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026"report to their offering.

Electrical Steel Coating Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 08:19:21

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616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Growing adoption of large power transformers in heavy industries as well as residential sectors is driving the sales of electrical steel coatings. Particularly in developed countries, a majority of electrical steel coatings are used for manufacturing the core of such transformers. Higher surface insulation resistance and thermal stability are some of the key advantages that promote the use of electrical steel coatings in such applications. Future Market Insights recently published its report on the global market for electrical steel coatings, excerpts from which also indicate how increasing sales of hybrid cars and EVs are factoring the growth in demand for electrical steel coatings. According to the report, the global electrical steel coatings market is presently valued at US$ 211.9 Mn, and is expected to expand at 5.3% CAGR to reach US$ 353.6 Mn by the end of 2024.Apart from their use in manufacturing large power transformers, and motors of hybrid cars and EVs, electrical steel coatings are also gaining applicability in energy conservation measures. Eco-friendly production of various electrical equipment has necessitated the use of electrical steel coatings, especially for spiking energy efficiency of such equipment. While the global electrical steel coating revenues are projected to grow at a steady pace, the market is estimated to witness downtrend in terms of global consumption. Decreasing end-use sales of electrical steel coatings among potential buyers is said to impact the global consumption count, which recorded sales of 34,563 tonnes of electrical steel coatings in 2016.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3103 In the report, titled Electrical Steel Coatings Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, the demand for electrical steel coatings has been projected to be considerably high in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. By the end of 2026, the APEJ electrical steel coatings market is expected to dominate by accounting for US$ 150 Mn revenues. While the region will register fastest revenue growth, Western Europes electrical steel coatings market is also predicted to grow robustly. Moreover, Japans electrical steel coating revenues will also soar at an impressive CAGR of 4.6%.US-based Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is being profiled as one of the largest manufacturer & supplier of electrical steel coatings in the world. Companies such as AK Steel Holding Corporation, Proto Laminations Inc. and Polaris Laser Laminations, LLC are also contributing towards consolidation of electrical steel coatings market in North America. The global electrical steel coatings market will witness significant participation from APEJ companies such as Wuhan Iron & Steel (GROUP) Corp., and Filtra Catalyst and Chemicals Ltd., as well as Japans JFE Steel Corporation. Worlds leading steel manufacturer, ArcelorMittal SA, is also partaking in the growth of global electrical steel coatings market. Other companies profiled in this report include, thyssenkrupp AG, Rembrandtin Lack GmbH Ngf. KG, Cogent Power Limited, and Chemetall GmbH.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3103 Key highlights of the report on global electrical steel coating market include:Development of water-based semi-inorganic coatings is slated to revolutionise the global electrical steel coating market.More than three-fourth of global electrical steel coating revenues arise from sales of C5 coatings.By 2026-end, nearly 80% of global electrical steel coating market value will be accounted by chrome-free coating materialsIn 2016, more than US$ 140 Mn worth of electrical steel coatings were globally consumed for non-grain-oriented applications.Over the forecast period, automotive motors will be remain as the most prominent end-use of electrical steel coatings in the world.Browse Full Report@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/electrical-steel-coatings-market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 08:04:01

Guernsey, 22 June 2017 - Eurocastle Investment Limited ("Eurocastle" or the "Company") today announces the results of its 2017 Annual General Meeting held yesterday, 21 June 2017. All ordinary and extraordinary business tabled before the meeting in accordance with the Notice of Annual General Meeting circulated to shareholders on 19 May 2017 was approved. A copy of this Notice is available on Eurocastle's website at www.eurocastleinv.com.

ABOUT EUROCASTLE

Eurocastle Investment Limited is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company that focuses on investing in performing and non-performing loans and other real estate related assets primarily in Italy. The Company is Euro denominated and is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under the symbol "ECT". Eurocastle is managed by an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC, a leading global investment manager. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Eurocastle Investment Limited via Globenewswire


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PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 09:42:10

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The Europe Autoimmune Diagnostics Market was worth $3.39 billion in 2016 and estimated to reach $ 4.08 billion by the end of 2021 with a growing potential of 3.78%.Autoimmune diseases arise once the immune system attacks one or more of the body's normal parts as if they were invaders. When the immune system fails to identify "self" it may produce immune cells or antibodies that target its own tissues, cells and organs. Developed countries of Europe have projected high occurrence rate of auto immune disorders compared to other regions of the auto immune disease diagnostics. The strike rate of auto immune diseases is more in women compared to men. The presence of large untapped opportunities available in the developing eastern European countries is expected to fuel the growth of the market.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-autoimmune-diagnostics-market-1192/ High occurrence of auto immune disorders, Supportive government policies, increasing public awareness, increased government funding aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, introduction of advanced technologies such as novel biomarkers and portable diagnostic equipment are the major factors driving the growth of the market. The key restraints that inhibiting the growth of the auto immune diagnostics market are low prevalence of localized auto immune disorders as compared to systemic diseases and growing rate of diagnostics errors.The Europe Auto immune diagnostics Market is broadly categorized based on Test type into Complete Blood Count (CBC), Autoantibody Tests, Antinuclear Antibody Tests, C - reactive protein (CRP), Comprehensive Metabolic panel, Urinalysis, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and others.Based on Disease type the market is categorized into Localized auto immune disease diagnostics and systemic auto immune disease diagnostics. Local auto immune disease diagnostics is further classified into Graves disease, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Type 1 diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis and Others. Systemic auto immune disease diagnostics is categorized into Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Ankylosing Spondylitis.Based on End users into Hospitals, Research centres, and diagnostic laboratories and on the basis of geography, the Europe Auto Immune Diagnostics market is analysed under various regions namely U.K, Germany, Italy, France and Spain.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-autoimmune-diagnostics-market-1192/request-sample Some of the key players operating in Europe include Bio-Rad, Siemens Healthcare, Abbott Laboratories, Crescendo Bioscience, Roche Diagnostics SQI Diagnostics, AESKU Diagnostics, INOVA Diagnostics Inc., BioMerieux SA, Beckman Coulter Inc., Hemagen Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics, Eli lilly, Glaxosmithkline Plc.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: 2017-06-22 16:30:11

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Frontier Lithium Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Sudbury, Ontario (FSCWire) - Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSX Venture:FL). has issued a press release with the following headline:Frontier Lithium PFS Work Indicates Favourable Ground Conditions for Potential Open Pit Structure at PAK Lithium ProjectTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Frontier Lithium 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/Frontier Lithium Inc.Source: Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSX Venture: FL, WKN: A2ANKZ, ISIN: CA35910P1099)Date: June 22, 2017Time: 10:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Frontier Lithium 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: 2017-06-22 17:36:02

Germany, Greece, India, the Netherlands and Ireland leading countries expecting increase in exports

Global survey finds planned exports hitting 18-month high  but challenges loom in balancing long-term trends and sudden policy shifts

Grant Thornton

John Vita

John.vita@gti.gt.com

312/602-8955

A Grant Thornton global survey of 2,500 businesses in 36 economies finds that while planned export activity has hit an 18-month high, there are significant challenges ahead as exporters must balance positive long-term trends against the potential for sudden policy shifts.

For businesses thinking about their future export plans, assessing longer-term trends and sudden changes in government policy will be a balancing act, according to the data from our last quarterly Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR). said Paul Raleigh, Grant Thornton Global Leader- Growth and Advisory services.

Countries with the greatest increases in planned exports over last quarter are Germany (up 13pp to 35% from 22%), Greece (up 8pp to 34% from 26%), India (up 6pp to 34% from 28%), the Netherlands (up 12pp to 30% from 18%) and Ireland (up 10pp to 28% from 18%).

Export expectations are up in the G7 (up 3pp) and the EU (up 2pp), said Raleigh. This suggests businesses are aiming to tap into the US market, resurgent under the new administration.

At the same time, the proportion of US businesses planning to increase investment in plant and machinery over the next 12 months shot up to 41% in Q1 2017  the highest figure for three years. Providers of capital goods in other countries, which hope to meet that demand, have responded  Germany, with export expectations up 13pp, is a prime example.

News around trade deals has an understandably significant impact on business export plans. Again, many recent headlines focus on the US.

In Canada, export expectations fell significantly in Q1 to 9% (down 10pp)  which coincided with the new US administration declaring it may scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), said Raleigh. In recent weeks, however, it appears NAFTA may be renegotiated rather than ended. It will be interesting to see how firms in Canada and Mexico respond next quarter.

Whats clear is that despite current export confidence, business plans will need to be flexible, said Raleigh. The most successful businesses will assess the likely impacts of both longer terms tends and sudden shifts in policy, and be ready to react swiftly and decisively.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706220058
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 16:12:02

Houston, TX, US, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) released the following statement regarding the publishing of research on the interaction of seismic surveys and zooplankton in Nature: Ecology and Evolution. The IAGC President, Nikki Martin issued the following statement:

"While we found the study interesting, we are also troubled by the small sample sizes, the large day-to-day variability in both the baseline and experimental data, and the large number of speculative conclusions that appear inconsistent with the data collected over a two-day period. Both statistically and methodologically, this project falls short of what would be needed to provide a convincing case for adverse effects from geophysical survey operations.

"Although the initial report is peer-reviewed, it has not been widely accepted by the expert scientific community. We look forward to discussing this topic further with the authors and other experts in this field to determine the best path forward toward more scientifically solid and consistent results that can be replicated and verified by other independent researchers, in the best traditions of science.

"While we remain open to all emerging new scientific information, after more than 50 years of continuous seismic surveying around the world, including extensive operations in the Gulf of Mexico, and over a decade of intense scrutiny by hundreds of scientists, there is still no scientific evidence that sound from seismic operations has negative population impacts on marine life."

###

About the IAGC

The IAGC represents more than 125 member companies worldwide from all segments of the geophysical industry and is the only trade organization solely dedicated to representing the industry. It is the most credible and effective voice for promoting and ensuring a safe, environmentally responsible and competitive geophysical industry essential to discovering and delivering the world's energy resources.

Contact: Gail Adams, Vice President, Communications & External Affairs

gail.adams@iagc.org

713-957-8080 - office

281-702-4201- mobile

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0e03d7c-f910-418c-8a6b-1b9dfdaef4c5
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 09:18:35

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Colombo and Tokyo, June 22, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - LankaClear (Private) Limited (LankaClear), an organization incorporated in 2002 and owned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and all Licensed Commercial Banks operating in Sri Lanka, and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd. (JCB), announced on June 20th that both parties have entered into a strategic partnership for the establishment of the National Card Scheme (NCS) to introduce the issuance of LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards and to jointly promote the acceptance of such cards with JCB payment solutions.By integrating JCB payment solutions to LankaPay participant members and leveraging the planned interconnection between the payment networks of LankaClear and JCB, the LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards issued by LankaClear participant members would be accepted globally via the JCB international network and locally through the LankaClear network.In addition, the strategic partnership would also facilitate the acceptance of international JCB cards at ATMs and merchants accepting LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards across Sri Lanka. Both parties are targeting to complete the implementation and launch of the issuance and the acceptance of LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards by beginning of 2018.Through this strategic partnership, the issuance of the LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards would be the first-ever JCB branded cards issued in the country. The acceptance of the internationally issued JCB branded cards in Sri Lanka is expected to reach the same level of acceptance as the LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards issued in Sri Lanka. This would undoubtedly meet the demand of the usage of cards by the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka, especially those traveling from India, which is the biggest tourist contingent to Sri Lanka where JCBI is expected to have a large card base in the near future.General Manager and CEO of LankaClear, Channa de Silva said, "Our quest is to promote cost effective and efficient electronic transactions with the primary objective of reducing cash based transactions, thus, reduce the burden on the economy. In this context, NCS is one of the key elements in which we envisage to increase the usage of car based transaction in the country via our Common Card And Payment Switch (CCAPS). By conducting a transparent selection process, LankaClear identified JCB as the partner for NCS based on a set of stringent evaluation criteria and subsequently carrying out extensive negotiations from the pool of proposals received from many international card schemes. The primary objective of the selection was to select the partner who would give the best value proposition to this national endeavour. Launching NCS in partnership with JCB payment solutions would be a significant milestone in the Sri Lankan payment ecosystem to reduce cash usage. I am confident that issuance of LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards by all card issuing organizations and via international acceptance of such cards would strengthen the already established economic relationships and further enhance the exchange of cultural experiences for both nations." Senior Vice President of JCBI, Yuichiro Kadowaki said, "We are pleased to be selected as the partner for the establishment of NCS and excited to contribute to this national endeavour with our payment solutions. As Sri Lanka is one of the most attractive travel destinations in the world, it is very important for JCB to expand and maintain better acceptance across the country as one of the aspects of the NCS project. In addition, accompanied with the stable economic growth in Sri Lanka, the number of Sri Lankans travelling outside the country would also bound to grow. JCB hopes that extensive card acceptance network and customer oriented services and promotions throughout Asia, including in Japan, could be experienced and enjoyed by such card members of LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards.We will also explore the opportunity of introducing new payment technologies such as contactless payments and mobile payments in Sri Lanka through this partnership with LankaClear. We are confident that the customers of LankaPay-JCB co-branded cards will experience the benefit of the emerging financial technologies in their daily lives as well as during their travel through this strategic partnership between LankaClear and JCBI." About LankaClearIncorporated in February 2002 as the "National Cheque Clearing House", today, LankaClear has expanded its service offering to be the "National Payment Network" for the country. Owned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and all Licensed Commercial Banks operating in Sri Lanka, the company boasts of multiple solution offerings not only for the banking sector but also across all industries that are ready and willing to adopt/integrate to the latest digital technologies driving Sri Lanka toward an efficient, green, and paperless nation.In an era where electronic payment modes are gaining popularity worldwide, we at LCPL have set the foundation and platforms in moving Sri Lanka to a cashless society with paperless offices. As the catalyst of change in the Sri Lankan Payment Industry, the company has continuously strived to maintain the highest standards of efficiency and security in catering to this emerging market needs. The LankaSign Certification Service Provider (CSP) implemented by LankaClear provides the much needed security for the electronic payment systems and is currently the only commercially operated CSP in the country.LankaClear has introduced many ground breaking products, some of which have been first in the South Asian Region. Our committed and dynamic team of professionals, with global exposure brings in the expertise in driving the technology footprint and the service delivery at LankaClear. http://www.lankaclear.com/ ContactLankaClear (Private) LimitedWayomi GunathilakaManager - Business Development & Brand PromotionsTel: +94 11 235 6938Email: Wayomi.Gunathilaka@lankaclear.com About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and card member base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: http://www.global.jcb/en/ Note: Statistics in About JCB are as of March 2017.ContactJCB International Co., Ltd.Kae MitsudaGlobal Business PlanningTel: +81-3-5778-7963Email: jcbinternational-pr@ info.jcb.co.jp
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PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 09:34:40

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, at a CAGR of 6.93% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Medical sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based diagnostic medical imaging technique used to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, to capture their size, structure and any pathological lesions with real time tomographic images. Ultrasound has been used by radiologists and sonographers to image the human body.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-ultrasound-devices-market-579/ Market growth in Latin America can be attributed to the rising patient population base for chronic and lifestyle-related disorders (such as hypertension and vascular disorders) coupled with growing geriatric population; technological advancements; increasing public-private investments, funds, and grants; and growing market demand for minimally invasive disease diagnosis and treatment. However, dearth of skilled and experienced sonographers and technological limitations of ultrasound systems are some of the factors restricting the market growth.Latin America market for Ultrasound devices is segmented based on Technology, Device Display, Portability, and Application. By Technology, the market is segmented as Diagnostic Ultrasound (2D Ultrasound, 3D & 4D Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasound) and Therapeutic Ultrasound (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound, Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy). By Device Display, the market is segmented as Color Ultrasound Devices and Black and White Ultrasound Devices. By Portability, the market is segmented as Trolley/Cart-based Ultrasound Devices and Compact/Handheld Ultrasound Devices. By Application, the market is segmented as Radiology/General Imaging, Cardiology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Vascular, Urology and Other Applications (Includes Breast Imaging, Hepatology, Anesthesiology, and Emergency Care). The trolley/cart-based ultrasound devices segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Latin America ultrasound market in 2015; whereas, the compact/handheld ultrasound devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Cardiology application is expected to be the fastest growing segment during forecast period owing to rising incidence of cardiac diseases across the globe.Geographically, Latin America market for Ultrasound devices is segmented into Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Rising demand for minimally invasive diagnostic as well as therapeutic devices is primarily driving the growth of the market, which is attracting the companies to invest in this region.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-ultrasound-devices-market-579/request-sample General Electric Company (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Siemens AG (Germany), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Esaote S.p.A. (Italy), Mindray Medical International Ltd. (China), and Analogic Corporation (U.S.) are some of the key players in the Latin America ultrasound market.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: 2017-06-22 02:15:12

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# 396 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for M Pharmaceutical Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---CINCINNATI, OHIO (FSCWire) - M Pharmaceutical Inc. (CSE:MQ). has issued a press release with the following headline:M Pharmaceutical Inc. Announces Repricing and Extension of WarrantsTo 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 M Pharmaceutical 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/M Pharmaceutical Inc.Source: M Pharmaceutical Inc. (CSE: MQ, OTCQB: MPHMF, FWB: T3F2.F, ISIN: A14RWC, WKN: CA55346E2050)Date: June 21, 2017Time: 8:15 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of M Pharmaceutical 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.)
48 Indians held hostage in Saptari brick kiln rescued

At least 48 Indians, who were allegedly taken hostage at a brick kiln in Saptari, have been rescued on Thursday. Most of them were children.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Artificial Pancreas Systems Market: North America and Europe Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026"report to their offering.

Artificial Pancreas Systems Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 08:16:41

Press Information

Future Market Insights

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,



Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



United States



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F: +1-845-579-5705



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# 457 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Growing number of diabetics in the US, Canada and European countries has been compelling hospitals to keep artificial pancreas systems in stock. Government-funded organisations in North America and Europe are collaborating with local as well as global medical device manufacturers to meet the rising demand for artificial pancreas systems. A latest report published by Future Market Insights reveals that the value of artificial pancreas systems market in North America and Europe reached US$ 86.5 Mn by the end of 2016. The report also predicts that people suffering from diabetes in these regions will keep opting for artificial pancreas systems in order to control their blood sugar levels externally.Lifestyle of residents in Europe and North America is triggering the incidence of diabetes (type 1 as well as type 2) in these regions. Substantial rise in diabetic patients compels doctors, pathologists and endocrinologists to treat patients malfunctioning pancreas superficially. The rate at which a physiological pancreas get replaced with a substitute (artificial pancreas system) will keep gaining momentum in this region. By the end of 2026, more than US$ 280 Mn worth of artificial pancreas systems will be sold in North America and Europe, registering a revenue growth at 12.6% CAGR.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-na-3058 Almost every artificial pancreas system sold in these regions will treat patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. In US, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus type 1 is expected to surge beyond control. The US artificial pancreas systems market is presently valued at just over US$ 40 Mn, and will account for over two-third of North Americas artificial pancreas system revenues through 2026. Canadas artificial pancreas system revenues, on the other hand, will surge rampantly at 13.8% CAGR.Hospitals will remain the largest distribution channel for artificial pancreas systems across North America and Europe. Although, the report does highlight a noticeable presence of e-commerce websites in global distribution of medical devices as critical as artificial pancreas systems. Among these regions, North America will remain dominant over Europes artificial pancreas system market. Likewise, the demand for artificial pancreas systems will be fairly high in Western Europe, compared to Eastern Europe. Germany, France, the UK and Poland are leading European countries that are more likely to showcase revenue growth at over 11.5% CAGR.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-na-3058 One of the largest company in North America & Europes artificial pancreas systems market has been identified as Illinois-based medical device manufacturer  Medtronic plc. With it, the UK-based Cellnovo is also being recognised as a prominent manufacturer of artificial pancreas systems. Other key players in the artificial pancreas systems market across North America and Europe include, Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Dexcom Inc., Insulet Corporation, and Tandem Diabetes Care Inc.Browse Full Report@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/north-america-and-europe-artificial-pancreas-systems-market
"Browse And Choose From Our World Class Research Reports"

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 09:38:06

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Market Data Forecast

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Abhishek

Manager (International Business Development)

+1-888-702-9626

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# 600 Words

USAManager (International Business Development)+1-888-702-9626

The North America Ultrasound Devices Market has been estimated at USD 1.55 Billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 1.97 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to help diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the bodys internal organs and to examine a baby in pregnant women and the brain and hips in infants. Its also used to help guide biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and assess damage after a heart attack.Full report at: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-ultrasound-devices-market-576/ In North America, the introduction of technically advanced products with user-friendly and compact designs that offer easy portability is the prime factor resulting in the rapid adoption of handheld devices. Moreover, the shifting trend towards home healthcare and remote patient monitoring to reduce hospitalization cost is augmenting the demand for handheld ultrasound devices. The restraint associated with the growth of the global ultrasound device market includes stringent regulations for the approval of ultrasound device.North America market for Ultrasound devices is segmented based on Technology, Device Display, Portability, and Application. By Technology, the market is segmented as Diagnostic Ultrasound (2D Ultrasound, 3D & 4D Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasound) and Therapeutic Ultrasound (High-intensity Focused Ultrasound, Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy). By Device Display, the market is segmented as Color Ultrasound Devices and Black and White Ultrasound Devices. By Portability, the market is segmented as Trolley/Cart-based Ultrasound Devices and Compact/Handheld Ultrasound Devices. By Application, the market is segmented as Radiology/General Imaging, Cardiology, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Vascular, Urology and Other Applications (Includes Breast Imaging, Hepatology, Anesthesiology, and Emergency Care). The trolley/cart-based ultrasound devices segment is expected to account for the largest share of the North America ultrasound market in 2015; whereas, the compact/handheld ultrasound devices segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Cardiology application is expected to be the fastest growing segment during forecast period owing to rising incidence of cardiac diseases across the globe.Geographically, North America market for Ultrasound devices is segmented into U.S.A and Canada. U.S.A holds the largest share. Well-established healthcare infrastructure and escalating adoption of home healthcare and remote patient monitoring are the prime factors pushing the growth of the market in North America. The high adoption rate of advanced technology in the region is augmenting the demand for miniaturized user-friendly devices.Request sample: http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/north-america-ultrasound-devices-market-576/request-sample General Electric Company (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Siemens AG (Germany), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Esaote S.p.A. (Italy), Mindray Medical International Ltd. (China), and Analogic Corporation (U.S.) are some of the key players in the North America ultrasound market.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
ebook

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 18:04:20

Press Information

Teachable

50 West 17th street, 4th Floor, New York NY 10024



Cameron Mattis

Head of Sales & Accounts

+1 914 574 4094

email

http://lexere.teachable.com/





# 631 Words

50 West 17th street, 4th Floor, New York NY 10024Head of Sales & Accounts+1 914 574 4094

Lexere - An Executive Learning Resource CenterPRESS RELEASE ANOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF AN ONLINE COURSE  STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FOR TECHNICAL CEOsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERide the Corporate Future  Strategic Management for Technical CEOs!An online course designed to expose the CEOs to everything they required in taking key decisions for the successes of their organizations.New York, United States  22nd of June 2017 - As many technically inclined chief executive officers are appointed to run different organizations; they are required to equip themselves with knowledge of strategic management in their new workplaces. Lexere, an executive learning resource center has designed an online course targeting Chief Executive Officers in medical sciences, engineering, operations, information management systems and other pertinent areas.The future composition of CEOs and other Board Members will be dominated by those in fields such as Medical Sciences, IT, Operations, Engineering, etc. They may have little or no formal experiences in strategic management, the scope and depth of this course will expose them to everything they need to know in strategic management.Technical CEOs should be aware of industry observation for its trends in future which predicted that The Future is Software. Software will disrupt most traditional industries in the next 5-10 years.You should be frightened by now! Are you a technical CEO in Medical Sciences, IT, Operations, Engineering and other pertinent areas who has just been promoted to run your organization? Are you a technical board member or a senior manager aiming at the top of corporate ladder? What is the level of your understanding of Strategic Management? Do you know your decision can lift your organization up or lead it to corporate death? If you find yourself suddenly at the top of a corporate ladder, are you going to panic for lack of little or no formal knowledge in strategic management? How are you going to direct your organization to gain a competitive advantage over rivals?You need to learn Strategic Management for Technical CEOs by taking this online course. Every organization requires the utilization of strategic management to gain a competitive advantage over rivals. The course has been arranged in a simple format containing natural technical languages with interpretations beginning with the fundamentals and progressing to the more complex ones. Theres also a video explainer to watch and a write-up on curriculum for everyone that registers.The course will enable you to; Adopt strategic thinking approach to develop organizational core values or sustainability Craft organizational vision and mission statements that guide the development of strategic goals Identify types of strategy at different levels of organizational involvements and their strategic choice fits and many more.Course InstructorPrior to establishing Lexere an executive learning resource center, the course instructor, an MBA graduate of University of Leicester, UK has over 35 years of experience in integrated marketing communications. He had, at one time provided tutorial for MBA students of University of Leicester UK in the area of Strategic Analysis and Choice. The assignment in each tutorial is predicated on authentic live applications of concepts and principles on select industry. He was encouraged to add depth in strategic management literature following the evidently excellent performances of technical CEOs on the subject which provided inspirations to others who do not have the time to take full-time MBA course to attend this online course on Strategic Management.For more information or how to enroll, visit: http://lexere.teachable.com/ Teachable is a for-profit educational technology company based in New York that offers a social online learning platform designed to deliver massive open online courses.Contact OfficerCameron Mattiscameron@ teachable.com Telephone number: 914 574 4094Address: 50 West 17th street, 4th Floor, New York NY 10024Founded: 2014Users: 3 million (March 2017)Headquarters: New York, United StatesMotto: Create and Sell Online CoursesType of site: Distance education
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Speciality Malt Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026"report to their offering.

Speciality Malt Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 08:11:09

Press Information

Future Market Insights

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Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



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# 675 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

In parallel with the rise in global consumption of alcoholic beverages, local entrepreneurs from all corners of the world have begun treading the waters of brewing businesses. A considerable rise in the number of microbreweries being set up across the globe is stimulating the growth in consumption of specialty malts  a key ingredient for making alcoholic beverages such as beer. Innovations in brewing techniques has further consolidated the application of specialty malts in production of flavoured alcoholic beverages.A new research report from Future Market Insights reveals that the global market for specialty malts, which is currently valued at an estimated US$ 2.16 billion, is expected to soar at a steady CAGR of 6.4% and bring in revenues worth over US$ 4 billion by 2026 end.Since the growth in demand for specialty malts continues to remain contingent upon global alcoholic beverage consumption, more than one million tonnes of specialty malts are anticipated to be consumed through 2026. Incidentally, this will also shore up the global production of barley, wheat, corn, soybean and other grains used for deriving specialty malts. By lending a unique flavour, texture, and colour, the application of specialty malts continues to gain significance in production of beverages, revenues from which will impose nearly 90% share on global specialty malts market value throughout the forecast period. The research reveals that revenue share of alcoholic beverages in the global specialty malt market will remain consistent at nearly 82% through 2026. Meanwhile, about 130,000 tonnes of specialty malts were globally consumed for production of non-alcoholic drinks & beverages in 2016.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2439 Western Europe  Largest Consumer of Specialty MaltsWhen it comes to consuming flavoured alcoholic beverages, consumers in Western European countries such as Germany, France or Belgium will certainly not shy away. By the end of the forecast period, more than 500,000 tonnes of specialty malts will be consumed across Western Europe, making it the largest consumer of specialty malts in the world. With respect to production, the demand for specialty malts will register stellar growth in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. The APEJ specialty malts market will register the highest value CAGR of 7.8%, and procure over US$ 1 billion revenues during the projected period. North America and Latin America are anticipated to account for a collective share of more than 24% in global specialty malts revenues through 2026.Cargill, Inc.  Largest Producer of Specialty MaltsWith more than 10% share in global revenues, Cargill Incorporated will retain its title as the largest producer of specialty malts in the world. With its manufacturing plants based in Germany, the company will also boost the status of Western Europe in the global specialty malts market. Joining Cargill in inducing higher production of specialty malts are prominent European companies, namely, IREKS GmbH, Viking Malt Oy, Groupe Soufflet, Malteurop, Axereal and Simpsons Malt Limited. Other key producers of specialty malts profiled in the research report include Australias GrainCorp Ltd., the Cooperative Agraria Agroindustrial of Brazil and Barmalt India Pvt. Ltd.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2439 In the report, titled Specialty Malts Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, Future Market Insights discloses that global demand for caramelised malts will incur a decline in 2017 and beyond. While their dominance on global market revenues will be retained through 2026, the rate at which caramelised specialty malts are consumed in the world will be outpaced by surging consumption of roasted malts. By the end of forecast period, more than US$ 1.5 billion worth of roasted specialty malts are being projected to be sold in the world. Over two-third of global specialty malts production will be sourced from barley grain produce. Although, advancing farming techniques will also increase the production of specialty malts from wheat and rye grains. Likewise, dry extracts of specialty malts will dominate the global specialty malts revenues by accounting for a steady share of 69%. On the other hand, liquid and malt flour extracts will lose market presence in the years to come, exhibiting a marginal dip in their global revenue share.Browse Full Report@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/specialty-malt-market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 09:59:02

For the first time UK consumers can buy and sell shares for free

Established stockbrokers are marking up trade execution cost by up to 1000%

Average broker fees costing investors an estimated 15% of their investment over 5 yrs

Trading 212 Launches the UKs First Zero Commission Share Trading Service

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Patrick Evans / Jamie Brownlee / James Madsen

Tel: 020 7282 2966

Email: Trading212@citigatedr.co.uk

Fast-growing Fintech company Trading 212 is disrupting the UK stockbroking market with the launch of the first zero commission share trading platform. This is the first time UK retail investors will be able to buy and sell shares without having their returns eaten up by the exorbitant commission charged by brokers.

Trading 212 allows investors to make 10 trades per month and up to 10,000 equity per trade commission free, which it estimates will cover the needs of approximately 90% of its customers. It charges larger and more active traders a commission of just 1.95 + 0.05% per trade. Trading 212 users will have full regulatory protection as Avus Capital UK Limited, the parent company, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Trading 212s research reveals that the average commission charged by five of the largest UK online share dealing platforms per trade is 10.01. Popular brokers such as Hargreaves Lansdown and TD Direct charge 11.95 and 12.50 respectively per online trade, and 5.95 for higher volumes of trades.

According to Trading 212, the actual cost to a broker of executing a retail trade is under 1, meaning that investors using traditional brokers are on average paying a multiple of 1000%.

As an example, a consumer looking to build a share portfolio over five years by investing 300 a month placing three trades using Hargreaves Lansdown will pay 2,151 in commission and platform charges, the equivalent to 12.5% of their investment. Assuming a market neutral environment, a Trading 212 investor using the scenario above would see their portfolio grow to 18,000 but if they were to choose Hargreaves Lansdown it would be worth 15,849.

ONS figures show that the percentage ownership of UK stocks by individuals declined from 14.9% in 2003 to 11.9% in 2014. According to Trading 212, a key reason for the fall is that high transaction costs for retail investors make it a disproportionately expensive investment.

Ivan Ashminov, Co-Founder of Trading 212, said: The commissions charged by UK brokers are nothing short of a disgrace. Brokers are charging multiples of the actual cost of executing a trade, not margins. We want to completely shake up retail share trading by democratising the marketplace so smaller investors are no longer penalised for putting their money to work.

Our zero commission approach will not only attract customers from other brokers but bring new investors into the market, particularly younger people as they are more sensitive to overpaying and keen to use new apps.

David Black, an independent retail investment analyst, commented: The fintech sector is constantly evolving with new entrants offering differentiated service and charging models. Trading 212s entry with zero commission on share dealing brings competition to another level and will pose a serious concern to the established brokers.

Trading 212 will provide superfast execution and access initially to over 1,500 commonly traded UK, US and German stocks and over time will expand into other markets. It is available by downloading the Trading 212 app on both Android and iOS devices. It is easy to use and applies the latest technology to provide investors with a straightforward and highly secure way to buy and sell shares.

The Trading 212 app also offers free access to advanced features such as technical analysis and a number of integrated social media features  such as video tutorials and a live chat room  to encourage greater engagement and education around trading in shares.

Ivan Ashminov added: We look forward to rapidly growing our UK customer base before expanding into other European markets. Ultimately we see Trading 212 as a universal app for trading and investing across all asset types.

Trading 212s new zero commission share trading platform follows the successful launch of its FX service, which has been the most popular and fastest-growing FX trading app in the UK since 2016 and has a total of over seven million downloads.

END

Risk warning

As with all investments, there is a risk that investors could get back less than their original investment. Investment values can rise as well as fall. Past performance is not always a guide to the future. If in doubt, seek independent advice. Trades are subject to government taxes and levies at the prevailing rate.

Note

This Press release is for information only and is not an offer or a recommendation to enter any transaction.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706220054
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 12:26:02

Co-founder of Upstream Marco Veremis becomes the Boards Executive Chairman

Upstream Announces Guy Krief as New CEO

For more information please contact:

Diffusion PR for Upstream

Lucy Westman/ George Chamberlain

+44 207 291 0230

upstream@diffusionpr.com

Upstream, the leading mobile commerce platform in high growth markets, has announced Guy Krief as its new CEO. Krief takes over from company Co-founder Marco Veremis, who is taking on the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. The firm has also promoted Natalia Mila to the role of Chief Technology Officer.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706220055

Guy Krief - CEO at Upstream (Photo: Business Wire)

Guy Krief, CEO, Upstream, commented: I am honoured to take on the role of CEO and continue to build on the amazing success Upstream has enjoyed over the years. Upstream has always been a strong partner for mobile operators, now seeking to seize the digital opportunity in emerging markets. We are launching innovative customer solutions and I am thrilled to be able to guide the company into its next phase of growth and innovation. I am looking forward to working with the team to take the company to new heights, built on the solid foundation put in place by Marco.

Marco Veremis, Executive Chairman of the Board, commented: This appointment is a great privilege and I am excited that Guy is taking on the role of CEO. I very much look forward to working closely with him, and achieving many more remarkable things for the company.

Guy joined Upstream in 2004 and has worked in Product and Innovation roles. Before his appointment as CEO, he held the role of Chief Innovation Officer. He brings a deep understanding of the company's operations and a robust knowledge of the wider digital services landscape in emerging markets. Guy is also a co-founder of Persado, an Upstream spin-off company, which has developed into the leading provider of AI-generated cognitive marketing content. At Persado, Krief served as SVP of Product & Innovation.

Upstream has also announced Natalia Mila as its new Chief Technology Officer. Since joining the company in 2008, as a software engineer, Natalia has served as Head of Engineering and Chief Architect. She brings more than 17 years of experience in enterprise software to the role.

Upstream is a leading mobile commerce platform, accelerating m-commerce in high growth markets. It is an award winning company, having been named a Ruban DHonneur recipient at this years European Business Awards. Upstream was recently also the recipient of 25 million Euros in growth financing from the European Investment Bank. Through its trusted relationships with 60+ operators, across 45+ high-growth markets, Upstream has access to over one billion consumers in high growth markets.

About Upstream

Upstream is a leading mobile commerce platform, accelerating m-commerce in high growth markets. Our software and infrastructure platform already enables 1.2 billion people to effortlessly receive and pay for the most relevant and affordable digital subscription services on their mobile devices. We have 80 million paying subscribers in 45+ countries, making purchases worth $237 million in 2016 alone and growing rapidly.

For mobile operators, we are a strong partner that leverages their unique assets to become key players in the mobile commerce space. For developers, publishers and service providers, we offer fast track access to 45+ high growth markets.

For more information, please visit www.upstreamsystems.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201706220055

@Upstreamglobal announces Guy Krief as new CEO!
PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 14:06:01

Virtual Forge Collaborates with TUV SUD and dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors

Virtual Forge

Nicole Hellweg

+49 (0) 6221 868 90-0

Nicole.hellweg@virtualforge.com

Virtual Forge has entered into a partnership with TUV SUD and dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors. The partnership integrates IT security and compliance products from Virtual Forge with the management expertise from dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors and the high standards set by TUV SUD for certification and risk reduction services at companies. The objective is to support companies with a holistic approach to the security management of their SAP environments.

Our solutions make our over 10 years of experience with SAP security virtually available at the touch of a button. We are proud that the collaboration with TUV SUD boosts us to a new level of trust and neutrality, said Dr. Markus Schumacher, Managing Director at Virtual Forge.

At the same time, the partnership with dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors ensures that IT security will continuously gain strategic importance for SAP customers.

Prof. Dr. Peter Schaff, Head of the Management Service division at TUV SUD, explained, We are happy to be able to extend our cybersecurity portfolio to include the world's leading security solutions of Virtual Forge. Our customers benefit from the even higher degree of SAP security as a result of our partnership with Virtual Forge and dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors. The TUV SUD cybersecurity portfolio already comprises checks and certifications in accordance with ISO 27001, IEC 62443 and payment systems.

Dr. Michael Fuchs, Managing Director of dr. Fuchs Senior Advisors, views the partnership as a central opportunity to give SAP security top priority at management level in companies. In the future, ERP customers must increasingly defend themselves against cyber attacks and meet legal requirements such as the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our integrated, top-down consulting approach uses professional tools to design significantly more transparent and more sustainable security in SAP systems in the form of a certifiable process.

Virtual Forge

Virtual Forge is an independent provider of security and compliance products for SAP systems. Its portfolio is designed to help companies minimize the risks that arise through customization and configuration. A new offer is the Security Advisory Service.

www.virtualforge.com

More about the services provided by our partners:

http://www.tuev-sued.de/management-systems

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PR-Inside.com: 2017-06-22 16:49:11

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for West African Resources Ltd--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Scarborough, Western Australia (FSCWire) - West African Resources Ltd (TSX Venture:WAF). has issued a press release with the following headline:West African Announces $15m Bought Deal Private Placement FinancingTo 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 West African Resources Ltd, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/West African Resources LtdSource: West African Resources Ltd (TSX Venture: WAF, WKN: A1CZBT, ISIN: AU000WAF6)Date: June 22, 2017Time: 10:49 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of West African Resources Ltd and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Achhams female candidates for compulsory girl child education

Almost all female candidates in Achham have prioritised compulsory education to girls in their election agenda.
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.




With several locations throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Exeter Orthodontics has made braces in the Lehigh Valley more affordable for teens and adults.

Exeter Orthodontics in Easton has brought affordable braces to the Lehigh Valley

Contact

Meredith Souder

***@exeterorthodontics.com Meredith Souder

End

-- Braces in the Lehigh Valley cost only $3,995 thanks to Exeter Orthodontics. With several locations of the practice for Lehigh Valley residents to choose from, affordable braces are always close to home.Exeter Orthodontics currently has seven locations, including offices in Easton, Center Valley, and New Tripoli. All offices offer traditional braces for only $3,995. Repairs, retainers, x-rays, exams, and emergency visits are all included in this low price."We've helped thousands of teens and adults smile brighter with braces," says Dr. Soraya Mills, board certified orthodontist at Exeter Orthodontics. "We look forward to growing our practice even more and helping others in the Lehigh Valley and beyond."Exeter Orthodontics also offers Invisalign for only $3,995. Invisalign is a popular and convenient alternative to traditional braces. Orthodontists at Exeter Orthodontics will help patients choose which option will work best for their lifestyle and smile.To learn more about braces and Invisalign in the Lehigh Valley, residents of Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, and even Phillipsburg, New Jersey, are encouraged to request an appointment at one of the several conveniently located offices of Exeter Orthodontics today: http://www.exeterorthodontics.com/ request-appointment/ About Exeter Orthodontics:For several years, Exeter Orthodontics, a Pennsylvania-based orthodontic practice, has offered area patients braces and Invisalign treatments for as low as $3,995. Its team of orthodontists remains dedicated to providing high quality care at an affordable price. Learn more at http://www.exeterorthodontics.com/
Bhairahawa turning into industrial powerhouse

Sekhar Golchha, senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), chose to establish his new factory, Hulas Auto Craft, near Bhairahawa.
Novato resident and award-winning winemaker to bring premium wine experience to Marin County

By: Mantra Wines

Mantra Wines Tasting Room in Downtown Novato, CA

Contact

Mike Kuimelis, Jr.

***@mantrawines.com Mike Kuimelis, Jr.

End

-- Mantra Wines winemakers and owners Dez and Mike Kuimelis, Jr., opened a tasting room and event space on June 8occupying the historic First National Bank building on the corner of Grant and Machin Avenues in Historic Downtown Novato. To reflect their love of Marin's natural beauty and as a nod to the orchards that once blanketed Novato, the interior is furnished with redwood and walnut slabs on the tables, bars and walls. They will be hosting a grand opening celebration with barrel tasting, music and prizes on Saturday June 24"We feel so fortunate to be able to share our wines with our home community," said owner, Mike Kuimelis. "Dez and I both grew up in southern Marin and moved to Novato 10 years ago. We love the small town feel of the central downtown and in many ways we see it as the gateway to the wine country  so it was a perfect spot to open the Mantra Tasting Room."After graduating from Saint Mary's college, Mike Jr. served in the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1994 and was assigned to work on agricultural projects in rural Guatemala. Upon his return he enrolled in a graduate program at Mills College designed for students with non-science college degrees who want to enter medical school. He soon met Dez who was studying Forestry at Cal Berkeley. Two years later, while Mike was applying to medical school, they moved to Healdsburg, where he took the opportunity to help manage his parents' vineyards that he had known since childhood. His father, Mike Sr.  who immigrated from Greece when he was 12  and Mike's stepmom, Lorene, where long time residents of Mill Valley but started growing grapes in Sonoma County in 1978. Since then they have had their premium grapes turned into many award-winning wines by a host of noted winemakers including Mike Jr.While assisting with vineyards, Mike Jr. became more and more drawn to the art and science of winemaking and soon fell in love with the process  ultimately setting aside his ambitions for medical school. He hasn't looked back since. In 2000, Mantra Wines was established and Mike Jr. turned his focus to winemaking fulltime. It has been a family collaboration with Mike Jr. as the winemaker, forklift driver, and sales team; Dez as the all around support crew; and Mike Sr. and Lorene as the grape growers.Mantra's Cabernet and Merlot both recently won best of class and gold medals at the California State Fair wine tasting competition. In previous years, Wine and Spirits Magazine declared Mantra Zinfandel as one the "Year's Best". The Connoisseur's Guideto California Wine awarded their Syrah with 93 points. Another of their Cabernets was featured in the Spring 2012 issue of Sunset magazine in addition to receiving a gold medal at the Sunset International Wine Competition. Noted wine critic Robert Parker Jr. has praised Mantra Wines with the following descriptions:- Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate- Robert Parker Jr., The Wine AdvocateMantra is dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their high elevation vineyard sites located in Cloverdale, Geyserville and Healdsburg. Many of their wines are produced from the best blocks of their mountain-top and hillside vineyards, which are farmed to rigorous specifications by Mike St. to produce their ultra-premium wines. The Mantra Wines Tasting Room will offer many choices of their premium wines from their three labels: Mantra, Mobius and Big Ridge.Managed by Novato resident, Hilary Kinney, Mantra Tasting Room is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. The beautiful space is also available to rent for large parties or for smaller groups. Options include the 'Red Room' with a 12 foot custom walnut slab table that can seat up to 14  perfect for meetings and private tastings; the more intimate 'Indigo Room'; and the 'Back 40' with a separate bar and shuffleboard.The tasting room is located in old town Novato at 881 Grant Avenue. For more information call 415-892-9463 or visit their website at www.mantrawines.com
New 3D features and photo imagery make traditional photography and virtual tours obsolete

By: Nevade Realty Experts

Contact

Virag Jackson

***@lv3drealestate.com Virag Jackson

End

-- LV3D Real Estate Imagery, a full-service 3D, photography and real estate imagery solution provider to the Las Vegas residential and commercial real estate market, has been selected by Nevada Realty Experts as its preferred partner for Interactive 3D Virtual Walk-Throughs (a.k.a. virtual tours) and Radiant Photography, delivering a superior online property experience for current and prospective buyers and sellers.Alexandra Malenkina, Broker/Owner of Nevada Realty Experts, commented, "LV3D's advanced imagery represents my client's property online in a way traditional tools cannot touch. This enables me to differentiate our services delivering tremendous value to my sellers, while assisting buyers to virtually walk through the property and look at every detail. It's a great opportunity for the buyers to "come back" into the property within seconds, from anywhere in the world, avoiding the physical travel."LV3D utilizes new editing capabilities to integrate photos, documents, videos, and web page links into the Interactive 3D Walk-Through, powered by Matterport and supported by realtor.com(see video ( https://youtu.be/ j-IaxVTl9BE )), allowing listing agents to pinpoint features that are overlooked by potential buyers.LV3D Radiant Photography incorporates interior, external and drone photos, providing vivid imagery of the property by highlighting special environmental factors such as special color schemes, sunsets and special pool lighting.Ms. Malenkina also stated, "I like the extras that LV3D provides, including promotional videos and special packaging. I've also seen great interaction with the 3D Walk-Throughs, achieving a significant number of eyeballs from unique visitors every week per property. These are prospects who spend the time to look around the property."(www.lv3drealestate.com)helps buyers, sellers, real estate professionals and businesses truly experience a property through the creation of Interactive 3D Virtual Walk-Throughs / 3D showcases, Aerial Drone Imagery, Radiant Photography and Promotional Videos. We are "Bringing Real Estate to Life; Today". Additional tips for real estate agents and brokers are available at www.lv3drealestate.com., owned by Alexandra Malenkina, is one of Las Vegas' most progressive real estate brokers in leveraging new technologies. Malenkina was selected by the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) and Young Professional Networks (YPN) in 2016 and 2017 as a Top 40 Under 40 award winner.
DPI Market Research published a latest report titled Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast to its databases

Contact

Maria Rai

***@dpiresearch.com Maria Rai

End

-- Buy Now: http://www.dpiresearch.com/report-details.php?P_ID=101Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market is likely to reach nearly USD 1.3 Billion by the year end of 2022.Market growth can be attributed to factors such as Ideal Meetings Location, Unbeatable Event Spaces, Safety, Productive Atmosphere, Accommodations, International Accessibility, Enrichment Opportunities and Natural Wonders.Japan, US West and US East MCI tourists play a significant role in contributing revenue to the Hawaii economy. Japan contributed more than 30% revenue followed by US East with more than 27% revenue in 2016. Japan is likely to maintain dominance in Hawaii MCI tourist's revenue generator by the year end of 2022. US East and US West have shown its potential to become 2nd and 3rd major revenue generator countries by the year end of 2022. Other countries such as Other Asia, China and Canada emerge as the largest revenue generator in the Hawaii MCI Tourism Market.The research report titled "Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast 2017  2022" provides detailed information on the Hawaii MCI Tourism Market. This report analyzes market data and provides a better understanding of MCI travelers flows and revenue to Hawaii. Market outlook in value terms for the forecasted period for Hawaii MCI tourism market has been detailed in the report. This report also entails a detailed description of market drivers and inhibitors of the Hawaii MCI tourism market.This 65 Pages report with 52 Figures and 4 Tables have been analyzed from 5 viewpoints:Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue & Forecast (2013  2022)Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue Share & Forecast (2013  2022)Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue & Forecast  Top 12 Country Analysis (2013  2022)Hawaii MCI Tourism Market  Market DriversHawaii MCI Tourism Market  InhibitorsHawaii MCI Tourism Market  12 Countries CoveredUS WestUS EastJapanCanadaAustraliaNew ZealandOther AsiaChinaKoreaTaiwanEuropeLatin AmericaContact Us:Maria RaiTel :+91 -7289949987Email: sales@dpiresearch.comWebsite: www.dpiresearch.com
By: USOH

End

-- Hindus are urging all public school districts and private-charter-independent schools in Texas to close on Diwali, most popular of their festival, which falls on October 19 this year.Many public school districts in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already reportedly declared day-off for students on October 19.Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said it if would be a step in the positive direction, as it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs of Hindu pupils.Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that schools should make efforts to accommodate the religious requirements of Hindu students and show respect to their faith by not conducting regular business and scheduling classes on Diwali. We did not want our students to be put at an unnecessary disadvantage for missing tests/examinations/papers, assignments, class work, etc., by taking a day-off to observe Diwali.If schools had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Rajan Zed asked. Holidays of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion, Zed added.Zed suggested all Texas schools, public-private-charter-independent, to seriously look into declaring Diwali as an official holiday, thus recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make Texas students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.Rajan Zed urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath and Texas State Board of Education Chair Donna Bahorich; to work towards adding Diwali as an official holiday in all the state's public schools, and persuading the private-charter-independent schools to follow.Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation)is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.
Aroma Bravo wants to share the smooth, delightful flavors of Honduras gourmet coffee beans with coffee lovers around the world.

Contact

Charles C Harmon Co LLC

***@gmail.com

888-582-6650 Charles C Harmon Co LLC888-582-6650

End

-- Being a huge fan of Honduras coffee, Aroma Bravo Coffee and Tea naturally wants more coffee lovers to discover what the gourmet coffee has to offer. So for the past couple of months, the Nevada-based company has been showcasing the charming flavors of the coffee through its lineup of gourmet coffee beans sourced exclusively from organic farms in Marcala, Honduras."We aim to introduce Honduran coffee to those who haven't had the chance to try it yet," an Aroma Bravo official said. "I think it's about time that Honduras gets the spotlight for the amazing Arabica coffee beans it exports to the world. After all, good coffee doesn't just come from Colombia or Ethiopia; Honduras coffee is just as impressive, that's why we want all coffee lovers to know about it."When it comes to flavor profile, Honduran coffee is just as delightful as its Central American origins. The Arabica beans from this region are known for being earthy, chocolatey and nutty with a balanced acidity, full body, and a pleasant aroma of vanilla and hazelnut.Taking these unique characteristics into account, Aroma Bravo has commissioned its master roasters to create the best roasted coffees from the sourced beans. Roasting the Arabica beans in very small batches, Aroma Bravo's experts were able to elevate the flavors of the Honduran coffee beans.The result is that of a deep, smooth and full-bodied gourmet coffee with shades of chocolate and nuts. Some notes of caramel, cocoa and honey can also be tasted, further adding to the appeal of the coffee. But despite the many flavors involved, the coffee is pleasantly balanced with a clean finish and no bitter aftertaste.This successful take on the Honduras coffee beans has inspired Aroma Bravo to create three roast levels for coffee enthusiasts of various preferences to enjoy. Currently available in light roast, medium dark roast and French roast, gourmet coffee lovers can simply choose their favorite and indulge in the unique taste of Honduran coffee."This is the Honduras coffee we know and love so well, and we want to share it to the rest of the coffee world. We hope you'll give our roasted coffees a try and enjoy them as much as we do," the company official added.Coffee lovers can get their Honduras gourmet coffee beans at https://www.amazon.com/ review/R3OES3BACTNV3Y/ ref=cm_cr_rd... Aroma Bravo offers gourmet coffee beans from the mountains of Marcala, Honduras. Grown in organic farms and roasted in small batches, Aroma Bravo Coffee is highly recommended for coffee lovers.
By: de Castro Tanchanco Office

Contact

John Paul de Castro Tanchanco

***@tanchanco1world.net John Paul de Castro Tanchanco

End

-- Isagani de Castro was Past President of the Actuarial Society of the Philippines , Past President of Filipinas Life later named Ayala Life Assurance now BPI Philam Life Insurance Co. of Ayala Corporation , President , Chief Operations Officer and Board Member of Universal Life Reinsurance 1989, Secretary General of AIRDC (Association of Insurers and Reinsurers of Developing Countries) and Association of Insurance Supervisory of Developing Countries (AISADC), Founding Director of Ayala Life Mutual Fund, Past President of the ALFM PESO Fund, Board of Director of ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc, Bank of the Philippines Islands, ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. and Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp, and a director of the Fund. Member of the International Actuarial Association (IAA) Chairman and President of Present Value Managers, Inc., Board of Directors of., John Hancock Philippines, Chairman of Taters Enterprises Inc., Chairman of Bona Land Inc.The family of Mr. de Castro recieved the award in good faith: children Elena S. de Castro, director of Taters Enterprises Inc and Annie de Castro Tanchanco, President and CEO of Taters Enterprises Inc. , grandchild John Paul C. Tanchanco, Applied Economist of T1W.ASP President Roy Racel read a key note speech written by Dolly Gicaro about Isagani de Castro Sr. : "Gani graduated from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. At that time, Mapua was THE engineering school to go to if you wanted to be a successful engineer. He placed 3in the 1954 Civil Engineering Board examinations.He worked with National Power Corporation and later joined GSIS as Associate Actuary from 1959 to 1966. It was at this time when he was sent as Pensionado to the Universidad Central de Madrid where in 1961 he completed his Diplomate in Actuarial Science. He also earned a Certificate in Social Security at the same time from Organizacion Ibero-Americana de Seguridad Social in the same country. He worked with GSIS up to 1966 when he joined Filipinas Life (later named Ayala Life, now BPI-PhilAm Life Insurance Co.) He was VP and Actuary of Filipinas Life up to 1972 and from 1972 to 1974, he was VP and Actuary of Insular Life. From 1974 to 1979, he was Managing Director for China Underwriters Life and General Insurance Company, Hongkong. He came back to the Philippines to become President, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member of Fiipinas Life. It was at this time, in 1982, that he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. In 1989, he became President and Chief Operating Officer and Board Member of Universal Life Reinsurance Corporation.My early encounters with Gani, were at meetings of the Actuarial Society which I joined in 1964, He was then already a Fellow of the Society. It was then that Fellows worked together through committees to spell out qualification requirements to be Fellows of the Society. Thus began the qualifying examinations for Associateship and Fellowship. The Fellows then were the first examiners. Later Professor Belleza introduced courses in Actuarial Science at the University of the Philippines .. Gani was a very active contributor to everything that was later adopted by the Society.It was when I joined the Insurance Commission in October 1973 when I got to know more about Gani. We were then busy with the proposed Presidential Decree to update the Insurance Code. Each time I raised a question with Commissioner Arnaldo, she would tell me to call Gani and discuss it with him. Gani was Mrs. Arnaldo's most trusted actuary, after Mr. Exequiel Sevilla. She told me Gani was very objective despite the fact that he belonged to the supervised. He balanced his interest between the 'freedom' of the insurance industry to do as it pleases and the need for its supervision by the Insurance Commission to protect both the companies and the policyholders...Gani was instrumental in the inclusion of the Actuarial Society of the Philippines in the Insurance Code.I was at the Insurance Commission before I joined him in 1986, when Gani expressed his concern about certain practices of some ASP members with respect to Ethics . That concern resulted in the creation of the present day PSRC, and, in order to continue to improve, he recommended the creation of the Education and Examination Council, now the EEC.The present day structure of ASP, therefore, are all through the initiative of Gani. It was also Gani's idea that the Associateship and Fellowship Admission Sessions be made qualifying requirements to consolidate knowledge of subject matter which was covered by the exams, and the ethical applications thereof. We initially used the Case Method and many of the cases used were developed by Gani. There was plenty of work to do in the beginning: Gani and I were in the first PSRC..we had to craft a lot of the Guidelines and Procedures which you find today.Sometime in 2001, SEC hired a group of retired actuaries to review Financial Statements of Pre Need Companies. Gani and I, along with Mr. Totoy Mercado, former VP and Actuary of Insular Life, the late former Insurance Commissioner Vangie Escobillo and Leo Tan were in that group. Gani headed the team. Our task was to particularly look into the actuarial work submitted by actuaries and how this affected the Pre Need Companies' solvency. As a result of this, SEC started accrediting Pre Need Actuaries.After his retirement from employment, he continued to practice the profession and founded the Present Value Managers, Inc.in 1994 when he also put up Taters Enterprises, Inc.Gani's .. exceptional talent and intelligence impacted each of the organizations that were fortunate enough to have him, our Society included. His wisdom continues to live in his works. Aspiring actuaries are familiar with the Study Notes on Taxation. His legacy continues to live on. God speed, Gani."Visit http://www.actuary.org.ph
I was challenged to write about a great date. I've had many. Instead of talking about the bad experiences. Tell me a good one you've had. This is just one story of a great date I will forever be glad I had.

images (13)

Contact

Kenneth Stepp

***@kstepp.com Kenneth Stepp

End

-- I was brand new at this being single thing. Lonely and confident "she" was out there somewhere. I began signing up for dating sites. It was March of 2013. We met on Plenty of Fish. We talked several times before meeting. Facebook, phone, and email. Communication was amazing. We decided it was time to meet. We talked about several places public enough to meet. Paddy's Irish Pub would be that place. It wasn't far from her work, and driving has always been something I enjoyed.I waited by the front door for her. A habit my father instilled in me from an early age. To make sure she was safe as she walked in. We hugged and followed directions to be seated. We had an amazing conversation. Art, music, kids, nothing was off limits. The conversation just flowed. After an almost four hour conversation, we walked to her car. After an awkward, I had a great time speech. She kissed me. A real, passionate, and timely, kiss. It felt wonderful. We decided to have a real date in here town. Athens. I'd never been there. Boy was I in for a treat.I picked her up at her house in Statham Georgia. Not too far from Athens. As we arrived in Athens I began seeing why so many people were fascinated about this little town. It had it all. Local one of a kind eateries, art, history, and all the people watching my heart could possibly desire. Our date ended in Athens Art Museum. I thought we would just walk through, take a few pictures, and head out. Three and a half hours later, we walked back outside. What a wonderful day thisShe and I are still friends today. It turns out we would not rescue one another from the bonds of singleness. But we had the best time ever. We also made a connection for life. It's been over four years since those date. She text me yesterday to say she was heading to Boston for a month. She does this every year. It's a retreat and extra money for the Summer for her. Even though we won't be spending forever together doing life. We will be in contact and always keep one another updated on our lives. What a great example of a great dating experience.www.kstepp.com
Contact

Teri Doschadis

***@bergstromeye.com

701.235.5200 Teri Doschadis701.235.5200

End

-- Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic is hosting a silent auction and picnic with free will donation on June 29, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Oak Grove Shelter, 170 Maple Street North in Fargo. Funds raised will be used to purchase and ship supplies to Haiti, as well as clinic and building maintenance. This event is open to the public.Dr. Bergstrom has a longstanding interest in medical mission work. He has participated in mission trips to Africa, Indonesia, and most recently to Haiti for the past 5 years. Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic has established a full clinic in Pignon, Haiti. Last year, a team of 21 visited Haiti for 10 days and treated approximately 1,000 patients, distributed 600 pairs of glasses and performed nearly 100 surgeries. Haiti is the poorest country in the northern hemisphere and Pignon, located in the central plateau region of Haiti, is located in one of the poorest areas in the country of Haiti with an average per capita income of $250 per year. The eye services that are provided in the clinic are the only eye care that is available to the entire region. Dr. Bergstrom's wish would be to send a team to the clinic every six months. Currently, due to considerable expenses ($1,500 per person), the team is only able to travel to Haiti once a year, usually in February. Pignon has an epidemic of both cataracts and glaucoma. Any eye care received is greatly appreciated by the residents of that area.Monetary donations can be mailed to:Haiti Eye MissionC/O Horace Lutheran Church650 1St. N, Horace, ND 58047Dr. Lance Bergstrom opened Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic in 1997. Dr. Bergstrom is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist who has performed thousands of eye surgeries. Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic's goal is to provide the highest quality of care in a compassionate and ethical manner. By using modern ophthalmic procedures and technology, Dr. Bergstrom and his staff are committed to providing high quality, personalized care for individuals and families. Services include: LASIK and Laser Vision Correction, Cataract surgery, Advanced Lens Implant surgery for near and far vision, Implantable Contact Lens, Laser surgery, Eyelid disorders, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma treatment, Pediatric eye diseases, cosmetic services and general eye exams. http://www.bergstromeye.com/
By: Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida

John van de Velde, PNP-C

Contact

Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.

***@susanbennett.biz Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.

End

-- John van de Velde has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP-C).He will assist pediatric physicians at the Fort Myers Pediatric office at 9350 Camelot Drive and the Cape Coral Pediatric office at 1261 Viscaya Parkway, Suite 1.Van de Velde is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing as well as his Master of Science degree in nursing.He has 20 years of experience as a pediatric nurse practitioner with the United States Air Force, having served as clinic manager, chief nurse and director of clinical operations at bases in Colorado, South Carolina, Virginia, New Mexico, Mississippi and Utah.He is certified by the Pediatric National Certification Board with additional certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support.Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida, a physician-owned and operated medical practice, was formed in 1996 by many long practicing local physicians and has grown to become the largest independent multi-specialty primary care practice in Southwest Florida.Medical specialties include family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics. Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres. For more information, visit www.ppcswfl.com
Annual event honors Construction, Architecture & Engineering Industry innovators, leaders and rising stars.

By: Triumph Construction

New York Construction Awards

Media Contact

Lloyd Singer

lsinger@epoch5.com Lloyd Singer

End

-- Triumph Construction Corp., one of the largest privately-held utility contractors in the New York metropolitan area, recently received the Rising Star Award at the 2017 New York Construction Awards, presented by Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP and the New York Building Congress."We are honored to be recognized by our peers in the construction industry," stated Triumph Construction Founder and President Carlo Cuzzi. "Every day, all year, we prove to the City of New York and private contractors that no one works harder than Triumph Construction or is more committed to delivering a quality job. On behalf of the entire Triumph team, we thank the New York Construction Awards for naming us a Rising Star and for including Triumph Construction in such prestigious company."The Rising Star Award recognizes stars in Construction, Design and Development based on accelerated growth, highlighting the industries' fasted growing companies. This year's ceremony was held at Bloomberg headquarters, 120 Park Avenue in Manhattan, and featured keynote speaker Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO of the New York Building Congress.Triumph Construction Corp. is active in every borough of New York City and is a sought-after partner in everything from gas and electric service work to major capital improvement projects and large-scale private sector construction jobs. Founded in 1999 by Carlo Cuzzi, Triumph Construction employs approximately 300 people and takes pride in supporting local causes and organizations. More information on Triumph Construction is available at www.TriumphConstructionNY.com Joining Triumph Construction Founder and President Carlo Cuzzi (center) at the New York Construction Awards are (left to right) Triumph Construction Private Division Operations Manager Mark Ficken; Triumph Construction Controller Jill Paz; Triumph Construction Project Accountant Krystina Cuzzi; Triumph Construction General Counsel Bonnie Porzio; Triumph Constriction Office Manager Shirley Jacobs; and Triumph Construction Supervisor Carmine Ferraro.
Bus park noise sparks tensions between Bir Hospital and KMC

While Bir Hospital is complaining about noise emanating from the adjacent roads and recently shifted Old Bus Park at the Khula Manch, the Kathmandu Municipality City (KMC) has come up with a strange suggestion: the countrys oldest hospital should rather go away.
By: Vandeventer Black LLP

Contact

Jenniffer Serrano

***@vanblacklaw.com Jenniffer Serrano

End

-- Vandeventer Black LLP has moved up to the 13th position on the list of 'Virginia's Largest Law Firms', published byThe annual survey is based on the number of Virginia-licensed attorneys participating within the Commonwealth. The firm moved up from its position as number 15 in 2016."Being recognized as one of Virginia's largest law firms demonstrates our collective effort and commitment to our clients and the community," said Michael L. Sterling, Managing Partner. "As one of the larger firms in Virginia, we are committed to providing the best legal advice while also providing the kind of personal attention and value of much smaller firms."Vandeventer Black also ranks as the 15among the '50 Largest Law Firms' according to2016 listing. For more information, please contact Jenniffer Serrano at 757-446-8519, JSerrano@vanblacklaw.com, or by visiting http://www.vanblk.com. Also, you may follow us at LinkedIn.com/VandeventerBlackLLP.Vandeventer Black LLP is a dynamic business law firm established in 1883. We focus on responsiveness and results while providing internationally recognized services across a wide variety of legal sectors. Headquartered in the commercial gateway of Norfolk, Virginia, our accomplished attorneys assist clients from offices located in Virginia, North Carolina and Germany.
If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity.

PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move.
Spains Corporacion Televes is to deliver DVB-T/T2 monitoring equipment to Colombias TV authority, ANTV.





As part of a project funded by the European Union, Colombia, the only South American country to have selected the European DTT standard, will gain 22 monitoring stations to control digital signal quality in 22 cities.The deployment of the stations will be carried out by the Corporacion Televes company Gsertel.The constant monitoring of the signal will enable ANTV to deploy value-added services and increase the service quality for the final user, regardless of their location. It will also be a way to considerably reduce response time when the service fails, said ANTV The authority will control the network of monitoring stations through a central facility in the capital Bogota.Colombias DTT deployment, which is undergoing its final phases, has previously been supported by the European Union
Bollywood studio Eros International has entered a co-production pact with Turkeys Pana Film, owned by Turkish actor Necati Sasmaz.





The two-film deal will see A-list India and Turkish actors collaborate on sets and with crews in both countries. Original stories blending Indian and Turkish cultures will be conceptualised and developed by Eros in-house writers along with top Turkish writers, and both films will be bilingual, the companies said in a statement.Dubbed Indian TV serials are now popular in Turkey, and Turkish content dubbed into Hindi is also starting to catch on in India.With our similar cultures, we want to tell stories with a mainstream appeal that transcend language and geographical boundaries. We hope our Indo-Turkish productions will pave the way to open one of the significant regions in the world and reach out to fans across the two countries and the Middle East to North African regions, said Kishore Lulla, chairman, Eros International Necati Sasmaz added: Our common goal is to build a cultural bridge between both regions. With our Indian collaboration, we aim to expand our presence and tell new stories that can bring Indian and Turkish audiences together. Pana Film and Eros International will make history together as the co-producers of the first Indo-Turkish feature films, which will open new doors and provide endless opportunities for everyone involved with filmmaking.Necati Sasmaz is best known for playing the lead role of Polat Alemdar in Turkeys popular television series Kurtlar Vadisi (Valley of the Wolves).Eros has existing deals with Chinas Peacock Mountain Culture & Media and state-owned Huaxia Film Distribution for The Zookeeper and Love in Beijing.
The latest analysis from the companys TV & Media Strategies team suggests that SVOD growth is likely to continue for at least the next decade or so, yet it will only have reached 18% by 2022. Strategy Analytics adds that even if this trend was to continue it would be the late 2020s before emerging players were generating revenues at the same level as legacy providers.The survey also forecast that overall annual spending on subscription video and TV services in the US will peak at $130.3 billion in 2019 and then decline to $125.7 billion by 2022. Strategy Analytics believes that established pay-TV firms like Comcast and AT&T  who will offer legacy managed pay-TV services and in addition to internet-based services like DIRECTV NOW  will still account for more than four-fifths of total market revenues in 2022. The analyst expects the share of emerging competitors like Netflix and Amazon will remain below 20% until beyond 2022, with the annual revenue growth for emerging players falling to just 4.4% by 2022. Concluding the analysis, Mercer warned that people should beware of headlines suggesting Netflix is now bigger than the cable industry. The OTT players have had a remarkable impact on the video landscape and will continue to shake things up, but there is a long way to go before the winners can be announced, he added. Video providers will improve their chances of succeeding in this complex new environment if they focus on identifying consumer needs and desired experiences, evaluating their existing products and service offers, and monitoring their market performance.
China briefly opens Korala border

A cross-border trade flurry has ensued as the Chinese authorities have opened its border in Korala, Mustang, for Nepalis albeit for just 10 days.
Six civilians were killed in a Russian rocket attack on Mykolayiv overnight, the mayor of the southern Ukrainian city said on November 11, as Ukrainian troops continued their advance in the direction of Kherson amid a Russian retreat from the city on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

The mayor of Mykolayiv, Oleksandr Sienkovych, said on November 11 that the people were killed when Russian rockets hit a residential area of the city, destroying a five-story building.

"As of 10 a.m., six people were killed by the impact of the attack on the residential building," Sienkovych said.



Separately, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said on November 11 that the Russian withdrawal from Kherson was taking place slowly to allow Moscow's forces to reinforce positions on the east bank of the Dnieper River.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Kherson controls both the only land route to Ukraine's Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and the mouth of the Dnieper, which bisects Ukraine.

The General Staff said retreating Russian forces have been looting homes and destroying critical infrastructure, while forcibly evicting residents from the settlements still under their control.

"The Russian invaders continue to loot the settlements from which they are retreating. The enemy is also attempting to damage power lines and other elements of the transport and critical infrastructure of the Kherson region as much as possible," the military said, adding that Russian mines continue to wound civilians.

"In the village of Zelenivka, the enemy forbade residents to move around and is reinforcing the system of defensive lines. In Tyahinka and Kozatskiy, the occupiers mined roads and infrastructure elements, there are instances of detonations [harming] the civilian population," the military reported.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Ukrainian forces have liberated dozens of settlements in the south of the country, but noted the brutal struggle and the lives given for freedom for Ukrainians.

Fierce fighting continues in Bakhmut and Soledar in the eastern Donetsk region as well as in the adjacent Luhansk region, the military said, adding that heavy Russian shelling pounded about 20 settlements in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Mykolaiyv regions.

In his nightly address late on November 10, Zelenskiy said: "Today we have good news from the south. The number of Ukrainian flags returning to their rightful place within the framework of the ongoing defense operation is already dozens. He added that 41 settlements have been liberated.

But he said that, even as Ukrainians rejoice, they must remember that "every step by our defense forces represents...lives given for the freedom of Ukrainians. Everything that is happening now has been achieved by months of brutal struggle. It was achieved through courage, pain, and losses.

Zelenskiy did not specify the number of Ukrainian troops killed in the effort to reclaim the settlements, where he said stabilization measures have begun.

He said Russian troops left behind thousands of landmines and ammunition as they retreated from Kherson.

Presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said the landmines turned Kherson into a city of death and predicted they would shell it from occupied areas across the Dnieper River.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said it will take Russia at least a week to withdraw from the city of Kherson. He told Reuters in an interview that Russia had 40,000 troops in the Kherson region and that it still had forces in the city, around the city, and on the west bank of the Dnieper River.

"It's not that easy to withdraw these troops from Kherson in one day or two days. As a minimum, [it will take] one week," he said.

Ukrainian army chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy said earlier that Kyiv could not yet confirm whether Russia was indeed pulling out from the southern Kherson region but said that Ukrainian forces were continuing their advance.

"We continue to conduct the offensive operation in line with our plan," he wrote in a post on Telegram.

Ukrainian officials said Moscows forces had no choice but to flee Kherson, yet they remained cautious, fearing an ambush.

Recapturing the city could provide Ukraine with a launching pad for supplies and troops to try to win back other lost territory in the south, including Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa
Thirty-four people have been killed and 58 others wounded in a car bomb outside a bank in the southern province of Helmand, the provincial governors office said.

Local officials said the bomb was detonated on June 22 outside the New Kabul Bank branch in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, causing casualties among civilians, staff of the New Kabul Bank branch, and members of the security forces.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a suicide bombing.

President Ashraf Ghani called the perpetrators of the attack enemies of humanity who have no respect for any religion or faith.

The attack occurred as Afghan police officers and soldiers had lined up outside the bank to receive their salaries ahead of holidays for Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The bombing was followed by gunfire at the bank, said Mohammad Karim Atal, a provincial council member.

Militant groups, including the Taliban and Islamic State, have in the past targeted banks where police, soldiers, and other government employees collect their pay.

At least three people were killed and many wounded in an attack last month on a bank in the eastern city of Gardez.

Helmand is a Taliban stronghold and the extremist group controls about 80 percent of the province.

The attack in Lashkar Gah came as the United Nations and the Pentagon warned that the situation in Afghanistan keeps deteriorating.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan on June 21 published a new report which concluded that the security situation in Afghanistan remains "intensely volatile."

The recent spate of deadly attacks across the country could indicate a much worse and more fragile period ahead, the UN's special envoy to Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, told the UN Security Council as he presented the report.

The UN recorded 6,252 security-related incidents between March 1 and May 31, a 2 percent increase on the same period last year, the report said.

The eastern and southern regions are the most dangerous, with a 22 percent increase in incidents compared to the same time span last year.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon warned that Afghanistan was confronted with an increasingly violent insurgency.

"The Afghan government retains control of Kabul, major population centers, most key transit routes, provincial capitals, and a majority of district centers," it said in a new report.

However, it added, "the Taliban continues to contest district centers, threaten provincial capitals, and temporarily seize main lines of communication throughout the country, especially in high-priority areas like Kunduz and Helmand provinces."

Insurgent groups like the Taliban and Islamic State have launched a series of attacks across Afghanistan in recent weeks.

A massive truck bombing and later suicide attacks left hundreds dead and wounded at the end of last month and beginning of June, raising political tensions for the Afghan government, which is struggling to combat rising violence and corruption.

Thousands of international troops remain in the country to train and assist Afghan security forces as well as carry out counterterrorism missions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week that President Donald Trump had 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 troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between government forces and the Taliban.

The United States currently has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, the BBC, and dpa
The security situation in Afghanistan remains "intensely volatile," according to a new report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

The recent spate of deadly attacks across the country could indicate a much worse and more fragile period ahead, the UN's special envoy to Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, told the UN Security Council late on June 21 as he presented the report.

The UN recorded 6,252 security-related incidents between March 1 and May 31, a 2 percent increase on the same period last year, the report says.

The eastern and southern regions are the most dangerous, with a 22 percent increase in incidents compared to the same time span last year.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon warned that Afghanistan was confronted with an increasingly violent insurgency.

"The Afghan government retains control of Kabul, major population centers, most key transit routes, provincial capitals, and a majority of district centers," it said in a new report.

However, it added, "the Taliban continues to contest district centers, threaten provincial capitals, and temporarily seize main lines of communication throughout the country, especially in high-priority areas like Kunduz and Helmand provinces."

Insurgent groups like the Taliban and Islamic State have launched a series of attacks across Afghanistan in recent weeks.

A massive truck bombing and later suicide attacks left hundreds dead and wounded at the end of last month and beginning of June, raising political tensions for the Afghan government, which is struggling to combat rising violence and corruption.

Thousands of international troops remain in the country to train and assist Afghan security forces as well as carry out counterterrorism missions.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week that President Donald Trump had 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 troops to break what he has called a "stalemate" between government forces and the Taliban.

The United States currently has about 8,400 troops in Afghanistan.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, AP, and AFP
Republic of Daghestan head Ramazan Abdulatipov has incurred Russian President Vladimir Putin's displeasure on two occasions over the past two years.

First, he failed to meet the deadline for renovation of the Caspian town of Derbent in the run-up to its 2,000th-anniversary celebrations in September 2015. Then, egregious procedural violations were registered during the elections a year later to the Russian State Duma and the new republican parliament.

A third such scandal may now be imminent following a decision last month by the republican government that, if implemented, will deprive the predominantly ethnic Nogai population of three districts in northern Daghestan of the use of huge tracts of agricultural land.

Outraged by that decision, the legality of which is open to question, some 5,000-6,000 Nogais from across the Russian Federation converged last week on the village of Terekli-Mekteb for an All-Russian Congress of the Nogai People. Delegates argued that the government's initiative will exacerbate the problems of an already economically backward and disadvantaged region, intensify popular resentment of the republic's leadership, and possibly spark a new conflict between the Nogais -- who account for just 1.5 percent of Daghestan's population -- and other ethnic groups, even if that is not their intention. They therefore endorsed a formal appeal to President Putin to intervene and quash it.

The Nogais are a Turkophone people descended from the Golden Horde. They settled in the 17th century on a swath of lowland territory, now known as the Nogai steppe, that extends from the northwest Caspian coast to the Black Sea. Russia's Nogai population is currently estimated at a little over 100,000, of whom some 38,000 live in Daghestan; there are also Nogai communities in neighboring Chechnya and Stavropol Krai, and in Karachayevo-Cherkessia, where the estimated 13,000 Nogais enjoy formal national-cultural autonomy and, since 2007, their "own" small district. There is a huge Nogai diaspora in Turkey, and a far smaller one in Romania.

The Daghestani government plans that served as the catalyst for last week's congress entail granting official municipal status to 199 small settlements in the predominantly Nogai-populated Kizlyar, Nogai, and Tarumov administrative districts. Those settlements were established illegally by herders from mountain regions who pastured their herds of sheep there during the winter months. The herders were mostly ethnic Avars, as is Abdulatipov.

The newly legalized municipalities will be deemed part of the administrative district from which the herders originated, which means that Kizlyar's indigenous Nogais will be deprived of the right to lease that land -- reportedly already at risk of desertification -- for agricultural purposes. Consequently, the 1,500-2,000 residents of the newly legalized settlements will have the use of some 600,000 hectares of agricultural land in Kizlyar, which the Nogais will thus be unable to lease, while the legitimate 20,000 Nogai population will have just 300,000 hectares at its disposal.

In addition, residents of the newly legalized settlements will pay taxes in the administrative district from which they originated, thereby depriving the Kizlyar district of income. (The profits from oil extracted on the Kizlyar lowlands are likewise channeled into the republican budget, depriving the municipality of badly needed funds.)

The lack of available agricultural land in Kizlyar has already given rise to large-scale out-migration by young Nogais in search of employment elsewhere in Russia. But the Nogais' collective grievances, as chronicled by Svetlana Chervonnaya in her useful compendium, Tyurksky Mir Yugo-Vostochnoy Yevropy, go far deeper, and date back decades. The Nogais still remember, and resent, the failure of the Soviet leaders in the early 1920s to make good on a promise to designate Kizlyar a separate autonomous okrug; instead, the region was subsumed into the Daghestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. Then, when the Chechens and Ingush were rehabilitated and their republic reestablished in 1957, its borders were expanded to encompass part of the Nogai steppe; the Nogais' traditional territory was thus carved up between Daghestan, Chechnya, and Stavropol Krai.

In the early 1990s, immediately before the demise of the Soviet Union, the Nogai national movement Birlik (Unity) campaigned unsuccessfully for a revision of those borders in the North Caucasus that divided the Nogai-populated lands, and for the creation on those lands of a separate Nogai territorial entity within the Russian Federation. To compensate for the blanket refusal to create separate territorial entities for the Nogais and other small ethnic groups, the Russian leadership passed legislation, which Abdulatipov was instrumental in drafting, formalizing the concept of "national-cultural autonomy." That concept was intended to guarantee the preservation of small ethnic groups' national culture and language.

A similar appeal to Russia's Constitutional Court in April 2017 to annul the Soviet-era decree reconstituting the Checheno-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was likewise rejected.

Photos posted online of the congress in Terekli-Mekteb, and of gatherings of Nogais elsewhere in Russia that preceded it, show that the age of the overwhelmingly male participants ranges from young men in their early 20s to men in the 60s. Some congress delegates stressed to journalists the extent and importance of the younger generation's commitment to the national cause.

The congress delegates adopted a 10-point resolution, the first point of which was to address a formal appeal to Putin, given that the republic's leaders refuse to meet with them to discuss their grievances. They further demanded the abolition of the 1996 Daghestani law "On The Status Of Territory For Transhumance" that served as the basis for that seasonal use of grazing grounds because it allegedly violates not only federal legislation on the use of agricultural land but also the relevant provisions of the Russian Federation constitution; an audit of the land currently used for transhumance; and measures to improve socio-economic conditions, including the modernization of medical facilities and schools.

A government program for developing the district's economy in 2015-18, with a budget of over 1 billion rubles ($16.77 million), has not been implemented, businessman Rustam Adilgereyev was quoted as informing the congress.

The congress delegates did not, however, call for a revision of the borders between the various federation subjects where the Nogais live, possibly anticipating that such a demand would only render them vulnerable to charges of attempting to foment interethnic enmity. Neither the federal nor the Daghestani leadership has made any official comment to date on the Nogais' demands. But two days ago, Abdulatipov named former Minister for Youth Affairs Zaur Kurbanov, a Dargin from Kizlyar district, as deputy head of his administration.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
What is the point of lying when what you are saying is obviously, demonstrably, and often ridiculously false?

It's a question worth asking in the aftermath of U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone's recent interview series with Vladimir Putin.

During the interview, Putin showed Stone what he said was video footage of Russian forces attacking Islamic State militants in Syria.

Internet sleuths later demonstrated that the video is identical to one of U.S. forces attacking Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

And that wasn't the only whopper.

In the interview Putin also told Stone that the Kremlin doesn't control media in Russia and that Moscow never intervenes in the domestic affairs of other countries.

So why does Putin do this? What is the point of such flagrant lies?

As veteran Moscow correspondent Robert Cottrell writes in The New York Review Of Books, "Putin lies as a display of power."

Cottrell adds that: "Only powerful people can lie and get away with it. The more blatant the lie, the greater the show of power when your listener cannot or dare not contradict you."

I think this is basically correct. For Putin, lying is just another form of bullying.

But the roots of Putin's chronic lying also run deeper.

When you preside over a system that is based on deception and subterfuge; a system propped up by spectacle, a system with fake elections, fake political parties, a fake parliament, and, yes, fake news; lying automatically becomes your default setting.

Putin is only doing what comes naturally to him.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
The head of an embattled Moscow theater has appealed to theatergoers to prove that a production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream was not, after all, just a dream.

Gogol Center theater Artistic Director Kirill Serebrennikov has turned to Facebook to ask Moscow drama fans to prove that the theater put on 15 performances of the play after Russian prosecutors accused former theater art director Aleksei Malobrodsky of embezzling the money allocated by the government for the production as part of the Gogol Center's Platform project.

"Perhaps your testimony, memories, and impressions as viewers of Platform will be proof of the thing to which I and our entire team...dedicated three years of our lives," Serebrennikov wrote. "It is particularly important to recall the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which we played for Platform more than 15 times. Later, we played it in Paris at the Theater of Chaillot and later again at the Baltic House festival. It was nominated for all possible theater awards...And now the investigators of the Investigative Committee tell us that it does not and never did exist."

Russians have begun to respond to Serebrennikov's appeal, using the # (I was at Platform) hashtag he created.

Serebrennikov wrote that the "100 posters" of Platform projects that the theater presented to prosecutors were not considered sufficient proof. In a pretrial hearing on June 21, a prosecutor told the court that reviews of Platform productions in the press were not proof that the plays were actually performed.

"You can write whatever you want," the prosecutor said, according to Meduza.



In a review published on December 13, 2012, by the English-language Moscow Times, reviewer John Freedman called the production a glimpse "into the dark recesses underlying Shakespeare's play."



"What Shakespeare intended as lighthearted parody, Serebrennikov convincingly and beautifully delivers as full-on tragedy," Freedman wrote.

Malobrodsky was detained on June 19. Last month, another former director at the theater, Yury Itin, and an accountant, Nina Maslyayeva, were also arrested in connection with alleged embezzlement at the theater.



The three are accused of "large-scale" embezzlement in the amount of nearly 200 million rubles ($3.35 million) between 2011 and 2014. The funding was allocated by the government "for the development and popularization of the arts."



On May 23, the Gogol Center theater and Serebrennikov's apartment were searched.



Serebrennikov has participated in protests against the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has voiced concerns about the increasing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in cultural matters in the country.

Prominent theater figures in Russia and abroad, including ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, have expressed concern over the situation at the theater and have called for a transparent investigation.

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson, with reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service


An EU spokeswoman says recent violations of the cease-fire on the front lines of Azerbaijans breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region are a stark reminder that the status quo is unsustainable.

EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said in a June 22 statement that the bloc expects deescalation and restraint in deeds as well as in words.

Baku and Yerevan have been locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for years.

Armenian-backed separatists seized the mainly Armenian-populated region from Azerbaijan during a war in the early 1990s that killed some 30,000 people.

Diplomatic efforts to settle the conflict have brought little progress.

Kocijancics statement comes after the separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh said on June 16 that Azerbaijani forces had killed three of their soldiers on the front lines.

On June 19, the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group mediating talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia called upon the parties to "reengage in negotiations on substance, in good faith and with political will."
BRUSSELS -- European Union leaders have agreed to extend the bloc's economic sanctions against Russia by six months until January 31.

The 28 EU heads of state and government made the decision on June 22 during a two-day summit in Brussels after German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron gave a briefing on how the Russia-backed insurgents and Ukrainian forces fighting in eastern Ukraine are adhering to the conditions in the Minsk agreements.

The Minsk agreements were forged by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine in Minsk in 2015 in an effort to end the fighting.

The sanctions, which mainly target Russia's banking and financial sectors, were first imposed by Brussels in June and July 2014 as a response to Russian aggression in the eastern part of Ukraine and the invasion and later illegal annexation of Crimea.

The sanctions package has been renewed every six months since then.

The EU member states' ambassadors will officially prolong the sanctions either at the end of June or beginning of July.

Earlier this week, the EU rolled over its investment ban on Crimea by another year.
Complex problem, complex approach

This election has been an opportunity to politicise people, both by boycotting it and by vigorously campaigning for it
Toomaj Salehi's lyrical support for protesters in Iran has landed him behind bars before, but this time the popular rapper's fortune-telling has fans and family members fearing for his life.

Just days before his September 30 arrest, the 32-year-old Salehi released his latest music video, in which he makes foreboding predictions about the future of Iran's clerical regime if it continues its violent crackdown against ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

"I am the predictor, the fortune teller," he raps in the video for Omen, which shows him reading the patterns left in his coffee cup and warning that brute force will not prevail.

"I saw a cage in the coffee grounds -- a lion was hunting a jackal," he explains, alluding to a fairy tale about wisdom defeating physical strength. "We will rise from the bottom and target the top of the pyramid."

Salehi goes on to warn that the regime's protectors -- including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the Basij paramilitary forces, the Intelligence Ministry, and the state media -- will all get their day in court.

Salehi followed up on the new video by posting on social media images of him standing alongside protesters and chanting against security forces in his native city in Isfahan Province. The rapper, an ethnic Lur who was arrested last year after releasing other songs critical of the government, offered to turn himself in if protesters detained in his hometown of Shahinshahr were released.

In subsequent posts, he called the provincial authorities "cowardly vermin" and "scum who suppress and arrest [innocent] people."

Shortly afterward, Salehi went missing and has not been heard from since.

State media reported on September 30 that Salehi had been arrested, and a news agency close to the IRGC published a photo of the blindfolded rapper inside a car.

A short video later released by a press club associated with Iran's state broadcaster purports to show the rapper admitting he made a mistake.

But the reports' claims he had been caught while "illegally exiting the western borders of the country" have been fiercely disputed, and the video confession has been labeled a fake by some and a coerced confession by others.

Family members as well as Salehi's official Twitter account have said the rapper was, in fact, arrested in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, hundreds of kilometers from Iran's western border.

In a statement, Salehi's uncle Eghbal Eghbali said his nephew was in the province's city of Borujen on the morning of September 30 when he wrote saying "suspicious things" were happening outside his home. Soon after, Salehi stopped communicating. Eghbali said he learned from Salehi's neighbors and friends that security personnel had arrived to take the rapper away.

Later on September 30, a prosecutor in nearby Isfahan Province was quoted by the Meezan news agency, which is close to Iran's judiciary, as saying Salehi was arrested "in one of the provinces of the country." The prosecutor alleged the rapper had played a key role in "creating disturbances and inviting and encouraging the recent disturbances in Isfahan Province and in Shahinshahr."

The official IRNA news agency, meanwhile, quoted a judiciary official from Isfahan Province as saying Salehi stood accused of "propagandistic activity against the government, cooperation with hostile governments, and the formation of illegal groups with the intention of creating insecurity in the country."

Thousands of Iranians, many of them from the younger generation, have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's hijab law requiring that women cover their hair.

As the protests have continued, the authorities have intensified their crackdown, resulting in the deaths of at least 305 people, including 41 children, according to the latest figures released by the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) on November 6.

Salehi is among the hundreds of prominent young voices, including activists, artists, and athletes, who have been arrested for speaking out against the states bloody crackdown on the protests. Overall, activists estimate thousands of people have been arrested by the authorities since the rallies erupted.

Faced with a potential existential threat to Iran's clerical rule, 227 of 290 Iranian lawmakers this week called for even greater force by urging the judiciary to "deal decisively" with those behind the protests.

In recent years, Salehi has gained notoriety for his open opposition to the country's leadership, using his music and social media presence to take on issues that resonate with Iranian youths.

In the song Normal, he highlights the effects of poverty, saying "Our children sleep hungry at night" and asking Iran's leaders how their conscience can let them sleep.

The song Rathole, released in 2021, accuses members of the media and art community both inside and outside Iran of being an "ally of the tyrant," a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In another song, he blasts Tehran's close relationships with Moscow and Beijing, asking: "Haven't you robbed us enough? Now, you want to give away half [of our resources] to China and the rest to Russia."

Salehi was detained in September 2021 after security agents raided his home in Isfahan, with Human Rights Watch decrying the detention of the artist for "exercising his right to freedom of expression."

Salehi was charged with "spreading propaganda against the state," but after more than a week was released on bail. In January, he was sentenced to six months in prison but was released on a suspended sentence in February.

While out, he continued his work and released Omen amid the states increasingly violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.

"Someone's crime was dancing with her hair in the wind," he raps. "Someone's crime was that she was brave and criticized."

Listing a litany of violent acts carried out by the authorities against protesters, Salehi asks, "How many young people did you kill building a tower for yourself?" and predicts that next year, the 44th year of the clerical regime's rule, will be its "year of failure."

Salehi's arrest has led to widespread condemnation inside and outside Iran, and his advocates have spread the #FreeToomaj hashtag on Twitter to shed light on his situation.

His family has said they do not know Salehi's whereabouts or health, leaving them wondering if he is even alive.

But the authorities have shed some light on the fate of another Iranian rapper arrested shortly before Salehi. The judiciary announced on November 7 that Saman Yasin, a rapper from Kermanshah Province -- a northwestern region with a significant Kurdish population and that has been a focus of the government crackdown -- has been accused of waging "warfare" against Iran and acting against the country's security.

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, with contributions by RFE/RL senior correspondent Michael Scollon
Turkey, Russia, and Iran are working on a mechanism to monitor the so-called de-escalation agreement in Syria, including involving U.S. troops in the establishment of zones of responsibility, a Turkish official says.

Vladimir Shamanov, head of the Russian Duma's defense committee, said on June 22 that Russia has asked Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to send troops to help monitor the de-escalation zones as part of attempts to end six years of bloody civil war in Syria.

A spokesman of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry said the same day that it had no information on the possibility of its troops taking part in military operations in Syria.

We (Turkish forces) will probably be most prominent in the Idlib region with the Russians; mostly Russia and Iran around Damascus, Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was quoted on June 22 by the Hurriyet newspaper as saying.

Kalin also said Russia had asked the two Central Asian countries about sending troops to Syria.

He added that a mechanism involving the Americans and Jordan in the south in the Deraa region is being worked on." Anti-Assad rebels control most of the Deraa area, which borders Jordan.

Kaln said a more specific plan was being developed to determine which countries would be assigned to particular areas and the precise number of troops to be deployed.

Russia, Iran, and Turkey agreed on a plan to set up four "de-escalation zones" in Syria where forces of President Bashar al-Assad's government have been fighting U.S.-backed rebels.

Rebels have criticized the de-escalation plan, and the United States has voiced reservations about Iran's role in the process.

According to a Wall Street Journal report on June 10, the United States and Russia were quietly holding talks on creating a de-escalation zone for U.S.-led forces in Syria.

Citing Western diplomats and regional officials, Reuters reported that U.S. and Russian special envoys to Syria, Michael Ratney and Aleksandr Lavrentiev, respectively, had met at least twice and were planning to meet again on the matter.

Russia and Iran have supported Assads government in the civil war, while the United States and Turkey back differing rebel groups. The Islamic State (IS) militant group has also become involved in the war, fighting against all other sides.

UN-brokered talks in Geneva have failed to make progress toward a political solution to end the civil war, which began in March 2011 when protests broke out against Assads government.

Along with the Geneva talks, separate negotiations sponsored by Russia, Iran, and Turkey focusing on a December cease-fire deal have been held in the Kazakh capital of Astana, where the de-escalation agreement was brokered.

At least 300,000 people have been killed and millions of others have been displaced since the start of the war.

With reporting by RIA Novosti, AP, Hurriyet, and The Daily Sabah
Kazakhstan's upper house of parliament, the Senate, has approved a controversial bill that would enable authorities to strip "terrorists" of their citizenship.

The Senate approved the proposed legislation on June 22 and sent it to President Nursultan Nazarbaev for ratification.

The bill was approved by the parliament's lower chamber, the Mazhilis, in May.

Under the bill, Kazakhs could be stripped of citizenship if they are convicted of organizing or joining terrorist groups, posing a threat to the Central Asian country's "vitally important interests," or plotting to kill the president, among other offenses.

Critics say the legislation might be used against many opposition politicians, some of whom have been living in self-imposed exile abroad, as the definition of "vitally important interests of Kazakhstan" is very vague.

Nazarbaev, 76, has been in power since 1989, two years before Kazakhstan gained independence in the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
A court in Moscow has sentenced the chief of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny's election campaign, Leonid Volkov, to five days in jail.

Volkov wrote on Twitter on June 22 that the Simonov District Court in Moscow found him guilty of "organization of unsanctioned rallies in Moscow" and ordered his incarceration.

Navalny himself was detained on June 12 before the unauthorized rally in the capital started and sentenced to 30 days in prison for staging unsanctioned rallies. His term was later cut by five days.

Moscow authorities had allowed Navalny's anticorruption march and gathering to be held far from the city center.

Navalny moved the rallies to Tverskaya Street near the Kremlin, claiming there were no loudspeakers at the protest site given by the authorities.

An estimated 1,560 of his supporters were detained during the rallies across Russia, including 866 detained in Moscow. The majority of the protesters were later released.

U.S. and European Union officials have condemned the detentions, saying that demonstrators were utilizing their right to free expression.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he and European Council President Donald Tusk have discussed relations with the EU, as well as U.S. sanctions related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and to Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.

"I am happy to hear today from Donald [Tusk] and from our consultations with other leaders of the European Union that the position of the EU is unity and solidarity with regard to Ukraine, which is vitally important for us," Poroshenko said at a news conference with the European Council president in Brussels on June 22.

The EU on June 19 extended the bloc's investment ban against Crimea for another year, while the United States on June 20 announced new financial measures against Russia-backed separatists involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The EU sanctions were introduced in 2014 in response to Russia's illegal annexation of the Ukrainian region and have since been extended on a yearly basis.

"The message about the rolling over of the sanctions is exactly what we are happy to hear these days," Poroshenko said.

Poroshenko, who returned from a trip to the United States, also said that he and U.S. President Donald Trump had "a very promising negotiation and coordination first of all about the sanctions."

The new sanctions announced by the U.S. Treasury Department on June 20 targeted more than three dozen fighters and separatist leaders in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine.

"You know that the United States introduced the new sanctions and confirmed that all sanctions remain in place until the full implementation of [the] Minsk [agreement]," Poroshenko said.

The Minsk peace agreement, brokered by France and Germany and signed by Russia and Ukraine in February 2015, calls for a cease-fire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the front lines, and constitutional reforms to give eastern Ukraine more autonomy.

However, the fighting has recently intensified in eastern Ukraine.

A United Nations report on June 13 said at least 10,090 people, including 2,777 civilians, have been killed during the conflict since it began in April 2014.
SIMFEROPOL -- A court in Russia-controlled Crimea has prolonged the pre-verdict detention of Crimean Tatar activist Ahtem Chiygoz, who is on trial in connection with resistance to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Chiygoz's lawyer, Nikolai Polozov, told RFE/RL on June 22 that Crimea's Russia-installed High Court agreed to a prosecutor's request to prolong the defendant's pre-verdict detention for another three months, until October 8.

Polozov said he had asked the court to release his client, citing various reasons, including the fact that Chiygoz's mother is terminally ill.

On June 20, following protests by supporters and rights activists, authorities allowed Chiygoz to have a 10-minute visit with his mother.

Chiygoz is charged with organizing public disorder. His trial started in October.

He was detained in January 2015 in connection with unrest outside the Crimean parliament on February 26, 2014, when Crimean Tatars and other pro-Ukrainian activists clashed with pro-Russian activists.

The next day, armed men in uniforms without insignia seized the parliament building and a selected group of legislators voted to join Russia several days later.

After sending in troops, Russia cemented its control over Crimea in March 2014 by staging a referendum condemned as illegitimate by Ukraine, the United States, and a total of 100 UN member states.

The Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center has deemed Chiygoz a political prisoner.

Rights groups say Crimean Tatars and others who opposed Russia's takeover have faced discrimination and abuse at the hands of the Moscow-imposed authorities.
The Russian government is urging everyone traveling to Europe to first get a vaccination against hepatitis-A.

Russia's consumer-protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, issued the warning on June 22, citing a June 7 World Health Organization (WHO) report documenting outbreaks of the disease in 15 European countries, as well as the United States and Chile.



The WHO reported 1,173 cases in Europe, 706 cases in Chile, and an unspecified number in the United States.



The WHO bulletin warned that the outbreaks affected "mainly men who have sex with men" and that the countries involved remain "low endemicity countries."



It noted "particular concern" because of numerous lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride festivals scheduled for this summer, including the World Pride Festival in Madrid between June 23 and July 2.



The WHO recommended that those attending such events discuss vaccinations and other precautions against sexually transmitted diseases with their physicians before departure.



Russia's Rospotrebnadzor went quite a bit further, recommending hepatitis-A vaccinations for everyone traveling to "the countries of the European region."



The socially conservative government of Russian President Vladimir Putin and its supporters have often sought to portray Western Europe as dangerously hedonistic, creating the epithet "gay-ropa" as a blanket term for the region.



They have portrayed efforts by Western organizations to fight discrimination and promote tolerance in former Soviet countries such as Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine as attempts to undermine "family values."



Russian and international activists have sharply criticized the Russian government in recent weeks over its failure to investigate seriously allegations that gay men were being persecuted, tortured, and even murdered in the North Caucasus republic of Chechnya because of their sexual orientation.



On June 20, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a 2013 Russian law banning the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relationships" to minors violates the right to freedom of expression, is discriminatory against gays, and promotes homophobia. The court said the law "served no legitimate public interest."



Russia said it would appeal the court's ruling.
Russian authorities say a mass surrogate-alcohol poisoning in the Moscow region has left four people dead.

The Russian Investigative Committee said that 11 residents of Sergiyev Posad, including two women, were hospitalized on June 21 due to poisoning caused by an unknown surrogate alcohol.

The women and two men later died, it said on June 22, while seven other men remain in hospital fighting for their lives.

Poisonings with surrogate alcohol are common in Russia, where people sometimes drink substances with alcohol that are cheaper than alcoholic beverages.

In December-January, 76 people died of alcohol poisoning from consuming a bath lotion.

On December 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to introduce tougher laws by July 2017 on the production and sale of perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners that contain any type of alcohol.

Based on reporting on Interfax and RIA Novosti
WASHINGTON -- Russia's Foreign Ministry slammed new U.S. sanctions that target mainly Russian people and companies linked to the Ukraine conflict, saying the move puts at "serious risk" the entire bilateral relationship.

The ministrys comments were released June 22 after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

They were the latest in a series of increasingly angry comments from Moscow about the sanctions, which were announced earlier this week targeting 38 Russian individuals and firms linked to Russian actions in Ukraine.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the penalties were designed to "maintain pressure on Russia to work toward a diplomatic solution."

"Such actions put at serious risk the entire system of Russian-American relations, which were going through a difficult period even without this," the Russian ministry said.

A day earlier, the ministry abruptly announced the cancelation of talks between Lavrov's deputy, Sergei Ryabkov, and a top U.S. State Department diplomat, Tom Shannon. The two were scheduled to meet in St. Petersburg on June 23.

In that announcement, Ryabkov threatened unspecified retaliation for the sanctions.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert refused to go into specifics of the call between Lavrov and Tillerson.

But she said that Washington was disappointed about the cancelation of the talks, which she said had been set up as part of a channel established in April for Russian and American officials to discuss minor issues and irritants.

Russia canceled it, she said. Russia can best explain why they canceled it. But were disappointed.

She also said there had been no expectation that the new U.S. sanctions would be discussed on the call.

Sanctions were never on the table. The meeting was about more minor issues, she told reporters.

Russia knows exactly why sanctions were placed on that country...due to their actions in Crimea, and in the eastern part of Ukraine, she said.If they want those sanctions removed, they have to address those issues.

In another blow to Moscow, European Union leaders voted on June 22 to prolong the bloc's economic sanctions on Russia by another six months.

The 28 EU heads of state and government made the decision during a two-day summit after discussing the state of the increasingly troubled Minsk accords aimed at ending the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

As with the U.S. measures, the EU sanctions, which mainly target Russia's banking and financial sectors, were first imposed in 2014 in response to Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea Peninsula and its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

More than 10,000 people have died in the fighting, according to the United Nations.
Envoy Upadhyay meets UP chief minister

Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay on Wednesday met Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adhityanath and held discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues, including connectivity, culture, border infrastructure, inundation and water management.
Yury Drozdov, the Soviet spymaster who oversaw a sprawling network of KGB agents living clandestinely abroad, has died at the age of 91.

The Foreign Intelligence Service, a KGB successor agency known under its Russian acronym SVR, didn't give the cause of Drozdov's death on June 21.

Drozdov took part in the exchange of Soviet undercover agent Rudolf Abel, convicted in the United States, for downed U.S. spy-plane pilot Francis Gary Powers in 1962.

The story was made into Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Bridge Of Spies in 2015 as well as the Soviet movie The Shield And The Sword, a 1968 classic that Russian President Vladimir Putin once said inspired him to join the KGB.

Putin himself offered condolences to Drozdov's wife and two sons in a message published on the Kremlin's website. Drozdov was "a legendary spy" and a "true patriot," Putin said.

Working under diplomatic cover, Drozdov served as the KGB resident in China in 1964-68, and in the United States in 1975-79.

In 1979, he came to head a KGB department overseeing a network of elite undercover agents abroad known as "illegals," the job he held until resigning in 1991.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Interfax


With dozens of satisfied clients, Tura Sunnatov seemed like one of the more successful defense lawyers in Tajikistan. In less than two years, he had secured the release of 10 inmates and helped reduce the prison sentences of 16 others.

But prosecutors say there was a troubling aspect to each of those cases that was unknown even to his clients. They allege that Sunnatov didnt actually take any of the legal steps he was describing and instead simply forged documents, letters, and signatures, as well as the seals of judges and courts, including the Tajik Supreme Court.



In return, the 38-year-old Dushanbe resident and former prison inmate would charge hundreds of dollars -- a considerable sum in a country with an average monthly income that hovers between $100 and $150, but one that many families were happy to pay to get their relatives out of prison.

Unsuspecting clients presented the forged documents to prison facilities, where negligent officials accepted them as genuine court rulings, according to the Tajik Prosecutor-General's Office.

Prosecutors say the forged documents -- with fake stamps and signatures -- were used to free 10 inmates from prison facilities across the country during 2015 and 2016. Dozens more were transferred from corrective labor facilities to ordinary prisons that offer better conditions, they say.



Authorities are now trying, with Sunnatov's cooperation, to round up former inmates who were released prematurely. Dozens of convicts have been relocated back to corrective labor camps, prosecutors add, and dozens more have been informed that their jail terms havent been reduced after all.

Bahriddin Isozoda, a senior investigator in the Prosecutor-Generals Office, says that Sunnatov will face trial on forgery and fraud charges that each carry maximum sentences of five years in jail.

Sunnatov has already served three years in prison for a forgery conviction in 2008, but the details of his first trial remain unclear.



Isozoda says that two other Dushanbe-based defense lawyers and a prison official have been taken into custody for assisting Sunnatov in crime.



In a filing that documents Sunnatovs alleged crimes, a copy of which was obtained by RFE/RL's Tajik Service, prosecutors say incredible forgery by the suspect and negligence of law-enforcement officials were major factors in the unprecedented case.



According to the document, the suspects didnt require much equipment to carry out the crimes -- or even need to leave their homes.



All they used were a computer, a scanner, and ordinary papers, it says.



In one case, Sunnatov was said to have secured the release of a female inmate who was serving an eight-year prison sentence in return for $2,500. Another case allegedly saw a male inmate's eight-year sentence reduced by half. In both cases, Sunnatov is thought to have forged signatures and seals from Supreme Court judges.



A source close to the investigation told RFE/RL that some of the judges whose signatures were forged are expected to attend Sunnatovs trial in Dushanbe.

Officials did not disclose a court date.



The source, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media, said some of the officials were stunned by how their signatures had been forged by the suspect.



Sunnatov was arrested in December after a client complained to authorities following an unsuccessful case.
The Power Vertical is a blog written especially for Russia wonks and obsessive Kremlin watchers by Brian Whitmore. It offers Brian's personal take on emerging and developing trends in Russian politics, shining a spotlight on the high-stakes power struggles, machinations, and clashing interests that shape Kremlin policy today. Check out The Power Vertical Facebook page or Follow @PowerVertical
Protecting our infrastructure isn't just about preventing malicious attacks, but also mitigating the damage of natural disasters. If you've seen a hurricane, tornado, or super storm, then you know just how much damage they can do to roads, bridges, construction sites, and especially underground subways. Think of the sheer number of ways water can enter into a subway tunnel, and it can become exhaustive. From the entrances, stairwells, elevator shafts, vents, rail yards, and the tracks themselves, the nature of being underground puts our subway systems at an inherent risk. Commuting is tough enough on a normal workday without the added hassle of a flooded tunnel on your way to or from work. With that in mind, how do subway systems around the world deal with this natural threat?

The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has a solution in the form of a giant inflatable plug that will seal off subway tunnels and stop water from flowing throughout the subway system into stations and other subway lines.

"The tunnel plug is an innovative and groundbreaking technology that can protect subway tunnels from flooding," said John Fortune, Program Manager in S&T's Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA).

Dubbed the Resilient Tunnel Plug (RTP), S&T, in conjunction with ILC Dover, the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and West Virginia University, demonstrated the inflatable device at a recent event held in Frederica, Delaware. The uninflated plug integrates seamlessly into a subway tunnel without impeding the flow of normal train traffic, but can be quickly inflated to stop water from rushing through the tunnel and remain inflated to withstand the incredible pressure of restrained floodwaters.

Fortune's team understood the importance of the project, but also knew it wouldn't be an easy task. They were attempting to take something only seen in science fiction movies and make it reality.

"The project started with a simple proof of concept to demonstrate feasibility, said Greg Holter of PNNL. "We then moved into the development phase to design, build, and demonstrate a plug system that would reliably meet key requirements."

The plug needs to be stored in limited space while strong enough to withstand not just the external water pressure, but the internal pressure of the air inside the plug. Holter says this is what led the project team to use a high-strength fabric construction similar to the technology used to land the Mars Rover on the harsh planet surface.

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ILC Dover is home to a full-size replica subway tunnel where scientists and engineers to constantly push, poke, and prod the RTP, ensuring it's ready for primetime.

"We tested several configurations of the plug during the program to eventually identify the design that worked best in the tunnel environment," said David Cadogan, ILC Dover's Director of Engineering and Product Development. "The most challenging aspects of the design, aside from having it withstand all of that pressure, was getting the plug to deploy and then seal the tunnel in a completely repeatable fashion. Then, finding the right design to allow it fit into a very small container mounted in the tunnel."

Cadogan says they went through several system level tests, but they knew they were on the right path when the RTP passed its stress test by holding back water for a full 21 days.

"That was the final proof that we had met every requirement for the RTP system," said Cadogan.

While doing everything in their power to meet those requirements for the tunnel plug, the scientists and engineers also discovered other uses for the technology and developed additional tools needed to keep transit systems and citizens dry and safe during a terrorist attack or storm.

"Spinoff technologies based on the plug, include covers for subway stairwells and fabric flood walls that can be deployed in an instant during an emergency. More than 20 stairwell covers have already been installed in lower Manhattan as part of the New York City subway system's Super Storm Sandy recovery efforts," said Fortune, "With the RTP, we are capable of controlling the vastness of danger, damage and even inconvenience to the public due to flooding events."

After a long journey and a lot of hard work, S&T, PNNL, and ILC Dover managed to make fantasy a reality and developed a creative real-world solution that will help protect the nation's transportation systems during natural disasters.
The elusive behavior of the African leopard has been revealed in great detail for the first time as part of a sophisticated study that links the majestic cat's caloric demands and its drive to kill.

A team led by Chris Wilmers, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, produced an unprecedented picture of this carnivore's predatory and reproductive behaviors by outfitting the cats with high-tech wildlife tracking collars equipped with GPS technology and an accelerometer to measure energy output.

"This is the first time we've had really detailed energetic data from a wild terrestrial mammal over an extended period," said Wilmers, lead author of a new paper, "Energetics-informed Behavioral States Reveal the Drive to Kill in African Leopards," which appears today (June 21, 2017) in the online edition of the journal Ecosphere.

The team gathered data from five animals over two months: one adult male; one adult female with one cub; one adult female without cubs; one yearling male cub; and a young "dispersal-aged" male ready to establish his own territory. "The sample size is small, but we got lucky with the diversity of age and sex," noted Wilmers.

Information gleaned from the collars allowed Wilmers' team to match the leopards' behavior with time and place, enabling them to assess the energetic "costs" of reproductive behavior -- dispersal and territorial patrol for males; parenting for females.

The study revealed that for male African leopards, territorial patrol activities account for 26 percent of their daily caloric intake; for females, parenting a one-year old offspring consumes 8 percent of their calories.

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"Energetics is the ultimate currency for an animal's survival," said Wilmers. "To survive, an animal needs to balance the calories it's expending with the calories it's taking in. If it wants to reproduce, it has to run an energetic surplus."

Wilmers, a wildlife ecologist who studies animal behavior and its cascading effects on ecosystems, continued: "Based on what the leopards are doing, they run up different energetic budgets, which in turn influence their drive to kill. They might kill more prey, bigger prey, or go after more desirable prey in more dangerous places -- closer to humans, for example."

One of the most striking behaviors described in the study was a kill by the adult male leopard. The data document him approaching a small village in a meandering fashion. He attacks and kills a goat inside a pen, then spends five minutes dragging the goat across the river to a spot where vegetation gives him the cover he needs to begin feeding.

"It gives us incredible insight into their behavior to see where they are moving and what they're doing on such a fine time scale," said Wilmers. "This allows us to see these cryptic animals moving through their environment."

Another example details the behavior of the adult female with a yearling cub. She kills an aardwolf (a small insect-eating mammal), feeds a bit, then meanders and rests for a few hours until she kills an impala (a medium-sized antelope that is common prey for African leopards). She feeds briefly, then walks directly back to her cub, guiding it first to the aardwolf and then the impala.

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Additionally, Wilmers was able to calculate and then compare the energetics of the mother and her son as they traveled together, concluding that the cub expended 12 percent more energy to travel the same distance.

African leopards are among the most elusive mammals on the planet -- more so than African lions or cheetahs. "Their whole strategy is to be elusive," said Wilmers. "People get glimpses of them, but that's all. Looking at this data is like going on a safari for the first time and seeing an animal you've only seen in captivity before."

These fine-grained energetics data open the door to understanding the ecological consequences of the leopard's predatory drive. Knowing the African leopard's energetic needs allows researchers to evaluate where they hunt, what they hunt, and to estimate the level of risk they might be willing to take in pursuit of attractive prey. In combination, these factors have implications for humans and the livestock that often share habitat with African leopards.

The placement of a fence, for example, could have energetic "costs" for leopards if they have to travel farther -- expending more energy -- to patrol territory, hunt, and provide for their offspring. Those costs would increase their drive to kill. "They might take bigger risks, they might catch larger prey like impala, and that could effect the impala population and what they feed on," said Wilmers, outlining the "cascade" of ecosystem effects that could follow human changes to the landscape.

"To be able to link behavior to energetics to ecological effects is an important conceptual advance," said Wilmers. "Once you understand how that circle works, we can assess how our actions will impact the animals, and how those effects will play out on the ecosystem."
From 1999/2000 to 2011/2012, exposure to secondhand smoke among nonsmoking adult cancer survivors declined from 39.6 percent to 15.7 percent, but rates of exposure were higher among those with a history of a smoking-related cancer and those living below the federal poverty level compared with those with other types of cancer and those with the highest incomes, respectively. A new report by Oladimeji Akinboro, MD, MPH, chief medical resident in the Department of Medicine at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital in New Rochelle, New York, outlines the new information. It is published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Akinboro explained thatsecondhand smoke exposure in cancer patients has been shown to lead to worse clinical outcomes, such as higher death rates, and to a decreased likelihood that smokers who have, or have had cancer, will quit smoking. It also leads to higher rates of strokes and heart attacks in cancer survivors, similar to those who have not had cancer, he said.

In this study, he and his colleagues set out to estimate the percentage of nonsmoking adult cancer survivors in the United States who had evidence of secondhand smoke exposure.

The researchers used interview and serum cotinine data for 686 nonsmoking adults with a history of cancer from seven consecutive cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They used data from 82 participants in the 1999/2000 survey, 106 in the 2001/2002 survey, 118 in the 2003/2004 survey, 79 in the 2005/2006 survey, 145 in the 2007/2008 survey, 87 in the 2009/2010 survey, and 69 in the 2011/2012 survey.

A serum cotinine level of between 0.05 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml was defined as exposure to secondhand smoke.

Among all the adults studied, 28.26 percent had been exposed to secondhand smoke. Certain segments of the population had higher rates of exposure compared with others. For example:

55.64 percent of non-Hispanic blacks had been exposed to secondhand smoke compared with 26.14 percent of non-Hispanic whites.

35.54 percent of those with a history of a smoking-related cancer had been exposed to secondhand smoke compared with 26.33 percent of those with a type of cancer not linked to smoking.

53.25 percent of those with an income below the federal poverty level had been exposed to secondhand smoke compared with 22.8 percent of those with an income three or more times greater than the federal poverty level.

The proportion of those exposed to secondhand smoke decreased by an average of 6.31 percent between consecutive cycles.

Among all the adults studied, 4.53 percent reported living in a household where someone smoked.

"We were surprised to discover that rates of secondhand tobacco exposure among nonsmoking adult cancer survivors were similar to those reported for the general population of U.S. adults," said Akinboro. "This is concerning because those who have had or have cancer represent a group of people whose health outcomes are adversely influenced by any form of tobacco exposure, whether direct smoking or secondhand exposure.

"The difference in the rates of secondhand smoke exposure, as measured by blood levels of cotinine, and self-reported rates of indoor household secondhand smoke exposure were striking," continued Akinboro. "It is very plausible that this difference may be related to inhalation of tobacco smoke from other households in multiunit apartments, clubs, bars, and public spaces, which would have numerous policy implications, including encouraging widespread adoption of nonsmoking policies in multiunit housings by housing managements and public housing authorities.

"Cancer patients and survivors must be encouraged to be their own advocates regarding secondhand smoke exposure, in adopting voluntary smoke-free home and vehicle rules, and avoiding settings outside the home where they are more likely than not to be involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke," concluded Akinboro. "Smoking households and social contacts of cancer patients and survivors also need to be engaged, and as a society, we can reduce secondhand smoke exposure by intensifying local, state, and federal measures and policies that prohibit smoking in the workplace, in public places, and multiunit housing."

According to Akinboro, the main limitation of the study was that the researchers analyzed data that had been collected at a single point in time from a random selection of U.S. adults, some of whom were cancer survivors. Since the individuals were not followed over time, no factor -- such as race/ethnicity or income level or cancer type -- can be attributed as being a cause of secondhand smoke exposure; they can only be associated, said Akinboro.
Mobile phone text messaging is a powerful tool for improving quality of care, as shown by Jose Antonio Nhavoto in his doctoral thesis in informatics at Orebro University. He has developed and tested a method in Mozambique, helping patients with severe diseases to follow through with their treatments.

"Patients who received text messages felt that their doctor cared and the method proved to be significant in getting people to show up for their appointments," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

Combining care and communication in his thesis project, Jose Antonio Nhavoto has examined how text messages can be used in several different ways to improve care for patients linked to 16 healthcare centres in the Maputo region in his native Mozambique. The actual technology was already in place, but it was given a new scope and new content.

"The patients were undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis, diseases with among the highest mortality rate in the country. In addition, these diseases are stigmatizing.

A very tangible result of the project was that the number of missed doctor's appointments reduced radically -- from one in four to near enough none at all. This based on a patient group of 50,000.

The patients had four different types of text messages linked to their treatments. Two of them were reminders -- of doctor's appointments and of picking up prescriptions. A third type was aiming at encouraging and motivating the patients to follow their treatments.

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"The fourth message category focused on information, for example on how to avoid having others catching the disease and the possibility to test for HIV for free," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

All text messages were anonymous but personal in as much as they were based on the medical records for each patient, which were held at the healthcare centres.

Using text messages for the improvement of care turned out to work very well in this project, both for patients and for healthcare staff. But the benefits do not stop there.

"The technology used is cheap and easy to scale up. It can be used for other diseases and in other countries. In India, mobile phones are widely used. Even in affluent countries such as Sweden, where many people own much more advanced phones, voice messaging or even video may well be a development of what we have done here," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

He is now returning to Mozambique and is hoping to present his finding to the Ministry of Health and to various aid organisations. One advantage with the text messaging technology in a poor country is that it is cheap and that mobile phones are relatively common. But there are obstacles to be overcome:

"Women in rural areas in Mozambique are not allowed mobile phones so they are relying on their husbands. Neither do healthcare centres in certain areas have any computers, since there is no electricity. What people do have, however, is the possibility to charge their phones.

Using text messaging within healthcare in Mozambique is consequently not only a question of technology and healthcare as such, but it is also dependent on cultural and social conditions. And language. There are 43 different local languages, in addition to the official Portuguese used in this particular project.
Researchers from the University of Leicester are working with police forces in the UK to improve the accuracy of police dogs in identifying human remains in criminal investigations.

The research, led by PhD student Jonathon Brooks from the University of Leicester's Department of Chemistry, looks at the chemical aspects of decomposition, investigating the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) given off when biological matter decomposes.

The team hopes to establish what chemicals the dogs are detecting and whether it is just the one compound or combinations of these compounds.

They are then working with professionals to use these substances to train victim recovery police dogs to locate human remains.

The researchers have shown that while different tissue types decompose at different rates they share similar VOC profiles. However, the environment that the tissue is exposed to can significantly change this VOC profile -- suggesting that the samples that are often being used by police forces aren't fully representative of buried human remains.

The team is using a variety of analytical techniques to characterise and measure the substances released by decomposing tissue, working with police officers to train their recovery dogs to recognise these different compounds.

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Jonathon explained: "As human remains break down, these small molecules are released into the surrounding environment, many of which can be detected by dogs.

"Depending on the conditions, different compounds will be released, so police search dogs need to be able to recognise a vast array of molecules."

The team is currently supporting cadaver dog training within the UK, as police forces are often very limited to which samples they are able to use, which can reduce their effectiveness during investigations.

The researchers are working closely with University Hospitals of Leicester and multiple police forces across the country, to establish how the data can be used in criminal investigations in the future.

The University of Leicester project is the only research within the UK to apply multidimensional chromatography -- which improves the ability to separate complex chemical mixtures -- to the understanding of decomposition, in collaboration with laboratories in Australia (UTS; University Technology Sydney) and Belgium (University of Liege).

Jonathon added: "Within the UK we are restricted to the use of animal samples in both research and police dog training, due to current legislation.

"Our Australian collaborators more recently opened a human decomposition facility. Having visited both the site and the laboratory we have been able to advance our knowledge on the analytical instrument and are looking to apply this to both our singular organ and whole mammal research.

"Currently protocols are being introduced to allow police forces to use donated human samples from hospitals, to increase the reliability and effectiveness of the dog's ability to detect such remains. However this is yet to be implemented, and the regularity and consistency of the human tissue supply is as yet unknown."

Professor Paul Monks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, who supervises Jonathon's research, said: "Jonathon is really showing how university-led discovery science can be rapidly translated and inform forensic science practice. Jonathon is fusing state of the art analytical science with user-led problems. It is clear that Jonathon has a nose for success."
Farmers hoarding fertiliser may cause shortages: AIC

Agriculture Inputs Company fears districts in the central Tarai of the country may face a shortage of chemical fertilisers this year, as farmers have started hoarding the key agricultural input due to concerns about shortage of the product.
People who grew up in single-parent families have lower levels of wellbeing and life satisfaction in adulthood, according to new research by the University of Warwick.

Dr Sakari Lemola from Warwick's Department of Psychology, and Dr David Richter from the German Institute for Economic Research, have discovered that individuals who were brought up by a single parent for their entire childhood earn on average 30% less and are more likely to be unemployed.

Furthermore, on average they were 9% less likely to be in a romantic relationship and had a smaller number of friends, according to the research.

In a study of over 24,000 adults aged 18-66, the researchers identified 641 individuals who spent their entire childhood with a single parent and 1539 who spent part of their childhood with a single parent.

The sample group was asked how satisfied they are with life in general, using an 11-point scale -- ranging from zero (completely dissatisfied) to ten (completely satisfied). They were also asked who they lived with for the first fifteen years of their life.

The researchers analysed the participants' annual income, number of visits to the doctor, level of social integration, and success in romantic relationships.

After accounting for childhood socio-economic circumstances, the differences in life-satisfaction were relatively small. Those who grew up with a single parent for their entire childhood were approximately 0.2 points lower on the scale ranging from 0 to 10 than those who were brought up by both parents -- and 0.1 points lower than those who experienced parental separation during childhood.

"These findings suggest that both parents still provide important resources even when children have already grown up and left their parent's home. During young adulthood these resources may include financial support as well as access to social networks, which is important to find a good job," commented Dr Sakari Lemola.

"Children who had grown up with a single parent for their entire childhood are less likely to know their second parent well and to receive such support during adult life," he continued.

"Thus, support from the state for those individuals who grew up in single-parent families should also target the life-stages after childhood and facilitate integration into adult life during important transitions such as from school to university or from education into the job market."

Single parenthood is increasingly common in Western societies, with 20% of children in Germany and 24% in the UK currently being raised in single-parent households -- more than 80% of those in households headed by single mothers.
Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have introduced a new type of nanomechanical resonator, in which a pattern of holes localizes vibrations to a small region in a 30 nm thick membrane. The pattern dramatically suppresses coupling to random fluctuations in the environment, boosting the vibrations' coherence. The researchers' quantitative understanding and numerical models provide a versatile blueprint for ultracoherent nanomechanical devices. Among others, this enables a new generation of nanomechanical sensors to probe quantum limits of mechanical measurements, and more sensitive force microscopy. The results are published in the scientific journal, Nature Nanotechnology.

Micro- and nanomechanical devices are ubiquitous in Science and Technology: they make watches tick, allow smartphones and cars to sense acceleration, and provide the basic element that Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) and its sophisticated derivatives rely upon. More recently, such devices have also come to the focus of Quantum Science. Experiments with the most advanced mechanical sensors now probe fundamental quantum limits to measuring forces, testing decade-old, newly relevant predictions from the gravitational wave detection community. Quantum-enabled mechanical devices are also poised to play a role in quantum communication and computing technologies, for example as memory or interface elements.

A crucial characteristic for mechanical devices in these applications is their coherence: it essentially quantifies how much (or preferably, little) the motional dynamics are perturbed by random fluctuations in the environment. For a mechanical resonator oscillating at frequency f, a high quality factor Q indicates high coherence (per definition, Q/2pf is the energy storage time of the resonator). At the same time, measuring forces benefits from a small moving mass m. Then smaller forces have a more significant impact on the sensor's motion. Unfortunately, however, these requirements can be conflicting: past research has shown that low mass m often entails low Q and vice versa.

Update the textbooks

Now researchers lead by Albert Schliesser, Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, have introduced a new kind of nanomechanical resonator that defies this heuristic rule. It is based on a silicon nitride membrane stretched over a silicon frame like a timpano's drumhead. Yet its lateral dimensions are only in the millimeter range, and it is as thin as a few 10's of nanometers. Its distinguishing feature is a pattern of holes etched through the membrane. The pattern's periodicity gives rise to a phononic bandgap, that is, a frequency range in which elastic waves cannot propagate. This allows to confine vibrations -- whose frequency falls into this range -- to a central island without holes, which is referred to as the defect. Given the defect's small size, the vibrating mass amounts to only a few nanograms.



Crucially, the hole pattern also boosts the Q-factor of the defect's vibrations in two complementary ways, as Albert Schliesser explains: "On the one hand, it prevents loss of vibrational energy by elastic waves propagating away -- this was well known. On the other hand, the holey part of the membrane can still gently move, and thus provide a soft transition between the vibrating defect and the necessarily static frame of the device." Such soft clamping constitutes a novel type of boundary condition to a mechanically compliant element, unlike various forms -- 'sliding', 'pinned', 'clamped' and 'free' -- known to mechanical engineering textbooks. And it is exactly this soft clamping which massively boosts the Q-factor via an effect called dissipation dilution. Indeed, the achieved quality factors of more than 200 million are unprecedented for resonators at megahertz frequencies. Most remarkably, these figures are achieved at room temperature. Conventional wisdom suggests that resonators made from any of the widely used materials such as quartz, silicon, or diamond, cannot achieve such high products of frequency and quality factor, unless they are cooled cryogenically. "However, with the right fabrication process, our approach can in principle be applied to resonators of any material, and thereby boost the Q," says PhD student Yeghishe Tsaturyan, who made the devices at the Danchip nanofabrication facility.

A new generation of quantum sensors

"This makes this study particularly useful," adds Albert Schliesser, "with our model and numerical simulations, we now have a deterministic, but versatile approach to design and build extremely coherent resonators. This used to be more of a dark art. Now you can take it and adapt it to your requirements."

But the record-high coherence of the devices created in the present work is already attractive for a number of applications. Especially experiments in quantum optomechanics will massively benefit from the nearly 100-fold enhanced coherence, compared to first-generation membrane resonators. Forces associated with quantum vacuum fluctuations are expected to be extremely prominent, allowing detailed studies of their effects also in complex settings and, eventually, room temperature. This will allow new investigations of quantum limits to force and displacement measurements, concepts highly relevant not least for the design of gravity wave detectors.

Another avenue of interest is to use the membranes in magnetic resonance force microscopes (MRFM). Similar to an AFM, these instruments are based on a force measurement, and achieve extreme spatial resolution at the nanometer scale. Unlike AFM, MRFM images magnetic properties of the sample, comparable to MRI scanners known from clinical use. At its full potential, MRFM promises no less than chemically selective 3d-images of, for example, a virus at molecular resolution. This would allow new insights into structure and function of biological systems at the molecular scale. The holey resonators introduced at the Niels Bohr Institute could help approach this goal.
A team of scientists led by the Universities of Leicester and East Anglia are leading research to protect wildlife by using satellite data to identify monkey populations that have declined through hunting.

In a new article in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, a working group chaired by Professor Heiko Balzter, from the National Centre for Earth Observation at the University of Leicester, has looked at ways in which an array of technologies could be used to identify how many species are alive in an area and the risks they may be exposed to.

Using a combination of satellite and ground data, the team can map multiple indicators of monkey distribution, including human activity zones as inferred from roads and settlements, direct detections from mosquito-derived iDNA, animal sound recordings, plus detections of other species that are usually found when monkeys are present, such as other large vertebrates.

This data could be used to identify areas in which monkey populations are particularly vulnerable.

Professor Balzter explained: "There are ten times as many satellites in operation now as there were in the 1970s. Most people now use maps from Earth Observation on their mobile, such as Google Earth. The European Copernicus satellites now provide free global data every 5 days at 10m resolution. And think of small cube satellites that fit into a tote bag and weigh only 2kg. Satellite technology has undergone a massive change and has never been so accessible.

"However, satellites cannot observe small animals directly. Most biodiversity is invisible to a satellite.

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"Scientists have developed indicators for biodiversity, such as land cover type, and modern ecological models that can digest satellite data and information on species occurrence are now offering near-real time monitoring of the land management impacts on biodiversity. We propose using a mix of new technology rather than a single remedy."

Among the technologies which can be used to map monkey distribution are automated recording devices that can automatically record animal sounds in a landscape.

Modern genetic fingerprinting on a massive scale, called 'high-throughput DNA sequencing', can also tell which species live in a landscape based on the environmental DNA that they leave behind in the form of saliva, urine, faeces or blood.

Mass-collected bulk samples of organisms can be collected in the field with relative ease.

For example, mosquitoes can be caught in a trap and blended into a 'biodiversity soup' to analyse the DNA in the blood of the animals they have been feeding on.

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Professor Douglas W. Yu from the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, who co-led the research, said: "DNA-based methods are a powerful way to relieve the taxonomic bottleneck in biodiversity assessment, but they are only partially able to relieve the sampling bottleneck. In the end, the only way to cover whole landscapes is to combine satellites, sequencers, and statistics."

Together, the data on the animal sounds and photos, the DNA they leave behind, and satellite observations provide a wealth of biodiversity information.

Professor Balzter added: "It may sound like a strange idea -- satellites that can see the genetic make-up of the blood sucked by mosquitoes. Of course they cannot directly see that. But big data from genetic fingerprinting of animal DNA in a landscape combined with fine-resolution satellite data and sophisticated ecological models can. We need to work across subjects to make this happen. These are very exciting times. If our research can help to save a species that gives me a very strong sense of purpose to my job as a university professor."

Many animal species are threatened with extinction. As a result of this, the UK has signed up to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to try and stop this loss of species.

In 2010, the Convention met in Aichi, Japan, and agreed a set of targets, called the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. These targets aim to address the underlying causes of biodiversity, reduce the pressures on biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and species, enhance the benefits from biodiversity and ecosystem services, and enable participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.

The paper is led by Alex Bush of the Kunming Institute of Zoology and Canadian Rivers Institute.

Alex said: "For years ecologists have struggled to test or extend models of ecosystem-level change because the data were too expensive to collect at the required scales. Instead decisions have typically relied on surrogates with unknown consequences. With the parallel developments in remote sensing, genomics and more automated field recording, we now have the tools needed to collect data at large scales. Methods to model these 'big data' sources are already available and could improve how we conserve and manage ecosystems, and the essential services they provide, in a period of intense global change."
Uncertainty and confusion over medicine use is affecting thousands of patients and their carers and, potentially, putting lives at risk, warn researchers. Research suggests that about 5,700 people die every year in the UK because of 'medication related adverse events', which includes side-effects and when incorrect medicines, dosages or strengths are administered.

The cost of these events is estimated at 750million, with a further 300million bill for wasted medicines which aren't taken. Internationally, medication related problems are believed to be the fifth most common cause of death in the USA.

According to researchers at Aston University, the problem is particularly pronounced among older people taking many different medicines. Older people, particularly older people with dementia, often rely on family members or other carers to manage their medication, and these carers often have their own medication to manage as well.

A team led by Dr Ian Maidment at Aston University is undertaking a ground-breaking 20-month study into the problem, with funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The Aston project is titled MEMORABLE -- Medication Management in Older People: Realist Approaches Based on Literature and Evaluation.

As well as reviewing the scientific evidence, the team will interview older people and carers, and health and care practitioners to learn from their experiences. The work will take place predominantly in the West Midlands, where the population is broadly representative of the UK as a whole.

Dr Maidment said: "With an aging population, this problem is very likely to get worse. More people will require medication for long term conditions and the responsibility for helping those patients manage their drugs will frequently fall on older carers, who will often have their own medications to deal with as well.

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"I worked as a pharmacist for 25 years and it's my belief that we do not have a system for handling complex medicine regimes well. When a patient is being prescribed several drugs -- it's known as polypharmacy -- there are many risks.

"The patient themselves may make mistakes, taking the wrong pill or dosage. And where responsibility for looking after medication moves to a family carer, they may find this role a burden. We need to find a way to make this safer and easier, based on what we can learn from the experiences of patients, carers and practitioners, and from good evidence of what works well. That's what makes this study novel."

Some carers can find themselves in an impossible position. One such carer is Graham Price, from Birmingham, who was left to treat his 65-year-old wife Maureen with 11 different medications -- even though he is blind.

Graham, 77, said: "Imagine a blind person left to medicate a vulnerable person with 11 medications each day, at variable frequencies, one of which was given five times a day. What sort of care is that?

"I fumbled to find the mouth of my loved one and then wasn't sure if the pill or liquid medication had been swallowed; it was a distressing experience five times daily for both of us.

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"A friend suggested I request a seven-day monitoring tray of medications from the chemist, as they were understandably worried I could make an error taking pills from an array of individual boxes. Unable to remind myself of their contents, their use certainly required reliance on a good memory.

"But the segmented monitoring medication trays posed their own difficulties. Each covered segment held the appropriate medication for specific times. With variable frequencies of use, it was imperative the covering film was removed from the correct segment -- alertness isn't always at 100 per cent and there was an ever-present risk of a mistake.

"When the absurdity of this situation was raised with clinicians they understood the difficulty but appeared powerless or unwilling to act and affect change. Surely they have a voice and should use it when the operational process is plainly wrong?

"In November 2011, after four-and-a-half years of coping with the madness of medicating Maureen, and with the health of both of us deteriorating, I refused to medicate my loved one. This caused mayhem, with already hard-pressed community nurses required to take on this role.

"Exhausted and feeling suicidal after four years of unrelenting 24/7 care for Maureen, I rang the clinicians and said: 'If you don't get help out here, you'll have two rather than one on your case load.' Help from social services arrived immediately after that; why did it take so long?'

"Then the arguments who should pay for this service, health or social care authorities, began. My tenacity prevailed and the NHS accepted their responsibility -- but should this fight have been necessary?"

Someone else who has seen the effects of such problems first-hand is Shirley Nurock, 73, whose life was turned upside-down when her GP husband Leonard began to show symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease in his 50s.

Shirley, from London, said: "Issues around medication management still stand out as being a cause of extra and unnecessary stress. Caring at home, it was difficult to know whether or not prescribed drugs, particularly for agitation, were really necessary and whether or not the dosage was too high.

"Looking after a husband with young-onset dementia, it was hard to keep up with his wandering, to remember to ask him if he had remembered to take his pills, and I am sure some pills were often missed.

"After he was admitted to a nursing home, there were more major and problematic areas. Drugs were prescribed PRN (Pro Re Nata, or as needed) -- but who was checking if they were needed? On some days he appeared overdosed on particular medication and slept for 20 hours, which was deeply unsettling; on other occasions, it appeared that medication was being under-supplied, with other upsetting consequences.

"He was on so many medications, all for relatively minor conditions, but cumulatively they were causing multiple side-effects. I rarely saw a pharmacist going through the residents' medication lists and even more rarely saw the GP, but all these things could have been picked up if a community pharmacist had regularly checked these things."

GPs also have concerns about the issue. Dr Geoff Wong, of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, also works as a GP in Swiss Cottage, North London.

He said: "Along with many of my fellow NHS GPs, I find many older patients have complex medication regimes. I get a lot of guidelines on the conditions they have but fewer, if any, that target the issue of how to help them manage their complex medication regimes.

"Instead, I often have to draw on clinical experience to help me manage complex medication regimes.

"What's needed is a better understanding of the challenges that older people with complex medication regimes face. Only then will be it be possible to work out who needs what kind of help, when, how and why with their complex medication regime. That is what I hope this project will do."

Jo Rycroft-Malone is Programme Director for the NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research Programme, which is funding the research.

She said: "We felt this study, focusing on the needs of older people managing complex medication regimes, addressed an important issue in health service provision.

"This research will gather information from the people with first-hand experience of medication management and provision -- carers, patients and medical professionals -- in the hope of providing evidence that can inform future practice. The NIHR prides itself on funding studies that address priorities for patients and the NHS.

"This study is also a good example of how our organisation, researchers, medical professionals and patients and the public have a combined role to play in the future of health services and research."

A third of people aged 75 or over regularly take six or more medicines and it is predicted that up to three million people will be regularly taking multiple medicines within the next year.

Polypharmacy can happen when patients move between care providers, or when the side effects of one drug are treated as if they are a new medical condition, rather than a side-effect.

Find more information at: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/hsdr/1513701#/documentation
An international team of scientists including the Computation Institute has determined the 3-D atomic structures of more than 1,000 proteins that are potential targets for drugs and vaccines to combat some of the world's most dangerous emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

These experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, an international archive freely available to the scientific community. The 3-D structures help expedite drug and vaccine research and advance the understanding of pathogens and organisms causing infectious disease.

"Almost 50 percent of the structures that we have deposited in the Protein Data Bank are proteins that were requested by scientific investigators from around the world," said Wayne Anderson of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who is director of the project. "The NIH has also requested us to work on proteins for potential drug targets or vaccine candidates for many diseases, such as the Ebola virus, the Zika virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We have determined several key structures from these priority organisms and published the results in journals such as Nature and Cell."

This milestone effort, funded by two five-year contracts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), totaling a budget of $57.7 million, represents a decade of work by the Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID). CSGID is led by Anderson in partnership with the University of Chicago, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the University of Calgary, the University of Toronto, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, the J. Craig Venter Institute, the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and University College London.

Before work begins on a targeted protein, a board appointed by the NIH examines each request. Once approved, the protein must be cloned, expressed and crystallized, and then X-ray diffraction data is collected at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Photon Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility at Argonne National Laboratory. This data defines the location of each of the hundreds or even thousands of atoms to generate 3-D models of the proteins' structures that can be analyzed with graphics software.

Each institution in the Center has an area of expertise it contributes to the project, working in parallel on many requests at once.

The University of Chicago team focuses on antibiotic resistance factors such as metallo -lactamases, essential enzymes that are potential drug candidates, as well as transcription factors responsible for virulence from pathogenic bacteria.

Argonne Distinguished Scientist Andrzej Joachimiak, the co-principal investigator of CSGID, said the initiative was a highly collaborative effort. The team works closely with microbiologists and chemists from the biology community to identify chemicals that will inhibit protein activity; then they produce and crystallize proteins with those inhibitors bound to determine their structures using X-ray crystallography.

The University of Chicago team has recently characterized protein crystal structures with novel inhibitors from two important agents that cause human disease: Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Cryptosporidium parvium, responsible for tuberculosis and the parasitical infection cryptosporidiosis, respectively.

In their research, the team uses community resources in the Advanced Protein Characterization Facility and data collection facilities at the Advanced Photon Source.

Until recently, the process of determining the 3-D structure of a protein took many months or even years -- but advances in technology, such as crystallization methods, the powerful X-rays from the Advanced Photon Source, upgrades to computational hardware and software, and automation of many of the steps have dramatically accelerated the process.

The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, a similar center funded by NIAID, is also on track to complete 1,000 3-D protein structures soon. Interested readers can browse all of the structures deposited by the CSGID; anyone in the scientific community interested in requesting the determination of structures of proteins from pathogens in the NIAID Category A-C priority lists, or organisms causing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, can submit requests to the Center's web portal. As part of the services offered to the scientific community, the CSGID can also provide expression clones and purified proteins, free of charge.
An astronomy team that found a potentially habitable planet at the nearest star system to Earth last year has resumed its search for similar worlds.

The team's "Pale Red Dot" campaign found a potentially Earth-like planet, in the habitable zone of Proxima Centauri, one of the stars in the Alpha Centauri system that is located approximately 4 light-years away from Earth. Astronomers generally consider a planet as potentially habitable if it is rocky and in the habitable zone  that is, if it orbits its parent star at a distance where water could exist on the planet's surface.

This year, the team will conduct a new Red Dots campaign, which will again look at Proxima Centauri, as well as two other close-by stars: Barnard's Star (a red dwarf located 6 light-years away) and Ross 154 (a red dwarf located a little less than 10 light-years away). The team will acquire and analyze data obtained from the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS), an instrument renowned for finding exoplanets. [The Nearest Stars to Earth (Infographic)]

The team  led by Guillem Anglada-Escude, an astronomer at Queen Mary University of London  will share updates on the search through social media. Unlike last year, the team will also discuss its results in real time, although the team members cautioned that these results are subject to peer review.

Artist's illustration of the surface of Proxima b, an Earth-sized, potentially habitable world that orbits the nearby M-dwarf star Proxima Centauri. (Image credit: M. Kornmesser/ESO)

The campaign, in collaboration with ESO, will also solicit contributions from amateur astronomers through social media, an online forum and tools from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO).

"Any observations presented during this time will, of course, be preliminary only, and they must not be used or cited in refereed literature," ESO officials said. "The team will not produce conclusive statements, nor claim any finding until a suitable paper is written, peer-reviewed and accepted for publication.

"The Red Dots campaign will keep the public informed via the reddots.space website, where weekly updates will be posted, together with supporting articles and highlights of the week, including featured contributions by the community," the observatory officials added. "Conversations will take place also on the Red Dots Facebook page, the Red Dots Twitter account and the hashtag #reddots."

The team will obtain about 90 nights of observations from HARPS, a spectograph that is installed at the ESO 3.6-meter telescope at the La Silla Observatory in Chile.

The team behind the Pale Red Dot campaign, which previously identified a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri b, will turn the European Southern Observatory's planet-hunting HARPS instrument toward Earth's nearest stars. (Image credit: ESO/Red Dots)

The instrument looks for small wobbles in a star's motion of the sort that happen when a planet (or several planets) tugs on the star during its orbit. The instrument is so sensitive that it can see motion at about a walking pace (3.5 km/h or 2.2 mph) from trillions of miles or kilometers away.

"No one can say for sure what the outcome of the Red Dots campaign will be. After data acquisition and data analysis together with the community, the scientific team will submit the results for formal peer review," ESO officials said.

"If exoplanets are indeed discovered around these stars, ESO's Extremely Large Telescope, due to see first light in 2024, should be able to directly image them and characterize their atmospheres, a crucial step towards searching for evidence of life beyond the solar system," the officials added.

Earlier this year, ESO signed an agreement with the Breakthrough Initiatives to assist in the latter's quest to send a nanocraft to Alpha Centauri at 20 percent the speed of light. Specifically, ESO will adapt its Very Large Telescope in Chile to continue searching for planets in the Alpha Centauri system. The search program will take place in 2019.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
This artists impression shows an imagined view from the surface of a planet that was part of a star system found recently using the TRAPPIST telescope at the European Space Observatory's La Silla Observatory in Chile. These worlds' sizes and temperatures are similar to those of Venus and Earth, and are the best targets found so far in the search for life outside our solar system.

WASHINGTON  From the lovable, candy-munching E.T. to the deadly Xenomorphs from the "Alien" movies, science-fiction stories are bursting with all kinds of alien encounters. But in reality, we've yet to achieve contact  though not for lack of trying.

Plenty of scientists are looking for signs of extraterrestrial life  intelligent or not  using a variety of methods, Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, told an audience here on June 18 during a talk at Future Con, a festival that highlights the intersection between science, technology and science fiction.

But the more our own technology moves forward and the more humans explore the rapidly evolving concept of synthetic intelligence (smart machines), the more experts suspect that intelligent extraterrestrial life could be advanced in ways that would stymie current efforts to find them, Shostak said. [Greetings, Earthlings! 8 Ways Aliens Could Contact Us]

However, perhaps the first question to ask is why people are so fascinated by the idea of alien life  particularly alien invaders, Shostak suggested. This preoccupation with an unseen extraterrestrial threat may be an echo from our distant past, when early humans learned that survival frequently depended on being able to imagine and prepare for attacks from predators or enemies that you couldn't see, he said.

What we now know about the universe suggests that it's very unlikely that humanity is the only form of life in it.

"Work from the last 20 years shows that there are planets all over the place," Shostak said. In fact, NASA announced yesterday (June 19) that the Kepler Space Telescope mission has discovered 219 more exoplanets (planets orbiting stars other than our sun), bringing the total of planets discovered by Kepler to 4,034, Space.com reported.

Most stars  70 to 80 percent of them, by some estimates  probably host planets, Shostak added. With an estimated 100 billion stars in our galaxy, that gives us around 1 trillion planets in the Milky Way galaxy alone. Data from Kepler suggests that about one in five of these planets is Earth-like  rocky and capable of supporting liquid water and possibly life, "so now you have 100 billion planets in our galaxy that are sort of like Earth," Shostak said.

And with recent studies hinting that there may be as many as 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe, that adds up to a lot of planets that might host some form of life.

When you look at it that way, "saying, 'I don't believe in aliens' is a daring position to take," Shostak said.

Signs of life

There are three methods most commonly used by scientists to search for alien life, according to Shostak. The first is straightforward enough  and is also the one that's most popular with sci-fi writers: "Just go out and find it," he said. This includes missions to send spacecraft to destinations such as Saturn's moon Enceladus, where probes would sample water vapor from surface plumes to see if they hold anything interesting. [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Aliens]

SETI astronomer Seth Shostak explains the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life, at the Future Con panel "Are We Looking for the Wrong Aliens?" (Image credit: M. Weisberger/Live Science)

The final method  and the one practiced by Shostak and his SETI Institute colleagues  is eavesdropping on radio signals that an alien civilization might broadcast.Another method is to image distant planets with very large space telescopes capable of detecting enough detail to provide scientists with data about their atmospheres. Big telescopes  such as the James Webb Space Telescope, expected to launch in October 2018  could allow astronomers to analyze the spectrum of light surrounding a far-off planet for evidence of atmospheric oxygen or methane, both of which are known to sustain life on Earth.

"That's how you find intelligent life," Shostak said.

Alien A.I.?

All of these parameters offer scientists a reasonable range of variables for discovering life  but only as long as that life is "the soft, squishy kind, like us," Shostak said. However, a sophisticated extraterrestrial civilization could theoretically have advanced far beyond that, creating forms of artificial intelligence housed in machinery, which simply don't have the same requirements as organic life.

"Machines live forever, and they can go anywhere  they don't care about oceans and atmospheres," Shostak said.

With that view, many of the factors that are currently thought to be indicators of life on other worlds, such as liquid water and a breathable atmosphere, are rendered irrelevant. As such, researchers would need to identify other signals to pinpoint which planets might harbor aliens, Shostak said.

But Shostak also offered reassurances, telling the Future Con attendees that at least they won't need to worry about scientists or the government concealing the news when alien life finally does appear  the story would be too big for them to hide it for long, he said.

"Will we all start singing 'Kumbaya' and just get along when that happens? I don't think so," Shostak said at Future Con. "But it'll change things. Forever after, you will know  as amazing as you are  that you're not the only miracle, you're not the only kid on the block. And I think that'll be very interesting to learn."

Original article on Live Science.
WASHINGTON  The European Space Agency has selected an ambitious space-based gravitational-wave observatory as its next large space science mission, scheduled for launch by 2034.

ESA announced June 20 that its Science Program Committee has formally selected the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission for development as the third large, or "L3," mission its Cosmic Vision program of science missions. It follows the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, mission under development for launch in 2022 and the Athena X-ray observatory planned for a 2028 launch.

The selection of LISA was widely expected. The call for proposals issued by ESA in October 2016 specifically requested missions that fit a theme called "The Gravitational Universe" for the study of gravitational waves. The LISA mission concept had been under study for a number of years to meet that goal. ['We Don't Planet' Episode 8: Gravitational Waves]

The selection was supported by the February 2016 announcement of the first detection of gravitational waves, predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity a century ago. That detection, and two subsequent ones, were made by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), a pair of groundbased detectors in the United States.

LISA will use three spacecraft operating in an Earth-trailing orbit around the sun, separated from each other by 2.5 million kilometers in a triangular formation. The far longer baseline of LISA  LIGO's detectors are only a few kilometers long  will allow it to detect gravitational waves at lower frequencies.

LISA's prospects were also buoyed by the success of an ESA technology demonstration mission, LISA Pathfinder, launched in December 2015. That spacecraft demonstrated the extreme stability needed to serve as a gravitational-wave detector.

LISA Pathfinder not only met the goals set for that demonstration mission, but also showed a greater level of precision needed for the operational LISA mission, easing doubts about the feasibility of LISA. ESA announced June 20 that LISA Pathfinder, which received a six-month extended mission in December 2016, will shut down at the end of the month.

Long before ESA's announcement, scientists were confident about LISA's selection. "LISA looks like it's going to happen. It looks like it's on a pretty firm track," David Shoemaker, senior research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics, said at a January meeting of the American Physical Society.

Shoremaker chairs the L3 Study Team, a NASA-chartered group studying the potential contributions NASA could make to LISA. The LISA proposal assumed that NASA would contribute 20 percent of the mission's overall cost through instruments or technology. The call for proposals capped ESA's cost for the L3 mission at 1.05 billion euros ($1.17 billion).

ESA also announced June 20 that a medium-class mission, Planetary Transits and Oscillations of stars, or PLATO, will move into its next phase of development. ESA selected PLATO as its third medium, or M3, mission in 2014, and ESA said the mission was now formally adopted into the agency's science program, allowing it to move into full-fledged development.

PLATO, planned for launch in 2026, two years later than originally announced, will survey a large number of bright stars, looking for evidence of exoplanets orbiting them as those planets transit, or pass in front of, the stars as they orbit them. PLATO is intended to be a more advanced version of exoplanet missions like NASA's Kepler and the upcoming Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, scheduled for launch in 2018.

In addition to LISA and PLATO, ESA said it would participate in two missions of opportunity. It will be a part of the agency's Proba-3 formation flying technology demonstration mission, where two spacecraft will fly 150 meters apart, aligned so that one spacecraft blocks the disk of the sun as seen by the other. Instruments on Proba-3 will allow detailed study of the sun's corona.

ESA will also participate in Japan's X-ray Astronomy Recovery Mission (XARM), a replacement for the Hitomi spacecraft lost shortly after launch in 2016. The Japanese government has approved plans to develop XARM, and NASA will build a replacement for an X-ray spectrometer instrument flown on Hitomi.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
WASHINGTON  Pew, pew, pew! Epic laser battles with highly concentrated beams of deadly light punching through starship hulls, slicing off limbs  or instantly vaporizing spacecraft, bodies and even planets  have been a much-loved and time-honored tradition in science fiction for many decades.

But anyone who has gripped a handheld laser pointer to lead a presentation or to tease a cat knows that lower-energy versions of lasers are quite common today. The focused light of lasers can be used for microscopy, to provide targets for weapons, to perform certain types of delicate surgery or to create spectacular visual displays at rock concerts.

And lasers are also frequently used in space  not as weapons, but to help scientists conduct highly precise measurements and observations, a group of NASA engineers and designers explained in a panel on June 16 here at Future Con. [The Most Dangerous Space Weapons Ever]

If you've ever marveled at the highly detailed Martian topography in the geobrowser Google Mars, you have lasers to thank, said Luis Ramos-Izquierdo, an optical systems engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

For four-and-a-half years, the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) used lasers to collect data on Mars' surface elevation, which was used to generate the most detailed global topographic map of any planet in our solar system, according to NASA.

Ice, ice baby

Closer to home, the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI), scheduled to launch in 2019, will use laser technology to create 3D maps of Earth's forests and calculate their biomass, Ramos-Izquierdo said.

Another NASA mission using lasers to peer at Earth is named Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). Scheduled to launch in 2018, ICESat-2 will use an array of six lasers  three paired beams  to track ice-sheet thickness and changes across Greenland and Antarctica, so that scientists can better estimate the risks posed by melting ice due to climate change, panel member Brooke Medley, a research associate with Earth Sciences Remote Sensing at the Goddard Space Flight Center, told the Future Con audience.

ICESat-2 is continuing the work started by an earlier mission, ICESat-1, which was the first satellite to deploy lasers from space to measure surface elevation in the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, according to NASA.

The amount of ice cover in those two regions is enormous: Greenland's area is about three times the size of Texas, while Antarctica is roughly twice the size of the contiguous United States  far too big to accurately measure elevation changes from the ground or by airplane, Medley said. ICESat-2 will conduct multiple passes overhead at an altitude of 299 miles (481 kilometers), and its lasers will gather data that will enable researchers to calculate ice volume and track changes over time.

Kate Ramsayer, Luis Ramos-Izquierdo, Brooke Medley, Erwan Mazarico, Evan Hoffman and Jennifer Sager from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center extoll the many virtues of space lasers, in the Future Con panel "NASA's Space Lasers" on June 16, 2017. (Image credit: M. Weisberger/Live Science)

Another NASA satellite that resembles a mirror-studded disco ball  the LAser GEOdynamic Satellite (LAGEOS)  has been pinging back laser light beamed from Earth since it launched in 1976, returning data that enabled scientists to create the first models of Earth's gravitational field. Currently, there are two LAGEOS satellites in orbit, and their orbits are so stable that unless a piece of space debris collides with them, they'll be circling the planet for at least 1 million to 2 million years, according to panelist Evan Hoffman, a scientist with the Space Geodesy Project at Goddard.

In the moon's vicinity, the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter used lasers to gather billions of data points from the moon's surface while in orbit, enabling scientists to build the most detailed maps to date of lunar topography, Erwan Mazarico, a research associate with Planetary Studies at Goddard, said at the panel.

Lasers have also helped NASA researchers bring broadband to the moon, Jennifer Sager, lead system engineer and project manager with the Science and Planetary Operations Control Center at Goddard, told the panel audience. The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration tested a two-way communication system between Earth and the moon using a pulsed laser beam, establishing a data download rate of 622 megabits per second, Sager said.

And researchers are even investigating whether lasers could be used defensively in space  not to battle invading extraterrestrials, but to nudge aside space debris that could damage equipment or threaten astronauts, Hoffman added.

An artist's conception of NASA's moon-bound LADEE spacecraft using lasers to communicate with Earth. (Image credit: NASA)

Lighting the spark

Appearing at a conference like Future Con  where attendees are particularly enthusiastic about the real-world science behind their favorite sci-fi moments  allowed all of the scientists in the panel to touch upon some of the more interesting aspects of their research, even though the entire presentation was less than an hour, Mazarico told Space.com.

But each of the panelists could happily have spoken about lasers for much longer, Ramos-Izquierdo added.

"In reality, any one of us could talk for hours about our work and what we do  I could have gone on and on and on," Ramos-Izquierdo said.

"But it's good that they get a variety of the things we do at NASA, and maybe how it all comes together  for communication, for mapping the planet, for exploration. We gotta do all that work now, for science fiction to become real," he said.

Talking about space lasers at Future Con also brought NASA science directly to kids, perhaps encouraging the next generation of engineers and scientists, Mazarico told Space.com. And giving children a chance to meet the people behind the lasers might help them see themselves in those roles as adults, Medley added.

"We're just people that you could be passing in the street," she said. "Science isn't out of reach  it's something that is accessible for anyone."

Original article on Space.com.
Govt approves fast track construction guidelines

The government on Thursday approved the guidelines for the construction of Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track in the stipulated time.
Voyager 2's views of Uranus and Neptune as the probe flew past in the 1980s. New NASA missions could further explore the gas worlds.

New NASA mission ideas would study the gassy environments of Uranus and Neptune, two planets on the edge of the solar system that spacecraft have visited only once.

The agency has several potential mission concepts on the table, including flybys, orbiters and even a spacecraft to dive into Uranus' atmosphere, agency officials said in a statement.

NASA released a study of potential future missions in support of the forthcoming Planetary Science Decadal Survey, a publication of the National Research Council that is used to help determine what missions NASA should pursue. The next survey covers science priorities from 2022 and 2032. [Auroras on Uranus Dazzle in New Hubble Telescope Views]

"This [NASA] study argues the importance of exploring at least one of these planets and its entire environment, which includes surprisingly dynamic icy moons, rings and bizarre magnetic fields," Mark Hofstadter, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in the statement. Hofstadter was one of the two co-chairs of the science team that produced the report.

"We do not know how these planets formed and why they and their moons look the way they do," added fellow co-chair Amy Simon, senior scientist of planetary atmospheres research at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. "There are fundamental clues as to how our solar system formed and evolved that can only be found by a detailed study of one, or preferably both of these planets."

Both planets have been visited by a single spacecraft, Voyager 2, which flew by Uranus and Neptune in 1986 and 1989, respectively. Voyager 2 was tasked with viewing the largest planets of the outer solar system and took advantage of a rare planetary alignment to visit Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune on the probe's way out of the solar system. (The spacecrat's twin, Voyager 1, studied Jupiter and Saturn and entered interstellar space in 2012.)

Since then, however, telescope technology has improved enough so that scientists can perform some studies of Uranus and Neptune from the ground. Researchers using the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, for example, have tracked giant storms appearing and disappearing on Uranus in recent years. However, no concentrated long-term program is possible on the ground, because telescope time is competitive and spread among several targets.

Studies suggest that Uranus and Neptune both have liquid oceans beneath their clouds, making up about two-thirds of their mass, NASA officials noted in the statement. It's a different environment from the much bigger Jupiter and Saturn (which are about 85 percent gas by mass) and smaller, rocky planets such as Earth or Mars, which are almost 100 percent rock.

"It's not clear how or where ice giant planets form, why their magnetic fields are strangely oriented, and what drives geologic activity on some of their moons," NASA added in the same statement. "These mysteries make them scientifically important, and this importance is enhanced by the discovery that many planets around other stars appear to be similar to our own ice giants."

You can view the full 529-page study at the Lunar and Planetary Science Institute's website.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The mystery of how jets of plasma explode from the surface of the sun and erupt into space thousands of times a day may finally be solved, a new study finds.

This discovery could help solve the long-standing mystery of why the outer reaches of the sun's atmosphere are so much hotter than the surface of the sun, the authors of the new study said. Solar scientists have described this counterintuitive phenomenon as akin to the air around a bonfire having a higher temperature than the fire itself.

For more than a century, astronomers have detected super-hot jets of plasma (clouds of electrically charged particles) called spicules permeating the lower solar atmosphere right above the surface of the sun, like giant pillars of fire popping up briefly on a flaming lawn. Thousands of spicules up to hundreds of miles wide erupt daily, hurling plasma outward at speeds of up to about 335,500 mph (540,000 km/h). "These jets of plasma are all over the sun," said study lead author Juan Martinez-Sykora, an astrophysicist at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in Petaluma, California. [How Hot Is the Sun?]

An image from the Hinode spacecraft shows thread-like structures called spicules on the surface of the sun. (Image credit: NASA/JAXA/Hinode/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Spicules help supply the sun's outer atmosphere with hot plasma by reaching heights of up to 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) within 2 to 10 minutes. Therefore, they could help explain why the corona, an outer layer of the sun's atmosphere, is so much hotter than the surface of the sun. Whereas the solar surface is about 11,200 degrees Fahrenheit (6,200 degrees Celsius), the solar corona can reach about 3.5 million degrees F (2 million degrees C).

However, the way in which spicules arise remains poorly understood. Although previous research suggested that the sun's magnetic fields likely played a role in the origin of spicules, until now scientists could not explain all of these plasma jets' properties, such as how common they are.

Now, Martinez-Sykora and his colleagues have developed state-of-the-art computer simulations of the sun "that can finally explain something that happens so often on the sun," he told Space.com.

Spicules can be seen in the top image, which was taken with the NASA IRIS spectrograph. In the middle panel, a numerical model simulates these jets. The jets are observed from another angle in the bottom image, taken with the Swedish 1-meter Solar Telescope (SST) at the Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma, in Spain's Canary Islands). (Image credit: NASA IRIS spectrograph/University of Oslo/SST)

The new computer models suggest that the origin of spicules involves three key steps. First, plasma on the surface of the sun churns, distorting magnetic fields and thus creating strong magnetic tension. Next, electrically charged atoms and electrically neutral particles mix above the surface of the sun, generating conduits for this building magnetic tension to escape. In the final step, the intense magnetic tension violently releases upward, driving powerful jets of plasma into space.

For their study, the scientists analyzed data from NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectograph and the Swedish Solar Telescope. They found that their simulations re-created many features of real spicules, such as size, speed, places of origin and rates of creation.

"We finally got something that matches and allows us to understand many things related to this process," Martinez-Sykora said.

The researchers estimated that each spicule could supply the corona with about 11 million tons (10 million metric tons) of hot plasma. As such, they could play a key role in heating the corona.

The scientists detailed their findings in the June 23 issue of the journal Science.

Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Video edited by Space.com's Steve Spaleta.
C onsidering that most women rely on their BFFs to be proxy therapists, cheerleaders, co-conspirators, babysitters, career advisers and marriage counsellors, its surprising how little has been written on the nature of female friendships. In the unofficial hierarchy of relationships, friends seem to fall behind lovers, children and parents on the priority list.

The prevailing wisdom is that friendships should just work. But as any woman knows, these are often the most fraught and demanding relationships. Recounting a story of nine-year-olds at play, Deborah Tannen reflects on how females are as creative in causing each other pain as they are in providing succour. When one girl asked if she could join in a playground role-play game, another replied: You can be the baby brother but you arent born yet.

Tannen has made understanding womens friendships  how they work or fail, how they help and hurt, and how we can make them better  the focus of her latest book. A professor of interactional sociolinguistics at Georgetown University, shes known for her bestseller You Just Dont Understand (1990), which analysed the differing communicative styles of men and women. Using the same case-study method, she interviewed girls and women from around the world to uncover how patterns of communication and miscommunication affect friendships.

One of Tannens overarching themes is that it is the exchange of secrets and intimacies that holds female friendships together. When men talk about their problems theyre usually in search of a solution. Women, however, like to talk for the sake of talking (even if they do ultimately want a solution). That a friend is prepared to listen to you sends what the author calls a metamessage: they care about you and want to create a connection. Tannen also observes that while males take pleasure in outdoing each other in conversation  riffing, bragging, bantering  females place value in precious sameness because sameness implies equality. We enter into verbal rituals (me too!) that affirm how similar we are, even when were attracted to a friend because theyre different.

But the juiciest bits come where Tannen recounts tales of women who have fallen out. Common complaints include unwanted comments about weight or race; flaking out of holidays or arrangements; being flippant about a friends personal problems; discovering you havent been invited to a party through Instagram.

If Tannen has one message, its that the successes and failures of our friendships come down to our styles of communication. A friend who frequently interrupts is not necessarily rude but simply indicating engagement (a high-involvement approach to conversation). Her friend, however, may prefer longer pauses and be more comfortable with silence (a high considerateness style).

At times Tannens framework feels simplistic. Still, this is a useful manual for navigating friendships, a touching account of the various ways women connect  and a welcome non-fiction counterpart to novels such as Elena Ferrantes Neapolitan Quartet or the TV series Girls and Big Little Lies, which put conversations between female friends front and centre of the drama. It prompted me to send out a few affectionate emails to my closest girlfriends. Give it to a teenager and it may spare her a lot of confusion.

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A young man was stabbed in broad daylight in a central London park on Thursday after a fight broke out, sending terrified people fleeing.

One witness wrote on Twitter that a crowd of people came screaming out of the park on Queen Square, Bloomsbury.

She said a man with a knife was seen running through the area and shouting.

One witness claimed to have seen two youths, one armed with a machete and the other carrying a knife, approaching a group young men in the park before a fight broke out.

Queen Square: The park was sealed off

Police arrived on the scene, near Great Ormond Street Hospital and Russell Square Tube station just after 6.30pm.

Photos showed the gates to the park cordoned off by officers.

One witness wrote on Twitter: Crowd ran out of park, man with knife running, shouting. Police now here, sectioned off the park.

Russell Square: A man was rushed to hospital

A doctor tweeted that worried workers at the hospital had been assured the incident was not terror related.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: Police were called on Thursday, 22 June, at around 6.35pm to reports of a number of people fighting in Queens Square.

Officers attended and were informed that suspects had made off prior to police arrival.

A 20-year-old man was taken to a central London hospital with a stab injury by the London Ambulance Service. We await an update on his condition.

Officers remain on scene and enquiries are ongoing.
T he Finsbury Park terror victim sat up and recovered after collapsing from a leg injury in the street just moments before the van ploughed into worshippers, his family said.

Makram Ali slipped and fell down while walking home from prayers at a north London mosque just before the horror unfolded.

According to his family, the father-of-six, 51, said he wanted to go home as friends rushed over to help him and he was given first aid. Moments later the speeding van struck the crowd.

Police have revealed a preliminary post-mortem examination found Mr Ali died of multiple injuries, following much speculation over whether he was hit by the vehicle.

Speaking after the Met officially named him on Thursday, Mr Alis family said in statement: "We are distressed about what happened.

"We know that he had some form of collapse because of his weak leg, a condition he suffers from, before recovering, sitting up and expressing a wish to return home only to then become a victim of this horrific incident.

An incident made only more tragic as he had only just completed his evening prayers, something he did regularly. He took great comfort in the feelings of peace his prayers provided.

North London attack: The victim's family break down paying tribute to their loved-one / BBC

Paying tribute to the grandfather, the family described Mr Ali, who moved to the UK aged 10 from Bangladesh, as a peaceful man who had made no enemies.

They said Our father was a quiet gentle man, he didnt get involved in political or social discussion, he instead took comfort and enjoyment spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and he was always ready to make a funny joke when you least expected.

They added: We wish everyone to know what a loving man he was, he spent his whole life without any enemies, choosing a quiet life instead.

We as a family have always believed that the actions of one person cannot be a reflection of a whole people and I have no doubt that our father would not wish for there to be any retaliation or recriminations and would urge people to remain calm and to pray for peace in these difficult times.

Mr Ali was married, with four daughters and two sons. He regularly attended the Muslim Welfare House, located yards away from where he died in Monday nights horror.

Police on Thursday released images of the van they believe was driven from the south Wales before ploughing into pedestrians near Finsbury Park station.

Finsbury Park: Police have released an image of the van they believe was used in the attack / Metropolitan Police

Detectives are urging anyone who may have spoken to its driver, believed to be suspect Darren Osborne, in the day leading to the incident to contact police.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: Following the attack, specialist counter terrorism officers have spoken to 28 witnesses who were at the scene. We are very grateful to everyone who has provided information so far  their accounts are assisting the investigation hugely .

But we need more people to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know about the driver of this van. If you think you may have spoken to the driver please get in touch.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to either call police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or contact police online via a secure form at www.gov.uk/act
A survivor of the London Bridge atrocity has called for police to use different sirens during terror attacks, claiming the move would gain vital minutes and save lives.

Kimberley Shearer, 27, said it is only a matter of time before terrorists carried out a similar attack on the capitals streets and that emergency services must be more prepared.

Eight people were killed when three terrorists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge and went on a stabbing rampage in Borough Market on June 3.

Ms Shearer was on her way to the Shard for a silent disco with her best friend, but stopped off in the London Grind pub near London Bridge to shelter from the rain.

Kimberley Shearer was caught up in the attack on June 3

She watched in horror as the terrorists began their rampage, saying the scene descended into chaos as people tried to figure out what was happening.

Ms Shearer, who works in marketing, said: My mate was facing me and on the table next to me I just saw the guy shoot up. I could tell by his face that something was up.

The guy on the table just ran out and then we looked behind us and saw a lady lying on the floor. We thought maybe shed been drunk and fell and we didnt know what was going on.

There was quite a lot of panic, it started to descend into a bit of chaos. We saw the van outside the window that crashed into the pub.

Heroes of London Bridge attack - in pictures 1 /9 Heroes of London Bridge attack - in pictures Dr Malcolm Tunnicliff, clinical director and consultant in emergency medicine at Kings Malcolm Tunnicliff featured in TV programme 24 Hours in A&E Ex-police officer Darren Jaundrill Matt Writtle Joe Palermo, a bouncer from Italy Joe Palermo helped people to shelter in Bill's Matt Writtle Baker Florin Morariu Journalist Geoff Ho was stabbed in the neck while trying to help others Twitter

Ms Shearer said she even considered walking back across London Bridge to the disco, believing there had just been a car accident outside the pub.

It was only by checking Twitter the pair realised they were caught up in a terror attack and took shelter in nearby restaurant.

Ms Shearer added: It all changed when someone charged towards the door and it started to dawn on us. We still dont know to this day whether that was one of the terrorists.

We didnt know how many people there was, whether they had, guns, knives, bombs. We werent told to shut the doors until five, six minutes in.

'It was pandemonium' says officer who helped London Bridge attack victims

It felt like an eternity, but it must have only been 15 minutes from start to finish. We heard the gunshots and we were hoping that that would be the end of it.

Ms Shearer has since started a petition to see emergency vehicles fitted with different sirens for terror attacks, claiming that people have become immune to sirens.

She added: It would have warned a lot of people, they were continuing to walk out of the tube station because they didnt know what was going on. It would give a lot of vital minutes.

Its just a question of when this will happen again, its the easiest act to do and this would help a lot of people in the area.
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Govt committed to hold local polls in fearless environment: Home Minister Sharma

Minister for Home Affairs, Janardan Sharma, has said that the government is committed to its responsibility of holding the election in a fearless environment.
The peace deal with FARC has hit some snags but appears to be working. Its taken longer than expected to collect all the FARC weapons and it appears that some FARC factions did not (and apparently will not) turn in all their weapons. But without definitive proof the government or foreign observers cant do much. The security services can and note the surrendering FARC members who were connected with holding back weapons. Some of the FARC factions did not surrender at all and went directly into gangster mode.

Such is the case with any amnesty program like this. Allies like the United States have also noted the switch while monitoring illegal cash flows in and out of Colombia. The two countries share intel on major crime of all sorts and while leftist political violence is in decline corruption and large-scale criminal activity is still big. The Americans continue to sanction or indict Colombians they have enough evidence on and these days it is big-time gangsters.

The only leftist rebels still active are the ELN, which was never as involved with the drug business as FARC and always more hard-core in its communist social beliefs. As a result, ELN was always smaller than FARC. Before the demobilization began FARC had more than three times as many armed members than ELN. Now the ELN is the largest political rebel group and is getting a lot more attention from the security forces. For that reason ELN does not bother to take credit for many of its attacks, secure in the knowledge that most people will see through the silence.

Venezuela

For Colombia the largest security problem is in the east where there is a growing refugee crises on the Venezuelan border. The border is largely rural and easy to slip through. The area was always popular with FARC and is still full of drug gang members and some of the ELN groups. These days the majority of foot traffic consists of Venezuelans using the last of whatever money they had to get to the border and then just walking into Colombia with no idea of when they might be able to go back. Unofficially it is believed nearly a million Venezuelan refugees are now in Colombia. Since late 2016 most of them were not looking to resume careers but to escape death from hunger, disease and a growing number of other problems. While many go to Brazil or North America over 90 percent now head for Colombia because it is all they can afford.

Even a lot of Venezuelan government officials are leaving in addition to of lifelong supporters of socialism. Few are choosing Cuba, which the current Venezuelan rulers long sought for advice. Opinion polls show that by late 2016 nearly 60 percent of adults wanted to leave, which is a sharp rise from 49 percent in 2015. It would appear that about two million have left already but that is accelerating as the Venezuelan economy disintegrates and food becomes increasingly difficult to get, even if you can pay black market rates. At the current rate of emigration over three million will be gone by the end of 2017, which is more than ten percent of the population. Until 2016 most of those leaving had money and were entrepreneurs or people with skills that would assure them employment anywhere. By late 2016 nearly all the Venezuelans fleeing were facing a life (flee) or death (by starvation, disease or murder) decision.

For Colombians living near the eastern border it is also becoming obvious that the situation in Venezuela is spiraling out of control. Violent anti-government demonstrations since late March have left nearly a hundred of the demonstrators dead. The security forces have been unable to quickly shut down these public outburst as they have in the past. In response to that some army and police commanders began ordering their subordinates to avoid hurting, much less killing demonstrators. Many of the demonstrators are now high school and college students along with non-students the same age who are unemployed and hungry. The senior Venezuelan leadership saw these orders as illegal and began firing senior officers who spoke out while others simply resigned (and often realized they had to flee the country while they still could). But even senior prosecutors and other government officials are now criticizing government policies. Since May that has led to more firings and resignations of senior government officials and often they are being replaced with senior military men. President Maduro is more concerned with loyalty and dependability than competence. The federal government has now ordered the military to take over the control of police in any province where the police appear to be unable or unwilling to use force to suppress demonstrators and any other critics of the government.

Public protests are now more widespread and violent than there were in 2014 when the government was forced to accept free (and scheduled) elections for the legislature. The government lost the 2015 vote and found itself with a hostile legislature. By 2017 the government was using the pro-Maduro Supreme Court to declare the legislature illegitimate but many senior government officials balked at that, realizing that the result would be a police state and a very unpopular and bankrupt one at that. Nevertheless the senior officials are moving ahead, even as this drives away most long-time foreign supporters. This now includes China and Russia.

China has been a major investor and lender to the socialist government of Venezuela. But that ended after late 2016 when they agreed to invest $2.2 billion to upgrade Venezuelan oil facilities. It soon became obvious that Venezuelan oil facilities were beyond getting upgraded because there had been too many years of inept decision making. China quietly stopped delivering cash to Venezuela. The years of government corruption and mismanagement has done fatal damage to the Venezuelan oil industry and a major shakeup was required to fix it. The government was trying to survive by borrowing. That option is now gone as potential lenders perceive the current government as unwilling or unable to do anything about the fundamental problems. This means major losses for China, which has been a major lender by providing over $50 billion since 2007. Some of these loans were repaid with Venezuelan oil but the Venezuelan oil industry is so disorganized and decrepit that the country cant even produce enough oil for its own internal needs. Russia was another generous ally that has invested billions in Venezuela. Now that investment is about to be lost, mainly because of corruption.

Venezuela has run out of sufficient cash to import basic food items and will not admit what the real problems are. The main cause, according to the government, is the United States and neighbors like Colombia working with disloyal Venezuelans. Solutions are impossible if the government will not recognize they are the problem. The government does not want to admit that it cannot afford to buy sufficient imported food or that its corrupt officials are stealing a lot of what is imported. President Maduro apparently is willing to create a dictatorship but too many of his key officials point out that will get Venezuela declared an outlaw state and increase the financial problems. So the government is going ahead with its effort to change the constitution and allow Maduro to rule as long as he like with no legal opposition.

In this part of the world the way this works is the neighbors wring their hands and deplore the tragic events. If it leads to rebellion or civil war the neighbors will stay out of it as long as they can but eventually the growing number of cell-phone images of the suffering and slaughters, not to mention all those desperate refugees crossing the border, will trigger official and unofficial intervention and some semblance of peace and prosperity will return. The lessons of all this, if any, will soon be lost and the cycle of corruption (especially in government) and decline will repeat.

June 21, 2017: The Venezuelan Supreme Court approved efforts to remove the current attorney (Luisa Ortega) from her job for criticizing the effort to change the constitution with an illegal process backed by the Supreme Court. According to the current constitution only the parliament (national assembly) can remove an attorney general from office. But the Supreme Court has ruled that the current parliament is illegal. The parliament describes these actions as a coup and most Venezuelans agree with that. Unlike most other democracy constitutions Venezuela does not allow the legislature to impeach (remove) the president. Rather the Supreme Court, whose members are appointed by the president (and approved by the legislature) do so. But before Maduros party lost control of the legislature in the 2015 elections he appointed enough loyal (to Maduro) new judges to the Supreme Court to block any efforts to remove him from power. The legislature and the government have not been able to agree on a compromise solution for this problem.

June 20, 2017: Although the first FARC members completed the disarmament and demobilization process by mid-May the process of processing all 6,800 FARC members at 26 demobilization camps by May 31st did not happen and the deadline was extended until today. It appears that most of the weapons have now been turned in but that there are still another ten or more percent of the weapons to go. FARC members must turn in their weapons before they can be registered for benefits like government jobs, training and other education programs plus medical care and debriefing. The camps are monitored by UN teams with over 500 trained staff.

Another part of the peace agreement is legal proceedings for FARC members known to have committed major crimes. The amnesty process is based on the one used in other nations and involves cooperation from the accused (who did what to whom when and where) to qualify. The demobilization process is to be completed by the end of 2017 although the bad memories will linger for generations. Demobilized FARC members will get some cash assistance and FARC leaders will be able to engage in political activity (via forming parties, running for election and voting). One worrisome aspect to all this is that many veteran FARC members still believe Colombia would be better off with a more socialist government, just not one next door in Venezuela.

June 17, 2017: In the capital a bomb went off in a womens toilet of an upscale mall. Three people were killed, including a French citizen (who was working as a volunteer in a local education program). Another nine people were wounded. No one took credit but the ELN was suspected as this is the sort of social justice target they like to hit. The government offered a $35,000 reward for information leading to the culprit.

In the east (Arauca province) ELN blew up a section of a major pipeline near the Venezuelan border. It will take a few days to repair the damage. This is the 32nd ELN attack on oil industry operations this year. ELN and the government began peace talks in February and the ELN increased its attacks since then.

In northeast Colombia (Norte de Santander province) two Dutch journalists were kidnapped and ELN was suspected as they still do this sort of thing and this is territory they have long been active in. The security forces also received tips that ELN had done it and have been pursuing those leads.

June 13, 2017: The government negotiators believe that efforts to negotiate a peace deal with the ELN are stalemated largely because the ELN leadership appears to have lost control of many of its factions. ELN violence (bombings and kidnappings) have continued and appear to be on the increase. ELN blames the government without giving specifics. Meanwhile out in the rural areas where ELN is most active the local chatter is all about disgruntled ELN faction leaders, many of them opposed to any peace deal.

June 12, 2017: In Venezuela demonstrators in the capital set fire to the Supreme Court building.
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Why havent we met before? Chris Kraus asks me when she walks into my hotel room. She and I live just a few miles from each other in Los Angeles, but were both here in Dallas for an event at a local bookstore, where Kraus will be reading from her forthcoming biography of the writer Kathy Acker. Shes been doing a lot of interviews lately: Her 1997 novel I Love Dick, already a feminist classic, has just been adapted as a TV series for Amazon.

Her body of work, which was already revered in the art world and in academia, is finding a much broader audience. It is now the stuff of billboards and magazine covers, not just independent bookstores and young womens Tumblrs. Which is one reason why Im so flattered by her casual suggestion that we might have already met. Can she tell I am intellectually intimidated and pretty nervous about our conversation? Probably.

Kraus is adept at speaking to the insecurities of younger women. When she published I Love Dick, it was immediately embraced by women who felt disrespected as artists and driven crazy by the power imbalances in their romantic relationships with men. Kraus explored what women had long suspected: That these two phenomena are somehow related. In the novel, a frustrated filmmaker named Chris Kraus meets and becomes obsessed with Dick, one of her husbands colleagues. Her one-sided correspondence with him forms the basis for the book. It is a delicious bit of script-flipping: Dick never consents to be her muse, but she makes him one anyway. In it and her three other novels, Kraus takes things that women often experience as shameful  unrequited lust, a tendency to over-intellectualize mundane situations, imposter syndrome, a desire to be taken seriously by men  and elevates them to art by juxtaposing them with the work of cultural critics and theorists.

Kraus was born in the Bronx, spent her early years in Connecticut, and her family moved to New Zealand for some of her teenage years. At the time, Kraus was obsessed with the theater. After graduating from the Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, her first job was as a features reporter. When she was 21, she moved to New York to become an artist. She tried acting again and staged performance pieces, but failed to gain traction in the New York art world. Over the years, she made several films that she struggled to find distribution for. Kraus was 40 when she sat down to write I Love Dick.

It was, as they say, a cult hit. When the book was reprinted in 2006, it became a bigger hit. Youve probably seen the cover of this printing, with its thick white border and stark green title font, on some famous young feminists Instagram feed. These days, if you Google I Love Dick youll need to append the word book, because the Amazon series (adapted by Transparent creator Jill Soloway) has been getting a lot of press. In it, Kathryn Hahn plays a sexily disheveled version of Kraus.

The real Chris Kraus speaks decisively in a soft voice, and has shoulder-length brown hair and wide, friendly eyes. The day we met, she was wearing a white canvas jacket, purchased abroad, that I was really envious of. She has come to accept that I Love Dick is the book shes most known for, but its just one of many books shes written  and other work shes helped bring to life in her role as an editor of the independent publishing imprint Semiotext(e). I was eager to talk to her about all of her work: about the joys and pitfalls of making art from life, about the way her writing has become part of an unofficial art-feminist canon, and about how she marries art and politics. What follows is an edited version of our conversation  we spoke for about an hour, but we could have talked all night.

Ann Friedman and Chris Kraus at the Women Galore festival in Dallas this spring. Photo: Elliott Munoz

Ann: There is such a You can be anything bent to the tacit feminism that I grew up with. And so much of your writing deals quite candidly with womens failure and longing. Do you see your work as a corrective to this kind of super-positive you go girl strain of mainstream feminism?

Chris: [Laughs.] Yeah. I never bought into any of the sort of positivity. I was of an era where New Age came along, and I found that so deeply repugnant, and I wrote about it. When I wrote I Love Dick, its not as if  I mean, Ive never put myself forward as any kind of political leader or cultural critic or even cultural theorist. I was just writing a book, right? And in writing the book I was trying to give as true a depiction as I could of events that occurred in as entertaining a manner as possible. You know, you play it up a little bit  that was a thing I learned in acting. If you feel something coming on, you push it. You project it into a mask. So yes, obviously shes starting to inhabit the place of the crazy girl and the obsessive stalker. So rather than analyze that and ask ourselves whether its the right thing to do, as a writer I just push that, and I let her totally go to that place and own it.

Ann: And then you can let the reader be the one to ask whether shes doing the right thing, or whether shes too sad, or too desperate, or going too far.

Chris: Yeah, well, thats hyperbolizing. You know, I didnt set out to write a book when I started writing those letters. That was a very primary experience, and I just wrote the letters. But as soon as I did see it as a book and start to compose it as a book and name the characters and put them in the third person, it was a style choice. I thought I was making like a late-20th-century version of an 18th-century sex comedy. I was looking for laughs.

Ann: Its interesting to think about your work as coming from a personal archive. I think about the vast digital detritus that I have: the drafts of emails, the meaningless tweets. Maybe its more common now for women to make art based on that, or to use that as an inspiration.

Chris: Well, I would never have called that material a personal archive. It was just my stuff that I was carrying around. But, you know, there are a lot of precedents for that. I was a huge reader of collections of correspondences. I was fascinated by reading peoples letters. And also diaries. When you read the complete works of somebody, you get interested in all the tangential materials and how they dovetail, so it never seemed to me such a stretch to be pulling these bits of materials into the novel.

Ann: You said you dont think of yourself as a political leader. But so much of your work has been received and interpreted as political or feminist. Im wondering if you think thats bullshit.

Chris: I mean, if I had another life to live I might be a politician or I might be an activist. That is a high and worthy calling, and I really admire the sacrifice that it takes. But I went another way; I decided to become a writer. And yes, of course, I see the world through a very political lens. And thats reflected in my choice of subject matter and my attitude and how I talk and what I choose to talk about. But I dont pretend that reading my books is going to affect any particular pragmatic change. What books and what culture can do is change the zeitgeist, right? Thats all that you can help.

Ann: Right, and that maybe the work speaks to the particular politics of the moment.

Maybe the only way out of our situation is through a theocracy.

Chris: I was so happy in 2011 with Occupy Wall Street. You know, after writing Summer of Hate and living through these kind of atrocious years of the Iraq War and George W. Bush and spending some of them in the southwest where you felt it acutely, I was so relieved that suddenly politics and dissent and anarchism were out of the closet and part of the culture again.

Ann: And so how are you thinking about this political moment? Does it feel familiar?

Chris: Well, this moment is completely confounding. I have no idea. Thats not my job to offer views on the present political situation. My job is to write another book. But I was reading a really interesting article in The New Yorker on the airplane this morning about this guy who is a religious fundamentalist. Well, god, how do I even summarize it? An anti-capitalist religious fundamentalist who holds the idea that maybe the only thing possible now is for there to be little autonomous pockets where people lead more intentional lives, and the big picture kind of goes on. I have thought for a while that maybe the only way out of our situation is through a theocracy.

Ann: Whoa. Really?

Chris: Yeah. Yeah.

Ann: As in, theocracy would make things so recognizably bad that people would rise up against it? Or more of a benevolent theocratic regime?

Chris: A benevolent theocratic regime. People are so lost and so starved for any sense of meaning or purpose. Any fixed value. And, I mean, all the pundits say thats why Trump won. Theres something so deeply wrong with both sides, with the smugness of the neoliberal kind of mainstream Democrat Party and something so deeply wrong with the sort of vicious hatred and polarization of the Republican wing.

Things are not subjective. Theres good and theres bad, and those things are not negotiable. Its not my good versus your good; theres a good thats larger than us. And I think thats something that people are longing for. In a way that goes back to work that I did on the philosopher Simone Weil. She wrote a lot about these same issues and themes in the 1930s, and she really called fascism in its early days. She traveled to Germany before the Nazis were officially in power. I think it was in 32, 33. And she talked about the way the Communist Party was losing support to the Nazi Party and why she thought that was.

Ann: Im still stuck on you saying, My job is to write my books, because I think people are starting to raise their expectations of artists and public figures who arent explicitly political. If you have any kind of platform or influence, youre expected to play a political role in the world.

Chris: As a citizen, I never miss a vote, and I contribute to a lot of political causes and organizations. As an editor, together with Hedi [El Kholti] and Sylvere [Lotringer], I publish political activist works that I feel are genuinely important. Were publishing Jackie Wangs first book next season. Its called Carceral Capitalism. You know, I met her years ago when she had a zine and she was living squat-to-squat in Baltimore, and now shes in the Ph.D. program in the African American Studies program at Harvard, and shes doing great work on the systemic roots of the prison industrial complex, especially in municipal governments. Thats a really important book to publish. I was involved in publishing The Femicide Machine by Sergio Gonzalez Rodriguez. That was a really important book to publish. These people are out there doing the work. I think the best that I can do is to present the work.

Ann: You are quite open about the fact that you make your money in real estate and rental property, and not necessarily directly from your art. Was it a conscious choice to free yourself artistically, or a choice born of necessity?

Chris: I think, now, to get a full-time tenure-line job where you can support yourself, you have to want it since age 5. It has to be part of that exceptionalism ethos of the Obama era. You have to have been sucking up since early childhood and doing every single thing right, and I never did that. I actually moved over into saying, Okay, Im going to do property management. I would call it property management more than real-estate investing because I dont flip buildings  I think thats irresponsible. I bought buildings. I fixed them. I manage them. Theyre low-income apartments.

Basically, I was losing my job. I had a job at Art Center that I moved out to California for. My boss got fired. There was a regime change. They started taking my classes away one by one, like waitressing shifts, and when I just had like one or two classes left I thought, fuck it, Im not going to stick around for this. And, you know, I could get another adjunct job here and another adjunct job there, but nobody supports themselves on an adjunct job. And really hardly anybody supports themselves as a writer. So if you take a closer look at how people in the culture world are supporting themselves, youll see a lot of family money behind the scenes. And somehow, people have been very critical and snarky about the real-estate thing, as if Im a wealthy person. They would never dare to ask where the money that went to make the trust came from.

Ann: So many art careers are built on money that people dont talk about.

Chris: When I wrote I Love Dick, very early on I felt like my goal was to put everything on the table that was transacted under the table. Theres this kind of gender romantic comedy on the surface of it, but really its about power. And not even personal dynamic power; more like economic power and cultural-politics power, and how things are transacted. I think the book asks literally in the middle, Who gets to speak and why is the only question. I really tried to answer that. And okay, I think thats a pretty political thing to do, to try and track down an effect to its cause.

Ann: Who gets to speak and why feels very relevant to this moment, too.

Chris: I got into that question in a little more depth with a book called Video Green that I published in 2004. That book was written just before I was losing my job in this high-profile MFA program. But while I was there, I got a really inside view on how careers are made. And that doesnt really have a lot to do with the work; it has a lot more to do with how these people relate to power, the friendships that they cultivate, the protectors that they find. You know, the girl who goes to the party in a bubble-wrap dress and sits on the lap of a 25-years-older successful male artist, this is the girl whos going to have a good career. The girl who paints landscapes on Styrofoam cups and keeps to herself and looks a little bit dykey, maybe not so much. That was true when I was writing the book in the early 2000s and thank god its changed somewhat. It hasnt changed enough.

Ann: One of the things that I love about your work is how you have both compassion for and a sense of humor about both the bubble-wrap-dress girl and the Styrofoam-cup-painting girl. Do you think that things have changed for better or for worse, for both of those types of girls?

Chris: I write about this a lot in the new book, in the Acker book, because I was lucky to talk to a lot of Kathys friends and contemporaries. Kathys generation found themselves stepping into a situation where second-wave feminism had kind of cleared the field, and they were told that they had this freedom, and how were they going to use it? It wasnt clear. Constance DeJong, shes a wonderful writer, she was a friend and then later enemy of Kathy. Kathy was very good at cultivating enemies. If anyone seemed too close to being a competitor she would turn them into an enemy and she did that with DeJong. But they were contemporaries and Constance DeJong wrote a book called Modern Love thats just been republished this year by Ugly Duckling. Its hilarious and DeJong talks about that right in the pages of the book. You know, I have all this freedom. Here I am. What am I supposed to do with it?

Ann: If the person who gets to speak is me, what am I going to say?

Chris: The change between that era and our era, I think, is on the plus side its so much more pluralistic and there are so many more channels that people can move through. And information about work and culture spreads so much faster, so something really can come out of nowhere. And a lot of important and smart people will be talking about it to each other. The access was much more controlled, I think, in Kathy Ackers era. So the pluralism is a good thing. The downside of the pluralism is that everything cycles through so much more quickly and feels so much more expendable.

Ann: I keep thinking about the phrase you used, the exceptionalism ethos of the Obama era. There are more paths to success now, but then there is also this sense that you are competing with everyone in the whole world as opposed to competing with five artists that you know on your block in New York. Theres a downside.

Chris: Yeah, thats true. Nobody lives anywhere anymore. Every artist or writer bio says X or Y is based in. Is based in  I mean, I have a friend whos applying for a job in Helsinki, who would be moving there from New York. And people think nothing of that. You know, it annihilates place.

Ann: Or maybe the place is the digital space we all occupy now.

Chris: Theres no such thing as nowhere, right? Nowhere is everywhere; everywhere is nowhere.

Jack Kerouac: We dont call that autofiction? Herman Melville, do we call that autofiction?

Ann: Do you think there are different implications for women who exist in this everywhere/nowhere space? Im thinking about the feedback that women get for their work or opinions in online spaces being often so vitriolic. The tenor of it is very different, I think, than the negative feedback that men get for their ideas in this common space. So thats one way that this feels different to me for women.

Chris: Thats very true. I had a terrible experience this week with the Guardian. I did a really wonderful conversation with a journalist Rachel Cook, mostly about Torpor thats just been republished in the U.K. And the entire hour-long conversation, the thing they picked for the headline is Chris Kraus: Who Hasnt Had an Affair? Awful. You should read the comments. Its like 150 people weighing in on their views on monogamy and what a smug asshole I must be to espouse these views, as if my book was about having an affair. [Laughs.] On the other hand here we are, were sitting in a nice hotel. There are worse atrocities.

Ann: Is it hard to read negative comments about your work? Definitely. Is it harder than the privilege of getting to make work that is seen by a huge audience? No. But that tradeoff doesnt happen in the same way for men.

Chris: Yeah. Hedi, my friend and co-editor, sent me an article this morning that was so pertinent, about writing while female. Why is every book somehow falling under the genre of chick-lit? I mean, what do you have to do to assert your work as a serious thing? How can it not be subsumed into this vast trough of the culture? Maybe one answer is theres a sacred niche of high literature that somehow is maintained above that, and that niche is generally more male-inhabited than female-inhabited. There are an awful lot of women writing, and an awful lot of women writing great work, but that niche still remains a very demographically narrow white, male, upper-middle-class niche. That niche of high seriousness.

Certainly thats something Ive been fighting against since Ive started to be aware and culturally active. When I started the Native Agent series for Semiotext(e) in the 90s it was with the idea of presenting a female first-person that could be as universal as a male first-person. I mean, all through the literature its all autobiographical. Its all this male I talking about shit. But as soon as its a woman talking about shit, shes only talking about herself and her problems. That all comes back to her. So yes, thats been a mission of mine when I started my work with Semiotext(e).

Ann: Many critics have applied the term autofiction to your work  have you grown to hate that label? Did you always hate it?

Chris: I would never use that term. Its such a strange term. Its applied to my work, and to a lot of other peoples work, but I would never use it. I mean, there are so many examples in the history of literature of a male first-person thats used pretty closely to the identity of the writer, and we dont call it that. I mean, okay, the corny Beat example, Jack Kerouac: We dont call that autofiction? Herman Melville, do we call that autofiction? I mean, all of American realism thats written in the first person  we dont call that autofiction. Its so weird.

Ann: Thats why Im often torn about asking women about the feminist implications of their creative work. Im interested in how women think through all of these questions about the way that their work will be read and received, and at the same time I dont want to make all women answer for an ideology when theyre just trying to make art.

Chris: Well, for a long time I wasnt being read the way I am now. My books were read in the art world. Those are very smart people in the art world. In a way, it was a perfect audience, but it was also not a literary audience. And I thought, oh, if only I could be taken seriously as a writer. Somehow I got to be in the art world and now I get to be in more mainstream culture because of I Love Dick, and maybe that high-lit thing will always evade me. And thats okay.
Govt to local units: No arbitrary decisions

In the lack of Local Governance Act needed to govern activities of the local level units, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) has instructed them to follow working procedures issued in the second week of May for the newly formed local governments.
KMC decision likely to make new taxis find new cities to ply

The 1,500 taxis that the earthquake victims will be getting as per a government decision might have to find a new city to ply, as the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has decided not to let them operate on Kathmandu roads.
Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years.
Nepal-India border in Banke to be sealed for 48 hours for poll

The border point at Banke district on the Nepal-India border will be closed for 48 hours in view of the June 28 election, authorities confirmed.
PM assures RJP-N hell address its concerns after June 28 polls

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has assured Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) leaders that he would address the agitating partys demands after the second phase of local elections scheduled for June 28.
BRUSSELSEuropean leaders struck by a wave of terror attacks are putting added pressure on technology companies including Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google to weed out extremist content spread with social media.

According to draft conclusions of a summit of European Union leaders under way in Brussels, technology companies will be told to develop methods that automatically detect and remove content that may incite violence. Industry has its own responsibility to help combat terrorism and crime online, the blocs 28 governments will say, according to the draft statement obtained by Bloomberg.

Heads of state and government from the worlds largest economic bloc are gathering in the Belgian capital on Thursday and Friday to discuss, among other topics, ways to fight terrorism. The region is facing an increasing frequency of attacks. Earlier this week, Belgian police shot and killed a suspect attempting to trigger a major explosion at the central train station of Brussels. The U.K. has been struck several times, including a bombing in Manchester last month that killed 22 people. There have also been deadly incidents in Germany and France.

Read more:

Belgium tightens security after failed Brussels bombing

Google steps up fight against extremist content on YouTube

The plots have led to calls for more restrictions of social media and increased government surveillance powers, adding to the ongoing global debate about balancing security and privacy. British Prime Minister Theresa May called for restrictive measures against terrorist propaganda online after the latest attacks in London. The U.K. government has also sought more power to monitor online communication, including text messaging platforms.

Responding to the criticism, global technology companies have begun to act more aggressively to censor extremist content. Google said this week that its creating new policies and practices to suppress terrorism-related content on platforms including YouTube. Facebook, which had previously announced it was hiring more people to manually filter questionable content, said it will use artificial intelligence that can understand language and analyze images to try to keep terrorists from using the site for recruitment and propaganda.

European leaders believe the technology companies have the ability to more effectively keep the material off the internet. In its draft statement, the EU said it expects industry to develop new technology and tools to improve the automatic detection and removal of content that incites to violence. It calls for addressing the challenges posed by systems that allow terrorists to communicate in ways that competent authorities cannot access.

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Its not every day that Ontario beer drinkers get to sample suds from the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, or that a Canadian prime minister gets caught up in the rebrand of one of the countrys biggest beer names.

But Canadian pride brought out the creativity in brewmasters  along with a slew of wineries and distilleries  who are pumping out liquid patriotism for this years special 150th birthday.

Too bad most of their products wouldnt be available across Ontario in the event of an LCBO strike Monday, right before the most anticipated long weekend of the year  the weekend for which it all was intended.

Read more: A coast-to-coast toast to Canadian beer

It would suck if people cant experience what craft brewers like us have tried to create, says brewmaster Gary Lohin of Central City Brewers + Distillers in Surrey, B.C.

He and his crafty colleagues started brainstorming for the occasion last fall, and spearheaded a countrywide collaboration of craft beers called the Red Racer Across the Nation 12-pack. It includes a special-recipe brew from all 10 provinces and two of three territories (minus Nunavut) and is only available at the LCBO.

Its an even dozen. A 13-pack would have been awkward, jokes Lohin, who hopes the provincial liquor retailer can avert a strike.

(Ironically, the LCBO doesnt sell 12-packs due to an agreement with the Beer Store, so here east and west craft brews are offered separately, though a map of Canada is formed when the packs are pushed together.)

There is a great sense of camaraderie amongst us craft brewers in Canada, and what better way to show our pride in our country than to bring together some of Canadas best breweries on a celebratory mix-pack to commemorate this huge Canadian milestone? he says.

Family-run Beaus Brewing Company in Vankleek Hill, one of Ontarios bigger and better-known craft breweries, took part, as did other brands that arent normally available in Ontario, such as the NWT Brewing Company from Yellowknife, Half Pints from Winnipeg and the 20-year-old Yukon Brewing (whose tag line is Beer Worth Freezin For) from Whitehorse.

Big breweries always wrap themselves in the flag, so this was a chance to unite the craft beer market, Lohin notes.

Calling themselves the Fathers of Fermentation, another group of seven craft breweries across the country, including Torontos Granite Brewery, have banded together, with each brewing a special batch of whats being called Sir Johns Special Eh-le in time for the July 1 celebrations.

Molson has relaunched its Molson Canadian stubbies, with the LCBO running events at select locations to allow customers to get their names printed on the old-school labels.

What started as an April Fools Day suds joke by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau actually became a reality: Labatts changed its iconic Labatt 50 ale label to Labatt 150 this year. After Trudeau tweeted a photoshopped bottle with a 150 label on April 1, the company tweeted back that the limited edition rebranding was no joke and already in the pipeline.

They took my suggestion! My favourite beer, now 3 times as patriotic. Cant wait to try it, Trudeau tweeted back.

Meanwhile, Moosehead happens to be celebrating its own 150th anniversary, with the brewery founded the same year as Canadian Confederation. Limited edition cans of its new pale ale called Moosehead Anniversary Ale are a complete departure from the brewers signature green cans, featuring instead a striking blue and white map of Canada.

And Steam Whistle has teamed up with historic Canadian retailer Hudsons Bay to offer co-branded retro-style items such as bottle openers and coasters.

Its not just the beer guys who are waving the flag this year. Canadas historic whisky makers have also joined in, including J. P. Wisers One Fifty. Only 7,827 bottles of this special spirit have been produced  each one with a unique date printed on the label that corresponds to one of the 7,827 weeks in Canadas history since Confederation in 1867.

J.P. Wisers is a proud Canadian brand thats older than the country itself, so we felt a sense of duty to create something really special and one-of-a-kind, not only to mark Canadas big anniversary, but also to celebrate all the milestones along the way over the past 150 years, says Keeshan Selvakumar, whisky brand manager, Corby Spirit and Wine, which owns the brand founded in 1857 in Windsor, Ont.

Whisky maker Crown Royal has switched out its traditional purple and white pouches for a white and red bag labelled Canada 150 until mid-July.

And then theres the wine list.

Sandbanks Winery in Prince Edward County, Ont., has produced four wines with the 150 logo on the bottles. Of course, the vintage is 2016 because wines are typically made at the end of summer  and last years was particularly hot and dry, considered perfect conditions for producing good vino.

Canadas 150th is an important date to celebrate diversity and inclusion, says proprietor and founder Catherine Langlois, who was raised on a farm in Quebec and trained in Burgundy, France.

Like Canada, Sandbanks is such a diverse team. We are dynamic, open minded, innovative, adapting to the future and having a blast doing it, she says.

Starting from nothing in 2001, as women winemakers, a venture like ours would have been unachievable anywhere else on the planet, says Langlois, adding that her mom designs all the labels.

Pelee Island Winery has produced Monarch Vidal VQA and red VQA with colourful commemorative labels, as did Peller Estates French Cross wines in their bag-in-box format. The LCBO has also been pushing new Ontario players in the trendy wine-in-a-can format, which gets colder faster than a bottle with no risk of breakage.

(In the event of a strike, you can order most wines from the winerys website, and Peller Estates also sells its brands at The Wine Shop.)

The LCBO is also offering its own Oh Canada Entertaining Box that retails for $106.80 and includes, unsurprisingly, Wayne Gretzky Estates wine plus limited edition bottles of J.P. Wisers One Fifty and Absolut Canada, though the vodka is actually a Swedish import.

Theres no question that suppliers are embracing their national pride even more this year to mark Canadas 150th birthday, with limited edition and commemorative products and packaging, LCBO spokesperson Christine Bujold notes.

The summer months, and long weekends in particular, are typically one of the busiest times for the LCBO. In terms of historical trends, the Friday of a long weekend is the busiest day, she says in an emailed statement.

But with the deadline fast approaching for a potential strike, the liquor monopoly has started at some locations for Ontarians to stock up.

The LCBO website, which offers home delivery, warns that because of a potential labour disruption as of June 26, 2017, the delivery of orders of products available online to stores or home cannot be guaranteed. While we are accepting online orders, estimated delivery dates may be impacted by delays in processing and shipping.

It also states: We expect an increase in customer traffic at LCBO stores this week.

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RJP-N cadres arrested for organising anti-election activities

Police have arrested six cadres of agitating Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) for organising anti-election activities in Parasi, the district headquarters of Nawalparasi, on Thursday.
Qatar Airways has expressed interest in buying up to 10 per cent of American Airlines, an unsolicited approach that comes amid criticism from U.S. carriers that Persian Gulf competitors have an unfair advantage.

The state-owned Qatar Airways said it intended to purchase at least $808 million (U.S.) of the American carriers stock on the open market, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar al-Baker, approached the American Airlines chief, Doug Parker, about the possible purchase.

Shares of American Airlines were up 5 per cent in pre-market trading on Thursday.

Read more:

Qatar Airways launches worlds longest flight

Arab countries cut ties with Qatar

Any such purchase is subject to the approval of the American Airlines board, as well as an antitrust review of the Department of Justice.

The move could set up a standoff at a time when American rivals have been pushing back against the state-owned Gulf carriers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates.

Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, have complained to the Trump administration about the subsidies that the Gulf carriers receive from their government backers. The money, the U.S. carriers wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, has allowed such companies to operate without concern for turning a profit and therefore focus entirely on stripping market share and driving out competition.

The U.S. companies are playing to President Donald Trumps America first agenda, saying the subsidies hurt the countrys job market. For every long-haul route lost or foregone as a result of subsidized Gulf carrier competition, more than 1,500 American jobs are lost, the letter in February said.

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The myth: Clad in red serge and Stetsons, the dependable Mountie is an icon of all things chivalrous and civilized  and of course law and order.

Youre the first real man I ever met brave, strong, chivalrous, with great, yes, great ideals  a fairy Prince, A Knight of the Round Table.

 Woman impressed by a Mountie in Harwood Steeles 1923 novel, Spirit of Iron.

Murray Klatt grew up on a farm in the Manitoba hamlet of Westbourne, a speck of a place along the Yellowhead Highway, northwest of Winnipeg.

Farm life was hard and, most years, there was no extra money for anything other than surviving. But there was comfort in dependable things, like a close-knit family, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

When you needed help they were always there, says Klatt, who is now 68. To me they were God.

Reality was likely embellished by myth. By the 1950s, square-jawed Mounties in red serge and Stetsons were well established as symbols of Canada, an image fashioned by more than 250 English-language movies, and almost as many novels, largely portraying them as noble purveyors of law and order.

Klatt felt the full weight of the image when he joined the force in 1973, the centennial of its existence. He emerged from training, an imposing six-foot-four presence in uniform, bursting with pride.

His first day on the job, in Fort QuAppelle, Sask., he stopped a man who had taken police on a high-speed car chase, and placed him under arrest in the backseat of his cruiser. I was on such a high, Klatt says over the phone from his home in Regina. Every time this guy burped or sneezed I had a notation in my notebook.

All you did was work, he adds. It wasnt because you had to, it was because you loved it. At that time we felt, gosh, we would have paid them to let us work.

Soon, Klatt faced the first crime he had to solve on his own. It wasnt much of a caper  someones fishing tackle box was stolen in the lakeside resort of Sandy Beach. But the myth about Mounties always getting their man propelled Klatt like an officer possessed.

I went house to house and interviewed everybody, recalls Klatt, now a director on the board of the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina. I kept that file open so long.

Im sure the complainant was impressed with the amount of work I put into it  he had to be! But I was just devastated when I couldnt solve it, he adds with a chuckle. It sounds so silly now.

Sgt. Klatt would nab his share of criminals during 30 years as a Mountie in Saskatchewan detachments, including an arrest right out of a Hollywood script: he burst his way into a house where an armed murderer was holed up.

Along the way, six colleagues he worked with or knew well died while on duty, including two who were gunned down. Klatt was a pallbearer at two of the funerals.

The rose-coloured public view of the Mounties began to change at about the time Klatt first donned his uniform. But he didnt notice until he retired in 2004. Now, the tattered image eats at his insides.

Oh, goodness, it just kills me, he says.

The Mountie as icon of all things chivalrous and civilized took shape soon after Parliament established the North-West Mounted Police in 1873, and 150 recruits galloped west to battle whiskey traders in the emerging provinces.

A bigger job was also involved  imposing white, Anglo-Saxon, male-dominated culture on lands Indigenous people had long called home, and where a growing number of immigrants were settling, according to Trent University historian Keith Walden, author of the book, Visions of Order: The Canadian Mounties in Symbol and Myth.

Hollywood got into the mythmaking act, Walden says in an interview, to ease the existentialist angst Americans felt at the conquest and disappearance of their frontier. So it focused its camera lens to the frontier in the north and, in the 1936 movie Rose Marie, put Nelson Eddy in full Mountie uniform in a canoe, paddling and singing his love to a rather pleased Jeanette MacDonald.

A typical movie or novel plot had Mounties saving damsels in distress from villains with foreign-sounding names. Cultural historian Michael Dawson, at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, describes the Mountie of popular fiction as an expression of Canadian anti-modernism.

He was a symbol of divinely ordained hierarchies, against which ethnic minorities, subordinate classes and feminists could struggle but never prevail, Dawson wrote in a 1997 study.

In real life, Mounties were disrupting labour strikes and equating many new Canadians with Bolshevik radicals by the time they officially became the RCMP in 1920.

For Indigenous people, they were the face of policies described by Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin as attempts at cultural genocide.

On Baffin Island, Mounties shot hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Inuit-owned sled dogs in the name of safety and disease control during the 1950s and 60s. No one ever consulted hunters like Thomas Kablu, who came home one day to find his chained dogs slaughtered.

A major part of my livelihood was taken away from me, (along with) my identity, Kablu told the Qikiqtani Truth Commission in 2010.

Mounties also participated in the removal of Indigenous children from their parents. More than 150,000 were taken to church-run residential schools, where many were abused and forbidden to speak their language or practise their culture. RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli issued a formal apology in 2004.

In the 1960s, television comically foreshadowed the Mountie image shift in public consciousness with the dimwitted cartoon character Dudley Do-Right, who solved cases by sheer clumsy luck and pined for a woman who preferred his horse.

Little was left of the noble Mountie myth by the late 1970s, when the forces rampant, illegal activities were uncovered, including scores of break-ins, theft, sabotage, a barn burning, and an attempted bombing, often in the name of fighting Quebec separatists. In the understated words of the royal commission that reported on the illegalities in 1981, improper conduct had become institutionalized.

Rarely a decade has since gone by without further blows to the image, most recently by two reports in May slamming the force for long failing to prevent bullying and sexual harassment within its ranks.

It was probably telling when the RCMP Musical Ride was dropped from the $50 banknote in 1988, although plenty of coasters, hats and T-shirts in gift shops still sport the forces emblems. Walden speculates that the Mountie has remained a stronger positive figure among tourists than among Canadians.

All of it is heartbreaking for Murray Klatt. He hopes Canadians will distinguish between the battered image of the force and the sincere efforts of individual cops on the beat. That seemed to be the case in the early 1990s, when he was in charge of sending hundreds of random surveys to residents of Swift Current, Sask., most of which came back with glowing reviews of the men and women protecting neighbourhoods.

A more recent vote of confidence came from Klatts 3-year-old grandson, Zak. He was given a red serge and Stetson last fall and headed to his granddads house to proudly show them off. Klatt decided to surprise him.

The little guy had never seen me in my uniform, Klatt says. So I put it on and when he saw me he was just in awe. He could not believe it.

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SYDNEY, N.S.Hundreds of bikers gathered in Sydney, N.S., Wednesday morning to escort a 10-year-old boy who has been the victim of bullying to school.

The leather-clad bikers drove Grade 4 student Xander Rose to school and walked with him in a line to the front door of Harbourside Elementary.

Mike Basso organized the rally to support the boy after his mother reached out to a U.S. childrens advocacy group called Defenders Of The Children.

I dont know if the smile is off his face yet, he said. He was ecstatic. For the first time in a long while Xander wanted to go to school.

Basso organizes the Cape Breton Bike Rally and he said about 150 bikers showed up, including many from the local Bay Boys Motorcycle Club, and that residents of the Whitney Pier neighbourhood gathered to watch the rally of support for Xander.

The streets were lined with people who pulled over, clapping hands, tooting horns . . . it was emotional, he said. I was walking towards the front of the school with a lump in my throat.

Basso said the 10-year-old was being bullied because of his race and size, and that local school and community officials had failed to help him.

He is a mixture of Aboriginal and African-Canadian and is 5-2 and 150 pounds, he said. He was being bullied every day. It got so bad that kids on his school bus ripped his clothes off and another student threatened they would kill him.

Basso said the boys mother contacted the school, the local school board and other parents without success.

Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board spokesperson Michelle MacLeod said she could not speak about what steps the school took to stop the boy from being bullied because of confidentiality.

However, she said any report of bullying is taken seriously by the school administration.

We work towards creating a safe and inclusive teaching environment for all of our students, MacLeod said. Thats our primary goal. We want students and parents to recognize the signs of bullying and be comfortable reaching out to staff.

Darren Googoo, chair of the Cape Breton-Victoria School board, said Wednesday that three students, including a 13-year-old girl who killed herself on Fathers Day, have lost their lives this year. The board is drafting a letter to the provincial Education Department with the idea of starting a dialogue on the issue.

Basso said more needs to be done to end bullying in schools and cyberbullying.

We lost three children in the past month, he said. On the weekend, we lost a 13-year-old girl who was the victim of cyberbullying. Maybe she had the cure for cancer in her head. Maybe she could have been the next prime minister.

We need to make sure these kids have support. We shouldnt be burying kids at this age.

More on thestar.com:

App lets students make anonymous reports about bullying, unsafe behaviour END

Students benefit from police in schools, Peel study finds END

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A Special Operations sniper shot a Daesh fighter in Iraq from 3.5 kilometres away, the Canadian military confirmed Thursday.

The incident, according to a report in the Globe and Mail, happened within the last month. The Canadian Special Operations Command confirmed that one of its soldiers from the elite Joint Task Force 2 hit a human target from 3,540 metres away. The statement did not say exactly where the event took place.

For operational security reasons and to preserve the safety of our personnel and our coalition partners, we will not discuss precise details on when and how this incident took place, the statement said. The (Special Operations Task Force) provides its expertise to Iraqi security force to detect, identify and defeat Daesh activities from well behind the Iraqi security force front line in Mosul, it added.

If true, the shot  or multiple shots  would join the macabre ranks of the longest sniper kills in history.

The Globe and Mail said the shooter used a McMillan Tac-50 rifle. The U.S.-made rifle, chambered in .50 calibre, is known in the Canadian Armed Forces as the C15 Long Range Sniper Weapon and was responsible for multiple record-breaking shots during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in 2002. The weapon has a maximum effective range of around 3,650 metres and weighs roughly 26 pounds.

The Tac-50 is billed as being able to shoot a 1.27 centimetre bullet group at 91 metres. Meaning at 3,539 metres, its grouping size would be somewhere around 20 inches. For the soldier to hit his target 3,540 metres he would need to account for every atmospheric factor available. Wind speed, temperature, barometric pressure, the bullets yaw and the rotation of the earth would all need to be considered before pulling the trigger. These variables, once harnessed from devices such as a hand-held weather meter and potentially range-finding equipment on the gun, would then be processed through a ballistic calculator that would let the shooter make the necessary adjustments on the rifles scope.

Evan McAllister, a former Marine sergeant who served multiple deployments as a sniper in Ramadi, Iraq and in Afghanistans Helmand province, said little is known about the capabilities of a unit like Joint Task Force 2. The unit was likely operating with an array of systems to help make the shot, he said.

While the shot was possible with the outstanding ballistic properties of a match .50 (inch) projectile, a conventional rifle scope would make seeing the target at that range almost impossible, and it may be likely that the sniper team had some form of assistance either from an extremely advanced rifle scope or an overhead drone, McAllister said. There is also a chance that the sniper couldnt exactly see the target or the impacts, but a spotter with an advanced optical device was able to verbally walk the sniper onto the target and correct his aim.

The Canadian military maintains a robust special operations presence in Iraq in lieu of conducting airstrikes on behalf of the U.S.-led coalition. Much like their American counterparts, the units provide assistance for Iraqi forces and have been filmed on the front lines.

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Canadas government must stop idling and finally prosecute Volkswagen for using secret software to cheat emissions tests, three leading environmental groups have said in strongly written letters to the federal environment minister.

It has been nearly two years since the government announced it was investigating the German automaker for allegedly installing defeat devices in its diesel vehicles to circumvent environmental standards. That investigation is still ongoing.

In the same period, regulators in the United States secured billions of dollars in penalties and settlements after the carmaker pleaded guilty to a long-running conspiracy that deceived customers and duped emissions standards.

Roughly 105,000 of those same types of cars  Volkswagen and Audi vehicles with 2.0-litre diesel engines from model years 2009 to 2015  were sold or leased in Canada. (Audi is owned by Volkswagen.)

The environmental advocates, which are critical of Environment and Climate Change Canadas handling of the governments probe, asked Environment Minister Catherine McKenna to take charge.

It would be a gross abdication of the ministers duty if Canada were not to investigate and prosecute VW as the U.S. has done, and extract from it a substantial penalty, the proceeds of which could be used for the good of Canadas people, environment and industry, say the letters to McKenna, dated June 14.

The letters sent to Ottawa last week call the slowness of the governments current investigation both unimpressive and unacceptable.

A spokesperson for McKenna said it would be inappropriate to comment as there is an ongoing investigation.

A Volkswagen spokesperson said the company is co-operating with the environment ministrys investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment on the probe itself.

Under Canadian environmental law, the letters sent last week to the minister are considered a formal call for the minister to launch an investigation into an alleged offence.

But an environment ministry spokesperson said if McKenna heeds the call to launch her own investigation, it is expected that ministry staff would carry out that work for her.

The spokesperson said ministry staff are already working hard on the ongoing Volkswagen investigation.

These kinds of investigations are often highly complex and we must be certain that we have gathered and analyzed all of the necessary evidence and supporting information before any charges are filed, the spokesperson said.

The letters are signed by the executive directors of Environmental Defence, Quebec-based Equiterre, and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.

Sidney Ribaux, executive director of Equiterre, said its important that Environment Canada is not seen to be dropping the ball in investigating the highly publicized case.

If companies see that (Volkswagen is) getting away with it . . . what kind of message does that send to the rest of the businesses that follow the regulation? Ribaux said.

If you have rules youre not enforcing, theyre not real rules.

The so-called defeat device in these vehicles meant cars met standards during emissions testing, but pumped out up to 35 times the permitted levels of harmful nitrogen oxides while on the open road, according to Volkswagens plea agreement with the U.S. government.

The Canadian prosecution can piggyback on the work of the United States, as the admissions included in the companys guilty plea can be used here, said Amir Attaran, a law professor with the Ecojustice legal clinic at the University of Ottawa who helped draft the letters to McKenna.

In a statement to the Star, an environment ministry spokesperson said VW Canada is a separate legal entity from its parent company in Germany and U.S. affiliates, and VW Canada has not publicly admitted to being guilty of an alleged offence in Canada. The American court settlements and fines are not simply replicated in Canada, the spokesperson added.

The U.S. extracted up to $14.7 billion in settlements from Volkswagen in connection with the diesel scandal. Several billions of dollars will go toward pollution mitigation and building infrastructure for zero emission vehicles.

That sort of money could go a long way in Canada, said Environmental Defences Tim Gray, one of the letter writers.

Government never has enough money for working on pollution-related issues in this country, said Gray, a biologist and the groups executive director. Why should that be left on the table when it is clearly available?

Any penalties that might result from an environmental prosecution in Canada would likely go to a fund that directs court-awarded fines to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife.

In April, courts in Ontario and Quebec approved a $2.1-billion settlement in a class-action lawsuit that offered cash payments to the 105,000 Canadian customers. The settlement was not an admission of liability, Volkswagen said at the time in a statement.

Volkswagen Canada agreed to pay an additional $15-million penalty resulting from an investigation by the federal Competition Bureau, which said the companies misled consumers with false environmental marketing claims.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen Canada resumed selling some of these scandal-plagued diesel cars at dealerships across the country despite the vehicles being under investigation. The models have updated emissions software and will also receive new hardware at a later date.

The carmaker had received approval in the U.S. from the Environmental Protection Agency to resume selling certain 2015 diesel models that had been mothballed on dealers lots in that country.

The company notified the Canadian government before it resumed selling the vehicles here.

In their letters, however, the environmental groups say the permission by the U.S. regulator to resume selling in that country did not mean 2015 models on Canadian lots could be sold, and accused VW and its dealers of dumping cars onto the market with an incomplete, software-only fix.

Federal government officials told the Star in May that they are looking into the matter to determine the most appropriate course of action.

As Volkswagen had voluntarily stopped sales of these vehicles in Canada in 2015, the company is not breaking any government orders or directions by resuming sales, a ministry spokesperson said.

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A Toronto couple have brought a criminal complaint against the editor and publisher of Your Ward News, a controversial publication that Canada Post has been banned from delivering and that Toronto police have investigated for hate crimes.

Lisa and Warren Kinsella said a justice of the peace agreed Wednesday morning to charge editor James Sears and publisher Leroy St. Germaine with uttering threats.

Sears said in an email to the Star that he cant comment on specifics, but called it a mischievous, impotent complaint and suggested the court was lacking important information.

My legal team and I will mop the floor with the Kinsellas on our first available opportunity in court, but in the meantime, we will enjoy the free publicity that Daisy Group has once again garnered for Your Ward News!, Sears said in the email, referring to the company run by the Kinsellas.

The Kinsellas, who have campaigned against Your Ward News, said they were concerned with an article in the current edition, in which Sears suggests his followers may decide to bludgeon the Kinsellas to death.

Not only was this comment meant to intimidate and silence us from speaking out, it was also a genuine threat, I felt, against my family, Lisa Kinsella said in a phone interview.

Whats appeared . . . we believe has crossed the line into uttering threats and criminal territory.

Lisa Kinsella said she originally went to police about the alleged threat on June 9 but they told her they did not have grounds to press charges.

She and her husband decided to go through the private prosecution process, which anyone can pursue if they believe they have reasonable grounds.

Warren Kinsella, a Toronto-based lawyer who has written about hate groups, says Your Ward News publishes some of the most extreme hate (hes) ever seen in Canada.

Your Ward News, which describes itself as an anti-Marxist publication, has been called anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, misogynistic, homophobic and neo-Nazi. The paper is based at an office in Torontos east end, at the corner of Main St. and Gerrard St. E.

Last year, minister of public services and procurement Judy Foote, currently on leave for personal and family reasons, issued an order to stop the distribution of Your Ward News via Canada Post. She has called the publication highly offensive and well outside the norm of Canadian values.

Sears challenged the order and a hearing to review the decision began in late April.

The Kinsellas are founding members of a group called Standing Together Against Mailing Prejudice (STAMP), which campaigned against home delivery of the paper, and have been a frequent target of the paper.

They say they are thrilled and relieved that the justice decided to move forward with charges.

Lisa Kinsella said theyve been trying to get police and government action against Your Ward News for the past two years.

Unless youre a straight white male you are targeted in this publication, she said. We believe that this is not free speech, this is hate propaganda.

Clarification  June 22, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to make clear that Judy Foote is still the minister of public services and procurement but is on a leave of absence due to personal and family reasons.

With files from The Canadian Press

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In a series of mid-morning raids Thursday, police shut down marijuana dispensaries operated in Toronto by B.C.-based Canna Clinic.

All seven of the companys storefront locations in Toronto were raided, as well as five residences, said Toronto police corporate communications director Mark Pugash. There were also three raids in Vancouver.

A bar owner near the companys Kensington Ave. clinic said police came around 10 a.m. Customers were allowed to leave before police closed the store.

Officers at the scene said they were going to arrest the staff members and seize all illegal drugs.

A number of people who appeared to be employees were seen leaving the store around midday. One was crying, and others looked defeated and resigned.

An employee who did not want to be identified said that the police confiscated the phones of all the employees, except for him, as he told them he did not have one.

I voted for Trudeau to legalize this, and I just dont see the damage that Im doing, said James, an employee at the Kensington location. Its just a small guys getting stomped on.

Read more:

Workers at Toronto medical marijuana dispensary Canna Clinic join Unifor

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Many who visited the Kensington dispensary were concerned that raids would increase the use of opioids.

Do you want an opioid problem? Then continue raiding every single marijuana place that is actually saving people, actually getting jobs, actually bringing in revenue, said Kofi Wiafe, who tried to visit the dispensary.

Wiafe cited his mother, a cancer survivor, as someone who deals with chronic pain by using the dispensarys products. If this place wasnt here, she would be on opiates, and every single person knows that if youre on opiates youre going to get hooked on it.

I am just wondering what the police department is doing about the opioid crisis that is currently sweeping Toronto right now, said Andy Gardener, another visitor.

I dont think that they know how to tackle it. They dont have the resources so theyre tackling and raiding dispensaries because theres really nothing else that they can do.

Its not like we want to be doing this, its a waste of everyones time, said an officer, whose badge read M. Furfaro, who was involved in the raid.

At the Queen St. W. store, Toronto police Det. Darren Worth said nine employees were detained in the store.

Worth said all of them had been arrested, and that police would seize all the illegal drugs and the proceeds from sales.

Customers continued to arrive at the store while the raid was underway, but were turned away by police.

Staff members were later released from the store, but said the officers had seized their phones.

We do know we take a risk by working here, said Laura Glatt, who was working in the dispensary when police arrived.

Me personally Im all for the risk because I believe in the medicinal aspect of it, and I believe it helps a lot of people.

Glatt said she understands the police officers are just doing their job, but thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau needs a better strategy as Canada moves toward legalization of marijuana.

All youre doing right now is hurting people, she said. I just think its sort of ridiculous, a waste of resources.

Staff members leaving the store said they expected the clinic would reopen within a day or two.

With tears in her eyes, customer Marlene Gannon said its very painful to see police raid the clinic.

Gannon said she purchases marijuana for her chronically ill mother, who finds it helps with pain, anxiety, depression and a lack of appetite.

Another customer, William Misurka, said he smokes weed to deal with physical and mental pain.

He says cigarettes and alcohol cause much larger problems than marijuana.

This is better for people. It helps people with actual pain, he said.

People drink booze, they get all crazy in their head and fight. People dont fight when they smoke weed.

Last week, Mayor John Tory said he was concerned by the rise in the number of rogue pot shops in Toronto a year after the citys first crackdown resulted in dozens of arrests and charges.

They are proliferating again in the city. Theyre in stable neighbourhoods and causing disruptions to families in my view and disruption to other retailers, he said.

That is not something that has been legalized or contemplated as legalized. The federal government has said nothing about having some wide network of shops on every street corner pop up to sell marijuana.

Municipal licensing and standards staff estimate there are currently 60 outlets selling weed in the city. The lowest number has been 37.

Its a constant ebb and flow. Some shut down. Some get closed down. Some relocate. Weve always knew this would be a constant battle for us and as long as theres that type of money to be made, these operations are not just going to go quietly away, said Mark Sraga, director of investigation services.

Tory, a member of the police services board, stopped short of calling for another crackdown.

I am hopeful that our authorities will decide on their own just because the law is being disregarded, to go out there and enforce the law but I dont direct them to do that. Im simply indicating my own concern as the mayor of the city.

With files from Betsy Powell

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A Toronto city councillor is concerned by the lack of transparency around fire inspections and is looking for answers.

Councillor Josh Matlow plans to ask the fire chief to prepare a presentation on the topic for the next meeting of councils Tenant Issues Committee in the fall. Matlow said he hopes to learn more about why inspection reports are not publicly available.

The Ward 22 councillor said his office has fielded several emails from tenants in the wake of the recent Grenfell Tower fire  which killed at least 79 people in England earlier this month  wondering about the safety of their own highrise buildings.

Obviously when you see a story like what happened in London, its completely reasonable to ask those questions, he said. When those answers arent readily available to you, it doesnt instill confidence. And I think tenants should have the ability to be able to have access to basic information that demonstrates that their building is safe.

Matlow recently pushed for a bylaw that would require results of inspections for problems such as waste and pests to be publicly posted in lobbies.

Certainly my understanding is that buildings in Toronto are far safer than the building that was affected in London, he said. That being said though, I think we need to get more information out into the public domain given that 50 per cent of Torontonians are tenants and a large number of those residents live in highrise buildings.

Metro reported Wednesday on a Toronto tenant whos spent more than a year trying to track down the results of two fire inspections in his own building, only to be told he had to make an onerous Freedom of Information request.

Toronto deputy fire chief Jim Jessop said residents could learn whether their building is up to code over the phone and that any risk to public safety would be immediately addressed. If the risk was too great, the building would be shut down.

He added that a publicly accessible database of fire inspection reports is just something weve never done.

If there was any risk to the apartment building, we have a statutory duty to take all reasonable measures to protect the tenants, which we do every day, he said.

A city spokesperson confirmed fire inspection reports are subject to provincial privacy legislation and the way to get them is to make a Freedom of Information request.

IT consultant Mark Richardson said he and other open-data advocates have been trying for years to get more information from Toronto Fire Services.

Theres an over-read of the privacy legislation in a lot of cases, he said. Its a great excuse to kick the can.

Richardson said inspection reports performed by Toronto Public Health for restaurants, salons and spas are all publicly available online, under the DineSafe and BodySafe programs.

Theyve already got an existing model, he said. Its a different city department, but as far as Im concerned, if you die of botulism or your apartment burns down, youre still dead at the end of it.

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Some Muslim community leaders are urging the federal government to do more to help protect their mosques and schools amid an increase in hate crimes.

A Statistics Canada report last week showed hate crimes targeting Muslims rose by 60 per cent across the country in 2015.

Its quite concerning the number of reports that have been coming in, said Amira Elghawaby, a spokesperson for the National Council of Canadian Muslims. At our organization, we have definitely seen a spike just in the last week of people reporting to us.

In April, Public Safety Canada announced it would double its annual funding for the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program from $1 million to $2 million over each of the next five years.

The program allows not-for-profit groups linked to a community at risk of being victimized by hate crimes to apply for funding to help pay the costs of security improvements at places of worship, schools and community centres. Approved applicants can receive up to half the total project costs from the government to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

Read more:

It's time for all faiths to publicly support Muslim Canadians: Farber

Hate crimes targeting Muslims up in 2015

For Canadian Muslims, recent disturbing events part of 'familiar narrative'

But some, such as Imran Haq, executive director of the Al Huda Institute, were told this week their applications have been denied.

I know a lot of different mosques and institutes that have applied  we did apply as well  but, unfortunately, we did not receive any funding, said Haq, whose institute provides educational program primarily for women.

Women are some of the most targeted people in our community so it probably would be really prudent for us to kind of take this a little seriously. We dont want to have to wait until were getting extreme threats to have to qualify for this funding.

Public Safety Canada said the call for proposals it issued that closed on March 31 brought 246 applications from various Canadian communities at risk. After rejecting applications that were incomplete or did not meet the criteria for the program, the value of the funding requested exceeded the money available. So it scored the applications and only those with the highest score were retained for further consideration. The rest can re-apply when further calls for proposals are issued.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims continues to monitor threats to the community, according to Elghawaby. The organization tracks these incidents, but encourages people to report them directly to police.

There have been 40 anti-Muslim incidents reported across Canada already in 2017, compared to 64 all of last year, according to the organization.

Elghawaby said the community is particularly concerned following events around the globe during the month of Ramadan, including an attack on a London mosque Monday.

At least one Toronto mosque has added metal detectors for tarawih prayers which occur in the late evening during Ramadan, she said.

The problem is theres so much hateful rhetoric against Muslims right now, said Ibrahim Hindy, an imam at Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre in Mississauga. People might be putting up hate videos just to get views, just to get popularity. It just needs one person to take it to heart, one person to find meaning in those words for something catastrophic to happen.

In April, Hindy received death threats after speaking out in favour of accommodating Muslim prayer at Peel Region public schools.

One Facebook comment appeared to threaten to burn down the mosque, while a second threat, which appeared to have been sent by email, contained a photo of five Muslim men hanging from nooses, with the caption, Islamic Wind Chimes.

Following the threats, the mosque launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for security infrastructure. Hindy said the mosque would need about $15,000 for equipment such as security camera systems to meet its immediate needs, but have so far raised just less than 10 per cent of that.

Hindy said theres anxiety amongst members of the Muslim community, following incidents such as those in London and the Quebec mosque shooting in January, which left six people dead. Yet the notion of extra security is still a new concept, as mosques typically have open-door policies where everyone is welcome.

Despite the attacks that happened, its hard for people to wrap their minds around the fact that there are people who go to a place of worship and kill people, Hindy said.

We dont want to succumb to the fear, but theres a lot of concern.

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Gerry Williams spent almost a decade without a place to call home, trapped, as he puts it, by alcoholism and undiagnosed mental health issues as he was slowly buried under a mountain of debt.

I am a very different person today, than when I was living on the streets, said Williams, 46, reading from a statement at Queens Park on Thursday.

Over nine years, Williams racked up $65,000 in fines, through convictions for provincial offences, including loitering, littering, drinking in public and trespassing. He estimates $10,000 was tied to tickets issued to him through the Safe Streets Act, when he was panhandling to try to survive.

The law was created in 1999 to curtail was what seen as a rise in aggressive behaviour by people asking for money on the street, including through squeegeeing.

Close to two decades later, Williams stood at Queens Park to mark the launch of a constitutional challenge to the act, launched by the Fair Change Community Legal Clinic and filed in Ontario Superior Court, on Wednesday.

Fair Change executive director Joanna Nefs said it is the the worst kind of law, and one that disproportionately impacts people with mental health and addiction issues and costs the public $2 million in court fees and paperwork each year for fines that will likely never be paid. The convictions can also lead to ruined credit scores, stop people from getting drivers licences, housing or decent work, she said.

It hurts only the most vulnerable and it increases homelessness. The exact opposite of what it is supposed to do. When this happens in Canada we have a remedy: we challenge the law.

Renu Mandhane, chief commissioner for the Ontario Human Rights Commission, called poverty one of the most pressing human rights issues facing Canadian society.

The provincial commitment to ending chronic homelessness in 10 years is welcome, she said, but laws that criminalize people who are trapped in poverty do not line up with that goal, or the human rights code.

The Safe Streets Act unfortunately is one of those laws, said Mandhane.

Fair Change and the many allies who joined them at Queens Park want the government to repeal the act, not fight it out in court. If it does proceed, they would aim for a hearing next summer.

The government knows the legislation is discriminatory and wasteful, said MPP Cheri DiNovo, who tabled private members bills in 2015 and 2016, calling for the act to be repealed. We need to end the persecution of the poor, she said in a statement.

Emilie Smith, a spokesperson with the Ministry of the Attorney General, said the notice of application is being reviewed, but she said the ministry would not comment on the case, because it is before the courts.

Our priority is to ensure that every Ontarian has an affordable and safe place to call home, said Smith, in an email. Thats why were taking a cross-government approach to address how the issues of poverty, homelessness, mental illness and addiction intersect with the criminal justice system, including the creation of a program to help vulnerable people navigate the bail process, she said.

Toronto Police spokesperson Mark Pugash could not provide statistics on the number of tickets given out by police, by press time. He said the law would be applied when there is clear danger to an individual or the public, for example, in the case where people were asking for money near moving cars along the Lakeshore.

The danger speaks for itself. This is one tool to try and deal with it, said Pugash.

Williams grew up on a reserve near James Bay. It was a traumatic and isolated upbringing, he said, in a family and community where generations had been forced through the residential school system.

I was not equipped for city life when I left the reserve.

He said his massive debt increased his anxiety, made it difficult to maintain his sobriety and manage his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, connected to his trauma as a child.

I could never pay $65,000 in fines, or $10,000 or even $100, said Williams, who relied on Ontario Disability Support Payments. I lived paycheque to paycheque.

In 2016, Justice Katrina Mulligan ruled his debt should be wiped out, sentencing him to probation and community service.

Ive been stuck in limbo, Williams told the Stars Alex Ballingall, outside the courthouse, in 2016. My minds still on the street.

At Queens Park on Thursday, Williams said he has been sober for three years. He has a home and has found work.

Telling his story, he said, is a part of his continuing recovery and a way to help people from ending up in the same position he was in.

The law isnt fair. It is wrong and should be repealed, he said.

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Sajha Party announces support to Bibeksheel candidates

Sajha Party has said that it would support and assist the candidates of Bibeksheel Nepali Party in the upcoming second phase local polls slated for June 28.
Uniformed police have now been banned from participating in Torontos Pride parade.

Will they next be barred from fraternizing with students in our schools?

Anti-police protests have become a recurring theme in Toronto. Black Lives Matter led the charge at last years Pride, blocking the parade and out-organizing the organizers until they won the day.

Now, however, the protesters may have met their match in parents and principals who dont view all police as perennial enemies in all places.

At a raucous meeting of Torontos Police Services Board this month, BLM protesters found themselves being challenged by people of colour who are taking a more colour-blind view of security, safety and pedagogy.

Critics describe the School Resource Officer (SRO) program as a school to prison pipeline, arguing that police pick on marginalized  read, racialized  students. But when police board member Ken Jeffers suggested last week that it be suspended or terminated like a truant student, the reaction may have surprised him.

One woman in the audience shouted back that he should ponder the blood shed by Blacks because of violence in our schools. As my colleague Andrea Gordon reported, a procession of principals, teachers and students from diverse racial backgrounds expressed strong support for the police presence  though it didnt seem to influence BLMs view.

The SRO program is not unique to Toronto but it is uniquely controversial here. Vancouver, Ottawa, Mississauga and other big cities have embraced the idea of placing police in schools, where it remains popular.

Thats not to say the program is perfect. But we should remember that the perfect is the enemy of the good  even if the police are sometimes seen by many as the enemy.

Whatever its flaws, the program has indisputably benefited many students and teachers in the trenches. An independent study of a similar SRO program in Peel suggests the presence of cops is an overwhelmingly positive confidence-building and relationship-building measure.

Measuring its impact is undoubtedly difficult. To its credit, the police board ultimately decided to defer any suspension until the Toronto program is properly evaluated. That didnt stop Black Lives Matter from dismissing any review as a dangerous side tactic.

BLM is entitled to its protests, which had a cascading effect on the Pride parade  a private (albeit publicly subsidized) group that can make its own decisions in its own ways. Unlike Pride, the police services board  like our Toronto-area school boards  is a democratically constituted entity answerable to our elected councillors, who are accountable to the broad public and especially parents. Pressure tactics are part of our civil discourse, but representative democracy ought not to be held hostage to protests weighed down by historical grievances about police raids on gay bathhouses three decades ago.

Its easy to forget the impetus for police in our schools. A decade ago, Grade 9 student Jordan Manners, 15, was fatally shot in the hallway of C.W. Jefferys Collegiate. In the aftermath, Torontos two publicly funded school boards teamed up with the police to introduce the SRO program.

The C.W. Jefferys school initially resisted the idea, but later embraced it after another teen was stabbed and yet another caught with a loaded handgun. Its current principal, Monday Gala, is a strong supporter:

If you come into Jefferys today and see the positivity that is going on organized by this partnership with the police, you cant deny the fact that there is a place for the police in the school, he told the Star.

Some feel frustrated that the SRO program isnt comprehensive but perhaps unfairly selective, rotating 36 uniformed cops through 75 schools across the city. Other SRO programs, such as in Peel and Ottawa, cover all schools.

That has led to the perception that only at-risk Black kids are targeted at schools like C.W. Jefferys. But at-risk  and rich  kids of all colours are just as likely to be watched over by cops at the posh Etobicoke School of the Arts, Riverdale Collegiate or Northern Secondary School.

Would an even larger program that puts cops in every single school appease everyone? It hardly seems like the solution sought by protesters, who sometimes sound as if they dont want to see any cops anywhere at any time  whether on a Pride parade ground or a Toronto school ground.

Protesters have every right to their anti-police perspective. Especially in the wake of a long battle against carding that disproportionately affected people of colour.

Minority voices, whether held by minority groups or believed by bastions of white privilege, are part of our democratic discourse. But they cannot be the last word in a democratic process.

Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWAStruggling to advance his agenda in Washington, President Donald Trump travelled to the Midwest on Wednesday for a raucous rally with his loyal supporters  the kind of event he relished before winning the White House.

Trump touched down Wednesday evening in rainy Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and headed to a local community college, where he got a look at agriculture technology innovations before leading a campaign rally.

He reveled in Georgia Republican Karen Handels congressional victory in an election viewed as an early referendum on his presidency.

Were 5-0 in special elections, Trump said in front of a boisterous crowd that packed a downtown arena. The truth is, people love us ... they havent figured it out yet.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

He also applauded Republican Ralph Norman, who notched a slimmer-than-expected win in a special election to fill the South Carolina congressional seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney, and mocked Handels challenger, Jon Ossoff, saying the Democrats spent $30 million on this kid who forgot to live in the district.

Trump, no stranger to victory laps, turned his visit to a battleground state he captured in November into a celebration of his resilience despite the cloud of investigations that has enveloped his administration and sent his poll numbers tumbling.

With the appearance in Cedar Rapids, he has held five rallies in the first five months in office.

The event underscores Trumps comfort in a campaign setting. He laughed off the occasional heckler, repeated riffs from last years rallies and appeared far more at ease when going after Democrats in front of adoring crowds than trying to push through his own legislative agenda from the confines of the White House.

Trumps aides are making a renewed push to get the president out of Washington. The capital is consumed with the investigation into Russian meddling in last years election and Trumps firing of his FBI director.

Read more: Trump fires FBI boss James Comey to restore public trust and confidence

Campaign rallies energize Trump by placing him in front of supporters who have stuck by him and are likely to dismiss the investigations as Beltway chatter.

Iowa, with its large share of independent voters, could be a proving ground for whether Trump can count on the support of voters beyond his base. Unaffiliated voters  or no party voters, as they are known in Iowa  make up 36 per cent of the electorate, compared with 33 per cent who register Republican and 31 per cent registered as Democrat.

Self-identified independents in Iowa voted for Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton by a 13-percentage-point margin last year, according to exit polls conducted for The Associated Press and television networks. That margin helped Trump take the state by nearly 9 points after Barack Obama won it for Democrats the previous two elections.

Trump held a Des Moines rally in December as part of his transition-era thank you tour of states he had won, but has not been back to Iowa since.

Wednesday night, he touted his administrations efforts to roll back regulations, mused about putting solar panels on a Mexican border wall, derided wind power for killing birds in a state that uses a lot of it and revealed that he urged the Senate to create a health care plan with heart. Add some money to it!

He avoided any discussion of the scandals surrounding his presidency, other than one brief reference to the witch hunt, which is what he has dubbed the probes into his campaigns ties to Russia.

Trumps evening in Iowa began with a tribute to former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, whom he had just appointed the United States ambassador to China. He hailed Branstad, the longest-serving governor in the nations history and an early Trump backer, as a legend and one great man.

Trumps stop at Kirkwood Community College was intended to draw attention to the schools advancements in high-tech agriculture, but he resisted sitting behind the wheel of a virtual reality device that simulated a giant combine harvester. He was joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as part of the administrations latest theme week, this time to highlight the importance of technology. He later touted the wealth of Ross and chief economic adviser Gary Cohn, saying: Those particular positions, I just dont want a poor person. Does that make sense?

But much of Trumps attention was on the suburbs of Atlanta, in the 6th Congressional District race.

Read more: Republicans hold Georgia congressional seat after closely fought race

Democrats had lavished attention and money on Tuesdays special election, hoping for a victory that would underscore Republican worries about Trump and serve as a harbinger of a Democratic wave in 2018.

Instead, Handels victory, in a traditional Republican stronghold that rarely produces a competitive contest, was met with a sigh of relief among the GOP.

Trump tweeted several times during the night and capped the night off with a text message to supporters referring to his Make America Great Again slogan:

The MAGA Mandate is stronger than ever. BIG LEAGUE.

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WASHINGTONHouse Republicans are stalling a hugely popular bill to slap Iran and Russia with economic sanctions over a procedural issue that theyre blaming the Senate for creating.

The problem is the Senate screwed up, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Wednesday.

At issue is a constitutional requirement that legislative measures involving revenue originate in the House. The sanctions bill was crafted by the Senate, which passed the measure overwhelmingly last week 98-2 and then sent it to the House for action.

McCarthy said the Senate can repair the bill or the House can write its own sanctions legislation. But he didnt provide a timetable for either pathway or specify the provisions in the Senate bill that caused the breach.

Democratic lawmakers and aides are mystified over the delay. They fear the House is seeking to water down the Russia-related portions of the bill at the Trump administrations behest. The sanctions aimed at Russia are intended to punish Moscow for meddling in the presidential election and for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and Syria.

Read more:

Iranian presidential candidate says nuclear agreement has failed

We have evidence Russia tried to hack 21 state elections systems, U.S. intelligence officials testify

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has offered only lukewarm support for the Russia sanctions. He said during congressional testimony that President Donald Trump needs to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation with Russia. An overly aggressive sanctions bill, Tillerson has suggested, could lead Moscow to shut off potentially promising talks with Washington.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused House Republicans of dredging up the procedural issue, known in bureaucratese as a blue slip, to provide cover for a president who has been far too soft on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.

What has Russia concluded from all this? Schumer said. Putin now knows that he will not suffer any consequences for disinformation campaigns, buzzing our ships and planes, for threatening our European allies, for cyberattacks, energy coercion, or his ongoing support for Russian separatists in Ukraine.

In addition to hitting Russia and Iran with additional financial penalties, the bill would give Congress a much stronger hand in determining Russia sanctions policy. The bill would require a 30-day congressional review period if Trump attempts to ease or end penalties against Moscow.

The Senate bill also would impose mandatory sanctions on people involved in Irans ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them. The measure would apply terrorism sanctions to the countrys Revolutionary Guards and enforce an arms embargo.

Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and one of the bills primary authors, cast the party differences over the sanctions bill as minor and easily fixable.

I see no reason to believe that this is anything other than a parliamentary issue that needs to be resolved, Corker said. The whole issue is so minute.

Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, has called for the House to immediately hold an up-or-down vote on the sanctions legislation.

Engels staff on Wednesday posted on Twitter a recounting of a similar blue slip situation in 2014 that was handled speedily by the House. The Senate passed a sanctions bill to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The legislation arrived in the GOP-led House and hit the same procedural snag. But instead of stalling the bill, the House simply introduced identical legislation that fixed the problem and passed it the same day.

Republican leadership shouldnt allow this bill to fade into history, the staff wrote of the new sanctions legislation. A blue slip problem is a procedural hiccup, not an excuse for delaying a critical piece of legislation.

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MADISON, WIS.The confession of a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series Making a Murderer was improperly obtained and he should be retried or released from prison, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled Thursday.

Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in photographer Teresa Halbachs death on Halloween two years earlier. Dassey told detectives he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill Halbach in the Avery familys Manitowoc County salvage yard. Avery was sentenced to life in a separate trial.

A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey, who was 16 years old at the time and suffered from cognitive problems, into confessing and overturned his conviction. The state Justice Department appealed the ruling to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a move that kept Dassey, now 27, behind bars pending the outcome.

Read more: New trial requested in Making a Murderer case

A three-judge panel from the Chicago-based 7th Circuit upheld the magistrates decision to overturn his conviction. Wisconsin can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, ask for a review by the full 7th Circuit or retry Dassey within 90 days.

Johnny Koremenos, a spokesman for Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, said the office expects to seek review by the full 7th Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court, and hopes that todays erroneous decision will be reversed.

We continue to send our condolences to the Halbach family as they have to suffer through another attempt by Mr. Dassey to relitigate his guilty verdict and sentence, Koremenos said.

Dasseys lawyers from the centre on Wrongful Convictions of Youth at Northwestern University said theyre elated and will take immediate steps to secure his release.

Attorney Laura Nirider said they want to send Dassey home to his mother as soon as possible. She said they did the math and determined that he had been in prison for 4,132 days as of Thursday.

The centres director, Steven Drizin, said the ruling provides a model for the kind of thorough analysis that courts should always undertake in assessing whether a confession was voluntary, and highlights the importance for teenagers to have parents or trusted adults in the interrogation room.

While these tactics might not have overwhelmed a seasoned criminal or a 30-year-old with a law degree, they clearly overwhelmed a 16-year-old, socially avoidant, intellectually limited (youth) who had never been interrogated by the police before, he said.

The appellate panel split, with Judges Ilana Rovner and Ann Williams affirming and David Hamilton in dissent. The majority opinion by Rovner said no reasonable court could have any confidence that Dasseys confession was voluntary. It cited the leading, the fact-feeding, the false promises, the manipulation of Dasseys desire to please as among many factors that cast it in doubt.

Hamilton, in dissent, wrote: The majoritys decision breaks new ground and poses troubling questions for police and prosecutors. It calls into question standard interrogation techniques that courts have routinely found permissible, even in cases involving juveniles.

Avery and Dassey contend they were framed by police angry with Avery for suing Manitowoc County over his wrongful conviction for sexual assault. Avery spent 18 years in prison in that case before DNA tests showed he didnt commit the crime. Hes pursuing his own appeal in state court.

Their cases gained national attention in 2015 after Netflix aired Making a Murderer, a multi-part documentary looking at Halbachs death, the ensuing investigation and trials. The series sparked widespread conjecture about the pairs innocence and has garnered them a massive following on social media pushing for their release.

Authorities who worked on the cases insisted the documentary is biased. Ken Kratz, the prosecutor, wrote in his book Avery that Dassey was a shuffling, mumbling young man with bad skin and broken-bowl haircut who could have saved Halbachs life but instead involved himself in her rape and murder and Avery is by any measure of the evidence, stone guilty.

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WASHINGTONHe has no tapes.

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Thursday that he did not record his White House conversations with former FBI director James Comey, revealing that he was bluffing in May when he mentioned the possibility of tapes in a Twitter post.

With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings, Trump said on Twitter.

Trumps admission amounts to a rare public concession that his words were not based in fact. He will now face questions about why he appeared to threaten Comey with the prospect of imaginary recordings.

 Bluff is a generous term for it . . . sharper words also come to mind, Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter.

Trump and his spokespeople had repeatedly refused to respond when asked if recordings existed. He provided the answer a day before a deadline set by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House Intelligence Committee.

His May 12 threat set off a damaging chain of events. Comey said the tweet made him feel compelled to disclose his own memos of their exchanges in the hope that he could prompt the appointment of a special counsel. A special counsel, Robert Mueller, was indeed appointed, and Mueller appears to be investigating the possibility that Trump committed obstruction of justice.

Trump posted the fateful tweet three days after he fired Comey. He wrote on Twitter: James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!

He appeared to be responding to a New York Times article that included an account of a private dinner the two men had in January. The sources were anonymous, but Comey later acknowledged he had passed details of his exchanges with Trump to his friends.

Newt Gingrich, a Trump ally, told The Associated Press that Trump was instinctively trying to rattle Comey.

Hes not a professional politician. He doesnt come back and think about Nixon and Watergate. His instinct is: Ill out-bluff you,  Gingrich said.

The House committee had asked White House counsel Don McGahn in early June to say by Friday whether any tapes existed. The committees top Democrat said Wednesday that they would have considered issuing subpoenas if Trump refused to respond to the letter.

Comey has said he was always unfazed by the possibility of recordings. During the congressional testimony in which Comey accused Trump of improperly pressuring him to end the FBI investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn, he said, Lordy, I hope there are tapes.

Comey provided detailed accounts of five of his conversations with Trump. He told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he kept written records of their interactions because he did not trust the president to tell the truth about them.

Trump has accused Comey of lying. Tapes could have assisted the investigation being conducted by special counsel Robert Mueller, whom the Washington Post says is now probing the question of whether Trumps behaviour toward Comey constituted obstruction of justice.

No president since Richard Nixon is thought to have employed a taping system. Nixons system recorded him having incriminating conversations about the Watergate scandal.

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MUKALLA, YEMENThey call it the grill: The victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun furiously within a circle of fire. It is just one of the terrors inflicted by interrogators on detainees in Yemen who are routinely beaten with wires and were kept in filthy shipping containers, blindfolded for months  all by one of Americas closest counterterrorism allies.

Abuse and torture are rife in a network of secret prisons across Southern Yemen where hundreds are detained in the hunt for Al Qaeda militants, former detainees told The Associated Press. The network is run by the United Arab Emirates and by Yemeni forces it created, with at least 18 lock-ups hidden away in military bases, air and seaports, in the basements of private villas and even in a nightclub, according to accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers and Yemeni military officials.

American defence officials confirmed Wednesday that U.S. forces have interrogated some detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses. The American officials confirmed that the U.S. provides questions to the Emiratis and receives transcripts of their interrogations. A Yemeni witness of American interrogations also told the AP that no torture took place during those sessions where he was present.

Still, the American role raises potential concerns about violations of international law. Obtaining intelligence that may have been extracted by torture inflicted by another party would violate the International Convention Against Torture, which prohibits complicity, said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University who served as special counsel to the Defense Department until last year.

Read more:Bound. Tortured. Killed. An Iraqi photographer reveals shocking torture at the hands of U.S.-trained commandos

Washington has long relied on allies to help it gain intelligence in the fight against Al Qaeda. The UAE has been so key that Defense Secretary James Mattis praised it as Little Sparta for its outsized role in fighting the militants. The UAE government in a statement to the AP denied that any secret prisons exist or that torture takes place.

At one main detention complex at Riyan airport in the southern Yemeni city of Mukalla, however, former inmates described being crammed into shipping containers smeared with feces and blindfolded for weeks on end. They said they were beaten, rotated on a spit and sexually assaulted, among other abuse. Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the workings at the base, one member of the Hadramawt Elite, a Yemeni security force set up by the UAE, said, American forces were at times only yards away.

We could hear the screams, said a former detainee held for six months at Riyan. The entire place is gripped by fear. Almost everyone is sick, the rest are near death. Anyone who complains heads directly to the torture chamber. He was flogged with wires, part of the frequent beatings inflicted by guards against all the detainees, the AP found. He also said he was inside a metal shipping container when the guards lit a fire underneath to fill it with smoke.

One fellow inmate tried to slit his own throat; another tried to hang himself, he said. He was interviewed in person by the AP after his release from detention.

He and the other former detainees spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested again. They said that when they were released, Emirati officers forced them to sign a document not to talk publicly about what they had endured.

When I left the container, it was like escaping death, he said.

Lawyers and families estimate nearly 2,000 men have disappeared into the system. The Associated Press interviewed 10 former prisoners, as well as a dozen officials in the Yemeni government, military and security services and nearly 20 relatives of detainees.

Ali Awad Habib, a businessman who was detained in the city of Aden, described how he was given electrical shocks on his neck, back, chin and sensitive parts of his body, after being imprisoned by the Security Belt, another Yemeni force created by the UAE.

His father, arrested with him in April 2016, was sent to an Emirati base across the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa nation of Eritrea. Yemeni Interior Minister Hussein Arab confirmed that a number of detainees have been sent to the base in the port of Assab.

Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said the Defense Department has found no credible evidence to substantiate that the U.S. is participating in any abuse.

We always adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, she said when presented with APs findings. We would not turn a blind eye, because we are obligated to report any violations of human rights.

However, several U.S. defence officials said senior military leaders are aware of the allegations of torture at the prisons in Yemen and have looked into them. In the end, they were satisfied that there has not been any abuse when U.S. forces are present, the officials said. They werent authorized to speak publicly about sensitive military operations and requested anonymity.

The officials said members of the Pentagons Joint Special Operations Command or other military intelligence experts participate in interrogations of detainees at locations in Yemen. They said JSOC troops are trained to look for signs of abuses and are required to report it.

The network of Emirati prisons echoes the so-called black sites, secret detention facilities set up by the CIA to interrogate terrorism suspects in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama disbanded the sites. The UAE network in war-torn Yemen was set up during the Obama administration and continues operating to this day.

Laura Pitter, senior national security counsel at Human Rights Watch, said the abuses allegedly committed by the UAE show that the US hasnt learned the lesson that co-operating with forces that are torturing detainees and ripping families apart is not an effective way to fight extremist groups. Human Rights Watch issued a report Thursday documenting torture and forced disappearances at the UAE-run prisons and calling on the Emirates to protect detainees rights.

Amnesty International called for a U.N.-led investigation into allegations the U.S. interrogated detainees or received information possibly obtained from torture. It would be a stretch to believe the US did not know or could not have known that there was a real risk of torture, said Amnestys director of research in the Middle East, Lynn Maalouf.

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition fighting in support of Yemens government against Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who overran the north of the country. The 2-year-old civil war has pushed the already impoverished nation into near famine in some areas.

The coalition is also fighting Al Qaedas branch, known as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, one of the most dangerous extremist groups in the world, as well as militants affiliated with Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL in Yemen. The Pentagon has said it sent a small contingent of U.S. forces in Mukalla last year, largely in an intelligence sharing role, and that forces move in and out routinely.

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. has escalated drone strikes to more than 80 this year, up from 21 in 2016, according to U.S. Central Command. At least two raids were ordered against Al Qaeda, including one in which a Navy SEAL was killed along with 25 civilians.

At the same time, the UAE has effectively carved out its own state-within-a-state in Southern Yemen. It has set up an extensive security apparatus, created its own Yemeni militias and runs military bases. The result has undermined the internationally recognized government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Ostensibly, UAE-trained and financed forces like the Hadramawt Elite and Security Belt are under Hadis government, but Hadis officials often complain that those forces answer only to the Emiratis.

There are no secret detention centres and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations, the UAE government said. It said all prisons are administered by Yemeni security forces under the control of Hadis government.

But multiple former detainees who described months of torments in black sites where they had no hope of being found said their biggest terror was the Emirati interrogators  like the one known only as the Doctor.

Grilled on a spit

The guards would bang on the metal doors of the shipping containers, shouting that the Doctor had arrived. The prisoners inside, blindfolded and bound, didnt know his real name: They knew only his Emirati accent as he asked questions and inflicted pain.

One of his torments was to hang weights on an inmates genitals and pull. Another former detainee described being put on the grill: Blindfolded, he was tied to a horizontal pole inside a circle of flame. He said he was spun so fast that he vomited blood.

All six former inmates from Riyan, each interviewed separately by the AP, said they were beaten with wires, often by the Doctor himself. One detainee told of undergoing a fake execution where he was dressed in what he was told was an explosive suicide belt, then a sound grenade was set off near him.

Riyan was once Mukallas commercial airport but has been turned into a coalition base.

There, detainees were initially crammed by the dozens into a hangar and into 3-by-10 meter shipping containers, according to the six former inmates. The detainees were kept blindfolded, their legs and hands bound for months on end.

Imagine having your eyes covered for 100 days, you feel like youre the walking dead, said the ex-inmate who was there for six months. He was allowed to care for his fellow detainees and came to know many.

Diarrhea was rife because of unclean water; access to toilets was limited and the containers reeked, he said. Emirati officers would hold their noses from the stench, he and other detainees said. Emirati officers interrogated the detainees at Riyan, while members of the Hadramawt Elite served as guards.

Mukalla, the capital of Hadramawt province, is a major focus in the fight against Al Qaeda by the UAE and the Hadramawt Elite.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the city was overrun by Al Qaeda in 2015. Militants dominated the city for around a year until they fled before a planned assault by the Hadramawt Elite. During the militants rule, many residents worked in service jobs for Al Qaeda or otherwise had to deal the group to get by  and that appears to have made some of them targets for arrest now.

For the past year, the Hadramawt Elite has arrested suspected Al Qaeda members in Mukalla and surrounding areas. So far, more than 400 men in the area have been rounded up, according to Sheikh Saleh al-Sharafi, a chief mediator between the Emiratis and the families of the detainees.

A Yemeni who served at Riyan said that men dressed in civilian clothes who he was told by his Emirati superiors were Americans started showing up for the interrogations more than a year ago.

During those sessions, the detainees were not abused, he said. A team of three Americans in civilian clothes came to the base, sometimes multiple times a week, staying for up to three or four hours each time, he said. He asked to remain unnamed because he was not authorized to discuss his work.

The Yemeni said he used to bring detainees to the room where Americans were present. He watched interrogations and saw Emirati officials asking the questions and translating the answers to the Americans.

The chief of Riyan prison, who is well known among families and lawyers as Emirati, did not reply to requests for comment.

Yemeni Brig. Gen. Farag Salem al-Bahsani, commander of the Mukalla-based 2nd Military District, said reports of torture are exaggerated. He said Americans sent questions to interrogators and received reports on the results. They also gave coalition authorities a list of most wanted men, including many who were later arrested.

Former prisoners said the abuses in Riyan were constant.

Every night, the guards stormed the containers, forced everyone to lie on their bellies and beat them, all six detainees said. The ex-detainee who gave help to other prisoners recalled seeing one whose trousers were drenched in blood. Several told the ex-detainee that they had been sexually assaulted.

Others lost their minds, he said, adding he witnessed two suicide attempts. One tried to strangle himself with his own handcuffs. Another smashed a jelly jar and sliced his own throat. He said a detainee lost his sight because guards intentionally hit him in the face after he told them hed had eye surgery before his arrest.

Another ex-detainee showed the AP how he was bound hand and foot and blindfolded. He said he was held at Riyan for nearly six months and subjected to constant beatings, though he was questioned only once, about a distant relative.

I would die and go to hell rather than go back to this prison, he said. They wouldnt treat animals this way. If it was bin Laden, they wouldnt do this.

The ships

Several inmates said guards frequently threatened prisoners by saying they would take them to the ships.

Senior U.S. defence officials flatly denied the U.S. military conducts any interrogations of Yemenis on any ships.

We have no comment on these specific claims, said Jonathan Liu, a CIA spokesman, adding that any allegations of abuse are taken seriously.

But a Yemeni officer told AP he had worked on a vessel off the coast where he saw at least two detainees brought for questioning.

He said the detainees were taken below deck, where he was told American polygraph experts and psychological experts conducted interrogations. He did not have access to the lower decks and thus had no first-hand information about what happened there. But he said he saw other Americans in uniforms on the ship. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared retaliation for discussing the operations.

A second Yemeni officer said he was involved in moving detainees to a ship, where he said he saw foreigners though he didnt know their nationality. They say these are the important ones. Why are they important? I have no idea, he said of the detainees.

A top official in Hadis Interior Ministry and a senior military official in the 1st Military District, based in Hadramawt, also contended that Americans were conducting interrogations at sea, as did a former senior security official in Hadramawt. The three men spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share military information.

The accusations of an American role raises the prospect of potential violations of U.S. and international law. Article 4 of the U.N. Convention against Torture bans any act that constitutes complicity in torture.

In the aftermath of publicized abuses of prisoners by American soldiers at Abu Ghraib in Iraq, and the use of waterboarding, then-president Obama shut down the black site prisons used by the CIA in 2009 and outlawed the use of torture during interrogations of anyone in the custody or under the effective control of the U.S. Trump has voiced his belief that torture works, and his administration initially indicated it could review Obamas black site ban, but it has not done so.

The U.S. has a positive obligation under international law to prevent torture instead of acquiescing in it, said Amrit Singh, a senior legal officer at the Open Society Justice Initiative.

It would therefore be unlawful for the U.S. to receive and/or rely on intelligence where the U.S. knows or should know that there was a real risk of the intelligence being obtained from torture.

Vanished

Families often gathered outside Riyan airport, trying to find news of detained loved ones.

One man in his 60s said his teenage son was seized in August and has not resurfaced since. He was told the teen was in Riyan but whenever he appealed for news from Yemeni officials, they told him, This is in the hands of the Emiratis and the Americans. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals against himself or his son.

In a nearby town, Mohammed al-Saadis brother Hani vanished in January, when 20 masked gunmen descended on his butcher shop in the middle of the day. They grabbed Hani, still wearing his bloody apron and holding pieces of meat, and dragged him away in front of bystanders, Mohammed said  like hes a gangster or leader of Al Qaeda.

Mohammed thinks the arrest may be because Al Qaeda fighters frequented Hanis shop when they ran the area. He was told that Hani is at Riyan prison by former inmates, but officials wont confirm it.

I asked Yemeni officials. All I was told was, We can do nothing to the Emiratis, he said. As if we are not in a state.

The wave of arrests is also taking place in Aden and other areas.

Sabri al-Shormani, an engineer, said he was arrested a year ago by the UAE-backed Security Belt from his hometown outside Aden. He was held incommunicado for weeks and interrogated by masked men with Emirati accents about his brother, who was suspected of Al Qaeda links.

We came to serve you, he said the Emirati interrogators told him.

He was put blindfolded in solitary confinement for a week, and he said the stress caused his face to become partially paralyzed. Eventually, they freed him because of his faltering health.

The Security Belt then arrested another of his brothers, Ali. The family had no idea where he was for five months until he was suddenly released on April 3, appearing on the family doorstep. But shortly after the family welcomed him with tears and hugs, a force of gunmen arrived at the house, brought him outside and shot him to death, said their 60-year-old father, Mohammed Jaafar.

We heard heavy gunfire. We didnt know what was happening, there were armed men lined up, Jaafar said. I saw them, I started to scream. Sabri said that there were bruises and other marks of torture on his brothers body.

Huda al-Sarari, a rights lawyer in Aden who tracks detentions and torture, contended that many innocents are caught up in the arrests. But even Al Qaeda suspects should be detained and questioned legally, she said.

His family should know his whereabouts. He should be tried, she said. How long should detainees stay in detention centres where there is no electricity, no care, because they fall outside the authorities control?

Ali Awad Habib, the businessman who was tortured with electric shocks, still doesnt know why he was imprisoned for 6 months.

Shock, shock, shock, he said, pointing to the places where he said interrogators used the electrical prod on him. I was tortured for no reason.

He was detained on April 21, 2016, when masked gunmen from the Security Belt stormed into his office and one of his family businesses, a sponge factory, in Aden, Yemens second largest city. They beat up and took away Habib, his brother, father, uncle and cousins along with several workers.

Habib and most of the others were taken to Adens official prison, known as Mansoura, where one section is under control of the Security Belt.

There, during interrogations, he said he was often beaten by heavy wires. The accusations against him varied each time. One says I am an Al Qaeda member, a second says Im a drug dealer, and a third said I am an Iranian agent, he said.

Habib was freed only to discover that his father was taken to the Emirati base in Assab, Eritrea, where there has been no word of him.

Naquib al-Yahri, the head of Mansoura prison, said Habibs father was sent to Assab on suspicion of selling weapons to Al Qaeda. He said the coalition was taking other prisoners out of Yemen, but did not provide figures.

He denied any torture or illegal detentions at Mansoura, saying that prosecutors are questioning those held or have ordered them kept in custody until courts in the war-torn country are back functioning. He gave the AP a tour of part of the facility, showing newly renovated cells and workshops for prisoners under 18 years old to learn a trade. In front of guards, the AP spoke to five teenage prisoners who said they were doing well.

Adens security chief, Shalal al-Shaya, dismissed reports of illegal detentions, secret prisons or torture. He said all raids by his forces  which he said were trained by the U.S., Jordan and UAE  are carried out legally.

And hes not worried about where the prisoners wind up.

They terrorized the world and I dont care where they take them, he said.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Iowa on Wednesday. It was just like old times.

He insulted Hillary Clinton. He insulted Chicago. He attributed a sensational claim to an unnamed buddy of his.

He floated a confusing proposal, promising to change welfare law to something that sounds identical to current welfare law. He executed a dizzying shift in rhetoric, applauding himself for appointing a former Goldman Sachs executive after railing against Goldman Sachs. And he revealed an unbaked plan  to turn his hypothetical giant wall on the Mexican border into a power-generating solar wall that would reduce the hypothetical reimbursement bill he still insists he will be sending to Mexico.

More than anything, though, he made things up.

Trump averages two false claims a day as president. When he was on the campaign trail, giving longer and less scripted speeches, he averaged more than 15 per day. Returning to his roots, he offered up 18 in his 70-minute speech in Cedar Rapids.

Many of them were whoppers. Behold:

1. CNN (crowd boos)  whoop, hey, their camera just went off  It was covered live, their camera just went off. I cant imagine why.

This simply did not happen: CNN did not turn off a camera or end its live coverage of the rally upon hearing the boos. In fact, it stopped airing rally footage 15 minutes prior; at the time of the booing, it was airing a segment about Trumps Russia controversy. Trump told precisely the same lie about a CNN camera at a rally in July 2016.

2. This happened in Montana, right. In Kansas. Last night, South Carolina with Ralph  California, so. But its been incredible. So were 5 and 0. Were 5 and 0.

Republicans are not 5 and 0 in congressional special elections under Trump: a Democrat won the little-noticed California race he mentioned in this very paragraph. Republicans actual record is 4 and 1.

3. You see what were doing, you see what weve already done. Homebuilders are starting to build again.

Homebuilders are building less under Trump than they did during the end of the Obama era. U.S. housing starts hit eight-month low; building permits weak, read a Friday headline from Reuters. The story began: U.S. homebuilding fell for a third straight month in May to the lowest level in eight months as construction activity declined broadly, suggesting that housing could be a drag on economic growth in the second quarter.

4. Hes the president of Goldman Sachs, he had to pay over $200 million in taxes to take the job.

Gary Cohn did not have to pay over $200 million in taxes to take the job of Trumps chief economic adviser. The truth is something close to the opposite: to take the job, he sold shares worth more than $200 million  then had the option of taking advantage of a special benefit for White House appointees that allowed him to defer taxes on the sale for years.

5. On a large-scale basis, we are the highest-taxed nation in the world  Were going to have one of the lowest taxes, from the highest tax.

The U.S. is far from the highest-taxed nation in the world. While its corporate tax rate is near the top, it is below the average of developed OECD countries when other taxes are included.

6. Ive been watching and theyre saying, President Trump has not produced health-care. Ive been there for five months! If you remember, during the Clinton period, they worked for years and years and years, they never got health-care. Obama  President Obama: his whole administration. Pushing, pushing for Obamacare.

Obama spent just one of his eight years in office pushing to get Obamacare passed: he signed the bill into law in March 2010, 14 months after he was sworn in. (The Clintons failed health-care reform effort lasted less than two years, so years and years and years is an exaggeration, too.)

7. If they (farmers) have a puddle in the middle of their field  a little puddle the size of this, its considered a lake, and you cant touch it. And if you touch it, bad, bad things happen to you and your family.

Puddles were explicitly excluded from the final version of an Obama-era federal water rule.

8. Obamacare is dead.

We allow Trump rhetorical license to call Obamacare collapsing and even exploding, though experts say neither is true, but it is plainly false to say the law is dead. Despite its problems, it continues to provide health insurance coverage to millions.

9. Weve achieved a historic increase in defence spending.

This is false in two ways. First, Trumps proposed increase is far from historic. In just the past 40 years, The Associated Press reported, there have been eight years with larger increases in percentage terms than the one hes now proposing. Second, Trump has not achieved any increase yet; Congress is still debating military funding levels.

10. Were putting our miners back to work. In fact you read about it last week: a brand new coal mine just opened in the state of Pennsylvania. First time in decades. Decades. Weve reversed it.

Coal mine openings are unusual, but this was not the first one in decades. The Eagle Pass mine opened in Texas in 2015, the Elk Creek mine in West Virginia in 2016.

11. Weve approved  first day  the Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota Access pipeline. First day. Day One.

Trump did not approve either pipeline on his first day. Four days into his presidency, he issued executive orders that advanced the two pipelines, but did not grant final approval. The government announced the approval of the Dakota Access pipeline three weeks into his presidency; Trump approved Keystone XL two months into his presidency.

12. I put a little clause. Handwritten. It said, anybody builds a pipeline in the United States will use American steel and fabricate in America. No more taking it over on boats. Very simple.

This is wrong in four ways. First, the order is separate from other orders, not a clause in the order on Keystone XL. Second, the order was not as forceful as Trump said: it said merely that the government should develop a plan to require pipelines to use American materials  to the maximum extent possible and to the extent permitted by law. Third, the order was not handwritten by Trump; it was typed in precise legalistic language. Fourth, Trump created the misleading impression that he is forcing Keystone XL to use American steel; that pipeline has already been granted an exemption, Politico reports, because it is not a new pipeline.

13. China: (the Paris climate accord) doesnt kick in until 2030.

The agreement has already kicked in for China. Contrary to Trumps suggestion, it does not get a special delay. Rather, each participating country sets its own voluntary targets for cutting emissions; one of Chinas voluntary targets is to hit peak emissions around 2030. Some data suggest Chinas emissions are already declining.

14. They all say its non-binding. Like hell its non-binding.

The Paris accord is clear: each country sets its own non-binding emissions targets. In Trumps own speech announcing his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, he said, As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris accord.

15. Were not even campaigning, and look at this crowd.

Trumps event was a campaign rally organized by his campaign team.

16. Theyll never show the crowd.

This frequent Trump complaint is unfounded: networks and reporters have no hesitation showing the crowds at his rallies. Networks were limited during the 2016 campaign: the main pool camera is fixed on the politician speaking, and his own team denied requests to set up a camera riser to allow for an additional camera to provide crowd shots. This time, Fox News, one of few outlets carrying the rally live, immediately showed video of the crowd after Trump made this complaint.

17. We are moving them (MS-13 gang members) out of the country by the thousands. By the thousands.

This is an exaggeration. Alleged MS-13 members are being detained and deported by the dozens, not the thousands. As of a month ago, the government of El Salvador, the foreign country with the most MS-13 members, told the Washington Post that 398 gang members had been deported there in 2017.

18. I said: for me to go, Im only going (to the Middle East), we had to negotiate, if you spend billions of dollars, billions, on having things manufactured in our country with our jobs and our workers for your country. And hundreds of billions of dollars were spent and given to American companies who are going to make American products and send those products over to the wealthy countries of the Middle East. I mean, hundreds of billions of dollars.

Trump is counting chickens too early. Hundreds of billions were not were spent and given to American companies: most of the agreements signed on the trip were initial frameworks or letters of intent that have not yet even turned into actual contracts, let alone billions in payments. Few if any contracts appear to have been signed, the Post reported. Even if they are signed, it is unclear whether they will result in hundreds of billions in spending; the administration appears to be double-counting and relying on other fuzzy math.

Donald Trump has now said more than 300 false things as president of the United States:

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KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTANA suicide car bomb exploded Thursday at a bank in Afghanistans Helmand province as Afghan troops and government workers waited to collect their pay ahead of a major Muslim holiday, killing at least 29 people, officials said.

Most of the casualties in the explosion near the bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah were civilians, said provincial Gov. Hayatullah Hayat. At least 60 people were wounded, he said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack at the Kabul Bank in the southern province, which has been the centre of bitter battles between the insurgents and security forces, aided by NATO troops.

The militants, believed to control nearly 80 per cent of the provinces countryside, increasingly have been making a push into Lashkar Gah to try take the city.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi said in an email that the bomb targeted Afghan security personnel collecting their salaries. He said no civilians were killed and gave a higher death toll. But the provincial governor and police chief emphasized that most of the dead were civilians. Witnesses said children were among the wounded.

The Taliban recently have overrun Helmands key Sangin district, where British and U.S. troops had fought for years to keep them at bay.

The attacker struck as scores of people, including many Afghan soldiers and civil servants, waited outside the bank ahead of the Eid-al-Fitr holiday, which follows the holy month of Ramadan, expected to end this weekend.

Esmatullah, a border policeman who was at the scene of the deafening explosion, said many people were missing in the ensuing chaos as bystanders, survivors and ambulances struggled to get the most seriously wounded to the hospital.

Read more:

Explosions kill at least 6 attending Kabul funeral

At least 90 killed, hundreds injured in massive bombing near Canadian embassy in Kabul

More troops wont solve Afghan mess: Editorial

We are taking children to the hospital, said Esmatullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

A 12-year-old girl named Hosnia was crying outside the bank as she searched for her father who had brought her to buy shoes ahead of the holiday.

I couldnt find anyone, my brother and my father, she said. My father told me he will take me to buy shoes. We came here and then there was the explosion.

President Ashraf Ghani assailed the attackers as enemies of humanity. He said the relentless assaults in Afghanistan are particularly offensive during Ramadan, when the faithful seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings.

These brutal terrorist attacks ... prove that they (insurgents) have no respect for any religion or faith, Ghani said in a statement.

Afghanistan has faced a series of large-scale attacks as the Taliban stepped up the war against the Kabul government in this years summer offensive. In addition, the emerging Daesh, also known as ISIS and ISIL, affiliate in Afghanistan has tried to increase its footprint with attacks in urban areas.

The worst occurred May 31, shortly after Ramadan began, when a truck bomb exploded in the heart of the capital of Kabul, killing 150 people. It was the worst attack since the Taliban ouster in 2001.

Pakistan also condemned Thursdays suicide bombing, saying that we firmly stand with our Afghan brothers in this hour of grief and anguish.

Afghanistan and Pakistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring the insurgents.

Helmand is considered a key region because it is one of the largest opium-producing provinces for the Taliban, who charge traffickers a hefty tax to move their contraband to market. Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material for heroin.

Afghanistan is the worlds largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other countries combined, according to U.N. estimates.

Meanwhile, a militant attack Wednesday night in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan killed two members of the local council.

Salim Sallhe, spokesman for the provincial governor in eastern Logar, said gunmen opened fire at worshippers in Baraki district. Two other local officials were wounded.

Sallhe said police are investigating. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied the insurgents were behind the shooting.

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DETROITThe Canadian man charged with stabbing a police officer at the Flint airport in a possible act of terrorism was a part-time caretaker at the Montreal apartment building where he lived and had once studied to sell insurance, a landlord and an insurance company spokesman said Thursday.

Amor Ftouhi kept the building stairwells clean and always paid his rent on time, his landlord told The Associated Press. The 49-year-old originally from Tunisia lived in a two-bedroom apartment with his wife and children and never made any trouble, Luciano Piazza said.

Investigators are working to learn more about Ftouhi, whom they describe as a lone-wolf attacker who made his way to the seemingly random destination of Flint, a struggling Michigan city once known for its sprawling General Motors factories but now better known for lead-tainted water.

Once in the U.S., he unsuccessfully tried to buy a gun, but instead managed to buy a knife, David Gelios, head of the FBI in Detroit said Thursday. He did not elaborate.

Read more: Canadian charged after possible terror attack at Michigan airport, FBI says

Licensed gun dealers first must put purchasers through an electronic background check of U.S. law enforcement databases, which could make Canadians ineligible, said Brady Schickinger, director of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners.

The attack Wednesday at Bishop International Airport, about 50 miles (80.46 kilometres) northwest of Detroit, was being investigated as an act of terrorism, but authorities said they have no indication that the suspect was involved in a wider plot, Gelios said.

Ftouhi, a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia, stabbed airport police Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife after yelling Allahu akbar, the Arabic phrase for God is great. According to the FBI, Ftouhi said something similar to you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die.

He was immediately taken into custody and was charged in a criminal complaint with committing violence at an airport. Acting U.S. Attorney Dan Lemisch said more charges are coming in the days ahead. Ftouhi is in custody and has a bond hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

He wanted to identify an international airport, but, Gelios said, authorities have absolutely no indication that he had any association with anyone in the Flint area or, thus far, in Michigan.

Ftouhi was neither on the radar of Canadian authorities or FBI or United States authorities, Gelios said.

The suspect indicated to court officials that he has lived in Canada for 10 years and has three children. A pretrial services officer told a judge that he had worked on and off as a truck driver. He indicated no mental or physical health problems and no drug or alcohol use, the officer, Linsey Carson, said.

Meanwhile, Neville was doing well at a hospital, airport Director Craig Williams said Thursday.

Investigators have no information to suggest that the suspect received any training, Gelios said.

Ftouhis Facebook page reveals little about him. He has three friends and appeared several years ago to enjoy playing a Facebook video game called Army Attack. His only postings in the past four years are a pair of Arabic-language YouTube videos  one discussing ways to memorize the Quran and another showing how to prevent someone from swallowing their tongue.

His page also lists that he worked for a Canadian insurance company called Industrial Alliance. A company spokesman said he was studying to become a sales representative but left after five months before obtaining his certificate.

Police in Canada were searching a Montreal apartment. Montreal police spokesman Benoit Boiselle said officers were assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the search on behalf of an FBI request.

Three people staying at the residence had been taken in for questioning, Boiselle said.

Mohcin Asrii, a 27-year-old student who lived directly below Ftouhis third-floor apartment, expressed shock that a middle-aged man with a wife and three children could be accused of carrying out the stabbing.

I knew him well enough to say hello, not much more than that, he told AP. He came across as strict, quiet. He walked with his head down.

The Villeray-St Michel-Parc Extension borough where Ftouhi lived is a large, ethnically diverse Montreal neighbourhood, with almost half of its 142,000 residents born outside Canada, according to city figures. Almost 8,000 claim Arabic as their first language.

North African emigrants often choose to settle in the French-speaking province of Quebec, drawn by its immigration policies that favour francophone applicants.

Investigators said they also want to know more about Ftouhis movements within the U.S.

He legally entered the U.S. at Champlain, New York, on June 16 and was in Michigan by at least June 18, said Gellios, who would not say whether Ftouhi entered the U.S. under a so-called trusted traveller program.

He spent some time in public, unsecured areas of the airport before going to a restroom where he dropped two bags before attacking the officer with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade, Gelios said.

Neville fought him to the end, managing to stop the stabbing and bring Ftouhi to the ground as other officers arrived to help, according to Chris Miller, the airport police chief.

Ftouhi asked an officer who subdued him why he did not kill him, according to the criminal complaint. Police described him as co-operative and said he was talking to investigators.

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A womans racist rant at a Mississauga doctors clinic aroused widespread horror among Canadians this week, after they watched her demand  in front of her young child  a white doctor who spoke English and didnt have brown teeth.

Overt racism still shocks people, especially those who dont experience racism themselves. While easy to castigate such offensiveness, this vulgar display is nothing compared to the more serious aspects of racism. Racism  which breaks up families, cripples generations, keeps them impoverished and continues to have deadly consequences  is structural, systemic and largely invisible except to those who experience it.

Being affronted by this instance of racism in Mississauga might signify individual decency, but does not meaningfully erase complicity with benefitting from racist structures.

Still, this is the shockwave of the moment, and openly demanding to see a white doctor is obviously racist. I wrote a column attempting to peel back another the layer of bias inherent in seeking an English-speaking doctor when those at the clinic were already speaking English.

Hundreds of readers commented on it on social media and in my inbox. Some shared their own hurt of belittlement by fellow Canadians.

After moving to Brantford, Ont. in the early 90s when I was released from the Canadian Armed Forces, said one email, I myself had a similar run-in with a nurse at our local hospital. She apparently loved my dialect and thought it would be a great pastime to see if she could somehow guess where I was from. After four to five attempts ranging from Scottish to Irish to South African, the nurse seemed enraged when my Irish-born wife told her that I was a Newfoundlander.

From among those who found reason to disagree with my criticism of the saga, a few key themes emerged:

1. Why are you protecting this racist woman by blurring her face?

We are not. We are attempting to protect the identity of her son, who is a minor.

2. To assume that the behaviour of an individual is indicative of widespread racism is completely ludicrous.

Welcome to the world of the non-woke. I dont know whether to shake my head at the ignorance this statement carries or to be envious of the privilege it signifies. Individual acts of racism are the tip of the iceberg, but they offer some hope that they will force racism deniers to accept the obvious.

Someone said we need to give this woman a chance. Another said maybe shes fed up of the special treatment other groups are receiving. Still others said she might have mental health issues. She might. I dont know, but its a particular weapon of the racism deniers, a benefit of the doubt afforded only to a select few, whether its to the man who kills six people in a Quebec City mosque or one who kills nine Black people praying in a Charleston church.

3. Like nobody else regardless of colour asks for a certain type of doctor?

Others were more direct. Why do women get to ask for female doctors? Is it sexist  and therefore discriminatory  to do so? There isnt an equivalence there. Asking for a white doctor assumes a doctor of another race would not be able to offer the quality of care required. Asking for a female doctor  and you get one only if available  has nothing to do with race nor does it mean male doctors are inadequate. Its about comfort and about affording equal access to health care.

4. While Im pleased that immigrant doctors are finding a place in our society, and pleased because in many cases they have the patience to listen to their patient, I find that their accents tend to get in the way of we who cant hear past the accent and therefore dont completely understand.

Everybody has an accent. Understanding it is a matter of exposure. If what the doctor says genuinely sounds like garble, one can always politely request another practitioner. Or write down everything you think they are saying and show them so there is no misunderstanding.

Another person wrote to say she has a hearing problem and have great difficulty or cannot understand someone who has a significant accent. I hope that in this situation, the request, on its own, for a doctor or other service provider who speaks without an accent would not automatically be considered to be racism.

It wouldnt. I would call that a request for accommodation.

5. I really cant see anything wrong with asking a person of colour where they are from. Same goes with the accent. I love talking to people of different ethnic origins and find asking the question, Which country are you from? or What kind of an accent is that? is a good conversation starter.

You may love talking to people of different ethnic origins, if they are your friends. If they are strangers, why do you assume they are eager to educate you on their exotic ways? Just as How much do you earn? is in poor taste, Where do you come from? can also come across as a crude effort to size up anothers worth.

New immigrants may not find the question offensive. However, it is most often asked of those considered different by some yardstick or the other, who might have well been in Canada all their adult lives or were born here or whose families have been here 200 years or  the worst transgression  if they are Indigenous. At what point do they become Canadian enough to not be asked that question?

Shree Paradkar tackles issues of race and gender. You can follow her @shreeparadkar

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Sanctity of judiciary

Criticism should aim at strengthening the judiciary through reform, not at weakening it
Donald Trump is coming to Canada!

Thats the bad news; the good news is hes not coming until next May and then he will be tucked far away on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

While the very thought of the U.S. president setting foot in Canada is upsetting to many Canadians, theres nothing we can do about it.

Trump will be here to attend the annual G7 summit, which next year will be held at the historic Manoir Richelieu in the small town of La Malbaie, 150 km northeast of Quebec City. As the leader of a member nation, Trump is automatically invited to the two-day meeting.

Whats troubling, however, is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, eager to warm up relations with Trump, may feel compelled to invite Trump to extend his stay and visit Ottawa as part of a longer, working trip to Canada.

Worse, Trudeau could invite Trump for an official visit at another date, complete with an invitation to be the guest of honour at a formal state banquet.

Such invitations, though, would be a mistake and an affront to all Canadians who fear Trump is a threat to Canada and that his actions on trade, immigration, equality, the environment and much more run counter to the values and practices we champion in this country.

Over the years, American presidents have visited Canada numerous times. Barack Obama came twice, first in 2009 for a working visit to Ottawa and then in 2010 when he was in Toronto and Huntsville for the G8 and G20 summits. George W. Bush visited four times and Bill Clinton came five times, including a 2005 state visit during which he addressed Parliament.

George H.W. Bush was here four times, Ronald Reagan five times, Richard Nixon came once, Lyndon Johnson three times and John F. Kennedy once. Neither Jimmy Carter nor Gerald Ford visited while they were president.

Clearly, Ottawa had policy differences with each of the various U.S. presidents at the time the invitations were extended. Such visits are often important to help build better bilateral relations.

But none of those presidents were as irresponsible, hostile, arrogant and ignorant as Trump, a man who has done more to unleash the racist, bigoted undertone of America than any U.S. leader in any of our lifetimes.

At the same time, Trump is working hard to hurt Canada by withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, picking fights with Canada over trade issues ranging from renegotiating NAFTA to imposing punitive tariffs on our exports and disparaging our defence spending.

Also, Trump displays open signs of Islamophobia, trying to bar refugees and visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries and tweeting almost instantly his disgust with Muslim terrorists for attacks in England and France, but remaining silent when a white man killed Muslims at a Quebec City mosque earlier this year or when a white man drove a van into a peaceful Muslim crowd outside a mosque this week in London.

Canadians should pay attention to what is happening in England where British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth earlier this year invited Trump for a state visit, including a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace. No date has yet been set for the visit, which is expected to occur in the fall.

More than 2 million people have signed a petition demanding May withdraw the invitation of a state visit because of his misogyny and vulgarity, although the petition says Trump should be able to enter the U.K.

In contrast, barely 5,000 Canadians signed an online petition sponsored this spring by the NDP MP Kennedy Stewart requesting Trump be barred from Canada because of his order of a ban on Muslim immigrants.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was criticized by Trump for urging Londoners to remain calm after the citys recent terror attacks, has openly called for May to cancel Trumps invitation. I dont think we should roll out the red carpet to the president of the U.S.A. in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for, Khan said.

The Queen added fuel on Wednesday to speculation the visit may be cancelled when she failed to mention it in her annual speech setting out her official plans for the year.

The Observer newspaper echoed Khans sentiment in an editorial two weeks ago. The prospect of this loathsome man being afforded the full honours of the British state is quite simply disgusting, it said. It is an affront to the British people and British values. It could cause lasting damage to the Anglo-American relationship.

Assuming he is not impeached first, oafish Trump must be told: you are not welcome here, the editorial concluded.

Canadians should send a similar message to Trudeau: Unless Trump changes his ways, dont invite him for an official visit here either.

Bob Hepburn's column appears Thursday. bhepburn@thestar.ca

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If the federal government is using our outdated and ineffective access-to-information system as a shield against transparency, as Canada's information watchdog recently claimed, then new rules tabled this week will do little to pierce the opacity of its highest offices.

By failing to extend the Access to Information Act to cover the offices of the prime minster and his cabinet, the Trudeau Liberals have backtracked on their much-touted commitment to open government.

The new legislation, the first major update to the act since it was passed more than 30 years ago, does offer a number of welcome and significant improvements to the current system.

For instance, it gives much-needed teeth to the information commissioner, allowing the office to force government departments and agencies to release information. Currently, the commissioner can only recommend the release of documents, and only overturn a decision by taking the government to court.

It also gives the watchdog the power to issue orders related to the timeliness of disclosures. Delays have become all-too-common in recent years, undermining the ability of citizens to hold government to account. In 2015-16, only 64 per cent of the 75,400 requests received were completed within the mandated 30 days. The information commissioners new powers will hopefully mitigate this problem.

What the legislation doesnt do, however, is extend the disclosure rules to PMO or cabinet documents  one of the recommendations put forth a year ago by a House of Commons committee. Instead, the Liberals have tried to placate the public and transparency advocates by including a measure that would force ministerial offices to proactively disclose certain information.

But providing Canadians access to documents ministers know in advance will be released is a lousy substitute for the full openness Trudeau promised on his way to power.

Of course, some limits to access to information are necessary both for security reasons and to ensure the open and frank exchange among ministers. But in recent years, loopholes in the law have too often been used to keep politically inconvenient information secret. Federal officials have invoked so-called cabinet confidentiality with alarming frequency. In 2013-14, it was used a record 3,100 times  a 49-per-cent uptick over the previous year.

The new bill does little to shrink the loophole and thus ensure that Canadians have access to the facts and background that informed their governments decisions.

It also fails to make changes to the exemptions that allow departments to black out information, a common frustration of journalists who regularly receive what seem to be unnecessarily censored documents. The new rules will force departments to give written justification as to why information is being blacked out. But the Liberal campaign promise that openness would be the governments default position is clearly not realized in this bill.

The Trudeau governments half-measures on transparency are hardly surprising. Every opposition party calls for a brighter spotlight to be shone on the current government, only to resist the glare once its in power. Its no wonder it took 34 years to update our access to information laws. Democracy may love transparency, but governments generally do not.

That is, in part, why its so important that the new bill calls for the system to be revisited every five years. Yes, this provision is an important acknowledgement that our definition of transparency must evolve with technology. But, wittingly or not, it also entrenches a process that will shine an essential light  either on the access laws our country needs or on a government that would keep us from them.

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For decades experts have been condemning the profusion of unscrupulous and often unlicensed immigration consultants who dupe both their clients and the system, charging fees of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars in the process.

The problem was supposed to have been resolved in 2004 when the federal government invested $1.2 million to create the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants. As the Stars Nicholas Keung reports, the self-regulatory body should have brought professionalism to a business with a sleazy reputation.

Instead there were complaints about mismanagement and poor governance. So in 2011, that body was replaced by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. That too has been a failure. Would-be immigrants continue to be ripped off, and their status put in jeopardy, by unlicensed or crooked immigration consultants. And the regulator itself has been beset by turmoil, with five board members resigning in recent months and another being removed.

Now a parliamentary committee has tabled a report recommending the government scrap the council and take on the job of policing Canadas 4,000 licensed immigration consultants itself. That would ensure, it says, individuals coming to Canada do not fall victim to the abuses of unscrupulous consultants, and that the integrity of our immigration system is not diminished.

The committee is right. It sensibly proposes to create a new government body to ensure only lawyers, certain notaries and registered consultants are allowed to practise; that they do so only within the rules; and that they receive a higher standard of training. This would be a significant improvement over the current approach.

Still, some critics, such as the Canadian Bar Association, argue that the committees proposals dont go far enough. They contend that the profession of immigration consulting is beyond redemption and that its time for the government to restrict the practice to lawyers and, in Quebec, notaries.

At a time of increasing immigration intake, removing the 4,000 licensed consultants from the system may be imprudent. But if the new regime doesnt quickly succeed in cleaning up the profession, Ottawa will have little choice but to consider the Bar Associations suggestion.

In any case, there is no question the government needs to act urgently to rein in corrupt immigration consultants. Sticking with the status quo of self-regulation is clearly not an option.

Immigrating to a new country is already a challenging and fraught endeavour for many. The government has failed for too long to protect prospective newcomers from those who would exploit them.

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Re: If we dont fix medicare, we may lose it: Editorial, June 16

If we dont fix medicare, we may lose it: Editorial, June 16

I fully support our universal health care system that covers all patients regardless of previous illnesses or recent changes in medications. Your editorial overlooks the fact that a single-tier system does not exist.

Federal prisoners, WSIB patients, politicians and members of the military often receive preferential, more timely treatment. Also, as Ottawa has failed to enforce the portability provision of the Canada Health Act, Quebec patients who see a physician in another province must usually pay out-of-pocket, with partial reimbursement later.

Faced with frozen global budgets, many hospitals close operating rooms for weeks every year. Wait times for elective surgery are prolonged. And underemployed MDs and nurses in frustration permanently leave the province.

In Ontario, 28,000 elderly patients are on a wait list for a long-term care bed. Many occupy active beds in hospitals. Yet the Ministry of Health has no plans to build more beds.

New sources of revenue must be found. Canadians seeking speedier care in the U.S. should be permitted to spend their own money on their own health in their own province  even if they are not a member of a special group.

If the Canada Health Act and certain pieces of provincial legislation were changed, operating rooms could expand in major Canadian cities and provide elective surgery to foreign patients.

This includes Americans and Chinese. Of note is that the number of medical tourists from mainland China in the past year has increased by a factor of five. Most now go to the U.S. Were they permitted to come here, this would provide new employment for our own health professionals, as well as badly needed revenue for hospitals and ministries of health.

Dr. Charles S. Shaver, Ottawa

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Re: Johnston apologizes for Indigenous remarks, June 20

Johnston apologizes for Indigenous remarks, June 20

Gov.-Gen. David Johnston had it right the first time. The first wave of immigration into what is now Canada occurred at or near the end of the last ice age, sometime between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago.

They came from Asia across a land bridge where the Bering Strait is today, land exposed by the lower sea level due to the massive amounts of water being locked in the glaciers covering much of the northern hemisphere. There were a number of waves of immigration as the glaciers retreated. We now collectively refer to their descendants as Indigenous peoples.

It is disgraceful that our head of state can apologize for stating a fact. The overwhelming evidence is that the ancestors of every person on this planet had their origins in Africa. From there, they migrated or emigrated to every continent, save Antarctica. No one needs to, or should, apologize for that.

David Kister, Toronto

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Re: Feds bet on bank as social justice tool, Olive, June 17

Feds bet on bank as social justice tool, Olive, June 17

David Olives proposal that public pension funds provide financing for infrastructure is flawed.

First, there is no shortage of low-cost government funds when we own the Bank of Canada  witness the recent $200-billion bailout of big banks and corporations after the 2008 financial crisis, or the governments sudden decision to increase defence spending by $62 billion.

Second, while pension funds may be non-profit, the public-partnership model eats up enormous accounting, legal and management charges, and pension funds expect a 7- to 9-per-cent return. Such financing is expected to double the cost of projects.

Third, while helping retirees may seem admirable, the monies are extracted through tolls and fees, largely from overstretched middle-class families when they can least afford it.

However, Olive makes a good point regarding CPPs meagre investments in Canada. At a time when 1.3 million Canadians are unemployed, why is our national pension fund sucking money out of the domestic economy and building up competitor companies overseas?

Larry Kazdan, Vancouver

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Re: Womans racist outburst speaks volumes, Paradkar, June 21

Womans racist outburst speaks volumes, Paradkar, June 21

The behaviour of the woman in this video is not news. Sadly, these angry, aggressive people who feel they are justified and aggrieved enough to attack front-line workers in retail, education and health care plague our society.

What I find objectionable is the extrapolation made by the columnist, Shree Paradkar. She claims there are deep biases in Canadian society towards people of colour and those with linguistic imperfections, based on some limited anecdotal evidence.

Most disturbing is the fact that the catalyst for these claims is the ranting of one irrational and clearly unstable individual. To claim this is a societal problem is a quantum leap and not helpful at all.

Thomas Gault, Mississauga

Are we blowing this incident out of proportion? Is the social media gone berserk, where even a private conversation between a patients mother and a hospital staff member makes news?

I am not condoning the ladys remarks, but looking at the broader picture of our world today, which is ravaged by violence and hatred, Canada stands out as an oasis of peace and cultural harmony. Multiculturalism is alive and well, despite some hiccups along the way, and, together with our health-care system, is the envy of the world.

Max Desouza, Toronto

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Re: We say Muslim terrorist. So why not white terrorist in London attack?, Paradkar, June 20

We say Muslim terrorist. So why not white terrorist in London attack?, Paradkar, June 20

I acknowledge Shree Paradkars dilemma in trying to make sure readers know that terrorists are not exclusively from one religious group. But, since when is white a religion?

Every religion has adherents who might be dark-skinned, brown-skinned, white-skinned and shades between. Im sure atheists come in all varieties of skin colours, as well.

Calling him white insults all of us pale-skinned people, just as does assuming all terrorists are Muslim.

Carol Libman, Toronto

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Sudan scam : 4 former top cops turn themselves in to court

Two former police chiefs turned themselves in to the court on Wednesdaymore than a month and a half after they were convicted of graft.
As Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) - Get Free Report increasingly competes with Walmart Stores Inc. (WMT) - Get Free Report both online and offline, Walmart has pressured some tech partners not to use Amazon Web Services, Jeff Bezos' market-leading cloud computing service. But such efforts are likely to have little payoff.

The spat, reported in the Wall Street Journal, has hardly disrupted AWS, which has a substantial lead over rivals such as Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) - Get Free Report Azure and Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL) - Get Free Report Google Cloud Platform. Amazon, Google and Microsoft are so vast, however, with interests in so many different niches, that each of them could have a practically endless list of peeved rivals who might want to steer business away from the cloud giants.

So while Walmart might be pushing its partners to not use Amazon's cloud services, other companies could be urging its partners to drop Google or Microsoft's cloud services, potentially driving business to Amazon.

"I'd be surprised if a company like Wal-Mart wasn't doing something like this, but in terms of overall market trends and competitive positioning, this is a bit like King Canute trying to stop the incoming tide," said Synergy Research Group Chief Analyst and Managing Director John Dinsdale, referring to the Danish king who according to legend tried to hold back the sea. "I don't think it is going to make a whole lot of difference."

For its part, Walmart denies that it prohibits its tech partners from using AWS. "Our vendors have the choice of using any cloud provider that meets their needs and their customers' needs," Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Toporek. "It shouldn't be a big surprise that there are cases in which we'd prefer our most sensitive data isn't sitting on a competitor's platform."

Without a doubt, Wal-Mart and Amazon have a fierce rivalry in retail. With Wal-Mart's online endeavors and Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods, the competition only grows more intense. "Plenty of suppliers are standing up to Walmart and refusing to be told that they can't use the leading infrastructure technology platform," an Amazon spokesperson said. "Tactics like this are bad for business and customers and rarely carry the day."

Amazon is by far the leading cloud provider, according to Synergy Research Group, with 33% of the global market. Microsoft has 10%, IBM Corp. (IBM) - Get Free Report has 8% and Google has 5%.

"Remember also that for every instance of a technology buyer trying to influence its suppliers away from AWS, there are likely just as many organizations trying to influence suppliers away from Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform," Dinsdale said.

Amazon's operations extend from retail to video streaming and cloud computing. Google runs everything from Internet search and mobile phone operating systems to YouTube videos, smart thermostats and, soon, self-driving cars. In addition to its cloud business, Microsoft has an enterprise software empire, sells Xboxes and owns social networking site LinkedIn.

"So each of them has a long list of competitors within their core businesses who will no doubt be buying cloud computing services from someone," Dinsdale added.

Walmart's shares rose 0.9% to $76.25.

Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods shook up a number of stocks, as Jim Cramer and the AAP team noted. Get a free trial subscription to Action Alerts PLUS.

Don't miss these top stories from TheStreet:
Truth is stranger than fiction.

Jay Solomon, a longtime reporter for The Wall Street Journal, a unit of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. (NWSA) - Get Free Report , was fired on Wednesday, June 21, for his alleged participation in a commercial deal involving arms sales to foreign governments, according to a report from the Associated Press. Solomon, a foreign affairs correspondent and recent author of a book on Iran, was said to have been offered a stake in a company by Farhad Azima, an Iranian who has transported weapons for the CIA through his aviation business, the AP reported.

What sounded like a chapter in a novel by John le Carre turned out to be reason enough for the Journal to dismiss one of its best-known reporters. In a statement, the Journal said that Solomon was fired for failing to follow the newspaper's code of ethics.

"We are dismayed by the actions and poor judgment of Jay Solomon," Wall Street Journal spokesman Steve Severinghaus said via email. "The allegations raised in this reporting are serious. While our own investigation continues, we have concluded that Mr. Solomon violated his ethical obligations as a reporter, as well as our standards. He has not been forthcoming about his actions or his reporting practices, and he has forfeited our trust."

According to the report, Azima offered Solomon a 10% stake in a company, Denx LLC. It wasn't clear if Solomon ever received money or formally accepted Azima's offer, the AP said.

Solomon's firing comes as Murdoch's sister company Twenty-First Century Fox Inc. (FOXA) - Get Free Report awaits a ruling by a U.K. regulatory agency that has jurisdiction over its proposed $13.6 billion acquisition of the shares in European pay-TV provider Sky plc that it doesn't already own. Representatives of women who have sued Fox for sexual and racial discrimination have lobbied U.K. regulators urging them to reject Fox's plan to take full ownership of Sky.

Solomon's reporting on the negotiations that culminated in a comprehensive nuclear accord with Iran led to the publishing in 2015 of "The Iran Wars: Spy Games, Bank Battles and the Secret Deals That Reshaped the Middle East."

The Associated Press uncovered Solomon's connection to Azima while reporting an investigative story that was published on Tuesday. The AP said it obtained emails and text messages between Azima and Solomon and a document that appeared to be a March 2015 agreement creating Denx listing Solomon as a stakeholder.

Solomon apologized for his actions in a statement to the AP.

"I clearly made mistakes in my reporting and entered into a world I didn't understand," Solomon said. "I never entered into any business with Farhad Azima, nor did I ever intend to. But I understand why the emails and the conversations I had with Mr. Azima may look like I was involved in some seriously troubling activities. I apologize to my bosses and colleagues at the Journal, who were nothing but great to me."

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Sycamore Partners is close to finalizing its purchase of office supply retailer Staples Inc. (SPLS) in a deal worth as much as $6 billion, Reuters reported.

The private equity firm is betting Staples can turn its consumer sales model into a corporate one, catering to companies instead of grade school kids. A deal between the two companies could be announced as early as next week.

Staples was put up for auction following a failed attempt last year to merge with peer Office Depot (ODP) - Get Free Report . Regulators hit the brakes on the merger due to antitrust concerns. Staples has the largest market share of U.S. office supply stores.

Shares of Staples finished up 7% on Thursday.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods (WFM) . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
World Bank pledges Rs 19.05 billion for school sector reform

The World Bank (WB) has agreed to provide Rs19.05billion ($185 million) loan for the implementation of School Sector Development Programme (SSDP) in Nepal.
Citigroup Inc. (C) - Get Free Report has hired away UBS Group AG (UBS) - Get Free Report banker Jiang Guorong to head the company's China corporate and investment banking operations, Reuters reported, citing an internal memo that the news service was able to review.

Guorong, who will start his new role at Citi in September, most recently served as head of China investment banking and vice chairman of Asia investment banking at UBS, according to the memo.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency, and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - Get Free Report shares were up nearly 2% in early morning trading after the airline said that it received an unsolicited notice from Qatar Airways that the foreign airline intends to make a significant investment in the company.

Conversations between the two companies indicated that Qatar is looking to invest at least $808 million and purchase approximately a 10% stake in American Airlines, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission 8-K filing.

Qatar Airways will purchase the shares on the open market.

Qatar Airways made a necessary regulatory filing for a purchase of more than $81 million of American Airlines stock. The purchase is subject to approval by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American's pilots, blasted the offer, saying "This is an action of aggression by the Qatar government and we take strong offense to that."

Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) - Get Free Report shares were up 0.5% to $52.53, Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Get Free Report rose 0.82% to $61.53, and Alaska Air Group (ALK) - Get Free Report was down 025% to $90.60, and Air France KLM SA (AFLYY) was up 1.17% to $12.40 in morning trading Thursday.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency, and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Updated from 9:45 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 22

Qatar Airways wants to buy 10% of American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - Get Free Report , the Fort Worth, Texas, based company said Thursday, June 22, but the airline said in a filing that it didn't solicit the proposed investment.

American shares rose 2.6% on Thursday to $49.68.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American's pilots, blasted the offer.

"This is an action of aggression by the Qatar government and we take strong offense to that," said APA spokesman Dennis Tajer.

"They are flush with cash because the government is subsidizing them," Tajer said. "Now they want to come into our house and start buying the furniture."

"This has got to be stopped," he said.

In a statement Thursday, Qatar Airways said it "believes in American Airlines' fundamentals and intends to build a passive position in the company with no involvement in management, operations or governance.

"Qatar Airways has long considered American Airlines to be a good oneworld Alliance partner and looks forward to continuing this relationship," the carrier said. Qatar Airways plans to make an initial investment of up to 4.75% {and} will not exceed 4.75% without prior consent of the American Airlines board."

American, United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL) - Get Free Report and Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) - Get Free Report are locked in a battle with Qatar, Emirates and Etihad over the Gulf carriers' efforts to expand in the U.S. while being heavily subsidized by the governments of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, American said the investment does not alter its "conviction on the need to enforce the Open Skies agreements with the two countries."

American said its certificate of incorporation prohibits anyone from acquiring 4.75% or more of its stock without advance approval from the board. American said that it has not received a request for approval and that foreign ownership laws would limit the percentage of foreign voting interest to 24.90%.

In mid-morning trading, Delta shares rose 0.75% while United gained 0.18%.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) - Get Free Report shares fell 0.9% to $14.25 by's Friday's close, after the stock jumped nearly 10% on Wednesday as the market digested news of its latest microchip release, Epyc.

Analysts began to weigh in on the company following the chip's unveiling.

BMO Capital Markets, which has an "outperform" rating and $15 price target on the company, is in a wait and see pattern with the company, with analyst Ambrish Srivastava saying, "In our view, launching Epyc CPU in a timely manner is AMD's first major step in the right direction in the company's goal in capturing double-digit share in the data center CPU market."

However, the firm also said that it would wait for independent benchmarks to be published before coming to any conclusions on the chip's potential penetration.

Canaccord Genuity meanwhile raised the company's price target to $20 from $17, anticipating that the chip will add $100 million in revenue this year while modeling for $1 billion in revenue by 2020. The firm maintained its "buy" rating on the company.

Oppenheimer expects AMD to see improved profits in the second half of 2017, as its top-end processor has garnered orders from Dell Technologies Inc. (DVMT) gaming affiliate Alienware. The purchase by Alienware, one of the gaming industry's best-selling computers, is expected to entice more gaming PC vendors into following suit.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods. "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact, he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency, and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here are 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.

Read More Trending Articles on TheStreet
Alphabet's Google (GOOGL) - Get Free Report urged U.S. lawmakers on Thursday to update laws outlining how governments can access consumer data stored on servers in other countries, according to Reuters.

Companies in the past have argued against U.S. law enforcement practices to use a domestic search warrant to obtain data from overseas, as the strategy diminishes user privacy.

Kent Walker, Google's senior VP and general counsel, detailed the company's international framework during a speech in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

He said that countries which adhere to fundamental privacy, human rights, and due process principles should be able to directly request data from U.S. providers without the need to consult the U.S. government.

Countries that do not adhere to the standards, such as an oppressive regime, would not be eligible, but the framework could incentivize better respect for digital privacy among those nations, Walker said.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla TSLA fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger KR fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's AMZN big deal for Whole Foods WFM . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices AMDmay beat Intel Corp. INTC to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Forget the demise of malls and the "Amazon takeover," Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) has sucked money from Sears Canada Inc. (SRSC) for years and that's why it's going down the toilet.

What has drained Sears Canada is the financial arrangement between it and Sears Holdings, in which any money Sears Canada makes is funneled into the separate U.S. company, leaving scant funds for the northern company to innovate, Maureen Atkinson, senior partner at J.C. Williams Group, a global retailer advisor in Toronto, told The Street on Thursday, June 22. That began happening, added Atkinson, when Calvin McDonald was president and CEO of Sears Canada, which was between July 2011 and September 2013, according to his LinkedIn profile.

McDonald, who declined to be interviewed for this article, is now president and CEO of Sephora Americas.

According to CBC New Business, in 2013 Sears Canada sent about a half-billion Canadian dollars in cash back to the U.S., specifically to Sears Holdings and Edward Lampert, who is chairman and CEO of Sears Holdings, and founder, chairman and CEO of ESL Investments. The payment of some C$5 per share was equivalent to 30% of the company's stock price at the time.

"You can't reinvent a department store with no money," said Atkinson. "He [McDonald] actually had a plan. He felt like it [Sears Canada] had a future. Whether he was delusional or not is another story."

Antony Karabus of HRC Retail Advisory told TheStreet on Thursday that he agreed with Atkinson's assessment. It has been "death by a thousand cuts. They [Sears Canada] have sold off the furniture to keep the house warm, and they didn't invest in the company."

Atkinson said Sears Canada has been selling off its leases at downtown locations in Toronto and Vancouver, which have been replaced with a Nordstrom (JWN) - Get Free Report , and in prime suburban locations, and closing other stores.

"It [Sears Canada's bankruptcy] had to happen sooner or later. It was a question of when," added Atkinson. "The shopping center owners have been preparing for it for about five years. The vendors have stopped shipping, that's it in a nutshell."

Karabus said Sears Canada was at its peak when it was run by Mark A. Cohen, president and CEO between 2001 and 2004, and had C$6 billion in sales and a half-billion in profits. Total revenue in 2016 for Sears Canada was C$2.6 billion and in 2015, C$3.1 billion.

Sears Canada, which sought bankruptcy protection, was granted approval on Thursday from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an initial period of 30 days. The initial order also authorizes a stay of proceedings for 30 days, subject to an extension, according to a press release on the company's website. Sears Canada Group will obtain debtor-in-possession financing in the aggregate principal amount of C$450 million with the company's existing ABL lenders, with Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation (WF) - Get Free Report acting as administrative agent, and the loan lenders, with GACP Finance Co. acting as administrative agent.

A Sears [U.S.] representative said that Sears Canada is a separate publicly traded company that was spun off from Sears Holdings in 2012. Sears Holdings has approximately a 12% stake in Sears Canada.

Sears Canada plans to close 59 more stores, including 20 mainline, 15 Sears Home and 10 outlet locations and eliminate 2,900 positions through its bankruptcy process.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Wilbur Ross might want to get on the same page as his boss on Amazon (AMZN) - Get Free Report and antitrust.

The Commerce Secretary said he doesn't perceive any antitrust issues for Amazon in an interview on Fox Business Network on Thursday, even in the wake of the Seattle-based company's recently-announced Whole Foods (WFM) acquisition. The remarks run contrary to President Donald Trump's comments on the campaign trail that Amazon has a "huge antitrust problem."

"Well I haven't seen anything that Amazon has done that would qualify remotely for antitrust consideration," Ross said in an appearance on FBN's Varney & Co. "And that really would be the only reason for doing it. Take their acquisition of Whole Foods. I think that's a very clever move to marry together a very good, high quality, niche retailer with the very broad brush approach of marketing everything that Amazon has done so well. But I surely don't see any antitrust implications in that."

Amazon announced its $13.7 billion agreement to acquire Whole Foods last week.

Ross on Thursday acknowledged there could be some sort of political backlash to the power Amazon has accumulated, noting that "we're in a very populist world."

Still, he said he doesn't think Amazon has been using predatory pricing to compete unfairly. "It seems to me what America is all about is competing fairly," Ross said. "And if you do, if you can compete better than some other company, then surly you can get big and surely you can get powerful. So I don't think big and powerful in and of themselves are that big a problem. I think the real problem is if they begin to abuse whatever power they have."

Trump while campaigning for the White House did not mince his words on Amazon or CEO Jeff Bezos.

In an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity in May 2016, Trump accused Bezos of using The Washington Post, which he bought in 2013, as a tool to influence tax policy and accused Amazon have having an antitrust problem.

"He thinks I'll go after him for antitrust," Trump said at the time. "Because he's got a huge antitrust problem because he's controlling so much, Amazon is controlling so much of what they are doing. The Washington Post, which is peanuts, he's using that for political purposes to save Amazon in terms of taxes and in terms of antitrust."

Bezos hit back at a Post-sponsored event days later.

"I'm very, very comfortable with all of Amazon's approaches and behaviors, the way we pay taxes, the political positions we take are very focused on our business and highly appropriate, and I have [said] I think a company like Amazon also deserves to be scrutinized and examined and criticized, and I have no worries about that, I have absolutely no worries," he said.

Trump and Bezos have since the election tried to make nice.

The Amazon-Whole Foods deal has raised some eyebrows on Capitol Hill. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), whose district encompasses part of Silicon Valley, following the announcement expressed concern about what the acquisition means for suppliers and local grocery stores and called for a reorientation of antitrust policy to consider the effect on jobs and wages as well as prices.

There's little chance that the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission will view the core part of the deal as a violation of antitrust laws, though it could come under scrutiny over its wholesale business.

"They made a mistake telling investors there are no antitrust issues," Scott Cleland, president of the consultancy Precursor LLC, said in a recent interview with The Deal. "I wouldn't be surprised if Amazon had to commit to some conditions to gain antitrust approval, so that Amazon could not leverage the market power it has online through Amazon Prime into the offline grocery-delivery and retail markets."

Amazon has said it expects the deal will close in the second half of 2017.
Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNLF) is interested in taking over a facility in Newberry, SC that is soon to be vacated by current tenant Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - Get Free Report , the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Samsung is in late-stage talks to invest about $300 million to expand the facility, sources told the Journal. While the start date was not disclosed, the expansion could generate 500 jobs and production could begin as early as next year.

Seoul-based Samsung's interest in a U.S. factory was sparked by the election of Donald Trump last November, the Journal reported.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods. "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact, he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency, and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here are 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
On Thursday China fought back against claims by U.S. manufacturers and labor unions that it has been flooding the market with cheap aluminum, putting U.S. producers out of business, Reuters reports.

China says that punitive trade measures should not be used to try and fix a global glut of the metal. Li Xi, the director of China's export division at China's commerce industry, asked that the Trump administration not impose curbs on Chinese aluminum imports.

Li was speaking at a hearing by the Commerce Department on an investigation by the current administration to determine if foreign imports pose a threat to U.S. security.

"Aluminum products imported from China are general products with civilian uses such as packing, roofing, road signs and consumer durables. None of these products implicate national security," Li said, according to Reuters.

What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon's (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods (WFM) . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beatIntel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Reportto selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, on Thursday said that it intends to acquire a 10% stake in American Airlines (AAL) - Get Free Report , which sent the stocks of major U.S. carriers higher.

Perhaps none were better positioned to take advantage of the jump than Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A) - Get Free Report , which invested billions of dollars into the U.S. airline industry earlier this year.

Berkshire's substantial interests in the four major U.S. airlines (American (AAL) - Get Free Report , Delta (DAL) - Get Free Report , United (UAL) - Get Free Report , and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Get Free Report ) caused his portfolio to climb $76 million on the news.



What's Hot On TheStreet

Tesla still doesn't deserve its valuation: Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - Get Free Report fanboys have just gained their daily pound of flesh. The electric car company has reportedly reached a deal with officials in China to open a production facility in the world's biggest clean-energy car market. The deal would likely allow it to form a joint-venture with a China-based partner and avoid the 25% tariff applied to imported vehicles. The move would also substantially cut shipping and production costs when compared to Tesla's facility in Nevada, TheStreet's Martin Baccardax reports.

Tesla is now valued at an insane $61 billion...and counting.

What was this Kroger exec drinking: Maybe this Kroger Co. (KR) - Get Free Report fella has been up too late studying the aftershocks of Amazon.com Inc.'s (AMZN) - Get Free Report big deal for Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFM) . "I'm glad their stores are finally open," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said about German rival Lidl at Oppenheimer's Consumer Conference Wednesday. Schlotman said he is excited, in fact he feels "great about it," to finally start seeing if the preparations Kroger put in place to compete with Lidl will stand the heat. TheStreet's Lindsay Rittenhousewas all over this bizarre exchange.

Having your profit margins crushed by a ruthless German grocer shouldn't be exciting, Kroger.

Don't forget about Intel: Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) - Get Free Reportmay beat Intel Corp. (INTC) - Get Free Report to selling the fastest computer chip this year, but the technology giant is working on other projects that are pushing the limits.

From artificial intelligence to drones, Intel is working to connect everything to the internet to collect data that can be used to improve safety, efficiency and lifestyles. Whether it is helping athletes perform better or making cars autonomous, Intel's technology is working to transform multiple industries. Here's 11 cool projects Intel is working on that investors seem to have forgotten about.

Southwest Airlines is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells LUV? Learn more now.

Visit here for the latest business headlines.
The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

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Credit Suisse Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company offers wealth management solutions, including investment advice and discretionary asset management services; risk management solutions, such as managed investment products; and wealth planning, succession planning, and trust services. It also provides financing and lending solutions, including consumer credit and real estate mortgage lending, real asset lending relating to ship, and aviation financing for UHNWI; standard and structured hedging, and lombard lending solutions, as well as collateral trading services; and investment banking solutions, such as global securities sales, trading and execution, capital raising, and advisory services. In addition, the company offers banking solutions, such as payments, accounts, debit and credit cards, and product bundles; asset management products; equity and debt underwriting, and advisory services; cash equities, equity derivatives, and convertibles, as well as prime services; and fixed income products, such as credit, securitized, macro, emerging markets, financing, structured credit, and other products. Further, it provides HOLT, a framework for assessing the performance of approximately 20,000 companies; and equity and fixed income research services. The company serves private and institutional clients; ultra-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and affluent and retail clients; corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises, external asset managers, financial institutions, and commodity traders; and pension funds, hedge funds, governments, foundations and endowments, corporations, entrepreneurs, private individuals, financial sponsors, and sovereign clients. As of December 31, 2021, it operated through a network of 311 offices and branches. The company was founded in 1856 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
The best baby monitors easily allow you to make sure your little ones are sleeping soundly at night. Whats more, they have gotten smart  really smart. Ranging from ones with sensors capable of tracking everything from temperature and humidity in a nursery to your childs breathing, there is a baby monitor to suit every need. More importantly though, we value any monitor that can reliably beam clear video and images from the nursery to wherever you happen to be in your house.

Over the years, weve tested a wide variety of devices to find the best baby monitors for new and worried parents. Whether you want high-resolution images sent straight to your smartphone, special features like humidity and temperature sensors, or just a device that delivers a clear and reliable picture for the lowest possible price, theres a video baby monitor out there that can fit your needs. Heres a closer look at the many options available to check in on a sleeping child along with which one ranks highest as the best baby monitor.

What are the best baby monitors?

We've looked at more than half-a-dozen mounted cameras that beam live video from a nursery, and the best baby monitor we've tested is the Arlo Baby. It packs a number of must-have features such as clear 1080p video, two-way audio and a host of sensors. Everything's easily accessible from a well-organized mobile app that puts the Arlo Baby's controls at your fingertips.

That said, the Arlo Baby joins a few other entries on the best baby monitor list as being hard to find these days  possibly because of supply-chain issues plaguing the rest of the consumer electronic world. We're keeping an eye on whether monitors come back into stock during the new year, but in the meantime, you can find a bargain with the iBaby M6T. Though it's an older baby cam that records video in in 720p resolution, it's still a capable device offering night vision, two-way audio and helpful pan-and-tilt capabilities.

On the other end of the price spectrum, the $299 Nanit Plus Baby Monitor provides a very good camera for checking in on your nursery, but it's the sleep-tracking features that will appeal to parents the most as they'll help you figure out ways to get your child to sleep through the night.

The best baby monitors you can buy today

(Image credit: Netgear)

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1. Arlo Baby Best baby monitor with video Camera Range: 110-to-130-degree field of view | Camera Resolution: 1080p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes/Yes | Video Recording: Yes Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Clear video Compact design Setup's a breeze Some lag between notifications and launching the app

Don't be fooled by its cute looks and adorable green bunny ears: Arlo Baby is a very capable baby monitor that delivers sharp video of your nursery to your smartphone. The Arlo Baby includes features such as night vision, temperature and air quality sensors, a color-changing nightlight and a speaker that can play lullabies. All of this is very easy to manage thanks to a well-designed mobile app.

Cuteness aside, the Arlo Baby is compact enough to fit into even the most crowded nursery; a wall mount is included if you prefer that option. While you plug the camera in to power it, you can also detach the camera and move it into any room where an impromptu nap occurs, though we only saw three hours of battery life when we tried this out.

By default, Arlo Baby records in 720p resolution, though you can switch to 1080p if you prefer. You can also adjust the field of view and fine-tune notifications on what triggers an alert. You do have to position the camera manually, however, and the gap between getting a notification on our phone and actually being able to jump to live video was a little laggy for our tastes. Still, the video delivered by the Arlo Baby was crystal clear, even at night.

A whole host of sensors  temperature, humidity and air quality  can alert you to any change in your kid's room. The versatile app can send you notifications however you want, and we were particularly impressed by an Always Listening mode that streamed audio to our smartphone.

About our only complaint with the Arlo Baby is that it's hard to find these days, and we're not sure when it come back in stock. But if you can track down a retailer selling the device for $199 or less, the Arlo Baby delivers just about everything a nervous new parent could want in a package that's easy to manage, making it our pick for best baby monitor.

Read our full Arlo Baby review.

(Image credit: iBaby)

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2. iBaby Monitor M6T The best baby monitor value Camera Range: 360-degree pan, 110-degree tilt | Camera Resolution: 720p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes / Yes | Video Recording: Yes Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Full 360-degree camera pan User-friendly streaming app MP3-quality music options Bulbous camera housing a tad large No browser-based streaming option

Even three years after we first tested it, the iBaby Monitor M6T still offers an impressive array of features at a manageable price. And it's a great choice if you can find this baby cam for less than $150.

iBaby's camera offers the sort of capabilities you'd expect  push-to-talk features to soothe a crying child, motion-triggered photo and video capture, and a 720p HD camera. (A newer version, the M6S, ups the resolution to 1080p, and iBaby has since come out with other models as well.) The M6T also boasts a full-360-degree rotating pan.

The M6T streams to an app on your smartphone, and we found the Wi-Fi-enabled video streaming to be clear, even in low light. The two-way speaker offered above-average audio in all conditions, and we like how we could play lullabies preinstalled on the iBaby mobile app to lull a child to sleep.

Read our full iBaby Monitor M6T review.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

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3. Nanit Plus Baby Monitor The smartest baby monitor Camera Range: 95-degree field of view | Camera Resolution: 960p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes/Yes | Video Recording: Yes Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) High quality camera Excellent app and features Sleep tracking insights based on your baby's sleep patterns Pricey Must be plugged in to use

Bleary-eyed parents who just want their baby to sleep soundly through the night will appreciate the insights that come from the Nanit Plus Baby Monitor. In addition to letting in you check in on your sleeping child from the comfort of your smartphone, Nanit's camera also monitors activities so that it can provide you with detailed analysis of your childs sleeping patterns and quality of sleep.

Over time, the Nanit Plus recognizes your baby's sleep habits and uses that information to summon up articles and advice for you on ways to improve your baby's sleep. That's a subscription service and the first year is included with your Nanit Plus purchase; afterward, it's $50 a year. Since our review, Nanit has added compatibility with the Amazon Echo Show and Echo Spot to let you see the video stream through an Alexa display.

As for the camera itself, you can expect videos in 960p resolution with an aspect ratio optimized to fit in your baby's crib. We found the images clear and the camera pretty easy to set up. You'll have to pay up for the Nanit Plus and its sleep tracking features, especially compared to other top baby cams, but for parents who just want a good night's sleep, the extra cost may be worth it.

Since we published our review, Nanit has introduced the Nanit Pro, which offers better resolution and improved sensors for a slight price increase over the Nanit Plus. We hope to review the Nanit Pro soon.

Read our full Nanit Plus Baby Monitor review.

(Image credit: Safety 1st)

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4. Safety 1st HD WiFi Baby Monitor Best baby monitor with a handheld option Camera Range: 130-degree viewing angle | Camera Resolution: 720p | Handheld Monitor: Yes (audio) | Monitor Size/Weight: 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches/2.5 ounces | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: No/No | Video Recording: Yes $49.95 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $79.99 (opens in new tab) at Bed Bath & Beyond (opens in new tab) Great video quality Very little delay for sound to stream to the two-way audio unit Easy setup Delays in uploading video No humidity or temperature sensors

You'll get great video quality and an easy-to-setup system with the Safety 1st HD WiFi Baby Monitor. But the real reason to consider this device is a helpful portable audio unit you can carry with you that lets you hear what's going on in the nursery without having to notice and respond to push notifications on your phone.

Another convenient thing about Safety 1st's portable audio unit  you don't have to activate the camera to check in on your child. That makes it even easier to make sure everything's all right in the nursery. There's little delay when you use the two-way audio feature, and the portable unit will even flash when the camera detects motion for a helpful visual cue to launch the companion app.

As for the camera itself, we were impressed with the 720p video, though there was an occasional delay uploading video. Parents who want features like temperature and humidity sensors with their baby monitor should consider other options.

The Safety 1st HD WiFi Baby Monitor is another entry on our best baby monitor list that's hard to come by these days. Should stock return, you'll have your best chance finding it at Amazon (opens in new tab) or Walmart (opens in new tab).

Read our full Safety 1st HD WiFi Baby Monitor review.

(Image credit: Project Nursery)

5. Project Nursery Smart Speaker with Alexa Best baby monitor with Alexa Camera Range: 270-degree pan, 120-degree tilt | Camera Resolution: 720p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes/No | Video Recording: Yes $24.94 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $39.98 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) $51.92 (opens in new tab) at Newegg (opens in new tab) Includes an Echo-like smart speaker Integrated Alexa support Pan and tilt controls on camera Some false positives when detecting motion System requires multiple apps

If you find yourself turning to Amazon's Alexa assistant for other household tasks, you can also put Alexa to work checking in on your baby with the help of Project Nursery's baby monitor. The Project Nursery Smart Speaker with Alexa includes a 5.7 x 3.8 x 3.8-inch HD video camera and an Amazon Echo speaker for monitoring naps and sleeping. (If you've already got a speaker, you can just buy the camera.)

Why use Alexa? Because you can control the camera with voice commands in any room with a speaker. That lets you check images streaming to your smartphone without having to fiddle with the camera's controls yourself. This will require to manage multiple apps  Project Nursery's companion apps along with the regular Alexa app.

Still, Project Nursery's baby monitor is a good one, with clear HD images, good night vision, pan and tilt controls, and decent motion detection. It's a good option if you're comfortable using Alexa in other aspects of managing your smart home.

Read our full Project Nursery Smart Speaker with Alexa review.

(Image credit: Cubo)

6. Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor Best baby monitor for covered face alerts Camera Range: 135 degrees | Camera Resolution: 1080p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes/Yes | Video Recording: Yes $299 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) Useful alert settings for both newborns and toddlers Charming design No visible red light Wobbly floor stand Sleep analytics summary could be more helpful

Nervous parents who don't blink at spending $199 to $299 for a baby monitor will want to consider the Cubo Ai Plus. Armed with artificial intelligence, it can recognize when your baby's face gets covered in the crib and send alerts straight to your phone.

Covered face alerts are the best thing about the Cubo Ai Plus, but that's not the baby monitor's only selling point. It comes with a cute design  it looks like a bird  and the night vision feature lacks the kind of red light that might wake or distract your baby. We also appreciate that the Plus version of the Cubo monitor features a free year of Cubo Ai Care Premium, including 30 days of sleep tracking and analysis.

Those sleep tracking features could be more helpful, and the floor stand that comes with the Cubo Ai Plus is light enough for a 1-year-old to move. The $299 version we reviewed comes with a three-stand set that lets you attach the camera to a floor base, the crib itself or a mobile stand; you can get the less expensive $199 version if all you need is the wall-mount set.

Read our full Cubo Ai smart baby monitor review.

(Image credit: Miku)

7. Miku Smart Baby Monitor A full-featured but pricey baby monitor Camera Range: 130 degrees | Camera Resolution: 720p | Handheld Monitor: No | Monitor Size/Weight: N/A | Mobile App: Android, iOS | Temperature/Humidity Sensors: Yes/Yes | Video Recording: Yes $399.99 (opens in new tab) at Best Buy (opens in new tab) $399.99 (opens in new tab) at Bed Bath & Beyond (opens in new tab) $399.99 (opens in new tab) at Target (opens in new tab) Tracks breathing well Flexibility in placement No monthly fees for video storage Must be plugged in to use No zoom feature on camera

The Miku Smart Baby Monitor can track your child's breathing while also letting you peak in on a sleeping baby via an HD video stream sent to your phone. And while the breathing monitor feature works well, Miku's setup is quite expensive, especially when compared with some of other best baby monitors.

Miku's design is simple and pretty easily to install, thanks to a sleek, compact design that fits just about anywhere. We also like the video quality delivered by the Miku's camera, though we wish the device offered the ability to zoom in on a sleeping baby. Built-in sensors for humidity and temperature are also nice to have, though unless you want the specialized breathing monitoring Miku offers, you'd be well-advised to consider a less expensive option.

Read our full Miku Smart Baby Monitor review.

How to choose the best baby monitor for you

Keep these criteria in mind will help you find the best baby monitor for your needs.

Included Monitor: Find out whether your baby cam comes with a handheld monitor or if it relies on your phone to give you look-ins on your child. A monitor is another piece of hardware to keep track off and recharge, while you're likely to have your phone on you at all times. Cameras with handheld monitors also tend to be more expensive.

Find out whether your baby cam comes with a handheld monitor or if it relies on your phone to give you look-ins on your child. A monitor is another piece of hardware to keep track off and recharge, while you're likely to have your phone on you at all times. Cameras with handheld monitors also tend to be more expensive. Range: Look up the specs for how far the camera's signal extends, and make sure it can reach every area of your home.

Look up the specs for how far the camera's signal extends, and make sure it can reach every area of your home. Camera: Check on the resolution that the camera records in. Also pay attention to the camera's pan and tilt features and just how wide a view it provides of your child's room.

Check on the resolution that the camera records in. Also pay attention to the camera's pan and tilt features and just how wide a view it provides of your child's room. Video quality: Read reviews of the best baby monitors to see if they deliver clear images. (After all, the whole point of having a video monitor is to be able to see your child.) Baby cams that offer night vision are especially helpful as you'll be doing a lot of check-ins in the dark.

Read reviews of the best baby monitors to see if they deliver clear images. (After all, the whole point of having a video monitor is to be able to see your child.) Baby cams that offer night vision are especially helpful as you'll be doing a lot of check-ins in the dark. Audio: See if the monitor has push-to-talk features so you can soothe your baby remotely. Other audio features to look for include the ability to play lullabies.

See if the monitor has push-to-talk features so you can soothe your baby remotely. Other audio features to look for include the ability to play lullabies. Battery Life: The cameras we tested come with power adapters and should be plugged in to a wall. But the handheld viewers that come with some monitors run on removable, rechargeable batteries. Get a feeling for how long those batteries can go without a recharge.

The cameras we tested come with power adapters and should be plugged in to a wall. But the handheld viewers that come with some monitors run on removable, rechargeable batteries. Get a feeling for how long those batteries can go without a recharge. Special Features: Some monitors come with humidity and temperature sensors, which can help you check on other conditions in your child's room.

Some monitors come with humidity and temperature sensors, which can help you check on other conditions in your child's room. Price: The best baby monitors offering video  the ones that come with all the latest bells and whistle  can cost around $200. That price can spike up if the monitor offers more advanced features like tracking your child's breathing, which is appearing on a growing number of baby monitors. However, you can find solid baby monitors between $100 to $150, though you'll sacrifice on video resolution and some features. Cloud storage can add to the cost of a baby monitor in the form of an ongoing subscription, though that feature is usually optional.

When setting up a baby cam, always change any default password, just like you should for any connected device you buy. (Here's a closer look at good password practices, in the wake of recent reports of hacked cameras, including one that was used as a baby monitor.)

Whatever baby monitor you end up going with, be sure to familiarize yourself with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for infant sleep safety (opens in new tab), which include making sure your baby sleeps on his or her back.

We recommend going with a dedicated baby monitor over a repurposed security camera. While the best home security cameras cost about the same as the best baby monitors with video, the latter have features better suited to checking in on your baby. We reached this conclusion after trying out a Nest Indoor Cam as a baby monitor, but we'd feel the same way if we tested other top-rated home security cameras like the Arlo Q or Wyze Cam 1080p.

How we test baby monitors

When we test a baby cam we situate each monitor at an elevated position in a child's room. Units with dedicated handheld viewers were tested from 12, 20 and 35 feet away. For baby monitors that offered Wi-Fi connectivity, we connect them to a home Wi-Fi network. We test all built-in features such as pan and zoom, motion and sound detection, temperature and humidity sensors, and sleep timers. We also take note of how easy the interfaces were on both handheld viewers and streaming apps.

Ease of setup and installation factors heavily into our ratings, including whether an account needs to be created and if there were any extra subscription fees necessary. Each unit we've reviewed has cords protruding out of its back, so design wasn't much of a factor in my choice, though parents should take care to keep dangling cords and wires away from their children's reach when setting up a monitor.

When assigning ratings, we consider special features that a baby monitor might offer and also take its price into account.

Next: Here's how I turned an old phone into a portable baby monitor.
The best point and shoot cameras offer several advantages over your smartphone camera, while remaining lighter, smaller and simpler than mirrorless cameras or DSLRs.

Point-and-shoot, or compact cameras, are a great choice for travel, on account of their pocketable nature and (generally) long zoom range. They can also be great for occasions such as weddings and parties, where you don't necessarily want to carry around a bigger camera but also want something that lets you get closer to the action and may well be better in low light.

They're also a great way to introduce your kids to photography. Not only will a point-and-shoot camera help them learn the fundamentals, but it'll also provide them with an optical zoom lens, a better flash, and better image stabilization than they'd get on a smartphone.

What are the best point and shoot cameras?

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.

Our favorite compact point-and-shoot camera is the Sony DSC-W800, which costs less than $100 but takes reasonably good pictures for the price. Yes, you can get better image quality elsewhere, but for the price it's brilliant.



If you're looking for a rugged point-and-shoot camera, consider the Olympus Tough TG-6, which is waterproof to 50 feet and has lots of options for capturing great low-light shots.

Instant cameras offer some retro fun too: our favorite is the Lomo Instant Automat, which takes great photos and even comes with some extra lenses. However, it doesn't save a digital copy; be sure to check out our best instant cameras page for more options.

The best point-and-shoot cameras you can buy today

(Image credit: Sony)

1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 The best budget point-and-shoot camera Specifications Resolution: 20.1 MP Optical Zoom: 5x Focal Length: 26 - 130mm (35mm equiv.) Video (Max): 720p (1280p x 720p) Size: 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches Weight: 3.5 ounces Today's Best Deals View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Inexpensive + Portable + Good image quality Reasons to avoid - Hard to see display in sunlight

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 is the best point-and-shoot camera for those on a budget; its low cost makes it a great option for younger kids interested in photography, too.

The camera is a portable 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches, and weighs 3.5 ounces. It has a 5x zoom, and shoots 20-MP photos that have strong color and detail in bright conditions. However, quality drops as things get dark, and the camera's flash is easily covered by your finger.

Read our full Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 review.

(Image credit: Lomography)

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2. Lomo Instant Automat The best point-and-shoot instant camera Specifications Megapixels: 10 MP Focal Length Equivalent: n/a ISO: n/a Video (Max): 1080p Shooting Speed: n/a Screen: 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen Size and Weight: 5 x 4 x 1 inches, 7 ounces Wireless: none Battery Life (CIPA): n/a Photo type/size: Fujifilm Instax Mini (1.8 x 2.4 inches) Camera Size: 4.8 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches microSD slot: No Smartphone app: No Camera Weight: 12.5 ounces Battery: 2 CR2 batteries (3V); 1 CR 2025 (3V) for remote, sold separately Today's Best Deals Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Takes excellent photos + Remote control included + Add-on lenses included Reasons to avoid - Doesn't save digital copies

The Lomo'Instant Automat is the best point-and-shoot camera for those who want an instant camera. It gives you sharper images, better low-light performance and a wider field of view than its competitors.

The Automat has a remote built into its lens cap, so you can more easily take group shots or exposures up to 30 seconds. (It has a tripod mount, too.) Zone focusing helps measure the proper distance for the best shot, and we liked its optical viewfinder. The camera and remote use two different batteries (sold separately).

Lomography sells several versions of the LomoInstant Automat, some of which include add-on lenses, such as a "Splitzer" gizmo that divides the frame into different sectors, and a lens for shooting extreme close-ups, up to a foot from your subject.

(Image credit: Olympus)

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3. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-6 Best waterproof camera Specifications Megapixels: 20MP Focal Length Equivalent: 21-105mm f/2-4.9 ISO: 125-6400 Video (Max): 4K/30 fps Shooting Speed: 5 fps Screen: 3-inch/460,000 dots Size and Weight: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches, 8.7 ounces Wireless: Wi-Fi, GPS Battery Life (CIPA): 380 shots Today's Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Menus, dials and controls offer multiple access points to settings + Impressive macro features + Can capture slow-motion video at HD resolution + Includes ability to capture RAW image files Reasons to avoid - Struggles in low-light situations - Menu structure is somewhat confusing

The best point-and-shoot camera for taking on underwater excursions, the Olympus Tough TG-6 features a 12MP sensor, f/2.0 lens, Olympus' TruPic VIII image processor and a 4X optical zoom. The TG-5 also sports what Olympus calls a Field Sensor System, which tracks your movement, temperature and location, so that you can see your stats later, or embed that info directly into your footage.

And because this camera is part of Olympus' Tough line, you get some serious durability that includes water-resistance up to 50 feet, shock-resistance up to 7 feet, and operating temperatures that extend down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

(Image credit: Panasonic)

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4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Retro design, 4K video, compact package Specifications Megapixels: 12.8 Focal Length Equivalent: 24-75mm ISO: 100-25,600 Video (Max): 3840 x 2160/30 fps Shooting Speed: 11 fps Screen: 3 inches Size and Weight: 2.6 x 2.17 x 4.53 inches/0.87 pounds Viewfinder: Electronic Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Beautiful and durable retro design + Supersharp 4K video + Quick autofocus + Great color and detail in photos + Solid low-light performance + Superclear electronic viewfinder Reasons to avoid - Rear LCD is not a touch screen - No external mic jack - Lacks built-in flash

While its numerous dials give it a decidedly retro feel, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is a packed with forward-looking features, including great 4K video and fast autofocus. It has a large 16.8 megapixel sensor and a sharp 3.1X Leica optical zoom lens that has an f/1.7 maximum aperture for very shallow depth-of-field photos, a quality found in many professional images. In addition, the LX100 has a rear LCD and an electronic viewfinder. All this in a sturdy, nearly pocketable magnesium alloy frame that makes the LX100 a pricey, but great compact camera.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 review.

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5. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS Best Ultra-Zoom Specifications Megapixels: 16.1MP Focal Length Equivalent: 21-1356mm ISO: 100-6400 Video (Max): 1080p/60 fps Shooting Speed: 6.4 fps Screen: 3-inch Size and Weight: 3.66 x 4.49 x 5.04 inches, 2.2 pounds Viewfinder: Electronic Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Crisp photos and especially video + Surprisingly compact 65X zoom lens + Great on-screen controls and overall handling + Fair price + Using advanced features like RAW capture and external-mic jack can boost quality Reasons to avoid - Limited low-light performance, especially for video

While it doesnt have the longest reach of the cameras we tested, the 65X telephoto lens of the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS is the best compact camera with an ultrazoom lens. It gets you very close to the action, and captures everything in sharp detail, whether you're taking photos or shooting video. It also has an external mic jack, and can shoot in RAW, something few other ultrazooms can do. Its very comfortable handgrip, swiveling LCD, and powerful image stabilization make it capable of capturing sharp photos or jitter-free video of hard-to-reach shots, such as shooting over your head. And, it does all this for less than $500, making the SX60 HS a great deal.



If you're looking for an even longer zoom, check out the Nikon CoolPix P1000, which is twice as expensive, but has a 125x (3000mm-equivalent) zoom lens.

Read our full Canon PowerShot SX60 HS review.

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6. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 Great for travel Specifications Megapixels: 20.1 Focal Length Equivalent: 24mm-360mm ISO: 125 - 12,800 Video (Max): 4K/30 fps Shooting Speed: 10 fps Screen: 3-inch fixed touch Size and Weight: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches, 12 ounces Viewfinder: Electronic Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Long optical zoom lens + Helpful features + Compact + Sharp electronic viewfinder and touch-screen LCD + Quick and easy wireless app setup Reasons to avoid - No hot shoe for an external flash - Poorly organized controls and settings - Rigid LCD

With a 15X zoom (24-360mm equivalent), the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is the best compact camera for travelers who are looking for a small yet versatile shooter. It's easy enough for beginners, but has an array of dials and controls for advanced amateurs to take command of all of the camera's settings.

Although its rear display doesn't tilt, we also liked its sharp electronic viewfinder. Low-light shots were good, and also did great when shooting 4K video.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix ZS200 review.

How to choose the best point-and-shoot camera for you

While many consumers choose to shoot most of their photos and videos on smartphones, some still like the convenience and quality you can get with a stand-alone point-and-shoot digital camera. But with so many changes taking place in the camera market, what features are you getting in the models that are available?

Not surprisingly, the better features  such as longer optical-zoom lenses or in-camera image stabilization  are found in the pricier models, but competition is still keeping prices lower than in years past. In fact, a point-and-shoot that costs more than $300 will most likely be classified as a bridge camera or a rugged-and-waterproof camera.

Use the following list as a guide of what features youll begin to see at particular price points. Note that almost all point-and-shoots at this time have between 16 and 20 megapixel sensors:

$50 or less: No optical zoom (fixed-focal length); 4x digital zoom; built-in flash; 1.8-inch LCD; runs on AA or AAA batteries; 720p HD video

No optical zoom (fixed-focal length); 4x digital zoom; built-in flash; 1.8-inch LCD; runs on AA or AAA batteries; 720p HD video $75: 3x-5x optical zoom; 2.7-inch LCD; 28mm wide-angle lens; small selection of scene modes, such as panorama, beach, and sunset modes;

3x-5x optical zoom; 2.7-inch LCD; 28mm wide-angle lens; small selection of scene modes, such as panorama, beach, and sunset modes; $120: 8x optical zoom; 24mm wide-angle lens; smart auto mode (automatically determines the proper mode for the scene); digital or electronic image stabilization; larger selection of scene modes; includes help features or in-camera tips.

8x optical zoom; 24mm wide-angle lens; smart auto mode (automatically determines the proper mode for the scene); digital or electronic image stabilization; larger selection of scene modes; includes help features or in-camera tips. $160: 10x optical zoom; built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity; optical image stabilization; improved low-light performance.

10x optical zoom; built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity; optical image stabilization; improved low-light performance. $200: 12x optical zoom; stylish camera-body designs; 1080p full HD video; 3200 ISO; burst mode at 7 frames-per-second.

12x optical zoom; stylish camera-body designs; 1080p full HD video; 3200 ISO; burst mode at 7 frames-per-second. $250: 25x optical zoom; RAW still-photos.

25x optical zoom; RAW still-photos. $300-plus: 30x optical zoom; touchscreen and/or swiveling LCD; very good performance in low light; manual settings; burst mode of 10 frames per second; top ISO of 12,800 ISO.

Be sure to check out all of our camera picks:

Best cameras | Best DSLR cameras | Best action cameras | Best waterproof cameras | Best instant cameras | Best mirrorless cameras | Best cheap cameras | Best GoPro camera | Best GoPro accessories | Best drones | Best 360 cameras | Best iPhone lenses | Best iPhone tripods |DSLR vs. mirrorless | Best Nikon accessories | Best Sony a6000 accessories



The best apps and software for editing, managing, and sharing your photos:

Best photo organizer apps | Best photo storage sites | Best photo editing software | Best photo editing apps | Best photo collage apps
The best GPS trackers for kids become vital tools during the school year. Whether it's a tracker your children snaps onto their backpack or a watch worn on their list, these devices can let you know that your kids are getting to and from school safely. And with some devices, they're even able to send you an SOS if they run into problems.

But there are other times outside of school that the best GPS trackers come in handy. Should your child get lost in a crowd, you're able to pinpoint their location just by glancing at your phone. Trackers also give your children the freedom to roam freely, while giving parents a way to check on their whereabouts for that extra peace of mind.

The ideal tracker is easy to put on and keep on your kid, requiring you to do nothing more than clip something to a backpack or place a wearable device on your child's wrist. No matter what design you choose, a top GPS tracker should be easy to operate, with some devices capable of letting your kids send out alerts to you and other care-givers if there's trouble.

When we look for the best GPS trackers, we consider how easy a device is to use, how comfortable it is to wear and what kind of information it provides parents. We also look at the ongoing cost of kid trackers besides what you pay for the tracker itself, you generally need to also pay a monthly fee for network connectivity.

You may be thinking about trying out other options like a standard GPS tracker instead of one designed specifically for kids, but we'd caution against that. The best GPS trackers for kids are designed specifically to be worn and sometimes operated by children. Dedicated GPS trackers, such as the very accurate Spot Gen3 (opens in new tab), can be overwhelming for youngsters to use.

Likewise, we'd steer you away from using Apple's AirTag to track anything other than objects. That tracker's use of Ultra Wideband may make it tempting to use with kids or pets, but the range isn't as good as a dedicated people tracker; what's more, Apple discourages that kind of use case.

While our search looks at the best GPS trackers for kids, many of these devices work just as well if you're hoping to monitoring aging parents, particularly ones that are wearable. (You may have to turn to a variation on the tracker to get a more age-appropriate design.)

The best GPS trackers for kids you can buy today

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.

(Image credit: Jiobit)

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1. Jiobit Best GPS tracker for kids Specifications Monthly service cost: $9/month with two-year commitment, $13/month without contract Weight: 18 grams (0.63 ounce) Battery life: Up to one week Call/text support: No App support: iOS/Android Network: GPRS/EDGE/HSxPA 850/900/1850/1900/2100 transceivers Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Bluetooth connection to caregiver's phone, so you can see who your child is with + Shockproof, waterproof design Reasons to avoid - Device lacks SOS button - App doesn't include helpful features

Our pick for the best GPS tracker for keeping tabs on kids, pets and older adults has been the Jiobit (opens in new tab), which is small and light (2 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches, 0.6 ounces). A loop lets you attach the tracker to a backpack, shoe, belt loop, keychain or necklace, and we found we only had to charge it every five days or so.

The makers of Jiobit have rolled out a new version, the $129 Jiobit Next that promises better battery life and more accurate tracking, thanks to a new antenna design. Support for low-power wide area networks should help the Jiobit Next perform better in areas without great cellular coverage. We plan on testing the device.

As for the original Jiobit, with no screen, microphone or speaker, it feels very durable. It's shock-resistant and waterproof with an IPX8 rating  I doubt my 6-year-old could destroy it without a dedicated, sustained effort. We threw it on the ground, stepped on it and left it on the driveway during a rain shower, and it kept working just fine.

The best part for parents is how the Jiobit app for iOS (opens in new tab) and Android (opens in new tab) lets you know not only where your child is but also who she's with. If your child has multiple caregivers and they all use the Jiobit app, the tracker and the caregiver's phone will connect with Bluetooth whenever they're in range. That way, you can see in the app that your son left school at 3 p.m., accompanied by his dad, or his stepmom, or his babysitter, or whoever was supposed to pick him up.

Even better, you aren't notified when your child arrives at or leaves a trusted place with you. After all, you don't need a push notification to tell you that you just picked up your kid from school. But you do want a notification if she leaves school alone or with someone else. Trusted Places are easy to set up in the app, and you can choose to be notified when the tracker enters, leaves or both.

You add other caregivers to your Care Team by phone number. They'll receive a link over SMS (text) to download the Jiobit app, and when they set up an account, they enter their own phone number. Care Team members can choose to be notified when the Jiobit enters and leaves the trusted places you've set up, and they can see the Jiobit on the map and which caregiver is in range. They just can't set up additional trusted places or change any of the Jiobit's settings.

With a combination of Bluetooth, GPS/GLONASS and Wi-Fi, the Jiobit got a good signal indoors and outdoors  the app always found it within a second or two of launching. Tapping the top of the smartphone screen lets you enter tracking mode, where the location updates on the map as the tracker moves, leaving a track between points. Live tracking for long periods will wear down the Jiobit's battery, so the app asks you after 2 minutes if you want to keep tracking or go back to the map, which still refreshes every few seconds if the tracker is moving, just without creating a trail.

Even though Jiobit's app looks great, it could have a few more features. There's no History to show where the tracker has been during the day. The original Jiobit lacked an SOS button that your child could press if there's trouble, but the new version of Jiobit rectifies that omission.

If you're trying to locate the Jiobit, there's no augmented-reality view to guide you to its exact spot. But when you're paired by Bluetooth, you'll notice a little bar in the app that connects your photo, representing your phone, to your child's photo, representing the Jiobit. That bar grows longer or shorter based on how close you are, which can help you home in on the device. Then, you can tap the little bell icon, and the Jiobit will make a noise and flash its LED, in case you've lost it under the bed, for example.

The original Jiobit costs $149, with a service contract available for $14 a month. Sign up for two years of service and you lower the cost to $9 a month. (In either case, your first 30 days are free.) Additional Jiobit trackers can be added to either plan for $6 a month, with the same pricing for the device. The tracker uses AT&T's and T-Mobile's networks to send the GPS data.

The original Jiobit was the best GPS tracker for kids, with a long battery life and an easy-to-use app that make this device easy to recommend. We hope that the sequel lives up to the high standard this edition set. Check back for our updated review.

(Image credit: Lil Tracker)

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2. Lil Tracker 2G Kids' GPS Tracker Watch Best GPS watch for kids Specifications Monthly service cost: Bring your own SIM card, around $10/month depending on the carrier Weight: 1.5 ounces Battery life: 12 hours Call/text support: Yes App support: iOS/Android Network: GSM/GPRS quad-band Today's Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) View at LilTracker.com (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Two-way calling + One-way listening in + Low price, and bring-your-own-SIM plan adds flexibility Reasons to avoid - App is cluttered and hard to use - Needs to be recharged nightly

Before we delve into the Lil Tracker's merits as one of the best GPS tracker for kids, let's talk availability. The Lil Tracker can be hard to find on online retailer sites like Amazon, but you can always buy directly from Lil Tracker itself if you decide that this is the GPS tracker for you. We reviewed the 2G version of the Lil Tracker, but there's now a 4G version available for $129.

No matter the version, the Lil Tracker is a full-featured GPS watch aimed at kids, but it may be a little too full-featured once you get a look at the app. You have to provide your own SIM card (more on that in a bit), but that enables GPS tracking, as well as two-way voice calls, texts and one-way calls in which you can just listen to what's going on at your child's location.

Weighing only 1.5 ounces, the watch is light, with a comfortable silicone band and a metal buckle. It has a 1.2-inch color touch screen with a friendly animated monkey that accompanies the time display. It's rugged and splash-proof, and there's also a completely waterproof version for $20 more. Battery life depends on how much you use the device, of course, but the Lil Tracker is designed to last 12 hours; I had to recharge it every night.

The Lil Tracker stands out from other trackers with its two- and one-way calling. For two-way calls, you call the watch from the app on your smartphone; the watch accepts calls only from numbers you've authorized in the app. Kids can call those approved contacts too, by swiping and tapping the touch screen. Holding down the SOS button on the side of the watch will call up to three preprogrammed numbers, in order, until someone answers. (We reviewed the classic version of the Lil Tracker, but there's a waterproof version available for $20 more. As for seniors, there's a $99 version of the watch available in more mature colors.)

Calls between the watch and the app connected quickly in my tests. The sound quality was only so-so, but it was good enough for a quick check-in. My 6-year-old son could understand me just fine over the watch's speaker, but I sometimes had a hard time telling what he was saying when he was outdoors. When he was indoors and speaking right into the watch, the call sounded a lot better.

One-way calls, called "Sound Guardian" in the app's menu, are kind of like the Drop In feature on Amazon Echo devices. Parents use the app to call the watch, and they can hear what's going on around it, but the watch doesn't ring or make any indication that someone is listening in. This worked well: My son's watch called me right away, and I could tell he was at school  but he didn't know I was calling, so he didn't say anything to me. The sound quality was only so-so and varied based on ambient noise.

The app (which, weirdly, is called SeTracker2, not Lil Tracker, on iOS (opens in new tab) and Android (opens in new tab)) has a lot of other features, too. Some are a lot more important than others. Useful features include the ability to set multiple geofences, track route histories and remove detection alerts (though mine went off when my son took off the watch because his wrist was getting sweaty). The watch can track steps taken and distance, estimate calories burned and count how many times your child turns over in her sleep. (But the watch is pretty bulky to keep on at night, and you need to charge it overnight.) You can send text chats to the watch, including emoji if your child isn't a reader yet. They can't text you back, though.

Unfortunately, the app is riddled with spelling errors and messages that make no sense. (An item called Make Friends brings up a message that reads: "Note: app delete function only for friends to pay a single friend devices; devices can cross multiple friends need to device the end delete." Huh?) Time zone selection is confusing, as you have to calculate how far away you are from Greenwich Mean Time. And the app's main screen has a decorative banner above the map that flips through five images that don't add anything to the app  they're just distracting. Worse, though, is that the app often displays an actual full-screen ad upon launching, even if you're launching it by tapping a push notification.

When we reviewed Lil Tracker, the company didn't offer a package that included a SIM card or service for customers. That means you shop around for cheap service or turn to your carrier to add a connected device to your current wireless plan. That provides flexibility, but it also places the burden on you.

The Lil Tracker watch is passable  and affordable  but the app is disappointing and hampers the experience. It's too bad, because with an all-new app, the Lil Tracker would be a contender for the best GPS tracker for kids. The one-way calling, which lets you listen in on what's happening around your child, is a compelling feature for parents who want to know more than the kid's location.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

3. Apple Watch SE (2022) Best GPS tracker for older kids Specifications Monthly service cost: Varies by wireless carrier Weight: 26.4 grams (0.9 ounces) to 33 grams (1.1 ounces) Battery life: 18 hours Call/text support: Yes App support: iOS Network: LTE, UTMS, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.3 Today's Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Lower price than before + New low-power mode + Same processor as Apple Watch 8 Reasons to avoid - Thick bezels

The Apple Watch SE may not have been designed specifically as a GPS tracker for kids, but that's one of the features available to you. Set up the Apple Watch SE with Apple's Family Setup feature, and you can manage the watch for another person  a child, say, or even older parent. That lets you monitor locations from afar, and if you buy the cellular version of the watch, your child will be able to send texts and make calls, whether it's to check in or ask for help in an emergency. For that reason, we think the Apple Watch SE is one of the best GPS trackers for kids, particularly if you want tweens and teens to stay in contact with you.

Apple just updated the Apple Watch SE with a new version that's powered by a new processor  the same one found in the new Apple Watch Series 8, as a matter of fact. Apple uses an aluminum case for its watch, and you've got a choice of three colors  Silver, Midnight and Starlight. For the 2022 version, Apple makes the bottom casing out of nylon composite materials that are color-matched to the bezel.

As with previous watches, the latest Apple Watch SE can deliver 18 hours of battery life, which should let your child get through the day before needing to recharge at night. For those times when you need to squeeze out more battery life, a new low-power mode turns off power-draining features. In our testing, low-power mode allowed us to get more than 24 hours of use out of the Apple Watch SE. That gets the Apple Watch SE's battery performance a lot closer to that of a dedicated GPS tracker for kids.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

You can opt for a more expensive Apple Watch like the Series 8, which comes equipped with more sensors such as ECG, a blood oxygen reader and a new skin temperature sensor. But the Apple Watch SE (2022) costs much less than the Apple Watch 8, especially after Apple cut the starting price of the new model to $249. (The cellular-connected version of the Apple Watch SE starts at $299.) While you have to give up more sophisticated sensors found on other models, the Apple Watch SE still can count steps and monitor heart rate. And the best Apple Watch deals may help you find even more savings, especially if Black Friday deals drop prices on Apple's current watches.

Even with the changes made to the new model, the Apple Watch SE won't be an ideal solution for everyone who just wants basic tracking features. But for older kids who balk at some of the less sophisticated looks of dedicated trackers or for older parents who need to be monitored, the Apple Watch SE (2022) continues to deliver a nice blend of fashion and functionality.

Read our full Apple Watch SE (2022) review.

How to choose the best GPS tracker for kids

Here are the criteria we consider when determining the best GPS tracker for kids.

Features: In addition to tracking location, many GPS devices offer a multitude of features, including one- and two-way calling and the ability to set up geofenced zones that alert you when your child has left a designated area. We look at which devices went beyond the basics and how those features were implemented.

Performance: You want a GPS tracker that accurately displays a person's location, with frequent updates when he or she is on the move. We took note of how accurately each device pinpointed our location. We've found that generally trackers work better in wide-open locations, with less accurate signals when we tested in dense downtown areas.

Design: We considered the size of the GPS tracker and whether it was something a child could easily carry around. We also looked at durability: Could the device withstand rough-and-tumble trips to the playground?

Ease of use: We wanted to find devices that were easy enough for a small child to use, certainly, but also ones that wouldn't give mom or dad fits during the setup and activation process. Here's one universal tip: Make sure to activate your GPS tracker in as wide of an open space as possible  not from inside a building. Trackers hate being enclosed, especially at the beginning.

Price: In addition to paying up front for a GPS tracker, there are monthly service fees. We considered what each GPS tracker will cost you on a monthly basis and whether you're required to sign a service contract. We also note when GPS trackers include the cost of service in the initial price tag, such as offering the first year of service for free.

Security: Check what security protocols your GPS tracker follows. And when setting up the device, make sure to change any default passwords or user names.

How we test GPS trackers for kids

In the past few years, we've tested a half-dozen kid-friendly GPS trackers; initially we also tested alongside a trio of generic GPS trackers. (Some of the kid trackers we initially tested are no longer available, as they relied on AT&T's since-discontinued 2G network; we've removed reviews of those products from this guide for the best GPS tracker for kids.) We conducted tests in both New York and the San Francisco Bay Area, using trackers to follow young children both from afar and to find them in a crowd.

To see what each tracker offers, we enable all push notifications and test all voice features, except for ones that would trigger 911 emergency calls. We also keep an eye on how the batteries in each device held up as we traveled from spot to spot.

We go through the companion apps for each tracker, taking note of the features that are available and testing them with the GPS tracker itself. We also research the monthly service cost for each tracker we review.

Do these GPS trackers for kids also work for seniors and pets?

Kids aren't the only members of your family that you may want to keep tabs on. Trackers can also help you be aware of where seniors and pets are. And as you might imagine, the companies that make the best GPS trackers for kids also have devices better suited for older members of the family or pets that might run off.

In the case of Jiobit's tracker  both the original version and the Jiobit Next  it looks neutral enough so that either kids or grandparents can wear it without standing out, and so Jiobit sells the same device at the same price for people of all ages. For pets, Jiobit includes a fabric pouch attachment that can fasten onto a pet collar, but the tracker and service plan cost the same.

As noted above, Lil Tracker's watch for seniors comes in a more conservative black color and costs a little more than the version for children, at least for the 2G version of the tracker. 4G Lil Tracker watches costs $129 for seniors and children alike. The company has a version of its tracker for pets, but it's listed as sold out as of this writing.

The Apple Watch SE (2022) has a stylish design that appeals to seniors, and the LTE version of that smartwatch costs the same no matter who's wearing it.

If you're interested in reviews of dedicated products for pets, our sister site PetsRadar looks at the best pet trackers (opens in new tab) for cats and dogs.
Google is reportedly working on the next version of its Pixel smartphone. And although the rumors about what's in store for the Pixel 2 are hard to come by, some loyal fans have imagined what the smartphone should offer.

(Image credit: mckblee/Reddit)

A Google Pixel fan who goes by the handle mckblee on Reddit has uploaded a mock-up of what the Pixel 2 might look like. The rendering isn't based on any major rumor or confirmation from Google; instead they're a nod to existing smartphone designs and a hope at what the Google Pixel 2 might offer when it arrives this fall.

MORE: Get Ready for the Google Pixel XXL

The mckblee rendering, which was spotted by BGR, shows both white and black versions of the Google Pixel 2. The design depicts a phone with a display that covers nearly its entire face, save for an area at the top that would house the earpiece and front-facing camera. That would have the Pixel 2 following a popular trend among phone makers, as both LG and Samsung have introduced expanded displays with the G6 and Galaxy S8, respectively, and Apple reportedly doing the same with the iPhone 8.

The Pixel in Mckblee's render doesn't feature curved edges, so that would be a departure from the Galaxy S8's look.

The back of the phone in the render retains the rear fingerprint sensor found in the current Pixel. However, this mock-up includes a dual-lens camera that would be horizontally aligned and offer a dual flash. Dual rear cameras have become a popular feature on smartphones, from high-priced flagships like the iPhone 7 Plus to midrange models like the OnePlus 5. Samsung will reportedly add a dual lens to the back of its Note 8 phablet later this year.

Again, everything in this design springs from mckblee's imagination. For its part, Google has remained tight-lipped on its plans for the Pixel 2. However, the company is rumored to be working with LG on the new handset and could unveil and release the device in October.

The Google Pixel 2 is expected to come with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or 836 processor. It might also offer an improved camera over last year's model and fast-charging capabilities. It's unknown whether Google will modify the smartphone's design, but one rumor has the company introducing three versions with different screen sizes; another rumor suggest Google will stick with two Pixels, but make the screen larger on the successor to the 5.5-inch XL.
The United Nations Information Center for the Gulf Countries (UNIC Manama) in collaboration with a group of volunteers (Helm Insan) and several centers and associations specialized in charity, health and social work in Bahrain will commemorate the International Day of Yoga today (June 21) at the Saar Mall.



Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. Yoga uses breathing techniques, exercise and meditation to help offer a healthy and balanced life.



The event, being held under the auspices of Faeqa bint Saeed Al-Saleh, Minister of Health, will kick off at 9pm in the presence of officials from various ministries and organizations across the kingdom.



"The theme for the 2017 celebration is 'Yoga for Health' which highlights the fact that yoga can contribute in a holistic way to achieving balance between mind and body," remarked Samir Aldarabi, the director of UNIC Manama.



"Bahraini Yoga Therapy specialist Prof Fatima Al Mansoori has contributed immensely for the event which will see the largest gathering of community groups/civil societies in Bahrain," he stated.



The program is intended to engage a large number of groups and civil societies including the Bahrain Mobility International, MS society, Islamic association, Abdulrahma Kanoo Social Parents Club and many others.



Aldarabi said Yoga can make a direct and useful contribution to sustainable development and help everyone move towards a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature.



Aldarabi added that the celebration will bring together a large audience from different segments of society and thereby send a message that any sustainable development activity or action should leave no one behind.



It is my mission to spread the benefits of Yoga and share knowledge with the community. Since the UN declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, my focus has been on organizing press conferences and engaging with high ranked dignitaries and officials during the celebrations in order to create maximum awareness," stated Prof Al Mansoori, Yoga Therapist at the BDF Hospital Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Center.



"Over the past years, we have succeeded in creating a movement and gaining recognition and support. This year, the event will be geared towards engaging with the community, of all ages and all conditions as Yoga is for everyone she added.



The event will feature a seminar, a Yoga session and a Meditation session. In addition, there will be an expo that will include Health & wellness services, organic and herbal products, and free wellness consultations. Aster medical center will also be offering free health check and blood tests.-TradeArabia News Service


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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.
Militants launched 35 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO press center.

In Mariupol direction, militants shelled Ukrainian troops 14 times. They used grenade launchers and small arms of various calibers to attack Ukrainian positions near Vodiane, Talakivka, Hnutove, Marinka and Krasnohorivka. The enemy also shelled ATO positions near Starohnativka using 82mm mortars.

In Donetsk direction, militants shelled Ukrainian troops 6 times. In particular, they used 125mm tank guns near Kamyanka and Opytne, and grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, tanks near Pisky. Also, the enemy fired at ATO troops near Avdiivka using 120mm mortars, and grenade launchers, heavy machine guns  near Zaitseve.

In Luhansk direction, militants used banned artillery near Krymske and Tryokhizbenka, and 82mm mortars near Novozvanivka and Troitske. The Ukrainian positions also came under fire near Novozvanivka, Stanytsia Luhanska, Valuiske and Zhovte.

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Iraq 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.

"The ban on poultry imports from Ukraine to Iraq has been lifted, according to a report from the director general of the relevant agency of the veterinary medicine of the Republic of Iraq, reads the report.

A reminder that the ban on poultry exports from Ukraine was introduced by Iraq, Hong Kong, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates in connection with outbreaks of avian influenza.

Qatar earlier lifted the ban on the exports of poultry products from Ukraine.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko says that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have assured Ukraine of further support for the reform program aimed at sustainable economic growth in the country.

The Ukrainian President stated this at a press briefing on Wednesday following meetings in the US Congress, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Meetings were held with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, where we discussed the support of the International Monetary Fund for the reform program [in Ukraine]," Poroshenko noted.

He also added he held talks with World Bank President Jim Jong Kim. In particular, President Poroshenko praised the adoption of the strategic document of cooperation for 2017-2021 aimed to support the Ukrainian reforms.

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Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic Yevhen Perebyinis says that the Speaker of the Czech Parliament will visit Ukraine in early July.

He stated this in an interview with Ukrinform

A visit of the head of the Czech Parliament to Ukraine is expected in early July, the ambassador said.

He specified that the Czech Republic celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Zboriv battle and the delegation will visit Zboriv in Ternopil region, where the speaker will take part in commemorative events.

In general, since the end of 2016, five Czech ministers visited Ukraine: ministers of culture, agriculture, foreign affairs, defense, industry and trade. Also, the visit of the Prime Minister is being considered, which may take place after the parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday has said it will issue a final verdict in a controversial case against an environmentalist from Koh Kong province who was found guilty of forestry crimes last year.

Ven Vorn, who has campaigned against the China-funded Stung Cheay Areng Hydropower dam project, was found guilty of collecting forestry products without legal permission in March 2016.

The decision was upheld by the Appeals Court in September of the same year.

Vorn denied he had broken the law during the hearing on Wednesday, saying he bought small amounts of timber from local timber merchants to construct a visitor center in the valley.

During the hearing, where reporters were barred from recording proceedings or taking photographs, Vorns lawyer, Tith Thero, was interrupted by Judge Kim Sathavy.

Thero made the case that Vorn had not broken any forestry laws as the timber was purchased for public use. He called on the court to throw out the case.

The prosecution repeated calls for the verdict to be upheld. Sathavy said the verdict would be announced on June 28.

I didnt commit any crimes because I bought wood for communal use, not for my personal interest, meaning its for the general public. The budget I got was not mine; it was a community budget, said Vorn.

In Kongchet, provincial coordinator for local human rights group Licadho, said he was confident that Vorn was innocent and had not broken any laws.

Hes innocent, a good man, and has not committed any crimes, he said. First, he didnt have bad intentions. Second, he is honest with his community, working to develop his indigenous Chorng minority community in the Areng Valley.
Muslim communities in Britain are calling for authorities to do more to tackle violence by right-wing extremists, following Mondays attack outside Londons Finsbury Park mosque. One person died and at least 11 were injured when the suspect  a 47-year-old white man  drove his vehicle into a crowd of worshippers. Henry Ridgwell reports from the British capital.
A booming plastics and packaging industry in Asia  including China  is being driven by rising incomes and consumption, with analysts saying a growing middle class will add to the rise in plastics demand across the region. But it comes along with a rising environmental alarm over plastic pollution in rivers and oceans.

Online plastics industry websites paint a picture of growth and trade and investment worth billions of dollars to Asian economies.

Robust plastics industry

China has been a regional leader in plastics production rising over the past six decades to capture more than a 20 percent share of global plastics production. Southeast Asia accounts for a further 20 percent of global output.

Economists at Australias ANZ Bank say global plastics consumption has roughly tripled over the past 20 years.

In developing markets, population growth, rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing lifestyles will drive this demand even further, particularly for plastic packaging, building and construction, automotive and health care industries, they said in a recent report.

Vietnam has reported an average growth of 18 percent in the plastics industry, with bags a leading export.

Within the 10 member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plastics and plastic products netted the region almost $40 billion in export revenues in 2013.

Thailand is a regional leader in plastics per capita consumption of plastics at 40 kilograms. Malaysia reports 35 kilograms per person and Indonesia is at 17 kilograms per person.



Bad for environment

But the plastics and food packaging industries have a dark side. Plastic pollution in rivers and oceans has at times creating floating islands, and with floating debris and micro-plastics ingested by marine life.

In February, United Nations Environment declared war on plastics pollution, launching an unprecedented campaign targeting sources of marine litter, micro-plastics in cosmetics and excessive waste of single-use plastics by 2022.

A research paper published in the Nature Communications journal by the Ocean Cleanup  a Dutch Foundation, said between 1.15 and 2.41 million metric tons of plastic waste entered the oceans each year. The top 20 polluting rivers, mostly in Asia, account for 67 percent of the global total, the journal read.

Chinas Yangtze River reported considerably higher plastic concentrations than any other sampled river worldwide dumping 330,000 metric tons of plastic into the East China Sea. Indias Ganges river is also of major concern to environmentalists.

The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently warned unless steps are taken to curb the pollution, plastics could outweigh fish by 2050.

Environmentalists estimate more than eight million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean, impacting ecosystems, killing around one million sea birds, some 100,000 sea mammals and millions of fish.

A U.N. Oceans Conference in early June called on nations to take steps on plastics consumption with China, Thailand, and Indonesia and the Philippines committing to reduce plastics consumption.



Thailand's difficult task

Penchom Saetang, director of Thaibased Ecological Alert and Recovery Thailand (EARTH), said reducing Thai consumption of plastics will be a challenge.

In my opinion, its very difficult because the Thai people are very familiar with the easy going way, easy to use plastics because in Thailand, Thailand is a country that consumers  we have a lot of food and we need plastic bags in every aspect of consumption. So to decrease the plastic is very, very difficult, Penchom told VOA.

The government in Bangkok has sent out a 20 year strategy for tackling the problem.

But Greenpeace Thailand director, Tara Buakamsri, said although the Thai government has set out a plastic debris management plan, they should now focus on specific goals.

On the one hand they are looking at a very holistic approach on how to deal with plastic waste. In the other hand they are missing something that is very important  they dont have a specific target for reduction. It has to set a very ambitious target for this but they maybe its something I see missing from the plan, Tara said.

Food industry

New Zealand based environmental activist Anna Dawson spent three months in the Philippines in 2016. She cycled 2,000 kilometers on a bamboo bike scouring and cleaning beaches of plastics and supporting local communities to reduce plastics use.

Dawson says the food industry should be a target to reduce plastics use.

The change has to start with food and how we go about eating food  that was probably from the beach cleanups the most clear statistic that came through whether it be compostable packaging or just encouraging people to eat more fresh fruit and veggies  market shopping instead of supermarket shopping, Dawson told VOA.

Dawson said government policies should focus on reducing plastics production.
Authorities in Belgium said Thursday police have detained four people in connection with the investigation into the foiled bomb attack at a Brussels train station.

The federal prosecutors office said the detentions were part of raids in Brussels, including in the Molenbeek neighborhood. There were no details about how the four people might be linked to the attack.

Prosecutors office spokesman Eric Van der Sypt earlier identified the suspect in Tuesdays attack as a 36-year-old Moroccan native with the initials O.Z. who may have supported the Islamic State militant group.

The suspect had not been previously linked to terrorism, but Van der Sypt said investigators found indications he had sympathies for the terrorist organization IS.

Chemicals and other materials that can be used to make explosives were found in his home, where Van der Sypt said the suspect probably made the bomb.

The device hidden in a suitcase failed to fully detonate and did not injure anyone.

Soldiers shot the attacker, who died at the site.

Brussels has been on high alert for more than 18 months since Islamic State militants based in the city carried out attacks in Paris that killed 130 people in November 2015. In March of last year, attacks on the Brussels airport and on the citys metro system killed 32 people.

Two suicide bombers killed 16 people at the Brussels airport and moments later a suicide bomb at Brussels Maelbeek subway station killed another 16 on March 22.
The British government is being urged to do more to tackle violence by right-wing extremists, following the attack outside Londons Finsbury Park mosque in the early hours of Monday morning.



One person died and at least 11 were injured when 47-year-old Darren Osborne from Wales drove his van into a crowd of worshippers, reportedly shouting, "I want to kill all Muslims." He was pulled from the vehicle and held by members of the public until police arrived.



Just two days earlier, activist Fiyaz Mughal had addressed worshippers at the same mosque warning them of the dangers of attacks. He told VOA that authorities are failing to recognize the danger.



I think the government has been slow in seeing the threat that is also emanating from some of those sources, which repeatedly daily pump out anti-Muslim rhetoric, which in a way creates the environment for the potential for violence, he said.



Mughal founded the organization Tell Mama, which collates and reports attacks on Muslims. The website lists recent incidents: physical violence, windows smashed, bacon left on cars, a bag of vomit thrown at a Muslim driver. It says anti-Muslim hate crimes have increased fivefold since the Islamist terror attack in Manchester last month.



It has social impacts, it certainly has mental health and emotional impacts, and it creates this them and us thinking, which is particularly problematic and in some cases dangerous because extremists play on that, said Mughal.



The London mosque attack came almost exactly one year after a terrorist with extreme right views killed British MP Jo Cox. The number of right-wing extremists flagged to the governments anti-terror Prevent program has soared by 30 percent, according to British media reports. Terror expert Paul Jackson of the University of Northampton said Islamist and extreme right terrorism must be addressed in different ways.

Especially the way the Prevent agenda in the UK is very focused on tackling Islamist extremism and is using that as a way to tackle the far-right and the extreme right and the issues that it poses  I think it still needs to be looked at.



Critics blame conservative media and politicians for stoking tensions against Muslim communities. Jackson said the link is difficult to pin down.



My sense is that theres got to be some sort of relationship between wider mainstream perspectives that seem to be normalizing very extreme attitudes towards Muslim people.



The opposition Labour party has called for an overhaul of the Prevent program  while the government insists it is committed to tackling all forms of terror.
A massive suicide car bomb blast in Afghanistans southern Helmand province Thursday killed at least 34 people and wounded more than 60 others.



Witnesses said soldiers and government employees had gathered outside the New Kabul Bank in the provincial capital of Lashkargah to collect their salaries when the bomber struck them.

A provincial government spokesman, Omar Zwak, told VOA some of the wounded are in critical condition. He added that civilian and military personnel were among the victims.



The deadly bombing came ahead of Sundays Eid festival, which marks the end of the holy Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying it killed more than 80 Afghan forces and intelligence operatives.

A spokesman for the Islamist insurgency, Mohammad Yousaf Ahmadi, said the bombing was carried out on a day when the bank entertains only security forces and civilians are not allowed to enter the facility.



Brig. General Roger Turner, commander of the U.S.-led Task Force Southwest, condemned the bombing. "This cowardly attack targeted innocent people as they lined up to get their salaries in preparation for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations," Turner said.

"Once again, the enemy has shown complete disregard for innocent civilians with an indiscriminate attack, causing death and suffering."



Helmand, a major opium poppy producing center, is the largest Afghan province where most of the territory is controlled or influenced by the Taliban.



Security Council briefing



The attack came a day after the United Nations Security Council in New York was briefed on Afghanistan's security and political situation.



The U.N. representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, said at Wednesday's meeting that the Taliban is gaining ground and stressed the urgency of a genuine peace process with the insurgents.

"The path of peace must be pursued through negotiations and not through violence," Yamamoto said.

He urged the Taliban to enter peace talks with Kabul without pre-conditions.

"The [Afghan] government, neighboring countries and other key players should reinforce the message that the Taliban can be a part of Afghanistans future and its political and social fabric, said Yamamoto.



The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, he noted, has brought underlying political tensions in the government to the surface and "the broad political consensus was fraying."



Government under pressure



President Ashraf Ghanis national unity government is under pressure from coalition partners and opposition politicians to step down in the wake of increasing violence.

The political fault lines that emerged are increasingly along an ethnic basis, which is particularly worrying at a time when the Islamic State is attempting to provoke sectarian strife in the country through attacks against Shia Muslims, noted Yamamoto.

The latest insurgent attack came on a day when the Afghan election commission announced that long-delayed parliamentary and district council elections will be held in the first week of July, 2018.

The Independent Election Commission chief, Najibullah Ahmadzai, called on the government to provide required finances for the democratic exercise.

A lack of reforms and controversial appointments to the election commission have been among major causes for the delay in the election process.
Event organizer Lobsang Wangyal has to travel overseas often, but as a Tibetan refugee born in India, he did not have a passport and sometimes had to wait days to get the mandatory permits every time he went abroad.

So Wangyal, whose parents fled Tibet as teenagers, went to court to demand his right to an Indian passport.

In response to his petition, the Delhi High Court said authorities must abide by an earlier ruling that all Tibetans born in India between January 1950 and July 1987 are Indian citizens by birth, and can be issued passports.

The order came into effect in March, and Wangyal got his Indian passport shortly thereafter, using it to go to Thailand.

For the first time, he was spared the additional scrutiny that his documents always got from immigration officials.

"I feel like a real person now, having obtained a passport," said Wangyal, 47, who was born in a Tibetan settlement in eastern Odisha state and now lives in the hill town Dharamsala.

"Tibetans are seen as refugees and as stateless in India. Being seen that way after having been born and lived our whole lives in India is unfair and impractical," he said.

'Emotional turmoil'

Tibetans have been seeking asylum in India since the Dalai Lama fled Lhasa in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese occupation.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has since lived mostly in Dharamsala in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, where his supporters run a small government in exile and advocate for autonomy for Tibet by peaceful means.

More than 100,000 Tibetans live in 39 formal settlements and dozens of informal communities across India. They generally arrive via Nepal, after a perilous trek across the Himalayas.

The Indian government has funded schools to provide free education for Tibetans, and reserved seats in medical and engineering colleges. Those eligible can get voter identification cards.

But Tibetans do not have citizenship rights, which limits their access to government jobs and freedom of movement within and outside India. They cannot own land or property.

In some states, they cannot get driving licenses or bank loans. Those without identity documents are at risk of harassment, arrests and deportation to China.

"The status of statelessness is demoralizing and frustrating. There's a lot of emotional turmoil," said Tenzin Tselha, an activist with Students for a Free Tibet, whose father served in the Indian army.

"Sometimes I eat rice and daal [lentils] more than thukpa [Tibetan noodle soup], but I never feel Indian; I am Tibetan. It drains my energy, this struggle to always prove who I am and where I am from," she said.

Foreigners by law

India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which spells out refugee rights and state responsibilities to protect them.

Nor does it have a domestic law to protect the more than 200,000 refugees it currently hosts, including Tibetans, Sri Lankans, Afghans, Bangladeshis and Rohingyas from Myanmar. They are all considered foreigners by law.

Tibetan refugees get "enough rights and benefits," and not everyone wants citizenship, said Sonam Norbu Dagpo, a spokesman for the Central Tibetan Administration, the government in exile.

"Even those Tibetan refugees who qualify for Indian citizenship do not apply for citizenship," he said.

While the number of refugees across the world has risen in recent years, the number of Tibetans arriving in India has fallen significantly since 2008, following a crackdown by China, which considers Tibet a renegade province.

Only 87 Tibetans registered in Dharamsala in 2015, compared with about 2,500 each year before 2008.

"India's policy towards refugees has always been dictated by geopolitical compulsions," said Saurabh Bhattacharjee, a professor at the National University of Juridical Sciences in Kolkata.

But beyond ensuring basic protections and civic amenities for all refugees, India must consider the status of Tibetan refugees more carefully, he said.

"Will they always remain refugees," he said, "or should they be given some sort of permanent resident status, as they have been here for so long and have little chance of being repatriated?"

More rights

Recent court orders and the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy of 2014 promise more rights and benefits.

The policy proposes, for the first time, to give refugees welfare benefits on par with Indians, subsidies for some college courses, more job options and greater ease in getting documents.

It does not address property ownership, getting government jobs, or traveling freely within and outside India.

But the issue of rights and citizenship is also an emotional one that divides the community.

"I don't think it's important to have citizenship rights or to have an Indian passport," said Dorjee Tsering, 28, who works in a store in Dharamsala selling Free Tibet T-shirts and sweatshirts. "We may face some problems, but we should sacrifice a little to preserve our heritage and identity."

But for Wangyal, who fought for a passport, more rights are necessary.

"I would like the right to own property. A little house and a small business would be good to live a decent life," he said. "Tibetans will fight on for Free Tibet, but at the same time we have to live our lives now."
Rights groups warn that rulers across the Middle East are stepping up efforts to silence political dissent, detaining journalists, shuttering newspapers and blocking news sites.

Egypt added seven sites to its blacklist last weekend, including Turkey's Hurriyet Daily News, bringing to 103 the number of its blocked news sites, according the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, a nonprofit watchdog group in Egypt founded by lawyers. The group said the clampdown constituted "a clear attack on the media" and was aimed at suppressing opponents and criticism.

The latest crackdown in Egypt started in May when the country's official news agency reported the government had ordered internet service providers to block access to 21 news sites, alleging they supported terrorism or were reporting false news.

The association said that so far, the government has failed "to disclose any judicial or administrative decision to block sites" and has not even officially announced it is doing so.

News platforms associated with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood are among the sites blocked, including Ikhwan Online and Egypt-based Al-Sharq television, but the clampdown is ranging far beyond Islamist-associated outlets. The respected investigative news platform Mada Masr, the English-language Daily News and the Huffington Post's Arab-language edition are being blocked.

Al Jazeera draws anger

Also being blocked is Al Jazeera, the Qatari international broadcaster that Saudi Arabia has long pressured Doha to curb. Al Jazeera also has attracted the anger of authorities elsewhere. In early June, Jordan closed Al Jazeera's bureau in Amman, stripping it of its operating license.

Last week, it emerged that Israel was considering closing the Jerusalem bureau of Al Jazeera. One of the drivers of the current diplomatic standoff between Qatar and its neighbors, which has seen Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain impose a blockade on Qatar, is anger over Al Jazeera's freewheeling reporting outside Qatar. This has been confirmed by Western and Arab diplomats.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia accuse Al Jazeera of being supportive of Islamists and not critical enough of Iran. The news outlet's defenders say the real motivation fueling anger toward Al Jazeera is the fear that it prompts the Arab publics to question their rulers and encourages dissent, at least beyond the borders of Qatar.

International reporting on the increasingly restrictive media environment in the Middle East often focuses on Al Jazeera, but according to Arab journalists, press freedom in the Middle East is more restricted generally now than it was even in the years leading up the Arab Spring of 2011.

The Federation of Arab Journalists in May released a 200-page report surveying the worsening situation in 17 countries, blaming governments, owners and religious institutions for the curtailing of press freedom and the intimidation of reporters. Several dozen Egyptian journalists and bloggers are in jail, either detained pending investigation and trial or sentenced already.

Some analysts lament what they see as a muting of international criticism of the media crackdowns, arguing that Western governments seem willing to turn a blind eye to the excesses of authoritarian rulers in the interest of stability in the region.

Turkish efforts

One exception has been Turkey. European Union governments have expressed alarm at what they see as a concerted effort by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan to control journalists.

Most of the criticism has focused on the detention and prosecution of Turkish journalists and the government's seizure of newspapers and broadcasters that criticize its policies. The crackdown has expanded dramatically since last year's attempted coup.

This week, Erdogan dismissed allegations that journalists are being detained, insisting no one is jailed for journalism. He said on June 18 that "according to information from our [Justice] Ministry, only two of 177 people who are in prison and declared their profession as journalism have yellow press cards [officially accrediting them as journalists]. One of those 177 is in prison for murder, while the rest are in because of their ties to terrorist organizations."

Human rights groups accuse Turkey of jailing more journalists than any other country in the world. Erdogan's remarks were dismissed as disingenuous by media advocates, who say the government decides who gets press cards, and not having one doesn't mean someone isn't a journalist. The government has canceled dozens of press cards.

"The imprisoned journalists are [in prison] because they practiced journalism, chased the news, searched for the truth. Anything else is empty words," said Pinar Turenc, head of the country's Press Council.
European Union leaders open a two-day summit in Brussels Thursday to address everything from Britain's planned exit from the regional economic bloc to the resurging economy.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's remarks at the two-day meeting are expected to include reassurances about the futures of the three million citizens of other EU countries currently living in Britain.

Together with the future of more than 1 million British citizens living elsewhere in the EU, the issue is one of the major topics the two sides must agree on as part of negotiations that began earlier this week.

After May speaks Thursday night, the rest of the leaders will meet without her to discuss their side of the Brexit process that was triggered by a British referendum one year ago and is set to finish by the end of March 2019.

The EU summit will also tackle migration, renewing sanctions against Russia and efforts to combat online extremism.
The president of the European Parliament said Europe needs to be pragmatic in dealing with Britain following the country's decision to leave the bloc, but urged cooperation in future dealings.

The U.K. will leave the European Union not Europe. This is important to pave the way also for good relations after the separation, Antonio Tajani, the EU Parliament's President said Thursday at a gathering of European leaders in Brussels.

EU leaders opened a two-day summit Thursday in Brussels to address everything from Britain's planned exit, along with terrorism, migration and other issues facing Europe.

May looks to future

British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters prior to the summit she was looking forward to constructive negotiations. She said the talks Thursday would focus on the way British citizens living in the EU and EU citizens living in Britain will be affected by Britain's exit.

Today I'm going to be setting out some of the U.K.'s plans particularly on how we propose to protect the rights of EU citizens and U.K. citizens as we leave the European Union, May said.

European Union chief Donald Tusk said the remaining 27 EU nations are ready to choose new locations for the Europe-wide agencies currently headquartered in Britain.

France to work with Germany

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to work together with Germany to relaunch the European project as member-states argued over how to manage refugees after Britain leaves the union.

Europe is not, to my mind, just an idea. It's a project, an ambition, he said, noting that France is working hand-in-hand with Germany to implement the refugee resettlement plan.

Tajani, in his opening remarks, called it vital that Europe devise a solution to the current migration crisis affecting Europe. He said Europe needs to do more to stem the tide of migrants traveling to Europe from sub-Saharan Africa through Libya.

So we've got to strengthen the stability of Libya and help this country as the prime minister asked yesterday, but also act in sub-Saharan Africa, he said.
An estimated 2,500 mourners gathered Thursday to remember Otto Warmbier, the American college student who died this week after being held for nearly a year-and-a-half in a North Korean prison.

In Warmbier's home state of Ohio, the mourners - among them friends and family - attended his funeral at his former high school. Warmbier was to be buried at a Cincinnati cemetery.

Warmbier was sentenced to hard labor in North Korea after being convicted of attempting to steal a propaganda poster from a hotel in Pyongyang.

The 22-year-old was medically evacuated to the United States last week with severe brain damage.

Ohio Senator Rob Portman spoke at the funeral, calling Warmbier an amazing young man and saying Warmbier should not have been detained.

"This process has been a window into both evil, and love and good. Today we're seeing the good, and the love that will be expressed through this outpouring of support for Otto and his family," Portman said.

President Donald Trump said he was running out of patience with the North Korean regime. He called Warmbier's treatment a "total disgrace" and described the North Korean government as a brutal regime that doesn't "respect the rule of law or basic human decency."

A piece of legislation meant to curb American travel into North Korea got a boost in Congress on Thursday when House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, a California Republican, agreed to move the bill through his committee.

The bill, introduced late last month by Representatives Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, and Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, would ban tourist travel to North Korea and require a license from the Treasury Department for any other travel to North Korea.

"The tragic murder of Otto Warmbier at the hands of the North Korean government has made it clear that it is past time that we restrict tourist travel to communist, totalitarian North Korea," Wilson said. "I am grateful that Chairman Ed Royce has committed to marking up this important legislation soon, and look forward to having it debated in the House Foreign Affairs Committee."
German lawmakers on Thursday approved a plan to annul the convictions of thousands of gay men sentenced for homosexuality under a Nazi-era law that remained in force after World War II.

The parliament's lower house voted unanimously for the bill, which calls for canceling convictions under what's known as Paragraph 175.

The legislation criminalizing homosexuality was introduced in the 19th century, toughened under Nazi rule and retained in that form in both East and West Germany. In all, more than 68,000 people were convicted under various forms of Paragraph 175 in both German states before it was scrapped in 1994.

The vote Thursday also foresees compensation of $3,340 for each conviction, plus $1,670 for every year of jail time.

An estimated 5,000 of those found guilty under the statute are still alive.

In addition to individual compensation, the government plans to give an annual $557,500 in funding to a foundation that is documenting the stories of men convicted under Paragraph 175.

In October, the British government announced that thousands of men convicted under now-abolished laws outlawing homosexuality would receive posthumous pardons, while those still alive will be eligible to have their criminal records wiped clean.
Japanese authorities said Thursday they have obtained a data recording device from a container ship to help determine why it collided with a U.S. destroyer, killing seven American sailors.



Japanese transport safety officials said they obtained the voyage data recorder, similar to an airplane's "black box," from the Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal, which is currently docked in Yokohama near Tokyo.

Investigators are examining the ship's movements, including its location, direction, speed and other data to determine the cause of its collision with the USS Fitzgerald early Saturday off Izu Peninsula, west of Tokyo.



"By analyzing the data, we should be able to determine the circumstances of how it crashed," Transport Safety Board spokesman Katsunori Takahashi said.



The safety board is focusing on the cause of the collision and the lessons to be learned, while Japan's coast guard is investigating possible professional negligence in the accident.



U.S. Navy and Coast Guard officials are investigating the destroyer at its home port, Yokosuka naval base.
Islamic State fighters on Wednesday blew up Mosuls Grand Mosque of al-Nuri, one of Iraqs most important architectural and religious landmarks, as security forces closed in on the historic site, according to Iraqi and U.S. commanders.

They dismissed claims by IS propagandists accusing coalition warplanes of destroying the mosque where jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his 2014 declaration announcing his caliphate after his forces took over significant portions of Iraq and Syria.

This past week, U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have been pushing deeper into the last remaining redoubts held by IS militants in Iraqs second city and had hoped to seize the mosque in time for Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival is due to begin in Iraq June 25 or 26.

Historical crime

Gen. Abdulamir Yarallah, overall commander of the Mosul offensive, described the destruction of the mosque as a historical crime, accusing IS militants of intentionally blowing up the medieval mosque as his forces closed in on the building.

U.S. commanders joined their Iraqi counterparts in denying the IS accusation and lamenting the loss of a mosque that dates back to the 12th century, and whose leaning al-Hadba minaret earned the city the nickname the humpback.

As our Iraqi Security Force partners closed in on the al-Nuri mosque, ISIS destroyed one of Mosul and Iraqs great treasures, said Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.

He added: This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated. The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS.

Footage of the explosion that engulfed the mosque, and shared widely on social media sites, would appear to indicate a ground blast. There were no signs of shells or missiles striking the building.

For both sides fighting for control of Mosul, the mosque held huge symbolic importance. Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zangi, a Turkic ruler of Mosul and Aleppo, ordered that the mosque be built two years before his death in 1172. He was revered by jihadists for his opposition to Shia Islam and for waging war against Christians during his 28-year reign.

One of his lieutenants, Saladin, who succeeded him, went on to capture Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187 and to lay the foundations of the Ayyubid empire.

When al-Baghdadi announced the establishment of his caliphate in June 2014 from the pulpit of the mosque, the symbolism wasnt missed across the Muslim world, evoking as it did the memories of both Nur al-Din and Saladin.

Dressed in a black robe and wearing a black turban indicating his claim to be descended from the Prophet Muhammads Quraysh tribe, al-Baghdadi proclaimed: God, the Great and Almighty, has bestowed upon your mujahideen brothers the grace of victory and conquest, and has enabled them to do that after long years of waging jihad, showing patience, and fierce fighting against the enemies of God.

Mosuls Old City

Since al-Baghadis proclamation, the black flag of the terror group has flown from the cylindrical minaret covered with elaborate brickwork deep in Mosuls Old City. Iraqi forces earlier Wednesday said they had started a push toward the mosque, whether they would have been able to seize it before the end of Ramadan isnt clear.

On Sunday, Iraqi forces announced they had begun storming the IS-held Old City as the campaign to retake the city entered its ninth month.

This is the last chapter, Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi, an Iraqi commander, told the Reuters news agency.

But fighting in the Old City, like much of west Mosul, has proved more daunting than the fight to capture east Mosul, thanks to narrow streets making it difficult for armed vehicles to maneuver.

IS fighters have slowed advances with improvised explosives and mines, and persistent sniper fire. Militants have harassed Iraqi soldiers by re-appearing unexpectedly in streets thought to have been cleared of them by using tunnel networks.

Little of the original mosque complex remained even well before IS appeared on the scene. Only the minaret, some columns and the mihrab, a niche in the wall at the point nearest to Mecca, remained from the 12th-century construction.

Even so, the mosque was a landmark of incalculable importance for the residents of Mosul  it will be as sorely missed as the Twin Towers are for New Yorkers or the cathedrals of Coventry and Dresden, which were destroyed in the Second World War.

Local lore claimed the minaret leaned because it was bowing to Prophet Muhammad, but engineers say the lean was caused by prevailing northwesterly winds and the suns impact on the bricks.

Just days before IS seized Mosul, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced it was planning to start a conservation program aimed at stabilizing the minaret. The minarets foundations had been damaged in the Iran-Iraq war when bombs cracked underground pipes nearby allowing sewage to collect near the base.

In October, Kurdish officials told VOA that IS fighters have been instructed to wreak as much destruction as they could on Mosul, if they were unable to hold the city against Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga militiamen.

An official with Iraqi Kurdistans ruling party said the destruction order was sent by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who told his followers to leave devastation and mass killings behind.
At a training facility in the middle of a desert in New Mexico, aspiring border patrol agent Stevany Shakare sprinted laps in 103-degree Fahrenheit weather as her instructors shouted at her to run faster.

Shakare, a 23-year-old from Iraq, is one of three women in a class of 20 at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. They are powering through an intensive 112-day training program, in which agents must master firearms, high-speed, off-road vehicle chases, immigration law, conversational Spanish and grueling physical tests.

They are preparing to track, apprehend and arrest immigrants and drug traffickers attempting to enter the United States illegally.

I am obviously very short and tiny, said the petite Shakare, surrounded by men who appeared twice her size. But I'm trying and giving it my all  that's all that matters.

Came to US from Iraq

In 2004, at the age of 10, she fled her home after the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Her family settled in Michigan where she graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in criminal justice.

Had I stayed in Iraq, I probably wouldn't have ended up to where I am today, said Shakare, who said she learned English watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, on television.

Probably wouldn't have gone to college, wouldn't have gotten a degree. I feel like I owe my life to this country, she said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to crackdown on illegal immigration and strengthen security along U.S. borders, particularly with Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security in February announced plans to add more than 5,000 border enforcement agents to the current force.

Increase in violent crime along border

Chief Patrol Agent Dan Harris, who runs the academy, said a major increase in violent crime along the southern border in the past year encouraged many to become border patrol agents.

When I talk to people, I say: All of us know someone whose life has been destroyed by drugs  a family member, a friend, a neighbor, Harris said. Every day, men and women want to get out there.

Shakare said she now has the full support of her parents, both of whom plan to watch her graduate in November.

They weren't OK with it at first. It was the dangers of the job and being away from home. But eventually they realized this is what I wanted to do, Shakare said. My mom tells all of her friends, This is what my daughter is doing! She's excited about it.
Iraqi generals say Islamic State's destruction of the iconic al-Nuri mosque in Mosul is a sign that the militant group's power in the city is coming to an end.

Soldiers in Mosul tell VOA that IS wanted to destroy the mosque in advance of an Iraqi and Coalition victory over the group in Mosul. Iraqi forces have been working to eradicate the terror group from one of its last strongholds in the city.

As you see, our fighters overcame strong resistance here, and you can see how hard they fought. It is difficult traveling this small city. The roads and the geography are difficult, Lt. Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Assadi of Iraq's special forces said in Mosul.

The medieval mosque, also known as Mosul's Great Mosque, had stood for more than 800 years and is where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 declared himself caliph over parts of Iraq and Syria.



An Iraq military official said its forces were within 50 meters of the mosque Wednesday night when IS militants "committed another historical crime by blowing up" the building and its leaning minaret, known as al-Hadba, or "the hunchback.



Islamic State's Amaq news agency issued its own statement with a counter narrative, accusing U.S. aircraft of destroying the mosque.



U.S. and coalition officials quickly rejected the terror groups assertions.



As our Iraqi Security Force partners closed in on the al-Nuri mosque, ISIS destroyed one of Mosul and Iraq's great treasures," Operation Inherent Resolves Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin said in a statement, using an acronym for the terror group.
4 Russian President Vladimir Putin stands in the rain in front of honour guards during a wreath-laying ceremony marking the anniversary of the Nazi German invasion in 1941, by the Kremlin wall in Moscow, Russia.
Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and chief Middle East adviser, made his first solo visit Wednesday to the region, holding separate meetings with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to try to restart long-dormant peace talks.

There was no immediate word on the results of the meetings, which are aimed at laying the groundwork for a resumption of negotiations for the first time in three years.

The Trump administration faces the same obstacles that have doomed previous attempts by a string of Republican and Democratic administrations: deep disagreements over key issues such as borders, dueling claims to Jerusalem and the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants.

But Kushner enjoys some advantages that could allow him to make at least some progress.

Trump made a successful visit to the region last month and appears to have forged a good working relationship with both sides. The new atmosphere of goodwill, along with concerns about potentially provoking the unpredictable president, could give Trump leverage in extracting concessions from the sides.

Kushner, whose family has a long relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, met with the Israeli leader in Jerusalem for about 3 hours before heading to the West Bank city of Ramallah for a late-night meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Video of arrival

Netanyahu's office released a short video showing Kushner, along with envoy Jason Greenblatt and U.S. Ambassador David Friedman, arriving at the Israeli premier's office in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu warmly greeted Kushner with a smile and hug. "This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity and peace," Netanyahu said.

"The president sends his best regards and it's an honor to be here with you," Kushner said.



Reporters were barred from covering the meetings and did not have an opportunity to ask Kushner questions.

Trump has tasked Kushner with the ambitious goal of laying the groundwork for what he calls the "ultimate deal"  but deep divisions remain, clouding chances of a significant breakthrough in one of the longest Mideast crises.

This month marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Mideast war  a seminal event in which Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinians claim these territories for their future independent state. Netanyahu opposes a return to the 1967 lines and also rejects any division of Jerusalem. The eastern part of the city, which the Palestinians claim as their capital, is home to sensitive Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites.

The White House appeared to play down expectations for a breakthrough ahead of the visit, saying that "forging a historic peace agreement will take time" and that Kushner and Greenblatt will most likely make "many visits" to the region.

For now, the United States is expected to pressure each side to make goodwill gestures in hopes of improving the overall climate.

That means putting pressure on Israel to restrain its construction of settlements on occupied lands sought by the Palestinians. It also could mean working with Israel to take new steps to help improve the struggling Palestinian economy, such as easing restrictions to allow more development of West Bank lands.

Security concerns

At a security conference on Tuesday, Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon spoke of the need for economic cooperation and said he was open to promoting Palestinian development as long as it does not threaten Israeli security.

"I personally believe that the most important thing between people is mutual trust," Kahlon said. "The Palestinians can hear me say no and refuse some requests, but whenever daily life can be improved, I am there."

The Palestinians, meanwhile, will come under pressure to halt what Israel sees as incitement to violence in their official media, speeches and social media.

Israel has also demanded that the Palestinians stop making welfare payments to families of militants who are either imprisoned or were killed while committing attacks on Israelis. Israel says the so-called "Martyrs' Fund" provides an incentive for Palestinian violence.

A senior Palestinian official said that a preparatory meeting with Greenblatt on Tuesday had not gone well and became tense over the Martyrs' Fund. He said the Americans "are buying" Netanyahu's complaints about Palestinian incitement, and that Greenblatt was insisting on an end to the welfare payments.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing a closed diplomatic meeting, said the Palestinians had rebuffed Greenblatt's pressure and demanded an Israeli settlement freeze. He said a Palestinian delegation would head to Washington next month for further talks.

Even before Kushner's meetings began, there were other signs of trouble.

On the eve of his arrival, Israel broke ground on a new West Bank settlement for residents of an illegally built outpost that was dismantled in February under orders from the Supreme Court.

PM's commitment

Netanyahu had vowed to compensate the residents of Amona with the new settlement, built on a nearby site in the northern West Bank.

"The people of Amona really appreciate his efforts and the efforts from his office in fulfilling this commitment that started to come alive to create this new community," said Avichai Boaron, a spokesman for the settlers.

The move has infuriated the Palestinians, who say all settlements are illegal obstacles to peace. The international community also widely opposes the settlements.

"This is the way Netanyahu is meeting Trump's envoys," said Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian official. The question, he said, is whether the Trump administration will tell Israel to stop settlement activities or choose to accept this "Israeli provocation."

After arriving early Wednesday, Kushner paid a condolence visit to the grieving family of a young female Israeli police officer who was killed by Palestinian attackers last weekend in Jerusalem. Kushner said Trump asked him to personally convey the condolences of the American people.

Thousands attended Hadas Malka' funeral on Saturday night. Netanyahu visited her grieving family on Sunday and called the 23-year-old woman "everybody's daughter and everybody's hero." He also criticized Abbas for not condemning the attack.

The U.S. Embassy said the visit was private and gave no further details.
Islamist militants holed up in a southern Philippines town have been cornered and their firepower is flagging, the military said Thursday, as the five-week battle for control of Marawi City raged on.

Despite signs that the insurgents are now on the back foot, Southeast Asian governments are worried that the siege could be just the prelude to further violence as the ultra-radical Islamic State group tries to establish a foothold in their region.

Jolted by the May 23 attack on Marawi, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have launched joint patrols to control the movement of militants across their archipelagic region and their foreign ministers gathered in Manila Thursday for talks.

Fears militants will escape

Malaysia is worried that militants who are flushed out of Marawi City by the fighting may try to cross from the Philippines to its eastern state of Sabah.

We fear that they may enter the country disguised as illegal immigrants or foreign fishermen, said Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) chief Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, according to state news agency Bernama.

It said Esscom had drawn up a wanted list that included two militants who spearheaded the attempt to capture Marawi.

They are Abu Sayyaf group leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was proclaimed by Islamic State last year as its emir of Southeast Asia, and Abdullah Maute, whose followers accounted for a large number of the estimated 400-500 fighters who overran part of the town, killing Christians and taking dozens of civilians hostage.

The fighting in Marawi broke out May 23.

Militants number about 100

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera said Thursday the number of militants holding out in Marawi had dwindled to a little over 100.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tampus said: Their area has been reduced to 1 km square only. Tampus troops are blocking escape routes across bridges spanning a river to the west of the militants.

Our forces are coming from the east and the north and we are blocking the three bridges, he said.

Tampus told reporters that the militants were still using snipers who were firing from strategic nests in schools and mosques, and homemade bombs were hampering the progress of Philippine troops as they advanced house by house.

He said he had seen at least five civilians dressed in black who appeared to have been forced to stand in the street as human shields.

According to official estimates late Wednesday, 369 people have been killed during the month of hostilities, three-quarters of them militants. The number of security forces and civilians killed stood at 67 and 26, respectively.
At least eight people were killed and four others wounded Thursday when a car filled with explosives hit a police station in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.



A reporter for VOAs Somali Service, Ahmed Hassan Olad, says the attack targeted the Waberi police station along the busy Maka al-Mukaramah road.



Olad, who was near the police station when the attack occurred, says he saw a man driving a Toyota Surf speeding toward the station.



Emergency teams are at the scene trying to help the wounded people.



There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but militant group al-Shabab regularly attacks government buildings and places where government officials are known to congregate.



On Tuesday, an al-Shabab car bomber attacked a local administration building in the Wadajir district, killing at least 10 people.



On June 15, al-Shabab fighters assaulted two popular Mogadishu restaurants. The attack claimed 29 lives, including those of the six assailants.
U.S. prosecutors on Thursday charged a Bronx, New York, man with trying to travel to Syria in order to fight for the Islamic State group.

Saddam Mohamed Raishani, 30, was arrested Wednesday after passing through security at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. He was trying to board a flight for Portugal, where he would have transferred to Istanbul.

He was charged Thursday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan with one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years upon conviction. He was being held without bail.

Raishani's purported plans were uncovered when he contacted a person who was a confidential source for the FBI. The source put Raishani in contact with an undercover New York Police Department detective. Raishani repeatedly demonstrated support for IS to both undercover agents, who started recording the conversations they had with him in January, officials said.

In those conversations, the FBI learned that Raishani was watching online content produced by IS on Web browsers designed to conceal his online identity. Agents said they also learned that Raishani previously helped a friend join IS, by helping him purchase supplies and dropping him off at the airport.

By June, Raishani had paid off all of his outstanding debts and quit his job. He bought supplies and a pair of boots from a New York sporting goods store before attempting to board his flight at JFK.

He was unable to persuade his wife to join him and decided to leave her and his children behind in the Bronx, authorities said.

This report contains some information from Reuters.
A series of brutal, government-ordered evictions that left more than 30,000 Nigerians homeless were deemed unconstitutional in a landmark decision by the Lagos High Court on Wednesday, activists said.

The judge ordered a stop to future evictions in a move that could prevent an estimated 270,000 other residents of Lagos from losing their prime waterfront homes to development.

The court case against the government, launched by the Lagos-based human rights organization Justice and Empowerment Initiative (JEI), was run on behalf of dozens of waterfront communities throughout Lagos state.

People were dancing in the streets afterward. The judge began reading his lengthy ruling at about 11:30 a.m. and finished around midday, Megan Chapman, JEI co-executive director, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone.

Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo ruled that the rights of the residents had been violated and ordered that the state government stop further evictions and discuss re-settlement.

The government had no immediate comment on the ruling.

Ruling hailed as victory for the poor

Campaigners hailed the ruling as a vindication for poorer residents, whose prime land in Nigerias biggest city, Lagos, is cleared to make way for luxury flats.

It is a great victory, Chapman said. It issues an injunction against the government carrying out any further evictions. They must also consult and arrange for re-settlement if they are to continue with any further eviction.

One man was shot dead and another wounded when the Lagos state police launched the fourth wave of forced removals from the Otodo Gbame waterfront communities in April.

Bulldozers in the night

The Lagos state government announced its intention to demolish all waterfront slums last October, saying it was for public safety.

A month later, bulldozers accompanied by police escorts arrived after midnight and set fire to a community, forcing residents to flee into their canoes and leaving an estimated 30,000 without shelter.

Chapman said most had moved in with friends or relatives, although many were still living in their canoes.

For most, conditions are terrible: if they are lucky they are staying in the homes of relatives or friends, with 10 or 15 additional people in a single, family home, she said.
Foreign ministers from throughout the Americas appeared to fail yet again Wednesday at reaching an agreement on mediating in Venezuelas intractable political crisis.

The United States strongly pushed the idea of creating a group of friends like the one that mediated in the Central American civil wars of the 1980s. The U.S. viewed that as the least the OAS could do after a stronger resolution on Venezuela failed to pass on Monday.

But Luis Alfonso de Alba, Mexico's representative to the OAS, said the mediation proposal wasn't included in any of the resolutions to be voted on in a closing session Wednesday.

The resolution on human rights has been finished, and it isn't in there, De Alba said.

Diplomats at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States meeting in Cancun said the U.S. and its allies probably didn't have the two-thirds of votes needed to put the issue on the agenda again.

Some nations push on

The diplomats also declined to piggyback the mediation group proposal on a rights resolution that might win approval with a simple majority of the 35 members.

Still, some nations pledged to push on with efforts to do something about the increasingly bloody political strife in Venezuela has left at least 70 people dead and more than 1,300 injured, and the country's economy is in tatters

The possibility is open of creating a mediation group or group of friends that is acceptable to both sides, said Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz, who added the idea is supported by a significant number of countries in the hemisphere.

The challenge, he said, is picking members that both sides are comfortable with.

Venezuela asked to 'reconsider'

The resolution that failed to gain enough votes on Monday was a relatively strongly worded proposal calling on the Venezuelan government to reconsider its call for an assembly to re-write the constitution at a time when masses of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to call for elections to replace the unpopular government.

The proposal got 20 votes in favor, five against and eight abstentions. Venezuela was counted absent. But according to special rules for the session, 23 votes were required to pass it.

The resolution would also have called for an end to violence, and for President Nicolas Maduro's government to respect the separation of powers. He has been criticized for subjugating the judicial and electoral powers, even while losing control of the country's legislature.

Venezuela proposals rejected

But Venezuela also couldn't get anything approved at the OAS assembly.

The foreign ministers rejected a raft of 10 Venezuelan proposed resolutions  many of them seen as aimed at criticizing Mexico's human rights situation, including disappearances, and U.S. military bases in the region.

De Alba said all ten were rejected because they hadn't been properly submitted.
The United States military has spilled its blood, spent immense amounts of cash and even dropped a munition called the Mother of All Bombs in an effort to root out Islamic States affiliate in Afghanistan.

But despite these efforts, the Islamic State-Khorasan problem in Afghanistan is not getting better, Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told VOA Wednesday in her first sit-down, on-camera interview since joining the Pentagon team.

Its not getting better in Afghanistan in terms of ISIS. We have a problem, and we have to defeat them and we have to be focused on that problem, White said.

Watch: Pentagon Says Islamic State Problem 'Not Getting Better' in Afghanistan

U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis is still reviewing what his commanders need on the ground in terms of the types of military forces and the number of those forces, according to White.

She added that Mattis intends to speak with his NATO counterparts in Brussels next week before finalizing his military plan, which some officials have said will likely include additional forces for counterterror operations against al-Qaida and ISIS-K.

Its very important to remember that that is within the context of a much broader strategy, and also understanding what are our partners willing to do, White said.

So far, the United States has shouldered responsibility for counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K and al-Qaida, while an international coalition has helped with a separate advise and assist mission to boost Afghan security force capabilities.

U.S. General John Nicholson, the top commander on the ground in Afghanistan, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in February that he needs a few thousand more troops to complete his mission of supporting Afghan forces.

He said at the time that he felt he had adequate resources for the counterterror mission, but that was before ISIS-Ks recent expansion into the caves of Tora Bora in Nangahar province and its increase in attacks in northern Afghanistans Jowzjan province.

President Donald Trump authorized Mattis to increase the military presence in Afghanistan earlier this month. The defense secretary has promised lawmakers a new strategy by mid-July.

Three American service members based in eastern Afghanistan were killed in April during operations targeting Islamic State militants, according to the Pentagon.
The United States military has spilled its blood, spent immense amounts of cash and dropped the Mother Of All Bombs in an effort to root out Islamic States affiliate in Afghanistan. But the Islamic State-Khorasan problem in Afghanistan is not getting better, Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told Carla Babb.
Peru's Congress dismissed the finance minister on Wednesday following revelations that he asked the comptroller to green light a controversial project, a fresh blow to centrist President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and his efforts to jumpstart the faltering economy.

The single-chamber Congress voted 88-11 against embattled Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne, who had asked for a vote of confidence amid threats of censure and promised to resign immediately if he did not win support.

The outcome ended the crisis over one of Kuczynski's closest cabinet members, but the dispute further strained relations between the opposition-dominated Congress and the executive.

Lawmakers railed against Thorne for refusing to accept wrongdoing after an audio recording surfaced in which he appeared to ask the comptroller to approve a modification to a $520 million airport contract in exchange for a bigger budget.

Thorne, whom Kuczynski has defended, denied using funding for the comptroller's office to try to secure a favorable review of the contract modification, which the government had promised to rescind on the comptroller's recommendation.

The vote marked the first time in decades that Congress has rejected a finance minister - an embarrassing rebuke for Kuczynski after he campaigned on promises to strengthen the economy and clean up government as a former Wall Street banker and World Bank economist.

Thorne "decided not to step down and the government decided to prolong" the controversy, said Luis Galarreta with the rightwing party Popular Force that has a majority of congressional seats. "This parliament must withdraw the confidence to a minister who doesn't want to join us in making the country better."

Kuczynski's party has 17 congressional seats out of 130 and his year-old government has been dogged by clashes with Popular Force, led by his rival in last year's election Keiko Fujimori.

In a sign of growing political tensions, shortly after the vote on Thorne, opposition lawmakers began questioning the interior minister in a process that could lead to a censure motion.

Three ministers have already left Kuczynski's original cabinet amid controversy, including his transportation minister, who, like Thorne, was a friend and former campaign adviser.

It was not clear who would replace Thorne, but Kuczynski is widely expected to appoint another business-friendly minister to try to revive slumping investments following a graft scandal and heavy flooding that knocked growth prospects.

The central bank now expects a 2.8 percent economic expansion this year, down from 3.9 percent in 2016.
Romania's ruling Social Democrats will nominate a new prime minister on Monday, their leader said, after ousting their six-month-old cabinet and edging closer to ending political deadlock.

With opposition parties abstaining, the Social Democrats (PSD) and their junior coalition partner ALDE voted 241-7 to topple Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu in a no-confidence motion on Wednesday.

They withdrew their support from him a week ago, saying he had failed to uphold an ambitious governing program that had won the coalition a sweeping election victory in December and a comfortable parliamentary majority.

A push by Grindeanu's government to decriminalise some corruption offenses triggered massive street protests in February, the biggest in Romania since the collapse of Nicolae Ceausescu's communist rule in 1989.

The unrest forced the government to rescind its decriminalization decree.

Observers say many Social Democrats have been unhappy with Grindeanu's failure to relax the anti-corruption rules, and want a new premier to do more to protect party seniors facing graft charges, including PSD leader Liviu Dragnea.

Grindeanu refused to resign, accusing Dragnea, who holds the party in a tight grip, of trying to centralise all power.

Centrist President Klaus Iohannis, who has said he will only approve a candidate for prime minister who does not face pending investigations or trials, has called political parties for

consultations on Monday.

Romania's president endorses a premier after consultations. The appointee then needs to secure a vote of confidence from parliament.

"BACK TO NORMAL"

"Concerns over potential attempts to weaken anti-corruption legislation could return to the forefront," said Sergiu Miscoiu, political science professor at Babes-Bolyai University. "Protesters' vigilance remains high."

Coalition infighting has delayed policymaking in a country which is the European Union's fastest-growing economy but one of its poorest.

"Romania is back to normal," Dragnea told reporters. "I'm absolutely convinced the president will continue to be interested in Romania's stability and that ... on Monday he will accept our ruling coalition's nomination for a prime minister. If he have a PM designated on Monday, we may have new cabinet approved by the end of next week."

The leu currency eased away from a four-and-a-half-year low against the euro and rose 0.3 percent after the vote, reflecting market relief that policy gridlock

could soon end.

"Some political uncertainties have dissipated," ING Romania chief economist Ciprian Dascalu said. "The no-confidence vote revealed that there is a parliamentary majority that can support a new government, theoretically."

The PSD's governing program envisions further tax cuts and public sector wage and pension cuts. The leu could come under further pressure this year over concerns about overshooting the EU's 3-percent budget deficit ceiling.

"We maintain our current view of a 2017 deficit at 3.4 percent of GDP," Erste Bank said in a note.
South Africas top jurists ruled Thursday parliament can hold a no-confidence vote against the president by secret ballot  but left the ultimate decision to the houses speaker, who has been one of the presidents staunchest defenders.

"The Speaker of the National Assembly has the constitutional power to prescribe that voting in a no-confidence motion in the president be conducted by secret ballot" Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said in a unanimous judgment Thursday.

He added that although Baleka Mbete, speaker of the National Assembly and a close Zuma ally, can make the decision, she also has an obligation to make sure her decision is neither for the benefit of the speaker nor his or her party.



Calls for ouster



Opposition parties and some prominent figures within President Jacob Zumas African National Congress have called for his ouster amid a slew of long-simmering corruption scandals. His second presidential term expires in 2019.

The top opposition Democratic Alliance called for the no-confidence vote earlier this year in response to Zumas widely unpopular decision to fire a well-respected finance minister and reshuffle his Cabinet. The political upheaval prompted a major ratings agency to downgrade the nations sovereign credit rating, which has negatively impacted the economy.



Secret vote request

But then, the smaller United Democratic Movement asked for the vote to be made secret, in what was widely seen as a bid to encourage members of Zumas party to avail themselves of anonymity and turn on their leader. When Mbete said she did not have the authority to call for a secret ballot, the party took the matter to the Constitutional Court.



The leading opposition party, while hailing the ruling as a victory, said in a statement: the Democratic Alliances vote in the upcoming motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma will be no secret.



Meanwhile, ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu told local media on Thursday the party welcomed the ruling  and that it would vote in support of Zuma.



The opposition party said it had written to Mbete asking for the matter to be scheduled as soon as possible.
Webster Allen Two Hawk Jr. had not had a drink in six weeks  one of the conditions for getting a bed at the Rapid City, South Dakota rescue mission. But the 55-year-old Sicangu Lakota artist had received some bad news that cold day in March: All of his artwork had been stolen.

In his distress, Two Hawk got drunk with friends in a downtown park. When he returned to the mission to sleep, he was turned away.

So, my brother sat down by some of those big electrical boxes near Memorial Park, probably to get a break from the wind, said Castle LaCroix Kelly. And thats where they found him the next morning. Frozen to death in the snow, she said.

South Dakota is home to nine federally recognized tribes, and its reservations are among the poorest in the country. Tribal members flock to Rapid City in search of jobs, but often end up on the streets.

The Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition makes annual counts of Rapid Citys homeless population to gauge funding needs. This year, it counted more than 240, most of them Native American. But the numbers likely are much higher.

We are unable to count those who are in jail, detox, living in hotels, doubled up, or couch surfing. All of those situations are still situations of homelessness, and those individuals are living in situations that are far from appropriate, safe or housed, said Anna Quinn, executive director of the HOPE Center, a faith-based group serving Rapid Citys homeless.

Mean streets

Shane Boudreaux, Sigangu Lakota, has been homeless several times, and knows firsthand how rough the streets can be.

In 2002, the National Coalition of the Homeless rated Rapid City the third most dangerous U.S. city for the homelessespecially Native Americans. Cut off from family and culture, they are vulnerable to alcohol, drugs and violence. Sometimes they are harassed by the locals. And sometimes their lives are cut short.

One of my friends died here just a few weeks ago, said Boudreaux. They found him floating in Rapid Creek. Police said he was riding his bike and must have hit a railing and fallen off the bridge into the water.

Homeless women are particularly at risk, said one Lakota woman who asked not to be named.

Ive been raped. Ive had things thrown at me. Ive had my purse ripped off my shoulder. Ive been left behind by my boyfriend after getting beaten. Ive been called names.

She said she doesnt believe authorities take these crimes seriously, and said local police are harder on Native Americans than other groups.

A 2015 study on race disparities in Rapid City policing showed more Native Americans are arrested than other group in the city, and that police were more likely to use force against Native Americans than any other race.

Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris admitted to age-old tensions between Native Americans and the citys population, but denied that his officers are heavy-handed.

I think that in comparison to other cities that Ive been to, I would say were a much safer city for our homeless population. We have a specialized street crimes unit that patrols downtown and park areas. We get to know the homeless on a first name basis and get along very well with them generally, he said. But there are certainly exceptions.

When Native American homeless are arrested, Jegeris said, it is usually for low-level crimes, such as drinking in public or disorderly conduct. But more serious conflicts sometimes arise.

Due to historic and generational trauma issues, there is a lot of distrust in the Native American community, especially toward authority figures, he said. And unfortunately, law enforcement is the most visible sign of government authority. So, we run into conflict somewhat regularly when we are just trying to help ensure general safety for that person.

Investing in tribes

Rapid City is looking to expand services and shelters for the homeless. But the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) believes the fundamental problem is the shortage of suitable housing on reservations.

Its a lot harder to get capital investment in these communities, said NAIHC executive director Tony Waters. Building homes on reservations is more expensive because of the lack of infrastructure in these areas. So, the budget cuts weve seen proposed by the administration this year certainly would be bad news for Indian Country.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides tribes with $650 million in housing grants, under obligation by historic treaties. President Donald Trump has proposed cutting that amount by $50 million, which Waters said would devastate communities already living in poverty.

Back in Rapid City, Anna Quinn worries about the fate of programs like the HOPE Center.

Any reduction in budget would also be detrimental to those who are working so hard to help the homeless get out of their situations, she said.
The first total solar eclipse across the continental United States in a century is expected to spark watching parties and traffic jams as it darkens skies from Oregon to South Carolina, authorities said Wednesday.

During the August 21 eclipse, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun and leaving only its outer atmosphere, or corona, visible in the sky.

It will be the first coast-to-coast total eclipse since 1918.

Weather permitting, people can watch as the moon's 70-mile-wide (113 kilometers) shadow crosses through 14 states from 10:15 a.m. PDT (1715 GMT) around Lincoln Beach, Oregon, to 2:49 p.m. EDT (1849 GMT) in McClellanville, South Carolina.

'Be prepared'

With 200 million Americans within a day's drive of the path, national parks and highways officials are bracing for a travel surge.

"Be prepared," Martin Knopp of the Federal Highway Administration said at a news conference, cautioning drivers against simply showing up. "It's not the time to pull over and be on the side of the road."

Travel groups and many scientists will be heading to Oregon's northwest desert seeking favorable weather for viewing, according to the website eclipsophile.com.

Total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth every year or so, but most cast their shadows over oceans or remote land. The last total eclipse over part of the contiguous U.S. was in 1979.

All of North America will experience a partial eclipse, though the difference between a full and partial eclipse is "literally the difference between night and day," said astronomer Rick Fienberg of the American Astronomical Society.

Temperature drop

He noted that even a 99 percent eclipse will not reveal the sun's corona. And during a total eclipse, the temperature drops and the horizon is ringed by the colors of sunset.

"The sky gets deep twilight blue and bright stars and planets come out," Fienberg said. "Animals and birds behave strangely, like it's the end of the day."

NASA said it plans to fly high-altitude research balloons and airplanes for solar physics and other experiments. Nearly a dozen U.S. science satellites will observe the sun and Earth.

The U.S. space agency will also broadcast the eclipse live from locations along the path.

Experts caution that the only safe time to look at the sun without special eclipse glasses is during totality when the surface of the sun is completely blocked by the moon.
There is a very good chance that British Prime Minister Theresa May will strike a deal with Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party by next Thursday to prop up her minority government, a senior DUP lawmaker said Thursday.

When asked what the chances were of a deal by next Thursday, DUP lawmaker Jeffrey Donaldson, told BBC radio: I think very good, adding the sooner the better.

After her botched gamble on a June 8 snap election deprived her Conservative Party of a majority in the 650-seat Parliament, May is trying to get the support of the DUPs 10 lawmakers to avoid a second election.

Since talks began with the DUP almost two weeks ago in the chaos following Mays unexpected loss of her majority, the negotiations have followed an uncertain course with conflicting signals about whether a deal would be struck.

Donaldson, who is helping to lead the detailed talks from the DUP side, told Irelands RTE that talks had made progress and that he hoped for a deal before a vote on Mays legislative plan which is due next Thursday.

Theyre (talks) going well, weve made progress and Im hoping weve an agreement before voting on the queens speech, he said.

May, the Conservatives and the DUP have much to lose without a deal: May could be out of a job, the Conservatives could face another election, and the DUP would lose its best chance in decades to secure more financing for Northern Ireland.

When asked whether May would still be prime minister at the end of this year, her finance minister Philip Hammond told the BBC: Yes I do.

The prime minister is moving this process, the agreement process, forward, Donaldson said. Shes engaged now and we welcome that, and I think that since that has happened we have been moving forward.

Still, there is brinkmanship on both sides.

The DUP, which won 292,316 votes in the election, does not want to sink Mays government because it fears Jeremy Corbyn, who has in the past appeared beside their Irish nationalist opponents Sinn Fein, could get into power.

Ill say this about Ulster men and Ulster women, we are no pushover, he said.
Military conflicts and growing threats around the world continue to underpin demand for weapons, but industry and government leaders from the United States, Europe, Russia and the Middle East say they don't see a huge near-term spike in arms orders.

Executives report being busier than ever at this year's Paris Airshow, the oldest and biggest aerospace expo in the world, which featured aerial acrobatics by Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-35 fighter jet.

But they caution that foreign arms sales take years to complete, and NATO governments must get through lengthy budget and bureaucratic processes before they can raise military spending to meet a NATO target for members to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense.

No big spurt seen

"We're seeing some growth, but I like to be pragmatic. I'm not seeing a big tick up in defense spending across the board," Leanne Caret, who heads Boeing's defense business, told Reuters in an interview. Her division generates about 40 percent of its revenues overseas, a big change from just several years ago.

Boeing officials expect steady gains in weapons sales, but warn against expectations for any kind of "gold rush" despite U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to boost military spending, saying there may be more of a shift in what platforms and weapons programs are in demand.

Recent increases in tensions between Russia and the United States have raised concerns about another arms race, but top officials in both countries agree that there will not be a mad rush to bulk up on weapons.

Moscow's top arms trade official, Dmitry Shugaev, told reporters at the show that Russian weapon makers remained competitive despite Western sanctions, but the cyclical nature of the business and budget constraints are dampening prospects for a big surge in global arms sales.

He also expressed skepticism that NATO members would rapidly increase their military budgets, despite pledging to move toward the 2 percent goal.

Trump position

Trump's public declarations that NATO members are not pulling their weight may have had some impact. Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics business leader, Orlando Carvalho, said national security budgets and military systems' demand outside the United States are beginning to increase, "especially with the focus that the president has put on NATO."

In 2016, total world military expenditure rose 0.4 percent to $1.69 trillion, according the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The European Union's economic and financial affairs commissioner, Pierre Moscovici, also cited that risk, warning that European countries needed to match political pledges to boost military spending with actual resource commitments.

"There is now a window of opportunity for investing more in European defense ... but as with all windows, a window closes if you don't go through it," he said.

Gradual increases in Europe

Germany and other European countries are boosting military spending, concerned about terrorism and Russia's increasingly assertive military stance after its annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, but the increases are likely to be more gradual than dramatic.

In the missile defense arena, Western concerns about rapid advances in technology by North Korea, China and Iran, as well as Russia's increased military activities, are driving orders for a range of defensive systems, according to U.S. and European executives.

"The threat is absolutely increasing and it's increasing rapidly," said Tim Cahill, vice president of air and missile defense systems at Lockheed. "In every region around the world, the level of interest in integrated air and missile defense has been going up in the last few months."

Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems, said he was meeting with officials from countries that had not shown any interest in missile defense systems just four or five years ago.

"Back then, they didn't see a ballistic missile threat, or they didn't see Russia as a threat, but now that has changed," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is questioning why his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, and his administration didn't block Russia from meddling in last year's presidential election.

In a Twitter comment Thursday, Trump posed a question: "By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them?"

In another remark, Trump noted that Jeh Johnson, Obama's Homeland Security chief, "is latest top intelligence official to state there was no grand scheme between Trump & Russia."

Johnson told a House Intelligence Committee hearing Wednesday that he has no knowledge whether Trump or his campaign aides illegally colluded with Russian interests to help him win a four-year presidential term, an allegation being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Russia's computer-hacking operation leading up to the election led to the release by the file-sharing group WikiLeaks of thousands of emails captured from the files of Democratic party chairman John Podesta, who was the campaign chairman for Trump's challenger, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The emails embarrassed Clinton in the weeks before the November election, showing behind-the-scenes efforts by Democratic officials to help her win the party's presidential nomination.

Clinton has blamed the disclosure of the emails on a daily basis as one reason for her election loss to Trump, although Johnson said he had no idea about their importance in analyzing the outcome.

Johnson testified his agency was rebuffed by Democratic officials when they offered to help thwart the Russian intrusion into their computer files.

That led Trump to ask in two more Twitter comments, "Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). It's all a big Dem HOAX! Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasn't? It's all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!"

In January, Trump acknowledged that he believes Russian operatives hacked into files at the Democratic party headquarters and said Russian President Vladimir Putin "shouldn't have done it."

For months since then, however, Trump has been dismissive of several probes into Russian interference in the election, calling them a "witch hunt" and saying they are an excuse by Democrats to explain Clinton's defeat. White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to answer a question this week about whether Trump believes that Russia meddled in the election.

U.S. officials told lawmakers Wednesday there is no question that Russia engaged in widespread interference in last year's presidential election aimed at helping Trump win the White House, but they said there is no evidence that Moscow was able to change the vote count.

Johnson said at a House Intelligence Committee hearing that the extent of Russian hacking into computer files at the Democratic party headquarters in Washington and attempts to infiltrate state election records went significantly beyond past Russian efforts to influence U.S. elections.

"In 2016, the Russian government, at the direction of Vladimir Putin himself, orchestrated cyberattacks on our nation for the purpose of influencing our election  plain and simple," Johnson said, warning that the cyberattacks against U.S. elections would worsen in the years ahead.

WATCH: US Official says Russians Targeted 21 State Election Systems

Putin has rejected Russian government involvement in the U.S. cyberattacks. He has said, however, that "patriotic" hackers might have carried out the attacks on the U.S. election. I can imagine that some do it deliberately, staging a chain of attacks in such a way as to cast Russia as the origin of such an attack, the Russian leader said last month.

At a separate hearing, a current Homeland Security official, Jeanette Manfra, told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the agency has evidence that Russia targeted election-related systems in 21 of the 50 U.S. states. Johnson said 36 states accepted help from the federal government in trying to blunt the Russian efforts, even as many states rejected federal oversight of their state-run election operations.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he did not record his conversations with former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey.

Comey has said the president urged him to curb the agency's investigation into Russia's meddling of the 2016 presidential election, which Trump denies.



Trump wrote on Twitter: "With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are 'tapes' or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings."



Weeks of uncertainty



The tweet ended weeks of uncertainty about whether the president had installed a White House taping system and recorded two private conversations he had with Comey.



I dont know it was a game, White House Deputy Chief Spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders said when asked why the president waited 41 days to clarify there were no tapes of his conversations with Comey.



You guys asked for an answer, he gave you one, added Sanders at an off-camera briefing shortly after the president tweeted on the topic.



Trumps series of tweets Thursday also added fuel to another burning controversy over the extent of Russias involvement in influencing last years presidential election.



A hack of the Democratic National Committee email in 2016 was all a big Dem HOAX! the president also tweeted from his personal @realDonaldTrump account.



White House responses

When asked whether the president believes members of the intelligence community are colluding with Democrats, Sanders responded the president was referencing his belief theyre trying to delegitimize his win in the election process.

Asked whether the president believes U.S. intelligence agencies are trying to surveil him in the Oval Office, Sanders replied Not that Im aware of.

Trump hosted a private White House dinner for Comey shortly after taking office in January and the president reportedly asked Comey for his pledge of loyalty, which Comey said he did not give.



At a later meeting with Trump in mid-February, Comey told a Senate panel last month that the president told him he hoped that he could "let go" of an investigation of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and his contacts with Russia's ambassador to Washington.



A day earlier,Trump had fired Flynn after learning that the former aide lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Moscow envoy, Sergey Kislyak.



Trump, on May 12, tweeted that Comey had "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press."

Shortly after Comeys firing, the Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named another former FBI Director, Robert Mueller, as special counsel to conduct a criminal investigation into whether Trump and his aides illegally colluded with Russian officials to help him win the election and whether the president obstructed justice by firing Comey when he was heading the Russia probe before Mueller took over.

Tweets raise questions



Some lawyers have raised the question about whether that tweet could expose the president to an obstruction of justice case as Trumps words might be interpreted as pressure on Comey not to discuss their conversations.



On its own, this whole scenario could be chalked up to Trumps typical bluster, said Bradley Moss, an attorney specializing in national security and federal employment law.



However, when viewed in the context of all the remarks the president has made in public and the alleged comments in private to various officials, this attempt to potentially intimidate a significant witness like Mr. Comey certainly will be a matter of investigative interest for the special counsel, Moss, the deputy executive director of the James Madison Project, told VOA.

Comey, in testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee, recounted in detail nine conversations, most of them phone calls, he had with Trump before the president fired him. In one of the last, Comey said Trump asked him to "lift the cloud" of the Russian investigation.



In January, Trump acknowledged Russian hacking into computers at Democratic national headquarters and the subsequent release of thousands of emails that embarrassed Trump's challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton, in the weeks before the November election.



But Trump has since then been dismissive of Mueller's and congressional investigations into the Russian interference in the election, saying they are an excuse by Democrats to explain Clinton's upset loss.



Trumps reference to tapes have evoked memories of secret White House recordings during the presidency of Richard Nixon.



Those tapes implicated Nixon in a cover-up of a burglary of the Democratic Partys headquarters in the Watergate building, compelling him in 1974 to become the first American president to resign.

VOA's Ken Bredemeier contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen to deliver a speech during his upcoming visit to Poland at the site of a memorial to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Germans, a Polish official says.

Krzysztof Szczerski, an aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda, said late Wednesday that it is an honor for Poles that Trump will give a major speech at Krasinski Square, "a site which symbolizes Polish heroism."



The speech will come during a brief visit that Trump will make to Warsaw on July 6 before he attends a summit of Group of 20 leaders in Hamburg, Germany.



In Warsaw, Trump will also attend a summit devoted to the Three Seas Initiative, a relatively new effort to expand and modernize energy and infrastructure links in a region of Central Europe that spans from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Adriatic and Black seas in the south.



The Warsaw Uprising, the largest act of resistance in Nazi-occupied Europe, saw insurgents and civilians fight the German occupiers for more than two months. The revolt was brutally crushed and resulted in the death of more than 200,000 Poles and the destruction of Warsaw.



Today, it stands for Poles as one of the most honorable episodes in their history, as an act of courage against a brutal occupier.



It will be a welcome gesture to many Poles, including Polish-Americans in the United States, a constituency that tends to be conservative and voted overwhelmingly for Trump.


The United Nations said on Wednesday that Congo Republic will withdraw its troops from a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic after a review sparked by sexual abuse accusations found "systemic problems in command and control."

The country has some 630 troops on the ground in Central African Republic, according to the latest U.N. figures. A U.N. database of sexual abuse and exploitation accusations showed three reported incidents involving Congo Republic troops in Central African Republic this year. Nine were reported in 2016.

"The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," the United Nations said in a statement.

"These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops," it said.

The world body said the review was shared with the Congo Republic authorities who then "decided to withdraw their military personnel."

The 13,000-strong peacekeeping mission is seeking to contain violence in a multi-year conflict driven by ethnic and religious grievances and vying over vast diamond resources.

The United Nations said some 140 Congo Republic police would remain part of the peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic because "failures identified with the military contingent are not reflected by the performance of the police."
The United Nations reports about 250 million people, or 5 percent of the global adult population, used drugs in 2015, and of those, about 29.5 million suffered from drug-use disorders, including addiction.

The World Drug Report 2017 launched Thursday by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said that opioids were the most harmful drug type, accounting for 70 percent of drug-linked health problems worldwide.

It said opioids, including heroin, legal painkillers, such as morphine, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl were responsible for many premature drug deaths.

In many parts of the world, we observe an increasingly complex relationship between the use of heroin and synthetic opioids, Aldo Lale-Demoz, deputy executive director of UNODC, said.

Lale-Demoz said that poly drug use  the use of two or more psychoactive drugs  a common feature of both recreational and regular drug users, as well as the cross-over between synthetic and traditional drugs pose increasing public health challenges and produce highly negative health and social consequences.

Injecting drugs

Of the 12 million people who inject drugs worldwide, the report found that 1-in-8, or 1.6 million people, is living with HIV and more than half or just over 6 million are living with hepatitis C, while around 1.3 million are suffering from both diseases.

Despite the many health problems afflicting drug users, the report noted that only 1-in-6 people seeking help have access to drug treatment programs.

Lale-Demoz observed that many countries preferred to deal with drug problems by throwing users in prison, which he said exposed them to many infectious diseases.

The standard of care, which is provided to those who are incarcerated should be equivalent to the care received by those outside the prison system, with appropriate continuity of care between prison and the wider community, he said.

Most importantly, we know that alternatives to incarceration for drug offenses of a minor nature actually help reduce the spread and burden of infectious diseases in prison and ultimately within the wider community, Lale-Demoz added.

Luiz Loures, deputy executive director of UNAIDS, agreed with this assessment noting that criminalization and health do not go together.

Loures warned that an injecting drug user who is on the police radar would be reluctant to seek treatment for HIV or another illness for fear of being caught. He said this drives the disease underground, which is dangerous.

It does not help for the person and it does not help for society. There is plenty of evidence that when you criminalize, the impact on health is negative, he said. In my view, one of the major problems today is exactly this confusion between criminalization and access to health. I think that is really not helping, in fact that is fueling the drug use epidemic globally.

Among its other key findings, the report notes amphetamine use accounts for a large share of the disease burden globally. It said the cocaine market has expanded with the largest number of consumers found in North America and Europe.

The report said global opium production had increased by one-third in 2016 mainly due to higher opium poppy yields in Afghanistan.

Thriving business

Chloe Carpentier, chief of the Drug Research Section at UNODC, told VOA that the Taliban was behind this thriving business.

We estimate that about $150 million were made by them only in terms of taxing the drug business in 2016, and their revenue would be between $150 and $200 million per year and the drug business would account for about half of what they make per year, Carpentier said.

Authors of the report concluded that without the proceeds of drug production and trafficking ... the reach and impact of the Taliban would probably not be what it is today.

The report noted that organized crime groups were reaping huge profits from the multi-billion-dollar drug trade, generating between one-fifth and one-third of their revenues from these illicit sales.

One of the aims of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals is to significantly reduce such illicit financial flows.

Drug profits is what drives traffickers and, therefore, identifying the flows related to these profits and the channels where they are invested and laundered can effectively counteract them, the UNODC's Lale-Demoz said.

Ultimately, however, he said drug control was less a law and order issue, and more a matter of personal and public health.

Sending people to jail, punishing people for minor drug offenses has not worked, he said. In fact, it is highly detrimental. It only increases the possibility of all sorts of social dislocations  violence, crimes, stigma and also the spread of diseases.
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday unanimously backed a West African force to combat militant groups as well as arms, drug and human trafficking in the Sahel region after diplomats said France softened the resolution's language to secure the support of the United States.

The vast, arid region has in recent years become a breeding ground for jihadist groups - some linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State - that European countries, particularly France, fear could threaten Europe if left unchecked.

Last year, the nations of the Sahel - Niger, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania - proposed establishing specially-trained units of around 100 soldiers each, which would be deployed in areas where jihadist groups are known to operate.

"We cannot let the Sahel become a new refuge for terrorist organizations of the whole world. In the Sahel, all of our security is at stake, not just the security of the ... five states," said French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre.

The United States, however, did not believe a resolution was warranted and did not want the world body to help fund the force, diplomats said. The United States is one of council's five veto powers, along with France, Britain, Russia and China.

The first draft resolution authorized the force to "use all necessary means" to carry out its operations, but following council negotiations, the language was revised to "welcome the deployment."

The resolution also encourages countries to provide support. The European Union has already committed $56 million to the Sahel force.

The United States is trying to cut the cost of U.N. peacekeeping and is reviewing each of the 16 missions as they come up for Security Council renewal. Washington is the largest contributor, paying 28.5 percent of the $7.9 billion peacekeeping budget.

Special units proposed by the five Sahel nations would complement the efforts of regular armed forces, a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali and France's "Operation Barkhane," which has deployed around 4,000 troops across the region.

France first intervened in early 2013 to drive out militants who had seized northern Mali a year earlier. But militants continue to attack in Mali and its neighbors.
My son Momin liked to play with his spinning top all the time, says Zamin Makhool, 28, sitting on the floor of her sweltering tent with wet concrete floors in a refugee camp near Mosul. He was four years old and he was carrying his top when it happened.

She had put Mayada, her nine-month-old daughter, down for a late morning nap when she heard the first blast. It was last December, and her neighborhood was still firmly held by Islamic State (IS) militants. Makhool ran to the door and saw parts of a building crash into the street.

The next strike hit her house, leaving it in a pile of rubble and a hole three meters deep.

Neighbors found the body of four-year-old Momin later that day on the roof of a home two doors down. Baby Mayada was crushed under the collapsed house.

More than 1,000 children have been killed in Iraq since 2014, when IS militants swept into the country, claiming territories, including Mosul and other major cities, according to the United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF. More then 5 million children are in need of emergency humanitarian relief.

Across Iraq, children continue to witness sheer horror and unimaginable violence, Peter Hawkins, a UNICEF representative in Iraq, said in a statement. They have been killed, injured, abducted, and forced to shoot and kill in one of the most brutal wars in recent history.

Starving and injured

In a field hospital near the Old City, where fighting still rages in ISs last Mosul stronghold, a few families arrive, having risked their lives to flee the area.

Saja is just over a year old, and her mother says the child hasnt been fed properly in months. Doctors try to inject her with nutrients but struggle to find veins in her starved body that are strong enough to accept a needle.

Even the families of militants are trying to flee the Old City now, says Umm Saja, her mother. Its too dangerous.

The day before, militants had heard her family was planning to run away and shot her husband in the house. Umm Saja left his body where it fell and sneaked out of the IS-held neighborhood with her children.

In the current battle for western Mosul, militants are killing not only parents but children to punish families fleeing and deter others from making an attempt, according to UNICEF and fleeing civilians.

Mortars, airstrikes and IED's also do not spare children, but starvation and disease take them before the adults.

More than 1,100 children have been injured in the IS conflict in Iraq, according to UNICEF, and thats just the children they know of.

Chaos

The fighting in Iraq has displaced more than 1.5 million children in the past three years, UNICEF said. Families are gathered in massive desert camps that surround Mosul, as the hot weather drags on with temperatures reaching at least 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) almost daily.

In the camps and Iraqi-controlled Mosul, poor food, dirty water and lack of health care are rampant, Maj. Mohammad Hassan Abdullah, a medical doctor with the Iraqi Armys 9th Division, said.

We have 500 to 600 people coming in every day, mostly babies and elderly people, he says at a field clinic near the front lines in Mosul. The problem could nearly be solved with clean water.

At the Hammam Alil Camp, Zamin Makhool feeds her one remaining living daughter with handouts from NGOs that come sporadically, and some days, not at all.

As long as IS militants hold territory in Iraq, the violence against children will continue, says Zamins husband, Ibrahim Makhool.

He was trying to sell his car when his children were killed in the airstrike, apparently meant to target nearby IS bases or a house next door where militants were living.

It wasnt a mistake that airstrikes hit our neighborhood, Ibrahim Makhool says, holding up a picture of a pile of rocks from what was once his home. There were three IS bases in the area.

They live between families to try to stay safe, he adds. Then when we are hit, they move on.

IN PHOTOS: UNICEF: Iraqi children 'witness sheer horror and unimaginable violence'
The U.N.'s peacekeeping chief said Wednesday that a unilateral cease-fire declared by the government of South Sudan had not materialized, and that the country remained unstable.

"Hostilities have persisted well after the cease-fire commitment made by President Salva Kiir and continue to unfold in various parts of the country," Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the U.N. Security Council.

He said that in the north, South Sudan's army had dislodged opposition forces from their strongholds on the west bank of the Nile River. In the east, it has taken towns in northern Greater Jonglei, while in the west, there have been clashes between government and opposition forces in Wau. In the south, fighting has left towns in the Equatorias virtually deserted by their residents.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that this tragedy is man-made," Lacroix said. He said it was the result of decisions by the Sudan People's Liberation Army, the SPLA-in-Opposition and other entities "to prosecute and sustain armed conflict to achieve political goals."

Aid badly needed

More than three years of fighting between factions loyal to Kiir and his former vice president-turned-political rival, Riek Machar, has left over half the country's population in need of humanitarian assistance.

"In order for the unilateral cease-fire to hold, we call upon the Security Council and the international community to call on the other stakeholders to respect the cease-fire so as to allow the humanitarian actors to pass," South Sudanese envoy Joseph Moum Malok told the council. "From the side of the government, I wish to assure you that we are fully committed to the unilateral cease-fire."

The World Food Program said Wednesday that while conditions had eased in two counties declared to be in a state of famine since February, the situation continued to remain dire across the country as 6 million people struggle to find enough to eat each day. The U.N. has appealed for $1.6 billion this year to assist South Sudan but has received only half the necessary funding.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has traveled to Uganda to attend a refugee summit this week intended to raise billions of dollars to support the nearly 1 million South Sudanese refugees sheltering in that country.
Opposition activists in Djibouti say as many as 19 people were killed Monday when security forces opened fire on a religious gathering in the capital.

Witnesses said the troops targeted a crowd in the Balbala neighborhood that was commemorating the late religious leader Sheikh Yonis Muse.

Security forces raided the venue at around 5 a.m. local time and began shooting, according to the sources.

A reporter for VOA in Djibouti says more than 10 people were wounded in addition to those killed.

The government of Djibouti says security forces opened fire after being attacked by an armed group of people.

"This morning... dozens of armed individuals came together before launching an offensive against the security forces," said a statement from Minister of the Interior Hassan Omar Mohamed. The statement said nine security personnel were wounded, including an officer, but it did not mention any deaths resulting from the clash.

The minister said the violence was an act intended to destabilize our nation" and was "orchestrated by malicious individuals receiving instructions from sponsors who act from abroad."

Mohamed's statement said several suspects had been arrested in connection with Monday's incident.

Deputy opposition leader Omar Elmi Khayre told VOA's Somali Service that civilians were celebrating at the religious event when police and gendarmes attacked the crowd. He said some of those targeted were opposition supporters.

Khayre said other opposition members were attacked by police during a meeting at their headquarters. He said the leader of the opposition, Ahmed Yusuf, and an opposition MP were wounded in that raid.

Police chief Abdullahi Abdi confirmed the raid to VOA, saying the police were hunting those responsible for the earlier violence.

Djibouti, a small country on the east coast of Africa, has been dominated by the People's Rally for Progress party since the late 1970s. The party now rules the country as part of the Union for Presidential Majority coalition.
Hundreds of men swept up in the hunt for al-Qaida militants have disappeared into a secret network of prisons in southern Yemen where abuse is routine and torture extreme - including the grill,'' in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Senior American defense officials acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses. Interrogating detainees who have been abused could violate international law, which prohibits complicity in torture.

The AP documented at least 18 clandestine lockups across southern Yemen run by the United Arab Emirates or by Yemeni forces created and trained by the Gulf nation, drawing on accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers and Yemeni military officials. All are either hidden or off limits to Yemen's government, which has been getting Emirati help in its civil war with rebels over the last two years.

The secret prisons are inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub. Some detainees have been flown to an Emirati base across the Red Sea in Eritrea, according to Yemen Interior Minister Hussein Arab and others.

Several U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the topic, told AP that American forces do participate in interrogations of detainees at locations in Yemen, provide questions for others to ask, and receive transcripts of interrogations from Emirati allies. They said U.S. senior military leaders were aware of allegations of torture at the prisons in Yemen, looked into them, but were satisfied that there had not been any abuse when U.S. forces were present.

We always adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct,'' said chief Defense Department spokeswoman Dana White when presented with AP's findings. We would not turn a blind eye, because we are obligated to report any violations of human rights.''

In a statement to the AP, the UAE's government denied the allegations.

There are no secret detention centers and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations.''

Inside war-torn Yemen, however, lawyers and families say nearly 2,000 men have disappeared into the clandestine prisons, a number so high that it has triggered near-weekly protests among families seeking information about missing sons, brothers and fathers.

None of the dozens of people interviewed by AP contended that American interrogators were involved in the actual abuses. Nevertheless, obtaining intelligence that may have been extracted by torture inflicted by another party would violate the International Convention Against Torture and could qualify as war crimes, said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University who served as special counsel to the Defense Department until last year

At one main detention complex at Riyan airport in the southern city of Mukalla, former inmates described being crammed into shipping containers smeared with feces and blindfolded for weeks on end. They said they were beaten, trussed up on the grill,'' and sexually assaulted. According to a member of the Hadramawt Elite, a Yemeni security force set up by the UAE, American forces were at times only yards away. He requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter.

We could hear the screams,'' said a former detainee held for six months at Riyan airport. The entire place is gripped by fear. Almost everyone is sick, the rest are near death. Anyone who complains heads directly to the torture chamber.'' He was flogged with wires, part of the frequent beatings inflicted by guards against all the detainees. He also said he was inside a metal shipping container when the guards lit a fire underneath to fill it with smoke.

Like other ex-detainees, he spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested again. The AP interviewed him in person in Yemen after his release from detention.

Defense Secretary James Mattis has praised the UAE as Little Sparta'' for its outsized role in fighting against al-Qaida.

U.S. forces send questions to the Emirati forces holding the detainees, which then send files and videos with answers, said Yemeni Brig. Gen. Farag Salem al-Bahsani, commander of the Mukalla-based 2nd Military District, which American officials confirmed to the AP. He also said the United States handed authorities a list of most wanted men, including many who were later arrested.

Al-Bahsani denied detainees were handed over to the Americans and said reports of torture are exaggerated.''

The network of prisons echoes the secret detention facilities set up by the CIA to interrogate terrorism suspects in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama disbanded the so-called black sites.'' The UAE network in war-torn Yemen was set up during the Obama administration and continues operating to this day.

The UAE was one of the countries involved in the CIA's torture and rendition program,'' said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at NYU, who served as special counsel to the Defense Department until last year. These reports are hauntingly familiar and potentially devastating in their legal and policy implications.''

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition meant to help Yemen's government fight Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who overran the north of the country. At the same time, the coalition is helping the U.S. target al-Qaida's local branch, one of the most dangerous in the world, as well as Islamic State militants.

That is not what the families and lawyers in Yemen say. More than 400 men have vanished after being arrested in Mukalla. In Aden, an estimated 1,500 have been detained, according to rights lawyers, who believe most are still in custody.

The AP interviewed 10 former prisoners, as well as a dozen officials in the Yemeni government, military and security services and nearly 20 relatives of detainees. The chief of Riyan prison, who is well known among families and lawyers as Emirati, did not reply to requests for comment.

A small contingent of American forces routinely moves in and out of Yemen, the Pentagon says, operating largely along the southern coast. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. has escalated drone strikes in the country to more than 80 so far this year, up from around 21 in 2016, the U.S. military said. At least two commando raids were ordered against al-Qaida, including one in which a Navy SEAL was killed along with at least 25 civilians.

A U.S. role in questioning detainees in Yemen has not been previously acknowledged.

A Yemeni officer who said he was deployed for a time on a ship off the coast said he saw at least two detainees brought to the vessel for questioning. The detainees were taken below deck, where he was told American polygraph experts'' and psychological experts'' conducted interrogations. He did not have access to the lower decks. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared retaliation for discussing the operations.

Senior U.S. defense officials flatly denied the military conducts any interrogations of Yemenis on any ships.

We have no comment on these specific claims,'' said Jonathan Liu, a CIA spokesman, adding that any allegations of abuse are taken seriously.

The Yemeni officer did not specify if the 'Americans on ships' were U.S. military or intelligence personnel, private contractors, or some other group.

Two senior Yemen officials, one in Hadi's Interior Ministry and another in the 1st Military District, based in Hadramawt province where Mukalla is located, also said Americans were conducting interrogations at sea, as did a former senior security official in Hadramawt. The three spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the U.S. role.

Former detainees and one Yemen official provided the AP with the names of five suspects held at black sites who were interrogated by Americans.

One detainee, who was not questioned by U.S. personnel, said he was subject to constant beatings by his Yemeni handlers but was interrogated only once.

I would die and go to hell rather than go back to this prison,'' he said. They wouldn't treat animals this way. If it was bin Laden, they wouldn't do this.''
The U.S. Justice Department is taking the fight against the Central American street gang known as MS-13 to its home turf  the so-called northern triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

With roots among war refugees from El Salvador in Los Angeles in the 1980s, MS-13, also known by its Spanish name Mara Salvatrucha, has morphed into one of the largest and most violent gangs in the United States, boasting an estimated 10,000 members.



But much of its leadership remains in El Salvador from where they plan and orchestrate some significant murders in the U.S., cases that local prosecutors are unable to investigate, according to Kenneth Blanco, assistant attorney general in charge of the departments criminal division.

Watch: US Steps up Fight Against Flourishing MS-13 Gang

Taking fight to home turf



As part of its fight against the gang, the Justice Departments criminal division coordinates with the Central American governments to gather leads and evidence for prosecuting gang members in the United States and to target others before they ever reach U.S. ports of entry, Blanco told a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on MS-13 Wednesday.



The departments ultimate goal is to dismantle the entire leadership structure of MS-13, including those members who reside overseas, Blanco said.

To that end, FBI-vetted investigative units in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras probe MS-13 and other gang members, he said, while another Justice Department unit sends prosecutors overseas to combat gangs, cartels, financial crimes, public corruption and other transnational criminal activities.

But Congress can provide resources to aid in the fight against MS-13, Blanco told the committee.

I think what we need to do is be able to take the fight to them, he said. The other is resources to help identify the bad actors here and remove those bad actors from this country and send them back from which they came.

Terrorist organization?

President Donald Trump, blaming the Obama Administrations lax immigration policies for allowing MS-13 to flourish, has vowed to do exactly that.

MS-13 is soon going to be gone from our streets very soon, believe me, Trump said last month.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called the gang one of the gravest threats to American safety, and he suggested in a television interview in April that it could be designated as a terrorist organization.

Sessions later said he wasnt certain whether the gang, the first street gang to be labeled a transnational criminal organization by the U.S. Department of Treasury, meets the State Departments standards for terror designation.

Alex Nowrasteh, a fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute in Washington, said it is unfair to blame President Barack Obama for what happened.

What we see  and the data is pretty clear on this  is that, immigrants, whether legal or illegal, are much less likely to commit violent or property crimes in the United States than the native born Americans, Nowrasteh said.

Gang recruiting

MS-13 actively recruits members among immigrant communities from the northern triangle, including youngsters and recently arrived children from Central America. But just how many MS-13 gang members entered the U.S. as children remains unclear.

In recent years, only a handful of Central American children detained at the U.S.-Mexico border have had gang roots. Of the nearly 250,000 unaccompanied minors from the Central American countries arrested since 2012  the majority of them between the ages of 14 and 17  only 160 were gang members, Carla Provost, acting chief of the U.S. Border Patrol told the Senate panel.

The number of Central American minors arrested at the U.S. Southwest border reached nearly 60,000 in fiscal year 2016, but it has plummeted this year as law enforcement has clamped down on illegal immigration. In May, the U.S. Border Patrol agents detained 1,493 unaccompanied minors from Central America, down 73 percent from 5,594 in May 2016, according to Provost.

Working with other law enforcement agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have stepped up arresting gang members. In a recent anti-gang sweep around the country, ICE agents arrested 1,378 people, including 1,095 gang members or gang associates.While 445 of the detainees were foreign born, most were U.S. citizens, according to ICE.
U.S. senators expressed concern on Wednesday about a plan to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system, fearing a rush to consider the major legislation as Republican leaders prepare to unveil it.

The healthcare bill will be released to the Republican Senate Conference on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. EDT and posted online, Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming and Bob Corker of Tennessee told reporters in the Capitol on Wednesday. A vote could come as soon as next week, several senators said.

There is an urgency to get this done because of the continued collapse of the Obama health care law, Barrasso, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, told CNN. People across the country are suffering pain and the pain is getting worse as insurance companies are pulling out.

Legislators from both sides of the aisle have expressed their displeasure and Democrats hoping to block the measure need at least two Republicans to defect.

Senate Republicans have been working behind closed doors for weeks on legislation aimed at repealing and replacing major portions of the Affordable Care Act, former Democratic President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law, popularly known as Obamacare.

Closed-door sessions

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, defending the closed-door sessions, has said all Senate Republicans have had a chance to participate in meetings on the bill, and that Democrats are not interested in discussing Obamacare repeal.

The Senate proposal is expected to cut back the expansion of Medicaid, the government program for the poor, and reduce subsidies to people buying private insurance. But negotiations have been plagued from the start by tensions between moderates and conservatives.

In addition, a growing number of Republicans are frustrated with the process, saying they apparently will have just a few days to study the draft before being forced to vote on a major piece of legislation.

Waiting game

Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he wanted to read the bill and discuss it with constituents before he votes. Id find it hard to believe we'll have enough time, he said, adding that if he doesn't get enough information I won't be voting yes.

Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, said she wants to read an assessment by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on its impact on cost and insurance coverage before making her decision.

The first concern is how many people will lose coverage and what do the demographics of that group look like, she said.

'Obamacare light'

An estimated 23 million people could lose their healthcare under a similar plan narrowly passed last month by the House of Representatives, according to CBO.

Conservative Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said he had not yet seen the Senate bill. But he promised voters he would seek full repeal of Obamacare, and everything I hear (about the Senate draft) sounds like Obamacare light.

Given the opposition of all Senate Democrats to repealing Obamacare, Republican leaders will need the support of at least 50 of the chamber's 52 Republicans to ensure passage.
Many of Zimbabwes motorist are applauding a partnership between the mobile company Econet and the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara), which enables motorists to pay tollgates with their mobile phones, rather than cash, which is in short supply.

Motorists who are registered with Econets mobile payment facility, EcoCash, can simply breeze through any of the 17-toll gates where the systems are in effect, without exchanging any cash or cards.

Motorists Fungai Gutu said he was happy that he no longer had to worry about carrying the increasingly elusive bond notes or other currencies.

I was so happy because when I got to the tollgate, I was able to pull up my cell phone number and then I was processed and given my toll pass, Gutu said. It only took a few seconds.

More than just the convenience of not carrying cash, some, like Harare resident Tawanda Karombo, are excited about the time motorists will now save from the new system.

What EcoCash has done with Zinara, I think it will help people move quickly through the tollgates after they have paid, rather than being stopped there because they will have failed to pay, due to shortage of change or cards not working, said Karombo.

EcoCash Chief Executive Officer Natalie Jabangwe-Morris said, all motorists who want to benefit from the option have to do, is register their vehicles on EcoCash Wallet to start using the mobile phone option at tollgates.

We are excited about the partnership between EcoCash and Zinara, because people are able to use their EcoCash wallet to register their motor vehicle registration number on EcoCash wallet, so as to make it easy for motorists to pass through tollgates automatically, without the problem of using cash or cards, said Jabangwe-Morris.

Chairman of the board at Zinara, Albert Mugabe echoed the sentiments, stressing the relief it will bring to many motorists and parents.

This partnership will really help parents cross our tollgates after they have paid using EcoCash, meaning that we understand that money is unavailable, said Mugabe. But with this program parents wont have to complain about how to cross the tollgates once they get there. The option is there now to pay with EcoCash.

Zanu-PF legislator Dexter Nduna, who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, lauded the EcoCash-Zinara partnership as astep in the right direction for the countrys quest to revive its economy through ZimAsset, its blueprint to achieve social and economic development, and also its application of technology.

The partnership with EcoCash goes along with what the country wants to achieve, said Nduna. The country has said what it wants to achieve on the issue of Zim-Asset (Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation) where it has said lets move forward to embrace ICT or Information Communication Technology.

According to Techzim,a business and technology news blog, multiple motorists can sign on to one Ecocash account to pay tollgates. Toll charges are currently pegged at $2 for light vehicles, $3 for minibuses, and $4, $5 and $10 for buses, heavy vehicles and haulage trucks, respectively.
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Health INSURANCE

Anthem leaves 2 more state marketplaces

Anthem, an Affordable Care Act stalwart, is shrinking its participation in the program and pulling out of two more state marketplaces.

Anthem announced its exit from Wisconsin and Indiana on Wednesday, the deadline in many states for insurers to file their premium rates if they wish to participate in the Affordable Care Act next year.

Anthem said it will leave the two individual insurance markets because of uncertainty over the future of the ACA, as Republican senators work behind closed doors on a bill to repeal and replace the law.

Earlier this month, Anthem said it would pull out of Ohios ACA exchange.

Meanwhile, Oscar Health, the closely held insurer started by Josh Kushner, the brother of Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, is one of a few companies swimming against the tide. The insurer said Wednesday that in 2018 it plans to begin selling health plans on the ACA exchange in Tennessee, to expand in California, Ohio and Texas, and to continue in its New York and New Jersey markets.

 Bloomberg News

CONSUMER SAFETY

Watchdog warns of fidget spinner risks

The wildly popular fidget spinners that seem to be in the hands of half the children in the United States are also potentially dangerous, a consumer watchdog warns.

The small plastic and metal spinners, already banned in many schools because they distract students, can fall apart, and the small pieces can be a choking hazard, Boston-based safety nonprofit World Against Toys Causing Harm said in its summer safety report released Wednesday.

Children in Texas and Oregon have been taken to hospitals recently after choking on fidget spinner pieces, the safety nonprofit said. And German customs officials last week destroyed 39 tons of the handheld whirling gizmos over safety concerns.

Do not be lulled into a false sense of security that a toy is safe simply because it is popular, said group president Joan Siff.

The group also warned about the fire dangers posed by lithium batteries in hoverboards, the potential for blunt force injuries from plastic weapons and impact injuries from nonmotorized scooters.

However, the nonprofit tends to needlessly frighten parents, said Joan Lawrence, vice president of safety standards at the Toy Association, an industry group of toy manufacturers and retailers. Toy safety is highly regulated under federal law, she said.

 Associated Press

Also in Business

Americans bought homes at a quicker pace in May. The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that sales of existing homes rose 1.1 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.62 million units. Sales have risen 2.7 percent over the past 12 months, but home buyers are facing greater financial and time pressures because of shrinking inventories. Listings have slid 8.4 percent in the past 12 months to 1.96 million. Homes are staying on the market for a median of just 27 days. And the median sales price has risen 5.8 percent from a year ago to $252,800.

Two driverless shuttles will begin operating at the University of Michigan this fall, the school announced Wednesday. The 15-passenger electric shuttles will carry students and staff in a two-mile loop on campus roads. A trained specialist will ride on each shuttle but wont steer it. The shuttles, which go about 15 miles an hour, are made by French start-up NAVYA, which has deployed 25 shuttles worldwide since last year.

Boeing secured twice as much in order value at the Paris Air Show as rival Airbus, marking the U.S. planemakers first victory in five years at the aviation industrys annual showcase. Boeing won orders and expressions of interest for about 370 planes worth as much as $52 billion in the three days through Wednesday, getting a boost from demand for the Max 10, the biggest version of its 737 workhorse. Airbus posted a tally of 229 airliners valued at about $25 billion. The haul of about $77 billion in deals easily surpassed the $50 billion signed at last years show in England. Global liquor giant Diageo said Wednesday that it will pay up to $1 billion to buy a tequila brand co-founded by George Clooney. The actor founded the Casamigos brand four years ago with partners Rande Gerber and Mike Meldma. Diageo said it will initially pay $700 million for Casamigos and then pay another $300 million over 10 years if the brand hits certain performance milestones. Clooney and Gerber, an entrepreneur married to model Cindy Crawford, have appeared in ads for the brand.

Girls Scouts will now have the chance to earn their first-ever cyber security badges. The first of 18 cyber security badges will be rolled out in September 2018, Girl Scouts of the USA said in a news release. The education program is being developed in partnership with Palo Alto Networks, a security company. The move to instill a valuable 21st century skill set in girls best known for cookie sales is also aimed at eliminating barriers to cybersecurity employment, such as gender and geography, said Sylvia Acevedo, the organizations chief executive.

From news reports

Coming today

8:30 a.m.: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims.

10 a.m.: Freddie Mac releases weekly mortgage rates.
This story is developing and will be updated throughout the day.

Senate Republican leadership unveiled their health care bill Thursday morning, after weeks of crafting it behind closed doors. The bill takes major steps to roll back provisions of the Affordable Care Act, but stops short of the severity of the Houses bill. In both bills, the spending cuts made by Medicaid and other programs would go to fund a substantial tax cut for the health care industry and the rich.

A vote is planned for the end of next week. If it passes, it would need to be reconciled with the Houses bill before going to President Trumps desk.

See what the Senate bill changes about the ACA and the House bill, below:

Who would be covered

Under Senate Republicans plan, the government would no longer penalize Americans for failing to have health insurance.

ACA: The individual mandate requires most Americans to have health coverage or pay a fine.

HOUSE BILL: Instead of the mandate, insurers would be allowed to impose a 30 percent premium surcharge on consumers who purchase a new plan after letting their previous coverage lapse  incentivizing healthy people to remain insured. States could choose to make this penalty more severe.

SENATE BILL: The individual mandate would be eliminated.

ACA: The employer mandate requires larger companies to offer affordable coverage to their employees.

HOUSE BILL: The employer mandate would be eliminated.

SENATE BILL: The employer mandate would be eliminated.

ACA: Young adults could stay on their parents health insurance plan until theyre 26 years old.

HOUSE BILL: This provision was unchanged.

SENATE BILL: This provision was unchanged.

How they would pay for coverage

The federal health insurance subsidies that help most people with ACA marketplace plans afford their coverage would change. Health care would get substantially less affordable for most of these people, especially those who are poor, unhealthy or old, according to Linda Blumberg of the Urban Institute, Christine Eibner of the RAND Corporation and Karen Pollitz of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

ACA: Tax credits are primarily based on income, age and geography, which benefits lower- and moderate-income people buying coverage through ACA marketplaces.

HOUSE BILL: Tax credits would be based primarily on age. The amount would not increase when premiums increased, and people living in higher-cost areas would receive no additional money.

SENATE BILL: Tax credits would be primarily based on income but they would be made to cover a skimpier plan, and people would need to be lower-income than under the ACA to receive them.

ACA: Cost-sharing subsidies were provided to insurers to help some of their ACA customers cover deductibles and copayments.

HOUSE BILL: These subsidies would end in 2020, though Trump could cut them off earlier.

SENATE BILL: These subsidies would end in 2020, though Trump could cut them off earlier.

ACA: Insurance companies are not allowed to increase someones premiums or deny coverage based on preexisting conditions.

HOUSE BILL: States could allow insurers to increase someones premiums based on their preexisting conditions if they had a break in coverage. The state would have to set up some other program, like a high risk pool, to cover their sickest residents. And the federal government would have its own $8 billion fund to help cover sick peoples high premiums within the individual market.

SENATE BILL: Insurance companies are not allowed to increase someones premiums or deny coverage based on preexisting conditions.

ACA: The ACA did not create high-risk pools, because there were other protections for pre-existing conditions.

HOUSE BILL: States would receive $130 billion over 10 years through a new Patient and State Stability Fund for high-risk pools and other programs to help sicker people.

SENATE BILL: The stability fund would receive $112 billion over 10 years, and would be aimed at reimbursing insurers who take big losses.

Proposed changes to Medicaid

The bill would restructure Medicaid, narrow the programs eligibility and likely decrease its funding.

ACA: Medicaid is currently an entitlement program with open-ended, matching federal funds for anyone who qualifies.

HOUSE BILL: Medicaid would be funded by giving states a per-capita amount or block grant based on how much each state is currently spending, not adjusting for rising costs. Overall, this is expected to substantially decrease federal funding, according to the Congressional Budget Offices report on the plan.

SENATE BILL: Medicaid would be funded by giving states a block grant, beginning in 2021. The amount would grow more slowly than in the House bill, meaning bigger spending cuts overall.

ACA: States can expand Medicaid to cover people making up to 138 percent of the poverty line, and the federal government would cover an outsized portion of their costs.

HOUSE BILL: States would not be able to expand Medicaid after this year. In those states that do expand by the deadline, the federal government will pay a smaller portion of the cost for people who sign up after 2019, making the expansion much more expensive for those states.

SENATE BILL: States would not be able to expand Medicaid after three years. In those states that do expand by the deadline, the federal government would pay a smaller portion of the cost starting in 2021.

Other key elements of the plans

ACA: Insurers are required to cover certain categories of essential health benefits, such as hospital visits and mental health care.

HOUSE BILL: States would be allowed to change what qualifies as an essential health benefit.

SENATE BILL: States would be allowed to change what qualifies as an essential health benefit.

ACA: Planned Parenthood is eligible for Medicaid reimbursements, but federal money cannot fund abortions.

HOUSE BILL: Planned Parenthood would face a one-year Medicaid funding freeze.

SENATE BILL: Planned Parenthood would face a one-year Medicaid funding freeze.


Chef Jose Flores, right, poses for a photo with customer John Lupori of Hopewell, Va. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Gas stations are the unavoidable eyesores of a country beholden to the internal combustion engine. No matter how many news highlights beam from Gas Station TV, these fueling depots are an assault on the senses: concrete stained with the grease of a thousand pickups, pump handles sticky with sweat, air thick with the sweet, toxic aromas of benzene, convenience foods so nutritionally empty their first ingredient is regret.

But its at these aesthetic dead zones that people often seek their daily sustenance, only steps from the noxious fuel that sustains their vehicles. A gas station may be the least likely destination for dinner, yet its allure is not difficult to grasp. Filling-station fare holds the same attraction as Maine lobster rolls from a truck, Sichuan wontons at a roadside motel and north Indian street food inside a supermarket: Its the thrill of the unexpected, a treasure buried in the last place youd look for it.

[The $20 Diner: Fill er up at Thai Pan in Leesburg]

El Papi Street Tacos occupies an awkward sliver inside a Shell station in Elkridge, Md. If the location sounds familiar, it should. It previously served as the launchpad for chef Rodrigo Albarran-Torres, a former airline pilot whose fortunes took flight when he opened R&R Taqueria inside the station in 2009 and came to the attention of Guy Fieris producers. Albarran-Torres has since moved across the street to a more refined location, complete with barnyard and industrial decor. In less than a decade, Chef Rod has become such a local celebrity that his face now graces the signage of his new restaurant.



The owners have hung large banners to make sure passersby know about El Papi Street Tacos, inside a Shell gas station. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

A vestige of R&R still remains at El Papi, though. His name is Jose Flores, a chef from Puebla, Mexico, who used to lead the kitchen for Albarran-Torres. Earlier this year, Flores paired up with business partner Patricia Pineda to open El Papi, a taqueria that holds down the same space that his former boss occupied inside the clown-colored gas station. As if to compete with the corporate Shell branding, Flores and Pineda have hung El Papi banners on practically every vertical surface within a 100-yard radius. If you dont know theres a new taqueria in Elkridge, you must have your head up your . . . phone.

When Flores and Pineda call their signature food real Mexican street tacos, theyre not invoking the language of Madison Avenue to convince you of the superiority of an inferior snack. As part of their business, the partners have hired a team to prepare corn tortillas from scratch. Im not talking about a crew that mixes water with masa harina, the kind available at any corner Latino market. Im talking about workers who soak dried corn in hot water dosed with slaked lime, a process called nixtamalization. The technique is as ancient as the pre-Columbian civilizations that developed it.

[Taqueria Habanero: From Puebla, with love and fresh tortillas]

The corn tortillas arrive fresh daily at El Papi, and no matter what filling you desire, your taco will come swaddled in a single exquisite round, not two, which serves to underscore the preciousness of the tortillas provenance. The wrapper releases a small bouquet of corn with every bite, as if the very act of chewing aerosolizes a tropical fragrance locked inside that griddled round. Many tortillas are just bit players in the taco experience. These are the stars.



Tacos filled with chorizo, left, and carnitas. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Or one of the stars. Flores also dotes over his fillings, despite some limitations in his tiny kitchen. Health officials apparently wont permit a spit rotisserie, the kind necessary for legit al pastor, the spiced and marinated pork that can trace its roots back to Lebanon and the Middle East. So, the chef has jury-rigged a version that, while not traditional, rings smoky, sweet and true to the spirit of the dish. Floress cecina beef  a long ribbon of beef sliced from top round  is a blast of concentrated flavor, at once salty and intense. The lengua, or beef tongue, almost melts on contact with your own.

Flores and his staff prepare almost all the meats in-house, save for the chorizo, a Mexican-style sausage that drowns everything in its path  corn tortilla, bolillo bread, flour tortilla  with a rush of chile-infused oil. I ordered the chorizo twice, once in a quesadilla and another time in a burrito, and both were grease traps. Delicious, but grease traps nonetheless. Flores expects to make his own chorizo soon, and I can only hope his version will put a cap on that oil flow.

All tacos are garnished with cilantro, diced white onions and slender lengths of green onion, which add these clean, fresh and radiant notes. To complete the onion trifecta, every taco order also comes with a cebollita asada, or grilled spring onion with its wilted and charred stalk still attached. Doused with lime juice, the accompaniment is sort of an onion chaser. The only misfire among the taco options is the shrimp-and-fish combination, which tasted a day or two past its peak, even with an ungodly amount of lime juice squirted on it.

[Taqueria Nacionals quiet subversion of the 14th Street corridor]



The patio at El Papi Street Tacos. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

The beauty of El Papis menu is that Floress painstakingly prepared meats can be slipped into any of the available dishes: tacos, burritos, quesadillas and tortas (served on a soft bolillo roll made in-house) and accented with homemade red or green salsas, both turbocharged with twin chiles. Outside the tacos, my favorite bite is a chicken torta souped up with stringy Oaxacan cheese, black beans, avocado and a pickled hot pepper that elevates the sandwich into another orbit.

Once you figure out your preferred meat-and-bread combinations, youll next have to decide where to eat them. In the car? On one of the stools inside El Papi? At home? Your best bet may be to pull up a chair on the patio, next to the planter boxes filled with calla lilies and hostas, where you can take in the view of the gas pumps, the concrete and the endless parade of cars.

Why dine among these many insults to the senses? Just so you can say you were there when El Papi got its start at a gas station. Because with food like this, the taqueria is bound to go places far from here.


Vice President Joe Biden samples ice creams before making a decision at Little Man Ice Cream in Denver in 2015. (Brennan Linsley/Associated Press)

Our Founding Fathers helped create a nation of ice cream addicts. Going back to George Washington, they spared no expense or hardship in making and serving frozen treats. While many 18th-century foods have fallen into obscurity (eel pie, anyone?), ice cream remains a dominant force.

Even in times of political strife, Americans are united in their ice cream fixation. The average American devours 45 pints per year, which equates to about $10 billion.

We can thank Washington for Americas early interest in the treat. Renowned for his sweet tooth, Washington was hooked when he got his first taste of ice cream in the late 18th century. Its believed Washington may have been introduced to ice cream by Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, who was the royal governor of Virginia between 1768 and 1770. The first couple bought pricey ice cream-making equipment and fancy dishes and served it at soirees in New York City and Philadelphia. A detailed list of ice cream paraphernalia  such as a 309-piece service that included 2 Iceries Complete, 12 ice plates, and 36 ice pots from the estate at Mount Vernon  reads like a prototype of a Williams-Sonoma catalogue.

During the early years of our country, though, ice cream was for the elite. Most Americans had never even heard of it. But food trends had a way of catching on, even centuries before Instagram. Thomas Jefferson, who first tasted it in France, helped popularize ice cream by recording the first recipe for it in the United States. The ingredients were simple enough  six egg yolks, a half-pound of sugar, two bottles of good cream, and one vanilla bean  but cooks had to go through an arduous, 18-step process and use a little muscle. The ice cream maker hadnt yet been invented; Jefferson recommended making it in a primitive sorbetiere, which consisted of a covered pail with a handle, and churning it by hand in the ice for 10 minutes before sticking it in a mold to set. Jefferson had ice houses built at Monticello in 1802 to preserve perishable foods such as butter, and he liked to have plenty on hand to make ice cream.



Thomas Jefferson was the first to record a recipe for ice cream in the United States. It was vanilla. (Steve Helber/Associated Press)

Lest you think modern-day chefs are the first to churn the likes of fish sauce and foie gras into ice cream, know that first lady Dolley Madison had a taste for more extreme flavors two centuries ago. One of her favorites was ice cream made with fresh Potomac oysters. She toned things down a bit for her husbands second inaugural ball by serving plain ice cream with strawberries.

There were, of course, the inevitable gaffes when dealing with a new food item. Assuming that a pyramid of cake was made out of ice cream, a White House guest of President Martin Van Buren cut away at it vigorously with a spoon. In the process, he overthrew the whole structure, according to Anne Cooper Funderburg in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla.

Unfortunately, eating milky desserts could be dangerous in the days before pasteurization. Historians still argue about whether President Zachary Taylor died after gorging on ice milk and frozen cherries during a Fourth of July party in 1850.

First lady Dolley Madison was a fan of ice cream made with oysters. (Associated Press)

But thankfully, a few inventions made ice cream safer and more convenient in the early 20th century. Better refrigeration meant less spoilage. And the truck replaced the horse-drawn wagon as a means of distribution. Another new ice cream delivery system, the waffle cone, hit the scene at the St. Louis Worlds Fair in 1904, although theres still a raging debate about who should get credit for it.

Ice cream even became a rite of passage for newcomers to the United States. Immigrants who landed on Ellis Island were often given a scoop during their first meal in the States to help them get acclimated, but sometimes this gesture of goodwill backfired. In 1902, several arrivals from Italy, waylaid on the island during the Easter holiday, were alarmed by the strange temperature and texture of this unfamiliar foodstuff and asked for it to be warmed up according to the New York Times.

Passion for ice cream reached a new intensity during Prohibition when bibulous men were urged to visit the soda fountain instead of the saloon. In the process, they successfully substituted one vice for another; in 1920, our nations first year without (legal) booze, consumers wolfed down 260 million gallons of ice cream.

The modern era only increased our national fervor for frozen treats  and American presidents continued to do their part. In 1969, while en route to a historical meeting with South Vietnams President Nguyen Van Thieu, President Richard M. Nixon visited Hawaii, where he became obsessed with macadamia nut ice cream. Nixon asked to have a three-gallon pack sent by air to the White House. He had another three-gallon pack sent from Hawaii 10 months later when he went to award the Apollo 13 astronauts the Medal of Freedom. The flavor was available only on the West Coast and Hawaii, so the manager of the now-defunct Alpha Beta supermarket in San Clemente, Calif., used to get a heads-up when Nixon was coming to town so he would have a supply of the flavor on hand.

In the following years, the Cold War lingered, and so did the presidential preoccupation with frozen desserts. In 1984, Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream month. The same year he joked he was outlawing Russia forever, he said in his proclamation that ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over 90 percent of the people in the United States.



Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) took a detour during the 2008 presidential campaign to get some ice cream at the Dairy Dutchess in New Concord, Ohio. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

Three decades later, Vice President Joe Biden seemed to have taken that proclamation to heart and made ice cream eating a patriotic duty. Biden, who famously ate ice cream with Jimmy Fallon, recently had a flavor named after him at Cornell University. Biden dubbed himself the ice cream guy and has enjoyed a cone at many small-town shops across the country. He proudly declared his addiction to the owners of Penny Ice Creamery in Santa Cruz, Calif., in 2010. I am a genuine lover of ice cream. I dont drink. I dont smoke. But I eat a lot of ice cream.

[Here is a photo of Joe Biden eating ice cream in his aviators while flashing cash]

Theres even a proven tie-in between political parties and flavors. Republicans favor chocolate, and Democrats like vanilla, according to a 2011 Harris Poll. President Trump apparently loves cherry vanilla, and he orders two scoops of ice cream for his pies, while his guests are expected to be content with just one. Trump also has an ice cream parlor named after himself in Trump Tower. One Yelper, who may have a political bias, gave the flavors a scathing review, saying the scoops are expensive for a small portion of ice cream that tastes like toothpaste and cleaning supplies.

Although its probably never a good idea to discuss politics while eating  even eating ice cream  in these heated political times, cooling down with a cone has never been a better idea. This summer we may agree on little else.

Amy Ettinger is the author of Sweet Spot: An Ice Cream Binge Across America (Dutton, 2017).


Peter Ren, 24, tax consultant, and Katy Gloth, 22, IT specialist. (Daniele Seiss/For The Washington Post)

Interviews by Debra Bruno

Peter Ren, 24, and Katy Gloth, 22, both work at Big Four accounting firms. And both listed Harry Potter books as their favorites. But in a city like Washington, is there anything worse than matching a political junkie with a person who hates all the chatter about politics? We sent them to Mari Vanna near Dupont Circle to find out.

Peter: I arrived about five minutes early. I had actually just moved back to D.C. from a two-year stint in New York and it was my fourth day on the job, so I wanted to make sure my commute didnt make me late. I actually ran into the [Post] photographer. We were by the table upstairs and then she thought she saw Katy walk in, so she went down and got her.

Katy: I actually thought I was there first. The hostess wasnt very helpful. [Peter] was upstairs waiting for me.

Peter: She was really pretty. We went for the hug, which really helped to make for a good transition.

Katy: He was definitely not my usual type, so I was a little surprised at first. But then I was like, Okay, well see how this goes.

Peter: The first thing we discussed was our reasons for applying to Date Lab. She mentioned that one of her friends signed her up. For me, I transferred my job from New York to D.C. I read a couple of the articles and thought, Hmmmm, its a pretty interesting program.

Katy: He did ask: What did you put in your application? And it was funny because I hate talking about my work and I hate talking about politics, and that was what he liked talking about the most.

Peter: On my application I said I enjoy talking about politics politely and that Im interested in politics as well as having interned on the Hill. We both thought it was hilarious that they matched someone who enjoyed politics with someone who hates politics. But since it happened early in the evening, it helped to lighten the mood.

Katy: He described himself as a moderate Republican, but that he voted for Hillary. I dont think Ive been on a date where someone hasnt made a point to tell me they voted for Hillary.

Peter: We both work in similar jobs, and we also talked about the commute, about work issues. ... Since she works in the same area as me  Tysons [Corner]  we talked about the possibility of bumping into each other on the Metro.

Katy: He does consulting on tax and I do advisory and IT. And he said, Oh, international tax? and I said, Oh, youre more nerdy than I am; thats so amazing.

Peter: We also talked about siblings. She has three brothers, two older and one younger, so I joked, you must have had a rough experience growing up. She said, I was the princess, I had the greatest time.

Katy: We talked about college, and how they do things differently at Georgetown from Maryland, where I went. He was very engaging  he asked me a lot of questions.

Peter: There werent many awkward moments, if there were any at all. Whenever one of us stopped, the other one filled the gap, which is always great. Did I think there were sparks? I felt some sparks.

Katy: No, not really. The conversation was good for a dinner.

Peter: We stayed until the restaurant closed  they were dimming the lights and the music stopped. I said: We should probably head out now. We both have work tomorrow.

Katy: I walked him to the Metro and then I called my Uber.

Peter: Once we got to the Metro, we gave each other hugs, and then I went down the escalator.

Katy: We did exchange numbers. He texted me about a second date about 10 minutes ago. I havent answered. I dont think Im going to go on a second date, but I dont know how to text him that.

Rate the date

Peter: 5 [out of 5]. I had a great time.

Katy: He promised he would give me a 5, and I promised I would give him a 4.5. I wanted to get a good score.

Update

The two did not go out again.


Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, with the iPhone in San Francisco in 2007. (Paul Sakuma/Associated Press)

June 29, 2007 At 5 a.m., two days before the first iPhone went on sale a decade ago this week, a line began forming outside the Apple store in Walnut Creek, Calif., in a scene that was repeated across the country. In Maryland, an engineer from Rockville determined to get one told The Washington Posts Kim Hart that he was willing to pay his teenage neighbor $500 to stand in line for him while he was at work. A cancer researcher from San Francisco even offered to release noxious fumes, piercing sounds or wild animals  for a fee of course  as part of a multi-pronged approach to getting people out of line so that his clients could improve their chances of scoring what some were calling an iPod cell phone. Since then, Apple has sold a billion iPhones, inspired a Joaquin Phoenix movie about a man who falls in love with his Siri-like virtual assistant and helped simplify the search for love to a swipe of a finger. In July, Apple CEO Tim Cook declared that the iPhone had become one of the most important, world-changing and successful products in history.


Vera Sung, left, Jill Sung and Thomas Sung in Abacus: Small Enough to Jail. (Courtesy of Sean Lyness)

In a David-vs.-Goliath matchup, a bank is an unlikely candidate for the underdog.

But thats the story that celebrated documentarian Steve James tells in his latest film, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, which follows the five-year legal saga of the only bank prosecuted for mortgage fraud in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis: a family-owned community bank in New York Citys Chinatown.

The film, which comes out in Washington theaters Friday and on Frontline this fall, focuses on the banks owners, the charismatic Sung family, who argue over legal strategy, laugh over meals and shed tears over the fate of their legacy.

A lot of the films Ive done, if not all, have been about people at important junctures of their lives, said James, director of 1994s Hoop Dreams, one of the most acclaimed documentaries ever made. Either trying to make a dream happen, or facing adversity in some fashion, and having to either overcome or not.

[Abacus: Small Enough to Jail: George Bailey in Chinatown]

Thomas Sung founded Abacus in 1984 to cater to the Chinese and Chinese American community. One of his four daughters, Jill, later took over as CEO and president. Another, Vera, serves as the banks director.

Many of the banks customers work in Chinatowns cash economy, meaning finding paperwork to secure home loans can be a challenge. In 2009, Vera and Jill Sung discovered a fraudulent scheme in which one of the banks loan officers misrepresented borrowers income on mortgage applications. Within days, the bank fired the loan officer and investigated and reported the incident. After a borrower filed a complaint to authorities, the bank handed over stacks of documents.

Still, it became a target. A handful of former employees allegedly involved in the scheme were handcuffed and paraded before television cameras in a chain-linked group  and were indicted on 184 counts, including mortgage fraud and conspiracy. The fired loan officer became the prosecutions star witness.

In announcing the indictment, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said Abacus engaged in a systematic and pervasive mortgage fraud scheme and sold millions of dollars in fraudulent loans to Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae, the film takes pains to point out, didnt end up losing money on those loans.

The way we saw it, it was basically an indictment of the community, Jill Sung said in an interview.

Director Steve James: A lot of the films Ive done, if not all, have been about people at important junctures of their lives. (Greg Gorman)

The Chinese-language press covered the story daily, but the mainstream media largely ignored it, James said. He found out about the impending trial from producer Mark Mitten, a friend of Vera Sungs.

After I got to know the Sungs and heard more about their side of the story and their case, it became pretty clear pretty quickly to me and the rest of our team that this just doesnt seem right, James said. The film makes no bones about being in the Sungs corner. We dont go along an objective tone.

The Sungs initially argued about whether to let James make the documentary.

I wasnt for it, Jill Sung said. I felt like there was just too much going on with the trial, and I was afraid if the trial didnt work to our favor, what would the documentary be saying?

But Vera Sung said it was important to share this story, not for ourselves but for the effect it has had on our community. And also, its rather eye-opening, to say the least, about the criminal justice system, big banks versus smaller banks.

The family came to a consensus, and James soon developed a good rapport with the Sungs, whom he said he fell in love with pretty much immediately.

It wouldnt be an easy story to tell. The crew didnt have access to the courtroom, so they hired a sketch artist and paired the images with voice actors reciting from the trial transcript. There were 7,000 pages of testimony to sort through. And they had no idea how long the trial would take.

Jamess team made repeated attempts to get the prosecution on camera. Prosecutors and two jurors finally agreed once the trial ended.

Translating complex financial matters into dramatic and accessible on-screen stories can also be a daunting task.

I remember being fascinated about that, but also scared. Would people find this interesting? The pettiness of the charges contributed to the fact that nobody found this important enough to report on, James said. If a big bank had been on trial, it would have been huge.

As the film recounts, Thomas Sung started the bank to serve an underserved population; as a Chinese immigrant, he previously had difficulty getting loans from banks himself, despite also being an American-educated lawyer. In the film, Sung walks around Chinatown, shaking hands with activists, eating in local restaurants and visiting educational centers.

Although the 2008 mortgage crisis inflamed peoples passions about banks, Sungs mission was to serve people, so thats what we understood banking to be ever since were little, Jill Sung said.

That the state prosecuted a small community bank rather than behemoth financial institutions that dealt with subprime mortgages made the story even more important, James said.

Matt Taibbi, author of a book about Americas wealth gap, says in the film that while big banks were too big to fail, Abacus was small enough to jail. If you were going to pick a bank to pick on, a family-owned company wedged between a couple of noodle shops in Chinatown is about as easy a target as you can pick, he adds.

But Vance stands by his decision. I think Americans were upset that the security against which loans were made were often fictitious. And at Abacus, there was some truth to that, too, Vance says in the film. Its clearly not a big, big bank. And clearly it was not representative of the entire financial community  but I think the principle was the same.



Jill Sung, left, Vera Sung, and Thomas Sung. (Courtesy of PBS Distribution)

Legal issues aside, the films anchor is a loving family full of strong, charming personalities.

Many audience members will relate to the family dynamics, from matriarch Hwei Lin Sungs funny and candid declarations  she steals the movie, James said  to one of the Sung sisters trying to get a word in edgewise as the others debate.

With all the drama enveloping their lives, the Sungs soon forgot about the cameras. One sister, Chanterelle, came to find the filmmakers presence calming as she could tell them what she was feeling without expecting any judgment, because they were just documenting it, Jill Sung said.

The trial also brought the Sungs together, as they took time off to work through the legal battle as a group.

I said, remember these days, these moments, where were actually together every day, Vera Sung said.

Now that Abacus has hit the festival circuit, the films subjects have found seeing themselves on the big screen quite surreal. But Thomas and Hwei Lin Sung still like watching it with others.

Its so funny  every time, I say, Do you really want to sit through this? And every time they go, Yes! We want to watch it! Vera Sung said. It feels like youre going through it with the audience. Its very cathartic.

Unrated. At Landmarks E Street Cinema. Contains strong language. In English, Cantonese and Mandarin with subtitles. 88 minutes.
Ive only met Daniel Day-Lewis once, during a press junket for Gangs of New York. I sat next to him at a roundtable interview during which my colleagues peppered him with questions about his crafty portrayal of Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorseses portrait of mid-19th century Manhattan. As the Q-and-A ended, I whispered that the last time Id seen him was 15 years earlier, when he played the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky in the play Futurists at the Royal National Theatre on Londons south bank.

You saw that? Day-Lewis asked, astonished.

Saw it? I was permanently transformed by it, socked from my solar plexus right down to my molecular makeup. Although Day-Lewis had already exemplified impressive range with breakout performances in My Beautiful Laundrette and A Room With a View, he wasnt yet a household name outside the art house. In the intimate Cottesloe Theatre, where the audience sat inches away from the stage, Day-Lewis dominated the play  about the artists who helped shape the Russian Revolution  with a towering, all-consuming performance, his shaved head making his 6-foot 2-inch frame even more imposing, his shock-and-awe delivery of Mayakovskys poetry an explosive torrent of politics, passion and commitment. He even seemed capable of making the vein on the side of his forehead pulse at will.

I swear I felt some of Day-Lewiss spit on my forehead that night, a fact I shared with him at the Gangs junket, which made his hooded eyes give way to a huge, face-cracking smile. By the time Day-Lewis played Bill the Butcher, the same overwhelming stage presence I had experienced in the Nationals tiny black-box space had been on display in movie after movie, from The Unbearable Lightness of Being to The Last of the Mohicans and In the Name of the Father. By then, hed won one Oscar, for My Left Foot; hes since added two more, for There Will Be Blood and Lincoln.

And now, to quote his character in There Will Be Blood, hes finished. Earlier this week, Day-Lewis issued a statement that he has decided to stop acting, providing no details about what led to his decision or what he might be pursuing in the future.

The response has run the gamut between rank speculation and elegiac mourning. But not, necessarily, surprise. Now 60, Day-Lewis has been notorious for his approach-avoidance relationship with the craft he so thoroughly mastered, taking long stretches of time between movies to enjoy his adopted home in Ireland or learning to cobble shoes in Italy. During a theatrical production of Hamlet, he reportedly saw the ghost of his late father and swore off the stage for good; hes known for adamantly refusing to break character on movie sets, demanding that co-workers address him by his fictional names, his method blurring into its own form of brilliant madness.

Those eccentricities have been dismissed as showy and self-indulgent, but few would argue that they havent resulted in some of the most indelible characterizations of the past 30 years, with Day-Lewis exemplifying screen performance at its most fully inhabited and uncompromising. The actress Beulah Bondi said that an actor must create his or her character from the feet up. Day-Lewis was feet-up 24/7, bringing the same fire-hose ferocity I saw at the National to roles that could sometimes feel mannered or scenery-chewing but never in service to mere vanity or self-regard. How could audiences be immersed in the emotional life he was conjuring on screen if he didnt dare take the plunge himself, without reservation or self-protection? For some, talent is a renewable resource; for others, its subject to depletion: Stripping oneself down to build up another persona has to be physically and psychically exhausting, exacting a price that eventually cant be recouped by retreating into what Montaigne called the back shop of solitude and self-renewal.

Those long retreats from the profession point out how anachronistic Day-Lewiss career seems a generation later than he began it: At a time when the prevailing business model for actors is to latch onto a comic-book movie to finance ones passion projects, when a star such as George Clooney can make a cool billion selling his tequila business, Day-Lewis has resisted the paradigm of superheroes and side hustles. Theres something revealing in the fact that two Sirs  Anthony Hopkins and Patrick Stewart  can be seen this summer in the new Transformers sequel and The Emoji Movie, respectively. Meanwhile, Day-Lewis has been almost perversely choosy, racking up a modest 20 movies over the course of a 35-year career, with nary a robot car or poop icon among them.

If Day-Lewiss retirement is indeed permanent, his final movie will be a more edifying affair: Phantom Thread, a 1950s-era drama set in the fashion world, written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, of There Will Be Blood. Then, presumably, the finest film actor of his generation will embark on the longest retreat of all, during which any number of passions may emerge  or reemerge. Those mourning Day-Lewiss imminent disappearance from the movies do well to remember James Cagneys quieter but no less resolute decision to quit acting in 1961, after a dismal experience filming the satire One, Two, Three. Twenty years later, before Cagney would make one of the most brilliant comebacks in Hollywood legend and lore, Milos Forman approached him with his adaptation of Ragtime, hoping to coax him back to the screen.

No. Im retired, Cagney is said to have replied. Then, after a few moments went by, came the instinctive question that defines all actors at their core: Whats the part?
Full disclosure: Ive never watched a sex tape. In fact, Ive gone out of my way to avoid even catching a fleeting glimpse of the kinds of salacious DIY videos that helped make the likes of Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian famous.

Im not much of a wrestling fan either, so when Hulk Hogan sued the website Gawker for releasing images of him having sex with the wife of a close friend, I didnt pay much attention. The documentary Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press makes a persuasive case for why I should have paid more attention.

Directed by Brian Knappenberger, this absorbing if ungainly film meticulously lays out the facts of Hogans case, which maintained that Gawkers release of the tape violated the privacy not of Hogan  a public, largely fictional character known for bragging about his sexual prowess  but of Terry Bollea, the real-life man behind the spray tan and spandex singlets. Hogans case seems preposterously thin, until a shrewd bit of legal wrangling puts Gawkers fortunes in genuine danger. There seems to be more to the situation than meets the eye.

What comes to light is that Hogans case was being bankrolled by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, who had nursed a long-simmering grudge against Gawker and pounced on the chance to sue the site and its founder, Nick Denton, for every penny they had. As media-news junkies everywhere now know, Gawker is out of business thanks to Thiels crusade; Nobody Speak, which played last weekend at AFI Docs, suggests that his lawsuit is the warning shot across the bow of a free press increasingly under fire from partisan millionaires and, in what looks like hurriedly added footage, our own president.

Although Knappenberger makes a convincing argument for alarm, interviewing such sage observers as NPRs David Folkenflik and the Washington Posts Margaret Sullivan, hes less probing when it comes to Gawkers less savory endeavors. The site broke authentic news during its run, but it trafficked in tawdry, petty takedowns that deserve to be questioned more vigorously in the context of informing an engaged citizenry. Nobody Speak shifts abruptly midway through to focus on the far more clear-cut fight between the staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and casino magnate and Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, who bought the paper in 2015 and promptly fired a journalist who had been critical of his business dealings.

While the news is awash in daily stories about the Left killing free speech on college campuses, Nobody Speak provides an unsettling reminder that another form of censorship and distortion is occurring right under our noses, our attention being misdirected by sound, fury and tabloid-worthy showmanship while oligarchs and autocrats sow mistrust in media they either want to destroy or control for their own purposes. As the film makes clear, the threat is particularly dire for news outlets in small and midsize cities where theyre the only source of accountability to local political and corporate power.

Knappenbergers film might make that case awkwardly at times, in an overlong film that bears the signs of being quickly re-edited after the 2016 election. (It was finished before the Trump White House made its press briefings more rare, less transparent and must-see exercises in stonewalling.) But formal quibbles pale in comparison to the content hes illuminating. Nobody Speak is a chilling, essential primer in how we got here and where were going if bread and circuses continue to win the news cycle. Whether as consumers, citizens or click-addicted spectators, thats on us.

Nobody Speak (95 minutes) is available on Netflix. It contains sexual material and some profanity.
The author pauses at the halfway point of her hike up the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular tourist sites in Ireland. (Courtesy of Kathleen Hupfeld / )

Our readers share tales of their ramblings around the world.

Who: Kathleen Hupfeld of Columbia, Md.

Where, when, why: I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan. A few weeks ago, I headed to Ireland to present my research at a conference in Dublin. And although the capital was great, I always prefer getting out of the city, and everyone in Dublin  Irish and tourist  told me that the real Ireland was on the West Coast. So, after spending five days in the city, I set out on my own to the small seaside town of Doolin and stayed for three adventure-packed days.

Some of the stone walls and arches in Doolin, Ireland. (Kathleen Hupfeld)

Highlights and high points: While the main attraction of Doolin is its proximity to the famous Cliffs of Moher, I encountered so much more  incredible hospitality, passionate people with strong ties to the land, great pubs with live bands each night and breathtaking views in every direction. The absolute highlight of my trip was a three-hour hike from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center with Pat Sweeney, a passionate local farmer who conceived the idea of building a trail along the edge of the cliffs after Irelands economic depression in 2009. Instead of taking the common option of stopping off at the top of the cliffs for 45 minutes as part of a tour bus, Pat believes that the real way to see the them is to hike up them with a local guide while listening to the history and lore of the region, so I did just that, along with about 10 other tourists.

The other major highlight of my trip was kayaking with Patrick ORegan, who owns North Clare Sea Kayaking. After launching from the sleepy little town of Ballyvaughan, our group of six spent about three hours kayaking the Galway Bay. We could even see Gleninagh Castle in the distance for most of the paddle. Although I think that castles are more common in Ireland than I had previously realized, I could not say that I have ever kayaked near a castle before this trip!

Cultural connection or disconnect: Interesting connections and conversation always arise when an unlikely group of folks comes together with a common interest, like fuel-free touring of a beautiful Irish waterway. My kayaking trip along the Galway Bay included two recent PhD graduates from Britain, an adventure tourism guide working in Scandinavia, a Taiwanese MBA student, an Irish expat working at a park in New York state and a part-time construction worker.

Biggest laugh or cry: While hiking to the Cliffs, Pat pointed out a beautiful, perfectly intact castle tower just on the edge of his farm. While, at first glance, I would have dated this tower as hundreds of years old, he told us that an American family had actually come to Ireland in the 1970s, saw this tower in ruins and decided to rebuild it as a vacation home. At hearing this, I could not help but laugh at the ridiculousness of some Americans not only needing a vacation home in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but insisting that this home be a castle.

However, instead of being annoyed, to my surprise, Pat expressed his gratitude that someone had taken interest in preserving their local history and his wishes that other castle ruins would be similarly rebuilt by private parties.

How unexpected: I was so pleasantly surprised by the incredible hospitality of everyone I met. Everyone was welcoming to tourists  not just surface-level welcoming in that they accepted tourists as vital to the towns economy, but the down-to-Earth, Im happy youre here, let me share my country and my stories with you type of welcoming.

Favorite memento or memory: The greatest gift was that I didnt need to come back with any tangible gifts. While I often buy postcards as mementos of my travels, thanks to Sweeney, I felt that my pictures of the Cliffs of Moher were indeed better than any postcard picture. Not only will Pats passion for sharing the cliffs with others benefit Doolin in the present, but his trail will be treasured for generations to come and is something that anyone who visits Ireland should not miss.

To tell us about your own trip, go to washingtonpost.com/travel and fill out the What a Trip form with your fondest memories, finest moments and favorite photos.

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"The Siege of Yorktown," a film shown on an 180-degree screen with special theater effects, transports visitors to the Battle of the Capes and Siege of Yorktown in 1781. (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)

Its tough to impress a 12-year-old.

It was so cool, said Maggie Lowman of Staunton, Va., to her mother, Denise. The seats rumbled and you could smell the sea!

Maggie had just come from the short film The Siege of Yorktown in the 180-degree experiential theater at the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in the small burg on the York river near Williamsburg, Va.

My wife, Carol, and I had come to the museum during its recent 13-day grand opening (one day for each original colony), and we shared Maggies enthusiasm for the movie as well as the museum. As I watched the film, depicting the final major battle of the American Revolution, my seat shook from the boom of cannon fire and smoke rose from the floor as the French fleet fired a thunderous broadside and American artillery pummeled the British forces.

The new 80,000-square-foot facility, a redbrick Georgian structure with imposing white pillars, replaces the Yorktown Victory Center, a much smaller space that focused on the chronology rather than the social history of the American Revolution.

The new museum is an expansion and enrichment of the old Victory Center, said Thomas Davidson, senior curator at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Were telling a story thats not just the American Revolution; its the story of the emergence of a nation.

And although the great battles of the revolution learned by schoolchildren in the United States arent ignored, the spotlight is clearly on people.

We focused on individuals you probably never heard of, Davidson said.

The Virginia museum  not to be confused with the recently opened Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia  is divided into five galleries: The British Empire and America; the Changing Relationship: Britain and North America; Revolution; the New Nation; and the American People. Touch screens, movies, hands-on exhibits and artifacts bring to life the stories of the rebels, loyalists, Native Americans and African Americans who lived through this turbulent time.



A life-size statue of President George Washington stands in the museums New Nation Gallery; the statue once graced the U.S. Capitol. ( James F. Lee / Special to The Washington Post)

Upon entering the British Empire and America gallery, the first thing we saw was a life-size portrait of a resplendent George III from 1761-62, a time when most American colonists were still loyal to the king. By 1763, the French and Indian War had concluded, giving Britain dominance in North America. Long rifles and powder horns from that conflict are displayed in glass cases; an interactive map shows the Colonial boundaries, Native American lands and slave populations of the 13 colonies at the wars end.

The seeds of slavery that would later divide the United States were, of course, planted during the Colonial period. We studied a small painting in this gallery of African merchant and scholar Ayuba Suleiman Diallo, one of those individuals we had never heard of. Diallo spent two years as a slave in Maryland before gaining his freedom and returning home to Senegal. This circa-1733 artwork is one of the earliest known portraits of an enslaved African in the British American colonies.

As the Colonial period progressed, the relationship between colonies and mother country grew more complicated. The Changing Relationship gallery illustrates how the colonists chaffed under economic restrictions imposed by the Crown. In a large-scale wharf diorama, barrels of American tobacco stand ready to be loaded onto ships for export to Britain. Panels explain that British law severely limited the manufacture of raw materials in North America.

A statue of Patrick Henry stands in front of the Red Lion Tavern, where a short film explains the growing Colonial anger over taxation. Nearby, a printing press demonstrates how the revolutionary message was sent throughout the colonies via the technology of the day. We watched children learn how type was set and saw examples of revolutionary newspapers and advertisements.





The tensions grew into outright war starting with the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. In the Revolution gallery, the Battle of Great Bridge diorama depicts colonial soldiers, protected by earthworks, shooting at approaching British regulars marching in formation in the open. For the British, this was a new kind of war. The Americans routed the redcoats in this little-known battle, fought near Norfolk in December 1775.

The revolution forced people to make profound decisions. This was especially so for African Americans and Native Americans. We stopped at a touch screen that tells the story of Mary Perth, an escaped slave from Virginia for whom the war presented an opportunity for freedom. Perth made her way north to New York, and later evacuated with the British to Nova Scotia. She eventually migrated to Sierra Leone.

A nearby panel asks what we would do in James Fortens place. A free African American born in Philadelphia, Forten served as a powder boy on an American warship captured by the British. Forten refused an offer by his captors to send him to England to study. He insisted on remaining at home, opting to suffer the harsh conditions as a prisoner of war. After the war, Forten became a successful merchant and prominent abolitionist.

Native Americans were also forced to choose sides. We learned about Thayendanegea, or Joseph Brandt, who led the Mohawks against patriot forces throughout the war. Some, such as Seneca chief Cornplanter, urged neutrality. Tribes siding with the colonists included the Tuscaroras, Catawbas and Oneidas.

The remaining galleries focus on the nation that rose from the ashes of the revolution. Exhibits highlight the writing of the Constitution as well as issues that were to shape the fledgling nation  slavery, migration and immigration. We were surprised to find that citizenship was offered to free white persons after they lived in the country for only two years. An interactive map illustrates the burgeoning growth in the 13 original colonies and the pace of westward migration between 1763 and 1791.

Outside on the museum grounds, two exhibits detail life in revolutionary America. At the 18th-century farmhouse, home to the Edward Moss family during the war, we were greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread, as well as beans and molasses bubbling in a pot on the hearth. Dried herbs were hung from the rafters.

Nearby, in the Continental Army Encampment, a Colonial surgeon showed us the various knives, scalpels, saws, tonics and emetics of her trade. If you needed a musket ball removed from your body, she said, you could forget about anesthesia, but a limb removal might get you some laudanum to dull the pain. It wasnt an easy time: A soldier during the revolution was far more likely to die from subsequent disease or infection than from the wounds sustained in battle.



An actor portraying a Continental Army surgeon demonstrates the tools of his trade. Living history exhibits on the grounds of the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, in Virginia, detail life in revolutionary America. (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation)

We ended our visit at the small, but powerful, I Was There exhibit in the hallway outside the five main galleries. It contained photographs of soldiers taken long after the battles were over. In one, the sad, aged eyes of Jonathan Harrington stare back at the camera. One April morning in 1775, Jonathans mother woke him by shouting: The regulars are coming! The 16-year-old joined his patriot comrades in time to see the first shots fired during the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Another photo, taken in 1852, shows a remarkably fit-looking Conrad Heyer at 103. Seventy-six years earlier, Heyer crossed the Delaware with Gen. George Washington.

For me, these images best illustrate what this museum is all about. We had never heard of these ordinary individuals, but each one played a part in the creation of a country.

Lee is a writer based in Virginia Beach. Find him on Twitter: @writer1218.

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Gov. Larry Hogan (R) names four new members of the Maryland State Board of Education. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday he has tapped four new members of the Maryland State Board of Education.

Hogans picks included David Steiner, executive director for the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and a professor of education at Hopkins, and Michael Phillips, senior pastor of the Kingdom Life Church in Baltimore and founder of the Better Life Community Development Corp.

The governor also appointed Justin Hartings, president of Biaera Technologies of Hagerstown and a former member of the Washington County Board of Education in western Maryland, and Kyle Smith, a student at North Point High School in Charles County. Smith, who becomes the state boards student member, was recommended by the Maryland Association of Student Councils.

[Md. education official resigns, slams Hogan as threat to boards independence]

These talented individuals represent our administrations continued commitment to ensuring that our already strong education system continues to improve while providing a world-class education for all Maryland students, Hogan (R) said in a statement.

The new members, who must be confirmed by the state Senate, join a board predominantly appointed by Hogan. Two of the boards 12 members were appointed by former governor Martin OMalley (D)--Guffrie Smith and Madhu Sidhu.

A spokeswoman for Hogan said Hartings and Phillips were appointed May 22. Steiner, previously dean of the School of Education at Hunter College and New York states commissioner of education, was named April 20.
THE DISTRICT

Man arrested in deadly Deanwood shooting

A man was arrested after a woman was fatally shot early Wednesday inside an apartment in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast Washington, according to D.C. police.

About 12:10 a.m., officers responded to the 700 block of 51st Street NE, just off Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, for a report of a shooting, D.C. police said in a statement. They found 41-year-old Robin Fitzgerald of Northeast suffering from gunshot wounds, and she was taken to a hospital where she died, the statement said.

A police report said that two men and two women were inside the apartment at the time and that one man was in the bathroom when he heard two gunshots. He emerged and found the victim lying on the floor and shot twice, according to the report.

Police said they arrested Aaron Jacobs, 29, who has no fixed address, and he was charged with second-degree murder while armed. Police did not discuss a possible motive.

The shooting is the third in the vicinity since Sunday, although the others were the result of street violence and police have not said whether they are related.

 Peter Hermann

and Dana Hedgpeth

Veterans charity head embezzled $150,000

The former head of a D.C. charity intended to benefit Vietnam veterans pleaded guilty to wire fraud after embezzling about $150,000, federal prosecutors said.

John Thomas Burch, 75, of Alexandria was the president of the National Vietnam Veterans Foundation until last year, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia said in a statement.

He misappropriated about $150,000 of donations marked for veterans family members with small children in poverty, the statement said, giving the money to women he was involved with and claiming reimbursements for visits to clubs, meals and hotel stays that were not related to the charity.

Burch faces up to 18 months in prison, prosecutors said, and a fine of up to $55,000, among other penalties. He is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

 Justin Wm. Moyer

VIRGINIA

Park for blacks now

on landmarks register

A city park established for African Americans during the Jim Crow era is one of 21 new additions to the Virginia Landmarks Register.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources says Montgomery Hall Park in Staunton was founded in 1946 as a regional facility for African Americans during segregation. It included a swimming pool and a park that attracted thousands of people from nearby communities. Montgomery Hall Park was integrated in 1969.

Other additions to the landmarks register include Lynchburg Colleges Hopwood Hall and four rural properties in Halifax County.

The department will now send the sites to the National Park Service for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

 Associated Press
State lawmakers from Prince Georges County are urging the Maryland State Department of Education to investigate claims that school officials altered the grades of hundreds of students to meet graduation-rate targets.

In a letter dated Thursday and shared with The Washington Post, the leaders of the countys State House delegation said an inquiry by state officials several months ago  which was triggered by an anonymous complaint  was not sufficiently impartial and did not go far enough in investigating claims similar to those levied this month by four members of the county board of education.

We are concerned that the school personnel interviewed were not randomly selected from among key individuals but rather were selected by schools chief Kevin Maxwell, said the letter signed by Dels. Jay Walker and Geraldine Valentino-Smith, both Democrats.

The lawmakers asked state Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon to conduct an in-depth audit and records analysis to determine whether there is evidence of grade manipulation.

Del. Jay Walker (D-Prince Georges), center, is calling for a broad investigation into alleged tampering with graduation rates in county schools. (Pam Wood/Baltimore Sun)

[Read the letter from the Prince Georges delegation]

Maxwell has denied the allegations, dismissing them as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the systems recent gains. He produced the results of the earlier state investigation, which found no evidence of fraud, as proof there was no systemic effort to manipulate graduation and promotion rates.

But board of education member Edward Burroughs, the de facto leader of a group of young dissidents on the panel, has said they can provide whistleblowers and documentation that proves wrongdoing. No such evidence has been made public so far.

The possible scandal could spell trouble for Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D), who chose Maxwell to overhaul the county school system and recently renewed his contract. On Wednesday, Baker announced that he is running for governor. He touts among his achievements launching revisions that have improved academic performance and graduation rates.

Maxwell showed his frustration at a packed school board meeting in Upper Marlboro on Thursday night, calling the allegations a personal attack against every school employee.

There has been no systemic effort ordered by me or others acting on my behalf to promote students in order to inflate graduation rates, Maxwell said, adding that he and his team are open to resolving concerns that are brought to us but will not accept a complete mischaracterization of county schools, students and staff.

The grass-roots group Progressive Maryland held a demonstration before the meeting, demanding that the allegations be investigated.

The rally drew Bob Ross, president of the Prince Georges County chapter of the NAACP, and former national NAACP chief Benjamin Jealous, a civil rights leader from Baltimore who also is running for governor as a Democrat. There is a crisis of confidence in this county, Jealous said.

About 50 protesters chanted save our schools and educate, then graduate, then walked into the board meeting behind Burroughs, singing We Shall Overcome. Inside, every seat in the auditorium was filled, and the atmosphere was tense.

The list of public speakers was capped at 15 people and included Tracie Miller, principal of Gwynn Park High School, who stood at the microphone with other principals crowded behind her.

We as high school principals are extremely offended, Miller said, reading a prepared statement. Yes, there is pressure to ensure that students graduate, but shouldnt there be?

Walker said in an interview that he doesnt believe in attacking the school system but that he is troubled by the possibility that students graduated without having met state requirements. He said Maxwell canceled a meeting that had been planned with delegation members, but school officials said later that the delegation was given a new meeting date.

Im disturbed and upset, Walker said. Lets get to the bottom of this.

Donna St. George contributed to this report.
Elena Hung pushes her 2-year-old daughter, Xiomara, alongside Valerie Crowely, who is the caregiver to 3-year-old Pierce, as they try to meet with senators on Capitol Hill to show how cuts to care that the Affordable Care Act provides would affect them. (Petula Dvorak/The Washington Post)

Is she okay? the startled legislative staffer asked, eyes shifting to the adults around him as the trach tube protruding from the neck of a 2-year-old gurgled.

In the air-conditioned, marble halls of Congress, you often hear the click of heels as staffers rush from room to room or the booming voices of our nations representatives making a pitch for some legislation.

You do not hear the gurgle of a trach tube.

Until this week.

Let me just suction, one mom said as a blue-suited staffers eyes widened at the strange sounds coming from the toddler in pigtails.

Mark Morrison, his 6-year-old son, Timmy, and his wife, Michelle Morrison, along with Elena Hung and her 2-year-old daughter, Xiomara, try to get a meeting with Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) with no luck inside the halls of the Senate buildings. (Petula Dvorak/The Washington Post)

We could see it in their eyes, most of them have never seen a child with a trach tube, said Elena Hung, one of the moms who on Tuesday walked the halls pushing her childs giant medical rig, showing Capitol Hill folks the actual kids their wheeling, dealing, backroom bargaining and political gamesmanship will affect in the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

[What the Senate bill changes about Obamacare]

No public hearing? No answers to emails? No one picking up the phone calls?

No problem.

These kids smiled, giggled and then their tubes gurgled to show whats at stake here.

It was real-life lobbying done by a brigade of 12 intrepid families who pushed their way through Capitol Hills offices and shared their stories and the stories of nearly 150 other families from across the country who feel ignored.

We heard from a lot of families that its really, really difficult to get in touch with any of their representatives, Hung said. They say, Call your representatives, but most of these offices arent even taking calls.

(Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

So they showed up in person.

Hear the whoosh of a ventilator? Mind holding the formula, sir, while I pump liquid food into my 6-year-olds gastrointestinal tube?

This costly, frightening, complicated world of medicine is reality for millions across America  kids who need 24-hour care, whose medical bills can hit $3 million in five months, the kids whose families would have gone bankrupt long ago if it werent for Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act included a small but significant provision that removed the lifetime spending cap of most insurance plans  which usually cut a patient off at $1 million. These kids easily hit that in a few months.

The American Health Care Act that the House passed would allow many employers to bring that cap back.

So some Washington-area families  who saw parents across the country take to Facebook to talk about the possibility that their childrens lives would be left out of this health-care debate  decided to help.

It took them forever to get through security. Imagine that oxygen tank and the metal detector. But they made it in. And as they shared elevators with lobbyists from the liquid metal industry who smiled tightly at the elevator full of wheelchairs, they brought real life to this tidy enclave of lawmakers.

They had binders  tabbed by state  full of nearly 150 stories of medically fragile children  their photos, their parents voices, what their care costs and what their lives are like.

[Read the stories of three families who brought their children to Capitol Hill ]

If they could get someone in each office to sit down with them, they would open the binder to the state and ask them to look.

If.

Look at smiling 12-year-old Parker from Utah, who needs a feeding tube, an aspirator, a trach and loads of medication to survive. One drug costs $100,000 a year. For a while, his family relied on food that neighbors left on their doorstep because Parkers medical bills were so high after their health insurance capped out.

Look at 11-year-old Austin from Pennsylvania running on the beach, something he can do just one hour a day, when he doesnt have to wear the mobile IV that pumps fluid directly into his heart the other 23 hours. He goes to the hospital often. And he was so haunted by the homeless folks he saw outside the hospital that he put together a backpack of Hersheys Kisses, snacks and a blanket he got at camp to give to one of them, said his mom, Jen Rath. If the House health-care plan becomes law, my son would likely die, she said. It would be catastrophic.

Hey, Louisiana, look at Riley. Hes a super-smiley 7-month-old with a medical history that is already 4,000 pages long.

These parents had their target states  the ones with Republican senators who may be on the fence about the upcoming health-care vote  and they lobbied them hard. Some representatives sent staffers out to sit and talk with the families.

The nursing care that Medicaid covers is absolutely critical, explained one mother. She had come to Capitol Hill with her son, Pierce, who is 3 and was born with Moebius syndrome, a brain injury that causes facial paralysis. He needs a feeding tube to eat, a trach tube to breathe and the nurse who helps her to care for him.

She told of her fear, the fear that so many parents like her have, of dozing off, not hearing the oxygen monitor, having her child die. She tried to make the case that all the assistance they get  from the costly medication to the 24-hour care  is vital. And the new plan simply wont cover it. And their children wont survive it.

So no, congressional staffers surprised by the trach tubes, the oxygen tanks, the wide smiles from kids who cant eat or breathe without help, the kids wont be okay. Not if youre not listening.

Twitter: @petulad
Dozens of people protested the newly proposed Republican health-care legislation outside the Capitol Hill office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Thursday  a demonstration that resulted in the arrest of 43 disability advocates.

U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki said officers warned the demonstrators to cease their unlawful activities or risk being arrested. Those who did not comply were arrested and charged with crowding and obstructing.

[Senate GOP leaders face tough job in selling health-care bill to their members]

The protest, organized by the disability advocacy organization ADAPT, was intended to pressure McConnell and other Republicans not to cut Medicaid funding.

The protesters staged a die-in in front of the office, with many of the protesters in wheelchairs removing themselves from the chairs then lying on the floor.

The American Health Care Act caps and significantly cuts Medicaid which will greatly reduce access to medical care and home and community based services for elderly and disabled Americans who will either die or be forced into institutions, Bruce Darling, an ADAPT organizer, wrote in a statement before the protests. Our lives and liberty shouldnt be stolen to give a tax break to the wealthy. Thats truly un-American.

Laura Halvorson, 33, also a protester, said many of those who participated in the die-in resisted arrest and were then removed by Capitol Police without their wheelchairs  images that attracted significant attention on social media. She said they were later reunited with their wheelchairs.

Halvorson, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, says she did not resist the officers because she uses a breathing machine and did not want to risk her health.

Im proud to be one of the people here protesting, she said. Most people are opposed to this bill, yet it is still moving along.
A former CIA officer sold top secret and other classified documents to Chinese intelligence officials, according to charges filed Thursday in Alexandria federal court.

Kevin Patrick Mallory, 60, of Leesburg, Va., was arrested Thursday and appeared briefly in front of Judge Theresa Buchanan on counts of delivering defense information to aid a foreign government and making false statements. He asked to be represented by a public defender.

Mallory had a top secret security clearance until he left the government in 2012, prosecutors say, having worked at various government agencies and defense contractors.

Although the primary government agency in question is not named, two government officials confirm that Mallory worked for the CIA.

Prosecutors say Mallory sent three documents containing classified information, one of which was labeled top secret, to a Chinese intelligence operative in May.

Your object is to gain information, and my object is to be paid for it, Mallory wrote to the Chinese contact at around the same time, according to an affidavit from FBI agent Stephen Green filed in federal court. Mallory allegedly added that he would bring the remainder of the documents on a June trip.

My current object is to make sure your security (sic) and try to reimburse you, the operative allegedly replied.

The CIA declined to comment Thursday.

According to the affidavit, Mallory told FBI agents in May that he had been contacted in February on a social media site by a recruiter for a Chinese think tank, the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. He spoke on the phone with the recruiter and was then introduced to a potential client, whom he traveled to Shanghai to meet in both March and April.

In March, Mallory allegedly reached out to several former CIA coworkers and asked for help getting in touch with a specific department. He told one employee that he believed the people he had met with were working for Chinese intelligence, according to Green. He allegedly also said he had been given a device to communicate securely with the Chinese agent and been taught how to use it.

Expecting to meet with the same CIA employee in May, Mallory was instead greeted by FBI agents. He let them search the device given to him by the Chinese operative. But, according to Greens affidavit, Mallory was surprised that past conversations on the device had not been erased. He was showing the agents how to move a message from normal to secure mode when the secure messages appeared.

Mallory allegedly told the Chinese agents he had destroyed his paper records and planned to destroy all electronic records once they were sent.

He told the agents the documents on the phone were merely white papers he had written based on his own knowledge. While he told the FBI agents he had been paid $25,000 by the Chinese operatives, the court files show, he said the money was only for his consulting services in the country and expenses.

Between 1990 and 2012 Mallory was stationed in Iraq, China and Taiwan; he is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He founded a consulting company, GlobalEx, in 2010.

He attended Brigham Young University and then served in the military. He also served in active army deployments in more recent years.

Charlie Sherrod, a friend and former financial advisor, was shocked by the arrest and charges.

I find it very hard to believe that he would do something like that, he said Thursday. He knew Mallory as a strong Christian and a family man.

A woman who answered the phone at Mallorys residence said she was unfamiliar with the charges and wanted to consult a lawyer before commenting.

Mallory appeared in court wearing a loose tank top and gym shorts.

He faces up to life in prison. He will return to court Friday for a detention and preliminary hearing.

The conduct alleged in this complaint is serious and should send a message to anyone who would consider violating the publics trust and compromising our national security by disclosing classified information, said Dana J. Boente, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
Two shootings and one stabbing left four people wounded across the District on Wednesday in apparently unrelated attacks, D.C. police said.

In the first incident, a male juvenile was wounded in the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue NW about 7:20 p.m., said Officer Hugh Carew, a police spokesman. Police were searching for a Hispanic male who is about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a slim build and was last seen wearing khaki pants.

At 8:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Hayes Street NE, where they found a man who had been shot, Carew said. The victim was conscious and breathing.

Less than 30 minutes later, a man and a woman were shot in the 4700 block of Jay Street NE.

All the victims were expected to survive, police said.
The North Carolina man who commandeered a pizza restaurant at gunpoint in Northwest Washington to investigate a false Internet rumor of a pedophile ring there was sentenced to four years in in prison Thursday.

Edgar Maddison Welch, 28, who apologized to his victims and residents in the nations capital last week in a court filing, asked for an 18-month sentence for charging into Comet Ping Pong last December carrying a fully loaded AR-15 military-style rifle and revolver seeking to investigate a viral Internet rumor known as Pizzagate.

Prosecutors had sought a 4 -year prison term.

False stories propagated a conspiracy theory that linked Hillary Clinton to an alleged child-sex-trafficking ring run from the family restaurant, where Clintons presidential campaign chairman, John Podesta, occasionally dined.

During the sentencing hearing, assistant U.S. attorneys Demian S. Ahn held up the rifle used by Welch and told the judge it had been part of an armed invasion and part of a campaign of vicious harassment and unfounded rumors.

(The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia)

James Alefantis, who owns Comet Ping Pong also appeared in court saying the physical terror created by Welch and the rumors left lasting damage on the people I love adding that he hoped that one day in a more truthful time we will remember this day as an aberration when lies were seen as real and our social fabric had frayed.

Welch pleaded guilty in March to a District assault and a federal firearms charge in the Dec. 4 incident that drew national headlines to the Connecticut Avenue retail block where the restaurant is located.

[Pizzagate: From rumor to hashtag to gunfire in D.C.]

Welch said court to U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, I wish there were a way that I could offer something other than an apology... I realize mere words cant undo what happened...but I am sorry, said Welch, wearing an orange prison suit and standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

I am sorry for anything I have caused, Welch said.

In imposing the sentence, the judge said she was handing down a penalty she said was needed to uphold the rule of law against vigilante justice.

I hope you understand and see how much people have suffered because of what you did, Jackson said going on to say I am truly sorry you find yourself in the position you are in, because you do seem like a nice person who on your own mind was trying to do the right thing. But that does not excuse reckless conduct and the real damage that it caused.

(Whitney Shefte/The Washington Post)

In a previous letter filed in court, Welch said he had not intended to harm or frighten innocent lives, but I realize now just how foolish and reckless my decision was.

His attorney, assistant federal defender Dani Jahn, had said in court records that Welch does not seek to minimize the impact his reckless and frightening actions had on those who encountered him. . . . Rather, Mr. Welch is hopeful that those victimized by his actions can forgive him.

[Read the handwritten letter here ]

Federal prosecutors countered in their memo to the judge that it was entirely the product of good luck that no one was shot. They urged Jackson to send a strong message to deter those who would commit violence based solely on malicious and misguided Internet rumors.

Beyond Pizzagate, the Internet is full of wild conspiracy theories where people urge members of the public . . . to take action, wrote the assistant U.S. attorneys Ahn and Sonali D. Patel.

Welch of Salisbury, N.C., traumatized employees, customers and many in the community, prosecutors wrote, adding that he made clear he had no respect for the public institutions of the District of Columbia, telling detectives that everyone in D.C. is crooked,  including the FBI, whom he did not trust to investigate the supposed crimes.

A significant sentence is required to deter other people from pursuing vigilante justice based only on their YouTube feed, prosecutors wrote.

[Comet Pizza gunman pleads guilty to federal and local charges]

In plea papers, Welch, a father of two young girls, acknowledged that he had become agitated by reports and videos he read and saw online about the supposed sex ring before loading his Toyota Prius with arms and ammunition for the drive from his home to Washington.

Raiding a pedo ring, possibly sacrificing [sic] the lives of a few for the lives of many, Welch wrote in one of several text messages in an unsuccessful effort to recruit friends for what he said would be a violent confrontation, authorities said.

Standing up against a corrupt system that kidnaps, tortures and rapes babies and children in our own back yard, he wrote in another exchange.

Welch binge-watched YouTube videos about the alleged child-trafficking ring on Dec. 1, setting a plan, court files show. Still, Welch was warned by a friend and his girlfriend against doing something stupid, as she put it in a text that was included in court filings. Using a camera and conducting recon first would be better than going to the restaurant with guns blazing, the friend advised in other messages cited by authorities.

[Judge to seal cellphone data as Comet Ping Pong pizza defendant returns to court]

Finally, as he drove to Washington, Welch texted his girlfriend a Bible verse about being anointed by God and recorded a message to his family saying he loved them and hoped his daughters would understand someday that he was trying to protect the defenseless.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Welch parked and left a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and box of shells in the car, then walked into the restaurant carrying a loaded, six-shot revolver on his hip and holding the 9mm long rifle with about 29 rounds of ammunition across his chest.

After a panicky evacuation by workers and customers, including children, Welch fired the rifle multiple times at a locked closet door, striking computer equipment inside, court documents state. He also pointed the rifle toward an unwitting employee retrieving pizza dough who entered at the back of the restaurant and then immediately turned and ran for his life, according to the governments evidence signed off on by Welch.

Welch ultimately did not shoot anyone and surrendered after he found no evidence of hidden rooms or sex trafficking.

Welch has agreed to forfeit the rifle, the revolver, a shotgun and ammunition he carried with him that day and to pay restitution of $5,744.33 to the restaurant for damaged computer systems, a door, lock and ping-pong table.

In March, conservative radio host and Infowars website operator Alex Jones apologized for promoting the Pizzagate conspiracy. Jones posted a six-minute video on his website in which he read a prepared statement saying that neither the restaurant owner, Alefantis, had anything to do with human trafficking. The statement came after Alefantiss attorneys had requested a retraction.

Separately, a Shreveport, La., man, Yusif Jones, pleaded guilty last winter to telephoning a copycat threat to a nearby pizza shop on Dec. 7, saying: Im coming to finish what the other guy didnt. Im coming there to save the kids, and then Im going to shoot you and everyone in the place, according to court charging documents.
Hundreds turned out Wednesday night for a Prince William County school board meeting in Manassas where board members approved LGBT protections for students and school employees. (Calla Kessler/The Washington Post)

A divided Prince William County School Board on Wednesday approved anti-discrimination protections for LGBT students and employees, taking a stand on an issue that has roiled districts across the country.

The topic has particular resonance in Virginias second-largest county, where transgender former journalist Danica Roem is seeking to oust Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) in Novembers elections. Roem has based part of her campaign on Marshalls efforts to pass a state law requiring students to use school bathrooms that correspond with their biological sex.

Both Roem, a Democrat, and Marshall witnessed Wednesday nights vote along with hundreds of others, listening as board members weighed the implications of including sexual orientation and gender preference to the school districts nondiscrimination policy.

The change, which the board approved 5 to 3, would offer blanket protections against LGBT discrimination. But it specifically instructs the superintendent not to change the systems policy on bathroom use, which is for situations to be handled by school principals on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with students families and administrators.

Still, the bathroom issue has loomed large over the discussion.

Members of the Bull Run Unitarian Universalist church sing outside before the Prince William County school board meeting. (Calla Kessler/The Washington Post)

Marshall  who argues that allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice opens the door for sexual predators  said in an interview before the vote that the new policy would put the district at risk of being sued by students or staff who consider their schools decision on bathroom use a form of discrimination.

He also suggested that teachers and school administrators could get sued if they use the wrong pronouns to refer to transgender individuals. Unless people have some sign on their forehead indicating what pronoun you want, youre not going to be able to achieve this, Marshall said.

Roem said in an interview that it is important to include gender identity and sexual orientation in the anti-discrimination policy to guard against bullying that can often lead to violence.

We need to change the dialogue about transgender violence in this country because its very real, she said. I cant believe I have to say this, but a nondiscrimination policy is not going to expose anyones genitals to anyone else.

The vote Wednesday came after more than two hours of public comment and lengthy statements by board members, some of whom questioned whether Prince William should take a position that has been interpreted in dramatically different ways across the country.

Federal, state and local governments are not in agreement on nondiscrimination policies, said board member Alyson Satterwhite (Gainesville), who voted against the policy. How can we do this now? I dont know how you have community buy-in.

Board member Justin David Wilk (Potomac) countered that board members had a moral obligation to protect all students from ill treatment. I think were all allowed to have our own beliefs, but when those beliefs infringe upon the rights of others, we cross the line, he said.

The Trump administration decided this year to pull back Obama-era guidance that directed public schools to allow students access to bathrooms that match their gender identity. Instead, federal officials said, such decisions should be left to local authorities.

Some school boards, including Fairfax Countys, have added nondiscrimination protections for transgender students and staff and say that in practice  but without a written policy  they allow transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice. Others have mandated that students use bathrooms that align with their biological sex or have created separate, gender-neutral accommodations

In Virginia, several school districts have rejected LGBT protections or delayed implementing changes after litigation called the legality of those policies into question.

A lawsuit against the Gloucester County School Board reached the U.S. Supreme Court this year after transgender student Gavin Grimm sought the right to use the boys bathroom instead of a gender-neutral facility. That case was remanded to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, where it is pending.

Fairfax County put off passing specific bathroom regulations for its school system after policies elsewhere were taken to court. A legal challenge to Fairfaxs decision to add gender identity and sexual orientation to its nondiscrimination policy was recently dismissed.

Before the meeting, School Board Chairman Ryan Sawyers said the policy change would help make the steadily growing school system more responsive to its 89,000 students.

Over half the school districts in the commonwealth already have a policy like this, Sawyers said. This is, in my opinion, Prince William County catching up with the times.

Many in the crowd Wednesday agreed. They held plastic mini-rainbow flags and signs reading Stand up for LGBTQ rights! and We must protect all our children.

But opponents also came out in force. One person held a sign urging the board to vote against the policy. It said: No. The 99 percent have rights, too.

During the public comment period, the audience grew boisterous, clapping and hooting after each speaker. As the board debated whether to accommodate every public speaker, Bill Petrak, who is against the change, shouted, Let us speak!

He was escorted out of the meeting by a county sheriffs deputy.
Republican Ed Gillespie, left, and Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam are vying to be Virginias next governor. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

Democratic and Republican officials in the Washington region are panning the draft Senate legislation to overhaul the U.S. health-care system.

A spokeswoman for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who is up for reelection next year, said the Senate proposal does not work for Maryland and that Congress should start over. Virginia GOP lawmakers object to provisions they say would penalize states such as Virginia that chose not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Meanwhile, federal health-care politics are seeping into gubernatorial contests. In Virginia, the Democrat and Republican running for governor have been sparring over the issue. In Maryland, all five Democrats competing for the chance to run against Hogan denounced the legislation, and some proposed a state-run alternative.

[Senate Republicans want to reach yes on health-care bill]

As one of just two gubernatorial campaigns this year, the Virginia governors race offers the earliest look at how health care may affect state-level politics.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) delivers his State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature in Annapolis, Md., on Feb. 1. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, the Democratic nominee, is a physician who is opposed to the GOP plans. He blasted his Republican opponent Ed Gillespie, a former lobbyist and Republican National Committee chairman, for what he called silence in the face of an irresponsible effort that would put thousands of Virginians health care at risk.

Mr. Gillespie is the biggest gator in Trumps swamp, so he must feel right at home keeping his positions this murky, but Virginians deserve honesty and clarity from their leaders, Northam said in a statement.

Gillespie called the draft Senate bill an important step forward in repealing the Affordable Care Act, but he declined to take a position, saying he was reviewing the legislation. He did say Virginians are suffering under the status quo.

Unfortunately Ralph Northam continues to proudly champion Obamacare, despite the indisputable facts that it has driven up premiums, caused Virginians to lose their choice in doctors, and forced major insurance carriers like Aetna out of the Virginia market, Gillespie said in a statement.

A recent poll by Quinnipiac University found 30 percent of Virginia voters listed health care as their top priority in the governors race, on par with the economy. And voters trusted Northam over Gillespie on health-care issues by a 13-point margin.

[Northam has early lead over Gillespie in governors race poll]

The same survey also found a cool reception to the Republican health-care plan  before details of the Senate version were released  with a quarter of Virginians approving and 57 percent disapproving.

The Senate bill, largely crafted in secret and unveiled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), would end the mandate for individuals to buy insurance and for large employers to provide coverage, and it would enact deep, long-term cuts to the federal Medicaid program.

[Heres whats in the Senate health-care bill]

Both the House and Senate versions allow states to seek waivers from requirements that insurance plans cover certain essential health benefits, including preventive and maternity care, as well as substance-abuse and mental-health treatment. Such a waiver could allow residents to buy plans that provide less coverage for lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.

Democrats have demanded that incumbent and aspiring GOP governors say whether they would seek such waivers from consumer protections. Northam would not seek a waiver, a spokesman said. Through aides, Gillespie did not respond when asked whether he would seek such a waiver.

Another major issue in Virginia has been the expansion of Medicaid. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) has unsuccessfully tried to persuade the GOP legislature to expand Medicaid, which would allow 400,000 low-income individuals to access health insurance, but Republicans have repeatedly rejected the idea as financially unsound.

Now, GOP lawmakers say the Senate bill would punish them for their fiscal prudence by providing states that did expand Medicaid a softer landing for long-term federal cuts than those that rejected expansion.

Virginia has been a prudent steward of Medicaid funding and should not be penalized for making a policy decision to not expand Medicaid eligibility, Sens. Emmett W. Hanger Jr. and S. Chris Jones wrote in a letter to Senate leaders asking for parity between expansion and non-expansion states.

On the other side of the Potomac River, the Senate health-care bill drew a rare rebuke from Hogan, who typically adopts a wait-and-see approach to policies coming out of Washington.

We know the current system needs to be fixed, but the proposals that are being considered in Congress do not work for Maryland, said Hogan spokeswoman Amelia Chasse. Congress should go back to the drawing board in an open, transparent and bipartisan fashion to craft a bill that works for all Americans.

The four men who launched campaigns for next years Democratic gubernatorial primary  former NAACP president Benjamin Jealous, Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, attorney James L. Shea and Baltimore tech entrepreneur Alec Ross  all took to social media on Thursday to blast the Senate health-overhaul proposal.

[Maryland gubernatorial candidate backs single-payer health system]

Jealous, a progressive and top surrogate during the presidential run of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), said this week that he would push for a state-run, single-payer health-care system. No state has a single-payer health system, and bills to establish them in California and New York have appeared to stall amid concerns over costs.

We have to make sure every Marylander who currently lacks health care gets it, Jealous said.

Ross and state Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), who said he plans to run for governor but has not formally announced, said they support a state-run public option for health insurance that would compete with private insurers.
MISSISSIPPI

Court rules in favor of religious beliefs law

A federal appeals court said Thursday that Mississippi can start enforcing a law that allows merchants and government employees to cite religious beliefs to deny services to same-sex couples, but opponents of the law immediately pledged to appeal.

A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a judges decision that had blocked the law.

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves had ruled that the law unconstitutionally establishes preferred beliefs and creates unequal treatment for LGBT people. His ruling prevented the law from taking effect last July.

The appeals court said plaintiffs failed to prove that they would be harmed by the law, which started as House Bill 1523. Legal experts said it is the broadest religious-objections measure enacted by any state.

The law championed and signed in 2016 by Gov. Phil Bryant (R) sought to protect three beliefs: marriage is only between a man and a woman; sex should only take place in such a marriage; and a persons gender is determined at birth and cannot be altered. It would allow clerks to cite religious objections to recuse themselves from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and would protect merchants who refuse services to LGBT people. It could affect adoptions and foster care, business practices and school bathroom policies.

Robert McDuff, an attorney for some of the people who sued to try to block the law, said that within two weeks, he will either ask the entire 5th Circuit to reconsider the panels decision or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block the law.

 Associated Press

MICHIGAN

Flint stabbing suspect failed to buy gun in U.S.

A Canadian man accused of stabbing a police officer at the Flint, Mich., airport tried unsuccessfully to buy a gun while in the United States for five days, the head of the FBI in Detroit, David Gelios, disclosed Thursday.

Amor Ftouhi, a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia, managed to purchase a knife. Hes accused of stabbing airport police Lt. Jeff Neville after yelling Allahu akbar, the Arabic phrase for God is great.

The attack Wednesday at Flints Bishop International Airport was being investigated as an act of terrorism but authorities said.

Ftouhi, 49, was a part-time caretaker at the Montreal apartment building where he lived with his wife and children, people who knew him said Thursday.

 Associated Press
britain

600 buildings undergo testing after inferno

The British government

said Thursday that tests were underway on about 600 buildings across England to check for flammable exterior panels similar to those believed linked to a deadly fire that quickly engulfed a London

tower last week.

The testing is part of a probe into the fast-moving inferno at the Grenfell Tower, which claimed at least 79 lives and raised questions about whether the buildings outside coverings, known as cladding, could have contributed to the blaze.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said that as a precaution, the cladding in similar tower blocks was being tested. Britain has about 4,000 similar apartment blocks across the country. A report from local councils, which administer many housing developments, found that about 600 high-rise buildings have cladding.

The government is testing

600 buildings with cladding that are at least 59 feet tall, said a Department of Communities

and Local Government spokeswoman. She said that earlier reports from Downing Street  saying that 600 buildings could have similar cladding to that in the Grenfell fire  were the result of an initial misunderstanding of the local councils report.

Speaking to the House of Commons, May said fire officials have been told of the report and are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents.

 Karla Adam

QATAR

Arab neighbors issue

a list of demands

Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries that have cut ties to Qatar issued a steep list of demands Thursday to end the crisis, insisting that their Persian Gulf neighbor shutter Al-Jazeera, cut back diplomatic ties to Iran and close down a Turkish military base in Qatar.

In a 13-point list, presented to the Qataris by Kuwait, which is helping mediate the crisis, the countries also demand that Qatar sever all ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and other groups including Hezbollah, al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the list from one of the countries involved in the dispute.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut ties to Qatar this month over allegations the country funds terrorism  an accusation that President Trump has echoed. Those countries have given Qatar 10 days to comply with the demands, which include paying an unspecified sum in compensation.

 Associated Press

EUROPEAN UNION

Nations agree to boost military cooperation

Weeks after being berated by President Trump for failing to spend enough on defense, European nations vowed Thursday to boost military cooperation.

At a summit in Brussels, the 28 European Union leaders 

22 of them from nations that

also belong to the U.S.-led NATO alliance  agreed to jointly develop or purchase military equipment such as drones.

The leaders also agreed to use E.U. funds to finance Europes battle groups  small, expeditionary forces that can be deployed quickly to hot spots.

The leaders also welcomed plans to set up a common European defense fund that is expected to generate around $5.6 billion a year starting in 2020 to invest in developing military equipment.

 Associated Press

E.U. citizens can live in U.K. after Brexit, May says: Almost all 3 million European Union citizens in the United Kingdom will be able to continue living there after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May promised. While the proposal will go a long way toward meeting what E.U. leaders wanted for their citizens, they are likely to object to Mays insistence that questions over their rights should be adjudicated in British courts.

Ousted S. Korean presidents friend sentenced: A South Korean court on Friday sentenced a longtime friend of ousted president Park Geun-hye to three years in prison for using her presidential ties to unlawfully get her daughter into a prestigious Seoul university. Choi Soon-sil is being tried separately over more serious charges, including allegations that she colluded with Park to take tens of millions of dollars from the countrys largest companies in bribes and through extortion. Park was removed from office and charged over the corruption scandal in March.

 From news services
Correction: An earlier version of this op-ed incorrectly reported the amount of time Fariba Kamalabadi and Mahvash Sabet have served in prison in Iran. They are now in their tenth year behind bars.

Roxana Saberi is an Iranian American journalist and author who was imprisoned in Iran for 100 days in 2009.

The most valuable gift I ever received took four years to pass through several hands and cross half the world to get to me. Its a bracelet made from the threads of a towel I left behind in Tehrans Evin prison.

Whenever I wear the pink-and-rose-colored band, I think of Fariba Kamalabadi, the woman who wove it, and her friend Mahvash Sabet  two of my former cellmates, who are now serving their tenth year behind bars.

I havent seen the two women since shortly before I was released in 2009, but they continue to inspire me and many others who know them or have heard their story.

Fariba and Mahvash, along with five male colleagues, had tended to the spiritual and social needs of Irans minority Bahais, who are viewed as heretics by the Islamic regime. For this, the seven were accused of spreading propaganda against the regime and engaging in espionage  charges they deny. They were each given 20-year sentences, which reportedly have been reduced to 10 years.

Despite the serious nature of their situation, Mahvash and Fariba exuded a peace that I felt the moment I was transferred to their cell. They welcomed me gently and cleared a space for the blankets that served as my bed. I sat down and asked how long theyd been there.

One year, Mahvash said.

Ten months, Fariba said.

And yet they were still smiling.

I asked them how they could remain so calm. We trust in God to do what is best for our community, Mahvash replied. If he thinks we can serve our faith better by remaining here, we accept it.

One of Faribas relatives recently described this perspective to me: Fariba believes if you want to make a positive change in the world, you need to pay a price.

Though they were in prison, their spirits seemed unshackled, recalled another former prisoner, who spoke on condition of anonymity. They taught me to see my imprisonment as part of my destiny. I stopped asking, Why me? and could tolerate even solitary confinement.

Mahvash and Fariba helped me, too, to accept the reality of my situation  to let go of regret for not fleeing my Tehran apartment before four intelligence agents forced their way in to arrest me, and to stop yearning for an earthquake to split open the prison walls. Bad things happen to all of us, my cellmates reminded me. What matters is how we deal with them.

The two women dealt with their circumstances by making the most of every day. They exercised in their cells, discussed the books they were allowed to read and asked me to teach them English phrases. (For fun, I also taught them a few choice curse words.)

Mahvash and Fariba also taught me compassion, even for our interrogators, who subjected us to relentless questioning, pressured us to confess to false charges and threatened us with long sentences and even execution.

When I asked if they ever became angry, Mahvash replied, We believe in love and compassion for humanity, even for those who wrong us.

Mitra Aliabouzar, who was a student activist when she met Mahvash and Fariba in Evin prison in 2012, described them as selfless. By that time, they had been transferred to the prisons general ward with more than 20 other female political prisoners of disparate ideologies and faiths.

The inmates became friends and worked together to keep the ward clean. One time I accidentally overslept, Mitra remembered. It was my turn to clean the bathroom, but Fariba cleaned it for me  though she had a bad back.

Fariba, a psychologist, also gave advice to inmates who came to her with personal problems. She obviously had a lot of issues on her plate, Mitra said, but she wouldnt talk about her troubles. Instead, she listened.

Mahvash, who had been an elementary school principal before Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, began sharing her poetry with other prisoners. A number of her poems were published outside Iran, in English, in 2013. In Place of Peril, she suggests she will never be silenced:

If they cut open our veins, red tulips will blush like blood in the fields

If they padlock our lips, the mouths of a thousand spring buds are unsealed.

The seven Bahai leaders are expected to be released next year. Like many other prisoners, Mahvash, now 64, and Fariba, 54, long to return to their families, feel the sunshine on their skin and smell the fragrance of trees.

Every time I wear my bracelet made from my prison towel, I am reminded of the light of their kindness, compassion and courage. By all accounts, it has only intensified over the past nine years.
Fredrik Logevall, a historian at Harvard, is the author most recently of Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of Americas Vietnam, which won the Pulitzer Prize for History.

The plan was nothing if not audacious. On Jan. 31, 1968, after months of meticulous preparation, North Vietnamese leaders launched a series of closely coordinated attacks throughout South Vietnam, timed with the start of the Lunar New Year, or Tet to the Vietnamese. Their aim: to deliver a debilitating military blow to U.S. and South Vietnamese forces and incite the southern populace to rise up and overthrow the Saigon-based government of Nguyen Van Thieu. For 2 1 / 2 years, large-scale fighting had raged in Vietnam, and Hanoi officials hoped in one bold campaign to change the equation and secure victory in the war.

The Tet Offensive did not succeed in this core objective: The general uprising did not occur, and the coordinated attacks were beaten back by American and ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) forces. But the endeavor nevertheless represented a political victory for Hanoi, as it called into question U.S. military leaders confident  and, as we now know, disingenuous  predictions in earlier months that the war would soon be won. The heavy fighting inflamed American domestic opinion and indirectly caused an embattled President Lyndon Johnson to reject a further increase in the U.S. troop presence and to rule out (publicly at least) a run for reelection. In May, peace talks began in Paris.

Small wonder that Tet looms large in our collective understanding of the war or that it should be the focus of Mark Bowdens vivid and absorbing, if not entirely convincing, new book, Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam. Hue (pronounced Hway), Vietnams cultural capital and its third-largest city, was the setting for the most ferocious battle during the offensive. Not since the early days of the French struggle against Ho Chi Minhs Viet Minh, in 1946-47, had Vietnam seen this kind of urban warfare, as North Vietnamese army and Viet Cong troops went up against American and ARVN units, often block by block.

By the time the battle ended, on Feb. 25, the U.S./ARVN side had prevailed, but the city lay in ruins. Almost 6,000 civilians had been killed in the fighting, not including several hundred South Vietnamese civil servants who were executed by communist soldiers. The Americans lost 250 Marines and soldiers, and 1,554 more were wounded. ARVN casualties ran approximately twice as high. Deaths incurred by what Bowden refers to as The Front (short for the National Liberation Front, but confusing here in that the NLF would typically refer to the Viet Cong alone, not the combined communist forces) totaled between 2,400 and 5,000, depending on which account one trusts.

Remains of two unidentified Americans killed during the 1968 Tet Offensive are carried by a South Vietnamese honor guard at Hue in 1974. The remains were to be flown to Thailand, where efforts would be made to identify the victims. (AP)

A veteran journalist and the author of Black Hawk Down, a gripping account of the brief and disastrous U.S. military campaign in Somalia in 1993, Bowden opts here for the same narrative approach that worked well in the earlier book: a day-by-day, sometimes hour-by-hour, reconstruction of events. There is a potent immediacy to his narrative, an almost cinematic vividness, and the momentum seldom flags, even over more than 500 pages. Given especially the multiple armed forces involved in the battle and the sprawling cast of characters, this is no small feat.

Not the least of the books virtues is its authors staunch refusal to speak in terms of heroes and villains, at least as far as the fighters and their local commanders are concerned (the respective senior civilian and military leaderships come in for harsher treatment, depicted as arrogant and mostly out of touch). Both sides, the author shows, were capable of acts of courage and of ruthlessness; neither had a monopoly on dedication or self-doubt. The Vietnamese, so often cardboard figures in histories of the war, here emerge as flesh-and-blood players with their own hopes and ambitions and fears  even if the ARVN mostly recedes from view as the story progresses.

As he did in Black Hawk Down, Bowden relies heavily on interviews to bring the events to life. The recollections of Americans as well as Vietnamese form a core part of his research and a core part of his narrative. At times these individuals evidently were able to recapitulate for him verbatim dialogue from half a century ago  either that, or Bowden has a worryingly casual attitude toward the use of quotation marks. More broadly, the authors minimalist approach to source citation makes it hard to know where he gets a lot of his information. Many chapters have barely any endnotes.

(More minimalism: Ive been reading serious nonfiction history books for a long time, and never before have I flipped to the back for the index only to be directed to a website.)

As befitting a battle history of this kind, the book has relatively little to say about the broader political and military context in which the encounter in Hue occurred. When Bowden does venture into this terrain, he is not always sure-footed. For him, as for many authors on the war, a principal problem for the United States in Vietnam was that its leaders supposedly did not understand the environment they had entered, did not comprehend the Vietnamese, did not appreciate the nature of the task before them. He approvingly quotes one American veteran of the battle: I do not think we really understood much. . . . Our policy makers, I do not think really had any grasp at all on what was going to happen.

Color me skeptical. As Bowdens own evidence shows, senior U.S. officials knew long before the Tet Offensive that the obstacles in the way of lasting success in the war were formidable and growing; many of them indeed knew it even before they initiated the air war and sent the first combat troops in early 1965. Although largely ignorant of Vietnamese history and culture, they understood full well that the odds were against them.

For this reason one can question Bowdens assertion that Tet, and the Battle of Hue, was the pivot point in the war, after which the debate was never again about how to win but about how to leave. Discontent in elite and general American opinion had been rising for many months before the offensive; almost certainly, it would have continued to grow even without Hanois bold gambit. Militarily, both sides pursued aggressive battlefield operations after Hue, and both drove a hard bargain when the Paris talks commenced in the spring. President Johnson, though no longer officially a candidate for reelection, stuck to a firm bargaining position and quietly hoped that whoever succeeded him would wage the military effort with vigor  as indeed Richard Nixon did. Ten thousand Americans would be killed in Southeast Asia in 1969, as many as in 1967. Not until early 1973 would the negotiators in Paris at long last sign a peace deal.

But fine: If some of Bowdens broader claims are questionable, what remains is still impressive. In Hue 1968 he has given us an engrossing, fair-minded, up-close account of one of the great battles in the long struggle for Vietnam.
Irvin B. Nathan served as general counsel of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and attorney general of the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2014. He also served as deputy assistant attorney general and principal associate deputy attorney general in the Justice Department.

Officials in the Trump administration dont seem to have much respect for congressional oversight. Some officials  including Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers  have refused to answer questions about presidential communications, either because they asserted it was inappropriate to do so or because they claimed they wanted to preserve the presidents option to assert executive privilege.

The administration has no right to stonewall like this. Its time for members of Congress to start using their legal powers to compel answers.

I was general counsel of the House of Representatives during the oversight investigation into President George W. Bushs political firings of several U.S. attorneys. At the time, top White House aides refused to obey congressional subpoenas to testify or produce documents, claiming they were immune from the congressional process. They even refused to appear at the scheduled hearings.

The House filed suit (with all Republicans abstaining) to compel compliance, and U.S. District Judge John Bates  appointed by Bush  agreed. Bates rejected the claim that White House staff members were immune from congressional subpoenas, requiring White House Counsel Harriet Miers to answer the questions under oath or assert executive privilege on a question-by-question basis.

This, of course, is the way it is for all subpoenaed witnesses in congressional hearings, whether in official positions or not. A refusal by a subpoenaed witness to answer a question, unaccompanied by an assertion of a recognized privilege, is contempt of Congress. After appropriate formalities, lawmakers can enforce this through a criminal prosecution or an arrest by the House sergeant-at-arms.

It is true that Sessions, Coats and Rogers were not subpoenaed; they were invited and did not testify under compulsion. But nothing prevents the committees from issuing subpoenas and demanding answers.

Sessions was particularly cagey in his testimony to Congress, refusing to answer some questions in order to give the White House time to reflect on whether to assert executive privilege  that is, the power of the president to withhold certain information from the courts and Congress. In this, Sessions claimed he was following established Justice Department policy, but there is no such policy, especially when notice of the hearing is provided well in advance and the subject matter is well known to the White House.

The Justice Department produced two memos written during the Reagan administration to support Sessionss assertion. But neither memo authorized a refusal to answer a question from Congress, and only one of the memos appears to apply to future administrations.

In fact, the Clinton administration tried a strategy similar to Sessionss and failed. In 1996, White House Counsel Jack Quinn declined to meet the deadline of a House subpoena, opting instead to give the president time to consider asserting executive privilege. The committee held Quinn in contempt. The subpoenaed documents were produced shortly thereafter.

In the abstract, President Trump may qualify for executive privilege regarding Sessionss advice to fire FBI Director James B. Comey. But such a claim would have to be balanced against what the president publicly discussed on national television and with Russian officials after firing Comey. The White House also publicly released internal Justice Department documents about the departments recommendations to fire Comey. Congressional committee members would have to take these statements into consideration in evaluating any claim of privilege, and so would the final analysis by the courts.

Most assertions of executive privilege in response to congressional demands are worked out by compromise without court litigation. But in virtually all those situations, compromise is reached only after each side asserts its constitutional prerogative. That means the president has to claim executive privilege, and if he does not, Congress has to pursue contempt against the uncooperative witnesses. In the past, similar evasions have been met with subpoenas backed by at least a threat of a contempt.

Congress and the public will not get the answers they deserve until lawmakers issue subpoenas and pursue contempt charges against officials who deem questions inappropriate to answer. If congressional committees are serious about getting to the bottom of their investigations, they will have to be much more aggressive and use the tools provided by the Constitution and the courts.
On Dec. 12, 2000, the Supreme Court ended the recount of Floridas votes in that years presidential election, effectively awarding 25 electoral votes to Republican George W. Bush and making him president.

The decision was 5 to 4, with the most conservative Republican-appointed justices in favor of Bush. Democrats condemned the ruling as nakedly partisan, saying it was based not on precedent but a cooked-to-order legal rationale: Recount rules didnt treat all ballots the same way, thus violating the 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection of the laws. Many critics saw Bush v. Gore as an indelible blot on the courts legitimacy.

Seventeen-odd years later, Democrats are pressing a case whose essential premise is that the Supreme Court can and should be trusted to write a whole new category of rules affecting almost every state legislative and congressional election in the United States. Their legal argument rests on the equal protection clause, and their hopes rest on the very swing-voter justice who tipped the 2000 election case, Anthony M. Kennedy.

At issue is the bad habit that state legislature majorities, abetted by like-minded governors, have of skewing congressional and state legislative districts to their partys advantage.

The specific appeal now before the Supreme Court involves a Democratic challenge to a state legislative district map that Wisconsin Republicans drafted in 2011. (Republicans, in a separate case still in the lower courts, are challenging similar computer-aided manipulations by Democrats in Maryland.)

(Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

No matter which party does it, partisan districting creates anomalies and unfairness, breeding public cynicism about a rigged system. Certainly in Wisconsin, the GOP acted out of blatantly self-serving motives. Excluding Democrats from the process, they considered several alternative maps before adopting one that maximized Republican opportunities. In 2012, the GOP won 60 percent of State Assembly seats with just 48.6 percent of votes cast.

Less clear is whether the federal judiciary  meaning, ultimately, the Supreme Court  is the right institution to fix this. To be sure, the justices long ago waded into the political thicket, as Justice Felix Frankfurter called it  with some necessary results. The Supreme Court decided districts had to be roughly equal in population, on the one person, one vote, principle; under the Voting Rights Act, the justices protect minority voters from racially biased districting.

In all those decades, though, the court has never held any alleged partisan excess unconstitutional, for a very good reason: the lack of a consistent, judicially manageable answer to the question How partisan is too partisan?

Opponents of the Wisconsin map think theyve found an objective measurement of undue partisanship, the efficiency gap, or E.G., which, applied to the Badger State, shows Democratic votes are excessively wasted because Republicans packed Democrats in a minority of districts where their candidates are all but guaranteed victory.

Rendering Democratic votes less potent in this way violated the equal protection clause, Democrats argued. And two members of a three-judge federal court ruled in their favor, thus prompting the states appeal to the justices.

Yet statistics are notoriously open to interpretation. As the dissenting judge, William C. Griesbach, noted, some of Wisconsins high E.G. results from demographics, namely the concentration of Democrats in cities such as Milwaukee and Madison. Also, the GOP drew compact and contiguous districts, unlike the salamander that made old Elbridge Gerry famous. Can there be a partisan gerrymander with no gerrymandering?

In any case, the implication that the legislatures composition should correspond to the party balance statewide smacks of a plea for proportional representation, which the Supreme Court has never supported.

For these and other reasons, even the two-judge majority hesitated to say that E.G. was anything more than a factor in its ruling  a tacit acknowledgment of the subjects inherent indeterminacy that may impress Kennedy. In past cases, he conceded that there might be such a thing as unconstitutionally extreme partisan districting, but never actually identified an example.

If past is prologue, Kennedy will find a new way to keep his options open. Ideally, though, he and the other justices would rule once and for all that adjudicating partisanship is a mission impossible.

In its futility, it could prove corrupting. Supreme Court and, indeed, lower court confirmation processes are contentious enough. Do we really want presidents, and senators, vetting judicial nominees for their views on how best to parcel out state legislative and congressional seats between the parties?

To repeat: Partisan districting may fuel public cynicism about politics. Instead of setting up the Supreme Court as the ultimate arbiter of it, however, reformers should promote independent state-level commissions such as those in California and Arizona.

Divided government, too, may help limit excesses; if a legislature dominated by one party draws a grossly skewed map, a governor from the other party can veto it.

Some things may be just as dangerous to democracy as a redistricting process constantly embroiled in partisan politics. One of them would be a Supreme Court constantly embroiled in partisan politics.

Read more from Charles Lanes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Although I do not share the need to protest against our president, I understand the right of others to make grievances known through protest marches and other constitutionally guaranteed means, as the March for Truth attests. Perhaps a little genuine planning would have helped. For example, pictured prominently with the June 20 Metro article  Wanted: Protest planner was a protest sign comparing President Trump to Adolf Hitler, with the word TWITLER below a fairly well-drawn likeness of the president.

Making an egregious and blatantly false comparison denigrates the abject suffering of Hitlers victims and degrades the seriousness of the protest. The irony is that this march purported to be an exercise in truth-telling.

Rob Klein, Gainesville
THE TRUMP administration modestly expanded sanctions on Russia Tuesday in an encouraging sign that it will continue to raise the pressure on the regime of Vladimir Putin for its illegal activity in Ukraine. Eleven of the newly penalized individuals and entities operate in the province of Crimea , which Moscow invaded and annexed in 2014; they include the Russia-designated state prosecutor. Yet according to two leading Crimean human rights activists, no one in the occupied province has been explicitly punished for the sweeping violations of human rights that have occurred there since 2014. That should change.

When it comes to Crimea, no one is talking about human rights, said Tetiana Pechonchyk of the Kiev, Ukraine-based Human Rights Center. One reason for that is that Russia has sealed off the territory from the outside world; it is, Ms. Pechonchyk told us, a kind of ghetto where no international organizations have access and there is no independent media. More than a dozen Crimean news organizations were forced to move out of the province after a number of journalists were persecuted and prosecuted. Now their websites, and others, are blocked by Crimean authorities. Mykola Semena, a veteran reporter who persisted in writing for the Radio Liberty website Crimea Realities, is on trial on charges of inciting separatism and faces five years in prison.

Even the slightest hint of opposition to Russias rule is crushed. A farmer named Vladimir Balukh who flew a Ukrainian flag over his house is being tried on trumped-up weapons charges and could receive four years in prison. But the worst persecution is reserved for members of Crimeas Tatar ethnic minority. Its principle organization, the Mejlis, has been banned as a terrorist group and its leaders exiled, jailed or, in one case, forcibly confined to a psychiatric institution. Crimeans are prohibited even from mentioning the Mejlis on social media.

In May 2016, a rising new Tatar leader, Ervin Ibragimov, disappeared; he was last seen being bundled into a car by Russian secret police. Nineteen other men, including human rights activist Emir-Usein Kuku, are being prosecuted on charges of membership in the banned terrorist group Hizb ut-Tahrir  charges Amnesty International said were, in at least the case of Mr. Kuku, groundless.

Ms. Pechonchyk and Olga Skrypnyk, the exiled board chairman of the Crimean Human Rights Group, arrived in Washington this week with lists of dozens of Russian and Crimean officials implicated in these abuses. One cites more than 70 judges who have ordered unlawful detentions, while another identifies those complicit in repression of the media. The activists would like to see these officials added to those subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union, including through the use of the Magnitsky Act, which provides for action against officials involved in persecuting human rights activists.

The point of sanctions is not only to punish. Pressure needs to be raised on Moscow until it agrees to international negotiations on its Crimea occupation, like those it has with Ukraine, France and Britain on its military incursion in eastern Ukraine. Russia is not listening to resolutions, said Ms. Pechonchyk. The only language Russia understands is sanctions.
Regarding the June 21 Metro article Advocates seek to label teens death a hate crime:

The refusal so far of local prosecutors to consider the murder of Nabra Hassanen, a Muslim teenager wearing a hijab, as a hate crime and their decision to deal with it as a matter of road rage are reminiscent of Fairfax County prosecutors refusal to prosecute a drunk passenger a few years ago who threatened to slice the throat of a Muslim taxi driver whose religion he vilely denounced. Happily, a civil jury found differently and awarded the driver $350,000 in damages for this hateful incident.

Another similar avoidance of reality took place in Gloucester County, where after two African American children were assaulted, including one who was severely beaten, the judge hearing the criminal case found no hate crime but simply assault arising out of a neighborly dispute fueled by alcohol  this despite one perpetrators admission to calling the children dirt frogs, monkeys and (he said) jiggers (which the children unanimously testified was in fact the n-word).

I litigated the taxi drivers case in Alexandria, and I am litigating a civil case arising out of the latter assault in Newport News, Va.

Until our oh-so-white public officials understand what it means to wear nonwhite skin, there will be less than justice for all in our fair land.

Victor M. Glasberg, Alexandria
CHARGES THAT systemic corruption in the Prince Georges County school system led to the fraudulent boosting of graduation rates should be examined by Maryland state education officials. The countys residents need to know if school administrators engaged in unethical practices to burnish the systems credentials, or if the school boards small group of disaffected members is so reckless as to advance its interests by belittling the efforts of teachers and students. Whatever the answer, it is clear the struggling school system has issues it must confront.

The county has been roiled by allegations from four members of the 14-member school board of widespread wrongdoing, with complicity at the highest levels of the school system to change grades and give students credit for courses they did not take. The allegations were contained in a May 30 letter to Gov. Larry Hogan (R) asking for an investigation. The letter was first reported last Saturday by Fox 5 News.

Schools Chief Executive Officer Kevin Maxwell categorically denied what he called politically motivated charges and said he welcomed state education officials to fully explore the matter. He pointed out, though, that there already was a review by the state after the federal education department got an anonymous complaint last summer. The conclusion contained in a Jan. 30 letter from the state Department of Educations chief academic officer: There was not anything done to indicate grades had been manipulated nor that bullying had been used to ensure more students were being promoted or graduated.

The four board members who signed the letter (Edward Burroughs III of District 8, David Murray of District 1, Raaheela Ahmed of District 5 and student member Juwan Blocker) admitted Tuesday they were absolutely unaware of the earlier investigation by the state education department. That tends to undermine the due diligence they say they used in looking into these issues. If, as they claim, there is clear and convincing evidence of wrongdoing from whistleblowers, why take it to the governor and not local law enforcement? Or, at the very least, tell other members of the board? Mr. Burroughs has been a frequent critic of Mr. Maxwell and opposed the extension of his contract; Mr. Murray and Ms. Ahmed abstained, and the student member cant vote on personnel issues.

There has been significant improvement in the countys graduation rate, from 74.1 percent in 2013 to 81.4 percent in 2016. School officials credit muscular intervention and new supports for students identified as at risk of not graduating. A change last year in grading policy that included elimination of grades below 50 percent  viewed by some critics as too lenient  also probably played a role. Teachers feeling pressure to graduate their students is not a bad thing if it results in doing more to help students achieve. There is a problem, though, if students are getting diplomas they didnt earn.

It is important that state education officials, with some urgency, determine exactly what the facts are here. Whoever turns out to have been wrong should be held accountable.
REMEMBER WHEN Obamacare was written hastily, behind closed doors in secret negotiations, so that Democrats could jam an unpopular health-care bill through Congress? Remember when this showed that they didnt care what was in it and that they had betrayed the trust of the American people? Remember when the issue of health reform was too important to not take the time to get it right?

Republicans are hoping you do not remember, or that you are willing to forget now that the shoe is on the other foot. Led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), they are barrelling toward a vote next week on a bill that as of Wednesday afternoon they had not released to the public  eliciting expressions of concern about the rushed process even from Republicans.

Criticism after criticism that Republicans have lobbed at Democrats over the years about how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed apply to a far greater extent to the health-care bill the GOP leadership has been drafting covertly.

Whereas various versions of the bill Democrats wrote in 2009 and 2010 went through committees , where Republicans could offer feedback and amendments, the Senate has held no hearings and no committee votes on the bill the Republicans are writing. Whereas the Democrats spent weeks trying to bargain with Republicans on health-care reform, Republicans have made no such attempt at good-faith negotiation as they have sought to reform the ACA. Whereas Senate Democrats held 25 days of debate on Obamacare, the Republicans have reportedly budgeted themselves about a week between the release of the bills text and the vote on it. With the Congressional Budget Office unable to release its analysis of any GOP plan until next week, there might be only a handful of days between publication of the official scorekeepers estimates of what the bill would do to Americans health care and the Senate vote.

Republicans respond that the bill will be open to amendment on the floor and that health-care policy has been the subject of public debate for years now, obviating the need for legislative transparency. If that is so, then the Republicans have lost the debate. Polls show that the GOP repeal-and-replace effort is plumbing new depths of unpopularity. This should be unsurprising to any dispassionate observer of the Republican initiative. The House passed a bill that even President Trump reportedly described as mean. It would fund a large tax cut by scaling back health assistance, resulting in 23 million more people uninsured in a decade, with the pain concentrated on poorer and older people. Because of the Senate Republicans opaque process, it is still unclear whether their bill will end up as cruel. Reports from inside, however, suggest it might be even tougher on Medicaid, the health-care program for the poor and near-poor.

Republicans can hide their bill, for now. But they will own the consequences.
David Cole is national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. Marc Mauer is executive director of the Sentencing Project.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is right to be concerned about recent increases in violent crime in some of our nations largest cities, as well as a tragic rise in drug overdoses nationwide [Lax drug enforcement means more violence, op-ed, June 18]. But there is little reason to believe that his response  reviving the failed war on drugs and imposing more mandatory minimums on nonviolent drug offenders  will do anything to solve the problem. His prescription contravenes a growing bipartisan consensus that the war on drugs has not worked. And it would exacerbate mass incarceration, the most pressing civil rights problem of the day.

Sessionss first mistake is to conflate correlation and causation. He argues that the rise in murder rates in 2015 was somehow related to his predecessor Eric Holders August 2013 directive scaling back federal prosecutions in lower-level drug cases. That policy urged prosecutors to reserve the most serious charges for high-level offenses. Holder directed them to avoid unnecessarily harsh mandatory minimum sentences for defendants whose conduct involved no actual or threatened violence, and who had no leadership role in criminal enterprises or gangs, no substantial ties to drug trafficking organizations and no significant criminal history. (Mandatory minimums can lead to draconian sentences, as in the case of Ramona Brant, a first-time offender sentenced to life imprisonment for her part in distributing drugs at the direction of an abusive boyfriend). Individuals who met the stringent criteria of Holders policy would still be prosecuted, but they would be spared overly long mandatory minimums. Sessions offers no evidence that this policy caused the recent spikes in violent crime or drug overdoses. There are three reasons to doubt that there is any significant connection between the two.

First, federal prosecutors handle fewer than 10 percent of all criminal cases, so a modest change in their charging policy with respect to a subset of drug cases is unlikely to have a nationwide impact on crime. The other 90 percent of criminal prosecution is conducted by state prosecutors, who were not affected by Holders policy.

Second, the few individuals who benefited from Holders policy by definition lacked a sustained history of crime or violence or any connections to major drug traffickers.

Third, the increases in violent crime that Sessions cites are not nationally uniform, which one would expect if they were attributable to federal policy. In 2015, murder rates rose in Chicago, Cleveland and Baltimore, to be sure. But they declined in Boston and El Paso, and stayed relatively steady in New York, Las Vegas, Detroit and Atlanta. If federal drug policy were responsible for the changes, we would not see such dramatic variances from city to city.

Nor is there any evidence that increases in drug overdoses have anything to do with shorter sentences for a small subset of nonviolent drug offenders in federal courts. Again, the vast majority of drug prosecutions are in state court under state law and are unaffected by the attorney generals policies. And the rise in drug overdoses is a direct result of the opioid and related heroin epidemics, which have been caused principally by increased access to prescription painkillers from doctors and pill mills. That tragic development calls for treatment of addicts and closer regulation of doctors, not mandatory minimums imposed on street-level drug sellers, who are easily replaced in communities that have few lawful job opportunities.

Most disturbing, Sessions seems to have no concern for the fact that the United States leads the world in incarceration; that its prison population is disproportionately black, Hispanic and poor; or that incarceration inflicts deep and long-lasting costs on the very communities most vulnerable to crime in the first place. As of 2001, 1 of every 3 black male babies born that year could expect to be imprisoned in his lifetime, and while racial disparities have been modestly reduced since then, African Americans are still a disproportionate share of the prison population. Mass incarceration has disrupted families, created even greater barriers to employment and increased the likelihood that the next generation of children will themselves be incarcerated. Advocates as diverse as the Koch brothers and George Soros, the Center for American Progress and Americans for Tax Reform, the American Civil Liberties Union and Right on Crime agree that we need to scale back the harshness of our criminal justice system.

Rather than expanding the drug war, Sessions would be smarter to examine local conditions that influence crime and violence, including policing strategies, availability of guns, community engagement and concentrated poverty. Responding to those underlying problems, and restoring trust through consent decrees that reduce police abuse, hold considerably more promise of producing public safety. Sessionss revival of the failed policies of the past, by contrast, has little hope of reducing violent crime or drug overdoses.
Airlines dont just defy gravity; they also defy business norms. From the way they treat customers to the way ticket prices are determined to the blistering pace of change (the way we fly today is vastly different than even 10 years ago), the industry is shrouded in misunderstandings. As the summer travel season begins, here are five of the most notable.

Myth No. 1

Bigger planes mean lower fares.

It stands to reason that a greater supply of seats would help meet demand and lower prices. A 500-seat plane requires just as many pilots, gates, landings, air traffic controllers and dispatchers as a 50-seat plane, so the per-passenger cost should be lower. A 2009 Telegraph story about the first Airbus A380 to hold 850 people said that low-cost mass transit of this sort would be reducing fare prices to passengers. The New York Times has explained that tickets on smaller planes are more costly because the higher cost of fuel and other expenses gets split among fewer passengers.

The difficulty is that economies of scale dont always work for airlines, because planes generally dont increase in per-passenger efficiency as they grow larger. In fact, many of the most efficient planes of today are the smallest ones. At a transatlantic distance, a 525-seat Airbus A380 has an efficiency of 74 miles per gallon (mpg) per passenger, while the brand-new 168-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 reaches 110 mpg per passenger.

Smaller, more efficient planes allow airlines to operate less expensive nonstop routes. Airport fees can account for hundreds of dollars of a long-haul fare, because these flights often operate between the busiest, highest-demand airports. Most travelers living outside the largest cities are forced to connect through bigger, more expensive airports despite having originated at the least expensive airports. This routing drives up their fares. With newer, long-range small planes, however, airlines can operate nonstop long-haul flights from smaller markets. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8, which began flying in May, allows a company such as Norwegian Airlines to fly profitably from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Hartford, Conn., or between Cork, Ireland, and Providence, R.I.

Myth No. 2

Flying is expensive.

Flying is certainly costly in absolute terms. A round-trip ticket to Europe during midsummer can easily be priced at more than $1,500, nearly 3 percent of the salary of someone considered middle class. Citing pressure from consumer advocacy groups, the Justice Department even began a probe in 2015 into whether U.S. airlines colluded to keep airfares high, an investigation it has since dropped.

But while flying might still be reserved for the middle and upper classes, its never been less expensive. In 1979, the average round-trip airfare in the United States was $617 (in 2016 dollars); today its down to $367. In 1974, the minimum legal price an airline could charge for a one-way ticket between New York and Los Angeles was $1,442 (in 2017 dollars), while today tickets between the two cities go for as little as $149.

Meanwhile, according to AAA, the average cost to drive per mile in 2016 was 60 cents, while flying typically sets us back between 10 and 15 cents per mile. In a 25 mpg car, driving from Washington to Chicago would cost $66 in gas alone, while airfares are available on the route for as little as $47. Flying might seem expensive when youre paying $50 to $100 an hour to sit in a 17-inch-wide seat, but for what youre actually buying  transportation from Point A to Point B  flying is competitive with the car, bus and train, especially on longer routes.

Myth No. 3

Flying is worse for the environment than driving.

Airplanes are undoubtedly gas guzzlers. An A380 burns a gallon of fuel for every 1.5 seconds in the air. Flying this plane from Dubai to Sydney requires more than 65,000 gallons of fuel  more than the average American uses in his or her lifetime. Jet fuel emits more carbon dioxide per gallon than car fuel, and contrails are believed to have a short-term negative impact on the environment. FiveThirtyEight argued that every time you fly, you trash the planet, but its analysis relied on statistics from a company that sells carbon offsets for flights  numbers that assume cars can reach 44 mpg, which is absurd. ThinkProgress went further: A piece that assumed two or three people are riding in every car on long journeys concluded that flying is not greener than driving.

What many statistics dont account for, however, is just how many people airlines can pack into their planes. Lufthansas 747-8 seats 364 passengers. On a per-passenger basis, its flight from Frankfurt to Washington requires 65 gallons of fuel  not enough to get an SUV from D.C. to Denver. That plane averages 89 mpg per passenger, far higher than even the most efficient hybrid cars. If you have to choose between driving and flying, the plane is almost always the greener option. And to save money on gas, planes are becoming more energy efficient with each iteration, while carriers work to implement the use of biofuels to further reduce emissions.

Myth No. 4

Merger mania is bad news for travelers.

Before the turn of the century, the big three U.S. airlines  United, Delta and American  were eight separate carriers. In the past few decades, weve seen an intense consolidation of the industry, most recently with the merger of US Airways and American Airlines. The result is an oligopoly. Time magazine has argued that mergers are unquestionably bad for consumers, while the Daily Beast even blamed the recent United Airlines dragging incident on this consolidation.

Yet this unfortunate situation is also a result of something positive: aggressive competition. After Southwest, the first low-cost carrier, found success, copycats took note. Virgin America, Allegiant Air, JetBlue and Frontier Airlines were all founded as low-cost carriers since 1990, and others, such as Spirit Airlines, have restructured into a low-cost model. Abroad, Norwegian Airlines, Wow Air and Eurowings have launched cheap trans-Atlantic operations , and AirAsia X will start crossing the Pacific to Honolulu late this month. The traditional U.S. airlines had trouble competing against these price-conscious companies.

The competitive advantage today of the big three U.S. airlines is their route networks, which allow them to serve smaller cities. Delta, for instance, flies to more than 200 airports in the United States  in places like Billings, Mont. The mergers let a traveler in Key West, Fla., fly to Anchorage, Alaska, with just one connection. With prices as low as ever, this ability to traverse the country, from places big and small, surely is not bad for consumers.

Myth No. 5

The best ight path is the shortest distance.

If youve flown overseas, youve seen the maps that show your planes route arcing dramatically north or south of the destination. This is actually a direct route in disguise. When a curved image such as a globe is fitted onto a flat plane such as a map, it creates a distortion; the shortest route between two points far north of the equator visually curves north. People explaining this phenomenon often say the planes route follows the shortest distance. Flight-paths such as Berlin-Reykjavik-Boston are reasonably direct, argued the Economist. As the Independent put it, The shortest path between two points on the surface of the planet is what steers a Copenhagen-to-Los Angeles flight west-north-west, not west-south-west.

Thats not quite right. What truly determines a flight path is cost: Every minute of additional flight time on a large jet costs an airline hundreds of dollars, so routes generally correspond with the shortest overall flight time, which is not always the shortest distance. Air Indias flight from Delhi to San Francisco used to fly a direct route, taking it north over Russia, above Norway, across Greenland, then down over Canada to its destination. This route clocked in at roughly 8,600 miles. However, wind on Earth flows from west to east, so westbound flights take longer. Last fall, Air India started using a new route for this flight. While adding 900 miles of distance by traveling eastbound across China and the Pacific Ocean rather than westbound, Air India now saves more than $10,000 in fuel and two hours of flight time. Most examples of wind affecting flight paths arent nearly as drastic, but every route deviates at least slightly from direct to minimize costs because of wind.

Twitter: @wendoverpro

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
At age 15, I suddenly felt an unquenchable thirst and began urinating frequently. I lost 20 pounds. I had developed Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that destroyed my bodys ability to produce insulin. Without insulin, I would have eventually developed a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is lethal without (and even sometimes with) treatment.

Years later, Im a practicing endocrinologist. I could never have imagined back when I first started taking insulin that one day I would have so many patients who could not afford the medication because of skyrocketing prices. When the drug was discovered in 1921, the original patent was sold to the University of Toronto for $1 so that no one else could patent it and secure a profitable monopoly.

Numerous improvements later, insulin is produced by a three-company oligopoly. When the first of the newer insulin analogs, Humalog, hit the market in 1996, it sold for $21 a vial. Today, vials of analog insulins, including Humalog, sell for about $300 . Patients with Type 1 diabetes typically require two or three vials of insulin per month, but patients who are more resistant to insulin, such as those with Type 2 diabetes, may require six or more.

A recent paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that insulin nearly tripled in cost from 2002 to 2013. A lawsuit filed in January accuses pharmaceutical companies of price collusion for allegedly raising insulin prices repeatedly and in lockstep to match their competitors. Prices have gotten so bad that the American Diabetes Association recently launched an online petition at MakeInsulinAffordable.org, which has been signed by more than 250,000 people.

Because insulin is so expensive, some people take less than their prescribed dose, causing higher blood sugars, which may lead to preventable, very expensive complications such as kidney failure, blindness, amputation, heart attacks or even death.

Unfortunately, the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed by the House last month would let states allow insurance companies to charge people more for preexisting conditions such as diabetes, as would the version under consideration in the Senate. This may leave more people unable to afford insurance and make it even more difficult for patients with already high premiums and deductibles to pay for insulin.

While current law protects patients with preexisting conditions better than the AHCA would, too many people with diabetes are still going without proper medical care. One of my patients, whom Ill call Joe to protect his identity, lost his insurance, then developed ketoacidosis, a buildup of acid in his blood, because he couldnt afford to pay $600 monthly for two vials of insulin. He didnt die, but he required a costly stay in an intensive-care unit.

Pressure on drugmakers has started to bring small changes. But theyre not enough. In response to rising costs, Novo Nordisk will limit future price increases to single-digit hikes per year. Eli Lilly will provide insulin at up to 40 percent off for patients on high-deductible plans. (The downside is that it may not count toward their deductibles.)

Drug companies also offer savings cards that lower patients co-pays. However, these cards steer patients toward newer, more expensive insulins. And most cards may not help if the insulin a patient takes isnt on their insurance providers formulary. Plus, such programs may save patients money, but the insurance companies dont save anything, so the costs are likely to be shifted back to patients through higher premiums, deductibles or co-pays.

Endocrinologists like me spend far too much time deciding what patients can afford instead of making sound medical decisions. I deal with these issues nearly every day. Some doctors are uncomfortable discussing costs with patients; many patients are embarrassed to admit they cant afford medication, and some wont acknowledge they arent taking their full dosages. The physician may then increase the dose, or with Type 2 diabetes may add another drug, when the real issue is that the patient isnt taking the right amount. Since it is so common that patients cannot afford insulin, Ive posted the American Diabetes Association petition in each of my practices exam rooms, and if patients dont bring up cost as an issue, I will frequently point to the petition as an icebreaker. I ask if they have difficulty affording their insulin and medications, and I let them know they arent alone.

Like some other doctors, I have transitioned many patients with Type 2 diabetes onto older, less costly insulins. I try not to do that for patients with Type 1 diabetes, because these older insulins cause more dangerous low blood sugars. But sometimes I have no choice: Its either cheaper insulin or no insulin.

Our system has additional issues that may heap more straw onto patients already strained backs  such as insurers quantity limits. My patient Mike uses 40 units of insulin per day. A box of five insulin pens contains 1,500 units and should last Mike 37 days. Since that is more than a 30-day supply, his insurer charges him a 60-day co-pay. The cutoff depends on the policy: For some, a 31-day supply will trigger a 60-day co-pay. Sometimes this problem manifests itself in reverse: Mary needs three vials of insulin to last at least one month. But three vials lasts her 33 days, so when she refills her prescription for a month of insulin, she is dispensed only two vials  a 22-day supply  for which her insurer charges a 30-day co-pay. Sometimes patients are allowed up to a 90-day supply, so they are dispensed five vials (which might work out to a 77-day supply) instead of the six vials they were prescribed (a 92-day supply). From the patients perspective, this co-pay overcharging or under-dispensing feels like getting one dozen golden eggs for the price of two dozen.

Why do we pay so much more for insulin and other medications in the United States than people do in the rest of the world? Many factors drive prices up. Half a dozen companies may be involved with a drug before it reaches the patient, and each may mark up the cost. Unlike in many countries, there are no government-set limits on what companies can charge. These include manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which serve as the middlemen between insurers and drugmakers. PBMs negotiate which drugs are on an insurance companys formulary; they can receive a rebate from pharmaceutical companies when drugs make it to formularies. These rebates result in inflated list prices that the insurer never pays. (In other countries with nationalized health care, theres no such middleman.) When people pay a co-pay, they dont pay the list price, either. The only people who do are patients who havent meet their deductible, are in the Medicare donut hole or are uninsured  and these people are the hardest hit.

We also live in one of the only two countries in the world (New Zealand is the other) that allow direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription medications. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions on advertising, and those expenses become juicy tax deductions. Finally, while many countries with single-payer systems negotiate drug prices, our Medicare system by law is barred from doing so.

All that complexity  and all the opportunities for profit  leaves patients to be squeezed by the weight of the system when they go to fill their prescriptions.

And it gets even worse. Tim ran out of insulin for the first time in his life last year because his insurance provider allowed him to pick up only one vial at a time, and he didnt realize hed used it up until it was too late. Brian, a Medicaid patient, requires six vials of insulin per month, three vials each of short-acting and long-acting varieties. Yet he, too, is not allowed to pick up more than one vial of each at a time. Medicaid wont dispense a 90-day supply, because many patients frequently change insurance, and many Medicaid providers dont want to give away a month or two of free insulin. Thats understandable  insurers have a bottom line.

But properly managing diabetes requires a lot of work and can be a tremendous burden. These sorts of limitations and frequent pharmacy trips make it that much harder, and they magnify patients anxiety about running out of insulin and getting seriously ill. Vials can fall and shatter. Insulin exposed to high or low temperatures becomes ineffective. Mail-order shipments may arrive late.

Anyone whos taking insulin should always have at least two vials on hand for emergency backup. Having only one vial is simply not safe  it creates anxiety, and can mean preventable hospital admissions or even death in some cases. It feels like driving on an eighth of a tank of gasoline in the middle of nowhere.

My experience is limited to Minnesota, and I can find no published peer-reviewed data on these practices. Internet forums discuss them often, though, and I have spoken with academic endocrinologists from both coasts who tell me my experience with patients is common in their states as well.

All of these problems could be fixed. We should require pharmacies and insurers to dispense a minimum 30-day supply and make sure patients have a second vial on hand for emergencies. Lets prorate co-pays for patients who are dispensed more than a 30- or 90-day supply, rather than rounding their co-pays up. Insurance companies could decide to do this themselves, but since theyre unlikely to do so, it should be legislated at the state or federal level. We should also eliminate co-pay savings cards and require insurers to charge the lowest co-pay for insulin to encourage good blood sugars and reduce hospitalizations.

If Congress were truly serious about addressing access to lifesaving medication, it would overhaul the whole system and eliminate tax write-offs for drug advertising to consumers (or better yet, eliminate this advertising altogether), force more transparency into the pharmaceutical market and PBM rebate system, investigate those rebates and how and why PBMs and manufacturers raise prices, and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Insulin is a necessity. Its time we return to the spirit of that original $1 patent, put people before profits, and rein in these greedy and unjust cost increases.

outlook@washpost.com

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Catherine Fuller with her son, William, in a family photograph taken in 1983 near their K Street home. (Family Photo)

The Supreme Court ruled 6 to 2 Thursday that the men convicted of the notorious D.C. gang murder of Catherine Fuller do not deserve a new trial because prosecutors withheld some evidence in the case.

Justice Stephen G. Breyer wrote that it was not reasonable to think that the withheld evidence  that a man convicted of similar crimes had been seen in the area  would have made a difference.

In the fact-specific context of this record, the withheld evidence is too little, too weak, or too distant to undermine the group attack theory, Breyer said in announcing the decision from the bench.

[Supreme Court relives horrific D.C. murder]

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Anthony M. Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Sonia Sotomayor joined Breyer. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan dissented, and Justice Neil M. Gorsuch took no part in the case argued before he joined the court.

At oral arguments, the justices dove deeply into the facts of the high-profile murder of Fuller, who was killed inside a garage tucked into an alley near Eighth and H streets NE on Oct. 1, 1984. She had set out for a store with $50 in a change purse tucked in her bra, and her nearly naked body was found severely beaten and sodomized with a metal pipe.

Sixteen boys and young men, and one teenage girl, were arrested for the murder. They ranged in age from 16 to 26 and were known as the Eighth and H Street Crew. Each of the 13 ultimately charged initially claimed innocence. Eight of the male defendants were convicted, and seven were sentenced to 35 years to life in prison.

Fullers death helped cement the image of the nations capital as a violent and dangerous place in the minds of Washingtonians and others nationwide. The killing drew notoriety not only for its brutality but because police linked it to the rise of crews, or violent gangs of youths.

Interest in the case was revived by stories in The Washington Post raising questions about the convictions, changes in the testimony of some witnesses, and the revelation that prosecutors had information about another man whom some had been seen at the crime scene.

[32 years after a horrific murder, one man wants justice. Another just wants an ending.]

The petitioners at the Supreme Court  Timothy Catlett, Russell Overton, Levy Rouse, Kelvin Smith, Charles and Christopher Turner, and Clifton Yarborough  claimed prosecutors should have told their attorneys about then-19-year-old James McMillan, who had committed robberies in the neighborhood, including an attack on D.C. Council Member Nadine Winter.

The lead prosecutor on the case at the time said he investigated the tip and dismissed the information as not relevant enough to turn over to defense attorneys.

Lower courts have agreed.

Breyer said the case at the Supreme Court was legally simple but factually complex. He wrote a detailed chronology of the murder and the trial testimony to conclude that knowing about McMillan would have made no difference.

The defendants did not attempt to rebut prosecutors witnesses who testified that Fullers death was a gang attack, rather than the work of an individual, Breyer wrote.

Rather, each petitioner pursued what was essentially a not me, maybe them defense, namely, that he was not part of the group that attacked Fuller, Breyer wrote. Each tried to establish this defense by impeaching witnesses who had placed that particular petitioner at the scene.

Kagan wrote that the majority was wrong in the bottom line.

With the undisclosed evidence, the whole tenor of the trial would have changed, she wrote.

Rather than relying on a not me, maybe them defense, all the defendants would have relentlessly impeached the governments (thoroughly impeachable) witnesses and offered the jurors a way to view the crime in a different light, wrote Kagan, joined by Ginsburg.

In my view, that could well have flipped one or more jurors, all that would be necessary to avoid conviction, she said.

Christopher Turner, one of the defendants in the case, said that he was disappointed in the Supreme Courts decision, but that he and the attorneys are not giving up on trying to prove their innocence.

Were going to keep fighting. This is not a discouragement by any stretch, Turner said in a telephone interview Thursday. We are still focusing on the case. We have found new information that we will use to prove our innocence. He declined to elaborate.

Turner, 51, was paroled in 2010 for good behavior after serving 26 years in prison for Fullers murder. He has maintained that he was falsely accused.

Of the eight men who were found guilty by a jury in the case, six remain in prison. Another defendant died in prison in 1999.

The case is Turner v. United States.

Keith L. Alexander contributed to this report.
The government may not strip someones citizenship for lying during the naturalization process without proving the falsehood is relevant, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The court unanimously rejected the governments view that simply proving that someone lied during the process was enough. Justice Elena Kagan said that would give the government too much power.

The government opens the door to a world of disquieting consequences, Kagan wrote, adding that it would give prosecutors nearly limitless leverage  and afford newly naturalized Americans precious little security.

[Supreme Court worried about giving government too much power]

The governments view that any lie is enough is a long-held one, but it has taken on new importance with the Trump administrations focus on deportation.

Kagan wrote that the government must show that an illegal act by the defendant played some role in her acquisition of citizenship.

When the illegal act is making a false statement, she said, prosecutors must show the lie was about facts that might have mattered to an immigration official, either because it would have justified denying naturalization or led to other facts that would have warranted that result.

The case at the court involved a Bosnian native, Divna Maslenjak, who was criminally prosecuted for lying on her application about her husbands military service. She was deported by the Obama administration, which held the broad view that any misrepresentation  whether relevant or not  was enough to give the government the right to consider revocation.

Maslenjak was granted refugee status in 1999 along with her family. She is an ethnic Serb and said she and her family faced persecution. She became a U.S. citizen in 2007. During her immigration hearing, she said her husband evaded conscription into the army. In fact, he had served in a Bosnian unit implicated in war crimes.

Divna Maslenjak was convicted, and she and her husband were deported to Serbia, while their children were allowed to remain in Ohio.

The courts decision should mean she gets a new trial, at which the government would have to prove Maslenjaks falsehoods were material to the granting of naturalization.

Although the courts ruling did not venture an opinion, justices said at oral argument that the government might well prove Maslenjaks lies were material.

The court was analyzing a law that makes it a crime to knowingly procure, contrary to law, the naturalization of any person. The most natural understanding of that, Kagan said, is that the illegal act must have somehow contributed to the obtaining of citizenship.

She proposed consideration of this sentence: John obtained the painting illegally. One would think he stole it, or wrote a bad check, she wrote. But if you said he obtained it illegally but his unlawful act played no role in obtaining, she added, you would think it nonsense  or perhaps the opening of a riddle.

Kagans test for when a falsehood is material went too far for some members of the court. Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, said the court did not need to decide more than the falsehood had to be material.

For my part, I believe it is work enough for the day to recognize that the statute requires some proof of causation, that the jury instructions here did not, and to allow the parties and courts of appeals to take it from there as they usually do, Gorsuch wrote. This court often speaks most wisely when it speaks last.

Kagan responded that such a halfway-decision would be of little help. The government needs to know what prosecutions to bring; defendants need to know what defenses to offer; and district courts need to know how to instruct juries.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. also differed slightly from Kagans reasoning, but he agreed with the outcome of Maslenjak v. United States.

The court also ruled Thursday that a teenage murder defendant in Massachusetts does not get a new trial because his lawyer did not object when a judge closed the courtroom to the public during jury selection.

Kentel Myrone Weaver was claiming ineffectiveness of counsel. His lawyer acknowledged that he thought the judge was allowed to close the court because of overcrowding. The Supreme Court has said it is a constitutional violation.

But Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for six other members of the court that Weaver had not shown that counsels shortcomings led to a fundamentally unfair trial.

Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Kagan dissented.

That case is Weaver v. Massachusetts.
The words leapt from President Trumps mind to Twitter at 8:26 a.m. on the Friday after he fired FBI director James B. Comey, setting off a cascade of activity inside and outside the federal government to figure out what, exactly, he meant.

James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press! Trump wrote.

With that tweet, Trump immediately deepened his own legal and political quagmire, evoking comparisons to President Richard M. Nixon and prompting congressional committees investigating his campaigns alleged ties with Russia to demand the disclosure of any such recordings. The message also prompted Comey to release previously undisclosed memos of his conversations with the president, which ultimately led to the appointment of a special counsel, who is now investigating whether Trump obstructed justice.

Far from knocking down the assertion that Trump had recorded conversations in the White House, his aides refused to give a definitive answer for weeks. Trump, ever the reality television host, teased at a news conference, Ill tell you about it over a very short period of time.

On Thursday, 42 days later, he finally did. As most in Washington had anticipated, Trump said he did not have any such tapes.

(Reuters)

The incident highlights a new reality for Washington, which now must spring into action to bolster or rebuff presidential assertions of dubious origin and with no evidence to back them up. In many cases, the claims have had the opposite effect of what the president presumably intended  feeding into doubts about his credibility, deepening his legal woes and generating unflattering accounts that dominate the news for weeks at a time.

[Trump says he has no tapes of Comey conversations]

And even when Trump has walked back a questionable comment, he has sometimes planted a new and similarly unsubstantiated claim. In denying Thursday that he had created tapes of his conversations with Comey, for example, Trump also suggested that he may have been surveilled.

With all the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, Trump wrote in one tweet, before denying that he had created any.

Before the tapes, there was Trumps unfounded claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped him in Trump Tower during the presidential campaign, setting off a flurry of official inquiries from Congress. His oft-repeated assertion during the campaign that a wall along the southern border would be paid for by Mexico is one that lawmakers in Trumps own party believe will never come to fruition  yet they and others in the government continue to look for some way to help the president save face.

Trump has also repeatedly claimed that millions of illegal immigrants voted in the last presidential election, with no proof. Yet in an effort to validate his comments, the Trump administration has created a commission aimed at investigating his claim of widespread voter fraud.

What happens with the president is he shoots himself in the foot, and soon the gangrene spreads to the entire body politic, said Norm Eisen, a former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic and a former ethics czar in the Obama administration. This is going to be the new normal: elements of the presidents own executive branch openly, or indirectly through leaks, responding to these false tweets.

1 of 58 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  A look at President Trumps first year in office, so far View Photos Scenes from the Republicans first months in the White House. Caption Scenes from the Republicans beginning months in the White House. 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 Wait 1 second to continue.

[Earlier: Trump suggests there may be tapes of his private conversations with former FBI director]

After Trump raised the prospect of Comey-related tapes, exasperated lawmakers in both parties pledged to find out one way or another. I dont have the foggiest idea, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) said on ABC News the following Sunday.

But the most significant consequences were yet to come.

Comey told lawmakers in testimony this month that as he lay awake in his Northern Virginia bed a week after he was summarily fired, he decided to act  in large part because of Trumps tweet.

It didnt dawn on me originally that there might be corroboration for our conversation. There might be a tape, he said, explaining why he leaked memos of his conversations with Trump to the media. He also testified, Lordy, I hope there are tapes!

Comeys memos prompted the appointment of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, a former FBI director, to investigate possible collusion between Trump campaign associates and Russians who interfered in the election. The Washington Post has also reported that Mueller is investigating whether Trump attempted to obstruct the investigation.

Theres nothing criminal or illegal about bluffing, said Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School professor who has often defended Trump against various allegations. I dont think he would have said he had tapes if he had them.

But Dershowitz acknowledged that the tweet may have been a shortsighted attempt to ensure that Comey was careful about his public statements on Trump.

I dont know whether it was an unforced error or a tactic, but it could have been both: a tactic that turned out to be an unforced error, Dershowitz said. He should have thought through all of that. I very often keep contemporaneous memos, particularly when Im dealing with people who have credibility issues.

Lawyers do that, he added.

[The Fact Checkers tally of Trumps false claims]

A similar dynamic played out in March when Trump blasted out another shocker of a tweet claiming that Obama had wiretapped him  an implausible assertion that government officials and lawmakers moved quickly to deny.

But among Trump loyalists in the White House and in Congress, there was a spirited effort to validate the claim.

Three White House officials unearthed classified documents that suggested that Obama administration officials may have unmasked the names of Trump campaign associates that were contained in classified intelligence reports. Intelligence experts note that unmasking is a legal practice, if done properly, and completely different from Trumps claim that he was illegally wire tapped.

But armed with the documents procured by the White House, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a member of Trumps transition team, set out to defend the presidents tweets. Nunes later told Fox News host Sean Hannity that he felt obligated to brief the president on the unmasking issue because he was taking a lot of heat in the news media for his wiretapping tweets.

To intelligence experts, the controversy was an attempt by Trump loyalists to confuse two entirely separate issues  illegal surveillance and legal unmasking of the names of American individuals  to defend the president.

The notion that President Obama could instruct the intel community to set up a tap on Mr. Trumps offices is preposterous on its face. He doesnt have that authority, said Robert Deitz, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency and the Defense Department. One of the things thats interesting about Washington is that its a little bit of Alice in Wonderland: You hear something or you see something in the press, and you try to make sense of it.

[With a raucous rally in Iowa, Trump transports himself back to 2016]

The Trump administration has moved to accommodate the presidents dubious rhetoric in other ways.

Trump has repeatedly insisted without evidence that he lost the popular vote because of millions of illegal-immigrant voters. That led the White House to create a commission to study the issue  an effort widely dismissed as a sham but which nevertheless is slated to produce a report of its findings next year.

A similar phenomenon has taken hold with Trumps proposed border wall. The president, lawmakers and his aides have floated a number of schemes to make his promise that taxpayers wouldnt foot the bill come true, including initially financing the wall with solar panels or a border adjustment tax. Even with Mexico refusing to entertain the idea of funding  and with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) answering no when asked if Mexico would be paying up  Trump hasnt dropped the issue.

Its not unprecedented for people anywhere in the bureaucracy to have to do cleanup or to deal with in other ways statements that are short on veracity from the man at the top, said Paul Pillar, a former CIA officer. What youre talking about with the current president is a substantial difference of degree in which some of these things happen.

Theres as much eye-rolling with respect to our foreign partners. They realize the kind of boat their American counterparts have been put in, he added.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Tex.), right, and ranking Democrat Adam Schiff(D-Calif.) during a committee hearing on Russian meddling in U.S. elections on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press)

As the deadline looms for President Trump to produce evidence for Congress of the tapes he suggested he made of his conversations with former FBI director James B. Comey, lawmakers are trying to figure out what to do if he doesnt.

The tools at the House Intelligence Committees disposal are few: if Trump doesnt respond by Friday to its request for information about whether any White House recordings or memoranda of Comeys conversations with President Trump now exist or have in the past, they can subpoena him for that information. Which is exactly what the panels ranking Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), suggested on Wednesday that they would do.

But even with a subpoena, the panel stands little chance of actually compelling Trump to turn over anything he doesnt voluntarily want to produce, according to legal experts, setting lawmakers up for a high-stakes choice: Let it go, and look like they are giving the president a pass; or pursue the subpoena, and risk exposing the legislative branchs weakness in the midst of a historic probe of the president.

Im skeptical about this ever getting any traction, said Andrew Herman, a specialist in civil and criminal federal litigation and an expert on congressional investigations. If it behooves him to release a tape or tapes, he will; otherwise, he wont.

The case at hand began just a few days after Trump fired Comey from his perch as FBI director, warning in a tweet that James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press.

The tweet inspired Comey to pass memos he had kept of his conversations with Trump to the New York Times with the help of a friend, the former FBI director told the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month.

It also inspired lawmakers in both houses of Congress to ask not only for copies of Comeys memos, but for Trump to produce the tapes he referenced as well.

Thus far those requests for the tapes are only requests  and the House Intelligence Committees request is the only one carrying a hard deadline. On Tuesday, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that Trump will make an announcement on this. I expect it this week. And so when hes ready to make that announcement, well let you know.

But despite promises to divulge information about the tapes soon, neither the president nor his lawyer has actually addressed the issue with any finality or additional details, leaving lawmakers to contemplate their next possible steps.

The House and Senate Intelligence Committees have been deploying subpoenas at an unusual pace over the last few weeks, with Senate investigators demanding personal documents and business records from former national security adviser Michael Flynn and House investigators demanding documents, testimony and business records from Flynn and Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. Flynn has turned over some paperwork to both committees.

The committees have issued those bipartisan subpoenas as their probes into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election heat up, particularly in the realm of investigating potential collusion between the presidents surrogates and Kremlin officials.

Senate Intelligence Committee chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said this week that where weve utilized [a subpoena], it has been very effective.

But subpoenaing the president is another matter entirely  particularly because the entire strength of it rides on Congress overcoming political divisions to enforce it.

There are exemptions for federal officials claiming executive privilege on behalf of the president  and no figure in the White House is closer to the president than the president himself. Congress can try to circumvent that hurdle by passing what is known as a contempt resolution ordering the matter to a court  but against a Republican president, that is a tall order in a GOP-led Congress.

Even if lawmakers did manage to muster a majority of the House to support a contempt citation for the president, the case would likely be mired in court proceedings for years, lawyers noted  not exactly an ideal pace for lawmakers rushing to complete a congressional probe.

Its the pop gun effect, said Stanley Brand, an expert in congressional investigations who formerly served as the Houses general legal counsel under then-Speaker Thomas P. Tip ONeill, Jr. Thats the problem  they get high and mighty and say were going to subpoena, and they dont give the next sentence, which is: how are you going to enforce it?

Brand pointed out that public opprobrium and pressure remain the best tools at the lawmakers disposal to enforce a subpoena, given restrictions on other enforcement possibilities that have complicated Congresss efforts to force answers from the executive branch through some of the most high-profile investigations, including Watergate and the Iran-contra affair.

But to threaten subpoenas is an empty threat, honestly, he said.

Some lawmakers argue that if a subpoena is their only option to step up pressure on the president, it is the best one.

If theyre not going to cooperate the only other option is to subpoena them, and I hope it doesnt come to that, but thats  thats the only other way to get it out of them, said intelligence committee member Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.)

Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Tex.), the senior intelligence committee member tasked to run the panels Russia probe after chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) stepped aside under ethics inquiry during the spring, has not said whether he supports using a subpoena to compel information about tapes from Trump.

Were not talking about those details, he said this week.

But there is another factor to consider in issuing those subpoenas, lawyers warned, which is that no subpoena exists in a vacuum. One unheeded subpoena potentially weakens the strength of the next one  which is exactly what lawmakers with limited enforcement tools running a congressional probe into the activities of a sitting president want to avoid.

Its a diminishment of their institutional power vis-a-vis the executive branch, Herman said. Its another one in the executive branchs column, when they can ignore subpoenas with impunity.

Read more at PowerPost
The health-care proposal unveiled by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday came under immediate attack from conservative and centrist Republican senators as well as industry officials, casting the bills viability into doubt even as GOP leaders plan to bring it to a final vote next week.

The 142-page bill, which McConnell (R-Ky.) released after weeks of drafting it in secrecy, drew swift criticism from hard-right senators who argued it does not go far enough in undoing Barack Obamas signature health-care law, the Affordable Care Act. It also prompted an outcry from centrist senators and medical organizations worried that it takes on the law, known as Obamacare, too aggressively and would lead to millions losing their health care or receiving fewer benefits.

These critics effectively delivered their opening bids in what is expected to be a contentious week of negotiations. McConnell is trying to pass the bill before the July 4 recess, with Republican leaders seeking to quickly learn whether they will be able to fulfill years of promises to roll back the law or whether its time to turn to other items on their legislative agenda, such as overhauling the tax code.

No Republican senators definitively said they would vote against the bill, instead focusing attention on the provisions that would need to be changed to earn their vote. President Trump predicted the final product is going to be great  but only after some more negotiations take place.

The next big showdown will come early next week when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office releases its analysis of the bill. Congresss scorekeeper is expected to release a comprehensive estimate of how many people could lose their insurance coverage under the proposal and what impact it may have on premiums, as well as on the federal budget deficit  numbers many Republican senators said they need to see before making a final decision.

(Alice Li,Jorge Ribas,Libby Casey,Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)

It is unclear what a bill capable of attracting the 50 out of 52 Republicans needed for passage would look like  or whether such a compromise is possible. What is clear is that the bill McConnell released will need to change to survive.

This current draft doesnt get the job done, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) said. But I believe we can get to yes.

Cruz joined forces with three other Republicans  Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Mike Lee of Utah  to issue a statement saying that although they cannot support the bill as written, they are open to negotiating changes that could ultimately win their backing. Cruz, Lee and Paul are pushing for the bill to more fully repeal the ACA, while Johnson has worried that the legislation is being rushed.

On the other end of the GOP spectrum, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she also has concerns about some of the provisions. She opposes blocking federal funding for Planned Parenthood, as the Senate bill would, and said she was unsettled by the changes to Medicaid that would result in long-term federal spending cuts to the program.

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), who is up for reelection in 2018 in a purple state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, said he has serious concerns about the Medicaid provisions.

Like the bill that passed the House in May, the Senate measure would cut off expanded Medicaid funding for states  but at a more gradual rate, by phasing out the higher federal spending between 2020 and 2024. But it would enact deeper long-term cuts to the program, which provides health-care coverage for 74 million Americans.

Rick Pollack, president and chief executive of the American Hospital Association, said in a statement that the plan moves in the opposite direction in terms of providing health coverage and that Medicaid cuts of this magnitude are unsustainable and will increase costs to individuals with private insurance.

In a nod to centrist senators, the Senate bill would preserve two of the ACAs most popular provisions: Insurers could not deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, and children could stay on their parents plans until the age of 26  though critics said people with past illnesses might not be able to afford plans under the revamped rules.

But the bill would allow states to use an existing ACA program, known as 1332, in which they can file for waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allow them to scale back the requirements for plans offered by insurers.

Some argued that the complaints about McConnells proposal  particularly from the GOP senators who came out quickly and forcefully against it  amounted to little more than posturing that would allow critics to eventually claim credit for reshaping the final version of the bill.

If anyone actually believes Ted Cruz isnt going to vote for final passage of this bill, well, I have some rainforest in Arizona to sell you, John Weaver, a Republican strategist, wrote on Twitter.

Cruz, who is up for reelection in 2018, helped start a health-care working group that has been huddling for months. Allies have said that Cruz wants and needs to support a repeal bill, leading many to conclude that he will eventually come around.

The Senate bill would abolish the penalties for two of the ACAs central mandates  that individuals must show proof of insurance when filing their taxes and that firms with 50 workers or more must provide health coverage  while providing less money for moderate- and low-income Americans buying insurance on the individual market.

Cruz said he wants to eliminate even more regulations so that insurers can offer cheap plans with bare-bones coverage. He also wants to allow people to buy plans across state lines, expand health savings accounts and cap the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.

McConnell introduced his draft text  which he spent weeks crafting with only a small circle of aides  in a private meeting with Republican senators Thursday morning before showing it to the public.

Republicans believe we have a responsibility to act  and we are, McConnell said on the Senate floor.

McConnell is privately threatening to bring the bill to a vote next week, even if he does not have the necessary votes, according to two Republicans in close contact with Senate GOP leadership who were granted anonymity to describe private conversations.

But that message may be more of an attempt to pressure Republicans to support the bill rather than an ultimatum, and some aides and outside observers speculated McConnell would pull the bill rather than have it go down in defeat. A McConnell spokeswoman declined to comment.

There is still a dispute over whether Senate rules will allow the bill to include language in McConnells draft that would deny Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthoods services for one year. Federal law already prevents taxpayer funding to pay for abortions, except to save the life of the mother or in the case of rape or incest. But some Republicans want to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which also provides health services such as birth control and preventive screening.

While the House legislation would peg federal insurance subsidies to consumers age, the Senate bill would factor in income as well, as the ACA does. But younger people would still get more generous subsidies than they do now, and the bill would allow insurers to charge older consumers based on a 5-to-1 ratio, rather than the current 3-to-1 ratio.

It needs to look more like a repeal of Obamacare rather than that were keeping Obamacare, Paul said. He expressed displeasure that GOP leaders had not done more to undo the insurance subsides created under Obamacare.

Some medical experts warned that while the adjustments to the tax credits in the Senate proposal are better than the House bill, they would probably still fall short of what is needed.

Sharad Lakhanpal, president of the American College of Rheumatology, said in a statement that they do not go far enough in ensuring individuals living with rheumatic disease will be able to maintain their current level of coverage.

The bill is being moved under arcane budget rules that allow it to be passed with a simple majority. McConnell has little margin for error in a chamber where Republicans hold a 52-to-48 advantage and Democrats are firmly united against the legislation.

Senate Democrats swiftly protested the bill Thursday, criticizing Republicans for crafting it under secretive conditions and asking for more time to debate and vet the measure. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Republicans were turning truth upside down with their promises of an open amendment process next week.

Obama, who has weighed in sparingly on public policy since leaving office, posted a scathing critique of the Senate bill Thursday on Facebook, urging voters from both parties to lobby senators to slow down and renegotiate the measure. Simply put, if theres a chance you might get sick, get old, or start a family  this bill will do you harm, he wrote.

Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Thune (S.D.) made it clear that party leaders are well aware of the challenge they face in marshaling sufficient GOP votes for their proposal.

Forty-eight. Thats not enough to pass, Thune said, counting out the four GOP senators who declared their opposition in a joint statement.

But, he added, were not voting yet.

Paige Winfield Cunningham, Elise Viebeck, Amy Goldstein and David Weigel contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
Senate Republicans on Thursday plan to release a health-care bill that would curtail federal Medicaid funding, repeal taxes on the wealthy and eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood as part of an effort to fulfill a years-long promise to undo Barack Obamas signature health-care law.

The bill is an attempt to strike a compromise between existing law and a bill passed by the House in May as Republicans struggle to advance their vision for the countrys health-care system even though they now control both chambers of Congress and the White House.

The Senate proposal largely mirrors the House measure with significant differences, according to a discussion draft circulating Wednesday among aides and lobbyists. While the House legislation would peg federal insurance subsidies to age, the Senate bill would link them to income, as the Affordable Care Act does. The Senate proposal would cut off expanded Medicaid funding for states more gradually than the House bill but would enact deeper long-term cuts to the health-care program for low-income Americans. It also would eliminate House language aimed at prohibiting federally subsidized health plans from covering abortions, a provision that may run afoul of complex Senate budget rules.

But on the eve of the bills release, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) faced the prospect of an open revolt from key conservative and moderate GOP senators, whose concerns he has struggled to balance in recent weeks. Republicans familiar with the effort said Senate leaders have more work to do to secure the 50 votes needed to pass the measure, with Vice President Pence set to cast the tiebreaking vote, from the pool of 52 GOP senators. No Democrats are expected to support the bill.

Republican aides stressed that the plan is likely to undergo more changes to secure the votes needed for passage, but there were major concerns Wednesday from senators on opposite ends of the GOP spectrum.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), center, is putting the final touches on legislation that would overhaul the Affordable Care Act. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

My main concern is I promised voters that I would repeal  vote to repeal Obamacare. And everything I hear sounds like Obamacare-lite, said Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), whose state expanded Medicaid and has been pushing for a more gradual unwinding of that initiative than many conservatives prefer, said she is waiting to scrutinize what is released but has not seen anything yet that would make her drop her concerns with the proposal.

Up to this point, I dont have any new news  tomorrow we will see it definitively  that would cause me to change that sentiment, she said.

Like the House bill, the Senate measure is expected to make big changes to Medicaid, the program that insures about 74 million elderly and lower-income Americans and was expanded in most states under the ACA. In effect, the revisions would reduce federal spending on the program.

The Senate measure would transform Medicaid from an open-ended entitlement to one in which federal funding would be distributed to states on a per-capita basis. The Senate measure would also seek to phase out the programs expansion  although at a more gradual rate than the House version.

Yet the Senate bill is expected go further than the House version in its approach to cutting Medicaid funding in the future. In 2025, the measure would tie federal spending on the program to an even slower growth index than the one used in the House bill. That move could prompt states to reduce the size of their Medicaid programs.

That provision, a nod to conservative lawmakers led by Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.), risks alienating moderates, including Capito and Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who also represents a state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Some Republicans worry that such a move would force states to cut services or coverage, potentially leaving millions of low-income people without sufficient health care.

(The Washington Post)

The growth rate that is applied to Medicaid spending going forward has major implications, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). That inflater is critical, because it translates into billions of dollars over time, she said.

Portman and Capito have also been pushing for the inclusion of a $45 billion fund to treat and prevent opioid addiction. As of early Wednesday afternoon, the opioid money was not included in McConnells proposal, according to a top GOP senator and Senate aide familiar with the discussions.

I dont think there is right now, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) said when asked whether the legislation includes a distinct opioid fund. It might have to be considered separately.

But Portman and Capito, like all senators, will have a chance to introduce amendments to the bill when it heads to the Senate floor, which McConnell said is likely to happen next week. This process will allow senators to draw attention to the causes they have championed and potentially change the final bill.

Moderates who are on the fence about whether to support the Obamacare overhaul are likely to be pleased at the bills approach to insurance subsidies because they would be based on financial need, potentially preserving coverage for more people who got insurance under the ACA.

Subsidies are currently available to Americans earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Starting in 2020, that threshold would be lowered to 350 percent under the Senate bill  but anyone below that line could get the subsidies if theyre not eligible for Medicaid.

That provision, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, would be a real benefit to poor people in states that dont expand Medicaid.

In a move that will please the health-care industry, the draft also proposes repealing all of the ACA taxes except for its Cadillac tax on high-cost health plans in language similar to the House version. Senators had previously toyed with the idea of keeping some of the ACAs taxes.

It would also eliminate Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood for one year. Federal law already prevents taxpayer funding to pay for abortions except to save the life of the woman or in the case of rape or incest. But some Republicans want to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which also provides health services such as birth control, because their clinics provide abortion services.

Like the House measure, the Senate bill would eliminate two central requirements of the current health-care law: that individuals provide proof of insurance when filing their annual tax returns and that companies with 50 or more employees provide health coverage for their workers.

In a move that is critical to insurers, the Senate measure would continue to fund for two years cost-sharing subsidies that help 7 million Americans with ACA plans. House Republicans have challenged the legality of the $7 billion in subsidies  which help cover consumers deductibles and copays  in court, and insurers have warned that they will have to increase premiums dramatically next year unless the federal government commits to continuing the payments.

McConnell has told Republican senators that he wants to maintain protections for people with preexisting conditions under the law. But it was not clear to some lawmakers Wednesday what that would entail.

I havent seen the draft yet. I like the idea of preexisting conditions being more firmly clarified, Portman said.

Paul criticized GOP leaders for potentially keeping some of the ACAs most expensive regulations, which he says are the primary drivers of higher premiums.

It may well be that prices dont come down at all, he said.

But the Senate proposal may change rules for waivers that states can file with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that could allow them to potentially scale back some of these federal mandates.

While the details of McConnells proposal are expected to be made public Thursday, much of focus in recent weeks has been on the process used to draft the bill.

Democrats and even some Republicans have been critical of Senate GOP leaders for crafting the proposal behind closed doors without hearings and consideration of the legislation by the relevant committees.

Several GOP senators have expressed concern about moving quickly to a vote before they fully understand how it would impact health insurance markets and their constituents.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said that in addition to reading the bill, Ill also want to get full input from constituencies in Wisconsin.

Given that there may be just a week between the bill being posted and a final vote, he added, I find it hard to believe well have enough time.

Amy Goldstein and Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
The British government said tests are taking place on several hundred buildings to check for flammable exterior panels, like the ones believed linked to the deadly fire at Grenfell Tower in London. (Adrian Dennis/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images )

The British government said Thursday that tests were underway on about 600 buildings across England to check for flammable exterior panels similar to those believed to be linked to a deadly fire that quickly engulfed a London tower last week.

The testing is part of an investigation into the fast-moving inferno at the Grenfell Tower, which claimed at least 79 lives and raised questions about whether the buildings outside covering, known as cladding, could have contributed to the blaze.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said that as a precaution, the cladding in similar tower blocks was being tested. Britain has around 4,000 similar high-rise apartment blocks across the country.

A report from local councils, which administer many housing developments, found about 600 high-rise buildings have cladding.

The government is testing 600 buildings with cladding that are at least 18 meters tall (59 feet), said a Department of Communities and Local Government spokeswoman, who did not give her name in accordance with customary briefing rules.

She said that earlier reports from Downing Street  saying that 600 buildings could have similar cladding to the Grenfell fire  was an initial misunderstanding of the report.

Speaking to the House of Commons, May said fire officials have been told of the report and are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents.

We cannot and will not allow people to live in unsafe homes, she said.

[What Grenfell Towers tells us about Londons housing crisis]

British media outlets have reported that the cladding on Grenfell Tower  added during a major renovation last year  was aluminum composite cladding that has a plastic core.

This model of cladding, which covered the exterior of the building, reportedly cost about 5,000 pounds ($6,300) less than a more fire-resistant version.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said that samples from the 600 buildings need to be tested and that the testing facility can handle about 100 samples a day. So far, seven have been found to have potentially combustible cladding.

The government has not named the seven buildings. But a local council in north London said on Thursday that it was removing cladding on five tower blocks on the Chalcots Estate in Swiss Cottage, an area in northwest Londons Camden borough. They also pledged round-the-clock fire safety patrols to reassure residents.

The new results from the laboratory show that the outer cladding panels themselves are made up of aluminum panels with a polyethylene core, Georgia Gould, leader of the Camden council, said in a statement.

The panels were not to the standard that we had commissioned, Gould said. She added that the council was seeking legal advice.

Muitun Begum, 42, a volunteer child-care worker who lives in one of the towers, welcomed the new safety measures. But she said knowing her family is living in a building with potentially flammable cladding was unnerving.

It is making me feel worried, she said, sitting at her living room table reading over letters from the council. Of the Grenfell fire, she said: Everyone is talking about it: Why did it go up so quick? It went up like paper. Now we are worried that we are not safe.

When asked if the cladding on Grenfell Tower was compliant with Britains building regulations for a building of its height, May said that an investigation was underway and that the police and fire services would make a relevant statement this week.

She said Grenfell residents, many of whom are staying in hotels, will be moved to new housing within three weeks. She added that no immigration checks will be carried out on the residents or those providing information to help identify the victims.

There have been reports that some of the tenants were illegally subletting their apartments or were illegal immigrants and that people have been scared to come forward.

Londons Metropolitan Police Department has opened a criminal investigation into the blaze that could result in prosecutions for those deemed responsible.

For any guilty parties there will be nowhere to hide, May told lawmakers.

Her statement follows the resignation of the chief executive of the council that runs the borough where the Grenfell fire took place.

Nicholas Holgate, chief executive of the Kensington and Chelsea council, left his post after the council came under intense criticism for alleged failings before and after the fire.

Read more:

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At Seouls city hall in November, more than 1,000 South Koreans made kimchi to donate to the poor. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Move along, kombucha. Youre old news, kefir. The next big fermented food craze is . . . kimchi?

If Western consumers on a health kick can be convinced to drink yeasty, probiotic tea and tart, cultured yogurt, then why wouldnt they be up for spicy pickled cabbage fermented with garlic for months on end?

Well, thats the goal of South Korean scientists at the World Institute of Kimchi on Kimchi Street in Kimchi Town, on the outskirts of the southern city of Gwangju.

We are trying to globalize kimchi, said Ha Jae-ho, head of the institute, describing it as a functional food. Think of it not just as soft power, but soft and somewhat slimy power.

Its already growing in popularity throughout the world, but its hard to overstate the importance of kimchi to Koreans.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish of fermented vegetables usually mixed with chili peppers and eaten with rice or served as a side dish to a main meal. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Kimchi is a side dish to every Korean meal. The standard varieties are made from napa cabbage or large Korean radish, but there are lots of other types, including kimchi made from cucumber, onions and leafy greens.

The vegetable is salted and then usually rubbed with chili powder, garlic, ginger and scallions. Then its left to ferment  the longer the better. There are lots of regional variations, from the mild kimchi of Pyongyang to the super spicy varieties in the south and the fishy kimchi of coastal areas.

The average South Korean eats 57 pounds of kimchi a year, according to the institute. They eat it in kimchi stew, in kimchi fried rice, grilled with meat, layered with tofu, and by itself. Koreans take kimchi when they go on vacation, and the institute made space kimchi for South Koreas first astronaut.

[ Korean Americans transforming the food scene in central Seoul ]

Kimchi is something that makes people turn up their noses, but it is becoming more and more popular in the U.S. right now  and not just at farmers markets but at regular grocery stores, too, said Johanna Mendelson Forman, a professor at American University who specializes in gastrodiplomacy.

Trader Joes sells 14-ounce jars of kimchi. Whole Foods carries 163 kimchi products, and some stores offer kimchi on the salad or olive bars, a spokeswoman said.

Forman remembers seeing a recipe for kimchi in a Giant grocery store flier. Millennials, in particular, are interested in experimenting with healthful foods and making food as a craft, she said.

So how can South Korea build on that?

In Kimchi Town, the World Kimchi Institute  not to be confused with the Kimchi Research Institute at Pusan University  sits beside the Gwangju Kimchi Museum, which is totally separate from the Museum Kimchikan in Seoul.

The institute holds an international kimchiology symposium and prints a book of frequently asked kimchi questions. (Last years volume ran to 186 pages.) A poster announces an upcoming 20-week kimchi sommelier course.

The world kimchi festival is held here every November. Its around that time of year, when the weather gets cooler, that Koreans make kimchi, a ritual called kimjang. Naturally, theyve had the process recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In the $10 million museum, visitors learn that kimchi invigorates the body, that its lactic acid bacteria can promote good digestion and detoxify the digestive system and that kimchi destroys harmful germs.



Koreans say that kimchi wards off a range of ills, and it even sparked a childrens cartoon. I can whip any disease, illness, cold, flu or virus on the planet, the Kimchi Warrior declared during the swine flu outbreak a few years back, shooting a torrent of kimchi at a pig from a jar strapped to his back.

South Korea has had some notable success with cultural exports. Korean dramas and pop music  K-Pop  are huge across Asia, as is Korean plastic surgery.

Korean food has become cool in the West in recent years, with bulgogi meat appearing in fusion tacos and hipster bars making cocktails with soju, Koreas answer to vodka.

[ The weird world of North Koreas restaurants abroad ]

But kimchi? Well, kimchi is a hard sell.

Even among kimchi-loving Koreans, many have separate kimchi fridges to stop the dish from tainting other food. If they keep it in their regular fridge, it goes into a vault-like box.

For this reason, scientists are trying to increase the good bacteria  especially the lactic acid that gives kimchi its probiotic qualities  and decrease the bad parts, namely the smell so pungent it can take days to work its way out a persons pores.

Most Western people dont like the smell of kimchi because we use of lot of garlic and ginger, and that produces a lot of sulfur compounds, said Ha.

As it tries to spread kimchi culture worldwide, the institute is highlighting kimchis high fiber content and ability to counteract bad bacteria, without mentioning its sodium content or Koreans high incidence of stomach cancer  something that some people consider to be linked to kimchi consumption.

In labs at the institute, scientists are working on the distinctive fumes, at least. Were trying to engineer the smell out of kimchi, said Lee Mi-ae, a white-coated researcher. But its difficult because the smell is linked to the flavor of the kimchi.

Proponents of Korean food, including kimchi, see a good opportunity for promotion during the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in February.

Of course, there are well-known Korean dishes like barbecued meat and noodles, said Yoon Sook-ja, head of the Institute for Traditional Korean Food, part of the agriculture ministry.

But were also looking for simple ways to sell and promote other Korean food. Well have bulgogi meat in a bun like a hamburger, and bibimbap  a stirred rice and vegetable dish  in a cup, she said.

[ Talking kimchi and capitalism with a North Korean businessman ]

South Korea launched a $77 million gastrodiplomacy initiative in 2009, promoted by the wife of the president of the time. The idea was to promote Korean cuisine to the world, but it petered out when the president, Lee Myung-bak, left office.

Hwang Kyo-ik, a culinary writer in Seoul, called the governments efforts embarrassing.

It usually takes about 30 years for foreign food to cross the cultural barriers, as it takes time for food to become a part of life, Hwang said. The South Korean government is trying to do this within a few years as if its a construction project.

Forman, at American University, thinks there is a broader market for Korean food  even for kimchi.

Theres an overwhelming correlation between knowing a country and having positive opinions about it, she said. When Nixon went to China, people started going to Chinese restaurants for dinner. And the Global Thai campaign led to an explosion of Thai restaurants in the world.

To help consumers around the world develop a taste for the Korean superfood, Ha, the institute director, recommends mild, white kimchi made with cabbage but without chili powder. He calls it starter kimchi.

Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report.

Read more:

South Koreans get a glimpse of their ousted president  in handcuffs

South Koreans to Americans: Well teach you how to impeach a president

South Koreans elect liberal Moon Jae-in president after months of turmoil

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Afghan men carry a victim in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the Helmand province, on Thursday. (Noor Mohammad/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

A car bomb exploded outside a bank Thursday in Afghanistans restive Helmand province, killing at least 29 people waiting to collect their monthly salaries, the provincial governor said.

Taliban militants asserted responsibility for the attack, part of rising violence in recent months.

In a message emailed to media, Qari Mohammad Yusuf, a Taliban spokesman, claimed that the attack targeted members of Afghan security forces who had come to the bank to pick up their salaries.

Officials said the bomb-rigged car detonated in the parking lot of the New Kabul Bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, where dozens of people, both civilians and security personnel, had gathered.

The weekend marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and ushers in several days of celebration. The month, normally a time of prayer and reflection, has been marred by bloody attacks across the country that have claimed hundreds of lives.

Hayatullah Hayat, the Helmand governor, said by phone that most of those killed were civilians. He said at least 60 people were wounded.

Soldiers guarding the bank fired their weapons into the air in apparent panic, prompting erroneous reports that gunmen had assaulted the building as well.

Taliban militants previously have targeted banks in Helmand and the eastern city of Jalalabad.

TV images showed a shattered scene of mangled vehicles and body parts strewn around the parking lot.

A spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, Shah Hussain Murtazawi, said that the Taliban, after facing defeat in the battlefield, is now targeting the civilians.

Helmand, a center for opium production, has been the scene of fierce fighting against the Taliban for years, involving British troops, U.S. Marines and Afghan forces.

It has long been considered Afghanistans most violent province, and hundreds of Marines died there in battles between 2008 and 2014, when they were pulled out as part of the drawdown of U.S. troops.

In the past few years, the Taliban mounted a resurgence in the province, taking large swaths of the countryside in 2016.

A few hundred U.S. Marines recently returned to Helmand to bolster government forces, and U.S. forces have carried out airstrikes. The Defense Department is finalizing plans to send more troops to Afghanistan to reinforce the 8,400 in the country.

Lashkar Gah repeatedly has come under attack from Taliban forces.

The Taliban and the even more brutal rival militants of the Islamic State group have unleashed and broadened a wave of deadly attacks since the start of the year.

The worsening security situation coincides with increasing political instability brought on by a power struggle in the government and rising frustration among the public about the inability of authorities to address even their most basic concerns.

On Wednesday, in its latest report, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan described the security situation in the country as intensely volatile.

The U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, told the Security Council on Wednesday that an even more dangerous and fragile period for the country could be ahead.

Read more:

Marines are back in Afghanistans most violent province

Afghan forces withdraw from key district in embattled Helmand Province

Band-Aid on a bullet wound: Americas war in Afghanistans most violent place

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A Yemeni man on May 9, 2017, describes the detention of his son by Yemeni forces allied to the United Arab Emirates who raided his home in the southern village of Abr Lasloum. Fearing reprisals, he asked that his identity be obscured. (Maad El Zikry/AP)

The United Arab Emirates and allied security forces maintain a secret network of prisons in Yemen where dozens and perhaps hundreds of people are detained, routinely abused and in some cases severely tortured, according to separate reports released Thursday by Human Rights Watch and the Associated Press.

The investigation by the AP also found that forces from the United States, a close counterterrorism ally to the UAE, had participated in interrogations of prisoners in Yemen. American forces had been yards away from a facility where torture took place, one Yemeni security officer told the news agency.

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen against Houthi rebels and their allies, with the goal of restoring the government of ousted Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The conflict has devastated Yemen, the Arab worlds most impoverished country, and killed more than 10,000 people, according to the United Nations.

[Trump administration weighs deeper involvement in Yemen war]

The government of the UAE denied the existence of a clandestine prison network, telling the AP that there are no secret detention centers, and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations.

A deserted cell in the public section of Aden Central Prison is shown in this May 9, 2017, photo in Aden, Yemen. A separate, closed wing is run by Yemeni allies of the United Arab Emirates, part of a network of secret prisons in southern Yemen into which hundreds of people have disappeared after being detained in the hunt for al-Qaeda militants over the past year. (Maad El Zikry/AP)

Asked about allegations raised in the AP article, Marine Corps Maj. Adrian Rankine-Galloway, a Pentagon spokesman, said in an email that as a matter of policy we do not discuss the details of bilateral intelligence arrangements with partner nations.

Under no circumstances do DoD personnel participate in violations of human rights, he added, referring to the Department of Defense. Additionally, as a matter of policy, they are required to report any observation of human rights violations through standard reporting procedures.



The UAE has taken a leading role in the war, landing troops in southern Yemen and participating in the air campaign against the rebels while also pursuing relief and reconstruction projects. Emirati officials have portrayed the countrys foray into Yemen as part of its increasingly assertive counterterrorism efforts in the region.

The reports released Thursday added new, troubling details to that effort and to the shadowy conflict that pits coalition forces and their Yemeni allies against extremist groups such as al-Qaeda in southern Yemen.

[U.S. forces kill suspected al-Qaeda militants in Yemen raid]

In its report, Human Rights Watch said it documented the cases of at least 38 people detained or arrested by Yemeni forces that are financed, armed or trained by the UAE. Some of the detainees were abused or tortured inside detention facilities, most often through heavy beatings with officers using their fists, their guns or metal objects, the group said. Others mentioned electric shocks, forced nudity, threats to the detainees or their family members, and caning on the feet.

Witnesses told the AP of a torture method known as the grill. Victims were tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire. That method and others were used at a detention complex at an airport in the southern city of Mukalla  one of at least 18 secret prisons in southern Yemen documented by the AP and run by the UAE or its allied forces at military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub.

Yemeni businessman Ali Awad Habib recounts the torment he suffered in prison, where he said he was beaten with wires and wooden clubs and given electrical shocks, in this May 8, 2017, photo in Aden, Yemen. (Maad El Zikry/AP)

Thomas Gibbons-Neff in Washington contributed to this report.

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Theres a power struggle here over power.

The people of Gaza have been suffering through a steamy summer, subsisting on three or four hours of electricity a day, barely enough to charge their mobile phones and top off the car batteries they use to light a few bulbs at night.

The besieged coastal enclave is struggling to keep the lights on not just because of limited capacity, but also because of a rough political brawl between the Islamist militant movement Hamas, which controls Gaza, and its longtime rival, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Also in the mix are Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Israelis, who all play a role in supplying electricity to the seaside strip.

Gaza saw a trickle of relief arrive on Wednesday afternoon, when Egypt sent 22 tanker trucks loaded with diesel across the border from Sinai. Eleven more trucks were due Thursday. It was the first legal fuel shipment through the Rafah crossing in years. Before, supplies were smuggled in through the Hamas tunnels, now mostly destroyed. The Egyptian fuel will be used to run the turbines in Gazas only power station, but it is only enough for a few days. The generating station has been offline for months.

The fuel from Egypt is just a temporary fix. Gaza, underserved for the past decade, suffering from a partial trade and travel blockade enforced by Egypt and Israel, is now seriously starving for power.

[The $1.4 billion bet on a new Palestinian future]

The bulk of electricity for Gaza today is delivered via Israeli power lines, which have experienced a steep drop in electricity transmission in recent days, the power reduced not by Israel but by the Palestinian Authority, which pays the bills and is demanding that Hamas cough up its share of the cost. Groups such as Amnesty International say it is still Israels responsibility to provide electricity because, in their view, it is the occupying power. Israel disputes this.

Hamas officials accuse Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of trying to squeeze the Islamist movement to surrender  or at least share  control of the strip. Hamas in Gaza, now run by Yehiya Sinwar, a hard-line militant who spent years in Israeli prisons, has other ideas.

On the streets in Gaza City, Palestinians expressed frustration, saying they felt they were being used as pawns in a game.

I dont care who brings fuel or electricity. I only care about having power at home and work. I need to live. I am not interested in understanding the dirty politics that we are living in currently, said Hisham Thawabta, 45, who was out running errands in the heat.

Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, the Arabs and of course Israel are responsible for the miserable life that Gaza is suffering from, he said.

After Hamas won legislative elections in 2006, the group seized control of the enclave in 2007 in a spasm of violence that saw Hamas cadres fighting Abbass Fatah movement in the streets.

For years, Hamas and Fatah have sought reconciliation  or at least pretended to  pushed by regional powers such as Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Now it appears Abbas is weary of the game.

Hamas spokesman Hazim Qasim this week said Abbas was collaborating with the Israelis to besiege the strip.

Abbas says Hamas hegemony needs to end.

Ghada Sarhan, 28, who has three young children, was sitting in a sliver of shade in Gaza City. Were here in the park because weve got no electricity at home. Four hours a day is not enough for anything. We become sick, and with the heat in the summer ahead, we will die slowly.

She said that Hamas is making our life miserable, and the Palestinian Authority shares the blame. Politics is taking us nowhere. I cant understand whats going on around us. What I only understand that I dont have electricity and my brother has no job and my husband is barely able to put food in our mouths.

Abbas has begun preliminary talks with President Trumps envoys to see whether it is possible to restart peace talks with Israel  an effort made even more difficult by Hamas, which the United States and Israel consider a terrorist organization.

Israels defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, on Thursday accused Abbas of playing a dangerous game: withholding electricity from Gaza to incite Hamas to confront Israel. The last war in Gaza, in 2014, left thousands of Palestinians dead, alongside more than 70 Israelis, and wide swaths of the Palestinian territory in ruins.

Lieberman said Abbas had a two-pronged strategy: Hurt Hamas and drag it to war with Israel. Abbas is doing this unilaterally, without having coordinated with Israel or Egypt.

Lieberman said earlier that the Israeli electricity company is willing to provide a steady supply to Gaza but that someone has to pay for it. In his effort to press Hamas, Abbas informed Israel that the Palestinian Authority planned to slash payments for Gaza electricity by 40 percent.

Egypts supply of fuel might come with strings attached, too. Egypts military leaders have no love for Hamas, which was born of the Muslim Brotherhood. To supply fuel, Egypt is reportedly pushing Hamas to enter a power-sharing arrangement with an ousted Fatah leader named Mohammed Dahlan.

We the people are the losers, said Ayman Jamal, 37, who lives in a high-rise without power. We lost 10 years of our lives for nothing. We passed through three wars and suffered with the blockade for what? No electricity now? Barely we get three hours a day. I dont know what the Egyptian fuel will do for us. I dont think it will make a difference.

Booth reported from Jerusalem.

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A Palestinians daily commute through an Israeli checkpoint

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A federal appeals court panel on Thursday largely affirmed the convictions of former CIA officer Jeffrey Sterling, who was found guilty in 2015 of giving classified information to a journalist in a case that free-press advocates worry may have set a precedent for compelling reporters to reveal their sources.

A three-judge panel with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld all but one of Sterlings convictions and determined that because his 42-month sentence could have applied to any single count of which he was found guilty, there was no need to take further action.

The court vacated one of the convictions because, in the view of a majority of the judges, prosecutors had not adequately proved the offense had taken place in the Eastern District of Virginia, where the case was tried. But the judges rejected Sterlings arguments on the other counts, and the third member of the panel wrote that he would have affirmed the case entirely.

Sterlings wife, Holly, said she talked to her husband Thursday about the outcome, and, All hope that he had is gone.

Were both just shocked, she said. It was like hearing the verdict read all over again, for me. I really dont understand it. There was absolutely no proof.

Sterling said she and her husband in the past had considered taking the case to the Supreme Court, but they did not discuss on Thursday whether they would do so and wanted to first talk to their lawyers about it.

Edward B. MacMahon Jr., one of Jeffrey Sterlings attorneys, said, Im obviously disappointed in the ruling, and I still believe in his innocence. Barry J. Pollack, another of his lawyers, said that although it was technically possible Sterling could appeal to the Supreme Court, obviously the odds are very long that the Supreme Court is going to take any given case, so hell have to make a decision as to whether hell want to take a shot at that or not.

[He was fired from the CIA and jailed for a leak. Now hes trying to hang on.]

Sterling was convicted in January 2015 of giving classified information to journalist and author James Risen about a highly secretive operation to give faulty nuclear plans to Iran  details of which Risen later published in his 2006 book, State of War.

The way prosecutors told it, Sterling was upset at the CIA and trying to get revenge when he talked to Risen about the matter. He had been fired from the agency in the early 2000s, had sued over alleged discrimination and also sparred with officials about publishing a memoir describing some of his work.

Sterling steadfastly denied he was a source for Risen. The case against him was largely circumstantial; there were no recorded phone calls or captured email exchanges to prove he had leaked information. But prosecutors successfully argued that Sterling was the only potential source who had a relationship with Risen, and that he knew all of the information from the chapter at issue.

The case was notable not just in its own right, but also because it spawned a First Amendment confrontation between Risen and the Justice Department. Prosecutors initially sought to compel Risen to take the witness stand at trial so they could ask him about his sources, and an appeals court gave them the right to do so.

In doing so, the court effectively ruled that neither the First Amendment nor common law offers protection to journalists who promise anonymity to their sources from having to testify about them in criminal proceedings  a precedent that might take on new significance if President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions follow through on their promise to root out leakers with criminal charges.

[The Catch-22 of federal leak cases]

In Sterlings case, the department ultimately decided not to put Risen on the stand. He had vowed to go to jail before he would reveal any sources.

In his appeal, Sterling had argued that the venue of the case in the Eastern District of Virginia was improper and that the judge on the case improperly admitted evidence showing he had retained classified documents in the past. The majority of the judges agreed with him on only one point: Prosecutors, they said, had not provided enough evidence to show that Sterling transmitted a letter about the classified program to Risen in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Sterling, now 50, is scheduled to be released from prison next June, online court records show, though Pollack said he hoped to be moved to a halfway house before then, possibly in December. Sterling told The Washington Post in messages for an article published last year that he was struggling to adjust to life behind bars.

I am doing my best, he wrote at the time, to hang on.
Graduates of a U.S.-trained Syrian police force, which expects to be deployed in Raqqa, salute during a graduation ceremony Saturday near Ain Issa village, north of the de facto Islamic State capital in Syria. (Goran Tomasevic/Reuters)

Trump administration officials, anticipating the defeat of the Islamic State in its de facto Syrian capital of Raqqa, are planning for what they see as the next stage of the war, a complex fight that will bring them into direct conflict with Syrian government and Iranian forces contesting control of a vast desert stretch in the eastern part of the country.

To some extent, that clash has already begun. Unprecedented recent U.S. strikes against regime and Iranian-backed militia forces have been intended as warnings to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran that they will not be allowed to confront or impede the Americans and their local proxy forces.

[U.S. risks further battles as it steps deeper into Syrian quagmire ]

As regime and militia forces have begun advancing eastward, senior White House officials have been pushing the Pentagon to establish outposts in the desert region. The goal would be to prevent a Syrian or Iranian military presence that would interfere with the U.S. militarys ability to break the Islamic States hold on the Euphrates River valley south of Raqqa and into Iraq  a sparsely populated area where the militants could regroup and continue to plan terrorist operations against the West.

Officials said Syrian government claims on the area would also undermine progress toward a political settlement in the long-separate rebel war against Assad, intended to stabilize the country by limiting his control and eventually driving him from power.





The wisdom and need for such a strategy  effectively inserting the United States in Syrias civil war, after years of trying to stay out of it, and risking direct confrontation with Iran and Russia, Assads other main backer  has been a subject of intense debate between the White House and the Pentagon.

Some in the Pentagon have resisted the move, amid concern about distractions from the campaign against the Islamic State and whether U.S. troops put in isolated positions in Syria, or those in proximity to Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, could be protected. European allies in the anti-Islamic State coalition have also questioned whether U.S.-trained Syrians, now being recruited and trained to serve as a southern ground-force vanguard, are sufficient in number or capability to succeed.

One White House official, among several who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Syria planning, dismissed such concerns, saying: If youre worried that any incident anywhere could cause Iran to take advantage of vulnerable U.S. forces . . . if you dont think America has real interests that are worth fighting for, then fine.

The official said the expanded U.S. role would not require more troops, comparing it to The Rat Patrol, the 1960s television series about small, allied desert forces deployed against the Germans in northern Africa during World War II.

With our ability with air power . . . youre not talking about a lot of requirements to do that, the official said. . . . You dont need a lot of forces to go out and actually have a presence.

This official and others played down reports of tensions over Syria strategy. No one disagrees about the strategy or the objectives, said a second White House official. The question is how best to operationalize it.

The Pentagon, not the White House, made the decision to shoot down Iranian drones and a Syrian fighter jet in response to their approaches to or attacks against U.S. forces and their Syrian allies, this official said. They shot down an enemy aircraft for the first time in more than a decade. Thats accepting a high level of risk, the official said. . . . Weve done quite a lot since April that the previous administration said was impossible without the conflict spiraling.

(Sarah Parnass,Bastien Inzaurralde,Julio Negron/The Washington Post)

Ilan Goldenberg, a former senior Pentagon official now in charge of the Center for a New American Securitys Middle East program, agreed that the Obama administration over-agonized about every decision in Syria.

But Goldenberg faulted the Trump administration with failing to articulate its strategy. It has been the worst of all worlds, he said. A vagueness on strategy, but a willingness to deploy force. They are totally muddying the waters, and now you have significant risk of escalation.

I know the president is fond of secret plans, Goldenberg said. But this situation requires clarity about our objectives and what we will or wont tolerate.

Trump promised during his campaign to announce within his first month in office a new strategy for defeating the Islamic State. That strategy remains unrevealed, and for several months Trump appeared to be following President Barack Obamas lead in avoiding Assad, Iran and Russia and continuing a punishing assault on Islamic State strongholds elsewhere in Syria, as well as in Iraq.

In April, Trump broke that mold with a cruise missile attack on regime forces after their use of chemical weapons against civilians. Assad and his allies protested but did little else.

More recently, however, there have been direct clashes between the United States and the regime. Trumps campaign calls to join forces with Russia against the Islamic State have largely disappeared amid increased estrangement between Washington and Moscow and investigations of Trump associates contacts with Russian officials.

Despite U.S. warnings, regime and militia forces have moved toward the Syrian town of Tanf, near the Iraq border, where U.S. advisers are training Syrian proxies to head northeast toward Deir al-Zour, the regions largest city, controlled by the regime and surrounded by the Islamic State. It is a prize that the regime also wants to claim.

At the end of May, Syrian and Iranian-backed forces pushed southward to the Iraq border, between Tanf and Bukamal, where the Euphrates crosses into Iraq. In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias have, in small but concerning numbers, left the anti-Islamic State fight and headed closer to the border, near where regime forces were approaching.

On at least three occasions in May and June, U.S. forces have bombed Iranian-supported militia forces approaching the Tanf garrison. Twice this month, they have shot down what they called pro-regime armed drones, including one on June 8 that fired on Syrian fighters and their American advisers.

On Sunday, two days before the most recent drone shoot-down near Tanf, a U.S. F/A-18 shot down a Syrian air force jet southwest of Raqqa.

In response, Russia said it would train its powerful antiaircraft defense system in western Syria on farther areas where U.S. aircraft are operating and shut down the communications line that the two militaries have used to avoid each other in the crowded Syrian airspace.

The only actions we have taken against pro-regime forces in Syria . . . have been in self-defense, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said this week.

Dunford also made clear that victory against the Islamic State in Raqqa, and in Mosul, where the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces are in the last stages of a months-long offensive, will not mark the end of the war.

Raqqa is tactical. Mosul is tactical, Dunford said. We ought not to confuse success in Raqqa and Mosul as something that means its the end of the fight. I think we should all be braced for a long fight.

In a report Wednesday, the Institute for the Study of War, referring to intelligence and expert sources, said that the Islamic State in Raqqa had already relocated the majority of its leadership, media, chemical weapons, and external attack cells south to the town of Mayadin in Deir al-Zour province.

Neither the U.S.-led coalition and its local allies nor what the institute called the Russo-Iranian coalition can easily access this terrain  located deep along the Euphrates River Valley  with their current force posture, it said.

At the White House, senior officials involved in Syria policy see whats happening through a lens focused as much on Iran as on the Islamic State. The Iranian goal, said one, seems to be focused on making that link-up with Iran-friendly forces on the other side of the border, to control lines of communication and try to block us from doing what our commanders and planners have judged all along is necessary to complete the ISIS campaign. ISIS is another name for the Islamic State.

If it impacts your political outcome, if it further enables Iran to solidify its position as the dominant force in Syria for the long haul, the official said, that threatens other things, including the defeat-ISIS strategy and the ability to get to political reconciliation efforts.

For us, the official said, thats the biggest concern.

Thomas Gibbons-Neff contributed to this report.

Read more:
It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
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Even as the United States escalates tensions with Russian forces in Syria to the point of direct conflict, its reckless aggression along Russias western border is increasing the danger of a military clash between the two nuclear powers in Europe.

On Wednesday, a NATO F-16 buzzed a Russian jet carrying the countrys defense minister in international air space over the Baltic Sea. Just three days previously, a US jet brought down a government plane in Syria, the first such attack since the beginning of the US war for regime-change in 2011. The US action prompted Moscow, whose military forces are backing the Syrian regime, to announce that it will henceforth target US aircraft flying over the western part of that country. Russia also said it would cut off the deconfliction hot line that has been used to prevent clashes between US and Russian planes operating in Syria.

In yesterdays incident, a warplane of the US-dominated military alliance approached the Russian aircraft as it flew to Kaliningrad, a western Russian enclave between Lithuania and Poland on the Baltic Sea, where Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu was scheduled to meet with Russian military officials. An Su-27 escort fighter got in way of the NATO plane and tilted its wings to show its weapons, whereupon the intruding NATO plane flew off.

The highly provocative move by NATO was only the latest example of increasingly frequent encounters between US-NATO and Russian warplanes in the Baltic region, particularly in the vicinity of Kaliningrad, Russias western-most military outpost. On Monday, an American RC-135 spy plane flying toward the Russian border made what Moscow called a provocative turn toward a Baltic Fleet Su-27 that had been scrambled for an interception mission.

In a statement issued Wednesday, NATO acknowledged the incident involving Shoigus plane and the fact that it occurred in neutral air space. Far from offering an apology, however, the Western alliance said it had acted appropriately, implying that it was free to act in a similar manner in the future.

After landing in Kaliningrad, Shoigu accused the West of endangering global security, saying, Some countries are seeking to use military force as a tool to achieve geo-political goals.

Dangerous encounters between NATO and Russian warplanes are virtually daily occurrences, particularly in the Baltic region. The entire area has been turned into an armed camp as a result of the US-NATO offensive along Russias western border launched after the US- and German-backed coup in February 2014 that overthrew the elected pro-Russian government and installed a rabidly anti-Russian, ultra-right regime in Kiev.

On Monday, Lithuanias Ministry of Defense announced that over the previous week, NATO had intercepted 32 Russian military aircraft approaching allied airspace above the Baltic Sea. Between June 12 and 18, it said, NATO and allied jets had scrambled nine times to escort Russian fighter and bomber jets. The intercepts targeted Russian military flights to and from Kaliningrad.

Any one of these incidents could result in a fire-fight or collision, whether by intention or accident, which could quickly ignite a full-scale war between nuclear powers, threatening the incineration of the planet.

Washington is pushing the confrontation with Russia as part of its strategy of removing Moscow as an impediment to its drive for supremacy over the oil-rich Middle East and Central Asia and dominance over the Eurasian continent, which it considers essential to taking on its biggest rival for global domination, China.

The current rash of NATO-Russian encounters in the air over Eastern Europe and the Baltics comes in the midst of a series of expansive war games and military exercises along NATOs eastern flank. These involve tens of thousands of troops from countries both in and outside of the military alliance, along with warplanes, tanks, ships and virtually all of the paraphernalia of war.

For most of June, the US Army is holding its annual series of summer war drills with local allies in the Baltic region called Saber Strike.

Earlier this month, NATO held its annual BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) exercise in Poland and Germany, deploying 6,000 troops from 14 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the UK, the US, Finland and Sweden. Some 50 ships and submarines and over 50 aircraft were mobilized, including B-1 and B-52 bombers.

Rupert Murdochs Sun tabloid featured an on-the-spot photo report of a beach-storming exercise in Ustka, Poland, on the Baltic Sea, in which the newspaper enthusiastically wrote: Soldiers and vehicles charged ashore as aircraft whizzed by overhead in a terrifying display of force. The article quoted US Navy Admiral Christopher Grady as saying, What we want to do is practice and demonstrate the ability to deliver sea control and power projection at and from the sea.

Another exercise directed against Russia, called Noble Jump 17, was held this month in Circu, Romania. Designed to test NATOs Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, it drew troops from the UK, the US, Romania, the Netherlands, Albania, Spain, Poland and Norway.

In addition to the endless series of war games and military exercises, a total of four combat groups involving 6,000 soldiers are being deployed to the Baltic states and Poland, constituting a de facto permanent deployment, in violation of the NATO-Russia Founding Act signed 20 years ago. In addition, a separate 10,000-strong brigade is being installed in Romania and a tank brigade is being deployed by the US in Poland that will consist of 10,000 troops.

The regime of President Vladimir Putin has no viable or progressive answer to the offensive of the imperialist powers, led by the United States. It represents the capitalist oligarchy that amassed its initial wealth by plundering the state property that was privatized following the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union at the hands of the Stalinist bureaucracy. It combines military adventures of its own, undertaken as a defensive response to Western aggression, with pleas for a deal with Washington and the European powers--a reactionary mix based on virulent Russian nationalism and hostility to all efforts to unify the working class in Europe and internationally.

Last fall, in response to US-NATO provocations, Russia deployed nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to Kaliningrad. Over the weekend, in the midst of the current NATO buildup on its borders, it held the first of two planned military exercises with Chinese naval vessels in the Baltic Sea. A second show of force is scheduled for late July, following US President Donald Trumps visit to Poland ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany.

On Tuesday, a day before the NATO threat to Shoigus plane, Trump met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the White House. A few hours before a joint appearance of the two leaders, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that Washington had imposed new sanctions on Russia for its alleged aggression in Ukraine.

The measure added 38 more individuals and entities to the list of those previously targeted for reprisals, bringing the total to 160 individuals and 400 companies. The assets of those newly sanctioned will be frozen and they will be forbidden from doing business with US citizens and companies, or raising financing in the US. The list of 38 includes two lower-level Russian government officials and several individuals close to Putin.

While Trump downplayed his meeting with Poroshenko and said nothing about Russias role in Ukraine, the head of the US puppet government was given a heros welcome at the Pentagon, with Defense Secretary and former Marine General James Mattis pledging full US support and denouncing threats to Ukrainian sovereignty and to international law and the international order. A Pentagon spokesman said the US had not ruled out the option of supplying the Kiev government with lethal weapons to fight pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

In response to the new sanctions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday that he was canceling a scheduled Friday meeting with US undersecretary of state for political affairs, Thomas Shannon Jr., in St. Petersburg. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that if the US continued to place new sanctions on Russia, Moscow would respond to make matters mutual and place sanctions on the US. He said that a long list of possible sanctions was being prepared.
Democratic challengers lost in special elections June 20 for seats in the House of Representatives from Georgia and South Carolina, falling short in each case by about 3-4 percent of the vote.

The loss in Georgia was especially devastating, as the Democrats poured unprecedented sums into the contest for the Sixth Congressional District in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Democratic leaders touted the district as the kind of wealthy suburban area where they hoped to make gains in the 2018 congressional elections.

Instead, after the most expensive congressional election in US history, with a total of $60 million raisedtwice the previous record, set in Florida in 2012Democrat Jon Ossoff lost to Republican Karen Handel by about 10,000 votes.

Ossoff had won 48.1 percent of the vote in an all-party primary election in April, falling just short of the 50 percent required for outright victory. Forced into a head-to-head runoff with the leading Republican, Ossoff actually saw his percentage of the vote drop slightly.

In the other special election Tuesday, ultra-right Republican Ralph Norman defeated Democrat Archie Purnell by nearly the same percentage as in the Georgia race, 51.1 percent to 47.9 percent. But with the turnout far lower, Norman actually won by a much narrower margin of votes cast, 2,834 out of 87,000 for the two candidates combined.

The Georgia election filled the vacancy created by the appointment of Representative Tom Price to head the Department of Health and Human Services. The South Carolina vacancy was created by the appointment of Representative Mick Mulvaney as Trumps budget director.

The Georgia contest had far more media attention and resources devoted to it, both in terms of campaign cash and political staff and volunteers on both sides, than the race in South Carolina. But despite raising a staggering $23 million directly, and receiving millions more from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other party fundraisers, Ossoff failed to increase the Democratic electorate by a single vote.

Ossoff received virtually the same total vote June 20 as the token Democrat who was on the ballot in the Sixth Congressional District on November 8, 2016, against the incumbent Republican Price: 124,893 votes for Ossoff, compared to 124,917 votes last year for the political unknown Rodney Stooksbury, a retired Lockheed Martin worker who did not even have a campaign web site.

Ossoff was the candidate most closely aligned with the political strategy of the dominant Clinton-Obama wing of the Democratic Party. Although his personal background was as an aide to liberal Democratic Representative Hank Johnson of Atlanta, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Ossoff ran a conservative campaign, in keeping with the party establishments commitment to retake the House by targeting wealthy suburban districts where Trump performed poorly against Hillary Clinton.

As the New York Times described it, Ossoff sought to avoid being linked to [Democratic leader Nancy] Pelosi or labeled a liberal. He assured voters he would not raise taxes on the rich. And in pledging to root out wasteful spending and seek compromise, he sounded more like an heir to former Senator Sam Nunns brand of Southern centrism than a progressive millennial. 

Moreover, after making an appeal to anti-Trump sentiment when he first entered the campaign, with the slogan, Make Trump Furious!, Ossoff hardly mentioned the US president during the final two months of the campaign, even though Trump and the Republican National Committee were backing Handel and seeking to tie Ossoff to the national Democratic leadership.

In South Carolina, too, the Democratic campaign was of a right-wing character, with the party establishment selecting as its candidate a wealthy former tax consultant for the Goldman Sachs investment bank to contest a district filled with closed textile mills, ruined small towns and hard-pressed farmers.

The South Carolina district was the only one of the four vacancies filled by special elections this spring to have a significant minority populationit is 35 percent African-American. But Purnell, while making the rounds of black churches, made no class appeal to black or white workers, and voter turnout plunged to less than one-third the number who voted last November 8.

The result of the four special elections held this springin Kansas, Montana, Georgia and South Carolinahas exacerbated tensions within the Democratic Party. Supporters of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders complained that the DNC refused to devote any significant resources to back the Democratic challengers in Kansas and Montana, who were more closely aligned with his faction.

Meanwhile, virtually unlimited resources were made available to the Ossoff campaign, although the district was by far the most heavily Republican of the four districts, as well as the wealthiest.

The Republican victories in the four contests were hardly a demonstration of popular support for the Trump administration, despite efforts by Trump and Republican Party flacks to argue otherwise. According to several press reports, a major consideration in the selection of the four Republican House members for Trumps cabinet was that they all came from seats that could be defended despite an anticipated upsurge in popular hostility towards the new administration.

This calculation proved to be accurate. The average swing against the Republican Party in the four contests was 18 percent: 10 percent in Montana, 17 percent in South Carolina, 21 percent in Georgia, and 24 percent in Kansas. But the Democrats lost anyway, thanks to their refusalor rather inabilityto make any appeal to mounting social discontent.

Republicans won the four seats last November with a combined total vote of 811,513 to 518,103 for the Democrats, a margin of 293,410 votes. They won the same four seats in the spring by a combined vote of 432,479 to 388,758, a margin of only 43,721 votes. The Republican vote fell by nearly half, but the Democratic vote also declined, under conditions of protests against the Trump administration taking place virtually every week.

There was one additional factor in the Democratic losses, admitted by one prominent office-holder, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who backed Hillary Clinton in the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination last year. Speaking on MSNBC, Murphy said that the single-minded focus on investigating alleged connections between the Trump campaign and Russia had become a distraction to mounting effective election campaigns.

Democrats have to be hyper-focused on an economic message that tells people that the Republican Party is all about economic growth for millionaires and billionaires and the Democratic Party is about economic growth for everybody, he said. The fact that we have spent so much time talking about Russia, you know, has been a distraction from what should be the clear contrast between Democrats and the Trump agenda, which is on economics.

The Democrats dropped their usual economic demagogy in favor of a single-minded concentration on attacking the Trump administration from the right on foreign policy, portraying Trump as a Russian stooge and demanding an ever-tougher anti-Russian stance in Syria, Ukraine and eastern Europe as a whole. This campaign has failed to win any significant support among working people, who are intensely opposed to overseas military adventures in the Middle East and elsewhere.
In what amounted to a barely disguised threat, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday declared that China had to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs, if it wants to prevent a further escalation in the region.

In other words, if Beijing fails to rein in the Pyongyang regime, the US could resort to military measures.

Tillersons remarks followed a top-level meeting in Washington between him and US Defence Secretary James Mattis and their Chinese counterpartsChinas foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of the Peoples Liberation Armys joint staff department.

Tillerson called on China to make greater efforts to halt illicit revenue streams to North Korea that allegedly help fund Pyongyangs military programs. Just last week, he told a congressional committee the Trump administration was at a stage where we are going to have to ... start taking secondary sanctionsthat is, penalise countries and corporations that engage in economic activities with North Korea.

Unilateral secondary sanctions imposed by the US would, above all, fall on Chinese companies. China is, by far, North Koreas largest trading partner. US officials and the media have repeatedly accused Beijing of failing to do enough to choke off trade and finance with the Pyongyang regime. Any penalties against Chinese individuals or entities would quickly sour relations between the US and China.

Just before the talks, US President Donald Trump signalled that time was running out for China to force North Korea to bow to US demands. While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi [Jinping] and China, he tweeted on Tuesday, it has not worked out.

While Tillersons remarks indicate the US continues to pressure China for action against North Korea, Trumps tweet is a warning that the US will resort to other measuresincluding military actionif there are no results.

Asked about Trumps tweet, Defence Secretary Mattis told the joint press conference with Tillerson: What youre seeing I think is the American peoples frustration with a regime that provokes and provokes and provokes and basically plays outside the rules, plays fast and loose with the truth.

Mattis denounced Pyongyang in particular for the death of Otto Wambierthe American student imprisoned in North Korea who died on Monday after being flown back to the US last week. The Trump administration is considering a ban to prevent Americans from visiting Pyongyang. Three other US citizens are currently jailed in North Korea.

The comments of Mattis and Tillerson suggest that relations with China could deteriorate rapidly, especially if North Korea conducts another nuclear test or a long-range missile launch. In comments to CNN, unnamed US officials claimed this week that satellite imagery showed new activity at North Koreas underground nuclear test site and suggested that a sixth nuclear detonation could be imminent.

Ahead of yesterdays talks in Washington, US State Department officials indicated that Mattis and Tillerson would press their Chinese counterparts not only on North Korea, but a range of other sensitive issues, including the South China Sea and the so-called war on terrorism.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia, Susan Thornton, told Voice of America that all parties should freeze any construction or militarisation of features in the South China Seaa comment directed especially at China. Last month, the US navy carried out another provocative freedom of navigation operation, sending a guided missile destroyer within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit claimed by China around one of its islets.

Trade and economic issues were excluded from yesterdays US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue but remained just below the surface. During last years presidential election campaign, Trump repeatedly denounced Chinas trade policies and threatened punitive trade war measures. In seeking Beijings assistance to pressure Pyongyang, Trump suggested the US could make concessions on trade.

Having tweeted that Chinese efforts have not worked out, the implicit threat is that the US could ramp up the pressure on China over trade. What Trump is saying is, I dont need you on North Korea now, and therefore maybe we should have it out on these other issues, like trade, analyst John Delury told the New York Times.

China is reluctant to impose new sanctions that will cripple North Koreas economy and provoke a political crisis that could be exploited by the US and its allies. At yesterdays talks, Chinese officials reiterated Beijings call for renewed negotiations based on a freeze by Pyongyang on its nuclear and missile tests and a freeze by Washington on its joint military exercises in South Korea. The US has flatly rejected the proposal.

Above all, the threat of US military strikes against North Korea hangs over Asia. Earlier this week, the Pentagon again sent two B-1 strategic bombers on a mission over the Korean Peninsula in a provocative show of force. The US Navy has two aircraft carrier strike groups stationed in the area, with another on its way.

Any US military action against North Korea threatens to trigger an all-out conflict on the Korean Peninsula that could draw in other powers, including China, with devastating consequences. The Trump administrations recklessness is underscored by the fact that it is engaged in an escalating confrontation in Syria that threatens to provoke a clash with Russia and Iran, even as it is ramping up tensions in North East Asia.
WASHINGTON  After weeks of secret negotiations, Senate Republicans on Thursday released their much-anticipated proposal to repeal Obamacare, unveiling a plan that would cut Medicaid and reduce penalties for not buying insurance.

But despite pledges to walk back key pieces of the Houses American Health Care Act, approved by that chamber last month, the Senate bill appears strikingly similar. Though Trump heaped public praise on the bill, Trump reportedly called it mean at a closed-door lunch. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the House plan would result in 23 million fewer people covered than under current law.

From what I understand their bill tracks in many ways along the lines of the House bill, said House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

Among the notable changes between the two bills: The Senate policy-crafters elected to drop waivers allowing states to let insurers raise costs for people with preexisting conditions. That key piece was added to AHCA in an effort to entice conservatives to support the bill.

But the Senate version would actually have deeper cuts to Medicaid than the AHCA as part of Congress attempts to phase out the Obama administrations expansion of the program to funnel more money to states to help low-income Americans.

The House version would end those subsidies in three years, a timeframe supported by more conservative members including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. But more moderate Senate lawmakers argued that more years were needed.

In an effort to forge a compromise, the Senate plan would end the extra Medicaid payouts after four years. But it would also begin capping the amount of money each state can receive from the program. Currently states can get funds from Medicaid to cover all eligible recipients.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks to the Senate floor of the U.S. Capitol after unveiling a draft bill on health care in Washington on June 22, 2017. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Like the House bill, the Senates version would end the penalties levied on individuals who chose not to purchase insurance, a key piece of Obamacare. It would also roll back tax increases on wealthier Americans and health insurance companies.

Story continues

Another key piece of Obamacare, subsidies helping poorer Americans purchase health insurance, would be reformed under both the AHCA and the Senate plan. The Senate plan, however, would factor in both age and income, whereas its House counterpart solely uses age.

The Senate legislation would also shift one of the key pieces of the House version, a $115 billion fund to help stabilize state marketplaces, into a separate bill reauthorizing the Childrens Health Insurance Program later this year.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, leaves a meeting of GOP senators at the Capitol on June 22, 2017, where most had their first chance to look at legislation aimed at overhauling the Affordable Care Act. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

But like the House bill, the Senate proposal defunds Planned Parenthood for a year, a potential deal breaker for Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Susan Collins, R-Maine. The Senate bill also prevents any insurance plans on the exchange from covering abortion except in the case of rape and incest and encourages private plans not to cover abortion as well.

McConnell said the bill was a needed improvement over Obamacare.

Republicans believe we have a responsibility to act, and we are, McConnell said on the Senate floor.

Democrats imposed Obamacare on our country, he said. They said it would lower costs; it didnt. They said it would increase choice, but of course, it didnt.

But many of McConnells members declined to comment as they left a closed-door meeting where the Republican senators were briefed on the proposal. Others said they were still reviewing the discussion draft presented Thursday morning, which stretched over 140 pages.

Obviously we have a lot to look at, Murkowski told reporters while leaving the meeting.

Democrats wasted no time, however, in blasting the proposal, referencing the presidents derisive comments about the bill and arguing it is little different from the AHCA, which 21 percent of Americans support, according to a Quinnipiac poll last month.

The president said the Senate bill should have heart. But this bill is heartless, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a floor speech.

McConnell said on the floor that the Congressional Budget Office would score the Senate bill next week and then proceed to a debate and vote.

Additional reporting by Liz Goodwin.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Dramatizing fears that Senate Republicans Better Care Reconciliation Acts cuts to Medicaid would prevent millions of low-income Americans from accessing life-saving care, activism group ADAPT dramatized what those deaths could look like  in front of Majority Leader Mitch McConnells office doors.

Capitol police were then forced to drag away dozens of protesters who were lying on the floor feigning death.

Security is quite literally dragging people away from outside McConnell's office pic.twitter.com/70uJ4P88rS  Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) June 22, 2017

Capitol police are dragging people away from Mcconnell's office. pic.twitter.com/ldvakYdvl4  Mariam Khan (@MKhan47) June 22, 2017

According to ADAPTs website, the group planned the die-in to protest the effect the bills cuts to Medicaid could have on Americans with disabilities.

Related slideshow: Die-in protesters dragged away from McConnells office >>>

Protesters shouted, Id rather go to jail than die without Medicaid, according to a statement on the groups website.

Senate Republicans released a discussion draft of the bill on Thursday. It is expected to be voted on early next week.

Read more from Yahoo News:
U.S. spy satellites picked up on activity at North Koreas only nuclear testing site, Punggye-ri, according to CNN Tuesday night. The activity appears to be changes made to a tunnel entrance to one of the underground testing facilities.

The test site is located in the north of the country in North Hamgyong Province, close to North Koreas border with China. The activity overshadows Secretary Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Wednesday meeting with their Chinese counterparts.

READ: North Korean Nuclear Missile Tests Upset World, Volcano Mount Paektu

Also overshadowing the meeting is a mysterious tweet by President Donald Trump Tuesday criticizing the Chinese president.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi (Jinping) & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!, Trump wrote.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017

The New York Times reported Wednesday that administration officials were considering imposing sanctions on Chinese businesses that have ties to North Korean an effort to help curb their nuclear program, and also that officials found the Trump tweet perplexing.

North Korea has had five nuclear test so far and U.S. military options are prepared if theres a sixth.

Two senior US officials with direct knowledge (said) that military options for North Korea have recently been updated, and will be presented to President Donald Trump for a decision to act if there is a nuclear test, CNN reported Tuesday.

Adding to tension between the United States and North Korea is the death of 22-year-old college student Otto Warmbier. The University of Virginia student was imprisoned for 17 months in North Korea after allegedly attempting to remove a propaganda poster. Warmbier was returned to the U.S. in a coma and with severe neurological damage. He died Monday.

Story continues

When President Xi visited President Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year, Trump leaned on China to put more pressure on North Korea.

North Korean Missile

Photo: KCNA/REUTERS

We've had, I think, positive movement on China over the past five months of this administration, and we'll continue to work with them and others to put the appropriate pressure on North Korea to change this behavior and this regime, said White House press secretary Sean Spicer at a briefing on Tuesday. China can play -- has played and can continue to play a greater role in helping to resolve this situation, and we will continue to hopefully build on the relationship and the dialogue that weve had with China.

READ: North Korea Says It Fired New Nuclear Missile, Wants Warhead To Hit US: Report

North Koreas first nuclear test occurred Oct. 9, 2006, and was a small test of less than one kiloton. One kiloton is equal to around 1000 tons of TNT. The second test was in 2009, and was twice as large as the first. This test prompted the United Nations Security Council to condemn the North Korea, and pass sanctions against the country.

The next nuclear test occurred in 2013, and was more than twice as powerful as the last blast, clocking in at around six to seven kilotons according to the South Korean government. The next two tests were in 2016, the first in January and the second in September. The last test was North Koreas largest and was around 10 kilotons of force.

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Hello, turtle friend.

The months-old blob seen above is an Asian giant softshell turtle. Scientists long thought this species was extinct in the Cambodian portion of the Mekong River  until they discovered some stragglers in the early 2000s.

SEE ALSO: This frog's slime can destroy flu viruses

Since then, conservation groups have worked with local communities and officials to boost the wild population of these endangered turtles. A team recently released 150 hatchlings back into their natural habitat, bringing the running total to more than 7,700 baby turtles in the past 10 years.

Image: Yoeung Sun/wildlife conservation society

Huge swaths of the turtle's habitat in southeast Asia have disappeared due to urban and industrial development along the Mekong River, which flows more than 3,000 miles from China to Vietnam. The sand where turtles breed is routinely hauled away for use in construction projects, while fishing nets scoop up hatchlings. Poachers also take turtles and their eggs to sell for food.

"The species has quite a wide historical range across Asia ... but much of that range is now completely gone," said Joe Walston, who worked extensively with softshell turtles in Cambodia for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), where he's now vice president for global conservation.

The freshwater turtle species is officially listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List, an authoritative inventory of threatened plant and animal species.

"Giant" hatchlings.

Image: MENGEY ENG/wildlife conservation society

For the last decade, WCS, Conservation International, the Turtle Survival Alliance and local groups have worked to protect turtle nests and breeding grounds. Their goal is to ensure eggs will multiply and hatch, and that baby turtles grow strong enough to eventually fend for themselves in the wild.

Walston said he first went to Cambodia shortly after the end of the Khmer Rouge, the brutal regime that controlled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979.

Story continues

"We had no idea what the state of species would be in the area," he recalled. "But we did know that the Mekong River holds some of the largest examples of freshwater turtles and fish, including the giant Mekong catfish, the giant Mekong ray, and some of these giant softshell turtles."

Image: Yoeung Sun/wildlife conservation society

Initial surveys in 2003 and in 2007 found two small populations of the blob-like turtles along a 30-mile stretch between the Kratie and Stung Treng provinces.

Conservation efforts soon followed, including a program to hire former egg collectors to help search for and protect nests instead of harvesting the eggs, said Sun Yoeung, WCS's project coordinator for Asian giant softshell turtles.

Turtle friend, we're so glad you made it.




Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the United States has been slipping toward authoritarianism under President Trump and that citizens have an enormous obligation to protect American freedom.

The runner-up for the Democratic presidential nomination last year delivered his scathing critique of the administration in a speech Thursday morning discussing the threat of authoritarianism in both the U.S. and other countries.

Under President Trump, our country is moving in an authoritarian direction and the very nature of American democracy is under attack, Sanders said at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Before outlining why he thinks Trump is leading the U.S. toward authoritarianism, Sanders criticized the new health care bill unveiled by Senate Republicans Thursday morning. The draft bill they plan to bring to a vote as early as next week is the latest move in Republicans seven-year effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and remove the taxes it imposes on high-income individuals.

I am unalterably opposed to the Trump-Republican health care plans. The plan has passed in the House, as you know, and was just released a few minutes ago in the Senate. Im going to do everything that I can to defeat the Trump-Ryan health care proposal, but that should not be a shock to anybody, Sanders said.

Related slideshow: Die-in protesters dragged away from McConnells office >>>

Sanders, who supports universal health care, acknowledged that his Republican counterparts have significant policy disagreements on these serious issues, but said there is one fundamental issue upon which there should be no debate.

And that is, no matter what our political view  whether we are progressives, conservatives or moderates  we must do everything that we can to preserve American democracy and oppose the current drift toward authoritarianism that I believe President Trump represents.

Story continues

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks with Sarah Chayes, senior fellow at CEIPs Democracy and Rule of Law Program, on threats to democracy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on June 22, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Mandel NganAFP/Getty Images)

In Sanders assessment, no other president in U.S. history has told as many outrageous and blatant lies as Donald Trump has  to delegitimize the countrys electoral system.

He said theres no evidence to back Trumps assertion that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the last election, but that making this claim sent a message to Republican governors to accelerate efforts to suppress the votes of minorities, poor people, senior citizens and young people.

According to Sanders, Trumps rhetoric also preemptively casts doubt on the results of any future election he might lose  delegitimizing any president who succeeds him. He also reminded listeners that Trump was the principal spokesman for the so-called birther movement based on the vicious and racist lie that former President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. and therefore not eligible to be president.

Sanders took issue with Trumps mischaracterization of London Mayor Sadiq Khans response to a recent terrorist attack to promote his controversial travel ban and his routine vilification of journalists as scum, horrible and lying, disgusting people.

When Trump claims that all of mainstream media is fake news, not to be believed, what does that say to the average American? Sanders said.

Back in January, when Trumps lie about his inauguration crowd size was a major story, Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said, Better to get your news directly from the president. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.

Sanders said that this mindset that only the president can be trusted for the truth suggests something very dark for the future of democracy, and that the Founding Fathers protected the press in the Bill of Rights because a well-informed citizenry is necessary for democracy to function correctly.

He said Trumps outbursts at judges are not simply temper tantrums but a blatant disregard for the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution  attempts to delegitimize a coequal branch of government so it cannot constrain his power.

On the campaign trail he attacked a federal judges impartiality because of his ethnic background. And as president he attacked the federal judge who blocked his immigration executive order, referring to him as a so-called judge. What is even more alarming was Donald Trumps insistence that the judiciary itself did not have the power to even review his immigration orders, he said.

Sanders said its particularly strange that Trump attacks nearly everyone  from Democrats and Republicans to business leaders and beauty queens  but has nothing but kind words for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and other authoritarian leaders.

Frankly, I know that many Americans are scratching their heads, really trying to figure out why Trump has such an affinity for President Putin, a man who has severely repressed democracy in his own country, has spent the last number of years trying to destabilize democracy in countries throughout the world and obviously in the United States in the 2016 elections, he said.

From Sanders perspective, this drift toward authoritarianism and a resurgence of resentment and bigotry is not limited to the United States  its happening throughout the world.

Our duty is to respect our Constitution and to strengthen our democracy, not to undermine it, Sanders said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Lisa Fernandez

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Two anti-abortion activists charged with felony eavesdropping for secretly filming abortion providers in California lost their bid for dismissal of the case on Wednesday, but the judge ordered prosecutors to amend a criminal complaint he deemed too vague.

San Francisco County Superior Court Judge Christopher Hite gave the state attorney general's office until mid-July to file a revised complaint that describes the accusations in greater detail, including specific dates, alleged victims and circumstances.

Hite ruled the identities of alleged victims would remain under court seal and admonished lawyers to keep that information confidential, after the defense team for one defendant, David Daleiden, was found to have posted videos and other identifying material online.

The judge declined to take disciplinary action against Daleiden's lawyers, as urged by prosecutors, and also denied the defense's request to toss out the case.

Daleiden, 28, and Sandra Merritt, 64, appeared in court on Wednesday, but they are not expected to enter a plea until the arraignment on July 17, the deadline set for the amended complaint.

Each is charged with conspiracy and 14 counts of invasion of privacy for creating false identities as representatives of a fetal-tissue procurement company to infiltrate a 2014 National Abortion Federation meeting, then videotaping conference participants and others without their consent.

Daleiden and Merritt have cast themselves as targets of a politically motivated prosecution for their roles in "sting" operations that exposed Planned Parenthood and related groups to unwelcome scrutiny by conservatives in Congress during the run-up to the 2016 elections.

Defense lawyers say Daleiden and Merritt acted as "citizen journalists" employing well-worn undercover tactics of the news media.

Prosecutors counter that Daleiden and Merritt engaged in computer hacking and criminal fraud to create false IDs and a sham corporate entity to gain access to private meetings - behavior that bona fide journalists would avoid as unethical.

Story continues

Daleiden became an anti-abortion movement hero in 2015 after his group, the Center for Medical Progress, circulated videos purporting to show Planned Parenthood officials trying to profit from the sale of aborted fetal tissue in violation of federal law.

The organization said Daleiden's heavily edited videos distorted its lawful and ethical practice of seeking reimbursement only to cover costs associated with such donations.

Daleiden and Merritt were indicted in January 2016 for using illegal government IDs to covertly film a Planned Parenthood facility in Texas, but that case was dropped.

(Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Bill Trott and Leslie Adler)
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia said on Thursday it would resume air strikes into Syria, ending a two-day suspension implemented after the downing of a Syrian military aircraft triggered a Russian threat against Washington-led coalition planes. Russia said on Monday it would treat U.S.-led coalition aircraft flying west of the River Euphrates in Syria as potential targets and track them with missile systems and military aircraft, but stopped short of saying it would shoot them down. As a result of the threat, Australia said on Tuesday it would suspend its military campaign. On Thursday, a decision was made to resume the air strikes in Syria after an assessment of the Russian statement, although it did not say when they would begin again. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Paul Tait)
Just last year, parliamentary rules in Australia changed to let mothers feed their children in the chamber. And this week, Greens senator Larissa Waters exercised her right to feed her baby in the most perfect way  breastfeeding her not only in the chamber, but while she was passing a motion.

As Waters attempted to debate a motion on black lung disease, her little girl Alia became hungry.

Here's Larissa Waters moving a motion in the senate while feeding her baby. Didn't miss a beat. pic.twitter.com/1Y7EOCq7qK  Charles Croucher (@ccroucher9) June 22, 2017

So in a brilliant feat of multitasking, Waters fed Alia while barely missing a beat.

This isnt the first time Waters has been a trailblazer for breastfeeding mothers; in May the media celebrated Alia as the first baby to be fed on the floor of Federal Parliament.

And people on social media have praised the senator for making history, being inspiring, and normalizing womens bodies.

Absolute QUEEN @larissawaters moving a motion in the Senate whilst breastfeeding. Thank you for normalising women's bodies #auspol pic.twitter.com/nq5z4pIPSV  Rachel Cashmore (@rachelsarahcash) June 22, 2017

Women have always worked and reared children, whether that work was paid in the workplace or unpaid in the home, Waters told BuzzFeed News.

I hope [this] helps to normalize breastfeeding and remove any vestige of stigma against breastfeeding a baby when they are hungry, she added.

Just watched @larissawaters simultaneously move a motion in the Senate while breastfeeding. All the multi-tasking.  Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) June 22, 2017

The fact that it is news that a young woman can breastfeed in parliament, goes to show how far we have to go in making our parliament look like our community. Its been 116 years in the coming, and its tragic that its taken that long.

Story continues

Read more from Yahoo Beauty + Style:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.
From Popular Mechanics

Who owns the sky over a modern battlefield? In the wake of the first air-to-air dogfight in 17 years-a United States F/A-18 shooting down a Syrian Su-22-it's time to evaluate the state of air superiority between Russian and American hardware and doctrine. The victory prize is nothing less than the ability to shape the Middle East.

Whoever can operate their warplanes with impunity enjoys critical advantages, including providing close air support for ground troops, having secure supply lines, and getting real time recon on enemy troops and aircraft. Whoever can't do it loses more than face. They are relegated to a back seat in the 21st century geopolitics.

The strategic situation in Syria is like many Cold War conflicts before it, with a proxy military using Russian-made equipment (Syrian government) squaring off against U.S. pilots supporting a faction on the ground (Syrian rebels). This time around, the hardware is different. But by looking at the last time the U.S. and Russian warplanes clashed, over the skies of Europe between 1995 and 1999, we can get a sense of what has changed. There is untested new technology that may determine who'll win if this ugly situation turns even uglier.

Back to the 90s

It was the first day. As NATO and Yugoslavia renewed hostilities a two-pronged strike force of U.S. stealth aircraft charged into Yugoslavia's national airspace, following a hail of long range missiles. More than a dozen fighters escorted them. Between their own radar and the nearby NATO AWACS air warning and control airplanes, the allied warplanes saw the airspace. So when Russian-made MiG-29s take off, they knew it.

F-15Cs from the 493d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron intercepted the MiGs heading toward both prongs of the attack. An Air Force Magazine article from 2004 tells the tale of Capt. Michael Shower. Cleared to engage, Shower fired two AIM-120s (AIM stands for Air Intercept Missile), but missed. The MiG- 29 started closing on him and on nearby F-117s. Adrenaline surging, Shower held his ground. "I didn't think I had a choice of turning and running away," he later told the Nellis base newspaper. "You've got a MiG-29 running around in the area, and there is a chance he could get lucky and find a stealth [aircraft.]"

Story continues

The United States Air Force uses AIMs to hit things beyond the line of sight. These are "fire and forget" weapons with radar seekers in their nosecones. So Shower kept his wits and loosed a third AIM-120 missile, which careened toward the MiG-29. The missile's radar determined when the enemy airplane was within the blast radius of its fragmentation warhead. The Air Force and Navy constantly upgrade the AIM-120, and this version (C-6) had an improved fuse. It detonated and peppered the MiG-29 with fragments. In total, NATO shot down five Yugoslavian fighters in the first three days of the conflict, with no friendly aircraft losses. Each of these kills was performed by an AIM-120.

That was then. A similar confrontation could look different today.

First, the AIM-120 is still improving. It has the same rocket motor and body, but it's smarter. The missile has a new GPS system that helps it to choose an efficient flight path. It has a datalink that guides the missile at longer ranges, making real-time adjustments to its flight using information from the plane's radar and sensors. Once it gets close enough, the missile's own radar can guide it home.

Also, the AIM-120 is ubiquitous, and so you can guarantee the Russians have been studying ways to defeat it. (As Popular Mechanics has noted for some time, for anti-aircraft weaponeers in Russia the Cold War never really ended.) The craft of electronic warfare has never been more important than on today's battlefield. The invisible information tether between the AIM-120 and the fighter that fired it can be severed if an enemy floods the same frequencies with white noise. At closer ranges, the AIM-120's seeker radar could be jammed by digital receivers that detect a signal, copies it and send it back to the source in a confusing jumble.

Syrian fighters may not be able to perform such feats of electronic warfare, but some Russian warplanes are equipped with jamming equipment. The SU-34, a fighter-bomber that Vladimir Putin has deployed to airbases in Syria, has since late 2016 been equipped with pretty advanced Khibiny jamming pods. These wingtip add-ons are specifically made to counter long-range NATO radar and the seekers of U.S. missiles.

So in the 21st century, the United States is using an updated but old missile in an environment where electronic warfare could determine who wins.

The Aerial Combatants

The F-15C remains an aerial apex predator, just as it was over Yugoslavia. It has the power to gain speed and altitude, both advantages is nearly any dogfight. It also has a longer range than the F/A-18 Super Hornet, and carries a larger (thus more powerful) radar. But at closer ranges, other U.S. warplanes can put up a good fight as well. A SuperHornet may have a short range and small size, but it can turn its nose (and aim its close-range weapons) on a dime. That's a good airplane to have in a knife fight.

What about the F-22 Raptor, the stealth fighter unequaled on any battlefield? It is true that the aircraft is a deadly combatant, but it's armed with the same AIM-120s for long-range attacks, and just six of them. So it can loiter unseen and its powerful radar can spot enemies from long distances. The Raptor will have to rely on the datalink and radar in the missile's seeker to hit its targets, the very things the jammers are meant to defeat.

The F-22 is highly maneuverable and tenacious dogfighter at close ranges, but it does have flaws. The biggest is the lack of helmet-mounted targeting. In most modern warplanes, pilots can take aim by turning their heads and having a head's up display in the helmet to set up a missile shot, especially away from the airplane's center line (at "high off boresight" angles.) The Air Force has been trying to make this happen in the Raptor for a decade, but budget cuts have left the world's most advanced fighter with a crude fighting style when it comes to close combat. The latest estimate of when these helmets would appear is 2020.

As for America's aerial opponents, the Su-22 Fitter that an F/A-18 shot down on Sunday is not exactly a modern fighter. The Syrian Air Force used them to attack Israel in the Yom Kippur Warin 1973. But there are other fighters in the inventory. These include Mig-23ML/MLD fighters and, more worrisome, Mig-29s. Then there are the Russian warplanes that operate over Syria, those SU-34s and SU-25s.

So when it comes to dogfighting, are the Russians and Syrians a real threat? The smart money remains fixed on the U.S. and NATO warplanes, in no small degree because of the intensive training of the pilots. But the real threat is not missiles from other airplanes. To dominate the air, Russia will turn to its mobile airplane killers on the ground. It's time for surface-to-air missiles.

Ground to Air

Ever since Stalin watched the Allies crush Nazi Germany and Japan with heavy bombers, Russia has been obsessed with air defense. Regarding the situation in Syria, a piece in Pravda, the venerable organ of Russian state communication, warned against threatening Russian aircraft. "They should not even try to shoot down Russian aircraft. That would be the beginning of the end," the article reads. "Should Washington attack, Moscow will be the first to impose a no-fly zone over Syria."

The Russian no-fly game has always been mobile AA batteries that can target airplanes and cruise missiles. The Pravda article helpfully lists the scary anti-aircraft missiles they have in Syria: the S-400 "with the defense radius of up to 400 kilometers," S-300 anti-aircraft missile batteries, and the lower-end but still effective Pantsir S1, Buk and Osa systems.

A true showdown between these ground-based anti-aircraft systems and American hardware has been a long time coming. PostCold War engineers in Russia breathed new, deadly life into VHF radars that have been around since the 1970s by digitizing their signals. Better computing power has improved the system's ability to glean coherent information from a jumble of data. Faint VHF radar returns that once would have been construed as random background noise can now be detected and identified.

The S-300 is among the biggest threats, and because it's exported to Iran and others, it brings up the biggest worries for military planners. Created in the 1970s and steadily upgraded, it was designed to shoot down American planes. The S-300 has never been fired in combat anywhere in the world, but its very presence causes Air Force attack planners to pause. The system uses modern missiles that can not only track and destroy airplanes but also thwart cruise and ballistic missiles. The S-300s have an advertised range of 93 miles.

There is more to the system than just a single vehicle firing anti-aircraft missiles. Here's how it would work: Long-range radar spots a target and delivers the data to a command and control vehicle, where the decision to shoot is made. Most S-300s deploy in layers, as a battalion. That means six launch vehicles can be ordered to shoot. Usually the one with the best position to intercept will fire. A shorter-range radar that's mounted on yet another vehicle (it's called the engagement radar) steers the missile toward the target, guiding as many as a dozen missiles at six targets.

All of this buildup leaves us with big questions. Are the Russian anti-aircraft missiles as deadly as advertised? Has U.S. electronic warfare and hacking evolved enough to exploit weaknesses in these systems? Does U.S. stealth work as intended, or are there ways to spot and shoot even these warplanes?

We may get the answers if the situation in Syria deteriorates into outright war. All we know so far is that both sides are playing to their historic strengths: America with its advanced airplanes and Russia with its advanced surface-to-air missiles. In this, not much has changed since 1999. An Air Force Historical Research Agency report from 2009 tallies the air combat and found that 10 Serbian and three NATO airplanes had been downed between 1994 and 1999. "Every one of the ten Serbian airplanes shot down was destroyed by aircraft fire, and none by ground fire," the paper says. "Not one of the three NATO airplanes shot down was lost to enemy aircraft fire, all by ground fire."

The equipment is changing, but the fighting style remains the same. Until the shooting starts, we can only wade through the defense industry claims, political posturing and games of brinkmanship. And then the people on the front lines, manning radar stations and cockpits, will stake their lives on the answers.

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The legislation imposing sanctions on Russia that was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate last week hit a roadblock in the House on Tuesday. Members of the House found a constitutional issue that could possibly delay the bill and help the Trump administration make changes to the legislation.

The Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act that also includes sanctions on Russia was passed in the Senate with an overwhelming majority 98-2 and dashed Trumps desires of better relations with Moscow. However, the House parliamentarian found that the legislation violated a constitutional requirement  any bill that raises revenue for the government must originate in the House, something known as a "blue slip" violation. The Democrats cried foul that the Republicans were deliberately stalling the bill to make the changes that Trump wants, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York saying: House Republicans are considering using a procedural excuse to hide what theyre really doing: covering for a president who has been far too soft on Russia.

Read: Senators Reach Deal To Restrain Trump From Lifting Russia Sanctions, Impose More For Election Meddling

The Republicans insisted the changes were not related to policy and the Russia amendment to the bill was made only a week ago. House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady of Texas stated that the Senate would update the bill to ensure it has no revenue provisions, after which the House can move it forward. "This isnt a policy issue. Its not a partisan issue. It is a constitutional issue that well address in a positive way,' he was quoted saying by Reuters.

Democrats have suggested that there are many other ways to circumvent the problem. Representative Eliot Engel of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee said an identical House version could be introduced and can be voted for.

The version of the bill passed last week included penalties for Iran for ballistic missile development, supporting terrorism and human right violations among others. In the same bill, provisions were added to punish Russia for its support to the current Syrian regime, annexation of Crimea and its alleged interference in the 2016 presidential elections. This also disabled Trump from easing or ending sanctions against Moscow, while adding new punishment in a direct response to cyber attacks during the 2016 election.

Story continues

Read: Trump Considers Lifting Sanctions On Russia Amid Investigation: Report

According to reports, the Trump administration had indicated that it is deliberating handing Russia control of two properties in Maryland and New York that the Obama administration had shut over suspicions of intelligence gathering. Thirty five Russian operatives were also expelled. Democrats now fear the delay in the bill would give way to Trump taking measures to withdraw these sanctions.

Quoting a GOP aide, Politico said Tuesday that The House has held off on referring the sanctions bill to a committee. Brady did not comment on whether the bill would reach the House floor before the Congress extended summer break next month.

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London (AFP) - Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has been admitted to hospital as a "precautionary measure" for treatment of an infection, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.

The infection arose from "a pre-existing condition", the palace said. The Duke of Edinburgh, who is to retire from public duties later this year, was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday night.

Prince Philip was due to accompany the monarch to the state opening of parliament on Wednesday as well as the Royal Ascot horse races.

Their eldest son Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, will accompany Queen Elizabeth to the Houses of Parliament in his place.

"Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the state opening of parliament and Royal Ascot," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.

"Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned."

Prince Philip was by Queen Elizabeth's side on Saturday for Trooping the Colour, her official birthday military parade in London.

In a change from tradition, he wore a dark suit rather than his red army uniform and heavy bearskin hat.
Cameron Douglas is seen on June 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo: Patricia Schlein/Star Max/GC Images)

Its been a rocky road for Cameron Douglas, son of actor Michael Douglas and grandson of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas  but now things are looking up, as hes finally been given permission to visit his grandfather in California. As a refresher, in 2010, Cameron was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of heroin and selling methamphetamine. His situation went from bad to worse after he confessed to smuggling drugs into prison, and his sentence was extended another two years, which he spent in solitary confinement at Marylands Cumberland Federal Corrections Institute.

Last August, he was finally released from prison, only to then subsequently fail a random drug test (thereby violating the terms of his probation) in April 2017. During a court hearing in May, Cameron insisted it was a one-time mistake. I guess what I want to tell you is that since Ive come back, Ive worked really hard, and this hiccup is unfortunate, but I dont foresee it happening again, he said.

After making good on that promise  and staying clean since April  Cameron has now been granted approval to travel to Los Angeles to visit his 100-year-old grandfather. The 38-year-old had sadly missed Kirks 100th birthday bash because he couldnt travel yet.

Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, and Cameron Douglas share a strong family bond. (Photo: Gregory Pace/FilmMagic)

A source revealed to Page Six, Without question this is a great relief to the family. Theyve been really eager to have him go and reconnect, so he can have a solid, stable base. Camerons lawyer says his client and Kirk have a very strong bond. Every time [Kirk] speaks with Cameron on the telephone, he asks when he will come visit him. They have a very close relationship, the attorney said.

Others, however, say that Cameron is writing a tell-all memoir about being raised as part of Hollywood royalty, suffering drug addition, and going to prison  and he may use the time with Kirk to mine material for the tome.

For his part, Cameron was reportedly extremely grateful to the judge. Outside the courthouse, accompanied by his Brazilian yoga instructor girlfriend, Cameron told reporters that his desire to see his grandfather is not related to any health issues with the centurion. He is healthy, Cameron said. He is expected to make the trip in about a week.

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By Jonathan Allen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church in the New York City borough of Brooklyn has set up a compensation program for victims of sexual abuse by its clergy, the Diocese of Brooklyn said on Thursday.

The program is modeled on one set up last year by the neighboring Archdiocese of New York, which encompasses the city's boroughs of Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx. Both programs were created in part to give victims who were abused a long time ago, beyond statutes of limitations, a chance for compensation.

"I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends," Nicholas DiMarzio, the Bishop of Brooklyn, said in a video statement. He said he had met more than 50 victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

The Roman Catholic Church, which has more than 1.2 billion adherents, has grappled in recent years with the damage done to its role as a moral authority as more than a thousand people around the world have said they were abused by clergy, typically when they were children.

Across the United States, Catholic districts and religious orders have paid tens of millions of dollars to settle lawsuits brought by victims.

In the Brooklyn diocese, independent administrators will evaluate claims and determine compensation, the diocese said. The diocese itself will not be able to appeal or dispute the administrators' findings. Once the amount to be paid out in compensation becomes clearer, likely to be tens of millions of dollars, the diocese will secure a loan, it said.

The Brooklyn diocese says it serves some 1.5 million Catholics in Brooklyn and the neighboring borough of Queens.

The program will be administered by Kenneth Feinberg, a Washington lawyer, and Camille Biros, a manager at his firm. Both administer the New York archdiocese's program and oversaw the compensation of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Story continues

Feinberg and Biros have already contacted about 235 people who have made allegations of abuse against the Brooklyn diocese's clergy to inform them of the possibility of compensation, Carolyn Erstad, a diocese spokeswoman, said.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an international support group, said it welcomed the new program. Barbara Dorris, a director at SNAP, criticized aspects of both New York programs, however, for not covering Catholic clergy in the city who belong to religious orders, such as Jesuits.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Phil Berlowitz)
New York (AFP) - Trevor Noah, one of the most prominent comedy hosts in the United States, has spoken out against the wider problem of racial bias among police, saying he has been stopped by American officers "eight to 10 times."

Noah, who is South African and hosts "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central, made the remarks after a Minnesota police officer was acquitted of all charges over the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Philando Castile last July.

Speaking to the audience between taping segments for the show on Tuesday, the 33-year-old said he had been stopped by police "at least eight to 10 times" in the six years he has lived in the US.

"I've been stopped in rental cars, I've been stopped in my car, I've been stopped in a car with tinted windows, a car with rims, a car with no rims. I've been stopped in a Tesla," Noah said.

"You get to a point where you realize it's just part of a black person's life in America," he added. "It's insane that it's such a normal thing."

The Minnesota officer was acquitted last Friday over the shooting of Castile, who was in the vehicle with his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter.

Castile was initially singled out for a traffic stop because the officer thought he resembled a robbery suspect.

The officer opened fire while Castile was buckled in his seat, saying he thought Castile was reaching for the gun, which the motorist had earlier volunteered he was carrying legally.

"Whenever I get pulled over, the first thing I do is throw my arms out the window and it looks so stupid when you see me," said Noah.

The United States has been beset in recent years by protests and national debate about allegations of police brutality and institutional racism over a string of deadly shootings of unarmed black suspects.

"Often times in America the conversation gets caught up in racism as it pertains to black and white, but I don't believe that that is the conversation," Noah said.

"I believe that the police force as a whole is trained in such a way that it creates state racism. That is different."

Noah grew up in the South African township of Soweto, the child of a then-prohibited relationship between a black woman and a white Swiss father.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class P. Sena.

From Popular Mechanics

How can two oceangoing vessels collide in the seemingly limitless expanse of the sea? That's the question everyone has been asking since the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald was involved in a major incident with the container ship ACX Crystal. While the cause of the collision may not be known for weeks or even months, a former destroyer captain has written an article for War on the Rocks explaining just how difficult navigating ships at sea around one another can be.

Bryan McGrath, who commanded one of Fitzgerald's sister ships, USS Bulkeley from 2004 to 2006, explains how ships read one another at sea, trying to deduce the other's intentions. The "rules of the road" for ships to avoid collision is well-known, but that's where the car analogy ends. At sea there is no 'road' and ships approach one another from all directions, at distances that are far beyond what the naked eye can see. What's more is that these ships do not stop or change course easily. As McGrath writes in War on the Rocks:

Big ships do not turn or stop on a dime. A 29,000-ton merchant vessel traveling at 15 knots takes a long time to stop or slow, and its turning radius is quite large. Using formulas from the ABS source cited here, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standard for the container ship involved in this collision appears to be approximately 2.5 nautical miles to stop (at 15 knots) and over a half mile turning radius. The 9000-ton destroyer in question is quite nimble comparatively, but our automobile-infused understanding of last second swerves or the power of anti-lock brakes simply fails in this context. Decisions to avoid collision must occur far earlier and at far greater distances than in an automobile, and the longer that decision is delayed, the fewer options for avoidance will exist. In a car accident, the point at which maneuvers by either car will be insufficient to avoid the collision happen in milliseconds before impact, but that point is reached in the tens of seconds or more before impact between ships. Without early action, all either ship can do is to try and minimize the angle of impact.

Story continues

McGrath also relays some of his own experiences, explaining that sometimes signals at sea, because of the weather or other local conditions, are missed, leading to an incomplete picture. The human factor is a big variable, but as the former destroyer skipper points out, the only human factor we know about so far is that the Fitzgerald's crew acted heroically to save their ship.

Read the rest at War on the Rocks

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An Alabama couple has been arrested after the pair brought their infant daughter to an Indiana bar, where her mother allegedly breastfed her while drinking beer and offered to have sex with people who would buy her more alcohol, authorities said.

Shari Tremba, 42, and Michael Trosclair, 45, were in town for a work conference when they went to the Wild Beaver Saloon in Indianapolis last Friday, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by AL.com.

There, Tremba allegedly proceeded to drink beer and smoke cigarettes while breastfeeding her 7-month-old daughter, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

She also allegedly offered sex to people she was trying to convince to get her a beer, a witness told cops.

Officers arrived about 12:40 a.m. to find Tremba standing outside of a roped-off area of the bar, holding a cup of beer and standing near a stroller holding her sleeping baby, the affidavit said.

Read: Woman Arrested After Allegedly Dropping Her Child in the Street Several Times While Drunk

Tremba allegedly drank beer as she spoke to the police, who said her breath and person smelled of alcohol, and that she had to be asked several times who she was and where she was from, AL.com reported.

She had been at the bar drinking since 10:30 p.m., and was eventually kicked out and told to stay outside the roped area, officials said.

Trosclair approached police as they spoke with Tremba and angrily said he would take everyone home by Uber, growing even more agitated when officers said they needed to have the infant examined by medics, authorities said.

Mr. Trosclair became belligerent and started demanding to talk to a lawyer and telling us we weren't going to do anything,'' Det. Nicolle Flynn wrote in a police report. "It was at this time, due to Mr. Trosclair's behavior, I put him in cuffs for fear he may fight us with the baby right there."

Read: Boy, 13, Drove Drunk With Grandma - Also Drunk - in Back Seat: Cops

Trosclair allegedly did not understand why there was a problem, Flynn wrote, noting: This goes to show Mr. Trosclair was too intoxicated to understand the situation his own child was in when the mother, Ms. Tremba, starts to breastfeed the child. It also shows a lack of care for the child and its welfare while in his and Ms. Tremba's care. Partying was more important than their child.

Story continues

Witnesses went on to say that at one point Tremba left the baby alone in her stroller outside to go back to the bar for a beer, while another bargoer said they saw the mother smoke, drink and breastfeed the child all at once, AL.com reported.

Trosclair and Tremba were charged with neglect of a dependent in a situation that endangers the dependent and with public intoxication. They have since been released from jail and are scheduled to appear in court on August 3. They have not yet entered pleas.

Medics examining the baby said she seemed lethargic, and she was taken to Riley Children's Hospital.

No signs of intoxication or other physical signs of abuse or neglect were noted, authorities said.

She was then taken into custody of the Department of Childrens Services.

Watch: Baby Survives After Car Flips Over While Mom Was Driving Drunk

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My fans have been extremely patient, and if I could do anything to reward that, Id like to, American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook tells Yahoo Musics Reality Rocks, referring to his past lengthy recording hiatuses between releases. They waited four years for [the 2015 album] Digital Vein, and I promised them at that CD release party that I wasnt going to make them wait four years again. Im inclined to keep that promise.

True to his word, Cook just started working with his longtime engineer/collaborator Andy Skib on a new EP, due this fall on Cooks label Analog Heart Music via INgrooves. And fans dont even have to wait till fall to hear the EPs first single, Gimme Heartbreak, as Yahoo Music is thrilled to premiere the gritty, garage-y track today.

Musically, its been extremely different, Cook says of the songs darker, rawer direction  which brings to mind the stripped sound of Royal Blood and the Black Keys, although Cook specifically cites Nine Inch Nails recent output, Mutemath, Massive Attack, and Norwegian indie-pop songstress Aurora as major influences on the forthcoming EPs dark and edgy and moody sound.

David Cook photo by Bobby Quillard

Especially in the last couple of years, like anybody who listens to music, I dont just like one thing  so Ive really tried to dive in headfirst to the more dark, cinematic stuff, Cook says. I feel like theres I dont want to say heavy-handed, but theres a medium-handed influence on the new stuff, with that kind of vibe.

David Cook, Gimme Heartbreak

Cook reveals he actually has two EPs in the works  a release schedule, unencumbered by the restraints of a major label, that will keep his music coming at a more regular pace and thus keep his diehard fans happy. He says back when he was signed to RCA, he was the king of overthinking, always wondering, Well, we could go back in and change that However, with Gimme Heartbreak, which was recorded only a month and a half ago, The energy thats on that track, its locked in. I dont have the chance to go back in and perfect it, which is good, because I think thats when you kind of lose that energy.

Cook adds enthusiastically, I hope people give the new music a listen. For me, its always a challenge to top the last record, but I think were headed in that direction. I definitely feel this EP and this single are something special.

Gimme Heartbreak will be available on iTunes and Spotify Friday, June 23, the same day that Cooks new Pledge Music campaign kicks off. And this summer, Cook  a tireless road warrior whose breaks from touring have been much, much briefer than his recording gaps  will debut more new music onstage at the following gigs:

June 29  Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati

June 30  Lincoln Hall, Chicago

July 1  Pfiffner Pioneer Park (festival) Mainstage  Riverfront Rendezvous, Stevens Point, WI

July 3  Hi Fi Music Hall, Indianapolis

July 5  Jergels, Pittsburgh

July 6  World Cafe Live, Philadelphia

July 9  Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT

July 10  Knitting Factory, Brooklyn

July 12  Wonder Bar, Asbury Park

July 13  The Broadberry, Richmond, VA

July 14  The Stags Head, Raleigh, NC

July 15  The Windjammer, Charleston, SC

July 17  The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC

July 18  City Winery, Atlanta

July 20  Mercy Lounge, Nashville

Aug. 11  Delmar Hall, St Louis

Aug. 14  The Waiting Room, Omaha

Aug. 16  Soiled Dove Underground, Denver

Aug. 17  Schmiggitys, Steamboat Springs, CO

Aug. 18  Moxi Theater, Greeley, CO

Aug. 21  The Crocodile, Seattle

Aug. 23  Hawthorne Theatre, Portland

Aug. 25  Cornerstone, Berkeley

Aug. 26  Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, CA

Aug. 29  The Troubadour, Los Angeles

Aug. 31  Belly Up, San Diego

Sept. 1  Chrome  Sante Fe Station, Las Vegas

Sept. 2  MIM Museum Theatre, Phoenix

Sept. 3  191Toole, Tucson

Sept. 6  Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City

Sept. 7  The Shrine, Tulsa

Sept. 8  Granada Theater, Dallas

Sept. 9  One World Theatre, Austin

Sept. 12  Saturn, Birmingham

Sept. 13  Revelry Room, Chattanooga

Sept. 14  The Foundry, Athens

Sept. 17  The Attic, Tampa

Sept. 19  High Dive, Gainesville

Sept. 21-22  Epcot/Eat to the Beat Festival, Orlando

Sept. 23  Amaturo Theater at Broward Center, Ft. Lauderdale
David Oyelowo (Getty Images)

David Oyelowo is one of the most insightful ambassadors for inclusion in the film industry. Oyelowo rose to fame in Ava DuVernays 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. biopic Selma (a role many believed deserved an Oscar nomination and helped launch the #OscarsSoWhite backlash); at the same time, he publicly bemoaned the lack of black men in British productions. He is also a vocal advocate for female filmmakers.

As he was breaking through in Selma, the Oxford native born to Nigerian parents was in the lengthy process of developing A United Kingdom. The film is the illuminating true story of King Seretse Khama, a Botswanian royal who married white Briton Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike) in the 1940s; their coupling was condemned by both the English government and its small African colony, resulting in his exile from what was then known as Bechuanaland in 1951.

Oyelowo, 41, sought out a female director (Belles Amma Assante). In fact, four of his last five films (A United Kingdom, Queen of Katwe, Five Nights in Maine, and Selma) have been directed by women, and that isnt a coincidence. He talked to Yahoo Movies about United Kingdom (now on DVD/Blu-ray and Digital HD) and more in the candid interview below.

Yahoo Movies: This is probably a poor comparison, but I couldnt help thinking A United Kingdom felt like a dramatic counterpart to Coming to America. In the beginning, anyway.

David Oyelowo: No, thats not strange at all. I love Coming to America! But obviously thats a silly version of the story. I hope Eddie Murphy wouldnt be offended with me calling it silly. But its light fare, whereas this really happened and had a huge impact on Botswana, and was a massive event in U.K. politics post-WWII. And its about a true place. Zamunda is fictional [laughs].

But I think, to keep on with that comparison, the great thing about A United Kingdom is that it shows a side of African life that we very rarely get to see. You see a great leader who was genuinely concerned with his people. And its a success story. You see a love story that played across two continents and three countries. And you see an African man and an African leader who is in the driving seat of his own destiny. These are things that you rarely see, cinematic speaking.

Story continues

Is this a story that was largely known in the U.K.?

No, its not largely known anywhere, even in Botswana. Because as a result of being a colony, that history was kind of buried, as unfortunately can be the case with one country ruling over another for a time that basically can recalibrate the history. So that was one of the pleasures and one of the joys of telling this story, its one where when you read about it, when you find about it, you cant believe you didnt know about it, let alone the rest of the world. And that was definitely the driver for me in terms of fighting to get the film made.

David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike in A United Kingdom

Has the response youve received to the film been different in the U.S. vs. U.K.?

I think theres a feeling of regret in the U.K. that these things happened to these people. And its a great thing because a lot people Ive spoken to, considering the times we now live in, its a reminder of the vigilance we need to continue to have in relation to what governments subject different people to.

How do you think this story does relate to the times we now live in?

Well, intolerance  and racial intolerance, specifically  is still very much with us, and that of course was the driver for wanting to keep these two people apart. The fact that something as basic and universal as love ended up being what enabled them to overcome the circumstances they were in, the governmental pressures they were under, and the cultural pressures they were facing as well, is I think a beautiful example of what is possible Its going to take a determined attitude of love to overcome some of the really dark and dangerous things were seeing happen on our planet right now.

Have you and your wife [Jessica Oyelowo] had to endure the type of intolerance we see portrayed in the film?

When my wife, who is white, and I happened upon this story, the overriding effect it had on us was feeling very fortunate that we were living in a different era than they did. Because we havent experienced anything the likes of what they have experienced. But were not naive to the fact that there are places we go where the tolerance levels drop in relation to us as a couple. But theres [been] nothing overt. But there are places that we largely avoid where people have a real problem.

In Britain or

Everywhere. We know for a fact that there are states in the United States where the tolerance levels drop. And there are definitely parts of the U.K. where that is the case as well. And within the hearts of certain individuals  they made not overtly express it, but under given circumstances you can feel it. Certainly, there are instances where it has been expressed vocally and people have had to talk about their awful experiences. But I see Ruth and Seretse as being very ahead of their time in terms of what they were prepared to endure for their love and a great example of how to overcome it.

Jessica is in this film, but she plays more of an antagonist, while your Seretse is head over heels in love with Rosamund Pikes Ruth. That had to be an odd experience, falling into a romantic screen relationship while your actual wife is right there?

Well, not only is it odd, but its doubly odd when your real-life wife is playing someone is a racist and who cannot stand the idea of a black man and a white woman being together [laughs]. We had one scene in particular where Rosamund, as written, puts her hand on my hand as an expression of affection that Jessica has to witness. And the camera cuts to her and it looks like she throws up a little bit in her mouth as that happens. And for my money, she does that a little too well. But I like it was because another woman, generally, was touching her husband, not because she had fully embraced the racist qualities of her character [laughs]. No, but we love working together. We met doing youth theater together and it was a real privilege to be a part of a film that means a lot to both of us for obvious reasons.

Jessica Oyelowo and David Oyelowo (Getty Images)

Around the release of Selma you said that was there was a serious shortage of leading roles for black men in British period pieces. This film was produced in Britain. Have you seen any progress since?

Well, if I didnt put the film on my back, and sort of pummel away for six to seven years, A United Kingdom wouldnt exist. And there are not many films like it in the ether. So I cant really speak to whats coming down the pike, pardon the pun, but I know that there isnt exactly an avalanche of these kind of films and opportunities. But the ability to construct opportunities for yourself has increased. There are many ways of displaying your work now, and it doesnt just have to be in a movie theater. There are many more avenues. But its still a struggle.

Were you as frustrated or upset as a lot of us that Selma was so overlooked by the Oscars?

Its now two years on and I have a lot of hindsight. In many ways I think more people ended up seeing the film because of what it didnt get than what people thought it shouldve got. I think that people just got curious. Whats all the noise? Whats #OscarSoWhite? What is this so-called injustice that has happened to this film? And I now cant go anywhere without people having seen that film. So at the end of the day, you could argue that the film did exactly what it was supposed to do. Me having a trinket on a shelf somewhere doesnt validate or eviscerate any of that.

And so, look, the byproducts of it continue to go on and on. I dont think A United Kingdom wouldve gotten made without Selma. What Ava DuVernay is doing by way of her amazing work, Selma was a launch pad for that. Selma gave birth to #OscarsSoWhite, which then had a two-year run, and I think it has brought about discernible change since that black eye, so we shall, on our industry. So there are things that come out of it that far exceed anything that I think nominations or even Oscars would have given us.

Do you feel like Moonlights Oscars win, and other wins by folks like Mahershala Ali and Viola Davis, will help turn the page on #OscarsSoWhite?

I think we have for now. I personally think a huge amount of vigilance has to be employed in relation to thinking that that chapter in Hollywood history is over. Because the infrastructure that enabled two years of #OscarsSoWhite  and forget even #OscarsSoWhite, that still allows for such an underrepresentation of women, of Hispanic people, of Asian people, let alone black people  that is very much still in place. We still do not have enough representations on film what society actually looks like. So yes, it was a nice pendulum swing, but weve seen that in the past. What we need is more than a moment. We need a true movement that sticks. And only time will tell if that is indeed the case.

David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay on the set of Selma (Paramount)

Well speaking of the underrepresentation of women, four of your last five films have been made by female directors. Are you consciously seeking out women behind the camera?

Very conscious. I was very keen on Ava DuVernay for Selma and really beat that drum. Amma Assante was someone I targeted for A United Kingdom. I knew Amma, I thought what she did with Belle as a film was truly beautiful and was the kind of voice we needed for A United Kingdom. I did a film called Five Nights in Maine with a filmmaker called Maris Curran. It was a film I produced, and one of the main reasons I wanted to do that film was because I felt that she was a great new female voice. And Mira Nair was just a wonderful invitation to be a part of Queen of Katwe. And yes, not only being a woman but a person of color who has lived in Uganda for 25 years, so she really knows what shes talking about in relation to that African culture. That was very meaningful to me, because as I say, weve had several representations on film of Africa that have been an outsiders perspective, and its not to say that those films arent valid, but we need some of the other. We need to see what it feels like from within, because I do that that is a more rich and authentic take than just an outside perspective.

I dont know yet if we can say its a turning point, but it does feel like 2017 is becoming a great year for female directors. You look at Patty Jenkins breaking records with Wonder Woman. Ava Duvernay has A Wrinkle in Time coming out with Disney. Kathryn Bigelow has Detroit on the horizon. And there are some really notable new indies out now, like The Beguiled [Sofia Coppola], The Bad Batch [Ana Lily Amirpour], and Band Aid [Zoe Lister-Jones], which was shot with an all-female crew.

I agree. My thing is just vigilance. I remember when Denzel Washington and Halle Berry won Oscars in the same year and there being a feeling that we had turned a corner, historically. And we hadnt. I remember when 12 Years a Slave, The Butler, Fruitvale Station and Mandela were all films that had black male protagonists at their center. And that feeling like it was a renaissance, as it was being called, and then it was followed by two years of #OscarsSoWhite.

I think that its worth acknowledging these moments, but as it pertains to female directors, youre still running at a catastrophic deficit when you think that the population is 51 percent female, and only 7 percent of the top 250 films shot in 2015 were directed by women. Thats inexcusable. So its wonderful that all of those films are happening, and I saw Wonder Woman the other day and you dont often say this about a superhero movie, but thats an important movie that I think 10 years, 20 years from now, people are still going to be looking at as hopefully, a corner turned. But not just because it was directed by a woman, but because its actually about something as opposed to just being eye candy. You really come away from it having your mental senses tickled. And I think that does partly have to do with that female perspective that isnt just interested in explosions.

A United Kingdom is now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD. Watch the trailer:





Read more on Yahoo Movies:
Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, says the Democratic Partys toxic brand under House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is making it difficult for their party to connect with voters.

Weve got a lot of energy in our base, which is very exciting for a lot of us to see that on the ground, Ryan told MSNBCs Morning Joe on Thursday morning. But youve got to beat the Republican and youve got to carry this very toxic Democratic brand on your back, too. Thats a tough thing to ask a candidate running for Congress.

His comments come on the heels of a bruising loss in a special election in a Georgia House race  the fourth such loss since President Trump took office. Democrats and Republicans heavily invested in the contest, which became the most expensive House race in U.S. history.

Ryan, who tried unsuccessfully to unseat Pelosi as House minority leader last fall, said that despite President Trumps sinking approval rating, it will be very hard for Democrats to win back the majority in the House during the 2018 midterm elections with Pelosi in charge.

Its going to be more challenging, certainly, Ryan said. You see these commercials that tie these candidates to Leader Pelosi week in and week out in the last several months. That still moves the needle.

Pelosi is fending off calls from some House colleagues to step aside. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

We can do it because its Donald Trump, he continued. But I mean, you think, what if it was John Kasich? What if it was Marco Rubio? I mean, we would be in real trouble right now as a party, and we cant forget that fact.

In an interview with the New York Times, Ryan put it another way.

Our brand is worse than Trump, he said.

According to a Quinnipiac poll released last month, Trump had a net favorability rating of negative 22 points. Pelosis net favorability rating? Negative 20 points.

On Wednesday night, Ryan told CNNs Don Lemon that its clear the Democratic party has a messaging problem.

We have Donald Trump as president now, he said. Weve done something terribly wrong to make that so. And weve lost traditional Democratic voters that dont see us as connecting to them, dont see us as advocates for them. Weve got to put ourselves in the best position possible to be able to win these races.

Story continues

Related: Trump team takes victory lap after GOP special-election wins

Look, I dont think everybody should get a trophy in life, he continued. You get trophies because you earn them. I dont like second place. I dont like moral victories. I believe in the ideas of the Democratic Party. I believe in a government that could be both nimble but yet active and support social justice issues that are critically important.

Rep. Sean Maloney, D-N.Y., put it bluntly.

Look, we need to win. Everything else is bulls***, Maloney told the Washington Post. Thats all Im going to say.

Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., says its time for Pelosi to go.

Nancy Pelosi was a great speaker, she was a great leader, but her time has come and gone, Rice said on MSNBC.

The rationale for getting new leadership is that were losing, Rice continued. Do I think its fair that the Republicans playbook over the last four election cycles has been attacking Nancy Pelosi and demonizing her? No, thats not fair, nor is it accurate. But guess what? It works. Theyre winning, so we have to address that reality.

Were not losing as badly as we did a year ago. Isnt that great? she said sarcastically on CNNs New Day. No!

I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party  and please let Cryin' Chuck stay!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Ryan said he would rather focus on the partys economic message than, say, the federal investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia.

The economic message  is something that weve got to get back to, he said on CNN. Theres so many families struggling, and were kind of not focused on that as much as we should be.

In a letter to her Democratic colleagues following Tuesdays losses, Pelosi promised to put forth an economic message we can all embrace.

Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, Pelosi said she feels very confident she has the support of her fellow Democrats, and that the party is united when it comes to our concern for Americas working families.

Pelosi added: I respect any opinion my members have, but my decision about how long I stay is not up to them.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sent a separate memo to members intended to motivate them following the setback in Georgia.

This is about much more than one race, Lujan wrote. The national environment, unprecedented grassroots energy and impressive democratic candidates stepping up to run deep into the battlefield leave no doubt that Democrats can take back the House next fall.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Donald Trump received a standing ovation when he announced plans to introduce legislation to stop immigrants receiving welfare benefits for five years - even though such a law has already existed for two decades.

Speaking to supporters at a campaign-style rally in Iowa, his fifth such event since he was elected, the President said he wanted to do more to help rural America. He said he was determined to protect the safety net for Americans in need.

But others do not treat us fairly, he said. That is why I believe the time has come for new immigration laws which say those seeking entry to our country must be able to support themselves financially and should not use welfare for a period of at least five years.

Yet as The Hill pointed out, Mr Trump and his supporters did not appear to realise that such legislation already exists. It said legislation backed Bill Clinton, called the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, stated that immigrants were not eligible for any federal means-tested public benefit for five years beginning when they came into the country.

Trump wall: "Solar wall, panels, beautiful. I mean actually think of it, pretty good imagination right? Good? My idea" No, actually #Trump  Peter Orr (@_orrpix_) June 22, 2017

It said that the law does have some exceptions and additional legislation since its passage has also affected eligibility.

Mr Trump has long pushed for more aggressive immigration policies, seeking to build a wall on the United States border with Mexico.

At the same event in Cedar Rapids, he returned to the issue of such a wall, and said he planned to build one that contained solar panels. He also sought to take credit for the idea.

Were thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, said Mr Trump. This way, Mexico will have to pay much less money."
David Cross in Netflixs David Cross: Making America Great Again! (Photo Credit: Gary Miller/Netflix)

As we enter Emmy season  nomination voting runs June 12 to 26  Yahoo TV will be spotlighting performances and other contributions that we feel deserve recognition.

Watching David Crosss Netflix comedy special Making America Great Again!  filmed just before Donald Trump was even an official presidential nominee  can be jarring, and not just because, as Cross himself tells Yahoo TV, even some people who share his point-of-view thought he might have gone too far with some of his comedy. But, again, as Cross himself says, theres also the matter of his M(ing)AGA comedy feeling even more relevant now than it did back when he filmed it in 2016.

Here, Cross discusses politics, comedy, comedy about politics, his upcoming comedy series Bliss, the much-awaited return of Arrested Development, his role in the all-star Steven Spielberg movie The Papers, and spending Fathers Day with his first born, daughter Marlow.

Making America Great Again! was filmed pre-election, pre-Trump even being the official Republican nominee, but a lot of it feels even more timely now. Do you look back at that time and feel a little nostalgic for it?

Well, it was simpler and perhaps more innocent in the fact that most thinking people thought, Well, theres no way hell become president, much less even get the Republican nomination. It was easier to talk about the things I was talking about, and its almost cringe-worthy now when theres a point where I go, We dont know who the Republican nominee is gonna be, and then I cross my fingers and go, Trump please. Its hard to watch. And even then you thought even if he was the Republican nominee, he surely couldnt be voted into office. Hes such a blatantly reprehensible con artist. But there are a lot of suckers in America, and this country was built on suckering people. But the special is even more relevant because of the shooting [on June 14] with the congressmen. And of course, it wont accomplish anything. The core idea in the [Making America Great Again!] bit is that there would only be change enacted when something happened to them personally. But even then, its probably not going to. It wont result in any change. But yeah, theres little bits and pieces that become more relevant every day, unfortunately.

Story continues

Given the current political climate  and not just the political ideas and events themselves, but the way people react to them, especially on social media  does it make you more or less excited to go back out on tour?

Well, Im struggling, and I know a number of other people are as well, with how to make it funny and not be obvious or trite. Because theres nothing funny about it. Itll be a while before I go out  I got a lot of work to do  but the angle Im exploring is less about him because its so clear. Hes not pretending to be something hes not to any of us. Its blatant, and it was blatant from the very beginning. Hes a pathological liar, narcissistic. I mean, that was there before he ever decided to run for president. Its really about the mindset of the people that would support him regardless of whatever information is put in front of them, and what it would take for people to go, Hey, wait a minute.

So thats sort of what Im trying to find the humor in. This idea that they dont like him so much because of who he is and his policies. These are people, I believe, who just hate with a deep passionate hate the amorphous generic idea of the left, and theyre just happy that hes pissing off people on the left. And thats about as far as their love for him goes. You can replace him with anybody else that did that same thing, and they would love that person. Thats why they love Sarah Palin, you know? That kind of idea. Anyway, most of the new standup Ive been doing revolves around my new baby, fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you view it.

A much happier, more positive thing to think about.

Well, yeah. I mean, its not all a kumbaya type of thing. I am talking about some of the horrible s**t that goes through my head. But yeah, its nice to get your mind off of how low this country has sunk, and with some kind of ultimately optimistic source of humor.

The album for the tour was nominated for a Grammy, and theres buzz about an Emmy nomination for the Netflix special. Does that offer you some hope that even if people dont necessarily agree with what youre saying, they support you going out?

Well, I think those are two different things. Its purely speculative, but Im guessing that the people in the Recording Academy and the people in the Television Academy who vote for the Emmy nominees skew towards the more liberal side. I know there are some people who are uncomfortable with how far I went, but I think for the most part, we share a sensibility there. So I dont look at a nomination as being like they saw merit in the art of it even though they disagreed with what Im saying, because I think  Im going to guess again, purely speculative  most side with my side of things. And again, I know some people are like, Ooh, thats too far, thats a bit much, or whatever. But I dont see that as some sort of vindication, just because of what I presume to be the political makeup of the Academy.

You have recent firsthand experience to speak to, so do you think people who attend comedy shows, who watch standup specials, are more open to hearing about ideas that might be counter to theirs? Social media might suggest to us that people want to just yell at each other. But do you think there are pockets of more open-mindedness, and that maybe standup is one of those pockets?

I think yes, but I would say as well that at this point, most people are familiar with my [point of view]. I even address it in the special, because I had a lot of walkouts. Well, I wouldnt say a lot of walkouts, but a lot of my shows had walkouts. Sometimes no walkouts, but Id say  lets just stick to America  that roughly 85 percent of the shows maybe had walkouts. Sometimes there were just a handful, and they were quiet. Sometimes there were more than a handful, and they were quite vocal. And thats not anything Im not used to. Especially the cops, Black Lives Matter-type stuff really got people to talk.

But, going back to being more clear in my answer, I think that most of the people there were familiar with where Im coming from, or what to expect in a sense. That was my third or fourth special and fourth album, but theres a lot of my stuff available. People who are coming and paying 35 bucks a ticket or 40 bucks a ticket, whatever it ends up being after Ticketmaster gets their greedy hands in it, kind of had an idea of what to expect. I dont think there were that many people who were shocked and went, Hey, this young man has something valuable to say.

Tell me about your upcoming series Bliss, about a man with two wives, two families. It has a great cast, with Episodes star Stephen Mangan as the husband. You made it for Sky, but will we get to see it on American TV, too?

Yeah, its pretty awesome. And as you said, that cast is great. Man, what an amazing job everybody does, but especially Stephen Mangan, he just f**king kills it. And its a really difficult, challenging thing to ask an actor to do. I cant say enough good things about him. Im very happy with the way it turned out. Were in the process of showing it, or trying to sell it to [an American outlet]  and when I say we, I have nothing to do with that; this is all whoever owns it, Sky in conjunction with ITV in conjunction with these people in conjunction with the subsidiary of these people. Its the kind of show that definitely will have a home somewhere, and youll certainly be able to see it. When, I dont know, but I would be shocked if it didnt show up somewhere.

You wrote and directed the series. Why did you decide not to take an onscreen role?

Well, its the same thing with [The Increasingly Poor Decisions of] Todd Margaret. My accent isnt very good. I would have to study for a while to nail it, and originally, when I had the idea, I didnt really want to do it anyway, when it was an American idea. I wrote it for Bob Odenkirk. The pilot took place in Buffalo, and was written for Bob specifically, and I told him about it. This idea has been around for quite a while. And then, of course, Better Call Saul happened. But I just wanted to write and direct it. There are some things I think would make sense for me to do all three of those things, but I think the piece would be served better by me just directing it and having another actor do all that hard work. Its a juicy role. Its really great, and again, Stephens amazing, and Im not sure I could do it as well as Stephen did it, even if somebody else was directing me, as much as I love to get that kind of part. But really, I never intended to do it. Im writing a movie right now that I would direct and I would be in. But this particular idea needs a lot of focus that I wouldnt be confident that I could do all three things at 100 percent. I can write and direct at 100 percent. I can act at 100 percent. But all three things on this particular project, I dont think so.

Bliss is being billed as a comedy. Is that the tone?

I told Sky, and I told them this from the beginning, Look, you guys can position it however you want it. You can call it whatever you want, but its not that funny. Its not like a slapstick comedy, because it starts off a little silly, but it gets really dark. And Stephen pulls it off.

We finally have confirmation that Season 5 of Arrested Development is happening. Any news on what Tobias will be up to?

I have some inkling, but I know enough through experience to know that it can all change by the time this conversation ends. I know some ideas that [series creator] Mitch [Hurwitz] and I were communicating back and forth informally, and he has told me some stuff. But even if I could tell you, which I couldnt or wouldnt, I dont feel confident that by the time I get on set a month and a half from now, that thats actually going to be the case anymore. And stuff changes overnight. You get a script, and then you get to set, and theyre like, No, we decided to do this thing. Here are your new lines. Theres a lot of that. But yeah, looking forward to that. Very excited about that. I think that starts up in about five weeks or so.

Thats a good way to spend the summer.

Yeah, like five or six weeks that Im supposed to be there. (Talking to his newborn daughter, Marlow). Hi, hello. Hello, you.

I was just going to ask you about being a new dad. Congratulations. How will you spend your first Fathers Day?

I got the weekend off. Im working on a film right now, but I will be going upstate for 48 hours, and I will be up there hanging out with my wife [Amber Tamblyn] and the baby. We are in the woods, and its just beautiful there, and so Ill be hanging out with her. I dont have time to do a proper barbecue, but Ill probably get the grill out, and well go swimming and have some steaks and sausages and fresh produce from the area. And go to the farmers market. So its going to be awesome. I prefer that to almost any place on earth. (Talking to Marlow) Hi. Yeah, youre going to get to see some trees and frogs. Youre going to see some frogs. And my dog loves it up there, too.

Are you working on The Papers now, Steven Spielbergs movie about The Pentagon Papers? Another amazing cast

Yeah. Im in the middle of that. Oh my God, the cast is incredible. Its insane.

Can you say anything about who youre playing?

Yeah, I play [former Washington Post managing editor] Howard Simons. Every person is based on a real person. Not even based on, it is that person. And I happen to be playing Howard Simons. Im just Jewy-involved enough. That was the breakdown  Jewy-involved.

David Cross: Making America Great Again! is streaming on Netflix.
Miami (AFP) - A former Haitian coup leader and elected senator was sentenced to nine years in a US federal prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to conspiring to launder drug money.

Guy Philippe, a 49-year-old former senior police officer convicted of taking bribes from drug traffickers, had entered his guilty plea in April in exchange for a reduced sentence.

He had evaded law enforcement for nearly a decade and was arrested in Haiti on January 5, just days before he was to be sworn in as a senator -- which would have given him immunity from prosecution.

Philippe was elected to the Haitian parliament in November. He had close ties to the country's President Jovenel Moise.

In 2004, he helped lead an armed rebellion against then-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was forced to flee the country.

The US drug charges had been hanging over him since 2005.

In his guilty plea, Philippe admitted he had abused his position as a high-ranking police officer to protect narcotics shipments headed to the United States between 1999 and 2003.

He did so in exchange for bribes from drug traffickers that totaled between $1.5 million and $3.5 million, knowing the proceeds came from cocaine sales in Miami and other locations in the United States, prosecutors said.

Philippe gave some of the bribe money to other Haitian police and security personnel to ensure their cooperation, the US Justice Department said.

His cut was used to buy a house in Florida, for his use and that of his family while in the US.

In one instance, Philippe was said to have wired $376,000 in drug proceeds to his joint bank account in Miami from banks in Haiti and Ecuador using the names of others.

He also admitted to organizing $70,000 in drug money to be deposited into his account in amounts under the $10,000 level that triggers US reporting requirements.
Donald Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris climate change agreement

Several more scientists advising the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been notified their contracts will not be renewed.

In an email forwarded to The Independent, Acting Assistant Director Dr. Robert Kavlock told members of the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) that EPA administrators feel the need to reconstitute the committee and thus none of their contracts will be renewed.

BOSC and subcommittee members are nominated by peers if they have significant scientific experience and have done research in the environmental field; they are not political appointees. They serve as external advisors to EPA staff and provide guidance from their academia, industry, non-profit sector positions to help direct resources.

Once approved, they normally serve two three-year terms, with a maximum of six years. That means all of the current advisors were appointed during one of the previous Obama administrations.

Dr Robert Richardson, a professor at Michigan State and former BOSC subcommittee chair, told The Independent that the EPA's latest actions have "made it political" due to the Trump administration's policies on climate change and the environment.

On several occasions, Donald Trump has called climate a "hoax" perpetrated by the Chinese and has withdrawn the US from the global Paris Agreement on climate change.

The US is one of the world's top emitters of carbon dioxide, but Mr Trump and EPA chief Scott Pruitt have continued the rhetoric on exporting American coal, steel, and manufacturing innovation and technology.

Mr Pruitt and Energy Secretary Rick Perry have both commented that though they have been convinced human activity contributes to climate change, neither feels that government policy and regulation will do anything to help combat climate-related issues despite hundreds of scientific studies, some conducted by both of their federal agencies.

They want to "wipe the slate clean...start anew," he said.

Story continues

It is "another example of the erosion of the role of science in federal government," Mr Richardson said.

On 5 May Mr Richardson took to Twitter with an announcement. He had been trumped from his position. Dr Courtney Flint, a professor at Utah State University also received notice that day that her term on BOSC would not be renewed.

Today, I was Trumped. I have had the pleasure of serving on the EPA Board of Scientific Counselors, and my appointment was terminated today.  Robert Richardson (@ecotrope) May 5, 2017

An EPA spokesperson said they would be replaced by those in industry "who understand the impact of regulations on the regulated community".

Also in May, Dr Carlos Martin, a senior research associate at the Urban Institute, and Dr Peter Meyer, President and Chief Economist of The EP Systems Group, both resigned citing political differences with Donald Trump's administration.

Mr Meyer and Mr Martin were members of the Sustainable and Healthy Communities subcommittee of BOSC, of which Mr Richardson was the Chair.

In the letter, they detail the reasons for their immediate resignation, prompted by non-renewal of their colleagues' contracts. Mr Martin posted their joint resignation letter on Twitter, and in it the pair said they felt the EPA was watering down credible science by putting politics where it did not belong.

Mr Meyer previously told The Independent that non-renewal is just a polite way of saying fired.

In the contract notice email, Mr Kavlock also wrote that none of the five advisory subcommittees within the BOSC would be holding meetings for the rest of the year, but was hopeful these would resume in 2018.

Mr Richardson said that not having external advisors meeting and on-hand could hamper staff "in terms of EPA getting feedback... [and] making progress on its research action strategy - the EPA staff has told us its valuable to them".

The work the subcommittee members do helps EPA "direct resources to the appropriate places...and stay cutting edge and relevant," said Mr Richardson.

Mr Kavlock said the EPA encourage[s] you to reapply for membership to the committee members and provided a link to do so. It is unclear how many members will take him up on the opportunity.

The due date for nominations is in just a few weeks and Mr Richardson indicated that weeding through applications, vetting, and ethics and compliance training took months when he was first appointed.
Carrie Coon as Gloria Burgle in FXs Fargo (Credit: Chris Large/FX)

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Somebody to Love Season 3 finale episode of Fargo.

In which Gloria Burgle finally gets her man.

15 things we learn in Somebody to Love:

1. Gloria Burgle has written her resignation letter as a Meeker County Sheriffs Department Deputy. She signs it and puts it in Chief Dammiks inbox, and packs up her desk belongings in a box. As shes on her way out the door, she gets a call from Larue Dollard, IRS agent. He found a card with her name and phone number on it inside the packet of Stussy Lots Ltd. financial documents he received, and he wants to ask her some questions. She didnt send those docs, she says, but when he mentions $200 million worth of fraud connected to the names Emmit Stussy, Sy Feltz, and V.M. Varga, she tells him shes on her way to his office, and stops to retrieve her resignation letter from Dammiks office on the way.

2. Varga and Meemo and lots of gun-toting minions are at Emmits house, where Varga is having him sign yet more documents. Varga tells Emmit he should be happy, as his first action item is complete the accumulation of wealth. Emmit says hes just tired, and puts his head down on the table. Its perfectly natural, V.M. says. You see it all the time in the wild. The smaller animal going limp in the jaws of the larger genetic instinct. On some level, food knows its food.

3. Nikki Swango and Wes are in a hotel room, lining up an arsenal of weaponry on the bed. He asks her if they should call him, and she says shell call in 10 minutes. She does; her call is to Varga, to set up a time to meet for the exchange of cash for hard drives. He tells her hell be coming with a fire team, so she doesnt try any funny business. While hes on the phone with her, Meemo is packing up the signed papers when Emmit lunges at him and steals his gun. I am not food! he yells at V.M., who distracts him with fast talk and a spray of breath freshener to the eyes while Meemo sneaks up behind him and knocks him out. He and Meemo head out for the meeting with Nikki, telling the minions to wipe the house clean, as if theyd never been there.

Story continues

David Thewlis as V.M. Varga and Andy Yu as Meemo in FXs Fargo (Credit: Chris Large/FX)

4. Varga, Meemo, and the fire team arrive in an industrial area, where a young boy directs them to the King Midas Storage building. After the minions check out the lobby, Meemo  whos carrying a briefcase full of, presumably, cash for Nikki  and Varga enter. A sign spray-painted on the floor directs them to take the elevator to the third floor, locker number 327. Up they go, and Meemo and the men slowly make their way to the end of the hall, while Varga hangs out right inside the elevator, holding the door open. Locker 327 contains a table and a note, which further instructs them to leave the money, and retrieve the drives from unit 209. Just then, Varga notices the service elevator opening, as he receives a text message. IRS has the drives. Get out, it reads, and while he warns his men to run, he also allows the elevator to close on Meemo, trapping him and the others on the floor as Varga escapes and the service elevator opens. In the elevator, Varga hears gunfire and yelling, then nothing. Down in the lobby, Nikki awaits the descending elevator with a gun, but when it opens, Varga isnt in it. His trench coat is. Wes soon comes down in the other elevator, carrying Meemos now bloodied briefcase. Wes opens it; its full of cash. Nikki takes two stacks out of the dozens, then points from the case to Wes. He shakes his head no, but she says, Its yours. She signs to him that all she wants is the brother, then she touches Wess arm, and leaves with a shotgun.

5. At his house, Emmit wakes up with a bloody head and the infamous stamp stuck to his forehead. When he notices it in his car window reflection, he takes it off and throws it to the ground. That stamp, at the center of the demise of his relationship with his brother, and directly involved in Rays death, is now worth so little to Emmit that he tosses it in the gravel and drives away.

6. At Stussy EQ, Emmit arrives to find his furniture being moved out, and Mrs. Goldfarb sitting at his desk. He gets it: Shes the big bad. You work for Varga, all this time, Emmit says. Like a fire that leads to another fire. She tells him those documents he signed means he sold all Stussy assets to her company, Realignment, for $100,000. His company, or whats left of it, is now carrying a debt load of more than $300 million. She advises him to file for Chapter 11 immediately, but to rest assured that his personal wealth has been carefully hidden. Then she snaps her fingers to have her security men escort him from his, er, her office.

7. Gloria is at the IRS, talking to Larue, who explains to her what Varga was up to at Stussy: not money laundering, but a leveraged buyout, or bleed out. He explains: An outside entity acquires a healthy company, borrows millions of dollars in its name, which is pocketed by the partners. Then they sell the company, now laden with debt, for a fraction of the price. And its legal, he says, as long as they pay taxes, which Varga, etc., did not.

Olivia Sandoval as Winnie and Carrie Coon as Gloria Burgle in FXs Fargo (Credit: Chris Large/FX)

8. Winnie calls Gloria to the crime scene at the storage building. Dead Meemo is brought out of the building. Winnie says her chief thinks there was an ambush, and they have elevator security camera photos as evidence. The target, they believe: Varga. The perps: Nikki and a man whose photo they dont recognize. We do: its Wes. Gloria also realizes Nikki is the one who sent the Stussy financials to Larue, because they killed her man. Gloria tells Winnie to issue a BOLO, and goes off to warn Emmit about Nikkis vengeance quest.

9. Emmits driving on a deserted highway when his car engine dies. He gets out and tries to make a call, but has no cell reception, and smashes his phone to the ground. Just then, a Ford pickup pulls in behind him on the side of the road, but its not help. Its Nikki, with her shotgun pointed at him. She asks him if hes as low as he can go, and tells him shes been watching as this Varga fella plucked you like a chicken. She says Vargas gone now, but shes there to finish the job. Before she can, a state trooper arrives, and a shootout ensues. Nikki shoots the trooper just as he shoots her, and they both fall dead in the highway. Emmit, of course, is unscathed, and gets in his car, which now starts, and drives off.

10. After his highway trauma, Emmit drives to ex-wife Stellas house. She opens the door, and he starts crying and falls to his knees, and she rubs his back.

11. Flash forward five years: Emmit, Stella, their child and grandchild, as well as a wheelchair-bound Sy and his wife, are having dinner in that same house. Messages on the screen tell us Emmit declared personal bankruptcy in 2011. He also plead guilty to misdemeanor tax fraud, and received two years of probation. Its also believed, but cannot be proven, that he has $20 million in an off-shore account. Emmit says grace, acknowledging theyve had some hard times, made some mistakes, but now those gathered at the table see the light.

12. Emmit goes to the kitchen to get the gelatin salad from the refrigerator. After he smiles while looking at a fridge photo of he and the pre-poisoning Sy, he opens the fridge and reaches for the Jell-O, just as Wes sneaks up on him, and, with a silencer-laden gun, shoots and kills him.

13. Three months later, Gloria, wearing a jacket with the letters DHS on it, walks into a high security office. A man tells her he was recognized via face recognition software as he came in from Brussels. When Gloria enters another room, he is sitting at a small table: V.M. Varga. He doesnt remember her, he says, and he also claims his name is Daniel Rand, an accounting software salesman. Gloria tells him she works for the Department of Homeland Security  the Minneapolis office  and asks him if he knew Emmit Stussy was murdered three months ago (Pitchfork peasants, he mumbles). She also asks him if he did it. After minutes of back-and-forth in which V.M. Vargas once-charming doublespeak now seems like the pretentious ramblings of a high school philosophy student, Gloria finally cuts to the chase: six people are dead, including a state trooper, and $200 million is missing. Varga is going to be sent to Rikers Island jail, and will be charged with felony money laundering and six counts of conspiracy to commit murder, while she spends the next day at the Minnesota State Fair with her son. Shell be eating deep-fried Snickers bars in the colorful fair setting, while he eats mashed potatoes from a box in a dark room.

14. No. Thats not whats gonna happen next, he tells her. Whats gonna happen next is in five minutes that door is going to open and a man you cant argue with will tell you Im free to go, and I will stand from this chair and disappear from the world, so help me, God.

Rikers and Snickers bars. Youll see, Gloria insists.

15. More than five minutes pass. V.M. Varga is still sitting in that chair, and Gloria smiles with visions of crispy Snickers bars dancing in her head.

Dontcha Know:

* The Swango deserved a better ending. And sure, itd have to be a prequel now, but Id still watch a Nikki Swango spinoff, so much the better if it could simultaneously unfold the backstories of Gloria Burgle and Winnie Lopez.

* Larue Dollards pithy explanation of a leveraged buyout is the best pop culture financial lesson since Trading Places.

* Hes a kitten now, Ray, in case you were wonderin, Nikki tells Emmit. As she raises the gun to shoot him  just before the trooper arrives  she begins to recite Paul Marranes words to him: Though thy exalt thyself like the eagle, though thy make thy nest in the stars, thence will I bring thee down, sayeth the Lord. She doesnt get to finish it before the trooper lands one gunshot to her forehead.

* After Gloria sees Nikki dead in the highway, she tries to explain to her son what happened to his grandpa, Ennis. She doesnt want him to know the goriest of details, telling him, Theres violence to knowing the world isnt what you thought. She also tells him that sometimes the world doesnt make a lot of sense, and the way we get through it, is by sticking together.

* Gloria, knowing shes finally got V.M. Varga: You ever guess a pigs weight or eat a deep-fried Snickers bar? Theres no better way to spend a Saturday in this, our great American experiment.
WASHINGTON  In a potentially game-changing move, four conservative senators quickly announced Thursday afternoon that they oppose the health care bill rolled out by Republican Senate leadership earlier in the day.

Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Mike Lee, R-Utah; Ted Cruz, R-Texas and Ron Johnson, R-Wis. said in a statement that the proposal did not go far enough to overhaul the current system.

There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health care system, but it does not appear that this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to the Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs, the group said in the release.

With only 52 Republican senators, the bill will fail if the four legislators maintain their opposition. But the senators indicated that they would be open to a revised version of the bill. This means they may attempt to force concessions from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., before the bill is brought to a vote  possibly as soon as next week.

We are open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor, the statement said.

Paul and Lee have been critical of the drafting process in recent days, saying it lacked transparency and indicating that they were not entirely pleased with the final outcome.

Lee and Cruz were part of the 13-member group tasked with drafting the legislation.

The American people need and deserve to be able to see legislation as it moves through the Senate, Lee said in a video this week.

Paul has criticized party leadership for having forgotten their pledge to repeal Obamacare.

I mean, we had thousands of people standing up and cheering us on, saying they were going to repeal [Obamacare], Paul told Bloomberg on Wednesday. And now theyve gotten kind of weak-kneed and I think they want to keep it.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) (2nd L) heads for his partys weekly policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol May 16, 2017 in Washington. Many Republican and Democratic senators expressed frustration and concern about how President Donald Trump may have shared classified intelligence with the Russian foreign minister last week at the White House. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, more moderate Republicans are also skeptical about the bill. These members have expressed reservations about the legislations ability to roll back Medicaid expansion and defund Planned Parenthood.

Story continues

Sen Rob Portman, R-Ohio, are among the members who have advocated most strongly to preserve the Medicaid expansion parts of Obamacare. In an attempt to appease this group, the bill begins phasing out the expansion in four years rather than the previously proposed three.

But it is possible that other changes to the program remain issues.

I have serious concerns about the bills impact on the Nevadans who depend on Medicaid, Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said.

Related slideshow: Die-in protesters dragged away from McConnells office >>>

A spokesperson for Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the senator was reviewing the legislation and would wait to see the Congressional Budget Offices report, which is expected early next week.

Another issue is the bills defunding of Planned Parenthood for a year. Collins has previously said that it is a mistake to attach funding for the health care provider to the bill, and another lawmaker, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, reportedly pledged to a constituent that she would not vote to defund Planned Parenthood. Both senators reiterated those stances Thursday.

But some conservative Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and the House may bail if the Planned Parenthood provisions were dropped. The House bill, called the American Health Care Act, also defunded Planned Parenthood, and it is unclear whether many lawmakers there would support a bill that did not cut funding for the group.

Other members may object to the funding the bill would allocate combat the opioid abuse epidemic. The Senate legislation offers $2 billion in 2018 to provide grants to states on the issue  a fraction of the amount pushed for by some lawmakers, including Republicans. Portman and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., asked for a larger package: $45 billion.

Capito said in a statement that she was reviewing the bill and examining whether would provide access to care for those struggling with drug addiction.

McConnell has indicated he would like a vote on the bill by next Thursday, before Congress goes on its July 4 recess.

Read more from Yahoo News:
After Republican Karen Handel was pronounced victorious in Georgia's special election for the sixth congressional district Tuesday, the reaction on Twitter was split down partisan lines.It included a lot of puns on the word "Ossoff."

On the conservative side, Republicans took a victory lap claiming that Handel's win was a show of support against the big money interests that supported Jon Ossoff, the 30-year-old upstart.

So much for #HollywoodMoney in the #Georgia special election held today. The electorate has had enough but #Liberals still don't get it!  Deborah Wilkins (@deborahawilkins) June 21, 2017

Ossoff losing campaign cost a record $32 Million



Hillary losing campaign cost a record $1.2B



What They Have In Common Both "LOSERS!" #GA06 pic.twitter.com/zZk9X7iOxj  Immigrants4Trump (@immigrant4trump) June 21, 2017

Ossoff raised $24 million from the party and another $8 million from outside groups.

A large bulk of the $24 million raised by the Democratic candidate was raised from California and New York, according to an analysis by the New York Times.

NEW: Is This Email Jon Ossoff Real? Email Shows Desperate Plea Before Georgia Special Election

President Trump and his family weighed in multiple times after the Republican win was announced. The president said that the win showed that all the "fake news" and "money spent" on the Democratic side were all for naught.

Story continues

Congratulations to Karen Handel on her big win in Georgia 6th. Fantastic job, we are all very proud of you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2017

Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2017

Also, conservative compared the way that the mainstream media reacted to Handel's victory and 2016 election night. In particular, a screen grab was taken showing anchors looking unhappy on CNN.

Another theme from was that there were a lot of puns on both the name "Ossoff" and "Handel."

No Mr President, I will never get tired of #Winning#Handel is laughing her #Ossoff  Truth, Whole Truth.. (@blakehalltexas) June 21, 2017

As a secret lover of puns, Im disappointed that I havent seen anyone saying that #Ossoff was man-Handel-ed last night in the #GA06.  Joe Martin (@jmartindf) June 21, 2017

NEW: Bernie Sanders May Have Won, Even Though Jon Ossoff Lost

Democrats, on the other hand, were split between downplaying the loss as a moral victory because they closed the gap in a red district, expressing disappointment and blaming the loss on Ossoff's candidacy.

1/ Ossoff losing tonight ONLY looks bad if youre unable to see the big picture. Tonight, we should be celebrating. Seriously. (thread)  Charles Clymer__ (@cmclymer) June 21, 2017

I am disappointed but not surprised that a candidate living outside a district lost. #Ossoff



And I am boycotting anything from red states.  Peg Stewart Berger (@PegSBerger) June 21, 2017

I'm disappointed #Ossoff lost but he fell short on 2 major issues 4 progressives [healthcare/taxes]. Establishment Dems still havent learned pic.twitter.com/fBUsMd5XYa  BlackQueen17 (@Erulastiel14) June 21, 2017

During an interview with "Morning Joe" Wednesday, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) pivoted away from the loss in Georgia and said that the Russian investigation is a distraction from the economy.

"The fact that we have spent so much time talking about Russia, you know, has been a distraction from what should be the clear contrast between Democrats and the Trump agenda, which is on economics," Murphy (D-Conn.) said.

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From Popular Mechanics

Roughly 75 Nazi artifacts have been discovered in Argentina, believed to once be the possession of high-ranking Nazi officials who had fled after the collapse of their government. It's the largest stash of Nazi memorabilia found in the country's history.

After Hitler's suicide and the collapse of the German Nazi government, officials who could escape often looked towards South America as a refuge. The country had remained neutral in World War 2, and like the United States, they salivated at the chance to harness the intelligence of Nazi scientists. Over 5,000 Nazis fled to the country, including now-infamous names like Josef Mengele and Adolf Eichmann.

Among the finds, taken from a collector's home by Argentine officials and Interpol, are a large statue of the Nazi Eagle above a swastika, a Nazi hourglass, and a box of harmonicas, thought to be aimed towards Nazi youth.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

"Our first investigations indicate that these are original pieces," Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told The Associated Press, saying that some pieces also had old photographs demonstrating that they had been close to historical figures. "This is a way to commercialize them, showing that they were used by the horror, by the Fuhrer. There are photos of him with the objects."

Of particular interest is a magnifying glass that comes with a picture of Adolf Hitler. "We have turned to historians and they've told us it is the original magnifying glass" that Hitler was using, says Nestor Roncaglia, head of Argentina's federal police, to the AP.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

Major auction houses and sites like eBay often forbid the sale of Nazi-affiliated items, making it difficult for collectors to acquire such a trove without getting it firsthand. Ariel Cohen Sabban, president of the DAIA, a political umbrella for Argentina's Jewish institutes, told the AP that the find "unheard of" was in the country, but that it "could offer irrefutable proof of the presence of top leaders who escaped from Nazi Germany."

Story continues

Source: AP via Paleofuture

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Hundreds of gunmen attacked troops in a southern Philippine village on Wednesday in a hit-and-run assault that may have been intended to help Islamist militants engaged in a nearby urban war, authorities said.

Five civilians who were used as human shields were missing, and soldiers were pursuing the assailants who had quickly retreated, military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla told reporters in Manila.

Padilla said the gunmen attacked a military outpost at daybreak in Pigkawayan, a farming town about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Marawi city where fighters linked to the Islamic State (IS) group have been battling troops for a month.

The attack could be a diversionary tactic to ease pressure on the militants in Marawi, local police commander Chief Inspector Realan Mamon said on radio.

Padilla said the attackers belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), one of four armed groups in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao that analysts say have pledged allegiance to IS.

He said the gunmen attacked the lightly defended outpost, then exchanged fire with troops.

"It's already resolved. The enemy has withdrawn... they failed," Padilla said, adding that troops were in pursuit of the militants.

Local authorities initially reported the gunmen had occupied a school before students arrived.

But Padilla made no mention of any incident at the school.

The area around Pigkawayan is made up of marshlands, mountains and farmlands.

Padilla said there were no confirmed casualties but the military had yet to locate the five people initially used as human shields.

Pigkawayan town mayor Eliseo Garsesa said about 200 gunmen were involved, while a police report said there were about 300.

Padilla said the BIFF, a small insurgent group believed to have just a few hundred fighters, had seemingly sought to capitalise on the military being focused on the Marawi war.

"By and large they are just taking advantage... of the situation that we have a very slightly defended outpost and that they think our forces are elsewhere in the province," Padilla said.

Story continues

- Hardline groups -

Muslim rebels have been fighting for more than four decades for an independent or autonomous region in the south of the mainly Catholic nation, with the conflict claiming more than 120,000 lives.

The major rebel organisations have signed, or are pursuing, peace deals with the government, but small hardline groups such as the BIFF have vowed to continue fighting.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern region of Mindanao on May 23 immediately after fighters flying the IS flag rampaged through Marawi.

Their assault on Marawi ignited an unprecedented urban war that has claimed hundreds of lives and which Duterte has warned is part of an IS campaign to establish a base in Mindanao.

The fighting has left Marawi, the most important Muslim city in the Philippines, largely in ruins.

The militants involved in the Marawi fighting are mostly from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf organisations, which have united with the BIFF under the IS umbrella, according to the government.

The military has said foreign fighters, including those from Chechnya, Indonesia and Malaysia, have also joined the Marawi conflict.

IS has ambitions of setting up a caliphate in Southeast Asia -- home to largely Muslim nations like Indonesia and Malaysia -- as the group loses territory in Iraq and Syria.

Garsesa, the town mayor, said local authorities had received text messages over the past several days about an attack somewhere in the area.

The BIFF was blamed for attacking at least nine Mindanao towns in 2008, with the assaults claiming about 400 lives and forcing 600,000 people to flee their homes.
Its official: Ron Howard is taking over the Millennium Falcon cockpit recently vacated by Phil Lord and Chris Millers controversial ejection from Disneys untitled Han Solo Star Wars prequel. Its the first time in the franchises history that an Oscar-winning director will be behind the camera. Howard is of the same generation as screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and producer Kathleen Kennedy both of whom, reports suggest, were behind the decision to switch directors even as the shoot was entering its final phases. And even though this will be Howards inaugural trip to that far, far away galaxy, one could make the case that hes been warming up for this assignment for much of his Hollywood career. Here are the half-dozen films that paved the way for his first solo Star Wars assignment.

Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams and Ron Howard in American Graffiti (Photo: Everett)

American Graffiti (1973)

A year before he became the poster child for retro-50s nostalgia as the star of Happy Days, Howard joined the ensemble of another backwards-glancing hit: American Graffiti. Set over one long California night in 1962, the film also featured such future big-screen icons as Richard Dreyfuss, Suzanne Somers, and an actor/carpenter named Harrison Ford. The director of this seemingly minor comedy that went on to have a major impact on teen movies? (Dazed and Confused, Cant Hardly Wait, and even Superbad owe a little something to Graffiti.) None other than George Lucas, who wrote the first draft of what would become Star Wars  The Journal of the Whills  the same year that American Graffiti hit theaters. Youve gotta wonder if he shared any of that journal with Howard on set.

Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Don Ameche in Cocoon (Photo: Everett)

Cocoon (1985)

Howard experienced a close encounter of the third kind on his fourth feature, in which a race of aliens from a different far, far galaxy  the Antareans  come to Earth in search of the cocooned survivors from their former colony, the lost island of Atlantis. In another Star Wars-ian flourish, they enlist the aid of a roguish pilot to help them in this mission: Steve Guttenbergs Jack Bonner, who captains a ship that sails the seas rather than the stars. And, just like Han, Jack falls for an attractive alien (Tahnee Welch) whos a whole lot smarter, and savvier, than himself.

Story continues

Warwick Davis in Willow (Photo: Everett)

Willow (1988)

Lucas produced and conceived of the story for this Tolkien-inspired high fantasy, which debuted to mixed reviews at the time, but boasts a sizeable fanbase today. Free of the Ewok costume he wore as Endor-dwelling forest creature Wicket in Return of the Jedi  as well as two made-for-TV sequels, Caravan of Courage and The Battle for Endor  Warwick Davis plays the title character, a would-be sorcerer who embarks on a grand adventure involving a sword-wielding warrior (Val Kilmer) and, of course, a princess in need of protecting. Lucass own effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, created the VFX for the movie, so Howard already has them on his speed dial.

Kurt Russell and William Baldwin in Backdraft (Photo: Everett)



Backdraft (1991)

Well, the Star Wars movies are known for their firefights, right? Howards drama about a pair of squabbling sibling firemen (Kurt Russell and William Baldwin) does boast some gasp-inducing blazes. If Han Solo has to smuggle anything to Mustafar, the director will feel right at home.

Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Tom Hanks in Apollo 13 (Photo: Everett)



Apollo 13 (1995)

Tatooine, we dont have a problem. Apollo 13 proves that Howard most definitely knows the ins and outs of space travel. Based on the real-life mission that stranded three astronauts in space between the moon and Earth, the film provides a gripping account of how they troubleshoot their way back to terra firma with the help of a dedicated ground crew. No last-minute jumps to hyperspace for this team; they have to get by on the um, force of their own will.

Chris Hemsworth in Rush (Photo: Everett)



Rush (2013)

Lets be honest: if, as some suspect, Han is going to make his famous less-than-12-parsec Kessel Run in this film, itll help to have a Formula 1-tested director calling the shots. Howards biopic of professional rivals James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) is punctuated by terrifically shot racing footage that practically puts viewers in the drivers seat at speeds over 100 miles an hour.

Watch Ron Howard Break Down His Career in Our Directors Reel:



Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Sears Canada files for creditor protection. (CNBC)

Shortly before 5 pm on June 21, staff at Sears Canada headquarters in Toronto received invitations to two separate meetings, a now-former employee says. One group was asked to arrive and register at 7:45 am for an 8:15 meeting on June 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The other group was asked to go to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

At first, I didnt think much of it but then everyone said it was mandatory, says the source, who spoke to Yahoo Canada Finance on the condition of anonymity. Each person had a location and time. And the email said if you went to the wrong place, youd be redirected.

The source says around 300 Sears Canada head office employees assembled in a Convention Centre meeting room with rows of chairs this morning. The former employee also reported company phones and electronics had been disabled. At 8:40 am, Sears Canada Chief Operations Officer Becky Penrice addressed the group of employees.

She came in and spoke for about five minutes, the source states. She said as of today, we are terminated. They took our badges and IDs and company phones.

Also on June 22, the same day the company filed for creditor protection, the group not summoned to the Convention Centre found themselves at a strategy meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, where breakfast was reportedly provided.

I talked to one of my colleagues at the other location; there was food and stuff for them but we didnt even get water, they said. Some came in from Halton (approx. 60 km away) just to go right back home again. One of my colleagues who was let go had worked at Sears for over 35 years and another for almost 20.

In a press release, the beleaguered retailer today reported that 2,900 jobs would be cut country-wide. The press release also says the company would work to complete its restructuring in a timely fashion and hopes to exit CCAA protection as soon as possible in 2017, better positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that exist in the Canadian retail marketplace. For a full list of locations being closed, click here.

Details of remuneration for terminated employees have not yet been disclosed to them by the company.

We dont know what kind of compensation were going to get yet, the source says. We got a generic package saying personalized letters would be sent to us along with our belongings at our desks.
Coalition forces led by the U.S. killed Turki al-Binali, a senior leader of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria also known as ISIS, in an airstrike last month, the U.S. Central Command confirmed Tuesday in a statement. Al-Binali, the self proclaimed Grand Mufti, or chief cleric of ISIS, was killed in a May 31 airstrike in the city of Mayadin in eastern Syria, the statement said.

ISIS had already confirmed Al-Binalis death on June 1, according to a report published Tuesday by Al Arabiya, a Saudi-owned Arab news channel.

Al-Binali had a central role in recruiting foreign terrorist fighters and provoking terrorist attacks around the world, the Central Command statement said. As chief cleric to ISIS since 2014, he provided propaganda to incite murder and other atrocities, attempted to legitimize the creation of the caliphate, and was a close confidant of [ISIS leader] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, it read.

Read: ISIS Loses Ground In Syria And Becomes More Deadly

The statement also specified Al-Binalis propaganda writings included a call for terrorists to pledge allegiance to al-Baghdadi as caliph. His recruiting efforts for the terror group also included multiple recorded lectures attempting to justify and encouraging the slaughter of innocents, the Cent. Comm. statement noted.

Born in 1984, Al-Binali was from a wealthy family in Bahrain, that had close ties to the Al-Khalifas, Abu Dhabi's royal family, the New York Times said in an article in 2015. He was known for formulating religious opinions for ISIS, one of which included justifying rape and enslavement of women from the minority Yazidi community in Iraq.

The U.S. Department of Treasury described him as a recruiter for ISIL foreign fighters. It also claimed he provided literature and fatwas for ISIL training camps, and wrote several pamphlets to recruit more fighters to ISIL, including the first call for Muslims to pledge allegiance to ISIL leader.

Story continues

Al-Binali was also listed under U.N. sanctions, which stated he was chosen as ISIS' chief religious advisor in 2014. Baharain revoked his citizenship Jan. 31, 2015.

The cleric had also served as head of ISIS' religious compliance police, where he was responsible for recruitment of foreign fighters. He was closely associated with al-Baghdadi and was also a part of his team of advisers, according to the U.N. listing.

Al-Binalis recruiting efforts for ISIS also included distribution of funds, and his filmed lectures were shown in order to promote propaganda In June 2014, he tried to legitimize the declaration of the so-called caliphate.

Read: ISIS Kills Hundreds In Mosul, Iraq, According To UN

Recently, several senior leaders of the group have been killed as ISIS has been driven from large parts of Iraq and Syria. U.S.-backed coalition forces recently pushed into the northern Syrian city of Raqqa that served as the groups de facto capital.

Unconfirmed reports last week claimed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed by a Russia-backed airstrike. However, reports also said that Moscow was investigating the claims.

Russia's Defense Ministry said the airstrike near the Syrian city of Raqqa on May 28 targeted a meeting of ISIS leaders. According to the information which is now being checked by various channels, al-Baghdadi, who was eliminated by the air strike, was also present during the meeting, RIA news agency quoted the ministry as saying.

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After the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul and its famous leaning minaret were blown Wednesday, a blame game started between the Islamic State group (ISIS) and the U.S. blaming each other for the act. While the U.S. and Iraq said that ISIS blew up the historic mosque; the terrorist organization, through its news agency has blamed U.S. warplanes for Mosul's big loss Wednesday, reports said.

U.S. officials told CNN that ISIS' claim was "1,000% false."

"We did not strike in that area," coalition spokesman of the U.S. Air Force, Col. John Dorrian told Reuters by telephone.

Read: ISIS Kills More Than 200 Civilians In Mosul In Past Few Days, According To UN

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, commander of the coalition's ground component, said in a statement.

The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted saying the ISIS act amounts to "an official announcement of their defeat."

Iraqis would refer to the minaret as "the hunchback". The al-Nuri mosque was named after Nuruddin al Zanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and also housed an Islamic school, reports said.

By the time renowned medieval traveler and scholar Ibn Battuta visited two centuries later, the minaret had started leaning and the tilt gave the mosque its famous name "hunchback."

Ryan Dillon, the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)  the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS  tweeted that Iraq War Media Cell announced that ISIS was fully responsible for bombing of the mosque.

Tamer El-Ghobashy, the Middle East Correspondent for Wall Street Journal tweeted a short video of the bombing of the mosque.

In recent days, Iraqi forces have targeted the last remaining areas held by the ISIS in Mosul. "Our forces were advancing toward their targets deep in the Old City and when they got to within 50 meters of the Nuri mosque, Daesh committed another historical crime by blowing up the Nuri mosque," reports said citing the statement of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulamir Yarallah, the overall commander of the Mosul offensive, late Wednesday.

Story continues

Read: Islamic State Group In Iraq Hangs Civilian Bodies From Electrical Poles In Mosul Fight

According to Iraqs joint operations command, the ISIS militants blew up the mosque and its minaret as Iraqi forces  who have been able to squeeze the group into Mosul's historic city center over the last eight months came within 50 yards of the shrine.

If ISIS conducted the attack, this will not be the first time they would have destroyed a heritage site. The militant group has rampaged through multiple such sites in Iraq and Syria. In March 2015, ISIS fighters destroyed Iraq's ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud. In July 2014, extremists in Mosul destroyed what was believed to be the tomb of Jonah, a key figure in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, among others.

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By Marius Bosch and Maher Chmaytelli MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Islamic State militants on Wednesday blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, an Iraqi military statement said, as Iraqi forces seeking to expel the group from the city closed in on the site. It was from this medieval mosque three years ago that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" spanning parts of Syria and Iraq. Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque, a claim swiftly denied by the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the hardline Sunni group. "We did not strike in that area," coalition spokesman U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian told Reuters by phone. "The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," said a statement from the commander of the coalition's ground component, U.S. Army Major General Joseph Martin, using an acronym for Islamic State. The Iraqi military's media office distributed a picture taken from the air that appeared to show the mosque and minaret flattened in the middle of the small houses of the Old City, the historic district where the militants are besieged. "The Daesh (Islamic State) terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Hadba minaret," the Iraqi military statement said. The Iraqis lovingly call the minaret Al-Hadba, or "the hunchback." A video seen on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically in a vast billow of sand and dust, as a woman lamented in the background, saying "the minaret, the minaret, the minaret." The explosions happened as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got to within 50 meters (164 feet) of the mosque, the Iraqi military statement said. An Iraqi military spokesman gave the timing of the explosion as 9:35 p.m (1835 GMT). "This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," said U.S. Major General Martin. Iraqi forces said earlier on Wednesday they had started a push towards the mosque. The forces on Tuesday had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under Islamic State control in Mosul. [nL8N1JI1LE][nL8N1JH3PS] Al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph" - or ruler of all Muslims - from the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran vast swathes of Iraq and Syria. His black flag had been flying over its 150-foot (45-metre)leaning minaret since June 2014. Baghdadi's speech from the mosque was also the first time he revealed himself to the world, and the footage broadcast then is to this day the only video recording of him as "caliph." MINARET WAS VULNERABLE Iraqi officials had privately expressed the hope that the mosque could be captured in time for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. The first day of the Eid falls this year on June 25 or 26 in Iraq. "The battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces with that objective in mind," said Martin. The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" even though Islamic State would continue to control territory west and south of the city, the largest they held sway over in both Iraq and Syria. Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. and Iraqi military sources. The mosque is named after Nuruddin alZanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The mosque was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and housed an Islamic school. By the time renowned medieval traveler Ibn Battuta visited two centuries later, the minaret was already leaning. Its tilt gave the landmark its popular name: the hunchback. [nL8N1I30PS] It was built with seven bands of decorative brickwork in complex geometric patterns ascending in levels towards the top in designs also found in Persia and Central Asia. Nabeel Nouriddin, a historian and archaeologist specializing in Mosul and its Nineveh region, said the minaret has not been renovated since 1970, making it particularly vulnerable to blasts even if it was not directly hit. The Mosque's destruction occurred during the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, marking when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to prophet Mohammed. (additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Phil Stewart in Washington; writing by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Toby Chopra and Jonathan Oatis)
A 2015 rally marked the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

WASHINGTON  Republican attitudes toward African-Americans hardened significantly in 2016, according to an authoritative new study.

Only 32 percent of self-identified Republicans in 2016 said they believe that African-Americans face a lot of discrimination. That was a significant drop from just a year earlier, when the Public Religion Research Institute asked the same question. In that survey, 46 percent of Republicans responded that blacks experience significant discrimination.

In fact, more than half of Republicans told PRRI in 2016 that discrimination against whites has become as big a problem as discrimination against blacks and other minorities. Among Democrats, 69 percent disagreed with this statement, and 59 percent of independents disagreed.

The 2016 study surveyed 40,509 people by phone in the second half of the year, starting in mid-May, just after Donald Trump had effectively clinched the GOP nomination.

About three-quarters of self-identified Republicans are white Americans who identify as Christian, said PRRI CEO Robert P. Jones.

Attitudes among voters of other political persuasions stayed fairly steady on the question of discrimination against African-Americans during this period. Among independents, 58 percent said in 2016 that blacks are discriminated against, a drop of just 1 point. And 77 percent of Democrats answered affirmatively in 2016, down just 3 points from a year earlier.

When PRRI first asked the question in its 2015 study, public awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement was still growing. Since then, there have been a number of other well-publicized cases of blacks killed by police under questionable circumstances.

Jones noted that Trumps campaign in 2016 included a very hard pushback to Black Lives Matter  that began to be seen as the Republican response.

Trump called the group a threat and said that a lot of people feel that it is inherently racist.

Its a very divisive term, because all lives matter. Its a very, very divisive term, Trump said.

Story continues

The phrase blue lives matter, intended to signal support for the police, became a rallying cry at the Republican Convention in Cleveland last year, after eight police officers were shot and killed in separate incidents in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

But in the weeks leading up to the convention, Trump also condemned the fatal shooting of two black men by police officers: Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, La., on July 5 and Philando Castile in St. Paul, Minn., the next day.

Related slideshow: Outrage over officer acquittal in Philando Castiles death >>>

Protesters carry a banner depicting Philando Castile on June 16 in St Paul, Minn. (Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The officer who shot Castile during a traffic stop was acquitted of all charges earlier this month.

I thought they were horrible, horrible to witness, Trump said at the time. Whether thats a lack of training or whatever, but I thought they were two incidents that were absolutely horrible to witness. At the same time, our country is losing its spirit. African-Americans are absolutely losing their spirit.

Sterling and Castile are just two of the many black men and women who have died from police shootings or in custody, often in incidents that have been captured on video and released to the public. The list from 2014 to 2016 includes Michael Brown, Laquan McDonald, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Joseph Mann, Paul ONeal, Terence Crutcher, Keith Lamont Scott and several others.

Jones said the different partisan and racial attitudes about discrimination mirror long-standing trends in American life. He also believes that the significant change in Republican attitudes between 2015 and 2016 indicated that the presidential campaign  and the amount of attention and discussion it focused on the topic  had a substantial impact.

Presidential campaigns are fairly influential in terms of what they signal to people  what they highlight and dont highlight, Jones said. They send cues to people.

Read more from Yahoo News:
NASA released a photo this week that could be the most meta thing that has ever happened on Mars: The spacecraft orbiting the planet snapped a picture of the rover exploring the surface.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter used its powerful telescope from the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera to capture this image of the Curiosity rover handling the rough terrain of Mount Sharp, the space agency said. The blue dot of Curiosity stands out against the reds and tans of the areas rocks and sand.

mars-rover-space

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

It was not the first time the orbiters HiRISE camera captured Curiosity down below  NASA said that has happened a few times a year since the rover landed near Mount Sharp almost five years ago.

Curiosity, which for scale is about the size of a car, is ascending Mount Sharp as it investigates the soil on Mars for clues about the environment it once hosted and whether it could have supported alien life.

Read: This Mars Rover Looks Like the Batmobile

Scientists have already started analyzing samples taken from the lower levels of the mountain, which they say show a diverse environment that evolved over time. The lowest levels of Mount Sharp are made of sediment that accumulated the earliest in the mountains history while the area was underwater. The rover sampled soil from there that had a lot of iron and magnesium, rock that is similar to the volcanic kind you would find in Hawaii today, suggesting a similar source. At higher elevations of Mount Sharp, there were some minerals that would have accumulated in more acidic water and others that would have built up in water with a more neutral pH level  an example of the way the environment changed in this location over time.

The water with the more neutral pH would have been most comfortable for alien life to form and thrive since it is similar to what we would find on Earth today although more acidic water does not rule out extraterrestrials  recent research has shown that early life on Earth could have evolved in more acidic oceans.

Story continues

Before it began climbing the mountain, Curiosity examined the sand dunes in the area to learn more about environmental conditions on Mars like wind. The rover took soil samples to see how the grains and minerals had been organized by the blowing wind and took a closer look at the physical characteristics of the sand dunes, which vary by place.

Read: Would a Space Colony on Mars Be an Awful Idea?

Last month, Curiosity passed through an area with linear sand dunes where the peaks in the sand run in lines. But shortly before that, and slightly farther away from the base of the mountain, it rolled through a place where the dunes were shaped like crescents. Scientists are hoping to use data the rover collected to learn more about the complex wind patterns that would create such varying conditions. That data include photos of the landscape taken over time, as wind moves soil along. Curiosity has a wind detection device as part of its onboard weather instruments, but it doesn't work.

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis railed against North Korea for its deadly treatment of an imprisoned American student and its unceasing development of an advanced weapons program. Their comments came after meeting with senior Chinese officials Wednesday to hash out a host of security issues, as Washington continues trying to enlist Beijings help to rein in North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

Mattis said the North Korean regime, pursuing a nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program despite universal condemnation, provokes, provokes, and provokes.

The regimes brutality was highlighted after it released a young American man, detained for seventeen months, to the United States in a coma last week. Otto Warmbier, 22, died on Monday due to his treatment at the hands of the North Korean regime, though exact details on his ordeal remain unclear.

We see a young man go over there healthy, and with a minor act of mischief, come home dead, basically, Mattis said. Warmbier was arrested on a tourist trip to North Korea in January 2016 and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor on sham charges. There is no way that we can look at a situation like this with any kind of understanding. This is  goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being, Mattis said.

Mattis spoke alongside Tillerson after a high-level security dialogue with top Chinese officials Yang Jiechi, Chinese foreign-policy chief, and Gen. Fang Fenghui, chief of the Peoples Liberation Armys joint staff department. Yang and Fang declined to speak alongside Mattis and Tillerson at the press conference, a senior State Department official said.

Beijing is increasingly caught in the middle of the Trump administrations showdown with Pyongyang. China is North Koreas economic lifeline, accounting for 90 percent of trade with the Hermit Kingdom, much of it funneled through a shadowy network of front companies and businesses. That makes it difficult for Washington to ratchet up pressure on the North Korean regime without Beijings help. And Tillerson, like Trump before him, said it could do a lot more on that front.

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We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region, Tillerson said.

Also on the agenda were simmering geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. Mattis has taken a low-key, pragmatic approach to relations with China, especially when it comes to competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing has enlarged a cluster of small reefs and built military airfields and air defense systems.

While competition between our nations is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable, Mattis said. Chinas claims to most of the South China Sea and many of its atolls and islets, he said, are not recognized under international law, and the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.

Trump on Twitter Tuesday thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for what the president said were efforts by Beijing to put pressure on Pyongyang.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out, Trump tweeted. At least I know China tried!

Actually, during the first quarter of 2017, after Trump personally asked Xi to ratchet up economic pressure on North Korea, Chinas trade with the country grew by about 34 percent.

Neither Mattis or Tillerson made mention  nor were asked  about Trumps tweet.

The North Korean ambassador to India, Kye Chun Yong, said Wednesday his government is willing to talk about freezing its nuclear and missile testing programs if the United States and South Korea meet certain preconditions.

If our demands is met, we can negotiate in terms of the moratorium of such as weapons testing, Kye said in English in an interview with Indian television, according to South Koreas Yonhap News Agency. Pyongyang reportedly seeks a halt to annual joint military drills between Washington and Seoul, which the North labels provocations.

On Tuesday, the U.S. military flew two B-1B bombers over the Korean peninsula in a show of force to Pyongyang amid the regions heightened tensions, and there are two aircraft carrier strike groups operating in the western Pacific: the USS Ronald Reagan, which is stationed in Japan, and the USS Nimitz which earlier this week sailed into the area.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington next week, where the two will have further discussions over North Korea. There are already signs that Moon, who was voted into office advocating a return to sunshine policies of rapprochement with North Korea, may be taking a harder line. Moon told the Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday that he would only push relations forward with the North if it halts work on its nuclear weapons program.

It is important to send out a message to North Korea that if it decides to denuclearize and to come to the negotiating table, then we are willing to assist them, Moon said. But if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un refuses to cooperate, I believe that we will have no choice but to apply additional and strong pressure on it, Moon said.

Photo credit: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images
A woman took drastic action recently to look like her current celebrity obsession: Melania Trump.

Sierra and Trump. (Photos: Facebook, Getty Images)

Claudia Sierra, a mother of two from Cypress, Texas, worked with plastic surgeon Franklin Rose to mimic the first ladys appearance by receiving a revision breast reconstruction, a revision rhinoplasty, a tummy tuck, liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, an eyelid lift, Botox, fillers, and unspecified injectable treatments.

Sierras Melania Makeover took place on Monday, and the big reveal will happen on an episode of Inside Edition this fall.

I want to feel like the first lady that I know I am inside, the cancer survivor said of her motivation to go under the knife in a statement to the media. Melania for me illustrates power and strength; she is our first lady, and I am looking forward to more closely resembling her and becoming a better version of me.

According to Rose, Sierra is part of a growing trend. Ive had many women visit my office wanting the Ivanka look, he said in a press release. So its not really surprising to see women now requesting to look more like Melania, who is simply gorgeous.

In November, Nightline followed two other women from Texas, Tiffany Taylor and Jenny Stuart, who spent thousands of dollars in order to steal Ivanka Trumps look. The pair both underwent procedures such as breast augmentations, injections, eye lifts, and liposuctions. Dont judge until you try it, Taylor said.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Boca Raton, Fla., told Yahoo Beauty that social media is part of the reason why some individuals strive to look like the Trumps or other influential figures. People are seeing their favorite celebrities more frequently, he explained. But, he noted, its important to set realistic expectations. Prospective patients must understand that there are limitations to the amount of change that can be made.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Story continues

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Recreational marijuana use is still broadly prohibited in Mexico: 2006 Getty Images

Medicinal cannabis has been made legal in Mexico.

The President, Enrique Pena Nieto, has officially published a bill allowing its use for health and scientific purposes.

The bill was passed in April, with an overwhelming 371 members of the Lower House of Congress voting in favour, with only 19 politicians voting against or abstaining.

It also received popular support from the Mexican Senate in December, with 98 senators voting to pass the bill and seven voting against.

The law authorises the Ministry of Health to create new regulations for medical marijuana use, as well as "how to regulate the research and national production of them."

It also establishes that industrial products with concentrations of one percent THC or less would be legal to buy, sell, import and export.

Recreational use of marijuana remains broadly prohibited in Mexico.

But President Nieto  once staunchly anti-drugs  has called for a global rethink towards narcotics.

He said they should be viewed through a public health lens which doesnt criminalise users.

Mexico has been particularly hard hit by drug violence. An ongoing drugs war has killed around 80,000 people since 2006.

It now joins a small number of countries, including Canada and Portugal, which have legalised the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Steve Rolles, a senior policy analyst on drug policy with the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, told The Independent: "Its outrageous that for decades now, drug war politics have prevented doctors from making licensed cannabis products available even when it is their clinical judgement that they are the best option for their patients.

"Access to medicines is a fundamental element of the right to health and it is, of course, great to see Mexico joining many other countries in changing its law to finally allow access to those in need.

"It does, however, highlight the continuing injustice faced by both doctors and patients in the UK who seek access to licensed cannabis-based medicines, but are still denied this basic right."
By Bernie Woodall (Reuters) - More than half of American teens have had sex by age 18, but teenage pregnancy and birth rates extended their 2-1/2-decade decline because of increased contraceptive use, according to a U.S. government study released on Thursday. Most of the 55 percent of teens who have had sex by 18 used some type of protection, typically a condom, the study of more than 4,000 teenagers by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics showed. Some 80 percent of teenagers employed a contraceptive method during their first sexual encounters, according to the study. The study measured sexual activity, defined as vaginal intercourse between a female and a male, by teens aged 15 to 19 from 2011 to 2015. The greater use of protection helped lower the rate of births by teenagers to 22 per 1,000 females in 2015 from 62 per 1,000 in 1991. Teen pregnancy rates peaked in 1990 and have since fallen more than 50 percent, said Joyce Abma, researcher at the National Center for Health Statistics, who co-authored the report with Gladys Martinez. In a phone interview, Abma said the level of sexual activity among teenagers fell sharply until about 2002 and had since gradually declined, while the use of contraceptives had steadily increased. The study found that among males aged 15 to 19, about 44 percent have had sex, down from 60 percent in 1988. For females, that rate was 42 percent in the recent study compared with 51 percent in 1988. Teenagers are generally more responsible than most parents think when it comes to when and if to have sex, said Bill Albert, spokesman for the nonprofit National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "Adults, when they think of teen sexual culture, they see little more than a blur of bare midriffs," Albert said. Among the teen females who have had sex, 74 percent had intercourse for the first time with someone with whom they were "going steady," compared with 51 percent of the males, the study found. Twenty percent of the females and nearly 40 percent of the males said their first experiences were with someone they considered "just friends" or "going out (with) every once in a while." About 2 percent of females and 7 percent of males said they had sex for the first time with someone they just met, the study showed. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Peter Cooney)
Seoul (AFP) - North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a "psychopath" as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a "tough situation" at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.

"South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump...will only lead to disaster," an editorial carried by the paper said.

A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbier's death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Trump slammed the "brutal regime" in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to "prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency."

His language was echoed by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who said in an interview ahead of a White House visit next week that North Korea bears responsibility for the student's death.

"I believe we must now have the perception that North Korea is an irrational regime," Moon told CBS television's "This Morning."

Moon, a centre-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favours engagement with the North, rather than the hardline stance taken by his ousted conservative predecessor Park Geun-Hye.

Washington has also stepped up its muscle-flexing in the region, flying two B-1 bombers over the Korean peninsula Tuesday in a planned training mission with Japan and South Korea as its latest show of force.

The North has often used bombastic and sometimes racist rhetoric to slam other world leaders for actions that displeased the regime.

Pyongyang compared former US president Barack Obama to a monkey after he supported the 2014 cinematic release of 'The Interview', a Hollywood comedy mocking the North Korean leadership.

The regime has launched vitriolic and sexist verbal attacks on former South Korean president Park on numerous occasions, calling her a "crazy old bitch" and an "ugly female bat".
The Florida newlywed accused of hiring a hit man to do away with her husband has been found guilty in the murder-for-hire case after three trials.

Read: As O.J. Simpson Remains Hopeful of Prison Release, Sister Sheds Light on His Life Behind Bars

Sobs were heard behind Dalia Dippolito as the verdict was announced Friday in a Palm Beach County court.

Dippolito herself looked distraught as she sat with her hands cuffed behind her.

She then asked the judge if she could call her son.

Dippolito, a realtor, was secretly recorded as she met an undercover cop posing as a hitman.

Officers later staged a fake murder scene at her house in Boynton Beach, telling Dippolito that her husband of just seven months had been slain.

Some of the officers said they had trouble keeping a straight face as she shed crocodile tears.

At her first trial in 2011, a jury found Dippolito guilty of soliciting a murder. That conviction was overturned on appeal.

She was tried a second time last year, but that trial resulted in a hung jury.

At her third trial, her ex-husband, Michael, took the stand.

Read: Tiger Woods Seeks Professional Help to Manage Medications Following DUI Arrest

This time, the jurors deliberated for just 90 minutes before returning with a guilty verdict.

Court officials had to call an ambulance when the 34-year-old defendant started hyperventilating.

Her lawyer, Brian Claypool, vows another appeal.

Watch: Prince William Evokes Mother's Death as He Takes On Paparazzi Over Kate's Topless Photos

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Responding to the passing of Warmbier by provoking or attacking North Korea goes against American interests  and would cause other tragic deaths

If calls for revenge come too loud for Trump to ignore, compelling China to restrain North Korea is a more effective way to channel those voices. Photograph: Kyodo/Reuters

With the death of the 22-year-old American student Otto Warmbier, American officials are calling for revenge. The United States cannot and should not tolerate the murder of its citizens by hostile powers, Senator John McCain said in a statement. That evening, Senator Marco Rubio tweeted: North Korea must be held accountable for its brutality. And Donald Trump said in a statement: Ottos fate deepens my Administrations determination to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people.

Warmbier allegedly tried to steal a propaganda poster in Pyongyang on New Years 2016; the regime sentenced him to 15 years of hard labor in March 2016. Last week, Pyongyang released him, in a coma  probably caused by injury to the brain  and he died six days later.

He is probably the first American to die at the hands of North Koreans in decades. The awful torturous mistreatment our son received at the hands of the North Koreans ensured that no other outcome was possible beyond the sad one we experienced today, the Warmbiers said on 19 June.

Protecting the lives of Americans abroad is essential, and one of the state department tasks that citizens most value. And yet, responding to the passing of Warmbier by provoking or attacking North Korea goes against American interests  and would cause other tragic deaths.

The best-case scenario for America would be denuclearizing North Korea, and reducing the threats posed by its chemical and conventional weapon stockpile and million-man army, without risking a horrific war.

In the decades following Richard Nixons 1969 decision not to retaliate after Pyongyang shot down a US spy plane, killing the 31 Americans on board, US presidents have wisely decided not to risk a conflict by responding in kind to North Koreas provocations. Not because Pyongyang should be allowed to act with impunity, but because inaction coupled with regional diplomacy  or, as Barack Obama called it, strategic patience, is the least bad choice.

Story continues

In an excellent July/August 2017 cover story in the Atlantic, the journalist Mark Bowden outlines the four major options for handling North Korea. They are prevention, ie war; turning the screws  in other words, attacks that would compel North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to change his behavior; decapitation, removing Kim and his inner circle; or acceptance: acquiescing to Kims developing the weapons he wants. Bowden reluctantly suggests acceptance, because the risks of moving substantially beyond diplomacy are too high.

Moreover, as perverse as it may sound, Pyongyang probably saw the comatose return of Warmbier on 13 June as an olive branch: it often releases American citizens when it wants to deepen diplomatic dialogue with Washington.



While that might not be palatable to many following Warmbiers death, especially after Pyongyangs risible missile tests and threats over the last several months, engaging with the North Koreans can potentially help reduce tensions in the future. And that, in turn, would lead to fewer cases like Warmbiers.

If calls for revenge come too loud for Trump to ignore, compelling China to restrain North Korea is a more effective way to channel those voices. Long Pyongyangs most important ally, Beijing now accounts for roughly 90% of the countrys trade  meaning any efforts at meaningful sanctions will fail if China doesnt support them.

Want to punish North Korean generals, as opposed to the long-suffering North Korean people? Work with, or compel, China to deny them and their mistresses the ability to fly to Beijing  the major airport for international travel from Pyongyang  to prevent them from buying luxury goods in China, or from transiting on to vacations in Paris. Using Beijing to punish individual, prominent North Korean officials would be a better strategy than trying to censure them without Chinas involvement.

And its certainly better than something that could trigger a shooting conflict  and not just because of Trumps incompetence in matters requiring delicacy and self-control. War, as the US secretary of defense, James Mattis, said in a May interview, would be catastrophic and probably the worst kind of fighting in most peoples lifetimes. Bowden agrees. Any effort to crush North Korea flirts not just with heavy losses, but with one of the greatest catastrophes in human history, Bowden writes.

Think not only of the roughly 30,000 American troops stationed in South Korea, or of the tens of thousands of other Americans living in the country, within range of North Korean conventional artillery. Think not only of the millions of South Korean and Japanese citizens whose lives this jeopardizes.

Spare a thought for the many innocent North Koreans  the farmers, doctors, fathers, and daughters whom American soldiers and weapons would slaughter. Perhaps war would force regime change, and end the brutal Kim dynasty. But that war would create thousands of North Korean Mr and Mrs Warmbiers, mourning the deaths of their innocent sons.
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., declined to say Thursday whether the House would take up Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells health care bill if the Republican leader manages to push it through the Senate.

Theyre just beginning their process, Ryan said, adding he believes it will be a lengthy one.

McConnell declared on the Senate floor Thursday that he believes the Senate could pass the sweeping legislation as soon as next week.

The speaker said it was too soon to say whether the House would take up the other chambers bill if the Senate passes it.

Its premature to say, he said. We havent made that decision yet.

McConnell faces the daunting task of convincing at least 50 members of his caucus to vote for a health care bill that dramatically cuts Medicaid funding and so far has been unpopular among the American public. Four Senate conservatives, led by Rand Paul, R-Ky., have announced their opposition to the bill as its written now, imperiling its passage. But if McConnell does manage to get the votes, Ryan suggested the bill would be well received in the House.

He sounded optimistic about the Senate bill, saying it looked a lot like the American Health Care Act he narrowly pushed through the House in May.

From what I understand, their bill tracks in many ways along the lines of the House bill, Ryan said.

Senators said in May they planned to start from scratch with their version of the Obamacare repeal and replace, a move that could have alienated House conservatives in the Freedom Caucus who were brought on board with carefully crafted compromises. Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., a member of the Freedom Caucus, said then the Senate better not change the AHCA one iota or risk losing his support.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan after his news conference on Capitol Hill Thursday. (Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

While the Senate version, called Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, certainly does change the AHCA by more than an iota, it leaves a key concern of the Freedom Caucus relatively intact: preventing insurance plans from covering most abortions and defunding Planned Parenthood.

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Like the House bill, the Senate bill defunds Planned Parenthood for one year, which means Medicaid patients couldnt receive nonabortion health care services at Planned Parenthood clinics for that period. The bill also would prevent any insurance plan sold on the exchanges from covering medically unnecessary abortions except in the case of rape or incest. The Senate bill also discourages private plans from covering abortions by excluding employers that offer them from tax breaks and other benefits.

The bill could effectively eliminate abortion coverage beyond Hyde restrictions in all plans  including employer plans, said Laurie Sobel, the associate director of womens health at the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. Hyde restrictions refer to a 1997 law that prevents federal funds from going to abortions that are not medically necessary or in cases of rape or incest.

While abortion will likely not be a sticking point in the House, conservatives may balk at the Senate bills inclusion of subsidies to insurance companies to stabilize the market and a more gradual phase-out of Obamacares Medicaid expansion. The Senate bill also does not include the AHCAs provisions allowing insurers to charge people with preexisting conditions more than healthy people, which could have priced sicker people out of the market. The Freedom Caucus argued that controversial move was necessary to keep premiums down. Its unclear whether its members will be willing to swallow that change.

But Paul and the other conservative senators opposing the bill may manage to move the legislation to the right, changing the calculus for the Freedom Caucus.

Most GOP House members are still reviewing the legislation and havent publicly commented on it yet.

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the chair of the Freedom Caucus, sounded positive about the bill on Twitter Thursday, writing he was looking forward to going to conference. That suggests Meadows does not want to pass the Senate bill, but rather to reconcile the differences of the two bills in a conference committee.

Reviewing the Senate #healthcare billlooking forward to going to Conference and following through on our promise to #RepealObamacare pic.twitter.com/doarrtEWEX  Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) June 22, 2017

Read more from Yahoo News:
Washington (AFP) - North Korea's treatment of an American student who died after being released from detention in a coma was inhuman and US patience with Pyongyang is running out, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said Wednesday.

Otto Warmbier, 22, suffered severe brain damage in North Korea and died on Monday following 18 months of captivity in North Korea after he was sentenced to hard labor for stealing a political poster from a hotel.

"To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.

"What you are seeing I think is the American people's frustration with the regime that provokes and provokes and provokes and basically (is) playing outside the rules, plays fast and loose with the truth, that sort of thing."

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly slammed North Korea over its treatment of Warmbier, who died within days of returning to the United States.

Mattis was speaking alongside Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after the two met Chinese officials to discuss North Korea and other regional issues, including China's continued military build up in the South China Sea.

"We had an open and frank dialog about what more can be done in areas of common interest," he said.

Tillerson said "efforts continue" towards securing the release of three more American citizens that are still being "illegally detained" by Kim Jong-Un's regime in Pyongyang.
A Michigan State Police officer has been hospitalized after he was stabbed in the neck and back at Bishop International Airport in what authorities are investigating as an act of terrorism.

The Flint facility was evacuated and closed following the attack.

Police arrested Amor Ftouhi, 50, a Canadian from Quebec. He allegedly attacked Lt. Jeff Neville in an area outside the airport's screening section, FBI Special Agent in Charge Dave Gelios announced Wednesday evening at a press conference..

Read: Man Strips Naked in Airport After He's Bumped From Flight

As we wait to learn more about the incident at Bishop Airport, please keep the attacked officer in your thoughts & prayers.

 Governor Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 21, 2017

The condition of Neville was upgraded from critical to stable Wednesday afternoon. He was stabbed with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade, authorities said.

The FBI said the attack was an isolated incident perpetrated by "a lone wolf." Ftouhi told authorities he had "a hatred for the United States," Gelios said. As he stabbed Neville, the suspect yelled "Allahu Akbar" and said "You have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and we're all going to die," the agent said.

Ftouhi was cooperating with authorites, Gelios said.

Read: Piper the Border Collie Keeps Airport Safe by Patrolling the Runway

Michigan State Police urged anyone scheduled to fly out of the airport to check with their airlines.

Watch: Newlyweds Say They Had to Sleep on Floor After Reporting Airplane Fuel Leak

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Apparently, your friends are happier and more popular than you. (Photo: Getty Images)

If youre on social media, chances are youve scrolled through your feed and compared yourself to your friends, who all just look so happy all the time.

A study published in the European Physical Journal Data Science finds that your hunch was correct: Your friends actually are happier than you. Ouch.

This analysis contributes to a growing body of evidence that social media may be harmful to users who overindulge in these services since its nearly impossible to escape negative comparisons to their friends popularity and happiness, lead author Johan Bollen, associate professor at Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing, told EurekAlert.

Bollen warned that people should actively limit their social media consumption, and hopes that the study will shed light on issues that affect the well-being of billions of people.

Analyzing public information on Twitter, Bollen and his team randomly selected 4.8 million Twitter users. Then they narrowed that down to users who followed one another, who they called friends, thus creating group of about 102,000 users with 2.3 million connections.

Focusing the study on users with 15 or more friends on Twitter  a group of 39,110 people  the team analyzed the emotional tone of the users tweets to assess whether they were generally positive or negative. Those with more positive sentiment were labeled happy.

Of this group, the research indicated that 94.3 percent had fewer friends on average than their friends, and that 58.5 percent werent as happy as their friends on average. In other words, a majority of users may feel that theyre less popular than their friends on average, Bollen said. They may also have the impression that theyre less happy than their friends on average.

Ultimately, the study found that most social media users typically fall into two camps: happier users with happier friends and unhappier users with unhappier friends. Even the unhappier users were likely to be less happy than their unhappier friends, which suggests the strong impact of having unhappier friends.

Story continues

This is the first study to reveal that happiness is correlated with popularity, and that the majority of people on social networks arent as happy as their friends due to this correlation between friendship and popularity, Bollen added.

The study builds upon the effect known as the Friendship Paradox, which reveals that most people on social networks have fewer connections themselves as compared to their friends, since popular users interact in more social circles than average. The researchers dubbed the subsequent impact of popularity on happiness the Happiness Paradox, indicating that popular users are happier on average, which positively affects the happiness of those users entire social circles.

But the happiness doesnt extend to those unhappy users with unhappy friends. Overall, this study finds social media users may experience higher levels of social dissatisfaction and unhappiness due to negative comparison between their and their friends happiness and popularity, Bollen said.

He concluded: Happy social media users may think their friends are more popular and slightly happier than they are  and unhappy social media users will likely have unhappy friends who still seem happier and more popular than they are on average.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




Russia on Wednesday cancelled a meeting planned between its officials and the U.S. that was aimed at resolving problems between the two countries. The decision came after the U.S. announced an expansion of sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities in response to the continuing occupation of Ukraine by Russia.

The meeting was expected to be attended by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and the U.S. Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon and was due to take place in St Petersburg, CNN reported.

Russian Foreign Ministry told CNN that the situation is not conducive to hold talks between the two sides.

Read: Why EU Extended Russia Sanctions On Crimea Imports By One Year

On Tuesday, the U.S. had tightened sanctions to force Russia to end its occupation of Crimea. Thirty-eight people including two government officials were added to a list of sanctions targets. The sanction forbid these people from doing business with American citizens and companies and also freezes their assets.

The Treasury Department said in a statement that the sanctions would not be lifted until Russia leaves Crimea. The European Union has also extended its own sanctions over Russia's annexation that forbids investment in Crimea as well as imports from the region to the EU.

However, despite the increasing pressure from all sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin does not seem to be ready to walk away from Crimea. Here are four reasons why Russia does not want to leave Crimea:

Resources in the Black Sea

The Black Sea is rich in resources. By controlling Crimea, Russia has access to the abundant undersea hydrocarbon resources. Commercially viable gas reserves have reportedly been found under the Crimean mainland and some companies have already shown interest. This is important to Russia as its supply of cheaply accessible gas in Siberia is running low.

Strategic importance

If Ukraine in inducted into NATO, it would be a strategic setback for Russia. The move would cut off Russia from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Putin has previously said that Ukraines accession to NATO would be intolerable, reports have said. Putin also plans to build a Eurasian Union (EEU) on the lines of the European Union.

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Correcting an historical injustice

The Russian President after the annexation of Crimea was reported as saying that the break-up of the former Soviet Union was a historical injustice that caused traumatic effects on citizens. Putin had further said that Soviet leader Nikita Khrushechev made a mistake by giving Crimea, which was a part of Russia, to Ukraine, reports have said.

Read: 4 Fast Facts To Know About Crimea

Fear of protests

Constant anti-government protests have been reported in various parts of Ukraine in the last few years over issues such as corruption. Russia too faces similar problems. Putins intervention in Crimea is also an attempt to stop the pro-democracy feelings from spilling over to Russia. Reports suggest that thousands of anti-government protesters had hit the streets of Moscow two years ago. With the presidential election scheduled in 2018, Putin does not want to take any chances.

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President Trump arrives at Newark International airport earlier this month. (Photo: Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

Lets begin this week with a question that has nothing to do with a single House election in Georgia, even though it was apparently the most critical and consequential local election in the history of elections, going all the way back to the Greeks.

What have we really learned to this point about the ties between President Trumps campaign and the Russians, and what does it tell us?

My former colleague David Brooks, no fan of Trumps, wrote thoughtfully on this subject a few days ago. In a column titled Lets Not Get Carried Away, Brooks argued that  at least as of now, which is an important caveat  all the leaks and revelations about the Trump campaign havent actually turned up any evidence of collusion with Russian hackers looking to influence last years election.

Rather, if Im paraphrasing Brooks correctly, Trump has played right into the hands of his many critics in Washington, foolishly trying to discredit or even impede an investigation that probably leads nowhere. And in doing so, all hes managed to do is crank up the modern machinery of scandal politics, which can whir away for years in a search for something  anything  that rises to the level of a crime.

I tend to agree with this analysis. Unless the special counsel, Robert Mueller, has unearthed something we dont know about, theres not much here to suggest that Trump himself had any idea of what the Russians were up to, or that any of his pro-Kremlin advisers were actively coordinating with foreign spies.

The closest thing we have to a crime right now is Trumps sleazy attempt to influence and then destroy the FBI director, and even that feels less like obstruction of justice than like the clueless machinations of a land developer who thought he could push around the Justice Department as he would an unaccommodating city inspector.

In the end, though, if Republicans are going to argue that the whole Russia fiasco has nothing to do with Trump, and is really just a story of incompetence and greed among a few cowboy operatives working for the campaign, then they have to acknowledge something else, too.

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Which is that this version of events further obliterates the entire premise of Trumps campaign, not to mention his partys principal rationale for having supported him in the first place.

Remember, Republicans in Washington never labored for a minute under the illusion that Trump knew anything about governance or even shared their bedrock ideology. What they settled on, when they finally embraced his candidacy, was that the country could use a CEO who knew how to run a business.

This is what Trump himself kept saying, too. The best people  thats what he promised.

If I had a dime for every conservative insider and voter who told me last year that Trump would surround himself with all the sharpest minds and most experienced hands around, Id build a garish, exorbitantly expensive hotel and stick my name in fake gold at the top.

Whats become abundantly clear, though, is that Trump didnt run his campaign like a shrewd corporate titan with a keen eye for talent. He ran it like a sucker, easily played by anyone who knew how to stroke his ego.

OK, so maybe the partys best and brightest werent exactly knocking down the door at Trump Tower last year. Maybe the Jim Bakers and Condoleezza Rices of the world wanted nothing to do with Trump at that point.

But isnt that supposed to be Trumps superpower  getting people to yes? Dont you think he would have sought out those folks and determined the bottom-line price of their loyalty, the way a great negotiator would?

Instead, he turned to misfits and marginal characters. He hired Paul Manafort, a long-forgotten consultant whod lately been doing shady work in Ukraine for a dubious paycheck. He turned to Michael Flynn, a former general with conspiratorial tendencies and murky relationships with foreign despots. He collected people like Carter Page, the gadfly foreign policy aide who was, in effect, if inadvertently, a Russian asset.

These guys used Trump for the purposes of their overseas friends and clients. Just four years after the last Republican nominee had called Russia the greatest threat to American security, the new nominee was praising Vladimir Putin, while Russian spies hacked his opponents.

The only thing Republicans can really argue is that Trump didnt know. He was new to the political world. How could he have guessed that Manafort was so venal? How could he have known that Flynn wasnt being straight?

According to the testimony of James Comey, the now deposed FBI director, Trump later said he wanted to know if any of these advisers had betrayed him (and, incidentally, their country).

Only he didnt, really. Because even after Trump had given Flynn one of the most vital and sensitive posts in American foreign policy, and even after Trump had been personally warned by his predecessor and his Justice Department that Flynn was a blackmail risk, he did nothing.

He personally lobbied Comey to leave Flynn alone. And even now, after Flynn has been publicly disgraced and faces legal jeopardy for the conflicts he failed to disclose, Trump is said to be ruminating on a way to bring him back.

No, the president may not have been complicit in this dirty foreign intrigue. Clueless and ineffectual are the words that come to mind.

None of this should surprise us, though. Because the whole surround-yourself-with-geniuses theory was always just a wishful canard, with zero basis in reality. Trump himself, in a much-quoted interview with CNBC in 2007, offered a truer sample of his management philosophy:

I hear so many times, Oh, I want my people to be smarter than I am. Its a lot of crap. You want to be smarter than your people, if possible.

Well, he certainly is making it look possible  Ill give him that.

Trumps White House, like his campaign, has nothing to do with recruiting top-rate talent, and everything to do with making the president feel loved and unchallenged.

Just this week, Trumps 36-year-old son-in-law, whose collective expertise is limited to buying a bunch of buildings in Manhattan with family money, gave a little speech about reorganizing the federal bureaucracy, just before jetting off to the Middle East in a bid to broker world peace.

(By the way, since Trump so admires the House of Saud, its worth pointing out that the Saudi king just ousted his crown prince in favor of his 31-year-old son. If I were Mike Pence, I might take this opportunity to spend some quality time with the boss.)

Meanwhile, Trump continues to moan privately about the dysfunction and incompetence among his own senior staff, though he seems at a loss to fix it. He still cant seem to fill most of the critical jobs at his Cabinet agencies, assuming he even wants to.

To be clear: Ive never been opposed to this notion of a CEO president, in theory. I agree with Republicans  and maybe some Democrats, too  who think Washington could use some leadership from another arena, especially if it involves a leader who knows what he or she doesnt know, and who understands the powerful currents reshaping the society, and who can bring imaginative thinking and top-rate intellects into government.

But thats not this president. What the revelations around Russia are proving is that Trump doesnt actually run things well. His success in business comes not from being some management guru, but from being a relentless opportunist and a bit of a con man.

His only defense now is that hes the one who got conned.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Recent reports suggest the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may release Aug. 26. However, this prospective date is highly unlikely for one reason: Aug. 26 is a Saturday.

Manufacturers unveiling new flagship smartphones typically like to capitalize on the weekday news cycle to bombard the public with details of their product. While Samsung has announced smartphones on a weekend (the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S7 were unveiled on the Sunday preceding Mobile World Congress in their respective release years), it remains an uncommon strategy. To date, there have been no Galaxy Note smartphones released on a Saturday or Sunday.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Rumored To Be Announced On Aug. 26 In NYC

The Galaxy Note 7 was showcased Aug. 2 of last year, a Tuesday, while the Galaxy Note 5 was announced Aug. 13, 2015, a Thursday. These devices were announced at standalone events in New York City, which was a change of direction for Samsung. Prior to that most Galaxy Note launches coincided with the IFA conference in September, but were still announced mostly in the middle of the week.

The original report from the Korean publication Naver indicates the Galaxy Note 8 will likely also be unveiled at a New York event. This is plausible, considering the city has hosted Samsungs last three Unpacked events.

Other recent rumors have suggested the Galaxy Note 8 could launch during the third or fourth week of August. So far, no other dates have been suggested outside of the 26th. Samsung has not yet confirmed the Galaxy Note 8 release date, but the manufacturer will likely choose a date that will give its product maximum exposure in the press before it is available in stores.

The date will likely be not too early, as to avoid comparisons to the Galaxy Note 7 launch, but no so late that the Note 8 could be overshadowed by the early-September IFA conference and the iPhone 8 launch. Reports also suggest the LG V30 may release in the September timeframe.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Release Date Could Be In Mid-August

Story continues

There are claims that Samsung may forego features, such as an on-screen fingerprint sensor in order to get the Galaxy Note 8 to market on time with no safety issues. At this time, many details about the device remain hazy.

For the last two years, consumers have been accustomed to seeing Galaxy Note smartphones unveiled and released to market in August. Though the Galaxy Note 7 was announced much earlier than the Galaxy Note 5, both devices became available to customers at roughly the same time. The Galaxy Note 7 released to market Aug. 19, 2016, while the Galaxy Note 5 released Aug. 21, 2015.

Despite prior issues with the Galaxy Note 7 (which is expected to return to the market for the third time in July), there is no real reason for Samsung to vastly change the Galaxy Note 8 release date from the August timeframe.

Related Articles
Draft language will come after weeks of secrecy surrounding bill to repeal Affordable Care Act, which could see Senate vote as early as next week

Health secretary Tom Price (center). According to reports, the bill proposes repealing key provision of the ACA, restructuring subsidies and cutting Medicaid funding. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Senate Republican leaders are on Thursday to unveil draft language of legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), after weeks of secrecy surrounding their effort to prepare a healthcare bill to be voted on as early as next week.

The Senate bill is expected to follow the template laid out in the House version, which narrowly passed last month, but with key differences.

According to reports in the Washington Post and Politico, sourced to a draft that was circulating among lobbyists and aides, the Senate proposal would repeal key provisions of the ACA, restructure healthcare subsidies, and cut funding for Medicaid, the healthcare program for low-income Americans.

It would keep income-based tax credits and subsidies  currently available under the ACA  unlike the House measure, which tied them to age. The proposal would also stagger the cuts to Medicaid expansion, rolling back spending on the healthcare program over four years  as opposed to three, as had been considered  beginning in 2020, according to Politico. This provision is a victory for moderates who were concerned about abruptly cutting Medicaid.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell will brief his caucus on the proposal during a meeting on Thursday morning, when the bill is expected to be made public. McConnell has said he would like to vote on the bill before Congress leaves for the Fourth of July recess, at the end of next week.

The details of the plan are subject to change, especially after negotiations to assemble a bill that can earn 50 votes.

Republicans, who hold 52 seats and a majority of four in the 100-member Senate, are using a special budget process called reconciliation that allows them to bypass a Democratic filibuster. But their margin is slim: they can only afford to lose two GOP senators to earn the necessary 50 votes, with vice-president Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote.

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The Senate will not vote on their bill without an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Senator John Cornyn, of Texas, told reporters on Wednesday that a CBO score is expected by Monday but could come as early as Friday.

Despite not having read a final bill yet, several senators have already expressed concerns with the proposed legislation and with the state of negotiations. Conservatives like senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah want to see the bill that goes further on repealing Obamacare.

But moderates, like senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, want a slower phase-out of Medicaid expansion, because of its potential impact on low-income residents in their states.

On Wednesday, Democrats continued to protest the secrecy of the healthcare bill  which was drafted behind closed doors and is not expected to receive a public hearing.

In a floor speech on Wednesday, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, rallied opponents of the Republicans repeal efforts: This is the time to get loud  to get very loud.

This isnt some mundane debate where the two sides cant square their differences, the kind most people choose to ignore, Wyden said. This is an out-and-out attack on the healthcare of millions of Americans.

McConnell has brushed off accusations that the process has been secretive despite complaints from his own party that they are frustrated with the lack of transparency. In a tweet on Wednesday, McConnells team said: Senate GOP has been active and engaged on how to move beyond failures of #Obamacare and were focused on following.

On Wednesday night, Donald Trump said in a speech that he urged Senate Republicans to increase funding for their healthcare bill to give the plan more heart.

Ive been talking about a plan with heart. I said: add some money to it, he said at a rally in Iowa, confirming reports that had leaked from his meeting with Senate Republicans about their bill.

Trump also dangled an option sure to rankle members of his party as they prepare to publish their bill: he said hed be willing to change the bill if Democrats would join the effort. A few votes from the Democrats  it could be so easy, he said. So beautiful.
By Kawa Omar and Ahmed Rasheed MOSUL/BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - The leaning al-Hadba minaret that towered over Mosul for 850 years lay in ruins on Thursday, demolished by retreating Islamic State militants, but Iraq's prime minister said the act marked their final defeat in the city. "In the early morning, I climbed up to the roof of my house and was stunned to see the Hadba minaret had gone," Nashwan, a day-laborer who lives near the mosque, said by phone. "I felt I had lost a son of mine." His words echoed the shock and anger of many over the destruction of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque along with its famous minaret, known affectionately as "the hunchback" by Iraqis. The demolition came on Wednesday night as Iraqi forces closed in on the mosque, which carried enormous symbolic importance for Islamic State (IS). It was there that its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" as militants seized swathes of Syria and Iraq. He proclaimed himself the caliph, ruler of all Muslims, from the mosque's pulpit. His black flag had been flying on the 150-foot (45-metre) minaret since June 2014, after Islamic State fighters surged across Iraq. Russia said on Thursday there was a high degree of certainty Baghdadi was dead, according to RIA news agency. Moscow said last week its forces might have killed him, but Western and Iraqi officials are skeptical. Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria. LIBERATION "IN DAYS" Some analysts said the destruction of the mosque could in fact speed the advance of government forces, which had been slowed by fear of damaging it. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi went further. "Blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat," he said on his website. "It's a matter of a few days and we will announce the total liberation of Mosul," he later told reporters in Baghdad, pledging to rebuild the mosque and other historical sites destroyed by the insurgents. The jihadists appear to have chosen to blow up the mosque rather than see their flag torn down by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces battling through the maze of narrow alleys and streets of the Old City, the last district of Mosul still under the control of Islamic State. In the dawn light, all that remained was the base projecting from shattered masonry. A video on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically, throwing up a pall of sand and dust. Defense analysts said the decision to destroy the mosque could indicate the militants were on the verge of collapse. "They had said they would fight until their last breath defending the mosque," Baghdad-based security expert Safaa al-Asam told Reuters. "The fact is that they are no longer capable of standing in the face of Iraqi government forces." The minaret had seven bands of decorative brickwork in a type of complex geometric pattern also found in Persia and Central Asia. Its tilt and the lack of maintenance made it particularly vulnerable to blasts. U.S. Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the U.S.-led international coalition assisting the Iraqi effort to defeat Islamic State, said Iraqi security forces were continuing to push into remaining IS-held territory. "There are two square kilometers left in West Mosul before the entire city is liberated," he told Reuters by phone. The fall of Mosul would mark the effective end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate", though Islamic State would still hold some territory west and south of the city. U.S.-backed militias are also closing on Islamic State's Syrian stronghold, Raqqa. "SYMBOL OF IDENTITY" The United Nations' education organization UNESCO said the Mosul minaret and mosque "stood as a symbol of identity, resilience and belonging" and it deplored their destruction. The mosque was named after Nuruddin al-Zanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The mosque's military and religious history embodied the spirit of Mosul, a city which supplied Iraq's armed forces with officers for much of the 20th century. With the fall of Saddam Hussein in the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, the Sunni city balked at its loss of influence and some local people joined the insurgency against the new Shi'ite rulers of the country. When Islamic State swept into Mosul in June 2014, they were welcomed by those who saw the takeover as promising an end to harsh treatment by Shi'ite-led security forces. The mosque's destruction comes in the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, when Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed. Islamic State fighters have destroyed many Muslim religious sites and Christian churches and shrines, as well as ancient Assyrian and Roman-era sites in Iraq and in Syria. "Many different enemies controlled Mosul over the past 900 years but none of them dared to destroy the Hadba," said Ziad, an art student in Mosul. "By bombing the minaret, they proved they are the worst of all barbarian groups in history." (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Ralph Boulton and Andrew Roche)


Dashcam footage of Philando Castile being fatally shot by a police officer was released on Wednesday after a jury acquitted the officer of manslaughter charges. Trevor Noah took time on The Daily Show to solemnly address the new footage.

Noah said, Forget race. Are we all watching the same video? The video where a law-abiding man followed the officers instructions to the letter of the law and was killed regardless. People watch that video and then voted to acquit?

The host was visibly angered as he commented on Castiles partners reaction in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. You shot four bullets into him, sir. Its f***ing mind blowing that Diamond Reynolds has just seen her boyfriend shot in front of her. She still has the presence of mind to be deferential to the policeman. In that moment, the cop has panicked, but, clearly, black people never forget their training.

Noah went on to argue that there was little reason to claim the officers actions were in self-defense and added what he thinks will be the lasting effect of the verdict. He said, Because what theyre basically saying is in America, it is officially reasonable to be afraid of a person just because they are black.

Watch: Trevor Noah Slams NRAs Silence on Philando Castile Verdict

Read more from Yahoo TV:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.
By Bernie Woodall (Reuters) - A tropical depression formerly known as Tropical Storm Cindy caused flooding on Thursday in several U.S. southeastern states, spawned a tornado that injured four people in Alabama, and cut 16 percent of Gulf of Mexico oil production. Cindy was a tropical storm when it made landfall near the Louisiana-Texas border about 3 a.m. CT (0800 GMT) Thursday, then weakened as it traveled north. By afternoon, it was over northern Louisiana, and its heavy rains had resulted in flooding and road closures in each state bordering the Gulf, from eastern Texas to northwestern Florida. A tornado was reported on Thursday near Birmingham, Alabama, destroying several buildings and injuring at least four people, according to the National Weather Service and local media. None of the injuries were life-threatening, said Nick Dyer, police chief in Fairfield, where the tornado hit. The National Hurricane Center forecast that the storm would reach southeastern Arkansas early Friday and Tennessee later that day, possibly causing more flooding. By midday Thursday the storm had caused a 16 percent cut in Gulf of Mexico oil production, representing around 288,000 barrels per day of output, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said. Energy operators had evacuated 39 production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, or roughly 5 percent of them. The Gulf of Mexico region is home to about 17 percent of U.S. crude and 5 percent of dry natural gas output, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The storm's only reported fatality occurred on Wednesday, when a 10-year-old boy was struck by a log dislodged by a large wave as he stood near the shore in Fort Morgan, Alabama, the Baldwin County coroner said. (Reporting by Liz Hampton in Houston, Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Scott DiSavino in New York; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Leslie Adler)
More than a month after threatening former FBI Director James Comey with the release of tapes of their conversations in the White House, President Trump said Thursday he does not have any such recordings.

In a pair of tweets, Trump wrote, With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no ideawhether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings.

With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

whether there are "tapes" or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

The statements came as the Senate was unveiling a controversial draft health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.

Days after Trump fired Comey in May, the president warned, also via Twitter, James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!

James Comey better hope that there are no "tapes" of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2017

Thursday, the White House was asked if the presidents original tweet was an attempt to threaten Comey. Not that Im aware of, deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders answered.

Although Trump did not record the pairs conversations, Comey did  but in writing. The ousted FBI director testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month that he kept detailed memos on his interactions with Trump and later directed a friend to leak those memos to the press, in hopes that it would trigger the appointment of a special counsel to take over the FBIs investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to influence the presidential election.

Story continues

President Trump and former FBI Director James Comey. (Photos: Evan Vucci/AP, Susan Walsh/AP)

Comey said Trumps original tweet suggesting there could be tapes of their conversations inspired him to publicize his own memos.

The president tweeted on Friday after I got fired that I better hope theres not tapes, Comey said. I woke up in the middle of the night on Monday night because it didnt dawn on me originally that there might be corroboration for our conversation, there might be a tape. And my judgment was I needed to get that out into the public square. So I asked a friend of mine to share the content of the memo with a reporter. I didnt do it myself, for a variety of reasons, but I asked him to cause I thought that might prompt the appointment of a special counsel.

Robert Mueller, another former FBI director, was named special counsel to oversee the Russia probe in May.

Read more from Yahoo News:
President Donald Trumps approval rating in a new poll by CBS News this week hit 36 percent, an all-time low in CBS' poll. The survey found that the presidents approval rating sank amid ongoing investigations into his associates' alleged ties to Russia, with a third of Americans reporting that his approach to the scandal had worsened their opinion of him.

According to the poll published Tuesday, 57 percent of Americans disapproved of the president. The findings differed only slightly from those of Gallups daily poll, which on Wednesday reported Trumps favorability to be 37 percent and his disapproval rating to be 58 percent.

Read: Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump's Performance As His Approval Rating Hits 35 Percent

While the perception of seriousness about the presidents handling of the Russia incident  as well as what exactly happened  varied between Democratic and Republican respondents in the poll, there was bipartisan support for an impartial investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller without interference from Trump. According to the poll, 56 percent of respondents believed that Muellers investigation would be impartial.

Only 28 percent of Americans approved of the presidents handling of the Russia, the lowest marks on any topic addressed during CBS survey  including economy or terrorism  while 63 percent disapproved. The poll did, however, find that most Republicans felt Trump was being unfairly castigated, which reportedly fueled their support of the president even more.

Interestingly, the percentage of Americans who believed that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election rose to 65 percent  up 59 percent from CBS' poll in March. According to the poll, the most significant shift occurred among Republicans, as 40 percent admitted it is at least somewhat likely that Trump and his associates had inappropriate ties to Russia. Only a quarter reported the same in March, perhaps as a result of Trumps persistence that the Russia issue was fake news in spite of all evidence to the contrary.

Story continues

CBS data was collected June 15-18 in both cell phone and landline telephone conversations with a random sample of 1,117 adults nationwide. The margin of error for its findings was plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Read: Is Donald Trump A Good Father? Here's What His Children Say

The right-leaning daily poll from Rasmussen Reports continued to skew overall poll figures Wednesday as it reported that 45 percent of likely U.S. voters approved of the presidents job performance. However, its disapproval rating of 55 percent was closer to other poll results.

RealClearPolitics averaged the latest figures reported by a number of polls that include Gallup, Rasmussen Reports, Reuters and the aforementioned poll from CBS News. The site reported Wednesday that 39.9 percent of Americans approved of the president, while 54.6 percent disapproved.

Donald Trump

Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images

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Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson testifies about Russian meddling in the 2016 election before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill June 21, 2017. (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)

President Trump fired off a barrage of tweets Thursday morning, hammering away at the big Dem scam and big Dem HOAX! in the aftermath of former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnsons testimony the day before about Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election.

In particular, Trump seized upon Johnsons comment that the Democratic National Committee was among those who rebuffed his departments offer for assistance during the Russian attack. The U.S. intelligence community has accused the Kremlin of being behind the hack that led to thousands of emails being released through WikiLeaks.

Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). Its all a big Dem HOAX! Trump exclaimed. Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasnt? Its all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!

Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). It's all a big Dem HOAX!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasn't? It's all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

It was not immediately clear what Trump meant by labeling the hacking a Democratic HOAX and scam. But Trump has long vented at the FBI and about congressional investigations into Russian efforts to influence the election and whether anyone affiliated with his campaign colluded with the Kremlin.

Trumps Twitter outburst was part of a string that began with the claim that Johnson testified there was no collusion. Johnson had only stated that he did not see any evidence by the time he relinquished his position in January.

Story continues

Former Homeland Security Advisor Jeh Johnson is latest top intelligence official to state there was no grand scheme between Trump & Russia.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Trump also cast doubt on whether Russia did anything to affect the election, referring to such efforts speculatively though Johnson testified definitively about the Kremlins involvement.

In 2016 the Russian government, at the direction of Vladimir Putin himself, orchestrated cyberattacks on our Nation for the purpose of influencing our election  plain and simple, the former Homeland Security chief said in his opening statement. Now, the key question for the President and Congress is: what are we going to do to protect the American people and their democracy from this kind of thing in the future?

By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

The Democratic National Committee issued a statement labeling the tweetstorm an attempt to distract from the Senate GOPs health care bill, which was released shortly after.

In the statement, DNC Deputy Communications Director Adrienne Watson also rejected Trumps suggestion that they were not cooperating with law enforcement in the Russia investigation.

The DNC has and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement on Russias interference in our election. The DNC has been in regular contact with the FBI for many months and the FBI confirmed the DNC has provided all the information it needed to make its assessment, Watson said.

The intelligence community has no doubt that the Russians attacked the DNC in an effort to disrupt our election, she continued. The only person who disputes this is Donald Trump, who has shown zero interest in protecting our country from future attacks and is now trying to distract Americans from his devastating healthcare repeal.

Trump also used Twitter on Thursday to weigh in on speculation that Democrats may look into replacing House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in the aftermath of this weeks stinging loss in the special election for a Georgia House seat.

I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party  and please let Cryin Chuck stay!

I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party  and please let Cryin' Chuck stay!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Wednesday made its final plea to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow its proposed ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries to go into effect as the justices weigh how to handle the hotly contested dispute.

The court papers filed by President Donald Trump's administration complete the briefing on the government's emergency application asking the justices to block lower court injunctions in favor of challengers to the ban. The Supreme Court could now act at any time.

The lower court rulings blocked the 90-day ban on travelers from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and a 120-day ban on all refugees entering the United States to give the government time to implement stronger vetting procedures.

In the court papers, Acting Solicitor General Jeff Wall said the lower courts had wrongly second-guessed the president on national security policy when reviewing the March 6 executive order.

"The president expressly determined that the orders provisions are needed to promote national security, but the lower courts here ... nullified that judgment," he wrote.

In court papers filed on Tuesday, lawyers for the state of Hawaii and individual plaintiffs in Maryland urged the high court not to allow the ban go into effect.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Steve Holland and Joel Schectman WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump met with Ukraine's president on Tuesday and expressed support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine but said nothing about Russia's role, while the U.S. government added to sanctions over Moscow's actions. Trump sat down in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for talks on the same day the U.S. Treasury Department added two Russian officials and 36 other individuals and entities to its list of those facing sanctions over Moscow's activities in Ukraine. Trump's meeting with Poroshenko was officially called a "drop-by" visit after the Ukrainian leader's separate session with Vice President Mike Pence. With TV cameras rolling, Trump said "a lot of progress has been made" between the two countries and that the pair had "very, very good discussions." The sanctions target Ukrainian and Russian officials and companies that U.S. authorities accuse of helping Russia tighten its grip on the Crimean peninsula, a part of Ukraine annexed by Russia in 2014 in a move Western leaders denounced as illegal. Poroshenko called Trump, whose first five months in office have been dogged by a controversy over whether his presidential campaign team last year colluded with Russia, "one of the most reliable supporters" and "strategic partners" for Ukraine. In a statement issued after Trump's meeting, the White House said the discussion centered on "support for the peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and President Poroshenko's reform agenda and anti-corruption efforts." A separate White House statement issued after Pence met with Poroshenko said the vice president highlighted continuing U.S. support for implementing the Minsk agreement, the 2015 accord aimed at ending Russian support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States could back away from that agreement to avoid being "handcuffed" by the policy. Trump did not mention the accord. Before Trump's meeting with Poroshenko, the Treasury Department made its announcement about sanctions over Russia's actions in Ukraine that were being taken to keep pressure on Moscow to reach a diplomatic solution in Ukraine. A Treasury Department statement said, "U.S. sanctions related to Crimea will not be lifted until Russia ends its occupation of the peninsula." Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement "there should be no sanctions relief until Russia meets its obligations under the Minsk agreements." LAVROV CITES U.S. 'RUSSOPHOBIA' Speaking at a joint news briefing in Moscow with his French counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the new sanctions "regrettable" and said that "Russophobia" in the United States was raging "beyond all bounds." On Monday, Russia threatened to shoot down U.S. warplanes over Syria after a U.S. Navy fighter shot down a Syrian warplane. Poroshenko, speaking to reporters after his session with Trump, said he came away pleased with what he called a "full, detailed meeting." He also held talks with Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. "We received strong support from the U.S. side, support in terms of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the independence of our state," Poroshenko said. At the Pentagon, Mattis noted the "severe casualties" Ukraine has suffered in its conflict with Russian-backed separatists. "The United States stands with you. We support you in the face of threats to sovereignty, to international law or to the international order," Mattis said. Poroshenko expressed hope for expanded U.S.-Ukrainian cooperation but did not directly answer a question about whether it was time for the United States to start providing lethal arms to Ukraine. The somewhat neutral body language between Trump and Poroshenko contrasted with chummy photos that emerged from the U.S. president's meeting last month at the White House with Lavrov and the Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak. Trump has said he wants better relations with Russia, but his goal has been complicated by tensions between the two countries over Syria and by opposition among many of his fellow Republicans in Congress to warmer ties with Moscow. The U.S. Senate passed legislation last week that would impose new measures against Russia and limit Trump's ability to roll back sanctions against that country in the future. In a little more than two weeks, Trump is due to hold his first meeting as president with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Trump has found himself on the defensive politically over investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. His former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, previously worked on behalf of the political party of Viktor Yanukovich, the former Kremlin-backed leader of Ukraine. (Additional reporting Phil Stewart in Washington, Alessandra Prentice in Kiev and Maria Kiselyova in Moscow; Editing by Caren Bohan and Will Dunham)
By Susan Heavey and Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Frustrated Democrats pondered the party's future and questioned its campaign messaging on Wednesday after a demoralizing defeat in a Georgia congressional race widely seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump's young administration. In the most expensive congressional election in U.S. history, Republican Karen Handel, a former Georgia secretary of state, defeated political newcomer Democrat Jon Ossoff by 4 percentage points on Tuesday in a suburban Atlanta district that Republicans have held since the 1970s. The special election, to fill the seat vacated by Tom Price after Trump appointed him as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, does not change the balance of power in Washington, where Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress. But it was a demoralizing blow to Democrats hoping Georgia would be a breakthrough for a party trying to harvest electoral victories from the grassroots anti-Trump activism seen in marches on Washington and boisterous crowds at town hall meetings around the country. The district was seen as within reach to Democrats because Trump won there last November by only 1 percentage point. Democrats also lost a special election in South Carolina on Tuesday, in a race that Republicans were widely expected to win. Democrats lost two other contested special elections earlier this year for Republican-held seats in conservative Kansas and Montana. That makes the party 0-for-4 in this year's races for Republican-held congressional seats. The Georgia loss sparked a quick reaction from Democrats. "Ossoff race better be a wake up call for Democrats - business as usual isn't working," tweeted Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts. "We need a genuinely new message, a serious jobs plan that reaches all Americans, and a bigger tent." Several prominent Democrats said the party needs to rethink its approach heading into next year's midterm congressional elections, when Democrats need to pick up 24 seats to regain control of the House of Representatives. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut told MSNBC that Democrats needed to focus on economic growth and "get back to being a big tent party." "PARTY NEEDS NEW LEADERSHIP" The outcome also raised questions about the reign of House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. Republican groups spent millions on television ads linking Ossoff to Pelosi, portraying him as a captive of the party's liberal wing despite Ossoff's efforts to present a more moderate image. In South Carolina, an attorney in Charleston who is a Democratic political newcomer, Joe Cunningham, announced on Wednesday that he would seek the House seat now held by Republican Mark Sanford, but said that if elected he would not back Pelosi as the Democratic leader. "The Democratic Party needs new leadership now," Cunningham tweeted. "If elected, I will not vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker. Time to move forward and win again." The road to a Democratic House majority runs through dozens of districts that are similar to the affluent, well-educated northern suburbs of Atlanta where Ossoff was defeated, and the outcome there is likely to reassure Republicans already nervous about their chances of holding control under Trump next year. The win in Georgia also could strengthen the political will of Republicans in Congress evaluating their next steps on what polls show is a deeply unpopular replacement of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law and on a tax package. Trump was quick to celebrate the Georgia win and accused Democrats of standing in the way of a legislative agenda bogged down by infighting and investigations into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia in last year's presidential election. "Democrats would do much better as a party if they got together with Republicans on Healthcare, Tax Cuts, Security," Trump said on Wednesday morning in a tweet after the election. "Obstruction doesn't work!" But despite the string of losses in special elections, some Democrats said there were reasons to be encouraged. In all four states, Democrats bolstered their historical performance in districts that they lost by big double-digit margins last year. The unpopularity of Trump and the Republican healthcare law - along with the historic trend that the party holding the White House loses seats in midterm elections - gives Democrats hope for capturing the House in 2018. And Democrats have a target-rich environment for next year's midterms, starting with 23 Republican-held districts where Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won a majority of the vote. Representative Ben Ray Lujan, head of the Democrats' House campaign committee, said in a memo that polls showed a handful of Republican incumbents are facing tough races and that dozens of districts were winnable for Democrats. "We have a unique opportunity to flip control of the House of Representatives in 2018," he said. Spending on the Georgia race reached at least $57 million, nearly twice the previous record, according to the Center for Responsive Politics watchdog group. (Writing by John Whitesides; Additional reporting by Andy Sullivan in Georgia and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Caren Bohan and Leslie Adler)
Tourism from the US to Cuba faces an uphill climb.

President Donald Trump, on June 16, announced he would reverse some of the steps President Obama made to normalize relations with Cuba.

During his speech in Little Havana, Miami, Trump criticized the previous administration, and promised to cancel the one-sided deal he claimed only enriched the oppressive Cuban regime.

The profits from investment and tourism flow directly to the military. The regime takes the money and owns the industry, he said. The outcome of the last administrations executive action has been only more repression and a move to crush the peaceful, democratic movement.

Critics of Trumps decision believe the opposite is true. According to James Williams, president of Engage Cuba, a bipartisan nonprofit focused on ending trade restrictions to Cuba, the new policies will actually hurt the Cuban people.

It takes money out of the pocket of Cubans in the private sector and puts it in the hands of the Cuban regime, Williams told MarketWatch.

This political back and forth will likely have a big impact on US tourism to Cuba, which got a bump after Obama eased travel restrictions between the two countries in 2016. Airbnb says that Cuba was its ninth largest market for Americans traveling abroad in 2016, and tour companies, hotels and airlines have all invested time and money into making Cuba an attractive destination for US travelers.

Heres what you need to know about booking a trip to Cuba in the Trump era.

Can Americans still go to Cuba?

Yes, but its going to be more difficult. Trumps new policy will enforce the ban on tourism that many hoped would be lifted. While Obamas policies loosened restrictions, it never technically removed the ban. Currently, there are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, including visiting family, journalistic activity, religious activity or educational activity. These categories are very specific, so a lot of travelers chose the educational route because they can classify their trip as a people-to-people visit, which is intended to increase international understanding by interacting with people in different countries. As long as travelers sought out a meaningful interaction with locals, Americans could plan their own itineraries and visit Cuba under the Obama administration.

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Trump will remove the people-to-people visits, so those who want to tour Cuba will have to find another reason. Under Obama, travelers could choose one of the 12 categories, and no one really questioned their self-declaration. Under Trump this process will be more closely monitored, and travelers will be audited regularly to make sure the rules are being followed.

What if you already booked a trip?

Dont change a thing if you have a trip planned under the people-to-people category. The changes will not take effect until the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issues new regulations, so you can continue with your itinerary if youve already completed at least one travel-related transaction (like booking a flight) before Trumps announcement on June 16.

In this May 24, 2015 file photo, US tourists walks outside the Bodeguita del Medio Bar in Old Havana, Cuba.

Do you still have time to book a trip?

Technically, but youll have to move fast. Trump is eager to get the policies enacted, and has asked the Commerce and Treasury departments to approve them within 30 days. Even so, it can take months to get the new rules finalized; in fact, it took Obama four months to enact his Cuba policies. So there might be a small window in the next couple of weeks, but it wont last long.

Legal ways to visit

While individual people-to-people travel will be retracted, group trips are still permissible as long as they are with an approved organization. These organizations include a full-time schedule of educational activities intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban peoples independence from Cuban authorities.

In other words, free time and leisure travel will be hard to come by. So much for freely strolling through the streets of Havana, dining in Plaza Vieja and sipping on Cuba Libres.

Another caveat to the group people-to-people trips is that theyre more expensive. On average, a 6-10 day trip can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $5,500. If you booked air travel yourself, and stayed in one of Cubas casa particulares (no more than $30 a night), you could do the trip for much less.

Not-so-legal ways to visit

If youre feeling rebellious, consider booking your flight through Cuba or Mexico. The fact is Americans have been sneaking into Cuba this way for decades. This process consists of departing and arriving in a neighboring country that allows travelers to visit without restrictions.

You wont have any issues getting into Cuba, but once you arrive back in the US, customs officials will likely ask about the countries you visited. If you mention Cuba, that will cause problems. If you lie, youll be violating federal laws, which could lead to punishment. Well leave that decision up to you.

How to get there

Last year there were dozens of headlines about the growing number of US airlines launching routes to Cuba. Thats changed somewhat.

Due to low demand and higher-than-expected operating costs, several airlines have stopped flights to the island. On April 22, Silver Airways suspended service to the Cuba, and this month Frontier Airlines did the same.

But there are still plenty of options. JetBlue, Delta, United and American Airlines all plan to continue their scheduled routes to the island.

As for cruises, Trumps policies wont really affect current operations because shore excursions already meet many of the requirements. Royal Caribbean is pleased there is no impact to any of our cruises to Cuba as announced in the new US policy toward Cuba today, the cruise line said in a statement. Our guests are already enjoying curated people-to-people experiences under the approved categories of travel.

Brittany is a reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Wednesday that Congo Republic will withdraw its troops from a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic after a review sparked by sexual abuse accusations found "systemic problems in command and control." The country has some 630 troops on the ground in Central African Republic, according to the latest U.N. figures. A U.N. database of sexual abuse and exploitation accusations showed three reported incidents involving Congo Republic troops in Central African Republic this year. Nine were reported in 2016. "The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," the United Nations said in a statement. "These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops," it said. The world body said the review was shared with the Congo Republic authorities who then "decided to withdraw their military personnel." The 13,000-strong peacekeeping mission is seeking to contain violence in a multi-year conflict driven by ethnic and religious grievances and vying over vast diamond resources. The United Nations said some 140 Congo Republic police would remain part of the peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic because "failures identified with the military contingent are not reflected by the performance of the police." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by James Dalgleish)
By Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday refused to overturn the convictions of seven men in a notorious 1984 gang murder of a woman in a Washington neighborhood not far from the U.S. Capitol even though prosecutors had concealed evidence in the case.

The justices, in a 6-2 ruling, said the evidence withheld by the prosecution at the time of the trial, which the men claimed would have cast doubt on their guilt in the murder of Catherine Fuller, was not material to the eventual jury verdict.

The case has stayed the public eye not only because of the grisly nature of the murder that occurred during a period of high crime in the U.S. capital city in the 1980s but also because of the Supreme Court's decision to scrutinize the process that led to the convictions.

Fuller, a 48-year-old mother of six, had gone shopping on Oct. 1, 1984, but was found dead a few blocks from her home in a filthy alleyway garage, about a mile (1.6 km) from the Capitol. She had been beaten, shattering her bones and damaging her liver, and then sodomized with a pipe-like object.

A jury convicted the seven men, who were in their teens to early-20s at the time, along with another man who subsequently died in prison.

Starting in 2010, the men pursued an effort to overturn their convictions, arguing that prosecutors had withheld crucial evidence, including the identity of a man seen running into the alley after the murder. That man was known for committing robberies in the neighborhood, and years later committed a similar murder just three blocks from the scene of this crime, according to court papers.

The convicted men have maintained their innocence. They said the withheld evidence violated their right under the U.S. Constitution to due process of the law. The Supreme Court ruled in 1963 that withheld evidence must be material to a defendant's guilt or punishment to be unconstitutional.

Writing for the court on Monday, liberal Justice Stephen Breyer said the evidence in this case did not meet that standard because it was "too little, too weak or too distant" from the main evidence and would not have changed the jury verdict.

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Liberal Justices Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented, saying the theory of an alternative perpetrator potentially could have swayed even one juror. "With the undisclosed evidence, the whole tenor of the trial would have changed," Kagan wrote.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, who joined the court after arguments were heard in the case, did not participate in the decision.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Drastic cuts in US funding to the United Nations would create an insoluble problem for the world body, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday as he announced plans to lobby US lawmakers to reject the cutbacks.

Guterres will travel to Washington next week to make the case directly to US members of Congress who have the power to amend President Donald Trump's budget proposals.

Last month, the US State Department laid out plans to slash Washington's budget for diplomacy and foreign aid by more than 30 percent, including a dramatic cut of 60 percent to US funding for peacekeeping missions.

The United States is the biggest contributor to the United Nations, paying 22 percent of the $5.4 billion core budget and 28.5 per cent of the $7.9 billion peacekeeping budget.

"The proposal of budget that was presented to the Congress would create an insolvable problem to the management of the UN," Guterres told a news conference at UN headquarters.

"The process is still in the Congress and I will soon be going to Washington," he added.

Guterres has no plans to visit Trump at the White House during the June 27-29 visit, or hold talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

He will meet with key players on Capitol Hill: Republican speaker Paul Ryan, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, Republican Senator Marco Rubio and members of the foreign relations and appropriations committees in both houses, among others.

In April, Guterres traveled to Washington for a first brief meeting with Trump, but there was no public handshake or joint press conference to expand on the state of US-UN relations.

Aside from the funding cuts, the Trump administration has also announced the US withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, the culmination of years of UN-led negotiations, and has taken aim at refugee resettlement.

Guterres warned that a US retreat from global affairs would create a void that would allow other powers to step in.

"If the United States disengages in relation to many aspects of foreign policy... it will be unavoidable that other actors will occupy that space," he said.

"I don't think that this is good for the United States and I don't think this is good for the world."
In the latest escalation between the U.S. and the forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad, a U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone over southern Syria on Tuesday. The move was the second time in a week that it shot down a pro-Syrian government aircraft in the sky.

"The armed pro-regime Shaheed-129 UAV was shot down by a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time (5:30 p.m. EDT) after it displayed hostile intent and advanced on Coalition forces," according to the press release from Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve.

Carla Babb, the Pentagon correspondent for Voice of America (VOA) tweeted Tuesday saying the sources have confirmed that the Iranian-made drone shot down by the U.S. fighter jet was being operated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said the U.S. military shot down the Shahed 129 as it approached an established coalition combat outpost near al-Tanf in southeast Syria, where the U.S. is holding training sessions for local fighters against the Islamic State group, VOA reported.

Read: US Shoots Down Syrian Jet, Iran Bombs ISIS In Retaliation For Tehran Attacks

Officials also said that the shot Iranian aircraft was the same type of drone that a U.S. warplane had shot down June 8 after it attacked U.S.-backed fighters in southern Syria. U.S. officials said it remained uncertain as to who was operating the drones  Whether it was Shiite militia fighters, Syrian officers or Iranian advisers. The confrontation was the latest clash in Syria where a proxy war is going on between Iranian-backed militias that support Assad and the Syrian fighters who have been trained by the U.S., British, and other coalition military advisers, the New York Times reported.

U.S.' downing of the Iranian drone came on the same day when Australia announced it is temporarily suspending airstrikes by its forces in Syria after a threat from Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday it would exert new control over the skies of western Syria in response to the downing of a Syrian fighter jet by the U.S. Air Force on Sunday, reports said.

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"From now on, in areas where Russian aviation performs combat missions in the skies of Syria, any airborne objects found west of the Euphrates River, including aircraft and unmanned vehicles belonging to the international coalition, tracked by means of Russian land and air anti-aircraft defense, will be considered air targets," CNN reported citing the Defense Ministry statement.

Read: Hundreds Of Civilians Have Been Killed In Syria By US-led Airstrikes

Despite U.S. airstrikes, Iranian militias have continued to encroach on the U.S.-supported forces at al-Tanf. The U.S. military has established a roughly 50-kilometer deconfliction ring around al-Tanf and has warned the pro-Assad forces  through a Russian deconfliction channel  that movement within the zone could be considered hostile and the Iranian drone was outside that deconfliction area when it was shot down, the Washington Post reported citing a U.S. defense official.

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Beirut (AFP) - A US warplane shot down an Iranian-made drone operated by pro-regime forces in Syria early Tuesday, officials said, prompting growing international concern over rising tensions between the two sides.

Russia, a key ally of the Syrian regime, accused the US-led coalition of "complicity with terrorism" after the drone was downed in southern Syria.

It comes days after a US warplane shot down a Syrian government fighter jet in the north of the country, prompting a furious reaction from Russia.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the incidents could be "very dangerous" and lead to an escalation of the war.

Moscow has now suspended a hotline intended to prevent confrontations in Syria's crowded air space, and warned it could consider US-led coalition planes "targets".

The rising tensions prompted Australia to announce it was suspending its participation in air missions over Syria as part of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The jihadists are under major pressure in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

The US-led coalition said Tuesday that it had killed IS's self-proclaimed top cleric, Turki Binali, in an air strike in May on the Syrian town of Mayadeen near the Iraqi border.

It described Binali as "a close confidant" of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and said he "had a central role in recruiting foreign terrorist fighters and provoking terrorist attacks around the world".

In Tuesday's incident, the US-led coalition said an F-15E Strike Eagle jet destroyed an armed Shahed-129 drone in the early hours of the morning as it neared the Al-Tanaf base along Syria's eastern border.

"It displayed hostile intent and advanced on Coalition forces," the statement said.

A US military official told AFP the drone was "on a run toward our folks to drop a munition on them" and was shot down in self-defence.

- US presence 'illegal': Russia -

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Coalition forces are using the Al-Tanaf base by Syria's borders with Jordan and Iraq to train anti-jihadist Syrian fighters and stage attacks against IS.

But their presence there has led to a series of confrontations with pro-regime forces, including on June 8 when a US plane also downed a drone after it dropped munitions near Al-Tanaf.

That incident followed two others involving US fire against pro-regime forces on the ground as they came close to the garrison.

Tensions have also flared between US forces and the Syrian regime further north, where the coalition is supporting an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters battling to oust IS from the city of Raqa.

On Sunday, a US fighter jet downed a Syrian government warplane for the first time in the country's conflict south of Raqa, sparking an angry reaction from regime ally Russia.

Moscow said it was suspending an incident hotline set up two years ago and warned that it would consider international aircraft operating in central Syria "aerial targets".

Washington said it would "work diplomatically and militarily... to reestablish deconfliction" but Moscow continued to take a hard line even before the latest incident.

"It is absolutely illegal," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Tuesday of the presence of American forces in Syria.

"There has been neither a Security Council decision, nor a request from the official authorities of the Syrian Arab Republic as a sovereign state," Russia's Interfax news reported.

- Risk of escalation -

The growing tensions come as the coalition supports the Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting to take Raqa from IS.

The SDF now control four neighbourhoods in the city, and on Tuesday also advanced along its southern outskirts, moving closer to completely encircling Raqa.

Syria's government is not involved in the operation and is instead looking further east to the largely IS-held oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor.

Despite the increasing number of incidents, analysts say neither Syria's regime nor Washington currently wants a major confrontation.

"It doesn't look like anyone currently intends to deliberately escalate further, but when you've got these little skirmishes... the risk is that you can end up in an escalation by accident," said Sam Heller, a Syria expert at The Century Foundation.

More than 320,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict began with anti-government demonstrations in March 2011.

It has became a complex war drawing in multiple foreign players, including Russia, which launched a military campaign to support the regime in 2015 that has helped the government recapture large swathes of territory.

Guterres played down expectations of a breakthrough in the next round of UN-led peace talks on Syria starting on July 10.

He said that given the "complexity of the situation... I don't want to create false expectations about immediate results" from the upcoming round of negotiations.
Walmart is stepping up the rivalry against Amazon by taking the fight into the cloud, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Walmart warned some tech companies if they want to do business, they cant run the retailers applications on Amazons cloud-computing platform, Amazon Web Services, sources told the Journal.

Read: How Walmart Is Speeding Up Its Delivery Processes To Compete With Amazon

Walmart reportedly keeps most of its data on its servers and uses services from emerging Amazon cloud rivals, like Microsofts cloud-computing platform Azure. However, Walmart still uses some tech vendors cloud apps that run on Amazons platform, Walmart spokesman Dan Toporek told the Journal, declining to say which apps or how many. Toporek admitted instances in which Walmart pushed for Amazon alternatives.

It shouldnt be a big surprise that there are cases in which wed prefer our most sensitive data isnt sitting on a competitors platform, he told the Journal, adding its a small number.

Walmart continues to try to bully their suppliers into not using AWS because they have an incorrect view that AWS is somehow supporting Amazon's Retail business, a spokesperson from Amazon AWS told International Business Times. Plenty of suppliers are standing up to Walmart and refusing to be told that they can't use the leading infrastructure technology platform (AWS). Tactics like this are bad for business and customers and rarely carry the day.

Related:

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

IBTimes has also reached out to Walmart for comment.

Read: Amazon Offering Discounted Prime Membership For EBT Card Users

Apart from Walmart, Amazon has other competitors that rely on its cloud platform, such as streaming rival Netflix. Walmarts moves wont affect Amazon Web Services' growth, but it could lift rivals.

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People jump through hoops to do business with Walmart all the time, Gartner analyst Robert Hetu told the Journal. That should absolutely accelerate the competition from Azure.

Walmart is also a big influencer. A retailers client instructed Snowflake Computing Inc., a data-warehousing service to handle its business from the retailer by running its services using Azure.

They influence their vendors, which has influence on us, Snowflake Computing CEO Bob Muglia told the Journal.

Walmart vs. Amazon

Walmarts moves come after Amazon announced its $13.7 billion deal to buy Whole Foods Market. Amazons announcement boosts its rivalry with Walmart, which already sells groceries. Walmart allows customers to order groceries online and pick it up on the same day in select locations.

The retailer has been trying to boost its e-commerce presence as it competes with Amazon.

Walmart tried to rival Amazon Prime memberships by introducing ShippingPass, which resembled Primes two-day shipping. Walmarts membership was priced at $49, half the price of Prime, but the plan failed to launch and was nixed. Although Amazon is more expensive, Prime was a better deal for consumers, since it offered more services, like music streaming and its photo cloud. To come back from its ShippingPass failure, Walmart announced earlier this year its two-day shipping service without a membership.

Meanwhile, Amazon announced this month its offering Prime service at a discounted price for people on government assistance programs. The online retailers latest move is an effort to reach low-income households, which is a strike at Walmart.

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WASHINGTON  The White House Thursday addressed the joint intelligence report that found Russia had attempted to interfere with the 2016 presidential election, more than five months after the reports conclusions were made public. First, on Twitter, President Trump dismissed the concerns about Russia as a big Dem HOAX and suggested that his predecessor, President Barack Obama, did little to confront the problem. White House aides then clarified Trumps remarks and said he believes there was Russian meddling but is certain it did not affect the outcome of the race.

Trump had previously suggested that the questions about Russias involvement in the election were overblown and fake news. As recently as Tuesday, press secretary Sean Spicer declined to answer a question at the White House briefing about whether Trump believes Russia interfered in the presidential race. Spicer said he and Trump had not sat down and talked  about that specific thing. Spicer and his deputy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, frequently deflect questions about contentious issues by saying they havent spoken to the president about them.

The public version of the intelligence communitys election assessment, which was released in January and was compiled by all 17 of Americas intelligence agencies, concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered the campaign interference. According to the report, the Russian effort included email hacks on the campaign of Trumps Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and the Democratic National Committee. The agencies said information from those hacks was released to hurt the Democrats and boost Trump, but the report specified that it did not make an assessment of the impact that Russian activities had on the outcome of the 2016 election.

On Thursday, shortly before Sanders was scheduled to hold a briefing, Trump sent out a series of tweets about Russian intervention where he described it as a big Dem HOAX! and a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election! Trump pointed to the fact the DNC did not turn over its computer servers to the FBI to look at for evidence. The bureau has said it was able to get the information it needed from computer security firms that analyzed those servers. Trump also alluded to former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnsons testimony before the House Intelligence Committee where Johnson said he was not aware of evidence Trumps campaign colluded with Russia.

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Former Homeland Security Advisor Jeh Johnson is latest top intelligence official to state there was no grand scheme between Trump & Russia.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didnt they stop them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). Its all a big Dem HOAX!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasnt? Its all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

In the Thursday briefing, Sanders was asked whether Trumps tweets were meant to dispute the intelligence communitys conclusion that Russia interfered in the election. She referred to prior statements from Trump and said he was clear it probably was Russia.

I believe that the president said even back in January and Ill read the statement from then, that he thinks its a disgrace, thinks its an absolute disgrace. As far as hacking, I think it was Russia, but I think we also get hacked by other countries and other people, Sanders said. I think hes made it clear and been consistent that, while everyone agrees the result of the election wasnt influenced, he thinks that it probably was Russia.

The intelligence community report did not include any assessment of whether Russian hacking actually influenced the election result.

Sanders went on to say Trump is very concerned about protecting the integrity of the electoral system and pointed to his support for voter identification laws and a commission on voter integrity.

Yahoo News asked Sanders if in dismissing the hacking issue as a big Dem HOAX! Trump was implying that members of the intelligence community who compiled the report had colluded with the Democrats. Sanders clarified that Trump was not referring to the hack itself as a hoax, and that his tweets were directed at insinuations that the Russian intervention called his election victory into question.

I think that the reference in the hoax is about the fact that theyre trying to delegitimize his win in the election process and less about the hack itself. I think hes said several times now that he believes that Russia was part of it, Sanders said. Some of those same members have said that they dont think it influenced the election, and I think thats what a lot of this process is about. Its about trying to make excuses for why Democrats lost and the president  has been pretty clear on where he stands with that.

Read more from Yahoo News:
The suns corona gleams during a total solar eclipse seen from the northern tip of Australia in November 2012. (Credit: Romeo Durscher via NASA)

Scientists are gearing up to gather data from the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, but the most crucial observations can be made during only two minutes of totality  unless they have help. Fortunately, they have a lot of help.

On the day of the eclipse, the moon will block all of the suns disk for no more than two minutes and 40 seconds, as seen from any single location. To get more observation time, NASA is calling upon citizen scientists and students along the coast-to-coast path of totality to pitch in.

When satellite observations are added to the mix, Augusts event should rank among the most widely documented solar eclipses in history, spanning an hour and half of totality in all.

Space- and ground-based research stations already have gathered lots of data about the suns delicate corona and other solar phenomena, scientists noted today during a NASA science briefing. But there are still gaps. Scientists expect the upcoming eclipse to improve their understanding of space weather and the acceleration of solar wind, to cite just one example.

This is the eclipse we are most focused on, and undoubtedly, the one that will lead to the most research, said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.

During the eclipse, citizen scientists can get involved in experiments that include observations of plant and animal behavior, and changes in air currents.

More than 50 student teams have signed up to contribute eclipse data as well. Theyll be launching high-altitude balloons with cameras attached to live-stream the event. The effort will not only give NASA a longer look at totality, but help scientists learn about the surface of Mars as well.

Angela Des Jardins, principal investigator of the Eclipse Ballooning Project, says students are teaming up with NASAs Ames Research Center to fly samples of bacteria on the balloons to see what they go through, because the high-altitude environment is similar to Mars atmosphere.

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Student engagement is important not just to get kids interested in school, but also to get them ready for future jobs in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.

Were concerned with building a new STEM workforce for the nation, so were also looking for new users for our telescopes, said David Boboltz, a program director for solar physics at the National Science Foundation.

NSF-funded researchers will be flying a Gulfstream jet along the path of totality as part of the AIR-Spec mission to study coronal emission lines.

In addition to gathering data from the ground, NASA will be watching the eclipse from the skies.

Never before will a celestial event be viewed by so many and explored from so many vantage points  from space, from the air and from the ground, Zurbuchen said in a news release.

NASA says it will have 11 spacecraft and three aircraft keeping a watchful eye on the moon and its shadow as it falls upon Earth.

The moon passes right across Earths disk in a 2015 image captured by the DSCOVR satellite from its observation point, a million miles out in space. (NASA / NOAA Photo)

The Deep Space Climate Observatory satellite, operated by NASA and NOAA, will gather data about space weather from a vantage point beyond the orbit of the moon. DSCOVR is the same satellite that captured the image of the moon photobombing the Earth in 2015.

NASA will also have its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter turn its gaze toward Earth and track the moons shadow. During a total solar eclipse in 2012, readings from LRO were used to determine the shape of the moon and its topography.

The astronauts aboard the International Space Station plan to lend a hand as well. Researchers say theyre still evaluating the specifics for space station observations and expect to have more details about two weeks before the grand event.

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Welfare and Labor Minister (Likud) and former chairman of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Haim Katz is expected to be questioned under caution next week over suspicions of corruption in the companys workers' committee.

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Thus far, the police have investigated a host of workers in the IAI and arrested a number of them, including Katzs son Yair and his close associate Eli Cohen.

Investigators suspect that a company in the north was granted rights to carry out work for the IAI in exchange for benefits awarded to senior officialsa contravention of procedures unfairly favoring other companies.

Haim Katz (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

According to the investigators, the company has received what is known as rolling orders, meaning that each time a payment for an order ran out, another order would be issued for it. One of the suspects involved is the member of the Likud Central Committee and a member of the Histadrut party.

During the investigation, it became clear to the police that they were searching for information related to Katz. According to the evidence collected, the investigation of Katz is likely to focus on the functions of workers in the Likud Party during the period when he was chairman of the committee.

The evidence indicates that the workers of the IAI were pressured into giving their support to Chairman Katz and his faction on condition that they would be promoted in the company and circumstances in the workplace would be improved.

Sources close to Minister Katz expressed anger at what they described as "a well orchestrated campaign of slander in the media in an attempt to harm Minister Katz's name and his many years of public service. The minister is not afraid and will deal with the investigation, if and when he is summoned."
A report released Thursday on the implementation of government decisions found 70 percent of decisions due to be executed by the end of 2016 have materialized.

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The report examined 195 government decisions made up of 1,052 items, presenting a status report from government ministries and the relevant units on each of the items.

Government meeting (File photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

A similar report was published a year ago, but it lacked any detail on individual decisions. The new report details the executionor lack thereofof each specific decision or item, with the "excuses" of the relevant body presented in cases the decision hasn't been carried out in full.

Housing

A series of decisions have been made over the past two years in an effort to lower housing prices, mostly by increasing the supply of apartments in the market. Many of the decisions were carried out, but some remain stuck, delaying the promised drop in prices.

Primarily, the Housing Cabinet has yet to discuss and vote on a strategic plan for the housing field in the next 25 years.

To accelerate the rate of construction, it was determined Israel needed to encourage foreign construction companies to take on building projects in the country. However, despite the decision on the matter, the permits needed to hire up to 1,000 foreign workers have not yet been issued, and a plan to address safety concerns has not been formulated.

Construction in Ariel (Photo: AFP)

Another way the government determined to resolve the housing crisis, which also has advantages in the diplomatic area, is by increasing the quota of work permits for Palestinian and introducing professional training for Palestinian workers employed in the construction field in Israel. But this decision has not been implemented yet either, possibly due to security concerns.

Finally, the government determined steps must be taken to increase the number of Israeli workers in the field, but no moves have been made to encourage this.

Welfare and health

The current government spent a lot of time dealing with the aging of the population and the ramifications this will have on the pension and National Insurance coffers in the coming decades.

Despite having dedicated much time to the issue, the government has yet to formulate a plan to address the deficit in the National Insurance Institute. In addition, the findings of an examination of Israel's entire pensions system in the coming 25 years have not yet been presented to the government, nor did the the Socio-Economic Cabinet discuss these findings.

The National Insurance Institute (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The government determined that integrating the elderly into the work force is an effective way to deal with the problem, but there is still no plan in place for the employment of elderly citizens who have passed the retirement age.

Regarding the younger generation, the government decided to establish a program to prevent online violence and crime targeting children and teenagers, but the Finance Ministry has yet to allocate a budget to that end.

Another decision to examine the challenges faced by at-risk youth as well as children and from poor families has yet to be implemented.

The government determined the punishment and rehabilitation of prisoners in Israel must be streamlined, but an interministerial coordinator has not yet been appointed for the prevention and reduction of crimes committed by teenagers. A study meant to examine the efficacy of community courts has not been conducted, while a temporary order has yet to be issued to commute prison sentences up to nine months long to community service. Furthermore, projects to reduce repeat offenses among teens and youth have not been promoted.

In health, the Finance Ministry has yet to allocate NIS 300 million required to fund additional services in the 'health basket' for 2016, and there is not yet a plan submitted to implement a report by a public committee on compensating employees of the Atomic Energy Commission who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Aid for minorities, disadvantaged, special communities

The government approved an extensive plan for economic development in minority populations, most of which has already been implemented. However, a plan for informal education to Israeli Arabs has yet to get off the ground, while a team has not yet been established to cut through the red tape for the construction of classrooms in minority communities, and public transportation information has not been made accessible to Arabic speakers.

Another plan that was not implemented in full is one to develop and bolster Druze and Circassians communities. The Treasury has yet to allocate funds for the promoting of welfare activities; urban planning and development; construction, renovations and maintenance of religious buildings and cemeteries; bolstering municipality workers in these communities; energy efficiency; building family health clinics and setting up programs for health education; establishing a heritage center for the Druze community and a branch of the Yad Labanim organization for families of fallen soldiers.

Druze celebrations (Photo: George Ginsburg)

Another goal the government set is integrating the ultra-Orthodox population into the work force. Despite a decision on the matter, no appeals have been made to government ministries who may be interested in taking in ultra-Orthodox employees, while government hospitals haven't received funding to take in new employees from among the ultra-Orthodox population.

Following protests by Ethiopian immigrants, recommendations were made on how to eradicate racism against them, including recruiting experts, professionals, actors, creators and others with relevant talents to the campaign, but the recommendations were never implemented. The Finance Ministry also failed to provide funds to integrating and training members of the Ethiopian community in sports.

In addition, despite a decision on the topic, the eligibility of candidates from communities in Gondar and Addis Ababa to immigrate to Israel has not yet been examined.

Falash Mura in Gondar (Photo: Nitzan Hafner)

The government also determined there needs to be more variety in the representation of different communities, sectors and populations in Israel in government advertisements and campaigns, but an archive of photos including full representation of the Israeli population has not yet been put together.

Bolstering periphery communities

The government decided to establish a team to lead the implementation of a plan to increase the budget for education and welfare in disadvantaged municipalities at the expense of wealthy municipalities, but the matter hasn't been promoted by the municipality heads.

Some of the budgets to encourage tourism in the Negev and Galilee regions have not been allocated, and an economic-budgetary examination of establishing new communities in the Negev has not been carried out.

In the capital, the Economy Ministry failed to allocate NIS 30 million for a loan fund for small businesses; encouraging studies combining cinema, Judaism and tradition in Jerusalem; marketing incoming tourism; carrying out moves to bolster Jerusalem's status as an academic city; and promoting culture and tourism in the capital.

Despite the great investment the current government has made in the Jewish West Bank communities, some of the decisions pertaining to the area have been delayed as well. For example, the Finance Ministry has yet to allocate some NIS 250 million for the construction of national infrastructure and public buildings and for security grants to municipalities in the West Bank. Furthermore, not all funds have been allocated to replacing mobile structures with permanent structures and renovating public structures to bolster security and safety.

Mobile homes the evacuted Amona family live in (Photo: Omri Efraim)

In addition, not all funds have been allocated to building fire stations in local authorities, opening mental care centers and providing social and communal treatment to teenagers suffering distress due to the security situation.

In Bedouin communities in the north, no budget has been allocated for the social and physical rehabilitation of old neighborhoods; development of tourism; renovation of religious buildings; campaigns to promote a healthy and active lifestyle; implementation of education programs; establishment of a pre-army prep school; establishment of a heritage center; and after school extracurricular activities.

Environment

The government set a goal to transition the Israeli economy to natural gas consumption, but the different orders and regulations on the topic have yet to be issued.

As part of the national plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, a budget was supposed to be allocated for a grants program for investment in energy efficiency. In addition, a multi-annual plan for energy efficiency, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the production of electricity from renewable energy has yet to be submitted, nor was a plan to reduce electricity consumption. In addition, the Finance Ministry has yet to allocate a NIS 300 million budget for the issue.

On the national plan to reduce air pollution and reduce environmental hazards in the Haifa Bay area, a survey has yet to be conducted to examine the risk levels at the factories and facilities in the bay area dealing with hazardous materials and the transportation of such materials.

Diplomacy and policy

The government has decided to form a team to prevent duplicate position holders in Israel's diplomatic missions worldwide, but it has not been implemented yet due to "the sensitive nature of the issue and in light of instructions from the political echelon."

The government also determined that bolstering economic ties and cooperation with African natures was a main goal, but no budget has been allocated to aid Israeli companies interested in entering markets in Africa, to promote agreements between governments and to expand Israel's activity in the World Bank. In addition, three planned centers of excellence have yet to be built in Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Israels construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem undermines hopes for peace and reduces chances for the creation of a viable Palestinian state, Egypts Ambassador to Israel Hazem Khairat said on Thursday afternoon at the annual Herzliya Conference.

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Speaking alongside Israels most senior political officials and ministers, including Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, Khairat said that "a viable (Palestinian) state cannot be under the continued expansion of the settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem."

The settlements, he continued, "erode the land of the future Palestinian state, undermine hope for the future and threaten Israel's long-term security."

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Khairat went on to say that a two-state solution remained the only way to achieve the desired aspirations of Israel and the Palestinians.

"If we ignore this truth, it will lead to an explosion both peoples would be happy to avoid," he warned. "The lack of hope strengthens the tension that can lead to violence," which the ambassador said would only play into the hands of extremists on both sides.

Egypts Ambassador to Israel Hazem Khairat (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Khairat praised the efforts being undertaken by US President Donald Trump to achieve a peace in the Middle East and a peace agreement between the Palestinians and Israel.

"We have to recognize that the role of the international community, especially the United States, is to enable the sides to reach this agreement and to support them its implementation," Khairat added.

"At a time in which the Trump administration is ready to join the negotiations between the two sides, in light of his vision to achieve peace, Egypt is always ready to continue its role in helping the two sides," he claimed. "We have a real opportunity to open a new and brilliant chapter in our region and to advance peace in the area."

During his speech, Khairat also referred to statements made by his boss in Cairo, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, "We have a real opportunity to open a new a great chapter in history in our region by advancing peace."
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

Vote

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By Benjamin Jumbe

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Imvepi refugee settlement camp in Arua district.

The Secretary General is in the country to Co-host the Uganda Solidarity Summit on refugees with President Yoweri Museveni which opens in Kampala today with a number of side events organized by various humanitarian agencies.

The 2-day summit is meant to raise the profile of refugees in Uganda and mobilize financial support to meet their needs and those of the host communities.

Mr Guterres is to be accompanied for the field trip by among others; the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Minister for refugees and disaster preparedness Eng Hillary Onek.

The objective of the field trip is to provide the delegation an insight into the humanitarian emergency response to the huge influx of refugees from South Sudan into Uganda.

The country is currently hosting an estimated 1.3M refugees with 2000 coming in per day.
WHAT'S ON AROUND Here is a link to a Calendar of upcoming events in Kilcullen. If you have an event you want listed, email the Diary.





WEATHER Mostly cloudy with lots of dry weather and only occasional rain or drizzle. Another mild and windy day, with highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in strong southerly winds, gusts up to 80km/h.

DID YOU KNOW? Though the Irish Famine officially lasted just seven years from its beginning in 1845, the population of almost 8.4 million fell by up to 25pc, with an estimated one million deaths and two million more people emigrating permanently.

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TEXT ALERT Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert The Grocery in Calverstown, Kilcullen Garda Station , Kilcullen Credit Union , and scheme committee members. Please encourage neighbours and friends to join. Forms for joining thescheme are available fromin Calverstown, Kilcullen, Kilcullen, and scheme committee members. Please encourage neighbours and friends to join.



The Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto D raw is held at 9pm each Tuesday in the Parish Centre. This is a public event to which all are welcome. There's a prize draw each night for those attending. Details of previous Draws are here.



EMAIL THE DIARY kilcullendiary@gmail.com . Comments, contributions, requests always welcome.

AROUND TOWN Kilcullen Town has its own Facebook Page . Keep an eye on it. Email notices to us, or text 086 8267104.

PEOPLE OF THE HOLLY BUSH Another subject has been posted in the 'People of the Holly Bush' Kilcullen profiles project by Kieran Behan and Brian Byrne. He is Martin Murphy
CLEAR LAKE  Clear Lake Lutheran Churchs annual vacation Bible school is raising funds for the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

On Wednesday, sweet, calm golden retrievers met around 70 children attending Bible school this week. In small groups, they gathered around the dogs and their handlers to hear about the work they do through Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Toledo, Ohio.

Anna, a 3-year-old retriever, goes to church every Sunday, said Ryan Kleimola, associate pastor.

She goes and visits people when they are sad or sick, said Kleimola. Their job is to be pet.

Anna did her job well on Wednesday. Surrounded by many small caressing hands, Anna sat quietly on the floor and smiled.

I really like them, and they are so fluffy, said Archie Talbott, 8, of Toledo, Ohio, one of the Clear Lake Lutheran Bible school participants. They help a lot of people.

Camilla Cox, 9, of Fremont, said the dogs are awesome.

They go to a lot of hospitals and they just stay calm, said Cox, who knows a little about dogs because she has a puppy; sometimes when she gets tired she holds still, she said.

The Trinity team brought trading cards that show the dogs faces and names. The comfort dog program is a ministry of the church.

Last summer, Anna went to Baton Rouge  after the flooding there, said Mack Borders, one of Annas leaders from Trinity Lutheran.

A lot of times when things like that happen, people lose their pets, noted Kleimola.

Comfort dogs help fill in the emotional cracks after tragedies. There are around 100 dogs throughout the nation working through the Lutheran Church Charities program. A year ago, when 49 people were killed in a shooting in Orlando, Florida, Lutheran comfort dogs were there. In December 2012, when 20 children were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the dogs were deployed.

Kleimola took 2,000 hours of classes to work with Anna, who lives with a Trinity Lutheran family. The fund raiser being held in conjunction with Bible school at Clear Lake Lutheran is aimed toward providing training, said Bible school volunteer Kathy Shuman. It costs $15,000 to train a dog for the program.

Clear Lake Lutheran is a small church, said Shuman, but is passionate about doing its part to provide loving comfort to those who need it most.
I. A. Lapham, a signature in broad, graceful strokes of black ink, caught my eye as I turned the pages of an old book about Wisconsin agriculture. The name had a familiar ring, so I took time to refresh my memory: Increase A. Lapham, the Wisconsin Historical Society said, was Wisconsins first scientist.

The book, Volume X of the Wisconsin Farmer and North-Western Cultivator dated 1858, was one of several I salvaged from the discard bin at Steenbock Library at University of Wisconsin-Madison many years ago. Although the books were badly worn, a few minutes scanning the contents had convinced me that they would provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in agriculture and Wisconsin history. They have ever since. I found it curious that I had not previously noted in the 46 years I have had them that I was reading books once owned by Wisconsins first scientist who lived from 1811 to 1875.

Heres the historical societys summary of some of his contributions: He wrote the first book published in Wisconsin, made the first accurate maps of the state, investigated Wisconsins effigy mounds, native trees and grasses, climatic patterns and geology, and helped found many of the schools, colleges and other cultural institutions that still enrich the state today.

Lapham pioneered the field of forest conservation and his studies of weather conditions was instrumental in founding the forerunner of todays National Weather Service. He published a Geographical and Topographical Description of Wisconsin in 1844, which proved tremendously popular with immigrants looking for information about their new home. He also drew the first map published in the area, according to the historical society.

Im writing this reflection on Wisconsins first scientist on the day that the La Crosse Tribune reported that Gov. Scott Walkers budget has proposed further reductions in the role of science in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sen. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) said that the measure would better ensure that DNR research benefits sportsmen and avoids further research that takes climate change into account.

Having read that, I couldnt help but wonder what Wisconsins first scientist would think of his state reducing the breadth and scope of its natural resources research  what this man who first understood the significance of researching the effects of weather would think of such a narrow view of the role of research in natural resources management. Lapham, who also served as state geologist, mastered botany, geology, archaeology, limnology, mineralogy, engineering, meteorology, and cartography. The historical society said that Lapham, asked late in life which field of science was his specialty, he replied simply, I am studying Wisconsin.

Lapham might have read the following on page 453 of his copy of Wisconsin Farmer in 1858. I share it as a way of looking at the direction of science in Wisconsin:

Men have found the essential secret of prosperity and greatnessthat all progress is the work of experiment ... They have thus curbed and saddled steam, tamed lightning, cast by wooden plows, and in a thousand ways advanced and exalted themselves, physically and mentally, as individuals and nations.

The Wisconsin Farmer piece added: In the day of wooden plows (not long since) the great danger was thought to be in going too fast and knowing too muchnow the difficulty is to go fast enough and to know enough.

Wisconsin needs to know enough and needs research in the spirit of Wisconsins first scientist I.A. Lapham to make that happen. Enough of the wooden plow thinking.

For more on I. A. Lapham, see Studying Wisconsin: The Life of Increase Lapham by Paul G. Hayes and Martha Bergland, published in 2014 by Wisconsin Historical Society Press.
Holmen High School graduate Ryan Chapman plans to attend U.S. Naval Academy after he was nominated by U.S. Rep. Ron Kind for the U.S. service academies, along with four other students.

I couldnt be prouder of these five young men and women, said Kind. These outstanding students exemplify the best of western and central Wisconsin. By having accepted the appointment not only will they receive a superb education, but they will be serving our country. I look forward following their success as they bring their talent and commitment to serving to our nations service academies.

Wisconsins other Third Congressional District Service Academy attendees include:

Keelia Rodgers, of Stevens Point, plans to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy

Yevheniy Mizin, of Richland Center, plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy

Benjamin Foster, of Eau Claire, plans to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Erica Sempf, of Downing, plans to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Every year Kind nominates outstanding high school students to four of the five service academies. Students who wish to receive a nomination must go through a competitive application process and then be selected by a panel of local veterans and community leaders.
Sister Mary Gabriel was born Dec. 24, 1924, to Paul and Mary (Lee) Soong in Shanghai, China. She entered St. Rose Convent in 1947, and made profession of vows in 1950. Having received a Bachelors degree in education and biology from Viterbo College (University), Sister Mary Gabriel ministered as an elementary teacher for two years at St. Marys School in La Crosse, an instructor at Viterbo College (University) for three years, and a junior/senior high school science teacher for a total of 14 years in Guam and Provo, Utah. She then went on for further study and received a Masters degree from Syracuse University in general science. She also completed a program in medical record technology. At that time, she changed careers and moved to California where she served as a medical lab technologist at Brookside Hospital in El Cerrito from 1974 to 1993. She retired in El Cerrito, visiting the sick and elderly, especially at St. John the Baptist Parish, where she worshiped. Sister Mary Gabriel retired to St. Rose Convent in La Crosse in 2004, and moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2010.
The amount of pepper spray and restraints being used on the inmates at the states youth prison and the length of time inmates are locked in solitary confinement are problems too severe to leave to state officials to remedy, a federal judge said Thursday.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson signaled he wants large-scale changes at the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls, which has been under investigation over potential abuse allegations for two years and is at the center of a lawsuit against the state Department of Corrections alleging violations of inmates constitutional rights, including the right to live free from cruel and unusual punishment.

I didnt really take this job to run Wisconsins prison system  I dont want to overreach, Peterson said at a Thursday hearing in the case. But I do have concerns that the problems are so severe and the harm to the residents of Lincoln Hills is so acute that Im not confident I should just let the state take its time to reform (practices).

Peterson said he believes in the good will of DOC staff but that the facilitys use of pepper spray and solitary confinement must be changed sooner rather than later.

The state just seems to have been moving very, very slowly in the face of widespread criticism of Lincoln Hills, Peterson said.

Nine current and former inmates, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the Juvenile Law Center, are suing the DOC for its use of solitary confinement, hand and leg cuffs and pepper spray at Lincoln Hills.

Peterson signaled he wants the facilitys practices  which he said may be unconstitutional and are excessive  to be overhauled immediately, but also said he doesnt know if the lawsuits allegation that DOC staff were deliberately indifferent to the harm the practices have inflicted on inmates has been proven.

Brian Gustke, director of security since July of 2016, testified that he wants to get to a point where inmates held in solitary confinement are released for four hours per day. Currently, the average is less than half that time and some inmates arent released at all in 24 hours.

When asked why that goal cant yet be met, Gustke said the facility has had unpredictable staffing patterns and guards assigned to the solitary housing units arent always familiar with how things work, leading to confusion.

Wendy Peterson, superintendent of the facility, testified Thursday that the staff is creating low-risk and high-risk housing units to avoid sending inmates with more behavior problems back and forth to solitary confinement cells.

DOC Secretary Jon Litscher was supposed to testify but didnt because of a scheduling matter.

Seeking pepper spray

One juvenile prisons expert called to testify Thursday by the plaintiffs said some teen inmates are spending so much time alone in solitary confinement that they purposely behave in ways that will trigger being pepper-sprayed so they can receive stimulation and get out of their cells.

Vincent Schiraldi, a former juvenile corrections director in Washington, D.C., also said youth prison staff who work for the state Department of Corrections do not need to use pepper spray, solitary confinement or restraints to maintain safety.

Schiraldi, who reviewed DOC policies, practices, incident logs and did interviews with inmates and staff, described an environment that has inmates in solitary confinement for more than a week prompting guards to pepper-spray them.

The plaintiffs attorney showed two videos of incidents during which prison staff used pepper spray on inmates: one from a fixed security camera in the hallway of a Copper Lake housing unit and another from a handheld camera used to film an incident in a Lincoln Hills unit.

In one seven-minute video taped in April 2016, Copper Lake staff repeatedly asked a female inmate to return to her cell; she instead remained in the hallway pacing around. Eventually, a guard pepper-sprayed her when she continued to refuse to walk into her room. A guard sprayed her again after she dropped on the hallway floor with other guards holding her.

Wendy Peterson said the girl had a tendency to harm herself and staff were concerned she was going to do so.

In a second video, guards twice sprayed an inmate who was inside his cell but refused to move his arms into the cell. Gustke said guards were trying to prevent the inmate from disrupting the distribution of medication  as a different inmate once did while also injuring a guard.

Schiraldi said in both cases, the staff could have waited longer or used other practices to get the inmates to comply because neither were threatening harm.

Earlier Thursday, Judge Peterson denied a request made by lawyers representing the plaintiffs to show the videos in private. The Wisconsin State Journal, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Associated Press, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council had urged Peterson to allow the videos to be shown in court, and the judge agreed if those in the courtroom agreed not to identify the juveniles in the videos.

Restraints an issue

The time inmates spend in their cells and how often they are put in restraints depends on the security risk prison staff determine they pose. On average, inmates considered less risky who are in solitary confinement spend about an hour working on school work, take a 10-minute shower and spend 20 minutes for recreation.

During the testimony, attorneys for the plaintiffs showed a photograph of what is known at the prison as Golds Gym, which is a small cell with two balls that inmates use for recreation.

In one case, an inmate was kept in solitary confinement for 72 days with a handful of visits from staff in that time.

Schiraldi testified the DOCs use of pepper spray, restraints and lengths of stay in solitary confinement are not reasonably calculated to improve safety of the facility.

Stuart Grassian, a board-certified psychiatrist who works with former inmates of juvenile facilities and believes solitary confinement should never be used, said keeping inmates in solitary confinement engenders combative behavior instead of correcting it.

But Gustke said consequences for misbehavior are necessary.

Judge Peterson also questioned the departments use of pepper spray, citing the 220 times it was used on inmates in 2016 compared to the 45 times it was used in 2015.

Something is wrong with the use of (pepper spray) and if it werent for this suit, it would still be going on, Peterson said.

Wendy Peterson, who is not related to Judge Peterson, noted during her testimony the 2016 figures came during a time when the facility had 20 percent of its positions vacant.
Rep. Ron Kind on Thursday said the presidents immigration and trade policies hurt farmers and that President Donald Trump and members of his administration have essentially declared war on rural America.

Earlier this week, Kind invited Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer to visit Wisconsin and learn about issues important to Midwest dairy farmers. So far, the La Crosse Democrat said, he hasnt gotten a response.

I just met with the trade ambassador, and my first statement to him was no trade wars with Mexico, Kind said. It is the largest dairy market for Wisconsin, and that would devastate the dairy industry overnight.

After initially promising to repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement, Trump now says he will renegotiate the trade deal. Kind said he hopes administration officials will tread lightly with some of Americas largest trade partners while opening up new opportunities in countries, such as Canada, that Kind argues have put up protectionist barriers.

Kind also was critical of the president shunning the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Kind said would have opened up Asian and Pacific markets to U.S. farmers.

I am afraid the withdrawal from the TPP will leave us on the outside looking in, Kind said. We will lose the opportunity to expand into the fast-growing Asian markets.

Kind, along with many his Democratic colleagues, supports what he calls comprehensive immigration reform, including providing dairy workers with visas. More than 40 percent of Wisconsins dairy labor is provided by immigrants, he said, and the Trump administrations rhetoric toward immigrants has already hurt the industry.

Even with starting wages at $15 or $16 an hour, its hard to hire and keep local help, Kind said. It is hard work all day every day.

Kind said he hopes to reform and revise a number of margin protection and insurance programs. He argues the government provides too large of a promised profit margin for crop farmers, while not providing enough support for dairy farmers.

With the average age of U.S. farmers about to hit 60, Kind says, its critical to provide more training, access to grants and lines of credit, and other resources to assist beginning farmers.

Editor's Note: Canadian officials dispute the characterization of the country's actions as protectionist and argue changes to policy have been industry-driven. Attached is a copy of a letter from the Canadian Ambassador to Gov. Scott Walker earlier this year.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio  Its true. This feels like the center of the opioid crisis in America. But so do West Virginia and Maryland and Massachusetts and hamlets with such names as Pleasantville, Welch and Delray Beach.

It is foolish to deny this is a catastrophe; ridiculous to think it is not affecting every American family. Believing that overdosing and addiction only happen to the poor and disadvantaged or celebrities such as Prince and Carrie Fisher is even worse than arguing that extreme droughts, floods, blizzards and other anomalies  such as the air being too hot for planes to get enough lift to take off  are not related to climate change.

The hopelessly sheltered people in Washington who have been writing new health-care legislation in total secrecy are clueless when it comes to the depth, scope and impact of such devastating drugs as heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.

Its so easy to get hooked on illegal drugs in this society that thousands of once-promising young Americans have all but thrown their lives away by the time they are 18. What has changed is that fentanyl made in China is coming into the United States and added to $5-a-pop heroin doses, killing people like a plague. Its so dangerous that unprotected police officers responding to overdoses can overdose themselves just by touching and trying to revive the victims.

The argument of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is that more addicts should go to jail, reversing policies of leniency in cases involving nonviolent drug offenders with limited criminal activity. Instead of ordering more doses of naloxone, which can save the lives of overdose victims, he has decreed pursuit of the harshest jail terms possible. What a dreadful, moralizing, odious little power junkie Sessions is.

The other popular idea out of the ruling class is to save money for tax cuts for multimillionaires by providing less money for drug treatment centers and mental health care even though one out of every four Americans will have some sort of mental ailment this year, whether its depression, anxiety or schizophrenia.

First responders are overwhelmed. Officials in Dayton, Montgomerys county seat, say their county is the No. 1 drug overdose capital per capita in the nation. The county is on track to record 800 drug overdose deaths this year, according to the sheriffs office. One reason is the nexus of Interstates 75 and 70, making it easy for drug dealers to get in and out with their lethal wares.

In nearby Springfield, a pleasant little city of 60,000 just 26 miles away from Dayton, spillover drug dealing has resulted in 77 suspected drug overdose deaths this year as of June. That compares with 79 drug deaths for all of 2016.

Ohio alone is expecting 10,000 overdose deaths this year, more than the entire nation had in 1990. Medical personnel say it is a medical crisis. Yet doctors and hospitals in the greater Dayton area fear the health-care bill being stealthily put together in the Senate will cut their budgets by $2 billion over the next decade. Montgomery County would get $1.45 billion less in Medicaid reimbursement if the House bills cuts are adopted by the Senate. Over one-third of those covered by Ohio Medicaid are addicts.

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. A total of 52,404 people died from prescription drug and heroin overdoses in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, which also said 25.5 million Americans over the age of 12 had a substance abuse disorder that year.

The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality just reported that there were 1.27 million emergency room visits or hospital stays for opioid-related issues in 2014, a staggering number.

Russia and North Korea are worrisome threats. But more terrifying is the diabolically malignant opioid crisis. The next few weeks of congressional votes on a new health-care bill are enormously important. Its possible nothing will be done, and thousands more will die in the killing fields of Montgomery County and every corner of America. No place is safe from this epidemic.
Westby Times

June 21, 2007

10 Years Ago

A decision on whether or not a proposed multi-use path between Westby and Viroqua moves ahead will likely come at the August 7 meeting of the Vernon County board of supervisors.

Motorists urged to slow down for turtles. Motorists are most likely to see turtles crossing the roads near lakes, streams and wetlands this time of year. Most turtles will stop moving when they hear, see or feel a vehicle coming, so they are easy to drive around.

Craig Tainter, son of Mark and Kim Tainter, a 2003 graduate of Westby High School, received the Strzelczyk Award in Science and Health. The award recognizes an outstanding senior in the universitys College of Science and Health for academic achievement and service to the campus and community.

The Times

June 18, 1992

25 Years Ago

The sale of the Westby-Coon Valley Bank will proceed as planned. Fortress Bancshares, Inc. has been notified that the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago has approved its application to become a bank holding company to acquire the $55 million asset Westby-Coon Valley State Bank of Westby.

Katherine Kay Kirsch, daughter of Jerome and Mary Lou Kirsch, Marshfield, and Gary Joseph Korn, son of Joseph and Marian Korn, Westby, are happy to announce their engagement. An August 29 wedding is being planned.

For Fathers Day  Lauren Olstad writes: My dad is special because we live on a dairy farm and he lets us feed the calves and play with the pigs and chickens and ride our horses. But this week were starting tobacco planting and thats not so special.

The Times

June 22, 1967

50 Years Ago

The meeting of the East Ridge Beavers 4-H Club was held on June 12. We went on a hayride and conservation combination trip. Three members gave speeches when we were on the ride. After the ride we came back and had our meeting that was brought to order by President Jerrold Buros.

Fathers Day guests at the Iver Rognstad home in Westby were Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Moe, Catherine and John, Janesville; Mr. and Mrs. Roger Olson and Mark, Mr. and Mrs. Paul MacFarland, David, Daniel, Ann and Sara, and Lester Rognstad.

Three hundred patients at the Tomah hospital enjoyed a picnic on June 14 in the new shelter house. Four members of the Westby American Legion Auxiliary assisted with serving of the picnic supper: Mrs. Martha Hagen, Alida Silbaugh, Edna Mickelson and Verda Lund.

The Westby Times

June 24, 1942

75 Years Ago

Salaries of $135.00 a month are being offered to experienced stenographers, both men and women, who make application with the United States civil service commission. Two years of experience is required.

Mrs. Orin Stalsberg has returned to her home for a La Crosse hospital. She is recovering from a severe attack of pneumonia.

MR. and Mrs. Peder Jothen and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hehn, of Madison, were dinner guests at the Alvin Anderson home on Wednesday.
Two Monroe County residents have been honored with Sheriffs Civilian Life Saving Awards.

They received their awards at the May 24 Monroe County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Monroe County Sheriffs Office chief deputy Robert Conroy said the Sheriff Civilian Life Saving award is given to those who perform extraordinary acts of courage and heroism, or distinguish themselves by providing exceptional service to the agency or the community.

Deputy Ryan Oswald recommended Courtney Champagne and Robyn Ryba for the awards. He was present at both incidents. They were deserving recipients because their actions saved lives, Oswald said.

Champagne saved one males life by performing CPR, and if it wasnt for Robyn Ryba ... there probably would have been three children either dead or with severe injuries, he said. I feel that was a worthy cause for recognition.

On April 14 Courtney Champagne saved the life of a neighbor who was inside a car and not breathing. Champgane, a military member stationed at Fort McCoy, found the male and called 911 while checking his pulse. He was making choking sounds, so Champagne turned him onto his side to prevent aspiration. She found a weak pulse and began to give the male chest compressions, which she continued until first responders arrived and relieved her.

Conroy said Champagne is the reason the male survived.

It was because of Courtneys diligence and quick action that first responders were able to arrive on scene and provide appropriate live-saving measures, he said.

Champagne credits the Army and Oswald for saving the males life. She expressed gratitude to Oswald for his quick response and the kindness he extended to the victim. She also was grateful for her military training.

Id like to give full credit to the U.S. Army for giving me the training required to help with this, and Id like to take special consideration and thank my family for their continued support through this, she said.

On Dec. 22 Robyn Ryba, a social worker, removed three children from a dangerous situation. This happened when Ryba was in Oakdale conducting a follow-up with a family.

After she arrived at the residence, Ryba discovered four three children, ages 8, 7 and 5, home alone.

They did not know where their parents were, and the 8-year-old was trying to cook chicken on a propane stove for his siblings. The gas on the stove was on, but the pilot light wasnt lit and not far away a furnace was on. The furnace could have ignited the lingering gas.

Ryba turned off the stove and removed the children from the premises.

It was a selfless move, Conroy said.

It is because of Robyns diligence that the children were evacuated and subsequently received emergency medical follow up, he said.
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The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice.
It is often asserted that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 proved that HWA was right and he really did see the future.

This of course is nonsense. Herbert W. Armstrong said that Christ would return within twenty years in his book Mystery of the Ages. (PCG has since deleted those words so someone in there knows HWA spoke nonsense.) How convenient for them to forget this.

Also Herbert W. Armstrong never said the Soviet Union would collapse. He thought it would survive intact until a few years after Christ's return. It shows how biased some many in the COGs are that they never seem to notice this. This inconvenient truth is just tossed into the memory hole.

It is true that HWA said that some Eastern European states would break away from Moscow's orbit and join the European Empire he said would arise at any moment. But he never talked of the Soviet Union collapsing. He did not teach that. Also he portrayed the rise of the European Empire to be far quicker then what has actually happened. In Mystery of the Ages Christ was supposed to return by 2005 at the most.

So assertions that the fall of the Berlin Wall somehow prove that HWA was right is just complete nonsense spread by people who, for whatever reason, are still in denial that HWA was a false prophet who merely talked out of his own "human reasoning".
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U.S. officials are in the final stages of vetting up to 1,250 refugees rejected by Australia for resettlement in the United States, an Australian official said yesterday.

The refugees are among hundreds of asylum seekers  mostly from Iran, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka  who have been languishing for up to four years in immigration camps on the impoverished Pacific island nations of Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton said U.S. State and Homeland Security Department officials should be commended for their effective work with the Australian, Papua New Guinea and Nauru governments to fulfill a promise by President Barak Obamas administration to take up to 1,250 refugees off Australias hands.

Theres no delay in the process, Dutton told reporters. Its in the final stages and Im very pleased that hopefully as soon as possible we can get people [] off the islands.

Dutton declined to outline any details of that process or say when the first refugees were likely to leave the islands. Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on yesterday.

President Donald Trump berated Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during their first telephone conversation as national leaders in January over the deal which Trump described in a tweet as dumb.

Trump said the refugees would be subjected to extreme vetting before they were accepted. There are few details on what that would entail.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence assured Turnbull during a visit to Australia in April that the Trump administration will honor the deal, but that doesnt mean we admire the agreement.

Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul, an Australia-based advocate, said he had been told that U.S. officials had interviewed around 600 asylum seekers and conducted more than 200 medical examinations on Nauru. They had interviewed 300 at the men-only facility at Papua New Guineas Manus Island and completed 70 medical examinations, he said.

We are getting close to some people being taken from Nauru, Rintoul said.

Australia will not settle any refugees who try to arrive by boat  a policy that the government says dissuades asylum seekers from attempting the dangerous and occasionally deadly ocean crossing from Indonesia. Australia instead pays Papua New Guinea and Nauru to house asylum seekers in camps that have been plagued by reports of abuse and draconian conditions.

Australia last week reached a settlement of 90 million Australian dollars (USD68 million) with more than 1,900 asylum seekers who sued over their treatment on Manus Island. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP
Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, is in Shanghai for a two-day visit. He is due to meet leaders of the Shanghai municipality to review current cooperation and explore further ties.

His visit is an effort to expand cooperation on MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business, cultural affairs, medical and health sector services, and the training of civil servants.

Macau will continue to assist Shanghai businesses to explore opportunities in Portuguese- speaking countries, he said yesterday before leaving Macau.

According to a statement issued by the Government Information Bureau, Macau and Shanghai have a long history of close relations. Such ties included Shanghai sending experienced doctors to Macau in order to train a greater number of medical professionals. The two cities also signed a memorandum in 2012 on strengthening financial cooperation in relation to the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and on mutual contributions to the process of internationalizing the use of the renminbi.

During his two-day visit to Shanghai, Chui will be attending an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Tai Fung Bank and the launch of the institutions Shanghai branch.

In other comments, Chui stressed that the government has dedicated all possible efforts to protecting Macaus cultural heritage. The government does not believe Macau is under risk of being taken off the UNESCO world heritage list and maintains that the government will not do anything to negatively affect the Historic Center of Macau.

Chui added that local authorities maintained constant and close touch with UNESCO experts and often invited them to Macau.

On the issue of public housing, Chui stated that the government is determined to use plots in Avenida Wai Long in Taipa for the accommodation of public housing units. He added that departments under the secretary for Transport and Public Works are working on planning the project.
Around 100 Sands China employees participated in events jointly organized by Sands China Ltd and the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) last Friday and Saturday at The Venetian Macao and the MDA service center as part of the companys Care Ambassador Program. The program aims to work towards a better Macau through serving the local community.

The events included a discussion on the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was established in 2006 and came into force in Macau in 2008. The Sands China Care Ambassadors learned about the Macau governments definition of disability, and were introduced to the ways the government provides assistance to the deaf in the city.

In addition, the care ambassadors received a lesson on the science of hearing, as well as aspects of Macau sign language, including learning how to sign some of Macaus cultural heritage sites such as A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St. Pauls.

According to a press release from Sands, the Sands China Care Ambassador program was founded in 2009, and has since contributed more than 10,000 hours of voluntary community service in the city.

BNU employees visit mentally handicapped association

The BNU employee association visited Kai Hong Center of the Macau Association for the Mentally Handicapped last Saturday.

Employees from BNU, along with members from the center, made fortune rice bags. These are small packs of rice that are said to bring good fortune to homes and families, made by mixing them with the rice used in private households, according to BNUs public relations officer Kathy Mok.

BNU purchased these bags of fortune rice from the members of the center and will be distributing them to the elderly during an elderly home visit next month.

BNUs chief executive officer, Pedro Cardoso, expressed the companys commitment to fulfilling corporate social responsibilities. According to a press release issued by BNU, he said: We will continue to contribute to the community, and send our love and care to minorities.
Egypt yesterday trucked 1 million liters of cheap diesel fuel to the Gaza Strips sole power plant  a rare shipment that temporarily eased a crippling electricity crisis in the Hamas-ruled enclave but also appeared to undercut Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Abbas has been stepping up financial pressure on Gaza in hopes of forcing the militant group Hamas to cede ground in the territory. Hamas seized Gaza from Abbas forces in 2007, and yesterdays delivery was the result of a strange new alliance of old foes united against the Palestinian president.

The power plant stopped operating in April after Hamas could no longer afford to buy heavily taxed fuel from Abbas West Bank-based government, leaving Gazans with just four hours of electricity a day.

Abbas also asked Israel to reduce the electricity it sends to Gaza, which amounts to about a third of the territorys needs. This electricity, paid for by the Abbas government, has been reduced by one-fourth since Monday, worsening the crunch.

The power shortage has cast a pall over the current holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims often end their dawn-to-dusk fasting with lavish family meals. With their homes in the dark and refrigerators not functioning, families have had to scale back the celebrations.

Yousef al-Kayali, a Hamas finance official, said 11 trucks delivered the fuel yesterday. He said a second shipment of an additional 1 million liters was expected by today.

The fuel will not solve Gazas electricity woes, however. Israel is now providing just 88 megawatts of power each day, down from 120 earlier this week. The Egyptian fuel is expected to provide about 50 megawatts of power each day for several days, making up the cut in Israeli supplies.

In all, Gaza requires about 400 megawatts to meet its daily needs. The hot weather and Ramadan have increased demand, adding to the shortages.

There will still be troubles, but not the maximum troubles. Re-running the power plant is better than keeping it shut down, said Fathi Sheikh Khalil, director of the Hamas- run energy authority.

It was not clear whether the Egyptian deliveries were a one-time gesture or would continue.

Egypt and Hamas have had cool relations since the Egyptian military overthrew Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. The new Egyptian government accuses Hamas of cooperating with Islamic militants in Egypts Sinai Peninsula.

But earlier this month, Egypt hosted a delegation of top Hamas officials. The delegation also met Mohammed Dahlan, an exiled Palestinian leader and Abbas rival. Those talks led to the fuel shipments. AP
Youve got to try the burger. That was the counsel of Kurt Stache, a veteran of airport dining and airline marketing, while briefing me on the various attributes of recent renovations his employer, American Airlines, has completed at New Yorks JFK International Airport.

This particular flagship sirloin burger is one of the initial hits on the new menu American assembled for its first foray into restaurant-style dining at an airport lounge. The carrier opened its Flagship First Dining room in May in a space adjacent to its renovated lounge in Terminal 8.

The venue has the spartan sensibility one expects from some high-end eateries. The bar is up front and the tables in back, with a lovely chandelier dangling overhead. But the glass windows are rightfully allowed to dominate. The room is a sleek space overlooking the tarmac  aviation geeks will be pleased by the aircraft views.

So, anyway, I went with the burger. It is a lovely thing to behold, not super-sized or excessively messy the way many renditions are engineered. Its served atop a crisp tomato slice and a few shreds of arugula and then topped with a marmalade of red onion and bacon. This last bit adds a subtle sweetness to the thin layer of char that encloses juicy ground sirloin. There were French fries, I think, but I dont really recall. The beef was so much more interesting. Cheddar cheese is a good option, but I chose to taste the burger on its own.

While the focus is on seasonal and local ingredients, its one of the very few items that will stay year-round, said Stache, senior vice president for marketing and loyalty at American Airlines Group Inc. I preceded the burger with samples of three appetizers: basil-infused compressed watermelon with a feta cheese garnish, tomato bisque with a miniature (2 inches square!) grilled cheese sandwich, and a chilled smoked duck breast. The Loch Duart salmon, a farmed variety from the northern reaches of Scotland, was fresh, tender, and poached superbly in olive oil and served atop a cauliflower risotto. Each entree is listed with a suggested wine pairing.

The restaurant isnt fussy or pretentious, nor did the wait staff appear to consider these menu selections precious heirlooms. Instead, these are carefully attended plates with high-quality ingredients  minus the stuffy. After all, this is JFK.

While the larger lounge accepts an array of Americans elite customers, access to the dining room is tightly controlled  only people traveling internationally or transcontinental in first class are allowed, or those at the invitation- only Concierge Key elite level. This keeps the amenity highly exclusive  always a tantalizing allure for a certain jet set  and prevents the dining room from becoming overly crowded. Our waiter said hed seen no more than 10-12 diners concurrently during the first three weeks of operation.

American put its first Flagship dining eatery at JFK, the airport where it has the most departures booked in first class, and will open two more by yearend at its hubs in Los Angeles and Miami. In 2018 the airline will expand this dining concept to Dallas-Fort Worth and London.

This focus on finer dining in the airport is one that premium long-haul airlines have offered for years, from Sydney to Singapore, Hong Kong to Dubai, London, and Paris. Yet a restaurant-

style dining experience is relatively new to the U.S. aviation scene, where airlines have traditionally pinched pennies even for their wealthiest passengers.

United Continental Holdings Inc. opened its first Polaris business class lounge in December at its Chicago hub, with a la carte menu items supplementing the lounges buffet and designed by Chicago chef Art Smith. United plans five more of the lounges this year at its U.S. hubs, with Hong Kong, London, and Tokyo slated for 2018. United also offers a posh burger as an entree, from Chicagos Blue Door Kitchen, served with an optional fried egg.

Since righting their financial fortunes following the bankruptcy years, U.S. airlines have invested heavily to spruce up their fleets and onboard amenities, particularly those targeting the big spenders who sit up front. Premium-cabin meals and wines have seen gradual upgrades while the carriers have also deployed upscale seats that transition into fully flat beds for improved sleep.

In some ways, the reclining airline beds up front are driving the rise of U.S. airport-lounge restaurants. As part of its Polaris work, United conducted more than 12,000 hours of research and interviewed more than 350 high-mileage customers and more than 50 frontline employees, spokeswoman Maggie Schmerin said.

One thing we heard more than anything else was a good nights sleep was the most important thing to our global travelers, she said. So we set out to design from scratch a completely reimagined premium experience focused on sleep. Giving customers the option to enjoy a meal in the United Polaris lounge prior to their travel means they can go directly to sleep once onboard, should they choose.

Sleep is also a driving influence at American, where many passengers prefer to board, recline, and snooze as quickly as possible, Stache said. On the shorter trans- Atlantic flights [] you prefer to eat before you get on the plane to maximize your sleep time or your work time in-flight, he said.

American focused heavily on the airport dining experience of its oneworld marketing alliance partners Qantas Airways Ltd. in Sydney, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. in Hong Kong, and British Airways in London. (Cathays Pier Lounge in Hong Kong offers not only upscale dining, but also a spa for pre- and post-flight foot massages.)

I think in todays world theres a growing expectation from the premium customer that they have the ability, or the choice, to dine on the ground, Stache said. We need to be at that level, and it moves the bar.

Delta Air Lines Inc., meanwhile, has made its lounge buffets heartier, including soups and salads and more local food items. But it has no immediate plans to begin restaurant-style dining, a spokeswoman said.

Of course, migrating preflight dining from the traditional serve-

yourself buffet to a tony restaurant with servers doesnt come cheap  and U.S. airlines have become global masters of operating as skillful nickel-squeezers. But Stache said the effort to sell an upscale restaurant idea to Americans top executives wasnt as difficult as you think.

In the lean years, we didnt have capital to invest in the products, Stache said. But were in a different world now. We know were going to have longer-term stability. Justin Bachman, Bloomberg
In cosmopolitan Macau, a city where around 60 percent of the total population was born abroad and where many others can trace their roots in the territory back only a single generation, the Macanese community is perhaps one of the few that can truly lay claim to the citys past.

The community, commonly defined as those with a mixed Sino-Portuguese ethnicity and identity, wields more influence in the territory than their numbers would suggest. They are overrepresented in the fields of government, law and culture, and they hold a vast number of leadership roles in city-wide, multi-ethnic associations.

They may number as many as 8000 but, according to some predictions, just eight to nine hundred of them will participate in the 2017 Legislative Assembly (AL) election. When united, the political weight of this ethnic group represents only a trivial fraction of the more than 300,000 people in the territory who are eligible to vote.

But they are not united. When it comes to the election, members of this prominent community are as much divided in their choice of AL candidates as the rest of the electorate en masse. In political terms, there is no Macanese community at all.

Miguel de Senna Fernandes, president of the board of the Macanese Association, and renowned local architect Carlos Marreiros put this partly down to the numbers.

With less than a thousand potential voters of Sino-Portuguese identity, Senna Fernandes says that a Macanese-orientated platform would be akin to political suicide for any prospective legislator. It is a sentiment confirmed by Marreiros, who notes that a genuine Macanese platform cannot attract enough voters.

[Legislative] candidates need more than just a Macanese platform, said the architect, who was the president of the citys cultural institute between 1989 and 1992. [The Macanese are] insignificant in terms of the mathematics of the election.

Under the current configuration of Macaus legislature body, two of the 33 lawmakers are Macanese. They are Leonel Alberto Alves, a functional constituency lawmaker under the professional category and Jose Pereira Coutinho, the association president and list leader of Nova Esperanca (New Hope), who has consecutively reclaimed his seat in every election since 2005.

Both candidates are broadly popular with the Macanese population although they stand on very different platforms. Alves is sometimes regarded as a pro- business lawmaker, while Coutinho is considered more of a unionist and tends to find his support base among the citys numerous civil servants.

Members of the Macanese community told the Times this week that they tend to vote as individuals rather than as a collective. This is despite the tight- knit nature of the ethnic group, many of whom have familial or close relationships with incumbent legislators and senior government officials.

The Macanese are more outstanding as individuals than a community, said Marreiros. To say that the Macanese are not united is quite skeptical. They vote in their own interests [as individuals].

Leonel Alves announced through Ponto Final this week that he will not be standing for re-election as the AL nominee for the Macau Professional Interests Union. Meanwhile, Coutinho, who has confirmed he will once again vie for a seat in the legislature, openly admitted that New Hope has low expectations for the 2017 election. It will be difficult to elect even one [lawmaker], he said.

The interests of the Macanese are very diverse, said Marreiros. For instance, [Pereira Coutinho], whether you agree with him or not, has a wide spectrum, claiming to represent the Macanese and the civil servants.

At a pre-election press conference held last week, Coutinho stressed that discrimination in the public sector was a serious matter affecting the Macanese and Portuguese communities. Acting as a bridge between the key interest groups he represents, Coutinho accused the government of taking poor care of the defense of the Portuguese language and of sidelining job applicants with a Portuguese-sounding name.

However, Coutinhos center- left orientation makes him an unappealing candidate to some within the Macanese community, particularly those with business interests, said Marreiros.

There are those who do not appreciate Coutinhos unionist stance, he said. Entrepreneurs will tend to prefer other professional interests [candidates] from the business sector [] and they will be mostly Chinese.

Senna Fernandes said that the two Macanese lawmakers are not meant to be representatives of this small community alone. While they sometimes champion Macanese interests, their election platform always covers a much wider scope and they are not specifically targeting Sino-Portuguese residents in their campaigns.

The resounding message of both Marreiros and Senna Fernandes is that the Macanese will not necessarily vote for the Macanese. This perhaps puts Macanese candidates at a disadvantage when compared with more loyal political cleavages in the city, such as the Jiangmen or Fujian groups.

Speaking to the Times yesterday, Duarte Alves, Chairman of the General Assembly of the Young Macanese Association and the son of retiring lawmaker Leonel Aves, concurred that the Macanese community tends to vote by individual interest rather than as a cohesive bloc.

The other communities in Macau are much bigger [than the Macanese one] and so can throw their weight around, he said. Also, the Macanese  by their definition  are a mixed people, with one foot in the Chinese world and the other in the Portuguese world. They are less inclined to vote as a group.

There is a possibility then, with Coutinhos uncertainty and the withdrawal of Alves, that for the first time in the MSARs history, the new Legislative Assembly could feature no Macanese lawmakers.

Coutinho is a fighter and has his own causes, and [Leonel] Alves is a brilliant legislator, said Senna Fernandes speaking prior to the latters withdrawal announcement. If either of them [do not return to the AL] this year, it would be a loss.

Frederico Santos Rosario, the chairman of the board of the Grow uP eSports association in Macau and whose mother, Rita Santos, is responsible for managing New Hopes election list, also cast his doubts over the future of Macanese representation in the AL.

I believe that the biggest issue is that we dont have a lot of candidates who are really defending the Macanese community, he said. Of course we have Pereira Coutinho and the other Macanese representatives, but whether they will last after this election is an issue.

The hope may instead lie with a new generation of Macanese who are becoming increasingly active as community leaders. One of them, Jorge Neto Valente, the son of the famous lawyer of the same name, has a small chance at making his legislative debut this year.

Running as the third candidate on lawmaker Melinda Chans list, Alliance for Change, Valentes ascent to the legislature is deemed unlikely. In 2013, only Chan Meng Kams United Citizens Association of Macau secured a third seat, while Alliance for Change obtained just one. It is speculated that bringing Valente into the fold  for this election at least  was a way to rally youth voters behind Melinda Chan.

Some from the community say that, more generally, they are worried about a growing political indifference among the Macanese youth.

For this election, the young Macanese are not that interested in the outcome. The outcome will not be that different from previous years, so there is some [disinterest], said Senna Fernandes. It will be business as usual either way.

We need more young people who are interested in politics, added Santos Rosario. As a young Macanese, I believe that [the youth] still do not have much confidence in the quality of the elections.

The worst-case scenario will see a Legislative Assembly devoid of Macanese representatives. However, this has always been a possibility in Macau due to the nature of the electoral system and the relative size of the community.

Traditional Macanese societies do not have the scale to run today [on their own platform], because of the electoral system, said Marreiros. To balance this, the chief executive has been given the prerogative to directly appoint Macanese legislators, if he or she chooses to do so. This was because it is very difficult for them [the Macanese] to get elected through the direct elections.

Even with a legislative flop, the Macanese community will still find itself well-represented in other influential areas of Macau life.

Of course, when we talk about numbers, the Macanese vote is irrelevant, said Senna Fernandes. But the relevance of the community is expressed on another, non-electoral level. We dont rely on elections to express ourselves; instead we prefer associations.

We can still wield influence outside of the legislature, the leader of the Macanese Association promised.

Who are the Macanese?

The Macanese ethnic group is commonly defined as persons with a mixed Chinese and Portuguese ancestry, who normally  but not always  have a direct connection with the territory of Macau.

Originating in Macau in the 16th century, the term has come to be applied more broadly to those of a mixed Portuguese-Asiatic identity. Today, the Macanese community is often characterized by the ability of its members to simultaneously bestride the Chinese and Portuguese worlds.

Prior to the handover, many Macanese would have identified more as Portuguese, given the tendency for the Portuguese language to be spoken at home and for the children to attend Portuguese curriculum schools. But according to some studies, the 1999 handover has prompted some Macanese to reevaluate their identity, with increasing numbers of them preferring to recognize their Chinese heritage foremost.

Others, such as local architect Carlos Marreiros, advocate an even broader spectrum of what constitutes the Macanese community.

The Sino-Portuguese descendants are wider than just the Macanese, he told the Times. They include the Portuguese who have been here for decades or generations. These can also be considered the Macanese.

Under the traditional definition, there are an estimated 42,000 Macanese people worldwide. Outside of Macau, the largest communities reside in the United States (15,000), Canada (12,000), Hong Kong (1,000) and Brazil (300). DB
Victor Lis moment may have finally arrived. The son of billionaire Li Ka-shing is poised to inherit an empire spanning across more than 50 countries in businesses ranging from telecommunications to retail and ports. The elder Li plans to step down as chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. by the time he turns 90 next year, according to the Wall Street Journal, a move that would be in line with comments he made a year ago when he said he might retire today if I wanted to, in the next five minutes or whenever.

The patriarch, who spoke in a rare Bloomberg Television interview last year, said at the time that those worried about succession should note that his son had been working alongside him for 30 years and been taking care of his businesses full-time for the past few. Victor was named as heir to the Li business five years ago.

While the company said on Tuesday that no concrete timetable had been set for the succession, Victor will assume control of a far-flung group of business making him one of the most influential business executives in Asia.

Hed also be filling the shoes of a man whos known as Superman in Hong Kong business circles for his deal-making and managerial acumen.

Shares of CK Hutchison fell 0.2 percent to HKD98.50 in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Victor, 52, is currently deputy chairman at CK Hutchison and Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd. Hes also chairman at group units CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd. and CK Life Sciences Intl Holdings Inc. Other titles include co-chairman of Canadas Husky Energy Inc.

He joined Cheung Kong in 1985 in his 20s and steadily rose through the ranks, taking on various positions at his fathers empire throughout the years, alongside his younger brother Richard, who later branched off on his own.

In 1996, Victor made headlines when he was kidnapped. The kidnapper later fled to mainland China, only to be apprehended and executed there.

The media-shy Victor, who studied at Stanford University, was particularly instrumental in spearheading CKI, which he has led since its listing two decades ago with the help of his uncle Kam Hing Lam. Victor was named heir to Li Ka-shings empire in 2012 and has since been assuming more responsibilities.

As to his father, the retirement of Hong Kongs richest man would mark the end of an era. Throughout his storied career, the elder Li has amassed a $32.6 billion fortune that ranks second in Asia after that of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s Jack Ma, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. More broadly, Li is wealthier than the likes of former Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer or billionaire investor George Soros.

On the whole it would be a bit of a shock, said Richard Harris, Hong Kong-based chief executive officer of Port Shelter Investment Management. Not only is he a local entrepreneur who built things up in terms of Hong Kong, but he really got it in terms of turning his empire into a global empire rather than just a big company based in Hong Kong.

In an illustration of how closely the elder Li is tracked in Hong Kong, throngs of TV cameras were lined up at the lobby of his headquarters building within an hour of the Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday, aiming to catch a glimpse and sound bite from the famed tycoon.

A refugee to Hong Kong who swept factory floors as a teenager in the 1940s, Li rose to head a global business empire that built skyscrapers, provided mobile- phone services and controlled ports across the globe. He made his first fortune through a plastic-flower manufacturer that later became Asias biggest maker of the ornaments.

After some well-timed property investments cemented his wealth, he began expanding his empire into retail, energy, telecommunications, media and biotechnology. By 2016, he employed 270,000 people in more than 50 countries.

Despite his success, Li also symbolized the wealth inequality in a city known for having the most unaffordable private housing in the world and where business is dominated by a handful of families. In an interview last year, he called for higher corporate taxes to help tackle wealth inequality.

I could retire today if I wanted to, in the next five minutes or whenever, Li said in the interview with Bloomberg Television. Well carry on what we do now.

Li was born July 29, 1928, in Chiu Chow, a city in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which adjoins Hong Kong. In 1940, his family fled to Hong Kong to escape Japanese invaders, though Hong Kong was occupied the following year. Prudence Ho, Bloomberg
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro shook up his military leadership Tuesday after images of soldiers firing on anti-government demonstrators in Caracas a day earlier provoked a massive outcry across the countrys bitter political divide.

During a two-hour televised address Tuesday, Maduro named new commanders for the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard, but did not address Mondays protests that left a teenager dead and four wounded by gunfire. Two members of the National Guard were arrested in connection with the shootings.

An initial probe of Mondays shootings indicated misuse and disproportionate use of force, Interior Minister Nestor Reverol wrote on Twitter late Monday, adding that the investigation was still underway. His comments represent a rare display of official condemnation, and were echoed by other top members of Maduros administration who urged restraint in anti-government protests that have left over 70 dead and thousands injured and jailed.

Rocio San Miguel, president of Control Ciudadano, a citizen watchdog group, says that the rebuke by Reverol was an effort at controlling damage for an increasingly discredited armed forces. The abuses were so evident that he is looking to maintain the bare maintain minimum sense of law.

Earlier Tuesday opposition lawmakers protested outside a National Guard base in western Caracas. What you did yesterday was murder! congressman Tomas Guanipa yelled outside the barracks gate. You cannot keep serving as a bodyguard for those who are against the Constitution.

Since early April, Venezuelans have taken to the capitals streets and other major cities almost daily, denouncing Maduro for wrecking the economy and what they say are his efforts to install a dictatorship. Reports alleging excessive use of tear gas, illegal raids, torture and lethal force are rife.

The heavy-handed response and Maduros efforts to rewrite the South American nations constitution have fueled divisions within the ruling socialist partys ranks. Most prominently, the countrys chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega Diaz, a long-time loyalist to the late Hugo Chavez, has become a vocal critic of the crackdown on dissent, launching a raft investigations into alleged state abuses.

On Tuesday, Venezuelas top court accepted a request filed by a pro-government lawmaker to find serious fault with Ortega Diazs actions and determine if she should stand trial. The infighting has only emboldened Maduros opponents, who called on the military to uphold the Constitution.

All of Venezuela must stand up to rescue democracy, Julio Borges, head of the National Assembly, said at news conference, vowing another wave of protests was soon on their way.

Still, Maduros shakeup of his commanders could help the nations military, long seen as the South American nations major power broker, remain above the escalating political fray.

The governments moves are more about saving face rather than preventing a potential break in ranks. Its not about order, its about shame, said San Miguel. Andrew Rosati, Bloomberg
Muslim rebels fled after freeing dozens of hostages from a school in a southern Philippine village yesterday and were being pursued by army troops, as a daylong crisis eased in the volatile region, officials said.

Gunmen from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters prepared to attack troop and militiamen outposts but were repelled by government forces yesterday, prompting them to seize villagers as human shields in Malagakit village in North Cotabato province, military officials said.

At least four rebels were killed and two government militiamen were wounded in the fighting, which caused nearly 1,000 villagers in Malagakit and two nearby villages to flee to safety, the officials said.

The retreating gunmen, estimated by the military and police to number from 200 to 300, later occupied a Malagakit grade school building, where they sporadically traded shots with troops up to nightfall, said local army spokesman Capt. Arvin Encinas.

During a lull in the gunbattle, 31 people, including a dozen children, were either allowed to dash to freedom or escaped from the school. Other captives in the school and more 20 other residents who were trapped in their houses later were taken to safety by troops, officials said.

The gunmen managed to escape from the school after freeing the hostages and the other captives were rescued, Encinas said.

While our troops were slowly approaching, they fled and left behind the civilians that they held as hostages, he said.

The rebels may have taken advantage of a massive military offensive against militants aligned with the Islamic State group who have laid siege to the southern city of Marawi, and plotted to attack military targets elsewhere, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said at a news conference.

They were taking advantage of the situation that we have a very lightly defended outpost and that they think our forces are elsewhere in the province, Padilla said. But that is not the case, our forces are spread all over. We may be facing many fronts [] but weve properly assigned our forces.

Rebel spokesman Abu Misry Mamah acknowledged in a radio interview that his group staged the attack, but said they only took hold of some villagers to protect them during the gunbattle.

The rebels broke off from the largest Muslim rebel group several years ago to protest peace talks with the government. Weakened by battle setbacks, some commanders have aligned themselves with the Islamic State group in the hope of securing funding from the Middle East- based group, according to the military.

Last month, about 500 militants seized Marawi, a mosque-dotted center of the Islamic faith in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. The attack followed an army and police raid on a hideout that failed to capture a top militant suspect. Philippine troops, backed by airstrikes, have been fighting street battles to wrest back control of four areas in the citys business district.

At least 258 militants, 65 soldiers and police and 26 civilians have been killed and more than 300,000 villagers have fled from Marawi and outlying towns.

The U.S. military in recent weeks deployed a P3 Orion aircraft to provide surveillance for troops battling more than 100 gunmen holding an unspecified number of hostages in Marawi. President Rodrigo Duterte, despite having an antagonistic stance toward Washington, has acknowledged the U.S. assistance is helping save lives.

The attack has sparked fears that the Islamic State group, while losing territory in Syria and Iraq, may be gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia. Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao region to deal with the Marawi crisis. AP
A Singapore auxiliary police officer who planned to join the armed conflict against Syrias government has been arrested along with one of his colleagues, the Home Affairs Ministry said Tuesday.

Muhammad Khairul bin Mohamed, 24, was arrested earlier this month under the countrys Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, the ministry said in a statement.

It said Khairul was radicalized and had the intention to undertake armed violence in Syria by traveling there and joining the Free Syrian Army. The group, founded by defectors from the Syrian Armed Forces, aims to overthrow the Syrian government led by President Bashar Assad.

His colleague, 36-year-old Mohamad Rizal bin Wahid, was also arrested in June under the Internal Security Act, but was released under a restriction order that forbids him from moving to a new address or traveling without approval, the ministry said.

Rizal did not share Khairuls desire to participate in armed violence, but had been aware of his plans since 2015 and did not alert authorities, and even suggested to Khairul various ways to get to Syria and to die there as a martyr, it said.

The ministry said Khairul perceived the conflict to be a sectarian struggle between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, who follow different interpretations of Islam.

Being a Sunni Muslim, he wanted to fight against the Shiites in Syria by joining the Free Syrian Army, the ministry said. His readiness and proclivity to resort to violence in pursuit of a religious cause makes him a security threat to Singapore.

The two men were employed by AETOS, a private security company that provides security guards to companies and auxiliary police to the Singapore Police Force.

At the time of his arrest, Khairul was involved in traffic enforcement at Woodlands Checkpoint, which separates Singapore from neighboring Malaysia. The ministry said he did not carry a weapon in that role.

Since 2015, Singaporean authorities have detained 15 Singaporeans suspected of being Islamic State group sympathizers. AP
The Chairman of Tigerair Taiwan, Chang Ho-Jo, said that the low-cost carrier will increase the frequency of flights between Macau and Taiwan, starting from August.

The information was announced on the sidelines of a ceremony where the company welcomed its three-millionth passenger at the Macau International Airport.

Specifically, the airline is considering adding three  and possibly up to seven  additional lines connecting both regions. Currently, there are 42 links between Macau and several destinations in Taiwan.

At the end of March, Tigerair Taiwan launched a new route between Macau and Taichung.

The airlines chairman disclosed that this route has been running well, despite the unbalanced number of passengers. According to Chang, there are more passengers flying to Macau from Taichung and fewer passengers flying to Taichung departing from Macau.

The number of passengers is more balanced with respect to cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung.

For the past few years, Tigerair Taiwan has been running a deficit. However, Chang expressed his optimism concerning the airlines revenue in 2017, noting that Tigerair Taiwan can naturally continue its operations.

In July, the airline will unveil an independent website, that the company anticipates will allow it to seize more opportunities. In particular, they hope to convince more passengers to choose Tigerair Taiwan to provide one of their connecting flights on the way to their final destination. Currently, we are still sharing a website with Tigerair Singapore, but after July 11 [the date on which Tigerair Taiwan will cease sharing their website with Tigerair Singapore] we will bump sales regarding this aspect, [] by letting the transit passengers become the main source of customers, explained Chang.

So far this year, the airline has registered a 20 percent increase on average when compared to the homologous period of last year. Most noticeably, the airlines passenger load factor reached more than 80 percent, a jump from the previous load factor of over 70 percent.

In the upcoming December, the airline will include another aircraft in the operations based in Kaosiung city. We will transfer some operations to Kaosiung, where we hope to expand the tourism market, said Chang.

With the addition of this new aircraft, Tigerair Taiwan will have a total of 11 aircraft in its fleet.

In yesterdays celebration, the three-millionth Tigerair Taiwan passenger, who happens to be a Macau resident, took the airlines flight to Taipei.

To celebrate the milestone, Tigerair Taiwan awarded the passenger with a one-year pass offering free passage on an unlimited number of flights run by Tigerair Taiwan.
Money-losing Toshiba Corp. said yesterday that it has chosen a U.S.-Japan consortium as the preferred bidder in the sale of its lucrative memory chip business, but hurdles remain as an American joint-venture partner is opposing the move.

Toshiba sorely needs the sale, with its U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse Electric Co. racking up massive red ink and filing for bankruptcy protection.

Tokyo-based Toshiba said the board of directors selected the bid, totaling about 2 trillion yen (USD18 billion), from the consortium of Innovation Network Corp. of Japan, Bain Capital Private Equity and the Development Bank of Japan in the sale of Toshiba Memory Corp.

But Western Digital of the U.S., which has acquired some SanDisk chip operations, including a joint venture with Toshiba in Japan, reiterated its opposition to such a move. It said in a statement that Toshiba has no right to transfer the joint venture without its consent.

It said it filed a request for arbitration last week. Toshiba has accused Western Digital of interfering with its sales efforts. Such sales can be sensitive because they involve the transfer of technology.

SK Hynix, a major South Korean chip supplier, confirmed it was a lender to the consortium, seeking new business opportunities, but declined to elaborate. Toshiba said Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group of Japan was also a financer for a consortium member, but neither SK Hynix nor MUFJ will have managerial say.

Toshiba has determined that the consortium has presented the best proposal, not only in terms of valuation, but also in respect to certainty of closing, retention of employees and maintenance of sensitive technology within Japan, it said.

Damian Thong, senior technology analyst with Macquarie in Tokyo, said the decision reflects how Japan wants to keep the technology, but concessions would be needed from Western Digital.

A fight in court would be detrimental long term, because delays would give an edge to rivals, he added. Samsung Electronics is No. 1 in the field.

The whole point of this is to help Japan retain control of the semiconductor operations and business of Toshiba, Thong said. This is Japan trying to protect its position and relevance in global chip-making. AP




Travis Kalanick, the combative and embattled CEO of ride-hailing giant Uber, has resigned under pressure from investors at a pivotal time for the company.

Ubers board confirmed the move yesterday, saying in a statement that Kalanick is taking time to heal from the death of his mother in a boating accident while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Ubers history. He will remain on the Uber Technologies Inc. board.

The move comes as Uber, the worlds largest ride-hailing company, was having trouble morphing from a free-wheeling startup into a mature company that can stanch losses and post consistent profits. After eight years of phenomenal growth by upending the taxi business, Uber had reached a point where the culture that created the company had become a liability that threatened to kill it.

In a statement, the 40-year-old co-founder said his resignation would help Uber go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight, an apparent reference to efforts on the board to oust him. It was unclear who would replace Kalanick.

The resignation came after a series of costly missteps under Kalanick that damaged Ubers reputation, including revelations of sexual harassment in its offices, allegations of trade secrets theft and a federal investigation into efforts to mislead local government regulators.

Uber lost an expensive battle for supremacy in China against Didi Chuxing and had to be satisfied with taking a stake in Didi as a consolation prize. Uber posted a USD708 million first-quarter loss, unable to turn $3.4 billion in revenue into a profit. The loss narrowed from the $991 million it posted in the previous quarter.

Investors have talked about selling stock in Uber to the public, a move that would imply a transition to an established business. The company was valued at near $70 billion the last time it sought capital.

Kalanicks penchant for conflict undermined the companys prospects, said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Ride-hailing itself remains a topic of intense interest for the tech and auto industries as they compete to see whether Silicon Valley or the automakers will reap the profits from the digitalization of how people get from one place to another. But the significance of Uber has declined because the company has not managed to present itself in a stable and socially responsible way, Dudenhoeffer said.

When youre at war with customers, employees, service suppliers, you cant build up a business model and Kalanick was at war with everyone, said Dudenhoeffer. There is no business model in being at war.

On Tuesday, the company embarked on a 180-day program to change its image by allowing riders to give drivers tips through the Uber app, something Kalanick had resisted. Drivers have said that Kalanick didnt value their labor even though it was the heart of the San Francisco-based company.

Ubers board said in a statement that Kalanick had always put Uber first.

But under Kalanick, the company developed a reputation for ruthless tactics that have occasionally outraged government regulators, drivers, riders and employees. The company often flouted city regulations for taxi companies with a culture that encouraged Principled Confrontation.

The companys hard-charging style has led to legal trouble. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Ubers past usage of phony software designed to thwart local government regulators who wanted to check on whether Uber was carrying passengers without permission.

A key step toward Kalanicks downfall came in February, when former Uber engineer Susan Fowler posted a personal essay about the year she spent at Uber, writing that she was propositioned by her manager on her first day with an engineering team. She reported him to human resources, but was told he would get a lecture and no further punishment because he was a high performer, she wrote. That caught the boards attention and brought outside investigations that led to the firing of 20 people including some managers. AP
Otto Warmbiers death after returning from North Korean imprisonment is stoking outrage in Washington and threatening to overshadow high-level U.S.-Chinese talks yesterday.

President Donald Trump has been counting on China to use its economic leverage with Kim Jong Uns totalitarian government as American concern grows over North Koreas acceleration toward having a nuclear-tipped missile that can strike the U.S. mainland.

Top U.S. and Chinese diplomats and defense chiefs are meeting in the U.S. capital for security talks, and North Korea will get top billing, according to Susan Thornton, the senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia. The two world powers are trying to build on positive momentum created when Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Florida in April, she said.

Yesterdays discussions replace a sprawling strategic and economic dialogue held annually under the Obama administration. It rarely produced significant results. This years edition separates out the security aspects, and Secretary of State State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis are hosting Chinese foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and Gen. Fang Fenghui, chief of the Peoples Liberation Armys joint staff department.

Thornton said talks would cover the South China Sea, where Beijings island-building and construction of possible military facilities have rattled neighbors and caused tension with Washington; U.S.-Chinese military cooperation to reduce risk of conflict; and efforts to defeat the Islamic State group. Divisive trade issues will be tackled separately at a later date.

While Trump has heaped praise on Xi for trying to contain North Korea, which counts on China for some 90 percent of its trade, the effort has delivered few results. Trump appeared to acknowledge as much in a tweet yesterday, a day after Warmbiers death.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried! Trump wrote.

No cause of death has been determined for Warmbier, 22, who was detained for nearly a year- and-a-half in North Korea before being sent home in a coma last week. The University of Virginia student was accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting with a tour group and was convicted of subversion. His family is blaming North Korea for awful, torturous mistreatment.

From Capitol Hill to the White House, pressure is mounting for a tough U.S. response. The Trump administration is considering banning travel by U.S. citizens to North Korea, officials said Tuesday, and Trump declared Warmbiers treatment a total disgrace.

Like past presidents, Trump is finding the U.S. has limited scope for punishing North Korea, particularly over the arrest of U.S. citizens.

A ban on Americans visiting North Korea would only slightly add to Pyongyangs isolation and loss of revenue. The route to inflicting significant economic pain on Kims government remains through China.

Thornton said the U.S. will be seeking concrete cooperation with China on getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and return to negotiations. Such talks are a seemingly distant goal since Kim is believed to see his weapons of mass destruction as a guarantee against invasion.

North Korea hasnt conducted a nuclear test explosion as feared earlier this year  a possible consequence of Chinese pressure  but it has kept up its rapid pace of missile launches, drawing another U.N. Security Council resolution this month and additional sanctions. AP
TWIN FALLS  ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking local host families for international high school boys and girls.

The students are 15 to 18 years old and are arriving for the upcoming high school year or semester. The academically selected students are conversant in English, and will share their culture and language with their host family.

Exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and return at the end of the school year or semester.

Each ASSE student is fully insured, brings spending money and expects to contribute to household responsibilities.

Host families can choose their students from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities and personal interests.

For more information, contact Destiny Nielson, local area representative, at 208-731-8254 or visit www.host.asse.com.
SHOSHONE  A Carey school bus driver has been charged with misdemeanor reckless driving after an April crash injured a dozen students.

Richard Mecham, 67, was charged Monday in Lincoln County Fifth District Court, online court records show. A pretrial conference is slated for 9:30 a.m. July 14.

Police said Mecham was driving west a school bus on U.S. 26 on April 18 when he drove off the right shoulder of the road, over-corrected and rolled the bus west of Richfield.

Students were traveling to a track meet in Gooding. A dozen of the 39 Carey Junior High School students who were on the bus were hospitalized. All were released by the next afternoon.

A collision report from Idaho State Police says Mecham was asleep, drowsy or fatigued while operating the school bus.

The report lists distraction as another contributing circumstance. Mecham is no longer employed by the Blaine County School District.

We were saddened and shocked when the accident occurred, school district spokeswoman Heather Crocker said Thursday.

The school district has an ongoing plan to help students who were on the bus recover physically and emotionally, she said.

The worst injury was a severe concussion, which kept the affected student out of school for about two weeks. All of the students had returned by the first week of May.

Carey School principal John Peck wasnt available to comment Thursday.

Support for students has included sessions with a social worker whos trained in trauma response, and an information session for parents about signs to look for when students experience trauma and the effects of a concussion on students.

At the end of the school year, students also participated in an equine therapy session.

The 39 Carey students who were on the bus will receive ongoing check-ins and support next school year, Crocker said.

Bad memories of the school bus crash can never be erased, she said, but adults can help students associate good memories with the people who cared for them and supported them in the aftermath.
JEROME  Fires burning in dry weather conditions Thursday were extinguished before they could damage nearby structures.

One fire off Interstate 84 burned about 2 acres at a rest area between Twin Falls and Jerome. One eastbound lane and the rest area were closed for less than an hour due to smoke and safety hazards.

The fire between mileposts 171 and 172 had threatened structures and vehicles. Jerome Rural Fire District Chief Joe Robinette said it was caused by a resident using a cutting torch.

Shortly after 2 p.m. the Jerome district and city fire departments responded to a brush fire northwest of Jerome at 200 N., 400 W. The fire was threatening some outbuildings, but crews were able to protect them.

The 10-acre fire burned across four neighboring residential properties, destroying some junk piles, firefighter Charlie Howell said. The fire was out by later that afternoon, but the cause was still under investigation.
TWIN FALLS  Crump. Somehow the name fit him  and it wasnt long into his 28-year career at the Times-News that his name became a household word in the Magic Valley.

Steve Crump  journalist, editor, columnist, all-around funny guy  has died at 65.

Most readers will remember Crump for the keen, self-effacing sense of humor that emanated from his columns, Dont Ask Me and You Dont Say.

He was consistently the funniest writer Ive ever worked with, said former Editor Clark Walworth. But there was a lot more to him than that. He filled about every role in the newsroom; every part of the newspaper benefited from his incredible talent.

Crump, a Pocatello native, joined the Times-News as a sportswriter in 1983, after attending Stanford and Northwestern universities.

He had such a big loud laugh, said Reba Davis, who worked with Crump during his entire career. You always knew when he was in the building. He was a dedicated journalist, Davis said. He was in the building at 5:30 when I came to work, and he was still there when I left for the night.

And Crump was smart, said former Idaho Sen. Laird Noh.

He was a sharp observer of life and elected officials, Noh said Wednesday. He had a unique ability, and could pack a big wallop in very few words.

Crump retired in 2011 and moved to Boise to live with his wife, Victoria Owens. In his retirement column, Crump listed two dozen folks he felt enriched his life. Noh was one of them.

I didnt know him well personally, Noh said, surprised to hear that he had been named by Crump. As a legislator, I paid attention to important newspaper reporters and he was one of the good ones. Im very pleased to be among the ones he thanked.

Another listed among the two dozen was longtime Twin Falls radio personality Kelly Klaas.

Steve had the unique ability to make you laugh when all hope seemed lost, said Klaas, whose KLIX radio show, Top Story, featured Crump regularly. His passing will create an irreplaceable vacuum in our lives.

What was the source of Crumps charm?

Steve connected with readers because he really cared about people, Enterprise Editor Virginia Hutchins said. He wanted to understand them. You could see that in his writing.

Crump made fun of Idaho and Idahoans, but every joke he made about Idaho was a joke about himself. In describing himself, he said he was the first member of my family  and its a very large family, half Mormon, half non-Mormon  to consume both beer and green Jell-O salad at the same family reunion.

Crump was desk mates with current Editor Matt Christensen when Christensen joined the Times-News in his first newspaper job, and they later lived in the same apartment building.

In real life, Crump was exactly the same person readers knew from his columns: funny, generous and much wiser than he sometimes let on, Christensen said. To a young rookie reporter, he was almost like a Mark Twain figure. Ill always treasure his wit, writing and friendship.

When Crump became the features editor of the Times-News in 1993, he started hanging out in small-town coffee shops, such as Twin Falls Depot Grill and Norms Cafe, Prices Cafe in Burley, Manhattan Cafe in Shoshone and Conners Cafe in Heyburn.

Over the next 20 years, I spent  oh, I dunno  $1,500 on bad coffee, and found a whole new world in exchange, he wrote in his goodbye column.

I met a lot of characters  thats by definition in a small-town Idaho diners clientele  but most of all, I met myself. These guys  and theyre mostly men; women are too busy working  are just like me, afraid of getting old, annoyed that they have to suck in their guts in order to squeeze into a coffee-shop booth, and fretting about their kids and grandkids.

Crump died June 17 in Sacramento.

For much of the time, I regarded him as my right arm, Walworth said. I dont know what I would have done without him. He was a hell of a talented guy. A sweet, sweet man.

When I think of him, I think of him laughing.
TWIN FALLS  A man who allegedly shot an unoccupied car outside a home Sunday night had threatened to kill everyone inside the residence, police say.

Dispatchers had received a call about a threat at 2965 Falls Ave. E. Kevin Duran, 28, of Twin Falls, had reportedly been threatening his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend, but left before police could arrive.

Police reviewed text messages from Duran to his ex-girlfriends mother earlier that day in which he threatened violence against the boyfriend.

Im going to kill him  my word white power white race I promise and very sorry, read one message quoted in the police report. I will pull the trigger I hope he doez.

Witnesses report Duran fired several rounds into the boyfriends car and tried to break into the house. Children were inside at the time.

Duran has a 2009 felony conviction for child cruelty out of California. He is not allowed to possess a firearm.

Police discovered Duran at the HUB truck stop in Minidoka County, where he was arrested. A full 14-round, 40 caliber magazine to a semi-automatic pistol was found inside the vehicle he was driving.

Duran was held at the Twin Falls County Jail for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
TWIN FALLS  A 19-year-old Twin Falls man is charged with lewd conduct with an underage girl he met through Facebook last year. He also charged with sexual exploitation of a child with another girl he met through the same social media platform a month ago.

Steven Charles Cobia is accused of fondling a 15-year-old girl in 2016 and asking a 13-year-old to send him explicit photos through Facebook in May.

The 15-year-olds mother came into the police station last June to file a report. She said when she went to pick up her daughter at Twin Falls High School on June 14 she saw Cobia lying on top of her on the grass. The girl told police she was fine with him kissing her, but she did not want it to go further. The girl said in the affidavit that Cobia only stopped when her mother showed up.

Cobia met with police in July 2016. The affidavit says Cobia admitted to knowing the girl was 15 and said he gave her a hickey on her neck, but said he stopped when the girl didnt want him to put his hands up her shirt. He also told police that when the mother arrived at the school he introduced himself. He told police he hadnt had contact with the girl since the mother threatened to beat him up, but said the girl was trying to contact him.

On Tuesday, the brother of a 13-year-old girl called police after he discovered explicit conversations between his sister and Cobia. The girl told police she began sending Facebook messages to Cobia, but never sent any explicit photos. Police reviewed the messages sent between two Facebook accounts, one belonging to Cobia. In the messages sent June 12, Cobia asked the girl to send a picture of her without a bra on. On June 19, Cobia asked for a picture of the girls genitals. Throughout the messages, Cobia asked the girl to send him explicit photos or audio. Some messages indicated the photos would be sent through Snapchat.

When police made contact with Cobia, he began to cry and told police he was scared. He told police he and the girl had been sexting. He originally denied having asked or received explicit photos. Later, he admitted to receiving two explicit photos and sending two to the girl, but said he deleted them a week ago.

A preliminary hearing for the case has been set for June 30 in Twin Falls Magistrate Court. Cobia is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Egypt Wednesday sent a first convoy of trucks loaded with 1 million liters of diesel fuel to power the Gaza electricity plant, out of operations for several months due to shortage of fuel, especially after Israel reduced power supply to Gaza, at the request of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a staunch foe of Gaza ruler, Hamas.

A total of 11 trucks entered Gaza through Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Hamas-controlled Gaza, Yousef al-Kayali, a Hamas finance official told the Associated Press. The Hamas official said additional one million liters will be delivered on Thursday.

Egyptian official Wael Abu Omar who heads media at the Rafah crossing told AFP that eight shipments had entered, with a further 14 expected later in the day.

The move came as Cairo thaws ties with Hamas following stressed relations after Egypt accused Hamas of cooperating with terrorists in the Sinai and smuggling weapons in the enclave territory.

Cairo, prior to the delivery, handed a top Hamas official delegation, which was visiting Egypt, a list of demands including handover of 17 men sought by Cairo on terrorist related charges.

The delivery is supposed to ease crippling power shortage, which has gripped the Gaza Strip for months, coupled with Israels cut in its power supply. Israel reportedly reduced its supply from 120 megawatts to 24 over the past three days.

The 1 million liters could only run for few days the plant whose output accounts for only 22 per cent of Gazas daily energy needs, assessed at 400 megawatts.

The plant stopped working several months ago after Hamas ceased buying fuel from Ramallah; the seat of the Palestinian authority arguing that it was too expensive.

President Abbas in a series of moves to pressure the Islamist movement to relinquish power in the Strip hiked up the fuel price, slashed salaries of thousands of former staff in Gaza to further hurt the faltering economy.

In April, he had announced his authority would begin to pay only $7 million instead of the $11 million it has been paying monthly for power to Gaza, Time of Israel reported.

The UN and some Israel NGOs have complained about power cuts and have indicated the measures could lead to a total collapse of Gazas infrastructure, Israeli media reports.

Hamas and Egyptian technical teams are expected to meet after Muslim holiday next week to discuss further the crisis.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday in a telephone conversation invited Qatars ruler Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to seriously tackle terrorism funding; a motive behind the decision by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt to severe ties with the tiny Gulf state.

Trudeau according to a statement from his office raised Canadas concern with the funding of terrorism and extremism, wherever it takes place, AFP reports.

Qatar has been engulfed in a crisis involving its regional neighbors and several other Muslim and Arab countries, which accuse the Emirate of funding terrorism around the world and posing a threat to their internal security. Doha has rejected the accusation saying it is fabricated.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed sea, land and air blockades on Doha. The Saudi Arabia-led bloc also demanded Qatari residents to leave their territories.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have recalled all their residents in Qatar.

Trudeau also urged Sheikh Tamim to dissipate the crisis with besieging countries through dialogue.

The leaders further discussed the need to de-escalate current tensions, limit the impact on affected families in the region, and continue to address the root causes of terrorism, Trudeaus office said.
The UNHCR welcomes the decision by the Kingdom of Morocco to admit a group of Syrian refugees stranded in difficult circumstances at the countrys border with Algeria since 17 April, describing it as a humanitarian gesture, the UN Refugee Agency said in a statement released Thursday.

The decision to admit the Syrian families trapped at borders with neighboring Algeria was made on Tuesday by King Mohammed VI, a statement from the Royal Office said.

King Mohammed VI has ordered the immediate treatment of the situation of the Syrian refugees blocked at the Algerian-Moroccan border, for humanitarian considerations, and has instructed authorities to allow the refugees entry into Morocco, said the Royal Office.

This High Royal Solicitude reflects once again the humanist commitment of the Kingdom in the treatment of migratory issues and comes in these blessed days of the holy month of Ramadan, a month of piety and solidarity, the Royal Office statement said, adding that it is an exceptional measure dictated by humanist values.

The remaining 28 refugees from an original group of 41, including women and children, were collected on 20 June by the Moroccan police from the border and transported by bus to Bouarfa, from where they were transferred to the capital Rabat, UNHCR said.

UNHCR is working with the authorities of Morocco and other countries to find a durable solution to the plight of these vulnerable refugees, the UN Refugee Agency said.

UNHCR welcomes this humanitarian gesture, which is in keeping with the traditions of hospitality demonstrated by countries across the region.

Since 17 April, UNHCR has been working closely with the concerned authorities to find a solution for this group of Syrian refugees stranded at the border between Morocco and Algeria.

Speaking on the occasion of the World Refugee Day, celebrated on June 20, representative of the UN refugee Agency in Morocco Jean Paul Cavalieri commended the North African country for the humanism underlying its immigration and asylum policy.

The UNHCR official hailed Morocco for having succeeded in developing an adequate legal framework guaranteeing the right to asylum.

Morocco is home to about 7,000 refugees and asylum seekers. The majority came from six countries: Syria (3478), Yemen (519), Cote dIvoire (293), Central African Republic (210), DR Congo (169) and Iraq.
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.
The Central Bank of Djibouti will soon launch its digital currency, the state-run television (RTD) announced.

The Banks Governor, Ahmed Osman Ali, said the project falls in the framework of the modernization plan of Djiboutis financial system, being conducted with the support of the World Bank.

With the digital currency, Djibouti will fully take advantage of technological innovation, the Bank Governor said.

With this project, financial institutions in the Horn of Africa nation will definitively enter the era of dematerialized financial activities by using technologies such as mobile banking, mobile money, e- Banking, wire transfer and electronic check, virtual clearing house, etc.

Djibouti, the smallest nation in the Horn of Africa is plagued by poverty and high unemployment.

The countrys economy is expected to grow 7 percent in 2017, helped by investment in ports, telecommunications and airports, its budget minister said.
Army forces and a militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo have killed at least 3,383 people in the central Kasai region since October, the Catholic Church said on Tuesday.

According to the Catholic Church, the army had also destroyed 10 villages as it sought to stamp out an insurrection. The deaths are the result of clashes between the army and a rebel group, but civilians have been caught up in the violence, it said.

The Kasai region is exceptionally poor and remote in a country that is largely without public infrastructure. It is the home province of the recently deceased opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi.

The United Nations reports that more than 1 million people have been forcibly displaced since violence erupted in August when government soldiers killed a local tribal leader in Kasai province.

Over the past eight months, violence between militia and government forces intensified and expanded to Lomami and Sankuru provinces.

The United Nations has recently issued a flash appeal of $64.5 million to provide emergency assistance over the next six months to hundreds of thousands of people uprooted by the ethnic violence.

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva is due to decide this week whether to authorize an investigation into the Kasai violence, Reuters reported. UN investigators say they have discovered 42 mass graves.
Georgian soldiers will join NATO Response Force

By Messenger Staff

Georgian soldiers will join the NATO Response Force (NRF) as they are already successfully over the mandatory, initial level for this, Georgias Defence Ministry announced.After the successful completion of the final tests (which are scheduled soon). Georgia will have 200 soldiers in total in the NRF, which is made up of highly trained and technologically advanced multinational troops.The hundred soldiers of the 12th Light Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade within the East Command land forces - codenamed Charlie - showed high results at this weeks test operation.For this they earned a document about the successful completion of the Second National Self-Assessment Level II (SEL-2) , within the framework of the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Evaluation and Feedback Program (OCC E & FP).The hundred troops now need a NATO Level 2 Evaluation (NEL2) certificate to operate in the NRF for three years.The purpose of the NRF is to provide a quick reaction force of high quality to support NATO missions as required.The concept of the NRF was first endorsed with a declaration of NATO's Heads of State at the Prague Summit on 22 November 2002.It was then approved by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2003, and the first headquarters created in October 2003 in Italy.Georgia joined the NRF in 2015.More Georgian soldiers in the NRF means better and highly trained servicemen for the country.As Georgia declared, it plans to stay with NATO in international peacekeeping missions as one of the major non-member contributors.Meanwhile, Georgias internal defence systems need upgrading, which of course requires time and money.However, it is also highly important as to how the process is planned and implemented.The country changes defence ministers very frequently, which has a negative influence on the process.Each new minister, in most cases, dislikes the activities of his/her predecessor and takes new and different steps.It is essential that people be well informed about the country's defence capabilities and consult domestic and foreign professional advisors to carry out systemic reforms; to this end, they must also stay in office for longer.The foreign professionals complain that Georgian high rank officials change rather often. This concerns not only defence ministry but other institutions as well.
The News in Brief

Top Diplomats: Georgia Completed Preparatory Works on WTO Deal with Russia



Zurab Abashidze, the Georgian PMs special representative for relations with Russia, said on June 13 that Georgia has completed preparatory works for the implementation of the 2011 Swiss-mediated agreement between Tbilisi and Moscow on customs monitoring between the two countries.



We have honestly completed all preparatory works. Now, it is up to the Russian side: the only thing hampering the work is that the Russian side should complete negotiations with the Swiss company, Abashidze told Civil.ge, responding to the remarks of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin.



I call on the Russian side to complete its work on the contract to be signed with the company, Abashidze added, referring to the Geneva-based SGS, the worlds leading testing and inspection company, which will carry out the monitoring.



Zurab Abashidze, who has been engaged in direct dialogue with Grigory Karasin since 2012, added that the next meeting between the two diplomats will tentatively be held in early July.



Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze commented on the matter as well, accusing the Russian Federation of politicizing the issue.



Unfortunately, the Russian Federation has not yet completed its work on the contract that should be signed with the Swiss company SGS, Janelidze told the joint parliamentary hearing of Foreign Relations and European Integration committees on June 13.



Georgia has completed its work on the contract and we are now taking final steps through negotiations with the Swiss mediator, he added.



We hope that Russia will urge itself to finalize its work on the contract already in June and that the agreement will enter into force without any politicization and in full compliance with the agreement [text], for which the Georgian side is ready, Janelidze concluded.



Georgia agreed to give its go-ahead to Russias WTO membership only after Tbilisi and Moscow signed a Swiss-mediated agreement in November, 2011, envisaging the deployment of sophisticated systems for tracking and auditing of cargo passing through Abkhazia and South Ossetia.



According to the agreement, neutral private company will carry out monitoring of cargo movement through three trade corridors two of which run through Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the third one on the Zemo Larsi-Kazbegi border crossing point on the undisputed section of Georgia-Russia border.



Monitoring should be carried out, among other means, also through the presence of company representatives at entry/exit points of these corridors, meaning that they will be present outside of the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. (civil.ge)







Peking street rehabilitation to be launched on June 16, several streets to become one-sided for traffic



Rehabilitation of underground communications and road infrastructure will be launched on Pekin Street starting from Vazha-Pshavela Avenue to the Mirotadze Street corner.



Consequently, Tbilisi traffic will experience certain restrictions,- Tbilisi City Hall has informed IPN.



The temporary restrictions will namely to the following streets that will become one-sided:



Pekin Street, starting from Vazha Pshavela Avenue in the direction of 26 of May square;



From 26 of May Square via Kostava and Shartava streets towards Zurab Zhvania Square;



Kandelaki Street from Zurab Zhvania Square to Nutsubidze Street; Chabukiani Street from Saakadze Square to Pekini Street;



Tashkenti Street from Kazbegi Avenue to Kandelaki Street;



Iosebidze and Tsageri Street from Pekini Avenue to Shartava Street;



Traffic movement will change at Ana Kalandadze (former Bulachauri) Street in the direction of Shartava Street. (IPN)







Abducted businessman recalls attack details



Givi Jiblade, the founder of the Sveti construction company who was kidnapped from Tbilisi center on June 12, remembers the details of the attack on him. Four people are charged for the attack. Law enforcers arrested the suspected kidnappers as a result of a special operation yesterday, and an investigation is in progress.



Reportedly, the kidnappers were trying to extort a certain amount of money, threatening him with physical assault. The businessman was abducted after leaving his house. He says that four kidnappers arrived with a mini-bus, put a sack on his head and took him to one of the city's parking lots.



According to Jibladze, the kidnapping was preceded by a controversy with the sculptor Zurab Tseretelis company representatives. Jibladze assumes that the persons linked to this company are the kidnappers. However, he believes that Zurab Tsereteli himself was not informed about their intent to assault him. As Jibladze claims, there was a shooting at his office a few days ago. (1tv.ge)




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.
@PatriciaMazzei

A black state legislator says he was called a "nigger" and a "monkey" Wednesday by pro-Confederates who want Hollywood to keep three roads named after Confederate generals, including one of the founders of the Ku Klux Klan.

Rep. Shevrin Jones, a West Park Democrat, tweeted Wednesday that he was also told "to go back where I came from" at a protest outside Hollywood City Hall that resulted in the arrest of five people who interrupted a commission meeting. The board was not taking up the street names.

Pro-Confederate counter-protesters apparently showed up at the rally, leading to the incident recounted by Jones.

Jones wrote that he attended to protest to take down the signs, which run through the predominantly black Hollywood neighborhood of Liberia. The demonstration was organized in part by the Black Lives Matter movement and local pastors.

Today, I got called a nigger, monkey, and told to go back to where I came from; all for asking for unity in our City. #TakeDowntheSigns  Shevrin Jones (@ShevrinJones) June 21, 2017

Lee Street is named after Gen. Robert E. Lee, who led the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Hood Street is named after Gen. John B. Hood, a division commander at the Battle of Antietam. Forrest Street is named after Nathan Bedford Forrest, a lieutenant general said to be the first Grand Wizard of the KKK, though Forrest later denied he held the position.

Jones' tweets are worth reading in full:
@ByKristenMClark

Not even two weeks removed from a special session to close out this year's legislative agenda, Florida lawmakers are already looking ahead to 2018.

Because that's an even-numbered (i.e. election) year, the 60-day session will run from January through early March -- which means pre-session committee weeks will start this fall.

In less than three months, to be exact.

Mark your calendars -- here are the House's and Senate's schedule, released Thursday afternoon:

-- Week of Sept. 11, with meetings starting no earlier than 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12

-- Week of Oct. 9

-- Week of Oct. 23

-- Week of Nov. 6 (finishing before the Veterans Day Holiday that Friday)

-- Week of Nov. 13

-- Week of Dec. 4

The 2018 regular session starts Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Photo credit: Florida Senate during the 2017 session. Scott Keeler / Tampa Bay Times
Gov. Rick Scott's expected pick of Jimmy Patronis as the state's next Chief Financial Officer would be a solid addition to the Republican Party ticket but may not do much to smooth some rough waters developing in the Panhandle over schools, area Republicans said this week.

Patronis, a Panama City restaurateur and former state legislator who was named by Scott to the Public Service Commission, is the leading candidate to replace outgoing CFO Jeff Atwater, sources close to the governor told the Herald/Times last week.

Two others have been openly interested because they want to run as the incumbent on next year's ballot: Rep. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota and former state senator and Manatee County developer Pat Neal. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry talked to the governor about the job but, sources said, his family was not prepared to trade life in Jacksonville for Tallahassee.

Neal, who brings with him the ability to self-fund if needed in the statewide campaign next year, has lobbied hard for the job. Gruters and Latvala have not been approached by the governor who is expected to make the appointment next week. Patronis and Neal did not return requests for comment.

"I expressed an interest early on,'' said Gruters, who like Patronis was an early and loyal supporter of Scott and remained by his side through a series of tough votes against House Speaker Richard Corcoran last session. But Gruters is pragmatic when he says, "I have a fighting chance but it's slim."

Scott's political advisors have sent signals that they want the candidate to add value to a ticket in the face of what be a tough political year. Neal, a millionaire developer of more than 12,000 Gulf Coast homes, is capable of spending tens of millions of his own money to aide the Republican ticket in 2018. He served in the Florida House from 1974 through 1978 and in the Florida Senate from 1978 through 1986 and has led the Florida Christian Coalition.

Patronis is extremely popular among Republican loyalists and "would be a brilliant choice" and "beyond reproach," said Sen. George Gainer, the Panama City Republican who has known the 45-year-old Patronis for decades.

"He'll tell you the truth and be consistent,'' said Gainer, who himself is a multi-millionaire regional car dealer.

"This position is a matter of trust -- the trust of the State of Florida,'' he said. "I'd trust him with everything I've got."

Henry Kelley, a former tea party activist who ran the governor's Okaloosa County campaign in 2010, also believes Patronis would be a good appointment to serve the remaining 18 months of Atwater's term and run as the incumbent.

"Jimmy certainly has a Rolodex but the idea that Patronis will help the governor in the Panhandle doesn't hold water,'' he said.

Republican polls show the governor with 80 percent approval ratings among the GOP faithful in the Panhandle, but Kelley, who now works as a director of community affairs for the Okaloosa county school system, said the displeasure with Scott's decision to sign HB 7069 has seeded distrust among Republican school advocates in the region and it that could haunt him.

"He had a chance to stand up for public schools and he didn't,'' Kelley said. "I think the world of Jimmy. If he is going to reward a good soldier, good for him. But a guy from Bay County can't swing a stick in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa County. And his name recognition is low -- to extremely low."

"They voted to harm what is arguably the region's most valuable asset,'' he said, then ticking off a list of inequities the bill creates by giving charter schools an advantage over traditional public schools -- from school zoning to recess, to teacher contracts and certification, to salaries and Title I funds. "If they're all public schools, why don't they get treated the same?"
ALERT: Help Mike McGuff fight Alzheimer's disease by donating to his 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's team
A challenge is issued in the independent feature film Neither Wolf Nor Dog.

A Lakota elder summons a white author from a thousand miles away to help him write a book. When the writer balks, the elder taunts, I called and you came. If you are too small or too weak, it is too late.

The moment captures the essence of this drama, which is based on the award-winning novel by Kent Nerburn. In the book, Nerburn uses his own name as the fictional author who is invited to write the elders story. In a life-mirrors-art moment, the author appealed to Scottish filmmaker Steven Lewis Simpson to bring his story to the big screen after it stalled in Hollywood for almost a decade.

The feature-length film has earned high praise from audiences and critics alike. Neither Wolf Nor Dog opens Friday, June 30 in Missoula.

Simpson said in a telephone interview that Minneapolis theaters have had multi-week screenings, unheard of independent film in the hot summer season of blockbusters.

Were opening in multiplex theaters in Arizona and Oklahoma. Its surreal; its this magical thing that is happening.

Simpson said the film ended up being a six-year journey for him because it was self-funded with help from fans and friends.

As it turned out, the key thing is I was crazy enough to do it, said Simpson, who has been making films for more than 20 years.

Simpson's most well-known project is the documentary, A Thunder Being Nation, the story of Oglala Lakota living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It was that film and Rez Bomb, the rez thriller as he describes it, that established Simpson's reputation among Native Americans for taking the time to get the story right.

"Neither Wolf Nor Dog" is based on Nerburn's award-winning book. In the film, Sweeney plays an author character with the same name, though it is a work of fiction.

The most important character in Neither Wolf Nor Dog is the elder Lakota man. To portray him, Simpson found the perfect actor  who was 95 years old when he worked on the film. Dave Bald Eagle died before the final edits were done, but he was able to see it in a rough-cut screening with family and friends.

Dave was a well-known character in the Dakotas. He rode in the parade in Deadwood for 70 years and was much loved. With Dave, he was more the character than even the character was.

Some of Bald Eagles ancestors had been killed at the Wounded Knee Massacre, and Simpson made the bold decision to stray from the screenplay, which was written by himself and Nerburn, and let Bald Eagle improvise in a powerful climactic scene at Wounded Knee.

That moment almost fuses the best of documentary and the best of fiction. The audience, when they listen to him, their hearts are wide open. Hes 100 percent real and we are standing with him. Thats why the film is resonating with so many people.

Simpson said Bald Eagles character reminds audiences of a magical grandpa, a glorious figure that defined an era.

Hes gone, everyone from that era is gone. It makes the film culturally historic.

The filming was done over 18 days and the production schedule revolved around Bald Eagles energy level. Simpson did not know at the start of filming that Bald Eagle had been using a scooter to get around because it was so difficult for him to walk. Yet he walked on his own in all of his scenes in the film.

Filming was hard on him, but Bald Eagle never complained. In between takes, Bald Eagle would sit with his wife in their car with the heater on.

Every time we filmed at Wounded Knee, its like he drew a power that wasnt there on other days. Dave had a remarkable life, but this is the most incredible thing he did.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed Wednesday that a bear was found dead along the side of Highway 200 east of Missoula earlier this week.

Vivaca Crowser, information and education manager for the agency, said the adult male black bear  believed to weigh around 275 pounds  was found near mile marker 24 in the Greenough area near The Resort at Paws Up.

Crowser said she wasn't sure the exact time the bear was reported and found, but said she believed it was on Sunday.

Jamie Jonkel, bear manager for the Missoula region of the FWP, could not be reached on Wednesday afternoon.

In April, a female black bear was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 200 near Lincoln. Wildlife officials later captured that bear's two cubs near Rogers Pass.
After years of court battles, it took just six minutes for the city of Missoula to officially own its water utility.

Thursday at 11 a.m. District Court Judge Karen Townsend issued a final order of condemnation after Missoula handed over two checks to pay for Mountain Water.

By 11:06, the order was signed and the utility was in public ownership.

The quickest part of the entire process, Mayor John Engen noted after the hearing. Now were in the business of running a water company.

The city paid $83.87 million to Mountain Water and $6.8 million to developers who did unpaid work for the company during the condemnation hearing.

Mountain Waters lawyers inspected the physical checks, which were accompanied by affidavits from U.S. Bank and Engen promising the checks wouldnt bounce.

The Carlyle Groups lawyer, Bill Mercer, made a last-minute attempt to stop the transfer, claiming Missoula owed more payments before the order of condemnation could be made.

He also brought up the matter of attorneys' fees, which Carlyle and Mountain Water have appealed to the State Supreme Court.

Townsend noted there is an escrow account set up to pay the attorneys' fees depending on the outcome of the appeal and issued the order anyway.

Now moneys being paid and now is the time possession is taking place, Townsend said.

Mercer said hed file for the payments soon, hinting the legal battles arent over.

Engen plans to speak to employees at the West Broadway headquarters Friday morning.

City Water Superintendent Dennis Bowman, who previously worked for Mountain Water, is set to start work Friday as well.

The Montana Public Service Commission, which oversees private utilities, issued a statement on the condemnation Thursday.

Mountain Water has been a good steward of the Missoula water system for over 100 years and I hope that trend continues under the Citys ownership, Commissioner Bob Lake, R-Hamilton said.

The commission noted it cut Mountain Waters rates in 2016, to $1.92 per 100 cubic feet of water (along with a $17.62 service charge) for metered customers and $50.53 a month for flat-rate users.

The rates wont increase until 2021, Engen said, when a 2 percent increase is planned.

Engen said the city is aware its days in court arent over, but was only mildly concerned over impending injunctions and appeals from the now-former utility owners.

Frankly, what remains are details. And details we can handle.
James Smith, whose arrest is the subject of a state use-of-force review, made his first court appearance Wednesday since a May 20 incident that landed him in the hospital with multiple injuries and a pair of felony charges for allegedly assaulting two Missoula police officers.

According to court documents, police were sent to 73-year-old Smiths Higgins Avenue house in the early hours of May 20 after it was reported Smith was shining a flashlight into the eyes of drivers passing his home.

When officers approached, Smith allegedly struck them in the head and arm with his metal Maglite flashlight, and resisted their efforts to detain him. Smith was never booked into the jail after his arrest, but was taken to Providence St. Patrick Hospital, where he spent the next several days.

His daughter Stephanie said Smith was in a coma, had multiple facial fractures, a skull fracture and other injuries stemming from the incident outside his home.

Immediately after Smith was detained, the Missoula Police Department asked the Montana Department of Justices Division of Criminal Investigation to conduct an independent investigation regarding the use of force in his arrest. There is no definitive timeline for the completion of the investigation.

On Wednesday in court, Stephanie Smith spoke on behalf of her father, who was also present.

He doesnt remember anything about what happened, she said.

Deputy County Attorney Lacey Lincoln initially asked Justice of the Peace Marie Andersen to have Smith taken into custody and held on a $40,000 bail, saying he had shown a blatant disregard for community safety.

After hearing from Smiths daughter that she was now living in town taking care of her father, and about the potential mental health issues that may have contributed to the May 20 incident, Lincoln agreed that he could be released on his own recognizance.
Two of the nation's top intelligence officials told Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team and Senate investigators, in separate meetings last week, that President Donald Trump suggested they say publicly there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians, according to multiple sources.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Adm. Mike Rogers described their interactions with the President about the Russia investigation as odd and uncomfortable, but said they did not believe the President gave them orders to interfere, according to multiple sources familiar with their accounts.

Sources say both men went further than they did in June 7 public hearings, when they provided little detail about the interactions.

The sources gave CNN the first glimpse of what the intelligence chiefs said to Mueller's investigators when they did separate interviews last week. Both men told Mueller's team they were surprised the President would suggest that they publicly declare he was not involved in collusion, sources said. Mueller's team, which is in the early stages of its investigation, will ultimately decide whether the interactions are relevant to the inquiry.

Coats and Rogers also met individually last week with the Senate intelligence committee in two closed briefings that were described to CNN by Democratic and Republican congressional sources. One source said that Trump wanted them to say publicly what then-FBI Director James Comey had told the President privately: that he was not under investigation for collusion. However, sources said that neither Coats nor Rogers raised concerns that Trump was pushing them to do something they did not want to do. They did not act on the President's alleged suggestion.

Trump has said repeatedly that no collusion occurred. "After 7 months of investigations & committee hearings about my 'collusion with the Russians,' nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad!" he tweeted June 16. The White House did not comment for this story. The DNI, NSA and Mueller's office also did not comment.

Because the meetings were classified, sources shared limited details. But they said the two intelligence leaders recounted conversations that appeared to show the President's deep frustration that the Russia allegations have continued to cloud his administration. The question of what the President said to Coats and Rogers has been hanging over the administration since The Washington Post reported the interactions in late May.

CNN has confirmed the March interactions between the intelligence chiefs and the President in which he made the requests. These came a few days after Comey publicly confirmed for the first time the existence of the federal investigation of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

In a public Senate intelligence hearing earlier this month in which both men testified, senators in both parties grew frustrated and angry after neither would agree to clear up exactly what the President said to them. Rogers and Coats said they did not feel pressured to do anything but would not describe any details of their conversations with Trump.

"In the three-plus years that I have been the director of the National Security Agency, to the best of my recollection, I have never been directed to do anything I believe to be illegal, immoral, unethical or inappropriate, and to the best of my recollection during that same period of service I do not recall ever feeling pressured to do so," Rogers said during the public hearing.

Coats offered a similar response. "In my time of service, which is interacting with the President of the United States or anybody in his administration, I have never been pressured  I have never felt pressured  to intervene or interfere in any way with shaping intelligence in a political way or in relation to an ongoing investigation," he said.

The reason for their public reticence, one congressional source told CNN, is that Coats and Rogers had asked the White House for guidance on whether their conversations with the President were protected by executive privilege, which meant they would not be allowed to discuss it. They did not get an answer from the White House before testifying and did not know how to answer the committee. The result was an awkward and contentious public hearing.

In classified follow-up meetings with the Senate intelligence committee, they were more forthcoming, according to sources familiar with the closed-door session.

One congressional source expressed frustration that Coats and Rogers didn't answer the questions in public, especially since what they ended up expressing in private was that they did not feel that the President pressured either of them to do anything improper.

Rogers' interaction with the President is also documented in a memo written by his deputy at the NSA, Richard Ledgett.

One congressional source who has seen the memo tells CNN that it is one page and, unlike memos written by former FBI Director James Comey, does not have many details of the conversation. Instead, it simply documents that the interaction occurred -- and makes clear that Rogers thought it was out of the ordinary.

Coats did not document his conversations with the President about the issue, the source said.
HELENA  A document obtained by Lee Newspapers suggests closing the 29-bed Veterans Affairs nursing home in Miles City, as well as reducing hours at outpatient clinics in Montana and Wyoming, but a spokesman for the VA says the document is just for "brainstorming" purposes and closures are not planned.

Last Thursday, the Montana and regional VA directors gave a presentation to union leadership representing VA employees, as well as staff members from Wyomings congressional delegation and staffers for U.S. Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Jon Tester, D-Mont.

The presentation, which is labeled a working document, makes recommendations that include closing the Miles City nursing home, which currently has 18 residents. It also recommends running the Glendive, Glasgow and Hamilton community-based outpatient clinics only part-time, and in Wyoming shutting one clinic and reorganizing several others. It also proposes consolidating some of administration of the Montana and Sheridan, Wyoming, VAs.

Montana VA Public Affairs Officer Mike Garcia said in an email Wednesday that document provided to Lee Newspapers is an internal document used exclusively for the purposes of brainstorming a number of possible inefficiencies for the two VA health care systems. Garcia said VAs official stance before this briefing and since has been (and remains) that there will be no closures. He also emphasized the document did not suggest closures of any Montana clinics.

Gerald Swanke, the District II vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents some VA Montana employees, said the presentation made it seem extremely likely that the changes in the working document would happen. About 20-30 union employees work in the Montana facilities mentioned, including physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and other medical staff.

In 2015 Montana had 93,356 veterans. The state is among the top nationwide in terms of veterans per capita. Veterans in Montana have long complained about the difficulty of accessing services in a large and rural state. The VA Montana Health Care System has seen turnover in its leadership team over the past several years and struggles to recruit doctors because of high workloads.

Nationwide, the VA has faced major problems with access to timely care. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs resigned in 2014 after a report that at least 40 veterans had died while waiting for care in an Arizona VA facility. Tester has worked in recent years to improve the VA, sponsoring myriad bills pushing changes in the system.

On Wednesday Tester's office released a statement saying: Jon is committed to maintaining nursing home services for Montanas veterans and is working with veterans, our communities, and Veterans Service Organizations to ensure that VA provides veterans with the long-term care they have been promised.

Montana and Wyoming fight for limited clinical resources, the working document says. That reduces the capability of both markets and impedes the timely provision of health care service.

Montana and Wyoming fall under the VA's Region 19, and last year that area put together a team to look at ways to address issues in the Montana and Sheridan, Wyoming VA facilities. The team focused on how to reduce staffing redundancies and vacancies between Montana and Sheridan and ways to increase the use of telemedicine and mobile clinics.

The team also looked at demographics for veterans populations and enrollment in Montana and Sheridan, the availability of doctors, referral patterns, opportunities for community partnership and standardization of processes and procedures.

An implementation plan presented last Thursday by Ralph Gigliotti, Veterans Integrated Service Network director for area 19 of the VA, and Kathy Berger, director of Montana VA Health Care System, lists on an "Implementation Plan" slide the suggested closure of the Miles City Community Living Center, or nursing home, by Sept. 1 and says a bed request is being routed for review and approval. The clinic in Miles City would remain open, though at a different location.

A bed request is an administrative request to reduce the number of beds in an inpatient facility or clinic, Garcia said. He added bed requests are quite common in situations other than proposed closure, such as when a facility has a critical staffing shortage that could affect patient safety and patient numbers need to be reduced while staff is hired.

Garcia also stressed that since Oct. 1, 2016, about 420 veterans in Montana have lived in 30 contracted nursing homes and that the 18 veterans in the nursing home in Miles City make up less than 5 percent of the annual need for care.

Union representatives say they have been given until September to create a steering committee of union members, congressional staff members, veterans services organization, employees and other interested parties to figure out how to work with the changes the VA has proposed.

The VA is also gathering input from stakeholders such as the Montana and Wyoming congressional delegations, union representatives and people at the Miles City facility This working group will come up with recommendations on what happens next.

Swanke said he understands the VA is between a rock and a hard place in terms of being able to meet patient needs but also work within budget restrictions.

President Donald Trump's proposed budget increases VA spending by 6 percent, but $3.5 billion of the additional $4.4 billion would go to expanding the Veterans Choice program that allows veterans to get care at private clinics, which are then reimbursed.

Critics have said that is a step toward privatizing the VA.

Theyre essentially making government fail so they can go to a voucher and privatize the work, Swanke said.

There are 673 VA enrollees in Custer County, where Miles City is, and surrounding counties of Treasure, Powder River, Carter, Fallon and Prairie have a little over 500. There are provider agreements and Choice program participants in some, but not all of these counties, according to the working document.

Last fall The Billings Gazette reported the VA asked Custer County if it wanted to take over ownership of the VA facility and gave the county 90 days to make a decision. County commissioners have not returned phone calls asking what the county decided.

The effort to unload the property is part of former President Barack Obama's National Strategy for Real Property and the 2015 Reduce the Footprint Property, which called for federal agencies to reduce their property ownership by 20 percent by 2018.

The recommendations in the working document were reached by looking at the number of enrolled veterans at clinics, the number assigned per provider and number of encounters clinic staff conduct on a regular basis.

Montana clinic changes

The presentation says that based on the low number of veterans enrolled and appointments made, combined with the capabilities for telehealth and the Choice act, the Glasgow, Hamilton and Glendive clinics could reduce their hours to part-time.

Swanke, a veteran, said that beyond his unions arguments for job protection, he has concerns about moving veterans' care to non-VA facilities. Doctors who see veterans regularly get familiar with their specific needs, which makes care better, he said. Veterans are also more comfortable getting care with other veterans.

If you take this veteran thats got these nuanced PTSD issues and put them in an environment where they're not connected to other veterans, thats a disincentive for them to seek care. As you dilute these systems out further and further, it becomes a case where theyre calling a long-distance number as opposed to sitting in the community having a cup of coffee with a provider.

The Glendive clinic saw the most appointments in fiscal year 2016, with 655 enrollees making 3,432 visits. Hamilton had the next-highest number of visits, with 3,035 and 2,119 enrolled. Glasgow was the least-utilized, with 2,095 appointments and 802 enrolled.

Current wait times at the Glasgow, Hamilton and Glendive facilities range from one to three days. In most cases, Garcia said, a primary care team is made up of four full-time employees that manage the care for about 1,000 patients, which is an industry standard, Garcia said.

A part-time team would continue to provide the same quality of care to veterans in the area while allowing the health care system to use those cost savings to address staff shortages elsewhere in the state, he said.

Garcia emphasized there are no plans to close clinics and said the document provided to Lee was part of a wide-ranging brainstorm session to identify efficiencies between the two VA medical centers.

Fort Harrison in Helena is the VA's main presence in Montana, with a 34-bed acute care, medical-surgical facility and a wide range of specialty care. Fort Harrison also offers radiology and pathology services and has a 24-bed inpatient mental health facility.

There are VA clinics in Anaconda, Billings, Bozeman, Cut Bank, Glasgow, Glendive, Great Falls, Hamilton, Havre, Kalispell, Lewistown, Miles City, Missoula and Plentywood.

There are also two state veterans' homes in Columbia Falls and Glendive and one proposed to be built in Butte. For these homes, the VA provides partial funding to build the facilities. Once they are operating, the VA provides some funding through per-diem payments based on the number of eligible veterans that live in the home. The VA also conducts inspections to ensure the homes environment of care, clinical programs and other factors meet the requirements for per-diem payments to continue.

The VA contracts with private nursing homes to allow veterans to be placed in long-term care facilities close to home.
KALISPELL  Authorities are investigating after a woman's body was found on the banks of the Flathead River in northwest Montana.

The body was found south of the Teakettle Fishing Access site near Columbia Falls on Tuesday evening. The woman's name and age have not been released.

Three bodies have been found in or along the Flathead River so far this spring.

Anthony Walthers was found dead May 29, and investigators say he was a homicide victim. Dacia Finch, of Kalispell, also was found last month in the river near the Sportsman's Bridge. The Montana State Crime Lab determined that she drowned.
What words come to mind when thinking of Montana? For me: beauty, rugged independence, agriculture, recreation. What does NOT come to mind is freedom.

Are you happy when people given power through elections and appointment mandate what they think best for you and stifle local business growth? When we think of people employed by government, do we believe they know better than we do? What if large amounts of money are involved (say from a $150 billion a year industry.) Does that change our perception? Why does state government pick and choose which government talking points to believe and which to dismiss?

Montana is one of eight states left criminalizing raw milk. This despite CDC outbreak data and the last decade of science proving that raw milk is as safe or safer than foods we eat daily. Unlike other foods, raw milk is a complete food with antibacterial properties that kill pathogens. Heifer International demonstrates that people in third world countries thrive on it; history shows it has been consumed for 10,000+ years.

As the primary author of the Montana raw milk bill put forth the last three sessions, I know that we have literally thousands of raw milk drinkers in the underground market with a stellar safety record per CDC, with seven individuals in the last 20 years allegedly acquiring Salmonella from raw milk (one of the most common foodborne illnesses, usually acquired from poultry/eggs).

The bill has always had strict standards to please the Legislature (many of the federal requirements of Grade As, but stricter testing standards), signage/labeling and on-farm sales only, meaning you can see farm conditions and know your local farmer.

This session we had several MDs and multiple RNs testify to raw milks safety. Our raw producers provide milk to multiple additional MDs, but paid experts continue to obfuscate and mislead.

CDC stats from 2006 on the number of raw milk drinkers nationwide (then, about 10 million) and CDCs small number of alleged illnesses (many end up being another food) show your chance of getting sick from raw milk is 0.001%, not the cherry-picked opponent talking point one of our PhD supporters dismantled in the Senate hearing.

Yearly thousands nationally die from foods we eat daily. E Coli in Gold Medal Flour last September sickened 63, hospitalized 17 with one case of HUS (kidney failure) and last week E Coli in Canadian flour put a small child in the hospital with HUS. E Coli and Listeria in hamburgers, spinach, hot dogs and cantaloupe kill children, but we are still allowed to eat those foods.

FDA claims pasteurized dairy is safe yet CDC outbreak data shows many have died from pasteurized milk, ice cream and cheeses. Montana has seen a significant uptick in Salmonella from home-raised chickens. Will Tyson and Foster Farms now provide lobbyists and government shills to ban home-raised chickens?

The Missoula raw milk Salmonella outbreak 37 years ago that opponents constantly bring up is a nonstory per state records and discussions with those involved. When the state came into the dairy, no Salmonella was found except in a male baby goat that school children petted. This baby had to be shot in order for the injunction on the dairy to be lifted. The state epidemiologist told people drinking the 4,000+ gallons of milk every week that they need not stop drinking it.

I propose that senators killing the bill every session dont actually care about safety or they wouldnt want a dangerous product to continue to grow exponentially with no sideboards.

Isnt it our choice? Food freedom is a right that must be protected.

Chris Rosenau is the author of the Montana raw milk bill that has been before the 2013, 2015 and 2017 Montana Legislature.
The Heart Institute located at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula is known for saving lives. Did you know it is also known for saving lost wallets?

My husband had an appointment at the Heart Institute. The next morning he realized he had lost his wallet. It contained a very large amount of money, military ID, drivers license with another passport ID, and numerous debit and credit cards.

As we were frantically trying to cancel everything, our phone rang and it was the Heart Institute informing us they had found Chucks wallet. We jumped in our vehicle and rushed to Missoula.

Upon arrival, the wallet was returned to my husband. They were unsure of who had found it. He tried to leave a reward, but it was graciously refused. His next choice was to go shopping for every variety of chocolate that all could share.

Wed like to express our thanks to the person, or persons, who found and returned his wallet.

We are thankful to have the Heart Institute in Missoula and very much appreciate the hard working, honest staff that exemplifies Montana people. No wonder we are blessed to live in the Big Sky of Montana!

Chuck and Jeannie Case,

Superior
Existential crisis is a phrase novelist Ted McDermott understands the meaning of all too well.

It began when he got his hand crushed in a mixer at a bakery  at a job he took after graduate school to pay the bills. He broke 12 bones and had to have three surgeries.

That put an end to his work in a bread store.

I was in a weird place, McDermott said over coffee at his home on Mercury Street in Butte earlier this week.

Dozens of rejections from prospective publishers plus feeling that his personal life had stalled after graduating from the University of Montana-Missoulas Master of Fine Arts fiction-writing program in 2009 led McDermott to rethink his life after the accident with the mixer.

Disheartened, McDermott felt like giving up on writing fiction.

He started working as a full-time reporter for The Missoula Independent thinking it was time to pursue journalism and let go of the dream hed had since high school of writing a novel. But in his despair, he began to write in his spare time about the mundane things going on in his life.

Something began to click.

It was the first thing ever that I wrote purely out of personal motivation, McDermott said. I was trying to be a writer and that wasnt working. Feeling desperate after I crushed my hand, I thought about what should I write and then why should I write.

Questioning the foundation of what he wanted to do and why, he began to find his literary voice. McDermott decided that he would write only for himself. Doing so, he reasoned, would make him a better observer of his own life.

The result is his novel, The Minor Outsider, set to make its literary debut in the U.S. next Tuesday. Published in the U.K. last year by a U.K. publisher, Pushkin Press, the book has already received positive reviews.

The London-based newspaper, The Guardian, called the novel,   a hip, touching and thoroughly readable story that presents young adulthood as a frustrating, alien place.

The novel tells the story of a young man who lands at the University of Montana-Missoulas MFA fiction-writing program. The protagonist, Ed, falls in love with a fellow fiction writer, named Taylor. She becomes pregnant as he learns he has a terrifying brain tumor. The Minor Outsider is darkly comic. With Missoulas mountains for a backdrop, the reader watches Ed make several unwise choices as he navigates his terror of the fatal illness and his love for his growing family.

Even as McDermott enjoys his newfound success from his home in Butte, he can laugh over how he got to this point. A misunderstanding caught the attention of an editor at Pushkin Press. McDermott thought she had looked at his Linked-In account, an online employment-oriented social networking service. She hadnt, but it launched an online discussion between the two and of his work.

And then, even as getting his novel published last year in the U.K. was the fulfillment of a life-long dream, McDermott was still in a weird place. He had a published novel, but it couldnt be found in U.S. bookstores.

That's changed, too.

Now 34, the novelist is a family man with something concrete  a novel that will be in U.S. bookstores starting next week. He also has a full-time job, working remotely as an editor for a Missoula-based academic publisher.

Though McDermott is new to Butte  he and his wife Shawn arrived earlier this year  he has tapped into deep southwest Montana roots. Shawns family, the Haggertys, homesteaded at Birch Creek near Dillon in the 1800s before moving to Butte. Shawns grandfather, Mike Haggerty, worked briefly in the underground mines before becoming co-owner of a painting business. Shawn and Teds 1-year-old daughter, Mae, will grow up as a sixth-generation Butte resident.

The McDermotts moved here to be closer to Shawns family, and because, he said, he prefers Butte.

Already the South Carolina native has begun to put down literary roots  in his spare time, he is busy writing his second novel, which is set in the Mining City.

McDermott says he mostly feels grateful that things have worked out as they have for him.

I only got published by a real stroke of luck. Im very lucky.
HELENA  A conservative group wants to let Montana voters decide whether transgender people must use public restrooms and locker rooms designated for their gender at birth - a move that could thrust the state into the national debate over transgender rights.

The Montana Family Foundation launched its campaign to place the matter on next year's fall ballot after lawmakers declined to do so.

If approved by voters, the measure would affect how public schools, universities and other government agencies accommodate transgender people. Facilities designated for use by one sex would have to exclude the opposite sex.

The foundation called the effort a necessary step to protect "the privacy, safety and dignity" of Montana children and help guard against sexual predators.

"There are active lawsuits in other states, and we wanted to take a proactive role in protecting privacy," said Bowen Greenwood, director of government affairs for the foundation.

The ACLU and other critics have argued that the measure would violate federal anti-discrimination laws and embroil the state in lawsuits. In addition, it could cost Montana millions of dollars in business by generating the same kind of negative publicity that engulfed North Carolina and other states that put similar laws in place.

"It's unfortunate that something that was vetted by the Legislature and was soundly defeated there by a bipartisan coalition is now being taken up by the Montana Family Foundation and is asking the public to sign off on it," said S.K. Rossi, ACLU Montana's director of advocacy and policy.

"It's a dangerous initiative," Rossi said.

Before supporters of the Montana measure can collect signatures, the attorney general must complete a legal review and the governor's budget office would have to perform a fiscal analysis.

The governor's office previously expressed concern about the measure in part because of its potential impact to the economy.

Spokeswoman Ronja Abel said the fiscal analysis would be limited to the actual cost to the state budget. Legislative analysts say it would cost $1.9 million to implement the proposal, if passed by voters.

"The initiative would be bad for Montana families, businesses and our economy," Abel said.

In North Carolina, PayPal and Deutsche Bank cancelled expansion plans and other companies reconsidered their investments in the state after it implemented a similar measure.

Major money-making events were also pulled.

An analysis in March by The Associated Press suggested North Carolina lost more than $3.7 billion in business payroll, investment and related spending. Since then, however, North Carolina lawmakers have rolled back some of the most controversial elements of the law.

The Texas Association of Business has said that state could lose more than $8 billion in business if it passes a bill limiting which bathrooms transgender people can use.

Supporters of the Montana initiative say the potential losses in North Carolina and Texas are overstated.
HELENA  Teton County is bringing in more resources in the search for a Pennsylvania man missing in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since Monday.

Eric Hellmuth, 21, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, walked away from a guide school camp northwest of Augusta at about 2 p.m. Monday and has not been seen since. The outfitter called in authorities Tuesday, which searched by air and Teton County and the Forest Service moved in ground teams by Wednesday morning. The aerial search included Two Bear Air from the Flathead Valley, which flew Tuesday night using infrared technology.

The search continued Wednesday but did not locate Hellmuth, Teton County Sheriff Keith Van Setten said.

We spent the whole day out there  without a whole lot of luck, he said, at 8 p.m. Wednesday. We had a few moments of hopefulness and were sticking with it.

A dog team from Lewis and Clark County will be transported to the remote area to aid the search, Van Setten said, adding that the already large search area is continuing to grow.

The camp is located near the confluence of the North Fork of the Sun River and Cabin Creek, about 30 miles northwest of Augusta.

On Tuesday, Van Setten said Hellmuth has limited outdoor experience in Montana and was not dressed for the elements.
When it comes to the municipal water system, Butte-Silver Bow is fortunate indeed. Although a legacy of pollution means it comes from a fair distance away, the quality and security of our water supply  from Moulton Reservoir, from Basin Creek, and from the Big Hole  is among the best in the state of Montana.

It was not always so. Butte-Silver Bow took over a water system plagued by crumbling infrastructure in the early 1990s. Since then, the government has done much to improve the situation, including the state-of-the-art ceramic-membrane filtration plant that opened this April at Basin Creek.

Now, say Public Works Director Dave Schultz and Chief Executive Dave Palmer, the bill is due.

Citing a widening deficit in water operations, Butte-Silver Bow is proposing a series of rate increases that will total 45 percent after three years.

Not so fast, say councilmen John Sorich and Jim Fisher. Citing great concern for the impact the increases will have on many Butte residents already struggling with a tax burden that was recently increased to help pay for a municipal pool, they are pushing back on the proposal.

Sorich wants the staff to give the Council of Commissioners some other options that could lower the impact on ratepayers.

Can we extend it out over five years, or are there other alternatives? Can we get a state loan that we could pay back? he asks.

Fisher suggested an even more direct approach.

In any business, we have to cut the overhead, Fisher told BSB Budget Director Danette Gleason and Schultz last week. You have to look at where we can reduce the spending.

We concur with Sorich and Fisher.

We are asking a lot of our taxpayers and ratepayers. We owe them every diligence, both in expense control and in creativity finding ways to reduce the impact of the water-system work.

We think Sorichs request to explore other options is reasonable and prudent. While were sure staff has done homework on the issue, we do think the commissioners should be more than a rubber stamp. Choosing from a range of options is appropriate to their role. Their caution can reinforce the need to consider such rate increases carefully.

And as for Fishers exhortation to find expense reductions, we are not convinced by Butte-Silver Bows seemingly reflexive response that theres no immediate place to go to save money. The eagle-eyed Fisher, who makes a point of personally examining every outgoing Butte-Silver Bow payment, has great depth of knowledge of county operations. We have absolute respect for Gleason and the efficiency of her department  but a second look at expenses, in this circumstance, is exactly whats needed.

Hats off to Sorich and Fisher for doing their jobs with the public interest firmly in mind.
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MUSCATINE  A district judge ruled Friday that ousted Muscatine mayor Diana Broderson can return to office while her appeal is heard.

Judge Mark Smith ruled the order of removal of Broderson be stayed, and Broderson be reinstated as mayor pending final hearing on the matter. Broderson is appealing the Muscatine City Council's decision to remove her from office on May 11, which will be discussed at the next hearing on July 17.

The judge said there were "inherent conflicts of interest" throughout the council's removal of the mayor, and to ensure a fair trial, "no man is permitted to try cases where he has an interest in the outcome."

Broderson posted on Facebook Friday morning: "The Judge just ordered me back in office effective immediately. Thank you for your support!"

The announcement of Broderson returning to office comes one day after the city council agreed to appoint a new mayor to the position before the general election in November.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Bynum had been serving as mayor in the interim, but state code would require a new mayor be elected by July 10 so Bynum can return to his seat on the council. Now, the appointment process is moot, as Broderson is reinstated in office effective immediately.

Bynum said serving as interim mayor has been challenging, but a great opportunity.

My goal was to improve the quality of life for the City of Muscatine, Bynum said. And I thought we turned it around and started the uphill climb.

On Brodersons reinstatement, Bynum said we will get our day in courtotherwise no comment.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
For the second time in less than a year, the Louisa County Public Health Service is seeking a new medical director. Louisa County Board of Health Chair Brad Quigley told the board Wednesday that medical director Dr. Brian Masonholder, Columbus Junction, plans to retire from his practice in August. County medical directors must be licensed physicians, according to previous BOH directors.

Masonholder was appointed in January, after Dr. Thomas Boyd announced he would not seek re-appointment to the three-year term.

We need to start looking (for a replacement) now, Quigley said.

A July 12 meeting was tentatively scheduled to discuss the issue.

Interim Health Service Administrator Roxanne Smith said board would have up to three months after Masonholders resignation to find someone to hold the required position, which in the past has been filled by a volunteer physician.

Quigley acknowledged the board may have to look at other options  there are few licensed physicians serving in Louisa County.

(We) possibly may have to provide a retainer, he said.

Meanwhile, Smith reported she was still searching for a certified nursing aide to fill a part-time position as a home health aide. Smith has filled the shifts by using a contracting service, but still hoped to hire a permanent employee. The county has two other full-time home health care aides.

In other action, the board met with two representatives from UnityPoint Health-Trinity Muscatine, to discuss grant-funded services the organization provides in Louisa, Cedar and Muscatine counties.

Christy Roby Williams, director of public health and Ruby Mateos, public health manager, explained the organization provides maternal health services, dental screening and other oral health activities for children, adolescent pregnancy prevention and other efforts.

We try to link families to the resources and services they need, Mateos said.

We are trying to educate families to conduct an annual holistic wellness check, (with) a goal to make sure kids receive their health assessments, Williams said.

Quigley said medical and emergency organizations he is involved with had noticed a drop in the number of people being served.

We know (the need) is not going away, (so) why (is the number served) dropping? he asked.

Williams said the decrease may be a result of a change in services being offered or funding. She also the number of births had decreased, which could lead to reductions in other service needs.

Quigley wondered if uninsured or underinsured residents were concerned about exposing themselves to the tax penalties required of people who are not adequately insured.

Williams acknowledged that Louisa County had a higher percentage of uninsured than other areas, but Mateos said a lack of knowledge about the programs might be a bigger factor.

I think we are in a transitional stage and need more education, she said.

Williams said Trinity Muscatine had recently submitted a grant application to the Iowa Department of Health to increase educational efforts and could know by mid-July if the grant is approved. Louisa County could receive $20,000 if the grant is approved.

It will bring more awareness to rural counties, she said.
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Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
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 []
A 12-Year-Old boy has been found guilty of murdering his 11-year-old girlfriend.

The Standard Three pupils defence that dark forces ordered him to stab the girl three times as the two had sex was dismissed by Justice Christine Meoli.

The pupil from Kinangop was accused of stabbing 11-year-old Mary Nduta Wairimu to death on July 5, 2016 in Kibuyu village in Magumu.

The minor who was represented by lawyer Francis Mburu, told the court that he was getting intimate with the girl when a tall man armed with a machete and a shiny knife appeared and ordered him to kill her.

The judge termed the boys defence as fiction and an invention of the minor. She added that during the trial, the boy was cautious to cover any loopholes describing him as having a fertile but corrupted imagination.

The accused defence is unbelievable, conjured to absolve him and the prosecution has proven the case beyond any reasonable doubt,

said Justice Meoli.

The court, however, ruled that the accused was experiencing a difficult childhood in a dysfunctional family and sent him to Kimumu junior probation hostels for three years.

There is no need to send the boy back to the dysfunctional background but to a place where he can be rehabilitated, said Meoli.
Here are some of the stories making news headlines today.

Raila: It Will Be a Shame for Governor Sonko To Receive Me When I Become President National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga has continued with his six-piece campaign. This week, he has camped in the city. Speaking in Dagoretti on Monday, Raila urged residents to vote for Evans Kidero to start his second term as Nairobi governor.

It Was Ruto Who Rigged Me Out.. Peter Kenneth Finally Says Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Peter Kenneth has finally gathered strength and named Deputy President William Ruto by name, as the person who ensured he lost the Jubilee ticket for Nairobi. The former Gatanga MP named Ruto as the mastermind behind a rigging scheme that denied him the ticket. He s

Luo Tycoon Who Delivered Dowry in 4 Choppers Detained Over Sh 183 Million Fraud Charges Flamboyant businessman and politician Jared Otieno was on Monday detained for a week over allegations of obtaining Sh 183 Million on false pretenses. According to the People Daily, the businessman who drives a customized Porsche worth an estimated Sh30 million, was arrested on June 17 following c

Shame on You Wavinya Ndeti for Sabotaging Garbage Collection in my County, Mutua Machakos County Governor Dr Alfred Mutua has accused Wiper governor aspirant Wavinya Ndeti of sabotaging garbage collection in the county. According to Mutua, Wavinya has been sponsoring county employees to deliberately dump garbage in the county so as to make him look inefficient. I have est

Saudi Arabias king deposes crown prince, promotes son as successor Mohammed bin Salman, who is the son of King Salman, will now be the first in line to the throne. The 31-year-old has been appointed deputy prime minister and will continue in his role as defense minister, according to a royal decree cited by state media.

Trump to China: Thanks for trying with North Korea On Tuesday, Trump upended much of that works in 140 characters, tweeting that Chinese efforts have not worked out. While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried, Trump wrote.

Democrats just went 0-4. When will they win? In the special elections for House seats vacated by Republicans who wound up in President Donald Trumps Cabinet, Democrats went 0-for-4. Now, party officials, strategists and candidates are pondering what went wrong  and how they can turn it around in time for the 2018 midterm elections.

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick resigns after months of crisis Kalanick already announced last week that he was going on an indefinite leave of absence following the death of his mother in a boating accident. But the move failed to defuse a growing crisis over his leadership and demands from investors that he resign.

Saudis take 100% control of Americas largest oil refinery Saudi Aramco, the kingdoms state-owned oil behemoth, took 100% control of the sprawling Port Arthur refinery in Texas on Monday, completing a deal that was first announced last year. Port Arthur is considered the crown jewel of the US refinery system.

US mystified by continued embargo of Qatar Now that its been over two weeks since the embargo started, we are mystified that the Gulf States have not released to the public, nor to the Qataris, the details about the claims that they are making toward Qatar, spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters at a press briefing.

How to measure a mountain: Everest height called into question To clear up these frequently raised questions once and for all, the Nepalese government has kicked off the long and arduous mission of re-measuring the height of the worlds tallest peak. In 1856, Everests height was first calculated to be 8,840 meters above sea level by a team led by British surveyor Sir George Everest, the man whom the mountain was named after.

Grenfell Tower: Adele visits firefighters Fireman Rob Petty posted about the stars impromptu meeting with the team at Chelsea Fire Station on Monday on his Facebook page. Petty said Adele, who posed for photos with firefighters at the station and in front of one of their fire trucks, wonderfully grounded and caring.

Travis Kalanick resigns as CEO of Uber Shortly after taking a leave of absence from his role as CEO of Uber, Travis Kalanick has now resigned from the post, The New York Times reported Wednesday. According to the report, five of Ubers major investors demanded Kalanicks resignation on Tuesday, including venture capital firm Benchmark.

Gal Gadot was not paid less for Wonder Woman than Henry Cavill was for Man of Steel Gal Gadot will not be attending this bogus internet pity party. The real-life Wonder Woman is enjoying time with her husband and 3-month-old daughter after wrapping Justice League and a grueling global press tour for the sensationally successful Wonder Woman.

The iPhone was made because Steve Jobs hated this guy at Microsoft The design of the original iPhone has surprising origin story. The now iconic design came about because of a personal grudge Steve Jobs had against a Microsoft exec. Speaking at an event Tuesday, Scott Forstall, who lead Apples iOS software division under Jobs, recounted the surprising history behind the companys first touchscreen prototype, which ultimately lead to the first iPhone.

Tyra Banks son has mastered the art of smizing in his first Instagram pic Praise the model gods for giving us a late Fathers Day treat from Tyra Banks. The Americas Got Talent host posted an adorable photo of her 16-month-old toddler, York, to Instagram on Monday, and hes already a star in front of the camera. Hes also got those big  smizing eyes just like his mom!

Elon Musk, worlds 8th best CEO, shares how he spends his free time Being a CEO-even one of the worlds best CEOs-doesnt mean you have to stop partying. Just ask Elon Musk. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX came in eighth place on the 2017 Glassdoor Highest Rated CEOs list this year. But thats not the best part.

Microsoft rolls out a new talk-to-type app to free you from your keyboard AI assistants like Siri and Cortana are making voice commands the go-to way we interact with our speakers and smartphones, but on our computers, most of us are still chained to the keyboard. Microsoft, which is in the midst of a major push to put AI in just about everything, wants to break PC users from their keyboard bonds using AI.

Uber Founder Travis Kalanick Reportedly Resigns As CEO The wheels finally fell off. Travis Kalanick is stepping down from his post as CEO of Uber, effective immediately, The New York Times reported early Wednesday. Kalanicks exit came after a shareholder revolt reportedly made it untenable for him to stay at the company he founded in 2009.

Daniel Day-Lewis Announces Retirement From Acting Daniel Day-Lewis, three-time Oscar winner and perhaps the  greatest actor alive, is retiring from acting. Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor, a spokesperson for the Lincoln star said in a statement to Variety. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years.

Rapper Prodigy Of Mobb Deep Dead At 42 Albert Prodigy Johnson, one-half of rap group Mobb Deep, died in Las Vegas on Tuesday at the age of 42, XXL confirmed. After being admitted into a hospital following a performance, the rapper lost his battle to sickle cell anemia, his publicist told the publication: It is with extreme sadness and disbelief that we confirm the death of our dear friend Albert Johnson, better known to millions of fans as Prodigy of legendary NY rap duo Mobb Deep.

White House: Trump To Make Announcement On Comey Tapes This Week U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make an announcement this week about the existence of any tapes of conversations between him and former FBI Director James Comey, the White House said on Tuesday. The president has said that he will make an announcement on this.

Uber Pulls A U-Turn, Decides Tipping Is OK After All Uber reversed itself Tuesday and said it will allow tipping of drivers. Drivers in Seattle, Minneapolis and Houston can receive gratuities from passengers through the Uber smartphone app beginning Tuesday, and tipping will be allowed elsewhere in the U.S. by the end of July.

NASA Has Found Hundreds Of Potential New Planets Scientists are now one step closer to answering whether life exists on other planets. NASA released a list of 219 new planet candidates discovered by the Kepler space telescope, 10 of which are similar to Earths size and may be habitable by other life forms. The announcement Monday marks the end of Keplers search for planets orbiting other stars in the constellation Cygnus, bringing the telescopes tally to 4,034 planet candidate discoveries.
Hollywood A-lister Angelina Jolie is in the country.

Jolie, who is a UNHCR Special Envoy, spent World Refugee Day in Nairobi where she met with adolescent refugee girls.

The 42-year-old actress also addressed staff at the International Peace Support Training Centre during training on sexual violence prevention in conflicts.

Wearing a beige pant suit over a white T-shirt, the actress also visited 20 girls at the Heshima Kenya Safe House. They had fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi and Rwanda, UNHCR said in a statement. Almost all had experienced sexual and gender-based violence and many had given birth after being raped or were pregnant.

The role of sexual violence is compounded when it is carried out by someone in uniform who has taken an oath to protect, Angelina said.

So it is a responsibility of those who wear uniform to take the lead now by correcting from within, setting an example and stepping forward with new commitments.

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The UNHCR says Kenya hosts some 491,000 refugees, of which 101,713 are from South Sudan, which the U.N. has said is the worlds fastest growing refugee crisis.

Angelina jet out of Los Angeles on Saturday, one day before Fathers Day, with her six children in tow.

According to E! News, her estranged husband Brad Pitt got a chance to see the kids before they left the country. They were dropped at the actors home on Saturday morning. Its been nine months since the Maleficent star filed for divorce from Pitt.

Angelina was appointed Special Envoy to the UN Refugee Agency in April 2012.

Here are some photos from her visit.





















Additional reporting by Mail Online
Three people have been arrested by police in Eldoret in connection with a fake military recruitment exercise.

Officers pounced on the suspects on Tuesday morning at a hotel in Eldoret town and recovered Sh726,000, three fake forces admission letters, three phones and an iPad.

The letters stated three recruits would be admitted to Moi Barracks Recruits Training College in Eldoret.

Eldoret West police boss Samuel Mutunga said one of the suspects posed as a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Major and claimed to be in a position to secure slots for unsuspecting KDF hopefuls.

He was referring to himself as Major Augustine Wambogo and was working with others based in Nairobi. He was calling people and asking for money before presenting them with fake admission letters, said Mr Mutunga.

Anthony Gitonga, who was also arrested, claimed his brother had accompanied him to meet the Major who had promised to ensure he would be recruited into the Kenyan army, a job he had longed for.

[showad block=6]

I was connected to the suspect by someone. He asked for Sh400,000 and my father had to sell miraa to raise the money. We were arrested by the police when we were with him, ready to receive the admission letter, said Gitonga.

The Police boss warned members of the public to be on the lookout and report such imposters.

Earlier this month, two suspects were arrested for attempting to bribe Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment officials in Kakamega.

Last month, another KDF hopeful was arrested at Mweiga Stadium in Nyeri for altering his results slip with a pen.

Read: LoL! KDF Hopeful Alters KCSE Result Slip with Biro During Recruitment Exercise (PHOTOS)

The recruitment exercise was completed last month.
Napa County has a new contract with its largest employees union calling for raises totaling 10 percent over three years.

The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously passed the agreement negotiated with Service Employees International Union Local 1021. The existing contract expires June 30.

SEIU Local 121 represents more than 1,000 county employees who authorized the contract last week. Deputy Public Defender Abe Gardner, vice-president of the local union branch, said he couldnt release the vote count, but that passage was overwhelming.

The vast majority of our members were supportive of the contract, he said.

Among other things, the contract grants cost-of-living increases of 4 percent in 2017-18, 4 percent in 2018-19 and 2 percent in 2019-20. As is county practice, the Board extended the raises to non-union management employees.

The contract values the work and dedication of our employees, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Belia Ramos said. It ensures we have a well-trained and well-compensated workforce.

But, good or not, the county must come up with an additional $14 million annually by the third year of the contract, when all the raises are in place.

Of that amount, it will pay an extra $5.2 million 2017-18. Also on Tuesday, supervisors passed a 2017-18 budget formulated before the agreement that sets aside only $3 million for extra employee costs.

County departments will be asked to absorb the difference within their approved budgets, a county report said. If they cant, the county will look at mid-year budget adjustments.

On May 9, several county employees addressed the Board of Supervisors during public comments. Their message  Napa Countys high housing costs make it hard for them to live locally.

Krissy Premo-Carr of the Probation Department told supervisors she is a single mother with an autistic child who is working two jobs and having to find a housemate to make ends meet. She has worked for the county for 28 years.

Im asking the Board to consider financial cost of housing in Napa, as I need to stay in Napa, the city where I work, she said. I know my neighbors, family and co-workers are dealing with the same struggle.

Gardner on Monday said helping county employees live in Napa County was a union priority with the contract negotiations. He also acknowledged the limits of what one contract could do, given the scope of the affordable housing problem facing the entire community.

No, that alone doesnt solve that crisis, Gardner said. And it is a crisis.

In 2014, contracts talks between the county and the union grew testy, with the county declaring a negotiations impasse and union officials mentioning the possibility of a strike. None of that tension was visible with the latest contract negotiations.

Gardner attributed this in part of the use of interest-based bargaining. That technique has the two sides focus on what each other wants to accomplish instead of immediately staking out positions.

He praised the Board of Supervisors, former County Executive Officer Leanne Link and Human Resources Director Heather Ruiz for agreeing to a fresh approach.

It was a very different process than the last two negotiating sessions, he said.

Ramos also said interest-based bargaining changed the tenor of these negotiations.

That really gives an opportunity for everyone to bring their aspirations, their interests to the table and for these interests to be valued, she said.

Premo-Carr told supervisors in May that it seemed as if prior cost-of-living increases came with a price, such as higher medical costs for employees. She felt she took two steps forward and three back.

Gardner said the union made such concessions during the bad economic times of the recession. The county didnt ask for further concessions this time around.

Among other things, the new contract gives employees one-time longevity payments of $500 at 10 years, $1,000 at 15 years, $1,500 at 20 years and $2,000 at 25 years. It moves employee-only medical from 94 percent to 97 percent county-paid over three years.
CALISTOGA -- In a symbolic measure, the City Council approved a resolution in support of the Paris Climate Accord on Tuesday.

Mayor Chris Canning said many cities in California are adopting similar resolutions, and Calistoga has a Climate Action Plan in place that is in accord with the resolution.

Among priority climate projects for Calistoga are implementing the Green House Gas Emissions Reduction Measures included in the citys Climate Action Plan, work on the construction of Calistogas segment of the Napa Valley Vine Trail and implement the Calistoga Active Transportation Plan in order to improve and enhance walkways and bicycle trails.
A man was arrested Wednesday after trying to pass a highly suspicious $100 bill at the Safeway in American Canyon, according to the Napa County Sheriffs Office.

At about 10:21 a.m., Jaime Julius Villafan, 33, of Vallejo attempted to pay for items using a fake $100 bill, deputies said.

The bill had the words "For Motion Picture Use Only" printed on its face.

When American Canyon Police officers contacted him, Villafan, who had a warrant out for his arrest, gave a false name, deputies said.

Villafan was arrested on suspicion of trying to pass the counterfeit money and for providing false identification.
Napa County after a year of research remains interested in managing the Lake Berryessa resort renovation effort, but wants a little more information before taking the plunge.

A key piece of information could be known by the end of the month. The county wants to offer 55-year contracts to run resorts, but needs permission from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for this longer-than-usual time frame.

Meanwhile, county staff is reviewing a 434-page Lake Berryessa marketing report done by Ragatz Realty. The company is to present this report at the Aug. 1 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Deputy County Executive Officer Molly Rattigan gave a preview to supervisors on Tuesday. A survey of more than 3,000 people in the region found that 92 percent are interested in visiting Lake Berryessa, if it has the right facilities.

Thats very good news, Rattigan said.

Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza sees the county making progress, even though it has yet to reach its day of decision.

I think this is an exciting time for Lake Berryessa, Pedroza said.

For a half-century, Lake Berryessa reservoir has had seven resorts spread along its 165-mile, federally owned shoreline. The Bureau of Reclamation in 2006 adopted a master plan to renovate the resorts with new marinas, lodges, campgrounds, restaurants and other features.

In 2009, the agency received $4.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money to level five of the resorts so new operators could start from scratch.

But the Bureaus search for concessionaires to redevelop and run the resorts remains stalled after several false starts, with annual lake visitor estimates falling from 1.5 million during the resort heydays to 500,000 in recent years. The agency last year asked Napa County for help.

Since then, Napa County has explored whether it might succeed where the Bureau has failed so far.

Rattigan said the county has more flexibility than the Bureau. For example, instead of issuing a request for proposals and waiting for potential concessionaires to respond, the county can market the Berryessa opportunity to resort companies.

Also, about 300 companies worldwide do this type of resort development. Some may not want to work with the federal government, Rattigan said.

The Bureau of Reclamation offered 30-year contracts when it sought new Lake Berryessa concessionaires. At the end of the contracts, the marinas, parking lots, water systems and other infrastructure installed by the companies would be owned by the federal government.

Rattigan said having the county offer a 55-year term would give concessionaires a better chance to recoup their investments. She and County Counsel Minh Tran traveled to Washington, D.C. in March to try to convince the Bureau of Reclamation. She expects an answer by the end of the month.

Staff wouldnt recommend the county proceed unless it can attract resorts that will do more than offer campsites, Rattigan said. Stripped-down versions of the three of the five resorts targeted for redevelopment already offer camping.

A Lake Berryessa resort scene managed by the county would be a return to its roots.

The Bureau of Reclamation turned to the county to develop and manage the original seven resorts in the late 1950 and early 1960s. The county did so, but made the controversial move of allowing concessionaires to lease the public land for mobile homes and trailers.

Amid the ensuing debate, the county in 1974 decided to pull out of the resort management business and let the Bureau take over.

Assessor John Tuteur stepped to the microphone at Tuesdays meeting to give his perspective. One of his platforms when he successfully ran for the Board of Supervisors in 1972 was to end county management of Berryessa resorts, he said.

But that doesnt mean hes opposed 40 years later. Tuteur said circumstances have changed, with the formation of the county Parks and Open Space District and a better grasp on tourism.

I think the county can do a superb job in helping to run the resorts, Tuteur said.

The five resorts that the county could manage are Berryessa Point, Monticello Shores, Putah Canyon, Spanish Flat and Steele Canyon. Of these, Berryessa Point and Monticello Shores are closed and the other three are operated in stripped-down versions under interim contracts.

Also at Lake Berryessa, Pleasure Cove Marina and Markley Cove Marina are operating at full strength.
ST. HELENA  Faced with staffing challenges and worsening traffic that delays response times, the St. Helena Fire Department is establishing a second fire station on Dowdell Lane.

The department plans to rent a property at 1025 Dowdell Lane that has a house and a shed in back. Two firefighters will live in the house, and the shed will be expanded to accommodate a fire engine and maybe a utility pickup.

The city will pay $1,500 a month to rent the shed and the two firefighters will pay $1,500 to rent the house, for a total of $3,000 a month. The St. Helena City Fire Department Association will use funds raised at the annual lobster feed to retrofit the shed at no cost to the city.

The Planning Commission approved a use permit for the shed on Tuesday, and the citys $1,500 a month in rent was included in the 2017-2018 budget adopted by the council last week.

The department has 28 firefighters, but only four of them work near the firehouse during the day, Fire Chief John Sorensen told the Planning Commission.

Seven other firefighters are in the southern part of town during the day, five of them working at Sutter Home. When theres a fire call, they have to fight traffic to reach the firehouse near Main and Pine streets, suit up, and then drive to the location of the call, which is often back down south where they started. The new traffic light at Grayson Avenue has made the drive north even longer, Sorensen said.

Under the new plan, about nine firefighters would instead be assigned to the Dowdell station, where they could collect their gear, jump into a vehicle, and arrive at the scene of an emergency much sooner.

The plan has the added benefit of providing affordable housing for two firefighters, Sorensen said.
The North Atlantic Council chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Rose Gottemoeller, visited the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX) held in Bydgoszcz, Poland on Thursday (22 June 2017). More than 1000 engineers, scientists, technicians and operators from 26 nations participate in the event at the Joint Force Training Centre (JFTC). CWIX aims to test and improve the ability of Allies to operate together, and the exercise includes land, sea and cyber components.

The Deputy Secretary General held a joint press conference with the Undersecretary of State in the Polish Defence Ministry, Mr Tomasz Szatkowski, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Denis Mercier, the Deputy Chairman of the Military Committee, Lieutenant General Steven M. Shepro, and NATO Commander Joint Force Training Centre, Major General Wilhelm Grun.

Ms Gottemoeller said the exercise provided NATO with the chance to test out new innovations and capabilities. The Deputy Secretary General also highlighted that one of NATOs greatest strengths has always been its ability to adapt, and CWIX is part of that long tradition.
(Natural News) When President Trump was still on the campaign trail, he noted that Amazon is using the Washington Post (owned by Amazon) as a political instrument to avoid prosecution for its huge antitrust problem. President Trump is right to be concerned about Silicon Valleys unprecedented corporate power and influence over the nations media, and hes right that we cant let [them] get away with it. But the greatest threat to our constitutional republic isnt Amazon. Its Google.

(Article by Fred Campbell republished from Breitbart.com)

Googles anticompetitive use of its monopoly power is beyond doubt. A Federal Trade Commission staff report found that Google has intentionally engaged in discriminatory conduct that has strengthened its monopoly power and caused real harm to consumers and to innovation that will have lasting negative effects on consumer welfare. While the European Union is still conducting serious antitrust investigations into Googles abuse of its monopoly power, the U.S. closed its investigation of Google after giving it little more than a slap on the wrist.

In its investigative report of the closed FTC investigation, the Wall Street Journal noted that an antitrust lawsuit against Google would have pitted the Obama administration against one of its closest corporate allies, who was the second-largest corporate source of campaign donations to President Barack Obamas re-election effort. This awkward situation could explain why the Obama administration gave Google a corporate pass, but its not the only possibility.

Googles practice of censoring ideas and suppressing conservative viewpoints offers an equally powerful rationale for the Google boosterism by both the Obama administration and the Democratic Party generally. Though the Federal Trade Commissions findings focused on commercial speech overwhelming evidence exists that Google manipulates its search results for ideological reasons as well  to suppress conservative thought and support progressive causes. This is likely only the tip of the iceberg. Tech-left leader Eric Schmidt, Googles Chairman, openly admits that search engines can detect malicious, misleading and incorrect information [as defined by the left] and essentially have you not see it. just take it off the page right? Put it somewhere else. Make it harder to find. For Democrats, prosecuting Google would be akin to biting the hand that feeds them.

Read more at: Breitbart.com
(Natural News) A self-proclaimed liberal professor has come out in condemnation of what took place at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, last month when an angry student mob swarmed the campus and imposed anarchy for several days over delusions of institutional racism and inequality.

Professor Ben Weinstein became a victim of the protest after students aggressively targeted him simply for his refusal to leave the campus for anti-white day. Because his skin color is white, Weinstein had his classroom surrounded by the racist mass of student terrorists, which began shouting and chanting at him in an attempt to bully him into succumbing to their demands.

During a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, Weinstein described the experience in all of its horrid details. He told of how he was instantly dubbed a racist for not kowtowing to the angry mob, which in many ways has changed his views on liberalism. Even though he would describe himself as a liberal, Weinstein admits that what took place on his campus represents something entirely different than what he believes.

We are watching a kind of group insanity, he stated to Rogan during the interview, describing the event as a manifestation of collective psychosis. (RELATED: More news on the insanity of political correctness and where its taking society can be accessed at PoliticalCorrectness.news)

You can listen to the full segment of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Professor Weinstein on YouTube.

Even liberalism is parting ways with social justice warrior insanity

While The Evergreen State College claims to be a progressive liberal arts school that prides itself on being open-minded and diverse, a growing segment of its student population seems to only approve of people who are non-white and female. There also appears to be an expectation that if a given minority group makes a demand about something  even if its completely unreasonable  that everyone, including faculty, must comply otherwise theyre racist, sexist, and intolerant.

This was true when Weinstein refused to leave campus for anti-white day at the school and was subsequently subjected to extreme bullying  not to mention that the incident resulted in classes being canceled for several days. Rather than defend him, many of his fellow faculty members actually sided with the extremist students who had essentially hijacked the campus and halted classes.

In another related incident, Weinstein was falsely accused of being racist. When he tried to defend himself in this instance, he was told that doing so was in and of itself racist. Weinstein was actually told by a female colleague when he tried to defend himself that he should not expect there to be a venue in which to defend himself, and that he should just get used to these accusations. Colleagues apparently insisted that Weinstein had some sort of obligation to accept his accusers false accusations, which just goes to show how completely detached from reality todays so-called liberals have become.

If this isnt bad enough, Weinstein actually had another female faculty member target him by filing a public request to obtain copies of his private emails. Simply for defending himself and attempting to maintain dignity in the face of persecution, Weinstein was blatantly mistreated and victimized by several of his fellow colleagues.

The intensity and the out-of-touch nature of the discussion inside the college simply reinforces the impression that something is desperately off, Weinstein told Rogan during the segment. What we really have is a filter bubble that is so strong that even when the world sends very clear evidence that youve missed something somewhere and its time to rethink what youve been doing, theyre not waking up.

Sources:

DailyCaller.com

DailyCaller.com

HotAir.com
"A suicide car bomber and gunfire struck Kabul Bank branch at around midday in Lashkar Gah city," official spokesman Omar Zwak told Xinhua news agency.

Several civilians and security personnel were waiting to enter the building to receive their wages when the attack happened.

The injured were shifted to a hospital. The number of casualties was likely to rise, said the spokesman.

--IANS soni/mr

( 100 Words)

2017-06-22-14:28:12 (IANS)
"A terrorist was killed in the Keran sector of the Line of Control in Kupwara district where the Army foiled the infiltration bid," Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told IANS.

A firearm been seized from the killed militant and the operation is still on, he said.

--IANS sq/tsb/vt

( 87 Words)

2017-06-22-19:18:10 (IANS)
Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage, sabotage and terrorism, "has admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan", a military statement said.

He has also "expressed remorse at the resultant loss of many precious innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions", the statement quoted the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) as saying.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions, he has requested the Chief of Army Staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds," it said.

Jadhav's earlier appeal to the Military Appellate Court was rejected, the ISPR said.

Under Pakistani law, he was eligible to appeal for clemency to the Army chief. If that too is rejected, he can seek clemency from the President of Pakistan.

The ISPR said Jadhav's second confessional video "in which he can be seen accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage is also released so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan".

--IANS mr/soni/hs/dg

( 209 Words)

2017-06-22-19:52:10 (IANS)
Pakistan's Border Action Teams (BAT) comprise heavily armed terrorists and are supported by the country's army. The BAT teams cross into the Indian side of the LoC while Pakistan Army engages the Indian troops in cross-border firing to facilitate BAT actions.

The Indian and Pakistani troops on Thursday traded heavy gunfire after the Pakistan Army indulged in heavy shelling and firing on Indian positions on the Line of Control in Chakan da Bagh sector.

The deceased soldiers were identified as Naik Jadhav Sandip Sarjerao, 35, of Aurangabad, and Sepoy Mane Savan Balku, 25, of Kolhapur, a defence spokesperson said in Mumbai late on Thursday.

They were in army service for 15 and four years, respectively, and further details of when their bodies will be sent home were awaited.

Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistan Army indulged in "unprovoked firing and shelling at Indian positions" with small arms, automatics and mortars. Indian troops effectively retaliated.

On May 1, an Indian soldier and a BSF trooper were killed and their bodies mutilated near the LoC, in Jammu and Kashmir, in an action which the Indian Army said was carried out by a Pakistani BAT team inside Indian territory.

The dead were Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh of 22 Sikh Regiment and Head Constable Prem Sagar of the Border Security Force.

--IANS qn/tsb/dg

( 281 Words)

2017-06-22-22:14:10 (IANS)
Suraj Ram, Sohan Lal, Abdul Majid and Mohammad Maqbool Lone were released after serving their respective sentences in Pakistan jails, Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay told reporters here.

He did not elaborate on where the men crossed over to India.

While details of charges against them were not readily available, Baglay said: "What is significant is their happiness, and the happiness of their families that they are back home."

--IANS vv/tsb/dg

( 99 Words)

2017-06-22-22:22:10 (IANS)
K.P. Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts.

Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years.

Following a huge public outcry over the incident, village assistant Sirish was suspended on Thursday for dereliction of duty.

State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate.

"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media.

Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.

State Power Minister M.M. Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.

"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here.

--IANS sg/in/vt

( 224 Words)

2017-06-22-12:26:11 (IANS)
A 57-year-old Kerala farmer has committed suicide in a village near here after revenue officials refused to accept his land tax. The government has ordered a probe into the incident. K.P. Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts. Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years. Following a huge public outcry over the incident, village revenue assistant Sirish was suspended on Thursday for dereliction of duty. State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate. "The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media. Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues. State Power Minister M.M. Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family. "The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here. According to the local people, Joy and his family had some time backstaged a one-day protest before the village office when the revenue officials failed to collect his land tax. Following that protest, the authorities accepted the land tax. However, in 2017 again Joy was treated roughly by the officials. This, tghe locals said, forced him to write a letter to the officials that he would have no other option but to commit suicide if the authorities did not accept his land tax. Village Council chief Shiji said the state authorities were requested to extend a helping hand to the family. "We requested them to provide a state government job to one member of the deceased's family." Shiji also said that it was understood that Joy had taken a loan of Rs 1 million. Kozhikode District Collector U.V. Jose who arrived to pacify the furious locals assured action against the erring officials. Jose said he would see to it that Joy's land tax was accepted on Thursday, and that he would recommend write-off of Joy's loan and a state government job to one of his family members. Joy is survived by his wife and three daughters. While two of his daughters were married, the third is a student. --IANS sg/in/vt ( 434 Words) 2017-06-22-13:22:09 (IANS)
"We don't foresee any upward impact on power tariffs from the GST," Goyal told the media here following a meeting with 75 industry associations.

"All the sectors had technical issues about the GST, which have been largely resolved across the table in this meeting, except two issues where more consultations are required."

Goyal said one of the unresolved issues concerns fly ash, which is an environmental friendly product, but the ministry was not in favour of a separate classification for it under the GST.

The other issue was a dual slab rate structure for cable industry products, which may require a re-look.

To a query whether the lower GST of 5 per cent on coal would help reduce power tariffs, Goyal said he would meet the forum of regulators on Friday to discuss ways to transmit the benefits of tax reduction to consumers.

He also said the industry was enthusiastic about the transition to a more transparent tax regime that would be the "biggest reform that ever happened in independent India".

"Not a single participant at today's meeting requested deferment (of GST implementation)."

Goyal said, "Under GST, the assessee will only have to enter the sales invoice... after that all the returns are auto-populated."

"Any transformation of this nature will have teething problems and require a transition period," he added.

--IANS bc/ksk/vt

( 261 Words)

2017-06-22-15:50:11 (IANS)
Representatives of telecom companies Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Reliance Jio and Reliance Communications met Communications Minister Manoj Sinha and Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan besides other government officials in the ministry.

Among the industrialists, Anil Ambani of Reliance Communications, Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel and Mahendra Nahata of Reliance Jio were present in the meeting. They were not immediately available for comment.

Initially, the company chiefs met Sinha separately. The government has set up an inter-ministerial group (IMG) which is holding hearings with all the stakeholders. The group members have already met the main telecom companies, including MTNL and BSNL.

The task of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) is to examine systemic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity of the telecom sector and furnish recommendations for resolution of stressed assets. It is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

The group, comprising officials from the finance and telecom ministries, was set up after top banks expressed concern about financial stress in the industry.

--IANS ag/hs/dg

( 204 Words)

2017-06-22-16:46:09 (IANS)
Industries Minister M.C. Sampath said the gun factory management has been asked to look at the feasibility of inducting a private investor and operate the business on public-private-partnership (PPP) basis.

The PPP mode was suggested by the Niti Aayog and it is learnt that the workers of the gun factory were planning to strike work on Tuesday (June 27), opposing the move, Sampath told the state assembly.

The matter will be taken up by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and steps will be taken to prevent the privatisation of the Tiruchirappalli gun factory, Sampath said.

--IANS vj/him/dg

( 137 Words)

2017-06-22-18:02:12 (IANS)
Google, today, has released a Doodle to celebrate the 117th birthday of Oskar Fischinger, the German-American artist, musician and filmmaker who created incredible works of animated art set to music. To mark the day, the search engine invites you to make your own visual music composition. The Google Doodle with Fischinger's famous quote, "Music is not limited to the world of sound. There exists a music of the visual world." It then leads to a page where you can visually compose music by selecting dots on an 11x16 grid. Each dot represents a note, and you can select between four different "instruments." The composition is played on loop. "In the world of design," wrote Google's Leon Hong in a blog post, "Fischinger is a towering figure, especially in the areas of motion graphics and animation. He is best known for his ability to combine impeccably synchronized abstract visuals with musical accompaniment, each frame carefully drawn or photographed by hand. A master of motion and color, Fischinger spent months - sometimes years - planning and handcrafting his animations." Oskar Fischinger created special effects for Fritz Lang's 1929 'Woman In The Moon', one of the first sci-fi rocket movies ever produced. He made over 50 short films and painted around 800 canvases that find a place in museums, galleries and collections across the globe. Fischinger left Nazi Germany in 1936 for Hollywood as Adolf Hitler cracked down on abstract art. He died in 1967 but to this day many of his works are in the Center for Visual Music in Los Angeles. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6Qom-S3Q5o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> (ANI)
National Award winning actor-producer Arjun Rampal, who is getting a positive response for "Daddy", says getting the physical resemblance right for his forthcoming film, based on gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli, was important for him. Arjun is the co-writer and producer of the film as well. Asked if he was the obvious choice for the character, Arjun told IANS: "Getting the look right was very important for me. I wouldn't have done Daddy' as an actor if I failed the look-test. So after the writing was done, the scary part came -- the look test. I told Ashim (Ahluwalia) that if my look-test is miserable, I will still produce the film, Ashim will still direct it, and we will get another actor who would look like Arun Gawli." While the actor used a prosthetic nose to get the facial resemblance correct, there was a physical transformation as well. Talking about it, he said: "I am playing a real life character, so the first thing for me was to look like him. I did not go to the gym for two years and stopped lifting weight to lose 20 kg, as I had muscle. For the character, I had to look thin. Such physical transformation along with the production design through which Ashim created the world of Arun Gawli...It helped me as a performer." "Daddy" is about a man who was for a long time associated with major kidnappings, extortions, contract killings and other major crimes in Mumbai. Always seen with a Gandhi cap, Gawli was elected legislator in the 2004 assembly elections and continued to be one till 2009. In 2008, he was nabbed for Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar's murder along with over a dozen associates. The film is releasing on July 21. --IANS aru/sug/vt ( 306 Words) 2017-06-22-13:28:10 (IANS)
Miss World Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico landed in Mumbai on Thursday for a five-day visit and she is hoping to have a memorable trip in the country. "I am so very excited to be here. This is my first time in India and so far it has been a wonderful welcome. "I will also going to visit a school which Miss world has worked for before. And I am so excited that this trip is going to be a very memorable one and I can't wait for the rest of this journey," said Stephanie. She is in the city for the Miss World India finals. Stephanie Del Valle, who is also a musician and model, was crowned Miss World 2016 in Washington. India is home to many previous Miss Worlds such as Diana Hayden, Yukta Mookhey, Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Valle says her favourites are Priyanka and Aishwarya. Stephanie also talked about being "nostalgic", when it comes to judging other contestants for Miss World India. "I do get little bit of nostalgic and I start remembering my whole journey and all the challenges and obstacles that I had to overcome to be able to come here. It's really exciting to be with all these girls and to be able to motivate them," she said. --IANS iv/nv/vt ( 233 Words) 2017-06-22-14:22:10 (IANS)
The web series will premiere on Friday and will cover Australia's culinary, cultural, historical, wildlife and iconic experiences, read a statement.

"Travel is a dear passion of mine and '#TravelWithKunal' is my way of bringing it to life, and sharing it with all. I am excited to launch the first chapter with Tourism Australia. I can't wait for the viewers to enjoy the best of food, wine and local adventures of South Australia through my eyes," said Kapur.

In its first edition, "#TravelWithKunal" will give viewers a peak into the scenic, mystic and wondrous locales of South Australia. It will capture Kapur's journey beginning from Adelaide, exploring the local produce, food joints, breweries, nightlife and a lot more.

Commenting on the occasion Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, India and Gulf, Tourism Australia, said: "We're honoured to have hosted Kunal Kapur, one of the most eminent chefs in India today. #TravelWithKunal will help us showcase unique Australian experiences to Indian travellers through the lens of an undisputed food connoisseur."

The episodes will be available on Kapur's YouTube channel and his Facebook page.

--IANS ks/nv/bg

( 213 Words)

2017-06-22-15:34:10 (IANS)
Superstar Salman Khan says anybody could have essayed the character of Laxman in "Tubelight", be it Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar or Hrithik Roshan. "Aamir hasn't played the character like that but Aamir is really good. Hrithik has done it, so Hrithik would be a good choice. And Akki (Akshay Kumar). Anyone would have done this.I'm sure if they would have accepted the role, they would have done full justice to the role. It's just that I am locked up with Kabir (Khan)," said Salman during an interview to UC News. "Tubelight", also featuring Salman's brother Sohail and child actor Matin Rey Tangu, is set in the backdrop of the India-China war of 1962. Salman said that he did not have to act with Sohail but it came to him automatically as it was "heartfelt". " "When I looked at the script -- I knew Sohail would be fit to play the character. But the director (Kabir) wanted a big star to ensure that the chemistry is right. And one day, I told him -- What do you think about Sohail for the role? And he was like no, we need a star," Salman said." "And then I told him -- this is the best thing because then I do not have to worry about getting the bonding and chemistry. With Sohail opposite to me, there was no acting involved, it was just heartfelt," he added. Talking about his bond with Rey Tung, Salman said that the child actor calls him 'Bibing Salman' which means older brother. "He is like one of the amazing kids I have ever met. He is superb and on a different level. He calls me Bibing Salman which means older brother. He'll call everyone uncle but he'll call me brother," he said. "Tubelight" will release on Friday. --IANS ks/sug/bg ( 310 Words) 2017-06-22-18:56:13 (IANS)
"We are organising the second edition of Ganges-Danube Cultural Festival of India and the third International Day of Yoga in 15 cities from June 23 to 25," an official statement quoted Indian Ambassador to Hungary Rahul Chhabra as saying.

He said the cities where both the festivals would be held included Budapest, Balatonfured, Debrecen, Eger, Esztergom, Gyor, Nagykanizsa, Nagykoros, Miscolc and Pecs.

On June 24 and 25, besides yoga practices and workshops, Indian culture comprising dance, music, food and Bollywood movies will be showcased. They will be open to the public free of cost.

Chhabra said for the first time ever the historic Chain Bridge was lit up with Indian colours and motifs on Wednesday to mark the International Yoga Day.

The festival kickstarts celebrations of the 70th anniversary of India's independence.

"In Szentendre, which is a historic city on the banks of Danube river, a ceremony of mixing waters of the Ganga and the Danube will be performed, symbolising the confluence of two cultures," he said.

During the ceremony, religious ceremonies, including worship of both the rivers, will be done.

The Ambassador said several Mayors had contacted the Indian embassy to include more cities in the cultural festival in view of its huge success last year.

--IANS vg/mr

( 257 Words)

2017-06-22-12:24:13 (IANS)
Former Calcutta High Court Justice C.S. Karnan was admitted to city-based SSKM Medical College and Hospital on Thursday after he complained of chest pain, a hospital official said. The retired judge was lodged in Presidency Correctional Home on Wednesday after he was brought to Kolkata from Chennai following his arrest. Karnan had remained untraced since May 9 when he was sentenced to six-month imprisonment by the Supreme Court. Informed sources said the retired judge, arrested on June 20 from Coimbatore by West Bengal CID officials in a case of contempt of court, complained of chest pain on Wednesday evening after he was taken to the jail directly from Kolkata airport. "He was taken to the SSKM Hospital on Wednesday evening for conducting some tests as he complained of chest pain. He was taken back to the hospital on Thursday as he continued to feel uneasy," a jail official said. "Karnan was brought to the hospital for tests on Thursday afternoon. He is admitted to the Cardiology Department," hospital Director Ajay Kumar Roy told IANS. However, he refused to divulge details about Karnan's illness or the tests conducted on him. Earlier, at the Kolkata airport, the CID officials who brought Karnan from Tamil Nadu, said his medical tests were completed at the airport and no irregularities were found. The controversial judge, who was sentenced to six-month imprisonment on May 9 by the Supreme Court and thereafter remained untraceable till his arrest, was brought to Kolkata from Chennai in a plane around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Justice Karnan was held guilty of contempt for his utterances against the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the higher judiciary. Justice Karnan left Kolkata for Chennai went underground thereafter. He retired from service earlier this month. --IANS mgr-dm/tsb/dg ( 308 Words) 2017-06-22-21:02:09 (IANS)
Earlier in the day, the Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF) and District police in a joint operation seized huge amount of explosives and ammunition hidden by Naxals in the forest area of Latehar district of Jharkhand.

Working on a tip off, the security personnel unearthed the explosives and ammunition which were to be used to attack security forces and hinder the developmental work in the area.

The recovered IED's were later defused by the Bomb disposal squad. (ANI)
Besides this, the CISF was also designated as the Nodal Force for conducting Yoga Demonstrations in Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

A team of 1000 personnel from CAPFs consisting of various ranks under the guidance of Inspector General (North Sector) N. Venu Gopal, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dayal Gangwar, and DMRC DIG Raghubir Lal participated in the event.

On the occasion, CISF women commandos of DMRC unit trained in "Pekiti Tirsia Kali", a Filipino martial art, and showcased their self-defence techniques to generate awareness among masses especially women, in self-defence.

The CISF personnel of Lucknow based units along-with other fellow Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel also participated in a mass yoga demonstration organized in the city led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A Yoga session was also conducted at the CISF headquarters in Delhi, wherein O. P. Singh, DG (CISF), R. K. Mishra, Additional Director General (Headquarters), Dharmendra Kumar, Additional Director General (Airport Sector), senior officers and other CISF personnel participated. (ANI)
The militants were killed in Kakapora area of Pulwama district in a joint operation by the security forces including Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police spokesman said.

Following specific information about the presence of militants, the security forces on late Wednesday evening surrounded the New Colony area in Kakapora area.

As the security forces tightened cordon, the hiding militants fired at them, triggering a gunfight.

"Searches are still going but the firing has ended," the police spokesman said.

--IANS sq/pgh/

( 117 Words)

2017-06-22-07:52:27 (IANS)
The Defence Experts on Thursday lauded the Indian Army as they gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in an encounter in Pulwama district located in Southern Kashmir. Calling it an extremely "good sign", Defence Expert Major General (Retd.) P. K. Sehgal told ANI that this development has taken an extremely heavy toll on the morale of the terrorists. "Apparently the armed forces and the security forces are getting extendable inputs, timely inputs and they are acting very swift to take out these terrorists. This was our first very successful counter insurgence carried out in that area after the killing of Burhan Wani. South Kashmir particularly Pulwama has become the den of local terrorists who joined LeT," he said. "The security forces have killed five people in the last three days in counter insurgency operation. Two in Sopore, three in Pulwama and on the 17th of June they have also killed the LeT commander called Mattu in Anantnag. So, this has taken a very heavy toll on the morale of the terrorist. They are beginning to realise that their residual life is only a question of weeks and months," he added. Defence Expert Sunil Deshpande also hailed the Indian Army for its swift action against the terrorists. "In Pulwama there have been encounter where three terrorist have been gunned down. Now this was on the based on info which we got. It is a big success on our part," he said. At least three Local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The slain terrorists have been identified as Majid Mir, Shariq Ahmad and Irshad Ahmad. Three AK-47 rifles and ammunition have been recovered from the slain terrorists. The encounter started late last night when the militants were spotted travelling in a vehicle in New Colony Kakapora area. As the forces started search operation, the contact was established and encounter began. According to security officials, as soon as the news of encounter spread, all of a sudden fierce stone pelting by locals targeted security forces to help the trapped terrorists. An officer of 50 Rashtriya Rifles sustained injuries in the encounter. 50 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOP) and 183 CRPF Battalion were involved in the encounter. (ANI)
A brief party release issued here last night after a "consultation" meeting held at the party headquarters here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Party Headquarters Secretary and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami over phone and sought the AIADMK Amma's support for the candidature of Mr Kovind.

The party discussed the issue at the consultative meeting and decided to extend support to him, the release said.

The meeting took place after Mr Palaniswami hosted an Iftaar party in which several MLAs loyal to V K Sasikala and her nephew T T V Dinakaranboycotted it.

Reports suggested that Mr Dinakaran, who was sidelined by the ruling camp in a bid to initiate the merger process with the rival faction AIADMK PTA led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to get back the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol frozen by the Election Commission afterthe split in the party, commands support of about 35 of the 122 MLAs,who had voted in favour of Mr Palaniswami during the trust vote onFebruary 18 in the State Assembly.

It was also not known whether the Party announcement to support Mr Kovind has the backing of Dinakaran, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of AIADMK Amma.UNI GV CS 1014

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-944306.Xml
Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed and an Army officer was injured in an encounter at south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said here this morning.Meanwhile, all educational institutions will remain closed in Pulwama today.They said a search operation was launched by the Army and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir, following a tip-off about the presence of militants at Kakapora in Pulwama, late last night.However, when security forces were moving towards a particular area, militants hiding there fired at them with automatic weapons.The security forces also retaliated ensuing in an encounter, they said, adding that an Army Major was injured in the initial exchange of fire. The injured was admitted to the hospital.The intermittent firing continued during the night, they said, adding that three local militants of LeT were reportedly killed in the encounter. Some arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site.Three AK rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.Recently six police personnel, including the Station House Officer (SHO) were killed by the LeT militants in Anantnag district of Achabal area. Police said Bashir Lashkeri was involved in the killing of policemen.Two Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants were killed in Sopore area of north Kashmir, early yesterday.UNI BAS RJ 0828 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-944253.Xml
The Jammu and Kashmir State Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKSRLM) will raise over 1.24 lakh skilled manpower under Himayat with financial allocation of Rs 1,601.51 crore for a period of three years in the state.This information was given at a meeting of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) under Himayat scheme, called at New Delhi yesterday under the chairmanship of Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Abdul Haq, to review the progress and implementation of the scheme. An official spokesman said Mr Haq reviewed the progress and the proper implementation of Himayat by the implementing agencies and received the feedback from the officers and the recruiting agencies, regarding the implementation of the scheme. On the occasion, the Minister said around three projects have been sanctioned by the JKSRLM and first installment is released to the project implementing agencies Surya, Apollo and Manpower for the mobilisation of candidates, which is under progress. He said the first batch of training will commence by the end of this month in different training centres located at Bangalore, Raipur, Jammu and 9,751 candidates are to be covered in the present round of the four-project applications. The Minister, while addressing the gathering, shared the vision and mission of the government for raising skilled manpower under various skill development programmes. He asked the PIAs to come forward and share their responsibility of helping the youth to prove their worth in the field of their choice, as they just need a hand holding to show their talent. Mr Haq said Himayat is a skill development-cum-placement programme for unemployed youth in J&K under the umbrella of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gramin Koushalaya Yojna (DDU-GKY), Union Ministry of Rural Development, with focus on sustainable employment for the rural poor youth.The JKSRLM has been entrusted with the job of training and placing over 1.24 lakh candidates with financial allocation of Rs 1601.51 crore for a period of three years. He said it is a challenge before the state government to train the youth of the state in various skills, so that they are able to earn their livelihood. He hoped that the initiatives taken by the state government with the support of the Ministry of Rural Development Government would yield desired results within the shortest period of time. The training of selected youth will be rolled out as early as possible by the end of June, 2017, he added.UNI BAS SV RJ 1005 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-944268.Xml
The much-awaited Mango festival in the City of Nawabs would be held from June 24, to be inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The two-day festival, to be held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in the state capital, will be a treat for mango lovers and have exquisite varieties of the fruit. The fest was being organised jointly by the government departments and the private organisations, Principal Secretary (Horticulture) Sudhir Garg said. ''The CM will address the gathering at the opening session.The prgramme will see the sale of mangoes and of items, which have been prepared from it and several contests. ''The main aim of holding the Mango Fest is the promotion of state capital as a mango destination. For this, we have tied up with the Hotel and Restaurant Association for the promotion of the fest in the state capital,'' he added. The Principal Secretary said that there would be sessions with the farmers which would be about how they could work on their produce to make it better. "One of the major issues which farmers face today is the need to increase their shelf life for which all possible efforts are being made," he added. On being asked what was different in the Mango Fest celebrations this year as compared to last year, he said that the programme was being organised at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan this year while the celebrations were held at the Janeshwar Mishra Park last year. Last year, during the Samajwadi Party regime, the festival was held at the Janeshwar Mishra Park for three days.UNI MB SV RJ 1106 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-944321.Xml
With an aim to connect all the religious spots with better road, rail and air connectivity to attract more domestic and international tourists, the Uttar Pradesh government is holding a tourism seminar of the industry partners here on June 25.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is slated to inaugurate the one-day conference at a star hotel in the state capital. The important issues to be discussed in the seminar would be the implication of GST in the Tourism industry. Director General, Tourism, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said here today that the seminar would be taking up issues required for the development of Tourism and it would be an open house for discussion.''We will be inaugurating a one stop portal for bookings and taking up the scenario of digitisation in Tourism,'' he said.The other sessions will include capturing the untapped potential and exploring new horizons of Tourism in UP, in which travel agents and tour operators will participate. There will also be a session on upcoming opportunities and development infrastructure in the state.The third session will be a discussion on the impact of GST in hotel and travel industry and investment opportunities in UP. A tourism official said the hotel industry was more concerned about the GST being implemented and hence, the session would prove to be useful. Earlier, the UP government in order to promote religious tourism in the state had shown its interest to link the places of tourist and pilgrim interest in the state with helicopter service. The government was mooting the idea to link major tourist centres, including Lucknow, Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Prayag (Allahabad), Vindhyachal, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, Kushinagar and Varanasi, apart from other places of tourist importance, with chopper service.UNI MB RJ 1112 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-944333.Xml
The Chambal ravines, once known for dacoits, have now turned into a model for other states after the previous Samajwadi Party government set up Etawah Safari. Though the Etawah Safari, which comprises of a Lion, deer, leopard and bears is yet to be opened for public due to technical reasons, other states like Bihar, adjoining Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharastra and Haryana have shown their interest in setting up a similar wildlife park in their respective states. Etawah Safari Director Sanjay Srivastava said here today that officials from Bihar, MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Haryana have approached them to get the details of the project, so that they can set up a similar safari in their respective states. ''Recently, Additional CCF of Chhattisgarh Mudit Kumar visited Etawah Safari to get details about the project, while officials from Maharashtra had contracted us so that a similar Safari can be set up near Nagpur,'' he said. Mr Srivastava said that Forest officials from Haryana too contacted them. Some days back, Gopal Singh, OSD of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, too visited Etawah to get the details of the project while on June 15, a team from Gwalior in MP visited the place, he added. Bihar is planning to set up a Safari in Nalanda, the home district of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while the MP government is planning to set up a new safari in Shivpur district.UNI XC-MB RJ 1133 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-944368.Xml
The Nifty of National Stock Exchange (NSE) moved up by 47.20 points at 9,680.80.

The sensex was intra day high and low at 31,466.95 and 31,336.96 respectively.

The Nifty was intra day high and low at 9,681.55 and 9,642.35 respectively.

Sectoral indices like Materials, Realty, Bankex, Capital Goods pushed the equity market in early trade.

In scrips like Sun Pharma, HDFC, M & M and Reliance Industries advanced while Hind Unilever, Lupin, ONGC and Coal India slipped that capped from further gain, broker informed.

The gainers were Sun Pharma by 1.62 pc to Rs 536.55, HDFC by 1.61 pc to Rs 1653.60, M & M by 1.44 pc to Rs 1405.20 and Reliance Industries by 1.40 pc to Rs 1438.

The losers were Hind Unilever by 1.66 pc to Rs 1105, Lupin by 1.62 pc to Rs 1076.50, ONGC by 1.54 pc to Rs 162.60 and Coal India by 0.84 pc to Rs 248.65.UNI NV AW1202

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Police said today that the arrested were identified as IkpenduPeter Ofor alias Peter Offor alias Baba, Chinedueze alias RemijusEze, Fidelis Ezeh, Nonso Joachin and Valentine Chinedu.

The articles seized included 6.4 gram Cocaine, Ketamine/CrystalMeth 0.8 gram, 14 mobile phones, 3 Passports, portable WeighingMachine and 3 two wheelers.

Police have registered a case and are investigating.UNI MSP CNR CS 1229

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The ecologically sensitive Western Ghats inKarnataka is in peril thanks to the greed of the people with nearly1,5 lakh acres of forests in the region encroached over the last twodecades, according to a document of the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India. The report on Administration of National Parks and WildlifeSanctuaries in Karnataka submitted to the State Assembly yesterdayhas pointed out that the encroachment had increased by nearly fourtimes from 42,518 acres in 1995 to 204,442 acres in 2014. Nearly9250 acres had been encroached upon in the 14 protected areas thatwere surveyed as on March 2016 with as many as 1384 violation cases filed. According to Accountant General (Economic and Revenue SectorAudit) B K Mukherjee, as many as 51 Resorts and 50 Home Stays wereoperating in six protected areas. Among them 44 Resorts/Hotels and15 Home Stays did not have the requisite permission from the forestdepartment and four Resorts were in the elephant corridor. The audit was carried out to study the impact of human intrusioninto wildlife habitats and measures that could be taken to mitigatethe damage. CAG had tied up with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) herefor carrying out a scientific analysis. The report said heightened human activity in the forest area hadalso resulted in an increase in cases of human conflict.Compensation was paid in as many as 26,685 cases.UNI CNR MSP CS 1300 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-944475.Xml
Expressing concern over the unabatedincidents of arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today sought the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in securing the release of 20 fishermen and 137 boats. In a Demi-Official letter to Mr Modi, copies of which were released to the media, the Chief Minister urged him to direct the External Affairs Ministry to urgently take up the issue with the highest authorities in Sri Lanka and secure the immediate release of fishermen and their boats." Pointing out that four fishermen along with their mechanised fishing boat from Jegathapattinam in Pudukottai district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy yesterday and taken to Kankesanthurai, Mr Palaniswami said the traditional and historical rights of our fishermen are continuously being denied consequent to the unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and the consequential loss of traditional fishing grounds of the Palk Bay area. Recalling that late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Constitutional validity of the 1974 and 1976 Indo-Sri Lankan Agreements, he said the very matter of International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Sri Lanka was sub-judice. MORE UNI GV ADB1350 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-944557.Xml
Four to five agitators and a cop were injured as the farmer agitation became violent today at Nevali near Kalyan in the district.The peasants have been protesting against the government acquiring their lands for the airport. Police said that the agitators resorted to arson and also set ablaze a police van. In an attack by the irate mob, ACP Sunil Patil was badly injured, police PRO Sukhada Barkat said. Four vehicles were also torched by the mob, which blocked the Haji Malang road. In British regime, the said land was acquired for runway. Later, it came under the farmers. This year, the Navy has started to put a compound on this land.UNI XR NV RJ 1314 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-944473.Xml
Attack on media by persons who want toprevent the truth of their misdemeanors to be disclosed in publicare condemnable as it not only curbs the freedom of the press, butalso significantly emasculate democratic processes, National HumanRights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice H L Dattu today said. Delivering his address at a workshop on the 'Role of Media inprotection of Human rights', at National Law School University ofIndia here, he said such incidents need to be taken up veryseriously by all concerned Governments so that the 'voice ofdemocracy' is protected in every sense. The former CJI said it was important to understand that theworking of media is shaped and transformed by the prevailingsocio-soltural and political context. ''Today, its role extends not only to giving facts as news, butalso analysis and comments on these 'facts', shaping the views ofthe people. The influence and impact of media on society today isbeyond doubt and debate, since one cannot expect the public toremain neutral and unaffected,'' he said. He said media should play a role to bring positive changes in thesociety that can protect the rights of the weakest and most marginalised. Justice Dattu said, unfortunately, in recent times, it wasobserved that 'mainstream' media often fails to reflect some of thepressing challenges that confront marginalised sections, includingdalits, adivasis, women, rural and urban poor and workers in theorganised and unorganised sectors among others. ''It appears that only human rights violations committed by theState and its various agencies against the urban elite and middleclass are now considered worthy of print space and airtime and it isunfortunate,'' he added.UNI RS MSP ADB1335 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-944536.Xml
The films were released by the Department of Education of Tibet Government at Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh.

The aim of the Education department is to promote language, identity, culture and traditional history of Tibet through digital storytelling.

"This groundbreaking initiative, on behalf of the Education department, represents our commitment and service towards preserving Tibetan language and culture; revitalizing awareness and appreciation for one's language in schools and at home" said Ngodup Tsering, the Education Secretary of Government of Tibet.

He appealed the parents of Tibetan origin, living in India and across the world, to encourage their children to converse in Tibetan.

The animated film 'the Forgetful Agu Phagpa' is produced by the Department of Education and created by Jamphel Animation.

Buddha's Sutra, originally in Hindi was dubbed in Tibetan and translated by Acharya Karma Monlam, Chair of the High level Standardizing Board.

The project was funded by Global Affairs Canada. (ANI)
Both the warring factions of the AIADMKparty in Tamil Nadu -- the ruling AIADMK Amma and AIADMK PTA--today pledged their support to BJP-led NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind. The rebel AIADMK PTA led by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who enjoys the support of 12 MLAs and 12 MPs,held discussions with his supporters and announced that it has beenunanimously decided to extend their support to Mr Kovind. He said BJP National President Amit Shah spoke to him over phoneand sought his support. ''Following this, the AIADMK PTA has decided to extend its supportto Mr Kovind'', he added. Later, an release from AIADMK PTA said Mr Amit Shah spoke to Mr Panneerselvam over phone and thanked him for his decision tosupport the NDA's Presidential nominee. The ruling AIADMK Amma of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamitoo has decided to extend its support to Mr Kovind. In a brief statement here last night, the party said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Mr Palaniswami over phone and sought the AIADMK Amma's support for the candidature of Mr Kovind. The party discussed the issue at the consultative meeting and decided to extend support to him, the release said. The meeting took place after Mr Palaniswami hosted an Iftaar party in which several MLAs loyal to V K Sasikala and her nephew T T V Dinakaran boycotted it. Reports suggested that Mr Dinakaran, who was sidelined by the ruling camp in a bid to initiate the merger process with the rival faction to get back the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol frozen by the Election Commission after the split in the party, commands support of about 35 of the 122 MLAs, who had voted in favour of Mr Palaniswami during the trust vote on February 18 in the State Assembly. It was also not known whether the Party's announcement to support Mr Kovind has the backing of Dinakaran, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of AIADMK Amma. Today, he held a meeting with his supporting MLAs at his residence that saw faces like actor Karunas turn up. Talking to reporters after meeting Dinakaran, Karunas termed it as a courtesy call and said his party would act as per the orders of AIADMK Amma general secretary V K Sasikala. Dinakaran too had earlier said that the party would act as per the decision of the general secretary, who is nowlodged in Bengaluru prison. In a related development, Mr Palaniswami was expected to visit New Delhi to personally extend AIADMK Amma's support to Mr Kovind. Mr Palaniswami was expected to meet Mr Modi and pledge his support and he might also be present when Mr Kovind files his nomination papers.UNI GV CS 1535 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-944708.Xml
Moving the demand for grants for his department, he said whilethe foreign tourist arrivals went up to 47.20 lakh in 2016 as against 46.85 lakh in 2015, the domestic tourist arrivals touched 34.38 crore lastyear.

''A total of 3438.10 lakh domestic tourists visited the State in 2016when compared to 3334.59 lakh in 2015'', he added.

The Minister said a large number of international tourists were visiting Tamil Nadu, with a majority of tourists from countries likeUnited States, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain,Scandinavian countries, Russia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Mr Natarajan said in 2014 and 2015, Tamil Nadu State has achieved first rank in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals.

"Due to implementation of tourism development strategies, thearrival of both national and international tourists have increased considerably during 2016 and has retained the first position in domestic tourist arrivals for the third consecutive year", he added.

He said the state holds the position of pride with five UNESCO Heritage sites in India, being the highest in number.

The State was well connected with sea ports, best roads and rail connectivity to many countries.

''With peace loving people and good law and order, the Stateoffers right business environment and desired linkages with necessary infrastructure for investors as well'', he said.UNI GV CS 1546

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-944748.Xml
EEPC India, the apex organisation of thecountry's engineering exporters, with active support from Ministryof Commerce opened the 'EEPC India Technology Centre' here today. Speaking on the occasion, Union Commerce Secretary Ms RitaTeaotia said, "The aim is to increase India's share of Hi Tech andvalue added products exports in the global markets, which iscurrently pegged at around 6-8 per cent." She said the Centre shall also attempt gathering global marketintelligence for technological development that would also help theIndian Government in framing appropriate policies for research anddevelopment in India. Ms Rita teaotia asked the EEPC India to effectively implementstrategies for narrowing the gap between technology development andits commercialization and promotion in the international markets. The Centre envisages a knowledge grid and shall provide accessto expertise available with leading R&D Labs in India. It would alsohave arrangements with different R&D Labs and Institutions toprovide experts with relevant engineering fields to connect with VC(Video Conferencing) facilities, and connect with engineeringclusters in Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi/NCR, Kolkata,Jallandhar, Ahmedabad. Speaking at a seminar on 'Manufacturing high end technologyproducts-- Opportunities and challenges for Indian MSMEs', EEPCIndia Chairman T S Bhasin said, the most vital aspect of the Centreis that it would attempt to bridge the gap in country'stechnological capabilities as India aspires to become a globalmanufacturing hub. He said that through this initiative, the beneficiaries of theinnovation and technological developments in the country would bebrought closer to the prospective international markets. Mr Bhasin said, "Today Indian industry is highly dependent on theimports of sophisticated technologies such as Machine Tools, CapitalGoods and other sophisticated instruments. The majority of Indianengineering enterprises are struggling at intermediate / mediumlevel of Technological Capabilities. Indian manufacturers cannotjust rely on lowering their costs in a bid to climb up the valuechain. They need to invest in R&D, development of new products andservices and skill training and development." He said, India is ushering in a landmark Goods and Services Taxfrom July 1. However, exporters have some concerns which may befavourably considered by the GST Council with the support from theCommerce Ministry. UNI MSP RS CS 1640 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-944871.Xml
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said that discipline was required in every sphere of life whether in family or society.Presiding over the centenary celebration function of Government Senior Secondary School, Mamleeg in Solan district, he said education is the road to success. "It is the road for children to reach their full potential in life," he added.He said that a child without education was like a bird without wings. Many children around the world do not get quality education.Chief Minister said that the schools in the state were trying their best to meet the educational needs of the children. The Chief Minister said the Government had started 'Prerna Plus' scheme for 1st to 5th class for enhancement of learning ability and 'Prayas Plus' for 6th to 8th class students for enhancement of learning ability in science and math to make education more qualitative.UNI ML SW SNU 1703 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-944842.Xml
Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, who drew flak for his 'loan waiver has become a fashion now' statement, on Thursday defended his stance, while saying that he was referring to the approach of the political parties who are not focussing on long term, but only short term problems. "I am being misquoted. My statement was in a context that the political parties instead of addressing long term issues and bringing in structural policy changes are adopting short term methods which has become the fashion. I was referring to the approach of the political parties particularly of going to the level of populist schemes like giving grinders, mixies, and lollipops to children," Naidu told ANI. Naidu further said that waiver has to be done in an extreme situation, but that cannot be a solution in the long term, adding that the government needs to focus more on infrastructure. He further said that with his statement he wanted to imply that the Government should focus on basic infrastructure, including the problems of the farmers like godowns, cold storage, refrigerator vans agriculture rural credit, etc. "What I had said was in the context of addressing the infrastructure including the problems of the farmers. I was talking about the lack of toilet areas, lack of roads, and lack of assured power supply that should be the focus," he added. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, he said his dispensation has taken many initiatives including comprehensive crop insurance scheme, and allocation of Rs. 50,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojana. "It is very surprising that the political parties, which were in power for years, could not do anything to address these issues and are blaming our Government and adopting populist schemes of asking for waiving loans," he added. Naidu earlier in the day said loan waiver has become a fashion and that loans should be waived in extreme situations only. "Loan waiver has become a fashion now. Loans should be waived, but in extreme situations only. It's not a final solution. You have to take care of the systems. The farmers should be taken care in distress," Naidu said at India's largest municipal bond programme here. Slamming Naidu's statement Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala castigated the former and said that the Union Minister should have not made such a harsh statements at a time when the situation in Madhya Pradesh is so volatile. (ANI)
Only 50.12 of the candidates passed the exams since strict steps were taken against cheating, officials said here. Last year, the pass percentage was 47.

Prem Kumar of Govind High School of Lakhisarai district topped the board, scoring 465 out of 500 marks. He was followed by Bhavya Kumar of Simulitallah School in Jamui district, who scored 464 marks. Harshita, also from Simulitallah School, came in third.

"Of the Class 10 pass-outs, only 14 per cent got first division, 26.8 per cent second division and 9.3 per cent third division," BSEB chairman Anand Kishore said.

The Class 12 results of the board were announced on May 30, which too recorded a low pass percentage.

Kishore said nearly 17.27 lakh students appeared in Class 10 exams this year, of whom 8.63 lakh have passed.

He said it was for the first time that codes were used on answer-sheets to ensure that no unfair means were employed during evaluation.

A senior BSEB official said the low pass percentage vindicated their efforts to conduct a cheating-free examinations this year.

Closed-circuit television was installed at the entrances to examination halls and videography conducted during examinations.

Use of all communication gadgets, including mobile phones, inside examination halls was disallowed.

Mass cheating in board exams has been reported in Bihar for years. Every year, the media has reported about cheating going on with impunity at various exam centres.

--IANS ik/tsb/dg

( 275 Words)

2017-06-22-18:48:10 (IANS)
The reported comments of Union ministerVenkaiah Naidu saying that farm loan waiver had become a fashion ofpoliticians, today evoked strong criticism in Karnataka. Politicians and farmer leaders alike today condemned Mr Naidu'sstatement as 'irresponsible'. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it was shame that a centralminister speak in such terms as Centre should have come to therescue of farmers who have been suffering due to severe drought.Instead it put the entire burden on the State government which wasmost disappointing. He asked how did the BJP in Uttar Pradesh announced farm loanwaiver before the election without knowing the repercussions andwill the centre help all State governments to equally share burdenby writing off farm loans from PSU and central rural banks. When Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra States announced loan waiverthere was no comments by the Central leaders. This was not in theinterest of the federal set up, he said citing union financeminister Arun Jaitley saying that States can write off farm loansfrom their own resources and centre cannot help. "Despite strong demand by suffering farmers for loan waiver bythe Centre there was no response and Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyrepeatedly rejected. And when State has taken step to help the debtridden farmers they are making such comments. BJP leaders shouldhave pressurized the Centre to come to the rescue of farmers insteadof demanding the State to act first," he added. Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimappa, terming Mr Naidu's comment asuncalled far, said that it was BJP which continued to demand loanwaiver despite their Union Minister turned down. "At this momentwhom should be blamed? Farmers leader Kodihalli Chandrasekhar condemned Mr Naidu'sstatement terming it as "irresponsible and it showed his leastconcern towards farmers."UNI MSP RS RSS1905 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-945280.Xml
Amid continuing ruckus and disruptions by both the Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party in the State Assembly, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today lashed out at the Opposition for their ''atrocious behaviour'' which smacked of hooliganism. Talking to mediapersons after intervening in the Assembly to clarify on the farm debt waiver issue, which the Opposition has been repeatedly trying to twist with false information and misleading interpretation of facts, the Chief Minister flayed the Opposition for violating the sanctity of the House with their rowdy acts. A visibly upset Capt Singh, who has repeatedly made his anguish clear on the Opposition's obstructionist behavior in the House, said action should be taken against all MLAs who have been breaking the rules of the Assembly and throwing papers at the Speaker, besides creating unnecessary ruckus over non-issues. Asked if the AAP and SAD were conspiring together to disrupt the proceedings of the House, the Chief Minister said it definitely appeared to be so, given their conduct over the past few days, in fact ever since the Budget session commenced. The Chief Minister said he could give AAP the benefit of doubt since they were novices and did not know how to function in the Assembly, but the Akalis were also behaving similarly, clearly indicating that it was a deliberate ploy to prevent the government from implementing its promises to the people. MLAs of these parties have been violating the sanctity of the Question Hour, and the ironical part is one of the MLA disrupting the proceedings is someone who, as a senior journalist and editor, used to report critically of such mayhem in the House, the Chief Minister said. These very people, including lawyers and other professionals, are now resorting to such shameful tactics, he pointed out. Instead of utilising the Question Hour for raising their issues, they are indulging in political gimmickry to hog the limelight and to remain in the news, the Chief Minister said, adding that such behaviour was completely against all democratic norms and ethics, and did not behoove the elected representatives of the people. Capt Singh expressed shock at the assault on a watch and ward woman personnel by an AAP MLA today, saying it was disgusting and shameful.UNI JS AE 1853 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-944966.Xml
Five-time Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described the shocking developments in the Assembly as 'midsummer madness of the ruling Congress and an outrage worse than the horrors of the Emergency days'. The former Chief Minister who delayed his flight to Delhi to visit the wounded legislators of the Aam Aadami Party in a Chandigarh Hospital, called it the 'darkest day in the history of democratic India and a slur on democracy. Mr Badal, who was accompanied in the hospital by his advisor Harcharan Bains, told newspersons, "In 70 years of my public life, I have neither seen, nor experienced nor even imagined incidents of such horrific, shameful and repressive nature." Recalling the days events, Mr Badal said, "This brings back the memories of repression under the Mughals and the British. India has never seen anything so terrifying in the most sacred temple of democracy since Independence, not even during the dark days of Emergency.""Today, the Indian democracy was shamed in broad daylight on the floor of the august house of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. I am still finding it hard to believe my eyes and ears on what I have seen and heard." Mr Badal inquired about the health of the two legislators but both of them seemed in no condition to speak. They appeared to be only semi-conscious. Mr Badal also spoke over phone to AAP Convener and Leader of the Opposition Sardar Harvider Singh Phoolka and expressed deep anguish and outrage over the incidents involving the AAP legislators. He said the SAD has always championed the cause of democracy and human rights and will continue to do so. He offered full support from him personally and from his party to fight the 'Congress goondaism'. "The Opposition will not take such an unabashed and full-blast assaults on democratic rights of the people and their representatives lying down." Mr Badal has demanded the registration of criminal cases against those who indulged in such wanton violence against the elected representatives of the people and those who issued such shameful orders. Under the Congress government , the elected representatives of the people are not safe even in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Was it this peaceful Punjab that they promised to the people when they sought a mandate in the last elections?' the former CM asked.UNI JS SW RSA 1848 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-945015.Xml
A third attempt of armed intrusion by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Poonch this year was foiled on Thursday at 2 p.m. Two jawans were, however, killed in the exchange of fire. Pakistan earlier in the day violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch. An area domination patrol was targetted by armed intruders and in the exchange of fire, one was killed. Another armed intruder was injured and covering fire by Pakistan posts facilitated his extrication. Pakistan's BAT team was 600 m within the Line of Control (LoC) and 200 m far from their posts. The operation is still going on and exchange of fire is on. Pakistan's BAT was earlier in news after it mutilated the bodies of two Indian soldiers on Monday in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control, where they had beheaded Lance Naik Hemraj in 2013, in May. The Indian Army confirmed the involvement of the BAT in the gruesome act. "Pak Army carried out unprovoked rocket and mortar firing on two forward posts on the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati sector. Simultaneously, a BAT action was launched on a patrol operating in between the two posts. In a unsoldierly act by the Pak Army, the bodies of two of our soldiers in the patrol were mutilated. Such despicable act of Pakistan Army will be appropriately responded," read the Indian Army's statement. It is the same Krishna Ghati sector where the Pakistani BAT had beheaded Lance Naik Hemraj and badly severed the head of Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh of 13 Rajputana Rifles, on January 8, 2013. Indian Army killed terrorist Anwar Khan in August 2015 in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir. He was part of a 15 member team of Lashkar and Jaish terrorists in the BAT team that killed Hemraj and Sudhakar. Defence experts say that the Pakistan's Special Services Group (SSG) forms the BAT which employs highly trained terrorists for Trans-LoC action up to a depth of 1 to 3 kilometres. In February 2000, seven months after the Kargil War, a Pakistani BAT killed seven Indian soldiers in Nowshera in Rajouri district. The army was shocked to discover the headless body of a soldier, Sepoy Bhausaheb Talekar. Defence experts say that the Pakistani BAT beheads and mutilate the bodies of Indian soldiers to terrorise troops and wage psychological warfare. The SSG commandos and terrorists of BAT mainly use AK-47 rifles, Swiss-made snow clothing and snow boots, Digital Navigation Consoles like Skype and VoIP. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav said that Kumar has a more profound stature than Kovind.

"The Opposition has brought a good candidate. Her stature is more profound. She has held many important portfolios. She is well known. Opposition's candidate is a better candidate than NDA's nominee," said Yadav.

Echoing similar sentiment, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) also said that Kumar is the better choice for the post of the President.

"Our supremo had said that if the Opposition nominates a better Dalit leader, then we will support it. We have extended our support to the Opposition," said BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra.

Earlier, Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as the Opposition' Presidential nominee.

She further appealed to the other parties to support the decision.

The Opposition - Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI), and other parties - decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) decision on Presidential nominee Ramnath Kovind.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier said that the Opposition was a divided house over the Presidential elections as many of its partners have extended support to ruling NDA candidate.

BJP president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA's consensus candidate for the post of Indian President. (ANI)
Police said criminals attacked the trader and his son who were riding on a motorcycle at Chatkam village snatched the cash and fled towards Godda.

Upon receiving the information a police team reached on the spot and sent the father son duo for treatment to a local hospital.

Police said the victim Leela Bhagat was returning to Godda from the weekly haat at Hiranpur when the incident took place.UNI XC-AK BM

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-945502.Xml
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy today demanded that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao fulfill the election promise of continuing Dependent Employment Scheme (DES) in Sinagreni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Accompanied with senior leaders including MLA T. Jeevan Reedy, ex-MP Ponnam Prabhakar, ex-Minister D. Sridhar Babu, ex-Chief Whip Gandra Venkataramana Reddy and others, Mr Reddy visited Godavarikhani to interact with the SCCL workers who are on strike since June 15 demanding jobs for dependents. Expressing his solidarity with striking trade unions, Mr Reddy said that ongoing strike was not for any ordinary reasons, but for the future of more than 55,000 coal miners working with the SCCL and their children. He alleged that Mr Rao was never sincere in giving jobs to dependents of Sinagreni workers and therefore, he was unable to fulfil the major election promise even three years after winning election. The TPCC Chief also slammed the Chief Minister for not regularising the contract workers in SCCL which he promised during elections. After winning 2014 polls,ge took a U-turn and even claimed in the Legislative Assembly that there were no contract workers in the SCCL by openly cheating more than 25,000 contract workers of Singareni. The TPCC Chief also condemned the TRS Government for taking a U-turn on the issue of open cast mining. He said that Mr Rao, during elections had promised to ban open cast mining. However, he approved 16 open cast mines after coming to power in June 2014. Similarly, he said that the TRS Government has failed to fulfil the promise of constructing permanent houses for Sinagreni workers. He said nearly 60,000 workers who participated in Sakala Jana Samme during Telangana statehood agitation for 35 days were promised payment of wages for the strike period. However, he said while the money has been paid to those in service, nearly 10,000 workers who participated in the agitation, but retired later were denied payment, Mr Reddy said. The Congress leader said that the TRS Government has also failed to fulfil the promise of establishing a medical college and a NIMS-level super-specialty hospital for Singareni workers. The TPCC chief said that the Congress party would continue to support the SCCL workers and their agitation until State Government fulfills all their demands. UNI KNR CS 1940 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-945346.Xml
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to issue a commemorative coin and postal stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's somewhat less known spiritual Guru Shrimad Rajchandra Ji on June 29 here. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD), the Gujarat based center of a global movement to spread his teachings, today said that it would soon launch the English version of an inspiring popular play titled 'Yugpurush - Mahatma's Mahatma' based on the life of the saint and his connect with Bapu, to make the world more aware about him. Year 2017 marks the 150th birth anniversary of the great Indian saint and spiritual luminary Shrimad Rajchandraji (1867 1901). Hailed as the spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi, Shrimad Rajchandraji had a tremendous and formative influence on the Father of the Nation. Addressing a press conference here, Abhay Jasani, President of SRMD said, "Gandhiji met Shrimadji for the first time in Mumbai, upon his return from England as a barrister in 1891. Shrimadji's inner equipoise, absorption in spiritual pursuits, enlightening wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and moral earnestness left a deep-rooted impression on Gandhiji." ''As part of Shrimad Rajchandraji's 150th birth anniversary, SRMD was organising a year-long celebration. A part of it a profound spiritual relationship between Shrimadji and Gandhiji is depicted through an inspiring play titled 'Yugpurush - Mahatma's Mahatma' which premiered on 14th November 2016. The play surpassed all milestones of success, having completed over 600 shows in 216 days, reaching over 425,000 people in 210 cities across the globe including UK, US, Europe and Canada. The play is currently being showcased in 5 languages - Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and 2 languages Tamil and English are under production,' he said adding that the English shows would start very soon. In Ahmedabad the shows in Gujarati would start from June 26 and by July there would be in all 20 shows. Gujarat already had witnessed over 200 shows. ''PM Modi, who had virtually started the celebration of the 150th anniversary much before on the occasion of 70 th independence day by taking the name of the Shrimadji in his address to nation from red fort in New Delhi, will be issuing a postal stamp and coin on the spiritual guru on June 29 here in an event in which the current head of the SRMD Rakeshbhai would also remain present,'' he said. To make the world aware about the spiritual figure, the organisation was also making efforts about naming of roads and chowks in the memory of Shrimad Rajchandraji, construction of Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital a new 200-bed multi-specialty charity hospital for the economically underprivileged in South Gujarat, distribution of educational aids to poor and running an engaging and interactive travelling exhibition showcasing Shrimad Rajchandraji's virtuous life, compositions and teachings.UNI XC RAJ AKC RSA 2006 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-945325.Xml
Haryana Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal here today approved a proposal of Revenue and Disaster Management Department to upgrade Tehsil Taoru as a Sub Division in district Nuh. A decision to this effect was taken on the basis of recommendations of the Deputy Commissioner, Nuh. At present, there are two Sub Divisions namely Firozpur Jhirka and Nuh, four Tehsils namely Firozpur Jhirka, Punhana, Nuh and Taoru. Also, there is one Sub Tehsil namely Nagina in district Nuh. The new Sub Division will comprise 82 villages and have one Kanungo circle, 12 Patwar circles, one police station, two Police Chowki and one Municipal Committee. The Taoru Sub Division is 15 kms away from District Headquarters, Nuh. The Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to shift eight villages from Narwana Tehsil to Uchana Tehsil (Sub Division, Uchana) in district Jind. These villages are Badanpur, Dumerkha Kalan, Dumerkha Khurd, Ghaso Khurd, Lodhar, Sudkain Kalan, Sudkain Khurd and Sunderpura. The Sub Tehsil, Uchana has been upgraded to the level of Tehsil and Sub Division. These villages are now a part of Tehsil and Sub Division, Narwana, but they fall under the block and Sub Division Uchana. With a view to check this anomaly, these villages have been included in Tehsil and Sub Division, Uchana, whereas earlier, these were under Tehsil and Sub Division, Narwana. Therefore, now these would be under the control of the Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Uchana for both revenue and administrative purposes.More UNI JS RSA 1957 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-945339.Xml
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday extended her support to Opposition's Presidential candidate Meira Kumar, citing that the former Lok Sabha speaker is more popular and deserving than National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) nominee Ramnath Kovind. "In the meeting, the UPA and other parties have unanimously and with the mutual consent declared Meira Kumar, who is associated with the Dalit class, as the Presidential nominee. Meira Kumar is more popular and more deserving than NDA's Ramnath Kovind. This is why now our party we announce to support Meira Kumar as presidential candidate," Mayawati told ANI. Recalling her earlier assertion that NDA should have named a popular and deserving leader from Dalit background, Mayawati said, "Now after this development, I believe UPA and other parties Presidential candidate is more deserving than NDA's. This is why now my party will support Meira Kumar for the upcoming Presidential elections." "The NDA had, on June 19, unilaterally named Ramnath Kovind, a Dalit, as its Presidential candidate without consulting the Opposition parties. Reacting to this, I had said that our stand will never be negative towards Kovind as he comes from a Dalit background, but had also said that NDA should have named a popular and deserving leader from Dalit background," she added. She further said that her party was never in favour of Kovind's political affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and asked for a non-political person with a Dalit background for the coveted post. The BSP supremo had earlier said that her party's stand towards Kovind would never be negative as he was from Dalit background. "We have known Ramnath Kovind since ages as he has been associated with the BJP and the RSS as well. Also he comes from a Dalit background, so our stand will never be negative towards him, but will stay positive forever. It would have been better had NDA taken all the Opposition parties in 'good faith' before announcing the name." Earlier, Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as the Opposition' Presidential nominee. She further appealed to the other parties to support the decision. The Opposition - Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI), and other parties - decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) decision on Presidential nominee Ramnath Kovind. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier said that the Opposition was a divided house over the Presidential elections as many of its partners have extended support to ruling NDA candidate. BJP president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA's consensus candidate for the post of Indian President. (ANI)
Acting on a tip off, the NCB and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel searched the Delhi-Mumbai Garib Rath Express train at Kalupur Railway Station and nabbed 33-year-old John William Best on Wednesday.

NCB Zonal Director Hari Om Gandhi said: "We found 587 gm cocaine and 700 gm amphetamine hidden in footwear and headphone boxes."

During preliminary questioning, John said he had received the contraband from a Delhi-based supplier and was headed to Mumbai for sending them further to New Zealand.

On June 10, the NCB had arrested a Nigerian national with amphetamine, ecstasy tablets and cocaine valued at Rs 3.5 crore from Vadodara railway station.

--IANS desai/tsb/dg

( 154 Words)

2017-06-22-22:12:09 (IANS)
Bihar's ruling JD-U's parting of ways with the opposition parties on Presidential candidate was not discussed at their Thursday meeting but those present expressed dismay over its decision to support NDA's Ram Nath Kovind, calling it "unfortunate". According to informed sources, no discussion was held on JD-U's exit from opposition ranks. However, the opposition leaders said "it was unfortunate that one of our allies has gone to the National Democratic Alliance camp in the July 17 Presidential election." "It is unfortunate that the Janata Dal-United took this stand. This was the sense of the house," said a leader present at the meeting. Terming the opposition's Presidential candidate Meira Kumar as "Dalit ki Beti", Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday said the JD-U's decision to support NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind was a "historic blunder" and called for a review. "Today, I am appealing to (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision and support the daughter of Bihar," Lalu Prasad told reporters after Meira Kumar was fielded after a meeting of 17 opposition parties led by the Congress. According to informed sources, Gandhi, who chaired the meeting of the opposition parties, first asked Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar to speak. Pawar proposed three names -- Meira Kumar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Bhalchandra Mungekar -- all Dalit leaders - calling them "prominent personalities". Pawar was keen on Shinde but the "sense of the gathering" ultimately went with Meira Kumar. According to sources, Pawar was trying to delay the announcement by one day. "Pawar suggested the name should be announced tomorrow (Friday) at 2 p.m., after more consultations. Everybody else said it should be done on Thursday itself. All these parties have signed the nomination form. Informed sources said Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel went to Sharad Pawar's residence here, after he was reluctant to attend the opposition meeting. The sources said only when the Congress leaders assured him of "bigger role in the 2019 general elections" and CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury visited him that he agreed to come. According to sources, Meira Kumar's name was almost decided on Wednesday afternoon after Congress President Sonia Gandhi spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and was seconded by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. The Left parties did suggest Prakash Ambedkar's name but there no positive response. "We proposed the name earlier. But on Thursday we said whatever is the consensus, we are ready to go with it. We did not insist on a discussion on this point," Communist Party of India General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy said. CPI-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury earlier told reporters: "Sharad Pawar started the meeting with a list of names under consideration. About each one of them, there was no objection on any ground by anybody. That included Gopalkrishna Gandhi, and Prakash Ambedkar - these two names which I had suggested." "Gopalkrishna Gandhi called up the day the NDA nominee was announced to say that 'now you'll have to consider differently'. So, he was not in the race," Yechury said. "From among Meira Kumar, Bhalchandra Mungekar, Prakash Ambedkar and Shinde, everyone agreed on Meira Kumar's name without any reservation whatsoever. She is an unanimous choice of the 17 parties," he added. --IANS sid/tsb ( 554 Words) 2017-06-22-23:04:10 (IANS)
Warmer temperatures mean sea turtles could be driven to extinction, suggests a new study. The study by Dr Jacques-Olivier Laloe of the University's College of Science argues that warmer temperatures associated with climate change could lead to higher numbers of female sea turtles and increased nest failure, and could impact negatively on the turtle population in some areas of the world. The findings have been published in the Global Change Biology journal. -The effects of rising temperatures Rising temperatures were first identified as a concern for sea turtle populations in the early 1980s as the temperature at which sea turtle embryos incubate determines the sex of an individual, which is known as Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD). The pivotal temperature for TSD is 29C as both males and females are produced in equal proportions - above 29C mainly females are produced while below 29C more males are born. Within the context of climate change and warming temperatures, this means that, all else being equal, sea turtle populations are expected to be more female-biased in the future. While it is known that males can mate with more than one female during the breeding season, if there are too few males in the population this could threaten population viability. The new study also explored another important effect of rising temperatures: in-nest survival rates. Sea turtle eggs only develop successfully in a relatively narrow thermal range of approximately 25-35C, so if incubation temperatures are too low the embryo does not develop but if they are too high then development fails. This means that if incubation temperatures increase in the future as part of climate warming, then more sea turtle nests will fail. The researchers recorded sand temperatures at a globally important loggerhead sea turtle nesting site in Cape Verde over 6 years. They also recorded the survival rates of over 3,000 nests to study the relationship between incubation temperature and hatchling survival. Using local climate projections, the research team then modeled how turtle numbers are likely to change throughout the century at this nesting site. -Research results Dr Laloe said: "Our results show something very interesting. Up to a certain point, warmer incubation temperatures benefit sea turtles because they increase the natural growth rate of the population: more females are produced because of TSD, which leads to more eggs being laid on the beaches. "However, beyond a critical temperature, the natural growth rate of the population decreases because of an increase of temperature-linked in-nest mortality. Temperatures are too high and the developing embryos do not survive. This threatens the long-term survival of this sea turtle population." The researchers expect that the numbers of nests in Cape Verde will increase by approximately 30% by the year 2100 but, if temperatures keep rising, could start decreasing afterwards. The new study identifies temperature-linked hatchling mortality as an important threat to sea turtles and highlights concerns for species with TSD in a warming world. It suggests that, in order to safeguard sea turtle populations around the world, it is critical to monitor how hatchling survival changes over the next decades. Dr Laloe said: "In recent years, in places like Florida--another important sea turtle nesting site--more and more turtle nests are reported to have lower survival rates than in the past. This shows that we should really keep a close eye on incubation temperatures and the in-nest survival rates of sea turtles if we want to successfully protect them. "If need be, conservation measures could be put in place around the world to protect the incubating turtle eggs. Such measures could involve artificially shading turtle nests or moving eggs to a protected and temperature-controlled hatchery." Climate change and temperature-linked hatchling mortality at a globally important sea turtle nesting site was published by Global Change Biology. (ANI)
According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the countdown for the launch of the satellites, that also includes 29 foreign and one Indian, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh began at 5.29 a.m.

The Indian space agency said propellant filling operations were under progress.

The Mission Readiness Review (MRR) committee and Launch Authorisation Board (LAB) on Wednesday cleared the 28-hour countdown.

India on Friday will launch the Cartosat-2 series weighing 712 kg and 30 co-passenger satellites.

According to the ISRO, the PSLV rocket's XL variant was expected to lift off on Friday at 9.29 a.m. from the Sriharikota rocket port.

The 30 satellites would together weigh 243 kg and the total weight of all the 31 satellites, including Cartosat, is about 955 kg, ISRO said.

The rocket would sling the satellites into a 505 km polar sun sunchronous orbit (SSO).

The co-passenger satellites comprise 29 nano satellites from 14 countries - Austria, Belgium, Britain, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the US as well as one Indian nano satellite.

The 29 international customer nano satellites were being launched as part of the commercial arrangements between ISRO's commercial arm, the Antrix Corporation Ltd and the international customers.

The Indian nano satellite 15 kg NIUSAT belongs to Nooral Islam University, Tamil Nadu. The satellite will provide multi-spectral imagery for agricultural crop monitoring and disaster management support applications.

--IANS vj/in

( 270 Words)

2017-06-22-11:04:10 (IANS)
The UN has appointed veteran Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov to head the newly established counter-terrorism division, despite growing tensions between the US and Russia. UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq announced the appointment made by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, one week after the General Assembly voted to create the new coordinating body, The Independent reported on Wednesday. The UN Counter-Terrorism office would oversee the counterterrorism efforts of 36 UN-funded programmes currently housed under a variety of UN agencies, 12 inter-agency working groups, as well as Interpol, and the World Customs Organisation. The existing Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force is under the political affairs division. There are also two related offices under the Security Council, which will remain in place. If the appointment of a Russian official seems controversial at this time, Richard Gowan a UN expert with the European Council of Foreign Affairs previously told The Independent that it is "a pretty open secret" that the deal was actually made in 2016 when Guterres was campaigning for his position. For its part, Russia had agreed to give up its regional turn to lead the world body so that the Portuguese Guterres could have a chance. "It is not pretty, but that is how UN politics works," said Gowan. Guterres also met Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month at an economic forum in St. Petersburg. Voronkov will have the rank of Under Secretary-General. He has spent more than 30 years in Russia's foreign service, serving in Vienna as an ambassador to UN organisations since 2011. One of the world body's entities housed in Vienna includes the Office on Drugs and Crime, which often deals with counterterrorism issues. Former Ambassador to Ukraine and Uzbekistan John Herbst, now Director of Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, told The Independent that Voronkov's appointment "makes sense" in terms of the UN having a senior official in a coordinating capacity because as a global body, the UN "needs to be able to address" the matter more effectively. He also noted that "counter-terrorism is a much easier issue to discuss" with Russian officials than Ukraine, for example. --IANS pgh/ ( 365 Words) 2017-06-22-05:26:10 (IANS)
Addressing the 35th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bugti said, "The CPEC projects between China and Pakistan violate basic human rights including Article 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Balochistan."

He added that "this is evident with the fact that military operations, enforced disappearances, torture and custodial killings of Baloch people by Pakistani forces have become a part of daily life. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to migrate from the areas along the CPEC route".

Bugti requested the council to stop the 'massive' human rights violation being committed by Pakistan Army in Balochistan, which has been crushing people's opposition to the CPEC.

"No trade agreement is more important than basic human rights and the CPEC should certainly not be an exception," he said.(ANI)
Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said that the ISIS act of destroying the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri amounts to "an official announcement that they have admitted their defeat" in the eight-month-old battle of Mosul. The Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Iraq have destroyed the 12th-century Great Mosque of Al-Nuri and the leaning minaret, which has dominated Mosul's skyline for centuries and is pictured on Iraq's 10,000 dinar bank note. Iraqis military commanders said militants blew the mosque up after troops closed in. It was the same Mosque from where Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ascended a pulpit and declared the creation of the caliphate in summer 2014 after his fighters took control of Mosul and swept through other parts of northern Iraq and Syria. ISIS, through its news agency, said US warplanes were responsible for the loss late Wednesday of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its leaning minaret.US officials told that the ISIS claim was "1,000% false," the CNN reported. The black flag of ISIS had been fluttering over the leaning minaret since June 2014.Now the site has largely been reduced to rubble. The fight to retake the country's second largest city , which has been a key Isis stronghold, was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 8, 50,000 people. The Iraqi military said "ISIS terrorist gangs" blew up the mosque as they saw Iraqi forces backed by U.S. and British forces were approaching and encircled the fighters in the Old city. As ISIS is being squeezed into even smaller territory -- a handful of neighborhoods and Mosul's old city, around 100,000 minors remain trapped in an "extremely dangerous" area of Mosul and are being used as human shields and forced to fight on behalf of the latter. "An estimated 1, 00,000 girls and boys remain in extremely dangerous conditions in the old city and other areas of west Mosul," Hawkins, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Iraq said. (ANI)
The world's total population is expected to hit 9.8 billion by 2050 despite universal lower fertility rates, the UN said in a report. The world population is now at least 7.6 billion, up from 7.4 billion last year, spurred by the relatively high levels of fertility in developing countries -- despite an overall drop in the number of children people have around the globe, the report World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision revealed on Wednesday. The concentration of global population growth is in the poorest countries, presenting a challenge as the world seeks to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which is aimed to end poverty and preserve the planet, according to the report. "With roughly 83 million people being added to the world's population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline," said the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. At this rate, the world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and surpass 11.2 billion in 2100, reports Xinhua news agency. The growth is expected to come, in part, from the 47 least developed countries, where the fertility rate is around 4.3 births per woman, and whose population is expected to reach 1.9 billion people in 2050 from the current estimate of 1 billion. In addition, the birth rates in African countries are likely to "at least double" by 2050, said the report. That trend comes despite lower fertility rates in nearly all regions of the world, including in Africa, where rates fell from 5.1 births per woman up to 2005 to 4.7 births in the five years following. In contrast, the birth rates in Europe are up to 1.6 births per woman, up from 1.4 births in 2000-2005. The lower fertility rates are resulting in an ageing population, with the number of people aged 60 or over expected to more than double by 2050 and triple by 2100, from the current 962 million to 3.1 billion. Africa, which has the youngest age distribution of any region, is projected to experience a rapid ageing of its population, the report noted. In terms of other population trends depicted in the report, the population of India, which currently ranks as the second most populous country with 1.3 billion inhabitants, will surpass China's 1.4 billion citizens, by 2024. By 2050, the third most populous country will be Nigeria, which currently ranks seventh, and which is poised to replace the US. --IANS ksk ( 433 Words) 2017-06-22-09:30:23 (IANS)
Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts stretched, pulled and lunged on coloured mats in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv to celebrate International Yoga Day.Some 1,500 mats printed with artwork depicting Israel's future were laid out for the event in Rabin Square yesterday."This is the third International Yoga Day and we have basically an amalgam, a mix of all different yoga schools here in one place," said volunteer Yuav Yenen.Other mass yoga sessions were held in China, Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 50,000 people in an outdoor yoga session in Lucknow.Modi has pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline that is estimated to be worth around 80 billion dollars. REUTERS AD0921 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0108-944283.Xml
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke by telephone with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and its new crown prince and they agreed to increase efforts to end tension related to Qatar, sources from Erdogan's office said today.Turkey has offered strong support to Qatar after Saudi Arabia, Egypt and several other states proclaimed it a supporter of terrorism and cut off all economic and diplomatic ties.Erdogan spoke with the Saudi leaders yesterday evening and both sides stressed their determination to strengthen Turkish-Saudi ties, while Erdogan also congratulated Mohammed bin Salman on his promotion to crown prince, the sources said."Agreement was reached on increasing efforts towards ending tension in the region related to Qatar," the sources said in a statement.They said Erdogan and King Salman also agreed to hold face-to-face talks at the G20 meeting in Hamburg next month.King Salman made his son next in line to the throne yesterday, handing the 31-year-old sweeping powers as the kingdom seeks a radical overhaul of its oil-dependent economy and faces mounting tensions with regional rival Iran.REUTERS AD 1052 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0108-944341.Xml
President Donald Trump said the United States had a "great relationship with China" as he stood beside former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, the new US ambassador to Beijing."We have a great relationship with China and I really like President Xi," Trump said in a speech yesterday at an Iowa community college. The comment came a day after Trump said Chinese efforts to persuade North Korea to rein in its weapons programs had failed.REUTERS PS 0510 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-944235.Xml
"Nearly 105 cargo planes have carried aid from Turkey to Qatar, after five Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Doha earlier this month. Further shipments will follow Wednesday's batch", Anadolu News Agency quoted Zeybekci as saying.

However, it is not economical or sustainable to send food stuff by plane, he said.

Keeping in view Eid al-Fitr - which marks the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, trucks of vegetables are being sent to Qatar on a weekly basis from Beypazari district of the Turkish capital Ankara, said Yavus Ekici, head of Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Both Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were in Doha on June15 to mend Qatar's ties with Gulf Arab states and stated the crisis should be resolved "through peace and dialogue".

"The efforts by Turkey so far and the future steps to be taken were discussed during his meetings with several top Qatari officials," Anadolu quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

Qatar termed the actions by Gulf member countries of isolating it diplomatically it as "unjustified".

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain, along with Egypt had snapped diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Bahrain also closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft, and gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their respective countries. Meanwhile, Riyadh also sealed its land border with Qatar.

Other countries who have recently cut diplomatic ties with Qatar include the Maldives and the Comoros Islands, along with Libya's Tobruk-based government.(ANI)
Two Turkish soldiers died at the hospital where they were receiving treatment following clashes with militants in the mainly Kurdish southeast, the army said today.The soldiers were wounded during an operation targeting militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeastern province of Bitlis, the army said. Another soldier is being also treated at the hospital, it said.One village guard was also killed in the southeastern province of Siirt in overnight clashes with PKK militants, the private Dogan News Agency reported.The southeast has been rocked by violence following the collapse of a 2-1/2-year ceasefire between the state and the PKK in 2015.The PKK took up arms in 1984 to fight for an autonomous state and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since. It is considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.REUTERS AD 1346 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0108-944552.Xml
Following the killing of two Chinese nationals, Pakistan has announced to tighten the visa regime, especially for Chinese citizens visiting Islamabad on business or work-related visas. According to a report in Pakistan leading daily The Dawn, Chinese citizens seeking business visas would have to present an invitation from a recognised body at any of Pakistan's missions in China. The Ministry of Interior has also decided to discourage the long-term visa extensions for China.Under the new visa regime, security clearance for issuance of visas will be reviewed and the strict visa policy will not only plug the loopholes, but also ensure maximum security to the Chinese citizens. The decision was taken yesterday at a meeting, which was chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan. The decision has been taken to ensure transparency in the visa process and to preclude misuse of the visa-friendly regime between the two countries, the media report said. According to Pakistani media, two Chinese nationals were killed for allegedly preaching Christianity in their country. UNI XC SHS RJ 1336 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-944532.Xml
British Prime Minister Theresa May will address European Union leaders on her plans for the expats' rights after the UK leaves the 27-member bloc, the media reported on Thursday. May will head to Brussels later in the day for her first European summit since losing her Commons majority in the June 8 general elections, reports the BBS. It comes a day after measures to enable Brexit dominated the Queen's Speech and with the Conservatives still trying to secure the Commons support needed to pass their programme. Brexit negotiations began on Monday. Meanwhile, Chancellor Philip Hammond told the BBC that he wanted an early agreement on the principle of a "transitional" period to reassure businesses that there would not be a "cliff edge" when the UK leaves the EU at the end of March 2019. This would provide a "smooth path" from "where we are now" to where the UK would end up post-Brexit, he said. Both the UK and the rest of the EU have said that they want to come to an arrangement to secure the status of about 3.2 million EU nationals living in the UK, and 900,000 Britons overseas, but nothing has been decided so far. UK opposition parties have urged the government to make a unilateral guarantee to the EU migrants -- but ministers have insisted a reciprocal deal is needed to ensure British expats are protected. Downing Street did not reveal details of May's proposals, but full details of her plans are expected to be published on June 26. --IANS ksk/vt ( 266 Words) 2017-06-22-15:24:11 (IANS)
Prince Philip, the 96-year-old husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, was discharged from hospital today after treatment for an infection.Philip, who is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday as a precautionary measure for the treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition."The Duke of Edinburgh left hospital this morning," a Palace spokesman said.Philip has been by the queen's side throughout her 65 years on the throne and she has described him as "my strength and stay".REUTERS SDR 1510 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-944690.Xml
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Turkish counterpart that weapons provided to the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria would be taken back once Islamic State was defeated, Turkish defence ministry sources said today.In a letter to Turkey's Defence Minister Fikri Isik, Mattis said the United States had informed Turkey about the weapons it had given the YPG and that it would provide monthly lists of the arms supplied, the sources said in a statement.Relations between the two NATO allies have become strained due to the support the United States has given the YPG, which Turkey has fought in northern Syria, to support the campaign against Islamic State.In his letter, Mattis told Isik that the United States would take determined measures to address Turkey's security concerns, the sources said, and that Arabs would comprise 80 percent of the forces to capture Syria's Raqqa from Islamic State.The YPG is a leading part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) which launched an operation earlier this month to capture Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto Syrian capital. Turkey has said that it would retaliate against the YPG if it felt a threat from the group.REUTERS SDR 1521 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-944709.Xml
Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi has said that terrorist "safe havens" are inside, not outside, Afghanistan. "The resilience of the insurgency led by the Taliban cannot be explained away by convenient references to external 'safe havens' or 'support centres'," the Dawn quoted her, as saying on Wednesday during a debate on Afghanistan in the Security Council. Pakistan and Afghanistan have long accused each other of harbouring militants operating along their porous border. Lodhi stressed at the Council that Islamabad was committed not to allow its soil to be used for terrorism against other countries. Responding to critical remarks made by her Afghan counterpart Mahmoud Saikal during the debate, she said, "As a country that continues to host over two million Afghan refugees, Pakistan expects gratitude and not hostility from the Afghan government." She asserted that it had been Pakistan's consistent position that peace could be restored only through a negotiated settlement between Kabul and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Afghanistan, adding that continued reliance on a military option, or enhancing troop numbers without an accompanying political strategy, would only lead to more violence and bloodshed. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar attack Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan, Lodhi alleged. "We are confident that, whatever our differences in the past, in the end, the deep bonds of religion, culture, history and geography between Pakistan and Afghanistan will assert themselves and produce an era of peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations," she said. (ANI)
Iran urged regional rival Saudi Arabia today to free three Iranian fishermen, pay compensation for shooting dead a sailor and punish those behind an "irresponsible act", the semi-official Fars news agency reported.Iranian media reported last week that Saudi border guards had opened fire on Iranian fishing boats in the Gulf, killing a fisherman. The Saudi Information Ministry said it had detained three members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the incident."The fishermen were not armed ... Saudi guards killed one of the sailors by opening fire on the boats," Fars quoted a statement published by Iran's Interior Ministry."Those detained fishermen should be freed ... compensation should be paid for the one killed and those involved in the irresponsible act should be punished."Riyadh has said the vessel, seized last Friday, was carrying explosives and those captured intended to conduct a "terrorist act" in Saudi territorial waters.The Iranian interior ministry statement denied the Saudi claim, saying the three fishing boats had legal documents and departed Iran's southern port of Bushehr for fishing but lost their way."Shooting at fishing boats is against the humanitarian and Islamic norms," it said."One group of the fishermen could steer their boat back onto the main course, but the two other boats were driven towards the shared sea borders with Saudi Arabia, unaware of their situation or unable to control the vessels," it said.Shi'ite dominated Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia accuse each other of fomenting tension in the Middle East, where the two arch rivals back opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.REUTERS RSD 1755 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0386-945088.Xml
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said the ruling party should allow its MPs to vote with their consciences in circumstances where the outcome might "advance our constitutional project of improving the lives of all citizens", The Times newspaper reported.

Ruling in a case brought by the country's opposition parties, Mogoeng said National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete had the authority to order a secret ballot.

Mbete, a top African National Congress official and Zuma ally, had argued earlier that the rules of Parliament did not allow for a secret ballot, BBC reported.

Zuma has faced calls for his resignation over issues ranging from corruption allegations to a controversial cabinet reshuffle that saw his widely-respected Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan fired.

The Opposition parties, especially the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), said that many ANC members would come out against the President once the voting remained undisclosed.

Opposition parties hailed the court ruling as the first step in removing Zuma, who has so far survived four no-confidence votes.

Responding to the ruling, the ANC said it would defeat the motion to remove Zuma, which the DA said presented an opportunity to oust a "toxic" President.

--IANS soni/dg

( 238 Words)

2017-06-22-18:40:12 (IANS)
During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss issues ranging from terrorism and regional security to economic cooperation with US President Donald Trump, it was announced on Thursday. Modi would meet Trump on June 26 afternoon during which the focus would be on "further pushing and developing economic and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit of the two countries", External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay told reporters. Baglay added that regional security and terrorism would also be on the agenda. "Our concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Pakistan are well known. Terrorism that emanates from there has affected not only India but also many other countries. "We do talk to all countries, our friends and partners on how to counter cross-border terrorism and international terrorism," Baglay said. "So it is logical to assume that the issues of global and regional security, and terrorism would figue in the discussions among the two leaders." He added that all matters of bilateral interest would be on the table. "When the two leaders meet, it is not our practice to constrain the agenda. The leaders have the entire gamut of relationship for them to talk. We can't say which matters would be taken up and which won't be," he added. --IANS vv/mr ( 221 Words) 2017-06-22-18:40:13 (IANS)
Europe's human rights court found Italy guilty of torture over a raid in which riot police kicked, punched and hit dozens of protesters who had gathered inside a school building during a meeting of world leaders in Genoa in 2001.The ruling concerned violence that occurred during a summit of the G8 group of industrialised nations in July 2001, at time when a wave of concern over economic globalisation often prompted violent clashes on the fringes of such gatherings.The European Court of Human Rights, based in Strasbourg, denounced what it called a "particularly serious and cruel" police raid on the protesters who were using the Diaz-Pertini school in Genoa as a base during the summit.It said many of those hit by police were sitting on the floor with their hands in the air.In a ruling prompted by legal action that 42 people present at the school filed, the rights court said: "The court considered that the violence perpetrated against the applicants had caused severe physical and psychological suffering and had been particularly serious and cruel.""It therefore held (ruled) that the treatment to which the applicants had been subjected in Diaz-Pertini School was to be regarded as torture" in violation of the European rights convention, a statement on the ruling said.Italy was order to pay damages of 45,000 euros per plaintiff and 55,000 euros in the case of two of the plaintiffs, on top of legal costs.Anti-riot officers "arrived at the scene running and in anti-riot gear, wearing helmets and carrying shields and truncheons", the statement on the ruling said."They had entered the school premises using an armoured vehicle to force their way through the entrance gate. Once inside, the officers had made indiscriminate, systematic and disproportionate use of force," it said.The incident happened in the middle of the night on July 21, 2001, during a summit where, in a totally separate incident, a protester was killed in skirmishes with police in the ancient port city in northwest Italy.REUTERS SDR 1825 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-945180.Xml
At least 12 people were killed in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo in heavy firefights between the army and militia fighters today, and several students sitting exams were wounded in an explosion at a school, local activists said.The fighting in and around the city of Beni between Congo's army and what is believed to be a new coalition of armed groups, the National Movement of Revolutionaries (MNR), killed at least eight militiamen and four soldiers, said activist Teddy Kataliko.The clashes, some of which occurred near the mayor's office, broke out early today morning but the army had driven back the militias by mid-afternoon, he added.Gilbert Kambale, another local activist, told Reuters that at least 13 militiamen and three soldiers had died in Thursday's fighting.The mayor and a local army spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment today afternoon.The fighting followed a breakout by more than 900 inmates, many suspected militiamen, from Beni's main prison this month - one of a series of mass jailbreaks that have undermined security in Congo since President Joseph Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate in December.Worsening security in the vast central African nation has raised fears of a return to the civil wars of the turn of the century that killed millions, most from hunger and disease, and sucked in more than half a dozen neighbouring countries.Kataliko and Kambale also said unidentified assailants set off an explosive device at a local secondary school, wounding several students sitting exams. A hospital source said at least three students were injured in the blast.Eastern Congo contains dozens of armed groups that prey on locals and exploit mineral reserves. Hundreds of civilians have died near Beni since October 2014 in a series of overnight massacres, mostly carried out with hatchets and machetes. It is still not clear who is responsible for most of the attacks. REUTERS AKC -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-945340.Xml
According to a statement released by Pakistan's Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), the alleged Indian spy has admitted to charges of espionage, terrorism and subversive activities in the state.

"In his plea, Commander Jadhav has admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan and expressed remorse at the resultant loss of many precious innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions," the ISPR said in the statement.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions, he has requested the Chief of Army Staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds," it added.

Jadhav had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.

Under law, he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the army chief, and if rejected, subsequently to the President of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the case is underway in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after India in May appealed against the death sentence to Jadhav, saying Pakistan had not granted India consular access, nor had accepted his family's appeals.

The court has asked India to make its submission in the case by September 13 and Pakistan by December 13.

Pakistan had also earlier said that Jadhav will not be executed till he "exhausts all his mercy appeals". (ANI)
Thousands of friends and family members gathered in suburban Cincinnati today to say goodbye to an American student who died days after being returned to the United States in a coma following 17 months in captivity in North Korea.Otto Warmbier, 22, was arrested in the reclusive communist country while visiting as a tourist. He was brought back to the United States last week with brain damage, in what doctors described as state of "unresponsive wakefulness," and died on Monday.Some 2,500 mourners lined up early today morning at Wyoming High School, in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming. Warmbier attended the school. He will be buried later in the day at a local cemetery.The exact cause of his death is unclear. Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated, declined to provide details, and Warmbier's family on Tuesday asked that the Hamilton County Coroner not perform an autopsy."We have also seen evil and that is how Otto Warmbier was treated. He should have never been detained in the first place," Senator Rob Portman of Ohio told reporters today."And once detained the treatment he received was appalling. The North Koreans need to be held to accountable for that."After graduating as class salutatorian in 2013, Warmbier enrolled at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he was studying at the school of commerce. Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year.Warmbier's brother and sister were expected to speak at Thursday's memorial, as were his friends.A program for the memorial carried a quote from the character Andy Bernard on the television show 'The Office.'"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them," it said.Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group, and was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labor for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.Ria Westergaard Pedersen, 33, who was with Warmbier in North Korea, told the Danish broadcaster TV2 this week that he had been nervous when taking pictures of soldiers, and said she doubted North Korea's explanation for his arrest."We went to buy propaganda posters together, so why in the world would he risk so much to steal a trivial poster? It makes no sense." REUTERS AKC 1939 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-945370.Xml
A press release from the Inter-services press of Pakistan claimed that Jadhav, a former Navy commander, has ''admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan,'' charges which India has strongly rejected.

It also said that Jadhav had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.

The Pakistan Army also released so-called second confessional video of Jadhav.

India had last month approached the International Court of Justice for a stay on the execution of Jadhav on the ground that he had been consular access, which was granted.

India also rejects Pakistan's theory that Jadhav was picked from its troubled province Balochistan.

According to New Delhi, Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had gone in connection with some business.UNI XC NAZ ADG 2137

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-945545.Xml
Three men who allegedly wanted to "smash an Indian" have been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of an Indian man in South Carolina in March, which sent shockwaves across the Indian community in the US. Harnish Patel was shot dead outside his home in Lancaster on March 2, barely 10 days after the killing of an Indian engineer in Kansas state. The men arrested earlier this month have so far been charged only with conspiracy to commit robbery and not directly with the killing of Patel, as the investigations proceed, The Herald, a local newspaper based in Rock Hill, reported on Wednesday. The newspaper said Jaquinton Tradell Blair, LaJames Arteian Ross and Richard Stewart "had roles in the robbery and conspiracy" according to arrest warrants released by police on Wednesday. TV station WSCO quoted Lancaster Sheriff Barry Faile as saying: "Although no one has yet been charged with the murder of Mr. Patel, our investigators continue to work this case hard. We are continuing to put information together and will not slow down until we are satisfied we have the whole story and have arrested the person or persons directly responsible for Mr. Patel's death." It is customary for law enforcement officials in the US to initially charge suspects with a lower crime and arrest them, while investigations continue to build a strong case required for conviction on a more serious charge. WSCO reported that Blair was arrested on June 6 and Stewart and Ross on June 8. But the arrests and the charges were officially made public only on Wednesday. Earlier, officials had reported difficulties in getting witnesses to the crime or anyone with knowledge of it to reach out the authorities. The three arrested men appear to be African Americans in photos released by local law enforcement. The Herald said: "The warrants cite the words 'smash an Indian,' as used by the three people arrested. The phrase is the first indication that the crime could possibly have been a hate crime." But the newspaper reported that Doug Barfield, the spokesperson for the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, refused to discuss the motive for the crime, and said he was not aware of any hate crime investigation by federal authorities. Hate crimes are often prosecuted by federal officials. Patel was shot dead when he returned home after closing his Speedee Mart store located near the Sheriff's office. Activists have tried to link the attacks on Indians to white supremacists and the election of President Donald Trump. Adam Purinton, who is accused of killing Srinivas Kuchibhotla in Olathe and wounding Alok Madasani and an American Ian Grillot, who came to their defence, while yelling at the Indians, "Get out of my country," is white and has been charged by the Trump administration in a federal court with a hate crime. However, the men charged in connection with Patel's killing appear to be from the African American community that is overwhelmingly Democrat. --IANS al/tsb ( 509 Words) 2017-06-22-23:14:10 (IANS)
Hundreds more migrants found drifting in 16 dinghies off Spain's Mediterranean coast have been rescued over the last two days, Spain's maritime rescue service said today. In total, 414 people were picked up and taken to the cities of Almeria, Malaga, Tarifa, Cartagena and Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, in the latest of a wave of rescue operations. Planes and helicopters from Spain's Maritime Agency, the Spanish Army and the Civil Guard took part. In 2016, 6,726 migrants were rescued as they tried to enter Spain by sea, according to the Spanish coastguard. Reuters RSA 2341 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0104-945635.Xml
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 00:34:31|Editor: yan

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OSLO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 11 cars in Oslo were most likely deliberately set on fire during the previous two nights, newspaper Afteposten reported Wednesday.

Major police resources are set up to find the perpetrators.

"We look of course very seriously at this. All available units have been in action during the night, including the police helicopter. Measures have already been taken and more measures will eventually be put in place," said Rune Ullsand, operations manager in the Oslo Police District.

The police were firstly notified of two car fires 25 minutes after midnight Wednesday, which followed by a new warning at 2:48 a.m. local time when a total of six cars were caught by fire in Hersleb's street in Oslo's Old Town district.

According to Ullsand, the fire flames from one car were spread to another five cars.

"The investigation continues throughout the day and we may be able to provide more answers later. There have been technical investigations on both sites and we have searched for a white car that a witness saw driving at high speed after the fire at the Furuset area. We have also questioned a lot of witnesses and conducted surveys. We have also received surveillance videos," Ullsand said.

The police could still not confirm whether these fire incidents were connected to the three fires that happened the night before.

Nobody has so far been arrested after Tuesday's car fires, Aftenposten wrote.

"The cases are investigated as single events, but are seen in connection with proximity and that both are car fires. We still do not know if they were deliberately caused, but can not rule it out," said Rune Skjold, section leader in Oslo Police District, on Tuesday.

In addition to many patrols and police helicopters, the police have also put police dogs in search of traces of potential perpetrators in the last two nights.

All the 11 cars on fire were empty.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 01:09:52|Editor: yan

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ADDIS ABABA, June 21 (Xinhua)-- South Sudan has one of the gravest refugee crises in the world with four million out of its 12 million population either internally displaced or living as refugees in neighboring countries, an UN official said Wednesday.

"2 million South Sudanese have become refugees in their own country, another 2 million have fled to neighboring countries creating one of the severest refugee crises internationally," United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi said this in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

The world's newest nation South Sudan has been locked in a brutal civil war since December 2013 when clashes between forces broadly loyal to President Salva Kiir and his Ex-vice president Riek Machar turned into a full blown civil war.

The UNHCR High Commissioner will next travel to Kampala, Uganda to attend June 22-23 refugee conference with special focus on South Sudanese refugees.

Uganda currently hosts about 1.2 million refugees, about 800,000 of whom are from South Sudan.

Ethiopia currently hosts around 850,000 refugees, most of them being from South Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia.

According to UNHCR June report, the world currently has 65.6 million forcibly displaced people with Colombians taking the largest number at 7.7 million people, followed by Afghans at 4.7 million and Iraqis at 4.2 million.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 01:15:00|Editor: yan

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LJUBLJANA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- An emergency drill was held on Wednesday at Ljubljana Brnik International Airport as Slovenian firefighters and other services respond to a mock on-ground collision of a bomber and an airliner.

According to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), in the mock collision, a bomber and a small airliner carrying 50 passengers and four crewmembers crashed and caught fire, leaving ten people dead.

Organized by the airport operator Fraport Slovenija and the relevant bodies of the defense and interior ministries, the exercise involved extinguishing the fire, securing the scene, identifying dangerous objects and neutralizing them, identifying victims, and investigating the crash.

Slovenian Ministry of Defense State Secretary, Milos Bizjak, said the drill has been staged for the tenth year, but it was held at Ljubljana airport for the first time.

While such an accident has not happened yet in Slovenia, the relevant services must be prepared, head of the Service for Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Military Aircraft Incidents Mihael Klavzar said, adding that the number of such cases had been growing in the past decade.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 02:15:39|Editor: An

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers a speech at the opening of the China-Africa high-level dialogue and think tank forum on poverty reduction and common development at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on June 21, 2017. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reiterated China's commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with Africa in order to assist the continent to achieve independent and sustainable development, and eliminate poverty at an early date. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Addressing poverty, which is a common enemy of humankind, and achieving sustainable development are the common agenda of China and Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

Wang made the remarks on Wednesday during a joint press conference with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking to reporters about China's poverty reduction and development cooperation with Africa, Wang said poverty is a common enemy of mankind and a source of violence and terror, while development is the key to solving all the problems.

He noted that the Sino-African cooperation has focused on addressing poverty and development.

Stating that about 400 million people are living in poverty in Africa, Wang underlined the urgent task of achieving poverty reduction on the continent.

He also noted that China's success in addressing poverty significantly, whereby it has lifted 700 million Chinese out of poverty, is a lesson to be drawn by African countries.

At the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) summit in 2015, President Xi Jinping announced the China-Africa Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation Program, in response to Africa's urgent expectation, recalled the Foreign Minister.

A high-level dialogue and think tank forum on poverty reduction and development was held on Wednesday at the AU headquarters, which the Foreign Minister said was an important platform to share the achievements and experiences of poverty reduction between the two sides.

Wang said he hoped participants of the forum will come up with practical action plans after drawing inspirations from the book "Out of Poverty" by President Xi and the successful practice of poverty alleviation in China.

The foreign minister has expressed China's keen interest in sharing its experiences and strengthening future cooperation based on Africa's priorities towards achieving poverty reduction and aspired development on the continent.

He also expressed China's commitment to support Africa's human resource development, for which China provides tens of thousands of government scholarships and trainings in China as well as technical and vocational training to about 200,000 personnel in Africa.

With only one Chinese-built railway project in Kenya, the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, more than 40,000 local workers have been trained and about 38,000 jobs have been created for the local people, Wang said.

He also stated that China has supported Africa by providing emergency food and aid to more than 20 African countries, and it would continue to do so in the future in responding to the needs of African countries.

Wang has also expressed his country's support to Africa in addressing the bottlenecks of infrastructure development on the continent.

China has already built more than 6,200 kilometers of railways and 5,200 kilometers of roads in Africa, as well as a large number of ports, airports, power stations and communications infrastructure, he said, adding that China will continue to support Africa in improving its infrastructure.

Wang also noted that China supports Africa in strengthening the public health system and capacity-building on the continent.

"China will support the African CDC headquarters and the construction of five sub-regional centers as the starting point to support Africa to build a disease prevention and control of modern system," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 02:45:54|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Federal Parliament (Bundestag) has approved the transfer of the German army (Bundeswehr) troops stationed in Incirlik, Turkey on Wednesday.

The Federal government has already approved and initiated the withdrawal of the Tornado surveillance aircraft troops.

In legal terms, the removal of the troops does not require an alteration of the Bundestag mandate, as it does not specify the location of the military stationing.

However, the Bundestag voted for political reasons, since the controversy is based on Turkey's refusal to grant access to the troops stationed in Incirlik for members of the parliament.

The Bundeswehr is a parliamentary army and, and for this reason, members of the German Bundestag demand free access to the troops at all times.

Around 260 soldiers are stationed in Incirlik, with Tornado surveillance aircraft and one refueling aircraft. From there, the Bundeswehr supports the U.S.-led airstrikes on the forces of the Islamic State.

The troops will be stationed at the Jordanian air base Al-Azrak within the next weeks.

The SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) defense expert Rainer Arnold praised the location in Jordan for its politically reliable environment. "The cooperation with the Jordanian government has been excellent for years," Arnold told the German defense committee on Wednesday.

According to Arnold, the technical infrastructure in Jordan was "quite good," and the troops can be temporarily housed in Belgian and Dutch quarters. "However, a lot of money has to be invested afterwards," the expert added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 02:50:56|Editor: Zhou Xin

French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and new cabinet members pose for a group photo in the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on June 22, 2017. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday a government reshuffle which brings new names with different political views and backgrounds following the unexpected departure of MoDem members who are targeted by an investigation over public fund misuse. (Xinhua/Jack Chan)

PARIS, June 21 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday a government reshuffle which brings new names with different political views and backgrounds following the unexpected departure of MoDem members who are targeted by an investigation over public fund misuse.

In an initially expected technical reshuffle after the parliamentary election win, judicial inquiries that haunted some of his ministers forced Macron to appoint left-wing law expert Nicole Balloubet as justice minister to replace centrist Francois Bayrou who decided to not take part in the new executive staff to have "freedom of speech" to defend his group's " honor" amid the party's fake job allegations.

Succeeding MoDem official Sylvie Goulard, Florence Parly, a socialist member and a former executive and budget official, takes in charge defense ministry in a context of high security alert and heat debate on extension of emergency rules.

Junior Minister for European Affairs Marielle de Sarnez, another MoDem minister to resign, is replaced by Nathalie Loiseau, while the left-wing radical senator Jacques Mezard, who handled agriculture affair in Macron's first government was named as minister for territorial planning to replace Richard Ferrand who will lead the Republic on The Move's party group in the National Assembly.

In his second cabinet lineup, Macron kept faith with main figures of the ministerial team in place since May with Jan-Yves Le Drian was still oversee foreign affairs ministry and Bruno Le Maire was still in charge of economy ministry.

Nicolas Hulot maintained his post at the ecology ministry, and Gerard Collomb was re-appointed to manage the country's interior affairs.

"We are in is in the same spirit as the first government: gender parity, personalities form civil society with a concern for renewal and tightened team with 28 members," French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told TF1television.

The new cabinet will hold its first meeting on Thursday morning, according to the presidency office, the Elysee.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 03:01:00|Editor: An

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ADDIS ABABA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday China is keen to deepen cooperation with the African Union (AU) in five priority areas.

Wang made the remarks during a joint press conference with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

The first priority area is the alignment of development strategies of the two sides, with a focus on promoting the comprehensive and effective implementation of the outcomes of the 2015 China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) summit in Johannesburg.

Stating that peace and security cooperation is the second priority area, the foreign minister said that China has been helping Africa to enhance their own security and peacekeeping capabilities, supporting Africans in Africa to solve the African problem.

The third priority is on strengthening public health cooperation, and China is keen to support Africa's health sector, by jointly building centers for disease control (CDCs) in Africa, Wang said.

The current focus is to jointly build one Africa CDC and five sub-regional CDCs, support Africa in strengthening disease prevention and control system and capacity-building by drawing on the successful experience of China and Africa jointly fighting against Ebola, according to the foreign minister.

Human resources development is the fourth priority area, and Wang expressed China's support to Africa in training and producing more skilled citizens.

The fifth priority area focuses on coordination on regional and international issues in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interest of China, Africa and the developing countries, Wang said.

These five areas of priority in cooperation are put forward in full compliance with the current needs of Africa, in line with the urgent aspirations of the African people and the strategic direction mapped out in the African Union's Agenda 2063, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 03:36:41|Editor: yan

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KIGALI, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Wednesday announced here the launch of mountain gorilla naming activities, locally called Kwita Izina ahead of the event scheduled on September 1.

This year marks the 13th edition of the annual flagship event in Rwanda's conservation that brings together conservation enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate Rwanda's success in protecting an endangered species.

The theme of this year is "conservation and sustainable tourism, a foundation for future generations," confirming the country's focus in enhancing awareness on sustainably maintaining biodiversity.

"Rwanda's conservation journey has been more rewarding within the past decade, because of the involvement of local communities within the entire tourism and conservation industry to uphold responsibility and sustainability to biodiversity," said Belise Kariza, the Chief Tourism Officer of RDB.

Kariza announced planned activities for Kwita Izina week with a call to action for the public and all key stakeholders to participate in these activities and continue driving the discourse on sustainable tourism, leaving a stamp for future generations.

The week-long event will be initiated by the Gala Dinner on August 26, where industry leaders will come together to celebrate and support Rwanda's conservation success and raise funds for conservation project which is Volcanoes National Park Conservation Easement.

This will be followed by Conservation and Tourism Exhibition on August 27 and 28, targeting the public and industry stakeholders to showcase diverse tourism products in the region and host education displays.

The Conversation on Conservation that annually brings together leading experts to deliberate Africa's common conservation challenges will also take place from August 28 to 29.

RDB is committed to continuing to leverage on platforms such as Kwita Izina, by joining hands with experts in conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of an endangered species, it said.

Gorilla tourism remains the backbone of Rwanda's tourism and conservation industry. Since the initial launch of Kwita Izina in 2005, a total of 239 mountain baby gorillas have been named, according to RDB.

Rwanda also seeks to enforce the domestic tourism campaign following Kwita Izina, a mini draw promotion event will be held on July 4, where lucky winners will be gifted with an opportunity to visit the gorillas in November.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 03:46:47|Editor: yan

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KIEV, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The first meeting between Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a positive signal for the development of bilateral ties, but led to no major breakthrough, Ukrainian experts said on Wednesday.

"Poroshenko's meeting with Trump is a strong signal for the beginning of a new stage in relations between Ukraine and the U.S.," said Taras Berezovets, a political analyst at Berta Communications consulting company.

Poroshenko held talks with Trump in the White House during his working visit to Washington on June 19-20.

The meeting, which the White House has described as a brief "drop-in," was held amid speculations that Trump would scrap it. However, the two presidents held talks in the extended format lasting about 30 minutes.

During the meeting, Poroshenko and Trump have discussed Ukraine's reforms, bilateral cooperation in energy and military-technical sphere, as well as the progress in the implementation of the Minsk peace agreement designed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Many Ukrainian experts have suggested that the fact that the meeting finally took place and the broad agenda of the talks are the signs that the strategic partnership between Kiev and Washington will continue under the Trump administration.

"The main result of the meeting is that the U.S. continues to be Ukraine's military, economic and diplomatic ally," said Oleg Ponomar, an independent political analyst.

Speaking to the press after the meeting with Trump, Poroshenko said that Kiev has received a "strong support" from Washington, while the U.S. president was more reticent in his remarks, noting only that "a lot of progress has been made" during the talks.

Some Ukrainian experts have suggested that Trump took a prudent approach to his comments as the U.S. administration has not developed a clear stance on Ukraine yet.

"The U.S. has no conception of relations with Ukraine since there are no people, who are responsible for the ties with Ukraine, either at the National Security Council or at the Department of State," said Leonid Kozhara, a former Ukrainian foreign minister.

His words were echoed by Ruslan Bortnik, an analyst at the Ukrainian Institute of Political Management, who said that it is too early to talk about the future of Ukraine-U.S. relations, drawing only on the results of the meeting.

"I do not expect any breakthrough solutions or any significant changes based on the results of the talks. After all, this is the first meeting and most likely it is just an introductory meeting," Bortnik said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 04:17:08|Editor: MJ

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WASHINGTON, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Breastfeeding is not only healthy for babies, it may also reduce a mother's risk of having a heart attack or stroke later in life, according to a new study of 300,000 Chinese women published Wednesday.

Those who breastfed their babies had about a 10 percent lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke compared to those who did not, and the longer they breastfed, the greater effects they had, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

"The findings should encourage more widespread breastfeeding for the benefit of the mother as well as the child," study co-author Zhengming Chen, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford, said in a statement.

"The study provides support for the World Health Organization's recommendation that mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for their first six months of life," Chen said.

Previous studies have suggested that mothers get short-term health benefits from breastfeeding, such as weight loss and lower cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels after pregnancy. However, the long-term effects of breastfeeding on the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in mothers are unclear.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Oxford, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking University studied 300,000 Chinese women aged 30 to 79 years, as part of a large prospective cohort study called the China Kadoorie Biobank, which provided detailed information about their reproductive history and other lifestyle factors.

After eight years of follow-up, there were 16,671 cases of coronary heart disease which includes heart attacks, and 23,983 stroke cases among the 290,000 women who had no previous history of cardiovascular disease when enrolled in the study.

The researchers found that compared to women who had never breastfed, mothers who breastfed their babies had a nine percent lower risk of heart disease and an eight percent lower risk of stroke.

Among mothers who breastfed each of their babies for two years or more, heart disease risk was 18 percent lower and stroke risk was 17 percent lower than among mothers who never breastfed.

Each additional six months of breastfeeding per baby was associated with a four percent lower risk of heart disease and a three percent lower risk of stroke, the researchers said.

"Although we cannot establish the casual effects, the health benefits to the mother from breastfeeding may be explained by a faster 'reset' of the mother's metabolism after pregnancy," said study co-author Sanne Peters, research fellow at the University of Oxford.

"Pregnancy changes a woman's metabolism dramatically as she stores fat to provide the energy necessary for her baby's growth and for breastfeeding once the baby is born. Breastfeeding could eliminate the stored fat faster and more completely," Peters added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 04:27:11|Editor: yan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 21, (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) on Wednesday said it had arrested 20 people and seized 168 bags of marijuana in northern district of Arumeru during a one-week operation.

The suspects were arrested in one of the notorious villages for growing marijuana on the slopes of Mount Meru, the second after Mount Kilimanjaro.

Fredrick Kibute, DCEA's intelligence commissioner, said his office in collaboration with other security agencies such as the National Service managed to accomplish the one-week operation on Wednesday morning.

He said that they managed to arrest the suspects after being tipped off by good citizens on large consignment of cannabis.

According Kibute, all the 20 suspects are from a remote village of Losinoni, which is popular for growing marijuana in Arusha Region.

"It was a very hard task due to geographical location of the village as it's located in the mountainous and sloppy areas on the slopes of Mount Meru," he said.

He, however warned the villagers to refrain from growing marijuana, one of the prohibited crops in Tanzania.

Since August last year, authorities in Arumeru launched operation against marijuana farming, transporting and selling.

So far, 22 villages have declared to stop the business and instead started venturing into maize, sunflower and pyrethrum farming because of good climatic conditions and soil.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 04:32:13|Editor: yan

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JOHANNESBURG, June 21 (Xinhua) -- As South Africa continues with crackdown on anti-competitive behavior, Competition Tribunal on Wednesday slapped a fine of about one million U.S. dollars on the South Ocean Electric Wire Company (SOEW) for price fixing, market division and collusive tendering.

The company agreed that in November 2003 and November 2012 they took part in price fixing, market division and collusive tendering. The Competition Commission first lodged a complaint with the Tribunal in March 2010.

The investigations by the Commission revealed that companies in the wire cable supply section had come to an agreement to divide the markets and fix the prices.

Chantelle Benjamin, spokesperson of the Competition Tribunal said, "The Competition Tribunal has confirmed the administrative penalty of 10 percent of SOEW's annual turnover for the financial year ending February 2010. SOEW has admitted that it agreed, alternatively engaged in a concerted practice, with Abedare Cables to divide the market between 2001 and 2007."

The Commission found that Alvern Cables, Tulisa Cable, Aberdare Cable and SOEW had fixed the selling price of power cables to wholesalers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMS) between 2001 and 2010.

SOEW and other power cable manufacturers through decisions by the Association of Electric Cable Manufactures fixed the selling price of power cables by using a price adjustment formula which it circulated to members monthly. This was in contravention of the Competition Act.

Price fixing is common in South Africa with the Commission taking a hard stance on those taking part in uncompetitive behavior.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 06:17:56|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A UN investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by the Republic of Congo peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) finds "systemic problems" and Brazzaville officials are withdrawing military personnel serving in the UN Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), the UN said here Wednesday.

"The Secretariat is working with the Republic of Congo and MINUSCA on the modalities for a speedy withdrawal that will have the least impact on the mission's operational requirements and ability to implement its mandate," said a "Note to correspondents on MINUSCA" released at UN Headquarters.

Allegations of several cases of sexual abuse and exploitation, involving minors in the conflict-ridden CAR were investigated beginning last year. The abuse reports alleged military peacekeepers in the CAR sexually abused victims, sometimes demanding sex in trade for protection or supplies.

"The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," the UN investigation showed.

"These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent-owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops," it said.

"The outcome of the review has been shared with the authorities of the Republic of Congo, who have decided to withdraw their military personnel deployed in MINUSCA."

The note explicitly ruled out police peacekeepers from being involved in the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation, saying "The police contingent will be retained."

"The United Nations stands ready to assist the Republic of Congo authorities by identifying factors in the areas of leadership and command, performance, conduct and readiness, to enable them to address these gaps and for Republic of Congo military contingents to be eventually considered for future deployment to UN peacekeeping operations," the note said.

"The Republic of Congo authorities have been requested to urgently inform the United Nations of accountability measures they have taken regarding the one substantiated allegation of sexual abuse involving a Republic of Congo police personnel," the note said.

Peacekeepers accused of wrongdoing while assigned to UN missions routinely are withdrawn to their home countries where they are supposed to go on trial or receive military discipline depending on the seriousness of the allegations against them.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 06:38:09|Editor: yan

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RAMALLAH, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to United States President Donald Trump, announced Wednesday night that President Trump is committed to reaching a serious peace deal, a senior Palestinian official said.

Nabil Abu Rdineh, a senior aid to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in an official press statement that Kushner's remarks were made in a meeting held in Ramallah with President Abbas.

He said that Abbas received at his office in Ramallah Kushner and Trump's envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt, who are visiting in the region, and had held earlier talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abu Rdineh said that President Abbas stressed during the meeting on the principle of the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967 with east Jerusalem as its capital.

"The meeting has deeply and clearly discussed all the permanent status issues, mainly refugees and prisoners," Abu Rdineh said.

President Abbas visited the United States and met with President Trump in the White House earlier this year, and then President Trump visited in the West Bank city of Bethlehem and met with Abbas.

"During the meeting, Kushner told President Abbas that President Trump is committed to reaching a serious peace deal," said Abu Rdineh, who attended the meeting.

He said that President Abbas expressed to Kushner and Greenblatt his commitment to peace based on the international resolutions and the 2002 Arab peace initiative.

The last direct peace talks held between Israel and the Palestinians were sponsored by the United States.

The talks stopped in April 2014 after it went on for nine months without achieving any breakthrough due to deep disputes on Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 07:13:19|Editor: MJ

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A statewide poll by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that nearly three in four Californians believe it is "very important" for health insurance plans to cover treatment for mental health conditions, and alcohol or drug use problems.

Administered by telephone in six languages and dialects on May 4-31, the poll included a large-scale statewide sample of 1,628 California adults.

Findings from the poll by the UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) were released Wednesday, on behalf of the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF).

When asked how important health insurance coverage for mental health conditions and alcohol or drug use treatment is to people in California, 74 percent of the respondents say this is "very important," while another 16 percent consider it "somewhat important."

While large majorities across all demographics and in all regions of the state consider this coverage highly important, the subgroups most inclined to say coverage is "very important" are African Americans (87 percent), registered Democrats (86 percent), women (83 percent), Latinos (83 percent), state-wide public health program Medi-Cal's low-income recipients (82 percent), and political liberals (81 percent).

Almost six in 10 Republican voters and others in the Golden State on the U.S. West Coast who describe themselves as politically conservative support such coverage.

"While Congress is debating changes and cuts to health insurance programs, the people of California are clear that they value coverage for mental health and substance use disorders, coverage that many insurance plans failed to offer before the ACA," said Catherine Teare, an associate director of the CHCF in a statement. "This is something that conservatives and liberals can agree on in this state."

Mental health and substance use disorder coverage is required in most plans as a result of the nation's Affordable Care Act (ACA), popularly known as Obamacare, after former U.S. President Barack Obama, who signed the national health reform legislation into law in 2010.

Underlying the public support in the most populous U.S. state is the widely shared belief that treatment for mental health conditions and alcohol or drug use problems helps those with such issues to lead healthy and productive lives.

And, more than one in five Californians (22 percent) report that they or a family member sought out counseling or treatment for a mental health condition like depression or anxiety in the past year, while a far smaller proportion (4 percent) did so for an alcohol or drug use problem.

In addition, 66 percent of California residents say they would be "very likely" to seek professional help if they needed counseling or treatment for a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, and 65 percent say this with regard to alcohol or drug use problems.

Larger proportions of insured than uninsured Californians report being very likely to seek counseling or treatment if they had such problems and were covered by insurance.

Wednesday's release is the second of a two-part series of reports examining California public opinion about the ACA and health insurance coverage issues.

Part one, released Tuesday, shows 56 percent of Californians worry that they or a family member may lose their health insurance coverage if the U.S. Congress repeals the ACA.

The margin of error for the poll results is minus or plus 5 percent.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 07:23:23|Editor: MJ

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MINSK, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The Trilateral Contact Group on the settlement of the situation in Ukraine has reached an agreement on ceasefire from June 24, 2017, the OSCE's special representative in the trilateral contact group on Ukraine Martin Sajdik told local media on Wednesday.

After the meeting of the Contact Group in Minsk, Sajdik said during the harvest campaign, from June 24 to August 31, the complete ceasefire will be implemented by force along the contact line. The members of the Contact Group on Ukraine expressed support for the proposal and agreed to transfer it to their superior leaderships.

Sajdik also said that personnel of the OSCE special monitoring mission to Ukraine had been attacked and shot the day before. He stressed that this kind of serious incident is not allowed.

"All the parties have responsibility for the safety and freedom of travel of the mission's personnel," he concluded.

The trilateral contact group will meet next time on July 5.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 07:42:20|Editor: MJ

Yoga fans practice yoga during a free yoga class at Times Square in New York, the United States, June 21, 2017. Thousands of yoga fans took part in free yoga classes at Times Square in New York on Wednesday to celebrate the Summer Solstice. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
File Photo provided by La Leche League-China shows a mother breastfeeding her child. (Xinhua/La Leche League-China)

WASHINGTON, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Breastfeeding is not only healthy for babies, it may also reduce a mother's risk of having a heart attack or stroke later in life, according to a new study of 300,000 Chinese women published Wednesday.

Those who breastfed their babies had about a 10 percent lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke compared to those who did not, and the longer they breastfed, the greater effects they had, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

"The findings should encourage more widespread breastfeeding for the benefit of the mother as well as the child," study co-author Zhengming Chen, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford, said in a statement.

"The study provides support for the World Health Organization's recommendation that mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for their first six months of life," Chen said.

Previous studies have suggested that mothers get short-term health benefits from breastfeeding, such as weight loss and lower cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels after pregnancy. However, the long-term effects of breastfeeding on the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in mothers are unclear.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Oxford, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking University studied 300,000 Chinese women aged 30 to 79 years, as part of a large prospective cohort study called the China Kadoorie Biobank, which provided detailed information about their reproductive history and other lifestyle factors.

After eight years of follow-up, there were 16,671 cases of coronary heart disease which includes heart attacks, and 23,983 stroke cases among the 290,000 women who had no previous history of cardiovascular disease when enrolled in the study.

The researchers found that compared to women who had never breastfed, mothers who breastfed their babies had a nine percent lower risk of heart disease and an eight percent lower risk of stroke.

Among mothers who breastfed each of their babies for two years or more, heart disease risk was 18 percent lower and stroke risk was 17 percent lower than among mothers who never breastfed.

Each additional six months of breastfeeding per baby was associated with a four percent lower risk of heart disease and a three percent lower risk of stroke, the researchers said.

"Although we cannot establish the casual effects, the health benefits to the mother from breastfeeding may be explained by a faster 'reset' of the mother's metabolism after pregnancy," said study co-author Sanne Peters, research fellow at the University of Oxford.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 08:03:42|Editor: MJ

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Uber Technologies Inc. did not give any public statement Wednesday, a day after its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Travis Kalanick agreed to step down at the technology company offering ride-hailing services.

The co-founder of Uber, a San Francisco-based startup currently estimated to be worth 68 billion U.S. dollars, was forced out Tuesday by a shareholder revolt, launched by five of the technology company's major investors, according to a New York Times report.

The New York Times, which was among the first to report the incident, and the Wall Street Journal cited unnamed sources to identify the five investors who demanded Kalanick's resignation as Benchmark, Menlo Ventures, First Round Capital, Lowercase Capital and Fidelity Investments.

However, neither Uber nor Kalanick responded to the reports, other than a statement cited in the initial New York Times report as from the 40-year-old CEO: "I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight."

Holding a type of stock that endows them with an outsize number of votes, collectively about 40 percent of Uber's voting power, the five investors delivered a letter to Kalanick earlier Tuesday, demanding that he resign immediately, two unnamed sources told the newspaper.

The latest news from Uber itself was its announcement Tuesday that, for the first time, a tap on its ride-hailing mobile software application, or app, would allow passengers to tip the company's drivers in the United States.

A week ago, Kalanick announced he would take time off from Uber as recommended by an outside team.

The same day, Uber issued a statement regarding recommendations by the team from law firm Covington & Burling LLP together with a 13-page list of what Uber was supposed to do to "improve our culture, promote fairness and accountability, and establish processes and systems to ensure the mistakes of the past will not be repeated."

While "tone at the top, trust, transformation, and accountability" were proposed to be "remedial measures" for the company, the first specific recommendation regarding leadership changes was to "review and reallocate the responsibilities of Travis Kalanick."

The outside team, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, was hired to launch an internal investigation a day after Susan Fowler, a former engineer at Uber, detailed in a blog posting on Feb. 19 allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation during her employment at the company, and ineffectiveness of its policies and procedures.

However, at the time, Kalanick cited the need to grieve for the loss of his mother, who died in a boating accident in May, for his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence.

"For the past eight years my life has always been about Uber," Kalanick wrote in an internal email.

"Recent events have brought home for me that people are important than work, and that I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team."

Kalanick has been criticized for his management styles, and for allowing Uber's corporate culture to harbor some abusive behaviors.

After being pushed out of the top position within Uber, the company he co-founded in 2009, he still retains control of a majority voting shares and will remain on its board of directors.

While the public discussions turned Wednesday to finding a new CEO for Uber, now operating in about 570 cities worldwide, there was talk about making it a public company with initial public offering (IPO), through which investors could cash out.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 09:13:58|Editor: MJ

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MADRID, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Spanish police Wednesday arrested three jihadist suspects, including a "very dangerous" one, in the capital of Madrid, the Ministry of Interior said.

A 32-year-old Moroccan is accused of having links to the Islamic State (IS) group and is a highly radicalized individual, the ministry said.

His profile is said to be similar to those of "terrorists recently involved in the attacks in Britain and France" and he was considered a real threat to the country.

The other two detainees, 33 and 38 years old respectively, shared a flat with the main suspect who was training them to join the IS group.

The police found materials including handbooks on how to become a suicide bomber.

Spain raised its anti-terrorist alert to level four in 2015 after the attacks in Tunisia, France and Somalia.

It was hit by the most deadly attack in Europe in 2004 when 10 bombs exploded in four trains in Madrid, killing 191 people and wounding more than 1,800 others.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 09:44:04|Editor: MJ

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LONDON, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Bank of England (BOE) chief economist Andy Haldane called for raising the bank rate before the end of the year in a speech on Wednesday.

"A partial withdrawal of the additional policy insurance the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) put in place last year would be prudent relatively soon, provided the data come in broadly as expected in the period ahead," said Haldane.

"Certainly, I think such a tightening is likely to be needed well ahead of current market expectations. 'How soon is relatively soon' ? I considered the case for a rate rise at the MPC's June meeting. I felt then there were strong grounds for holding back until later in the year," said Haldane in a speech at the National Science and Media Museum in the northern English city of Bradford.

Haldane, who sits on the British central bank's rate-setting MPC, has put himself at some distance from the stance taken by BOE Governor Mark Carney.

In his annual keynote economics speech at the Mansion House in London, the official residence of the mayor of London, on Tuesday, Carney said the slowdown in economic growth, with gross domestic product growth at 0.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017, and uncertainty over the direction of Brexit meant that it would be unwise to pursue a rate rise "any time soon."

Britain's bank rate hit a record low of 0.5 percent in March 2008 as a response to the financial crisis and subsequent recession.

Last August, the MPC cut that low to a further record low of 0.25 percent, as a stimulus against expected headwinds resulting from Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

Sterling responded to Haldane's call for a rate rise this year with a jump up against the U.S. dollar from 1.26 to 1.27.

The MPC last sat last week, when it decided five members against three to hold the bank rate rather than increase it. This was the first time in some years that three MPC members backed a rate rise.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 10:04:28|Editor: An

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Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba (R) meets with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou in Kathmandu June 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

KATHMANDU, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Nepal and China have hailed here the smooth and healthy development of relations between the two countries.

While meeting with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou on Wednesday, Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said his government has attached great importance to developing ties with China and has been adhering to the one-China policy. "Nepal will never allow any forces to use its soils to conduct any anti-China activities."

Nepal highly appreciates China's non-interference in its internal affairs, China's support for and understanding of its constitutional process and China's long-term assistance for its socio-economic development, the Nepali prime minister said.

Nepal welcomes and supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative which brings valuable development opportunities for Nepal, the prime minister said, adding the new Nepali government is committed to continuing the implementation of the consensus and agreements already reached between the two countries and is willing to promote his country's development and the inter-connectivity in the region by jointly building the Belt and Road.

For his part, Kong, who is here for the 11th round of the China-Nepal diplomatic consultations, said China and Nepal have enjoyed equal treatment and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations 62 years ago and have been time-tested good neighbors, good friends and good partners.

China congratulates Nepal on its positive progresses achieved in its implementation of the new constitution, said Kong, adding China will, as always, uphold the non-interference in Nepal's internal affairs and support Nepal's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kong said China hopes that Nepal will realize the political and social stability as well as fast economic development at an earliest passible date.

China is willing to join hands with Nepal to boost mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in the sectors including trade, investment, post-disaster relief, infrastructure construction, inter-connnectivity, energy and people-to-people exchange so as to better benefit the two peoples, the Chinese assistant foreign minister added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 10:29:41|Editor: MJ

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LOS ANGELES, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The president of the Los Angeles City Council introduced on Tuesday a motion to rename a street in the city after former President Barack Obama.

Councilman Herb J. Wesson Jr. announced the initiative on his twitter account, saying that he wanted to change the name of a street in his district from "Rodeo Road" to "Obama Boulevard."

"Nine years ago I had the honor of introducing then Senator Obama at his first campaign rally held at Rancho Cienega Park on Rodeo Road," Wesson tweeted.

"Our council district is home to Washington," he wrote.

Wesson is the first African-American to hold the position of Los Angeles City Council president.

"Rodeo Road," roughly 5 km long, is the place where then Senator Obama held his first Los Angeles campaign rally after announcing his candidacy for president in 2007.

Los Angeles already has a number of streets named after former presidents, including Washington Boulevard, Adams Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard.

It's not the first plan to honor Obama in the second largest city of the United States. The California State Senate last month backed a plan to rename a stretch of the 134 Freeway running through the LA northern suburb after Obama, who attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock area nearby in 1979.
| 2017-06-22 12:53:01|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Italian Film Audiovisual and Multimedia Industries Association (ANICA) and Xinhuanet launched the Focus on China at the 74th Venice International Film Festival here in Beijing on Thursday, aiming to build the Belt and Road cultural exchange platform and to further promote the international promotion of Chinese film industry.

H.E. Ettore Sequi, the Ambassador of Italy in China, Roberto Stabile, ANICA International Department Director and Italian Trade Agency Audiovisual Desk Coordinator, and senior officials from Chinese authorities like Film Bureau of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT), Electronic Information Department of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and other representatives from Chinese film and media industries witnessed the ceremony together.

The event Focus on China is part of the official program of Venice International Film Festival and of the industry program Production Bridge.

The second edition of the Focus on China at the 74th Venice International Film Festival will strengthen the collaboration between ANICA and Xinhuanet. The organization of the event marks a further step forward after the visit of the Italian Ministry of Culture Franceschini last July in Beijing. Roberto said, Moreover, this is one of the top priorities for cultural cooperation reached by both nations at the Italy-China Cultural Forum co-chaired by ANICA president Rutelli, which was held in Beijing this February during the Italian Presidents visit to China.

Under the guidance of Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Activities and Tourism, and with support from several institutional organizations from both nations, this years event will consist in several parts; among them: Young Filmmakers Training Program, China Europe Virtual Reality Technology Forum, Sino-Foreign most beautiful shooting location and Sino-Foreign cooperation project roadshow.

According to the organizers, these events share the common focus China, while every part has its own feature, including film talents, latest technology, shooting resources and concrete projects. Hopefully this event will enhance the international communication of Chinese culture, and strengthen the cultural exchange between China and Italy, even China and Europe - especially, utilizing film culture as a bond to encourage the friendly exchange and cooperation among Chinese and foreign people.

Venice is an important hub of ancient maritime silk road. In the context of promoting and strengthening the Belt and Road cultural exchanges, Focus on China will facilitate disseminating Chinas voice and telling Chinese stories in aid of the great cultural event Venice International Film Festival which captures worldwide attention.

Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the first international film festival around the world, which witnesses the process of Chinese films reaching out to the world. The 74th Venice International Film Festival this year is scheduled to be held from 30 August to 9 September.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 11:14:49|Editor: ZD





Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (1st R) co-chairs a diplomatic and security dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (1st L) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis (2nd L) as Fang Fenghui (2nd R), a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participates in the dialogue in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 21, 2017. China and the United States began their first diplomatic and security dialogue on Wednesday at the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C. (Xinhua/Yin bogu)

WASHINGTON, June 21 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday called for an early resumption of talks on the Korea Peninsula nuclear issue and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue through negotiations.

China and the United States began to talk about diplomatic and security issues on Wednesday. The dialogue was one of four high-level mechanisms announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump during their first meeting in Florida in April.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the one-day dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Among the Chinese attendees was Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department.

During the dialogue, China reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there, and urged a comprehensive and strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

China proposed a "dual-track approach" to promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and establishing a peace mechanism in parallel and a "suspension for suspension" to defuse the looming crisis.

As a first step, Pyongyang may suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale Washington-Seoul military exercises.

On Wednesday, China called on relevant parties to consider and adopt these proposals, in a bid to pull the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back on the right track of peaceful resolution through dialogue and consultation.

At the dialogue, China also reiterated its opposition to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defense system in South Korea, saying such deployment should be halted and revoked.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 11:24:53|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China has reaped enormous benefits from its ongoing nationwide anti-corruption campaign, which aims to forge cleaner governance and has so far proved effective. Benefits to the world at large are emerging.

Chasing corrupt officials from high-ranking "tigers" to "flies" at lower levels in the country in the past five years, Beijing also launched such operations as "Sky Net" and "Fox Hunt" overseas to hunt down fugitive venal officials.

As of March 31, China had captured 2,873 fugitives from over 90 countries and regions, and recovered some 130 million U.S. dollars,according to China's top anti-graft watchdog. Over 1,000 fugitives were brought back to China for justice in 2016.

"There is now almost no chance of escape," read a report released in April on the website of Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).

"LONG-AWAITED" CAMPAIGN

"What President Xi Jinping seems to be aspiring to is that China will embrace the best standard of corruption prevention," Bob Carr, former foreign minister of Australia, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"If Xi succeeds, then he will have delivered on a major transformation on how China does business," said Carr. "That will be very good for the Chinese people. They will be the biggest winners out of that."

William J. Carroll, president emeritus of U.S. Benedictine University, also applauded Xi's anti-corruption engagement since "corruption on the part of government officials threatens the very fabric of society."

"While these individuals garner individual benefits, they erode the trust citizens have in their government, destroying harmony and thereby resulting in the dissolution of the society," he noted. "Xi has taken steps to eradicate the corruption within the government. If he is successful, China will be better for it."

In the eyes of Do Tien Sam, editor-in-chief of the China Research Journal published by Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, corruption is a global phenomenon, but "more serious in transitional countries."

He said Xi's firm determination in striking embezzlement brings "many encouraging results which are long-awaited and appreciated by people not only from China."

"Fighting corruption concerns the survival of a ruling party," he said. "China is on a very right direction. The CPC's methods and actions in this fight is a very good reference for other Communist parties."

Peter J. Li, associate professor of University of Houston, argued that corruption, "if unchecked, can trigger social unrest and a legitimacy crisis. China's sustained development depends on the success of Xi's campaign," he said.

According to Macharia Munene, an international relations lecturer at Kenya's U.S. International University, China's "campaign against corruption comes out as a no-nonsense undertaking, especially as it ropes in 'big fish' within the party and the bureaucracy."

"The rest of the world can observe how determined effort on fighting corruption can lead to increasing prosperity and national credibility," Munene noted.

MORE EFFORTS EYED

Reaching out to the international society, China does not shy away from demonstrating its zero-tolerance of corruption to the world, and the readiness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in other countries.

In May, China pledged to enhance cooperation with Cuba and Russia in fighting corruption, and take anti-corruption as a key area for consolidating partnership with the two nations.

In the same month, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his United Arab Emirates' counterpart Sheikh Abdullah that China wishes to enhance cooperation in tracing corrupt fugitives and recovering their illegal properties overseas.

Earlier in April, the CCDI exposed the whereabouts and other information of 22 corrupt fugitives, urging them to surrender as soon as possible, the first time for China to do so.

According to the CCDI's report, 19 fugitive suspects fled China last year, compared with 31 in 2015 and 101 in 2014. The sharp decrease in the numbers indicates the important progress the watchdog has made to get back overseas corrupt fugitives and their illicit gains.

Dr. Gerishon Ikiara, senior lecturer on International Economics from the University of Nairobi, said China's severe and effective punishment for those corrupt offenders helps "reduce corruption substantially,compared with the rather soft measures applied in Western nations."

Still, more efforts should be made since "anti-corruption is a persistent war where soldiers cannot be impatient," Vietnam's Sam warned. "If not, corruption will come back, strong as it used to be, coming with people's distrust."

Patrick Chovanec, managing director of Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC in New York, said that reforms to tackle corruption need to be implemented across government agencies and down to the provincial and local levels.

GLOBAL BENEFITS

China's anti-corruption efforts have bolstered the confidence of both the public and the global market in the government, said Enrique Dussel Peters, coordinator of the China-Mexico Studies Center (Cechimex) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

It also indicates that China will be more open to foreign investors and continue to reform its governance to provide more transparency and predictability, said New York's Chovanec.

Chen Fengying, research fellow at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said the move "offers time-saving benefits for foreign investors, as they no longer need to cultivate relationships before starting a project."

Koh Chin Yee, CEO of Singapore Longus Research Institute, echoed the opinion, saying "the elimination of graft minimizes hidden costs, and eventually consumers benefit from it. To foreign investors, a market that is transparent and rule-based is more effective and efficient to handle."

Ron Mock, CEO of the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, said China's anti-corruption efforts in the financial sector "will make it a primary investing destination among Asian countries" for his company.

Abraham Vergara from Mexico's Iberoamerican University noted the anti-graft campaign has further cemented global confidence in trade and investment in China.

"In the meantime, Latin America should take note of China's anti-corruption campaign, said Cechimex's Dussel. "A good part of Latin America has a lot to learn from it."

James Laurenceson, deputy director of the Australia-China Relations Institute, also said dealing with corruption is particularly important now because "China's leadership has recognized (in) the next five years, this economy has to be driven by private sector-led innovation." Enditem

(Xinhua reporters Zhang Xiaojun in Australia, Le Yanna in Vietnam, Gao Lu and Gao Pan in the U.S., Jin Zheng and Lu Duobao in Kenya, Ma Guihua in Cuba, Liao Bingqing in Russia, Zhang Jianhua in Laos, Ma Yujie in Singapore and Luis Brito in Mexico contributed to this story.)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 11:34:59|Editor: MJ

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CANBERRA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Carbon neutral cars have become a step closer after Australian scientists developed a new way to successfully use solar energy to turn naturally-occurring carbon dioxide (CO2) into a "clean" synthetic form of natural gas.

In collaboration with Australia's national scientific agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), scientists from the University of Adelaide have successfully used a new "catalyst" to combine carbon dioxide with hydrogen to efficiently produce methane and water.

According to University of Adelaide PhD candidate, Renata Lippi, the development could eventually help engineers and scientists come up with a viable solution to phasing out fossil-fueled cars while continuing to use carbon-based technologies.

"Capturing carbon from the air and utilizing it for industrial processes is one strategy for controlling CO2 emissions and reducing the need for fossil fuels," Lippi said in a statement released on Thursday.

"But for this to be economically viable, we need an energy efficient process that utilizes CO2 as a carbon source.

"Research has shown that the hydrogen can be produced efficiently with solar energy. But combining the hydrogen with CO2 to produce methane is a safer option than using hydrogen directly as an energy source and allows the use of existing natural gas infrastructure."

According to the researchers, the key to the development was the "catalyst" used. Lippi said the catalyst was a "a compound needed to drive the reaction" as CO2 is known generally as an "unreactive chemical."

Project leader, Dr Christian Doonan said the unique, synthetic catalyst used by the research team used metal-organic frameworks which allowed for better control over the chemical elements - in effect efficiently converting the CO2 into a purer methane with less of the dirty carbon monoxide.

Crucially for the future development of carbon neutral cars, only a tiny amount of the catalyst is required to kick-start the conversion.

"What we've produced is a highly active, highly selective (producing almost pure methane without side products) and stable catalyst that will run on solar energy," Doonan said on Thursday.

"This makes carbon neutral fuel from CO2 a viable option."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 11:45:05|Editor: ying

Kashmiri people gather at a burnt house after a gunfight at village Kakapora in Pulwama district, about 25 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, on June 22, 2017. Three militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit were killed Thursday in a fierce gunfight with troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Three militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit were killed Thursday in a fierce gunfight with troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out Wednesday night at village Kakapora in Pulwama district, about 25 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Three militants were killed in gunfight in Kakapora early today," Indian army spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua. "Three weapons have been recovered from the spot."

An army officer was wounded fighting the militants. Reports said he was immediately taken to hospital, where his condition was stated to be stable.

According to a police official posted in Pulwama, the village was cordoned off Wednesday night on specific intelligence inputs about presence of militants.

While the area was being cordoned, villagers hit the roads and tried to clash with government forces to help militants escape but they were chased out due to tear smoke shelling, police said.

"The gunfight in the village triggered during night after contingents of army and police zeroed on the suspected house," the official said. "The standoff ended early today morning."

The slain militants were identified as local cadres of LeT.

According to locals, the house from where militants were firing on police and army positions was fully damaged due to heavy shelling.

Meanwhile, hundreds of villagers have gathered at Kakapora to mourn the killing of militants and participate in their funeral prayers. Authorities have imposed restrictions at sensitive places in the district.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. Gunfights often take place between the two sides.

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| 2017-06-22 11:50:12|Editor: ZD

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YANGON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Yangon municipal authorities will invite private companies to build pedestrian overpasses in the former capital city this fiscal year, official media reported Thursday.

Previously, overpass bridges were constructed by the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC), but starting this year such projects will be transferred to private entrepreneurs through tender process.

The YCDC is seeking permission from the parliament to implement two more pedestrian overpass projects in crowded areas in Thingangyun and Dawbon townships.

Previously, the YCDC had built 12 such overpass bridges in various crowded areas in Yangon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 13:01:13|Editor: MJ

Motorcyclists wait to board a ferry ship at Merak port in Banten Province, Indonesia, June 22, 2017. Indonesia's traffic reached its peak as millions of people traveled to their hometowns for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr festival. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)


Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 13:15:37|Editor: Song Lifang

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HANOI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Over 860,000 Vietnamese students on Thursday started taking the 2017 national high school exam which has new features, and its results are considered for both high school graduation and university admissions.

Since 2015, high school graduation and university entrance exams have been merged into a national exam. Last year, nearly 890,000 students took the exam.

At the three-day exam this year, for the first time, all tests, excluding literature, should be done in the format of multiple-choice questions.

Also for the first time, students have the right to choose additional tests among natural science and social science subjects.

To be considered for high school graduation, students must take three compulsory tests, namely maths, literature and foreign language, and one test either among natural science subjects (physics, chemistry or biology), or among social science subjects (history, geography or civics).

If students take both additional tests, including one natural science subject and one social science subject, the test with higher mark will be used for graduation consideration.

The Ministry of Education and Training announced that this is the first year it has assigned each city or province to chair the national high school exam. Previously, the ministry chaired it.

Prior to the exam, the ministry published, for the first time, sample tests so that students could prepare for the real tests better. This year, each testing room accommodates 24 students, compared with 30-40 candidates in previous years.

This year, all supervisors are supposed to take lucky draws before a test to choose their testing room, which is designated to ensure a transparent exam, preventing collusion for cheating between a supervisor and a candidate.

However, students are permitted to bring recorders and video cameras into their testing rooms, provided that the equipment do not transmit data or receive audio signals. This regulation enables candidates to record violations in their testing rooms, and the evidence can be sent to relevant agencies later.

The ministry has established two hotlines, and departments of education and training in all 63 cities and nationwide have also set up their own hotlines to receive complaints and feedback from students, their parents and other people.

Among localities nationwide, Hanoi capital city and Ho Chi Minh City have the highest numbers of candidates, with roughly 73,000 and nearly 71,500, respectively.

On Wednesday, students across Vietnam gathered at 2,364 testing locations in 63 cities and provinces to complete all registration procedures for the national high school exam.

Before 2015, to be admitted to a university or college, high school graduates, who pass the high school graduation exam, had to take a university entrance exam.

In 2014, some 11,000 high school graduates sat for the entrance exam for admissions to the Foreign Trade University in Hanoi. For every 4.7 candidate, one passed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 13:25:39|Editor: Song Lifang

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MANILA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and Indonesia are closing ranks in combating the Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorism in the region, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Malacanang presidential palace, Ernesto Abella said that Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo spoke on the phone Wednesday night to discuss the threat posed by local militants allied with IS to the region.

Both Southeast Asian leaders "reaffirmed the need to set up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism," Abella said.

He said both leaders stressed the importance of the trilateral meeting (among) Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to be held in Manila on Thursday.

During the two leaders' phone conversation, Abella said that Widodo "reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, including restoring peace and stability in the southern Philippines."

He said Duterte welcomed Widodo's "expression of commitment" and emphasized the Philippine government's "full resolvement to work closely together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues."

The foreign ministers of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are meeting in Manila Thursday to craft common strategies to prevent IS militants from gaining foothold in the region.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said last week that "top security personnel" from the three Southeast Asian countries will also join the trilateral meeting on counter-terrorism and fighting extremism.

Cayetano said each country will share perspectives and insights, and discuss strategy and ways on how to strengthen cooperation to counter efforts by IS to establish a caliphate in the region.

"We will be talking about enhanced cooperation, how (the three Southeast Asian countries) can deal with (the terrorist scourge) and how ASEAN can play a more major role in preventing the spillover from Iraq and Syria," Cayetano said.

The Philippines continues to battle terrorism and extremism in the southern Philippines. Duterte has earlier said that militants from Indonesia, Malaysia and even the Middle East are aiding the local militants in the southern Philippines.

An almost month-long firefight is ongoing in southern Philippine Marawi City between the Philippines troops and militants that have expressed allegiance to the IS.

Clashes started when militants overran Marawi city on May 23. At least 369 people have been killed since the firefight broke out, including 67 soldiers and policemen.

Abella said there is "willful and intentional arson activities of the rebels in various areas of the city," adding that the continued use of snipers and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and RPGs (rocket propelled grenade) from remaining vantage points still remain a challenge.

On Wednesday, another militant group attacked a town in the southern Philippine North Cotabato province where the militants held hostage 31 civilians. All civilians were eventually freed as the militants escaped late Wednesday night.

Duterte warned late Tuesday of more bombings in Mindanao region in the comings days.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 13:45:46|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has issued a detailed statistical report on the country's labour force.

The report was released by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population Wednesday, according to official media Thursday.

Based on the 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census, the report gives detailed information especially on the participation percentage of the labour force, status of the labour market, and unemployment rates.

In accordance with the 2014 census, 86 percent of workers between the age of 15 and 64 are male workers and 51 percent of females of the same age participate in the labour force and youth workers take up a large share of the workforce.

About 500,000 children aged from 10 to 14 are currently working.

According to the statistics, 82 percent of 10-year old children and 91 percent of 12-year old working children have no access to schooling, showing that schooling rate is low among working children.

As agriculture is the main industry of the country, about 40 percent of the labour force are currently working in sectors of farming, forestry and fishing, but only 4 percent of the workers in these sectors are in the upper class and majority of workers are low-income workers.

The country's unemployment rate for youths aged from 20 to 24 is high. 10 percent of urban youths are unemployed while 8 percent of rural youths are unemployed as the unemployment rate is different between regions.

With significant changes in the country's social, economic and political sectors, the country's labour market is expected to develop in coming years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 14:13:37|Editor: Song Lifang

A youngster performs a jump on a skateboard during a commemoration activity of the International Go Skateboarding Day, in Bogota, Colombia, on June 21, 2017. Skateboarders around the world celebrated the International Go Skateboarding Day annually on June 21 to promote skateboarding around the world. (Xinhua/Jhon Paz)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 14:10:51|Editor: An

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China has drafted amendments to the administrative and civil procedure laws to allow prosecutors to institute public interest litigation.

The draft amendments were given a first reading at the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which opened Thursday.

Prosecutors are to be allowed to file an administrative lawsuit for abuse of power or nonfeasance in cases concerning protection of environment and resources, food and drug safety, preservation of state assets, and transfer of state-owned land use rights, according to the draft.

They may also file civil lawsuits against any act that compromises public rights and interest in cases related to protection of environment and resources, as well as food and drug safety.

These areas have a direct bearing on national and public interest, said procurator-general Cao Jianming while explaining the draft amendments to lawmakers.

The draft amendment to the Administrative Procedure Law stipulates that prosecutors should make suggestions to government departments and push them to fulfil duties before taking them to court.

In July 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate began a two-year pilot program allowing prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to institute public interest litigation in administrative and civil cases.

By the end of May 2017, procuratorates had handled 7,886 public interest lawsuits and filed 934 cases in the pilot reform.

In 4,358 cases, administrative departments took the initiative to correct the wrongdoings. In all the cases that eventually went to the court, judges have ruled in 222 cases, all in favor of the prosecutors.

Prosecutors in the pilot areas helped restore 128,000 hectares of arable lands, forests, wetlands and grasslands, urging more than 1,400 companies to rectify their behavior, and retrieved state assets worth 6.5 billion yuan (950 million U.S. dollars) in the past two years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 14:15:54|Editor: Song Lifang

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SEOUL, June 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's presidential office said Thursday that it will open the only road to the Blue House 24 hours a day starting next week.

Presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing that public access to the road in front of the Blue House will be allowed 24 hours a day starting next Monday to realize the "open Cheong Wa Dae" and expand people's conveniences.

The road has been closed off to the general public from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. since 1968 when commandos of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) infiltrated the Cheong Wa Dae to attempt in vain to assassinate then South Korean leader Park Chung-hee.

Since then, people have been inspected in police checkpoints around the Blue House to pass the road even in the daytime.

Taking photos of the Blue House as background will be allowed starting next week.

The spokesman said the photo-taking of the Blue House will be permitted for the convenience of tourists, except for security-related facilities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 15:57:09|Editor: ying

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SEOUL, June 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's parliament on Thursday passed a resolution urging the reunion of families separated across the border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The resolution was passed during the National Assembly's plenary session, saying the reunion of separated families would become a significant opportunity to build a peace regime and ease military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Most of the separated families have been banned from meeting their families on the other side of the inter-Korean border and exchanging letters since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not in peace treaty.

The latest reunion was held in October 2015. Since then, no such event has been held as the DPRK conducted two nuclear tests last year and test-fired ballistic missiles, escalating tensions on the peninsula.

The parliamentary resolution called for the government to push the reunion event on the Aug. 15 Liberation Day.

The Korean Peninsula was liberated from the 36-year Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15 in 1945.

The resolution also demanded the regular reunion event of the divided families and the exchange of letters, while calling for a fundamental solution for the separated families.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 16:02:12|Editor: Lu Hui

The minaret of Great Mosque of al-Nuri is seen from the liberated neighborhood in western Mosul, Iraq on May 7, 2017. The extremist Islamic State (IS) militants have blown up Mosul's historical Great Mosque of al-Nuri and its leaning minaret, as Iraqi forces are pushing near the Mosque area in the western side of Mosul, the Iraqi military said. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) militants bombed historical al-Nuri mosque on Wednesday during fierce battles against the Iraqi army which has retaken most of Mosul, the country's second largest city, after eight months of offensives.

Iraqi Prime Minister Hadier Abadi said "blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and the al-Hadba minaret is an official declaration of defeat by the Islamic State."

However, a victory in Mosul, or even in Raqqa of Syria, cannot uproot terrorism in the Middle East, nor prevent it from spreading to other regions. Power struggle may lead to more intense conflicts in post-IS era after the common enemy disappears, according to analysts.

OFFENSIVES AT FINAL STAGE

Mosul has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned the city. IS militants have thus taken control of large swaths of territories in the country, with the city as their de facto capital in Iraq.

The Iraqi army launched operations to retake the city in October 2016, when commanders said they expected to announce victory by the end of the year. However, the offensives slowed down due to strong resistance by the IS militants.

Iraqi forces pushed closer to Mosul's historical al-Nuri mosque on Wednesday amid fierce clashes in IS-controlled areas which only account for less than 10 percent of the city.

"The commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces began progress at dawn toward al-Nuri mosque and the surrounding areas," a source from the CTS told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"After hours of fierce house-to-house battles, the troops seized some alleys and took new positions in the old city located some 100 meters away from al-Nuri mosque," the source said.

The progress was slowed by the stiff resistance of IS militants and a large number of roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings, in addition to IS snipers who took positions in the buildings of heavily-populated neighborhoods.

The militants on Wednesday bombed al-Nuri mosque and its famous leaning minaret, which has great symbolic value for the group.

IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph," or ruler of all Muslims and the cross-border "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria from the mosque's pulpit in his sole public appearance in July 2014.

According to UN reports, some 100,000 civilians are still trapped in the IS-held areas as the group is using the civilians as human shields.

CONFLICTS EXPECTED

"Recapturing Mosul and Raqqa would certainly break the back of the terrorist group, demolishing its self-declared state of Islamic 'caliphate' in Iraq and Syria," political analyst Ibrahim al-Ameri said.

After losing their strongholds, the IS group would retreat to tribal areas in the desert where the government's control is weak, and pick up guerrilla-style tactics to launch attacks in the region and across the world.

"Obviously, terrorism will continue in Iraq and Syria, even more significantly. It will rapidly extend its global reach," Ameri said.

"The IS will incite and organize attacks against its far enemies in Western countries and near enemies such as Iran, as part of its strategy to show the caliphate is not restricted in Iraq and Syria," he added.

During the past few weeks, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in Britain.

The liberation of Mosul and Raqqa involved a variety of forces from regional and world states, in addition to armed groups, which are often bitterly at odds.

"All the concerned parties will claim the lands they seized in the past two years from IS which risks bringing them into conflicts," Ameri said.

"The situation in post-IS Mosul will be complicated. IS militants will be hunted by all Iraqi factions. But power struggle among the central government, the Kurdistan, Sunni and Shiite factions, will be more intense," said security expert Major General Abdullah al-Jubouri.

"In Syria, things are even more complicated, because fighters of the terrorist group will either melt in the society or join other factions. Most likely, the Western countries and regional powers will try to recruit them to take advantage of their expertise in fighting against (the) Assad regime," Jubouri said.

Every party will use any possible means to reshape the political landscape in Syria, and in Iraq as well if possible, for their interests, he added.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers a speech at the opening of the China-Africa high-level dialogue and think tank forum on poverty reduction and common development at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on June 21, 2017. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reiterated China's commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with Africa in order to assist the continent to achieve independent and sustainable development, and eliminate poverty at an early date.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that China is keen to deepen cooperation with the African Union (AU) in five priority areas.

Wang made the remarks on Wednesday during a joint press conference with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, at the headquarters of the pan-African bloc in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

The first priority area is the alignment of development strategies of the two sides, with a focus on promoting the comprehensive and effective implementation of the outcomes of the 2015 China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) summit in Johannesburg.

Stating that peace and security cooperation is the second priority area, the foreign minister said that China has been helping Africa to enhance their own security and peacekeeping capabilities, supporting Africans in Africa to solve the African problem.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Addis Ababa June 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

The third priority is on strengthening public health cooperation, and China is keen to support Africa's health sector, by jointly building centers for disease control (CDCs) in Africa, Wang said.

The current focus is to jointly build one Africa CDC and five sub-regional CDCs, support Africa in strengthening disease prevention and control system and capacity-building by drawing on the successful experience of China and Africa jointly fighting against Ebola, according to the foreign minister.

Human resources development is the fourth priority area, and Wang expressed China's support to Africa in training and producing more skilled citizens.

The fifth priority area focuses on coordination on regional and international issues in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interest of China, Africa and the developing countries, Wang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 16:12:23|Editor: ying

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HANOI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A doctorate degree holder from southern Vietnam on Thursday became the new president of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The committee's meeting on Thursday made a compromise decision on detailing the VFF Central Committee's vice president Tran Thanh Man, born in 1962 in southern Hau Giang province, for the new post, replacing Nguyen Thien Nhan, who was appointed by the Political Bureau under the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee to be Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

Nhan replaced Dinh La Thang, who had been removed from the Political Bureau for his past financial wrongdoings as head of the state-owned National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam).

Man, who has a doctoral degree in economics, is a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and of the National Assembly, the country's top legislature. He was Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, and Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee.
Shlomo Brom, head of the Program on Israeli-Palestinian Relations at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.

JERUSALEM, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The recent surge in terror attacks in Europe has a definite connection with the defeats suffered by the terror group Islamic State (IS) in the Mideast, a senior Israeli expert told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.

Dozens of people have been killed since March in a spate of terror attacks that has spread through the United Kingdom, France and Belgium, in which the terror suspects used vehicles, knives and explosives to mow down pedestrians, attack police and blow up innocent people.

Many people suspect that the surge in terror attacks in Europe could be caused by the spillover effect of IS defeats in the Mideast.

Indeed, IS forces are now being surrounded and cornered in Mosul and Raqqa, its de factor capitals in Iraq and Syria, after suffering repeated defeats in fighting.

"There is definitely a connection," said Shlomo Brom, head of the Program on Israeli-Palestinian Relations at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.

Brom explained that there are two major reasons for the link between the rise of terror attacks in Europe and the continued loss of territories by IS in the Mideast.

Firstly, there is a reversal in the inflow of volunteer fighters to the Mideast to join IS for the Jihad, or holy war, that started during the peak of IS years ago.

Since it has become clearer that it's only a question of time for IS to be destroyed as an organizational force, more and more of those volunteers are now returning to Europe and other Western countries.

"This creates a situation that there are more IS activists in Europe and some of them come with malicious ideas," said Brom, an expert on Arab Spring and Mideast affairs.

Secondly, as IS loses its territorial hold, it has a greater interest to carry out attacks in the world, not only in Europe, "to create an image of strength."

IS claimed responsibility for the May 22 bombing of a concert in Manchester, UK, which killed 22 people and wounded 59 others. The horrific attack shocked the whole nation as well the world.

"Sometimes it's less important what is actually happening on the ground and more important the image is created," Brom said. "Through attacks, IS creates an image that it is still alive, strong and active, and there is no way to destroy it."

A large part of recent terror attacks are independent attacks, or "inspiration attacks" - attacks that are inspired by the organization but were not planned by it, he noted.

Brom believes that the main motivation of Muslim extremists that launched attacks in Europe recently is revenge.

"What brings them to support IS or be involved? They feel that Western states - that anyway they feel resentment towards them because of their difficulty to assimilate in Europe - they are killing their people, they are destroying their hopes. Then there is a wish to avenge, to respond," Brom said.

WAVE OF TERROR ATTACKS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE

Despite heightened alert and increased security measures taken in Europe, the wave of attacks is expected to continue, Brom predicted.

"I can say with certainty that this will continue. Will it increase? I do not know. It depends on many things that I do not know, starting from the amount of people who plan attacks and the counter measures that countries are taking," he said.

No matter what preventive measures are taken, terror attacks are impossible to be prevented as long as the reasons that lead to such radical acts still exist, the Israeli expert said.

The reasons have to do with both Europe and the Mideast, Brom said.

For European countries, they have difficulty in absorbing the Muslim minorities and the result is the creation of enclaves of people that feel estranged from the society, he noted.

Brom said the United States is doing better than Europe in absorbing Muslims as it is largely an immigrant country. That explains why the U.S. has just as many Muslims as Europe but there are far fewer terror attacks.

In the Mideast, as long as there are struggles and conflicts within the region, there is a feeling that there is a war of Christians and Jews against Muslims, and an internal war between Shia and Sunni Muslims, Brom said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 16:47:55|Editor: ying

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ISTANBUL, June 22 (Xinhua) -- An explosion occurred Thursday inside a cemetery near a NATO military facility in Turkey's western city of Izmir, Turkish media reported.

Parts of the wall surrounding the facility in Konak district were damaged in the blast, state-run Anadolu Agency said, citing preliminary reports.

"The explosion happened just after the passage of a military vehicle," a local resident was quoted as saying.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, the report added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:54:37|Editor: ying

Residents look for reusable materials from their burnt home after a fire at a residential area in Manila, the Philippines, June 22, 2017. More than 100 shanties were razed in the fire, leaving 200 families homeless. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:18:22|Editor: Lu Hui

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NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The following are the news highlights in Kenyan media outlets on Thursday.

-- President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main challenger National Super Alliance (NASA) candidate Raila Odinga step up campaign tours ahead of August elections.

Kenyatta has been on campaign trail for the last 10 days, a similar case for Odinga with the two literally touring the whole country seeking votes in what observers note are one of the most competitive elections. The leaders also take time to attend several meetings and address press conferences to respond to issues before heading for the rallies. (Daily Nation)

-- Opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) has threatened to move to court to block the printing of ballot papers by Al Ghurair, a Dubai firm, which it claimed was linked to President Uhuru Kenyatta. The move could throw into jeopardy electoral commission preparation of August polls. (The Standard)

-- Blind allegiance to tribe, clan and ethnicity is making Kenya vulnerable to terrorism as terrorists are exploiting these divisions to achieve their goals, according to the counter-terrorism agency. (The Star)

-- The International Monetary Fund has warned that rapid growth of Islamic finance in Kenya is happening without adequate protection of depositors as in the case of conventional banking. The lender noted that Kenya is yet to refine its prudential regulations to cater for Islamic banking. (Business Daily)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:23:24|Editor: Lu Hui

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KAMPALA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's relief agency has contributed 2 million Euros towards emergency nutrition and education response to the South Sudanese refugee crisis in Uganda.

European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) said in a joint statement on Wednesday that the money would go towards supporting the United Nations Children's Fund's (Unicef) response to the major nutrition and education needs of children within both refugee and host communities.

According to UN figures, over 750,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Uganda since July 2016, with over 950,000 South Sudanese refugees now in the country since the beginning of the South Sudan crisis in December 2013.

Aida Girma, Unicef's Representative in Uganda said considering that 56 percent of the refugees are children, children are the face of the South Sudanese refugee crisis in Uganda.

A recent food security and nutrition assessment conducted in the refugee hosting districts shows high malnutrition rates, stunted development due to chronic malnutrition and high levels of anemia among children and women.

Uganda and the UN are this week scheduled to host an international refugee conference dubbed Solidarity Summit.

The meeting is aimed at raising over 8 billion dollars that would be used over the next four years to cater for the refugees in Uganda.

Uganda is now Africa's leading refugee-hosting country, having jumped from the eighth largest refugee-hosting country in the world in mid-2016 to the third largest today, after Turkey and Pakistan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:23:25|Editor: Liangyu

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The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) hold a theory seminar, the sixth seminar of this kind between the two parties, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, June 22, 2017. Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, who is also the head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, head of the LPRP Central Committee's Publicity Department and Chansy Phosikham, a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee and head of the central committee's organization department, attended the opening ceremony of the seminar. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)

BOAO, Hainan, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) held a theory seminar on Thursday in Boao in China's southernmost province of Hainan.

It was the sixth seminar of this kind between the two parties. Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and senior LPRP officials attended the seminar.

Prior to the seminar, Liu, who is also the head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, held talks with Lao officials, Chansy Phosikham, a member of the Political Bureau of the LPRP Central Committee and head of the central committee's organization department, and Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, head of the LPRP Central Committee's Publicity Department.

The officials exchanged views on fields such as the relationship between the two parties and strengthening media cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:28:32|Editor: Lu Hui

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- With the recent launch of operation of Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi railway, China's remarkable infrastructure capabilities are again highlighted in promoting regional interconnectivity to pave way for global economic growth.

Ronnie Lins, CEO of Center China Brazil: Research & Business, commended China's infrastructure capabilities as leading the world.

"China's infrastructure capabilities take a lead worldwide, effectively pushing forward its economic and social development," he said.

The Chinese-built 472-km-long Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kenya's capital Nairobi and East Africa's biggest port city Mombasa comes as part of ambitious efforts to build a 2,700-km East Africa corridor connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and other East African countries.

Poor infrastructure has been blamed in part for impeding Africa's capital inflow and economic development. The railway joins other Chinese-built ones in promoting interconnectivity in Africa, including the continent's first transnational electrified railway linking Ethiopia with Djibouti completed in October 2016, which cut traffic time from one week to 10 hours.

By the end of 2016, the Mombasa-Nairobi railway construction had created 42,000 jobs locally. It is expected to become both a regional artery of communication and a link to the adjacent industrial parks and special economic zones, putting Kenya on a faster track of industrialization and economic growth.

Experts believe that improved interconnectivity will become a fresh economic driving force amid uncertainties over global economic recovery and serious structural problems.

In Asia, Africa and Latin America, Chinese-built railways are extending further and further to boost construction of infrastructure and trade networks intended by the China-proposed Road and Belt Initiative in seeking common development and prosperity.

Like building blocks of a global picture of interconnectivity, such infrastructure projects, many of them under the framework of the Road and Belt Initiative, are meanwhile boosting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation and partnerships.

Former Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra called the initiative a crucial multilateral integration project that "goes beyond the traditional Silk Road to reach Latin America." For Latin America, increasing infrastructure cooperation with China will help promote regional integration, she added.

Latin American countries have shown a growing interest in the initiative, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank that serves partly to support projects seeing its Latin American members increase recently to six.

Guo Shengxiang, dean of the Academy of APEC Creative Finance, an Australian think tank, sees that China's infrastructure capabilities are still in an upturn.

"China's infrastructure capabilities will continuously benefit world economy," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:33:35|Editor: Lu Hui

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Beijing faces tough battle against drugs, the municipal narcotics control commission said on Thursday.

Drug problem is spreading with drug-related crimes frequent. The narcotics situation in Beijing is rather complicated, Tao Jing, deputy director of the commission and deputy police chief, told a press conference.

Beijing has over 36,000 registered drug addicts, most of whom use synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, said Tao.

During the past ten years, the number of drug addicts in Beijing grew an average of 15.6 percent every year, he said.

"We find drug addicts not only in downtown areas, but also in suburbs. Many teenagers also use drugs," he said.

Since 2014, police have caught more people using marijuana, he said.

In Beijing, at least 10,000 people have used crystal meth for five years or more.

"This year, at least five accidents were caused by repeated crystal meth users," Tao said.

Police have acted against drug crime, revoked drivers' licenses for drug addicts and shut down their telephone numbers.

In 2016, 10,974 drug-related arrests were made and 71.7 kilograms of various narcotics were confiscated.

At the same press conference, Zhu Xiaoqin, Beijing's deputy attorney-general, said there have been more arrests and prosecutions for drug crimes than other type of criminal offences.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:38:38|Editor: Lu Hui

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DAVAO CITY, the Philippines, June 22 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people have been killed following an attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a southern Philippine village on Wednesday, the Philippine military officials said on Thursday.

Government troops have retaken early Wednesday evening a school briefly held by BIFF more than 10 hours after the terrorists descended upon the farming village of Malagakit in Pigcawayan town, in Mindanao's North Cotabato province, Captain Nap Alcarioto, spokesperson of the army's 602nd InfantryBrigade, said.

A militiaman, a local farmer and six BIFF rebels were killed in the hours-long fighting, which saw the rebels seizing 31 residents from the two villages as human shields, according to Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Lutera, commander of an army battalion involved in the operations.

Ten people, most of them rebels, were also wounded, military and police said.

Likewise, all of the 31 hostages which included 12 minors and elderly have also been freed unharmed, military officials said.

About 1,300 individuals from four villages were evacuated to safe areas as fighting between soldiers and an estimated 200 BIFF militants erupted at Malagakit and Simsiman villages past 5 a.m. local time on Wednesday, local authorities said.

The fighting prompted officials of the towns of Pigcawayan and Midsayap to order a suspension of school classes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 17:38:39|Editor: Lu Hui

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ADDIS ABABA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Following are news highlights in Ethiopia's major media outlets on Thursday.

-- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday discussed ways of strengthening the strategic partnership of the two countries. (Ethiopian News Agency/ENA)

-- Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu met on Wednesday his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who is in Ethiopia for a two day visit.

The two ministers exchanged views on the follow-up actions of issues that were agreed by the leaders of the two countries during the high-level visit to China, led by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who also participated in the Belt and Road Forum held in May in Beijing. (Fana Broadcasting Corporate/FBC)

-- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has expressed the readiness of global institutions such as the European Union Commission and the World Bank to back Ethiopia's support for refugees sheltered in the country.

Grandi said during discussions with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on Wednesday in Addis Ababa that he will also solicit support from the international community for refugees Ethiopia has been hosting. (Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation/EBC)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:08:49|Editor: Lu Hui

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DETROIT, the United States, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Air Traffic was jammed and hotels were full in the U.S. city of Detroit on Monday when more than 3,000 business representatives flocked in for the Gateway 17 conference, Aibaba's biggest-ever public event, in the United States.

Addressing to thousands of entrepreneurs at the two-day session, Jack Ma, the founder and chairman of the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, educated owners of U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on marketing their companies to Chinese consumers.

"For me CEO has a different meaning -- Chief Education Officer," he joked.

WHY CHINESE MARKET

"If you miss China, you miss the future," Ma told the group of entrepreneurs at Cobo Center in Detroit.

He emphasized in his keynote speech the importance for U.S. businesses to tap into the huge Chinese market.

Indeed, Chinese consumers are shopping around the world. Cross-border retail e-commerce spending in China is expected to grow six-fold to 245 billion U.S. dollars between 2015 and 2020, according to AliResearch and Accenture.

Meanwhile, China has the highest share of e-commerce sales and total retail sales in the world, according to eMarketer, a New York-based market research company. E-commerce sales in China are expected to account for 37 percent of total retail spending worldwide by 2020, data from eMarketer showed.

The more than 500 million consumers on Alibaba's platforms are upgrading their lifestyles and yearning for high-quality American products, resulting in a drastic increase in online shopping, with the majority of which conducted through mobile devices.

Ma said domestic consumption in China has played a leading role in boosting the country's economic growth which would drive the world economy in the next decades to come.

He is confident that Alibaba will be able to create 1 million jobs in the United States in the next five years by helping 1 million small U.S. businesses sell their products to China and Southeast Asia.

In California alone, Alibaba has already helped create more than 20,000 jobs, said Ma.

"We are made in China but we are made for global," said Ma. Globalization and free trade rules that were designed for big companies and developed countries need to be changed to benefit small businesses, young entrepreneurs and farmers around the world, he added.

Ma pledged that Alibaba would be dedicated to helping SMEs to go global as it always did over the past 18 years.

JACK MA'S CHARISMA

On the second day of the conference, Ma met with his old friend Bruce Thelen, a veteran attorney who left his post in Wall Street in 1980 for a trip around the world.

Nearly 40 years ago, a teenaged Ma greeted Thelen out front of the only hotel opened to foreigners in Hangzhou, China, offering to guide him to tour the city for free.

According to Ma, he spent about eight years offering free tours to foreign tourists just to practice English and listen to stories that were so alien to him at that time.

The audience burst into applause when Ma recalled his old days and what he did contrary to convention.

Ma said listed companies usually put shareholders' interest at the top of their priority list, but he reversed it by considering customers' interest first.

"If the customers are happy, the employees are happy, then the shareholders should be happy," he said, adding that it's unimaginable or even disastrous for a company when shareholders are happy but customers and employees are not.

FIGHTING COUNTERFEITS

Allegations from brands of widespread counterfeit goods on Taobao and Tmall Marketplace have long been the thorny problem for the company which Ma called a "cancer," and promised to do everything to solve.

Ma said Alibaba has invested heavily in technology, talents and resources to fight counterfeits.

"Afraid of our data tracking ability, people who make counterfeits are escaping from our platform," he said, elaborating that the company could now track who are buying, selling, and producing counterfeits.

To better protect intellectual property rights, Alibaba also plans to expand the scope of off-line cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and help identify and eliminate factories producing counterfeit goods.

U.S. SMEs ON TMALL

U.S. SME forerunners have benefitted from the vast Chinese market. About 7,000 U.S. brands, big and small, market and sell on Tmall today, including Nike, Apple, Starbucks, Victoria's Secret, Stadium Goods, LuckyVitamin, Jewelry.com and Real Techniques.

John McPheters, co-founder and CEO of Stadium Goods, said the company had its eyes set on China very early because collectible sneakers is a 6-billion-dollar industry and is particularly popular in China.

"We decided to partner with Tmall Global because it is a trusted platform and it is where Chinese consumers go to shop," said McPheters.

Sam Wolf, on the other hand, has just started to know about Chinese consumers. Having opened a Tmall Global store for around half a year, Wolf saw huge growth potentials for his products in China.

"Right now China is one of our top three overseas markets, and I won't be surprised if it becomes our largest market in the future," said Wolf, who founded LuckyVitamin, an online natural products retailer based in Pennsylvania.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:13:51|Editor: Lu Hui

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ADDIS ABABA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday highlighted the importance of implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Ethiopia when holding talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn here.

Under the leaderships of the two countries, China-Ethiopia relations have seen comprehensive and rapid development in the recent years, Wang said.

The foreign minister expressed China's keen interest to deepen China-Ethiopia cooperation in six priority areas: exchanges on governing a state, peace and security, capacity cooperation, human resources, aviation and coordination on global and regional issues.

For his part, Hailemariam said Ethiopia is willing to take the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to speed up the transformation of the Ethiopian economy.

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.

Becoming China's comprehensive strategic partner of cooperation has injected an important impetus into the development of the bilateral relations, he said.

The prime minister also commended China for its long-standing support for Ethiopia and fully agreed on the six priority areas of cooperation proposed by the Chinese side.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:13:55|Editor: Lu Hui

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ADDIS ABABA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, Workneh Gebeyehu, on bilateral relations here on Wednesday.

Wang noted that China and Ethiopia upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in May when Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was in China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The advancement reflected the high level of bilateral relations and charted the future course for China-Ethiopian relations, the Chinese foreign minister said.

Practical cooperation between China and Ethiopia is at the front of China-African mutually beneficial cooperation and has made significant achievements, he added.

China is ready to implement the consensus between Chinese and Ethiopian leaders, hold fast to the idea of joint construction of the "Belt and Road", give full play to the exemplary role of China-Africa cooperation in industry capacity, and implement the "10 major China-Africa cooperation plans", to strengthen political mutual support and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, he said.

China also stands ready to build an economic corridor along the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and expand cooperation with Ethiopia in human resource development and strengthen communication and coordination on global and regional affairs, so as to inject new content to their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, he said.

The Ethiopian foreign minister said Ethiopia-China relations are very important and of strategic significance.

The Belt and Road Initiative Forum for International Cooperation has provided an important opportunity for the expansion of cooperation in all fields between Ethiopia and China, and Africa and China, said Workneh.

Workneh said his country thanks China for its strong support and assistance to Ethiopia's efforts to realizing economic transformation.

Ethiopia is willing to join efforts with China to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as economy, security, infrastructure, human resources and aviation, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:18:58|Editor: Lu Hui

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SOFIA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian authorities have busted an organized criminal group responsible for distribution of counterfeit euro banknotes, the national Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Thursday.

Five members of the criminal group, all Bulgarians, were detained on Tuesday when they were selling counterfeit euro bills to undercover agents, said the Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities found and seized 942 fake 20-euro banknotes and 36 banknotes with a nominal value of 50 euros in one gang member's vehicle.

Later, 249 counterfeits with a nominal value of 20 euros and 153 fake 50-euro bills were found in the apartment of another arrested man, the statement said.

The evidence gathered so far indicated that the group has been acting since November 2016, importing fake 20-euro and 50-euro bills in large quantities from Italy, and selling them in Bulgaria, mainly in Petrich and Sandanski near the border with Greece.

In the first quarter of this year, the Bulgarian National Bank seized 609 counterfeit euro banknotes, 166 dollar banknotes and 27 banknotes of other foreign currencies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:49:11|Editor: ying

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PYONGYANG, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Thursday that the situation at the Korean peninsula has returned to an extremely dangerous level similar to that in April, due to a political crisis U.S. President Donald Trump faces at home.

The official daily Rodong Sinmum said in an article that because Trump is in the grip of a "worst ruling crisis", "no one can predict what a reckless action he will take."

"It is the trite method of successive U.S. rulers to find a way out in unleashing an aggression war whenever the ruling crisis was aggravated," said the newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

Due to the "hysterical" action of Trump, the same extremely dangerous situation as the one in April when the United States was rumored to mount a "preemptive strike at the North," it said.

The DPRK has also accused the United States of bringing nuclear war hysteria to a high level by sending in a deliberately high profile two strategic bombers from the Guam to South Korea early this week.

"Unlike the past when it used to stealthily introduce into South Korea nuclear strategic bombers in order to incite nuclear war atmosphere, the enemies purposely let them fly in the sky above the Korean peninsula for two hours, while revealing the action of B-1B formation, and made it public immediately this time," said the Korean Central News Agency Thursday.

At the same time of the previous action, the United States sent on June 20 into the economic waters of the DPRK in the East Sea of Korea (Sea of Japan) an Aegis destroyer from Japan to carry out open espionage operations, it said.

Tensions rose between the DPRK and the United States after an American student, Otto Warmbier, who had been jailed in the DPRK for one and a half years for convicted anti-DPRK activities during his tourist stay in Pyongyang early last year, died at home on June 19, days after being released by the DPRK for humanitarian reasons last week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 18:59:18|Editor: Mengjie

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ABOARD XIANGYANGHONG 09, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China plans to upgrade its submersible Jiaolong before 2019, scientists said Thursday.

The submersible ended its trial phase last week after completing the country's 38th and its fourth oceanic scientific expedition, which lasted four months.

It will return to east China's Qingdao on Friday aboard mothership Xiangyanghong 09.

Jiaolong made dozens of dives during the expedition and descended to nearly 6,700 meters in the Yap Trench in the west Pacific, close to its record depth of 7,062 meters in 2012.

Scientists observed and photographed large marine creatures and the seabed, and collected seawater, rocks and samples of marine life from the deep sea.

The 39-year-old Xiangyanghong 09 is also set to retire after carrying Jiaolong for hundreds of dives since 2009.

A new mothership for Jiaolong is under construction, and is scheduled to be launched around the end of 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:04:24|Editor: ying

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by Keren Setton

JERUSALEM, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The chance of restoring the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks remains slim, despite the new diplomatic efforts made by the United States with the recent visits of senior White House officials to the region, experts said.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump who also serves as chief Middle East adviser, and Jason Greenblatt, Trump's envoy on the peace process, have just held talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in the past days, in an attempt to jump start the stalled peace process.

The White House called Kushner's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "productive," but made no comment on his meeting with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas.

Experts said that Kushner and Greenblatt are entering a territory where all their predecessors have failed before.

Ido Zelkovitz, a policy fellow at the Mitvim Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, also the head of Middle Eastern Studies at Yezreel Valley College, said the Trump administration seems to bring a new approach to the conflict, but the optimism is still reserved.

"Kushner comes from the business world ... maybe such an approach can provide a fresh start and neutralize emotional influences," Zelkovitz told Xinhua, but adding that these issues cannot be resolved only by looking for mutual interests.

"I do not think history and feelings can be ignored," he said.

The Palestinians want an independent state and the majority of Israelis are increasingly unwilling to make the concessions.

The current Israeli government was not elected in order to promote Palestinian independence, rather, on the contrary, to fortify Israel's presence on the West Bank which Palestinians covet for their future state, Zelkovitz said.

He predicted that the end result will "most likely be similar to previous attempts - failure to agree," as getting the parties to the negotiating table is the easier task, while the thorny issues that prevent a final status agreement still exist.

The Netanyahu administration is dominated by right-wing nationalists who are very vocal in their objection to a Palestinian state, he said.

Avi Pazner, a former Israeli diplomat, told Xinhua that though the U.S. envoys no doubt received a warm welcome, "but it can definitely spark controversy within the (Israeli) government."

It has been three years since the last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed, mainly over the expansion of the Jewish settlements on the occupied West Bank.

Israel will have to deal with the fate of over 600,000 settlers on the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Netanyahu's administration has steadily increased settlement activity, regardless of the fact that Jewish settlements in the occupied areas are illegal.

Any concession by the Israeli leader will most likely lead to the faltering of his coalition, analysts said.

Netanyahu will most likely choose to guarantee his political survival by securing the right-wing's support, rather than taking a risk by making progress with the Palestinians, Zelkovitz said.

"When political interests meet wider considerations, the Israeli government led by Netanyahu always prefer the political consideration," he added.

On the Palestinian side, Abbas is also struggling with internal political divisions which weaken him considerably.

The internal rift began in the summer of 2007 when Hamas Islamic movement forcibly seized control of the Gaza Strip following weeks of violent fighting with the PNA forces. Abbas sacked the unity government jointly formed between Hamas movement and Fatah, but Hamas has since ruled Gaza.

Ibrahim Abraash, professor of political science from Gaza and former PNA minister of culture, believes that the Palestinian internal fighting has led to paralysis and destruction to the Palestinian national cause to establish an independent state.

Abraash said the Hamas-Fatah dispute is more than a misunderstanding, but an Israeli plan aimed to damage the Palestinian cause.

Despite these obstacles, Pazner said the U.S. envoys' visits have demonstrated the importance the Trump administration has attached to the issue.

"There is a serious intent to renew negotiations. This is a very, very important visit," said Pazner.

He said the U.S. side might be planning a summit of Netanyahu, Trump and Abbas in order to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Experts said Trump's good relationship with Saudi Arabia may also be a key factor to promote regional peace. Zelkovitz noted that Saudi recognition of Israel as a Jewish state is a major incentive for Israel to participate in negotiations.

However, the contours of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have not changed. An atmosphere of goodwill may push the sides to finally return to the negotiating table, but it is still hard for them to reach a final settlement.

Currently, huge gaps, even animosity, still exist between Israel and the Palestinians, which could hinder progress in the peace process.

"In the end, to reach an agreement, you need real willingness," Zelkovitz said.

But he added that, as long as violence and hatred characterize the Israeli-Palestinian ties in the absence of peace talks, such a willingness will be hard to find.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:09:27|Editor: Mengjie

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SHANGHAI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai customs said Thursday that Chinese and Cambodian law enforcement authorities jointly seized 1.1 tons of cocaine and detained four drug trafficking suspects late last year.

It is the largest amount of cocaine seized in recent years, they said.

They said the case was not made public earlier because it was quite complicated and there were international drug traffickers involved.

In November last year, customs staff at Shanghai Yangshan Port were suspicious of a shipment marked as fish. The shipment had been sent from Ecuador, was transiting through Yangshan, and its destination was Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

Inspectors found 1,102 blocks of cocaine in the shipment, which was seized by customs under the instruction of China National Narcotics Control Committee.

On November 23 last year, a team jointly dispatched by the Ministry of Public Security, General Administration of Customs, and Shanghai local authorities, travelled to Cambodia.

Thanks to close cooperation between Chinese and Cambodian authorities, four suspects, two Vietnamese nationals, and two Vietnamese Canadians, were caught. Three others are still on the run, and are being tracked by Cambodian and Vietnamese law enforcement, Shanghai customs said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:09:30|Editor: Mengjie

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LHASA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The area where Rigzin Chophel played with his childhood friends is now at the bottom of a lake, and he is worried that more land will be submerged.

The 45-year-old herdsman lives in Tseten village on the southern bank of Serling Tso Lake, which has expanded over 40 percent between 1976 and 2009.

The village has around 42,000 hectares of land for herdsmen to raise their cattle. Rigzin has been the director of the village Party committee for the last 15 years.

"Over a dozen families have complained to me that their land has been inundated by the lake. Five of them have suffered great losses," he said.

Herdsman Nordey pointed toward a lakeside area, and said that was where he used to live.

"About six years ago, the lake was expanding very fast. There were fences between my house and the lake, and every year I had to move the fences closed to the house," he said. The herdsman said he has now built a new home a few miles back away from the lake.

Ten years ago, the lake was expanding at an even faster pace than it is now, said Rigzin. "We marked the area of the lake. It expanded by 20 to 30 steps a year, especially noticeable low-lying areas," said Rigzin.

According to the latest data, which was obtained in 2014, Serling Tso measured 2,391 square kilometers. It has replaced the Buddhist holy lake Namtso as Tibet's largest lake at about 45.5 kilometers wide and 77.7 kilometers long.

Since 1990, the plateau's 1,000 lakes have seen an increase of 100 billion cubic meters of water, with Serling Tso probably the fastest-growing lake, according to scientists from the Institute of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Research of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Preliminary studies by the CAS found that precipitation contributed 76.5 percent of the increase, thawing glaciers about 9.5 percent and diminishing evaporation contributed about 14 percent.

CAS scientists said they will continue to unravel the mystery behind the lake expansion and attempt to find solutions for its future development.

About 100 scientists recently began a expedition on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to study changes in climate, biodiversity, and environment. The expedition, which will last for five to 10 years, is the second of its kind in the last 40 years.

Zhu Liping, a CAS researcher leading the lake observation team, said they will study the whole water system from Serling Tso to the origin of the Yangtze River.

"We will study the existing lake and river resources, obtain samples and compare new data with that obtained 40 years ago," said Zhu.

"We hope our study will provide a base for further studies on the development of the eco-system on the Tibetan Plateau," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:19:35|Editor: ying

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BERLIN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Over the past ten years, the German employment agency jobcenter has withheld unemployment benefits of almost two billion euros, local media reported.

The sum of the funds that were not paid out to unemployed eligible for benefits from 2007 to 2016 amounts to a total of 1.9 billion euros, according to a reply from the Federal Government to a request from the Left party parliamentarian Sabine Zimmermann released by the German press agency dpa on Thursday.

Recipients of unemployment benefits are sanctioned for reasons such as refusing of a job offer, concealing additional income or refusing further training. Unexcused missing of appointments can also lead to financial sanctioning.

In 2016, the annual sum of sanctions increased by more than four million euros to just under 175 million euros. The annual average was between 170 and 204 million euros in recent years.

On annual average, 134,000 employable beneficiaries were sanctioned at least once in 2016, compared to 123,000 in 2007.

Around 939,000 sanctions were imposed in 2016. This figure has fluctuated between 783,000 and 1.02 million in recent years.

The Left politician Zimmermann strongly criticized the practice. "One cannot cut fundamental rights," she said.

The sanctions were in clear violation against the fundamental right to a decent minimum subsistence level, said Zimmermann.

The Federal Government should work on creating more, fairly rewarded jobs, instead of permanently putting pressure on the unemployed with sanctioning instruments, Zimmermann added, demanding an abolishment of the sanctions.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:29:38|Editor: ying

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TOKYO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered another blow Thursday as a junior lawmaker submitted her letter of resignation following allegations she physically and verbally abused her secretary.

The intention to resign by Mayuko Toyota, a second-term lower house lawmaker, who has previously served as parliamentary vice education minister, comes just one day ahead of the start of campaigning for the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election.

Aside from the LDP now having to go head-to-head with a new assembly group established by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in the July 2 metropolitan assembly election, the LDP has also had to contend with a number of scandals recently leading to a substantial drop in the support rate for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Toyota's scandal aside, Abe has been implicated in a transgression involving him allegedly using his influence to show favoritism to a friend of his in the government's selection of a new university department to be opened in a special deregulated zone.

The forced enactment recently of the controversial "conspiracy" law and the LDP-led bloc circumnavigating a legislative process in the upper house to ensure its enactment, has also incensed the public, who have been taking to the streets in their thousands to protest the law and the manner in which it was forcibly enacted.

Toyota's ordeal, now adding to the woes of the LDP, first came to light in the pages of the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho on Thursday, and alleged that on May 20, Toyota shouted at her secretary while she was sitting in the back seat of the car he was driving, and repeated struck him in the head and face.

According to Kyodo News, the magazine has uploaded an audio file to the internet which is purportedly a recording of the violent incident as it unfolds.

In the recording a woman can be heard hurling abuse at a man who she at one point refers to as "baldy."

He responds by telling her that he is driving the car and pleads with her to stop beating him.

Recent polls have showed the Cabinet's approval rating plummeted 10.5 points from May to 44.9 percent, while the disapproval rating for the Cabinet stood at 43.1 percent, up 8.8 points.

Of those that disapproved of the Cabinet, 41.9 percent said that Abe could not be trusted, while 73.8 percent of respondents said they remained unconvinced by the government's denial of the favoritism allegations.

The scandal-plagued LDP, hence, has moved swiftly to remove Toyota from the media and public spotlight.

"We want to do something about this quickly," a senior LDP member was quoted as saying Thursday, referring to Toyota's brisk resignation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:34:43|Editor: ying

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan of Brunei's lavish royal palace, will be open for three days, starting from the second day of Hari Raya (the festival at the end of the Muslim fasting month) to enable the public to have an audience with and convey their greetings to the Sultan and members of the royal family.

According to local media reports on Thursday, by the consent of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Haji Alauddin, the Grand Chamberlain of Brunei announced that in conjunction with this year's Hari Raya, the Istana Nurul Iman will be open for three days for the public, from 10 a.m. until noon time and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time.

With 1,788 rooms, a banquet hall that can seat over 4,000 guests, Istana Nurul Iman is considered the largest residential palace in the world, which is only open to the public during the annual Islamic celebration of Hari Raya, when it receives about 100,000 visitors in recent years.

Bruneians dress in their finest to the occasion and everyone is eager to meet the Royals as it is considered to bring luck to their households. Tourists can also join locals to visit the palace on these very days and receive gifts from the royal family as well.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 19:49:51|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Duke Kunshan University will welcome the first students in its undergraduate degree program in August 2018, according to a press release.

The four-year bachelor's degree program, initially offering eight undergraduate majors, was designed by faculty at Duke University with input from Chinese higher education experts.

Graduates of the program will receive a bachelor's degree from Duke University as well as a degree from Duke Kunshan University approved by China's Ministry of Education.

The university expects to accept 175 students from 12 Chinese provinces and municipalities, who will have to take the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, also known as the Gaokao.

International students from outside of China are required to submit either their SAT or ACT test scores in the application process and admission criteria will be similar to that of Duke University.

Courses will be taught in English and will be primarily conducted in small, discussion-based classes. Overall, Duke Kunshan will have a student-faculty ratio of 10:1.

Duke Kunshan University was jointly founded by Duke University, China's Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan in 2013 and currently offers master's degree programs.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:00:04|Editor: Mengjie

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian fund managers are positive on MSCI's recent move to include Chinese stocks into its global benchmark equity index, though they see limited impacts on markets in near term, as the weightage is minimal and the formal process will only start in a year later.

After MSCI twice deferred its A-share inclusion previously, this time marked a milestone for China's A-share, said Huang Juin Hao, Affin Hwang Asset Management's portfolio manager.

But he sees little impact in short-term to either Malaysian or the Chinese markets as this will only be a 5 percent partial inclusion of China's A-shares and will only be done in two stages of 2.5 percent each, starting in May 2018 and August 2018.

He also noted that full inclusion could be stretched and take a long time as seen in the cases of the South Korea and China's Taiwan, both of which took more than six years.

On the impact to Malaysia, Huang said post the two-step partial inclusion in May 2018 and August 2018, the weight in MSCI Emerging Market (MSCI EM) will drop to 2.38 percent from 2.42 percent, which could result in potential passive outflows of 144 million U.S. dollars, and to him, this is a non-event to Malaysia.

However, China's weight in the MSCI EM will increase to 29.31 percent, from 27.99 percent, with potential passive inflows of 5 billion U.S. dollars, of which 2.7 billion U.S. dollars inflows are expected to A-shares.

"Compared with the A-shares average daily turnover of 65 billion U.S. dollars, this is also not significant," Huang added.

For China-H shares, he noted that there is no short-term impact given potential passive inflows of 2.3 billion U.S. dollars which is less than 5 percent of average daily turnover.

But he still considered it positive on China stock market. Therefore, the fund house regional portfolio holdings are more than 30 percent exposed to China via H-shares and American Depository Receipts (ADRs).

Lim Suet Ling, UOB Asset Management (Malaysia)'s executive director and chief executive officer, opined that the inclusion of China's domestic equities to MSCI benchmark indices is marginally positive for the A-shares market listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

"Since the initial inclusion is small relative to the overall A-shares market capitalization, the near term impact will likely be muted. This is despite that there may be a short term sentiment boost to the broader market," Lim said.

She said that fundamentals are far more influential to the market than index inclusion in the medium to long term.

Since the representation of 222 large-cap-stocks will comprise only a tiny share of the index, the fund house may start investing in some good quality A-shares names if it has very strong conviction in them, Lim added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:10:11|Editor: MJ

Participants take a family photo before the Trilateral Meeting on Security among the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia in Manila, the Philippines, June 22, 2017. The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia closed ranks on Thursday, committing to tighten the noose on Islamic State (IS) militants in Southeast Asia like tightening the flow of funds to finance the terror cells operating in the region. (Xinhua/Wang Yu)

MANILA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia closed ranks on Thursday, committing to tighten the noose on Islamic State (IS) militants in Southeast Asia like tightening the flow of funds to finance the terror cells operating in the region.

The three Southeast Asian countries also vowed "to work together to jointly develop and implement counter-terrorism measures and strategies" to ensure that the IS militants will not gain foothold in the region.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman attended the meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation to nip in the bud efforts of IS terrorists to establish a caliphate or base in the region.

High-level officials from the countries respective armed forces, national police and intelligence agencies also attended the meeting.

In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the three countries at the end of their trilateral meeting on security, the foreign ministers of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia expressed concern over the recent terror-related incidents in their respective countries.

"The meeting reaffirmed their governments' commitment to effectively address existing as well as emerging transnational challenges and threats that have the potential to undermine the stability and well-being of countries in the region," the statement read.

The ministers discussed a proposed Plan of Action designed to thwart efforts by the IS militants to carve out a base in the region, including enhancing "the intelligence and information sharing among the all security and intelligence agencies on potential, imminent and real threats."

They also agreed to stop the flow of money to fund terrorist activities in the region, and to contain the spread of terrorism and terrorism-related content in the cyberspace, particularly in social media.

They stressed the need to "prevent and suppress the terrorist exploitation of information and communication technology and the dissemination of terrorist messages."

The ministers also agreed to "prevent and stop the flow of illicit arms and arms smuggling as well as the movement of all terrorists" especially in the areas bordering the three countries.

The joint statement said the ministers are also considering the provision of specialized military and law enforcement training of their law enforcement agencies.

The ministers also discussed ways "to counter the extremist narrative through education, community engagement including the involvement of religious leaders and the promotion of tolerance, moderation and unity in diversity."

They looked at ways to promote "deradicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration programs as part of comprehensive measures in countering terrorism."

The ministers stressed the need to enhance effort and cooperation in addressing the root causes of underlying conditions of extremism, including but not limited to poverty, narcotics or illegal drugs, crime and social injustice.

Moreover, they stressed the need to promote social and economic development particularly in adjoining areas of the three countries.

"The ministers reiterated their shared view that success in effectively addressing transnational threat can only be achieved through the proper development of strategies, and cooperation in security and intelligence on a regional scale," the ministers said.

The trilateral meeting, which Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte endorsed, was initiated by Indonesia.

It took place as Philippine troops continue to battle with about 500 IS militants, including 40 Indonesian, Malaysian and Middle Eastern terrorists, that overran a southern Philippine city of Marawi since May 23, killing nearly 400 people and forcing more than 200,000 residents to flee.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:15:14|Editor: ying

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NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A car loaded with explosives detonated at a police station in Waberi district in Mogadishu on Thursday in the latest attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, police and witnesses said.

Heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the police station. The number of casualties has not been established.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:20:24|Editor: ying

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ACCRA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Deforestation was among leading challenges in Ghana's natural resource management, a senior official said late Wednesday.

John Peter Amewu, the western African nation's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, said deforestation was causing loss of forest cover in the country at a very high rate.

Addressing an environmental symposium, he said environmental degradation has resulted in severe impact of climate change patterns, including temperature rise, unpredictable rainfall patterns, long periods of drought and low agricultural productivity.

"In spite of the numerous benefits we derive from the forest, Ghana's timber and non-timber resources are being over-exploited and continue to decline in both quantity and quality," said the minister.

He said the government will reverse the decline in the natural and environmental resources of the country by addressing the major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.

"Our traditional authorities who are custodians of the land have a big role to play in complementing the efforts of state institutions in addressing environmental degradation," said Amewu.

He said some of the measures the government has adopted included promotion of sustainable mining and reclamation of degraded mined-out landscapes and policy review to ensure favorable tree tenure for farmers.

Prof. Peter Acquah, a natural resource expert, said the environmental degradation was also affecting the health status of Ghanaians.

Using examples from America, Europe and other African countries, the expert urged the Ghanaian authorities to reclaim their water bodies that have been massively polluted, including the Odaw River in the capital Accra.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:20:27|Editor: ying

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LISBON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese civil protection operational commander Carlos Tavares said on Thursday that the fires in Gois, central Portugal had been brought under control.

The fires in Gois, some 20 km away from Pedrogao Granda, were brought under control early Thursday morning and work is underway to prevent them from reigniting, said Tavares.

According to the operational commander, the fires in Gois have destroyed a forest area of around 20,000 hectares.

This comes after forest fires in neighboring Pedrogao Granda killed 64 people before also being quelled.

The deadly fires in Pedrogao Granda, around 150 km northeast of Lisbon, began on Saturday and were only contained on Wednesday.

Local authorities are assessing the safety conditions for the return of inhabitants to villages that had had to be evacuated due to the proximity of the flames.

"If the evaluation is positive, we can accelerate the return of people to their homes," said Tavares.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:30:32|Editor: ying

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NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to allow private sector investments in the electricity transmission lines in order to expand the national grid, officials said.

State Owned Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) Senior Technical Advisor John Mativo told Xinhua recently in Nairobi that Nairobi currently has 4,600 km of electricity transmission lines against a target of 15,000 km by the year of 2030.

"Government finances are not sufficient to build all the required transmission lines and so Kenya plans to attract private sector investments in the construction of the transmission lines," Mativo said.

The East African nation plans to use Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to enlist private sector investments. "We have submitted the proposal to Cabinet and we hope to get approval next month," Mativo said.

Under the PPP model, the private sector will build, own and operate electricity lines for a period of 20 years and hand over the infrastructure to the government.

For the private firms to be eligible, they have to provide guarantees that the electricity transmission lines they will build will be up, 98 percent of the time.

Mativo said that investors will charge users of the electricity transmission lines an additional tariff in order to recoup their investments.

"We hope that the electricity tariff will have reduced by the time the PPP model is rolled out so that our electricity rates remain competitive," he added.

Ketraco said that it is currently undertaking construction of 5,000 km of electricity transmission lines which is being financed by concessional loans from development partners.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:30:34|Editor: Lu Hui

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (1st R) co-chairs a diplomatic and security dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (1st L) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis (2nd L) as Fang Fenghui (2nd R), a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participates in the dialogue in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 21, 2017. China and the United States began their first diplomatic and security dialogue on Wednesday at the U.S. State Department in Washington D.C. (Xinhua/Yin bogu)

WASHINGTON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States on Wednesday held a high-level dialogue on diplomatic and security issues, vowing to promote bilateral ties by broadening cooperation and managing differences.

Both sides agreed that the inaugural diplomatic and security dialogue was "constructive" and "fruitful" and pledged to continue with the mechanism to further develop Sino-U.S. relations.

The dialogue is one of the four high-level mechanisms established during the Mar-a-Lago meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida in April.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the one-day dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participated in the dialogue.

RIGHT DIRECTION FOR BILATERAL TIES

The successful meeting between Xi and Trump set the course for China-U.S. relations in the new era, and bilateral ties between the two countries have since made new and positive progress, Yang said at the dialogue, calling on both sides to maintain the right direction for the bilateral relationship.

At the dialogue, both China and the United States pledged to build on the consensus reached by the two presidents and promote healthy and stable development of the bilateral relationship in the long term.

China and the United States emphasized the importance of high-level interactions between the two sides, anticipating fruitful results at the upcoming meeting between Xi and Trump during the G-20 summit next month and Trump's successful state visit to China later this year.

The relations between the United States and China have undergone a profound transformation over the past 40 years, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said following Wednesday's dialogue, adding that the four dialogue mechanisms "provide an opportunity to consider how we're going to engage and how we're going to live with one another over the next 40 years."

"In furthering this relationship, we need to work to expand areas of cooperation, as we did today, on issues where we have shared security interest," Tillerson said.

"But we also need to address, directly and very frankly, areas where we face threats or areas where we have differences so that we can narrow these differences and solve the problems," he added.

RIGHT ATTITUDES TOWARDS STRATEGIC INTENTIONS

At the dialogue, the Chinese side pointed out that both countries should have the right attitudes towards each other's strategic intentions.

The two countries should respect each other's political system and mode of development, as well as sovereignty, territorial integrity and developmental interests.

The U.S. side said it acknowledged China's rapid development and has no intention of curbing China. It also expressed the willingness to cooperate with China and develop a long-term constructive relationship between the two countries.

On their military-to-military relationship, both sides vowed to follow through annual exchange programs and called for early visits of the two countries' defense chiefs.

The two sides also pledged to deepen cooperation on areas such as humanitarian assistance, anti-piracy and military medical sciences and to implement memorandums of understanding on confidence-building mechanisms.

On Wednesday, the Chinese side reiterated its stance on Taiwan and Tibet-related issues and emphasized the importance that the U.S. side should honor its relevant commitments and handle these issues in a proper manner.

The United States reiterated that it adheres to the one-China Policy and reaffirmed its position that Tibet is part of China and Washington does not support any separatist activities.

RESOLVING KOREAN PENINSULAR ISSUE THROUGH TALKS

At the dialogue, China called for an early resumption of talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue through negotiations.

China reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there, and urged a comprehensive and strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

China proposed a "dual-track approach" to promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and establishing a peace mechanism in parallel and a "suspension for suspension" to defuse the looming crisis.

As a first step, Pyongyang may suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale Washington-Seoul military exercises.

On Wednesday, China called on relevant parties to consider and adopt these proposals, in a bid to pull the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back on the right track of peaceful resolution through dialogue and consultation.

At the dialogue, China also reiterated its opposition to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defense system in South Korea, saying such deployment should be halted and revoked.

On the South China Sea issue, China said it exerts indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters and has every right to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

China and the United States also exchanged views on anti-terrorism. China emphasized that it firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and hopes to enhance anti-terrorism cooperation with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:45:47|Editor: ying

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DAR ES SALAAM, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank said on Thursday that Tanzania's progress in the fight against corruption was key to the country's efforts in eliminating poverty and generating inclusive growth.

Bella Bird, the World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Burundi, Malawi and Somalia, said in a short time since the October 2015 elections Tanzania has seen an unprecedented major effort by the government in fighting corruption.

Bird said this has had a profound impact on the public service, business sector and citizens at large and in all these areas there was adjustment taking place to reflect the new way of doing business.

"Tax revenue performance and public service delivery have improved," she told an international high-level meeting on anti-corruption reforms in Tanzania.

Bird said the 2015 presidential elections were highly contested, with one of the key issues being the fight against corruption.

"At the time, corruption was widespread and affecting critical services such as health and education," Bird told the two-day meeting in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

She said the World Bank was keen to assist the government of Tanzania to reduce corruption to deliver services and better outcomes for its citizens and business people.

Jim Brumby, the Director for Governance at the World Bank, said President John Magufuli and the government of Tanzania have demonstrated strong commitment to confronting corruption as a part of their overall program to develop public and private sectors that meet the needs of the people of Tanzania.

Brumby said Tanzania has demonstrated by public commitments at home and at international forums that it was serious in the fight against corruption.

President Magufuli's commitment have been demonstrated through actions such as the removal of officials who were not meeting standards of integrity and effectiveness, purging ghost workers from the civil service roles, and confronting abuse in tax administration and customs, he said.

When inaugurating parliament in November 2015, President Magufuli made it clear his commitment to confront the vices that undermined the east African nation's efforts in eradicating poverty and ensuring economic growth and welfare.

President Magufuli cited grand corruption, embezzlement of funds especially in local government authorities, poor management of public funds and natural resources and bureaucracy in government offices.

He has since then fired hundreds of senior officials, including cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, chief executives of state owned enterprises and directors of local government authorities.

Magufuli has also implemented his pledge of repealing and amending the Procurement Act 2011, which he cited as providing major corruption loopholes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:50:51|Editor: Mengjie

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by Nguon Sovan, Mao Pengfei

PHNOM PENH, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian and Chinese officials and academics said here on Thursday that the Belt and Road Initiative would greatly benefit all participating countries.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, was proposed by China in 2013 with the aim of building a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Silk Road Fund, and the BRICS New Development Bank have been playing an active role to support the projects.

Prince Norodom Sirivudh, founder and chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said the Belt and Road Initiative, which has become a catalyst of the regional and global order, is an emerging global force against re-emerging de-globalization sentiment taking place in different parts of the world.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is a new global force of peace, stability, prosperity and harmony, and Cambodia is committed to doing its best to realize the initiative," he said during a workshop on the outlook of cooperation between China and Cambodia under the Belt and Road, attended by some 100 officials and academics of the two countries.

"Every country regardless of size and power has a role to play in the Belt and Road Initiative and will benefit from it," he said.

Cambodia was one of the most supportive of the initiative because it saw vast economic opportunities to be generated by the Belt and Road, Sirivudh said, adding that for Cambodia, infrastructure development and connectivity was the core national interest in joining the initiative.

"We have high expectation that China will help Cambodia develop its infrastructure such as roads, rails, airports, seaports, hydropower plants, and special economic or industrial zones. Doing so would reduce logistics cost in the kingdom, enhance economic competitiveness and diversify sources of growth," he said.

He said Cambodia needed an estimated 600 million U.S. dollars per year to invest in infrastructure development.

Commenting on the future success of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said institutional capacity and governance would define the success of it, saying that without institutional capacity, the projects would be slow, and without good governance (transparency and accountability), the projects would fail.

Cambodian Transport Ministry Secretary of State Lim Sidenine said that in the connectivity infrastructure, the Belt and Road Initiative would offer a greater opportunity for Cambodia to develop expressways, railways, waterways, airports and logistics base.

"Cambodia and other countries in the regions and in the world will greatly benefit from this initiative," he said.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry Undersecretary of State Eat Sophea said Cambodia had supported the Belt and Road Initiative since the beginning because the Southeast Asian country believed that the initiative would significantly contribute to the development of infrastructure, agriculture, capacity building, industrial cluster, tourism and finance.

"Cambodia has not only expressed strong support for the Belt and Road, but also enthusiastically worked with the Chinese side to define cooperation areas and to set up relevant mechanism for promoting cooperation," she said. "We are very optimistic and firmly believe that the initiative will offer a great opportunity for Cambodia to realize its domestic development agendas and to contribute to shared prosperity in the regions and in the world."

Li An, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia, said over the past four years, more than 100 countries and international organizations had actively supported and participated in the construction of the Belt and Road.

"The construction of the Belt and Road has gradually shifted from idea to action, from vision to reality," he said. "Cambodia, located in the center of the Indo-China Peninsula and the heart of Southeast Asia, is an important partner for China to carry out the Belt and Road construction and international productivity capacity cooperation."

Li said China and Cambodia are closely linked to each other along the Belt and Road, and the potential of future cooperation between the two countries is enormous in the areas of agriculture, tourism, airports, sea ports, expressways, hydropower stations, power transmission networks, information and communication, irrigation and other infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, he stressed that under the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, the relations between China and Cambodia have been deepened in all fields, especially in economics, trade, investment and tourism.

"China is not only Cambodia's largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment, but also Cambodia's largest source of tourists," he said.

The China-Cambodia trade volume reached 4.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, up 7 percent year-on-year, Li said, adding that on the investment front, China's total contracted investment in Cambodia accumulated to 11.8 billion U.S. dollars by the end of 2016, accounting for 34 percent of Cambodia's total foreign investment.

Song Guoyou, director of Economic Diplomacy Studies Center of Fudan University, said the Belt and Road Initiative would importantly contribute to the development of connectivity infrastructure, trade, investment, human capital and tourism in Cambodia.

"There are a lot of fields that China and Cambodia can cooperate under the Belt and Road, for instance, cooperation in infrastructure, finance, human resources development, tourism, and people-to-people bond," he said. "The initiative will provide a great opportunity for the two countries to build a brighter future."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 20:55:53|Editor: Mengjie

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Zhang Dejiang (1st L), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), presides over a meeting of the 28th session of the 12th NPC Standing Committee in Beijing, capital of China, June 22, 2017. The bi-monthly session kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature started its bimonthly session Thursday, with lawmakers scheduled to deliberate on draft laws concerning national intelligence and the national anthem, among others.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), presided over the opening meeting of the six-day session.

A law on national intelligence is needed to ensure the nation's security interests are met, according to the NPC Law Committee.

Lawmakers also began reviewing a draft amendment on water pollution, which included provisions on the safety of drinking water.

The draft amendment to the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law suggests that the river-chief system should be rolled out across the provincial, city, county and township levels, with leading officials assigned the responsibility of addressing water pollution.

Luo Qingquan from the NPC Environment Protection and Resources Conservation Committee explained the draft law on soil pollution during the session.

There will be national standards to minimize soil pollution risk. A network of monitoring stations will be established with data and other information collected and shared among environmental, agricultural, housing, forestry, health and land resource authorities, according to the draft.

According to the draft law on the national anthem, which was submitted to the Standing Committee of NPC for its first reading, the song should not be performed at funerals or other "improper events" nor should it be used in advertisements or as background music at public places.

The national anthem, the "March of the Volunteers," was composed by Nie Er, and its lyrics written by poet Tian Han.

According to the draft, anyone found to have "maliciously modified the lyrics or performed it in a distorted or disrespectful way" could face up to 15 days in detention.

The draft law on public libraries will also be reviewed over the coming few days, as the government moves to improve the function of libraries in line with their role as gateways to knowledge and culture.

The draft amendments to the administrative and civil procedure laws were given a first reading at the session, which feature provisions to allow prosecutors to institute public interest litigation.

Lawmakers will deliberate extradition treaties between China and the countries of Argentina and Ethiopia; discuss an agreement on the establishment of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute; and review a draft amendment to the law on small and medium-sized enterprises.

They are also scheduled to deliberate a report on the central government's 2016 final accounts and an audit report on the central government's budget for 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 21:11:02|Editor: ying

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STOCKHOLM, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Police in Sweden and the United States will soon be able to search each other's fingerprint registers, Swedish public radio broadcaster SR reported on Thursday.

The Swedish government has agreed to allow police to share fingerprint information with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The database-sharing was a stipulation made by the U.S. government in exchange for granting Swedes visa-free travel to the United States.

"Both Sweden and the United States will be safer when we can search each other's fingerprint databases," Swedish home affairs minister Anders Ygeman told SR.

Currently, Swedish police are able to request information from the United States about fingerprints, but it is a lengthy process that can take up to two weeks.

After the summer, Swedish and American police will be able to conduct their own searches in each country's respective fingerprint databases for crimes that carry more than a one-year prison sentence.

Under the new agreement, there will be total access between the countries. When searching the other country's register, police will first learn whether the fingerprint is in the database at all. Then police can make further requests for identifying information from the country.

Sweden's database contains 165,000 fingerprints of convicted and suspected criminals.

The United States has a significantly larger register, with FBI databases comprising about 100 million fingerprint records covering everyone from suspected terrorists to people who have undergone security checks for hiring purposes, SR reported.

The United States and Sweden agreed to share fingerprints in 2011, but out of respect for privacy and integrity issues, the Swedish government has analysed the issue thoroughly before reaching a decision.

"I think the sharing of biometric information is perceived as sensitive, and it is important to have good laws and rules regulating the sharing of biometric information and to have extensive data and integrity protections in place," Ygeman said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 21:21:10|Editor: ying

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JUBA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's media regulatory body on Thursday lifted ban on foreign journalists to allow them to operate in the country and pledged to allow unhindered media coverage of the war-torn country, an official said.

Alfred Taban, head of Information Committee for Steering Committee for the National Dialogue said the leadership of the South Sudan Media Authority has agreed to relax the restrictions imposed on foreign journalists to allow the media wider coverage of the ongoing national dialogue, the humanitarian crisis and issues of concern to the public.

Taban, who also heads the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), added that the media authority further pledged to ease conditions for acquiring media accreditation permits.

"I took up the issue of banning foreign journalists from the country with the Media Authority and they promised me that this (ban) has been suspended. So now if somebody wants to come, there will be no question (of) somebody being denied Visa because that has been cleared," Taban said during a meeting with diplomats and UN envoys.

The South Sudan Media Authority recently said it had banned at least 20 foreign journalists from media coverage in the country for what it termed "unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories".

But the media regulatory body failed to name the journalists or media outlets affected by the ban.

The ban attracted condemnation from the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), the Foreign Correspondents Association of East Africa (FCAEA) and Reporters without Borders (RWB).

Elija Alier, the Managing Director of the Media Authority on Thursday denied imposing any ban on foreign journalists entering South Sudan, adding that the body would continue to ease entry and work of foreign media in the East African nation.

"We have never stopped foreign journalists from coming (to South Sudan) and they will continue coming. As media authority, we will continue giving them permits," Alier told Xinhua by phone.
Staff members check the train with relief food in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 21, 2017. China on Wednesday officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- China has officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the consignment of rice is part of the 450,000 bags that Beijing pledged as food aid.

"China has been sympathetic to the food shortage situation in Kenya that was occasioned by weather situation which has not been promising agriculturally. The Chinese people have always stood side by side with Kenyans and will always come to their aid when the need arises," Liu said.

The delivery is part of the 21,366 metric tonnes of food aid worth 22.5 million U.S. dollars that will be distributed to suffering Kenyans throughout the country.

Photo taken on June 21, 2017 shows that a train with relief food reaches Kenya's capital Nairobi through the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railways(SGR). China on Wednesday officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

The remaining batches of the food will arrive within the month of June, mid-July and the last batch will be delivered in August.

Josepheta Oyiela Mukobe, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Special Programs, hailed the Chinese people for coming to the aid of the suffering Kenyans at a time when the drought is affecting a big number of the population.

"I am delighted to be here today to witness the handing over of humanitarian relief food from China to the Kenyan government. We are indeed humbled by the much consideration and good neighborliness that the Chinese have shown towards our people," Mukobe said.

"The distribution will commence immediately, and as you can see, our trucks are already waiting. We will not even take the food to our stores, but will embark on distribution without delay because hunger does not wait for anybody," she remarked.

The PS said the consequences of the drought will continue to be felt for a long time, adding that for that reason, there is an urgent need for relief food assistance to 3.5 million people who are affected by the situation in the arid and semi-arid areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:11:34|Editor: Mengjie

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Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao (R) meets with Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in Beijing, capital of China, June 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Li Yuanchao met with Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in Beijing Thursday, and both sides pledged to increase mutually beneficial cooperation.

Hailing the traditional friendship between China and Ghana, Li said China is willing to take the Belt and Road Initiative and the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as opportunities to deepen bilateral friendly ties.

Li called on the two countries to strengthen political trust, advance people-to-people exchanges and cooperate more in finance, infrastructure, industry capacity, equipment manufacturing, energy and mineral resources, agriculture and fisheries.

Bawumia said Ghana attached great importance to its ties with China and is willing to increase cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the framework of FOCAC.

Prior to the talks, Li held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome the visiting vice president.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:16:44|Editor: ying

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LAGOS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The certification process of Nigeria's Lagos and Abuja international airports was going on simultaneously, an official with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said Thursday.

Spokesperson for the aviation regulatory authority Sam Adurogboye told reporters in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, that the body was optimistic that the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be achieved by July.

He said the authority was working with representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Western and Central Africa (WACAF), to ensure the completion of the project.

The certification of the airports is being done by the ICAO WACAF, under its implementation of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Plan Aerodrome Certification Project.

The AFI Plan was adopted by the 36th ICAO Assembly to address the safety status of aircraft operations in the AFI Region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:21:46|Editor: ying

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BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said a team of NATO experts would help the Libyan government build defense and security institutions.

Stoltenberg made the remarks after meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Stoltenberg said NATO was engaged in preparing a program to help build defense institutions in Libya in 2011, but added that, "the security situation made it impossible to continue."

"Now we have agreed in a way to restart those efforts. An expert team from NATO met with experts from the government of national accord, in Tunisia, some weeks ago," he said.

"The main purpose of the meeting today was to make sure our experts will sit down as soon as possible," Stoltenberg added.

He noted that NATO experts would address issues such as how to develop a modern ministry of defense, build joint chiefs of staff, and also to develop intelligence services in Libya.

Stoltenberg also underlined NATO's support to the government of national accord.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:26:50|Editor: Mengjie

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KIEV, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine sees a chance to expand its dairy exports to China as nine more milk product producers have gained access to the Chinese market, local media reported Thursday.

"Until now, 18 enterprises had the right to export dairy products to the Chinese market. But our Chinese colleagues have increased this list to 27 Ukrainian enterprises," said Volodymyr Lapa, the head of Ukraine's State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection.

The efforts to further increase the number of Ukrainian dairy exporters are well underway, Lapa was quoted as saying.

First Ukrainian enterprises got the green-light to export their milk products to China in September 2015.

In the first quarter of 2017, China was the largest importer of Ukraine's milk whey, purchasing 2.9 million U.S. dollars worth of this product.

Overall, Ukraine has earned 43.6 million dollars from dairy exports abroad in January-March this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:31:53|Editor: yan

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TAIPEI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's economy is expected to expand by 2.01 percent in 2017 as foreign trade increases thanks to signs of a warming global economy, Taiwan Research Institute announced Thursday.

The institute said it had raised its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Taiwan for 2017 by 0.27 percentage points to 2.01 percent on back of positive trends in global trade, economy and financial markets.

However, it warned, Taiwan's growth was still below the global baseline of three percent and weak private consumption and investment might drag on economic growth in the second half.

According to Wu Tsai-yi, president of the institute, the share that private consumption contributed to Taiwan's GDP has fallen sharply in recent years due to income stagnation, resulting in the number of middle class residents shrinking.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 22:36:55|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan and Ethiopian governments on Thursday signed an agreement on cross border program to help foster peace and socio-economic development by unlocking the economic potential of the region.

The Kenya-Ethiopia Cross Border Program for Sustainable Peace and Socio-Economic Development, a joint UN and governments of Kenya and Ethiopia will help boost economic growth, reduce poverty and promoting business activities in the Horn of Africa through cross border cooperation.

Speaking after signing the deal in Nairobi, Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said the UN Development Programe (UNDP)-backed agreement will contribute towards the building of capacity and resilience of local communities, identify and implement sustainable livelihood projects and help develop conflict management strategies.

"The program will help vulnerability and increase the resilience of communities affected by conflict and climate induced migration in the area," Rotich said.

Rotich said such cooperation creates opportunities for trade within The Horn of Africa and investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

The program that will cover Marsabit County in Northern Kenya and Borana-Dawa zones in Southern Ethiopia aim to unlock the economic potential of communities living in the Kenya-Ethiopia border and promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

Ethiopia's Minister for Federal and Pastoralist Development Affairs Kassa Teklebrhan said the development plan will help in solving challenges along the Horn of Africa region that has been present for many years.

Teklebrhan said the program will effectively contribute towards the management of natural resources, improved infrastructure and facilitates cross border movement of people.

"We hope this program will contribute hugely towards addressing inequality and poverty that are associated with the two border communities," he added.

The minister called on regional and local authorities of the two countries to mobilize local resources to the implementation of prioritized projects since the external support only serves as catalysts.

The signing of the cross border deal effectively gives way to an intensive and extensive resource mobilization exercise through the support of the projects envisaged.

Stephano Dejak, the European Union Representative in Kenya has announced 70.4 million U.S dollars emergency trust fund for stability in addressing the root cause of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa.

He said that out of the total amount, the Kenya-Ethiopia program will receive 3.8 million dollars while the rest of the amount will be used for the same purpose in Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia border and Western Ethiopia and East Sudan.

"The assistance is set to help address the drivers of instability, irregular migration and displacement in three cross border areas," Dejak said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:12:15|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A team of 23 Turkish soldiers and five armored vehicles have arrived in Qatari capital Doha as part of its deployment in a military base, Turkish army said on Thursday.

The Turkish soldiers arrived on Thursday morning, under the framework of arrangements on military training and cooperation between Turkey and Qatar, the Turkish army said in a statement.

On June 7, the Turkish parliament approved two agreements for the deployment of Turkish troops in a Qatari base, as well as offering military training to the nation's gendarmerie forces.

Under the agreements, the armed forces of the two countries will also carry out joint exercises.

The move came amid a diplomatic crisis between Qatar and some other Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, which cut diplomatic ties with Doha and imposed economic sanctions early the month.

Turkey has openly sided with Qatar in the diplomatic row and have provided humanitarian aid to the Gulf nation. It has also been actively mediating among the rivaling parties in a bid to broker an end to the crisis.
Photo taken on June 16, 2017 shows a view of Grenfell Tower after the fire in London, Britain. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)

LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Tests on high-rise homes in Britain have revealed some have been fitting with combustible cladding, prime minister Theresa May said Thursday.

May revealed the findings during a debate in the House of Commons about the horrific fire that spread through Grenfell Tower in West London.

The blaze at Grenfell Tower left 79 people dead or missing presumed dead, including a number of whole families who perished.

The prime minister said a criminal investigation is already under way by the London Metropolitan Police and there will be nowhere to hide for any guilty parties, adding: "No stone will be left unturned."

May also revealed that the police and fire authorities in London will announce within 48 hours whether the cladding fitted to Grenfell Tower as part of a facelift a year ago was combustible.

She also said she expects an independent public inquiry she has ordered to publish an interim report as soon as possible.

May said all social landlords across Britain have been instructed to carry out fire safety checks on tower blocks and ensure the appropriate safety and response measures are in place.

The government has arranged to test cladding in all relevant tower blocks, with tests being carried out at the rate of 100 buildings a day.

May said she was informed Thursday morning that a number of tests have come back, saying some flats do have combustible cladding, but she has did not identify the locations of those buildings.

The relevant local authorities and local fire services have been informed, and are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents.

May assured MPs that buildings will be made safe and no one will be forced to live in homes that are not safe.

The chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council Nicholas Holgate had resigned, with calls during the debate in parliament Thursday calling on the leader of the council Nicholas Paget-Brown to also quit.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said concerns of residents about the safety of Grenfell Tower had been ignored, claiming that there was a pattern of the views of working-class people not taken seriously, with their concerns dismissed by those in power.

"The Grenfell Tower residents and North Kensington community deserve answers and thousands and thousands of people living in tower blocks around the country need very urgent reassurance," said Corbyn.

The sombre mood in the Commons, on its first full day of business following the state opening ceremony Wednesday, continued with a statement about the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said that during a summer like no other, terror and hate had been brought to the streets of Britain.

"We are entering a new phase of terrorism," said Rudd, citing the attacks in Manchester, Westminster Bridge and London Bridge as well as the far-right terrorist attack Monday outside Finsbury Park mosque.

Rudd said 36 people died and 150 injured in the attacks as she announced a review is to take place by a leading lawyer into how the recent attacks were handled.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:27:22|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Tourism Minister Yehia Rashid said Thursday that he expected to see a major tourism boom as result of a successful promotion campaign abroad.

Rashid told reporters that the Egyptian tourism promotion campaign in Arab countries is "very successful" and expected to lead to an increase in the number of Arab tourists to visit the country, the official MENA news agency reported.

Rashid said the closure of several offices of the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) abroad was in line with the state's directives to lower costs, adding that no new offices will be closed.

The minister said his ministry is currently discussing upgrading sleeper trains to Luxor city to help increase the number of tourist nights per year to 1 million.

Egypt's tourism industry recently has been hit by several major terror strikes that have killed dozens of people since April and led to the state of emergency imposed ever since.

Meanwhile, Rashid disclosed that Egypt, in cooperation with the Vatican, will host an international conference on the Holy Family Route in Egypt in July.

Earlier Thursday, he held talks with Monsignor Liberio Andreatta, head of the Vatican agency for pilgrims, on promoting the Holy Family Route in Egypt.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:32:25|Editor: yan

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CAPE TOWN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma indicated on Thursday that another vote of no confidence against him would fail again.

Answering questions in Parliament, Zuma challenged opposition parties for not having majority in Parliament to win a vote of no confidence against him.

He was speaking after the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) made a ruling on an opposition application to force Parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete to conduct a vote of no confidence against Zuma by secret ballot.

Zuma said he has survived seven votes of no confidence and there is no need for a secret ballot.

"Parliament has dealt with a no confidence vote seven times, and failed," Zuma said.

A secret ballot is not fair as the opposition is trying to get a majority they don't have, Zuma said.

"The people of SA did not make a mistake electing me president. I'm fit, and I'm doing it very well," Zuma said when asked whether he is fit to lead the country.

On Thursday, the ConCourt ruled that Mbete is empowered to conduct a vote of no confidence in Zuma by a secret ballot.

The ruling allows Mbete to decide whether to hold a motion of no confidence in Zuma in secret.

Mbete argued earlier that she didn't have the discretion or is under no obligation to allow for a secret ballot. She also indicated that she has never been opposed to a secret ballot.

"The Speaker says that neither the Constitution nor the rules of the National Assembly allow her to authorize a vote by secret ballot. To this extent, she was mistaken," Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said in the ruling.

"Our interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the rules make it clear, that the Speaker does have the power to authorize a vote by a secret ballot in a motion of no confidence in the president," Mogoeng said.

He said Mbete's argument "was invalid and must be set aside".

The rules have been clarified to give Mbete powers to conduct a secret ballot, and she must make a fresh decision on "a proper and rational basis", given her indication that she is not opposed to a secret ballot, the court ruled.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) approached the court in April, seeking a court order to force a secret ballot in the hope that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) MPs would be encouraged to vote against Zuma.

The 400-member Parliament is dominated by ANC MPs.

Opposition parties fielded another vote of no confidence against Zuma in April after Zuma reshuffled the cabinet, sacking the then Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and other ministers.

The vote was originally set for April 18 but was postponed at the request of opposition parties pending the application for the vote to take place by secret ballot.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:37:28|Editor: MJ

Nepali people visit a stall during the opening of China Intangible Cultural Heritage Week in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 22, 2017. A week-long exhibition on China Intangible Culture kicked off here on Thursday, offering Nepalese an opportunity to gain an insight into the rich and abundant Chinese history and culture. (Xinhua/Sunil Sharma)

KATHMANDU, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A week-long exhibition on China Intangible Culture kicked off here on Thursday, offering Nepalese an opportunity to gain an insight into the rich and abundant Chinese history and culture.

The event hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture has brought the wonderful and profound Chinese culture closer to the Nepalese people, deepening cultural exchanges and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The event co-organized by the Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and Television of Tianjin and China Culture Center in Nepal has brought over more than 10 artists from China's eastern port city of Tianjin.

"Preservation of cultural heritages is very important and Nepal and China can work together in this field. Through this exhibition, Nepali people will be able to understand more about Chinese culture and heritages," Chinese Ambassador Yu Hong said after inaugurating the exhibition.

The event includes Tianjin Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition, Tianjin Cultural and Innovative Products Show and Weifang Kite making and flying activities.

The exhibition comprises display of wood engraving, painted clay figures, dough molding, straw collage, paper cutting and embroidery products among others.

Since Nepal is enriched with cultural diversity and ancient heritages, authorities said the Chinese way of promoting and protecting heritages can be a practical lesson for Nepal.

Newly-appointed Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidhya Sundar Shakya said, "Nepal is rich in culture, language and festivals which should be preserved for future generations. Chinese experience on preservation and development of cultural heritages can be very useful for us."

Appreciating the Chinese support in reconstruction of quake-damaged cultural heritages of the country, he said that such event promoted culture exchange and enhance friendship between the two countries.

Addressing the opening ceremony, representative from the Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and Television of Tianjin said that cultural cooperation between two neighbors could be boosted under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative.

People from various walks of life including school students visited the exhibition and appreciated the unique Chinese intangible culture. The viewers were amazed by the way artisans used various techniques to create beautiful piece of arts.
The male giraffebaby stands in a yard at Buenos Aires Zoo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Jan 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Daniel Dabove/TELAM)

MADRID, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Spain's eastern city of Valencia celebrates World Giraffe Day on Wednesday with a new baby giraffe that was born less than a month ago and several activities to raise awareness on giraffes' preservation.

BIOPARC Valencia has seen the birth of several giraffes, which makes it an important place for preservation. The baby giraffe is a Nubian sub-specie, typical from the areas of northern Uganda and center west of Kenya.

Nowadays there are fewer than 2,000 specimens of this sub-specie in the world.

Pepa Crespo, Communication Director at BIOPARC, explained that workers are "breeding the baby giraffe with feeding bottles, the team is devoted to breed her so that survives".

Crespo explained that the mom refused the baby after having bred previously others, that is why the team are eagerly taking care of the new baby giraffe so that can survive.

BIOPARC has organized several activities that will be carried out during five days to raise awareness about the situation of giraffes so that more people get involved in the preservation.

"Education is very important because everyone of us can contribute to preserving the planet's biodiversity and emblematic species such as the giraffe from home making the right decisions on consumption, for example," Crespo said.

BIOPARC will donate one euro of each entrance ticket and 10 percent of the sales of products related to giraffes to projects working on the preservation of giraffes. Visitors can also donate money to these projects during these five days.

In 1980 there were around 155,000 giraffes and 35 years later there are less than 100,00 giraffes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:47:32|Editor: MJ

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KIGALI, June, 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Thursday submitted his nomination papers before the National Electoral Commission (NEC) as he prepares to run for a third term.

Rwanda will go the polls for the presidential elections on August 4 for its third time since the end of the genocidal regime in 1994.

NEC is expected to review and approve the candidatures before coming up with a provisional list of qualified candidates on June 27. The names of qualified candidates will be published on July 7, a week before campaigns start.

Clad in a blue long-sleeved shirt and black pants, Kagame, the chairman of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), was accompanied by his daughter Ange Kagame, RPF secretary general Francois Ngarambe and senior RPF officials, as he presented his candidature at NEC offices in the Capital Kigali.

Kagame's submission of nomination papers came barely a week after thousands of members of the RPF unanimously nominated him during the party's extraordinary congress for re-election in the forthcoming presidential elections.

Addressing a news conference shortly after submitting his nomination credentials, Kagame called on the youth to pick interest in politics as the ground has been already laid for them.

The Rwanda president said that the recently inaugurated RPF headquarters will have a cadreship development school targeting youth.

Kagame noted that during his term of office, Rwanda has achieved more than its means, which indicates that the government has stretched to the extreme limits.

"The only we are going to be able to move forward is to make some choices. It is wrong for any presidential candidate to be harassed, I say this as a candidate, as a President and as a person," he said.

Candidates will campaign for 24 days before August 4 when voters will go to polls to cast their votes.

Presently, other presidential candidates who have submitted their candidatures to NEC include Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Fred Ssekikubo Barafinda, said to be the representative of Rwanda Revolutionary Union Democratic Advancers (RRUDA), and independents Gilbert Mwenedata, Philippe Mpayimana and Diana Shimwa Rwigara. Rwigara, a 35-year-old business woman is the only female candidate that has shown interest in the 2017 presidential race.

Campaigns for the qualified candidates will officially begin on July 14 and end on August 3, just a day before the elections.

About 6.8 million will participate in the election, up from 5.7 million who participated in 2010 presidential elections, according to the NEC.

Kagame has been president since 2000, and was then reelected in 2003 and 2010.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:52:33|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, said Thursday its upcoming nationwide inspection would focus on the implementation of measures to reduce corporate burden.

The central government will review efforts to reduce or scrap businesses administrative fees, and whether arbitrary administrative charges were imposed on enterprises, it said in a statement.

The central government has pledged to reduce corporate costs by 1 trillion yuan (about 147 billion U.S. dollars) this year.

Recent measures to cut administrative fees and lower the financial burden of companies have supported stable economic growth, but the efforts of some local governments and departments have been lax, noted the statement.

The State Council last month decided to start a new round of reform inspections to ensure tasks for this year's economic and social work will be achieved on schedule.

This is the fourth such nationwide inspection since it began in 2014.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-22 23:57:36|Editor: yan

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CAPE TOWN, June 22 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday threw his weight behind the controversial Mining Charter, saying it is essential to boost the economy.

"We need to do something to change the economy to ensure that we ignite the economy," Zuma said in Parliament during a Q&A session.

Zuma was pressed by opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane to say whether he supports the Mining Charter, released last week by Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane.

The charter increases black persons' shareholding from the previous 26 percent to 30 percent and requires that a new prospecting right must have a minimum of 50 percent plus one black person shareholding, including voting rights, among others.

The charter gives mining companies a year to raise black economic shareholding.

"We could not stay at the same place without being innovative about the economy, particularly mining. I believe this is going to bring about change in mining. So, I believe in what the minister has done," Zuma said.

South Africa needs the charter to address the imbalances of the past, he added.

The Chamber of Mines, which represents 90 percent of South Africa's mines, accused the the Department of Mineral Resources of failing to follow proper process in drafting the latest version of the charter.

The chamber said it will not be co-opted into a flawed process and is seeking an urgent court interdict to suspend and review the implementation of the charter.

The announcement of the surprise charter reportedly has already wiped off 51 billion rand (about 395 million U.S. dollars) of the industry's share value.

On Wednesday, international rating agency Moody's warned that the charter is harmful to the South African economy.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 00:12:39|Editor: MJ

A foreign security adviser checks the site of a car bomb in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, on June 22, 2017. Five people have been killed and several others injured in a car bomb explosion in Somalia's Mogadishu on Thursday, the latest of a series of attacks in Mogadishu as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan comes to a close. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

MOGADISHU, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Five people have been killed and several others injured in a car bomb explosion in Somalia's Mogadishu on Thursday, the latest of a series of attacks in Mogadishu as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan comes to a close.

A vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into Waberi police station on Thursday afternoon, barely two days after a similar attack at a district commissioner's office in Mogadishu claimed 10 lives.

"A vehicle with explosives hit the entrance of the police station causing the casualties," Ministry of Security spokesman Ahmed Mohamud told reporters at the scene.

Witnesses said a huge explosion could be felt from buildings some distance away.

"Our building was shaking when the explosion went off. We came out and saw smoke from the police station," Abdirahman Ali told Xinhua.

Witnesses said a local radio station, Radio Mustaqbal that is not far from the scene shut down immediately after the bomb hit the police station.

No group has claimed responsibility but militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed the last two attacks which in a span of a week claimed about 40 lives.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 00:47:59|Editor: MJ

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ISLAMABAD, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan army said Thursday that an "Indian intelligence agent" who was awarded death sentence for espionage and terrorism in April, has "made a mercy petition" to the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The army said earlier Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav, the "serving Indian Naval Officer" was arrested on March 3, 2016 through a counter intelligence operation from Mashkel area of Balochistan province for his involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan.

"In his plea, Commander Jadhav has admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan and expressed remorse at the resultant loss of many precious innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions. Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a statement.

Commander Jhadev had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected, the spokesman said.

"Under the law he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the chief of the army staff (which he has done) and if rejected, subsequently to the President of Pakistan," he said.

The army also released Jadhav's second confessional video, in which he can be seen accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan.

The International Court of Justice asked Pakistan last month to stay the execution of the Indian convict on an appeal by the Indian government.

"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," the court said in its order.
The Giza Pyramids are pictured in smog behind the Nile river and buildings in Cairo, Egypt June 8, 2017. (REUTERS photo)

CAIRO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian cabinet decided on Thursday to extend the state of emergency in the country for three more months, state-owned Ahram newspaper reported.

The decision to extend the emergency state was made during a cabinet meeting.

On April 11, Egypt's parliament approved a presidential decision for a three-month state of emergency, days after church bombings killed at least 44 people in the North African country.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian interior ministry announced on Thursday that its forces killed seven terrorists in connections to anti-Christian attacks.

The ministry said the terrorists, who were hiding in a mountainous area in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Assuit, exchanged fire with police forces before they were killed.

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 and other governorates, have killed hundreds of soldiers and policemen as well as Coptic Christians.

A local affiliate of the Islamic State group in North Sinai province has claimed responsibility of most of the attacks.
Zeji performs Reba Dance in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of southwest China'sTibet Autonomous Region, June 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Chogo)

BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Tibetan girls enjoy the same rights as their male peers in education, jobs and other aspects of the society, members of a Tibetan cultural exchange delegation from China told participants of the meeting on Thursday in the Belgian city of Huy.

"In fact, in most Tibetan families, parents usually favor daughters, and often see them as inheritors of the family," said Gama Danba, deputy secretary-general of the Tibetan Association for International Cultural Exchange, who is among the the group of senior experts on Tibetan history and culture.

"Take my family for example, my parents have four children, and it's one of my younger sisters who will take charge of the family," he explained.

Speaking of the progress on education in Tibet, Danba told participants that 95 percent of Tibetans did not have access to any sort of education before 1959, the year when the region was peacefully liberated from the theocratic feudal serfdom.

"But now all Tibetan children, both boys and girls, get equal opportunities to attend schools where they can learn in Tibetan, Mandarin and English languages," he said.

The delegation was on a visit to Belgium to promote Tibetan cultural exchange and share the development of Tibet over the past decades.

The meeting began with a lecture on Tibetan history by anthropologist and member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Hao Shiyuan, which provided an overview of the region's development from the social, economic and cultural aspects.

Citing the latest figures, Hao made comparison of Tibet before and after 1959, the year when the region was peacefully liberated from the theocratic feudal serfdom.

"Many Westerners have misconceptions about Tibet. That's why we're here to present the reality," Hao said.

He underlined that Tibet's GDP grew by 11.5 percent in 2016, and people's income grew by 10 to 13 percent.

The lecture was followed by a Q&A session in which many participants were keen to ask questions about Tibet's education, gender equality and the Buddhist religion.

Books, DVDs and traditional Tibetan incense were provided at the meeting to help locals get a glimpse of the region's unique culture.

"It was completely different from what I thought of Tibet before," local resident Claude Honore said after the meeting. "I have never visited China but now I'm really intrigued to go there and see for myself."

Two aldermen of Huy, Eric Dosogne and Andre Deleuze, welcomed the delegation, saying that the exchange was a great opportunity for the Belgians to learn about Tibet.
Combination of file photos show Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 29, 2016 and U.S. President DonaldTrump at a press conference at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 15, 2017. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, June 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S.-Russian tensions flared up this week as Washington attempted to please domestic anti-Russian forces, but confrontation between the former Cold War rivals will not cross the red line, analysts said.

On Sunday, the U.S.-led coalition shot down a Syrian Su-22 bomber and the Russian Defense Ministry suspended a military hotline for airspace communication with the U.S. side.

On Monday, Russia scrambled Su-27 fighters to consecutively intercept two U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance planes over the Baltic Sea, and Russia accused one of the U.S. planes of provoking its fighter during the intercept.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed additional sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, blacklisting 38 individuals and entities, while Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov canceled his consultation on mending bilateral ties with U.S. Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon.

"Currently, Russian-U.S relations are at an extremely low point," said Vladimir Sotnikov, a senior research fellow with the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations.

Russia and the United States were creeping into a new cold war, he warned.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNDER PRESSURE

It was first of all the domestic political situation in the United States that prompted the administration of President Donald Trump to behave tough, according to Sotnikov.

"Trump is under the strongest pressure from his political opponents. He needs to shift domestic attention to external problems and present himself as an effective leader capable of making tough decisions," he said.

Since taking office, Trump has been living under the cloud of repeated accusations by his opponents that he may have secret connections with Russia.

Trump fired U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey last month because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 presidential elections.

But Comey believed that he was sacked due to his investigation into possible Russian links with the Trump campaign.

On Friday, Trump tweeted "I am being investigated for firing the FBI Director by the man who told me to fire the FBI Director! Witch Hunt."

The recent escalation of tensions with Moscow was aimed at showing that Washington is acting from a position of strength, said Sotnikov.

CONFRONTATION CONTROLLABLE

About 6,000 soldiers from 15 countries with up to 1,200 ground military vehicles and 80 aircraft will be deployed in Bulgaria to participate in the U.S.-led "Saber Guardian 2017" drills from June 23 to July 28.

At the same time, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is increasing its military presence in the three Baltic countries and Poland by stationing troops and improving military facilities.

"The current situation at the western borders of Russia has a tendency to deteriorate," said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

In response, he said the ministry is preparing for the "West 2017" exercises involving Russian and Belarusian servicemen.

"The heightened tensions, however, will not lead to the emergence of dangerous incidents, which can cause unpredictable consequences. No one is interested in such a development, neither Europe, the United States, nor Russia," said Sotnikov.

The Kremlin said Putin and Trump may meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany next month, but there is no concrete agreement yet.

The long-anticipated meeting is likely to be pleasant and the beginning of personal relations between the two leaders, said Alexei Mukhin, director general of Russian think tank Political Information Center.

But Mukhin did not expect any radical changes in Russian-U.S. relations from the meeting.

Sotnikov said that the meeting will possibly be a brief and protocol one, and prospects of easing tensions may be discussed, as well as steps toward the normalization of bilateral ties.

"But this does not mean that such steps will be taken in reality as the relations between the two countries are too complex and intricate today," said Sotnikov.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a joint press conference in Moscow, Russia, on April 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

MOSCOW, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. move to tighten sanctions on Russia threatens the entire relationship between the two countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Thursday.

Lavrov made the warning during a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday, adding Moscow expected support for normalizing relations from the U.S. side, according to a statement published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"When considering the prospects for bilateral dialogue, Lavrov pointed out that attempts of sanctions pressure on Russia, which Washington once again resorted to on June 20, were illusory," the statement said.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed additional sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, blacklisting 38 individuals and entities.

"Such actions seriously endanger the whole complex of Russia-U.S. relations, which is already experiencing a difficult period," the statement said.

The Ministry said the Russian side was forced to postpone the meeting on tackling accumulated problems in bilateral relations between deputy foreign ministers scheduled for June 23.

"Lavrov stressed that Moscow is waiting for a response to the Russian proposals sent earlier to Washington on the normalization of these relations," the statement read.

Tensions between Russia and the U.S. were exacerbated this week as a result of the U.S. new move. Earlier on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that Moscow is preparing a tit-for-tat response to Washington's new set of sanctions imposed on it.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 04:34:42|Editor: yan

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DAMASCUS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completed a siege on areas under the Islamic State (IS) in Syria's northern city of Raqqa, a well-informed source told Xinhua Thursday.

The siege on Raqqa has been completed, amid talks among the tribesmen in the city about reviving negotiations with IS over the next 24 hours for the withdrawal of IS from the city, the source said, on condition of anonymity.

He said that the SDF, which comprises of Arab, Kurdish, and Assyrian fighters, have lost tens of its fighters over the past two weeks of battles against IS in Raqqa, as a result of the suicide bombings carried out by IS against the SDF and allied forces, which are fighting to strip IS of its de facto capital of Raqqa.

Earlier in the day, the SDF said in a statement that its troops have captured the southern bank of the Euphrates River, adding that they are so close to lay siege on IS-held areas in Raqqa.

Since unleashing its offensive on Raqqa two weeks ago, the SDF captured four neighborhoods on the eastern and western flanks of Raqqa as well as several towns and villages in its surrounding.

Backed by the U.S.-led coalition, the SDF stresses resolve to capture the entire city of Raqqa from IS.

Still, the possibility of IS withdrawal from Raqqa seems far-fetched as the IS is still having strong fortifications inside the city.

Also, Russia, the main backer of the Syrian government forces, will not allow the withdrawal of IS from Raqqa, as the terror militants will be heading toward Deir al-Zour province in the east, which will add more pressure on the Syrian army fighting to liberate the surrounding of Deir al-Zour from IS.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday that Russia will strike the IS convoys leaving Raqqa, in case of any deal.

The pro-government Syrian media outlets have repeatedly accused the U.S. of not genuinely fighting to eliminate IS in Raqqa, but to push it to withdraw toward Deir al-Zour, so that the pressure will be placed on the Syrian army.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 05:00:19|Editor: MJ

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BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has told European Union (EU) leaders the EU citizens living in Britain for five years will be given "settled EU status," the BBC reported on Thursday.

The report said the new immigration status would grant them rights to stay in Britain and get health, education and other benefits after Brexit.

May made clear the proposals would be adopted only if the same rights were granted to British citizens in the EU states.

It was reported that May gave her "generous offer" after a working dinner with other EU leaders at the two-day Brussels summit.

Before going for the summit meeting, May told reporters that protecting rights of citizens should be earlier issues to be considered in the Brexit negotiations.
A combination photo shows former U.S. FBI Director James Comey testifies over investigation into Hillary Clinton's email system, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on July 7, 2016, and U.S. President Donald Trump nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch as the new justice for the Supreme Court in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 31, 2017. (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday denied having recorded conversations with James Comey, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Trump fired last month.

"I have no idea whether there are 'tapes' or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have any such recordings," Trump tweeted.

The tweet was an effort to quell questions whether he recorded his private conversations with Comey in the White House and by phone before firing Comey.

Trump has tweeted on May 12, days after firing Comey, that "James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" prompting widespread speculation that such recordings existed.

Neither Trump nor the White House gave out recordings since then, and were reluctant to confirm if such recordings did exist.

Trump told the press on June 9 that "I'll tell you about that maybe sometime in the near future," and that the press "are going to be very disappointed when you hear the answer."

White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders refuted speculations from the press that Trump was playing "game" in order to make sure that Comey tell the truth.

"I certainly think that the president would hope that the former director would tell the truth. I think that it was more about raising the question of doubt in general," she told an off-camera news briefing on Thursday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:10:49|Editor: yan

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by Alessandra Cardone

ROME, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan-born Youness, Dulcineida from Cape Verde and Igiaba born in Rome to parents who fled Somalia, the three were among a group who were fighting for one thing on Thursday before Rome's Pantheon, the right to be an Italian, as they share a common background as children of immigrants.

The timing was right: a bill granting citizenship to foreign children born or raised in Italy is under discussion in the Italian senate. Passed by the chamber of deputies in Oct. 2015, the bill would need the green light from senators to become law.

Yet, the debate developed into a quarrel between parties in favor, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's center-left cabinet plus leftist opposition forces, and those against, namely center-right Forza Italia party, anti-immigration Northern League, and anti-establishment Five Star Movement.

The last time senators discussed the bill on June 15, the debate also ended up in a brawl, which led to the Education Minister Valeria Fedeli's light medication in the infirmary.

The minister joined the Thursday's event, which was organized by associations of second-generation youths such as "Italiani Senza Cittadinanza," or "Italians without citizenship" in English, which Youness belongs to.

Youness Warhou came to Italy from Morocca at 14 years old. He spoke four languages, and was now a second-year engineer student in the city of Reggio Emilia.

Youness said they did so because they felt "forgotten" by the Italian state, to which they think they belong.

"We feel marginalized by our own society, and cut off from many chances such as competing in public exams for state employment, or simply taking part in elections," Warhou told Xinhua.

Lacking Italian citizenship also meant putting some dreams aside. "After graduating from high school, for example, I was not allowed to apply for the admission to Italy's military academy... My dream was to become a pilot, but I could not pursue it," he said.

Dulcineida and Igiaba were also among the demonstrators who were holding banners, Italian national flag colors (green, while and red) balloons, or wearing slogan T-shirts.

Dulcineida from Cape Verde has lived in Italy for 10 years, and here was where her children were born and raised.

Igiaba was born in Rome in 1974 to parents who fled Somalia, and did not want the current generation of immigrant children to live in the same "limbo" she experienced before becoming Italian.

As children of immigrants, they were there to call for eased citizenship process and better recognition of second-generation immigrants.

Two educators held a large placard made with their pupils of school Di Donato, one of the most multi-ethnic institutes in the Italian capital earlier that day.

They started the sentence "I am Italian..." and let children finish in their own words: "... because I like the Italian landscape," one child wrote; "because Italy is my reality," put another, and still "I love pizza" or "the Italian language is easier."

Although festive, the event also showed people strongly resolute in their battle. "I have been following this issue for years, and I think Italy needs to take a leap in quality," Igiaba Scego, who is an award-winner author renowned for her writings on African-Italian identity, told Xinhua.

"Italy already has a globalized society, and it is time to work on coexistence. The citizenship law is a law of civilization, and the country needed it 15 years ago already," she stressed.

Along with immigrants with children born or raised here, there were teachers, union representatives, and people who just sympathized with the struggle.

One of them, 29-year-old American-Italian Camilla, considered herself "privileged," for having got the citizenship from her mother.

Most of her peers were not so lucky. "We are talking of people who live, study, work, and pay their taxes in Italy. They need to be recognized," she said.

Under the current law, children born to foreign parents can apply for the Italian citizenship between their 18 and 19 birthdays.

Yet, they must also prove they have lived here legally and continuously their whole life, which can be a very difficult process in a country with a heavy red tape such as Italy.

The new law would ease the rules, basing the citizenship right on a tempered "right of the soil" principle, and on the cultural participation of the child.

As such, the Italian citizenship would be granted to all children born in Italy to foreign parents with one of whom must have a residence permit, and all those entering the country before 12 years old and attending the Italian school system for at least five years.

According to latest data by Leone Moressa Foundation, the reform would give citizenship to almost 800,000 young people: namely, 634,592 foreign minors born in Italy since 1998, plus 166,000 born abroad but attending Italian schools since at least five years.

The figure would represent a large majority of 976,000 foreign children born in Italy in the last 17 years, the foundation estimated on data by the education ministry and the institute of statistics.

Some 518,000 more people each year may benefit from the new law, experts estimated.

The rally at the Pantheon ended with second-generation children singing the Italian national anthem. The green-white-red balloons were freed in the air, and filled the sky.

According to organizers, they were the most proper symbol of current second-generation immigrants, whose life would remain "hung by a thread."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:15:52|Editor: Zhou Xin

25-year-old refugee chef Hassan from Somalia, introduces his country's flavors to customers in "Vassilenas", a restaurant with a long history in Athens, Greece, on June 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

By Alexia Vlachou

ATHENS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- For extrovert young chef Hassan to present his refugee journey from Somalia to Greece in a menu of 6 dishes was a bet to win during the Refugee Food Festival that run through this week in local restaurants in Athens.

We met 25-year-old Hassan inside the kitchen of "Vassilenas", a restaurant with a long history in the Greek capital, preparing a fresh salad with black eyed peas, beetroot, lime, coriander and a traditional dish from his country, a roasted mackerel with hot sauce of paprika and chili.

"It is the first time I present my country's cuisine, and I am proud that people come and taste it," he told Xinhua.

While being used to cooking Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine for restaurants in Athens and Crete Island since 2012, it was the first-time Hassan, who was a guest chef for two nights at the restaurant, cooked Somali cuisine for so many people. The success was so huge that the owner decided to extend from two to three days the event.

Run under the auspices of the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, the Refugee Food Festival was inaugurated in Paris in 2016, and this year was expanded to 13 European cities to mark World Refugee Day.

A citizen's initiative, the festival address to local restaurants to open their kitchens to refugee cooks with the goal to change people's perception towards refugees, to trigger job opportunities and to make participants discover delicious meals.

"Food unites people," Hassan said as he was looking people coming in the restaurant, expressing the value of the festival.

Not only people but cultures as well, as co-founder Louis Martin would say later. "We often talk about those countries through the prism of war. But these countries have much more to tell. They have culture, deep history and it is something you can find on our plates," he explained to promote the positive approach of the refugee issue.

Hassan's story reminds us the thousands of unaccompanied minors fleeing from war-torn countries in the Middle East, risking their lives to cross the sea and dealing with traffickers within the last three years.

With his life being in danger in his country Somalia, Hassan fled to Greece when he was 16 years old all alone leaving behind his family. For a whole month, he traveled by ship up until Turkey and then with a small inflatable boat reached Greece in December 2008.

"I did not know a lot about Greece, in 2009 I tried to leave illegally but I did not make it," Hassan recalled.

It was when he was excluded from the family reunification program, where he had asked to unite with his uncle in Finland, that he claimed asylum in Greece.

"I stayed in a hospitality center for unaccompanied minors at Exarcheia, in the center of Athens from 2009 until 2012."

With the support of the Network of Children's Right, he enrolled into a professional chef's course on a scholarship and had worked in hotels and restaurants since.

"I finished my school in 2012 and went on training in a big hotel in Crete for two years. Then I returned to Athens and started working as a chef," he said.

The most difficult part was his first six months in Greece where he lived in a small apartment with 20 other Somalis in Athens.

"A minor in a foreign country feels frightened, thinks about his future, where to sleep, who to meet," Hassan told Xinhua.

"But, then I managed to integrate into the society, to learn the language and meet with people who love me and want to be next to me," he noted.

Despite the difficulties, Hassan's integration into the society has been rather smooth, as he explained. After being in Greece 9 years, what does he dream? "To continue my work, to be at a restaurant as a chef," he confessed with a big smile on his face.

When we asked him if he would like to run a Somali restaurant in Athens, he hesitated to answer.

"In Greece, it is difficult to open my restaurant with Somali dishes. Maybe if I go to another country like Sweden or Britain where there are large communities of Somali," he said.

Though being something completely new to the Athenians who visited the restaurant, the Somali dishes made them a great impression.

"I did not have the opportunity to taste Somali cuisine before. Though we are only in the second dish, I must say that the menu is very impressive," Nikos Kourtzis told Xinhua.

Martin acknowledged the success of the event in Athens and other European cities. "We are impressed by the reaction of all the people participating in the festival. All the restaurants are full. The restaurants ask at the end when we can do it again," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:20:54|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) leaders have decided to extend economic sanctions against Russia, European Council President Donald Tusk said Thursday.

"Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia for their lack of implementing the Minsk Agreement," Tusk said on his twitter account.

The EU made such a decision during a two-day summit in Brussels with security and defence, Brexit, migration and economic development on the agenda.

The EU initially introduced economic sanctions on Russia in 2014 over Ukraine conflict, targeting Russia's financial, energy and defense industries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:25:58|Editor: MJ

British Prime Minister Theresa May arrives to attend a two-day EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday adopted a four-step procedure on relocation of EU agencies currently in Britain, European Council President Donald Tusk said Thursday.

"Agreed. EU27 will decide by vote in November on relocation of EU agencies currently in UK. Confirms EU27 unity. Reduces Brexit uncertainty," Tusk said on Twitter.

Relocation of European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority will be divided into four steps. Firstly, the interested EU27 member states should summit their offers by July 31. Secondly, the European Commission assessed the offers based on agreed criteria by Sept. 30. Thirdly, there will be political discussion based on the Commission's assessment in October. And lastly, the 27 EU ministers will vote and decide on relocation in November.

It was reported that German financial hub of Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Paris and Prague are among the leading candidates to host the two EU agencies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:41:04|Editor: yan

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PARIS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged France to conduct in-depth investigation into a Russian arms dealer's robbery case earlier this week.

Serguei Kornev, head of the delegation of Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport, fell victim in a robbery case in northern Paris neighborhood of Seine-Saint-Denis on Tuesday, during his participation in the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mariya Zakharova said that Russia had sent diplomatic archives to the Quai d'Orsay, a quay in the seventh arrondissement of Paris, asking French authorities to thoroughly investigate the case.

"We are sorry for the incident into which investigation was immediately carried out and Russian authorities will be kept informed of its result," said a spokesman for French Foreign Ministry.

French media reported that a senior representative of a Russian weapons company was attacked on Tuesday in Saint-Denis on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show.

He was aboard a Mercedes-Benz E-Class car when a group of people took on a traffic jam to control the vehicle. The driver said that she was sexually assaulted while involving into a fight with the perpetrators.

According to Zakharova, the driver's bag was stolen during the attack. Four individuals were arrested by French police and placed in custody.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:46:06|Editor: MJ

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CHICAGO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The lone-wolf attacker attacker who stabbed a police officer at a Michigan airport tried unsuccessfully to buy a gun, according to FBI investigation.

David Gelios, the Detroit-based FBI officer who is in charge of the attack, told a news conference on Thursday that Amor Ftouhi, a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia, attempted but failed to buy a gun after he entered the United States legally on June 16.

Ftouhi came to the Bishop International Airport in Flint, some 80 km northwest of Detroit on Wednesday morning and stabbed a police officer on duty in the neck.

He yelled "Allahu Akbar," or "Allah is the greatest" in English before he made the attack with a 30-centimeter knife. He also said something like "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan" and "we are all going to die," according to initial accounts from eye witnesses.

The injured officer is said to be recovering after surgery.

Gelios said so far they found no personal connection between the attacker and Flint, suggesting that he chose the airport probably because it is an international one.

The FBI is now investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism, in coordination of the Canadian authorities, but it seems to be a lone-wolf attack.

"We have no information to suspect the attack was part of a wider plot or suspect he was aided or had associates," said Gelios.

Ftouhi made a brief appearance in a U.S. District Court in Flint on Wednesday and was ordered to be held without bail, waiting for his second hearing next week.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-23 06:51:09|Editor: yan

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LISBON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Thursday that the country's parliament will create an independent technical commission to investigate all those unclarified questions related to huge forest fires in Pedrogao Grande, in central Portugal.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Costa said that the government is totally open to collaborate in any proposal for an independent technical commission to be created by the parliamentary as requested by the main opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD).

The investigation will focus on the cause of the devastating fires, delayed closure of the national highway 236 and the failure of the emergency and security network system after the eruption of the fires.

Costa also said that a fund will also be created to support the revitalization of the fire-affected towns of Pedrogao Grande, Castanheira de Pera and Figueiro dos Vinhos.

He said that the government will ask the parliament to make an amendment to regulations on the forest management as soon as possible.

Huge forest fires erupted in Pedrogao Grande, some 150 km northeast of Lisbon on Saturday and spread to the neighboring Gois on Tuesday. A total of 64 people were killed and 254 others injured in the fires which also destroyed 40,000 hectares of forest in the past five days.
Teen challenges safe house detention

According to his lawsuit, being argued by his attorney Anand Ramlogan, SC, the teenager is being held in solitary confinement, which is not a normal consequence of being on remand.

It is a form of punishment, Ramlogan argued at the trial being heard by Justice Vasheist Kokaram.

In January, Kokaram granted leave to the boy, whose mother brought the action, complaining that her son was being kept in solitary confinement and was depressed.

He was moved to the house after Kokaram ruled in May last year that the YTC was not suitable as a remand facility for young offenders. He held that confining juveniles with adults at the YTC and the Womens Prison in Arouca amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.

He ordered that the juvenile should be placed in a community residence to be determined by the Childrens Authority.

The teenager was put in the house because there are no community residences in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the lawsuit, the childs detention at the house amounted to solitary confinement and was illegal, unconstitutional and cruel and unusual punishment.

He is said to be suffering from depression, loneliness and frustration, as he was the only person in the house other than the staff. He has also told his mother he was so lonely that it hurt, and on one occasion escaped from the house by destroying the burglarproofing in his bedroom.

His mother called the police, who took him back to the house, despite her son begging her not to send him back.

The guards at the house, according to the mother, did not even know he had gone missing.

In the lawsuit, the teenagers mother is asking for him to be immediately released into her custody until the authorities find a suitable community residence as provided for under the Children Act.

Ramlogan argued that there was no evidence the teenager posed a threat to the welfare of others, and the move to secure his welfare has instead resulted in an unhappy and unfortunate state of affairs. He also reminded the court that a prisoner on remand is presumed to be innocent and the teenager was worse off than other teen remanded prisoners, since he is being isolated from interaction with his peers.

Testifying yesterday was independent expert Dr Rona Hollingsworth, who said while the teenager had developed coping mechanisms, he had difficulties with lonely periods and wanted to be around people.

She said it appeared he was being left to his own devices most of the time at the location where he is being kept.

Asked by the judge if that meant he should be taken to a public school, Dr Hollingsworth said yes, if it could be arranged.

Whatever could be found for him to interact [with his peers], she said. In its response, the Childrens Authority denied that the teenager was being held in solitary confinement and that not being with his peers equated to actionable solitary confinement or inhumane treatment.
Snr Supt McAplin lauds drug-eradication efforts

McAlpin was addressing yesterdays weekly police press briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain.

He said over the periods from January to June 2016 and 2017, the police had had notable successes in the collective effort not only to deal with illegal arms and ammunition, but also to focus on narcotics offences.

The effort in drug-supply reduction by local agencies such as Customs and Excise, TT Coast Guard, security agencies at all ports of entry should not go unnoticed, and for this, the TTPS commends them for their efforts, he said. These supply- reduction efforts, which represent illegal narcotic seizures and eradications, are only one aspect, as the OCNFB and other external stakeholders continued to engage in the demand- reduction exercises such as lectures, displays, and interaction with youth. Mc Alpin said the demand-reduction exercises were geared toward diminishing the appetite and interest in illegal narcotics, and catered for people of all ages.

He said it was evident from the number of first-time offenders being held with large quantities of narcotics that offenders are not limited to unemployed people seeking financial gain, but also included professionals who were otherwise employed in high-paying jobs.

Mc Alpin said in respect of cocaine from January to June 2016, 78.7 kilogrammes were seized, but in 2107 32.86 kilogrammes were seized, a decrease of 58.48 per cent.

In respect to marijuana seizures, we had 511.72 kilogrammes in 2016 [and] 663.68 kilogrammes in 2017, an increase of 29.7 per cent.

Arrests for cocaine: in 2016, 316 males were arrested and in 2017 we had 290  8.23 percent decrease.

Mc Alpin said the police and by extension the OCNFB had recognised a continued interest in possessing illegal firearms and narcotics by small groups in society, and had issued a clarion call to all civic-minded citizens to join the fight against crime.

Those willing to assist the law enforcement community in making Trinidad and Tobago a safe place, we call upon you to help us to make the difference.
Marabella man shot in groin

A police report said, at about 8.30 pm on Tuesday, Damian Millington of West Bayshore, Marabella, was standing in front of his home when he suddenly felt a burning sensation in his groin area and realised he had been shot.

He was taken to the hospital by the Rapid Response Unit, treated and subsequently warded.

Cpl Burke is investigating.
ARCHIE MAKES MISTAKE

Archie is now saying, no such decision was made.

The reversal in position was contained in a letter by the attorney representing the Chief Justice to former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, SC, who is representing a minor before the courts on a murder charge and whose case was affected by Ayers-Caesars appointment as a judge of the High Court.

Ramlogan on June 12, wrote to attorney Ian Roach who represents Archie, seeking answers on the consensus arrived at a meeting of stakeholders on May 24, when it was reported these stakeholders agreed to have all 53 cases restarted de novo (new trial). However, in his letter to Ramlogan dated June 20, Roach said, Your letter proceeds on a wholly erroneous premise. My instructions are that no such decision was made in your letter. On May 25, a release by the Judiciarys Court Protocol and Information Manager Alicia Carter- Fisher, announced that a decision was made at the stakeholders meeting of May 24. In the release, Carter-Fisher said, consensus was reached and the meeting agreed to have all 53 matters restarted de novo. It was also announced that Ag Chief Magistrate Maria Busby-Earle Caddle would preside over all indictable cases, while all summary matters will be taken over by an assigned magistrate at the Port of Spain Magistrates Court. All other Eighth Court matters which were not started will be managed by the acting deputy chief magistrate, the statement further noted.

RELEASE NOT WORDED PROPERLY The Judiciary statement said priority will be given to the 53 matters which will be actively case-managed using the new Criminal Procedure Rules (CPR) of 2016, having regard to the hardships already experienced by the incarcerated, accused on bail, victims, witnesses and other stakeholders within the system. Present at the May 24 meeting were CJ Archie, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, Law Association vice president Rajiv Persad, members of the Criminal Bar Association, the acting chief magistrate, senior magistrates and the Registrar of the Supreme Court. It was convened to determine the way forward for the 53 part-heard matters left unresolved by Ayers-Caesar, the Judiciary release stated.

However, in his June 20 letter to Ramlogan, Roach said that Carter- Fishers media release which carried the Judiciarys seal, was not properly worded. It is unfortunate that you have construed the media release (which was regrettably not worded as it should have been) in the way that you have, Roach told Ramlogan. The purpose of the meeting was simply to obtain the views of the persons in attendance, not to make a decision as to how the matters would or should be dealt with the relevant presiding magistrate. The announcement by the Judiciary on May 25, of a consensus arrived at, came almost a month after Ayers-Caesar resigned (on April 27) as a judge, when it was revealed by the Chief Justice that she misrepresented the number of cases left unresolved before her move to the High Court.

It also occurred a week before the Law Association debated and passed a motion of no confidence in Archie and other members of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) over the bungling of Ayers-Caesars appointment.

The controversy deepened when on June 1, at least 40 of the 53 part-heard cases was called before the Ag Chief Magistrate in the Port of Spain Eighth Magistrates Court.

I HAVE MY INSTRUCTIONS Earle-Caddle told attorneys, which included the DPP, that she had her instructions to restart the matters. I cant answer that question...

I am not in charge of the JLSC, she said. I have my instructions to restart the matters, she said.

She was responding to questions from Gaspard and other attorneys on the status of Ayers-Caesar given that the Judiciary issued a previous statement which said Ayers-Caesar had been restored as chief magistrate. Automobiliai, baldai, langai, buhalterija, seo, paskolos, reklama, remontas, kreditai internetu ir kiti strapsniai portale straipsniai.org

As she apologised to each prisoner, Earle-Caddle told them that the magistrate who started the matter was no longer with us and it was the law that the cases must be restarted.

She also disclosed that she was informed that Ayers-Caesar had vacated the office of chief magistrate and that she was given the directive on Wednesday (May 31) that the part-heard matters were to be restarted. Earle-Caddle did not say from whom she received the directive. I am sorry I have tried to assist you. I cannot assist you any further, she said.

She did disclosed that no decision to restart the cases de novo was taken at the stakeholders meeting. In his letter to Ramlogan, Roach also indicated that no further directives were issued to any judicial officer as to how they should deal with the matters which may come before them. He also told Ramlogan that no person or persons arrogated unto themselves the power to determine the future conduct of his clients case.

Your clients legal representative is free to make any representations or submissions he considers appropriate before the presiding magistrate and have same dealt with at that time. That is the protection of the law and the right to a fair hearing that the Constitution guarantees to your client, Roach further advised Ramlogan. Several of the affected part-heard cases are expected to be called next Tuesday.
Lalla calls on CJ, JLSC to resign

In a letter to newspaper editors yesterday, Lalla said the recent imbroglio surrounding the facts and circumstances of the appointment of the former chief magistrate to the High Court and the subsequent cancellation of that appointments have raised serious questions of procedural impropriety and gross dereliction of duty on the part of both the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) and the Chief Justice (CJ). In the opinion, Lalla, a former head of the public service, the letters of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar challenging the constitutionality and/or legality of her removal as a judge have further exacerbated the gravity and magnitude of the debacle. He said the Chief Justice ought to have known of his enormous responsibility for the administration of justice, while the JLSC was expected to observe the principles of fairness and procedural propriety when appointing judges.

It would seem, however, that both the JLSC and the CJ have been in breach of their respective roles and functions and in view of the gravity and magnitude of the issues both the CJ and members of the JLSC should cease functioning in their respective capacities. He also said there was a perception on the part of citizens that the procedure, criteria and/or mechanisms used by the JLSC for determining suitability for the appointment of judges were designed for the elimination of candidates who were not favourites of the powers that be. That perception, however, may not be without justification since it has been established that the psychometric system, written examination and the awarding of marks at interviews as the process for the determination of suitability for appointments are not predictive of a persons on-the-job performance, particularly since each of those criteria has manifest limitations.

Moreover, it has been held by the highest court of our land that marks in interviews do not determine an officers competence for on the job performance or promotion, he said.
Account for everything given

He said the ODPM must abide by International Best Practices and is stocked with blankets, tarpaulin, cots, cleaning tools and aids, shovels and barrels, sandbags and other items.

He said because Regional Corporations are among the first responders to any disaster, there is a process where people have to fill out forms when requesting items.

There is an accountability process and regional corporations must account for what they take from the ODPM to distribute to citizens.

He pointed out that persons seeking assistance can call the ODPMs hotline 511 and calls will be directed to the Municipal Regional Corporation in the persons district.

Captain Wint reminded that it is the duty of the first responders to inform people in distress what they can be provided with based on their needs assessment. Yesterday, Capt Wint and members of the ODPM conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in St Helena, Piarco, Penal, Debe and Pt Fortin.

The next step is to work with Regional Corporations doing damage assessment and determining needs and resources to be sent to the burgesses. Wint noted that there are still areas under water saying that Penal and Debe were badly affected by floods.

With regard to complaints that there are areas still without pipeborne water and electricity, Capt Wint said in these areas roads are impassable and WASA and TTEC crews have to wait until flood waters recede so as to access affected areas to carry out repairs to damaged water and electrical infrastructure. Until then, its a waiting game.

On Wednesday Former Minister of National Security Captain Gary Griffith criticised the current administration claiming that if the National Operations Centre (NOC) had not been sidelined and merged into the SSA, that body could have been used more effectively in coordinating efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Bret.

Yesterday, Capt Wint said the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which falls under the ODPM, is doing the same work as the NOC was doing and he commended the efforts of officials at the NEOC.

He reminded that personnel from the Defence Force, Police, Fire, TSTT, WASA, TTEC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works and Ministry of Social Development are all coordinating the disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Bret.
Chaguanas teen, Marabella woman missing

Teenager Tenika Teressa Joseph of Renee Street, Chaguanas was reported missing at 10.15 am on Tuesday. Relatives last saw her at home at about 9 am on Monday.

Her mother, Shelly Ann Joseph, made the report to the Chaguanas police.

Tenika, who is of African descent and five foot seven inches tall, has a scar on the left side of her forehead. She is brown in complexion and has black braided hair.

Relatives said she was last seen wearing a jersey, jeans and mauve slippers.

In the other incident, Natasha Phillip of Sonata Drive, Marabella, was reported missing by her stepfather Peter Lashley on Tuesday.

He told police at the Marabella station that Phillip was last seen at her home at about 9 am last Thursday (Corpus Christi).

Phillip has a tattoo of a flower on her lower left leg, is of African descent, five foot seven inches tall with a brown complexion, and was wearing purple and blonde braids.

She was last seen wearing a pink dress with a multi-coloured print and brown sandals.

Anyone with information on the missing women can call 800-TIPS or contact the police at 555, 999, 911 or any police station.
Garcia: Lost school time will be made up

The minister toured the school yesterday and said a fence which had been torn down by the storm would be immediately rebuilt, because the principal had told him the school was in a high-risk area.

Garcia said he intended to treat the matter as an emergency and would contact the Education Facilities Company to deal with it as soon as he returned to his office.

He also praised the Electricity Commission (T&TEC) for doing a tremendous job in replacing a pole which had fallen during the storm and had left the school without electricity as well as internet connectivity.

He said the T&TEC crew had worked through the night to replace the pole and was still there at the time of his visit yesterday morning.

He said as soon as the T&TEC crew was finished, a crew from FLOW would begin work to restore internet service, and he had been assured the electricity supply would be restored by the end of the day.

He said a number of other schools were also affected by the storm: Todds Road RC; Brazil RC; Mundo Nuevo RC; and the San Rafael RC primary schools.

In a statement, the ministry said other schools affected were Mayo RC Primary and Rousillac Hindu Primary School, where some of the galvanised sheets on the roof were blown off.

The statement added that the Kanhai Presbyterian Primary School and St Helenas SDMS Hindu School were cut off by flooded access roads, although the school buildings themselves were not affected. However, the minister hoped that all the flood-affected schools would be re-opened by today.

The ministry also said the Valencia South Government Primary School and Manzanilla Government Secondary School were being used as shelters for displaced families and would remain closed today.
AG: Witness family case being attended to

In the Senate on Tuesday, during debate on the Plea Bargaining Bill, Ramdeen raised the case of a family who gave evidence in a criminal prosecution and willingly entered under the provisions of the Justice Protection Act. He reported that the accused were not convicted and the family had been sent to another Caribbean island, only to be abanodned by the State. He said they had since returned to this country and their lives were now in danger.

Ramdeen announced that he planned to write to the AG on the matter.

Al Rawi, speaking to Newsday yesterday in a telephone interview, confirmed that Ramdeen had written to him, but said he would not be able to discuss the details of the case.

He said, however, that justice protection was a very important agency and explained that the system involved various components, including foreign authorities.

It is a delicate balance. He said the agency is receiving administrative support and reform through a combined support network including the National Security Ministry and the Attorney Generals office. He explained that his office co-ordinates the criminal law division, while National Security deals with the protective side.

Al Rawi said justice protection is not something new and he had spoken about it in the past. He recalled that he previously reported there was one case in which the State spent $40 million on only one matter for justice protection. He said there were a lot of delays in the system and a case could go on for 17 years or more without a trial going forward.
Cuffie praises public servants post-storm commitment

Cuffie made the comments yesterday at the National Library and Information Service (NALIS) Public Service Day, commending workers for their commitment to TT and citing the preparedness and organisation on the part of the public servants as a crucial factor in minimising Brets impact.

The country depends to a large extent on the work of the public servants, he said.

On Monday, I was at the meeting where the public servants met and prepared for what was going to take place on Monday night going into Tuesday, and there was extensive preparation by public servants and as part of that extensive preparation, I think there was a marked decrease in the kind of damage we could have had.

I think that they responded well in a reduction in the extent of damage that could have occurred, and I want to praise the public servants who worked assiduously to ensure that T&T was protected from the damage that could have unfolded even with a relatively small tropical storm like Bret. Cuffie said while he did not have the exact figure available, he was pleased with the overall turnout of public servants on Tuesday and yesterday, adding that all the relevant ministries would remain open throughout the week.

He also said there would be no different procedure to treat with the absence of workers on Tuesday than on any other day, adding that it was the responsibility of employees to apply for their days off.

Neither the absence of workers nor the flooding are new to us. There is a procedure to govern absence from work and that is the same procedure that is applied to every occasion. That is, people will apply for their days, the relevant accounting officers will conduct the checks and balances. This is a normal part of the public service. The event ,which was held at the National Library, Port of Spain, featured several different government public service agencies aimed to provide information on these arms as well as the opportunities available for those seeking employment.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan is continuing to increase. It hit a new record for the month of May.

The Japan Tourism Organization estimated that nearly 2.3 million foreigners visited in the month. That's up 21 percent from May last year.

South Korea topped the list.

The number of visitors from the country increased by 85 percent as more direct flights were added. Tourists also returned to Kumamoto, one year after a strong earthquake there.
Japanese virtual mall operator Rakuten said on Thursday it will open an online room-sharing marketplace now that the country is poised to lift a ban on room-sharing for travelers.

The government on June 9 passed legislation that will make it legal for companies and individuals to rent out rooms without a hotel license. The law is expected to take effect as early as January. Rakuten and Lifull, which operates real estate information website Lifull Home's, in March created a room-sharing company that will offer minpaku, or home-sharing, services after the law takes effect. "If the practice of minpaku spreads in Japan, it will increase the number of inbound travelers and boost the economy," Rakuten Executive Vice President Yoshihisa Yamada told a press conference. Rakuten has about 90 million registered users. Lifull has some 8 million residential properties listed on its website and about 22,000 affiliated companies in its nationwide network. The partners hope to leverage each other's strengths in catering to Japanese and foreign travelers. The room-sharing marketplace will initially carry tens of thousands of rooms, they said.
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Low latency is one of the specifications of 5G networks. The challenges operators face in implementing this feature is getting more difficult as mobile traffic continues to grow at an incredible pace. The Internet of Things (IoT), 4K and 8K video, streaming service and video communications are but a few of the applications waiting for 5G. Nokia (News - Alert) Bell Labs just announced it has developed a solution that will allow operators to re-use existing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) massive-scale deployments to address the issues of latency and capacity for mobile transport, not only for 5G in the future, but also existing 4G networks.





The emphasis on latency is being pushed to the forefront because many of the services over 5G networks will have to be delivered in real-time or very near real-time. Nokia is using commercial next generation PON (NG-PON) to transport ultra-low latency CPRI streams via a standard single fiber running between the Baseband Unit (BBU) and the Remote Radio Head (RRH).

The company showed existing fiber networks can be used to cost-efficiently transport mobile traffic and help accelerate 5G in a proof-of-concept demonstration according to the latency budget requirements for the fronthaul of commercial radio equipment.

Nokia Bell Labs (News - Alert) explained fronthaul is key to the C-RAN (Centralized Radio Access Network) architecture in mobile networks, because this is where the processing power is centralized and moved away from the cell sites. The interfaces for next generation fronthaul need ultra-low latency transport, which, according to Nokia, are in the sub-millisecond range as 4G and 5G technologies require strict timing and synchronization.

Peter Vetter, head of Access Research at Nokia Bell Labs, said, This is an important milestone in the industry and in the advancement of 5G, showing for the first time how a PON network can effectively be used to support very high capacity, low latency applications. It demonstrates the flexibility of PON to support traditional CPRI and evolving mobile specifications, such as fronthaul over simpler native Ethernets, and validates the readiness of PON for the 5G era.

The use of next generation PON technology was validated by Nokia Bell Labs, with the company saying XGS-PON technology can accomplish the timing constraints, while delivering the necessary capacity in a manner that is cost effective for mobile cell site transport. By running on fiber access networks, XGS-PON makes it possible for operators to use GPON technologies and platforms to provide high-capacity services.

Operators can now use existing passive optical networks in Fiber-to-the-home or Building (FTTH/FTTB) deployments to handle mobile transport traffic as more cell sites are installed.

Nokia Bell Labs is using existing fixed fiber networks because the infrastructures that are in place are massive in scale, making them ideal to support 5G.

Edited by Alicia Young
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This week, Nokia (News - Alert) launched its new digital health product portfolio. The introduction of these new products was a long time coming, and now that theyre here, they have the potential to transform the way millions of people live their lives. The updated Health Mate app, along with the newly introduced Nokia Body, a BMI Wi-Fi connected scale and Nokia BPM+, a compact blood pressure monitor with a flexible cuff, are sure to help individuals live healthier lifestyles.





The innovation doesnt stop there, though. Not only has Nokia demonstrated with this release the potential for digital health products, its also shown the great potential virtual reality (VR) holds. As with any new product, this portfolio has an impressive marketing campaign to go along with it. However, what sets this campaign apart from everything else weve ever seen is the fact that it incorporates VR technology.

Nokia, in partnership with marketing agency Brandwidth, has created the Healthier Together VR ad using its own OZO+ VR camera and software. The advertisement offers immersive VR experiences and features mixed reality pop-up views of the Nokia Health Mate app, along with descriptions of the products. Additionally, Nokia has implemented a first-of-its-kind e-commerce integration in which viewers can click through the pop-ups to the Nokia Health site and purchase the products directly.

As you can see, Nokia doesnt just want to sell people its new digital health products. After all, there are plenty of other options for people to choose from if theyre just looking to track their steps and keep track of calories. Using VR in this way invites potential customers into the world of Nokia digital health, allowing them to see for themselves how the devices would work in and affect their lives.

Nokia is launching the broadest range of consumer digital health products on the market and we wanted to show how easy it is to live 'healthier together' with them. VR was the natural choice to immerse the viewer in a real environment with a real family and Brandwidth have been great partners in realizing that vision, said Rob Le Bras-Brown, CMO of Nokia Technologies. I'm especially proud of this new campaign because it exemplifies the breadth of innovation at Nokia today - using award winning OZO VR technology to showcase our exciting new health products.

Between the impressive use of VR here, and the obvious benefits associated with digital health products, Nokia is positioning itself to be a real leader in various industries. Forget next generation communications, Nokia is offering up next generation everything. Only time will tell what innovative new solution the company will bring us next.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
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The US Department of State has renewed its caution to travelers heading to Algeria due to the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

While violence has reduced significantly in recent years, terrorist groups remain active in some parts of the country, the Department said on its website.

Despite heavy police presence in major cities, the possibility of terrorist acts in urban areas cannot be excluded, the State Department said, recalling that extremists have conducted attacks in the mountains east of Algiers in the provinces of Blida, Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Bejaia and Constantine.

The Department also warns of all travel to Algerias southern and eastern border regions, including Tebessa and the Chaambi mountains area, south of Souk Ahras, near the Tunisian border.

The Department of State stressed that US travelers should avoid traveling within 50 kilometers of the eastern borders and within 450 kilometers of the southern border as well as overland travel across the Sahara.

The insecurity prevailing in Algeria is dissuading many tourists from visiting the country. The Algerian government imposes visa on western citizens and foreigners including diplomats who are required to inform Algerian authorities when traveling from a Wilaya to another in order to provide them with security escort.

In September 2014, an ISIL-affiliated group abducted and killed a French citizen in the Kabylie region. In January 2013, an Al-Qaeda-linked organization attacked a gas production facility in In Amenas, near the Libyan border, holding foreign and Algerian workers hostage. Dozens, including three U.S. citizens, were killed in the operation.
The UN Security Council unanimously welcomed in a resolution the deployment of a military force by West African states to combat terrorism and arms, drug and human trafficking in the Sahel region after France and the US reached a consensus on the issue.

To secure the support of the US, France softened the resolution language by omitting provisions relating notably to the funding of the special counterterrorism force of 5000 troops.

Prior to the adoption of the resolution, the US opposed UN authorization for the force, arguing that it was not legally necessary and that the mandate was too broad and lacking in precision.

Keen to reduce its funding for UN peacekeeping missions, the US maintained that a UN authorization was not needed because the force is already approved by the countries where it would deploy as is the case with the joint task force in Lake Chad Basin.

Presidents of five Sahel countries  Niger, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania  agreed in February to set up a joint force. Initially, it is expected to comprise up to 5,000 military, civilian and police personnel, with headquarters in Mali.

The surge of terrorist and criminal activities has prompted the European Union to promise a 50 million support, with diplomacy chief Federica Mogherini citing stability of the Sahel region as crucial not only for Africa but also for Europe.

In recent years, the Sahel has become a breeding ground for several terrorist groups taking advantage of vast swathes of deserts and porous borders to engage in various terrorist, trafficking and criminal activities.

Radicalization and human trafficking are major threats in the impoverished region, where Al Qaeda and associated groups have a significant presence, while the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) also appears to be staking a claim in the volatile region.
Frances new President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that the invasions of foreign forces in Libya to end Colonel Muammar Gadhafis rule in 2011 was an error.

In an interview with European Media, a part of which was published by Il Corriere della Sera newspaper, the French President said (France) was wrong to join the war in Libya. France under then president Nicolas Sarkozy was a leading player in the call for European intervention in the North African country.

The UN Security Council approved the imposition of a no-fly zone, which, analysts said, was abused by Western countries.

Macron, seemingly outlining his foreign military policy, wondered what were the outcomes of these invasions? He answered by saying that they have destroyed countries in which terrorist groups thrive now.

I do not want that to happen in Syria the French president said even though French forces are still part of the U.S.-led air campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Damascus maintains that the coalitions operations in Syria are illegitimate.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister-designate of the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord, Fayez Serraj, and expressed support to his Government of National Accord (GNA) as the sole representative of the Libyan people. The Tobruk-based House of Representatives and the Tripoli-based General National Congress are other political entities also claiming political authority in the North African country.

Stoltenberg discussed defense and security issues with Serraj. He revealed NATOs plan to build a modern ministry of defense, a joint military staff, and intelligence services under civilian control in Libya. He also commended Serraj for his inclusive approach to the political situation while stressing the importance of all parties to abide by the Libyan Political Agreement for a political solution to the crisis.

Serrajs government has often been criticized by Amnesty International for the human rights abuses committed by Libyan Coast Guards towards illegal migrants seeking to reach Europe.
The CBC meets with Trump in March. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Three months after sitting down with President Trump at the White House to discuss, among other things, his suggestion that every black person in America is living in abject poverty, the Congressional Black Caucus has denied Trump a follow-up meeting. In a letter to Trump, CBC chairman Cedric Richmond wrote that the he and his members have gone out of their way to educate the Trump administration on the needs of the black community. Trump has yet to act on any of it, the letter says.

While we agreed to explore possible future discussions when we first met, it has become abundantly clear that a conversation with the entire CBC would not be entirely productive, given the actions taken by your administration since our first meeting, Richmond wrote.

Some of the disconcerting actions Richmond cited include proposed Pell grant cuts, Attorney General Jeff Sessionss acceleration of the war on drugs, and budget cuts to HBCUs. The letter then mentions eight instances in which the CBC reached out to the White House with concerns without ever receiving a response.

Hours before Richmonds letter was published, Politico reported on the CBCs plan to snub Trump and added that it wasnt just because the White House has completely ignored them since the first meeting. They also fear that Trump will use the meeting as a photo op.

No one wants to be a co-star on the reality show, one anonymous Democratic aide told Politico.

If the majority of the caucus were to go to the White House, the pressure to huddle with Trump in the Oval Office for a group photo could be tougher to avoid. The entire caucus goes down there, its sort of harder to control, the source familiar with the situation said.

The CBC felt some pressure back in March to decline Trumps initial meeting request, but Richmond pushed back. We dont have the luxury to not meet with the president because our people are going to suffer  the 78 million we represent, he said at the time.

To advocate for those people, the group presented Trump with a 130-page briefing entitled We Have A Lot to Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century. Its unclear if the president has read the document.
Workers direct clean up at Ground Zero. Photo: New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News via Getty Images

Governor Cuomo has pardoned a Queens man who helped clean up ground zero after 9/11, and is now facing deportation under President Trumps stricter immigration policies. Cuomo hopes the move will bolster his case for remaining in the U.S., but Immigration and Customs Enforcement may deport him anyway.

Carlos Cardona, came to the United States in 1986 and is now married to an American citizen, and has a 19-year-old daughter. In 1990, when Cardona was 21, he pleaded guilty to selling a small amount of cocaine to an undercover police officer and served 45 days in jail. Though he hasnt been in legal trouble since, that infraction prevented him from obtaining legal status.

After 9/11, Cardona spent four months working for a construction company hired to clean up the wreckage at ground zero. His health ended up being affected. He has lung problems. He has gastrointestinal problems. He has psychological issues. He has a lot of anxiety, said his wife Liliana.

After he was arrested by ICE in 2011, Cardona was released and allowed to stay in the U.S. due to his respiratory problems cause by his work at ground zero. However, ICE revoked the order of supervision that let him remain in the country shortly after Trump took office.

Cardona has been in detention since February 28, days after Trump issued an order prioritizing the removal of undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes. Under the policy he could still be deported, but Cuomos move may make it less likely.

The governors pardon removed the grounds for deportation, allowing Mr. Cardona and his attorney to reopen his case and show there is no longer reason for deportation, James Allen, Cuomos communications director, said on Wednesday.

Cuomo added in a statement: It is my hope this action will not only reunite Mr. Cardona with his wife and daughter, but also send a message about the values of fairness and equality that New York was founded upon.
Police guard the apartment building where Amor Ftouhi lived in Montreal on June 21, 2017. Photo: JULIEN BESSET/AFP/Getty Images

A Canadian man shouted Allahu akbar and stabbed a police officer with a 12-inch knife on Wednesday morning at an airport in Flint, Michigan, in an incident the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism.

Amor Ftouhi, 50, has been charged with violence at an international airport. The victim, Lieutenant Jeff Neville, is in stable condition and is expected to survive.

According to the FBI affidavit, Ftouhi walked into Bishop International Airport carrying two bags, though he wasnt booked on a flight. He lingered for about 40 minutes, spending time in a restaurant and the restroom, where he dropped his bags. When he emerged around 9:45 a.m. he walked up to Neville, shouted the Arabic words for God is great, plunged the knife into his neck, then shouted Allah several more times. He also said something like, You have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die.

Officials said four people helped subdue Ftouhi, and Neville fought back too. Lt. Neville got him to stop stabbing him, said Chief Chris Miller of the Bishop Airport Safety Division. Lieutenant Neville fought him right to the end, right until I was able to handcuff this person.

Once he was restrained, Ftouhi asked Neville why he didnt kill him.

Ftouhi is a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia. He entered the country legally in Lake Champlain, New York, on June 16, and it appears hed made the trip multiple times. Police have reportedly raided Ftouhis apartment in Montreal, where hes lived with his wife and five children for years.

Ftouhi appeared in court late on Wednesday wearing an orange uniform and a face mask because he had spit on a U.S. marshal. The judge ordered that he be held without bail. Hes facing up to 20 years in prison, and prosecutors may add additional charges.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a statement about the incident on Wednesday evening. I want to assure all our law enforcement across the nation, any attack on someone who serves and protects our citizens will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, he said. I am proud of the swift response from the F.B.I. and our federal prosecutors and their partnership with local police and the Canadian authorities. Our prayers are with the officer and his family for a full recovery.
Think of it as a fun surprise, not an irresponsible vote that will literally kill people. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

House Republicans were all smiles while celebrating the passage of the American Health Care Act with President Trump last month, but GOP senators did not appear jubilant. The bill was only popular with people who spent their frat days dreaming of cutting Medicaid, and some members of Congress even admitted that they only voted for it because they knew the Senate would make significant changes. Is this bill good? No, I dont like it, said Representative Mario Diaz-Balart.

The health bill was always going to be more difficult to pass in the Senate. With 52 Republican senators and no Democratic support, the GOP can only afford to lose two votes. Plus, for months, a handful of far-right senators have demanded a bill that thoroughly demolishes Obamacare, while more moderate Republicans insisted that they wont vote for legislation that takes health care away from the millions of newly insured Americans. By passing AHCA, the House asked the Senate to come up with a way to get around these fundamental divisions in the Republican vision for the U.S. health-care system (and whatever they come up with still has to make it through round two in the House).

Top GOP senators said their party should proceed with caution, and engage in long deliberations. Instead, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spent the past two months crafting a new GOP health bill in secret. He plans to release the details on Thursday morning, and hold a vote next week.

McConnell is an incredibly gifted political strategist, but on Wednesday Republicans didnt seem to have much faith that he had come up with a crowd-pleasing plan to revamp one-sixth of the economy.

Democrats have hammered McConnell on the hypocrisy of ramming through a secret health bill after complaining about the more than yearlong negotiation and review process that led to the passage of Obamacare. But even Republican senators are grumbling that McConnell is being too secretive. The whole process is not satisfactory, said Senator John McCain. I feel terrible about it.

According to the Washington Post, in briefings McConnells office has only offered senators a hazy picture of the bill. Incredibly, Senator Mike Lee, whos part of the small group of lawmakers crafting the bill, claimed that he does not know whats in it.

Its not being written by us, he said during a Facebook Live event on Tuesday. Its apparently been written by a small handful of staffers in the Republican leadership in the Senate.

The details that leaked on Wednesday evening do not suggest that McConnell is preparing to surprise his conference with a bill that magically resolves the divisions within the GOP. The Senate version of the bill is said to provide subsidies for buying insurance on the exchanges based on income, like Obamacare, rather than age, like the House bill. But many people will still lose coverage under the Senate bill because it lowers the income cutoff for receiving those subsidies. The Senate bill is also expected to take longer to phase out Obamacares Medicaid expansion, but it would eventually implement even deeper cuts to the program for low-income Americans than the House bill.

Most senators were not involved in hashing out these compromises, and The Wall Street Journal reports that both centrist and conservative Republicans feel that theyre getting the short end of the stick.

Despite nods to the most conservative senators, such as the bills anticipated loosening of Obamacares essential health benefits, on Wednesday Senator Rand Paul said it still sounded like Obamacare-lite and said the subsidies were too generous.

If our bill comes in with greater subsidies than Obamacare, I think its going to be harder for conservatives to support, he told Politico. That, to me, is really a nonstarter.

Meanwhile, rather than getting excited about the prospect of a bill that keeps some of Obamacares protections for people with preexisting conditions, Senator Susan Collins, a moderate, seemed focused on the fact that millions are likely to lose their coverage.

The president has argued for a more generous bill, she said. Well have to see what comes out tomorrow, but Im wondering if those who are drafting the bill are listening to what the president said about the need for the bill to be more generous.

Another possible reason for the lack of enthusiasm: Its unlikely that whatever McConnell unveils will be whats voted on next week. Senators will have an opportunity to introduce amendments to the bill, and there are many thorny issues that still need to be settled, like whether the House bills prohibition on using tax credits to purchase health plans that cover abortion must be dropped due to complicated Senate rules.

Some Republicans say theres no way they can process whatever framework McConnells produced and hash out all of their remaining disagreements in just a matter of days.

I would find it hard to believe I will have enough time, Senator Ron Johnson said. Ive made leadership well aware of the fact that I need information to make a final decision, and if I dont have the information to justify a yes vote, I wont be voting yes.
Mitch McConnell has a plan. It might work. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The House-passed health-care bill is an astonishingly unpopular piece of legislation, which in some polls has failed to reach even 20 percent approval. Even many of the Republicans who support it publicly have expressed reservations; a number of House supporters said they merely hoped to keep the process alive and move the bill to the Senate, and Trump himself privately called the bill mean. And the Senate version is equally draconian. Its tax credits will do more to help the economically vulnerable than the House bill, but its Medicaid cuts are even deeper. So how does Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell think he can pass it through his chamber?

If the bill passes  which, at this early moment in the lightning-fast process, seems quite likely  it will be because McConnell took advantage of the anchoring effect. The starting point is a brutal, cruel piece of legislation with massively unpopular features. (The public overwhelmingly opposes Medicaid cuts, which are the bills most pronounced effect.) It will reportedly draw public opposition from at least some holdout Republicans. At that point, the holdouts will be able to wrest relatively small concessions from McConnell.

These concessions will have outsized political impact. They will be new and newsy, and reporters will be drawn from the old story  the outlines of the bill  toward the newer developments. The major coverage of the bill will likely focus on changes in the proposed law that make coverage more affordable. The overall law will still make coverage less affordable overall, but that large fact will remain in the background.

Social scientists call this this anchoring effect. People tend to have hazy ideas about what is sensible or fair, and have a cognitive bias toward anchoring their sense of the correct answer by whatever number is presented to them initially. In one typical experiment, people in job interviews who start by mentioning absurdly high sums, even as an obvious joke, could get higher offers.

The Senators who negotiate those small changes will attract outsized attention, and their public imprint will disproportionately shape coverage. This effect might wear off over a longer period of time, but it can well succeed in the compressed time frame McConnell intends to permit.

That is how a House bill that seemed to be dead was quickly resurrected. Representative Tom MacArthur proposed an amendment, and his amendment, however tiny, represented movement. The movement, not the overall contours of the bill, dominated both news coverage and the vulnerable members thinking. In the end, the revised version of the House bill reduced the number of insured Americans by 23 million rather than the original 24 million. It was the 1 million fewer, not the 23 million remaining, that mattered most when it counted.

The Senate bill, like the House bill, would represent the largest setback in public health and low-income support in the history of American government. That will remain true regardless of what concessions any moderate member might obtain. Any Senator who negotiates within its established parameters is accepting its monstrous moral calculus.
Baghdadi declaring a caliphate at the al-Nuri Grand Mosque in July 2014. Photo: YouTube

In 2014, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared himself the leader of the Islamic State caliphate from a pulpit in the al-Nuri Grand Mosque in Mosul, Iraq. Three years later, that historic mosque, built in the 12th century and distinguished by its leaning minaret, has been destroyed in the battle to retake the heart of Mosul back from ISISs control.

A picture taken on June 19, 2017, shows the leaning al-Hadba minaret as the Iraqi forces advance toward the Old City. Photo: Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP/Getty Images

The Iraqi and U.S. military have blamed ISIS for the mosques destruction. ISISs media channel, Amaq, is claiming that an American air strike destroyed the religious site.

February 1963: The minaret leans at a greater angle than the leaning tower at Pisa. Photo: Keystone Features/Getty Images

Surveillance images confirm its implosion:

Photo: Iraqi Military

The battle for the last slice of Mosul is raging in its Old City. Iraqi forces, bolstered in the air by the U.S.-led coalition, are closing in on ISIS, and according to Reuters, had hoped for victory by the end of this week. The New York Times Rukmini Callimachi explained that wresting back control of the mosque would be hugely symbolic for the Iraqi and coalition forces, a a way to declare ISIS in Iraq essentially defeated.

3. It was going to be a landmark moment for Coalition to take back mosque & do photo ops at the platform where ISIS declared its caliphate pic.twitter.com/nmOhIdyPxj  Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) June 21, 2017

Coalition forces are still investigating what took down the mosque. But whats certain is another cultural treasure has been destroyed in ISISs wake.
Subway kittens are on notice. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Joe Lhota, a man who once bravely said he would not let the lives of kittens stand in the way of subway performance, is back at the helm of the MTA. Lhota served as MTA chairman from 2011 to 2012, before stepping down to pursue a failed GOP mayoral bid against Bill de Blasio, in 2013. Last night, Governor Andrew Cuomo nominated Lhota to take charge of the MTA during this tumultuous time, just before start of the Penn Station summer of hell, the looming L train shutdown next year, and whatever signal problems and assorted delays the subway system has cooked up this morning.

Lhota was quickly confirmed by the State Senate after Cuomos appointment Wednesday, just making the cut before the end of the legislative session in Albany. The MTA has been without a permanent chair and CEO since Tom Prendergast stepped down in early 2017.

Lhota  who has worked on and off in government since the Giuliani administration  is bound to be a pretty popular choice to head up the beleaguered transit agency. Lhota is widely credited for quickly getting the subways back online after Hurricane Sandy, maybe one of the last times in recent memory the MTA got generally positive reviews. His short tenure want perfect, but he brought back services nixed in budget cuts in 2010 and  fun fact  revived the Poetry in Motion campaign.

I am as frustrated as everyone else is, and more frustrated because I know the MTA can do so much better, Lhota told senators during his confirmation hearing via Skype. Lawmakers only hesitation about the MTA chairmans return was Lhotas decision to keep his job as senior vice-president of NYU Langone Medical Center, reports the New York Daily News. Lhota says he will hire an executive director to take care of the day-to-day, and that hell serve for a salary of a $1 per year. So put those subway cats on notice.
Photo: CLFSuperPAC/YouTube

On Tuesday night, a 30-year-old Democrat with no electoral experience narrowly lost a special election in a deep red congressional district that he doesnt live in.

Therefore, a number of Democrats and pundits have concluded that Nancy Pelosi should no longer be House minority leader.

I think youd have to be an idiot to think we could win the House with Pelosi at the top, Texas congressman Filemon Vela told Politico. Nancy Pelosi is not the only reason that Ossoff lost. But she certainly is one of the reasons.

It's just extremely difficult for Ds to argue benefits of Nancy Pelosi's fundraising skills still outweigh cost of her presence in GOP ads.  Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) June 21, 2017

The reasoning here appears to be: If Nancy Pelosi werent in the partys leadership, then it would have been impossible for Republicans to remind Trump-averse conservatives in the Atlanta exurbs that Jon Ossoff was a Democrat  and that liberals vote for Democrats.

Its true that conservative groups spent a lot of money on ads tying Ossoff to Pelosi and her San Francisco values. And theres no question that this culture-war theme did a lot of work for Karen Handels campaign: The Republican nominee refused to take a position on her partys deeply unpopular health-care bill  while her jobs message included firm opposition to the concept that full-time workers should be paid enough money to remain alive. Handel offered her constituents little beyond an opportunity to express their disgust for Godless liberals. And this proved to be more than sufficient.

But it just doesnt follow that red Americas cultural resentments would lose their political potency the moment Pelosi ceded the throne. Yes, ads linked Ossoff to the minority leader  they also linked him to Kathy Griffin, black-block anarchists, and the guy that shot Steve Scalise.

The Democrats are the party of liberals. Republicans will never have a hard time bringing this up in places where its inconveniant for Team Blues candidates. Nor will the party that turned a centrist technocrat into a sharia-socialist have trouble demonizing Pelosis successor.

Happily, American public opinion is far more liberal than it is conservative. And there are more Democrats in the United States than there are Republicans. The problem is that the former just arent that into voting. And replacing Pelosi with the last surviving blue dog Democrat would only make that problem worse.

The Democratic Party should try to convert some Republican-leaning voters  but the ones whose amygdalae flare up when they think about a liberal woman from San Francisco holding a position of power are not among them. And its a little insane to think otherwise. Virtually every non-Democrat who is familiar with the words Nancy Pelosi is a member of the Republican base  imagine the GOP deciding in 2016 that its path back to power involved winning over voters who gag at the mention of John Boehner.

Now, might there be a case for replacing Pelosi, regardless of the results of last nights election? Sure. The Democrats need to do more to cultivate their next generation of national leadership. And the partys approval rating is roughly as high as Donald Trumps  a rebrand couldnt hurt. If theres a charismatic, rising star in the House  who boasts the trust of the partys rising left-flank, a persona that appeals to independent voters in middle America, and an apparent talent for fundraising and legislative deal-making  then by all means, Pelosi should make way for the future.

But if that future has yet to arrive, Democrats shouldnt pretend that it has for the sake of appealing to people who hate their partys base.
HOAX. Photo: Pete Marovich/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Russian agents hacked the Democratic National Committees email account in a bid to disrupt the 2016 election. This claim has been affirmed by every branch of the American national security state, virtually every member of Congress from either party, and, on occasion, the Trump White House. Even Vladimir Putin doesnt flatly deny that such a hack occurred  rather, he merely insists that, if it did, the attack was conducted by Russian patriots acting independently of the Kremlin.

And yet, Donald Trump is unwilling to concede this point. On Thursday, the president offered the following airtight case for believing that the Democratic Party hacked its own emails, as part of a nefarious plot to tarnish the glory of Trumps inevitable victory  or something.

By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

...Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). It's all a big Dem HOAX!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

...Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasn't? It's all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

One can certainly argue that the Obama administrations efforts to deter Russia were insufficient, and/or that the DNCs cybersecurity protocols were lackluster. But the connection between such premises and the conclusion that so-called Russian interference is one big Democratic scam is hard to parse.

Ostensibly, Trump is arguing that the Democratic National Committee  and, later, Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta  deliberately allowed their politically damaging emails to be hacked and published, so that they would have a ready-made excuse for losing the election. Thanks to their friends in the deep state, this worked. And now, the FBI, CIA, NSA, Pentagon, top White House national security officials, and entire Republican Party are carrying water for this Democratic hoax.

Which is a long way of saying: The president is arguing that Democrats are losers, he is a winner, and his supporters should substitute their faith in those two premises for rational thought when contemplating the subject of Russian interference.

It is impossible to explain why the president would wish to contest the existence of Russian interference without stipulating that he is beholden to the Kremlin or out of his mind (or both).

If Trump is not in kahoots with the Russian state, then he has every incentive to accept the consensus view that Putins regime interfered in the 2016 election. What better way to demonstrate the absurdity of the collusion accusations than by vigorously condemning Moscows exploits? What worse way to dispel suspicions that one is a Siberian candidate than to publicly take Putins word over that of American intelligence agencies?

But this isnt the first time Trump has displayed a bizarre fealty to the Kremlins line. To name just a few others:

(1) His campaign took a hands-off approach to the GOPs 2016 platform  except on the issue of American aid to Ukraine in its efforts to combat Russian intervention. On that score, Trumps team insisted on striking language about providing lethal weapons to the Ukranians.

(2) His administration looked into lifting sanctions on Russia for absolutely nothing within days of taking office.

(3) The White House has shown little interest in bucking GOP orthodoxy for the sake of upholding Trumps more idiosyncratic campaign stances  except on the issue of foreign policy toward Russia. At present, the administration is working to kill bipartisan legislation locking in sanctions against Moscow.

One can argue against reading too much into any of these individual actions  on the last count, the Trump administration is essentially fighting an attempt to roll back executive power, which is a pretty ordinary thing for a White House to do. But taken together, and viewed in the context of Trumps various attempts to stymie the Russia probe, the actions paint an alarming picture.

Still, its possible to find an alternative explanation for Trumps Thursday tweetstorm. Sure, theres no rational reason for a nonPutin puppet to dispute the consensus on Russian interference. But the mogul has never allowed himself to be hemmed in by the dictates of rationality.

Trump has consistently refused to acknowledge any reality that diminishes the grandeur of his election  even when doing so requires him to assert the logically unsustainable. The president has argued that he actually won the popular vote, if you subtract the 3 to 5 million undocumented immigrants who voted illegally  while blasting attempts to investigate the legitimacy of Novembers vote totals as a scam. He has insisted that he won the Electoral College in a massive landslide, when his margin was, in fact, far below average. And he has claimed that this feat is all the more impressive, given that Democrats have a structural advantage in the Electoral College  a claim that Novembers results would blatantly contradict.

So, it seems entirely possible that Trump isnt disputing the reality of Russian interference so as to satisfy the Kremlin, but rather, the demands of his own insatiable ego.

Which is to say: The president isnt necessarily beholden to a hostile foreign power  he could just be a conspiracy theorist with a severe personality disorder.

One might think that both parties could agree that this explanation would render Trump unfit for high office. But then, the GOP has always known that the birther-king fits said description  and abetted the moguls rise to power, anyway.

Which is, arguably, still the single biggest scandal in American politics.
What's This Blog About?

Who needs to read about the latest pop chart tart? Who cares about another formulaic mall movie? That's what People Magazine is for, right?



Off-Center Views is for those who want to wade outside the mainstream without getting dashed upon the rocks of academic pretense, post-modernist mumbo jumbo, or high culture snobbery.



Look to this blog for reviews and opinions (including some truly cranky notions) on films, music, sports, art, and anything else that's on our minds at present. We aim to be provocative, but also entertaining and understandable.



Enjoy and share the posts with others.



Phoenix Brown & Lars Vigo


The family has gathered  Here we go for #Riverdale season2!! Our table read of eps 1,2&3 were EPIC you guys  @thecwriverdale pic.twitter.com/sncSMuLgfE  Madchen Amick (@madchenamick) June 21, 2017

Here we go. Season Two of #Riverdale is officially underway! Are you ready? pic.twitter.com/tPvMcRzv8t  RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) May 23, 2017

Come for the burgers, stayfor the rest of your life. Episode 2 of #Riverdale Season 2. Its on. pic.twitter.com/1PuC8fi8Os  RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) June 7, 2017

the show comes back October 11. I'm ready for this mess

The cast gathered to do a table read of the first three episodes. All the regulars (plus Reggie's new actor, Charles Melton) are gathered with the exception of Luke Perry (whose character will probably in the hospital or hopefully dead), Skeet Ulrich (whose character will probably be in jail for awhile), and Ashleigh Murray (who is currently filming a movie in New York, but the writers would probably continue to neglect her even if she wasn't)But for the most part, everyone is in Vancouver or heading there as filming starts tomorrow! The tradition of naming episode titles after movies continues and even though the synopsis of the original film usually has nothing to do with the episode, it's still fun to speculate. Repeat, these are the original movie synopsis. THEY ARE NOT THE EPISODE SYNOPSISA Kiss Before Dying: A ruthless college student resorts to murder in a futile attempt to marry an heiress.Notably, this film features a pregnant woman being murdered (so there's hope for all you Polly haters)Nighthawks: Conservative street cop DaSilva reluctantly agrees to terminate an international terrorist who has demanded media attention. But DaSilva's "at-home" tactics are very much put to the challenge.This one is probably moreso for the painting of the same name as witnessed by the script artThe Watcher in the Woods: When a family moves to a country home, the young girls experience strange happenings that have a link to an occult event years past.This might be the Halloween episode considering when it airs. And there might still be hope for any of you that wanted supernatural shenanigansOnly vague things have come out about season two:-Betty will fight for Jughead-Archie's life is going to change dramatically (no shit)-Everyone gets to flirt with darkness!-Hiram is a family man but also shady as fuck (no duh) and is operating at a higher level than compared to the street dealings of the Serpents-A character named Toni Topaz will be introduced. She goes to Southside High and will be giving Jughead a tour of the school. This is known thanks to an audition tape from Lorelei Linklater (daughter of Richard) hitting the internet ---Both the show and Cole Sprouse managed to snag prestigious Teen Choice Award nominations. I'm betting lots of Bughead/Sprousehart people will be spamming the votes---Some of the cast were at the MMVA'sKJ Apa introduced LordeHayley (Valerie) and Asha (Melody)source: 1
As part of the celebration relaunch, a new documentary exploring the incredible story behind the movies creation will be released, we're told.





That makes sense because I was like "Who will pay 8$ to see a music video in the theatre"



also lol @ some of the writing in this article.

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when i heard about this project, i figured Sony would attach it to a PG-13 horror movie their studio was putting out.

But a whole new doc about it is cool too

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well I don't care for Baby Be Mine/The Girl Is Mine/The Lady in My Life.

The rest are of course classic 80s life.

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Baby Be Mine was a great track, but fell into obscurity as it was one of the 2 tracks that didn't become singles, haha

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I've never seen the point of 3D, the glasses are uncomfortable and the effects don't really bring anything new to the story. Except maybe a headache.



Thriller blew my mind when I saw it the first time. I practised the whole dance routine last Halloween and it's still amazing after all these years.

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I think the only 3D i've been seriously impressed by was for was The Book of Life.



Disney does a surprisingly bad job, but maybe it's just our theater.

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hugo was excellent in 3d imo but yeah it's rare to find a good 3d film

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I'm so sick of that song. I mean, I'd see this, but I'm sick of that song.



and my favorite song from that album is probably Human Nature and Carousel which I think was a bonus track or unreleased..something like that.

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Human Nature is my fav ballad of his.

It's also the better live (specifically from the Bad Tour)





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when the entire stadium sings the lyrics. chills.

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I remember seeing the Thriller video when I was young (about 10 years after it came out) and I was amazed. My whole extended family were huge MJ fans. My uncle got tickets to his Dangerous tour and took my older cousin and wanted to take me but my parents said I was too young. BIGGEST REGRET OF MY LIFE.



ETA: My fave song from that album is prob PYT or Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'.



Edited at 2017-06-22 02:05 pm (UTC)

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i'd love to see this but there's no way they'd distribute this where i live.



i love the entire album but my fav is billie jean, as cliched as it sounds. most perfect song ever.

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A pedophile coming at me in 3D? No thank you.

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Captain EO!

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they brought Captain EO back after he died and it stayed for a good few years. It was cool to relive that again. But they've taken them out of all the parks by now.

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Ugh, Jackson, ugh Landis.

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Capitol Police arresting protesters who rely on wheelchairs. They dropped one.#NoCutsNoCaps pic.twitter.com/R6OiJ5P1h7  jordan  (@JordanUhl) June 22, 2017

this is so fucked up

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W o w.

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The way they're manhandling those protestors is so deeply unnecessary.

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Well they couldn't just let her escape!!!

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Disgusting. Disgraceful

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Awful. What were they even arrested for? Aren't they allowed to protest in that so called "free country"?

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These images are actually making me tear up.

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Watching them pull people out of their wheelchairs and drag them out of there per McConnell's request was disgusting. There is a special place in hell for people like that turtle necked bitch. How fucking cruel and inhumane can you be.

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turtle necked bitch.



Oh, please don't disparage turtles like that - they're lovely creatures. Perhaps try one of the following instead:



-Scrotum necked bitch

-Saggy jowled bitch

-Lipless beady-eyed bitch

-Cottage cheese neck bitch

-Droopy cheeked, chinless, stupid fucking bitch

-Shrivelling old ball bag bitch

-Lumpy oatmeal bitch

-Stewed prune bitch



And so on, and so forth. Just leave turtles out of it because they're really sweet. Kthanksbye!

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turtles are condescending

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I do love turtles and I didnt mean to insult them.



He's all of what you just mentioned and more.

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He's scum



Paul Ryan too

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McConnell is going to burn in Hell when he dies.

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i'm upset that the capitol police actually complied with his request, like, WTF. don't blindly follow orders because some asshole in power told you to! say no. people have the right to protest.

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Do rich people actually have any sense of morality like at all? It's like looking at an alien species pic.twitter.com/UZDy2hqOaE  Berk (@MalkyDungeon) June 21, 2017

Not directly related but this basically sums up the thought process behind this:

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that reminds me of my old neighbors constantly chastising us for not watering our lawn and making their lawn look bad........ in the middle of a drought

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I've never heard a story about neighborhoods that complain about neighbours who devalue their home that I agree with. Especially when people say that shit and they had no plans of moving anytime soon like ??

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Places where grass can't grow without being watered shouldn't have lawns. I don't care if that's an unpopular opinion but lawns in fucking deserts are goddamn stupid and a waste of water. We've never watered our lawn in my entire life, and nobody I know does either. It goes brown in the fall and during the spring and people just let it stay brown as long as it needs to until it naturally comes back from being dormant.



Just use fake grass or plant plants suitable for the area that you live in. I hate people obsessed with their goddamn lawns.



I support you and your brown lawn! Fuck your neighbours.

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My neighbors do this, too. We've had an extended drought every year, so we switched to an eco-friendly, low-water lawn with clover. Now they think our lawn is ugly. I don't give a shit, I don't have to water it.

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Jesus, how fucking morally bankrupt do you have to be say this out loud and on the record.

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I was reading this article yesterday and I was truly stunned that someone had the gall to put this into words. A necessary condition for possessing wealth is a complete lack of basic human empathy. Capitalism is a disease.

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This doesn't surprise me in the least.

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OP I'm mobile but Obama wrote a message on facebook about all this too. I miss him so much :\

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ty! i'll add it

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Healthcare should not be something only the wealthy can afford. I don't understand why this isn't common sense. Fuck these people.

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If they're going to die, then they should hurry up and do it, and decrease the surplus population.

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what up, what up Scrooge

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It shouldn't be a thing that only the wealthy and healthy can afford. This country is so goddamn backwards.

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They should burn in hell. No, let me correct that: they should burn.

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The disdain that these so called Christians have for poor people is unreal. I wish their God was real so they would burn in hell.



Edited at 2017-06-22 07:57 pm (UTC)

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Sometimes I wish I believed in a hell just for that reason..

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it makes no sense either since jesus was all about helping the poor.

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some of these people who call themselves Christians don't really know or believe in anything about Jesus. They just use religion as an excuse to persecute people who don't follow their particular rigid mindset

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Church has one purpose for the self-proclaimed Christians: getting ahead in business at any cost. Built in network for social climbing.

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I've gotten to the point where I ask them what version of the Bible they had because the Jesus in the edition I had didn't go around starving the poor, the sick, or the old and certainly not for his own financial gain. I enjoy their inept sputtering.

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You didn't learn about free market economics in Sunday school?

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Blame Calvinism for bringing capitalism into Christianity, and turning wealth into a good thing. Jesus did say it's nearly impossible for a rich person to get into heaven, and will say "I don't know you" to Christians who practice lawlessness and want salvation.

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same. fuck all of these so-called christian monsters.

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These people would despise Jesus to no end if he were walking among us right. Cause him of being liberal suck and a snowflake.

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I got into that with my deeply religious grandmother not too terribly long ago. Now unfortunately, her particular flavor of it is the Wal-Mart of Christianity: prosperity/health-and-wealth/name-it-and-c laim-it gospel. Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, all those heretical clowns. For those playing at home, I myself identify more closely with a mix of Methodist and Anglican canon but practice it very quietly and privately. I partially grew up going to my grandparents' megachurch (not by choice, mind you), but even as a kid it didn't sit right with me because what they preached did not line up with what I was reading in the Bible itself.



My grandma and I have a lot of really great social/political/religious debates and while in the middle of one recently, she spouted off something along the lines of "...and [the liberals] just want everyone to take care of everyone! They want us to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and take care of the poor out of our own pockets with our own hard-earned money!" without a hint of irony.



I replied: "...so...just like Jesus said, then?"



She paused.



"Not like that, baby. I know where you're going with this, I know what you think you mean, but not like that. He didn't mean it like that. You just don't understand." (a line I hear frequently.)



These poor people. Between Faux News constantly screaming at them that everything they hold dear is under attack every second of every day and their millionaire celebrity preachers telling them to donate pray harder so Jesus will make them a millionaire too, no wonder they have such a warped worldview. I pity them.

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I don't understand the cognitive dissonance of having so much hate for poor people while following the religion of a man who said stuff like this: "truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

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I'm gonna puke.

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she's still shouting no cuts as they take her away. she's a true champ :( ugh

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The only place I've seen that is Chris Hayes' twitter and in the replies people have said Kennedy has hired clerks for 2018 so it's a good indication he's staying. I'm not sure why Chris tweeted it.

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I only saw it on Chris Hayes' twitter, but it legit made me want to curl up and never read the news again. Like I just felt despondent at the possibility that drumpf or the repubs get to choose another justice.

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idk where that came from but i'm fucking scared. if trump gets another nominee through it could very well be the end of roe

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I've been helping some folks plan for this, and general consensus is that it will be next summer after redistricting case. 1/2  Josh Orton (@joshorton) June 22, 2017

But Kennedy is so politically naive/myopic I still worry that Gorsuch has convinced him going now would help bring stability, or something.  Josh Orton (@joshorton) June 22, 2017

ok wtf

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He's definitely planning on retiring sometime soon. The Gorsuch pick seems like it was supposed to be an act of goodwill towards Kennedy. Whatever happens, the court is going to be totally fucked for decades. And with the way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if Ginsberg just doesn't make it through Trump's term.

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I hate how Ginsburg refusing to retire under Obama was framed as some sort of female empowerment move



Edited at 2017-06-22 08:32 pm (UTC)

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This is fucking terrible. I'm so over the insurance I have now, they throw everything to the deductible and won't do co-pays until I pay the full $4,500 deductible. So I'm basically paying everything out of pocket. I've already spent 2k that they would accept on medical expenses and 2500 on a surgery they wouldn't pay for. I'm so overwhelmed.



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Health care has always been about something bigger than politics: it's about the character of our country. https://t.co/UqLO14Hef7  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 22, 2017



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I just read his whole statement and I am in tears. Obama fucked up some things royally but MY GOD how good we had it.

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Well too bad you didn't push for Universal Healthcare or Single-Payer when you could and instead insisted on that reaching across the aisle bullshit and caved to insurance companies, Obama.

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He couldn't get get Dems/Independents in Congress to agree to a public option in the ACA (fuck you Joe Lieberman). There was no way he could have gotten Single Payer through Congress, as much as he may have wanted to. He played the best hand he could with the cards he was dealt.

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He. Tried. You wanna blame someone for not not having single payer? Feel free to lay it at the feet of that troll Joe Lieberman.

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YAAAASSSS SPEAK OUT ZADDY

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And the character of our country is that it hates poor, non-white, disabled, chronically sick people. What more is there to say?

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just what conservative republican jesus christ would've wanted

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omfg lol

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#americangodsjoke That Jesus is not invited to Osatara's Easter party.

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I don't want hell for these people, I want a well targeted virus that will lock them up insides their own bodies, mute until death.

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And some USEFUL Anonymous or other hackers to spread their wealth. Robin Hood this, wankers.

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loving this concept!!!

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This sounds hella likely considering they're probably huge anti VAXXERS

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The power restructuring in Saudi Arabia this week led to the elevation of 31-year-old Mohammed bin Salman to crown prince, essentially ensuring that he will become the youngest king of Saudi Arabia in the not-too-distant future. The heir apparent has already been effectively running the country for the past few years, so the move was not entirely a shock. Nevertheless, the effects on the oil market could be profound.

The new crown prince is known to be a bit unpredictable. In the early phase of the oil price meltdown, he said that prices did not matter. But the plunge below $30 per barrel in early 2016 seemed to have changed the calculus. Last year Saudi Arabia became the principle driver behind a return to market management, that is restraining output to stabilize prices.

With the OPEC production cuts  which have had to be extended from six to 15 months  still proving to be insufficient at balancing the market, it is not entirely impossible that the crown prince might reverse course yet again at some point and return to a market share strategy. Or he could decide to deepen the cuts, an idea floated a few days ago by the Iranian oil minister. For now though, higher prices are surely to be the goal, particularly with the IPO of Saudi Aramco not far off. Either way, after Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman ousted former oil minister Ali al-Naimi last year, they have tighter control over the kingdoms oil policy.

The IPO is another signature initiative of the young prince. He hopes to sell off 5 percent of Aramco, which he argues could raise around $100 billion (some analysts dispute that figure) in order to finance his Vision 2030, which calls for a diversification of the Saudi economy. The elevation of Mohammed bin Salman is being interpreted in some corners as an effort to accelerate this economic transformation. With low oil prices, a sizable budget deficit, large but dwindling cash reserves, and a restive and young population, time is of the essence.

Meanwhile, the crown prince is also known to be aggressive and bellicose when it comes to Saudi Arabias position in the Middle East. As such, his promotion brings ominous possibilities in regards to the simmering conflict between Saudi Arabia and several of its regional rivals. Bin Salman is behind Saudi Arabias disastrous and bloody conflict in Yemen, which has been very costly and brought no discernable strategic benefit to the kingdom. Related: How Zombie Funds Are Disrupting Oil Prices

He is also known to be extremely hawkish towards Iran. This is an issue that would certainly push up oil prices if it got out of hand. [I]t is not really a question of if but rather of when a new escalation with Iran starts, Olivier Jakob, managing director of consultant Petromatrix GmbH, told Bloomberg. Under his watch, Saudi Arabia has developed aggressive foreign policies and he has not been shy about making strong statements against Iran. Iranian state news called the elevation of Mohammed bin Salman a soft coup.

There is no way to predict how a confrontation between the two countries would play out, but any prospect of oil supply disruption would ripple through the oil market even as it currently remains oversupplied.

Most recently, according to the WSJ, Mohammed bin Salman has pushed for the sudden blockade of Qatar. The former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef wanted to resolve the dispute through diplomacy, and the different stances between the two are said to have been the catalyst for latters ouster. The country needed unity and stability behind one policy, analysts say, which, in this case, was a more hardline approach to Qatar. Bin Salman won the argument, and was elevated to become crown prince.

The royal succession reshuffling is viewed as a much more assertive, insistent domineering approach to its neighbors, Chas Freeman, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under President George H.W. Bush, told the WSJ. Some of the neighbors regard it as a drive for Saudi hegemony in the region, he said.

But absent a more overt conflict involving some sort of military engagement, the repercussions of the new line of succession will hinge much more on the countrys oil policy. On that front, most analyst expect Saudi Arabia to stick to, or even deepen, the OPEC production cuts, despite the sacrifice it would entail. The IPO of Aramco is too important to the country, an offering that really needs higher oil prices. So, at least for the short-term, it is probably business-as-usual in Riyadh.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
On 22 March 2017, Sinopec agreed a deal to buy out Chevrons downstream businesses in South Africa and Botswana, in Chinas first major investment into the downstream oil industry in Africa. Although China already has an extensive footprint in Africa, the majority of these operations have been confined to the upstream sector  in oil and gas exploration.

China has been steadily expanding its upstream operations outside China since the late 1990s, through its three main state-controlled oil companies: CNPC, Sinopec and CNOOC, in an attempt to meet the countrys growing oil demand.

Over the past several decades, Chinas oil demand has risen drastically, driven by continued economic growth, an expanding middle class and a growing demand for consumer goods. China is now the world's second-largest oil consumer, but due to a steady drop in domestic production  thanks to high production costs, a deterioration in mature oilfields, and cheaper international oil prices  it has also become the worlds biggest importer of crude oil.

In 2016, Chinas dependency on foreign oil imports reached 64.4 percent of total demand  an increase of 3.8 percent from 2015  this is expected to increase further through 2017.

However, despite this increase, domestic demand has actually begun to slow down significantly. In 2016, demand for oil in China grew at its slowest pace since 2013, increasing by just 2.5 percent  down from 3.1 percent in 2015 and 3.8 percent in 2014. Notably, the slowdown occurred as the Chinese economy expanded at its slowest pace in 26 years.

Therefore, although foreign investments by Chinese oil companies have largely remained within the upstream sector, the significant slowdown in domestic demand has meant that Chinese companies are turning to foreign markets to secure further customers for continued growth.

Notably, Africa appears to be one of Chinas top destinations for investment.

Sinopec Acquisitions

The majority of imported oil in China is from the Middle East and Africa; and in April 2017, China imported some 1.48 million barrels of oil a day from West Africa alone.

Furthermore, energy demand in Africa is predicted to grow by over 75 percent between 2015 and 2035, much faster than the global average of 31 percent; while South Africas demand for refined oil is continuing to increase at a rate of about 5 percent every year, offering an obvious attraction as a healthy and growing energy market.

Under the Sinopec-Chevron deal, Sinopec bought 100 percent of Chevron Botswana and 75 percent of Chevron South Africa (the remaining 25 percent stake is held by local shareholders, in accordance with South African regulations) for US $900 million. These included included a Cape Town refinery, oil storage facilities, a lubricants factory in Durban and the Caltex service station distribution network across South Africa and Botswana.



The Cape Town oil refinery has a capacity of 5 million tonnes per year, while Caltex owns and operates more than 820 petrol stations, 220 convenience stores and other oil storage and distribution facilities across the two countries.

Sinopec was the sole bidder after French oil company Total, and commodity traders Glencore and Gunvor pulled out of the auction due to the South African governments desire to keep the Cape Town refinery running. Research firm BMI estimates the cost of upgrading the refinery at about US $1 billion, but said that Sinopecs previous experience in upgrading refineries in China likely helped their bid.

Sinopec may use the purchase of these assets to expand into the downstream African market. Caltex is one of South Africa's top four petroleum brands, and the purchase presents Sinopec with access to Caltexs substantial forecourt footprint.

Furthermore, South Africa is Africas second largest economy and, in comparison to the majority of countries in Africa, has relatively strong institutional structures, sophisticated financial services, and better infrastructure availability.

Related: OPEC Cuts Send Russias Oil Heartland Into Decline

Furthermore, South Africa and China have an established relationship. China has been South Africas largest trading partner since 2010, when the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership, which aimed to deepen and strengthen co-operation and exchanges between the two countries in terms of political, economic and business support. More recently, in December 2015, the two countries signed 25 agreements worth a combined value of US $16.5 billion during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Furthermore, these purchases have given Sinopec  Asias biggest oil refiner and the worlds second largest  its first major refinery in Africa, and thrust it into the leagues of other international oil companies (IOCs), such as ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Lukoil and Kuwait Petroleum, that operate downstream petrol stations outside their country of origin.

Sinopec has since confirmed that it is planning to increase its foreign investment to more than $30 billion  almost double the $16 billion spent by the company in 30 different countries between 2010 and 2015. Although the timeframe and specific locations have not yet been confirmed, some of this investment is likely to be in Africa.

Despite boasting an estimated 7.6 percent of the worlds proven reserves, a lack of adequate infrastructure and investment has forced many African countries to rely on imported oil  therefore presenting the African downstream oil industry as an attractive opportunity for investment for China.

A Political Proxy, or Just Business?

Since 2009, China has become Africas biggest trading partner; bilateral trade between the two reached US $149.1 billion in 2016, with investments by Chinese companies reaching US $3.2 billion.

Traditionally, Chinese investment in Africa has focused on the natural resources sectors, but in recent years it has also expanded to include construction, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and communications.

As China-Africa trade increases, the relationship between the two has become increasingly scrutinised. With western media often suggesting that Chinas economic approach to African countries over-proportionately benefits China.

At first glance, the relationship appears to benefit both parties. Africa not only has an abundance of much needed natural resources, but also presents a largely untapped consumer market for Chinese consumer goods, produced by Chinas growing manufacturing sector. In return, Chinese investments have created employment opportunities, increased infrastructure development, and provided a wealth of technical and professional knowledge.

However, with the majority of Chinese multinational companies being state-owned enterprises (SOEs), fears have been raised that the Chinese government is merely using them as a means to both secure much-needed natural resources at low-prices, and also extend Chinas global political influence.

Investing in Africa has allowed China to strengthen its diplomatic relations with several African governments  subsequently increasing its influential power on the global stage and in global forums such as the United Nations.

In 2015, AidData  a U.S. research lab  published research that appeared to suggest that African countries that align with Chinas voting at the United Nations General Assembly received more development assistance. Furthermore, Chinese national Margaret Chan was allegedly elected to the post of Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) through attaining the majority of votes from African delegations.

Related: Clash Between Qatar And The Saudis Could Threaten OPEC Deal

Notably, South Africa is Africas only member of the influential G20 international forum, and in September 2016, South African President Jacob Zuma announced his willingness to strengthen cooperation with China in the UN, G20, BRICS, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and other multilateral frameworks.

This increasing interest in Africa is likely to be part of Chinas One Belt One Road initiative, which aims to increase connectivity and trade flows between China, Central Asia, Europe and Africa by constructing roads, railways, ports, pipelines and other infrastructure projects.

Conversely, it can be argued that theories that Chinese investments in Africa are all part of a grand political scheme are actually hiding the more obvious motive: that Chinese companies are simply business-driven and actually just looking for new growth markets.

As with any significant investments, Chinas investing in African countries has benefits and disadvantages for both parties. But as relations between China and Africa continue to develop, Chinas expanding economic influence may result in an increasing dependence that will dominate the economies and politics of several African countries in the long-term.

Or conversely, Chinas increasing interest in the continent may cause other countries and businesses to reassess the value of their relationships in Africa.

By Shadow Governance Intel

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Since the trough in the Great Recession, the world economy has recovered smartly. But according to the latest calculations from energy giant, BP, global energy usage has not kept pace with economic growth. The U.S. seems to be leading the way in economic growth while consuming little additional energy and actually reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The U.S. has become more energy efficient. And natural gas, by virtue of its lower cost, has displaced a portion of coal consumption. Renewables, although still a relatively small part of the country's energy mix, also ate into all fossil fuel consumption.

The switch from coal to natural gas and renewables accounted for a big chunk of the reduced carbon emissions. Considering that renewables still make up a small fraction of energy production and coal still accounts for a significant fraction of electricity generation, there is room for more improvement. (See figures 1 and 2.)

Figure 1. USA Real Gross Domestic Product, Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2009=100)

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 2. USA Electricity, Coal, Natural Gas and Renewables (Excluding Hydro) Consumption (2009=100)

(Click to enlarge)

The world, as a whole, interestingly seems to have pulled back less in terms of energy usage, but glob-al figures are heavily influenced by Chinese energy demand. Whereas energy consumption rose at one fifth the rate of GDP growth in the USA, it rose at half of the rate of GDP in the world as a whole. (Keep in mind that worldwide economic comparisons tend to vary from source to source and method to method of calculation.)

China accounted for less than half of the increase in world GDP, for roughly half the increase in world carbon emissions and electricity consumption, and two-thirds of the increase in coal consumption. A closer look at the data would demonstrate that many other major economies have made economic progress similar to the United States but that China has lagged in terms of improvement. But that may change now that China has prioritized clean energy in an attempt to economically dominate that sec-tor. (See figures 3 and 4.) Related: Iraq Dethrones Saudi Arabia As Indias No.1 Oil Supplier

Figure 3. World Real Gross Domestic Product, Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions (2009=100)

(Click to enlarge)

Figure 4. World Electricity, Coal, Natural Gas and Renewables (Excluding Hydro) Consumption (2009=100)

(Click to enlarge)

The decline in the importance of energy to the economy both in the US and globally since at least 2009 is part of a decades old trend. Large commercial and industrial consumers of electricity as well as indi-vidual homeowners have become more efficient in their energy usage while the domestic economy transitions from industrial to more service-oriented industries.

But the post-Great Recession period takes this already worrisome trend in declining electricity demand to a new extreme. What next? Related: Is $40 Oil On The Horizon?

Based on recent trends and projections, the U.S. economy could grow 2-3 percent per annum. Given that growth in electricity usage has been only a fraction of overall economic growth, that suggests electricity and total energy consumption might rise by less than 1 percent per year. (Renewables, on the other hand, could experience 9-10 percent growth annually.)

With flattish forecast electricity consumption levels, significantly more renewables, and natural gas continuing to displace coal, the U.S. might actually keep its carbon emissions close to or below current levels.

World real GDP might grow 3-4 percent per year, causing overall energy demand to increase 1.5-2 per-cent per year, and electricity demand 2-3 percent annually. As the world's energy consumers become wealthier, they will tend to substitute electricity for other less desirable energy sources such as burn-ing wood. If China and India, despite significant coal reserves, implement their recently stated goals with respect to the promotion of renewable resources at the expense of coal, growth in carbon emis-sions could be reduced even further.

With the present economic expansion appearing somewhat long in the tooth so to speak, and renew-able energy prices continuing to decline, prudent energy executives might want to plan for continued, minimal growth at best. Perhaps the age of energy is transitioning into something else.

By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Struggling oil prices in recent weeks have battered energy stocks and energy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have already been underperforming the market so far this year.

Analysts reckon that over the past few weeks, energy stocks have further shed price values from their price targets and breached oversold thresholds for the first time in five weeks. All these factors point to a strong buy signal for investors.

The oil and gas stocks sell-off could spur a renewed round of corporate mergers, but likely just selective ones, in view of the current commodity prices, according to Williams Capital Groups Gabriele Sorbara who named five U.S. companies potentially ripe for deals to Forbes contributor Claire Poole.

Even before the most recent oil price slump, two U.S. energy firmsStone Energy Corporation and Penn Virginia Corporationsaid they would explore all possible ways to maximize shareholder value. Both have recently emerged from bankruptcy and are seeking ways to increase shareholders returns.

Penn Virginia, whose key assets are in the Eagle Ford, said in its 2016 results release in March that Given our strong liquidity, proven oil asset base and recent operating successes, we are evaluating all strategic alternatives available to the Company to maximize shareholder value.

Last week, Reuters reportedciting people familiar with the matterthat Penn Virginia had hired Jefferies to assist it in strategic decisions, including a possible sale, as the former creditors are looking to cash out.

Stone Energy, for its part, said in April that it is retaining Petrie Partners LLC as adviser as the board intends to explore all potential avenues to increase stockholder value, which may include the acquisition of additional assets, accessing external capital, a business combination, or another strategic transaction. Related: Whats Wrong With The U.S. Oil Export Boom



Williams Capitals Sorbara has named five other U.S. oil and gas companies that could be selling themselves or some of their assetsEnergen Corporation, Newfield Exploration Company, SM Energy, PDC Energy, and Gulfport Energy Corporation.

Energen, focused on drilling and development of its high-quality assets in the Permian, said earlier this week that it had decided that continuing to execute the companys business plan is the best path to enhancing shareholder value. The statement came a few weeks after activist investor Corvex Management LP reported at the end of May that it holds 5.5 percent in Energen and urged it to strongly consider what actions can be taken to enhance and maximize shareholder value  including a review of the potential value delivered to shareholders through a change of control transaction given the recent wave of acquisitions in the Permian Basin at per acre values well in excess of the Issuers current implied value.

The other four possible M&A participants currently trade at steep discounts, although they have prime acreage in some of the best U.S. shale plays, according to Forbes.

Newfield Exploration, whose key areas of operation are the Anadarko and Arkoma basins of Oklahoma, the Williston Basin of North Dakota, and the Uinta Basin of Utah, is next on Sorbaras list of potential M&A targets. According to the analyst, Newfield could sell its assets in Williston for some US$850 million, and use the proceeds to accelerate a program, boost liquidity, or boost its portfolio with bolt-on acquisitions.

SM Energywhose key assets include operations in South Texas and the Gulf Coast, the Rocky Mountains, and the Permiancould sell its assets in the Bakkens Divide County, according to Sorbara, who has valued that property at US$400-500 million. In mid-May, SM Energy said that it had postponed indefinitely the planned sale of its Divide County, North Dakota assets as valuations in the sales process did not reach the Company's threshold to meaningfully reduce its leverage.

Next on the potential sale list are assets of PDC Energy, which is focused on the Wattenberg field in Colorado, the Delaware Basin in the Permian, and the Utica Shale. In its Q1 2017 results release in May, PDC Energy said that it plans to pursue the 2017 divestiture of it Utica Shale asset in order to provide additional focus to its premier Core Wattenberg and Delaware Basin assets. PDC Energy could receive US$200-250 million for the Utica assets, according to Sorbara.

The fifth potential M&A takeout, Oklahoma City-based Gulfport Energy, has assets in Utica Shale in Ohio, Oklahomas SCOOP, Louisiana Gulf Coast, and Alberta Oil Sands, among others. Gulfport Energy also holds around 24 percent in oil field services provider Mammoth Energy Services, and analyst Sorbara reckons that Gulfport Energy could sell that stake, worth around US$157 million as of the beginning of last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Chinas grand vision of One Belt, One Road aims to facilitate connections between countries and peoples across Eurasia and boost investments and trade. The Chinese government must not neglect domestic challenges that could undermine its efforts.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century New Maritime Silk Road, known as One Belt, One Road, is a foreign policy proposed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping to build roads, ports, and railways to connect Eurasia. The initiative spans overland and across the oceans, involving 60 countries along the two routes, covering 4.4 billion people and accounts for over 40 percent of the worlds GDP. The initiative is the most ambitious foreign policy that any contemporary Chinese leader has ever introduced, framed on the basis of mutual benefits and facilitates connectivity of policy, trade, financial, infrastructure, and people-to-people between the countries involved.

Both domestic and foreign Chinese observers have devoted a lot of efforts to figure out what this one belt, one road means and what it does. Many have outlined the external political risks that affect the implementation of the one belt, one road. But domestic risks and challenges that could undermine the one belt, one road also deserve equal examination.

Sustain support of one belt, one road from basing on national pride to basing on material gain

Naturally, the one belt, one road has enjoyed a huge popular support from the Chinese population. This is not only owing to the fact that President Xi himself enjoys a significantly high level of popular support, but also because the one belt, one road links to the historical trade route, Silk Road, which represented the golden period of Chinas Tang dynasty and was responsible for over 50 percent of the worlds output then. It also links to Chinas rejuvenation and the Chinese dream that Xi has been saying about.

However, this policy is more than just a strategy for China to leverage its economic might to increase its influence beyond Asia, this initiative is also part of Chinas domestic reforms and economic growth. China will need to turn the popular support of the one belt, one road that based on national pride to the one that its citizens can see the material benefits of supporting the initiative in order to sustain the level of enthusiasm.

Last year, the state lender China Development Bank granted loans totaled to $160 billion to countries involved in the one belt, one road. Xi has also announced Chinas commitment to spend $900bn to fund the initiative that involves building ports and railways in Africa and Asia. However, most of these countries are low-income economies and thus making a profit return is a slow process. Chinese people will question and in fact, are asking who is paying for the bill and if China is subsidizing development projects in those countries, why isnt the government doing so in China. The high economic boom of China in the late 80s to early 2000s has created a huge inequality, and many provinces are still living below the poverty line. Social unrest and protests of the inner China have become more frequent and their dissatisfaction will be exacerbated if Chinese people do not see themselves benefiting or even losing out on these foreign projects.

Policy incoherence, internal resource struggle, and ethnic tensions marred implementation of the one belt, one road

Given the size of the Chinese territories, the country borders with a majority of the countries along the one belt, one road. The proximity with other countries give some Chinese provinces the ethnic ties, culture advantages, which mean they could serve an important role in the grand initiative. Related: Can Canadian Crude Compete In Asia?

Xinjiang, for example, is the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which shares a border with eight countries including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. It is the window to west and deepens cooperation with Central, South and West Asian countries. Yunnan borders with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, serves the gateway to Southeast Asia. Fujian province, where many of the overseas Chinese in South-east Asian are originated from, is a core area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, which goes through several Southeast Asian countries through waters.

While the Chinese central government is expecting its different regions to use its comparative advantages to support the one belt, one road, this strategic deployment is constrained by the capacity of local governments.

Local governments lack sufficient understanding of the one belt, one road, especially those countries along the one belt, one road. The one belt, one road is a top-down policy, and local governments are often mobilizing their efforts to understand the central governments intention, not the essence of a policy.

Another constraint is internal resources struggle among different regions. The concern of missing out has led to competition for resource between different provinces. Regions are often not aware of the events and discussions happening in their neighboring regions, and when they do, they often think this has nothing to do with them. Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, for example, share the border and with their geographic and cultural advantages are tasked to focus on cooperation with Central Asia and Western Asia, but there has been little synergy between these provincial governments. Xenophobic and conservative is very severe in many parts of China and the central government needs to push for better regional integration and coordination mechanisms for the grand strategy to bear fruits.

Final constraint is the ethnic tensions within China, such as Xinjiang and Tibet. Both regions have demanded more autonomy and tensions with the central government have led to violent outbreaks against civilians and properties. Separatist movements driven by ethnic conflicts fuse terrorist activities within China as well as in nearby countries along the routes of the one belt, one road.

Related: Aramco Aims To Take Over The Offshore Rig Market

Not all go-global companies are made equal

Many of the Chinese companies that are taking their business abroad branded themselves as part of the one belt, one road, in order to receive support and preferential access from the Chinese government, but whether they are actually contributing to the one belt, one road initiative is questionable. With increasing number of Chinese enterprises expanding their activities in countries along the trade routes, some they are doing more harm to Chinas image than promoting the one belt, one road. While it is encouraging to see the high level of support from Chinese companies, for whatever reason, the unfortunate truth is that not all leading domestic Chinese companies are able to serve the one belt, one road as they are constrained by traditions, culture, and language barriers. Corruption, damage to the local environment, and cultural and political insensitiveness are all the potential risks that would undermine Chinas efforts to push out the grand vision that pledges to be implemented based on mutual respects and mutual cooperation.

Final thoughts

Last week 29 head of states, along with other 1500 delegates from over 130 countries gathered in Beijing for a two-day conference, The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, to discuss the one belt, one road initiative. The global event ended with 270 signed deliverables for policy coordination, infrastructure, trade, investment, and people to people exchanges. Chinas grand vision to deepen connectivity and expand trades continues to receive a mixture of response. However, one thing for sure is that many countries and companies want to be part of the conversation, whether they support, suspect or have unanswered questions. China will not only need to be sensitive to how the international community react, but also how its domestic factors influence the implementation and the success of this grand initiative.

By Global Risk Insights

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The architect of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 plan is now next in line to the throne, the Saudi Press Agency announced on Wednesday, paving the way for the 31-year-old nobleman to forward an assertive regional foreign policy and a much-needed economic overhaul.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salmans young son, replaced Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the monarchs 57-year-old nephew, as heir  signaling the rising tide of a new generation of the Saudi ruling class. The shift was approved by 31 of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, made up of the royal familys most elite members.

The new crown prince has handled the KSAs two biggest conundrums in recent years: the war against Shiite Houthis in Yemen and the overhaul of an oil-dependent economy.

His ability to deliver on both fronts is still highly uncertain, as the countrys authorities are attempting to implement several generations worth of reforms in less than 15 years said, risk management firm Verisk Maplecrofts principal MENA analyst, Torbjorn Soltvedt, said. All this while managing a host of challenges, including depressed oil prices and a resilient US tight oil sector; an ascendant Iran; a protracted military conflict in Yemen; and the threat of growing socioeconomic pressure as generous state welfare and subsidies need to be cut.

Related: Is This Saudi Arabias Newest Strategy To Boost Oil Prices?

The Make Saudi Arabia Great Again agenda antagonizes Iran, while leveraging existing oil assets to shape a service-based economy that hires Saudi citizens, instead of importing expat labor.

The Saudi Aramco initial public offering (IPO) will finance the economic restructuring plan outlined in Vision 2030. Bin Salmans ties to President Donald Trump suggest New York may be a shoo-in to host Aramcos mouthwatering foreign listing. London, Hong Kong, and other international bourses have all been competing for the giant offeringthe largest in financial history. Recent reports had Bin Salman handing the Big Apple the Aramco deal, against the advice of the Kingdoms other senior financial planners. His new promotion, and the authority that comes with it, improves the NYSEs odds of winning the race for the IPO for a company that some value as high as $2 trillion.

Eighty-one-year-old King Salmans poor health means that New York could be one royal decree away from a deeper economic connection to Riyadh and its oil wealtha notion that runs against Trumps mantra of American energy independence, but paradoxically melds well with his personal affinity towards strongmen leaders.

The Yemeni civil war, which has no conceivable end date, will continue as long as American weapons continue reaching the Saudi military. On June 13th, the U.S. Senate narrowly approved a $110 billion arms deal with Riyadh that Trump approved during his trip to the Middle East last month. Prominent Republican lawmakers, including Rand Paul, vehemently opposed the sale.

The proxy war against Shiite Iran for control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which tankers are carrying 4 million barrels of oil daily, will be a serious drain on the royal treasury until the conflict begins affecting fossil fuel cargoes. At that point, third parties will be motivated to intervene monetarily in a way they have not been until now. An attack on a Marshall Islands vessel in early June indicates an intervention could be coming sooner, rather than later. Related: The Big Data Revolution In Oil Is Accelerating

Bin Salmans staunch anti-Iran attitude is likely to exacerbate tensions with Qatar as a blockade against the small Gulf country continues. Bahrain and the KSA are wary of Dohas friendly ties to Tehran  a bilateral relationship made necessary by the gargantuan South Pars field shared between Iran and Qatar.

On the domestic front, Bin Salman remains highly popular amongst the Kingdoms large youth and middle-aged population. Over 65 percent of Saudi residents30 percent of whom are expatsare between the ages 15-54, according to 2016 data. A more liberal social policy that would allow women greater freedom of mobility and civil rights, is on the crown princes to-do list, but the effort will face staunch opposition from the entrenched and conservative Islamic ministry.

Bin Salmans rise demonstrates Saudi Arabias commitment to a new economy, equipped to succeed in a globalized economy. At the same time, Riyadhs continuation of anti-Iran policies will breed conflict within the Arab world as Tehran gains alliesor at least, non-enemiesin Qatar, Algeria, and Iraq, amongst other Arab nations.

The heirs young age means his worldview would reverberate in the Middle East and North Africa region for decades. But this fact also leaves the future monarch ample time to learn and adjust his diplomacy.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Brent crude slipped below $45 on Wednesday, reaching its lowest price since last November as a supply glut continues to plague oil markets, according to a new report by Bloomberg.

Theres a sea of negativity," Maxwell Gold of ETF Securities LLC said. "This is much more a story of sentiment weighing on the markets."

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 2.5 million barrel draw on domestic inventories on Wednesday, but the news was not enough to boost West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices, which have fallen 22 percent from a peak in January.

I dont think one report by itself is enough to dispel the fears," Gene McGillian, manager for market research at Tradition Energy, said. "I would be surprised if this is the beginning of a turnaround."

At the end of last month, Saudi Arabia announced a plan to lower exports to the U.S. to force American refineries to use the millions of barrels of crude in storage. A few days later, Bloomberg reported that Iraq had negated its allys export cut by offering its own crude as a substitute for Saudi supplies.

Reuters reported today that OPEC-member Nigeria is set to increase exports to 2 million barrels per day in August. The African nation is exempt from the terms of the blocs deal to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day through March 2018. Loading plans compiled by Reuters show 2.02 million bpd of shipments planned on 67 vessels, some of which had previously been scheduled for July, but had to be pushed back due to loading delays.

Libyan oil production is also on the rise, with the country today announcing that output had reached 900,000 barrels per day. By next month, that figure will touch 1 million.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Federal judge James Boasberg, who last week ruled for an assessment review of the environmental impacts of the Dakota Access pipeline, has scheduled more hearings on the case for the summer, which means the pipeline will not be shut down. The hearings will determine whether the pipeline should be shut down while the review is in progress.

The news is not too good for the plaintiffs in the case, the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, whose main goal is to shut down the pipeline indefinitely. Still, the assessment review ruling was hailed as a victory for anti-pipeliners last week.

The tribes and their legal advisers hoped that the judge will suspend the DAPLs operation until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes the new assessment, or set a deadline for it, but neither of these has happened. When the judge asked the Army Corps how long the review would take, their lawyer declined to make any estimates, which prompted the additional hearings.

Energy Transfer Partners, the company that built the pipeline, was happy with the latest decision of Boasberg. Oil flow in the Dakota Access began early this month after months of protests and a veto by the Obama administration, which was reversed when Donald Trump entered the White House.

Related: Shale Efficiency Has Peaked For Now

The $3.8-billion pipeline project sprang a few minor leaks in North Dakota before it went into operation earlier this year, stoking opponents anger. All the leaks were contained, but the incidents strengthened the pipeline opponents case.

Energy Transfer partners, however, insists that the pipeline does not actually cross Standing Rock Sioux territory. On a map on the project website, the pipeline is shown as passing along one border of the tribes reservation. Lake Oahe, which is a dammed section of the Missouri River, contains eight other pipelines that have been operating for years.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Russia exported 4.822 million bpd of crude oil by sea in May, down from a record 5.21 million bpd in the previous month, energy data provider Kpler has said, adding that this is the first monthly decline in Russias crude oil exports this yearanother tentative gleam of hope for oil bulls, after the Energy Information Administration yesterday reported a 2.5-million-barrel decline in crude oil inventories.

Whats more, Kpler says, this month should see another draw in Russian exports. The data provider sees them, based on loadings until now, at between 4.2 million and 4.4 million barrels daily. This, the company notes, is the lowest since August 2016.

Further falls are also likely: preliminary loadings data seen by Reuters suggests that loadings from Russian ports on the Baltic Sea are set for a decline in the first 12 days of July. The decline is seen at 300,000 tons of crude, bringing the total down to 2.1 million tons. Loadings from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk are also set for a reduction, to 980,000 tons from 1.12 million tones for the first 12 days of June. Kpler confirmed the figures.

These data give a reason to hope that the production cut OPEC and Russia extended in May are having an impact on more than Saudi Arabias crude exports. But while maritime exports constitute a substantial part of Russian crude exports, the country also ships a lot of crude by pipelines, and there is no information yet about how these shipments looked last month.



Related: Is This Saudi Arabias Newest Strategy To Boost Oil Prices?

Last year, Russia was the worlds top crude oil exporter, shipping an average 8.6 million bpd, according to BP.

Even if pipeline exports in May also declined, chances are the effect of this information on international prices will be limited. The EIA yesterday said U.S. crude production grew last week, by 20,000 bpd to 9.35 million barrels daily. Added to earlier reports this week about Libyan output hitting 900,000 bpd, and to the reasonable possibility that the active rig count in the U.S. will rise for the 23rd straight week, this production increase entirely offset the effect of this weeks crude oil inventory draw. It is also likely to offset any sprouts of optimism resulting from the Russian export news.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
By Taxpayer Association of Oregon

Tax Alert #3  Small Business Tax Increase

After a Session spent seeking a huge new tax scheme that would dramatically increase taxes on larger businesses and burden consumers with higher prices and employees with lower wages, Oregons Legislature has shifted to a new plan. Unable to achieve the supermajority of votes required to implement a Gross Receipts Tax, similar to Measure 97 which was soundly defeated by voters just last year, Legislators have decided to tax small business instead.

The new plan would hit businesses with fewer than 10 employees with a 41 percent tax increase by bumping the rate they pay from 7 percent to 9.9 percent. This change would give Oregon small businesses among the highest tax rates in the country. Larger corporations would see no tax increase at all, despite their having been the focus of virtually all legislative discussions until this week. For the record, the Taxpayer Association opposes all forms of business tax increases discussed during this Session.

Although the plan very obviously raises revenue, Legislative Democrats are claiming it doesnt meet the supermajority vote requirements. This would allow it to pass on a simple majority vote in each House, but would also mean it is likely to be tied up in Court for months or years over the supermajority issue. The bill is HB 2061.
The Public Communications Director of the Nigerian Police Force, Chief Superintendent [Supt.] Jimoh Moshood has confirmed to NEAT FMs morning show dubbed Ghana Montie that apprehended Billionaire kidnapper, Chikwudubem Onwuamadike alias Evans has a local Ghanaian name in his Ghanaian passport.



But Supt. Moshood was handicap to give out the exact local name when asked by host Kwesi Aboagye  but maintains that investigation is ongoing so we do not want to reveal that name now to the public.



The issue of the notorious kidnaper who was arrested two weeks ago in his mansion in Nigeria with a Ghanaian passport was made public by the Inspector General for the Nigeria Police Force, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris.



Speaking at the West Africa National Security Conference at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Nigeria security capo said the kidnapper; Chikwudubem Onwuamadike was found to have a Ghanaian passport.



He has two houses in Accra and "his family is based in Ghana here," Kpotun Idris told the meeting of security officers.



According to Nigeria's IGP, Evans is an expensive hostage-taker who has at one time demanded $6m ransom for the release of his victim.



However, Supt. Jimoh Moshood in an interview with NEAT FM noted that their office has picked up intelligence indicating that the billionaire kidnaper has a gang probably operating in Ghana.



I cant be able to give a single case but weve had complains from Ghana and another neighboring countries to Nigeria. We are not ruling out other possibilities because he has a Ghanaians passport with a Ghanaian name. That is even a crime, but we cant reveal his Ghanaian name now to the public, he noted



Jimoh Moshood also noted that the Nigerian police force will collaborate with the Ghanaians police to investigate how Evans had his passport and other relating issues that will pop out. We will work with the Ghana police to gather all other information needed from them.





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.

Featured Video
The prospects for commercial development of RES

Today's world has reached a critical point in matters of energy consumption and the development of energy resources, which makes the need for energy conservation as relevant as possible. Perhaps, in the near future, alternative energy sources will become the main sources.

Today's market is in a stage of changing between ideas and technologies and companies that can implement these ideas. Such companies not only mediate the introduction of new technologies, but also take a leading role in social and financial matters.

To date, the use of alternative energy sources is the most acute in the following areas:

The second generation bioethanol production

According to the researches, the bioethanol production reached its nominal level. In addition, this industry is criticized due the use of agricultural waste as raw material and that leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. According to experts, the production of bioethanol from corn has led to a global increase in food prices, worsened some air pollution and only slightly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Nevertheless, the lessons learned from the experience of the first-generation biofuel production lead us to a more efficient technology. According to the US Department of Energy, the second generation technologies using the same agricultural waste, such as corn stalks and cobs, can reduce air emissions by 90% compared to gasoline.

Unfortunately, the production of the second-generation biofuel is still at an embryonic level. This technology is applied by very few enterprises, but, judging by everything, their number will increase. According to the Sandia National Laboratory, by 2030, the United States will produce 75 billion gallons of biofuels per year, which will meet the national fuel requirements by 50%.

The key player in the market is the company Novozim, which has developed an enzyme-based bioethanol technology. To date, Novozim has occupied approximately 60% of the market for the use of enzymes in the first-generation technology and there are all the prerequisites for the fact that this indicator will be even higher when using the technology of the second generation.

The solar power engineering

Initially, the solar energy attracted a number of investors who were interested in the idea of bringing new products to the market. Nevertheless, it turned out that the production of solar panels in itself is a risky investment, as Chinese producers have sharply lowered the level of the margin.

At the same time, a number of investors consider the solar energy as a new technology that can really change the situation on the market. For example, the company Enphase Energy supplies inverters that convert the energy produced by solar panels to electricity. Such systems have reached the development level that allows them to be used by private consumers with maximum efficiency. Enphase Energy has long struggled for its market share and is not going to stop there. In the third quarter of 2014, the number of solar panels installed on residential buildings at the US territory, by 58% higher than in the previous year. At the same time, Enphase Energy controls 37% of the market sales of inverters to private consumers.

The energy saving

Energy industry specialists forecast the development of energy saving technology, based on the development of Tesla, which introduced in April this year a new type of an accumulator battery, allowing private users to disconnect from the power grids.

The possibility of the electricity saving is an important factor in the distribution of solar energy, allowing electricity to be generated during the day and to save it during the night, instead of selling it in the electricity grid, as is done now.

Unfortunately, the Tesla's equipment is still too expensive for its mass application. However, the very fact of its appearance allows to talk about the transition of the energy conservation from theory to practice. Over time, subject to lower prices, the number of users who switched to similar energy-saving systems will certainly increase.

Meanwhile, the market shows its readiness for a sharp expansion. According to the study by the company GTM Research, published in March this year, by 2019 the total sales in the US will reach $ 1.5 billion. For comparison, in 2014 this figure was only $ 128 million.

Summarizing the all above, we can say that in the next few years biofuel production, solar energy and energy conservation systems will be important components of the industry evolution. Of course, the level of efficiency will depend on investment strategies and the ability of companies to provide the foundation for the transition to reliable, profitable and environmentally safe energy.
State forest rangers pulled off an amazing rescue over the weekend after a 10-year-old boy got lost while hiking in Pharoah Lake Wilderness Area.

The wilderness area is a massive, undeveloped area of woods, mountains and ponds in northern Warren and southern Essex counties. It's not the place anyone wants to get lost, let alone a child.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, he became separated from the group he was hiking with, and was reported missing at 7:15 p.m. Saturday.

An overnight search unfolded with 23 DEC forest rangers as well as state troopers, dogs and a helicopter. A ranger, identified by the DEC as James Waters, found the boy near a swamp well off the trail shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday. He was a mile from the nearest official trail, the Short Swing Trail.

The DEC had at least five other rescues involving hikers over the past week or so, including several involving lost hikers. Always be prepared with compass, flashlight, paper copies of maps, water, food, cellphone, first aid kit, fire starter and any other items you would want if spending an unplanned night in the woods.

-- Don Lehman

DEC ranger rescue report

Town of Bolton

Warren County

Search: On June 12 at 7:53 p.m., Warren County 911 contacted DEC Ray Brook Dispatch requesting assistance for a lost hiker. The 40-year-old man became lost while hiking the trail between Cat and Thomas mountains. The male subject was able to provide cell phone and GPS coordinates of his location. Forest Rangers Arthur Perryman and Evan Donegan responded to the trailhead and began hiking in to his location. The subject crossed paths with another hiking group and eventually linked up with the Rangers. The Rangers assisted the group down to the trailhead, and the subject was in good health.

Town of Thurman

Warren County

Search: On June 12, New York State Police contacted Lt. John Solan requesting assistance from the Forest Rangers regarding a 69-year-old male who went missing on June 7. The man was last seen at his campground in the village of Lake George and was volunteering at the annual Americade rally. The subject, Robert Mike Vanderhoof, left the campground riding a red Honda Enduro motorcycle with Kentucky plates. On June 13, Rangers coordinated search efforts with the support of New York State Police (NYSP) and DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs). As a result of search efforts the subject was found deceased off a lightly traveled road.

Town of Brookhaven

Suffolk County

Prescribed Fire: An 8.4-acre prescribed fire was successfully completed on Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) property. The fire was conducted by Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher, who served as the burn boss. The interagency fire crew was made up of members from BNL Fire Department, BNL personnel, DEC staff, and Forest Rangers Joseph Pries, Brandon Poulton, and John Franceschina. The goal of the prescribed fire was to reduce woodland fuel loads and enhance nesting habitat for the eastern whip-poor-will, a medium-sized bird with a large, rounded head and stout chest.

Town of North Alba

Essex County

Rescue: On June 15, Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 27-year-old male from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who had reported a possible fractured ankle near the Lake Colden Outpost. The subject reported that he and his companions were camping across the lake from the outpost. A NYSP helicopter was used to transport Forest Rangers Megan McCone and James Giglinto into Lake Colden. Upon arrival, the Rangers crossed Lake Colden by row boat and located the subject. The subject was evaluated, treated, and loaded into the rowboat and returned to the Lake Colden Outpost. He was subsequently loaded into the helicopter and flown to AMC Saranac Lake for medical treatment.

Town of Schroon

Essex County

Search: On June 17 at 1:58 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Essex County 911 regarding a family of five lost on Bear Mountain in Schroon Lake. The father and his four children, all under the age of 14, became lost while descending the trail. Forest Rangers Arthur Perryman and Benjamin Baldwin responded and located the family. The subjects were assisted down to the Pyramid Lake Camp, where they were reunited with the remainder of the family.

Town of Keene

Essex County

Rescue: On June 17, DEC's Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Essex County 911 stating there was a 45-year-old man who was dehydrated and suffering from a knee injury. Forest Rangers Kevin Burns, James Giglinto, Robbi Mecus, and an Assistant Forest Ranger responded to the trailhead and hiked in approximately one mile, where they assessed the mans condition. After rehydrating, the man regained his strength and was able to walk out under his own power. The Rangers assisted him down the trailhead where an ambulance was waiting. The subject was then transported to Elizabethtown Hospital where he received further medical care.

Town of Shandaken

Ulster County

Search: On June 17, Central Dispatch was contacted by a 24-year-old male subject stating that his hiking party was lost on Panther Mountain. The caller stated that no one was hurt but they had limited water supplies and battery life on their cell phones. Forest Rangers Russell Martin and Nathan Shea responded to the trailhead to conduct a search. Ranger Shea hiked up the Fox Hollow Trail to intercept the lost subjects and located the party in exhausted, but otherwise good, condition. The party was rehydrated and provided with headlamps prior to returning to their vehicle at the Giant Ledge trailhead.
HEBRON  A Hebron man was jailed Wednesday night after police were sent to a home on Thunder Way for a report of domestic violence, officials said.

Christopher J. LaRock, 45, was charged with felony criminal contempt, misdemeanor criminal mischief and noncriminal harassment after the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to a 10:58 p.m. call for an incident involving a woman who has an order of protection against him, officials said.

He was accused of punching the woman, throwing her to the ground and damaging a window, according to the Sheriff's Office. No serious injuries were reported.

LaRock, who has at least one prior felony conviction, was arraigned and sent to Washington County Jail without bail.

Sheriff's deputies Matthew Ashton and Scott McFarren handled the case.
A number of GOP senators are avoiding outright supporting the new health care bill unveiled by Republican leaders Thursday morning -- saying they need more time to read the fine print before taking a stand.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled GOP alternative to Obamacare, warning in a speech that "more Americans may get hurt if we don't do something."

"We agreed on the need to free Americans from Obamacare's mandates -- so Americans are no longer forced to buy insurance they don't need or can't afford," McConnell said on the floor. "We'll repeal the employer mandate so Americans no longer see their hours or take home pay cut because of it."

Despite McConnell's positive reinforcement, many Republican senators were not immediately sold on the draft legislation after a closed-door briefing Thursday morning.

Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi expressed some disappointment that the new bill still resembles Obamacare in some aspects.

"Clearly a lot of us would like to do more," he said. "We're dealing with reality and getting to 50."

Many scoffed at the short period of time they will have to read the bill -- one week -- before voting on it. McConnell said that the Congressional Budget Office scoring of the bill won't be released until next week. Source's tell CNN they are expecting it Monday or Tuesday.

"It'll be hard to pass the bill -- lot of differing points of view -- and one week may not be enough time," Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch of Utah told CNN. Adding: "It's a real problem."

When asked if one week is enough time to review and amend the bill, GOP Sens. Bob Corker and Mike Rounds both responded "we'll see."

Members quickly rushed back to their offices to start reading the text of the bill. Many pointed to the tight timeline as their reason for avoiding questions about their thoughts.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- a key swing vote -- said she's on her way back to her office to really go through the bill before she comments on it.

Asked what she thought about what she was told in the briefing she said there's "a lot there." Questioned if she had any insight on what the parliamentarian would do on abortion and she said she didn't know.

Corker said he's not "happy or unhappy" about the bill. that he's going to go back and read it.

Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana echoed the same refrain, saying he wants to read the bill in full before articulating his concerns about it.

Earlier Cassidy had spoken about the bill needing to meet the Jimmy Kimmel test, harkening back to that viral monologue where the late night comedian revealed his son's heart condition and called out Republicans for considering a new bill that would allow insurance companies to drop coverage or charge more for pre-existing conditions.

Asked by CNN if the new bill met his "Kimmel test," Cassidy responded, "Again, I need to review the text but the issue is if your loved one gets sick, would they have adequate coverage? As best as I can tell it does but again I need to read the text."

Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, generally praised the bill, and said it was better than Obamacare in "100 ways."

However, he also said he still needed more time to study it before deciding if he'd support it, and in particular wanted feedback from his home state's governor on Medicaid provisions.

Nevada Sen. Dean Heller said he has "serious concerns" and also said he wants to see what his state's governor says.

"At first glance, I have serious concerns about the bill's impact on the Nevadans who depend on Medicaid," Heller said.

Ready to vote?

The short turnaround begs the question of whether one week really is enough time to vote on a bill that could restructure 1/6th of the economy, and if Republicans will wait until next month.

However, South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham said "I think so" when asked whether there is enough time to debate the bill.

McCain said he wasn't happy with this process but thought one week was enough time to review the bill for a vote.

Graham cautioned though, that it's likely that the bill won't stay in its current form.

"I think it'll probably get a lot of push back from people on the right in the house," he said adding that he himself came away more "positive" than he thought he'd be.

Graham expanded, "This bill is not take it or leave it. It is a starting point where we can look at the bill from our state perspectives."

CNN's Ashley Killough, Jeremy Herb, Emily Karl, Ted Barrett, Manu Raju, Lauren Fox and Catherine Treyz contributed to this story
ABC/Randy HolmesCold War Kids' new album LA Divine pays tribute to Los Angeles, and now the band is thanking the city for the inspiration with a unique gig. This Friday, June 23, they'll perform a free show at LA's Union Station.

Entry to the show will be on a first come, first served basis. You can also enter to win a limited number of guaranteed entry tickets via SofarSounds.com.

LA Divine, Cold War Kids' sixth studio album, was released earlier this year. It features the lead single "Love Is Mystical."

Cold War Kids will kick off a North American tour in support of LA Divine alongside Young the Giant in August.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
Finding Peace of Mind: Discover These Five Places in Europe to Unwind
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds toured two buildings Thursday that are a key part of downtown Davenport's history and future. The tour came as Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce and community leaders promoted the need to retain the state's historical preservation tax credit program.

During a brisk walking tour, Reynolds and Iowa Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport, were led through the Kahl Building and Capitol Theater to hear Eastern Iowa Community Colleges' plans for its future when the college's new Urban Campus is complete nearby. The tour, led by the chamber staff, also gave the dignitaries a sneak peek at The Current Iowa, the new hotel set to open next month in the former Putnam Building.

After what amounted to nearly a 30-minute tour, Reynolds said "It's great to have the opportunity to see the development taking place down here... It's just great to see the vibrancy taking place."

Asked about the future of the historical preservation tax credits, she said the state "is looking at comprehensive tax reform" and wants to make sure its incentives are used appropriately. But she added, that the program "has had a great impact on Iowa and really is being utilized in all areas across the state."

From large Iowa cities to small rural communities, she said the credits "play a valuable role" in helping to renovate existing buildings.

Looking out a window on the 10th floor of the Kahl Building, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Chancellor Don Doucette described to Reynolds the other changes that will come to the downtown as a result of the college moving into its new Urban Campus and vacating the Kahl Building and the Ground Transportation Center. "This is a downtown redevelopment project, that's what it is,'' he told the governor.

Kyle Carter, executive director of the chambers Downtown Davenport Partnership, called the development "a domino effect" as the college's move will open up two other buildings for new uses.

Joined on the tour by Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch and Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher, the chamber leaders also took Reynolds two blocks away to see a guest room at the Restoration St. Louis hotel, The Current Iowa. The project is part of a half-block redevelopment known as City Square.

Waiting in the lobby with the media, Carter said the tour was successful in helping "us share the story" of the impact of the historical preservation tax credits on downtown Davenport. "That's why we wanted to take her to the top floor (of the Kahl). From there, you can start to piece together the progress."

After the two building tours, Reynolds said she was surprised by the amount of progress downtown. "I had no idea there was this much going on here and how one project feeds into another. That's wonderful. We want to see this kind of growth in communities across the state."

In an earlier interview, Carter said of $460 million in total new projects in Davenport, nearly $400 million have involved historical preservation tax credits. Its a ton of money and its definitely a concern when the legislature has openly said they are going to be looking at all the incentives out there.

We want to make sure programs that are beneficial stand out," he said.

Henry Marquard, the chambers government relations director, said the past legislative session saw a bill that would have lowered the cap on all tax credits and exempted a couple of them. While it was never voted on, he said there remains a real concern about the future of the state's various incentives.

Carter said "both sides of the aisle are talking about it." But with the summer break, he said "We're happy we've got time to educate the legislature."

According to Marquard, one of the benefits of the historical preservation tax credits is they are also action and outcome required. Unlike cash incentives that are paid upfront, he said because its a credit, you only get the credit once youve done (the project).

While the tour focused on larger projects, Carter said the credits also can be used to spur redevelopment in smaller buildings.

The Kahl and Capitol Theatre's redevelopment will require historical preservation tax credits to advance, Carter added. Regardless of who and how it gets developed, the credits will be critical to making its cash flow.
Curtis Fry lost a couple of hours in 2008. He wishes he could get them back.

The former Wilton High School and St. Ambrose University athlete doesnt remember anything about what took place in the wee hours of Feb. 7, 2008. What he does know is that he was exceedingly drunk and killed a man he didnt know.

Fry, raised in a Christian ministry by parents who have devoted their lives to helping troubled boys, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Jerome Patrick McEwen of Iowa City.

Although he doesnt recall exactly what happened, he does not deny being responsible for McEwens death.

I prayed and prayed and prayed while I was in jail, Fry said. Please God, show me what happened so I can tell the truth  My attitude from the beginning was, even though mentally I may not know what happened, if my body committed a crime, Im willing to accept whatever punishment they give me.

No matter how it happened, Mr. McEwen died that night, because I was in his area. And I was in his area, because I knew I did something I shouldnt have done, because I went out and got drunk the way that I did.

Fry, 30, served 4 years of a 10-year sentence and now is determined to devote the rest of his life to making sure others dont make the same mistake he did.

Read about him on Sunday in our Big Story.
Even as congressional Republicans are eyeing sharp cuts to Medicaid as part of their plan to revamp the Affordable Care Act, Democrats in Iowa say the program could, instead, be a lifeline for people struggling in the state's ailing individual health insurance market.

A small group of Democrats want to let Iowans buy into Medicaid, using ACA subsidies along with state money now going to managed care companies who run the program.

State Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, one of the Democrats pitching the plan, said it would bring younger and healthier people into the system. He and state Rep. John Forbes, D-Urbandale, unveiled the idea in Des Moines on Wednesday along with former Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines.

The proposal would appear to face steep odds. Republicans are in control at the national and state level, and Iowa just went to a managed care system for its Medicaid program last year.

However, Democrats say they plan to push the plan, as well as other ideas, as the the debate over how health care should be delivered and paid for is up for debate.

Congress is debating how to replace the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, the state of Iowa is struggling to deal with an individual insurance market that is in dire shape.

Just one company, Minnesota-based Medica, has filed to sell policies in the state for 2018. And it asked for a 43 percent rate increase over this year.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said this week that Medica's filing doesn't resolve Iowa's difficulties. And he worried, if premiums continued to increase for people who make too much money to get federal subsidies, it will just make the situation worse.

"Under the current framework, even if this could potentially last one more year, it prices thousands of Iowans out of the market," he said.

The insurance division has asked the Trump administration to approve a stopgap plan that would take Obamacare subsidies and restructure them to entice younger, healthier people into the marketplace, as well as create a reinsurance pool, which would help insurance companies with higher cost members. The proposal would allow companies to offer a single, standardized insurance plan.

Ommen said, even with Medica's filing, the state still faces a crisis.

"I appreciate Medica's filing, but at the same time, it does not provide stability to our market," he said.

Subsidies that rise with premiums and insulate many of the people on the exchange from price increases only serve to hold back competition, he said.

"A federally funded monopoly is no longer a market," he said.

Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the state's largest insurer, has said it will enter Iowa's individual market for 2018 if the Trump administration approves the state's request.

McCoy said he has concerns about the insurance division's plans because it will mean older people in the marketplace will pay more than they would have otherwise.

"It puts them at a real disadvantage," he said.

He and other Democrats say Iowa should take a more aggressive role. They point to the Nevada legislature, which passed a bill this month that would allow its residents to buy into a government-run insurance plan. The proposal was vetoed by the state's Republican governor, Brian Sandoval, but Iowa Democrats say there's no reason such an option shouldn't be explored here.

"There are things Iowa can do," Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, said Thursday.

The Iowa Democrats' plan comes as congressional Republicans are seeking to cut Medicaid. The House and Senate health care bills would convert traditional Medicaid to a "per capita" system. That would save the federal government hundreds of billions of dollars by spending less on the program, which pays for health care for the some of the nation's poor, elderly and those with disabilities.

A Congressional Budget Office analysis said the House bill would reduce projected Medicaid spending by more than $800 billion over 10 years.

Currently, Medicaid, which is jointly financed by the federal government and the states, is open-ended and pays for qualified and approved care.

Republicans in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., have complained for years about the rising costs of Medicaid, even before the Affordable Care Act's expansion of the program. On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said that after having an "open checking account" for 60 years, "we've come to the conclusion that is not a fiscally responsible way for us in Congress to handle the taxpayer's money."
An escaped inmate from South Dakota accused of killing a Rapid City man earlier this month has been extradited from New Mexico and is detained in jail on a $1 million cash-only bond.

Andrew Eastman, 28, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Larry Mintzlaff, 64, a retired Rapid City public school teacher.

Authorities say Eastman escaped from an inmate job site in Rapid City on June 2 using a city-owned pickup, then went over to Mintzlaffs house, where the man was found dead on June 6.

Eastman was arrested in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 9 and transported back to South Dakota on Tuesday.

He made his initial appearance at the Pennington County Courthouse just past 10 a.m. today where his escape, theft and murder charges were read. He was not asked to enter pleas.

The county states attorneys office asked for a $1 million cash-only bond on the murder charge, which a magistrate judge granted.
Registered voters in Ward 5 have another shot at voting as a runoff election on June 27 pits Laura Armstrong against Ron Sasso.

Absentee voting is now open to Ward 5 voters and early ballots can be cast by visiting the Auditors Office at the County Administration Building, 130 Kansas City St., Suite 230, on the second floor. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Our website pennco.org provides forms for requesting an absentee ballot, as well as the link to the website for military voters, said Pennington County auditor Julie Pearson in a release.

Voters can check their registration address or party online at sdsos.gov through the Voter Information Portal, which is a tool allowing voters to view a sample of their ballot and to verify their polling location.

For more information, call 394-2153.
When Emily Stiegelmeier began sending her kids to the annual South Dakota Rangeland and Soil Days, they started pointing out grasses on the highway and identifying them.

While she was heavily pregnant with one of her seven children, she stood under a tent and watched as they learned the names of prairie grasses and the basics of range management.

On Tuesday, Stiegelmeier returned to the grasslands near Wasta with two of her 17 grandchildren, more than 20 years after she drove her own children to Rangeland and Soil Days.

The two-day event, sponsored by the South Dakota Society for Range Management, teaches students ages 8 to 18 how to sustainably manage rangeland and identify the best uses for soil. Students from all over the state travel to a designated location, which changes every two years, to hear from agricultural educators in the field for a day of active learning. They then participate in competitions the following day.

Around 120 students participated in this year's events, which were headquartered in Wall and explored native grassland near Wasta. Many of them are part of 4-H, a nationwide youth development program, and come from rural parts of the state.

Soil days students, ages 14 to 18, can participate in the National Land & Range Judging Contest in May 2018. This year marked the 34th anniversary of rangeland days and the 13th anniversary of soil days.

"I think there's a perception of people out west being these big, rich people because they own land," said SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist Dave Ollila. "Every rancher is an environmentalist because this is how you make your living."

According to Ollila, it's in the best interest of ranchers to manage land sustainably.

On Tuesday, students learned basic morphology, plant identification, soil texturing and used their skills to determine land capability for home sites, lawns, landscapes and septic systems. Agricultural educators identified plants like milkweed, western wheatgrass and western sumac for students to touch and smell.

Ollila said many of the students who participated will eventually enter a career in agriculture. Rangeland and Soil Days is meant to prepare them for that.

Mary Beth Albrechtsen, a partner biologist from Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, traveled to South Dakota because she believes the program is important  and not just for birds.

"This is a good way to teach (students) what a healthy range looks like," Albrechtsen said. "If it's good for wildlife, it's usually good for cows and sheep."

Steigelmeier, whose family owns Blue Blanket Organics in Selby, said Rangeland and Soil Days is important because it teaches kids about adaptive range management. Many of her children who attended rangeland days growing up are now in the agricultural business.

For her family, sustainable range management is a passion.

"It's bigger than rangeland days, OK, " Steigelmeier said. "It's the connectedness with the land ... this is one of the places where I fell in love with South Dakota."
It was just 14 months ago when Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom told a state oversight council that meth use had gone off the charts and was out of control in parts of South Dakota.

Since then, the state has appropriated several hundred thousand dollars to bolster treatment opportunities, start a marketing campaign to warn youth and others of the dangers of meth, and to incentivize those on probation and parole to stop using a drug that is almost instantly addicting.

It appears, however, that these efforts have been akin to putting a finger in a dyke that is about to crumble. Meth use has skyrocketed in the past year and is often a key ingredient in violent crimes.

Now, however, meth and the madness and mayhem it creates has a rival and experts say its potency makes it far more dangerous. It's called fentanyl analog and should alarm everyone who is concerned about public health and public safety.

On Tuesday, the Lawrence County State's Attorney's Office announced that nine people were indicted on 50 felony drug charges. The primary drug cited was fentanyl analog. The investigation that led to the indictments came after two Spearfish residents, ages 23 and 38, died in January after using the synthetic opioid that the National Institute on Drug Abuse says is 50 to 100 more times potent than morphine, making it extraordinarily lethal.

The Lawrence County indictments come just one week after a 19-year-old Chamberlain man was arrested for possessing 20,000 fentanyl pills worth $500,000.

Until recently, fentanyl has been seen as primarily a big-city problem in a few states. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 80 percent of fentanyl seizures occurred in 10 eastern states.

Since then, however, this killer drug has swept through the nation and now has surfaced in central and western South Dakota where many of us feel insulated from drug epidemics and their fatal consequences. The drug, however, has the potential to sweep through a state like a plague. In New Hampshire, for example, the number of fentanyl-related deaths climbed from 145 to 283 from 2014 to 2015, according to the National Drug Early Warning System. The state's population is only around 1.3 million people.

In Lawrence County, 37-year-old Eric Reeder now faces 20 felony charges, including two counts of first-degree manslaughter. Spearfish police said the suspect told them he ordered the fentanyl on the darknet and they were delivered to him. Also facing a first-degree manslaughter charge is 32-year-old Ashley Kristina Kuntz.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the Lawrence County State's Attorney's Office and Spearfish police are to be congratulated for pursuing this case and seeking convictions on manslaughter charges. It's become all too clear that our ongoing war on drugs has become a lot tougher and the stakes are even higher.

It is a problem that requires an immediate and strong response from law enforcement. In the meantime, we all have a duty to report any suspected drug activity to law enforcement and to do everything possible to protect our families and loved ones from this devastating drug.
Moscow court dismisses lawsuit against Google over links removal

MOSCOW, June 22 (RAPSI)  The Commercial Court of Moscow has dismissed a motion, filed by SOVA Center for Information and Analysis against Google, seeking the recovery of links removed from search results under the law on information protection, the centers statement reads on Thursday.

SOVA plans to appeal the ruling.

On August 22, the court returned the SOVA's lawsuit against Google citing certain violations of the required complaint procedure on the part of the NGO as concerned the settlement of its dispute with the defending party. Earlier, it was reported that RosKomSvoboda NGO had filed an application against Google on SOVAs behalf.

According to SOVA, in March and April 2016 Google officially informed the Center that the search engine had to delete links to information from its website connected with news dated by 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The applicant claims that Googles actions curtails the organizations right to freedom of information. The Center claims that articles removed from the search contained brief information about xenophobic crimes and crimes against human dignity and as such had high social value. It also noted that information was distributed legally and that no one asked the center to remove it.

The SOVA Center is engaged in information and research activities in the realm of problems related to nationalism and xenophobia; social and religious relations; political radicalism; development of liberal values; and human rights protection in Russia.
MOSCOW, June 22 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  The Moscow City Court had upheld a lower courts ruling to send the Bolotnaya Square riot case defendant Maxim Panfilov to compulsory treatment, RAPSI learnt in the courtroom on Thursday.

By its decision, the court dismissed an appeal the defense submitted against the Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court ruling and upheld its decision of March 29.

After the hearings closed, the lawyers representing Panfilov noted that the defense was going to turn to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasburg applying to overrule the Russian courts decision and asking to shorten the time Panfilov is to spend in a prison psychiatric clinic.

In April 2016, Panfilov was charged with participation in mass riots and use of violence against a law enforcement officer. According to investigators, the man snatched a helmet off a riot policemans head on May 6, 2012.

Investigators claim that Panfilov suffers from chronic personality disorder.

The march on Yakimanka Street and the rally on Bolotnaya Square in May 2012, both authorized by the officials, resulted in mass riots and clashes with the police. Dozens of people were injured, over 400 protesters were detained.

The riot organizers, Sergey Udaltsov and Leonid Razvozzhayev, were sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. Other participants received prison terms from suspended sentences to four years. Several defendants were pardoned; one was sent for compulsory mental treatment.

The convicts supporters believe that the riots were provoked by police.
MOSCOW, June 22 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  Jurors for a trial over murder of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov will issue their ruling on June 27, RAPSI has learnt in the Moscow District Military Court.

On Thursday, the judge in the case read out a questionnaire, consisting of 26 questions, and advised the jurors. He noted that the deliberation of the raised questions may take an extended amount of time and because of that the jurors are to congregate on June 27. In case jurors rule defendants to be guilty of crimes, they are also to decide if they deserve mercy.

The prosecutor in the case asked jurors to deliver a guilty verdict for five defendants in the case. According to the prosecutor, their guilt in the murder has been proven. In turn, the lawyers of the defendants asked to acquit their clients.

Boris Nemtsov, 55, a prominent opposition politician, who held a number of high-ranking posts in the Russian Government in the 1990s and in the 2000s joined the opposition, was shot down in the center of Moscow as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin on the night of February 28, 2015.

Five men, Zaur Dadayev, brothers Anzor and Shadid Gubashev, Khamzat Bakhayev have been charged along with Temirlan Eskerkhanov with contract murder and illegal acquisition, carrying and keeping of weapons.

Ruslan Mukhudinov, a former officer in Chechen Interior Ministry, is believed to be a mastermind of the murder. He was placed on the international wanted list in November 2015. Beslan Shavanov, who allegedly was also implicated in the crime, reportedly killed himself when police tried to arrest him.

Investigators believe that the conspirators in the murder had thoroughly prepared to commit this crime: they studied Nemtsovs schedule, spied upon him, prepared suitable weapons, vehicles and communication equipment. On the day of the murder, 28 February, after following Nemtsov from his home, at about 11.31 p.m. Dadayev, having received a signal from Anzor Gubashev and Shavanov that the situation was suitable for the murder, shot Nemtsov at least six times, according to investigation.

Criminal prosecution of Shavanov was dismissed because of his death. Investigation into Mukhudinov is underway.
Russian State Duma backs bill on fining messengers

MOSCOW, June 22 (RAPSI)  The State Duma Committee on State-Building and Legislation has recommended the lower chamber of the Russian Parliament to adopt in the first reading a bill making messengers liable for failure to comply with their obligations imposed by the law, the Dumas official web site reads on Thursday.

The bill envisages to amend the Russian Code of Administrative Offences to the effect that organizers of instant messaging shall be administrative liable if not complying with the obligations imposed on them by the legislation, such a failure entailing fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (about $50 to $80 at the current exchange rate) for individuals, from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles ($500 to $800) for officials, and from 800,000 to 1million rubles ($13,000 to $17,000) for legal persons.

As it has been reported earlier, on June 14 the State Duma adopted a bill regulating the work of messaging services and prohibiting anonymous use of online messengers in the first reading.

A group of lawmakers submitted the bill to the lower house of Russias parliament on May 24. Amendments are proposed to the Federal Law On Information, Information Technology and Information Protection.

In particular, the bill obliges organizers of instant messaging to maintain message transmission only of Internet users identified in accordance with a procedure established by Russias government and prohibits providers from working with unidentified users.

Moreover, the draft law proposes to identify users with the aid of their cell phone numbers basing on the agreement for identification concluded between organizers of instant messaging and communications providers.

Failure to abide by the regulations would result in fines of up to 5,000 rubles (about $80 at the current exchange rate) for individuals, up to 50,000 rubles ($800) for officials and up to 1 million rubles ($17,000) for companies. Messengers would also face blocking in Russia for failure to comply with requirements to restrict anonymous messaging.
Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment for a proposed grazing plan at Rosebud Battlefield State Park near Busby. Comments will be accepted through July 21 at 5 p.m.

The proposed project would establish a three-year (renewable for an additional four years) grazing program at the park under a lease agreement. The leasee(s) would be permitted to graze cattle within the park in exchange for the maintenance of existing and new fencing, heritage surveys, weed control and payment of cash once these other needs are met.

Managing the vegetation within the park would enhance stewardship of the land by protecting archaeological, cultural, and historic resources and limiting fuel availability to wildfires, thus reducing fire danger to the park and surrounding properties, according to the agency. Additionally, the grazing program would improve range health, spur plant growth and improve wildlife habitat.

Rosebud Battlefield State Park was designated in 1978 to preserve a portion of the area where the Battle of the Rosebud occurred on June 17, 1876. This battle between Native American Tribes and forces of the U.S. Army was part of the Great Sioux Wars of 1876, which also included the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The battle has significant historical and cultural value and the park has been designated a National Historic Landmark in acknowledgement of the sites importance.

To view the complete draft Rosebud grazing EA visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmental-assessments/pn_0074.html

To comment by email write to Raymond.Schell@mt.gov or comment online at stateparks.mt.gov and click submit comments.

Send written comments by mail to: Rosebud Grazing EA, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, PO Box 8, Decker, MT 59025.

For questions about the draft EA and/or the public comment process, contact Raymond Schell, Rosebud Battlefield State Park Manager at 406-757-2298 or Raymond.Schell@mt.gov.
Temporarily taking care of someone else's child can be a positive and educational experience, for both the child and the families who share their homes.

With the need for more foster families growing, two Ravalli County families, Dan and April Berk, and Jeremy and Sara Searle - both with four children of their own - shared their experience with the Montana Child and Family Services foster program.

Both families say the experience has enriched their lives, even when the foster children go through difficult life experiences. They also encourage families to look at their own homes, and become involved, even if only for short periods of time.

You can always say yes or no to fostering, Dan Berk said. You get the call and the baseline and you can look at your own family situation to determine whether it is appropriate for you at the time.

Jeremy Searle stressed the urgent need, the ease of getting involved, and the joy of caring for children as reasons for more families to become part of the foster parenting program.

People may think I would love to help out and Im good now but what about 10 years from now?" said Jeremy Searle.  It is okay if people only want to be temporarily involved because there is a long list of people who want to adopt that dont want to go through the on again off again thing.

The Berk family has been fostering for six years. They have had eight placements lasting from one to eight months.

We talked about fostering since we were engaged, Dan Berk said. It was in our hearts to do and Aprils family always had a lot of people in their home. We were interested in adoption and saw the need.

The Berk family already was hosting kids who were having troubles at home. They took the foster parent training, which wasn't difficult but did take time.

Then they started getting calls.

The Berks and Searles said the recommendation is to only host children younger than your own for less authority or birth order issues, and they've always stuck to that.

The Berk children, age 6 to 12, said they liked having new children come, even though Kylie, 12, said some of them have been hard.

Some of them come from really messed up families, she said. We had one with anger issues. In the end it is worth it because you get to help them and give them a chance to have a good family.

Dan Berk said fostering takes being able to extend yourself as a father.

I think being a father stretches you in a lot of neat ways that you cant prepare for, fostering makes that even more so, Dan Berk said. It is not a natural relationship, so it takes a lot out of you, but is really rewarding.

The key is to be someone children can trust and lean on.

It is important to be that man that steps up as a role model and is a secure rock for them to lean on, Dan Berk said. For that child with anger issues, it was good to be someone he could talk to. Weve had a child that left an abusive situation and it is good to be somebody they can talk to about sensitive issues.

Part of being a foster home is the art of letting go.

The Searles said they would have adopted their recent foster child, but he is going to live with his aunt.

This child has a special bond with his aunt and hes looking forward to going to live with her, Jeremy said. We had great times together and now hes going to a good home.

The Berks current foster child came to them when he was just over two weeks old. He is now cleared for adoption, which they hope to have finalized by October.

Foster parents also walk a tight rope between the states desire for the children to return to their parents and the foster family's perspective of what is best for the kids, April Berk said.

Dan Berk agreed that it's hard to determine the best situation.

Foster care is very good but can be chaotic, he said. There is a huge need. When we first started there were 2,200 foster kids in Montana. Now I want to say there may be 4,000 kids in the system.

The Berks said fostering is challenging but extremely rewarding.

We wonder if were going to keep doing it or not, April Berk said. It is hard but kids need someone. We can help take some of their pain.

Dan Berk calls fostering an opportunity to make a difference, one child at a time.

A childs heart is like wet cement, he said. You can make an impression that changes their lives in just a short amount of time. I think you can be a source of love, strength and security for them during tough times. Then when tough times come they look back on that good time and have a positive outlook.

Jeremy and Sara Searle have four children age 9 to 16 and also only foster children younger than their own. They have had two foster placements a brother and sister, then a boy.

Our experience has been so good, Jeremy Searle said. I wish everyone knew how awesome it could be to foster kids. When you think about kids without a home it breaks your heart. We just wanted to help kids.

As part of the initial process and training, families set the parameters describing what age and number of kids would work best for them.

Jeremy Searle said one misconception of the fostering is that the parents must be terrible people if their child is removed from the home.

"Our experience is it is not that way, he said. Our first two the kids loved the parents and the parents loved the kids. The parents wanted them but needed time to fix some problems.

Fostering provided the time the parents needed.

Once they went through the rehab program they were reunited and the kids are back with them, Jeremy Searle said. We loved the kids and would have kept them forever, but in this case the best case scenario was for them to go back with their parents.

"It is super hard to let them go, but they only leave if they are going to a good situation.

The Searles said fostering was a positive growing experience for their own children. In addition to giving up their bedrooms, they gave up some time with their parents.

Our kids said it is worth it, Jeremy Searle said. They feel the time they give up is given to a kid who really needs it. It was good for my kids to see what happens when parents make bad choices and what the effect is on kids. They are so happy to be part of the kids get into a much better situation.

It was so good to see our kids grow and have to be less selfish and have to share and have to open their hearts to someone else, Sara Searle added. When they see hard things it breaks their hearts. They want to love them more.

Sara Searle said fostering is often done without the public's knowledge of the need.

Its a quiet community because there is so much privacy with the kids, she said. People dont realize the need. When you see something on TV, there was a kid there. They were taken by CFS (Child and Family Services) and placed somewhere, but that was not on the news. So now, when you watch the news you think about how often it is happening.

The Searles agreed with the Berks about how being a foster parent has been a positive experience.

People say Oh I couldnt do it but to me it feels like a niece or nephew that youre taking care of for a while, Sara Searle said. I feel like an aunt.

Seriously, its easy, Jeremy Searle added. Its easy to ignore if you dont know what is going on but as soon as you get involved you find out what a huge need there is and how much of a difference one family can make.
LAUREL  They call it Loco.

The characters in a new sitcom being filmed in Laurel are kind of crazy. Plus, many of the scenes are being filmed at Laurels Caboose Saloon and Casino, a nod to Laurel's railroading roots.

If you've ever hankered to be in a sitcom, this could be your big break. But you've got to keep it real.

Writer, director and actor Junior Michael Ray is looking for extras for scenes filmed this weekend at Bretz RV, 2999 Old Hardin Road, on Saturday, and the Caboose Saloon on Sunday.

Ray described the show as a mix between the long-running TV sitcom "Cheers" and the new Netflix comedy, "The Ranch," with Ashton Kutcher, Debra Winger and Sam Elliott.

Bringing in locals adds authenticity to the characters, Ray said. His Hollywood credits include "The Toast," "Chasing Yesterday" and 2009's "Shadow Walkers."

"My vision is I want to make this a made-in-Montana story featuring Montana people," Ray said. "I'm just over doing shows with explosions with all the language in them. I just want a show with a good story that can entertain the whole family."

Frank Young, who plays a judge in the series, is also helping write the script. Ray plays Rick Longrifle, a Native American father reconnecting with his daughter in the fictional town of Lowell, Montana.

Its about people who are redeemable who arent viewed as redeemable, Young said. These characters keep coming to the bar and they keep rooting for each other, but there is a lot more to it than that."

So far, they have completed two episodes, and this weekend, theyll wrap filming the third one. The goal is to finish 10 episodes before they pitch it to Netflix.

An award-winning actor, director and writer, Ray moved three years ago to Laurel, a place he described as having "a real Americana feel with a ridiculous amount of history."

Ray recruited some of his cast members through a free acting class he taught at Rocky Mountain College, including a standout actress from Lewistown, Julia Lee Kunau, to play his daughter. Others stopped by the set to play an extra and ended up getting a role in the whole series. Ray said he rewrote the script to accommodate Billings actress DeLaney Hardy.

The writing team meets every Wednesday to craft scripts, and filming usually takes place on the weekends before the Caboose Saloon gets busy with customers.

"I'm a big fan of the 1980s and '90s sitcoms, your 'Cheers' and 'Frasier.' It was 30 minutes of fun. That's my inspiration," Ray said.
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
KATHMANDU: The World Bank has agreed to provide Nepal Government with Rs 19 billion assistance loan for increasing the quality of education.

An agreement to this effect was signed by and exchanged between Secretary of Finance Minister Shanta Raj Subedi and World Bank Nepal Country Manager Takuya Kamata amid a function at the ministry on Thursday.

The loan amount that requires five years time to pay off would be used for increasing educational quality, expanding justifiable access to primary and secondary education, improving teaching and learning activities and building strong and reformed educational system, it has been said.

Addressing the occasion, Kamata expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to the school sector reform plan of the Government as he said around seven million students and 180,000 teachers would benefit from the programme.

Likewise, Finance Secretary Subedi urged the Ministry of Education and its subordinate bodies to be serious and work hard to implement the programme.

He also requested the World Bank to provide additional support to the governments initiatives to ensure sustainable social service, manage human resources and build development infrastructure of the country.RSS
Guwahati : Assam police has contacted with Uttar Pradesh counterpart following a tribal woman of the north eastern Indian state had filed a case against UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for sharing her bare photographs in his social media page, taken a stir in Guwahati 10 years ago.

The victim of the stir in Guwahati, Laxmi Orang had filed a case before a sub-divisional judicial magistrate court against UP CM and Assam MP Ram Prasad Sarma under various sections of Indian Panel Code and Information Technology act.

Assam police ADGP (SB) Pallav Bhattacharya said that, Assam police has taken the matter very seriously and already contacted with UP counterpart.

'We want to unearth the actual facts, whether the photographs used in the UP CM's official social media account or it is a fake account,' the top Assam cops said.

'We have already contacted with the UP police and seeking information about the post,'A Bhattacharya said.

'The preliminary investigation revealed that, her photographs were posted in social media by creating a fake account in the name of UP CM,' the top Assam cops said.

Meanwhile, protests have been continued in Assam and several organizations burned UP CM effigy protest against the social media post.

The post claims that, a hindu woman was stripped by Congress workers for allegedly raising slogans in support of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bengal.

Laxmi Orang said that, she was not present at the rally to support any political party as claimed by Yogi Adityanath, but the rally was organized to demand ST status for the Adivasi community.

'Without knowing actual facts, Adityanath posting in social media by using the photographs and claimed that, the rally was on behalf of BJP and Congress workers attacked it,' Laxmi Orang said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Butwal, Nepal: With the second phase of local level elections slated for June 28 drawing close to the door step, election fever has gripped the nation particularly the 35 districts of Provinces 1, 5 and 7.

Not only the candidates filed their nominations from the party and independent categories but also the cadres and supporters of the candidates are intensifying their door-to-door campaigns with intent to win the hearts and minds of the people.

Election related activities have been picked momentum in village to town with different programs. Rallies, mass assemblies, meetings and other activities are common in all the local units.

Central leaders from the different political parties have also been visiting the local units with the aim to influence the voters with different premises to make victorious to their candidates.

Considering to the possible violence related activities before, during and after the elections, the government has adopted the integrated security plan with the aim to hold the elections in a free and fair manner.

The government has stepped up security presence in the sensitive areas to prevent anti-election activates. As the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal has been launching anti elections activities in the Terai districts, security presence is heightened in the districts.

Out of 334 local levels in 35 districts of Provinces 1, 5 and 7, about 75,000 candidates of 318 local units are vying in the second phase of elections in the 15 ,038 posts, including mayors, deputy mayors, chiefs and deputy chiefs of rural municipalities and ward chiefs.

The Election Commission is going to set up 4,581 polling locations and 8,364 polling centers for the second phase of elections. There are 6,432,765 eligible voters in 35 districts of Provinces 1, 5 and 7.
The Asian Age - June 21, 2017

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) has insisted that its struggle will be a peaceful one.

The history of the struggle against the Narmada dam has been one of the great narratives of democracy in India. One can criticise the activists, lampoon Medha Patkar, agree with the World Bank and yet when all is said and done, one will salute it as one of the great acts of protest, non-violence and citizenship in modern India. I want to state this as clearly as possible because this regime, like the previous one, has created a wall of complete indifference and contempt for the struggle of the Narmada. The sadness is that our media, toeing the line of the regime, has no place for what is happening at Dharmapuri and other villages on the Narmada. Today what is news, what is an epic struggle of history, hardly appears as news. The Narmada has been written off by our middle class desperate for the litany of development. When I record this both with shame and despair, I am reminded of a beautiful story by late Mahasweta Devi, the Pterodactyl.

It is a tale told by a journalist, a good modernist like you and me, who moves around the arid famine-ridden areas of Pumae, covering drought and starvation in Bihar. As people are dying and as rumour spreads, the journalist hears a strange story of the arrival of a large bird, an evolutionary throwback. It is a Pterodactyl, a creature which disappeared a million years ago. The bird sets huddled in a cave waiting to die. A tribal recognises in the bird his cousin and ancestor, and keeps it company. There is a caring and a companionship between the two, which is amazing to watch. The two sit with ease, and wait with ease, for the bird to die. The smell of death does not bother the tribal, who feels privileged to be a part of the ritual.

The journalist ponders, moved by the pair. He then realises that the tribal and the Pterodactyl are contemporaries, kinsmen. In fact, a million years separate the journalist as modernist from the pair.

Reading Mahaswetaas story, I was touched by the sense of affinity and companionship, of primordial memory that tied the tribal and the bird together. I then saw the bleak contrast between that fable and what is happening today on the Narmada. The newspapers suffer from amnesia. One has to tap into the archives of the National Alliance of Peopleas Movements (NAPM), which has been serving as a memory and conscience to the nation.

What one is witnessing is an act of eviction a a mass-scale forced eviction a by a government that has failed to keep its promises of relief and rehabilitation. When one looks at the 88 sites for relief and rehabilitation, one hears that none are ready for settlement.

The response of the regime is always the same. It adds lies, threat and violence to the original lie. Today the police and the Army are ready to enact another great tragedy of eviction. It is only a small fragment of civil society, a few activists and a few students who stand in solidarity with the villagers. Development has become a process of erasure and indifference where the word citizenship for marginal groups is a travesty. The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) has insisted that its struggle will be a peaceful one. However, one is not looking to create a romantic fragment of narrative memorialising the struggle. What one wants to emphasise is the arguments it is putting forward as government intransigence and hysteria mount are a few simple but poignant points.

The tribal begins by pointing out that their social contract, which is of a more sacramental rather than utilitarian kind. The tribal compact is with land and ancestors. Together the three form a dwelling creating a sense of home and responsibility. It captures the notions of citizenship and civics that the regime is illiterate about. The tribals respond with a simple statement that they would rather choose to drown than abandon a valet which has been life-giving.

Ms Patkar and the NBA, while echoing this heroic act of civics, only amplify the argument. She points out that the government has not been able to build these 88 sites for resettlement over the last three decades. How then does it plan to do anything within the next few weeks? The deadline for the forced eviction of these villages is July 31. Sometimes, when one faces this illiteracy of governance, one has to ask what is the law and order problem a the government threatening forced eviction or a disciplined people arguing about their right to a way of life.

There is something disturbing about the responses of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. At Mandsaur, he accused peasants fighting for fair prices of being insurgents. Here his indifference to the valley, his refusal to meet a people makes one wonder what his sense of citizenship and responsibility is. Does law and order and the emptiness of development exhaust the idea of governance and ethics? Or is Mr Chouhan part of a new mentality that has declared war on the agricultural and tribal way of life, fetishing the cow while celebrating the extinction of the tribe? Contemporary India can pretend to be silent about it but these are questions the future as a tribunal will ask.

The regime in its devious way is playing the numbers game. It has reduced the ambit of eligibility for rehabilitation from 40,000 to 18,800. Such a magical accounting has been the ban of development projects. It also reveals a blatant contempt of Supreme Court judgments.

The lie proceeds as a spectacle. Mr Chouhanas politics has already been called anautankia politics by over 60 peasantsa organisations. Today he enacts the BJPas favourite tactic, the yatra, as a sign of false acclamation. Such political yatras overadvertised in newspapers as if they are the new kumbh for development. They insult the sense of sacred, of place, which yatras as an act of pilgrimage should have.

To the obscenity of indifference and the spectacle of the lie, they add the violence of submergence. Activists point out that lakhs of trees and acres of pristine forest will disappear.

Yet despite such courage of conscience, the battle of Narmada no longer appears to be news to the media. It is as if India has lost its memory or feels that the tribal and the nomad are fated to die. It is the genocidal impetus of development that haunts the Narmada valley.

As a citizen, one begins to witness storytelling, appealing to the memory as conscience. As you read this piece, all I ask you is to salute this battle and spare a moment in prayer to one of the epic struggles of conscience being enacted in India. It is the least one can do as development and the waters submerge memory and destroy a way of life and living.

[Shiv Visvanathan is professor, Jindal Global Law School and director, Centre for the Study of Knowledge Systems, O.P. Jindal Global University]
SOUTH ASIA CONFERENCE - 2017

(Critical assessment of the cultural productions including paintings, literary productions, dramas, folk dramas and films produced in the South Asia region)

Medium: English Deadline for Abstracts Submission: July 15th 2017 Submission of Full Research Paper: October 15th 2017 Dates of the Conference: November 24th & 25th, 2017 Venue: WERC Auditorium, 58, Dharmarama Road, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka.

Subjects & Themes:

Religious Rites & Women

Women & Literary productions - Novels, Novellas, Short Stories, Poems Drama & their differing themes - Stage Dramas & Street Dramas

Women & Cinema - Films, Documentaries included

Dance as a form of Art & Women - Classical & Modern

Selected peer reviewed full research papers will be published in the WERC Journal on Gender Studies, Nivedini.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :

TEL: +94-11-2595296/ 2590985 FAX: +94-11-2596313 EMAIL: info[at]wercsl.org WEB: www.wercsl.org

TO RECEIVE THE FULL CONCEPT PAPER: harshani.pinnawala[at]wercsl.org SEND YOUR ABSTRACTS TO: harshani.pinnawala[at]wercsl.org (Upon selection, we will contact you with a call for your full research paper.)

o o o

Womenas Education & Research Centre 58, Dharmarama Road, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka.

CULTURAL PRODUCTIONS IN SOUTH ASIA REGION FROM A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

(GENDER STUDIES CONFERENCE ON THE CONSTRUCTION, DECONSTRUCTING & RECONTRUCTION OF CULTURE & CULTURAL PRODUCTIONS WITH A FOCUS ON THE SOUTH ASIA REGION)

Concept paper

Culture and cultural production have been theorized in many ways. At one end of the spectrum is the meaning of culture and cultural production as an aesthetic domain / discipline (particularly in terms of the Fine Arts or Liberal Arts). Then there is the Marxist understanding of culture as the relations between the economic conditions of a society and its aesthetic expressions. Cultural production thus becomes dependent on the economy and sometimes vice versa. Aside from which, there is the anthropological use of the term culture as a whole way of life; while other theorists focus on the liberationary and humanistic aspects of cultural production. Yet others, within neoliberal, capitalist societies, equate cultural production with commercial profit. In sharp contrast, postmodern analysis of culture and cultural productions deconstruct language and dominant cultural values such as power, universality and privilege and look towards silences, gaps and marginalized perspectives.

Culture and cultural productions take diverse forms a from manifestations such as literature (poems, short-stories, novels) and visual art forms such as paintings, sculptures and graphics to the audiovisual realm of music, theater and dance. Yet there are also other undefined forms of culture and cultural production such as proverbs, lullabies, dirges and wedding songs. What then distinguishes culture from cultural production? In contemporary times, especially when it comes to the domains of Cyber art and technologies, we often run into problems of inclusions and exclusions. Furthermore, there are often claims of exclusive womenas, youth and other alternative cultures and their productions. Therefore what do we make of alternative and subcultures and their productions?

In responding to culture and cultural productions, society has often constructed, but also deconstructed and reconstructed culture, subculture and productions from a range of perspectives and disciplines. These include complex and nuanced understandings such as those of anthropology, sociology, cultural studies along with critical theories like Marxism, post- colonialism and feminism, as well as postmodern analysis etc.,

However, gender is a primary crosscut within critical analysis and cannot be isolated from other socio cultural, political and economic intersections. Consequently, the conference will provide an opportunity for presenters and participants to approach culture and cultural production from more holistic perspectives. A focus on alternative cultures or subcultures (especially womenas cultural productions) is particularly encouraged given their capacity to challenge and question the status quo, whether it be at the level of class, caste, ethnicities, religion or gender and sexualities.

While keeping in mind that the area under discussion is wide and comprehensive, the conference will aim to add to the current discourses and debates on culture, subculture and cultural production from gender perspectives.

Thus based on feminist and gender perspectives, the objectives of the conference will be:

To explore the definitions, boundaries, expansions and limitations as to what constitute culture and cultural productions;

To consider the implications and encompass of the different realms and levels of culture, alternative culture, subculture and their productions;

To discuss the history, evolution and economic status of diverse cultural productions and the meanings attributed to them in todayas context;

To analyze power, politics and ethics of cultural productions (including the role of propaganda) within cultures and globally; and

To construct, deconstruct and reconstruct cultural meanings (including those of commerce, emancipation and humanism) and aesthetic values.

The conference seeks to encourage to the fullest the exploration of the various conceptualizations of culture and cultural productions discussed earlier. However, all papers, presentations and discussions would necessarily need to communicate gendered or feminist understandings of the topic in question.

It will provide an exciting platform for feminist and gender scholars, researchers, artists, writers, critics, theorists, etc., to expound on new thinking, contribute to ongoing debates, provide unifying frameworks, and deconstruct existing meanings relating to culture and cultural production.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
The first trailer for Soundtrack sets up a very cold premise, starting with its setting: the Arctic. Its very strong, serious, dramatic tone suggests that something more is going on under the surface.

The official synopsis provides more details:

The Soundtrack of a life. Cris (Selton Mello), a young artist still trying to find his place on the tough world of arts, gets from Brazilian Government special permit to stay a month in an isolated international research station surrounded by nothing but ice.

His goal is to prepare an exhibition mixing music and photography. Cris will go against his own defined concepts and values, as he spends time with other researchers discovering PLANET EARTH on an never seen perspective. This shock will result on this young artist's evolution changing his life forever.

A Brazilian production, Soundtrack is presented in English and is slated for theatrical release in Brazil on July 6. Watch the trailer (with Portuguese subtitles) below.
A biographical movie about the early days of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice? Ho-hum, not for me. Or so I thought until I watched this galvanizing trailer for Marshall.

Chadwick Boseman, who will soon be known primarily as Black Panther, plays the titular character, surrounded by the likes of Sterling K. Brown, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, Dan Stevens and James Cromwell. Here's the official synopsis:

Long before he sat on the United States Supreme Court or claimed victory in Brown v. Board of Education, Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman) was a young rabble-rousing attorney for the NAACP.

The new motion picture, Marshall, is the true story of his greatest challenge in those early days - a fight he fought alongside attorney Sam Friedman (Josh Gad), a young lawyer with no experience in criminal law: the case of black chauffeur Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), accused by his white employer, Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson), of sexual assault and attempted murder.

Reginald Hudlin directed; this is his first feature in more than 10 years -- he's been quite busy helming episodic television shows -- and this trailer looks stylish and meaningful. Check it out below.

Marshall is set for U.S. theatrical release on October 13.
In A Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995), the famed director announces in the beginning of the film that he can't be objective about what films he would mention in the historical documentary. Justifying his personal take on the endeavor, he said. "It's an imaginary museum and I can't open all the doors. We don't have time for all of it."

In My Journey Through French Cinema, veteran French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier takes the same route; the doc is not a French cinema history, from Lumiere to Luc Besson, but rather a deeply personal take on the impact French cinema has had on his upbringing and later as a filmmaker. So it starts with Jacques Becker (Dernier atout, Casque d'or) and ends with Claude Sautet (Les choses la vie, Un coeur en hiver).



Clocking in at 3 hours and 20 minutes, My Journey is definitely not a clean cut doc that has a definite ending. In order to make sense of the chronology and to give context to Tavernier's narration, it is necessary to go through the director's own background a little: Tavernier (The Clockmaker, Coup de torchon, Life is Nothing But), born in 1941 to working class parents in Lyon, is a member of the liberation generation. He associates the liberation after the end of WWII, celebrated in the sky above Lyon, with the magic of the theater-going experience.

Having suffered malnutrition during WWII, he was a sickly kid who spent most of his childhood watching films. His isolation made him a cinephile well versed in American films as well as French. His first movie job was working for Jean-Pierre Melville as an assistant. Then he landed a job as a publicist for a studio (which produced Breathless), then as a film critic. He worked for Claude Sautet before making his debut as a filmmaker with The Clockmaker in 1974.

A bit younger than Godard, Truffaut and the rest of the French New Wave directors who rejected old ways of filmmaking (for the sake of the explanation, I'm grossly generalizing here), Tavernier is an ideal candidate to chronicle French cinema somewhat objectively. He is a filmmaker with an old-school sensibility but also had intimate working relationships with the French New Wave directors.



All throughout, he points out the differences among French films and that of Hollywood films. He grew up seeing the films (made in 1940s-50s) of Jacques Becker, Jean Renoir (La bete humane, Grand Illusions), Marcel Carne (Children of Paradise, Remorques), Julien Duvivier (Pepe le Moko, Panic) and Jean Vigo (L'atalante, Zero conduit) among others.

These directors, although influenced by Hollywood directors such as John Ford, Howard Hawks and Ernst Lubitsch, had an innate distrust in plots and put more emphasis on empathy and emotions. Thanks largely to gifted writers like Jacques Prevert, unlike plot driven American movies, we unhurriedly follow characters and invest in them, as they discover their destination as we the audience do at the same time, like in Carne's beautiful, lyrical Port of Shadows.



Since it's a personal film, Tavernier keeps talking head interviews to a minimum, unless it's old interview footage or a recording from years ago. He puts emphasis in the differences of French cinema from its American counterpart. He also concentrates on three categories: directors he admired growing up, music composers, and directors he worked for in one capacity or another.



Using the legendary actor Jean Gabin, who starred in many classic French films, as a springboard and transition device, Tavernier jumps through many directors who worked with him and shares many anecdotes. According to Prevert, Marcel Carne was not an actor's director. He notes that Carne was the only director who wasn't capable of writing a scene. But he was master of shot/reverse shot and preferred using a wide lens instead of different combination of lenses.



Film scoring is a big interest for Tavernier. Unlike prevailing scores from beginning to end in a Hollywood production in the studio days where directors had no say on music, French directors carefully chose their scores and music composers. They were discreet about when to use music. You cant help noticing the memorable melodies after watching Vigo's L'atalante by Maurice Jaubert, who also scored music for Carne for Port of Shadows and Le jour se leve, and Duvivier's Un carnet de bal, among others.



Tavernier is an unabashedly old-fashioned filmmaker. He firmly believes that filmmakers have to possess both arrogance and humbleness -- you make films thinking that you can change the world, but you must be humble enough to realize that if you can touch two people with your films, your job is done.

Tavernier talks fondly of Truffaut. His direct comparison of Truffaut with Jean-Pierre Melville is very revealing. Truffaut was gentle and calm and his nature was reflected in his films. Melville, however, was a brute to work for. But he had a sense of humor. The only reason Tavernier got hired as an assistant was Melville read a scathing review of Bob le flambeur by Tavernier. He thought Melville's craft amateurish. To young Tavernier, his films are either utter crap or masterpiece. He saw the director of Le samurai and Leon Morin, pretre up close and personal and decided that he wasn't a good original writer but a fabulous adaptor. His usual cinematic elements -- bars, dancers and mirrors -- were from his real life.



Shooting everything in his studio, using the same stairs and entryway multiple times throughout different films, Melville was a crafty, economical director. With no music, out of frame action and long sequences, even though he was influenced by Hollywood gangster films, Tavernier concludes that he was closer to Bresson than Wyler.

It was in response to Melville's suggestion that Tavernier became a film publicist. "You are a terrible assistant, but you'd be good at defending films. Why don't you become a press agent?" He got a job at Rome-Paris Films, a small company that was basking in the surprising success of Godard's Breathless. There he met and interacted with Godard, Truffaut, Agnes Varda, Jacques Demy and Claude Rosier.



Although he was not a part of it, he understood what the New Wavers like Godard and Truffaut were trying to do. He remembers Henri Langlois and his influence on a generation of filmmakers. For a young cinephile, Langlois's eccentric programming was an eye opener. Tavernier was there, along with his classmate Volker Schlendorff in 1968, outside Cinematheque Francaise when the police clubbed the young crowds demonstrating the closing of Cinematheque.



He introduces Godard's Alphaville by way of Eddie Constantine, an actor who starred in many b-movie spy thrillers (by Hollywood blacklist director John Berry), playing the role of Lemmy Caution, which Godard borrowed. He goes on to speak about Godard's propensity for cinemascope, colors in films like Contempt and Pierre le fou, with much admiration.



He remembers fondly about Claude Sautet, who became Tavernier's mentor. He says Sautet was on the fringe of the French cinema industry and the mean boys at the Cahiers du Cinema didn't give him the time of day, probably because he often depicted bourgeois lifestyle. Not only Sautet directed films but he was a script doctor for many of France's most popular films.



I've seen some of Tavernier's films from his long and illustrious filmography. I was struck by his subtle, humanistic approach when I saw Captain Conan, his WWI film in theaters in 1996. Encountering films like The Clockmaker and Coup de torchon recently for the first time was a pure joy for me. I definitely see the lineage all the way up to Jacques Becker, who presented his working class characters as real as possible -- we see a carpenter really working those carpentry machines, a print setter actually dirtying up his hands, etc. In his films, we see the silly slapstick elements and unrehearsed playfulness of the New Wave. In his films, we see great subtlety in the writing and performances of the late Sautet.

Obviously, My Journey Through French Cinema is a lot to take in one sitting. It's also a goldmine for any cinephiles as an invaluable resource guide. Tavernier is doing us a great service here through his experience as a cinephile and a filmmaker. I am eager to check out more films that are featured in this documentary for years to come.

My Journey Through French Cinema is scheduled to open in New York on Friday, June 23 at the Quad Cinema, followed by a national roll out.

Dustin Chang is a freelance writer. His musings and opinions on everything cinema and beyond can be found at www.dustinchang.com
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Becoming windy with thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 76F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph, becoming N and increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Windy. Rain showers this evening with clearing late. Low around 40F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
 Henry Montgomery (of Montgomery v. Louisiana) re-sentenced to life with parole | Main | Today's SCOTUS CJ scorecard: government wins in two procedural cases, defendant wins in one substantive case 

The title of this post is the headline of this new article in the National Catholic Reporter. Here are excerpts:

Evangelical Christian leaders are spearheading a campaign for criminal justice reform, calling for equitable punishment, alternatives to incarceration and a different take on the "tough on crime" language of the Trump administration.

"Our country's overreliance on incarceration fails to make us safer or to restore people and communities who have been harmed," said James Ackerman, CEO of Prison Fellowship Ministries, at a June 20 news conference at the National Press Club.

Joined by black, white and Hispanic officials of evangelical organizations, he introduced the "Justice Declaration" that has been signed by close to 100 religious leaders from a wide range of Christian denominations. "The Church has both the unique ability and unparalleled capacity to confront the staggering crisis of crime and incarceration in America," the declaration reads, "and to respond with restorative solutions for communities, victims, and individuals responsible for crime."

The leaders later presented their declaration to Republican leaders, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, in hopes of gaining bipartisan support for changes in federal law....

Ackerman said Prison Fellowship supports sentencing guidelines but thinks mandatory sentences are "a big mistake." He was joined at the news conference by leaders with testimonies of how churches helped formerly incarcerated people rehabilitate themselves and become productive citizens.

Dimas Salaberrios, president of the Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, told of how church members once vouched to a judge about his transformation after he escaped from authorities when he was a drug dealer. The judge pardoned him. "I'm living proof that when you grab somebody out of the pits of hell and you turn their life around that they can be great contributors to society," he said.

National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson challenged churches to do more than sign the declaration but also take action steps to address racial inequities and work for alternatives such as drug courts and mental health courts to keep people out of prison. Thirteen percent of Americans are African-American but close to 40 percent of U.S. prisoners are black. "What if all of our churches were to adopt one incarcerated person?" he asked. "What if all of our churches would service one family where a family member is incarcerated? What if all of our churches would care for one victim?"

The declaration, and a related 11-page paper on how the church can respond to crime and incarceration, were spearheaded by evangelical organizations: Prison Fellowship, the NAE, the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

But signatories on the declaration include a wider range of Christian leaders, such as Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bread for the World President David Beckmann and Bishop Frank Dewane, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
 A misdirected attack on two notable sentences in Justice Alito's Packingham concurrence | Main | "Evangelical leaders push for criminal justice reform" 

As reported in this lengthy local article, a defendant whose surname means a lot to a lot of juvenile offenders long ago sentenced to life without parole was resentenced today in Louisiana. Here are just some of the details of the latest chapter of a truly a remarkable case:

A Baton Rouge judge Wednesday gave a 71-year-old man convicted of killing a sheriff's deputy when he was 17 a chance to leave prison before he dies.

Henry Montgomery has been locked up for 54 years in the killing of East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputy Charles Hurt. But Judge Richard Anderson on Wednesday re-sentenced Montgomery to a life sentence with the possibility of parole, following a pair of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings  including Montgomery's own case  that say defendants convicted of murder for killings committed as juveniles cannot automatically be sent away to serve life without parole.

"This is not an easy thing for me to do  because one man is dead and the family is still living through the consequences. But the law is the law," said Anderson, referencing the higher court decisions that said sentences of life without parole for young killers must be "rare and uncommon" and reserved only for those who display "irretrievable depravity."

Anderson's decision during the brief hearing came nearly two months after defense attorneys presented the judge with extensive testimony about Montgomery's conduct in prison and the rough circumstances of his childhood. Officials from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, where Montgomery has spent nearly all of the last half-century, described him as a trustworthy inmate and reliable worker who accumulated a remarkably low number of infractions during his time at the once-notorious prison.

Lindsay Jarrell Blouin, an East Baton Rouge Parish public defender who represents Montgomery, also detailed rough circumstances of Montgomery's childhood, which she wrote included neglect, physical abuse and a lack of education. Court filings also detailed Montgomery's mental limitations, including an IQ estimated by psychologists during his 1969 trial as somewhere in the 70s....

"He's been a model prisoner for 54 years, he's been a mentor and, by all appearances, he's been rehabilitated," Anderson said. "It does not appear (Montgomery) is someone the Supreme Court would consider 'irreparably corrupt.'"

Montgomery was walking near Scotlandville High School on Nov. 13, 1963, when he ran from Hurt and other deputies who'd arrived to investigate a theft complaint called in by the school. Hurt tried to detain Montgomery, according to trial transcripts, and Montgomery killed him with a single shot from a .22-caliber pistol. Hurt's partner that day wrote in an initial report that Hurt had his hands up and was backing away when Montgomery shot him. But the officer testified at trial that he was some 350 yards away and couldn't see Hurt or Montgomery at the moment of the shooting, according to recent filings by Montgomery's attorneys. The deputy was wearing plain clothes, Montgomery's attorneys wrote, and the teenager told investigators following his arrest that he thought Hurt was reaching for a gun when he fired. "This was a terrible, split-second decision made by a scared 17-year-old boy who thought he was going to be killed."

Hurt's family did not attend Wednesday's hearing. But in April, as Anderson considered evidence in the case, Hurt's two daughters took the stand to testify to how that single gunshot upended their family, snapped previously happy childhoods and continues to reverberate in painful ways decades later. Becky Wilson and Linda Woods both told Anderson through tears that they'd come to forgive and pray for Montgomery. The deputy's daughters met privately with Montgomery at Angola earlier this year.

But the sisters, as well as Jean-Paul deGravelles, Hurt's grandson who's now a Lafourche Parish sheriff's deputy, all said they felt Montgomery received a just sentence when a jury in 1969 found him guilty of murder "without capital punishment"  a verdict that spared Montgomery the death penalty but sent him away for the remainder of his life.

Anderson echoed that view, noting from the bench that he felt Montgomery's life-without-parole sentence was fair. But the law has changed, Anderson said, regardless of whether the judge agrees with the Supreme Court rulings.

Prosecutors didn't argue for either life with or without parole for Montgomery but noted the gravity of the crime and its impact on the victim's family. Lawyers with the Attorney General's Office who represented the state at the hearing declined to comment Wednesday. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III said Anderson's "difficult but well-reasoned decision" acknowledged the suffering caused by Montgomery but was bound by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision.

Wilson, who was 9 years old when her father was killed, said Wednesday she believes Anderson reached "the only decision he could" under current law in offering Montgomery a chance at parole and said she appreciates the judge's careful consideration of the case. "As for Mr. Montgomery, I just pray for Gods perfect will to be done in his life and hope and pray he is blessed wherever he might be, today and in his future," Wilson said by email. "If he should be paroled, I hope, if given the opportunity, he will use his life experience to help keep young men and women from going down the same path he went down. Also, I pray that he will truly be thankful and humbled by the gift of freedom."

Montgomery's 1969 conviction came after the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned an earlier verdict, ruling that widespread and often racially tinged attention to the case "permeated the atmosphere" in Baton Rouge during his first trial. The court ruled that "no one could reasonably say that the verdict and the sentence were lawfully obtained." Anderson on Wednesday noted the jury in Montgomery's second trial in 1969 chose not to impose a death sentence even though the law allowed it. Montgomery's attorneys argued earlier that the jury's decision for a lesser sentence suggested they didn't see Montgomery as among the worst killers.

Anderson also admonished Montgomery, who stood before the judge stooped with his hands closely shackled to a belly chain, to take advantage of his opportunity at freedom. Montgomery didn't speak during the hearing and was quickly led away after the judge read out his new sentence. Blouin, his attorney, said after the hearing that Montgomery was pleased with the decision but "still grieves for the victim's family and the impact this has had on them."

The next step for Montgomery will be a request for a parole board hearing. He's already served more than twice as many years as required before parole consideration and has met other requirements to apply for release. Keith Nordyke, an attorney with the Louisiana Parole Project, a nonprofit firm representing Montgomery in the parole process, said a hearing could come before the end of the year.
A man who was detained by police Wednesday for allegedly driving his motorcycle into a group of protesters lying down on Seventh Street has been identified in the media as Jeffery Dillon of San Francisco. SFist mentioned the incident in brief yesterday, and now we get further details via CBS 5, in which SFPD officer drew their weapons and thankfully no one was injured.

The protest, organized by Bay Resistance and Senior and Disability Action, began just after noon Wednesday outside the federal building at Seventh and Mission, and was a show of resistance to the Republican health care bill now working its way through the Senate. Approximately 20 people were lying down in the street in a symbolic "die-in," as CBS 5 reports, when a man on a red motorcycle came barreling through the group, heading the wrong way on Seventh, which is one-way, forcing several protesters to jump out of the way.

You can see the incident at about the 2:00 mark in the video below, which occurred about seven minutes after protesters began their "die-in."

As the Chronicle reports, the man was revving the motorcycle and clearly appeared to be targeting the protesters. Witness Tracey Brieger of Emeryville says that she heard him say, after he was detained by police, "You guys were blocking the intersection and now youre not. See how that works?" After coming through the crowd the first time, the motorcyclist made a U-turn and came at them again.

Another witness, Bruce Allison, tells the Chronicle that he heard the suspect say, "If you want to go to the hospital, here you go," and "You will have health care if you people stop protesting."

The man has been ID'd via DMV records as Jeffery Dillon, an adult film industry entrepreneur with a significant social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and the Chronicle finds that he's the admin of a Facebook group called White Privilege Club, which bills itself as "[not] a racist site/group, it is the exact opposite. It is a celebration of our culture and who we are." Further, on the group's page (which I can not find on Facebook, and is apparently not this one), Dillon says, "I am proud of who I am and my people. The media and these social justice warriors are going to try to shame us with the words white privilege, well we will throw it right back at them and wear it as a badge of honor."

Dillon's Instagram shows him to be an avid bodybuilder and porn enthusiast, and if this offensive meme is any evidence, neither a fan of President Obama or President Trump. He works for a porn site called GameLink, and appears to have a stable home life, with dogs.

Per CBS 5, the suspect, whom police have not identified publicly, remains in custody and charges have not yet been filed.

Here's another angle on the incident below, via CBS 5.
It's safe to say that last Christmas was completely ruined for Rick and Jill Larson of Larson Studios, a small, family-run, Hollywood-based audio post-production business for big-name television shows.

In an exclusive obtained by Variety, the Larsons detail exactly what went down on Christmas of 2016 and how a few mysterious texts led a group of hackers known as The Dark Overlord to release the entire season of Orange in the New Black a month before it's official Netflix release.

We've covered the high drama here before, so catch on up, but the Variety story is the first time that the Larsons have broken their silence about the incident. Here's what went down:

Two days before Christmas, both Larsons received a weird text from an unknown number, which the pair just ignored. On Christmas Eve, the couple both received another text from the same unknown number which read, "Why are you ignoring me, check your email for a message that will change your life."

Upon checking their email, the Larsons realized that a hacker group calling itself "The Dark Overlord" had made its way inside the company's servers and was threatening to leak Larson Studios' data.

"Once I was able to look at our server, my hands started shaking, and I almost threw up," said Larson Studios' director of digital systems Chris Unthank.

The hackers had stolen and deleted all of the studio's data and they wanted 50 Bitcoin, or approximately $50,000 to give it back. The Larsons had to promise not to tell anyone, and the hackers promised they wouldn't tell anyone. If the couple just paid up, the data would be returned and no one  including the big studios who hired the Larsons  would be the wiser.

Larson Studios called the FBI. But, as Variety explains, the feds weren't much help in dealing with a sinister hacker group demanding a ransom.

"It was an evolutionary process. The Dark Overlord had given us a very short window to respond. They were threatening us with actually releasing Orange Is the New Black before New Year's. So the feeling was that we needed to at least initially agree to cooperate and buy time," explained Jill Larson.

The Dark Overlord also provided proof of the content they held, which included titles from Netflix, ABC, CBS and Disney.

After studying The Dark Overlord's history, it appeared to the Larsons that once paid, the hackers kept their promise and either returned or deleted the stolen data. "It was Gorilla Glue before us, and a children's charity right after," Dondorf explained Variety of The Dark Overlord's previous targets.

"They would return the materials, destroy the materials, and it was over. This was the way they work," said Rick Larson.

Despite numerous advice against paying the hackers from their bank, the FBI, and a security expert who deals with these sorts of things, the Larsons decided to suck it up and send the money. Over the course of 19 transactions, Jill Larson paid off The Dark Overlord.

"We had a trust from our clients to protect their intellectual property, and the best way to do that with these people was to pay them," explained Rick Larson.

But once the Larsons paid, the FBI called to say that The Dark Lord had been blackmailing big studios with the data they'd stolen from the Larsons. Netflix refused to submit to the hackers' demands and with that, Season 5 of Orange is the New Black was released a month-and-a-half before it's scheduled launch.

The hackers sent the Larsons a final email, explaining that because the pair contacted the FBI, they hadn't followed The Dark Overlord's instructions and all bets were off. "They said they felt they owed us an explanation as to why they had done it," said Jill Larson.

The experience has been a life and company-changer for the Larsons, who obviously lost a lot of business  not to mention 50 grand  due to the hacking.

"We work closely with the studios. Some have just been very supportive," said Rick Larson.

Other studios weren't, and took their business elsewhere. But the (nice) studios helped the Larsons get rapidly educated on cyber-security and transform their once-hackable business into a secure one. As it turns out, the hackers got in because one of the Larson Studios' computers was using an old and very hackable version of Windows. "They were basically just trolling around to see if they could find a computer that they could open. It wasn't aimed at us," explained Dondorf.

"You've got people around here who've spent the last six months living, breathing and dying this whole situation. Lots of lost sleep, and boy, a lot of learning. We probably know way more than we ever wanted to know about this," said Rick Larson.

Related: Muni Hacker Hacked, Turns Out He's Extorted Ransoms From Multiple US Companies
The 1,000-foot rule for marijuana dispensaries in San Francisco dictates that pot clubs cannot operate with 1,000 feet of a school, playground, recreational center, or substance abuse treatment facility. (Though the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors may reduce that to a 600-foot rule) This creates little gluts of dispensaries in certain eligible areas, like the Outer Mission stretch dubbed Dispensary Row. A possible new Dispensary Row is creating a row in Vistacion Valley, where the Chronicle reports that residents are none too pleased with possibility of two dispensaries on the same block.

San Francisco currently has 36 medical marijuana dispensaries, with another 25 dispensary applications in the Planning Commission pipeline. On top of all that, a couple dozen more letters of determination have been submitted to Planning to assess the suitability of certain sites. Each of these aspiring dispensaries-to-be is assuming medical dispensaries will get grandfathered in for conversion into recreational-use dispensaries when adult over-the-counter sales become legal on January 1, 2018, per the passage of Prop. 64. The city has a deadline of September 1 to make that determination.



In January, the Planning Commission approved a dispensary permit for 2442 Bayshore Boulevard, the former Connie Hair Salon. Tonight the Planning Commission will consider another dispensary permit at 5 Leland Avenue  which is essentially on the very same Visitacion Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard block  which would require an additional permit because its within 500 feet with another approved dispensary.



We have a lot of needs in this community  maybe a clothing store, a bookstore, stores for children, sporting goods, retired schoolteacher and Vis Valley neighborhood activist Marlene Tran told the Chronicle. Things that we can all patronize. Having a [medical cannabis dispensary] at the entrance to our commercial district will not benefit most people.



Further, some locals feel that the 1,000-foot rule is being applied in lax fashion to their neighborhood as opposed to more upscale areas. They argue that two Vis Valley facilities  the Asian Pacific American Community Center and the Cross Cultural Family Center  are youth centers and should have automatically disqualified the dispensaries permit applications.



There is a double standard, attorney Teresa Li told the Chron. Why is it OK to open a [dispensary] on Leland Avenue next to a child-care facility but not on Post Street? That is why we are seeing a concentration of (dispensaries) in low-income, minority neighborhoods. Our children dont seem to matter as much.



Reps from the potential 5 Leland Avenue dispensary counters that theyre finally bringing some action to a long-vacant space, and adding 15 new jobs to the neighborhood.



Pot patient and advocate David Goldman says Visitacion Valley ought to welcome dispensaries into empty, dilapidated storefronts on Bayshore Boulevard. They should be thrilled. There is not much going on in that neighborhood, Goldman told the Chronicle. They could use a few more businesses.



Related: Girl Scouts Challenge Weed Dispensary To Fundraiser, Winner Gets The Cookies




Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Valery Nikiforov, Director of the "Photo Center" Association, said that the exhibition gave viewers the recent developments of Vietnam in the fields of politics and economics, and introduced beautiful images of the country, culture and people of Vietnam.Exhibits include 130 pictures of Vietnam on the way of integration, affirming the position and role of the country in the international arena. The photos also present Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership and Vietnams economic potentials.The display is held on a significant occasion as the state visit of President Tran Dai Quang to Russia will take place next week.The event runs until July 2.

By HOANG THANH  Translated by Kim Khanh
The mission team includes representatives of the citys safety management board, scientists, cooperatives and Satra.



At present, the city's consumers get access to information of safe vegetables through media. Along with this, safe veggies farms receive support from the Department of Agriculture and Rural development and supermarkets are mushrooming in residential blocks to help people buy fresh agricultural produces.

By THANH HAI  Translated by UYEN PHUONG
Addressing the launching ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said the court is the first of its kind in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as well. The country will expand the special court gradually to all states nationwide, he added.With experienced judges in child law, the court will hear cases from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya involving underage victims.The initiative was proposed by PM Najib during a conference on sexual abuse against children in March.Statistics showed that between 2010-2015, nearly 5,780 cases of sexual abuse with victims being children were reported, with 963 cases each year averagely. Malaysian police said that in 2015-2016, the country recorded 2,759 rapes, 412 cases of incest, and over 1,400 sexual harassments targeting children under 18 years old.

VNplus
He made the statement at a conference on the debut of Vietnam Energy Partnership Group with the attendance of the EUs delegation in Hanoi yesterday.



Minister Tran Tuan Anh said that Vietnams energy demand quickly increased approximating 11.5 percent a year in the phase of 2001-2010 to meet industrialization, modernization and socioeconomic development demand.

The number slightly reduced during the phase of 2011-2013 but has increased back since early 2014 till now.

Vietnams electricity consumption grew 13 percent a year on average in the phase of 2006-2010 and 11 percent from 2011-2016.

According to Vietnams national energy development strategy, by 2020 the country will reach 100-110 million tons of oil equivalent (TOE) of primary energy supply and about 310-320 million TOE by 2050.

The adjusted national electricity development plan in the phase of 2011-2020 sets a target of meeting domestic electricity demand. Gross domestic product growth rate will approximate 7 percent a year in the phase of 2016-2030.

Electricity plants capacity in the country is expected to total 60,000MW by 2020 and 129,500MW by 2030.

By PHUC HAU - Translated by Hai Mien
It was in front of their eyes the entire time, and finally they realized what they had. The what that were talking about is the chenin blanc grape variety, and the they are the winemakers of South Africa. It took a long time, but eventually they put one and one together, and realized that a great natural resource of theirs had huge potential and should no longer be overlooked or taken for granted.

The now-respected chenin blanc grape variety was born in the Loire Valley of France, and appears to have made its way to South Africa in the mid-17th century. Back then, the grape was known as steen by the Dutch settlers who inhabited the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the country, where the majority of its wine is grown and produced today.

According to the South African Chenin Blanc Association, it was not until 1963 that C.J. Orffer, the professor who headed up the University of Stellenboschs viticulture program at the time, matched up the leaves of steen with those of chenin blanc to determine that steen was, in fact, chenin blanc. So thats the abbreviated version of the complicated tale of the South African chenin blanc name game. To sum it up: The grape was there from the start of the countrys wine grape cultivation and was known by at least a couple of names through the years, including steen (sometimes spelled stein) and chenin blanc.

But the grapes rise to prominence and worth in South Africa is even more tortured and roundabout. A versatile and high-yielding grape, chenin blanc was a major player in much of South Africas brandy in the 20th century but was not valued to any large degree as a grape for quality table wine until as recently as 1999. This is when the CBA was formed and local winemakers began spending time turning chenin blanc grapes into the best wines they could.

Even in recent years, winemakers have undertaken massive replanting efforts to ensure higher quality grapes and wine moving forward. At the same time, other winemakers have been preserving and focusing on their old vines that have proved themselves as producers of consistently good fruit.

Still, South African chenin blanc can be polarizing. It shares space with chardonnay in the sense that people who say they dont like it have had either poor-quality versions of it or styles that dont suit their tastes. Try a different bottle.

Good South African chenin blancs can offer floral, citrusy and honey-kissed notes; apple, pear, apricot and tropical fruits; and nutty and toasty expressions when the wine has been fermented in oak barrels. Many of them have a formidable medium- to full-bodied roundness, often with zingy acidity to boot. Generally, South African chenin blancs are meant to be drunk young and fresh, but this is a varietal that can also benefit from bottle aging. The fruit and acidity of South African chenin blancs can make them nice apertifs (but be wary of alcohol levels that land between 13 and 14 percent), and they can also stand up to heartier seafood, grilled chicken and a variety of Asian cuisines that bring the spice.

Although the grape variety is not originally from South Africa, it is the most-planted grape variety in South Africa, and no other place on earth has more of it. Almost one of every five grapes grown in South Africa is chenin blanc.

Once an abundant yet underutilized commodity, chenin blanc is now a source of pride for the South African wine industry. Doesnt that make you want to track down a bottle or two and find out why? Below are notes from a recent tasting of South African chenin blanc. They are listed in ascending order according to price.

2016 Solms Delta Chenin Blanc. From the Western Cape, this wine offered ripe pear, lime and anise to go along with a crispness that made it very easy to drink on its own. $12

2015 Stellar Winery The Rivers End Chenin Blanc. Pear, apple, butter, apricot, anise and honey characterized this creamy, mouth-coating wine, which also had a touch of citrus on the finish. $14

2016 Ken Forrester Vineyards Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc. Peach, apricot, fennel, orange blossom and bright acidity were all present in this fresh and clean wine from the Stellenbosch region. $15

2015 Terre Brulee Le Blanc Chenin Blanc. Full of apricot, minerality, citrus and zingy acidity with a dry, crisp finish, this Swartland region wine clocked in at 13.5 percent alcohol. $15.

2015 De Bos Sur Lie Chenin Blanc. This wine from the Wellington region offered pear, green apple, anise, tropical fruits, citrus, tangy acidity, and lip-smacking tartness on the finish. $17

2015 Mullineux Family Wines Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Minerality, apricot, tropical fruit, vanilla, honey, a whiff of smoke and cleansing acidity all pushed through this wines round lushness. $20

2015 Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc. At 14 percent alcohol, this Coastal Region wine was packed with bright stone and tropical fruits, honey, oak, vanilla and refreshing acidity. $25

2014 Beaumont Family Wines Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc. This wine offered apricot, lime, honey, oak and fresh acidity, and should age well in the bottle for five years or more. $30
SHELDON, Iowa | Deluxe Feeds Inc. announced a $37 million expansion at its Sheldon, Iowa, plant Thursday.

The 50,000-square-foot addition will create 15 new jobs in the OBrien County city of about 5,300 when completed, according to a press release from Deluxe, a division of Muscatine-based Kent Nutrition Group.

This investment and expansion reflects our deep commitment to the industry, Gage A. Kent, Chairman and CEO of Kent Corporation, said in a release. We are focused on providing innovative products and solutions to address the challenges and opportunities our customers face both today and in the future.

The new addition will increase capacity and versatility by adding five new pellet mills, two separate processing lines, high-efficiency packaging equipment, robotic palletizers, grain cleaning and packaging innovations.

Deluxe currently employs 33 people in Sheldon, according to Curt Strouth, community development director of the Sheldon Chamber and Development Corporation. He noted the investment will result in $330,000 in annual taxes for the city.

This is the fourth time since 2003 Deluxe has made an expansion to its Sheldon plant.
SIOUX CITY | A Wednesday fire caused by an air conditioner malfunction substantially damaged a home in Storm Lake, Iowa.

The Storm Lake Police Department in a Thursday release reported the fire occurred in a home divided into apartments in the 400 block of Russell Street. The structure was engulfed in flames when Storm Lake Fire Department firefighters arrived, and the residents were out of the building without injuries.

A Storm Lake Police officer sustained a minor injury while checking the residence for occupants, but did not require medical attention,

The release said an investigation determined an air conditioner shorted out and started the fire, which traveled to the attic storage area and then throughout the structure.

Damage is estimated at $100,000.
Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar.

Wildflower Wood Cookies

Join Summer Naturalist intern Michelle McClanahan in creating your own acrylic painting of native flora on a natural canvas: a wood cookie. This free program will begin at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Rd. It is recommended for ages 12 and up. Please pre-register by calling 712-258-0838.

The Hidden Works of Jay N. 'Ding' Darling

A traveling exhibit featuring the works and personal artifacts of the pioneering conservationist, creator of the Duck Stamp and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist who grew up in Sioux City. The exhibit at the Sioux City Public Museum is open through Aug. 13. Visit siouxcitymuseum.org for hours of operation.

STEM with a Scientist

STEM with a Scientist is every fourth Thursday of the month. Each month a scientist that is an expert in a different type of science, will visit the museum. Cost is $8 for admission or free with membership. This event is all ages appropriate. From 5:30-7 p.m. tonight at LaunchPAD.
CEDAR RAPIDS | John Norris is hosting a barn-raising July 9 to kick off his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The kickoff potluck takes place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Picnic Shelter at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale.

Norris, who served Tom Vilsack in the governors office and at the United State Department of Agriculture, will share his vision that its time our government worked for all Iowans.

Norris has been touring the state meeting with Democratic activists in preparation for the official launch of his campaign July 8 in his hometown of Red Oak.

The fifth-generation Iowan is all about rural Iowa, explained campaign spokeswoman Tessa Lengeling.

Admission to the potluck is free. Those who attend are asked to bring a dish to pass.

If you can bring a lot, bring a lot. If you can bring a little, bring a little, Lengeling said. Everyone will be fed. Thats the Iowa way.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to rsvp@norrisforthepeople.com.

Norris plans to hit the campaign trail across Iowa and has scheduled a stop in Cedar Rapids July 11. More details will be announced later.

Norris will join Sen. Nate Boulton of Des Moines, former Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Andy McGuire, former Des Moines school board President Jon Neiderbach, Rep. Todd Prichard of Charles City, Davenport Alderman Mike Matson, Coralville nurse and union president Cathy Glasson and Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell in the race for the nomination.

The nomination will be determined by a June 2018 primary unless none of the candidates gets at least 35 percent of the vote. If that happens, a candidate will be nominated at the Democratic convention.
Credit: Peter OuSteven Van Zandt has been named an Ambassador to Ronald McDonald House as part of a new partnership between the longtime E Street Band guitarist and the charity.

The honor was announced at the New York chapter of Ronald McDonald House's Heroes Volunteer Event, held on Tuesday in the Big Apple. During the fundraiser, which benefits the charity's volunteer programs, Little Steven and Ronald McDonald House New York president and CEO Ruth Browne both signed a guitar.

In his new role, Van Zandt will promote Ronald McDonald House's charitable work, while serving as a mentor For children suffering from cancer who receive aid from the organization. Ronald McDonald House provides free places to stay for families with children who are being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities.

In addition, Little Steven will organize and take part in a variety of musical-related events and activities this year for children being supported by Ronald McDonald House.

"I believe that being part of a band is special and that music can sometimes have healing powers," says Van Zandt. "Through my partnership with the House, I am hoping that I can share this power and love for music with the people that need it most."

Last month, Little Steven released his first new solo album in 18 years, Soulfire. He currently is on a European tour in support of the record with his backing band The Disciples of Soul.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Good for the Iowa Supreme Court.

In an order signed on Monday by Chief Justice Mark Cady, the court banned weapons in all courthouses. This reasonable order will establish a uniform policy across the state designed to protect employees within and visitors to these public buildings in which emotions sometimes run high due to the nature of business conducted there. The order applies to "courtrooms, court-controlled spaces, and public areas of courthouses and other justice centers occupied by the court system."

We understand counties with no courthouse security system in place will face questions about enforcement, but we believe the court's order is a prudent step in the proper direction. Prohibiting guns inside courthouses isn't some egregious anti-Second Amendment violation, it's common sense everyone should support.

Beginning with discussion of the issue in Woodbury County, we have advocated for courthouse security for many years.

In 2011, Woodbury County supervisors banned guns in the courthouse, then in 2014 the board put some teeth in the ban by restricting courthouse access to one door staffed by security officers and equipment.

We supported the gun ban and the additional courthouse safety measures. In voicing concerns about courthouse security, we joined County Attorney P.J. Jennings, Sheriff Dave Drew and a study committee whose members recommended security improvements, including surveillance cameras, screening equipment and personnel.

However, one provision within a package of gun-related proposals passed by the Iowa House and Senate and signed by former Gov. Terry Branstad earlier this year threatened to undo positive security steps taken for courthouses here and elsewhere in Iowa. The provision states an Iowan can sue any city, county or township that passes a firearm ban if the individual believes he or she is adversely affected by it.

Insofar as courthouses are concerned, the Iowa Supreme Court's order appears to offset the potentially chilling impact of that provision.
I recently watched an interview with Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) who was present at the shooting in Arlington, Virginia. He has every reason to be angry and hateful. Instead, he spoke of coming together, healing our country and working to eliminate partisan politics. What a class act.

In contrast, Steve King (R-Iowa), who was not present at the shooting, immediately criticized liberals for the shooting. What an embarrassment to Iowa. When is Northwest Iowa going to realize that Steve King is part of the problem in Washington and vote him out of office? According to a 2015 InsideGov ranking, Steve King was rated the least effective member of Congress. The least effective member of Congress - number one out of 435. He's been in D.C. since 2003 and has not had one piece of legislation get past committee. All he's done is embarrass Iowans on the world stage. And in case you might think InsideGov is a liberal think tank, 24 of the top 35 least-effective-ranked members of Congress on the list were Democrats and one was an Independent.
CEDAR RAPIDS | President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will include funding to boost rural internet access in his proposed $1 trillion infrastructure plan.

His speech to a crowd of about 250 at Kirkwood Community College also served as a send off of sorts for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who will leave Iowa Friday to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.

Branstad loves the state and the people so much, and together we all join to express our deep gratitude to Terry for everything he has done for Iowa and for its people. Mr. Ambassador, thank you very much and have a good time in China, Trump said.

Branstad, in turn, thanked Trump for his leadership and congratulated him for a deal between the United States and China that will allow the exports of United States-made beef into the country.

The two countries reached an agreement last month that would allow for the sale. China had said last September it would look at re-allowing the entry of U.S.-produced beef.

In his address, Trump hailed American farmers and said his administration will work to eliminate the intrusive rules that undermine your ability to earn a living.

Im not a farmer, but Id be very happy to be one. Its a very beautiful world you live in, the Republican president said, flanked by a red combine and a green tractor.

Trumps visit to Kirkwood came as a part of Technology Week for the White House. Before his remarks, a Kirkwood student showed Trump a John Deere Combine Simulator, used to train students on how to use the equipment.

On our visit to Kirkwood Community College, President Trump and I saw the high-tech equipment used in the schools precision agriculture program, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. Precision agriculture optimizes yields while conserving resources. Each advance made in technology is another step in the right direction for both farmers and the environment.

The president advocated that better infrastructure, including broadband, is needed to usher in a new era of prosperity for American agriculture.

That is why I will be including a provision in our infrastructure proposal  $1 trillion proposal that youll see very shortly  to enhance broadband access for rural America also, he said.

Bruce Rastetter, a Republican and agribusinessman, said he liked that Trump recognized the importance of U.S. agriculture and the need for improved broadband.

Rural broadband, weve seen in our farming operation, is critical for technology to be able to work out in the fields. When you have gaps in that, the software on that technology doesnt work , Rastetter told The Gazette.

A Federal Communications Commission report in 2016 found 37 percent of rural Iowans were without access to high-speed broadband, compared to just 4 percent of urban residents.

Trump was also expected to attend a rally at U.S. Cellular Center Wednesday night.
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.
A week after South Florida LGBT and straight allies came together to remember the 49 victims of the Pulse Orlando massacre, law enforcement and community leaders have taken steps to ensure a tragedy of that magnitude never takes place in gay centric cities like Wilton Manors or Miami.

The Stonewall Pride and Parade Festival, which took place in Wilton Manors over the weekend, had a heavy police presence with many officials patrolling the grounds and taking part in the festivities.

Increased vigilance at events like Stonewall and Miami Beach Gay Pride is what Officer Christopher Bess of the City of Miami Police Department says is essential and a priority for departments nationwide in a post-Pulse society. Metal detectors and police officers were abundant at two separate remembrance events in Miami for the Pulse Nightclub casualties.

"Our ultimate goal was to make sure everyone felt safe at these events honoring the 49 victims," said Miami Police Spokesman Bess, whose officers conducted pre-event bomb sweeps at both the Adrienne Arsht Center and the AmericanAirlines Arena. Hundreds of supporters were in attendance at the gatherings Sunday, June 11 and Monday, June 12.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said his officers have undergone intensive active shooter training and even learned the layouts of every single nightclub in his city in the immediate aftermath of the Orlando shootings.

"More visible law enforcement is the key. If you have a huge police presence, people who are up to no good are more likely to walk away and abandon whatever plot they are cooking," Regalado said. "We also need to do more to ban illegal weapons in this country. It's not going to happen overnight, but we need to raise our voices and let them be heard. We shouldn't be victims of fear or abandon our daily lives out of fear. That's what the terrorists want."

Pridelines, a nonprofit organization serving South Florida's LGBT community since 1982, co-sponsored the Pulse Day of Remembrance at the AmericanAirlines Arena with the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami Heat. The program included all types of performances from dance to poetry to singing, as well as interfaith prayer, a candlelight vigil and the naming of the victims with each of their pictures rotating on digital LED screens. Though it was a somber event, Pridelines CEO Victor Diaz Herman said the occasion was an opportunity for the community to celebrate the lives of the "lost 49 souls" and "honor them with action."

"It's our hope that we encouraged and inspired people to take action so those lives were not lost in vain," Diaz said.

Diego Roman Martinez, a Miami resident who attended the Arsht Center remembrance event, said the solidarity he felt with fellow LGBT and straight allies moved him and made him proud to be a part of the day.

"This is all about love and pride," Martinez said. "Pride is never something you feel alone. That's why there are seven colors of the rainbow, because you never feel anything alone. Not a single thing."
More information is needed, but the business owners, residents, and tourists interviewed about the hotel that might be built at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors said they are generally supportive of the project.

In a previous interview, the developer, Coconut Grove-based Grass River Property, said plans right now are to build a hotel with 120 to 125 rooms. The hope is to start construction in 2018. In general, the city managers office is also generally supportive of the project because getting a hotel built is one of the citys economic goals.

We would love to build a hotel. Were considering a lot of different things, said George Spillis of Grass River Property. My partners and I desperately want to build a hotel on the property.

Many business owners on Wilton Drive support the project.

Its just going to bring everyone more business. As long as its not too high, how can it be bad? said Anthony Dumas, owner of To The Moon. Nothing works back there. Something needs to be there, he said, referring to the empty shops on the back half of the property. Its just going to bring in more tourists.

Tim Slivinski, co-owner of Naked Grape, said a hotel should have been built years ago and that it would be an asset for the community, as long as its not a huge monstrosity. He added that he thinks a lot of groups, especially LGBT ones, would choose Wilton Manors as the place hold their conventions. Thats a great thing. Its a total boon to tourists who want to spend time in Wilton Manors.

Ed Lugo, owner of Ed Lugo Resort, said hes confident the hotel wouldnt hurt his business. Its going to attract a different kind of person [who wants to stay in my kind of lodging and not a traditional hotel]. They want something special. But Lugo, who opened his doors 10 years ago, doesnt think developers will ever build one at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors because there isnt enough demand.

There are six of us [small resorts and bed and breakfasts in Wilton Manors] and were not 100 percent occupied. On weekends, yes, theres enough demand. But not during the weekdays. I wish it could be Key West or Miami, but its not.

Nick Berry, co-owner of Rumors Bar & Grill and Courtyard Cafe, said that the hotel would create more visitors who would spend their money here in the daytime. Encouraging daytime shopping on Wilton Drive is something the city has been trying to do for years. We absolutely need it. Theyre going to be spending their money here.

Jennifer Santos, who lives in Brazil and has attended multiple Stonewall festivals, including the one held Saturday, said she would most likely stay in the hotel if it was built. I love Wilton Manors. I come for the gay community.

At a recent commission meeting, resident Ruthanne Stadnik said the city needs to diversify its lodging accommodations. We really need some lodging places other than vacation rentals.

As long as the hotel is up against the Drive and no taller than the Gables I am okay with it. But if they plan to put up a tall building right up against the houses [behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors] I am sure they will get quite a fight from neighbors, said Kevin Knorr, who lives near the Shoppes of Wilton Manors.

In a previous interview, Paul Rolli, president of the Central Area Neighborhood Association, who lives directly behind the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said the support or opposition by nearby residents would depend on the plans when and if they are presented.
Legendary Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame driver Herve Filion passed away Thursday morning (June 22) at the age of 77. A change to the

In addition to being a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Filion is also a member of the hall of fame south of the border. Filion recorded 15,183 wins in the sulky during his illustrious career, which is third in North America to Dave Palone (Tony Morgan is currently ranked second).

The family posted the following on Facebook hours after Filion's passing: "God saw you getting tired and a cure not meant to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered 'come to me.' Our dad, Herve Filion, crossed the finish line like the champion he is and became our angel today. A true champion he will always be -- doctors have told us this is one for the books for sure! We appreciate all the well wishes and the memories that have been shared these past few weeks. We thank you for giving us our privacy during this heartbreaking time."

A native of Angers, Quebec, Filion, who lived out his life in New York State with his family, won a whopping 16 seasonal dash titles, finished in the top five 30 times, and was the worlds leading money-winning driver seven times. Filion also won the inaugural edition of the World Driving Championship in 1970. He was known within the harness racing industry for his unworldly gift in a race bike and his unmatched work ethic. In 1968, Filion won a then-record 637 races, a mark that stood until 1986 when fellow Hall of Fame Quebec driver Mike Lachance bettered the mark. Two years later, Filion regained his crown, as he went out and won 798 races during what was the first of three consecutive dash crowns. A year later he surpassed his own record with 814 wins (others have since broken that record).

In 1971, Filion was named the winner of the Lou Marsh trophy as Canadas Professional Athlete of the Year. He also received the Medal of Honour from Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Additionally, he won a Hickok Professional Athlete Award. Over the course of his career, Filion was honoured with several year-end awards given out by the then-Canadian Trotting Association, United States Trotting Association and Harness Tracks of America.

In 1975, Filion became the youngest person ever inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame. A year later, in 1976, Filion, who was 36 at the time, became the youngest driver ever inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. At that point Filion had already amassed almost 6,000 career wins. Fast forward 30 years and Filions win total had surpassed 15,000, which, at the time, made him the winningest driver in the history of North American racing (his total was nearly 3,000 more than his closest competitor at the time).

Filion sat behind thousands of horses during his career and he was given the chance to steer his fair share of quality stock. To name just a few of his star mounts and moments, Filion upset the great Albatross with Nansemond in The Little Brown Jug, a race he later famously captured with Hot Hitter in 1979; he won the Dexter Cup with Marlu Pride, and the Realization Pace with Adios Waverly, Keystone Pebble and Otaro Hanover. Also, in 1986, Filion drove Quebecs great trotting mare Grades Singing, who won the 1986 Maple Leaf Trot, American Trotting Championship and Breeders Crown Mare Trot. During a 1970 program of racing at Brandywine Raceway, Filion won five races on one card, each of which were sub-2:00 miles, which was a massive achievement at the time.

After having started from humble beginnings, Filion cobbled together a massively successful career. Along with nine siblings, Filion was raised on his familys farm in Quebec. We were poor when I was a kid, he said, three boys to a bed and two horses to a stall. He has said that he was about 11 when he started thinking about being a driver. Two years later, when he was 13, Herve was hoisted into a sulky for a race in Rigaud, Quebec and won the race with Guy Grattan. Filions brothers  all of whom became licensed drivers  would eventually branch out from Angers to raceways in Quebec and Ontario before relocating south of the border to the United States.

Filions determination to succeed saw him study the crafts of the sports top reinsmen. After having surveyed the landscape, Filion tried to replicate the approach of future Hall of Fame inductee Keith Waples. Waples unique style of being able to shift the bike around in tight quarters was a tactic that Filion adopted and refined to what many observers eventually referred to as the Herve Hop. I can move a sulky maybe two feet to the right or to the left, Filion said.

As his Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame biography explains, Filion, in his heyday, often drove six or seven races at a matinee in New Jersey, then flew by helicopter to New York for six or seven drives at either Roosevelt or Yonkers. Many times after driving in an early race or two at the New York tracks he would sneak behind the tote board and hop a helicopter for a short ride to the airport, where he would board a private jet flight for a flight to Toronto and a drive in a stakes feature at Greenwood Raceway. The hustle paid off for Filion, as he would make numerous appearances at small tracks instead of resting in comfort at home. Filion was fond of saying, If I wasnt doing this, Id be carrying a lunch pail to work every day.

Filions world record win total of 15,180, which stood for years, was surpassed at the Meadows on July 5, 2012 by Dave Palone. Filion was in attendance to witness the event. Palone shook hands and hugged Filion, whom Palone grew up idolized. I am very happy for Dave, said Filion. Im happy for the industry of harness racing. Its doing goodand Im very happy that someone broke (the record), and it couldnt happen to a nicer guy, Dave Palone.

Filion would go on to crown his incredible driving career in grand fashion on October 7, 2012 at the Ottawa areas Rideau Carleton Raceway, where he went out and won three races in his final performance in the sulky (Filion would also go on to participate in the Legends Day Trot a year later in 2013, in what was technically his final trip in the bike). Prior to his memorable night at Rideau, Filion said he was pleased that his last hurrah would occur in the Ottawa Valley, where he started. I wont race anymore, I am retired. Im 72, working on 73 I feel good, but you know, Ive had enough racing horses. Right now, Im spending a lot of time with the family.

As U.S. Hall of Fame great Billy Haughton once said, There are a lot of good harness drivers, a few great ones and then there is Filion.

The Filion family has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for memorial services to be held in both Canada and the U.S. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame & Museum in Goshen, New York.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 28, from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Freeman Funeral Home, 47 E. Main St., Freehold. The visitation will be followed by a procession to Freehold Raceway for a final lap around the track for Filion. All are invited to meet at the winner's circle at 7:15 p.m.

Funeral service will be held Friday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m. at Paroisse de L'Ange Gardien, 255 Rue du Progres, Gatineau, Quebec.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Herve Filion

(With files from the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame)
Pro-life Leaders and Activists Call for the Senate to Defund Planned Parenthood in Upcoming Healthcare Legislation

Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741



WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Groups plan to hold a news conference on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the defunding of Planned Parenthood, and then some will go in to pray outside the office of Majority Leader McConnell.



The news conference will be held at the entrance to the Russell Senate Office Building at the corner of Constitution Ave. and 1st Street NE.



Activists plan to announce a major national campaign calling the pro-life community to come to Washington, D.C. engaging in public events should the Senate fail to defund Planned Parenthood.



The name of the campaign is "Justice Delayed/Justice Denied."



Lauren Handy, Founder of Mercy Missions based in Washington, D.C., states;

"Women deserve better than Planned Parenthood and will receive better health care once Planned Parenthood is defunded. As a woman whose full time vocation is to council others in reproductive health, I can say for certain that Planned Parenthood and their abortion business is not healthcare."

Catherine Glenn Foster, CEO and President of Americans United for Life, comments;

"Americans United for Life, with the majority of Americans who oppose abortion on demand, expects the Senate healthcare bill to include language defunding America's abortion giant. With our dozens of model bills protecting life in the law, we understand the power of legislation. And we know that we are well on our way to stripping Planned Parenthood of the more than half a billion taxpayer dollars they receive every year.



"With Planned Parenthood patient numbers and cancer screenings both down, and their abortion numbers and taxpayer funding up, defunding is not just pro-life, but also sound fiscal policy. We at Americans United for Life will continue to work with legislators who use our model bills to craft a future where everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law."

Brandi Swindell, Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare, adds;

"Every day our clinics see women who have been exploited and treated like a commodity by Planned Parenthood. This vote by the House reminds us that abortion is not health care and we must work for a society where both mother and child are treated with compassion, dignity and professionalism.



"The Senate voting to defund Planned Parenthood is a major step toward replacing them with clinics that provide comprehensive health care for women and ensure equality and rights for all."

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states;

"The pro-life community will work passionately to see the Senate votes to defund Planned Parenthood, and that this piece of legislation will end up on the desk of President Trump and be signed into law. Our hope and prayer is that the Healthcare legislation the Senate puts forward will remove the over $550,000,000 of taxpayer funding Planned Parenthood receives every year.



"If the Senate chooses to ignore the people who helped give them a majority and the over 329,000 innocent children who die at Planned Parenthood clinics every year, then we will give a national call for the pro-life community to come to Washington, D.C. and be a voice for the 'voiceless.'



"We will not rest until abortion ends up on the scrap heap of history like slavery and segregation. We can never be indifferent or silent."

For more information call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741
I'm not alone when I say that I've never been through anything like this and didn't see it coming. I had no way of imagin...
Measures to allow such shops in El Segundo, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are all on their way to failing, based on semi-official election results
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler will host another live telephone town hall for constituents in Washingtons 3rd Congressional District at 5:15 p.m. on June 27, according to a press release.

The conversation will focus on health care, taxes, the economy and any other issues participants wish to raise, the release said.

At her last telephone town hall, held on May 9, Herrera Beutler received mostly praise for her no vote on House Republicans plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The third-term congresswoman, first elected in 2010, was one of 20 Republicans to vote against the GOPs American Health Care Act, which passed on a narrow 217-213 vote with zero Democratic support. The Senate is now working on its own version of the bill.

Southwest Washington residents can be placed on a list to receive a call to join the town hall by contacting Herrera Beutler's Vancouver office at (360) 695-6292. Residents can also join the call by calling 1-877-229-8493 and using the passcode 116365 at any time during the event.
A 34-year-old Kelso man made his first appearance on child molestation charges in Cowlitz County Superior Court Wednesday.

Judge Gary Bashor found probable cause to charge Terrance W. Roche with three counts of second-degree child molestation and set bail at $10,000. Roche will have a no contact order signed at 9 a.m. Thursday, when the court will schedule his arraignment.

On Tuesday, Kelso police were called to investigate an alleged child sex offense. The mother of the 12-year-old girl told police she and her children were staying with ex-relatives. At around 5:30 a.m., she went to wake her daughter up for school. When she went to the room, she found Roche sleeping next to the girl, according to court records.

The mother told officers she saw Roches hand moving beneath the blanket and that when she entered the room, he stopped. Later, the girl told her mother that Roche had touched her inappropriately on three or four different occasions, according to the records. The mother told officers that when she confronted Roche, he admitted to the offenses, according to court records.

During an interview with police, Roche told officers that he used his hands to inappropriately touch the girl on three separate occasions since Friday, according to court records.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a significant problem in the U.S., and Longview actress Angela Sweet hopes to spread awareness of the condition with her new film.

Sweet is co-starring in the upcoming Christian film, We Are Stronger, which spotlights the struggles of PTSD sufferers. The movie is due for nationwide release September in select theaters.

In the film, the 39-year-old actress plays the wife of Master Sergeant Victor Raphael, played by Ulises Larramendi, who comes home from the war in Afghanistan and wrestles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sweet said the subject of PTSD was extremely important to her.

PTSD is an epidemic, she said in a phone interview last week. Its something that is suppressing needed leaders in our country. Its stifling our nation and its not just military-related: There are children who have failed to thrive in foster and adoption situations from being exposed to trauma at a very early age. So were not just talking about veterans. Were talking about children.

Sweet said shes grappled with post-traumatic stress herself because she was molested at 8 years old. She has coped through both acting, which she began just months after the abuse, and through her Christian faith.

I have a deep relationship with the Lord, and we all experience affliction in life, whether were Christian or not, Sweet said. I know that my hope is found in the Lord, and that he is the hero of this story, as well as my own.

Sweets first acting role was playing Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe at Longview Community Theatre. Although she was only sparingly involved in theater while attending Mark Morris High School, she became interested in acting again while studying at Bellevue College.

After Bellevue College, she received a scholarship to study pre-med at the University of Portland. Sweet said she was all set to leave acting behind for the world of medicine, until her grandfather in hospice gave her some advice.

He said, Why are you doing that? Thats not what you want to do,  Sweet said.  Its never been what youre about. Youre doing it for money or somebody else. 

She later enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. She got small parts or worked as an extra in a few films, such as Cradle 2 the Grave and The Hunted. We Are Stronger is her first leading role in a feature film.

She became involved in the movie after meeting Carla McDougal, the founder of Christian non-profit Reflective Life Ministries and the producer of We Are Stronger, at a womens church event.

According to McDougal, the crew knew Sweet was a perfect fit for the role before they had even seen her.

I showed (Sweets) picture to our creative team, the producer said. The writer (Robin Murray), said that as she was writing the story, she had her in mind. She had never met her, but she had her in mind.

McDougal said she was thrilled Sweet joined the cast, as she fit in perfectly to the role alongside Larramendi.

Shes incredible, McDougal said. Together, they are maybe the most powerful lead actor/actress team Ive ever seen. They encourage one another to that higher level of actor or actress. Its like they transform into that character and they live in that character. Its amazing.

Sweet said she learned quite a bit about PTSD while on the set of We Are Stronger, and that her experiences even helped her connect with a family member who suffered from the disorder due to domestic abuse.

I have a family member in Longview who had post-traumatic stress, and I was quite rude with her, to be frank, she said. When the symptoms came up, I was ignorant and judged her and treated her unfairly. Throughout the course of this movie, it really opened my eyes to what post-traumatic stress symptoms look like, so I can be more aware and understand what it is, and I was able to go back and apologize with her. It mended our relationship.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD affects around 7 percent to 8 percent of the countrys population at some point in their lives, including 10 percent of all women.

We Are Stronger, which was completely funded through donations to Reflective Life Ministries, has also yielded a new website called Stronger Alliance. The site is a subsidiary of Reflective Life and educates people on PTSD. It also connects those afflicted with organizations who can provide help, according to Sweet.

Sweet has no new films on her calendar for the rest of 2017, as she plans on spending the rest of the year promoting We Are Stronger and continuing to spread awareness of PTSD.

It makes sense that Sweet would want to stick with this project as long as possible: She said its her favorite role shes ever had.

Within this project, the heart of it is the most important for everyone, and thats to make a difference and to bring those who are suffering in silence right now into the open and to help them heal, Sweet said. I love acting very much, but I also love doing it for a purpose bigger than myself.
Rainier police Tuesday arrested a 26-year-old transient after he allegedly assaulted an officer and at least two other people. Officers booked Jacey Hoppert on suspicion of assault, robbery, disorderly conduct, trespassing, resisting arrest and theft.

A caller reported earlier in the day that a man was fighting with people at a local Chevron. The officer found the man, later identified as Hoppert, nearby. While attempting to detain the man, the officer and a witness were assaulted, according to a press release from Rainier Police.

While the man was in custody, a woman approached the officer and said she had been hit by the man as well and that he had stolen money from her purse, according to the release.
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IANS

Hit by global political and economic uncertainties, the Indian IT industry's software exports are projected to grow at 7-8 per cent this fiscal (2017-18), which is lower than 8-10 percent in the 2016-17 fiscal, the apex Nasscom said on Thursday.

"The outlook for the IT industry in fiscal 2017-18 is 7-8 per cent growth in exports and 10-11 per cent in the domestic market as against 10-12 per cent in 2016-17," the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) said in a statement here. The lower export outlook comes in the light of political and economic uncertainties that impacted decision-making and discretionary spend during the last fiscal (2016-17).

The $150-billion Indian IT industry includes revenues from Business Process Management (BPM), software services and software products. Their exports contribute about 80 per cent to the revenue, with the US market accounting for 60 percent of it. Noting that digital solutions and niche segments would be the key growth drivers, the industry's representative body said the revenue projection was based on improvements in financial services and high potential in digital business.

Allaying fears of slowdown and job losses, Nasscom Chairman Raman Roy told reporters that the industry was expected to add 1.3-1.5 lakh jobs during the fiscal as it continued to be a net hirer with the demand for skilled professionals growing across its segments. The industry association, however, admitted that it was imperative for new and existing talent to reskill to prepare for emerging job roles which required new skill sets.

One of the takeaways from the analysis of the industry performance in the last fiscal was the fast adoption of digital solutions by the Indian enterprise.

"The industry has grabbed bull by its horns and is well on its journey of transformation to capture new opportunities in digital segment," said Nasscom President R. Chandrashekhar at the news conference. For the first time in 25 years, Nasscom could not give the guidance in February due to the uncertainties confronting the industry. It said while uncertainties exist, it now has clarity on the nature and extent of these uncertainties.

Chandrasekhar pointed out that global outlook for the IT industry is optimistic with analysts projecting strong upsurge in opportunity in 2017 and 2018.

"India's share in this global opportunity is not only holding steady but increasing. The attractiveness of India as the investment destination continues to be on rise," he added. Chandrasekhar said despite the headwinds globally, the industry added over $11 billion in revenues during 2016-17 (8.6 percent in constant currency; 7.6 percent in reported currency).

He claimed the projected numbers for current fiscal were not very different and since the base would be large, the growth will be higher. The industry's performance has been consistent as it added over $60 billion in last five years. The exports doubled over last six years.

He said domestic market was the fastest growing tech market in APAC. It grew over 11 percent in 2016-17. He said there was churn within industry as some jobs were disappearing but new jobs with new skillssets were being created.

Nasscom is also working to establish a comprehensive digital skilling platform to reskill 1.5 to 2 million workforce in next 4 to 5 years. The industry body is working with its members and partners to develop the platform, which is likely to take a shape in next few months.

The new talent addition will be a combination of not only tech and but also domain and soft skills. The new job roles will be around cyber security , mobile app development, new user interfaces, social media, data scientists and platform engineering.

The digital platform has identified 55 new age skills which will be in demand broadly in segments like big data analytics, cloud & cyber security services, IoT, service delivery automation, robotics, AI/machine learning/NLP.

Nasscom, which already set up Centre of excellence in IoT at Bengaluru , is also looking to establish centres of excellence in data sciences and cyber security. It also plans to create digital ecosystems connecting startups with enterprises.
tech2 News Staff

Google is celebrating the 117th birth anniversary of the German-American abstract animator, painter, and filmmaker, Oskar Fischinger using a brand new Google Doodle. The latest doodle consists of a full page music composer where you can compose your own tunes using the cursor or touch input. The Doodle works both on desktop and on mobile devices so you can turn into an abstract artist from almost anywhere.

The composer will play the tune on loop as you make changes to it or clean the composition board to make a new tune. You can use the share button given at the bottom of the page to share it with your friends and family.

The doodle starts with one of the most famous quotes from Oskar, Music is not limited to the world of sound. There exists a music of the visual world. The composer gives you the option to create your own music composition by providing yours with the option to change and use four type of instruments. You can use layers with each musical instrument to create an enriching composition.

The Google Doodle also gives you the options to change the Tempo, Key of the instrument along with the options to add a Delay, Bitcrush, and Phaser effects to the composition to make it sound different. Add to this, three presents of musical compositions with the names, Local Natives, Nick Zammuto, and TOKiMONSTA.

The company added more details about the Oskar Fischinger on its Google Doodle page pointing out that he is a towering figure in animation and motion graphics field. It took him months and sometimes years of planning to handcraft his animations. Each frame was photographed or hand drawn with extreme precision. He was not satisfied with the traditional media and hence he invented the Lumigraph.

Leon Hong, a Creative Director with Google pointed out that the Lumigraph created chromatic displays with hand movements, forming an optical painting in motion. These chromatic displays were a sort of multi-touch games and interactive media decades before the first computer was conceptualised.
IANS

A hacker group has threatened a cyber attack against seven major South Korean banks if they do not pay 360 million won ($315,000) in the virtual currency bitcoin.

The group, called Armada Collective, has threatened to carry out a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack if the demanded money is not paid by June 26, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Thursday.

Among those affected are the country's three largest banks - KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank and Woori Bank - and others, such as KEB Hana and NH Bank, according to South Korea's financial authorities. The banks have boosted their security systems in the face of a possible attack that could disrupt their websites.

DDoS is a common cyberattack tactic that involves trying to overwhelm a website or service with a large volume of traffic from diverse sources, reports Efe News.

The Armada Collective has also threatened other companies in the past with such attacks, demanding payments in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. In November 2015, several secure email services were targeted by the group, which has also made cyber attack threats in countries including Switzerland and Thailand.
PTI

Indian companies could lose Rs 11 crore to data breaches this year, up 12.3 percent from last year, a report by tech giant IBM today said. A breach is described as an event where an individual's name and a medical/financial record is potentially put at risk - either in electronic or paper format. Interestingly, the average cost of a data breach globally is expected to decline by 10 percent this year to $3.62 million (Rs 23.35 crore) compared to last year.

The study, conducted by Ponemon Institute, found that the average per capita cost of data breach increased from Rs 3,704 in 2016 to Rs 4,210 in 2017. Forty-one percent of the Indian companies said they experienced a data breach as a result of malicious or criminal attacks.

Another 33 percent experienced a data breach as a result of system glitches, while 26 percent of data breaches involved employee or contractor negligence (ie human factor). "Services, financial, industrial and technology companies had a per capita cost well above the mean of Rs 4,210, while public sector, research and transportation companies had a per capita cost well below the mean," the study added. The study, in its sixth edition this year, examined the costs incurred by 39 Indian companies in 13 industry sectors.

"The study clearly outlines the rapidly changing threat scenario through a significant rise in both number and sophistication of breaches," IBM India/South Asia Integrated Security Leader Kartik Shahani said.

He added that securing data on the cloud is of top priority as cloud services have become the key for digital enterprise transformation. "Enterprises need to ensure that robust security practices are adopted, incident response plans are in place and regular security training given to all stakeholders of the company," he said.

The study found the average number of breached records was around 33,167. Both indirect and direct costs related to data breaches have surged over the past year. Indirect costs, which refer to the amount of time, effort and other organisational resources spent to resolve a breach, increased from Rs 1,923 to Rs 2,212 per capita. Direct costs - expenses like purchasing a technology or hiring a consultant - rose from Rs 1,781 to Rs 1,998 per capita.
IANS

The much-awaited meeting between the government and the telecom companies to evolve a resolution to the stressed health of the sector was held here on 22 June. Representatives of telecom companies Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Reliance Jio and Reliance Communications met Communications Minister Manoj Sinha and Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan besides other government officials in the ministry.

Among the industrialists, Anil Ambani of Reliance Communications, Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel and Mahendra Nahata of Reliance Jio were present in the meeting. They were not immediately available for comment.

Initially, the company chiefs met Sinha separately. The government has set up an inter-ministerial group (IMG) which is holding hearings with all the stakeholders. The group members have already met the main telecom companies, including MTNL and BSNL. The task of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) is to examine systemic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity of the telecom sector and furnish recommendations for resolution of stressed assets. It is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

The group, comprising officials from the finance and telecom ministries, was set up after top banks expressed concern about financial stress in the industry.

Concern over low interconnection usage charges, high spectrum usage fee and doing away with Universal Service Obligation Fund were the main issues that telecom operators highlighted to the inter-ministerial group (IMG) in the last meeting on 16 June.

(Disclosure: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd)
tech2 News Staff

Emporio Armani unveiled its Android smartwatch at the Milan Men's Fashion Week on 17 June, in Italy. This line of the smartwatch is called the EA Connected smartwatch and is slated to release by autumn this year.

Manufactured in partnership with Fossil Group, this luxury smartwatch comes with a touchscreen which is an added feature to their already existing line of EA Connected Hybrid smartwatches. This one is also powered by Android Wear so it is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. Since the smartwatch is powered by Android 2.0, it allows controlling music and gives smartphone notifications as well. The range is technologically more equipped than its Hybrid smartwatch collection.

The watch features customizable watch straps as well as watch faces and it comes tracking activity. It would come with custom AMOLED display screen and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor. The smartwatch comes with micro-apps with different functionalities keeping the customer and brand in mind.

LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport are two of the first smartwatches that were powered by Android Wear 2.0.

While the price remains unknown, it is expected to be in stores by 14 September, this year, in the United States. The Fossil Group had announced that it would launch more than 300 smartwatches across 14 brands and Emporio Armani is one of them.
tech2 News Staff

The WannaCry ransomware attack had caused a Honda plant to shut its domestic vehicle production at its Sayama plant in the northwest Tokyo on Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson talking to Reuters, Honda had found that the Sayama plant was hit by the malware at various units Japan, North America, China and Europe. They had tried to manage the crisis situation in mid-May, however, it seems to have returned. The Sayama plant, which makes around thousand vehicles produces models like Accord sedan, Odyssey minivan, and Step Wagon.

WannaCry is officially known as WanaCryptor, thats what the malwares developer calls it anyway. WCry is a kind of malware known as ransomware. Ransomware works by encrypting all the data on your computer and then demanding a ransom, usually in the form of iTunes cards or bitcoin, to decrypt your data for you.

According to a report, The WannaCry attack has had a colossal impact on organizations around the world. The exploit infected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries, crippling everything from hospitals to logistics firms. While it will take months for forensic investigators to sift through the fallout, in the short term the attack has provided a timely wake-up call to businesses in every industry about the importance of security.
Turkey sends first cargo ship with aid for Qatar

Turkey has already sent over 100 planes with food and other aid for Qatar but this is the first time a cargo ship has embarked on the voyage to Doha.

AFP, Istanbul :

Turkey on Thursday sent its first ship loaded with aid for its embattled regional ally Qatar which has been hit by sanctions from Gulf powers led by Saudi Arabia, state media said.

Turkey has already sent over 100 planes with food and other aid for Qatar but this is the first time a cargo ship has embarked on the voyage to Doha.

The ship left the Aegean port of Aliaga in Izmir province with around 4,000 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs on board, the Anadolu news agency said. It should arrive in 10 days.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting "terrorism", leaving Doha economically and politically isolated. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately vowed to support Qatar.

Ankara vehemently rejected the accusations-already strongly denied by Doha-that Qatar supports terrorism, arguing the country had been a staunch opponent of Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Wednesday that Turkey had already sent 105 cargo flights to Qatar loaded with aid to help the country through the crisis.

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 relations with the key regional power Saudi Arabia.

Ankara has stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia's actions, merely calling on Riyadh to take a lead role in solving the crisis.

In a sign of the importance of the relations with Riyadh, Erdogan late Wednesday held phone talks with Saudi King Salman after the sudden appointment of his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince in place of Mohammed bin Nayef.

Erdogan also spoke with Mohammed bin Salman himself and passed on his congratulations over the move, Anadolu said.

Both sides expressed a commitment to further strengthen relations between Ankara and Riyadh and to "step up efforts" to end the tensions concerning Qatar, it added.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and its allies have drawn up a list of demands to be presented to Qatar, the United States said Wednesday, as President Donald Trump discussed the regional crisis with new Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The latest moves came as Washington stepped up its efforts to resolve the thorny row between Qatar-home to the biggest US air base in the Middle East-and its neighbors, led by Riyadh.

"We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable," said US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
What is Evelyn Sharma HIDING in LA?

When Evelyn Sharma had to give a talk at Donald Trumps National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, she tip-toed to Los Angeles on a holiday. There she was spotted doing yoga on a hilltop, before heading to Washington DC.

At another time, during a photoshoot at the Griffith Observatory of astronomy in LA, she got clicked holding a guys hand. Aha! And now from a week, Evelyn is once again in LA.

We know that the lady has done an interesting job in movies like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Main Tera Hero, Nautanki Saala and more. We know that her Yo Yo Honey Singh number Sunny Sunny was a rage in Yaariyan. We know she's playing a key role in Imtiaz Alis much-anticipated Shah Rukh Khan-Anushka Sharma flick Jab Harry Met Sejal.

We know shes been a showstopper for the whos who of the fashion scene.


Tigers to begin camp for Aussies tour from July 10



Tigers will begin their training for the upcoming Australian and South African tour from July 10.

Australia will arrive in Dhaka on August 18 and play the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur from August 27. The second Test will be held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong from September 4.

However Tigers will start their training on backfoot as their leading pacer Rubel Hossain will not be able to join the camp as he went underwent surgery yesterday.

BCB source said to BSS that Rubel will need four to six weeks to recover from his surgery.

Rubel suffered after the Tigers' semifinal clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy in Birmingham. Rubel informed BCB that he suffered the injury, between his right eye and ear, as he collided with a door in the team hotel in Birmingham.

Rubel is expected to recover before the start of the two-match Test series against Australia at home.
Do weak governments doom developing countries to poverty?

Charles Kenny :

When you read what economists have to say about development, it is easy to be disheartened about the prospects for poor countries. One big reason is that slow changing institutional factors are seen as key to development prospects. I've just published a CGD book that's a little more optimistic: Results Not Receipts: Counting the Right Things in Aid and Corruption.

Most of the book is about what donor agencies like DFID and the World Bank should do about corruption in aid projects, but Results Not Receipts also discusses the role of corruption and weak governance in determining development outcomes more broadly-the subject of the sample chapter. And in that chapter, I'm more optimistic about progress both through improved institutions and despite weak institutions than some of my peers.

The dominant view amongst development economists is that historical forces and slow-changing government institutions have significantly determined development outcomes. In their blockbuster paper "The Colonial Origins of Comparative Development," published in 2001, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson from MIT and James Robinson from the University of Chicago traced through a causal chain, noting a strong relationship between mortality rates faced by soldiers, bishops, and sailors in colonies and the type of legal and political institutions they created-and between those early institutions and institutions today. Since then, economists from around the world have linked historical differences from soil type, through the extent of the slave trade to ancient knowledge of the wheel all through norms, culture, and institutional forms to modern economic outcomes.

And development economists have compiled measures of institutional quality that directly suggest institutions are slow to improve. CGD's Lant Pritchett and colleagues studied the Worldwide Governance Indicators (initially complied by researchers at the World Bank). They suggest it would take over 600 years for Haiti to reach Singapore's quality of government effectiveness as measured by those indicators, even with a generous interpretation of its previous rate of progress.

The abiding relationship between comparative development success today and historical measures of development cannot be denied. Nonetheless, for all the importance of history to comparative development, there's a lot more to progress than the past. Around 5.1 billion people worldwide live in countries where we know average incomes have more than doubled since 1960. Nearly 2.2 billion people are in countries where average incomes have more than quintupled over the past 50 years. In Africa, eight economies in the region ended the last decade twice the size they'd started it. And as a whole, the developing world significantly outperformed rich countries in weathering the storm of the global financial crisis. It isn't just income; other measures of the quality of life including health are rapidly improving worldwide-about two million children born this year will live to their fifth birthday who would have died were mortality rates unchanged from 10 years ago.

That progress is possible because countries at a given level of settler mortality or other measures of historical development are seeing better outcomes over time. And that suggests one of two things: either institutions can change faster than some measures suggest, or development isn't just about slow-changing institutions. It is probably a bit of both. On the side of institutional change, Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson certainly didn't support the notion that such change was always and everywhere achingly slow-they pointed to case of Japan during the 1870s and 1880s as well as South Korea during the 1960's as showing that rapid institutional change could underpin considerable growth. That should give hope to corruption fighters in developing countries who are doing brave and important work improving local institutions.

And the same institutions might produce better outcomes when new technologies allow for cheaper, simpler solutions. Think of vaccines and antibiotics allowing for health outcomes that previously could only be achieved by complex water and sewer systems alongside rigorously enforced public health measures. Or look at the mobile phone that so simplified telecommunications provision that over five billion people worldwide gained phone access in the space of around two decades.

The facts that institutions can rapidly improve whatever our imperfect measures suggest and that there is more to development outcomes than the quality of a country's governance means that it isn't naive to be optimistic about the prospects of poor countries. And the progress we have seen in reducing poverty and increasing incomes worldwide over the past two decades implies it might be the pessimists who are being unrealistic.



(Charles Kenny is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. His current work focuses on gender and development, the role of technology in development, governance and anticorruption and the post-2015 development agenda).
Meira Kumar named presidential nominee

Times Of India, New Delhi :

On behalf of opposition parties, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday announced former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as their presidential candidate.

Kumar, a five-time Member of Parliament, was elected unopposed as the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha and served from 2009 to 2014. She is a lawyer and a former diplomat.

This decision was taken in a crucial meeting of opposition parties which was attended by leaders of 17 parties.

"There could not have been a better candidate than Meira Kumar for the post of President," Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the meeting.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting held in the Parliament House Library were Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, besides NCP's Sharad Pawar and RJD's Lalu Prasad.

Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah also attended the meeting.

Though Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on May 26, were missing, their representatives were there. While Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, the SP sent Ramgopal Yadav and the BSP Satish Mishra.

Other parties representatives present at the meeting included JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.

JD(U), which had decided to back BJP's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, skipped today's meeting. But RLD chief Ajit Singh attended, making up the numbers.

Most of these leaders were present during the May 26 luncheon meeting hosted by Sonia Gandhi at the same venue.

Today's meeting was preceded by hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties since morning.

The Congress has stepped up its efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties after the JD(U)'s decision.

Cracks had appeared in the opposition camp after the JD(U)'s surprise decision yesterday, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue.

Sources said a contest for the country's top constitutional post is on the cards as the majority in the opposition sees it as an "ideological battle" that has to be fought.

Efforts were on to ensure that the NCP did not stray, as the Sharad Pawar-led party held internal discussions to decide on its strategy for the presidential election.

By naming Kovind, a Dalit, the NDA has put the opposition camp in a fix as it has now been forced to think of a suitable Dalit candidate to oppose Kovind so as not to be branded "anti-Dalit" by the ruling dispensation.
Mayors must do more to contain chikungunya in city

THE outbreak of mosquito borne diseases like a new type of fever called chikungunya, in addition to dengue fever in the city and elsewhere is causing additional concern to city dwellers and public health authorities how to protect people from this danger. People in most families in the city are suffering from the dengue and chikungunya during this time of the year and we must say City Mayors must do more to end the menace.



As we know Rainy Season is the best time of the year for mosquito for breeding and spread the fever to almost every corner of the city. As we see that the concerned authorities of the government have already mobilized groups of medical, dental and health technology students in almost all city wards to create mass awareness among the people against the fever. We must say the programme must produce results. It is always better to prevent the disease that go for curing treatment.



But question remains about the effectiveness of the mosquito fighting drive of the two City Corporations. Dhaka North City Corporation has announced a budget of Tk 20 crore for fighting mosquito this year against an allocation of Tk 23 crore last year. Reports said much of the fund remained unutilized while most money was misused for procurement of pesticides and spray machines. Similar stories of failure overpowered Dhaka South City Corporation's drive to eliminate mosquito when most funds were grabbed under the cover of pesticide spraying.



Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor on Wednesday made the surprising disclosure that his mosquito fighting teams were failing to locate the presence of mosquito within city areas. They might be breeding in areas difficult to reach by his people. The claim seems to be quite sarcastic as the outbreak of dengue and chikungunya is on rise in the city. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recorded 228 chikungunya cases from June 1 so far while there is no sign that the menace is slowing down. Uttara-9, Moddho Badda, Gulshan-1, Lalmatia, Pallabi, Moghbazar Chowdhurypara, Rampura, Tejgaon and Banani have higher presence of the Aedes mosquitoes that carry chikungunya and dengue diseases.



Field study by DGHS has found a very high presence of mosquitoes carrying diseases over a five-day period recently in 47 out of 53 areas of the city. It listed 378 dengue cases and 400 cases of chikungunya between January 1 and June 15. It appears that though the fatalities from such diseases has gone down over the years, but the number of cases has not.



We must say the two City Corporations must prove effective to end mosquitoes menace in the city to win people's trust that they are seriously trying to stop the outbreak, They must be capable to fight corruption and indiscipline. Any excuse can't be acceptable.






The volatile food market

THE rice market has become volatile, as government stock has hit all time low at 1.9 lakh tons that never happened over the past several years. Local production has sharply dwindled for loss of Boro crop from recent flood while import by the private sector has dropped to a four-year low. It appears that the government has totally failed to maintain the minimum buffer stock leaving the nation unprotected. High corruption by Government Minister in import of food grains and indiscipline and mismanagement within the Food Ministry has created the mess causing the stock shortfall and the phenomenal rise in rice prices.



Traders imported only 1.2 lakh tons of rice till mid-June in the current fiscal year against 2.56 lakh tons in the previous fiscal year. The import has not dipped so low since 2012 when 29,000 tons of rice were imported. Importers blame the existing 28 percent tariff on rice import for the decline. As the domestic rice market has become volatile, the government is now trying to replenish the stock through quick import.



It has already reduced import duty to 10 percent to encourage private import, but it is too late given the supply shortfall and higher rice price in the market. The present stock at government gown below two lakh tons just shows how indifferent the government was over keeping the food market stable. For any category of rice price has shot up from Tk 5 to Tk 10 per kg over the past few weeks.



Last week, the government decided to import rice from Vietnam at high cost. The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh recorded 47 percent hike in the price of subsidized coarse rice this month. The government didn't have to import rice since fiscal 2011-12 due to successive good harvest. Then it stopped cheaper import from India raising the import duty that forced private importers to stop rice import.



But the supply crunch started as the government-started open market sale of rice at low cost to the poor. It was mainly a politically motivated programme to give rice to the poor at affordable cost at Tk 10 per kg for certain amount in a month. But as the stock dwindled, government procurement from local market also failed. Traders demanded higher price to supply rice to the government.



We must say the price of rice can go down quickly if the supply of rice can be increased in a parallel effort by both the government and private sector imports. In the meantime it can force domestic rice stockist like millers who are ruling party leaders in most cases not to hoard stock and keep the supply stable in the market. Bangladesh Bank has also advised banks to open L/Cs with zero margins for rice import.



We are appalled by the indifference of the government and hope that it is not a trap by dishonest people to rob people and make illegal fortune.
Court orders police to submit probe by July 30



Court Correspondent :

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka yesterday fixed July 30 to submit report in the murder case of Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Highway unit.

Magistrate Mazharul Haque of the court passed the order on Thursday. According to case statement, the body of ASP Mizan was found near Birulia bridge of Rupnagar adjacent to Mirpur on Wednesday noon. Deceased ASP's younger brother Masum Talukder filed the case with Rupnagar Police Station in this connection.

Quoting family members, Shahidul Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rupnagar Police Station, said Mizanur got out of his residence of Sector 5 in Uttara around 6:00 am on Wednesday. Since then, no contact could be made with him. Passengers of a bus noticed his body while crossing the area of the spot and informed the matter to police.

Crime Scene unit of Crime Investigation Department (CID) collected evidences from the spot. Clothes were scuffled with Mizan's throat. For this, they guessed he might have been strangulated.


Muggers kill poultry trader in city

Staff Reporter :

Miscreants killed a trader after mugging Tk 8,000 from him in the city on Thursday night.

The deceased was identified as Md Sajib, 18, a poultry seller at Karwan Bazar. He was on his way to Kaptan Bazar in Old Dhaka around 1:30am when the incident took place.Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abul Hassan said, a microbus intercepted his rickshaw near Matsya Bhaban. Two youths mugged Tk 8,000 from him and ran over him at the time of fleeing.

Sajib was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 2:30am.

The body was kept in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) morgue.

A case has been filed with the police station in this regard.


A microbus driver was killed and five members of same family were seriously injured when a goods laden truck hit the microbus from the front at Chilimpur Shajimek Hospital area in Bogra on Thursday.
Corruption by Mobile Courts goes unhindered : Quest is for saving judiciary for help

Corruption in Bangladesh is unbelievably bold and brave. The corrupt ones know that the people have nowhere to go for help. Anyone who has some police power is abusing it openly for making money. What is shameful is that there is no fear for indulging in corruption.



The people cannot even complain that they have been robbed. If that is tried the fear is that there will be grave consequences. Corruption is everywhere and all the way. The Mobile Courts with police operation is also causing fear against business friendly atmosphere.



Asked any shop or restaurant owner in Gulshan or Banani where very important people reside and they will say how mobile and open are the Mobile Courts led by magistrates and police in negotiating bribe. They have special places where they will take one from the shop and claim money. They will say bluntly that they do not want to file a case, they want money. Thy do not fear the existence of Anti-Corruption Commission or anybody who can stop them making money. They have police to cooperate. They threaten sealing up the business if not yielded to their demand. They do not care about limitations of their power. The bribe money is certainly shared with the police.



Our criminal justice system is also much abused and much corrupted by flouting fundamental rights of an accused and ignoring Section 167 of Cr PC. It is most despairing that for mere suspicion of a police that one has committed an offence he should be denied his right of liberty and the right to be treated as innocent till found guilty by a court.



Nothing makes one more unhappy than when one sees an accused person's fundamental rights are not treated as vital for saving him from police kind of justice. The judges as well as the police are aware that the fundamental rights are the supreme law but mostly ignored in criminal proceedings.



In a very recent judgement the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court explained the objective of section 167(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Their Lordships presided by Chief Justice SK Sinha observed that the section requires the magistrate to record reasons for sending an accused to police custody. He should take the trouble to study the police diary and ascertain the conditions under which such detention is asked for.



In order to emphasise the importance of individual liberty their Lordships reminded the magistrates that the law is "jealous" of a person's liberty.



In the said judgement, called Bangladesh vs BLAST, their Lordships held that in every case of detention in police custody the magistrate should satisfy himself (a) that the accusation is well-founded and (b) that the presence of the accused is necessary while the police investigation is being held.



Article 33 of the Constitution is assertive about the obligation that an arrested person shall not be denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice. Which means nothing and nothing more than an accused cannot be questioned without the presence of his lawyer.



Thus the law speaks of presence of the accused for investigation and not interrogation. But in reality, he is taken into a room cut off from the outside to be interrogated alone. This fact is known to our courts. Keeping the accused alone they can do any thing to him including torture. The incidents of torture, even death in police custody came to the knowledge of the court.



The Supreme Court further elaborated the matter to say that mere claim that he is needed for finishing the investigation is not sufficient.



The fundamental rights as the supreme law deserves supreme consideration by our courts. If our fundamental right to liberty can be so fragile that an FIR forwarded by police is enough to render it useless then we have no judiciary and no Constitution. That is why we have to save the judiciary to save the Constitution and rights guaranteed by the Constitution.



Only the judiciary can work for corruption free good governance under the rule of law.


The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
A friend once told me there are only two kinds of music  good and bad. It's an arbitrary statement requiring each individual consumer to make the ultimate conclusion for thumbs up or down.

No one knowingly spends hard-earned money to see a bad concert, but they must establish a personal value system to determine how much they are willing to pay for the good stuff, or concerts by their favorite performers.

The late Gary Jones of Carterville, who spent more than two decades as the top vocalist in Southern Illinois, said he didn't care how much tickets were for the Eagles 1994 reunion tour, he was going. He forked out $250 for each seat at a St. Louis show and scratched an item off his bucket list.

Premium prices have not changed much. Upcoming St. Louis shows by Florida Georgia Line, Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Buffet had top Stubhub prices of $159, $209 and $190, respectively.

Sometimes, a consumer of live music gets lucky and finds a true bargain.

Scanning a roster of new country artists to watch out for in 2017 compiled by Rolling Stone magazine in May, the name Phoebe Hunt topped the list.

Hunt and her band The Gatherers will be performing at 7 p.m. on July 13 at the Paducah Riverfront Concert series. Savage Radley opens at 6 p.m.

Admission is free.

The series kicked off June 8 with Chris Cavanaugh and continues at 6 p.m. tonight with opening act Marvin and Gentry and headliner The Crane Wives.

An accomplished instrumentalist, Hunt's early work leaned closer to folk, stretched into jazz and swing as she matured artistically, and has morphed into a hybrid mix of Americana bluegrass, in the vein of The Punch Brothers and clawhammer banjo picker Abigail Washburn.

A native of Austin, the live music capital of the world, Hunt released new Popped Corn Records album Shanti's Shadow on June 2. It includes recent singles Pink And Black, a tune she wrote about a journey through India, and the gender empowering Lint Haired Gal. The project tells stories about her life experiences over the past five years.

That is what American music truly is. It's a melting pot of all these different cultures, inspired by all the places I've been and all the different types of music I've studied, Hunt says. It's what America is based upon; the willingness to have an open heart, an open mind and a willingness to learn from everyone. That's the idea of America that we were sold in school, at least, and it's the idea we're clinging to.

Hunt started taking violin lessons when she was 6 years old. Her musical path started to take shape as a teenager with a four-year stint in the Austin folk trio The Hudsons. She participated in the Mark O'Conner Fiddle Camp in San Diego during her junior year at the University of Texas.

That dramatically changed the way I perceived music, the way the violin can be incorporated into music, she said. The camp also taught her about the use of fiddle in bluegrass and Irish music.

After college, she was recruited for The Belleville Outfit, until the New Orleans-based band broke up in 2011. She fled Texas to find more fiddle-friendly music, which led to the bluegrass nirvana of Merlefest, then landed in Nashville.

After releasing a self-titled EP in 2012, she followed up with Live At The Cactus Cafe the following year.

Digging through countless YouTube videos, its easy to become infatuated with Hunt's soaring vocals, which are reminiscent of Norah Jones, especially on One Trick Pony, performed at a 2015 house concert. It's hard to believe she didn't start singing until she was 20.

While her music has never been labeled country, Hunt can be country to the core. In a 2013 video, she plays a blazing Johnny Gimble-styled fiddle as she covered Shotgun Willie at legendary Guene Hall, one of the most famous dance halls in Texas.

In Austin, she grew up in the shadow of Willie Nelson. She can quote text from the Zen master's book The Tao Of Willie: A Guide To The Happiness In Your Heart. Her calm demeanor can be attributed to her parents, who spent seven years as disciples of yoga guru Satchidananda Saraswati, the opening speaker of Woodstock in 1969.

A supporter of the protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline, Hunt is musical director for a series of Songs For Standing Rock albums, which include contributions from various guest artists with all funds going toward the establishment of permanent geodesic domes at the Standing Rock Native American Reservation in North Dakota.

Hunt travels with her band The Gatherers, a collection of virtuosos that includes: her husband Dominick Leslie, mandolin; Roy Williams, guitar; Sam Reider, piano/accordian; Nick Falk drums and Jared Engel or Dave Speranza, upright bass.
Miriam Link-Mullison is retiring from Jackson County Health Department after serving as public health administrator for 20 years, the department announced in a Thursday news release.

Link-Mullison has also been active in public health at the state level and is currently finishing her term as president of the Illinois Public Health Association.

Sarah Patrick will take over as administrator on July 1. Patrick comes to the health department with 25 years of public health experience, the release said.

A retirement reception for Link-Mullison will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, in the rear building at Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Department Road in Murphysboro. The public is invited.

 The Southern
"Tracy and I can't thank the people of Southern Illinois enough for their support and their prayers. Our victory tonight sends a powerful message to out-of-touch politicians everywhere that we're unified and unyielding in the fight for our conservative values. Joe Biden's going to be held accountable for destroying the economy, ignoring the border crisis, and taking us from America First to America Last in two years flat. But none of this would be possible without the trust of voters from across our vast 12th District. Serving you is truly the honor of a lifetime."
CARBONDALE  Concerned citizens and opponents of the controversial oil and gas extraction method commonly known as fracking met Wednesday night at the Carbondale Township offices to discuss the risks of radioactive exposure associated with the extraction process.

The gathering was prompted by the recent application for a High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing permit applied for by Woolsey Operating Company, LLC, HVHHF.

The event was hosted by Illinois Green Party and Southern Illinoisans Against Fracking.

Rich Whitney, Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Green Party and S.A.F.E Steering committee member for said that to the best of their ability, the groups had determined that the location of the well site proposed by the permit is a few miles northwest of Enfield in White County.

Whitney said that the extraction process is a potential public health hazard.

"In addition to the chemical contamination of the environment and the proven link between earthquakes and injecting waste fluids deep underground under high pressure, the process also comes with a risk of exposure to radioactive elements."

According to Whitney, studies show that naturally occurring radioactive materials are present in unusually high quantities in Southern Illinois shale.

During drilling and fracking operations, when elements like radium, uranium, thorium or other radioactive elements are present in the sediment or rocks that contain oil and gas, they will be brought to the surface as drill cuttings or in the drilling fluid, known as drilling mud, circulating up from the drill bit.

Whitney cited a 2014 study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives that shows that consuming radium in drinking water can cause lymphoma, bone cancer and leukemia. It also states that radium also emits gamma rays which raise cancer risk from external exposures.

A 1997 U.S. Geological Survey of oilfield production sites in White county found that 7 out of 9 of the sites they surveyed were judged to have high radioactivity.

If you look at what has been happening in recent years in Pennsylvania and North Dakota, the radioactive contamination coming out of those wells has been a disaster for those communities, Whitney said.

According to Whitney, a 2006 Duke University study shows that radioactive contaminates have "gotten all over" the well sites and some of the waste disposal sites.

Additionally, he said, illegal dumping has led to radioactive contaminates in municipal dump sites.

Thats not to say that this is going to happen in Illinois, but the company has a foot in the door, and so people need to start educating themselves. We dont want Illinois to be turned into a state wide Superfund site.

Whitney also said that radioactive oil and gas waste is exempt from most federal regulations on radioactivity, and that the regulations adopted in Illinois roughly three years ago are mainly concerned with testing for radioactivity.

They say nothing about what companies must do if hazardous levels of radioactive emissions are detected.

Additionally, Whitney said, there is no regulation to test work areas for levels of radioactivity that would call for OSHA standards of occupational safety, and no provision for workers to wear radiation detection badges or devices.

Whitney said that the volume of waste from fracking will be far higher that from conventional drilling sites since the length of the wells can be over a mile long.

This means that hazardous radioactive elements being brought to the surface will also be proportionally greater that in conventional drilling.

If a Woolseys permit is approved, a public hearing will be held at the Enfield United Methodist Church Family Life Center, Corner of West Main and South Jennette St., in Enfield from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on July 5, 2017.

Information about the organizations opposing fracking can be found at the Shawnee Green Party Facebook page, or the S.A.F.E. website at www.dontfractureillinois.net.
Courtesy of Big HassleSlipknot has shared a clip from their forthcoming documentary, Day of the Gusano. The 30-second snippet shows Corey Taylor and the rest of the masked metallers performing their song "Vermilion." You can check out the clip now on YouTube.

Day of the Gusano, directed by Slipknot's own M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan, captures the band's first-ever show in Mexico, which they played in December 2015. The film will be screened in theaters for one night only on September 6.

For more info about the film, visit DayoftheGusano.com.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
A conference aimed at helping young women to reach their "God-given destiny" drew more than 100 participants to the campus of South Carolina State University on Saturday.

The event specifically targeted young women in middle and high school and in college.

The purpose of the conference was to encourage girls towards their career path while giving them the resources and tools to draw closer to God and who He has called them to be, founder Jordone Branch said.

In 2014, Branch founded the JordoneWrites organization to help young women deepen their relationships with God despite their stormy pasts. Since then, she has been using her gift of speaking to empower the hearts of women worldwide, Branch said. Her passion to help women led her to write her first book, ?I Believe in God, Now What?," which is her personal testimony of how God turned her life of addiction, promiscuity, depression, a suicidal attempt and the guilt of rape around for His glory.

After 15 minutes of group prayer, those attending enjoyed a Christian rap concert by J-Baptist and participated in panel discussions that included career panelists Hayward Jean, Dr. Sharon Quinn, Taylor Green, Kimberlei Davis, Eddie Massey II, Dr. Ashley Primus, Starlette Jean, Dr. Kizzi Gibson and attorney Belinda Davis-Branch.

Tiffany Smith, a 27-year-old occupational therapist, traveled from Raleigh, North Carolina to attend the conference.

I have been following her (Jordone Branch) for a while now so when I realized she was going to be here, I had to come, Smith said, adding that she is inspired by Branch being young and pursuing Christ. That is what I strive for.

Smith said she enjoyed the opportunity to be able to network and speak directly to the panelists.

Participants had the opportunity to break into small sessions to ask the panelists questions. A second breakout session was held before lunch for the purpose of asking personal questions through group facilitators.

Collen Whetstone sat in on the sessions with her daughter, 13-year-old Jessica Whetstone, a rising ninth-grade student at the High School for Health Professions.

When I found out about this conference from one of my daughters friends, her mother and I thought this would be something great for them to attend," Whetstone said. "She directed me to the website, and we thought it would be great spiritual guidance for maturity.

The program not only taught the girls how to grow into maturity, but to grow into Christ, she said. Whetstone said she is looking forward to her daughter attending Destiny Conference again next year.

During the lunch break, participants were given the opportunity to visit vendors. Most of the vendors provided free gifts and services. Some of the young women received makeup tutorials and makeovers while others sat for caricature drawings by local artist Glover Richburg. Ashley Butler gave provided arts and crafts dos-and-donts, and other vendors critiqued and prepared resumes.

Shaina Holder, 24, a store manger a Sally Beauty and Supply, said although she has never been to college, she believes she is a leader and is always looking for opportunities to better herself as a leader.

I heard one of my favorite leadership quotes today: 'A leader is a person who puts leadership in others.' I also liked (the quote), 'Dont forget to use your own mind.'"

Holder said she attributes her becoming a store manager to her trust and belief in God.

She said, God is the main component in everything for me, and that is what bought me here today."
The Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office is seeking a 21-year-old Cameron woman who was last seen wearing a handcuff on her right wrist.

The sheriffs office alleges Kayla Ann Dallas of 4665 Five Chop Road bit a deputy as he tried to detain her.

Loss prevention officers at the North Road Walmart called deputies on Thursday afternoon, claiming two women placed items into their purses.

Deputies detained one of the women after a struggle. She had items worth $350, including cat food, make up and a toolbox, according to a sheriffs office incident report.

A deputy reported the other woman, believed to be Dallas, made it out of the door and into a black Ford Explorer bearing SC tag NNY 770.

The deputy alleges that Dallas bit him on his right forearm and kicked him in the chest as he tried to arrest her.

A male got out of the Explorer and tried to get Dallas to comply, the report said. She began hollering and yelling and told the driver to go and drive off.

While the deputy was trying to gain control of Dallas, the driver accelerated, the report said.

The deputy said he commanded the driver to stop, but she disregarded orders.

Rather than risk further injury, the deputy released the one handcuff he had on Dallas as the vehicle pulled off and left the parking lot.

The deputy went to the Regional Medical Center to undergo treatment for the bite he received.

Dallas is described as a 5-foot, 5-inch white female weighing 176 pounds.

If anyone sees Dallas or knows her whereabouts, they are asked to call Orangeburg County dispatch at 803-534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers may remain anonymous.
The former superintendent of Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 says hes looking forward to working with the Allendale County School District again.

Dr. Walter L. Tobin has been tapped to lead the district and report directly to S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman.

Tobin said his goal is to personalize learning for every child in that school district.

We want to make an impact on teaching and learning. You have to begin the day with, Im going to try to impact the progress and learning of a child. If you keep teaching and learning and the betterment of children in front of you and make decisions based on that criteria, theres a possibility for success, he said.

Spearman on Monday declared a state of emergency in the district and immediately took over its four schools. She appointed Tobin, a Blackville native, to lead the schools and report directly to her.

Tobin retired as OCSD5 superintendent in 1999. The 76-year-old has since served as interim superintendent in struggling districts across the state, including serving in Allendale County in 2013.

Tobin spoke to The T&D after his appointment but before the Allendale County School District sued over Spearmans actions.

He said hes had other opportunities since serving in Allendale the first time, but he wasnt Interested.

I have a special affinity for the community, for the people and for the children of that community. So Im going to see what we can get done, Tobin said.

He recalled the support he gained from district staff four years ago.

I think its a typical small town and rural community with a lack of resources, but one of the things I found out when I was there is that folks are interested in the well-being of their children and want them to be successful, Tobin said.

And this was everybody: the board, the community and the staff. So it was a very easy group to work with. It was just that I thought it was time for me to move on. I think we were able to make some progress and impact, he said. Every child in that school district now has a digital device.

He felt the district, which was first taken over by the state in 1997, was making strides after he left.

Tobin said, I think we were moving in the right direction. There were some things that we tried to institute and implement that I thought would have an impact but, you know, thats my assessment. But theres some wonderful people there. Theres a good staff, and I was pleased with the people that I was working with.

The board is interested in the welfare of the children. They want to make progress and see their children do well. So were going to try to take all those pieces and try to have some sort of impact.

He anticipates being in the district approximately six months.

There were not many people available to go in in this short period of time. Im not sure, but were talking about maybe six months and then a transition. Maybe by that time there will be some other people available, but Im not sure. Thats the kind of target time, he said.

He added, Transition is always a period of a little bit of a frenzy. We want to try to quiet things down to make sure that everything we do impacts children.

The district has resources, but one of the real issues that needs to be addressed in small rural districts is teacher recruitment and retention, he said

Sometimes most of the people in Allendale are driving in. And sometimes when they get a position close to home, sometimes its an economic decision. What we hope to do is create an environment that people want to be a part of the Allendale family, he said.

Tobin said addressing the problems facing education in small, rural schools will require creative thinking.

I think the biggest thing to do is create an environment where people want to be a part of what youre doing. We have got to probably pay our teachers who travel into those communities, give them some additional compensation to invite them to come to Allendale, he said.

Some teachers drive from as close as Barnwell and Hampton counties, while others travel into the district from as far as Orangeburg, Augusta, Aiken or Bluffton.

So most of them are driving in. How do we help them make an economic decision? Some people are talking about making housing provisions, but I think weve got to think creatively. Weve got to do something special for teachers who are willing to be a part of communities like Allendale, he said.

Local lawmakers are currently weighing efforts to consolidate Orangeburg Countys school districts as a way to improve education. Tobin said that is a decision he believes is best left up to each community and its leadership.

He said, I think each community has to decide for themselves whats best for the people of that community. One thing I always say about consolidation is that the major portion of your costs is in the schools. You may save a few dollars with consolidation, but your money is spent in schools. Thats where most of the expenditures are.

But, anyway, thats for a community to decide: its leadership and its people.

Tobin is the father of Dr. Walter A. Tobin, the president of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
Sens. Chuck Schumer and Patrick Leahy claimed that newly confirmed Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch was not in the legal mainstream. They were referring to the living Constitution approach to constitutional interpretation.

That interpretative approach, still thriving today and embraced by the liberal left, says that the U.S. Constitution should be a document that judges regard as one that evolves, changes, over time, and adapts to new circumstances, without being formally amended.

This liberal mainstream might have been strong enough in 1987 to sweep away the confirmation chances of Robert Bork. However, these senators have failed to recognize that a new conservative legal channel has been gradually cut in the river of American judicial philosophy, so that now there are two competing mainstreams, not just one.

The New Conservative Legal Mainstream has its foundation in the originalist/textualist approach to constitutional interpretation often identified with the late Justice Antonin Scalia and the late Robert Bork.

Scalias oft-quoted sentence provides a summary: The Constitution that I interpret and apply is not living but dead, or as I prefer to call it, enduring. It means today not what current society, much less the court, thinks it ought to mean, but what it meant when it was adopted.

This is not a static view never allowing for change. Rather, legislators who seek to change the Constitution should use the amendment process provided for in Article V. Originalist constitutional scholar William Baude puts it succinctly, [L]aw laid down by the framers in the Constitution remains binding until we legally change it, such as through the amendment process ... the words in the Constitution have the same meaning over time, even if modern circumstances change and even if we wish the words meant something else.

Note that even though we are calling this approach new, it was the predominate approach to interpretation for the greater part of American constitutional history, but was gradually eroded in the Progressive Era, in the late New Deal and thereafter.

The liberal media are waking up to the existence of this New Conservative Legal Mainstream. They have been made painfully aware of this new legal movement by President Donald Trumps appointment of Neil Gorsuch, and, most recently, by his nomination of originalist/textualist judges for Federal Courts of Appeals posts.

A recent headline from Salon captures the tone of alarm from the lefts perspective: Donald Trump is Radicalizing Americas Court System Before Our Eyes.

Put more accurately, Trump adeptly made use of this New Conservative Legal Mainstream. What are its origins and why is the left so concerned about it?

The story is a complex one stretching over the last four decades. Political science professor, Steven Teles, has provided considerable detail in his book, "The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement."

Teles chronicles the formation of this New Legal Mainstream, which began in the 1970s. The varied intellectual tributaries flowing into this new mainstream gradually gave it breadth and depth.

According to Teles, the movement began in 1973 with the first conservative public interest law firm, the Pacific Legal Foundation, created to defend private property rights, limited government and freedom of enterprise. Organizations with more of a libertarian agenda like the Institute for Justice and Cato Institute fought hyper-regulation and big government on various fronts.

Teles also discusses the contributions of the various law and economics centers that focused on educating judges about conservative economic thinking led by Richard Posner and Henry Manne. This part of the conservative legal movement eventually resulted in the formation of a new law school with a conservative bent, George Mason University.

There was the religious liberty wing of this movement spearheaded by the Alliance Defending Freedom, American Center for Law and Justice and the Becket Fund, along with alternative schooling organizations like Homeschool Legal Defense Fund. And there is, of course, Mark Levins Landmark Legal Foundation.

At the same time, the remarkable work of the Heritage Foundation helped to undergird the New Conservative Legal Movement with its issue papers, events, and personnel. Perhaps the most unexpected channel-cutting into the old liberal legal orthodoxy was the founding, by law students, of Federalist Societies on various law school campuses starting in the 1980s, beginning with Yale and Chicago. (Robert Bork at Chicago and Antonin Scalia at Yale were among the early faculty advisers.)

These societies were dedicated to this respectful view of the Constitution of the Founders, and their members were interested in discussing and refining counter arguments to the liberal/left mainstream. Eventually, practicing lawyers joined local chapters of the Federalist Society until today these societies constitute a network of law student, lawyers, legal scholars, legal defense organizations, conservative funding sources, and sitting judges who have adopted this way of thinking about constitutional and statutory questions.

This partial listing leaves out many entities that have and continue feeding into the richness of the New Conservative Legal Mainstream. One has only to read the long list of friend of the court briefs from conservative/libertarian public advocacy organizations, submitted to the Supreme Court on a given case, to appreciate the strength of this new mainstream.

Most recently, the relative ease with which Leonard Leo, on leave from the Federalist Society, was able to provide President Trump with a substantial list of judges whose judicial philosophy is primarily originalist/textualist serves as an indicator of the magnitude of resources now challenging the legal left.

But why all the concern by the liberals? After all, the judges being nominated see their roles as limited and bound by the framers meanings and the texts and structures of the constitutional documents. Doesnt such a view of the judges function guarantee that the federal courts will once again become what Hamilton called the least dangerous branch?

Well, that is precisely the fear of the left!

The courts will no longer do the lefts bidding. Over the last four decades in particular, when the liberal-progressive policy agenda could not find legislative support, the left came to rely on the courts for a living, organic and expansive interpretation of the Constitution.

That approach gave us a burgeoning federal government, the deep erosion of respect for state governments as part of our system of federalism, unchecked regulatory discretion, the federalization of the criminal law, and judicially concocted rights of abortion and same-sex unions, just to name a few of the results.

What senators like Chuck Schumer and Pat Leahy are worried about is that judges in the New Conservative Legal Mainstream will end, or at least curtail, the availability of the federal judiciary to make liberal/left policy.

If our nation is to be returned to the true rule of law, then President Trump and his administration should make the nomination of conservative federal judges, at all levels, their primary concern. No item on the Trump legislative agenda is more important to the lasting protection of limited constitutional government than these lifetime federal appointments.
National HIV Testing Day is Tuesday, June 27, and local health officials are hoping residents in The T&D Region will heed this years message: Test Your Way. Do It Today.

According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Controls Surveillance Report, through December 2015 the Low Country Public Health Region reported a total of 3,666 HIV/AIDS cases, with a rate of 755 cases per 100,000 people.

SCDHECs Low Country Public Health Region includes Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties, along with the counties of Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton and Jasper.

Orangeburg Countys rate is 499 cases per 100,000; Bamberg County has a rate of 102 cases per 100,000; and Calhoun County has roughly 37 cases per 100,000.

The statistics are clear but is the message of prevention?

Pinkey Carter, board chairperson of the Minority Aids Council that serves Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties, said awareness is key in battling an issue that is not going away.

The Minority AIDS Council has been around since 1988, but there were HIV issues prior to that that had to be addressed. I think there is a complacency. Its still not something that is going away, and the persons that are affected are not determined by race, gender or ethnicity, Carter said. Its a challenge that we all face.

The MAC will be sponsoring a community forum at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg. The program's topic will be Shining a Light on HIV/AIDS in the Tri-County.

A discussion panel will include Shiheda Furse, community manager at HopeHealth, which provides outpatient treatment and care for people with HIV/AIDS living in the tri-county region; MAC member and HIV advocate Pat Kelly and the Rev. Todd A. Brown, pastor of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Wilhemina Dixon, a Barnwell County woman whose story of resilience after both her daughter and her granddaughter were diagnosed with AIDS became the subject of a PBS documentary, will also be a panelist.

Brown said he hopes the forum will bring about change, particularly within the African-American community, where HIV/AIDS infection rates are the highest.

The community and the faith community need to partner together to shine the light on an area of great significance that is really affecting the African-American community," he said. "As the pastor of an African-American church, I feel that this is one of the things that the Lord would definitely have me to do."

Kelly, who has AIDS, said it is important for individuals to get tested for their own health as well as the health of others.

As a long time survivor of 32 years who has been living with this disease, knowing your status is really important. If you know your status, you can take care of yourself. If youre negative, you need to do the things to protect yourself and stay negative, Kelly said.

Brown said it's about prevention education more than anything.

"The care so many people get is great due to the advances in the care, but thats kind of whats added to the complacency. People say, I can take a pill and be OK, but they really dont understand how much it does change your quality of life, he said.

The pastor added, I think the forum provides the community an opportunity to ask questions in a safe environment as well as to get factual information surrounding HIV and prevention education. I really think thats the key.

Veronica Williams-Lingard, prevention director at Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Inc., said her office has been working with the MAC and HoepHealth in celebrating National HIV Testing Day.

Williams-Lingard said her office no longer conducts HIV/AIDS testing because of a lack of funding, noting that individuals are typically referred to HopeHealth. HIV peer educators at the agency, however, are still being trained to conduct community workshops on the issue.

We also have condom access points throughout the county," she said.

HopeHealth will be offering free, confidential rapid HIV testing from 5 to 9 p.m. during the community forum on June 27. The test produces results in less than a half-hour instead of the usual week or two. The testing method will be the OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibody Tests.

Furse said the clinic will also be administering rapid testing earlier that day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its site at 1857 Joe S. Jeffords Highway in Orangeburg. Free condoms, refreshments and referrals will also be available.

Come and join the fight to reduce new HIV infections through conversations, HIV/STD testing and reduction behaviors," Furse said.

To learn more about the community forum, contact Carter at 803-928-0436 or quietstorm421@yahoo.com. For more information on HopeHealth and its services, call 803-535-2272.

In addition, to learn more about HIV testing events and sites, call the DHEC AIDS/STD Hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS (2437) or visit scdhec.gov/health/disease/stdhiv/.
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By Trend





The South Stream project, even if implemented, will not become a rival for the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), said Deputy Executive Director for Energy Studies at the Russian Institute for Energy and Finance Alexei Belogoryev.

The Southern Gas Corridor with its current parameters reaches Greece and Italy. It does not intersect and does not in any way compete with the South Stream, which, as expected, had to pass far to the north, he told Trend.

The South Stream could compete with the unimplemented Nabucco pipeline, which was supposed to run from Central Asia to the EU, according to Belogoryev.

Out of the ongoing projects, the second phase of Russias Turkish Stream project may to a certain extent compete with the Southern Gas Corridor, which will supply Azerbaijani gas to the EU, as it runs along the same route and to the same market, Italy, he noted.

On the other hand, the volume of gas offered to Europe by Azerbaijan as part of the Southern Gas Corridor project, and by Russia as part of the Turkish Stream project, is not so large for them not to be able to fit into the European market, he said.

The Azerbaijani and Russian gas deliveries are more likely to compete in Southern Italy with North African and Middle Eastern gas deliveries as well as LNG cargos in terms of price, than with each other, according to Belogoryev.

He also noted that any Russian pipeline project to supply gas to Southern and Southeast Europe will not be able to create problems for the Southern Gas Corridor, as this project was initiated earlier and is at a much more advanced implementation stage.

In addition, due to political reasons, the Azerbaijani gas will always be more preferable for European countries, at least in Southeast Europe and Italy, than the Russian gas, the dependence on which is perceived with certain strain, Belogoryev said.

Gazprom abandoned South Stream in late 2014 because the European Commission did not grant exemptions from the Third Energy Package, which, in particular, says that one gas provider should use no more than 50 percent of the pipeline capacity, and the remaining capacity should be put up for auction. Later, the project was replaced by Turkish Stream, which will pass through Turkey. Gazprom started construction of the offshore section of Turkish Stream in May 2017.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

As part of the Shah Deniz Stage 2, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian Armed Forces once again used combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Azerbaijan Armed Forces units, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry reported on June 22.

The ministry noted that due to their poor quality, the UAVs used by Armenian armed forces did not cause any harm to the Azerbaijani troops.

The Defense Ministry also warned that adequate retaliatory actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be devastating for the enemy.

Earlier in the day, the ministry reported that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces destroyed an Armenian UAV attempting to carry out reconnaissance flights over the Azerbaijani positions in the Tartar direction of the front.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on its South Caucasus neighbor. 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.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

Airbus has announced new deals with Iran on the sidelines of the 52nd Le Bourget Paris Airshow, reassuring its commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and associated rules.

The French aircraft manufacturer announced that Zagros Airlines as well as Iran Airtour Airlines agreed on Thursday to acquire a total of 73 aircraft.

Zagros Airlines, one of the leading domestic airlines in Iran, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the acquisition of 28 new aircraft, covering 20 A320neo and 8 A330neo aircraft.

The commitment was signed by Seyed Abdolreza Mousavi, Zagros Airlines CEO and Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft.

To date Zagros Airlines is the largest domestic single-aisle Airbus operator in Iran with 11 A320ceo Family aircraft.

The Tehran-based Iran Airtour Airlines has also become the French aircraft manufacturers newest customer for the A320neo Family after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft at the Paris Air Show.

Airbus assured that the MoUs are contingent upon all necessary approvals, including those from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Iran has several private and public airline companies in operation, among which IranAir is the oldest one. The number of operational airports in the country is 46.

Since sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic were lifted last year, Iran began to take steps to upgrade its air industry, revamp an aging airline fleet, equipment and airports.

During a January 2016 visit to Paris by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Tehran signed a major contract with Airbus worth about $27 billion to buy 118 planes.

Iran received its first Airbus (A320) in January 2017.
A total of 12.922 million cheques worth Dh643.7 billion ($175 billion) were handled by the UAE Clearing Cheque System during the first five months of 2017, according to the UAE Central Bank data.



A total of Dh28.9 billion worth of 546,000 cheques were bounced from January through the end of May, accounting for 4.5 per cent of the cheques' total value, and 4.2 per cent of the total number of cheques handled by the electronic image-based cheque clearing system during the first five months of the year, reported WAM, the Emirates official news agency.



As per the statistics, the total value of dishonoured cheques during the first five months of 2017 fell by 7.3 per cent, Dh2.3 billion, against the same period last year during which the total value hit around Dh31.22 billion.



On the monthly level, the total amount of cheques dishonoured through the UAE Clearing System declined 4.1 per cent worth Dh5.46 billion during the month of May - through which cheques worth Dh133.4 billion were handled by the clearing system- against Dh5.7 billion of cheques in April, during which the system cleared a total of Dh127.4 billion worth of cheques.



The total number of dishonoured cheques during the month of May declined to 107.7 thousands from 108,000 in April, accounting for 4 per cent of the total cheques cleared by the system in April, against 4.2 per cent in April.
South Korea will build small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Iran to meet energy needs in remote areas of the country, media reports said.

The construction of the plant could begin within the next four years, Press TV reported.



A consortium from Iran and South Korea will be involved in the scheme, Saeed Pakseresht, director for research and development affairs of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) was quoted as saying in the report.



We do not have the technology to develop Mini-LNG plants, but joining hands with companies like South Koreas Oceanus and KOGAS is an important step to develop our LNG sector, Xinhua quoted Pakseresht as saying.



The plan to build the plants envisages a production capacity of 15 tonnes per day, he said, adding that it could rise to as high as 300 tonnes per day at a later stage.



The South Korean companies involved in the project are Oceanus, Kitech Institute of Industrial Technology and Korea Gas Technology Company, according to the report.



The Iranian parties involved are the NIGC, the LNG Institute of Tehran University and the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry.
Cavendish Maxwell, one of the region's leading property and construction consultancies, has appointed Paul McCambridge as its new head of sales for Property Monitor, the UAEs only real estate data platform offered by RICS-accredited property professionals.



Property Monitor offers users the ability to search residential sales, leasing transactions, off-plan sales, valuation data as well as their professional opinion on achievable prices, across all major areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.



Property Monitors transactional data, dates back to 2008, while the Property Monitor Index started in January 2014 and is sourced from their association with Cavendish Maxwell.



McCambridge joins the company after his stint at JRD Group DMCC as a sales professional for nearly 20 years. He began his career in London, working for Dun & Bradstreet, the data and analytics company.



He spent seven years at Ebay Inc spearheading the growth of the jobs and property verticals on the website Gumtree.com by recruiting and nurturing the sales function to achieve huge growth.



McCambridges passion for data and technology has led him to head of sales for Property Monitor - a platform that helps and educates the real estate industry using real time transactional data to make factual decisions for the betterment of their business.



Lynnette Abad, the head of Property Monitor said: "To handle the growing scope and customer base, we needed someone with vast experience in the local real estate industry and digital landscape to secure relationships with many of the top developers and agencies in Dubai; McCambridge was the perfect fit."



On his role, McCambridge said: "The UAE real estate industry has been calling for more transparency and Property Monitor delivers accurate, detailed and real time data. This allows any business associated with real estate to gain valuable insights as to exactly what is happening in the market."



"One of the things that lured me to Property Monitor was their innovation in technology and product development. I was particularly impressed with one of their newest features called the Project & Supply Tracker, which tracks projects on an interactive heat map set to be completed from 2017 to 2023 which is updated daily by the Property Monitor team and Cavendish Maxwells Strategic Consulting and Research department. This is the first live, up-to-date supply tracker of its kind in the Middle East," he added.



Cavendish Maxwell is a highly respected independent firm of chartered surveyors and property consultants, focusing on property services throughout the Middle East and Africa.



Established in 2008, it is now one of the regions most influential property consultancies, employing over 70 people from offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat.-TradeArabia News Service
The boom in Dubai's residential off-plan sales will continue at least until the year-end as buyers take advantage of less onerous payment plans and a greater choice of projects, said Propertyfinder Group, a leading real estate listings portal in the Middle East.



Exclusive Propertyfinder data shows median residential prices in Dubai fell 20 per cent from November 2015 to April 2017, extending a slump that began two years earlier as the strong dollar and weak oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.



Those headwinds have done little to blow developers sales off course this year, however, with Emaar Properties and Damac Properties  the two major developers to publish detailed information  reporting a transaction boom in the first quarter of 2017.



Since December 2013, expat buyer of completed properties must put down a cash deposit of at least 25 per cent and they also need a minimum extra 6 per cent to cover the various fees, remarked Propertyfinder Group CCO Lukman Hajje.



Thats a large amount of money and its forcing many potential purchasers away from the completed property market to off-plan where developers are enticing them with low upfront and even back-ended payment plans, he said.



Emaar sold Dh6.05 billion ($1.65 billion) of Dubai property in Q1 - up 44 per cent from a year earlier  as it launched seven projects totaling 2,923 units in the emirate.



Rival Damac, Dubais largest privately-controlled developer, booked Q1 off-plan sales worth Dh2.2 billion, up 11 per cent year-on-year and 29 per cent higher than in the final quarter of 2016.



Off-plan properties are discounted relative to completed units and accounted for about half of all Dubai residential property deals in 2015-2016, according to Reidin.



In theory, buying off-plan allows investors to take advantage of historically low Dubai property prices for a very low cost and a get a foothold in the market, but this strategy does not come without risk, noted Hajje.



Projects are often delayed and buyers have little option but to wait. Also, the finished product may not be what they expected - glossy brochures can look amazing but market conditions and political or economic situations change, as do the price and availability of certain materials. All these can impact whats eventually delivered, he added.



As market leader, Emaar demands some of the toughest off-plan payment schedules. For example, an investor in Downtown Views II must pay 70 per cent of the unit cost during construction, with the final 30 per cent due upon completion, scheduled for December 2020.



Other major developers offer a little more leeway. Damacs Casablanca Villas, part of AKOYA Oxygen, and launched in May, allows buyers to pay 60 per cent of their propertys cost upon completion, as does Dubai Properties Mudon Views, with one-bedroom apartments starting from Dh766,000, explained Hajje.



But its the smaller companies that promise the best terms of all. For example, Danubes Bayz, a 29-storey residential tower in Business Bay, requires payments totaling 25 per cent in the first 120 days, he added.



Then from October 2017, buyers pay 1 per cent a month to December 2023. GGICOs Topaz Premium Residences in Silicon Oasis allows for 30 per cent payment up to handover, with the remaining 70 per cent paid over three years following completion.



Hajje cautioned potential buyers to be aware of potential difficulties in securing financing.



Except for those who plan to pay 100 per cent in cash, most off plan buyers will eventually require a mortgage, he added. And just because you may be eligible for a mortgage today doesnt mean you'll qualify in the future, particularly if your employment circumstances or lending criteria change, he said.



Nevertheless, consultants Cluttons predict Dubais off-plan market will remain upbeat despite predicting in a recent report that sales prices will fall a further 5 per cent correction.



The emergence of favourable payment plans continues to tempt buyers and perhaps investors to a greater extent, Cluttons wrote.



"That outlook is partly due to many banks now offering some sort of under-construction financing, although this is mostly limited to a specific list of developers on which the lender has completed due diligence. Unsurprisingly, banks favor the master developers such as Emaar over independent sub-developers," said Warren Philliskirk, the director of Propertyfinder subsidiary mortgagefinder.ae.



Banks are also more willing to lend the closer to completion a project gets - at final payment and hand over stage, banks that werent financing during construction become involved because the risk is lower, he stated.



This doesnt mean every bank will finance at this stage - some are still very reserved until title deeds are available, which can be 3-6 months after handover, noted Philliskirk.



"Our business is going strong and we have had back-to-back record months recently so were confident demand for quality end user property will continue," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
UAEs National Ambulance has officially launched its campaign for Emirati Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Programme, which targets UAE Nationals in the Northern Emirates to pursue careers in emergency medical service.



National Ambulance is the leading pre-hospital emergency care provider in the UAE. It was established to serve government and private clients, and commenced operations in 2010.



The programme, which is being delivered in collaboration with the University of Sharjah (UOS) and Charles Sturt University, will begin in 2017-2018 academic year and prepare the students to serve on the frontline in support of the community, said a statement from the organisation.



National Ambulance will be reaching out to the community in the Northern Emirates via video, which will be shown across social media platforms and VOX Cinemas in the Northern Emirates.



Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, deputy CEO of National Ambulance, said: Providing the nation with qualified and specially-trained emergency medical professionals is a strategic objective in line with UAEs vision to empower Emirati youth and prepare them to work in vital sectors that support the sustainable development of the UAE.



A career as an EMT with our organisation is not only rewarding, but a sign of service to our community; there is nothing nobler than being able to save peoples lives, stated Al Hajeri.



The full-time programme will offer up to 35 UAE Nationals the opportunity to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to take up a full-time position as an EMT with National Ambulance.



It is open to high school graduates in the age group of 18 to 30 who have completed UAE National Service, it stated.



Following a selection process, successful candidates will be taken through a training programme with modules consisting of: a foundation module handled by the University of Sharjah, a core module based on Charles Sturt Universitys Curriculum; and an operations module led by National Ambulance.



Al Hajeri added: Our programme is an essential element of our Emirtisation strategy and reflects our commitment to continuously contribute to the enhancement of the emergency pre-hospital care sector in the UAE.



Graduates will join our workforce immediately after the completion of the programme. We encourage UAE Nationals, who meet the programme entry requirements, to apply and start serving their communities, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
A catastrophic forest fire in Portugal has claimed at least 62 lives, including four children. Majority of the victims died from smoke inhalation and burns, reported BBC, citing government officials.



Most died while trying to flee the Pedrogao Grande area, 50 km (30 miles) south-east of Coimbra, in their cars, they said.



Prime Minister Antonio Costa called it "the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires".



The death toll could rise further as many people remain missing, he warned. The authorities have declared three days of national mourning, starting on Sunday, said the BBC report.



Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze, which has spread across several fronts. Many of the victims were trapped in their cars as flames swept over a road, reported The Inquirer.



Firefighting crews were having difficulties in battling the fire, which was very violent in at least two of its four fronts, it stated.



The European Union said it had activated its civil protection efforts responding to a call for assistance by Portuguese authorities.

A Spanish firefighting aircraft was already assisting on Sunday morning and another one was expected to arrive later in the day. France was also sending three aircraft, said the report.



A lightning strike is believed to have sparked the blaze in the Pedrogao Grande area after investigators found a tree that was hit during a dry thunderstorm, the head of the national judicial police told Portuguese media.



Dry thunderstorms are frequent when falling water evaporates before reaching the ground because of high temperatures. Portugal, like most southern European countries, is prone to forest fires in the dry summer months.



This is a region that has had fires because of its forests, but we cannot remember a tragedy of these proportions, said Valdemar Alves, mayor of Pedrogao Grande. I am completely stunned by the number of deaths.



Secretary of State for the Interior Jorge Gomes said that the majority of the victims died from smoke inhalation and burns, while two died in a road accident related to the fires.



He earlier said 30 bodies were found inside cars, with another 17 next to the vehicles, on one road leading on to the IC8 motorway.

Another 11 died in a village next to the motorway.



Media in Portugal say the fire is no closer to being contained despite hundreds of firefighters and 300 vehicles working to put it out.

Among the dozens of people injured was an eight-year-old girl with burns found wandering alone close to the fire, the Correio do Manha newspaper reported.



About 60 forest fires broke out across the country overnight, with close to 1,700 firefighters battling them across Portugal.
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a law on the establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance.

The law on the establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance includes launching the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award, administered in accordance with the provision of the law, and establishing its statutes in correlation with the Institute.



The International Institute for Tolerance aims to instil a spirit of tolerance in society, building a cohesive society and promoting the UAE as a role model for tolerance, anti-extremism, and anti all forms of discrimination among people, including but not limited to discrimination based on religion, gender, race, colour or language. The law will promote tolerance, encourage open dialogue and highlight the honest and peaceful essence of Islam.



Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: The establishment of the International Institute for Tolerance comes at a time when we are in dire need to build bridges of tolerance and solidarity between people. The institutes doors are open to scholars and tolerance advocates, who wish to work toward establishing a culture of tolerance and openness in our societies, and against extremism, fanaticism and intellectual repression.



Since its establishment, the UAE has promoted the values of tolerance, coexistence, acceptance and openness, and has become a safe haven for people from all over the world who can find it a place without discrimination based on religion, race, gender or colour.



Tolerance is a fundamental value in any successful society; it is the foundation of stable and prosperous nations, and happy peoples, he said.



We look forward to leading the activities of the International Institute for Tolerance, which seeks to instil the value of tolerance and openness in young Arab leaders. We must work together toward instilling tolerance as an essential cultural component.



Objectives



The law, issues by the International Institute for Tolerance, aims to promote the spirit of tolerance among people in society, and to consolidate the UAEs role as a model for tolerance and cultural and religious pluralism.



The law also seeks to build a harmonious society based on tolerance, peace, coexistence and acceptance of others, and to combat violence or hate speech based on religious, gender, race or linguistic differences, contributing to the objectives of the National Programme for Tolerance. The law also aims to honour groups and entities that contribute to entrenching the value of tolerance among people, encouraging entrepreneurship and excellence in establishing the rules of tolerance at the national and international levels, promoting interfaith dialogue and highlighting the peaceful and honest nature of Islam.



The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award will be awarded across five sectors  three honouring the efforts to spread the value of tolerance in philosophy, literary creativity and visual arts, and two competitions organised by the awards committee, focusing on youth projects and new media initiatives.



The organisational structure of the International Institute for Tolerance will consist of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Branch.



Dr Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani was appointed the managing director of the Institute, pursuant to a decree issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in this regard.  TradeArabia News Service
Global hospitality group Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has signed a management agreement with Hassan Lari Property Development & Management to operate Swiss-Belresidences Juffair in Bahrain.



This latest announcement marks the debut of the Swiss-Belresidences brand in Bahrain.



Mohamed Lari, general manager of Hassan Lari Property Development & Management, said: We look forward to working with a reputed partner like Swiss-Belhotel International. Swiss-Belresidences Juffair has been designed keeping in mind the comfort and flexibility that todays modern travellers demand, and will offer guests an enriching experience.



Laurent Voivenel, senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: GCC is a strategic growth market for us and we are delighted to announce this superb new property in Bahrain with Hassan Lari Property Development & Management. We are truly grateful to the owning company for having given us this fantastic opportunity and are confident Swiss-Belresidences Juffair will appeal to both leisure and business travellers."



Expected to open by the end of 2017, Swiss-Belresidences Juffair is an upper midscale hotel apartments complex featuring 129 well-appointed two and three bedroom serviced units each equipped with fabulous facilities including a full-fledged kitchen.

Enjoying a prime location in the city, in close proximity to popular shopping and dining attractions, the hotel also boasts outstanding recreation and dining facilities such as a swimming pool, a large spa connected with the health club, a mini theatre, a kids club, an all-day-dining restaurant and a deli corner in the lobby.



The growing demand for quality hotels across the Middle East is helping to fuel the rapid expansion of Swiss-Belhotel International in the region.

Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: This new signing reinforces our commitment to the Middle East where we currently have more than 3,500 rooms under development. We are excited to expand our presence in the region and offer our guests more choice in this evolving market where we have been operating with great success for over a decade. - TradeArabia News Service


Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
A Casper man will spend decades in prison for an August crime spree during which he threatened people with a gun, stole a minivan and attempted to steal a semi truck.

Doyle Gabbert, 38, could spend up to 80 years in prison after Natrona County District Court Judge Catherine Wilking handed down sentences for eight felonies on Thursday. Wilking previously found Gabbert guilty of the crimes after a bench trial in March.

At the hearing, Gabbert said he was sorry for the danger and fear he inflicted on his victims.

I do feel remorse for what I did, he said.

The spree began on Aug. 10 when Gabbert shot at a man after an altercation about driving. Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen said Thursday that the shots came within 2 feet of the mans head.

Police couldnt find Gabbert that day but caught up to him two days later after a group of people reported that someone had threatened them with a gun in the parking lot of Ridleys on the east side of Casper. The group told police that the man had followed them to the parking lot.

Police located Gabbert on Aug. 12 as he pulled into the parking lot of Hobby Lobby. Gabbert then ran from the vehicle  throwing down a pistol as he went  and climbed a nearby fence.

Gabbert then stole a van parked near Hilltop Storage and led law enforcement on a chase that ended in north Casper after he wrecked the stolen vehicle. Gabbert then ran to the Loaf N Jug on Center Street and attempted to steal a Coca-Cola semi truck.

However, law enforcement caught up to him while he sat in the front seat. He refused to put his hands up and exit the vehicle until a police dog forcefully removed him from the truck.

He later told police that he felt the random people he had threatened had disrespected him.

Gabberts attorney, public defender Kerri Johnson, said she recognized that Gabbert should have a substantial prison sentence but also asked the judge to consider Gabberts background.

She said that Gabbert had essentially been raised by the state in a variety of institutions since his mother abandoned him at a young age. She said he was essentially dumped on the street at age 17 with few life skills or healthy relationships.

I wish people could see the clean and sober Doyle that I see, she said.

Gabberts sentence in this case will run consecutively to a six- to eight-year sentence imposed Wednesday in a separate drug case.
Hell have to be waxed once a year with Johnsons paste wax in the yellow can.

Otherwise, the patina will turn green, and we dont want that, Casper sculptor Chris Navarro said this week.

Navarro was speaking of the 22-foot-high Sacred Heart of Jesus, with arms open in welcome, which faces eastbound traffic on CY Avenue.

The statue, Navarros 11th in Casper, will be dedicated Friday after a 5:30 p.m. Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima church, just steps from the monument. A reception will follow at St. Anthonys Tri-Parish School.

It is a gift from Wyoming native and longtime Casper resident Marialyce Tobin, who presents it to the city in memory of her parents, Frank A. and Alice Barrett.

Her desire is that the statue will be evidence of Jesus protection of the people of Casper and His welcoming them as His followers, according to a Wyoming Catholic Register article in March.

Tobin requested not to be interviewed for this story. Biographical information about her was provided by a family member.

Tobin, 93, graduated from Lusk High School in 1942 and entered the University of Wyoming before transferring to Trinity College in Washington, DC, after her father was elected to the United States Congress. She graduated from George Washington University in 1946 and received her law degree from Catholic University.

Tobins father returned to Wyoming, where he served as its 21st governor from 1951 to 1953.

She went into private law practice in 1951, and after her marriage to Richard Dick

Tobin in 1956, they practiced as Tobin and Tobin in Casper until his death in 1986.

A frequent worldwide traveler, Tobin saw a dinosaur from Wyoming in a London museum and began formulating plans that resulted in commissioning Navarros T-Rex outside the Tate Geological Museum on the Casper College campus.

A skeletal structural marvel, The Essence of Rex, is lit from within, Navarros first light up sculpture. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose red heart lights at night, is the second.

Navarro admits it was a challenge to figure out lighting for each, so the mechanics didnt take away from the sculptures.

Its an LED on a daylight sensor, so when it gets dark enough, it lights up, Navarro said. Although the bulb is supposed to last 50,000 hours, Navarro made certain that it can be changed by removing the cross and thorns twisted around the heart.

Four white doves in flight, a chalice, a cross and a lamb adorn the base of the statue.

Navarro said two years have passed since the first time Tobin spoke about the statue.

First, we started out figuring out a way to make it possible, he said, and there were a lot of parts, not just the statue, but where it would be, church approval, just a lot of things.

Navarro said the face of Jesus is perhaps his favorite part of his latest finished work.

There is wisdom and compassion on his face, and its hard to sculpt compassion, he said. When Marialyce first saw it, she wanted the irises of his eyes to be bigger, so we did that, and theyre kind of defined so it looks like hes looking right at you, even though hes so tall.

The Tobins never had children of their own, but between both sides of the family there are 30 nieces and nephews.

She has endeared herself to each and every one of us with her love of travel, politics, history and individual attention to us, as well as our children and grandchildren, one of her nieces said.

Many are coming for the dedication, from across the country.

Rev. Thomas George has been pastor of Our Lady of Fatima for three years.

He calls the statue on his property grace.

It adds beauty here, not only external beauty but spiritual beauty as well. Its welcoming to all the people. It shows the love of God with His heart, he said.
CHEYENNE  A recent development in the Wyoming Capitol Square Project will allow people to step into a room restored to reflect what it was like when Wyomings constitution was written.

That constitutional convention was a landmark event for the nation, as it included an article that opened the floodgates for womens suffrage.

On the Capitols second floor before restoration began, there was the Legislative Service Offices main office. Above it on the third floor was the House Judiciary Committee office, a medical aid station and three other offices.

But when the Capitols first phase of construction was completed in 1888, it was the Territorial House Chamber. The two-story room included a public balcony, a stained glass lay light and a brilliant chandelier. After the second phase of construction was completed in 1890, it became the chamber of the first Wyoming Supreme Court.

When we started, this room was two different rooms, said Wendy Madsen, Legislative Service Office special projects manager. It wasnt open like this. You can see the floor line, and there are doorways that come out right above us. That was a floor that went all the way across the room, but its been taken out to restore its original two-story grandeur, and also to re-expose the windows.

One of the primary drivers of the nearly $300 million Capitol Square Project is to create larger meeting rooms for public participation and to restore some the historical elements lost through years of clumsy renovation. When finished, the room will become the largest meeting room in the Capitol, seating around 75 members of the public. It will be available for meetings of important bodies, such as the State Building Commission, State Loan and Investment Board, meetings of statewide elected officials and more.

But among the most interesting components of the restoration is its significance in the history of the U.S. In 1889, the leaders of the Wyoming territory came together to find a pathway to statehood.

Former state lawmaker Mike Massie of Laramie earned his masters degree in history from the University of Wyoming in 1980. He has written about Wyomings path to womens suffrage.

Wyoming was the first territory to grant women the right to vote in 1869. When the constitutional convention convened, Massie said there was a great deal of debate about whether to include an article in the constitution that would maintain that right should Wyoming become a state. At the time, no state in the union had granted women that right.

Those territories around Wyoming that had submitted their constitutions did not put that provision in theirs, Massie said.

Wyoming debated it a bit, and decided they could not abandon their women at that point, and they decided to put it into the draft. Massie said.

Republican Clarence D. Clark was Wyomings non-voting representative in Congress at the time. Massie said Clark wrote to advise Wyomingites that including the suffrage article in the constitutional draft could put its application for statehood at risk. But those Wyomingites would not abandon their resolve, Massie said.

After some discussion, the reply back was, Let them know were not going to come into the Union without our women, he said. Wyoming stuck to its guns.

Regardless of the controversy, Wyoming was granted statehood in 1890.

While the chamber was still under construction when she spoke about it early June, Madsen said the historical significance is not lost on her.

Every time I think about this room, I think about how its not only important to the state, but also nationally and internationally, because this is where womens suffrage was born, she said.

Today, Wyomings state Capitol is a National Historic Landmark. While some capitols are designated so because of their architecture, Wyomings is one of 11 distinguished because of its history.

Massie said the inclusion of Article 6 in the Wyoming Constitution opened the floodgates on womens right to vote in other Western states, later the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Wyoming, he said, really was the innovator that led the charge to greater freedoms for American women.

Wyoming had crossed the goal line, he said. It had gone beyond the controversy and allowed women the right to vote. Other states adopted it by passage of laws, but Wyoming adopted it by including it in its Constitution. It was precedent setting.
JACKSON  Visitors from around the world have listened to a recording at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center of Nathan Watson explaining the partnership between the Boy Scouts of America and the National Elk Refuge.

The then-9-year-old talks articulately about how Scouts pick up elk antler sheds each year and then auction them off. Its like Scouts help manage the refuge, he said.

To me community service means an average person in the community goes out to do something that helps the community as a whole, he said on the recording.

Watson, now 18, carried a set of antlers to the podium for the 50th annual Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction in May, his last year at ElkFest with the Scouts.

He waved the antlers around, hamming it up for the crowd as the bid rose from $14 per pound to $22.26 per pound. He was clueless as to how much the pair went for.

I was too busy pleasing the crowd, he said with a smile.

Watson has participated in the annual event with Boy Scout Troop 268, and previously Cub Scout Pack 268, since he was 6 years old.

Local Scouts donate time and energy to collect sheds in April and auction them during ElkFest, an event that can raise upwards of $200,000 in a single day. Three-quarters of the proceeds go to the National Elk Refuge and the other 25 percent to the Boy Scouts of America.

Watson is comfortable on the podium holding up antlers for bidders, but his father and troop leader, David Watson, remembers how shy he was as a kid.

He would have never done that even just a few years ago, he said.

His personality shines onstage as he shows a Cub Scout how to run the show.

You can see the kids gain confidence in themselves, David Watson said. Its been fun to watch (Nathan) grow up and mature through Scouting.

The spring rite starts in mid-April, when a few hundred Boy Scouts are, in a somewhat orderly fashion, let loose on the refuge to collect shed antlers.

Its the greatest day in Scouting, Troop 268 Advancement Officer Beth Carlson said.

Her favorite part, she said, is seeing kids on their first hunt.

The new younger kids come in with the biggest smile on their face holding their first antler, she said. Its magical.

The annual shed hunt is a tradition for Nathan Watson, his 15-year-old brother, Trevor, and their dad. The trio capitalize on the singular opportunity of exploring the refuge on foot once a year. Such exploration of the refuge is prohibited to the public.

With technology today its so easy just to sit and do nothing, literally, and its so nice to look forward to this every year and get the kids out here, David Watson said.

April 22 was Nathan Watsons last pick-up as a Scout. He found five, one more than his brother. By lunchtime Troop 268 had collected about 80 antlers in the northeast corner of the refuge.

Its a pretty incredible experience, Nathan Watson said, one that a lot of people never get to have.

He has made plenty of memories from his time on the refuge, like the year he and his brother found a shed in a river, encapsulated in mud. Its been great having the brothers be able to be in Scouts together, their dad said. Both have earned their Eagle Scout rank.

Nathan has really helped and encouraged his younger brother to stick with it, David Watson said.

Its not always easy to stick with Boy Scouts, he said. They start as 6-year-olds, and to make it through to 18 is an accomplishment. There are plenty of other opportunities, like sports, and distractions for kids.

For him to stick with it as long as he did and get to his Eagle has been great, he said.

It doesnt hurt that their troop leader father instilled a sense of service in his boys. If they werent Scouts they would still volunteer in the community, their dad said.

Its a great way to really become a citizen of a community, he said. If you do it at a young age its a natural thing to do when youre older.
Bob Burns is headed back to court  and not just in his bid to get financial disclosure records from the states largest electric utility.

The move follows the 4-1 vote on Tuesday by the Arizona Corporation Commission to reject the bid by Burns to compel Arizona Public Service and parent company Pinnacle West Capital Corp. to comply with the subpoena he has issued. That same vote denied his bid to at least have company executives testify before a hearing officer and allow his attorney to question them.

That clears the way for Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley to rule on Burns lawsuit to force the utility to give him what he wants. Kiley last month sidestepped the issue, saying Burns first had to ask the other members of the commission to do just that.

But Tuesdays vote also paves the way for a wider lawsuit, not only into APS but into the commission itself.

Thats because Burns on Tuesday separately sought to have an administrative law judge decide if the other four commissioners should be disqualified from even voting on his request.

He contends that all four took money, at least indirectly, from APS to win their seats. And that, Burns said, means someone  not the commissioners themselves  needs to decide if they have a conflict of interest in not just the matter of the subpoenas but also whether to approve a rate increase for the utility.

The other four, however, rejected that request.

So Burns told Capitol Media Services on Wednesday he is weighing whether to file yet another legal action, this one asking a judge to determine whether the other commissioners have any right at all to decide anything involving the utility.

According to my attorney, how can they rule on disqualification of themselves? he said. They cant.

At the heart of the matter is the $3.2 million spent in 2014 to help elect Doug Little and Tom Forese by Save Our Future Now and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. Both groups refused to disclose their donors, saying they are not required to do so based on their status under federal tax law as social welfare organizations.

APS, for its part, will neither confirm nor deny that either it or its parent was the source of any of those dollars. So Burns has issued subpoenas for both firms to produce records of political donations and lobbying expenses.

That case wound up before Kiley, with Burns asking that the subpoenas be enforced. He contends that both the Arizona Constitution and state statute give individual commissioners the right to demand the documents.

But Kiley instead accepted the arguments by Mary OGrady, representing the companies, that the judge cant rule until Burns first exhausted his other legal option: getting the full commission to compel disclosure. That led to Tuesdays hearing.

But Burns did not just ask for that motion to compel. He said that apparent conflicts by the other commissioners raised the question of whether they could even vote on his motion.

That is based not just on the money APS and Pinnacle West may or may not have spent on behalf of Forese and Little but also the $4.2 million APS publicly admitted it spent this past year to defeat Democrats Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin.

That resulted in the election of Boyd Dunn and Andy Tobin as well as Burns own reelection. But Burns contends he has no conflict because he was already fighting with APS at the time of the election and that the utility found him less unacceptable than either Democrat.

The other commissioners did not take kindly to what Burns was trying to do.

Little said that Burns contention of a conflict is based on nothing but supposition, rumor, innuendo and a claim of broadly held belief (about the source of the 2014 funds) for which there is no objective evidence.

Tobin was less charitable in his criticism of Burns, calling him out of control.

Nothing surprises me coming from him except a desperate need for constant attention, he said.

Burns, however, is simply doubling down on his contention that the panel may be doing the bidding of APS.
The medical instrument that Tucson-based startup Salutaris Medical Devices is developing can give you the willies, with a hook designed to be inserted behind the eye.

Despite the high yuck factor, Salutaris new method for radiation treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration offers new hope for patients with a major cause of age-related blindness.

And some nine years after its founding based on research at the University of Arizona faculty, Salutaris is preparing for its first full clinical trial, after a small earlier study showed promise.

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye disease that progressively destroys the macula  the central portion of the retina at the back of the eye  impairing central vision and leading to partial blindness.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over age 55 in the U.S., affecting more than 11 million individuals, according to the nonprofit Macular Degeneration Association.

There are two types of AMD, dry or atrophic, and wet or neovascular, which accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all AMD cases  still more than 250,000 new cases each year.

So far, there are no cures for either dry or wet AMD, but the progress of the more aggressive wet AMD has been managed with several drugs approved since the early 2000s that can limit the abnormal blood vessel growth that characterizes the disease.

Despite its looks, Salutaris applicator offers patients with wet AMD an alternative treatment that can limit the need for drug injections, said Ryan Lohrenz, who was named CEO of Salutaris earlier this year after serving as the companys engineering director.

The companys patented and patent-pending technology consists of a hook-shaped applicator with a light at the end and a cup that holds a tiny disc-shaped pellet containing radioactive strontium.

In a minimally invasive procedure that could be performed on an outpatient basis, the applicator is inserted through a small incision in the eyelid and worked around to the back of the eye, where it is rested outside the macula, an area in the center of the retina.

The whole process takes about 15 minutes in a one and done procedure, Lohrenz said.

Lohrenz, a UA engineering alumnus, said hes used to people shivering when he tells people he meets about what what the company is developing.

When you think about our device going around the back of the eye, that sounds pretty unpleasant, he said. But when you think about getting an injection right into the eye every month, it doesnt sound so bad.

Radiation therapy, known as epimacular brachytherapy, has been tried with an applicator inserted through the eye, with mixed results. A study presented at a European conference in 2015 concluded that the procedure did not look promising as a treatment for previously treated wet AMD.

Researchers in England also have been studying a method where radiation is precisely beamed through the front of the eye.

Lohrenz cited a limited feasibility study Salutaris published in 2012, showing that of six patients who received the companys treatment, two patients required no additional drug injections after two years, and four patients had improved or stabilized vision.

Salutaris rolled out an improved version of its disposable applicator last fall. The companys first model featured a mechanism that pushed the radioactive pellet through the end of the device once it was in place.

Lohrenz said the applicator is already being produced by a specialty plastics firm in Phoenix, and the company has secured a long-term partner in Boston to supply the specially deigned radioactive pellets.

A full clinical trial is the next step.

Salutaris is preparing a larger clinical trial that is expected to launch in the coming months, Lohrenz said. The company isnt discussing details of the planned trial because of regulatory concerns.

Were looking at how big that will be, planning that up and working on a budget, he said.

Salutaris, which has raised millions of dollars in private investment, has enough money to proceed with the near-term trial but will be looking to raise more money for later, larger trials, Lohrenz said.

The company got a major partner in 2015, when Japan-based Hoya Group made an undisclosed investment.

Hoya owns 18 percent of the company, the largest single stake, with other investors including members of the local Desert Angels and tech-oriented funds like the Scottsdale-based Translational Accelerator LLC, or TRAC, and Arizona Tech Investors.

Our very first investors from 2008 were Desert Angels, so thanks to the Tucson community, said Maryline Boulay, development director for Salutaris.

The company got another boost last year, when it won a $250,000 award in the Arizona Innovation Challenge, which is funded by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Salutaris has deep ties to the UA, though its original founders are no longer involved in the companys day-to-day operations.

Salutaris Medical Devices was launched in February 2008 by four co-founders: former UA ophthalmologist Dr. Luca Brigatti; Russell Hamilton, a UA professor of radiation oncology; Dr. Laurence Marsteller, a UA medical school alumnus and entrepreneur and Michael Voevodsky, a UA alum and Harvard MBA who was Salutaris CEO for seven years and now heads an advanced manufacturing firm in Michigan.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some June 22 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
A rainstorm rolled into Sonoita on Wednesday afternoon, helping firefighters with the remnants of a wildfire that swept through a residential area the night before.

Minutes before the storm arrived, Joseph De Wolf, chief of the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, told about 75 people gathered at the Sonoita Bible Church to pray for rain.

But he cautioned lightning might reignite the Encino Fire that consumed nearly 1,300 acres in and around the town.

The fire threatened 150 structures and four homes were destroyed. Two other homes were severely damaged, said Katie Goodwin, spokeswoman for the fire district. The only injury reported was a Forest Service employee with a fractured ankle.

Several residents said sheds and other outbuildings on their properties were destroyed.

De Wolf told the crowd the fire did not damage any more structures Wednesday. However, another fire started in Elgin, which meant more firefighters would head there and fewer would be available to accompany residents at their homes to gather medicine and other supplies.

As of Wednesday evening, about 250 firefighters were working on the Encino Fire, which was 60 percent contained, according to the Arizona State Forestry Division.

Along Boyd Lane, the fire had blackened swaths of land among the homes. Jerry Bianchis house barely escaped the flames, which crept up the hill to the edge of his driveway.

All that was left of a stack of firewood a few yards from his house was a pile of white ash. He said he considers himself lucky that the Arizona cypress trees that line the driveway didnt burn and lead the fire to his house.

Stan Keiths house in the Canelo Hills area also barely escaped the fire, which crept up to the walls of his house around 8 p.m. but didnt ignite the structure.

His 5-acre lot is just black from the fire, but a 100-foot fire break around his house where he mowed the grass and watered the trees likely helped save his house, he said while waiting with a half-dozen other people at the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District station.

I obviously dodged a bullet, Keith said, praising firefighters for their efforts in his neighborhood.

His 4-foot iguana also survived.

Cleone Fields and her husband watched the fire approach their house around 6 p.m. Tuesday from their back deck. After a half-hour, the flames were getting too close and they and their two dogs headed to the Sonoita Inn, where Fields works as the manager.

As far as I know, my house is still there, she said. But its a hot spot.

The owners of the inn opened up rooms free of charge to residents who evacuated their homes, Fields said. About 30 people stayed the night at the inn, along with their dogs and cats.

We were like a kennel here last night, she said.

At the community meeting with De Wolf, a woman offered her five-bedroom home to residents who had evacuated their homes. Another woman told the crowd that air-conditioned crates at the fairground were available for pets.

Crews Wednesday morning were replacing damaged power poles that carried electricity to homes, which in Sonoita also means powering water wells.

The fire damaged 25 power poles and by Tuesday night 375 customers had their power restored, according to Jack Blair, a spokesman for the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. He expected another 125 customers would have their power restored by Thursday.

Cattle were moved to the fairgrounds and horses were taken to the Canelo Cowboy Church, DeWolf said.

Vehicles from various fire departments throughout the state moved along the streets of Sonoita and De Wolf commended the state for providing resources to help fight the fire.
OPINION: "People have a perverse attraction to bad news and in todays digital world, bad news has become easier and easier to access. No group is quite as vulnerable to its influence than the digital natives of Gen Z," writes Marana resident Mitch Carroll.
Help India!

By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter

Tension prevailed in coastal Karnataka and Kasargod district of Kerala after a 35-year-old SDPI worker was hacked to death at Padmunje village in Bantwal taluk on Wednesday. Ashraf Kalai, Ammunje zonal unit president of the party was killed after he attended the partys foundation day observance. An auto driver by profession, he was seen filling potholes of the roads at Padmunje along with his party workers on Wednesday morning.

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He was hacked by sword by a group of unidentified people. Police has started searching for the culprits and a sword has been recovered from the spot.

In the wake of the incident, district administration extended the prohibitory orders to one more week. Section 144 was imposed in Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur and Sullia taluks on June 13 following communal tension. The prohibitory orders were later extended to June 21 midnight and the murder of Ashraf on Wednesday compelled the police to extend it to one more week.

Meanwhile, RSS activists allegedly attempted to create panic in Bantwal following police asked the owners to shut their shops. A group of activists, led by local leader Prabhakar Bhatt, reportedly, compelled the owners to open their shops.

Wednesdays attack is the third one reported in the district against Muslims. Two Muslim youths were stabbed by miscreants belonging to a saffron outfit in Kalladka on May 27. On Monday night, a Muslim youth Altaf was stabbed by a gang without any provocation in Kasargod district. Altaf was knifed while he was sitting inside an eatery at Choori, where a mosque Imam was hacked to death by RSS workers few months ago. Altaf was shifted to a private hospital in Mangaluru. Police have booked Sandeep under Section 307 (attempt to murder).

Meanwhile, Karnataka state unit of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has urged Karnataka government to book all culprits under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). A release, issued by party state general secretary Abdul Majeed, alleged that the murder of Ashraf Kalai was planned and was aimed at creating riots. The release also urged steps to release immediate compensation for the victims family.

The murder is a perfectly planned act by the communal goons. It is to be noted that the Sangh Parivar has been busy plotting to create communal riots during elections and minority festivals which have led to communal tension and several murders. Recently there has been unrest in Coastal Karnataka due to communal disharmony. The Karnataka Cabinet Ministers have openly stated that the RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar is directly responsible for the riots. In order to establish permanent peace in the Coastal Karnataka, which enjoys a fame for quality of education, health and commerce, Hindu, Muslim and Christians and other communities should join hands and work together continuously, the party said in a statement.
Credit: Alexander ThompsonDebbie Harry and her band Blondie have launched a new campaign called BEE Connected, designed to raise awareness about the decline in the global population of bees, as well as the insects' importance in the food chain and Earth's ecosystems.

The initiative ties in with Blondie's new studio album, Pollinator, and debuted in conjunction with the 10th annual National Pollinator Week, which kicked off Monday, June 19.

The BEE Connected campaign has partnered with a number of environmental organizations, including Pollinator Partnership, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, which are dedicated to the preservation and health of bee populations via education and consumer and political initiatives.

"Basically, my motives for supporting pollinators is survival; survival of us all, survival of the human race," says Harry.

To raise money for the campaign, limited-edition "Pollinator/Save the Bees" T-shirts are being sold at Blondie.net/beeconnected. The website also features links to various organizations that support bee conservation.

Blondie is also offering a bee-inspired yellow-and-black filter fans can use on their social media sites to promote the BEE Connected campaign. You can download it now at Blondie.net/beesocial.

As previously reported, Blondie will support Pollinator by hitting the road with Garbage on a North American trek dubbed the Rage and Rapture Tour. The outing, which will feature X's John Doe and Exene Cervenka as the opening act, gets underway July 5 in Saratoga, California.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Help India!

By Shamsul Islam for TwoCircles.net

Respected Ramnath Kovind,

Support TwoCircles



Namaskar, I must congratulate you for being chosen as presidential candidate of the Indian Republic by BJP. It is heartening to note that you have been chosen, to quote BJP president Amit Shah, for being a Dalit who has struggled in life to reach the position he is in today. In the forthcoming presidential elections your selection was made due to your Dalit identity was also underlined by Ram Vilas Paswan, a Dalit minister in the Central Cabinet, when he declared that anyone opposing your candidature will be seen as anti-Dalit. In a scenario when violence against Dalits and minorities like Muslims and Christians (most of whom hail from Dalit stock) and their disempowerment has surged many fold, your candidature gives hope.

However, it is being claimed by the RSS leaders that you have been chosen for being an old and seasoned RSS swayamsevak or member. It is being emphasized that you are a seasoned Hindu nationalist. We are informed that you donated your ancestral home in Kanpur Dehat to the RSS.

With these credentials, I, fear there is going to be a serious conflict of interests between your beliefs in RSS ideology and being the highest constitutional authority of democratic-secular Republic of India. I will put forward in the following some of the serious concerns of mine for your kind perusal.

CONFLICT BETWEEN OATH AS PRESIDENT AND OATH AS RSS MEMBER

As a president you will be taking oath which reads:

I, Ramnath Kovind, do swear in the name of God that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Republic of India, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law, and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Republic of India.

But as a member of RSS you are committed to fulfil the following oath:

Before the all powerful God and my ancestors, I most solemnly take this oath, that I become a member of the RSS in order to achieve all round greatness of Bharatvarsha by fostering the growth of my sacred Hindu religion, Hindu society, and Hindu culture. I shall perform the work of the Sangh honestly, disinterestedly, with my heart and soul, and I shall adhere to this goal all my life. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

Moreover, members of RSS are opposed to an all-inclusive democratic-secular India. The RSS English organ, Organizer, just on the eve of Independence (August 14, 1947), editorially (titled Whither) underlined its belief in the two-nation theory that Hindus are a separate nation in the following words:

Let us no longer allow ourselves to be influenced by false notions of nationhood. Much of the mental confusion and the present and future troubles can be removed by the ready recognition of the simple fact that in Hindusthan only the Hindus form the nation and the national structure must be built on that safe and sound foundationthe nation itself must be built up of Hindus, on Hindu traditions, culture, ideas and aspirations.

TRI-COLOUR AS NATIONAL FLAG VS BHAGWA JHANDA

RSS before and after Independence has been allergic to the National Flag. Guru Golwalkar while addressing a Gurupurnima gathering in Nagpur on July 14, 1946, stated that it was the saffron flag which in totality represented great Hindu culture. It was the embodiment of God: We firmly believe that in the end the whole nation will bow before this saffron flag.

Just on the eve of Independence the denigration of the national Flag by the RSS crossed all limits. ORGANIZER in its issue dated August 14, 1947 declared a kind of war against the Tri-colour in the following words: The people who have come to power by the kick of fate may give in our hands the Tricolour but it never be respected and owned by Hindus. The word three is in itself an evil, and a flag having three colours will certainly produce a very bad psychological effect and is injurious to a country.

Even after independence when the Tricolour became the National Flag, it was the RSS which continued decrying it. In 1960 Guru Golwalkar writing about the National Flag wrote: Our leaders have set up a new flag for our country. Why did they do so? It is just a case of drifting and imitating.Ours is an ancient and great nation with a glorious past. Then, had we no flag of our own? Had we no national emblem at all these thousands of years? Undoubtedly we had. Then why this utter void, this utter vacuum in our minds.

INDIAN DEMOCRACY VS RSS HATRED FOR DEMOCRACY

India is the largest functional democracy on this earth. We have a democratic-secular Constitution which is in force for almost seven decades. But RSS hates democracy. Guru Golwalkar, most prominent ideologue of the RSS while addressing a group of 1,350 top level cadres of the organization in 1940 had to say this about political system of India: RSS inspired by one flag, one leader and one ideology is lighting the flame of Hindutva in each and every corner of this great land.

I would like to bring it to your notice that this decree of one flag, one leader and one ideology was also the battle cry of Fascist and Nazi parties of Europe in the first half of 20th century. What they did to democracy is well-known to this world.

INDIAN CONSTITUTION DECRIES CASTEISM. RSS DECLARES CASTEISM AS ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF HINDUISM AND HINDU NATION

Indian Constitution provides a polity to the Indian Nation which is above Caste, Class, gender, race considerations. But Guru Golwalkar who demanded conversion of democratic-secular India into a Hindu Nation declared that Casteism was synonymous with the Hindu Nation. According to him, the Hindu people are none else but, The Virat Purusha, the Almighty manifesting himself. According to purusha sukta sun and moon are his eyes, the stars and the skies are created from His nabhi [navel] and Brahmin is the head, Kshatriya the hands, Vaishya the thighs and Shudra the feet. This means that the people who have this fourfold arrangement, i.e., the Hindu People, is [sic] our God. This supreme vision of Godhead is the very core of our concept of nation and has permeated our thinking and given rise to various unique concepts of our cultural heritage. [Italics as in the original]

DEMOCRATIC-SECULAR INDIAN CONSTITUTION VS RSS DEMAND FOR PROMULGATION OF MANUSMRITI AS CONSTITUTION OF INDIA

The Constituent Assembly of India passed the Constitution which was drafted under the guidance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on November 26, 1949. RSS was not happy. Its organ, Organizer, in an editorial on November 30, 1949, complained:

But in our constitution there is no mention of the unique constitutional development in ancient Bharat. Manus Laws were written long before Lycurgus of Sparta or Solon of Persia. To this day his laws as enunciated in the Manusmriti excite the admiration of the world and elicit spontaneous obedience and conformity. But to our constitutional pundits that means nothing.

In fact, the RSS demand for promulgation of Manusmriti as Indian Constitution was in line with the demand by the Hindutva icon, Veer Savarkar who declared it to be that scripture which is most worshipable [sic] after Vedas for our Hindu Nation and which from ancient times has become the basis of our culture-customs, thought and practiceToday Manusmriti is Hindu Law.

Some of the degenerated and inhuman instructions for Sudras contained in Manusmriti are reproduced below:

(1) For the sake of the prosperity of the worlds (the divine one) caused the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, the Vaisya, and the Sudra to proceed from his mouth, his arm, his thighs and his feet.

(2) One occupation only the lord prescribed to the Sudras, to serve meekly even these (other) three castes.

(3) Once-born man (a Sudra), who insults a twice-born man with gross invective, shall have his tongue cut out; for he is of low origin.

(4) If he mentions the names and castes (jati) of the (twice-born) with contumely, an iron nail, ten fingers long, shall be thrust red-hot into his mouth.

(5) If he arrogantly teaches Brahmanas their duty, the king shall cause hot oil to be poured into his mouth and into his ears.

It is to be noted that a copy of Manusmriti was burnt as a protest in the presence of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during historic Mahad agitation in December, 1927.

GANDHI AS FATHER OF NATION VS HINDU NATIONALISTS WHO CELEBRATE ASSASSINATION OF GANDHI

Nathuram Godse and others, who conspired to kill Mahatma Gandhi, claimed to be Hindu Nationalists. Shockingly, present day Hindu Nationalists celebrate his vadh. To cite one example in June 2013 Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) held its 2nd all India conference for converting India into a Hindu rashtra at Goa. This conference started with a felicitation message from Narendra Modi. In this conference from the same dais from where Modi jis felicitation message was read, one of the prominent speakers, K.V. Sitaramiah, declared that Gandhi was terrible, wicked and most sinful. Rejoicing the killing of M.K. Gandhi, he went on to declare, As Bhagwan Shri Krishna said in the Gita, Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam/ Dharamasansthapnaya Sambhavami Yuge-Yuge (For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked and for the establishment of righteousness, I am born in every age) On30th January 1948 evening, Shriram came in the form of Nathuram Godse and ended the life of Gandhi.

CASTEISM FREE INDIA VS FATE OF DALITS IN RSS

BJP winner from Iglas Reserved constituency in UP, Diler, a Dalit with family links to RSS for two generations (whose father was also BJP MP), while canvassing for the seat, not only used to sit on the floor but carry his own steel glass for drinking water/tea when he visited homes of upper-caste voters. Diler, a Valmiki, justified his desire to remain shackled in Casteism by saying Main apni maan maryada khatm nahin kar sakta. Zama na chahe badalta rahe. (I cannot break away from tradition. Let the world change, I wont).

It is to be noted that neither RSS nor BJP what to talk of condemning this self-imposed Untouchability, did not stop Diler from doing such reprehensible anti-constitutional acts.

Respected Kovind, I hope as President of India you will follow the constitutional oath and not the one obligatory in RSS, you will be flag-bearer of Indian Nationalism and not Hindu Nationalism, you will defend democratic-secular Constitution of India against any attempt to enforce Manusmriti, you will resist any attempt to bring back Untouchability by glorifying Casteism as essential ingredient od Hinduism and Hindu nationalism, you will check denigration of Father of the Nation and glorification of his killers, you will not allow any mischief with the National Flag and Indian democracy. And finally, you will not allow present India to be converted to a Hindu Pakistan.

Wishing you all the best.

Yours,

Shamsul Islam
French President Emmanuel Macron has u-turned on his tough rhetoric towards Brexit Britain.

Instead, Mr. Macron has called for a pragmatic relationship with the UK once it leaves the EU, cooperating on defence and counter-terrorism.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian newspaper, he said both countries' destinies are linked together.

This contradicts one of his key messages which was to punish Britain for voting to leave the trading bloc.

'Still an option for a "soft" Brexit.'

He said there is still an option for Britain to choose a 'soft' EU exit, saying the door on that option is not closed.

But he warned that discussions following the beginning of the Brexit negotiations on Monday must ensure the survival of the EU is preserved for the long-term.

Mr. Macron warned there would be a change of policy on migration cooperation at Calais.

He added the new administration wants to re-evaluate its refugee and asylum seeker policy.

The French President will be pursuing a policy of closer European integration at his first European Council meeting today, in a move to regain support from the lower middle classes on issues like social protection.

He also attacked Central and Eastern European states for failing to respect the democratic values of Europe, saying they portray the trading bloc as a supermarket.

'Maintain close cooperation.'

The En Marche politician said he intends to maintain close cooperation with Britain on defence and counter-terrorism.

He said this is because ISIL terrorists do not know Europe's borders like European politicians do.

He has promised to end the emergence of new shanty towns in his country, urging the UK and France's cooperation on the issue to evolve over time.

After his election victory in May, Mr. Macron's advisor, Jean Pisani-Ferry, insisted his boss had no interest in punishing Britain for Brexit.

However, he said the French President would be tough and demanding when negotiations began.

During this year's French presidential election, the En Marche candidate said Brexit was a crime and warned the British Government there would be consequences if it pursued its divorce from Brussels.

He also said he intends to rebuild Europe and that the EU is part of the solution, not the problem, to France's issues.

'No generous post-EU deal.'

Mr. Macron said in an interview with Bloomberg last year that he wants to avoid awarding Britain with a generous post-EU deal, as it would provide other countries with incentives to leave.

The EU became a key battleground theme during this year's presidential election.

The En Marche candidate's National Front rival, Marine Le Pen, promised an EU referendum similar to that of Britain's.

She also pledged to withdraw France from the Euro.

However, she only achieved a 33.9% vote share compared to Mr. Macron, who won a staggering 66.1% of the vote.

But he received much criticism after the campaign for snubbing the French national anthem in favour of the EU's Anthem of Europe.

Traditionally, French politicians have declared their victory to the sound of La Marseillaise, which has stood as their anthem for hundreds of years.

Instead, the current President blasted the anthem of Europe 'Ode to Joy' from the speakers as he waved to enthusiastic crowds outside the Louvre Museum.

Although he later sung the French national anthem, many French voters reacted angrily on Twitter.

He was attacked for his subservience to the European project.

Ode to Joy was written by German musician Ludwig von Beethoven and based on a poem by countryman Friedrich Schiller in 1785.

It was used as a substitute national anthem for the Unified Team of Germany during the Olympics from 1956 to 1968.

It was later adopted by the European Economic Community, the original name for the EU, in 1985.

In contrast, Ms Le Pen danced along to iconic tunes that ranged from Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, I Love Rock and Roll and the YMCA song.

Mr. Macron's party, En Marche, was only formed last year, and managed to secure 24.01% of the vote in the first round of the presidential elections, compared to the National Front's 21.3% share.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller out

Lucasfilm has been working since February on a new Star Wars film focusing on the life of Han Solo. For all the Star Wars fans out there I'm sure you have a couple of vivid memories of Han Solo's role in the storyline and overall feel of the movies, adding a sort of sinister, the rebel with a golden heart feel to the movies. Well, for all of you who were expecting the new movie to have the added feel of these two directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, tough luck as the directors are out of the movie.

The directors who are well known for their successes in movies such as Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street seem not to have been the right fit for the Lucasfilm franchise as they left the project mid-way.

They had already found a great cast for the movie as can be seen in the main image of the article. Actors including Alden Ehrenreich stepping in for Harrison Ford as a young Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, plus "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson and "Fleabag" star Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The movie is scheduled to be released on May 25th, 2018.

Director's statement

The two directors released a press conference saying "Unfortunately, our vision and process weren't aligned with our partners on this project. We normally aren't fans of the phrase 'creative differences' but for once this cliche is true."

The announcement of their departure from the project came on the official Star Wars website.

Kathleen Kennedy the president of Lucasfilm and a producer on the movie said the duo were talented filmmakers and had assembled an incredible cast and crew, but had different creative visions for the film. She also added that a new director for the still untitled film will be announced soon.

Lawrence Kasdan, a screenwriter, director, and producer has a history with Lucasfilm having worked on a couple of them including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars The Last Jedi set to be released December 15th, 2017 and Han Solo: A Star Wars Story which he co-wrote with his son and is said to have fundamentally disagreed with the depiction of Han Solo by Lord and Miller.

A glimpse into Lucasfilm history with directors

Irvin Kershner, the director of The Empire Strikes Back was said to have been given a lot of space by George Lucas founder of Lucasfilm who has respect for him as he had once judged a student film contest which Lucas won. Lucas only gave his input when the director took so long to finish the project and ran into money troubles.

After this experience, Lucas was more hands on and ensured that any outside director had to deliver the creative vision in the script on time - and preferably under budget. Richard Marquand experienced this, as he worked on Revenge of the Jedi amid mostly daily visits from Lucas. Lucas took over, changed the name to Return of the Jedi, and did multiple edits and reshoots.

Rogue One British director Gareth Edwards is also reported to have had similar experiences as his vision did not meet Lucasfilm's expectations and they reportedly paid writer-director Tony Gilroy $5 million to lead the rewriting, reshooting and re-edits.

One director who seems to be in the good graces of Lucasfilm is The Last Jedi's director Rian Johnson as he has finished with no re-shoots - at least for now.

The preview of the movie is also out and looks interesting. He also recently said he changed a plot point at the request of Colin Trevorrow, his successor at the helm of Star Wars Episode IX

Star Wars has been a part of many people's lives as they grew up watching it and marvelling at the futuristic displays of George Lucas, and I'm sure we're all looking forward to December to see what Lucasfilm has in store for us, while patiently waiting for all their future instalments.
In a manner that began so many years ago with Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's Band Aid concerts and singles, Simon Cowell has drawn together over 50 performers to produce a truly heartwarming rendition of the Simon and Garfunkel classic " Bridge over Troubled Water".

Grenfell Tower disaster

As scenes emerged in the early hours of the morning on TV only last week it became clear that the fire at Grenfell Tower in the affluent Kensington and Chelsea part of London was not a simple blaze. The fire struck with astonishing speed and consumed the entire Tower block in a matter of hours from the fourth floor up.

So fierce was the blaze that it was still burning into the next day over 24 hours after starting.

At that point, Londoners did what Londoners do best, and disregarding the politicians, the councils and all others wanting to score political points and point fingers of blame, they drew together. Floods of donations of food, clothing, volunteers came forward to help the distressed survivors. It may well be weeks before we can know what the true cost of the fire is in terms of human life. Firefighters put themselves on the line time and time again to extinguish the blaze and rescue anyone lucky enough to survive the smoke flames.

Simon Cowell's single

He is perhaps best known as the straight-talking music mogul who can cut reduce performers to tears with his opinions but on this occasion, Cowell decided that he needed to do something special.

Uniting artists as from all sections of the music world from Rita Ora to Robbie Williams and Liam Payne to Roger Daltry and Emeli Sande. There was also an appearance for newly crowned BGT winner Tokyo Myers. In a moving tribute, Gareth Malone conducts a choir of locals who join in with the chorus.

The single looks set to go straight to number one in the charts and after it was first heard on the radio on Wednesday listeners have flooded social media with praise for the effort stating that it is " a beautiful rendition" and that it "left me in floods of tears".

It has become the fastest selling single of the decade.

The single was recorded over a three-day period at the Sarn Studios which is only half a mile from Grenfell Tower.

All proceeds from the sales of the single will go straight to the fundraising page 'aristsforgrenfell.com' also started by Cowell. People can also make contributions directly to the fund at the page. The fund received a huge kickstart from Simon Cowell of 100,000.
Following the news that an explosion occurred at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, reactions poured in from around the world. Back in the United States, Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway decided to offer her thoughts, which quickly resulted in backlash.

Conway on Manchester

On Monday night at the Manchester Arena, thousands of fans packed the building to enjoy a concert by pop star Ariana Grande. As the excitement filled the arena, and explosion took place, resulting in the panic of concert-goers rushing out of the building. NBC News reported, via the Greater Manchester Police, that the explosion was being treated as terrorism.

As of press time, 19 deaths have been confirmed, with at least 50 more being left injured, though that number could increase. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke out, referring to the incident as an "appalling suicide attack." Minutes after the news broke, videos and images began circulating online, showing the once excited crowd running away in an attempt to find safety. In addition, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and many others took to social media to express their support, with most posting their thoughts and prayers for the victims. In a May 22 post on Twitter, Kellyanne Conway sent out her prayers, while also posting a message that some believe was an inappropriate lecture to teenagers on how to deal with concerned parents.

Sympathy, aid and prayers for #Manchester.



Tweens/teens, give your parents a break when it seems they worry too much. https://t.co/KG4LqLyeyy  Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) May 23, 2017

In a tweet commenting about the apparent suicide bombing in Manchester, Kellyanne Conway wrote, "Sympathy, aid and prayers for Manchester." However, Conway wasn't done, as she also tweeted out, "Tweens/teens, give your parents a break when it seems they worry too much." As expected, backlash resulted from those who are critical of Donald Trump and his administration, with even some supporters chiming in.

Twitter reacts

In response to Kellyanne Conway and her apparent Manchester lecture, social media users were quick to fire back. "Seriously? You're part of the cause.

You work for a coward that promotes hatred. So what separates you from a terrorist? U lack a soul," one Twitter user wrote. "Srsly? is this honestly the time to be lecturing this kind of thing?" another message asked.

@KellyannePolls Seriously? You're part of the cause. You work for a coward that promotes hatred. So what separates you from a terrorist? U lack a soul.  marc hernandez (@marchernandezSC) May 23, 2017

@KellyannePolls srsly? is this honestly the time to be lecturing this kind of thing? #ffs    (@BrookeLeia) May 23, 2017

@KellyannePolls Don't pretend like you have a heart, witch.  Vladimir Putin (@VladimirovPutin) May 23, 2017

"Seriously... it's best if you refrain from commenting.

Thank you," one Twitter user wrote. "Nice way to make it all about you, Kookieanne Conjob. How about focusing on the parents whose teens aren't coming home?" an additional tweet noted.

@KellyannePolls Nice way to make it all about you, Kookieanne Conjob. How about focusing on the parents whose teens aren't coming home?  PipSqueaksSquee (@PipSqueaksSquee) May 23, 2017

@KellyannePolls Couldn't just end it at prayers,huh? Had to feel vindicated by reinforcing your offspring's stigmas at a time that punctuates your agenda?  AnonAxe2 (@AnonAxe2) May 23, 2017

@KellyannePolls I love you Kellyanne, but it's not the time to make teens feel guilty  Barbara Smith (@blazn777) May 23, 2017

"Couldn't just end it at prayers,huh?

Had to feel vindicated by reinforcing your offspring's stigmas at a time that punctuates your agenda?" a social media user added. "I love you Kellyanne, but it's not the time to make teens feel guilty," one Donald Trump supporter added. The backlash continued as liberal social media users weren't going to let Kellyanne Conway off the hook.
The biggest story to dominate the American political headlines in recent weeks has centered around Donald Trump and what his possible relationship is with Russia. After Trump attempted to deny a report over this issue during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a host on MSNBC decided to fire back.

MSNBC on Trump

Earlier this month, the Washington Post broke a bombshell story revealing that Donald Trump shared "highly classified" information with two high-ranking Russian officials during a meeting at the Oval Office. While the reports never confirmed the source of the information, speculation suggested that it came from an Israeli who was working within the Islamic State.

However, Trump appeared to let the cat out of the bag standing along side Benjamin Netanyahu while the two spoke to reporters. "Just so you understand, I never mentioned the word or the name Israel," Trump said while turning to the Israeli leader, before taking a shot at the media by saying they had "another wrong story." Trump's remarks were highlighted during the May 23 edition of "Morning Joe" on MSNBC.

During the Tuesday morning's "Morning Joe," Donald Trump and the aforementioned Israel/Russia remarks were highlighted. Co-host Joe Scarborough was left stunned by what Trump appeared to admit, and didn't hold back his criticism. "If you are scoring at home and trying to divide the actions between malicious and plain-out stupid, you can put this on the stupid side," Scarborough said of the president.

He revealed himself as the jackass: #MorningJoe rips Trump for blowing Israeli spys cover https://t.co/uZPFNdw3aO pic.twitter.com/r3lQk52oHd  Raw Story (@RawStory) May 23, 2017

"This is like running down to the police station saying, 'My wifes missing and its not my gun thats at the bottom of the pond in the back of our house by her body,'" Joe Scarborough said using a unique analogy.

"(Donald Trump) admitting to something that nobody charged him of, and in so doing, revealed himself as the jackass that leaked top-secret Israeli intel," the MSNBC host continued. Panel guest Mike Barnicle looked on, nearly cracking up with laughter at Scarborough's assessment of the billionaire real estate mogul and how he handled the latest leak from the White House.

Next up

With the pressure mounting in Washington, D.C., Donald Trump left the White House last Friday and embarked on his first foreign trip as commander in chief. After landing in Saudi Arabia, the former host of "The Apprentice" spent time in the Kingdom before heading off to Israel where he became the first sitting president to visit the Jewish holy site of the Western Wall. Though Trump has only started his trip, an official at the White House confirmed that he was "exhausted" as the scandals surrounding his administration continue to heat up and will be waiting for him upon his return to the United States next week.
Melania Trump has refused to hold her husband's hand not once, but twice during their trip abroad as the first couple. On Monday, Melania swatted Donald's hand away when he reached for hers in Tel Aviv. The pair were walking on the red carpet from Air Force One when the president was flatly denied his wife's hand and a video of the incident went viral. Donald repeated the gesture again as he and Melania emerged from Air Force One, but she wouldn't have it. She immediately used her hand to brush the hair out of her face.

Expert examines first lady's lack of affection for husband

What does all of this mean? body language expert, Patti Wood, tells The Independent that Melania Trump felt as if she was being treated like a child in Tel Aviv. The president was walking ahead of her when he reached slightly behind him to grab her hand only to have it slapped away. Wood believes that the first lady was sending the message that "you can't lead me like a child."

Donald Trump is frequently seen walking in front of Melania -- perhaps his rude way of trying to be seen as the ultimate leader and not "part of a presidential couple," Wood surmises. She adds that Donald likes to control how they'll present themselves. In the past, Melania would try to hold Donald's hand and is used to being more affectionate with him.

In the few times she's tried since he was inaugurated, he has abruptly dropped her hand or swatted it away in a dismissive manner.

Wood explains that several photos show Melania's response to his treatment as "hurt or anger." The body language expert goes on to say that Melania's affectionate behavior has changed dramatically in the last few months.

She's accustomed to having her husband desire her and was more relaxed and comfortable. Wood notices that Mrs. Trump's shoulders go down, frowns more, looks downward, and is more stiff and unhappy.

Respecting cultural norms?

It's possible Melania was opposed to the idea of holding her husband's hand in public because they're on their first foreign trip together where physical affection is largely viewed as inappropriate.

It didn't stop Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump from holding hands in Saudi Arabia, however.

Is Melania Trump just determined to refrain from showing affection on this trip or is there more to it? The president and first lady are on a world stage and not much is getting past the media in terms of their personal communication. Will there be more scenes of Donald trying to Hold Hands with his wife only to have it swatted away?
Alan Matthew Champagne of Phoenix, AZ, was convicted by a jury on Tuesday of kidnapping, murder, and two counts of concealing a dead body. The bodies were Brandi Hoffner, age 26, and Philmon Tapaha, age 32. He buried the two in the yard at a house where his mother lived not long prior to when the mummified bodies were discovered by landscapers in March 2013.

In 2011, Hoffner was strangled and Tapaha was mortally shot in Champagnes apartment. He, then, put them in a plywood box. To help with the decomposition of their bodies, he also poured lime in the box before burying it at his mothers house, which was a half-mile away.

October 2011, police responded to a tip that the killer was possibly involved in a double-homicide that occurred that summer, according to court records. Officers arrived at the apartment complex and the maintenance man said there was a stench coming from an apartment, which was formerly Champagnes. He had gone to clean the apartment and noticed the odor.

The maintenance man also told police, according to court documents, that he made a box for the killer. Champagne told him that his mother was going into foreclosure and he needed the box constructed to help her move belongings from her home.

Police smelled reeking flesh in convenience-store bag

Officers had pulled over Champagne and his girlfriend and co-defendant, Elise Garcia, in July 2011.

The car was registered to another person. Though police found Hoffners purse, Tapahas social security card, a bag of lime, and a bag from a convenience store that smelled of rotting flesh inside the car, they didnt immediately tie the couple to the murders.

Also in July, Hoffner and Tapaha were reported missing. Investigators found out that Tapaha was the brother of a woman, Phillena Tapaha, who had two children with Champagne.

According to police reports, she told investigators that her brother found out that Champagne was unfaithful to her.

2012 arrest on outstanding assault warrants following standoff against SWAT

March 2012, Champagne and Garcia were arrested following a standoff with a SWAT team at his mothers house. The bodies of Hoffner and Tapaha were later discovered.

The duo had warrants for assault (unrelated to Hoffner and Tapaha). The couple wouldnt surrender. It was only after he ran out of ammunition that he ran out of the house and gave himself up to law enforcement for the assault warrant.

After they were in custody, Garcias cellmate told law enforcement that Garcia said she was in the apartment when her boyfriend killed a couple of people  later identified as Hoffman and Tapaha, according to court records.

The Arizona Republic reported that court records said Champagne aimed a gun at Hoffman and Tapaha to scare them and shot Tapaha in the head, according to Garcia. She reportedly told her cellmate, as well, that her boyfriend strangled Hoffner.

The new owner of the house, formerly lived in by the killers mother, started remodeling and had a landscaper working on the property.

Thats when Hoffners and Tapahas bodies were discovered.

Sentencing for murders

Garcia is serving a 16-year prison term for her role in the murders. As an adult, she has two prior convictions, both misdemeanors. One conviction is for an alcohol-related incident, the Arizona Republic reported. The other conviction is for assault.

Prosecutors seek the death penalty against Champagne, who has a prior murder conviction. He murdered Ricky Marquez in 1991 while he was at a block party and high on paint fumes, LSD, and alcohol. In 2005, he was released.

The second stage, which is the aggravation stage, of Champagnes trial is scheduled for June 26. Capital cases in Arizona have to separate proceedings  the first to determine guilt and the second phase is when the prosecutor presents evidence as it relates to the existence of aggravation and mitigating circumstances.
Democrats in Congress want to know if the security clearances of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and senior adviser to President Donald Trump, and fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had been revoked. Their clearances are supposed to be suspended because they are under investigation for the Russia hacking.

Rep. Elijah Cummings sent a letter to Reince Preibus, the White House chief of staff, to request for documents as proof the White House followed procedures on the suspension of the clearances of Kushner and Flynn, Time reported. Kushner, despite the lack of experience in political negotiation or international diplomacy, is in Israel to attempt to broker peace between Palestine and Israel.

Father knows best

Besides being deployed by his father-in-law, Kushner could also try to use his fathers friendship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to achieve peace in the region. The 36-year-old real estate businessman is seen in a video shaking the hand and hugging the PM. Netanyahu said Kushners visit is a chance to pursue the common goal of security, peace, and prosperity, The New York Daily News reported.

In the letter to Priebus, the Democrats pointed out Kushner is under investigation by the FBI for meeting with Russian Ambassador to Washington Sergei Kislyak and the chief executive of a Russian bank that is included in the Washington-imposed sanction for the annexation by Russia of Crimea.

The Democrats said it is unclear why Kushners access to classified information has not been revoked even if the allegations against him are being investigated.

Unanswered queries

In May, the Department of Justice said the executive branch does not have to reply to requests from individual members of Congress who are not heads of committees.

Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy, the new head of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, did not sign the letter, but other House Democrats signed.

The inquiry about Kushners Security Clearance is the 260th of queries sent by congressmen to the White House which remain ignored, NPR noted. Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a known advocate of strong oversight said the policy of the Trump administration goes against basic principles of check-and-balance in government.

In the case of Flynn, who was fired by Trump for providing conflicting information about his phone calls to Kislyak, he kept his security clearance even if he is no longer a government employee. Sally Yates, the acting Attorney General, has expressed concerns to White House officials about Flynns contacts.
One of the biggest criticisms about Donald Trump since he was sworn into office is over the number of billionaires that make up his cabinet. While holding a re-election rally in iowa on Wednesday night, the president took a shot at low-income Americans while attempting to defend his actions.

Trump on poor people

When Donald Trump made his candidacy for president official just over two years ago, he brought with him a lot of baggage and controversy. The former host of "The Apprentice" has long been known as a billionaire, who used his fame and fortune to catapult himself into the spotlight.

For the better part of the last four decades, Trump has been a household name. During the 2016 election, Trump would often come under fire from his critics and the majority of the mainstream media, with one reason being his refusal to release his tax returns. While the billionaire real estate mogul claimed an ongoing audit was preventing him to do so, the IRS confirmed that an audit doesn't stop anyone from releasing their returns. Despite that information coming out, Trump kept his financial information hidden, increasing speculation about the source of his wealth, as well as whether or not he had connections to foreign countries, most notably Russia. Fast forward to present day and Trump has been backed into a corner on a number of issues, and decided to hold an early re-election in Iowa on June 21 to build up his confidence.

President Trump on wealthy cabinet picks: "In those particular positions, I just don't want a poor person" https://t.co/rhCZP28VqS  NBC News (@NBCNews) June 22, 2017

On Wednesday night, Donald Trump made his way to Ceder Rapids, Iowa in front of thousands of cheering supporters. The president spoke about the recent Republican victories from the night before, when the GOP came out on top during special elections being held in South Carolina and Georgia.

During the hour-long speech, Trump addressed the backlash he's received for hiring former Goldman Sachs banker Gary Cohn as his chief economic adviser.

Ethics paperwork still missing for Trump's billionaire Cabinet picks https://t.co/o4LItk65Z9 pic.twitter.com/nISZraPAlx  Leon Levine (@ecothinkgroup) May 28, 2017

"I love all people.

Rich or poor," Donald Trump said, before explaining, "But in those particular positions I just dont want a poor person." "Does that make sense?" Trump said to the confusion of some in the crowd.

Trump defends his cabinet of billionaires: I just dont want a poor person running the economy https://t.co/wSH1yVZ9e3 pic.twitter.com/4hagu7on4u  Raw Story (@RawStory) June 22, 2017

Next up

Donald Trump continues to defend his decision to hire some of the wealthiest Americans to advise him in his cabinet, making it the richest in history. According to Politifact, Trump's cabinet could be worth as little as $3.5 billion, to as much as $14.5 billion, depending on the source of information. While critics of the president use that information against him, his supporters don't appear phased, making it yet another issue that is partisan in the United States.
On Thursday, Republicans finally brought their previously secret health care bill out of the closet and revealed it to the American people. As expected, it did not go over well and now even former President Barack Obama is speaking out.

Obama on Trumpcare

Back in November 2008, Barack Obama shocked the world with his historic victory in the presidential election. Obama became the first African-American to hold the job as commander-in-chief, and did so running on the message of hope and change. Out of the eight years he was in the White House, the biggest mark he made when it came to legislation was his signing of the affordable care act, otherwise known as Obamacare.

The law changed how Americans received their health insurance, and despite expected partisan backlash, it's enabled millions of people to obtain coverage for the first time. However, the election for Donald Trump brought major changes to Obamacare, as the president and his Republicans in Congress have worked to repeal the law and replace it with a controversial piece of legislation known as "Trumpcare." After passing the House of Representatives last month, Republicans rolled out the Senate version which received instant backlash from liberals, Democrats, and many independents who hit back at the bill's cuts from programs like Medicaid, while adding further tax breaks to the most wealthy. As seen on his Facebook page on June 22, Obama is speaking out.

In a lengthy Facebook post on Thursday afternoon, Barack Obama didn't hold back his thoughts on Donald Trump's health care alternative. "I recognize that repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act has become a core tenet of the Republican Party," Obama wrote, while adding that he hopes Republicans "step back and measure whats really at stake." The former president urged Republicans took look at the bigger picture and what is at stake, instead of just "undoing something that Democrats did."

The Senate bill would cut Medicaid deeply and end the mandate that most Americans have health insurance https://t.co/1z3WPOiOuw  The New York Times (@nytimes) June 22, 2017

"The legislation rushed through the House and the Senate without public hearings or debate would do the opposite," Barack Obama went on to write.

"It would raise costs, reduce coverage, roll back protections, and ruin Medicaid as we know it," he continued, before pointing out, "Thats not my opinion, but rather the conclusion of all objective analyses."

Pres. Obama says Senate GOP health care bill is "not a health care bill. Its a massive transfer of wealth." https://t.co/gvwN6xJlCB pic.twitter.com/D6yfqz0Fgl  ABC News (@ABC) June 22, 2017

"The Senate bill, unveiled today, is not a health care bill.

Its a massive transfer of wealth from middle-class and poor families to the richest people in America," Barack Obama added, before elaborating further on the negative aspects in Donald Trump's health care proposal. "Simply put, if theres a chance you might get sick, get old, or start a family  this bill will do you harm," he noted. Obama warned that "small tweaks" can not safe the bill in question, and that it should not pass to the president's desk.

Moving forward

While it's clear that Barack Obama, most Democrats, and many other critics of the president are not thrilled with the president's bill, it does have a realistic shot at becoming law. With Republicans holding the majority in Congress and Donald Trump in the White House, it could just be a matter of time before the United States sees yet another fundamental change in how it handles health care and health insurance.
President Donald Trump announced the re-introduction of part of the Cuban travel and trade restrictions after his predecessor, Barack Obama, warmed up relations with the communist island. Trump announced the restrictions regarding traveling to individuals on this island. The US Federal Ministry of Finance and other agencies are introducing regulations that will prohibit direct payments to Cuban military and intelligence services, in an inauguration speech in Miami, US administration officials revealed.

This not an attack on the Cuban people

The goal of this move is a critique of the repressive elements of the Cuban regime because of its relationship with human rights, and not an attack on the Cuban people, US administration officials explained to the journalists under the condition that they remain anonymous.

The US authorities are planning to apply the existing ban on tourist trips to that island by abolishing individual voyages that were allowed under Obama. Other categories of travel will continue to be allowed, such as visiting families in Cuba and educational exchanges. The aim is not to damage the US companies that have been on the Cuban market under Obama's relationship with Havan so, airline companies, cruisers, and other companies will be excluded from the ban.

"We want this relationship to be such as to encourage the Cuban people through economic interaction. This process has begun and can not be stopped," one official pointed out.

The Cuban government on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's decision to strengthen the blockade of the island, saying it is a step back in US-Cuban relations.

The Cuban government added that this move will not endanger the Cuban revolution. In a statement released on Friday evening, the government reiterated its readiness to "continue dialogue and co-operation on issues of mutual interest, with mutual respect".

No more silence when it comes to communist oppression

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has decided to introduce stricter restrictions on Cuba's travel and restrict Cuban operations, saying he would cancel the agreement with Havan by his predecessor, Barack Obama.

Talking about a new policy towards Cuba in a speech in Miami, Trump signed a presidential bid to abolish parts of Obama's historic opening to Cuba after a diplomatic break in 2014. However, he has not completely interrupted diplomatic relations that were rebuilt in 2015 after more than 50 years of hostilities.

He allowed many Obama's changes to stay, including the US Embassy in Havana, although he tried to show that he fulfills his pre-election promise to take a stubborn stance on Cuba, especially when it comes to respecting human rights.

"We will no longer be silent on communist oppression," he said. "I'm canceling a completely unilateral agreement with Cuba, which the former administration has concluded," he said. His approach foresees a stricter implementation of the long-standing ban on Cuba's tourist trips and wants to prevent US dollars being financed by a repressive Cuban government dominated by the military. The new policy forbids most business transactions with the Cuban conglomerate Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group, which is active in all sectors of the economy, but with some exceptions, including air and sea travel, US officials said. Trump has promised that US sanctions will not be lifted until Cuba releases all political prisoners and holds free elections.
Just days after Otto Warmbier returned from North Korea after being imprisoned for over a year, the American fell into a coma where he later died. Donald Trump released a statement on the incident, which didn't go over well with his critics on social media.

Trump on North Korea

After six months in the White House, Donald Trump has faced a barrage of criticism on a daily basis. From his controversial rhetoric and executive orders, to his policy proposals and random tweetstorms, the former host of "The Apprentice" has been constantly backed into a corner.

The biggest controversy to hover over his head has been over the growing Russian scandal, but the latest foreign entanglement has involved North Korea. For the last 17 months, 22-year-old Otto Warmbier had been imprisoned in North Korea after being found guilty of "hostile acts" against the country for stealing a political poster. Warmbier was sentenced to 15 years of "hard labor," which North Korea is infamously known for. However, Warmbier was released to the United States last week, but was diagnosed with a "several neurological injury" and later fell into a coma. Warmbier's father has since spoke out, alleging that his son was the victim of torture where he believes he was "terrorized and brutalized." On June 19, Trump addressed the issue, and later released a full statement which he posted on his Twitter feed.

Melania and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of Otto Warmbier. Full statement: https://t.co/8kmcA6YtFD pic.twitter.com/EhrP4BiJeB  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 19, 2017

Taking to Twitter to speak out against the death of Otto Warmbier on Monday was Donald Trump. After offering is "deepest condolences" to the Warmbier family, the president went on to state that Otto's death "deepens (his) administration's determination to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law." Trump went on to double down on the "brutality of the North Korean regime," which he later added in a comment, "we'll be able to handle it."

"The United States once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime," Trump says after Warmbier death https://t.co/w5k4Szcfav pic.twitter.com/rojdRyjPkt  CBS News (@CBSNews) June 20, 2017

Twitter reacts

In response to Donald Trump's reaction and statement on the death of Otto Warmbier, social media critics didn't hold back their thoughts.

"The death of Otto is heartbreaking. North Korea is an autocratic regime that revolves around a power hungry idiot. God help us," Jules Suzdaltsev tweeted out.

While you're at it, any thoughts on the TERROR ATTACK in the UK outside of a mosque?



Or does that not count because the attacker is white?  Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) June 19, 2017

Is this one of those things you all are "silently" happy about?  William LeGate (@williamlegate) June 19, 2017

I see your statement, Mr. President, but didn't you say you "would be honored" to meet with Kim Jong Un?  Matt Small (@newsmatt) June 20, 2017

"Basic.

Human. Decency," David Blaustein wrote on his Twitter feed, while attaching several controversial photos of Donald Trump in the process. "Thank you, but what about your condolences for those harmed in the London attack which happened prior?" William LeGate tweeted, before rhetorically asking, "Is this one of those things you all are 'silently' happy about?"

This is great and all Now what about the terrorist victims in Finsbury? Or the 17 year old Muslim girl murdered  Brandon Neely (@BrandonTXNeely) June 19, 2017

"This is great and all Now what about the terrorist victims in Finsbury? Or the 17 year old Muslim girl murdered," Brandon Neely tweeted.

"I see your statement, Mr. President, but didn't you say you 'would be honored' to meet with Kim Jong Un?" Matt Small posted. The negative reaction continued as the backlash against Donald Trump showed no signs of slowing down.
Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan talked with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and his newly-appointed prestigious President and agreed to step up efforts to end the tensions associated with Qatar, according to sources close to Erdogan. Turkey has offered strong support to Qatar after Saudi Arabia, Egypt and several other countries have attacked Qatar to support terrorism and ceased economic and diplomatic ties with that country.

Termination of all ties at the beginning of June

Erdogan spoke with Saudi leaders and both sides emphasized the determination to strengthen the Turkish-Saudi ties, and the Turkish president congratulated Mohammed bin Salman on the election of the new prestigious President.

"There has been agreement on increased efforts to end the tension in the Qatar-related region," a source from the Turkish President's office said. The leaders of two countries, Erdogan and King Salman, also agreed to talk at four o'clock at the G20 summit of the world's most developed countries, which is going to be held in Hamburg in July. King Salman proclaimed his son as a prestigious president, strongly strengthening the position of the 31-year-old in the situation while Saudi Arabia is seeking the radical re-examination of its economy that is heavily dependent on oil and faces growing tensions in relations with his regional rival Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt broke up all ties with Doha in early June, accusing Qatar of supporting Islamist militants and Iran, which Kenyan officials dismissed as nonsense.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned the isolation of Qatar as "inhumane and opposing Islamic values" after this move and warned that such methods were unacceptable.

Qatar and US have strengthened their military co-operation

"Qatar has shown a very firm stance against the terrorist organization of the Islamic state together with Turkey," Erdogan said in the Turkish parliament.

The Turkish President then announced that he would talk about this situation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, and the Qatari emirate Al Thani, as well as with US President Donald Trump. He had already asked for the crisis to be resolved by the end of Ramadan by promising support to Qatar.

The US sold $ 12 billion worth of combat aircraft to Qatar, just a few days after Trump sparked that country to be a "high-ranking sponsor of terrorism." The sale contract was signed by US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Qatar Defense Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah.

As Independent writes, the US sold 36 F-15 fighter aircraft to Qatar.

Trump's allegations against Qatar for sponsoring terrorism were the main reason for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain's decision to terminate diplomatic ties with Qatar.
The US F-15E fighter (Strike Eagle) shot down the pro-governmental Shahed-129 drone of Iranian production near At Tanf, Syria on Monday. This was reported by CNN.

The international coalition led by the United States was hit by Syrian drones, CNN reported. The coalition shot down Iranian-made Shahed-129, belonging to the Syrian Air Force, near the At-Tanf area, the channel said.

The Shahed-129 UAV was shot down by the US Strike Eagle about 12:30 am on Tuesday morning after it advanced on Coalition forces and showed intent hostile. It is the second Iranian drone shot down by the U.S.

in less than a month.

First on CNN: US shoots down another pro-regime drone in Syria https://t.co/WOcgx1snkM pic.twitter.com/MIPjEGWSNK  Politics Newz (@PolticsNewz) June 20, 2017

The Pentagon stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle of the Assad regime was a threat because it had weapons on board and was in close proximity to the forces of the US-led international coalition.

Shahed-129 range

It is specified that the drone carried a warhead that did not explode. The range of Shahed-129 is up to two thousand kilometers, it is capable of carrying four air-to-surface missiles. The UAV could hit terrestrial mobile and fixed targets.

At the same time, two US officials told CNN television that an American F-15E fighter shot down drones on Monday, June 19, 55 kilometers from the border of the de-confliction zone.

One of the officials said that UAV "was assessed as a threat."

After following Tuesday's incident, the U.S. military has destroyed the pro-Syrian forces fifth time in the southern Syria since late May.

Another Syrian warplane was shot down just days before

On Sunday, June 18, the US F/A-18 Super Hornet shot down the Syrian aircraft, explaining its actions by the fact that the Su-22 dropped bombs on the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in the city of Raqqa, Syria.

In Damascus, it was stated that the fighter participated in the operation against the "Islamic State" group, and accused the coalition of coordinating strikes with militants.

The actions of the US and its allies were criticized by the Russian Foreign Ministry, and they were called by the Defense Ministry actually military aggression against Syria.

The Russian military department also ceased to cooperate with the US in the framework of the memorandum on the prevention of incidents in the sky over Syria.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also added that all the planes of the international coalition that flying west of the Euphrates River would be tracked and considered as a "potential target."
Matt Roloff of "Little People, Big World" has a new girlfriend and it turns out that her family won't be seen on the show. Matt is now dating Caryn Chandler. She was working at the Roloff farm as Matt's assistant and everyone knows her. The thing is Caryn has been on the show, but her ex is keeping her children from being on the reality series. This all started way before Matt and Caryn were dating.

What does Caryn's ex have to say?

Caryn's ex isn't just saying that their children can't be on the show, but he is actually already took legal action to make sure that they aren't on reality television.

Actually, back in 2012, Caryn's ex-husband Jacob made sure his kids wouldn't be on the show. This was before Caryn was dating Matt, but was already on the show working at the farm. He wasn't happy about the idea of his children being on the show and did everything to make sure it wouldn't happen.

They have two teenage sons. He didn't want the kids to be on "Little People, Big World," but he also didn't want them to step foot on the Roloff family's property in Hillsboro, Oregon. The documents said, "Mother will not take [redacted] to her employers property without Fathers permission. Neither party will allow the children to be filmed for television without the consent of the other party."

The parents can't even discuss each other's employment in front of the kids.

This was all probably fine when Matt and Caryn weren't a couple, but now that they are dating this is going to be making things a lot harder. He is going to want the kids in his life and his life is on the farm. It might be easier if the kids could at least come to the farm, but not be on reality television.

Could he change his mind?

This all happened years ago. The thing is now that Matt and Caryn are dating he could decide to allow it. Their children are also older, so they might be able to make their own decisions at this point. There is also the option that now that they are a couple he might consider changing his mind as well.

Once Matt and Amy's son Jacob Roloff turned eighteen he decided that he didn't want to be on the show and moved on.

Are you surprised to hear that Caryn Chandler's children might not be allowed to be on the show? Do you think her ex will change his mind? Sound off in the comments section below on your thoughts, and don't miss new episodes of "Little People, Big World" on TLC. If Caryn's children end up on the show, it probably won't be right away considering she just started airing as Matt's girlfriend.
The IS militants destroyed the ancient Mosque of al-Nuri, said Iraqi forces. This indicated the beginning of the defeat of the Islamic State militants. In a quick rejoinder, IS said that US aircraft had damaged the complex. But U.S denied the claim.

The Great al-Nuri Mosque has been blown-up

The landmark Great al-Nuri Mosque has been blown-up. IS militants have blamed the US-led coalition for the destruction. It is at al-Nuri Mosque, where Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi publicly proclaimed the creation of a caliphate in 2014.

A US commander in Iraq said that: IS has destroyed Mosuls great resources. The Great Mosque of al-Nuri was built more than 800 years ago.

The Mosque was named after Muslim leader, Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zangi. Nur al-Din was well-known for instigating jihad against Christian advocates. The destruction of the Mosque has been widely condemned. According to BBC, aerial footage showed how the complex was greatly destroyed.

Destruction of the Mosque marks the beginning of the fall of IS in the Old City

Major General Martin said that there was a crime against Mosuls people and Iraq in general, and is an instance of why this group must be thrashed. According to BBC reports, the Iraqi commander tasked to reclaim Mosul said that troops were 50m away from the Mosque when IS committed another historical offense.

The US-led coalition warplanes are involved in the fight to retake the Old City from IS militants.

The battle to repossess Mosul was launched on 17th October last year. Eastern Mosul was fully liberated in January, but it has been more difficult to free the Western side owing to its narrow zigzagging streets.

On Sunday Commanders began what was pronounced as the last chapter of the battle. The Army, Iraqs counter-terrorism police, and the federal police started attacking the town from all directions.

The army believed that there were about 300 IS militants left, out of the initial number of about 6000.

The UN has cautioned that more than 100,000 people in Mosul are used as human shields by the IS militants. However, Iraq forces said that they were freeing civilians who were previously under hostage in the Old City.

In a televised statement, a military official said that: We have wrecked the siege of IS and permitted the civilians to vacate. This is a confirmation that IS has lost control. However, Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi condemned the destruction, saying that: It was a pronouncement of defeat by IS.
Chinese authorities announced that the nation has lifted a 13-year import ban on some US boneless beef and beef on the bone, and industry insiders see it as a win-win result that is expected to drive the economic growth of both countries.

The announcement signals the fulfillment of another achievement of the Sino-US 100-day action plan, which aims to boost bilateral economic ties. Since June 20, eligible US beef has been allowed to be imported into China, according to the statement of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.

It also published detailed quarantine requirements, stating that the removal of the ban applies to cattle under 30 months old. Beef importers should be registered at the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China, and imported cattle must be traceable to their birth farm.

Beef imported into China must be sourced from cattle that were born, raised and slaughtered in the United States, or cattle born in Canada and Mexico before being slaughtered in the United States. The cattle must not be the offspring of cattle suspected or diagnosed with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as "mad cow disease", the statement said.

China has banned imports of most US beef since 2003, partly due to concerns over the spread of "mad cow disease". Previously, the US was China's largest supplier of imported beef.

Currently, China is the fastest-growing market for beef consumption globally, and the imported beef mainly comes from Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Last year, consumption of beef in China reached 8 million metric tons, and the market scale achieved 360 billion yuan ($52.7 billion), according to the Ministry of Commerce.

China's domestic beef market has a 10 percent demand gap that needs to be fulfilled by imported suppliers.

"This is a win-win achievement for both China and the United States, the imported US beef will better fulfill the demand of Chinese consumers," said Zhao Ping, director of the international trade research department at the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
He Fashu, a freighter captain employed by COSCO Shipping Corp, inspects the main engine at Kotka Harbor, Finland. [Photo/Xinhua]

Editor's note: In the run-up to the 19th CPC National Congress, China Daily will cover a series of reforms made by the government. In this edition, we take a look at the consolidation of the shipping industry.

China COSCO Shipping is expanding its global reach as part of the government's Belt and Road Initiative

China's largest shipping group is beefing up its operations to compete against global rivals as it pursues business opportunities thrown up by the Belt and Road Initiative.

Earlier this month, China COSCO Shipping Corp snapped up a 51 percent stake of Noatum Port, a Spanish container terminal operator, for $227.81 million.

The deal extended its ports and terminals network to the Mediterranean region in Europe, and dovetails with its massive merchant fleet of 1,028 ships.

"This initiative provides numerous opportunities for Chinese companies to carry out the Going Global strategy, and the Belt and Road Initiative," said Xu Lirong, chairman of the State-owned company.

China COSCO Shipping is an ocean-going giant and was born from the merger of China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co and China Shipping (Group) Co in 2016.

It has already rolled out a port strategy along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Included in this was the Noatum Port acquisition by COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd, a subsidiary of the parent company. It took a controlling stake in Noatum Port Holdings SLU from TPIH Iberia SLU of Spain.

"China COSCO Shipping will use its abundant overseas resources in this new project, and provide supporting services from our overseas shipping and ports networks," Xu said.

A worker connects loading hooks to goods from a COSCO Shipping freighter at Kotka Harbor, Finland. [Photo/Xinhua]

Naturally, this is all part of the company's Belt and Road Initiative blueprint, with Noatum Port, which operates container terminals in Port of Valencia and Port of Bilbao in Spain, a key link in the chain.

The group will also expand port services, logistics, industrial equipment manufacturing, and financial and shipping services.

"This will be in countries related to the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe," Xu said.

One key acquisition made by the company's subsidiary, COSCO Pacific in Hong Kong, was Turkey's Kumport Terminal in 2015.

Last year, the Port of Singapore Authority was extensively upgraded by the group, while it also bought the Piraeus Port Authority in Greece and invested in the Euromax Terminal Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

As for the big picture, China COSCO Shipping owns more than 46 container terminals across the world, with over 190 berthing spaces.

"The amount going through our container terminals worldwide amounts to 90 million twenty-foot equivalent units or TEU, making it the second biggest in the world," the company stated. "Global sales volume of our ship bunker fuel exceeds 25 million metric tons, topping the world's list."

Other figures showed that China COSCO Shipping's container leasing business surpassed 2.7 million TEU, which is the third-largest in the world.

During the first four months of this year, the group's shipping volume registered a year-on-year increase of 9.8 percent, with terminal throughput of 12.2 percent. Projected logistics volume was 8.7 percent.

Operating revenue and profit showed double-digit growth although the State-owned company declined to disclose detailed financial figures.

Back on dry land, COSCO Shipping Logistics Co completed construction on the Central and Eastern Europe Trade Logistics Park Base (Phase-I) in the Ningbo Free Trade Zone of East China's Zhejiang province.

"The base will provide central Eastern European traders and e-commerce players with a one-stop supply chain solution by integrating 'overseas warehouse' operations, cargo agencies, bonded and food warehousing, logistics distribution and trade enforcement," said Han Jun, president of COSCO Shipping Logistics.

The sprawling complex has been divided into three phases.

Opened earlier this month, the 12,000-square-meter constant-temperature food warehouse was part of phase one. The design and construction of a constant-temperature food warehouse for the second phase will be started in July.

That will be followed by the third phase, a cold chain warehouse, scheduled to be built when demand takes off for products from Eastern European countries.

"Even though the world's shipping market has limped along since 2009 because of weak demand, the Belt and Road Initiative can effectively offer a lifeline to ailing global shipping companies," said Dong Liwan, a professor at Shanghai Maritime University.
Editor's note: Global equity indexes provider MSCI has decided to include China's A-share big-cap stocks in its Emerging Markets Index, marking a milestone for the country's opening up.

MSCI plans to include 222 Shanghai- and Shenzhen-listed stocks into the EM index, comprising about 0.73 percent of the gauge's weighting, through a two-phase process in May and August next year.

The news not only made headlines in China, but also across the world. Here's how some of the global media reacted.

"China's stocks took a major step toward global acceptance on Wednesday, finally winning a long campaign for inclusion in a leading emerging markets benchmark, in what was seen as a milestone for global investing."

-China shares get MSCI nod in landmark moment for Beijing

Reuters, June 21

"It's another win for China after the International Monetary Fund in 2015 granted the yuan the status of an official reserve currency. Next up is the potential entry of Chinese bonds into three major global indexes."

-China Proves Again With MSCI Size Matters Most in Joining Clubs

Bloomberg, June 22

"MSCI's decision opens a new front in investors' long-running debate over whether, and how, to introduce domestic Chinese securities into international portfolios."

- China stocks hit 18-month high on MSCI inclusion

Financial Times, June 22

"The addition is widely regarded as a landmark moment in China's road to opening up its vast domestic financial market to the world, boosting its credibility as a global economic power, and strengthening the international status of its currency."

- MSCI's A-share nod brings Chinese stocks into the global mainstream

South China Morning Post, June 21
HONG KONG -- The implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong is "undoubtedly" a success, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said in a recent interview, while confident in the metropolis's ability to deal with future challenges.

Tung was sworn in as the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) when Hong Kong returned to China from British rule on July 1, 1997.

Calling the handover the "most unforgettable moment" of his life, Tung, now vice chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said, "Watching the Union Jack being lowered and the five-star red flag of China gradually rising, I, a 60-year-old Chinese national, was excited and touched."

This year also marked the 20th anniversary of implementing the Basic Law of the HKSAR. Enacted in accordance with China's Constitution, the Basic Law specifies the guidelines of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy.

Over the past 20 years, the capitalist regime in Hong Kong has not changed, neither have people's lifestyles, Tung said, adding that the law has remained almost the same, and both the economy and society have maintained steady growth.

He noted that the rule of law, a core value of Hong Kong society, has been firmly upheld, something the central government has valued and safeguarded

Tung said most Hong Kong residents are aware of the significance of the "one country, two systems" principle and gave heartfelt support to it.

Since 1997, the HKSAR has confronted many challenges. Tung recalled the Asian financial crisis, which broke out in Thailand in July,1997 and soon after swept through Asia rocking Hong Kong.

He also mentioned the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the global financial crisis in 2008.

"Over the 20 years, we have gone through many difficulties. But as we have the Motherland to back us up, dealing with these problems became a little easier," he said.

The past two decades also saw closer ties between Hong Kong and the mainland, with more Hong Kong residents speaking mandarin and learning more about the country and its fast development, he said.

Hong Kong previously depended mainly on trade with America and Europe, but now it has closely integrated with the mainland, and more Hong Kong residents have chosen to develop their careers there, Tung noted.

Tung pointed out that the success of the "one country, two systems" was also recognized by international society. "Many foreign friends said to me with envy, that we have the advantage over them because of 'one country, two systems,'"

However, the 80-year-old admitted Hong Kong still faces some deeply rooted problems, including high property prices, a wide gap between the rich and the poor, difficulty for young people to climb the social ladder and industrial hollowing-out.

But Tung said he remains optimistic about Hong Kong's future. In his view, Hong Kong continued its robust economic growth despite encountering several shocks since 1997, and it has a sufficient fiscal reserve, providing conditions to resolve its problems.

Over the past five years, Hong Kong's GDP grew more than a nominal 5 percent each year, Tung said, "We can solve a lot of problems when we have 4 to 5 percent growth."

On the other hand, Tung believed Hong Kong should seize opportunities brought by China's development and make good use of its strengths in areas such as trade and finance, yuan internationalization, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

He also hoped Hong Kong, a city where the East meets the West, can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and shed light on the integration of different cultures around the world.
I knew it was going to be an interesting afternoon when we entered the offices of Gulliver's Gate through a "glacier".

"This is where the woolly mammoth (scaled down, of course) is going to go," said Michael Langer, the president and co-founder of Gulliver's Gate, as he pointed to an opening in the cave-like structure.

Once past the tribute to Antarctica, I sat down to chat with Langer about the miniature version of the world he manages.

"Every step of the way we were told again and again and again that what you're doing is impossible and it can't be done, and we just didn't believe it, and we're glad we didn't," Langer said.

Located on West 44th Street in Manhattan at Times Square, Gulliver's Gate is an enchanting tour of the physical world - on a scale of 1:87 - meaning you'd be 87 times smaller if you were walking around inside it.

Opened on May 9, the 49,000-square-foot setting is a triumphant blend of persistence, creativity, technology, real estate savvy and fundraising - $40 million worth.

"It's been four years since the first ideas went on paper. It took a miraculous feat of 15 months to completely reconstruct the internal space here in Times Square while simultaneously building these beautiful models from around the world, built by artisans, over 600 of them, and flown here, shipped here from around the world," Langer said.

CEO Eiran Gazit, an Israeli entrepreneur, teamed up with Brooklyn native Langer to produce the lifelike wonders, which got some capital and buzz from a kickstarter.com campaign in 2014, but has relied mostly on private investors.

There is an Asia exhibit, in which China plays a large part. After all, it was assembled by a team of 29 workers in Beijing who built it in 178 days.

There's the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, complete with miniature square-dancing ladies. There is Shanghai's famous Oriental Pearl Tower and Fujian's Tulou Cluster.

What makes Gulliver's Gate (the name a riff on Jonathan Swift's novel Gulliver's Travels, as the title character encountered the Lilliputians) so intriguing is its blend of past and present.

It all comes together with the help of 3-D printing and even drones, five of which were used to film a spectacular overhead video of Niagara Falls.

The tribute to the host city is called Metropolis, which was constructed in Brooklyn and took 358 days to complete. You'll see Grand Central Station and its tracks below cutting through Manhattan's famed bedrock. In one vignette, commuters come to the aid of a woman who dropped her handbag on the track.

Times Square has the TKTS bleachers. There is also a long map of Manhattan that was given life by a 3-D printer and eventually will be illuminated, with neighborhood sections available in the gift shop.

There's the Brooklyn Bridge, straddled by Spiderman, in one of the many pop cultural nods, or "Easter eggs", as Gulliver's calls them.

There's a picturesque New England display, which includes Fenway Park's Green Monster and the nearby Citgo sign in Boston.

Big Ben and the Tower Bridge in London are there, as is St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, the Colosseum in Rome and the pyramids of Egypt.

The Latin America exhibit highlights Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach, hilly favelas and the Christ the Redeemer statute. It also includes the Panama Canal, with ships passing through.

Gulliver's Gate also shows what it's made of. The workstations where the models and landscaping are made are viewable to visitors.

And the work goes on apace.

As Langer was explaining the Europe exhibit, a worker popped up from underneath it, near the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

You can even have a 3D-scanned miniature version of yourself made and become a "model citizen" of Gulliver's Gate in the country of your choosing.

Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com
Queen Elizabeth opened an unusual two-year session of the UK parliament on Wednesday which will be dominated if not overwhelmed by groundwork for negotiations for Britain's planned exit from the European Union.

The Queen delivered a speech that outlined a government program that bore little resemblance to the manifesto that Prime Minister Theresa May took to the country almost two weeks ago.

She told parliament that the government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union and listed a series of domestic priorities.

The speech was much shorter and less detailed than normal, mostly because of the electorate's limited endorsement of the prime minister and her Conservative Party. It did not detail an estimated eight bills that will be required to ease the UK's departure from the EU.

May and her Conservative Party failed to get a majority and need the cooperation of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party if they are to govern. By the time of the Queen's speech, there was no word of a deal and DUP members were telling reporters that they were astonished by the inefficiency of the May's office and insisting they would not be taken for granted.

Other reports suggested that the DUP was seeking an additional two billion pounds ($2.5 billion) in government spending in Northern Ireland in return for supporting the government.

The speech highlighted the fact that the British government has two mountains to climb if it is to leave the European Union in an orderly manner. Not only does it have to a come to a complex deal with the 27 countries of the EU, it also has to incorporate tens and thousands of items of legislation and regulation that emanated from the EU into to UK legislation. Failure to do this could leave British airliners grounded and British goods unable to be exported, among a host of catastrophic possibilities.

May also has to carry out a punishing legislative program without a majority and with her own position under threat. Senior ministers and their supporters, while publicly pledging support for May, are actively promoting new candidates for the premiership.

The Queen was accompanied by her son Prince Charles as her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was taken to hospital as a precaution when a pre-existing infection worsened overnight.

The Queen said that the UK would continue to spend two percent of GDP on defence and 0.7 percent on international aid. She also said that she looked forward to welcoming King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain but there was mention of US President Donald Trump, which suggests he will not be visiting the UK in the near future.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga on International Yoga Day in Lucknow, India June 21, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - Tens of thousands of Indians joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to celebrate the third International Yoga Day.

Rains failed to dampen the spirits of about 50,000 people who joined in an outdoor yoga session with the prime minister in a park in Lucknow, capital of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

"Yoga has connected the world with India," Modi, looking relaxed in white track pants and blue-collared T-shirt, told a cheering crowd.

"Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice," he added.

The Modi's official Twitter handle, which has more than 30 million followers, has posted pictures of mass yoga sessions in China, Colombia, the United States, Paraguay, Mexico, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.

Social media was flooded with pictures of yoga, the country's signature cultural export, being performed in various places.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee held a yoga session at the presidential palace and several members of Modi's cabinet joined similar events across the country.

Modi pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide after winning power in 2014, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline and is estimated to be worth around $80 billion.

Reuters
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets with White House senior advisor Jared Kushner in the West Bank City of Ramallah, June 21, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

RAMALLAH - Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to United States President Donald Trump, announced Wednesday night that President Trump is committed to reaching a serious peace deal, a senior Palestinian official said.

Nabil Abu Rdineh, a senior aid to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in an official press statement that Kushner's remarks were made in a meeting held in Ramallah with President Abbas.

He said that Abbas received at his office in Ramallah Kushner and Trump's envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt, who are visiting in the region, and had held earlier talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abu Rdineh said that President Abbas stressed during the meeting on the principle of the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967 with east Jerusalem as its capital.

"The meeting has deeply and clearly discussed all the permanent status issues, mainly refugees and prisoners," Abu Rdineh said.

President Abbas visited the United States and met with President Trump in the White House earlier this year, and then President Trump visited in the West Bank city of Bethlehem and met with Abbas.

"During the meeting, Kushner told President Abbas that President Trump is committed to reaching a serious peace deal," said Abu Rdineh, who attended the meeting.

He said that President Abbas expressed to Kushner and Greenblatt his commitment to peace based on the international resolutions and the 2002 Arab peace initiative.

The last direct peace talks held between Israel and the Palestinians were sponsored by the United States.

The talks stopped in April 2014 after it went on for nine months without achieving any breakthrough due to deep disputes on Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (1st R) co-chairs a diplomatic and security dialogue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (1st L) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis (2nd L) as Fang Fenghui (2nd R), a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participates in the dialogue in Washington, the United States, on June 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

China and the United States concluded a constructive high-level dialogue in Washington on Wednesday, according to the Chinese delegation attending the inaugural China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue (D&SD).

State Councilor Yang Jiechi, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis co-hosted the meeting held at the US State Department.

General Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's Joint Staff Department, was among the attendees.

Yang said the successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April has charted the course for China-US relations in a new period, adding that under the consensus of the two leaders, the bilateral relations have made positive progress lately.

He called on both sides to maintain the positive direction to achieve more progress in the relationship.

The two sides agreed to make concerted efforts to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and manage and control their differences based on the principle of mutual respect.

Both sides hope to push forward relations onto a long-term and healthy development path, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

The two governments agreed on the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges. They believe that with the joint efforts by both sides, the meeting between Xi and Trump at the G20 Summit in July in Hamburg, Germany, will achieve positive results, and the state visit to China later this year by Trump, at the invitation of Xi, will be a success.

They also expect a successful inaugural Comprehensive Economic Dialogue, Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Dialogue, and Social and Cultural Issues Dialogue within this year. These dialogues, along with D&SD, form the new China-US Comprehensive Dialogue mechanism agreed to at Mar-a-Lago.

The Chinese side pointed out that the two sides should have a correct view of each other's strategic intention. China's strategic intention is clear. It is to defend its own sovereignty, security and development interest, according to the press release.

The US side expressed that it has recognized China's rapid and sustainable development and has no intention to contain or weaken China. Rather, it is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to develop a long-term and constructive relationship.

The US side also expressed that both countries should promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening dialogue and cooperation.

The Chinese side spoke positively of the generally stable development of the military-to-military relationship. It called on both sides to elevate the relationship for more constructive, practical and effective cooperation.

Both sides also agreed that the defense chiefs of the two countries should exchange their visits at the earliest possible dates, plus a visit to China by the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Chinese side has stressed its principle on the issues relating to Taiwan and Tibet and the importance for the US side to keep its promise and properly handle both issues.

The Chinese side also reiterated its stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula by maintaining peace and stability and through talks and negotiations. China urged all sides to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and push for an early resumption of talks.

The Chinese side called for a serious consideration of China's "dual track" and "dual suspension" proposals. The "dual suspension" calls for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to suspend its nuclear activities and for the US and South Korean side to suspend their large-scale military drills.

China has continued to urge a halt and cancellation of the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in South Korea.

The Chinese side reiterated China's undisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters.

China and US delegates also exchanged views on counterterrorism, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
China and the United States concluded a constructive high-level dialogue in Washington on Wednesday, according to the Chinese delegation attending the inaugural China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue (D&SD).

State Councilor Yang Jiechi, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis co-hosted the meeting held at the US State Department.

General Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's Joint Staff Department, was among the attendees.

Yang said the successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April has charted the course for China-US relations in a new period, adding that under the consensus of the two leaders, the bilateral relations have made positive progress lately.

He called on both sides to maintain the positive direction to achieve more progress in the relationship.

The two sides agreed to make concerted efforts to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and manage and control their differences based on the principle of mutual respect.

Both sides hope to push forward relations onto a long-term and healthy development path, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

The two governments agreed on the importance of maintaining frequent high-level exchanges. They believe that with the joint efforts by both sides, the meeting between Xi and Trump at the G20 Summit in July in Hamburg, Germany, will achieve positive results, and the state visit to China later this year by Trump, at the invitation of Xi, will be a success.

They also expect a successful inaugural Comprehensive Economic Dialogue, Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity Dialogue, and Social and Cultural Issues Dialogue within this year. These dialogues, along with D&SD, form the new China-US Comprehensive Dialogue mechanism agreed to at Mar-a-Lago.

The Chinese side pointed out that the two sides should have a correct view of each other's strategic intention. China's strategic intention is clear. It is to defend its own sovereignty, security and development interest, according to the press release.

The US side expressed that it has recognized China's rapid and sustainable development and has no intention to contain or weaken China. Rather, it is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to develop a long-term and constructive relationship.

The US side also expressed that both countries should promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening dialogue and cooperation.

The Chinese side spoke positively of the generally stable development of the military-to-military relationship. It called on both sides to elevate the relationship for more constructive, practical and effective cooperation.

Both sides also agreed that the defense chiefs of the two countries should exchange their visits at the earliest possible dates, plus a visit to China by the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Chinese side has stressed its principle on the issues relating to Taiwan and Tibet and the importance for the US side to keep its promise and properly handle both issues.

The Chinese side also reiterated its stance on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula by maintaining peace and stability and through talks and negotiations. China urged all sides to implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and push for an early resumption of talks.

The Chinese side called for a serious consideration of China's "dual track" and "dual suspension" proposals. The "dual suspension" calls for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to suspend its nuclear activities and for the US and South Korean side to suspend their large-scale military drills.

China has continued to urge a halt to the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in South Korea.

The Chinese side reiterated China's undisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela said in Washington on Wednesday that contrary to some rumors, Panama didn't ask China "for anything" in return for severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan a week ago and establishing diplomatic relations with China.

"The most important thing is Panama didn't ask for anything. Nothing," Varela said. "We just say, we feel it's the right thing to do," he told a packed audience at the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington.

Varela cited China's role as the world's second-largest economy, a fifth of the world's population, the second major user of the Panama Canal, and the top supplier of the Colon Free Trade Zone located in Panama. He said that many Chinese companies have their regional headquarters in Panama, many Chinese construction companies are trying to do business in Panama and there is a large Chinese community.

"So why not establish relations with a country that is one of the most important in the world economy?" said Varela, who was on an official visit to the US and met with US President Donald Trump on Monday.

The Panamanian president said he may be traveling to Beijing and Shanghai in the near future. "The idea is to set our relationship that is win-win for both," he said.

"It will be a very positive decision for our people, for our economy, for our social development," Varela said, adding that it will bring a lot of investment, trade and tourism opportunities to Panama.

Varela, 53, told the audience that he had the idea of establishing diplomatic ties with China in 2007 when he was invited by Tim Shriver, head of the Special Olympics, to attend the Shanghai Special Olympic World Summer Games.

"I was very impressed, to be honest, with my visit to Shanghai and Beijing," said Varela, who then was president of the Panamenistas, the third-largest political party in Panama.

In China, Varela said he was impressed by the country's economic development and opening up, as well as its growing foreign investment and trade.

He saw athletes from Taiwan, whose team is called Chinese Taipei, marching behind the Chinese mainland delegation. "So there is just one people," he said.

In Beijing, Varela was already telling people that he would establish diplomatic relations with China if he became president.

But he said the "diplomatic truce" between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits after Ma Ying-jeou became Taiwan leader in 2008 put an end to that idea. He said that he was happy to see the growing trade, investment, trade and tourism between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

He said he had informed Taiwan leaders at the highest level that if there is no "diplomatic truce", Panama will recognize the Chinese mainland.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Chag sameach - happy Pesach!

Tonight at our second-night seders we'll begin the tradition of Counting the Omer. "Omer" means measures. When the Temple still stood, it was customary to bring harvest offerings three times a year, at Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot. The tradition of counting the Omer dates to those days. We would count the days between the Pesach spring harvest of early wheat and the Shavuot summer harvest of new barley, and then offer a measure of that grain in thanks to our Source.

Today most of us see the counting of the Omer through a different lens. Instead of the agricultural reason, we focus instead on the idea that Shavuot is the anniversary of the revelation of Torah at Sinai. At Pesach we celebrate our liberation; at Shavuot we celebrate our entering-into-covenant with God. Freedom alone is not enough. The real meaning of our liberation is that we become free to enter into relationship with the Holy One of Blessing. We count the 49 days between Peach and Shavuot in growing excitement and anticipation, knowing that on the 50th day, the Torah is coming!

When I was in Jerusalem shortly before Pesach, I saw early spring grain growing wild on a patch of unbuilt land near Emek Refaim and marveled at that tangible evidence of how our festival calendar is rooted in the natural rhythms and cycles of the Near East -- both ancient and modern. But even for those of us who live far away from the Mediterranean, and those of us who've never grown a stalk of wheat or barley in our lives, the Omer period can be a fertile and fruitful one. I am quite attached to the kabbalistic custom of associating each week (and each day of each week) with one of seven middot, divine qualities in which we as God's children partake. The first week is the week of chesed, lovingkindness; the second week, gevurah, boundaried-strength; the third week is tiferet, harmony and balance; the fourth, netzach, endurance; the fifth week is hod, splendor and humility (there's a koan for you, eh?); the sixth is yesod, foundation and generations; the seventh is malkhut, sovereignty and nobility. And within each week, there is one day for each quality, so that over the course of the seven weeks, we have the opportunity to closely examine ourselves through the 49 different lenses of these qualities as they combine in us.

If you're looking for a reminder to engage in the daily Omer count, along with a sweet contemplative or mystical teaching for each day, Rabbi Yael Levy at Mishkan Shalom sends one out every day. You can sign up here: Count the Omer with Mishkan Shalom. There's also a compilation of Omer resources at Kol ALEPH, the official blog of ALEPH: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal.

Wishing you a meaningful journey through the Omer!

Photo source: my photostream. (Taken in Jerusalem a few weeks ago.)
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QUANG NGAI  South Koreas Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five partners at its Vietnamese operation Doosan Heavy Industries Viet Nam Company (Doosan Vina) to help them enter the Vietnamese market, the company said.

As per the June 18 agreement, Doosan will provide consulting on administration, financial management and business management to support the partners to establish their subsidiaries or manufacturing facilities at the site of Doosan Vina plant.

It will also enter into negotiations with local authorities to help the partners receive benefits like tax cuts.

The power generation market in the Southeast Asian country has a strong growth potential, as the country is expected to add new facilities generating 100 gigawatts of energy by 2030.

Doosan Vina, situated in the Dung Quat Economic Zone in Binh Son District of the central province, is a high-tech industrial complex with nearly 2,500 employees, supplying mega infrastructure products for thermal power plants, desalination plants, cranes and chemical processing equipment for export.

The company exported $300 million worth of goods in 2015.  VNS
HA NOI  Creative Lab, jointly developed by UP Co-working Space and Hanoi Creative City, will debut on June 25 at the Hanoi Creative City Complex on No 1 Luong Yen Street, Ha Noi.

This was stated at a press conference on Wednesday.

The space is designed as an avenue for makers and startups to meet and work together in a creative environment, aiming to form a community of makers and startups that create high-value products, contributing to speeding up the development of the innovation industry in Viet Nam and the region.

o Hoai Nam, co-founder of Creative Lab by UP, said entrepreneurs and youngsters using the space will enjoy modern infrastructure, assisting in the realisation of their ideas and the building of relations with partners.

Along with the modern equipment system for various sectors, Creative Lab also has some 5,000 books on design art, technique and business.

In the first months of operation, Creative Lab will be free for all users, Nam said, adding that in the future, service packages will be offered to match users demand at the lowest cost of VN1 million (US$44) per month.  VNS
HA NOI  FLC Group, the owner of Viet Bamboo Airlines Company Limited (Bamboo Airways), told US aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Tuesday that it plans to buy 15 planes ahead of its start of operations in 2018.

FLC plans to buy 10 737 Max 9s and five 777Xs. The 737 MAX 9 has a capacity of 185 passengers while the 777X carries over 300.

The planes are said to be suitable for "hybrid airlines, allowing operatord to blend low-cost traits with those of traditional, full-service carriers.

If the deal is completed, Bamboo Airways would own 10 737 Max 9s in the 2018-20 period. The remaining five aircraft would be delivered after 2020 to serve its international flights.

Thomas Creighton, Boeing marketing director in the Asia-Pacific region, expressed his hope of co-operating with Bamboo Airways not only in providing it with aircraft but also in commercial development, flight training and management, communications, brand name development and finance.

In May, FLC Group announced its board of managements decision to establish the Viet Bamboo Airways Company with charter capital of VN700 billion (US$31.4 million).

In addition, Bamboo Airways plans to attract experienced experts in the aviation sector to prepare the carrier for operation in 2018.  VNS
The luxury resorts built right on the beach are the first choice for visitors when visiting the beautiful coastal city of a Nang.  VNA/VNS Photo Trong at

HCM City  Google and Singaporean sovereign fund Temasek have forecast the Vietnamese online tourism services market to be worth US$9 billion by 2020, and said local companies should work quickly or risk losing the market to international companies.

Viet Nam now has 47.7 million internet users, Trinh Quang Chung, industry manager of Google Asia Pacific, told Thoi bao Kinh doanh (Business Times) newspaper.

Forty eight per cent of tourists use their smart phones for booking rooms and 42 per cent for searching tourism information.

The countrys online tourism services are dominated by international online travel agents (OTAs) like Agoda.com, Booking.com, Traveloka.com, and Trivago.com.

Of the many services available online, air ticket and room booking would account for 85 per cent of turnover by 2020, according to the forecast.

But now room booking is the most attractive and competitive segment, and Agoda.com and Booking.com are the strongest in it with 7,600 and 6,000 partner hotels.

According to the Viet Nam Electronic Commerce Association, the market share of online room booking has increased sharply in recent years to 30  40 per cent of total bookings.

OTAs accounted for 15  20 per cent of the total room booking turnover of VN60 trillion (US$2.63 billion) last year, with Agodas share being VN4 trillion.

Leading international OTAs, with their deep pockets, can book a huge number of rooms in good locations and with quality services for a full year to prepare for the peak season.

They also spend a lot of money on media and promotion campaigns, and have a huge number of loyal customers because they offer good prices, discounts and ease of payment.

International tourists look for reputation, and Agoda and Booking have an advantage over their local competitors, Nguyen My Ngoc Chan, service manager at Alagon Hotel&Spa, said.

Hoang Thu Thuy of Cau Giay, Ha Noi, said: In the past I often booked rooms through Vietnamese websites, but I have started to use Traveloka.com because of good prices and ease of payment.

Domestic reaction

To cope with the competition from their international rivals, domestic OTAs like Tugo.com.vn, Vntrip.vn, chudu24, iVivu, Gotadi, Triip.me, and Tripi have increased their investment and tie-ups with other service providers and upgraded their services to gain market share.

Vntrip.vn has received $3 million from two investment funds, Fenghe Group and Hancock Revocable. Tugo.com.vn achieved a turnover of $5 million last year and hopes to serve 100,000 customers this year.

Domestic OTAs may not be able to match their foreign rivals in resources or experience, but have the advantage of understanding local customers needs and having good relations with service providers like hotels and guesthouses.

Domestic OTAs could take advantage of the countrys 90 million population to grow, Nguyen Minh Bao, co-founder of Tugo.com.vn, said.

But to take dominate the market, Vietnamese enterprises need to fix their technological shortcomings.

Most Vietnamese websites do not meet the needs of customers, Ha Lam Tu Quynh, public relations manager of Google Asia Pacific, said.

Most people exit a website if they have to wait over three seconds, but Vietnamese tourism websites take 8  10 seconds.

A good mobile websites version must meet the requirements of high speed and ease of use.

Chung agreed, saying: In the digital era, tourism companies which dont have a mobile version of their website or a slow mobile version will lose give their opportunities to competitors.

A good mobile version will help them find customers around the world at low cost.

In 2016 Vietnamese tourism operators served 10 million foreigners, an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year.

The hotel industrys turnover topped a record $15 billion and the tourism industry accounted for 6.6 per cent of GDP.

This year the industry targets a 10 per cent share.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) to clarify some issues, especially the results of its restructure. The message was conveyed yesterday by a working group led by the Government Office Vice Chairman Nguyen Cao Luc.

Luc said in the National Assembly meeting in May, the PM asked the working group to implement check-ups on some State-owned groups including EVN on implementing their assigned tasks. In addition, the group would review the implementation of the PMs Directive No 24 on key solutions to achieve the growth rate target of 6.7 per cent this year.

He said EVN was asked to clarify its electricity production and distribution while ensuring its growth rate of 11.5 per cent a year. It was also urged to ensure electricity supply for the economy in general and the southern region in particular to avoid power shortages. EVN needed to report measures undertaken to achieve the set targets.

Ensuring power supply has been one of solutions put forward to meet the economys growth rate target. However, there has been some overloading of the power supply in 2017, causing instability for the systems operation. In the four days of extremely hot weather at the beginning of last month, there were up to 12,632 calls to EVNs call centre relating to power outages. EVN should have solutions to prevent such a situation, he added.

The PMs message also noted that the group should review its operations at hydropower plants and flood spillways to avoid adverse effects on people downstream.

In addition, the groups investment in some projects that are part of the Viet Nam Power Development Master Plan VII have been delayed due to difficulties in arranging capital and construction administration.

EVN was required to come up with solutions to accelerate progress of the projects to ensure power supply for the economy.

Figures from EVNs integrated financial report in 2015 showed that the group held the leading position in term of debts in comparison with other State-owned groups and corporations. Its loans have been mostly guaranteed by the Government. A report from the Ministry of Finance revealed that EVN in 2015 borrowed an additional US$2 billion, increasing the Government guarantee level for the group to $49.7 billion so far.

EVN should enhance capital utilisation effectiveness while diversifying loans in foreign currencies to reduce exchange rate risks. The group should report on solutions to reduce direct and indirect spending, the vice chairman said.

EVN was assigned 153 tasks from the Government and the PM from October 1, 2016 to June 10, 2017. Of which, 129 tasks were completed while 24 are still to be implemented.

The group therefore should put forward measures to ensure the progress of the assigned tasks.  VNS
HCM CITY  The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has helped Vietnamese garment-textile outsourcers save over 20 per cent of water and energy consumption.

The information was released at a workshop reviewing the programme on enhancing resource-efficient consumption, held by IFC in HCM City on Wednesday.

The sustainable production project has been carried out in 28 enterprises and factories nationwide doing outsourcing for VF Group and Target Group over the past 18 months, mostly during the stages of cutting, sewing, dyeing, printing and laundry.

The project, worth US$9.9 million, has applied measures to enhance resource efficiency, saving $15 million for Vietnamese enterprises by reducing water, energy and chemicals consumption.

Once all recommendations under the project are implemented plus an additional investment of $26 million in new equipment is made, the targeted enterprises will save up to 2.8 million cu.m of water and 562,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas per year in the next two years.

Kyle Kelhofer, country director of IFC for Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, said the results of the project in the first stage have proven economically efficient thanks to the saving of resources.

With fast growth of the nations economy as well as in the garment-textile sector, measures to enhance resource efficiency in the garment and textile sector will open up important opportunities for Viet Nam to boost sustainable growth in the private sector, he said.

They will also help Vietnamese factories save production cost while promoting resource-efficient consumption and sustainable development, he added.

IFC plans to work with other leading global brands to promote implementation of the programme for Vietnamese outsourcers.

The garment-textile sector is the second largest earner of foreign currency for Viet Nam, earning over $27 billion from exports per year.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has decided to dismiss a senior official from the Viet Nam Environment Administration over his role in the Formosa environmental disaster last year.

This was announced by the ministry on Tuesday.

Luong Duy Hanh, director of the Administrations Environmental Protection and Control Department, will be dismissed and move to work in another agency.

Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company in the central province of Ha Tinh was responsible for mass fish deaths in the four central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue Provinces in April last year.

The environmental disaster left hundreds of fish dead and affected the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of locals.

Earlier, the ministry removed Mai Thanh Dung, deputy head of the Vietnam Environment Administration, for not fulfilling his duties relating to this case during his office term as director of the department of environmental impact appraisal and assessment at the ministry.

In February, the Central Inspection Commission of the Communist Party of Viet Nam concluded that from 2008 to 2016, the ministrys Party Civil Affairs Committee was irresponsible in exercising leadership. In addition, it carried out insufficient inspections and supervision and let infringements occur in the assessment of environmental impact, adjustment of waste water discharge location and State management of the Formosa Ha Tinh project.

Responsibility for the offences belongs to former Party Central Committee member, former secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former environment minister Nguyen Minh Quang; former Party Civil Affairs Committee member, former deputy minister and former head of the Vietnam Environment Administration Bui Cach Tuyen; and former Party Civil Affairs Commission member and former deputy minister Nguyen Thai Lai, who was directly responsible for violations in the fields he was overseeing, according to the commission.  VNS
STONEHENGE  Around 13,000 people gathered at Stonehenge on Wednesday to witness the summer solstice sunrise at Britains most famous prehistoric monument.

Druids and midsummer revellers witnessed the sun rise at 4:52am (0352 GMT) on the longest day of the year at the site, whose stones are aligned to the suns position when it rises on the solstice.

The mysterious circle of standing stones, on Salisbury Plain in southwest England, is one of the most famous ancient sites in Europe.

Some pagans hugged the carved bluestones while one group of revellers did yoga together and others laid their hands together on the stones and chanted.

The summer solstice is the only time in the year when the precious stones can be touched.

Some visitors had garlands of flowers in their hair, played guitars or tambourines, while others simply laid down to soak up the atmosphere.

A UNESCO world heritage site, Stonehenge is one of the most impressive prehistoric megalithic monuments anywhere due to its size, sophisticated concentric plan and architectural precision.

Stonehenge was built in stages, from around 3,000BC to 2,300BC.

"Summer solstice at Stonehenge is a major operation," said Jennifer Davies, English Heritages general manager for the site.

"We are pleased with how the celebrations have gone.

"This year we had extra security arrangements in place and wed like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding."

Armed police were on guard at the site, following four terror attacks in the last three months in Britain.

Wiltshire Police said the event passed peacefully, but there were seven "mostly drug-related" arrests.

A man calling himself King Arthur Pendragon and claiming to be a senior druid boycotted the event over the 15 pounds (US$19) car parking charge.

The Stonehenge solstice stalwart claimed the fee breached his human rights, but his legal challenge earlier this year failed.

"Pilgrims are being financially precluded from attending their temple due to the pay to pray policy," he said.

"The fight continues."  AFP
MOSCOW  A photo exhibition titled Viet Nam  Country and People opened on Tuesday in Moscow, Russia.

The event is co organised by the Russian Journalists Union, Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association, Association of Russian Viet Nam War Veterans and Russian International Cooperation Organisation.

The event attracted Pham Sanh Chau -- assistant minister for foreign affairs, secretary-general of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO and representative of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia  as well as associations, organisations and Russian and Vietnamese students.

The exhibition features more than 100 photos provided by the Vietnam News Agency, which focus on four main themes -- Viet Nam on the international integration path; Viet Nam-Russia strategic partnership relationship; Viet Nam, country and its people; Spratly and Paracel archipelago and the continuous sovereignty implementation of Viet Nam in the East Sea through different periods of history.

Photos exhibited are carefully selected to reflect the important landmarks of Viet Nam during the cause of integration, diversification, and multilaterialisation in the foreign affairs policies of Viet Nam. These photos document significant events in the Viet Nam-Russia relationship.

The exhibition also presents characteristic images of the countrys landscape, its multi-coloured cultural traditions, military potential and the sovereignty protection of Viet Nam over the Spratly and Paracel archipelago.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Valery Nikiforov, director of the photography centre at the Russian journalists union, spoke highly of Viet Nams development and integration over the years and affirmed that the Viet Nam-Russia relationship has been built over a long friendship.

The exhibition introduces Viet Nam to the Russian audience, describing it as a country of heroic people who fought determinedly against French colonialism and America imperialism to gain independence, as well as a country with stable politics and one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia, Nikiforov said.

This exhibition is especially meaningful as it is held to celebrate the upcoming visit of Viet Nam President Tran ai Quang to Russia. It is also meaningful for the people of Moscow as Viet Nam is a nice destination and our people will enjoy visits to Viet Nam, Nikiforov said.

Through the photographs exhibited today, the audience will get an opportunity to see a reformed Viet Nam with comprehensive economic development and international integration. Personally, I see other perspectives. It is the depth of the friendship between the two countries, a level that very few countries have, Pham Sanh Chau said.

The event is on until July 2.  VNS
You are invited to come and celebrate the Fete de la Musique (International Music Festival) on Saturday at the Institut Francais de Hanoi  LEspace from 4.30pm.

The event will start with three talented independent groups from Ha Noi  HUB, Xanh 8+1, and B52  who will feature original pop-rock compositions in Vietnamese. Then, Puzzle, a well-known Franco-Vietnamese band, will perform songs from the French-language repertoire.

The party will continue to the rhythm of the Caribbean with the exceptional performance of the Haitian group Limpossible. Finally, DJ Quan will create a grand finale with electronic music to close the night.

The event is free entry.  VNS
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) yesterday met former US Secretary of State John Kerry who is on a two-day working visit to Viet Nam.  VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang

HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh yesterday met former US Secretary of State John Kerry who is on a two-day working visit to Viet Nam.

Minh spoke highly of Kerrys efforts and contributions to Viet Nam-US relations over the past decades in his capacity as both Secretary of State and Senator, as well as his continued special attention to Viet Nam.

The Deputy PM welcomed the connection between Fulbright University Viet Nams training programmes with high-demand sectors such as engineering, aerospace and cyber security as well as proposals to minimise climate change impacts on the country.

Minh suggested Kerry continue supporting Viet Nam-US cooperative ties, especially in economy, trade, investment, education, science-technology, overcoming the aftermath of war and the response to climate change.

For his part, Kerry said he will continue exerting efforts for the development of Viet Nam-US ties, especially in areas benefiting the Vietnamese people.

He thanked the foreign ministry of Viet Nam for supporting the establishment of the Fulbright University Viet Nam, expressing his belief that the university will contribute to the countrys development and deepening the Viet Nam-US relationship in the future.

Kerry underlined the significance of green and renewable energy development to sustainable socio-economic development in each country, affirming that he is willing to support Viet Nam in the field.

Post-war assistance

Meeting with Kerry on the same day, President Tran ai Quang has called on the former Secretary of State to continue backing Viet Nam-US relations.

Mentioning the Trump administrations commitment to assisting Viet Nam in overcoming the aftermath of war, Quang said Viet Nam will continue helping the US search for servicepersons missing in action and suggested Kerry supports Viet Nams concerns, especially speeding up the detoxification of Bien Hoa airport, mine clearance, looking for missing Vietnamese soldiers and aiding war victims.

While acknowledging Kerrys proposal on sustainable energy development in Viet Nam, Quang expected that, with its strength in clean and renewable energy, the US will continue co-operating and assisting Viet Nam in the field.

For his part, Kerry said Viet Nams policies are on the right track and expressed his expectation that the two countries will co-operate more closely in all sectors.

Kerry told his host that over the past 30 years, he has spared no effort to enhance Viet Nam-US relations, and found that Viet Nam became a typical economic model with high competitiveness.

Meetings between the two countries senior leaders will contribute to promoting the bilateral relationship in the future, he added.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Binh Duong Province yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

BINH DUONG  Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday hailed the brotherly support from the Vietnamese army and people in liberating Cambodia from Pol Pots barbaric regime.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen told Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in a meeting in Binh Duong Province yesterday that he was grateful for the sacrifices Viet Nam made for Cambodia.

There would be no Cambodia now if not for Viet Nam [s sacrifice], he said.

Yesterdays meeting between the two leaders was the last leg of a trip to southern Viet Nam by the Cambodian PM and his cabinet. The trip was made on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Hun Sen leaving Cambodia to seek help from Viet Nam against the Pol Pot regime. This year also marks the 50th year since the two neighbouring countries established diplomatic relations on June 24, 1967.

Earlier in the day, Hun Sen revisited the places he and his comrades had departed from in Cambodia, traveling across the border to Loc Ninh District in Binh Phuoc Province, and launching their revolutionary fight to save the Cambodian people.

Accompanying him on this trip were five deputy ministers and top army leaders together with heads of some localities in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

PM Hun Sen and PM Phuc yesterday also co-chaired a talk with the people of Binh Phuoc, which was attended by more than 250 Cambodian citizens and students who are living and studying in Viet Nam. Over 800 Vietnamese including veterans who previously fought in Cambodia or used to be experts helping to rebuild the post-war country were also present at the talk.

Recalling the difficult days when the two countries fought for their national liberation, shoulder to shoulder, PM Phuc said that the destinies of the two peoples are inseparable, which is a proven truth considering the histories of the two nations.

Viet Nam will always be a friend to Cambodia and the Cambodian people, he added.  VNS
By Bich Huong

It was with considerable fanfare and expectations that authorities introduced a law on littering in the capital city earlier this year.

The law imposes much stiffer punishments in an effort to clean up the citys streets and surroundings.

In this context, it is difficult to imagine that instead of the person or persons who do the littering, it is the person cleaning up that gets punished, and badly so.

A sanitation worker was beaten unconscious last week for asking a street vendor not to litter the street.

Tran Thi Thanh, a worker with the Ha Noi Urban Environment Company (URENCO) began her working shift last Thursday night in Ha Nois Old Quarter.

On seeing a sugarcane juice seller on the sidewalk littering the street, Thanh asked the vendor to stop it. The vendor, 32-year-old Pham Thi Bich Diep of Hoan Kiem District, took offence.

She called her husband to follow and teach the sanitation worker a lesson.

The couple followed Thanh to Nguyen Huu Huan Street and assaulted her badly, causing her to faint.

This is not a common occurrence, but it is an extreme one that should wake us up to the fact that we sorely lack public awareness and civic sense.

Many people seem to have the attitude that keeping the streets clean is the job of sanitation workers and that they have a right to litter.

Tran Thi Kim Nhung, a sanitation worker, said that she has witnessed many times people littering the street with chewing gum, empty bottles and plastic bags even when there are trash bins nearby.

Households and street food/ drink stalls are used to littering pavements and many people get annoyed if sanitation workers ask them put garbage in the right places, Nhung said.

ang Kim Anh, another sanitation worker in Hoan Kiem District, told the Lao ong (Labour) newspaper that she and her colleagues felt pain on hearing about what happened to Thanh.

We do a hard, dirty job manually. Some start a working day early in the morning, others finish very late in the night (or next morning), Kim Anh said, adding that they have to work even more on days that other people enjoy holidays or celebrate special occasions.

More activities, more parties, more garbage, she said.

Many people understand and express sympathy with us, but some people dont. Some are annoyed, especially when we remind them litter in the right places, she said.

According to the Ha Noi Construction Planning Institute, about 54,000 tonnes of domestic solid waste is produced daily in the city including 3,200 tonnes in the inner city districts and towns.

However, with its current treatment capacity, only 3,900 tonnes are collected and taken carried to waste treatment facilities including landfills.

Early this year, in first few days of March, people in some districts of Ha Noi, including Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay and Me Linh, had to suffer a mountain of stinking waste in their neighbourhoods.

The waste was uncollected because the city had changed the company responsible for collecting it.

Just a couple of days of not collecting was enough for the garbage to lay siege to houses and roads. Daily life became unbearable, and fears grew of spreading diseases and other unwelcome developments.

One would think that such incidents would make us appreciate the immense value of the work done by sanitation workers, and be grateful for the work that they do.

Since February this year, when Government Decree 155/2016/N-CP took effect, the city is expected to impose fines of VN3 million (US$133) to VN7 million ($313) on those littering in public spaces, including pavements, streets or sewage systems in residential areas.

Sanitation worker Kim Anh said they have been able to see some difference after the Decree took effect, but littering was still widespread.

Few people are fined for littering and others expect that sanitation workers will come and clean the garbage, he said.

When Viet Nam News ran the story Public awareness key to littering law success in February, a reader commented: A visitor to Viet Nam can only conclude that Vietnamese people hate children, with the way they are destroying the living environment, with toxic plastic in the sea, soil, and burning it in the air!

It was sad to hear this, and sadder still to hear about Thanhs fate. I hope this incident galvanizes people into taking real action to keep the city clean and protect our sanitation workers.

After seeing the news, my 6-year-old niece asked me why someone beat the sanitation worker. Shes always been taught to put garbage in the trash bins be grateful to those who keep the streets clean.

I dont have an answer for her.  VNS
HA NOI  Only 68 per cent of infants in the country receive hepatitis B vaccination within the specified two days of birth, according to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology.

The figure in some localities such as northern Hai Phong City is even lower at 50 per cent, the institutes deputy director Duong Thi Hong told the government portal chinhphu.vn.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer. Around 25 per cent of hepatitis B patients will eventually suffer from liver cancer if they go without treatment. And 100 per cent of liver cancer cases in children are caused by hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B mainly spreads through blood, so the viral infection can spread during birth (from an infected mother to the infant) or through sex with an infected partner. Currently, there is no specific treatment for hepatitis B, so a vaccine is considered to be the most effective preventive measure.

Speaking about reasons for the low vaccination rate, Hong said many medical workers hesitate to give it as they are concerned about its side-effects. Mothers, too, choose not to give their newborns the injection for the same reason. Also, many hospitals do not focus on an immunisation programme, Hong explained.

The national average rate for hepatitis B vaccinations was particularly low before June 2016, at below 50 per cent, after there was an incident of a baby dying after getting the hepatitis B vaccination. Though medical experts confirmed that the death was not caused by the vaccine, it remains a matter of concern for many people.

Around 8.7 million people in Viet Nam are infected by hepatitis B, and one million others by hepatitis C, as per statistics shared by the health ministry, in coordination with the WHO. The WHO has recommended that a combined treatment-and-prevention strategy could eliminate hepatitis B and C from the country by 2030.

Preventive methods include vaccinating newborns within two days of birth, especially infants from high-risk areas, and keeping a check on bacterial contamination inside and outside medical clinics.  VNS
By Duy An

Writer Nguyen Van Toai, a relative of mine, says his native village of Thu Cuc, in the northern province of Phu Thos Tan Son District, is one of the most beautiful locations in the country because of its untouched forests and wild natural landscapes.

He cant help but praise the stunning scenery every time we meet. Last week he invited my family to visit his hometown. I jumped at the chance to breathe some fresh air and set off to the countryside.

Just 130 kilometres from Ha Noi, the hamlets of Soi and U appear among the green fields, their distinctive palm-leaf roofs are particular to the Muong ethnic group. The landscape opened up in front of my eyes, with fresh fields stretching to the Bua River and hundred-year-old trees standing proud along the road.

Toai told us that the river was full of fish, saying that when he was little, his father often grilled the fish straight from his net. Oh, it was so fattysweet and fragrant. I havent eaten fish that fresh since.

When we arrived at the hamlet of U, Toai explained that its the most remote part of Thu Cuc Village. Nevertheless, we wanted to see the U Dam, which is an wooden structure built in the 1960s on the Bua River. Water wheels work all day and night to bring water to the fields.

The Muong ethnic group earn a living from wet rice, so the dam plays an important role in bringing water for the rice fields. During hot days in summer, local people often visit the dam and spots along the Bua River to enjoy fresh air and cool water, said Toai.

My two sons raced out of the car and towards the dam, intending to wade across the dam, but Toai told them it would be dangerous. The boys settled for a seat on the bank, dipping their feet in the stream. Its very cool, mother. Please let us get in the water, dont worry I know how to swim, my older son insisted.

Toai promised that he would take the boys down the river on a bamboo raft.

In the afternoon, Toai took us to his parents home, which is now owned by his 80-year-old aunt, Nguyen Thi Ngo. We immediately felt at home in the palm-roofed house. We were welcomed not only by the aunt but also by a dozen neighbours who were happy to receive visitors.

Soon it was time for lunch, and aunt Ngo invited us to enjoy some of her food. The spread of traditional foods was delicious, and even with little appetite I enjoyed tasting the fermented cassava leaves, steamed snails gathered from the stream, and grilled goby marinated in spices.

Even my sons, usually wary of strange foods, enjoyed the dishes here, saying they particularly liked the steamed snails which were crispy, tasty and very fresh.

Ngo said these foods are specialties of Thu Cuc Village.

After the meal, Ngo led us to Cuc Temple to worship the Muong girl name Cuc.

Legend has it that a group of Muong people from Hoa Binh Province, travelling to find a place to live, discovered Thu Cuc, a fertile piece of land. They decided to stop and settle right here.

However, several years later, the villagers found themselves struggling with prolonged drought. No trees or livestock could be raised and the people suffered, Ngo told us.

At that time, there had a beautiful and intelligent girl named Cuc. She had a lot of farming experience and was ready to help others. Seeing her neighbours suffering with hunger and poverty, Cuc wandered up hills and down the valleys to find a rice seed to rescue her fellow villagers.

She managed to overcome many dangerous situations, such as crossing deep streams and thick jungles, but when she found the rice seeds and started making her way home she was killed by a wild animal, leaving the rice seeds which her villagers later brought home to grow in their field.

Thanks to Cuc, local peoples living standards started to improve day by day.

Villagers built a temple in the area where she died, in order to remember her sacrifice and worship her.

Every year on the seventh and eighth days of the first Lunar month, Thu Cuc villagers begin a festival to welcome the soul of the rice to the village, wishing for good health and bumper crops all year round. They bring new rice and specialties for the gathering and perform rituals for the girl, said Ngo, adding that after the rituals have been completed, the villagers begin growing rice in the field.

Sorcerer Hoang Van Ta said the people who join the festival and the welcoming of the rices soul should be supported by Cuc. They will have full baskets of rice and maize for themselves and their livestock breeding too.

I myself regularly join the traditional sacred festival. Ta is right, now no one in my village faces hunger or poverty, said Ha Manh Hung, deputy chairman of Thu Cuc Communes Peoples Committee.  VNS
PARIS  French President Emmanuel Macron appointed little-known railway executive Florence Parly as his defence minister on Wednesday as he reshuffled his cabinet just five weeks into office.

The overhaul, which also saw constitutional lawyer Nicole Belloubet appointed justice minister, came after three ministers from the centrist MoDem party that helped bring Macron to power quit over a funding scandal.

Veteran Socialists Jean-Yves Le Drian and Gerard Collomb remain in post as foreign and interior minister respectively, as does conservative Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, as centrist Macron seeks to enter a new era of left-right consensus politics.

The changes came just hours after MoDem leader Francois Bayrou, who lent crucial support to Macron during the presidential campaign, said he was stepping down to fight allegations that his small party misused European Parliament funds.

The claims, which first emerged in the Canard Enchaine investigative newspaper and are now the subject of a preliminary investigation, quickly became toxic given Macrons vow to rid French politics of sleaze.

The two other MoDem cabinet members appointed barely a month ago  defence minister Sylvie Goulard and European affairs minister Marielle de Sarnez -- also quit over the accusations that MoDem misused European Parliament cash to pay assistants who are actually based in France.

De Sarnez has been replaced by Nathalie Loiseau, director of the prestigious ENA school of government where many of Frances political elite have studied, including Macron.

Smear campaign

A veteran centrist figure who ran three times for president himself, 66-year-old Bayrou was a key backer of Macrons 14-month-old Republic on the Move (REM) movement and his support was crucial in lending legitimacy to the inexperienced candidate.

MoDem entered an alliance with REM for both the presidential and legislative elections, and in exchange Macron rewarded the party for its support by giving them key jobs in his first cabinet.

The legislative elections on Sunday handed REM a 308-seat majority in the 577-seat National Assembly at the weekend, meaning Macrons party does not need MoDems support to push legislation through parliament.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front who lost to Macron in last months presidential vote, suggested ahead of the ministerial announcements that Bayrou had been discarded because he had served his purpose.

"I think Macron used Bayrou during the presidential campaign and now that he has a majority without MoDem, he has tossed him away like an old rag," Le Pen said as she took up her seat in parliament.

Her own party has been investigated over similar accusations of misusing European Parliament funds to pay for staff in France.

Explaining his decision to step down at a press conference on Wednesday, Bayrou flatly denied allegations of wrongdoing and claimed he had been the target of a smear campaign.

"Even if I was never cited in the investigation, I have no doubt that I was the true target, with the goal of discrediting the work of the ministry," he said.

He insisted that he would continue to back the president, saying: "I will be by Macrons side".  AFP
Outdoor church

service slated

WATERLOO  People can celebrate summer at an outdoor worship service and potluck meal Sunday at First Baptist Church, Fourth and Baltimore.

Worship begins at 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Joe Greemore will speak on Stay with it! based on Scripture from Galatians 6:1-10. Members of the Band of Light will lead in music.

A potluck dinner will follow in the church social room. FBC will provide fried chicken, table service and drinks. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Members of the community are welcome, and a nursery is available for children up to age 5.

New Hampton

blood drive set

NEW HAMPTON  New Hampton community blood drive is set for noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at New Hampton Community Center, 112 E. Spring St.

To make an appointment, go to lifeservebloodcenter.org or call (800) 287-4903.

Retirees group

to meet Monday

CEDAR FALLS  The monthly dinner for Waterloo Industries retirees and former employees is planned for Monday at the Family Restaurant, 2627 Center St., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join in for food and conversation. For more information, call Jerry at 984-6456.
HAMPTON -- The owners of a now-closed Hampton lumber business have been ordered to pay $3.45 million to a Missouri bank for alleged overdrafts and non-payment of a note.

Roger and Kaye Peters, directors of Franklin County Lumber Inc., also known as F.C. Lumber, had a commercial checking account with Exchange Bank of Missouri and in June 2013 obtained a $950,000 promissory note the bank.

The lumber business closed in December 2015, and in February 2016, Exchange Bank filed a civil lawsuit in Franklin County District Court alleging $2.68 million in overdrafts and an outstanding $771,872 balance on the note, according to court records.

The lumber company filed a counterclaim, which was dismissed in December, according to court records.

On June 8, District Court Judge Colleen Weiland issued a summary judgment siding with Exchange Bank as a matter of law without requiring a trial. Weiland ordered a judgment of $3.45 million plus 3.12 percent interest.

The bank is also seeking $106,451 in attorney fees, which will be the subject of a separate order.
CEDAR FALLS  A logjam may be broken soon on a long-awaited project to raise the citys downtown flood control levee by 3 feet.

U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst, Charles Grassley and U.S. 1st District Rep. Rod Blum have all said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to give the project final approval soon. Thats after nearly three years of review and more than three years after state funding was secured.

June 30 is the deadline for any additional comments from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley division in Vicksburg, Miss.

Were hoping for no more comments from the experts, said Mayor Jim Brown. They could have built the Hoover Dam by now.

In March, city officials were told the project could skip review at the national level in Washington. It only had to be reviewed at the Corps district and regional levels at Rock Island, Ill., and Vicksburg.

A state Sales Tax Increment Fund receives deposits of increased sales tax revenues from flood-impacted areas. A state flood mitigation panel approved $6.6 million in funding for Cedar Falls in March 2014.

Due to delays, cost estimates had to be updated and an amendment filed with the flood mitigation board so the city can receive the full amount. The council approved that amendment Thursday ahead of a July 1 deadline.

Brown and City Administrator Ron Gaines met with congressional staffers while on a Cedar Valley Coalition trip to Washington, D.C., last week. They urged them to contact the Corps of Engineers and make sure the review process was on track to conclude by June 30, as Corps officials outlined in a May 30 letter to the mayor.

The city plans to raise the levee after it was nearly overtopped in the record flood of June 2008, followed by a near-record flood in September.

City officials hope bids can be let and under contract early this fall, under the most optimistic schedule. The levee would be built over the next two years.

Best case scenario now, end of September for a contract, Gaines said. He said local officials want plans checked thoroughly but expeditiously.

Nobody wants this to get built as strong, sturdy and resilient as the city of Cedar Falls, Gaines said. We have more interest in the success of this thing than anybody else. Were protecting our local people.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Mary Waddell didnt drive over from Davenport to learn something new or hear promises from President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

She watches the news and knows what the president has done and where he stands. She just came to see him in person.

I came to get excited  get excited about the United States, said Waddell, 65. Get excited about America. We should all be getting excited about our country.

A raucous rally that felt akin to a rock n roll concert at the U.S. Cellular Center greeted Trump in his first visit to Iowa as president. Earlier in the day, Trump toured Kirkwood Community College.

Trump was last in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 28 and held a thank you event in Des Moines on Dec. 8, after he was elected but before his inauguration.

Trump hit familiar refrains, railing against the media and the "swamp" in Washington, D.C., while touting his effort to make environmental regulations more friendly to farmers and boost American energy production. The crowd broke into a frenzy at several points, and Trump had playful interactions with some of his fans.

He connects with people off the street, said Renee Scheuerlein, 56, of Cedar Rapids. Thats why he is the president and Hillary Clinton isnt. He was raised with a silver spoon, and he still is able to connect with me.

Sunshine Pennington, 32, traveled from Chicago with her daughters Morgan, 9, and Georgia, 11, to see Trump. A rally in Chicago last year was canceled for safety reasons.

It was filled with heart, Pennington said in describing the speech, noting she most appreciated Trumps commitment to veterans since her husband served for 12 years in the military.

Michael Smith, 51, of Burlington, described the atmosphere as optimistic, hopeful  everything Obama promised but didnt deliver.

As a businessman, when you want to do something, you get it done, he said. It doesnt work that way in politics. Id love to hear him say he is humbled by this job.

Tom Barr, 73, of West Liberty, said he admired Trumps show of tenacity and strength, and his ability to continue to go for his goals and not be deterred by the media.

Every single issue he hit on is important to me, Barr said. Weve needed someone like this for a long time.

Trump spoke for 70 minutes to a nearly full house of around 6,000 people, according to staff estimates. A massive American flag hung high above as a backdrop, and supporters waved Make America Great Again, Promises Kept and Drain the Swamp signs. One man held up a homemade sign stating Fake News.

Theres no more dynamic speaker than President Donald Trump, Ginger McQueen, of DeKalb, Ill., said.

The crowd was strongly pro-Trump, although a dozen protesters, locking arms, were escorted out early in the speech.

A Hillary Clinton supporter, John Haman of Iowa City, quietly attended the rally. While having his photo taken in the emptying arena, he said he just wanted to experience seeing the president. Despite brief cries from the crowd to lock her up, sitting among Trump supporters had been uneventful, he said.

It was civil. It wasnt hateful or anything like that, Haman said. Thats Iowa for you though. Iowans keep it civil and respectful.
CEDAR RAPIDS  He doesnt get credit for all hes done in 152 days as president, Donald Trump said Wednesday night, but hes made amazing progress delivering on his promise to Make America Great Again.

A crowd of more than 6,000 at the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids joined him in delivering that signature line from his campaign and demonstrated it believed him with cheers, chants and applause throughout the hour-plus campaign-style rally.

Many said they came to the rally  some waiting five hours or more  to show their support for Trump and appreciation for what hes doing.

He needs all the help he can get, because hes not getting it from the party but from the people, said Tom Barr of West Liberty.

Thats because he doesnt have the old Republican network behind him, said Joe Quaintance, who drove from Illinois. But the people support him.

His supporters, who showed up and voted to put America first, want a government that shows you the same respect and loyalty in return, Trump said. That is exactly what Ive done: put America first.

Trump made his first visit to Iowa since being sworn in as president. He visited Des Moines in December on his thank you tour.

The overarching theme of this 71-minute speech was putting America first. He framed it as a struggle between those who voted for him and the same failed and tired voices in Washington (that would) keep us from delivering the change you voted for and the change you deserve.

The people are the rulers of this country once again, he said. One by one, we are keeping our promises.

Thats why the arena was filled, Iowa Republican National Committeeman Steve Scheffler said.

What the people appreciate about Trump is that he is willing to push back against the shrill, unhinged left, he said. They are glad he is willing to stand with them. They feel like they are included, not outside the tent.

A group of 17 protesters was escorted out of the arena early in the speech as the crowd chanted to drown them out. No other protests occurred inside the venue.

Outside, familiar cheers and jeers rang out as about 150 protesters yelled slogans such as my body, my choice, lock him up and this is what democracy looks like.

Trump said he has signed 39 pieces of legislation in the first five months of his administration, and signed executive orders to roll back countless regulations.

Declaring Obamacare is over, Trump said he hopes were going to surprise you with a really good (health care) plan and said Republicans will pass the largest tax cut in American history.

Infrastructures going to happen, too, he said.

Trump, who has proposed a $1 trillion for infrastructure, promised to rebuild not only America, but we will rebuild rural America.

He called for Democrats to get on board rather than stand in the way.

They need to be positive. They cant continue to be obstructionist, Trump said. They should come together  I dont think they will, but I will tell you it would be a beautiful, beautiful thing if we could get together as two parties that love our country and come up with the great health care. If we had even a little Democratic support, you would have everything.

Instead, they engage in phony witch hunts, he charged without mentioning the congressional and FBI investigations into Russian meddling in the election.

The everything he mentioned would include new immigration rules requiring people coming to the United States be able to support themselves without welfare for at least five years, he said.

That sounded good to Lucy Ditch, 13, and Ava Johnson, 14, both of North Liberty.

He knows what hes doing, said Lucy, who was wearing a Make American Great Again cap and Trump T-shirt. She agreed with Ava its important to keep the country safe.

Trump renewed his pledge  again with the crowd joining him  to build the wall.

For the first time, he proposed making it a solar wall that will pay for itself by generating electricity.

The higher it goes, the more valuable it is, he said.

Whether its his Supreme Court pick, pushing his agenda, pulling out of the Paris climate accord, withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement or canceling former President Barack Obamas one-sided deal with the Castro regime, Trump said hes doing it because its what Americans want.

I was elected to serve the citizens of Iowa  all 50 states and 320 million citizens, he said.

He left the stage to the Rolling Stones song, You Cant Always Get What You Want.

B.A. Morelli of The Gazette contributed to this report.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Heavy rains that came and went didnt deter scores of protesters who waved signs, chanted and elicited honks from passing cars while awaiting President Donald Trumps arrival downtown Wednesday evening.

Familiar cheers and jeers rang out as about 150 protesters near the U.S. Cellular Center yelled my body, my choice, lock him up and this is what democracy looks like.

They were there to show concern for the environment, health care and public education as well as to support equality and what they feel had been positive progress.

Pink shirts and buttons dotted the crowd, as Planned Parenthood supporters came out to show their displeasure at what they believe to be attacks on womens health care.

I just cant believe were going backward and not forward, said Abbie Bowen, 55, from Cedar Rapids. Im terrified for young women who want to have control of their sexuality.

It was the first time Bowen ever came out to protest, she said, adding she was happy to see a strong showing of dissenters despite the gloomy weather.

But it breaks my heart to see women in that line instead of this line, she said pointing to the line of Trump supporters snaking around the arena. Thousands of Trump supporters stood in line, a few even overnight, to get into the rally.

Avery Cassell, 37, a Medicaid recipient from Hiawatha, said hes concerned about the future of the government-sponsored program, which provides insurance to nearly 70 million low-income and disabled Americans  about 600,000 of them Iowans.

The GOP-backed U.S. House plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act  now being reworked by the U.S. Senate  gets rid of income-related tax credits in favor of age-based tax credits, eliminates federal funding for the Medicaid expansion starting in 2020 and places a per capita cap on the insurance program.

Cassells 11-year-old son, Logan, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and he worries he wont be able to afford necessary care.

I feel like he doesnt care about the people who are suffering, Cassell said.

Health care wasnt the only thing on protesters minds.

A pair of Cedar Rapids school district employees said theyre worried about future cuts to school programs.

I teach second grade this year, said Jenna Buhr, 26. When he was first elected, I saw a lot of behavioral changes, I saw a lot of anxiety, a lot of uncertainty with what was going to happen next with their families. Some of them worried their friends were going to be deported, because they didnt know the facts of the issues and things. It was me trying not to put my beliefs on my students, but also let them know I was going to keep them safe and that I wouldnt let anything happen to them.

Maddie Paxton, 26, and Buhrs partner of six years, said her school has a large number of students who rely on food assistance.

Are they going to keep that? she asked. You never expect young children to soak in or worry as much as they do, but they understand. They get it.

The couple, holding a sign that read, respect existence or expect resistance, also worries about their ability to get married and whether same-sex marriage rights will be rolled back.

I think its just a constant state of things being so up in the air and not knowing whats going to happen next, Buhr said. I feel like in the next four years were going to be in a constant state of, What happens next? Weve come so far, and homosexuals, their community has blossomed with their rights and people realizing who we are and what we stand for and that were people, too, and were worried were going to be set back so many years.

The protest  organized by a handful of Democratic groups including Americans for Democratic Action Iowa, Womens March Iowa, Iowans for Public Education and Planned Parenthood Voters  also featured speeches from Democratic politicians.

This is not about Republicans and Democrats, said Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker. Its about the soul of America, and these policies are bad for workers, bad for the environment, bad for women and minorities.

Walker said its important to focus on 2018 and 2020  a sentiment other speakers echoed.

Walker is considering a run against U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, the 1st House District Republican, though hasnt decided.
WATERLOO  The citys Fourth of July fireworks display is moving back downtown.

The inaugural Mayors Independence Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 1, at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre along the Cedar River and will feature music, food and aerial explosives fired from the Park Avenue Bridge.

Mayor Quentin Hart convinced Main Street Waterloo to take over the event after the Cedar Valley Jaycees decided against sponsoring the festival, which has been held for the past five years at the National Cattle Congress fairgrounds.

I remember fireworks growing up and wanted to make sure that our children and families had an opportunity to celebrate, Hart said. We have added music and want to make this a celebration of community.

Tavis Hall, Main Street Waterloos executive director, said several sponsors stepped forward to fund the event, including the VGM Group, US Bank and UnityPoint-Allen Hospital.

Wed love to do it every year, but its not something weve got built into our budget, Hall said. But we all recognize we cant not have a fireworks show.

Bob Dorr and the Iowa All-Stars will play at 6 p.m., followed by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony at 7:30 p.m. and Kevin Burt at 9 p.m. The fireworks are slated for 10 p.m.

The Waterloo Jaycees previously sponsored the Fourth of July fireworks at the Waterloo Regional Airport and later downtown. The Cedar Falls Jaycees sponsored their own event in downtown Cedar Falls and at the UNI-Dome.

The two groups combined in 2012 and began holding a joint Cedar Valley festival at the NCC grounds.

Jordan Shanks, the Jaycees board president, said the volunteer organization evaluated the event after last years festival.

(The board) concluded that we could not successfully maintain hosting the annual event after 2016, Shanks said. We are still committed to being active in the community through our other projects, such as the Waterloo Open, Live to 9 and Gift of Giving.

Cedar Falls city officials said the were not aware of any community group stepping up to host a community fireworks in Cedar Falls this year.
Dominique Heaggan-Brown, the former Milwaukee police officer who fatally shot Sylville Smith during an August 2016 foot chase, was found not guilty of first-degree reckless homicide on Wednesday.

Members of Smith's family could be heard crying in the courtroom as the verdict was read. The shooting death sparked days of unrest in Milwaukee.

Judge Jeffrey Conen had instructed the jury of nine women and three men to consider lesser charges in the reckless homicide trial but Heaggan-Brown was cleared of all counts.

The former officer still faces charges in an unrelated sexual assault investigation. He has been fired from the police department.

In the separate case, a man told investigators that Heaggan-Brown sexually assaulted him while off duty two days after the shooting death of Smith.

The alleged sexual assault occurred on the morning of August 15 after a night of heavy drinking at a bar where the two men "sat and watched television as coverage of the Sherman Park protests [over Smith's death] aired," the criminal complaint said.

Outside court, one of Smith's sisters called for peace and his father, Patrick, called the verdict "disrespectful."

"Why are they trained to kill when they supposed to protect and serve us?" Patrick Smith said of police officers. "There is no justice here."

He added, "I want the community to calm down and come together."

Smith's sister Sherelle had a message for young people: "Don't give them a reason to take your life. Do something different in the community, try as hard as you can to be peaceful."

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said he respected the jury's decision.

"We pursued it aggressively and we presented a strong case," he told reporters. "This is just an issue that this community had to decide. They made that decision."

The verdict comes at a time of increasingly strained relations between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Heaggan-Brown was the third US law enforcement officer to be tried for a shooting in the last week. Convictions are rare.

On Friday, Minnesota police Officer Jeronimo Yanez was acquitted of one count of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety for the fatal shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop last year.

In Cincinnati, a jury began deliberations Monday in the retrial of former University of Cincinnati police Officer Ray Tensing in the fatal shooting of a motorist during a July 2015 traffic stop.

"The community relies on, depends and respects their law enforcement partners," Chisholm said.

"At the same time, they understand that this tremendous amount of discretionary power is given to police officers -- the power over life and death in certain circumstances -- and they want that to be accountable. But when they look at it closely they're looking at a circumstance which was fairly unique. ... You can't compare this to St. Paul. You can't compare it to Ferguson."

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, in a statement via Twitter, said, "A year ago I told the public I'd seen nothing in the video that was a violation of the law or policy. The jury saw the same evidence and came to the same conclusion."

The prosecutor argued that Heaggan-Brown fatally shot Smith as the suspect attempted to surrender. But the former officer's attorney countered that his client made a split-second decision to protect his life and that of another officer.

The jury began deliberations on Tuesday, less than a year after the shooting in northwest Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood.

Heaggan-Brown, 25, faced 60 years in prison.

Body-camera video from another officer -- played for the jury last week -- showed that Heaggan-Brown shot a second bullet into Smith's chest after the suspect hurled his weapon over a fence and had his hands near his head. Smith was on the ground when he received the fatal shot.

The jury heard closing arguments and deliberated about five hours Tuesday.

"Mr. Heaggan-Brown knew at the time he fired that second shot that Sylville Smith had already disarmed himself," Chisholm told the jury, CNN affiliate WISN-TV reported.

"He knew that Sylville Smith was attempting to surrender."

But defense attorney Jonathan Smith argued his client followed training and fired the second, fatal shot because he believed his life was in danger.

"The state admits that the first shot was a justified shot," the lawyer told the jury, according to the station.

"And our argument is that justification did not change over the course of 1.69 seconds between shots."

The defense rested Monday after calling its lone witness, Robert Willis, an expert in police use of force, according to WISN.

Willis testified that Heaggan-Brown acted in "accordance with his training," CNN affiliate WTMJ-TV reported.

His testimony centered on the 1.69 seconds separating the two shots. He testified the officer's decision to fire again was made before he even pulled the trigger. The second shot was justified, Willis told the jury, because officers are trained to assume a suspect may have more than one weapon.

Heaggan-Brown experienced the encounter in "real time," not in frame-by-frame motion as it was shown to the jury, Willis said, according to WTMJ.

"So when we see the trigger being pulled, we have to not consider that the moment of decision," he said. "It's not. We have to go back -- and I can't tell exactly how many frames but we have to go back two-tenths or three-tenths of a second -- we have to go back several frames ... to delve into the decision-making process that goes into firing this shot."

Willis, who wrote the use of force manual used by Milwaukee police officers, told the jury that Heaggan-Brown justifiably responded to a "deadly threat," WISN reported.

Last week, members of Sylville Smith's family gasped as body camera footage of the August 13 foot chase was played in court.

The reaction to the video, including sobs from Smith's family, caused the judge to clear the courtroom. The defense attorney called for a mistrial, saying the family's response could influence the jury, according to CNN affiliate WITI-TV. Conen denied the request.

Officer fired over a different investigation

The shooting sparked days of unrest in the Sherman Park section of Milwaukee, a city long torn by racial tensions.

Prosecutors said his first shot was justified, but not the second, according to WISN.

Heaggan-Brown's former partner, Ndiva Malafa, testified last week they were chasing Smith, 23, because they saw he had a gun.

"I saw Mr. Smith exit the vehicle. I observed the firearm and at that point, we made eye contact. At that moment, I believe I started to -- I see him running northeast. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Heaggan-Brown chase him as well," Malafa testified, WITI reported.

Malafa's body camera footage was played several times in court, according to WTMJ. Malafa also guided the jury through the footage frame by frame, the station reported.

The video picks up as Malafa jumps out of this squad car. The shaky footage shows him trailing behind Heaggan-Brown, who is chasing Smith. The suspect ran across a lawn, turned a corner and headed toward a fence but slipped before reaching it.

Smith was armed with a Glock .40-caliber Model 22 semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine containing 23 rounds.

An autopsy showed that Smith had a gunshot wound through his upper right arm and another to his right upper chest.

In the body camera audio, which was activated 30 seconds after the shooting, Heaggan-Brown was heard yelling at Smith: "Stop reaching." He moved Smith's hand away from his waist, the criminal complaint said.

Heaggan-Brown had previously said he believed Smith "was reaching for his waist so he discharged his weapon a second time."

In an interview with WITI, Smith's brother Sedan said: "It's the longest 30 seconds of my life to be able to just watch the video."

CNN's Janet DiGiacomo, Carma Hassan, Darran Simon, George Montgomery and Dave Alsup contributed to this report.
Every day, legions of economists dismiss Donald Trumps economic agenda and forecast of 3 percent growth as a wild-eyed fantasy. The consensus is the economy cant possibly grow at 3 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal. Slow growth is the new norm, so get used to it, wrote Rucir Sharma, chief global strategist at Morgan Stanley, in Foreign Affairs magazine this month.

Question: Why does anyone bother to listen to economists anymore? The profession has become an embarrassment, and the most respected economists have shown themselves to have as much predictive power as a deck of tarot cards.

Almost everyone in the economics field  with a few, ahem, exceptions  bought into the Keynesian idea massive government spending, a stimulus package, would revive the economy after the Great Recession of 2008-2009. The trillions of dollars of government borrowing here and abroad created a decade-long anemic recovery. The number of jobs created under President Barack Obamas stimulus turned out to be fewer than the number we would have had if the government had done nothing  according to the Obama administrations own analysis. So we got $9 trillion of debt with almost nothing to pay for it.

Amazingly, every Obama budget forecast that annual growth would reach 3.5 to 4.5 percent. Bullish growth was just around the corner. (Remember Joe Bidens Recovery Summer tour?) Consider how these bullish forecasts squared with reality.

In 2009 they said we would get growth up to 4.6 percent.

In 2010 they said we would get growth of 4.3 percent.

In 2011 they said we would get growth of 4.4 percent.

In 2012 they said we would get growth of 4.1 percent.

In 2013 they said we would get growth of 3.6 percent.

In 2014 they said we would get growth of 3.4 percent.

We never got growth above 3 percent under Obama, and the average growth was 2 percent, ending at 1.6 percent. The reality was, on average, about 1.5 percentage points below the projection, which was about an 80 percent overestimate of growth. Maybe we should have just hired the tarot-card readers. Their predictions couldnt have been any worse.

So now the very people who made these preposterous forecasts are telling us 3 percent growth is a fantasy under Trump. Under their model, tax increases create 4 percent growth, but tax cuts cant get us to 3 percent growth.

The major reason we cant get growth, were told, is we have so many millions of baby boomers retiring. But we have 100 million people over the age of 16 outside the labor force today or unemployed, and thats a giant labor pool to get workers from. Most of them are young, not old. This is a gigantic pool of workers we could tap into  if Washington would stop spending $1 trillion a year paying people not to work.

Another fallacy is this long recovery means the economy is due for a recession. No. For much of America this has been a long recession, not a long recovery. We are suffering from a severe growth deficit. The economy is $3 trillion behind where it should be because of the shallow recovery. Its teed up for a boom, not a bust.

How do we ignite that boom? Nearly every policy during the Obama years was anti-growth: tax increases, minimum-wage hikes, Obamacare, Dodd-Frank regulations, massive debt spending, the Paris climate change accord, an EPA assault against American energy, massive expansions of food-stamps programs and more. If Trump is able to shift those policies into reverse  especially by getting tax rates down, not up  then 3 to 4 percent growth is easily achievable, and the economics profession will be proven dead wrong again.
Bernie Sanders was speaking recently to a gathering of like-minded liberals in Chicago.

I am often asked by the media and others, How did it come about that Donald Trump, the most unpopular presidential candidate in the modern history of our country, won the election? he said. My answer is that Trump didnt win the election  the Democratic Party lost the election.

True enough. But heres what Sanders and his supporters refuse to admit: Bernie himself was a major reason why the Democrats and Hillary Clinton failed.

Of course Clinton was a poor candidate, with visible scars and an invisible message, who made many unforced errors. It was crazy for a woman who intended to run for president as a defender of middle-class families to take gobs of money from Wall Street.

But Sanders was an irresponsible candidate who advanced an impossible set of proposals that bore little relation to reality. Its both careless and cynical to yell free at every opportunity with absolutely no notion of how to pay for all those goodies. (The Wall Street Journal estimated Sanders proposals would cost $18 trillion.)

The result was to excite Sanders base, especially young and inexperienced voters, and deepen their disillusionment with Clinton, who was burdened with a sense of practicality and responsibility. Sanders aggravated their disdain by indulging his ego, staying in the race long after the outcome was clear and implying a rigged system designed by establishment mandarins had cheated him out of the nomination. No wonder so many Berniecrats voted for third-party candidates or simply stayed home.

This would all be ancient history, except Sanders is still singing the same old song. As he said in Chicago, The current model and the current strategy of the Democratic Party is an absolute failure.

But why should Democrats listen to him? After all, he is not a Democrat. Hes a self-proclaimed socialist who ran for the Senate as an independent and still identifies himself that way.

Moreover, while the system is far more polarized than in the past, the rules of arithmetic have not been repealed. The Berniecrat Creed  the Democrats must shift sharply to the left in order to succeed  is a recipe for disaster.

In the last election, only 26 percent of voters identified as liberals, while 35 percent called themselves conservative and 39 percent moderates. This is not a leftist country, and every time the Democrats have followed that fantasy, they have been crushed.

Take 1972, when George McGovern rode a Sanders-like wave of anti-war emotion to the Democratic nomination. He then won 37.5 percent of the vote and 17 electoral votes against Richard Nixon  a man totally lacking in warmth, charm or scruples. Walter Mondale raised the liberal banner against Ronald Reagan in 1984 and did even worse: 13 electoral votes. Michael Dukakis did slightly better four years later, but he still managed to lose to George H.W. Bush, a mediocre candidate whose re-election was later thwarted by a more centrist Democrat, Bill Clinton.

There are important lessons going forward here for the Democratic Party. As The New York Times reports, the party is facing a widening breach as it prepares for next years elections, a growing tension between the partys ascendant militant wing and Democrats competing in conservative-leaning territory.

A strategy that focuses on energizing the Democratic faithful on the west sides of Los Angeles and Manhattan is not going to retake the Congress in 2018 or challenge Trumps re-election in 2020.

It all played out in suburban Atlanta this week, where Democrats thought they have a real chance to capture a House seat vacated by former Rep. Tom Price when he joined Trumps cabinet. The Democratic candidate in Tuesdays contest, Jon Ossoff, reflected the district, running as a card-carrying moderate, far from the Sanders mold.

He lost to Republican Karen Handel, but moderate Democrats say Ossoffs 48 percent showing in a Republican stronghold is proof theyre actually making progress.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, echoed that argument on a national level. We are going to lose every possible winnable seat, in a year where there are many winnable seats, if we come across as inflexible left-wingers, he told the Times. I respect Bernie  I just dont think we can become the party of Bernie.

No, they cant. Not if they want to win.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has been embodying bipartisanship in recent weeks  a rarity on Capitol Hill.

Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, drew the ire of Democrats a year ago for blocking a hearing for President Barack Obamas U.S. Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. Now hes doing battle with Republican leaders over holding hearings on the firing of FBI Director James Comey and with the Trump administration for Justice Department stonewalling.

The judiciary committee wants to look into Comeys dismissal, as proposed by Sen. Diane Feinstein, the ranking Democrat, but with the backing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. It also is interested in former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynchs role in the Hillary Clinton investigation.

With Washington awash in probes and seemingly little else, Republican leaders are willing to move forward on possible Russian collusion with the Trump campaign, but are wary of political fallout from revisiting the Comey termination.

But Grassley wants to remove political pressure from the FBI, a paramount concern given investigations surrounding both presidential candidates in the 2016 campaign. There should be no improper interference with FBI investigations to favor any elected official or candidate of either party, he stated.

Comey had declined to appear before the judiciary committee, which has oversight over the Justice Department, his former employer, but testified earlier this month before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

His remarks were damning for the president (who perceived them as both vindication and lies, a strange mix), while raising questions about Lynch possibly running interference for Clinton, also alluded to in a New York Times report in April.

Comey mentioned Lynchs insistence on calling the investigation into Clintons unauthorized use of State Department emails on her private email server as a matter.

At one point, (Lynch) directed me not to call it an investigation, but instead to call it a matter, which confused me and concerned me, he said.

Comey added the request gave the impression the attorney general was looking to align the way we talked about our investigation with the way a political campaign was describing the same activity.

He agreed because the FBI policy was not to announce investigations, including its probe of the Trump campaign. But after leaving the meeting with Lynch, the Times reported, George Toscas, a national security prosecutor, ribbed Comey, I guess youre the Federal Bureau of Matters now.

Then Lynch and Bill Clinton met on board her plane in June on the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport tarmac  she was touring police departments, he was campaigning  after the former president insisted on a face-to-face meeting, supposedly just to say hello.

Lynchs aides, the Times reported, were horrified. A press aide hurriedly called the Justice Departments communications director, Melanie Newman, who said to break up the meeting immediately. A staff member rushed to stop it, but by the time the conversation ended, Mr. Clinton had been on the plane for about 20 minutes.

Most potentially damning, according to the Times, was a document, which has been described as both a memo and an email, written by a Democratic operative who expressed confidence that Lynch would keep the Clinton investigation from going too far.

Whether the operative was speculating or had inside knowledge, Comey was worried Lynch would announce the case was closed, then Russia would leak the document, compromising the investigation.

Comey eventually declared Clinton was careless, but not subject to prosecution, largely based on the Justice Departments decision to charge former Central Intelligence Agency director David Petraeus with a misdemeanor after he revealed covert agents and classified information to his biographer-lover and lied about it to the FBI.

Grassley also is annoyed with a recent Justice Department legal opinion its only obliged to respond to requests for information from committee chairs, ignoring all Democrats.

Oversight brings transparency, and transparency brings accountability, Grassley wrote Trump, asking him to rescind the decision. And, the opposite is true. Shutting down oversight requests doesnt drain the swamp, Mr. President. It floods the swamp.

The opinion, Grassley added, falsely asserts that only requests from committees or their chairs are constitutionally authorized, calling that nonsense.

Hes also perturbed about getting the cold shoulder from the Justice Department, including 15 letters unanswered in six months, and has threatened to stall the nomination of Stephen Boyd as assistant attorney general for legislative affairs.

The department has refused to make Mr. Boyd available for even a conversation with the committees oversight and investigative staff, Grassley said. The department needs to improve its communication with committee members and staff, it needs to be more serious about answering the mail and the questions from Congress.

Grassley may be 83, but hes still feisty. His pursuit of interests crossing party boundaries is commendable.
Some weeks ago I posted a discussion of whether sales by US wine companies fit the proverbial "power law" . The Power Law is used to describe phenomena where large events are rare but small ones are quite common. I concluded that US wine sales in 2016 did, indeed, fit a Power Law, with the exception of the largest company, E&J Gallo Winery. To fit in with the rest of the wine companies, E&J Gallo should have sold c. 3.5 times as much wine as it actually did sell. Apparently, it is rather hard to dominate US domestic wine sales in the way predicted by a simple Power Law.Power Laws are of interest because of their practical consequences. For example, the 80:20 Rule (or Pareto Principle) is one example of a Power Law, which says that for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.Power Laws are considered to be universal, and so there is no reason why they should not exist in the wine industry. One of the more obvious places that we might expect to find them is in wine sales  there are likely to be a few wines that sell very well and lots of smaller sales. As I showed in the earlier post, this appears to be generally true for domestic wine production in the USA; and so it is of interest to see whether it also applies to imported wines.Currently, the biggest-selling imported wine in the USA is Yellow Tail (from Casella Wines, in Australia), with more than 8 million cases shipped to the US per year. This would place it at no. 9 in the currenttop-30 list of wine companies in the USA. In July 2016,placed Yellow Tail at no. 6 in its list of the Top 10 biggest-selling wine brands in the world , based on sales in 2015.Unfortunately, I do not have a list of the sales of imported wine in the USA for any of the most recent years. However, in a presentation at the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Forum, which is part of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America annual convention, Mike Ginley provided the US sales data for the top 25 imported table-wine brands in 2012. So, I will use this dataset for the analysis.As I noted for for the previous analysis, one special case of the Power Law is known as Zipf's Law, which refers to the "size" of each event relative to it's rank order of size. This is what we are looking at here. For each wine brand, the "size" is the number of cases of wine sold during 2012, and the brands are listed in rank order of their sizes (largest to smallest). The standard way to evaluate the Zipf pattern is to plot the data with both axes of the graph converted to logarithms. Under these circumstances, the data should form a straight line.Here is the graph of the 2012 sales data for the top 25 imported wine brands. Only the best-selling wine is labeled.As you can see, all of the data lie roughly along a straight line, and thus do indeed fit a Power Law. That is what we would expect.However, it is worth noting here that all of the wine brands do fit thePower Law, including Yellow Tail. This is different from what we found for the domestic wines (where the no. 1 winery under-performed relative to the Power Law model). Indeed, the Power Law indicates that Yellow Tail actually sold 28%cases than would be expected from the sales of the other wine brands. So, in 2012 Yellow Tail slightly out-performed the expectation from the mathematical model, whereas E&J Gallo greatly under-performed the expectation in 2016.It is also worth noting the presence in the 2012 top-25 list of some of the best-selling wines from 30 years earlier. The data for 1980 and 1981 are provided in an article from the Lambrusco rates high with U.S. consumers ). The imported wine brands that have managed to hang on over the decades are: Riunite (no. 5 in 2012, but no. 1 back in 1980 & 1981), Folonari (12 now vs. 4 then), Bolla (18 vs. 3) and Cella (20 vs. 2). In 2012, these brands sold only 20-50% of their 1981 case sales, which is why they have dropped down the ranking.Previous top-10 imported wine brands that have fallen by the wayside include: Zonin, Giacobazzi, Blue Nun, Mateus, Yago, and Lancers. Perhaps you remember some of them?
ABC/Fred LeeAs promised, Fall Out Boy has delivered a new song from their forthcoming album, Mania. The track is called "Champion," and is available now on digital outlets.

Like the previously released Mania track "Young and Menace," "Champion" has some EDM and hip-hop elements, though it isn't as off-kilter or as, well, weird as its predecessor.

A visual for "Champion," starring Pete Wentz and rapper Post Malone, premieres tonight at 7 p.m. ET, while the track's official music video will debut at a later date.

In other Fall Out Boy news, the band has announced a hometown show in Chicago on September 16 to celebrate the release of Mania. Visit FallOutBoy.com for ticket info.

Mania will be released September 15. Fall Out Boy will officially kick off their North American tour in support of the album October 20 in Cleveland.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Jun 22, 2017 | By Tess

Fidget spinners have been all the rage in 2017, entertaining and relieving stress for both children and adults alike. If you dont already have one, we highly suggest getting your fingers on one. And while you could go into your local shop (really, pretty much everywhere is selling these things) to buy a fidget spinner to fulfil your spinning needs, why not take the DIY approach and 3D print one of these awesome and creative fidget spinners, brought to you by the maker community.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #1: Classic Tri Fidget Spinner

To start things off, here is a classic 3D printed fidget spinner, one that resembles the sort that are mass produced and sold at drug stores. Designed by Thingiverse user 2ROBOTGUY, the Tri Fidget Spinner Toy has gained lots of likes, makes, and remixes on the 3D model platform.



While most parts of this fidget spinner are 3D printed, youll need a few ball bearings to complete the toy. 2ROBOTGUY suggests 608ZZ Shielded 8 x 22 x 7 Miniature Ball Bearings, and notes that the center bearing could benefit from being switched to a 608ZZ/C Ceramic Ball Bearing to increase spin time.

In terms of print settings, the fidget spinner parts should be 3D printed at a resolution of 0.15 mm, 100%, and with 6 shells. The toy parts do not require rafts or supports.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #2: Cat Zoetrope Fidget Spinner

Having established what your classic 3D printed fidget spinner will look like, lets move on to what might be the zaniest make on this list, a 3D printed cat zoetrope fidget spinner. Thats right. Not only is this a fidget spinner toy, but it is also a handheld zoetrope, and features one of the internets favorite tropes, cats!

Posted on Instructables by JON-A-TRON, the 3D printed zoetrope fidget spinner does require a bit more work to assemble than some of the other makes on this list, but wed have to say its well worth the effort.

The parts required for the device include 2 caps, 2 bearings, 2 wheels, a drum with slits in it, and the frames (which you can always customize if you dont want a cat animation). For the bearings, JON-A-TRON used 608ZZ Shielded Greased Miniature Ball Bearings (8mm x22mm x7mm).

The 3D printed components were designed by the maker using Fusion 360 and were 3D printed using a MakerBot desktop 3D printer.





Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #3: Batman Fidget Spinners

Known for his clever devices, Batman would be the superhero to carry around a fidget spinner in his tool belt. You know, to occupy himself on the crime-less days of the week. Would he use a Batman-themed fidget spinner though?



We dont knowbut we certainly would, which is why were featuring two Batman-inspired 3D printable fidget spinners on our list.

The first, posted by Heraldo Medeiros on Thingiverse, is shaped like the Batman logo and can be made in two versions: one with three 608 ball bearings (22 mm) or one with one 608 ball bearing and two holes for coins. (It should be noted that Medeiros files are designed to fit Brazilian 5 cent coins, which are conveniently 22 mm in diameter).

The 3D printed components of the Batman fidget spinner should be printed with 0.2 mm layers and 50 to 70% infill. No supports are required.

If youre looking for an alternative, we also suggest checking out this 3D printed Batman-inspired fidget spinner, designed by maker TenDutch.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #4: Micro Single Fidget Spinner

This simple and sleek looking fidget spinner was designed by maker Tim Bolton, who set out to make a more compact spinning toy for his kids. He says of his own design: I didn't expect it to spin all that good but I was surprised. It spins great and feels very good in your hand.



The simple 3D printed fidget spinner is made up of just three printed parts and can be assembled with a single 608ZZ bearing. In terms of print settings, Bolton suggests 15% infill. He used white Hatchbox PLA filament to print the spinners parts.

If youre planning on 3D printing the micro single fidget spinner, Bolton also notes that you may have to tweak the scale of the print by a percent or so to make it easier for the bearings to fit.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #5: Geared Fidget Spinner

Do you know what doesnt grind my gears? Fidget spinners! Here are two 3D printed geared fidget spinners that you can test your printing skills with. It should be noted that both makes are works in progress, and therefore may not be perfect at spinning.

The first, a design by Thingiverse user Evan Kennedy, is made up of six 3D printed parts and five 608 bearings. According to Kennedy, when assembled the fidget spinner might not spin as well as the classic model, but the gears are still captivating to watch.

The second geared fidget spinner is similar to the first, only it was posted by user altognini. You can check out the comments section for tips and tricks to improving the makers 3D model.



Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #6: Pokemon Fidget Spinner

As if fidget spinners werent fun enough, a number of makers have gone above and beyond in making some awesome themed spinning toys. Two of our favorite have got to be these Pokemon-inspired fidget spinners.

The more simple of the two, a Pikachu fidget spinner, was designed by Thingiverse user James Robison (aka wingnut2k), and requires three 1/2 ball bearings and one 608 bearing. Printed on a PowerSpec 3D Pro, Robison did not require any rafts or supports and used a 0.2 mm resolution and 50% infill. If youve got a young Pokemon fan in your life, you can always scale the print down a bit and fit it with slightly smaller bearings.

Next, weve got a very cool 3D printed Pokeball fidget spinner, courtesy of TheDesignerd. As he says, This is the craze of 2016 and the craze of 2017 combined in one beautiful nonsense."



This print is perhaps one of the most complex on our list as it requires quite a few 3D printed parts and a longer assembly process for each of the Pokeballs. Still, wed say the added effort will be worth the oohs and aahs of your fidget spinner-loving friends. For this fidget spinner (and in addition to the 3D printed components) youll need three M8 nuts, a 608 bearing, and superglue.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #7: Star Wars Fidget Spinners

In keeping with the franchise-themed fidget spinners, were excited to present a few Star Wars inspired fidget spinners which are sure to thrill fans of the force.

First off, weve got a Tie fighter fidget spinner by maker Drew Lentz. The simple fidget spinner is comprised of just a few 3D printed parts and can be assembled with a standard 608 bearing. The 3D printed components should be printed at 3 shells with 100% infill. If youve got the time, you can even combine black and grey filaments like Lentz did for a cooler effect.

Alternately, you can also check out this series of 3D printed Star Wars fidget spinners which were remixed from Star Wars snowflake designs. For the complete collection, youll have to print a Yoda, Kylo Ren, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Death Star, Tie fighter, storm trooper, and more!

Most of the fidget spinners in the Star Wars collection use 608 bearings.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #8: Cat Fidget Spinner

Next on our list is this customizable cat fidget spinner, made by Lucina M. Basically, makers can customize how many cat heads they want on their fidget spinner (between two and five) as well as the type of weight. For the latter, makers can choose from a standard 608 bearing, or 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", M8, M10, or M12 hex nuts; and 3/8", 1/2", or 5/8" loose ball bearings.

The scalable feline fidget spinner is too adorable not to print!

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #9: BioHaz Fidget Spinner

For those less into cutesy toys, this BioHaz fidget spinner might be more up your alley. Inspired by the universal biohazard symbol, the edgy fidget spinner must look awesome in action.

To make the BioHaz fidget spinner, youll need three 14 mm ball bearings (which act as weights), as well as a standard, hybrid ceramic, or full ceramic bearing measuring 8 x 22 x 7 (or 7 x 22 x 7). Maker Paul Shax recommends heading up the 3D printed spinner before inserting the bearings, as they might be quite tight.

Printing on a Malyan M150, Shax used 0.2 to 0.1 mm resolution, 50% infill, and no rafts or supports.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #10: LED Fidget Spinner

One way to make any toy better? Put some lights on it! And thats just what a few innovative makers have done.

One maker, by the username of acuralegendz, demonstrates how you can make your own LED fidget spinner using only a 3D printed frame, a battery holder, 608ZZ bearings, and a couple of LEDs. As the maker explains, you simply have to solder the LEDs to leads on the battery holder, which can then be bent to be flat and the LEDs can be poked through the fidget spinners holes.

For the 3D printed component, the maker recommends 0.2 mm resolution and an infill of 100%.

Another option is this RGB LED fidget spinner by Thingiverse user Milosch Meriac (aka FoolsDelight). For his version, youll need a 3D printed casing, along with 11 RGB LEDs with blinking and/or rainbow effects, one bearing, two Sparkfun LilyPad CR2032 battery holders, colored wires, and isolation tape.

While a video demo of Meriacs light-up fidget spinner looks pretty good, the maker says his project is still a working progress.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #11: Penny Fidget Spinner

If youve been looking for something to do with your leftover pennies, this 3D printed fidget spinner could be a good solution. The make, designed by 2ROBOTGUY, uses twelve pennies, (four for each arm) as the weights. Not only is the fidget spinner more DIY than some others (you wont have to buy any steel bearings, for instance), but it also has an amazing copper sheen when it spins.

2ROBOTGUY shows fellow makers how they can recreate his penny fidget spinner in a video, and offers some handy tips such as weighing the pennies to ensure they are of equal weight, choosing the shiniest pennies for the top, and using only a small amount of superglue to stick them into the spinner.

If youre not a fan of the penny aesthetic, you can always opt to 3D print penny spinner caps which can be put in place of the top penny.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #12: Double Decker Fidget Spinner

For double the spinning action, we recommend checking out this Double Decker fidget spinner by maker Carl Johnson. The two-tiered spinner is a remix of his previous Minimal In-Line Spinner, and reportedly offers extra spin because of the added weight.

Like most of the fidget spinners on this list, the double decker version uses 608 bearings. Johnson has also included a selection of different peg designs (both of which work well, he says).

For the 3D printed components, the maker suggests 0.2 mm resolution and does recommend supports for the spinner body. An infill of minimum 40% is suggested for strength.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #13: Marble Fidget Spinner

Here is another good DIY fidget spinner, especially if youve got some marbles lying around. Created by Adam Gehl, the marble fidget spinner only requires a 3D printed frame (downloadable for free on Thingiverse), five standard sized marbles, and a longboard ball bearing.



Though the maker does not specify, we imagine youd have to glue the marbles onto the frame to secure them during spinning. For the right scale, Gehl says the model has to be laid flat in the slicing software and the z-axis height has to be adjusted to 7mm. He also says not to print at any less than 70% speed.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #14: Adafruit Fidget Spinner

Adafruit has seldom disappointed us with its fun 3D printed projects, and its Adafruit flower fidget spinner is no exception. The toy, which is described in a detailed tutorial, is made up of a 3D printed flower frame, 3D printed finger rests, and a 608ZZ bearing.



One thing the tutorial does mention that other makes do not is that your DIY fidget spinner might actually work better if you clean out and re-lubricate the ball bearing. The Ruiz Brothers suggest using something like Reel Butter or another synthetic lubrication to get your fidget spinner spinning more than ever.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #15: Triplex Fidget Spinner

Next on our list is the Triplex fidget spinner, a subtle spin on the classic tri spinner. The 3D printed toy was designed by Thingiverse user Sean Hodgins, who was also responsible for the $5 fidget spinner Kickstarter campaign.

If youre up for making your own Triplex fidget spinner youll simply need your 3D printer, some filament, and four standard skateboard bearings (22 mm). As the maker says, happy spinning!

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #16: Dual Wave Fidget Spinner

Next up is the 3D printed Dual Wave Fidget Spinner created by maker Matthew Morrow. The simple design (if you havent guessed from the name) only has two ends, sort of resembling a wavy rod. But, as we know, as long as both sides are balanced and theres room for a bearing and weights, it will spin!



For this make youll again just need a 3D printer, some filament, and three 608ZZ bearings. Morrow says the holes for the bearings on the 3D printed frame might need some sanding down to fit the bearings, but otherwise it should be a straightforward print.

Using a 5th generation MakerBot Replicator, Morrow did use rafts but did not require supports. If you want the best spin possible, he also suggests checking out ceramic or hybrid ceramic bearings (though if youre on a budget, best to stick to steel).

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #17: Knurled Tri Spinner

If youre finding that your fidget spinner is slipping out of your hand too easily, we highly suggest checking out this 3D printed Knurled Fidget Spinner, created by 3DCentralVA. The DIY fidget spinner, which is notable for its rough knurled edges, can easily be made at home on your own 3D printer.

Youll simply need to 3D print the spinner frame and the peg cap, and install four 608ZZ bearings. The peg cap is a notable feature because not only does it let users hold the fidget spinner in their fingers (as most do), but the slightly protruding peg makes it possible to do loads of spinning tricks, and makes it easier to transfer the spinner between hands.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #18: Mini Fidget Spinner

If you have to spin discreetly (say, maybe fidget spinners have been banned at school or the office) this mini fidget spinner might be able to fly under the radar.

Compared to many of the 3D printed fidget spinner toys on this list, this tiny fidget spinner requires a fair amount of printing and assembly, as it is made up of five 3D printed parts: a pin cap, pin, two outer layers for the body, and one middle layer. Aside from the pin which was 3D printed at 70 mm/s, all other parts were printed at 35 mm/s, with 100% infill and 0.2 mm resolution.

For the assembly, youll need a MR74 miniature ball bearing, 8mm Ball bearings, and some super glue to keep all the printed parts together.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #19: Newton Fidget Spinner

The most important thing about making a fidget spinner is ensuring that it is balanced and can maintain a center of massit is this that ensures that your toy gets an even and consistent spin. Usually, this means that the center bearing will be located exactly in the center of the spinner with structures of equal shape and size surrounding.

With this awesome 3D printed Newton fidget spinner, however, that idea is turned upside down. The very uneven looking fidget spinner (still a tri) is apparently perfectly balanced and can spin smoothly thanks to, you know, physics.

Once again, youll simply need to 3D print the fidget spinner frame and install four 608ZZ bearings: one in the center and three around. For the bearing caps, the Newtons designer offers a referral to these 3D printable basic bearing caps.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #20: Ninja Star Fidget Spinner

This next fidget spinner is designed to bring out your inner ninja. Designed by Greek Gadget Guru, the Naruto Shuriken fidget toy hand spinner was inspired by what is possibly the coolest weapon ever: the ninja star.

Obviously, this fidget spinner is not meant for throwing, but it will still look pretty cool spinning between your fingers.

To build your own ninja star fidget spinner youll need to 3D print the two components that make it up, a single 608ZZ bearing, and some carbon fiber vinyl wrap, which was used to make the assembled fidget spinner more ninja-chic.

Using a BoxZY 3D printer, Greek Gadget Guru put his settings at 90% infill and 0.1 mm resolution. He did not require supports or rafts for the 3D printed components.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #21: 1/2" Ball Bearings Fidget Spinner

Looking like something out of Beyblade, these 3D printed fidget spinners are quite different than your run of the mill tri spinner. That is, rather than use three evenly spaced weights, these fidget spinners get their weight from numerous 1/2 inch loose ball bearings, which are distributed across a surface.

Designed by Thingiverse user Frank Appio (aka FluxAxiom) on Autodesk Fusion 360, the fidget spinners come in a few varying designs including the 6 ball shuriken, the 9 ball rotor, and the 10 ball knuckler.

You will need a 608 bearing for the spinners center, though 1/2 loose ball bearings can be used for the rest of the weights. According to Appio, they can simply be clicked in and do not require glue.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #22: Steel Ball Fidget Spinner

Weve got another ball-based fidget spinner for you here, only this one requires four large 24mm steel balls instead of many tiny ones.

Posted on Pinshape by maker lydmetalis, the 3D printed fidget spinner is reportedly very heavy to use and is therefore perhaps not suitable for kids. (If youre looking to build up your spinning muscles, this might just be the gadget for it.)

For the center bearing you will need a standard 608 bearing. Also, you might need to clamp down on the 3D print frame parts once they are assembled to ensure they stick together.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #23: Tri Star Spinner

A spin on the classic tri fidget spinner, this spacey Tri Star Spinner is bound to satisfy your spinning needs. Designed by Jesse Zavitz, the 3D printed fidget spinner can be dual adapted to be twice as wide if you want.

The 3D printed components should be printed at 30% infill and at 0.2 mm resolution. The prints do require supports, but no rafts. The parts can be assembled with standard 608 bearings.

Zavitz has also included the SketchUp file for the 3D printed fidget spinner.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #24: Idle Hands Fidget Spinner

You know what they say... the devil makes work with idle hands. If thats true, best to occupy your idle hands with this occult-inspired fidget spinner. (For those unfamiliar with pagan symbols, this witchy looking fidget spinner actually represents love and fertility!)

This fidget spinner is made up of three 3D printed parts (the frame, the cap bottom, and cap top), all of which can be printed at a 0.2 mm resolution. To assemble the widget spinner youll need a standard 608 bearing as well as five M4 nuts, which act as weights around the spinners circumference.

Best Fidget Spinner Design/Toy to 3D print #25: One-Piece-Print Fidget Spinner

Last but certainly not least on our list is this one-piece-print fidget spinner that requires only 3D printed parts. Thats right, even the bearings are 3D printed. As maker Murray Clark explains, the all-plastic fidget spinner incorporates four printed bearings which means that it should be able to spin right off the build plate. (You will need to free the printed bearings and add a bit of lubricant to get it going.)

Clark 3D printed his functional one-piece fidget spinner using their MakerBot Replicator+ with the following settings: 0.2 mm resolution, 3 shells, and infill of at least 50% (for added weight). The fidget spinner was printed from PLA.

More detailed instructions for the one-piece-print fidget spinner can be found on Thingiverse.

P.S. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can always try to break the record for biggest 3D printed fidget spinner.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Jaydaan wrote at 6/24/2017 12:39:46 AM:I would love a free figet spinner any chance I could get a Bluetooth one?




Jun 22, 2017 | By Benedict

Scientists in Italy have used photogrammetry 3D scanning techniques to put together the exploded head of a man who died in the Mount Vesuvius eruption that wiped out Pompeii and surrounding areas in the year 79 AD. They say the 50-year-old victim may have been wealthy and educated.

Its a marvel of modern technology that, far from forgetting about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost two millennia ago, were actually still learning things about the terrifying event that claimed thousands of lives.

Last year, an extensive Lund University 3D scanning project brought a large Pompeii house back to life, allowing digital visitors to walk around its eerily restored rooms. And scientists have now repeated the trick on a different subject: the exploded head of a middle-aged man who was living in the coastal town of Herculaneum when the disaster occurred.

The scientists responsible for this 3D scanning marvel report that the victims brains erupted and burst through his skull as the town of Herculaneum was hit by a 500C pyroclastic surge. Amazingly, were now able to see the victims face for the first time.

Italian archaeologist Pier Paolo Petrone, who carried out extensive excavations on Herculaneum between 1997 and 1999, described the skull as one of the best-preservedin the town, but added that it was difficult to piece together because it was broken in several parts and very fragile.

Fortunately, Petrone had assistance from people who can piece together better than anyone else.

Gianfranco Quaranta, an Italian graphic designer working for the Association for Research and Education in Art, Archaeology and Architecture (AREA3), specializes in 3D scanning and 3D printing projects. By taking around 150 photos of the victims damaged skull, he was able to gather enough information to create a 3D model of the skull.

That part of the project was left to Brazilian 3D visual artist Cicero Moraes, who told the Daily Mail how he used free photogrammetry software to extract the 3D geometric information and create realistic features.

I faced a few challenges because the skull had no teeth, Moraes said. So I used the dentures of a compatible virtual donor, placing it on the cranium to get an idea of their positioning and the region for the lips. I consulted a study that measures the thickness of the skin of hundreds of present day Europeans and placed the corresponding markers for a man of his age.

Another virtual skull was used to get the position and alignment of the eyes correct, while the victims nose was drawn based on the structure of the nasal bone and the direction of the nasal spine.

It is a complicated process but rewarding when you see the final face appear, Quaranta added.

One of the most interest aspects of the 3D scanning and facial recreation was the information it revealed about the man. The experts say that the reconstructed face shows a typical southern European. However, they were also able to draw further conclusions about the mans lifestyle. They believe the Herculaneum resident may have been wealthy and educated because he was 50 years old when he diedan age that common people would have been unlikely to reach.

Excitingly, the experts behind this exciting 3D scanning endeavor hope they can repeat the process for more Vesuvius eruption victims. The face of a Pompeii citizen may be the next one to be revealed. Quaranta suggested. The experts are also running special fieldwork courses for traveling MIT students in order to train more people in the art of 3D scanning and 3D reconstruction.

The reconstructed face of the Herculaneum eruption victim will be displayed at a press conference today in Priverno, central Italy.

Posted in 3D Scanning

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Jun 22, 2017 | By Benedict

WobbleWorks, the company behind the popular 3Doodler 3D printing pen, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a set of limited edition Star Trek 3Doodler pens. The pens cost $99 for one, and $450 for the complete set of six.

Love them or loathe them, you have to admire the success of the 3Doodler 3D printing pen in recent years. Capitalizing on a growing interest in consumer 3D printing (and a somewhat more permanent interest in art), these unusual filament-extruding devices promised artists the ability to draw in 3D for the first time. And they delivered!

The 3Doodler 3D pen has been a huge success. Since its original launch, WobbleWorks has put out a number of different versions, including the 3Doodler Start for young kids and the 3Doodler Pro for serious artists and designers. But the company has now launched perhaps its most exciting pens yet: a set of six limited edition Star Wars 3Doodlers, available to order through a somewhat sentimental Kickstarter campaign.

3Doodler wouldve never happened without the initial commitment of the Kickstarter community, WobbleWorks explains. With two successfully funded campaigns under our belt, we wanted to return our gratitude and celebrate Kickstarter Gold with these exclusive Star Trek Crew Edition pens that weve been excited to create with the permission of CBS Consumer Products.

There are half a dozen Star Trek 3Doodler Create pens in the collection, divided into two sets of three: Original and Next Generation. Each trio contains a Command, Operations, and Sciences version.

The pens will be available exclusively through Kickstarter until July 10, 2017, and will start to ship shortly after the Kickstarter campaign ends. Unsurprisingly, the campaign has already far surpassed its original $1,000 goal.

Luckily for Star Trek lovers, the package contains more than just the pen itself. WobbleWorks says its 3D pen sets come packed with detailed step-by-step instructions for Star Trek themed projects, so that you can bring your favorite Trekkie moments to life in your own home.

Like other 3Doodler pens, these Star Trek 3Doodler devices extrude heated plastic that cools almost instantly into a solid, stable structure. Unlike 3D printers, no computers or software are needed.

A single Star Trek pen costs $99, with the complete set of six available for $450. Customers can, however, order any number of pens, and can even purchase the Star Trek projects only. (This might be the best option for those who already own a 3Doodler.)

Each Star Trek 3Doodler pen set contains:

Limited Edition Star Trek themed 3Doodler Create 3D pen

A unique numbered engraving (on the side of the pen)

An additional pack of plastic (making a total of 3 packs, or 75 strands)

Special Star Trek themed projects for you to create

A 3Doodler Star Trek Leather Pouch to match your pen (in yellow, blue or red)

Posted in 3D Printer

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Jun 22, 2017 | By Tess

3D printer manufacturer German RepRap has released a number of new 3D printing filaments, expanding its existing materials offering. The new materials include an ESD ABS, an ASA, and a Performance ABS filament. Additionally, the company has released a new color each for its PET-G filament (gray), and its flexible TPU93 filament (black).

Based in Feldkirchen, a district of Munich, German RepRap offers a range of RepRap FDM 3D printers as well as a slew of 3D printing materials. Lets take a look at the companys recent additions.

ESD ABS filament

First up is the new ESD ABS filament, which was developed by German RepRap to meet the intense demand for electrically conductive filament. Available in black, the new filament is notable for discharging static electricity well, a feature which makes it suitable for 3D printing mounting devices for electronic parts, as well as for fuel storage and delivery space.

Because of its static mitigating properties, the ESD ABS filament can also be handy for production applications that involve dust, powder, or even vapors, as it can help to stop particles from being drawn to the plastic printed object. Those interested in ESD ABS can purchase spools of either 0.75 kg or 2.10 kg through German RepRaps website. The new filament is available in a diameter of 1.75 mm.

ASA filament

German RepRap is marketing its next filament, ASA, as an outdoor alternative to ABS. This is largely because the acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer has a higher thermal dimensional stability than ABS and possesses good UV and chemical resistance, which ABS does not, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

ASAs strength, however, is comparable to ABS, so it can be used for printing functional technical parts. The filament is currently available in a natural color and in spools of either 0.75 kg or 2.10 kg (also 1.75 mm diameter).

Performance ABS

The third new material is the Performance ABS filament, which is reportedly similar to standard ABS but features a higher resistance to thermal warping. For makers who have had trouble with warping with regular ABS, the Performance ABS could be a suitable alternative, as it can improve the process of manufacturing complex, filigree, or large objects. Performance ABS is available in a natural color and in the same formats as the other two filaments.

Finally, German RepRap has also introduced its existing PET-G filament in gray. The thermoplastic polyester is known for its polarity, as well as its high break strength and thermal dimensional stability up to 176 F (80 C).

PET-G filament in gray

TPU 93, now available in black, is a thermoplastic polyurethane with good flexibility. This feature, along with its UV, ozone, and abrasion resistance, makes it suitable for producing such parts as cable jackets or automotive interiors. The materials Shore hardness is 93, and it has displayed an elongation at break of 500%.

German RepRaps new materials are all available from the company itself as well as its certified resellers. The filaments are compatible with most FDM/FFF 3D printers that use non-proprietary materials.

TPU 93 filament in black

Posted in 3D Printing Materials

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From Medical Xpress:

For most people having a good memory means being able to remember more information clearly for long periods of time. For neuroscientists too, the inability to remember was long believed to represent a failure of the brain's mechanisms for storing and retrieving information. But according to a new review paper from Paul Frankland, a senior fellow in CIFAR's Child & Brain Development program, and Blake Richards, an associate fellow in the Learning in Machines & Brains program, our brains are actively working to forget. In fact, the two University of Toronto researchers propose that the goal of memory is not to transmit the most accurate information over time, but to guide and optimize intelligent decision making by only holding on to valuable information.

"It's important that the brain forgets irrelevant details and instead focuses on the stuff that's going to help make decisions in the real world," says Richards.

The review paper, published this week in the journal Neuron, looks at the literature on remembering, known as persistence, and the newer body of research on forgetting, or transience. The recent increase in research into the brain mechanisms that promote forgetting is revealing that forgetting is just as important a component of our memory system as remembering. "We find plenty of evidence from recent research that there are mechanisms that promote memory loss, and that these are distinct from those involved in storing information," says Frankland. One of these mechanisms is the weakening or elimination of synaptic connections between neurons in which memories are encoded. Another mechanism, supported by evidence from Frankland's own lab, is the generation of new neurons from stem cells. As new neurons integrate into the hippocampus, the new connections remodel hippocampal circuits and overwrite memories stored in those circuits, making them harder to access. This may explain why children, whose hippocampi are producing more new neurons, forget so much information. It may seem counterintuitive that the brain would expend so much energy creating new neurons at the detriment of memory. Richards, whose research applies artificial intelligence (AI) theories to understanding the brain, looked to principles of learning from AI for answers. Using these principles, Frankland and Richards frame an argument that the interaction between remembering and forgetting in the human brain allows us to make more intelligent memory-based decisions.

More here.
By law, domestic workers in Singapore are entitled to one day off per week. Many spend it at church, or with friends. On Sundays East Coast Park, a long, narrow stretch of greenery by the Singapore Strait, is crowded with women laughing and picnicking together. But some forego the outdoors, and take a cramped, rickety lift in an unremarkable office building in an unfashionable corner of the city to spend their afternoon in a fluorescent-lit classroom. Since last September, a group called Voice of Singapores Invisible Hands has been offering creative-writing classes for Singapores migrant workers (the countrys invisible hands). Another group, Singlit Station, organises poetry workshops. And for the past three years, Shivaji Das, a high-flying consultant with Frost & Sullivan who also writes art and travel books (his latest, Angels by the Murky River, came out in March), has staged poetry contests for Singapores millions of migrant workers. Dass idea began in late 2013, when around 400 migrant workers rioted in the Little India neighbourhood, after a private bus killed an Indian construction worker. Tensions between native Singaporeans and migrants ran high. Das thought that seeing workers reading their own poetry would give the public a better impressionand would help with integration. In the contests first year, 2014, 28 poets entered, all of them Bangladeshi  Bengali, their language, has a rich literary tradition. Since then, 140 more have taken part, including Filipinos, Indonesians and Chinese, writing in both English and their native tongues. Das estimates that around 60% of the entrants are women, mainly domestic workers; the men tend to work in construction or the marine industry. The contest has also expanded to Malaysia, home to many migrant workers and refugees, and another may soon take place in the United Arab Emirates, where migrants comprise 88% of the population (in Singapore their share is 45%).

Espanola was among the half-dozen students taking up the front row of the language-school classroom one afternoon recently. The subject was plot. The teacher, a Malaysian-Chinese short-story writer named Kathryn Chua, had assigned them to watch a video of Kurt Vonnegut discussing a plot graph, in which the X axis was the storys progress (beginning, middle, end) and the Y had Good fortune at the top and Ill fortune at the bottom. A satisfying story, said Vonnegut, would resemble a sort of inverse parabola: at the storys outset the protagonist finds himself with middlingly good fortune; then as the story continues obstacles bedevil him and he falls into the pit of ill fortune; and at the end, when he overcomes his struggles, he climbs the Y axis precipitously, ending up better than his starting position. The Filipina and Indonesian women in this class  who are writing in English, their third or fourth language  grasped Vonneguts formula immediately, perhaps because they struggle with where to place themselves on his parabola: far from home and family, but earning enough to give the relatives they left behind a better life than they themselves have known.

More here.
Andrew J. Bacevich in The American Conservative:

During the Age of Trump, Year One, a single word has emerged to capture the essence of the prevailing cultural mood: resistance. Words matter, and the prominence of this particular term illuminates the moment in which we find ourselves.

All presidents, regardless of party or program, face criticism and opposition.Citizens disinclined to support that program protest. Marching, chanting, waving placards, and generally raising a ruckus in front of any available camera, they express dissent. In normal times, such activism testifies to the health of democracy.

Yet these are not normal times. In the eyes of Trumps opponents, his elevation to the pinnacle of American politics constitutes a frontal assault on values that until quite recently appeared fixed and unassailable. In such distressing circumstances, mere criticism, opposition, protest, and dissent will not suffice. By their own lights, anti-Trump forces are fending off the apocalypse. As in November 1860 so too in November 2016, the outcome of a presidential election has placed at risk a way of life.

The very word resistance conjures up memories of the brave souls who during World War II opposed the Nazi occupation of their homelands, with the French maquis the best known example. It carries with it an unmistakable whiff of gunpowder. After resistance comes revolution.

Simply put, Trumps most ardent opponents see him as an existential threat, with the clock ticking. Thus the stakes could hardly be higher. Richard Parker of Harvard has conjured what he calls Resistance School, which in three months has signed up some 30,000 anti-Trump resistors from 49 states and 33 countries. It is our attempt to begin the long slow process of recovering and rebuilding our democracy, says Parker. Another group styling itself the DJT Resistance declares that Trump represents Hatred, Bigotry, Xenophobia, Sexism, Racism, and Greed.

More here.
Elisa Wouk Almino at The Millions:

Luisellis book, Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions, out now from Coffee House Press, is an attempt to record, in English, what didnt get translated. For while she also writes books in Spanish, she had no trouble deciding which language to write the one distilling her experiences in court. The versions of these childrens stories that do already exist in English, in the media primarily, are incomplete and oversimplified, and the ones packaged for the courts are not much better.

It was in 2014 when she first learned that tens of thousands of children were turning themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol after arduous, perilous journeys from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other places. This would widely become known as an immigration crisis that to this day continues, where unaccompanied children have been fleeing escalating violence across Central America.

The numbers are staggering and the circumstances harrowing. To make these journeys, children travel on the backs of trains and cross deserts with limited water supply, where they also run the risk of being kidnapped and murdered. If you are a girl crossing the border from Mexico, there is an 80 percent chance that you will be raped; many take birth control as a precaution. Too many of these children, some as young as two years old, are sent back. Mexican children dont stand a chance, as they can be deported immediately under U.S. policy if Border Patrol determines they meets certain conditions.

more here.
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.
Best Scuba Diving Destination In Kauai Is Offering The Most Exciting, Safest, High-Quality & Memorable Diving Experience

Poipu, Kauai, HI, USA  Kauai Scuba Rebreather & Technical Dive Center has announced that it is offering the ultimate diving experience in the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. The certified diving center is not only meeting the needs of the diving community but is also educating and training the community about scuba diving, shore diving, boat diving and recreational rebreathing, etc. Co-owned by Brian OHara and Mike Hanna, the center has an unmatched safety record and takes pride in its professional training programs.

We believe in helping divers of all skill levels to adventure safely in our guided diving sessions. Said Mike Hanna, the Co-Owner of Kauai Scuba Rebreather & Technical. We are offering the best diving training in the world and our students have made us proud, worldwide. He added. According to Mike, the dive center is also certified by the International Board of Undersea Medicine (IBUM) as a Hyperbaric Medicine Training Facility because it offers hyperbaric medicine training to physicians, medical technicians and nurses addressing the needs of the diving community.

For anyone who is searching for the best diving experience in Hawaii or even in the entire Pacific Ocean, this center is the most suitable option. The Kauai scuba diving and training center has made impressive accomplishments over the years and it has certified more than 1,500 divers so far.

In addition, the center has also certified 20 instructors who are now teaching diving successfully in several other countries worldwide. Moreover, it is a year round destination of some of the most amazing diving enthusiasts of North and South America. Furthermore, the center is welcoming new divers to book a dive today.

For more details, please visit: www.diveinkauai.com

Media Contact

Company Name: Kauai Scuba, Rebreather and Technical Certified Dive Center

Contact Person: Mike Hanna [Co-Owner]

Email: diver@diveinkauai.com

Phone: (808) 652 2466

Country: United States

Website: www.DiveInKauai.com


Borgun now verifying UBOs with iSignthis Paydentity

Melbourne, June 22, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - iSignthis Ltd ( ASX:ISX ) ( TA8:FRA ) are pleased to announce that it has commercially deployed its PaydentityTM Console solution to Icelandic based European acquirer and issuer, Borgun.



Highlights:



- Merchant UBO Verification service deployed to Borgun on a commercial basis



- iSignthis Merchant UBO Verification service to verify Borgun's persons with significant control



- Initial 2,500 merchant's UBOs to be remotely verified via iSignthis



iSignthis will be providing Borgun with our Paydentity(TM) Console merchant UBO and Person of Significant Control (PSC) verification service to verify the identity of merchant's key controllers, directors and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). A merchant will have at least one person to be verified, with an estimated average of 2-3 UBO's and PSC's. The Paydentity(TM) Console service standard rate is circa EUR25/person, with Borgun having been discounted due to their aggressive expansion plans over the next year.



The 4th Anti Money Laundering Directive now includes a requirement to verify UBO's and PSC's, typically after they have been identified by the PSP via the new pan European UBO register initiative. This is a new requirement, that appears to be catching many PSP's, law and audit firms unawares as to their responsibilities.



Borgun have 35 years of experience in the issuing and acquiring sector in Iceland, with their main markets including; Europe, UK, Hungary, Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Nordics. They currently have 10,000 merchants verified with another 2,500 still to be verified.



Borgun have previously used manual methods to verify cross border UBOs, taking between 5 to 14 days to verify persons. Using iSignthis Paydentity, Borgun will be able to verify identified UBOs within minutes allowing for automated, remote onboarding globally.



iSignthis CEO John Karantzis' said, "We are extremely pleased to be delivering services to Borgun, Iceland's leading PSP. Paydentity solves the problem of UBO and person of significant control verification. Identifying UBO's is easy, thanks to the pan European UBO register initiative. Verifying the UBO, which is a new requirement under the 4AMLD, would take several days effort, and it can now be done in less than five minutes. This revolution in cost reduction and time savings is made possible by the Paydentity solution."



Glossary



Identification: the means whereby a person is identified by name and other unique attributes, prior to those details being verified by a customer due diligence process.



Verification: the means whereby a persons details, including name, date of birth, address and other unique attributes having been previously identified, are verified via a customer due diligence process.



UBO: (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Companies are increasingly expected to understand who they are doing business with. This serves to prevent doing business with mala fide parties. Any institutions that fall within the scope of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act must retrieve the identity of the UBO (the ultimate beneficial owner) of their business relations on a mandatory basis.



PSC: A Person of Significant Control (PSC) is anyone that exerts a significant influence or control over a company. They are identified as a PSC if they meet any of the following criteria: Hold more than 25% of a share in a company or have the right to participate in more than 25% of the surplus assets of a company.



About Borgun



We have 35 years of experience in the issuing and acquiring sector in Iceland. Our presence in the European market is growing rapidly and we are proud to have many household brands among our clients. Our goal is simple, to help your business grow. We know that for growing businesses swift, secure and simple payment processing is of primary importance. We offer a comprehensive range of products and resources, and experience for your business to draw upon. We can tailor solutions that fit your needs and you can rely on us to find the right electronic payment solution for your business. We are member of Visa Europe and MasterCard International and we also have exclusive agreements with JCB, Diners / Discover and Union Pay and Icelandic licenses for American Express. We are a licensed financial institution and regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority in Iceland.



Read more about the company here: www.borgun.com





About iSignthis Ltd





iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX) (FRA:TA8) is a hybrid monetary financial institution and also a RegTech leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication with deposit taking, transactional banking and payment processing capability. iSignthis provides an end-to-end on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment, electronic money and identity service via our Paydentity(TM) and ISXPay(R) solutions.

By converging payments and identity, iSignthis delivers regulatory compliance to an enhanced customer due diligence standard, offering global reach to any of the world's 4.2Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders, that can be remotely on-boarded to meet the Customer Due Diligence requirements of AML regulated merchants in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. Paydentity(TM) has now onboarded and verified more than 1.5m persons to an AML KYC standard.

iSignthis Paydentity(TM) service is the trusted back office solution for regulated entities, allowing merchants to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, and focus on growing their core business. iSignthis' subsidiary, iSignthis eMoney Ltd, trades as ISXPay(R), and is an EEA authorised eMoney Monetary Financial Institution, offering card acquiring in the EEA, and Australia.

ISXPay(R) is a principal member of Mastercard Inc, Diners, Discover, (China) Union Pay International and JCB International, an American Express aggregator, and provides merchants with access to payments via alternative methods including SEPA, Poli Payments, Sofort, PRZ24 and others.

Probanx Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of iSignthis Ltd, provides API based access to CORE Banking solutions, SEPA Core, SEPA Instant and SEPA business scheme, for neobanks, banks, credit unions and emoney institutions, and provides a bridge to the Eurosystem's Central Bank of Lithuania's CENTROLink service.
NOTE: Thank you to Mary Holland for sharing this critically important information regarding burden of proof of vaccine injury in the European Union.



Court of Justice of the European Union

PRESS RELEASE No 66/2017

Luxembourg, 21 June 2017



Where there is a lack of scientific consensus, the proof of the defect of the vaccine and of a causal link between the defect and the damage suffered may be made out by serious, specific and consistent evidence.



The temporal proximity between the administering of a vaccine and the occurrence of a disease, the lack of personal and familial history of the person vaccinated and the existence of a significant number of reported cases of the disease occurring following such vaccines being administered may, where applicable, constitute sufficient evidence to make out such proof.



Read the full press release here.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 71F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Additional aircraft to meet near-term growth on carriers regional network

AirAsia has signed an agreement with Airbus to order an additional 14 A320ceo aircraft to meet higher than expected near-term growth on the carriers regional network. The contract, which is subject to AirAsia board approval, was announced at the Paris Air Show today.

Todays announcement will see the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by AirAsia rise to 592, reaffirming its position as the largest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line. To date, 171 A320ceo and eight A320neo have already been delivered to the airline and are flying with its units in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer said, Demand is very strong in AirAsias traditional countries, but now we have Indonesia, Philippines and India doing extremely well. The robust demand has led us to expand our fleet, and Airbus has been a great partner in finding us slots. We still need to find more aircraft to expand our regional reach and are actively sourcing from the leasing market. The competitive environment is at its best, coupled with a stable oil price. With the lowest cost in the world, AirAsia is back on aggressive growth."

We are pleased to announce our latest agreement from AirAsia, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. We are proud that the A320 Family has played an important role in the success of AirAsia, providing the efficiency and reliability needed for the airline to keep its costs as low as possible. We look forward to working with AirAsia as it continues on its exciting journey, enabling more people to fly, more often, and at affordable cost.

The A320 Family is the worlds best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,600 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18 wide seats in Economy as standard.


Tehran based Iran Airtour Airlines, has become Airbus newest customer for the A320neo Family after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft at the Paris Air Show.

Celebrating 45 years since establishment, the carrier now has been added to Airbus list of new customers. Operating scheduled services to domestic and international markets, Iran Airtour will benefit from the new aircraft to modernise its fleet and expand its operations to domestic and international markets.

The A320neo Family with its unique features enabling operational efficiency and reliability will contribute to our growth and expansion strategy, said Majid Shekari, Chairman of Iran Airtour Airlines. Our success as a domestic and regional airline will be reinforced by this investment in the worlds leading single-aisle aircraft.

This commitment for 45 A320neo Family aircraft demonstrates the confidence airlines have in our successful market leading single-aisle for its operational efficiency and unrivaled passenger comfort, said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft. We are delighted to add Iran Airtour as a new Airbus customer and we look forward to our long-term partnership.

The MoU is contingent upon all necessary approvals, including those from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Airbus will continue to act in full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) and associated rules.

The A320 Family is the worlds best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,600 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18 wide seats in Economy as standard.


June 21, 2017

In the hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles at Islamic State targets in Syria on June 18, Western intelligence sources guessed that these were Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missiles. The following day, this assessment changed to Zulfiqar ballistic missiles instead. These relatively sophisticated missiles have a maximum range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), are equipped with independent navigation systems and are able to adjust trajectory in the air. Zulfiqar solid-fuel propellant rockets are produced by the Iranian military industry.

These kinds of missiles constitute one of the greatest nightmares known to Israeli security systems. Should Hezbollah acquire them, for instance, they could be used to target Israeli air force bases and other strategic targets as well. Therefore, in the initial hours after the Iranian launch, key Middle East players viewed the strike with great severity. It was the first time in about 30 years that the Iranians launched ballistic missiles at a neighboring country, while violating the sovereignty of a third state (Iraq).

This was a message to the Sunni axis, a high-level Israeli security official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. But not only that, it was also a message directed at basically the entire region and its players, including the US coalition and, of course, Israel."

The real picture began to emerge a day later, and a partial sigh of relief was heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. According to various intelligence assessments, only one of the missiles (out of seven in total) struck anywhere near the target. Most of them fell on the way, while another evidently fell in the environs of the target, but not near it. The Zulfiqar is reputed to have a precision of up to 10-20 meters (33-66 feet).

In other words, the Israeli source said, if it was supposed to be an experiment, it was a failed experiment. Israel's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot spoke at the Herzliya Conference on June 20, saying, Irans operational achievement falls short of what was described in the media  far from an exact hit. Nevertheless, the Iranian military industry has a regional effect [on the entire Middle East].

Some in Israel tried to emphasize the Iranian weakness after the missile strike. An Israeli security expert told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the fact that Iran is not activating its air force within Syria proves that their air force is outdated and ineffective. They know that any Iranian plane appearing above eastern Syria would be brought down by the US coalition.

Another issue is that the "precise" Iranian missiles simply do not deliver; the percentage of hits is very low. And after all this, remains the Iranian half-full cup. The Iranian action, said a former Israeli top brass officer, proves several things." He told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, "First, they know how to launch ballistic missiles. They have operational launching facilities spread out over the territory, which know how to carry out the mission. Second, they know how to make this kind of decision. Its not an easy decision to make. Third, they have signaled the entire region that they are here to stay. They want everyone to know that they are a key, legitimate player that knows how to respond and is equipped with a long arm that knows how to strike in the depths of the enemy.

The timing of the launch was also significant. We are in the midst of a race for territorial continuity, a senior Israeli military source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. In these very days, [Syrian President Bashar al-] Assads army is making a supreme effort to take control of the border checkpoints with Iraq, where Shiite militias operated by Iran are stationed. This signals the end of another stage in the creation of Shiite territorial continuity from Tehran to the Mediterranean Sea.

Meanwhile, Israel is doing everything possible to thwart this territorial continuity, and recently the United States has begun attacking the convoys of Assads army in the region. On June 19, a Syrian battle plane and armed drone were intercepted there. This caused the Russians to declare the area west of the Euphrates River a no-fly zone and threaten that any aircraft patrolling overhead would be shot down.

The Iranians launched the missiles at an especially sensitive point in time, when the Russian-Iranian-Shiite coalition and American-Sunni-Israeli axis are facing off. Both sides have their fingers on the trigger, and the great prize hangs in the balance.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, known for his good contacts with Moscow, is also worried. According to security sources, behind closed doors Liberman blesses the tactical cooperation between Israel and Russia and the apparatus built by both armies to neutralize accidental cases of friendly fire, while also preserving maximum freedom of movement for both sides.

Nevertheless, Liberman admits that, on the strategic level, Russia is inflicting heavy damage on Israel by assisting Iran in creating Shiite territorial continuity and opening additional fronts against Israel on the Golan Heights.

The launching of the Zulfiqar missiles adds fuel to the volatile regional fire. The launching also coincided with the report in The Wall Street Journal that Israel is strengthening its cooperation with groups of Syrian rebels on the Golan front to prevent the Shiites from creating a presence there. This bit of news was denied by Israel, but well known by the other players in the Middle East. Everything is volatile and shaky, a senior Israeli army official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. The fact that we have managed to avoid an overall eruption of violence in an area involving players from the superpowers is nothing short of a miracle, he said, but the danger is still present.

Also talking at the Herzliya Conference, Israels air force commander Gen. Amir Eshel called the situation in the Middle East a discourse of words and rockets. Eshel, like Eizenkot, continues to warn Lebanon and residents of southern Lebanon of a possible flare-up. Israeli spokespeople constantly repeat and emphasize that Israel does not want war, but make it clear that should violence erupt anyway, Lebanese residents would be wise to leave their homes  because every fourth house in southern Lebanon boasts a storage shed with rockets and missiles. According to Eshel, If war breaks out in the north, we have to open with all our strength from the start," to demonstrate Israels aerial might.

The various spokespeople emphasized that no side in the northern equation is interested in a war. The problem is that when everyone talks about war and polishes their aircraft and missiles to be ready "just in case," at the end of the day, it might just happen.
June 21, 2017

ALEPPO, Syria  The opposition-controlled Idlib province in northern Syria is witnessing a growing female movement that aims to develop the skills of Syrian women and empower them to meet the responsibilities they now have to assume as a result of the ongoing war.

Several womens organizations have been established in Idlib province since early 2017. The activities they provide are intended to develop womens skills in various aspects of life, such as psychological support, work, health, media, community, family and children. They also hold events on special occasions related to women.

These groups spread their activities across the province. In Idlib city, the Women Commission for Supporting Women and Children was established on Jan. 21. It aims to educate women in the city and develop cultural awareness.

Woman Fingerprint was formed in early 2016 in the city of Idlib and aims at eradicating illiteracy among women. The Educated Womens Association is also active in Idlib city. Established in early 2016, the association works on developing womens skills and training them in different fields.

The increasing activities for women spread to other major towns and cities in Idlib province. In the city of Maarat al-Numaan, the Gathering of Syrian Women was created May 25. The gathering, headed by Huda Serjawi, aims at promoting womens experiences in the city and raising cultural awareness.

The Balsam Center to Empower Women was established May 5 in Kafr Nabl city. The center is part of a series of projects for women sponsored by the Syria Relief and Development (SRD) foundation.

The SRD also established Al-Amal (Hope) Center for the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Ariha city on Nov. 1, 2016.

The Nassim (Breeze) Center has been active in the city of Jisr ash-Shughour since its opening on Jan. 3 and works to develop womens skills.

Other associations for women are active in different towns in the province, such as Bsheiriyeh town, where female activity is on the rise.

Since the start of the Syrian revolution, women have been involved in the revolt against President Bashar al-Assads regime. In this war, women and men have worked as equals: In addition to working as nannies, doctors, journalists and aid workers, women also organize protests, call for freedom, have died for freedom and gotten arrested, just like men.

Women also suffer major burdens in the absence of men, and a large number of women in the Idlib province have become the sole breadwinner of their families.

They found themselves forced to work to feed their children. This situation shed light on the importance of associations and initiatives for women to develop skills so they can meet the responsibilities they were now assuming.

Shaimaa Mohamed, 35, from Idlib city, is now raising her five children alone after her husband was killed in an air raid in mid-2016. Mohamed completed a two-month sewing session provided by the Educated Womens Association in January and February. In March, she started working from her home making dresses for the women in her neighborhood. She sells each dress for 2,000 Syrian pounds (about $9).

The Educated Womens Association also provides Mohamed with food assistance offered by some charity organizations. Through all this help, Mohamed is now able to meet the needs of her kids.

The initiatives help many women find jobs. Sarah Abbas, 22, took hairdressing and makeup courses at the Nassim Center in Jisr ash-Shughour in early 2017. She told Al-Monitor, I got a job in a field that I love, which is hairdressing and makeup, thanks to the Nassim session. I am now operating my own female salon at our house. Women are flocking here to style their hair for special occasions like weddings.

Sarah charges 4,000 Syrian pounds (about $18) for a haircut and makeup. This amount is enough for Sarah, who is still single; she helps her father with the houses expenses.

Serjawi, the head of the Gathering of Syrian Women, told Al-Monitor, The goal of the gathering is to organize the energies and efforts of women toward a unified collective work. We also work on raising awareness among women, raising their cultural level and developing their experiences to enable them to effectively participate in cultural, economic and social life. The goal also resides in empowering women to [issue] policies and legislations [in the future] on women and their rights, and offering services and programs that guarantee womens security and stability within their families and communities, based on human rights.

She added, We prepare women and train them to assume their role in protecting their family, raising new generations and community building. We also prepare them on the economic and social levels. In addition, the gathering draws plans to identify the problems women in Maarat al-Numaan are facing and seeks solutions. We also seek to improve vocational and intellectual competence and mobilize womens skills to assume a national role in building a better community and a free Syrian state in the future.

Serjawi noted that the gathering has no fixed funding and relies on donations made by its female members. However, the inauguration conference May 25 was financed by the Syrian Network for Human Rights.

The Educated Womens Association is considered one of the most important female-related organizations in the city. Nariman al-Khalifa, the director of the association, told Al-Monitor, The main goal of the association is to support women in light of their suffering under the brunt of war. The association holds several activities on awareness and psychological support, for example  vocational training for womens capacity building to help her enter the job market, and children's activities in schools.

She added, The association is supported financially by civil society organizations and charity associations, such as Ihsan Mubayyid Shelter Center, the Baraka Humanitarian Organization and the Turkish Red Crescent. These provide support to families in need, families of victims, and widows and families of prisoners through the Educated Womens Association with the cooperation of the Idlib City Council. The association has a partnership with the Point organization and the Qatar Red Crescent. As for the women working at the association, they are volunteers that do not receive a salary.

Khalifa noted, There are more than 200 women volunteering at the association, and this high number helped develop their activities, hold several sessions on various fields ranging from first aid, nursing and manual work, to learning computer [skills], foreign languages and hairdressing.

She explains that the current programs on education, manual work and sewing are currently held at the associations headquarters in Idlib city. There are more than 50 women attending each program in June.

As the war continues to take its toll on the security situation and social conditions, questions arise as to whether such womens associations can continue their work and whether these activities will help women in Idlib play an active role in the future.
June 20, 2017

Will Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ever be welcome in Washington again? Many US legislators would like to think he wouldn't dare come back after the horrid events of May 16, when his security detail attacked peaceful protesters.

Just days later, a bipartisan House resolution was introduced to condemn Turkey and ask for the perpetrators to be prosecuted. Dana Rohrabacher, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Europe, said Erdogan "is an enemy of everything we stand for.  More importantly, he is an enemy of his own people. These are some of the strongest words of public criticism Erdogan has received from an American lawmaker. In early June, the measure asking that those involved in the Washington mayhem be brought to justice was accepted by a 397-0 vote.

Two powerful members of the Senate also voiced sharp bipartisan criticism of the incident. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and John McCain, R-Ariz., in a May 18 letter told Erdogan that his staff had blatantly violated American freedoms and that the "affront ... reflects poorly on your government." McCain chairs the Armed Services Committee, and Feinstein is the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

On June 15, Washington law enforcement officials announced criminal charges had been filed and arrest warrants issued for 12 members of the detail. Though the guards had already returned to Turkey and it's unlikely they will ever stand trial, media coverage of their photographs with the word Wanted at the top sent shock waves to Turks. Most Turkish media outlets were not quite sure whether to publish the news or ignore it.

Erdogan promptly lashed out at the US justice system, asking, What kind of law is this? He claimed the protesters were terrorists  members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Gulen movement  and were demonstrating only about 50 yards from him, yet the US police did not act. Erdogan said, If these bodyguards would not protect me, why am I taking them with me to the US?"

Erdogan sees any protest as a direct attack on himself, hence his justification of his bodyguards physical assaults on peaceful protesters. Anyone in any location who dares protest against Erdogan is seen as an imminent threat  a terrorist who needs to be eliminated.

Yet Erdogans fluency in anger didn't pack much of a punch in this case. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson shared a clear and strong message backing up the bipartisan House resolution and the actions of Washington law enforcement agencies. Although the United States has not expelled the Turkish ambassador and is well aware that the 12 bodyguards won't be extradited, its strong message has been sent and received.

On June 16, a rather mellow and patient Erdogan gave an interview to a Portuguese TV channel in which he said Turkey is ready to do whatever it takes to be accepted into the European Union. He clearly and repeatedly stated that the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda are terror organizations. So what led to this calmer and compromising Erdogan? It seems the Gulf crisis, in which many countries cut ties June 5 with Turkish ally Qatar, has been quite effective in curbing Erdogans anger and serving as a wake-up call for different groups in Turkey. Could the same thing happen to Ankara?

For decades, members of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) along with affluent businessmen operated under the assumption that Turkey is deeply integrated into the West and there is too much money invested to isolate the country.

Al-Monitor has interviewed business elites in the past two years about Turkish involvement in the Syrian civil war. The majority were confident that as a NATO member, Turkey need not worry that it might be accused of being a state sponsor of terror. However, since the Qatari crisis began, concern has risen. The thunderbolt sanctions imposed on Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorist networks  which it denies  was a shock for Turks. One businessman told Al-Monitor, For the first time, I realized that what can be done to Qatar in a day would destroy my familys businesses overnight" if it happened in Turkey. "I need to secure my assets before it is too late.

Indeed, Turkey has been associated with Qatar for a while. For example, in 2014, the US Congress held hearings into Hamas benefactors in which Qatar and Turkey were named as the group's two main financiers.

Over the years, Turkish involvement with questionable armed groups in Syria has also been raised by different sources. Several firsthand testimonies blamed Erdogan directly for aiding terrorist entities in Syria and even providing weapons to unvetted groups. Jailed Al-Monitor columnist Kadri Gursel, for example, wrote about these charges multiple times. Now there is a lawmaker, Enis Berberoglu, in jail for publicizing the scandal involving the National Intelligence Organization transporting weapons to Syria.

Also, Turkey's government has been criticized for punishing left-leaning and peaceful Islamist groups more brutally than those with open links to IS and other armed terror networks.

The Saudi-led coalitions strong reaction against Qatar grabbed the attention of Erdogan and the secular business elite in Turkey. The fear that Turkey could be the next to come under fire has been voiced not only in Turkish media but also in The Wall Street Journal, which explains Erdogan's personal stake in the issue.

The anxiety indeed runs deeper than so far acknowledged, and it connects to whether the United States will officially declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terror organization. Some senior AKP bureaucrats known for their history of open and friendly relations with all Muslim Brotherhood chapters now respond angrily to any implication that the AKP is associated with the Brotherhood. Two tweets from a pro-Erdogan journalist who mostly writes for English-speaking audiences provide an example. In one tweet is a picture of Erdogan raising four fingers, a symbol of the Brotherhood and its support of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. In the other tweet is the journalists desperate claim that the AKPs organic connection to the Brotherhood is just a myth. Given the rising international pressure, we can expect to see pro-Erdogan media struggling to distance themselves from the Brotherhood.

One prominent Islamist, who asked to remain anonymous, told Al-Monitor, We do not forget how Erdogan disowned the [victims of the] Mavi Marmara [the flotilla to break the Gaza embargo in 2010] and turned against them in 2016. Most Islamists in Turkey never even consider armed struggle against the state, so it is easy to discard us when the going gets tough. However, now Erdogan is dealing with different groups. Some of these groups have become militaristic due to their involvement in Syria. Can they be disowned as easily?

US President Donald Trump initially supported the Saudi-led coalition's actions against Qatar, and he immediately became the target of outsized Turkish anger, with Erdogan bashing him to express support for Qatar while trying to avoid offending Saudi Arabia. Trump quickly backed off his statements for unrelated reasons, however, and the United States even agreed June 14 to sell F-15 jets to Qatar. Now, with Qatari officials making statements to the international press about the United States, such as Our militaries are like brothers, it is understandable that Erdogan would quiet his criticism of the United States and initiate a campaign to distance himself from the Muslim Brotherhood.

Indeed, Turkey was left standing alone and now realizes that the cost of all future angry outbursts will be higher both domestically and internationally. Erdogans next trip to the United States, whenever or if ever that might be, could be most interesting to watch after all.
June 21, 2017

On May 29, Iranian law enforcement officers along with staff from the presidency confiscated a building in east Tehran used by Mahmoud Ahmadinejads bodyguards. In response, the former presidents office issued a statement putting the responsibility for any potential harm to Ahmadinejad on the administration of President Hassan Rouhani, the judiciary and the Ansar-ul-Mahdi Corps, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) unit tasked with protecting top officials including presidents, judiciary chiefs, parliament speakers and lawmakers. Ansar-ul-Mahdi

On the same night, Ahmadinejads office also launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay for a new office for his bodyguards. It said that in response to increasing calls from across the country, it was introducing a joint bank account under the names of Ahmadinejad and his former vice president, Hamid Baghaei, for public donations. Of note, Baghaei and Ahmadinejad both registered to run in the May 19 presidential elections  and both failed to gain the Guardian Councils approval.

Amid the ongoing controversy, the Reformist Etemaad Daily on June 1 cited the presidential administration office as saying that the building in question was state property and seized after three years of illegal use by Ahmadinejads security team.

As another war of words was in the making, some pro-government media outlets began publishing articles and cartoons mocking the ex-president and accusing him of engaging in fundraising for his own political purposes.

Ali Akbar Javanfekr, the spokesman for Ahmadinejads office, told Al-Monitor, They introduced the bank account after supporters from across the country contacted [us] and expressed concerns about the security of the ex-president. He rejected the announced reasons for the confiscation of the building, saying, Based on a piece of legislation ratified under ex-President Mohammad Khatami [1997-2005], all incumbent governments are bound to provide an annual budget and support the civil and administrative activities of ex-presidents.

Critics say Ahmadinejad did to his Reformist predecessor precisely what he is now objecting to  pointing to how his government ordered Khatami and his team to evacuate their state-provided offices. They also argue that Ahmadinejad should provide for his own security team, asking why public coffers should be used for such a purpose.

Javanfekr, however, dismissed these arguments, telling Al-Monitor, President Khatami used a four-story building during seven years of Ahmadinejads term [2005-13] and evacuated it of his own will in the last year [of Ahmadinejads second term] when another office was suggested to him in the Jamaran district [in the north of Tehran] by Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Javanfekr added, Though the current government has put some hurdles before Ahmadinejad, it still provides Khatami with full security measures. That is in addition to the annual budget [which the government allocates to former presidents], and even in one case, paying the entire cost of renovation works at Khatamis Baran Foundation.

It appears that since his failed bid to run for a third term, implicit restrictions on Ahmadinejad have increased, such as apparent limitations on his public appearances. The confiscation of his bodyguards office and the fact that they are members of the IRGC also points to political maneuvering being at play.

It was not until June 10 that the Ansar-ul-Mahdi Corps said in a statement that it is the responsibility of the presidency to support protective measures in regard to former presidents. Although the statement confirms that based on the Iranian military code, the Ansar-ul-Mahdi Corps is tasked with protecting officials, it warned both sides to keep the force out of their political feud.

In other signs of pressure on the former president, former Ahmadinejad adviser Abdolreza Davari was detained and transferred to Evin Prison to begin serving a two-year sentence only two days after the building confiscation. Davari was in August 2015 found guilty of insulting the supreme leader after allegedly posting comments against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on his Facebook page. He insists that his Facebook account was hacked. Following Davaris detention, Javanfekr in a June 1 post on his Telegram channel accused the judiciary of being biased against pro-Ahmadinejad journalists and media activists.

Meanwhile, the conservative website Raja News has in past weeks posted several videos on its Telegram channel showing people protesting against Ahmadinejad at some of his public appearances. The last video, posted June 9, was apparently from the funeral of the victims of the June 7 terrorist attacks in Tehran, showing some among the crowds chanting slogans against Ahmadinejad and in support of Khamenei. It is not clear why Raja News later deleted that specific video. Photos released after the public funeral also show Ahmadinejad sitting among ordinary mourners rather than the area allocated to senior officials.

Al-Monitor put the question of whether Ahmadinejad has been put under implicit restrictions to Javanfekr, who responded, Theres a feeling that such a policy is in place, though it is never told publicly or officially stated.

On May 31  two days into the crowdfunding campaign  the semi-official ISNA news agency reported that at least 1 billion rials ($30,807) had been raised. Dolat-e Bahar, Ahmadinejads unofficial website, has published numerous photos of receipts with notes of support from his backers. The website on June 5 said that enough money has been raised to cover the expenses for a new office for Ahmadinejads bodyguards and that additional funds  which it said were still pouring in  would be allocated to charity. Javanfekr declined Al-Monitors request that he elaborate on the specific amount of money that has been received so far.
June 22, 2017

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani on June 7 announced an agreement among Iraqi Kurdish groups to hold a binding vote in September that could pave the way for an independent Kurdistan, free of control by the central government in Baghdad. An independent Kurdistan, which would border Iran along a province with a large Kurdish population, poses many challenges for the Islamic Republic. Iranian leaders have been vocal in their opposition to any referendum that would split Iraq.

During a June 20 meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, expressed his opposition to the independence vote. As a neighbor, the Islamic Republic is opposed to the holding of a referendum for the separation of a part of Iraq, Khamenei said. Those who are pushing it are opposed to the independence and identity of Iraq, he added. Iraq, with its roots and historical and cultural civilization, must remain integrated.

In a meeting with Abadi on June 21, parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, discussing the goals of extremist groups such as the Islamic State, warned against the disintegration of Iraq, which he said is something that Israel also seeks and something which will have no benefit for any part of Iraq. Larijani further said, Confronting the disintegration of Iraq is very important. We see this as a dangerous thing for all of the nations, and those countries that support it will also be impacted by it.

On June 10, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi, explaining Irans opposition to the referendum, said that during this complex time for Iraq and the region, there are some who seek the continuation of instability in Iraq. An integrated, stable, and democratic Iraq will guarantee the interests of all the people of the country, Ghassemi said.

There has also been a great deal of analysis in the Iranian media in opposition to the referendum. A June 20 article in the conservative Mashregh News said the referendum is not just an Iraqi issue. Some domestic issues for a neighbor, given its links to other areas, cannot be interpreted as solely a domestic issue, the article read. It said that while Iran has friendly relations with the KRG, such a referendum at this time will cause political and security instability  because of the international nature of Kurdish issues. The process of independence for Iraqi Kurdistan, the article said, could impact the situation of Kurds in Turkey, Iran and Syria. This, it argued, could cause additional instability in the region. Irans Kurdish regions, like those in Turkey and Syria, have experienced periods of violence. The June 7 Islamic State attack on Tehran was led by an Iranian Kurd.

A June 11 article run by the Tasnim News Agency said Iraqi Kurds are falling for a colonial plot to break up Iraq. The article also warned that the same could happen to Syria. Most Western countries, however, including the United States, oppose the referendum and have stressed the importance of maintaining a unified Iraq.

An Eghtesad News article wrote that the only country in support of the referendum so far is Israel. It cited June 12 comments by former Israeli Interior Minister Gideon Saar urging Israel and the United States to back the referendum. Saar said that Jews and Kurds are both minorities in the region and that the Kurds have proved they can be strategic and reliable partners. In June 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would support an independent Kurdistan.
June 21, 2017

On June 21, Iranians woke up to the news that Mohammed bin Salman, a man notorious in Tehran for his anti-Iran remarks, had been appointed crown prince of Saudi Arabia, replacing Mohammed bin Nayef.

Since King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud ascended to the throne, Iran and Saudi Arabias relationship has deteriorated, and many in Iran see the new crown prince  the king's son  as the architect of Saudi Arabias offense-minded foreign policy in recent years. This policy has included unanticipated moves such as the war on Yemen and siege on Qatar.

Mentioning Salman and his son, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said April 19, 2015, We always said the Saudis behave with tactfulness and seriousness in their foreign affairs. But they have lost this tactfulness and seriousness. A few inexperienced young people have taken the affairs of that country into their hands and they prefer savagery to tact and maintaining appearances. This will be to their disadvantage.

Iranian elites do not hold a very positive view of the branch of the House of Saud currently in power in Saudi Arabia, and the new crown prince in particular, who is known in Iran for his statement in early May, We will work so that the battle is on their side, inside Iran.

Much of the Iranian media has described the promotion of Mohammed bin Salman as a coup within the House of Saud. Under the headline A soft coup in Saudi Arabia; bin Salmans dream fulfilled, the conservative Mehr News Agency wrote June 21: Whispers of a power struggle in the House of Saud have long been heard, a struggle ongoing between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and Mohammed bin Salman. Since Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz is aging and suffers from various illnesses, including Alzheimers, it is therefore natural that the power-thirsty Saudi princes fight each other to take over the kingdoms throne after King Salmans [death].

Tasnim News Agency said June 21, All the actions of the king of Saudi Arabia to bring his son to power were pre-planned, but this was taking place gradually and slowly so that they would not face any opposition within the Saudi court. The conservative news agency said that since Mohammed bin Salman did not have the necessary experience to run the country, his father granted him extensive authority so that he could portray himself as a powerful figure both at home and abroad.

Noting the declining power of Mohammed bin Nayef due to the king's recent decrees, Tasnim said, The recent crisis between Saudi Arabia and Qatar revealed the disagreements inside the ruling dynasty more than in the past. Mohammed bin Nayef remained silent about the recent developments, and it has been said that he had a good and strong relationship with the Qatari emir, and some of the political observers believe this issue was one of the reasons for his removal.

Adopting the same approach as conservative media, the Reformist Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) also argued that a coup against Mohammed bin Nayef had taken place.

ISNA pointed the finger at US President Donald Trump as the man who helped the young prince rise to power. Every Saudi prince needs three power levers to become king: America, the Saudi royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia. It seems that the first two levers overcame the third. Preparing the ground [for his ascent], Mohammed bin Salman passed the first two obstacles easily. Recently, a document was leaked that disclosed that bin Salman and Donald Trump had reached a deal with each other during his presidential campaign over [bin Salman's] ascending to the throne.  This morning, when King Salman made this surprising decision, we could see that Trump had shown his green light, ISNA wrote June 21.

A brief look at analyses published in Reformist and conservative media in Iran indicates that there is general unhappiness with the new developments in Saudi Arabia, and a belief  based on the background of the new crown prince  that the tensions between Tehran and Riyadh will be heightened, along with the clashes in the region.

Khabar Online wrote June 21, Bin Salmans strategy in the region relies on Washington and Tel Aviv. What is worrying in this time period is what this young hawkish prince, along with the young Saudi foreign minister, have been planning for the Middle East. Is there another war on the way?

Moreover, the conservative Mehr news agency said June 21, The appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince of Saudi Arabia shows that from now on, we cant expect a drop in the radical actions of the Saudi [royal] family in the region. Mohammed bin Salman is an extremist, arrogant, adventurous and hawkish prince who will undoubtedly take a new path to fulfill expansionist goals in the region.

Noting the new crown prince's remarks about taking the battle to Iran, the moderate Entekhab news site wrote June 21, From now on, we should not be surprised if we see the Saudi Foreign Ministry taking a more radical approach regarding regional issues, and especially Iran. But if the question here is that of whether the challenges will lead to a direct clash with Iran or not, [we should say] that it is very unlikely, as Saudi Arabia knows very well that despite its buying many weapons, it doesn't have a proficient military and human capital.  Saudi Arabia will try to provoke Iran; provocations that would persuade Iran to carry out pre-emptive action  but [given] the astuteness the Islamic Republic has shown in recent years, it is unlikely that it [would be deceived into playing a role] in the pre-planned scenario of a young 32-year-old Saudi.
June 22, 2017

Fears of a Turkish-backed Syrian rebel attack against Syrian Kurdish forces that could undermine the US-led campaign against the Islamic State are growing amid reports that Turkey sent new military reinforcements into northern Syria, including troops and supplies.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based monitoring group, reported on Wednesday that Turkish forces had crossed the Syrian border and were headed toward the rebel-held border town of Azaz, one of the main logistical hubs for Turkish operations inside northern Syria.

Reuters quoted a rebel from a Turkish-backed group as confirming the deployment. Turkish forces are now inside Syria.  The forces are huge reinforcements that have been entering since last night, said Mustafa Sejari of Liwa al-Mutasim.

The moves were followed by the announcement by Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin that Turkey, Iran and Russia are working on de-escalation zones in Syria that will also involve the United States. Kalin said that Turkey and Russia could jointly deploy forces to Idlib province, which is dominated by the al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The presence of Turkish troops in Idlib would add to pressure on Afrin, the mainly Kurdish enclave that has long been a target.

Turkey and its rebel proxies have stepped up attacks against the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in and around Afrin in recent months, both from within Syria but also through sustained shelling from the Turkish side of the border.

Commanders from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the YPG-led umbrella group that is the United States top ally in the fight against IS, told Al-Monitor that the Turkish-backed moves were focused on the town of Tell Rifaat, which lies 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Aleppo and was seized from Turkish-backed rebels in February 2016. They want to use Azaz as a springboard, an SDF official told Al-Monitor via WhatsApp. The official said that a Turkish-inspired attack on Afrin would disrupt the ongoing campaign to liberate Raqqa but declined to elaborate. The town is critical to the YPGs long-running efforts to connect the territories the group controls to the east of the Euphrates River with Afrin.

Turkey sent hundreds of troops into the northern Syrian town of Jarablus last August, mainly to disrupt these plans. The YPG has repelled several attempts by the Turkish-backed groups to reclaim Tell Rifaat but the shifting dynamics of the Syrian war may now be working against the YPG  at least in Afrin, where it has long relied on Russia for protection. The United States has made it clear that it will not intervene in the area, which lies outside its zone of influence, and has refused to help the YPG join its cantons, mainly out of deference to Turkey.

The YPG enjoys US protection to the east of the Euphrates, where the US-led coalition has been steadily rolling back the jihadis and have now embarked on a campaign to free Raqqa. The Russians have been operating chiefly to the west of the river to help the regime fight its rebel opponents.

A coalition spokesman responding via email to Al-Monitor's queries said, "The coalition is aware of skirmishes between Turkish-supported forces and the SDF in northern Syria. The coalition does not speak on behalf of our Turkish or SDF partners, though. The coalition's mission is to defeat [IS] in Iraq and Syria. We call on all parties in the region to remain focused on the fight to defeat [IS], which is the greatest threat to regional and worldwide peace and security."

However, the de facto partitioning of US and Russian zones of influence are coming unstuck as IS gets rolled back and both sides jockey for control over the strategic southeastern desert region bordering Iraq. The Syrian Kurds, who have cannily balanced relations with both, are stuck in the middle. Turkey and Iran, which are on opposing sides of the Syrian conflict but share fears about Kurdish gains, are seeking to exploit these divisions.

Syrian Kurdish officials have accused Russia of wielding the threat of Turkish aggression against Afrin to not only pressure them into letting the regime move back into the area but also to help advance the regimes interests in and around Deir ez-Zor.

Arzu Yilmaz, a researcher at the American University of Kurdistan in Dahuk, told Al-Monitor, Turkey cannot move against the YPG in Afrin without Russias consent, this is crystal clear. She added, The clash of interests between Russia and the United States is obviously squeezing the YPG."

Tensions boiled over on Sunday, when the United States shot down a regime jet after it allegedly dropped bombs near SDF positions in the western Raqqa countryside. The action marked the first time the United States downed a Syrian aircraft since the start of the Syrian war.

The move provoked angry reactions from the regime and its top ally Russia, both of whom want to prevent the SDF from carrying their campaign to wrest Raqqa on to the regime-held city of Deir ez-Zor. The city, the administrative capital of Syrias oil-rich eastern desert, is under siege by IS. It is also of strategic value to Iran, which is seeking a permanent foothold in the region.

A Syrian Kurdish source with close links to the local officials who spoke to Al-Monitor on strict condition of anonymity insisted that the Syrian Kurds could reverse the situation in Afrin. The pro-YPG administration controls much of Qamishli, where the Syrian regime maintains a small presence. More critically, regime forces remain in charge of Qamishli's airport, a vital hub for its Iranian allies. The Iranians use the airport to ferry their troops and weapons to Deir ez-Zor.

The source said that the YPG could cut a deal with the Russians to take over the base, presumably in exchange for relieving Turkish pressure on Afrin. The Russians are not so happy with Iran, either, because of its support for the regime, the source said. Iranian support makes the regime even more uncompromising. It is provoking tensions with America and making deals with Turkey behind Russias back, that is why.
The Alabama Career Center System has announced some of the potential employers which will be represented at a regional job fair June 27 in Gadsden.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 210 at the Tracks in Gadsden. The job fair is free and open to the public.



More than 80 employers are scheduled to attend, including: Anniston police, American Apparel, Buffalo Rock, Decatur Plastic Products, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Honda North America South Hub, Huron Valley Steel, KTH Leesburg Products, McCartney Construction, Valmont Coatings and more. More than 3,000 available jobs are represented.



The job fair is free and open to the public. Jobseekers are encouraged to pre-register online. Pre-registering will allow for faster entry, and participants are strongly encouraged to print their confirmation and bring it with them to the job fair or to save their confirmation e-mail on their phones. Jobseekers may also register on-site.



Employers who wish to register for the job fair can also visit the website or contact the Gadsden Career Center at (256) 546-4667. There is no charge for employers to participate.
A high-end gun manufacturer will invest $2.9 million into its Bessemer facility.

The expansion will lead to Steyr Arms adding up to 10 jobs. The Bessemer facility is the only U.S. subsidiary of the Austrian-based company that imports, distributes and assembles Steyr firearms.

Steyr plans to relocate manufacturing of products it sells in the U.S. from Austria to Bessemer.

Steyr will buy new equipment to process components used in gun production and final assembly. The project is scheduled to be fully completed by June 2019, but it should be manufacturing on the site by the end of 2017.

In 2013, Steyr invested $1.7 million when it moved its local operations from Trussville to Bessemer. It since doubled its local workforce, currently employment 15 people in Bessemer.

"Steyr Arms' decision to add a manufacturing component to its operation in Bessemer shows that Alabama provides an ideal environment for firearms makers, along with many other manufacturing businesses," Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said in a press release. "In addition, every time a company expands in Alabama, it transmits a vote of confidence to the world that the state is a place where success can be found."
Another craft beer option is coming to Birmingham-area residents.

Nashville-based Tennessee Brew Works is partnering with AlaBev to bring the craft brews into the Magic City after expanding to the Huntsville area last month.

The brewer of Southern Wit, 1927 IPA, Tripel Star, Basil Ryeman, Walk the Lime, Extra Easy Ale and Cutaway Rye IPA will start distribution on Monday.

This is the second Alabama market for TBW, but the brewery said it plans to expand into more markets in the state.

Here's the list of stores and restaurants where the beer will be available:

Piggly Wiggly (all locations)

Western Supermarket (all locations)

Whole Foods

The J Clyde

Hop City

The Beer Hog

Highland Package

Black Market Bar (both locations)

Jack Brown's

Vineyard Foodmart

Mellow Mushroom

On Tap Sports Cafe (all locations)

TBW was founded in August 2013.

"We are excited to be adding Birmingham to our distribution cities. Birmingham's food and drink scene is vibrant and we look forward to sharing our beers with so many friends and family members in the Iron City," Founder and President Christian Spears said in a press release.
While Fort Deposit may not be a major city in Alabama, it's visited by plenty of travelers and more each year eager to stock up on Priester's Pecans.



For more than eight decades, Alabamians have enjoyed the array of delicious snack goods, including raw nuts, sweet treats and more, available through Priester's Pecans. Though Priester's started off as a simple snack business, it's become one of the state's most beloved companies thanks to its tasty and unique goods.



Want to know more? Here's 14 things you might not know about Priester's Pecans.



Amber Sutton | asutton@al.com

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Amber Sutton | asutton@al.com

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #1

Priester's Pecans is Alabama's largest gourmet handmade candy company.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #2

The company got its start in 1935 when Lee C. Priester decided to offer refreshments at the Texaco gas station he owned in Fort Deposit, Ala.

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FLASH SALE THROUGH MIDNIGHT! Regular price ~ $15.99, FLASH SALE PRICE ~ $13.59! Priester's honey glazed pecans make... Posted by Priester's Pecans on Thursday, October 22, 2015

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #3

L.C. Priester began offering cracked and shelled pecans after a salesman requested them as a special order.

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Amber Sutton | asutton@al.com

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #4

Priester Pecan Company was started with a handshake and an initial loan of $200 from silent partner and former Fort Deposit mayor Hense Reynolds Ellis.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #5

To keep up with the demand for shelled pecans, L.C. Priester hired a group of local women to crack and shell the nuts on his back porch each day.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #6

At the Priester's retail store in Fort Deposit, visitors can watch as the company's famous sweets are made in the viewing area as well as try samples of some of their most popular products.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #7

Priester's has expanded from simple shelled nuts to offer an array of goods, including flavored pecans, candies, cakes, dressings, dips, salsas and more.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #8

It took Priester's Pecans 510 baking tests to create the perfect pecan pie.

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Priester's Pecans

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #9

Priester's Pecans production site encompasses around 100,000 square feet of floor space.

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You cant buy love, but you can buy local. Posted by Priester's Pecans on Saturday, January 21, 2017

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #10

Priester's Pecans didn't start offering goods outside shelled nuts until the 1950s when it added a fruitcake to its products.

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A little Monday encouragement from us to you. Posted by Priester's Pecans on Monday, June 27, 2016

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #11

Honey-glazed pecans have been a favorite among Priester's customers since the 2000s.

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Leave something a little more exciting for Santa this year. Posted by Priester's Pecans on Saturday, December 10, 2016

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #12

After a fire destroyed their store and processing plant in 1996, Priester's fulfilled orders for the holiday season with the help of community volunteers and by using local kitchens, like school cafeterias, to make their goods.

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Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #13

Priester's Pecans shells and cracks more than two million pecans each year.

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We have exciting news to share! We have been inducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame! What an exciting day! We... Posted by Priester's Pecans on Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Priester's Pecans Fun Fact #14

Priester's remains a family-owned business. It is currently managed by Thomas Ellis and Ellen Ellis Burkett, the grandchildren of Hense Reynolds Ellis.

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Authorities said two people were shot in the parking lot of a Birmingham apartment complex Wednesday afternoon.

Birmingham police said one victim was shot in the face and another was shot in the foot near the 2200 building at the Park at Callington around 7 p.m. They were both taken to the hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, officers said.

Neighbors said they heard two shots and the sound of a vehicle speeding off from the scene. Investigators have a description of a suspect, but no one has been arrested in the case at this time.
The only way to fight terror in the region is to reclaim a shared vision that transcends tribalism and sectarianism.

Merely six weeks after the deadly attacks of September 11, 2001, the US Congress passed an appalling law, the USA Patriot Act, which gave the US government under President George W. Bush a sweeping mandate to curtail civil liberties and carry out surveillance programmes against the American public.

This was done in the name of Americas war on terror. Still reeling from the aftershock of an attack that claimed the lives of thousands, Americans, willingly or unwittingly, consented to the new draconian measures.

But it didnt end there. That law was later updated, forming what became known as Patriot Act II, described by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as another chilling grab of authorities and further diminution of constitutional checks and balances of law enforcement.

With time and endless media propaganda, laws purported to fight terrorism have been accepted by US citizens as a necessary evil, where personal freedom has to be bartered for national security.









Not only did the attacks of September 11 fail to ignite a national debate about Americas foreign policy, the resultant global war on terror actually exasperated both US military adventures, and, unsurprisingly, the violent backlash to these interventions.

For terrorism to be useful as a political asset, it was turned from a rational phenomenon deserving to be studied and confronted through a wholesome, sensible manner, into a brand, to be unleashed whenever there is the need to justify self-serving policies and to promote war agendas.

Manipulating the term terrorism soon passed through the confines of American political and media discourses to afflict other political contexts, in Europe, in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Practically, terrorism is no longer defined as the use of violence or threat of violence especially against civilians in the pursuit of political aims, religious, or ideological change. It has morphed to mean something else entirely.

WATCH: INSIDE STORY  When does a crime become an act of terrorism?

It is whatever the US, Israel, France, Britain, Egypt and other authoritarian Arab governments wish it to be in order to justify their wars and large-scale oppression of their nations. They often practise it directly or indirectly through funding or tolerating violence that serves their purposes.

The discourse on terrorism has itself been narrowed down so much that there is little or no space in mainstream media for any other ideas on how to combat it. Those who challenge the mainstream definition are outcast as terrorist-sympathisers and anti-American.

This attitude prevails, even though we now have ample proof that wars, foreign interventions and military occupation have served as major instigations of violence.

Research conducted at the University of Chicago by Robert Pape, founder of the Chicago Project on Security and Terrorism, examined every suicide bombing from 1980 to 2003. His conclusion was most revealing: religion has little to do with it.

So, what does?

The discourse on terrorism has itself been narrowed down so much that there is little or no space in mainstream media for any other ideas on how to combat it by Ramzy Baroud

According to Pape:

What 95 percent of all suicide attacks have in common, since 1980, is not religion, but a specific strategic motivation to respond to a military intervention, often specifically a military occupation, of territory that the terrorists view as their homeland or prize greatly. From Lebanon and the West Bank in the 80s and 90s, to Iraq and Afghanistan, and up through the Paris suicide attacks weve just experienced in the last days, military intervention  and specifically when the military intervention is occupying territory  thats what prompts suicide terrorism more than anything else.

Such findings  based on examining 4,600 suicide attacks  had no influence on US foreign policy.

In a recent Al Jazeera article, Andrew Mitrovica reminded us of the words of Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britains Labour Party. Corbyn was one of those who audaciously challenged his countrys horrific role in the war in Iraq starting in March 2003.

But a month before that war, in February 2003, Corbyn said that a war on Iraq would set off a spiral of conflict, of hate, of misery, of desperation that will fuel the wars, the conflict, the terrorism, the depression, and the misery of future generations.





The way to free us from the scourge of war is to free ourselves from the scourge of injustice, of poverty, and of misery, Corbyn, then a Labour MP, told a crowd of millions gathering in Hyde Park, London, to protest against the impending war.

Through his sinister alliance with George W. Bush, Tony Blair, British Prime Minister at the time, didnt heed that and other calls. A mainly US-Britain alliance largely destroyed Iraq in a genocidal war that led to the death of millions and the destabilisation of the entire Middle East region until this day.

Riding on the wave of fear and insecurity that recently hit Britain following deadly attacks in Manchester and Westminster, Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to rip up human rights law to make it easier for the government to fight terrorism.

Anyone who doesnt agree is automatically rendered a terrorist lover or something of that nature  as Corbyn was recently accused.

Alas, for now, terrorism needs to remain precisely what dominant powers need it to be to achieve their military, political and strategic objectives at home and abroad.

As if governed by economic interests, terrorism has become a brand, nonchalantly used in political and regional disputes, to outcast a leader, to isolate a country or to unleash a war. In either case, no evidence is required, no proof is necessary.

READ MORE: Qatar-Gulf crisis  Who are the terrorists?

Israel had already perfected the use of the term to distract from its illegal military occupation and horrendous violence against Palestinians. Like the US, it lobbed the accusation against anyone or any entity that challenges Israels behaviour or violations of international law.

Now Arab countries are using the term at will. Many who applied terror against their own people, or funded terrorism elsewhere, are not hesitating to accuse others of terrorism.

Predictably, the invasion of Iraq which was coined as an effort to combat terrorism, yielded various violent phenomena, whose destructive presence is being felt largely in Syria but also in other parts of the region and the world.

Many insist on isolating these violent events so as not to see the obvious links between todays violence and yesterdays illegal wars.

Many who applied terror against their own people, or funded terrorism elsewhere, are not hesitating to accuse others of terrorism by Ramzy Baroud,

Not seeing such links, however, is not only intellectually lacking but also dangerous. How is one to fix an offshoot without addressing the roots of a problem?

The Washington Post, among other mainstream news sources, spoke about the need to examine the roots of ISIL, although not necessarily as a way to accepting moral accountability.

The public profile of the foreign jihadists frequently obscures the Islamic States roots in the bloody recent history of Iraq, its brutal excesses as much a symptom as a cause of the countrys woes, wrote Liz Sly in 2015.

Other writers shared that view, but much of the discourse merely aimed at linking the brutality of ISIL and the Baath regime under Saddam Hussein.

Since then, little has resulted from that discussion by way of placing current problems in a fairly recent historical context.

But Arabs cannot wait for the moral awakening of the West. Judging from a long history dotted with colonialism, exploitation and lack of remorse, that wait could be a long one.

While the US and its Western allies must have the courage to confront their own misconduct in the region, the Arab world must reclaim a shared vision that transcends the pity tribalism of the sect, easily manipulated and misused.

That shared vision is not lacking because of the dearth of intellectuals, but because these intellectuals have been co-opted or marginalized.

The region that has given rise to the likes of Michel Aflaq, George Habash, Rached al-Ghannouchi, Edward Said and numerous others has systematically muzzled its intellectuals.

Arab visionaries have either been co-opted by the exuberant funds allocated to sectarian propaganda, been silenced by fear of retribution, or are simply unable to articulate a collective vision that transcends their sects, religions or whatever political tribe they belong to.

READ MORE: The Arab World is at war with itself

This void created by the absence of Arab intellectuals has been filled by extremist voices tirelessly advocating a genocidal future for everyone.

There were times in which Arab intellectuals fought to articulate a unique narrative  a combination of nationalist, socialist and Islamic ideologies that had a tremendous impact on the Arab individual and collective.

But today there is a large and growing intellectual vacuum, which has allowed the likes of ISIL, al-Qaeda and others to fill the space with their agendas.

True, their agendas are dark and horrific, yet they are rational outcomes at a time when Arab societies subsist in despair, when foreign interventions are afoot, and when no homegrown intellectual movement is available to offer Arab nations a plan towards a future free from tyranny and foreign occupation.









Even when ISIL is defeated on the ground, its ideology will not disappear; it will simply mutate, for ISIL is itself a mutation of various other extremist ideologies.

Yet only the Arabs are capable of defeating ISIL and its likes, through the formulation of a true vision that is predicated on unity and inspired by their quest for freedom.

The suppression of such a movement will leave no other alternative but more foreign intervention and extremism, feeding on one another, growing, mutating and destroying any chances for any future global peace and stability.

Dr Ramzy Baroud has been writing about the Middle East for more than 20 years. He is an internationally syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author of several books and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His books include Searching Jenin, The Second Palestinian Intifada and his latest, My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. His website is www.ramzybaroud.net.
Saudi-owned TV channel MBC finally caved in to the barrage of scathing criticism of its Ramadan series, Black Crows, pulling it off air after only 20 episodes.

MBC has marketed the Black Crows series as the stories of women who join the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) group for different reasons. These women (a former Egyptian belly dancer in search for her son, a Syrian refugee, an undercover journalist who happens to be Christian, a fugitive Saudi woman convict who bludgeoned her husband to death for cheating on her, and two Gulf women who are looking for marriage) soon realise the depth of the trap which they have fallen into and become disillusioned with ISIL after witnessing the horrors, savagery and inhumanity of its rule.

Critics have pointed out that the series trivialises the rise of the ISIL and the scope of its regional and global power. It is focusing instead on the sensational aspects of the private sphere, including sexual jihad (jihad al-nikah), personal intrigues and the power struggle between various ISIL members in its de facto capital city Raqqa in Syria, where the events of the series unfold. As such, critics contend that the series decontextualises ISIL and offers no substantive treatment of its rise.

But the main problem with Black Crows goes beyond its superficiality. The series has fallen victim to the US-led post-ideological approach Arab countries are adopting in fighting terrorism and therefore toes the line of Western counterterrorism ideas.

READ MORE: Fighting ISIL through TV drama  The case of Black Crows

It is important here to note that MBC TV Director Ali Jaber participated in a meeting of the anti-ISIL coalition in Washington in March, where Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi were also in attendance. Jaber was scheduled to speak about how to achieve victory in the electronic fight against ISIL and its electronic jihad.

The series often reframes savage terrorist practices within a paradigm of moral relativism and shows the terrorist ISIL fighter in his humanity and suffering. by

The series reflects the impasse and contradictions of post-ideological politics. Everyone is allegedly united in the fight against this terrorist pandemic, regardless of religious creed, political persuasion, or ideological conviction. But ideology and politics happened to be at the very heart of the problem.

Moral relativism

Thematically, as expected, Black Crows renounces terrorism and repackages Islamic teachings in the language of tolerance, love, and peace. But the counterterrorism aesthetics of the series is undercut by its inability to distance itself from the language of ISILs political theology.

ISIL leaders and militants basic theological beliefs about the main tenets of Islam are not really challenged throughout the series. Even characters who become disillusioned with ISIL are not heard condemning its ideology and instead remain silent.

In an interview with NPR, Ali Jaber hints at the difficulty of representation of ISIL in the series: We are fighting against a very formidable enemy because it is using the words of God. He also adds that ISIS did not come out from emptiness, adding, It came out from some of the wrong religious teachings that have been going on in our societies for a very long time.

The most the series could do was try to renounce terrorism and preach that ISIL does not represent the true Islamic faith.

READ MORE: What happens when your child joins ISIL?

But even the condemnation of extremism in the series does not rest on solid ground. The series often reframes savage terrorist practices within a paradigm of moral relativism and shows the terrorist ISIL fighter in his humanity and suffering. In the larger context of the moral and discursive ambiguity of the series, however, these techniques can muddy matters even more and undermine the demonisation of ISIL as an evil terrorist organisation.

For example, the handsome emir of the ISIL cell in Raqqa is presented as both a sociopathic monster and a compassionate, charismatic, romantic man, who is a victim of family psychodrama. In one scene, the emir is seen cuddling with his lover Malika, who offers to help him in his rule over the cell. The emir answers in the negative, saying that if you wish to help me, let me feel that Im a human being, adding, Outside this room, Im not a human being; I am a monster, I do horrible things, horrible.

The moral complexity and humanity of the evil terrorist is reduced to a caricature for the pleasure of international liberal audiences, for whom the series provided English subtitles.

Ignoring Palestine

The impasse of post-ideological politics is also seen in the series attempt to condemn ISILs position on Palestine. In one of their communiques, ISIL states that jihad in Palestine, is just one dimension of world jihad, rejecting the idea that it should take precedence over jihad elsewhere.

Likewise, in one episode of the series, fresh ISIL recruit Khalid responds to a question about the position of ISIL on Israel, saying we should start with those among us, until we rebuild the degenerate Arab countries  we should purge our countries from lewd, liberals, and secularists. Thus exposing the hypocrisy of ISIL on the Palestine issue, the series manages to completely ignore the parallels between the abandonment of Palestine in ISILs ideology and the recent normalisation efforts of many Arab countries with the Israeli regime.

OPINION: Open letter to the future ISIL recruit

In other words, the approach of ISIL in the series merely mirrors the position and policy of Arab states have had towards Palestine for years now. They cannot condemn one, while maintaining silence on the other.

The problem here is that the series overidentifies with the state power in the Arab world and the US-led global war on terror, presenting an undercover Syrian military officer as one of the major figures of resistance against ISIL in the programme. ISIL will not perish until repressive authoritarian Arab states, some of which have colluded with ISIL in the first place, are reformed. And stability will not come to the Middle East until the Palestinian issue is resolved.

Jamil Khader is professor of English and dean of research at Bethlehem University, Palestine.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Israel wants to dismantle the UNRWA because the agency keeps Palestinians right to return to their homeland alive.

On June 11, 2017, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the dismantling of the UN agency that aids millions of Palestinian refugees, accusing it of stoking anti-Israeli sentiments and perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem.

Netanyahu, after a meeting with the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, in Jerusalem, said, It is time the UNRWA be dismantled and merged with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.





The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 after hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes in the war that followed Israels creation.

Since its establishment, the UNRWA has provided education, healthcare, and social services to those meeting its definition of Palestine refugees.

The organisation defines a Palestine refugee as someone whose place of residence was Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948 and who lost his/her home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. UNRWA also provides basic services to Palestinians who became displaced as a result of the 1967 Arab-Israeli Conflict.

Today, the UNRWA aids more than five million registered Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

Returning to the homeland

Netanyahu wants to dismantle the UNRWA because the agency allows Palestinian refugee men to transmit their refugee status from one generation to another. This transmission of refugee status keeps the right of return for Palestinian refugees alive  it ensures that their hopes for returning to their ancestral homeland do not perish with the death of the original 1948 refugees.

Israel has accused the UNRWA of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem by allowing Palestinian refugees to transmit their refugee status to future generations. This accusation aims to shift our attention away from the fact that Israel is solely responsible for perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem by denying the refugees the right to return to their homes.

READ MORE: Israel calls for end of UN Palestinian refugee agency

If Israel had accepted the right of return that was accorded to Palestinian refugees in UN General Assembly Resolution 194 of 1948, the Palestinian refugee problem would not exist today and their descendants, who have inherited their parents refugee status, would instead have inherited the citizenship accorded to their parents in historic Palestine.

As a consequence of Israels unwillingness to allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, the UN General Assembly had to repeatedly extend UNRWAs mandate because its mandate can only end when a just and lasting solution is found for the Palestinian refugee problem. While the UNRWA does not prescribe a particular solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees, UNRWAs spokesman Chris Gunness, in 2011, implied that he was against resettlement when he wrote in an op-ed that the problem cannot be made to go away by dispersing [Palestinian refugees] around the globe.

UNHCR does not insist on repatriation

Unlike the UNRWA, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a specific mandate to aid refugees by eliminating their refugee status through the medium of local integration in the host country, resettlement in a third country or repatriation when possible. Netanyahu wants 1948 Palestine refugees to fall under the scope of the UNHCR because it does not insist on repatriation.

The UNRWA should continue to exist until a just and fair solution for the Palestinian refugee problem materialises. by

If the UNRWA is dismantled and merged with the UNHCR, Palestinian refugees scattered all over the Middle East will effectively lose all hope of returning to their homeland. Since the possibility of repatriation is effectively being blocked by Israel, the UNHCR will either integrate them in host countries or resettle them in a third country.

Furthermore, if the UNRWA is dismantled, Palestinian refugees registered with the agency will no longer be excluded from the scope of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and Stateless Persons, which calls upon contracting states to facilitate the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees.

This exclusion clause was added to the convention by Arab states who wanted to make sure that the principle of naturalisation within the 1951 Convention did not affect the right of return for Palestinian refugees. But if the UNRWA is dismantled, Palestinian refugees will automatically lose their exclusive status.

Arab countries hosting UNRWA camps are not parties to the 1951 Convention, but they still can be affected by this text. Without the UNRWA, Palestinian refugees will fall under the UNHCR mandate which bases its work on the 1951 Convention. This means that Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees will find themselves under pressure to either integrate Palestinian refugees or agree to their resettlement in a third country. And Palestinian refugees who could not be integrated or resettled will find themselves facing a legal limbo.

Waiting for a just and fair solution

If the UNRWA merges with the UNHCR, Palestinian refugees and their descendants will either be integrated or resettled and as a result will no longer be recognised as refugees and lose all hope for repatriation. This is what Netanyahu wants  ending the Palestinian refugee problem by dissolving their refugee status and alongside their right to return to their homeland.

The UNRWA receives its mandate from the UN General Assembly and the assembly members have long been supporting of the agency. But UNRWAs current mandate ends on June 30, 2017, and Netanyahu will try his best to influence the next UN General Assembly vote on the future of the agency.

OPINION: Xenophobia will not solve Lebanons refugee crisis

The UNRWA should continue to exist until a just and fair solution for the Palestinian refugee problem materialises. When members of the UN General Assembly are voting on UNRWAs mandate, we hope that they will remember the words of the UN Security Council Mediator, Folke Bernadotte, who in 1948 noted that No settlement can be just and complete  if these innocent victims of the conflict were denied the right to return to their homes.

Bernadotte was assassinated by a Zionist group in 1948 for defending the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The innocent victims he died defending continue to suffer a grave injustice by not being able to return to their homes. In the middle of this injustice, the UNRWA is the only UN agency that can continue to protect and serve Palestinian refugees without stripping them of their right of return. Therefore, saving the UNRWA means saving Palestinian refugees.

Hanin Abou Salem is a political analyst and researcher. She holds an MA (Hons) in International Relations, a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences and a second BA (Hons) in International Relations. She is currently completing a PhD in International Law focusing on the right of return for Palestinian refugees under International Law.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Rights group calls on UN to investigate AP report that hundreds were arbitrarily detained and tortured in Yemen.

Human rights group Amnesty International has called on the United Nations to lead an investigation into allegations that the United Arab Emirates and its allied Yemeni security forces detained and tortured hundreds of people.

In a statement released on Thursday, Amnesty called for an urgent investigation after a news report from the Associated Press news agency alleged that the UAE financed, armed and trained Yemeni forces responsible for grave human rights violations during security operations against the Yemeni branches of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

The AP documented at least 18 clandestine lockups across southern Yemen run by the UAE or Yemeni forces, drawing on accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers and Yemeni military officials.

Hundreds of men were swept up in the hunt for al-Qaeda and ISIL fighters and subjected to extreme torture  including the grill, in which victims were tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire.

A UN-led investigation must immediately be launched into the UAEs and other parties role in setting up this horrific network of torture, Lynn Maalouf, the director of research at Amnesty International in the Middle East said.

Thousands of Yemeni men have disappeared in those networks. Enforced disappearance and torture are crimes under international law. They must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.

A former detainee told AP that one clandestine prison in the city of Mukalla was gripped by fear.

We could hear the screams, the man who was held for six months at Mukallas Riyan Airport said.

Other people who were released from the prison told AP of being crammed into shipping containers smeared with faeces.

Senior American defence officials acknowledged on Wednesday that US forces had been involved in interrogations of detainees but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses.

Interrogating detainees who have been abused could violate international law, which prohibits complicity in torture.

Allegations about US forces taking part in interrogations of detainees or receiving information that may have been obtained through torture must also be immediately investigated. Amnesty said.

It would be a stretch to believe the US did not know or could not have known that there was a real risk of torture.

In a separate investigation, Human Rights Watch accused the UAE of backing the torture and disappearances of dozens of people.

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led coalition formed to help Yemens government to fight the Houthis, a group of Shia rebels who overran the countrys north in 2014.

The group has repeatedly rejected accusations that it wants to restore a Zaydi imamate  a theocracy that lasted for nine centuries until 1962.
About 600 Congolese soldiers to be pulled out of Central African Republic after allegations of sexual misconduct.

About 600 troops from Congo Republic serving as UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic will be returning home following allegations of sex abuse, the United Nations announced on Wednesday.

President Denis Sassou Nguessos government decided to withdraw the troops deployed in the MINUSCA mission after the commander complained of misconduct, a UN statement said.

The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control, it said.

These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent-owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops.

READ MORE: UN  Dealing with rape in Central African Republic

The 12,000-strong MINUSCA force has been plagued by a wave of sexual abuse allegations since the mission to help restore stability to the country began in 2014.

Lieutenant-General Balla Keita of Senegal told UN headquarters in a leaked memo he had sent six letters of blame to the battalion commander already this year over alleged sexual abuse, fuel trafficking, and lack of discipline.





The 629 peacekeepers deployed in Berberati, the countrys third-largest city, are Brazzavilles only contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Despite the departure of the troops, a smaller contingent of 140 police from Congo will remain in the mission in the Central African Republic, the UN said.

Last year, 120 troops from the same contingent were sent back following allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation involving at least seven victims, six of whom were children.

The battalion is notorious for SEA [sexual exploitation and abuse] misconducts, fuel trafficking, and poor discipline, Keita wrote in the memo sent last month.

The situation has deteriorated to the point that the battalion is no longer trustable because of poor leadership, lack of discipline, and operational deficiencies, he added.

Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon in 2015 took the rare step of firing the then-head of the peacekeeping force over his handling of dozens of misconduct cases, including the rape of minors.

With sex abuse cases continuing to surface, Bans successor Antonio Guterres has vowed to toughen the response to the damaging allegations as he faces pressure from the United States to cut funding for peacekeeping.

OPINION: UN Peacekeepers  Keeping the peace or preventing it?

UN critics in the US, many of whom are in the US Congress, point to the mounting cases of misconduct by UN peacekeepers to support their campaign to cut funding to UN missions.

The memo and UN assessment of the Congolese troops were released by the Code Blue Campaign of non-governmental organisations seeking to expose cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers.

Code Blue said in a statement it was relieved by the decision that will ensure that vulnerable women and children in Berberati will be safe from further predation by that particular battalion.

But the group asked why the UN waited until documents were leaked to take a decision and said the world body must now ensure that soldiers facing credible allegations are prosecuted by Brazzaville authorities.

Under UN rules, it is up to the country contributing troops to a peacekeeping mission to investigate and prosecute criminal cases.
Al Jazeera denounces Egypts decision to extend Husseins detention by 45 days and calls for his unconditional release.

Al Jazeera has denounced Egypts decision on Thursday to extend Mahmoud Husseins detention by 45 days, demanding his unconditional release.

Hussein, an Egyptian national based in Qatar, was stopped, questioned and arrested by authorities on December 20, after travelling to Cairo for a holiday.

Five days after his initial arrest, Egypts interior ministry accused him of disseminating false news and receiving monetary funds from foreign authorities in order to defame the states reputation.

Since then, he has been detained for 184 days, suffering mistreatment and being denied his legal rights.

Al Jazeera has rejected the allegations against him and urges his unconditional release.

The Al Jazeera Media Network said in a statement on Thursday that it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for his safety and well-being.

Al Jazeera Media Network rejects all the baseless allegations against Hussein, and condemns the unfair detention, in addition to obtaining false confessions by force. Furthermore, the network holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for Husseins safety and well-being, it said.

Over the past few years, Egyptian authorities have arrested several Al Jazeera employees, raising concerns over media freedom in the country.

In May 2016, a Cairo court sentenced a former editor-in-chief of Al Jazeera Arabic, Ibrahim Helal, to death, charging him in absentia with endangering national security.

Al Jazeeras Baher Mohamed, Mohamed Fahmy and Peter Greste  along with seven colleagues outside the country  were accused of spreading false news during their coverage of the aftermath of the military overthrow of then-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, the year they were taken into custody.

Mohamed and Fahmy spent 437 days in jail before being released. Greste spent more than a year in prison.

The judge who sentenced the journalists said they were brought together by the devil to destabilise the country.
Bomb targeting the Waberi police station in Mogadishu kills at least four and wounds several others, says police.

At least four people have been killed in a car bomb attack outside a police station in Somalias capital Mogadishu, police said.

The bomb targeted the Waberi district police station on the busy Maka Almukarramah road, Major Mohamed Hussein told Reuters news agency.

A suicide car bomb exploded at the gate of Waberi district police station. So far we know four people died, he said.

Witnesses described bodies lying on the ground, ruined cars and damage to the police station. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

This is the third attack to hit the capital in three days.

On Tuesday, at least 10 people were killed in a car bomb attack on a government building.

At least 15 people were killed after a suicide car bomber posing as a milk delivery van detonated at a district headquarters on Wednesday.
A human rights group has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the torture and disappearances of dozens of people in Yemen.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday that the UAE financed, armed and trained Yemeni forces responsible for grave human rights violations during security operations against the Yemeni branches of al-Qaeda and ISIL.

According to the rights group, the UAE operates two of 11 secret prisons in southern Yemen, and its officials have forcibly disappeared people and ordered the continued detention of others despite release orders.





In a separate investigation, the Associated Press said it has documented at least 18 secret prisons in the southern governorates of Aden and Hadramawt.

Torture was rife in these informal lockups, and included heavy beatings, sexual assault and threats to detainees and their family members, the HRW and AP said.

They said their investigations was based on interviews with former detainees, families of detainees, lawyers and Yemeni government officials.

The HRW and AP also said UAE may have moved some detainees across the Red Sea to a base in Eritrea.

UAEs government has denied allegations to AP, saying: There are no secret detention centres and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations.

No-return prison

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led, US-backed coalition formed to help Yemens government to fight Shia rebels known as Houthis, who overran the north of the country in 2014.

The coalition is also helping the US target Yemeni branches of the al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

HRW said it has documented abuses by UAE-backed Security Belt forces in Aden and the Hadrami Elite Forces in Hadramawt.

The rights group said it has documented the cases of 49 people, including children, who were detained arbitrarily or forcibly disappeared by these forces over the last year.

READ MORE: A recollection of Yemens Ramadan spirit

Former detainees described one clandestine prison in Aden as a no-return prison, HRW said.

One man who was able to visit a detained relative, a child, in Aden told HRW that the boy looked insane when he emerged from a cell. He reportedly disappeared from the centre later.

AP reported that the 18 secret prisons it had documented were either hidden or off limits to Yemens government.

The prisons are reportedly inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub.

We could hear the screams, a former detainee held for six months at Riyan airport in the city of Mukalla in Hadramawt told AP.

The entire place is gripped by fear. Almost everyone is sick, the rest are near death. Anyone who complains heads directly to the torture chamber.

Other people who were released from the prison told AP of being crammed into shipping containers smeared with faeces, and being tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire.

Citing anonymous US defence officials, the news agency said the senior US military leaders were aware of allegations of torture, a claim the defence department denied.

Release orders

Families of detainees have held near-weekly protests in Yemen seeking information about missing sons, brothers and fathers.

In Aden, activists, lawyers and government officials told HRW that Security Belt officers claimed they were following UAE orders in detaining suspects and could not release detainees without UAE permission.

New #AQAP #Yemen film "Repelling Aggression 7" shows angry women protesting forced disappearance of their men by #UAE supported forces 2/3 pic.twitter.com/3cqPafs6LE  Elisabeth Kendall (@Dr_E_Kendall) May 2, 2017

The prosecutors office in Aden has issued release orders for dozens of people, but the orders are often not respected, the HRW said.

You dont effectively fight extremist groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS by disappearing dozens of young men and constantly adding to the number of families with missing loved ones in Yemen, Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, said.

The UAE and its partners should place protecting detainee rights at the centre of their security campaigns if they care about Yemens long-term stability.

READ MORE: Who benefits from a weak and divided Yemen?

HRW said Houthi forces and fighters loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh have also arbitrarily detained and disappeared scores of people in northern Yemen.

The war in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world, has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than three million and ruined much of the impoverished countrys infrastructure.

In March, the UN World Food Programme said that nearly half of Yemens 22 provinces were on the verge of famine.

In recent weeks, more than 900 people have died of cholera in the second outbreak of the deadly infection in less than a year.
Tehran urges Saudi Arabia to release the three Iranians and pay compensation for shooting dead another.

Iran has urged regional rival Saudi Arabia to free three Iranian fishermen, pay compensation for shooting dead a sailor and punish those behind an irresponsible act, Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

Iranian media reported last week that Saudi border guards had opened fire on Iranian fishing boats in the Gulf, killing a fisherman.

The Saudi Information Ministry said three of its elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members had been arrested aboard an explosive-laden boat near an oil platform in the Gulf.

It is clear this was intended to be a terrorist act in Saudi territorial waters designed to cause severe damage to people and property, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Iran denied the Saudi claim, saying the three were fishermen and were not arrested aboard an explosive-laden boat as claimed by Riyadh.

The fishermen were not armed  Saudi guards killed one of the sailors by opening fire on the boats, the semi-official news agency said, quoting a statement published by Irans Interior Ministry on Thursday.

Those detained fishermen should be freed  compensation should be paid for the one killed and those involved in the irresponsible act should be punished.

READ MORE: Iran denies Saudi claim of Revolutionary Guards arrest

The Iranian interior ministry statement also said the three fishing boats had legal documents and departed Irans southern port of Bushehr for fishing but lost their way.

Shooting at fishing boats is against the humanitarian and Islamic norms, it said.

One group of the fishermen could steer their boat back onto the main course, but the two other boats were driven towards the shared sea borders with Saudi Arabia, unaware of their situation or unable to control the vessels, it said.

Shia-dominated Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia accuse each other of fomenting tension in the Middle East, where the two arch rivals back opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Al-Abadi made the announcement as government troops were pushing into Bab al-Beed neighbourhood in Mosuls Old City.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said that the liberation of the city of Mosul from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL  also known as ISIS) will be announced in a few days.

Its a matter of a few days and we will announce the total liberation of Mosul, Abadi told reporters on Thursday, according to Baghdad-based Sumaria TV.

The announcement came as Iraqi forces were continuing the fight against ISIL fighters in their last stronghold in western Mosul, the citys old town.

Footage obtained by the Associated Press news agency showed Iraqi forces pushing into the Bab al-Beed neighbourhood in Mosuls Old City  the last ISIL stronghold in what appears to be the final major Iraqi battle.

READ MORE: Grand al-Nuri Mosque in Iraqs Mosul blown up by ISIL

The armed group have lost much of their territory over the past three years, and Mosul is their last urban bastion in Iraq.

The groups fighters are expected to make their last stand in the Old City  a densely populated quarter with narrow, winding alleys.

Up to 150,000 civilians are believed to be trapped in there, where conditions have been described by the UN as desperate.

The fight for Mosul has now lasted for more than eight months.

On Wednesday, ISIL fighters blew up Nuri mosque as Iraqi forces advanced on the ancient religious compound in the embattled northern city.

Officials from Iraq and the US-led anti-ISIL coalition said the destruction of the site was a sign of ISILs imminent loss of Mosul, with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Abadi calling it an official declaration of defeat.

The loss of the iconic 12th-century minaret  one of the countrys most recognisable monuments sometimes referred to as Iraqs Tower of Pisa  left the country in shock.
UNICEF says children being killed by the armed group during one of the most brutal wars in recent history.

ISIL fighters are targeting children in Mosul to prevent civilians from fleeing the city as Iraqi forces push into the armed groups last stronghold, the United Nations said Thursday.

The UN childrens agency said it has documented a number of cases in which ISIL fighters killed the children of families trying to escape from neighbourhoods it controlled.

They are using children as a weapon of war to prevent people from fleeing, said UNICEFs Iraq representative Peter Hawkins. This just highlights how indiscriminate and catastrophic this war is.





Iraqi troops are slowly clearing the last pockets of ISIL fighters from Mosuls Old City in an operation launched earlier this week. But an estimated 100,000 civilians  of whom half are children  packed into the dense terrain have slowed progress.

More than five million children are in urgent need of aid in Iraq, UNICEF said.

Across Iraq, children continue to witness sheer horror and unimaginable violence, it said in a statement. They have been killed, injured, abducted, and forced to shoot and kill in one of the most brutal wars in recent history.

READ MORE: Iconic Grand al-Nuri mosque in Mosul blown up

UNICEF said 1,075 Iraqi children have been killed and 1,130 wounded since ISIL overran nearly one-third of Iraq in 2014. In the past six months alone, violence in Iraq has killed 152 children and injured 255, it said.

In addition, the agency said, more than one million children have had their education put on hold by either ISIL rule or displacement.

Children have also been forced to take part in violence. UNICEF said at least 231 children under the age of 18 were recruited by ISIL and other armed groups.

The countrys future security and economic strength is determined by what is happening to its children today, Hawkins said.

The Iraqi government says more than 850,000 people have been forced from their homes by the operation, which was launched in October. On the citys west, entire blocks have been flattened by clashes, air strikes, and artillery fire.
Israels intelligence and transportation minister has called on Saudi Arabias King Salman to invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Riyadh to establish full diplomatic relations.

Speaking at a conference in Herzliya on Thursday, Yisrael Katz also asked King Salman to send newly appointed crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to Tel Aviv after describing shared interest in countering rival Iran.

I call upon Salman, the King of Saudi Arabia, to invite the prime minister of Israel, Netanyahu, to visit Saudi Arabia, Katz said at the annual Herzliya Conference, where Israeli leaders present national strategy initatives.





We saw what a wonderful host you can be  when President Trump was there. You can also send your heir, the new one, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Hes a dynamic person. He is an initiator. And he wants to break through.

Exactly this way  they know who Iran is. They know we have to create an access vis-a-vis Iran. You can send him for a meeting in Israel and I promise you, hes going to be a very welcome guest, Katz said.

Avigdor Lieberman, Israels defence minister, also called for establishing full diplomatic and economic relations with Arab states.

In his speech at the conference, Lieberman said a peace deal must be reached with what he referred to as moderate Arab Sunni countries before a peace agreement could be made with the Palestinians.

The only light at the end of the tunnel is a complete regional agreement, Lieberman, who has previously advocated paying Palestinians to leave Palestine, said. Full diplomatic and economic relations. Not under the table, but on the table.

I saw research on what the result of a regional agreement and full economic relations would mean between Israel, the Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia. This would mean an additional revenue of $45bn for Israel. Thats the potential. We have to clearly say what our priorities are.

READ MORE: What do Saudi Arabia and Israel have in common?

Speaking to Al Jazeera from Ramallah, Mustafa Barghouti, who heads the Palestinian National Initiative, said it was unlikely that Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries would follow suit.

I dont think Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries will accept to normalise relations with Israel, Barghouti said.

This is a very sensitive issue. Jerusalem is a very sensitive issue. How could Saudi Arabia have normal relations with Israel, while it is occupying the [third] most important religious place [to Muslims]  the Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem?

If normal relations prevail between Israel and Arab states without solving the Palestinian problem, Israel thinks the world will forget about the Palestinian issue, he added.

Reporting from Herzliya, Al Jazeeras Harry Fawcett acknowledged that the idea of Arab countries establishing relations with Israel would be difficult.

The idea that these countries would so openly cooperate with Israel would be pretty difficult for them to sell to their own public and more broadly, Fawcett said.

However it does seem [Lieberman] wants to apply pressure in this direction, he added. We see from Liebermans perspective that he sees an opportunity to make the most of Trumps recent visit, [the idea of] a peace deal with the Palestinians, and the recent diplomatic crisis in the GCC.
District Court to rule on lawsuit by rights group over fears Iraqi Christians could face religious torture if deported.

A US federal judge has been asked to halt the deportations of around 100 Iraqis, mostly Christians, arrested by immigration authorities in the Detroit area over fears of religious persecution in their homeland.

In a coordinated sweep in recent weeks, immigration authorities moved to detain Iraqi immigrants around the country who had final deportation orders and convictions for serious crimes.

The roundup followed Iraqs agreement to accept deportees, as part of a deal that removed the country from President Donald Trumps temporary travel ban signed in March.

The class action lawsuit, filed by The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) last week naming seven petitioners, said the detainees must have a chance to prove they could face torture or death if returned to Iraq.

READ MORE: Iraqi detainees launch case to halt deportation from US

The rights group urged the court to issue an emergency halt to the planned deportations, arguing that many of those affected in Michigan are Chaldean Catholics, who are widely recognised as targets of brutal persecution in Iraq.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department said the district court does not have the authority to hear the case and the appeals should be made in immigration court.

But the ACLU said they might be deported before an immigration judge can consider their requests to stay.

Jennifer Newby, the Justice Department attorney at Wednesdays hearing before US District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Detroit, said the people arrested had known about their deportation orders and should have had time to seek legal remedies.

They waited until removal was imminent to ask for injunctive relief, thereby creating their own emergencies, Newby said.

READ MORE: What makes Trumps revised travel ban different?

She said the government would not deport anyone to Iraq before June 27 and that at least 50 people have filed motions to reopen their individual cases in immigration court, which could delay any deportations.

The ACLU argues that deporting these people could violate the United Nations Convention Against Torture, an international human rights treaty adopted by the US.





It is unconscionable, un-American, and cruel to send Christians into harms way in Iraq. We must be their protector, not their executioner, Mark Arabo, a Chaldean Christian and president of the Minority Humanitarian Foundation, which is involved in the case, told Al Jazeera.

Over the past several weeks, 114 Iraqi nationals have been arrested in Michigan, while 85 were detained across the rest of the country.

Immigration agents swept up mostly Chaldean Catholics in the Detroit raids, along with Shia Muslims and Christian converts.

Kurdish Iraqis were also picked up in Nashville, Tennessee, activists and family members told Al Jazeera.

Before the hearing, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the court holding red crosses and signs that said Deportation is a sentence to death.

No immediate decision was made by the federal judge on Wednesday.
Donald Trumps adviser and son-in-law held meetings with Palestine and Israel leaders aimed at continuing talks.

US President Donald Trumps senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, has held meetings with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

Kushner, accompanied by Trumps Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, is attempting to broker a deal to restart negotiations between Israel and Palestine, which were frozen since US-led talks collapsed in 2014.





Kushner travelled to Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, on Wednesday for talks with Abbas where, according to Abbas spokesperson, all major issues at the heart of the conflict were discussed.

Kushner and Greenblatt discussed with President Abbas priorities for the Palestinians and potential next steps, acknowledging the need for economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investments in the Palestinian economy, a White House statement said.

A White House official said earlier this week that Trump strongly believes that peace is possible and that Greenblatt and Kushner were expected to visit the region several times in the coming months.

Dishonest broker

Kushners connection to Israel, including his familys investments in illegal settlements in occupied territory and personal relationship with the current Israeli prime minister, has caused some Palestinian leaders to question the Trump administrations Middle East teams ability to be impartial.

Omar Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian rights activist, referred to the Kushner-led team as the most dishonest broker in the history of US peacemaking.

Kushners lack of experience in government or international affairs has also caused concern about his ability to thrust himself into US-led negotiations between the two parties, which for 25 years have produced no real results.

OPINION: Palestinians expect nothing good from Trump

Efforts by the previous US administration of Barack Obama, led by then Secretary of State John Kerry, to negotiate between Israel and Palestine resulted in a total breakdown of talks between both sides.

Israel continued aggressively building illegal settlement homes, to the ire of the Obama administration, which at the end of its term in office did not block a UN resolution calling on Israel to halt its settlement construction.

Shortly after, Kerry delivered a speech that many analysts and observers considered to be a eulogy for the two-state solution.

But since Trump assumed office, Israel has drastically increased its settlement programme, and is on course to build the most settlements in 25 years.

Israel has also moved beyond merely expanding existing settlements, beginning construction on the first new settlement in the occupied West Bank since 1992.





During his trip, Kushner did not speak to the media or take questions, maintaining the circumspect profile he has established since Trump took office in January.

Greenblatt and Kushner both accompanied Trump in May on his first visit as president to Israel and Palestine.

Trump has described peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians as the ultimate deal and made it a priority.

But it remains unclear what approach Trump, via Kushner and Greenblatt, plans to take on resolving the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

For at least two decades, the goal of US-led diplomacy has been a two-state solution, meaning an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side and at peace with Israel.

But when Trump met Netanyahu in Washington in February, he said he was not fixed on two states, saying: Im looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like.
Israeli defence minister says cutting payments for electricity in Gaza aims at dragging Hamas into conflict with Israel.

Israels defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has accused Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of trying to start a fresh conflict between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian movement Hamas through the Gaza electricity crisis.

Lieberman said on Thursday that Abbas, who is also the head of the secular Fatah movement that rules the occupied West Bank, was trying to increase tensions by cutting payments for electricity and other services in Gaza.





His intention is actually to continue cuts and in a few months to stop paying for fuel, medicines, salaries and many other things, Lieberman told a security conference near Tel Aviv on Thursday.

In my opinion, the strategy is to hurt Hamas and also to drag Hamas into a conflict with Israel.

Israel has no intention to go to war  not in the north, nor in the south, he added.

Since 2006, the PA has been paying Israel 40 million shekels ($12m) a month for electricity to be delivered to Gaza, which is deducted from tax revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the PA.

Israels power plant, which supplies 30 percent of the total electricity needed in the Strip, will scale back to at least 40 percent.

Gazas sole power plant shut down in April after it ran out of fuel. Prior to its shutdown, the PA removed a tax exemption on diesel fuel, doubling the price as a result.

The enclaves two million people will now only receive two to four hours of electricity instead of the previous six to eight hours.

READ MORE: Gaza power cuts  When fuel runs out, babies will die

A senior official in the Fatah-led government said last month that the aim behind the PAs move was to dry up Hamas financial resources.

Gaza is beset with humanitarian crises as a result of a decade-old Israeli and Egyptian blockade combined with the consequences of three Israeli wars.

In 2015, the UN released a report warning that the besieged enclave will become uninhabitable by 2020.

More recently, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned of a systemic collapse of an already battered infrastructure and economy.

Lieberman also spoke about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying a solution can only come as part of a full regional agreement with all moderate Sunni states, including Saudi Arabia.
More than 2,000 murders registered in May, a record high for any month since 1997, government statistics show.

Mexico registered more than 2,000 murders in May, a record high for any month since 1997, underlining the countrys struggles to deal with the trade in narcotics.

There were 2,186 murder investigations in May, according to the latest government statistics released on Wednesday, surpassing the previous monthly high of 2,131 in May 2011.

Some cases may include multiple homicides, and the number of murder victims reported in May was 2,452, the highest for any month in a separate series of data that only goes back to 2014.

The deadliest state was Guerrero, in the south, a hotspot in Mexicos war on drugs where 216 people were killed.





Murder investigations in the first five months of the year totalled 9,916 cases, up nearly 30 percent from the same period in 2016.

The violence surrounding the multibillion-dollar drugs trade has contributed to a slump in the popularity of President Enrique Pena Nieto, and could undermine support for his Institutional Revolutionary Party in next years presidential race.

In the western state of Sinaloa, where rival factions have been battling for control of the Sinaloa drug cartel since its kingpin, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, was extradited to the US in January, 154 people were killed, the highest number in six years.

Since Mexico first sent the military to fight drug trafficking in 2006, a wave of bloodshed has left more than 200,000 people dead or missing, as rival cartels wage war on each other and the army.

Discoveries of bodies tossed by the roadside, strung up on bridges as warnings to rival drug gangs, or buried in mass graves have become regular events in Mexico.

The capture or killing of major drug bosses during the past decade led to an increase in the number of gangs fighting each other over turf and battling government forces.

According to statistics from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Mexicos murder rate in 2015 was 16.35 people per 100,000, higher than the US rate of 4.88 but much lower than in many countries in Central America and the Caribbean.

In an investigative piece for The Nation, Dawn Paley details the spectacular violence that has accompanied the drug war project.

In 2014, Mexico ranked as the country with the third-most civilians killed in internal conflict, after Syria and Iraq. Bodies have been buried, burned, displayed in public places, hung from bridges and overpasses or beheaded and left at city hall.

A report at The Intercept last year noted that in Mexico 98.3 percent of crimes [went] unpunished in 2013, according to Mexican government statistics.
The United States pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programmes during a round of high-level talks in Washington.

The meeting on Wednesday of top US and Chinese diplomats and defence chiefs was held a day after President Donald Trump said Chinese efforts to use its leverage with Pyongyang had failed, raising fresh doubts about his administrations strategy for countering the threat from North Korea.

We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters at a joint news conference with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Mattis vowed to continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies against North Korea, which is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US.

OPINION: Is war coming to North Korea?

But with the long-standing option of pre-emptive military attacks seen as far too risky for now, Trumps aides are stressing economic and diplomatic pressure.

Tillerson said Trump would make a state visit to China this year, and Mattis said both sides agreed to expand military-to-military ties, signalling the new administrations determination to continue efforts to improve relations between the worlds two largest economies, despite frustration over North Korea.





Trump on Wednesday said the US had a great relationship with China.

North Korea topped the agenda at the newly established Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, which paired Tillerson and Mattis with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of joint staff of the Peoples Liberation Army.

While the US officials stressed agreement on the goal of North Korean denuclearisation, the talks also dealt with Chinas sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, with the Americans reaffirming opposition to Beijings militarisation of islands it is building in the strategic waterway.

READ MORE: North Korea threatens to sink approaching US carrier

Tillerson urged China to help crack down on illicit North Korean activities that fund its nuclear and missile programmes. Tillerson stressed the need to choke off funding sources including money laundering, labour export, and computer hacking.

Countries around the world and in the UN Security Council are joining in this effort, and we hope China will do their part as well, he said.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said earlier Beijing had made unremitting efforts to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula for its own interests, not due to external pressure.
Foreign minister says Qatar never supported al-Nusra Front, the former Syrian branch of al-Qaeda, or any armed group.

Qatar has never supported Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the Syrian group formerly known as al-Nusra Front, or any other terrorist group, its foreign minister says.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in an interview with France 24 Arabic on Thursday that Qatar had always abided by international laws and played a key role in the international coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.

Qatar does not support the Nusra Front in Syria  and it does not support any terrorist organisation, he told France 24.

The foreign minister added that he expects to receive a list of demands from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the next two days, but stressed Qatar would not accept any foreign dictations and rejected discussing any matter related to the Al Jazeera channel as it considered it an internal affair.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic ties and cut off sea and air links with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting terrorism  a charge Doha strongly denies.

As a result, Qatars only land border has been closed, it has been stopped from using the airspace of neighbouring nations and its citizens were ordered to leave the Gulf Arab countries.

The four countries also issued a list of 59 people and 12 groups with links to Qatar, alleging 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 UAE said this week the measures could last for years unless Doha accepted demands that the Arab powers plan to reveal in the coming days.
Canadian man detained after stabbing police officer in the neck with a large knife at an airport in Flint, Michigan.

A police officer was stabbed in the neck at the Flint airport by a man with a knife in what authorities are investigating as a possible act of terrorism.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody on Wednesday and hours later federal prosecutors announced the Canadian man was charged with committing violence at an airport. They identified him as Amor Ftouhi of Quebec province.

The criminal complaint says Ftouhi stabbed Lieutenant Jeff Neville with a large knife and declared Allahu Akbar, the Arabic phrase for God is great. The FBI, which is leading the investigation, said Ftouhi said something along the lines of you have killed people in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die.

The FBI added in the criminal complaint that Ftouhi asked an officer who subdued him why he didnt kill him.

Neville is in stable condition after initially being in critical condition.





The attack just before 10am (14:00 GMT) at Bishop International Airport prompted an evacuation and extra security elsewhere in the Michigan city which lies about 100km north-west of Detroit.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump was briefed on the stabbing.

Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw said everything is on the table as far as a motive for the attack.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect led away in handcuffs by police, Neville bleeding and a knife on the ground.

The cop was on his hands and knees bleeding from his neck, Ken Brown told The Flint Journal. I said they need to get him a towel.

Cherie Carpenter, who was waiting for a flight to Texas to see her new grandchild, told Flint TV station WJRT that she saw the attacker being led away in handcuffs. She described the man in custody as appearing blank, just totally blank.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement any attack on law enforcement officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Ive just spoken with officials at the FBI about the attack on a police officer in Flint, Michigan that is being investigated as an act of terrorism, said Sessions. President Trump has prioritised the safety of all law enforcement officers, and this Department of Justice is committed to that goal.
Theresa May pledges to protect EU citizen rights but UK also insists it will have full jurisdiction over such rights.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May promised EU citizens now living in Britain they could stay after Brexit but started a dispute with Brussels over the role of Europes top court.

At a summit in Brussels on Thursday, May gave a clear commitment that no EU citizen currently in the UK lawfully will be asked to leave the country at the point that the UK leaves the EU, a British government source said.





The UKs position represents a fair and serious offer and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives and contributing so much to our society, May told EU leaders.

The European Union has made the rights of an estimated three million Europeans living in Britain a priority; their futures have been thrown into doubt by its shock vote last year to leave the 28-nation bloc.

Under Mays plan, Europeans who have been living in Britain for five years at the time of a yet to be specified cut-off date would be entitled to a new settled status  granting them permanent rights to healthcare, education, welfare and pensions equivalent to British nationals.

Newer arrivals would be allowed to stay until they had amassed the necessary five years to qualify for settled status too.

Those who arrived after the cut-off date will have a grace period of up to two years, during which they can apply for another form of immigration status, such as a work permit.

Collision course

But the Conservative leader, battling to retain her authority after losing her parliamentary majority in a snap vote, also put herself on a collision course with Brussels.

She failed to set a cut-off date for those who are eligible for permanent residence, saying only it would be no earlier than the triggering of the Article 50 process on leaving the EU  March 29, 2017  and Britains formal exit, on course for March 30, 2019.

That will leave some new arrivals unsure of their status.

The UK will reject a demand for the European Court of Justice to oversee the process and any resulting disputes.

OPINION: Brexit is still happening, just not the way May hoped

In its position paper on EU rights published this month, the European Commission said the court should have full jurisdiction over such citizens rights.

But May is determined to remove Britain from the ECJs reach, insisting that taking back control of its laws is one of the reasons Britons voted for Brexit.

AFP news agency reported a British source saying: The commitments that we made to EU citizens will be enshrined in UK law and enforceable through our highly respected courts.

Al Jazeeras Neave Barker, reporting from Brussels, said that  although the EU had been hoping that citizens in the UK would gain access to the ECJ  May has at least now made some kind of outline of her plans on what was one of the vital sticking points of the Brexit negotiations.

A big hurdle, a big step has been made in the first week of Brexit negotiations  its really now for the EU to respond, he said.





May said she expected any offer by Britain to be met with a reciprocal offer from the EU for the one million Britons on the continent, but said she wanted a deal to be done as quickly as possible.

Officials said further details, including on the rights of spouses and children of European citizens, would be published in a government paper on Monday.

Barker said Mays tough talk on Brexit that preceded the recent snap general election has largely gone.

She is now very much weakened, and as a result of that bruising election result the kind of attitude and the tone thats being shared here in Europe is being softened too, he said.

It looks as if the UK is ready for compromise.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Mays offer on citizen rights after Brexit a good start.

Merkel said there was still a lot of work ahead, including the question of a British financial settlement as well as how to manage the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, EU leaders agreed on Thursday the post-Brexit locations of key bank and medical agencies currently based in London would be decided by November, EU President Donald Tusk said.
US president defends his decision to appoint wealthy individuals to his cabinet as smart at a rally in Iowa.

Donald Trump has said he doesnt want a poor person running the economy of the United States and has defended his decision to appoint wealthy individuals to his cabinet.

Speaking to his supporters in Iowa on Wednesday, Trump said: Somebody said why did you appoint a rich person to be in charge of the economy?  I said because thats the kind of thinking we want.

I love all people, rich or poor, but in those particular positions, I just dont want a poor person. Does that make sense?

Trump, a billionaire businessman from New York, lauded the appointments of former Goldman Sachs president Gary Cohn as chief economic adviser and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary as smart decisions.

He explained that Cohn and Ross had to give up a lot to take these jobs and went from massive pay days to peanuts.

Cohn served as president and COO of Goldman Sachs during the 2008 financial crisis when financial risks taken by the investment bank lost $1.2bn of its clients money.

Of course, we regret that we did not do many things better, he told Congress in 2010.

In 2010, Goldman agreed to pay $550m to settle civil fraud charges by the SEC of misleading buyers of mortgage-related securities.

OPINION: Why the rich cant be trusted with money

Cohn is just one of a number of former Goldman executives who have joined the Trump administration. White House adviser Steve Bannon and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin both worked for the financial institution.

Meanwhile, Wilbur Ross, a former investment banker at Rothschild & Co., helped Trump avoid bankruptcy in the early 1990s and saved his Taj Mahal casino hotel from collapse.

Ross helped bondholders negotiate with Trump, where the final deal reduced Trumps ownership stake in the Taj but left him in charge. According to author Hilary Rosenberg, the bondholders were unhappy when Ross presented the plan.

Trumps supporters have openly welcomed the fact that he is a businessman and not a politician beholden to special interest groups. But the wealth of Trumps cabinet picks has led to accusations that some may still have business holdings that leave the door open for potential conflicts of interest.
Agreement reached on increasing efforts to end tension between Gulf states and Qatar, sources from Erdogans office say.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken with Saudi Arabias King Salman and its new crown prince over the phone and they agreed to increase efforts to end tension related to Qatar, sources from Erdogans office said.

Turkey has offered support to Qatar after Saudi Arabia and several other nations severed ties with Doha over accusations of funding terrorism and fomenting regional instability.

Qatar denied the accusations and said the measures were unjustified.

READ MORE: Mohammed bin Salman named Saudi Arabias crown prince

Erdogan spoke with the Saudi leaders on Wednesday evening and agreement was reached on increasing efforts towards ending tension in the region related to Qatar, the sources said in a statement.

The leaders also stressed their determination to strengthen Turkish-Saudi ties, while Erdogan congratulated Mohammed bin Salman on his promotion to crown prince, the sources said before adding that Erdogan and King Salman also agreed to hold face-to-face talks at the G20 meeting in Hamburg next month.

READ MORE: Who are the key players in the GCC diplomatic crisis?

King Salman made his son next in line to the throne on Wednesday, handing the 32-year-old sweeping powers as the Kingdom seeks a radical overhaul of its oil-dependent economy and faces mounting tensions with regional rival Iran.

On June 7, Turkeys parliament fast-tracked legislation to allow troops to be deployed to a military base in Qatar, two days after Gulf countries cut ties with Doha in the worst diplomatic crisis in the region in years.

Turkish analysts talking to Al Jazeera interpreted the move as an apparent show of support for Qatar.

This indeed suggests that Turkey sees its defence ties with Qatar as an indispensable pillar of its strategic posture in the region, Can Kasapoglu, a defence analyst from Turkeys Centre for Economics and Policy Studies, said.

It also shows that Ankara would not drastically alter its long-term vision for regional fluctuations.

Turkey has a military base in Qatar that currently houses about 90 Turkish soldiers.

The Turkish forces conducted their first training at Tariq bin Ziyad military base earlier this month in a drill that had been long planned.
A rare look at the fight against ISIL in the cities of Derna and Sirte in the constant flux of the post-Gaddafi era.

Scroll down to watch part two: SIRTE

Filmmaker: Naser Al Badry

Libyas Shifting Sands is a two-part series offering a rare glimpse into the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in two strategically important cities of Derna and Sirte.

The 2011 Arab Spring saw the fall of heads of government in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. A series of internationally recognised but unstable governments in Tripoli failed to unify the country or revive the economy.

Amid the chaos, weak border controls and a lack of effective government, ISIL started to gain a foothold in the eastern coastal city of Derna during 2012; and then in Sirte during 2014.

In 2015, a United Nations peace deal proposed a Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, seen as the best way to combat the increasing threat of ISIL. A coalition of Islamist armed groups emerged in Derna under the banner of the shura council, heavily opposed to ISIL.

At the same time, Khalifa Haftar, a general from the Gaddafi era, formed his own, self-proclaimed Libyan National Army and began Operation Dignity, a military campaign against local shura council armed groups in several cities, especially Benghazi. He labelled them terrorists because he saw them as having supported the 2011 revolution against Gaddafi  and presented himself as the sole guarantor of Libyan stability.

Haftar is a polarising figure, criticised by some for his aggressive use of force but praised by others for attempting to restore order to a war-torn country.

To complicate matters further, the GNA recently offered him the job of heading up the Libyan Army itself, on condition that he recognise the GNA.

During the confrontation in Derna, those fighting ISIL raised questions as to whether there was some sort of relationship between ISIL and Haftars Operation Dignity.

Libya Today: From Arab Spring to failed state

More than 22 ISIL fighters who fled Derna city are now free in Dignity Forces-controlled areas, says Colonel Muftah Hamza, a Libyan army commander who fought ISIL in Derna. I have evidence with their names.

Anti-ISIL armed groups, along with the Libyan army, seized control of the strategically important crossroads al-Heela, aiming to cut off their supply lines and access to other parts of the country.

The effort made by the Derna mujahideen shura council, seizing control of the entrance to al-Heela, was heroic and made sacrifices  revolutionaries from Derna, Tobruk and Bayda joined and we made great advances, says Colonel Saleh Sahad, a Libyan army commander in Derna.

Realising theyd been surrounded, ISIL contacted the Derna mujahideen shura council and requested safe passage, but we all refused and decided not to provide it, says Colonel Hamza. Some turned themselves in and others were killed or escaped. Their numbers decreased and their power and resources including personnel, weapons and vehicles were drained.

But then, the renegade General Khalifa Haftar and his forces appeared  although they seemed to avoid any kind of confrontation with ISIL, even though the two were in close proximity.

More than 22 ISIL fighters who fled Derna city are now free in Dignity Forces-controlled areas. I have evidence with their names. by Colonel Muftah Hamza, Libyan army commander who fought ISIL in Derna

ISIL was surrounded on all sides, except in the southeast, al-Heela district. Its southern side was controlled by the Dignity Forces and ISIL in the north, explains Muhammad al-Mansouri, spokesperson for Derna Shura Council. We always had this war in mind and had prepared to fight ISIL. But Haftars repeated attempts to invade the city disrupted us.

Others, like Ismail Shokri, a Libyan intelligence officer, seem to corroborate this version of events: Battalion 166 in Sirte was bombed. So was the force fighting ISIL in Wadi Al Lud and the Anwar Afriqya oil tanker transferring oil to al-Bokhariya station. ISIL was given the chance to leave Derna in the east and reach Buqrain.

But General Haftars Libyan National Army continued to call the forces fighting ISIL terrorists. Haftars opposition to the local shura council groups is really the only plausible explanation for his troops failing to confront ISIL.

We dont recognise the Derna Revolutionaries Shura Council or the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council, says Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesperson for Haftar and his forces. We believe theyre terrorist groups.

Then, the army and combined armed groups were about to carry out an operation they called al-Qubba, aimed at ISILs remaining defence systems when Haftars forces intervened.

This allowed ISIL to attack them and resulted in the deaths of 215 men. We fought non-stop for 24 hours, says Colonel Muftah Hamza, First against Operation Dignity Forces and then against ISIL. It was as if theyd united against us and we were the terrorists and they needed to destroy us.

But after 10 months of fighting, the Libyan army and combined local armed groups finally managed to defeat ISIL in and around Derna and force them from the area.

However, hundreds of ISIL fighters were reported to have fled via the area west of the city occupied by General Haftars forces. ISIL then moved towards Sirte in a convoy of around 70 armed vehicles.

Al Jazeera has footage of the ISIL convoy allegedly passing close to Haftars airbase without being stopped.

Its possible that Haftars alleged role in and around Derna during the conflict can be explained by the old saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend; and that he turned a blind eye to ISILs activity in the area because it was aimed the shura council armed groups in Derna to whom he was  and still is  so staunchly opposed. It is certainly part of the complex web of political and military relationships in Libya today which still make it difficult to establish any kind of unity and stability in the country.

When the fighting in Derna died down, people took to the streets to celebrate the defeat and departure of ISIL. But as they enjoyed the moment, a new chapter in the story if ISIL in Libya was about to unfold, 850 kilometres away in the city of Sirte.

SIRTE









In the second episode of Libyas Shifting Sands, Libyan government-backed forces find themselves fighting ISIL in the central coastal city of Sirte, 850 kilometres west of Derna.

ISIL moved on Sirte before it was forced from Derna, partly because it saw cities where the majority of people were opposed to the revolution of 2011 as prime targets. But by 2015, the government troops were fighting a losing battle. They expected to be boosted by forces controlled by the renegade General Khalifa Haftar  but his operation proved less effective than anticipated.

In Derna, the government forces and local armed Islamist groups accused Haftar of colluding with ISIL. They referred to his group as Operation Dignity forces, after his campaign against supporters of the February 2011 revolution in Benghazi.

Some people and military personnel in Sirte supported the old regime. So they believed that helping ISIL was better than having the 17th February revolutionaries in Sirte, explains Ismail Shokri, a Libyan intelligence officer. So when the March 2015 fight against ISIL in Sirte began, I remember Operation Dignity planes bombing Battalion 166 as they were fighting ISIL, he says.

They by Brigadier

werent targeted or bombed so they arrived safely in Sirte, protected by Haftar. He claims to fight terrorism but why didnt he bomb them?]

As the government backed-forces were doing their best to fight ISIL in Sirte, General Haftars forces launched what they called Operation Qurdabiya Two, their supposed bid to liberate Sirte from ISIL. But it fell well short.

Ismael Shokri says ISIL wasnt remotely fazed by Haftars campaign. Why didnt ISIL pay any attention to Operation Qurdabiya Two? There were no barricades. They completely ignored it. In fact, they moved their forces 160 kilometres west. What was ISILs strategy in ignoring a party that had declared war against it moving its forces to the west? The only confrontation between ISIL and al-Bunyan al-Marsous forces was from 5th to 17th May to liberate Buqrain. After that, Operation Qurdabiya 2 was totally immobile, explains Shokri.

In January 2016, a new internationally-recognised government was announced, following a UN brokered peace deal. It was the Government of National Accord, the GNA  and in May 2016 it launched a major offensive on Sirte by deploying thousands of Linyan Army troops to the city, with United States backing. It was called Operation al-Bunyan al-Marsous or Impenetrable Wall.

The Libyan air force also played a role in helping the government forces advance by successfully targeting ISIL positions, enabling the government troops to enter the outskirts of Sirte. They managed to surrounding ISIL and eventually overcome them, although they paid a high price. The Libyan Army suffered 700 dead and thousands injured.

In its public statements, Haftar and his people were firmly opposed to ISIL. We believe theyre terrorists and outlaws, says Ahmed Al-Mismari, spokesperson for Haftar and his forces. They dont want state institutions or the country to be developed and democratic. We know their plans and strategies and even how their leaders think.

But many involved in the battle against ISIL in Sirte were sceptical and would have liked Haftar to have fought ISIL much more forcefully.

Brigadier Mohammed Al-Ghusri, in charge of operation al-Bunyan al-Marsous, insists theres a Haftar-ISIL connection. They [ISIL] travelled 800 kilometres from Derna to Sirte. They werent targeted or bombed so they arrived safely in Sirte, protected by Haftar. He claims to fight terrorism but why didnt he bomb them? A convoy of 70 or 80 vehicles and 217 fighters left Derna and werent targeted by planes. Instead, [Haftars] planes bombed the 19th Battalion that was fighting terrorism, explains al-Ghusri.

Al Jazeera obtained a leaked recording of a conversation between a member of General Haftars media team and an officer in Haftars National Libyan Army. Its alleged that it links ISIL to Haftars operations in Benghazi.

Aljazeera also asked General Haftar to respond to allegations that he may have colluded with ISIL  but received no reply.

Even as the people of Sirte were celebrating the overthrow of ISIL, Al Jazeera became aware of a new potential threat to the re-building of Libya and its future stability.

It obtained a letter written by a senior figure in al-Bunyan al-Marsous. It warns of a potential new alliance in southern Libya  between the remains of ISIL and armed groups linked to General Khalifa Haftar.

The letter calls on the presidential council of the Government of National Accord to deal with this threat head on. Having lost Derna, Sirte and its influence in northern Libya, its perfectly possible that ISIL might make a fresh bid for power in the south.

With weak borders where arms and people trafficking are rife, a group as unscrupulous as ISIL could easily exploit the lawlessness of the south to mount a new danger to a country already in a state of continued turmoil.
The landmark al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its leaning minaret have been destroyed in Iraq.

The al-Nuri mosque in Mosul is the latest piece of Iraqi ancient history to be blown up.

Other archaeological gems in Afghanistan, Mali and Syria have suffered a similar fate.

What can be done to stop it? And how can the damaged cities recover from what some are calling a cultural genocide?

Presenter: Sohail Rahman

Guests:

Ahmed Zaidan  journalist; documentary filmmaker who made a film on al-Nuri Mosque

Michael Danti  academic director of the American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR)

Amr Al-Azm  associate professor of Middle East history and anthropology at Shawnee State University in Ohio, US; former head of the centre for archaeological research at the University of Damascus
The Inspire Egypt Programme Fund aims to strengthen the voluntary and social entrepreneurship sectors in Egypt, through supporting leadership in these sectors and encouraging greater numbers of Egyptians to participate in civic life. It supports British Embassy (BE) Cairos [Inspire Egypt Campaign](https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/inspire-egypt-and-elevate-women-only-speed-mentoring). Read more on https://africa-newsroom.com/press/call-for-bids-for-the-inspire-egypt-programme-f...Source : http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
The transition in psychiatric nosology from the biopsychological terms "sex" and "sexuality" to the political concepts of genderism was effected by cultural and academic elites, mostly homosexual people, who derive their power through splitting and pitting. The purpose was to add a new consonant  T  to the political juggernaut LGB.

The four-decade politicization of sex-related mental disorders has been prosecuted by academicians and activists who bear animosity toward the natural order but generally have no grounding in science or medicine. They are blind to their multifarious enmity. They resist the idea of God's authority and that His love is the soul's provenance of freedom, and they deny that He made all human beings of two sexes and nothing else. They do not understand that the purpose of God's design is to enable transcendence, not fortification, of sex duality.

They derive power by pitting a victim group against an oppressor group. The victim group never rises above victimhood and the oppressor group is never cleansed of their undeserved privilege. The fashionable victim class this political season is an extreme micro-minority who experience some degree of disturbance of sex identification, labeled by the political term transgenderism. Just as one drop of poison can make a whole goblet lethal, a tiny victim group can poison psychological theory and claim unjust power over others. In the case of transgenderism, the vast majority of people are in the oppressor group called cisgenders, which is the natural mind-body relationship that until recently did not have a name.

The shift from sex identity disorder to transgenderism all but eliminates scientific inquiry in this area of psychiatry and psychology. Beginning in the 1970s, gender propagandists began replacing science (which they impugn as patriarchal) with intellectually vapid gender theory. In the 1980s, gender theory began morphing into cultural, political, and academic dogma. Paradoxically, as responsible medical practitioners increasingly question the safety of artificial resexuation, political activists increasingly demand resexuation, which they term "reassignment." The official psychodiagnosistic nomenclature has morphed with the political winds, with the sequential medical labels of Gender Identity Disorder, followed by Gender Dysphoria, which is soon to be replaced with Gender Incongruence. The denial that the disturbance of sex identity causes distress or dysfunction will enable "gender tourism" for the wealthy but increase suffering and regret for many people whose psychotherapeutic options are narrowing down as they are influenced to submit to one-size-fits-all artificial resexuation.

In America, gender theory began as abstruse conversations among lesbian academics rolling up tweedie sleeves to the elbow patches and gossiping about Lacanian psychoanalysis and Kristevan linguistical fissures of abjection. A good time was had by all!

Gender theory is post-structural, which, philosophically, means everyone gets to insist that reality is whatever he wants it to be, and anyone who challenges that is a bigot. This intellectual corruption is the ideal framework for left-wing victim politics, and diametrically opposed to the assumptions of scientifically based medicine. Since its founding, gender theory has been recognized as an interdisciplinary field with no unique, independent knowledge base. It is usually described as deriving from linguistics; cultural anthropology; Marxist theory with "intersectionality" (seven syllables beloved by people without valuable knowledge who want to sound smart); critical race theory; and women's, men's, and queer theory. There has never been a school or movement within gender theory based on science.

By the late 1980s, feminism needed a facelift, and left-wing politics needed to grow the victim group roster, and the battle against the most foundational biological truth of human life  that there are but two sexes and no genders  was joined.

Before she became notorious for her hilariously nonsensical writing, Judith Butler was like any other sourpuss lesbian Berkeley professor one might happen to meet. Her 1990 book Gender Trouble made gender babble universal academic dogma, with dire implications for scientific psychology.

This insight earned Butler a bad writing award in 1997:

The move from a structuralist account in which capital is understood to structure social relations in relatively homologous ways to a view of hegemony in which power relations are subject to repetition, convergence, and rearticulation brought the question of temporality into the thinking of structure, and marked a shift from a form of Althusserian theory that takes structural totalities as theoretical objects to one in which the insights into the contingent possibility of structure inaugurate a renewed conception of hegemony as bound up with the contingent sites and strategies of the rearticulation of power.



In a recent Ted Talk called "The Complexities of Gender," Sam Killerman (who calls himself a comic, a fitting profession for a gender theorist), provides the sum total of tripartite gender theory in about two minutes: 1) "gender identity," self-identification as male or female; 2) "gender expression," behaving as male or female; and 3) biological sex. He says, "There are as many versions of gender as there are versions of you," which means the term has no meaning. He repeats the foundational anti-male enmity of gender theory: "[there is] no extent to the limit of the Y [chromosome] privilege."

It is incredible that people who have oxygen supply to their brains are willing to listen to this. Actually, scientists working at Israel's Weizmann Institute of Molecular Genetics, probably not a Christian alt-right crew, have determined that there are 6,500 genes that are expressed differently in males and females. In truth, every human cell speaks its name of man or woman.

In another Ted Talk, "Beyond the Gender Binary," Yee Won Chong tells how he came out as "gay" in his mid-twenties. Now in middle age, he has started a "medical transition" to female. The gist of his talk is in opposition to the "sex binary" and expresses the fundamental fallacy of transgenderism, that being male or female is based on a social "assignment" that occurs after birth. This assignment is presented as almost a coin toss. He states, "It is common to conflate sexual orientation and gender identity because both are associated with gender." Neither is about gender, because there is no such thing as gender in human life. Homosexuality is not a gender. What is called gender identity boils down entirely to a profile of male and female characteristics. Chong demands of cisgenders, "Do not assume everyone goes by he or she" and suggests that they find out preferred pronouns and honor them. He is asking 99.99% of the population to doubt their own eyes and ears and live in his confusion. This is like someone who is depressed asking other people not to smile.

In a matter of months, the new diagnostic label Gender Incongruence will be installed in the U.N.'s World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). American psychiatrists and psychologists have resigned leadership in researching mental problems. The U.N. is more likely to identify being Israeli as a mental disorder than to turn back the clock on gender victimology.

The following table explains the clinical implications when an identity disorder is reframed as a political cause. We are on a dangerous path.
The recent decision by the United States Second Court of Appeals in the case of Matter of Warrant to Search a Certain EMail Account Controlled & Maintained by Microsoft Corp., 829 F.3d 197 (2d Cir. 2016) (hereinafter "Microsoft case") has triggered an avalanche of rhetoric and a maelstrom of hyperbole-laden proclamations of anti-law and order invective  much of it hysterical in nature.

The case concerned a warrant issued pursuant to a criminal narcotics investigation of a customer of Microsoft directed to Microsoft pursuant to the Stored Communications Act ("SCA"), 18 USCA  2703(a). Microsoft complied with the warrant as it related to data resident in the United States but properly refused to do so as regarded documents resident in its Dublin, Ireland datacenter because warrants by and large do not have extraterritorial applications, as mandated by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 41. Although the case facts are unclear, it appears that the target of the investigation likely did not reside in the United States because Microsoft generally stores information at a datacenter nearest the customer's stated location  in this instance, Dublin. The United States magistrate for the Eastern District of New York denied Microsoft's Motion to Quash the warrant, and the United States District Court enforced the warrant and held Microsoft in contempt. Microsoft thereafter appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ("Second Circuit").

The prevailing wisdom seems to be that the Second Circuit failed to recognize the impact of modern technology upon the hidebound world of "The Law" and rendered an incomplete decision that fashioned another stumbling block to fetter law enforcement while enabling criminals a safe haven. The writings center upon the perceived failure to consider the distinction between information ephemerally stored "in the cloud" that consists of electronic pulses translatable to stored and readable information that can be accessed anywhere on the planet, in theory, as opposed to "traditional" documentary evidence that has a corporeal, physical existence that can be seen and touched only where it exists and is stored or kept.

To the contrary, the Second Circuit got it right. The Microsoft case was decided correctly and should be applauded universally for preserving the rule of law in light of the aggressive overreach of executive power.

Microsoft is an electronic communication service provider based in the United States with global reach, through its MSN email services  as are Google, Yahoo, and EarthLink, to name a few. There is no question that the law at issue, the SCA, 18 USCA  2703(a), exists to protect the innocent and preserve the privacy of the citizenry and not to assist law enforcement. The simple essence of the Second Circuit's decision is that the SCA does not have extraterritorial application to enforce the required warrant from a United States state or federal law enforcement entity as regards "the disclosure by a provider of electronic communication service of the contents of a wire or electronic communication, that is in electronic storage in an electronic communications system." The SCA pointedly refers to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which in turn limit its jurisdiction to the United States and its territories.

Congress fully understood what it was doing and purposefully worded the SCA to require a warrant, which compels production of documents and materials in the physical custody of the party upon whom the warrant is served, as opposed to a subpoena, which requires that any and all documents merely in the control of the subpoenaed party shall be produced. The warrant seeks what you have on hand; the subpoena seeks what you can get your hands on. Had Microsoft been served with a subpoena, the offshore records would be required to be produced. However, Congress specifically forbade the use of subpoena powers in the circumstances presented in the Microsoft case, although the SCA contains provisions that expressly permit trial and grand jury subpoenas under enumerated circumstances. The reason warrants were required in lieu of subpoenas was expressly to protect privacy.

Law enforcement, like Congress, is well aware of the distinction between a warrant and a subpoena. Congress, unlike law enforcement and the Executive Branch in general, also understands that the law is a hedge against executive tyranny, not a bulwark against societal activities that, as the argument goes, may someday beget lawlessness and anarchy. The executive in general and the police authorities in particular are unconcerned with anything other than winning the "war on drugs," the "war on crime," the "war on unregistered guns," and other "us against them" manufactured public relations jargon "wars" designed to minimize the rights of individuals and further government's perceived jobs and vocation. They just want to win.

As in any contest, in which the struggle is deified and the cause deemed breathlessly just, the ends come to justify the means, and every advantage is taken, rendering the rules optional. In these scenarios, a referee (here the Courts) must step in to make sure the rules are abided by and the contest is fair. Sadly, the act of bringing the executive to heel to preserve fairness and individual rights is becoming rarer each passing day  but that is the subject of other articles for other days.

Here, the rules are neither mutable nor cryptic. Seasoned attorneys, both civil and criminal, who practice international law are well aware of discovery methods peculiar to obtaining evidence from a foreign national. The Justice Department attempted to shortcut the established rules and procedures in the Microsoft case and was properly rebuffed. There can be no doubt that in the Microsoft case scenario, the Justice Department, utilizing brilliant advocacy and strategic thinking in its quest for victory, purposefully positioned itself to cheat the procedural restrictions of the SCA and secure an undue advantage in violation of individual's rights that deviated from the accepted norms of discovery pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and other applicable law. Traditionally, letters rogatory have been used to obtain discovery from a foreign citizen through the intercession of a foreign court that assists in obtaining evidence from its citizen for the use in a United States legal action. The obverse, whereby United States courts assist foreign tribunals, is codified in 28 USC 1782.

Additionally, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) are negotiated by the State Department for the exchange of evidence and information in criminal and related matters with foreign nations. These treaties are the primary mechanism whereby cooperation with nations is facilitated and sovereignty is respected in accordance with international law and the Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 2. Note that two thirds of the Senate must concur. Thusly, the Founding Fathers established the Treaty Powers Clause in recognition of the serious matters at issue in the Microsoft case that the Executive Branch endeavored to circumvent.

The Second Circuit panel should be applauded as striking a blow for individual rights and liberty. The United States Supreme Court should deny certiorari review, as the Microsoft case presents neither a conflict of law in the Circuits nor a matter of great national importance. The law is the law, and the executive was rebuffed in its continuing efforts to deny liberty reserved to the people. It is important that individual rights are not eroded.

The singular reason the United States Supreme Court should hear the case is to affirm the Second Circuit and bolster the liberty-centered concept that the personal privacy rights of individuals extends into the digital world and that modernity does not defeat the inalienable rights of the individual. As such, the recent decision in Riley v. California, 573 U.S. ____, 134 S.Ct. 2473 (2014), is predicted to be an impediment to the government's hopes to overrule the Second Circuit in the Microsoft case.

The Supreme Court surely must know that it is fundamentally important that individual rights are not further eroded because of technological advances alone. That personal privacy rights of individuals extends into the digital world and other future methods of communication must be recognized as an essential aspect of preservation of the Constitution and the individual rights and liberties of the people.

Further, it critical that the decision in the Microsoft case be upheld so that the United States continues to be seen as a beacon of liberty and individual rights worldwide. Protection of individual rights against the Crown is America's birthright and its legacy. The concept of liberty is in our DNA. The reality of liberty in a world deemed dangerous is much more problematic, requiring vigilance and disabuse of jingoistic efforts to inculcate fear in furtherance of surveillance and intrusion into our individual and collective privacy. As stated by Hayek in paraphrasing Benjamin Franklin, "[t]hose who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

It is only fitting that the nation that invented the internet would also lead the way in making a place where liberty, privacy, and individual rights are recognized, respected, and preserved. We must do no less. We all owe a debt to Microsoft and its extraordinarily talented and vigilant legal department for their part in exposing this extraordinary imposition against individual rights and liberties.

One can only imagine the potential harm to the nation's economy and global security if Microsoft hadn't stepped forward with the courage, foresight, and ability  financial and intellectual  to defeat this example of Executive Branch overreach. If warrants of this nature are routinely, albeit unlawfully, enforced, then surely other nations will hasten to retaliate against U.S. citizens, and a free-for-all of retaliatory data disclosure would result because the internet is truly worldwide. If the rapacious aggression of the Justice Department stands unfettered and unchecked by the judiciary (including the Supreme Court, if necessary), the ability of Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, and other American internet and data service providers to compete worldwide will assuredly evaporate.

There can be little doubt that imposition of the state's police powers into the personal lives of private citizens is an extraordinary action that is not to be taken lightly and only in extreme cases, when the societal good or individual safety are at risk. The Founding Fathers brilliantly and painstakingly crafted the Constitution to provide a masterful balance between individual rights and the need for public safety, mindful of the ancient urge of the executive to glom onto as much power as possible and use it without hindrance on the weakened society it seeks to control. The principle is enshrined in the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution  "the enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Thusly, the federal government is intended to be a government of express and limited powers, and all rights and powers not delegated to it are retained by the people and, as set forth in the companion Tenth Amendment, by the individual states.

The alternative is submission to the militarized surveillance police state that threatens our liberty, our solvency, and our national identity. When there is a conflict, liberty prevails, and the Executive Branch must stand down. This fact must hold true even when international law is implicated as in the Microsoft case decision. The Constitution compels no less, and the Founding Fathers expected no more.

W. Bruce DelValle is a litigator and founding member of the Washington, D.C. constitutional law, commercial, and civil litigation firm Fein & DelValle PLLC. He is a native Texan who grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida. DelValle graduated from Penn State University and worked as a nuclear engineer prior to attending law school at Washington and Lee School of Law.
While blocking the temporary travel bans issued by President Trump on foreigners entering the United States from a small number of Muslim nations, the lower federal courts have used arguments that could be adopted by the current (or a future) Supreme Court to reinterpret the Constitution in a way that, effectively, would open the nation's borders to immigration beyond the control of either Congress or the president.

The Supreme Court (following the lead of lower federal courts in some instances; taking the lead in other instances) has a long record of gradually reinterpreting the Constitution in a series of cases over the course of several years. In general, the Court introduces seemingly minor (but in fact, highly significant) changes to constitutional law in a few cases, and the Court then cites those earlier cases (and not the Constitution) as the authority for imposing major changes in a later case. In other words, the Court cites itself as the authority for its decisions. The death penalty, abortion, and gay marriage are three of the more prominent examples where the Court has used this technique to radically transform American law and impose Progressive-liberal ideology on the entire nation, without a shred of support for the change to be found in the Constitution's text or history.

Now, with regard to President Trump's second travel ban (which replaced the first one), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has claimed that it likely violates the Constitution; specifically, the First Amendment's establishment clause, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

However, three of the Fourth Circuit's own judges acknowledged that "the Supreme Court has never applied the Establishment Clause to matters of national security and foreign affairs." Moreover, the judges noted that nonresident foreigners, including relatives of U.S. citizens, "do not have rights of entry [into the United States] or any Establishment Clause rights."

Nevertheless, the Fourth Circuit, among other things, accepted the argument that by delaying or denying Muslims (in foreign nations) entry into the United States, the travel ban would injure Muslims in the United States. Decades ago, communists in the United States attempted to use a similar argument, claiming that by denying communists (in foreign nations) entry into the United States, the federal government was depriving American communists of what they alleged was their First Amendment "right" to hear and meet foreign communists in person. The Supreme Court, though, did not accept the argument.

Today, even if the government banned every single foreign Muslim in the world from entering the United States, the ban would do nothing to establish a religion in the United States, and the ban would do nothing to prevent any American from the free exercise of religion in the United States. Which religion would an entry ban establish? Christianity? Judaism? Zoroastrianism? How?

Of course, in reality, any claim that a ban of foreigners would establish a religion in the United States has to rely entirely on a modern reinterpretation of the establishment clause and redefinition of what constitutes an establishment of religion.

In short, under the Constitution, the federal government (specifically, Congress) has the power to deny any individual alien or any class of aliens entry into the United States on any grounds. The Supreme Court itself has upheld the exclusion of aliens based on race, national origin, political association, belief system, and other such factors. Indeed, the Court has said that "Congress regularly makes rules [for aliens] that would be unacceptable [under the Constitution] if applied to citizens." And under federal law (namely, the Immigration and Nationality Act), Congress has delegated some of its power over aliens to each president.

While the purpose of President Trump's travel ban is to protect the nation from terrorists, the federal government has always had (at least until now) the power to ban foreigners based on their belief system. To repeat, the Supreme Court itself has upheld the exclusion of foreign communists.

Like communism and fascism, Islam is a belief system with principles that violate the rights of individuals. And if the government, in the national interest, banned foreigners who are followers of Islam, the government would not be acting for the purpose of advancing religion any more than if the government banned followers of communism or fascism; the purpose of such a ban would be secular. The government would be treating a "religious" belief system (Islam) the same as it treated a nonreligious belief system (communism).

Yet with regard to the travel ban, the Fourth Circuit argued that it was "steeped in animus." This is utter nonsense. Is opposition to communism and fascism based on animus? Opposition to Islam is based on knowledge, not animus.

Additionally, the Fourth Circuit argued that the travel ban hurts the "feelings" of Muslims. This is beyond irresponsible. It is indefensible to argue that the government cannot criticize or disapprove of a belief system, its principles, and its practices. The founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, proclaims that governments are instituted to secure the rights of the people. When a belief system threatens or undermines the securing of these rights, it is not only legitimate for the government to criticize and disapprove of the belief system, but it is the duty of the government to do so.

Notably, in a separate decision by a different federal court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit claimed that the travel ban violates a federal law, the Immigration and Nationality Act, because the executive order that implements the ban exceeds the president's authority. However, since the Ninth Circuit's decision is based on federal law, not the Constitution, it does not have the same (potential) consequences as the Fourth Circuit's decision, because it does not prevent Congress from passing, or the president from signing, a new law that provides such authority. Nevertheless, the Ninth Circuit erred by refusing to uphold the ban; the executive order is a valid exercise of President Trump's authority.

The Supreme Court could settle this issue (for the short term) first by lifting the injunctions that have blocked the ban, and then by upholding the ban. Alternatively, the Court could refuse to uphold the ban, and instead adopt the arguments that were used by the lower federal courts. Moreover, even if the Court upholds the ban, a future Supreme Court could at some point still adopt the arguments that were used by the lower federal courts. The Court could reinterpret the First Amendment by declaring it unconstitutional for either Congress or the president to deny foreigners entry into the United States on certain grounds, such as their belief system. Ultimately, such an outcome would take away from the federal government and give to foreigners a power over who enters the nation.

Paul Pauker is the author of Morality and Law in America. He also runs a site dedicated to advancing the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property.
Where are the adults? No, this is not about the Democrats. We know they have devolved into churlish toddlers, and few adults remain there. Ive ranted enough about them lately, this is not about them. Its time this question is asked of those who should be on our side.

Its the GOP Congress and leadership that needs to be asked this question. Immediately, constantly, and harshly.

There were posters held up for all to see in close proximity by Trump supporters at one of his rallies during the nomination process. They read:

For those in the GOP who do not know to whom those questions were directed, let me give you a hint: These were being asked directly to the leadership of the GOP. Trump heard them, he answered those questions to the GOP base clearly, he ran on those issues, and he won overwhelmingly against every faction and candidate of the GOP.

The golden boy of the establishment spent well over a hundred million dollars in his quest for the nomination. He received three delegates, and polled well under 10% of Republican voters when he finally dropped out. He was such an embarrassment, I doubt anyone can remember who he endorsed. The establishment tried hard to find a replacement, but failed miserably. This GOP establishment has no idea how to answer the questions on those placards. They have no idea who their base is, and frankly have no idea what the American people on the center right stand for.

Fortunately for them, Trump did. Fortunately for them, he had enough coattails, and generated enough excitement to help them keep the majority in the House, and the Senate. For one bright moment after election day, House Speaker Paul Ryan admitted publicly that without Trumps campaign, he would not have been Speaker again. Likewise, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Please note that the few Republican senators that lost close races were the ones who never got behind Trump.

O.K., so the table has been set now.

GOP, what the hell do you think youre doing? Instead of being leaders of a great, nation-stirring agenda, youre sitting on your hands doing little of consequence, acting as if you lost the election, and doing nothing to stand against the most insane, nasty and inane narratives against your president that have been seen in generations.

GOP, where are the adults? Its time for you to step forward. Immediately. If you have been sleeping and not seeing just how badly you are doing, please wake up.

There are some reasons the GOP has become an irrelevant majority. They are as follows:

Big dollar donors who want big favors that go against their voters wishes. Follow the money. And yes, thats number one for a reason.

Many of the GOP representatives have become enamored with Washington, its power, its glamour, its charm, and their place within the circle of intrigue. They have forgotten why they won, and what they promised. These are the ones who go back and forth into the swamp, not realizing how dirty they have become.

Then there are the swamp creatures. Those who have lost their way, and who have become permanent fixtures of a ruling city totally out of touch with their country. They have fooled their constituents for a long time. These are the worst category.

There are also those Stockholm Syndrome Republicans who want to be spoken of nicely by the media, and by their friends across the aisle. Of all categories, I would hope James Hodgkinson might have changed your mind on this subject.

Last but not least, we have the confused ones. Easily swayed by the siren song of the media, incapable of seeing how double-minded they themselves are, perhaps they should rethink why they came to Congress. Let me give you a hint: Number 1 above is not a very good reason.

If the shoe fits, perhaps some rethinking should go on. Soon.

Now, I am certain there are good GOP Representatives, Senators, and leaders. They dont fall easily into one of the categories above, they really have a good reason to be there, they have solid conservative principles, and possibly are really decent people. I know youre there. But would you do us all a favor, and start acting like you are? Show us some leadership. Act like the adults in the room. Immediately, constantly, and loudly. If you dont, you will not only stay irrelevant, youre going to lose your power, youre going to lose your elected position, and you wont be remembered well. You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help the country go forward, and youre about to lose it.

Why? Because youre not remembering the placards those voters held up. Here they are again: Do you know who your voters are? Do you know what we want? Do you ever listen to us?

Heres what your voters want, coincidentally its the agenda you ran on, and the agenda that once enacted will make you part of a great historical turn for our country.

First, come to the aid of your president. Now.

I called my congressman and explained to his young aide in Washington why the freshman congressman needed to step to the front. I explained rationally and nicely why he needed to vocally defend Trump, come against the monstrous lies the Democrat/media complex has propagated, and pass the Trump agenda. I got a form letter back, tutting and clucking certain claims have been made against the new administration which deserve to be taken seriously in order to promote a transparent and accountable government, blah, blah, blah. Quite honestly it was sickening. The man should know better.

This whole stupid narrative that Trump did something wrong is just that. And the congressmans voters know, and wont forget. And they are sick of hearing these stupid things and not defending the man they elected president. Suggestion: Be a profile of courage, stand up against this nonsense. The voters will remember whichever way you go. Yes, they will.

Once the solid defense of Trump starts, uniting a majority of your colleagues to stop encouraging the democrat/media congress with this anti-Trump nonsense should be a first priority. Then, start actually fulfilling promises made to the electorate. Its called getting rid of Obamacare, enacting tax reform (cuts), empowering the economy, cutting regulation, rebuilding the military, defunding leftist organizations such as Planned Parenthood, and the list goes on and on. Make America Great Again was not just a slogan to the voters.

So little has been done, so much more should have been. The voters would rather remember the GOP as a party that when much was required, stepped up to the plate and got it done. In spite of the Democrat/media complex.

A quick reminder. I doubt there is even one percent of the GOP voters who ever want to hear about another part of the Russia investigation. Its all been a massive pile of horse manure, and those voters know it. Like those voters, act like grown-ups and stop this nonsense. No more time on useless investigations. Then dont go on vacation until you vote in the agenda you promised.

The GOP has a lot of real voter anger lining up against it. And no, its not the Democrat voters who live on deranged toddler-like anger I am talking about. Its the slow, even burn of a base that has been denied what it has worked for and voted for way too long. They will not be denied because of GOP fecklessness.

If the adults do not stand up, that anger will fall on the GOP. By primarying those who are faithless, like Eric Cantor; or even worse, simply not showing up as happened in 2006.

Adults, be warned. Step to the front.
A good deal of analysis has gone into James Hodgkinson, the Friend of Bernie and neosocialist wacko who tried to murder the Republicans in Congress by an act of terrorism. Yes, he hated Trump and all Republicans. Yes, he waxed poetic over high taxes and MSNBC. Yes, he was abusive to his foster children (one committed suicide by immolating herself with gasoline while the other ran away -- after Jimmy knocked her around -- and eventually died of a heroin overdose as a young adult.) Yes, he was estranged from his wife (gone since March to live in his van in the D.C. area.) But one aspect of his life that caught my eye is that he was a union carpenter.

Many years ago, I worked at a grocery store. I was responsible for opening up for deliveries and checking in the product. Once there was a strike against a major beer distributor, a particularly ugly one. The distributor hired temporary delivery workers. One day I opened the door for a delivery and the driver came in -- white as a sheet. He said "look at this" and showed me the shotgun blasted windshield of his truck; the striking union thugs tried to murder him to keep him from doing the job that these union people just wouldn't do.

Now our good friend Hodgkinson was a union man. A member of the Carpenter's Regional Council -- a carpenter's union -- and was an independent contractor before becoming a home inspector. I think this is important.

The fact is, union thuggery has always been a tool of the Democrats and the Progressive Left. It is generally laughed off as harmless pranksterism by the media and local authorities, who are infuriatingly unwilling to crack down on violence by union thugs. Take, for example, the assault on a vendor at a St. Louis townhall meeting a number of years back. Kenneth Gladney, an out-of-work black man who was trying to earn a few bucks selling flag pins at a townhall meeting held by then Democratic Congressman Russ Carnahan -- was viciously assaulted and beaten by SEIU members who didn't like a black guy leaving the plantation. Gladney's attackers were naturally acquitted by a kangaroo court in St. Louis County. St. Louis is a union town.

I met Gladney at a rally for justice for the man. He was in a wheelchair and clearly in pain but felt it was his duty to come to the rally in his defense. I felt bad for him; he was accompanied by a nurse who frequently checked his vitals.

At the rally, a couple of SEIU thugs tried to incite violence, getting in the faces of Tea Party protesters and generally causing trouble. Heavy police presence and good sense kept the situation calm, but the intent was clear.

This is standard operating procedure for many of the union thugs, who act as shock troops for the Left and Democrats. And it's been this way for longer than I have been alive.

So it should come as no surprise that a loyal union guy would think nothing of shooting up Republicans; his experience was always that union people got away with it.

Labor unions are little more than an arm of the Democratic Party. They donate almost entirely to the Democrats, and are generally exempted from campaign finance laws. They force people to join their organizations then take money to promote radical leftist ideology and violence. Fourteen of the nation's top political donors are labor unions. They donated almost entirely to the Clinton campaign, even while a large number of their members voted for Donald J. Trump.

Labor unions have a long and nasty history of violence in the United States. And the Courts have supported this as excusable.

From the Blaze:

"Its a huge caveat worth noting anytime union members spiral down toward lethal behavior: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that certain labor union violence -- even when involving homicide -- cannot be prosecuted under federal law. The controversial U.S. v. Enmons verdict deemed in 1973 that labor violence against employers -- including property damage, assault, and homicide -- isnt federally punishable when its carried out for legitimate union pursuits, such as wage or benefit increases."

U.S. v. Enmons was the 1973 case where the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was indicted under the Hobbs anti-racketeering act for firing rifles at electrical substations and damaging company equipment (and thus impacting interstate commerce). SCOTUS ruled that the union may not be tried under Hobbes, which subjected the union members to be fined "not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both." With this ruling by the Supreme Court, prosecution of unions for violence dropped precipitously (even though state laws against individual violence are still supposed to apply.)

According to a 1998 report by the CATO Institute:

"Under the Supreme Courts 1973 Enmons decision, vandalism, assault, even murder by union officials are exempt from federal anti-extortion law. As long as the violence is aimed at obtaining property for which the union can assert a lawful claim -- for example, wage or benefit increases -- the violence is deemed to be in furtherance of legitimate union objectives. By the Courts peculiar logic, such violence does not count as extortion. The result has been an epidemic of union-related violence. The National Institute for Labor Relations Research (NILRR) has recorded 8,799 incidents of violence from news reports since 1975. Those reports show only 258 convictions, suggesting a conviction rate of less than 3 percent. Moreover, local law enforcement authorities often get many more reports of strike violence than journalists can possibly cover. Many states have taken a cue from the high Court by enacting their own extortion laws with exemptions similar to those established by Enmons. As a result, employees trying to support their families during a violent strike are now denied protection against extortion under both state and federal laws."

No wonder the Progressive Left has enlisted the unions. And they have been happy to oblige, supporting the Occupy Wall Street movement and endorsing Black Lives Matter violence. And don't forget the violence in Wisconsin perpetrated by the labor unions from across the country in opposition to Scott Walker.

So why would the Congressional shooter not attack Republicans? He has been told all his working life (and probably his youth as well) that it is okay to use violence if you are a union man. While most grounded individuals who are union members won't do this, those less balanced, egged on by the endless stream of hatred from the media and their political buddies, can decide it's time for a good old-fashioned bloodletting.

Back in the 70s labor unions ran a television commercial with a catchy song "look for the union label." Well, I can see that label on the bloodsoaked hands of James Hodgkinson.

Read more from Tim and friends at The Aviary www.tbirdnow.mee.nu
In the late 1700s, the newly independent republic of the United States was continually beset by piracy at sea from four Muslim Barbary Coast states: Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco. The U.S., with limited military resources and staggering debts from the War for Independence, sought to establish secure routes for international commerce to spur rapid economic growth needed to build the emerging country. Yet the U.S. faced constant Ottoman attacks on its merchant ships. American and European ships venturing into the region routinely faced capture of crewmembers, who risked being held as slaves until hefty ransoms were paid. The persistent Barbary pirate raids created a major crisis for a new nation that could not afford to either suffer from economic isolation or pay the exorbitant tributes demanded by the pirates.

In Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates (Sentinel, 2015), coauthors Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger explore "the forgotten war that changed American history." In an action-packed thriller that aptly captures the time, place, politics, and circumstances, the authors chronicle the crisis leading up to the Barbary Wars and their triumphant aftermath.

The authors begin their chronicle with 1785, when the American merchant vessel, the Dauphin, was intercepted off the coast of Portugal by an Algerian cannon-equipped vessel, suffering the same fate as many ships of the day venturing near the Barbary Coast. Together with the crew of the schooner Maria, captured the same year, the sailors were shipped off to Algiers to spend years or their entire lifetimes in slavery under the Ottomans.

Kilmeade and Yaeger explain that North African coastal states sustained their fiefdoms by routinely sending off ships to cruise the east Atlantic and Mediterranean looking for prey. For centuries, ships had been attacked in international waters and had their crews and cargoes held for ransom, even those belonging to the great naval powers of the day, France and Great Britain. Rather than fight the pirates, these countries preferred to pay annual tributes to purchase safe passage for their vessels.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, then respective American ambassadors to Britain and France, were confounded by the Muslim practice of attacking a nation outside the context of war and absent an identifiable threat. To understand the problem and negotiate a reasonable solution, Adams visited the office of Tripoli's envoy to Great Britain in London, who welcomed him with great hospitality. When the Tripolitan ambassador, Sidi Haji Abdrahaman, returned the visit a few days later, Adams perceived him as "a benevolent and wise man" with whom the United States could conduct business.

Sharing his positive perceptions and plans to broker an arrangement with Abdrahaman for safe passage of U.S. merchant ships, Adams invited Jefferson to join him in negotiations. Much to their mutual surprise, Abdrahaman unreasonably demanded exorbitant sums of gold for himself and informed the statesmen that additional sums would be required to buy peace with Tunis, Morocco, and Algeria.

Both Adams and Jefferson registered astonishment at the excessive tribute amounts and inquired how the Barbary States could justify "[making] war upon nations who had done them no injury." The Tripolitan ambassador declared that "all nations which [have] not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave." Kilmeade and Yaeger describe the two founders as being "horrified by the [envoy's] religious justification for greed and cruelty." Exhibiting no remorse or regret, the Tripolitan further explained that "every mussulman who was slain in warfare was sure to go to paradise."

Interestingly, Jefferson had read the Koran while in law school, been perplexed by its values, and dismissively relegated a spot for the Muslim holy book next to his collection of Greek mythology. Kilmeade and Yaeger point out the irony of Jefferson, author of "all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights," being confronted by the stark reality of Islamic doctrine.

Adams and Jefferson knew they couldn't afford to relinquish trade in the Mediterranean and realized they were at an impasse. While Adams preferred to pay for peace in a negotiated settlement and viewed a potential war as too costly and unwinnable, Jefferson, a steadfast believer in the freedom of the seas, recognized the necessity of commissioning an American navy to obtain freedom of passage through battle. Furthermore, he didn't trust the Barbary pirates to keep their word and thought a military solution would permanently end the threat.

As a young nation, America was in a difficult predicament. Trade in the Mediterranean was essential, but any exorbitant payments to pirates would have to be borrowed and piled on to the already burdensome war debt. The founders had to decide between the costs of building the capacity to patrol the waters and making ever increasing payments to guarantee safe passage.

In 1789, Jefferson returned to the United States to become the first secretary of state under George Washington. Even with the increased number of enslaved American ship crewmembers and the continuing threat to American trade in the Mediterranean, President Washington wanted neither a standing army nor navy and favored a policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. His administration made payments to ensure U.S. ships passage through the seas.

Kilmeade and Yaeger relate that, in the end, America's course of action changed after Algeria in 1793 sent out a new flotilla of eight ships to roam the Atlantic near Gibraltar and specifically seek American ships. Following the capture of ten American ships, Washington's political leaders decided to begin building a permanent, professional U.S. Navy despite deep divisions among political parties and regions of the country.

Meanwhile, under presidents Washington and Adams, tributes had continued to be paid to Muslim leaders of the Ottoman Empire. But that policy changed as well because of the humiliation suffered in 1800 by the USS George Washington, the first American warship to enter the Mediterranean. The ship arrived safely in Algiers but failed to carry a significant enough tribute to satisfy the bashaw of Algeria. Under threat of attack, the despotic ruler, along with his extensive entourage and cargo, commandeered the ship and its crew for a visit to the sultan of Constantinople.

After receiving a full report in October 1800 of what had occurred to the George Washington, then-president Jefferson responded with a flotilla of U.S. Marine Corps ships as a show of power to repel future attacks. The declaration of war and naval blockade that followed on Jefferson's orders served as a watershed in the Barbary conflict.

In 1802, with outrage still fresh over the George Washington and Tripoli's continued seizure of American ships, Jefferson signed into law "An Act for the protection of the Commerce and Seamen of the United States against the Tripolitan Corsairs." This legislation authorized the president to end the failed era of appeasement and diplomacy and freed him to pursue a military response against the pirates.

In their book, Kilmeade and Yaeger detail a series of inconclusive battles that occurred afterward until, in 1805 in the Battle of Derna, U.S. Marines achieved a turning point under the leadership of self-declared "General" William Eaton, a former Army captain. Eaton captured Tripoli and raised the American flag in victory, an action memorialized in a line of the Marines Hymn, "to the shores of Tripoli."

Although Eaton saw that a complete victory over Tripoli was imminent, Jefferson's State Department appointee, Tobias Lear, preferred to exercise diplomatic authority. Lear prematurely signed an armistice agreement, an action later condemned as an "inglorious deed" and "the basest treachery on the basest principles." With news of Eaton's initial military success, Lear used the triumph to broker a peace rather than see the conflict through to a successful military end. Sadly, Eaton's victory against the Barbary leaders  the complete humbling of the Tripolitan leader  was underestimated, a declaration of peace was signed, prisoners freed, a small tribute paid, and the near dethroned bashaw of Tripoli retained his kingdom.

Shocked to receive an order to retreat, Eaton had planned to continue the fight to Benghazi and Tripoli for a complete defeat of the enemy. Instead, he was forced to relinquish ground valiantly fought for by his men, a dangerous sign of weakness in a region that respected only strength.

In the end, Jefferson's decision to fight for the freedom of navigation of the seas proved to be the right one. Eaton's successful mission demonstrated that interference with American commerce and the captivity of American seamen required a strong response.

Ultimately, America received two important benefits from this incomplete victory: the free flow of American shipping in the region and the promise that future American captives would not be enslaved, but be treated as POWs.

The First Barbary War, marking the first time that the American flag was raised in victory on foreign soil, had ended with America standing up to the pirates, something the established European naval powers had not done. The young nation's navy now had valuable experience and had proven that it could effectively fight for its interests. As a critical military legacy, it marked the emergence of the young nation as a force to be reckoned with in foreign seas. It was the first American victory outside the Western hemisphere and the first conflict in which the U.S. Navy worked in concert with U.S. land forces to demonstrate that American forces could fight as a cohesive unit in the execution of a war far from home to sustain national honor and respect.

With naval experience under its belt, the U.S. was now well prepared to return to the Maghreb during the War of 1812 and win handily. As a result of that British-instigated conflict which lasted a mere 48 hours, full shipping rights, minus financial fealty, were won for all American ships as well as restitution for damaged vessels and stolen goods.

It wasn't until 1815 that the naval victories won by Commodores William Bainbridge and Stephen Decatur led to treaties ending all tribute payments. After a decisive victory in Algiers, Decatur sailed to Tunis and Tripoli, where he reached similar agreements, gaining reparations and the releases of American and European slaves. Thus, Kilmeade and Yaeger conclude in their dramatic retelling of this mostly forgotten war that the Americans under James Madison finally put a stop to the centuries-old practice of Barbary kidnapping, theft, terror, and slavery. From this early international victory in the Barbary Wars, the U.S. embarked on its journey to become one of the world's greatest military and economic superpowers.
Government officials revealed during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee that 30% of children captured at the border have ties to MS-13 and other violent drug gangs.

The Obama administration knew of the problem but claimed that by law, they had to admit the refugees regardless of their ties to violent criminal gangs.

Washington Times:

Nearly 30 percent of the illegal immigrant children the U.S. is holding in its dormitories have ties to criminal gangs, the government revealed Wednesday, suggesting that the Obama-era surge of Central Americans has fed the country's growing problem with MS-13 and other gangs. Federal officials refused even to guess at the true scope of the problem, telling the Senate Judiciary Committee that they can give only small snapshots of what they see. But they said the devastation on communities across the country is clear: killings and chaos, particularly among other immigrants  both legal and illegal. The Border Patrol identified 160 teens who were known or suspected gang members when they first showed up at the border, but whom the Obama administration said it had to admit under U.S. law. Meanwhile, a spot check this month of 138 teens being held by the federal Health and Human Services Department identified 39 with gang ties. Four of them were forced into cooperating with the gangs and 35 joined voluntarily, according to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. "It is well-known that MS-13 actively targets and recruits children as young as 8 years old," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Iowa Republican and chairman of the Judiciary Committee who called Wednesday's hearing. "While their illegal status and Central American heritage are a key factor in MS-13's targeting, without a doubt the failures of the current system for handling these children is also to blame," he said. "The current system is fraught with abuse, systematic errors and a lack of effective cooperation." He was stunned that no agency could say how many "UAC," as the government dubs unaccompanied alien children, have been recruited. The agencies point to one another and to federal laws, saying their hands are tied.

Agencies are reviewing Obama-era interpretations of the law, but it seems incomprehensible that this loophole can exist. It seems clear that M-13 and other gangs are using the children and US policy on dealing with unaccompanied minors at the border to engage in gang activity on American soil.

Officials said MS-13 is involved in some drug dealing and does engage in human trafficking, but its real money-making operation is extortion. The gang threatens families  including American citizens  with violence against relatives back in Central America unless those in the U.S. pay them off. Gang members in the U.S. take directions directly from gang commanders in El Salvador, authorities say. Kenneth A. Blanco, acting assistant attorney general in the criminal division at the Justice Department, also said immigrants who fail to report crimes to local police are often not afraid of being deported by federal authorities, but rather fear retaliation from the gang members and other criminals who live in their neighborhoods. He said witnesses' names become public, making them targets for retribution. "That really, in my 28 years, has been the fear they have of calling the police. Not so much the other way around," he said. "They're really scared of these people." That runs counter to the argument made by Democrats and some local police chiefs that illegal immigrants refuse to report crimes because they fear entanglement with federal deportation agents.

Such "below the radar" policies cost lives. That should be the bottom line in creating and implementing any immigration and refugee policy regardless of whether it affects adults or children. That 30% of children who we've been told only want to come to America to get away from gang violence are themselves engaged in gang activity is a clear and present danger to Americans and illegal aliens alike.

That the government has known of this problem for years and allowed it to continue is the height of stupidity and bureaucratic incompetence.
Less than a week after the U.S. Senate adopted sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and two days after Tehran launched a series of missiles at territories inside Syria while claiming to target ISIS, the Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) held a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, June 20, unveiling new information about dozens of IRGC missile sites.

On the orders of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the IRGC has accelerated its ballistic missile activities and tests following the Iran nuclear deal, representatives of the NCRI U.S. Office said.

Sources associated with the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the main NCRI coalition member, and inside Iran's Defense Ministry and IRGC confirmed that Khamenei has specifically tasked the IRGC Aerospace Force with carrying out this initiative.

The locations of 42 sites were verified by the Iranian opposition, all being affiliated with the IRGC's production, testing, and launching of missiles.

"A dozen of these sites were revealed for the very first time. Among the 42 sites, 15 are part of the regime's missile manufacturing network," said NCRI U.S. Office deputy director Alireza Jafarzadeh in the press conference. "These 15 centers include several factories related to a missile industry group and together form a web of dozens of missile production facilities," he added.

The PMOI/MEK sources were able to provide intelligence on four very important missile sites located in the cities of Semnan in the east of Tehran, Lar in south-central Iran, and Khorramabad in western Iran, as well as near the city of Karaj, west of Tehran. Iran has recognized only two of these sites as ballistic missile facilities.

These IRGC missile sites have been constructed based on blueprints provided by North Korea, and experts from Pyongyang have been on the scene throughout the process, according to PMOI/MEK sources.

During the past two decades, the Iranian opposition has provided the international community with accurate reports of Iran's clandestine nuclear and ballistic missile activities. The recent revelations made in Washington make the sanctions proposed by the Senate all the more necessary to adopt a firm policy against Tehran.

Iranian officials are in consensus on the need for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear payload, all in order to maintain their grip on power. Iranian president Hassan Rouhani underscored in late May how the regime's missile activities will go forward unabated.

Tehran is known as the central banker of international terrorism. Iran's meddling in neighboring countries and support for terrorist proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have already plunged the region into an inferno.

On that note, Iran's state-run Mashreq daily wrote on Iran launching missiles into Syria on Sunday:

Although Iran had many different options to respond to ISIS' terrorist attack, it chose to launch missiles from its soil[.] ... [T]his may have messages for Washington.

"The primary reason for launching these missiles was in no way ISIS," Jafarzadeh said.

U.S. officials, alongside their Arab counterparts in the recent Riyadh conference, underscored strong positions against Tehran and its meddling across the region. Targeting ISIS and claiming that these attacks were in response to the June 7 terrorist attacks in Tehran are only pretexts for the mullahs' hollow threats.

Prior to Iran's measures having any military weight, these actions are aimed at elevating morale among the rank and file, especially the IRGC. These elements are currently terrified, as the U.S. has become active in Syria and intensified its sanctions against Tehran, and America's top diplomat is emphasizing a policy of supporting regime change during the evaluation of a comprehensive Iran policy.

It has become a known fact that Tehran lacks the capacity and will to halt is ballistic missile policy.

"There is no difference between a change in behavior and regime change," Khamenei stressed on May 10.

In contrast to the ruling mullahs in Tehran, the Iranian people welcome change and deplore the regime's nuclear and missile programs and abhor the mullahs' meddling across the region.

It is high time that the international community adopted a united and firm policy on Iran based on the following pillars: imposing sweeping sanctions targeting Iran's missile program and blacklisting the IRGC for its role in directing Iran's support of terrorism.
Every morning, the public wakes up to articles from the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and the New York Times that can best be described as Democratic Party talking points. Today, in my local paper, one article was headlined "Opioid Recovery on the Line." It was probably the same as this AP piece here, and it was about GOP Medicaid cuts supposedly hitting hard. But it was nothing but scare tactics. Somehow, the reporters did not point out that Medicaid spending is actually going to continue to go up and there are no cuts on the line. They just would not rise as much as Obama's previous pretend projections.

Shouldn't the reporters even be curious as to why, if increased Medicaid spending is the solution, the massive increases that have already occurred have only seen the problem continue to get worse, not better?

Could the problem be that the government spends too much covering drugs that get people hooked in the first place?

A few excerpts from the article itself:

Questioned by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., about the consequences of reducing Medicaid's commitment, Price responded that more government spending is not the answer. "Let me respectfully suggest ... that the programs that are out there by and large are not working," Price said. "We are losing more Americans today than we did last year ... clearly we're moving in the wrong direction." Price suggested that states would be more effective with the greater flexibility promised by the GOP plan for Medicaid. Said Leahy: "As a child I believed in the tooth fairy, but I'm a little bit older now."

I believe that it is Leahy and the Democrats (including the media) who believe in the tooth fairy. They believe that the tooth fairy (taxpayers and future generations) has unlimited amounts of money to give to the government, no matter how unsuccessful programs are, because the solution always is to throw more money at the problem.

Bernie Sanders and other Democrats are saying that the Republicans' proposal to replace Obamacare, which supposedly no one has seen, will kill thousands of people. Maybe the reporters should point out to Bernie that life expectancy unexpectedly went down in the U.S. after Obamacare went into effect. Maybe taking away choice and massively increasing out-of-pocket costs and regulations wasn't such a good policy.

But for Democrats, it's always a matter of how much money can be thrown at the problem. They haven't changed a bit.
John Eastman, law professor at Chapman University, writes in American Greatness this week that the powers invested in Special Counsel Mueller to investigate "Russian hacking/collusion/obstruction poses grave dangers to our body politic and our liberty." His advice to President Trump: Fight fire with fire. Turn the law and the courts back on your opponents. Trump is being investigated without any probable cause of a crime. The Obama administration, in contrast, is a target-rich arena of criminal activity.

It is unconstitutional to issue a search warrant when there has been no crime and there is no probable cause. But that is exactly what President Trump's DOJ has inflicted on the president and his team with Mueller's special investigation. It was not just cowardice, but folly for the DOJ to buckle to the left-wing media's hysterical insistence to investigate our president's alleged collusion with the FSB.

According to Professor Eastman:

The special counsel will not to track down the details of a crime known to have been committed and determine "who dunnit," but will scour the personal and business affairs of a select group of people  the President of the United States, members of his family, his business associates, and members of his presidential campaign and transition teams  to see if any crime can be found (or worse, manufactured by luring someone into making a conflicting statement at some point). This is not a proper use of prosecutorial power, but a "witch hunt," as President Trump himself correctly observed. Or, to put it more in terms of legalese, this special prosecutor has effectively been given a "writ of assistance" and the power to exercise a "general warrant" against this select group of people, including the President of the United States, recently elected by a fairly wide margin of the electoral vote. That is the very kind of thing our Fourth Amendment was adopted to prevent. Indeed, the issuance of general warrants and writs of assistance is quite arguably the spark that ignited America's war for independence.

Professor Eastman suggests fighting fire with fire, prosecution with prosecution.

Unfortunately, the only antidote may be to fight fire with fire. President Trump: Perhaps it is time to make good on that old pledge to appoint a special prosecutor to look into the Clinton "matters" after all. And while you're add it, add in referrals to the grand jury for the contempt of Congress committed by the IRS's Lois Lerner and former Attorney General Eric Holder, an FBI investigation of the destruction of government documents and servers in the midst of the IRS scandal, an investigation into alleged perjury committed by IRS Commissioner John Koskinen in testimony about those matters given under oath to Congress, an "obstruction of justice" investigation against former Attorney General Eric Holder and others (and related perjury charges against Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez) for allegedly ordering that an egregious voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party be dropped shortly before a default judgment was about to be entered in the government's favor, etc., etc., etc.

President Obama and his leftist minions spat on our constitution and flouted the rule of law for eight long years. Google "Obama flouts constitution," or see here and here and here and here and here. Their abuse of power was ignored by the media and our partisan courts, but it has not been forgotten by conservatives.

President Trump's voters would like to see equality before the law upheld once again in America. It is bad for our country that rich and powerful Democrat politicians and bureaucrats harm our national security and ruin other people's lives, in flagrant violation of the law, and are never held to account for their crimes.

Professor Eastman's advice to fight fire with fire stops short. Based on his own analysis, it is unconstitutional to do warrantless searches with no probable cause. Ending the baseless "Russian collusion" witch hunt is fundamental to upholding our constitution.

Those who counseled President Trump to not prosecute Hillary Clinton said a Clinton investigation would distract the White House from furthering Trump's positive agenda. That was a strong argument  then. But as Professor Eastman points out, it backfired. Perhaps Trump's civility was taken as a sign of weakness. Hillary launched the lie that the Russians made her lose the election. Democrats instigated this phony Russian collusion investigation of Trump, precisely in an effort to distract the White House and halt the Trump agenda. The best defense is to return to offense.

President Trump has the responsibility to re-establish the rule of law in our country, and he will have the enthusiastic backing of his base if he does so. It is time to end Democrats' politically motivated abuse of the law. Stop the Mueller investigation, and go after Obama Inc.'s multiple crimes.

H/T: Powerlineblog.com
Two articles, one in CNN and one in Breitbart. Can anyone spot the difference?

From CNN:

A police officer was stabbed in the back and neck Wednesday at an airport in Flint, Michigan, and the suspect is in custody and being questioned, according to authorities. The FBI said it believed the attack was an "isolated incident" and is investigating whether it was an act of terrorism. "We are aware of reports that the attacker made statements immediately prior to or while attacking the officer, but it is too early to determine the nature of these alleged statements or whether or not this was an act of terrorism," the FBI said.

From Breitbart:

Officer stabbed in Michigan by man yelling "Allahu Akbar"

Why would CNN leave out what the stabber actually said in the article plus the person's race? CBS radio also is not saying what the person said or his name and saying it is impossible to tell if it is terrorism.

Somehow, the other day, when a white person drove a truck into Muslims in London, the media were immediately able to declare it terrorism and say the driver's race. Isn't that amazing?

I am not a law enforcement officer or a reporter, but my deep analysis of the situation leads me to conclude that the stabbing was a terrorist attack done in the name of Islam.

Why don't the media report what they know instead of intentionally keeping certain information from the public?
One of the dirty little secrets of the global warming hysterics who went off the deep end when President Trump withdrew from the Paris climate deal is that even without the agreement, the United States will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and meet the voluntary goals set by the accords.

The fact is that the U.S. has been reducing its carbon emissions for more than a decade without government mandates. The free market has driven industry to find alternatives to coal as it became more expensive. And the fracking revolution has created a glut of natural gas supplies  a fossil fuel that burns cleaner than coal or oil.

Washington Times:

With the dust of the decision settling, analysts have taken a closer look and say it's still possible, though difficult, for the U.S. to meet the goal of the Paris deal even without being a signatory. Federal data show the U.S. is already well over one-third of its way toward meeting that pledge, with net emissions in 2015 down more than 11 percent compared with 2005. Even without a comprehensive federal strategy to reduce emissions, other factors could continue the downward trend. State and local governments are undertaking voluntary pollution-reduction measures to make up for the federal pullback. In some cases, they have specifically adopted policies designed to meet the Paris targets. Leading companies also have redoubled their efforts on energy efficiency and are taking other steps to cut pollution. Perhaps most important, technological developments or massive economic shifts  such as major steps forward on electric cars and renewable energy storage, and the type of market shift over the past 10 years as utilities abandon coal in favor of cleaner natural gas  could propel the U.S. toward its goal. "Things can change very rapidly. There is the potential for some technological breakthrough making it easier than we think at the moment," said Kevin Kennedy, deputy director of the U.S. Climate Initiative at the World Resources Institute. As part of the Paris accord, Mr. Obama committed the U.S. to a 2025 target reduction of 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels. That figure was seen as optimistic under even a best-case scenario that involved federal rules such as the Clean Power Plan, a set of government of regulations limiting carbon emissions from power plants and one that Mr. Trump is rolling back. What's clear, analysts say, is that it's virtually impossible to predict where emissions will go. Even the harshest government policies may not have carried the U.S. to its 26 percent goal. It's also entirely possible that the U.S. could hit its target with no help at all from the administration. Although environmentalists were disheartened by the withdrawal from Paris accord, they say that assuming the emissions goal is now unattainable would be foolish. "I think it would be unfair to say it's completely dead," said Maria Belenky, director of policy and research at Climate Advisers, a policy group that advocates for carbon emissions reductions. "We're not starting from zero. To hit 26 [percent] is enormously hard, but we're going from about 12 percent to 26 percent. It's not easy, but we're not starting from zero."

There is nothing new about this. In 2012, the U.S. Energy Information Agency, an independent arm of the federal government, determined that CO2 emissions levels had been reduced a whopping 14% since their high in 2007. Emissions in 2012 were at the same level they were in 1996.

Coincidentally, these were the target levels set by the Kyoto agreement. The U.S. Senate rejected Kyoto by a 97-0 vote, but the U.S. was the only industrialized country to meet Kyoto's target carbon emissions.

David Victor, an energy expert at UC-San Diego, estimates that the shift from coal to natural gas has reduced U.S. emissions by 400 to 500 megatons CO2 per year. To put that number in perspective, it is about twice the total effect of the Kyoto Protocol on carbon emissions in the rest of the world, including the European Union. It is tempting to believe that renewable energy sources are responsible for emissions reductions, but the numbers clearly say otherwise. Accounting for a reduction of 50 Mt of CO2 per year, America's 30,000 wind turbines reduce emissions by just one-10th the amount that natural gas does. Biofuels reduce emissions by only 10 megatons, and solar panels by a paltry three megatons. This flies in the face of conventional thinking, which continues to claim that mandating carbon reductions  through cap-and-trade or a carbon tax  is the only way to combat climate change.

So not only is all the sturm und drang about the U.S. abandoning the Paris climate agreement much ado about nothing, but our withdrawal has been used as a political club to damage the president. You won't hear climate hysterics talking about the reduction of emissions in the U.S. without government mandates. In fact, their rhetoric would have us believe exactly the opposite: that President Trump has doomed the human race to extinction by refusing to follow the carbon schemes of the E.U. and U.N.

A significant part of the reduction in carbon emissions prior to 2012 was the result of the Obama economy, when industrial activity cratered and energy usage fell in tandem with almost nonexistent economic growth. We've since recovered some ground in the industrial sector, but emissions have remained flat thanks to improved efficiency and cheaper natural gas.

It's amazing what free markets can do when given the chance.
They have gone 0-4 in the last special elections, and they keep blaming the wrong people and coming up with the wrong reasons for their losses.

Here are ten reasons why they keep losing.

1. They have broken the federal budget.

We're still $19.8 trillion in debt, and this makes people nervous. We have to be patient for the GOP to fix the problem. The Dems don't even seem to believe that there is a problem.

2. They keep promoting the multiplier effect.

That is, if the government gets bigger and bigger and keeps spending money, then the economy will prosper, because for every one dollar the government spends, the expenditure puts at least $1.50 to $2.50 back into the economy. They say this to promote big government. Of course, this is nonsense, no matter how many line graphs they produce to prove their theory. If there really is a multiplier effect, let it happen in the private sector.

3. Obamacare is still a disaster.

Dems and their fact-checkers keep telling us it is not in free fall, but more and more insurance companies are leaving the exchanges.

White House staff, November 9,2017

4. Corporate taxes are still too high.

The top marginal corporate tax rate is 38.92%, which slows business down. So far, the Dems don't show any interest in lowering the rate. Will they work with the GOP to fix it?

5. The tax code is too complicated.

It goes up to 70,000 pages. We need to simplify it. The Dems yawn.

6. They obsess over some sort of Russia collusion.

They can't seem to come to grips with the reality that there is no story there. They comfort themselves after their 2016 loss that impeachment is possible. Anyone with a little sense can see that impeachment is impossible. Yes, Russia did try to hack the elections to cause chaos, as Russia did in the recent French elections, but this is the real world of dog-eat-dog politics and international competition. People don't play fair. There is no evidence of collusion that says Trump intended Russia to interfere and directed the Russians to do so.

7. They are all in for military budget cuts.

The Chinese just successfully tested a hypersonic missile, which probably can't be stopped with missile defense  that is, by shooting it down with another missile. What happens if this technology gets into North Korean hands? We need to strengthen research and development either in the private or in the public sector to upgrade our military. Do the Dems care? No.

8. They seem not to like police officers.

Generic statement: Black lives matter.

Movement: Black Lives Matter.

The first statement is true, while the second one comes with too much baggage. The Dems exploit the confusion. Most of us support our police (and the first statement).

9. They advocate weird sexual public practices.

Privately, anyone can be what he wants if his choice harms no one else. Publicly, if a man who believes he is a woman walks into a public space historically reserved for women, then this action endangers the women because he may be just a pervert. The Dems can't keep advocating obvious nonsense and expect the larger public to like them.

10. They're too shrill and hysterical all the time.

They hate the president. Their buddies in the news media gleefully cry, "Watergate!" They're hysterical about Russia. They're shrill about human-caused imminent global catastrophe. They're hysterical about a white cop war on black men. But the public is not with them.

All in all, the Dems are pushing too hard. It's so odd that otherwise intelligent people can advocate such silliness that destroys themselves and stalls and hinders our country.

It's clear enough that if Trump can do two things, he'll win re-election: simplify the tax code, and roll back the gigantic regulation bureaucracy. Dems either adjust their views, which doesn't seem "imminent," or they'll keep losing the country. And I say the country will be better off with more of their losses.

James Arlandson's website is Live as Free People, where he has posted Timeline of the Vietnam War.
3drenderings/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Attorneys at a pre-trial hearing Wednesday for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl discussed a questionnaire that could be given to potential jurors to determine whether they have been influenced by President Donald Trump's past critical remarks about the former prisoner of war.



During last year's presidential campaign, Trump referred to Bergdahl as a "dirty, rotten traitor" and a "bum," among other terms, on numerous occasions as he decried the exchange of five Guantanamo Bay detainees brokered to free Bergdahl as part of his regular stump speech.



The sergeant disappeared from his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was held for almost five years before his release by the Taliban. He was charged in 2015 with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, the latter a military crime that carries a potential life sentence.



The judge handling Bergdahl's case previously ordered lawyers on both sides to develop the questionnaire for possible jurors.



Bergdahl's defense developed 16 questions about voter status, who panel members voted for, how they feel about Trump, if they are aware of and how they feel about his statements -- suggesting that those with strong views about the president would be unfairly biased. Prosecutors contended that a vote for Trump doesnt necessarily indicate that they know about his statements concerning Bergdahl.



Judge Col. Jeffery Nance said he agreed with most of the 41 total questions on the panel questionnaire and that he is "making tweaks" to the list. He indicated that he intends to release the questionnaire to get it to panel members by next Tuesday. They would then provide their answers and the attorneys will decide whether they would like to ask more questions in writing or have potential jurors testify in voir dire.



Prosecutors additionally argued Wednesday for the ability to present witnesses at the sentencing phase of the trial who contend that the search for Bergdahl caused harm to the search party. Nance previously prohibited the testimony at the guilt-or-innocence phase of the trial, saying that it would unfairly influence the jury.



Senior Chief Petty Officer James Hatch, a retired Navy SEAL, appeared in court in support of the prosecution to testify about his SEAL task force that attempted a search for Bergdahl in 2009. Hatch was shot in the leg during the mission and eventually needed 18 surgeries that forced his retirement from the SEALs. He testified that his team would not have been on the mission if they werent searching for Bergdahl, and that hostage rescue situations are more dangerous than regular missions.



Nance has not yet ruled on whether Hatch's testimony will be admissible during the sentencing phase of the trial. The next pre-trial hearing in the case is scheduled for July 27.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
DAY OF RAGE: tabloid facts and figures from the Grenfell Tower march

How many people attended the DAY OF RAGE March? Was it a success? What did they protestors achieve? The tabloids review the action.

Daily Mirror: Rage against the Maychine  400 people passed Downing Street shouting Theresa May  murderer'. The protest is front-page news. The protestors are seen behind a banner demanding: We Need Justice for Grenfell Tower.

The Mirror finds one person who survived the disaster at Grenfell Tower who supports the march. She wasnt on it, however. It makes no mention of survivors who did not agree with the march. Says survivor Anita Mohamed, 46: I blame the council and the Government. More than 100 people could be dead because of their policies.

Daily Star: DAY OF RAGE MARCH FURY. The paper says protestors clashed with police. The Mirror made no mention of any aggro. The march erupted in violence. There were several arrests. How many were on the march to topple the Government? Around 250, says the paper.

The Sun: TOO HOT TO TROT. The march to bring down the Government fizzled out. In all around 400 turned out to march 5 miles from Shepherds Bush to Westminster. How many people were nicked? There were two arrests. We dont hear from any Grenfell Tower survivors who support the march. We do hear from aid worker Zeyad Cred, 29, who says: The community are still trying to recover  the last thing we need is a day of rage.

On Page 10, the Sun calls the marchers the furious few. It was a day out for freshly-minted Socialist Worker propaganda.

On Page 13, Rod Liddle tells readers the march was organised by another tiny left-wing organisation, the Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary. They are nasty, self-righteous, thick-as-mince Trots and snowflakes. He says the people who suffered and the charities helping the Grenfell survivors did not approve the march. Their misery has been hijacked by Left-wing nutters  it was egged-on by by the Labour Party, specifically Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell. When McDonell doesnt get his way he can always be found standing in a street surrounded by furious anti-Semitic Muslim protestors, radical lesbians bedwetting students and professional agitators.

Daily Express: Militant mob clashes with police outside Downing Street.

There were fewer than 500 on the march. The march continued despite the pleas of victims families who said their grief was being hijacked. One volunteer helping the Grenfell survivors tell the paper: Its politicising the anger. Now is not the time They are running around saying how can we get Jeremy Corbyn in.

Daily Mail: THIS is class war! yelled a thug at an old boy in a blazer.

Hey! Hey! Theresa May! How many kids did you kill today? ask the few hundred fair-minded marchers. One woman carries a poster of Jeremy Corbyn with the word Hope over his face. We learn that the march did include some who had been personally affected by the fire. One woman whose young son had lost a friend in the blaze in marching. We see a few banners. WHY DO TRAGEDYS [sic] always happen UNDER TORIES? asks one, the holder seemingly oblivious to goings on in Iraq and Libya.

Such are the facts.

Anorak

Posted: 22nd, June 2017 | In: News, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Rome, June 22 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni reiterated Thursday that the European Union must do more to help Italy cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis after a bilateral meeting with European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. "Greater commitment is needed both in economic terms and in terms of political decisions," Gentiloni said as he went into a meeting of the Party of European Socialists before the start of the European Summit. "It is necessary to recognise that the Commission and Jean-Claude Juncker are aware of this commitment.

"I hope that this translates into a refinancing of the fund for Africa, which the Commission will promote". Juncker told Gentiloni that Italy can "continue to count on European solidarity" during the bilateral, an EC spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the two agreed in particular on the "need for the EU and member states to speed up implementation of the agreed-upon actions in the Malta Declaration" as well as "ensure sufficient financing to face the migrant influx from Libya".

Gentiloni thanked Juncker for the record EU solidarity fund allocation of 1.2 billion euros for the parts of Italy hit by a recent series of earthquakes.


(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 22 - The second edition of Fiesta, the Italian-Spanish Film Festival, will kick off in Mallorca on June 25 and run for two days through June 27 as part of the Mallorca International Film and Media Festival (MIFF), focusing on young talent and promoting new joint Italy-Spain productions.

"There was a time when Italy and Spain were quite close," said Gabriella Carlucci, institutional relations director for MIFF.

"Nowadays the United States has more space in coproductions, as well as in theatres. With other countries it's more difficult; we have just a few relationships with France. The goal of the festival is therefore to promote new collaborations.

This year we've also decided to focus on young people, bringing to the market four first and second Italian works and four first and second works from Spain," she said.

The Italian works are "Feather" directed by Roan Jhonson, "The Habit of Beauty" directed by Mirco Pincelli, "Ho Amici in Paradiso" directed by Fabrizio Maria Cortese, and "I Was a Dreamer" directed by Michele Vannucci.

There will also be two Italian tributes: "Noi e la Giulia" (The Legendary Giulia and Other Miracles) presented by actor and director Edoardo Leo, and the documentary "Cinecitta Babilonia" directed by Marco Spagnoli.

The festival was created through a collaboration between the Film and Media Festival Foundation of Palma de Mallorca and the Italian cultural association Abilis, with the support of the Italian Culture Ministry's General Directorate for Cinema and cooperation of the Roma Lazio Film Commission and the Mallorca Cultural Foundation MIFF.

The festival is also the second time that the "We Are the Future" grant competition will be offered.

The grant programme is aimed at European directors and screenwriters between the ages of 18 and 25.

The winner of the 2016 competition, "Looped Love" directed by Alessandro Mazucco and Valerio Chicco, is currently in post-production. The festival and the competition "are in perfect harmony with the new cinema law that has a lot riding on new talents" said Italian Culture Ministry Undersecretary Antimo Cesaro.

Cesaro said there need to be "new alliances, such as this one with Spain".

"It's the expression of the decline of a country to insist on merit, which we should take for granted. The key word for betting on the future is 'talent'," Cesaro said. Vincent Russo, president of the Mallorca International Film Foundation, said next year will be one of growth.

"Since the 1950s Mallorca has welcomed many film stars, such as Sean Connery, but next year we want to expand the festival and bring Italian film to New York and Dubai as well," Russo said.(ANSAmed).


(ANSA) - Strasbourg, June 22 - The European Court of Human Rights on Thursday again condemned Italy over police brutality during the during the Genoa G8 in 2001. The court said Italy's laws were inadequate to punish torture committed by the security forces in a ruling related to a night blitz at the Diaz school, which was being used as a billet for protesters. The court also condemned Italy for not having adequately punished those responsible for what happened in Genoa.

In the night assault on the Diaz school, hundreds of police attacked about 100 activists and a few journalists, wounding 82 and seriously injuring 61 - three critically and one, British journalist Mark Covell, left in a coma with rib and spinal injuries. Later, at the barracks in Bolzaneto, some 252 demonstrators rounded up at the Diaz and another school, the Pascali, said they were spat at, verbally and physically humiliated or threatened with rape while being held.

Officers planted evidence including two Molotov cocktails and hammers and knives from a nearby construction site to justify the raid. Amnesty International called the event "the most serious suspension of democratic rights in a Western country since the Second World War".

In April Italy admitted responsibility for police brutality at the Bolzaneto barracks and agreed to pay 45,000 euros each to six citizens for moral and material damages as well as court costs. During the 2001 G8, one protester was shot dead while attacking a Carabinieri policeman, shops and businesses were ransacked, and hundreds of people injured in clashes between police and demonstrators.


ROME - The second edition of Fiesta, the Italian-Spanish Film Festival, will kick off in Mallorca on June 25 and run for two days through June 27 as part of the Mallorca International Film and Media Festival (MIFF), focusing on young talent and promoting new joint Italy-Spain productions.

"There was a time when Italy and Spain were quite close," said Gabriella Carlucci, institutional relations director for MIFF.

"Nowadays the United States has more space in coproductions, as well as in theatres. With other countries it's more difficult; we have just a few relationships with France. The goal of the festival is therefore to promote new collaborations.

This year we've also decided to focus on young people, bringing to the market four first and second Italian works and four first and second works from Spain," she said.

The Italian works are "Feather" directed by Roan Jhonson, "The Habit of Beauty" directed by Mirco Pincelli, "Ho Amici in Paradiso" directed by Fabrizio Maria Cortese, and "I Was a Dreamer" directed by Michele Vannucci.

There will also be two Italian tributes: "Noi e la Giulia" (The Legendary Giulia and Other Miracles) presented by actor and director Edoardo Leo, and the documentary "Cinecitta Babilonia" directed by Marco Spagnoli.

The festival was created through a collaboration between the Film and Media Festival Foundation of Palma de Mallorca and the Italian cultural association Abilis, with the support of the Italian Culture Ministry's General Directorate for Cinema and cooperation of the Roma Lazio Film Commission and the Mallorca Cultural Foundation MIFF.

The festival is also the second time that the "We Are the Future" grant competition will be offered.

The grant programme is aimed at European directors and screenwriters between the ages of 18 and 25.

The winner of the 2016 competition, "Looped Love" directed by Alessandro Mazucco and Valerio Chicco, is currently in post-production. The festival and the competition "are in perfect harmony with the new cinema law that has a lot riding on new talents" said Italian Culture Ministry Undersecretary Antimo Cesaro.

Cesaro said there need to be "new alliances, such as this one with Spain".

"It's the expression of the decline of a country to insist on merit, which we should take for granted. The key word for betting on the future is 'talent'," Cesaro said. Vincent Russo, president of the Mallorca International Film Foundation, said next year will be one of growth.

"Since the 1950s Mallorca has welcomed many film stars, such as Sean Connery, but next year we want to expand the festival and bring Italian film to New York and Dubai as well," Russo said.


Italy and Spain join for Fiesta Film Festival in Mallorca Through June 27, eight works looking for a market

ROME - The second edition of Fiesta, the Italian-Spanish Film Festival, will kick off in Mallorca on June 25 and run for two days through June 27 as part of the Mallorca International Film and Media Festival (MIFF), focusing on young talent and promoting new joint Italy-Spain productions.



The festival was created through a collaboration between the Film and Media Festival Foundation of Palma de Mallorca and the Italian cultural association Abilis, with the support of the Italian Culture Ministry's General Directorate for Cinema and cooperation of the Roma Lazio Film Commission and the Mallorca Cultural Foundation MIFF.



The festival is also the second time that the "We Are the Future" grant competition will be offered.



The grant programme is aimed at European directors and screenwriters between the ages of 18 and 25.




Thousands of Qatari camels expelled from Saudi Arabia Many dead, missing or injured, Al Jazeera reports

(ANSAmed) - Beirut, June 22 - Thousands of camels belonging to Qatari citizens have been expelled from Saudi Arabia following the blockade on Qatar by its Gulf neighbours, the pan-Arab news channel Al Jazeera reports. Many of the camels that were kept on land granted by Riyadh have allegedly been lost, died or been injured as a result. "We will never forget what they have done," Qatari camel owners' association representative Mohammad Merri told the broadcaster. Al Jazeera says that 9,000 camels have been expelled from Saudi Arabia in 36 hours and that tens of thousand more could face the same fate. These animals, reared for milk and meat production but also for competition purposes, have fallen victim to the break in ties between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrein and Egypt and Qatar, which they accuse of financing terrorist groups and having good relations with Iran. (ANSAmed)
Alfano to meet with migrant transit countries July 6 in Rome After accord with Libya and Niger, now other African countries

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JUNE 22 - Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said Thursday that Europe will take "a true step forward" in managing migrant flows on the central Mediterranean route when it focuses "all of its weight" on its relationship with Africa.



Alfano spoke at his arrival prior to the European People's Party (EPP) summit.



"Meanwhile, we're moving ahead with the programme and on July 6 we will host some transit countries in Rome in order to keep momentum going. We've made an agreement with Libya, we've done it with Niger, now we want to do it with other African countries," Alfano said.



Alfano said representatives from other European countries interested in these agreements will also be present at the meetings.



He said the agreements are "not to impede departures from Libya but to prevent migrants from entering Libya at all". "I think this is real progress," he said.(ANSAmed).




ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 22 - These are some of the main events scheduled for today the Euro-Mediterranean area: CAGLIARI - G7 Transport Ministers meeting with EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc.



BRUSSELS - visit by the president of the 8-month alternating presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mladen Ivanic.



POMPEI - the Festival of Greek Tragedy opens, with the participation of African performing artists. (ANSAmed).




EU must do more on migrants - Gentiloni Premier has bilateral with Juncker

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 22 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni reiterated Thursday that the European Union must do more to help Italy cope with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis after a bilateral meeting with European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.



"Greater commitment is needed both in economic terms and in terms of political decisions," Gentiloni said as he went into a meeting of the Party of European Socialists before the start of the European Summit. "It is necessary to recognise that the Commission and Jean-Claude Juncker are aware of this commitment". (ANSAmed).




BRUSSELS - NATO experts will meet with Libyans "as soon as possible" to help Libya build its defence, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following his meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

Stoltenberg said NATO has extensive experience in aiding with "capacity building" and that it had already tried to do so in the past with Libya, but that at that time "conditions did not make it possible".

Now, however, he said "the conditions are once again there" and experts on both sides will begin discussing "concrete elements as soon as possible", such as how to build an intelligence organisation.
If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both
Philippe Auguin, 56, will have completed eight seasons with WNO by the time he steps down from his post. Having made his company debut in 2009 as an 11th-hour replacement for his ailing predecessor, Heinz Fricke, in a concert version of Wagners Twilight of the Gods, he has particularly excelled in Wagner, leading Tristan and Isolde in 2013 and Francesca Zambellos Ring cycle in 2016, which counts as one of the companys great triumphs.
Miles Davis At Newport 1955-1975:The Bootleg Series, Vol. 4 (Columbia/Legacy)

Miles Daviss importance and recognition grew dramatically in the decades covered by the recordings on these four volumes. When he played in an all-star group at the 1955 Newport Jazz Festival, the trumpeter was barely known to the general public. By the end of the 1950s, Davis had recorded Kind Of Blue, an album that sold in the millions and helped to make him that rarity, a modern jazz musician with a household name.

The music in this set not only presents Davis playing, for the most part, at the top of his game; it also traces the course of mainstream jazz as it made its way out of the bebop era, embraced aspects of rock and soul music and simultaneously expanded its harmonic complexity. As the music changed, Davis and his groups both absorbed and influenced trends. These Newport performances through the 1960s and 1970s trace much of that change. Davis, Bill Evans, John Coltrane andto an extentCannonball Adderley, expanded sensibilities, rhythm section practices and applications of modal theory that grow out of developments in the Kind Of Blue band. Coltranes progress toward his Giant Steps period is one manifestation of the change. Another is the rhythmic subtlety and harmonic intricacies in the Bill Evans trio after Evans found that bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian made it possible to achieve the music he had conceived. Coltranes and Evanss approaches helped change the course of jazz. Nearly six decades later, they continue as primary influences.

Davis, noted for his refusal to look back or let his style calcify, remained one of the great melodic improvisers. His playing with Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, Thelonious Monk, Percy Heath and Connie Kay at the 55 Newport Festivalnotably his solo on Monks Round Midnightresulted in a contract with Columbia Records that soon led to his increased fame. Three years later, what was to become known as his Kind Of Blue sextet appeared at Newport. They recorded Kind Of Blue the following spring. Aside from an Ah-Leu-Cha taken at a tempo so frantic as to be nearly unmanageable, the 1958 set has relaxed, comfortable playing, with Davis muted and notably relaxed on Bye Bye Blackbird and Fran Dance. His open horn takes on greater urgency in the Monk blues Straight No Chaser. Throughout the six pieces, Coltrane pushes the bop envelope about as far as it can go. He had recorded Giant Steps ten months later, profoundly affecting a generation of jazz musicians.

What is sometimes described as the second great Davis quintet performed at Newports 1966 and 1967 festivals, with Wayne Shorter in the tenor chair, and the cohesive, adventurous rhythm section of pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams driving Davis to renewed aggressiveness that Shorter matched. Shorters Footprints, Daviss All Blues and a 1967 Gingerbread Boy of relentless vigor are highlights of these sets.

By July of 1969, Davis had begun his transition into electronics, adding Chick Coreas Fender-Rhodes keyboard. With bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, the quartets music was still firmly within the jazz tradition, however wild their departures might be within it. Miles Runs The Voodoo Down, Sanctuary and Its About That Time amount to a suite that tends toward Daviss coming merger with rock. At Newports 1973 festival in Berlin, the transition was nearing fruition. Davis electrified his trumpet, complete with wah-wah effects. The rhythm section featured two thoroughly amplified guitars played by Pete Cosey and Reggie Lucas, with Michael Henderson on electric bass, Al Foster on drums and percussion by Mtume. Daviss front-line partner is soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman. Their music is mostly a study in volume and various degrees of density. It includes voice-like or animal-like sounds from the trumpet that Davis may have intended to be ironic and amusing. Liebman has an intriguing and rather restrained flute solo on the Davis composition called Ife, which leads into exchanges among the trumpet and the guitars that feature a frequently fascinating series of musical statements that simulate speech.

The Newport New York festival in 1975 retains Cosey and Lucas on guitars, adds tenor saxophonist Sam Morrison, with Foster on drums and percussionist Mtume. The solos by all hands are relatively subdued soliloquies signifying little. A final disc in the four-CD set reverts to October of 1971 and a Newport Jazz Festival In Europe concert in Switzerland. Saxophonist Gary Bartz joins Davis in the front line, with Keith Jarrett attending to electric piano and organ and Michael Henderson is again on electric bass, Ndugu Leon Chancler drums, and Mtume percussion. Joe Zawinuls Directions opens a concert that about halfway through gets to music that seems to be where Davis was heading all along in his electronic explorations. It is a 12-minute exploration of Bitches Brew, the piece he had recorded two years earlier which heralded one of his most effective and enthusiastically welcome periods of electrified music. His own work on the piece has moments of lyricism that listeners subject to nostaligia may find comforting.

For the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival, impresario George Wein plans several events in tribute to Davis and to Weins Storyville club in Boston, where the young Davis often played in the 1950s.
For Jinnah, Pakistan was more a means of grasping power, rather than any conviction of creating an Islamic state.

Beginning with his fascination and curiosity about Pakistan, as a youngster born seven years after its painful birth, the author, in his preface, appropriately quotes a couplet each of two famous poets  Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib. The English translation of these verses are: This tainted night, this night bitten dawn This is not the dawn we waited for, expressing Faizs anguish on Pakistans birth in Subh-e-Azadi (Dawn of Freedom) and You are sowing love through violence, smearing the face of the nation in blood; You think your journey is being completed, I am certain you are losing your destiny, conveying Jalibs lament at Pak Armys crackdown in East Pakistan. These poets reflected the regrets of many others, not only from the fraternity of artists.

Amritsar-born Saadat Hassan Manto wrote Dekh Kabira Roya (Kabir Saw and Wept) soon after he moved to Pakistan. His next story about the partition, titled Thanda Gosht Cold Flesh)  nothing to do with cooked meat  landed him in court for the second time with a sentence of three years in jail, which was fortunately suspended.

The Brits, bent on partitioning the Indian sub-continent, identified and hand-picked the pork-eating, religiously non-pious, secular, but politically ambitious barrister M.A. Jinnah, a Shia, to propound the two-nation theory. For Jinnah, Pakistan was more a means of grasping power, rather than any conviction of creating an Islamic state. The books introduction opens with the paragraphs describing Jinnahs grand entry into Pakistan following his flight from Delhi to Karachi on August 7, 1947, his being flown in a dying state from Quetta to Karachi on September 11, 1948, and the two separate funerals after his death  first by Shia rites at his home and then by Sunni rituals in the open.

The author states that it is the journey between Faizs tainted dawn and Jalibs tragic destiny that forms the subject matter of the book, which is abundantly packed with facts and ana-lyses leading to how Pak-istan is courting the abyss.

While many observers of Pakistan can generally rattle off what is terribly wrong with it, the author has systematically chaptered the book to elaborate on covering a wide gamut of Pakistans foundation, formation and growth as well as the various fallacies, policies based on them, events and acts of commission and omission which have made Pakistan possibly the most dangerous place for its neighbours, the world and most certainly, even for itself.

The 18 chapters arranged under seven sections are: The Foundations  The Pakistan Movement, The Legacy; The Building Blocks  A Question of Identity and Ideology, The Provincial Dilemma; The Framework  The Army has a Nation, Civil-Military Relations; The Superstruc-ture  Islamisation and Growth of Sectarianism; The WEEP Analysis, an indeed telling part, with Water Running Dry, Education: An Emergency, Economy: Structural Weak-nesses and Population: Reaping the Dividend; Win-dows to the World  India: The Quest for Parity, Afghanistan: The Quest for Domination, China: The Quest for Succour, The United States: The Quest for Dependence and finally, Looking Inwards, which has a chapter with the same title.

Since the deaths of Messrs Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan soon after Pakistans birth, its Army pounced into the political space created and strengthened its hold, but lost a lot of its professionalism. Becoming shy of fighting head on, it excelled in outsourcing and turned totally rogue and barbarically brutal.

The newly-formed Pakistan Army had been part of undivided Indian Army under British rule. Its troops numbering 1.5 million in World War I

(WW I) and 2.5 million in WW II, had been a major war-winning factor for the Allies in both these wars.

However, immediately on becoming Pakistan Army, changes kicked in. Outsourcing by the newly-formed Pak Army began from the very first of three wars it perpetrated, in1947-48. Many thousands of Kabailis were lured and used without much success. Outsourcing, unsuccessful in both the 1965 and 1971 wars, continues till date as proxy war.

However, it was in the 1965 war that the weaknesses of Pakistani officers and soldiers became very obvious. Indian Army with WW II vintage tanks destroyed disproportionately large number of Pak Armys armour, mostly, then comparatively modern Patton tanks doled out it by the US. This was mainly because Pakistani tank-crews had not done their training on the newly-acquired Patton tanks, resulting in poor gunnery. And their twisted religious fear of flames-that if burnt they would go to Jahannum (Hell)-made them to bail out after a single hit. One hit does not always completely disable a tank. Indian tank-crews remained in their tanks despite one or more hits and bailed out only if the guns could not fire, or when the tanks actually caught fire. In the 1971 war, resulting in the liberation of erstwhile East Pakistan/ birth of Bangladesh, after barely 13 days of battle, 93,000 Pak armed forces surrendered and were taken as prisoners of war (PoW) by Indian Army and kept healthy till their repatriation. After both these wars Pakistani PoW admitted to Indian Army personnel that had they been commanded by Indian Army-like officers, they would have won that war.

The section titled The WEEP Analysis is indeed a telling comment on how bleak the future is for Pakistan. As the author stated while interacting with this writer, Pakistan faced an emergency situation in all these four areas  water, education, economy and population about a decade ago.

Today, it should be in the disaster management mode, but there are no signs that it is. Collectively, these issues strongly suggest a looming multi-organ failure in Pakistan. The failure has been made worse by these critical issues being ignored by a succession of leaders, civilian and military, since its creation. Increasingly, these issues will haunt the country and will be the primary factors impelling it towards the abyss.

The crucial linkages economy education and population are that with almost three million of the young section of Pakistans drastically growing population seeking jobs every year, for the madrasa educated youth the only attractive choices are jihadi outfits or religious political parties. On madrasa children the author quotes Jalees Hazir in The Nation: These children are the collective responsibility of our society and we must not leave them to the mercy of professional peddlers of faith who fill their innocent minds with ignorance and prejudice. We must not leave them to be used as fodder for their convoluted political agendas and be abused by them in myriad ways. When we talk about reforming the madrasas, we should think only about countering militancy but also coming to the rescue of children trapped in them.

This painstakingly resear-ched and well-presented book must be widely read in India, Pakistan and in many other counties dealing with these two nations and affected by terrorism most of which is emanating from or linked to Pakistan. It should ideally be translated into Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and a couple of European languages. In India, apart from decision makers, the strategic community, scholars and students, it must also be read by Indias armchair apologists/ pseudo-secularists/ pseudo human rights activists/ leftists and their ilk.

Anil Bhat, a retired Army officer, is a defence and security analyst based in New Delhi
Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti had reportedly bought the bungalow in 2012 from an Air India official.

Mumbai: Film actor Arshad Warsi is likely to face action from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) next week for allegedly carrying out illegal construction in his bungalow at Versova. The BMC officials made it clear that they would demolish the illegal construction in Warsis bungalow in the coming days by issuing yet another demolition notice.

According to civic officials, the second floor of the actors house, measuring about 1,300 square feet, has been built illegally and needs to be demolished. We will issue another notice, asking him to allow the BMC to carry out demolition. If he does not respond on his own, we will carry out the demolition next week, said Prashant Gaikwad, assistant commissioner of H-West ward.

According to civic officials, the BMC had earlier issued a demolition notice to Warsis bungalow number 10 in Air India Cooperative Society (Shantiniketan), in Versova, asking him to remove the illegal structure. As his bungalow was closed, they could just carry out a symbolic demolition.

Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti had reportedly bought the bungalow in 2012 from an Air India official. While renovating the property, the actor allegedly carried out the illegal construction, about which the society members complained to the BMC.

In 2013, when the civic body decided to remove the illegal addition, the actor managed to get a stay order from court. After a gap of four years, the court recently lifted the stay order.
Shah Rukh Khan and Imtiaz Ali were in Ahmedabad to launch their first song Radha from Jab Harry Met Sejal.

When it comes to promoting movies in a unique way, Shah Rukh Khan is someone who always leads the way. The superstar, along with director Imtiaz Ali, landed in Gujarat for the promotions of their upcoming flick Jab Harry Met Sejal. The makers of the film had started a contest led by SRK and hence the visit to Ahmedabad  a city with the most number of Sejals (Anushkas character in the film).

The actor also met the Chief Minister  Vijay Rupani at his residence in Gandhinagar. The superstar tweeted, Thk u Honble CM @vijayrupanibjp for regaling us with your stories of the past struggles & vision of ur future dreams. This is not the first time that the 51-year-old actor has made a Gujarati connect with his fans. For the promotions of Raees, he had taken the train to Vadodra.
The opposition meeting headed by Congress President Sonia Gandhi named Meira Kumar against NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind.

New Delhi: After much hype over the Opposition presidential candidate, former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar has been fielded against NDA's Ram Nath Kovind.

The decision was taken at the opposition parties meeting headed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi.

Read: Presidential polls: As Opposition meet begins, here's a look at who stands where

The grapevine had been abuzz with talk that Dr B R Ambedkars grand son Prakash Ambedkar, ex-diplomat Gopal Krishna Gandhi and ex-home minister Sushil Kumar were also prospective candidates in the fray.

While Left leaders had leaned towards nominating Gandhi or Ambedkar, Kumars visit to Congress chief Sonia Gandhis residence, a day before the meeting, has balanced scales for her.

Notably, Kumar is also a Dalit, a factor that had won support for Kovind.

Kovinds Dalit background had made him a candidate that political parties cannot afford to reject, even more so with his added credentials of being a crusader for the Scheduled castes and OBCs.

An example of this conundrum could be JD (U) president and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was won over with the BJPs smart move. He expressed personal happiness initially and later declared his support to the candidate as well. He also decided to skip the meeting called by Sonia to choose the candidate on Thursday.

Similarly, the move also has pushed the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Bahujan Samajwadi party to the defence as they have chosen to wait and see who the Congress chooses as its candidate. It is likely that they might back Kovind if the candidate is not Dalit.

But with now Kumar's nomination, parties now can choose whom they wish to support without upsetting sensibilities or going against party idealogies.
Many students were seen leaving the Hills in state-run buses along with tourists during the day for Siliguri.

Darjeeling/Gangtok: As normal life continued to be crippled for the seventh consecutive day in Darjeeling, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) offered a 12-hour window on June 23 to schools to evacuate their students safely to Siliguri and Rongpo.

The central committee of our party has decided to offer a 12-hour window, from 6 AM to 6 PM on June 23, to schools in the hills to evacuate their students. The students will be allowed to go to Siliguri and Rongpo only in school buses. The indefinite shutdown will continue. Only the students will be allowed to leave safely, senior GJM leader Binay Tamang told reporters on Wednesday.

He said barring school buses, no other vehicle would be allowed to leave the hills during the 12-hour window.

Darjeeling is home to some of the oldest and renowned boarding schools in the country. With supplies running out and vacations starting shortly, boarding schools are facing a harrowing time.

We are facing two problems presently. One is of the supply of food stock and another is of sending the students home, Rabindra Subba, the principal of Himali boarding school, said.

Many students were seen leaving the Hills in state-run buses along with tourists during the day for Siliguri.

Protest marches continued amidst tight security arrangements. Army troops conducted flag marches while the Central Reserve Police Force and state police personnel have been deployed across the hills to tackle any violence by the GJM.

Internet services remain suspended to stop the spread of rumours that incite violence, and except pharmacies, all other shops, hotels and restaurants remain closed.

Violence broke out in Darjeeling after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced her decision to make Bengali compulsory in state-run schools. Though she said that hill districts will be exempted from the rule, the GJM began an agitation that soon turned into a revival of the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

An indefinite bandh was called in Darjeeling by GJM on June 15, which, the party said, would continue till their demands are met by the Centre.

A GJM delegation met Union minister Kiren Rijiju in Gangtok on Tuesday and submitted a two-point memorandum.

The first demand was for a separate state of Gorkhaland and the second was that the Union minister starts the process for fulfilling their demand as soon as he returns to New Delhi.

An all-party meeting convened by the GJM on Tuesday had passed a resolution that the shutdown would continue until security forces were withdrawn. The GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, also decided to withdraw from the tripartite accord on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Sources said that the district magistrate (Darjeeling) has been directed to prepare a list of absent employees during the days of bandh and send show cause notices.

On Thursday, the state government is expected to submit a report to Calcutta high court about the damage to property due to violence and the bandh by GJM.

Sources disclosed that the amount of loss has been pegged at around Rs 150 crore.

According to a report in ANI, the strike has forced around 528 boarding students of 128-year-old St. Josephs School to stay on campus with many day scholars unable to attend school.

Utsav Thapa, a student, said they are safer inside school premises but are forced to take two exams in a day in place of one. We are safe inside. We used to have one exam a day, after the strike, we are forced to take two exams a day, he said.
Pakistan Border Action Team on Thursday attacked a patrol team along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar: Two Army soldiers and an intruder were on Thursday killed when a Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) attacked a patrol team along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district.

Army sources in Jammu said that the operation was underway as reports last came in.

The martyred soldiers were part of an Army patrolling party moving in own area along the LoC when the BAT intruders attacked them, sources said.

The sources had earlier also said that Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged small, automatics and mortar fire in Poonch district of the de facto border. The sources said that the Pakistani troops once again violated the November 2003 ceasefire agreement by resorting to "unprovoked firing and shelling Poonchs Chakan Da Bagh sector.

On May 26, the Army had claimed killing two members of Pakistans BAT in Baramullas Uri sector of the LoC whereas six militants were gunned down in the same sector a day later.

Parts of the 740-km long LoC had witnessed escalation in tensions following the beheading of two Indian soldiers, also blamed by on Pakistan Armys BAT on May 1 this year. Subsequent skirmishes had resulted in several civilians being killed and had forced the border dwellers to desert their shell-hit hamlets, mainly in Rajouri district. Islamabad had strongly denied the Indian charges.

Earlier on Thursday, at least, one infiltrating militant was killed in a clash with the Army troops along the de facto border in the States Kupwara district.

The incidents came hours after the security forces gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in a six-hour long gun battle in Kashmir Valleys Pulwama district.
Meanwhile, farmers' protest turned violent on Thane-Badlapur highway as they said, their land is being acquired by the Ministry of Defence.

Mumbai: Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that loan waivers have become fashion now and should be waived in extreme situations only.

"Loan waiver has become fashion now. It should be waived but in extreme situations only. It's not a final solution. You have to take care of systems. The farmers should be taken care of in distress," Naidu said at India's largest municipal bond programme in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the farmers protest in Maharashtra turned violent on Thane-Badlapur highway as the protesting farmers said that their land is being acquired by the Ministry of Defence.

Additional forces have been sent to the spot including riot control vehicles.

Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district became the epicentre of farmers' agitation over a demand for loan waivers and better prices for their produce.

During the agitation, six farmers were gunned down by the police, thereby drawing criticism from political parties.

The situation forced the district officials to impose Section 144, and restricted prominent personalities from visiting the violence-hit district.

A number of political leaders, including Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and social activists tried to visit Mandsaur but the police didn't let them enter the area.

Section 144 was later revoked ahead of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's visit to the families of the deceased farmers.

Naidu also said that one more round of smart cities will be announced in Delhi on Friday.

Meanwhile, Naidu tweeted, "I compliment Pune Municipal Corporation for reviving the mechanism of municipal bonds. Proceeds will be used for a 24x7 water supply project."

On June 19, the Pune Municipal Corporation raised Rs 200 crore by selling ten year bond, becoming the first civic body to beat money from this route in 14 years.
The clashes come in the wake of farmers claiming that the Ministry of Defence was acquiring their land.

Farmers protest turned violent after they claimed their land is being acquired by Ministry of Defence. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Mumbai: Clashes between protesting farmers and police took place near the Thane-Badlapur highway on Thursday, a report in NDTV said. Several policemen were injured and additional forces have been deployed in the area, along with riot control vehicles.

The clashes come in the wake of farmers claiming that the Ministry of Defence was acquiring their land.

According to reports, the 12600-acre premises belongs to the Ministry of Defence, but over the years, it had been encroached upon by locals.

The farmers had approached the authorities for recovery of their land, but after refusal they took to streets in violent protests.

On Thursday, farmers from 17 villages held protests at 10 locations with Thane-Badlapur highway being the biggest of all. They blocked traffic and when police tried to disperse them the clashes turned violent.

More details are awaited.
He questioned why Congress did not nominate Meira Kumar when it was in a position to ensure her victory to the top office.

New Delhi: The Congress has made Meira Kumar "scapegoat" by fielding her as the Opposition's presidential candidate, claimed Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and questioned why the party did not nominate her when it was in a position to get her elected to the highest office.

"When the Congress had the opportunity to elect a Dalit president; when they were in power, they did not find Meira Kumar suitable. But when the defeat of the opposition candidate is certain they have fielded her as a scapegoat, BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said.

"This clearly shows that it has no commitment to elect leaders from marginalised sections to high offices and had decided to field her purely done as a token exercise," he further added.

The NDA has chosen Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit leader from the BJP, as its candidate and his victory is almost a foregone conclusion as the ruling bloc enjoys a comfortable majority in the electoral college with the support of parties like the AIADMK, the TRS and the JD(U).

Kumar, a former diplomat and daughter of the late Dalit icon Jagjivan Ram, was the unanimous choice of the 17 opposition parties at a meeting on Thursday.
The Cong hopes that leaders of all parties who attended the May 26 luncheon hosted by Sonia Gandhi would be present on Thursday.

Sources said the JD(U)s announcement led to deliberations among senior leaders of the Congress and other non-NDA parties on how to keep the Opposition together. (Photo; PTI)

New Delhi: Cracks appeared in the Opposition ahead of Thursdays crucial meeting on the presidential poll, with the JD-U deciding to stay out of the talks after extending its support to NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday.

The Opposition camp is yet to name its candidate for the poll, but former speaker Meira Kumars meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence, a day before the meeting, fuelled speculation that she had emerged as the front runner.

Sources said the JD(U)s announcement led to hectic deliberations through the day among senior leaders of the Congress and other non-NDA parties on how to keep the Opposition together.

The Congress, which is coordinating the Opposition meet, expressed the hope that leaders of all parties which attended the May 26 luncheon hosted by Gandhi would be present on Thursday.

Sources said top Congress and other Opposition leaders talked to several leaders to ensure the presence of all non- NDA parties at the meeting, which will decide on the Oppositions presidential candidate.

No matter what happens, we will contest the election, a senior Left leader said.

Asked about the Congresss choice for the poll, AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari said it was a hypothetical question, adding that the Opposition would decide on a joint strategy for the July 17 poll on Thursday.

Given that we are talking about the Highest Constitutional office in the country and there are Opposition parleys which are undergoing, it would be inappropriate for me to second-guess this, he said about a possible Congress candidate.

Tiwari said, There will be a far clear, coherent and an articulate answer available after the meeting.

A JD(U) leader said its move on backing Kovind was a one- time, isolated case, maintaining that Opposition unity was intact on other issues.

Samajwadi Partys Naresh Agrawal said Opposition parties would jointly take a call on a candidate at the meeting.

However, some Left leaders pointed to SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadavs presence at a yoga day event, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Lucknow.

Sources said sections of the Opposition had decided they were going to put up a candidate against Kovind and turn the election into an ideological fight.

But they admitted that by putting up a dalit candidate, the NDA had left the Opposition camp with fewer options.

The Opposition may field a dalit against Kovind and among the names being discussed are those of B R Ambedkars grandson Prakash Ambedkar and former minister Sushilkumar Shinde, apart from Meira Kumars.

Left sources, however, said the Congress was yet to propose a name.

Senior Congress leaders spoke to left leaders over the telephone about tomorrows meeting. Though Kumar and Shindes names are doing the rounds, there was no formal or informal word from the Congress side, a senior Left leader said.

The sources said former ambassador and governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi was still among the probables.

They admitted that Kovinds nomination had dented opposition unity with the JD-U declaring its support to the NDA nominee.

But how far that nomination has affected our unity will be known only on Thursday and will be based on the number of leaders who will be there, the sources said.

JD-Us spokesperson K C Tyagi said the JD(U) would not attend the Opposition meeting, saying that it was now irrelevant for his party after it had supported Kovind, a low profile dalit leader whose nomination by the BJP has drawn support from several non-NDA parties.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is the JD(U) president, praised Kovinds tenure as the governor of Bihar on Monday soon after BJP chief Amit Shah named him as the ruling groups presidential pick.

Tyagi also insisted JD(U)s support on the presidential poll was an isolated incident and the party would continue to be with the Opposition in its battle against the saffron party in the future.

This isolated incident will have no bearing on our efforts for the larger opposition unity, he said.

Reacting to the JD(U)s decision to support Kovinds nomination, CPI national secretary D Raja said the Nitish Kumar-led party should have consulted other Opposition parties before supporting Kovind.

He, however, maintained the JD(U)s move would not affect Opposition unity.
The three protesters had died in Singmari when violent clashes broke out between the police and GJM supporters.

Kolkata: On a day when the West Bengal said it was open to discussions to restore normalcy in the restive Darjeeling hills, the police registered an FIR against Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha Gurung, charging them with the murder of three GJM activists.

The three protesters had died in Singmari when violent clashes broke out between the police and GJM supporters.

Apart from Mr Gurung, who is spearheading the movement for the demand of Gorkhaland, and his wife, 24 members of the party have been named in the suo moto FIR lodged at the Darjeeling Sadar police station.

Police did not fire. GJM cadres were killed when bullets were fired from their side. Some police personnel were also injured, a senior police officer said.

GJM central committee member Binay Tamang rubbished the charges and said that the police had fired at the protesters. Why should we kill our own supporters? Its so silly stupid. Is there any evidence of Morcha using guns? But it was seen in the video footage that police resorted to firing. We demand a CBI inquiry into the death of our three supporters, Mr Tamang said.

In Kolkata, West Bengal home secretary Malay De chaired what the government had billed as an all-party meet on the prevailing situation in the Hills on Thursday. It was not attended by the GJM, or any political party from the Hills. The Congress, the CPI(M) and the BJP also stayed away.

The home secretary said three political parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), and two development boards of the Hills participated in the meeting.

The West Bengal government did not give any commitment on withdrawal of security forces, a demand made by the GJM, but said the doors are open for talks to restore normalcy.

GJM sources said that 44 of their members will resign from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on Saturday. We will submit our resignation to the principal secretary of GTA, Barun Roy. We have also postponed the all-party meeting scheduled on Saturday. The GTA agreement will be burnt on June 26, a GJM leader said.

GTA is the semi-autonomous administrative body for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills.

Trinamul Congress Darjeeling district president Goutam Deb said, Our constitution maintains that equality of law should be ensured. They have set fire to a number of government offices, including health centres. An ITI was also vandalised. Most of their leaders are in hiding. Law will take its own course.

GJM leaders are now leading the Gorkhaland movement from undisclosed hideouts through video clips that play on local TV channels since Internet connectivity remains suspended in the region.

Sources in Darjeeling police said that since June 9, at least 33 cases have been lodged against GJM leaders. At least 17 cases against Morcha leaders include charges of rioting, damage to government property, arson and stone pelting, a police source said. Thursday marked the 11th day of the GJM-sponsored shutdown in Darjeeling hills.
The minister also spoke about the ancient cultural and religious linkages that bound India with south-east Asia.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj with the Vietnamese ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh (right) and others during a photo session after delivering an address on Asean-India partnership in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: In what is being seen as a clear message by the government, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told diplomats and other guests from south-east Asian countries on Thursday that India is after all, a celebration of a grand synthesis of cultures, religions and languages of people belonging to different communities, who are bound into an inseparable whole by a civilisational consciousness and cohesiveness.

This comes in the wake of concerns and doubts raised by Opposition parties on secularism and other issues during the current term of the Modi government.

In what is also being seen as an interesting comment in the backdrop of increasing Chinese military assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific, Ms Swaraj also said India has been working with Asean (the grouping of south-east Asian countries) towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasising the peaceful settlement of disputes, finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, and support for the centrality of Asean.

In a keynote address on Indias ties with Asean at a function in New Delhi organised by foreign policy thinktank RIS, Ms. Swaraj said, By working together to transcend their differences, Asean member states have become a unique example of how different nations can come together to weave a shared vision. In this sense, the Idea of Asean echoes Indias Unity in Diversity. India is, after all, a celebration of a grand synthesis of cultures, religions and languages of people belonging to different communities, who are bound into an inseparable whole by a civilisational consciousness and cohesiveness.

On the issue of Indo-Asean regional security architecture, Ms Swaraj said, India has been working with Asean towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasising the peaceful settlement of disputes, finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, and support for the centrality of Asean. Enhancing Maritime Cooperation and Security has been an area of focus for both Asean & India. It may be recalled that China has maritime territorial disputes with a few Asean countries.

The minister also spoke about the ancient cultural and religious linkages that bound India with south-east Asia. From the ancient period upto the 12th century, Hinduism as a way of life permeated South East Asia, she said.

Thailand incorporates significant elements from Hinduism in its architecture, arts, sculpture dance, drama and literature. The Cham temple complex of My Son Wat in Vietnam is dedicated to Bhadreshvara , an incarnation of the Lord Shiva. The magnificent Angkor Vat in Cambodia was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu, Ms. Swaraj said.

The Vat Phou temple in Lao PDR, Ananda temple in Bagan, Myanmar and the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia are examples of the influence of Hindu architectural principles. The various forms of Ramayana prevalent in the region, be it Ramakien in Thailand, Pha Lak Pha Lam in Laos, Yama Zatddaw in Myanmar, Kakawin Ramayana in Indonesia or Hikayat Seri Rama in Malaysia, bear testimony to our historical connect, she added.
JD(U) sticks to backing Kovind, Lalu calls it a historic mistake.

New Delhi: In a dalit versus dalit contest, former Lok Sabha Speaker and onetime diplomat Meira Kumar, daughter of the late Scheduled Caste icon Babu Jagjivan Ram, will take on the NDAs Ram Nath Kovind in next months presidential election, a 17-party conglomerate of Opposition parties decided Thursday. The high point of the unfolding drama was Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, who decided to play along with the Opposition bloc after dithering till the last moment and agreed only after much persuasion senior leaders.

Seventeen Opposition parties have together decided to jointly field Meira Kumar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said after a one-and-a-half-hour-long meeting. Mrs Gandhi was flanked by former PM Manmohan Singh and Mr Pawar, who held several meetings within his party as well as with Congress troubleshooters Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel, as well as the CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury.

Sources said though Mr Pawar had agreed to be on the Opposition side in the presidential battle, he had wanted the decision to announce the name of the candidate to be deferred by at least a day. However, Mr Patel and Mr Azad rushed to his residence to convince him of going ahead and announcing the name on Thursday itself. The leaders also called in Mr Yechury to convince Mr Pawar and a luncheon meeting was held.

The NCP chief is understood to have told the leaders he wanted to wait for a farmers meeting with the Maharashtra government on Friday. The Congress and the Left, however, still smarting under JD(U) chief Nitish Kumars turnaround, convinced him to agree to announce the name on Thursday itself.

A top source said it was pointed out to Mr Pawar that the presidential polls were a litmus test for a larger alliance ahead of the 2019 general election. Interestingly, Mr Pawar as well as JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar were seen as contenders for the leadership of a Mahagathbandhan against the Narendra Modi-led BJP. Now, with Mr Kumars exit from the Opposition camp in the coming presidential polls, Mr Pawars position becomes stronger in such a possible alliance.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mr Kumars ally in Bihar, said the JD(U) was committing a historical blunder and urged the Bihar CM to reconsider his decision on backing Mr Kovind. Earlier, Mrs Gandhi had also expressed a similar view. We do hope that other parties also join us, she said when asked about the JD(U) stand.

A JD(U) spokesman, however, said: Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind and full consultation within the party... We will stick with his choice.

Ms Kumars candidature will put pressure on the Bihar CM as she belongs to his state and is a mahadalit.

After the NCP chief was brought on board, at the meeting, three possible names were discussed  Meira Kumar, former home minister Sushilkumar Shinde and former Rajya Sabha MP Balachandra Mungekar. Mr Pawar, who spoke first, is learnt to have proposed the names of Mr Shinde and Mr Mungekar first and after that of Ms Kumar. However, almost all other Opposition leaders agreed on the former Speakers name.

After Mr Pawar, RJD chief Lalu Yadav spoke, arguing that there was a need to declare the candidate on Thursday itself. If you delay it, there are chances that more people could leave, he is understood to have said at the meeting.

Mr Yechury also referred to the JD(U)s exit and insisted that a decision should be taken. He also suggested the names of Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Prakash Ambedkar.

Ms Kumars name was also acceptable to the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. BSP supremo Mayawati had said she would be forced to support Mr Kovind as he was a dalit, and could go with the Opposition only if they also chose a suitable dalit candidate. After the announcement on Thursday, she said the BSP would support Ms Kumar as the Opposition candidate was better qualified than the NDA one.

While the JD(U) skipped the meeting, the 17-party group remained intact with the RLD, represented by Ajit Singh, stepping in. Other leaders who attended included CPIs D. Raja, JD(S)s Danish Ali, DMKs Kanimozhi, the National Conferences Omar Abdullah, BSPs Satish Chandra Mishra, and the SPs Ram Gopal Yadav and Naresh Agrawal.
The student didn't register a formal complaint but posted pictures on social media.

Certain surprise additions can always make food taste better, but sometimes these can also come as a shock. When a student in China ordered noodles to enjoy a meal at her place, she found a rather unwelcome accompaniment.

The girl called Wang was shocked to find a snake inside her bowl of snail rice noodles and shared a picture of the chilling sight on social media. Although she didnt register a formal complaint, the pictures have gone viral.

Wang said that she had a few bites of the local speciality when she noticed a small snake lying on top of vegetables in the bowl. Snakes have been found sneaking into houses, air conditioners and in car engines in the past few weeks.
The college has proposed a hike of Rs 2,400 for social sciences and Rs 2,700-Rs 3,500 for science courses.

Acording to the comapritive data drawn in wake of the recent hike in the fee structure by Ramjas College, the tuition fee structure for popular social science courses like English, Economics, B.A Programme, B.Com (H), Political Science starts from Rs 12,160 and goes up to Rs 34,890 in prestigious colleges like Miranda House, Hindu college, LSR Hansraj College, St. Stephens, IP College for Women, SGTB Khalsa, Daulat Ram College and SRCC.

New Delhi: While defending the recent 25 per cent increase in the fees for the upcoming academic session, Ramjas College acting principal P.C. Tulsian said that the fees still remains the lowest as compared to various colleges of Delhi University.

It is after a very long time, we have increased the fees. But even after the hike, our fee structure will be one of the lowest among most of the colleges. Our fee is not even one-third of that of St. Stephens and SRCC even after the hike, Mr Tulsian said.

He further maintained that the fee hike is reasonable in order to have optimum resources for the college.

There is a need for fund for maintenance of the new building, air-conditioning, maintaining new laboratories and paying salary to the contractual employees, Mr Tulsian added.

However, student organizations, including DU Students Union and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), have been protesting, demanding a roll-back of the hike.

On Monday, even NSUI members submitted a memorandum to the principal while the ABVP is planning to stage a big protest against the fee hike in coming days.

The college has proposed a hike of Rs 2,400 for social sciences and Rs 2,700-Rs 3,500 for science courses.

Acording to the comapritive data drawn in wake of the recent hike in the fee structure by Ramjas College, the tuition fee structure for popular social science courses like English, Economics, B.A Programme, B.Com (H), Political Science starts from Rs 12,160 and goes up to Rs 34,890 in prestigious colleges like Miranda House, Hindu college, LSR Hansraj College, St. Stephens, IP College for Women, SGTB Khalsa, Daulat Ram College and SRCC.

Similarly, the fee structure for science courses like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Sciences among others costs Rs 10,000 to Rs 38,000.
Ambedkar said he does not believe in caste-based politics else he would have supported Kovind.

Mumbai: BBM leader and grandson of B.R. Ambedkar - Prakash Ambedkar - has asked opposition parties to field a tribal candidate against NDAs presidential candidate, Ramnath Kovind, for the sake of having a liberal and not right-wing Hindu. Ambedkar said he does not believe in caste-based politics else he would have supported Kovind. Opposition parties will meet in Delhi on Thursday to decide their candidate.

Ambedkar told The Asian Age, My caste is the same as his (Kovinds), so I should have supported him if I were indulging in caste politics. But to prevent Hindutvavadi vaidik manuvadi forces, we need to consolidate liberal bhakti tradition Hindus here. Tribals have resisted British rule as well as imperial forces in the recent past. Therefore, to recognise their fighting spirit and consolidate all anti-constitutional forces, opposition parties must give a tribal candidate a chance.

The presidential election has already entered caste equations with BJP leaders frequently mentioning Kovinds dalit background. Opposition parties are mulling dalit options such as former speaker Meira Kumar and former home minister Sushilkumar Shinde as presidential candidate. Dalit leader Ambedkar has only added to the buzz by suggestion a tribal candidate as option.

Asked why he was pushing for the tribal category, Ambedkar said, BJP has pushed us to do this. They are using a dalit face to hide their agenda. Kovind is dalit but he represents the Hindutvavaadi vaidik manuvadi ideology. We need to defeat him by consolidating all opposite forces. Tribals fought the British rule and are successfully fighting imperialism now. Therefore, fielding a tribal person in this battle would cement all forces that respect the constitution.
As for the sixth accused, Riyaz Siddique, the CBI sought life imprisonment for him.

Mumbai: The prosecution in the 1993 blast case pressed for death sentence to five of the six accused on Thursday, saying that it is no more a question of why the convicts should be convicted for the crimes, but why the quantum of punishment should be any less than death. It referred to numerous judgements of the apex court where terrorist acts were awarded the death penalty. The prosecution held that death and injury to around 1000 innocent people was sufficient ground for them to be awarded death sentence. The argument is expected to be completed by Monday.

CBI special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi started his submission on the quantum of punishment to the accused at 3 pm before the special Tada court presided over by Judge Govind Sanap. He stressed that the crimes committed by them were severe and hence deserved maximum punishment. As for the sixth accused, Riyaz Siddique, the CBI sought life imprisonment for him.

Advocate Salvi informed the court that as the acts of the first five convicts amounted to conspiracy, in light of various judgements of the apex court wherein conspirators were awarded the maximum punishment, which is death, CBI would seek for maximum punishment.

The court will have to consider the glaring evidence brought on record which mentions the death of 257 persons and 713 citizens, who were brutally injured in the blasts. The court will have to keep in mind these two numbers while deciding on the quantum. Further, it is necessary to mention that the quantity of RDX (explosive) was 1,500 kg, which could have destroyed the entire Mumbai, argued Salvi.

While speaking about the justice pleas by the convicts, the CBI prosecutor said that when the convicts spoke about justice, they failed to answer what was the fault of the citizens who died and were injured due to the high magnitude blasts initiated by them. It is well observed by the Supreme Court in one of its recent judgments, which reads that once the crime comes under terrorism, then the court should not hesitate in awarding death punishment, he said.

When asked when the arguments would conclude, Advocate Salvi said that it would take another day or two.
Kalyan villagers protest land acquisition by Navy, mob blocks roads, torches vehicles, injures 12 cops.

Mumbai: The Thane police had to resort to using pellet guns and carrying out lathi-charges after irate farmers from at least four villages went berserk on Thursday morning targeting police personnel and torching vehicles on the outskirts of Kalyan. The villagers were given permission to conduct peaceful protests by the local Hill Line police station, but they had armed themselves with stones and lathis in accordance with a premeditated plan. The farmers were protesting against the Navy's decision to build a wall around the periphery of an old British-era airstrip as part of a proposed development plan.

At least 12 policemen, including three officers along with the assistant commissioner of police Sunil Patil, were injured in the violence that broke out at Bhal, Khoni, Nevale and Rawal Pada villages from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. The police fired five pellet rounds and lathi-charged the protesters, leaving 15 of them injured.

A cop injured during stone pelting by mob

Following the violence, extra reinforcements had to be called in, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and Riot Control Police were summoned. The villagers set ablaze a SRPF bus, a police van and three other vehicles. Each of the four villages had a mob of around 2,000 people and violence broke out at all the four spots simultaneously, said Pratap Dighavkar, additional commissioner of police, Thane.

The police said that the villagers acts was premeditated and the moment they saw the policemen, they shouted 'don't leave them, attack them' and started pelting stones. Citing peaceful protests by around 2,000 people, the police had kept a force of 60 personnel at the Nevale Naka.

The police were, however, caught off-guard after the mob indulged in arson as similar reports came in from four neighbouring villages withinin a radius of 3km. Most of the staff of the police stations concerned were at the headquarters attending a conference and the mob took advantage of the same.

Cop examines a torched vehicle

The villagers took control of some of the trucks that were moving on the main road outside these villages and parked them on roads in order to create a blockade to make it difficult for the reinforcements to reach the spot. The situation, however, was brought under control by around 11.30 am, after the police fired five pellet gun rounds.

The villagers, meanwhile, alleged that the police was disallowing them from entering their fields. This has been the case for the past three weeks now and the villagers are miffed as they are incurring losses. Construction work is going on despite the matter being sub judice, however, we are not allowed to work in our fields, which is gross injustice, said Jay Bhoir, a resident of Nevale village. Some other villagers alleged that they tried to meet political representatives and place their case before them, however that proved futile and something like this was requ-ired to attract attention.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Around 9 am: A mob of villagers assemble at Nevale Naka to protest against a plan to take over their land and the building of a wall

9.30 am: The mob turns violent and begins pelting stones. It torches a SRPF bus and a motorbike. Some gherao policemen and begin assaulting them.

Around 11.30 am: Traffic is blocked and vehicles are damaged by protesters following which pellet gun rounds were fired and the situation is brought under control.
The FYJC online admission portal was shut on Wednesday for maintenance after crashing on Tuesday due to heavy site traffic.

By Wednesday, 67,000 students had filled this online form and 1.75 lakh were still remaining. (Representational image)

Mumbai: With 30,000 aspirants left to register online for First Year Junior Colleges (FYJC) admissions after Thursday, the last day to apply is likely to be extended, according to the education department officers.

The number of days of the extension however will depend on the sites performance on Thursday and is expected to be around three to four days in case the portal failed to work properly even today.

The FYJC online admission portal was shut on Wednesday for maintenance after crashing on Tuesday due to heavy site traffic. So the students had to wait till Thursday to fill their forms online.

By Wednesday, 67,000 students had filled this online form and 1.75 lakh were still remaining. However, after the restoration of the portal on Thursday, only around 30,000 aspirants are left.

Talking to The Asian Age, deputy director of education for Mumbai region, B.B. Chavan, said, Around2,30,000 students have filled up the part 1 of their form and one lakh have filled the part 2 of the form on Thursday.

Earlier, a senior official from the education department said, Extra three to four days would be given to the students to fill their forms if the admission portal failed to work properly on Thursday.
Now minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamare has called a meeting on June 29 to address the claims.

The villagers have a letter to prove their claim that the Britishers had returned their land after WW-II .

Mumbai: The farmers, who turned violent in few villages of Kalyan and Thane on Thursday, were protesting against acquisition of land by the Indian Navy. The protest sparked off when the Navy began fencing the land, which the farmers claim is illegal. However, Navy officials claim that it belongs to them and the process of acquisition was according to law. Now minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamare has called a meeting on June 29 to address the claims.

The Navy began fencing the land, which covers an area of almost 1670 acres across 14 villages in Newali, Bhal, and the other 12 in the Kalyan rural area. It is claiming that this land was acquired by the British government in 1942 when the second World War was at its peak. The British Navy built an airstrip in Newali village to fuel its fighter planes. But after 1945, airstrip has been lying unused and the Navy seemed to have forgotten about it.

But when discussions over a new airport for Mumbai started, this airstrip shot into limelight. Last year, when land acquisition issues over Navi Mumbai airport were still to be resolved, union aviation minister Gajpati Raju visited the site. It is believed that the Navy learned of the land after the ministers visit.

However, the farmers are claiming that they have a letter from the British government dating back to 1942, in which it assures them that they would use the land only for the duration of the war. After the war, it would be returned to the original owners. This letter proves our claim that the Navy has nothing to do with this land. Now it wants to grab the land, said local protestor Mathur Mhatre.

Following the violence on Thursday morning, guardian minister Eknath Shinde and local MP Shrikant Shinde reached out to the protestors, requesting them to maintain peace. Mr Shrikant also got in touch with Mr Bhamare to resolve the issue.

1942: British Government acquired land and built an airstrip to fuel its fighter planes in wartime.

2017: Navy started reclaiming the land
NCP chief preparing anti-Brahmin plank, opine critics.

Sharad Pawar (third from left) at the launch of the biography of King Shivaji on Wednesday.

Mumbai: Differences have emerged within the world of historians over ascribing the title of Gau Bramhan Pratipalak (saviour of cows and brahmins) to King Shivaji, the 17th century warrior king and founder of Maratha empire, sparking off a political controversy in Maharashtra. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has kicked off the debate saying it would be ahistorical to call the king Gau Brahman Pratipalak. Instead, Mr Pawar said he supported calling the Maratha king Kulvadi Bhushan Bahujan Pratipalak (pride of farmers and saviour of Bahujans). Many see Mr Pawars comment as his attempt to consolidate all anti-Brahmin castes and forces in the state.

Mr Pawar made the statement on Wednesday in Pune while launching a biography of Shivaji.

Maharashtra has witnessed various debates related to Shivaji Maharaj. While a large section in the state feels calling Shivaji Gau Bramhan Pratipalak is a Hindutva plan to project Shivaji as anti-Muslim, supporters of the move feel this would be an apt moniker for the Maratha king.

Shiv Charitra, the book that was launched on Wednesday, is written by Shrimant Kokate, an established writer known for backing pro-Maratha organisations.

During the function, Mr Pawar further said, Shivaji was never anti-Muslim. He killed Afzal Khan because Khan was trying to damage the Maratha state and not because he was Muslim. Mr Pawar also claimed that the syllabus in schools regarding the history of Shivaji has always been crafted in the wrong way.

As expected, Mr Pawars statements kicked off a controversy. Many see it as his attempt to consolidate all anti-Brahmin castes and forces in state.

After losing elections in 2014, Mr Pawar is said to be trying to establish a Maratha-OBC-Muslim caste equation to consolidate his base.

Prakash Bal, a political observer, said, What Mr Pawar said may have historical importance. But at the same time, his attempt to consolidate Maratha votes is not hidden. In Maharashtra, Shivaji has been used for political purpose by one and all. This is one more example in this direction.

Back story

Many historians have objected to calling Shivaji Gau Bramhan Pratipalak. According to them, the term is ahistorical and was never used during the time of Shivaji. They also believe that Shivaji was a king for all and not confined to one caste. They also feel that this term shows Shivaji as communal and is therefore allegedly being used as a divisive term.

The debate

For :

Historian Pandurang Balkavade: Nothing wrong in calling Shivaji Gau Bramhan Pratipalak

Anant Dale (president of Brahman Mahasangh, Pune): This is political mischievousness of some people and (theres) no historical support to disown (the title).

Against:

Social reformer Mahatma Phule had called Shivaji 'Kulvadi Bhushan Bahujan Pratipalak' which means the farming community's pride and the bahujans' saviour.

Historian T.S. Shejvalkar: This is an ahistorical term.

Historian Jayasingrao Pawar: No proof of this term was in use in the time of Shivaji himself.
Mob of 2,000 torches vehicles, injures 12 cops; police fire pellet guns.

Mumbai: Irate farmers from at least four villages near Kalyan went on a rampage around 9.30 am on Thursday, targeting police personnel and torching their vehicles.

The Thane police had to resort to firing pellet guns and carrying out lathi-charges. The villagers  who were protesting against the Navys decision to build a wall around the periphery of an old British-era airstrip  were given permission to conduct peaceful protests by the local Hill Line police station, but they had armed themselves with stones and lathis.

At least 12 policemen, including three officers along with the assistant commissioner of police Sunil Patil, were injured in the violence at Bhal, Khoni, Nevale and Rawal Pada villages. The villagers set ablaze a SRPF bus, a police van and three other vehicles. Each of the four villages had a mob of around 2,000 people and violence broke out at all the four spots, said Pratap Dighavkar, additional commissioner of police, Thane.

The protest sparked off when the Navy began fencing the land, which the farmers claim is illegal. Minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamare has called a meeting on June 29 to address the claims.
Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility for any cyber attacks during the election.

The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Russian hackers targeted 21 US state election systems in the 2016 presidential race and a small number were breached but there was no evidence any votes were manipulated, a Homeland Security Department official told Congress on Wednesday.

Jeanette Manfra, the department's acting deputy undersecretary of cyber security, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

US intelligence agencies have concluded the Kremlin orchestrated a wide-ranging influence operation that included email hacking and online propaganda to discredit Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump, a Republican, win the White House in November.

The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office. The extent of interference by Russian hackers, and whether they or others could interfere in future elections, has been the source of speculation and media reports for months.

Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility for any cyber attacks during the election. Trump has variously said Russia may or may not have been responsible for hacking but has dismissed allegations his associates colluded with Moscow as "fake news."

Manfra and other officials testifying on Wednesday said U.S. elections are resilient to hacking in part because they are decentralized and largely operated on the state and local level.

Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats, voiced skepticism, saying only a small number of votes in key battleground states would need to be altered to tip the scales in an election.

"A sophisticated actor could hack an election simply by focusing on certain counties," King said. "I don't think it works just to say its a big system and diversity will protect us."

Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate panel, expressed frustration at Manfra's refusal to identify which states had been targeted. Arizona and Illinois last year confirmed that hackers had targeted their voter registration systems.

Samuel Liles, another senior DHS cyber official, likened states targeted or scanned to a thief walking by homes to scout for weaknesses, and breaches to breaking through a front door.

Investigation

Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, met on Wednesday with senior Senate Judiciary Committee members to ensure there was no conflict between his investigation of potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign and the panel's probe of what led to Trump firing Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey.

Trump acknowledged on Friday he was under investigation in the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 race and possible collusion by his campaign, and seemed to assail the Justice Department official overseeing the inquiry.

Mueller was examining whether Trump or others sought to obstruct the probe, a person familiar with the inquiry told Reuters.

Jeh Johnson, who led the Homeland Security Department until the end of the Obama administration, told the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee his department had issued warnings about hacking into voter registration databases.

Asked why the Obama administration did not do more to warn the public, Johnson said: "We were very concerned that we would not be perceived as taking sides in the election, injecting ourselves into a very heated campaign."

He told the House committee, which is investigating alleged Russian meddling in the election, that the notices did not get the attention he would have liked, blaming the emergence of a 2005 videotape - in which Trump brags about sexual conquests - for distracting the American public.
Tillerson's remarks came the day after Trump appeared to suggest China's Xi had come up short in efforts to lean on Kim Jong-Un's regime.

Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday urged Chinese officials to apply greater diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to force Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear weapons program.

Tillerson's remarks came after he and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis met with the Chinese visitors at the State Department, where the former general said he saw scope for a better defense relationship.

The extent to which Beijing can influence Pyongyang is key in trying to defuse the North Korea crisis, and Tillerson's remarks came the day after President Donald Trump appeared to suggest China's President Xi Jinping had come up short in efforts to lean on Kim Jong-Un's regime.

Calling North Korea the "top security threat" to the United States, Tillerson said China has a "diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

Trump -- who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail -- has turned to Beijing to help pressure its ally North Korea, prompting concern among Asian partners that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

But on Tuesday, Trump sent a tweet suggesting Xi's efforts had not borne fruit -- a message he reiterated before supporters in Iowa.

"I do like President Xi," he told the crowd Wednesday evening. "I wish we would have a little more help with respect to North Korea, from China. That doesn't seem to be working."

Trump has not elaborated on what might happen next if China, by far the North's most important trading and diplomatic partner, is out of ideas.

Tillerson said the US and Chinese officials had agreed that companies from both countries should not do business with any UN-designated North Korean entities.

- 'Unremitting efforts' -

Trump has made halting the North Korean nuclear threat his number one foreign policy priority.

On Wednesday the US leader took the formal step of extending for another year a national emergency with respect to North Korea that was first decreed in 2008 under president George W. Bush.

In a letter notifying Congress of the move, Trump wrote that the "existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula" together with the "provocative, destabilizing, and repressive actions" of the Pyongyang regime "continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."

In Beijing, officials insisted they have not given up hope of influencing Pyongyang.

"To resolve the Korean peninsula nuclear issue, China has been making unremitting efforts and we have been playing an important and constructive role," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, while stressing China was not the "focus and the crux" of the crisis.

Last month, Beijing and Washington signed a limited deal to open new markets for each other's exports, and a long-standing friend of the Chinese leadership, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, was confirmed as US ambassador.

But tensions remain -- particularly over China's building of artificial islands in disputed South China Sea waters. "Secretary Mattis and I were clear that the US position remains unchanged," Tillerson said.

Still, Mattis spoke in favor of greater communication with the Chinese military, including an officer exchange program to "improve transparency and mutual understanding."

- Warmbier death -

Despite international condemnation and sanctions, North Korea has a small nuclear arsenal and is developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that threaten Japan and South Korea -- and one day could even hit some US cities.

Washington has 28,000 troops deployed in South Korea and a naval armada in the region.

China has tightened controls on trade in North Korean coal, but many doubt it will fully enforce any sanctions that might threaten the stability of its unpredictable neighbor.

Separately, Mattis blasted Pyongyang's treatment of Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old student who died on Monday after being evacuated in a coma from detention in North Korea. His release last week initially seemed a gesture of goodwill by Pyongyang, but it quickly turned sour.

"We see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead, basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.

"What you're seeing, I think, is the American people's frustration with a regime that provokes and provokes and provokes, and basically plays outside the rules."
Trump took to Twitter to thank China for attempting to resolve tensions with North Korea, but declared that Beijing's 'efforts' had failed.

Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States had a "great relationship with China" as he stood beside former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, the new US ambassador to Beijing.

"We have a great relationship with China and I really like President Xi," Trump said in a speech at an Iowa community college. The comment came a day after Trump said Chinese efforts to persuade North Korea to rein in its weapons programs had failed.

Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter Tuesday to thank China for attempting to resolve tensions with North Korea, but declared that Beijing's "efforts" had failed.

"While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!" Trump wrote.

The tweet came a day after the death of Otto Warmbier -- a US student who returned in a coma from prison in North Korea -- and on the eve of a first US-China strategic security dialogue.

Since coming to office, Trump has tried to get Beijing to put pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

It was unclear if the tweet was a signal that those efforts have failed. That conclusion could be seen as a warning of unilateral US action to follow.
Trump asked Coats, Rogers to refute campaign collusion with Russians.

Washington: President Donald Trump suggested to two top intel chiefs that they publicly say there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians, according to CNN.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency director Admiral Mike Rogers told special counsel Robert S. Muellers team and Senate investigators, in separate meetings last week, they felt odd and uncomfortable, but said they did not believe the President gave them orders to interfere, according to multiple sources familiar with their accounts.

Sources say that both men went further than they did in June 7 public hearings, when they provided little detail about the interactions.

The sources gave CNN the first glimpse of what the intelligence chiefs said to Mr Muellers investigators when they did separate interviews last week. Both men told Mr Muellers team they were surprised the President would suggest that they publicly declare he was not involved in collusion, sources said. Mr Muellers team, which is in the early stages of its investigation, will ultimately decide whether the interactions are relevant to the inquiry.

Mr Coats and Mr Rogers also met individually last week with the Senate intelligence committee in two closed briefings that were described by Democratic and Republican congressional sources. One source said that Mr Trump wanted them to say publicly what then-FBI director James Comey had told the President privately that he was not under investigation for collusion. However, sources said that neither Mr Coats nor Mr Rogers raised concerns that Mr Trump was pushing them to do something they did not want to do. They did not act on the Presidents alleged suggestion.

Mr Trump has said repeatedly that no collusion occurred. After 7 months of investigations and committee hearings about my collusion with the Russians, nobody has been able to show any proof. Sad! he tweeted on June 16.

The DNI, NSA and Muellers office also did not comment. Because the meetings were classified, sources shared limited details. But they said the two intel bosses recounted that Trump was frustrated that the Russia allegations have continued to cloud his administration.
German Chancellor says blocs future priority as British PM meets European leaders.

Brussles: German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted Thurday that the EUs future took priority over Brexit talks as Prime Minister Theresa May met European leaders for the first time since a disastrous election gamble.

Under intense pressure on all sides since losing her majority, Ms May said her task at the Brussels summit would be to set out her plans to protect EU citizens post-Brexit rights.

But Ms Merkel, Europes most powerful leader, made clear that this was not at the top of her agenda as she reaffirmed Berlins strong ties with France and its newly elected President Emmanuel Macron.

For me the shaping of the future of the 27 is a priority coming before the issue of the negotiations with Britain on the exit, Ms Merkel said.

We want to conduct these negotiations in a good spirit but the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27.

Mr Macron, attending his first summit, did not mention Brexit directly but said it was now time to get down to concrete work  hand in hand with Germany  on putting the European Union back on track after years of austerity and crisis.

Britains vote to leave the EU exactly a year ago on Friday was the biggest in a series of shocks that the bloc has faced, but it now insists it is turning the corner on anti-EU sentiment.

Ms May is set to brief EU leaders on her Brexit plans over dinner on Thursday, before being kicked out while the remaining 27 discuss key issues including the future location of the EUs medicines and banking agencies, currently based in Britain.

For her part, Ms May said she would set out clearly how the UK proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected.

Thats been an important issue, weve wanted it to be one of the early issues that was considered in the negotiations, that is now the case, that work is starting, she said as she arrived. Ms May had previously refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in Britain until those of expatriate Britons were secured.
Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said that it is not economical or sustainable to send food stuff by plane.

Ankara: Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said that the first Turkish ship carrying aid to Qatar has departed in a bid to break the embargo imposed on Doha by a number of Gulf countries.

"Nearly 105 cargo planes have carried aid from Turkey to Qatar, after five Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Doha earlier this month. Further shipments will follow Wednesday's batch", Anadolu News Agency quoted Zeybekci as saying.

However, it is not economical or sustainable to send food stuff by plane, he said.

Keeping in view Eid al-Fitr - which marks the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, trucks of vegetables are being sent to Qatar on a weekly basis from Beypazari district of the Turkish capital Ankara, said Yavus Ekici, head of Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Both Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were in Doha on June15 to mend Qatar's ties with Gulf Arab states and stated the crisis should be resolved "through peace and dialogue".

"The efforts by Turkey so far and the future steps to be taken were discussed during his meetings with several top Qatari officials," Anadolu quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

Qatar termed the actions by Gulf member countries of isolating it diplomatically it as "unjustified".

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain, along with Egypt had snapped diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Bahrain also closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft, and gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their respective countries. Meanwhile, Riyadh also sealed its land border with Qatar.

Other countries who have recently cut diplomatic ties with Qatar include the Maldives and the Comoros Islands, along with Libya's Tobruk-based government.
However, India has maintained Kulbhushan Jadhav is not a spy. It alleged that he was kidnapped by Pakistan and filed a case in the ICJ.

The ICTJ has since ordered Pakistan to stay the execution until the UN court passes final judgement in the case. (Photo: Videograb)

Islamabad: Kulbhushan Jadhav has sought clemency from the Pakistan Army chief over the death sentence handed down to him by a military court, the Army said on Thursday, weeks after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the Indian national's execution.

Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, claimed that in his plea, Jadhav has "admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities" in Pakistan and "expressed remorse" at the resultant loss of lives and extensive damage to property.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the ISPR said.

The statement said that Jadhav, a 46-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.

Under the law, he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and if rejected, subsequently to the Pakistan President.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav 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 Indian Navy.

Read: Jadhav to live until he exhausts right to request for clemency: Pak

The Pakistan military also released a "second confessional video", in which purportedly Jadhav can be seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage".

In the video, Jadhav is shown to be detailing his alleged "subversive and terror activities" for which he has been convicted by a military court.

"During my judicial proceedings which were held under the field General court martial, I was accorded a defence council by the officials here who were conducting the entire proceedings," he says in the video.

He is also shown apologising for his acts and seeking pardon. The Army said it released the video "so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan."

Read: Jadhav providing crucial intelligence on terror attacks: Pak

Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav after his arrest.

Jadhav was in April sentenced to death by Pakistan's Field General Court Martial on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country.

India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the death penalty handed down to Jadhav on May 8. India has accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by repeatedly denying consular access to Jadhav. In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

Earlier this month, Pakistan had said that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals.
The decision, taken by interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, came days after the kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals.

The decision was taken after the recent kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals (FIle Photo) (Representational Image)

Islamabad: Pakistan will review its visa policy for Chinese citizens to plug the loopholes leading to the misuse of the current lenient policy, officials said.

The decision, taken by interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, came days after the kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals who were misusing their business visas.

The conditions and requirements for issuance of business and work visas to the Chinese nationals will be reviewed, the interior ministry said.

The decision has been taken to ensure transparency in the visa process and also to preclude misuse of visa-friendly regime that exists between the two countries, it said.

It was part of efforts to ensure maximum security of the Chinese nationals visiting Pakistan on various visa categories and to streamline and regulate the entire process of visa issuance to Chinese nationals, it said in a statement.

According to officials, the decision was taken after the recent kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals who were misusing their business visas.

Taking note of a few incidents of showing forged and fake documents of ghost companies, it was decided to regulate the process of granting extensions in business visas and the authority to extend such visas have been transferred from the regional passport offices to headquarters in Islamabad.

Pakistani missions abroad would issue a maximum of one-year multiple entry work visa and further extensions in work visa would be granted by the ministry of interior only.

Khan said a comprehensive mechanism should be put in place for sharing of information of not only $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor related workers but also of other Chinese nationals visiting the country.

Keeping in view various issues being faced by the foreign spouses who are married to Pakistani nationals, it was decided to re-introduce Pakistan Origin Cards to the foreign spouses after addressing certain issues that led to suspension of these cards.
The Strip now has two hours of electricity per day. The power plant will return to work in the next few hours. Last week, Hamas leaders met with Egyptian officials.

Gaza (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Cairo is sending fuel to the only power station in Gaza to avoid the collapse of the Strip caught amid energy crisis and tensions. Yesterday, 22 trucks with one million liters of fuel crossed the Rafah pass, the only entry point to Gaza not controlled by Israel.

Gaza crashed into the dark after the end of fuel in April and the reduction in Israeli energy supply four days ago. The daily electric supply has shrunk to two hours a day, against the two shifts of eight hours in April.

In the past, Qatar provided assistance to the Strip, but the current diplomatic crisis in the Gulf has brought about a change of scenario and intervention of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The power plant will return to work in the next few hours. Samir Metir, General Manager of the Gaza Power Company, asserts that this will allow the plant to run at "full-rate for two days and low-rate for three".

Recently, Egypt had pressured the Gaza government to reach an agreement on anti-terrorism security measures. Last week, some Hamas leaders, Egyptian officials, and Mohammad Dahlane, the exiled rival to Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, met in Cairo.
Officially, the reason is to encourage seniors to make the journey; in fact, the aim is to prevent youth radicalisation. The Islamic majority country tightens controls on the religious life of its people.

Dushanbe (AsiaNews/RFE)  Authorities in Tajikistan have barred citizens under the age of 40 from performing this year's annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Tajikistan's Committee on Religious Affairs said that the decision was made to give older Tajik Muslims more of a chance to undertake the pilgrimage, as Saudi authorities are putting in place stricter quotas.

Still, many in the Central Asian state believe the ban is an attempt to prevent radicalisation among younger generations.

President Emomali Rahmon's government has repeatedly called for the strengthening of secular principles in the mostly Muslim country of 8.5 million, routinely imposing age restrictions on devout Muslims who want to perform hajj. In 2015, the minimum age was 35 years.

The authorities have also tightened controls on religious life amid reports that many Tajiks have joined Islamic extremists in Iraq and Syria. In recent years, they have banned head scarves for schoolgirls, barred minors from mosques, and forced thousands of students to return home from Islamic schools abroad.

The country's Culture Ministry in April announced that no books would be allowed in or out of the country without written permission. Ostensibly, the reason is to prevent valuable manuscripts from being smuggled out of the country, but the move has led some to conclude that it is really intended to stop the dissemination of extremist religious material.

Tajikistan was the first and only former Soviet Republic to register officially an Islamic political party in 1999. But the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan was banned and branded as a terrorist organisation by the countrys Supreme Court in 2015.
Christians have better guns. They are buying, said the president. Analysts dismiss his view as baseless attempt to justify martial law. For Card Orlando Quevedo, archbishop of Cotabato, the government should address the economic and political roots of terrorism rather than focus on a military solution.

Zamboanga (AsiaNews)  In his latest controversial statement, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte said that a civil war might break out between Christians and Muslims on the island of Mindanao (southern Philippines), something that local analysts exclude.

The countrys Catholic Church has taken a more realistic approach to the crisis that broke out in Lanao del Sur province on 23 May. For Card Orlando Beltran Quevedo of Cotabato, focus should be on fighting the social injustices that cause extremism.

Yesterday, President Duterte met with wounded soldiers in Cagayan De Oro. He warned that if the violence unleashed by Maute terrorists spilled over into other parts of Mindanao, Christians would arm themselves, and a civil war with Muslims might ensue.

Because if theres civil war, there would be killings. Here in Mindanao, there are more Christians and they have better guns. They are buying. The rich ones, theyre stockpiling guns, he said.

Duterte said the armed forces would then have to deal not just with Maute terrorists but also armed Christians.

Analysts who spoke to AsiaNews strongly reject this possibility, dismissing his view as baseless. Duterte is not new to this type of remarks, often rectified by his spokespeople.

According to experts, his claims are an attempt to justify the decision to impose martial law on the island of Mindanao, which has been a major discussion point among politicians and ordinary Filipinos over the past month.

However, Duterte's words are rash, and no longer reflect reality. True, in the past, Christians in Mindanao armed themselves against Muslim rebels. However, these groups have not been active for some time, except in some clashes between local Muslims Moros and the government."

Most Muslims are now engaged in peace talks with the central government and are ready to fight alongside Filipino troops against Maute Jihadis who are behind the siege in Marawi.

The rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the authoritative voice of Mindanao Muslims, have recently fought against Maute terrorists, some of whom are from the Middle East and uninterested in the local aspirations for autonomy.

Since the start of the Marawi siege, the Catholic Church has worked to alleviate the suffering of the population. Catholic help for the displaced have moved Muslims, creating important opportunities for dialogue between the two.

Muslim religious leaders have condemned the desecration of Marawis Catholic Cathedral and called for the release of Fr Teresito Chito Suganob, who is still held by terrorists along with other Christians.

"With the tragic reality of terrorism, interreligious dialogue has become more imperative and indispensable," said Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, archbishop of Cotabato.

Dealing with social injustices, real or perceived, is key to combating terrorism, not military intervention, he added. "The government has to address the economic and political roots of terrorism.

Mindanao is the Philippiness richest island in terms of resources, but it has some of the poorest provinces, like Lanao del Sur, where Marawi is located.

According to official statistics, poverty in the province  which has a population of 1 million  has worsened over the last decade. From just 44 per cent in 2006, it rose dramatically to 74.3 per cent in 2015.

Decades of government neglect, inequality, and political exclusion have spurred numerous rebel groups into waging an insurgency for greater autonomy over more than four decades.

Eleven of the countrys 20 poorest provinces are in Mindanao, which has about 21 million people.
The Chaldean Patriarch condemns the destruction of Mosuls historic mosque and the devastation by the Islamic States "culture of death". He prayed in front of Fr Ragheeds church for coexistence between Christians and Muslims. He called on Catholics in Europe and the West to visit the refugees, to teach them "to have more confidence in the future". He gave a first assessment of the return of displaced people.

Baghdad (AsiaNews)  The Chaldean Patriarchate "firmly condemns" the destruction of the Al-Nuri mosque and its leaning minaret, because such acts "do not only devastate the history" of a city and country, but also a "people's memory and culture, said Chaldean Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako who spoke to AsiaNews about the Islamic States destruction of Mosuls famed mosque.

Deploring the obliteration of the "ancient place of worship", the Chaldean primate said that "Daesh (Arabic acronym for the Islamic State) is like the Beast of Revelation", and called on "the whole world to move and act" to defeat its culture of death.

After the grave and systematic violence by the Jihadi group, which is still holding out in west Mosul, life is slowly getting back to normal in east Mosul and the Nineveh Plain liberated by an offensive carried out by Arab-Kurdish forces.

In order to allow displaced people to return, homes must be rebuilt and the land must be cleared of jihadi mines. The goal is to support reconstruction in a perspective of unity and pluralism of different faiths, ethnic groups and cultures.

Hopes remains that Mosul and Nineveh can be a true model of coexistence and religious freedom for the future.

The atmosphere among refugees is different from a year ago, the patriarch told AsiaNews. "A new culture is developing at present, based on coexistence and trust between Christians and Muslims".

Mar Sako recently travelled to east Mosul where he met not only military and civilian leaders, but also the newly freed residents.

"Everyone, even Muslims, say that Christians must return, he said, that without them the city would not be the same. I found that life was almost normal, despite all the suffering. "

In Mosul, the Chaldean primate also visited the church of the Holy Spirit, where Fr Ragheed Ganni was killed ten years ago, along with three deacons, for their faith. "We prayed for our martyrs. For me it was a shock to come back to the city because it has really changed.

For the prelate, there was a personal aspect to the visit. I wanted to visit my father's house, held by the Islamic State for a long period of time. Now it is home to two Muslim families. I told them they could stay.

However, All the churches are ruined, utterly changed, desecrated. Daesh sought to erase the Christian memory. Now I fear for the Old Town, where the regions oldest Christian places of worship are located.

We need to help Iraq, its people, "put behind the Islamic States culture of death," Mar Sako explained. "We all suffered a lot, Christians, Muslims, Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen. Nothing of this ideology must remain. This is a huge task and we all must work together to turn a new page."

"We should not defeat people but the ideology, because it is still present. We must work for national unity, rebuilding friendships and relationships among people."

"For this reason, since it is the summer holiday season, I urge Christians in Europe and the West to come to us, to Iraq's Kurdistan, to provide help, not only material help but also and above all, human and spiritual help."

At present, "some French groups" have heard the call, but it is crucial that more "accompany these people (i.e. the returning displaced people)" to teach them "to have more confidence in the future."

"The presence of foreigners can create another atmosphere, one of confidence and hope" after a long period of "fear and despair".

"We do not need only money, the patriarch said. We also need human relations, exchanges and knowhow, a contribution to reconstruction, a revival with clean houses, churches restored to their original function, and work to do."

The presence of Western Christians can help us feel less alone and become a stimulus so that "people can challenge themselves and take the lead in rebuilding homes and cities. We cannot just do nothing, wait for help, money or projects from the outside."

Some displaced residents have already made the trek home to their villages and towns in the Nineveh Plain. Others commute every day to restart businesses and start farming again.

"Life is gradually being reborn," the Chaldean primate said. The numbers confirm it. Teleskuf already has 635 families; Baqofa has 30 families out of the original 70; 126 families returned to Qaraqosh (out of an original population of about 40,000 people). More is going on in Batnaya, Bartella and Karamlash.

"Refugees are coming back, albeit very slowly, Mar Sako noted. Schools must be finished, the school year must be completed, exams must be taken.

Summer is hard. In some villages, there is no power, and some of the displaced still have two and a half months of paid rent in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan." (DS)
Attacks on military outposts at Barangay Malagakit and Barangay Simsiman. Islamist rebels repelled and fled to the marsh of Liguasan in Maguindanao. During the retreat a school building seized, 31 hostages freed. The military: The attack is not related to Marawi's siege.

Kidapawan (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (Biff) on the village of Pigcawayan in the southern province of North Cotabato has concluded with the release of all hostages. At least six militants were killed, while eight others were injured in fighting with government troops.

Fighting started at 4 am yesterday, when about 250 Biff men attacked Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (Bpat) military outposts at Barangay Malagakit and Barangay Simsiman, concluding at 7pm when Islamist rebels fled to the marsh of Liguasan at Maguindanao.

Mayor Eliseo Gracesa said at least 73 residents, trapped in the village during the clashes, are now safe. Local government in Pigcawayan reported that during fighting between government security forces and Biff rebels, 62 families, or 244 people, fled Malagakit and 15 families, or 59 people, left their homes in the nearby village of Banacagon.

Repelled by soldiers in service in the outposts, rebels seized the villagers with the intent to use them as human shields. During the retreat, the Biff men occupied a school building from where they fired a few gunshots, according to Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the local army.

During the pause in fighting, 31 people, including a dozen children, were allowed to flee from school. According to Nap Alcarioto, spokesman for the army brigade, six villagers remained in the hands of the rebels before they were released.

According to military sources, there is no reason to believe that the attack on Pigcawayan is part of an ISS-inspired attempt to open a new war front with the government to alleviate pressure on the Maute group clustered in Marawi. Pigcawayan is in fact 190 kilometers south of Marawi, too far away for a diversion attack.

The Biff is a terrorist paramilitary Islamist movement, born in 2008 from a split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Milf) and based in the Mindanao region. It has a lesser role within the Moro conflict, with autonomous aspirations of the Muslim population of the southern Philippines, and mainly operates in the province of Maguindanao and in other central areas of the island.
Receiving the participants at the "Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches" Assembly, Francis recommends the formation of the clergy. "Let us not forget that in the East even today, Christians - no matter whether Catholics, Orthodox, or Protestants - spill their blood as a seal of their witness."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - " Let us not forget that in the East even today, Christians - no matter whether Catholics, Orthodox, or Protestants - spill their blood as a seal of their witness" said Pope Francis today receiving participants at the " Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches" (ROACO). He also recalled that the Oriental Churches have suffered "terrible waves of persecution" and are still victims of "fundamentalist terrorism," even though there are signs of the return of so many Christians who have fled.

The Pope recommended that the Oriental Churches continue to devote particular attention to the formation of the clergy and to support "the projects and initiatives that authenticly build the Church."

Francis, based on the Centenary of the Oriental Church Congregation, said that "for decades there have been dramatic events: Eastern Churches have often been invested by terrible waves of persecution and tragedy, both in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East. Strong emigration has weakened its presence in the territories where for centuries it had flourished. Now, thanks to God, some of them have returned to freedom after the painful period of totalitarian regimes, but others, especially in Syria, Iraq and Egypt, see their children suffer because of the continuing war and the senseless violence perpetrated by fundamentalist terrorism ".

"All these events have led us through the experience of the Cross of Jesus: it is the cause of disturbance and suffering, but at the same time it is a source of salvation." "That is why I am glad that you could have reflected, along with some representatives of the Churches, on the important reality of the initial formation of seminarians and the permanent priesthood. We are aware of the choice of radicalism expressed by many of them and the heroism of the testimony of dedication alongside their often-stricken communities. But we are also aware of the temptations we may encounter, such as the search for a social status recognized by the consecrated in some geographic areas, or a way of exercising the role of guide according to human affirmation or according to patterns of culture and the environment " .

"The effort the Congregation and the Agencies have to carry out is to support the projects and initiatives that are truly building up the Church. It is essential to always feed the style of evangelical closeness: in the Bishops, because they live it toward their priests, so that they may feel the caress of the Lord of the faithful entrusted to them. But safeguarding all grace in keeping the disciples of the Lord, starting with the first who learn to be last with the last. The seminarian and the young priest will thus feel the joy of being a collaborator of the salvation offered by the Lord, who is bent down like the Good Samaritan to pour the oil of consolation and the wine of evangelical hope on the wounds of human hearts and stories. "

"Let us always hear living stones close to Christ, who is the cornerstone! The Eastern Churches preserve many venerable memories, churches, monasteries, places of saints: they should be kept and preserved, also thanks to your help, thus encouraging pilgrimage to the roots of the faith. But when it is not possible to repair or maintain the structures, we must continue to be the living temple of the Lord, remembering that the "clay" of our believing existence was shaped by the hands of the "potter", the Lord, who infused into it his vivifying spirit. Let us not forget that in the East even today, Christians - no matter whether Catholics, Orthodox, or Protestants - spill their blood as a seal of their witness. Eastern believers, if forced to emigrate, should be welcomed in the places where they arrive, and can continue to live according to their own ecclesial tradition. In this way your work, dear agents of the Agencies, will be a bridge between the West and the East, both in the countries of origin and in those from which you come."
The camp hosts about 50,000 Myanmar citizens, mostly ethnic Karen. In two years 28 refugees took their lives and 66 attempted. For camp residents, "The situation is tragic". Suicides are caused by the lack of freedom, limited educational opportunities, uncertainty, and economic difficulties. Four in 10 deaths were from drinking weed-killer. Family problems were a factor in almost half of all cases, alcohol and substance abuses more than a third.

London (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The number of recorded suicides and attempted suicides has soared at Mae La, Thailands largest camp for refugees from Myanmar in Tak province, in the northern part of the country.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on Monday called for urgent action to treat high levels of distress. Some 28 refugees have killed themselves and 66 have attempted suicide in the last two years. That is more than three times the global suicide rate, this according to an IOM study released on World Refugee Day on Tuesday.

IOMs data indicate a suicide rate of 36.6 per 100,000 people for the past two years, a rate that is three times higher than the WHOs global average of 10.7 per 100,000.

Set up in 1984, the Mae La camp holds an estimated 50,000 Myanmar citizens. It is by far the largest of nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border and maintained by Thai authorities, which in total host about 100,000 refugees.

Military offensive in the Karen State (Eastern Myanmar) between the 1970s and the 1990s forced civilians to flee their homes. Many found refuge in neighbouring Thailand and have been there for decades.

According to the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC), a group of nine NGOs helping refugees, the population of the nine camps is steadily falling, from more than 140,000 people in 2011 to 98,000 today.

Food rations and aid for people in Mae La are slowly being reduced as governments and international donors cut funding, ostensibly because of the Myanmar peace process. For refugees, this means more hardships. The situation in the camps is "truly tragic, refugees told AsiaNews.

The Thai government has already announced its intention to close the refugee camps. Many of the residents have spent their entire life in the camps a result of one of the Asias worst humanitarian crisis. In the event of closure, they would not know where to go since most of them have never been in any other country but Thailand.

"The number of suicides is very alarming, and we urgently need to address this," said Harry Smith, IOM's project officer in Thailand. "There is a high level of distress in the camps which results from myriad reasons including lack of freedom of movement, uncertainty about the future, economic hardship and a lack of educational opportunities."

There were 14 suicides in Mae La in the last year compared to one in the period June 2014 to May 2015. Men under 50 were most at risk, but one child had also taken his life and three had tried to.

Nearly four in 10 deaths were from drinking weed-killer which is widely available in the camps where residents grow food.

Family problems were a factor in nearly half of suicides. Alcohol and substance abuse played a role in more than a third.

IOM recommends training aid workers in suicide prevention and setting up a family counselling unit. It also suggests bringing in a psychiatrist and a counsellor with experience in suicide as well as limiting access to herbicides.

Refugees in the camps are feeling increasingly uncertain about their future amid a fall in resettlement to third countries and a decrease in support from the international community.

Most are ethnic Karen from eastern Myanmar who fled conflict and often persecution during decades of military rule.

A civilian government, led by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, took power last year. But according to Smith many refugees were not confident of security if they returned, and worried about the lack of jobs and their children's education.


(Tom Wang/Bigstock.com) (Tom Wang/Bigstock.com)

Planned changes to Australia's citizenship process have been heavily criticised by opposition politicians but Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has defended the reforms.Labour MPs have unanimously agreed to oppose the citizenship bill which is currently before Parliament and proposes a tough new English test, a four-year residency requirement and a new series of questions about what it means to integrate into Australian society.One, Tony Burke, said that the bill amounts to 'a fundamental change in who we are as a country' and described the new English test as being 'university level' which many people who do not have English as a first language would struggle to pass.Indeed, he called the planned English test 'ludicrous, absurd and dumb' and said it would create an 'underclass of permanent residents' who would never be able to become Australian citizens.But Dutton dismissed the claims and said that the changes are necessary on the grounds of national security. He also dismissed the claim that the new English test would be too hard.'The university level English claim is a red herring. The Citizenship legislation requires those seeking Australian citizenship to be competent in English,' Dutton said, adding that the new test will be similar to level 6 of the International English Language Testing System of which there is an Academic and General Training level.'The Government makes no apology for asking aspiring citizens to develop English language skills, it is in their own best interests and the interests of the cohesion and prosperity of our nation,' Dutton added.He also pointed out that the IELTS General Training test is globally recognised for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programmes.And he added that it is also a requirement for migration to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and the UK. 'The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts,' he said.Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also criticised the opposition MPs and accused them of being disrespectful and devaluing Australian citizenship.But migrant groups welcomed the stance of the Labour politicians and it is by no means certain that the Government, which does not have a majority, will be able to get the bill passed in its current form and amendments may be needed.
Documents to show you are a visitor

Evidence of sufficient funds, such as personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, taxation records or credit card limit.

If you are visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, evidence that they have the necessary funds Click to expand...

Hi all,I am new here and this is first post. Please excuse me if I break any rules while posting.I am on 820 visa and my wife is Australian citizen. My dad applied for family sponsored tourist visa and my wife sponsored him for all the expenses and travelling. we added our bank statement and payslips with application. However visa got denied as they don't consider daughter in law as a close relative. I being on Visa can not sponsor him.but Today I read on immi website about Tourist visa (not family sponsored)it says -So as We both can not sponsor, but Can we give him invitation letter saying that we have got enough funds to cover his visit ? if yes, does he still need to show evidence of sufficient funds from his side ? as I think no, because we paying for visit ?Last question if all above is not possible, My dad can show funds himself. does that funds need to be 6 months old or something ? any condition about that ?for a 6 months visa, how much funds will be enough.
Operations at the Sayama Plant suspended for a day as ransomware srtikes systems

Honda had to stop production for a day at its Sayama plant near Tokyo after a cyber attack crippled its systems on 19th June. It was struck by the same WannaCry ransomware that had wreaked havoc globally last month. Previously Renault and Nissan were also hit by this ransomware.

The Sayama plant is known for producing some of the major brands of Honda Motors, such as Accord, Odyssey and Stepwgn. The plant has a daily output of around 1000 units. The recovery work was undertaken immediately, and the production at Sayama has resumed in the morning of 20 June. Though the ransomware attacked Honda's computer systems worldwide, operations weren't affected at its other plants.

The WannaCry Ransomware is infamous for holding information hostage; in other words, it steals and encrypts data and computers remain inaccessible until a certain ransom amount is paid. Cyber security specialists suggest organizations can incur heavy losses due to such interferences and the overall cost is much greater than the ransom fee.

Last month at least 99 countries had reported cyber attacks by the WannaCry ransomware, including India. Computer systems in various private organizations and government institutions across the globe, including hospitals and railways, were held to a standstill.
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Honda's iDTEC engine likely to be manufactured in two states of tune; could power new Civic, HR-V and CR-V in India.

Honda will manufacture its larger, more powerful 1.6-litre iDTEC diesel engine at its facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan, from July 2017. The engine is, currently, earmarked for exports to Honda's Thailand plant and is expected to feature in the Honda Civic for the Philippines.

The 1.6-litre iDTEC engine is likely to be available in two states of tune  a 120hp, 300Nm unit that's expected to power the Civic and HR-V, and a more powerful version, developing 158hp and 350Nm of torque likely to be used in the CR-V. All three models are expected to launch in India.

Honda's Tapukara powertrain plant is currently the largest producer of diesel engines for the brand worldwide, and with the new unit, this status is expected to further strengthen. The facility has the capability of building engines from scratch, beginning with the forging of crankshafts, connecting rods, all the way up to final assembly. For this engine, all major components will either be manufactured at site or sourced locally and this is expected to give the Japanese brand a competitive cost advantage when it introduces the models in India.

Until now, the only diesel engine that was manufactured at the Tapukara plant was the ubiquitous 1.5-litre iDTEC engine that powers the City, Amaze, WR-V, Jazz, BR-V and Mobilio.
CR-V to come with a seven-seat layout; 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel paired with all-new 9-speed automatic.

Honda is gearing up for the launch of the all-new, fifth-generation CR-V in India sometime next year. The India-spec Honda CR-V will be similar to the ASEAN-spec model sold in Thailand which gets a seven-seat layout as opposed to the North American version which comes with a five-seat cabin.

The new CR-V is likely to continue with the same petrol motor as the current car, a 2.4-litre unit good for 190hp mated to an automatic gearbox. The big news is the India-spec CR-V for the first time will get a diesel engine as well. The new Honda CR-V diesel will come with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit good for 158hp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,000rpm mated to an all-new ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox. This engine will be locally assembled in India, which will help Honda price the SUV competitively. For the Indian market, both engine options are likely to be offered with front-wheel drive and optional AWD. The North-American CR-V's 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor, however, will not see duty in the India-spec car.

As for styling, the fifth-gen CR-V is likely to get similar cues for all markets. The new CR-V's design is a clean departure from the earlier model. The styling is more angular and modern than its predecessor and is more in line with the current-gen Honda offerings like the Civic and the BR-V. The new CR-V gets a 41mm longer wheelbase and better interior packaging that result in an increase in rear legroom and a larger boot space.

The CR-V will be offered with a seven-seat layout for the first time.

Also, Honda for the first time is getting an automatic shutter grille tech in the new CR-V which lowers aerodynamic drag. On the inside, the new CR-V gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system replete with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also laid out with high-quality soft-touch material. Additionally, the new Honda CR-V gets features like remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, heated wing mirrors, and an electric parking brake, along with equipment such as USB charging ports for the second row, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The current CR-V for India is available only with a petrol engine as compared to all major competitions that feature diesel engine as a staple for their large SUVs in India. The addition of a diesel engine is bound to increase the appeal of CR-V and take the fight to SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, the upcoming Jeep Compass and the recently launched Volkswagen Tiguan.

Take a closer look at the new CR-V in our image gallery
During the fatal crash, the roof of the Tesla Model S was sheared off. Photo courtesy of NTSB.

The Tesla Model S driver killed in a Florida crash in May 2016, while the car was in Autopilot mode, was warned seven times by the car to place his hands back on the steering wheel during the 40 minutes preceding the collision, according to newly released reports from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Though the NTSB probe of the crash is still ongoing, the agencys new reports shed additional light on a fatal crash that drew national headlines because the car was in Autopilot mode. This mode relies on advanced driver assistance systems, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer lane keeping, but falls well short of industry criteria for whats considered a fully automated vehicle. Tesla instructs drivers to stay alert and continue to keep their hands on the steering wheel during Autopilot mode so they can readily take control when necessary.

The driver, 40-year-old Joshua Brown of Canton, Ohio, was traveling alone eastbound on US Highway 27A near Williston, Fla., when his Tesla Model S 70D struck and passed under a tractor-trailer truck making a left turn across two lanes. After impact, which sheared off the Tesla vehicles roof, the car left the road and continued through a drainage culvert and two wire fences before striking a utility pole, according to NTSB investigators.

Brown died in the crash, but the driver of the commercial truck wasnt injured.

NTSB investigators downloaded system performance data from the cars vehicle recorder and from Teslas servers to reconstruct what led to the collision. The Model S was traveling 74 mph at the time of the crash, according to the reports. Brown had engaged Autopilot for 37 of the 41 minutes just before the collision. During those 37 minutes, Browns hands were detected on the steering wheel for a total of just 25 seconds.

Brown received a visual cue directing him to put his hands back on the steering wheel seven different times during the 40 minutes leading to the crash. Six of those visual cues also came with a chime warning, according to the reports. The last warning occurred about six minutes prior to the collision.

The NTSB reports just made public do not include analysis, conclusions or recommendations  those will come after the probe is completed.

An investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, concluded Jan. 19 of this year, found that the crash wasnt caused by any safety-related defect. Since the collision, Tesla has updated Autopilots steering wheel system for monitoring driver engagement. If a driver fails to respond to cues to keep gripping the steering wheel, the Autopilot mode will no longer be available for the remainder of the drive cycle.
The 2018 Toyota C-HR is promising as it is. Its looks suggest fun, which is what it is basically all about. With the younger generation as its target market, it is sure to hit the mark with them. However, is its fun demeanor the only factor to consider in buying?

The 2018 Toyota C-HR appeals mainly to its "millennial" clientele. It looks unique and just altogether entertaining to have. Its overall demeanor depicts the younger drivers of today  fun, practical, and free-spirited.

Obviously, the C-HR nails it in terms of its millennial appeal. However, it may be lacking in one of the most important components that a vehicle should have. While some of its buyers may just go for its looks, most would still want more power under the hood. Unfortunately, the C-HR may not be delivering that.

Its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 engine is capable of producing 144-horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. For its size, industry experts may consider it a little underpowered and underwhelming. Also, this may not be too advisable in the steep and winding roads of San Francisco. It is reviewed to be a little torturous.

Well, power may be lagging but it is one safe ride. The latest C-HR boasts of Standard Toyota Safety Sense P. It has Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which takes cruising to the next level. It makes use of an intelligent camera to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle traveling directly ahead and adjust to the speed accordingly.

The reliable site, The Car Connection even just rated it 5.5 out of a scale of one to 10. It has received the highest rating of seven points for its Styling. The rest fall under the satisfactory marking with Comfort and Quality getting five points. Safety features received six points and Performance even falls below the midway mark having four points.

Look, the 2018 Toyota C-HR may not be one's go-to subcompact crossover SUV but it does have its perks. For its overall looks and character, it is considered a more affordable option. It may have mediocre reviews in performance but expect for it to still do well in sales. Toyota may still get the cash cow "mooing" with the C-HR.
BAKERSFIELD TRACK CLUB STATEMENT

The Bakersfield Track Club issued the following statement to The Californian Wednesday evening:

"On Tuesday evening, during the second 5k race of Bakersfield Track Clubs Summer Series, runner Benjamin Greene collapsed at the last aid station in Hart Park. He was immediately administered CPR by an off-duty firefighter before EMS could arrive. An ambulance took him to Kern Medical where he later died.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Greenes family at this sad and difficult time,' said BTC Board President, Rey Rodriguez.

"The track clubs Summer Series has been held for more than 30 years. The six races are held every other Tuesday from June through August. Normally, only three aid stations are set up during the summer races. Because of the heat, five aid stations were set up for yesterdays race to provide the 180 runners with extra water, ice and Gatorade. Misting stations were also set up at the beginning and end of the course to assist the runners.

"Prior to the race, runners were also encouraged to bring extra water on Bakersfield Track Clubs Facebook page."
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. High 61F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 42F. Winds light and variable.
Florida's Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the state's law capping medical malpractice damages in personal injury cases.

Florida Supreme Court struck down medical malpractice caps law

Caps were $500,000 for non-economic damages, $1 million if injuries were catastrophic

Justices say law violates Equal Protection Clause, hurts patients with severe injury

RELATED: Read the Florida Supreme Court Ruling (.PDF)

The court's 4-3 ruling strikes down former Gov. Jeb Bush's 2003 law that limited non-economic damages in malpractice cases to $500,000, or $1 million if the injuries were catastrophic.

The Florida Supreme Court said the caps violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Florida Constitution.

In the case, North Broward Hospital District v. Susan Kalitan, complications from carpal tunnel surgery. During the operation, one of the tubes administered for anesthesia perforated Kalitan's esophagus.

Even though Kalitan complained of pain in her chest and back when she woke up, she was discharged from the hospital with drugs for chest pain. The next day Kalitan was found unresponsive, and had to have lifesaving surgery to repair her esophagus. She was in a drug-induced coma for several weeks, had to have additional surgeries and intensive therapy to begin eating again and regain mobility.

Kalitan continues to suffer pain throughout her upper body, and lost her independence because of the physical limitations.

A jury determined Kalitan suffered catastrophic injury in the form of "severe brain or closed-head injury evidenced by a severe episodic neurological disorder." She was awarded $2 million for past pain and suffering and $2 million for future pain and suffering. But because of the cap the reward was greatly reduced.

The court's ruling uphold's an appeals court ruling that reinstated the total amount.

In the ruling the justices said the law violates the equal protection clause because "the arbitrary reduction of compensation without regard to the severity of the injury does not bear a rational relationship to the Legislature's stated interest in address the medical malpractice crisis."

In the ruling justices also say attorneys did not prove the caps are alleviating the medical malpractice crisis, because while income has increased for insurance companies, reports have not shown that savings from the caps are being passed on to doctors.

The decision comes three years after the court struck down caps in cases where malpractice resulted in death.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
A St. Petersburg preschool worker was arrested and charged with child abuse on June 21.

Linda Faye Williams, 58, accused of using excessive force

Victims were two one-year-old girls

Police said both incidents caught on camera

The alleged incidents happened at the Leap of Faith Christian Preschool on 9th Ave. N. The suspect, Linda Faye Williams, 58, of St. Petersburg, is accused of using excessive force on two one-year-old girls.



Police say both incidents were caught on camera on June 16. In one incident, investigators said she forced one of the girls to lay on a cot by holding the child down. Then, according to the arrest affidavit, she smothered the child with a blanket.



In the other incident, Williams reportedly grabbed a child by the arm and put her in a chair.



Investigators said the preschools director noticed the incidents while reviewing the surveillance video and reported it to police. The parents of the victims had a chance to review the video, and police said after that review they decided to press charges.



The day cares director said Williams was an employee for five months.



We did all we had to do. We reported it," she said. "[Williams] no longer works here.



Parents of children enrolled in the preschool said they were happy with the way the preschool handled the situation. They said it was common for the preschools director to review surveillance video anytime a parent complained their child didnt want to go to school.



Jail records indicate Williams bonded out of jail June 20. Prior to this incident, she did not have a criminal record in Hillsborough, Polk or Pinellas Counties.


UPDATE TO THIS STORY HERE No Relief: Portland Near 100, Oregon Coast in 80s

Published 06/21/2017 at 6:04 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Oregon Coast)  The headline on the website for Portland's National Weather Service (NWS) office is in all caps: THE HOTTEST WEATHER OF THE YEAR SO FAR LIKELY ACROSS MUCH OF SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON AND NORTHWEST OREGON THIS WEEKEND. That says it all.

Well, almost all, that is. Inland Oregon is headed for the 90s, maybe even closer to 100 this weekend. Saturday and Sunday on the Oregon coast won't offer a ton of relief either: temps will be in the 80s there.

Summer weather is expected to take hold across Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon this weekend, the NWS said. The warm up will take hold Friday with high temperatures in the valleys reaching into the lower to mid 90s, then peaking Saturday and Sunday in the 95 to 100 degree range.

Meanwhile, the coast will reach into the 70s on Friday but then into the 80s on Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday, temps in Portland could fall back into the 80s, but even the Oregon coast could get a cool-off a little earlier.

Sunday could be a transition day as cooling may start to work its way northward along the coast, though the timing of this is still a bit up in the air, the NWS said.

Higher elevations will also see extremely high temperatures, the NWS said.

The agency said you should prepare now for the coming hot weather. Stay hydrated, avoid

exertion in the heat of the day, and find an air conditioned building if possible.

Those playing around area rivers to cool off should be warned that the waters are still very cold, often in the 50s. They're also still running high and swift. The NWS said to use extreme caution around local rivers as fatalities are far too common this time of year because of these patterns.

For the Oregon coast, the chance of sunburn on the beaches is extremely high with days like these, especially near the ocean. The sea reflects sunlight back and sometimes doubles your exposure, even if you're on rocky bluffs like those around Yachats or Depoe Bay.

The NWS said the start of all this is a flat upper ridge with a westerly flow off the coast and into the Pacific Northwest. It's keeping conditions quite pleasant for the next couple of days before it starts to stir things it up.

The upper ridge significantly amplifies late this week and this weekend for likely the warmest weather of this year so far over the area, the NWS said. Look for some east winds over the weekend. Oregon Coast Hotels for this - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours - Ful Oregon Coast Weather























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Versailles Police

A school employee accused of sodomizing and repeatedly raping an underage student Monday pleaded not guilty in court. She walked in holding hands with her husband of three years.

Lindsey Jarvis, 27, started working as a paraeducator in 2016 at Veterans Park elementary school in Lexington, Ky., Lex18 reports. She's accused of having sex twice with a boy under the age of 16. She resigned after she was arrested.
Bruce Weiner, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, took office as American Association of Nurse Anesthetists president-elect in 2016 and will assume the role of president in September 2017. As the healthcare industry adapts to changes coming down the pipeline, Mr. Weiner believes CRNAs have an important role to play in providing excellent care to patients during a time of much uncertainty.

Mr. Weiner is currently pursuing his doctorate in nursing practice at Tampa-based University of South Florida. His doctoral research focuses on developing and implementing a standardized perioperative multimodal analgesic with emphasis on preemptive pain control strategies for patients undergoing spinal fusion. The project looks at preventative strategies to combat and alleviate pain before it becomes part of a patient's daily routine, which is of personal interest to Mr. Weiner after undergoing spine surgery a year ago. He notes that the project's overall aim is to lower the need for opioids, yield shorter hospital stays and ensure better patient outcomes by using multimodal techniques in acute and chronic pain management.

Here are three thoughts from Mr. Weiner:

1. CRNAs are well educated and highly qualified providers of acute and chronic pain management. Managing pain before, during and after a procedure is what anesthesia professionals are educated and trained to do. CRNAs work with patients to offer holistic, multimodal pain management both in and out of the hospital. Fellowships and other educational opportunities exist to help CRNAs stay on par with healthcare's shift toward multimodal, patient-centered care. For example, Texas Christian University, in conjunction with the AANA, offers a fellowship program in pain management accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs. This robust program allows CRNAs to enhance their understanding of the interventional, didactic and clinical aspects of pain management. Currently, 16 fellows are enrolled in the class and will complete the course in August. An additional 13 students are enrolled and slated to begin the program in the fall.

"The goal of this course is to approach pain management holistically by addressing the treatment of pain in ways that ultimately seek to restore normal homeostatic well-being," Mr. Weiner says. "There are many ways to treat pain without putting a needle in a patient."

2. CRNAs are part of the solution to solving the opioid crisis. The nation has put a spotlight on the increasing opioid misuse and abuse, which has taken the lives of many Americans. In 2015, there were 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription painkillers. The epidemic has caused the medical community to start limiting opioid prescriptions and take on a different approach to treating pain. When evaluating a patient's pain, providers look at the many factors influencing pain and its evolution from acute to chronic pain, such as a patient's lifestyle or culture.

The AANA believes CRNAs' holistic, multimodal approach to pain management is a model for helping solve the opioid crisis. While medications may be required as part of a pain patients' care, the overprescribing of highly addictive opioid drugs has fueled patients' growing dependence on medicating when alternative solutions to pain management are available. According to Mr. Weiner, CRNAs have the education and expertise to safely treat chronic and acute pain patients and help make a positive impact on the overuse of opioids. He cites research published since 2000 illustrating the safety and quality of care that CRNAs provide, including a 2010 study in Health Affairs titled "No Harm Found When Nurse Anesthetists Work Without Supervision by Physicians," and a 2015 study in the Journal for Healthcare Quality titled "Complication Rates for Fluoroscopic Guided Interlaminar Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections Performed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in Diverse Practice Settings."

"CRNAs are working doggedly with other healthcare professionals and policymakers to stay out in front of this dire situation, and we will continue to do so until the crisis is finally averted," says Mr. Weiner.

3. Collaboration among providers is key. All facets of a patient's care team, from physicians to nurse anesthetists, have to work in tandem to provide the appropriate care for each patient.

"Anesthesia providers don't function in a vacuum," Mr. Weiner said. "They assess, adjust, plan and communicate with their healthcare colleagues in the OR, ER or pain clinic. Team-based care is about all members of the patient care team working together and using multimodal techniques for the patients benefit."

Every care team member can use their individual expertise to meet the shared goal of providing excellent care for each and every patient while also aligning with a patient's comfort level.
The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities.

1. Cincinnati Children's plans $300M-$500M expansion: 4 things to know

Cincinnati Children's Hospital is one step closer to seeing a $300 million to $500 million expansion project come to fruition, according to a Cincinnati Business Courier report.

2. Mercyhealth gets OK to build 13-bed hospital after 14 years

Bolingbrook, Ill.-based Mercyhealth gained Illinois Health Facilities Planning and Review Board approval to build a 13-bed hospital and clinic in Crystal Lake, Ill.

3. Inova Loudon Hospital plans $300M renovation: 3 things to know

Leesburg, Va.-based Inova Loudon Hospital launched a fundraising campaign June 7 to support a $300 million expansion, reports WashingtonExec.

4. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii to infuse $50M into 3 Maui hospitals

Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente's Hawaii branch will spend more than $50 million on three Maui County hospitals, effective July 1, according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

5. Johns Hopkins unveils 13k-square-foot simulation center

Construction on the Johns Hopkins Simulation Center, located in Baltimore-based The Johns Hopkins Hospital, was completed June 20.

6. 4 facts on Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg's $93.6M family center

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem, Pa., celebrated the opening of its family health pavilion June 19 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a report on lehighvalleylive.com.

7. Franciscan to open $50M microhospital, emergency center in Indiana

Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Health revealed plans to open a $50 million medical complex in Greenwood, Ind.

8. Capital Regional Medical Center to open 2 ER facilities in Tallahassee

Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Fla., plans to build two new emergency room facilities to accommodate the city's growing population and healthcare needs, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

9. Akron Children's Hospital to build pediatric facility: 4 things to know

Akron (Ohio) Children's Hospital is constructing a one-story, 5,000-square-foot standalone pediatric facility in Lisbon, Ohio, reports The Review.

10. Billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to build cancer center in LA

Billionaire physician Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, unveiled plans to build a world-class cancer center in Los Angeles, STAT reported.
The following organizations announced they hired individuals with revenue cycle management expertise, or for an RCM-related role, so far in June.

1. Navicure, a claims clearinghouse and revenue cycle management vendor based in Duluth, Ga., added Andrea Maizes and Robert Hendricks to its executive team.

2. Access Healthcare, a revenue cycle management and information technology services provider based in Dallas, named Angela Hickman vice president of coding operations.

3. Patientco, an Atlanta-based healthcare payments technology company, named Alan Nalle chief strategy officer.

4. Berkeley Research Group, a global strategic advisory and expert consulting firm based in Chicago, added Janice Jacobs, a managing director in the firm, to its Healthcare Corporate Compliance and Risk Management practice.

5. Franklin, Tenn.-based Medical Reimbursements of America appointed S. Mark Talley CEO.

6. Jackson, Miss.-based MiraMed Global Services hired Stephanie Griffin, RN, as chief compliance officer.

7. Simione Healthcare Consultants appointed Cynthia Gibbons senior manager of financial consulting.

More articles on healthcare finance:

California medical group files for bankruptcy

Georgia hospital lands last-minute buyer, avoids closure

A state-by-state breakdown of per capita healthcare spending
Optim Medical Center-Jenkins in Millen, Ga., will no longer close after scoring a buyer less than two weeks before it was slated to shut down, according to Georgia Health News.

Savannah, Ga.-based Optim Healthcare announced in April it planned to close Optim Medical Center-Jenkins on June 24.

Optim said the hospital has faced financial challenges for several years caused by dwindling patient volumes and declining reimbursement from government payers. Optim said the hospital also has major infrastructure challenges, which would require significant investments to address.

On June 16, less than two weeks before the hospital was slated to shut down, Optim Healthcare transferred ownership of the facility to Sunrise, Fla.-based GA Medical Holdings, according to Georgia Health News.

GA Medical Holdings also owns hospitals in Dahlonega, Ga., and Centre, Ala., Jeff Brantley, city administrator of Millen and a member of the local hospital authority, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Fueled by biotechnology shares, the S&P 500 healthcare sector surpassed all other major groups this month, and positive gains in the sector are expected to continue, according to Reuters.

Healthcare stocks have been on a roll this month, topping all other major groups again on Wednesday. Although Republican efforts to repeal and replace the ACA have created uncertainty for healthcare investors, stocks in the sector are expected to continue to rally after Senate Republicans release their draft healthcare bill on Thursday.

"Just getting to the end of the Senate process, whichever way it goes, is positive," Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager with Gabelli Funds, told Reuters.

The S&P 500 healthcare sector has risen 15 percent this year, topping the overall S&P 500's 9 percent growth, according to Reuters.

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Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana, Ill., is seeking a refund of property taxes paid on 68 properties, according to The News-Gazette.

Presence Covenant Medical Center filed suit in April 2015 against the Champaign County treasurer, the county supervisor of assessments, the county board of review and the board's individual members, seeking $10 million in property taxes, plus interest. The hospital argued it is a charitable organization entitled to tax exemptions and therefore should not have been required to pay the property taxes, according to the report.

Presence's case was placed on hold five months after it was filed while a similar suit brought by Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana worked its way through the courts.

Under a 2012 law, a nonprofit hospital in Illinois doesn't have to pay property taxes if it can show its charitable services are equal to or exceed its property tax liability. In January 2016, the Illinois 4th District Appellate Court ruled the 2012 law is unconstitutional. The appellate court held that the Illinois Constitution only allows lawmakers to exempt property "used exclusively" for "charitable purposes." The ruling was issued in the case filed by Carle Foundation Hospital against the city of Urbana and other local taxing districts.

In March, the Illinois Supreme Court vacated the appellate court's decision on jurisdictional grounds and remanded the Carle Foundation Hospital case back to the circuit court.

With the Carle Foundation Hospital lawsuit being reexamined in the lower court, Presence Covenant Medical Center's case was restarted. On Monday during status hearing, a circuit court judge granted the assistant state's attorney handling the case one month to rewrite a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

At issue in the case are property taxes paid on 68 Presence-owned properties for several tax years between 2003 and 2012, according to The News-Gazette.

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Here are 11 recent news updates on health IT companies.

Cognizant and TransCelerate BioPharma joined forces to create the Shared Investigator Platform, which will accelerate the development of new medicines.

CoPilot Provider Support Services will pay $130,000 in penalties and reform its legal compliance program as part of a settlement to resolve allegations the company illegally deferred notifying more than 221,178 patients of breached records.

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.

Baheal  which works with more than 12,000 hospitals in China  will sell IBM's Watson for Genomics to clinicians and researchers across the country.

MDLive partnered with DermatologistOnCall, which offers virtual dermatology visits.

Mindstrong Health  a startup that uses artificial intelligence and mobile technology to diagnose and treat neuropsychiatric disorders  raised $14 million in Series A funding.

M*Modal, a clinical documentation solutions provider, optimized its artificial intelligence platform to support Epic's NoteReader CDI module.

Oracle launched a cloud-based eClinical environment to support medical research throughout the drug development cycle.

Oscar Health, a $2.7 billion health insurance startup, developed a clinical dashboard that compiles a patient's medical information onto a single platform.

Salesforce, a customer relationship management services provider, launched two new features on its Salesforce Health Cloud: Health Cloud Empower and Concurrent Care Plans.

Teladoc entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Best Doctors, a medical consultation company focused on complex and costly medical issues.
Although approximately 83 percent of hospital executives say medication reconciliation is a multidisciplinary effort across the organization, 74.8 percent say incomplete and inaccurate medication data remains a top concern, according to a recent study.

The study, conducted in February by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives Foundation on behalf of DrFirst, an e-prescribing and medication management solutions provider, included responses from 120 hospital CIOs, CMIOs, directors of informatics and other hospital administrators.

Various issues challenge hospitals' medication reconciliation efforts, according to the study. The most commonly cited concerns include:

Inconsistent practices across departments, disciplines and shifts (59.7 percent)

Patients being discharged with an incorrect medication list (47.9 percent)

Difficulty importing external medication history, including home medications (46.2 percent)

Lengthy patient interviews that required calls to families, pharmacies and providers (42.9 percent)

Outdated workflows that drive bad medication reconciliation practices (30.3 percent)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that anywhere from 28 percent to 95 percent of all adverse drug events  which can cost individual hospitals up to $5.6 million annually  can be prevented by reducing medication errors through computerized monitoring systems. In total, inpatient medication errors cost hospitals $16.4 billion each year.

When asked about the most important aspects of a medication reconciliation process, more than half of all respondents named each of these components among the top three, according to the study:
Medford-based Providence Medical Group-Southern Oregon Chief Executive Cindy Mayo, MSN, is retiring in August, according to a Mail Tribune report.

Here are four things to know:

1. As leader of the organization, which includes one hospital and 18 medical clinics, Ms. Mayo was instrumental in growing its collaborations with local experts.

2. Prior to her current role, she served as chief executive for Providence services in Centralia, Wash.

3. She came to Providence from Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., where she was vice president and CNO.

4. Providence yet to name an interim leader, however, Ms Mayo will assist with the transition.
Venice (Fla.) Regional Bayfront Health tapped Bob Moore to serve as CEO, according to a Herald Tribune report.

Here are five takeaways:

1. Mr. Moore comes to Venice Regional from Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Fla., where he serves as CEO. His start date has not yet been determined.

2. He joined Munroe Regional Medical Center in December 2014, prior to which he had served as CEO of two smaller hospitals in Pennsylvania, owned by Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems.

3. CHS is the parent of both Venice Regional Bayfront Health and Munroe Regional Medical Center.

4. Mr. Moore's is Venice Regional's third leader in four years. He takes over from John McLain, who began his tenure in February 2016.

5. Mr. McLain succeeded Peter Wozniak, who resigned in 2015 amid reports from the Florida Agency of Healthcare Administration regarding the hospital's handling of a sewage leak.
Mount Vernon, Wash.-based Skagit Regional Health will lay off employees as it works to shore up its finances, according to a Skagit Valley Herald report.

The layoffs, which are expected to begin by the end of 2017, are part of Skagit's plans to cut 8 percent of employment costs, the report states.

Hospital administration cites the organization's multimillion-dollar revenue shortfall and other healthcare industry changes as driving factors for the move. Overall, the organization lost $4 million last year, although the organization previously experienced healthy revenue, according to Skagit CEO and President Mike Liepman. Hospital administration told the Skagit Valley Herald losses were due to reduced federal reimbursement, reduced reimbursement from the state's Certified Public Expenditure Program and a highly uncertain political environment.

However, Skagit is hopeful the employment cuts will provide improved financial footing.

"When you have good margins, the [additional funding] goes to providing for the wants and needs of the health care systems," Mr. Liepman told the Skagit Valley Herald. "We have a historical habit of succumbing to those. That's all good, but that also means we have a short vision. We think it'll be good and then in two or three years economics change and ... then it catches up to you."

Skagit did not provide an estimated number of layoffs in the report. However, hospital administration did tell the Skagit Valley Herald the organization is looking at its staffing compared to hospitals of similar size and departments within the hospitals nationwide. The report states Skagit ultimately aims to have a staff size that is "closer to the average."

Skagit CFO Tom Litaker told the Skagit Valley Herald there are departments that have already restructured. Hospital administration added the organization plans to implement some cuts by not filling positions when an employee voluntarily leaves their position, and the organization has eliminated some administrative staff positions.

"There are no protected classes here," Mr. Liepman said in the report. "Cuts will be made across the system ... I've been on the wrong end of staff reductions before. We are doing this with the utmost respect for everyone involved."

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The Federal Trade Commission and North Dakota's Office of the Attorney General jointly filed a complaint Thursday to block Sanford Health's proposed acquisition of a 61-physician clinic in Bismarck, N.D.

Here are eight things to know about the FTC's latest healthcare challenge.

1. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health announced its proposed acquisition of Mid Dakota Clinic on Wednesday. The parties aimed to close the acquisition, pending regulatory approval, July 1.

2. The FTC and North Dakota AG are seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt the deal pending an administrative trial, which is set to begin Nov. 28.

3. Sanford Health includes 45 hospitals and 289 clinics across nine states and three countries. In the Bismarck area, specifically, Sanford Bismarck operates a 217-bed acute care hospital and a network of primary care and specialty clinics, employing 160 physicians and 100 non-physician healthcare providers. Mid Dakota Clinic operates 12 sites of care in the Bismarck area. The FTC claims it employs 61 physicians and 19 advanced practice practitioners, whereas Mid Dakota's website states it includes "a comprehensive staff of more than 90 doctors and practitioners."

4. The commission and AG claim Sanford and Mid Dakota are each other's closest rivals in a four-county region of North Dakota with a population of 125,000. The complaint alleges the transaction would create a group of physicians with at least 75 to 85 percent share in the provision of adult primary care physician services, pediatric services and obstetrics and gynecology services.

5. "This merger is likely to reduce significantly the competitive options available to medical insurance providers, which in turn will lead to deteriorating terms for provision of medical care, including higher prices and lower quality," said Tad Lipsky, acting director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition. "The parties currently compete to join commercial insurers' provider networks, stimulating each other to improve their technology, expand services, recruit high-quality physicians and provide patients with convenient and accessible physician and surgical services. The transaction would eliminate that competitive pressure."

6. Mid Dakota originally entered into negotiations with CHI St. Alexius Health, also in Bismarck, more than a year ago. However, CHI St. Alexius ended the discussions for undisclosed reasons. Once the deal fell through, Mid Dakota reached out to Sanford and began negotiations in fall 2016.

7. When rolling out the deal Wednesday, Sanford and Mid Dakota officials said it will allow the organizations to increase the number of services they offer without affecting patient care. They did not expect any staff cuts as a result of the merger.

8. In a statement, Sanford said both organizations find news of the FTC and North Dakota AG's complaint extremely frustrating and believe the FTC and AG have their facts and legal arguments wrong given the "national, legal and economic experts" that Sanford and Mid Dakota tapped to evaluate "all aspects of the partnership."

"The best way to describe our reaction is that we are exasperated with the delay that the FTC's inquiry has already caused, and that these proceedings will continue to cause," said Shelly Seifert, MD, Mid Dakota Clinic Board Chair. "It is very disappointing because patients rely on us to continually look for ways to enhance care, improve quality and expand service and access for them and their families. That's exactly what this merger does."
The Federal Trade Commission filed an "emergency petition" Monday, asking a federal court to enforce its subpoena of Louisville, Ky.-based Humana in its ongoing investigation of Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens Boots Alliance's proposed $7 billion acquisition of Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid, The National Law Journal reports.

Here are three things to know.



1. The subpoena, filed April 10, requests documents the FTC says will help it "understand the competitive impact" of the proposed acquisition. The document request seeks information on Humana's Medicare prescription drug policies  which have Walmart as a preferred in-network provider  and communications between the payer and CMS on seven "broad topics," according to the report.



2. Humana filed a petition to limit the document request last month, arguing the FTC's request burdens a company that is not directly involved in the acquisition. In addition, Humana lawyers said the "costs that Humana, a non-party, will be forced to endure in an effort to isolate, collect, process, search for, review and produce the documents demanded by the FTC are enormous, while the benefit to the FTC, if any, is paltry."



3. The FTC said it needs Humana's records by June 26, as Walgreens and Rite Aid could initiate their deal by July 7.
Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood testing startup Theranos told investors it has reached an agreement in principle to pay less than $30 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens, according to The Wall Street Journal.

If the tentative agreement is finalized, the failed partnership with Theranos will cost Walgreen's more than $100 million. Walgreens had sought damages in the suit of $140 million  the full amount it invested into the partnership.

The lawsuit, filed in November 2016, is sealed so as not to violate the companies' confidentiality agreements, but sources familiar with the matter told WSJ Walgreens sued Theranos for breach of contract.

Walgreens ended its partnership with Theranos in June 2016 after the blood testing startup voided tens of thousands of tests and issued corrections. Walgreens had Theranos blood testing centers in 40 stores in Arizona and one in California.

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An employee of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock was robbed at gunpoint on Saturday evening, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The incident occurred about 7:30 p.m. near the hospital's lobby cafe. The robber took the employee's phone, which police were later able to recover.

Authorities are still searching for the suspect, who UAMS officials say headed toward John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock after the incident, according to the report. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital is located less than a mile from UAMS.

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Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of the state against Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions and Janssen Pharmaceuticals for allegedly engaging in fraudulent opioid advertising.

The lawsuit, filed in St. Louis, accuses the pharmaceutical giants of engaging in a "carefully crafted campaign of deception" and purposely misleading both patients and physicians about the potential adverse effects related to the misuse of opioid prescription painkillers.

"These companies have profited from the suffering of Missourians," said Mr. Hawley. "Today, we begin to fight to put an end to this crisis as we fight for the thousands of lives endangered and lost to the opioid epidemic."

Mr. Hawley said the lawsuit seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in both damages and civil penalties, according to The Kansas City Star. Mr. Hawley hopes the money would go to drug rehabilitation services and other services to help families harmed by addiction.

"While we vigorously deny the allegations in the complaint, we share the attorney general's concerns about the opioid crisis, and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions," Purdue Pharma spokesman John Puskar told Becker's via email. "[W]e are an industry leader in the development of abuse-deterrent technology, advocating for the use of prescription drug monitoring programs and supporting access to Naloxone  all important components for combating the opioid crisis."

Jessica Castles Smith, a spokesperson for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, told Becker's the drugmaker "has acted appropriately, responsibly and in the best interests of patients regarding our opioid pain medications, which are [Food and Drug Administration]-approved and carry FDA-mandated warnings about the known risks of the medications on every product label."

The senior director for corporate affairs at Endo, Heather Zoumas-Lubeski, told Becker's via email that Endo's "top priorities include patient safety and ensuring that patients with chronic pain have access to safe and effective therapeutic options. We share in the FDA's goal of appropriately supporting the needs of patients with chronic pain while preventing misuse and diversion of opioid products."

Approximately 500 Missourians died of non-heroin, opioid overdoses in 2015, according to the lawsuit.

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SpineGuard announced its exclusive distribution agreement with XinRong Medical Group for PediGuard in China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Here are five insights:

1. SpineGuard develops and markets disposable medical devices designed to make spine surgery safer. The company's PediGuard probes incorporate dynamic surgical guidance technology, alerting surgeons in real time of potential vertebral cortical wall breaches.

2. China's spine market has become the second largest global market behind the U.S., and is expected reach $1 billion by 2019.

3. Influences of China's spine market growth include the age of population, increasing disease prevalence and treatment rates and growing affordability.

4. XinRong Medical Group provides innovative medical technology solutions in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive therapy.

5. Pierre Jerome, CEO and co-founder of SpineGuard, said, "Since its clearance by CFDA, numerous Chinese orthopedists and neurosurgeons have expressed a strong interest for our DSG technology."
Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 22, 2017.

Stryker to acquire Canadian imaging technology company for $701M

Stryker purchased Canada-based NOVADAQ Technologies for $701 million. NOVADAQ develops fluorescent imaging technology for blood flow visualization in vessels and tissue perfusion related to cardiac, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, plastic, microsurgical and reconstructive procedures. Under the agreement, Stryker will pay $11.75 per share, with a net purchasing price of $654 million and approximately $47 million in cash, totaling around $701 million.





Congress of Neurological Surgeons gives out Paper of the Year

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons granted Paper of the Year awards to highlight the best original science published in Neurosurgery over the past year. The top paper of the year was "PUFS Trial: Long-term Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes Following PED Treatment of Complex ICA Aneurysms: Five-year Results of the Pipeline for Uncoilable or Failed Aneurysms (PUFS) Trial." Read about other recognized papers here.





Mazor Robotics up against class action lawsuit

Mazor Robotics is facing a class action litigation suit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 8, the company reported Israeli Securities Authority conducted an investigation in May, searching offices and questioning officers. The investors allege Mazor violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Read more about the case here.





CMS proposal to update MACRA: Changes to benefit physicians, small practices

On June 20, CMS issued a proposed rule to update the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015's second year quality payment program, largely focused on simplifying the reporting process and relaxing requirements. The MACRA quality payment program has two tracks, including the Merit-based Incentive Payment System and Advanced Alternative Payment Models. Healthcare providers are able to choose which track they participate in. Read about the proposed changes to MIPS here.





Jon Stryker is Michigan's top philanthropist, donating $336M in the state since 2000

Jon Stryker, an heir to the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based medical device giant Stryker Corp., is the top philanthropist in the state of Michigan since 2000. Mr. Stryker has donated around $336.3 million to charitable endeavors in the state, primarily focused on the Arcus Foundation, which he founded in 2000. Read more about Mr. Stryker here.





Vertos Medical completes $28M financing round

Aliso Veijo, Calif.-based Vertos Medical completed a $28 million financing round. The new investors for the most recent financing round include MVM Life Science Partners, which led the round. Vertos plans to use the financing round's proceeds to expand commercialization of mild, the company's procedure designed to remove the cause of spinal stenosis through a minimally invasive incision.





Dr. Gary Michelson launches intellectual property online course

Spine surgeon and entrepreneur Gary Michelson, MD, and his foundation Michelson 20MM Foundation, launched an online course focused on patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets. The course, hosted on Udemy.com, is titled "Intellectual Property: Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Creators." The course includes 3.5 hours of content, divided into 38 videos. The course has checkpoints, links and learning objectives outlined.





Powerhouse companies in the global MIS spine market

The global minimally invasive spine surgery market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.57 percent through 2020, according to an Absolute Report analysis. DePuy Synthes, Medtronic, NuVasive and Stryker Zimmer Biomet lead the pack in the MIS spine device market.




A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines the publication productivity of orthopedic surgeons who chair their departments.

The study authors identified chairs of orthopedic residency programs around the United States and examined their publications on the Scopus database. The study authors found:

1. Throughout the seven years before their appointments, orthopedic residency program chairs at universities reported higher publications  4.66 on average  than non-university chairs  2.29. The authors defined university and non-university chairs by their affiliation with a medical school program.

2. The average publications per year decreased for university chairs to 3.75 per year after taking the appointment.

3. There wasn't a significant change reported to non-university chairs after their appointment.

4. The percentage of first authorships was similar between both university and non-university chairs and both groups had significant declines in first authorships after becoming chair.

5. The average university chair had around 60 manuscripts published before taking the post, compared to 30 manuscripts for non-university chairs.
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Northern Ireland agri co-op Fane Valley is extending its joint venture with ABP Food Group, the meat giant run by Larry Goodman.

Their relationship is now to include Linden Foods, the meat processing business of Moira-based Fane Valley.

ABP Food Group will take a 50% stake in the Linden Foods company. Agreement in principle has been reached by both parties, subject to approval by regulatory and competition authorities.

Linden Foods is a fresh meat processor with facilities in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and Burradon in England. It also owns Kettyle Irish Foods in Co Fermanagh. The announcement follows last year's Slaney Foods and Irish Country Meats joint venture between the Co-Op and ABP.

Trevor Lockhart, chief executive of Fane Valley, said: "Our experience of working with ABP Food Group in the Republic has been extremely positive and we now wish to build on this."
Canadas prime minister Justin Trudeau has said he thinks amateurs and prodigies alike should have the chance to pursue their interest in music.

Trudeau spoke to British pianist James Rhodes about how he saw music opportunities developing in Canada and said that chances to learn shouldnt be limited to the super talented.

Rhodes visited Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary year, as part of the Sunday Feature for BBC Radio 3 titled Geeking Glenn Gould, in which he traced the old haunts and acquaintances of his pianist idol who died 35 years ago.

Expand Close James Rhodes spoke to Justin Trudeau (BBC/PA) Adam Scotti - PMO/CPM / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp James Rhodes spoke to Justin Trudeau (BBC/PA)

Trudeau told Rhodes: We can always recognise the prodigies.

There always will be opportunities for someone with incredible skill to end up going to a top music-focus school.

Where I worry is, its not just about the prodigies, its not just about the Olympic athlete, its about making sure that everyone has the capacity to discover, to evolve, to grow, to challenge themselves in multiple directions and music is, as we all know, an extraordinarily powerful way of connecting, of developing, of growing.

James Rhodes presented the radio feature (Ian West/PA)

Quite frankly, your story is an incredible example of that.

:: Geeking Glenn Gould airs on BBC Radio 3 on Sunday at 6.45pm.
Victims of historical child abuse in Northern Ireland have been told they will not receive promised financial compensation for at least another 10 months because of the political crisis.

Many have been left devastated to discover that no provision was made in the 2017/18 budget to cover the scheme.

Politicians have been advised by the head of the Civil Service that, with no working Executive, it is unlikely any financial redress will be made before April 2018.

Financial payments were promised to victims more than a year ago.

Politicians have warned that many have been left suicidal or facing financial ruin as the current Stormont impasse means that the findings and recommendations of a four-year inquiry into State and Church abuse have still not been presented to the Assembly. The report, which was published just days before the Assembly collapsed in January, promised victims State-backed compensation payments of up to 100,000.

Victims and government bodies were advised in November 2015 that the report would be recommending financial redress.

However, the failure of the two largest parties - DUP and Sinn Fein - to form a power-sharing administration has meant the inquiry's recommendations have not been implemented.

"I am shattered by this latest news. We are being treated as complete idiots and fools," said Margaret McGuckin, of the campaign group Survivors & Victims of Institutional Abuse.

She added: "Why didn't the politicians ensure the scheme was included in the budget before they pulled out of government? Because our politicians can't work together, we are being punished."

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse deserved justice now.

"They have waited long enough," she said.

"It is incumbent their dignified and courageous campaign is recognised and they receive the redress they deserve.

"It is important provision for a compensation scheme is included in any final talks settlement, so when the Assembly gets up and running again, justice for the victims and survivors will not be subject to any further delay."

Neil Anderson, the head of NSPCC Northern Ireland, said the wait was unacceptable.

"The men and women who suffered appalling abuse in these institutions have already had to wait long enough for justice," he said.

"It is not acceptable that they should have to wait for almost another year to receive the financial redress that will allow them to get the help that they need to move on with their lives.

"Sexual abuse has devastating and lifelong consequences, especially to those who have been unable to reveal their ordeal for many years."
Simon Hamilton said any arrangement to support a minority Tory government at Westminster had to be "absolutely right" for the region

The Democratic Unionists will only strike a parliamentary deal with the Conservative Party if it delivers tangible benefits for Northern Ireland in terms of jobs and investment in health and education, a senior member has insisted.

Former Stormont minister Simon Hamilton said any arrangement to support a minority Tory government at Westminster had to be "absolutely right" for the region.

He said the influence of the DUP on Theresa May's party was already visible in the Queen's Speech, indicating the commitment to deliver the Military Covenant "across the UK" was a nod to his party's long-standing demand for its measures to be fully rolled out in Northern Ireland.

Earlier, DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson suggested the omission from the same speech of Conservative manifesto pledges to end the triple lock for pensioners and means testing for the winter fuel allowance was also evidence of the party's sway.

Amid reports the talks between the DUP and Tories stalled earlier in the week, Mr Hamilton said the two sides had been engaging well "over the last 24 hours".

"We will continue until we can get something that works for the people of Northern Ireland, delivers on what we need for Northern Ireland and also importantly delivers stability for the whole nation at this time of great challenge," he said.

He added: "In many respects that deal will benefit the people of Northern Ireland, it will help to deliver here in getting devolution up and running again, will help to deliver for people in Northern Ireland jobs and investment in terms of education, in terms of health."

Mr Hamilton continued: " I think you will see yesterday from the Queen's speech the influence of the DUP already being seen within that."

Asked if the line on the Military Covenant was evidence of that influence, the ex-economy minister said: "We make no apology and are unashamedly in support of wanting to see the Military Covenant rolled out and delivering for service personnel right across the United Kingdom.

"Service personnel and veterans over here haven't benefited from the full implementation of the Military Covenant and we will take every opportunity, whether that be in London or here in Belfast and Northern Ireland, to deliver the Military Covenant for all of veterans and service personnel."

While on the statute, the covenant, which defines the state's obligations to whose in the armed forces and affords them priority in terms of certain public services, needs the sign-off of the Stormont Executive to be fully rolled out in the region.

Asked about the issue at Stormont on Thursday, Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy said service provision in the region had to be administered on the basis of equality.

"The services that are provided in this part of the world are done so on the basis of equality, the basis of objective need and people's access to those services," he said.

Sir Jeffrey said the chances of reaching a deal with the Conservatives were "very good".

However, he denied reports the DUP was seeking 1 billion for the health service with a further 1 billion of infrastructure.

He indicated the faltering talks with the Tories had improved after Theresa May became more personally involved in the discussions, which had been led by the Government Chief Whip Gavin Williamson.

"I think the Prime Minister is moving this process forward," he said.

"She is engaged now. We welcome that. I think that since that has happened we have been moving forward."

Chancellor Philip Hammond also expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached between the two parties.

"We don't agree on everything, but on the big issues about the Union, about the need to grow our economy and to spread the benefits of that growth across all corners of the United Kingdom, on the need to be strong on defence and counter-terrorism - on all of these areas we agree with the Democratic Unionist Party and I am confident that we will be able to come to an arrangement with them to support the Government in the key areas of its programme," he told the Today programme.

Cabinet Minister David Gauke made a joke at the expense of the DUP when he touched on concern among some Tories about becoming linked to the party because of its attitude to LGBT rights.

Referring to when he took over the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Mr Gauke said: "I thought I would do a little research into what people were saying about DWP, and I had a look and googled it, and I was a little surprised by what I saw - hugely expensive, difficult customers, very socially conservative, I realised that actually that was the DUP.

"DWP? DUP? They are not quite homophones."
Fancy living in one of the iconic locations of Game of Thrones - and accessing your house through a cave? Look no further.

The Cave House on the Cave Road in Cushendun is an historical 18th Century residence.

And how you get to it will make you feel like you living in the HBO hit series as one of its key features is a private avenue winding through the caves which leads to the setting which is completely secluded and sheltered by the surrounding cliffs.

Read More

It was here that Nicholas de la Cherois Crommelin lived during the middle years of the 19th Century. In 1903, Crommelin's grand-daughter Constance married John Masefield the "poet of the sea" who was to become England's poet laureate.

Masefield spent his honeymoon at Cushendun where, looking out across the waters of the North Channel, it is possible to imagine that the famous lines: "Dirty British Coaster with a salt caked smoke stack butting through the Channel in the mad March days" might easily have been written here.

The site itself extends to approximately 7.9 acres and enjoys uninterrupted sea views embracing Torr Point and the Mull of Kintyre towards Scotland.

The property was home to the Sisters of Mercy and is one of the most secluded of retreats, best seen from sea or air, however can be glimpsed at a distance from Torr Road at the north of the village.

The property is in shell condition and requires total restoration/demolition with a more modern contemporary build.

The asking price on the house is 375,000 and more information is available here
Northern Ireland prisoners are to be schooled in finding their "inner human" by a self-styled Indian spiritual guru.

Prem Rawat has been invited to pilot his peace education programme for 10 weeks at Maghaberry, where killers such as dentist Colin Howell and loyalist Michael Stone are held.

If his spiritual scheme is deemed a success, it will be rolled out in across Northern Ireland's other jails.

Rawat (59) said he felt prisoners still needed to be seen as human beings and not monsters, no matter how bad their crime.

He said: "We can of course label people as hardened prisoners or unredeemable, but as long as a human being breathes they do have a heart.

"Perhaps their humanity has been influenced by a lot of ideas or bad things that have happened to them over a period of years but, in the simplest terms, the human is still there.

"My effort always is to bring that feeling back to people so that they may feel it and truly get in contact with themselves - the self.

"My peace education programme has been a resounding success in the prisons it is running in, across 73 countries.

"It is about to start here in Northern Ireland and I hope it will help to make a difference to those who participate."

Rawat's programme operates in jails in the US and South Africa, with Thameside Prison in England the pilot for the scheme in the UK.

Rawat concentrated on talking about the need to see past crimes when asked if he had worked with notorious prisoners.

He said: "My advice on peace is the same to every human being whether they are a person on the street or someone in prison.

"Whoever we are, as a human being we have to get in touch with ourselves.

"If we are not in touch with ourselves we will cause harm to other people and cause harm to ourselves. My advice is the same to every person, to get in touch with ourselves so that we can achieve our true potential in life.

"My peace education programme deals exactly with this issue of helping people find themselves."

Born in Haridwar, north India, Rawat is the youngest son of Hans Ji Maharaj, an Indian guru and the founder of the Divya Sandesh Parishad, later known as the Divine Light Mission. After his father's death, eight-year-old Rawat became the new 'satguru', or true master of the movement.

He formed a meditation practice he calls the "knowledge", and his peace education prison programme rests on convincing inmates they need to turn "inwards" and focus on discovering personal resources such as inner strength, choice and hope. In 2001 he established The Prem Rawat Foundation to fund his work and his humanitarian efforts.

He has addressed more than 15 million people on the subject of peace, including events at the United Nations.

Last night he spoke to a crowd at Belfast's Waterfront Hall at an event entitled This Feeling Of Belonging.
Fan cheer as Dutch EDM DJ Martin Garrix takes the stage to perform at the 4th night of Belsonic on the Ormeau Embankment, Belfast. Monday 19th June 2017 Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX

Police in Belfast have asked for anyone who may have witnessed an assault in the city on Monday evening to come forward.

It is understood that the incident happened at a concert by Dutch DJ Martin Garrix as part of Belsonic 2017 being held in the Ormeau embankment area of South Belfast.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday morning.

Speaking about the arrest, the PSNI's Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick appealed for the public to come forward to assist with their investigation.

"While we have arrested a male who is currently helping with our enquiries, I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have any information about it, to contact police," he said.

Anyone with any information about the crime can contact police on the non-emergency number 101 and quote reference number 1438 of 21 June 2017.

Members of the public can also give information anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The 47-year-old is due to appear at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday.

A man is due to appear at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday on drugs and money laundering charges.

The 47-year-ol defendant is also charged with the wilful abandonment of two children, the PSNI said.

He is the fifth person to be brought before the courts as a result of the PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Branch investigation into organised crime.

The arrest follows on a major police search operation carried out across Northern Ireland over recent days.
Marian Brown, who was just 17 when she was shot dead in west Belfast

A lawyer acting for the family of a pregnant teenager shot in disputed circumstances accused a soldier of making up a story about events that night and taking part in an army cover-up.

Marian Brown died after being hit by four bullets after kissing her boyfriend goodnight on Roden Street in west Belfast in the early hours of June 10, 1972.

It has never been proven who shot the bullets that killed her.

Yesterday a soldier who was on patrol in the area during the incident told the inquest that he saw three terrorist gunmen.

Appearing via live video link, Soldier A - who has been granted anonymity by Judge David McFarland - could only been seen on screens by Marians brother and sister, and the legal teams present at the hearing.

He told the inquest that around 12.50 on June 10, 1972 he had been manning a vehicle check point (VCP) on Roden Street as part of an eight man team when he heard two or three single shots being fired.

He moved closer and saw a stationary car at the junction with the Grosvenor Road, a flash from the front passenger side window.

Soldier A said there were also two gun men at the corner of Roden Street, one on the right hand corner and one on the left hand corner.

There was then a burst of around 30-35 rounds of automatic gunfire, according to the soldiers evidence.

It was long enough for me to use it as an aiming mark he said.

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I hit the car because I never missed.

Soldier A said he fired one shot and that car swerved off towards the Falls Road direction.

It finished as quick as it started, he added.

He said that he and other soldiers got into their vehicle and made their way up Roden Street until they reached a crowd of people who he described as very angry.

They were very angry people and quite rightly so, screaming and shouting, he said, adding that as the gunmen were gone he felt the crowd were taking their anger out on him and his colleagues.

Soldier A said his section commander told him to offer his help so he went to a house where he believed a wounded person had been taken. But he said he was blocked from entering the house by four-five men who shouted verbal abuse at him about British soldiers not being welcome.

Soldier A said an ambulance then arrived and he saw a girl with fair hair being carried out on a stretcher.

He was a member of the third Royal Anglian Regiment at the time, held the rank of Lance Corporal, was 25-years-old and had been in the army for three years at the time of the incident.

However Fiona Doherty QC, acting for Marian Browns family, queried Soldier As evidence and questioned inconsistencies between statements he gave in 1972 and 1974 compared with a statement he gave in 2017.

He responded by saying: someone is lying.

She said: I agree with you, someone is lying, and put to him that the car he says he saw was not there, that no other eye witness to give evidence to the inquest had seen the car and that no-one who has given evidence to the inquest so far had seen the gunmen he reported.

What you are saying simply isnt true, she put to him.

Soldier A responded saying: Im afraid it is mam.

Ms Doherty went on: You and your colleagues have made up the story because you either want to cover up your illegal behaviour or the illegal behaviour of someone else in your section. You have come here today and given an embellished account.

She added: This is nothing short of an attempt at a cover up. Shots from soldiers killed or injured Marian Brown and three other people, you cant explain how that happened. You cant explain how four innocent people were killed or injured that evening?

Soldier A responded: no.

The inquest continues.
A west Belfast school has been criticised for multiple weaknesses in its child protection measures after three pupils complained when a priest invited to the school asked them sexual questions in confession.

An independent review - ordered by De La Salle College's Board of Governors in January - detailed several flaws in how the school dealt with the childrens' complaints.

This included delays in reporting complaints to police, poor record keeping, and a lack of understanding of child protection issues.

The report centres on a visit by a Dublin priest to De La Salle College during May 2013, and of alleged inappropriate sexual conversations with three children.

The pupils complained separately to school authorities in June 2013, September 2014 and March 2015.

The PSNI previously confirmed the first complaint was dealt with in June 2013, but the remaining reports were not received until December 2014 and July 2016.

The review details that in May 2013, a session of confessions was held in the college over a number of days for some 160-180 pupils in years 10 and 11.

On June 14, 2013, a pupil told a teacher about his experience.

"He was asked if he masturbated, viewed pornography and how often," the report said.

"The teacher was concerned at this and made a child protection referral to the designated teacher."

A week later on June 21, an anonymous phone call was made to a Diocesan Safeguarding Office about the priest.

The office informed the school and referred the matter to the PSNI.

Two further referrals were made by teachers after pupils complained.

A long delay followed and the PSNI were not informed until November 2014 and March 2015.

Ultimately, as none of the pupils' parents wished to make a complaint, the PSNI did not investigate.

The report explained that the questions asked by the priest related to issues raised by pupils in class before the confessions.

The priest had been briefed about this and "this appears to be the rationale behind the questioning, however ill-advised and inappropriate".

The review team said that if the priest's questioning had been brought to the attention of Child Protection Service for Schools or social services, the advice would have been that it did not reach the threshold for a referral and should have been dealt with by the priest's parent organisation.

"The relevant church authority was advised of the concerns about the questioning and it did take action," the report said.

Serious problems with child protection in De La Salle were identified such as poor record keeping, a lack of cooperation between the safeguarding team and "the absence of a shared understanding on key aspects of child protection, such as, what constitutes child abuse".

Only the final complaint made in March 2015 had sufficient evidence for a full analysis by the review team.

"This case demonstrated good practice after a delay which exposed many system weaknesses," the report said.

The review team acknowledged that the "college staff has engaged in considerable efforts to rectify the deficiencies".

This includes a detailed Action Plan for 2017, although the report warned that constant staff changes and absence means there is "major concern" over the plan's long-term sustainability.

It adds: "This pattern must change if team members are to develop the appropriate competence in child protection matters that inspires confidence in members of the school community and ensures the best possible outcomes for pupils."

In an open letter to parents, De La Salle Board of Governors chair Monica Culbert welcomed the report and was "wholly committed" to implementing the report's recommendations.

She added the governors were very grateful to the review team for its "conscientious and sensitive manner".
A number of public leisure amenities in Belfast are at risk of closure or reduced access, Unite trade union has warned.

Unite's regional officer, Michael Keenan, accused Belfast City Council of a "cost-cutting agenda" which is reducing local access, driving staff levels below what the union considers safe, and is threatening the future of a number of centres.

He said that the union has, over the last two years, fought plans to cut funding for Belfast leisure services by 2 million annually.

The cuts, he added, mean "attacks on workers pay, corner-cutting on health and safety, service reductions and more limited access to those coming from deprived parts of the city."

The cuts are also jeopardise the future of facilities at Loughside, Shankill, Whiterock and Ballysillan, he said.

The council's leisure centres and swimming pools are managed by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), which the council describes as "a charitable social enterprise" and the largest public leisure centre operator in UK.

The two organisations, Unite says, are currently carrying out a review of the city's leisure facilities. On Thursday, the union published what it claims are internal documents drawn up as part of that review.

The comments made about Loughside Leisure Centre are: "Discussions are underway with BCC in regards to the centre's medium to long term future and closure is a possible option but would be extremely political."

With regard to Shankill Leisure Centre, the document reads: "There are currently no plans for modernisation... A proposal has been tabled to BCC to introduce a Better Extreme/Play product into the centre removing the swimming pool and greatly reducing the staffing model".

There are also no modernisation plans for Whiterock Leisure Centre, according to the document. There have, however, been "tentative discussions with BCC to look at carrying out an asset transfer to the local community groups that use the centre".

At Ballysillan, there are no plans to modernise either, and GLL/BCC are "working with the TU [trade union] on a reduction in lifeguards hours based on pool programme review".

Mr Keenan commented: "The impact of existing staffing policies already in force in Avoniel and Ballysillan have been to reduce local access and to drive staffing levels below what we consider to be safe.

He added: "Unite is calling on Belfast City Council to do the right thing and return management to democratic control and accountability so as to guarantee long-term access to quality leisure services and decent conditions for workers.

Council response

When asked to comment, a spokeswoman for Belfast City Council said: To be clear - there are no plans for closure of Ballysillan, Shankill or Loughside leisure centres nor for any community asset transfer of Whiterock.

"Belfast City Council's politicians remain committed to the long term sustainability of an excellent leisure service provision."

Unite's claims were "unsubstantiated", she added. "As yet, no evidence has been provided to either Belfast City Council or GLL, despite our request to do so."

Noting that the council was addressing "the historic and unsustainable 8m subsidy to Belfast leisure services and improve the future leisure provision offering for residents", the spokeswoman said that the 2m savings "is being re-invested back by the council through an unprecedented 105 million programme into the physical development of new, exciting leisure centres, at no additional cost to the rate-payer."

She cited the 21.75m Olympia Leisure Centre which opened last year and said that, since GLL came on board in 2015, "they have doubled the amount of children learning to swim and the number of leisure centre members  achieving the Councils aim of getting more people, more active, more often.

We would like to reassure customers and staff that the leisure centres remain in Council ownership and only our elected politicians can make decisions to change this. Our councillors are very alert to the needs of the communities they represent," she concluded.
Talks between the DUP and the Conservatives are holding the negotiations to restore Stormont "to ransom", the SDLP has claimed.

Party leader Colum Eastwood said the discussions in London were "undermining" the ongoing talks in Belfast, which included a round-table meeting last night at Stormont Castle.

He also said it was not a matter of if the Executive was restored, but when.

He was speaking as senior civil servants draw up a 'best guess' document as the talks now enter the last week before the June 29 deadline.

The position paper is to cover key contentious areas including an Irish Language Act and dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.

It follows submissions from the five main parties, which are not being published.

The work on the paper continued yesterday, although all eyes were still on the negotiations between the DUP and the Tories in London.

Mr Eastwood said the DUP and Sinn Fein were preparing to strike a deal sooner or later.

But he warned no deal could be achieved at Stormont while the DUP-Tory negotiations were continuing.

"There will be a deal, whether next week or in the autumn, so let's get on with it," he said.

"People need to see certainty here.

"It is clear people want in. Sinn Fein want in, the DUP want in.

"If people think anyone is going to sign a deal here without knowing what is going to come from London - that doesn't make any sense at all.

"We are all a bit preoccupied with what is going on, or not going on, in London.

"It is quite clear that the DUP and Tory Party aren't quite sure what they are doing, but they need to get on with it because it is affecting the process here.

"The talks in London are clearly undermining the discussions here. We need a resolution to that uncertainty so that we can get on with the job of getting the deal done.

"The chaotic talks between the DUP and the Tories are holding the politics of the north to ransom."

Mr Eastwood also said any money which arises from the Tory/ DUP deal would belong to all the people of Northern Ireland.

"If there is an economic package coming from London then it needs to be targeted to those areas and those people in the north who have been left behind," the Foyle MLA argued.

"The DUP needs to understand that it is not their money. It belongs to all the people.

"It must be targeted where objective need exists, not the parochial political desires of one party.

"During previous Executives, under the watch of the DUP and Sinn Fein, the north faced further economic repartitioning - with the west of the Bann losing out again and again.
Tributes have been paid following the death of celebrity chef Darren Simpson from Northern Ireland.

Mr Simpson was named the UKs Young Chef of the Year at the age 21 the youngest ever winner of the prestigious prize open to young talent under 25.

Mr Simpson, who leaves a wife and two sons, is reported to have suffered a heart attack in hospital on Thursday night.

The Daily Telegraph reported that it followed a recent bid at rehabilitation in a clinic for a long battle with alcohol addiction near his Byron Bay home in Australia.

Mr Simpsons illustrious career saw him train and work with some of the greatest chefs.

From 1992 to 1999 he worked in restaurants such as Paul Rankins Michelin-starred Roscoff, Belfast; Albert Rouxs Michelin-starred Le Gavroche, London; Sally Clarkes, London; and Simon Hopkinsons Bibendum, London.

He was joint head chef of the acclaimed River Cafe, London; and head chef at Sir Terence Conrans Sartoria in Savile Row, London.

In 1999, he moved to Australia to be head chef of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant at Sydneys East Circular Quay. Having received fantastic reviews, Darrens food was described as dynamic and big-flavoured.

He then opened award-winning La Sala (The Room), a modern Italian restaurant in 2005.

He became a well known face on the television food scene, with regular appearances on Lifestyle Food Channel and on programmes such as Ready Steady Cook.

He also presided as a judge on hit reality show My Restaurant Rules.

Tributes were flooding into the chef last night.

Fellow chef and presenter Andrew Ballard tweeted: Such sad news to hear of my former colleague Darren Simpson passing away today. RIP Dazza.

Australian chef Adam Moore said: R.I.P Darren Simpson you will be missed chef loved working with you.
Arlene Arkinson vanished after a night out in Co Donegal in August 1994

The sister of murdered Northern Ireland schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson has launched a stinging attack on An Garda Siochana, accusing the force of obstructing her inquest.

Making a direct appeal for the Garda Commissioner to hand over potentially key information, Kathleen Arkinson hit out at the perceived procrastination and delay preventing the case from concluding.

Ms Arkinson said: "The justice system has failed us in every way.

"We have done everything we can and we are still here a year and a half later for an inquest for one child who was 15 years old.

"I would appeal to Noirin O'Sullivan to please look into this as soon as possible because it is dragging our lives away.

"We can't go on like this forever."

The inquest, which opened in February 2016, has been stalled for months to facilitate the sharing of information from legal authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

The material includes papers on the lines of inquiry pursued by An Garda Siochana, searches carried out south of the border, and a purported meeting between gardai and the former girlfriend of Robert Howard, the prime suspect in the murder.

Garda officers may also be asked to give oral evidence.

During a preliminary hearing at Belfast's Coroner's Court Judge Brian Sherrard moved to allay any conspiracy theories.

He said: "The delay that has been caused is not because this court harbours any concerns about the family whatsoever.

"In terms of rumour or suspicion, I can put that to bed straight away.

"The delay in this case is purely because we are awaiting a comprehensive response from An Garda Siochana."

Arlene, 15, from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, vanished after a night out across the border in Co Donegal in August 1994.

She was last seen being driven down a country road by Howard, a convicted paedophile with a lengthy criminal history.

Despite extensive searches, including a fresh dig in Tyrone last year, her body has never been found.

The inquest opened in February 2016 and has heard evidence from dozens of witnesses including Howard's former girlfriend Patricia Quinn, and senior detectives who worked on the case.

Information from An Garda Siochana has been described as the last piece of the jigsaw and t he coroner mooted Halloween as a potential deadline for closing the inquest.

"After we get to that point then the balance will be tilting towards decision rather than further delay," added Judge Sherrard.

The Arkinson family have closely followed proceedings and were in court for the brief hearing.

Their barrister Henry Toner QC expressed frustration and demanded an explanation for the 13-month delay from An Garda Siochana.

Mr Toner said: "It is an insult to the Arkinson family who are suffering misery by these delays which are inexcusable and unwarranted.

"The family is appalled and deeply upset by the failure of the Garda to assist either properly or at all.

"They believe that the delay and procrastination adds to the rumour and suspicion that already exists in relation to Arlene's murder.

"It is important that the Garda is held to account."

Meanwhile, in a statement read out afterwards, Kathleen Arkinson said: "The Arkinson family are appalled and deeply upset as a result of exquisite cruelty inflicted unnecessarily upon them by the Garda in not assisting the coroner's court properly or at all.

"The Arkinson family wonder what the Garda have to hide in relation to Robert Howard, their association with him and others who associate with him.

"The Arkinson family believe that the investigation into the murder of Arlene, a 15-year-old child, should not be delayed further by the Garda.

"The Arkinson family call upon Garda chief Noirin O'Sullivan to personally intervene in this case.

"They plead with the Garda chief to instruct her officers who possess all relevant information in relation to Robert Howard and the murder of Arlene to release this information immediately to His Honour Judge Sherrard so that the inquest into Arlene's death can be concluded."

The case has been adjourned for mention in September.
It was Simon Coveney's first meeting with Michel Barnier in his new role

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says he has been left in no doubt that Ireland's interests are the European Union's interests in Brexit negotiations.

Speaking after his first meeting with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier since being appointed to his new role, Mr Coveney said Ireland's unique circumstances are well understood in Brussels.

Mr Coveney said it was clear from the pair's discussions that Ireland remains a key EU priority in talks that started this week on the UK's pull-out from the bloc.

"For the EU27's part, we have set out our position plainly and in this position there is a strong acknowledgement of Ireland's unique concerns and priorities, including on: protecting both the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process; avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and; maintaining the Common Travel Area," he said.

"In short, there is no doubt that Ireland's interests are the EU's interests."

Mr Coveney stressed Ireland wanted to see the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK to minimise the impact on Ireland's trade and economy.
Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said an unprecedented "political solution" was needed to keep an effectively invisible frontier

The Irish government has declared it is demanding "special status" for Northern Ireland after Brexit.

Dublin's Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has dismissed "language coming from London" in recent days that technology alone - cameras and online permits - could bypass the need for border posts on the island of Ireland.

Mr Coveney, who met with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier during the week, said an unprecedented "political solution" was needed to keep the status quo and an effectively invisible frontier.

"What we are insisting on achieving is a special status for Northern Ireland that allows the interaction on this island, as is currently the case, to be maintained," he said.

"It is not so much about a soft or hard border, it is about an invisible border effectively, that you don't notice as you cross it.

"To achieve that, we need to draw up a political solution here as well as technical and practical one, which doesn't really have any precedent in the European Union."

Mr Coveney said the solution would have to respect the territorial integrity of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.

It would also have to makes sure it did not create a back door to entering the European single market, he added.

"This is not going to be a straightforward problem to solve," he said.

The call for "special status" is a departure for the Irish government. It was immediately welcomed by Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile as a "significant" shift.

Unionists have argued against special status for Northern Ireland within the EU, claiming it is being planned as a back door to a united Ireland.

Mr Coveney said the language coming from Dublin on Brexit over the past week has been somewhat different to language coming from London.

"I have heard talk about the needs to ensure we do not have the re-emergence of a hard border and some people seem to be talking in the context of using technology to make sure that isn't the case," he said.

"For me, that misses the point totally.

"This is not about finding a way of avoiding queues on roads through cameras and people being able to apply online for permits to travel between jurisdictions."

The Foreign Affairs Minister also urged an all-island approach to Brexit if the Stormont power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland can be restored.

Talks aimed at breaking a political impasse in the region are ongoing ahead of a deadline for agreement at the end of this month.

Mr Coveney was speaking at the launch in Dublin of a parliamentary committee report on the threat of Brexit to the Good Friday Agreement, the 1998 deal which cemented peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland after decades of conflict.

The report outlines cross-border cooperation, EU funding for the region, the border, constitutional issues and reconciliation as key issues of concern.

Kathleen Funchion, chairwoman of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said the UK's decision to pull out of the EU has brought huge uncertainty to work ongoing to maintain peace-building.

"We have heard much about the economic impact Brexit may have on this island," she said.

"We have not heard so much about the psychological impact. It is the psychological impact that has the potential to derail the peace process that so many have worked so hard to achieve."

Ulster Unionist Party leader Robin Swann said he was disappointed at Mr Coveney's calls for "special status" in Northern Ireland, which he described as " a thinly veiled attempt to break up the union".

"As the Belfast Agreement makes clear, Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom until its people say otherwise," he said.

"'Special status' would undermine the principle of consent enshrined in the agreement.

"With the Republic of Ireland's economy intrinsically linked to that of the United Kingdom, perhaps Minister Coveney would be better served seeking special arrangements for his country after Brexit, which may be one way to overcome some of the challenges which Brexit presents."
The Queen and the Prince of Wales in the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament yesterday

Theresa May has vowed to overcome the divisions in British society exposed in this month's general election and to build consensus on Brexit, as she ditched or watered down many of the flagship policies from the Conservative manifesto.

But the Prime Minister was accused by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of offering a "threadbare" Queen's Speech, which set out a two-year legislative programme dominated by preparations for withdrawal from the EU.

Of 27 Bills and draft Bills unveiled in Mrs May's first Queen's Speech, eight are devoted to the complex process of leaving the EU, including a Repeal Bill to overturn the 1972 Act which took Britain into the European Economic Community, and separate Bills on customs, trade, immigration, fisheries, agriculture, nuclear safeguards and the international sanctions regime.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire and a string of terror attacks, the Prime Minister also announced plans for a civil disaster taskforce and a new commission for countering extremism, as well as a review of counter-terror strategy and the creation of an independent public advocate to act on behalf of bereaved families.

Following a bruising election that cost her Conservatives their majority in the Commons, Mrs May ditched manifesto plans to scrap universal free school lunches, expand grammars, means-test winter fuel payments, and offer a free vote on fox hunting.

And "dementia tax" proposals for social care reform were downgraded to "options" in a public consultation.

Speculation that Donald Trump's State visit to the UK may be cancelled was fuelled by its absence from the Queen's nine-minute address. But Downing Street confirmed that the invitation to the US President stands and did not feature because a date is yet to be fixed.

Also unveiled were Bills to extend the HS2 high-speed rail link to Crewe, permit the development of driverless cars, spaceports and commercial satellites, cut whiplash insurance claims, protect victims of domestic abuse and ban letting fees for private rented homes.

Acknowledging that the outcome of this month's snap election fell well short of the emphatic victory she had hoped for, Mrs May said that her minority administration would seek to govern with "humility" to regain voters' trust.

She told MPs: "The election showed that, as it faces the big challenges of our future, our country is divided - red versus blue, young versus old, Leave versus Remain. The test for all of us is whether we choose to reflect divisions or help the country overcome them. With humility and resolve, this Government will seek to do the latter."

Mrs May vowed to "see Brexit through", but - in a marked softening of her pre-election stance - said she would "seek to build a wide consensus" in doing so.

Following her failure so far to make a deal with the DUP, Mrs May is the first PM in decades to be faced by doubts over whether she can get her legislative programme through Parliament.

Mr Corbyn dismissed the programme as "thin gruel" which showed the Conservatives were running out of ideas.

"This is a Government without a majority, without a mandate, without a serious legislative programme, led by a Prime Minister who has lost her personal authority and is struggling even today to stitch up a deal to stay in office," he said.

But his claim to head a "government in waiting" was given short shrift by the PM, who mockingly praised him for having "fought a spirited campaign and come a good second".

The State Opening of Parliament, delayed by two days because of the inconclusive result of the June 8 election, took place without some of the traditional ceremony, with the Queen arriving by car rather than carriage and wearing a blue dress and hat rather than her robes and crown.
Fourth from left, Des Lee, with The Miami Showband line-up in early 1975. The men who died were Tony Geraghty, Fran OToole and Brian McCoy. Ray Millar (third from left) and Stephen Travers (far right) also survived

A survivor of the Miami Showband massacre has said he never goes to bed without "asking for mercy for those who wounded him and murdered his friends".

Stephen Travers was the guest speaker at the Wave Trauma Centre's Day of Reflection to remember all those who were killed or injured during the Troubles.

Three members of the band were shot dead by a UVF gang as they drove to Dublin after a gig in Banbridge, Co Down in July 1975.

Speaking after yesterday's poignant event in Belfast, Stephen said: "My prayer is that there will be some reconciliation between all of us and we can work together with our shared experience and perhaps dissuade people never to consider violence as a political option again."

He called on Stormont's politicians to get back to work to ensure proper funding to investigate Troubles atrocities. He said: "It's as if the powers that be are waiting for us all to die off. What they don't realise is the hurt, the pain, the frustration has been transferred from generation to generation, it's not diluting, it's not diminishing, if anything it's becoming more entrenched."

Alan McBride of Wave Trauma Centre, whose wife Sharon was among nine people killed by the IRA in the Shankill bomb in 1993, explained why yesterday had been chosen for reflection.

He said: "Perhaps one of the saddest statistics that I have ever heard of is that there was no single calendar day, including February 29 and Christmas Day when no-one died in the Troubles.

"It was then decided to hold the event on June 21, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year."
Donald Tusk revealed EU leaders have decided to extend sanctions against Russia (Virginia Mayo/AP/PA)

The leaders of the European Union (EU) have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine, following a similar move by the US this week.

European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted on Thursday while hosting an EU summit in Brussels: "Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia."

The move has come about in relation to Russia's failure to implement measures promised in a peace agreement.

After Thursday's political decision, the sanctions will be formally extended for another six months starting next week.

The EU initially imposed sanctions on Russia three years ago after it annexed Crimea.

It has repeatedly extended them as the conflict between Ukraine's government and pro-Russia separatists has dragged on.

EU leaders have long been torn on whether to open more diplomatic contacts with Moscow in parallel with the sanctions.

AP
Liu Xianfa, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, pours a cereal ration into a beneficiary's basket at the Kakuma Refugee Camp food distribution point during the Chinese food donation handover on June 7. Edith Mutethya / China Daily

NAIROBI - China on Wednesday officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the consignment of rice is part of the 450,000 bags that Beijing pledged as food aid.

"China has been sympathetic to the food shortage situation in Kenya that was occasioned by weather situation which has not been promising agriculturally. The Chinese people have always stood side by side with Kenyans and will always come to their aid when the need arises," Liu said.

The delivery is part of the 21,366 metric tonnes of food aid worth $22.5 million that will be distributed to suffering Kenyans throughout the country.

The remaining batches of the food will arrive within the month of June, mid-July and the last batch will be delivered in August.

Josepheta Oyiela Mukobe, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Special Programs, hailed the Chinese people for coming to the aid of the suffering Kenyans at a time when the drought is affecting a big number of the population.

"I am delighted to be here today to witness the handing over of humanitarian relief food from China to the Kenyan government. We are indeed humbled by the much consideration and good neighborliness that the Chinese have shown towards our people," Mukobe said.

"The distribution will commence immediately, and as you can see, our trucks are already waiting. We will not even take the food to our stores, but will embark on distribution without delay because hunger does not wait for anybody," she remarked.

The PS said the consequences of the drought will continue to be felt for a long time, adding that for that reason, there is an urgent need for relief food assistance to 3.5 million people who are affected by the situation in the arid and semi-arid areas.

The drought has wiped out livestock feeds and affected milk production, triggered rise in price of basic food stuff, and impacted negatively on the sources of water, crop production and education.
Police and forensic officers search a house in the Molenbeek district of Brussels after a failed bomb attack at a Brussels railway station (AP Photo/Francois Walschaerts)

Four people have been detained in a series of raids in Brussels linked to the failed bombing at a railway station this week by a man shouting "Allahu akbar", Belgian authorities said.

The four were picked up during searches in the Molenbeek neighbourhood, as well as in Anderlecht and Koekelberg, the federal prosecutor's office said.

The attacker in Tuesday's violence at Brussels Central Station was a 36-year-old Moroccan national also living in Molenbeek, but he was not known to authorities for being involved in extremist activities.

Many of the suspects linked to attacks in Brussels and in Paris in November 2015 lived in or passed through the Molenbeek neighbourhood.

Prosecutors said in a statement that the four suspects allegedly linked to the latest incident in Brussels were "taken in for thorough questioning" and that an investigating judge would decide whether to keep them in custody.

Authorities did not say whether anything had been seized in the raids, and declined to provide further details.

The raids are among several launched since Tuesday's attempted attack at Brussels Central Station in which the man blew up a device that did not fully detonate.

He was then fatally shot by soldiers after charging at them while shouting "Allahu akbar", the Arabic phrase for "God is great". No-one else was hurt.

Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people at the Brussels airport and a subway station last year.

Authorities said the quick shooting of the attacker averted fatalities.

He had been trying to detonate a larger nail bomb.

"It was clear he wanted to cause much more damage than what happened," federal prosecutor Eric Van der Sypt said.

"The bag exploded twice, but it could have been a lot worse."

AP
Hundreds of men swept up in the hunt for al Qaida militants have disappeared into a secret network of prisons in southern Yemen where abuse is routine and torture extreme - including the "grill", in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Senior American defence officials acknowledged on Wednesday that US forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses. Interrogating detainees who have been abused could violate international law, which prohibits complicity in torture.

The AP documented at least 18 clandestine lock-ups across southern Yemen run by the United Arab Emirates or by Yemeni forces created and trained by the Gulf nation, drawing on accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers and Yemeni military officials. All are either hidden or off limits to Yemen's government, which has been getting Emirati help in its civil war with rebels over the last two years.

The secret prisons are inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub. Some detainees have been flown to an Emirati base across the Red Sea in Eritrea, according to Yemen Interior Minister Hussein Arab and others.

Several US defence officials told AP that American forces do participate in interrogations of detainees at locations in Yemen, provide questions for others to ask, and receive transcripts of interrogations from Emirati allies. They said US military chiefs were aware of allegations of torture at the prisons in Yemen, looked into them, but were satisfied that there had not been any abuse when US forces were present.

"We always adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct," said chief Defence Department spokeswoman Dana White when presented with AP's findings. "We would not turn a blind eye, because we are obligated to report any violations of human rights."

In a statement to the AP, the UAE's government denied the allegations.

"There are no secret detention centres and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations."

Inside war-torn Yemen, however, lawyers and families say nearly 2,000 men have disappeared into the clandestine prisons, a number so high that it has triggered near-weekly protests among families seeking information about missing sons, brothers and fathers.

None of the dozens of people interviewed by AP contended that American interrogators were involved in the actual abuses. Nevertheless, obtaining intelligence that may have been extracted by torture inflicted by another party would violate the International Convention Against Torture and could qualify as war crimes, said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University who served as special counsel to the Defence Department until last year.

At one main detention complex at Riyan airport in the southern city of Mukalla, former inmates described being crammed into shipping containers smeared with faeces and blindfolded for weeks on end. They said they were beaten, trussed up on the "grill", and sexually assaulted. According to a member of the Hadramawt Elite, a Yemeni security force set up by the UAE, American forces were at times only yards away.

"We could hear the screams," said a former detainee held for six months at Riyan airport. "The entire place is gripped by fear. Almost everyone is sick, the rest are near death. Anyone who complains heads directly to the torture chamber." He was flogged with wires, part of the frequent beatings inflicted by guards against all the detainees. He also said he was inside a metal shipping container when the guards lit a fire underneath to fill it with smoke.

Defence Secretary James Mattis has praised the UAE as "Little Sparta" for its outsized role in fighting al Qaida.

US forces send questions to the Emirati forces holding the detainees, which then send files and videos with answers, said Yemeni Brigadier General Farag Salem al-Bahsani, commander of the Mukalla-based 2nd Military District, which American officials confirmed to the AP. He also said the US handed authorities a list of most wanted men, including many who were later arrested.

Brig Gen al-Bahsani denied detainees were handed over to the Americans and said reports of torture are "exaggerated".

The network of prisons echoes the secret detention facilities set up by the CIA to interrogate terrorism suspects in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, then-president Barack Obama disbanded the so-called "black sites". The UAE network in war-torn Yemen was set up during the Obama administration and continues operating to this day.

"The UAE was one of the countries involved in the CIA's torture and rendition programme," said Prof Goodman. "These reports are hauntingly familiar and potentially devastating in their legal and policy implications."

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led, US-backed coalition meant to help Yemen's government fight Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who overran the north of the country. At the same time, the coalition is helping the US target al Qaida's local branch, one of the most dangerous in the world, as well as Islamic State militants.

That is not what the families and lawyers in Yemen say. More than 400 men have vanished after being arrested in Mukalla. In Aden, an estimated 1,500 have been detained, according to rights lawyers, who believe most are still in custody.

The AP interviewed 10 former prisoners, as well as a dozen officials in the Yemeni government, military and security services and nearly 20 relatives of detainees. The chief of Riyan prison, who is well known among families and lawyers as Emirati, did not respond to requests for comment.

A small contingent of American forces routinely moves in and out of Yemen, the Pentagon says, operating largely along the southern coast. Under the Trump administration, the US has escalated drone strikes in the country to more than 80 so far this year, up from around 21 in 2016, the U.S. military said. At least two commando raids were ordered against al Qaida, including one in which a Navy Seal was killed along with at least 25 civilians.

A US role in questioning detainees in Yemen has not been previously acknowledged.

A Yemeni officer who said he was deployed for a time on a ship off the coast said he saw at least two detainees brought to the vessel for questioning. The detainees were taken below deck, where he was told American "polygraph experts" and "psychological experts" conducted interrogations. He did not have access to the lower decks.

Senior US defence officials flatly denied the military conducts any interrogations of Yemenis on any ships.

"We have no comment on these specific claims," said Jonathan Liu, a CIA spokesman, adding that any allegations of abuse are taken seriously.

The Yemeni officer did not specify if the "Americans on ships" were US military or intelligence personnel, private contractors, or some other group.

Two senior Yemen officials, one in Hadi's Interior Ministry and another in the 1st Military District, based in Hadramawt province where Mukalla is located, also said Americans were conducting interrogations at sea, as did a former senior security official in Hadramawt.

Former detainees and one Yemen official provided the AP with the names of five suspects held at black sites who were interrogated by Americans.

One detainee, who was not questioned by US personnel, said he was subject to constant beatings by his Yemeni handlers but was interrogated only once.

"I would die and go to hell rather than go back to this prison," he said. "They wouldn't treat animals this way. If it was bin Laden, they wouldn't do this."

AP
In the dead of night, when security personnel patrol deserted streets in insurgency-torn Indian Kashmir, Saif-u-din Khatana ventures out, breaking the eerie silence by beating a drum in village lanes to wake people up for pre-dawn meals during Ramadan.

He has done this for four years now, the latest cycle of unrest notwithstanding.

I know it is risky  I could be picked up and grilled by security forces, shot by separatists  but it gives me immense satisfaction, Khatana, 38, a native of Kashmirs Kupwara district, told BenarNews.

The month of Ramadan is a month of blessings and forgiveness. I do this more for rewards from Allah rather than peanuts offered by people at the onset of Eid, Khatana said.

Khatana (pictured) is a daily wage laborer as well as a sehar khan (Ramadan drum beater). During Ramadan, he leaves his house at 12:30 a.m. and beats his drum through the forested district to ensure he wakes as many people as he can for the 3:40 a.m. meals.

Theres always a fear of an attack by wild animals or stray dogs, he said modestly, even as he passed helmet-clad security personnel patrolling the streets of the insurgency-ravaged district. People, good people, pray for my well-being, he added.

Kupwara is on the de-facto border, called the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. The two countries claim the Himalayan region in its entirety and have fought two full-blown wars over its ownership.

Since the late 1980s a separatist insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir, known on the Indian side as Jammu and Kashmir state, has left more than 70,000 people dead.

Khatana, like many other sehar khans, is unmoved by claims that the centuries-old tradition of drumming to wake people during Ramadan is dying because of the separatist insurgency.

Many gave this up during the mid-1990s when insurgency was at its peak and curfew remained imposed even during the month of Ramadan, Nisar Ahmad, a drummer from Baramulla district near the LoC, told BenarNews.

Ahmad, 50, said he and other sehar khans are returning to the streets because peace is returning to the region.

With the gradual return of peace over the past few years some people resumed this noble work again, said Ahmad, who has been a sehar khan since 2001.

But his belief is unfounded.

They should not panic

Muslim-majority Kashmir is undergoing a fresh cycle of violence, with near-daily street clashes between anti-India protesters and security forces since the killing of a top separatist leader last July.

More than 100 people have died and more than 10,000 were injured in this months-long violence.

India blames Pakistan for backing and funding separatism in Kashmir, a charge Islamabad repeatedly denies, saying the decades-old violence in Kashmir is a result of Indias oppressive rule.

On Thursday, Indian security forces claimed to have killed three suspected militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based outfit, during an encounter in south Kashmirs Pulwama district, triggering intense clashes that claimed the life of at least one civilian and wounded 70 others, police said.

Separatist leaders spearheading the agitation against Indian rule in Kashmir called for a complete shutdown of the Himalayan valley on Friday.

But a senior police official, while requesting anonymity, assured the drum beaters need not worry.

I want to tell them that they should not panic. The only thing I request them to do is to inform us if they notice any suspicious movement, he said.

Tradition versus technology

The centuries-old tradition to wake people to break their fast during Ramadan has survived through the age of technology, Mohammad Yaseen, a Kupwara resident, said.

I am still used to waking up to the blaring but sweet sound of drum beats rather than an alarm on my mobile phone, he told BenarNews.

Waking up to the beat of a drum or to the call of a human has a natural appeal that gives me a very nice feeling, he added.

But there are others who disagree.

The tradition is becoming irrelevant in big cities and towns due to hi-tech alarm clocks and mobile phones available in the market, Nazir Ahmad, a Srinagar shopkeeper, told BenarNews.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin waves as he arrives to submit an application for the new Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in Putrajaya, Aug. 9, 2016.

Malaysias opposition parties are bickering over who should become prime minister if their alliance wins in the upcoming polls  even as they face an uphill task of toppling corruption-tainted Prime Minister Najib Razaks government.

Jailed de-facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim sprang a surprise by pulling out as a candidate for the top government post as preparations intensify among political parties for general elections expected later this year.

Analysts said it is crucial for parties in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) opposition alliance to name a single premier candidate instead of squabbling among themselves, ultimately dragging down support for the bloc.

The choice of PMs candidate is a pertinent factor as the election approaches and if PH does not have a consensus in the matter, the problem will drag on until the crucial period when electoral seats are decided among parties, geopolitical analyst professor Azmi Hassan told BenarNews.

This ... would affect the coalition, he said, adding that even fence-sitters would shy away from voting for PH parties, as they would doubt the capability of the coalitions leaders to lead the country.

The latest indication that divisions are intensifying over the opposition candidate for the top government post came last Saturday when Anwar, who is leader of the Peoples Justice Party (PKR), said in a statement from prison that he would not offer himself as the prime minister designate for the alliance should PH win the polls.

With regard to the calls to focus full attention on the general election, therefore, I choose not to offer myself as a prime ministerial candidate, said Anwar, who was convicted and jailed for sodomizing a former aide, a charge he and his supporters said is politically motivated to destroy his career.

The friction (over who will be prime minister) is exhausting (the opposition), as the final decision lies with the people in the general election, he said.

The PH bloc consists of PKR, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), the National Trust Party (PAN), a splinter from the faith-based Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and the newly formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), led by former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who has emerged as the loudest critic of Najib.

PAS left the alliance in June 2015 and has since touted itself as acting as a second opposition bloc against the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has led the country since independence in 1957.

PKR and DAP want either Anwar or his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as candidate for prime minister.

PPBM, meanwhile, named former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as the candidate although the partys founder Mahathir, who had been prime minister for more than two decades, said he would not mind holding the post if the people insisted. PAN has been keeping mum.

Najib had sacked Muhyiddin as his deputy after Najib was linked to a corruption scandal involving a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

Reports have indicated that nearly $700 million from entities linked to the debt-ridden 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund ended up in Najibs private bank accounts.

Najib has denied wrongdoing or taking money for personal gain over the 1MDB affair.

Rudderless bloc

Another analyst, professor Hanafiah Harun, called the opposition bloc rudderless amid the dispute over the candidacy.

Pakatan Harapan is not stable, especially with the presence of PPBM and PAN which are clearly adding to the existing problems in the opposition.

The confusion is clearly seen from the fact that the opposition is yet to decide on the candidate for the PM and deputy PM positions, Hanafiah told BenarNews.

Azmi said Mahathirs PPBM had not made things easier for the opposition.

PPBM which relies heavily on Mahathirs legacy was supposed to give the opposition an added value, but instead has made the situation murkier.

He said preference should be given to PKR and DAP for winning big in the last elections.

The opposition, led by Anwar, made headway in the last general election in May 2013, winning nearly 52 percent of the popular vote. However, it wrested control of only 89 constituencies out of the 222 parliamentary seats contested.

With Anwar out of the running, some argue that the safest bet to fill the premiers position still lies with Mahathir.

For prime minister, I believe [Mahathir] is the right candidate, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said in a blog post on Monday. I have already given all my reasons for supporting his appointment in the last six months [much to the dismay of many], so I shall say no more on this matter.

Power crazy

An official from Najibs United Malays National Organization (UMNO) said the squabble indicates how power crazy the opposition is, adding that each party is fighting for its own cause.

The disagreement among opposition parties is also holding up the formal registration of their alliance, the 92-year-old Mahathir said in an interview with a Singapore broadcasting station.

He said he personally does not want to return as prime minister but noted that some people wanted him for whatever reason.

If, in the end, nobody comes forward, nobody agrees to any candidate and they point out to me, itll be churlish of me, just because I want to retire and rest and all that, not to respond to them, he told Channel NewsAsia.

Anwar is expected to be released from prison by the middle of next year but will be banned from politics for at least five years unless he is pardoned by the King.

In January, the Court of Appeal allowed Anwar to pursue a legal challenge to a decision by the Pardons Board dismissing a clemency petition filed by Anwars family in March 2015.
Philippine foreign affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (center) gives a statement during a trilateral meeting about security in Manila with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (left) and Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, June 22, 2017.

Facing a deadly Islamic State-inspired siege in the southern city of Marawi, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed on Thursday to closely coordinate in stopping the cross-border flows of weapons and fighters.

Hosted by Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and attended by his Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts, the meeting focused on solidifying a concerted action against regional militants.

The meeting took place amid the backdrop of month-long firefights between the Philippine military and the IS-backed Abu Sayyaf and Maute group.

Authorities said the Filipino militants, led by Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, were backed by Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean and Middle Eastern fighters, raising fears the Islamic State has set its sights into establishing a regional base in the restive southern Philippines, which for decades has been the scene of a brutal Muslim insurgency.

Cayetano and his Indonesian and Malaysian counterparts Retno Marsudi and Anifah Aman, respectively, agreed to boost cooperation "in addressing the common threats of terrorism and violent extremism confronting the region," according to joint statement issued after the talks.

Their respective military and police are to work more closely on intelligence and information sharing in thwarting "potential, imminent and real threats," it said.

They also agreed to stem the flow of terrorist financing, combat the spread of propaganda, as well as address the underlying conditions that fuel extremism including poverty, illegal drugs, crime and social injustice.

Suppressing propaganda, financing

The ministers said they would also work together in suppressing terrorist propaganda through cyberspace, as well as prevent the flow of firearms and humans across porous borders.

A special provision about special military and law-enforcement training was also agreed on, while extremist narrative is to be countered through community engagement where local religious leaders are expected to play a role.

Cayetano said the aim was to boost trilateral cooperation to stop "extremists from establishing operational bases in the Southeast Asian region.

On Thursday, the security command in the eastern part of Sabah in Malaysia placed Hapilon and Abdullah Maute, leader of IS Lanao group, as among 18 most-wanted criminals who might enter the region from Marawi.

Officials of the Eastern Sabah Security Command said they have been alerted that the duo could flee Marawi and potentially use Sabah either as a transit point or a hiding place.

Since the offensive in Marawi city, we are worried they will enter our country under the guise of being illegal immigrants or fishermen, command chief Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said.

Jakarta commitment

President Rodrigo Duterte had placed the entire southern region of Mindanao under martial law, in a bid to solve the biggest crisis to hit his nearly year-old administration.

He had publicly admitted that security forces may have underestimated the rebel firepower.

The president had also relented to his defense secretary who had asked for crucial intelligence help from the United States, the country's oldest military ally that Duterte earlier lambasted as he moved for closer ties instead with China and Russia.

On Wednesday night, Indonesian leader Joko Widodo called Duterte to discuss the Marawi crisis, and both agreed that there was a "need to step up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Thursday.

He said the trilateral meeting's importance was also discussed, with Widodo affirming his country's "commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, including restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines."

"The president also welcomed the Indonesian presidents expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine governments full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues," Abella said.

He said the fighting has killed 276 militants, 67 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians. About two dozen civilians have also died of illnesses in evacuation centers, officials have said.

More than 1,600 civilians trapped in the fighting have also been rescued, but officials said an undetermined number of others were still believed trapped in the war zone, unable to flee and going hungry.

Over before Eid al-Fitr?

Troops have also reported an "increasing willful and intentional arson activities of the rebels in various areas of the city," Abella said, without elaborating.

The military said the gunmen have been cornered in a small section of the city, which has a land area of about 87.5 sq km (55 sq m). They said the militants have put up strong resistance using snipers, bomb and rocket-propelled grenades from "vantage points" that remain in their control.

"Add to this the use of combustible materials and other incendiary devices," Abella said, adding that the militants were also holding civilians and using them as shields as they hide in buildings and mosques.

The government has said it aims to finish the fighting early next week, before the Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Colin Forsythe in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia contributed to this report.
Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon (second from left) listens as other extremist militants discuss their plans to attack the southern Philippine city of Marawi in this screengrab taken from a video released by the Philippine Army, June 18, 2017.

The Philippine military on Thursday said 11 Abu Sayyaf militants surrendered in the southern island of Basilan, where troops have been involved in ongoing combat with the rebels since last year.

Officials said the arrests could cripple the Abu Sayyafs ability to reinforce comrades who are engaged in gun battles with security forces in Marawi, a city in the southern Mindanao region where the Islamic State-inspired extremists have been fighting with government forces over the past four weeks.

One of those who gave up on Wednesday was identified as Ibrahim Malat Sulayman, an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader known for leading attacks in Basilan, a jungle-clad island in the south where the militant group was formed in the early 1990s.

With the continuing pressure employed by the troops on the ground, we are confident that more Abu Sayyaf members will be compelled to cross the line, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the militarys Western Mindanao Command, told reporters.

This feat will convince us even more to intensify our offensives against the remaining fighters, he said.

Galvez said since January, about 100 Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered to troops in the region. Most of them gave up in Basilan, while the rest were from the nearby islands of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City.

This is by far a breakthrough, having so much surrendered hard-core ASG members in just a short span of time, Galvez said. We will continue to put pressure until the last bandit will be taken down.

Leading the militants in Marawi is Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader from the Basilan faction and the acknowledged leader of the Islamic State (IS) in the Philippines, Asias only predominantly Catholic country.

On Thursday, the security command in the eastern part of Sabah in Malaysia placed Hapilon and Abdullah Maute, leader of IS Lanao group, among 18 most wanted criminals who might enter the region from Marawi as a result of incessant airstrikes by the Philippine military.

Officials of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) said they have been alerted that the duo could flee Marawi and potentially use Sabah either as a transit point or a hiding place.

Fighting in Marawi erupted on May 23 when Hapilon and his men  backed by fighters from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia  thwarted the Philippine governments attempt to arrest him. The militants burned buildings and held an undetermined number of hostages, including a Catholic priest.

As of Thursday, officials said the fighting has killed 276 militants, 67 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians.

Since the offensive in Marawi city, we are worried they will enter our country under the guise of being illegal immigrants or fishermen, ESSCOM chief Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said in a statement.

Because of the short distance between Malaysia and the southern Philippines, many Filipinos from the Mindanao islands migrated to Sabah during the 1970s to escape the armed conflict between government forces and secessionist guerrillas.

About 800,000 Filipinos live in Sabah, which has a population of more than 3.5 million.

For years, ASG has been kidnapping and holding hostages for ransom and executing some of them. In February, the group released a video showing the beheading of a German hostage, Jurgen Kantner, after a deadline for a U.S. $600,000 (2.6 million ringgit) ransom passed.

Last year, ASG militants were blamed for attacks on ships in waters between Borneo island from the southern Philippines that resulted in abductions of dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors. Many have since been released unharmed.

After a year of delays, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines on Monday launched joint security patrols in waters between the three countries.

Officials from the three nations began exploring the possibility of joint patrols in May 2016 after a rash of maritime kidnappings in the Sulu Sea slowed trade and reportedly reaped millions of dollars in ransom for Mindanao-based militants, including the Abu Sayyaf group.

Colin Forsythe in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, contributed to this report.





This partial list of wanted men released by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) on Thursday includes Isnilon Hapilon (fifth from left, top row) and Abdullah Maute (fifth from left, bottom row). [Courtesy of ESSCOM]
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At its final meeting of the academic year on June 22, the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees took steps to prepare for 2017-18.

One college will begin the year with a new name that better expresses its mission and vision. The trustees approved the renaming of the College of Business Administration to simply the College of Business, which is broader and does not limit its identity.

In other facilities action, the board approved the naming of a number of spaces on the Bowling Green campus and at BGSU Firelands in honor of companies and people who have contributed their leadership and support.

On the Bowling Green campus, the trustees approved the naming of the Judge Allan H. Davis Computer Lab (Room 206) in the Michael & Sara Kuhlin Center in honor of the longtime supporter of his alma mater. Judge Davis is a 1965 graduate and was a Hancock County judge for more than 40 years. He has served on the WBGU-TV Advisory Board in addition to his many contributions to BGSU. His extensive financial support has included a gift in support of the renovation of South Hall into the new Kuhlin Center and aided the School of Media and Communication (now housed in the Kuhlin Center), along with the Excellence Fund for BGSU, the colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business Administration; and Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering; the Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund, and the Alumni Fund.

At BGSU Firelands, spaces in the North Building and Mylander Hall will now be named: Bettcher Foundation Floor, Geotrac Charitable Foundation EPIC Lab, John G. G. Frost Chemistry Lab, Ruth Frost Parker Biology Lab, Sidney Frohman Foundation Collaboration Space, Daniel and Laura Keller Computer Science Technology Lab, Buckeye Broadband and Telesystem Electronics Lab, Civista Bank Lobby, Erie County Community Foundation Microbiology Research Lab, Balzer Family Student Government Office, Mary Ellen Mazey Student Collaboration Room, Wightman-Wieber Charitable Foundation Student Collaboration Room, Reta B. and James H. Stark Microbiology Prep and Storage Room, Rodney K. Rogers and Sandra Earle Student Collaboration Room, and the Richard P. and Constance L. Smith Student Collaboration Room.

Its thanks to the team effort of our BGSU family that we are able to provide such excellent learning spaces and resources for our students, said President Mary Ellen Mazey. Together we are building a better future.

Although former President Carol Cartwright was at BGSU a relatively short time, from 2008 to 2011, she oversaw a period of remarkable growth and development at the University. In recognition of her role in BGSUs development and as a national leader, the trustees granted her emeritus status and the title President Emeritus. Named interim president in July 2008, Cartwright ensured that progress at the University continued apace. She was named the 10th president of the University in January 2009, becoming the first woman to hold that position at BGSU, as she had as the 10th president of Kent State University (and the first woman to be a public university president in Ohio) previously.

Also approved by the board were the appointments with tenure of two incoming faculty members and an academic administrator.

Dr. MD Sarder will serve as chair of the Department of Engineering Technologies. He will hold the rank of full professor. Sarder is an associate professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he serves as undergraduate program coordinator of the industrial engineering and technology program and graduate director of the logistics, trade and transportation program. He is also the assistant director of the Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation. He received a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, a masters of industrial engineering from Wichita State University, a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an executive certification in supply chain strategy and management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Jayaraman Sivaguru was appointed a professor with tenure in the Department of Chemistry. He comes to BGSU from North Dakota State University, where he has taught in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry since 2011. A postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University from 2003-06, he holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Tulane University, a masters degree in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology and a bachelors degree in chemistry from Bharathidasan University.

Dr. Timothy Davis, a research scientist with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory and adjunct research scientist in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, will join the Department of Biological Sciences as an associate professor. He received his doctorate in marine and atmospheric science from Stony Brook University and did postdoctoral work at Griffith University in Australia and with the Canadian Centre for Inland Waters. His undergraduate degree, in marine science, is from Southampton College.

The trustees also reappointed Bruce Nyberg to a second, three-year term as a BGSU national trustee. National trustees are alumni who do not live in Ohio but who can advocate for higher education and are nationally prominent in their fields. They provide guidance but do not vote on board issues.
Von: NORBERT KORZDORFER

Helmut Kohl died six days ago. The dead giant is lying peacefully in his casket next to his beloved iconic pictures. Memories are looming up like a monument out of yesterdays fog. He lived for 87 years a life filled with joy and sorrow, happiness and unhappiness  and a life dedicated to forging, shaping and pushing forward, thereby helping to save the history of Germany.

I wasnt an icon! said a smiling Kohl sweeping away his own legacy. I dont want to ponder over the gloomy state of affairs of the past. Yes, I have made mistakes. Yet I, too, had a wonderful time. This makes me happy!

Lesen Sie auch



He wore the Federal Cross of Merit with discreet pride through his buttonhole  with laurel wreath design, which was also rewarded to Konrad Adenauer.

The last time we met he bore a striking resemblance to a statue. Only his brown eyes were alive. His features appeared chiseled, like the head of Winston Churchills statue.



Lets take a moment to look back with tender appreciation. Why did this living legend falter in real life?

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HE TOOK HIMSELF DOWN!

16 years of King Kohl were too many. Indeed, he was well aware of it when he tried to become Chancellor for the sixth time (!!!!!!) in a row at the age of 68. That was 19 years ago.

 His contender from the opposing party SPD, Gerhard Schroder (54), had fresh and bold ambitions and defeated the Chancellor of the Century on September 27th, 1998. Kohl almost seemed relieved, accepting the inevitable. This defeat leaves nothing to debate...

For a brief time, both power hungry macho men shared the Chancellery with its glass facade in Bonn. One night they met by chance in the kitchen which was located in the basement. The two men, the old and the new Chancellor, were hungry and thirsty. They opened a few bottles and talked till three oclock in the morning. There was a mutual respect.

Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel in 1992



Kohl was the first Chancellor to be defeated while in office. His major legacy is the EURO and he is honorary citizen of Europe!

Germany at the turn of the Millenium. And all of a sudden the living legend is falling apart, getting beaten down by a number of people.

 Why? Because he received over 2 million marks in secret donations.

 The dilemma he faced? He stood by his word: I will not reveal the names of the donors. I will take the secret to my grave! His fellow party members abandoned their honorary chairman.

Wolfgang Schauble (57), who nearly became his successor, demanded that he takes a leave of absence from his post.

Kohl was hurt since he saw in him his lost brother (he had died in the war at age 18): It was one of the worst experiences of my life. The most bitter disappointment of my entire life.

But then CDU leader Schaube is mired in controversy over the suitcase scandal, that featured a suitcase stuffed with a donation of 100.000 marks.

Now its Angela Merkels turn! The 45-year old secretary general, writes an article that puts her into power! Merkel, who is the daughter of a Protestant priest from East Germany is so disappointed, that she publishes an op-ed in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), in which she calls for her party to sever the ties with Helmut Kohl, thereby pushing him into passive retirement. (Kohl was her idol and she had been regarded as a protege of his). She wrote, that it was time for the CDU to learn to stand on its feet without Kohl and that the Chancellors silence had done damage to the party.

It was Merkels masterstroke. It was the end of the Kohl system and the end of the "Kohl era". Angela Merkel had emerged from his shadow.



Lesen Sie auch

Kohl left and wrapped himself in silence. He paid a penalty of 300.000 marks and paid CDU some 700.000 marks (home mortgage).

Did the money bring Helmut Kohl down? Yes and no!

He was never really interested in money. He never accumulated wealth like others did. As a Chancellor, he earned approx. 200.000 marks net. Kohls pension was approx. 12.800 euros. His home in Ludwigshafen amounts to perhaps one million euros. In his lifetime, he sold about one million books. When members of a real estate convention approached him and offered him 70.000 marks to give a speech, he declined: What, am I crazy? Im not going to talk in front of a bunch of realtors!

He wore oversized tailored suits made in Berlin and Mephisto hiking boots. Liverwurst from the Palatinate region was luxury to him. He lived by the motto, Live and let live. The glass is always half full and not half empty!

He drank from bottles instead of glasses - but at ten oclock in the evening, they were only filled with water. He ordered a platter instead of a plate and always had a desert. Unfortunately, everything I like, makes me fat!

Kohl carried an old wallet around and a small, black pocket diary from BASF. He never had a cellphone and he hated smartphones. Its the end of privacy, so hed say. Sometimes he used his bodyguards Nokia to make a call.

When he wanted to have a private conversation, he was driven to a phone booth near the highway  the former GDR tapped his office phone.

He considered his swimming pool luxury and swam every day. Kohl envied industry bosses because they made millions of euros. And, he utterly enjoyed it when they had to sit behind him on a plane, in alphabetical order.

Kohl juggled billions for the unification of Germany, but couldnt afford a painting by Carl Spitzberg like his Frankonian billionair friend Leo Kirch.



The wealth he has created for himself is the EURO. It is Europes wedding band.

Perhaps his funeral will lay the foundation of the revival of Europe  on top of the rock known as Helmut Kohl.
For Immediate Release, June 22, 2017 Contact: Andrea Santarsiere, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Trump Administration to Strip Yellowstone Grizzlies of Endangered Species Protection Famed Bears Face Trophy Hunting Despite Recent Population Decline VICTOR, Idaho The Trump administration today announced plans to strip all Endangered Species Act protections from Yellowstone's grizzly bears, paving the way for trophy hunting in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The most recent scientific data demonstrates a decline in grizzly bears over the past two years, largely from a spike in managed kills due to livestock conflict, as well as car crashes and deliberate poaching. Despite those losses the Trump administration has opened the door to trophy hunting, which could take place as soon as this fall in the three states. It's tragic that the Trump administration is stripping protections from these magnificent animals just to appease a tiny group of trophy hunters who want to stick grizzly bear heads on their walls, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. This outrageously irresponsible decision ignores the best available science. Grizzly conservation has made significant strides, but the work to restore these beautiful bears has a long way to go. Grizzly bear numbers in the Greater Yellowstone area have improved since the animals were first protected in 1975, but the bears continue to be isolated from other grizzly populations and are threatened by recent increases in human-caused mortality. Climate change and invasive species have reduced whitebark pine and cutthroat trout populations around Yellowstone, putting several food sources at risk. Overall grizzly bears still occupy less than 4 percent of their historic U.S. range. Historically grizzly bears ranged from Alaska to Mexico, with an estimated 50,000 bears occupying the western half of the contiguous United States. With European settlement of the American West, they were shot, poisoned and trapped to near extinction. Today just 700 live in the Yellowstone area. It's incredibly disturbing to see the Trump administration end protections for these beloved Yellowstone bears even as their numbers are falling, said Santarsiere. The ongoing threats the bears face will now be compounded by trophy hunting and lethal removal by trigger-happy state agencies. Today's announcement to remove federal protection comes at a time when key grizzly bear food sources in the heart of the Yellowstone ecosystem have been collapsing and grizzly mortality rates have been increasing. The dramatic decline of whitebark pine and Yellowstone cutthroat trout has prompted bears to eat more meat, such as big-game gut piles and livestock. That has increased conflicts with humans and grizzly bear mortality. Drought and climate change are likely to worsen these problems. Yellowstone's bears have long been isolated from other bear populations, forcing the government to truck in other bears to avoid inbreeding. This fact highlights the need to recover grizzly bear populations in more places. This deeply misguided decision just isn't supported by the science, so the Trump administration may be leaving itself vulnerable to a strong legal challenge, Santarsiere said. The evidence clearly shows we need to protect Yellowstone grizzlies, not turn them into targets for trophy hunters.
For Immediate Release, June 21, 2017 Contact: Nathan Donley, (971) 717-6406, ndonley@biologicaldiversity.org EPA's Watchdog Office Tells EPA: Start Assessing Toxic Interactions Between Pesticides PORTLAND, Ore. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of the Inspector General released a report today recommending that before approving pesticides, the agency should first assess the enhanced toxicity caused by interactions of pesticide mixtures. The report cited the findings of the Center for Biological Diversity's landmark analysis, Toxic Concoctions: How the EPA Ignores the Dangers of Pesticide Cocktails, as evidence that the EPA has failed to collect the data needed to assess toxic interactions, or synergy, between pesticides. The EPA has stubbornly refused to assess interactions between pesticides that it knows can greatly increase the harm to nontarget plants and pollinators like bees and butterflies, said Nathan Donley, a senior scientist at the Center and the author of Toxic Concoctions. The Center's 2016 report found that more than two-thirds of new pesticides registered in the past six years by four major pesticide companies had patents demonstrating their new products' synergistic effects with other pesticides  effects the EPA failed to consider. Today's inspector general's report noted that the majority of new pesticide patent applications identified synergy between some of the most frequently used pesticides in the United States, including glyphosate, atrazine, 2,4-D, dicamba and multiple neonicotinoids. The information on synergy was found by the Center in publically available patents, but apparently the pesticide companies had not shared it with the EPA. The Center followed Donley's report with a petition to the EPA asking that the agency require information on pesticide synergy in pesticide-registration applications. That information was required by regulation from 1984 until 2007, when the agency deleted the provision, calling it unnecessary. As a result, for the past 10 years the risks of synergistic combinations have been widely overlooked by the EPA in its approval of pesticides for food, lawns and everyday products. The EPA has yet to act on the Center's petition. However, in today's report the inspector general noted that the pesticide office had agreed to consider whether synergistic effects data should be required for pesticide registration by June 2019. It's astounding that the pesticide office plans to take two years to decide whether to collect information it clearly needs to assess the safety of pesticides applied to food, fields, forests and lawns, said Donley. Pesticide companies are already sending synergy information to the U.S. Patent Office  the EPA just needs to require that it be submitted as part of the pesticide-approval process. It's not harder than that. The inspector general's report also found that the EPA has not been doing enough to respond to the issue of herbicide resistance. Weeds resistant to the most commonly used herbicide, glyphosate, have now been found on 100 million acres of U.S. farmland in 36 states. This resistance has directly led to increased herbicide use because farmers are opting to spray multiple herbicides in order to kill resistant weeds. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique
The fund will focus on biotech companies that need financial resources to pay for clinical trials of experimental drugs.

Googles parent company Alphabet has invested $300 million in a new fund that will buy stakes in European biotech companies.

Alphabets division Verily Life Sciences will be one of the main investors managed by Medicxi, a venture capital group.

The fund will focus on biotech companies that need financial resources to pay for clinical trials of experimental drugs.

With this new late-stage fund, Medicxi will help fill a clear gap in Europe, where talented life sciences entrepreneurs do not have access to as much local financial support as their US-based counterparts to expand exciting opportunities into more mature companies.

Novartis will also be a strategic investor, and together with Verily, it will appoint two members to the funds scientific advisory board.

Medicxi, which was spun out of tech-focused Index Ventures last year, has become one of the major forces in European biotech, launching funds with the backing of large pharmaceutical groups such as GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and now Novartis.
NAIROBI, Kenya - In the wake of Africa month it's easy to be proud of all that we are achieving as a continent. According to the African Development Bank, Africa is the continent with the world's second fastest growing economy.

Sthembile Shabangu

There's little doubt that our vibrant continent is making great strides towards a bright future, with our economy expected to grow by 3.4% in 2017 and 4.3% in 2018, according to research in the African Outlook Report.

Children are being left behind

But the 110 million children in Africa who, according to the Internet for Education in Africa report, have never seen the inside of a classroom would likely tell us that it's not enough - and they would be right.

Children across Africa's rural communities are being left behind - and with more than 70% of the continent's population living in rural areas, this is a major problem. The same report shows that at least half the population resides more than 25km from the nearest fibre connection. It's clear that while we may be celebrating the growth of connectivity in cities, last-mile connectivity is still a major stumbling block.

Many diseases - few doctors

Education is not the only challenge that requires our urgent attention. Equally troubling and of no less importance is the healthcare sector. With serious diseases like Ebola, malaria, cholera, meningitis and HIV/AIDS still threatening a great number of African lives, we have our work cut out for us. In fact, Brand South Africa reports that while Africa shoulders one quarter of the global disease burden, it is home to just 2% of the world's doctors.

Despite the serious situation, Africa's health care systems still lack the capacity to research, produce and deploy the health care solutions we so desperately need.

This issue was highlighted at the recent World Economic Forum Africa Summit, where it became evident that the private sector will play a vital role in improving healthcare on the continent. It is in the private sector that the resources to invest in people and product development exist.

Changing lives one digital village at a time

As Samsung has discovered first hand, each investment, whether in education or health care or perhaps even both, has the potential to transform hundreds of lives at a time. Just last year we partnered with UNESCO in Tanzania to provide innovative education and healthcare solutions to the Maasai community in Ololosokwan, Ngorongoro.

Together, we established a multi-donor programme comprised of a Samsung Solar-Powered Internet School, a Samsung Solar-Powered Health Centre, a Solar-Powered Tele-Medicine Centre and a Solar-Powered generator.

While the Internet School contains an interactive whiteboard, Samsung Galaxy Note PCs and a printer, the Health Centre provides a variety of eye, ear, blood, dental and pre- and post-natal screening and treatments. The Tele-Medicine Centre, on the other hand, provides prescription and expert healthcare assistance through the use of tele-conferencing made possible by the internet and Samsung Tablets, ultimately enabling greater access to qualified medical assistance where before there was none.

Samsung also launched West Africa's first digital village in Volo in the Volta region of Ghana, where it is partnering with government, local health services and international stakeholders including UNESCO.

Similar to the initiative in Tanzania, the Village is comprised of a Solar-Powered Internet School, Solar-Powered Tele-Medical Centre, Solar-Powered Health Centre and Solar-Powered Generator.

Not only is the Village instrumental to the improvement of healthcare and education in the region but it also helps local traders to develop their businesses through the aid of an alternative, low-cost energy source.

Through innovations like these, we believe it's possible to start changing the status quo. We established a similar digital village in the community of Matshiding in Mpumlanga with the goal of making healthcare accessible to more people.

Because the digital village drastically reduces the distance that patients have to travel to access medical care, almost 700 patients visit the Village each month to access basic healthcare services.

It's true that we still have a great deal of work to do if we want to see our incredible continent continue on its path of transformation, but I firmly believe that the key to our success lies in the power of innovation.

The drive to serve as a catalyst for transformation across the continent is in our DNA. And just as it's been our mandate to inspire innovation in Africa, so Africa has inspired us. When it comes to innovation, the limits to what we as a dynamic and developing continent can achieve are few. We have only to look to ourselves.

Source: African Media Agency (AMA).
The Cannes Lions Digital Craft shortlist has been released, with a single SA campaign making the cut.

The Digital Craft Lions celebrate technological artistry. Entries need to demonstrate exceptional form and function in a digital context through work with flawless design, masterful execution and outstanding user experience created for all digital environments.

There are 93 entries on the shortlist, including the following South African work:

Native VML with the Digital Media Consultancy for Huffington Post - 'Stop the Cycle'.

Click here to view the Digital Craft shortlist in full.

The Festival of Creativity runs from 17-24 June 2017, with Cinemark the local representatives of Cannes Lions for SA. Visit www.canneslions.com/ and our Cannes Lions special section for more information.
Dentsu Aegis Network, one of the leading global media and digital marketing communications networks, has extended its footprint in Africa with the signing of Urban Afrika Media Limited, a leading brand and marketing communications agency, as its affiliate full-service agency in Zimbabwe.

Dentsu Aegis Network Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is part of the global media group that specialises in media, digital and creative communications and spans over southern Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania with owned businesses and affiliates and affiliate partnerships in another 32 markets across SSA.

Urban Afrika Media Limited offers a diverse range of services which includes: brand strategy, creative strategy, brand management, branding, rebranding, brand positioning, brand activation, brand monitoring and media buying. One of their core pillars lies in innovation, which fully supports Dentsu Aegis Networks' vision of Innovating the Way Brands Are Built.

Urban Afrikas native principle refers to their conviction that brands are most successful when they resonate with the local native knowledge of the market they service, and this will allow Dentsu Aegis Networks global clients to have the rich insight into local nuances of the Zimbabwean consumer.

The team at Urban Afrika are known for creating experiences that inspire clients and immerse them in a culture of innovation, with a staff complement of 20 talented and dynamic enthusiasts at the root of their success.

Urban Afrika has a credible client base including: Econet, Premier Service Medical Aid Society, Bakers Inn, Rainbow Tourism Group Ltd, Unicef, Chloride Zimbabwe, Chemplex Cooperation, Cairns Foods to name a few.

Speaking on the affiliation, the Group Chief Operating Officer for Dentsu Aegis Network Sub Saharan Africa, Bevis Hoets, stated, Urban Afrika has a young dynamic team with a core focus on innovation and doing things differently. This aligns well with Dentsu Aegis Networks' strategy and we are proud to have them join our growing SSA affiliate network. We are excited about the opportunities that Zimbabwe presents and we expect to see some significant changes in this market in the years to come.

Julie Makaza, Managing Director for Urban Afrika, commented on the affiliation, A huge step of innovative growth in the right direction, not only for Urban Afrika but for the entire African region. This partnership allows our clients to experience a new level of excellence and will unlock maximum brand power, as we are now able to explore new possibilities within our business. We are confident that this partnership will allow both parties to consequently contribute to greater market and economic growth. This is a global opportunity for brands to enjoy increased sales and aggregate demand across all spheres of the market.




The Consulta 2016 National South African Customer Satisfaction Index (SAcsi) reflects that South Africans are fond of fast food but unhappy with municipalities and wireless providers.

Using a sample of 36,519 South African customers, the SAcsi measured fast food, life insurance, cellular handsets, full-service restaurants, banking, supermarkets, short-term insurance, wireless internet providers and municipalities throughout the year. The National SAcsi offers impartial insights across a variety of South African industries by blending a Customer Expectations Index, Perceived Quality Index and a Perceived Value Index to achieve an overall result out of 100.

According to the Index, the fast food industry achieved an overall satisfaction score of 82.2, which was marginally up from 82 in 2015 and 80.5 in the previous year.

Customers scored the life insurance industry an overall 79 in 2016, up significantly from 77.3 in 2015, and cellular handsets went from 77.2 to 78.2 in the same period.

Full-service restaurants performed solidly with a SAcsi score of 77.6, banking was stable with a score of 76.5, while supermarkets have seen a steady decline from 81.4 in 2014 to 76.6 (2015) to 76.2 in 2016, and short-term insurance dipped to 75.8 from 77.9 in 2015.

Poor customer satisfaction

Within the context of the South African market, a score under 70 generally indicates poor customer satisfaction. The wireless internet providers industry, scoring 67.8 points (a decline from 68.2 in 2015) is one of these. Municipalities suffered a low score of 59.5, down from 61.8 in 2015 due to the overall deterioration of satisfaction with service delivery in the eight major municipal districts measured (Cape Town, eThekwini, Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung and Buffalo City).

While South African customers disposable income has been under pressure, which has directly impacted many industries, the fast food sector remains resilient, says Consulta CEO, Professor Adre Schreuder. During tough economic times, people will spend less on semi-durable goods such as clothing and furniture, and more on the quick-high, feel-good experience of fast food. The convenience it offers is also attractive to people who might be spending longer hours working to supplement their income in tough times.

Although the overall National SAcsi expectations and perceived quality have increased marginally since 2015, perceived value has dropped from a score of 79.3 to 72.1 in 2016, an indication that people see goods and services as becoming more expensive compared to the value they receive. Despite this, satisfaction has remained consistent at 75.7 compared to 75.4 and customer loyalty has increased to 69.9 from 65.2.

Individual brand results

When looking at individual brands, Debonairs and Nandos were the top scoring brands for the year, with SAcsi scores of 85 and 83.8 respectively. Electronics brand Apple was the third best performer with 83.5 points, followed by McDonalds scoring 83.2 and Capitec Bank with a score of 83.1.

On the other end of the spectrum, wireless internet providers MTN, Cell C, Telkom Mobile and Vodacom were the four bottom brands of the year, each scoring under 70, with MTNs score of 65.9 being the lowest.

Of the eight major municipalities surveyed, Buffalo City had the lowest score of 47.6, far below the average sector score of 57.3, while Cape Town beat the average comfortably with a score of 70.3.

The biggest movers for the year were Liberty and Debonairs, each seeing their SAcsi scores jump 3.9 points to 78.1 and 85, and McDonalds which rose by 3.1 points to 83.2. Sanlam, Spur, Old Mutual, Nokia, FNB and Metropolitan achieved other notable increases.

While the fast food industrys customer expectation index score was a high 80.3, this was exceeded by a perceived value score of 82.2 and even further by a perceived overall quality score of 85.3, meaning that fast food brands are generally seen to deliver well on their promises.

The expectation score for wireless internet providers was a relatively low 74.2. However, the industry still failed to achieve or exceed this, recording a perceived overall quality score of 72.5 and an even lower perceived value score of 68.6.

In general, a product is assumed to meet its customers basic needs, but the difference, negative or positive, is made by the companys transparency, communication and customer service. Brands with low SAcsi scores need to be worried, as continuous poor performance in the past has almost always been followed by the exit of a brand from the market, as was seen with Saambou, Altech Autopage Cellular and now Blackberry, Schreuder says.

SA customer satisfaction versus international

The National SAcsi was also measured against similar satisfaction indices in the US, Singapore, South Korea and other countries.

South Africa achieved an overall customer expectation index score of 79.2, compared to 80.2 for the US and 82.9 for South Korea. Singapore brands had a low customer expectation score of 72.5.

The gap between expectations and quality was narrow for most countries at between 0.7 and 3%, meaning that the perceived quality was always slightly higher than expected. The only exception was in South Korea where the perceived quality of brands products and services failed to meet expectations, with perceived quality a huge 10.1 points behind customer expectations.

While South Africans have the highest rate of complaints made among the countries surveyed, we are still the third most satisfied nation, says Prof Schreuder. South Koreans are a more reserved society and they dont complain as much as others, but they are the least price-tolerant and the least loyal of all nations. Americans, being less price-sensitive, are generally the most loyal and satisfied consumers.

Continued political instability, high unemployment rates and poor business confidence in recent years will mean that the National SAcsi is set to remain at its current low levels. Still, brands that draw from the insights in the index and adapt accordingly are generally more likely to improve on previous scores.
Philip Morris International (PMI) will invest approximately $320 million in a new high-tech facility in Dresden, Germany, to produce Heets, the tobacco units to be used with the electronic tobacco heating device IQOS. Construction of the 80,000 m2 facility is scheduled to begin in late 2017. Operational in early 2019, the factory is expected to employ about 500 people.

IQOS and Heets have been available for adult smokers in Germany since June 2016, starting with pilot commercialisation in Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin. IQOS is currently available in key cities in more than 25 markets around the world.

Andre Calantzopoulos, PMIs CEO, said, This investment represents another step towards a future in which smoke-free products replace cigarettes. Already, over two million people have given up smoking and switched to IQOS and we know this is just the beginning. We are fully committed to meet smoker demand for potentially less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.

Frederic de Wilde, president of PMIs European Union Region added, We are encouraged by the successful launch of IQOS in Germany and its performance in other European countries. Europe has become a hub for PMIs research, development and investment in better alternatives to cigarettes.

With this announcement, Germany will join a growing list of countries where PMI manufactures tobacco units for IQOS, including Italy and Switzerland. In addition, PMI recently announced the conversion of the cigarette manufacturing facility of its affiliate in Greece. By the end of 2018, PMI plans to have a total annual installed capacity of heated tobacco units of approximately 100 billion units.

According to PMI, the South African launch of IQOS marked a major milestone in achieving the companys objectives of a smoke-free future, with South Africa being the first market in Africa where IQOS has been made available.

IQOS is one of four smoke-free product platforms that PMI is developing to address adult smoker demand for better alternatives to cigarettes.
Shares in Woolworths, once regarded as a recession-proof retailer, are trading close to three-year lows as the company finds itself stuck between SA's stalling economy, the cash-guzzling turnaround of its David Jones acquisition in Australia and an impending competitive onslaught from Shoprite, which is moving up-market.

Image credit: Business Day

Woolworths stock closed at R62.25 on Wednesday, a drop of 42% from its high of R106.88 on November 15 2015. In the same period, Shoprite shares have gained 36%.

One analyst said the country's retailers underestimated the gravity of the changes new entrants such as H&M and Zara were bringing to the apparel sector. If they failed tot adjust to this "seismic shift", they would battle to survive.

"I get the sense that they think it's just a cyclical downturn, and they are going to come up short," said Sasfin Securities' retail analyst Alec Abraham.

Abraham was also critical of apparel companies' reliance on discounting. "That's a race to the bottom. What is being overlooked is a focus on styling. You don't have to discount if you have what people want."

Woolworths has a new threat to contend with: Shoprite's push to take market share through its Checkers stores. Shoprite plans to open 23 Checkers outlets in wealthy areas by June 2018.

Sales from Checkers stores have grown more than 11% over the past 12 months, ahead of the group's 8.8% increase and higher than Woolworths' 9.5% increase in food sales for the first half to December 25.

In Australia, Imraan Jeeva, analyst at Mvunonala Asset Managers, told Business Day TV that management was overspending on righting the David Jones business. "It's a really competitive environment right now ... it looks as though they're destroying more and more capital. I'd like to see management own up to their errors, honestly, and give a very credible strategy as to how they're going to preserve what value they do have in Australia," said Jeeva.

Woolworths, heading into a closed period ahead of its year-end later in June, said it was on a "transformational journey" at David Jones. Its investment would "make a considerable and sustainable difference to the business in the long term".

CEO Ian Moir does still have backing among analysts.

"If I look at " how he successfully converted Woolworths' brand equity into shareholder value, it left me confident that he could do the same with David Jones," says Abraham.

"I'm quite positive that they have diversified their geographic sources of income outside of SA - it's prudent."

Still, Australia's retail environment is proving no easier than SA's. Sales fell 0.2% in both February and March, before rising 1% in April. In SA, April retail sales showed year-on-year growth of 1.5%, but for textiles, clothing and footwear, sales between February and April dropped 5.9%.

Source: Business Day
Massmart's Supplier Development Programme (SDP) has supported 32 small local manufacturers to gain access to market and form part of the broader Massmart supply chain, procuring an estimated R290 million from such manufacturers. The suppliers produce a variety of products ranging from cooler boxes, window frames, paint and bathtubs to adhesives and furniture.

Massmart works closely with the Economic Development Department (EDD) to identify new suppliers and help existing suppliers grow their businesses. The programme was established following intervention from Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, who has championed the development of local suppliers in the retail sector.

Patel says, The SMME sector is key to creating jobs and growing our economy. Both government and the corporate sector have a role to play in developing industrialists and entrepreneurs and making our local manufacturing sector competitive again. Interventions such as these are a good way to achieve our goals as a country.

Private label examples

In particular, the groups private label brands have provided new routes to market for small suppliers to produce for mass markets, which they may otherwise have struggled to access, given the cost and risks involved in developing a brand. Eastern Cape-based company Ikusasa Green is an example; it manufactures a range of five roto-moulded cooler boxes under the private label brand Camp Master.

Based in Wetton in the Western Cape, the Noodle Factory is a 100% black-owned noodle manufacturer, owned by Mohammed Shakiel Parker, who joined the SDP two years ago. Thanks to the partnership, The Noodle Factory now produces instant noodles for the Masscash private label brand, Econo, throughout the Western Cape.

In addition to accessing a broader market though the repeat business from Masscash stores, the SDP has also assisted the company in acquiring upgraded machinery, meeting ISO compliance and certification requirements and improving its packaging to meet labelling standards.

Parker says, With big retail on board, we have taken our job numbers from 25 to 129. Flour processed has increased from 3.2 tons to 8 tons per day. We still have challenges but we now run the plant 24 hours a day. In the next 6 months, we will outgrow our current line and will have to add another. This should bring at least another 70 jobs online. Bear in mind that all our volume comes from import replacement Id like to thank Massmart and the EDD for their assistance and installation of the new boiler. It comes at a time when its need is greatest.

A key focus of the Supplier Development Programme is to source and support small local manufacturers who provide opportunities for import substitution; of the 32 suppliers, six are import substitution projects.
LONDON,UK - Diageo, the British maker of alcoholic drinks, said Wednesday it had agreed to buy Casamigos, an upscale tequila brand co-founded by Hollywood star George Clooney, in a deal worth up to $1 billion.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Diageo to strengthen its participation in the fast-growing tequila category, as well as expand the brand internationally," the company said in a statement.

It called Casamigos the fastest-growing super-premium tequila brand in the United States. Casamigos has won numerous awards since it was created in 2013 by Clooney and two friends, and sales have climbed fast.

The tequila has promoted itself as "made by friends for friends", and the founders plan to stay involved.

"Casamigos has always been brought to you by those who drink it and we look forward to continuing that, working alongside the expertise and global reach of Diageo," said Casamigos Tequila co-founder Rande Gerber.

Source: AFP
It seems cruel that drugs that can save the lives of thousands of cancer sufferers are so prohibitively expensive that even people on the very top-end of medical aid cover can only access part of the treatment course, while those in the public sector don't stand a chance.

Photo: Roche

The cost of Herceptin

One of these drugs is trastuzumab (sold as Herceptin in South Africa), used to treat the HER2 positive form of breast cancer, an aggressive subtype with a higher risk of recurrence and metastatic spread to sites such as liver, lungs, bone and sometimes brain.

Of the 8,000 women who develop breast cancer in South Africa each year, 15-20% develop HER2 positive.

Yet, Cancer Alliance South Africa and other advocacy groups say many women in South Africa who need trastuzumab can't access it due to the high price charged by the drug's developer, Roche. In the private sector, a 12-month course of Herceptin costs approximately R485,800, or more if higher dosing is required. Considering that only around 14% of South Africans are on medical aid, the percentage of women with HER2 positive who have access to the drug is tiny.

In addition, the cancer benefit also has to cover specialist consultations and other treatment expenses, and with the high cost of the cancer drug, the patient is going to have to make a co-payment. "So basically people are going into debt to pay for their treatment when they thought they were covered," says Salome Meyer of Cancer Alliance.

Roche says the price is so high because they have to recoup the research and development cost of the drug. Thats nonsense. They recouped that money long ago, she says.

Ironically, trastuzumab is on the World Health Organisations Essential Medicines list where every medicine listed has been vetted for efficacy, safety and quality, and that there has been a comparative cost-effectiveness evaluation with other alternatives in the same class of medicines.

The patent issue

Roche is able to charge such a high price as it holds multiple patents on the drug, which may block cheaper biosimilars from being sold in South Africa until 2033. This (the inquiry) is a major victory in our struggle to ensure that all people in South Africa can access the medicines they need to stay healthy and alive, says the Fix the Patent Laws coalition.

Earlier this year our coalition launched the Tobeka Daki Campaign for Access to Trastuzumab during a global day of action. The campaign was named after Tobeka Daki  a fearless comrade and cancer activist who died of breast cancer in November 2016. Even though Tobekas doctor thought she should be provided trastuzumab, Tobeka could never access the medicine due to its high price  over half a million rand per treatment course in the private sector.

Roche said in February that the patents on trastuzumab relate to specific technologies which were invented during its clinical development; these, however, do not intrinsically preclude trastuzumab biosimilars from entering the market. "Roche will not necessarily oppose the entry of biosimilar versions of trastuzumab, provided that these medicines meet the appropriate regulatory standards as set out by the South African Medicines Regulatory Authority (Medicines Control Council).

"We do not believe that dropping patents will result in equitable access to trastuzumab, but rather we aim to improve access in a manner that delivers sustainable improvements to healthcare today while allowing us to continue to invest in new medical innovations. As a result, the discussion on patents is not relevant in the current context of increasing access to trastuzumab."

Competition Commission inquiry

Last week, the Competition Commission announced that it's launching an inquiry into Roche, as well as Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest generic drug maker and US company Pfizer, on the cost of their cancer medications in South Africa. And one of the drugs under review Competition Commission is Herceptin.

The Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) welcomes the inquiry, saying that South Africa is in urgent need of a scientific approach to determine how a medicine is priced, and when a medicine is priced excessively and thus unaffordable.

Furthermore, the Medicines Act allows the set price in the private sector to be different to the state price for medicines as it is acceptable practice that the standardised private price of all drugs subsidises the low state price for the majority of poor or indigent South Africans.

However, we have seen the subsidised cost of certain biologics to vary by more than 500% when compared with private sector costs  these price differentials are simply too enormous to overlook and demand deeper investigation, explains Dr Rajesh Patel, head: benefit and risk at the BHF.

Roche said in February that it was in negotiation with the Department of Health and could not disclose the pricing of the drug. However, they said: Trastuzumab is already available in the public sector on a buy out at a reduced price. The price which is currently being negotiated offers the department a further reduction on the current price in the public sector, and is on par with collaborative options adopted in low-income countries such as India.
Forty-two South African designers are currently exhibiting their artisanal goods at the renowned BHV/Marais in Paris, a department store of the group of Galeries Lafayette that attracts over 60,000 visitors daily. The exhibition, which runs until 31 July 2017, showcases South Africa's creative energy and its international design and cultural capitals: Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Championed by Artlogic, This is Cape Town and Le BHV/Marais, the showcase presents an opportunity to expose international audiences and buyers to a selection of artisanal South African brands across various design categories namely; fashion, furniture, accessories, beauty, homeware and decor.

Trade and export opportunity

A project of this proportion, lead by a prominent international retailer is the first of its kind in Paris. Brand South Africa, the Department of Small Business Development, the Department of Arts and Culture, South African Tourism and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency in South Africa support the South African Exhibition in Paris.

Taking our brands into a large international retailing environment moves us closer to our goal of ultimately securing permanent supply contracts between the brands and the store, as well as other buyers in Paris. These brands have been nurtured on home soil through the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair and this trade and export opportunity is just one step in the pursuit of getting our high quality South African products, into homes and stores all across the globe.

"This project will craft a progressive narrative around the South African artisanal design market, which is growing and thriving with a new audacity and vigour, explains Mandla Sibeko, director Artlogic.

Participating brands

1. A Love Supreme

2. Ashanti Design

3. Ardmore

4. Ash Ceramics

5. Ballo

6. Beach Cult

7. Bukusu Organics

8. Butter Jewellery

9. Butter Pudding

10. Crystal Birch

11. Dear Rae

12. Evolution

13. Granadilla Swim

14. Handmade by Me

15. Hamethop

16. Henriette Botha

17. Klomp Ceramics

18. MaXhosa by Laduma

19. Lalesso

20. Lisa Frazer

21. Mamiwata

22. Margot Molineux

23. Merwe and Salt

24. Mevrou & Co

25. Mia Melange

26. Pichulik

27. RialHeim

28. Sealand

29. Selfi

30. Simon & Mary

31. Skermunkil

32. Thalia Strates

33. Thula Sindi

34. Umbala

35. Vogel

36. Vorster

37. Wiid Design

38. Wild Olive

39. Wolf & Maiden

40. Wren Design

41. Yswara

42. Zana

The main purpose of this first exhibition in Europe is to help and support South African designers in their international development. The European market is not the same as the South African market, therefore my role is to guide designers in understanding this new market that is available to them and accompany them throughout this journey, adds Julie Hatchuel, director This is Cape Town.
In a troubled year, it is more important than ever that we help those who help others.

Were halfway through 2017, and already this year will be remembered as the one when government became an incapable partner to society. The state and its ability to effectively deliver services have been torn apart by cronyism, greed and corruption. Adding to the bad news is the fact the economy is now in recession. Its descent into a kind of uncaring paralysis has been carefully documented over the past few years.

The near-collapse of certain sections of the state has increased the burden on civil society groups to mediate the anger felt by a nation that has come to see itself as uncared for. As things stand, NGOs, civil society groupings and other non-state players play an enormous role in filling in the gaps where the state has no capacity or desire to care for our societys most vulnerable citizens.

Mental health patients

There have been stunning examples of this in 2017. In February, the horror of the death of more than 100 mental health patients was revealed. In a move to cut costs, the state had farmed out hundreds of patients to care facilities in Gauteng that were not adequately staffed or equipped to take care of mental health patients. In doing so, it ignored warnings, and the results were predictably horrific: in some instances not only was there no licence to operate such homes, but there was not even enough food or water. Patients starved to death over days in some instances.

Months after the Health Ombud gave his recommendations to fix the mess, progress is still painfully slow. This inhumane tragedy will remain a stain on the states track record of respecting the basic human rights of citizens placed in its care.

Social grants

In March, there was great doubt cast over whether social grants would be paid at all on 1 April after corruption and incompetence in the Department of Social Development and its grant-paying agency, Sassa, were unpacked once more in the Constitutional Court.

More than 17-million South Africans rely on the state for social grants. The attitude of the state  which dithered so much about resolving the matter that the only workable solution was to extend a grant-paying contract that had been declared illegal by the courts  was startling and cavalier. The uncertainty over the the states ability to meet its grant obligations had a knock-on effect on NGOs. Many NGOs are wholly dependent on the state for their funding; yet, as Vorster notes in her report, the relationship between the state, NGOs and civil society has eroded, and is in many instances hostile.

The strike and its effects left beneficiaries stranded, unsure of how to pay their staff or their suppliers. Those who care for at-risk children, persons with disabilities and the frail were left totally exposed to potential tragedy through the loss of, or damage to, human life. What is worse than the loss or putting at risk of human life? What society can heal from a history of horror and hurt when it lives with this on its conscience from day to day?

South Africans are not numb

The outpouring of anger and grief over the epidemic of violence against women and children in the past month shows that South Africans are not numb, as we are so often told we are. We do care, and we need to continue to care. We need to create agency for ourselves if we are to change our society, which allows too much of the burden of our social ills to be carried by an NGO sector that hangs by a gossamer thread.

We cannot and should not ghetto-ise violence against women. We cannot sit by and let superstition threaten persons with disabilities and albinism. We should not isolate our community members who are mentally ill so that when they are in crisis, no-one is there to see and act. And we must act to protect our children, who are our future.

The loss of human life as a result of a society that has forgotten how to care for all of its members is unacceptable. Building an inclusive society begins when everyone is taken into account, and there is a place for all in the sunshine.

It is not an accident that neglect and violence coalesce around our most vulnerable citizens. It is well documented that children with disabilities have access to fewer resources, and are neglected, abused and sexually exploited more often than other children. This happens because no space is created for their voices or for their faces.

Inequity in SA

Daily, we witness the inequity in our country. At the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, we confront the heart-breaking  but also life-affirming  stories of South Africans of all walks of life. Fortunately, the council is not dependent on the state for funding, as all our funds are raised through our Casual Day activities. And we are very grateful to the thousands of South Africans who participate and continue to support Casual Day on the first Friday every September. But other NGOs are not as lucky, and they need support to carry on the vital work they do.

Now, more than ever, it is up to every South African to embrace the NGOs around them and to lighten their load, by increasing their own involvement in caring for those in need in their own neighbourhoods and cities.

Our Constitution and Bill of Rights afford us many protections and freedoms, but they are rendered meaningless until each citizen takes action to ensure that their family members, their schools, their neighbourhoods  all of our citizens  are able to access their rights and protections.
With the planting season beginning this month, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is distributing seeds and fertilisers to more than one million people in north-eastern Nigeria. The move forms part of the government's efforts to restore livelihoods and combat critical levels of food insecurity and malnutrition in areas affected by Boko Haram violence.

The emergency distributions come as Germany contributes 4 million ($US4.5 million) to alleviate food insecurity in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states - the largest contribution FAO has received so far for the Nigeria operation. The funds will support FAO's work to further improve agricultural production and safeguard the livestock assets of vulnerable people affected by the violence including displaced people, refugees, and host communities.

"Investing in agricultural assistance today will provide food for tomorrow; and can ensure people have a source of food even when they are cut off from other forms of humanitarian aid," said FAO country representative ad interim, Nourou Macki Tall.

Agricultural support is critical

The FAO operation will provide around 2,000 tonnes of cereal, pulse and vegetable seeds and 3,500 tonnes of fertilisers to vulnerable farmers in 46 Local Government Areas, reaching 1.1m people. Those taking part have access to land, so sufficient agricultural support is critical to enable them to benefit from the coming rainy season.

"Eighty percent of the people in the area are farmers, and need support to return back to their farms," said Alhaji Maina Gana, chairman of the Fune Local Government Area in Yobe State.

The World Food Programme provides food rations to the beneficiaries of FAO's kit to protect seeds from direct consumption. This ensures immediate hunger needs are addressed while also enabling a future harvest. FAO is also working with the Government and national and international non-government organisations.

High levels of food insecurity

Around 5.2 million people are struggling with high levels of food insecurity in the three states and require immediate and enhanced support.

The critical planting season intervention is possible thanks to the governments of Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States of America as well as the European Commission (ECHO) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

For 2017, FAO is requesting $62 million under the Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria and the FAO Lake Chad Response Strategy. Additional support is urgently needed to reach the millions in need in the coming months, including to protect livestock assets, strengthen livelihoods, rehabilitate infrastructure and support food security coordination and analysis.
Over the past three decades, the South African agriculture financing landscape has undergone some significant shifts, the two most apparent of which have been the massive growth in the overall need for farm funding and a change in focus by some of the country's most prominent finance providers.

Zhann Meyer, Head: Agricultural Commodities at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking

The agri-finance picture

In the mid-1980s, the total value of primary farm debt across South Africa was approximately R13bn. At that time, the Land Bank held roughly 22% of this total debt, while commercial bank funding made up 26% and cooperatives accounted for around 30%. By the end of 2016, this agri-finance picture had changed considerably with total farm debt in the country amounting to approximately R145bn.

Interestingly, at 28%, Land Bank finance still accounts for a similar proportion of this total debt as it did over 30 years ago. However, the involvement of cooperatives and commercial banks in agriculture funding has changed dramatically. Today, banks are responsible for around 60% of the total farm finance in play, while involvement by cooperatives has shrunk to around just 7%.

The reason for the drop in finance provision by these cooperatives is simply that their ownership structures and approaches to lending have changed considerably over the years. Where, before, most were collectively owned by farmers themselves, the majority are now held by institutional investors, which has naturally resulted in a shift in focus from lending money to farmers as a natural extension of services to more complex and often off-balance sheet structures with a limited recourse Service Level Agreement or Safex Derivative as a tool for deleveraging the balance sheet.

For its part, the Land Bank has retained its vital role in the South African agriculture arena. The institution is still a massively important provider of much-needed finance to farmers. However, where it previously mainly provided finance to established farmers, it now plays a very significant role in the transformation of the countrys agri-sector, with the majority of its focus being on partnering with new and emerging sector entrants to help them establish themselves as sustainable commercial farmers.

Briding the commercial farming funding gap

This changing focus of both the countrys cooperatives and the Land Bank left something of a funding gap where the needs of established commercial farmers were concerned. And, over the past few decades, steadily increasing numbers of commercial banks have stepped in to bridge the gap. Perhaps somewhat fortuitously, this increasing involvement by commercial institutions in agri-finance provision has been facilitated by the stellar growth in farmland values over the same period.

In fact, the total value of South Africas agriculture assets is currently estimated to be over R420bn, and land and improvements comprise well over half of this value. The presence of these physical assets delivers the dual benefit of making involvement in the agriculture sector more viable for private sector funding institutions, while also enabling the structuring of affordable finance solutions for farmers thanks to the collateral they can offer banks to secure the loans they require.

The value of the partnership approach

Importantly, though, the participation by the private sector in agriculture goes far beyond the mere provision of credit. As commercial institutions, banks have a vested interest in ensuring the success of the farms they lend to. As a result, commercial agri-financiers typically take a strong partnership approach, backing up their financial inputs with the provision of extensive expertise, consulting and advice to farmers as well.

While the full value of this partnership approach isnt always immediately apparent, the long-term benefits will prove vital. The aftermath of the devastating 2015/16 drought is a case in point. While banks are helping farmers to meet their immediate needs through funding for more sustainable water access infrastructure like boreholes and dams, the less obvious aspect of their involvement is the expertise and guidance they are offering to ensure those farmers prepare themselves to cope with the growing challenges they will almost certainly face given the countrys water-constrained future.

And given that the success of any commercial farming operation relies on much more than just growing crops or raising livestock, this partnership approach by the banks typically extends to the full agriculture supply chain. This is a vital aspect of commercial agri-finance because, while farming itself is estimated to account for around 2.5% of South Africas total GDP, the secondary activities, and industries that exist around agriculture push the full economic value of this sector to over 25% of GDP.

When one looks at it this way, the significant increase in the levels of involvement in sustainable agriculture by commercial lenders is of massive importance. By investing - financially and intellectually - into the agri-sector and its secondary industries, banks are not just aiding farmers; they also have the opportunity to help create and sustain jobs, ensure greater food security, and contribute to the much-needed growth of the South African economy as a whole.
Old Mutual Foundation in partnership with Red Bull recently announced Thabang Mabapa, who impressed the judges with his Selokong Sa Dimelana project, as the winner of their business pitch challenge", winning R100,000 enterprise development funding to grow his business. The Limpopo-based project engages with small-scale local farmers to grow castor seed crops for the commercial production of castor seed oil as an alternative biofuel. We wanted to find out a bit more about this inspiring young entrepreneur.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what motivates you

I was born and raised in Soweto. I enjoy learning from people. I have a passion for agriculture and entrepreneurship. I get motivated by my team members, their dedication and contribution to Selokong Sa Dimelana have been immeasurable.

Tell us about your project Selokong Sa Dimelana

We use the idle and marginal land to farm castor seeds and process them to castor oil and biodiesel. We address rural brain drain, a social problem facing Muila village, where out of those that are left seven out of 10 young people are unemployed. Our business is in the agricultural sector, yet plays a role in a number of industries including energy. Our farm is in Muila village, and our aim is to use up all the land that we have access to in the near future.

What led you to start the project?

It all started when I went to clean the community church and a friend of mine gave me tree spikes to throw away. I didnt throw them away, I put them in my bag but didnt know what they were at the time. So when I got home I crushed the spikes and found these attractive brown seeds inside. Out of curiosity, I did research on the seeds and thats when I found out what they could produce. I found out that they were castor seeds.

These are oilseeds with high oil content. After gathering research about castor oil, I went on to approach a professor who specialises in chemical engineering to help me extract the oil from the seeds. He agreed to help me produce samples of the oil. But prior to mechanic extraction, I cooked the seeds and then crushed them using a spoon to extract the oil. I called it manual extraction.

What challenges did you face when starting the project and how did you overcome them?

The challenges we faced when starting, like any other startup in South Africa, was funding which we still need to scale our business. We needed funding to develop a pilot farm. Another challenge was access to the biodiesel market.

Tell us about the work that you do with the local small-scale farmers

We engage in a business model that cuts prices to gain an industry share. We are targeting the biodiesel market and markets that use castor oil as a starting material. We also collaborate with small-scale farmers through contract farming, where we supply farmers with castor cake (organic fertiliser) for free in exchange that the farmer dedicates one or more hectares of their land to castor seed farming, and then we buy castor seeds from them. We also sell our biodiesel to farmers to use on their tractors.

What are your hopes for the future of the project?

Our hopes for the future is to duplicate our business model in other villages and to be a leading castor oil producing company in Africa.

Any words of advice for other young entrepreneurs who want to make a difference?

Young people should never be afraid to ask, be it for mentorship, funding or any activity that will put them in a position to make a difference and in the process, learn.
Wine Cellar: Fine Wine Merchants & Cellarers once again identified SA's hottest young winemaking talent for the seventh edition of the Young Guns tasting event. Roland Peens and James Pietersen of Wine Cellar reveal their top picks for rising stars in the wine industry who should most definitely be on your radar... the Young Guns of 2017.

Wine Cellar Young Guns 2017, from L to R: Paul Hoogwerf, Jessica Saurwein, Callan Williams, Stephanie Wiid, Lukas van Loggerenberg, Franco Lourens, Douglas Mylrea, Danie Carinus and Etienne Terblanche

These nine dynamic winemakers mostly have full-time day jobs and are also producing unique and interesting wines under their own labels. They are the future legends who arent afraid to shake things up and set the tone with minimal intervention and natural winemaking. With a host of new labels, niche grape varieties, different styles and interesting personalities, these Young Guns are set to push the boundaries.

The pick of the crop:

Callan Williams, Garajeest

The Garajeest in winemaker Williamss words is an expression of fascination with life, vines, and verse. Having learned the ropes at Iona, Zimbabwean-born Williams found a home at Cape Crush making straight varietal Semillon and Cabernet Franc wines. Williamss The Garajeest Jim Semillon 2015 and The Garajeest Bruce Cabernet Franc 2015, produced in high volumes, are inspired by the concept of lyrics and legends, each wine named after a different musician.

Danie Carinus, Carinus Family Vineyards

Carinus talks passionately about his love for Chenin and tells a tale of humble beginnings, renting cellar space from his cousin at Overgaauw and refers to himself as the boy in the bubble among amazing winemakers. As the first viticulturist Young Gun, Carinus is driving efforts to raise the profile of wine farming in South Africa. His wines, the Carinus Family Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2016 and the Carinus Family Vineyards Syrah 2016, however, tell a different story, one of talented promise and a great winemaking future.

Franco Lourens, Lourens Family Vineyards

I truly believe that if you get it right in the vineyards, the quality will follow through in the cellar, says Lourens of his wines, the Lourens Family Wines Lindi Carien 2016 and the Lourens Family Wines Howard John 2016. No yeast, acid, enzymes or fining agents are used in the three vintages under his own label and only old oak barrels and clay pots are employed for maturation of varietals such as Grenache and Syrah. Currently the assistant winemaker at Alheit Vineyards with work experience at both Edgebaston and Schalk Burger & Sons, Lourens gathered experience during local harvests at Tokara and Jordan and international harvests in both Australia and California.

Jessica Saurwein, Saurwein

The philosophy behind Nom Pinot Noir is to mirror the beauty, elegance, and depth of the unique terroir of the Kaimansgat vineyard in the Elandskloof valley, says Saurwein. Equipped with a degree in oenology and viticulture from Stellenbosch University as well as various local and international harvests, Saurwein cut her teeth at Bouchard Finlayson and Klein Constantia. Now full-time sales and marketing manager at Kleinood Farm in Stellenbosch, she has recently released her second vintage Saurwein Nom Pinot Noir 2016, rated 90 points by international wine critic Neal Martin.

Lukas van Loggerenberg, Van Loggerenberg Wines

Cabernet franc is like a beautiful woman who knows what she wants, says Van Loggerenberg about his favourite varietal. Calling his Van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2016 a sexy lady is no understatement, the wine is elegant and herbaceous and according to Van Loggerenberg, best served with "lamsbout", a slow roasted leg of lamb. Add to this the Van Loggerenberg Geronimo Cinsault 2016, inspired by a call of Geronimoooo during a cliff jump to overcome his fear of heights, and were looking at a daring portfolio of dry, low alcohol wines with immense aging potential that are sure to catapult Van Loggerenberg to winemaking fame.

Etienne Terblanche and Stephanie Wiid, Thistle & Weed

Farmers often curse thistles and weeds; theyre spiny, prickly and a nuisance at the very least. But, it is their tenacity and uncompromising survival skills in which we can draw parallels with the grapevine  considered by many as the ultimate weed, says Terblanche. With more than 25 harvests between them, Wiid and Terblanche have travelled the world, seen vineyards growing in the valleys of the Loire and terraced slopes of the Douro, shovelled the fermented skins of West Sussex and Bordeaux, tasted the grapes in misty New Zealand and sampled amazing wines from around the world. The Thistle & Weed Duwweltjie (Devils Thorn) Chenin Blanc 2016 and Thistle & Weed Nastergal (Black Nightshade) Tempranillo & Alicante Bouschet 2016 is inspired by local vineyard weeds. Etienne and Stephanie aim to produce small batches with minimal intervention in fresh artisanal style wines.

Paul Hoogwerf and Douglas Mylrea, Maanschijn

Nestled in the shadows of Maanschynkop, between Hermanus and Stanford, lies a cellar which could be mistaken for an illicit moonshining operation and the home of Maanschijn wines. With a passion fuelled by multiple vintage experiences and a consistent philosophy of minimal intervention, Mylrea and Hoogwerf seek to continuously bring innovative wines and styles to the table. Their wines, the Maanschijn Easy Tiger Grenache Gris 2016 and the Maanschijn Verdelho 2017 mirror their lust for life and clearly establish them as partners in wine to be reckoned with.
Zimbabwe - Communal farmers are leading in maize production for the 2016-17 farming season, as their output increased by 364 percent. According to the final crop and livestock assessment report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, communal farmers increased their yield with an expected harvest of 770,682 tonnes.

Pexels via pixabay

The farmers last season produced 166,216 tonnes of maize.

The report states that A2 farmers increased maize production by 296 percent from 162,665 tonnes during the 2015-16 season to 643,790 tonnes this season, while A1 farmers increased production by 326 percent from 122,358 tonnes last season to 521,588 tonnes this year.

Farmers from the old resettlement sector increased maize production by 264 percent from 40,359 to 147,068 tonnes this season, while small-scale commercial farmers increased production by 333 percent from 14,893 tonnes to 64,538.

Peri-urban farmers increased production by 44 percent from 5,325 tonnes last year to 7,680 tonnes this year.

Government re-introducing marketing boards

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made applauded farmers for working hard in producing different types of crops, including grains, pulses, tubers and cucurbits. "Farmers from all sectors have done well," he said. "Farmers have done their part and it is now our part to assist them with the marketing of their crop.

"This is the reason why government is re-introducing marketing boards." Made said the parastatals that would be resuscitated would include the Cold Storage Commission, Dairy Marketing Board and Cotton Marketing Board.

"Companies such as Dairibord, Cold Storage Company and Cottco will not be affected by the resuscitation of the marketing boards," he said. "All re-established marketing parastatals and new agricultural parastatals are to enable farmers to market their produce and enable investors who will be working with government to recover their investments. This does not stop other companies and investors who may want to directly contract farmers. Contractors who choose to work on their own with farmers must be cleared by the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement and Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development."

Made urged contractors to fund farmers fully to avoid side marketing, approve investors and isolate those who may want to destabilise the land and agrarian reform. "His Excellency President Mugabe on several occasions has pointed out that we must defend the gains of our independence and safeguard our land and all farmers," he said. "Zimbabwe would generally want to look at agro-processing and export agriculture raw materials that have been beneficiated to bring better and greater returns to farmers."

Maize production by province

Made said Mashonaland West was leading on maize production, registering an increase in production of 279 percent. The province produced 543,622 tonnes of maize up from last season's 143,573 tonnes.

Mashonaland Central increased production by 313 percent from 110,316 tonnes last season to 455,666 tonnes and Mashonaland East increased by 273 percent from 89,338 tonnes to 274,491 tonnes.

Manicaland increased production by 273 percent from 71,774 tonnes to 267,369 tonnes, while Midlands increased by 517 percent from 52,049 tonnes to 321,394 tonnes.

"The highest increase was recorded in Masvingo which recorded 1,170 percent from 11,818 tonnes to 150,938 tonnes, Matabeleland North increased by 347 percent from 15,155 tonnes to 67,759 tonnes, while Matabeleland South recorded an increase of 318 percent from 17,793 tonnes to 74,287 tonnes," said Made.

Surplus

On maize and small grains such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet, Manicaland has a surplus of 123,000 tonnes, Mashonaland Central 354,000 tonnes, while Mashonaland East has 130,000 tonnes.

Mashonaland West recorded the highest surplus of 400,000 tonnes, Matabeleland North 16,000 tonnes, Matabeleland South 31,000 tonnes and Midlands will have a surplus of 163,000 tonnes.

"Harare and Bulawayo will require 370,000 tonnes of maize and small grains, of which Bulawayo needs 100,000 tonnes," said Made. "The cereal excludes wheat which is under production and brewing barley, but I want to point out that the country produces winter maize which is harvested as green mealies and this year we are going to repeat winter maize in the Lowveld to be produced by Tongaat Hullet.

"Seed Co has several projects where it is producing seed maize this winter."

Zimbabwe is expecting a maize harvest of 2,155,000 tonnes, with the high yields attributed to good rains, hard work by farmers from all sectors and government inputs programmes such as Command Agriculture and the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
As part of its focus on Youth Month, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) is participating in career expos to promote architecture as a viable and meaningful career choice for high school learners. In so doing, it aims to raise awareness about the architectural profession.

National Architectural Student Forum (NASF), convened in 2016.

Six architectural students from SACAPs National Architectural Student Forum (NASF) shared their thoughts about their architectural studies on Youth Day, within the context of 21st century South African realities and the recent Think Tank that SACAP held with its stakeholders around the decolonisation of architectural education and the #Feesmustfall campaign.

Tackling apartheid spatial planning

Khensani de Klerk, chairperson of the NASF and a student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), believes that architecture is shifting away from being a traditional elitist discipline, although she says transformation is an ongoing project. As a postgraduate student, I would like to create a safe space in which black women can address the fact that they are in the minority in the discipline  decolonisation is one of the challenges students face today, she says. My role is rooted in amending apartheid spatial planning and exploring intangibles, like economics and politics, that come with negotiating that space  after all, as the architect Alfredo Brillembourg said, If architecture is frozen music, then urbanism is frozen politics.

Chair of the NASF Khensani de Klerk

For Viwe Mpambani, who aspires to finishing her diploma at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), architecture holds the promise of assisting disadvantaged communities. I would like to design sustainable, cost-effective houses, schools or even community centres from natural and recycled materials, she says. I would love to mentor new students as well as be a voice for them. Architecture is a demanding field and you must be prepared to sacrifice your time  but just one project can change peoples lives. Architecture is not just about designing beautiful buildings; it is a tool with which to improve communities.

Viwe Mpambani

Addressing gender-based misconceptions

In a profession that was previously dominated by men, I think it is particularly difficult for women to build up the trust and reputation required to become successful in the industry, says Katie Klemp, who studies at the University of the Free State (UFS). However, the youth of today are particularly tenacious and are on a fast track to turning misconceptions around. I have a strong passion for changing the way the architectural

Thabiso Joyisa

community sees women and I believe that achieving as a woman as my architectural learning sites (ALS) is a small but definite contribution to this goal. Klemp not only aspires to changing the way men perceive women in the profession, she is also keen to show the older generation that young students and graduates bring inspiring new technologies and a focus on sustainability to bear on the profession. Architects are innovators, she says with enthusiasm.

Thabiso Joyisa, a student studying at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has expressed that he has had to overcome a number of challenges in his architectural studies. He says that, There is a very high drop-out rate amongst black students from disadvantaged communities, due to the fact that most PDI students growing up in South Africa come from such diverse cultures backgrounds and have not previously had exposure to architecture as a field of study  coupled with a lack of financial assistance which is required to study architecture. He feels fortunate that he has been able to study architecture and describes himself as a very passionate, hardworking person with big dreams to change the world. As a senior student, he has taken on a mentoring role helping those students that require his knowledge and skills that he has gained during his studies.

'Design begins on paper'

Ian Winfield, a student at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and runner-up in the Caesarstone Student Designer 2014 competition, advises aspirant students to work efficiently, not just hard. Draw as much as possible with the hand  dont think that fancy 3D software is better, he says. Design begins on paper and with concept models. This helps when you need to produce work in later years. Although Winfield believes that architecture is an expensive and time-consuming degree, he says it is an exciting discipline to be involved in. One day, Ill be able to say I helped to design that building, he says.

Ian Winfield

Daniella Young, a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recommends architecture but says that, It is not for the faint-hearted and one should not do it unless you have an absolute passion for it. She aspires to enhance quality of life through meaningful architecture and hopes to open a practice and lecture one day.
The core message of The Youth in Tourism Imbizo - recently held in Potchefstroom at the Ikageng stadium in the NW 405 Municipality and hosted by both the North West MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono and the Deputy Ministers of Tourism and Presidency, Elizabeth Thabethe and Buti Manamela respectively - is that the South African government is determined to ensure that the youth in the country are developed and molded to become leaders in the future.

Tourism Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thebethe, Deputy Minister of the Presidency Buti Manamela and North West Tourism MEC Desbo Mohono engaging with one of the exhibitors at the Youth in Tourism Imbizo

At the Imbizo, these government leaders encouraged the over one thousand young people attending the event not to indulge in activities that will destroy their lives, but to explore opportunities available within government and use them to develop their lives and that they will always be a priority when it comes to economic development programmes, job creation and many other programmes geared towards youth empowerment.

The objective of the Youth in Tourism Imbizo was, to provide access to information, opportunities and funding mechanisms available for youth in the tourism sector and related industries. The event also targeted the Youth in Tourism (students and learners in tourism), and aspiring youth entrepreneurs, women and the public in general. It also seeks to stimulate township tourism and inculcate the culture of domestic tourism at an early age to the young entrepreneurs.

Mohono further vowed to ensure that she will make sure that every opportunity available within the tourism industry, especially in the province, will be explored and directed to every youth development programme. We had several young people knocking on our doors, requesting either funding or bursaries. Out of the few that we have assisted, we have obtained good results and that makes me proud that our efforts in ensuring youth development in the tourism sector are coming to fruition. I will personally soldier on until we win this battle. We are currently encouraging them to study towards starting their own businesses instead of being job seekers post-graduation.

Tourism has the potential to create opportunities

The tourism industry has big, great opportunities and we are determined to make sure that the young people in the province and the country take the lead in this industry. We have many of those that have made inroads and we will continue to assist them growing the economy of this country through tourism programmes, said Mohono.

According to the 2016 Stats SA quarterly labour force survey (released 1 June 2017), unemployed youth (aged 15-34) accounts for 38,6%. of the national overall unemployment rate. Despite this, Thabethe is optimistic that tourism has the potential to create opportunities that will contribute to alleviating youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

Our government advocates for the advancement of youth economic empowerment. As a department, we have prioritised the advancement of youth in our plans for growing tourism. We will ensure that young people are actively participating and benefiting from the initiatives and opportunities provided by the sector, said Thabethe.
Standard Bank is supporting a new crowdfunding initiative aimed at significantly enhancing access to education for students countrywide.

In a call to action for all South Africans, the bank has undertaken to be the financier, enabler and go-to-market partner of the Feenix Trust, a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), which has been established to retain and manage funds from donors. Standard Bank has committed to the project for 36 months, or until the project is self-sustaining.

The Feenix.org crowdfunding initiative is an innovative solution, which allows individuals and enterprises to donate money to universities on behalf of selected students to help them complete their studies.

According to Jayshree Naidoo, interim CEO of Feenix Trust, this is part of a multifaceted strategy by Standard Bank to develop meaningful, practical and sustainable ways to help the youth access quality education by removing some of their financial burden and ultimately contributing to South Africas economic growth.

Access to education remains a major challenge for many people with ability that lack funds. As a digital bank, with a history of making a difference, we want to ensure our expertise is also harnessed here. The power of crowdsourcing as a viable solution to boosting educational funding channels is taking off worldwide and we are excited to now be able to take part in this exciting journey in South Africa, says Naidoo.

In Feenixs case there was recognition that the support available to students in need was insufficient and a parallel recognition that ordinary South Africans and business owners want to play a part but do not have an avenue to do so. Feenix distributes the responsibility of funding as widely as possible, and makes the process as direct and easy as possible.

Supporting missing middle students

Feenix is intended to support the poor and missing middle students, who should be assisted by government and other interventions, but who have fallen through the cracks in those systems.

The bank has covered the set-up costs for Feenix and has committed to whatever shortfall there is between the total operating costs and the income received from the admin fee charged to funders.

The bank is committed to supporting Feenix until it is able to sustain itself. The projections drawn up by the team are that the operating costs of Feenix will be covered by the admin fees charged in about three years, we see this as a long term commitment, one which we are proud to be associated with, adds Naidoo.

All degree types for accredited courses at any of the 26 public universities across South Africa will be accepted at the moment, with plans to extend the service in the near future to students studying at other tertiary and higher learning institutions.

Simple process

The schemes simple signup process allows students to register their financial needs for the current year. The platform exposes that students profile to a variety of funding sources. Ordinary South Africans wishing to fund students fees can search for individual students on the platform and pay the whole, or a portion of their fees. Corporates wishing to contribute can donate to the pool, which is allocated to students in accordance with the socio-economic development bracket of the B-BBEE charter.

Feenixs database tracks all user behaviour and enables all financial activity through the site. The log of payments received and disbursed is stored securely, and allows for a full financial audit to be performed at any time or if any irregularity is suspected.

The idea is to provide all the benefits of donating funds to education, without the administrative burden of administering a bursary programme. The Fundular platform, on which Feenix.org is built, keeps track of students over time and provides detailed analytics in annual reports.

Verification checks

Steps have been taken to ensure that all users of the system (students and funders) are checked and verified against relevant databases made available to Feenix by Standard Banks fraud protection and sanctions departments.

Further, all funds are managed by Standard Trust Limited, the corporate trustee, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group with over 130 years of experience in fiduciary services. All funds raised and managed are paid directly to the universities, so there is no opportunity for students or funders to withdraw funds to use them for anything other than their intended purpose.

Using a written profile, video and images, a student can motivate for funding from the public by showcasing what makes them unique and sharing that with the world. Importantly, Feenix.org does not compete with merit-based scholarships or industry-based bursaries.

The aim is to bring in new and underexploited sources of funding from individuals and the private sector and we challenge everyone across the country to get more involved and join us as we embark on this exciting journey to uplifting education. No cause could be more important right now. As a bank that cares about our youth and improving access to education, we support solutions that innovate and take South Africa forward, concludes Naidoo.

For more information, go to www.feenix.org.
In years past, there was a dominant form of agricultural practice - sharecropping. A landlord would rent out his land, and farmers would rent it and pay in harvested crops. There was usually no other way for the farmer to get land, so the landlord was king. Today, decades later, the king and farmer are still tied in a forced romance, only today, we call the king Google, and the farmers - brands in the hospitality sector.

Antonio Guillem via 123RF

Save for a few like AirBnB that have managed to create a very strong brand name, most of the players in hospitality rely on search for most of their traffic. Users are more likely to search for hotels or flight listings on Google than go directly to sites. The hospitality industry's heavy reliance on search engines makes them susceptible to new search trends and major changes in search algorithms thereby affecting traffic to their site, and ultimately, revenue.

Currently, voice search is one of the two major trends in search mostly driven by the mobile device that players in hospitality must optimise for  the other being local search. These trends have the potential to create new opportunities as well as punish brands that do not acknowledge them fast enough.

Continued growth in mobile and its impact on SEO

The growth of the mobile device, while less ascendant, remains significant. In countries like India and Pakistan, the growth numbers stay high as a large percentage of the population adopt the internet for the first time.

To tap into new markets that the mobile devices ubiquity allows, brands must optimise for users that interact with the web primarily through mobile devices and that dont necessarily have great internet speeds.

Google has also continuously made requests for lightweight mobile pages that load fast and can be cached on their servers easily so as to create better mobile experiences for users. Compliant sites are said to have Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs). It is expected that soon, AMPs contribute to Googles ranking factors. AMP will then be an SEO factor that serves brands on two fronts - better mobile experiences, and higher rankings on search engine result pages.

The voice search phenomenon

More than ever, users are making search queries online using their voices. It's easy, fast, convenient, increasingly reliable, and allows for hands-free interaction with smart devices. It's a trend that has seen more growth in younger demographics, and one that is led by an aggressive battle by tech giants for our voice. The battle for our eyeballs seems to be nearing saturation as the mobile devices and desktops seem to have evolved to a possible final form. OK Google, Cortana, Alexa and several other voice assistants have made voice as a search interface a big trend that must be reckoned with, and optimised for.

Impact of voice searchs growing influence on SEO

Users interact differently with search engines with their voices than they do with text queries. With voice, search queries become more natural, longer, and conversational. Think about it, if you were speaking to your phone, how would you make a search query? "Cheap London to Lagos flight" or "Get me a list of the cheapest flights from London to Lagos"? My guess is that it'll be something closer to the latter.

Users are also increasingly becoming aware of how sophisticated new Voice AIs are, and are as a result expecting smarter and accurate responses. This changes search dynamics for brands in hospitality and requires improved SEO solutions. To satisfy this trend, content on websites must be optimised to follow a conversational tone, to offer responses to anticipated queries, and to optimise for longer keywords that voice searches are typically characterised by.

A simple and easily implementable optimisation task to start with would be the creation of FAQ sections on important web pages that ask questions users would ask and in the language that they would use while providing useful information that satisfies the queries.

A possible, and purely anticipatory outcome, of the continued dominance of mobile and voice searches, is the voice schema markup. In addition to images and texts that describe the content on web pages online, voice recordings that describe a pages content may be included in every pages meta files, offering feedback from search engines to the user whose interactive interface with the engine is his voice. Voice searches also give rise to local searches  searches that have geographical confines. An example would be show me restaurants near me. Optimisations for local searches is another ball game that can be assessed in respectable detail in this guide.

Voice search opens a box of new possibilities such as rise in local searches for the major players in the hospitality sector. It's interesting to anticipate the outcome of this phenomenon and see how it tilts the dynamics of the hospitality brands  Google romance.
AI assistants and travel bots may be gaining ground, but a sound digital solution that incorporates these tools should be complemented by a knowledgeable travel management company (TMC) and consultant.

Image Supplied

With smartphone adoption nearing 100% and considering that an average business traveller checks their smartphone 34 times a day, its not difficult to understand the popularity and attraction a mobile or virtual assistant holds. The nearly ubiquitous adoption of smartphones by the modern business traveller, says Ben Lamm, CEO Conversable, means that a digital solution to travel needs is now a business imperative for the corporate travel industry.

Building freedom and preference into the travel framework

The travel bot is the perfect technological answer to address the business travellers need and desire to manage their trip on their own, and give them much-needed freedom within the travel framework. TMCs can make use of bots to improve their service to travellers in a format the travellers desire in a cost-effective way. If corporations are going to succeed in winning over the largest generation in the world today and improve retention rates within a group that is notorious for changing paths quickly, building in freedom within framework will certainly be a company imperative.

Lamm explains that today, bots in the corporate travel industry allow customers to access information as conveniently as possible. He says: Answering common queries, supporting the booking process, and providing easy access for customers to their travel information make travel bots the go-to solution for friction-free travel support.

According to Norm Rose, president, Travel Tech Consulting, chatbots are however not so much about freedom, but more about preferred interface. Chatbots that have stored payment information allow the user to simply say buy and a purchase will be completed.

In his opinion, smartphones have been the major catalyst in freeing up the corporate traveller enabling unrestrained search and booking on apps or the mobile web. Chatbots are an option for those who prefer messaging.

The possibilities for the future are endless, according to Lamm, who explains that as bots become increasingly sophisticated, powered by conversational intelligence, and as technology like NLP progresses, bots will be able to manage the booking process end-to-end, including crisis management, with seamless integration into any companys framework travel policy.



An itinerary management tool on steroids

Euan McNeil, GM, FCM South Africa

FCM has its own travel bot called Sam, an itinerary management tool on steroids, describes Euan McNeil, FCM GM for South Africa. Sam has been released in the USA and is expected to be launched early in 2018 in South Africa. McNeil believes Sam will be how most business travellers interact with their travel programme in the future and explains that corporate travellers can book a car and hotel themselves and complete the booking without having to work with a consultant.

Travel policy will also not be a problem for Sam, says McNeil. We will have a generic policy based on best practice in the market. Then, if customers want to take their full travel policy and load that into Sam, there will be a level of commercial uplift.

Lamm agrees that if successfully integrated with a companys travel policy, bots will be able to match the users preferences and information with the businesses requirements around travel. He adds: To keep track of all travel, most policies require that travel is booked through a specific company or channel. Because bots serve as a single access point for multiple sources of information, travellers will be able to access more options from more places, giving them more flexibility within the framework of the travel policy.

In the end, who will win the battle between bots and TMCs?

Well, thats the wrong question to ask. There is a clearly defined role for both the TMC and the travel bot in the current corporate travel landscape.

Travel bots will enable TMCs to combine human service with technology to create a more advanced level of customer service and to cut costs. Says McNeill: Travel bots, such as Sam, have been developed to provide an additional interface for travellers, which will complement but never replace the skills and insights of the TMC. The travel expert will always have a key role to play when it comes to managing business travel for large corporations as well as SMEs.

In todays digital world, every company must be a tech company...

Lamm explains that bots afford TMCs the opportunity to create a channel strategy to reach their customers where they are. In todays digital world, every company must be a tech company, even those traditionally reliant on call centers and human interactions. With bots, TMCs are able to scale personalised service in a way never managed before.

Rose adds travel chatbots could also be deployed to handle redundant questions such as policy questions, baggage fees, customer support, and limited booking capabilities. Progressive TMCs could use chatbots to reduce call volumes answering simple questions about policy or travel options.

TMCs are uniquely positioned to assist with travel bots because they have intimate knowledge of the business traveller, both in institutional and anecdotal knowledge. Lamm explains that travel bots are incredibly well equipped to work within the framework of established travel policies and routine transactions. However, bots are not equipped to know when to make an exception. Thats a humans job.

Tasks such as checking flight information, routine booking, changing traveller information and even checking the weather in your target destination are perfect for the chatbot. But, Lamm adds: The human steps in when you miss a flight to your daughters wedding. While the bot may help you rebook, its the human-to-human sympathy when you call a representative that will give a brand its customer service cred.
Qantas has revealed the names for its fleet of eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. More than 60,000 suggestions were put forward and 45,000 votes cast in selecting the names of the aircraft.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the public response to the challenge of naming the aircraft after things that captured the spirit of Australia was fantastic. We had so many worthwhile entries, we could have probably renamed our entire fleet of 208 aircraft, Joyce said.

There were some clear favourites and its given us a good mix of names for our eight Dreamliners, from landmarks to native animals, literature and indigenous heritage.

We know people get a real sense of home when they see the flying kangaroo at airports around the world, and hopefully theyll enjoy seeing these uniquely Australian names as well, added Joyce.

The final names:

 Great Barrier Reef

 Boomerang

 Skippy

 Waltzing Matilda

 Uluru

 Great Southern Land

 Quokka

 Dreamtime

The names will be painted beneath the cockpit window on each aircraft. The sequencing of names will be revealed as the aircraft are delivered, with the first to arrive in October this year.
Kenyans will wait longer to fly drones following a delay in issuing a gazette notice guiding the use of aerial unmanned vehicles (AUVs).

 Marek Uliasz Ltd via 123RF

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) says it is waiting for the AG to approve regulations presented to the State Law Office earlier in the year.

The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) approved the draft regulations on drones in January.

"The draft regulations have received approval by the Cabinet Secretary -- Ministry of Transport, and await formal promulgation at the Attorney General's Office," KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe said.

NSAC is chaired by president Uhuru Kenyatta and comprises all security agencies including the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police Service.

KCAA is banking on drones to enhance innovation, create jobs, and facilitate service delivery to remote places.

1000 applicants awaiting approval

At least 1,000 applicants are seeking approval to operate drone-based transport services in Kenya, hinting at high demand for the robotic aircraft.

Companies want to use the UAVs for film shooting, relief services, and other commercial purposes, according to the regulator.

Non-military use of drones had been restricted in the country due to lack of a legal framework. The proposed regulations require commercial drone owners to have security clearance from the Ministry of Defence and have trained pilots, among other things.

Need to define training standards

Speaking at a conference on drones in Nairobi, Kibe said there is need to define training standards and testing mechanisms to ensure that integration of drones in conventional airspaces does not introduce undesirable safety and security risks.

Kenya will hire foreign pilots to man the vehicles because it does not have enough personnel. Civilians are limited to flying drones at a height of not more than 400 feet.

Failure to follow all the rules will attract a maximum fine of Sh500,000 or a jail term not exceeding three months, the proposed laws state.
We've been through a lot lately, right? Madness seems to reign: numerous terrorist attacks, Trump withdrawing the US from the Paris climate accord and the Brexit sequel that is the recent UK snap election. At home things aren't any better with Zuma, Guptas email leaks, Zille getting herself into stupid situations, our public protector taking on the SA Reserve Bank out of the blue and stories of women who have been kidnapped, raped and murdered in the news every day. We are running out of hashtags for all the madness. As a world and as a country we still have a long way to go in terms of prejudices, access to education for more people and electing governments that work for everyone. Last year I wrote an article about how the colourful use of language was one of the instruments that young people use to make their voices heard, #YouthMonth: Like kids these days say.

The adults are breaking the world and this #YouthMonth I think its appropriate to share some good news of young people getting their #hustle on, improving their lives and that of their communities. This, then, is my eulogy of sorts to the young people of South Africa who have been through a lot and will be going through more to make their dreams come true. I write these words for you. I write them to thank you for your strength and determination. During a turbulent time, I write these words to remind you of how amazing each and every one of you are.

Image sourced from kwezicomics.co.za

Making careers out of passions

Many of us are the children of miners, domestic workers, street sweepers, cashiers, construction workers, cleaners, waiters and waitresses. So many of us have had to be exceptional just to be considered normal but we always rise to the challenge. Whether we come from a township, suburb, rural village or were raised by one heroic parent or had the love of both we get up each morning and chase our dreams. I know of people who are the first in their village to go to university and then go back and help others fill in application forms for university and NSFAS forms to access funds to study. So many times, all that is needed is pointing someone in the right direction to change their lives. So many of us are embarking on or creating careers that our parents dont understand because they didnt exist in their time. At social gatherings, they arent even sure if they should be bragging or not when they tell their friends about us. Thats because the world is changing and we are making careers out of our passions.

Walk Fresh

I know friends who wanted to write and draw comic books and they worked hard until they could do just that. This has resulted in growth in the South African comic books industry with cool ventures like Sector Comics coming into existence and Kwezi becoming one of our own homegrown superheroes. Ive seen a dude from my university, Lethabo Mokoena, start his own funky sneaker cleaning and shoe-care service called Walk Fresh after he graduated and could not get a job. The dude loves dressing fresh, wearing a polished pair of shoes or a squeaky-clean pair of sneakers so he educated himself on how to bring the best out of peoples old and dirty footwear and at the same time created work opportunities for people in his community.

Hanging out on YouTube, like one does, I came across a pioneer, Ludwig Marishane who grew up in rural Limpopo and at age 17 invented a solution that allows you to clean yourself without water because access to water in his village is sporadic. He called the product DryBath and went on to start his own company called Headboy Industries Inc. I also remember reading about the novel, Coconut by Kopano Matlwa that she got published when she was 21. She has since written two more novels, Spilt Milk and Period Pain. She has also gone on to become a public health physician, scholar and all-round super woman. This morning I read a story about a young woman struggling to get her law degree and how it took her much longer than the four years it should have. But after she failed because of family circumstances, not applying herself, falling pregnant and dropping out for some time to get a job so she can feed her baby she came back and eventually got it done.

Problem solvers

These are merely snapshots of the great things young people are doing to solve problems and make their dreams a reality. South Africa is a country of high youth unemployment and this mixed with many young people not growing up in stable families results in a high crime rate. But there are also so many remarkable young people doing the best that they can to rise above their circumstances. I see this in my daily interactions with people like a colleague and good friend who was telling me about her boyfriend whos made his second movie and when I log onto Facebook and see posts by people I know getting recognition for being exceptional in some field like sport, music, literature or film. I meet people who are pushing boundaries in the sciences and its important that we celebrate these young people because they will all form part of the solution for the larger problems we face in our country and the world. This #YouthMonth I want all young people to know that the grand hustle continues with us at the head of it and that we will do some great things together.
CHICAGO, US: Ford will import its next-generation Focus sedans into the US market from China, after a highly-publicized move to cancel plans to build the car in Mexico.

 Francis Dean via 123RF

The move runs counter to the US car industry's recent efforts to highlight American production amid intense criticism from president Donald Trump.

Ford, which already produces the Focus in China for that market, couched the move as a cost-saving strategy and said no American jobs would be lost as a result of the change.

Ford's plan to move production of the Focus to a factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, announced in 2016, angered then-candidate Trump, who threatened to impose a border tax on any imported cars. Trump has repeatedly singled out the auto industry and pressured them to keep plants and jobs in the country.

Cancelled move

Ford in January cancelled the move, as well the plan to build a new plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and then in March, announced $1.2bn in investments in American plants, earning praise from Trump.

"Car companies coming back to US JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!," the president tweeted at the time.

Under the strategy announced Tuesday, the next-generation Focus will begin production globally in mid-2019, and will be imported into the US market primarily from China, with additional variants coming later from Europe, the company said.

Ford's Michigan plant will continue to produce the Focus through mid-2018, and then will be converted to make a pickup truck and SUV, so no hourly jobs will be lost.

Ford also said it would invest $900 million in a Kentucky plant to retool it to build new full-size SUV models.

Desire to focus more on high-tech, self-driving cars

The American car giant recently ousted its CEO and installed Jim Hackett in the top job, amid a management shakeup that signalled a desire to focus more on high-tech, such as self-driving cars.

In announcing its China plans, the company said it would save $1bn in costs it would have incurred to retool a Mexico plant to build the Focus and to build the new factory there.

"Finding a more cost-effective way to deliver the next Focus program in North America is a better plan, allowing us to redeploy the money we save into areas of growth for the company," including in autonomous and electric vehicles, Joe Hinrichs, Ford's head of global operations, said in a statement.

But pressed by reporters during a conference call, Hinrichs conceded the decision could cause political blowback.

"China gets a lot of attention, we'll see how this plays out," he said on the call, according to US media, adding that consumers are less concerned with where products are made.

Source: AFP
The cargo on board a ship arrested in the Port Elizabeth harbour will remain in South Africa pending further legal action to determine its rightful ownership.

A full bench of the Port Elizabeth High Court found that the detention of the NM Cherry Blossom, carrying 50,000 tons of phosphate worth R80-million, was correct and lawful.

The Cherry Blossom was en route to New Zealand when it was arrested in Algoa Bay on 1 May, following claims that the sale of the cargo was in fact unlawful.

The phosphate it was carrying had allegedly been removed illegally from the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Last week's ruling is Western Sahara's first step in claiming back the cargo.

The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) brought the application to the high court last month, claiming to be the lawful owner of the phosphate and wanting - by way of an interdict - to stop the ship from proceeding to a potential buyer in New Zealand.

It wanted the shipment returned to the Saharawi people.

The SADR and the Polisario Front claimed the phosphate was part of the resources of Western Sahara and belonged to its people.

They wanted the cargo to be under the jurisdiction of the court until the final determination of their right of ownership.

Acting Deputy Judge-President Selby Mbenenge, with judges Clive Plasket and Glenn Goosen agreeing, said last week that if the NM Cherry Blossom sailed from Algoa Bay it would spell the end of the proposed vindicatory action.

While the SADR contended that Phosboucraa at the Bou Craa mine in Western Sahara did not have title to sell the cargo and that the sale was therefore invalid, lawyers on the opposing end maintained that this was a political matter that should not be decided by a foreign court.

The Port Elizabeth court did not agree.

"In these circumstances the balance of convenience favours the SADR and Polisario Front," Mbenenge said.

The court ordered that the owner of the NM Cherry Blossom and the buyer of the phosphate be interdicted and restrained from taking the cargo from the jurisdiction of Algoa Bay pending the determination of its rightful ownership.

The sheriff of the high court was furthermore ordered to remove the ship's registration documents and trading certificates.

"In the event that [the SADR] obtains a final order for the delivery and possession of the cargo, the guarantor shall pay to them the market value of the cargo in Port Elizabeth as of the date of this order," the court ruled.

"Leave is hereby given to [the SADR and Polisario Front] to sue the respondents for delivery of the cargo."

Source: Herald
JOHANNESBURG: Nunu Ntshingila, the regional director of Facebook Africa, recently gave some members of the media a tour of its new office at Culross on Main in Bryanston, which not only represents Facebook's vision for openness and connectivity but its connectedness with its staff who are very much seen as humans with a social life beyond the workplace.

Welcoming us to the new space, Ntshingila gave an overview of their journey over the last 23 months and where they find themselves today.

What started in July 2015 as a team of 4 to 5 people based in a rented office space in Melrose Arch, is now a formidable team handling developers, agencies, clients and civil society. The team here handles close to 75 big advertisers throughout the continent and these range from big clients like the 'Coca-Colas', the 'Unilevers' and some of what we call our digital natives; our biggest of these is Jumia, based in Nigeria. Although we focus on South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, some of the clients we deal with actually go beyond those three key markets, said Ntshingila.

The focus of their work in Africa is around making sure that they establish partnerships, and this building is an opportunity for them to meet, collaborate and innovate with their partners throughout the ecosystem, she said.

In terms of the actual platform, Ntshingila says theyre excited by the continued growth of their user numbers, which have grown by 42% since Facebook announced its presence in Africa. We were sitting around 120 million monthly active users; we're now well over 170 million monthly active users on the continent.

The space represents Facebook's vision for openness and connectivity with its open-plan layout and many meeting rooms, tying in local elements to keep it relevant. The office space will be a hub for innovation for the industry, welcoming partners such as industry bodies, institutions and associations, agencies, civil society and policymakers who share Facebooks aim of fostering progress and creativity in Africa."

Facebook worked with three local artists on the new main artwork inside the reception area, namely Cameron Platter, Hlengiwe Dube and Lyndi Sales, who form part of a global Facebook programme called Artists in Residency, also known as AIR. The furniture was also locally sourced, so the space is really an African-inspired version of the headoffice in California.

Employees occupying the space contributed their ideas to shape the decor of the office. For example, the Baobab tree made from wood, also in the entrance area, engraved with greetings from all eleven official languages of South Africa, the safari-themed break-out area that was a result of a team hack, and the names of the meeting rooms named after iconic African words, like Bonga Mbaya, Ngorongoro and Qunu. Just to mention a few.

Heck, there's even a mother's room where you can spend time with your baby, a gym area and a massage room, apparently. You have to see it to believe it...

Click here to take a look at the gallery.
I did a Google Search for Jeremy Corbyn and Rwanda on the unlikely chance that Britains Labour Party leader had ever said anything about that tiny, tortured East African nation. The one and only result was unsurprising because, in the West, Rwanda is largely forgotten except as an excuse to go to warto stop the next Rwandameaning the countrys 1994 bloodbath. That bloodbath was in fact a result of stealth intervention by the US and UK to put military dictator Paul Kagame in power, then help him invade the immensely resource rich Democratic Republic of the Congo. But who cares? The claim that the U.S. and its allies go to war to stop the next Rwanda is an institutionalized lie.

I couldnt find any record that Corbyn had ever said anything about Rwanda specifically, but in 2015, while campaigning for the Labour Partys leadership, he proposed that Britain stop engaging in wars of aggression that violate international law as codified in the UN Charter, aka interventions, to save people of the Global South from their own leaders, like Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Libyan President Muammar al-Gaddafi. Corbyn even dared to suggest that Britain couldnt afford costly military interventions that deprive its own people.

John McTernan, former director of political operations for Tony Blair, responded furiously in The Telegraph with The Corbyn doctrine on war is a betrayal of what makes Britain great. He invoked not only Rwanda, but also Yugoslavia and Sierra Leone:

The Corbyn Doctrine. We saw that position set out in full during the last of the Labour leadership debates. First, Jeremy Corbyn said that he couldnt think of any circumstances in which he would deploy military forces. Shameful enough when you think he should really have recalled genocide in Rwanda, ethnic cleansing in former Yugoslavia and atrocities in Sierra Leone. Then he went much further, saying: We have to think about the level of armed expenditure we have in this country  35bn a year. We are in the top five of military spending across the whole world  Can we afford to have global reach as a country of 65 million people on the north-west coast of Europe? In other words, should we even aspire to be Belgium?

The rest of McTernans complaint is classic white supremacy akin to Hillary Clintons mortifying assertion that America is great because its good. Britain has already given so much to the worldby spreading the English language and the rule of lawthat it cant turn away now. Blah blah blah, but so much for Tony Blairs former director of political operations. He and his boss belong in the dustbin of history, and this is about Jeremy Corbyn, who wants to lay the white mans burden down.

A man of reason

For the June 10 Pacifica/KPFA Evening News, I produced Jeremy Corbyn Departs from Bernie Sanders with Antiwar Foreign Policy. It just happened to be an all gals newscast, and by the time it was over, my fellow female reporters were all giggling that I have a crush on Jeremy Corbyn. I remind myself not to romanticize or eroticize politicians, but its true that I cant help being enthralled by this short, far from comprehensive, list of Corbyns rational and humble expressions about how Britain might better relate to the rest of the world.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Corbyn has said that the world ignores unparalleled suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo because its Africawho cares?and because those enriching themselves off of Congos resource riches dont want the suffering to end. He even advocated for intervention and engagementnot unilaterally but through the UN and in accord with international law. Its a distant ideal that hasnt been realized by MONUSCO, The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but its still an ideal, as is international law. Jeremy Corbyn asks us to imagine that its still not entirely outside the realm of human possibility. On May 16, Congolese activist Boni Tshimbalanga, uploaded a video, Vote Jeremy Corbyn help for DRC (Congo), to YouTube.

Iraq War: He has repeatedly called for the prosecution of all those guilty of war crimes in Iraq, including Tony Blair. Once again, he expresses this conviction in terms of that distant but imaginable ideal, international law.

Terrorism: After the May 24 terrorist attacks in Britain, Corbyn said that we must be brave enough to admit that the war on terror is simply not working and that seeing the army on our own streets today is a stark reminder that the current approach has failed.

Many experts, he said, including professionals in our intelligence and security services, have pointed to the connections between wars our government has supported or fought in other countries, such as Libya, and terrorism here at home.

To Black Star readers, that may seem like stating that bears shit in the woods and the Popes Catholic, but Jeremy Corbyns a statesmana real oneso he talks like that, just as he talks so carefully and methodically about international law. The complete transcript of his speech is published on The New Statesman.

In a discussion on Irans Press TV, Corbyn said that its a tragedy Osama bin Laden was not tried in an international court, and that the U.S. should produce real evidence of his death.

I think that everyone should be put on trial. I also profoundly disagree with the death penalty under any circumstances for anybody . . .

But the president [Obama] has to explain why hes not confirming evidence of the death. Why the burial at seaif there was indeed a burial at seaand if it was Bin Laden, because Bin Laden may well have been dead for a year or two, for all we know.

In the same discussion, Corbyn said that Obama had very rapidly morphed into a Pentagon president, just like all the others.

Syria: After the alleged April 4 sarin gas attacks in Syria, which Western press and politicians blamed on the Syrian Army, Corbyn called for the suspension of British air strikes until UN experts could investigate the evidence at the site of the attack, and said that all parties should then return to Geneva to negotiate.

Can Jeremy Corbyn lead the revival of a Britishor even internationalantiwar movement?

If anyone can at this moment, its probably Jeremy Corbyn because he now commands the world stage and, like John Lennon, asks us to imagine peace. Is that corny or quaint? Ive been writing a lot of snarky prose of late, and inside my cynical shell, Im almost embarrassed to write such words down.

But of course its not. Not to the Yemeni families dying of cholera, U.S.-made cruise missiles, British made cluster bombs, or other Western weapons of mass destruction. Or to Syrians, Iraqis, Libyans, Palestinians, Somalis, North Koreans, Rwandans, Burundians, or Congolese. Not to those sleeping in streets of the industrialized world while war budgets grow and grow.

Jeremy Corbyn is not only an eloquent opponent of war, but also a vegetarian, bicycle-ridingnot car owning ascetic. The man who has so effectively campaigned against government austerity leads a life that many would call austere. Even his expense submissions are reported to be the lowest of any British MP. His simple dignity starkly contrasts with the gawdy lifestyles of the 1%, most crassly exemplified by Donald Trump, who seem bitter that anyone but themselves should expect health care or that even the children of Flint should be able to drink free water thats not poisoned with lead.

Corbyns 2015 run for the Labour Partys leadership took everyone by surprise. As many sources report, he entered the fray at the urging of young people and trade unionists, hoping only to broaden the debate. Three months later, he himself was as stunned as anyone when The Guardian reported:

Corbyn did more than contribute to the debate. He won it in staggering style. Yesterday the man brought in to make up the numbers was named as Labours 19th full-time leader having won almost 60% of the vote. Just over 21 years after it had installed Tony Blair to take on the Tories from the centre ground, paving the way for three successive general election wins, Labour had vacated that territory and elected arguably its most left-wing leader ever and handed him an extraordinary mandate. When Blair took the reins in 1994, an edition of Andrew Roths Parliamentary Profiles that year described Corbyn as a hyper-active, quasi-Trotskyist hard-leftist. New Labour [Blairs equivalent of Bill Clintons Democrats] would cast him even further to the margins. But over the past three extraordinary months, Corbyn has risen from the political wilderness to confound everyone  including himself. He won the leadership with a bigger landslide than Blair achieved 21 years ago, swept to office by a tide of Corbynmania that has dumbfounded everyone at Westminster. On Friday, the election of Sadiq Khan, as Labours candidate for Mayor of London, was seen by MPs as the final confirmation that the left was on an unstoppable roll that would land the bedraggled figure of the MP for Islington North in the leaders office next day. One doomladen frontbencher from the Blairite wing of the party said on Friday night: I can feel that my party is just about to throw itself off a cliff.

A month before the election, Tony Blair himself had said, If Jeremy Corbyn becomes leader [of the Labour Party], it won't be a defeat like 1983 or 2015 at the next election. It will mean rout, possibly annihilation."

Blair was wrong. On June 8, Labour surged back to win 40% of the vote and gain 30 seats, and the Conservatives lost their majority. A humiliating outcome for Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May, who had imagined that she could demolish Labor ahead of the Brexit negotiations by calling a snap election.

So if this much of the rational can become real, why not peace, or at least a revived antiwar movement? Jeremy Corbyn wants to lay the white mans burden down, after all the grim centuries of Euro weapons and war, and that didnt stop the movement surging behind him.
As we noted earlier in Celebrate National Pollinator Awareness Week by signing up with the MN Bee Atlas Project, it's national pollinator week.

One must-read for Minnesotans is the Environmental Quality Board report on state agencies' efforts to protect pollinators:

2017 Minnesota State Agency Pollinator Report uploaded by Sally Jo Sorensen on Scribd

Some background on the agencies' effort:

Governor Mark Dayton issued Executive Order 16-07 in August 2016, directing a team of state agency experts to take immediate action to reverse pollinator decline and restore pollinator health in the state. Under the order, the Environmental Quality Board was charged with establishing the Interagency Pollinator Protection Team, which also includes representatives from the following state agencies: Department of Administration

Department of Agriculture

Department of Corrections

Department of Education

Department of Health

Department of Natural Resources

Department of Transportation

Board of Water and Soil Resources

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Minnesota Zoo On December 2, 2016, Governor Dayton appointed 15 citizen with experience in agriculture, conservation, education, academia and local government to the Governors Committee on Pollinator Protection.

Photo: Milkweed growing in rural Big Stone County. Photo by Sally Jo Sorensen.

Please help support Bluestem Prairie

It's summer, time for another appeal to our readers for support. If you value Bluestem's distinctive discussion of Minnesota politics from a Greater Minnesota progressive prospective, please consider donating to our summer fundraiser.

If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 313 Park Street, Ortonville, MN 56278) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the paypal subscription button.



Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email sally.jo.sorensen@gmail.com as recipient.
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Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION
Canada NewsWire

TORONTO, June 22, 2017

TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - The Alzheimer Society of Canada celebrates the passage of Bill C-233, An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Canada will now become the latest country to develop a national dementia strategy to address the overwhelming scale, impact and cost of dementia.

"For the more than half a million Canadians living with dementia and their families, this is an important milestone," says Pauline Tardif, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. "A national strategy enables a coordinated approach to tackling dementia in Canada that will impact the lives of those affected in tangible ways."

Bill C-233's co-sponsors, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, MP Niagara Falls, and Rob Oliphant, MP Don Valley West, are to be commended for their leadership and support, as is the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology. They have been dedicated champions of the Bill on behalf of Canadians living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.

The Alzheimer Society has long called for a national dementia strategy to enhance research efforts and ensure access to quality care and support so that Canadians with dementia can have the best quality of life. Now that Canada has committed to such a strategy, work begins on implementation.

The Society and its federation partners look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with government, stakeholders and, above all, people living with dementia, to create and implement Canada's first national dementia strategy.

To learn more, visit www.alzheimer.ca/advocacy.

About the Alzheimer SocietyThe Alzheimer Society is the leading nationwide health charity for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Active in communities across Canada, the Society offers help for today through our programs and services, and hope for tomorrow by funding research into the cause, prevention and a cure. Learn more at www.alzheimer.ca.

SOURCE Alzheimer Society of Canada


A file photo.

MOSCOW (PTI): Showcasing India's "path-breaking" initiatives for defence production, Union minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday invited Russian firms to set up joint ventures with Indian firms and manufacture advanced military platforms through technology transfer.



Addressing the plenary of TECHNOPROM 2017, a leading forum for technological development, the defence minister said Russian defence majors which already have a long experience of working in India are well placed to take advantage of the policy changes effected to encourage tie-ups between Indian and foreign companies.



Jaitley, who is in Russia on a three-day visit beginning Wednesday, said Indian companies are already gearing up to take advantage of policy initiatives in the defence sector by developing capabilities for design and development of military systems.



"I invite Russian companies to come forward with proposals for technology transfer to Indian companies and facilitate manufacturing of more advanced components/parts and sub-systems. This can start with platforms of Russian origin where the requirement is in large numbers and is recurring in nature," he said.



Jaitley said Russian companies can be "natural partners" of the Indian companies as most of India's defence equipments and inventory are of Russian origin.



"In the past three years, the government has introduced several path-breaking policy and procedural changes in the defence production sector for encouraging private investment, R&D and indigenisation," he said at the forum held at Siberian city of Novosibirsk.



Jaitley said Russian companies, which already have a long experience of working in India and working with India are well placed to take a leading role in the process.



In a major step towards defence indigenisation, the Indian government last month unveiled a "strategic partnership" model under which select private firms will be engaged along with foreign entities to build military platforms like fighter jets, submarines and battle tanks.



The defence minister said Russian companies may identify some items for which they can set up joint ventures with Indian companies so that these items can be supplied across the world.



"Keeping this in mind, we have also streamlined the process of export clearances in last two years," he said adding "India is likely to soon become a member of the multilateral Wassenaar Arrangement, which will further catalyse our international engagement."



He said, "In the days to come, we hope to fully harness the energies, entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise of the private sector in the area of defence manufacturing.



"Here again, Russia as India's largest, oldest and most trusted partner in defence hardware and equipment, would have a comparative advantage in partnering with Indian companies for realising 'Make in India' potential in defence production," Jaitley said.



On June 23, Jaitley will co-chair the 17th meeting of the India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military- Technical Cooperation with his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu.



Jaitley said as an incentive, industrial licensing for manufacturing of defence equipments has been significantly liberalised.



"Now for manufacturing of parts, components, sub-systems, production equipments and testing equipments, no license is required from the Government. Even for the items for which license is required, the initial validity has been increased from 3 years to 15 years," he said.



Russia has been one of India's key major suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country.



"We envisage 'Make in India' in defence sector to not only address domestic requirements, but also to enable Indian firms to become part of the global supply chain.



"Despite India's significant domestic requirements in defence, manufacturing and business would be sustainable in the longer term only if companies look at global requirements and create economies of scale," he said.




A file photo.

MOSCOW (PTI): India and Russia on Wednesday identified a number of key areas to bolster cooperation in the science and technology sector including space and marine technologies, IT and deep ocean engineering.



The areas were chosen at the first meeting of India- Russia Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation which was co-chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogizin.



At the meeting at the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, both the sides finalised the working procedures for the Committee to ensure speedy decision making in implementing joint projects, official sources said.



Describing Russia as a partner of choice for India in high technology sector, Jaitley said the new mechanism will further energise the bilateral partnership as it will help in opening up advanced areas of cooperation which will benefit the future generations.



The meeting of the Joint Committee took place along with the fifth edition of TECHNOPROM, an annual forum focusing on innovation and technology.



Addressing the forum, Rogizin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative and said it was an inspiration for Russia to launch its own version of drive to enhance industrialisation.



Russia has launched a "Do It In Russia" initiative to promote local manufacturing and technology development.



"We recognise that in today's fast moving world of technological innovation and information driven business models, manufacturing can thrive only if we are able to establish a symbiotic relationship between innovation and enterprise," Jaitley said while addressing the forum.



Sources said that India is considering to launch a nano satellite of Samara State University on an Indian launch vehicle.



The meeting of the Joint S&T committee finalised a range of bilateral areas of cooperation including space and marine technologies, IT, deep ocean engineering as well as modelling and simulation, sources said.



They said that cooperation in these areas would be undertaken through futuristic projects with participation of research centres and innovative industrial enterprises of both the countries.



Jaitley, who arrived here on Wednesday on a three-day visit to Russia, will now travel to Moscow to co-chair India-Russia Inter Governmental Commission on Military Technological Cooperation on June 23.




A file photo.

CHANDIGARH (PTI): Lt Gen G S Dhillon on Wednesday took over as the chief of staff of the Western Command at its headquarters in Panchkula near here.



He replaces Lt Gen I S Ghuman, who takes over a corps in the southern sector, a defence spokesman said here.



Earlier, during the day, Lt Gen G S Dhillon laid a wreath and paid homage to the martyrs of Western Command at 'Veer Smriti'.



Lt Gen Dhillon was commissioned into the Dogra Regiment in 1980.



An alumnus of Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, he has a distinguished military career spanning more than 37 years.



He was also posted as the Defence Attache in Saudi Arabia.



Lt Gen Dhillon has a rich and varied experience, including command of an Infantry Battalion in Kargil, an Infantry Brigade and an Infantry Division in the Eastern Sector, according to the spokesman.



He also attended the Defence Service Staff College at Wellington and the prestigious National Defence College at New Delhi, the spokesman added.






MOSCOW/ DHAKA (BNS): Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has signed a contract with the Bangladesh Air Force for the supply of five Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters.



The contract was signed in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, Chief Air Marshal Abu Esrar, the Rostec Corporation of which Rosoboronexport is a member, announced on June 19 without disclosing the contract amount.



"Bangladesh is focused on upgrading the national aircraft pool. We are happy that the state picked Russian high-quality equipment. We signed a contract to supply five Mi-171Sh helicopters to our partners. This is to be implemented in 2018," said Director General Alexander Mikheev of Rosoboronexport.



Rosoboronexport has delivered Mi-17s, Yak-130 combat-trainers, and armoured equipment to Bangladesh between 2013 and 2016, the statement said.



The Bangladesh Air Force is presently operating over 10 Mi-171Sh helicopters.



The Mi-171Sh variant, based on the Mi-171 rotorcraft, is designed for transportation and landing of up to 37 fully equipped and armed troops, fire support to the troops, transportation of cargo up to 4,000 kg inside the cargo cabin or at the external sling as well as transportation of wounded (up to 12 persons accompanied by medical personnel).



It can operate in day & night and all-weather conditions.



The helicopter can also be used for effective destruction of armoured vehicles, weapon emplacements and enemy troops, according to Russian Helicopters.




A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): French defence firm Thales and Reliance Defence Limited on Wednesday sealed a deal for setting up a joint venture (JV) with a shareholding of 49 per cent and 51 per cent respectively.



The JV is being set up to develop Indian capabilities to integrate and maintain radars and manufacture high performance airborne electronics, leveraging Thales' offset commitment as part of the deal for the supply of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to Indian Air Force.



Thales is a leading supplier of radars, electronic warfare solutions and software to Dassault Aviation that manufactures Rafale jets.



"We are delighted to seal this strategic collaboration with Reliance Defence Limited. This JV resonates with our strategy to strengthen our industrial footprint in the country by building collaborations with the Indian industry," said Patrice Caine, chairman and CEO of Thales, after finalising the deal in Paris.



Anil Ambani, chairman of the Reliance Group, called the "strategic partnership" with Thales yet another milestone for his company.



"The strategic partnership with global leader Thales is another major milestone in our march towards best in the class manufacturing at support facilities for military hardware in India," he said.



Reliance, he added, was committed to the government's Make in India and 'Skill India' initiatives and would continue to remain in the forefront, partnering with leading companies in the world.



The JV would develop skills and activity in the Special Economic Zone of Mihan-Nagpur together with an Indian supply chain for the manufacturing of microwave technologies and high performance airborne electronics, the two companies said in a joint statement.



Thales is a leading company in the aerospace domain. It currently has over 300 employees working with its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary, Thales India Pvt Ltd.



India in September last year had inked a Euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons and equipped with latest missiles.



The Rafale combat aircraft to be manufactured by French aviation company Dassault will come with various India- specific modifications.


Brandeis hosts scholarly look at the Balfour Declaration on the eve of its centenary

In hosting the 33rd annual meeting of the Association for Israel Studies, Brandeis drew hundreds of scholars to campus

Leon Wieseltier, keynote speaker at the 33rd annual Association for Israel Studies conference at Brandeis, in discussion with Ilan Troen '63, founding director of Brandeis' Schusterman Center for Israel Studies and AIS president. Wiesltier received an honorary degree from Brandeis in 2013.

Brandeis hosted the 33rd annual meeting of the Association for Israel Studies (AIS) from June 12-14, 2017. The premiere setting for the sharing of Israel studies scholarship each year, the conference drew 450 participants who traveled from China, India, Israel, South America and Europe, as well as North America, to Brandeis. The conference was organized by Brandeis Schusterman Center for Israel Studies for the second time since 2011.The theme of the multidisciplinary conference, "A Century After Balfour: Vision and Reality," provided a lens for scholars to examine topics such as Israel in the context of the Middle East; relations among Diaspora Jews, the Zionist movement and the State of Israel; the meaning of a Jewish homeland; the imperative to secure the civil and religious rights of non-Jewish communities, and the role of international institutions in implementing the declaration.The Balfour Declaration, a letter issued by British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild on Nov. 2, 1917 endorsed the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and was the first political recognition of the Zionists aims by a foreign government.Over the course of the three-day conference , participants presented and discussed the latest Israel studies scholarship in 99 panels and several roundtable discussions. Key events included plenary sessions reflecting on Fifty Years since 1967, and examining the Role of NGOs Inside/Outside of Israel.After opening remarks from Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz, Leon Wieseltier, Isaiah Berlin Senior Fellow in Culture and Policy at the Brookings Institution, gave the keynote address and second annual Ilan Troen Lecture on Contemporary Israel Affairs, Reflections on the Balfour Declaration." Wieseltier discussed the the seminal document's impact on the Zionist Movement and on world politics over the last 100 years.More than 50 years ago, Brandeis, under the legendary Ben Halpern, was the first American university to offer a continuing program in Israel Studies. Former Brandeis president Jehuda Reinharz later played a fundamental role in the expansion of Israel Studies at the University.As the founding director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, AIS President Ilan Troen 63, who retires this month as Karl, Harry and Helen Stoll Professor of Israel Studies, was instrumental in the shaping and growth of the field of Israel Studies at Brandeis and throughout the world. The Schusterman Center, now under the direction of David Ellenson, runs the Summer Institute for Israel Studies, which over its first 13 years has prepared nearly 300 faculty members from institutions worldwide to teach about Israel in the social sciences and humanities. Nearly 70 Summer Institute alumni returned to Brandeis for the AIS conference, which was made by possible through the support of the Israel Institute, the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Ruderman Foundation, and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston.
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Astronaut Dan Tani has been chosen to replace Buzz Aldrin, who was to deliver a keynote address at CIT in Cork next Tuesday, Space Studies Program (SSP17) organisers have confirmed.

Dr Aldrin had to cancel all international scheduled visits due to medical advice earlier this week.

The lecture is one of the 50 public space events that are taking place over the summer to coincide with the International Space Universitys (ISU) 30th Space Studies Program (SSP17) at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) from June 26 to August 25.

Astronaut @Astro_Tani will replace Buzz Aldrin for our public lecture on 27 June! Get tickets at https://t.co/P431XFeP5K from 18:00. #SSP17 pic.twitter.com/g51xLEhr5w  ISU Space Studies Program (@ISU_SSP) June 22, 2017

An American engineer and NASA astronaut, Dan Tani will discuss human spaceflight, his experiences in Space and the future of space exploration.

Tani had a 16 year career at NASA, where he flew on two space missions for an accumulated 132 days in space, featuring 6 space walks, including the 100th spacewalk on the International Space Station.

His lecture will be given in front of a 7m Museum of Moon, an art installation by the UK artist Luke Jerram, which has been brought to Cork as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival and SSP17 in a collaboration with CIT and local sponsors including OFlynn Exhams, JCD, and Urban Green Private.

Everyone who held tickets for the Buzz Aldrin lecture will be guaranteed admission to this talk and additional tickets are now also available on www.ssp17.ie on a first-come first-served basis.

Dan Tani will also be part of a public astronaut panel on July 4 with fellow astronauts Nicole Stott, Robert Thirsk and Yi So-yeon.
Update 9.45pm: A spokesperson for the Rose of Tralee International Festival has said the organisation will not comment on reports that armed gardai will patrol this year's event.

Last year the stage was invaded by a peaceful protestor while the event was being televised.

Reports emerged today that in light of recent terror attacks abroad, armed detectives will be present at the festival in August.

Spokesman for the Rose of Tralee International Festival John Drummey said organisers would not comment on security arrangements.

He said: "That's a Garda matterObviously there are increased concerns regarding what happened in other parts of the world, and there will probably be extra vigilance because of that."

Earlier:

Extra security measures are being put in place ahead of this year's Rose Of Tralee festival.

It has been reported the armed Garda support unit will be in place at the festival this summer in the wake of recent terror attacks in the UK.

Rose escort co-ordinator and member of the Association of Irish Events and Festivals Colm Croffy confirmed the move was in response to the recent attacks in both Manchester and London.

He said there would be upwards of 3,000 security personnel working at the festival, and that this year the number was up by about 10%-15%.

He said: "They're getting a different briefing - there's a more heightened sense of risk, threats that weren't there before."
There are calls for the new Department of Rural and Community affairs headquarters to be based in Co Mayo.

Fianna Fail's Eamon O Cuiv maintains there has been major underspending within the department, and is calling on Minister Michael Ring to address it urgently.
An Opposition TD has accused the Government is effectively shutting down the bill to legalise medicinal cannabis.

The legislation proposed by Gino Kenny of the Solidarity / People Before Profit Alliance passed the first and second stages in the Dail, but it has not moved since December
By Ann O'Loughlin

Legal actions by four female lecturers against National University of Ireland Galway alleging gender discrimination in a competition for promotion have been again adjourned while efforts continue to resolve the dispute through mediation.

Claire Bruton BL, for the lecturers, told High Court Deputy Master Angela Denning today the mediation is ongoing and she was seeking a two-week adjournment of the cases by consent. Ms Denning granted that adjournment.

The cases arise after Dr Sylvie Lannegrand, Dr Rosin Healy, Dr Margaret Hodgins and Dr Adrienne Gorman made unsuccessful applications for promotion to positions of senior lecturer under a promotion process operated by the college between October 2008 and April 2009.

The four say they were treated less favourably by NUIG on grounds of gender and/or family status.

They want various declarations including the promotion process breached their contracts of employment and contractual entitlement to gender equality along with provisions of the 1997 Universities Act, the Employment Equality Acts and EU law.

They also want orders promoting them to senior lecturers from July 1, 2009, and associated adjustments to their salaries, pension rights and other benefits effective from that date. They are also claiming damages.

NUIG denies the claims, pleads the lecturers have no cause of action against it in the High Court and the Workplace Relations Commission is the proper body charged with determining complaints of employment discrimination.

Previously, the High Court granted NUIGs application for a hearing of preliminary legal issues concerning whether the lecturers' claims can be dealt with by the High Court or must be first determined by the WRC and/or Circuit Court.

A date for that has yet to be fixed and depends on whether the mediation succeeds or not.

Lawyers for the lecturers had argued the issues would be most appropriately dealt with at a full hearing as the cases raises "complex issues of Irish and EU law" and "matters of national public interest".
Update 10.17am: Fianna Fail has called on former Attorney General Maire Whelan to resign from her new role as Appeals Court judge and be forced to re-apply for it.

The party is unhappy with the way Maire Whelan was appointed to the post and wants her to go through the normal procedure.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been criticised for awarding Ms Whelan the role at his final Cabinet meeting, without considering three other possible candidates.

I think at this stage, in order to protect the independence of the courts and our judiciary, Maire Whelan should resign from this position and let her take her chances through the proper procedures and the normal procedures, of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, said Fianna Fail's spokesperson on Jobs Niall Collins.

Earlier:

Minister Charlie Flanagan has refused to confirm reports that former Attorney General Maire Whelan remained at the Cabinet table while her nomination to the Court of Appeal was discussed.

"I'm quite satisfied that in these circumstances, surrounding this appointment, the current and proper procedures were employed from start to finish," he said.

Charlie Flanagan

The Government also refused to confirm whether there were other applicants for the vacant judge's job.

The current [Flangan] and former Justice Ministers [Frances Fitzgerald] also refused to say which Ministers were told of the plans - or even who came up with her name as a nominee.

In a heated late-night Dail debate over Ms Whelan's appointment, Opposition TDs were told that Cabinet discussions had to remain confidential.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition asking Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to block the election of one of his party's members as Limerick mayor over "racist" remarks.

Cllr Stephen Keary, the father-in-law of Junior Minister Patrick O'Donovan, suggested welfare recipients from Eastern Europe see Ireland as "easy pickings".

He said immigrants are the reason why there has been a rise in the numbers on social housing and hospital waiting lists.

Fine Gael has distanced itself from the remarks, saying they do not represent the party policy.

Although Cllr Keary has since apologised for causing any offence, his comments have prompted anger, with more than 500 people signing a petition calling on Mr Varadkar to force Fine Gael to nominate an alternative candidate in Limerick.

The online campaign says: "Limerick is a vibrant, welcoming, fast-changing, multicultural place. It needs a mayor who reflects its people and its outlook. It looks like Fine Gael's candidate for Limerick Mayor is a throw-back to the Fine Gael of the 1930s."

Derek O'Dwyer, who started the online petition said: "The whole thing [about his mayoralty] just doesnt sit well with me. You have to remember come March next year, he will not just represent Limerick on the national stage, he will represent Limerick on the international stage. Do I want him to go to New York and speak on my behalf? I dont, and I do not think hes fit to.

It is understood many Fianna Fail councillors are deeply uncomfortable backing Cllr Keary for the mayoralty, and may ask Fine Gael to put forward another candidate in return for their support.

After he initially defended the remarks, Cllr Keary apologised if his comments hurt anyone, adding: A small minority abuse the system and some of my constituents in the Adare/Rathkeale municipal area have relayed their feelings to me on that. That is all I was attempting to say.

Limerick citizens from overseas are expected to be at Monday's mayoral election to show their opposition.

A number of Eastern European citizens have already written a letter to Limerick councillors calling on them to reject Cllr Keary's mayoral bid following the "uninformed, racist and divisive comments".

"Cllr Keary's attempt to blame the hospital and housing waiting lists on a so-called 'influx' of immigrants should be roundly condemned by all councillors. Not only is it offensive, it is completely and utterly unsupported by the facts. The reality is that Ireland has seen net emigration over the last five years, while the waiting lists have grown," said the letter which was signed by five people.

Asked about the petition, Cllr Keary declined to comment.
The Government has declared it is demanding "special status" for Northern Ireland after Brexit.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has dismissed "language coming from London" in recent days that technology alone - cameras and online permits - could bypass the need for border posts on the island of Ireland.

Mr Coveney, who met with EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier during the week, said an unprecedented "political solution" was needed to keep the status quo and an effectively invisible frontier.

"What we are insisting on achieving is a special status for Northern Ireland that allows the interaction on this island, as is currently the case, to be maintained," he said.

"It is not so much about a soft or hard border, it is about an invisible border effectively, that you don't notice as you cross it.

"To achieve that, we need to draw up a political solution here as well as technical and practical one, which doesn't really have any precedent in the European Union."

Mr Coveney said the solution would have to respect the territorial integrity of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.

It would also have to make sure it did not create a back door to entering the European single market, he added.

"This is not going to be a straightforward problem to solve," he said.

The call for "special status" is a departure for the Government. It was immediately welcomed by Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile as a "significant" shift.

Unionists have argued against special status for Northern Ireland within the EU, claiming it is being planned as a back door to a united Ireland.
Sinn Fein is calling on the Irish Government to take a stronger position on protecting the Good Friday Agreement.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in Brussels today.
The British government is merely "going through the motions" in talks to restore powersharing at Stormont and is more focused on their efforts to strike a deal with the DUP at Westminster, Sinn Fein has claimed.

Conor Murphy said his party had serious concerns the deadline for saving devolution would be missed due the disengagement of both the DUP and Conservatives.

He rubbished any suggestion an agreement could be reached between the parties in Belfast before details of any Tory/DUP confidence and supply accord were published.

Mr Murphy (pictured) said while the official deadline for a deal at Stormont was next Thursday - June 29 - the Irish and UK governments had told the participants an agreement had to be effectively reached by Tuesday.

"The reality is the British government are going through the motions here while their game is their own preservation of their own interests in London," he said.

The Sinn Fein negotiator added: "Thus far we have not seen, as the British government and the DUP have been distracted with other business, we haven't seen the level of engagement that is required here.

"We are seriously concerned given the time-frame we are operating here, given the lack of any visibility in terms of the deal being negotiated between the DUP and British government, time is fast running out on this process."

DUP Assembly member Simon Hamilton offered a contrasting view on the state of the talks inside Stormont Castle.

He said Thursday had been a "good day of engagement".

"We continue to make progress and we remain hopeful," he added.

He rejected the Sinn Fein claim that his party was distracted by events in London.

"The DUP is able to multi-task and represent the people of Northern Ireland both in London and here in Belfast," he said.

"We are putting our shoulder to the wheel to try to get a good deal in London and also get a good deal here in Belfast as well."

If the parties miss the deadline for agreement at Stormont they face the prospect of direct rule being reimposed from Westminster.

Northern Ireland has been without a powersharing Executive since March and without a first and deputy first minister since January, when the late Martin McGuinness's resignation forced DUP leader Arlene Foster from her job as first minister.

The institutions collapsed amid a bitter political row over a botched renewable heat scheme.

The anticipated DUP/Conservative arrangement at Westminster has forced the UK government to reject suggestions its commitment to act with impartiality in Northern Ireland - as set out in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement - will be fatally undermined by any parliamentary pact.
Sixteen people are suing for injuries arising out of the prescribing of the drug Thalidomide to their mothers during pregnancy in the 1950s/60s, the High Court has heard, writes Ann OLoughlin.

The cases, which started in 2013, arose out of new information and technological advances which enabled people who suffered disabilities or deformities as a result of their mothers taking the drug to bring the actions, the court heard.

However, the German manufacturers of the drug, the Irish distributors and the State, who are all being sued, claim the cases are barred from proceeding as a result of the statute of limitations. This places a time limit of generally between two and six years depending on the type of case and the time of a persons knowledge of an alleged wrong.

Manufacturers Grunenthal GmbH, distributors TP Whelehan Son & Co, and the Ministers for Health and Environment all deny the claims.

Grunenthal applied to Mr Justice Seamus Noonan for directions over whether the issue of the cases being statute-barred should be determined first. It also sought a determination as to whether the proceedings against the German company should be dismissed for want of prosecution and/or because of inordinate and inexcusable delay.

Lawyers for one of the 16, whose case is being dealt with first, also applied for directions on how the case should proceed.

Mr Justice Noonan is to give his decision on the matter tomorrow.

The court heard the plaintiffs are in their 50s and some may require urgent hearings because of their medical conditions.
Combustible cladding has been found on seven high-rise blocks of flats in four local authority areas in England, Downing Street has said.

Samples taken from the buildings failed UK government tests to determine whether the cladding is combustible but that does not mean the tower blocks are unsafe, with that to be determined after more checks by the fire and rescue services, Theresa May's deputy spokeswoman said.

Landlords are informing tenants in the buildings about the failed tests and the next steps.

The spokeswoman told a regular Westminster briefing: "Failing this test does not necessarily mean that your building may be declared unsafe.

"It will be subject to further testing that is undertaken by the fire services to do that and if that is the case then we will be obviously working with local authorities and the landlords to make sure that nobody stays in a building that's proved to be unsafe."

Among the buildings so far confirmed by the British government to have flammable facades are the Chalcots Estate in north London, which is removing the cladding, and the Mount Wise Tower in Plymouth.

Both buildings were said to be enforcing more stringent fire-prevention measures as a response, including 24/7 observations of the building by safety teams.

Camden Council said the Chalcots Estate was facing renovation after tests found "the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned".

Plymouth Community Homes said of the at-risk high-rise: "It has been found to be aluminium coated with a polyethylene core, which has been rated as category 3 under the new controlled test conditions.

"The fire rating scale goes from 0 to 3 (with 0 being the highest safety score and 3 being the lowest)."

Elsewhere in north London, the residents of Rivers Apartments in Tottenham were greeted by a notice reading: "We want to let you know that we are carrying out an immediate review of the exterior cladding at Rivers Apartments, including an assessment by an independent fire safety expert."

Councils in England estimate that around 600 high-rise buildings have some form of cladding, with landlords asked to check if they used similar aluminium composite material (ACM) panels to Grenfell Tower.

It is suspected the material used to clad the exterior of the west London block accelerated the spread of last week's blaze, which has killed at least 79 people.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called on the British government to ensure funds were available to make the high-rise structures safe.

He told the Commons this would be so councils "carry out immediate fire safety checks and install sprinklers" and said residents should be made aware of the timetable.

"There is obviously a huge cost involved in removing and recladding blocks that are found to have flammable materials included in them," he said.

"That resources, that money, must be made available immediately because it is a huge job of work, and when the Prime Minister says that those people who are in danger must be moved out of their properties - this is a massive undertaking and a huge focus of Government resources will have to go into it."

Responses from Scottish local authorities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive suggest the type of cladding used in Grenfell Tower has not been used on their high-rise blocks

The company in charge of fitting the cladding to the affected Camden towers oversaw the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, according to its website.

Rydon carried out the refit of the high-rises between May 2006 and October 2009.

Other samples are currently being tested by the Government, which has the facility to test 100 a day.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid will shortly convene a subcommittee of the British Government's Grenfell Tower taskforce to look at building safety, after which he will provide an update.

He will also write to MPs on Thursday evening to set out what has happened so far and the next steps the Government is taking.
President Donald Trump has said his planned wall on the Mexican border could feature solar panels.

Mr Trump told supporters at a rally yesterday evening in Iowa that a solar wall would "create energy and pay for itself".
Update 2.49pm: Theresa May has endured another difficult reception following her latest visit to meet residents of Grenfell Tower.

Video footage obtained by ITV News showed the British Prime Minister being booed as she left a meeting on Wednesday evening.

Mrs May did not appear to respond as she was ushered into her official car by waiting security officers following the unannounced visit.

She told the House of Commons on Thursday that she had been to North Kensington to meet a group of residents who came to Downing Street at the weekend to hear from them about the progress that was being made.

Last week, Mrs May was met with cries of "Coward" and "Shame on you" when she went to meet residents, having been criticised for only talking to the emergency services on an earlier visit.

Her response to the tragedy opened up renewed questions about her leadership after seeing her Commons majority wiped out in the June 8 General Election.

In the Commons Queen's Speech debate on Wednesday, the Prime Minister apologised for the failings of the authorities in the aftermath of the fire.

Update 12.22pm: Hundreds of tower blocks in England could be covered in similar material to Grenfell Tower, Downing Street has admitted.

So far tests have revealed that combustible cladding has been found on at least three tower blocks across the UK, the British government has said.

Downing Street said English councils estimated that 600 high-rise buildings used "similar cladding" to the block in west London which was the scene of tragedy last week.

In a sign of confusion in Whitehall, the Department for Communities and Local Government said the estimate referred to buildings over 18 metres high with aluminium cladding - not necessarily of a similar type to that used at Grenfell.

Councils were told to provide the Government with details of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday and three samples were found to be combustible after tests on a "small number" of specimens.

Flammable panelling on the outside of Grenfell Tower is suspected to have aided the rapid spread of last weeks blaze, trapping dozens inside.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is coordinating the process and facilities allow for 100 samples a day to be tested.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "So far, three samples have been found to be combustible."

She added: "In terms of how many buildings and how many homes have this type of cladding, the estimate provided to us by councils is that there are approximately 600 high-rise buildings with similar cladding.

"We are in touch with all the local authorities to encourage them to urgently send us the samples and then we will carry out the checks that we need to see where we are with that."

In blocks where the cladding is found to be combustible "we will do a further test to make sure the building is safe" and residents could be rehomed.

"Obviously nobody will be living in buildings that are unsafe, they will be rehoused if they need to be and landlords will be asked to provide alternative accommodation where thats possible," the spokeswoman said.

Earlier:

Combustible cladding has been found on at least three tower blocks across the UK, the British government has said.

The at-risk buildings are not being identified until the landlords have had the opportunity to inform tenants, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Councils were told to provide the British government with details of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday and three samples were found to be combustible.

Flammable panelling on the outside of Grenfell Tower is suspected to have aided the rapid spread of last weeks blaze, trapping dozens inside.

The department said it had been carrying out checks on the panels of council towers after receiving the reports back from local authorities.

It comes as the Prime Minister announced that a probe into whether cladding in Grenfell Tower met fire safety regulations will be published in the next 48 hours.

Theresa May faced questions over whether the material had passed fire and building safety tests when the West London tower block had been refurbished.

Calls were made for combustible materials to be banned in tower blocks during an urgent Commons statement on the deadly fire.

Pressed by Labours Hilary Benn on the whether the cladding had been deemed safe, Mrs May said: "My understanding is the fire service and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) - and BRE were there on the scene very early to look at this issue - they have been identifying the cause of the fire and any contributory factors to the fire.

"They are testing the cladding on the building and they expect to make the results of this public, I think in the next 48 hours."

Liberal Democrat Tom Brake led calls for an immediate ban on combustible materials within residential tower blocks and urged ministers to increase pressure on councils to do safety checks when converting non-residential buildings for housing.

Responding, Mrs May told MPs: "What we need to ensure is that when the fire services, when the police have done their investigation, that any action that is necessary immediately as a result of the identification of the cause of the fire and the reasons why the fire took such hold - which is the issue that is of particular concern, then any action that is necessary is taken and it will be taken."

Amid calls for landlords to be given incentives to retro-fit sprinklers, she warned that "in not all cases will it be the case that the retro-fitting of sprinklers is actually going to be the thing that makes the difference".

Labours Yvette Cooper asked Mrs May why she could not tell the Commons whether the cladding used on Grenfell Tower was compliant with building regulations for a building of the same height.

Mrs May asked MPs to remember that there was a criminal investigation under way, and said: "The testing of the cladding, the testing of the materials used is being undertaken and a statement will be made by the police and the fire service within the next 48 hours."

Warnings that the insulation used in the Grenfell Tower refurbishment was flammable had been published on the website of its manufacturer.

Celotex confirmed that it supplied its RS5000 insulation for the 8.6m renovation of the block.

According to details published online, the material "will burn if exposed to a fire of sufficient heat and intensity".

It has also been speculated that if a rain-proof layer had been added to the building a small cavity could have been created, which acted as a wind tunnel and accelerated the spread of the flames.

RS5000, according to Celotexs website, has a Class 0 rating under UK building regulations, meaning it has the highest rating for preventing the spread of flames and prevents the spread of heat.

However, its "health and safety datasheet" notes: "The products will burn if exposed to a fire of sufficient heat and intensity.

"As with all organic materials, toxic gases will be released with combustion."

Design specifications suggest the renovation work carried out at Grenfell Tower included plans for a 50mm "ventilated cavity" next to 150mm of Celotex FR5000 insulation, which also has a Class 0 rating.

Mrs May faced pressure from Labour MPs after failing to commit the Government to funding any improvement works on other tower blocks.

The Prime Minister said: "The Government is working with local authorities.

"We will ensure that any essential works that are necessary, in terms of remedial action for safety of these blocks in relation to fire, are taken.

"There will be different circumstances in different local authorities.

"We will ensure that the work can be undertaken."

The testing facilities for existing cladding to check fire safety were being provided to councils by the Government, she added.

Westminster North MP Karen Buck said: "Im still waiting for the Prime Minister to say she will underwrite the costs to local authorities of inspection and urgent remedial action.

"Given the cuts of up to a third and a half on local authority budgets and housing providers being required to implement a rent cut, which has squeezed their budget, we cannot have a postcode lottery in terms of safety provision."

Former shadow minister Rachel Reeves added: "Whatever recommendations are made, on sprinklers, on cladding, on fire alarms and other remedial work, that it will be central government that is providing the funds to ensure that tenants and residents in all of those thousands of tower blocks across the country are safe."
Canberra Liberal's gaming and racing spokesman Mark Parton said he turned his life around and now only gambles moderately. Credit:Jamila Toderas She recommended the government ban the sport by the end of this year, in order for greyhounds to be rehomed and assistance packages doled out to former owners, breeders and trainers by next June. But the move has already prompted speculation about the industry moving over the border to Queanbeyan, with the ACT Opposition questioning the "point of the ban" as it will still be legal to own, train and breed greyhounds for racing. NSW deputy premier Nationals' John Barilaro reportedly told 2GB host Ray Hadley he would "build a greyhound racing track at Queanbeyan in response to the ACT banning the sport". Mr Barilaro later backed away from his comments, saying via a spokeswoman he was open to a "chat" with Canberra's greyhound racing industry.

ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja said it was "more nanny state" legislation from the ACT. "The fact is no doubt that if they do go ahead with this ban no doubt it will probably move over the border to Queanbeyan or elsewhere, so all they're really doing is some form of virtue-signalling and I don't think you should be banning legitimate industries and I think the greyhound industry is a legitimate industry," Mr Seselja said. 'Impossible' to determine 'wastage' The Durkin report found of the 27,000 dogs raced in Canberra over the past five years, more than 320 dogs sustained minor to catastrophic injuries in ACT races. Twenty-six dogs were destroyed at the track on the day of a race. Canberra Liberals' MLA Mark Parton said those figures were not indicative of systemic cruelty.

"When you consider that figure based on 27,000 greyhounds it wasn't all that high. If you have 27,000 greyhounds running around in backyards over five years, you're probably going to get 320 injuries," Mr Parton said. However Greens MLA Caroline Le Couteur said the lack of evidence came back to the greyhound racing industry's "self policing". "The reason there's not as much evidence as we'd expect is because the greyhound racing industry was tasked with providing the evidence," Ms Le Couteur said. Ms Durkin also pointed to problems with the way the club collected data on deaths and injuries and said it was "not possible" to determine the level of "wastage" because of the data and time limits of the review. While she found no evidence to indicate the club or its stewards "sanitised" or under-reported deaths or injuries at the track, deaths and injuries were only recorded while a veterinarian was on-site for race meetings at most twice a week.

No data was available for any injuries sustained during race trials, in which 3000 dogs raced in last year. She said any trials that take place in the transition period should have a vet present. Ms Durkin also criticised the club for claiming "nothing was hidden" when it kept its stewards reports and swab results in a password protected section of its website. The club said it was removing the password protection and countered it had only placed it there because of of "malicious cherry picking" of its data. Government 'hypocritical' on revenue The ACT government last year foreshadowed the withdrawal of more than $1 million of public funding from the greyhound racing industry. The greyhound racing industry was historically funded through payments from ACTTAB, the territory's betting agency that was sold off to TABCORP in 2014.

But after industry concerns about ACTTAB's falling competitiveness and its subsequent ability to support the racing industry, the government agreed to step in, in line with recommendations from a 2011 racing industry inquiry by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission. The government signed a a memorandum of understanding with Canberra's thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing clubs in December 2013 to provide $8 million to the racing industry, including $1 million for greyhound racing. That agreement expires on June 30 this year and the money earmarked for greyhound racing will be funnelled into an assistance package to support people forced to leave the industry. The ACT still receives about $1 million per year for the ACTTAB licence, Mr Ramsay also revealed in budget estimates on Friday. Canberra Liberals' racing and gaming spokesman Mark Parton suggested it was "hypocritical" for the government to accept revenue from the TABCORP licence when it involved betting on greyhound racing. "It is hypocritical but when you consider the conversation we've had about gaming machines and there's still an umbilical cord that goes from certain clubs to ACT Labor, it's no surprise," Mr Parton said.
The ACT government will allow Canberra pharmacists to vaccinate for whooping cough at their local pharmacy, following the success of making flu shots available from pharmacists in 2016.

ACT health minister Meegan Fitzharris said on Thursday it was an affordable community-based health measure.

Chemist Elise Apolloni administers an injection at the Wanniassa Capital Chemist. Credit:Karleen Minney

"This will allow [pharmacists] to add to the types of health services that they can deliver," Ms Fitzharris said.

"What we do know and what we saw last year with the flu vaccination [...] is that increasing availability and accessibility of health services is extremely improtant."
TPG will save about $10 million over five years in NBN levies after the federal government introduced an exemption in the Regional Broadband Scheme, which helps subsidise NBN Co's cost of supplying satellite and fixed wireless to regional areas.

In legislation introduced on Thursday, the government revealed the first 25,000 premises serviced by a super-fast broadband network owner will be exempt from the $7.10 per month levy, which starts in July 2018.

NBN Co's chief executive Bill Morrow. Credit:Daniel Munoz

The levy only applies to fixed lines, not mobile broadband or fixed wireless broadband.

The exemption means the smallest players may not have to pay the RBS levy at all until mid-2023, and companies with more than 25,000 will save about $2.13 million annually for five years.
Upmarket David Jones is undertaking a $100 million upgrade of its food business over the next three years, which will include the roll-out of stand-alone branded convenience stores.

It is a brand new concept for the department store chain and reflects the changing habits of shoppers who want food experiences.

The first stage of the "food journey" will be the launch of a new-look food hall at the Westfield Bondi Junction David Jones in August. This will be followed by a food market in the smaller store at GPT Group's Wollongong Central shopping centre. Then in November, the Bourke Street, Melbourne, store will have its food area refreshed.

But the crux of the plan is the new stand-alone stores, which will offer the same experience as the famous food hall in the Sydney flagship store, but will have "curated" lines of products.
Socks and jocks maker Pacific Brands sold a shipment of leaking rain jackets to the New Zealand Defence Force and then left Wesfarmers to cover the $2.5 million cost of replacing them.

That's according to a statement of claim Wesfarmers has filed in the NSW Federal Court, in an attempt by the retail conglomerate behind Coles, Bunnings and Kmart to claw some of that money back.

Wesfarmers says the New Zealand Defence Force bought the dodgy raincoats between 2012 and 2014 from the Workwear Group, a division of Pacific Brands, the iconic Australian company behind Bonds underwear and Sheridan homewares.

In June 2014 the NZDF contacted Pacific Brands three times to make "corrective action reports", complaining that the jackets were "leaking" and that defence personnel wearing them were getting wet.
Almost two thirds of adult Australian news consumers say they are either "very" or "extremely" interested in news stories but 56 per cent also admit to actively avoiding the news either often or occasionally.

In an era marked by a sense of more frequent terrorism, economic dislocation, and increasingly polarised politics, readers appear to be regulating their consumption.

Almost two thirds of adult Australian news consumers say they are either "very" or "extremely" interested in the news. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

Women tend to avoid the news fractionally more because many report it having a negative effect on their moods.

These are among a slew of findings from a massive international survey of news and social media consumption trends involving 36 countries, released on Thursday.
Yet donations are only the most obvious potential channel of influence for the CCP in Australian politics. A small but growing number of Chinese-Australians with close links to the CCP now seek to occupy roles in this country's political structures. Malcolm Turnbull, Huang Xiangmo, Craig Laundy and Yang Dongdong at a 2016 Chinese New Year festivities. It's a trend that goes to the heart of concerns raised by the federal government and security services about the undisclosed sway in Australian politics of Beijing's agents of influence. But it's also worrying some Chinese-Australians, led by those who came to Australia to escape party control. Serving the motherland abroad Before coming to Australia at the end of 1989, Yang was deputy secretary of a branch of the Chinese Communist Youth League in Shanghai. Yang proudly reminisces on social media about his time in the party hierarchy, sharing old photos of himself at party meetings.

Craig Laundy, Malcolm Turnbull, Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu and Yang Dongdong at a Chinese New Year event. In 1988, his name was inscribed in the Chinese Communist Youth League honour roll. He was named "Shanghai New Long March Shock Trooper" for his work as a cadre devoted to the Youth League's mission of promoting the party. When pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square were massacred on June 4, 1989, a shocked Australian prime minister Bob Hawke offered all Chinese students in Australia protection visas. Arriving in Sydney after the massacre, Yang Dongdong appeared "desperate" to establish his eligibility for such a visa, according to Chin Jin, a prominent member of the Sydney anti-communist party group, Federation for a Democratic China. Yang joined the federation and attended protests. Eventually, he was granted permanent residency and then citizenship. From anti-communist to faithful servant

There are few traces of Yang's early Australian anti-communist activities in his more recent dealings. Yang now promotes himself as one of the strongest supporters of the CCP in Australia, says his old anti-communist friend Chin Jin. Yang is a member of the Overseas Committee of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, as well as its subsidiary, the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. In one of his companies' profiles of Yang, the groups are described as part of the CCP's United Front Work Department, a unique lobbying organisation that works secretly to mobilise overseas Chinese to advance Beijing's interests. In a brief interview on Wednesday, Yang said the Shanghai federation is "a communist party association". Yang's 2014 application letter to be admitted to the Overseas Committee of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese  which he posted temporarily online  details his activities on behalf of the Chinese government. At the end of the document, he refers officials who wish to make further inquiries about him to the Chinese consulate in Sydney or the embassy in Canberra. Yang, whose business activities have included a Sydney telecommunications shop, also claims in the application that that he has supplied phone services to visiting Chinese presidents, the Chinese Olympic committee, Chinese diplomats and even the Chinese navy when in Australia. Former diplomat Chen Yonglin confirms these claims, which suggest Yang had somehow acquired a high level of trust from Chinese officials at the consulate and embassy (which also hosts China's intelligence services). When quizzed about his supply of telecommunications services, Yang said on Wednesday he had provided mobile phones to the consulate and embassy "a long time ago." He said he could not recall if he supplied phones to the navy or visiting officials. Chen Yonglin, a political officer in the Sydney Consulate until he defected amid a storm of controversy in 2005, says that Yang developed "an intimate, close connection with the Consulate".

Chen says Yang once reported to the consulate that ASIO had approached him to provide information about these phones. ASIO's policy of not commenting on operational matters means this cannot be verified. Yang's application also states that he supplied phones to Chinese state-owned enterprises like China Eastern Airlines and China Central Television, a business relationship that suggests he is trusted by some in the Chinese government. Contracts with state-owned enterprises are a classic way of rewarding loyalty. The activist and networker At the now-infamous 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Canberra, at which thousands of Chinese students were bussed in for angry and sometimes aggressive displays of patriotism, Yang was leader of two "order maintenance corps". He had earlier told a Chinese state media outlet that he would protect the torch from Tibetan independence activists. Inspired by what he saw, he penned an article titled "This evening by the lake we did not sleep  a record of Australia protecting the Olympic flame". He organised a number of anti-Dalai Lama protests to disrupt the Tibetan leader's visits, including one in 2015. "On the many occasions when the Dalai Lama scurried to Australia, [he] did much to actively promote the successes of the new Tibet to mainstream Australian society," Yang's 2014 application states.

Yang is also the vice president of the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Reunification of China, another lobbying group aligned with the CCP's United Front Work Department. Yang's group works closely with the similarly named Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China, headed by Chinese-Australian billionaire Huang Xiangmo whose activities have recently come under intense scrutiny. The generous political donor is among the most powerful figures in the Sydney Chinese community. In 2015, ASIO confidentially warned the major political parties that, given Huang's close ties to the CCP, there was a risk his political donations may come with strings attached. Via several Australian organisations with an ostensible focus on business development, including the Australia China Business Summit, Yang has gathered contacts in the Liberal Party. In 2015, prime minister Tony Abbott wrote to him ("Dear Dong Dong") thanking him for his hospitality. He was snapped joining a toast last year with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and China's Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu. He has been photographed with a range of Liberal Party heavyweights including Andrew Robb and Gladys Berejiklian (who with Liberal powerbroker John Sidoti handed him a community service award). Yang claims to be close to only one politician: the member for Reid. China's new friend

Laundy, who is heir to one of the largest pub empires in Australia and lives in an $8 million mansion in Hunter's Hill, won the federal seat of Reid for the Liberal Party in 2013. It was the first time the Liberals had held it since the seat's creation in 1922. Centred on Burwood, Drummoyne and parts of Strathfield in Sydney's inner west, around 10 per cent of Reid's voters were born in China. After his election, Laundy was promoted to the front bench as assistant minister for multicultural affairs. Now serving as assistant minister for industry and science, the Turnbull ally is earmarked as a future cabinet minister. With a large and diverse Chinese community living in his electorate, it's unsurprising for Craig Laundy to seek its members' support. Complaints that Chinese-Australians have been under-represented in Australian politics are justified. But Chinese involvement in local politics takes on a different hue when it is driven by figures such as Yang, who appear to be simultaneously working to advance the CCP's aims. Laundy's election campaign in 2016 received energetic support from Yang, who is also a founder of the Liberal Party's Chinese Council. The Labor Party was blindsided by a highly effective Chinese-language media campaign, with Yang writing an article praising Laundy and rallying dozens of Chinese-Australian to take to the streets to campaign for the Liberal Party candidate. Laundy, though, say that Yang's election role was unremarkable and he was just one of 300 volunteers under the control of his campaign director.

Promoting the friendship Laundy has become one of federal politics' most vigorous promoters of the China-Australia friendship. He's candid about his desire to work with the Chinese consulate in Sydney. In 2016, Yang's business group arranged for him to meet China's Consul-General Gu Xiaojie. The Consulate later reported that during this meeting, the MP expressed his willingness to "closely cooperate with the Consulate ... and to deepen practical cooperation [between the two countries]". When Laundy met the billionaire donor Huang Xiangmo in December 2015, the ACPPRC reported that the Liberal MP "highly praised how the ACPPRC under Huang Xiangmo's leadership had done much work for Australia and China". He "expressed his admiration for Huang's penetrating opinions on Australia's culture, economy, history, and so on, and expressed appreciation for the contributions of Huang's compassionate philanthropic services." When Yang organised a protest against the visit by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Yasukuni Shrine in March 2014, Laundy appeared alongside Yang waving Chinese and Korean flags. Laundy also promised to deliver a petition from the protesters to the foreign minister, the prime minister and parliament, and to call on them to support the protest. Laundy wasn't contradicting his government's position, but his spear-carrying on an issue cranked up by Beijing's propaganda machine raised eyebrows among China watchers.

Keeping an eye on the Tibetans Yang claims in his application that he "had a federal parliamentarian make a speech in parliament opposing Abe's veneration of spirits". Later, a People's Daily article  headlined "Voices of Opposition to Abe's Visiting Yasukuni Shrine Appear in the Australian Parliament for the First Time"  triumphantly reported on Laundy's and fellow Liberal backbencher David Coleman's criticism of Abe. In July 2015,when Tibetans staged a protest outside China's Sydney consulate in Camperdown, Yang's business group claimed on social media that Craig Laundy had issued a statement "strongly condemning the conduct of the thugs who attacked the Chinese Consulate in Sydney". In his media release, Laundy wrote that after talking to "Reid's local Chinese-Australian community" he condemned the "violence" of the protesters, who had done no more than take down the Chinese flag. He made no mention of the cause of the protest, the death in a Chinese prison of a prominent Tibetan monk. On Wednesday, Laundy dismissed that any of his advocacy had ever been influenced by Yang. "He's never asked me to support any position."

Laundy says he spoke out about the shrine visit because of outrage felt by his Chinese and Korean constituents. "The reason I raised the Abe issue in parliament [is because] ... I did the research and took a position myself." After mining magnate Clive Palmer made insulting remarks about Chinese people, Yang Dongdong led the anti-Palmer protests. Laundy turned up too, along with Sam Dastyari and fellow Liberal MP David Coleman. In his application Yang claims to have lobbied parliamentarians and the government to put pressure on Palmer, finally leading to Palmer's grovelling public apology. Noting his consistently pro-Beijing stances, China's state-run media appears to treat Laundy as a go-to man for comment. The MP has been quoted in several CCP controlled newspapers praising China's contribution to Australia and has featured on the cover of BQ Weekly, the magazine of Air China, under the headline "Chinese Migrants Represent the Australian Dream: In an Exclusive Interview Federal MP Laundy Says No to Anti-Chinese People". All about free trade Laundy insists his only interest in mainland China is "how our first generation or second generation Australians of Chinese descent can leverage their networks and take advantage of the free trade agreement".
A black bird stuffed by Ben (the taxidermy self-taught via YouTube) is perched on a branch over the doorway, an embalmed turtle souvenired from the set of A Place to Call Home is pinned to the wall, and a glass dome filled with stuffed birds crowns the mantelpiece. A child's oversized stuffed owl sits on one couch, while wet puppy Mabel jumps up on me on the other. Lego Friends pieces are scattered across the coffee table and books on art and architecture are piled on the floor. It's a relaxed setting which contrasts with the discipline and intensity with which Marta approaches her acting. Named by her mother after Mata Hari, the Dutch exotic dancer who was executed for being a German spy in World War I, Marta has an illustrious lineage. Her paternal grandfather Dick Dusseldorp, a Dutch migrant, was the founder of developer Lend Lease, while her maternal grandfather Sandy Robertson was a noted paediatrician in post-war Sydney. She grew up amid wealth and privilege, but it did not make her family immune to tragedy. When Marta was eight, her nine month-old brother died of leukaemia. She refused to believe it for a long time, and his death would later haunt her when she had babies of her own. "I was a basket case until they got past nine months," she has said. I feel like I need to keep talking and saying there are stories to tell for 40-plus women

After twin brothers, nicknamed Search and Destroy, came along she begged to be sent to boarding school to escape the hurly-burly at home. She gave up the ballet she had been learning since she was four and at 14 went off to prestigious Geelong Grammar, where she discovered acting. But Marta is reluctant to rehash her life story yet again. "At first I was happy to talk about me and where I came from because people were interested. Then slowly I realised, 'But that's not the story.' The story is women now," she says intently. "There aren't a lot of female leads of my age  I feel like I need to keep talking and saying there are stories to tell for 40-plus women who have children and great husbands." Armani jacket, $6300. Tome blouse, $780. Emporio Armani skirt, $1100. Credit:Hugh Stewart Marta met Ben in 2003 when she joined The Actor's Company at the Sydney Theatre Company, where he was resident director. Since then, they've regularly collaborated, including as actor/director in theatre productions and playing opposite each other as longlost husband and wife on A Place to Call Home. "We love working together, it's part of our marriage, so we want to continue to do that," she says.

After 15 years as a renowned theatre actor, Marta switched to television post-babies for a more family-friendly work schedule. Whereas many women find their careers stall or go backwards after having children, Marta was rewarded with starring roles in long-running series. "You become a better actor when you have something else in your life," she reflects. "It doesn't have to be children, just another passion, because acting can be all-consuming, you can totally become so obsessed  "It's lovely to have to switch off  whether that's your children coming to the front door or a pet, something that snaps you out of your imaginative landscape and brings you back to the here and now." Yet her transition back into the workplace wasn't completely smooth. She was forced to withdraw from a play because the male director didn't approve of her breastfeeding three-month-old Grace every four hours. Asked about that now, she says very firmly, "I don't want to talk about that," and refuses to be drawn any further. Marta says she was always a very assured young girl, having grown up surrounded by strong male role models who respected women and made her feel empowered. "I used to always be a bit sassy. I didn't need to be pretty to get people's attention."

Her father unequivocally supported her pursuit of acting, dusting her off when she missed out on a part. "It was this constant positive reinforcement, which in a male role model is incredibly important when you're a young woman." But Marta has become more sensitive to the male bias in her field as her daughters grow up. Geena Davis's work to overturn sexist culture in Hollywood has especially opened her eyes to the challenges facing female actors. While she believes diversity is improving, Marta has made it her mission to improve the way women are represented on screen. She endeavours to ensure that anything she works on meets the Bechdel test. Coined by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel in 1985, the Bechdel test requires that in any show there needs to be a scene between two women not talking about a man. "So I go through scripts, I do, I mark them up and say, 'This fails the Bechdel test  is this the show you want to make?' " Marta explains. "I never do it aggressively, but I think it's important if you're going to contribute to a project that you contribute in a way that reflects where we're heading." Similarly, when weighing up which of many offered theatre projects to take on next year, a key consideration for Marta is what each says about being a woman in the world today.

Her mission clearly energises her. The light and sparkle return to her green eyes as she talks about women, words tumble out and wide smiles appear more frequently, accentuating her high cheekbones and defined jawline. As much as Marta is a champion of women, the sisterhood hasn't always been as supportive of her. When asked what her best piece of advice would be, after a lengthy consideration she says darkly: "Beware women who hate women." Has she experienced that? She gives an exasperated sigh and looks away. "Maybe." Now in its third season, Janet King has developed a fiercely loyal following and is watched by 600,000 people a week. Not only do LGBTQI viewers rejoice in the normalisation of Janet's same-sex relationship, grandmothers tell her they love the fast-paced, smart drama, and young law students thank her for making them realise it is possible to be a leader. Marta has become an associate producer of Janet King  not in a quest for power or any extra money, but to get into the writers' room where her character's stories are shaped. "I'm concentrating now on becoming involved on a producer level creatively so I can start to build good product  Australian stories that continue to focus on strong women." Marta's input led to one of this season's key storylines  the reappearance of Janet's estranged father in her life. Having always felt her own father put her first when she was growing up, Marta was curious about the influence of her character's father. "My father and grandfathers were such a strong influence in my life [so] I think that's why I said, 'Where's Janet's dad?'"

Having inherited her father's and grandfathers' industriousness, Marta lives and breathes Janet when she's filming, putting in long hours learning lines and on set. However it's clear her relentless work schedule (she's now in the midst of filming season five of A Place to Call Home) takes its toll. Daniel Avakian Rachel coat, $799. Tome shirt, $985. Emporio Armani bow belt, $560. Credit:Hugh Stewart While she made it out recently to a Sarah Blasko concert and is currently engrossed in reading the Hanya Yanagihara novel A Little Life, she doesn't have the time for meditation, nor seeing any film she can't take her daughters to. She plays card games with them to switch off from work, and skipped the Logies this year because it was the only chance she had to spend time with her family. "You have to start to understand availability. You have to start to create your own cave, otherwise you have nothing to offer, and the work is the most important thing." Marta is now looking forward to a family adventure later this year, when the whole clan decamps to Brisbane, where she and Ben will perform as husband and wife in a stage adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's Scenes from a Marriage. They've teed up an Airbnb in an inner-city neighbourhood and the girls will attend the local state school.
When Joshua Coombes got off the bus in Washington, D.C., this past February, he didn't set off for the usual tourist attractions along the National Mall. Instead, the London-based hairdresser headed for the marble fountain where homeless people gather outside. Most travellers walk by without a second glance. So what Coombes did next may well have surprised them: He chatted with them, pulled out his scissors and gave them haircuts, free of charge.

Whether in London, New York or Washington, D.C., homelessness can seem like a problem too huge and intractable to tackle. But Coombes, 30, realised that he didn't have to solve all of everyone's problems to make an impact. Sometimes, a small luxury such as a haircut can go a long way in boosting someone's dignity, he told The Washington Post.

Joshua Coombes with a woman from Philadelphia. Credit:Instagram/Joshua Coombes

Two years ago, he founded the campaign #DoSomethingForNothing. His mission: to make a positive impact by giving haircuts to homeless people he meets on city streets, connecting with them on a human level and sharing their stories on social media. So far he has cut the hair of hundreds of homeless people, including a few women.

"When you cut someone's hair, it is about trust," Coombes said. It is about trusting the hairdresser, and in his years doing the job, he's found that "for some mad reason, clients tell us everything. And that role translates to the street really well."
Centrelink states that any prepaid funeral/cemetery transactions do not have to be reported to them and that couples can pre-purchase up to the value of $24,000. Two years ago, we used some of our superannuation to put into place our prepaid affairs within Centrelink's allowed value; and within that we bought a prepaid cemetery internment plot. It includes four certificates of entitlement for us (husband and wife) and for our only son and a future partner if they so wish. Do you know if we are breaching the Centrelink conditions by pre-purchasing a family plot which includes our son? Or would that be viewed as "gifting" to our son?

A departmental spokesman says that a cemetery internment plot acquired by a pensioner for him or herself or their partner is an exempt asset. However, the exemption does not extend to internment plots bought for other people, such as a son and the son's future partner. The additional cemetery internment plots would either be counted as an asset if you have retained legal ownership of them, or would be considered to be a gift if ownership has been transferred to your son.

I have an investment property on the Gold Coast, which was newly constructed in the current financial year. It has been rented from May 2017 onward. I made three separate trips to the property from Sydney (where I live) in relation to inspection, construction related matters and final handover. The first trips were prior to it being available for rent and would become part of the cost base but the last trip was after it was made available for renting and I am wondering whether I can still claim that trip as it was made prior to the budget changes. Can you please advise?

The legislation has not yet been passed  it was included in the May 2017 budget. I have no reason to think it will not pass, but it does apply to properties purchased after July 1, 2017. Therefore, as long as you have fulfilled the other requirements regarding travel expenses it should be deductible.
A national child abduction alert system that flashes urgent information about missing children on a person's Facebook feed has been launched in Australia.

Following in the footsteps of 12 other countries, Australia on Thursday launched the AMBER Alert initiative.

An example of the AMBER Alert system that was launched for Australian Facebook users on Thursday. Credit:Facebook

The system works with state and territory police to push urgent child abduction alerts onto a Facebook user's news feed if they are in the same area as the missing child.

The AMBER Alert system was launched in the US in memory of Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old girl who was murdered after being snatched from a street in Texas in 1996.
Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a car in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Wednesday night.

The man's body was discovered in a white hatchback parked near a primary school close to the corner of Mons Avenue and Marine Parade in Maroubra about 9.45pm.

The dead man had suffered a number of injuries and police say they are treating his death as suspicious.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has agreed to meet with Brisbane's Lord Mayor Graham Quirk about red tape said to be choking tourism on the Brisbane River.

"I hear what the Lord Mayor has said and I am very happy to work with him around that particular issue," Ms Trad said.

Tourism on the Brisbane River has become a hot button issue. Credit:Glenn Hunt

"We are very happy to talk to the Lord Mayor about this issue and I will obviously speak to the minister responsible, (Main Roads) Mark Bailey."

In delivering his Brisbane City Council budget last week, Cr Quirk said there were "too many fingers in the river tourism development pie".
The solicitor who represented Daniel Morcombe's killer Brett Peter Cowan is behind bars after pleading guilty to fraud and other charges.

Tim Meehan pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday to one count of aggravated fraud and eight counts of fraudulent falsification of records.

Former solicitor Tim Meehan speaks to the media after a Brett Peter Cowan appeal in 2015. Credit:Michelle Smith

The 41-year-old was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on July 13.

After news of his plea broke, the state's corruption watchdog issued a statement saying it was continuing to investigate suspected criminal activity within "elements" of the legal profession in Queensland.
Labor MP Jo-Ann Miller has referred allegations against former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale to Queensland's crime watchdog.

It comes after independent MP Rob Pyne used parliamentary privilege to table documents alleging serious misconduct by Mr Pisasale and Ipswich City Council members.

Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller has referred allegations related to former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale to the CCC. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

Among the most serious claims in the document were that Mr Pisasale received inside information about police raids and arrests from a worker at the QPS communications centre in Ipswich who stood as a candidate in the 2016 local government elections.

The QPS employee, Cate Carter, has described the allegations as "bullshit" and said she would ask her bosses to investigate.
Commonwealth prosecutors are taking legal action against the master and owner of a ship allegedly responsible for an oil spill near the Great Barrier Reef two years ago.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has opted to pursue proceedings in Townsville for the alleged pollution in July 2015, which saw up to 15 tonnes of oil wash ashore near Cape Upstart.

Four beaches were closed and wildlife found covered in oil following the spill. Credit:Phil Walter

The ship company owner, Panama-based Globex Shipping, and its master, Kuk Hyun Jang, are each charged with two offences under the Protection of the Sea Act.

The Queensland government said the legal action sent a strong message to potential polluters, who could be fined up to $17 million under the commonwealth law.
On Wedneday night, Mr Pisasale was reportedly served with a show cause notice as to why he should not be expelled.

The ALP's Queensland branch's administration committee was meeting from 10am on Thursday to decide Mr Pisasale's membership.

Embattled former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale's membership in the Labor party has been terminated.

Mr Pisasale, 65, has been granted bail on three charges, including extortion, and said he would fight the charges.

He resigned as mayor a fortnight ago, wearing pyjamas and socks, citing ill health from his long battle with multiple sclerosis.

A day later, it was revealed he was stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport by the Australian Federal Police with $50,000, with barrister Sam Di Carlo stating he asked Mr Pisasale to carry the cash as part of a Supreme Court settlement.

The man known as "Mr Ipswich" is a member of the Labor party but stood as an independent candidate for mayor.
The decision to introduce Prep to Queensland's schools 10 years ago will have a surprising flow-on effect to the balance sheet for the state's universities.

Queensland universities are preparing for a potential reduction in revenue because of a prediction there will be fewer domestic students in 2020, an audit office report reveals.

A Queensland Audit Office report reveals the state's universities have $453 million in debt. Credit:Glenn Hunt

It is expected there will be fewer OP-eligible students in 2020 because of the introduction of the Prep year in 2007, which meant some children who were due to go to Year 1 went to Prep instead.

"This means that students who would have been choosing a university for 2020 will instead be completing Year 12 as a result of the additional compulsory year of education," the report reads.
The corporate watchdog has banned start-up companies from making multiple crowd-source funding offers to raise money to expand.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on Thursday released its draft regulatory guide on crowd-source funding (CSF), which allows start-ups to raise money by issuing shares to investors.

Start-ups wanting to raise money through equity crowdfunding will be forced to register as public companies with ASIC. Credit:Paul Jones

Eligible unlisted public companies with less than $25 million in consolidated assets and annual revenue will be able to raise up to $5 million a year under the new CSF regime, which will be implemented in late September.

But ASIC says there are a number of rules that companies, and other people involved, must comply with, including a prohibition on multiple CSF offers and restrictions on how a company advertises its CSF offers.
What do you do when you don't like the messages someone is cooking up?

If you're John McKenzie, aka IG McSporren, you try to put a major al dente in their operations.

The 50-year-old Pastafarian from Prahran has taken it upon himself to "happify" the mysterious Jesus bikes that keep popping up across Melbourne's CBD.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster follower has spent the past week or so in his colander headgear pasting over the Christian sermons welded on to the bikes with his own satirical messages.
The man in his 60s had visited Phuket for 10 days in early May and began to feel lethargic on day eight.

A Victorian man visiting Thailand has died from the rare and potentially fatal virus Japanese encephalitis. Credit:Frank Greenaway

It it is believed to be only the 10th case of the disease recorded in Australia and the second case reported in Victoria.

A Victorian man visiting Thailand has died from the rare virus Japanese encephalitis.

Symptoms, which include headaches, a fever, convulsions and focal neurological signs, appear between five and 10 days after being infection.

After returning home he struggled to stay awake and was admitted to hospital a few days later in a confused state.

He was eventually admitted to the intensive care unit, where he died.

It's believed the man was from Shepparton in the state's north.

Japanese encephalitis can cause a brain infections and is fatal in about 20 to 30 per cent of cases.
Perth could be on track to break its dry spell after a cold front dumped nearly 60 millimetres on the metropolitan region overnight, making it the wettest June day in 31 years.

Perth metro area recorded 61.2 millimetres over the 24-hour period, and Jandakot Airport recorded the second highest reading at 40.8 millimetres.

Popular tourist spot Queens Gardens was flooded overnight. Credit:Hannah Barry

Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Megan Cash said there was still no relief for WA farmers, as rainfall failed to reach agricultural areas.

"We're looking at around 3 millimetres in York, which is the furthest east the rainfall has gotten so far," she said.
A young woman who crashed her car into the front of a home in Scarborough in the early hours of Friday morning allegedly tried to flee the scene before returning for a breath test.

WA Police said the accident occurred at around 1am on Joyce Street when a woman, believed to be in her twenties, lost control of her white Suzuki Swift vehicle.

ABC journalist Graeme Powell was there to capture the damage. Credit:Graeme Powell/ABC

6PR reporter Michael Stamp spoke to the Scarborough homeowner.

"[He] woke up to a massive bang and he walked outside to find a car in his front yard, with bricks and glass scattered everywhere," he said.
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A financier was found dead and gagged inside his swanky Dumbo apartment on Monday afternoon, after what appeared to be a hookup gone wrong, according to police sources.

Cops discovered Neil Smith, a 57-year-old chief executive officer of investment firm Infraccess, dead with a towel stuffed in his mouth and pillow over his head in his apartment on Main Street between Plymouth and Water streets at 1:45 pm, sources told the New York Daily News.

A guest staying with Smith told cops a man arrived at the pad in the luxe Clocktower building around 1:30 am, and said he did not see Smith again until he found his body, prompting authorities to investigate whether he was killed during the rendezvous.

Surveillance video at the condo building shows a man entering the building around 1:30 am and leaving approximately 50 minutes later, the Daily News reported. A woman accompanying the man stayed outside, sources said.

The investigation into Smiths death is ongoing, and cops are checking his electronic devices to find out who he met with.
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A suspect was charged on Tuesday in the brutal Park Slope slaying of a 20-year-old man who participated in a three-way tryst with the girlfriend of his alleged killer.

Gravesend resident Manos Ikonomidis was leaving the building on 16th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues where the menage a trois occurred when Christopher Membreno, 24, and several other men wielding bats and knives ambushed him at 4:08 am on June 19, according to court documents.

Membreno and his accomplices chased Ikonomidis back into the building, where they overpowered the young man, stabbed him several times, and beat him, according to officials.

Police discovered Ikonomidis unconscious and bleeding from multiple injuries, and he was later pronounced dead at Methodist Hospital, cops said.

Ikonomidis and a 21-year-old friend were involved in a threesome with Membrenos girlfriend at the 16th Street building, police said. But the Staten Island woman left with the other man after becoming irate when Ikonomidis began filming the sexual encounter, which prompted her to request a ride home, the New York Daily News reported, citing police sources.

The woman called Membreno upon returning home and claimed Ikonomidis raped her, said the Daily News report, but police have not uncovered any evidence to support that accusation, according to the publication.

Membreno is being charged with second degree murder, burglary, and criminal possession of a weapon.
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.
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) presented a check to Yardley Borough Police Chief Joseph Kelly for $68,600 for the purchase of a new police vehicle and motorcycle during a visit to the station. Our police put themselves on the line every day to keep our community safe, said Sen. Santarsiero. Dating back to when I was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor more than...
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A group of Keyline staff, customers and suppliers raised in excess of 8,500 for Prostate Cancer UK when they replaced their hard hats for cycle helmets and completed a gruelling biking challenge on 3 June.

Starting out from Keylines Dumfries branch on 31 May, the team cycled 90 miles to Broxburn, then an additional 70 miles to Balloch the following day. On 2 June they arrived in Fort William after a 75-mile journey, before adding a final 65 miles on 3 June when they crossed the finishing line at Keylines Inverness depot. Having completed 300 miles and a total climb of 14,000 ft, which is approximately the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis three times, the cyclists received a heros welcome from colleagues, friends and family.

The challenge was organised by Keylines Regional Operations Manager Frazer MacBean, Keyline Branch Manager Gary Miller and Key Account Manager Darren Fullarton, who were all extremely grateful to everyone who donated.

Gary said: A group of nine of us cycled for the whole four days, then we were joined by colleagues, suppliers and customers along the way. On the last stage we took on the Glendoe Summit, a climb that is 4.8 miles long and 1,246 ft high  it was an absolute beast! There were a few trials and tribulations, but also a lot of laughs and we would like to say a huge thank to the cyclists who took part in the challenge and everyone who donated to help us raise a fantastic amount of money.

This is just one of the many activities Keyline is organising this year to raise money for its chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK.

Donations can still be made via the teams Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dumfriestoinvernesscycle.

Picture caption: The cyclists on the starting line at Keylines Dumfries branch.
Teen visits South Jersey in 50-state Flowers and Flags tribute to vets

Preston Sharp of Calif. visits veterans graves in Cinnaminson cemetery in South Jersey on 50-state Flowers and Flags tribute to their sacrifices
Employees at Uber India are concerned that they could lose market share to local rival Ola due to the uncertainty emerging over the exit of its founder and chief executive officer Travis Kalanick.

Kalanick, the founder and CEO of Uber, announced his resignation from the post amid pressure from a clutch of investors on Wednesday. His stepping down is a culmination of months of pent up demand for action from investors, employees and the public, as the firm went from being a beacon of everything thats great about Silicon Valley to everything thats wrong with it.

Uber, which has raised around $ 15 billion in equity and debt from global investors was last valued at $ 69 billion, making it the worlds most valued private company.

Senior team members in India are worried as India is a key market and such problems might make us lose our edge and lose marketshare to the competition, said an Uber employee who did not want to be named.

Amit Jain, the India and South Asia President, has been answering queries of his local employees who are concerned about the future of the company. The answers are still unconvincing, said the employee.

Jain, who has brought in soon after a rider was raped by an Uber driver in Delhi at the end of 2014, has navigated the India operations to become the second largest for Uber after it lost out China to Didi Chuxing. The crisis in the Valley could potentially put Jain in a global role as he has been able to reduce burn while still maintaining growth in India.

An Ola source said that the company could gain from the shakeup at Uber, but the company would not go aggressive to grab higher share in the market.

Drivers of Uber will slowly start moving to other competitors. In India, of course they will come to us. The reason is there will be a management shakeup, people will start feeling insecure and this will go down to the drivers, said a top manager at Ola on the condition of anonymity. We should just focus on our business, dont grab.

Analysts say that with Kalanick gone, the days of Ubers hyper growth are over, something that employees will struggle with in the short term. For India, the companys second largest market globally, that could mean a slowdown in the rate of investment, something thats already been witnessed in the first half of 2017.

Theres nothing raising alarm bells yet, the market which was growing at 10-15 per cent month-on-month is now growing at 5 per cent. The drop in inventory that we see is because new drivers are not signing up. The ride hailing sector has had very high attrition all along, and it hasnt really gone up now, said Jaspal Singh, Partner at Valoriser Consultants.

Singh is of the opinion that Uber has a decentralised management approach and Kalanicks departure wont have any crippling effects on its business in India. However, until the company can bring in a new CEO put in place a new top management, decision making will be slow and that could give Ola an immediate advantage.

Ubers market share of Indias ride hailing sector peaked at 40 per cent but is already down to 35 per cent and is expected to drop further to 30 per cent in the coming months. The drop is largely due to the company pulling the plug on driver incentives earlier than Ola. In the coming months, as drivers get wary of Ubers management fumbles, more will leave in fear of uncertainty, says Singh.
The rising occupancy at branded hotels in the domestic market is yet to reflect on the room tariffs. Average occupancy rates is estimated to have hit a nine-year high of 65 per cent in FY17 bringing cheer to the industry. Tariffs, even after an improvement, is lower than the last peak seen in several years of the last one decade.

The average tariff for branded hotels declined 30 per cent since FY08 to Rs 5,541 in FY16, HVS data showed. Tariffs would have seen some growth in FY17 but would be nowhere closer to the Rs 6,000 plus rates seen between FY10 and FY12 and much lower to Rs 7,000 plus rates seen during the period between FY07 and FY09. While tariffs have not kept pace, cost of operations continue to go up due to higher wage cost, power tariffs and cost of consumables. In its 2016 report, hotel consultancy firm HVS said the increase average daily rate during FY16 was ordinary but points to an improvement in the health of the sector.
In the last decade, the conversation in advertising has been about the advent of digital. Every conference and award show has been rife with chatter about how the language is shifting from traditional to digital. While many agencies and marketers are still in the process of embracing the principles of a digitally-enabled world, I think there is a new era dawning upon us.
Mumbai-based solar energy firm Cleanmax Solar, which reported to have a 23 per cent market share in rooftop solar space, is planning to double its rooftop installation to 100 MW with an investment of around Rs 500 crore. The company is in talks with various investors including private equity firms to raise funds.

"Last year in rooftop solar, we did around 45 MW projects. In the current fiscal year we are looking at something upwards of 100 MW in rooftop. The utility projects to corporate customers saw an installation of around 65 MW last year and we are planning to have 150 MW during this year," said Andrew Hines, co-founder, .
Gopi Hinduja, 77, one of four Hinduja brothers ranked by Britains Sunday Times as the richest family in the UK, called for tripartite co-operation between China, India and the UK to invest in India.
The government on Thursday assured the it would take corrective steps to ensure growth, and deal with financial stress and declining revenues.
Mid-size IT services firm said it would look at share buyback plan, joining larger firms such as TCS, Infosys, HCL. The company has informed the BSE the proposal for a buyback would be taken up at the Board meeting on June 28.
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Malaysian hospital chain IHH Healthcare Berhad (IHH) has said it was nowhere close to concluding a deal with . In a filing with the Malaysian stock exchange, IHH said, IHH is not, nor is it close to, concluding any negotiations or due-diligence or transactions in India at this point in time.



The statement came after the Malaysian bourse asked IHH to clarify on a report of The Edge Financial Daily saying the two are said to be in advanced stage of negotiations and due-diligence. The report had quoted a flurry of Indian reports on the matter. Several media reports have in the past months quoted IHH to be in the race for a stake in Fortis without official confirmation from both sides.
The Securities and Exchanges Board of India (Sebi) is expected to take action against the statutory auditors of scam-hit Satyam Computer Services for their role in Rs 7,000-crore accounting fraud committed by the promoters between 1999-2009.
Tata Power has approached Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL) to buy 51 per cent equity in the 4,000 Mw Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) for Rs 1. Adani Power and Essar Power, which also have power projects based on imported coal, are contemplating similar moves.
Three militants, including an ultra involved in a series of killings, were gunned down in the wee hours today in an encounter that lasted for over six hours in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Majid Dar, one of the slain militants, was involved in a number of killings including that of sarpanch of Kakapora and district president of Pulwama, a police official said here.

The encounter started last evening in Kakapora area of Pulwama following an intelligence input that three local boys, who had joined militant ranks in banned terror group, were holed up in a house located in a densely populated locality, the official said.

This is the first successful counter-insurgency operation in Pulwama area which is believed to have large presence of local militants aided with a strong-network of over ground workers, he said.

The successful operation is a big blow to the LeT terror outfit which recently lost its commander Junaid Mattoo in an encounter at Arwin village in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on June 17, he added.

This is the second successful operation against the terror outfit within three days.

Yesterday, two militants were killed in an encounter in Sopore township of Baramulla district in north Kashmir.
China on Thursday evaded responding to reports of Beijing's offer to help Islamabad build a mega dam project in Gilgit-Baltistan, part of disputed Kashmir, and bring it under the umbrella of the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"For this specific project and including the construction of dam you mentioned, I am not aware of the details," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

The installed capacity of the proposed project over the Indus river will be over 4,000 Mw.

India has been dead against any construction in the Indus Basin in the disputed region through which the passes.

On Monday, Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Muzammil Hussain said China had offered Pakistan help in building the Diamer-Bhasha dam project and integrate it with the $50 billion .

The construction of the dam is pending for long as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank backed out of funding it, citing its location in disputed Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of Kashmir that is held by Pakistan and claimed by India.

"What I can say is that the is a new cooperation framework for the two countries to achieve long-term development. This corridor will not only promote bilateral development of two countries but will also contribute to the development and prosperity in the region," Geng said.

"We know that there is some concern about the corridor but we keep stressing that this economic corridor is just an economic initiative for cooperation," he added.

"It targets no third country and is not connected to any sovereign dispute. We hope that the dispute between India and Pakistan could be resolved by consultation and negotiation."

In May, India boycotted China's Belt and Road summit, citing its objection to the CPEC.

The CPEC is a key artery of China's Belt and Road project. It links China's Kashgar in Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port in restive Balochistan.

Under the CPEC, China is building railway links, roads, power plants and ports in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Despite India's repeated objections to the project, China maintains that the project has nothing to do with the dispute between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Kenneth Juster, who has been named US ambassador to this country, was first made deputy assistant for international economic affairs in President Donald Trumps administration and director of the Economic Council.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel on Thursday said he is not overly pessimistic about the employment scenario in the IT sector, pointing out that mushrooming start-ups can compensate for job losses.

The comments came almost simultaneously with industry lobby Nasscom guiding towards a slowdown in export revenue growth at 7-8 per cent in 2017-18 as against the 8.6 per cent achieved in the past financial year.

There have been reports pointing to big IT firms laying off people and going slow on hiring.

I think we dont have to be overly pessimistic at this stage, Patel said at an IMC event here amid growing concern over jobs in the $160-billion IT sector. While there could be pressure on employment in some of the IT sectors, it is not necessarily in terms of literally a job destruction, but may be the growth rate is affected by what is happening. The number of start-ups in that same space is almost compensating for most of this, he said.

Patel said there is a contradiction between what the reports say and what he hears from the industry. When you talk to businesses themselves, I rarely hear about jobs destruction, he said.

In the past few months a number of IT majors such as Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM and Tech Mahindra have either announced or are believed to be mulling job cuts. Some analysts says job losses could run into lakhs. At present, the IT industry employs over four million people directly.

Increasing automation and protectionist policies in the developed world, especially the US which is the biggest market for the sector, are being blamed for the reverses.

Patel strongly defended Indias open trade policies on external trade relations and advocated continuing with them, saying the country has benefited from those.

"Unequivocally, India's position should be for an open trading system," he said, adding that we should stick to it despite the changes adopted in a few countries.

"As a $2.3 trillion dollar economy at market exchange rates, our voice does count and for the most part we have benefited from an open trading system," he said.
One of the convicts in the case, Robert Payas, a Sri Lankan national, on Wednesday, petitioned the Tamil Nadu government seeking mercy killing.

In an emotionally charged letter to Chief Minister K Palaniswami, he said he should be killed on grounds of mercy and his body should be handed over to his family.

"Payas has petitioned the government through the Puzhal prison authorities," a top prison official told PTI.

Blaming the Centre  both the previous UPA government and the incumbent NDA  for opposing the release of seven Rajiv Gandhi case convicts, including him, when former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa took the initiative, he said, "We do not know why our release has been put on hold."

He said Jayalalitaa's decision to release the convicts was reflective of the aspiration of Tamils not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the world, to see them free.

He said the Centre has "decided that our lives must end in prison".

Stressing that the "silence of the governments (including Tamil Nadu) only tell us this (that their lives should end in jail)," he said he understood that the intention of the state and Centre was to confine them in prison.

"I have come to the conclusion that there is no use living when there is no scope for release," he said, adding that the very long prison sentence has punished not only him, but also his family.

On 11 June this year, he completed 26 years of incarceration and entered the 27th year, he said.

The thought of seeking euthanasia has now become deeply entrenched, an idea which did not surface in the past, he said.

"Also, for the past many years since none of my family members or relatives have visited me I do not think that there is any meaning in my life."

Claiming that Supreme Court Judge Justice Wadhwa had held him to be "not guilty," in 1999, he said still he continued to serve the prison sentence and it greatly anguished him.
Two Indian Army soldiers were killed by a Pakistani BAT team on Thursday on the LoC in Chakan da Bagh sector in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, while two militants were killed by the army in the sector during a foiled infiltration bid.

Pakistan's Border Action Teams (BAT) comprise heavily armed terrorists and are supported by the country's army. The BAT teams cross into the Indian side of the LoC while Pakistan Army engages the Indian troops in cross-border firing to facilitate BAT actions.

The Indian and Pakistani troops on Thursday traded heavy gunfire after the Pakistan Army indulged in heavy shelling and firing on Indian positions on the Line of Control in Chakan da Bagh sector.

Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistan Army indulged in "unprovoked firing and shelling at Indian positions" with small arms, automatics and mortars. Indian troops effectively retaliated to the firing, he said.

On May 1, an Indian soldier and a BSF trooper were killed and their bodies mutilated near the LoC, in Jammu and Kashmir, in an action which the Indian Army said was carried out by a Pakistani BAT team inside Indian territory.

The dead were Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh of 22 Sikh Regiment and Head Constable Prem Sagar of the Border Security Force.
The government has relaxed conditions for unlisted companies that do not have loans, from banks, financial institutions or deposits from the public, of more than Rs50 crore on rotation of auditors. Currently, these companies can't appoint individual auditors for five consecutive years and auditor firms for two straight terms of five years, if their paid up capital is at least Rs20 crore.


Revealing the coordinates of Indias High Tide line would equal the disclosure of the designs of satellites, missiles and rockets by the Indian Satellite Research Organisation. This is what the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, which is an autonomous centre of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said in its response to a Right to Information application seeking information on the freshly mapped High Tide Line. The Centre refused to share the information, saying it would harm its scientific and economic interests.
Showcasing Indias path-breaking initiatives for defence production, Union minister on Wednesday invited Russian companies to set up joint ventures with Indian firms and manufacture advanced military platforms through technology transfer.

Addressing the plenary of TECHNOPROM 2017, a leading forum for technological development, the defence minister said Russian defence majors which already have a long experience of working in India are well placed to take advantage of the policy changes effected to encourage tie-ups between Indian and foreign companies.

Jaitley, who is in Russia on a three-day visit beginning Wednesday, said Indian companies are already gearing up to take advantage of policy initiatives in the defence sector by developing capabilities for design and development of military systems.

I invite Russian companies to come forward with proposals for technology transfer to Indian companies and facilitate manufacturing of more advanced components/parts and sub-systems. This can start with platforms of Russian origin where the requirement is in large numbers and is recurring in nature, he said.

Jaitley said Russian companies could be natural partners of the Indian companies as most of Indias defence equipment and inventory were of Russian origin.

In the past three years, the government has introduced several path-breaking policy and procedural changes in the defence production sector for encouraging private investment, research & development (R&D) and indigenisation, he said at the forum held at Siberian city of Novosibirsk.

In a major step towards defence indigenisation, the Indian government last month unveiled a strategic partnership model under which select private companies will be engaged along with foreign entities to build military platforms like fighter jets, submarines and battle tanks.

The defence minister said Russian companies might identify some items for which they could set up joint ventures with Indian companies so that these items could be supplied across the world.

Keeping this in mind, we have also streamlined the process of export clearances in last two years, he said, adding India is likely to soon become a member of the multilateral Wassenaar Arrangement, which will further catalyse our international engagement.



He said, In the days to come, we hope to fully harness the energies, entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise of the private sector in the area of defence manufacturing. Here again, Russia as Indias largest, oldest and most trusted partner in defence hardware and equipment, would have a comparative advantage in partnering with Indian companies for realising Make in India potential in defence production.



On June 23, Jaitley will co-chair the 17th meeting of the India-Russia inter-governmental commission on military- technical cooperation with his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu.

Jaitley said as an incentive, industrial licensing for manufacturing of defence equipment has been significantly liberalised.

Now for manufacturing of parts, components, sub-systems, production equipment and testing equipment, no licence is required from the government. Even for the items for which licence is required, the initial validity has been increased from 3 years to 15 years, he said.

Russia has been one of Indias key major suppliers of arms and ammunition. However, it has been a long-standing grievance of armed forces that supply of critical spares and equipment from Russia takes a long time affecting maintenance of military systems procured from that country.

We envisage Make in India in the defence sector to not only address domestic requirements, but also to enable Indian firms to become part of the global supply chain. Despite Indias significant domestic requirements in defence, manufacturing and business would be sustainable in the longer term only if companies look at global requirements and create economies of scale, he said.
Not just Rajiv Gauba as home secretary, but most of the secretaries appointed by the government on Wednesday to head various departments at the Centre will get a term of two years.

This time, of the 16 secretaries appointed, 12 will get a term of close to two years, something which had become a rarity in the Government of Indias top post. Of them, nine will enjoy more than three years at the helm, one more than Gauba, who will get a term of two years, according to the appointment rules for the home secretary. The others who get a fixed term are the Cabinet secretary, foreign and defence secretaries.

Compare this with the term of the officers who were appointed to the rank of secretary in 2013, in a similar exercise in June. Most of them had a residual service of less than two years. The change from then to now has been one of the key reforms brought in by the government to ensure continuity in administration at the top.

Former home secretary G K Pillai told Business Standard it is essential to offer at least a two-year term to the secretaries for them to show results. In my time, I got almost a five-year term, but even then it had become a rarity.

For the past few years, commentaries on India had been chafing at the all-too-brief term for secretaries in departments. The short-term of mostly a year-and-a-half for the top officer at the department meant he would spend half of his first year learning the policies of the department and get very little time thereafter to develop and spell out a future policy.

Though in the Indian government system, it is the minister who makes the policy as part of the Cabinet, the more salutary ones are crafted by the departments, with the secretary leading the team. Those policies are then presented by the minister for the Cabinet and then the legislature to approve.

According to department rules, he is assisted by a joint secretary who would head a sub-department, or in larger ministries, a full department. More than making new ones, the brief term has made it difficult for secretaries to implement policies set by the government. To overcome this problem, the previous government under Manmohan Singh approved a fixed tenure for the three secretaries. The Cabinet secretarys post was set at two years during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

This has been one of the key reasons why governance in India has fallen short, as accountability of the officers tasked with making a scheme or policy work was difficult to fix, once he left office. In his book, Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths, former coal secretary P C Parakh recounts how he was unable to switchover to auctions in his less than a year-and-a-half term at the ministry. It was to prove very costly for the economy.

Not in the case of Parakh, but often the short spells for departmental secretaries is matched by equally snappy ones for the ministers. Consequently, effective powers and institutional knowledge within the department is often wielded by far junior officers with none at the senior level to conceptualise, implement stable administrative procedures and policies that do not remain ad hoc.

We have moved to fast-track the promotions to the secretary-level for officers from the 1984 cadre onwards, said B P Sharma, outgoing secretary of the Department of Personnel & Training. You will notice that without any need for executive orders, departments  other than home and defence  too will now have stability at the top, the officer told Business Standard.

The disquieting trend had become pervasive after 2000s due to more than one reason. One of those was the increase in the age for entry into the civil services. An older cohort had less time to spend in their career and would arrive at the level of secretary, often past the age of 58 years. Since they retire at 60, the time available to them at the corner room is limited. The other is the reluctance among the officers to pick up a central assignment, which are mostly less glamorous than terms at the states. Indian Administrative Service officers are chosen for service in a state and then deputed to the central government. Many of them would move in only when options dwindled in the state.

The current set of postings is the first significant break with this long-term trend. As Sharma said: It has taken quite a bit of juggling with the time frame of postings of civil servants in the lower rungs and has also entailed taking some hard decisions, to implement.

Some seniors of the current crop, but with brief terms left in the service, have been bypassed. But it has started to yield results, as the table alongside shows. Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the finance ministry, Subhash Garg, will have a three-year term. Similarly Yudhvir Singh Malik as secretary, road transport, will have a two-year term, Ajay Kumar Bhalla as secretary, power, gets a three-year term to guide the critical power sector, while Ajay Prakash Sawhney will have an even longer four-year term at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Even among those with a shorter term, the appointments committee of the Cabinet, which basically includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, has plumped for continuity at critical ministries like telecom. Aruna Sundararajan  though she ostensibly gets a one-year term  has already been officiating since March this year in the telecom ministry.




Rating agency Icra expects Indian banks asset quality woes to peak by FY18 and that resolution process that has started already would eventually bring down the pain.
The government has permitted and post offices to deposit junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the Reserve Bank by July 20.

This is the second window the government has provided to banks, post offices and cooperative for depositing the junked notes with RBI.

The earlier window was open till December 31, a day after the 50-day period of of high value currency.

"Such specified bank notes may be deposited by such bank, post office or district central cooperative bank, as the case may be, in any office of the Reserve Bank, within a period of 30 days from the commencement of these rules," said a government notification.

It further said that they should get the exchange value by credit to the account of such subject to the satisfaction of the RBI of the conditions specified.

RBI will accept deposits collected by any bank or post office by December 30, 2016 or by any District Central Cooperative Bank from November 10-14, 2016 should be deposited within 30 days, the notification said.

They should also cite valid reasons for non-deposit of the specified bank notes within the period, it said.

Old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were junked from November 8, 2016 to eliminate black money and curb infusion and circulation of fake Indian currency notes (FICNs).

India is the second-largest producer and consumer of currency notes. Circulation of banknotes has increased to 90.27 billion pieces from 64.58 billion over the last five years.

As on November 8, 2016, the total amount of currency in circulation was Rs 17.7 lakh crore, which included specified bank notes (SBNs) of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.

As per the last official count released by RBI on December 13, had garnered Rs 12.44 lakh crore in banned notes till December 10.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday reconstituted the oversight committee (OC) mechanism and increased the number of members to five from the earlier two.
Dr Jitendra Singh launches Online Software for Departmental Proceedings

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the online Software for Departmental Proceedings, here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh complemented the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), CVC and other departments for their collective efforts in this direction. He said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been working on the principles of maximum governance, minimum government, transparency with accountability & citizen centricity and zero tolerance against corruption. The Minister said that the aim of the software is to see that the proceedings are done against corrupt officers and the honest officers are not put to harm due to inordinate delays. He said that the bureaucracy is the tool of governance and the aim of the government is to provide work-friendly environment to the officers. He said that the software will check that the honest officers are not intimidated and it will encourage the transparent functioning in the Government. It will ensure that the malpractices are not spared and the good practices are not punished, he added. He said that the efforts have been made to complete the disciplinary enquiry within 2 years. He said that reducing the timeline in completion of disciplinary proceedings will give faster relief to the honest officers.

The Secretary to Prime Minister, Shri Bhaskar Khulbe said that it is a big achievement accomplished by DoPT to bring departmental proceedings online. He said that delays are inordinate in the entire proceedings structure and this software will address that issue. He also emphasised upon the training of the disciplinary proceeding officials and also mentioned that a ready reckoner on rules and procedures should be available to the disciplinary proceeding officials.

The SS & EO, DoPT, Shri Rajiv Kumar said that DoPT has taken various steps to streamline the process and make it more transparent. This software will help fast track the process of departmental proceedings and bring more transparency in the system, he added.

The Secretary, CVC, Smt. Nilam Sawhney said that the focus of the software is to reduce the pendency in the cases related to disciplinary proceedings.

The online software portal for Departmental Proceedings is as per provisions of All India Service (AIS )(D&A) Rules, 1969, against All India Service officers. There had been serious concerns raised on the enormous time and delay encountered for completion of departmental proceedings instituted against government servants.

As per a report of CVC, departmental proceedings which should ideally be completed within 2 years take anywhere from 2 to 7 years for completion. The delay is due to numerous factors which inter alia include delays in furnishing replies by the charged officer, finalisation/acquiring of documents required for proving the charges (listed documents), multiple adjournments during the inquiry process due to non-receipt or delayed receipt of information by the stakeholders and lack of accountability for completion of inquiry and in other stages during the departmental proceedings. To plug the delays and to complete inquiries expeditiously, specific timeframes were recently introduced through amendment to the AIS (D&A) Rules, 1969 which were notified on 20.01.2017. The amendments have provided a timeframe of six months for completion of inquiry. Any further extension will require approval of the disciplinary authority with cogent arguments. Similarly, timeframes have also been introduced for reply of the charged officer on the charge sheet and advice of the UPSC. Amendments have also been made to the analogous provisions of CSS (CCA) Rules in respect of Central Government Employees vide notification dated 02.06.2017.

To augment the amendments made to the rules and to further expedite the inquiry process, the online system for departmental proceedings has been introduced. The online system envisages use of cloud based technology and provides interface to different stakeholders like the Administrative Ministry, which is initiating the inquiry, the Cadre Controlling Authority, Charged Officer, Inquiry Officer etc. through separate modules. All documents required for the conduct of the inquiry will be stored online and authenticated through digital signature/e-signature. Further, all communication between the different stakeholders will be through the system with provision for email and SMS alerts. The software also provides status of all pending cases on real time basis along with alerts for adhering to the timeframes indicated in the rule. It is expected that the online system will enable monitoring of the departmental cases more effectively to complete inquiries within stipulated timeframes and fix accountability at different stages. The online portal will initially be adopted in respect of IAS officers posted in the Central Government and will subsequently be extended to AIS officers in the Central Government as well as Central Group A employees. The State Government will also be involved in the subsequent phases for consideration of extension to AIS officers serving in the State Government.

The senior officers of the DoPT were also present on the occasion.
EPFO signs MoU with HUDCO under new Housing Scheme of EPF & MP Act-1952

Dr. V. P. Joy, Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Dr. M. Ravi Kanth, CMD HUDCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the august presence of Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Labour & Employment, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya for facilitating Housing for All by 2022" here today.

By taking one step forward to achieve Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis vision of Housing for all by 2022, EPFO has amended EPF Scheme 1952 vide Gazette notification No. G. S. R. 351(E) dated 12th April, 2017 to provide assistance in acquiring affordable houses to the EPF members by allowing withdrawal from the provident fund to the extent of 90% of the total PF accumulation and also facilitating payment of installment of housing loan. The major objective of this scheme is to assist in building houses for workers integrating with housing programmes of the Central and State Governments.

The salient features of this scheme are:-

1.

Bringing together all stake holders namely, workers, employers, financial institutions & housing agencies to provide workers' need for Housing.

2. Forming Housing societies for collective action, ten or more members can register a society. Society will arrange housing units from public/private housing providers, apply to the concerned PF office through the society for getting Certificate of Fund & Contribution.

3. Channelizing the corpus of EPF savings to build affordable housing for the working class, withdrawal of up to 90% of accumulations in members Provident Fund Accounts is allowed.

4. Banks/Financing Agencies can make use of certificate issued by Commissioner to arrive EMI for withdrawal under Para 68 BD (3) of EPF Scheme.

5. Full/ Part repayment of loans out of monthly P. F. Contributions.

6. Eligibility condition relaxed for such withdrawal, now membership period of EPF reduced from 5 years to 3 years.

7. Members can avail interest subsidy up to 2.20 lakh in Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) through Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation through its Nodal Agency HUDCO and National Housing Bank for those members whose annual income is less that the amount specified in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna.

8. Individual housing loan repayment can be done by authorizing EPFO to pay installments directly to the lending agency.
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PM speaks to Swedish PM Stefan L?fven The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, spoke to Prime Minister of Sweden Mr. Stefan Lofven today. Had a good discussion with H. E. Mr. Stefan Lofven, Swedish PM, on the phone. I deeply appreciate Sweden's support for Make in India, the Prime Minister tweeted.

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A car bomb exploded outside a bank in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern Afghan province of Helmand on Thursday, killing and wounding dozens of civilians and members of the security forces waiting to collect their pay, officials said.
Like ancient warlords, Chinas three biggest airlines have dominated their regional cities: Air China Ltd. controlling Beijing, China Eastern Airlines Corp. holding sway in the financial centre of Shanghai, and China Southern Airlines Co. ruling the roost down in export gateway Guangzhou. Until now.


Malaysia's healthcare services provider IHH Healthcare Berhad today said it is not close to "concluding any negotiations" to buy controlling stake in .

The company, however, maintained that it is constantly evaluating growth opportunities in select geographies in Asia including India, which is its fourth "home market".

According to media reports, the company, which was earlier speculated to have been in advanced talks with the Singh brothers, Malvinder and Shivinder, to acquire controlling stake in and SRL Diagnostics, has pulled out of the talks.

"IHH is not, nor is it close to, concluding any negotiations or due diligence or transactions in India at this point in time," IHH Healthcare Berhad said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.

Fortis Healthcare, which has already got shareholders nod to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore, has maintained that it was still evaluating the best possible way to raise the funds and no firm decision has been approved by the board till date.

"The board of the company had approved the enabling fund raising options up to Rs 5,000 crore including but not limited to qualified institutional placement, foreign currency convertible bonds or any other method...," had said in a BSE filing earlier this month.

The Singh brothers have been looking to raise fund to repay debt in RHC Holding.

In Martch this year, IHH had sold over 6 per cent stake in India's healthcare major Apollo Hospitals for about Rs 1,070 crore through an open market transaction.

The Malaysian healthcare major runs chain of hospitals under Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Pantai, Parkway and Acibadem brands in Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
North Korea on Thursday called US President a "psychopath" as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a "tough situation" at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.

"South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump...Will only lead to disaster," an editorial carried by the paper said.

A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbier's death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Trump slammed the "brutal regime" in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to "prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency."



His language was echoed by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who said in an interview ahead of a White House visit next week that North Korea bears responsibility for the student's death.

"I believe we must now have the perception that North Korea is an irrational regime," Moon told CBS television's "This Morning."



Moon, a centre-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favours engagement with the North, rather than the hardline stance taken by his ousted conservative predecessor Park Geun-Hye.

Washington has also stepped up its muscle-flexing in the region, flying two B-1 bombers over the Korean peninsula Tuesday in a planned training mission with Japan and South Korea as its latest show of force.
Global may not wait until the terms of Britain's divorce from the European Union are known before it takes action on its rating again, most likely resulting in another cut, its sovereign ratings chief told Reuters on Tuesday.

The firm stripped Britain of its coveted triple-A rating after the Brexit vote last June, downgrading it by two notches to AA and assigning a negative outlook.

Asked if it would wait until the end of the Brexit negotiations to take another ratings action on Britain, Moritz Kraemer said: "No, we don't have to wait."

"We will review the UK every six months... and if necessary more often... We will be watching the economic implications, the implications for the public finances, the constitutional implications like the whole Scotland situation... and things like the currency and if it will maintain its reserve status."

Kraemer, speaking on the sidelines of a Euromoney conference, said the next rating action would most likely be a cut because of the negative outlook.

Almost a year to the day since voters decided to leave the EU, the Brexit strategy debate within Britain has been opened up again by Prime Minister Theresa May's unexpected failure to win a parliamentary majority in the June 8 ballot.

Some analysts have argued a likely tie-up between her Conservatives and the DUP could ensure a softer stance because the small northern Irish party will not support a deal that creates a hard border with its Republic of Ireland neighbours.

But Kraemer said this uncertainty over the government's stance only raised the prospect for negotiations finishing with no deal - the most economically damaging outcome.

"With dependence on the DUP, a customs union is becoming a bit more likely...But if we have a customs union then that means Britain cannot strike trade deals with other countries and that might create controversy with some in the Conservative party.

"It might just come to nothing, that is the risk. That is how a hard Brexit would come about and we think that would be very detrimental for the UK economy."

The inconclusive elections have also raised the prospect of another vote later this year, which Kraemer said would be a negative for the rating if it delayed Brexit negotiations.

"There is no time to be wasted. If we have another hiatus with Brussels because of an election campaign going on, then that in itself would, all other things being equal, be negative."
As the ride-hailing company Uber lurched from one clumsy mess to the next, it had appeared that CEO Travis Kalanick would somehow ride out the storm. His recent resignation is an admission that the company needs to explore new avenues. wrote recently about tech CEOs who had protected themselves from the usual pressure from shareholders, and were able to freely dictate strategy and culture. Im happy to say that Kalanicks departure from the top job (he will stay on the board) signals that there is indeed a line to cross where even disenfranchised investors can assert their power. It is not hard to see why: Uber is facing up to some tough decisions.

Aside from the rows around a damaging corporate culture, news that rival Lyft has increased its share of the US ride hailing market from 17% to 23% is rapidly destroying investor assumptions about this industry. Uber investors have stumped up US$12 billion in the belief that this is a winner-takes-all market. That now looks not to be the case.
Efforts in the pre-interview screening and increased weightage in shortlisting has resulted in the top three Indian Institutes of (IIMs) posting a better gender and discipline diversity this year over the past few years.
Shares of ailing steel and auto ancillary companies Bhushan Steel, Monnet Ispat & Energy and have rallied by up to 10%, extending their two-session long rally on BSE on the back of heavy volumes.
Despite an output decline of about a fifth, which normally supports a price rise, farmers are selling garlic at reduced prices, they complain, due to stringent procurement norms from government agencies.
from India were down 53 per cent in the past two months as China, a major consumer, took better quality ore from Australia to feed its integrated steel plants, taking advantage of a slump in global prices.
Launched in September 2005, is classified under the equity diversified category of CRISIL Mutual Fund Ranking. It is featured in the top 30 percentile (CRISIL Fund Rank 1 or 2) in the past 10 consecutive quarters ended March 2017. The fund's quarterly average assets under management (AUM) was at Rs 1,671 crore in March 2017 and the fund manager is Richard D'Souza.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has termed the attempts to exert pressure on Moscow through sanctions as 'pointless'.

"While assessing the prospects for bilateral dialogue, Sergey Lavrov pointed out that attempts to exert pressure on Russia through sanctions were pointless, though Washington once again used this tool on June 20," Tass quoted the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying in a statement.

Lavrov in a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that such steps put Russian-US ties at serious risk, while bilateral relations are already going through a tough period.

He emphasised that Russia expects U.S. to respond to its proposals aimed at normalising bilateral relations between the two sides.

The ministry said that Russia had to postpone the meeting between a Russian deputy foreign minister and a US undersecretary of state in order to assess the current situation.

The meeting was scheduled to take place on June 23 to discuss issues concerning Russian-US.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow calls on U.S. to strictly abide by all the previously reached agreements concerning various aspects of the Syrian settlement.

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Balasore city in Odisha is all set to witness the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra from the majestic Emami Jagannath Temple on June 25.

The festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha, Ashadh month, the third month of the traditional Oriya calendar.

Three new and splendid chariots are constructed to escort Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balbhadra and his sister Subhadra from the 78-feet-high magnificent shrine located on three acres of land that was once was the premises of the Emami Paper Mills.

It is believed that those who manage to get a glimpse of the idols will have a prosperous year ahead.

The rath yatra will start at around 7.30 a.m. on June 25 from the temple in the walled city of Balasore. The procession will stop midway to collect sweet pancakes, Lord Jagannath's favourite dish. The three chariots are also accompanied by 10 to 12 trucks.

The Rath will be pulled by thousands of devotees from India and abroad, amid the joyous chants of 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Hare Krishna'. The act of pulling the Rath with ropes during the Rath Yatra is believed to be an extremely religious act, and a belief that attracts tourists from across India and from abroad. The temple authorities will provide food to all devotees who will participate in the Rath Yatra.

On the occasion of the yatra, people of all faiths are allowed to see the deities and participate in the procession as they are not allowed to enter the temple on other days.

Sushil Goenka, a trustee of the temple, said Lord Jagannath will shower his benevolence and blessings on all participants and their families.

Around one lakh people are expected to attend the rath yatra and the temple authorities are meeting with officials of the district administration for maintaining peace and ensuring a successful celebration of the Rath Yatra.

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courtesy of Shakespeare on the Plaza

Let not light see my black and deep desires, Macbeth says, as he plots the murders that are the hinge of Shakespeare's bloodiest play. Articulating the experience of a couple in the wake of losing a child and their simultaneous climb to power, Macbeth is a powerful tragedy that packs a highly dramatic punch as the characters grapple not just with grief, but with paranoia and the weight of inescapable guilt.

The themes in Shakespeare, like in Macbethgreed, hunger for power, treacheryI think that it is important for us to see the cause and effects of those things, Amelia Ampuero, artistic director of Duke City Repertory Theatre and Lady Macbeth in this year's Shakespeare on the Plaza production of Macbeth, explained about the centuries-long resonance of Shakespeare's plays. The ancient Greeks thought theater was important because of that cathartic thing, to be able to see something and gain the lesson from it and experience the emotional life of it without necessarily having to go through those things.  Seeing the cause and effect of our collective actions, especially right now, is important.

And Shakespeare on the Plaza, which grew out of an old project at The Vortex Theatre called Will Power, aims to bring the significance of The Bard to Albuquerque at large by making the annual open-air staging of the plays entirely free. This year's schedule sees alternating performances of Macbeth, directed by Kate Clarke, as well as Comedy of Errors, under the direction of Dennis Elkins. Both shows opened the second weekend of June and will run through the first weekend of July. In Ampuero's opinion, the performances tend to attract more and more attention as the productions near their final weekends (she speaks from experience, last year she played Beatrice in Mucho Ado About Nothing). It's cool to see that there is a hunger to see Shakespeare presented in this way, that people can come and sit under the stars and see these works.

With support from The Vortex Theatre, Garcia Honda and the City of Albuquerque, the event has become expansive. There are food trucks lining Civic Plaza well before the opening lines are spoken, and beer and wine sales bolster the jubilant feeling. This, paired with high-caliber staging from many of Albuquerque's finest actors, directors and crew members, make for what is in Ampuero's estimation a really complete experience.

With all its double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble, Macbeth is grim, crusted with the blood shed by characters on all sides. As such, this play is well tempered with the more light-hearted Comedy of Errors, inviting viewers to choose the experience that suits their mood (or alternate weekends, perhaps). Dark as it may be, in this particular production of the piece, the direction has taken a slightly unusual tack. Instead of depicting Lady Macbeth as manipulative and power starved (per usual), Clarke wanted to explore the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and their path to the throne, in light of their recent loss of a child.

In looking at their relationship, Ampuero illumined, the esteem in which they hold each other, that was a really fascinating and rare thing in these plays.  It's one of the few marriages you see in a Shakespeare play where they have equal power with each other. That dynamic means that each is the support of the other. In light of that, Ampuero suggested that Lady Macbeth wants to build her husband up after the death of their child  because she felt that was something they could both focus their energies onthat they both need that victory in some way, in the throes of their grief. Yet, Ampuero continued, in their grief, they've lost sight of their humanity.

Set to the particular and enduring language of Shakespeare, the play takes on great gravity. The language itself, in fact, is vital to what is special and important about sharing these works during Shakespeare on the Plaza. It's important to see Shakespeare for the same reason that it is important to read and see  classics that come from a different time. It's important for us to hear that kind of language. I think that hearing that and seeing those kinds of stories performed continues to spark some electricity in the brain. Having access to those words performed on a stage with all their booming intonations or shrinking whispers, as they were meant to be experienced, is a great gift to the public.

To that end, Ampuero said, I think a lot of times theater can be seen as a luxury, and it's not. It is something vital and important, its the best form of diplomacy that we have. In a world where we can be lost in our phones and our singular experiences, theater is something that still brings people together to have a communal experience. That's important, too.

And finding a seat in the house for the evening is as easy as showing up to Civic Plaza. A full schedule of this year's Shakespeare on the Plaza can be found online at newmexicoshakespeare. org.
The Defence Experts on Thursday lauded the Indian Army as they gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in an encounter in Pulwama district located in Southern Kashmir.

Calling it an extremely "good sign", Defence Expert Major General (Retd.) P. K. Sehgal told ANI that this development has taken an extremely heavy toll on the morale of the terrorists.

"Apparently the armed forces and the security forces are getting extendable inputs, timely inputs and they are acting very swift to take out these terrorists. This was our first very successful counter insurgence carried out in that area after the killing of Burhan Wani. South Kashmir particularly Pulwama has become the den of local terrorists who joined LeT," he said.

"The security forces have killed five people in the last three days in counter insurgency operation. Two in Sopore, three in Pulwama and on the 17th of June they have also killed the LeT commander called Mattu in Anantnag. So, this has taken a very heavy toll on the morale of the terrorist. They are beginning to realise that their residual life is only a question of weeks and months," he added.

Defence Expert Sunil Deshpande also hailed the Indian Army for its swift action against the terrorists.

"In Pulwama there have been encounter where three terrorist have been gunned down. Now this was on the based on info which we got. It is a big success on our part," he said.

At least three Local Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The slain terrorists have been identified as Majid Mir, Shariq Ahmad and Irshad Ahmad.

Three AK-47 rifles and ammunition have been recovered from the slain terrorists.

The encounter started late last night when the militants were spotted travelling in a vehicle in New Colony Kakapora area.

As the forces started search operation, the contact was established and encounter began.

According to security officials, as soon as the news of encounter spread, all of a sudden fierce stone pelting by locals targeted security forces to help the trapped terrorists.

An officer of 50 Rashtriya Rifles sustained injuries in the encounter.

50 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOP) and 183 CRPF Battalion were involved in the encounter.

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Turkish economic minister Nihat Zeybekci said that the first Turkish ship carrying aid to Qatar has departed in a bid to break the embargo imposed on Doha by a number of Gulf countries.

"Nearly 105 cargo planes have carried aid from Turkey to Qatar, after five Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Doha earlier this month. Further shipments will follow Wednesday's batch", Anadolu News Agency quoted Zeybekci as saying.

However, it is not economical or sustainable to send food stuff by plane, he said.

Keeping in view Eid al-Fitr - which marks the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, trucks of vegetables are being sent to Qatar on a weekly basis from Beypazari district of the Turkish capital Ankara, said Yavus Ekici, head of Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Both Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were in Doha on June15 to mend Qatar's ties with Gulf Arab states and stated the crisis should be resolved "through peace and dialogue".

"The efforts by Turkey so far and the future steps to be taken were discussed during his meetings with several top Qatari officials," Anadolu quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

Qatar termed the actions by Gulf member countries of isolating it diplomatically it as "unjustified".

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain, along with Egypt had snapped diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Bahrain also closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft, and gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their respective countries. Meanwhile, Riyadh also sealed its land border with Qatar.

Other countries who have recently cut diplomatic ties with Qatar include the Maldives and the Comoros Islands, along with Libya's Tobruk-based government.

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With the whole nation being gripped in the 'Yoga fever', a special fervour for the day was witnessed in the north-eastern region of the country.

Commemorating the festival, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a Yoga centre at Guwahati's Janata Bhawan.

Sonowal, along with Patanjali Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, performed Yog 'aasans' and led thousands of Yoga enthusiasts in Assam's Nalbari.

Balkrishna said, "The message of Yoga has spread in the entire north-east and I believe this would bring peace and strengthened brotherhood in the lives of the people, which would help in the nation's development."

A similar enthusiasm was witnessed in Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with his council of ministers and Chief Secretary, also participated in the festival.

Khandu appreciated the efforts of the public, who were a part of the festival despite the heavy rainfall.

"Despite rain, the participants' strength was very huge, but basically I think Yoga should be practised by every section of society of people," Khandu said.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, along with the Union Human Resource Development Minister, performed Yoga at Imphal's Khuman Lampak Indoor stadium with the public of the State.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju in Sikkim also attended a Yoga session marking the celebration of International Yoga Day.

In Tripura, the old and the young were seen performing various Yoga 'aasans' like Surya Namaskar and Kapalbhati.

In the states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Mizoram too, many health conscious people gathered at Yoga venues to observe the festival in a grand manner.

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Expressing concern over recent increase of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan that has brought underlying political tensions to the surface, India has raised some significant questions.

Speaking at the UN on the situation in Afghanistan, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin has asked as to "Why the attacks and violence in Afghanistan are ignored under the label of anti-Government elements or a consequence of a civil and political conflict. Who are anti-Government elements in Afghanistan and from where they are being assisted with weapons, funds and training."

Akbaruddin insisted that some crucial questions must be answered.

"Where are these anti-Government elements getting their weapons, explosives, training and funding from? Where do they find safe havens and sanctuaries? How is it that these elements have stood up against one of the biggest collective military efforts in the How is it that these elements collaborate with the world's most dreadful terrorists in killing and brutalizing the Afghans? How is it that the phenomenal rise of opium production, accompanied with a rise in global narcotics drugs prices, have gone totally unattended by the 1988 sanctions committee? "

Afghanistan has faced some of the worst attacks on its territories. Attacks on hospitals, schools, funerals or international development agencies and diplomatic missions seem to be aimed at sending a message to a nation trying to stand on its feet.

Referring to the lack of action against sanctuaries of the Haqqani network and the Afghan Taliban on Pakistani soil, Akbaruddin said, "International community's first and foremost duty is to ensure that the resurgent forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens anywhere and at any level. We must not differentiate between good and bad terrorists, or play one group against the other. The Taliban, Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Daesh, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others of their ilk are all terror organizations, many of them proscribed by the UN. They should be treated like terrorist organizations with no justifications offered for their activities."

"The first and foremost priority of all of us should be to assist Afghanistan in dealing with the humanitarian and security situation in the country, as was outlined by the Secretary General in his report of his visit to Afghanistan," Akbaruddin further said.

Recently, political crisis had been sparked by a terrorist bombing in Kabul's centre on May 31, which was followed by a large street demonstration protesting growing insecurity and had turned violent.

Akbaruddin also said that the Council should meet more often to discuss situation in Afghanistan.

"At times, the Council has even shied away from condemning some of the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. We would appreciate broader and more informal discussions on the matter with all important stakeholders. In this regard, the international community's assistance to the people and Government of Afghanistan needs to address the gaps between the efforts of the country in nation building and quandaries of death and survival," Akbaruddin said.

Marinating that India is committed to stand with Afghanistan and support and strengthen capabilities to not only fight terrorism and violence but also to aid development and nation building, Akbaruddin said, "India, for its part, will continue to stand, in the words of our Prime Minister stand not behind but shoulder to shoulder, with the democratically elected Government of Afghanistan, while it battles against terror and the multiple crises inflicted on it. Our efforts to this end will be strengthened with the initiation of a direct air corridor between our two countries agreed last December. A few days ago, the first cargo of goods arrived in both our countries overcoming the obstructions our two countries have faced in connecting and trading with each other.

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Karnataka Assembly Speaker K.B. Koliwad on Thursday imposed one-year jail term on two journalists for writing defamatory articles against legislators.

The Speaker also imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 on each of them.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of the House Privileges Committee after an inquiry. The committee felt that legislators' privileges were violated after a series of defamatory articles against them.

The two journalists - Ravi Belagere of 'Hi Bangalore' and Anil Raj, who ran a tabloid called the Yelahanka Voice - if fail to pay the fine, the jail term would be extended to another six months, the Speaker said.

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A debt-ridden farmer committed suicide by hanging himself in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar and left behind a suicide note.

The farmer was disturbed due to debt.

The farmer took the debt from a person named Shankar Udayniya.

According to the suicide note, Shankar was troubling the farmer even after paying the debt.

Reportedly, the total number of farmer suicides in the Madhya Pradesh has now risen to 17 since the protests started in Mandsaur by farmers on June 6.

On June 17, a 40-year-old farmer Jagdish Mori committed suicide in Dhar by consuming poison allegedly due to being under debt.

On June 16, an debt-ridden farmer Kalla unable to pay off loan of Rs. 40,000, committed suicide in Shivpuri.

55-year-old Kalla committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree.

His family did not even have money to cremate him. The villagers somehow managed to collect money for the cremation.

The recent suicides, however, come in the wake of the farmers' agitation in Mandsaur.

Mandsaur became the epicentre of farmers' agitation over a demand for loan waivers and better prices for their produce.

During the agitation, six farmers were gunned down by the police, thereby drawing criticism from political parties. The situation forced the district officials to impose Section 144, and restricted prominent personalities from visiting the violence-hit district.

A number of political leaders, including Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and social activists tried to visit Mandsaur but the police didn't let them enter the area.

Section 144 was later revoked ahead of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's visit to the families of the deceased farmers.

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Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Opposition has disappointed the nation by announcing former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as its Presidential nominee.

"We met all the parties and discussed and took their inputs. We decided that Ramnath Kovind is the most suitable candidate. He is the best candidate. The Opposition through their decision has disappointed the nation. The result is known, still they have decided to contest election. It's their choice," Naidu told ANI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier in the day asserted that the Democratic Alliance (NDA) has "the numbers" when it comes to the Presidential polls.

Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Shaina NC said, "As a woman in public life, I would like to compliment Meira Kumar for her candidature, but eventually, it's all about the numbers. So, as they say let the best man or best woman win and in this particular case clearly, the BJP and its allies have the numbers".

Echoing similar sentiment, another saffron party leader Prabhat Jha stated that more than 60 percent vote will fall for NDA's chosen nominee Ramnath Kovind.

"The Opposition is bringing Meira Kumar's name on the list because they feel left out. It's predicted that more than 60 percent vote will fall for NDA's chosen nominee Kovind. They have decided to fight it out through this poll. But we can't help watching them lose," Jha told ANI.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced Meira Kumar as the Opposition' Presidential nominee while appealing the other parties to support the decision.

All 17 political parties unanimously proposed name of Meira for forthcoming Presidential elections.

The Opposition - Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI), and other parties - today met to discuss the NDA decision on Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

The BJP had earlier said that the Opposition was a divided house over the Presidential elections as many of its partners have extended support to ruling NDA candidate.

BJP president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA's consensus candidate for the post of Indian President.

The election for the next President of India is to be held on July 17 as President Pranab Mukherjee will demit the office on July 24.

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Following the attempt of armed intrusion by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Poonch which was foiled earlier today, former union home secretary and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP R.K. Singh on Thursday hailed the Indian patrolling team at the border, citing that it makes it difficult for the Pakistan Army to enter.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "Since our surgical attack on Pakistan, their Army has been continuously making strategies to take revenge on us. Today's incident is not the first, but the third this year, after which the government needs to take an action. Actually, the patrolling team at the border is making it difficult for them to enter as we are on continuous rounds. So we need to increase our patrolling team and be alert all the time for safety."

Warning Islamabad over all the strikes they have made so far, Singh further stated that Pakistan is a problem to us and for the whole world.

"We need to tell them that India will not remain silent and we can strike at them any time. As not only are they a problem to us, but for the whole world too," Singh added.

Earlier in the day, an attempt of armed intrusion by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Poonch this year was foiled at 2 p.m.

Two jawans were, however, killed in the exchange of fire.

An area domination patrol was targetted by armed intruders and in the exchange of fire, one was killed.

Another armed intruder was injured and covering fire by Pakistan posts facilitated his extrication.

Pakistan's BAT team was 600 m within the Line of Control (LoC) and 200 m far from their posts.

Pakistan's BAT was earlier in news after it mutilated the bodies of two Indian soldiers on Monday in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control, where they had beheaded Lance Naik Hemraj in 2013, in May.

The Indian Army confirmed the involvement of the BAT in the gruesome act.

"Pak Army carried out unprovoked rocket and mortar firing on two forward posts on the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati sector. Simultaneously, a BAT action was launched on a patrol operating in between the two posts. In a unsoldierly act by the Pak Army, the bodies of two of our soldiers in the patrol were mutilated. Such despicable act of Pakistan Army will be appropriately responded," read the Indian Army's statement.

It is the same Krishna Ghati sector where the Pakistani BAT had beheaded Lance Naik Hemraj and badly severed the head of Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh of 13 Rajputana Rifles, on January 8, 2013.

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Pakistan on Wednesday became a full signatory of the Washington Accord that facilitates mobility of engineering graduates and professionals at the international level.

Pakistan became the full signatory of Washington Accord on June 21, reported Dunya News.

As a result of the new agreement, the engineers from Pakistan would no further have to take exams for getting new jobs and admission abroad.

In the first stage, graduates from UET Lahore, UET Taxila, GIK and NUST would benefit from the new agreement.

Pakistan was granted provisional membership of the Washington Accord in the year 2010.

The Washington Accord, signed in 1989, is an international agreement among bodies responsible for accrediting engineering degree programmes.

It recognises the substantial equivalency of programs accredited by those bodies and recommends that graduates of programs accredited by any of the signatory bodies be recognised by the other bodies as having met the academic requirements for the entry to the practice of engineering.

At present, the Washington Accord member countries include Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Pakistan, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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A scuffle broke out between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sukhpal Khaira, Simarjeet Singh Bains and Balwinder Bains of Lok Insaf Party with security officials outside Punjab Assembly on Thursday after they were forcibly removed from the building.

Khaira and Bains brothers were earlier suspended for the entire Assembly session by the Speaker of the house. Khaira was reportedly suspended for uploading a video of the ruckus in the Assembly, while Bains was suspended for throwing papers at the Speaker.

Following this, these MLAs staged a 'dharna' outside the Assembly and alleged that the Captain Amarinder Singh Government in the State was preventing them from entering the House after they raised the issue of mafias.

"Democracy is turning into dictatorship. We were suspended for the session and today they passed the order that we can't enter this building. This building is not Captain Amarinder Singh's; it belongs to the people of Punjab," Simarjeet Singh Bains told ANI.

He said that the Congress Government in the State is not able to accept their faults and is planning and plotting against them.

"I have moved a private bill for the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL), since that time they are scared to hold a debate on the same. This is why they have kept us outside. We are not scared of them," he said.

Khaira said that they are taking revenge of personal issue with the people and it is not good for the democracy.

"We presented an FIR where the family of the Speaker has been named for illegal mining. He got so irritated that he suspended us. They even manhandled the women and removed the turban of two of the MLAs," he said.

Meanwhile, four AAP MLAs were suspended by the Speaker from the Assembly after they raised the issue of Khaira and Bains' suspension and moved towards the podium of the Speaker.

AAP MLA Pirmal Singh alleged that his turban was tossed by the marshals and that the Speaker did not hear them out.

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The Competition Commission of South Africa said a merger between NYK, MOL and K Line would encourage anti-competitive behavior in the liner markets and the car carrier sector.



The Competition Commission of South Africa has prohibited a proposed merger between the container liner shipping businesses of Japans Big 3 ocean carriers  Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (K Line).

The commission said a merger between the carriers would encourage anti-competitive behavior in the liner markets and the car carrier sector.

The carriers said back in May they planned to operate their joint venture under the trade name Ocean Network Express, and originally announced their intentions to integrate their container shipping businesses on Oct. 31, 2016.

According to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reportings Carrier Ranking Report, based on operating fleet capacity, NYK is the ninth largest carrier in the world with 588,711 TEUs, while MOL comes in at 11th with 536,820 TEUs and K Line takes 14th place with 354,616 TEUs.

London-based shipping research and consulting firm Drewry said earlier this week that the Ocean Network Express would be the sixth largest container carrier in the world once it commences operations.
Corporate gifting has emerged out to a pioneering gifting sector in the recent years. As per the statistics, in 2015, India alone had a gifting market of USD 30 billion, out of which, USD 2.5 billion belonged to corporate gifting. Companies today are showing more interest in their relations with customers and employees; as a result, a trend of corporate gifting has started gaining pace.

"For years, corporate gifting was restricted to giving away monotonous gifts like diaries, pens, and pen drives; which apparently had no brand value. But Bigsmall.in has changed the entire perspective of the conventional gifting" said Yatin Hans, Co- Founder, Bigsmall.in.

Bigsmall.in is an online gifting website that provides a wide collection of unique, quirky and unusual gift ideas to match every personality and relation. After turning heads with their unique gifts ideas, they have now resorted to revolutionise corporate gifting by making every gift one of kind and ensuring clients and their employees feel appreciated and content.

"Our work involves convincing corporations to get gifts that are useful as well as enjoyable. Of course, these are imprinted with the each company's own branding with an X factor," said Aman Hans, Co- Founder, Bigsmall.in

Teaming up with Bigsmall.in, the brand like Uber India gifted 'Fruit Infuser Bottle'- a product by Bigsmall - to promote a healthy lifestyle among their employees.

Joining hands with 'Soulfit' which endorses fitness and well-being, Bigsmall.in gifted 'dumbbell bottles' carrying SF's brand logo to sync perfectly with the values promoted by Soulfit.

The online store has participated in multiple corporate events, such as the FitToFly program by Indigo which was in partnership with renowned nutritionist, Tarun Gill, Nike Training event and for Shilpa Shetty's fitness venture "Swasth Raho, Mast Raho". All the events did extremely well and the "dumbbell bottles" became a fitness symbol among the people.

In another event by Gastroenterology Research Society at AIIMS Delhi, 'Lion Gear clocks' become a symbol of 'Make in India' Campaign, a gesture greatly appreciated by their faculty.

"Spreading the festive cheer, we also provided OfficeShoppie and 91springboard with Diwali and Christmas gifts for their employees. We were highly euphoric with their response. After all, being successful in spreading the warmth of the festivals is the best return gift one could receive." said the brothers.

Striving to break the conventional gifting culture and transform corporate gifting, Bigsmall attempts to convert a ritual to a heartwarming gesture from a company to its client and employees through its unique curated gifts collection.

"If we sell a product, it's got to be seriously awesome. Since that's the only criterion, we have something unique for everyone."

The company's ideology to ensure every gift stands out and bring a smile on the recipient's face is the driving force for the team. Out of the box products, with high quality have proven to be their USP along with timely delivery and a very good customer support.

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A man who allegedly raped and murdered a minor girl was lynched by the locals to death in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district.

The incident took place yesterday in Aligarh's Bheekamapur village when a man raped and then murdered a six-year-old girl, following which the locals killed the accused for his heinous act.

As per reports, the accused who hailed from Badaun, used to work at the girl's father snacks shop. A month ago, the father of the girl fired him from work, after which he was not seen around in the village.

The man possibly lured the daughter of the shop owner and took her to the nearby farm where he raped and later killed her.

When the parents of the girl were unable to find her after a stretch of time, they started looking for her and later recovered her body from the farm. The accused was also found sitting beside the girl's body.

Angry over the incident, the locals thrashed the accused. When the police reached the spot, the villagers handed over the man.

He was later admitted in a hospital and declared dead after few hours.

"The accused was nabbed by the locals. He was sitting near the body of the girl. He was drunk. He was thrashed by the people and later died at around 3 a.m.," said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aligarh, Rajesh Kumar Pandey.

A case has been filed in this regard and an investigation is currently going on.

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U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has asked China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea if Beijing wants to prevent further escalation in the region.

Addressing in a joint press conference with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis after meeting top Chinese diplomats on Wednesday, Tillerson said, "We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

Both sides called on North Korea for to halt its illegal nuclear weapons programme and its ballistic missile test as stipulated in the UN Security Council resolutions.

"The two agreed that companies should not do business with any UN-designated North Korean entities in accordance with these resolutions. China understands that the United States regards North Korea as our top security threat," Tillerson said.

He alleged that North Korea has engaged in a number of criminal enterprises that help fund its weapons programmes.

Tillerson said the two countries must step up efforts to help to curtail these sources of revenue.

"Countries around the and in the UN Security Council are joining in this effort and we hope China will do its part as well," he said.

Tillerson further said that the United States is committed to holding North Korea accountable for multiple violations of UN Security Council resolutions which expressly prohibit its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

"We regret that it is the North Korean people who suffer when the regime diverts resources to these prohibited programmes, and we urge the DPRK regime to choose a better path for its people," he said, adding that "the U.S. opposes changes to the status quo of the past through the militarization of outposts in the South China Sea and excessive maritime claims unsupported by international law".

Tillerson informed that China has expressed its commitment to resolve their disputes peacefully and in accordance with recognized principles of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

During the dialogue, the two sides also decided to adopt greater coordination to face the global threat posed by terrorism.

"We will be looking to China to help the Iraqi Government in specific meaningful ways to ensure the country's long-term stability and economic growth as it battles ISIS and begins its long process of rebuilding," he said.

Both sides also discussed about increasing mutual trust and working toward a long-term risk reduction effort between the militaries and government of two countries.

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On 22 June 2017

JSL Industries announced that a fire has erupted in the manufacturing area of Instrument Transformers inside the Factory Premises of the Company at Village - Mogar, T&D Anand, Pin - 388340, Gujarat in the morning hours of 22 June 2017. Immediately, fire brigades were pressed into service to control the fire which was brought under control within an hour. As a result of above natural calamity, part of Instrument Transformer manufacturing facility has been affected and actual assessment of loss is under progress. However, loss / damage were fully covered by insurance and necessary insurance claim is being initiated.

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Held on 22 June 2017

Cerebra Integrated Technologies announced that the Board of Directors at its meeting held on 22 June 2017 transacted the following -

Allotment of 1,19,00,000 Equity Shares on preferential basis to Strategic Investor, Kuber Global Fund, a company incorporated in the Republic of Mauritius.

Allotment of 53,00,000 Warrants convertible into Equity Shares on preferential basis to certain Promoters.

Convening 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders, Book closure and related matters.

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Prism Cement gained 2.99% to Rs 120.60 at 9:40 IST on BSE after the company said that a step-down joint venture of the company successfully completed the expansion at its Dhuva plant.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 June 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 121.18 points, or 0.39%, to 31,404.82. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 56.86 points, or 0.38%, to 14,907.60.

On the BSE, 11,248 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 1.02 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 121.80 and a low of Rs 119.90 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 129.10 on 28 April 2017. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 72 on 27 December 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 21 June 2017, falling 2.82% compared with 2.69% rise in the Sensex. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, gaining 15.77% as against Sensex's 6.1% gains. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, gaining 24.51% as against Sensex's 16.67% gains.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 503.36 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Prism Cement said that Sanskar Ceramic (Sanskar), a step-down joint venture of the company has successfully completed the expansion of 4.2 million square meters (MSM) per annum vitrified tiles capacity at its Dhuva plant, Morbi, Gujarat. The commercial production has commenced from 21 June 2017.

With this expansion, the company would be able to reduce outsourcing of vitrified tiles from third party sources and become more self-reliant. The capacity of Sanskar now stands at 2.3 MSM of wall tiles and 4.2 MSM of Vitrified Tiles.

The overall capacity of H & R Johnson (India), a division of Prism Cement, along-with its joint ventures and subsidiaries would stand at over 65 MSM per annum.

Prism Cement's net profit declined 7.2% to Rs 70.15 crore on 2.3% rise in net sales to Rs 1418.57 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

Prism Cement is an integrated building materials company, with a wide range of products from cement, ready-mixed concrete, tiles, bath products to kitchens. The company has three divisions, viz. Prism Cement, H & R Johnson (India) and RMC Readymix (India).

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Tata Motors rose 1.18% to Rs 462.60 at 9:25 IST on BSE after the company said that a duly authorised committee approved offering of non-convertible debentures.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 June 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 124.05 points or 0.4% at 31,407.69.

On the BSE, 21,247 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 5.36 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 462.70 and a low of Rs 458 so far during the day.

Tata Motors said that duly authorised committee approved offering for subscription, on a private placement basis, up to 5,000 rated, listed, unsecured, 7.50% coupon, redeemable, non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of face value Rs 10 lakh each, at par, aggregating up to Rs 500 crore.

On 15 June 2017, the company had said that it is desirous of offering the eighth series of its NCDs aggregating to Rs 500 crore and in this regard will hold a meeting of its duly constituted committee of the board on 21 June 2017.

The issuance is pursuant to the approval of the shareholders passed vide special resolution at the 71th Annual General Meeting of the company held on 9 August 2016 and the board of directors' resolution passed at its meeting held on 23 May 2017.

On a consolidated basis, net profit of Tata Motors declined 16.8% to Rs 4336.43 crore on 2.9% decline in net sales to Rs 77217.19 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

Tata Motors is a market leader in commercial vehicles in India. The company's British luxury unit Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) sells premium luxury cars.

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On 22 June 2017

Tayo Rolls announced that the Committee of the Board at their meeting held on 22 June 2017 has allotted 3,80,000 7.17% Non Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares of Rs 100 each aggregating to Rs 3.80 crore to Tata Steel, the Promoter on preferential basis.

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At least 20 people were killed and 55 injured in a suicide car bomb attack on a bank branch in the southern Afghan province of Helmand on Thursday, officials said.

A spokesperson of Helmand province's Governor told Efe news that the suspected insurgent attack on a Bank of Kabul branch in provincial capital Lashkargah took place around midday.

Several civilians and security personnel were waiting to enter the building to receive their wages when the attack happened, reports said.

The injured were shifted to a hospital. The number of casualties was likely to rise, said the spokesman.

--IANS

soni/bg

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Four persons with suspected links to the Islamic State (IS) militant group have been arrested in Morocco, the country's Interior Ministry said.

According to the ministry's statement on Thursday, the suspects, arrested in Essaouira city, had pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and were planning attacks on the key and tourist sites in Essaouira, Xinhua news agency reported.

Police have seized weapons and documents inciting violence, the statement said.

Morocco has seen a growing threat from terror groups, especially IS. According to official figures, Morocco busted 19 terrorist cells and arrested 273 suspects in 2016, most of them linked to the IS group.

--IANS

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appealed to the Bengali community here to bring software industries.

"Our young generation is in the software industry which is an important sector. We have IT parks and land is also available. We will provide facilities within our capabilities. We have lot of scope for the industry," she said, adding that state had no man-days lost.

Banerjee, who is accompanied by a high powered official and business delegation, is in the Netherlands to participate in the United Nations Public Service Forum as a speaker.

"In order to bring Bengali community as well as Indians living across the countries in the world with one platform, the state can think of a portal or website," she said at the interactive session with Bengali diaspora.

Inviting the Bengali community here to participate in the next year's Bengal Business Summit, she said the state had introduced Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman with an objective to take Durga Puja to different parts of the world.

She also appealed to Dutch investors, along with Italian and German industrialists, to invest in the state.

--IANS

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The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved amendment to a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with Netherlands by incorporating the "country of residence" principle in the said agreement.

"The amended SSA between India and the Netherlands, when operational from the third month from the date of notifying the said amendment to the Netherlands by India, will strengthen bilateral ties and continue to favourably impact profitability and competitive position of Indian and Dutch companies with foreign operations in either country by reducing their cost of doing business abroad," an official statement issued here said.

The SSA, which has been in successful operation since June 2010 and has benefitted Indian expatriates in Netherlands, will also help promote more investment flows between the two countries, it added.

Under the new Social Security (Country of Residence) Act, the amount of benefit or allowance paid to a qualified beneficiary (read as Dutch national) is adjusted to the cost of living of the country where the beneficiary is currently residing.

India has signed and operationalised SSAs with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and South Korea.

--IANS

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The Union Cabinet, at a meeting here chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday passed a resolution to express gratitude to Chief Ministers and others for cooperation on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) issue.

"The GST is a shining example of national integration and of fiscal federalism at its best. It is a testimony to the working of India's federal democracy. It has been made possible because of close cooperation between the Centre, state governments, and political parties," a Finance Ministry statement said.

"The Cabinet acknowledged the contribution made by all state governments, by all Chief Ministers and state Finance Ministers, and by all political parties, which made it possible for the GST to be implemented from July 1," the statement said.

The GST is the biggest tax reform in independent India. It is one of the most sweeping indirect tax reforms in any federal polity in the world, in which complexities such as multiplicity of taxes and cesses, multiplicity of rates, multiple compliances, and cascading of taxation will be removed, it noted.

"This game-changing reform will result in significant ease of doing business as well as reduction in the overall tax burden on consumers," the statement said.

The Cabinet also expressed its gratitude to the GST Council, heads of all national and state recognised political parties, members of parliament and state legislatures, and all sections of society, including trade and industry associations, it said.

--IANS

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The devastating forest fire in Portugal that has raged for days and claimed at least 64 lives, has been brought under control, an official said.

Portuguese Civil Protection Operational Commander Vitor Vaz Pinto told reporters on Wednesday that the first phase of the firefighting has come to an end and the big fires are under control in the Pedrogao Granda area, Xinhua news agency reported.

Though the situation of fire remains complicated, "they will try all means to consolidate what they have achieved and prevent the fires from re-igniting".

The power supply has also been restored in the area, the media reported.

However, the fire in neighbouring area of Gois are still blazing but they are expected to be brought under control soon due to the falling temperature, according to the Portuguese Lusa News Agency.

A total of 1,156 firefighters and 413 vehicles were involved in the firefighting in the Gois area, according to the Portuguese Civil Protection Authority.

The forest fire, the most devastating for more than 40 years in Portugal, have killed at least 64 people and injured 204 others.

A minute of silence was held in the whole country on Wednesday in memory of those killed in the fires.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Antonio Costa attended a funeral of a young firefighter who died while battling the raging fire on Monday.

--IANS

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Actor Upen Patel doesn't agree with the bazaar buzz that Suneel Darshan's romantic musical mystery "Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha" is his come-back film to Bollywood. Maintaining that he has always been part of the Hindi celluloid world, he says that he is choosy in picking his projects because he feels a responsibility towards his audience.

Upen pointed out that his last film in Bollywood was S. Shankar's "I" which released in 2015 -- only two years ago. "No one asks superstars like Aamir Khan or Salman Khan when they come out with a movie a year."

"If Aamir Khan gives his biggest film every three years, no one asks what you were doing in the last three years. Hrithik Roshan comes out with a film after two years and no one asks where have you been," Upen told IANS over phone.

He added: "As an actor I get a lot of offers but I have to wait for the right movie. I have to do something that I believe in. I think a lot of actors take their time like Salman Khan. As an actor you have a certain responsibility towards your audience."

The actor has been part of big projects like "36 China Town", "Namastey London", "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani" and S. Shankar's "I". He will be next seen in "Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha", which is set to release on June 30.

He says there might be a gap once again after "Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha".

"There is a part of cinema that I don't want to be part of. If there has been a two-or-three-year gap between my last movie (it was) only because the right thing weren't coming (to me)... I have worked with the best... I am very choosy even after this film there might be another gap because I have to choose the right film," said Upen.

Upen, who has also appeared on "Bigg Boss 8" and "Nach Baliye 7", is excited about his forthcoming project.

He says that his fans will see a different side of him with the role.

"I am really excited about the film. My character is going through a huge emotional graph. I feel the audience will connect with him."

--IANS

sug/ks/dg

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All four JNUSU office-bearers have been barred from meetings of all committees and statutory bodies of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after a proctorial inquiry was opened against them on charges of "misconduct and indiscipline".

According to Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) President Mohit Pandey, a letter informing him about his suspension was sent on Wednesday evening.

Similar letters were sent to other office bearers as well accusing them of disrupting the 143rd Academic Council (AC) meeting on June 16 and proscribing them from attending any future meetings till the inquiry gets over.

"The Proctor's office has received a report from the Registrar regarding misconduct and indiscipline... The report and eyewitnesses have accused Pandey of using unparliamentary language, unruly behaviour, unauthorised video recording of Council proceedings," it read.

"A Proctorial inquiry committee has been constituted by the Chief Proctor to investigate into this serious issue," it said.

The members who were served with the notice, apart from Pandey, are General Secretary Satarupa Chakraborty and Joint Secretary Tabrez Hasan, Vice President Amal P.P. Chakraborty told IANS that all four had been served the same letter.

Although the JNUSU is made up of the four office-bearers and around 30 councillors, only the former are entitled to attend statutory body meetings.

The JNUSU condemned the varsity administration, calling the inquiry "sheer targetting of student representatives" and an attempt to "silence critical voices". The JNUSU has called for a protest on Thursday on the campus.

"True to its dark history, the JNU administration under the leadership of M. Jagadesh Kumar yet again attempted to silence the critical voices where tough and uncomfortable questions were raised by the students' representatives in the 143rd Academic Council meeting," said a statement from the students body.

Objections were raised at the June 16 Council meeting by JNUSU members and faculty members over confirming the minutes of the previous meeting.

Protests were held by students and faculty members over a clause that limited the number of M.Phil and Ph.D students a faculty member could guide as per the University Grants Commission recommendations.

Several faculty members and the JNUSU disapproved the move, saying it would drastically reduce the number of seats in JNU for research scholars.

--IANS

vn/mr

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Left Front Convener in Darjeeling district Jibesh Sarkar on Thursday urged for a meeting between central and West Bengal governments and the Gorkha Janmukhi Morcha (GJM) to restore peace in the state's hills.

"A tripartite meeting is needed to resolve the impasse. Neither the government's use of force nor the indefinite strike by the GJM is solution to the problem," he said.

The CPI(M)-led Left Front was the first to decide to skip the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Sarkar had said it would serve no purpose.

The GJM is spearheading the agitation for separate Gorkhaland state in the north Bengal hills.

Sarkar said the move to suspend Internet service and all regional news channels in the region is against the right to information, adding several students in the hills were deprived of online admissions to schools and colleges.

--IANS

dm/bdc

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Named on Thursday as the nominee of the major opposition parties for the July 17 presidential election, Meira Kumar is a senior Congress and Dalit leader with long and varied political experience and a strong proponent of social justice and social equity.

Soft-Spoken, Meira Kumar, 72, is the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a former Union Minister and has held senior organisational responsibilities in the Congress, including as General Secretary.

Daughter of freedom fighter and former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram, Meira Kumar was born on March 31, 1945. She studied law and pursued her Master's after graduating in arts.

Meira Kumar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1973 but resigned after being asked by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha by-election from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh.

She has been elected to the Lok Sabha five times and from three different constituencies -- Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, Karol Bagh in Delhi, and Sasaram in Bihar.

Belonging to the Dalit community, she sought to change the mindset against private sector reservation as the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment between 2004 and 2009.

Meira Kumar favours deepening social justice rather than providing patronage to the weaker sections and has been unhappy about caste being "a dominant factor" in Indian society.

In her speeches, Kumar has said that the country's sustainable growth was not possible without ending centuries-old exclusion of marginalised groups such as Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

She was Congress General Secretary from 1991-92 and 1996-99. She has been a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party.

Kumar was elected Speaker of the Lok Sabha in June 2009 and constantly emphasised on productive use of time by the members.

She headed several parliamentary delegations, including to the Inter Parliamentary Union and Commonwealth Speakers Conference.

With her father a member of the Interim Government in 1946 and also of the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet, Kumar as a child had on many occasions met India's first Prime Minister and was "fascinated by his ability to effortlessly connect with the children".

Her interests include writing poems in Hindi, shooting, and preservation of cultural heritage and Indian craft.

--IANS

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Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said loan waiver these days had become a "fashion", but later clarified his remarks were "misinterpreted" after attack from opposition parties.

Speaking at India's largest municipal bond programme in Mumbai, Naidu said: "If there is a need of money we shall give loan... the banks will give loans. But now there is a fashion of waiving (farm) loans."

"Whose loan is this? Whose money is it? It is not the money of the banks, it is your money. If we write off loans here we have to pay there," the BJP leader said.

Naidu's remarks came a day after the Karnataka government announced waivign of cooperative bank loans of farmers amid growing farm unrest in the country.

Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab too have announced loan waivers.

Farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have asked the government to write off their loans and to give a good price for their produce.

Criticising Naidu's statement Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury wondered if the central government considered suicides of farmers "fashionable".

"Will this government now say that farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waiver, not mock farmers," Yechury said in a tweet.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Naidu's statement exposed the government's bias towards the rich.

"You don't see 'fashion' in it when you waive loans of the rich, but when it comes to waiving farmer loans you call it 'fashion'. This is not right," Kejriwal told reporters.

He said this approach of the Bharatiya Janata Party shows what kind of it is engaged in.

Congress leader Randeep S. Surjewala condemned Naidu's remarks saying that he should not have made such statement when the situation in Madhya Pradesh was volatile after the killing of five protesting farmers in police firing in Mandsaur.

"Farmers are committing suicide and he (Naidu) is saying it has become a fashion," he said.

"He should have avoided mocking at the farmers," he added.

Naidu later said his remarks were misinterpreted.

"I was speaking in the context of addressing infrastructure problems, including farmer problems," Naidu clarified.

"I wanted to say we aren't addressing issues in the long term but the short term," the BJP leader added.

Earlier in Mumbai, Naidu said the loan waivers are not a final solution.

"It (loans) should be waived in extreme conditions. It (loan waiver) is not the final solution," he emphasised.

"You have to take care of the system and you have to make people farmers that they should get revenue to price... they should be taken care in distress," he said.

--IANS

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Nepal and China have hailed the smooth and healthy development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

While meeting with visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou on Wednesday, Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Wednesday said his government has attached great importance to developing ties with China and has been adhering to the one-China policy, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Nepal will never allow any forces to use its soils to conduct any anti-China activities."

Nepal highly appreciates China's non-interference in its internal affairs, China's support for and understanding of its constitutional process and China's long-term assistance for its socio-economic development, Deuba said.

Nepal welcomes and supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative which brings valuable development opportunities for Nepal, the Prime Minister said, adding his government is willing to promote the Himalayan country's development and the inter-connectivity in the region by jointly building the Belt and Road.

For his part, Kong, who is here for the 11th round of the China-Nepal diplomatic consultations, said Beijing and Kathmandu have enjoyed equal treatment and mutual trust since the establishment of diplomatic relations 62 years ago and have been time-tested good neighbours, good friends and good partners.

China congratulates Nepal on its positive progresses achieved in its implementation of the new constitution, said Kong, adding China will, as always, uphold the non-interference in Nepal's internal affairs and support Nepal's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kong said China hopes that Nepal will realise the political and social stability as well as fast economic development at an earliest possible date.

--IANS

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Hearings into the case of imprisoned blogger Alexander Lapshin started in Baku court.

June 22, 2017, 15:51 Hearings in blogger Alexander Lapshin case start in Baku

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 22, ARTSAKHPRESS: As APA reported, judge Alovsat Abbasov will preside over the hearing.

Preliminary investigation into the criminal case launched against Lapshin on charges of public statements directed against the state and illegal crossing border of the Azerbaijan Republic has already been completed.

After his visits to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2011 and 2012, blogger and journalist Alexander Lapshinwho is a citizen of Russia, Israel, and several other countrieswas blacklisted by Azerbaijan.

In June 2016, however, he paid a visit to Azerbaijan--but with a Ukrainian passport--and, subsequently, he published several articles criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities.

Afterward, Azerbaijan issued an international search for this famous blogger. On December 15, 2016, Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk, and based on this search.

On January 26 of the current year, the Minsk city court dismissed the blogger's appeal of the Belarusian General Prosecutor's Office decision to extradite him to Azerbaijan.

On February 7, the Supreme Court of Belarus dismissed the appeals that were filed into this case, and upheld the aforesaid decision by the General Prosecutors Office.

And on the evening of the same day, Belarus extradited Alexander Lapshin to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody.
Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Wednesday appealed to the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle by making yoga a part of their lives.

Deuba made the remarks while addressing a mass yoga demonstration ceremony here on the occasion of the third International Day of Yoga, Xinhua news agency reported.

Claiming that yoga helps maintain peace and harmony, he asked all to be healthy and prosperous through regular practice.

"Yoga is an ancient discipline which is essential for both mental and physical health. Yoga helps to have healthy body and health mind and in overall, a balanced life," Deuba said.

Along with the yoga practitioners, Deuba also attempted the soothing "Om" chanting and expressed commitment for building a healthy society.

Dressed in Nepali formal dress, Deuba demonstrated standing yoga postures to encourage the participants.

This is the second year the Nepal government formally celebrated the International Day of Yoga, which was declared by the UN.

Ministers, MPs, dignitaries and hundreds of people from different walks of life jointly performed yoga postures despite heavy rainfall since early morning.

Yoga has been gaining wide popularity in Nepal in recent years. It is regarded as an invaluable gift of ancient tradition and most essential for a healthy life.

Yoga instructor Mohan Man Shrestha told Xinhua: "I am teaching yoga for 10 years. If we continued yoga every day, we should never visit hospitals or doctors. It's good for both physical and mental health.

"I am 64 years old but I have never taken any medicines or visited hospitals. It has been possible only through yoga," added Shrestha.

According to instructors, most yoga practitioners in Nepal are women. They gather in local yoga centers or available spaces every morning and practice different postures.

Since health problems like gastritis, diabetes and uterus ailments are common among Nepalese, they regard yoga as a perfect medium to fight such diseases.

--IANS

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One person died in Assam here as incessant rains caused havoc in the city on Thursday morning.

The deceased was electrocuted as he waded through knee-deep water-logged Zoo Road area around 7 a.m., locals said.

"A severed electric wire was lying there unnoticed and unattended. None knew about it as the entire road was submerged," said the locals.

They accused the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) for the accident. They said the ASEB did not disconnect the electricity in the area despite several requests.

Meanwhile, most of the arterial roads and service lanes remained submerged as incessant rains lashed the city from early Thursday morning.

School buses and private vehicles were stranded on the water-logged roads.

Six persons, including a minor school student were killed in a similar June 13 flash flood that had submerged the entire city. Two of the dead were school kids who died due to electrocution.

--IANS

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Flamengo have signed forward Geuvanio on an 18-month loan from Tianjin Quanjian, the Brazilian club said.

Financial details were not provided but media reports said Flamengo would pay half the Brazilian' s wages, reports Efe.

"Welcome Geuvanio. (We) receive you with open arms," Flamengo said on Wednesday.

Geuvanio has scored nine goals in 34 appearances for Tianjin Quanjian and helped the club earn promotion to the Chinese Super League last year.

--IANS

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Limited on Thursday said it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Daher Aerospace, France for manufacture of aerospace components.

According to the fully-owned subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, the MoU was signed at the Paris Air Show.

Daher Aerospace is tier-one manufacturer in aerostructures segment comprising fuselage sections and fairings made of composites as well as conventional metals for Dassault Aviation and other leading global aircraft manufacturers.

In India, Dassault has 50 per cent offset obligation for 36 Rafale aircraft, a contract valued close to 8 billion euros. is a key partner with Dassault Aviation for the largest offset programme so far in India.

"This offers a great opportunity for both the to work together for aerospace composites parts manufacturer. There is an increasing demand in aerospace sector for the composite components," the company said in a statement.

"Signing this MOU on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, envisages a strategic partnership with Daher with aim to jointly explore opportunities in design and manufacture of composite parts; design and build of welded ducts, metal conduits, swaged pipes and cable harness supports; aerostructure components, integrated logistics, airframes, assemblies and related industrial activities."

The company elaborated that the new facility with Daher Aerospace fosters a comprehensive defence manufacturing eco-system through backward integration under the government's 'Make in India' programme for indigenous manufacturing of aerospace components.

The global demand for composites is estimated to rise from $18 billion to $43 billion by year 2032.
Taliban "safe havens" are inside Afghanistan not outside, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi has said.

"The resilience of the insurgency led by the Taliban cannot be explained away by convenient references to external 'safe havens' or 'support centres'," Lodhi told the 15-member UN Security Council during a debate on Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Relations between the two countries have turned sour since Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani accused Pakistan of waging an "undeclared war of aggression" against his country, Dawn reported on Thursday.

Pakistan, Lodhi asserted, was committed not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against other countries.

"Pakistan's Zarb-e-Azb and subsequent Raddul Fasaad military operations had succeeded in eliminating all terrorist and militant groups from its tribal territory bordering Afghanistan," she said.

She told the Council that Islamabad was "implementing border controls, including the fencing and monitoring of vulnerable sections of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border."

Lodhi said that "as a country that continues to host over two million Afghan refugees, Pakistan expects gratitude and not hostility from the Afghan government".

Both the countries, she stated, have suffered at the hands of terrorism and should cooperate with one another in order to eliminate terrorism from the region.

Lodhi said that apart from Afghanistan itself, there is no country other than Pakistan, which has suffered more from the wars and violence that have engulfed Afghanistan for over 35 years.

"There is no other country, which will gain more from peace in Afghanistan," she said.

Lodhi added that a political strategy is needed since it was impossible to reach a political solution with only an increase in troops and military involvement.

On his part, Afghanistan's Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal said reversing the tide against terror was contingent on eliminating support centres beyond the country's borders that produced, nurtured and empowered terrorists operating in Afghanistan.

--IANS

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Three militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said.

The militants were killed in Kakapora area of Pulwama district in a joint operation by the security forces including Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a police spokesman said.

Following specific information about the presence of militants, the security forces on late Wednesday evening surrounded the New Colony area in Kakapora area.

As the security forces tightened cordon, the hiding militants fired at them, triggering a gunfight.

"Searches are still going but the firing has ended," the police spokesman said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President has proposed to install solar panels on the wall he wants to be built along the border with Mexico, so that the energy produced will help finance it and that Mexico "will have to pay a lot less money".

"We're thinking of something that's unique, we're talking about the southern border, lots of sun, lots of heat. We're thinking about building the wall as a solar wall so it will generate energy and pay for itself," Trump said on Wednesday during a rally in the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money. And that's good, Right?"

The idea of putting solar panels on the wall had already been circulating for two weeks in Washington D.C. since the President spoke of the plan at a private meeting with a group of Republican lawmakers on June 6, but Trump had not mentioned it in public until now, reports Efe news.

He suggested the plan was his own, saying: "Pretty good imagination, right? Good? My idea", reports the BBC.

During his campaign, Trump pledged to build a wall along the Mexican border to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Trump insisted he would make Mexico pay for the bill, but President Enrique Pena Nieto has dismissed the idea.

More than 200 companies have reportedly responded to an invitation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit designs for the wall.

Among them was one from Gleason Partners in Las Vegas that proposed a wall of steel, cement and solar panels.
Actor Tyrese Gibson hopes the next instalment of 'Fast and Furious' franchise goes to Africa and he wants actors Matt Damon and Denzel Washington to join.

The 38-year-old, who joined the series in the 2003 movie "2 Fast 2 Furious: as Roman Pearce, says he wants to take the films to a new location and is also keen to see the franchise attract some new talent, reports femaleirst.co.uk.

Speaking to ExtraTV.com, Gibson said: "I would love to take it to Africa, I would love some Cape Town and Johannesburg. And I would love Matt Damon and Denzel Washington to join the franchise. I really feel like they could contribute."

Gibson also said that the behind-scenes-clips of the latest movie, "The Fate of the Furious", will give fans a real insight into life on the set.

"There's way more scenes, way more funny, a lot of stuff that was just chopped out. The director's cut is gonna be crazy. There is a whole lot more footage of Havana, Cuba and make the movie," Gibson said.

--IANS

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Uttarakhand and Haryana have become the fourth and fifth Open Defecation Free (ODF) states of India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, said an official statement on Thursday.

The two states on Thursday joined the league of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, which were the first three states to be declared ODF.

"Nationally, the sanitation coverage has increased from 42 per cent to over 64 per cent in just two-and-a-half years since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission," said the statement.

Uttarakhand's 13 districts, 95 blocks, 7,256 gram panchayats and 1,5751 villages, while Haryana has 21 districts, 124 blocks, and 6,083 gram panchayats -- all of which have declared themselves as ODF in formal declarations in Dehradun and Chandigarh, respectively.

"Today, Swachh Bharat Mission has become a truly people's movement. People of Uttarakhand and Haryana, the government officials and representatives of other institutions have contributed towards this milestone," the statement quoted Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, as having said.

With the total number of ODF states now rising to five, over two lakh villages and 147 districts have been declared Open Defacation Free across the country.

--IANS

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One of the cardinal rules of is that every hypothesis is open to experimental testing, and to being discarded or radically modified upon contradictory results. Sometimes a theory is accepted for centuries. For example, Newtons Laws were accepted until Einstein came along, 250 years later.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and Indian arms imports from Russia highlight good Russia-India ties; a continuation of the Indo-Soviet amicability that survived after Russia became the successor state to the former USSR in 1991.
Of the leaders of the 17 Opposition parties that gathered on Thursday to discuss the name of their Presidential candidate, Bahujan Samaj Party and Trinamool Congress leaders stressed that their respective party chiefs have been in the forefront of proposing and supporting former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumars name. While BSPs Satish Chandra Mishra spoke about his party chief Mayawatis support for Kumar, it was Trinamool Congress Derek OBrien who stole the show. OBrien first spoke at length about West Bengal Chief Minister, and party chief, Mamata Banerjees recent visit to The Hague. OBrien then said how three women have led the way in supporting the candidature of another woman. He said Congress president Sonia Gandhi, whose party has the largest number of votes in the Presidential electoral college among the Opposition ranks, followed by Banerjee, with the second largest number of votes, and finally BSP chief Mayawati have come together to pick Kumar. OBrien said the result of the notwithstanding, it was the victory of women power.
Today, 17 Opposition parties, with their sights focused on putting up a strong and united challenge to the Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, decided to field former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as their presidential candidate, making the contest a Dalit versus Dalit race.
A day after backing Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the president's post, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) on Thursday said that there was no question of going back to the Democratic Alliance (NDA) and it continued to be an integral part of the united opposition.

"The decision to back Kovind's candidature is an isolated incident... We'll never go back to the NDA-fold again," the JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi told PTI over phone from Delhi.

Tyagi said Kovind, the ex-Governor of Bihar, had played a positive and non-confrontational role in the functioning of the state government.

During his nearly two years' tenure as the Bihar governor, Kovind handled himself with dignity and poise and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was quite impressed with his demeanour and grace which convinced him to back his candidature for the president's post, he said.

He said Kumar, who is the JD(U) president, and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri during the DMK founder M Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations at Chennai on June 4 had discussed the name of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition's candidate and it would have stayed the course but for the NDA throwing a surprise by announcing Kovind's candidature.

"We are bound to support the former Bihar Governor's presidential bid as he had discharged his duties with grace and poise," Tyagi said, adding that having decided to back Kovind's candidature it did not make sense to attend the meeting of the Opposition parties in Delhi today to decide on the presidential elections.

The JD(U) national spokesperson asked the NDA to refrain from nursing any illusion about his party going back to the ruling alliance at the Centre and charged the Narendra Modi government with failing on all fronts.

"Despite backing Kovind's candidature for the president's post, we are of the considered view that the Modi government has failed on all fronts," he said.

Tyagi said that contentious issues like Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and Article 370 continued to be the sore points between the NDA and the JD(U).

"In fact, the communal strife has worsened throughout the country over the past three years," he alleged.

Stating that the JD(U)'s decision to stand by Kovind's candidature for the president's post is an "isolated incident," Tyagi said that his party would continue to be an integral part of the united opposition.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader on Thursday categorically said that there is no scope for the United Nations' mediation in Kashmir issue and the world body should see that Pakistan doesn't encourage terrorism.

Addressing his first press conference at UN headquarters, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that his recent meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif were targeted at initiating dialogue between the two neighbours to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

Though the UN Secretary General has not given an impression that he would be mediating between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, but his statement has raised many eyebrows in India and is being seen as a 'mediation bid'.

Swamy said Kashmir is a part of India and so there is no question of any sort of negotiation.

"Kashmir is a part of India. There is nothing to negotiate. Only thing that the UN needs to see is that Pakistan does not encourage terrorism. There is nothing else to be done. So, there is no scope for UN mediation in the case of Kashmir," Swamy told ANI.

Guterres met Prime Minister Modi in St. Petersburg this month on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, whereas he met Nawaz Sharif in Astana on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit held this month.

The UN chief had met Sharif in January also during the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos.

Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since independence of both countries in 1947. The ties between New Delhi and Islamabad have worsened in the recent past.
Major Opposition parties will meet in the capital on Thursday amid indications that former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar could be their challenger against National Democratic Alliance's (NDA's) Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind. The move comes even as the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United), or the JD(U), has decided to back Kovind's candidature.
A contest for the post of the President looked inevitable with leading Opposition parties determined to field a candidate against despite cracks in their unity after Janata Dal (United) today decided to support the Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate.
Delhi Police today arrested 12 persons, including two men and 10 women, for allegedly running a sex racket in the garb of a unisex salon in Rohini.

On the basis of a tip-off, the police raided the premises of Grace Unisex Salon.

Initially, the police sent a decoy customer to strike a deal and after the deal was finalised, the police raided the premises, said a senior police officer.

The two operators - Manjeet Singh (42) and Sandeep Singh (21) - were arrested along with 10 women, he said.

They had taken the premises on rent around two months ago.

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Two suspected members of the Irani gang have been arrested for allegedly robbing elderly women of their jewellery by posing as Crime Branch or CBI officers inspired by a Bollywood film.

On June 21, when Chanderpal, a resident of Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, was travelling on SPM Marg towards Kodiya Pul, man signalled him to stop, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Jatin Narwal said.

The man took him to three persons, who were standing at about a distance of 10-15 yards. One of them was being referred to as Sahab, who told Chanderpal that they are from the Delhi Police and needed to check his bag.

But as Chanderpal got suspicious of them, he refused to get his bag checked by them. After which they tried to snatch his bag but failed.

The police, who had been keeping a track of the gang, were informed about the incident. They then nabbed two of the accused, following a brief chase. However, the other two fled from the spot.

The accused arrested were identified as Hasan Aziz Sayyad (19) and Amjad Sameer (42).

Sayyad is wanted in a Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) case in Mumbai while Sameer was arrested in a MCOCA case last year and is currently out on bail.

The accused were allegedly inspired by Akshay Kumar- starrer film 'Special 26', the DCP said.

The gang members, wearing safari suits like 'mufti' (plain clothes) of police officers, used to target elderly people, mostly women or people walking down lonely streets, he said.

One of them used to approach the victim posing as a policeman and narrate a story about a murderer or a notorious robber or chain-snatcher being on the prowl in the area, police said.

Another member of the gang, posing as a comman person, would then arrive at the spot wearing a gold chain and he too would be cautioned by the fake policeman against wearing gold.

The person would then hand over his gold chain and watch to the fake police office, they said.

In most cases, the unsuspecting victim would follow suit and hand over all of her valuables to the fake policeman who would wrap them in a cover and return the same to the owner.

In reality, while talking to the victim, the accused would replace the jewellery with cheap imitations and if there was currency, they would show the victim that they are wrapping it for safekeep and return to them.

By the time the victim would realise that she had been conned, the accused would disappear from the spot.

Narwal said that there are about 40 active members of the Irani gang. At a time, a team comprising four persons usually commits the crime at one place and then move to other areas.

Thereafter, their other accomplices target people in that particular area so that people are not able to recognise them.

The gang leader of the Irani gang, Naasir Hafiz Khan, was arrested in April.

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Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao will be on a three-day India visit from June 27-29 during which he is scheduled to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Nakao will also meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and discuss the support of the Manila-headquartered multi-lateral funding agency to state government's development works.

"During his India visit, Nakao is scheduled to meet the Indian leadership, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to discuss ADB-India development partnership," ADB said in an invite.

Among others, the ADB president will also talk about development priorities, challenges and infrastructure support by the agency in India.

"He will also travel to Uttar Pradesh and meet with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss ADB's support to the development vision of the state government," it added.

In the last leg of the visit, Nakao is scheduled to interact with the Indian media on June 29.

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U.S. Rep. John Katko's campaign took aim at Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner before she was due to speak at an event supporting Planned Parenthood Wednesday afternoon.

The purpose of the rally was to call on Katko, R-Camillus, to support access to Planned Parenthood and other women's health care facilities. Miner, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible challenger to Katko in 2018, was listed as the guest speaker.

Katko's campaign released a statement reiterated the congressman's support for "robust funding to ensure women and families in central New York have access to health care." The news release then shifted to Miner, and it wasn't positive.

"Stephanie Miner's tenure as mayor has been defined by systematic poverty, record murder rates, crumbling infrastructure, failed schools and divisive partisan politics," Katko's campaign said. "Instead of focusing the remaining time of her troubled tenure on addressing the issues that plague our city, the mayor chose today to, once again, highlight a naturally divisive topic.

"This a desperate move by a failed politician seeking to remain relevant on her way out the door. The mayor should either resign her job and commit full time to protesting partisan issues, or stand up and lead our city."

Miner responded to the statement with one of her own. She expressed her disappointment at the comments made by Katko's campaign, but said she wasn't surprised to hear "the divisive rhetoric."

"Since being in office, I have fiercely advocated for the needs of the people of Syracuse," she said. "I am always proud to stand with Planned Parenthood to support the vital health care services they deliver to thousands of central New Yorkers each year. Rep. Katko promised to support Planned Parenthood but voted against its federal funding four times. He is keen to fight the tragic opioid crisis facing our country, but does not realize this cannot be done without providing access to qualify, affordable health care.

"While Washington politicians resort to personal attacks, I will not stop fighting for the issues important to the people of our region."

The exchange between the two central New York officials fuels speculation that they will square off in the 2018 election.

Katko is expected to seek a third term in Congress. In his two previous campaigns, he won by at least 20 points.

Miner is in the final year of her second term as mayor. Due to term limits, she can't seek re-election. But she's expected to remain engaged in politics, and that could include challenging Katko in the 24th Congressional District race next year.

The pair seemed to start off on a friendlier note in 2015 when Katko met with Miner in Washington. Their conversation focused on infrastructure needs, particularly in Syracuse and central New York.

Nearly two months after that meeting, Miner announced that she wouldn't challenge Katko in 2016. She was believed to be the Democrats' top recruit at the time.

Even though she wasn't in the race, Miner supported Katko's Democratic challenger, Colleen Deacon, and criticized his record on infrastructure issues.

Katko's campaign responded with a statement that had similar themes to the one released Wednesday  that the infrastructure in Syracuse was "crumbling," the city's poverty rate was rising and high school graduation rates were low.
Beijing was bracing for heavy rains which are expected to last till tomorrow as a yellow alert was issued to warn the public here of floods and landslides.

Beijing meteorological station issued a yellow alert for rain and storms at 4:40 PM yesterday.

China has a four-tier colour-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

The office of Beijing flood control headquarters warned of high risks of floods and geological disasters in mountainous areas. It also warned that low-lying areas may be inundated, state run Xinhua agency reported late last night.

The office asked people to keep away from rivers, flooded road sections and mountainous regions.

Beijing Drainage Group has checked its flood control facilities and the drainage systems across the city before the rain.

Tongzhou, in the east of the city and in the lower reaches of Beijing's rivers, is also prepared for the upcoming rainstorm.

The flood control department in Tongzhou has prepared 21 large pumps and organised 19 emergency rescue teams.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has organised an emergency team of more than 3,800 people. To ensure traffic safety, Beijing has increased highway, mountain, bridge and underground passage patrols.

Beijing Bus Group will dispatch more buses, especially on routes linking major railway stations in the city, to help passengers.

Beijing Subway will install water fenders in its stations to prevent rain water from pouring in. The subway stations operated by Beijing MTR also will provide raincoats to passengers, reports the agency.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal is a a leading producer of mangoes but export of this king of fruits remains negligible due to various infrastructural bottlenecks, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) DGM R K Mondal said here today.

"There are various infrastructural shortcomings and lack of direct connectivity for export of vegetables and fruits. However, we hope to export 75-100 tonnes of mangoes from Bengal this season," he said.

But, a lot will depend on the union agri ministry's early approval of a mango treatment plant at Malda district which has been promoted by the West Bengal government.

Bengal government has setup a hot-water treatment in Malda, famous for its yield of quality mango, for treatment of the fruit for exports. Government facility will help in treating a larger quantity of mango for exports.

"If approval comes within this month for the state government treatment facility then export of mango can touch 75-100 metric tonnes," sources said.

As of now, the total export of mangoes to Europe and the Middle East is about just 25 tonnes.

This year mango export to Europe from India is expected to be 1500-2000 metric tonnes and Netherlands and the UK are the major markets.

Bengal has sent a few consignments of mangoes this year to Europe as alternate market since the ban on exporting Indian mangoes was lifted.

Mango export from the state received a setback from Bangladesh which raised import duty on mango in the recent years to 50 per cent or Rs 29 a kg.

APEDA is now attempting to promote higher shelf-life variety - Lakhanbhog mango to Dubai via sea-route to make it more competitive.

"We are planning to sent a 10 tonne consignment of Lakhanbhog mango to Dubai from Mumbai port to Dubai through sea route," Mondal said.

Export through Kolkata Port is not possible due to longer travel time to Dubai of 15 days.

Himsagar is one of the leading variety of mango for exports.

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Members of the Jat community blocked the Mathura-Alwar railway line in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan today demanding grant of OBC reservation benefits to the community in Dholpur and Bharatpur.

The blockade came as the state OBC commission submitted its report to chief minister Vasundhara Raje today.

The community members held a 'mahapanchayat' near the tracks and then blocked the railway line between Vehaj and Bedham railway stations, a GRP official said.

The protesters were led by Congress MLA Vishvendra Singh who are demanding reservation for the Jats of Dholpur and Bharatpur districts.

"We have been demanding OBC reservation for Jats of Dholpur and Bharatpur for the last two years. From August 2015 till today, the long pending demand has not been fulfilled. It is under rising pressure that the OBC Commission has submitted its report today. But, they have not declared when it will be implemented. We want government to come out clear," Singh told PTI.

He said that people are agitated and the blockade will continue tomorrow.

A GRP official said that a goods train was stopped by the agitators near Deeg in Bharatpur.

Earlier in the day, the state OBC commission submitted its report to chief minister Vasundhara Raje at her residence in Jaipur.

The commission chairman Jitendra Goyal submitted the report in the presence of Panchayti Raj and Rural development minister Rajendra Rathore, social justice and empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi and vice chairman of the '20 point programme' Digambar Singh.

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A small-time BJP leader here announced a Rs 10 lakh reward today for anyone who cuts the tongue of separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who hailed Pakistan's victory over India in the Champions Trophy final.

"If he (Mirwaiz) is so fond of Pakistan, then he along with his family should shift to Pakistan. I announce a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone, who severs the tongue of Mirwaiz for celebrating Pakistan's victory over India," BJP leader Gajraj Jatav told PTI.

After Pakistan won the match on Sunday, Mirwaiz had congratulated the team. Earlier, he had tweeted a congratulatory message to the Pakistan team on its reaching the finals.

Jatav said, "The act of Mirwaiz has hurt my feelings. He should remember that those Muslims who went to Pakistan after Independence are being treated as second-grade citizens."



"They should remember that they are surviving on Indian 'rotis' and their remains would be buried in this country's soil only. Despite that, they are praising Pakistan and trying to lead their community members' astray," he said.

He added that these people must learn from former President late A P J Abdul Kalam, who always thought for the betterment of India.

Although Jatav himself does not hold any post in the party, his wife, Sanju Jatav, is the chairperson of the Janpad panchayat here.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Visa outsourcing company BLS International today said it has bagged USD 5 million tender from Afghanistan Embassy to facilitate registration and identification of all Afghan citizens in five Gulf countries.

The countries are United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.

Under the contract, BLS international will open 8 visa application centres to support the Embassy of Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the company said in a statement.

Through these 8 centres, BLS will process around 2 lakh applications for Afghans living in UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.

Based on the registered data maintained by BLS International, the diplomatic mission will issue the E- passports in the next stage.

BLS International Services Ltd Joint Managing Director and Additional Director Shikhar Aggarwal said: "Through our association with the Afghanistan Embassy in UAE, we aim to provide a framework to enable registration and identification for all Afghan citizens residing in the Gulf countries".

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The siege of Delhi, structures during World War II and key memorials, roads and marketplaces - these are some of the interesting aspects brought to light in a new book which presents an exquisite study of the maps of Delhi, from the onset of the 19th century till the master plan of 2021.

In "Maps of Delhi", Italian architect Pilar Maria Guerrieri seeks to show the development of the city's planning, the diversity of its cartography and the impact that foreign influences have had upon it.

Published by Niyogi Books, it is billed as the first organised collection of the maps of the city, an illustrated cartographic history of the capital.

Each map has been described individually, elaborating on its idiosyncrasies, aesthetic details, and rich historical information.

The author says the collection enables a study of the territory as such, and further helps in understanding the relationships between its individual parts while facilitating an analysis of the morphologies that developed within.

The maps indicate varying purposes: military intelligence and strategy, tourism, complex irrigation or sewage schemes, plans outlining prodigious developments, projects and colonies.

The book includes a chronology of ancient and modern hand-drawings as also digital maps of the city. The evolution of planning and architecture, which unfolds through the maps, mirrors the political, social, and historical progression of the capital.

The maps indicate varying purposes: those of military intelligence and strategy, in which the shrewd and vigilant martial strategy of the British, employed in their encounters with Indian forces is illustrated; tourist maps emphasising the sight-worthy monuments, plans outlining prodigious developments, projects or colonies; and of course an abundance of survey maps illustrating the status quo of the territory.

Among the maps is one that seems to have been printed as a sequence of prints and was possibly used for military operations.

"The map, as such, depicts the siege of Delhi and was certainly printed after Delhi was re-captured by the British on 22nd of September, 1857, since the grave of General Nicholson and 'the spot where Gen. Nicholson was shot' are marked," Guerrieri says.

"Possibly commissioned by Sir Archdale Wilson of Delhi as a preventive measure or a tool for further strategic use, this map of Shahjahanabad precisely positions and labels the various battalions and batteries by their placement as well as their respective commands," she writes.

Noted architect and urban planner A G Krishna Menon writes in the book's foreword, "Today when digital Google maps and satellite photographs are easily available and have transformed our visual imagination of the geography of a city, we begin to realise through books like this, how the beauty of printed maps and the many forms of pleasures and insights they offer when they are physically handled have been elided in public consciousness, thus diminishing an important attribute of the city they represent.

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The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was apprised about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between India and Armenia.

The MoU was signed in April 2017 during Vice President Hamid Ansari's visit to Armenia.

The pact shall enable cooperation in areas such as space science, technology and applications including remote sensing, satellite communication and satellite-based navigation, space science and planetary exploration, use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system.

The MoU would also lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, drawing members from ISRO and the State Committee of Sciences of the Ministry of Education and Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.

The Joint Working Group will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this pact.

Armenia has expressed interest in cooperating with India in the area of space.

Accordingly, a template of framework MoU for space cooperation was provided for further processing at the government level, for which the Armenian side gave its concurrence in April 2017.

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The Cabinet today approved amendment of the bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and the Netherlands by incorporating the "Country of Residence" principle into it.

The SSA has been in force since June 2010 and has benefited Indian expatriates who have been working in the Netherlands.

However, beginning January 1, 2013, the Netherlands introduced new rules on extending of social security benefits to the people from countries outside the European Union.

After the adoption of the new social security legislation, the Netherlands requested that India agree to revise the bilateral SSA since such a revision would be necessary as per their national law.

The new Dutch legislation, in ordinary circumstances, has no implications for the Indian people working in the Netherlands because it is applicable only to Dutch nationals residing outside the EU except for a very few exceptional cases.

The Indians working would largely continue to get benefits as per the existing India-Netherlands Social Security Agreement.

However, the circumstances where the "country of residence" principle will apply to a few instances of Indian nationals in case if an Indian worker dies in the Netherlands and has his/her spouse and children living in India or an Indian worker who gets disabled while working in the Netherlands and returns to India.

As on date, India has signed and operationalised SSAs with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and South Korea.

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The Union Cabinet today approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of public administration and governance reforms.

The MoU will help in understanding the system of customer oriented public service delivery in Portugal with reference to rapidly changing environments in the area of public service management and processes in the Indian public service delivery system, leading to improved delivery in the country.

The MoU will be signed between Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), and Ministry of the Presidency and of Administrative Modernisation, Government of Portuguese Republic, an official release said.

The areas of co-operation under this MoU will include digital transformation of government, administrative simplification and process re-engineering, public service delivery, building and developing staff capability, sharing good governance practices in public administration and public grievance redress mechanism.

The forms of cooperation will include organisation of a senior consultative body and working sessions for ongoing discussions regarding cooperation and collaboration.

As part of its efforts in seeking international collaboration for initiatives in good governance and administrative reforms, DARPG has so far entered into bilateral MoUs with China, Malaysia, Singapore, France and United Kingdom and a trilateral MoU with Brazil and South Africa.

The recent MoU with Portugal is a step in this direction.

Similar MOUs with China and Singapore are under renewal or consideration in consultation with ministry of external affairs.

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IIT-Goa Director B K Mishra today said the CBI case against him was a "vicious campaign" to malign his reputation and social standing.

In a statement issued today in response to PTI queries seeking his reaction, Mishra said the CBI case that he had amassed Rs 1.14 Crores in excess of his net income "just cannot be true".

Mishra said according to the FIR, he and his wife had movable and immovable assets to the tune of Rs 3.79 lakh in 2005 at the time of joining IMMT Bhubaneswar.

Mishra said he had joined IIT-Kanpur in 1993 after spending almost a decade in the US and he continued there till December 2005.

"So it just cannot be true that in 2005 I had Rs 3.79 lakh worth of property," he said.

Mishra said he had a small flat in Mumbai which he purchased by taking a housing loan from IIT Kanpur and two plots in Bhubaneswar prior to joining IMMT.

The Director said he also had other assets like car and furniture which shows that he was financially well off as both he and his wife worked in the US (full time).

Mishra continued working at IIT-Kanpur till December 2005, they have been paying income taxes regularly, the statement said.

He said after joining IMMT they bought a piece of land and took loan to build their house after selling the Mumbai flat and also bought a flat in Bhubaneswar on a loan from the SBI which are all "well-documented".

Mishra said while he was in the IMMT there was no such allegation of corruption against him.

He said during his tenure, the lab performed well and he moved on with an "impeccable track record" to head IIT-Goa.

At this juncture he and his colleagues felt that "it is only a vicious campaign to malign my reputation and social standing" and "is determined to fight it out in a convincing manner," the statement said.

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China will spend USD 470,000 for renovating a major troop platform from the Ming Dynasty on the Great Wall, authorities said today.

The renovation of the platform, located in the village of Jiumenkou on the border of Hebei and Liaoning provinces, is scheduled to be completed by the end of October, Zhang Chao from the local cultural protection authority said.

It is about 20 metres high and covers more than 200 square meters.

"The platform is an important part of the Great Wall," Dong Yaohui, executive vice president of the Great Wall Society of China, was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua agency.

He said that Jiumenkou was a crucial pass in the resistance against the Mongolian army during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Around 270 officials and soldiers were stationed there at the time, practicing martial arts and defence formations, which was why the platform was built.

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage has earmarked 3.21 million yuan (about USD 470,000) for the renovations. Workers will use the traditional techniques and materials including rivets, stonework and a paste made of glutinous rice and sand.

The platform also has a more than 300-year-old tree, Zhang was quoted in the report.

Built from the third century BC to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall stretches over 21,000 kms.

Over four million tourists visit the Great Wall every year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al- Sisi extended a state of emergency declared after twin church bombings in April by jihadists, in a decree issued in the official gazette today.

The renewed three-month state of emergency will start on July 10, according to the decree.

Parliament approved the initial state of emergency in April after the two church bombings claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group that killed at least 45 people.

The jihadist group said it was behind the bombings in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, and it threatened further attacks against Egypt's Coptic Christian minority.

Jihadists also claimed a Cairo church bombing in December that killed 29 people.

The emergency law expands police powers of arrest, surveillance and seizures and can limit freedom of movement.

Egypt had been ruled for decades under a state of emergency, which was cancelled a month before Islamist president Mohamed Morsi took power in 2012.

Following Morsi's overthrow by Sisi, then an army chief, in 2013, a state of emergency was declared for a month after clashes between police and Islamist protesters that killed hundreds and after Islamist mobs attacked Christian properties.

Part of North Sinai in the east of the country where the IS's Egyptian affiliate is based has remained under a state of emergency.

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Helmut Kohl was the "chancellor of German unity" but a week after his death, a family spat has cast a glaring spotlight on deep divisions and a looming battle over his legacy.

A long-running feud between Kohl's widow and his two adult sons from a previous marriage reached a new low when she denied one of them entry to his childhood home to pay his respects yesterday.

Both sides have since traded angry recriminations that threaten to overshadow the mourning period for one of Europe's great statesmen, who died last Friday aged 87.

Der Spiegel weekly meanwhile reported that Kohl's widow, Maike Kohl-Richter, who was 34 years his junior, had planned to bar Chancellor Angela Merkel from speaking at the funeral of her political mentor.

This would reflect the bitterness over what Kohl saw as Merkel's betrayal which launched her own meteoric career -- when she turned against him in 1999 over a campaign finance scandal.

Kohl-Richter told Merkel last Friday, according to Der Spiegel, that she would invite as a speaker Hungary's hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has harshly attacked Merkel's liberal refugee policies.

The matter has been resolved, and Merkel is now set to address the July 1 service in Strasbourg, along with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, French President Emmanuel Macron and former US president Bill Clinton.

Parliamentary Speaker Norbert Lammert said pointedly that "with all due respect, the way and the place in which this outstanding political lifetime achievement ... Is honoured are more than a family affair".

Kohl is hailed as the father of Germany's 1990 reunification, having convinced Western partners and Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev that Germany's capitalist west and communist east must become one nation again.

Germany's longest serving post-war leader, in office from 1982-98, was also a founding architect of the European project and championed reconciliation with France, its partner at the core of the EU.

However, Kohl's personal life was also marked by tragedy. His first wife Hannelore committed suicide in 2001, having spent years indoors because of a rare light allergy.

Later, in retirement, Kohl suffered a fall in 2008 and sustained a serious head injury that left him using a wheelchair, and his speech slurred.

While in a rehabilitation clinic he married Maike, a former chancellery speech-writer and his partner of recent years, at the age of 78.

His sons, Walter and Peter, were not invited to the ceremony.

They, former friends and biographers have since charged that Kohl's second wife -- seen to hero-worship the political giant -- also jealously isolated him.

Walter Kohl said he learnt of his father's death on the radio. The last time they had talked, by telephone, had been in 2011.

When he visited the family house with Kohl's two grandchildren Wednesday, a police officer told him they had been asked to leave.

In a statement to media, he said he was outraged by Kohl-Richer's "tasteless behaviour". Her lawyer rejected the blame, charging Walter had missed an earlier telephone appointment -- a claim he called a "lie".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The farmers protesting construction of a boundary wall around a plot of defence land in the district today set vehicles on fire and clashed with police, leaving 22 persons, including 12 policemen, injured.

The aggrieved farmers had earlier this month approached the Bombay High Court challenging the acquisition of over 1,600 acre land by the Ministry of Defence at Nevali for an airstrip requisitioned during the World War II.

According to the farmers, the land was requisitioned by the government through an order passed by the then Thane collector in February 1943, under the Defence of India Rules. Farmers have challenged the validity of the requisition order.

The protests erupted after the Navy began constructing a peripheral wall to protect the around 1600 acre of the defence land from further encroachment.

The agitated farmers also blocked a busy road in the area by throwing burning tyres on it, the police said.

"Around 400 acre land has been encroached. The Navy has sought the state government's help to remove these encroachments and help us complete the perimeter wall building work," an official said.

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told PTI that a meeting has been convened on the issue in New Delhi on June 29.

Thane Police Commissioner Parambir Singh said a DCP was among the 12 policemen injured during the violent protests.

"We are registering cases, including one of attempt to murder, against the protesters," he added.

A defence service spokesperson said the land is owned by the Ministry of Defence and the state government land records certify the same.

"The 7/12 (land title) extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by the Ministry of Defence. The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect Defence land from further encroachment," he said.

"The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing the police protection and support from district administration and revenue authorities," the spokesperson said.

The protest turned violent as farmers started agitating simultaneously at several places near Nevali, around 50 km from Mumbai.

Angry protesters also clashed with police and pelted stones, police said. The police personnel fired plastic bullets at the protesters to disperse them, the police said.

The protesters blocked the Kalyan-Haji Malang road by throwing burning tyres and wooden blocks on it. They also torched a police van, three trucks, two bikes and a tempo in the area, police said.

Thane district guardian minister Eknath Shinde said he had spoken to Bhamre on the issue. "A solution should be found keeping in mind the national interest," he stated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following are the top stories of the eastern region at 1800 hours.

CAL1 WB-GJM-SITUATION



Darjeeling : Ambulance services hit and TV cable connections snapped in some areas as GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills enters the eighth day today.

CAL2 BH-PREZ-JDU



Patna : A day after backing Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the president's post, the JD(U) today said that there is no question of going back to the NDA and it continues to be an integral part of the united opposition.

CAL3 WB-GJM-CASE



Darjeeling : A case has been lodged against GJM supremo Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha for their alleged involvement in violence, arson and killing of one person during clashes in Darjeeling hills on the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

CAL5 WB-GJM BANDH MEETING



Siliguri : West Bengal government today said it is open to discussion to restore normalcy in the restive Darjeeling hills, but gives no commitment on withdrawal of security forces, a demand made by the GJM.

CAL6 WB-KARNAN



Kolkata : Former Calcutta High Court judge C S Karnan, arrested for committing contempt of the Supreme Court, was today taken to a hospital for another round of medical tests to ascertain his health condition.

CAL7 SK-GJM-CHAMLING SUPPORT



Gangtok : Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today extended his support for a separate Gorkhaland state saying it will fulfil the constitutional demand of the people of Darjeeling hills and also bring permanent peace in the region.

CES1 WB-GJM-BJP



Darjeeling : With the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha spearheading an agitation for Gorkhaland, its alliance partner BJP is in a catch-22 as it can neither come out openly in support of a separate state nor afford to oppose it.

CES2 AS-AMBUBACHI



Guwahati : The famed Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills here will be closed for four days from today on the occasion of the annual Ambubachi Mela.

CES4 OD-NAVY-TRAINING



Bhubaneswar : The Indian Navy has agreed to train Odisha police on coastal and maritime security from July this year, an official said.

CCM8 BIZ-MANGO



Kolkata : West Bengal is a leading producer of mangoes but export of this king of fruits remains negligible due to various infrastructural bottlenecks, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) DGM R K Mondal said today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following are the top stories of the eastern region at 2100 hours.

CAL8 BH-PREZ-LALU



Patna: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad today says his party will go with other opposition parties in their choice for a presidential candidate.

CAL9 BH-SUSHIL



Patna: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today demands sacking of Lalu Prasad's minister sons -- Tejashwi and Tej Pratap -- from Bihar government, a day after the Income Tax Department charged six family members of the RJD chief under anti-benami assets Act in connection with its probe into alleged land deals worth Rs 1,000 crore.

CAL12 WB-KARNAN LD JAIL



Kolkata: Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge C S Karnan has been brought here from Chennai and taken to the Presidency correctional home (jail) where he complained of chest pain.

CES21 WB-POL CONGRESS



Kolkata: Congress in West Bengal today receives a jolt as two of its MLAs - Sankar Singha and Arindam Bhattacharya - joined Trinamool Congress.

CES23 AS-FLOOD



Guwahati: Flood situation in Assam remains critical in four district with 38,000 people still affected in the deluge, even as some areas showed signs of improvement.

CES25 MG-RAILWAYS-PROTEST



Shillong: Anti-railway pressure groups in Meghalaya today threatens to further intensify their protests if Chief Minister Mukul Sangma refuses to hold talks with them on the issue of extension of railways up to the state capital here.

CCM11 BIZ-GST-EXPORT



Kolkata: To allay the fears of the exporting community, the commerce ministry today says that enforcement would not be harsh during the initial period of GST implementation from July 1.

CCM4 BIZ-OD-IOCL



Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has served a show cause notice to the Indian Oil Corporation, Paradip Refinery Project to explain its stand on alleged violation of land lease deed and allocation of terms and conditions.

LGC1 BH-COURT-MAOISTS



Sasaram (Bihar): A Sasaram court today holds five Maoists guilty for killing the then District Forest Officer (DFO) of Rohtas, Sanjay Singh, 15 years ago.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on the issue of postponing the evacuation of the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) colony in Sarojini Nagar.

He has written to Naidu in this regard and sought an appointment a week after he asked postponement of the evacuation of the GPRA colony in Sarojini Nagar till the flats at Kidwai Nagar were ready.

A senior government official said that the Delhi Chief Minister has written another letter expressing his desire to meet him over the issue.

In his first letter, Kejriwal had said he had received representations from the Joint Federation of Residents Welfare Associations of Sarojini Nagar, seeking a postponement of the evacuation.

He had also said that though the Directorate of Estates had evacuated five government colonies -- at Kidwai Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Mohammadpur and Sriniwaspuri -- new flats for government employees were yet to come up.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Haryana government today decided to appoint over 1,500 Special Police Officers on contract for a year to meet the shortage of staff in the Haryana Police.

The decision to appoint Special Police Officers (SPOs) was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on a state home department's proposal, an official release said.

Former constables of the disbanded Haryana State Industrial Security Forces (HSISF) and the Haryana Armed Police (HAP) recruited in 2004, whose selection had been quashed earlier, would inducted as the SPOs.

The ex-constables who are between the age of 25 and 50 years and have not been removed or dismissed from the service due to indiscipline, misconduct or lack of medical fitness, would be eligible.

They would be paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 14,000 which would be credited directly to their bank accounts. No written examination and physical test would be conducted for the recruitment of these volunteers.

Their selection would be made through interview by a Board headed by District Superintendent of Police.

"These SPOs would not be posted in their home police stations but care would be taken to post them in adjoining police stations near to their residences. Also, those interested could be posted in other districts.

"At the time of recruitment, they would be given onetime uniform allowance of Rs 3,000 for two sets of uniform, one pair of shoes and other necessary uniform articles like shoulder insignia of SPO and cap," the release said.

The cabinet also approved to engage 400 ex-armymen and ex-paramilitary personnel on contract basis as Jail Wardens.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following are the top stories of the eastern region at 2145 hours.

CAL10 BIZ-BH-AGRI-LOAN-BJP



Patna : Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi urges the Bihar government to waive farmer's loan of Rs 21,615 crore of 39 lakh in the state.

CAL12 CBI-NARADA MIRZA



Kolkata : The CBI interrogates IPS officer S M H Mirza of his alleged role in the Narada video tapes scandal which allegedly showed him accepting money in exchange of favours.

CAL13 OD-PREZ BJD



Bhubaneswar : BJD vice-president Surya Narayan Patro will be present when NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination paper for the presidential election in Delhi tomorrow.

CAL14 WB-GJM-FOOD



Darjeeling : The West Bengal's hill region appears to hurtle towards a severe crisis of food, fuel and other essential commodities with the GJM's indefinite strike for a separate state entering the eighth day.

CAL17 WB-2NDLD KARNAN



Kolkata : Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge C S Karnan admitted to a state-run hospital here after he complains of uneasiness.

CAL18 WB-GJM GTA RESIGNATION



Darjeeling : In a bid to step up their stir for a separate state in the Darjeeling Hills, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha leaders have to quit the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) tomorrow.

CES9 BH-NEWBORN



Sheikhpura : A newborn dies under mysterious circumstances at the sadar hospital here as an army of red ants were found on his navel.

CES10 AS-FLOODS



Guwahati : Over 38,000 people affected by floods in four districts of Assam, including Kamrup (Metro district which comprises Guwahati, where one person died after being electrocuted.

LGC 5 JH-COURT-LALU



Ranchi : Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad appears before a special CBI court here in three fodder scam cases, while another ex-CM Jagannath Mishra presents himself in the court in two other fodder scam cases.

CCM 11 BIZ-CIL-MISHRA



Kolkata : Chairman-cum-managing director of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Rajiv R Mishra assigned additional charge of director (personnel and IR) of Coal India Limited (CIL) after the termination of the services of R Mohan Das in April.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India today signed an agreement with the World Bank for co-financing loans worth USD 570 million for 'Power for All' project in Andhra Pradesh.

The total cost of the project is USD 570 million, out of which USD 240 million is from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) -- an arm of the World Bank, and USD 160 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a finance ministry statement said.

The rest will be counterpart funding from the government of Andhra Pradesh, it said.

The objective of the project is to increase the delivery of electricity to customers and improve the operational efficiency and system reliability in distribution of electricity in selected areas in Andhra Pradesh, it said.

The loan agreement was signed here by Raj Kumar, joint secretary in the finance ministry on behalf of the Government of India; Hisham Abdo, operations manager and acting country director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank and D J Pandian vice-president and chief investment officer at AIIB.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As Senate Republicans secretly work out their version of a replacement to the Affordable Care Act, we implore the GOP's moderate lawmakers, including Rep. John Katko, to demand more transparency.

There have been no public hearings on the Senate health care bill, so the public  and the majority of lawmakers in D.C.  will have little time to review it before it goes to a vote. At this point, the Senate seems intent on releasing a draft of the bill this week and then bringing it to a vote before Congress recesses June 30.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell doesn't see a problem. "Everybody pretty well understands it," he said. "Everybody will have adequate time to take a look at it." But people can't be expected to "understand" what they don't know, and a few short days is hardly "adequate time" to debate a bill of this magnitude and have changes made to it.

Democrats, of course, are complaining about the Senate's process, but they largely don't have the power to do anything about it. Katko and his moderate associates in the U.S. House of Representatives' Tuesday Group just might  if they use the bully pulpit that comes with their positions to demand more accountability from their colleagues in the other chamber.

When Katko voted against the House version of the American Health Care Act, he said that he was upholding a pledge to hold out for a viable replacement, rather than a simple repeal, of Obamacare. But although the Senate bill will likely have some alterations, it's possible there will be no substantive changes along the lines of what Katko and others have said are absolutely necessary.

In any case, what insurance companies will be required to cover, what they won't be required to cover, and how people can be expected to afford coverage are questions that are far too important for any health care bill to be rushed to a vote. The public deserves a thorough and thoughtful approach, and their representatives in Washington need to demand that they get that.
The Union cabinet today approved signing of an agreement between India and Sri Lanka for cooperation in areas of traditional systems of medicine and homoeopathy.

The proposed memorandum of understanding will be inked between the Ministry of AYUSH and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine.

"The signing of the proposed MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of traditional medicine and homoeopathy. This will be of immense importance to both countries considering their shared cultural heritage," an official statement said.

The financial resources necessary to conduct research, training courses, conferences and meetings will be met from the existing allocated budget and existing plan schemes of the Ministry.

India has well-developed systems of traditional medicine including medicinal plants, which hold tremendous potential in the global health scenario. Sri Lanka also has a long history of traditional medicine. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy and Homoeopathy are the important traditional health care systems existing in Sri Lanka.

Both countries share a common culture with respect to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in tropical region which are common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors.

The Ministry of AYUSH, as part of its mandate to propagate Indian systems of medicine globally, has taken effective steps by entering into MoUs with 11 countries.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran has begun exporting gas through a pipeline to Baghdad under a deal set to make Iraq the Islamic republic's top customer, the oil ministry said.

"Iran's natural gas exports to Baghdad began yesterday evening," Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia said late yesterday in comments carried by the ministry's Shana website.

"The exports have started with a volume of seven million cubic metres a day and will eventually reach 35 million cubic metres," he said.

The announcement came two days after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Iran following a fence-mending trip to its bitter rival Saudi Arabia amid diplomatic turmoil in the Gulf.

A new pipeline links western Iran to Baghdad, while a second in Iran's southwest will pump Iranian gas to the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Once the Basra pipe comes online, Iraq's total gas imports from Iran are set to reach up to 70 million cubic metres a day.

Iran sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves and produces some 600 million cubic metres a day.

But despite almost doubling its oil exports since international sanctions were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal, it consumes most of its gas domestically - partly for lack of export infrastructure.

Turkey has so far been its only export client, importing some 30 million cubic metres a day under a 1996 deal.

The Islamic republic, seeking to expand its gas market, is developing production facilities in the huge offshore oil and gas field of South Pars, which it shares with Qatar.

Shiite-dominated Iran and Iraq, which fought a devastating war in the 1980s, have become close allies since the 2003 fall of Sunni strongman Saddam Hussein and the rise of a Shiite-led government in Baghdad.

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A 26-year-old man, arrested in a case of vehicle theft at Zaheerabad in Sangareddy district of Telangana, died today after suddenly taking ill, police said.

N Ravi, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Zaheerabad, said that Jadhav Jaipal alias Jai Singh, resident of Sarja Rao Pet Tanda of Mogdampally mandal, was a habitual offender and was arrested by police yesterday in a vehicle theft case.

He complained of uneasiness in the evening and was taken to a local hospital first. He was then shifted to Gandhi hospital in Hyderabad for better treatment, where he died.

His relatives, however, alleged that Jaipal had been arrested on June 19, and he died due to custodial torture.

Further probe is on.

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A yoga camp was organised here by the Indian Embassy which was attended by Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala among others.

Around 500 people, including students from various schools in Kathmandu, performed yogic asanas in the camp organised by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with Osho Tapoban and Kathmandu Patanjali Yoga Kendra.

Manisha and Yogmata Keko Aikawa from Japan were among the prominent personalities who attended the camp, the Indian Embassy said in a statement.

India's Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri also attended the event organised to mark the third International Day of Yoga.

Addressing the gathering, Manisha shared her personal experiences of benefits of Yoga for a holistic living and fulfilling life.

The 46-year-old actress turned to Yoga and regained her health after she was diagnosed as a cancer patient.

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Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May will try today to convince European leaders she can still push through Brexit despite being badly weakened by an election bet that turned sour.

The two-day Brussels summit marks the debut of French President Emmanuel Macron, the figurehead of a renewed confidence among the remaining 27 states that Britain's withdrawal can be a fresh start.

But talks on issues including post-Brexit defence plans risk being overshadowed by concerns that a disastrous election has left May so enfeebled that Brexit negotiations will be hampered.

"There is an enormous insecurity among the Europeans: how long will she last? Has she got the majority to deliver?" a senior EU official said.

In Brussels, security has been stepped up after Tuesday's bombing at one of the city's main rail stations by an Islamic State sympathiser, following attacks in Britain and France.

Over dinner, May is expected to fill in some of the blanks for the other EU leaders on Brexit.

It will be their first meeting since her Conservative party unexpectedly lost its majority in a June 8 election, leaving her in charge of a so-called "zombie government".

Britain's shock referendum vote to leave the EU was a year ago on Friday, and the country remains in a dark national mood after a string of terror attacks and a deadly tower block blaze.

"The PM will give an update to the other member states on the UK's Brexit plans following the beginning of the negotiations this week," a Downing Street spokesman said.

During the dinner May will "outline some principles of the UK's paper on citizens rights which will be published at the beginning of next week," the spokesman said.

The EU has made a priority of the rights of three million European citizens living in Britain, plus a million Britons resident in Europe.

At the first formal Brexit negotiations Monday, Britain accepted the EU's timetable that the exit bill, citizens' rights and the Northern Ireland border be settled before its request for a free trade deal be considered.

EU diplomatic sources said May will try to keep it simple, with no discussion.

"We believe that the warming-up round of last Monday did create a positive atmosphere ... I don't think that May will want to shatter that understanding," said one EU diplomatic source, who asked not to named.

After her comments, May will leave the room for the remaining 27 EU member states to discuss what she has told them, and the future relocation of key EU agencies from London.

EU President Donald Tusk said the bloc appeared to have survived the worst of the anti-EU sentiment which drove Britain's shock vote to leave exactly a year to the day on Friday.

"The current developments on the continent seem to indicate that we are slowly turning the corner," the former Polish premier wrote in his invitation letter.

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Asserting that goods and services tax will be implemented on July 1 itself, junior finance minister Arjun Meghwal today said the indirect taxation reform will help government widen tax base and increase revenue.

"Tax base will definitely widen, we cannot give you a calculation at present. After demonetisation, we had done no calculation but today we can tell you that 91 lakh new tax payers have come in since then. Similarly, after GST also the tax base will grow, definitely," he told an IMC event here.

The minister added GST introduction, which he repeatedly asserted will happen on schedule on July 1 despite concerns in some quarters, will also help increase the revenue.

He said the revenue collections have grown 9.4 per cent, 16 per cent and 17 per cent in the first three years of the Modi regime and GST will help the trend continue.

The minister said 2017 will go down as the year of economic reforms, with path-breaking changes like the GST, digitalisation due to the note-ban, merger of finance and rail budgets, preponing of finance budget to get the finance bill cleared by April 1, among others.

Meanwhile, replying to a question on growth, he said the country is moving towards reclaiming its position as the biggest GDP contributor to world economy like the 37 per cent it did during the 17th and 18th centuries.

"Someone had asked Swami Vivekananda in London about what does he see? He replied saying India, which was not even independent, will be the global economic leader. That time, people doubted him. He just shut his eyes, meditated and said this. I think Vivekananda's comments will come true," the IAS officer-turned-politician said.

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A top Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader met with Senator John McCain and briefed him about the crackdown on his party members by Pakistan's security forces in the port city of Karachi.

MQM Convener Nadeem Nusrat told McCain, who chairs the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, that liberal and progressive political party MQM is facing state oppression whereas Islamic militant groups are being harbored in Karachi.

"MQM Convener Nadeem Nusrat met with Senator John McCain and briefed him about the crackdown on MQM and Mohajirs by paramilitary Rangers in Karachi," the MQM said in a statement.

Nusrat along with another local MQM leader met McCain during an event in the Virginia suburb of Washington DC.

The MQM, Karachi's biggest political party, is facing a crackdown after its former self-exiled leader Altaf Hussain in London last year delivered an anti-Pakistan speech and asked his workers to launch attack on media.

The MQM emerged as a largely ethnic party in the 1980s. It has political dominance in the southern Sindh province's urban areas - notably in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Sukkur where a large number of urdu-speaking people who migrated from India during partition reside.

The MQM leader asked questions regarding the US military aid to Pakistan despite its close ties with the Haqqani network and the Afghan Taliban, and gross human rights violations by the Pakistan Army in Karachi and Balochistan, the statement said.

They also asked about the growing influence of China in Pakistan and possible impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on Mohajir and Balochs.

In response, McCain said Pakistan has a ceremonial civilian government, whereas the real power is with the army.

The United States, he said, is really concerned about Pakistan's ties with Haqqani network.

With the Trump administration carrying out its review of Af-Pak policy, he said, it is the decisive moment for the Pakistani regime.

Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, has to completely cut off ties with Haqqani and other terror groups, the statement quoted McCain as saying.

Pakistan has nuclear arsenals and the growing influence of jihadi groups could become nightmare for the peace, security and stability of the region, he added.

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Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said today that seeking farm loan waiver had become a "fashion", but later offered a clarification after drawing flak from several Opposition parties.

Addressing an event in Mumbai in the morning, Naidu said seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.

As many Opposition parties mounted attack on him, he later told reporters in Delhi that he was referring to the "fashion of political parties" competing with each other to ask for debt relief.

"Today, it is the fashion of political parties to ask for loan waiver. When I was talking in Mumbai (earlier today), I was referring to the approach of political parties which are competing with each other, asking for waiver of loans," he clarified.

His comments attracted criticism from the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, the CPI(M), the CPI and the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "We condemn the comments in the strongest term. The plight of farmers is such that they are on the verge of committing suicide every day and such a senior leader is terming it as a fashion, it is a shame for the BJP."



He said it was "never expected" that the BJP would make "such a joke of farmers' suicide".

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said the comments shows the "attitude" of the BJP towards the plight of farmers. "The real face of BJP has come out in front of public. This (loan waive) is not a fashion but obligation of the nation to the farmers," he said.

While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".

"Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. (sic)," Yechury tweeted.

Kejriwal said, "You don't see a fashion in it when you waive loans of the rich. But when it comes to waiving farmers' loans, you see it as a fashion.

"This is not right. You waive a particular individual's loan, but not that of crores of farmers. This shows the kind of politics you engage in."



CPI national secretary D Raja termed the comments as "insensitive" and that too coming from a senior minister in the government.

"If farm loan waiver was a fashion, then it was the fashion of none other then BJP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who announced loan waiver, which was followed by other BJP states," he said.

SP spokesperson Ghanshyam Tiwari termed the comments as "joke on the people of this country".

Naidu said the political parties should focus on "long- term solutions" such as improving infrastructure, rural roads, assured power supply, provisions of cold storage and godowns and providing affordable and timely cheap credit to farmers, besides providing market facilities for their produce.

"We have to take care for these measures. We have not done it in so many years after Independence," he said.

Naidu said political parties should focus on bringing in structural policy changes, instead of adopting short-term measures such as loan waiver.

Listing out various initiatives, he said the Modi government had taken a number of steps to improve the situation of farmers and referred to Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

Naidu said it was "surprising" that political parties which were in power for years and "did nothing" for farmers, are trying to blame this government for the farmers' plight.

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The opposition today unanimously decided to field Meira Kumar, a dalit, as its joint candidate for the presidential election against NDA's dalit activist Ram Nath Kovind, with 17 parties supporting the former Lok Sabha speaker's candidature.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the 17 non-NDA parties in Parliament House Library, with the leaders endorsing the name of the former minister and diplomat, whose father, ex-deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, was often hailed as one of the tallest dalit leaders in the country.

"We have 17 opposition leaders present here and all of us have decided to jointly field Meira Kumar as a candidate for the forthcoming election for the President of India," Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced after the meeting.

Asked to comment on Nitish Kumar's JD-U, which is supporting Kovind and stayed out of meeting, she said, "We do hope that other opposition parties join us." Gandhi added that she was "not upset with anybody".

Her party colleague, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Kumar had been "selected unanimously". All the 17 parties had proposed her name, he said.

He added Kumar was the "illustrious daughter" of former defence minister Jagjivan Ram.

"There could not be a better candidate than her," he said.

CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury said "we are appealing to everybody" to support her.

After the meeting Lalu Prasad of the RJD said he would meet Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and "appeal to him again to rethink" his party's decision to support the NDA nominee, which he called a "historic blunder".

He also said there was no threat to the Bihar government, a coalition of the JD(U), RJD and Congress.

BSP's Satish Chandra Misra said his party leader Mayawati had earlier said if there was a "better dalit candidate" (than Kovind), the person should be fielded by the opposition.

"Meira Kumar is a better candidate," Misra quoted the BSP leader and former UP chief minister as saying.

The brief meeting of the opposition parties started with an address by Gandhi where she stressed the need for opposition unity in putting up a joint candidate.

She then gave the floor to NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who said the names of three dalit leaders - Kumar, former minister Sushilkumar Shinde and former Maharashtra MP Bhalchandra Mungekar -- had been discussed for the top post.

When many in the group said Kumar was the best possible candidate, Gandhi proposed the name of the former speaker.

Earlier, Yechury had put forward the name of Prakash Ambedkar, but few among the leaders seconded him.

He also told the gathering that former diplomat-governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was earlier being considered as a joint opposition candidate, had also suggested after the NDA named Kovind that the opposition put up a dalit candidate.

The meeting was attended by a galaxy of leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, NCP's Pawar, RJD's Prasad, Left leaders Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and the National Conference's Omar Abdullah.

Though Trinamool Congress's Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on May 26, were not present today, their representatives attended the meet. Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, Ramgopal Yadav, the SP and Misra, the BSP.

There were also representatives from the JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.

Though the JD-U skipped today's meeting, RLD chief Ajit Singh was there, making up for the numbers.

Most of the leaders were present at the May 26 luncheon meet hosted by Gandhi at the same venue.

The Congress said it was "proud" that the party had fielded its second dalit candidate and the second woman for the post of the President.

Azad urged the leaders, especially those who had travelled from their states to Delhi, to sign Kumar's nomination papers as proposers or seconders before returning home.

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Pakistan Army today handed over four Indian nationals, who had inadvertently crossed into the country, to the Indian security forces.

The four Indians had crossed from Wagah and Norowal borders sometime ago. They were arrested and handed over to police for investigation.

"The Rangers today handed over four Indian prisoners - Sohan Lal, Suraj Ram, Abdul Majeed and Muhmmd Maqbool Lone - to the Border Security Force at the Wagah border," an official told PTI.

"During investigation it transpired that they had inadvertently crossed the border," he said.

India has released 13 Pakistani prisoners including, two children, as a goodwill gesture this month. Most of them had crossed over to India inadvertently.

Earlier in March, India released 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality.

The release of the prisoners came in response to Pakistan freeing 217 Indian fishermen as part of a goodwill gesture in December last year.

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Pakistan said today that it attached importance to its longstanding relationship with the US which is "critical" for promoting peace and security in the region even as it opposed America's unilateral drone strikes on its territory.

Ignoring a question on media reports that the Trump administration might toughen its policy towards Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria highlighted the importance of Pakistan's ties with the US, saying the relationship encompasses cooperation in various fields.

"We firmly believe that continued close cooperation between our two countries is critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond," he said.

He also said that counter-terrorism operations were driven by Pakistan's national interests and are directed against all terrorists without discrimination and distinction.

"It remains our firm resolve not to let our soil be used against any country. We are determined to that," he said.

Talking about the possible increase in US drone strikes, Zakaria said that such strikes were against sovereignty of Pakistan and are "unacceptable".

To a question on border fencing with Afghanistan, he said border management was an essential component of Pakistan's counter-terrorism strategy and fencing is one of its measures.

"We believe that to stem the cross-border movement of terrorists, effective border management is imperative. Our efforts of border management are aimed at facilitating movement of people, trade and transit and curb the movement of terrorists," he said.

Zakaria also dismissed the reported criticism of the Afghan government over the fencing, saying "we are undertaking the fencing on our side of the border".

He said Pakistan was in contact with Afghanistan for the safe and early recovery of the two diplomatic staffers who were abducted while they were travelling from Jalalabad to Islamabad.

"The Afghan government has informed us that they have constituted three special investigation teams to locate and recover the missing officials. We hope and pray that the missing officials would be safely recovered at an early date," he said.

Zakaria also confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be visiting Pakistan over the weekend to discuss "all issues of mutual interest including the regional situation".

He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had congratulated Mohammad Bin Salman on his appointment as a Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

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A pit bull burst through a backyard fence, made its way into a nearby minivan and mauled two young children as they sat helplessly strapped into their car seats, police said.

The mother of the 2-year-old girl and the 5-year-old boy managed to pry the animal off them Monday but not before it seriously mangled her son's face, witnesses said.

Tom Grab told WPMT-TV that he was able to pull the 66- pound dog off the boy, but it wriggled free and continued the bloody assault.

Several other people in the area also helped the mother, who drove to a nearby hospital after the dog was removed from the vehicle. She was treated for scratches, but her children are being treated for serious injuries.

The mayhem ended when the owner of the 5-year-old pit bull terrier came out and secured the dog, authorities said. The dog's owner is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and the dog is in quarantine.

No charges have been filed, and the identities of those involved have not yet been released. The Lancaster police department did not immediately respond to requests for more details.

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India-born former top US federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, fired by President Donald Trump after he refused to quit, is writing a book in which he will talk about "integrity, leadership, decision making and moral reasoning".

The "as-yet-untitled" book by former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York will be published by Alfred A Knopf in early 2019, the leading publishing house said in a statement to PTI.

"This is not a book just about the law. It is a book about integrity, leadership, decision making and moral reasoning. It addresses what it means to do the right thing, how to avoid doing the wrong thing and the role of thoughtfulness in making the best choice," Bharara said in the statement.

Bharara said that the approach he will lay out in the book "applies not only to how federal laws are interpreted and enforced in courts around the country; it also informs how mature, thinking people make decisions in their communities, their workplaces and their homes".

The announcement was made by Sonny Mehta, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Alfred A Knopf, which acquired North American rights (including ebook and audio) from Elyse Cheney Associates, with Editor-at-Large Peter Gethers acting as the editor. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

"The law is merely an instrument and without the involvement of human hands, it is as lifeless and uninspiring as a violin kept in its case.

"People will regard a result as just if they regard the process leading to it as fair and if they believe the people responsible for it are fair-minded. That is the process I want to illuminate in this book," said Bharara.

During Bharara's seven-and-a-half-year tenure as US Attorney, he oversaw the prosecution of significant public corruption cases against New York City and New York State government officials, securing convictions against the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Sheldon Silver, and the Majority Leader of the State Senate, Dean Skelos.

His office also prosecuted cases involving terrorism, narcotics, arms trafficking, health-care fraud, cybercrime, gang violence, organised crime, and civil rights violations.

They also brought charges against nearly one hundred Wall Street executives for insider trading and other offences; and recorded historic settlements and fines with the four largest banks in the US. Bharara was fired by Trump in March.

"Never has the fair administration of justice felt more urgent in America, and Preet Bharara is ideally suited to explain both what that means and how to achieve it," said Gethers.

"As the one who has spent his life in search of truth and justice, Preet possesses insight and wisdom that has been hard-won. His book, using case studies and analysis, will prove to be an essential compass for all Americans, with application beyond the law, from colleges to corporate boardrooms, for students and parents, and for citizens everywhere," Gethers added.

"Bharara's life experience, coupled with his standing as a US Attorney and the cases he tried as prosecutor, makes him uniquely qualified to write this book. He will be an essential primer on justice for all Americans," said Mehta.

Bharara's firing was met with shock and criticism since then president-elect Trump had asked him in November to stay on in his position during a meeting at the Trump Towers.

In a sudden move, the Trump administration had asked the 46 US Attorneys across the country, who had been appointed by former president Barack Obama, to submit their resignations with immediate effect. Bharara had refused to resign and was fired. In march, he announced he was joining the New York University Law School as a distinguished scholar.

Since his firing, Bharara has become very vocal in his criticism of Trump's positions on various issues and the administration's policies, including the firing of FBI director James Comey and investigations into alleged interference by Russia in the presidential elections.

Bharara is a regular presence on Twitter and uses the microblogging site to air his views about the Trump administration and its decisions.

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China today asked the US to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and backed its all-weather ally for being on the "forefront" of the fight against terrorism, amid reports that the Trump administration is exploring tough measures against Islamabad for harbouring militant groups.

"Pakistan is an important country in South Asia. Peace, stability and economic development in Pakistan serves the interest of regional countries and people," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media here.

He was responding to reports that the US is exploring hardening its approach toward Pakistan to crackdown on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in Afghanistan.

"Pakistan is on the forefront of global fight against terrorism. It has been firmly opposing terrorism and it has made important sacrifice and contribution to fighting terrorism and maintaining regional security and stability," Geng said.

The foreign ministry spokesman said the international community should acknowledge that and support the counter terrorism efforts made by Pakistan on the basis of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week during a Congressional hearing on the State Department's annual budget proposals said that the Trump administration is beginning an inter-agency policy review of relations with Pakistan and the president has specifically asked questions about the level of support and funding to Islamabad.

Media reports, quoting US officials, said potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally.

Afghanistan has also been strongly critical of Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring hard-line Taliban factions.

Asked about reports from Pakistan that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan this weekend to defuse tensions between the two neighbours, Geng said China continue to have friendly exchanges with the two countries but declined to confirm reports about Wang's visit.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are China's neighbours. We have friendly relations with the two counties as well as high-level exchanges. So, if we have any information we will release in due course," he said.

"China sincerely hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan enhance their communication to deepen their mutual trust and improve relations. They should work together to ensure regional peace and stability and China would like to play a constructive role to that end," he said.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan rift have deepened further after Kabul put blame of the recent terror attack in Kabul's diplomatic area on Islamabad.

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An 80-year-old retired colonel was found dead at his residence here today, the police said.

The body of Kulbhushan Manocha was found after a neighbour called up the police informing about the smell that was emanating from his house, a police official said.

Rajiv Manocha, one of the sons of the deceased, is a brigadier in the Army and posted at Kolkata, the police said.

Another one of his sons is a Singapore based businessman, they added.

The colonel was alone at home. His neighbours had last seen him two days ago when he was watering plants.

"The exact cause of his death is not known yet," a police official said adding that the matter is being examined.

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Russia said today that it was now "verifying" through various channels the fate of Abu Bakr al- Baghdadi, the chief of the Islamic State terror group, nearly a week after the Russian military said it may have killed him in an airstrike in Syria.

"According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it is highly likely that Daesh leader al-Baghdadi was eliminated as a result of a Russian Aerospace Forces strike on the terrorists' command post in the southern suburb of the city of Raqqa in late May this year," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said.

The "information is now verified through various channels," Syromolotov told the official Sputnik agency.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said she did not have anything to say when asked to comment on the possible death of Baghdadi in Syria last month.

"I have got nothing (to report)," Tass agency quoted her as saying.

Last Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Baghdadi had been presumably killed by the airstrike on Raqqa's southern suburbs carried out by Russian warplanes.

According to the ministry, the airstrike was conducted on May 28 on a command post where the Islamic State leaders were discussing exit routes for militants from Raqqa through the so-called southern corridor.

US defense officials last week said they were unable to confirm the reports about Baghdadi's death.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death or him being critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.

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 ISIS terror group is known for imposing a hard-line form of Islam that has included stonings, amputations and beheadings.

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South Africa's highest court today ruled that lawmakers can cast secret ballots in a no- confidence vote in President Jacob Zuma, who is facing mounting criticism within the ruling ANC.

Although no date has been set for such a vote, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said the National Assembly speaker had the authority to order a secret ballot following a case brought by the country's opposition.

Opposition parties have lobbied for a secret ballot and called for African National Congress (ANC) lawmakers to "vote with their conscience", but Speaker Baleka Mbete had in April said she had no powers to approve a secret ballot.

Following the ruling that she did in fact have such powers, Zuma said "I see no reason to change" from open voting.

"You are trying to get a majority you don't have by saying 'secret ballot'," he told parliament.

"You can try, you can do everything, you can go to court but they will bring you back to the legislature."



The ANC holds a large majority in parliament and Zuma has survived several previous votes that were held in the open.

"We will defeat this motion of no confidence by the opposition as we have successfully done so in the previous four motions tabled in this fifth term of parliament," the ANC vowed in a statement released shortly after the court's decision.

Justice Mogoeng described the no confidence vote as "one of the severest political consequences imaginable -- a sword that hangs over the head of the president to force him or her to always do the right thing".

The no-confidence vote was initially scheduled for April but delayed to allow the top court to rule.

James Selfe, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, described the court's ruling as a "victory for the people of South Africa to remove a toxic president who is destroying our country".

The United Democratic Movement, which brought the case to court, said the ruling recognised the "seriousness" of the risk of ANC lawmakers being victimised if they vote to remove Zuma.

The president, who is due to step down as ANC head in December and as president ahead of the 2019 election, has recently faced unprecedented criticism from senior party figures, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He is seen as favouring his ex-wife to succeed him, former African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

The ANC -- which Nelson Mandela led to power in the 1994 post-apartheid elections -- has lost popularity in recent years, taking just 55 per cent in last year's local elections, its worst-ever result.

In power since 2009, Zuma has been engulfed by graft scandals and has faced several humiliating court rulings while grappling with record unemployment and a sluggish economy, which is now in recession.

His sacking of respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March fuelled public outrage over government corruption and prompted global ratings agencies Fitch and Standard and Poor's to slash South Africa's sovereign debt to junk status.

Zuma has been accused of being in the sway of the wealthy Indian Gupta business family, allegedly granting them influence over government appointments, contracts and state- owned businesses.

Thousands of leaked emails have recently emerged in the local press exposing alleged misconduct over lucrative government contracts awarded to the Guptas.

Last year the Constitutional Court found Zuma guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to repay taxpayers' money used to refurbish his private rural home.

He is also fighting a court order that could reinstate almost 800 corruption charges against him over a multi-billion dollar arms deal struck in the 1990s.

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Kidambi Srikanth and B Sai Praneeth eked out thrilling victories in the men's singles second round to set up an all-Indian quarterfinal clash at the USD 750,000 Australian Super Series, here today.

Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu and defending champion Saina Nehwal also advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's singles competition.

Srikanth, who had edged out Son Wan Ho in the semifinals of Indonesia Open last week, once again had an upper hand against the World No. 1 Korean, beating him 15-21 21-13 21-13 in a 57-minute clash.

After this win, Srikanth had taken his head-to-head record against the Korean to 4-4.

"In the third game I thought I have to get the extra shuttle, that worked for me," said Srikanth.

"He's someone who doesn't attack too much, just keeps the rally going. You have to be more steady than him or you have to crack him. In these conditions it's hard to go on all-out attack. My training is paying off. I'm really confident about my fitness."



In another match, Sai Praneeth staved off a challenge from China's Huang Yuxiang 21-15 18-21 21-13 in a match that lasted 64 minutes. The Indian had beaten the Chinese at the 2015 US Open in their only meeting.

Interestingly, Srikanth and Praneeth had clashed in the final of Singapore Open in April with the latter emerging victorious.

In the women's singles, fifth seed Sindhu defeated China's Chen Xiaoxin 21-13 21-18 in 46 minutes. She will clash with World No. 1 and top seed Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei.

Sindhu has lost six times to Tai Tzu, while beating her thrice, which included a victory during the Rio Olympics.

The World No. 16 Saina survived a scare from little-known Soniia Cheah of USA 21-15 20-22 21-14 to set up a clash with sixth seeded Chinese Sun Yu.

The former World No. 1 has defeated Sun six times, including a win at the finals in the last edition of the Australian Open.

In the women's doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy fought well before suffering a 21-18 18-21 13-21 loss to seventh seeded Japanese pair of Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto.

The men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered a 16-21 18-21 loss to eighth seeded Chinese Taipei's Chen 789789--+9897ung Ling and Wang Chi-Lin.

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A double suicide attack killed six civilians in Cameroon's restive Far North, which is regularly hit by Nigeria-based Boko Haram jihadists, security sources said.

The deadly blasts happened yesterday in Kolofata, where nine people died in a double suicide bombing in early June.

"There were eight killed, six civilians and the two attackers," a source close to Cameroon's security service said of yesterday's violence.

Another security source confirmed the death toll, but no further details were immediately available.

The Far North region, which borders Nigeria, has seen a resurgence in attacks blamed on Boko Haram after months of relative calm.

In mid-June two civilians were killed in an attack in Limani, which is near Kolofata and the Nigerian border.

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Suspected Hizbul Mujahideen operative Naseer Ahmad, who was arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) while trying to cross into India from Nepal, performed yoga asanas along with other inmates of the district jail here on the International Yoga Day.

"Clad in white kurta-pyjama, 34-year-old Naseer performed almost all the yoga asanas on the International Yoga Day yesterday, but abstained from singing national song 'Vande Mataram' and chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Maharajganj district jail superintendent Anil Kumar Rai told PTI today.

He said that Naseer along with other inmates began yoga with anulom-vilom (breathe-in, breathe-out exercise) and also performed various other asanas.

"He was in complete control of himself while performing the asanas. His conduct during the entire duration of the programme was good," he said.

Rai also mentioned that there was no pressure on anyone and everyone took part in the event willingly and enthusiastically. "Altogether 2,500 inmates performed yoga along with prison staff," he said.

Naseer alias Sadiq, hailing from Banihal in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, was held by the SSB, which guards the 1,751-km-long open border, on May 13 from Sonauli border post here.

He was trying to sneak into India from Nepal in the guise of a shawl and carpet vendor. He was carrying a Pakistani passport and an identity card showing him as a resident of Lala Musa village in Gujrat district in Punjab province of the neighbouring country, the SSB said.

Ahmed was handed over to the Uttar Pradesh ATS for further investigation.

According to security agencies, Ahmed had joined Hizbul Muzahideen in 2002-03 and moved to Pakistan. He was involved in a number of terrorist activities. In 2002, he sustained bullet injuries during an encounter with the Army in Banihal.

Ahmed was residing in Pakistan since September, 2003. He was involved in many attacks against civilians and security forces including an attack on an STF camp in India in 2003.

"He was sent to India by his handler for a specific mission," an SSB spokesperson had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami left here tonight for New Delhi, where he is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Palaniswami's visit comes a day after he extended the AIADMK (Amma) faction's support to the NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Meanwhile rebel AIADMK leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam is also scheduled to fly to Delhi later tonight.

He is also likely to meet Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah, sources in his camp said.

The Panneerselvam camp has also extended support to the NDA presidential nominee.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Top stories from the southern region at 1800 HRS.

MDS1 SATELLITE-COUNTDOWN



Chennai: The 28-hour countdown for the launch of Cartosat-2 series satellite along with 30 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh begins at 5.29 am



MDS4 TN-PREZ-AIADMK LD OPS



Chennai: AIADMK's rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announces its support for NDA's Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, voicing confidence that he will perform as a "good administrator."



MDS5 KL-UBER-DRIVER



Thiruvananthapuram: Cab aggregator Uber today says the company has removed from service the driver, who had allegedly misbehaved with a woman IT professional at Technopark here.

BOM6 BIZ-IT-NASSCOM



Hyderabad: Indian IT export is projected to grow by 7-8 per cent in 2017-18, industry body Nasscom says in its guidance today.

MES2 TN-LANKA-FISHERMEN



Rameswaram: Sri Lankan navy arrests four fishermen for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Closer ties between Saudi Arabia and US President Donald Trump's administration helped pave the way for a succession shake-up making a 31-year-old prince the kingdom's de facto ruler, analysts say.

King Salman, 81, yesterday named his son Mohammed bin Salman crown prince and heir to the throne after firing Mohammed bin Nayef, whose counter-terrorism expertise had made him a favourite of previous American administrations.

Over the past two years Mohammed bin Salman accumulated vast powers at the expense of Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, a veteran law enforcer who served as both crown prince and interior minister.

Mohammed bin Salman chipped away at his authority but Mohammed bin Nayef's popularity with the previous US administration of Barack Obama had prevented his ouster, said Stephane Lacroix, associate professor at Sciences Po university in Paris.

"This all changed when Trump came to power," he said.

After assuming office in January, Trump made it clear that his Middle East partners are Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Egyptian president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Lacroix said.

Riyadh welcomed Trump's more aggressive attitude towards its rival Iran, which Saudi Arabia accuses of interference throughout the region.

Mohammed bin Salman was an early visitor to Washington, where he met Trump in March before the president last month made the first overseas trip of his presidency to Saudi Arabia.

Trump received a royal welcome from Mohammed bin Salman and others.

In a speech, the president urged Muslim leaders assembled in Riyadh from around the world to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists".

He singled out Iran as a culprit.

Trump's approach emboldened Mohammed bin Salman and the Abu Dhabi crown prince who seized the chance this month to cut ties with their Gulf neighbour Qatar, analysts and diplomats said.

They accused Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia on the Qatar crisis.

With his Trump connection established, Mohammed bin Salman "knew that the US wouldn't mind him sidelining MBN," Lacroix said, referring to the ex-crown prince by his initials.

"I think the Trump factor matters tremendously," he said.

On Wednesday Trump telephoned the new Saudi crown prince to congratulate him on his appointment.

Frederic Wehrey, of the Middle East Programme at Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said "a lot of signalling" from Washington -- including a more activist regional foreign policy -- influenced the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.

"I think that matters," Wehrey said.

The Saudis were not "waiting for a nod from the (United) States" but the warming of relations played a role alongside domestic Saudi factors, he said.

By making Mohammed bin Salman "de facto ruler" heading the kingdom's most important portfolios, King Salman created "a solid foundation" for his son's policies, said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at King's College London.

It signals to Washington that the kingdom is committed to reform "and is the most important partner for the Trump administration" against both Iran and Islamic State group jihadists, Krieg said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and the new crown prince to "increase efforts" to end tensions in the region related to the dispute with Qatar, Turkish officials said today.

Erdogan's spokesman meanwhile, said that Kuwait - which is mediating between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors - would present a list of demands by four Arab nations from Doha to end the crisis.

Ibrahim Kalin told a group of journalists that the list by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt would comprise "concrete requests and things Qatar must do" but did not provide details. It would be handed over to Doha in the coming days, he said. His comments were reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.

The Turkish leader called the Saudi royals late today to congratulate them on the appointment of prince Mohammed bin Salman as the new crown prince, according to a statement from officials in Erdogan's office.

King Salman and Erdogan also agreed to strengthen ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia and to meet face-to-face during a G-20 summit in Germany next month, the statement said.

Erdogan has strongly backed Qatar in the crisis with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations that cut off relations with Doha after accusing it of supporting terrorism. Erdogan vowed not to leave the tiny nation isolated and Turkey's parliament passed legislation permitting the deployment of troops to a Turkish military base in Qatar in a show of support.

Turkey's military said a contingent of 23 soldiers reached Doha today as part of the agreement on the deployment of Turkish troops. Five armored vehicles were also dispatched, the military said. Turkish media reports said the Turkish troops would join some 90 soldiers already stationed in Doha.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today attacked new US sanctions against his country, saying they "seriously threaten the whole relationship" between Moscow and Washington.

The measures are "vain attempts to pressure Russia," Lavrov said in a statement published by the foreign ministry after a phone call with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

"These kinds of actions seriously threaten the whole relationship" between America and Russia, which is "already experiencing a difficult period without this," Lavrov said.

On Tuesday, the United States added 38 individuals and entities to its sanctions list targeting the Russians and pro-Russian rebels it blames for the fighting in Ukraine.

The move apparently triggered a decision by Russia to cancel a meeting with senior US diplomats tomorrow. Lavrov's statement today confirmed the cancellation.

US Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon had been due to meet Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in St Petersburg.

He had hoped to address "irritants" in the relationship, such as tension over Moscow's intimidation of US diplomats and the US seizure of two Russian diplomatic compounds near Washington and New York.

Ryabkov warned late yesterday of retaliation.

"This measure will not remain without a reaction -- there will be measures in response on our behalf," he said.

"We regret that once again the American authorities have allowed themselves to be guided by the frenzied Russophobes in Congress, who will stop at nothing to cause us trouble, and especially to reduce to zero any chance of an improvement in Russian-American ties," he alleged.

The US State Department has insisted the sanctions are not being expanded, merely "maintained," by adding new targets as Moscow finds ways around the previous embargo.

It says the measures will stay in place until Russia honours the Minsk agreement to disengage from eastern Ukraine and returns the annexed Crimea peninsula to Kiev.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Will Ferrell surprised a college student, whose family had fallen on hard times, with a cheque for USD 100,000 to pay for her tuition.

The "House" star shocked Samantha Watts when he presented her with a cheque to cover the costs of her speech pathology course, reported Femalefirst.

Will handed over a giant ceremonial cheque on behalf of Warner Bros and joked to Samantha: "You can't actually cash this, OK? They'll give you a real cheque."



Samantha, who is studying at Ithaca College in New York, thought she was just a finalist in a scholarship contest to help a worthy student pay for their classes. Samantha was stunned when she was told that she is the winner.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Matthias Blamont and Victoria Bryan

PARIS (Reuters) - This year's Paris Air Show was dominated by the annual order battle between Airbus and Boeing, but industry executives said the duopoly will be forced to share the stage at future shows as newcomers from Russia, China and Japan muscle into the passenger plane market.

Japan's Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp brought its MRJ regional jet to Europe for the first time during the air show. China and Russia carried out maiden flights of new narrow-body aircraft last month in their bids to enter the $100 billion-plus annual aerospace market.

The two countries have also set up a joint venture to build wide-body jets to challenge incumbents.

Consultants Alix Partners estimates that of the current order backlog of around 13,000 planes, about 7-8 percent are for planes from new entrants, among them Russia, China and Japan.

Delegates at the show said mounting a proper challenge will take Russia and China at least a decade. The newcomers face headwinds including proving their technology, and gaining customer confidence by deploying and maintaining a quality aircraft maintenance and support network.

"Overall, there are big steps not only on the product side but on the support and services side for the airlines to feel confident that they can go in and order those aircraft," Pascal Fabre, managing director at Alix Partners in Paris, said.

However, China and Russia are large enough markets that orders from their home countries alone could propel the respective airliner ventures.

Among COMAC's first customers for its C919 was China Eastern, which has ordered up to 20 planes from the Chinese manufacturer, while Aeroflot is due to take the Russian MS21.

COMAC said this week total orders for the C919 stood at 600 from 24 customers.

Giorgio Callegari, strategy and alliances director at Russian carrier Aeroflot, said people he met at the air show showed great interest in the MS21 and the Russian-China wide-body cooperation. Aeroflot is set to lease 50 MS21 planes from state defence conglomerate Rostec.

"If maybe in the past, Russian airplanes were discarded as a non-factor, they are now taken much more seriously and people can see that they are potentially a serious competitor," he told .

The chief executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, said he would not have a problem buying jets from Chinese or Russian manufacturers, provided they met operational and performance requirements.

BATTLE FOR THIRD SPOT

Some executives at the airshow said the marketplace would eventually settle on three major manufacturers and placed their bets on China's COMAC to win that third spot.

"Twenty years from now, I think there'll be the big three manufacturers of Airbus, Boeing and China," said Airbus sales chief John Leahy.

However, Leahy said it would be hard for countries to make billions of dollars of investments over decades to get the product line and support network up to scratch.

Cedric Goubet, vice president of commercial engines at Safran, said he too is betting on the Chinese.

"My feeling is that it will be the Chinese. They have the resources, the skills, the national ambitions and a huge domestic market," he said, while adding that it was also crucial to get export orders.

Dang Thiehong, deputy head of marketing at China's COMAC, told the aircraft market was big enough to share. "We hope to provide our services and products to the market no matter in which part of the world," he said.

China is crucial to the growth prospects of all the major airliner manufacturers.

Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing and sales at Boeing's commercial aircraft division, cautioned against the dangers of underestimating new rivals, "Never sell your competition short."

Japan's Mitsubishi has set its sights on the regional jet market instead of going head to head with the larger planes sold by Airbus and Boeing or rising Chinese and Russian rivals.

Yugo Fukuhara, vice president sales and marketing at Mitsubishi, told Reuters, "Our vision of this business is to become one of two major regional plane makers. We don't compete with China and Russia."

(Additional reporting by Tim Hepher, Andrea Shalal, Giulia Segreti, Cyril Altmeyer, Mike Stone; Editing by Adrian Croft)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) - France's Tereos, the world's third largest sugar group, has expanded its trading desks in emerging countries as it looks to find new export markets for higher output after the European Union ends quotas later this year, its chief executive said.

The EU will abolish its production and export quotas on Sept. 30, which has encouraged sugar companies in the bloc to raise production from next season by what analysts have estimated will be around 15 percent in total.

That has fuelled a glut in sugar that sent prices to 16-month lows on Thursday.

"We already do a third of our sales in emerging countries. Only that share can rise over time, structurally, because this is where the market is expanding," Tereos CEO Alexis Duval told in an interview.

For now, forecasters expect the EU to produce 18.3 million tonnes of sugar in 2017/18, with exports of 2.7 million tonnes.

Part of the extra output will replace what the EU currently imports, but Tereos will also need to find new export markets to sell the 25 percent rise in sugar output the group expects in France this year after producing 2.5 million tonnes in 2016, Duval said.

"In Europe sales can increase through consolidation but the market is not growing organically," Duval said.

More health-conscious consumers in developed countries have lowered their sugar consumption in the past years.

Analyst group Platts Kingsman says world consumption may grow at its slowest pace in seven years in 2017/18 with a rise of 1.04 percent, nearly half the average growth of about 2 percent per year over the last decade.

Tereos is not alone in chasing overseas growth.

Germany's second-largest sugar refiner Nordzucker said last month it is in talks on international expansion in South America, Asia and also within Europe.

Meanwhile, a revival in Ukrainian sugar exports could pose a challenge for western European sugar exporters.

TEREOS COMMODITIES

To boost exports further, Tereos has opened six trading desks through its Tereos Commodities unit, of which two were started last year, in New Delhi and Nairobi.

Other desks are in France, Brazil, Switzerland and Singapore.

Tereos Commodities traded over 1 million tonnes of sugar in the fiscal year to March 31 with a total revenue of $500 million. A large part of that came from Brazil where Tereos exports half of its output, which came to 1.6 million tonnes last year.

Duval pointed to Nigeria, India, Indonesia, West and East Africa and South-east Asia as key growth markets for global sugar producers.

"Every day world (sugar) consumption is shifting a bit more towards emerging countries. When we look at consumption growth it's +2.5 percent per year in emerging countries and zero in developed countries," Duval said.

"The difficulty for a producer is more and more, how do I make the link between my field in Europe or Brazil and the final consumer who is far from it," he added.

Tereos also aims to expand output and exports of grain-based protein, a by-product of its starch activities, increasingly used in bakery, aquaculture and pet food products, Duval said.

After two difficult years due to weak sugar prices, Tereos posted a 14.7 percent rise in sales to 4.8 billion euros ($5.4 billion) in the 2016/17 fiscal year to March 31, mainly helped by a rebound in sugar prices and an expansion in its international trading.

Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) rose 38 percent to 607 million euros, also pulled up by its sugar cane and starch businesses.

Despite the recent fall in prices, Tereos expects earnings to rise slightly in the 2017/18 fiscal year, due to higher European output and good competitiveness.

Duval also expected a rebound in sugar prices after the recent slump although declined to give a forecast.

"Our point of view is that the correction is normal in terms of fundamentals but excessive because of the funds who amplify moves," Duval said, noting that some were now short and would have to come back into the market to cover their positions.

($1 = 0.8957 euros)

(Additional reporting by Ana Ionova in London, editing by David Evans)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tata Power has offered to sell 51 per cent stake in its 4,000 MW Mundra power project for Re 1 to states like Gujarat, which buy electricity from it, to tide over the financial crisis facing this business.

Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL), the Tata Power unit which operates the Mundra project, wrote to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam earlier this month offering to retain only 49 per cent stake and operate the project as a contractor provided the procurers buy all the power at higher tariffs.

In the letter, copies of which were marked to Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, and Union Power Secretary, CGPL CEO Krishna Kumar Sharma said Mundra has accumulated losses of Rs 6,457 crore against a paid up equity of Rs 6,083 crore.

It has outstanding loan of Rs 10,159 crore and lenders have stopped further disbursal due to non-viability of the project, he wrote.

Tata had in February 2006 won a bid for the 4,000 MW Mundra project in Gujarat, quoting a price of Rs 2.26 for every unit of electricity generated. It had intended to fire the plan with coal imported from mines owned by the Tata Group in Indonesia.

In 2010, the Indonesian government said that any export of coal could be done only at prices linked to international rates.

Tata, in turn, sought higher tariffs for power, but the plea was rejected by the Supreme Court. Sources said CGPL in the letter stated that financial position of the company continues to deteriorate and has reached a critical situation due to substantial loses incurred.

It wanted tariffs to be negotiated or power procurers take over 51 per cent paid up equity shares of CGPL for a nominal value of Rs 1 and grant relief to the project by purchasing power at a rate to fully address the under-recovery of fuel costs.

When contacted, a Tata Power spokesperson said the company would comment issue shortly. Mundra project, comprising of five units of 800 MW each, was commissioned between 2012 and 2013. It has signed a 25-year agreements to sell electricity to utilities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. Gujarat is the lead buyer.

Sources said CGPL has stated in the letter that against the project outlay of Rs 17,900 crore, the company has an outstanding term loan of Rs 10,159 crore and an additional amount of Rs 4,460 crore which is due to Tata Power.

After the Supreme Court rejected compensatory tariff to it and similar power plant of Adani Group, CGPL made a plea with all procurers to consider afresh the issue of compensatory tariff but Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd specifically denied the request.

CGPL has stated that it is making the offer to avoid the project being rendered unviable and eventually turning into a Non Performing Asset (NPA) or bad loan, thereby depriving the consumers of one of the lowest cost power.


The Union Cabinet might take up the issue of allowances for central government employees when it convenes on June 28. The matter has already been missed twice by the federal Cabinet twice this month on account of either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Finance Minister Arun Jailtey being out of the country on separate foreign visits.



Around 50 lakh central government employees have been waiting for a word on allowances awarded by the Seventh Central Pay Commission. The rates are to be tabled before the Cabinet by Jaitley for final approval. The Empowered Committee of Secretaries has handed over its proposals in this regard to him on June 1.



The first Cabinet meeting this month on June 7 was cancelled as Modi was out of India on a four-nation trip. The second meeting on June 14 had no mention of allowances because Jaitley could not submit proposals in this regard. He was away on a trip to South Korea to attend the Asian Infrastructure Investment Meeting.



ALSO READ: 7th Pay Commission: Madhya Pradesh government to start giving benefits from July onwards

It was the third time this week that the Cabinet's agenda missed allowance rates under 7th Pay Commission as Jaitley is visiting Russia at the head of a defence delegation. Earlier this week , both leaders met in presence of Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to discuss the matter. Reports suggest that Modi has instructed to finalise allowance rates without delay.



However, the suspense over the allowance rates is expected to be over as both the leaders will be available for the Cabinet meet. Modi will be back from Washington visit; Jaitley will return from his Russia tour on June 24.



The matter of central government employees' allowances has been pending for almost one year now and the hiccups seem to stick even towards the end. The Pay Commission had recommended that out of a total 196 allowances, 52 be discontinued entirely whereas 36 other allowances should be subsumed under other allowances.



Apart from this, the pay panel called for cutting down the House Rent Allowance (HRA) which constituted the bulk of an employee's paycheck. The Pay Commission suggested HRA to be brought down to 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the basic pay, to be paid according to the city the employee is positioned in.



ALSO READ: 7th Pay Commission: PSU officers may get allowance hike; BSNL, Air India employees could lose out

The preceding Pay Commission had pegged the same at 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent. The Cabinet formed the Committee on Allowances under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa in June last year after the central government employees expressed their dissatisfaction against them. The motive of this Committee was to look into the extensive changes suggested by the 7th Pay Commission.



The Lavasa Committee handed over its review report to Jaitley in April after consulting representations from various government departments and agencies. After approved by the Department of Expenditure, this report was forwarded to E-CoS for their consideration and consolidation.



The Empowered Committee submitted the report once again to the Finance Minister on June 1. Reports state that the E-CoS has capped HRA rates between 25 per cent and 27 per cent. The Cabinet may, however, approve rates higher than that to compensate for the delay in paying allowances as per new rates according to the 7th Pay Commission.

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PHOENIX  A little-known policy of the Board of Regents could blunt the financial effect on dreamers of a new court ruling denying them in-state tuition.

The policy says anyone who is a graduate of an Arizona high school but does not otherwise meet the definition of residency can attend any of the state's three universities for 150 percent of what in-state students are charged.

That would still be a financial hit for those affected, pushing tuition at the University of Arizona, for example, up to more than $17,000 a year. By contrast, tuition and mandatory fees for this coming year for continuing Arizona undergrads is $12,228.

But it's still far better than what it would cost if these students were forced to pay full out-of-state tuition of $32,429.

And there may be another option, at least for students who already are in school.

Both UA and Northern Arizona University have a program where once a student is enrolled there is a guarantee of no tuition increases for four years. That raises the question of whether those programs  UA calls it a guarantee while NAU terms it a pledge  could be seen as an enforceable contract.

But there's also the contrary argument that a contract which is contrary to law is void.

The issue involves a 2006 voter-approved state law which forbids the use of taxpayer funds to subsidize the tuition or fees of people who are without lawful immigration status.

In 2012, the Obama administration adopted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which says that people who came to this country illegally as children can remain without fear of deportation if they meet certain other conditions. They also are given Employment Authorization Documents entitling them to work.

In 2013, the governing board of the Maricopa County Community College District decided that it would accept those EADs as proof that DACA recipients are here legally and entitled to resident tuition. After a trial judge upheld that interpretation in 2015, others followed suit, including the Board of Regents.

On Tuesday, however, the state Court of Appeals disagreed, saying that while the federal policy permits those in DACA to remain without fear of deportation, they are still here contrary to federal law. Unless overturned, that voids the policies of permitting them in-state tuition.

As it turns out, the universities already have a back-up plan.

Just days before the trial judge ruled in 2015, the regents adopted a modified rate, one specifically designed for DACA recipients. Crafted by Regent Jay Heiler, it sets a special tuition at 150 percent of what a normal resident would pay.

There are two conditions.

First, the student would have to have graduated from a high school in Arizona after having attended school in this state for at least three years.

Second, the student would have to be lawfully present in Arizona.

That is a different legal standard than what is in the 2006 law. In fact, a federal appeals court, looking at the separate legal issue of who is entitled to a driver's license, has concluded that DACA recipients are lawfully present in the United States by virtue of the policy permitting them to stay.

Heiler made it clear the maneuver was an attempt to provide some financial relief to DACA recipients but not run afoul of the 2006 law. Aside from the wording, Heiler figured the 150 percent figure would be legally justifiable.

That's the average actual cost of attendance, he said Wednesday in explaining the policy. And that, he said, means there is no use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize tuition.

Regents President Eileen Klein said there is precedent for that 150 percent figure being a fair assessment of actual costs. She pointed out that Arizona participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. It allows residents of other western states to enroll in each other's colleges at a tuition rate of 150 percent of the base residential rate.

The policy has remained in effect  even with DACA recipients until now getting in-state tuition  because its application is broader.

Klein pointed out that it also applies to students who graduated from Arizona high schools but moved away before attending college, thereby losing their residency status. There was no immediate tally late Wednesday of how many students are taking advantage of that rate.

But Klein acknowledged the policy also was designed to provide a legal fallback position should appellate courts rule that DACA recipients are ineligible for in-state tuition  exactly what happened on Tuesday.

Heiler said there may be other financial help for DACA recipients.

There's a lot of private money that I think the universities have access to to further assist exactly these students, he said. And so they'll get their tuition rate bought down further with that private scholarship help.

Heiler noted they are ineligible for any scholarships using state funds. Federal Pell grants also are off limits.

That special tuition rate for dreamers actually was first suggested in 2013 by Dennis DeConcini, the former U.S. senator who sat on the board. He proposed getting around the 2006 law by setting a special rate for dreamers of 110 percent of what is paid by residents.

DeConcini said at the time he was moved by the stories told by the students. But he got the support of only one other board member, LuAnn Leonard.

Rick Myers, on the board in 2013, said he could not support the proposal because he feared it would lead to the universities being added to the lawsuit already filed by the attorney general's office against the Maricopa colleges.

But Myers said at the time he would support some number he believed would survive a legal challenge. That led to the 150 percent policy the board adopted unanimously, including Myers.
Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister, Jayant Malaiya, this week announced that the state government employees will start receiving the Seventh Pay Commission benefits from July 1 onwards.

However, this is to be noted that even after the several requests, the MP cabinet has not yet cleared the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission.

"The proposal to provide the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission to the employees would come in the state cabinet by June-end. However, the government has agreed to provide the benefits to its employees from July 1 this year", Malaiya said.

An increase in the dearness allowance (DA) and the implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendations were pending with the Madhya Pradesh government's finance department since March this year.

Many expected that the state government would implement the same in budget for year 2017-18 but that did not happen.

A Times of India report quoted Jitendra Singh, president of the Employees' Joint Forum as saying, "There were some discrepancies in the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions as employees were given a hike in the salary as per the recommendations of the Brahmaswaroop Committee. The benefit was expected in 1996 but it was adjusted in the 6th Pay Commission. The employees will not accept this".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa earlier this week to discuss his views on Pay Commission allowances. Following the meeting, Modi directed that the allowance benefits should be given to central government employees without delay.

On the other hand, The matter of central government employees' allowances has been pending for almost one year now and the hiccups seem to stick even towards the end. The Pay Commission had recommended that out of a total 196 allowances, 52 be discontinued entirely whereas 36 other allowances should be subsumed under other allowances.

Apart from this, the pay panel called for cutting down the House Rent Allowance (HRA) which constituted the bulk of an employee's paycheck. The Pay Commission suggested HRA to be brought down to 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the basic pay, to be paid according to the city the employee is positioned in.

The preceding Pay Commission had pegged the same at 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent. The Cabinet formed the Committee on Allowances under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa in June last year after the central government employees expressed their dissatisfaction against them. The motive of this Committee was to look into the extensive changes suggested by the 7th Pay Commission.

The Lavasa Committee handed over its review report to Jaitley in April after consulting representations from various government departments and agencies. After approved by the Department of Expenditure, this report was forwarded to E-CoS for their consideration and consolidation.

The Empowered Committee submitted the report once again to the Finance Minister on June 1. Reports state that the E-CoS has capped HRA rates between 25 per cent and 27 per cent. The Cabinet may, however, approve rates higher than that to compensate for the delay in paying allowances as per new rates according to the 7th Pay Commission.

The final move now is for Cabinet to approve the recommendations about the allowance structure, has been awaited for two weeks now.
In a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India campaign, the Indian Army has tagged an indigenously built firearm as low quality. The army has refused to use 7.62 x 51mm prototype assault rifle developed by the Rifle Factory Ishapore in West Bengal.

The 7.62 x 51mm assault rifle was supposed to be a lethal weapon for 'Shoot to kill', but the final product has left the forces disappointed. The rifles apparently backfired and the army could not take the risks of equipping the troops low with quality weapons for warfare.

The rifles had "excessive number of faults", and for the army to consider it the weapon would need "complete redesigning of the magazine". The rifle failed to operate smoothly in the shooting trials with frequent stoppages.

"During internal evaluation excessive number of faults and stoppages to the extent of more than twenty times the maximum permissible standards were observed in the prototype," the team which was responsible evaluating the gun said.

Meanwhile, officials from the Army, the Air Force and the Navy are planning to discuss the procurement of assault rifles for the forces and the specifications required. This is not the first time the army has rejected Made in India weapon. The 5.56 mm Excalibur guns were rejected last year over quality standards.

Make in India is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet campaign under which he wants to transform India into a manufacturing hub. And, weapon production is a critical to achieve this.

(With inputs from agencies)
Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel today said he is not overly pessimistic about employment scenario in the IT sector, pointing out that mushrooming startups can compensate for job losses.

The comments came almost simultaneously with industry lobby Nasscom guiding towards a slowdown in export revenue growth at 7-8 per cent in 2017-18 as against the 8.6 per cent achieved last fiscal.

There have been reports pointing to big IT firms laying off people and going slow on hiring.

"I think we don't have to be overly pessimistic at this stage," Patel said at an IMC event here amid growing concern over jobs in the $ 160 billion IT sector.

"While there could be pressure on employment in some of the IT sectors, it is not necessarily in terms of literally a job destruction but may be the growth rate is affected by what is happening. The number of startups in that same space is almost compensating for most of this," he said.

Patel said there is a 'contradiction' between what the reports say and what he hears from the industry.

"When I talk to businesses themselves, I rarely hear about jobs destruction," he said.

In the past few months a number of IT majors such as Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM and Tech Mahindra have either announced or are believed to be mulling job cuts. Some analysts say job losses could run into lakhs. At present, the IT industry employs over four million people directly.

Increasing automation and protectionist policies in the developed world, especially the US which is the biggest market for the sector, are being blamed for the reverses.

Patel strongly defended India's open trade policies on external trade relations and advocated continuing with them, saying the country has benefited from those.

"Unequivocally, India's position should be for an open trading system," he said, adding that we should stick to it despite the changes adopted in a few countries.

"As a $ 2.3 trillion economy at market exchange rates, our voice does count and for the most part we have benefited from an open trading system," he said.


Advertising in media dark areas has always been a challenge for brands and marketers. To cash in on this gap and provide an opportunity for advertising in rural India, the digital cinema distribution network and in-cinema advertising platform UFO Moviez, introduced a cinema-in-wheels concept, Caravan Talkies in 2015. However, till now the product hasn't contributed to the company's revenues in a big way. In an interview with Devika Singh, UFO Moviez' Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Sanjay Gaikwad talks about the concept and how it has done so far. Here are edited excerpts:

BT: What was the idea behind Caravan Talkies?

Gaikwad: Watching movie is the most affordable family pass time in India. So from that perspective, we also realised there is a large portion of population, which lives in a media dark area. In these areas for other media channels whether it be radio, or print media, the reach is very low. People in these areas have aspiration to watch movie, but the nearest cinema theatre is 60-70 kms. So we said, although these people cannot come to theatre to watch the movie, why not take the movie to them?

Secondly, there was no point in taking those movies to them and creating the whole infrastructure, and so we decided to develop this more as a media business. We said we should give this experience to bring the popular movie in the rural market as it is in other theatres country wise, give it to them freely and recover money through advertising. There are lot of brands, who are looking for this opportunity and as other media has limited or no reach here, it's a unique opportunity which we provide. We started in 2014, 17-18 would be the third year of its operations.

BT: How does this concept work?

Gaikwad: So there's a van with a big screen. Whenever the van is moving or when it is stationary it acts like a moving bill board for our title sponsor. So each of these vehicles, goes to 14 haats or weekly markets in a fortnight and at sundown a show is played at villages. We not only provide advertisers branding opportunity through billboards but also significant airtime during the movie. South of India is highly penetrated in terms of number of screens, our current focus is in the non-south states.

To give you the potential of this business in India, there are approximately 43,000 haats. There are large haats and then there are small haats. Large haat services 57 villages, which has got about 12,000 visitors. The small haat services approximately 20-21 villages and gets 6000 visitors.

BT: Have you introduced this across India?

Gaikwad: Right now it is operational across eight states viz Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. South of India is highly penetrated in terms of number of screens, our current focus is in the non-south states

BT: Has Caravan Talkies contributed to your revenues so far?

Gaikwad: Last year in FY16, because we were in the built-up stage, the losses in Caravan actually affected UFO's overall performance. Because in the initial period, you have to build that infrastructure. And again in November last year, demonetisation too affected this business. However, the advertisers are coming back now and we expect in H2 of this year Caravan will contribute positively to company's overall performance.


The Indian government has asked domestic carriers Air India and Jet Airways to increase the number of flights on the Thiruvananthapuram-Doha and Doha-Cochin sectors to meet the surge of passengers ahead of Eid.

This move comes in the backdrop of a blanket ban on Qatar carriers to and fro by major middle-eastern countries (and vice versa) which have led to fewer connecting flights from the city of Doha.

Nine countries - Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Mauritius, Mauritania, Yemen, Libya's eastern-based government and the Maldives - cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar which included the use of airspace.

Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj discussed the matter with Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Ganapati Raju who later tweeted:

All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured. I and @SushmaSwaraj ji are in touch on this issue. - Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 21, 2017

Jet Airways will operate a 168-seater aircraft on June 22 and June 23 between Mumbai and Doha, while Air India subsidiary Air India Express will be flying its 186-seater Boeing 737 on Thiruvananthapuram-Doha and CochinDoha routes from June 25 to July 8, said a senior official from the civil aviation ministry, reported by The New Indian Express.

Many Indian expats rely on Gulf airways and connecting flights through the middle east during summer and Eid holidays. However, post the siege, expats in Qatar are only left with direct flights by Qatar Airways, Jet Airways, Air India Express, Indigo and connecting flights by Oman Air.
A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

The lawsuit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

Green's counsel Kilgore and Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of defendant's obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapur's discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."

"His termination was in violation of defendant's policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.

"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination...Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," he said.

The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to June 28, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the "discriminatory nature of Infosys's employment practices".

Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.

Infosys co-founder Mohandas Pai told PTI, "The filing of lawsuit by Green against Infosys alleging employee discrimination will not have any bearings on the company's intent to hire 10,000 Americans in next two years."

"It will not affect the recruitment because it is very difficult to hire 10,000 people in two years. It's a tall target, and one quarter is nearly over.. These are statements that one can make to please politicians," he said.

Earlier, Head Hunters India founder and MD K Lakshmikanth had said the move to hire 10,000 American workers in next two years "can be seen as an act of Infosys to appease Trump's administration, which could file legal suites against IT companies, including Infosys for 'misuse' of H-1B work visas programme".

Pai, a former director of Infosys, said, "Since Infosys is not an American company, it is very easy to level charges of discrimination, and nobody wants to go for trial."


OnePlus has finally unveiled the OnePlus 5 here in India. The event was held in Mumbai today. OnePlus 5 will be available in the Indian market. The sale will begin at 4:30pm today on Amazon India's website. Amazon will be selling the device with offers in form of accidental coverage from Kotak, data offers from Vodafone and more.



The 6GB RAM and 64GB internal memory model is priced at Rs 32,999 whereas the 8GB 128GB model is priced at Rs 37,999. The device will also be available via pop up events setup across Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. These new events will double up as demonstration centre as well as purchasing centres.

In terms of service centre, the Chinese company has upgraded the services using one hour repair gaurantee, pick and drop service in 10 cities and will also declare the pricing of spare parts on the website.



Also Read: OnePlus 5 claimed to be cheating in benchmark results, company denies allegations

The Chinese company emphasised on the enhanced dual camera of the phone bringing it much closer to premium smartphone brands like Apple and Samsung. So much so that during the entire presentation Apple's iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung's Galaxy S8 were the favourites to compare with the OnePlus 5.



Here are the highlights of the OnePlus 5 device:

Design

The back of the device looks much cleaner than the OnePlus 3T as the antenna lines of the device have been pushed to the edges.

Despite rumours, OnePlus made it clear in a video to The Verge that as much as they wanted to, the small company did not have the technology to incorporate an edge to edge or curved display.

The fingerprint sensor has a similar placement as the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T. The device is the slimmest OnePlus flagship at 7.2mm thickness which will feel even slimmer due to the curved edges of the devices.

Power

The OnePlus 5 comes with the flagship chipset Snapdragon 835 coupled with Adreno 540. However, the highlight here is the 8 GB RAM which is available with the higher variant of the device.

The internal memory used UFS 2.1 Dual Lane Storage technology, speeding up the phone's performance. OnePlus 5 has received several tweaks in a bid to improve performance and cut down lag.

Camera

The dual camera, one with a telephoto lens and another with a normal one, will allow users to click DSLR-quality pictures, claimed OnePlus.

The primary camera is a 16 MP unit with a Sony IMX398 sensor, whereas the other one is a 20 MP camera with the telephoto lens. With the dual camera, OnePlus 5 is now capable of fast autofocus (AF). The 16 MP unit has an aperture of f/1.7 whereas the 20 MP has that of f/2.6.

The software end of photography is handled by Smart Capture, which is capable of clearing noise from pictures, taking zoom a notch ahead from the optical kind to allow better focus and pixel quality and improved HDR. With this tool, the camera on OnePlus 5 can even recognize the kind of image to be taken and customise the settings accordingly.

Battery

Though the OnePlus 5 comes with an average 3300mAH battery, the device supports dash charge feature. According to the company, the phone can be charged for an entire day's use in just 30 minutes.

Display

OnePlus has opted for the same resolution this year with the same aspect ratio as well. The device comes with an AMOLED 1080p panel with a screen size of 5.5 inches.

Oxygen OS

The proprietary Oxygen OS has been improved too for delivering better experience to the users. OnePlus 5 comes with a Reading Mode that turns the phone screen into one akin to an e-reader. Moreover, the screen responds to the surroundings with feedback from the ambience sensor, and can behave like a piece of paper.

Pricing

The device is already available in the United States at a price of $479 which roughly translates to Rs 31,000. However, it is expected to be priced slightly higher in the Indian market with speculations running from Rs 32,999 for the 6GB/64GB variant to Rs 37,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant.

Colours

Contrary to many reports, OnePlus launched just two colours, Slate Grey and Midnight Black with the new OnePlus 5. So far, the company hasn't mentioned any further additions to the colour range.
Armenia has recently sought to reinvigorate its relationship with NATO and the European Union, despite its membership in Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In late March, Armenia initialed a new Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU, intended to upgrade bilateral political and economic ties. Moreover, during his recent visit to NATOs headquarters in Brussels, President Serzh Sargsyan reaffirmed Armenias intent to continue top level political dialogue with NATO and the countrys willingness to enhance the scope of joint activities. The push to rekindle relations with NATO and the EU amidst one of the most serious standoffs between Russia and the West suggests that Armenia, which is one of Moscows most loyal allies, is reassessing its ties with Russia and Russia-led international blocks.

BACKGROUND: Details on the new Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the EU and Armenia have not yet been made public. However, analysts describe it as a lighter version of the Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), from which Armenia withdrew in 2013. Armenia will have to adopt EU legislation in many sectors, but to a lesser extent than would have been the case when implementing the AA and DCFTA. The new agreement contains many of the crucial political provisions included in the AA and endorses reforms in a broad range of spheres such as human rights, transparency of state institutions, the judiciary and the electoral process. Moreover, the agreement will expand the scope of bilateral economic cooperation across several sectors such as trade and investment, energy and transport, but lacks the crucial free-trade component, distinguishing it from the DCFTA. The economic provisions of the agreement had to be tailored to Armenias obligations as a member of the EEU and its gas agreement with Russia, which effectively prevent Armenia from deeper economic integration with the EU. On the other hand, the EU rejected Yerevans request to include an opt-out clause from certain articles of the agreement, which Armenia intended to use in case they collided with new arrangements in its EEU membership.

Simultaneously, Armenia is pursuing closer cooperation with NATO, which was strained after Yerevan diverted from its pursuit of closer ties with the EU and instead decided to tighten its alliance with Russia and the Moscow-led economic block. However, despite its growing military dependence on Russia, which has narrowed the scope of cooperation with NATO, Armenia has decided to retain its contribution to NATO activities such as the peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo and joint exercises. Furthermore, in 2005-2011 Yerevan implemented NATO-endorsed reforms in the security and military spheres. At present, Armenia seeks closer partnership with the alliance. During his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Sargsyan sent a signal that Armenia wants to rekindle its relationship with NATO and even enhance the scope of joint activities. Against this backdrop, Sargsyan extended an invitation to Stoltenberg to visit Armenia, which could make headway to a new opening in bilateral relations.

The decision to establish NATOs Trust Fund in Armenia, intended to stabilize the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, could constitute a first step towards enhanced bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, NATO and Armenia are currently in the process of approving their new Individual Partnership Action Plan for 2017-2019, which will take into consideration Armenias obligations as a CSTO member. Nevertheless, Russias overwhelming presence in Armenias military sphere and the requirements stemming from the countrys membership in CSTO will narrow the possibilities for cooperation with NATO, which Moscow will certainly oppose. Furthermore, Russias military presence in Armenia is growing and includes plans to establish joint Russo-Armenian military forces and the deployment of new advanced military equipment to the Russian military base in Gyumri.

IMPLICATIONS: Armenias demonstrated intent to boost ties with the EU and NATO after the country distanced itself from the West in favor of the Moscow-led organizations suggests that Yerevan wants to return to a more balanced foreign policy in order to reduce its overt dependence on Russia. While Yerevan is unlikely to alter its strategic alignment with Russia, it seeks to strengthen multiple international linkages. This is particularly true in the security and military spheres which came into focus in April 2016 during the four-day war with Azerbaijan around Nagorno-Karabakh. Security concerns are among Armenias most important reasons for maintaining close ties with Russia and Moscow is one of the key players involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. During the April hostilities, Russia unexpectedly refused to provide military assistance to Armenia or condemn Azerbaijani aggression. Moreover, the closer relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan in the military and economic spheres, which has grown closer in recent years, prompts Armenia to question Moscows security guarantees.

After the eruption of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia failed to gain support from its allies in the EEU and CSTO, including from Belarus and Kazakhstan, which preferred not to endanger their relations with Baku. Another indication that Minsk and Astana prioritize their ties with Azerbaijan over their formal alliance with Armenia was their informal blocking of an Armenian candidate to replace the incumbent CSTO secretary general. Armenias candidate was finally appointed after a long delay in April this year. Formally, CSTO is intended to provide a collective security umbrella for its members, but contradictions and conflicting loyalties between member states undermine the credibility of its security guarantees.

Economic slowdown is another driver of Armenias renewed interest in rekindling its relationship with the EU. A lack of economic diversification, coupled with overdependence on Russian financial assistance and access to the Russian market for Armenian goods and its labor force, has caused the countrys economy to decline sharply since late 2014. Furthermore, Armenias membership in the EEU has not so far brought the anticipated economic benefits. At the same time, EEU requirements limit the possibilities for economic integration with alternative markets, which could help mitigate Armenias economic isolation and attract more foreign investments. While the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement is far more limited in its scope for economic cooperation than the DCFTA, it promotes deeper integration of Armenias economy with that of the EU, as well as reforms in the business environment, economic development, infrastructure and state governance. Yerevan hopes that overall economic and institutional modernization, access to the new foreign investments and new markets will translate into better economic outcomes.

The announced finalization of the new EU-Armenia partnership agreement and Sargsyans visit to NATOs headquarters before the April parliamentary elections in Armenia were used as key messages to Armenian voters in the pre-electoral campaign. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia wanted to demonstrate their commitment to the far-reaching socio-economic reforms proposed after the government reshuffle in October last year, in order to soothe rising domestic tension that resulted in several armed confrontations and casualties during the election campaign. Overtures to the West aim to placate the popular frustration with economic and political inertia and the growing disappointment with Russia among large swathes of the Armenian public.

CONCLUSIONS: Its reengagement with the EU and NATO amidst the serious conflict between Russia and the West suggests that Yerevan wants to remind Russia of its significance, yet Armenia is unlikely to stray from its tight alignment with Russia. Yerevan hopes to gain wider political support in case hostilities escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh and to improve Armenias faltering economy.

Pursuing parallel relations with two blocks who promote conflicting interests can give rise to several complications in Armenias foreign policy. Obligations stemming from its EEU and EU agreements prevent Armenia from seeking deeper economic integration within either of these structures. Moreover, the new arrangement with the EU requires the Armenian government to introduce far-reaching socio-economic reforms. The rising domestic frustration with the political and economic situation and increasing security concerns could pressure the ruling party in this direction. On the other hand, re-engaging the EU could be a window dressing political maneuver in order to soothe domestic tensions without embarking on much needed reforms and to capitalize on the growing pro-Western sympathies among the Armenian public. Similarly, Russias profound presence in Armenias military sphere severely limits the scope for cooperation with NATO. Pursuing simultaneous cooperation with NATO and CSTO amidst the current standoff between Russia and the West appears risky and could put Armenia in a difficult position should these tensions escalate.

AUTHORS BIO: Natalia Konarzewska is a graduate of University of Warsaw and a freelance expert and analyst with a focus on political and economic developments in the post-Soviet space.

Image source: wikimedia.org accessed on 21.06. 2017
Hon. Joseph Wirba W. Musa

The unexpected return of Hon Wirba Joseph, SDF Member of Parliament for Jakiri in the North West region, caused uproar at the National Assembly with House Speaker ordering the firebrand MP to take his seat to no avail.

Taking the rostrum, Hon. Wirba said he was back for the same reasons which made him to leave last January to an unknown destination.

In a bitter exchange with House Speaker Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibriel, Hon Joseph Wirba said the speaker cannot speak for Wets Cameroon and that he, Wirba is back to talk about West Cameroon issues especially the Anglophone crisis. Hon. Wirba based his argument on the fact that since he had written letters to the speaker asking him to protect one of his MPs but Hon. Cavaye did not reply.

He told members of the National Assembly that he was ready to be arrested and that whoever signed his arrest warrant should now come and arrest him.

Hon. Wirba Joseph did not disclose where he went into hiding but has promised that he was going to take the Anglophone problem his personal affair to see justice prevail.
| BY Ricki Green |

Alex Little and Karsten Jurkchat, senior creative team at Ogilvy Melbourne are in Cannes competing in the Cyber category of the Cannes Young Lions competition. Here, the pair shines a light on the Cannes celebrities you havent heard of, exclusively for CB.

I am from Champagne, but I met my husband in the Hotel de Paris in Monaco. I was an air hostess and he was a very good chef at the hotel. One day I got a call from my best friend in Cannes and she said she had to sell her restaurant quickly or the bank would take her house. I said okay we can help. If you give us the key, Romain and I will come and make a new story in Cannes. This was 21 years ago. In the beginning it was very hard. We lived for two years with my parents and still now there is never a Sunday, never a holiday. Its non-stop. I want to take the boat out with my father, but its not possible. Its a good job though. In four years, I stop. I will be 60. I go on my boat.  Fabienne Lamblin, Gavroche Restaurant, Old Town, Cannes

After chatting with the incredibly gracious, Fabienne, we headed on down to our Young Lions briefing at the festival hub. Although we knew 48 countries compete in the comp every year, it didnt prepare us for the weirdness of being surrounded by such a carefully selected spectrum of nationalities, like a Noahs Ark of creative teams. And it would have been interesting to chat to them, especially the likes of Belarus and Georgia, but we were competing against them and therefore wished them the worst. Even you Canada.
| BY Ricki Green |

Matt Dickson, national head of creativity, Southern Cross Austereo, Perth is representing Australia on the Cannes Radio Lions jury. Dickson, along with most of the other Australian and NZ jurors, reports exclusively to CB.

Who knew Cannes Lions branded blankets were even a thing?

We found out today when we spent a solid day combing and refining the shortlist in the (faaarking freezing) Radio Jury room. By the end of the day, we reached a shortlist we were all happy with  no mean feat given some of the ideas and the way they challenged the borders of what can be called a radio/audio campaign.

What stood out to me was a Jury committed to keeping the process fair, and making the sure the right work will recognized for the right reasons. What a great bunch of people to share an absolutely freezing room with.

Tomorrow, when we decide on Bronze, Silver, and Gold Lions, Ill bring a jacket.
| BY Ricki Green |

Paul Yole has written for Campaign Brief at the last eleven Cannes Lions. This year he is looking out for whats new and whats recurring.

I managed to go 24 hours without hearing a two-letter acronym. And then I went to a Google presentation.

David Singelton, one of Googles top engineers, shed some light on how ML (Machine Learning) is creating problem solving systems based on examples and experiences rather than laying down a set of rules.

I dont expect this work to be able to crack that impossible brief the client gives you with two days to solve it, but its reassuring to know that ML is now being used to combat online harassment and create an environment in which conversations can flourish.

Jared Cohen, President of the Jigsaw division at Alphabet, explained the new Perspective API that can predict when online conversations can go toxic. Working with the New York Times theyve found they can increase constructive conversations by between two- and four-fold.

Whilst this kind of research plays an important social role, it also has implications for the environment in which brands operate.

We also need to learn from the great analytics cock-ups that led to the unpredicted Brexit and Trump wins.

Chuck Porter, along with Sabrina Siddiqui from The Guardian and Stanford Professor Michal Kosinski, asked how brands can avoid falling victim to the same kind of research.

The problem with predictive models, of course, is that they are based on the past and usually cannot account for the unpredictable. Like the guy who couldnt win becoming POTUS, for example.

The good news is that some very clever people are working on these problems.

Nevertheless, we all tend to live in an online bubble in which we surround ourselves with people who think just like us. So we are surprised when we hear there are millions who think the opposite.

Its what some new research from Ketchum and Fast Company calls the Creative Echo Chamber.

According to the research, the echo chamber that is created when like-minded people self-segregate and embrace information and ideas that support their opinions and beliefs is not only solidifying polarized views in society, but also impeding creativity.
| BY Ricki Green |

Publicis Groupe Chairman & CEO, Arthur Sadoun, has announced the next step of The Power of One, initiated in 2015 by Maurice Levy, chairman of the supervisory board of Publicis Groupe. After the acquisition of Sapient with its world-class technology expertise, and after having broken the barriers between our different entities to form Solution hubs, Publicis Groupe will build what it believes to be the platform of the future: Marcel.

Marcel will be the first-ever professional assistant platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, that connects 80,000 employees across 200 disciplines in 130 countries. Marcel draws on the predictive nature of AI to identify opportunities, anticipate clients needs, connect people, and unleash creativity while harnessing the power of the Groupes data spine to drive business solutions.

Marcels features are inspired by the results of Publicis Groupes global talent survey conducted in 2017, revealing authentic insight about how the people within our company want to work in the future. Marcel will give Publicis Groupe newfound opportunities to connect diverse and extreme skillsets seamlessly  designers with data scientists, robotics with retail specialists, consultants with creators, the possibilities are endless, business solutions infinite, all at the service of our clients.

In order to develop and deploy the platform, Publicis Groupe will shift its promotional budget from industry events to focus its investment, as reported yesterday. In June 2018, Publicis Groupe plans to launch Marcel exclusively at Viva Technology, the worlds leading event for technology and innovation, in Paris. Publicis Groupe will resume its participation in industry events in September 2018.

Says Sadoun: Marcel is another milestone in our ambition to become a platform at the service of our clients. Make no mistake, it is an operational transformation. We are one of the last industries that has yet to unleash the power of every individual thanks to technology. Its time to draw a line in the sand for our people.

Says Carla Serrano, chief strategy officer: We are applying the strategy we recommend to our clients to ourselves  future-proof your business by delivering valued experiences to your clients, your partners and especially your employees. With Marcel, every person that works at Publicis will come face to face with their best work.

Says Mark Tutssel, creative chairman of Publicis Communications: Marcel is a platform for talent and creativity without borders. It unleashes the collective creative firepower of the Groupe, and is a springboard for the infinite potential of ideas.
| BY Ricki Green |

Continuing its streak of new business wins, Cummins&Partners Sydney has won the University of Tasmania account after a swift pitch process.

Says Dan Ingall, managing director of C&P Sydney: The University of Tasmania has an educational proposition which we found fascinating. Its unique position as the southern-most island state, and leadership in planet science combined with innovative degree programs, all made for very fertile territories for our thinking.

Says Pat Freeland-Small, UTASs incoming executive director, marketing and communication: Cummins&Partners really impressed us with their insights, knowledge on the challenges behind higher education in Tasmania and their independent thinking. We look forward to launching the new platform, which aims to help both the University and the State itself, very soon.

Says Tom Martin, executive creative director of C&P Sydney: Education is so important to determining the direction of not just Tasmania but our country as a whole. Its really gratifying to work on something that has real impact on not just students futures, but the future of a states growth, economy and culture.
| BY Lynchy |

Chai Indonesia has been appointed for creative duties for Jaguar Land Rover Indonesia.

Roland Staehler, COO, JLR Indonesia, said, Jaguar and Land Rover are iconic brands that set industry standards across the world. And in Indonesia, we still have so much more potential to explore. We were looking to partner with an agency that doesnt follow the norm, and can come up with innovative creative solutions across everything from digital to on-ground activation; and in Chai, were confident weve found the right fit.

Having an opportunity to work on brands like Jaguar and Land Rover is awesome!, said Rajesh Menon, CEO, Chai Indonesia. The luxury automotive category is challenging, but JLR has some great vehicles, miles ahead of anything else, and were looking forward to doing some interesting work that will help bring these brands alive to discerning Indonesian customers.
"It strikes me, having lived in a number of different locations in Australia and, in fact, the world, here in the heart of the nation's capital, the number of homeless seems to be quite extraordinary," he said.
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 ...
Tim Kaine: U.S. strikes on Syrian forces completely illegal

WASHINGTON  Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., on Wednesday sharply condemned U.S. strikes on Syrian regime forces  like the shoot-down of a military jet over the weekend  as completely illegal.

I think the military action that is being taken against Syrian government assets is completely illegal, Kaine said in an interview with Yahoo News on Sirius XMs politics channel, POTUS.

8000

https://www.yahoo.com/news/tim-kaine-u-s-strikes-syrian-forces-completely-illegal-211918332.html?exp=vv
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.
The woes of the CBSE students continue with the policy of the organising body Central Bureau of Secondary Education that does not re-evaluate the exam papers after the announcement of the board exam results.

Why is CBSE re-evaluation issue raised now?

The issue is now raised after several students complained of the incorrect evaluation process that was inferred after the verification of the results. Escalating the complaint to the Delhi High Court, the CBSE is facing charges against it for its volition to do away with re-evaluation.

Why did CBSE scrap the re-evaluation process?

The CBSE in its defence claimed that only a negligible number of papers were found erroneous and in fact, only 2.47 per cent of the students had applied for re-evaluation. However, a bench of justices Sanjeev Sachdeva and A K Chawla criticised the CBSE questioning about the carelessness in evaluation even if it meant for a less number of students.

The remark by the court came in response to the claim of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, that the number of errors in the evaluation was minuscule, which is why re-evaluation was done away with.

CBSE Defends Incorrect Evaluation of Class 12 Exam Results

Why should CBSE do the re-evaluation of board exam results?

Evidence was produced against the CBSE where instances of zero marks was awarded for fully correct answers by Maths teachers themselves. The bench questioned the credibility of such teachers and criticised the CBSE for its decision.

The bench asked the Board to file on record its governing body and examination committee's reasoning behind the decision of October last year and listed the matter for hearing on June 23.

CBSE Board Exams 2018 Preponed: Read to Know Why!

Orissa High Court orders re-evaluation of CBSE Board Exam Results

The students have also sought parity with an Orissa High Court order directing CBSE to re-evaluate the answer sheets of 150 students of that state.The order had come after a CBSE lawyer there had submitted that the re-evaluation policy was still in existence.

But before the Delhi High Court, another CBSE lawyer said the statement made before the Orissa High Court was incorrect and the board is going to appeal against the order directing re-evaluation of the answer sheets. In this regard, the CBSE told the Delhi High Court that the Orissa High Court would be setting up a special bench to hear the board's plea.

Incorrect Evaluation Done for CBSE Class 12 Exam Results, Students Shocked
New Delhi, June 22, 2017: India's higher education system is unable to respond to society's changing needs as only 40 per cent executives believe that new employees recruited in local labour markets have requisite skills, says an IBM study.

According to the study by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) in cooperation with Economist Intelligence Unit, addressing the looming talent shortage will be instrumental in preparing India for the competitive global economy.

A good 61% of India's surveyed educators said the higher education system is unable to respond to the changing societal needs. Moreover, new technologies, ever-changing skill requirements and outdated curricula are challenging India's higher education system in its efforts to equip graduates with job-ready skills.

"Between 2010 and 2030, India's working population is expected to expand from 750 million to almost one billion. Without adequate education and training, such population growth poses increased risk of the emergence of a growing class of the under- or unemployed who are unable to achieve the Indian middle class dream," the study noted.

The study suggested developing more practical, applied, experience-based education, embracing technologies that improve educational access, experience and outcomes, and building deeper relationships with ecosystem partners which will be instrumental in transforming the educational system.

The IBM study took insights from a survey of academics, corporate-recruiters, and emerging education leaders in India. In addition, the study analysed results of recent surveys of startup entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and corporate executives.

PTI
Nature Walks, Talks at Oregon Coast Beach Bill Party in Cannon Beach

Published 06/21/2017 at 6:04 AM PDT - Updated 06/21/2017 at 6:09 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon)  The next big day coming up for the Oregon coast is July 6. This is the date in 1967 Gov. Tom McCall signed the Oregon Beach Bill into existence, which preserved the state's entire shoreline for the public.

There have been bashes, celebrations and commemorations aplenty this year, as the landmark legislation hits 50 years old. One of the largest happens again in Cannon Beach on Thursday, July 6, as Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and local partner Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) are sponsoring a special beachwalk, along with speakers and a party. There will be some warmup events the night before, however, on July 5.

The official party begins Thursday as participants gather at 1:30 p.m. at the Cannon Beach Community Hall (207 N. Spruce St.). After refreshments and a few brief remarks from Oregon Shores Executive Director Phillip Johnson, the crowd will head for the beach at approximately 2:15 p.m. They will be led by Cannon Beach resident and conservationist Ed Johnson, along with famed local filmmaker Stephen Grace, who is also an environmental activist and author.

This stroll along the shoreline will loop from just south of Ecola Creek, south to Haystack Rock, and then back to the Community Hall. One of the landmarks: the Surfsand Resort, where some pivotal moments of the campaign for the Beach Bill happened back in 1967. At the time, the then-owners had cordoned off part of the beach in front of the hotel and claimed it as its own.

Along the walk's route, several guides will provide expert commentary on the surroundings, including ecologist Stewart Schultz and a discussion of shoreline natural history, along with hiking author Bonnie Henderson.

Everyone returns to the Community Hall around 4 p.m., where talks will be given by various experts, including Bob Bailey - an Oregon Shores board member and former head of the states Coastal Management Program - on the history of the Beach Bill and coastal conservation in Oregon. Henderson (whose books include Strand: An Odyssey of Pacific Ocean Debris, and The Next Tsunami) will be speaking on the native trails and highways, leading into the history of the Oregon Coast Trail and its present status.

Refreshments will again be served, including beer donated by Public Coast Brewing Co. The party will continue until 6 p.m.

Were celebrating a key milestone in Oregons conservation history, said Oregon Shores Phillip Johnson. The Beach Bills 50th is a major event for everyone who cares about the Oregon coast. Its important to know the history, and realize that only hard work by many dedicated citizens made it possible to pass the Beach Bill and preserve our public shoreline. We hope the result will be a renewed enthusiasm for the kind of citizen engagement well need to protect our shoreline resources for the next 50 years.

The night prior to the main events, on Wednesday, July 5, Oregon Shores and HRAP are warming up for the celebration with a public talk on beach ecology. The speaker will be ecologist Stewart Schultz, author of The Northwest Coast: A Natural History. Schultz will speak at 7 p.m. at the Cannon Beach Community Hall.

Schultz is a leading expert on the natural history of Pacific Northwest shorelines. Here, he will describe the ecosystems found upon and beneath the sand of the beach, a world less well-known than that of tidepools and rocky shores but equally fascinating.

The event is free and open to all. For information, contact Phillip Johnson, (503) 754-9303, [email protected]; or Melissa Keyser, (503) 440-0266, [email protected] Cannon Beach Hotels / Lodging for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour



















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PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Pretty in Print The Writing Life And the winners of the Pretty in Print writing competition are ... In her book on writing, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott perfectly laid it out: For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die. In the last weeks we asked readers of the Alibi to share their worlds with us by sharing their writing. We had a lot of great submissions to our Pretty in Print contestevery single one revelatory, ferrying us to another world in 750 words or less. Thank you to everyone who submitted for sharing that with us! Alas, it was our task to choose only three winners, one in each of the following categoriesfiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Our winners were Nadia Mira Sahi in fiction, Jennifer Moglia Lucil in creative nonfiction and Katherine Johnson in poetry. Each of these authors will receive a $50 gift card from our preeminent sponsor, Page 1 Books, as well as a gift package from Bookworks. Now, we invite you, dear readers, to settle in with some talented new voices that certainly have something to show you.

Fiction Untitled by Nadia Mira Sahi For years we thought maybe she'd lost her mind, and maybe in a way she had. In setting her table for each meal she would place a single fortune cookie by her plate, to be opened only after she'd finished all else. If there were others at the table she would seem to disappear into another world entirely, as she slowly uncrinkled the plastic wrapping, broke the cookie into two clean pieces (After several years she must have developed the perfect technique for such things.), placed each ceremoniously on the plate while flattening the fortune in her hand and read it silently to herself. In the beginning perhaps disappointment had betrayed itself on her face, but no longer. With silence and stoicism she would place the paper in her pocket, never sharing its contents with us. We used to make wild, elaborate guesses as to why she did this. She didn't eat the cookies, so it couldn't have been for that reason. Our speculations ran from the mundane (waiting for lottery numbers) to the hopelessly impractical (she'd fallen in love with the heir of a fortune cookie company, who was forced to leave her to take over the company when his father died in a tragic scuba-diving accident, but he promised he would leave her messages in fortune cookies until he could find someone to take over management at the company). It wasn't until a few years after she had passed, in going through her things, that we learned what she'd been doing all those years. It was during a housecleaning session in which we had gathered together all of our boxes of who-knows-what to decide what we really needed to keep and what could be given or thrown away (depending on the condition), when I happened upon her journal. On the last page, under the date May 7th, 2004, there were three fortunes, flattened and taped under the header, which read respectively "Land is always on the mind of a flying bird," "You cannot find what you do not look for" and "Fortune favors the brave." Underneath, in curling letters we all recognized as her penmanship, she had outlined the progression of her day, ending with "I cannot find what I do not look for, so every day I look. But when will I find it?" Amongst murmuring and speculation we went back through the journal, and in the same box found two more, all three similarly, peculiarly formatted. Day after day she had inserted her fortunes, chronicled her day and related them to the taped messages above. "Your smile is contagious" was a reoccurring entry, along with "You have a yearning for perfection" and "He who seeks will find." Her musing were often lighthearted and routine, though it became clear, reading backwards, that she hadn't always been so content with simply chronicling in this manner. At one point the fortunes had meant very much to her. At one point her quirky habit had been a desperate search and not a simple routine. Working backwards through the journals we realized she had been searching for an answer. And so our speculation became informed, and sometimes frantic. We were nearing the beginning of the first book. All would soon be revealed, and each of us wanted to be the person who had guessed correctly. And so we guessed in multitudes, the closer we got, amending and altering details in our guesses until we were each convinced of our detective prowess and were certain we had it right. Until we reached the first fortune on the first page of the first journal. Every day she opened a fortune cookie after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We don't know where she got them from, which factory jumped for joy when the order came ina lifetime supply of fortune cookies. But she had begun five years before May 7th, 2004. Because one day she had received a fortune that said, "Now is not the right time to tell your secret." And ever since, she'd been waiting for the one that would tell her she could.

Creative Nonfiction Chance Conversations: Teachers Seize the Ride-Sharing Moment by Jennifer Moglia Lucil My husband and I are teachers, and while we work 40-hour weeks dedicated to children, we take turns stealing away from our own kids to drive several hours of Uber or Lyft each week in order to make ends meet. We are the highly-educated, working class, teasing out ideas from children who play out their addictions to technology throughout their waking lives. The last of the liberal arts majors, we have plunged headlong into the gig economy. Ride sharing changed swiftly for us from an invention only for millennials, to the reality of dollar amounts that accumulated on the screens of our phones. Taking the drivers seat was suddenly like our own video game; we were possessed by the ding of new riders, the payoff more instantaneous than any job we had ever held in our three and a half decades of working life. And there were the advantages of our cityAlbuquerque, with its wide open landscapes, minimal traffic, even the promise of so many gamblers, seeking out the big jackpots at casinos raised up from Native American land. While money was our most pressing need, the work also began to fill a void. There was something lacking in the neighborhoods we had lived in, where people left early in the morning and came home late at night, their eyes focused on getting kids to school, getting to work, getting somewhere else. More often than not, it was us closing our front door at night with the feeling of nothing left to give. But small pleasantries begin to emerge with a stranger in the back seat. Feel free to open a window, I found myself saying, or Yankees fan, or Where do you work, may I ask? And the questions, in that old art of the conversation, were returned. Other surprises came along. Aside from transporting Saturday revelers or folks to and from the airport, I was solicited from a steady tide of workers, somewhat similar yet distinct from myself. The fast-food workers came in periodic waves. A young woman with cigarette-saturated hair headed for Wienerschnitzel. A Native American man who had an early Sunday shift at Wendys (I drove him on two consecutive Sundays). A CNM student paying for her nursing degree with her job at Panda Express, and a young African-American man on his second day at a Starbucks, learning myriad coffee commands. There were other workers; I picked up a middle-aged woman from an RV campground who said she was a traveling nurse. This was her last day at Presbyterian Hospital before she and her husband would drive their trailer to New Hampshire for her next nursing gig. I also drove a retired, female truck driver. To me she sounded fearless, a pioneer with a storytelling drawl, and I thrilled to hear her say matter-of-factly, I used to be like you, before telling me about her experiences driving 18-wheeler tractor trailers in all of 48 states. Of course, there have been a few executive types, but more frequently, Im driving a senior citizen in uniform to his shift at Wal-Mart. Uber texts and says, Give 100 rides this month and you can earn a gas card. I calculate the gas money Ive spent so far and know this job is not my jackpot. Sometimes I wonder if it could be me one day, serving behind the counter somewhere in this forest of Dollar Tree stores. One hundred ridesperhaps a hundred people that I will never truly connect with, but for a brief exchange in this speeding compartment of transport. Staring at the road, I wonder, What work do we do now? What work will we do tomorrow? What kind of work will keep us alive? Gratitude, for the ride-sharing services, for this brief moment in time when I can still look in the eyes of a fellow worker in the rearview mirror. Ill hold onto the dream of solidarity among us, as if we were all proudly wearing the union label in the fabric of our clothing. Yet, another sudden change is coming. We drivers will soon be replaced with the self-driving machine, which, we will be told, holds the great promise of safety. No accidents, no crashes, no risks. Isnt it dangerous, a passenger asked me, for a woman to do this job? Yes, I suppose it is. But my eyes and ears will be wide open until the day when safety will eclipse all human error, as well as the chance heartbeat of a conversation.
Planning for retirement means making a lot of decisions, including when you'll stop working, how much you'll withdraw from your savings each year, and where you'll live. Many Americans view retirement as an opportunity to move into a house they'll love and live in for all their golden years. In fact, 64 percent of retirees either have moved or plan to move, according to a Merrill Lynch survey.

Some retirees move to be closer to children or grandchildren, to down-size into a more manageable home, live in a warmer locale, or to secure a more luxurious home where they can easily age in place.

"The decision of where to live in retirement is important and can directly affect quality of life in your golden years," says Geoff Lewis, President of RE/MAX, LLC. "Research by Trulia shows that in virtually all areas of the country, it makes better financial sense for retirees to buy a home, rather than rent. In fact, buying is nearly 42 percent cheaper than renting for seniors across the country."

With offices in more countries than any other real estate brand, RE/MAX agents have helped millions, including retirees, find the home of their dreams. Lewis and the RE/MAX team offer some advice for buying your retirement home:

Have a plan

Ideally, you should think about where you want to live long before retirement, but it's never too late to think about your priorities. Do you want to be close to family or health care resources? Do you desire a home in the mountains or somewhere you'll never see snow again?

Trulia's research shows that some of the cities most popular for retirees are also ones where buying a home can save you the most money over renting. Desirable, warm-weather locations in Florida and Arizona offer significant value, even in regions where average home prices are higher.

Make a list of what you want in a home location so you'll have a starting point for your search.

Don't delay

If possible, don't wait until poor health or declining finances force you to move somewhere that's not your ideal location. Move while you're still young enough to enjoy your dream retirement home.

Get professional financial advice

It's important to protect your nest egg and keep it growing throughout retirement. A professional financial planner can help you understand what size mortgage is right for you, so your dream home doesn't strain your finances.

Be mindful of amenities

When choosing a location and a home, in addition to your personal priorities, it's important to keep in mind accessibility to amenities important to seniors. Community features such as good transportation, quality of roads, safe neighborhoods, and access to health care, socialization opportunities, shopping and cultural venues are all options to consider.

Rely on real estate pros

Once you know where you want to be, it's time to find a real estate agent. Well-versed on local real estate trends, RE/MAX agents can help retirees sell their current home so they can make the purchase of their dream retirement home a reality. Visit www.remax.com to search for an agent.

Focus on must-haves

Make a list of must-have features and those you would like your retirement home to have. Share the list with your agent to help him or her focus on properties that meet your criteria. Your list of must-haves and desirables will likely be very different from the list you made when you bought your first home. Now, a single-level house with large bathrooms and a level lot may be more desirable than a two-story with lots of bedrooms and a big backyard.

Finally, says Lewis, keep in mind whether you plan to age in place. "More Americans are looking for homes that will allow them to stay independent and living on their own throughout their retirement years," he says. "If that's your plan, look for home features that will help facilitate that, like wider doors, few or no exterior stairs, and good lighting."
The eighth-generation Toyota Camry brings much more than just a new face, as beneath its prettier (than before) skin lies the brands new TNGA modular architecture.



Its shared with a bunch of other vehicles, such as the Prius and the C-HR, and, according to Consumer Reports, it makes the ride steady and smooth, along with the more sophisticated rear suspension, except for the SE, which is a bit sportier.

Regardless of the trim level, all 2018 Toyota Camrys have a quiet cabin with low levels of road and wind noise, with a modern vibe and decent quality materials. There are, however, some hard plastics, and selecting the optional sunroof affects the rear headroom, but this is something future owners will have to live with.

The Toyota Camry isnt Americas best-selling passenger car for the last 15 years for nothing, as its tremendous reliability and strong resale value offer it extra points over the competition, and this new generation is expected to uphold its legacy.

If youre interested in buying a Camry of your own, then you should wait until late summer, when the first units of the car will arrive at dealers, priced from $23,495 for the base grade.

VIDEO
President Trump has been an outspoken critic of companies that outsource jobs to Mexico and Ford has been one of his more frequent targets.



Following news that the company would shift Focus production to China and Europe, many observers were expecting a Twitter rant from the commander-in-chief. Surprisingly, that hasnt happened and some officials in his administration seemingly praised the news.

According to The Detroit Free Press, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said The Ford decision shows how flexible multinational companies are in terms of geography. However, he added I believe that as President Trumps policies and reforms take hold, more companies will begin to locate their facilities in the U.S. as several German and Japanese automakers already have.

The lukewarm response could be in part to Fords announcement that no workers will lose their jobs as a result of the change. Instead, employees at the Michigan Assembly Plant will begin building the Ranger in late 2018 and the Bronco in 2020.

Fords president of global operations, Joe Hinrichs, doesnt think customers will mind either as he told Bloomberg Consumers care a lot more about the quality and the value than they do about the sourcing location. iPhones are produced in China and people dont really talk about it.

Of course, Ford isnt the only American automaker to import vehicles from China as the Buick Envision is built there and so is the Cadillac CT6 Plug-in Hybrid.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery
While Fun Academy doesnt have a track record of producing animation, the company has surrounded itself with considerable talent on the production side, most notably hiring the French production company, Mikros Image, which is also responsible for animating Dreamworks latest feature, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. (Mikros also animated Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods and Mune: Guardian of the Moon, and was involved in the production of The Little Prince.)

Richard Lanni (The Americans in the Bulge) directs from a script written by himself and Mike Stokey. Bibo Bergeron (director of Shark Tale, The Road to El Dorado, and A Monster in Paris) is head of story, and production design duties are split between Celine Desrumaux (co-production designer on The Little Prince) and Klepper-Bayle Pierre-Nicolas (character designer on Mune and set design on The Little Prince).

Key voices are provided by Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Gerard Depardieu, and the score is composed by Patrick Doyle (Brave, The Emoji Movie, Cinderella, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ).

Sgt. Stubby is due in U.S. theaters on April 13, 2018.

Fun Academy Pictures was founded by Lanni. Its president is Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr., who was elected for eight terms to the Georgia House of Representatives before retiring earlier this year. Wilkinson also served 26 years in the United States Naval Reserve, and worked in the White Press press office during the terms of Presidents Ford and Reagan.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

A 64-year-old man who exposed himself to a woman and her three children at the Penticton Library last year has been found guilty.

Judge Meg Shaw rendered the decision Wednesday, which followed a trial for David Ernest Friesen last month, who was charged with committing an indecent act in a public place and two counts of exposing genitals to a person under 16.

According to Shaw, in January 2016, a mother was unloading her children from her van in the library parking lot when she was approached by Friesen, who was wearing a baggy coat and grey beard.

He said hello, and began a polite conversation with the woman about the weather, before asking if there were any girls in the van.

During the trial, the mother testified that she observed his penis fully hanging out of his pants, with no clothing blocking its exposure.

The woman then abruptly cut off the conversation, at which point he stood up straight and smiled, eventually leaving in a nearby vehicle.

At the time the woman did not know his identity, but several weeks later she spotted the same man at her church and was able to get his name. The man was the arrested and charged.

In handing down her decision, Shaw said she accepted the evidence of the mother, noting that there was no other reasonable explanation for a man to be exposing himself on a winters day.

The incident was no accident, she stated, and was an intended act for sexual gratification.

A pre-sentence report including a psychiatric component is being prepared for the case, at the request of defence lawyer James Pennington.

The matter will be back before the courts on Aug. 23. In the meantime, Friesen remains out on bail.
Poll: No more dining out? Poll - 7:30 pm
Photo: Contributed

A boil-water notice has been issued for residents served by the Sunset Ranch water system after bacteria was found in test samples.

The notice affects 275 properties connected to the community water system in the Central Okanagan East electoral area.

Regional district communications officer Bruce Smith said:, Interior Health has been contacted, and weve taken steps to alert affected customers after routine testing found some bacterial results in samples at the reservoir.

"While theres no evidence the reservoir has been accessed, our staff found some vandalism to the gate to the system reservoir. In order to protect the safety of system customers, weve implemented the boil-water notice until the reservoir can be flushed and testing is done to prove any bacterial contamination has been removed and water quality is restored.

Until further notice, affected residents should boil any water used for drinking, cooking, washing produce or fruit, making beverages and ice or brushing teeth for at least one minute or use bottled water.
Fourteen young pupils from Fuji Municipal Harada Elementary School in Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan have turned a fun playground game into an official Guinness World Records title after achieving the most skips over a single rope in one minute by a team.
Photo: The Canadian Press Police secure the scene where six people were killed in Acapulco in January.

May was Mexico's bloodiest month in at least 20 years, and homicides are up sharply in 2017 compared with last year, new government crime statistics show.

Statistics published Tuesday by the Interior Department said 2,186 people were murdered last month. The previous monthly high was 2,131 in May 2011, according to a review of publicly available records that date back to 1997.

During the first five months of 2017, there were 9,916 killings nationwide  an increase of about 30 per cent over the 7,638 slain during the same period last year.

Mexico launched a militarized offensive over a decade ago to combat drug cartels that plague parts of the country. Homicides fell somewhat after peaking in 2011 but have risen again.

At the state level, Baja California Sur saw the biggest jump in the first five months of 2017. After registering 36 killings during the same period in 2016, that spiked by 369 per cent to 169 this year. There were also significant increases in Veracruz (93 per cent), Quintana Roo (89 per cent) and Sinaloa (76 per cent).
Photo: The Canadian Press

Some folks in Oregon might not want to ask, when served an elk burger or a venison steak, where the meat came from. Under a roadkill bill passed overwhelmingly by the Legislature and signed by the governor, motorists who crash into the animals can now harvest the meat to eat.

And it's not as unusual as people might think. About 20 other states also allow people to take meat from animals killed by vehicles. Aficionados say roadkill can be high-quality, grass-fed grub.

"Eating roadkill is healthier for the consumer than meat laden with antibiotics, hormones and growth stimulants, as most meat is today," noted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA.

"We are at or near the top of the list. We have a lot of roads and a lot of deer," said Travis Lau, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, though he added the total number was uncertain.
Photo: File photo

Alaska wildlife officials say a black bear believed to have mauled a 16-year-old to death during a weekend mountain race has been shot and killed along with three other black bears.

State Fish and Game officials say the bear was killed Tuesday evening in the area south of Anchorage. The bear is believed responsible for the Sunday death of Patrick Cooper of Anchorage.

The three other bears were shot near the site of the mauling.

The teen was attacked after he got lost and veered off the trail during the juniors division of the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb race.

The boy's body was found about at about 1,500 vertical feet, with the bear guarding the body. A park ranger shot the animal, but it ran away.
LINCOLN, Neb.  The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has begun offering an online boater education course.

The course, which is available beginning June 19 at OutdoorNebraska.org/boatereducation, will allow students to take the course wherever and whenever is convenient for them. Game and Parks will continue to offer classroom boater education courses across the state, for those who prefer to learn in a more traditional setting.

In Nebraska, anyone born after Dec. 31, 1985 is required to successfully complete a boater education and possess a course certificate while operating a boat or personal watercraft.

Boater education courses teach students how to safely operate a motorized boat while following all rules and regulations. Topics covered include navigation and safe operation, Nebraska laws and emergency preparedness. Nonresidents who have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved boater safety course recognized by another state are allowed to operate a motorboat in Nebraska.

You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska.

Boaters are also reminded to take the following safety precautions:

Wear a life jacket  Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being towed by a boat on skis, a tube, or other similar device also must wear a life jacket.

Avoid alcohol  Boat operators can become impaired with less alcohol than motor vehicle drivers due to heat and dehydration. Boating Under the Influence is a criminal violation and is enforced actively in Nebraska.

Have all required safety equipment  This will help boaters be prepared if an emergency occurs. Life jackets, throw cushions, fire extinguishers and bailing devices are required on most boats. For a list of what is required on a boat, check out the 2017 Boating Guide at BoatSafeNebraska.org.

Be aware of surroundings  The best boat operators constantly are looking around for other boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, stumps and other hazards. Speeds in excess of 5 mph are prohibited if within 30 yards of any other vessel, swimming area or dock.

Snakes of Nebraska event is July 22-23 at Mahoney SP

LINCOLN, Neb.  Learn about and see some fascinating reptiles at the Snakes of Nebraska event July 22-23 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland.

The free event will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day at Riverview Lodge, with snakes on display and naturalist programs. University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro will give a presentation at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

A park entry permit is required.
Photo: The Canadian Press The Encino wildfire, in Sonoita, Ariz.

An extreme heat wave in the Southwest U.S. made the fight against a series of wildfires more difficult Wednesday, including one that has destroyed at least four homes in an Arizona town known for its wineries, authorities said.

Temperatures in parts of Arizona, California and Nevada soared to nearly 49 C this week, creating problems for firefighters. In California, two firefighters were treated for heat-related injuries as they battled a blaze in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles.

In New Mexico, authorities say a brush fire destroyed sheds and vehicles on private property and sent two residents and a firefighter to the hospital for smoke inhalation and other minor injuries.

In Arizona, about 100 firefighters battled a five square kilometre blaze believed to have been ignited by lightning Tuesday in triple-digit temperatures in Sonoita. None of the wineries dotting the area was threatened.

Evacuations were lifted Wednesday evening after rainfall helped control the fire.

Firefighters across Arizona are battling about 30 blazes, making resources scarce, De Wolf said. He said he was asking Gov. Doug Ducey to help cover the financial costs of battling the fire.

Fires are burning throughout the Southwest, including one in Utah that forced the evacuation of more than 700 people and shut down part of a state highway.
Photo: The Canadian Press Portuguese members of government observe a minute of silence in memory of wildfire victims.

Official reports into Portugal's deadliest natural disaster in decades have described freak conditions that drove the wildfire that killed 64 people, while Portuguese authorities said Thursday they have contained a second fire that raged for five days close by.

More than 2,000 firefighters and some two dozen water-dropping aircraft fought the two fires for days and nights amid strong winds and temperatures above 40 C.

Several official investigations are assessing the disaster response, including why 47 of the deaths on Saturday night occurred on a country road as people fleeing the flames in their cars were engulfed by the blaze.

In an initial report, the Portuguese weather agency IPMA said a "downburst" of wind sprayed embers across a broad area.

On Monday, the head of the national judicial police said a lightning strike is believed to have sparked the blaze after investigators found a tree that was struck.
Photo: Kensington Palace

Britain's Prince Harry has suggested that no one in the royal family really wishes to rise to the throne  and that it is duty, rather than desire, that prompts them to continue serving the British people.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Harry said the House of Windsor is "not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people."

Harry made candid remarks about being a royal  and his determination to lead as ordinary a life as he could.

"Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don't think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time," he said.

He does his own shopping, he added  and would continue to do so "even if I was king."

"People would be amazed by the ordinary life William and I live," he said.

Asked whether he worried that an "ordinary" royal would make the family "too accessible," Harry said: "It's a tricky balancing act. We don't want to dilute the magic ... The British public and the whole world need institutions like it."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prince Philip was discharged Thursday from a London hospital after he was treated for an infection, Buckingham Palace said.

Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday as a precautionary measure after he fell ill with an infection related to an existing health condition that wasn't made public.

Philip, who turned 96 earlier this month, was driven from the hospital Thursday. Officials said he was in good spirits during his two nights' stay there.

His brief admission to the hospital meant he missed out on two major events in the queen's calendar  the state opening of Parliament on Wednesday and the Royal Ascot horse races.

In May, Philip announced he was stepping down from public life and wouldn't take on new charity roles after more than six decades of service.
Photo: Express & Echo

Boys at a British high school have found a novel way around strict uniform rules banning shorts, as the country swelters through a heatwave.

The schoolboys at Isca Academy in the southwestern city of Exeter donned skirts instead of the officially mandated grey slacks.

Devon County Council spokesman David Beasley said about 30 boys turned up to school in skirts on Thursday.

The school's head teacher, Aimee Mitchell, issued a written statement that did not mention the skirts, but pledged to revisit the uniform rules.

"We recognize that the last few days have been exceptionally hot and we are doing our utmost to enable both students and staff to remain as comfortable as possible," she wrote.

"Shorts are not currently part of our uniform for boys and I would not want to make any changes without consulting both students and their families. However, with hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change for the future," she added.
Photo: The Canadian Press

President Donald Trump said Thursday on Twitter that he "did not make" and doesn't have any recordings of his private conversations with ousted former FBI Director James Comey.

"With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information," Trump said he has "no idea" whether there are "tapes" or recordings of the two men's conversations. But he declares he "did not make, and do not have, any such recordings."

The tweets are the latest chapter in a high-stakes guessing game after Trump hinted that he might have recordings of his private conversations with Comey at the White House and over the phone.

The tale of mystery began last month, just days after Trump fired Comey, who was then leading an investigation into contacts before and after the election between the president's campaign and Russian officials.

The absence of recordings almost certainly elevates in significance to investigators the notes made by Comey right after his conversations with Comey.

A New York Times report cited two unnamed Comey associates who recounted his version of a January dinner with the president in which Trump asked for a pledge of loyalty. Comey declined, instead offering to be "honest." When Trump then pressed for "honest loyalty," Comey told him, "You will have that," the associates said.

Trump tweeted the next day that Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"
Some southern Gage County residents are concerned that a proposed turkey hatchery will have a negative impact on the area.

On Wednesday, the County Board of Supervisors discussed a permit filed by Tim and Jill Scheele for the Hybrid Turkeys hatchery around two miles northwest of Odell on Southwest 89th Road.

Jill Scheele said the operation will consist of two sheds, one for raising turkeys and the other for laying, each with a shower system.

She said most neighbors have been supportive of the plan.

We actually have a lot of support from our neighbors, she said. Honestly, we had just the one neighbor who had the issue. The other ones were like, Why are you coming to talk with us?

Hybrid Turkeys will own the birds, which will not exceed 14,500 animals. This figure prompted one neighbor to speak out to the County Board during Mondays committee meetings.

Area resident Gary Bures said because the farm will have less than 15,000 birds, it isnt required to go through the special use permit process. He expressed concerns that the farm will be detrimental to the area and lead to excess traffic on Southwest 89th Road.

Theres going to be a lot of road traffic, he said. My fear is safety on Southwest 89th Road.

Board member Terry Jurgens confirmed that due to the operations proposed size it would not require a special use permit or the public hearings that come with that process.

This facility is permitted under the current zoning laws we have right now, he said. It complies with everything. It isnt a special use permit or anything else. The application has been filed It looked like a large facility, But in discussion with (Nancy Niedfeldt, Planning and Zoning Administrator) she says this fits zoning regulations.

The couple also provided a manure plan for the business, Turkey Run Farms, though one was not required due to the number of animal units. Manure will be spread on fields or stored off site away from bodies of water and residences.

The permit states that 6,000 female poults and 1,000 male poults will be placed in grow barn for 29 weeks, at which time theyll be moved to the lay barn.

After 14 days, an artificial insemination team from Hybrid Turkeys will work at the farm.

Within four weeks, the turkeys will be laying at up to 75 percent capacity, with a goal of 100-105 eggs during this period.

At 28 weeks, the hens will be removed by Hybrid Turkeys for slaughter and the barns will be cleaned.

Scheele said one feed truck and one egg truck will go to the farm each week, and the operation will create up to six jobs.
They call it Loco.

The characters in a new sitcom being filmed in Laurel are kind of crazy. Plus, many of the scenes are being filmed at Laurels Caboose Saloon and Casino, a nod to Laurel's railroading roots.

If you've ever hankered to be in a sitcom, this could be your big break. But you've got to keep it real.

Writer, director and actor Junior Michael Ray is looking for extras for scenes filmed this weekend at Bretz RV, 2999 Old Hardin Road, on Saturday, and the Caboose Saloon on Sunday.

Ray described the show as a mix between the long-running TV sitcom "Cheers" and the new Netflix comedy, "The Ranch," with Ashton Kutcher, Debra Winger and Sam Elliott.

Bringing in locals adds authenticity to the characters, Ray said. His Hollywood credits include "The Toast," "Chasing Yesterday" and 2009's "Shadow Walkers."

"My vision is I want to make this a made-in-Montana story featuring Montana people," Ray said. "I'm just over doing shows with explosions with all the language in them. I just want a show with a good story that can entertain the whole family."

Frank Young, who plays a judge in the series, is also helping write the script. Ray plays Rick Longrifle, a Native American father reconnecting with his daughter in the fictional town of Lowell, Montana.

Its about people who are redeemable who arent viewed as redeemable, Young said. These characters keep coming to the bar and they keep rooting for each other, but there is a lot more to it than that."

So far, they have completed two episodes, and this weekend, theyll wrap filming the third one. The goal is to finish 10 episodes before they pitch it to Netflix.

An award-winning actor, director and writer, Ray moved three years ago to Laurel, a place he described as having "a real Americana feel with a ridiculous amount of history."

Ray recruited some of his cast members through a free acting class he taught at Rocky Mountain College, including a standout actress from Lewistown, Julia Lee Kunau, to play his daughter. Others stopped by the set to play an extra and ended up getting a role in the whole series. Ray said he rewrote the script to accommodate Billings actress DeLaney Hardy.

The writing team meets every Wednesday to craft scripts, and filming usually takes place on the weekends before the Caboose Saloon gets busy with customers.

"I'm a big fan of the 1980s and '90s sitcoms, your 'Cheers' and 'Frasier.' It was 30 minutes of fun. That's my inspiration," Ray said.
Even though their ecosystems are completely different, Yellowstone National Parks high elevation lodgepole pine forest and the jungle and ocean beaches of Costa Rica have something in common  Scott Pankratz.

The 46-year-old Missoula man had an epiphany while helping conserve sea turtles nesting on the beaches of Costa Rica  an education program to get the locals, who were eating turtle eggs and deforesting the jungle, to help them understand and appreciate their unique ecosystem. Working with Julie Osborn, who would later become his wife, a new program was born.

I feel the same way about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Pankratz said. Theyre both mind-boggling places.

Connecting people

From that simple insight the Pankratzes have grown Ecology Project International to a science-based, outdoor experiential education program in five countries that has served more than 30,000 students  70 percent of whom are locals  including an educator program.

Thats what really started the organization: the need to connect people to the landscapes, and also the need to make a difference through conservation service work, he said.

The school is based in Missoula because thats where a 29-year-old Pankratz was studying at the University of Montana in the biological science program in 1998, funding his schooling in part by working as a rafting guide in Moab, a ski instructor at Big Sky Resort and a field guide for the Teton Science School and National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming.

The University of Montana helped me define the model I had in my mind, Pankratz said. I was really able to dial that in.

Ecology Project International is funded by a combination of grants and fees. The fees are necessary to invest the students in the process, Pankratz said.

Fundraising and making connections now takes up most of his time to keep EPIs mission growing. That latest step is a program that provides students with a stipend to study at the MPG Ranch in the Bitterroot Valley for a month, an attempt to build a job trajectory into the program.

Growing

In the spring of 2000, Ecology Project International was launched in Costa Rica. Some high school students from Billings Central visited in 2016 to help with what is now an annual turtle project. Eight years after launching in Costa Rica the program was on the ground in Yellowstone. Since then EPI has seen steady growth in its popularity.

There were more students than available room this summer, said Erin Clark, Yellowstone project manager for EPI. Ideally wed like to be able to work with every high school and middle school student who lives in the Greater Yellowstone Area in Montana.

This year EPIs Yellowstone project was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Educations Gear Up program, designed to give youngsters from rural areas whose parents have never been to college a better chance at pursuing a post-secondary education. Thompson Falls and Manhattan high school students are Gear Up schools partnered with EPI. In Gardiner, at the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, EPI has worked the past few winters with a class of eighth-graders.

Two of the students had never been to Yellowstone, even though you could throw a rock from the school into the park, Clark said. Thats really incredible.

Introductions

Part of EPIs decision to focus on younger students was to capitalize on the fact that they are still open minded, Clark said. Its often easier to find younger students, too, since high-schoolers tend to have jobs and other activities that make it difficult for them to leave town for a week, she added.

The seventh- and eighth-graders engaged in last weeks EPI program in Yellowstone National Park (see related story in Montana Untamed, page C1) are the youngest group EPI had taken into the field. It was a five-day trip that in addition to educational outings and lessons included camping out in tents, preparing their own meals and washing dishes.

Tristan Redfield, 13, of Hardin, was excited about making the trip. He later struck a muscle-man pose when he saw he was being photographed.

Ive never been here before and wanted to come, he said. It was fun that we got to try and track down an antelope.

Wildlife search

Searching for collared pronghorns that are part of an ongoing grazing study in Yellowstone was the EPI project last Monday. Rick Wallen, a park wildlife biologist who leads the bison program, acted as the groups guide as they used radio telemetry to try and locate one of the collared pronghorns.

Were looking at trying to identify how the grazing ungulates overlap in use of space and plants across the landscape, Wallen explained to the students while introducing them to the telemetry gear. Theres a lot more overlap in the winter.

By collecting fresh feces, the samples could be analyzed in a lab to compare what different plants the animals key on at different times of the year and at different elevations as the spring plants green up. This is the third year Wallens program has worked with EPI, whose students and instructors have also helped by gathering grassland monitoring data across about 20 study sites. That work is meant to show the grasses growth, amount of animal consumption and how the nutritional quality changes.

To help with all of the work, EPIs instructors spend two to three days with Wallens technical team learning the ropes before the students are brought in. The students and instructors can then help Yellowstone researchers collect data, providing more boots on the ground, Pankratz noted.

Teacher

Tess Kohler, a 23-year-old Traverse City, Michigan, resident, is one of EPIs instructors. She started by teaching a winter course in Yellowstone, excited to get to spend more time in Montana and the park. Braving restless teens asking sometimes odd questions was just part of the assignment last week.

Why are we moving so slow? asked 14-year-old Chase Benner, of Libby, as half the group driving with Kohler hit one of Yellowstones typical animal traffic jams.

Whats your guess? Kohler asked.

Is a super volcano exploding? Benner yelled excitedly.

Gains for the younger students were measured a bit differently, something as simple as learning how to wash dishes or prepare a meal impressed Kohler.

Matt was just a really great student to have on the course, Kohler said of Matthew Hock, 14, of Libby. He was just incredibly kind to all of the students.

Changing lives

Pankratz said the program has already changed some of his students lives. Alumni are now invited back on their own trips.

Thats one of the huge goals of our program is to give the capacity to make change, he said, and to share the knowledge the students acquired in their community.

Us being here in Montana with the worlds first national park, what a great place to be, Pankratz said.

The location puts the students right in the middle of science research that sometimes forms the basis for policies and decisions that affect Yellowstone, its wildlife management and Montana.

Its an awesome opportunity, he said.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK  On a sagebrush-covered hillside where bitterroot flowers were in full pink blush, Montana teenagers lounging and lunching lazily under a hot noon sun witnessed something totally wild.

How many of you woke up this morning and thought you would see a pronghorn chase a badger? asked Forrest Shafer, a 23-year-old Ecology Project International instructor.

Even veteran park wildlife biologist Rick Wallen had to admit the spectacle was pretty cool.

The female pronghorn could be seen in the basin below occasionally charging through knee-high sagebrush in an attempt either to stomp the badger or simply to scare it away from what the group suspected was a vulnerable and unseen newborn pronghorn fawn. Or maybe she was ready to give birth and wanted the badger gone. Either way, she made several charges, slowly getting closer to the students who took turns watching the event unfold through binoculars while providing play-by-play commentary.

Earlier and throughout much of the rest of the afternoon, the teens were trying to locate collared pronghorns using radio telemetry. The tagged animals are part of an ongoing Yellowstone grazing study. The search on Monday proved unsuccessful, especially disappointing for some of the students who were told by instructor Tess Kohler that they could be turd burglars and collect feces from the collared wildlife to see what they were eating.

The group

The pronghorn-badger duel was just one highlight for the 13 teens and three instructors who spent five days tent camping alongside the babbling waters of Eagle Creek, just outside Yellowstones northern border. Each day was different as they explored the area to learn about the ecosystems wide boundaries and the variety of wildlife that occupies the 12- to 22-million acre temperate zone, which has the national park as its wildly beating heart.

The next days outing was an early-morning wolf-watching session, and throughout their stay the students helped with food preparation and washing the dishes as elk wandered through the campsites willow bushes and bison grazed on the mountainside. To break up the rigor of educational lessons and chores the group would play tag and tongue-twisting games.

D.C. Stewart, a 13-year-old Lodge Grass student, seemed to thrive in the setting, smiling and often munching on a granola bar, cheese stick or pretzels to fuel his lanky frame.

Its Yellowstone. Its beautiful, Stewart said matter-of-factly when asked why he signed up for the course as he reclined in his tent to avoid an afternoon rainstorm.

George Kraft, a 14-year-old from Libby, registered because he wanted to see a big ol grizzly bear.

I wanted to come for the experience, said Rebecca Tazer, a 13-year-old Eureka student. Ive never been to summer camp.

Not the same

Tazer still hasnt been to summer camp since the Ecology Project International trip isnt like other summer opportunities offered to students. That was one of the lessons the instructors had to teach during the outing  a readjusting of expectations.

Theyre the youngest group weve taken, said Ike Wallace, a 26-year-old instructor who grew up in Missoula, went to college in Bozeman and taught school in Billings before taking on this new job.

Middle school students can be the toughest to teach. The tweeners are awkwardly caught between still being a child and struggling to be more adult-like. They can be vocal  sometimes with little or no filter  and endlessly restless. Screams and performing dance moves while sitting in their car seats punctuated the day, along with the occasional outlandish statement.

Chase Benner, 14, of Libby, wanted to dart a pronghorn with a tranquilizer gun or ambush it by hiding behind a clump of sagebrush to gather data for the Yellowstone study on grazing. When Kohler told Benner the group would do no such activity, he said, Ah, you just ruined the whole trip.

Kassandra Medrano, 12, of Harlem, was an exception. The inquisitive girl had a variety of questions for Wallen, such as: Could a bison wade across a river without being swept downstream? Yes, at 2,000 pounds an adult male with his long legs can wade or swim most of the rivers in Yellowstone, he answered. But the babies will occasionally get washed downstream. Wallen also said bison are incredible athletes. He has seen big bison jump a wheeled irrigation pipe in a farm field and a 6-foot high fence around a hay yard.

The lesson

Engaging most of the students in weighty subjects like ungulate grazing, however, is not easy. But Wallen said thats OK.

Keeping things interesting and people focused is a challenge for everyone  our own staff and volunteers, too, he said.

So at the core of every tutorial or research project is one basic message.

The biggest lesson of these volunteer groups is public engagement so they become supporters of the park and wildlife, Wallen said.

Without public interest in the resource, there would be no support for maintaining a unique place like Yellowstone National Park, he noted. Then, the wildlife might as well be in a zoo. But what zoo could ever have a performance as unusual as a pronghorn chasing a badger?
Yellowstone County commissioners on Wednesday approved adding four positions and making funding transfers to the county attorneys budget for 2018 to help address workload increases.

Commissioners also added $25,000 to $50,000 budgeted for witness and victim fees after County Attorney Scott Twito said Wednesday the state will no longer help reimburse the fees beyond its standard witness fee of $10 per day and travel expenses at the state rate.

Twito said he was notified Wednesday morning, shortly before his budget hearing with commissioners, of the state funding cut. The cut is significant and will place the burden on the county to pay for bringing in expert witnesses and victims for trials, he said.

The commission is spending most of the week meeting with department heads to review the preliminary 2018 budget.

The county attorneys office is one of the budgets facing significant funding shortages because of an increased caseload. The office is the busiest in the state. Twito said that since he took office six years ago, the number of annual felony case has more than doubled, to about 1,400 cases from 600 cases.

The commission followed a recommendation from Finance Director Kevan Bryan to add $450,000 to the county attorneys budget from other county funds to slow the drain on the county attorneys reserve fund.

The county has been subsidizing the county attorneys budget from its general fund, with transfers projected to be almost $2.4 million for 2018.

Another option is to increase the public safety-attorney mill levy by six mills to eight mills to raise additional tax support for the fund, Bryan said. While the additional tax revenue would limit but not likely stop the general fund subsidies, it would allow the general fund to cover other needs.

Commissioners discussed but made no decision on increasing the public safety-attorney levy.

The commission, however, agreed to Twitos request for two deputy attorneys and two legal assistants.

Bryan said the $75,000, including an additional $25,000 now allocated for victim and witness fees, should get the budget to the mid-year review.

During a review of the sheriffs budget, commissioners approved Sheriff Mike Linders request for three new detention officers and an evidence technician.

Commissioners also praised the sheriffs department for the work of the animal control officer, who, through using social media and working with animal organizations, has reduced the number of dogs and cats that need to be boarded. The budget for boarding animals was cut in half, from $18,000 to $9,000, for 2018.
MISSOULA  Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed Wednesday that a bear was found dead along the side of Highway 200 east of Missoula earlier this week.

Vivaca Crowser, information and education manager for the agency, said the adult male black bear  believed to weigh around 275 pounds  was found near mile marker 24 in the Greenough area near The Resort at Paws Up.

Crowser said she wasn't sure the exact time the bear was reported and found, but said she believed it was on Sunday.

Jamie Jonkel, bear manager for the Missoula region of the FWP, could not be reached on Wednesday afternoon.

In April, a female black bear was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 200 near Lincoln. Wildlife officials later captured that bear's two cubs near Rogers Pass.
Plants and CO2 instead of crude oil: Panel discussion at the Berlin raw material summit with Sonja Jost, Managing Director of the chemical company DexLeChem; Professor Robert Schlogl, Director at the Fritz Haber-Institute of the Max Planck Society; Steffen Krach, State Secretary for Science and Research in the Senate Chancellery of the Governing Mayor of Berlin; Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro (from left). Professor Kurt Wagemann, Managing Director of DECHEMA (German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) chaired the discussion.

According to experts, the chemical industry needs to increase the use of sustainable raw materials such as plants and CO 2 to conserve limited fossil resources. Participants of a raw material summit held on Tuesday at the Technical University of Berlin and organized in collaboration with DECHEMA (German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) and the materials manufacturer Covestro called for more joint efforts in this area. Representatives of the political, scientific and business spheres pointed out that there are numerous promising approaches for producing chemical products virtually without petroleum.

In the view of the summit participants, Germany has a leading role to play in this area, also thanks to public funding, a role that needs to be expanded. The full innovation potential has not yet been exploited, however. Above all, it is important to quickly implement good ideas. Thats why the start-up culture has to be encouraged in the chemical industry in particular, summed up DECHEMA Managing Director Kurt Wagemann, who held a keynote address and chaired the main panel discussion.

Ideas competition with international start-ups

An ideas competition held at the event served as a signal for promoting an increased start-up culture. Five start-up companies from the United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany presented to the audience projects in which biomass and CO 2 are used instead of petroleum as alternative sources of carbon. Three of them were awarded the accolade of Resource Innovator 2017 and received prize-money donated by Covestro.

Alongside Professor Wagemann, the panel of five judges comprised Professor Reinhard Schomacker from the Institute for Chemistry of TU Berlin, Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, Professor Robert Schlogl, Director at the Fritz Haber-Institute of the Max Planck Society, and Sonja Jost, Managing Director of the chemical company DexLeChem.

From idea to implementation

Also taking part in the subsequent panel discussion was Steffen Krach, State Secretary for Science and Research in the Senate Chancellery of the Governing Mayor of Berlin. Krach said: Berlin is Germanys start-up capital. We want to even improve the general framework. Professor Schlogl complained about a missing willingness to take risks. More technology centers are essential to make it from the idea to the implementation.

According to Jost, the summit showed that the megatrends and future topics of digitalization and sustainability already dominate the chemical industry. Our solutions are generating completely new types of green business opportunities, she said.

Steilemann pointed out how important and fruitful cooperation between research-based companies and application-oriented academia is. Such cooperation has enabled Covestro to rapidly develop and launch the first CO 2 -based products on the market.

TU Professor Schomacker also strongly favored the expansion of cooperation especially within the academic sphere to drive research forward in a focused way. He cited the UniCat excellence cluster as an example, which brings together scientists and engineers from various universities and institutes in the Berlin area and creates synergies.
Photograph of the experimental setup, which consists of a 2-meter-long acrylic tube with funnels at both ends to direct the sound from a computer speaker (bottom left) out to absorbing media (top right). A web camera is set above the setup to track the motion of the particles, and a microphone is inserted into the output funnel to measure the transmission spectrum in time.

Close up photograph of the self-assembling particles in the clear acrylic tube. These particles consist of cut plastic straws (blue) sealed to a flat plastic chip (black), which float on top of a water-glycerin solution.

An elegantly simple experiment with floating particles self-assembling in response to sound waves has provided a new framework for studying how seemingly lifelike behaviors emerge in response to external forces.

Scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) demonstrated how particles, floating on top of a glycerin-water solution, synchronize in response to acoustic waves blasted from a computer speaker.

The study could help address fundamental questions about energy dissipation and how it allows living and nonliving systems to adapt to their environment when they are out of thermodynamic equilibrium.

"Dynamic self-assembly under non-equilibrium is not only important in physics, but also in our living world," said Xiang Zhang, corresponding author of the paper and a senior faculty scientist at Berkeley Lab's Materials Sciences Division with a joint appointment at UC Berkeley. "However, the underlying principles governing this are only partially understood. This work provides a simple yet elegant platform to study and understand such phenomena."

To hear some physicists describe it, this state of non-equilibrium, characterized by the ability to constantly change and evolve, is the essence of life. It applies to biological systems, from cells to ecosystems, as well as to certain nonbiological systems, such as weather or climate patterns. Studying non-equilibrium systems gets theorists a bit closer to understanding how life -- particularly intelligent life -- emerges.

However, it is complicated and hard to study because non-equilibrium systems are open systems, Zhang said. He noted that physicists like to study things that are stable and in closed systems.

"We show that individually 'dumb' particles can self-organize far from equilibrium by dissipating energy and emerge with a collective trait that is dynamically adaptive to and reflective of their environment," said study co-lead author Chad Ropp, a postdoctoral researcher in Zhang's group. "In this case, the particles followed the 'beat' of a sound wave generated from a computer speaker."

Notably, after the researchers intentionally broke up the particle party, the pieces would reassemble, showing a capacity to self-heal.

Ropp noted that this work could eventually lead to a wide variety of "smart" applications, such as adaptive camouflage that responds to sound and light waves, or blank-slate materials whose properties are written on demand by externally controlled drives.

While previous studies have shown that particles are capable of self-assembly in response to an external force, this paper presents a general framework that researchers can use to study the mechanisms of adaptation in non-equilibrium systems.

"The distinction in our work is that we can predict what happens - how the particles will behave - which is unexpected," said another co-lead author Nicolas Bachelard, who is also a postdoctoral researcher in Zhang's group.

As the sound waves traveled at a frequency of 4 kilohertz, the scattering particles moved along at about 1 centimeter per minute. Within 10 minutes, the collective pattern of the particles emerged, where the distance between the particles was surprisingly non-uniform. The researchers found that the self-assembled particles exhibited a phononic bandgap - a frequency range in which acoustic waves cannot pass - whose edge was inextricably linked, or "enslaved," to the 4 kHz input.

"This is a characteristic that was not present with the individual particles," said Bachelard. "It only appeared when the particles collectively organized, which is why we call this an emergent property of our structure under non-equilibrium conditions."

The experimental design could hardly have been simpler. For the waveguide, the researchers used a 2-meter-long acrylic tube that contained a 5-millimeter-deep pool of a glycerin-water solution. The particles were made from straws floating on top of a flat piece of plastic, and the sound source came from off-the-shelf computer speakers that researchers directed into the tube via a plastic funnel. Measuring the sound waves proved to be the most technical part of the experiment.

"This is something you could do yourself in your garage," said Ropp. "It was a dirt-cheap experiment with parts that are available at your corner hardware store. At one point, we needed bigger straws, so I went out and bought some boba tea. The setup was extremely simple, but it showed the physics beautifully."

The experiment focused on acoustic waves because soundproofing was easier to achieve, but the principles underlying the behavior they observed would be applicable to any wave system, the researchers said.

This fundamental research could form the basis for developing intelligent networks that perform simple non-algorithmic computation, with a future toward systems that perform sentient-like decision making, the researchers said.

"I can think of parallels to artificial brains, with sections that respond to different frequency 'brain waves' that are malleable and reconfigurable," said Ropp.
Shimadzu has joined forces with the France-based AlsaChim company, an independent contract research and development organization. AlsaChim specializes in stable isotope-labelled compounds, metabolites and pharmaceutical related substances, and analytical purposes. With immediate effect, Shimadzu Europe has acquired AlsaChim by 100%.The brand name will be kept for the future complemented by the subtitle a Shimadzu Group Company. The price for the acquisition is kept confidential.

Through the acquisition of AlsaChim, Shimadzu also adds value to its European Innovation Center (EUIC), particularly for the clinical segments which is one of EUICs focus areas. This innovations-oriented Think Tank combines academic-scientific expertise from well-known European universities with Shimadzus cutting-edge technology to provide even more customer-focused service.

With AlsaChim, we have a strong partner in our organization who is able to finalize and validate new application kits and utilize the developments done by EUIC and transfer them into ready-to-use products, said Bjoern-Thoralf Erxleben, Senior Manager Analytic Shimadzu Europa, based in Duisburg, Germany.

Shimadzu and AlsaChim expect new customers for both brands. The EUIC and its strong cooperation partners provide a platform for new and additional business. Having with AlsaChim a strong partner for development of application kit solutions, this will increase Shimadzus business in the clinical and diagnostic market, but also in other market segments. Being part of the Shimadzu Group, the AlsaChim brand expects additional demand for their products in new sales areas as well as stronger marketing support than before, said Jean-Francois Hoeffler, President of AlsaChim.
BUTTE  The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to waive certain water quality standards for some heavy metals in upper Willow Creek and in tributaries feeding into upper Mill Creek, both south of Anaconda.

EPA officials will hold a public meeting on the proposal from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Metcalf Senior Center, 115 Pennsylvania Avenue , Anaconda.

The streams are contaminated from nearly 100 years of metals-laden smoke from the Washoe Smelter stack in Anaconda. The smelter closed in 1980.

The proposed waiver would eliminate Montana's water quality standards for cadmium, copper, lead and zinc for upper Willow Creek and the tributaries leading into upper Mill Creek. According to the proposal, the creeks would still maintain federal water quality standards.

The proposed plan would also expand and enhance cleanup strategies to minimize contamination from reaching waterways to prevent metals from exceeding water quality standards.

The EPA is providing a 45-day public comment period from Wednesday, June 21 to August 4 on the proposed waiver.

Public comment can also be sent by email, mail, or hand delivered to Charlie Coleman, EPA Project Manager at coleman.charles@epa.gov; 10 West 15th Street; Suite 3200; Helena MT 59626.

The proposed plan is available:

On the EPA webpage for the Anaconda Smelter Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/anaconda-co-smelter

Arrowhead Foundation Library; 118 E. Seventh Street; Anaconda

EPA Montana Office; 10 W. 15th St.; Helena
3-D graphene foam objects are produced by shining a laser on a mixture of powdered sugar and nickel powder. The laser is moved back and forth to melt sugar in a 2-D pattern, and nickel acts as a catalyst to spur the growth of graphene foam. The process is repeated with successive layers of powder to build up 3-D objects.

Laser sintering was used to 3-D print objects made of graphene foam, a 3-D version of atomically thin graphene. At left is a photo of a fingertip-sized cube of graphene foam; at right is a close-up of the material as seen with a scanning electron microscope.

Nanotechnologists from Rice University and China's Tianjin University have used 3-D laser printing to fabricate centimeter-sized objects of atomically thin graphene. The research could yield industrially useful quantities of bulk graphene and is described in a new study.

"This study is a first of its kind," said Rice chemist James Tour, co-corresponding author of the paper. "We have shown how to make 3-D graphene foams from nongraphene starting materials, and the method lends itself to being scaled to graphene foams for additive manufacturing applications with pore-size control."

Graphene, one of the most intensely studied nanomaterials of the decade, is a two-dimensional sheet of pure carbon that is both ultrastrong and conductive. Scientists hope to use graphene for everything from nanoelectronics and aircraft de-icers to batteries and bone implants. But most industrial applications would require bulk quantities of graphene in a three-dimensional form, and scientists have struggled to find simple ways of creating bulk 3-D graphene.

For example, researchers in Tour's lab began using lasers, powdered sugar and nickel to make 3-D graphene foam in late 2016. Earlier this year they showed that they could reinforce the foam with carbon nanotubes, which produced a material they dubbed "rebar graphene" that could retain its shape while supporting 3,000 times its own weight. But making rebar graphene was no simple task. It required a pre-fabricated 3-D mold, a 1,000-degree Celsius chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and nearly three hours of heating and cooling.

In the latest study, a team from Tour's lab and the labs of Rice's Jun Luo and Tianjin's Naiqin Zhao adapted a common 3-D printing technique to make fingertip-size blocks of graphene foam. The process is conducted at room temperature. No molds are required and the starting materials are powdered sugar and nickel powder.

"This simple and efficient method does away with the need for both cold-press molds and high-temperature CVD treatment," said co-lead author Junwei Sha, a former student in Tour's lab who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Tianjin. "We should also be able to use this process to produce specific types of graphene foam like 3-D printed rebar graphene as well as both nitrogen- and sulfur-doped graphene foam by changing the precursor powders."

Three-D laser printers work differently than the more familiar extrusion-based 3-D printers, which create objects by squeezing melted plastic through a needle as they trace out two-dimensional patterns. In 3-D laser sintering, a laser shines down onto a flat bed of powder. Wherever the laser touches powder, it melts or sinters the powder into a solid form. The laser is rastered, or moved back and forth, line by line to create a single two-dimensional slice of a larger object. Then a new layer of powder is laid over the top of that layer and the process is repeated to build up three-dimensional objects from successive two-dimensional layers.

The new Rice process used a commercially available CO2 laser. When this laser was shone onto the sugar and nickel powder, the sugar was melted and the nickel acted as a catalyst. Graphene formed as the mixture cooled after the laser had moved on to melt sugar in the next spot, and Sha and colleagues conducted an exhaustive study to find the optimal amount of time and laser power to maximize graphene production.

The foam created by the process is a low-density, 3-D form of graphene with large pores that account for more than 99 percent of its volume.

"The 3-D graphene foams prepared by our method show promise for applications that require rapid prototyping and manufacturing of 3-D carbon materials, including energy storage, damping and sound absorption," said co-lead author Yilun Li, a graduate student at Rice.

Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Chair in Chemistry as well as a professor of computer science and of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice.
The repugnant Republican U.S. Senate process of rewriting our health care laws is a totally secretive effort behind closed doors that deliberately denies Montana citizens the ability to know what is being proposed before it is jammed down our throats. Montana Sen. Steve Daines says it makes him frustrated.

Challenging this process will take more than cheap words about frustration from our junior senator. Instead of spouting useless rhetoric, Daines needs cast a firm no vote that reflects the public participation values Montanans cherish and expect.

Those values are firmly implanted in the Montana Constitution ratified by the people 45 years ago this month.

Recently the 15 surviving Montana Constitutional Convention delegates were recognized by Gov. Steve Bullock. They, along with the families of the 85 deceased delegates, were cited for their outstanding service to the state as the governor expressed undying admiration and appreciation to the citizen delegates who wrote Montanas magnificent 1972 Constitution.

In this landmark Constitution, often cited as the best state Constitution in the nation, are a declared right to know and right of participation for every Montana citizen, making our state one of the most open and participatory state governments in America.

Our Constitutional right-to-know says: no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe deliberations of all public bodies or agencies. Our Constitution also declares that the public has a right to expect government agencies to afford  reasonable opportunity for citizen participation.

Those constitutional values stand in stark contrast to the power-based, highly-partisan secretive process going on today in the U.S. Senate. While Montanas constitutional requirements are not legally binding on our members of Congress, they are a standard of conduct to which we expect those in Congress to adhere. Yet Daines can only express that he is frustrated.

Daines apparently faces a dilemma. Does he bow to the GOP Senates repugnant process, or will he stand with Montana values and both say and vote no on any secret bill that seeks to radically change our countrys health care system to provide massive tax breaks to the wealthy without a thorough, open and participatory public process?

Its not enough for Daines to just say he is frustrated. That is a false front to cover what appears to be support for the process and the bill. He needs to totally reject this process and bill that is tainted beyond saving. The stench attached to that process will attach itself to any and all who support it, including our Senator Daines.

It only takes three GOP senators to stop this secret process. Maybe knowing that is what makes him frustrated"?

Daines can and should vote against anything that does not adhere to the public processes we constitutionally demand here in Montana every day, including this month when we honor the 45th anniversary of the enactment of those very precious concepts.

If Daines sides with Montana, its people and its Constitution, the bill cannot pass. We are watching.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World Dine Docs The Navajo Documentary Film Tour makes its way to Albuquerque this Friday, June 23. Head to the historic KiMo Theatre (423 Central NW) to catch two independently produced Native American documentaries. The tour started in Crownpoint earlier this year and will travel all over the Southwest before ending up at the Heard Museum in McKinney, Texas, this October. The tour features two short films directed by two Dine women directors. First up is Ramona Emersons The Mayors of Shiprock, which focusses on the Northern Dine Youth Committee, a small group of young Navajo leaders who meet to decide the future of their community. Thats followed by Sarah Del Serondes Metal Road, which explores the history of Navajo men working on building and maintaining our nations transcontinental railroads. The films will be broadcast later this year on PBS, but this is an opportunity to see them in a special sneak peek. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30pm. Films start at 7pm.

Cats on the Red Carpet Love cats? Love movies? The two have a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup-like relationship in The Third Annual Feline Film Festival, taking place this Saturday, June 24, at Kimo Theatre. Animal Humane New Mexico and the Albuquerque Film Office are presenting this fundraising event featuring an evening of the cattiest films in ABQ. This years theme is the Good, the bad and the Cuddlywhich kinda goes without saying. It all boils down to an entire evening of cute cat videos produced and directed by some of your fellow feline-loving New Mexicans. This years best films will receive valuable cash and prizes. Youve got two chances to catch this years top entrants: a 2pm matinee and a 7pm evening show. While youre there, you can meet adorable (not to mention adoptable) kittens, create playful cat crafts and show off in a cat-centric photo booth. Tickets are $10 to $15 and are available, in advance, at kimotickets.com.

Batman With a Plan Bernalillo Countys Movies in the Park program swoops into Vista Grande Community Center (15 La Madera in Sandia Park) this Satuday, June 24, for a a special outdoor screening of The LEGO Batman Movie. This event is free and open to the public. The film begins at dusk (around 8:30pm). Food trucks are scheduled to be there on site. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs, but please leave all glass bottles, alcohol, smoking accessories and dangerous items at home. For more info feel free to contact the county hotline at 314-0477.
Respect is sorely lacking in American politics.

Respect was a striking word for Greg Gianforte to use in an interview with the Associated Press a few days after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault. Gianforte called for respect, finding common ground and an end to name calling."

Respect is the antithesis of the behavior that brought Gianforte and Montana shame on the eve of his election. Much as Montanans would like to move on, we are disturbed by Gianfortes continual dodging of questions about what he actually did to journalist Ben Jacobs on May 24.

According to Jacobs, his cell phone recording and the Fox News team that witnessed the assault, Jacobs asked Gianforte to comment on the Congressional Budget Office analysis of the health care bill recently passed by the U.S. House. Gianforte responded by grabbing Jacobs around the neck with both hands, slamming him to the floor and then hitting him with his fist. The attack broke Jacobs glasses and resulted in $4,600 in medical bills.

But the Gianforte campaign quickly put out a news release that claimed Jacobs was the aggressor, saying "Tonight, as Greg was giving a separate interview in a private office, The Guardians Ben Jacobs entered the office without permission, aggressively shoved a recorder in Gregs face, and began asking badgering questions. Jacobs was asked to leave. After asking Jacobs to lower the recorder, Jacobs declined. Greg then attempted to grab the phone that was pushed in his face. Jacobs grabbed Gregs wrist, spun away from Greg, pushing them both to the ground. Its unfortunate that this aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist created this scene at our campaign volunteer BBQ.''

A couple of hours later, a Fox News reporter posted her eyewitness account, which flatly contradicted the Gianforte press release.

Yet Gianforte has never retracted that press release. He has repeatedly refused to answer questions about why that false statement was released. Just last week, Associated Press reporter Matt Volz asked Gianforte nine times in a 30-minute interview whether he authorized that press release and why it was issued. Gianforte never answered. Instead, he kept repeating that he had apologized to Jacobs and had taken responsibility.

He hasnt taken responsibility for the election eve falsehoods in that news release.

Even in Gallatin County Justice Court as he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault, Gianforte couldnt bring himself to tell the judge what witnesses said really happened.

As previously reported by Holly Michels of Lee Newspapers: When pressed by the judge, Gianforte at first did not give clear details on the assault but later said he grabbed for Jacobs phone, ended up grabbing his wrists instead and a scuffle ensued where both men fell to the floor. That is not what witnesses reported; that is not taking responsibility.

Journalists in Montana and elsewhere in our great nation deserve respect as they work to get information for the public and to hold public officials accountable. Public officials deserve respect, too. But they dont deserve license to manhandle reporters or to falsely blame a liberal reporter for something that was the fault of the candidate (now U.S. representative).

Refusing to be photographed and fingerprinted at the Gallatin County jail like other misdemeanor offenders isnt taking responsibility. Yet thats what Gianforte has done.

Just days after pleading guilty and avoiding a jail sentence, Gianforte filed for re-election in the June 2018 primary. That isnt the action of a contrite and responsible citizen who was sentenced to anger management classes.

Montana journalists work hard to get the truth out, but there arent very many of us. In Washington, D.C., Gianforte will have a harder time ducking questions from a much larger press corps. Montanans want him to represent us with dignity, honesty and openness, yet serious doubts about his abilities remain because of his behavior and unanswered questions back home.

Its late, but Gianforte still needs to be forthcoming and set his record straight.
Greg Gianforte did an honorable thing by issuing a written apology to Ben Jacobs, and Jacobs did the same by accepting Greg's apology. The $50,000 donation to the Committee to Protect Journalists was also an honorable thing. Maybe some of these so-called journalists should respect a candidate's answer next time. Jacobs did not respect Gianforte's response, and he should have. If he would have backed off and spoke with Gianforte later about the issue, I would bet that this incident would have never happened.
Concerning the white female wolf that was shot and then put away, I think first of all the $50,000 reward should be paid to the person that shot her. Reasons why: The number of wolves that came from her prolific production of more wolves have caused more damage to the wildlife and livestock than you can even imagine and would amaze anyone. I tried to figure out the costs of payments to verified kills of livestock, loss in weigh of calves, yearlings, and other livestock and couldn't get my numbers together. It has to be in the millions, as the number of wolves in the northwestern states have increased tremendously and will grow more numerous and kill more livestock and someday, God forbid, a little kid of someone's. How would you like to check your brood mare band one morning and find your future champion colt hamstrung and dying as you rode up or checking your sheep to find dozens of ewes and lambs dead and hardly any of them eaten on and finding baby calves and even grown cattle ripped and torn and partly eaten?
As a businessman I have focused most of my career on delivering private industry solutions to public problems. In Montana my work has included developing a utility scale energy project, bringing manufacturing to Billings for distributed energy systems, and delivering water purification products to local governments. My work has occasionally brought me into contact with the Montana Legislature and Rep. Daniel Zolnikov.

As a pragmatist, the partisanship of the Montana Legislature can be baffling. Zolnikov and his focus on finding workable solutions to our energy, technology and environmental challenges has been refreshing. His work on net metering, energy development and utility regulations has all focused on properly diagnosing the challenges at hand and deploying solutions that allow Montanans to move forward.

There are many other legislators on both sides of the aisle that I could praise, but Zolnikov has worked his way into the position of chairman of the House Energy, Technology & Federal Relations Committee. It is nice to have a pragmatic leader heading that committee. Montana is made better through Zolnikov's service.

Rhyno Stinchfield

Billings
The Federal Trade Commission and North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem are taking federal court action to block Sanford Healths proposed merger with Mid Dakota Clinic. The two medical providers called the move "extremely frustrating."

The two agencies jointly filed a complaint in federal district court alleging that the deal would violate antitrust law by significantly reducing competition in Bismarck-Mandan. The regulators are seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop the deal and to maintain the status quo until the matter can go to trial.

According to the complaint, Sanford and Mid Dakota are each others closest rivals for primary care and clinical care in the area.

This merger is likely to reduce significantly the competitive options available to medical insurance providers, which, in turn, will lead to deteriorating terms for provision of medical care, including higher prices and lower quality. The parties currently compete to join commercial insurers provider networks, stimulating each other to improve their technology, expand services, recruit high-quality physicians and provide patients with convenient and accessible physician and surgical services. The transaction would eliminate that competitive pressure," Tad Lipsky, acting director of the FTCs Bureau of Competition, said in a statement.

The two providers said they used outside national, legal and economic experts to evaluate the partnership.

The best way to describe our reaction is that we are exasperated with the delay that the FTCs inquiry has already caused and that these proceedings will continue to cause," Mid Dakota Clinic Board Chair Dr. Shelly Seifert said in a statement.

We intend to vehemently defend our efforts to enhance medical care in central and western North Dakota," Craig Lambrecht, executive vice president of Sanford Bismarck, said.

Under the merger, Sanford would control 75 to 85 percent share, based on physician headcount, in area adult primary care, pediatric services and obstetrics and gynecology services. It would be the only physician group offering general surgery physician services, according to the complaint.

The commission voted 2-0 to issue the administrative complaint and to seek the injunction. The federal district court complaint will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. The administrative trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 28.
A federal judge has given Red Fawn Fallis permission to move from a jail in Rugby to a halfway house.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland ordered on Tuesday that Fallis be released as soon as space is available at Centre Inc. in Fargo. Hovland had previously denied a similar request for Fallis, who is accused of shooting at police officers during a Dakota Access Pipeline protest on Oct. 27.

In his order, Hovland cited Fallis' successful completion of a furlough to attend a memorial service in Colorado for her mother and the need for easier communication with her attorney, Bruce Ellison, of Rapid City, S.D.

U.S. Attorney David Hagler had opposed the request, saying she remained a danger to the community and a flight risk.

Fallis' trial, which was scheduled for July 17, has been postponed to Dec. 5. Ellison asked for the continuance due to the amount of evidence and legal issues in the case. The government did not oppose this request.

Ellison has also requested to move the jury trial out of Bismarck to another jurisdiction. Ellison cited "the massive, pervasive and prejudicial pre-trial publicity that has attended the pipeline protests and, specifically, her arrest and prosecution."

The government and judge have not yet responded to his request.
Police ask public to help identify vehicle allegedly used in homicide
At the end of May, President Donald Trump and the White House released their budget proposal, which clearly jeopardizes the future of Native American people and tribes. The federal government has failed to hold up the trust responsibility and treaty obligation to protect Native people. Our ancestors were forced into treaties as a last resort when our homelands were forcefully taken from us. The history of genocide and assimilation of the indigenous people is hidden, as well as how we were forced to believe the white man's way is the only way.

When Trumps budget was announced, I was appalled. His so-called America First budget clearly puts America last, gutting the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Interior in favor of corporate special interests and CEOs. The administration has proposed cutting the EPAs budget by $2.5 billion and DOIs budget by $1.6 billion, which would eviscerate key programs that North Dakotans need to ensure that we leave a strong and healthy legacy for our children.

We will not be able to safeguard our public lands and our families drinking water if leaders in Washington continue to allow special interests to take priority over the needs of average Americans.

In my capacity as president of Fort Berthold Protectors of Water & Earth Rights (POWER), I have seen firsthand the important work that the EPA does in North Dakota. Across the state we depend on programs funded by the EPA that safeguard our drinking water and our air quality. These protections keep our family healthy and environment resilient. The EPAs Clean Water Rule, for example, protects small streams and other critical water bodies. In North Dakota, headwater, rain-fed and seasonal streams contribute to the drinking water supplies of 290,000 people.

Rather than taking steps to ensure that our children and the generations that follow have access to clean drinking water, Trump and his administration have put the needs of corporate polluters first. Even before it was operational, Dakota Access Pipeline spilled over 100 gallons of oil in North Dakota. While this incident did not threaten water supplies or natural wildlife, under Trumps proposed budget if another leak occurred that threatens North Dakotan waterways or wildlife, the EPA will not have the proper resources to clean it up. A 31 percent cut to the EPA would decimate the agencys ability to respond to crises and risks exposing our children to contaminated water.

Trumps budget also threatens to sell off our public lands to the highest bidder. We cherish our public lands here in North Dakota. Our parks, waters and lands are part of Americas outdoor heritage, and we have a moral obligation to protect them for our children and grandchildren. Cuts to DOI and EPA clearly signal to North Dakotans that this president does not care about our health or our outdoors.

Trumps budget cuts over $1 billion from Americas national parks, putting American families' opportunities to experience places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park in jeopardy. Staff cuts and maintenance backlogs are already at dangerous levels, and further cuts will come at the expense of working families in communities that depend on outdoor recreation and tourism to fuel their economy. Instead of maximizing sellouts to special interests, our leaders in Washington need to recognize what so many before them have: When our parks thrive, so do Americans.

It should be common sense that a great America would have great parks, great lands and waters, and clean, healthy drinking water for our children. But Trumps vision seems drastically different.

We are counting on our leaders in Washington to reject any more cuts to the EPA and DOI for the sake of our most sacred resources in North Dakota  our lands and our waters. North Dakotans across the state will resist any actions by our leaders in Washington that would harm our outdoor heritage, or the clean drinking water our children need.
By Dezan Shira & Associates

Editors: Jake Liddle and Tongyu Zhang

Over the last few years, there have been a number of changes to the wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE) establishment process in China. Primarily, the latest update to the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries, which lifts regulatory thresholds for certain industries such as the energy and finance sectors, affects the record filing process with MOFCOM. In addition, obtaining a business license has become easier with the introduction of the new five-in-one license: previously, five different certificates had to be acquired from different authorities. These new considerations for investors looking to set up a WFOE in China are advantageous, widening the scope of investment and speeding up the application process.

The establishment process of a WFOE can vary somewhat depending on the chosen structure, namely a service WFOE, manufacturing WFOE, or trading WFOE, and its associated business scope. For instance, a trading WFOE also needs to register with authorities such as Customs after obtaining a business license, while a manufacturing WFOE must complete an environmental impact evaluation report. Other country-specific issues, such as bank accounts with different currencies and official company seals, may also affect investors business operations in China. Therefore, it is advisable for potential investors to enlist professional assistance when navigating the establishment procedures in order to ensure the ventures success and to guard against any future issues. The following steps offer a rough guideline of the establishment process.

Step 1: Name approval

One of the first steps for foreign companies is to

decide on an appropriate name for the Chinese market. The key pieces of legislation governing this are the Regulations on Registration and Management of Enterprises Name and the Implementation Measures on Registration and Administration of Enterprise Names, which detail how a Chinese company name should be structured. It includes:

Administrative region name of incorporation; Brand name; Industry or business; Company Limited.

Additional guidelines restrict the content of names, forbidding the use of content that either misleads consumers or hinders fair competition, or damages or contradicts national unity, policies, social ethics, culture, or religion. Special characters, such as Arabic numerals, foreign symbols or alphabets, are not permitted, and certain words such as China, Chinese, National, State or International can only be used under limited circumstances. An English translation or transliteration of the company name is not required to be registered with the AIC, but may have equal legal validity as a Chinese company name providing there is enough evidence to associate the English name of a company with its Chinese name, such as a bilingual company chop bearing the two names.

Companies should conduct market research on the naming strategy of industry competitors, thereby understanding the types of names that are typically successful. The name should be consistent with preexisting brand strategy, clearly reflecting the brands key attributes and appealing to its target demographic. Careful attention should be paid to the nuances of the Chinese language, with subtleties in character meaning or pronunciation potentially leading to a negative connotation and interpretation.

The availability of names can be checked by searching trademark and business registration databases, such as that on the website of the Trademark Office of Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (see here). Applications can be made to the local Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC), which will reserve the name and process the approval.

Step 2: Office/facility space lease

As the company name contains the city of registration, careful consideration should be made before engaging an estate agent or landlord. In some cases, the city name can affect operations, as certain city names carry prestige and credibility that may impact sales, business development, and governmental relations. Relocation, especially cross-district, is a taxing and expensive process, as it may implicate registration with a new AIC and tax authorities, in addition to the MOFCOM filing record procedures, business license, bank information, and other company certificates that must be revised.

If the intended facility space is not owned by the investor, it needs to be leased for legal operation in China. The lease should be made before submitting the application for incorporation, and a rental period of at least 12 months starting from the application submission date to the AIC is also required. Leases should be made with correct formatting, and registered with the local real estate authority. A land rights certificate and personal documentation should also be obtained from the landlord to ensure the legitimacy of the property. It is recommended that a clause be included in the contract stating that, in case of WFOE application rejection, the lease can be voided. A copy of a Certificate of Premise Ownership (CPO) issued by the real estate authority needs to be submitted to the local AIC, with the owner making the application.

Step 3: Environment impact assessment (for manufacturing WFOE)

The environmental impact assessment is set up to control the impact that a manufacturing enterprise may have on the environment. According to the Catalogue for Classified Administration of Environmental Impact Assessment, manufacturing projects can be classified as having either a significant, moderate, or small impact on the environment, which determines whether they need to provide an environmental impact evaluation statement, report, or registration form, respectively. The evaluation should be carried out by qualified institutions with a certificate issued by the environmental protection department of the State Council. In addition, the local environmental protection authorities will require information on the raw materials to be used, the equipment and machinery, measures for environmental protection, and the consumption and disposal of hazardous materials.

Step 4: MOFCOM approval or record-filing

As long as a companys business scope is not restricted by the Negative list for Foreign Investment (in free trade zones), or is not subject to the special administration measures for foreign investment access, the application can go through a simplified record-filing process, recently promulgated in the Provisional Measures for the New Filing System issued by MOFCOM. This process requires:

An application form; Commitment letter by all investors or their representatives; Business license or pre-approval documents for the name of the WFOE; Power of attorney appointing the representatives and the identity paper of the representatives; and Certificate or identity document of investors and legal representative for the application.

These documents must be uploaded through the online integrated management system. The commerce authorities  normally provincial-level  should verify the integrity and accuracy of the information and complete the filing within three working days. Interestingly, the filing process is not actually a necessity for obtaining a business license, but for restricted or encouraged industries with equity portion requirements, the setup of a WFOE requires the approval of commerce authorities.

The new filing system is being implemented within the scope of the 2015 Catalogue, but the draft of the forthcoming updated Catalogue has now been made public by the NDRC and MOFCOM for comment. The State Council has also issued an announcement for further opening-up of industries for foreign investment, with a notable emphasis on easing restrictions on the financial and energy sectors.

Step 5: Five-in-one business license

After receiving an Approval Certificate from MOFCOM, registration and application for a business license can be made to the local AIC within 30 days of receipt. As with the record-filing process, the application for a business license has recently been significantly simplified with the introduction of the five-in-one business license, which has replaced the previous three-in-one license. The standardized national credit number simultaneously covers:

Accompanying the new business license scheme is an online business registration system, which facilitates information sharing between all departments involved in the registration procedure, thereby simplifying the overall establishment process. One application form and one set of application materials can be submitted to an application terminal at the local AIC, reducing the process from one month to around 15 to 25 days.

Step 6: Carving chops

Unlike practices in the West, a companys official seal in China has legal authority over the signature of a legal representative and has the power to validate documents and contracts, regardless of who uses it. Its possession and whereabouts are therefore of utmost importance.

All companies operating in China are required to have an official seal, which is round in shape and bears the official company name in Chinese, and where applicable, in English. A company seal can be obtained from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) after successful registration with the AIC. When signing a contract, it is always the opposite partys responsibility to ensure that the signing partys seal is authentic  if not, the contract is not legally binding. The PSB therefore keeps a duplicated copy of the official company seal in the event of fraud or disputes.

Other than the official company seal, a company must also have a legal representative seal, a financial seal, a seal for use on fapiao, and in the case of trading WFOEs, a customs seal. A legal representative seal is used for specific license and certificate applications and banking documents, while the legal representative seal is square in shape and bears the name of the companys legal representative. The financial seal is used to validate financial transactions such as cash withdrawals, wire transfers, and bank checks. The companys financial officer should keep possession of this seal separately from others, with a duplicate stored with the companys registered bank for verification and anti-fraud purposes. With authority in a Chinese company residing primarily in the hands of the person who currently holds its seals, it is advisable to put in place a mechanism to track, record, and monitor their use.

Step 7: Open foreign exchange and RMB bank account

A WFOE in China needs to have a minimum of two banks accounts: an RMB basic account, and a foreign currency capital contribution account. An RMB basic account is a must for a WFOEs daily business operations in China. This account is the only account from which the company can withdraw RMB cash, and often acts as a designated account for making tax payments. The foreign currency capital contribution account is necessary to receive capital injections from overseas. Approval to open this account can be obtained from SAFE.

A WFOE can establish bank accounts with both Chinese and international banks. Although many foreign investors prefer to establish an account with an international bank due to an existing business relationship, creating accounts with a Chinese bank has some advantages regarding efficiency, convenience, and security. A WFOEs financial and legal chops are usually required in order to verify the signature of the company when opening a bank account in China.

Step 8: Import and export registration procedures (only for trading WFOE)

In order for a trading WFOE to conduct import/export trading & distribution activities, it must first obtain a customs registration certificate and an import-export license, which essentially allows it to exchange foreign currencies to RMB, and refund sales or VAT on imported or exported products. In addition to this, a trading WFOE must complete foreign trader operator filing with MOFCOM, make quality inspection registration with the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, and obtain an E-port IC card, software, and card reader with the China Electronic Port.

Step 9: General VAT taxpayer related procedures

Taxpayers in China are split into two categories when it comes VAT: general taxpayers and small-scale taxpayers. The latter are entities involved with wholesale and retail with sales of less than RMB 800,000 per year, manufacturers (including those providing processing, repair, and replacement services) with sales not exceeding RMB 500,000 per year, and taxpayers offering VAT-taxable services with maximum annual sales of RMB 5 million. All other taxpayers come under the general classification.

Despite lower VAT rates for small-scale taxpayers, general taxpayers can deduct input VAT from output VAT, reducing the overall tax burden of the company. General taxpayer status also permits the company to issue special VAT fapiao to its clients and customers. Fapiao are important in business transactions and can be used as legal receipts and for tax deduction purposes, where appropriate. Provided a sound accounting system can be demonstrated, entities who fall into the small-scale taxpayer category can also apply for general taxpayer status, the application process for which has recently been simplified.

To gain general taxpayer status, an application form and tax registration certificate must be submitted to the local tax bureau. The registration will then be checked and confirmed by the bureau. Previously, extra steps, such as an interview and on-site inspection, were required; the removal of these steps has shortened the time required from 30 working days to around five. It is important to note that once this status is acquired, it is not possible to convert back to small-scale status.

Conclusion

Steps towards the simplification of the WFOE set up process are continually being made. Most noticeable are the developments with the business license. The five-in-one business license departs from the need for multiple sets of application materials to multiple authorities, and with it, the streamlining of administration, which is becoming more tightly knit and effective. Sharing of information via the means of integrated and digitalized management systems facilitates not only quicker application times, but also more uniform ratification and assessment means. However, components such as the Catalogue and other requirements and regulations are always in the process of being updated. Therefore it is important to keep on top of these changes in order for the establishment process to run smoothly, particularly as the different business intents of WFOEs will affect the nature and steps of the set up process.

This article is an excerpt from the February issue of China Briefing Magazine, titled New Considerations when Establishing a China WFOE in 2017 In this edition of China Briefing, we guide readers through a range of topics, from the reasons behind foreign investors preference for the WFOE as an investment model, to managing Chinas new regulations.



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An Atlas moth hangs framed in suspended animation on the wall of a small design studio hidden down a Beijing alley, its silver-tipped wings gleaming in the afternoon light. The silk produced by this huge moth is said to have contributed to the world's first architecture: carpets. It's a good starting point for a company devoted to design, hence the name "Atlas Design." The founding members of the company have a genuine interest in carpets  a future project is in the pipeline  but they are also intent on creating what they call a "design atlas," preserving design heritage and amassing a collection of craft techniques to be used in future innovations.

Atlas Design came about when three alumni of Rhode Island College of Design decided to pool their respective skills and start a design company in Beijing. It made sense, explained co-founder Catherine McMahon, because "Beijing is still the cultural capital of China. People who have invested in traditional Chinese design are either in Beijing or Hangzhou." Catherine formerly worked for a consulting firm in Shanghai dealing with the societal impact of new technology, Jenny Chou contributed to disaster reconstruction by working for renowned architect Hsieh Ying-Chen from Taiwan, and Ahti Westphal did regional planning and park management in Cambodia. "We all have the same core education," Catherine explained, "but because of our life experience we all have completely different skills."

Sheer magic: Dali Village in Guizhou Province, southwest China.

The company has three strands weaving towards the realization of their "design atlas." As trained architects, interior design work and building design is their bread and butter, but their research interests lie more in the field of crafts and cultural heritage. The second strand involves cultural preservation and social enterprise  the desire to help others keep their traditional craft culture alive. The third strand is teaching, which Catherine does by lecturing at the Chinese Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), and which the studio does collectively by putting together workshops and educational programs showcasing traditional crafts.

Crafting Social Enterprise

The studio has a connection with a group of ethnic minority Dong women from the tiny mountain village of Dali in Guizhou Province, southwest China, who produce handwoven fabrics. When Atlas first visited the place, all the members of the team were stunned by the area's natural beauty  the greenery, the rich red earth, the sheer magic of the place  and how "spatially dynamic" it was. The surrounding hills must be constantly farmed in order to grow the crops that the village depends on. "There is an intense relationship between humans and nature," Catherine observed during her visit. "It takes many generations of people contributing to make a place that strong  and to destroy it could be so quick."

The village was in need of something more than just farming. Guizhou's government is progressive in terms of eco-development, and invests in cultural preservation  but villages this remote are often the last to see any of the cash. Atlas teamed up with the Global Heritage Fund to create an "evolving social enterprise model" which will benefit women of the village and their families as well as preserving their traditional craftwork. The local government has since turned their attention to Dali, and plans are in the works to increase tourism to the region. But in terms of local enterprise, it is the women who are forging the way.

"There was no organization around the textiles," Catherine commented on the women's weaving. "Really not commercial. It's all personal." The craftspeople are mostly middle-aged or older women. Their skills won't be passed down to younger generations because they are not seen as economically advantageous. Traditionally, it was always men who did business  women's work was not seen as marketable. Atlas helped develop a model whereby the valuable cultural heritage of Dali's craftwork can be preserved and utilized in a wider context, while earning money for the village and giving women's work economic value.

This required diversification. "What you have to do to keep something alive is not just one thing; you have to do lots of different things," Catherine explained. There is a rigid mode of production for these crafts, which are governed by a series of strict cultural rules (men are not even allowed to touch the indigo dye used to color the fabrics), but Atlas saw room for innovation in terms of design and marketing. They teamed up with female entrepreneur Lie Jia to help develop a way of commercializing the craft process.

The Atlas team (from left): Ahti Westphal, Jenny Chou and Catherine Macmahon.

Lie Jia was one step ahead of the other women in the village in terms of education. She was part of a Dong chorus who travelled around the country competing in singing contests, and her experience gave her a wider lens to focus on her own culture. Using her knowledge, she managed to develop her small weaving enterprise on a commercial scale. She formed a cooperative, encouraging other weavers to gather under the umbrella of her burgeoning brand. She now has over 200 weavers, a new showroom, a large farmhouse with 30 looms, teaching facilities, and accommodation for visiting school groups. She does cooperative projects with fashion labels and sells her fabrics online.

All she needed was a larger market. The fabrics produced by the Dong women are, as Catherine describes them, "insanely labor intensive." A lot of work, manual labor and time go into each length of cloth. The famous Guizhou glossy cloth is handwoven cotton dyed with indigo and then over-dyed several times with a red berry dye infused with egg white. The indigo process alone takes months. Rain fabric is a beautiful snow-white cloth woven from cotton and then left outside for days in the fields to be naturally bleached by the sun and morning dew. It is a gorgeous, extremely high-quality fabric. Something this labor intensive deserves a price to match.

Guizhou Voices on the World Stage
Wang Shi, founder and chairman of China's real estate giant Vanke Co Ltd, announced on Wednesday he will step down and the company's president Yu Liang will take his place.

An advertisement for China Vanke Co Ltd in the Shenzhen Metro. [Photo/Xinhua]

Experts said this move marks the end of a high-profile battle for control of the company, but concerns remain that its stock price is still sluggish.

On the heels of the announcement, Vanke's Shenzhen-listed shares increased by 1.52 percent on Wednesday morning, but closed at 21.04 yuan ($3.14), a gain of just 0.05 percent.

As the term of Vanke's current board has expired, its largest shareholder, Shenzhen Metro Group Co Ltd, on Monday proposed a list of nominees for its board of directors to be submitted to a shareholders meeting scheduled for June 30.

Three executives from Vanke are proposed to be included in the board and Yu Liang will become the head of the board. A graduate of Peking University, Yu joined Vanke in 1990 and has been its president since 2001.

On the nomination list, three executives of Shenzhen Metro are also proposed to be elected as non-executive directors, including its Chairman Lin Maode, General Manager Xiao Min, and Chief Financial Officer Chen Xianjun.

A surprise nominee is Sun Shengdian, chairman of Shenzhen Electronics Group Co Ltd, but no executives from Vanke's second and third-largest shareholders are listed.

Wang Shi posted a photo of him and Yu Liang on his WeChat Moments on Wednesday morning, with a caption reading, "When considering the change of the board, I have decided not to be nominated."

He also noted that "Vanke will enter a completely new development stage in the future and I believe it is the best time to pass the baton to Yu Liang's team, who are young but mature."

Wang established Vanke in 1984 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, but in the beginning it was only engaged in trading and retailing business, according to Tencent News.

In 1988, Wang entered the property industry with the purchase of his first piece of land, and 24 years later Vanke became one of the largest developers in the world in terms of sales volume.

However, it has been stuck in a two-year long battle for control since July 2015, when Baoneng Group started to buy Vanke shares. Baoneng once even proposed to remove Wang from his leading position.

Shenzhen Metro then stepped in and became Vanke's largest shareholder earlier this month, holding almost 30 percent of the company's total shares. The State-owned railway company on Wednesday said it respects Wang's decision and hopes Yu Liang can lead Vanke to the top of the real estate industry.

"Vanke is about to have a period of close cooperation with Shenzhen Metro and the battle for control is finally coming to an end, a result that is positive for Vanke's development," said Ouyang Liangyi, associate professor at Peking University's HSBC Business School in Shenzhen.

He predicted that Baoneng, Vanke's second-largest shareholder, will choose to exit, but it is not easy.

"Shenzhen Metro is already the biggest shareholder so it is unnecessary to buy more. So who else will take it as the stock is already at a relatively high position?" he questioned.
Baheal Pharmaceutical Group signs a partnership agreement with IBM in Beijing on Wednesday. [Provided to China.org.cn]



Baheal Pharmaceutical Group, a Chinese company specilizing in e-health, signed a partnership agreement with IBM in Beijing on Wednesday to bring Watson for Genomics to hospitals and clinics across China.

The deal came three months after Baheal signed a separate agreement with IBM in March to introduce the oncology product. The two Watson products are part of IBMs attempt to use its natural language computer system as the basis for targeted healthcare offerings.

Watson for Genomics is a cognitive computing platform for more precise treatment of cancer patients. It helps uncover potential therapeutic options that target the tumor's genetic alterations through analyzing massive genomic, clinical and pharmacological knowledge.

"Despite the promise of precision medicine, data-driven challenges make it difficult for oncologists to bring genomic advances to their patients," said Gang Fu, chairman of Baheal Pharmaceutical Group. "We believe Watson will help accelerate this growing field so that research advances can be accessed for patient benefit more quickly. "

Baheal Group has a proven track record delivering value to hospitals across China working with more than 12,000 hospitals today, and the company has already implemented Watson for Oncology at 8 hospitals.

"With the rapid proliferation of clinical, research and genomic data, we are proud to work with Baheal Group to bring the promise of cognitive computing to doctors and researchers all across China," said Rob Merkel, General Manager of Oncology and Genomics, IBM Watson Health. "Watson for Genomics can empower oncologists to deliver genomic insights to their patients faster and easier than it can now be done. We believe this has the power to scale expertise and ultimately help oncologists make more informed decisions."

Baheal currently works with more than 12,000 hospitals across China, thus improving Watsons adoption among oncologists in China, where cancer kills 2.8 million people annually.
Uber announced Tuesday it would include tipping function to its app, the first of a series of changes that the ride-hailing company has initiated to make amends with its drivers.

In the latest version of the Uber app, riders will be asked whether they would like to leave a tip when rating their drivers at the end of a trip. They can either choose the pre-determined amounts of one, three or five U.S. dollars, or select a custom amount.

This is considered a remarkable turnaround for Uber, which has been standing steadfast against the idea of adding tip feature to its app, citing the reason that "tipping would introduce a measure of 'uncertainty' to the price of a ride."

Allowing drivers to receive tips is just one of the eight changes that Uber is making in June to kick off an initiative called "180 Days of Change." Most of the changes are considered to favor the drivers, like paid wait-times and driver injury protection insurance.

Uber has been tangled in multiple scandals in recent months, ranging from sexual harassment allegations in the workplace to the use of spy software on its rivals.

In an online post titled "Uber's path forward," Uber cofounder and chairman Garrett Camp wrote: "A friend recently asked me, 'What went wrong?' and the answer is that we had not listened well enough to those who got us here... our team and especially our drivers."

Also on Tuesday, Uber's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Travis Kalanick agreed to step down from the top position. He was forced out by a shareholder revolt, launched by five of the company's major investors, according to a New York Times report.
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Beijing is bracing for a period of heavy rain, which is expected to last from Wednesday night to Friday.

Beijing meteorological station issued a yellow alert for rain and storms at 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

China has a four-tier color-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

The office of Beijing flood control headquarters warned of high risks of floods and geological disasters in mountainous areas. It also warned that low-lying areas may be inundated.

The office asked people to keep away from rivers, flooded road sections and mountainous regions.

Beijing Drainage Group has checked its flood control facilities and the drainage systems across the city before the rain.

The district of Tongzhou, in the east of the city and in the lower reaches of Beijing's rivers, is also prepared for the upcoming rainstorm.

The flood control department in Tongzhou has prepared 21 large pumps and organized 19 emergency rescue teams.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has organized an emergency team of more than 3,800 people. To ensure traffic safety, Beijing has increased highway, mountain, bridge and underground passage patrols.

Beijing Bus Group will dispatch more buses, especially on routes linking major railway stations in the city, to help passengers.

Moreover, Beijing Subway will install water fenders in its stations to prevent rain water from pouring in. The subway stations operated by Beijing MTR will provide raincoats to passengers for free.
As expected for quite some time, King Salman bin Abdulaziz has finally taken the decision about who should be his successor. The choice is his 31-year old energetic son Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, who has already eclipsed all other royals to emerge as the new assertive face of Saudi Arabia.

The King issued a royal decree to remove his nephew Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, from the line of succession as Crown Prince, while he promoted Prince Mohammed from position of Deputy Crown Prince.

In the process, the King has transferred the kingship of the oil-rich conservative Islamic kingdom into his descendants.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, 31 out of 34 members of Saudi Arabia's Allegiance Council chose Mohammed bin Salman as the new crown prince. The Allegiance Council was set up by former King Abdullah to oversee and ensure hassle-free successions.

Saudi media reported that former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has accepted the decision and showed allegiance to his junior but rival cousin. A video showed the former strongman meeting with Prince Mohammed and the latter showing a lot of traditional respect towards the former Crown Prince.

Nayef was well known in Western capitals for his war on terror as interior minister of the country. But he was also relieved of his positon as the interior minister and the chief law-enforcer.

It is an historic moment for Saudi Arabia as for the first time the new King would not be a son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the kingdom, who had several male children. Some of them have already died while others are too old to carry the burden of the head of country. The question has been decided now and the so-called "Sudairi Seven" have carried the day. The famed group consists of seven sons of King Abdulaziz from one of his wives, Hussa Sudairi. The seven full brothers were considered as extremely powerful within the hierarchy of the country.

Former King Fahad was the eldest of seven and served as king from 1982 to 2005. The current King Salman is one of the seven brothers. Many experts had predicted that the next line of kings would be from the Sudairi brothers.

The peaceful settlement of the issue will have a huge impact on the country and the region. The kingdom is a key cog in the current security and economic structure of the Middle East.

It cannot afford any kind of domestic bickering or weakness over the issue of a future potentate while facing multiple challenges. Also, being the biggest oil producer, its internal security is vital for the world.

The rise of the thick-bearded and English-speaking MBS was methodically choreographed. Since he burst onto the scene more than two years ago, the young prince has been visiting countries, receiving foreign dignitaries and initiating major internal and external policy decisions.

As the defense minister, he launched the war on Yemen in 2015, cobbled together an alliance of armies of Islamic countries  the so-called Muslim Nato  to fight militancy and orchestrated long-term measures to change the economic status of the country.

Despite having all of the advantages which one can dream of, the young prince has so far little to showcase his achievements. The Yemen war has made little headway and the Islamic alliance has not been shaped into a war machine even after two years since its announcement.

Similarly, the civil war in Syria is not going according to plan and the rebels supported by Saudi Arabia to affect a regime change have not performed as per the expectations. In a classical blowback, groups like the Islamic State have been strengthened and are now staring the kingdom in the eyes.

The impact of domestic policies like reducing subsidies and partially privatizing oil giants like Saudi Aramco have yet to be seen and calculated.

The new sanctions against Qatar have also not shown signs of progress as Qatar has the support of Iran and Turkey. It also has deep resources, thanks to the uninterrupted sale of gas, to skirt off the pressure applied by Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed bin Salman has crossed the first hurdle. But he will have to work hard to convince the world and Saudis back home that he can lead the country.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (1st R) co-chairs a diplomatic and security dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (1st L) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis (2nd L); Fang Fenghui (2nd R), a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participates in the dialogue in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin bogu)

China on Wednesday called for an early resumption of talks on the Korea Peninsula nuclear issue and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue through negotiations.

China and the United States began to talk about diplomatic and security issues on Wednesday. The dialogue was one of four high-level mechanisms announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump during their first meeting in Florida in April.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the one-day dialogue with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Among the Chinese attendees was Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department.

During the dialogue, China reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there, and urged a comprehensive and strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

China proposed a "dual-track approach" to promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and establishing a peace mechanism in parallel and a "suspension for suspension" to defuse the looming crisis.

As a first step, Pyongyang may suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale Washington-Seoul military exercises.

On Wednesday, China called on relevant parties to consider and adopt these proposals, in a bid to pull the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back on the right track of peaceful resolution through dialogue and consultation.

At the dialogue, China also reiterated its opposition to the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defense system in South Korea, saying such deployment should be halted and revoked.
 Flash

The Islamic State (IS) militants bombed historical al-Nuri mosque on Wednesday during fierce battles against the Iraqi army which has retaken most of Mosul, the country's second largest city, after eight months of offensives.

Iraqi Prime Minister Hadier Abadi said "blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and the al-Hadba minaret is an official declaration of defeat by the Islamic State."

However, a victory in Mosul, or even in Raqqa of Syria, cannot uproot terrorism in the Middle East, nor prevent it from spreading to other regions. Power struggle may lead to more intense conflicts in post-IS era after the common enemy disappears, according to analysts.

OFFENSIVES AT FINAL STAGE

Mosul has been under IS control since June 2014, when government forces abandoned the city. IS militants have thus taken control of large swaths of territories in the country, with the city as their de facto capital in Iraq.

The Iraqi army launched operations to retake the city in October 2016, when commanders said they expected to announce victory by the end of the year. However, the offensives slowed down due to strong resistance by the IS militants.

Iraqi forces pushed closer to Mosul's historical al-Nuri mosque on Wednesday amid fierce clashes in IS-controlled areas which only account for less than 10 percent of the city.

"The commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces began progress at dawn toward al-Nuri mosque and the surrounding areas," a source from the CTS told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

"After hours of fierce house-to-house battles, the troops seized some alleys and took new positions in the old city located some 100 meters away from al-Nuri mosque," the source said.

The progress was slowed by the stiff resistance of IS militants and a large number of roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings, in addition to IS snipers who took positions in the buildings of heavily-populated neighborhoods.

The militants on Wednesday bombed al-Nuri mosque and its famous leaning minaret, which has great symbolic value for the group.

IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph," or ruler of all Muslims and the cross-border "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria from the mosque's pulpit in his sole public appearance in July 2014.

According to UN reports, some 100,000 civilians are still trapped in the IS-held areas as the group is using the civilians as human shields.

CONFLICTS EXPECTED

"Recapturing Mosul and Raqqa would certainly break the back of the terrorist group, demolishing its self-declared state of Islamic 'caliphate' in Iraq and Syria," political analyst Ibrahim al-Ameri said.

After losing their strongholds, the IS group would retreat to tribal areas in the desert where the government's control is weak, and pick up guerrilla-style tactics to launch attacks in the region and across the world.

"Obviously, terrorism will continue in Iraq and Syria, even more significantly. It will rapidly extend its global reach," Ameri said.

"The IS will incite and organize attacks against its far enemies in Western countries and near enemies such as Iran, as part of its strategy to show the caliphate is not restricted in Iraq and Syria," he added.

During the past few weeks, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in Britain.

The liberation of Mosul and Raqqa involved a variety of forces from regional and world states, in addition to armed groups, which are often bitterly at odds.

"All the concerned parties will claim the lands they seized in the past two years from IS which risks bringing them into conflicts," Ameri said.

"The situation in post-IS Mosul will be complicated. IS militants will be hunted by all Iraqi factions. But power struggle among the central government, the Kurdistan, Sunni and Shiite factions, will be more intense," said security expert Major General Abdullah al-Jubouri.

"In Syria, things are even more complicated, because fighters of the terrorist group will either melt in the society or join other factions. Most likely, the Western countries and regional powers will try to recruit them to take advantage of their expertise in fighting against (the) Assad regime," Jubouri said.

Every party will use any possible means to reshape the political landscape in Syria, and in Iraq as well if possible, for their interests, he added.
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 Flash

China on Thursday urged Japan to educate its children correctly to avoid further disturbance to China-Japan relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the remarks at a regular press conference.

It was reported that Japan's education ministry stated in a book of new curricular guidelines for elementary and secondary schools that China's Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea are "inherent" parts of Japanese territory.

In response to the move, Geng reaffirmed that the Diaoyu Island and adjacent islets have been Chinese territory since ancient times and China has firm resolve and determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

"No matter what it does or says, the Japanese side cannot change the fact that the Diaoyu Islands belong to China," said Geng.

Geng urged the Japanese side to face up to history and reality, and to stop provocation.
Wang Hong, the wife of

incarcerated pastor Chen

Shixin, holds Christian

literature that survived a

raid on the couples home.

(Photo: ChinaAid)

ChinaAid

(Huaibei, AnhuiJune 22, 2017) The local government in Chinas eastern Anhui province dispatched more than 10 officers to the home of an incarcerated church pastor on June 14 and searched it, confiscating important materials.

Wang Hong, the wife of Caili Church pastor Chen Shixin, told a ChinaAid reporter that group of more than 10 public security bureau agents showed up at her front door on June 14, armed with a search warrant, and demanded that she take them to her husbands room. They searched every corner of his office and took away the computers main console. They also thoroughly searched other rooms. I told them that I couldnt find the key when they approached my closet, but they pried it open with special tools anyway. They took away the confiscated objects and gave us an inventory list.

In addition, documents proving the church had contracted its land were confiscated.

Another Christian surnamed Gu alleged that the officials found and wanted to confiscate more than 10 Christian books but were hesitant to do so because confiscating religious items would require the presence of someone from the religious affairs bureau. He also said they photographed the house but reduced the number of pictures taken because the home did not double as a church.

Chen was taken into police custody on May 12 after an elaborate dispute over land contracted by the church, which escalated into the attempted kidnapping of his brother. Six days later, the public security bureau arrested him on the falsified charge of intentionally sabotaging public and private property. His case is currently at the local procuratorate, which will decide whether or not to prosecute him.

ChinaAid exposes abuses such as those suffered by Chen and Wang 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


The Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, terrorism, military-to-military cooperation  the list goes on.

Any of such topics of bilateral, regional and global concern raised at the table of the maiden China-US Diplomatic and Security Dialogue could have consumed the daylong session. Especially, the Korean Peninsula issue, as the tragic death of Otto Warmbier added fuel to public outrage at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, raising concerns the dialogue might get mired in who is to do what next.

Such worries proved unfounded, however. And the opening installment of the brand-new mechanism of China-US engagement was successful, sustaining the constructive atmosphere from the summit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in early April, and adding optimism to the three other components - economic, law enforcement and cybersecurity, and social and culture - of the China-US Comprehensive Dialogue.

Beijing and Washington have plenty of thorny, pressing tasks at hand, many of which can't be accomplished without both being involved, and committed simultaneously. That Xi and Trump seem to get along well and China-US relations have so far fared well in the Trump era are reassuring signs that essential lessons about this particular relationship have been learned.

Many longstanding issues keep haunting China-US relations not because Beijing and Washington lack the wisdom, or tools to resolve them, but because they are lacking the mutual trust and political will to work together.

It would certainly be misleading to assume Beijing and Washington will be happy together hereafter, though both pledged goodwill and collaboration. However, considering the arduous task of forging mutual trust, there was nothing more to expect from Wednesday's dialogue. And, at the end of the day, what truly matters is their consensus to manage and control their differences on the basis of mutual respect.

In fairness to both parties, Beijing and Washington have made attempts to jointly handle issues of common concern, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But more often than not, they keep finding themselves ensnared by their differences at critical junctures.

Such a state of affairs may be understandable between a rising power and an incumbent one, which is how China and the US are portrayed in the age-old framework of a big-power struggle.

So the diplomatic pragmatism the Chinese and US leaders have demonstrated so far is welcome as it may usher in more benign interaction that cultivates goodwill via case-specific collaboration. For their interests are not intrinsically contradictory, it is their mutual suspicions that they need to overcome.

The latest dialogue just affirmed their shared will to try and do so.
Nearly 8 percent of the state, including Bismarck and Mandan, is seeing worsening conditions as the U.S. Drought Monitor's rating of the area moved today from severe to extreme drought.

A report by the Climate Prediction Center indicated that drought in North Dakota is expected to improve but will remain in place through September.

On Wednesday, the North Dakota Farmers Union urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to open Conservation Reserve Program acres for emergency haying and grazing due to widespread drought.

Livestock producers need help now, said Mark Watne, NDFU's president. Feed supplies are deteriorating fast, hay is in short supply due to last years harsh winter, and ranchers are facing the difficult decision of whether to downsize their herd. It is an emergency situation.

The United States Drought Monitor places all of North Dakota in at least abnormally dry conditions. Sixty-seven percent of the state is in a moderate drought, 40 percent in severe drought and nearly 8 percent in extreme drought, including portions of Morton, Burleigh, Oliver, McLean and Mercer counties. Parts of Southwest North Dakota also are experiencing extreme drought conditions along with portions of Divide and Williams counties in the northwest corner of the state.

Watne said spotty rainfall across the region has helped alleviate the drought in some areas, but it isnt significant enough to reverse long-term impacts. On Saturday, Bismarck received .4 inches of rain, according to Weather Underground records.

Producers and their livestock need relief now, he said. Delaying the opening of CRP until August, as typically is the case, will be too late. The grass will have very little nutritional value, if any.

NDFU was one of four Farmers Union states that signed on to a letter by National Farmers Union, urging the Secretary to address the significant drought situation in the Upper Great Plains.

We have not yet entered a hydrological drought, said Allen Schlag, hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. That takes a little more time. The lakes and reservoirs are reasonably full. That is a distinct plus at this point.

Schlag identifies the drought as meteorological, which happens when dry weather patterns dominate an area, and agricultural, which happens when crops are affected.

A hydrological drought occurs when low water supply becomes evident, especially in streams, rivers and groundwater levels, usually after months of meteorological drought.

Not much moisture is forecast for this weekend, but windy conditions will continue. On Thursday, Belcourt experienced a 64-mph wind gust.

There may be some scattered showers, but those will be few and far between, said Schlag, adding there will be a better opportunity for rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

Its going to be cool and breezy this weekend ... borderline unpleasant to those accustomed to the hot weather we typically see this time of the year," he said. "But, the cooler weather will benefit us."

Temperatures are expected to swing the other direction and heat up around July 4.

"We don't see anything that will bring a lot of relief in our future," Schlag said.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring will lead a drought roundtable meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Farm Credit Services building, 1600 Old Red Trail N.W. in Mandan.

This roundtable is an opportunity for producers, ag groups and agencies to discuss the current drought situation in North Dakota and the options available to producers, Goehring said. Topics will include the status of the drought, forage quality and livestock management strategies, crop insurance forage options and the Farm Service Agency process to access Conservation Reserve Program acres for emergency haying and grazing.

Goehring and the following individuals are scheduled to speak:

Kevin Sedivic, rangeland specialist for North Dakota State University Extension

Carl Dahlen, animal scientist for NDSU Extension

Shad Weber, senior risk management specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture

Brad Olson, manager of the North Dakota Farm Service Agency Conservation Program

The agenda for the meeting is available at nd.gov/ndda.
Financial regulators in Hong Kong hailed Morgan Stanley Capital International's decision to include the A-share index, saying the inclusion will further cement the city's gateway status linking the mainland equity market with overseas stock markets.

Tuesday's decision by MSCI may elicit initial inflows of $17 billion to $18 billion into the domestic equity market, according to MSCI estimates. Capital inflows may reach $340 billion if A-shares are wholly included in the MSCI indices.

"The inclusion of A shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index signifies the growing importance of the A-share market to international investors, and will further strengthen Hong Kong's role as the gateway to access the mainland stock market under the existing stock connect programs," said Ashley Alder, chief executive officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, the city's securities market regulator.

The SFC will work closely with the China Securities Regulatory Commission to ensure smooth implementation, the SFC statement added.

"The move will help the Chinese mainland become the second biggest financial market in the world. It is the beginning of the full integration of Chinese mainland's financial market in the world," said Charles Li Xiaojia, chief executive of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, at the Shanghai Lujiazui Forum held on Wednesday.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped to 25,694 points, or 0.57 percent, with a turnover of HK$76.5 billion ($9.79 billion) on Wednesday when MSCI included the A-share index in its Emerging Markets Index. The share price dip in Hong Kong on Wednesday was led by developer stocks and the retreat of regional gauges in Asia.

Financial analysts said Hong Kong has played a pivotal role in A-share inclusion in MSCI's indices after having been rejected three times.

"The successful launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect schemes paved the way for this inclusion," said Helen Wong, HSBC's chief executive in China.

"The larger 222 A-share inclusion, from 169 stocks proposed earlier, was mainly due to the inclusion of A-shares that are also listed in Hong Kong," said Julian Wee, Asia senior markets strategist at National Australia Bank.

A quick guide to MSCI indexes

MSCI is one of the most influential capital market index providers. Around 97 percent of world's top 100 asset managers track indexes provided by MSCI.

Beginning in June 2018, MSCI will include China A shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the MSCI ACWI Index, using a two-step inclusion process.

The number of China A shares in the pro-forma MSCI China Index would be 222.

The total number of constituents in the pro forma MSCI China Index would increase from 152 to 423.

The pro forma weight of China A shares in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index following the completion of the second implementation step would be approximately 0.73 percent.

The inclusion may bring capital of $11.5 billion to the A-share market in the short term, and $300 billion in the longer term, according to an estimate by BOC International.
ARUSHA - Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Wednesday launched the Chinese-invested steel factory Kiluwa Steel Group, located in the eastern district of Kibaha.

Speaking at its official launch, President Magufuli commended the Chinese investors for choosing Tanzania as their investment destination in the east African region, calling other foreign investors to follow suit.

He described the new Chinese investment as important as it is part and parcel of the government-driven industrialization agenda.

Magufuli said: "This is an important project for Tanzania as it produces quality iron bars that meet the international standard as they are used in any bridge across the globe."

He discouraged the tendency of importing raw materials from other countries when in Tanzania there is a big deposit of iron ore in Mchuchuma area of the southern part of the country.

"I am aware of the challenge with our iron ore, as it is mixed with titanium and vanadium so the iron is combined with the two elements. These two elements have value than iron ore, I urge Tanzanian experts to find ways of separating the elements so that we get pure iron ore which is fit for iron bar production. This will also reduce the cost of importing to our investors," Magufuli suggested.

The Kiluwa Steel Group located in Mlandizi area of Kibaha District in Coast Region has the capacity of producing 300,000 tons iron bars per year in the first phase.

In the second phase, the plant will produce an average of 1,200,000 tons of iron bars per year.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Lu Youqing congratulated the factory's launching, saying it will contribute to China-Tanzania cooperation.

The factory is linked with 3.5-km railway line from Tanzania Railway Ltd, at an advantageous point for the transport of raw materials and final products to the market.
Both sides see opportunities flowing from B&R Initiative

Business leaders from China and the United States attending a top level forum in Beijing on Wednesday urged the two countries to engage in full cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral financial institutions, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The US Chamber of Commerce and the China Center for International Economic Exchangesthe business thinktank of the Chinese governmentwill organize a meeting within the next 12 months to promote to US companies the projects related to the initiative.

The initiative was announced in a joint statement released after the Ninth US-China CEO and Former Senior Officials' Dialogue in Beijing.

The statement said the US side at the coming meeting will provide input on ways Chinese companies can participate in US infrastructure revitalization initiatives.

Myron Brilliant, executive vice-president of the US Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative had spurred investments in infrastructure. He said it will considerably broaden the potential for Chinese and US investment, and open many opportunities for Chinese and US companies to cooperate in third countries.

"Significant participation by US companies, including in partnership with Chinese businesses, can make new contributions to the furtherance of China-US economic and trade relations," Brilliant told a news conference after the dialogue in Beijing.

The business leaders forum occurred against the backdrop of a productive summit between the leaders of the two countries in Florida in April, when both sides agreed to 100 days of trade talks.

The talks started to yield results in May, when they agreed to take action by mid-July to increase access for US financial companies and expand their trade in chicken and beef.

Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-chairman of the Beijing-based China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said infrastructure projects in the US will generate an enormous need for investment, and the new US administration has indicated that this is a major priority.

"China has strong capabilities and cost advantages in infrastructure building, including the building of urban roads, expressways, flyovers, high-speed rail and ports," Zhang said.
Workers move packages at the automatic intelligent storage base, opened by Cainiao Network Technology, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Innovative move set to improve the company's existing logistics nodes

Cainiao Network Technology Co Ltd, the courier aggregator backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has announced the establishment of a logistics storage fund with a leading Chinese insurer, the latest attempt to cash in on the country's lucrative express delivery market.

By teaming up with China Life Insurance (Group) Co, the 8.5 billion yuan ($1.24) fund was designated to improve Cainiao's existing logistics nodes, a junction in a circuit where goods come to rest, as well as to invest in smart warehouse technologies, Cainiao said in a statement to China Daily on Wednesday.

As the fund's general partner, Cainiao will operate and manage the assets and invest in logistics-related real estate projects, according to the statement. Morgan Stanley serves as the deal's sole financial advisor.

This marks the first such fund Cainiao has established, as the asset-light firm pours in financial resources to build a logistics aircraft carrier loaded with information generated from its partnering couriers.

Unlike its rival JD.com Inc, Alibaba does not own its logistics infrastructure but uses Cainiao to assemble a network of delivery firms and builds a data platform that enables speedier and more efficient service by allowing couriers to bundle deliveries in the same area.

The platform has been locked in fierce competition with delivery major SF Express (Group) Co Ltd, and last month there was a battle over the control of customer information generated through Alibaba's e-commerce sites. The duo cut off data sharing and delayed parcel arrivalsmoves which almost threw the market into disarray.

For the likes of Alibaba, investing in smart logistics is necessary in light of the "new retail" era, when orders are placed much faster as the dichotomy between online and offline channels becomes a thing of the past, said Duan Yan, co-founder of oTMS, a cloud-computing transport management provider.

Combining upstream data on e-commerce platforms could allow couriers to realize end-to-end forecasting, cut the time for parcel sorting, and provide a consistent shopping experience, he said.

China's smart logistics market, which features the use of big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence in goods delivery, is projected to grow fivefold to 1 trillion yuan by 2025, according to estimates by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

The pursuit of data has propelled Cainiao to partner with Chinese leading automakers to manufacturer 1 million vehicles for smart transportation.

At a logistics summit in May, Alibaba founder Jack Ma urged courier operators to transform into "data companies", saying that the future lies in commanding and utilizing that sheer volume of data.

Betting on its strength in smart logistics, JD has established a logistics business unit to oversee smart supply chains and is comfortable using drone technologies to offer delivery services in out-of-the-way locations without incurring high logistics costs.
The container ship COSCO Netherlands docks in Singapore port, the largest port in Southeast Asia.[Photo/Xinhua]

China COSCO Shipping Corp is extending its container fleet as the company expands its sea routes.

The group, through its subsidiary China COSCO Shipping Holding Co Ltd, plans to buy six mega container ships from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd.

Another eight container vessels will be purchased from Shanghai Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co Ltd.

The two deals will be worth about $1.78 billion.

Deliver dates for the 14 container ships have been penciled in for the next two years, and they will raise the group's operational TEU, or twenty-foot equivalent units, capacity to more than 2 million by the end of 2018.

"Traditionally, Chinese shipping companies mainly transported containers on shipping lines between Asia and Africa, and China and Southeast Asia," said Wan Min, general manager of China COSCO Shipping Corp.

"But we are now focusing on major shipping lines between Asia and Europe, and Asia and North and South America."

Denmark's Maersk Line, Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Co SA and French group CMA CGM SA are the world's top three container operators, with up to a 40 percent market share worldwide.

"Chinese companies hold a relatively small share in comparison," Wan said.

By the end of February, COSCO Shipping Lines Co, another subsidiary of the sprawling State-owned China COSCO Shipping Corp, operated 311 container ships.

They have a total TEU capacity of 1.64 million, making the company the fourth largest player in world by size of its container fleet.

In addition, the group has placed orders for 33 container vessels, with a TEU carrying capacity of more than half a million.

"Free trade arrangements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreement and China-Australia FTA, will also offer new growth opportunities for China COSCO Shipping's container cargo services in the Asia-Pacific region," Wan said.

Analysts stressed that new orders for container ships will boost the company's presence, but it could have a negative effect on the industry.

"The race for larger container vessels will delay the recovery of the industry as the global shipping sector has experienced rocky times in recent years," said Cheng Zhiwei, an analyst with Changjiang Securities Co.

But Wang Mingzhi, deputy director-general of the Waterborne Transport Bureau at the Ministry of Transport, felt the decision by China COSCO Shipping Corp to upgrade its fleet was a positive move.

"Better-equipped ships will help the company compete against international rivals," Wang said.

"It will also encourage them to work on new products, such as liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas carriers," Wang added.
BEIJING - The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, said Wednesday that a list of high-profile construction projects will attract private capital.

State-owned enterprises involved in electricity, petroleum, gas, transportation and information programs on the 165 key project list have been encouraged to invite private capital participation through mixed-ownership, the NDRC said in a circular.

It is encouraged to have multi-source capital channels, including fiscal capital, bank loans, private equity industry funds and public-private-partnership (PPP), in an effort to improve project financing efficiency, it said.

The NDRC will further ease entry limitations for sectors including civil airports, basic telecommunication services as well as petroleum and gas exploration and exploitation.

China's top legislature last year approved 165 major projects, covering sectors including technological innovation, industrial upgrades, infrastructure construction, environmental protection and improving people's living conditions.

The projects will be implemented over a five-year period starting in 2016.
WASHINGTON - The US Commerce Department on Wednesday launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations against imports of fine denier polyester staple fiber from China, India, South Korea and Vietnam.

The investigations are a response to a request from three US-based producers of polyester staple fiber, the Commerce Department said in a statement.

They alleged that producers in each of these four countries were dumping fine denier polyester staple fiber in the US market with margins ranging from 21.43 percent to 103.06 percent.

They also claimed that the governments of China and India were providing improper subsidies to producers of polyester staple fiber, the department said.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC), another US trade authority, is scheduled to make its preliminary inquiry determinations around July 17.

The probe will continue if the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports of polyester staple fiber from these countries materially injure or threaten the domestic industry of the United States.

Last year, imports of denier polyester staple fiber from the Chinese mainland and China's Taiwan were estimated at about $79.4 million and $9.6 million, respectively, according to the department.

China's Ministry of Commerce has kept urging Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and help maintain a free, open and just international trade environment.
SYDNEY  The University of New South Wales (UNSW) celebrated its partnership with an emerging Chinese technology company, WeTouch, at an event held on Thursday in Sydney.

The partnership is one of many the university has as part of the Torch innovation program in conjunction with China's Ministry of Science and Technology, housed at the Torch Innovation Precinct at UNSW.

At the event, Brian Boyle, pro-vice chancellor of research at UNSW told Xinhua that the Torch project was "visionary" and that it is key to developing even further strong ties between China and Australia in the field of science and technology.

"Only a year ago we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and Technology. A year later, we have over 20 programs of leading edge research with global industry partners, delivering over A$70 million ($52.88 million) of research contracts to this university," Boyle said.

"Our relationship with WeTouch represents the pinnacle of that approach."

The chairman of WeTouch, Peter French, was excited about the partnership between China and Australia, and the role that his company is playing in bridging the science and technology gap between the two nations.

"I am very pleased to be part of this very exciting program of research and development that can showcase Australian innovation...that can enhance and improve all our lives." French said.

Emma Johnston, the newly appointed Dean of Science at UNSW, said that this program, and the advancements made by the collaboration, further establish the ties between her university and China.

"The development of touchscreens is a massively expanding industry, it's worth a lot already and it is only going to continue to grow," Johnston said.

"So it also represents a great opportunity for the organization, the company, for Australia, and for China."

WeTouch is set to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on July 31, 2017.
A Vertu Aster luxury smartphone sits on a table. [Photo/VCG]

Vertu, one of the world's leading manufacturers of luxury mobile phones, has announced that it has signed an agreement with TCL Communication.

This is the first agreement signed by Vertu since the company was purchased by entrepreneur Hakan Uzan in mid-March of 2017. This agreement, worth $40 million, will enable Vertu to "use advanced and innovative technology from TCL Communication for 30,000 handcrafted Vertu phones".

Speaking from the new corporate offices of Vertu AK France in Paris, Hakan commented, "We are delighted to have signed this agreement with TCL Communication. It is the first of many, considerable investments we are making into the business. TCL Communication is a valued partner of Vertu and we hope that this will be the start of a prosperous new chapter in our relationship."

Today's announcement is seen as a first step in helping Vertu enable its full potential as a powerful global brand. Under new patronage and the leadership of Hakan, Vertu is going through a substantial restructuring and modernisation of all its business units, whilst preserving the heritage and craftsmanship it is renowned for around the world.

"Customers will have access to limited, special edition Constellation X products as soon as mid-July, with full ramp up by early September. The new generation of Vertu Concierge Services will start being introduced in mid-July in limited markets, with a new wide ranging portfolio of Vertu Life Style Products becoming available in Vertu Boutiques in early September," Hakan added.

"As a leading smartphone innovator, TCL Communication is very pleased to extend our successful relationship with Vertu," said Alain Lejeune, Senior Vice President of TCL Communication. "Combining our advanced smart phone technology with Vertu's superb craftsmanship and commitment to superior design and performance, it will help create an outstanding experience for its discerning customers."

Vertu AK France, the parent company, is aiming to launch new services and products in September, alongside announcing several exclusive luxury partnerships with leading global brands. The new products will be sold in the key luxury markets of France, UK, China, Asia, Russia, Western Europe and the Middle East.

While the company has moved its corporate offices to Paris, all Vertu products are designed and manufactured in the UK, with around 90 percent destined for export markets. The company has operated from its Hampshire base since 2000, shipping its first phone in 2002. To date, Vertu has sold more than 500,000 devices worldwide. The new Vertu phones have an entry selling price of 7,500 pounds and the company has more than 225,000 registered users.

One Vertu phone, the Signature Cobra, is on sale for $350,000. The highlight of the Vertu Signature Cobra feature phone is that it has been designed by a France-based jewellery brand, Boucheron. Other highlights of the new Vertu phone include the 439 rubies inlaid in the device, fitted in a cobra design. As the name suggests, the phone features a cobra design around the front and the eyes are 2 emerald stones.
Mobike has announced it will launch its bike-sharing services in Fukuoka, Japan, later this year. The information was shared at a news conference in Fukuoka. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese bicycle-sharing startup Mobike Technology Co Ltd will expand its services into the overseas market and launch in Japan later this year.

Representatives of the bike-sharing giant announced the company established a Japanese subsidiary, named Mobike Japan Ltd, in Fukuoka city, after its efforts of raising more than $600 million in Mobike's latest round of financing from investors, including Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Soichiro Takashima, mayor of Fukuoka city, said the local government welcomed the bike-sharing service, and added its vibrancy will add to the city's long-established cultural heritage.

"With Mobike's bike-sharing platform, Fukuoka residents, as well as local and foreign tourists, will be able to enjoy greater mobility and convenience when traveling around the city," he said.

"We look forward to the benefits Mobike will bring with the reduction of automobiles."

Mobike was first launched in Shanghai in April 2016 and has since expanded across China, and moved other counties, including Singapore and the United Kingdom.

A company representative said within 14 months of operation, Mobike has moved into 100 cities so far, and currently has more than 100 million registered users and five million bikes in operation.

Chris Martin, head of international expansion of Mobike, said the Fukuoka city government, along with the Fukuoka Directive Council, gave Mobike an incredible platform to expand business into Japan.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity Waste Drum Mislabeled by N.M. Lab Los Alamos National Laboratory failed to accurately label drums of liquid waste shipped to a disposal center in Colorado multiple times, according to an email sent to the New Mexico Environment Department. Policy dictates that waste sent to Veolia ES Technical Solutions for disposal must be thoroughly screened and properly documented identifying the types and amounts of chemicals, pH levels, potential for combustion and whether any radiological material is included. In May, operators in Colorado examined a drum shipped from Los Alamos and determined the pH level was significantly lower than the label indicated. A lower pH level meant the material was more acidic than Los Alamos had recorded, meaning it was more volatile than expected. According to federal and state reports, the lab has consistently violated requirements to accurately document the contents of hazardous waste drums. Veolia has been unable to release any details about this or previous errors due to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement between the company and Los Alamos. The lab's spokesman Kevin Roark confirmed the incident, but said, The Laboratory believes the lower pH value was immaterial to the disposal process. According to officials, none of the instances at Veolia have involved radioactive materials.

Lawsuit Against PED Goes to Trial A trial to determine if New Mexico's Public Education Department provided enough funds to meet the needs of students began last week in Santa Fe. The trial consolidates two lawsuits: Martinez v. New Mexico and Yazzie v. New Mexico. New Mexico's Constitution requires the state to provide a sufficient education for its students, but the plaintiffs in the casea number of families from seven school districtsclaim the districts' funding is inadequate and does not meet the requirements. They also assert that the negative impact of the low funds is disproportionately felt by Native Americans, low-income students and students learning English as a second language. The PED's attorney, Jeff Wechsler, told Judge Sarah Singleton in his opening statement that the plaintiffs must prove the complete failure of the system, which he says has not happened, and that poor student performance can be blamed on poverty across the state. The trial is expected to last nine weeks.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the chief executive designate of HKSAR. [Photo/VCG]

The incoming Hong Kong government will strive to improve economic development and rebuild a harmonious society with a new style of governance, chief executive designate Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Wednesday.

She made the announcement after the State Council appointed the principal officials of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The new team has six incumbent secretaries, including the three top positionschief secretary for administration, financial secretary and secretary for justicefour undersecretaries and four senior civil servants.

Most of the team members have worked for many years with Lam, so she expected the administration would start work "without a run-in period".

The team also included an academic from the "pan-democratic" campincoming Secretary for Labor and Welfare, Law Chi-kwong. He was a founding member of the city's Democratic Party. The appointment was seen as being in line with Lam's pledge in her election platform to absorb talents on merit rather than political affiliation.

The officials will be sworn in on July 1.

Lam said every team member meets her standard of being "passionate, capable, committed and prepared to serve Hong Kong". She vowed to lead the administration with a new style and a proactive approach to improve economic and social development.

"Together, my team and I will strive to rebuild social harmony, enhance public confidence in the government and ensure the government will better align its work with public aspirations," Lam said.

She urged all senior officials and civil servants to develop new ideas and adopt a proactive work culture by being "innovative", "interactive" and "collaborative".

Lam pledged she and the team will make district visits on a regular basis to maintain close communication and contact with councilors and local residents.

The new government also will try to communicate with different political parties to improve the administrative legislative relationship, Lam said.

Incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying congratulated the appointed principal officials and hopes Hong Kong will support policies of Lam's government.

The appointments received support from political figures. Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the city's biggest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said she was confident the new cabinet was experienced and familiar with government operations.
Members of the anti-smuggling unit of the Xiamen Customs, Fujian province, uncover illegally imported waste material. LEI GUOHUA/CHINA DAILY

Frequent cases of the illegal importation of used clothing, including items collected from morgues, have resulted in the introduction of stricter measures, and the central government is expected to issue a new action plan soon.

On May 26, the customs in Xiamen, in the southeastern province of Fujian, detained a group of smugglers who had shipped 500 metric tons of used clothing to China from Pusan Port in South Korea.

The anti-smuggling unit discovered 3,596 packs of used clothing inside the vessel. The filthy clothing, which emitted a strong smell, contained items such as furs, sweaters, denims, children's wear and even bloodstained underpants.

"All these used clothes were collected overseas, at secondhand markets and morgues. These places don't have sanitation procedures, so some of the items harbor bacteria," said Zhang Ruiyu, an officer at the anti-smuggling department of the Xiamen Customs, according to a report in Legal Daily.

When the clothes had been sorted and washed, they would have been sold in small online shops or at late-night stalls, "posing a huge risk to human health", Zhang said.

Irrespective of the condition or origin of used clothing, it's importation to China is prohibited, because its poor sanitary condition can pose a severe threat to public health, and processing the items may also damage the environment, according to experts.

Despite that, many cases of illegal importation are still being uncovered. In March, customs police and officials from the commerce department, the anti-smuggling unit and border patrols in Shantou, Guangdong province, discovered 96 tons of used clothing in storage.

The smugglers are motivated by the huge profits available. Items in good condition can fetch tens of yuan per kilogram, or less than 10 yuan ($1.40) per item, in Jieshi township in Guangdong, a center for outlets that process and sell discarded clothing, including illegally imported goods.

When resold in stores, the price soars, often by a factor of 10, producing huge profits for the vendors, according to a report published by Xinhua News Agency on Friday, which estimated that stores can make about 200,000 yuan a year from these activities.

Liu Jianguo, a professor at Tsinghua University's School of the Environment, said the utilization of solid waste, including discarded clothing, results in higher costs to the economy and the environment because the waste can contain high levels of pollutants.

When he reported to the nation's top legislators in May, Chen Jining, a former minister of environmental protection, conceded that "the environmental problems resulting from illegal imports are still serious".

Chen said special investigations in places suspected of heavy involvement in the illegal importation of solid waste will be a major task for inspection teams dispatched by the central government.

In April, the government approved a new action plan to tackle the illegal importation of solid waste. The plan will allow the authorities to adjust the list of banned imports and take comprehensive measures, including economic, legal and administrative tools, to combat the problem.
Everyone owns something with sentimental value: a movie ticket yellowed with age, a report card from primary school, or a first love letter. The Jiangsu Provincial Archives Bureau is encouraging residents to collect such items, offering free filing boxes and guidance on how to preserve them.

The bureau has even developed free software for residents to manage and digitize their documents.

With the help of the bureau, 64-year-old Xu Xiaozhen in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu, has sorted his belongings into 20 archive boxes and stowed them away on top of his bookshelves.

The oldest document is a letter he wrote to his father in 1961. "I was in primary school, while Dad worked away from home," Xu recalled. At that time, educated young people like Xu's father were encouraged to go to poor areas. He wrote the letter just before Spring Festival on a page torn from his school workbook.

"You should take good care of yourself while alone," Xu wrote, adding that the family had bought two ducks for the holiday. Half a century later, his father gave the letter back to him.

Xu also kept a letter from his workplace required for his wedding trip; paper cuttings made for the wedding; and his father's graduation certificate. Xu, a retired judge, said his most valuable collection consists of meeting notices from the past decade.

"In one year, we had to attend more than 100 meetings," he said. "It was sheer formalism. I knew it was going to change. Look, it's much better now."

"As time passes, people's memories often fade," Xu said. "What I have preserved are not just old things, but part of history."

According to the bureau, about 2,000 households in Nanjing have consulted it about starting their own family archives. "We plan to add another 1,000 households by the end of this year," said Cui Liping of the bureau.

While most of the files are stored by residents at home, they may keep valuable ones at the bureau. The files include diaries, letters, manuscripts, photographs, tapes and diplomas.

"Documents from each family reflect the changes they have gone through over the decades, while the collections from many households together reflect the development of society," Cui said.

He Xingyun, 84, began keeping financial accounts for her family in 1958, jotting down their income and expenditures every day. The 22 books hold records ranging from 0.02 yuan for a needle to 600,000 yuan ($87,800) for a house.

In the past 59 years, the price of a steamed bun has risen from 0.20 yuan to 1 yuan. "Thanks to the diary, we have never quarreled about financial issues," He said. "The books offer a small insight into China's economic growth."

Xu Yun, a retired teacher in her 70s, and her daughter and granddaughter have all kept detailed records of their daily lives. Their diaries have been published as a set, showing the development of women's role in society from generation to generation. "Through the diaries, I would like to illustrate, particularly to our descendants, the loyalty and love in our family," Xu said.

Xu Xiaozhen has filed leaflets published during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) at the bureau. He hopes his son will preserve the rest of his collection in the future.

"I don't expect that everything will be handed down," he said. "Later generations may lose some things, but also add other things to make the family archives timeless."

Of all the things he has saved, he hopes that an article written by his father in about 1960 will be passed on to his descendants. In the article, his father questions a frenetic steel production campaign that was later acknowledged as unrealistic.

"He was honest and outspoken throughout his life, which I hope the younger generations can learn from," Xu said.

"With the family archives, we are not only passing on memories, but also the characteristics of our ancestors."
A worker at China Electronics Technology Group Corp sets up a model of the YLC-8B air-defense radar on Wednesday at the 52nd International Paris Air Show at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. Provided To China Daily

Advanced equipment can detect stealth aircraft, cruise missiles

China has been marketing a number of advanced air defense radars capable of detecting stealth combat aircraft, such as the United States' F-22 and F-35, at the ongoing 52nd International Paris Air Show.

China Electronics Technology Group Corp, one of the major defense contractors of the Chinese military, has models of three large anti-stealth aircraft radars on display at the show, which will run until Sunday at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. It was the first time the State-owned defense giant took part in the show, which is said to be the largest and most influential of its kind in the world.

The three radar types - YLC-8B, SLC-7 and SLC-12 - all developed by the company's Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology in Jiangsu province, integrate the traditional detection method of mechanical scanning with two-dimensional active phased-array technology, making them capable of detecting virtually any aerial target including stealth fighters, unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and rockets, according to CETC. The company said the radars can also guide air defense missiles to their targets.

The research institute is the country's largest developer of military surveillance radars. Its products have been sold to more than 20 nations in North Africa, Southeast Asia and western Asia, said Ni Guoxin, deputy director of the institute.

"Exhibits from my institute have the cutting-edge technologies in this field and represent China's overall capability in electronics," he said. "Only a handful of nations, such as the United States, France and Israel, are able to develop such technologies and make advanced radars. It's fair to say we are a leader in this field."

Wang Hongzhe, a senior designer at the institute, said the three radars work on different microwave bands, so if they were all deployed together they would form a massive surveillance network that no stealth aircraft would be able to sneak through.

"They are fourth-generation air surveillance radars - the latest and most advanced of their kind. Compared with the third-generation models, they have stronger capabilities and larger fields of detection and can detect more types of targets, even some low-orbiting satellites," he said.

Moreover, all of these radars are mounted on ground vehicles, which enables them to be deployed in a rapid, flexible manner, Wang said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, meets Ramon Balaguer, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of Cuba at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.Feng Yongbin / China Daily

China is ready to work with Cuba to innovate in the way their exchanges and cooperation are conducted, a senior leader in the Communist Party of China said on Wednesday.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with a visiting delegation of the Communist Party of Cuba in Beijing.

The delegation, led by Ramon Balaguer, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of Cuba, arrived shortly ahead of the 96th anniversary of the CPC's founding in July.

Liu noted that the CPC cherishes the traditional friendship between the two countries, and the relations between the two parties is an important pillar of their relationship.

The Chinese side is ready to further deepen exchanges between two parties, reinforce pragmatic cooperation and better promote the building of the parties and the development of the countries, Liu said.

Key consensuses that were reached in previous meetings between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Raul Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of Communist Party of Cuba, outlined the direction for the development of relations between the two parties and between the two countries, Liu said.

Balaguer said that under the joint guidance of Xi and Castro, the two parties have strengthened their sharing of experiences on governing parties and countries, reinforced pragmatic cooperation and achieved fruitful outcomes.

Cuba admires the governance of the CPC and the achievements reached during China's development, he said. Cuba is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties and bring the relationship to a higher level, he added.

Maria Teresa Montes de Oca, director of Chinese studies at the University of Havana, told Xinhua News Agency in a recent interview that the CPC has put China on a path to a "promising future" thanks to domestic and foreign policies that promote mutual respect and shared interests.

She said the CPC leadership has a clear vision of the direction the country should take to achieve development.

China has launched various initiatives to spur global trade and cooperation and to promote development both at home and abroad, she noted.

"The implementation of different mechanisms for cooperation, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, reflects the full scope of the strategic goals China aims to consolidate," said Montes de Oca.
The principle of one country, two systems has contributed greatly to Hong Kong's social and economic stability and will be a unique advantage for future development, said Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Tung, the first chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said it is normal to have heard different voices in the past two decades, "but most people know the importance of the principle and are supportive because they've seen the benefits".

During the global financial crisis of 1997-98 and the SARS epidemic of 2003, he said central government aid showed how the principle helped Hong Kong.

Over 300 people died in Hong Kong during the 2003 epidemic, Tung said. "There was a severe shortage of masks and drugs. It took just three days for the central government's emergency supplies to arrive in Hong Kong, which really meant a lot to us," he said.

"We saw a 13.6 percent deflation in the six years from 1998 to 2003. Without allowing mainland residents to travel as individual tourists to Hong Kong, the region's economy could not have recovered so fast," he said.

The principle also helps boost Hong Kong industries, Tung said. "Hong Kong is known as Asia's Hollywood and the mainland is our greatest market, with an audience of about 1.3 billion," he said.

Tung said Hong Kong's high-quality legal framework and capitalist economy have not changed since it returned to China in 1997.

This year's Index of Economic Freedom of the US-based Heritage Foundation think tank listed Hong Kong as the world's freest economy for the 23rd year in a row.

"Changes do happen. More people in Hong Kong can now speak Mandarin. Exchange activities also have increased significantly, especially among young people," Tung said. "The region's major trade partners also turned from the United States and European countries to the mainland."

As Hong Kong's population increased to more than 7 million last year, some social conflicts occurred with society's development, which is inevitable, according to Tung.

"The soaring price of real estate and a few conflicts between mainland tourists and local tour agencies are all problems that can be solved with gentle ways within our big family since we are all Chinese," he said.

Tung praised the achievements of outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, especially in poverty alleviation and support for education and technology development.

"During his term, Hong Kong's GDP growth saw an increase of 5 percent annually, which is really a great achievement," he said.

He also expressed confidence in the next chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.
In Gansu province's Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, "No Littering" is not just printed on signs along the streets but is also written into every village's covenant - a list of rules for which residents voted - so it sticks in people's minds.

The local government initiated a campaign called "No Trash in Sight" two years ago. Now the rule covers the whole jurisdiction.

Around 403 villages in Gannan have earned the title Model Village of Ecological Civilization, an honor for accomplishing the objectives of the campaign. The number of such villages will grow to 1,500 by 2020 under a plan by the local government.

It's easier said than done. People used to think that littering was a minor misbehavior, even though trash could be seen all around cities, villages and along highways.

"At first, I doubted whether this was just a show," Yang Lin, a resident of Hezuo, said of the anti-littering effort. "After all, littering is such a small thing."

But she soon noticed civil servants cleaning streets regularly, and more volunteers joining the campaign. It gradually became routine for every neighborhood in the city.

Plastic bags are no longer offered in the supermarket. People who toss their cigarette butts on the ground get a fine.

"My little daughter will now put the snack wrapper in her pocket and throw it in a trash bin," she said.

Outside the city, the task is harder.

"The hygiene in our village was poor," said Wu Shiying, 62, who lives in Lazan, a model village a 10-minute drive east of Hezuo.

"Garbage, feces and piles of dirt were everywhere," he said.

Over the past two years, the local government has invested more than 1 million yuan ($147,000) in village renovations, replacing dirt roads with concrete ones and building new public toilets.

In the center of the village, a billboard was erected to display the covenant for protecting the environment. It specifies what residents will do to ensure the cleanness and tidiness of public areas.

Residents divided themselves into three groups, managing village hygiene in designated areas, depending on where they live.

"There shouldn't be any difference inside the home or out on the street," the covenant reads.

Wu is head of the third group, and organizes cleanups on Tuesdays and Fridays.

"I didn't care too much about the environment before, but my wife joined the campaign," said Tibetan resident Rigzin Dorjee, 34. "Now I realize that the cleaner the environment, the happier my heart."

A government fund of more than 5 billion yuan has been created for communities across the prefecture to boost tourism.

"These model villages will be like pearls on the grassland, attracting people to visit Gannan," said Yu Chenghui, Party chief of the prefecture.

The prefecture received around 10 million visits in 2016, up from 5 million in 2014.

xingyi@chinadaily.com.cn
China's Tianzhou 1 cargo spacecraft has begun a three-month independent flight after detaching from the Tiangong II space laboratory on Wednesday morning, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The undocking sequence started at 9:17 am and lasted about 30 minutes. Tianzhou 1 now operates in an orbit nearly 390 kilometers above the ground, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday.

It said the cargo craft will continue to carry out experiments and tests in space science and spaceflight technology during the solo flight. It will also place a miniature satellite into orbit. At the end of the independent flight, Tianzhou 1 will dock with Tiangong II for a third time and conduct a third in-orbit refueling operation for the space lab, the agency said, noting that the third docking maneuver will be executed with fast autonomous docking systems.

Yang Yuguang, a member of the International Astronautical Federation's Space Transportation Committee, said it is important for a cargo spacecraft to be able to dock with a space station within a short period of time.

"This is because in the future, a cargo ship will transport some time-sensitive payloads to the station, such as biological samples for scientific experiments," he said.

Tianzhou 1, China's first cargo spacecraft and the country's biggest spacecraft built to date, was launched at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province on April 20. It is 10.6 meters long and has a diameter of 3.35 meters. Its maximum liftoff weight is 13.5 metric tons, enabling it to carry up to 6.5 tons of supplies, according to the China Academy of Space Technology, the developer.

Tiangong II has been in space since mid-September and carried two Chinese astronauts from mid-October to mid-November. It is now unmanned.

The two spacecraft docked on April 22 and remained connected for two months, during which time they performed an undocking and redocking test, two refueling operations and a number of scientific and technological experiments, the agency said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
A court in Guangzhou has found a company in breach of Chinese labor regulations after it refused to extend the contract of an employee with HIV.

The defendant, a food safety and inspection company, also broke the law by telling the plaintiff, surnamed Zheng, to take leave or be transferred to another role after his HIV diagnosis.

The ruling by Guangzhou Intermediate Peoples Court on Wednesday overturned an earlier verdict by a district court that cleared the company of any wrongdoing.

Zheng had worked for the company as a food quality inspector since September 2012. However, when he was diagnosed with HIV in 2015, he was told to take leave. The company then refused to extend his contract, which had expired on Aug 31, 2014.

The court stressed that no laws or regulations on the Chinese mainland ban people with HIV from working as food quality inspectors.
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President Xi Jinping visits a family in the mountainous village of Zhaojiawa, Kelan county, during his Shanxi inspection tour on Wednesday. He and the CPC are trying to lift families from poverty and to help them get rich.

During visits to farming villages, president offers residents hope

President Xi Jinping, while visiting a village in North China's Shanxi province, called on Wednesday for greater efforts and more effective measures to help those living in poverty.

The people's longing for a happy life is the goal that the Communist Party of China is striving for, Xi said during a stop in the village of Songjiagou, Kelan county, during his Shanxi inspection tour.

The village is newly built for local people who relocated from poverty-stricken homes nearby.

Xi also is general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The committee is making efforts now to lead people from poverty and to get rich, and the people's livelihoods will "rise joint by joint like sesame flowers on the stem," the president said.

He called on the villagers to "roll up their sleeves and work on" following the steps of the CPC Central Committee.

During the tour, Xi also visited three families in the mountainous village of Zhaojiawa, which also is beset by poverty. Xi talked with villagers about the causes of their poverty and how to improve their incomes. He also went to the fields to inspect crops and check on the water in the village's only well.

Xi recognized the local government's efforts to relocate villagers from impoverished areas to newly built residences. He urged local authorities to take more measures to help poor people improve living conditions and raise their incomes.

In the village of Zhaojiawa, Xi held talks with civil servants who were dispatched from the Kelan county people's congress for the village's poverty-alleviation work. He encouraged the civil servants to have intensive contacts with villagers and help them out of poverty.

Noting that the CPC has dispatched a number of officials and teams to take charge of poverty relief at grassroots organizations in recent years, Xi said that the measures are effective for poverty alleviation. He encouraged the promotion of officials capable of poverty reduction.

The president has paid much attention to poverty reduction in recent years. In his New Year's address, Xi said that what he cares most about is poor people.

The poverty reduction work requires tailored relief policies and precise measures, and sometimes patience and accuracy, like "doing embroidery", Xi told lawmakers during the top legislature's annual session in March.

Under a standard set in 2011, China categorizes individuals with an annual income less than 2,300 yuan ($334) as poverty-stricken. The CPC has promised to lift all those still living in poverty out of that status by the end of 2020.

The number of people living in poverty nationwide was reduced by 12.4 million last year to 43.35 million. The government will lift another 10 million people out of poverty this year, according to the Government Work Report.

During the inspection tour on Wednesday, Xi also visited a memorial hall in Xingxian county, Lyuliang, and presented flowers at the site for revolutionaries there.

At a former headquarters of a military command of the Communist Party of China during World War II, Xi urged the public not to forget the revolutionaries who contributed to the success of the revolution, the resistance against Japanese invaders during World War II, the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the socialist revolution and construction.
President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for people to remember the contributions made by the revolutionaries who paid the ultimate price for the nation's rejuvenation.

Xi made the remarks at a former headquarters of a military command of the Communist Party of China during the World War II amid his ongoing inspection tour of Lyuliang city in North China's Shanxi province.

Xi visited a memorial hall in Xingxian county, in Lyuliang, and presented flowers at the site for revolutionaries there. The president said that it is his first visit to Lyuliang, and that he has often thought about the Jinsui Revolutionary Base.

During the revolutionary war, local people, who sacrificed their blood and lives, helped establish the great "Lyuliang spirit", and such spirit should encourage people today to strive for full and purposeful life and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Xi said.

The president urged the public not to forget the revolutionaries who contributed to the success of the revolution, the resistance against Japanese invaders during the World War II, the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the socialistic revolution and construction.
I find myself back this week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one of my favorite African cities despite the challenges it faces being obvious, not least its visible poverty.

The Ethiopian government itself is keen to get away from the image of Live Aid - the 1985 concert that raised money to deal with the country's famine disaster.

The country has certainly avoided similar disasters since and moved on to a large degree.
Zhang Xian works with celebrated orchestras around the world and has regularly performed in China since 2008.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang Xian stands as one of the world's few prominent female conductors. Chen Nan reports.

Zhang Xian's professional debut was unplanned. The junior at the Beijing-based Central Conservatory of Music stood in for her teacher, conductor Wu Lingfen, who'd fallen ill, to conduct The Marriage of Figaro at the Central Opera House in 1995.

"Some people complained upon learning Wu wouldn't be at the rehearsal," the 44-year-old recalls.

"Others giggled when I took to the podium. They wondered what a 22-year-old woman was capable of. But ... everything went smoothly."

Zhang has continued to make history in this male-dominated field.
Indian child actor Sunny Pawar at a promotional event in Shanghai for the upcoming film Lion.[Photo provided to China Daily]

When smiling 8-year-old Indian actor Sunny Pawar says xiaxia nong ("thank you" in Shanghai dialect), it strikes a chord.

One of the youngest stars at the ongoing 20th Shanghai International Film Festival, Pawar is in the Chinese city to promote his film Lion, which will be released across China on Thursday.

The Australian film released in the United States in November 2016 and in Australia in January has won more than 30 film awards and nearly 70 nominations, including for the Oscars and Golden Globes.

The movie, based on the nonfiction book A Long Way Home, is about an Indian-Australian man, who uses the internet to find his birth mother.

He got lost in India when he was 5 and was adopted by an Australian couple in Tasmania, who are played by Australian stars Nicole Kidman and David Wenham.

Pawar stars as the child, while Indian-English actor Dev Patel plays his older version.

Pawar says he was selected for the role from more than 2,000 students.

His natural acting impressed the casting director, who believes the young boy has potential.
Kris Wu is one of the judges of the reality show The Rap of China.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"Hip-hop is rising in China!"

This is the slogan of the country's first reality show focusing on the genre.

The first season of The Rap of China, which is produced by the country's major online-video platform iQiyi, will premiere on the website on Saturday and run weekly for 12 episodes a season.

The series is expected to bring the genre out from the "underground".

Production cost 200 million yuan ($29 million).

Over 700 people auditioned in the first round in early May, which is shown in the first episode, and 70 will appear later in the series.

The judges were 27-year-old superstar Kris Wu, and Taiwan musicians Wilber Pan, 43-year-old Chang Chen-yue and MC Hotdog (the stage name of Yao Chung-jen).

"The participants' zest and spirit remind me of my teen years," says Chang.

"It's great to open a door to Chinese hip-hop and dig out more talent."

Chang confesses he didn't even know what criteria should be used to judge candidates, since the genre isn't mainstream.

"I'm also learning in the show," he says. "After all, hip-hop is beyond voice or rhythm. I generally prefer someone with a strong hip-hop temperament and energy."

Wu points out many Chinese stereotype rappers as having strange clothing and makeup.

"It represents passion and a lifestyle," he explains.

"It's a small circle in China. Many rappers are good but switch to other genres to make money."

Wu expects the new show to turn this around.

The Rap of China features both amateurs and stars. Some candidates wore masks to hide their identities during auditions.
Chinese creative cultural products on display at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 14, 2017. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

As part of the cultural activities to promote China's intangible cultural heritages and enhance cultural communications between China and Thailand, a selection of more than 300 creative products from the nation's state-level museums are on display at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok.

The exhibition, titled Creations, opened on June 14 and showcases an array of modern goods with cultural touches, including replicas of cultural relics, daily necessities and souvenirs.

"These cultural products are modern presentations of China's rich historical standing," said Korn Dabbaransi, former deputy prime minister of Thailand at the opening ceremony. "I hope more Thai people will visit the China Cultural Center to get to know more about China's cultural products."

Chen Jiang, cultural councilor of the Chinese embassy in Thailand, said the show covers a fine selection of cultural products across six state museums in China, adding that they were developed to meet the aesthetic taste and living needs of modern people.

Creations converged items from museums including the Palace Museum, the National Museum and the Prince Gong's Mansion. The exhibition will run until June 26.
Hip-hop takes a top spot in reality show 2017-06-22 07:43:59 China Daily Wang Kaihao "Hip-hop is rising in China!"

"Hip-hop is rising in China!"

This is the slogan of the country's first reality show focusing on the genre.

The first season of The Rap of China, which is produced by the country's major online-video platform iQiyi, will premiere on the website on Saturday and run weekly for 12 episodes a season.

The series is expected to bring the genre out from the "underground".

Production cost 200 million yuan ($29 million).

Over 700 people auditioned in the first round in early May, which is shown in the first episode, and 70 will appear later in the series.

The judges were 27-year-old superstar Kris Wu, and Taiwan musicians Wilber Pan, 43-year-old Chang Chen-yue and MC Hotdog (the stage name of Yao Chung-jen).

"The participants' zest and spirit remind me of my teen years," says Chang.

"It's great to open a door to Chinese hip-hop and dig out more talent."

Chang confesses he didn't even know what criteria should be used to judge candidates, since the genre isn't mainstream.

"I'm also learning in the show," he says. "After all, hip-hop is beyond voice or rhythm. I generally prefer someone with a strong hip-hop temperament and energy."

Wu points out many Chinese stereotype rappers as having strange clothing and makeup.

"It represents passion and a lifestyle," he explains.

"It's a small circle in China. Many rappers are good but switch to other genres to make money."

Wu expects the new show to turn this around.

The Rap of China features both amateurs and stars. Some candidates wore masks to hide their identities during auditions.

"I was shocked to discover a good friend of mine, who was a famous rapper in Taiwan, among the contestants," MC Hotdog says.

"He didn't do very well. Perhaps he hasn't practiced much in years."

The performer released a rap online the day after he was eliminated criticizing the show.

The show's demo often portrays tension when competitors are taken out of the running.

But there's much more to the spirit of the series, producer Chen Wei says.

"There are various kinds of hip-hop," Chen says.

"It doesn't necessarily contain bad language. The genre shouldn't be misunderstood."

About 600 beats were created for the show, he says.

Many previous Chinese hip-hop songs used original lyrics over beats from overseas, violating copyrights.

"Hip-hop entered China about 20 years ago," Chen explains.

"But many Chinese rappers back then only mimicked English pronunciation and deliberately expressed gangsters' anger, which was actually irrelevant to our lives."

Chen is happy to see the works brought by competitors are full of original thoughts.

"They're about their own emotions, struggles and hometowns. They reflect people's Chinese Dream. They correct many stereotypes about youth."

Most competitors auditioned in Mandarin, but some also rapped in dialects.

Controversy surrounded a Chinese-American's elimination because his lyrics were in English.

IQiyi's content development head Wang Xiaohui expects the show will promote the genre long term.

"Hip-hop encourages people to be self-confident and creative," he explains.

"Young people can express their attitudes, values and understanding of life."

Wang says the show not only aims to entertain but also to spur a new trend in Chinese culture through the internet, and derivative products will be developed from The Rap of China.
Chinese culture and creativity highlighted at exhibition in Thailand 2017-06-22 13:58:31 Chinaculture.org As part of the cultural activities to promote China's intangible cultural heritages and enhance cultural communications between China and Thailand, a selection of more than 300 creative products from the nation's state-level museums are on display at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok.

As part of the cultural activities to promote China's intangible cultural heritages and enhance cultural communications between China and Thailand, a selection of more than 300 creative products from the nation's state-level museums are on display at the China Cultural Center in Bangkok.

The exhibition, titled Creations, opened on June 14 and showcases an array of modern goods with cultural touches, including replicas of cultural relics, daily necessities and souvenirs.

"These cultural products are modern presentations of China's rich historical standing," said Korn Dabbaransi, former deputy prime minister of Thailand at the opening ceremony. "I hope more Thai people will visit the China Cultural Center to get to know more about China's cultural products."

Chen Jiang, cultural councilor of the Chinese embassy in Thailand, said the show covers a fine selection of cultural products across six state museums in China, adding that they were developed to meet the aesthetic taste and living needs of modern people.

Creations converged items from museums including the Palace Museum, the National Museum and the Prince Gong's Mansion. The exhibition will run until June 26.
Cherry on the table: Alibaba woos US retailers to its marketplace 2017-06-22 08:49:08 chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies As cherry season begins in June, Chinese cherry lovers can satisfy their appetite for some US ones, such as heart-shaped Sweetheart cherries, almost the same time as their US counterparts, thanks to e-commerce giant Alibaba.

As cherry season begins in June, Chinese cherry lovers can satisfy their appetite for some US ones, such as heart-shaped Sweetheart cherries, almost the same time as their US counterparts, thanks to e-commerce giant Alibaba.

For the 2,200 cherry growers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, 72-hour farm-to-table summer campaign begins at 4 am. Cherries are picked, packed, cleaned, chilled, and put on an international flight by evening.

Twelve hours later, they are in China, where they are re-packed and shipped, often to upper-middle class families in Shanghai and Beijing.

The above vivid description from voachinese.com shares a glimpse of Alibaba's US-China food chain starting from 2014.

Since three years ago when Alibaba initiated collaborations with the US Department of Agriculture and local farm produce organizations, Chinese consumers have been able to purchase seasonal American fruits such as cherries and apples and wild caught seafood from Alaska directly through Tmall, Alibaba's big online marketplaces in China.

Chinese shoppers consumed about 10 percent of the 200,000 tons of cherries from those states' total in past years, said Keith Hu, director of international operations at Northwest Cherry Growers, an organization that represents growers in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana and Idaho. "China is the largest overseas market for the Northwest cherry industry and will continue to be a key market," he said.

Hu's experience highlights how the modern grocery landscape demands both the speed and reach of international e-commerce and the local connections to access to farm-to-table produce.

To better serve the 300 million Chinese middle class who won't hesitate to pay heftily for good-quality products, Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba, planed an event, the Gateway '17, from June 20-21 in Detroit to encourage US companies to sell on its big online marketplaces in China.

According to Ma, some of the small US businesses that have sold successfully through Alibaba's shopping portals include Peter Verbrugge, a cherry farmer in the Pacific Northwest, who has sold through an Alibaba program that transports tons of newly ripened cherries to China for sale on Tmall.

"We are already a gateway for thousands of global brands, retailers and companies to sell to Chinese consumers," Ma wrote in a letter released earlier. "We want to expand that gateway-level the playing field-to make it easy for American entrepreneurs, small businesses and farmers alike to take advantage of the China opportunity."

About 3,000 American SMEs registered for the summit, almost triple the number Alibaba expected. Among them, 673 were from Michigan and 103 from the Detroit metro area.

Industry observers said the event was also to fulfill the promise Ma made during his meeting with the then-president-elect Donald Trump in January - that Alibaba could help create 1 million US jobs over five years by enabling small businesses to sell goods on Alibaba's e-commerce platforms.
Higher insurance costs proposed by Senate Republicans in their recently released health care bill may hit North Dakotans hard if approved, according to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

By gutting Medicaid, the bill would likely force rural hospitals to close. It would also let insurance companies charge older folks and those with pre-existing conditions even more for coverage," she said.

About 275,000 North Dakotans have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, asthma or cancer, according to a December report by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

At a time of low commodity prices and drought in North Dakota, more headaches and higher health costs are the last thing farm and ranch families need. Instead of making quality care more affordable, the Republican health care bill would rip health coverage from 30,000 North Dakotans and make coverage unaffordable for even more, Heitkamp said.

The unveiling of the 142-page bill on Thursday marked the first time that the majority of senators got a look at the plan to overhaul America's health care system. The proposal includes cuts to Medicaid and an end to penalties for those not buying insurance.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson, a native of Turtle Lake and a former North Dakota agriculture commissioner, expressed concerns over the proposed bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017.

Our current health care system isnt without its problems, but the AHCA would only make matters worse, Johnson said. The bill would cause 23 million Americans to lose coverage, make premiums skyrocket for older people and put health insurance out of reach for individuals with pre-existing conditions  including many farmers and ranchers .... Times are tough for farmers and ranchers, but they shouldnt have to worry that their health care will go away or become unaffordable.

Many North Dakotans have rallied in support of affordable health care and have expressed concerns over the loss of some benefits, including for those with pre-existing conditions.

Robert Haider, North Dakota Democratic-NPL executive director, criticized the bill for increasing premiums by about $800 per year.

"It would gut protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, increase out-of-pocket health care costs and devastate Medicaid, which provides health coverage to 93,000 North Dakotans, including 36,000 children whose health care would be jeopardized. It does all of this while also cutting taxes for the most affluent individuals and special interests groups. Thats cruel, plain and simple, and its wrong for North Dakota," he said.

Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has been active in holding meetings concerning health care issues throughout the state.

With premiums skyrocketing in 2018, one-third of counties having only one insurance plan, and many counties having no options at all, it is imperative we act to prevent a total collapse of the American health care system. This is a rescue mission, and North Dakotans have a right to better health care," he said.

Sen. John Hoeven offered a measured response to release of the bill.

The overall goal of health care reform legislation should be to provide Americans with access to patient-centered health care and health insurance at an affordable rate," he said. "We will review this legislation to determine whether it meets this standard."
China donates 100,000 bags of relief food for drought-hit Kenya 2017-06-22 14:17:10 Xinhua China on Wednesday officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens.

NAIROBI - China on Wednesday officially handed over the first batch of 100,000 bags of relief food to Kenya for distribution to hunger-stricken citizens.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Nairobi, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the consignment of rice is part of the 450,000 bags that Beijing pledged as food aid.

"China has been sympathetic to the food shortage situation in Kenya that was occasioned by weather situation which has not been promising agriculturally. The Chinese people have always stood side by side with Kenyans and will always come to their aid when the need arises," Liu said.

The delivery is part of the 21,366 metric tonnes of food aid worth $22.5 million that will be distributed to suffering Kenyans throughout the country.

The remaining batches of the food will arrive within the month of June, mid-July and the last batch will be delivered in August.

Josepheta Oyiela Mukobe, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Special Programs, hailed the Chinese people for coming to the aid of the suffering Kenyans at a time when the drought is affecting a big number of the population.

"I am delighted to be here today to witness the handing over of humanitarian relief food from China to the Kenyan government. We are indeed humbled by the much consideration and good neighborliness that the Chinese have shown towards our people," Mukobe said.

"The distribution will commence immediately, and as you can see, our trucks are already waiting. We will not even take the food to our stores, but will embark on distribution without delay because hunger does not wait for anybody," she remarked.

The PS said the consequences of the drought will continue to be felt for a long time, adding that for that reason, there is an urgent need for relief food assistance to 3.5 million people who are affected by the situation in the arid and semi-arid areas.

The drought has wiped out livestock feeds and affected milk production, triggered rise in price of basic food stuff, and impacted negatively on the sources of water, crop production and education.
Three of the traditional Beijing dishes available during the snack exploration tour of Shishahai at the restaurant which has been adapted from a courtyard house. Zou Hong / China Daily

I was a fan of the hit Japanese TV series Shinya Shokudo, known in English as Midnight Canteen, telecast in the late 2000s. I watched the first 10-episode series as well as the second. Centered on a small eatery in one corner of a shopping district, each episode of the series narrated the stories of its proprietor and his customers on whose request he cooks a special dish or two.

Good food and heartwarming stories were the two selling points of the series.

The series has become a hot topic of discussion on social media again after its Chinese adaptation on TV, using the same title, debuted on Beijing Satellite TV on June 12 and can be watched on many video-streaming sites. Many have ridiculed the Chinese adaptation and a major Chinese TV and movie review site has given it a rating of 2.3, the lowest ever, on its site. In stark contrast, the same site had given the Japanese original a 9.2 rating.

Pure curiosity prompted me to watch the first episode of the new series. But I switched it off after barely 10 minutes, because it is not an adaptation but simply a copy. The protagonist, played by A-lister Huang Lei, is dressed like a Japanese chef, works in an Izakaya, an informal Japanese bar cum restaurant, which is bigger and more appealing than the one in the original, and cooks dishes that are more Japanese than Chinese. And the customers, dozens of them, chat with the cook and each other in exaggerative fashion.

Chinese do love having midnight snacks. China is a gastronome's paradise, with its cities offering a wide range of dishes. But we Chinese remain finicky eaters. Having midnight snacks often means visiting the right place to have the right dish. No cook in such "midnight eateries" will prepare a special dish on a customer's demand. In a country with millions of culinary talents, people trust specialists, not handymen.

Besides, having midnight snacks is an important social occasion for many Chinese, who enjoy them with family members, friends, colleagues or business contacts, but never with strangers.

If I had adapted the Japanese series for Chinese audiences, my screenplay would have been something like this: The protagonist would have been a salesman or saleswoman and a frequent flyer, who flies to different Chinese cities on business and enjoys midnight snacks there with his or her friends or business contacts.

In Chengdu, Sichuan province, my hometown and one of the country's major culinary destinations, people meet in hotpot restaurants to taste the city's famous chuan chuan xiang, or "hot and spicy dips". A variety of food, from vegetables to meats, are finely sliced, threaded onto bamboo skewers and boiled in a hotpot till they become perfect to go with cold beer. That could have been part of a couple of episodes of the Chinese version.

One episode could have highlighted a street eatery serving only one major dishpettitoes soup, a bowl of hot and rich soup with pig knuckles, so tender that they melt in your mouth.

Another episode could have focused on midnight snacks in a teahouse.

A local friend places an order through a mobile phone app and half an hour later, a deliveryman puts the dish, a sizzling grilled rabbit, in tin foil on the table. This can be part of another episode.

In Guangzhou, Guangdong province, another city known for its night dining scene, our protagonist would meet his/her friends in a dim sum restaurant to have "night tea" to enjoy the rich variety of dim sums with tea.

In another episode, the protagonist and his/her friends could be having fish porridge on a bank of the Pearl River.

In fact, if one episode features only one special dish in a different city, the TV series could have run for several seasons.

Weaving heartwarming stories into a culinary journey is certainly a challenge. But highlighting the authentic Chinese midnight snacks may help draw more viewers and earn better ratings.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

chenliang@chinadaily.com.cn
People protest against the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system in front of the Lotte Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Feb 27, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

There is a silver lining behind the cloud of relationship between China and the Republic of Korea, which has been sour since the latter decided to allow the US to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system on its soil in July last year. During a strategic dialogue between foreign ministries on Tuesday, both countries voiced a willingness to improve bilateral ties.

China hoped the ROK would show the necessary political will and resolution to improve ties with China, State Councilor Yang Jiechi told ROK First Vice-Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam on Tuesday. And the high-level strategic dialogue in Beijing between Lim and his Chinese counterpart Zhang Yesui reached an agreement that both sides need to maintain close communications on THAAD deployment.

It is difficult to evaluate the delay in the installation of THAAD after the ROK President Moon Jae-in ordered an environmental evaluation, because he reiterated that the THAAD decision made by his predecessor Park Geun-hye will be carried through. The decision to "delay" the THAAD rollout reportedly annoyed US President Donald Trump.

Perhaps Moon's diplomatic calculus is not about "trying to change the existing decision or sending a message to the United States". China demands a full withdrawal of THAAD from the ROK, but the Moon administration ordered to investigate the clandestine transportation of four more THAAD launchers and start environmental evaluation. The decision is nowhere near what Beijing desires, but still a good start of the ROK's softening stance.

Although impeached and ousted, Park had won the presidency and run the country legitimately, which could block attempts to overturn a critical decision made by her administration.

The secret shipment of four anti-missile launchers suggests the newly elected president hasn't been strong enough in his administration. And more importantly, he is not likely to terminate the THAAD "project" he had questioned on the presidential campaign.

The cause behind ordering a probe to delay the installation, on the other hand, is not hard to guess: the public opposition to THAAD, especially from residents of Seongju county where it is to be deployed, is a major factor for the Moon administration which enjoys an all-time high approval rating of 84 percent. And the price for not taking public opinion seriously is very high, as manifested in Park's removal.

A delay in THAAD's rollout also signals that Seoul wants to make its defense policy independent despite the fact that it needs US protection. Besides, Moon might find it unacceptable that the US rushed to deploy THAAD before he was elected one month ago.

The procedural flawsthat Park's decision to accommodate THAAD was not passed in the National Assemblyhas given Moon a chance to slow down the installation of THAAD and curb anti-THAAD sentiments at home. The delay, to some extent, has opened a window for China and the ROK to fix bilateral ties that have encountered economic turbulence after Seoul urged Washington to deploy the anti-missile shield in the ROK.

But a delay in installation is not the termination of the THAAD "project". Moon has to do more to show he is sincere about improving relations with Beijing and stabilizing the security situation in Northeast Asia. Both sides, however, have expressed willingness to communicate after Moon took office, and more people are traveling between the two countries, and ROK enterprises face less pressure in China.

Though the US administration is inclined to focus on domestic affairs, the disagreements between Washington and Seoul over THAAD may increase. The ongoing environmental assessment, as indicated by Washington's THAAD deployment in Guam, could take a year or more.

And through deft diplomatic maneuvering and candid high-level exchanges, China and the ROK could prevent tensions from intensifying while trying to find a way out of the THAAD "dilemma".

The author is an associate professor at Yanbian University, Jilin province.
A scientist conducts tests for 1GENE, a genetic testing company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

SOME GENETIC TESTING agencies advertise that salvia can reveal how talented a child will be in certain arts. Even if the testing may cost more than 10,000 yuan ($1,464), many parents are willing to pay the price so they can increase their inputs to nurture their children's innate talents. Legal Daily comments:

Although genetic testing can be used to predict some hereditary diseases, there is no scientific evidence proving they can identify latent artistic ability. In biology, there is no such thing as "talent genes".

That there is not yet any effective supervision of this new business has helped encourage its rapid growth in some cities.

The testing agencies are not medical establishments, but profit-oriented commercial entities. The falsehoods contained in their test reports, which are invariably stated in vague wording, cannot be exposed until the child is older, and the parents are always ready and happy to hear that their children are talented in certain fields.

It is deep-pocketed parents' eagerness to discover their children's talents as well as their lack of knowledge that give the testing companies the opportunity to disguise their fraud behind genetic technology.

The swindle is similar to the computer fortune-telling that was popular some years ago when computers were rare in China.

The business administrative authorities and consumers rights protection organizations have no reason to sit idle when these companies take advantage of consumers that are ignorant of genetic traits.

It is irrational for parents to impose the results of these so-called genetic tests on children and restrict their natural exploration of their abilities in the arts at an early age. Parents should respect children's interests and help cultivate and protect their thirst for knowledge, arts and sports.




China's Global Newspaper





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Al-Hadba minaret at the Grand Mosque is seen through a building window in the old city of Mosul, Iraq June 1, 2017. Picture taken June 1, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq - Islamic State militants on Wednesday blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, an Iraqi military statement said, as Iraqi forces seeking to expel the group from the city closed in on the site.

It was from this medieval mosque three years ago that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" spanning parts of Syria and Iraq.

Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque, a claim swiftly denied by the US-led international coalition fighting the hardline Sunni group.

"We did not strike in that area," coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian told Reuters by phone.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," said a statement from the commander of the coalition's ground component, US Army Major General Joseph Martin, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The Iraqi military's media office distributed a picture taken from the air that appeared to show the mosque and minaret flattened in the middle of the small houses of the Old City, the historic district where the militants are besieged.

"The Daesh (Islamic State) terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Hadba minaret," the Iraqi military statement said.

The Iraqis lovingly call the minaret Al-Hadba, or "the hunchback."

A video seen on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically in a vast billow of sand and dust, as a woman lamented in the background, saying "the minaret, the minaret, the minaret."

The explosions happened as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got to within 50 meters (164 feet) of the mosque, the Iraqi military statement said.

An Iraqi military spokesman gave the timing of the explosion as 9:35 p.m (1835 GMT).

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," said US Major General Martin.

Iraqi forces said earlier on Wednesday they had started a push towards the mosque.

The forces on Tuesday had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under Islamic State control in Mosul.

Al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph" - or ruler of all Muslims - from the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

His black flag had been flying over its 150-foot (45-metre)leaning minaret since June 2014.

Baghdadi's speech from the mosque was also the first time he revealed himself to the world, and the footage broadcast then is to this day the only video recording of him as "caliph."
A young boy, at left, finds some relief from the heat at the Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix water park in Arizona. Record temperatures of 48 C to 49 C were expected for the Phoenix-metro area. Parisians, at right, enjoy getting cool in the fountain at the Trocadero next to the Eiffel Tower. France also is experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days. Getty Images Via Afp

SINGAPORE - Extreme heat across large tracts of the Northern Hemisphere raised fears for crops in China, fueled forest fires in Portugal and Russia's Far East, forced flight cancellations in the Southwest US and melted pavement on roads in Britain.

Wednesday marked the summer solstice-the longest day of the year-and forecasters said temperatures in Paris were expected to hit 37 C, Madrid could see 38 C and London was set for 34 C with warnings of thunderstorms.

Rounding up the record temperatures set in the past two months, the World Meteorological Organization said Earth was experiencing "another exceptionally warm year" and the heat waves were unusually early.

"Parts of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the United States have seen extremely high May and June temperatures, with a number of records broken," the organization said on Tuesday.

The trend seen during the past two months has put average monthly global temperatures among the highest ever recorded since data began to be collected in 1880.

Even before this month, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data showed that Europe, the US and Northeast Asia - including eastern China, Japan and South Korea - had experienced unusually warm weather between March and May.

In China, the world's top grain producer, hot and dry conditions in the main corn belt have delayed plantings and stunted crop development, especially in Liaoning province, where soil moisture levels are at their lowest in at least five years.

"The drought that hit parts of China's northeast is the worst for this time of the year in the past decade, in the breadth of areas it has affected and the length of time it has lasted," said Ma Wenfeng, analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultancy.

REUTERS
Police investigators walk into the residence of Amor Ftouhi, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 21, 2017. Ftouhi has been identified as a suspect by the FBI in the stabbing of a police officer inside the main terminal of a small airport in Flint, Michigan. [Photo/Agencies]

CHICAGO - The FBI has identified the suspect in the Michigan airport stabbing on Wednesday as a Canadian resident and is investigating the case as an act of terrorism.

The suspect is 50-year-old Amor Ftouhi, who entered the US on June 16, FBI special investigator David Gelios told a televised press conference in Flint, Michigan State.

According to the FBI officer, Ftouhi yelled "Allahu Akbar", or "Allah is the greatest" in English before he made the attack with a 30-centimeter knife against Officer Jeff Neville, at the Bishop International Airport in Flint.

Michigan State Police said Neville was in "satisfactory condition" after surgery.

The FBI said the suspect was in custody and was being questioned, adding they were investigating the attack with the help of their Canadian counterparts.

Gelios told reporters that Amor Ftouhi arrived at the airport on Wednesday morning and spent some time on the first floor and went to a restaurant on the second floor.

He then came out from a restroom and pulled out the knife, starting to stab the officer in the neck.

Ftouhi also said something like "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan" and "we are all going to die," according to initial accounts from eye witnesses.

At this stage, FBI treated the incident as a "lone-wolf" attack, said Gelios.
PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday a government reshuffle which brings new names with different political views and backgrounds following the unexpected departure of MoDem members who are targeted by an investigation over public fund misuse.

In an initially expected technical reshuffle after the parliamentary election win, judicial inquiries that haunted some of his ministers forced Macron to appoint left-wing law expert Nicole Balloubet as justice minister to replace centrist Francois Bayrou who decided to not take part in the new executive staff to have "freedom of speech" to defend his group's " honor" amid the party's fake job allegations.

Succeeding MoDem official Sylvie Goulard, Florence Parly, a socialist member and a former executive and budget official, takes in charge defense ministry in a context of high security alert and heat debate on extension of emergency rules.

Junior Minister for European Affairs Marielle de Sarnez, another MoDem minister to resign, is replaced by Nathalie Loiseau, while the left-wing radical senator Jacques Mezard, who handled agriculture affair in Macron's first government was named as minister for territorial planning to replace Richard Ferrand who will lead the Republic on The Move's party group in the National Assembly.

In his second cabinet lineup, Macron kept faith with main figures of the ministerial team in place since May with Jan-Yves Le Drian was still oversee foreign affairs ministry and Bruno Le Maire was still in charge of economy ministry.

Nicolas Hulot maintained his post at the ecology ministry, and Gerard Collomb was re-appointed to manage the country's interior affairs.

"We are in is in the same spirit as the first government: gender parity, personalities form civil society with a concern for renewal and tightened team with 28 members," French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told TF1television.

The new cabinet will hold its first meeting on Thursday morning, according to the presidency office, the Elysee.
MADRID - Spanish police Wednesday arrested three jihadist suspects, including a "very dangerous" one, in the capital of Madrid, the Ministry of Interior said.

A 32-year-old Moroccan is accused of having links to the Islamic State (IS) group and is a highly radicalized individual, the ministry said.

His profile is said to be similar to those of "terrorists recently involved in the attacks in Britain and France" and he was considered a real threat to the country.

The other two detainees, 33 and 38 years old respectively, shared a flat with the main suspect who was training them to join the IS group.

The police found materials including handbooks on how to become a suicide bomber.

Spain raised its anti-terrorist alert to level four in 2015 after the attacks in Tunisia, France and Somalia.

It was hit by the most deadly attack in Europe in 2004 when 10 bombs exploded in four trains in Madrid, killing 191 people and wounding more than 1,800 others.
When Ocean Spray made its move into the Chinese market two years ago, it didn't realize one of its products would be so popular with young women working in offices: dried cranberries.

Ocean Spray was one of a wide array of American small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Gateway '17 summit that was encouraged to pursue the colossal Chinese middle class market and its desire for overseas high-quality products.

Other businesses at the summit, including baby and maternity, beauty and skin care, agriculture, apparel and seafood, were represented Wednesday at the two-day summit that started on Tuesday. A highlight of the event was a stirring speech by Jack Ma, Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd executive chairman and co-founder, whose company is a driving force for US companies selling products in China online.

Ocean Spray, headquartered in Lakeville-Middleboro, Massachusetts, started its sale of cranberry drinks, juices and dried fruit to Chinese consumers approximately two years ago, and "products are so well received in China that it accounted for almost 7 percent of our total yearly sales," said Cheryl Sullivan, Ocean Spray e-commerce director. "We enjoyed double-digit growth each year in China."

Mandy Xi, in charges of day-to-day operations for Ocean Spray's Tmall store, said data analysis from the store site enabled the company to shift marketing strategy more effectively.

"We now know who visited our site, what items are checked often, and how many visitors had converted to buyers," she said, adding that the most popular product is the 48-ounce dried cranberries now priced at RMB75, or $11.

"Office women around the age of 30 intend to eat dried cranberries between 11 am and lunchtime; many of them we would consider healthy eaters," Xi said.

Many first movers among the US SMEs, which have taken advantage of the platform and data-driver intelligence provided by e-commerce giant Alibaba, pledged to deepen their operations in the world's most populous nation.

Gerber, the Michigan-based baby food brand with more than 90 years of history, decided to open an Alibaba Tmall flagship store in November 2015 to directly sell to food safety-conscious Chinese families and parents.

"We chose to team with Alibaba, a trusted partner in China" to promote product lines, Bill Partyka, president and CEO of Gerber, said on Wednesday.

The business has been brisk so far, and the Chinese market sales are "doing extremely well", said Peter Magnus Cariaga, head of Gerber's international business, who added that the most popular items are organic baby cereals, fruit and vegetable purees, similar to the American market.

Partyaka confirmed that Gerber will make global expansion a key future strategy, given its success in China through technology collaborations with Alibaba and its online shopping ecosystem. International retail sales are a considerable portion of the company's plans, he said.

Ma spoke to the packed auditorium and cautioned attendees: "Don't miss the Chinese market, because China now has 300 million middle class, and the number will double in the next five years. Don't miss the chance. If you are not globalized enough that you know how to do business through the internet, you are out of business."

In 2016, Chinese retail shoppers spent roughly $5 trillion, and the United States remained the second most popular country of origin for products imported and sold through e-commerce platforms.

The market is always smarter than us, said Ma, when asked what he projects would be the future best-selling American products in China. "American SMEs need to study the Chinese market, just like what we Chinese companies have been doing with the US market," he said.

Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com
SEOUL - The parliament of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Thursday passed a resolution urging the reunion of families separated across the border with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The resolution was passed during the National Assembly's plenary session, saying the reunion of separated families would become a significant opportunity to build a peace regime and ease military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Most of the separated families have been banned from meeting their families on the other side of the inter-Korean border and exchanging letters since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not in peace treaty.

The latest reunion was held in October 2015. Since then, no such event has been held as the DPRK conducted two nuclear tests last year and test-fired ballistic missiles, escalating tensions on the peninsula.

The parliamentary resolution called for the government to push the reunion event on the Aug 15 Liberation Day.

The Korean Peninsula was liberated from the 36-year Japanese colonial rule on Aug 15 in 1945.

The resolution also demanded the regular reunion event of the divided families and the exchange of letters, while calling for a fundamental solution for the separated families.
Mr. Guo Ce, economic and commercial counselor, Mrs. Farida Abbas, CEO of British Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, Mr. Liu Xianfa, Mr. Nick Nesbitt, Mr. Jacob De Kiahe and Vice President of Stecol Corporation Zhang Yufu (from right to left) at the unveiling of the CSR Report. [Photo by Liu Hongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association has launched a social responsibility report for the first time.

The association's report, March towards Development, Together for a Shared Future, released on Wednesday, gives reviews the impact of the 73 member organizations' corporate citizenship programs, environmental, social and governance activities.

It also examines the role of Chinese enterprises' business activities in the local economy in 2016.

Some companies have run programs designed to ensure business ethics and integrity, and integrate responsible practices into business operations.

Speaking at the launch of the report, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Liu Xianfa, said the association had made valuable contributions to cooperation between the two countries.

"KCETA member companies continue to proactively carry out social responsibility, comply with laws and regulations and integrate the sustainable development goals into their activities," he said.

He noted that Chinese companies in Kenya have hired more than 42,000 local employees.

A recent World Bank report noted that Chinese businesses in Kenya employed on average 360 local workers, more than the average of 147 by other foreign companies in the East African country.

"Creating employment opportunities is one aspect of upholding CSR (corporate social responsibility). All Chinese companies are also creating win-win outcomes by transferring technology, contributing to communities and cooperating with local government," he said.

Kenya Private Sector Association Chairman Nick Nesbitt said the private sector played a major role in Kenya's economic growth, providing more than 71 percent of employment opportunities in the country.

"CSR is changing from charity to business practices that have a positive impact on people, the planet and profit and we are happy that the Chinese businesses in Kenya are taking a similar direction," he said.

The Mcedo Beijing School, which educates students from the Mathare slum has benefited from support from the Chinese embassy in Kenya and the Chinese business community.

"Through the support by KCETA member enterprises, Mcedo Beijing School students are able to get education opportunities through to universities thereafter supporting their families," school deputy chief executive Jacob De Kiahe, said.
China has congratulated Saudi Arabia's newly appointed crown prince and hopes to promote further ties between the two countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Thursday.

China believes it is in line with the interests of countries in the region and the international community that Saudi Arabia maintains stability and development, Geng said in a daily news conference in Beijing.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Wednesday appointed his son Prince Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince and deputy prime minister.

China and Saudi Arabia agreed to lift their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2016.

Geng said China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to implement important agreements between the heads of state of the two countries and to push bilateral ties to achieve greater development.
The government of Kenya on Wednesday received 45, 000 bags (50kgs) of rice from China aimed at helping the country to alleviate the biting drought.

Liu Xianfa (left), the Chinese ambassador to Kenya and Josepheta Mukobe (right), the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning during the handing over ceremony of the rice donation on June 21, 2017 at Nairobi, Kenya. Edith Mutethya/China Daily.

Speaking during the donation handover ceremony at Nairobi, Kenya on June 21, Josepheta Mukobe, the principal secretary in the ministry of devolution and planning, lauded the Chinese government for their timely response to the country's drought.

Mukobe noted that most parts of the country didn't receive adequate rains as expected during the recent rain season hence they are still in dire need of food aid.

"While the Western parts of the country received some rains during the March-May season, the arid and semi arid parts of the country didn't receive, hence they are still facing drought," she said.

While handing over the donation at Kenya Ports Authority, Nairobi inland container deport, Liu Xianfa, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya said, the Chinese people are always willing to offer maximum possible support to Kenyans.

"The Chinese people and government are sympathetic to the food shortage faced in Kenya and have made quick response to the appeals of materials and cash aid as needed," he said.

Dr Liu said the hope of the Chinese people and government was that all the emergency assistance implemented by the Chinese government and society will effectively alleviate the difficulties and help the vulnerable people to rebuild their normal lives.

The 45,000 bags (2,250 tons) of rice are the second consignment of a total of 450,000 bags of donations that the government of China promised to send to Kenya in efforts to help the country to tackle drought.

The first consignment consisted of 55,000 bags (2,750 tons) of rice which was distributed in the coastal region last month. The third batch consisting of 2,750 tons has already arrived in Kenya and will be distributed in July. The fourth shipment of the donation is expected to arrive in Kenya in August.

Guo Ce (left), the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Kenya and Josepheta Mukobe (right), the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning display sign documents during the handing over ceremony of the rice donation on June 21, 2017 at Nairobi, Kenya. Edith Mutethya/China Daily.

China is the world's largest producer of rice, and the crop makes up a little less than half of the country's total grain output. China accounts for 30 percent of all world rice production.

The early rice crop grows primarily in provinces along the Yangtze River and in provinces in the South; it is planted in February to April and harvested in June and July and contributes about 34 percent to total rice output.

Beijing announced the donation totalling to 21,000 metric tons of rice worth Ksh2.25 billion ($21.9 million; 20.5 million euros; 17.5 million) in April. The rice will be distributed to hunger-ravaged Kenyans in 23 counties.

The Chinese government responded to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's appeal in February for food aid from the international community, after declaring drought in the country a national disaster.

According to Mukobe, approximately 3 million Kenyans in both urban and rural areas are affected by drought. Children under 5 years and expectant and lactating mothers are highly vulnerable to malnutrition.

The donation was the first ever consignment to be transported by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo freight which was commissioned about two weeks ago. The SGR was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation. The cargo and passenger freights were made in China.
WASHINGTON - China and the United States on Wednesday held a high-level dialogue on diplomatic and security issues, vowing to promote bilateral ties by broadening cooperation and managing differences.

Both sides agreed that the inaugural diplomatic and security dialogue was "constructive" and "fruitful" and pledged to continue with the mechanism to further develop Sino-US relations.

The dialogue is one of the 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.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the one-day dialogue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, also participated in the dialogue.

RIGHT DIRECTION FOR BILATERAL TIES

The successful meeting between Xi and Trump set the course for China-US relations in the new era, and bilateral ties between the two countries have since made new and positive progress, Yang said at the dialogue, calling on both sides to maintain the right direction for the bilateral relationship.

At the dialogue, both China and the United States pledged to build on the consensus reached by the two presidents and promote healthy and stable development of the bilateral relationship in the long term.

China and the United States emphasized the importance of high-level interactions between the two sides, anticipating fruitful results at the upcoming meeting between Xi and Trump during the G-20 summit next month and Trump's successful state visit to China later this year.

The relations between the United States and China have undergone a profound transformation over the past 40 years, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said following Wednesday's dialogue, adding that the four dialogue mechanisms "provide an opportunity to consider how we're going to engage and how we're going to live with one another over the next 40 years."

"In furthering this relationship, we need to work to expand areas of cooperation, as we did today, on issues where we have shared security interest," Tillerson said.

"But we also need to address, directly and very frankly, areas where we face threats or areas where we have differences so that we can narrow these differences and solve the problems," he added.

RIGHT ATTITUDES TOWARDS STRATEGIC INTENTIONS

At the dialogue, the Chinese side pointed out that both countries should have the right attitudes towards each other's strategic intentions.

The two countries should respect each other's political system and mode of development, as well as sovereignty, territorial integrity and developmental interests.

The US side said it acknowledged China's rapid development and has no intention of curbing China. It also expressed the willingness to cooperate with China and develop a long-term constructive relationship between the two countries.

On their military-to-military relationship, both sides vowed to follow through annual exchange programs and called for early visits of the two countries' defense chiefs.

The two sides also pledged to deepen cooperation on areas such as humanitarian assistance, anti-piracy and military medical sciences and to implement memorandums of understanding on confidence-building mechanisms.

On Wednesday, the Chinese side reiterated its stance on Taiwan and Tibet-related issues and emphasized the importance that the US side should honor its relevant commitments and handle these issues in a proper manner.

The United States reiterated that it adheres to the one-China Policy and reaffirmed its position that Tibet is part of China and Washington does not support any separatist activities.

RESOLVING KOREAN PENINSULAR ISSUE THROUGH TALKS

At the dialogue, China called for an early resumption of talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the issue through negotiations.

China reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability there, and urged a comprehensive and strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

China proposed a "dual-track approach" to promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and establishing a peace mechanism in parallel and a "suspension for suspension" to defuse the looming crisis.

As a first step, Pyongyang may suspend its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale Washington-Seoul military exercises.

On Wednesday, China called on relevant parties to consider and adopt these proposals, in a bid to pull the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue back on the right track of peaceful resolution through dialogue and consultation.

At the dialogue, China also reiterated its opposition to the deployment of the US Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile defense system in South Korea, saying such deployment should be halted and revoked.

On the South China Sea issue, China said it exerts indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters and has every right to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

China and the United States also exchanged views on anti-terrorism. China emphasized that it firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and hopes to enhance anti-terrorism cooperation with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Earlier this week I gave a talk before the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland. One of the things I talked about was how it is wrong to contend contracts are not needed in China because of court corruption.

I talked of how most Americans do not understand court corruption. Otherwise they would not so frequently say there is no point in bringing a lawsuit in such and such a court because its corrupt. Corruption influences (sometimes greatly) court cases, but neither as often nor as much as so widely believed. When dealing with court corruption, one has to be sensitive to location, type of case, and relative influence of the parties. In other words, a $300,000 breach of contract case between a foreign company and a Chinese private company is much more likely to get a fair trial in a Chinese court in Shanghai than a case against a massive China State Owned Entity involving stolen trade secrets that might have military applications in the small Chinese city in which that SOE is based and employs a large percentage of the town Sometimes this is due to corruption and sometimes this is due to what lawyers commonly call getting home-towned. There are Wall Street lawyers who are as afraid of going to trial in a rural Alabama court as US companies are of going to trial in China.

But when Americans think of a corrupt court they usually think of the opposing party paying a judge in cash for the ruling of their dreams. But it is rarely that simple. I was taught the finer points of court corruption by a very smart, very honest Russian lawyer friend of mine who practiced law in the Russian Far East. What he explained to me works pretty much the same way in most of the other emerging market countries of which I am aware with a less than pristine court system  or at least that is what lawyers in some of these countries have told me.

My schooling on Russian court corruption was in real time as it involved a real case and a real client. It has been many years so I may be a bit off on the numbers and it is possible things have changed in Russia since then and it is also possible this information held true only for this one region in Russia. It is also possible the Cleveland Cavaliers will sign me to a multi-million dollar contract within the next few months.

My client had a contract with a Russian company under which the Russian company clearly owed my client $2 million, but the Russian company was refusing to pay and all but challenging my client to sue it in a Vladivostok court, the only place my client could pursue its claims. Legally, my clients case was about as close to a slam-dunk winner as you are likely to see in a business dispute. But my client was rightfully concerned how corruption would influence its case.

Our Russian local counsel explained how we should view the case, corruption warts and all, and he did so by explaining the following:

Nine of the fifteen judges are corrupt. The other six are not. But I still like our case even before one of the corrupt ones. First off, there is a very good chance the opposing side will not offer any bribe at all. Second, our case is so strong it is possible that even if offered, none of the corrupt judges will take it. Third, if any do take the bribe, it will be really high because no judge wants to be thought of as corrupt and ruling against our client in this case will definitely raise eyebrows. The Russian company will probably need to pay the lower court judge approximately $300,000 for the ruling it wants. And then we can appeal to a three judge appellate panel, made up of judges from throughout the province. A lower percentage of the appellate judges are corrupt and those that are require large payments, especially on a case like this. The odds of all three of our appellate judges being corrupt are quite low. The odds of the Russian company having close connections with any of the appellate judges are lower than when all of the judges are based in its home city. This means that to try to bribe two of the three judges will be very risky and very expensive. Risky because people sometimes do go to jail on bribery charges. Expensive because we are talking about 3 appellate judges. So in the end, I estimate that for the Russian company to be assured of winning through the appellate level, it will need to pay maybe a million dollars. And that ignores our ability to at least try to appeal to the Supreme Court in Moscow. These numbers are just estimates but this means that even though corruption is a factor, we cannot allow our client to panic in the face of it. We can settle this case on good terms and that is what we should be trying to do. The Russian company would rather pay us to eliminate risk than pay a bunch of judges and take on new risks.

We ended up settling the case and at a figure not all that much lower than what it would have been in the United States.

I am not by any means trying to minimize the impact of corruption; I am merely trying to show that it oftentimes is not as overwhelming as it may initially appear.

Note also that we never discussed our client paying a bribe to anyone. That is always the worst alternative because it puts people at real risk of going to jail without anything close to a guarantee it will even work. When our Russian lawyer said that people in Russia rarely get arrested for bribery, he was talking about Russians, not foreigners. Do you really think you have the savvy to engage in risk-free bribery in a foreign country? I can tell you that none of our firms China lawyers would ever make that claim.

When I talked about the above at my Cleveland talk, an audience member, Kimberly Kirkendall, commented that in her experience many of the times where she was aware of someone having paid a bribe in China they had done so essentially because they wanted to, not because it was necessary they do so. We then talked of how some companies seem almost to delight in paying bribes but that our China lawyers  believe it or not  had never once been asked to pay a single bribe in China, even though we are constantly dealing with the Chinese government to register trademarks and copyrights and WFOEs and Joint Ventures. Kimberly commented on how foreigners sometimes brag about paying bribes and how troubled she was by that. I then mentioned how stupid and risky it is to pay bribes in China.

I spoke with Kimberly after the event and learned of her extensive experience and of how she had recently written on China bribery. When I got back to my computer I read what Kimberly had written and I loved it, and with her permission, I am running an excerpt from it below.

In China 30 years ago it was very common to incentivize someone to do their job by giving them a gift. Why? The China of the late 1980s and into the 90s was a communist economy that relied on 95% government controlled business. And in that communist economy there was very little difference between the salary for the GM of a factory and the guy who mopped the floor. So how were they compensated for their relative value to the organization? The GM could gift some of the companys products to someone else, who often then re-gifted that to someone they wanted to influence and so on and so forth. By gifting them, the GM was able to get a slightly larger apartment, or their child in a better school, or some other economic benefit. People recognized their relative power in the economy by giving and/or accepting gifts. Sometimes cash, but frankly there wasnt a lot of cash to go around. Much of this was actually bartering, trading your goods/access/influence for someone elses.

In the booming late 1990s and into the early 2000s, as people were allowed to own a business in China, things changed a bit. How do you move a government owned or controlled economy to a privately held one? Where do individuals get the money to buy apartments or companies if they werent making much cash beforehand? In this period of transition there were many instances of people using their power and influence for economic gain. From how these government companies were taken private (and ownership and shares divided up) to how people came up with the money to buy apartments or build new ones. In this environment people in high positions saw the money being made and they wanted their share  and now there was the cash to pay them.

Towards the late 2000s and into today, we are looking at a China where many people (but not all) are in a position to make money in direct ways. Through entrepreneurship, increased education and wages, investment, taking risks on new ventures, or changing jobs to accelerate their careers. Much of the population are no longer stuck in a powerless place where bribes are their only way to obtain value from their position of authority. Certainly it still exists, and there are still people who feel that they cant get ahead so they exact a little extra money on the side.

When I hear that a US company has used bribes I start wondering about the reason for the bribe. Was it a payment to someone to do his or her job or a payment for them not to do their job? In almost every instance these days, it seems it is the foreigner who initiates the bribe. The below examples of matters on which I personally worked highlight the important difference between these two reasons.

Example : A U.S. company was importing components from China, using both its own team in China to find suppliers and control the orders and a trading company. The US management came to be for help in figuring out why some in their company were claiming that they needed to use a trading company for some of their China business, even though the trading companies were increasing costs by taking their own payments from the transactions. They wanted to know why they were paying a trading company to buy and export goods when they could do all of that themselves. It turned out that a group within the company wanted to utilize lower HTS custom codes for export to save money and Chinese Customs didnt agree with that custom code classification. The US company was using the trading company to pay China customs a bribe so they could export their products under the wrong code and save money. In other words, there was no need to pay bribes, just a desire.

Example : A company was setting up a factory in China and the local government was concerned about air emissions from its manufacturing process. In the U.S. the company had shown that emissions were well within range of EPA guidelines. The local Chinese agency was not convinced and asked for more tests and documentation. The company was left with options  see if there was an economic incentive that would encourage the regulatory official to approve the paperwork, or spend a few months and thousands of dollars doing the research to prove their manufacturing met the guidelines. They chose the economic incentive route. Again though, an example of a company choosing to pay a bribe out of a desire to get a government official not to do his or her job, not a bribe necessary to get that official to actually do his or her job.

The point I am trying to make here is that the excuse foreigners make about having no choice but to pay a bribe rarely if ever holds true. The foreign companies I hear about paying bribes had plenty of choice; they simply chose wrong. They were not responding to a request for money but offering money as an incentive for a Chinese worker to deviate from his or her professional responsibility.
The Alabama Fifth Congressional District Democratic Committee, released the following statement from Chairman Michael Smith regarding the attempted murder of Republican lawmakers in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday, June 14 2017.

"The shootings in Alexandria should horrify all people who cherish democracy. Such violence is not political expression, and we condemn it for what it is -- vanity, meanness, and intolerance. Democrats, Republicans, Independents and others who love America and embrace its institutions certainly share our determination to end these horrific acts."

Chairman Smith added that this mass shooting was not the only one to occur. "We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to all of those who were injured on that ballfield, and to their families. We also remember that, like this incident, four or more people were killed or injured in nineteen other incidents in America during the first half of June alone."

"We are losing the equivalent of the entire population of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, every fifteen years to gun homicides and accidental killings, and that does not include an even greater number of suicides. Surely there is something we can agree to do as a nation that will reduce these awful numbers."
Siebold, Philipp Franz von. Fauna japonica. v.[2] Pisces. ([1842]-1850). Digitized by Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library.

Fauna japonica, sive, Descriptio animalium, quae in itinere per Japoniam  (Leiden, 1833-1850) is a set of five volumes based on natural-history collections made in Japan by German physician and botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold and his assistant and successor Heinrich Burger, with drawings by the Japanese artist Kawahara Keiga. It is the first monographic series written in a European language (French) on the zoology of Japan, and it introduced Japanese fauna to the West on a large scale. The volumes of Fauna Japonica, contributed by the Ernst Mayr Library of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, can be viewed on BHL.

Siebold, Philipp Franz von. Fauna japonica. v. [3]. Reptilia. (1838). Digitized by Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library. http://s.si.edu/2sQxneR.

Von Siebold (1796-1866) arrived in Japan in 1823 as resident doctor of the Dutch trading post on Deshima island, Nagasaki. He was eager to learn about natural history in far-flung countries at a time when natural history knowledge was progressing in Europe. In addition to medical work, Von Siebold, who had a strong interest in zoology, and Burger along with their Japanese colleagues collected and purchased natural history specimens and ethnological objects during excursions in the Nagasaki area. Von Siebold was also allowed to travel beyond Nagasaki with Dutch embassy officials. Patients whom von Siebold and Burger treated and residents whom they met assisted with the massive collecting project. Von Siebold established a private school where he taught medicine and natural history and the students became collectors as well.
Society cant deny that there is slippery slope when it comes to sex and the changing ideas about biblical standards, Michael Brown, host of the Line of Fire radio program, writes in a column for Charisma News.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to deny the reality of the slippery slope, he writes. The logical next step is to affirm it.

Browns column comes in response to a Colombian marriage of three mena polyamorous family. Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in 2016 and polyamorous marriage this year.

"'We wanted to validate our household... and our rights, because we had no solid legal basis establishing us as a family,' said one of the men in a video published by Colombian media this week.

Brown says an example of that slippery slope here in the Unites States would be when a lesbian couple with a child has the help of another man, all three of whom become parents, the Associated Press said.

He says that the Human Rights Campaign once argued to remove transgender from its campaign to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In New York you can now be fined for not accepting the stated identity of a transgendered employee. That slippery slope has now gone to Canada, where a bill allows its citizens to use whatever pronouns they want.

"Refer to me as ze and zir rather than he or her, Brown writes.

And (they say) there is no slippery slope, he writes.

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The response from the international community after the death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old who had returned from his detention in North Korea in a coma, has been a mixture of emotions, among them condemnation, sympathy, and concern for the current detainees and for future travel into the reclusive country.

Warmbier was arrested and detained in January of 2016 when he was trying to leave the country, and was accused of trying to steal a propaganda poster. Though he was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor, he was suddenly released and returned home on June 13, at which point he was already in a coma state.

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said they found no signs of physical beating, but that Warmbier had extensive brain tissue damage, possibly caused by a cardiopulmonary arrest.

In a statement, Warmbiers parents noted that Warmbier looked very uncomfortable  almost anguished upon his return from North Korea. However, they added, within a day the countenance of his face changed  he was at peace. He was home and we believe he could sense that.

International leaders and politicians have condemned North Korea, with U.S. President Trump calling the incident a disgrace and describing the country as a brutal regime.

South Korean President Moon Jae In, meanwhile, said that we cannot know for sure that North Korea killed Mr. Warmbier, but that he still believes it is quite clear that they have a heavy responsibility in the process that led to Mr. Warmbiers death.

Were praying for Ottos family tonight, tweeted Vice President Mike Pence. A tragic example of North Koreas disregard for human life.

Many raised concerns regarding the health and condition of those still imprisoned in North Korea, and for the people who live there.

Kenneth Bae, a Korean American missionary who had previously been detained and released, said that he mourns with the Warmbier family, but added that there are others still within North Korea who are in need of help.

As we grieve Ottos passing, I also want people to know that other Americans remain detained in North Korea right now, said Bae.

There are three Americans  Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim, Kim Hak-Song  and the Canadian pastor Hyeon Soo Lim. But there are certainly many other people living without freedom in the country of 24 million people  enduring horrible circumstances and forced labor  and we do not even know their names.

We plead with the US government, the international community, and leadership in North Korea to value human lives, Bae continued. Every life is important  Ottos life, lives of the American detainees, and the lives of each person in North Korea.

Warmbiers death is the result of a lack of access to basic human rights, said Tomas Ojea Quintana, the UNs special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea. At the time that Warmbier was returned home in a coma state, Quintana said that the incident serves as a reminder of the disastrous implications of the lack of access to adequate medical treatment for prisoners in the DPRK.

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, he added.

The Human Rights Watch, which conducts research and advocacy on human rights, said in a statement that Warmbiers death should be a wake-up call to governments that focus must not just be on security, but also human rights concerns when dealing with Pyongyang.

Governments around the world must now recognize that they can expect no special treatment from Pyongyang for their detained nationals, the group added. Only by making human rights a primary demand  for everyone in North Korea, citizens and foreigners alike  can they reasonably hope to change Pyongyangs abusive practices.
Have you heard of the Billy Graham rule?

It states that men should never have a one-on-one meeting with a woman who isnt his wife.

This rule recently came into the public eye when the Washington Post reported that Vice President Mike Pence never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he wont attend events featuring alcohol without her by his side, either.

Graham, a famous evangelist in the late 20th century, created this policy because he saw other pastors falling into sexual immorality and ruining their witness. He wanted to avoid even the appearance of compromise or suspicion.

-----

So is the Billy Graham Rule good or bad?

The rule is useful. As Christians, we know we are sinful and can be tempted. If we prevent intimate interactions, whether it is dinner at a restaurant or one-on-one behind closed doors, we can minimize those acts.

But the rule can also be harmful. Taken too far, it reduces women to being sexual temptresses and insinuates that men are just horny animals with no restraint. Rather than building character bears the fruit of self-control, the practice can erect a wall between the sexes.

The rule limits spaces for women, especially in Protestant churches where many pastors and leaders are men.

Who can women get one-on-one counseling from? The pastors wife can be a substitute, but what if she doesnt have any theological training or counseling experience? Then isnt the female congregant getting less than a male would?

In addition, the practice can hinder dating relationships. How many times have a guy and a girl at your church or Christian fellowship tried to get to know each other, only to be derailed by people calling them out or pressuring them?

We are constantly questioning peoples motives. Is this guy hitting on me? Is it appropriate that its just the pastor and one female staff in this meeting?

We are always haunted by how we think others perceive our actions with the other sex. What if someone sees us  will they think were being shady?

At the same time, it is essential that we have guard rails because sin is real. Our pride and blind spots can lead to terrible consequences. In fact, Billy Grahams grandson, Tullian Tchividjian, is a disgraced minister who had extramarital affairs (yes, plural) with women in his congregation.

There have been many other sexual improprieties in church, some of which have touched our own congregations. There is danger there, and we must never overlook the pervasiveness of our own depravity.

-----

So what are we to do then?

We should neither completely embrace the rule nor wholly reject it. Instead, we remember the Gospel, the good news that says that we are called to be free. But even though all things are lawful, not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 12).

The intent of the Billy Graham rule was to prevent sexual immorality that hurt the Christian witness. But we now know the practice had the unintended consequence of hurting the church body. Women were short-changed or even vilified and relationships between men and women were met with immediate suspicion. While trying to avoid one slippery slope, we fell down another hill.

We can moderate our response to balance the two sides. Here are four things to remember when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex.

1. We are never burdened to follow legalistic rules that are one-size-fits-all. Thats what the Pharisees did during Jesus time, adding rule after rule to the Mosaic law. Over time, the burdensome regulations made it impossible for anyone to love God and love others. In the same way, we must only add rules that add to the safety of the people in our congregation, and cast aside those that hinder growth and training of all members.

2. We must acknowledge that the principle behind the Billy Graham rule is helpful and even necessary. For people who struggle mightily with sexual temptation, a clear line can be very helpful to help them stay in line with the Gospel.

3. We must constantly examine our own hearts. Really ask yourself, Why am I meeting this person? If there is sin or impropriety involved, cancel the meeting. If the Holy Spirit gives you a clear conscience, then go ahead and carpool to the Sola Conference together.

4. Be accountable to one another. If a guy starts hanging out with a girl he likes, he should tell his friends. If your girl friend starts hanging out with a guy one-on-one, ask her (privately and lovingly) if there is anything going on. If youre struggling with lust or an inappropriate attraction to someone, tell a pastor or a mentor so they can keep you accountable. The church is a place where we can help one another walk in line with the Gospel.

As we live life together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us remember that our actions will affect one another. Let us not rely on rules to help us to do it, as they create barriers and broken relationships. Rather, let us truly love one another, as Jesus calls us to do.

Hannah Chao is a wife and a mom of two beautiful little girls. She is also addicted to Twitter. Hannah attends All Nations Community Church.

This article has been republished with permission from the SOLA Network website. SOLA exists to influence the emerging generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The family of Reverend Hyeon Soo Lim, a Korean Canadian pastor who is detained in North Korea, expressed urgent concern regarding his health and detainment following the recent death of American student Otto Warmbier.

We are desperate to see our husband and father home, and we are pleading for an active escalation in diplomatic efforts, the family said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Lim was sentenced to hard labor for life, and has been detained since January of 2015. Though he has had much exposure to the reclusive country and has been to North Korea more than 100 times on humanitarian endeavors, he was detained during his visit into the country in December of 2014 on accusations that he was attempting to overthrow the government.

Since Lims detainment, there have been reports of Canadas contact with the North Korean government, and Lim himself also appeared in a CNN interview.

However, Warmbiers death following his return from his detainment in North Korea, has ramped up a sense of urgency from the family.

The family is very concerned at this point, Lisa Pak, a spokeswoman for Lims family, was quoted as saying by Reuters. They are hoping the Canadian government will turn (efforts) up a few notches in terms of active diplomacy and really start engaging.

Pak added that the last time Lims family was able to receive any update on his situation was in February, when Lim was able to speak to them through a Swedish ambassadors phone.

We have not had an update on his whereabouts or his condition in several months, she was quoted as saying by the Toronto Sun.

Reverend Lims sentence is, in essence, a death sentence; and with each passing day, the family, the church, Canadians and people around the world fear for his life.

Lim served as the senior pastor of Light Presbyterian Church in Toronto, and also has formed relationships with key Korean Christian leaders in the U.S. and South Korea. Multiple prayer gatherings on his behalf have taken place in Canada and the U.S. since his detainment.
When I first met Hormoz Shariat in 2016, I expected the president and founder of Iran Alive Ministries to be a larger-than-life figure who matched the legendary stories of his sacrificial and protective love for Irans underground church. I was instead greeted with warmth and humility by him and the staff of his prominent television and evangelism ministry. Though Shariat is constantly in danger, his eyes sparkled with excitement as we talked.

As recent US foreign policy decisions about Iran made news headlines, I caught up with Shariat by email to hear his thoughts about this years travel bans, Irans next generation of Christian leaders, and the work of Iran Alive.

The Iranian church is seeing explosive growth, despite every effort to silence it. How is this?

There is a very special grace on Iranian Christians living inside Iran. Through satellite TV, we teach them to love their enemies and pray for them. We not only help persecuted and isolated Christians grow strong in faith and action, but we also teach them to share the gospel with their persecutors.

I have many stories about how persecuted Iranian Christians love their persecutors. Many experience the presence and power of Jesus while in jail or when tortured. Our best underground house church leaders are women who were formerly oppressed and desperate but are now attracted to Christianity, where women are respected.

What has been the response to President Donald Trumps temporary travel bans?

Feelings were mixed. Some were directly affected and were not happy. Iranians both in America and outside America were concerned that they wouldnt be able to see their loved ones. Those who were hoping to immigrate to America lost hope. Iranians love ...

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I grew up in Iraq as the third oldest of eight siblings. My family was untraditional. My mom was Muslim, and my dad was Catholic. They didnt force any religion on their children, in part because they didnt take religion very seriously themselves. My father was a wealthy businessman, so we lived comfortably in a large house, blessed with several vehicles, a housekeeper, and more than 250 sheep.

When I was around eight years old, my fathers business began to struggle. The stress from his work made it unpleasant to be around him. He started drinking and hanging out with people who were a bad influence. About a year later, he was getting into trouble with the police on a regular basis. He would end up going to jail roughly 20 times.

His final stint in prison came after the government found out he hadnt completed his three years of required service in the Iraqi army. He had joined the army for a year during the Iran-Iraq War, but then he ran away.

As punishment, he was sentenced to one year in an underground prison, where he endured complete darkness, except for two minutes above ground each day. There was no shower, and food and water were scarce. Broken from suffering, he grew desperate and cried out to God.

And sure enough, God began profoundly changing my fathers heart. My family noticed a huge difference when he returned from prison. He became a hard worker, less selfish and an overall happier man who always had a smile on his face. As an example, one week after his release, my father and I went shopping for clothes. We ran into a man wearing tattered clothing who was obviously homeless. My father had compassion for this man and, stripping down to his underwear, gave away the clothes he was wearing. He said, He needs these clothes more than I do. I stood in shock because of his generosity. I knew then that my fathers life had been forever changed.

After that incident, I asked God silently if he truly exists. I also prayed, Please dont punish me like my dad, but help me to be a good man and seek you.

Into the War

At age 19, I completed my required training in the Iraqi police academy. I thought I had signed up for five years, but when I looked at my paperwork, the length of the commitment had been changed to 25 years. I was upset but couldnt say anything for fear of being killed by the government.

In March 2003, my father woke me up to welcome the American soldiers who invaded Iraq. Because my family has always had deep respect for the Americans, I decided to go to Tikrit and join the United States military police. I worked as a security officer at a police station and also as an interpreter, since I knew both Arabic and English (without being quite fluent in the latter).

A few months later, SWAT instructors from the US military police were recruiting Iraqi police members, and I was among those chosen for training. I was very excited. This was my way out of the Iraqi police force, and I was also glad to be working more closely with the United States.

In the spring of 2005, we awoke to what we thought was an earthquake. The building was shaking when we heard a loud explosion from a car bomb. The lieutenant sent us to an area that wasnt covered by military personnel. I was assigned to direct traffic and inspect suspicious vehicles. After 15 minutes, one such vehicle came in my direction. I motioned for it to stop, but the car kept coming.

I was preparing to shoot at the driver when the carnow about 15 feet awaysuddenly detonated. I flew into the air, fell to the ground, and crawled to a curb, where I shielded myself from shrapnel and soldiers shooting in my direction. Once I heard cease fire, I examined my body for injuries. I was shocked that I was still alive, with no missing limbs, cuts, or burnsonly one bruise on the side of my knee. But my head was hurting from the pressure of the explosion, and I was disoriented when I got up. I looked around and noticed the suicide bombers limbs scattered around. It was a brutal, bloody, disgusting scene.

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While waiting in the hospital for an evaluation, I reflected on what had happened that day. I felt certain that the God who created heaven and earth was responsible for saving my life.

An Intriguing Book

In 2007, I got reassigned to the Armys 82nd Airborne division. And as soon as I met Sgt. Scott Young, I realized there was something different about him. He had a book in his knee pocket all the time. Every time we had a break, I observed him reading, and I was intrigued.

Scott told me it was the Bible, and I started to read it every day for myself. I kept going back to Scott to ask questions about what I was reading. I was truly excited to have a mentor. To make this story even more incredible, Scott hadnt even been scheduled to deploy to Iraq. But by some mysterious providence, he was deployed to Samarra, and then his company got reattached to my unit. How awesome is our God!

When terrorists killed my father a couple months later, I was angry at God, but he continued to minister to me through Scott. One day during a military mission, I went to Scott and told him that I hated myself, and that I didnt want to be me anymore.

I asked, How can I become a Christian?

Scott told me to go into a quiet place and pray. He said I should tell Jesus that I wanted to change and become a Christian. He also said that Jesus would come into my life, and that gave me hope and encouragement. So I prayed a heartfelt prayer. I asked Jesus to come into my life and change me, that I might be embraced as Gods son.

The next morning, the whole military company noticed a change, just as I had noticed the change in my father after his own conversion. I had a smile on my face, and I wasnt as mean as before. God had worked a huge and powerful transformation.

Two weeks later, I packed my belongings and flew to Baghdad. When I joined the Army, there had been an agreement for interpreters that if you served at least two years, you could move to America and become a citizen. And since I had worked for the US military for over four years, I knew I was putting my life in danger by remaining in Iraq.

While in Baghdad, my mother, younger sister, and younger brother came and said their goodbyes. We talked about the future, what it looked like for them and for me. My family knew they would never again see me in Iraq.

After a short period living with my SWAT instructor and his family, I moved in with Scott and his wife, Meagan, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Here, I started to attend Navigators Bible studies. I was challenged to memorize Scripture, study it in depth, and make myself accountable to others in the group. During almost a year living with Scott and Meagan, my relationship with the Lord deepened and flourished like never before.

Today, I live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with my wife, our young son, and a newborn daughter. Last year we sensed a calling to begin a ministry. As I share my testimony at churches and military bases, and with veterans groups, I give praise and thanks to God for saving my lifeand drawing me near.

Abbas Hameed is the founder of Hameed Christian Ministries. He became a United States citizen in 2011.

Did this testimony resonate with you? Let us know here.

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The goal was to save money, Ken Dean said. A senior IT manager near Sacramento, California, Dean oversaw Sprints mailroom operations in the early 2000s. Inside the data center, one of three in the United States, hundreds of employees folded bills and stuffed envelopes.

Our two largest costs were postage and people, Dean said. Over time, he discovered what many large companies were realizingthat electronic bills could cut postage costs and machines could replace people. Eighty percent to 90 percent of what was done in the data center could be done by a robot, he said. It was his job, identifying technology to make the data center more efficient, and he was good at it. Naturally, expenses shrank. So did the staff.

The technology progressed dutifully to its inevitable destination: In 2008, Dean shut down the companys last data center. Another 70 employees lost their jobs. A Christian, Dean took some solace in recognizing their God-given value beyond their roles in the labor market. His employees did not. They were devastated, he said. For many of them, their confidence and worth was based upon their paycheck. They did not think they were valuable outside of their work context. There was a lot of fear.

That was when mailrooms were still a thing. Today, workplace automationand the fear it evokeshas expanded to horizons previously unimaginable, vanishing drivers from taxis, writers from journalism, and clerks from grocery stores.

Economists describe our current moment by distinguishing between economic growth and an economic pivot. Growth increases goods and services. A pivot, however, is a fundamental shift in how those goods and services ...

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The knocking roused Valentin Salamanca from bed around 4 a.m. He was not sleeping anyway. He feared they would come, and now they had.

Valentin walked a few steps from his bedroom and opened the front door to a man in a black ski mask holding an assault rifle, demanding he come with him. Though the man appeared alone, Valentin could hear other voices in the dark.

The 60-something pastor was overseeing a growing ministry in western El Salvador; he had planted 26 churches with a combined attendance of more than 900 worshipers. The congregation Valentin led personally, a Pentecostal group 130 strong, was finishing a new building and planning another to house a sponsorship program for around 75 local children.

In many ways, he was a victim of his own success, a pastor on the frontlines of a flourishing international partnership between a church of immigrants in the United States and an ambitious mission effort in El Salvador. It had been years in the making.

Valentin had met Jesus after he came to America in 1988 and eventually opened a church in downtown Los Angeles. He worked in construction until an injury took him out of commission. When he returned with his wife to El Salvador in 1995, their son, Mario, took over the Los Angeles church.

In El Salvador, Valentin planted a new church near the city of Santa Ana, setting his sights on the crowds of youth who were being drawn into the violent gangs overtaking his country. Mario and his US congregation began investing heavily in Valentins church, pioneers in what missiologists call transnational ministry.

By 2010, the father and son had a thriving if humble partnership. Were a single body, Valentin said. The church in Los Angeles, a blue-collar ...

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Back in college, I belonged to a campus Christian fellowship. One night, at our weekly Bible study, a regular group member arrived looking frazzled. Evidently, it had been a hectic day. When we went around the room sharing prayer requests, she volunteered, in a voice both weary and playful, The whole worldand everyone in it.

We all shared a good laugh. Guess that pretty much covers everything! We can keep prayer time short tonight.

I thought back to that moment several years later, when I first encountered bumper stickers reading, God Bless the Whole World. No Exceptions. You can see why someone might find that sentiment attractive. God bless America? Too narrow and chauvinistic. Were better off not beseeching the Almighty to play favorites.

Still, the new slogan left me discontented. Why imply that theres anything unseemly, even ungodly, about loves and loyalties less than universal in scope?

We understand this readily enough in our prayer lives. If I ask my fellow small group members to lift up my ailing grandmother, no one expresses bafflement or outrage that I havent asked God to heal all the ailing grandmothers. No one imagines that I harbor indifference or ill will toward any other old folks. In other words, no one scolds me for failing to remember the whole worldand everyone in it.

In all likelihood, my ailing grandmother isnt the worlds most meritorious grandmother. God doesnt love her any more, or less, than your own kith and kin. But being my grandmother, her welfare naturally lies uppermost in my mind, and weighs heaviest on my heart. So it is with nations. You cherish your homelandyou ...

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Christians have never been certain about what to do with Israel. This is certainly the case today. On the one hand, many mainline Protestants treat the nation of Israel as an international pariah. They pass resolutions urging boycotts and international sanctions, all while calling attention to the plight of Palestinians who have allegedly suffered at the hands of an oppressive Israeli state. For the most part, their posture echoes that of the political left.

On the other hand, in some expressions of evangelical folk theology, especially among older generations, Israel can seemingly do no wrong. The Jews are Gods chosen people, God will bless those who align themselves with Israel, and Israels enemies are Gods enemies. These supporters often believe that American flourishing depends in part on US foreign policy aligning with Israels interests. Their approach tracks closely with that of the political right.

In Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently about the People and the Land, Anglican evangelical theologian Gerald McDermott cuts through the simplistic platitudes of both the Christian left and right, offering a third way. McDermott is part of a group of scholars who identify with the New Christian Zionism movement. Their goal is to convince contemporary believers that Israel is not the backstory of the church, but a key part of the future of the faith. In Israel Matters, McDermott makes a nuanced case for the centrality of Israel in redemptive historypast, present, and future.

Against Supercessionism

The key enemy in McDermotts crosshairs is supercessionism, the idea that the church has replaced Israel in Gods redemptive purposes. He argues that supercessionism ...

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His name may not be familiar to those outside Christian publishing, but few have impacted the church as much as Melvin E. Banks Sr., the founder and chairman of Urban Ministries Inc. (UMI). On May 2 in Colorado Springs at its annual Leadership Summit, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) presented Banks with the Kenneth N. Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 50 years of excellence, innovation, integrity, and commitment to making the message of Christ more widely known.

Inspired by Hosea 4:6 where God says, My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge, he founded UMI in 1970 to create an African American Christian publishing house that would uniquely serve this audience. Today, UMI thrives as the largest African American Christian media and content provider, serving over 50,000 churches with curriculum, books, magazines, Bible studies, videos, teaching resources, and more.

Banks has been recognized with an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, Wheaton College, where he served as a trustee for many years. He has also been honored as a Moody Bible Institute Alumnus of the year and has been recognized for his achievements by many others, including the History Makers Foundation. His innovative use of video in Vacation Bible School has been widely duplicated, and his work has led to many companies becoming more ethnically and racially diverse in the reach and content of their publishing efforts.

Theon Hill, assistant professor of communication at Wheaton College, sat down with Banks at UMIs headquarters to learn more about his pioneering vision.

What was your background in publishing and media prior to UMI?

I had very little publishing experience prior to my work with UMI. In high ...

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With the fate of 199 Iraqi nationals on hold while a Detroit court hears a lawsuit, a group of evangelical leaders has sent the Trump administration a simple message: Dont deport Christians into genocide.

We write urgently and with grave concern that Christians will be removed from the United States to face potential persecution, and even death, in the Middle East, begins an open letter addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and signed by the seven leaders of the Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT).

The letter calls on the Trump administration to exercise the discretion available under the law to defer the deportation of Chaldeans who pose no threat to US public safety to Iraq. It also asks for the same considerations for Iraqis of other faiths.

The signatories include Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals; Scott Arbeiter, president of World Relief; Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian ...

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Survey finds efforts to diversify Christian Zionism have a ways to go.

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Image: Gali Tibbon / AFP / Getty Images

Evangelical pilgrims march in a Jerusalem parade to express solidarity with Israel.

On Israel, Most Hispanic Christians Are Ambivalent

Hispanic Christianswhether evangelicals, mainline Protestants, or Catholicsare more likely to say the nation of Israel has the right to exist than the average American.

They worry about the fate of Christians in the Palestinian territories, and sympathize with both Palestinians and Israelis.

But the Bible, most say, has little to do with how they see Israel.

Those are among the findings of an online survey of self-identified Hispanic Christians and their views on Israel from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

Few Hispanic Christians have a negative view of Israel, said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. But many have no opinion.

Overall, Israel isnt a major concern for many Hispanic Christians, he said.

More supportive than Americans in general

The surveys sponsor, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and other groups have sought in recent years to bring more diversity to Christian Zionism.

The new survey finds that Hispanic Christians are generally supportive of Israel. Half say the modern state of Israel, which was founded in 1948, has the right to exist. Only 15 percent disagree, while 35 percent arent sure.

For comparison, a 2015 LifeWay Research study found Americans much more skeptical about Israel. When asked if they supported Israels statehood, 42 percent agreed, 35 percent disagreed, and 23 percent were not sure.

The 2017 survey found only a quarter of Hispanic Christians in the US have a negative view of Israel (26%), while nearly half have a positive view (45%). The rest are unsure (28%).

About a third (34%) think the US is doing enough to help Israel. Fewer say the US does too much (19%) or too little (18%) to help Israel. ...
Court Dismisses 14 of the 15 Counts Against Sandra Merritt

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Yesterday, the San Francisco Superior Court dismissed criminal counts 1-14 against Sandra "Susan" Merritt. The court ruled that counts 1-14 were legally insufficient. The state has the opportunity to amend if it can plead a more legally sufficient and specific complaint. The California's Attorney General filed 15 criminal counts against Merritt, with counts 1-14 for each of the alleged interviews and count 15 for an alleged conspiracy. "This is a huge victory to have 14 criminal counts dismissed," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "We will now turn our attention to dismissing the final count. Sandra Merritt did nothing wrong. The complaint by the California Attorney General is unprecedented and frankly will threaten every journalist who provides valuable information to the public. This final count will also fall," said Staver.

Photo: Horatio Mihet with Sandra Merritt



The Attorney General has been an advocate for Planned Parenthood, and the abortion giant has supported his political campaigns. Merritt was one of the two journalists who exposed Planned Parenthood's unethical and potentially illegal profiteering from the sale of aborted baby body parts.

Liberty Counsel argued that the criminal complaint for illegally recording supposedly "private" conversations (in restaurants, hotel lobbies and other public places) - the first ever filed against undercover journalists - was legally deficient for numerous reasons, not the least of which was the Attorney General's decision to prosecute Merritt in secret proceedings, without identifying even the names of her accusers or purported "victims." The complaint did not provide Merritt with the minimum notice required by the Constitution and California law as to what she supposedly did wrong, so that she can mount a proper and vigorous defense. The complaint was also vague and full of inconsistencies.

The Attorney General, who has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Planned Parenthood, claims that Merritt and David Daleiden filmed 14 people without permission between October 2013 and July 2015 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and the county of El Dorado. One felony count was filed for each person filmed. The 15th charge was for "criminal conspiracy" to invade "privacy." However, the videos produced by Merritt and Daleiden exposed unethical and potentially illegal conduct by Planned Parenthood, and Planned Parenthood itself has admitted, under oath, that the recorded conversations took place in "non-confidential" and public venues.

"We asked the San Francisco Superior Court to dismiss these outrageous and baseless charges against Sandra Merritt, and the court agreed to dismiss 14 of the 15 counts" said Horatio Mihet, Liberty Counsel's Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Litigation Counsel, who appeared with Sandra in court. "Sandra did not break any law and the criminal complaint against her is legally deficient, vague and full of inconsistencies. No other citizen journalist or organization has ever been charged with a crime for undercover recordings," said Mihet.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.


home US 100 evangelical leaders sign declaration calling for criminal justice reform

Nearly 100 evangelical Christian leaders have affixed their signatures to a declaration that calls for restorative criminal justice reform in the U.S.

Prison Fellowship Ministries CEO James Ackerman, along with black, white and Hispanic officials of evangelical organizations, presented the "Justice Declaration" on Tuesday at a news conference at the National Press Club.

"The Church has both the unique ability and unparalleled capacity to confront the staggering crisis of crime and incarceration in America and to respond with restorative solutions for communities, victims, and individuals responsible for crime," the declaration reads, as reported by The Christian Post.

At the press conference, Ackerman noted that there are nearly 2.2 million Americans that are currently in prison, and there are 2.7 million children who have a parent in jail.

"Our country's overreliance on incarceration fails to make us safer or to restore people and communities who have been harmed," said Ackerman.

The Christian leaders at the press conference call for reforms to allow offenders in prison to receive treatment for underlying addictions or problems that could lead them back to prison once they are released. The leaders also called for more efforts to help inmates gain skills to overcome their issues and be successful after they serve their sentences.

Additionally, speakers at the event urged churches to minister to prisoners from their community, as well as their families who are also suffering from the incarceration.

"We as a church are not recognizing that disproportional punishment a that is, giving someone more than they deserve a is not consistent with our values and certainly will not help us advance the hope of a restorative justice system we all seek," Ackerman said.

The document was later presented to Republican leaders, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, in the hopes that it would gain bipartisan support.

During the conference, Dimas Salaberrios, president of the Concerts of Prayer Greater New York, narrated how a judge once pardoned him after church members vouched about his transformation after he escaped from authorities when he was a drug dealer.

"I'm living proof that when you grab somebody out of the pits of hell and you turn their life around that they can be great contributors to society," Salaberrios said, according to Religion News Service.

Other evangelical leaders present at the conference include Russell Moore, president of Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; Harry Jackson, presiding bishop at International Communion of Evangelical Churches; NAE President Leith Anderson; and the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.

There were also other notable signatories who were not present at the declaration, such as Ravi Zacharias, founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries; Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; Joni Eareckson Tada of Joni & Friends International Disability Center; Johnnie Moore, a member of Trump's evangelical advisory board; and Daniel Akin, president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
home World Catholic nun detained in India following complaints of converting students to Christianity

A Catholic nun has been detained in India last week after Hindu nationalists accused her of converting four girls to Christianity.

Sister Bina Joseph and the four girls were reportedly traveling on a train when they were detained by the railway police at the Satna station on June 13. According to UCA News, the girls and the nun were traveling from Jharkhand to study at a church-run school in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state.

Joseph had been accused of taking the tribal girls to be converted to Christianity, which is prohibited under state law.

In Madhya Pradesh, conversion away from Hinduism that is done through force, allurement, appeasement or fraud can be punished with jail time or a fine. The state, which is over 90 percent Hindu and less than one percent Christian, is ruled by the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP, which also controls the national government, is said to have strong links to the militant Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Groups affiliated with the RSS were allegedly involved in the detention of the nun and the girls who were accompanying her to Bhopal.

"I strongly condemn this harassment by rogue elements who profess their political allegiance-alliance with the ruling party," Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal told Crux.

He contended that the nun's detention was "absolutely wrong," and violated her rights as a citizen of India.

"The Catholic nun was travelling in a public transport, and was subjected to harassment, intimidation and humiliation by the police," the archbishop said.

"This behaviour of the police is strongly condemned, the minority community, is being targeted by fringe elements of the ruling party and in any devious manner, the 'conversion' allegations are levied against the minority Christian community, even in the case of travelling, as in this case," he added.

Joseph, who belongs to the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa congregation, said that she and the girls were interrogated and held for 12 hours before the authorities released them around midnight the next day.

According to Crux, one of the girls was turned over to a child services agency because the authorities believed that she was a minor. Joseph, however, contended that all four girls were over the age of 20.

Joseph's arrest came after authorities in Madhya Pradesh detained a group of 60 Christian children accompanied by nine chaperones to a Bible camp in the state on May 21. The chaperones were charged with trying to convert Hindu children to Christianity, but the parents argued that the children were already Christians.

However, the authorities dismissed the parents' explanation, saying they did not follow the legal process to officially change their religion to Christianity.

Shibu Thomas, founder of Persecution Relief, said that nearly 80 similar incidents have taken place in Madhya Pradesh alone. He also noted that violence against Christians are on the rise throughout India and more than 300 incidents of attacks have been reported this year.
home World Chinese officials pressure Christians to confess participation in 'evil cult' activities

Chinese officials have allegedly forced Christians incarcerated in China's southern Guangdong province to confess that they had participated in "evil cult" activities.

According to China Aid, authorities arrested a Christian man named Ruan Haonan and took him to the police station on June 12. Ruan, a member of Fengle Church who hosts Christian gatherings in his home, was reportedly interrogated and forced by the officials to confess to participating in cult activities. When he refused, he was detained and transferred to a detention center.

One June 13, Ruan was allegedly coerced by the officials to sign a transcript of the interrogation.

A pastor of Fengle Church identified only by his surname Li said the authorities ransacked Ruan's house and confiscated several Bibles when they searched the home on June 12 at around 4 p.m.

Later that night, the authorities also took Ruan's pregnant wife, Luo Caiyan, from their home. She was soon released when Ruan was transferred to the detention center, but the authorities refused to provide legal documents to her family members.

Luo's sister and Li's wife were also interrogated and were forced so sign a document saying they had participated in a cult in order to be released.

The charge of participation in an "evil cult" has often been levied against Christians for their church activities.

Last year, a Christian from Hunan province was criminally detained for "using a cult to disrupt law enforcement."

Tu Yan, who operates a hotel in Dali, Yunnan, was accused of belonging to the Three Grades of Servants, a Christian sect that has been labeled by the Chinese government as cultic. However, Tu had insisted that she had never participated in a cult and that she has no affiliation with the said Christian sect.

"They are saying that she's a Three Teams of Servants member, but naturally Tu Yan denies this," Tu's lawyer, Ren Quanniu, told Radio Free Asia in February.

"The state security police were insistent that she be prosecuted on these charges on the basis that she is party of the Three Teams of Servants, which is designated an evil cult," he added.

Tu's sister, Tu Kui, noted that some of the Christians who were detained in Yunnan on similar charges have already been released. She said she believes her sister being used as an example to pressure other house churches to register with the government's Three-Self Patriotic Association.

Christianity has been regarded by the administration of President Xi Jinping as a dangerous foreign import, with some officials warning against the "infiltration of Western hostile forces" through religion.

About 23 million of China's 68 million Protestants worship in state-affiliated churches, while 5.7 million of the country's 9 million Catholics belong to state-sponsored organizations.
home US Conservative Christians dispute claims that new Christian Standard Bible is 'gender neutral'

Conservative Christians are disputing claims that the latest edition of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) has been modified to be more "gender neutral."

Earlier this month, The Atlantic published an article claiming that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), which has previously denounced "gender neutral" verses in its resolutions, has embraced a "gender-inclusive" version of the Bible.

The article noted that the SBC had passed a resolution in 2011, asking LifeWay Christian Stores, which is owned by the denomination, to stop selling the New International Version (NIV) because it appeared to employ gender-neutral language.

The CSB, which was finalized in 2003, was reportedly commissioned by the denomination in an effort to resist a larger cultural push to erase distinctions between genders and diminish masculinity. However, the authors of the Atlantic piece claimed that the newest revision released last fall contain several "gender-neutral" elements that were previously condemned by the SBC.

"The CSB now translates the term anthropos, a Greek word for 'man,' in a gender-neutral form 151 times, rendering it 'human,' 'people,' and 'ones,'" the authors of the article noted.

"The previous edition had done this on occasion; the new revision adds almost 100 more instances. 'Men of Israel' becomes 'fellow Israelites;' when discussing Jesus's incarnation the 'likeness of men' becomes 'likeness of humanity,'" they added.

Denny Burke, associate pastor at the Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, disputed the claims in the Atlantic article, saying it was "demonstrably false" and "riddled with factual errors."

He argued that debate about the issue was not focused on the examples cited in the article, but rather on examples "where the biblical author clearly intends masculine meaning."

"A gender-inclusive translation will often mute the author's masculine meaning with a rendering that is gender-inclusive. That is the point of the debate," Burke said.

Burke then pointed out that the Atlantic piece did not include "a single example of the CSB muting masculine meaning with a gender-inclusive rendering. Not one example."

According to The Christian Post, the CSB uses male pronouns for God, pastors, and verses where masculinity is clearly intended.

Jonathan Merritt, one of the authors of the Atlantic piece, responded to Burke's criticism by posting several tweets comparing the CSB translation to a gender neutral version. He also pointed to a past SBC resolution condemning gender-inclusive Bible translations, including changing "brothers" to "brothers and sisters," which Merritt says was included in the CSB.

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood also disputed the claims in the Atlantic piece, saying the committee responsible for the translation consulted the Colorado Springs Guidelines, which was created in 1997 to ensure that future translations would remain gender accurate.

The council argued that the rendering of the words "anthropos" or "adam" as "human," "people," "persons," in some contexts fits with the Colorado Springs guidelines.

"If the referent includes males and females, the translation should reflect such. The authors of the Atlantic article fail to realize or note the semantic nature of how meaning is expressed in a language's lexicon," the council stated.
home World European Court orders hospital to continue life support for terminally-ill baby for another three weeks

The European Court of Human Rights has ordered a hospital in London to continue to provide life support treatment for a terminally-ill baby for another three weeks to give judges time to consider whether the child should undergo a trial therapy.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates, parents of 10-month old Charlie Gard, have brought a plea to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France to allow them to take their son to the U.S. for treatment. The couple is hoping that the Strasbourg court will come to their aid after losing battles in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London.

Charlie, who is suffering from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage is being cared for at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. But specialists at the hospital said that the child's life support must stop, adding that the therapy proposed by a doctor in the U.S. is experimental and will not help.

Katie Gollop, speaking on behalf of the hospital, said that the treatment "would take time" and that "over the weeks and months Charlie would be forced to remain in his perilous condition a he can't see, can't hear, can't cry, can't swallow. He has a mechanism that causes his lungs to go up and down. We don't know whether he suffers pain."

In April, High Court Judge Mr. Justice Francis ruled against Charlie's parents, saying the child's life support should be withdrawn and that the infant should be allowed to "die with dignity."

The ruling was upheld by three Court of Appeal judges in May and a further challenge by the parents was dismissed by three Supreme Court judges, according to BBC.

The judges in Strasbourg had previously ruled that the baby should remain on life support until midnight on June 19.

According to a report from Express, Supreme Court justices in London ordered the specialists at Great Ormond Street to keep providing treatment to Charlie until midnight on July 10.

A spokesperson for the Strasbourg court said that it will "will treat the application with the utmost urgency" but did not indicate when a final judgment will be made.

Charlie's parents have raised 1.3 million (US$1.6 million) on a crowdfunding website to pay for the experimental treatment in the U.S.
home US Federal judge orders the removal of cross from public park in Florida

A federal judge has ordered the removal of a 34-foot cross that has been on display at a public park in Pensacola, Florida for almost half a century.

On Monday, Judge Roger Vinson ruled that the cross at Bayview Park was unconstitutional and must be removed within 30 days.

According to WEARTV, the lawsuit seeking the removal of the cross was filed in 2016 by Amanda Kondrat'Yev, along with three other plaintiffs, claiming that the display was offensive to non-Christians.

In 1941, a wooden cross was placed in the easter corner of the park to commemorate the first annual Easter Sunrise Service held there. The wooden cross was replaced with a concrete one by the Pensacola Jaycees in 1969.

In his 23-page order, Vinson explaining his ruling, but he expressed disapproval of the law he is upholding.

"After about 75 years, the Bayview Cross can no longer stand as a permanent fixture on city-owned property. I am aware that there is a lot of support in Pensacola to keep the cross as is, and I understand and respect that point of view. But, the law is the law," he said.

In the order, the judge raised the issue of separation of church and state saying, "the historical record indicates that the Founding Fathers did not intend for the Establishment Clause to ban crosses and religious symbols from public property. Indeed, 'the enlightened patriots who framed our constitution' would have most likely found this lawsuit absurd. And if I were deciding this case on a blank slate, I would agree and grant the plaintiffs no relief. But, alas, that is not what we have here."

The judge pointed to several older court cases to explain why the cross ultimately violates the First Amendment.

Vinson ruled that the Bayview cross fails the "lemon test," a three-part legal test which states that a religious display can only be deemed constitutional if it has a secular purpose, does not advance or inhibit religion, and does not excessively entangle government with religion.

He noted that the display fails the first prong of the Lemon test because the Latin cross has been recognized as a universal symbol of Christianity and it has never had any secular purpose.

However, Vinson clarified that the cross does not have to be removed if the city sold or leased the area surrounding it to a private party or non-governmental entity. He further noted that it would not be unconstitutional if worshipers used a temporary cross for their sunrise Easter services.

The city pays an average of $233 a year to keep the cross clean, painted and illuminated at night.

Fox 10 reported that the site of the display is also a popular spot for church services and remembrance services. Easter services and services for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day have been held at the cross' amphitheater. During these services, flowers are placed at the foot of the cross in honor of loved ones.
home World Former North Korea detainee Kenneth Bae describes Otto Warmbier's death an 'outrage'

Kenneth Bae, a Korean-American missionary who was imprisoned in North Korea for two years, has described the death of American student Otto Warmbier an "outrage."

Warmbier, who was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in North Korea after he was caught trying to steal a propaganda poster, died on Monday, just days after he was released in a comatose state.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Bae expressed his grief over the death of the 22-year-old student.

"I grieve for the family of Otto Warmbier. This is a young man who had so much promise. He was a college student on a journey to see the world," Bae said, according to Christian Today.

"For North Korea to detain him and sentence him to 15 years in prison was an injustice. But for Otto to be returned to the US in the state he was in a and then for him to die because of it a is not only an outrage, but it is a tragedy for his entire family," he continued.

Bae, who was accused of plotting to bring down to overthrow the North Korean government through religious activities, also drew attention to other foreigners who are detained in North Korea, namely the American citizens, Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak-Song, as well as Canadian pastor Hyeon Soo Lim.

"But there are certainly many other people living without freedom in the country of 24 million people - enduring horrible circumstances and forced labor - and we do not even know their names," he added.

He called on the U.S. government, the international community as well as North Korean leaders to "value human lives," and he also urged people to join him in praying for Warmbier's family.

The student's parents, Fred and Cindy Warmbier, blamed his death on the treatment he received at the hands of North Korean authorities.

Doctors said that Warmbier had suffered an extensive loss of brain tissue that was most likely caused by most likely caused by cardiopulmonary arrest that cut off the blood supply to his brain.

The North Korean government claimed that the student's condition was caused by botulism and said that he was released on "humanitarian" grounds.

Warmbier, who had spent the last 17 months in prison, was arrested on Jan. 2, 2016 for trying to remove a propaganda poster from his hotel. He reportedly stated that he stole the banner because a church deaconess promised to give him a used car if he brought back the sign.
home US Georgia Supreme Court dismisses challenge to law banning abortions after 20 weeks

The Georgia Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged a legislation that bans abortion in the state after 20 weeks.

On Monday, the state's highest court rejected a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against a 2012 law that bans doctors from performing abortions 20 weeks into pregnancy, except in cases when a fetus has a severe defect that it is unlikely to live. The Associated Press reported that it also makes an exception to protect the life or health of the mother, but not for cases of rape or incest.

The lawsuit, filed against Gov. Nathan Deal and other state officials in their official capacities, argued that the legislation violates privacy protections guaranteed in the state Constitution. It noted that the exceptions to the ban are too narrow and that doctors could face imprisonment even when treating patients "in accordance to the best medical judgment."

In a unanimous opinion, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Keith Blackwell wrote that the principle of sovereign immunity prevents courts from considering the lawsuit against the state.

The concept of sovereign immunity protects the state and state agencies from lawsuits unless that protection is waived by the General Assembly.

But Blackwell further stated, "we recognize the availability of other means by which aggrieved citizens may obtain prospective relief from threatened enforcement of unconstitutional laws."

Blackwell noted that citizens have no right to sue the state without its consent, but he said that Citizens generally have the right to sue state officers in their individual capacities if the officials are pursuing official actions that are alleged to be unconstitutional.

Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, said that the organization is pleased that it still has the option to sue state officers as individuals, even though it disagrees that the state law bars lawsuits against officers in their official capacity.

"By providing a path for Georgians to hold their legislature accountable for unconstitutional laws, this ruling means we can now continue the legal fight against Georgia's unconstitutional abortion ban," Young said in a statement.

"While the abortion ban has been in place, women in Georgia have been unable to get the health care they need," she added.

The suit was filed by the ACLU on Nov. 30, 2012, about a month before the law was scheduled to take effect. About three weeks later, the law was put on hold by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Doris Downs until the case could be resolved.

Camila Zolfaghari, executive director of Georgia Life Alliance, described the latest court ruling as a "victory for human life and human dignity."

"No child should have to feel the pain of being ripped apart, limb by limb in an abortion," she told Life News.

Zolfaghari noted that by dismissing the case on grounds of sovereign immunity, the high court has avoided decisions regarding the constitutionality of the 20-week ban. She added that the court has expressly noted that the plaintiffs could still challenge the law's constitutionality through other legal means.

"We understand that life has triumphed today, but we still have a long way to go before every life, born and unborn, is fully valued and protected," she said. "Still we rejoice that the protection of human life grew just a little stronger today. Every single life has value," she went on to say.
home World Majority of Czechs reject belief in God, Pew report reveals

A new report released by the Pew Research Center has found that a majority of Czechs are religiously unaffiliated, and many are rejecting the belief in God.

The findings of the study, published on Monday, indicated that only 29 percent of Czechs believe in God, and 66 percent do not. As many as 72 percent do not identify with a religious group, including 25 percent who say they are "atheist" and 46 percent who describe their religion as "nothing in particular."

Only 27 percent of Czechs say they believe in Heaven, and only 19 percent say they believe in Hell.

The latest figures from the Czech Republic stands in contrast to the statistics in other nations in Eastern and Central Europe where a majority of adults believe in God and still identify with a religious group.

The survey found that a there is still widespread belief in God across 18 countries in the region, with a median of 86 percent.

Over 90 percent of people expressed belief in God in nations such as Georgia, Armenia, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, and Greece.

Pew noted that the Czech Republic has long had a large unaffiliated population, with 64 percent of adults saying they were raised without religious affiliation.

The research group predicts that the nation will remain largely unaffiliated for the foreseeable future, as the surveys finding indicated that 79 percent of Czech parents are raising their children unaffiliated.

The report further noted that 29 percent of Czech adults who were raised in a religious group are now unaffiliated.

Czechs are much less likely to have conservative social views and participate in religious activities compared to people from neighboring countries. Eighty-four percent of Czechs support legal abortion, while 65 percent approve of same-sex marriage, which was among the highest levels in the region.

The report also noted that Czechs are more likely than others to say that religious institutions focus too much on rules. As much as 55 percent of Czech adults say religious institutions are focused on money and power, while 42 percent say the institutions are too involved in politics.

The survey conducted by Pew in May revealed that the majority of Central and Eastern European nations have embraced religious belief after the fall of the Soviet Union and the atheistic Communist regimes.

Most of the Eastern and Central European countries continue to hold strong Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christian majorities, but the study indicated that a median of only 10 percent of Orthodox Christians regularly attend church.
home US Naghmeh Panahi throws her support for Proverbs 31 founder Lysa TerKeurst following divorce announcement

Naghmeh Panahi, the ex-wife of persecuted Iranian pastor Saeed Abedini, has thrown her support for Proverbs 31 Ministries founder Lysa TerKeurst, who recently announced that she is divorcing her husband of 25 years due to infidelity and substance abuse.

Last week, TerKeurst announced in a blog post on her website that she would be pursuing a divorce with her husband, Art TerKeurst.

"For the past couple of years, his life has sadly been defined by his affection for this other woman and substance abuse. I don't share this to harm or embarrass him, but to help explain why I have decided to separate from him and pursue a divorce," TerKeurst wrote, referring to her husband.

TerKeurst explained that she and Art had tried intensive counseling and that she has repeatedly forgiven him for his infidelity, but she said he continued to "abuse substances, be unfaithful, and refused to be truthful to me and our family."

Panahi, who just got divorced from her husband in April, expressed her support for TerKeurst in a Facebook post.

"I was so heartbroken to hear of this news today ... It is the sad condition of many lives/marriages and the church. It is something I have cried over, wept over, and prayed about for the last few years," she wrote.

The Christian Post reported that Panahi and Abedini were already living apart just three years after they got married on June 30, 2004. However, Panahi had advocated for the release of Abedini in 2012, almost until he was freed from an Iranian jail in January 2016.

During their divorce proceedings earlier this year, Panahi said that her former husband abused her within the first few years of their marriage and that she feared for her life.

In her Facebook post, she wrote that through her suffering, she realized that not everyone who professes to be Christians is truly Christian. She contended that the most loving thing that believers can do for unrepentant sinners would be to separate themselves from them.

She also said that she learned through her ordeal that "no amount of submission" helps, and she contended that it is not honoring to God to submit to abuse and corruption.

TerKeurst, who is the author of several New York Times best-sellers, said that she will take a brief break from Proverbs 31, but she will continue on with her ministry and speaking engagements.

In her blog post, she asked her followers to pray for her family, the Proverbs 31 team, and her husband Art.
home US New study cautions against use of puberty-blocking drugs on gender-confused children

A new study by three medical experts and scholars has cautioned against the use of "experimental" puberty-blocking drugs on gender-confused children as the scientific and medical communities have not yet adequately researched its potential side-effects.

The report, titled "Growing Pains: Problems With Puberty Suppression in Treating Gender Dysphoria," noted that puberty suppression therapy is increasingly being recommended for children with gender dysphoria at younger ages even though there is little evidence that shows that it is "reversible, safe, or effective for treating gender dysphoria."

The new study, published by quarterly journal The New Atlantis on Tuesday, was authored by Paul Hruz, an associate professor of pediatrics, endocrinology and diabetes, and associate professor of cell biology and physiology at Washington University in St. Louis; Lawrence Mayer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine scholar in residence and professor of statistics and biostatistics at Arizona State University; and Paul McHugh, Johns Hopkins University's distinguished service professor of psychiatry.

The authors cautioned that psychologists still do not understand the cause of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents. They argued that puberty suppression therapy should be considered experimental until much is known about the condition and until controlled clinical trials of the said form of treatment are carried out.

"Regardless of the good intentions of the physicians and parents, to expose young people to such treatments is to endanger them," the authors stated in the report.

According to The Christian Post, the study was a follow-up to a special report written by McHugh and Mayer last year for The New Atlantis on gender and sexuality. The 2016 report noted that studies have indicated that gender dysphoria in children most often does not persist into adulthood.

In the new report, the scholars warned that patients with gender dysphoria are more likely to identify as a member of the opposite sex when they become adults due to puberty blocking treatments.

The authors noted that the use of puberty blockers "may have solidified the feelings of cross-gender identification in these patients, leading them to commit more strongly to sex reassignment than they might have if they had received a different diagnosis or a different course of treatment."

"The interference with normal pubertal development will influence the gender identity of the child by reducing the prospects for developing a gender identity corresponding to his or her biological sex," the authors added.

During a conference call Tuesday, Hruz warned that many parents who allow their children to go through with puberty suppression therapy may still not be aware that the treatment is still in its experimental stage. The reported noted that the use of GnRH analogue drugs for gender dysphoria has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The authors concluded their report by saying more research is needed to find new ways to help people deal with gender dysphoria with "less permanent and less drastic treatments." They stated that the use of puberty suppression for minors is a "radical step that presumes a great deal of knowledge competence despite the ignorance in the scientific about the nature of gender identity."
home US New York police investigating Satanic graffiti on four churches as possible hate crime

New York police are investigating the Satanic graffiti that was sprayed on four Long Island churches over Father's Day weekend as a possible hate crime.

According to New York Post, churches in North Amityville, Suffolk County have been defaced with disturbing scrawls, which included pentagrams and the words "hail Satan" sometime between Friday night and Saturday.

The graffiti were found at Prayer Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on Great Neck, Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church on Albany Avenue, Zion Gospel Church on Warren Street and Amityville Full Gospel Tabernacle on Brefni Street. The Daily Caller noted that three of the churches are Pentecostal and one is predominantly black.

"They must have a vendetta," Walter Willie, pastor of the Prayer Tabernacle church, told New York Post. "To attack a place of healing, a place that helps people in time of great need a whoever did this has hurt in their heart," he added.

Willie, who discovered the graffiti on Saturday evening, said that the church had recently installed new security cameras, but they are not yet fully operational. He said that he wants the person responsible for the vandalism to be caught, but he still preaches forgiveness.

"I don't like it. I don't like what the person did but, I forgive him," the pastor said, according to CBS New York. "I don't hate them. I hate what they did," he added.

All four places of worship removed the graffiti before Sunday services. The churches' pastors and congregants held some sort of exorcism ceremony at their vandalized churches on Sunday.

"The blood of Jesus covers this house! No distress, no fear, to this family!" Amityville Full Gospel's pastor, William Walker, shouted as he placed his hands on the doors of Shaw Temple AME Zion Church. "Bless this house, no sign of evil will stop the word of God. Hail Jesus, hail Jesus, hail Jesus!" he continued.

The police are investigating the vandalism as a hate crime, but they are also considering whether the graffiti was left by a disgruntled parishioner out of spite.

"We are disturbed by this. It is disrespectful," said Detective Lt. Bob Donohue of the Suffolk County Police Department. "I am asking [the pastors] to speak to their parishioners, find out if anyone sees or heard anything on social media," he went on to say.

Demonic phrases and imagery have also been found by Nassau County police on the New Covenant Church in East Meadow last week, but the upside-down crosses scrawled on the church do not match the graffiti in North Amityville.
home World Pakistan arrests South Korean man who was suspected of training Christian missionaries

Pakistani authorities have reportedly arrested a South Korean man who was suspected of using his language school to train Chinese nationals to conduct Christian missionary work in the country.

The South Korean national, identified as Juan Won Seo, runs a language school in Quetta, southern Pakistan, where two Chinese nationals were abducted and murdered by the Islamic State terror group.

Juan was arrested along with his family members on June 12 after it was determined that his school was being used for covert Christian missionary activities, Korean news website The Hankyoreh reported.

According to Pakistani authorities, Juan had taught Urdu and a local language to 13 Chinese nationals, including the murder victims, Li Zingyang, 24, and Meng Lisi, 26, after bringing them to Pakistan between November 2016 and January 2017.

"The Korean family was training the Chinese nationals in missionary work," Quetta police official Abdul Razzaque Cheema stated.

"We have interviewed around 50 people who were in contact with the Chinese and received text messages or calls from them. All of them have corroborated that the Chinese were involved in preaching," he added.

Cheema said that the Juan had provided the Chinese nationals with 30,000 to 35,000 Pakistani rupees (US$286-334) a month for their living expenses. He said that law enforcement agencies are investigating where the money came from as Juan had no known source of income because he was only using the school as a cover to live in Pakistan.

Li and Meng were abducted by armed assailants on May 24 while they were eating at a restaurant. On June 8, ISIS announced through its propaganda agency that it abducted and killed the two Chinese nationals.

According to Pakistani news site Dawn, Li and Meng were taken into police custody from Quetta's Kharotabad area prior to the abduction and were informed about the threat to their security. "They were offered security but they refused to accept the offer," Pakistan's interior ministry stated.

Last week, the China's Foreign Ministry vowed to work with Pakistani authorities to investigate whether the two victims were involved in missionary activities.

"We have noted these reports saying that the two kidnapped Chinese nationals who might have been killed and the other ten-plus Chinese nationals may be used by some ROK religious group to do illegal preaching activities," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang during a regular briefing on June 15.
home US Pastor from Iraq tells American church to avoid politicizing refugee crisis

A Texas pastor who fled from Iraq decades ago has urged the Church to avoid politics amid the ongoing debate about travel bans and keep sharing the Gospel to refugees.

Jalil Dawood, lead pastor at Arabic Church of Dallas and founder of World Refugee Care, has just released a new book titled "The Refugee: A Story of God's Grace on One Man's Road to Refugee," where he recounts his own journey as a refugee from Iraq. He is hoping that the book will inspire other Christians to lend their support to the millions of refugees in need, both in the U.S. and abroad.

"There is a lot of misinformation about how to deal with refugees [today]," he said in a recent interview with The Christian Post. "God is sending the nations here. And God wants us to reach out to those people," he added.

Dawood fled from Iraq in 1982 during the brutal IranaIraq war when he was just 18-years-old. He traveled to Rome with the aim of acquiring refugee status in the U.S. as two of his brothers had done in the past.

While he was raised in a traditional Christian family in Baghdad, he felt as though he does not have a real connection with God. But that changed when he heard an American named Steve sharing the Gospel while he was in Rome.

He initially went to the club where Steve was preaching to learn English and watch movies, but he ended up attending a Bible study, where he said he heard the Gospel message clearly for the first time and accepted the Lord. He was then taken in as a disciple by Steve and his wife, Marilyn, who prayed for him when he was approved to come to the U.S.

Dawood was shocked to hear an American talk about God because he had believed that U.S. was the most godless country. He said that such mindsets are still strongly prevalent in Iraq even though there had been a few changes due to the internet.

The pastor has stated in an interview with CBN that he agrees with President Donald Trump's travel ban which prohibits travelers from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

However, when asked by The Christian Post what he would tell the American Church if he had a chance to speak for five minutes without any interruptions he said: "I would say, stay out of politics, help refugees, and share the Gospel with them."

"I was extremely disappointed in the American Church when everybody went out, protested President Trump stopping certain nations from coming here because there are millions of Christian refugees in the Middle East and nobody cares about them," he added.

The pastor reminded Christians that Jesus was once a refugee, and he pointed out that the people of Israel were commanded by God to show kindness to strangers because they were once refugees in Egypt. He contended that refugees will never forget the help they are given, and just as Steve and Marilyn showed him kindness, such a witness will have a profound effect on Muslims in particular.

Dawood, who preaches at a church comprised mainly of immigrants and refugees, said that when Christians exhibit this kindness, it is simply obedience to God.

"The Lord says, 'I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me water, I was naked and you clothed me. When I was in prison you came to me. And when you've done it to the least you've done it to me," he said.
home US Pro-life group in Oregon celebrates as bill aimed at allowing dementia patients to be starved fails

A pro-life group in Oregon is celebrating a victory after a bill that would have allowed dementia and mentally ill patients to be starved to death failed to advance in the state's House of Representatives.

Church Militant reported that Senate Bill 494 was sent to Oregon's House Judiciary Committee on Friday. But the legislation was effectively killed for this legislative session as the committee was closed on June 2.

The measure, which passed the Senate on June 8 by a vote of 17a13, would have removed safeguards that protect patients with mental illness or dementia from being starved or dehydrated against their will.

Oregon Right to Life (ORTL) Executive Director Gayle Atteberry said that legislation was the most "devious bill" she had ever seen, noting that its text can be difficult for laypeople to understand.

"Had this bill become law, it would have been used to end the lives of innocent Oregonians, who are not in the active dying stage but are afflicted with mental illness. Thousands of Oregonians wrote to their legislators, expressing horror about this bill that exemplifies just how extreme Oregon's politicians have become," she stated in a press release on Monday.

Under current law, health care representatives are not allowed to end the life of a mentally incompetent person if it is not clear what the patient desires or wants. Health care representatives can only end the life of a mentally incompetent person if the patient is in a specific end-of-life situation.

SB 494 reportedly removes the advance directive document, which allows a person to specify types of care they will want and choose their health care representative if they become mentally incompetent, from Oregon's statute.

The removal of the directive could result in situations where the life of the incompetent person may be ended according to the wishes of their health care representative, even if it is against the desires of the patient, according to a report from Life News.

"Oregon law currently has strong safeguards to protect patients who are no longer able to make decisions for themselves," Atteberry said.

"Senate Bill 494, pushed hard by the insurance lobby, would take patient care a step backwards and decimate patient rights," she added.

The bill reportedly received one Republican vote when it was approved by the Senate on June 8. It will remain in the already-closed House Judiciary Committee until the end of this year's legislative session on July 10, at which point the measure will be considered "officially" dead.
home World Thousands of young people in UK are converting to Christianity after church visit, says new study

A new study has shown that thousands of young people in Britain are converting to Christianity after visiting church buildings.

The research, commissioned by Christian youth organization Hope Revolution Partnership and conducted by ComRes, indicated that 13 percent of teenagers made the decision to become a Christian after a visit to a church or a cathedral.

The figures revealed that 21 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 18 describe themselves as active followers of Jesus, and 13 percent say they are practicing Christians who attend church.

The study was conducted in December but was only released recently after verification of its data and conclusions. According to The Telegraph, the analysts thought that such a high figure could not be accurate, but another study released by Christian group Youth for Christ showed similar results, suggesting that many young people still describe themselves as Christian.

"There was disbelief among the team because it was so high," said Jimmy Dale, the Church of England's national youth evangelism officer.

"What is really exciting for us is that there is this warmth and openness that we are seeing among young people a they are really open to faith," he added.

In 2006, a study conducted by church statistician Dr. Peter Brierley showed that only six percent of people aged between 11 and 14 and five percent of people between the ages of 15 and 18 attended church.

The latest study suggested that prayers or visiting churches are more effective than newer methods, such as youth groups and courses like Youth Alpha, in attracting children to the church.

One in five said that reading the Bible was an important part of their decision to convert to Christianity. Seventeen percent said going to a religious school had contributed to their decision, while 14 percent said a spiritual experience led them to join the faith.

"Things which we would class as old hat methods are some of the more effective ways," Dale said. "It's a real wake-up call for the church a we've got lots of young people who are coming into churches with school groups and that's a really integral part of them becoming a Christian," he went on to say.

The Church of England also saw an increase of 14 percent in the number of people who are interested in becoming priests. As many as 543 men and women are expected to begin their studies to join the priesthood at colleges across England this autumn.
home World Vatican considers excommunicating Catholics with links to the mafia

The Vatican is reportedly considering a new doctrine for excommunicating Catholics who were convicted of corruption or mafia-related crimes.

Earlier this week, more than 50 prosecutors, bishops, United Nations representatives and victims of organized crime gathered together at the Vatican for a conference to discuss the Church's new legal doctrine concerning "the question of excommunication for corruption and mafia association."

"Our effort is to create a mentality, a culture of justice, that fights corruption and promotes the common good," said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, the Vatican's retired ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, who participated in the event.

Excommunication, which is one of the most severe penalties in the Catholic Church, would prohibit offenders from participating in the sacraments and effectively exclude them from the "communion" of the church. According to The Telegraph, the punishment has been imposed in the past to isolate some religious sects, such as the ultra-conservative followers of French Archbishop Marcel-Francois Lefebvre.

In 2014, Pope Francis denounced the 'ndrangheta for its "adoration of evil and contempt for the common good," declaring that those who follow the mob's path are automatically excommunicated. The pontiff also previously condemned corruption in politics, business and even at the Vatican.

This week's conference marks the first time the mafia and corruption crimes are considered together as not worthy of pardon because they are said to be habitual criminal ways of life, rather than a single act of sin.

The Vatican's latest move was hailed by Italy's anti-corruption czar Raffaele Cantone as "revolutionary," saying it will greatly increase pressure on those involved in politics, economics and finance who "profess to be Catholic despite not being extraneous to circuits of corruption."

However, some have complained that the punishment of excommunication for crimes like extortion or paying bribes is a step too far.

"I think the Vatican should judge case by case. I confessed to my guilt and I don't think I should be excommunicated," ex-Senator Sergio De Gregorio told Italian newspaper La Repubblica, as reported by The Telegraph.

De Gregorio, who was caught up in former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi's political corruption scandals, had admitted that he had taken millions in bribes in exchange for switching sides to help topple Romano Prodi's centre-left coalition government in 2008.

"I admitted responsibility and told the truth. I have sincerely repented for my crimes, why should I be excluded from the Church?" he said.
I feel were going to do great things together. I am Picasso

Art historian Diana Widmaier Picasso, the granddaughter of Picasso and Marie-Therese Walter, discusses Femme ecrivant (Marie-Therese), a portrait of the woman who inspired the most ecstatically erotic works of the artists career  offered in London on 27 June

She was a bourgeois teenager on a shopping trip from the suburbs; he was 45 and a world-famous artist wandering the boulevards of Paris in search of a chance encounter. She was Marie-Therese Walter; he was, of course, Pablo Picasso. Their paths crossed on the evening of Saturday 8 January, 1927, outside Galeries Lafayette, a Parisian department store where Marie-Therese had come to buy a then-fashionable blouse with Peter Pan collar. At the time, Picasso was starting to feel stifled by his loveless marriage to Olga Khokhlova, a Russian ex-ballerina whom hed married in 1918, and was seeking new inspiration. Picassos biographer John Richardson described Olga as having reddish hair, a lithe body and a look of wistful Swan Lake melancholy. Marie-Therese, in contrast, was golden-haired, blue-eyed and sensuously formed. Id like to do a portrait of you, the artist said to her. I feel were going to do great things together. I am Picasso. Marie-Therese was impressed by his confidence, and within a few days she had visited the artists studio on Pariss Right Bank to model for him. It was not long before she had also become his lover. Their passionate affair would define Picassos life and art for the next decade, says Jay Vincze, Head of Impressionist and Modern Art at Christies in London. Femme ecrivant (Woman Writing), from 1934, which is being offered at auction on 27 June, is among a number of images that have sealed Marie-Thereses status as one of the great muses in art history.

Open a larger version of this image Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Femme ecrivant (Marie-Therese). Painted on 26 March 1934 in Boisgeloup. Oil on canvas. 31  25 in (80.9  64.7 cm). Estimate: 25-40 million. This work is offered in the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale on 27 June at Christies London  Succession Picasso/DACS, London 2017

Richardson describes how she inspired the most ecstatically erotic works of Picassos career (in 2010, a notable example, Femme nue, feuilles et buste, was sold for $106,482,496 at Christies in New York). Femme ecrivant, however, focuses on an equally important, non-sexual part of their relationship. It depicts Marie-Therese  sitting on an ornate chair, pen in hand and with her eyes downturned  in the act of writing a letter. The setting is the secluded chateau of Boisgeloup near Gisors, a small village northwest of Paris, which Picasso had bought in 1930. It served as a love nest for the couple, complete with a studio in which he could assure Olga he was working. Picasso is obsessed with depicting his sitters in a state of unconsciousness, explains art historian Diana Widmaier Picasso, the granddaughter of Picasso and Marie-Therese. Here, he is capturing this intense concentration of a woman who is not only writing but also dreaming. In a way its a reverie; a double dream because Picasso is dreaming about Marie-Therese who is dreaming about him. We enter an intimacy, and thats what makes the painting so charged. Their affair was cloaked in secrecy, so that the couple wrote to one another prolifically  these letters remain in the Picasso family. He asked me to write to him every day  otherwise, he said, he'd be ill, Marie-Therese recalled in later life. (Among the lines written by Picasso back to her include, MT, mother of sparkling perfumes pungent with star jasmines I love you more than Ill ever be able to love.)

With Marie-Therese by his side, this was perhaps the most joyous period of his life
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- At least a few residents likely thought Jackson County had been spared the worst of Tropical Storm Cindy by the time Wednesday evening arrived.

Then came Thursday.

Torrential rain -- up to more than 12 inches in the western part of the county -- left numerous roadways flooded and impassible, with at least a few roads collapsing from the onslaught of water.

"We've got a number of roads that are flooded out, barricaded off -- including Highway 57 at Quave Road," Jackson County Emergency Services Director Earl Etheridge said Thursday afternoon.

With the heavier rain concentrated in west Jackson County, many of the flooded roadways reported were in and around Ocean Springs, including some in St. Martin, Gulf Park Estates, St. Andrews/Fountainbleau, Vancleave and within Ocean Springs itself.

Roads in other parts of the county were flooded, as well, including multiple locations in Escatawpa.

Earl Etheridge

With the heaviest rain beginning to taper, Etheridge said attention will turn to the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers.

"The rain is slacking off, so the roads will be draining," he said. "The main problem now is going to be the Pascagoula River and the Escatawpa River are going to flood. That's going to be the next issue. That will carry on through the weekend and into next week.

"The $64 question is just how high the two rivers will go. The Escatawpa flood stage is 8 (feet) and it's supposed to go to 10.5. That's based on Wednesday's projections and doesn't take into account the rain we got today. The Pascagoula flood stage is 22 -- it's supposed to go to 26.5."

Etheridge explained the amount of flooding at each river will determine if or how many homes will be affected.

"The more water you've got, the more places it has to go," he said. "The houses along the river are on stilts, so they'll be fine. But if the river gets too high, the water will push past those homes and go into neighborhoods near the river that are on slabs on the ground. That's where the problem is. Those homes will not necessarily fare as well as those on the river."

Etheridge said that as of Thursday afternoon there had been no calls for rescue from homes anywhere in the county.

"We've had several people drive into ditches and try to drive into flooded areas of roadways, but no calls to homes," he said.

Although the heaviest rain has likely passed, the National Weather Service forecast called for an 80 percent chance of additional rain on Thursday night and Friday's forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain. Some thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall.
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Builders and contractors on Wednesday tied down loose ends - literally - and many sent workers home ahead of the possible overnight arrival of Tropical Storm Cindy. Similar scenes unfolded on some offshore oil rigs in the path of the disturbance.

Although forecasts called for the worst impact to be felt far from Houston, local industry remains vigilant to dodge the damage incurred during infamous episodes of inclement weather.

"We learned a lot from Rita and Ike," said Kim Mason, director of safety services at the Associated General Contractors of Houston. "We learnedto never underestimate how high thewater will get. We lost a lot of computers, a lot of electronics. We had a lot of equipment float away, including trailers."

That's why, Mason said, every contractor and builder in Houston has a checklist of storm-preparation protocols that should have been fully checked off by the end of Wednesday.

Mike Dishberger, owner of Sandcastle Homes and a former president of the Greater Houston Builders Association, said he held a staff meeting Monday to run through the steps for battening down the hatches at work sites.

"Work slows down to a crawl," he said. "We pretty much spend the day picking up debris. That's pretty much what we're doing today."

Crews scour the ground for small objects that could "act like missiles" in tropical storm-force winds, he said, then they empty dumpsters and tack plywood onto any home frames that might need structural support in the storm.

On the day of the storm, most workers won't show up for work, he said.

At larger commercial construction sites, preparations can be more complex. Crews strap down the trailer offices where plans are housed so they don't float away. They relocate computers and heavy equipment and fuel tanks, then hang plywood on the project wherever necessary.

Nonessential personnel are dismissed to weather the storm. In extreme cases, said Mason of the AGC, generator trucks may be sent to the homes of essential personnel so they can do essential computer work during the storm.

In other cases, Mason said, the biggest local builders may fly in out-of-state work crews that can tend to the work site while the local laborers are at home with their families during the storm.

In the Gulf of Mexico, oil rig operators reported pulling workers off 40 oil and gas production platforms, or about 5 percent of the more than 700 manned platforms in the Gulf, and one drilling rig of the 15 there.

Workers, as they evacuate, close safety valves under the ocean floor to prevent the release of oil or gas should the storm damage well piping.

The bureau estimated Wednesday that companies shut in about17 percent of oil production in the Gulf and less than 1 percent of gas.

BP evacuated non-essential personnel from its Mad Dog and Atlantis platforms. Workers operating production equipment, however, remained on the platforms, which are built to withstand 100-year hurricanes. BP, like others, said its severe weather assessment team was in "constant communication with our offshore teams."

"Our top priority is the safety of all personnel and protecting the environment," BP said. "We remain prepared to respond as conditions warrant."

Along the Houston Ship Channel, officials took precautionary measures to protect facilities andindustry there but said they weren't overly concerned.

"It is just far enough to the east of us here in Houston that Coast Guard measures to close the port were not warranted," said Steve Nerheim, director of the Coast Guard's Vessel Traffic Services for Houston and Galveston.

Capt. Robert Shearon, presiding officer for the Houston Pilots, who guide ships in and out of the Ship Channel, is monitoring the situation and keeping in contact with others along the waterway.

He said that, as the weather started to deteriorate, pilots would not board some of the smaller and lighter vessels.

Pilots stopped all boarding ships around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Winds are predicted to be less than 40 knots by noon Thursday, Shearon said, and he hopes things will return to normal by Thursday afternoon.

"This is an early wake-up call for what we might expect this season," he said.
The internet is loving the mind of one Sam Houston State University student who replaced her family photos with pictures of her dog.

Marissa Hooper, a 21-year-old from Waxahachie, Texas, was hanging out with her older sister at home when they had an amazing idea - to replace family photos with recreated ones of her 7-year-old Chihuahua, Dixie.

"One afternoon, when my sister and I were at home on the couch, we started looking around at all of the pictures our parents had up of us and family," Hooper told Chron.com. "My sister looked over at me and asked if I thought that they went around and looked at all of these pictures when they missed us, or if I thought they would even notice if we moved them around."

EPIC PHOTO SHOOT: Teen takes epic wedding photos with a burrito

Hooper then made new versions of several photos  Dixie wearing full graduation attire, Dixie recreating her grandmother's portrait and Dixie donning a wig and recreating her sister's kindergarten picture.

"My family loves to joke around," Hooper said. "I started recreating the pictures with Dixie using little objects around the house and replacing pictures when my mom would be in the shower or left to go somewhere."

TEXAS AGAIN: Guy's 'dudeoir' photo shoot is apparently what women really want

It took the college student's mom a few weeks to notice the first set, which were her grandmother and sister's kindergarten picture.

"Embarrassingly, she found those while company was over and knew immediately it had to be one of us playing a joke on her," Hooper said. "She put my sister, my dad and me in a group text but no one fessed up."

It took Hooper's mom only two days to notice Dixie in a graduation cap, and this time she knew who did it.

"I haven't recreated any photos since the graduation photo, but I have had a lot of requests to continue to remake family photos," she said. "So as far as what is next for me and Dixie, we will probably be up to our usual pranks around the house, keeping mom on her toes."

Check out Dixie's new Instagram page for the latest.
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The U.S. Senate's health-care proposal, unveiled Thursday, garnered mixed reviews in Texas with some offering tepid support for its ambitious reigning in of federal spending while others voiced outright anger saying the bill balances those cuts on the backs of the state's poor and most vulnerable.

The 142-page discussion draft, entitled the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 and authored in secret by Senate Republicans, in essence repeats much of the work of the U.S. House bill that narrowly passed last month.

The Senate version also eliminates the unpopular mandate that most every American have health insurance and curtails open-ended spending on Medicaid.

Under the plan, more power would be returned to states to curtail some of the current law known as Obamacare's provisions, including mandatory maternity coverage and the inclusion of behavioral-health benefits.

Despite similarities, the law did not temper gut reactions from across political parties  and sometimes within the same one.

"I give it an F," said Chip Roy, senior adviser of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank in Austin. He called it a "tweaking around the edges" of the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans have long vowed to dismantle completely.

Roy, who spoke with the Chronicle Thursday, is the former chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who later in the day came out against the bill.

RELATED: Cruz a 'no' vote on new Senate GOP health care plan

But in another corner of the GOP, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, praised his Senate counterparts and their reworking of the House bill he had helped construct.

"I'm pleased to see the Senate moving forward with legislation that brings us closer to repealing and replacing Obamacare," he said in a statement.

The Senate version takes sharp aim at Medicaid, ending its expansion in 31 states that was a hallmark of the Affordable Care Act. But even in nonexpansion states like Texas, deep cuts are proposed as the measure would cap future dollars per enrollee based on past spending.

The Medicaid cuts under the Senate bill would be deeper than what was proposed in the House. An analysis of the House plan predicted Texas could lose $1.5 billion per year over the next decade. If the state did not make up that difference, it is widely expected services would be curtailed and fewer will be eligible.

"For Texas this will be even worse than the House bill," said Elena Marks, president and CEO of Houston's Episcopal Health Foundation. She was reached by phone in Boston Thursday as she attended the Grantmakers in Health convention for health-care philanthropists.

RELATED: Health leaders urge Cruz, Cornyn to protect Medicaid funding in health-care vote

Texas already is tied with Alabama as having the strictest threshold to qualify for Medicaid in the nation and Marks worries the state's neediest cannot shoulder more cuts. More than 4 million Texans currently receive Medicaid benefits, the vast majority of them poor children. A Kaiser Family Foundation report found that more than half of the births in Texas are financed by Medicaid.

Michael Morrissey, a health economist and professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, was more measured in his appraisal. With the caveat that he had not studied the bill in depth, he found parts of the Senate bill to like, especially the provisions that give more latitude to states to craft custom fit regulations and coverage standards.

"I think that is a very good thing," he said, adding that he never favored the ACA one-size-fits-all mandates and provisions.

One of the measures proposed in the Senate bill is to allow states to receive block grants for some health care costs. States also could determine the ratios of how much an insurance company can use of its revenue for overhead costs. The ACA mandates that no more than 20 percent could go to non-coverage costs.

Morrissey also liked that the Senate measure reconfigures how federal subsidies are given to help pay for insurance, moving away from the flat, age-based calculation floated by the House to one that is based also on income, more akin to the ACA. "You want it to be needs-based," he said.

He remained skeptical, however, of the removal of the individual and employer mandate without something to encourage healthy people to sign up for insurance to stabilize the risk pool.

"It converts the exchange plan into a high risk pool," he predicted. "It leaves people who aren't sick and just want coverage with really expensive plans."
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The Houston SPCA will retain custody of the 67 dogs it seized June 15 from a home on CR 3280 in Cleveland. Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller awarded the dogs to the SPCA at a Thursday morning hearing. The judge also ruled that the dogs' owner, Mary Dore, is responsible for the $13,198 in veterinary care the animals have received since the seizure.

Dore was not present at Thursday's hearing and offered no defense.

According to SPCA representatives at the hearing, all of the animals are still living except for three puppies that were delivered after the seizure with parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that could have spread to other animals in the shelter.

Mattie Robinson, an SPCA animal welfare officer, told the judge she suspects other female dogs that were seized are also carrying puppies, so in his ruling, Fuller also included any potential offspring the dogs may have.

The case was prosecuted by Matthew Minick with the Liberty County Attorney's Office. Minick called three witnesses -- Robinson and Dr. Cheryl Hoggard of Houston SPCA, and Dep. Linda Bloomingdale, environmental quality officer with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.

All three witnesses urged the judge to rule in the SPCA's favor, citing concerns that the owner would not be able to properly provide for the food, shelter and veterinary care of so many animals.

The case against Dore began June 13 as a welfare call to her home on CR 3280. Bloomingdale told the judge she was sent to investigate after neighbors reported a foul smell similar to decaying flesh coming from the home.

When Bloomingdale arrived, she reportedly discovered the smell was emanating from the rotting corpses of two dogs that had been thrown into garbage bags.

"Everything was totally infested with maggots," Bloomingdale said.

Outside the home, she also reportedly found a couple of dogs running loose in a yard attached to the home and 2-3 others running loose outside the yard. She said her entry into the home was blocked by a couple of big dogs.

"The front door was the only way to make entry and it was through those large dogs," she said.

Bloomingdale called the Houston SPCA, which sent investigators to the scene an hour later. Before they arrived, the sheriff's dispatch managed to contact Ms. Dore, who agreed to talk to the investigators and provide access to the home.

"There were large dogs in medium cages and none of the animals had food or water," Bloomingdale said. "When I questioned her about it, she said she let the dogs out a few at a time."

Bloomingdale described the home as "horrible" with trash, gas cans, blankets and feces littering the floor.

Bloomingdale and Robinson told the judge they asked Dore to clean up the conditions of the home if she wanted to keep the animals, but would return with a seizure warrant if the conditions persisted.

"When we returned on Friday with a seizure warrant, she had cleaned up the dead dogs and had removed some of the trash around the place. She had put water in their cages but no food," Bloomingdale said.

Robinson gave a similar account, adding that Dore seemed to be unaware that her collection of dogs had grown from 40 to 67. According to Robinson, the next day Dore asked to voluntarily surrender 16 of the dogs in order to avoid any public scrutiny. However, before the animals were surrendered, SPCA officers and Bloomingdale returned to the home with a seizure warrant.

"The owner agreed with me that the living conditions for these animals sucked," Robinson said. "Some of the dogs had upper respiratory infections and one had severe pneumonia. These were the result of their living conditions."

During her testimony, Dr. Cheryl Hoggard, a veterinarian for Houston SPCA, added that a number of the dogs have severe dental disease with one having such severe deteriorating bones in its mouth that it can only eat soup. Others had severe and painful ocular problems, she said.

"A lot of these conditions were treatable and could have been stopped with preventative care," Hoggard said.

The judge asked the SPCA officials how much one could reasonably expect to spend on the care of 67 dogs. After a short discussion, they settled on the costs of $50 per month per dog, which would cover food and preventative heartworm and flea treatments.

After making his ruling, Judge Fuller added that Dore will be allowed 12 months to pay the judgment. Dore has the opportunity to appeal but Fuller said if the case is appealed it should be done quickly as the costs for the dogs' care at Houston SPCA are mounting by the day.
Houston artist Ezra Roy, 29, is busy preparing for an art exhibition in Jazz Gallery in New York, which he will open with his father - and creative partner - Alvin Roy, 60 in January 2018.

Alvin Roy is proud of his son - Ezra will be one of the first U.S. artists with Down syndrome to exhibit his work on the national level, his father says.

"I don't think there are very many people out here who would ever consider that ...a possibility," Alvin Roy said.

Alvin Roy despaired at first when Ezra was diagnosed at birth in 1988 with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder which causes growth and intellectual delays. Yet his father always believed in his son's potential.

"When I received the news about Ezra's illness my first reaction was actually one of grief. I cried for 25 minutes and I looked at him and realized what he was going to face. I decided to help (him) accept this condition and assimilate into society just as anyone else would," Alvin Roy recalls.

Ezra's father and mother soon separated and so Alvin Roy raised his son mostly alone.

At that time, Alvin Roy was a young aspiring attorney, but Ezra's health was so fragile that he needed a series of medical procedures. So his father decided to change careers.

"I realized that I have a duty as a parent to raise this child and not pass this responsibility onto somebody else... I had studied art and had initially an intention to pursue an art career, so I revived it," he said.

At the same time, Alvin Roy started teaching his son about art.

Ezra Roy soon gravitated towards painting. He graduated from high school and entered the university. In 2014, he earned a bachelor's degree in art with honors from Texas Southern University.

He has developed his own artistic style. His paintings contain many references to African art and Hip Hop culture. Among other things, he has difficulty speaking, but he reveals his personal experiences through his work. "I knew I could do art, I knew I could draw and paint," he said in an interview after his graduation.

He works with his father closely at their gallery Royal Grafix Fine Art on Chenevert St. He's previously exhibited his art locally, including at Houston City Hall, Texas Southern University Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston's Five-A Exhibitions.

But the exhibit in New York will give him a higher profile, break down barriers and keep him from being "marginalized" as a disabled artist, Alvin Roy says.

His son's success also inspired Alvin Roy to open an art class for people with intellectual disabilities. More than 17 years ago he founded a non-profit organization 1-On-1 Art, Inc. Since that time he has mentored 32 aspiring artists through his studio. Several have become serious artists; nearly all have learned how to enrich their lives through their art.

-Contributor Viktoria Mokretsova is an International Center for Journalists fellow who is visiting Houston from the Kaliningrad region of Russia
Surfers flocked to Galveston Island Wednesday to catch some tall waves as Tropical Storm Cindy made landfall at the Texas-Louisiana border.

While lifeguard towers were pushed against the seawall and away from the tide, surfing enthusiasts ran into the Gulf's rough waters. It's tradition, albeit risky, for surfers to take advantage of the high swells produced by tropical storms.
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Deputies and prosecutors executed multiple search warrants in East Montgomery County Wednesday on businesses police say are running illegal gaming machines.

Illegal gambling machines can contribute to large amount of drug and other illegal activity, according to deputies with the Precinct 4 Constable's Office. They also say the machines prey on elderly individuals.

While the machines themselves were not seized, deputies and prosecutors took the motherboards from the machines as evidence and seized the money inside them. According to Precinct 4 Constable's Sgt. Jim Slack, authorities raided three gas stations all within a half mile of each other near New Caney:

Exxon gas station in the 24700 block of FM 1485

Coleman's Drive In in the 25900 block of FM 1485

Bill's 3 GS Food Mart in the 23500 block of FM 1485

Although no arrests have been made directly to the search, Jimmy Moon, 50, of Houston, was arrested on an unrelated third-degree felony warrant for allegedly assaulting a family member. Deputies claim Moon was found using one of the machines.
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Authorities have accused a 47-year-old man of sexually assaulting his teenaged wife, who is a member of a group that believes they are direct descendants of biblical Israelites, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

The unidentified 14-year-old girl's mother, another member of the group, also was arrested on charges of endangering a child.

According to the sheriff's office, the 14-year-old female told a doctor that she was married and sexually active. She said she had been "married" since she was 13. Police were notified of the situation on June 5 by Child Protective Services.

Sheriff Troy Nehls said during a Thursday press conference that he found the girl's ordeal to be a "very disturbing, disturbing case."

The sheriff's office identified Steven Carty, 47, as the "husband" and charged him with aggravated sexual assault of a child. The girl's mother, Cherry Jamila Payton, 39, was charged with endangering a child, a state felony.

SPEAKING OUT: Former child bride's testimony changes Texas marriage laws

When CPS officials interviewed both the teen and her mother, they described themselves as Hebrew Israelites, African-Americans who believe they are descendants of ancient Israelites.

The mother apparently supported her daughter's marriage to Carty because of their beliefs, according to Fort Bend Sheriff's Office spokeswomen Caitilin Espinosa.

Espinosa said the young girl did not have a traditional marriage ceremony, but the teen believed she was married because of her cultural beliefs.

"She didn't get married in front of pastor or priest," Espinosa said. "It was a cultural thing that she believes she was married."

There are thousands of people across the country and other parts of the world including the Caribbean, Africa and United Kingdom who consider themselves Hebrew Israelites, according to The Associated Press.

Members usually dress in colorful clothing, refrain from birth control and also believe in polygamy. There are several meeting places for Hebrew Israelites across Texas including in El Paso, Houston and Dallas.

CONVICTIONS: Leaders of Houston-based marriage fraud ring convicted

Their spiritual leader, Ben Ammi Ben Israel, died in Israel in 2014. He believed that some African-Americans were descendants of the biblical tribe of Judah and migrated to West Africa after the Jewish Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 in Jerusalem.

In the 1960s, the leader said he had a vision from the angel Gabriel to return to West Africa. He led a group of people back to Liberia, which became the starting point of the worldwide belief system.

During Thursday's press conference, the sheriff's office reported that the girl was doing well. The office is working with CPS to set up a safety plan for her.

Police said the couple were in Sugar Land, but for some time have lived in and around the Houston area.

Carty and Payton are in Fort Bend County Jail. Carty is being held on a $100,000 bond. Payton is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Even without trophy hunting, humans claim the lives of grizzly bears  more than 100 in 2015 and 2016. Photo by Ray Rafiti

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Despite having received more than half a million citizen comments opposing the action, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that it is removing federal Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and effectively transferring management authority over these animals to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. State authorities and wildlife managers have already signaled their plans to allow trophy hunting of Americas greatest carnivores. If their plans are realized, it will be the first time grizzlies have been legally hunted in the lower 48 states in decades.

Matt Hogan, the regional U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) official who led the delisting effort, was the former chief lobbyist for the Safari Club International, the worlds leading trophy hunting club. Opening up grizzly bear hunting has been a long-time aspiration of the SCI, and killing one of the largest bears in the world is the goal of so many would-be Walter Palmers within its ranks. (Palmer is the Minnesota dentist who traveled half way around the world to shoot Cecil the African lion.)

According to multiple stories in the Native American media outlet Native News Online and also High Country News, oil, gas, and mining interests have also pushed for federal delisting. They are interested in developing public lands in grizzly bear habitat and extracting energy (even as the price of oil has sunk to around $40 a barrel).

Matt Hogan appears not to have disclosed his ties to Anadarko Petroleum and Gas, Wyomings main lease holder and landowner, prompting the Oglala Sioux Tribe to request last year that Congress investigate the USFWSs call to delist Yellowstone grizzly bears.

Against this backdrop, 125 Native American tribes from the United States and Canada have signed onto a historic treaty  one of three of its kind in written history  that calls for continued protections for grizzly bears and expresses their opposition to trophy hunting of an animal sacred to tribes across the continent.

U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Raul M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., and Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Tom Udall, D-N.M, and Cory Booker, D-N.J., have sent letters to Congress or Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke requesting that the USFWS engage in consultation with the tribes before delisting grizzly bears from the ESA. Thus far, the USFWS has sidestepped meaningful consultation with the tribes, abrogating U.S. treaty obligations to them.

But its not just the tribes that dont want trophy hunters to kill bears for their heads and hides. Polling shows upwards of 80 percent of all Americans oppose this practice.

Whats more, grizzlies alive are an economic boon to the Yellowstone region and the gateway communities that surround the park. Surveys reveal that watching mega-fauna such as grizzlies and wolves is the number one reason why people visit the area. Wolf and bear watching generate tens of millions in economic activity. While Congress and the administration may cater to the industries intent on killing grizzlies or degrading their habitat, millions of Americans want the agency to maintain protections and shield the animals from state wildlife managers aligned with trophy hunting and ranching and oil interests. Protecting the animals is not just the right moral position. Its the right business action too.

Even without trophy hunting, through a variety of circumstances, humans claim the lives of bears  more than 100 in 2015 and 2016. Many hazards befall these animals, from poaching and mistaken identity killing during the black bear hunting season, to roadkill. Some bears are killed for threatening livestock or public safety. These risks are compounded because the species key food sources are depleted  including white bark pine nuts and cutthroat trout  and that circumstance has spurred them to roam to find nourishment. When their interactions with humans increase, the grizzlies typically lose.

I dont think the population can sustain any increase in mortality, grizzly bear expert Professor David Mattson, Ph.D., told The HSUS. In fact, the population will continue to decline unless we actually reduce the number of bears dying from all causes. Another grizzly bear expert, Professor Robert Weilgus, Ph.D., told The HSUS that trophy hunting will disrupt the social relationships of surviving bears, causing more aggression between them. Specifically, young adult males will move into the territory of a slain male grizzly and fight with each other and even kill the cubs of females, so they can mate with them. Grizzly bears havent evolved to be hunted like game, Prof. Weilgus stated. If they hunt them [around Yellowstone], I dont see how the bear population could continue to stay at the level it is now. It would pretty much have to decline.

The USFWS has subordinated protecting rare species to appeasing special interests. Delisting is not a success story, but a precursor to severe exploitation. That said, there is an extraordinary coalition of tribes, businesses, animal advocates, scientists, and environmentalists prepared to defend the grizzlies. The HSUS is prepared to take swift action to protect this majestic icon. Well see the parties who want to kill the bears in court. And well have plenty of company.
A Sugar Land woman who stole $42,500 from her employer to buy a luxury vehicle and go to hair and nail salons has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Samia Alam Quddusi, 24, was convicted of felony theft in April after she wrote a series of checks to herself while working as an administrative assistant at a Stafford business unnamed by Fort Bend County officials.

Quddusi told the company president that she needed the money for school loans and her brother's bail bonds. She told the court that the money was a gift or a loan.

IDENTITY THEFT: Woodlands investigators seek suspects who stole credit cards

However, evidence presented in court showed that Quddusi's tuition was paid by financial aid, and that she bought a luxury vehicle, dined out and went to hair and nail salons using the stolen funds.

Quddusi was convicted of felony theft on April 21 in the 434th District Court.

Although Quddusi was eligible for probation, Judge James H. Shoemake told Quddusi that she was not a good candidate and gave her prison time instead, because she had a prior theft conviction and had stolen from a previous employer.

During the punishment hearing, prosecutors called the business owner, who testified about the stress he was placed under when it was discovered his employee stole from the company checking account. He described how his professional reputation and the reputation of the company was at stake due to the offense. He also stated that he lost trust in employees and spent significant time to resolve the matter with the bank and the police.

BAD MISTAKE: Heights burglar leaves something important behind, gets arrested

The defense called three witnesses  the Quddusi's sister, mother, and Quddusi herself, whoeach testified that she was an "honest and caring" person.

Quddusi stated she disagreed with the jury's verdict and maintained the money was given to her voluntarily. She stated for the first time that she had a special relationship with her employer that allowed for her to get large sums of money in a short period of time. When pressed for details regarding that relationship as well as for the dates the checks were given to her, she stated could not remember the specific details.

When asked about what she did with the stolen funds, the defendant stated she spent or loaned about $20,000 of the $42,500 but could not account for or remember what happened to the remainder.

Theft in this case was a third-degree felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Assistant District Attorneys Abdul Farukhi and Grayson Miller prosecuted the case. Attorneys Eddrea McKnight and Alfonso Anderson represented Quddusi.
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Social media posts and messages released Tuesday by the Kirbyville school district detail some of the interactions between high school principal Dennis Reeves, his wife and his alleged mistress in the year leading up to his apparent suicide on May 23.

The district's lawyers are seeking a Texas Attorney General's ruling to halt the release of a statement written by Marcia Morgan, Reeves former secretary, on May 23 detailing her alleged affair with Reeves, but they agreed to release "social media documentation collateral" to the statement.

Moments after school officials confronted him about the alleged affair, Reeves was found dead in his pickup of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The documents released Tuesday include emails between Reeves and Marcia Morgan from April 2016, before she left her job as a secretary at the high school for a position at the elementary school. Also included were messages between Reeves' wife, Tammy Reeves, and Morgan from May 2016 and October 2016.

In an email to the Enterprise Wednesday, Reeves family attorney Chip Ferguson said the district's release of a "partial compilation of text messages" after accusing him of sensationalizing the situation is "the height of hypocrisy."

> > MORE | Read the PDFs here

In the messages, Morgan denies the affair, referring instead to a "friendship."

In a statement released last week, she detailed the timeline of an alleged affair with Reeves and accused him and his wife of harassing her. She said in that statement that she initially denied the affair before telling Superintendent Tommy Wallis and Assistant Superintendent Georgia Sayers on May 23 that she had lied about it.

The documents also include social media posts from Tammy Reeves' Pinterest account, accusing Morgan of the affair and threatening to tell Morgan's children about it.

In a petition seeking depositions of more than 20 people filed in Jefferson County Court last week on Tammy Reeves' behalf, attorney Chip Ferguson said the affair was probably "false, and like so many other things, manipulated or invented by others."

The school district on Tuesday also released Reeves' and Wallis' contracts, along with district policies regarding termination procedures, which they previously had refused to release.

In a letter to the district Tuesday, Ferguson called Monday's school board meeting a "dog and pony show" and said he would dissolve his restraining order if they provided him with the information he'd previously requested, including surveillance video from the night of Reeves' death.

> > MORE | Read the letter here

He said his office had received one piece of paper from the district, a letter of resignation from Reeves.

"While KCISD moans and groans that the Reeves Family has had to turn to the courts, that was their only option," Ferguson said in the letter. "Once the concept of transparency left town, all they were left to face was an iron curtain of silence."



LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitz

DThompson@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/Daveth89
A Houston man will remain behind bars without bail after being charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of a 10-month-old child, a judge rule Thursday.

Jared Balogun, a 24-year-old with a long history of minor arrests, appeared before state District Judge Jan Krocker who ruled against bail after hearing the allegations.
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A Houston man has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for a brutal attack on a woman two years ago that he recorded on his cell phone.

Darias Lacour, 30, was convicted Wednesday by a jury that deliberated 15 minutes before finding him guilty of aggravated sexual assault.
Sixteen men believed to be members of a Houston-area street gang have been charged in federal court in Nevada for renting cars using fake identities and then taking them out of state to sell over social media.

The cars were stolen from five states between July 2015 and April 2017 and were worth more than $1 million, according to to a federal indictment unsealed last week.
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A Houston woman is claiming that a maggoty Almond Joy candy bar sold by Wal-Mart led to her injury last October.

Peables Fowls is seeking $1 million in monetary relief from Wal-Mart after sustaining injuries due to eating the candy bar while her car was in motion.

According to court documents, Fowls purchased the Almond Joy from a Wal-Mart at 9598 Rowlett Road and returned to her car.

HEAD-SCRATCHING: The most ridiculous, confusing products you can buy at Whole Foods

"While reversing Peables opened the candy bar's wrapper to find that the candy bar was filled with a large amount of maggots," details the lawsuit, written by Fowl's attorney Carl Gordon. The maggots then "fell out of the wrapper and into Peables' lap and mouth area."

The "unexpected maggots" caused Fowls to "panic and quickly exit the vehicle."

Her attorney claims "Peables injured her finger and ankle, in addition to other injuries" as she was "escaping from the maggots."

WATCH: Texas police save puppy from hot car at Walmart, owner arrested

Afterward, Fowls went inside the Wal-Mart to file a complaint, but "began to feel nauseated" and a "tightening in her chest" that eventually caused her to vomit, resulting in a hospital visit after an ambulance was called to the scene.

Fowls' lawsuit is arguing that Wal-Mart was a negligent actor for its failure to ensure the candy bar was safe to sell and consume.

"We take this matter and product safety seriously, and when we learned of this, we immediately reported it to our supplier, Hershey," a spokesperson for Wal-Mart told Chron.com. "We have not been served and have not had an opportunity to review the allegations."

Chron.com reached out to Fowls' attorney for comment. He was unable to respond in time for this publication.

Click through to view other gross things found in food.
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Rocky Carroll, a Houston boot maker whose treads have been worn by U.S. presidents, has died.

His daughter, Sherry Carroll, reported the news in a private Facebook group around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

POE'S ODE TO ROCKY: Rep. Ted Poe's homage to Texas' legendary boot maker

"My brother Michael went by the store at 5:30 this morning to have breakfast with him," Sherry wrote. "He told me he thought dad did not look well."

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According to the post, Rocky said he was tired. Not long after 11 a.m., he became unresponsive, and an ambulance was called. They were unable to revive him.

ROCKY TELLS ALL: Cowboy boot breakdown: Houston-made RJ's boots

On Thursday Rocky's daughter confirmed his passing to Chron.com via email.

"It was very unexpected. He was 79 and I'm sure that natural causes will be the a factor. He did not have any medical issues that we were aware of," Carroll wrote.

Rocky, once called BOTUS by CNN, had crafted boots for seven U.S. presidents, including George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. He was even planning on giving a pair to President Donald Trump.

BOOT TIPS: Houston's boot makers share the secret to buying the perfect boots

In 2014, then-Texas governor Rick Perry had complained his cowboy boots had worsened his back problems since running in the 2012 presidential elections, the New York Times had reported. Rocky offered to lower the heel, something he did all the time for orthopedic doctors.

By all indications Mr. Carroll died doing what he loved, creating custom boots for Texans.
Houston police arrested Thursday an 18-year-old man who they believe shot and killed a 17-year-old and pointed his gun at an officer.

The man - Angel "Fat Angel" Lopez - was charged May 5 with murder and aggravated assault against a public servant.

An argument that led to the eventual fatal shooting of 17-year-old Joshua Reyes is believed to have started late May 4 or early May 5.

Lopez, Reyes and two friends were hanging out at a southeast Houston home together, discussing a robbery Lopez, Reyes and one of the friends had committed earlier that evening. They had nabbed a wallet, marijuana and several hits of acid from a drug dealer, according to a witness statement to police officers.

Lopez thought he didn't get enough of the bounty from the robbery, according to court documents.

Shortly after, Reyes and one of the other friends believed to have committed the robbery left the home.

Lopez did as well. He got into his mother's Nissan Sentra with another one of the friends. They were originally headed to get beer, according to court records.

Moments later, Lopez saw Reyes and Reyes' friend in the 6700 block of Westover.

Lopez is believed to have driven his car up to Joshua Reyes and the friend, according to sworn statements from police officers.

He is suspected of pulling out a revolver and pointed the weapon at Reyes and the friend. He also pointed the gun at his friend who was in the car with him, according to court documents.

He is then believed to have fired at Reyes, hitting the teen in the leg and torso. One witness said he believed Reyes shot back at least once, according to court documents.

Then, Lopez fled in the Nissan, according to court documents.

Houston Police Officer J. Green was driving westbound in the same block when he heard gunshots and saw Reyes fall to the ground, according to court documents. He immediately sped after the Nissan, following Lopez as he made a sharp left turn at the end of the block onto Northdale.

Green saw the passenger in the Nissan jump out vehicle.

As his car got closer to Lopez's, Lopez pointed a dark-colored firearm at him, according to court documents.

Green slowed his car, fearing for his life. He lost sight of Lopez and returned to Westover, where he found Reyes' body.

Lopez had been on the run until his arrest Thursday.

He is being held in the Harris County Jail with bail for both charges totaling $150,000.

Lopez was on probation at the time of the fatal shooting, after pleading guilty in April to driving while under the influence.
D. Fahleson/Staff

A few hours after officials sent out an alert about a woman who escaped police custody at Houston's LBJ Hospital, hospital officials Thursday afternoon said it turns out she was never in custody.

Hospital officials initially thought the woman had fled police custody when she left the hospital's outpatient facility about 12:30 p.m. They sent out a safety alert.
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Taking a last-minute veer to the east and sparing much of the Houston area, Tropical Storm Cindy made landfall about 4 a.m. Thursday in southwestern Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service.

Harris County officials said Thursday morning that Cindy was, for the most part, "no different than a wet day" in Houston.

"For most people this morning there isn't any reason not to do what you're going to do this morning," said Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist with the county's flood control district.

The storm was moving toward the north at about 12 mph. Maximum sustained winds had decreased to about 40 mph.

Tropical storm warnings for Liberty, Harris, Galveston and Chambers counties were lifted about 5 a.m., the weather service reported.

1 DEAD: Boy killed by debris in TS Cindy storm surge

Forecasters expect the storm to continue weakening during the next 48 hours, with Cindy expected to weaken to a tropical depression later today, the NWS said. One person was reported killed - a child struck by debris pushed in by a wave in Alabama.

Harris County officials said they were winding down the emergency response to Tropical Storm Cindy.

"For us it's going to be another day at 9 a.m.," said Francisco Sanchez, spokesman for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Sanchez said the region has dodged "any significant impact." No flooding, casualties, or significant complications had been reported.

Sanchez said he expects to see about three inches of rain spread out over the course of Thursday, not enough to create any flooding problems, outside of some street flooding.

For the rest of the week, there may be some rain heading into the weekend, Sanchez said, that officials are monitoring. He said the region is settling into a regular summer pattern of afternoon thunderstorms.

Cindy's glancing blow left much of the Houston metro soggy overnight, but no worse for wear.

Most locations within the Beltway received less than a half inch of rain, according to the Harris County Flood Warning System. Areas closer to the gulf, like Nassau Bay (1.76 inches overnight) and Clear Lake (1.66 inches) weathered slightly higher totals. But to the far north and west, in areas like Katy (0.04 inches) and Cypress Creek (.08 inches overnight), Tropical Storm Cindy felt like any other mid-June overnight shower.

Almost all main traffic arteries in Harris and surrounding counties remained unaffected by high water. The few exceptions were portions of Highway 87/Broadway in Galveston County near Bauer Street and Herbert Street, as well as Highway 275 at 14th Street in Galveston County.

Centerpoint reported no significant outages due to Cindy.

About one to two inches of rain fell overnight in the Houston area, largely in the south and southeast portions of Harris County, according to Lindner.

He urged people to remain cautious during the morning commute and to watch for wet roads, but said the area had escaped serious consequences.

Lindner said while rain bands throughout the day could drop another one to two inches during the day Thursday, by evening, Cindy will likely have moved on to Arkansas. It is not a storm that will "linger," he said.

Winds coming in from the north, combined with low tide, were actually pushing tides down along Galveston Bay. Lindner said tides were rising on the backside of Galveston Island because of winds coming from the north.

In Galveston, steady rains came down for just a few hours overnight but the weather let up before daybreak.

Revelers determined to enjoy their night stayed out till the wee hours, some dipping into pools and pumping music as the storm approached. At one point, stormy skies obscured the ocean and the lights of oil rigs on the horizon, but by 5 a.m. the rain had passed and twinkling lights were visible again on the horizon.

"It wasn't nothing," said Kyle Martin, who has lived on the island about four years, adding, "I think we were lucky we didn't get hit with the east side of it."

In Galveston County, the storm's biggest effects were road debris and flooding. There were no reported injuries and no evacuees arrived at the Red Cross shelter set up at the Crystal Beach fire station. The only reported power outage lasted just under 30 minutes, and the ferry service kept running all through the night.

"Nothing unanticipated," said Garret Foskit, the county's emergency management coordinator. "The weather service did a pretty good job of nailing this."

In the eastern part of the county, Bolivar bore more of the storm's wrath.

"We got a lot more rain because it was closer to the center of the tropical storm," Foskit said. "It got an inch and a half to two more than the rest of the county. The wind was higher there - 50 to 60 mph gusts. On the mainland side it was 30 to 40 miles per hour.

"It was definitely a much more significant impact there."

One of the usual problem areas, by the intersection of State Highway 87 and Texas 124, became impassable due to storm debris.

"We're just waiting for daylight to start clearing the roads," Foskit said just before 6 a.m.

In the aftermath of what one surfer referred to as the "alleged" storm, Galveston wave-lovers were not impressed.

Jon Lewis, 29, a lifelong surfer from Friendswood, said the storm was "kinda disappointing."

Usually, the best surfing is just before or just after the storm, he said. But Thursday morning's waves didn't look so good, according to fellow surfer Joey Horn, 51.

"It's not very good today," he said. "I almost turned around and went back to work."

SHRIMP BOAT RESCUE: Coast Guard helps fishing boat in danger

In Liberty County, authorities breathed a sigh of relief.

"We're in good shape over here," LC Sheriff's Capt. Ken DeFoor said.

"It was a big to-do over nothing. It didn't affect us at all," he said.

Brazoria County saw limited flooding on low-lying roads off of Bluewater Highway, the sheriff's office reported. No damage has been reported, Lt. Varon Snelgrov said.

Fort Bend County also reported no damage.

A tropical storm warning was in place late Wednesday from San Luis Pass on the southern end of Galveston Island to the Florida Panhandle, with landfall expected at Sabine Pass at the Texas-Louisiana border.

But a last-minute shift pushed the storm ashore near Cameron, Louisiana.Some coastal areas along southeast Texas already have seen an impact, with Galveston experiencing gusts of wind exceeding 40 mph. Tree limbs were down in some coastal areas and isolated power outages were experienced.

Power outages knocked out service to about 800 homes and businesses about 7:45 p.m. in Galveston, though service was quickly restored.

Winds caused flight delays at Bush Intercontinental Airport late Wednesday but none was reported early Thursday.

The 10-year-old boy killed in Alabama was vacationing from the St. Louis, Missouri area, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. The boy had been walking outside a condo and was standing only a few feet from the door when a large wave pushed a log into the child.

Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.


Malaysia's largest travel market called Matta Fair September 2017 will take place from 8-10 September at the Putra World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur. Over 1000 booths will showcase the best of tourism and travel in Malaysia and around the world.









Matta Fair September 2017 - What To Expect

Visitors at the Matta September Fair The Matta Fair September 2017 is also the second travel fair for this year, as the first one took place in March, and at the same venue. In total, over 100,000 visitors will attend this travel fair over three days here in Kuala Lumpur.

Visitors have become so accustomed to this travel fair, that many will wait for the Matta Fair to book their year-end holidays. Most of the consumers will survey the destination they want, before purchasing the packages from the various travel agents.





As the Matta Fair September 2017 is so huge, there are four main halls dedicated to individual travel destinations. For example, there is a Malaysian Hall, selling all kinds of travel packages around Malaysia.





At the Malaysia Hall, you will also find local theme park operators selling entrance tickets or full packages which include hotel stays. Some other tourist attractions will also be seen selling admission tickets.



Malaysia Hall at the Matta Fair September The ASEAN Hall will feature all the tourism boards and travel agents from the ASEAN countries. You will find Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar and Vietnam booths here. The ASEAN Hall will feature all the tourism boards and travel agents from the ASEAN countries. You will find Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar and Vietnam booths here.





For those wanting to explore the ASEAN countries, this where you should head too. And with this year being Visit Asean 2017, there are sure to be a lot of special deals and packages available.









One of the tour companies in the international hall The main hall will be the largest hall promoting popular destinations like Japan, Korea, America, United Kingdom, Africa and so on. This is where you go if you have been planning that family trip to Japan or Korea. The following hall will be focusing on the long haul international countries. Here, you will find cruise companies, airline ticket counters and tourism boards promoting their destinations.The main hall will be the largest hall promoting popular destinations like Japan, Korea, America, United Kingdom, Africa and so on. This is where you go if you have been planning that family trip to Japan or Korea.





And for the Muslim travellers, you can find some of the best travel packages for those wanting to experience another country and yet have Muslim facilities. Packages include Halal food and prayer rooms with stops for prayers.









This upper-level hall is where the main stage area and also the food and beverage area will be located. The hall is just above Hall 1, the international hall.



Promotions held during the Matta Fair September Matta Fair September - Promotions At Hall 1M, which is the mezzanine floor, you will find the Umrah Packages sold by the Muslim travel agents.This upper-level hall is where the main stage area and also the food and beverage area will be located. The hall is just above Hall 1, the international hall.





Most of the promotions offered are only available at the Matta Fair. This means, when you see a package being offered, you will most likely not find it after the event.









Example: If you want to visit Japan on a budget, you will start going to the booths that sell Japan packages.



Visitors attending the Malaysia Matta Fair You can also visit the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) booth to get more information about where to go in Japan. JNTO does not sell packages, but they provide information from all over the country. The most common procedure or tactic consumers will use is to do window shopping before actually buying a package.Example: If you want to visit Japan on a budget, you will start going to the booths that sell Japan packages.You can also visit the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) booth to get more information about where to go in Japan. JNTO does not sell packages, but they provide information from all over the country.





They invite different prefecture tourism organizations to come and showcase tourism products for each of their areas. Let's say, you have the interest to visit Okinawa, you will have to go to the Okinawa Tourism booth to obtain information about the exotic Japanese Island.









Indonesia Tourism at the Matta Fair Malaysia Matta Fair September 2017 Then after you have got the information needed, you proceed to any of the travel agents that sell Okinawa packages and buy it from them.

When: 8-10 September 2017

Where: PWTC, Kuala Lumpur

What Time: 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM

Entrance: RM4 per person (Below 12 years old, free)

Website: http://site.mattafair.org.my/



Final Thoughts to the Matta Fair September









However, there has been a dip in travel purchases, due to the growth of the online industry. Many consumers are now turning towards online travel packages, flight tickets and accommodations nowadays and the numbers are growing.



A customer getting some quotations on a travel package at Matta Fair Conclusion I have been going to the Matta Fair for many years and every year, the fair seems to be getting larger and larger. More people are visiting the travel fair where a majority are those aged 30 and above.However, there has been a dip in travel purchases, due to the growth of the online industry. Many consumers are now turning towards online travel packages, flight tickets and accommodations nowadays and the numbers are growing.





There has also been a strong influence of foreigners visiting the Matta Fair 2017 to buy international flight tickets and also travel packages, as it is sometimes a little cheaper. This works well for those who are confirmed to travel on a particular date.



For anyone who has not been to Malaysia's largest travel fair, this is a good opportunity to visit the Matta Fair in September 2017. Who knows what you will learn or even buy there.
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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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
In Harlor v. Amica Mut. Ins. Co., 2016 ME 161, 150 A.3d. 798 (2016), the court held that when an insurance company breaches its duty to defend, the insurer has the burden of allocating settlements reached by its insured and the claimant between covered and uncovered claims.

Under Maine law the question of whether an insurance company has a duty to defend its insured is a question of law. In determining whether the insurance company has a duty to defend, Maine courts compare the insurance policy and the underlying complaint allegations. Irving Oil, Limited v. Ace Ins., 2014 ME 62, 91 A.3d. 594.

In Harlor, Amica denied the defense to its insured, asserting that multiple allegations of the complaint were not covered because the complaint did not seek covered damages. On appeal, the Maine Supreme Court found that while the underlying complaint did not specifically include allegations of emotional distress or bodily injury, or a request for money damages for the same, there were sufficient allegations in the complaint regarding the damages that flowed from the insureds alleged tortious conduct to arguably constitute accident or occurrence within the meaning of the policys personal liability coverage. Comparing the general allegations of the complaint with the terms of the insurance policy, the Court concluded that there was a possibility that the claimants could have established that they suffered bodily injury as a result of emotional distress and therefore the complaint raised sufficient allegations that could be potentially be covered requiring a defense under Maine Law.

The Maine Supreme Court then addressed whether Amica was liable for the insurance settlement and what the proper measure of the insureds damages were. Amica acknowledged that its breach of the duty to defend would render Amica liable for attorney fees that the insured had incurred in the underlying action as well as the declaratory judgment action. However, Amica argued that it was not liable for the insureds settlement with the claimant because the payment did not establish that the claimants actually sustained an injury covered by the policy. The insured argued that the settlement cost should be awarded as consequential damages for Amicas breach of its duty to defend and that Amica, by breaching the duty, lost the right to hold the insured to the burden of proving that the insured was liable for damages covered by the policy.

In resolving the issues before it, the Maine Supreme Court drew a distinction between the duty to defend and the duty to indemnify, which are two independent duties. In evaluating whether an insurer was liable for a settlement that potentiality involved both covered and uncovered claims following the insurers breach of a duty to defend, the Court was mindful of the distinction between the duty to defend and the narrower duty to indemnify. The Court held that the insurance companys contractual duty to indemnify was limited to that portion of the judgment or settlement that was fairly allocable to the claims that were actually covered under the policy. The narrow duty to reimburse the insured for liability for covered damages remained unaltered by the breach of the independent duty to defend. An award to the insured for the entire settlement as consequential damages in situations where some claims against the insured were for covered damages and others were for uncovered damages, would improperly enlarge the bargained for coverage according to the Court. Previously, the Court had held that an insurance company did not, by breaching the duty to defend, lose the right to assert non-coverage as a defense to a claim for indemnification brought by the insured. However, the Court had also previously held that an insurance company that wrongfully declined to defend its insured assumed the burden of proving non-coverage.

Against this backdrop, the Maine Supreme Court held that when an insurance company can demonstrate that the liability of the insured was entirely uncovered by the insurance policy, the insurer would not be liable for any obligations incurred by the insured in a settlement. In a mixed complaint, where some claims were covered and others were not, the Court found that the insurer would remain obligated to reimburse the insured for any settlement obligation that was covered by the policy. A settlement encompassing both covered and uncovered claims had to be allocated fairly between the two. The burden of establishing an appropriate apportionment of liability between covered and uncovered claims fell to the insurance company. If the insurer could not meet that burden of proof; it would be held liable for the entire settlement.
AXIS Insurance, a business segment of AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, announced the appointment of Meghan Anzelc, Ph.D., as vice president, Data and Analytics. In this new role, Dr. Anzelc, a trained physicist and data scientist, is responsible for implementing a strategy and roadmap to expand AXIS data and analytics capabilities.

Prior to joining AXIS, Dr. Anzelc was vice president, lead data scientist, for Zurich North America, where she managed a team of 40 data scientists who were responsible for integrating predictive analytics capabilities across the companys underwriting and claims functions. She also held actuarial and analytics roles at CNA and Travelers earlier in her career.

Cunningham Lindsey Names Daniel U.S. Chief Operating Officer

Cunningham Lindsey, a global loss adjusting and risk management services company, appointed Larry Dan Daniel chief operating officer (COO) of its U.S. loss adjusting business. Daniel will provide strategic direction for U.S. operations to enhance service delivery and continual growth with a focus on the personal, commercial and High Net Worth Personal Lines. He will also provide operational leadership to additional business units including Vale Training and inTrust TPA services.

Prior to rejoining Cunningham Lindsey recently as senior vice president, Daniel served in numerous executive leadership and client-facing roles during his 20 years in the insurance claims industry.

He will be based in Dallas, Texas and will work closely with the Americas Leadership Team including Jim Buckley, president of Cunningham Lindsey U.S. and David Repinski, chief executive officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas.

Distefano Appointed Chief Technology Officer for SUNZ Insurance Company

SUNZ Insurance Company, a Florida-based large deductible workers compensation carrier, appointed Glen J. Distefano chief technology officer. Distefano will provide the leadership, vision and a roadmap for how technology can further strengthen the companys current and future workers compensation offerings, service delivery and overall business. Distefano had been serving as chief operations officer and chief information officer where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of SUNZ, including the technology area. He has also served on the Board of Directors of SUNZ since 2008.

He joined SUNZ Insurance Company at its inception in 2005 as chief information officer and was instrumental in the design and implementation of all technology currently in place at SUNZ Insurance Company. With his extensive background in the PEO and Staffing Industries he helped create the systems in place today to ensure compliance in the areas of fraud, payroll reporting and audit systems.

Distefano has been involved in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Staffing Industries since the late 1980s. He started his career working for Staffing Network and Nexus Payroll Services located in Manchester, N.H., as their manager of Information Systems.

He is active in NAPEO, FAPEO and FSA. He is also a Licensed General Lines Property and Casualty Insurance agent.
Ousted Uber Technologies Inc. head Travis Kalanick learned early last year that the engineer who until recently oversaw the companys driverless car project possessed discs of information from Google, according to a court filing.

Kalanick, who resigned under pressure Monday, told Anthony Levandowski around March 2016 that Uber didnt want the information and that he shouldnt bring it to the ride-hailing company, and the engineer told management that he destroyed the discs, according to the filing.

The exchange was revealed late Wednesday in a trade secrets lawsuit Alphabet Inc.s Waymo filed against Uber in San Francisco federal court. While driverless cars arent expected on U.S. roads for five to 10 years, the companies are fighting for technology that will put the winner ahead of rivals including established carmakers in a multibillion dollar industry. The litigation was cited as a primary cause of concern in an investor letter to Kalanick that led to his forced resignation.

Waymo argues in the filing that Ubers delayed June 5 disclosure of the exchange, and its knowledge of the destruction of the discs, require the company to prove to U.S. District Judge William Alsup that its not in contempt of court for repeatedly violating his orders to turn over the information.

Uber spokesman Matt Kallman declined to comment. Waymo spokesman Johnny Luu didnt immediately respond to an email after regular business hours seeking comment.

Alleged Plan

Waymo claims in the lawsuit that in 2015, Levandowski and Uber hatched a plan for him to steal more than 14,000 proprietary files, including the designs for lidar technology that helps driverless cars see their surroundings. Uber, which acquired Levandowskis startup, Otto, in August for $680 million, has denied Waymos allegations and says its automation technology has been developed without significant input from Levandowski.

Kalanicks knowledge that Levandowski had information about his rivals driverless car research again puts him at the center of another headline-grabbing controversy. As the company searches for a new leader, its also grappling with allegations of having a male-dominated culture and overlooking employee claims of sexual harassment, mishandling an incident in which a female passenger in India was raped, creating software to avoid government regulators, and mistreating drivers.

As the scandals added up, investors who have poured more than $15 billion into the company came to believe change wouldnt be possible with Kalanick in charge. The crisis came to a head this week, when shareholders controlling about 40 percent of the company hand delivered a letter to Kalanick demanding that he step aside. The Waymo lawsuit was among the main reasons cited.

According to the filing, Uber said it never received Levandowskis discs, and doesnt know if they contained any proprietary information.

Levandowski, who isnt a defendant in the case, worked at Waymo until late January 2016. He has refused to testify in the case, citing his constitutional right against self-incrimination.

Waymo argues in the court filing that the circumstances of Levandowskis revelation to Kalanick and his destruction of the discs raise an exceedingly strong inference that they contain materials that Mr. Levandowski downloaded from Waymo before leaving Waymo.

The case is Waymo LLC v. Uber Technologies Inc., 17-cv-00939, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Plate 1730-50

Porcelain painted in famille rose enamels | RCIN 59729

A Chinese porcelain plate painted in famille rose enamels. In the centre, a red-covered scroll painted with bamboo plants by a rock with sprays of peony and daisy, on an all-over ground of black scrollwork with scattered blooms, with two quatrefoil cartouches with groups of precious emblems tied in ribbons: one with a pair of scrolls with a gourd, and the other, a scroll with a fan and a spray of lingzhi.



Made in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, for export to the West.

Medium and techniques Porcelain painted in famille rose enamels enamel, porcelain painted Measurements 2.9 x 22.9 x 22.9 cm (diameter)





Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I.

Set of plates plates: 1710-40, mounts: 18th century

Porcelain painted in underglaze blue, iron-red enamel and gilt, with silver gilt | RCIN

A set of five Chinese porcelain plates painted in Japanese Imari style and with a European silver-gilt rim. Painted across the face is a landscape with a range of hills with a pagoda, and distant peaks among swirling mist, with a formalised tree, and chrysanthemums, prunus and other blooms in the foreground. On the reverse are two sketchy sprays.



Imari-style wares were made in China during the early eighteenth century to meet the Western demand which was no longer being satisfied from Japan. They are characterised by painting in underglaze blue combined with iron-red enamel and gilding, and at times further colours from the famille verte palette. The style was especially favoured in France, where wares painted with armorial devices were ordered by the court. George IV acquired important vases in this style, as well as numerous plates of an everyday character, many of them enhanced with silver-gilt rims, which were perhaps intended for dessert use for banquets at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.



Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I.



Set of plates 1725-30

Porcelain painted in underglaze blue, famille verte and rose-pink enamels and gilt | RCIN 58809

Medium and techniques Porcelain painted in underglaze blue, famille verte and rose-pink enamels and gilt porcelain underglazed, glazed, painted Measurements 2.7 x 22.0 x 22.0 cm (whole object)

A set of four Chinese porcelain plates painted partly in blue, but mainly in aubergine-purple, with a stem bearing peonies, chrysanthemums and other variously coloured flowers; round the well, a border with flower scrolls interrupted by four cartouches with flower sprays; and round the rim, sprays of peony and other flowers, with a narrow lozenge-pattern rim border.



Text adapted from Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen: Volume I.



Provenance

Four of the plates appear in the '1866' Windsor Castle Inventory in the State Audience Chamber, described 'with flowers in the centre'. RCIN 58809.1 is numbered 'WC713' on the base.
AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man was sentenced to jail Wednesday on charges of trafficking heroin and carfentanil, authorities said.

Jonnell Ammons, 28, of Akron, pleaded guilty to aggravated trafficking, drug possession and failure to comply with signal or order of a police officer, according to the office of Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Alison McCarty.

McCarty sentenced Ammons to three years in jail for trafficking heroin and the power animal sedative carfentanil.

During the sentencing hearing. McCarty said Ammons -- who has been charged with a bevy of drug offenses since 2008 in Summit County -- has refused to turn his life around after being shot six times.
AKRON, Ohio -- Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan on Thursday proposed increasing the city's income tax from 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent, to pay for street repaving and improving police and fire services.

The .25-percent addition would bring the city $16 million annually, Horrigan said. It would cost an employee making $50,000 an extra $125 a year.

Akron last increased its income tax in 2003, when .25 percent was added to replace aging school buildings with community learning centers. The 2.5 rate would be equal to Cleveland, where voters approved a .5-percent increase in November.

"We cannot and will not cut our way to prosperity," Horrigan said.

The city has lost $15 million a year in tax-sharing from the state and about $80 million in unrealized income tax revenue since 2008 as a result of the recession, according to the city.

With Akron City Council approval, the tax increase will go before voters in November.

Posters at Akron's Fire Station No. 2 showed why the city wants to increase income tax to 2.5 percent.

Horrigan proposed the increase at a press conference in the city's aging Fire Station No. 2, which h

as temporary supports in the basement under trucks, which now weigh 43,000 lbs -- compared to 15,000 lbs when the station was built in 1944.

Fire Station No. 2 and No. 12 in the Wallhaven section of West Akron need completely replaced and two fire trucks built 1991 have more than 100,000 miles on them, fire Chief Clarence Tucker said.

Several of the city's police cars are more than 15 years old and have more than 160,000 miles, police Chief James Nice said at the press conference. In some cars, there are holes in the floorboards. About 63 cruisers need replaced.

Money would be used to:

Buy body cameras, for which video storage costs more than $300,000 annually

Increase the budget for road maintenance and repair, with 70 percent residential and 30 percent for primary

Replace outdated such as extractors, which remove carcinogens from fire fighters' clothing

"We're going to bring this to the voters in November so I can say a proper thank you to the men and women in blue," City Council President Marilyn Keith said.

Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Helen Cullinan, the art critic of The Plain Dealer from 1960 to 1995, is remembered as a cultural advocate who championed the rise of the city's contemporary art gallery scene in Little Italy and Tremont.

Cullinan chronicled everything from exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the era of director Sherman E. Lee to the careers of noted Northeast Ohio artists such as Ken Nevadomi, Shirley Aley Campbell and John Clague.

Cullinan died May 2 at age 86 at her Cleveland Heights home in the presence of her sister, Jean House, and son, Thomas W. Cullinan, of complications from lung cancer and Alzheimer's, her son said.

She was interred at Calvary Cemetery, 10000 Miles Ave., Cleveland. Her family requests that contributions should be made in Cullinan's memory to the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Memorial at museum

Cullinan will be remembered Saturday, June 24, in a noon memorial in the Lecture Hall of the Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland.

Speakers will include former Plain Dealer photographer Bill Wynne, and artists William Martin Jean and Campbell.

"She took the time to write about local artists, and so local art thrived," Thomas Cullinan said. "Art communities were born that are still thriving in Cleveland."

As a writer on art, Cullinan avoided negative comments, her son said.

"She had a policy that if she didn't like an artist's work, she simply didn't write about them," he said. "She had a very strong idea that it was not a good idea to write negatively about someone's work, because you were impacting their means of making a living.''

At times, Cullinan revealed a witty self-awareness of her reticence.

Cullinan on Noguchi

In a column published on Oct. 3, 1976, she said that her readers had been pressing her. What did she really think about Isamu Noguchi's "Portal," the monumental tubular black steel sculpture outside the city-county Justice Center?

"I have been asked it a dozen times," she wrote. "Not just think, but 'really think,' as if evasion and deception were to be abandoned at last for an honest confession."

Isamu Noguchi's "Portal" in the summer of 2016 silhouetted against the new Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel.

Answer: She liked it. A lot. She said, "its soaring curves soften the angularity of the Justice Center and complement the neo-classical majesty of the County Court House down the street." And: "It becomes calligraphic, changing from every angle and with every step of the viewer."

From the beginning

Cullinan was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on July 1, 1930, to Frederick Borisuck and the former Irene Gladden, 16 months after the birth of her older sister.

Thomas Cullinan said the marriage ended a year after Helen's birth, when Borisuck, a native of Russia, was deported.

Gladden was married a second time, to Isidore Scharfeld, who worked in circulation for The Cleveland Press, and from whom Helen developed her love of newspapers, Thomas Cullinan said.

According to Plain Dealer records, Cullinan received a bachelor's degree from Flora Stone Mather College, Western Reserve University, and a master of arts degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Career

Cullinan worked on the news copy desk of The Cleveland News, an afternoon daily, from 1955 to 1960, Plain Dealer records show.

She had a brief stint at the Miami Herald in 1960, followed by another brief job in public relations at Stouffer Corp. in Cleveland before joining The Plain Dealer in November 1960.

She changed her name to Borsick in 1962, the records show, and in 1966 married the novelist Thomas P. Cullinan, whose Southern Gothic novel of that year, "The Beguiled,'' inspired the 1971 film of the same name starring Clint Eastwood.

Penguin republished the book this year to coincide with remake of the film directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Nicole Kidman.

At Checkpoint Charlie

Among Helen Cullinan's more memorable assignments was a tour of Europe in 1964, in which she recorded what it was like to go behind the Iron Curtain at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin.

A clipping of a Plain Dealer story announcing Helen Cullinan's 1964 European tour that included a visit to East Berlin.

"You queue up, supermarket style, at a small barracks building just inside the border," she wrote.

Once over the line in East Berlin, she observed: "my first question was, 'Where are all the people?' "

Noting that the streets were "nearly deserted," she said the effect of being in the communist city was "strangely quiet, like Euclid Avenue at three in the morning."

The Cullinans had one son, Thomas W., who said he was close to his mother.

Thomas said Helen turned to alcohol around the time of the death of her husband in 1995, but that she joined Alcoholics Anonymous and "gave her life over to a sober lifestyle and enjoying life fully."

A long hike

The beginning of that journey took place a year after her husband's death, when Cullinan went for a two-month hike on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia with her son, he said.

"At 5-foot-nothing, she had never camped in her life, but she decided she would join me," he said. "We had a very successful trip. We really got much closer and opened an adult relationship."

Thomas Cullinan said that when his mother died in May, "there was nothing left to say, no regrets. She went peacefully."
AVON LAKE, Ohio - An Avon Lake man stole more than 500 signs from city-owned tree lawns because he felt they were distracting to motorists, police said.

John Hoelzl, 62, is charged with receiving stolen property, a fifth-degree felony, in a series of thefts that happened over at least several months, police said Thursday in a news release.

Investigators recovered more than 500 signs, valued at more than $5,500, when they searched Hoelzl's home Monday, police said. The signs were found behind his garage and in a breezeway between his home and garage.

The Avon Lake Police Department began investigating the thefts several months ago after receiving numerous complaints. Some of the signs had been posted illegally, but most complainants obtained permits to post them on the city-owned tree lawns.

Investigators eventually obtained video that showed someone removing a sign. Hoelzl was identified as a suspect, and he was formally charged on Wednesday, police said.

Hoelzl admitted to taking the signs and told investigators that they were distracting to drivers, police said.

Hoelzl was released from custody Thursday after posting a $1,000 personal bond. The case is set for a preliminary hearing June 29 in Avon Lake Municipal Court, records show.

To comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The changeover has begun.

At a community meeting held Wednesday evening to answer questions from residents about the switch to Automated Meter Reading, Jason Wood, chief of public affairs for the Cleveland Department of Public Utilities, said that announcements to those who will first get the new meters are expected to be delivered on June 22.

"They'll get a trifold on (June 21) telling them about the program and then, about two weeks later, they'll get a letter asking them to make an appointment with us to install a new meter," Wood said.

In all, 16,000 water customers, including about 750 in University Heights, who had been part of the Cleveland Heights Master Meter program, will be switched to direct service provided by Cleveland Water.

Fred Roberts, who is overseeing the change operation for Cleveland Water, said residents in three areas will be the first to get their informational notice.

Those neighborhoods, who should receive new meters beginning in early July, are north of Noble Road and west of Quilliams Road; south of Ardmore Road and east of Severance Town Center; and south of Cedar Road and west of Demington Drive.

Wood, also accompanied at the meeting by Cleveland Water Commissioner Alex Margevicius, said the Clear Reads program will see old meters removed from every water customer's home or building, and replaced with a new meter. That new indoor meter will be connected by wire to an outdoor device known as an endpoint.

The endpoint gives off a low-powered radio signal. These broadcasts carry water usage information to Cleveland Water on an hourly basis.

"It makes for super accurate readings as to how much water is used, and makes the billing much more accurate," Wood said.

Trucks carrying meter readers will no longer have to drive on a regular basis through the city.

As an added feature, Wood said customers will receive a notification if it is found that water at an address is being continuously used during a seven-day period.

From November, 2014, when the notification feature began, until February, 2017, 35,127 notices were sent to customers. From those notifications, 88 percent of the problems were quickly rectified.

"The customer is notified and solves the problem," Wood said. "Most times it's a running toilet, which can really add to your bill."

The approximately 90 residents gathered at the community center Wednesday were told never to let anyone inside their home claiming to be a worker changing a meter unless an identification badge is shown.

"No ID means no entry," Wood said, adding that those changing meters should be wearing a blue uniform, have a badge and should arrive in a truck bearing the Clear Reads logo.

Someone at least 18 years of age must be at home in order for the meter changing work to be done.

There is no direct billing for the meter change. Cleveland Heights residents are being billed a transition charge as part of their water bills over the course of five years, while the University Heights customers will pay over 10 years.

Residents will need to call in and schedule a meter change appointment and, while doing so, will be told of a two-hour window during which workers will arrive. Installation can take as little as 15 minutes.

"We're going to leave properties in as good condition as we found them," Roberts told residents.

Wood said the goal is to complete all meter changes by the end of the year.

A second public meeting will be held to explain the procedure to residents and answer their questions from 2-4 p.m. June 24, also at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd.

For information about the Clear Reads program and the change of meters, visit clevelandwater.com/clevelandheights.
ELYRIA, Ohio -- FBI investigators packed up equipment Wednesday afternoon after a day-long search for the body of Tierra Bryant.

FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson and police have not said what lead investigators to believe that Bryant is dead, or why they believe a man is being held in a California jail in connection with her death.

Police in Sacramento arrested Rashad Hunt Tuesday morning on a Cuyahoga County warrant charging him with murder. He is expected to return to Cleveland in the coming days to face charges. Jail records from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department shows Hunt is scheduled to make a court appearance there at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

The search began at 9 a.m., Anderson said, as investigators scoured a wooded area off of Mussey Avenue near railroad tracks and West River Road. A blue tarp was visible in the woods from the road and investigators carried out several buckets.

The investigators tore down the yellow police tape that surrounded the search area by 3:30 p.m. and left.

Anderson said the FBI received a tip that led investigators to the area. She would not give any more details.

Bryant has been missing for more than two years. She was 19 at the time she was last seen near the Motel 6 on Engle Road in Middleburg Heights, about 20 miles from where investigators searched Wednesday.

A woman who described herself as Bryant's "godsister" reported to police March 31, 2015 that she last spoke to Bryant about 7 p.m. the night before.

Bryant told her godsister that she was staying in a room at the motel with a man the godsister only knew as "Shawn." The woman later told police that Bryant told her she felt uncomfortable and wanted to be picked up, according to a Middleburg Heights police report.

The woman sent a text to Bryant when she got to the motel to let Bryant know that she was there.

Bryant sent a text back stating she "would be right out." She never came outside. The woman figured Bryant changed her mind and left.

She and Bryant's mother tried calling her several times the next day, but they never heard back.

The woman spoke with a clerk at the Motel 6 who said someone who used the name "Rashad Hunt" rented the room Bryant was in and checked out around noon on March 31, 2015, the report says.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Where, oh where will Bill O'Reilly land?

The former Fox News firebrand won't be turning up on One America News. The network took a step back in their pursuit of O'Reilly, CEO Robert Herring tweeting, "We are pulling offer to @billoreilly, it could have paid him more than he made at Fox. We wish him luck."

We are pulling offer to @billoreilly, it could have paid him more than he made at Fox. We wish him luck. #OANN  Robert Herring (@RobHerring) June 20, 2017

Herring told Mediaite the ex-"O'Reilly Factor" host took too much time getting back to OANN. It's not known how much the offer was for, but if what Herring posted is true, the deal would've been worth more than the $25 million O'Reilly was reportedly earning at Fox at the time of his departure.

OANN, available in about 35 million homes, has also recently made overtures at other anchors at Fox News, including Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson. It's not known if its pursuit of either would now intensify.

As for O'Reilly, his next move, according to The Hollywood Reporter, could be a play for his own digital network in the vein of Glenn Beck's conservative enterprise, The Blaze. Since his exit in April, O'Reilly has been doing his "No Spin Zone" schtick on a daily paid podcast on billoreilly.com with the idea it would eventually grow into a full-fledged news program with video.

O'Reilly was fired two months ago amid allegations of sexual harassment. An explosive New York Times story on April 1 exposed the $13 million in hush money Fox and O'Reilly paid out over the years to five women who accused him of harassment. An ensuing internal investigation, the Times also reported, turned up even more allegations of inappropriate behavior.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Beards of the Old Northwest usually puts on their annual facial-hair competition at a concert hall or a club. But they're switching things up for the fifth year of the charity event and holding at an unconventional location -- a prison.

Beards Behind Bars, presented by Gnarly Beard Co., will take place Saturday, July 1, at 3 p.m. at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.The main competition event, which will start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, will feature 15 categories ranging from full beard competitions for men to fake beard competitions for women.

Women participating enter with "realistic" beards made out of materials such as wig hair or "creative" beards made out of any material they want, says Eric Zatchok, president of the Beards of the Old Northwest. He compared the event to a "beauty pageant."

"We're trying to erase any stigma that might be out there when people think of facial hair," says Zatchok, who lives in Cleveland. He added that sometimes people think of beards as "dirty" and "unkempt," but his organization is trying to shed a more positive light on facial hair in general.

This year, there will be an additional welcome party on Friday at 7 p.m. at Goodfellows Pizzeria and Pub, 1349 Park Ave., W. ,Mansfield. On Sunday at 10 a.m., there will be a "Hangover Brunch" event at Black Dog Tavern, 900 Comfort Plaza Drive in Bellville. Zatchok encourages people looking to socialize and make new friends to attend these additional events outside of the main competition on Saturday.

Dan Smith, the creative marketing director at the Ohio State Reformatory, said the prison is a "great backdrop" for the one-of-a-kind event

"It's really the most unique event that we've had here since I've been here," says Smith. "I don't know anything like (the event) even remotely close to us in Mansfield."

The organization, which is made up of about 40 people, is playing up the prison theme by awarding winners with trophies that look like ball and chain. The official shirts are designed in the style of orange jumpsuits.

"We're encouraging people to along with the theme. It's makes the event more festive," Zatchok, who will dress up like a prison warden when he emcees the event, said.

General admission for competitors and spectators is $20. Another ticket special includes general admission and a tour of the Ohio State Reformatory for $25. There will be a variety of vendors selling beard-related items and club merchandise as well as food trucks throughout the day on Saturday.

"We're always looking for new and exciting events that we can do that aren't something that is local to the Mansfield community," Smith said. "We're trying to make it really special."

Planning this year has been different from previous years when the event was held in clubs such as The Agora Ballroom. Zatchok said it's nice because they don't have to worry about concerts or other events happening at the same time at the reformatory. The historic Ohio State Reformatory is best known for its haunted history and for being featured in the 1994 film, "The Shawshank Redemption."

"The venue itself should be a big draw just because of the history," Zatchok said.

Even though the event is a charity event, that doesn't mean it's formal. There is a laid-back attitude and a lot of camaraderie between competitors because they all travel around the country to different competitions and get to know each other.

"It's definitely a party," Zatchok said.
Got ideas for the Trump administration on how to get rid of burdensome education guidance and regulations?

The U.S. Department of Education wants to hear from you.

The agency put a notice in the Federal Register Wednesday asking the education community to identify specific guidance and regulations that are driving up costs, or creating too much extra work for states, districts, and educators.

And the department wants the responses to be as specific as possible, including, if possible, actual citations to regulations and guidance. The administration wants to hear back in the next 60 days.

The feedback will be used to help the department deliver on a White House executive order to trim or toss unhelpful federal regulations, the notice says . And presumably, the answers could also inform the agencys workin response to yet another executive order from Trump to restore local control to education by identifying regulations that step on district and state decision making.

The ask may come at an odd moment for the Trump administration. State advocates and officials are wondering whether U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos & Co. will deliver on her local-control rhetoric and pledge to reduce the federal footprint, given the extensive feedback on ESSA plans.

In fact, Chris Minnich, the executive director of Council of Chief State School Officers, said the departments letters to states, especially Delaware, might go beyond the scope of the law. The department, though, has said states still need to give the feds sufficient information to show that they are complying with ESSAs requirements, even with new flexibility. More on all that here.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
From Advanced Placement courses offered by state-run virtual schools to credit recovery classes delivered via third-party software, supplemental online education courses have exploded in K-12 education .

To help policymakers, administrators, educators, parents, and students make sense of it all, Education Week published an overview explaining the many varieties of online classes now available to K-12 students . Its part of our new special report on the state of classroom technology, which you can read here .

For those who want to dig deeper, here are the reports and research studies that have shaped what we know about the still-murky field of K-12 online supplemental courses.

1. Keeping Pace With K-12 Digital Learning: An Annual Review of Policy and Practice (Evergreen Education Group, 2015)

For more than a decade, Evergreen offered the most comprehensive breakdown available of the many strands of K-12 online learning. The group, whose work is sponsored by a whos-who of digital-learning companies, published its most recent report in 2015. From enrollment numbers to state laws to the landscape of vendors seeking to sell digital-learning products and services to schools, its all in here.

2. Michigans K-12 Virtual Learning Effectiveness Report, 2015-16 (Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, 2017)

Across the country, it can be difficult to know how many students are enrolled in online-learning options, let alone how well theyre doing. The best state-level picture comes from Michigan, thanks to a 2012 law mandating that research be conducted on online learning in the state. The report breaks down key trends on student enrollment, course-taking, and performance, including insights on the circumstances that make students more likely to pass their online courses.

3. Educating Students Across Locales: Understanding Enrollment and Performance Across Virtual Schools (Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, 2016)

This report offers snapshots of enrollment patterns and course-passage rates for students taking supplemental online courses offered by seven mostly state-run virtual schools: Georgia Virtual School, The Virtual High School, Michigan Virtual School, Innovative Digital Education and Learning-New Mexico, North Carolina Virtual Public School, Virtual South Carolina, and Wisconsin Virtual School.

4. Regional Educational Laboratory studies of online course taking:

These three studies are all from Regional Education Laboratories, or RELs, that prepare research for the federal Institute of Education Sciences. In recent years, RELs have looked at online course taking by high school students in New York (REL Northeast & Islands, 2015) and Iowa and Wisconsin (REL Midwest, 2015), as well as student engagement patterns among students taking online courses in Wisconsin (REL Midwest, 2016). The studies show widespread use of online courses across all three states, but consistent concerns about poorly trained online teachers and poor-quality online course material. By analyzing data generated by Wisconsin students using the states online learning system, the researchers determined that students who engaged in their online coursework for at least 1.5 hours per week typically passed their courses, reinforcing the notion that engagement is key to success in online education.

5. Regional Educational Laboratory studies of online credit recovery:

Credit recovery is when students are given a chance to re-do coursework or re-take a class they previously failed. The RELs have also done fairly extensive analyses of student course-taking patterns and performance in Montana (REL Northwest, 2016), North Carolina (REL Southeast, 2016), and Florida (REL Southeast, 2015.) The results paint a mixed portrait. In North Carolina, the researchers found that taking credit-recovery courses online vs. face-to-face made little difference in how students performed on end-of-course exams. But in Florida, they found that students were more likely to earn a C or better when taking credit recovery courses online.

6. The Back on Track Study (American Institutes for Research, 2016-17):

AIR is engaged in the most methodologically rigorous study to date of online credit recovery, a randomized control trial of Chicago 9th graders seeking to make up an Algebra 1 course. The first report compares outcomes for students who took the course online, via software from a third-party vendor, vs. face-to-face with a classroom teacher during summer school. AIR found that students in the online credit-recovery course scored worse on algebra tests, got worse grades, and were less likely to actually recover the credit than their counterparts. Subsequent reports looked at the importance of high-quality in-person instructional support, even for online credit recovery classes; the characteristics of Chicago students who seek out credit-recovery options; and the different content covered by online and face-to-face credit recovery classes that are ostensibly the same. The last report is particularly interesting; AIR determined that Chicagos online Algebra 1 credit recovery course was more likely to stick to actual algebra content than were teachers who had the freedom to adjust class content to students needs, raising the possibility that the online version of the class was less flexible and more challenging for students.

7. Using Online Learning for Credit Recovery: Getting Back on Track to Graduation (International Association for K-12 Online Learning, 2015):

More a descriptive overview than a research study, this report from iNACOL (a membership organization closely tied to the ed-tech industry) took a harshly critical look at many existing credit recovery programs, saying they are used primarily because they are inexpensive, and they allow schools to say students have passed whether they have learned anything or not. Instead, the group wants competency-based credit recovery programs in which students are required to demonstrate mastery of the course subject matter.

8. Distance Education Courses for Public Elementary and Secondary School Students: 2009-10 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2011):

The last comprehensive federal look at online learning in the K-12 sector, this report provides a number of estimates of enrollment and performance. The focus is on distance enrollment, much of which was delivered via technology. More than half of U.S. K-12 school districts were reported to have students enrolled in a total of 1.8 million distance-education courses, and 59 percent of districts reported having students enrolled in heavily Internet-based courses.

9. Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies (U.S. Department of Education, 2010):

This review of more than 1,000 studies of online learning found that on average, students in online learning conditions performed modestly better than those receiving face-to-face instruction, with the best results coming from courses that blended the two approachespossibly because such courses often allow for extra instructional time and resources, and not necessarily because blended learning environments are inherently better. Most of the studies included in the meta-analysis were from higher education; the researchers noted the small number of rigorous published studies contrasting online and face-to-face learning conditions for K-12 students.

10. Integrating Data Mining in Program Evaluation of K-12 Online Education (Hung, Hsu, and Rice, 2012)

This academic paper by researchers at Boise State University used digital student learning logs, student demographic data, and end-of-course evaluation surveys to analyze students experience of online courses. Among the interesting findings: Student clicks and login-durations were signs of student engagement, which generally correlated with higher performance.

See also:
Liquor Wholesalers Have Exclusive Pot Distribution Rights in Nevada, for Now

Any time states move from marijuana criminalization to legalization, there are a multitude of legal issues to work out first. Not the least of which are: who can buy, who can sell, and how much. But some of the smaller questions turn out to be the hardest to answer. Like, who can transport the marijuana from production facilities to retail stores?

When Nevada legalized it last year, they thought they were doing the simple thing by requiring recreational marijuana to be regulated the same way as alcohol products in the state. But does that mean that Nevada's wholesale alcohol distributors are the only ones that can move pot from cultivation to customer? For now, yes.

Right to Run Weed

Under Nevada's legalization initiative,

For 18 months after the Department [of Taxation (the Department)] begins to receive applications for marijuana establishments, the Department shall issue licenses for marijuana distributors pursuant to this chapter only to persons holding a wholesale dealer license pursuant to Chapter 369 of NRS [Nevada Revised Statutes], unless the Department determines that an insufficient number of marijuana distributors will result from this limitation.

The Taxation Department alleged that it didn't hear a positive response from any liquor distributors interested in moving pot, so it determined there was an insufficient number of distributors and lifted the restriction.

But the alcohol distributors objected, saying they just needed time to research the business of marijuana distribution, set up separate business entities, hire additional personnel, acquire more warehouse space, and make security modifications. The Independent Alcohol Distributors of Nevada then sued to have the exclusive distribution rights reinstated.

Westbound and Down

Carson City Judge James Wilson, Jr. sided with the distributors and granted a preliminary injunction barring the Tax Department from issuing marijuana transportation permits to anyone other than licensed liquor distributors in the state. "Plaintiff's members will very likely be shut out of the marijuana business entirely if the Department issues distribution licenses to non-alcohol distributors," Wilson wrote. "Once licenses are issued to others, it will be difficult if not impossible to revoke those licenses, or at least not within the 18-month period during which (the initiative) grants alcohol distributors exclusive licenses."

Tax Department officials had been trying to jump-start recreational pot sales on July 1, six months earlier than the statutorily required January 1 start date, in part to begin collecting tax revenue, including a 10 percent tax on sales. Officials are worried the ruling could push the start date back, but will need to find better evidence of insufficient distribution in order to allow more distributors, according to the ruling.

Related Resources:
The troubles surrounding Chinese insurer Anbang are part of a "house-cleaning" that was "well overdue," an industry expert said Thursday.

Last week, Anbang  best known for its 2015 purchase of New York's landmark Waldorf Astoria hotel  said its chairman, Wu Xiaohui, was no longer able to fulfill his duties. The brief statement cited unspecified personal reasons for the move, and it came after the China Insurance Regulatory Commission said in April that its head, Xiang Junbo, was being investigated for suspected disciplinary violations.

"This is part of an effort to clean house in the insurance industry. Ever since the chairman of the CIRC got detained, everybody saw this coming," said Sam Radwan, partner and co-founder of Enhance International.

"It's not just Anbang they are looking at; they are probably looking at other companies," he added in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box."

Radwan's management consultancy advises the CIRC and Chinese insurers China Life, Sunshine and Taikang.

As part of the concerted effort to clean up the insurance industry, particularly the life insurance business, authorities are sending the message that "you're not in the business of wealth management, you're in the business of providing insurance protection," he said.
Basking in an energetic Iowa crowd Wednesday night, President Donald Trump slammed his most frequent targets and promised lofty policy changes in the near future.

The president looked comfortable riffing and embellishing in front of the Cedar Rapids audience for more than an hour. Trump came to Iowa from a Washington in which his administration has appeared to struggle under the weight of constant controversy and he's seemed frustrated by the pace of policy changes.

In the campaign-style rally, Trump hit out at some of his favorite targets  "fake news" media outlets, "obstructionist" Democratic lawmakers and the Clinton family. He also touted what he deemed his accomplishments so far and defended his inability to quickly follow through on some of his key campaign promises.

Aside from policy hurdles, the president faces a reported investigation into whether he attempted to impede the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election, following reports that he asked then-FBI Director James Comey to go easy on an ally. Trump contended that the Russia probe  which he again called a "witch hunt"  will not slow his agenda.

"They have phony witch hunts going against me, they have everything ... and all we do is win, win win," Trump said.

The rally featured the staples of Trump's raucous campaign  "lock her up" chants about his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton, calls to "build the wall" on the U.S. border with Mexico and protesters getting escorted out of the venue.
President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the front patio of the Mar-a-Lago estate after a bilateral meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, April 7, 2017.

The United States pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programs during a round of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday.

The meeting of top U.S. and Chinese diplomats and defense chiefs was held a day after President Donald Trump said China's efforts to use its leverage with Pyongyang had failed, raising fresh doubts about his administration's strategy for countering the threat from North Korea.

The death of American university student Otto Warmbier this week, after his release from 17 months of imprisonment in Pyongyang, has further complicated Trump's approach to North Korea, his top national security challenge.

"We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region," U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters at a joint news conference with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Mattis vowed to "continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies" against North Korea, which is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States.

But with the long-standing option of pre-emptive military strikes seen as far too risky for now, Trump's aides are stressing economic and diplomatic pressure.

Tillerson said Trump would make a state visit to China this year, and Mattis said both sides agreed to expand military-to-military ties, signaling the new administration's determination to continue efforts to improve relations between the world's two largest economies, despite frustration over North Korea.

North Korea topped the agenda at the newly established Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, which paired Tillerson and Mattis with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of joint staff of the People's Liberation Army.

While the U.S. officials stressed agreement on the goal of North Korean denuclearization, the talks also dealt with China's sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, with the Americans reaffirming opposition to Beijing's militarization of islands it is building in the strategic waterway.
California's 30-Day Impound Law Violates 4th Amendment

If police impound your client's car for driving on a suspended license, chances are the police won't give it back until the client pays a hefty fine and penalties.

In California, it also means the client won't get the car for 30 days. Or so it used to be, until one feisty driver sued the police for violating her Fourth Amendment rights.

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said police unlawfully held onto a driver's car after she presented a valid driver's license and offered to pay the fees. The court in Brewster v. Beck said she was entitled to reclaim her property and pursue damages.

Dude, Where's My Car?

The case arose after Lamya Brewster loaned her car to her brother-in-law. He was stopped by Los Angeles police who learned that his driver's license was suspended.

The officers seized the vehicle under California Vehicle Code section 14602.6(a)(1),

which authorizes police to impound a vehicle when the driver has a suspended license. The law also says they may hold a vehicle for 30 days.

After Brewster found out what happened, she went to the police and presented her driver's license and registration. She also offered to pay the impound fees, but the police refused and kept the car for 30 days.

Brewster filed a class action lawsuit, alleging the 30-day impound law was a warrantless seizure. The trial judge dismissed, saying it was a valid administrative penalty.

Not So Fast

The appeals court disagreed. Judge Alex Kozinski, writing for the unanimous panel, said the police may have lawfully seized the car, but it was no longer a lawful seizure once the driver presented her driver's license and offered to pay the fines.

"The Fourth Amendment doesn't become irrelevant once an initial seizure has run its course," the court said. "A seizure is justified under the Fourth Amendment only to the extent that the government's justification holds force. Thereafter, the government must cease the seizure or secure a new justification."

Reversing the trial court, the appeals court said the Fourth Amendment "is implicated by a delay in returning the property, whether the property was seized for a criminal investigation, to protect the public, or to punish the individual."

In California, the ruling should be good news for criminal defense lawyers and clients whose vehicles are seized. For police impounds, not so much.

Related Resources:
Tech entrepreneurs and venture investors are heading to the White House on Thursday to discuss the potential impact of emerging technologies on U.S. industrial workers.

The meeting was organized by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, now led by Deputy CTO Michael Kratsios, formerly chief of staff for billionaire investor and PayPal founder Peter Thiel. President Donald Trump has yet to appoint a science advisor to run the office.

Executives and investors from some 25 companies are slated to attend, alongside Kratsios and Trump's chief economic adviser Gary D. Cohn. The companies are working on super-fast 5G internet and drone-related technologies.

CNBC has learned that these start-ups plan to participate:

AirMap (Ben Marcus, CEO)

Airspace

Kespry (George Mathew, CEO)

Measure (Brandon Torres Declet, CEO)

PrecisionHawk

Larger corporations expected to attend include:

Financial organizations participating include:

Lightspeed Venture Partners (founder Barry Eggers)

New Enterprise Associates

Nasdaq.

AirMap's Marcus said he's hoping to urge regulators to move more quickly to establish rules allowing drones to be used commercially.
Commerce secretary and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross recently referred to China as "the most highly protectionist of the big countries" in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, repeating a claim he made back in January.

But data seems to suggest otherwise.

Average tariff rates are actually higher in Brazil and India, two of the world's other big countries, Zixuan Huang and Nicholas Lardy from the Peterson Institute for International Economics wrote in a recent note.

Referring to World Bank statistics, the duo noted how weighted average applied tariffs in Beijing stood at 3.4 percent, versus New Delhi's 6.3 percent, Brasilia's 8.3 percent and Washington's 1.6 percent.

"China is a difficult investment environment for foreign firms in some industries, but its trade protection is modest, not significantly above that in large high-income economies like the U.S.," Huang and Lardy said.

The 79 year-old Ross believes Beijing has "beautiful free-trade rhetoric" but in reality, it implements high tariff and non-tariff barriers to imports.

Huang and Lardy point out that China was a highly protectionist trading nation three decades ago, but it has reduced average statutory tariffs from 45 percent in the mid-1980s to 10 percent in 2015 in order to qualify for entry to the World Trade Organization.

Beijing has also abolished most of its non-tariff barriers, such as import quotas and licensing requirements, that were once pervasive, the analysts said.
Revenues were $2.31 billion in the March quarter, up 1.4 percent year over year. Altice posted a net loss of about $76.2 million during the quarter, narrower than the $190.1 million loss from the year-ago period.

Altice USA, a subsidiary of the European broadband company, has 4.9 million customers in 21 states, according to regulatory filings .

The fourth-largest U.S. cable provider priced its IPO at $1.9 billion, with its 63.9 million shares selling for $30 apiece, within the expected range of $27 to $31. Shares were above $31.75 on Thursday morning, up more than 5.8 percent.

Shares of Altice USA shot up Thursday morning as the cable giant made its public trading debut. The stock started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATUS.

Altice founder Patrick Drahi, left, and co-founder Armando Pereira pose for photos outside the New York Stock Exchange, before the company's IPO, Thursday, June 22, 2017.

CEO Dexter Goei told CNBC on Thursday that the company is keeping an eye out for deals and acquisitions, as well as providing better products, prices and customer service.

"We always said we had a lot of things we wanted to do over the next couple of years: Investment in the network, a lot of the improvements in the technology," Goei told "Squawk on the Street." "If we have the opportunity over the next three, four years to buy other stuff, we would absolutely look at that."

The cable company behind Optimum, Lightpath and Suddenlink announced an ambitious plan last year to take on Google Fiber and Verizon Fios, by bringing a network of high-speed fiber optic internet to 20 states over the next five years.

Altice's planned 10-gigabit per second connection far outpaces Google Fiber's current 1-gigabit per second connection, as well as Verizon Fios. Altice's "future-proof" plan comes as Google has scaled back its own expansion plans for the ultra-fast internet cables.

It comes as faster mobile internet standards, 5G, are also coming soon. Although more consumers are considering moving their video consumption online and mobile, Goei said that buying a wireless provider isn't an immediate focus. Altice USA is, however, "overinvesting" in content, Goei said.

"At the end of the day, if you've got spectrum, you still need fiber," Goei said. "We look forward to working with the wireless providers and developing 5G with them."

Altice USA's parent company will hold 70.3 percent of Altice USA's shares and 98.3 percent of the voting rights in the company.

Disclosure: CNBC's parent company, Comcast, is a cable and internet service provider. Reuters contributed to this report.
American Airlines is not happy with Qatar Airways' intent to invest.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker sent a letter to employees on Thursday in response to Qatar Airways announcing their offer to acquire a 10 percent stake in the company.

In the letter, Parker uses the word "puzzling" to describe Qatar Airways' intention to invest and specifically points out "illegal subsidies" as the reason behind his criticism.

"While anyone can purchase our shares in the open market, we aren't particularly excited about Qatar's outreach, and we find it puzzling given our extremely public stance on the illegal subsidies that Qatar, Emirates and Etihad have all received over the years from their governments," Parker wrote.

Parker, a longtime critic of Gulf carriers such as Qatar, continued by saying the company is still maintaining efforts to stand against illegally subsidized companies.

"While today's news for some of our team may be puzzling, at best, and concerning, at worst, here's what we know for sure: We will not be discouraged or dissuaded from our full court press in Washington, D.C., to stand up to companies that are illegally subsidized by their governments," Parker wrote.
AT&T is on pace to invest around $22 billion in the United States this year, CEO Randall Stephenson told CNBC on Thursday.

Stephenson is among the tech leaders heading to the White House later Thursday to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the potential impact of emerging technologies on U.S. industrial workers.

Ahead of the tech meeting, Stephenson told "Squawk Box" the company will increase its capital investments if Trump delivers on tax reform by the end of the year.

"I don't think we're unique. I think you would see this happen across all industries, and with every player in our industry," he said.

The Trump administration has released little detail on tax. Its one-page outline includes a cut in the corporate tax rate and a "one-time tax" on the trillions of dollars held by corporations overseas.
If you're planning to spend hundreds  or more likely, thousands  on a Caribbean getaway, you want it to be worth the price. U.S. News & World Report recently released its annual rankings of the best vacation destinations, including the best places to travel in the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean. To compile the list of the top places visit in the Caribbean, U.S. News considered several factors, including sights, culture, food, shopping and nightlife. The rankings took into account both editors' opinions and votes from readers. You can read the full methodology here. Read on to see the U.S. News' top-rated Caribbean vacation spots, where your hard-earned money will go toward an unforgettable getaway.

Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines Michael DeFreitas | robertharding | Getty Images

15. St. Vincent & The Grenadines

St. Vincent & The Grenadines is made up of 32 islands and cays, the largest of which is the namesake St. Vincent. The cluster of islands earned top spots on U.S. News' lists of the best Carribbean beaches and honeymoon destinations.

14. Cayman Islands

Located just south of Cuba, the Cayman Islands are an archipelago of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The destination is often touted for its abundance of all-inclusive resorts and pristine beaches.

13. Turks & Caicos

Comprised of 40 islands and cays, Turks & Caicos is a popular destination for cruise ships, thanks to its white sand beaches and clear blue water. Visitors can explore the nearby reefs via scuba diving or discover the area's history at the Turks & Caicos National Museum.

Grenada John Miller / robertharding | Getty Images

12. Grenada

Nicknamed the "Spice Island of the Caribbean," Grenada is known worldwide for its nutmeg crop. The island is also a supplier of cloves, cinnamon, exotic fruit and 150-proof rum.

11. Barbados

Barbados is the most eastern island in the Caribbean, located near St. Vincent & and the Grenadines and St. Lucia. Its local culture is an amalgam of British traditions and West African influences.

10. Havana

Cuba's capital city, Havana, is known for for its rows of pastel buildings, outdoor plazas and distinct local cuisine. Travel restrictions for Americans visiting Cuba may be on the horizon, however.

Havana, Cuba Danita Delimont | Getty Images

9. Martinique

Visitors to Martinique can partake in a wide range of outdoor activities on the island, from hiking to canyoning to rappelling through waterfalls. Of course, there are also plenty of beaches as well.

St. Martin and St. Maarten is one island with two distinct sides. French-controlled St. Martin on the north side is known for its beach parties, while Netherlands Antilles-governed St. Maarten on the southern rim is home to a variety of casinos and bars.

7. Trinidad & Tobago

Visit the islands of Trinidad & Tobago in February to experience Carnival, celebrated the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The party consists of two days of non-stop energy, demonstrated by colorful costumes and an all-day parade.

A couple walks on the beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Getty Images

6. Puerto Rico

Located just a three-hour flight from Miami, Puerto Rico has quiet beaches, prime surf spots and lively nightlife. U.S. News named it the No. 1 spot for family vacations in the Caribbean and the No. 2 spot for affordable Caribbean getaways.

5. U.S. Virgin Islands

A cheaper alternative to the British Virgin Islands, the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands offer pristine beaches, luxury shopping and historical landmarks. The Virgin Islands National Park features opportunities to kayak, sail and even camp overnight on the beach.

4. Curacao

Visitors will recognize Curacao for the bright and colorful Dutch colonial buildings that line the waterfront. Located on a coral reef, Curacao is a destination for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Sugar Beach in St. Lucia is a top luxury destination in the Caribbean. Source: Sugar Beach

3. St. Lucia

Visitors to St. Lucia can partake in a variety of activities, including zip lining through the rainforest, relaxing on the beach or discovering the region's history at the Pigeon Island National Park. The annual St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival is also growing in popularity.

2. Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe's mainland forms a butterfly shape: Basse-Terre, the island's capital city, sits on one side and Grande-Terre, which holds a cluster of resorts, sits on the other. Smaller islands, including Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, surround the mainland.

1. British Virgin Islands
Blackstone Chairman and CEO Stephen Schwarzman said Thursday he will miss Elon Musk after the Tesla co-founder stepped down from President Donald Trump's advisory councils to protest the administration's plans to pull out of the Paris climate accord.

Musk is "really a fascinating guy," Schwarzman said in an interview on CNBC. "He's got a lot of different interests and, you know, he's a good person. And so we'll miss him."

Schwarzman, who spoke on "Squawk Box," is the head of Trump's economic advisory council.

Musk announced earlier this month that he will leave his positions on presidential councils on business, manufacturing jobs, and infrastructure following Trump's announcement that the U.S. will back out of the Paris Agreement.

Schwarzman said he understood Musk's reaction  as a maker of electric cars and solar solutions for homes and businesses  to political events but wished he would have stayed for the long haul.

"Life tends to be longer than one issue, and it's important, I think, to be involved for the long term to impact a variety of issues," he said.

Musk, founder of private space firm SpaceX, also wants to dig tunnels under cities through his new Boring Company.

Watch: A Billionaire's Bet: The Best and the Brightest on CNBC on Sunday at 10 p.m. ET/PT about the Schwarzman Scholars program in Beijing aimed at grooming future leaders.
has won the order battle at the Paris Air Show after conceded it cannot catch the U.S. plane maker's tally.

As of Thursday morning, Airbus had won commitments for a total of 326 aircraft, including firm orders for 144 aircraft worth $18.5 billion and Memorandums of Understanding's for 182 aircraft worth $21.2 billion.

Boeing, meanwhile, has a Paris order book of 463 when conversions, previous orders upgraded to newer planes, are stripped out.

"Is this a slower show than previous years? Yes it is. Are we conceding that Boeing sold a few more airplanes than we did? Yes," said Airbus COO of Commercial Customers, John Leahy in comments reported by Reuters, Thursday.

Much of Boeing's Paris success has come in the form of the launch of their 737 MAX 10 airplane. The single-aisle plane can carry up to 230 passengers and competes with the Airbus A320neo family.

Boeing says it is increasing production of its 737 range from 42 to 47 planes a month by the end of 2017 and will reach 57 a month by 2020 to meet demand.

Airbus's Leahy claimed Boeing's MAX 10 launch was not as impressive as it appeared, benefiting from a high number of airlines and leasing companies shifting orders to the new plane.

Leahy retirement

The outspoken sales chief for Airbus has also confirmed he will retire at some point this year.
Investors should buy Cisco shares because the company will become a more stable subscription-oriented business, according to Credit Suisse, which reiterated its outperform rating on the technology firm. Cisco will hold its financial analyst conference on Jun. 28 in Las Vegas, according to its website . "We believe the focus of the event will be on Cisco's continued transition towards a recurring software based model, as well as more executive discussion around Cisco's recently revealed Intent-based networking model," analyst Kulbinder Garcha wrote in a note to clients Thursday. "We will look for any additional disclosures and guidance related to software and subscription revenues long term." The analyst reaffirmed his $40 price target for Cisco shares, representing 26 percent upside from Wednesday's close. Garcha noted how 31 percent of Cisco's sales are now from recurring subscriptions and services, up from 29 percent last year. He expects the company will continue to grow this portion of its business going forward. In addition, the analyst cited how the company committed to return 50 percent of its free cash flow to shareholders through share buybacks or dividends. Cisco's current dividend yield is 3.6 percent, according to FactSet. "We believe Cisco's material balance sheet could unleash a meaningful capital return and transformative M & A," he wrote.

A bicyclist rides by a sign in front of the Cisco Systems headquarters in San Jose, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
People browse a clothing store in Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street in Guangzhou, China, on November 29, 2013. Brent Lewin | Bloomberg via Getty Images

China will introduce a national standard for the use of English language on public signage, in its latest bid to say farewell to widely mocked  and often widely loved  poor translations and "Chinglish". The new policy, which comes into effect on December 1, will establish guidelines for English translations in 13 areas, including transport, health care, education and financial services. It will also include standardized translations for 3,500 commonly used phrases for public information, as well as names of famous food dishes from mooncakes to daoxiao noodles and bean curd, a government press release said on Wednesday. Odd translations into English, teasingly referred to as "Chinglish", have long been a common sight in China, even spawning dedicated websites.

An English sign in a park instructs children how to play on a 'bounce bed' - meaning 'trampoline' - in Beijing, China, on April 11, 2007. Natalie Behring | Bloomberg via Getty Images

While many find them entertaining, they "damage the country's image" while posing challenges for the "development of a multilingual society" and cause social issues, according to the state-run People's Daily newspaper. The new standard  jointly issued by the country's Standardisation Administration, Ministry of Education, and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine  will prioritize proper grammar and style, the People's Daily reported. Words and expressions that are rare, discriminatory or hurtful, or could "contain content that damages the image of China or other countries" will be discouraged or banned. The policy also cautioned against direct translations, which have often been blamed for oddities. Tian Shihong, director of the Standardisation Administration, described the new standard as an important public service aimed at elevating China's soft power and international image, according to a government statement.

An oddly worded English sign hangs in a neighborhood in Beijing, China, on April 11, 2007. Natalie Behring | Bloomberg via Getty Images

Public signs in English are a good way to encourage tourists, "particularly if they are correct," said Bernard Spolsky, a linguistics professor at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, adding that mistranslations can also be attractive. The plan to improve English, however, accompanies China's recognition of globalization and its push to develop a national educational framework for teaching English, he added. "Its effectiveness will clearly depend on the availability of good translators; the warning against literal translation is a wise one," Spolsky said. For years, China has sought to fix mistranslated signs, with efforts redoubled after Beijing won the bid to host the 2008 Olympics. Some memorable examples have included a well-intentioned sign along a major Beijing thoroughfare cautioning people "To Take Notice of Safe; The Slippery are Very Crafty". But some were more offensive, with the city's Park of Ethnic Minorities once being translated as "Racist Park".

The welcome sign hanging above the entrance to 'Alien's Street' shopping center on May 15, 2007 in Beijing, China. Andrew Wong | Getty Images
Anish Kapoor is an artist and a colossal, controlling asshole: there was that time he said that the presence of his $270M sculpture in a Chicago park gave him the right to decide who could take pictures in a public space.



More recently, he's made headlines by licensing the "blackest black pigment" yet made in an exclusive deal that bans the company from selling the color to any other artist.





This prompted an hilarious retaliation from a young UK artist called Stuart Semple, who engineered the pinkest pink ever and then made everyone who bought it promise that they'd never let Kapoor use it.

A long recounting of the tale in Wired delves into the chemistry of the paints, the legalities of trademarking a color, and the artistic incoherence of demanding that no one else is allowed to use a pigment.



Kapoor hasn't re-engaged with any of this. So far he has released just one piece of work using Vantablack, a $95,000 watch called the Sequential One S110 Evo Vantablack, which uses the material on its face. (The watch comes from the Swiss maker MCT.) It was a limited edition run, so don't get your hopes up. "It's totally absurd. Anish Kapoor can't make anything with this stuff. It's prohibitively expensive to manufacture, and the manufacturing process is beyond his capabilities," Conway says. "That renders the whole situation really a meta situation, and it just becomes about these ideas."



Semple's hope for a fun little conceptual art piece turned into a big, giant conceptual art piecethe one we all deserved, maybe. New technologies are supposed to turn into new art. That's how culture processes and understands them. In the 1990s, the medium was video. Today, art takes place on social media, with all of us as participants and audience at once. "In many ways, the conversation you and I are having is the piece of art that Anish Kapoor is creating, and that's kind of cool," Conway says. "The important thing about color is that it is ultimately an abstract concept. Kapoor has distilled the pigment out to its most abstract conception, the thing you can never actually make that is just an idea."



ART FIGHT! THE PINKEST PINK VERSUS THE BLACKEST BLACK

[Adam Rogers/Wired]





(Image: Surrey Nanosystems)
Top Democrats slammed Senate Republicans' Obamacare replacement draft bill almost immediately after the 142-page plan was posted online.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned that the plan would mean higher costs for consumers and lead to more people going uninsured. He also bashed his GOP colleagues for keeping the bill tightly held and contended it is "every bit as bad" as the highly criticized House plan.

"The Senate Republican health-care bill is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Only this wolf has sharper teeth than the House bill," Schumer said on the Senate floor.

It is not clear how much of the bill Schumer read before making those statements. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., immediately responded to Schumer, saying he "has not seen a copy" of the bill. Schumer then said he was referring to the draft plan posted online minutes before he spoke.

The Senate unveiled its plan after a closely held drafting process that was criticized by Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike. Many GOP senators said they had not seen the text of the draft bill before its release.

Senators aim to vote on the bill before the Fourth of July recess. However, it is unclear if the GOP can muster enough votes before then.

Before Schumer spoke, McConnell defended the secretive process of drafting the legislation. He said that "there will be ample time" to analyze and discuss it before it reaches the floor. That is expected to happen next week.

McConnell said the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is not expected to release a report on its effects until next week. After the CBO score comes out, a "robust debate and amendment process" will proceed, McConnell said.

"It's time to act," McConnell said. "Because Obamacare is a direct attack on the middle class."

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was briefed on the plan and understands that it "tracks in many ways" with the House bill. He did not comment on the criticisms of the Senate's process, saying he did not want to be "disrespectful."

Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price welcomed the Senate bill, saying it would "provide Americans with much needed relief from Obamacare."

Opposition to the House version appears to be growing. Americans consider the House Republican health-care bill to be a bad idea by a 3-to-1 margin, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Four Republican senators, enough to block passage, said Thursday that they could not support the Senate proposal in its current form.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the proposal a "monstrosity of a bill that Republicans have been hiding behind closed doors for weeks." She lambasted her GOP colleagues for spending that time "dreaming up even meaner ways to kick dirt in the face of American people and take away their health insurance."

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., called on her colleagues to vote down the GOP bill, saying that they should be trying "to help, not hurt the people" they represent.

@KamalaHarris: All of us in Congress should be trying to help, not hurt, the people we represent. We owe it to them to vote down the GOP #HealthcareBill.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted that it is "absurd" to call the Senate proposal a health care bill. She asserted that the GOP plan is "nothing more than a massive tax cut for the rich on the backs of working families."

@NancyPelosi: Calling #Trumpcare a #HealthcareBill is absurd. It's nothing more than a massive tax cut for the rich on the backs of working families.

Sen. Bernie Sanders echoed Pelosi's sentiment, saying the bill "has nothing to do with health care" and alleged "it's an enormous transfer of wealth from working people to the richest Americans."

@BernieSanders: Republicans' bill has nothing to do with health care. It's an enormous transfer of wealth from working people to the richest Americans.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., asserted that Republican senators took a bill that President Donald Trump "admitted was 'mean' and managed to make it even more heartless."
To Cramer, this seemed like a fortune, even though tequila is one of the fastest-growing categories in liquor, with average tequila volumes doubling from 2002 to 2015.

At first glance, what intrigued Cramer most was the deal's price tag: $700 million up front, with $300 million still on the table depending on future performance.

"It's not very often that I get to talk about one of my favorite subjects on air: tequila," the " Mad Money " host said.

"Super premium" tequila brands like Clooney's grew even faster. Casamigos saw 650 percent growth over the same period, which could have justified its massive selling price.

But Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker Scotch, Captain Morgan rum, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodka, Hennessy Cognac and Tanqueray gin wanted to break into tequila, and Casamigos marked a high-growth opportunity.

"The idea here is that Casamigos will help the company take share in the super premium category, while also giving them a terrific platform to grow its tequila business overseas," Cramer said. "If they can keep Clooney as the face of the brand, this thing could really take off outside of the Western Hemisphere."

That said, Diageo shelled out a lot of money for Casamigos relative to the rest of its industry. Cramer compared the deal to Constellation Brands' 2015 purchase of tequila brand Casa Noble, which only set Diageo's competitor back less than $30 million.

The "Mad Money" host acknowledged that, at the time, Casa Noble was smaller than Casamigos is, selling some 20,000 cases per year compared to Casamigos' 120,000 in 2016.

But since Constellation took Casa Noble under its wing, the company has expanded rapidly, doubling its sales in the year following the deal so much so that Constellation dubbed it the fastest-growing luxury tequila on the market.

"Again, I'm not saying Diageo overpaid here, they're just later to the party than Constellation," Cramer said. "[But] with what Diageo's paying for Casamigos, management says it could take three years for the deal to become additive to the company's earnings. I don't like that."

That conclusion leads Cramer to believe that Constellation is still the best liquor company out there, especially considering its red-hot beer brands, Corona, Modelo and now Pacifico.

That said, the U.K.-based Diageo has proven to be a fierce competitor, and turmoil in Prime Minister Theresa May's government has weakened the pound to the benefit of the major exporter.

"However, Constellation's got faster growth, and it's proven to be the savvier operator by far," Cramer said. "They got into tequila early, they got into wine at the right price point, purchased high-end whiskey at the right moment, and they also bought into the craft beer market before that one surged, too, all thanks to the terrific leadership of CEO Rob Sands."

The stocks trade at more or less the same valuation, and Cramer generally likes them both, particularly because the alcohol business is rarely subject to price wars.

"I love both Constellation's Casa Noble and Diageo's soon-to-be-acquired Casamigos. I go back and forth between them for myself at Bar San Miguel  by the way, their bottles are right next to each other in the middle of the bar. They're the smoothest and they've each been winners of blind taste tests at the joint," the "Mad Money" host said. "But based on what Diageo just paid to expand its premium tequila lineup, I have to conclude that Constellation is by far the better buy here, because they got Casa Noble for so much less and their stock, even after its huge run, remains nicely undervalued."

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Mondelez CEO: Amazon-Whole Foods, A Clear Validation

Irene Rosenfeld, CEO of Mondelez. Adam Jeffery | CNBC

Then, Cramer sat down with Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld, who said her company's top brass were not worried at the announcement of the Amazon-Whole Foods deal. "I think, if anything, it's a clear validation of the notion that the consumer is shopping everywhere, and all of us better pay attention to that," Rosenfeld told Cramer on Thursday. And as snacking patterns change around the globe and more people embrace healthy living Rosenfeld said she sees a promising path for her massive snack distributor. "We have the most robust health and well-being pipeline in our U.S. franchise that we've ever had," Rosenfeld told Cramer. "We're doing lots of work in terms of renovating our core portfolio."

Tequila's Top Players... and George Clooney

Rande Gerber and George Clooney. Source: Casamigos Tequila

When alcohol giant Diageo decided to buy Hollywood actor George Clooney's tequila brand, Casamigos, for up to $1 billion, Cramer instantly took notice. "It's not very often that I get to talk about one of my favorite subjects on air: tequila," the "Mad Money" host said. At first glance, what intrigued Cramer most was the deal's price tag: $700 million up front, with $300 million still on the table depending on future performance. To Cramer, this seemed like a fortune, even though tequila is one of the fastest-growing categories in liquor, with average tequila volumes doubling from 2002 to 2015. So he compared it with Constellation Brands' recent tequila brand purchase to see which name came out on top.

Yext.com CEO: Pushing the Truth

Cramer also sat down with Howard Lerman, the CEO of the newly public Yext.com , to find out how his company is carving a space for itself in an increasingly digital world. "Every intelligence service, whether it's Google or Apple or Facebook, they all have three layers. They have their [user interface], they have their algorithms and they have their knowledge base. Their knowledge base is where Yext comes in," Lerman told Cramer on Thursday. Yext's job is to take its clients' information and disseminate it across 100 platforms, providing companies with a one-stop shop to ensure their information is accurate when, for example, a prospective customer Googles it on her phone. "It's not enough for a business to sit back and hope that the right information is found. We proactively push the truth into the world," Lerman said. And while Yext is still a new company, Lerman assured Cramer that its potential is massive. "This is a huge market. There are more than 100 million locations in Google Maps alone. We have a million, so we're only 1 percent penetrated into what we could do," the CEO said. "We have more than a $10 billion addressable market where we can go out and win. We believe, by the way, that this is a winner-take-all market."

Oracle and the Value of Hubris

Once in a while, Cramer appreciates hubris, so the "Mad Money" turned to Oracle to go over its post-earnings conference call, in which the software company's management applauded its own progress. "I, for one, am not throwing any flags because I think occasionally it's right to crow when you do something very right," Cramer said. "And make no mistake, Oracle's nailing the transition from on-premises computing to the cloud." Cramer has listened to thousands of conference calls in his career, and he uses his own measure to test the success of a conference call: the "congratulations-to-question ratio." "Nine analysts asked questions about the quarter on that call, eight of them gave some form of congratulations. Only Goldman Sachs' Heather Bellini, one of my absolute favorite analysts, resisted the siren call, or it would've been a perfect game," Cramer said. "Normally I'd like that impartial, diffident kind of question, but not this time. Come on Heather, join in on the fun and embrace Oracle like everyone else! Why? 'Cause that stock is going higher."

Lightning Round: Flying Colors, Bigger Dividend
Five Democratic members of Congress sent a second letter to Deutsche Bank on Thursday, requesting information on President Donald Trump, his family and his possible ties to Russia.

Democratic lawmakers sent their first request for Trump-Russia information on May 23.

Deutsche Bank responded on June 8 and declined to hand over the information, saying that, "Federal law requires that institutions such as Deutsche Bank maintain the privacy of their customers and the confidentiality of information relating to those customers."

But Democrats disputed that statement Thursday, and listed three ways that Deutsche Bank's commitment to protecting Trump's information does not apply:

The laws Deutsche Bank is referring to in its June 8 response letter relates only to "government authority," not necessarily the legislative branch or Congress. Democratic lawmakers claim that "a number of our requests do not require the furnishing of information that would invoke the statutes [Deutsche Bank refers to] at all," meaning some of the Democrats' requests should've garnered a response immediately. Trump has full access to the protected information, which means that "such disclosure would ostensibly be in his interest."

CNBC has reached out to Deutsche Bank for comment on the recent Congressional letter.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Oracle  The business software maker reported adjusted quarterly profit of 89 cents per share, 11 cents a share above estimates. Revenue was also above forecasts, with increased customer enthusiasm for cloud-based products and services.

Hain Celestial  The organic products maker issued long-delayed financial results after an internal investigation, and made no material changes to previously stated results. It also said it found no evidence of any intentional wrongdoing in its investigation. Hain's guidance for current quarter and full year fiscal 2017 earnings do fall below Street estimates.

Accenture  The consulting firm matched estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.52 per share. Revenue beat forecasts, and Accenture saw improved results for its digital and cloud service offerings.

Steelcase  Steelcase fell four cents a share shy of estimates, with adjusted quarterly profit of 15 cents per share. The office furniture maker also saw revenue fall short of Street forecasts. Steelcase's current-quarter earnings and revenue are below consensus, as well.

Altice USA  Altice priced its initial public offering at $30 per share, on the high side of the expected $27 to $31 range. The cable company's IPO is the largest for a U.S. telecom company in 17 years, and will raise $1.9 billion. Altice will begin trading today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Novartis  The drugmaker reported surprisingly effective study results for a heart drug designed to reduce inflammation in patients who have survived prior heart attacks.

GlaxoSmithKline  Glaxo won more than $235 million from Teva Pharmaceutical after a jury ruled that Teva had infringed a patent for GSK's blood pressure drug Coreg. Teva said it was disappointed with the ruling and will consider an appeal.

Berkshire Hathaway  Berkshire took an indirect stake of more than 38 percent in troubled Canadian lender Home Capital Group as part of a rescue package. Berkshire will buy the stake through its Columbia Insurance subsidiary.

Apple  Apple is seeking to cut the royalties it pays record labels for its Apple Music service, according to a Bloomberg report. Existing deals expire at the end of June, although observers think the current agreements will be extended if no agreement is reached by then.

Charter Communications  Charter may take another run at rival cable operator Cox Communications, according to the New York Post. The paper said Charter CEO Tom Rutledge would like to strike such a deal, although no formal approaches have been made.

Snap  The Snapchat parent bought French mapping startup Zenly for $250 million to $300 million in cash and stock late last month, according to a TechCrunch report.

Staples  Staples is in advanced talks to be acquired by private-equity firm Sycamore Partners, according to sources quoted by Reuters. A deal for the office supplies retailer could be worth more than $6 billion, according to people familiar with the talks.

Forestar Group  The real estate development company announced amended terms for its deal to be bought by Starwood Capital, increasing the price to $15.50 per share in cash from the previously agreed $14.25 per share. Following that news, home builder DR Horton reiterated its proposal to acquire 75 percent of Forestar for $16.25 per share, saying it provided superior value to the Starwood deal.
Four Republican senators  enough to thwart passage  said Thursday they will not support the current Senate Obamacare replacement plan and will seek changes.

Conservatives Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Mike Lee of Utah said in a statement that they "are not ready to vote" for the proposal Senate Republicans released Thursday.

"There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health care system, but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs," the senators said.

Paul told reporters that "my hope is not to defeat the bill, but to make the bill better." He said, "We want the bill to look more like a repeal."

Cruz told reporters that "I think we can get there, but the current draft doesn't do nearly enough."

Senate Republicans on Thursday morning released a draft of their secretive Obamacare replacement bill, called the "Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017." The plan would repeal Obamacare taxes, restructure subsidies to insurance customers that are based on their incomes and phase out Medicaid's expansion program. It contains some key differences from the version the House passed last month.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, speaking at the inaugural Communities Summit in Chicago on June 22, 2017.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg just laid out a new mission for the 13-year-old social network, which he said is close to 2 billion users, aiming to change the narrative around online behavior.

With debate raging about online bullying and Facebook shouldering some of the blame for the spread of fake news, Zuckerberg has spent much of this year traveling around the country. He plans to eventually meet people in every state.

"People are basically good," Zuckerberg said Thursday in Chicago at Facebook's inaugural Communities Summit, a meeting for administrators of Facebook groups. "Everyone genuinely wants to help other people."

Zuckerberg suggested that Facebook communities can fill the void left by declining religious participation.

"We're going to start rolling out some tools, make it easier to build communities," Zuckerberg said. That includes helping to "offer insights into who your members are and how they're using your communities."

The average Facebook user is a member of 30 groups, he said.

The audience consisted of Facebook users who had built their own online support groups for parents, victims of domestic abuse and even one for locksmiths. Some of the leaders joined Zuckerberg on stage.

The announcement follows a recent set of pledges from the company to be more transparent about addressing some big questions, including whether social media is good for democracy.

"We want to help 1 billion people join meaningful communities," Zuckerberg said. That "will strengthen the social fabric, bring the world closer together."
Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and a major Apple supplier, plans to invest more than $10 billion in a display-making factory in the United States and will decide on the location of the plant next month.

The Taiwan-based firm has been eyeing U.S. investments for some time and its CEO, Terry Gou, had previously said the company hoped to spend over $7 billion to set up a display-making plant in the country  which has no panel-making industry but is the No.2 market for televisions.

Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is currently considering Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina as possible locations, Gou told reporters after the company's annual shareholders meeting on Thursday.

"In July we will make a conclusion," Gou said, adding the company would invest the money over five years.

Foxconn operates vast factories in China, where it employs a million people and makes most of Apple's iPhones, but so far it has not invested heavily in manufacturing in the United States.

"This time we go to America, it's not just to build a factory, but to move our entire supply chain there," Gou told shareholders, without providing specific details.

While the plant would create jobs, Gou added it would not employ as many people as in its China plants, as the cost of labor is higher and the plant would rely on automation.

"In the U.S., the state governors' sincerity and confidence to attract investment ... is beyond my imagination," Gou said.

President Donald Trump has called for firms to build more products in the United States. He has made several announcements since his election in November about U.S. investments by both foreign and domestic manufacturers, building on his campaign focus on preserving and creating American jobs.

According to Tai Jeng-wu, CEO of Foxconn's Japanese unit Sharp, six U.S. states were being looked at for a possible location for the display-making plant.

Foxconn already has operations in Pennsylvania.

Gou said that an agreement announced four years ago to invest in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was still pending.
The Trump administration is proposing parity for both small businesses and corporations in its blueprint to overhaul the tax code, bringing the rates from 35 percent for businesses to 15 percent.

The first-ever CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey in June found taxes were the No. 1 issue for 25 percent of the more than 2,000 businesses surveyed.

watch now

In Charlotte, North Carolina, mother-son duo Julie and Michael Chambers are watching their small business, Melt in Your Mouth, come to life. The cupcake store they opened more than two years ago now has four employees, and they're hoping to open up additional locations. But chief among their concerns is the tax burden they face. Structured as an LLC, the company files taxes at the individual rate, paying some 35 cents on each dollar they make, Michael said, adding he's hoping for reform and lower rates under the new administration. "We are in the process of trying to open up new stores, and just paying taxes on this one is taking capital away that we could be using on something else," he said. "There is no clear-cut policy on where things are going right now. Compliance is extremely expensive for us, and it disproportionately affects us as a small business." Taxes have long ranked as a top issue for America's small businesses, many of whom file as pass-through entities, combining business and personal income and, as a result, sometimes paying a higher effective rate. In the National Federation of Independent Business' 2016 "Small Business Problems and Priorities" study, federal taxes on business income ranked as the No. 3 issue behind the cost of health insurance and unreasonable government regulations. The first-ever CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey in June found that taxes were the No. 1 issue for 25 percent of the more than 2,000 businesses surveyed.

A model for tax reform

North Carolina, where Melt in Your Mouth is based, revamped its tax code in recent years to lower both corporate and individual rates, which had a positive impact on its business competitiveness. In fact, in 2017 the foundation's "State Business Tax Climate Index" saw North Carolina jump from No. 41 to No. 11, the largest improvement ever recorded. The rate for individuals is currently 5.5 percent, while corporations pay 3 percent, but the state legislature is also working to lower rates even further in a pending budget deal.

Michael and Julie Chambers are the mother-son team behind Melt in Your Mouth, a cupcake shop in Charlotte, N.C. They rank taxes as one of their top business issues. Kate Rogers | CNBC

"What North Carolina did is a good model for tax reform for the United States," said Joseph Henchman, vice president for State Projects at the Tax Foundation. "Find a way to broaden the base of the tax system, lower rates for everybody, and make it more pro-growth." The Trump administration is proposing parity for both small businesses and corporations in its blueprint to overhaul the tax code, bringing the rates from a top rate of 39.6 percent for individuals and 35 percent for businesses to an even 15 percent. The idea has been met with enthusiasm from Main Street advocates. House Speaker Paul Ryan also spoke out in favor of overhauling the tax code this week at the National Association of Manufacturers Summit Tuesday, pointing out the uneven playing field small businesses that file as pass-through entities find themselves on, compared to their corporate counterparts. "Here in America, 8 out of 10 businesses file their taxes as individuals," Ryan said. "In fact, most of our jobs come from these ... small businesses. Real tax reform ... means creating a new lower tax, specifically for small businesses, so they too can compete on a fair, level playing field."

Taxing issues
After an investigation that stretched more than a year, Hain Celestial completed its accounting review and audit and found it didn't have to make any material changes to its previously reported financial statements, the company said Thursday.

Hain shares surged more than 4 percent ahead of the market's open.

As the company moves beyond this issue, and adds more internal controls and oversight of its financial reporting, it said Thursday James Langrock was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer. He has been with the company since 2015.

The company, which saw its U.S. sales decline more than 6 percent in the first nine months of the year, also discussed plans to cut costs by $350 million through fiscal 2020, and said it will buy back $250 million of its own stock.

Total sales over the past nine months were relatively flat with the same period a year ago. On a constant currency basis, sales were up 4 percent.

Net income for the nine-month period was $67.1 million, or 64 cents a share. On an adjusted basis, it earned $82.7 million, or 79 cents a share.

Hain attributed its U.S. sales decline to the impact of inventory realignment at certain customers' stores and product rationalization of $55 million.

The maker of Celestial Seasonings, Terra Chips and Garden of Eatin has been reducing the number of products it sells in order to put more support behind successful items and reduce costs. This plan will help it to achieve its cost savings target. It also plans to improve its productivity.


In a paper for IEEE Security, researchers from Cyberpion and Israel's College of Management Academic Studies describe a "Password Reset Man-in-the-Middle Attack" that leverages a bunch of clever insights into how password resets work to steal your email account (and other kinds of accounts), even when it's protected by two-factor authentication.

Here's the basics: the attacker gets you to sign up for an account for their website (maybe it's a site that gives away free personality tests or whatever). The sign-up process presents a series of prompts for the signup, starting with your email address.

As soon as the attacker has your email address, a process on their server logs into your email provider as you and initiates an "I've lost access to my email" password reset process.

From then on, every question in your signup process for the attacker's service is actually a password reset question from your email provider. For example, if your email provider is known to text your phone with a PIN as part of the process, the attacker prompts you for your phone number, then says, "I've just texted you a PIN, please enter it now." You enter the PIN, and the attacker passes that PIN to your email provider.

Same goes for "security questions" like "What street did you live on when you were a kid?" The email provider asks the attacker these questions, the attacker asks you the questions for the signup process, and then uses your answers to impersonate you to the email provider.





It's a devastating attack that reveals some foundational weaknesses in the standard for password resetting. There are some steps you can take against this: most notably, you can treat all security questions as passwords and generate unique answers for each ("What was your first pet's name?" "2%x5p*TSavmJPlc]&Sd\VBPL@u-Y"). That requires a lot of vigilance on your side, and/or a sophisticated password manager  and it also requires the sites you're signing up for to accept password-like responses to security questions, allowing you to include punctuation, numbers, etc.





Also: your bank and other high-value targets that offer an app could allow you to use the app for the reset channel, sending one-time passwords to you as a push to the app instead of using SMS. You might inattentively fail to notice that the SMS you get from that new service says, "Here is your Yahoo Mail code"  but if the code came from your bank's app, it might be more obvious.



The attack

allows a weak attacker to take over accounts of many websites,

including Google and Facebook and other popular websites we

surveyed. We evaluated the attacks and pointed at vulnerabilities

and weaknesses of the password reset processes. Although simple defense like more detailed SMS messages

seems to be enough, our experiments indicate that this is not

the case. We designed defenses and evaluated them compared

to the existing implementations of Google and Facebook; our

experiments show that our proposed defenses improve the

security significantly. Finally, to help the many vulnerable

websites to test and improve their password reset processes, we

created a list of rules and recommendations for easy auditing.



The Password Reset MitM Attack [Nethanel Gelernter, Senia Kalma, Bar Magnezi and Hen Porcilan/IEEE Security]





(via 4 Short Links)
As the world's largest importer and consumer of many commodities, China drove a decade-long explosion in prices in the 2000s and is still holding sway over the raw material trade  with the country's bargaining clout expanding as its economy grows. Here's how China has changed and is potentially changing long-established trading traditions in major commodity classes.

Agriculture

An insatiable appetite from a rapidly expanding middle class, food safety concerns and health fads are driving food imports into China. Now the world's largest consumer and importer of soybeans  used in everything from animal feed to cooking oil  China has seen its growing affluence drive imports of non-traditional food products like olive oil and avocado, presenting new business opportunities. Concerns about food safety are also helping the popularity of products like milk from New Zealand, which is perceived to be contamination-proof, and innovation in farm-to-table supply chain management.

China's food service industry is a key part of the mainland's service sector. Getty Images

Singapore businessman Douglas Foo, who runs the Sakae Sushi restaurant chain, told CNBC he has invested in aquaculture farming in South America in order to better supply his outlets  and eventually other restaurants  in China. "We have not done aggressive expansion in [the China] market, not because of the lack of funding, but the stability of the supply chain," said Foo. Technology is giving the food safety push a boost, with fresh produce suppliers from far-flung Australia and New Zealand using Chinese smartphone apps like Wechat to help their consumers in the country track the farm-to-table trail of what's in their meals, Reuters reported.

Energy

As the world's largest coal user, China has been facing a host of air pollution problems after its turbocharged growth over the last three decades. Today, the world's second largest economy is pledging support for combating climate change  especially after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris agreement to fight global warming. (It remains to be seen, however, to what extent China's actions align with its rhetoric.)

watch now

The scale of investment in renewable energy in China is growing "exponentially," Adnan Amin, the director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said on the sidelines of the annual Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting in China earlier this month. China will launch a nationwide emissions trading system by November, a government researcher told Reuters.

Metals
A North Korean diplomat on Wednesday raised the possibility of the hermit regime holding bilateral talks with the United States.

"Under certain circumstances, we are willing to talk in terms of the freezing of nuclear testing and missile testing," North Korea Ambassador to India Kye Chun Yong said during an interview on India's TV network WION.

According to Kye, North Korea is prepared to hold such negotiations with the U.S. at "anytime"  but without preconditions from Washington.

"If our demands is met [sic], we can negotiate in terms of the moratorium of such [programs] as weapons testing," the diplomat said.

That said, North Korea first wants to see the U.S. "completely stop" large-scale joint military exercises with South Korea, temporarily or permanently, according to Kye. And he said the North would agree to a temporary stop of exercises too.

The U.S. has more than 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and around 50,000 American military personnel in Japan. The U.S. regularly holds joint military drills with the two Asian allies, including exercises involving land troops, navy and air forces.

The U.S. is worried about North Korea's continued development of nuclear weapons as well as its push to have an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. North Korea has already demonstrated it has missiles that can reach Japan and South Korea as well as U.S. military bases on Guam, and experts say they probably can reach the state of Hawaii.

It was unclear if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shares the views of his Indian envoy. In the past, Kim has eliminated officials or even family members he considers to be out of line or a threat to the dynastic regime.

Meantime, rhetoric coming from North Korean state media Thursday appeared to indicate Pyongyang is pressing forward with its nuclear weapons and missile development.

"The army of the DPRK is whetting the sword of retaliation shaper [sic] than before with a firm hold on the nuclear sword of justice to cope with the U.S. imperialists' escalating aggression moves," North's Korean state-run Korean Central News Agency said on its website.

Also, KCNA said "the Trump administration, obsessed by megalomania, is going arrogant to mount a preemptive nuclear strike at the DPRK." DPRK is a reference to North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

A day earlier, KCNA vowed North Koreans would "take revenge upon the U.S. aggressors with the approach of June 25, the day of struggle against U.S. imperialism."

One possibility is North Korea maybe hinting that it will mark June 25 to conduct its sixth nuclear test or test-fire another ballistic missile. The date of June 25, 1950 is the anniversary of when North Korea's army attacked South Korea, crossing the so-called 38th parallel and touching off the Korean War.



Pyongyang's last nuclear test was in September 9, 2016, and it marked the 68th anniversary of the communist state's creation.

At the same time, next week could prove pivotal for the future of the Korean Peninsula as South Korean President Moon Jae-in is scheduled to meet June 29 to 30 with President Donald Trump during a visit in Washington.

Moon, who took office last month, is seen as having a more moderate approach to the North that could put him at odds with Trump's vow to act alone if necessary to solve the North Korean threat.

Last week, Moon opened the door to direct dialogue with the North Koreans in remarks at a peace center. He also expressed a willingness to hold parallel talks on both denuclearization as well as a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War.



"Whatever policy we take has to be in coordination with South Korea," said Dean Cheng, senior research fellow on Chinese military and security issues at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based conservative think-tank. "If South Korea is not willing to use force, that creates an interesting dilemma for the U.S. if we want to use force."



In April, Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and they discussed the North Korea problem. Trump praised the superpowers' relationship and sought to downplay any trade friction that he previously had with Beijing.



A tweet from Trump on Tuesday, though, appeared to indicate that the cordial relationship with Xi hasn't moved the needle in terms of convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear and missile programs.



"While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea," Trump tweeted, "it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

Donald Trump tweet.

Even so, the Trump administration is continuing to reach out to China for help on the North Korean issue. The administration is also considering new sanctions against Pyongyang and wants Beijing to agree to them.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis held talks with their Chinese counterparts in Washington. The two later held a joint press conference.

"We reiterated to China that they have diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region," Tillerson told reporters.

Mattis said the two sides "affirmed North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as a threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region." However, he added that the U.S. "will continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies."

China is a longtime ally of the isolated state and its largest trading partner.

Experts say China wants to keep North Korea as a buffer zone between the communist North and U.S.-backed South Korea. They also say Beijing is worried that a collapse of the North would create a refugee crisis with millions of North Koreans crossing the border into China.

"The Chinese are only going so far in terms of pressuring North Korea," said Joel Wit, senior fellow at the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and co-founder of Washington's 38 North think-tank.

"We are hitting, or about to hit, a dead end," Wit added.
Oil prices have hit a very rough patch, once again, down just over 20 percent since January.

This is the second downturn of the year; prices rallied last month, after OPEC and Russia made plans to come together and contemplate their soon-to-expire agreement to limit oil output.

With great fanfare, the latest version of their deal was rolled out and hit with a thud. It ended up being notable for what it failed to deliver, rather than the 9-month extension that was forged.

There were hopes for deeper cuts, an even longer timeframe, and a production ceiling for Nigeria, Libya, and Iran, all of which have been exempted from the accord because of various factors, unique to each, that has hampered their output over the past several years.

None of those elements came to pass, however, and oil prices sold-off in the face of the Saudi and Russian oil ministers at the very moment that they were holding a post-meeting press conference together.

Saudi's Al Falih was aware of the concomitant price plunge, and, in full panic mode, he promised that the kingdom would "cover" Nigeria and Libya, and further promised, famously, to do "whatever it takes" to balance the market.

The kingdom has a lot of wood to chop. Both Nigerian and Libyan output has come roaring back, and Libya has even hooked up with one of the largest global oil traders, Glencore, to market a portion of their supply.

The supply rebound has caused a global glut relapse, with various regional markets swamped with crude oil, ranging from the Atlantic Basin to the North Sea to Singapore.
Travis Kalanick and his friend Garrett Camp first had the idea for what would become Uber on a cold night in Paris in late 2008. They started working on a prototype in March 2009, and Kalanick would go on to be the company's CEO through one of the most fabled Silicon Valley start-up stories of all time. Uber has raised almost $9 billion from investors at values that ran up almost as high as $70 billion, though the current value of the company is down closer to $50 billion. The technology transportation company operates in more than 600 cities around the world. But Uber now has big problems. It has become the poster child of "bro-culture" run amok. And late Tuesday night, Kalanick resigned, reportedly forced out of the company he founded amid claims of sexual harassment and a generally toxic work environment.

Travis Kalanick. David Orrell | CNBC

As an ousted entrepreneur, Kalanick is not alone. Founders bring a passion that is unmatched, and there is some evidence that founder-run companies are more successful than their counterparts run by professional management teams. But they can also be bad managers, ill-equipped to manage the burgeoning needs of large companies. Here are five start-up founders that have been fired by their boards and investment teams.

Steve Jobs, Apple

The revered Silicon Valley icon was, famously, fired in 1985 from Apple, the company he and inventor Steve Wozniak co-founded in a garage. As Apple grew, they hired John Sculley to help run the company, and at first, things went well. But then "our visions of the future began to diverge" according to Jobs. Apple's board of directors sided with Sculley. "So at 30, I was out. And very publicly out. What had been the focus of my entire adult life was gone, and it was devastating," Jobs said in his 2005 commencement address at Stanford.

I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Steve Jobs co-founder of Apple

Jobs didn't know what to do for a few months. "I felt that I had let the previous generation of entrepreneurs down  that I had dropped the baton as it was being passed to me. ... I was a very public failure, and I even thought about running away from the valley. "But something slowly began to dawn on me," explained Jobs. "I still loved what I did. The turn of events at Apple had not changed that one bit. I had been rejected, but I was still in love. And so I decided to start over." Jobs went on to launch NeXT and Pixar. Apple bought NeXT and then Jobs returned to run Apple in 1997. "I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life," Jobs said. "I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick."

Henry Dombey | Vox Media

Jack Dorsey, Twitter

In October 2008, Jack Dorsey's Twitter co-founder, Ev Williams, fired him from the CEO role. That was two and a half years after Dorsey sent the first tweet on March 21, 2006, and a year and a half after Twitter formally incorporated on April 19, 2007. The micro-blogging social media company was growing faster than anyone had expected and the company servers were crashing every day, says Williams in a 2011 Vanity Fair article. "I let myself be in a weird position because it always felt like Ev's company. He funded it. He was the chairman. And I was this new guy who was a programmer, who had a good idea. I would not be strong in my convictions, basically, because he was the older, wiser one," says Dorsey in the same Vanity Fair feature. It was a blow, he says. "It was like being punched in the stomach." But Dorsey didn't let being fired slow him down. In 2009, he went on to found Square, a mobile payments platform, which, in the most recent financial quarter processed $13.6 billion in payments. In 2015, he was brought back on as the chief executive of Twitter to succeed then CEO Dick Costello. Twitter had stopped acquiring new users and the stock had been lagging for a year and a half. He's now running both Twitter and Square.

"I want people to wake up every day and the first thing they check is Twitter in order to see what's happening in the world," Dorsey says in a 2016 Vanity Fair feature. "It's a metaphor for checking the weather. Twitter has a similar potential."

Parker Conrad of Zenefits. Source: Zenefits

Parker Conrad, Zenefits

Andrew Mason, former CEO of Groupon Inc. Getty Images

Andrew Mason, Groupon

Jerry Yang, Yahoo

Jerry Yang and David Filo launched a directory for the internet from Stanford in 1994, "Jerry and David's guide to the World Wide Web." By 1995, they had changed the platform's name to "Yahoo!" The Internet search engine's stock surged in the dot-com bubble and plummeted in the bust. It tried, and failed, to develop a search technology to compete with Google and by 2008 was struggling, laying off large numbers of employees. At that time, even as the company was struggling to find its footing, Yang, then CEO, turned down a $45 billion buyout offer from Microsoft. Yang believed the bid undervalued Yahoo.
If there ever were a sign of the times, it would be the hoard of hedge fund employees piling into Manhattan's conservative Union League Club on a recent day to spend time soaking up information and contacts in one of the hottest facets of finance: quant.

Many of the attendees work at traditional funds, but stock-picking has fallen out of style, replaced by quantitative strategies that use numbers and computer algorithms to select stocks. These workers now feel compelled to understand the technology side of the business to survive.

The shift from human to machine in the realm of investment decisions has been long coming. Funds have been putting a greater emphasis on technology for decades. But as broader hedge fund performance has lagged, "quant" has become a buzz word for the industry, and it's an area of finance that traditional MBAs and financial analysts can no longer afford to ignore.

A recent report by Barclays defines the period from 2013 to the present as the "resurgence of equity quant." They predict that more than half of investors (54 percent) will be allocated to the strategy this year -- up from 38 percent to 48 percent in 2015 and 2016. The upward trend in allocation will be driven by new investors entering the space, Barclays said.

Leigh Drogen, the chief executive of the data and analytics firm Estimize, thought of the idea for the one-day all-you-can-quant conference, entitled Learn 2 Quant, after speaking with several portfolio managers who were taking coding classes in their free time at the networking and educational center General Assembly.

Money has surged into quant hedge funds and their share of trading activity in the market has skyrocketed, Drogen said.

Barclays said investors were previously reluctant to put money to work in an area they didn't understand, something the bank termed an "algo aversion." But those concerns appear to have subsided, although it's unclear whether investors understand quant strategy any better now than they did two years ago.

It's also unclear whether investors are seeing better returns.

"Despite the finding in our survey that nearly 70% of investors believe that systematic [hedge funds] have outperformed their discretionary counterparts in recent years, our analysis suggests that over a long period of time, this is not a foregone conclusion," Barclays wrote. "Systematic" is another term used to describe trading that utilizes computer models more than human insight.

And yet, hedge funds are staffing up. During a panel discussion at the Learn 2 Quant event in Manhattan on Tuesday, Dan Furstenberg, a managing director at Jefferies, and Drogen made a prediction. They said that while having a data scientist or a group that focuses on a data is a luxury today, within the next 18 months investors will demand it of hedge funds.

The takeaway from the event was not that all hedge funds will soon be overtaken by computers. But understanding how to better use computers to inform investing will be a critical part of running a hedge fund for the foreseeable future.
"Some experts are calling it just another "Game of Thrones." Others are insisting this is a move to bolster young bin Salman's economic reforms and bring Saudi Arabia into a more modern age. But when you look closely at what bin Salman has been doing, this really seems a lot more like a game of war."

The moves define bin Salman's growing leadership in the areas most vital to the country's interests. To continue what the king obviously sees as his most crucial work, bin Salman is now in the highest possible place in the royal pecking order.

Some experts are calling it just another "Game of Thrones." Others are insisting this is a move to bolster young bin Salman's economic reforms and bring Saudi Arabia into a more modern age. But when you look closely at what bin Salman has been doing, this really seems a lot more like a game of war.

Of course this war isn't new. Saudi Arabia and Iran are simply the leading nations representing the 1,400-year-old Sunni-Shia war that began after Muhammad died in the year 632. There's been bad blood and many proxy wars between these countries for a very long time. Also not new are the trillions of dollars in oil money at stake.

What is new are nuclear weapons, and specifically the nuclear arsenal many experts believe Tehran's mullahs will control within a decade or so thanks to President Obama's and Secretary of State John Kerry's nuclear deal with Iran.

The deal, and the long lead up to it, has irrevocably changed the reality in the Middle East in ways no one would have dared to guess just a few years ago. It has mobilized the Sunni nations in the region to pool their efforts and bolster each other's defenses. That along with the prolonged slump in oil prices led to the obvious need for defense and economic leadership changes in Saudi Arabia. Bin Salman is the embodiment of that new move for change, and not just because he's young.

Now bin Salman will indeed be the next king. And his elevation means the winds of actual war and not just continued proxy wars are blowing harder between Saudi Arabia and Iran. That war would likely be between the Saudi-led Sunni nations and the Iranian-led Shia coalition that includes the Alawite President Bashir Assad and once Sunni-dominate groups like Hamas on Tehran's side.

What that war will look like and when it will actually break out is not as clear. The Saudis don't have enough troops to fight Iran alone, so its allies like Egypt may get involved and then there's the question of Israeli help which is becoming more likely by the day.

But serious preparations are now more clearly underway than ever. Saudi Arabia is just making them more openly than the much more secretive, and still-isolated, Iranians. But several reports show that the billions of dollars the nuclear deal freed up for Iran has mostly been spent on boosting Tehran's military power.

Another major result of this is that we can start to expect oil prices to remain under pressure as both sides need to bring in money to ramp up their war chests. This is no time to keep a chunk of your only real commodity off the world market.

Despite some assurances that this succession move won't change OPEC's ability to impose those production cut agreements, don't bet on it. Supply is going to be high, at least until hostilities begin.

But when and if those direct military conflicts do begin between the Saudis and Iranians, things will flip quickly and prices will jump. Anything that stands in the way of peaceful crude production and delivery in the Persian Gulf region will create a real supply cut that won't rely on any government's compliance.

Such developments could be a positive for U.S. oil production, which could step into the void. There's not much else that can be done about the very loud and getting louder drumbeats for war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

But it's becoming increasingly clear that the U.S. and all the leading nations in the world need to prepare for this conflict. Saudi Arabia has basically told all of us that it's putting a war team in place. The massive weapons sale the Trump team is pushing on the Saudis makes it clear which side we're on. Bin Salman's new position and his closeness to the Trump administration are likely all part of the plan to make sure the Saudis can count on the U.S. like never before.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
A Sears store about to close in the Bronx, New York.

Sears Holdings is planning to shutter 20 more Sears stores in the U.S., in addition to the more than 200 closures that have already been announced, Business Insider reported Thursday.

Sears reportedly announced the latest round of closures to its store employees on Thursday, several workers told the online publication.

Some of the Sears locations on the updated list of stores being closed include those in Sarasota, Florida; Roseville, Michigan; Watchung, New Jersey and East Northport, New York, Business Insider said.

A Sears spokesman confirmed to CNBC the number of stores included in the report was accurate.

Sears announced its first round of store closures in January and is headed down what many believe is a path toward filing for bankruptcy, as the retailer struggles to grow its sales.

Also on Thursday, Sears Canada , which was spun off from Sears Holdings in 2012, announced it would be closing a quarter of its stores, or 59 locations, as part of a court-supervised restructuring.

Read the full story from Business Insider.
From early reports about what's contained in the Senate's effort to repeal and replace "Obamacare" it appears that, after weeks of secret plotting and scheming, the Senate bill is not that much different from the House-passed version.

The House version was recently called "mean" by President Donald Trump, who added that he would like to see a bill that has more heart.

The Senate bill appears just as mean and heartless as its House counterpart.

When all is said and done, thus far, moves to "reform" health care come down to a simple, and wildly unfair, trade.

Capital gains taxes will be cut by nearly a trillion dollars over ten years to be financed by reductions in Medicaid spending, which will be cut by nearly a trillion dollars over the next ten years.

There's not much more to be said about a seven-year effort by Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Doomsday predictions for China's economy have a long history, but most are looking at the wrong scenario, Michael Buchanan, head of strategy at Singapore wealth fund Temasek , said on Thursday.

"If you're using the metrics from the Asia crisis, you're going to get the wrong answer," Buchanan said at the DBS Institutional Investor Symposium in Singapore.

"No one was saying to Thailand back in 1996, when it was running a 7.7-7.8 percent current account deficit, massively overvalued currency and no reserves, you need to consume more," he said.

In the late 1990s, Thailand was "Ground Zero" for the Asian Financial Crisis after a surfeit of dollar-denominated debt combined with a forced devaluation of the baht, when it was allowed to float freely. That spurred contagion first around the region and later to other emerging markets globally.

But China has set on a course of boosting domestic consumption, while pivoting away from manufacturing- and investment-led growth. The service sector, which includes consumer industries such as real estate, retail and leisure, has overtaken manufacturing to become the majority of the mainland economy.

But concerns have persisted over the mainland economy's health, as private-sector debt has surged even as the amount of growth from additional debt has declined.

But Buchanan pointed to where in the economy the debt was pooling.

"It's not the households. It's not the government, at least at the starting point, that has a lot of the debt. It's the corporate sector," he said. "So you look at the corporate sector and look at the interest bill versus earnings and if that gets too scary, then you're going to have concerns over the banks, and then you get deposit flight and then the government has to make some serious choices about currency stability versus tighter domestic liquidity."

But he added, that while that was the framework of a potential crisis in China, it was a long way off.

Indeed, Buchanan questioned the basis for concerns that China was over-investing.

"When people talk about investment, no one bothers to distinguish flow and stock," he said.

Stock generally refers to an existing quantity at a specific moment in time, such as the total value of assets, while flow would be measured over a period of time, such as gross domestic product for a full year.

While China's flow rate for investment was unprecedented, as a "stock," it was a bit more than 10 percent of the U.S. per capita levels, he said.

"The capital stock has not necessarily been overbuilt," he said, adding that there was an inconsistency in complaining about whether China's investments were efficient, while urging it to increase consumption.

"The efficiency of investment of investment might not be great, but there's no return on consumption," he said. "It's a little bit inconsistent to say, 'Gee you built the schools in a really inefficient way. I wish you'd bought donuts,' which is what a lot of people have been saying about China."

Buchanan also noted that China was taking steps to address overcapacity in its economy, pointing in particular to the mainland's One Belt One Road initiative, which was launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping to revive the ancient Silk Road and create ties across at least 60 countries with improved infrastructure.

Buchanan wasn't alone in questioning whether concerns about China's investment levels were misplaced.

Elena Okorochenko, head of Asia Pacific ex-Japan at S&P Global Ratings, noted at the symposium on Thursday that China would need to make significant investments in electricity production as around two-thirds was currently using coal and the country was pushing for greener practices.

That's not to say that concerns over China's use of debt could be shrugged off.

Last month, Moody's Investors Service expressed concern that China's effort to support economic growth would spur higher debt levels, and the ratings service downgraded the mainland's credit rating to A1 from Aa3, changing its outlook to stable from negative.

Moody's estimated that while the government budget deficit in 2016 was "moderate" at around 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), it expected the government's debt burden would rise toward 40 percent of GDP by 2018 and 45 percent by the end of the decade.

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.
Despite having carved out a career in Chinese real estate, some of property magnate Zhang Xin's most formative years were spent far west of the Middle Kingdom.

Speaking to CNBC's "The Brave Ones," she recalled the importance of her time in the English education system.

"As soon as I got to England, my life changed," Zhang said. She is dubbed "the woman who built Beijing" due to her role as co-founder and CEO of commercial real estate developer SOHO China.

Born during China's repressive Cultural Revolution and later forced to work in a factory in capitalist Hong Kong, where "what struck (her) was the color," Zhang was desperate for success on an individual level. After having saved enough money, she traveled to England and studied economics at the University of Sussex followed by postgraduate work at Cambridge University, graduating in 1992.
Hedge funds  once synonymous with glamour, win-at-all-costs alpha males and bold market bets  are losing their appeal among wealthy investors, who question whether the traditionally pricey products are worth the cost.

Indeed, leading advisers have cut their clients' allocations to such funds by as much as a third over the past year, FT research shows.

Last year hedge funds mustered less than half the 11.9 per cent return of the S&P 500, according to an index of more than 2,000 hedge funds, put together by HFR, a research company. It was the ninth consecutive calendar year that hedge funds underperformed the stock market when their fees were taken into account.

Investors clawed back $110bn from hedge funds last year and further withdrawals in the past six months have left the industry at around $3.1tn, according to eVestment, which tracks fund flows. Adviser companies in the FT 300 this year reported reducing the amount allocated to hedge funds to 2 per cent, down from 3.2 per cent in 2016.

"Hedge funds had a mystique about them that they could perform in any market but what everybody's seen is they're not immune," says Paul Karger, managing partner of TwinFocus Capital, an investment adviser overseeing $4.5bn for wealthy individuals that features in this year's FT 300 ranking.

Recent performance has also unravelled the commonly held belief that hedge funds act as a counterweight in periods of poor stock market returns, he adds. "The problem is these hedge funds haven't been able to perform in any environment."

TwinFocus retains client assets in specialised hedge funds but has pulled money from traditional equity-based strategies that Mr Karger says have not lived up to their cost.

"I think fees are a big driver of dollars coming out  investors are voting with their feet," says Jeremy Beal, head of alternative investments for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, the US bank's brokerage.

He disagrees with Mr Karger's assessment that hedge funds fail to offer uncorrelated returns to the stock market and believes they will maintain a role in wealthy investors' portfolios.

The last year hedge funds outperformed the stock market was 2008 during the financial crisis, when they shed 19 per cent compared with the S&P 500's 37 per cent loss, according to HFR data.

Hedge funds have dropped fees and the minimum amounts clients can invest, offering wealthy individuals an easier point of entry. Notable companies that trimmed fees last year include Tudor Investment and Och-Ziff Capital Management.

"Now we have access to these at relatively low minimums, the value proposition and being able to pick and choose becomes more attractive," says Mr Beal. "Hedge funds have a critical place in the portfolio in terms of providing diversification and non-correlation and should be looked at in the aggregate of a portfolio."

Aside from lower fees, some hedge funds are trying to tempt investors with greater liquidity. Funds are offering their strategies through a broader set of investment vehicles, giving investors the ability to pull  or add  assets more frequently.

The traditional hedge fund model involved locking up assets for five to 10 years and giving money managers free rein to deliver returns. Now investors can enter strategies in a form akin to mutual funds, known as "liquid alts", offering the ability to enter or exit on a monthly or quarterly basis.

"The key thing for clients is liquidity, then transparency," says George Padula, who helps manage $2bn in client assets for Modera Wealth Management, an FT 300 investment adviser. But liquidity brings drawbacks.

Hedge fund managers are more restricted in the ways they can use capital in a liquid vehicle, which ultimately hurts performance.

Individual investors also demand greater insight into the inner workings of a hedge fund's strategy, which can be irksome for managers who are reluctant to share their ideas.

"The ability to have transparency is critical  not too many people are willing these days to say, 'I'll trust your methodology'. They want to dig deeper and understand what's under the hood," says Mr Padula.

Hedge funds are one category among several types of alternative investments that broadly include anything that is not a stock or bond. Within this broader grouping, individual investors are gaining easier access to previously unattainable investments, such as private equity and real estate, which used to be accessible only via large commitments.

Financial advisers and their clients are considering these types of investments instead of hedge funds, says Joe Moran, a sales executive who works with financial advisers for BNY Mellon Investment Management, a unit of the US bank.

Private credit  a growing industry that converts investor capital into business lending  as well as private equity and real estate offer wealthy investors attractive yields compared to hedge funds' recent spotty performance, says Mr Moran.

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Ron Chernow, author of the bestselling 2004 biography "Alexander Hamilton," calls him "the foremost Treasury secretary in American history," a man of "manifold accomplishments" and "undeniably the most influential person in our history who never attained the presidency."

When President Donald Trump told a rally in Iowa that "I just don't want a poor person" running the economy on Wednesday, in response to questions about why he prefers multimillionaires and billionaires to hold Cabinet positions, he seemingly forgot that the mind behind the original American economic system was Alexander Hamilton, the poorest of the Founding Fathers.

Yet Hamilton was born with almost nothing and died with so little that his family had to take up a collection to bury him. In between, he married into some money and earned more, both as a government official and as a lawyer, but he never achieved anything like the wealth necessary to impress a billionaire like Trump, who has put together the richest administration in history, composed in large part of .

As the Washington Post reported at the end of 2016, "many of the Trump appointees were born wealthy, attended elite schools and went on to amass even larger fortunes as adults. As a group, they have much more experience funding political candidates than they do running government agencies."

Hamilton would have been out of place in their company. Born illegitimate in the West Indies, he was abandoned by his father and orphaned by his mother not long after. Hamilton started working at age 12, emigrated to the colonies as a teenager and rose to prominence in 1777 serving under Gen. George Washington in the Revolutionary War. He then segued into politics and became America's first Treasury secretary.

In Chernow's words:

With its tax collectors and customs inspectors, Hamilton's Treasury Department eclipsed in size the rest of the federal government combined, making him something akin to a prime minister. Drawing on a blank slate, Hamilton arose as the visionary architect of the executive branch, forming from scratch the first fiscal, monetary, tax, and accounting systems. In quick succession, he assembled the Coast Guard, the customs service, and the Bank of the United States  the first central bank and the forerunner of the Federal Reserve System. Most significantly, he took a country bankrupted by revolutionary war debt and restored American credit. All the while, he articulated an expansive vision of the Constitution, converting it into an elastic document that could grow with a dynamic young country.

Though he's on the $10 bill, Hamilton's contributions had largely been overlooked until he got his 15 minutes of fame in 2015, when Lin-Manuel Miranda's breakthrough, prize-winning musical "Hamilton," based on Chernow's biography, took New York, Hamilton's adopted hometown, by storm.

The show makes its message clear: Only in America could "a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman" who grew up "in poverty and squalor" attain the kind of prominence he did by virtue of hard work and intellect  and, indeed, it was self-made man Alexander Hamilton who played an out-sized role in first making America great.

Don't miss:

and read Trump's comments in full here
Donald Trump's trade tsar has fired a warning shot at both Beijing and the World Trade Organisation, cautioning that any decision to label China a "market economy" would have "cataclysmic" consequences for the body.

Testifying before Congress on Wednesday, Robert Lighthizer said the US was eager to see changes in the WTO's dispute resolution system, arguing that the country had unfairly ended up as the top target for complaints in the global trade court.

But the US trade representative singled out a dispute brought last December by China against the EU and US over whether it should be deemed a market economy as the "most serious litigation that we have at the WTO right now".

"I have made it very clear that a bad decision with respect to the non-market economy status of China . . . would be cataclysmic for the WTO," he said.

Mr Lighthizer did not say what US action that would lead to and he added he was "assuming . . . that the WTO is going to do the right thing". But the warning pointed to how the Trump administration is upending the US relationship with the WTO and other multilateral institutions it helped create following the second world war.

During his campaign for president Mr Trump threatened at one point to pull the US out of the WTO. While his administration has since moderated its tone it has also made its sceptical view of the Geneva-based body clear since taking office.

Mr Lighthizer is a longstanding critic of the WTO and has argued for the US to take a far more muscular approach to its relationship with both the trade body and China. In written testimony to Congress in 2010 he called for the US to end what he called its "unthinking, simplistic and slavish dedication" to WTO rules.

The issue of China's market economy status in the WTO also falls within one of Mr Lighthizer's areas of expertise. He is a former trade lawyer who made his fortune bringing anti-dumping cases on behalf of the US steel industry.

Beijing contends that the agreement when it joined the WTO in December 2001 was that it would automatically be awarded market economy status for the purpose of the calculations used in anti-dumping cases. Currently, its non-market economy status means that the US and other countries can use prices in third countries to determine the size of punitive tariffs used to combat dumping, or the selling below cost of products, by Chinese companies.

In written testimony submitted on Wednesday, Mr Lighthizer said he had already begun discussions with the WTO's director-general, Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, and others about reforming the WTO's dispute system.

"This is now a topic of serious discussion at the WTO," he wrote. "We expect to see meaningful changes in order to maintain the relevance of the system."

But Mr Lighthizer also made clear that he expected very little to come out of broader WTO negotiations in the short term.

The Trump administration has so far taken a more cautious approach towards trade with China than the president promised during his campaign. On the campaign trail Mr Trump railed against the US's $300bn annual trade deficit with Beijing and threatened to impose tariffs on Chinese goods and label China a currency manipulator.

After a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this year Mr Trump announced a 100-day plan to tackle trade issues and promised a friendlier tone if Beijing reined in North Korea. As part of that process Washington and Beijing announced an interim deal last month that allowed a resumption of US beef exports to China and paved the way for other measures including additional US LNG exports.

But Mr Lighthizer said on Wednesday that this was just one strand of discussions and warned that many other tough negotiations lay ahead. Among the issues the US was now focusing on were new barriers to US tech companies doing business in China, he said.

"The pressure is still on," he said. "The trade deficit still hasn't come down."

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State and local governments spend at least $70 billion on corporate incentives each year to lure companies, according to Good Jobs First.

Carrier, a division of UTC, will employ about 1,069 people for 10 years in exchange for $7 million in incentives. But there are crucial details in the fine print.

watch now

More than 600 employees at a Carrier plant in Indianapolis are bracing for layoffs beginning next month, despite being told by President Trump that nearly all the jobs at the plant had been saved. The deal, announced with great fanfare before Trump took office, was billed not only as a heroic move to keep jobs from going to Mexico but also as a seismic shift in the economic development landscape. Nearly seven months later the deal has not worked out quite as originally advertised, and the landscape has barely budged. "The jobs are still leaving," said Robert James, president of United Steelworkers Local 1999. "Nothing has stopped." In fact, after the layoffs are complete later this year, a few hundred union jobs will remain at the plant. But that is far different from what then-President-elect Trump said just three weeks after the election. "They're going to have a great Christmas," Trump said to cheering steelworkers and local dignitaries on Dec. 1. The plan to close the plant and lay off 1,400 workers had become a frequent topic in the Trump campaign. He said 1,100 jobs would stay in Indianapolis, thanks to the deal. "And by the way, that number is going to go up very substantially as they expand this area," he said. "So the 1,100 is going to be a minimum number." But as in any deal, there are crucial details in the fine print.

The heart of the deal

The agreement does guarantee that Carrier, a unit of , will continue to employ at least 1,069 people at the Indianapolis plant for 10 years in exchange for up to $7 million in incentives. In addition, the company has promised to invest $16 million in the facility. But fewer than 800 of those 1,069 jobs  730 to be exact  are the manufacturing jobs that were always at the heart of the debate. The rest are engineering and technical jobs that were never scheduled to be cut. "To me this was just political, to make it a victory within Trump's campaign, in his eyes that he did something great," said T. J. Bray, a 15-year Carrier employee who will keep his job due to seniority. "I'm very grateful that I get to keep my job, and many others, but I'm still disappointed that we're losing a lot." As for Trump's claim that the $16 million investment in the plant would add jobs, United Technologies CEO Greg Hayes told CNBC in December that the money would go toward more automation in the factory and ultimately would result in fewer jobs. That is not lost on the union.

Robert James, president of United Steelworkers Local 1999 Harriet Taylor | CNBC

"I don't see Carrier hiring anytime in the near future," James said. Hayes said in an interview this week that the company is meeting its commitments "to keep the 800 jobs in Indianapolis to keep the factory open." "The Indianapolis situation was difficult," he said. Hayes said the laid-off workers would be offered jobs at other factories across the country. "We're going to be hiring something like 5,000 people this year," he said. But union officials say they have heard nothing from the company about any job offers elsewhere within the company. All they have received is the official notice, as required by federal law, that the first round of cuts  338 jobs  will take place on July 20, with an additional 290 employees terminated on Dec. 22, three days before Christmas. Elaine Bedel, the president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., which signed the agreement with Carrier, calls it a "victory" for Indiana. She believes that without the deal, the company would have eliminated not only all the manufacturing jobs  including the 730 that were saved  but the engineering and technical jobs as well. "Obviously, having those jobs here  high wages jobs  is helpful to our economy," she said. Bedel points out that the agreement allows the state to claw back some of the $7 million in subsidies if the company does not stay for 10 years. But union officials say there is little real incentive for Carrier to stay. United Technologies booked $57 billion in revenue last year. "I don't think they built that facility in Monterrey, Mexico, just to have four departments in there. It's a little too large for that," James said.

Shoring up US jobs

In announcing the deal with Carrier, Trump said he was sending a signal to corporate America that the rules would be changing in his administration. Moving jobs to Mexico or elsewhere offshore would no longer be tolerated. "They can leave from state to state, and they can negotiate good deals with the different states and all of that. But leaving the country is going to be very, very difficult," Trump said. But experts, business leaders and economic development officials agree very little has changed since then. Ford announced this week that production for its next-generation Focus is being moved out of Kentucky, and will be going to one of Ford's existing plants in China. Trump took credit when Ford announced earlier this year that a factory planned for Mexico to build the car was being canceled. And Bedel acknowledges that the Carrier deal, once held up as a prototype for the new way of doing things, was "a special situation" because it involved paying a company not to leave. "We offer incentives for businesses to grow here, to add jobs to what they already have or to bring a full new company here," she said. "We don't do retention very often, because you don't want to get into that situation where a company says, 'I'm going to leave if you don't.'" Of course, that was exactly the situation with Carrier. "If companies know they can do it and get money that's laying around on tables, money that's there for the taking, that hurts the tax base," said Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, a nonprofit Washington, D.C., watchdog group that is critical of state subsidies to business.

The big payoff

LeRoy estimates state and local governments are spending at least $70 billion a year on incentives. He says the money states are spending to lure companies like Carrier and others could be better spent on schools, infrastructure, training "and all the things that really do grow the economy over the long run, because they benefit all employers, not just those few that can game the system." Even United Technologies' Greg Hayes acknowledges that the subsidies have limited impact on site selection. "Frankly, the states are offering incentives, but at the end of the day, you want to be close to where your employees are, and [relocating] it's terribly disruptive," he said. "So unless you have a compelling cost reason to do it, it's really tough to do." Nonetheless, he says, "A month doesn't go by when I don't hear from the economic development group from one state or another." But Hayes says the contacts have not increased since Trump issued his call for more deal-making, and Bedel says it is business as usual at her agency as well. "It really hasn't changed anything," she said. "We have been doing this since 2005." And that means there are victories as well as defeats. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says already this year it has landed commitments for 80 new projects, adding more than 5,700 jobs. And that does not include the jobs saved at Carrier. But at the same time, industrial manufacturer Rexnord is moving forward with plans to move 350 jobs out of Indianapolis, most of them going to Mexico. Correction: This story has been revised to reflect the fact that Ford is moving production for its next generation Focus to an existing plant in China.

WATCH: Donald Trump's budget breaks these five campaign promises
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said after meetings in Washington that Kiev and the United States would soon sign a number of agreements boosting defense cooperation, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on Wednesday.



Poroshenko said U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence had told him that key members of President Donald Trump's administration would visit Kiev in the next two to three months.



"And very important agreements will be signed, including agreements on defense cooperation, including an agreement on defense procurement and an agreement on military-technical cooperation," Poroshenko was quoted as saying at a briefing.
U.S. stock futures were lower this morning, even though oil was seeing a bump. However, crude prices were still firmly in a bear market, putting a damper on investor enthusiasm. The Dow and S&P 500 were on a two session losing streak. But the Nasdaq rebounded on Wednesday. (CNBC)

Investors await the details of the GOP Senate health-care bill, which is set to be released this morning. A vote could happen by late next week. Republican leaders in the House passed their version of Obamacare replacement last month. (CNBC)



* Weekly initial jobless claims, 8:30 a.m. ET

* Weekly look at natural gas inventories, 10:30 a.m. ET

American (AAL) said in a SEC filing it received notice from Qatar Airways, stating that carrier's intention to acquire a stake of at least 10 percent on the open market. Any stake above 4.75 percent in American would require board approval. (CNBC)

Altice USA (ATUS) priced its initial public offering at $30 per share, on the high side of the expected range. The cable company's IPO, the largest for a U.S. telecom company in 17 years, raises $1.9 billion. Altice begins trading today on the New York Stock Exchange. (Reuters)

The digital currency ethereum, an alternative to bitcoin, suffered a flash crash on the GDAX exchange on Wednesday afternoon. The price fell from around $319 to 10 cents in a matter of seconds. This morning, ethereum was trading around $317. (CNBC)
Adobe Systems ' new Character Animator product, which uses artificial intelligence, will make the company's stock soar, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Thursday.

Cramer spoke the morning after his interview with Adobe chief Shantanu Narayen on CNBC's "Mad Money." During the interview, Adobe transformed Cramer into a real-time animation using its program.

"This is what the world is going to come to," Cramer said Thursday on "Squawk on the Street." "Adobe's stock is going to go so much higher. Shantanu Narayen is a genius, he's understated."

The program creates 2-D characters in Adobe's software, according to the company's website, and the animation will act out the person's movements and voice using a webcam and microphone.

Cramer's the fourth person or character to use Adobe's Cartoon Animation tech after Homer Simpson, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

AI has become a centerpiece of Adobe's business as the design software company incorporates machine learning into products.

On "Mad Money," Narayen also spoke on his company's partnership with Microsoft and sentiments about President Donald Trump at Monday's technology council meeting at the White House.

Read Adobe CEO: Microsoft partnership will automate sales, marketing with AI

CNBC's Elizabeth Gurdus contributed to this report.

**Disclosure: Jim Cramer's charitable trust owns shares of Adobe.
President Donald Trump has floated the idea of building a "solar wall" on the U.S.-Mexico border.

In a speech to a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday, Trump reaffirmed that the proposed wall would be built and then teased the idea that it could contain solar panels.

"You know, people don't realize we're already spending a lot of money on design, but I'll give you an idea that nobody has heard about yet," the president said.

"We're thinking of something that's unique," he went on to add. "We're talking about the southern border: lots of sun, lots of heat. We're thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy and pays for itself. And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money, and that's good, right?"

According to reports, the idea of using solar panels on the proposed wall has been pitched by both academics as well as businesses submitting designs for the structure. Earlier this month, Politico and Axios reported that the president had suggested placing solar panels on the wall during a meeting with Republican lawmakers.

"You're the first group I've told that to," Trump said at the rally on Wednesday. "A solar wall  it makes sense, let's see, we're working it out, we'll see. Solar wall, panels, beautiful. I mean actually, think of it, the higher it goes, the more valuable it is."

The potential of solar is considerable. In 2014, the International Energy Agency said that, by 2050, the sun could be the planet's largest source of electricity. According to The Solar Foundation's National Solar Jobs Census 2016, the solar industry was responsible for one in every 50 new jobs created in the U.S. last year, representing two percent of all new jobs.
210617COCOA BOARD VISIT BUIN

By Aloysius Laukai

A cocoa board team from Buka visited Buin district yesterday to check the Cocoa Exporters and how and where they were operating from.

The team of experts told New Dawn FM in Buin that the cocoa board team which consisted of the Regional Manager, MOSES BURIN, an Economist ARTHUR MATIUNGA and HILDA PUE an Exports and Quality Assurance Officer were also checking the progress in the registration of Cocoa Fermenteries.

ARTHUR MATINGA explained why the Cocoa price in the world market has dropped in recent times.

He said that there were surplus cocoa in the world market from the other suppliers thus forcing the world price to drop.

The economist said despite that the farmers have to make sure they continue to produce quality cocoa.

Because food and drink is produced from cocoa the team also inspected buying points to make sure they were clean and had ventilations to store the cocoa for export.

New Dawn FM understands that the PNG Cocoa Board has been registering South Bougainville Cocoa fermenteries from the Agmark shed in Buin.



Ends


Google made headlines at the start of the Cannes Lions Advertising festival this week by announcing new measures to crack down on offensive and extremist content on the platform. And brand safety is an issue that's top of mind for chief marketing officers meeting with various platforms over the course of the week-long gathering, as they decide where to move their ad dollars.

The world's second largest advertiser, Unilever , stuck by Google through some of its fellow advertisers' boycotts. Now CMO Keith Weed tells us he's pleased with Google's changes: "I'm assured by the industry and what Google did," Weed says, noting that brand safety issues are not unique to Google. "You can buy a billboard next to a building where you don't want to see it...I think each step is getting better and better...It's all about suitability."

At Cannes, Google's YouTube is now shining a spotlight on its investment in content that's designed to be suitable for advertisers: professionally generated videos featuring big stars from the platform as well as elsewhere in traditional media.
's YouTube unit says it now reaches 1.5 billion viewers every month -- and its users watch more than an hour of mobile videos per day -- as it expands its video programming to sell more digital ads.

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki shared the news in a blog post the same day she gave a keynote address at VidCon, a conference for online video creators in Anaheim, California.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted about the milestone soon after Wojcicki's post: tweet

Wojcicki also wrote that YouTube Red, the company's foray into original videos, has launched 37 series that have generated "nearly a quarter billion views."

YouTube Red has 12 new projects in the works, she said.
This handsome MS-63 1885 Indian Head gold $3 piece is a highlight of a strong offering of the odd-denomination gold coin that was struck between 1854 and 1889.

This 1874-CC Coronet gold $20 double eagle from The Reno Cache is one of two in the auction that is graded AU-58 and bears a CAC sticker.

Two 1874-CC Coronet gold $20 double eagles from The Reno Cache  each graded AU-58 CAC  will highlight Heritages 2017 Summer FUN auction. The illustrated example has the desirable dirty gold surfaces characteristic of many original, uncleaned gold coins.

Florida United Numismatists is set to host its 11th annual Summer FUN convention at Orlandos Orange County Convention Center from July 6 to 8, with Heritage offering the official auctions of the convention.

More than 50 Carson City Mint Coronet double eagles will be offered as part of The Reno Cache  newly obtained from foreign holdings including banks  presenting an unusually large and comprehensive offering of Carson City Mint gold coins. The finest among the six 1874-CC double eagles are two that are each graded About Uncirculated 58 by Professional Coin Grading Service and bear a green Certified Acceptance Corp. sticker indicating quality within the grade.

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Most of the 115,085 double eagles struck at the Carson City Mint in 1874 enjoyed moderate to heavy circulation, and most known survivors grade Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated, with low-end Mint State examples occupying the very top end of the grade.

On the first of the two AU-58 CAC examples offered in Heritages July 6 Premier Session, the description reads, The pleasing orange-gold surfaces retain significant amounts of original mint luster and show the expected number of minor contact marks for the grade. On the next, Heritage observes, This near-Mint example has dusky steel-blue toning on the high points that is characteristic of original, uncleaned pieces stored in vaults for many decades.

The charm of the Morgan dollar, plus a look at the largest U.S. gold coin to circulate: Another column in the July 3 Coin World takes a look at the whimsical names of the $2 Federal Reserve note

For those collectors of more modest means, the sale also offers an 1874-CC Coronet double eagle graded AU Details, Bent, by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. The bend is seen at the back of Libertys head, but the coin is described as an otherwise wholesome Carson City twenty with natural surfaces and attractive mint luster still in evidence on both sides.

A nice group of Indian Head gold $3 coins will also be presented, including an 1885 example graded Mint State 63 by PCGS. It comes from a low mintage of just 801 examples that were seemingly produced with care by the Philadelphia Mint. Many exhibit prooflike surfaces  so much so that Heritage records that many nice Mint State 1885 Indian Head $3 coins have been sold as Proofs over the years.

The auctioneer adds, This impressive Select specimen offers sharply detailed design elements throughout, and the pleasing orange-gold surfaces show only minor signs of contact.

It is the second lowest mintage of any regular issue gold $3 piece, and while there are rarer issues in the series, it carries a certain mystique due to its very low mintage.

Another gold $3 piece of note is an 1886 issue graded PCGS Proof 64+ Deep Cameo that is among the finest known of perhaps 90 surviving examples from an original mintage of 142.
210617MEMBER TO FUND HIS COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT

By Aloysius Laukai



The member for BAUBAKE Constituency and Minister for Community Government, JACOB TOKE has vowed to fund the Baubake Community Government from his Constituency Support Grant.

Speaking at the Swearing In of Community Government members in Buin yesterday, MR. TOKE said that he will support his Community government with funds and it will be now the Community Government to make plans how they will use these funds.

MR. TOKE said that Community Government is the Government on the ground and must be funded by respected ABG Constituency members.

He called on the members of BAUBAKE Community Government to organize and start planning from their TWENTY Wards to make sure their people were catered for in their development plans.



Ends


210617POLLING TO BEGIN 26TH JUNE

By Aloysius Laukai

With polling starting in five days- time, businesses who are owed monies from the 2012 National Elections are asking when their outstanding payments will be made.

Many people especially vehicle owners in South Bougainville came to New Dawn FM to find out if funds were available and ready for disbursement before new bills are incurred for this election.

Two weeks ago the Bougainville Election Manager, DESMOND TIMYASO told New Dawn FM that the PNG Electoral Commissioner and his deputy had assured him that all outstanding payments would be paid before the start of polling.

He also said that he was expecting disruptions in some areas of Bougainville if these outstanding payments were not settled.



Ends


220617MASIU SUPPORTS BANA HIGH SCHOOL

By Aloysius Laukai



The member for South Bougainville and candidate, TIMOTHY MASIU says he will make sure BANA HIGH SCHOOL has the facilities to become a Secondary School in South Bougainville.

He said that the National Government allocates FIVE MILLION KINA a year for Education and Health infrastructures that can be used to build the facilities.

Member MASIU made these comments when officially opening the Power lines project for the BANA HIGH SCHOOL also funded by the member.

He said that South Bougainville needs to upgrade another High School into Secondary school because Buin Secondary School is overcrowded at the moment.

Member MASIU said BUIN SECONDARY School has SIXTY Students in One Class which is too much for a teacher to manage.

He also promised to fund a big generator for the School.



Ends


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On the same day tech leaders took part in the inaugural summit of the White Houses American Technology Council, former Apple manager Sarah Bonk, who spent more than 14 years at the company, helped launch DisruptDC, a nonprofit, nonpartisan alliance of business leaders she co-founded to improve government and elections.

DisruptDCs president and CEO, Charles Kolb, served in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and was longtime leader of the Committee for Economic Development. He plans to advance reform at the federal, state and local levels by making elections competitive, aligning incentives in policymaking and upgrading government with modern technology. The alliance sees dysfunction in government as bad for business and the overall economy.

Bonk, who majored in Public Policy in college, first came up with the idea while still at Apple, when her pastime became improving the state of government. I could see broken government was preventing progress on so many fronts in America and the world, Bonk said. She left Apple early last year to get DisruptDC under way.

Computerworld Contributing Writer Sandra Gittlen talked with Bonk about the alliances plans as well as how government reform affects business and IT.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

Silicon Valley is not often thought of as the birthplace of government reform. What made you think you could have an impact on policies created in Washington, D.C.? Surprisingly it was a natural fit. [Businesses in] Silicon Valley are just like the rest of businesses in America. They crave predictability [from government]. Silicon Valley is also full of big thinkers who are paying attention to the world and it has a maker culture, a 'go do it' culture. Ive lived in places where the response is [sarcastically], Oh, thats cute to think you can change the world. That doesnt happen out here.

Where did you begin this effort? I started out by getting to know a whole bunch of grassroots organizations. First, I did cash contributions, but later I began volunteering, running events, live tweeting, arranging hackathons, etc. I was able to do all this while still working at Apple.

And starting up DisruptDC? I met Dylan Ratigan [former host of MSNBCs The Dylan Ratigan Show and co-founder of Helical Holdings Inc.] several years ago and started pitching him on my ideas to address government dysfunction. We stayed in touch and he knew about my grassroots volunteering. When we started DisruptDC, I asked him to join the board and he said yes and connected me with Charles Kolb. Charlies a boomer and a Republican so theres a generational and political gap between him and much of the Bay Area, but hes perfect to lead our effort. Hes a world changer and he understands the potential for technology to change the world.

How does the Trump administration agenda impact DisruptDCs goals? The stated goal of the administration is to deliver better services and create policies that are beneficial to businesses, especially in technology. I have spoken with people who meet regularly with Jared Kushner, President Trumps senior advisor, and improving government tech is right near the top of his agenda. Ours, too.

Lets talk about elections, since that is a key focus for you. What do you see as the major issue with them? The structure of elections and how they are run has been a divisive issue in our country. Some people have been prevented from voting and cut from the rolls unfairly. Some people believe there are too many requirements in terms of presenting ID.

On the other side, people feel that illegal voting is happening in large numbers. Our election systems are so antiquated and data management is so poor that some places arent sure whether people voted that shouldnt have been voting.

We have to make sure that everyone who wants to vote and has a right to vote can register and vote easily. At the same time, we have to ensure that people who shouldnt be voting arent. We seem to be stuck in a battle where people think these two goals are mutually exclusive, but they arent. In 2017, we have the technology for secure elections that also support voters rights. We just need to make the investment.

Government needs to make the investment? Exactly. Its governments job and it needs to happen. Whats a more fundamental right than having a voice in government? And government is not going to be truly accountable if its not getting accurate information about what voters want.

Businesses understand that you have to put money in now to save money later. Our unwillingness to invest in public elections is part of what created this deep division in America. A huge swath of Americans dont trust the outcomes of elections. Improving the mechanism itself could help elevate public trust.

What is DisruptDC advocating regarding investments? A lot of our advocacy is about the basics, including the data management systems and information security to support states in having accurate voter rolls and accurate election results. We want to look at both the processes and the technologies to support those processes.

For the future, we are taking a serious look at open-source elections software and blockchain. Every election has to be fully auditable. Imagine if you could cast a vote and there would be no way for someone to manipulate it because it went into [a protected] blockchain [database]. Right now, we have no way to evaluate software and we dont know where the data goes. In some cases, a states election data is sent out of state. Open source would help address that.

For people that understand our elections are not secure and not accurate right now, addressing security and auditability could be a game changer.

What about making better use of mobile technology and biometrics? Mobile voting and biometrics might make sense down the road, but the technology is not ubiquitous enough or affordable enough and the public is just not there yet.

Right now, we are focusing on the fundamentals like maintaining voter rolls without disenfranchising anyone. Today, states get spreadsheets of names to strike from the record, resulting in errors. The database technology is already there, but we have the challenge in America that we value our freedom and privacy, and citizens dont want the government tracking them all the time.

Its an interesting challenge that voting information and personal information havent come together so that secretaries of state can update their voting rolls.

Elections are run by states and counties, not the federal government. How do you handle that? President Trump said he wanted to drain the swamp. Elections are going to have to be better and weve got ideas on how to accomplish that. Our work is going to be state by state and county by county. And much like IT faces every day, some states and counties will be early adopters, come up with great ideas, and have the capital and political will to make it happen, and other states and counties wont. We will look for where the opportunities exist and add our voice to those efforts. But the federal government has advanced election tech in the past and it can do so again.

So who would be an early adopter? In the same way the military helped advance the Internet with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the military might be helpful here. The military, which supports mail-in ballots [from active duty personnel serving abroad], can serve as a testbed for advancements in electronic ballots, voter authentication and other technologies.

Why should Computerworld readers be interested in the reform of election systems? In addition to my Apple career, I used to work in the IT department at a large electric utility. Our dysfunctional government is the number one issue obstructing economic progress and thats being felt by folks in the IT sector and beyond. If we want to be competitive and invigorate the economy and tech sector and do all the things we are capable of doing, government has to be able to keep up with advancements in technology and society. Business and tech folks are seeing all these amazing ideas come out and most of our government is still in the 20th century. We need to bring government into the 21st century to address the challenges of technology in society. We are the longest standing democracy, the wealthiest country on the planet, and we have the technology. We just need to make the investment.
Singapore businesses least optimistic in Asia: survey

Although the overall business sentiment for Asia as a whole has risen to a three-year high, businesses in Singapore are the least optimistic in the region.

With a sub-index score of 62, it was the lowest as compared to the overall Asia sentiment index score of 74. However, this was actually the strongest lowest sub index the Thomson Reuters and INSEAD survey has seen since it began in 2009.

Photo courtesy: Connected to India

The rise in overall business confidence in Asia was propelled by a slew of favourable economic data across the region and easing concerns over the health of Chinas economy, according to the report published on June 21, 2017.

The world economy is starting to look more solid, Singapore-based economics professor Antonio Fatas at global business school INSEAD told Reuters. The US is reaching good levels of GDP and employment, with Europe finally recovering and Asia seeing less risks ahead.

"China looks like its in a more stable situation after having ups and downs because of capital outflows over the last couple of years and also the risks of a debt crisis, he added.
Trump aide Kenneth Juster set to be next US ambassador to India

Kenneth Juster, 62, who is the deputy assistant for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council to the US President, would replace Richard Verma if nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

After ending a month-long search that saw several Indian-Americans considered for the post, Juster was confirmed for the post however, his appointment is not expected in time for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US starting later this week.

The move has been welcomed by Ashley Tellis, a top India expert in the US.

Ashley Tellis. Photo: Connected to India

Ken knows India well and actually was deeply involved in successful bilateral negotiations between the two countries. The Indians will welcome him enthusiastically. He is a known quantity, Tellis told The Washington Post.

Ken Justers move to Indian Ambassador is because he is extremely qualified for the position, White House deputy spokesperson Lindsay E Walters told PTI about a report carried earlier yesterday by The Washington Post.

Verma, the first Indian-American to head this position, put in his papers when Trump replaced Barack Obama as the President of the US.

A lawyer from Harvard, Juster is currently serving as a deputy assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council in the White House. He had been a regular on the meeting list of senior Indian officials in DC for their first meetings with the Trump administration.

Others in the race had included Shalli Kumar, an Indian-American businessman from Chicago who had emerged as one of the major donors to the Trump campaign and who had been instrumental in the Republican nominees unprecedented outreach to the Indian-American community.
220617MOROKANA ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

By Aloysius Laukai



The former Chairman of LENOKE COE, PAUL MOROKANA today thanked the member for South Bougainville, TIMOTHY MASIU for inviting media Organisations to set up their offices in South Bougainville.

MR. MOROKANA who is the new ward member for PIMA in the LENOKE COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT also thanked radio service provider, NEW DAWN FM to establish in Buin despite not much economic activities in South Bougainville.

He said that as Bougainville is heading towards Referendum media setting up in Buin is part of Good governance and Transparency which the government talks about.

MR. MOROKANA said that media makes sure the people know what their government and their leaders are doing to provide services to the people.

He said the people of South Bougainville were left in the dark for too long until New Dawn came into South Bougainville.

In January this year, MR. MASIU also called on EM TV and other media outlets in PAPUA NEW GUINEA to establish their offices in Buin.

He said that he wants to turn Bougainville upside down as South Bougainville wants to open the KANGU Economic Corridor to move Bougainville forward into the future.



Ends


Ben Roback is a Senior Account Executive at Cicero Group and a member of the US Embassys Young Leaders UK programme.

The White House has attempted a series of resets in the less than 200 days since it has been in office, and for as long as President Trump retains unrestricted access to Twitter controversies will continue.

But in the past fortnight, Trump has begun to try and balance tumultuous tweeting and policy.

While there is little tangible policy to speak of yet, signs are emerging that the presidential operation is maturing. Policy priorities have emerged across three strands: healthcare, tax reform and foreign affairs.

Repealing and replacing Obamacare

Gutting Obamacare has been the pipe dream of Republicans ever since it was signed into law by President Obama in March 2010. In the coming fortnight, they will get their chance as the American Healthcare Act progresses through the Senate.

For a policy proposal that will affect one sixth of the American economy and well over 20 million people, the scrutiny process has been alarmingly expedited. Press reports suggest the Senate committee charged with scrutinising and amending the bill  comprised of thirteen Republican men  will publish the text at the end of the week.

Days after, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is expected to publish its analysis of the financial impact, in effect playing the role of the ONS or IFS. Given the CBO score is expected to paint a clear picture of precisely how many Americans will be left uninsured under the bill, it is no surprise Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants a final vote before the July 4th recess so that lawmakers cannot face their constituents during the break. As a result, a final vote could come as early as Thursday next week.

The bills passage represents the kind of behind closed doors approach that Republicans scolded President Obama and Democrats for in 2009-10. But process aside, the critical details in this bill remain largely unknown. How will it impact Americans with pre-existing conditions, and how many fall into that bracket?

While the CBO score next week will tell us how many Americans will lose out, we know at this stage who stands to gain the most. As FiveThirtyEight wrote this week: While the Senate Republicans bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act has been shrouded in secrecy, at least one thing is all but certain: The final bill will include hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts, mostly for the richest Americans.

The outcome is of major national importance, and the process is only a beltway issue. But it does point to the increasing trend of this White House and Congress keeping as many of its dealings behind closed doors as possible. Americans arent impressed  a CBS news poll found 73 per cent of respondents believe that Senate Republicans should discuss their plans publicly, and only 25 per cent say it should be privately.

In the long term, Republicans need to ensure the policy itself is much more popular than the manner in which it was cobbled together. With over 20 million Americans set to lose out, that looks difficult.

Tax is looking fairly taxing

Healthcare is not the only policy agenda on the table. This week, House Speaker Paul Ryan delivered a keynote speech on tax reform, the jewel in the crown of the Republican Party.

He called for tax reform by the end of 2017, a tight and ambitious timeframe given the absence of legislation in this congressional cycle so far. Unlikely to feature in that plan is the Border Adjustment Tax, which would have raised the cost of imports but lowered the cost of exports.

Ryan admitted that his plan lacks support within the White House, and so the BAT will almost certainly be dropped  to the relief of retailers.

Before that, the White House will unveil a tax plan that is more detailed than the one-page summary it published in April. Senior administration officials stressed during a meeting with the financial services industry that a plan would be published towards the end of the summer. The fight for tax reform will then begin in the House of Representatives.

Trump flexes his muscles abroad

Prince Philip and I look forward to welcoming Their Majesties King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain on a State Visit in July, Her Majesty the Queen said in her speech to parliament yesterday. There followed no mention of a visit by President Trump and with no Queens Speech in 2018 POTUS visit may come in 2019 at the earliest.

In spite of that, the White House has been busy on the world stage, from Cuba to Russia to North Korea.

In Miami, the president claimed he was ripping up the deal agreed by President Obama on reset US-Cuban relations, but in reality many of those reforms remain in place. New proposals aim to isolate the Cuban regime and create a sense of political instability that acts as a deterrent to Foreign Direct Investment.

In the Middle East, Jared Kushner was re-engaged as peace envoy and White House fixer. More pressingly, military conflicts threaten to destabilise an already volatile region. An American jet shot down a Syrian government plane, which led Russia to condemn the action and declare it an act of aggression.

Days later, having secured the release of Otto Warmbier from the cruel clutches of North Korea, the young American died having been returned in a coma. President Trump reacted the best way he knows how  tweeting his raw feelings At least I know China tried. It was the latest in a series of foreign policy challenges that this White House is wrestling at once.

Putting allegations of Russian interference, hyper-partisanship in Congress and lawyers hiring lawyers aside, and whether you agree with the detail or not, it is at least refreshing to see the Trump White House seriously engage with policy.
Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. His most recent book is What Next: How to Get the Best from Brexit.

A year ago tomorrow, Britain politely ignored its leaders advice and instructed them to withdraw from the EU. I remember starting the day in a cheerful mood. In my little Hampshire village, a jeep was parked opposite the polling station with a huge Vote Leave trailer. Several local people caught my eye as they voted, smiling and sometimes raising their thumbs. I cast my ballot, feeling as optimistic as I have ever felt about anything in my life, kissed my heavily pregnant wife, took her hand and walked happily out of the church hall and into the long June day.

All the clever-clogs were, at that stage, assuring each other that the result was a dead cert. The bookies odds translated into an 82 per cent probability of a Remain vote  a ridiculous figure in any two-horse race, and one that bore no relation to the opinion polls. I knew how good the team at Vote Leave was, and how dedicated: many of them had barely had a Sunday off since Christmas. Our knocking-up operation had begun the previous Saturday, and the reports were positive. I didnt know which way the result would go; but I knew it would be narrow.

Here is what I wrote on this website on the day of the vote:

I have no idea which side will win. But one thing that seems clear is that it will be close. The losing side will represent a minority, but a large minority. In a democracy, large minorities cant be ignored.

I went on to argue that, whichever side won, it would need to reach a compromise:

A narrow leave vote is not a mandate for anything precipitate or radical. It is a mandate for a phased repatriation of power, with the agreement, wherever possible, of our European allies. Many of our existing arrangements will remain in place; and those which we want to disapply wont be scrapped overnight.

When the result came in, I kept repeating that message on air, on paper and online. But Remainers, perhaps understandably, were in no mood to listen. Looking back, it was my fault for trying to engage too early, when many of the 48 per cent were still in shock. In the weeks immediately after the vote, my conversations tended to go like this:

Given how close the result was, we should look for a compromise, where we keep some of our existing

Shut the f*** up, you racist liar!

An unexpected defeat is always unsettling. I suspect many ConservativeHome readers were disoriented when two in five people voted for Jeremy Corbyn. We wondered how we had so misunderstood our own country; and that was following a vote that we had won.

In the days following the referendum, three false assertions became widespread. First, that Leave had won dishonestly. Second, that the country had become more racist. Third, that the 52 per cent had wrecked the economy.

The liars complaint is levelled the losers of every vote. Political campaigners are not trying to behave like neutral academics: they are trying to win. Both sides make good and bad arguments; both sides get to rebut each others claims.

Remain told us that a Leave vote would trigger a recession in 2016, cost every family more than 4000, cause Scotland to leave the UK and transplant the Calais refugee camp to Kent. In fact, Britain boomed after the vote, support for Scottish separatism plummeted and the Calais jungle was dismantled.

Would Leavers have complained about these claims had Remain won? You betcha. This ridiculous graphic (see right) would have become a popular meme. But, for all our moaning, the result would have stood.

What of the idea that the referendum somehow unleashed xenophobia? The notion that the Leave vote had been all about immigration was endlessly repeated in Remain circles and on the BBC. In fact, every opinion poll showed that sovereignty had been the main motivator. Lord Ashcroft, for example, carried out a massive survey on the day, interviewing more than 12,000 people, and found that democratic control was by miles the biggest issue for Leavers (49 per cent of them named it as their main reason for backing Brexit), with immigration a distant second (which was cited by 33 per cent). But opinion polls, for many Remainers, were no match for anecdotes: Well, one Leaver I spoke to said

I tweeted that, if someone told you that the referendum was all about immigration, you were almost certainly talking to a Remainer. More than 200 Remainers duly proved my point by responding, in effect: Of course it was all about immigration, you racist liar!

The idea of surge in bigotry soon acquired a hashtag: #PostRefRacism. Three events were held up as examples of our newly intolerant mood: an attack on a tapas bar; an anti-immigration demonstration in Newcastle; and some graffiti at a Polish community centre. In fact, it turned out that the tapas bar had been burgled; that the idiots in Newcastle had been waving their placards every weekend for over a year; and that  as I can exclusively reveal, having just spoken to its chairman  the anti-Polish graffiti, which read f*** you OMP, was aimed at a Eurosceptic Polish think-tank, the Osrodek Mysli Politycznej (Centre for Political Thought), which had just held a meeting at that building.

Similarly, the idea that there had been a 57 per cent rise in hate crimes bedded down almost immediately. A moments thought should tell us that such a figure is idiotic, bearing no relation to the country we see around us. In fact, the claim came from a police press release which emphasised that it should not be read as a national increase in hate crime. What had happened was that, in the immediate aftermath of the vote, a small number of people went on to a website to report hate incidents. Many of them seem to have been letting off steam: some of the complaints, for example, were about Nigel Farage. In total, there were 85 complaints, up from 54 the previous month, when the website had not been so widely advertised. (You can read Mark Wallaces ConHome take on the figures on this site here.)

In other words, the preposterous statistic, which took on almost canonical force, was based, not on any increase in the number of cases referred for prosecution, but on 31 extra complaints in 96 hours.

Not that anyone cared. In the febrile atmosphere that followed the vote, simply to question the numbers was to be a racist yourself. Or, worse, a cynical enabler of racism. Hand-wringing pundits like Matthew Parris and Nick Cohen raged at me for having supposedly gone along with a bigotry that I didnt personally share.

Im still struggling to understand their logic. The Leave campaign was internationalist and optimistic in tone, and worked through organisations representing Britains many communities: Muslims for Britain, Bangladeshis for Britain, Africans for Britain and so on. OK, lets allow that some bigots voted Leave, just as some bigots vote for every political party. What is Matthew and Nicks point? That those of us who had been making the democratic and economic case against the EU for 20 years should suddenly have dropped it? Seriously? That is a variant of the Yeah, well Hitler banned hunting! argument, which most people grow out of in their teens.

Saddest of all, though, was the determination to believe that Britain would become poorer. To be fair, several experts thought there would be an instant crash. A week after the poll, 71 per cent of City economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected a recession in 2016; in fact, Britain grew faster in the six months after the vote than in the six months before it. Another survey, by Reuters, found that the consensus among economists was that unemployment would rise by 9,000 a month in the second half of last year; in fact, it fell by almost exactly that amount.

We all make mistakes, of course. But an awful lot of people seemed to want the news to be as dire as possible. They gleefully repeated and retweeted every prediction of an economic downturn while ignoring all the hard, empirical evidence of an economic upturn. It was as though they wanted to inflict penury on their fellow countrymen so as to be able to say I told you so.

That was then. The mood today, Im glad to say, is better on every measure. Although there are still some irreconcileables, the majority of the 48 per cent, being decent democrats, have accepted the result with good grace. A YouGov poll last month showed that only 22 per cent of us still hanker after a new referendum. We shouldnt make the mistake of confusing the angriest Twitter teenagers with the majority of people who voted Remain.

A year on, a compromise seems to be taking shape. Britain will take back legal sovereignty, but then replicate some of the existing arrangements through bilateral treaties; domestic laws will mimic many of the single market rules; our borders will be controlled, not closed, and Europeans will continue to work and study here by agreement rather than by right as EU citizens.

Above all, there is a growing consensus that, as Philip Hammond put it in his eminently sensible Mansion House speech, there will need to be interim deal. After nearly 45 years in the EU, we shouldnt walk out overnight. It would be much wiser to negotiate bridging arrangements to give certainty to businesses on both sides of the Channel.

In that article 12 months ago, I made this forecast:

Brexit will be a process rather than an event. It will be the moment when Britain starts to pursue a different trajectory, away from political union with the EU and toward a looser arrangement based on trade and co-operation.

There have been moments when that prediction looked rocky but, a year on, I stand by it.
220617TOKE CALLS FOR SUPPORT

By Aloysius Laukai

The Community Government Minister and member for Baubake in the ABG Haus, JACOB TOKE is calling on newly sworn-in members of the Community Governments to support initiatives made by the Autonomous Bougainville Government as their partner in development.

Speaking at the Swearing in of members in Buin this week, MR TOKE said that Community Government is the next tyer government from the ABG and members must learn to work with the ABG Government.

He said that for Bougainville to move forward all Government levels must support each other and work as a team.



Ends


Business / Your Money

by Kgaogelo Letsebe

Mobile payment services platform MobiCash is making the prospect of inclusive growth and economic transformation for township spaza owners a reality through its pilot service MobiSpaza.'Spaza' is a colloquial term for a tuckshop commonly used in SA's townships.According to the company, MobiSpaza is a mobile cashless platform that provides a suite of m-banking and m-payment solutions for this informal sector.Donald Mudenge, COO of MobiCash , explains: "The MobiSpaza platform works in such a way that 10 or less shop owners register their spaza shops online; the shop then gets allocated an escrow account which can be topped up through cash deposits or EFT. Through the platform, the owner will then meet other spaza owners who are registered, form a buying group, consolidate funds and then collectively buy from suppliers and get discounts."The e-value (mobile money) created will always equal the physical cash used to back it up. At the moment, we have only partnered with Big Save Wholesalers in Pretoria as we are still in the pilot phase."According to Mudenge, the company will only make money through commission arrangements with wholesalers. He notes that plans to add value-added services, like airtime and electricity purchases as well as DStv subscription payments, are in the pipeline, enabling the company to make more of a profit through commissions.MobiSpaza is not the first of its kind. In May, I Am Emerge, a Johannesburg-based start-up firm launched the Vuleka app, which aggregates orders for bulk purchases for spaza shops and other small businesses. The app will enable owners to qualify for generous discounts from suppliers when they buy their stock in bulk.I Am Emerge marketing manager Oscar Monama says it is time small businesses forge unity among themselves, and this is one manner in which they can do so. "We are saying the technology is here and we know what we are doing with it. We also know what we want to achieve - seeing more businesses become sustainable. They [business owners] will be able to compete on price and have longevity, instead of them shutting down after two or three months."Small retailers like spaza shops are battling to survive as big retailers are making inroads into townships and rural areas. Earlier this month, the Competition Commission held a grocery retail market enquiry where Elite Star Trading Africa's MD Louis Greef said big retail companies, particularly in Gauteng, were bullying independent retailers, including spaza shops in townships.
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Now, New Jersey probably shouldn't be used as an example of, well, anything, but that still doesn't explain the estimated 167,000-248,000 children who were married off in 38 different states between 2000-2010. Some were as young as twelve. Twelve.

There is no minimum legal age for marriage in 27 American states, and many of the ones that do have an "age floor" as low as 13-14. As long as the parents/judge are on board, so is the law. And even though the line between "parental consent" and "parental coercion" is as thin as it is squicky, only ten states have any sort of laws that punish forced marriages. Many U.S. states have zero way of stopping parents from forcing their kids to be married.

Coby Persin/YouTube "Well if you ban marriage, next you'll be saying we can't force our kids to go to bed or work in coal mines!"

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But surely, the states would have noticed the steady steam of child marriages by now and put a stop to it, right? Well, they have. Unfortunately, some lawmakers in these states see antiquated marriage laws as a religious freedom. Others believe that marriage is simply the best way to deal with unwanted pregnancies, because the guy that knocked up your 13-year-old daughter is definitely "the one."

Fortunately, America has been getting its shit together about child marriages recently. In 2016, the State Department launched the Global Strategy To Empower Adolescent Girls plan to fight this specific issue, and declare it a human rights abuse. Oh, wait, that was part of our foreign policy? Carry on, New Jersey.

sintendo/iStock They can't even pump their own gas, who has time for ending horrifying child abuse?

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Jordan Breeding has a blog, a Twitter, and thinks you all should watch 13th on Netflix right now.

For more issues you'd think the U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A would've figured out by now, check out 5 Surprisingly Solvable Problems (America Can't Figure Out) and 6 Shockingly Outdated Problems The U.S. Legal System Won't Fix.

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News / Health

by Staff reporter

Government will be diverting part of money collected for the Aids levy to bankroll cancer treatment, Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa has said.Aids levy - introduced in January 2000 - is collected through a Parliament special tax act, which requires formal employers and their employees in Zimbabwe to contribute 3 percent of their income.Conceived in response to the HIV epidemic and limited government funding, the trust fund has showed a unique and substantive result in provision of antiretroviral drugs.Parirenyatwa told the Daily News that, for now, it was not practical to introduce a cancer levy as there were many other levies that had been implemented.This comes as Zimbabwe's death toll from cancer is sharply rising as the disease tightens its grip in a nation struggling to treat an illness driven by Western lifestyles, with calls to declare it a national disaster.There are growing fears that unless government immediately declares an emergency situation on cancer treatment, several cancer patients who cannot afford treatment may just resign their fate to death."There are no immediate plans to introduce the cancer levy," Parirenyatwa said. "What we have done is to try and integrate cancer issues with HIV so that we eat up on the Aids levy for now because they are so many other levies."It's an important area, cancer, so is Aids, so is a lot of other things. So we believe that the cancer levy, while desirable, for now, we will continue to eat into the Aids levy. Cancer drugs are expensive and I think government is now alert to the issue of cancer."Cancer patients have called on government to intervene and assist victims grappling with steep treatment costs.Cancer, which harms the body when altered cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumours, kills more people annually than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined.According to the Health and Child Care ministry, radiotherapy costs between $3 000 and $4 000 for a whole session. Chemotherapy costs between $100 to $1 000 per cycle depending on the stage the cancer is, and a cancer patient may need a minimum of six cycles and these can go up to 12.Because most patients with cancer in Zimbabwe present with advanced disease, most need some form of chemotherapy. But the local pharmaceutical industry does not manufacture these drugs, so depend on imports.Amid a crippling foreign currency crisis, chemotherapy drug supplies have become erratic, making it difficult to plan the patient's care path, which, in turn, greatly affects treatment outcomes.
Networking News

Reports: Sprint, T-Mobile 'Finalizing' Merger Plans, T-Mobile Delays Employee Raises

Gina Narcisi

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Sprint and T-Mobile have resurrecting merger talks and are close to completing their plans, according to a report that was first published by German newspaper Handelsblatt. At the same time, T-Mobile announced that it is delaying its annual salary increases for employees.

Sources familiar with the matter from T-Mobile's parent company Deutsche Telekom reportedly told Handelsblatt that the two companies were working on an all-stock deal that would join T-Mobile, the third-largest U.S.-based wireless provider, and fourth-place holder Sprint.

In the midst of the reports, T-Mobile's CEO John Legere issued a memo to employees that outlines a delay in annual salary increases from July 2017 to February 2018 for employees through senior manager level. In its place, the provider is offering employees a one-time $1,000 "thank you" stock grant. Legere said in the memo that the grant will help "bridge the transition" for employees as the company shifts to a new schedule that will align performance reviews, compensation increases, and stock grants.

[Related: Sprint Parent Company 'Basically Open To Anything' But Top Merger Choice Remains T-Mobile]

It remains unclear whether changes to the company's compensation schedule are related to the reported merger plans, and T-Mobile did not respond to CRN's request for clarification before publication.

The new merger reports suggest that Deutsche Telekom has warmed to the idea of a tie-up because it is asking to maintain control over the combined company. A report published by Reuters in February said that SoftBank Group, the majority owner of Overland Park, Kansas-based Sprint, was willing to hand over control of its U.S.-based carrier to Deutsche Telekom if it would clinch a merger agreement.

SoftBank's CEO Masayoshi Son at the time said it would "sincerely love to begin talks" with Deutsche Telekom.

Sprint and Bellevue, Wash.-based T-Mobile are no strangers to merger talks. The two companies attempted to join forces in 2014 but were rebuffed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the Obama administration under Chairman Tom Wheeler. However, the U.S. regulatory environment under the Trump administration is being seen as more merger-friendly. The FCC is currently led by Republican Ajit Pai, who has previously voiced his support of merger and acquisition activity in the telecommunications space.
News / National

by Staff reporter

An extraordinary meeting of the Zanu-PF politburo is convening at the party headquarters in Harare this Wednesday.The extraordinary meeting is highly expected to deliberate on the fate of National Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere following demonstrations held against him over a month ago.The demonstrations held in various provinces including his home province Mashonaland Central protested against his continued holding of the post of National Political Commissar, accusing him of creating parallel structures in the party.The meeting is expected to hear a report from the Probe Team that was set up by the President to investigate the allegations that are being levelled against Kasukuwere.The team was led by National Assembly Speaker Cde Jacob Mudenda.The demonstrations against Kasukuwere came hot on the heels of those held against Eunice Sandi Moyo and Sarah Mahoka who both resigned from their positions in the Women's League.
When I was asked to keynote a CSO event four years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that security culture was the top concern of the CSOs in attendance. Having performed many security assessments and penetration tests, I can tell you it is sadly obvious that even the best technical security efforts will fail if the company has a weak security culture. At the time, I was heartened to see that CSOs were moving past straight technological solutions and towards instilling a strong security culture as well.

In the intervening years, the perceived importance of security awareness programs has seemed to grow exponentially. And the resources allocated to them have increased as well.

Here is what I would consider the most relevant elements to integrate into a security awareness program.

1. Obtain C-level support

Having C-level support inevitably leads to more freedom, larger budgets and increased support from other departments. Anyone responsible for running a security awareness program should first at least attempt to obtain strong support before focusing on anything else.

Yes, getting this level of support can be difficult, but there are certain best practices that will improve your chances of success, including highlighting the fact that security awareness is required for compliance and that awareness efforts will inevitably save the company money. Creating materials specifically for executives, such as newsletters and short articles highlighting relevant news and tips can also help garner that much-needed support.

2. Partner with key departments

Successful awareness programs find a way to involve other departments, such as legal, compliance, human resources, marketing, privacy and physical security. While it is easier to get this support if you already have C-level support, these departments frequently have mutual interests and might be amenable to providing additional resources, such as funding or distribution. Frequently, these departments can make security awareness efforts mandatory. For example, the legal and compliance departments carry a great deal of influence throughout the organization and can make security awareness a required component of other processes, such as new hire indoctrination.

To obtain this support, you might have to incorporate the needs of the cooperating departments with the general security awareness efforts. For example, you might suggest that you can use a security awareness newsletter to include compliance content. If it gets you the support you need, the effort is definitely worth the trouble.

It is also worth noting that most organizations require the involvement of other departments. For example, you may need to have corporate communications approve and distribute materials to employees; they likely have policies that govern how materials are to be distributed and the formats of those materials. You need to discover issues like this as quickly as possible.

3. Be relevant

It seems like most awareness programs are a standard check-the-box program, and content is driven by a list of potential computer-based training videos. As was demonstrated by the attempted Syrian Electronic Army attack against this publication, awareness programs that focus on timely information can be successful and prevent attacks.

The attacks dont have to be imminent against your own organization, though. There is plenty of fodder for relevant information. WannaCry was an excellent example of a cybersecurity related issue that received mainstream attention. Hacks against major retailers are another example of security issues made mainstream. Your awareness program should make regular use of these attacks to demonstrate the relevance of your efforts. This, in turn, motivates your users to follow your advice.

4. Measure success

One of the key factors in having a successful effort is being able to prove that your effort is successful. The only way to do this is to collect metrics prior to initiating new awareness efforts. Without establishing a baseline, it is hard to demonstrate that your efforts had more than assumed success.

The metrics can include surveys on attitudes. They could also include the use of phishing simulation tools before and after awareness training. You can also examine the number of security related incidents reported to the help desk, the number of virus incidents, or reports from a webcontent filter that give the number of attempted visits to banned websites. When you can show measurable improvements in any aspect of security, you can better justify your program and obtain additional funding and support. Just about every department in a company has to prove its value, and security should not expect to be an exception.

5. Be the department of how

Too frequently security departments seem to be the Department of No. They focus on telling people what they shouldn't do, when the reality is that people will find a way to do whatever they want to do. While I acknowledge that there are clearly some actions that should not be allowed, those should be the exception rather than the rule.

Awareness efforts that focus on how to accomplish actions safely are more successful than those that focus on telling people not to do things. Ideally, awareness programs should tell people how to interact with information securely both at the office and at home. For example, instead of telling employees that they shouldn't be on social networks, teach them how to safely use social networks.

6. Incentivize awareness

Create a reward structure that provides incentives based on actual behaviors demonstrated by employees. While it might not be practical for all organizations to implement this type of comprehensive gamification program, there is still the opportunity to implement some incentives and reward people for appropriate security behaviors.

For example, you can reward people for reporting potential security incidents. Such incidents may include the reporting of phishing simulation messages. Find as many ways as possible for users to demonstrate good behaviors, and create an appropriate reward structure. (This article is good background reading on incentivized awareness: http://www.csoonline.com/article/2134189/strategic-planning-erm/how-to-create-security-awareness-with-incentives.html.)

7. Use a variety of awareness tools

While there is a place for computer-based training modules, too many programs rely on them completely as an awareness program. The most successful programs incorporate a variety of awareness tools, including newsletters, posters, games, newsfeeds, blogs, phishing simulations, etc. The most participative efforts appear to have the most success.

Another issue to consider is that materials should take into account the different demographics of your users. Diversify your materials to appeal to as many users as possible. There is definitely no such thing as "one size fits all" security awareness.

Conclusion

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but an excellent starting point. Remember, habits drive security culture, and there are no technologies that will ever make up for poor security culture. Awareness programs, when properly executed, provide knowledge that instills behavior. While most security professionals believe that good security behavior is a matter of common sense, the reality is that common sense is based upon common knowledge that needs to be made even more common.
As human beings, we are constantly looking for information to help improve situations. If we live or work in a crowded city, for example, we want to know which routes are best to avoid getting stuck in traffic. When we enter a restaurant or movie theater we look for the exits. This behavior is known as situational awareness, and its second nature to most of us.

But while such behavior often occurs in our everyday lives, it does not seem to carry over into digital environments. We often click on things we shouldnt, open files we dont recognize, and connect devices to networks we are unfamiliar with. Many IT teams cant even tell you what devices or applications are on your network or outline the current topology of the network, let alone identify external threat actors. They lack cyber situational awareness.

What is Situational Awareness?

The US Army defines situational awareness as, Knowledge and understanding of the current situation which promotes timely, relevant, and accurate assessment of friendly, enemy, and other operations within the battle space in order to facilitate decision making.

Basically, its about getting the right information in enough time to allow you to make good, educated decisions. Now, if we apply that same idea to cybersecurity, it can be very simply stated as:

At any point in time, I understand my Priorities, Risks, and Threats

This means having the right information at your finger tips, pulled from the volumes of information your networks generate, to help you make better decisions about your current set of risks and threats.

Situational Awareness starts at the top

Your CISO and team of security professionals are constantly dealing with a variety of challenges, such as meeting compliance regulations, tracking increases in threat volume and sophistication, understanding the growing market of vendor solutions, and managing limited budgets.

But they must also be more than technologists and risk managers. Security has business ramifications, so your team must be able to frame the issues they are dealing with within short and long-term business objectives, have clear line-of-sight across the organization and technologies, and be able to establish policy and governance for everyone who touches your data.

Cybersecurity and situational awareness also needs to cross all levels of the organization, from the CEO and CFO on down. Each business or functional leader must be mandated to embed security into the core processes, business strategies, and initiatives that they own. Every leader must also have a role in understanding and assigning risk and assuming the weight of consequences.

To address these challenges, everyone needs to have a focus on organizational priorities, risks, and threats. Establishing cyber situational awareness as a core business value helps provides that focus.

How do you achieve cyber situational awareness?

To achieve cyber situational awareness, business leaders need to understand four key things:

Business Mission & Goals  Whats most important, now and into the future, for organizational success?

Cyber Assets  What are our most critical assets and resources, and which of them are within my scope to protect?

Network Infrastructure  What does my network look like? Where is my data? What applications are running? And who has access to critical resources?

Cyber Threats  What external cyber threat actors are motivated to steal the data within my network? What are the most likely vectors they will use to achieve their objectives?

Lets walk through each of these in a bit more detail.

1. Business Mission and Goals

The primary objective is to understand your business mission, and then tie it to the processes and resources required to enable that mission. As you learn about and document these processes, you will begin to understand the type of data your company uses and generates, and how much the processes that use this data overlap with those of other teams. You will then need to prioritize data and systems, determine which have regulations tied to them, and compare your priorities with those teams that share these resources.

2. Cyber Assets

I used to do internal penetration testing, and the way we typically broke into an organization was by exploiting an asset the company didnt even know existed and that had not been patched in ages. We would usually exploit a publicly known vulnerability that would allow us to obtain the admin password to the device, and then we would own the network. This wasnt an anomaly.

Which is why its very important to understand and catalog all the assets on your network, along with any vulnerabilities they may have. You will also need to know their profiles, such as: What OS and which version is installed? What applications reside on those devices, and what data do they hold?

Once you have a good idea of the devices you own, you need to ensure they are securely configured and patched. Remember, the vast majority of exploits target publicly known vulnerabilities that are five or more years old. Next, you need prioritize all your critical vulnerabilities, which is why knowing your network infrastructure, including your topology and where and how your data flows, is critically important.

3. Network Infrastructure

All devices are connected, which means we need to understand how they are connected, and to what. The biggest reason that you need to know your topology is that cybercriminals are already spending time and resources doing it so they can exploit the vulnerabilities in your system. Understanding how and where devices are connected, and how and where and what data flows through them will determine where your risks are, what policies need to be created, and what countermeasures you need to have in place.

You also need to document the various attack paths and threat vectors to your data. Do you have the proper security sensors placed in the right locations of your network to identify possible attack attempts against critical data? Ask, if you wanted to get in, how would you do it? Vulnerable devices? Email? Web servers? Make sure you address this question as you build out and segment your network.

4. Cyber Threats

Finally, you need to understand the threat actors that are targeting your organization. What are their capabilities? What are their tactics? What resources are most valuable to them? Threat actors can include:

- Government Sponsored Cyberespionage

- Organized Crime

- Hacktivists

- Insider Threats

- Opportunistic Hackers

- Internal User Error

Knowing is half the battle. It will help you engineer as much risk and vulnerability out of your network as possible. It will also help you select those solutions that are most appropriate to protecting your unique environment. Just remember, to be the most effective, the security technologies you choose ought to be able to interact with your other enforcement points. This means developing holistic architectures and selecting open solutions that allow devices to interact, share intelligence, and respond to threats in a coordinated fashion anywhere across your extended network.
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Rising income, strong employment, still low gas prices and higher consumer confidence will make this the most traveled Independence Day weekend on record, according to a new AAA survey.

And its likely to be a long holiday weekend for those who take Monday, July 3 off.

Fran Mayko of AAA Northeast says a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will drive, fly or cruise between Friday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 4 to flex their travel independence this year.

The roads will be especially busy because 38 millions of Americans will drive to their destination.

With 1.25 million more travelers than last year - a nearly 3 percent increase - 2017 will be thetraveled Independence Day holiday weekend.

National average gas prices are pennies below this same time last year. With the national average price for a gallon of gas at $2.28, prices are four cents lower compared to last year.

In Connecticut, the statewide average is $2.45, the same price as it was this time last year.

Mayko says since this is expected to be the most traveled July Fourth weekend, AAA Northeast urged drivers obey laws to protect emergency responders, including tow truck drivers, deal with when assisting disabled motorists on roadways this holiday.

Connecticut has a Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires drivers who see emergency vehicles - police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks with activated lights to slow down to a reasonable speed below the speed limit.

If possible, drivers should move to the adjacent lane to give those responders space to do their jobs, Mayko said.

Last July Fourth weekend, Connecticut State Police responded to 315 accidents, 45 with injuries. There were also two fatalities on state roads on I-95 in East Haven and Westbrook.

Troopers arrested 39 people for DUI and handed out 1,227 speeding tickets. More than 2,900 other tickets were given for other hazardous moving violations, including talking of texting on a cell phone.
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After 228 days in space on three space shuttle missions and one long stay at the International Space Station, Connecticuts astronaut has retired.

Rick Mastracchio, 57, a University of Connecticut graduate and Waterbury native, retired from NASA on Friday.

Rick is a classmate and a friend and he has done great work for NASA, both in space and on the ground, Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester said in a release announcing the veteran spacemans retirement.

Forrester, who was selected as an astronaut in the same class as Mastracchio, said his breadth of experience over three decades in human spaceflight will serve him well as he moves on to his next endeavor.

During his four spaceflights, Mastracchio took photos of his native Connecticut from high above. He used social media to post photos and send greetings to Nutmeg State residents on Earth. His most recent mission ended in May 2014 after he spent 188 days aboard the International Space Station.

Some of the photos are so detailed, you can even see Charles Island in Milford, Interstate 95 and major southwest Connecticut cities.

Touched down in Stamford

In 2014, Mastracchio and colleague Steve Swanson did a live question-and-answer session from the space station with children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which had a new building since the December 2012 shooting that killed 26 people.

Last March, Mastracchio visited King School in Stamford where he told students of his time in space.

My first mission, I would float upside down and hang from the ceiling eating my lunch, for no really good reason other than I can float upside down and eat my lunch, Mastracchio said. Its really neat.

Mastracchio, who made nine spacewalks since 1996, told students that weird things happen in space aside from the challenges of simple-on-Earth tasks like showering and shoe-tying.

The lack of gravity causes astronauts to lose the calluses they have on the bottoms of their feet and develop new ones on top. While orbiting Earth, they experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. Six people sharing the same filtered air gives the International Space Station a unique smell.

Weightlessness also causes fluid retention.

You get this puffy head and you feel warm like maybe you have a bit of a fever, Mastracchio said. You see some astronauts and its really, really obvious. Your body goes through a lot of changes in both directions.

But nothing beats floating.

Its really cool, he said. Its like youre Superman.

From UConn to space

In 1982, Mastracchio was awarded a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Connecticut, and two master of science degrees in electrical engineering and physical science, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and University of Houston-Clear Lake, respectively.

In 2014, he delivered the graduation address to UConns school of engineering. His recorded address was shown on the video boards at Gampel Pavilion to about 5,000 people, including more than 400 graduating seniors and their families, and several members of Mastracchios family, including his wife, Candi.

Beginning in 1987, Mastracchio worked first with Hamilton Standard and then with Rockwell Shuttle Operations Co. before coming to NASA in 1990 as an engineer. He worked in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory on space shuttle flight software, and in the Astronaut Office on ascent and abort procedures for crew members. From there, he became a Guidance and Procedures Officer flight controller, working in mission control for space shuttle ascents and entries, before being selected as an astronaut in 1996.

The missions

His first flight, STS-106, came in 2000, on board space shuttle Atlantis, when he and his crewmates worked to prepare the space station for its first expedition crew. He returned aboard space shuttle Endeavour for STS-118 in 2007, when as lead spacewalker, he participated in three spacewalks to install a new truss segment, a new gyroscope and a new spare parts platform on the space stations exterior.

In 2010, Mastracchio was part of the STS-131 crew of space shuttle Discovery. He performed another three spacewalks and helped deliver 27,000 pounds of hardware, including three experiment racks and new sleeping quarters for the space station. He was then able to put the hardware to use in 2014, when he spent 188 days in space as part of the Expedition 38 and 39 crews. During that stay, he performed three more spacewalks, leaving him with a total of 53 hours spent outside the space station on nine spacewalks.

Earlier reporting by Liz Skalka was used in this story.
A licensed practical nurse from Ansonia who is accused of murdering an Eastern Connecticut State University student has lost his nursing license in an unrelated case involving a fight he had with a visitor in a patients home.

The Board of Examiners for Nursing voted Wednesday to revoke the license of Jermaine V. Richards, 34, after holding a hearing. Richards did not attend the hearing because he is being held on a $500,000 bond at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers on a charge that he murdered his is ex-girlfriend, Alyssiah Wiley, 20, of West Haven in 2013. After an extensive search, her dismembered body was found in Trumbull in May 2013, less than two miles from Richards home.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

An extraordinary meeting of the Zanu PF Politburo has ended at the party headquarters in Harare, with an announcement that the Presidium will make a final decision on the fate of the party's National Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere.Kasukuwere has lately been under fire following demonstrations held in various provinces including his home province, Mashonaland Central, where Zanu PF supporters demanded that he be relieved of his duties as National Commissar, accusing him of fanning factionalism in the party by creating parallel structures.Speaking shortly after the meeting, the party's Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo, said a report on the outcome of investigations on allegations against Kasukuwere were read to Politburo members page by page."The report will be digested by the presidium which will make a decision at a later date," he said.The team which investigated the accusations against Kasukuwere was led by National Assembly Speaker, Advocate Jacob Mudenda.
Bridgeport  A Central High School teacher charged with sexually assaulting a special education student has resigned.

School officials sent out a statement Wednesday evening saying that Laura Ramos had submitted a letter of resignation on Monday, even as the school district had initiated termination proceedings against her.

Mrs. Ramos tendered her resignation in lieu of continuing such termination proceedings, Bridgeport Schools Superintendent Aresta Johnson said.

Please be assured that the safety and welfare of our students is our main priority, Johnson said. We take seriously all allegations of inappropriate conduct which threatens the well-being of our students, and such misconduct will not be tolerated.

Ramos, 31, of Pond Point Avenue, Milford, was charged Tuesday with second-degree sexual assault after police said she admitted having sexual intercourse with an 18-year-old student a number of times.

Police said Ramos, who is married and the mother of a young child, surrendered Tuesday morning after being told there was a warrant for her arrest. She was released after posting bond and has a June 28 court date. If convicted of the charge, Ramos could face up to 10 years in prison.

Ramos was placed on administrative leave by the district on June 9 after police were called to Central High on a complaint of a sexual assault. According to police, Principal Eric Graf told officers a teacher reported one of his students told him Ramos was having sex with one of her students from the special education program. In a subsequent recorded interview with police, Ramos reportedly admitted having a relationship with the victim from December 23, 2016 until this April.
FAIRFIELD  Police are investigating allegations that a 32-year-old Norwalk man grabbed a 15-year-old girls breasts when he was at her home on Saturday afternoon.

According to police, two men went to the house June 17 to collect some possessions belonging to their employer, who had recently broken up with the girls mother. The mother, who was at work, told the two that they were only allowed to go into the garage.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government plans to scrap the $40 fee required by the Registrar-General's office for aliens' citizenship renunciation, Home Affairs deputy minister Obedingwa Mguni has told the National Assembly.He was responding to a question without notice from Zanu-PF Hurungwe East legislator Sarah Mahoka why government was making it difficult for aliens to get citizenship when the new Constitution recognises them as citizens."I know that the ministry of Finance came up with Statutory Instrument 2009 which states that aliens will be charged and this was presented by the ministry of Finance and Home Affairs is merely implementing that," Mguni said yesterday, adding that MPs should make sure that the Citizenship Act is aligned to the new Constitution.The response drew the ire of Zanu-PF MP for Zvimba West Ziyambi Ziyambi and MDC proportional representation legislator Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga."Section (2) of the Constitution... provides that any lay, practice, custom that is contrary and inconsistent with it is unconstitutional to the extent of its inconsistency but I am worried that as a people we have glorified this animal called alignment of the Constitution and I wonder why we are labouring on what is clearly unlawful," Ziyambi said.Misihairabwi-Mushonga on the other hand said the fact that aliens had Zimbabwean identity documents means that they are Zimbabweans whether by birth or descent.With pressure mounting, Mguni backed down."I do not want to be seen to be violating the Constitution and I hear what the members' concerns are so I am going to call a meeting as a matter of urgency so that as a ministry we consider these submissions," Mguni said.The move would ensure that dual citizenship and voting rights for formerly disenfranchised alien voters will be able to participate in next year's general elections.
News / Press Release

by Jacob Mafume - PDP Spokesperson

On the 6th of June 2017, the People's Democratic Party expressed its concern on the way ZEC was handling the procurement of the BVR equipment.We highlighted that the public outcry over the allocation of the BVR tender to Laxton was mainly motivated by the view that ZEC is operating under the armpits of ZANUPF,therefore their actions would be directly linked to a ploy to redeploy ZANUPF into office against the will of the masses.In our submissions we highlighted our awareness of the fact ZEC is manned by many Securocratic characters, some are responsible for perpetrating violent repressive acts against the people of Zimbabwe.We also made the point that the Commissioners themselves have previously occupied political positions on ZANUPF tickets including the Chairperson of the Commission Justice Makarau.The Constitution of Zimbabwe in Section 238(2) provides that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission be someone who is a Judge or a former Judge. The principle is that a Judge must be someone who is beyond reproach like Caesar's wife certainly this theory has been exposed by Makarau who has since reflected her preparedness to lose the last aorta of integrity just to serve the ZANUPF agenda.Most of ZEC's employees were recruited under a military leadership when Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba, a staunch Mugabe supporter was chief elections officer during a period when elections were still run by the Election Supervisory Committee, ZEC's predecessor.We stated in our statement that these factors mean the Electoral Authority is conflicted making it impossible for the opposition to believe ZEC is independently making the preparations for voter registration.The subject of our statement was that running elections is a matter of trust from the masses, lack of trust results in a disputed outcome of the plebiscite which breeds a crisis of legitimacy in the leadership.A crisis of legitimacy is one that bred the multi-crises that Zimbabwe is facing today including the economic meltdown and the disappearance of government capacity to deliver social services like Health and Education.ZEC's unrepentant behaviour is a clear indicator of a continued crisis of legitimacy which Zimbabweans must collectively reject as a way to stop the unpalatable suffering that the people have been exposed to for the past three decades.About the leaked information of ZEC's intentions to hire an alternative company to manage voter's roll data, the PDP in the June statement mentioned the fact that technical issues around data servers procurement, storage and monitoring remained obscured.We specifically mentioned the probability of conniving with election rigging agencies like NIKUV which puts voters roll data at the risk of manipulation. The development mentioned in today's Newsday vindicates our claim.We are therefore concerned when ZEC is already linked to NIKUV as this will perpetuate cycles of rigged and disputed elections in the country and the rule by an unpopular elite whose basis of existence is coercion and fear.As we mention in the Agenda for Restoration and Rehabilitation of Electoral Sustainability (ARREST) the way ZEC has handled elections has killed belief in electoral processes as a key component of a constitutional democracy.We therefore demand an Independent Electoral Board at the least an overhaul of the electoral authority in ARREST we mentioned the idea that the AU and SADC must oversee the next election. Only an independent board will restore the people's right to elect their governors enshrined in Section 67 of the constitution.Together Another Zimbabwe is Possible
News / Press Release

by Mopane Foundation

Mopane Foundation international's 4 beneficiaries from Somakwilili Primary School in Nkayi, MatNorth to represent Zimbabwe in the Northern Gauteng expo for young scientists.

L-R; Luise, Given, Menelisi and Andile

About the competition



Zimbabwe: Rev Hlanganani Dube on +263 716 084 184

Alternatively email info@mopanefoundation.org on contact us through website

www.mopanefoundation.org

FB: Mopane Foundation International UK: Nomsa Nekevane on +44 7450 287082 nekenomsa@yahoo.co.ukZimbabwe: Rev Hlanganani Dube on +263 716 084 184Alternatively email info@mopanefoundation.org on contact us through websiteFB: Mopane Foundation International

Mopane Foundation international is thrilled to announce that 4 of its 35 beneficiaries are representing Zimbabwe in the Northern Gauteng expo for young scientists on 08 august 2017 at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. This is first ever and a life-time opportunity for these underprivileged orphaned kids from Somakwilili Primary School, in MatNorth, Zimbabwe.The following students are going to join other young scientists from Zimbabwe and South Africa in showcasing their innovative science projects at Expo.These kids come from one of the most remote areas of Matebeland and exposure is one of the things they lack. Nomsa Neke, the Mopane Foundation's project leader just returned from the annual field trip and spent the day with these kids on the 5th June 2017. On being asked as to what they aspire to be on completing their studies all wish to be teachers and one wishes to be a driver as he thinks the only way you can spend more time in a car is being a driver. It is therefore the Foundation's wish to help them explore all the options in life and hoping this experience will fuel their desire to dream more. Previously, it has always been the kids from the cities that has entered this competition and in the last month a Zimbabwean entrant won an Award and scholarship in California. These students come from a school without any science equipment or lab but we trust the activity will broaden their horizon and allow them to think and use what is within their reach.Our Zimbabwe team just arrived in Nkayi last night and will be there until weekend supporting with preparation for the upcoming science competition. Leading the team is Rev Hlanganani Dube along with Zimbabwe Science Fair delegates to support our first ever kids from such a background and such a remote area to have such privilege to partake in such a prestigious competition. Mr Dube can be reached at Somakhwilili Primary School in Matebeleland North was built in 1957 as St Andrews under Roman Catholic Church approximately 240 km from Bulawayo and 73km from Nkayi centre. The school currently has an enrolment of approximately 300 children and is in a very remote area with extremely inaccessible roads. Children attending the school are from four villages of Gayela Umfundi, Mkhulunyelwa and Mandindi.The school infrastructure is at a very advance stage of dilapidation except for new toilet blocks that were recently built with the assistance of World Vision. There are only two classroom blocks in the school with some classes having to carry out their learning in the open.The Zimbabwe Science Fair provides a research and technology inspired platform which encourages Zimbabwean students to come up with inventions, innovations and research projects to meaningfully contribute to the development of communities; and to advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education.The Mopane Foundation International since it depends on public support is still appealing for financial support. Contact the team concerning this trip:
News / Press Release

by Agencies

Leicester, UK_The Zimbabwean diaspora kicked off the UK Refugee week with their #Take2Zimbabwe protest (demanding a second independence) last Saturday. They have held similar protests in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and returned to London where they petitioned the British government to intervene on diaspora vote.Kingstone Jambawo explained the Take2Zimbabwe concept saying "We are demanding a second independence, this time from an indigenous leadership whose economic mismanagement has made survival all but impossible for ordinary Zimbabweans"The event was part of ZHRO's Marketing Team's Take2Zimbabwe concept and organised on the ground by Restoration of Human Rights (RHOR) Zimbabwe's Midlands branch to coincide with the Refugee Week.Vice Chairman of ROHR Midlands branch Olive Ruzvidzo expressed her desire to see change saying "I'm passionate about Zimbabwe and the current state of affairs in that country does not make me feel independent. It is my right for my voice to be heard""Zimbabwe needs a regime change and we as diasporans should be allowed to vote against the injustice in our country" she addedThe event comprised a performance on the state of the economy from activist and artist Silvanos Mudzwova.One of ROHR's founder members, Grace Mupfurutsa "Tete Rasta" of Nakai media told the activists that "we are fighting for the Restoration of Human Rights because they are the ones that should protect individuals from the state"Refugee week is a week-long UK-wide programme that aim to raise the public awareness about refugees and asylum seekers. Its main objective is to educate the British public as well as celebrate the contributions that refugees make to the UK. It also gives an opportunity to refugees and asylum seekers to be seen and listened to."We are in UK's city of culture joining the international community commence Refugee Week celebrations themed #OurSharedFuture . A relevant and fitting theme for #Take2Zimbabwe . Zimbabwe is a nation producing refugees at an alarming rate for 2 decades" Mable Kayiya announced."Mr President, nations worldwide are being developed by exiled Zimbabweans and those fleeing your choking grip on our civil, constitutional and human rights. You have had 93 years plus of life but your regime thrives in taking lives. 'Take 2' pleads with you to open your eyes for a minute and see the devastating effects your gripis causing. Incline your ear to a wailing nation. What of our freedom, our voices, our lives? We sure are determined and won't be deterred #Take2Zimbabwe " said an emotional Mable Kayiya, Campaign Director with ZHROAs the Refugee week make it possible for a wide range of community, voluntary, and statutory organisations to host events in partnerships, the Zimbabwean group that included Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), Zimbabwe Citizens Initiative (ZCI), and Build Zimbabwe Alliance (BZA) partnered with the Red-Cross association. They sharedmusic and dance that is traditional to the cultures of the refugees that were present.Encouraging Zimbabweans in each of the UK major cities to make the #Take2Zimbabwe protest uniquely their own, ROHR's Midlands branch chairperson Tsungirirai Kahiya said "There is so much each one of us can do to make a difference. If we don't our country will further descend into a state of chaos. Silence never won rights. So I call upon the citizens of Zimbabwe to do something, be active and demand a better now and a better future for our children""We want a government that will protect the constitution and commit themselves to the rights of the people and the health of the nation. A government that is transparent and accountable" she saidA minute of silence to commemorate the Grenfell Tower fire victims was held before speakers took to the stage."Our president is comfortable to spend money on endless flights whilst the country is in need. We are here because we have been forced to leave our country to seek refuge in other people's countries" said Pythias Makonese.Addressing the crowd, Todd Maforimbo of BZA and ZHRO talked about the difficulties faced by Zimbabwean refugees and asylum seekers in a new and very often difficult UK environment.ZHRO is planning more Take2Zimbabwe events for Leeds, Liverpool, Slough, Coventry, and Brighton.
Much has been made of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' Sgt Pepper, but it's easy to overlook another Beatles anniversary, 49 years ago this week. Here's a little quiz for you.

a) The lead vocalist on which Beatles track was not a member of The Beatles, and has never been identified?

b) What is the longest ever Beatles track?

c) The final chord of Sibelius's Symphony No 7 features on which Beatles' track?

d) Which Beatles track have few people listened to more than once?

The answer to all these questions is the same: Revolution 9.

Much has been made of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' Sgt Pepper, but it's easy to overlook another Beatles anniversary, 49 years ago this week

This notorious track  it could never really be described as a song  was completed at 3.30am on June 21, 1968, and released the following November on The White Album, sandwiched between the rather more conventional Cry Baby Cry and Goodnight.

Revolution 9 is the black sheep of Beatles tracks, never played on the radio, and rarely mentioned in polite society. I was 11 years old when it was first released, and a keen Beatles fan. I was completely baffled by it and, to be honest, also a little bit frightened.

In fact, a friend once dared me to sit by myself in the dark and listen to it all the way through. After less than two minutes, I had rushed for the door, too scared to carry on.

The whole thing lasts precisely eight minutes and 12 seconds roughly eight minutes and 11 seconds too long  and begins with a man repeating the words 'number nine, number nine, number nine, number nine' over and over again.

Who is it? Nobody seems to know. To me, he sounds a bit like the late Prime Minister James Callaghan, but Beatles experts, of whom the world is full, say that his voice was in fact plundered from the examination tapes for the Royal Academy of Music, which were then stored at the Abbey Road studios.

The rest of the track is taken up with a blitz-like cacophony of cars peeping, crowds chanting, instruments played backwards, people moaning and yelling, and looped tapes of random notes. Every now and then, the unknown man carries on repeating 'number nine, number nine, number nine'.

Revolution 9 is the black sheep of Beatles tracks, never played on the radio, and rarely mentioned in polite society

At one point, John Lennon intones the words, 'Industrial output, financial imbalance, the watusi, the twist', and, at another, 'Take this brother, may it serve you well'. Towards the end, Yoko Ono can be heard saying, 'If you become naked'. She and Lennon had become lovers just three weeks before. Never a slave to melody, she also emits intermittent high-pitched hums and screeches.

Rolling Stone magazine once called it 'an aural litmus of unfocused paranoia', but it's not nearly as jolly or as tuneful as that.

How did it come to be recorded? Paul McCartney was away in New York, so John Lennon was, in the jargon of the time, able to do his own thing, undisturbed.

He had only recently got together with Yoko Ono, and her influence is evident. He explained to a reporter from Playboy magazine: 'Once I heard her stuff  not just the screeching and howling, but her sort of word pieces and talking and breathing and all this strange stuff  I thought 'My God!' I got intrigued, so I wanted to do one.'

Across four days, the two of them raided the archives of EMI for bits of classical music, speech, chants and random noises. 'There were about ten machines with people holding pencils on the loops  some only inches long and some a yard long. I fed them all in and mixed them live. I did a few mixes until I got one I liked. Yoko was there for the whole thing and she made decisions about which loops to use.'

In many ways, Revolution 9 is exactly what you'd expect to emerge from two people out of their minds, playing the giddy-goat with tape-recorders.

When Paul McCartney returned from New York, he did not like what he heard. Nor did the Beatles' producer, George Martin. Both men were in fact much better-versed in experimental music than John, but they considered this particular experiment self-indulgent.

George Harrison took John's side, and together they made sure it was included on the album, though the final track is, mercifully, a minute shorter than the original. As far as I know, no one has ever called for the release of the uncut version.

Oddly enough, Yoko Ono has recently been lobbying for a song-writing credit on John Lennon's song Imagine, even though it differs markedly from the rest of her creative output, in that it has a tune and coherent words.

Strange, you may think, that she has made no such claim on Revolution 9, which bears all her hallmarks. Why ever not? Surely, she can't be thinking that no one will ever want to do a cover version?
A 17-year-old whose leg pain turned out to be incurable cancer has opened up about her struggle.

Three years ago Rebecca Cooper, from NSW, was just a normal girl enjoying school and her teenage years.

But after she started experiencing a 'pain' in her right calf when she walked long distances, doctors had a shocking diagnosis.

'I went to the doctors and they did lots of tests and said it might be cancer,' the brave teen told Daily Mail Australia.

It was. In fact, Rebecca was suffering from a rare cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma - which attacks muscles in the connective tissues.

Rebecca Cooper, 17, has a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma that is incurable

'I went through a year of intensive treatment and maintenance treatment then one month before finishing the maintenance treatment I relapsed,' Rebecca told Daily Mail Australia.

The teenager is sharing her struggle to raise funds for a crowdfunding project by the Children's Cancer Institute, that she hopes will help other young cancer sufferers.

'I thought a lot about how I was going to die,' she says on the organisation's fundraising page about her diagnosis.

Over the last few years Rebecca has had to battle with hair loss, nausea, significant weight loss and damage to her immune system which had her hospitalised for 12 months.

Whilst treatment was at first effective, tragically she has now been told she has stage four cancer and her condition is incurable.

'I had a pain in my right calf when I walked long distance and had a cold but the dry cough didn't go away. I went to the doctors and they did lots of tests and said it might be cancer'

Despite all of this, Rebecca has sought after normalcy in her life.

At one point she went back to school and work but eventually had to drop out as it became too hard to keep up.

She also had to quit her job as she was finding it hard to breathe.

'I'm now doing Tafe but I would be in school right now if I hadn't been diagnosed,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Over the last few years Rebecca has had to battle with hair loss, nausea, significant weight loss and damage to her immune system which had her hospitalised for 12 months

'I've been sharing my story to give people an idea of what people go through and the current treatments that are available so they can understand why we need to raise funds and to see why it's necessary.'

The Children's Cancer Institute helped organise a make over for Rebecca to add a bit of colour to her life and the photographs show the teenager smiling with a blonde wig and make up.

'The make over was fun and it was cool to get some good photos,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'The photos weren't going to be a part of the crowd funding but I thought it would be better to use them for something good instead of just for myself.'

The Children's Cancer Institute helped organise a make over for Rebecca who has missed school formals

'The make over was fun and it was cool to get some good photos. The photos weren't going to be a part of the crowd funding but I thought it would be better to use them for something good instead of just for myself'

The crowdfunding campaign Rebecca is supporting hopes to raise funds for children to attend a new programme - Zero Childhood cancer - a joint initiative between the Children's Cancer Institute and Sydney Children's Hospital.

It hopes to offer Australia's first ever personalised medicine program for children with high-risk or relapsed cancer.

'Basically, they're trying to individualise protocol treatment for high risk and relapse patients where main stream treatments haven't worked,' Rebecca explained.

'They will test a tissue sample with different drugs and see what works for that particular person.'

Whilst there's no guarantee she will be able to take part, she is speaking out in a bid to make sure other young cancer sufferers can.

Rebecca's cancer is at stage four and is currently incurable. Although she is currently undergoing chemotherapy to keep the cancer at bay, she hopes to raise money for others

Rebecca hopes that the Children's Cancer Institute can raise at least $20,000 which is enough to cover one child's treatment

'Lots of people need something like this who are high risk and there's nothing that they can really do right now, but this will work,' Rebecca said.

She hopes that the Children's Cancer Institute can raise at least $20,000 which is enough to cover one child's treatment.

At the moment she has to travel to Sydney to have access to her treatment but once this one is released she would be able to have it in her hometown of Newcastle.

'I want all children to be able to get it, rather than the few. Cancer is not as straight forward as it looks, everyone can get it, not just adults.

'I have met lots of toddlers and babies, it's a lot to do and see but the institute is trying to make it better for everyone, especially those who are high risk'.

The money Rebecca wants to raise will hopefully one day help cure childhood cancer, you can donate here.
We may be in the height of summer but retailers are already planning for Christmas as they release their most in-demand toy lists.

If you want a happy child on December 25 get your credit card at the ready and snap up Lego, Airhogs and Tiny Treasures sets.

Argos has today released its predictions for the toys that will feature in letters to Santa across the country this year - and Luvabella and LEGO Friends Sunshine Catamaran take the top spots as the most sought-after.

Argos has released its top Christmas toy predictions - and Luvabella doll, with advanced animated features enabling it to drink milk from a bottle and fall asleep just as a real little one would, is number one on the list for children this year

The average parent is happy to spend 114 on average on the main present, with parents in the North-East budgeting over 150 for the ultimate Christmas gift.

THE TOP TOYS Luvabella LEGO Friends Sunshine Catamaran Airhogs DR1 Official Race Drone PJ Masks Headquarter Playset Disney Cars 3 Lightning McQueen Transformers: The Last Knight RC Sqweeks Hatchimals & new ColleGGtibles Fisher Price 'Teach n Tag Movi' LEGO BOOST Paw Patrol Sea Patroller Tiny Treasures Twin Set SoundMoovz Advertisement

Linzi Walker, chief toy buyer for Argos, who has been curating the list with her team since the beginning of the year, said: 'This year's top toys list is a fantastic blend, as toymakers evolve childhood favourites alongside the introduction of newer and more technology-led gifts.'

Dolls will have made Christmas memories for many children and this year is no different. Luvabella, which takes the top spot, is an incredibly lifelike doll, with advanced animated features enabling it to drink milk from a bottle and fall asleep just as a real little one would.

And Chad Valley has produced twins as an extension of its authentic Tiny Treasures Baby Doll range.

According to the list, there are many opportunities for children and parents alike to embrace user-friendly technology this Christmas.

LEGO Boost provides everything needed for children to make five different LEGO models that can then be coded using a free app.

Friends Sunshine Catamaran one of the toys predicted by Argos to be a top toy for Christmas 2017

Airhogs DR1 Official Race Drone came in third position in the list of toys that are predicted to be best-sellers

Popular on-screen toys are also set to feature, with appearances from Disney's Cars 3 Lightning McQueen, left, and PJ Masks Headquarter Playset, right

The Last Knight RC Sqweeks one of the toys predicted by Argos to be a top toy for Christmas 2017

Meanwhile, the Fisher- Price 'Teach n Tag Movi' is an interactive play buddy that helps kids learn on the go.

Music lovers will love SoundMoovz, a wearable tech toy for all ages where players can create their own beats and rhythms as they move by using Bluetooth-connected bands on their ankles or wrists.

Linzi added: 'Popular on-screen toys are also set to feature, with appearances from Disney's Cars 3 Lightning McQueen, PJ Masks Headquarter Playset, the Paw Patrol Sea Patroller alongside RC Sqweeks from Transformers: The Last Knight.'

Argos polled more than 1,000 parents of children aged 16 and under about their plans for Christmas 2017.

One in seven parents (13 per cent) have already started buying presents for their children and almost a third (29 per cent) are planning to buy gifts for their kids over the summer.

Hatchimals & new ColleGGtibles also made the list. Argos polled more than 1,000 parents of children aged 16 and under about their plans for Christmas 2017

Left: LEGO Boost provides everything needed for children to make five different LEGO models that can then be coded using a free app. Right: Fisher- Price 'Teach n Tag Movi' is an interactive play buddy that helps kids learn on the go

A fifth of parents will be letting the wider family in on their present plans ensuring all bases are covered (Paw Patrol Sea Patroller one of the toys predicted by Argos to be a top toy for Christmas 2017)

The most popular choice amongst parents this year is a blockbuster gift, with over half (54 per cent) planning on purchasing a 'gasp out loud' present alongside a couple of stocking fillers.

Christmas is still set to be a family affair in 2017 and when it comes to 'padding the pile', a fifth of parents will be letting the wider family in on their present plans ensuring all bases are covered. And almost a quarter (23 per cent) will be creating a handy Christmas list to help them keep track.

The poll also found that the big kids in the family still enjoy Christmas toys too  22 per cent of parents say they wish they had received the toys their children get at Christmas. This may explain why they are feeling extra generous this year.
Designer Prabal Gurung has made persistent efforts to make the fashion industry more inclusive, but some apparently aren't ready for his pioneering vision.

The New York City-based designer, who describes himself as 'the product of a feminist' (his mother), has always offered his own clothes up to a size 22, in a bid to dress all women.

But the public didn't really take notice until earlier this year, when Gurung, 38, launched a collaboration with Lane Bryant.

Pioneer: Designer Prabal Gurung (left) has made persistent efforts to make the fashion industry more inclusive, but faced backlash when he debuted a line with Lane Bryant (right)

Opening up: As Gurung revealed at the premiere of Straight / Curve, a documentary about body diversity in the fashion industry, the collaboration was also met with 'a lot of snickering'

The collection, fronted by Ashley Graham, was heralded as a major moment that saw a high-fashion designer take a conscious step to change the way sizes are regulated in the industry.

'What I realized was that the changes I wanted to see, in the industry and the world, just didn't happen by me doing a show with a few plus size models or a diverse group of models,' he told Fashionista on Tuesday, 'it needed to continue, and I felt like if lending my voice could move the conversation forward, I want to be part of it.'

But as Gurung revealed earlier this week at the premiere of Straight / Curve, a documentary about body diversity in the fashion industry, the collaboration was also met with 'a lot of snickering'.

Some people questioned his approach or pretended not to see the point. One woman he knew, he said, came up to him at an art opening and asked: 'Why are you making clothes for fat people?'

Group: The Singapore-born designer spoke in a panel that also included model Iskra Lawrence (third from right) and Orange Is The New Black actress Adrienne C. Moore (second from left)

Message: Gurung said he realized early on in his career that he had a platformand the Lane Bryant collaboration (pictured) was a way to reach a larger public

Gurung, who remains shocked by the question, said remarks such as this one are one of the reasons he launched the collection in the first place.

'She saw my reaction and she said, "Oh, I was just joking!" I said to her, "Clearly, you know that I didn't find it funny," ' he said.

'I said to her, words have power, they impact people. It's because of people like you that I wanted to do this. I want to make sure that the woman I'm designing for through Lane Bryant's platform feels that she belongs, that she's part of our world.'

The Singapore-born designer took a powerful stance in favor of inclusivity as he spoke as part of a panel that also included body positive model Iskra Lawrence and Orange Is The New Black actress Adrienne C. Moore.

Gurung, who was raised by a single mother, said he realized early on in his career that he had a platformand thought it was a test of his character to find the best way to use it.

Stance: Gurung, who has fostered diversity on his runways (pictured), delivered a plea for inclusivity in the industry, telling audience members to speak up when needed

The road ahead: Gurung, who had Candice Huffine (pictured) walk in his New York Fashion Week show in February, said the industry hasn't 'done anything' to improve representation

He pointed out that accountability remains a defining factor in the fight for more inclusivity, and lest some were tempted to congratulate themselves for what progress has been achieved so far, Gurung delivered some tough love.

'We haven't even done anything,' he told the room full of industry insiders, fellow designers, and models.

Gurung, who has fostered diversity on his runways, had more honest words for the audience, to whom he delivered an impassioned plea for diversity in the industry.

'There have to be people at the decision-making table representing you, there's no denying that,' he said.

'If you are sitting in a room filled with white males or white females, and you think that racism is going to be addressed, if you're sitting with size two decision makers and think your change is going to happen, you need to wake up. It's not going to happen.

'My thing for you all is for you to be defiant, to hold everyone accountable, to question. If you feel I as a designer, a magazine or brand is not representing you, you need to speak up.'
Saucy film star Hayley Atwell has revealed her unusual method of tackling sunburn: smothering her scorched back in yoghurt.

The London-born beauty, 35, who is best known for playing the demure Peggy Carter in the Marvel film franchise posted a snap on social media from her holiday in Greece.

Folding down the straps of her green swimming costume, she captions it: 'Our Greek friend has just put yoghurt on my back.

She said it will help the slight burn. Can't help thinking she's just having a laugh with a gullible Brit.'

Saucy film star Hayley Atwell has revealed her unusual method of tackling sunburn: smothering her scorched back in yoghurt

The London-born beauty, 35, who is best known for playing the demure Peggy Carter in the Marvel film franchise posted a snap on social media from her holiday in Greece

US rocker to make Diana and Charles: The Musical

Here is some news likely to alarm Princes William and Harry: their parents' tumultuous marriage and the untimely death of their mother, Princess Diana, are to be turned into a stage show.

A keyboards player with American rock band Bon Jovi, David Bryan, has co-written the musical, Diana, and it is due to be given its premiere in New York later this year.

'People are fascinated by Diana and her legacy,' says lyricist Joe DiPietro, who wrote the award-winning musical Memphis with Bryan.

DiPietro had the idea for the show while reading Tina Brown's biography The Diana Chronicles.

Joe DiPietro had the idea for the show while reading Tina Brown's biography The Diana Chronicles

'I knew a little bit about her: the basic stuff  wedding, bad marriage, divorce and death,' he says.

'She was a blue blood, she was beautiful and she was a virgin, which was hard to find in 1980s London.

'She was manipulated, used and misunderstood, but she rose to the occasion and then used her popularity to gain power.

'The Royals never thought this uneducated woman could accomplish what she did.

'I thought she'd make a wonderful lead character in a musical.'

Casting is just starting for Diana, as well as for actors to play Charles, the Queen and Camilla Parker Bowles.

The show will be developed this summer. 'With some shows, the doors open very quickly,' DiPietro says. 'They are opening very quickly with this one.'

Casting is just starting for Diana, as well as for actors to play Charles, the Queen and Camilla Parker Bowles

The score will range from Eighties pop music for Diana, to punk rock for the paparazzi, classical for Charles and traditional musical theatre for Camilla and the Queen.

At the end of the first act, Diana sings a song called A Pretty Girl In A Pretty Dress. It captures the moment she realises she can turn the tables on the Palace.

'She used her style and her smile and her beauty,' DiPietro adds. 'Charles was out giving lectures about how new buildings are ruining the world, and she's being photographed in a cocktail dress.

'He was born an old man. She became the world's most beloved princess.'

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips reveals she gets stopped by fans every day, despite leaving the show ten years ago... because they recognise her from behind.

'Most people recognise either my voice or the way I walk.

'It's funny because we never really walked on Strictly, but somehow people recognise it, and they follow me on the street and tap me on the shoulder before they've even seen my face.

'They go: 'Are you Arlene Phillips from Strictly?' Or maybe they just recognise my big a**e.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips reveals she gets stopped by fans every day, despite leaving the show ten years ago

Dave's father-in-law blasts 'obsolete' Lord Heseltine

Europhile Tory peer Michael Heseltine has been dealt a harsh warning by former House of Lords whip Viscount Astor for his anti-Brexit intervention and criticism of Theresa May's leadership.

'Heseltine is good for a quote, but he doesn't actually make any difference, does he? Half the people don't even know who he is any more. He's a bit obsolete,' declares Astor, who is married to David Cameron's mother-in-law Annabel.

'Retired politicians should by and large keep quiet.'

The former Deputy Prime Minister has consistently urged the Conservative Party to scrap Brexit and earlier this week appeared on BBC's Newsnight to disparage Mrs May, claiming she won't survive much longer in her current post.

Europhile Tory peer Michael Heseltine (pictured) has been dealt a harsh warning by former House of Lords whip Viscount Astor

The latest senior foodie to hit our TV screens will be soprano Lesley Garrett.

Garrulous Garrett, 62, let slip her forthcoming appearance at a party for West End show Bat Out Of Hell while discussing the merits of eating meatloaf. 'Oh dear I shouldn't have mentioned it,' she said.

'It's supposed to be a secret, but I am doing a new cooking show. I'm very good at throwing stuff in a wok that is right up against its sell-by date.'

Mary Berry need not fear.
Last month she revealed she was in 'debt' as she pleaded for help to fund her dream of staying in Australia to work for herself.

But on Thursday, lifestyle blogger Caroline Groth appeared to be making the best of things as she attended a candle launch at the trendy Pacific in Bondi Beach.

The 27-year-old, who has made a name for herself in Australia as a self-taught yogi, glamorous Instagram star and inspirational cancer-survivor, stepped out in her favoured black leather jacket from Neuwdenim to attend the Ecoya Candles brand reveal.

Her appearance came a month after the Danish-born blonde, who touched hearts by sharing her journey of beating lymphoma on social media, took to fundraising platform GoFundMe to explain she dreamed of being able 'to work for myself' but was hampered by the fact she had incurred a 'large medical debt'.

On Thursday lifestyle blogger Caroline Groth appeared to be making the best of things as she attended a candle launch at the trendy Pacific in Bondi Beach

Lifestyle blogger Caroline Groth (pictured) previously launched a GoFundMe campaign asking people to donate to help pay for a visa

Her campaign page has since closed after amassing donations of just $185.

At the time, the wellness guru said that she wished to start her own 'company/business of consulting within Marketing, Digital and Social'.

She went on to explain that whilst she is originally from Denmark, she moved to Australia aged 20 in 2010 'not knowing a soul and leaving my family behind.'

'I have now been there for almost 7 years, however those 7 years have been far from dreamy or easy to say the least,' she went on.

Caroline's GoFundMe campaign has since closed after attracting $185 in donations - her target was $2k

'They have been filled with sickness and struggles, but still I wouldn't change it. In 2012 I was diagnosed with cancer and had a lengthy journey of treatment and struggle with mental health because of it.

'It also incurred a large medical debt as I'm not a resident in the country, nor do I receive Medicare.

'Even with private health insurance there's still a large sum of money that isn't covered and, still, 3 years of having been in remission, this is still a debt I'll carry for many years to come.

'I have now been there for almost 7 years, however those 7 years have been far from dreamy or easy to say the least,' Caroline wrote on her GoFundMe page

'I now try to give back by way of offering my help as a volunteer and my knowledge to numerous cancer and mental health organisations across Australia,' she wrote

Caroline is often pictured on Instagram in glamorous locations - here she is snapped at Venice Beach in LA

'However, I don't believe you can put a price on life and I'm forever grateful for having gone through what I did as it has indeed changed my way of life and the entire person that I am today.

'I now try to give back by way of offering my help as a volunteer and my knowledge to numerous cancer and mental health organisations across Australia.'

The lifestyle blogger then went on to outline the reason she was asking for financial help.

'I now try to give back by way of offering my help as a volunteer and my knowledge to numerous cancer and mental health organisations across Australia,' Caroline wrote on GoFundMe

'I certainly am not a person, nor have I ever been, asking anyone for money or funds to help me,' the humble wellness blogger wrote on her GoFundMe page

'In order to stay in Australia and work for myself I have to sponsor myself for my own Visa and setup costs of the business which isn't easy as the costs can't be taken out as a loan and it needs to be paid ASAP, hence why I've now decided to see if anyone would be able to/want to support my dream.'

'I am already working on what my dream entails; a project based on helping young and old with mental health, eating & body image disorders along with sickness & illness (terminal or curable).

'I want to make a change, and help where I can for other people to live a wonderful, beautiful, happy, long life. It is my ultimate dream.

The blonde (pictured centre with friends) signed off her post by saying 'thank you for the biggest or smallest support you could support with'

'I would be forever grateful to you and anyone who can support a dream that has the utmost special place in my heart and basically allows me to stay in a place that feels like it was always meant to be my home.'

'I certainly am not a person, nor have I ever been, asking anyone for money or funds to help me,' the humble wellness blogger wrote on her GoFundMe page.

'I have always taken care of myself from a young age, so this is incredibly hard for me, but I will swallow my pride in order to see if I can make my biggest dream come true in this lifetime.'
Advertisement

A series of stunning images showing women breastfeeding in iconic locations across Australia have been captured on camera.

Victorian photographer Sarah Murnane, a mother-of-two, took many of the captivating images as part of The Australian Breastfeeding Project which she set up after the birth of her second child.

'Every milky goddess out there deserves to feel like one,' Ms Murnane wrote on the project's Facebook page.

'The main thing I wanted to show at the beginning was a togetherness, a sisterhood,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

Mothers pose in front of Sydney land mark Sydney Harbour Bridge in their matching white attire

'The main thing I wanted to show at the beginning was a togetherness, a sisterhood,' phographer Sarah Murnane told Daily Mail Australia.

She has chosen stunning backdrops for the images such as the Barossa Valley, Seaford Valley in Victoria and Milaa Milaa Falls in Queensland

Through her powerful photographs, Ms Murnane said she wants to 'erase the negative stigmas' that surround breastfeeding.

She has chosen stunning backdrops for the images such as the Barossa Valley, Seaford Valley in Victoria and Milaa Milaa Falls in Queensland.

'I want mothers everywhere to feel comfortable when nourishing their child,' she wrote on her Facebook page.

'I want to live in a world where women and men alike encourage mothers to feed their babies, whenever and wherever they see fit, without a second thought.

'The main thing I wanted to show at the beginning was a togetherness, a sister hood,' she said

These white clad mothers are shot in front of vineyards in the Barossa Valley in Adelaide underneath a setting sun

'I want mothers everywhere to feel comfortable when nourishing their child,' Ms Murnane said

'I look forward to living in a world where a mother can feed her infant and passers by are able to make eye contact with her and not give a second thought to her breast being used to feed her baby.

'Where its normal for women to be surrounded by support of her breastfeeding choices. And every single one of us can celebrate our journey, without being shamed.

'I want women to feed their babies anywhere they are without being scared of hurtful or negative comments. I want to empower breastfeeding mothers and the next time they sit down to feed their baby where ever they may be they know that the have the support of thousands.

'Together through the power of images we will change the negative views surrounding breastfeeding.'

'I want women to feed their babies anywhere they are without being scared of hurtful or negative comments,' Ms Murnane said

Ms Murnane had a group of mothers perch on rocks under a waterfall in picturesque Lorne, Victoria

Ms Murnane thinks there are not enough people who are passionate about breastfeeding, and her images aim to change perceptions

Ms Murnane told Daily Mail Australia that breastfeeding rates remain 'really low' and she began her project after feeling a lack of support when she had her first child.

'I think we don't have enough people that are passionate about breast feeding,' she said.

'The health professionals are often not educated enough around breast feeding women don't have enough support'.

Ms Murnane said that when she had her second child the situation had improved and she had friends that would even wet nurse her daughter.

Ms Murnane has incorporated Australia's diverse landscapes in her photos, this time with the colours of Loch Ard Gorge in Victoria

'I wanted to be able to capture the feeling of the sisterhood with my first ever image, it took off and everyone wanted to be a part of it and come together'

Ms Murnane doesn't pick the women that came along to the shoots, she sets up an event and they purchase tickets to come along

'I look forward to living in a world where a mother can feed her infant and passers by are able to make eye contact,' Ms Murnane wrote

'The difference between the two was huge. I wanted to be able to capture the feeling of the sisterhood with my first ever image, it took off and everyone wanted to be a part of it and come together.'

Ms Murnane said she surrounded herself with different people who had the same values as herself when she had her second child, which she believes made the biggest difference.

'I wanted every woman to be able to have that support, every woman deserves to have a community with correct information and support.

'I finished breastfeeding my first child at six months and was always really upset about it, there was no reason to stop feeding apart that I felt like I had to.

Another Sydney landmark Ms Murnane chose to shoot in front of was the iconic Sydney Opera House

Ms Murnane, herself a mother of two, said there was a time when she felt unsupported about breastfeeding

'I wanted every woman to be able to have that support, every woman deserves to have a community with correct information and support'

'People at the time said it didn't matter and to just put her on artificial milk. I felt like I had no education and support'.

Ms Murnane doesn't pick the women that came along to the shoots, she sets up an event and they purchase tickets to come along.

The invitations are sent through a mailing list to women who have registered on the website.

She has now been to every state in Australia thanks to the project.

Ms Murnane has now been to every state in Australia thanks to her breastfeeding project

Ms Murnane captured these mothers breast feeding with a pastel sky on a beach in Queensland

This group of smiling mothers were shot sitting in the sand under a pier in Seaford, Victoria

'The project is growing and growing every single day, I never thought this could happen, I never imagined it,' the photographer said

'I was travelling everywhere and it became too much and I couldn't keep up so now hired more photographers. I was doing it by myself for a year and I now have 50 photographers stationed all over,' she said.

She says the hardest part is picking the locations for the photographs so she uses Google to find places and goes off of recommendations from women she photographs and the photographers.

'The project is growing and growing every single day, I never thought this could happen, I never imagined it. I'm unsure about the future, I want to keep the same style but would like to start branching out and adding a few different things down the track,' she said.

'One big thing that has come out of it is education. We have a Facebook group and almost daily I get someone saying "I wouldn't have continued breast feeding if it wasn't for the support of this group".

'This project is a lot more than just the photos now'.
Like many first time parents, for Rachael and Jonathan the arrival of their first-born child 14 weeks ago was a special and memorable day.

Rachael, 33, from Sydney, remembers a 'perfect pregnancy', and while she had a somewhat 'brutal C section' birth, their baby girl, Mackenzie Karen, was 'beautiful' and the new mother and father couldn't be happier.

Just ten weeks later, baby Mackenzie was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1; a devastating terminal neuromuscular disorder which means the parents will only have a matter of weeks or months left with their beloved baby girl.

Rachael shared her anguish as she and her husband spend whatever time they have left with baby Mackenzie.

Rachael and Jonathan, 33 and 38, from Sydney, spent ten blissful weeks with their daughter, Mackenzie (all pictured), before they found out she has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is a genetic muscle-wasting disease, and the number one genetic killer of babies under two (pictured: baby Mackenzie Karen)

When Australian Federal Police officer, Rachael, gave birth to Mackenzie in Sydney fourteen weeks ago, she explained she was over the moon with her new baby:

'Mackenzie was perfect,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'She had these big blue eyes and such a lovely personality.'

We didn't know she was supposed to be moving more

The new parents said they didn't think anything of Mackenzie's 'relaxed and chilled out' personality when they got her home, with Rachael adding with the tragic benefits of hindsight: 'We didn't know she was supposed to be moving more'.

When Mackenzie started 'pulling off a little' while Rachael was breastfeeding her at ten weeks, the 33-year-old decided to take her to a lactation consultant.

'She said she was a bit floppy for ten weeks and that we should probably see a doctor,' Rachael remembered.

'I panicked, took her to the nearest GP around the corner and was swiftly encouraged to see a paediatrician,' she added.

Mother, Rachael (pictured), shared her anguish as she and her husband spend whatever time they have left with baby Mackenzie

When Australian Federal Police officer, Rachael, gave birth to Mackenzie (pictured) in Sydney fourteen weeks ago, she explained she was over the moon with her new baby

However, after the parents found their relaxed little girl a bit 'floppy', they took her to the doctor who recommended they see a paediatrician

WHAT IS SMA? * Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare inherited genetic muscle wasting disease that is characterised by a loss of nerve cells called motor neurons. * The affected muscles not only include the muscles you see like your arms and legs, but all your internal muscles like breathing, coughing and swallowing. * The loss of motor neurons leads to the progressive muscle weakness and wasting. * Spinal Muscular Atrophy is passed on by what is known as autosomal recessive inheritance and for an individual to be affected with SMA; they need to have inherited an altered gene from their parents. * One person in thirty-five unknowingly carries this gene. Source: SMA Australia. Advertisement

Two days later - at the earliest appointment the new parents could get - Rachael and Jonathan were told the fateful news.

Mackenzie had Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1.

SMA is a genetic muscle-wasting disease, and the number one genetic killer of babies under two.

According to Spinal Muscular Atrophy Australia Inc. CEO, Julie Cini, 'if someone has SMA Type 1 it is usually fatal within 12 months of life'.

'I went silent, I remember everything going blurry and I thought I would fall over,' Rachael said.

'It's like in the movies, I can't really remember the details of what happened after we were told Mackenzie had SMA, but apparently my husband went into police mode asking lots of questions.'

Rachael and Jonathan now have to enjoy what time they have left with their baby girl, as they watch her slowly 'lose the ability to move, to swallow and finally to breathe'.

'Right now, we are putting all of our focus into Mackenzie and giving her all the love we can,' Rachael said.

'She is not aware of the fact that she is supposed to be able to move her arms and legs yet. All she knows is she's got a mum and dad who love her.

'We've got all these sensory toys and we're focusing on making her happy. Her biggest toy is her father, though. She just laughs whenever she sees him.'

Two days later - at the earliest appointment the new parents could get - Rachael and Jonathan were told the fateful news; Mackenzie had SMA

'I went silent, I remember everything going blurry and I thought I would fall over,' Rachael said of the devastating news (pictured with Mackenzie)

Rachael and Jonathan (pictured) now have to enjoy what time they have left with their baby girl, as they watch her slowly 'lose the ability to move, to swallow and finally to breathe'

'Right now, we are putting all of our focus into Mackenzie and giving her all the love we can,' Rachael told FEMAIL (pictured: Jonathan)

Rachael said that they are also making it their mission to talk about SMA and what is being done about it on a national level (pictured: the Sydney family)

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SMA? * There are four types of SMA, categorised by the disease's severity and the age at which symptoms begin. * Type I, sometimes called Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, begins to affect infants from birth up to 6 months of age, with most babies showing signs of the disease by 3 months. Some develop the disorder before birth. This is the most severe form of SMA. * Type II, also called chronic infantile SMA, begins to affect children between 6 and 18 months old. This form can be moderate to more severe. * Type III, also called Kugelberg-Welander disease or juvenile spinal muscular atrophy, begins to affect kids as early as 18 months of age or as late as adolescence. This is the mildest form of SMA in children. * Type IV, is the adult form of the disorder. Most people affected by this type start having symptoms after age 35, and these symptoms slowly get worse over time. Because it develops slowly, many people with Type IV SMA don't know that they have it until years after symptoms begin. Source: Kids Health Advertisement

While the Federal Police officers are now trying not to think about arranging palliative care in the future, Rachael said that they are also making it their mission to talk about SMA and what is being done about it on a national level.

'We had never heard of SMA, nor had any of our friends and family,' Rachael said.

'But it's the number one genetic killer in babies under two.

'Our families are all in the process of checkups to see if they are carriers of SMA, but still lots of doctors don't even know what it is.

'There is a simple blood test that can be performed to find out if you are a carrier. It just makes me sad because when I was pregnant, I took all sorts of tests, for genetic conditions - and did everything I was recommended.

'I was never offered this, and had I known about it, I would have done it.'

Rachael and Jonathan are now raising awareness of SMA with the help of SMA Australia and leading Sydney Children's Hospital paediatric neurogolist, Dr Michelle Farrar, so that Mackenzie's life will not have been in vain.

'I wrote a letter to every member of Parliament and although it is early days, we have been receiving a very positive response including personal contact from several ministers who are offering strong support including offering to lobby our cause in Parliament ,' Rachael said.

They also have the support of the Australian Federal Police.

'We had never heard of SMA, nor had any of our friends and family,' Rachael said - 'But still, it's the number one genetic killer in babies under two'

Rachael and Jonathan are now raising awareness of SMA so that Mackenzie's life will not have been in vain

Friends of the family, Angela and Kath, have also set up a GoFundMe page to help to raise funds for the family during this difficult time (pictured: baby Mackenzie)

Friends of the family, Angela and Kath, has also set up aGoFundMe page to help to raise funds for the family during this difficult time:

'I can't quite believe how generous and kind people have been,' Rachael said. 'It's raised AUD $50,000 in two weeks.'

Rachael added that she feels passionate about raising awareness of SMA because while 'it isn't curable, it is preventable':

'That simple blood test is available for a small cost, but it's so much cheaper than palliative care,' Rachael said.

'And it would mean families don't have to go through this.'

In the meantime, both Jonathan and Rachael are spending every waking moment with their little girl, learning more about her personality and falling even more in love

'Her favourite thing is when she gets her legs jiggled by her father or me as she can't do it herself. It's great seeing her blue eyes light up,' Rachael said of Mackenzie

Speaking about the future, Rachael said she is trying not to think about it too much right now - they are aware Mackenzie will eventually need to be taken into palliative care

'The idea is that we don't cry around her - we're her world,' Rachael explained (pictured: Jonathan and baby Mackenzie)

In the meantime, both Jonathan and Rachael are spending every waking moment with their little girl, learning more about her personality and falling even more in love as each day passes:

SMA IN THE MEDICAL SPOTLIGHT * While there is no cure for SMA, there is a drug which helps to increase motor function. * Developed internationally, a new treatment called nusinersen is producing promising results, with 40 per cent of babies in a recent blind trial of various SMA types reaching milestones such as sitting, crawling and walking. * The drug is currently being considered by the TGA to see if it is effective. * However, the drug costs USD $125,000. Source: ABC Advertisement

'She's incredible, she gets more beautiful by the day,' Rachael said.

'It makes it harder in some ways, to see her personality develop - it makes it more difficult in the long run.

'But we love spending this time with her. She loves music and dancing, and the Lion King and Aladdin soundtracks.

'Her favourite thing is when she gets her legs jiggled by her father or me as she can't do it herself. It's great seeing her blue eyes light up.'

Speaking about the future, Rachael said she is trying not to think about it too much right now:

'It's like looking through a window - we peek through the curtain into the future every so often, and know what it holds.

'One of the next stages will be a nasal feeding tube when she starts having difficulties swallowing.'

Rachael said she and Jonathan have started to talk about the day when Mackenzie won't be around, as difficult as it is:

'It's so we're not hysterical when we lose her,' Rachael said.

However, for now it's a case of staying strong - and head over heart:

'The idea is that we don't cry around her - we're her world,' Rachael explained.

'She can feed off our emotions and we are staying strong for her. She really is the most beautiful little girl.'

To donate to the GoFundMe page, Making Memories With Mackenzie, click here.
Queen Maxima has been pulling out all the stops, wardrobe-wise, for her Italian state visit - and a red carpet appearance in Rome on Wednesday night was no exception.

The Dutch Queen glowed as she arrived at the Palazzo Colonna on the arm of her dapper husband King Willem-Alexander.

Wearing a pale pink gown that fell to the floor in soft tiers, Maxima accessorised with a discreet clutch, dazzling diamonds, and a fan to stay cool in the Italian heat.

Queen Maxima dazzled in a pale pink floor length gown as she and her husband King Willem-Alexander attend a concert on the second night of their state visit to Italy

The Argentinian-born Queen glowed on the red carpet as she arrived at the Palazzo Colonna

Perhaps in recognition of the guests of honour, the star of Wednesday night's performance also hailed from the Netherlands - the Dutch violinist Janine Jensen.

The concert was given for the Italian president, Sergio Mattarella, who was photographed chatting with performers alongside the Dutch royals.

Maxima, 46, and King Willem-Alexander had earlier enjoyed a brief day trip to Sicily, where they visited a market and took the opportunity to taste some of its famous cuisine.

King Willem-Alexander looked dapper as he escorted his wife along the red carpet in a tux

Maxima accessorised her tiered pink gown with a discreet clutch, a fan, and dazzling jewels

She swept her hair off her face at one side to better show off her diamond drop earrings

The royals congratulated performers at the concert by the Dutch violinist Janine Jansen

They were joined by Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, at the glitzy event in Rome

The Dutch royals' state visit to Italy is all about strengthening ties between the two countries.

But although it's effectively a business trip, Queen Maxima seems to be finding her spell in the Med highly enjoyable.

The Queen, who touched down in Sicily on day two of the four-day trip on Wednesday, was every inch the Italian femme fatale in her chic white summer dress, wide-brimmed hat, towering wedges and glamorous tortoiseshell shades.

Maxima, accompanied by her husband King Willem-Alexander, beamed widely as she was snapped sampling the local cuisine in Palermo, chatting with market vendors, and clutching a bouquet of fresh white blooms.

Queen Maxima and her husband King Willem-Alexander touched down in Sicily on day two of their state visit to Italy

The glamorous Dutch Queen, who wore another wide brimmed hat and a chic white summer dress, is clearly enjoying her spell in Italy

She and King Willem-Alexander sampled some of the local cuisine in Palermo, Sicily

The mother-of-three piled on gold accessories to offset her showstopping ensemble, including a distinctive pair of fan-shaped earrings, a collar necklace and an armful of bracelets.

Her bamboo clutch bag matched her hat and the neutral gloves she was wearing as she hit the tarmac in Sicily.

In contrast to his wife's summery style, King Willem-Alexander cut a formal figure in his grey suit and pale blue tie, though he appeared to be equally happy to be enjoying a taste of La Dolce Vita.

Maxima glammed up her look further with a pair of distinctive fan shaped gold earrings and a gold statement necklace

Holiday mode: Maxima clutches a bouquet as she and her husband meander through a market in Sicily

She shielded her face from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, but her husband King Willem-Alexander stuck to his usual, formal style

The Queen had a huge smile for well-wishers who whipped out their cameras to take a snap

Leoluca Orlando, Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander Dutch waved at the crowds from the balcony

The short flight to the island was the second plane trip in as many days for the Dutch royals, who arrived at Ciampino in Rome on Tuesday.

Italy pulled out all the stops to welcome them, with dignitaries lining the red carpet to greet the couple, and a pretty bunch of flowers swiftly presented to the Queen.

Queen Maxima, a mother of three, wore suede heels that matched her dress, and carried a coordinating clutch bag.

Her husband King Willem-Alexander braved a scorching Italian summer's day in a formal suit and tie.

The Argentinian-born Queen looked delighted to touch down in Italy, smiling as she greeted members of the welcome party while toting her bouquet.

After gliding along the red carpet from the jet, the royal couple were whisked away from Ciampino in a chauffeur-driven car, accompanied by a motorcade.

Queen Maxima and her husband were flanked by security as they made their way around

The King and Queen looked pleased to be sampling some of the food on offer to them

The couple were given a red carpet to walked on when they stepped off the plane

King Willem-Alexander smiled as he shook the hands of those who had gathered to meet them

The couple looked as though they were listening intently as they sat and spoke to people

Queen Maxima kept her wide brimmed hat on indoors and looked to be in high spirits

The Dutch queen kept her flowers in one hand as she walked around the market
News / Regional

by Adam Cruise

More than 14 elephants, including a mother and her young calf, have been poisoned in and around Zimbabwe's premier game reserve, Hwange National Park. Most of the poisoned elephants died near the south of the park. Some had their tusks hacked off. The others were found outside the northern sector of the park in state forestry land.It was reported earlier this week that ten elephants had died from poison but since then four more carcasses have been discovered. Colin Gillies Vice-Chairman of the Matabeleland branch of Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ), an organization that conducts annual elephant counts in Hwange, says the lush vegetation from good seasonal rains has been hampering the search.The use of poison has become the increasing modus operandi for poachers targeting elephants for their tusks. Since 2013, this appalling method of poaching has killed hundreds of elephants throughout Zimbabwe. And it's not just elephants that are dying. Predators and scavengers such lions, hyenas, jackals and vultures endure a slow and agonizing death after eating the stomach and intestines of the dead elephants, while other animals like antelope and zebra have succumbed after drinking the poison from contaminated buckets or poison-laced waterholes and salt licks.The poachers use a dilute sodium cyanide solution and, in some cases, paraquat, a powerful agricultural herbicide that is extremely toxic to humans and animals.Both cyanide and paraquat are readily available In Zimbabwe. Paraquat, although banned in the European Union, is used by farmers in Zimbabwe to kill weeds and grasses and the cyanide-based solution is common with Zimbabwe's hundreds of thousands of informal miners, colloquially called 'makorokoza', to dissolve and separate gold or silver from ore.These poisons lately have become the preferred method, as it's a silent means of killing large mammals since the sound of rifle shots alerts rangers to their whereabouts.Gillies says: "Almost all the poisoned elephant carcasses in Hwange National Park have generally been discovered along the remote southern and north-eastern border of the National Park." He explains these areas are far from the main tourist camps and are notoriously difficult for rangers to patrol effectively. "The few crude vehicle tracks there," he says, "are difficult to negotiate at the best of times but they become completely inaccessible during the wet season."What's more, this unfenced section of the park borders the isolated and impoverished rural lands of the Tsholotsho District. The tribal lands are situated on the eastern edge of the Kalahari Desert and lie atop the dry and porous infertile Kalahari sand, so even though small-scale farming is the sole means of economy here, the soil is insufficient for any commercial cultivation. Dams and waterholes contain water only after heavy rains, and even then it's not for long. Drought is a regular feature among these hard-pressed communities who must also contend with national coffers that are just as dried out.It's therefore unsurprising many villagers turn to the relatively profitable and easier prospect of poaching wild animals. A successful ivory poacher here would be able sell a single tusk for around R4000, a small-fortune for any farmer in this arid region.The Zimbabwean National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority have responded to the problem with force. Park rangers have been given a clear shoot-to-kill policy from Government for any poachers they find within a national park. Those caught alive are given an automatic jail sentence of nine-years, if found with ivory or poison."Magistrates in Zimbabwe are willing to enforce this heavy sentence," says Trevor Lane, co-founder of the Bhejane Trust, a non-profit organisation that monitors poaching activities in Hwange, "as a result there is a high rate of successful convictions."In this last incident, National Park rangers responded rapidly. A bucket of poison was discovered and three arrests were made over the weekend. One of those arrested was found in possession of ivory.It is hoped this assertive approach will be an effective deterrent against this sort of poaching but for now the value of ivory and the desperation of poverty for many rural Zimbabweans seems to being outweighing the risks.
Turia Pitt has revealed she's going on a safari getaway with her fiance Michael Hoskin just a week after announcing her pregnancy.

Sharing the news to her fans via email on Thursday, the 29-year-old said the pair are flying to Africa for a holiday for a 'few weeks'.

The burns survivor said she was 'absolutely frothing' because it would be the 'first proper holiday we'll have taken in a couple of years and I can't wait'.

Turia Pitt has revealed she's going on a safari getaway with her fiance Michael Hoskin

The 29-year-old athlete said the pair are flying to Africa for a holiday for a 'few weeks'

'We're heading to Namibia, where we're meeting a few friends and going on safari, travelling deep into the desert for a few weeks,' she said.

'This is my opportunity to connect with Michael, explore a new part of the world and have some space to think more clearly about what the future holds.'

The athlete - who suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body - said she will be switching off technology when she embarks on the trip.

'I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to just switch off for a while,' she said.

'Life is busy. We're always firing off emails, scrolling through the 'gram [Instagram] and getting through our growing To Do list.

'Now, there's nothing wrong with being busy! I really do love grinding away in my business, making progress and setting new benchmarks for myself.

'But there's a big difference between working IN your life and working ON your life.'

The 29-year-old said the couple are heading to Africa for a holiday for a 'few weeks'

The athlete said she will be switching off technology when she embarks on the safari trip

The expectant mother explained she always finds her best ideas come to mind when she takes time out.

'When you're not stuck in the everyday detail, you can see the bigger picture of your life more clearly,' she continued.

And if you are planning to unwind, Turia's tip? Organise to be disconnected.

'Put an out-of-office on your email, set up voicemail on your phone, pay your bills and put a hold on gym payments, ask the neighbours to water your plants - whatever you can do now to minimise the stress of being away, do it,' she said.

Turia explained she always finds her best ideas come to mind when she takes time out

She discovered her pregnancy only days before she was meant to hike Mount Everest

'It's important to me, so I've prioritised it and made plans for it to be as stress free as it possibly can be.

'On that note, I better run - I've got a few last minute things to organise before we head off.'

Her newsletter comes after she revealed she discovered her pregnancy just days before she was due to hike Mount Everest.

The couple have both chosen boy and girl names for their child who is due in December.
Advertisement

There were a few sore heads this morning at the Glastonbury Festival after revellers continued the party well into the night, following scorching temperatures on the first day of the famous event.

And while some might opt for a bacon sandwich after a big night, some spirited individual chose a rather more edgy breakfast of hippy crack.

Revellers could be seen inhaling balloons filled with laughing gas just as the sun was making a tentative first appearance.

The balloons contain nitrous oxide - a colourless, sweet tasting gas that has been used recreationally since the late 18th century.

It's cheap and it reliably produces a short-lasting euphoria as well as heightened senses and a slight feeling of disconnect from the body.

Revellers were seen starting the party very early by breakfasting on so-called 'hippy crack' for breakfast

A girl stretches out on the grass after apparently enjoying a balloon of nitrous oxide with her friend

Rise and shine! Sleepy music fans were eager to keep napping on the grass after a long night of partying

Music fans were seen reclining on the grass beside the famous stone circle after the partying that followed the hottest day of the year

Revellers seemed to enjoying balloons filled with laughing gas, which provides short-lived feeling of euphoria and is perfectly legal

Rather than coffee and a bacon sandwich to blow the cobwebs away, some party animals opted for balloons filled with laughing gas

Revellers sleep by the Stone Circle at Worthy Farm in Somerset after a hard night of partying

A man clutching balloons smokes a cigarettes as the festival starts to come to life on the second day

Ready to do it all again? Music fans start to emerge from their tents on the second day of Glastonbury

Attendees relax by the Stone Circle at Worthy Farm on the second day of Glastonbury, which begins in earnest tomorrow

The party never stops! Revellers sing and dance by the Stone Circle early on Thursday morning

Peace and quiet: A lone reveller relaxes by the stone circle before the festival comes to life on Thursday morning

Music fans relax and burn candles by the stone circle as they prepare for another day of fun at Glastonbury

Two sleepy campers get some shut eye on portable chairs in front of a food stand

Today festival goers will attempt to create the biggest human peace sign, beating the current record of 5,814 participants.

WHAT IS HIPPY CRACK? Nitrous oxide is known as 'hippy crack' or laughing gas for the euphoria it induces The gas, a propellant in aerosols and mildly anaesthetic, is a perfectly legal recreational drug of choice for the middle classes. Nevertheless, there have been several fatalities associated with the drug. A 23-year-old company director was found dead at his home in 2007 next to a large cylinder of the gas, and comedian Martin Cassidy died in 2009 after he accidentally overdosed. In 2015, Ally Calvert, 18, died after apparently inhaling the gas at a party. Advertisement

Thousands of people are expected to gather in the Stone Circle in Kings Meadow at 12pm to send a 'message of peace to the world'.

Beth Llewellyn, organiser of the Peace Garden in the Green Fields, is behind the record attempt - which comes after terror attacks in London and Manchester.

She said: 'I thought 'Why don't we get together in the fields, and make this sign around the Stone Circle with people whose intent is for peace and not to be threatened by the few?'

'We're just doing it for love. I'm really looking forward to it.'

Last night music fans covered their faces with glitter and slipped into their sparkly party gear as they prepared for the festivities of the night ahead, after watching the sun set over Worthy Farm in Somerset.

Earlier in the day, 200,000 people descended on the site, with festival-goers risking heatstroke as temperatures soared to 31 degrees (87.8F).

However, it is not expected to be as hot on Thursday - with highs of 23C predicted - and thunderstorms set to hit the festival site.

On Wednesday, the scorching highs of 31 degrees (87.8F) made it the festival's hottest ever day, beating the record 27.3C (81.14F) set in 1989 and 2010, according to Met Office records.

All that glitters! Performer Fairylove puts on a very eye-catching display in glittery hotpants and heart-shaped nipple pasties, with a sprinkling of a gold body dust

That's one way to attract customers! Fairylove who make bespoke wings and costumes put on a show outside their pop up shop

Festival goers gathered in their thousands in an attempt to break the world record for the largest peace sign

A festival goer asleep outside her tent as the sun starts to come up at Glastonbury

Police officers on patrol at the Glastonbury Festival where security has been tightened in the wake of recent terror attacks

While boho outfits teamed with wellies are typically the backbone of festival fashion, they were usurped by beachwear as revellers stripped down to their bikini tops on the first day of the festival.

Worthy Farm isn't the only place sweltering across the UK; Heathrow in west London had recorded temperatures of 34.5C (94.1F) by 4pm, the highest for June since the 35.6C (96F) recorded in Southampton on June 28 1976.

The 40-year high  which is the hottest summer solstice on record  has been recorded as parts of Britain swelter in the fifth consecutive day with temperatures above 30C (86F).

Revellers at Glastonbury Festival continued the party well into the night, following scorching temperatures on the first day of the famous event

Festival-goers covered their faces with glitter and slipped into their party gear as they prepared for the evening's festivities

Earlier in the day, 200,000 people descended on the site, with music fans risking heatstroke on the Somerset festival's as temperatures soared to 31 degrees

A pair of illuminated dragons lit up the campsite as revellers partied into the night on the first day of the festival

Festival-goers sat around and chatted as candles lit up the Worthy Farm site in Somerset on Wednesday night

Crowds gathered to watch the stunning firework display above the camp site as festivities continued well into the night

Revellers put on their glitter and sequins as the parties carried on into the early hours of the morning on Wednesday

Festival-goers were seen dancing into the night outside the Beat Hotel bar (left); as a large bonfire was lit on the site (right)

Fireworks lit up the sky over Glastonbury Festival to mark the end of the first day, with the whole site illuminated by lights

The impressive display topped off a glorious first day at the festival, which saw scorching highs of 31 degrees (87.8F)

Music fans waved their hands in the air as they sat back and enjoyed the beautiful evening on the first day of the festival

One reveller was seen applying glitter on her friend's face, after the pair slipped into their crop tops for the night ahead

A group of friends were seen taking selfies in front of the famous Glastonbury sign, as dusk descended on the festival site

Earlier in the day, women arriving at the event were more than happy to be sprayed down with a cool hose as they arrived in their bikinis and hot pants

Crowds bathed themselves in the glorious sunshine at a festival that is better known for its rain showers and mud

Another festival-goer took a selfie of her glitter-covered face, as dusk descended upon Worthy Farm on Wednesday

But the hottest prolonged spell in June since the drought summer of 1976 is set to come to an end, as a cold front sweeps across the UK overnight.

There are also weather warnings in place for Wednesday afternoon and evening, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for parts of southern Scotland, northern England, north Wales and the Midlands.

But back at Worthy Farm, revellers found their own way to cool off. Some took shelter under trees or carried parasols, but others braved it in bikini tops and hot pants, while male ticket holders were equally quick to strip off their shirts and go topless.

One reveller slipped into an embellished crop top and high-waisted sequin pants for the first night of the festival

A pair of friends looked to be in very high spirits as they shared a hug (left); while one woman showed off her very eccentric ensemble (right)

Crowds sat back and relaxed as the sun set over the Worthy Farm site, as campers prepared for their first night under the stars

Pictured are a series of luxury yurts on the festival site, as music fans enjoyed a stunning sunset over the Somerset farm

Crowds of revellers basked in the sunshine as they partied into the evening, before spending their first night under the stars

A group of friends donned their angel wings and denim shorts as they posed for photographs at the festival

Festival-goers lay back on beanbags as crowds gathered to watch the sun go down over the famous Somerset site

One reveller showed off her sheer skirt as the sky was filled with shades of orange and pink (left); while another played with bubbles as the sun set (right)

Festival-goers were in their full summer gear on the sizzling first day, with floaty tops and boho dresses out in full force

Revellers looked relaxed as they watched the sun set over the festival site, following the hottest ever day at Glastonbury

A woman looked delighted as she blew bubbles into the sky, while other festival-goers at Worthy Farm watched on

A group of revellers wearing their sparkly party gear flashed big smiles as they took a selfie on the first evening of the festival

Festival-goers looked to be in extremely high spirits as they enjoyed the glorious sunshine at Glastonbury

Huge crowds gathered on the hill at Worthy Farm to watch the sun set over the sprawling festival site

Revellers who were desperate to escape the sun were even seeing lying under a hedge to take advantage of the shade. Others indulged in a water fight while a canny group of camping field stewards filled up the paddling pool.

Dozens of people had to be treated for heat stroke after waiting for hours to get in to this year's Glastonbury on possibly the hottest day in the festival's history.

By 2pm more than 38 people were being treated in the medical centre, with many more being looked after where they fell, by on-site paramedics and medical teams as people struggled in the heat and that number is expected to rise into triple figures by the end of today.

Lisa Morris, 45 Kirstie Difford, 23, Amy Grant, 20, and SJ Smallpage, 36, throw water over each other from jugs to cool down

Well it is bikini weather! Lucy Pratt,22 , Emily Muntz,21 and Imogen Stuckes, 22, from Somerset soak up the sunshine

A stunning rainbow formed as revellers were sprayed with water as they cool down at Worthy Farm

A fully-clothed reveller was treated to a freezing cold spritz of water as she made her way inside the festival loaded up with her bags

Festival goers stripped off into their bikinis in an attempt to catch an all-over glow during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton

Camping field stewards use a paddling pool to stay cool amid record-breaking temperatures for the festival

Two women were clearly sweltering in the heat so were more than happy to be doused with a hose

They may not have encountered any water sprinklers or hose pipes but two friends found a much more simple way to cool down

A woman looked ready to rock as she took out her hair scrunchie and danced in the sprinkler

Left: A man displayed some serious sunburn as he slept outside of his tent in a patch of shade. Right: Two revellers made a patch of shade using cardboard boxes as they relaxed by a fence

Jolly festivalgoers stripped off to their summer clothes as they enjoyed dancing in the cool water sprays

In a desperate bid to shade themselves from the sun, people were seen lying under hedges

Bikini tops and hotpants became one of the afternoon's most popular looks as ticket holders did their best to cool down

Festival goer Amy Grant, 20 from Bath cools down by pouring water over her face

Off to the beach girls? These friends were feeling happy that they had brought their bikinis for one of the hottest days of the year

People rest in the shade under a table while having a snack during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm

Ticket holders were eager to take advantage of any small patch of shade they could find

Adele Lockie from Surrey, shelter from the sun in the Hammock Area

Here come the girls! Scantily-clad women donned hotpants and bralets with wellies for the event

A good excuse for a sweet treat! Friends enjoy an ice cream as they start gearing up for the Glastonbury festival

A woman sits in a hammock as temperatures reach record levels at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton on June 21

Parasols look set to replace wellies as the most popular accessory at this year's festival

Harriet Barrow from London, Verity and Hannah Woolnough shelter from the Sun under a sign

A festival goer wears a makeshift hat to shield his head from the sun at Glastonbury

Left: One man donned a fun sombrero, whilst another wore a colourful umbrella hat. Right: Two ladies took shade under a telephone box in the scorching heat

Festival-goers took off their shirts inside one of the tents as they roasted in the scorching heat on the first day of the festival

'This is for a range of incidents and not just related to the heat,' a spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service added.

At one point the queues were more than three and a half hours long in the blistering heat but a new security gate system, with bag searches and turnstiles actually helped speed up the flow, regular festival-goers said.

The longest queues came by mid-morning, when the heat was recorded at 27C and rising.

People arriving were channelled into a special queuing field and meandered around a series of barriers before being let inside in groups of around 100 into the security zone entrances.

Even by mid-morning the heat was taking its toll and medical staff and stewards were advising people to make sure they had hats and water before entering the back of the queue.

A spokesman for South West Ambulance said: 'If you are heading to the Glastonbury Festival it is really important you take plenty of water with you, wear a hat and put on suncream.

Hottest June day since 1976 as temperatures rise above 34C Temperatures soared above 34C as the UK saw its hottest June day since 1976, the Met Office has said. Heathrow in west London had recorded temperatures of 34.5C (94.1F) by 4pm, the highest for June since the 35.6C (96F) recorded in Southampton on June 28 1976. The 40-year high  which is the hottest summer solstice on record  has been recorded as parts of Britain swelter in the fifth consecutive day with temperatures above 30C (86F). But the hottest prolonged spell in June since the drought summer of 1976 is set to come to an end, as a cold front sweeps across the UK overnight. There are also weather warnings in place for Wednesday afternoon and evening, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for parts of southern Scotland, northern England, north Wales and the Midlands. The Met Office warned of the potential for torrential downpours, frequent lightning, very large hailstones and strong gusts of wind, which could lead to localised flooding and temporary disruption of power supplies. Chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: 'The high pressure that has dominated our weather of late is starting to move away, allowing fresher air in from the west. 'A cold front that will pass through the UK will mark an end to the hot spell of weather in the south and bring cloudier skies and lower temperatures.' The sweltering temperatures have seen 'unprecedented demand' for ambulance services in London, with people fainting, collapsing and becoming unconscious in the heat. Advertisement

Wise move! People followed advice to lather up with sunscreen and drink plenty of water

The festival doesn't start in earnest until Friday, leaving plenty of time to relax in the sun

Festival-goers enjoy the glorious weather conditions on what's believed to be the hottest day in the history of the notoriously rainy and muddy event

Popular spot! People took refuge from the sun under a tree as they sought respite from baking temperatures

People gather by the bar to take advantage of a cooling spray of water

These friends were among the few who were brave enough to sit out in the sun, although one wisely shaded herself with an umbrella

People walk around the festival site as temperatures reach record levels at the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm

Chilling time! Once people were settled into the campsite they had the opportunity to lie in the shade and relax

The music hasn't even started yet! A female festival goer shakes her hips to show off her tasseled skirt

The first train from London Paddington arrives at Castle Cary station in Somerset delivering thousands of revellers

People shelter from the sun in the Hammock Area during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset

Friends stroll by the The Park at Glastonbury while others sought refuge from the blazing sun

'Long queues are expected at the festival entrance as extra security checks are put in place,' he added.

Simon Taylor 24, from Salisbury, Wilts, was lucky enough to queue before the heat built up: 'It's not been too bad,' he said as he waited at the head of the queue to enter the security zone.

'We got here at 6.50am, faffed around a bit and then we've been queuing for just over two hours to get to this point,' he said.

The numbers in the queue dropped off by midday as temperatures hit 31C and continued to rise and those emerging from the entry process said they had only had to wait half an hour in the heat.

Before Wednesday, the hottest days at the festival were in 2010 and 1989, when temperatures reached 27.3C and in those years, revellers were left with heat stroke and exhaustion.

Thirsty work! Festival goers were warned to be prepared for queuing in the heat and to take measures to avoid sunstroke

Let's hope they brought their wellies! While temperatures are soaring today, rain forecast for tonight could bring on the famous Glastonbury mud

Isn't it a little hot for that? Covering your head in the sun is wise, but perhaps a furry number isn't the best when its 30C

Amy Grant, 20, and SJ Smallpage, 36, throw water over each other to cool down

You might be needing those later! Rain is expected later tonight, signalling the return of the infamous Glastonbury mud

One too many crates? A man took a tumble as he tried to pull along a cart heavily loaded with alochol

Taking a breather: A woman stretches out on top of her luggage to soak up the sun

Revellers were warned not to drink alcohol in the queue and to wear sunscreen as they entered the festival

We love the sunshine! These friends didn't seem flustered by the record temperatures

However, the spokesman urged those travelling to the festival to wear a hat and sun cream and take plenty of water.'

While going to a music festival may conjure up images of being left covered in mud and looking the worse for wear after several days of partying image-conscious revellers were determined to at least start off looking their best.

Female festival goers turned up this morning as the gates at Worthy Farm in Somserset opened with their hair in rollers.

In recent years the festival has seen a surge in pop up 'vanity vans' offering treatments from pedicures to spray tans to image conscious music fans who will be sharing their festival selfies with hundreds of contacts on social media.

Colourful braids are also a popular look among this year's bunch of Glastonbury-goers with many sporting vivid hair extensions.

Here come the girls: Friends share the load as they make their way to the campsite

Party time! The music doesn't start until Friday, but people are already feeling the excitement

Image-conscious music fans are turning up to Glastonbury with their hair in rollers to look their best for their festival selfies

They may well end the weekend covered in mud, but many female festival goers are determined to start out looking their best

Colourful braided hair extensions are also a popular choice among this years' crop of music fans at Glastonbury

Although she kept it casual in a tracksuit, Amy Dulligan from Manchester was keen to make sure her hair looked on point

Did you come straight from the hairdressers? With social media selfies in mind, festival goers are not content with looking scruffy

Selfie time! With attendees set to share their festival photos with hundreds of people on social media, they're determined to look their best

The gates opened at the site this morning and excited revellers clad in colourful costumes, hotpants and typical festival garb are queuing to get through increased security measures, stepped up in the wake of recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Anna Harris and Georgia Nightingale, both 25, from south London, set off at 1.30am and entered the gates at 8.10am.

Miss Harris, who has attended the festival for the past three years, said: 'Security does seem stricter this year, they were checking bags.

Despite keeping the sun off with an umbrella and a hat, this reveller couldn't avoid the dreaded sweat patches

A man covers his head with a t-shirt amid warnings from organisers to take precautions against sunstroke

Making themselves at home! Friends carry an inflatable mattress into the camp site

Two men shelter from the hot sunny weather with two small pretty brightly coloured umbrellas

Festival goers are subjected to security checks and bag searches as soon as they arrive on site

At one with nature! A festival goer soaks up the sun while perched on top of the stone circle

Chilling with a cider! These friends were eager to whip off their shirts as they battled soaring temperatures

Women carrying air beds to their campsite as they setlle in for the next few days

PC Sims and PC Williams from Glastonbury enjoy an ice-cream at Worthy Farm

This music fan put on an eye-catching display in a tie dye jumper teamed with a sequinned bum bag (left). A purple-haired festival goer arrives with a trolley full of cider (right)

Hitching a ride! Darrell Ridewood, 33 from Midsomer Norton and Amy Wiggins, 29 from Leeds cleverly piled all their booze into a wheelbarrow

Taking shelter! This woman wisely brought along a pretty parasol to shield her from the sun's rays

'There were some checks but there are so many people and it is so hot. The queues were better than I thought they would be.'

Joe Stacey, 23, from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, who set off at 3am said: 'Security was much tighter than it usually is. They were searching every single person. The queues were staggered too, we were separated into lines.'

His friend, Devoney Payne, 22, from Frome, Somerset, said: 'Every person had their bag checked. There were police dogs and we saw a metal detector.'

Despite the temperatures the infamous Glastonbury mud could still make an appearance.

Heavy showers and a thunderstorm are predicted on Wednesday night, but luckily most people seemed to be prepared with wellies.

Founder Michael Eavis greeted those queueing outside as the green metal gates opened this morning, saying: 'Hooray! Welcome to Glastonbury.'

Shows on the seven biggest stages start on Friday, but rucksack-lugging revellers like to get there early to secure a decent spot to pitch their tents in.

'There were some checks but there are so many people and it is so hot. The queues were better than I thought they would be,' said Anna Harris, 25, from south London, who was among the first to get in.

Fully loaded! Some revellers looked like they were moving house as they arrived with mountains of luggage

Tens od thousands of people are expected to descend on the Glastonbury Festival of Music and Performing Arts over the next few days

Selfie ready! A girl sporting blue braids and pink flowery wellies stood out from the crowd

Ready to party! The music doesn't start until Friday but excited revellers are already getting into the spirit of things

One girl stood out from the crowd in a star print bikini top, glittery make-up and pom pom earrings

Friends make their way to the campsite after going through heightened security to gain access to the festival

Festival goers cool themselves down with fans. The Met Office has warned the scorching temperatures will reach 33 degrees in some parts of the country on Wednesday

Revellers putting on the sun cream at the Glastonbury Festival as the UK braces for the hottest June day for 40 years

That's one way to beat the heat! A novelty umbrella hat and a can of cider goes a long way in a heatwave

Feeling the burn: Temperatures could reach 30C at the 900-acre Somerset site - 10C higher than usual - in the lead-up to the world-famous event

Revellers wisely take a break to beat the heat with an ice cream

Delighted to be here! All 135,000 tickets have sold out, with a further 40,000 people accredited to attend

Tickets cost 238 ($300, 270 euros) and all 135,000 have sold out, with a further 40,000 people accredited to attend.

'It's like going to another country, a hip and thrilling Brigadoon that appears every year or so,' the festival said.

'You enter a huge tented city, a mini-state under canvas. British law still applies, but the rules of society are a bit different, a little bit freer. Everyone is here to have a wild time in their own way.'

The festival, hosting a population of 200,000, is being headlined by Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran.

Johnny Depp will make an appearance, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to give a talk and introduce US rap duo Run The Jewels.

Police and festival organisers have warned that extra security checks will take place after recent attacks in London and Manchester.

Avon and Somerset Police have said there is 'no intelligence' to suggest a specific threat to the festival.

A reveller flashed her legs in a green leopard print skirt with a daring side slit. Another kept it simple in a black dress and khaki jacket

Kick up your heels! They may have faced an early start, but it certainly didn't dampen spirits among ticket holders

Well stocked! This pair certainly won't have to worry about queuing for the bar over the weekend

Tired already! A woman looked a little fed up as she lugged her belongings to the campsite

A reveller is searched as she arrives at Worthy Farm in Somerset for the Glastonbury Festival

Is that your teddy bear? A woman came with a furry backpack strapped to her luggage

It's finally here! A festival goer beams as she gets her wristband at the entrance to the festival

Glastonbury Festival has tweeted advice to people travelling to the festival in the heat to take precautions against sunstroke, tweeting: 'If you're queuing in the heat drink lots of water. If you don't have enough, ask the stewards and security.

'Don't drink alcohol in the queue. It will dehydrate you. Take off your rucksack - it is insulating you and stopping you from losing heat.

'Loosen your clothing and allow the air to circulate. Seek shade from wherever you can. Wear hats or improvise a hat.

People hauled their belongings on trolleys and backpacks as they made their way to the festival in sweltering temperatures

Even being on crutches wasn't going to keep this music fan away from the much-anticipated event

Ready for a cold one? Festival goers makes their way to the campsite with boxes of beer

A woman joins the hordes and pushes her luggage along towards the campsite

'Reapply sunscreen and cover up. Factor 30 is good but covering your skin is better. If you have young children or you are a vulnerable adult, make yourself known to security. If you feel ill or faint, seek help from stewards and security.'

Festival-goers sought shade under trees and enjoyed ice creams to keep cool.

Public Health England's South West Centre urged people to 'be prepared' for queuing in the heat.

It tweeted a link to the NHS information page for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Meteorologist Alex Deakin, from the Met Office, added: 'It is going to be a hot, hot start to the festival this year.

The Somerset Festival, which Michael Eavis started in 1970 when several hundred hippies paid just 1, now attracts more than 200,000 people. Pictured, Mr Eavis welcomes revellers

Anna Harris (right) and Georgia Nightingale (centre), both 25, arrive at the festival in colourfully adorned hats

Police sniffer dogs check the bags of the first wave of early arrivals at the Glastonbury festival

Sniffer dogs are assisting the police as festival-goers face heightened security at the festival

Tens of thousands of music fans arrive for the world famous Glastonbury music festival at Worthy Farm, in Somerset

Festival goers wait for the gates to open amid heightened security this year, in the wake of terror attacks in Manchester and London

Will they need their wellies? Festival goers made their way through the gates loaded with heavy bags and tents

Start as you mean to go on! A festival goer enjoys a cider in the queue for the festival gates to open

As some 200,000 people descend on the site, this year could see the hottest festival on record with temperatures expected to soar above 93F

Temperatures could reach 30C at the 900-acre Somerset site - 10C higher than usual - in the lead-up to the the world-famous event

'It could be one of the hottest days we've actually recorded at the festival, temperatures may get to 30C.

'But then there will be a big change, it turns cooler and much fresher, and although there's not a lot of rain in the forecast for this year's festival, there is the risk of seeing a thunderstorm on Wednesday night.

'Certainly for Wednesday itself - queuing in cars, setting up the tent - it is going to be hot.

'After that, there's a small chance of some showers but it is much, much cooler and much fresher as the music gets under way.'

The Met Office is advising people to bring a Pac a Mac and sun lotion in readiness for the unpredictable British weather

Michael Eavis walks through the gates to greet the first festival goers, minutes before he is due to open the festival

People made their way into the festival at daybreak, on what is set to be the hottest day of the year

More than 20 couples will take part in ancient handfasting ceremonies at Glastonbury to bind themselves together. During the ceremony, on the site's Healing Field, the couple's hands are tied together using a special cord - literally 'tying the knot'

The eclectic Somerset festival is renowned around the world for its hippy and bohemian vibe

People have been patiently waiting for hours to get onto the site and set up their tents for the weekend

Stringent security measures have been put in place this year, with more police in place to keep revellers safe

There have only been eight years when Glastonbury Festival has seen no rainfall - so no doubt music fans will be keen to soak up some rays

Police and festival organisers have warned that extra security checks will take place after recent attacks in London and Manchester

Precious cargo! A festival goers secures a supply of booze to a trolley with brown tape

Taking a breather already! When there's days of partying ahead it's crucial to conserve your energy

There have only been eight years when Glastonbury Festival has seen no rainfall.

The hottest days were in 2010 and 1989, when temperatures reached 27.3C - leaving some revellers with heatstroke and exhaustion.

Ticket-holders staying in camper vans and caravans were allowed entry from midday on Tuesday - with other festival-goers entering from 8am on Wednesday.

Catching 40 winks: Music fans started to queue at dawn to gain access to the site

Thumbs up! An excited music fan looked thrilled to finally get through the gates of the festival, even though the music doesn't start until Friday

Jeremy Corbyn will appear at Glastonbury this summer - a year after he was forced to pull out because of the Brexit referendum, and will introduce US leftie rap duo Run the Jewels and address the crowds from the stage

Those already on site have posted on social media about bag checks, with some vehicles and property searched by sniffer dogs.

Organisers and police have urged attendees to pack light, place luggage tags or ID on all bags and expect searches.

'Like the rest of the UK, festival-goers should be alert but not alarmed,' Assistant Chief Constable Caroline Peters said.

Time for a spot of sunbathing. With two days to go until any acts appear, there's plenty of time to chill out on site

Exciting times! This woman looked delighted to finally arrive and get settled in

Revellers wisely took refuge under the shade of a huge tree to escape the midday sun

A group of Glastonbury revellers have posted images on Facebook boasting about apparently breaking in to the festival.

An image appeared on the site of Sam Binks, 27, claiming to have breached security and made it into the world's biggest music event with five friends.

He shared a photo of the group sitting at the Stone Circle in the early hours of Tuesday with the caption: 'Landed in Glastonbury after a hard break in. So far 5 out of 12 have made it!'

Well prepared! People came armed with everything from waterproof jackets and beer to roll up sleeping mats

Sam, according to social media, is from Stourbridge, West Midlands. The electrician added: 'T bone is in a portaloo on the outside. Only 5 of us got in. It was bad.'

When approached online for comment, Sam claimed the photo was not genuine.

He said: 'It was a hoax. Photos [sic] from two years ago.'

The festival, hosting a population of 200,000, is being headlined by Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran

Johnny Depp will make an appearance, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to give a talk and introduce US rap duo Run The Jewels

People loaded up crates filled with clothes, toiletries and supplies and wheeled them onto the site on trailers

There is a heavy police presence at the scene, with police cars guarding the gates as thousands make their way through

Even so, the post has so far racked up dozens of likes, with other Facebook users congratulating the fugitive festival-goers.

The festival's organiser, site owner Michael Eavis, has previously been criticised for having lax security.

In 2002, a 1m, 12ft 'super' fence was built to stop unauthorised access to the festival after it was estimated that 100,000 people broke into the 2000 event.

One of the most famous festivals in the world, Glastonbury has gone ahead despite recent terror attacks

Glastonbury Festival has been approached for comment.

The music extravaganza is expected to be the most shared live event of the year, with mobile network EE expecting 40 terabytes of data to be used.

The telecoms giant, the official technology and communications partner for the festival, will place a temporary 4G network across the site.

It is also providing free 4G Wi-Fi and phone charging on-site, including wireless charging for the first time.

Worthy Farm will have 10 information signs powered by urine, thanks to a new 40-person urinal near the Pyramid Stage.

The urine is converted into electricity thanks to technology developed by the University of the West of England.

A second 'Pee Power' site at the festival will charge lighting and mobile phones.

Glastonbury Festival takes place from Wednesday to Sunday.
Queen Maxima channeled Italian fashion as she stepped out at a car event in Rome with her husband.

The Dutch queen looked resplendent in a white, blue and red maxi dress, which she offset with a red clutch bag and red flower in her hair.

She was in high spirits as she posed with classic cars, including the Topolini (Fiat 500), in the Italian city on Thursday.

The couple later made a trip to Milan, where they joined Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, at the Cenacolo Vinciano in the Refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Queen Maxima looked resplendent in a white, blue and red maxi dress as she posed by some classic cars with her husband, King Willem-Alexander, in Rome, Italy, on Thursday

The Dutch king and queen are returning home from a state visit to the Vatican with a royal heirloom: the baton purportedly carried by William of Orange during the 16th century Dutch War of Independence from Spanish rule.

The head of the Jesuit religious order, the Rev. Arturo Sosa Abascal, handed over the wooden baton Thursday at a ceremony in the Apostolic Library after King Willem-Alexander and his Argentine-born wife, Queen Maxima, met with Pope Francis.

According to the Dutch royal household, Spanish Catholic forces took possession of the baton after they quashed the Protestant revolt headed by William of Orange at the Battle of Mookerheide in 1574.

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander posing with Topolini (Fiat 500)

Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands arrive for the visit at the Cenacolo Vinciano in the Refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The queen was glowing as she waved to the crowds in Milan later on in the day

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands leave the Cenacolo Vinciano in the Refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Queen was in high spirits as she greeted waiting wellwishers outside the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Maxima displayed her trim figure as she waved to waiting fans and wellwishers

The baton had been housed in a Jesuit convent in Spain. It's going on display at the Dutch military museum in Soesterberg.

Earlier on Thursday Queen Maxima wore all black to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican with her husband, King Willem-Alexander.

As is customary - though not mandatory - at Papal audiences, the Queen, who is Roman Catholic, covered her head with a traditional black lace mantilla to meet the Pontiff.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wore a black lace mantilla to meet Pope Francis in Vatican City during the Dutch royals' state visit to Italy

Pope Francis walks alongside the King and Queen of the Netherlands during a meeting at the Vatican on Thursday

The trio appeared to be deep in conversation at the Vatican. Queen Maxima hails from Pope Francis' native Argentina

Like Pope Francis, the Queen of the Netherlands was actually born in Buenos Aires.

At one point the pair appeared deep in conversation, with Maxima chatting animatedly to the Pontiff as her husband looked on.

Prior to their private audience with the Pope, the Dutch royals were greeted by Monsignor Han, Rector of the Church of the Frisians, which is the national church dedicated to the Netherlands.

Maxima and King Willem-Alexander are coming to the end of their four day state visit to Italy, which has seen them make a whirlwind trip to Sicily to browse a street market, and attend a concert by a Dutch violinist in Rome on Wednesday night.

The Dutch King and Queen enjoyed a private audience with the Pope at the Vatican

Queen Maxima wore top to toe black and a traditional black lace veil to greet the Pope

The royal pair also visited the Dutch Friezenkerk at Vatican City on Thursday

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander meet Monsignor Han, Rector of the Church of the Frisians, which is next to St Peter's Square in Rome

The Queen pulled out all the stops on the red carpet at the Palazzo Colonna, in a pale pink gown that fell to the floor in soft tiers, teamed with dazzling diamonds.

Maxima added a discreet clutch, and a fan to stay cool in sweltering Italian summer temperatures.
The outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue has weighed in on the Queen's decision to wear a hat that drew widespread comparisons to the EU flag.

Alexandra Shulman, who will tomorrow step down from the fashion magazine, questioned whether Her Majesty had intended to make a statement at the Queen's Speech yesterday, pointing out that 'nothing is an accident in royal wardrobes'.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the editor also praised Theresa May for 'unashamedly' showing that she is interested in her appearance.

Fashion statement? Alexandra Shulman, left, the outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue, speculated whether the Queen had intended to send a message about the EU with her blue and yellow hat as she delivered the Queen's Speech at the Houses of Parliament yesterday, right

Causing a stir: Dozens took to Twitter to comment on the similarity between the Queen's hat and the EU flag. Today Miss Shulman admitted there are rarely 'accidents' in royal wardrobes

Miss Shulman, 49, reflected on her 25-year stint as the editor-in-chief of the British fashion bible.

She revealed the Queen was the one cover model she wished she had booked during her tenure, telling presenters Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid: 'I really wanted the Queen. Yes (we tried) but she wouldn't do it. We tried several times over 25 years.'

Yesterday the monarch, 91, provoked a social media storm with the blue and yellow outfit she wore to deliver the Queen's Speech in Westminster.

She wore a periwinkle blue hat featuring seven flowers - each with a small round centre - which some believed resembled the stars on the blue background of the EU flag. One confused Twitter user wrote: 'Is the Queen sending a message by wearing an 'European' hat? Blue with gold stars?'

Today Miss Shulman speculated whether the Queen was making a political fashion statement.

Praise: Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Miss Shulman, left today, said she 'admired' the Prime Minister, right, for 'unashamedly showing that she is interested in her appearance

'I wonder whether that was actually what she was actually planning to do, or not,' she said. 'I tend to think nothing is an accident in royal wardrobes, I think they are amazing at how they plan and weave in little things.'

She continued: 'I do think that the Queen has this incredible way of not being anything remotely to do with fashion but always looking absolutely appropriate and also mesmerising, you just can't take your eyes off her.'

Miss Shulman also admitted she 'kicked herself' over her decision not to ask Theresa May to appear in British Vogue after the election - the Prime Minister instead appeared in the pages of American Vogue - saying it was 'her loss'.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's relationship with fashion, she said: 'One of the things I really admire about Theresa May is that she unashamedly shows that she's interested in how she looks.

Missed opportunity: Miss Shulman told presenters Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid that she 'kicked herself' for not asking Mrs May whether she wanted to appear in British Vogue

'It's been a bit of a kind of bugbear of mine, the fact that we tend to think if women seem to pay attention to fashion and the way they present themselves in anything other than the most bland way, then in some way they can't be taken seriously. And it's not like that in most other places in the world.

'So I do admire Theresa May for going out there and showing that she loves her shoes, she likes her clothes, she obviously cares about her jewellery. Obviously it's not the most important thing, but why shouldn't we have fun and celebrate how we look.'

Miss Shulman, who lives with her 21-year-old son and her journalist partner David Jenkins, is the worlds second longest serving Vogue editor-in-chief, beaten only by Anna Wintour in the US.

She will be succeeded by W Magazines fashion and creative director Edward Enninful in August, and says she has 'several holidays' planned over the coming months.
The nation watched with baited breath as the monarch arrived at Westminster yesterday to deliver the Queen's speech - but one member of the audience looked a little distracted.

Sat next to his mother in place of the Duke of Edinburgh, who had been taken ill with an infection, Prince Charles gazed into the distance with what some onlookers suggested was a vacant look in his eyes.

And eagle-eyed royal watchers were quick to pick up on it, with one amused Reddit user quipping: 'Some things change but state functions will always bore Charles.'

He posted an image of Wednesday's televised speech alongside an archive photo of a bored-looking four-year-old Prince at Westminster Abbey during his mother's 1953 coronation to illustrate his point.

And it seems that June day provided a flavour of what was to come, as the intervening years have seen the formalities of state functions apparently prove a little too much for Charles on more than one occasion...

Charles looks into the distance as the Queen delivers her speech in front of Parliament. One Redditor wrote: 'Some things change but state functions will always bore Charles'

Zzzzz! Charles with the Queen Mother, left, and Princess Margaret, right, in the royal box at Westminster Abbey watching the Coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II

Charles takes 40 winks as he joins his mother at the annual Braemar Highland Games at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in September 2013

The royal looks less than impressed as he rests his face in his hands while his mother looks on. Charles is a regular face at the sidelines of the annual Braemar Highlands Games

Seated next to his parents the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, Charles doesn't appear to be listening during the 2013 service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation
You might resent paying 5p for a carrier bag in your local supermarket but the biggest designers want you to fork out 174 times that price for one.

Fashion houses such as Balenciaga are selling designer handbags - that look identical to the bags they package their goods in - for eye-watering prices.

The Balenciaga Shopping Bag, a simple white calfskin bag with black handles emblazoned with the fashion house's name, is retailing for an extortionate 870.

Balenciaga has released yet another designer handbag, left, that costs 871 and looks identical to the bags they package their goods in, right

And while that seems a laughable amount for the average shopper, it seems that it's coveted among fashion fans - because it's already sold out.

It's not the first time that the fashion giant has unveiled a designer version of a staple.

The French luxury brand released a bag that's suspiciously similar to IKEA's iconic 'Frakta' tote, known for it's bright blue colour, its durability, and its absolutely massive size.

Whereas the IKEA 'Frakta' bag is made from 100% polypropylene, a recyclable material, the Balenciaga tote is composed of 'wrinkled, glazed leather.'

The handbags, pictured on the runway, are clearly coveted among fashion fans because the bag has already sold out online.

The Balenciaga Shopping Bag is a simple white calfskin bag with black handles emblazoned with the fashion house's name

The classic IKEA tote, right, will set buyers back all of 40p, whereas Balenciaga's 'Arena Extra-Large Shopper Tote Bag' is just a bit more expensive, at 1,693

Another key comparison is the price point. The classic IKEA tote will set buyers back all of 40p, whereas Balenciaga's 'Arena Extra-Large Shopper Tote Bag' is just a bit more expensive, at 1,693.

Rather than take offense to the replication of their design, IKEA appears to be praising the French brand for their design skills. In a statement to Today, an IKEA spokesperson said,

'We are deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag [...] Nothing beats the versatility of a great big blue bag.'

Last year, they copied another over-sized tote style with their version of the Thai laundry bag.

Earlier this year, they were mocked fort the 2,325 extra large lambskin printed tote that was branded 'hilariously stupid' by fashion fans because it looks exactly like a plastic blanket bag.

People pointed out out on Twitter that the luxe accessory resembles the same bag you probably threw away after dumping your blanket on your bed, which you probably paid less than 25 for.

Balenciaga were mocked for another 2,325 bag that bore a striking resemblance to a blanket bag
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Her husband Prince Philip is recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, but the Queen is determined to stick rigorously to her schedule.

The monarch attended Royal Ascot, one of her favourite events of the year, without her husband for the second day running with Prince Andrew stepping up to accompany her in the traditional carriage procession.

Her Majesty was resplendent in a fuchsia coat and hat, showing no signs of fatigue after a busy two days that saw her attend the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, before nipping back to Windsor to host a lunch and make it to Ascot in time for the first race.

Today, she was back again to present the prestigious Gold Cup, won by Big Orange who held off a late charge by defending champion Order of St George to win a thrilling edition of the feature race.

The winner's jockey James Doyle took the plaudits for a superb ride, but his heart went out to Italian star Frankie Dettori, who should have been riding him but for an injured arm that ruled him out of the meeting.

Despite the absence of her husband, the lifelong racing fan looked to be in her element, and beamed happily as she presented a prize to James Doyle.

Also in attendance this afternoon were her granddaughter's Beatrice and Eugenie who were equally fresh-faced after attending last night's V&A summer party.

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman, while her sister looked striking in fiery red.

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The Queen was joined in the carriage procession at Ascot by her son Prince Andrew, while her husband the Duke of Edinburgh continues to recover from an infection

The Queen looks delighted as she holds the trophy to be presented to the owner of the Gold Cup's winning horse, Big Orange

Revellers erupt with joy and throw their top hats in the air as Big Orange wins a thrilling Gold Cup race

The Queen presents an award to winning jockey James Doyle who stood in for injured Frankie Dettori

There can be no doubt that the Queen is in her element at Royal Ascot, which she's attended every year since 1952. The royal beamed as she joined the prize giving ceremony following the prestigious Gold Cup feature race

The Queen got an especially rapturous welcome from her daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman

Zara Tindall kept it summery in a white dress nipped in at the waist and a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill

Princess Eugenie looked striking in a fiery red dress with pleated detail on the bust, while Princess Anne plumped for emerald green

Princess Beatrice wore her hair plaited and completed the look with a jaunty ribbon on the end

Mike Tindall looked dapper in his smart Oliver Brown top hat and tails as he arrived in the parade ring (left) while Princess Eugenie strikes a coquettish pose (right)

Zara Tindall looked smart in a cream button down dress with a ruffle at the bust (left). Sophie Wessex also looked chic in cream, teaming her outfit with a neutral suede clutch bag (right)

Zara Tindall took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book and opted for a summery white frock, teamed with a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

Sophie Wessex also plumped for a white midi dress, and looked especially excited to see her mother-in-law the Queen, waving excitedly as she pulled up in her carriage.

The Queen, who is a life-long horse breeder has a runner - Maths Prize - in the Britannia Stakes, which could give the monarch her 24th Royal Ascot winner.

But the royals were no doubt disappointed to be enjoying the afternoon without the Duke of Edinburgh who left hospital this morning after being treated for an infection which forced him to miss the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot.

The Queen congratulates jockey James Doyle, who said he was feeling an incredible sense of pride in his winning horse

Zara Tindall kept her look neutral from head to toe (left). But there was nothing subtle about Princess Eugenie's fire engine red frock (right)

Princess Eugenie presents the trophy to Sheika Al Jalila, daughter of Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed, representing Godolphin after Benbatl wins The Hampton Court Stakes

Fresh as a daisy! It's been a busy week for the Queen who has also contended with the worry of her husband being in hospital, but she was showing no sings of strain as she enjoyed her favourite event of the year

Sophie Wessex looked pleased to see her mother-in-law, waving as she pulled up in her carriage

Sophie Wessex chats to the Queen's nephew Viscount David Armstrong-Jones, son of Princess Margaret (left). After missing the mark earlier this week in a frumpy black dress, Princess Eugenie was back on form in fiery red (right)

Punters were betting on the Queen choosing pink for Ladies Day and weren't left disappointed

Princess Anne, who is a lifelong racing fan, has been a regular fixture at Ascot this week (left). Bloodstock and Racing Advisor John Warren chats to Princess Eugenie (right)

Princess Beatrice catches up with her aunt by marriage, Sophie Wessex (left). The York girls were looking fresh-faced after their night at the V&A summer party (right)

Mike Tindall and his wife Zara stand to attention as they wait the arrival of the Queen in the Parade Ring

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum playfully tweaks his daughter Sheika Al Jalila's nose

The 96-year-old spent the last two nights King Edward VII's Hospital in London after suffering from an infection triggered by a 'pre-existing condition'.

The Duke, who was admitted on the advice of a doctor, left from the rear of the private hospital just before 10am today and was driven away.

The setback - which came amid a schedule of engagements that would challenge a man half his age - forced the Duke to miss the State Opening of Parliament and some of Royal Ascot.

Beatrice wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman (left). Sophie Wessex looked delighted to greet Mike Tindall (right)

The Queen, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice are seen entering the Parade Ring ahead of the Gold Cup

Princess Beatrice usually wears her auburn locks flowing around her shoulders, but today she opted for a fishtail braid (left). Princess Eugenie (right) wore a hat sprinkled with red flowers to match her dress

Princess Eugenie waves to the crowds as she travels by carriage with her sister and aunt Princess Anne

Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles (second left), The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (right) catch up in the parade ring

Prince Andrew complemented his mother's colour scheme with his choice of tie and button hole

Yesterday the Queen refused to miss one of the most important dates in her diary, despite having to attend the State Opening of Parliament.

Her Majesty gave the Queen's speech and arrived in time for the first race at 2.30, via a quick outfit change from blue brocade to sunny yellow.

Earlier in the day Labour MP Dennis Skinner left his cohorts in stitches as he joked about the Queen not wanting to miss one of her favourite events of the year.

Mind how you go! Princess Beatrice treads carefully across the grass in her spiky heels (left). Zara Tindall strides out of the Parade Ring with her husband Mike (right)

Zara Tindall chats to fellow racegoers as they wait the arrival of her grandmother the Queen

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is seen in the Parade Ring as she attends Royal Ascot 2017

The Queen was showing no signs of fatigue after a hectic day which saw her preside over the State Opening of Parliament before dashing back for Ascot

Princess Beatrice secured her hair in a fishtail plait tied with an on-trend ribbon

Zara Tindall wore her hair in a simple updo and sported a delicate pink hat (left). Her mother Princess Anne chose a green outfit and hat for the outing (right)

Prince Andrew gives a cheerful wave as he sits alongside his mother in the carriage on the way to Ascot

The Queen's hat featured a pretty tulip adornment and she teamed the ensemble with her trusty white gloves

The Queen is accompanied by Prince Andrew as they leave Windsor Castle in a convoy

As Black Rod invited MPs to the House of Commons to hear the Queen, Mr Skinner yelled: 'Yeah - better get your skates on, the first race is at half past two'.

MPs roared with laughter and even Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey, smirked at the quip about Theresa May disrupting Her Majesty's racing plans.

Her Majesty will today present the trophy to the winner of the prestigious Gold Cup.

The Duke of Edinburgh leaves the King Edward VII's hospital in west London after being admitted following an infection

Prince Philip is recuperating at Windsor following a short hospitalisation and will not attend Ascot this week

Yesterday the monarch left punters stumped after changing her hat, defying predictions she would wear blue.

'After seeing the Queen wear a blue hat for her speech in parliament, many punters expected her to remain in her clothing for Royal Ascot,' said Coral's John Hill.

'However, they were left disappointed when she was seen in her procession in a yellow hat, the second favourite in our betting.'

Racegoers wave and take pictures as the Queen arrives in the Parade Ring with Prince Andrew and racing manager John Warren

Princess Eugenie gestures as she strolls through the parade ring at Royal Ascot (left). Mike Tindall cut a very smart figure for the occasion in his top hat and tails (right)

She was no doubt disappointed that Prince Philip couldn't make it, but the Queen was still surrounded by her family on day three of Royal Ascot
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were all smiles as they stepped out of their Washington, D.C. home holding hands on Thursday.

Ivanka, 35, and Jared, 36, frequently leave for work at separate times, but this morning the couple looked blissfully happy as they walked out the front door of their home together.

The first daughter donned a $138 peach sheath dress featuring ruffles on the shoulders, pairing the frock with pale taupe heels, both of which are from her eponymous line.

All smiles: Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were photographed leaving their Washington, D.C. home on Thursday morning

Stunning: Ivanka, 35, looked elegant in a $138 peach frock featuring ruffles on the shoulders, which is from her eponymous fashion line

Look of love! Jared only had eyes for his wife as they walked out the front door of their home

The mother-of-three shielded her eyes from the morning with a pair of stylish aviators, and her log blond hair was straightened and loose around her shoulders.

Ivanka was the first one out the door this morning, but Jared only had eyes for his wife as he followed behind her.

Jared, who looked dapper in a slate gray suit and navy tie, had a binder under his arm, but that didn't stop him from chivalrously holding Ivanka's hand as they walked down the stairs.

Happy as can be: The two held hands as they walked down the stairs, and they both were grinning from ear to ear

Chivalrous: Although Jared was holding a binder, that didn't stop him from walking hand in hand with his wife

Feeling cheerful: Ivanka waved at the cameras as they walked towards the SUV waiting outside for them

On the go: The two stopped holding hands after they made their way to their SUV

The two were both grinning from ear to ear as they headed towards the black SUV that was waiting at the curb for them.

Later in the afternoon, Ivanka and Jared were photographed arriving at the American Leadership in Emerging Technology event held by President Donald Trump at the East Rooom in the White House.

Although they headed to the event together, they sat on opposite sides of the table during the event, and Ivanka had a pencil in her hand, ready to jot down notes.

Ivanka and Jared will presumably attend the congressional picnic being hosted by President Trump at the White House later in the day.

Despite their busy schedules and demanding roles in the White House, they looked like they didn't have a care in the world when they left their house this morning.

Working together: Jared and Ivanka were photographed arriving at the American Leadership in Emerging Technology event held by President Donald Trump at the White House

Focused on work: Although they arrived together, they sat apart while attending the event held in the East Room

Listening carefully: Ivanka held a pencil in her hand, ready to take notes during the event

Separated: Ivanka (far right) and Jared (second from right) sat on opposite ends of the table

Jared, Trump's son-in-law and chief Middle East adviser, arrived in Israeli on Wednesday for a daylong visit aimed at restarting long-dormant Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Although he barely spend 20 hours in the region, Jared met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, Israeli envoy in Washington Ron Dermer and American Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt, at Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem.

Later in the day, Jared met with and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Trump has tasked Kushner with the ambitious goal of laying the groundwork for what he calls the 'ultimate deal'  but deep divisions remain, clouding chances of a significant breakthrough in one of the longest crises in the Middle East.

Senior adviser: Jared arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday for peace talks. He is pictured with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Keeping busy: U.S. House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy welcomed Ivanka to a meeting at the Capitol on Wednesday

Dressing up: Ivanka was photographed wearing a heavy long-sleep top and a floral skirt as she left her house on Wednesday

Fun for the kids: Ivanka took to social media to share snapshots of her children, Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore (left to right) at the Navy Museum on Wednesday

Doting mom: 'It's a terrific place to teach kids about the great work of our amazing American sailors, past and present!' she wrote of the museum

Meanwhile, back in the U.S., 18 Democrats on the House Oversight Committee penned a letter to White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus questioning why Jared's security clearance hasn't been revoked.

The Democrats noted that Jared failed to disclose his meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and the CEO of a Russian state-owned bank when he applied for security clearance, allowing administration officials to say he'd had not such meetings.

While Jared was away on Wednesday, Ivanka stepped out by herself in a floral skirt by Dolce & Gabbana, which she paired with a heavy long-sleeve top, despite the warm summer temperatures in D.C.

Ivanka headed to Capitol Hill later that day to meet with House Republicans to discuss workplace and life balance issues.
Jennifer Lopez is a style icon that has high-end designer fashions at her fingertips.

While the Shades of Blue star has the power to pluck a look straight off a runway, she doesn't need luxury to look chic, and often sprinkles affordable items into her lavish ensembles.

She's been spotted out and about lately rocking budget-friendly brands that count several other A-listers as fans. FEMAIL reveals the labels that prove looking good doesn't have to come with a high price tag.

Daytime chic: Jennifer paired the NW top by Naked Wardrobe ($24) with Hermes Pants and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes while out with new boo Alex Rodriguez

NAKED WARDROBE: The online fashion boutique offers the latest trends in ready-to-wear and swim at an affordable price point. Producing limited quantities of each design, pieces are exclusive. Created with the intention of celebrating women of all shapes and sizes, the LA-based brand is favorite of many, including the Kardashian and Jenner sisters.

The NW Crop top by Naked Wardrobe, $24; nakedwardrobe.com

Left: Halt and Stare dress by Naked Wardrobe, $40; nakedwardrobe.com. Right: List of X's dress by Naked Wardrobe, $40; nakedwardrobe.com

Left: Back to Reality One-Piece by Naked Wardrobe,$40; nakedwardrobe.com. Right: One-Sided Love Bodysuit by Naked Wardrobe, $32; nakedwardrobe.com

Date night: Jennifer donned a two-piece set by Mistress Rocks while out in Paris with Alex. She paired the affordable set with Giuseppe Zanotti heels

MISTRESS ROCKS: The contemporary brand designs all their pieces in-house. Offering and array of body-hugging dresses and separates, their statement-making garments are for the girl who wants all eyes on her, a la J.Lo.

Muse Pale Pink Pencil Skirt by Mistress Rocks, $56; mistressrocks.com

Left: True Story Vegan Leather Perforated Mini skirt by Mistress Rocks, $70; mistressrocks.com. Right: Fate Satin Side Lace up Mini Dress by Mistress Rocks, $85; mistressrock.com

Left: Vegan Patent Leather Mini Skirt by Mistress Rocks, now $56; mistressrocks.com. Right: Stop There Cobalt Blue Pencil Skirt by Mistress Rocks, $70; mistressrocks.com

White hot: Snapping a pic of her look from every angle, Jennifer dons the 'Darcia' dress ($209) by House of CB dress with Giuseppe Zanotti heels

HOUSE OF CB: The London-based brand has become a favorite in Hollywood, counting J.Lo, Beyonce, Gigi Hadid, and the entire Kardashian Klan as fans. Their curve-hugging, head-turning designs are wallet friendly and always on trend. For the confident women who loves to flaunt her curves, House of CB is the perfect fit.



Darcia dress by House of CB, $209; houseofcb.com

Left: Raza jumpsuit by House of CB, $179; houseofcb.com. Right: Bardot Trousers, $135; houseofcb.com
They may have had a late night out at the V&A summer party but Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie didn't let it dampen their spirit as they arrived at Ascot on Thursday.

The chic sisters put on a strong sartorial display as they arrived with their grandmother, The Queen, Princess Anne and father, Prince Andrew.

Beatrice pushed the boundaries in a trendy blue colour block dress with a flared skirt and wore her hair in a quirky long plait beneath a white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman.

Chic sisters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie arrived at Ascot with the royal family despite a late night out at the V&A soiree on Wednesday night

Her sister, meanwhile, played it safe in a chic red dress with a plunging neckline and cinched-in waist.

After arriving in the royal carriage, the sisters mingled with Zara Phillips, who looked resplendent in a chic cream ensemble.

And while Prince Philip is recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, the Queen was determined to stick rigorously to her schedule alongside her family.

The monarch attended Royal Ascot, one of her favourite events of the year, without her husband for the second day running with Prince Andrew stepping up to accompany her in the traditional carriage procession.

Princess Eugenie waves to the crowds as she travels by carriage with her sister and aunt Princess Anne

The Queen, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice are seen entering the Parade Ring ahead of the Gold Cup

Mind how you go! Princess Beatrice treads carefully across the grass in her spiky heels (left). Zara Tindall strides out of the Parade Ring with her husband Mike (right)

Princess Beatrice secured her hair in a fishtail plait tied with an on-trend ribbon

Beatrice wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman (left). Sophie Wessex looked delighted to greet Mike Tindall (right)

Her Majesty was resplendent in a fuchsia coat and hat, showing no signs of fatigue after a busy two days that saw her attend the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, before nipping back to Windsor to host a lunch and make it to Ascot in time for the first race.

Zara Tindall took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book and opted for a summery white frock, teamed with a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

Sophie Wessex also plumped for a white midi dress, and looked especially excited to see her mother-in-law the Queen, waving excitedly as she pulled up in her carriage.

Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie led the best dressed at the V&A summer party on Wednesday night.

Princess Eugenie presents the trophy to Sheika Al Jalila, daughter of Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed, representing Godolphin after Benbatl wins The Hampton Court Stakes

Zara Tindall kept her look neutral from head to toe (left). But there was nothing subtle about Princess Eugenie's fire engine red frock (right)

Princess Beatrice wore her hair plaited and completed the look with a jaunty ribbon on the end

Zara Tindall looked smart in a cream button down dress with a ruffle at the bust (left). Sophie Wessex also looked chic in cream, teaming her outfit with a neutral suede clutch bag (right)

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman

The Queen got an especially rapturous welcome from her daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex

The Queen was joined in the carriage procession at Ascot by her son Prince Andrew, while her husband the Duke of Edinburgh continues to recover from an infection

The royal sisters, who have been busy on the society circuit this week, pushed the sartorial boundaries in two very fashion-forward dresses at the event in London.

Princess Beatrice, 28, looked chic in a blue dress with sheer panelling, whilst her younger sister plumped for a colourful printed summer dress.

When it comes to fashion, she usually opts for the conservative and sometimes even quirky, as is befitting a royal princess. But last night Princess Beatrice put on an unexpectedly racy display as she flashed her underwear in a lace dress.

The royal, 28, suffered a wardrobe malfunction when the nude underlay of her lace dress rode up around her hips after she stepped out of her car for the V&A summer party.

Beatrice ended up flashing her thighs and nude underwear before realising the error and adjusting the lining of her dress.

Princess Beatrice and her sister Eugenie led the best dressed at the V&A summer party in two very fashion-forward frocks on Wednesday

Both ladies showcased a golden summer glow and offset their outfits with simple black heels.

Whilst single Beatrice flew solo, her sister arrived on the arm of her boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank.

The event, which was sponsored by Harrods, is one of the most well-attended parties of the summer.

With committee members including Tom Ford and Sophie Dahl, the event draws in a seriously starry and stylish crowd.

Princess Eugenie was seen whispering something to her big sister as they posed outside the event, which was sponsored by Harrods

The event was sponsored by Harrods so the stylish sisters ensured they stopped for a photo with one of the iconic doormen

The youngest of the two sisters was joined by her long-term boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank

Beatrice opted for a semi sheer blue gown, whilst her sister donned a colourful printed summer dress for the event

The sisters have had a busy week so far, which kicked off with a family trip to Royal Ascot

The royal sisters enjoyed a day out at Ascot with the royal family on Tuesday - and stunned in an elegant cream coatdress.

While Kate, Sophie and Princess Beatrice looked chic in elegant summer gowns, Princess Eugenie missed the mark in an unflattering black dress at Ascot.

The 27-year-old's black fit and flare dress, with intricate floral embellishment, did little to flatter her hourglass frame.

The black outfit was a somewhat odd choice for the scorching summer's day where a crisp white dress - like Kate's - would have been a more sensible option.

Missing the mark: Princess Eugenie donned a frumpy black dress as she joined chic Kate, Beatrice and Sophie at Ascot on Tuesday

Eugenie bucked the trend for pretty florals, opting for an edgier look in a black dress with a white flower print on the bust, nipped in at the waist with a black belt.

She teamed the outfit with a fun hat in liquorice allsorts colours, with pink adding a splash of colour to her look.

Elsewhere, Kate, 35, stunned in a bespoke lace dress by her favourite designer Alexander McQueen, complete with a matching hat.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty defied the bookies' predictions that she'd wear blue by making her entrance in vivid green.

Sophie Wessex also opted for a similar shade for the traditional carriage procession.

Winter style: Eugenie bucked the trend for pretty florals, opting for an edgier look. Her sister Beatrice went for a much softer look

Sister sister: The royal, who works in art, teamed the outfit with a fun hat in liquorice allsorts colours

Arriving in style: Eugenie's hat had a splash of pink to add some colour to her look

The girls shared a carriage with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who also kept cool in a white outfit and a hat trimmed with ostrich feathers.

After the traditional carriage parade, proceedings took a solemn turn after the royals led a minute's silence in the wake of Grenfell Tower fire and the terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Following the arrival of the Queen in the parade ring, racegoers gathered together on the first day of the Berkshire meet to pay their respects to those who died.

Chic: Elsewhere, Kate, 35, stunned in a bespoke lace dress by her favourite designer Alexander McQueen, complete with a matching hat, whilst Sophie Wessex looked vibrant in green

Johnny Weatherby, chairman of Ascot Racecourse, said: 'We have all been deeply saddened by recent tragic events around the country.

'At the beginning of this important week for racing, we at Ascot Racecourse wish to pay our respects to the victims and offer support to the families who have been so terribly affected.'

The racecourse is making a donation of 100,000 to the British Red Cross UK Solidarity and London Fire Relief Funds and local charities to support those affected.

Exit collections on all five days of Royal Ascot will be available to enable racegoers to contribute.
News / Regional

by Ndou Paul

Read full statement below:

Destructive and Intolerance behaviour by Zanu-PF thugs at Insiza



Political violence perpetrated upon members of the opposition by Zanu-PF thugs will not go unchallenged.



MDC-T Mat South chairperson Solani Moyo warns that such a behaviour might meet resistance from brutalized opposition supporters.



Zanu-PF is not yet demobilised from its thuggish and Gukukurahundist mentality. This genocidal mentality of sending their supporters to expropriate land from its natural owners through killings and destruction of their homes should be rejected at all cost.



It's now clear why Zanu-PF is not implementing devolution of power which is enshrined in the constitution.



They want to Zanulise this nation through displacing of other people by same black people which is not what was set to be achieved through waging the protracted war against the colonizers.



As MDC-T Mat South we have dispatched a fact finding team led by our provincial Secretary for Security and organising secretary to determine how best we can put the madness to hold.



Politics should never be used as a vehicle to take away other people's dignity. Because you are a Zanu supporter you allow people from other areas to come and destroy your heritage and dignity on the pretax of politics, that is madness at its worst form. Insiza people should come together and defend what belongs to Insiza against invaders.



MDC-T Mat South chair Solani Moyo speaking through his provincial spokesperson Ekem Moyo

The Movement for Democratic Change Matabeleland South chairperson Solani Moyo said the Mugabe led Zanu-PF party "has not yet demobilised from its thuggish and Gukukurahundist mentality."Moyo was commenting on the recent incident where Zanu-PF thugs terrorised villagers in Insiza.In a statement sent to Bulawayo24.com, Moyo encourage Insiza villagers to defend themselves by any means necessary.
A rowdy group of animal activists crashed designer's Michael Kors' talk at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Wednesday night to protest his use of fur.

According to WWD, about 20 protesters interrupted the event at the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, which is part of The Met's series The Atelier.

Kors was being interviewed on stage by fashion correspondent Alina Cho when, about ten minutes into the talk, the protesters scattered in the audience stood up and started to yell.

Causing a ruckus: A Michael Kors event on Wednesday was interrupted by anti-fur protesters

Causing a commotion: Ten minutes into the event, they started yelling and stormed the stage

Waiting it out: Kors seemed annoyed but didn't budge for most of the interruption

The group held up signs and chanted, disrupting the event and earning the ire of Kors, Cho, and Met staff.

From video, it appears that the interruption began with a loud recording of a screeching pig.

Immediately, Kors seemed to know what was going on and was over it, uttering a tired-sounding 'OK'.

'Michael Kors is responsible for the deaths of countless innocent animals!' a man yelled. 'Taken for their fur, for their skins, in the name of fashion.'

'You should be ashamed of yourself,' the man went on as Met staff attempted to usher the protesters out of the room.

Fashion crowd: He was being interviewed by Alina Cho for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's series The Atelier

Fame-hungry: They yelled and chanted while recording themselves to spread their message

Eventually they were ushered out, though audience members found the demonstration 'distrurbing'

The group then began a call-and-answer chant, with the man screaming, 'Animal fur is not fashion!' and the rest echoing 'Where the hell is your compassion?'

In a video obtained by TMZ from one of the protesters who was trying to draw attention to the protest, the camera can be seen getting aggressively close to Kors' face.

Kors, however, stayed calm, merely shaking his head and warning, 'Get away from me.'

After another protesters got uncomfortably close, he and Alina briefly exited the stage while the protesters were rounded up.

'That was really disturbing,' one attendee reportedly said afterward, according to WWD.

The real stuff: Michael Kors sells several fur items in his main line, and faux-fur in Michael Michael Kors

See ya: The talk resumed after and Kors shrugged off the protesters, saying, 'it's fahion'

'Why can't they just protest outside?' another asked, according to Fashionista. 'Like, I get it, just bring your little sign and stand on the corner. Why do you have to come in here?'

Kors was less shaken, returning to the stage to continue the show after a few moments and saying, 'It's fashion.'

Mark Oaten, global chief executive officer of the International Fur Federation, later told WWD: 'Screaming and yelling animal activists will not stop Michael Kors or his millions of customers from expressing their right to choose what they wear.'

'Their bullying aggressive and disturbing tactics have no place in a world where there is already too much violence  and certainly not in the fashion world,' he went on.
Queen Letizia of Spain looked the epitome of elegance in cream couture as she attended an act with the full of the Spanish Royal Academy in Madrid on Thursday.

The mother-of-two arrived in the capital with her husband, King Felipe VI, to celebrate the important occasion.

The 44-year-old cinched her pleated-skirt dress with a delicate dusty pink belt and paired her chic ensemble with understated matching stilettos.

Queen Letitzia of Spain attended an act with the full Spanish Royal Academy in Madrid on Thursday

Wearing her brunette locks in loose waves around her shoulders, Letizia looked thrilled to be at the learned event.

The former journalist and news anchor looked screen-ready with her slick of complementary lip gloss and pared-back make-up.

Her simple, short-sleeved ensemble showed off Letizia's enviable physique, posture and taste, while her designer clutch finished her outfit in style.

The 44-year-old cinched her pleated-skirt dress with a delicate dusty pink belt

The former journalist and news anchor looked screen-ready as she arrived with her husband

Wearing her brunette locks in loose waves around her shoulders, Letizia looked thrilled to be at the learned event

The Queen stood proudly alongside her husband at the important event in the Spanish capital

On entering the event, Letizia greeted members of the academy in the warm summer sunshine.

The Queen is often present at formal functions, as well as carrying out a host of charity works and spending time with the two Princesses.

It has been a busy for the Spanish monarch, who opted instead for her favourite tailored trouser look on a visit to Aviles in Asturias on Tuesday.

The Queen is often present at formal functions, as well as carrying out a host of charity works and spending time with the two Princesses

On entering the event, Letizia greeted members of the academy in the warm summer sunshine

Looking every inch the sartorial, but thrifty, modern monarch, Letizia wore an outfit picked up mostly from Spanish high street chain Mango.

She teamed a red satin vest top with a pair of distinctive latticed red sandals, both from the chain.

Then Letizia added a different touch as she finished the look with high-waisted white tailored trousers from Italian designer Massimo Dutti.

Berries and cream! Queen Letizia of Spain looked sensational in her country's national colour as she arrived in the Northern Spanish town of Aviles to meet local schoolchildren

Sporting a pair of distinctive lattice red shoes from Mango, Letizia spent time posing for photos and shaking hands with crowds. Her pristine white trousers were from Italian designer Massimo Dutti

The popular royal met with students who'd taken part in cultural activities as part of a programme funded by the royal family's Princess of Asturias Foundation.

Wearing her highlighted hair loose, Letizia looked relaxed as she was greeted by hundreds of youngsters and local residents in the town of Aviles.

After chatting with the crowds, Letizia made her way into the El Quirina school, where she spent time reading with young pupils and listening to the work they've been during as part of the 'Toma la Palabra' cultural program for schools.

Going solo: the glamorous mother-of-two left behind her husband King Felipe VI to attend the charity-funded project at the El Quirina school in Aviles

Let's read: Youngsters looked in awe of the Spanish queen as she read with them

A young boy shows the former journalist what his class has been doing for the cultural programmne

With her long highlighted locks worn loose, Letizia looked happy and relaxed at the charity event

Just the day before, Letizia had been in Madrid, attending an event at the Spanish capital's Prado art gallery.

The King and Queen visited the museum on Monday to attend the 'Art of Educating' (El Arte de Educar) event.

Queen Letizia swapped up her usual tailored look for a flirty summer skirt as she and husband King Felip VI arrived at the Prado National Museum in Madrid on Monday

While museums require visitors to keep the noise down, in the presence of royalty the school group couldn't help but be lively

Yet again showcasing her flair for designer fashions Letizia opted for an elegant cream jacket from Hugo Boss paired with a matching pleated skirt.

The former-journalist chose a higher shoe than we would normally see her in, in the form of a nude sling-back with a stiletto heel complemented by a matching clutch.

She finished her look with a touch of bling with a pair of tear drop earrings made from semi-precious stones.

Meanwhile King Felipe looked dapper in a grey suit complete with an earth coloured tie and a pair of casual brown brogues.
Thousands of women with postnatal depression are being failed by GPs and midwives, a report warns.

It reveals how half of new mothers experienced mental health problems either during their pregnancy or within the first year after the birth.

But 42 per cent were not diagnosed or offered help by their GP, midwife or other health professional. Some said doctors didnt have time to talk to them properly or dismissed their concerns as normal for mothers.

Thousands of women with postnatal depression are being failed by GPs and midwives, a report warns (file image)

The research was carried out by the National Childbirth Trust which said the failures were having a devastating impact on women and their young families.

The charity also highlighted inadequacies in the six-week check-up  the routine GP appointment offered to all new mothers after the birth.

This is a vital opportunity to pick up any physical or mental health issues which have arisen in women or their babies.

But more than a fifth said GPs didnt even ask after their emotional wellbeing and a third said the appointment was rushed.

Another 20 per cent of those who did have a mental health problem were too afraid to talk about it. The survey involved 1,012 women whose children were now two years old.

Common mental health problems included postnatal depression, anxiety, stress and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The NHS is meant to be prioritising mental health and ensuring the treatment is on a par for physical conditions such as cancer.

But the NCT said too many new mothers were suffering alone and called for a major overhaul in the six-week postnatal check. Sarah McMullen, of the NCT, said: It is shocking that so many new mothers arent getting the help they need.

Some mothers arent being open about how theyre feeling as theyre terrified theyre going to have their baby taken away and others are not being asked about their emotional wellbeing at all.

A third of women said their six-week check was rushed and for some, it lasted only three minutes.

The survey also suggests that many more women are suffering from postnatal depression than once thought. Previous figures have shown it only affects one in ten new mothers.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, of the Royal College of GPs, said that its tough for doctors under current time constraints

GPs took issue with the findings and said it was hard to spot all conditions in short appointments. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, of the Royal College of GPs, said: Its incredibly hard for GPs to explore all the physical and psychological factors affecting our patients health within the time constraints of the consultation as it stands.

We need these checks to be much longer as standard, so that we are able to give the same attention to the new mother as we do to the baby  but this needs more resources for our service, and more GPs.

Unfortunately, offering longer appointments means offering fewer appointments, and our patients are already waiting longer than they should be.
The average drinker is risking their health by downing ten and a half glasses of wine a week, figures reveal.

They are typically consuming 21 units of alcohol a week  50 per cent more than the Government's maximum safe limit.

Experts said the intake was 'shocking' and resulting in 'harmful consequences' for both drinkers and their families.

Under guidelines issued last year, the Government advised men and women to consume no more than 14 units a week.

The average drinker is consuming 21 units of alcohol a week  50 per cent more than the Government's maximum safe limit

This is equivalent to seven pints of mid strength beer or seven medium glasses of wine.

But official figures compiled by NHS Health Scotland suggest that the average drinker in England consumes 20.8 units a week.

The calculations are based on alcohol sales data from 2016 which was then divided amongst the 83 per cent of adults over 16 who drink.

This showed they consume an average of 10.8 litres of pure alcohol a year which is equivalent to 1,080 units  or 20.8 units a week.

And trends are far worse in Scotland where adults typically drink 24 units a week  equivalent to 12 medium glasses of wine.

But these average figures mask the fact that some adults will be drinking far more than this amount and others very little.

Separate data from the Office for National Statistics last month showed the over 65s were consuming far more than 16 to 24 year olds.

Campaigners seized on the data to call on the Government to impose a minimum price for alcohol to help curb sales.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA), which represents 50 medical organisation said 'lives will undoubtedly have been lost.'

'These figures are shocking and show why minimum unit pricing is needed in Scotland, as well as in the rest of the UK.

'The evidence is already clear - minimum unit pricing saves lives, prevents illness and lowers hospital admissions.'

Lucie Giles, Public Health Intelligence Adviser for NHS Health Scotland, the official body, said it was 'worrying' that the average drinker was exceeding the limit so 'substantially.

'This has harmful consequences for individuals, their family and friends as well as wider society and the economy.'

Under guidelines issued last year, the Government advised men and women to consume no more than 14 units a week - the equivalent of seven pints of mid strength beer

Last January, the Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies issued a new, lower alcohol limits amid warnings that even small amounts could be harmful.

Previously men had been advised to drink up to 21 units a week but this was slashed to 14 units a week  the same as women.

Dame Sally also warned that no amount of alcohol was safe and urged women to consider the risk of breast cancer whenever they had wine.

The guidelines were changed after research showed that even moderate drinking substantially increased the odds of cancer, heart disease and liver failure.

Despite these concerns, this latest report shows the number of adults who drink alcohol is falling substantially.

In 2000 some 90 per cent of the population over 16 drank alcohol yet this had fallen to 83.1 per cent by 2016.

Experts believe this is a reflection of the fact that teenagers and adults in their early 20s are shunning alcohol and spending more time on social media.

Dave Roberts, Director General of the Alcohol Information Partnership, which represents the industry, accused the report's authors of 'scaremongering.'

'You cannot compare sales with consumption.' He said.

'Some alcohol sits in the cupboard, some goes out of the country, some is used in cooking.

'These figures don't reflect people's huge reduction in consumption over the past decade.'
Children are permanently damaging their feet because their parents are letting them wear 'inappropriate shoes'.

More than a quarter of British youngsters are wearing heels, ballet pumps and flip flops, new figures show.

As a result of their young age, they are more prone to long-term damage caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, podiatrists warn.

Heels, worn traditionally by ladies on a night out, can shorten calf muscles and place pressure on the ball of the foot.

While completely flat shoes such as ballet pumps provide little shock absorption, the College of Podiatry said.

More than a quarter of British youngsters are wearing heels, ballet pumps and flip flops

How was the study carried out?

It was behind the new research, based on a survey of 2,000 parents into what they are letting their children wear on their feet.

The study revealed that 55 per cent of UK children have suffered injuries by wearing shoes which are either too small or unsuitable for young feet.

'Worrying' findings

Dr Stewart Morrison, of the College of Podiatry and Brighton University, described the findings, which show young girls as most vulnerable, as 'worrying'.

He said: 'Children's feet are still growing and are more susceptible to damage than adult feet.

WHAT ELSE DID THE RESEARCH FIND? The College of Podiatry survey on parents also revealed: 40 per cent have put off buying a new pair of shoes for their child - even if they have complained about pain One in 10 parents have no idea what their child's shoe size is 38 per cent admit to handing down shoes to younger children without being sure they fit properly 41 per cent of parents say they haven't had their children's feet measured because they can tell by checking themselves Eight per cent said they just didn't have time to get their children's feet measured One in 20 said they couldn't get their child to stay still long enough for a shoe fitting Another one in 20 didn't know there were shops that offered a shoe measuring or fitting service 53 per cent of parents don't buy their children's school shoes in a shoe shop which offers a proper fitting service 34 per cent say they struggle to find the cash for new pairs of shoes Advertisement

'It's really vital to ensure they are wearing shoes which fit them well - in width as well as length - and that are suitable for age, as well as the task they are wearing them for.'

'Wearing the wrong size or type of shoe in the short-term causes blisters, rubbing, bruising and callouses, but in the long term it could affect foot development and result in musculoskeletal issues in the future.'

What else did the poll find?

The poll revealed 22 per cent of parents feel pressure to buy fashionable shoes for their daughters, which experts strongly warn against.

Many parents are inadvertently dressing their children in shoes which podiatrists would not recommend for everyday or frequent wear, including slip on style shoes.

Worryingly, the data revealed almost one in 10 (eight per cent) of young girls are regularly wearing shoes with a heel of 2cm or higher, from the age of six, on average.

Dr Morrison added: 'Children often won't say if their shoes are too tight or are hurting, which is why it is important that we raise more attention about children's foot health and encourage parents to check their children's feet regularly.

'We recommend parents have their children's feet measured and their everyday shoes fitted by a professional.'

Measure your feet

For children aged between one and three, foot changes can happen very quickly and parents are recommended to have them measured every eight weeks.

For older children the guidance is once every four months to make sure they haven't upped a size unknowingly.

But the new survey revealed 85 per cent of parents have bought their children's shoes without having their feet measured or the shoes properly fitted.
Screening women for human papillomavirus (HPV) along with smear tests may save thousands of lives, researchers suggest.

Doing both simultaneously slashes the time taken to diagnose women with the deadly disease by nearly a year.

This allows them to seek immediate care should the results come back positive for abnormal cells in the cervix, experts say.

Almost all cases of the deadly disease are caused by HPV, a very common sexually transmitted virus with more than 100 strains.

But currently NHS England only tests women for the disease if their smear test shows up as having abnormal cells in their cervix.

Cervical cancer currently kills 1,000 British women each year but plans to roll out a HPV test first won't come into place until 2019.

Screening women for human papillomavirus along with smear tests may save thousands of lives, researchers suggest

'Essential information'

Such infections don't have any symptoms, so many women won't realise they have the virus, Queen Mary University of London scientists warn.

Professor Cuzick, study author, said: 'This study shows that knowing a woman's HPV status can help determine her likelihood of needing additional procedures.'

This allows doctors to 'prioritise immediate treatment and medical resources to the women who need them most,' he added.

Professor Cuzick continued: 'These data provide essential information for cervical screening guidelines and public health policy.'

THE NHS SCREENING PROGRAMME The NHS cervical screening programme invites women to be screened every three years between the ages of 25 and 49. They are then invited every five years up to the age of 64. Currently it uses cytology testing to look for abnormal cells that could be the first sign of cancer. HPV testing is used as a secondary measure in women needing further investigation. Over the last 10 years, cases of the disease in women aged 25 to 29 have soared by 59.2 per cent, figures show. Despite the rise, screening coverage - eligible women recorded as having been properly tested at least once in the last five years - has been falling. The number of women attending screenings surged following the death of Jade Goody in 2009. When the reality television star died of cervical cancer, more than 400,000 extra women in England were screened for the disease. However, the number of people attending screenings has now fallen back to 'pre-Jade Goody' levels, charities have previously warned. Advertisement

How was the study carried out?

The study, which was published in JAMA Oncology, used data from 457,317 women in the US.

It was the first comprehensive evaluation of HPV testing on the long-term outcomes of women with abnormal test results.

Slightly more than 20,000 women received such a result through a smear test and were followed for five years.

Some of the study participants were given an HPV test at the same time, opposed to the NHS' current method of waiting for abnormal results.

What did they find?

The joint testing led to a much shorter detection for cervical cancer, with most patients being diagnosed in 103 days.

Those women who weren't given the HPV test simultaneously were eventually told they had the disease a year later.

Virtually all pre-cancers were detected in women who tested positive for HPV, suggesting it to be a good additional screening method.

Were there any bad effects?

However, HPV testing of women resulted in 56 per cent more biopsies and a 20 per cent increase in surgical treatment procedures performed.

Most of the additional biopsies were for low grade lesions which could have regressed, indicating some over-treatment due to HPV testing.

Six pilot sites in England are already using the new testing method that the NHS will adopt, health officials say.

Dr Anne Mackie, Public Health England's director of screening, said: 'Testing for HPV first will be rolled out into the English cervical screening programme by 2019.'
AMERICAN HEIRESS

by Jeffrey Toobin

(Profile 8.99)

Remember Patty Hearst? I do, absolutely vividly. She was kidnapped in 1974 by a shambolic outfit of losers, fantasists and psychopaths known as the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA).

Patricia was a 19-year-old student at Berkeley in California, living with a postgraduate who had the extraordinary name of Steven Weed. One evening, the SLA knocked on the door, rushed in and captured her, locking her in the boot of their stolen car. Weed, fulfilling his names promise, ran away.

But, as Jeffrey Toobin emphasises throughout, these were very different times. It was the era of Watergate, of Vietnam, of the brutal, violent, drug-crazed hangover from the hippyish Sixties. America was a pot perpetually on the verge of boiling over.

Heiress Patty Hearst poses for an FBI mugshot after her arrest for bank robbery on September 18, 1975

The SLA  named after the word symbiosis  pretended to be the Western branch of a much larger organisation, but there seems to have been only about eight or nine of them at any one time. Its leader, Donald DeFreeze, was an escaped prisoner who appointed himself General Field Marshal Cinque, and sat in his room drinking plum wine all day.

Most of the others were politicised former students with varying levels of mental illness, but they were exceptionally well-armed. When a policeman stopped their cars for any reason, there would be an enormous gun battle and someone would end up in jail.

AMERICAN HEIRESS by Jeffrey Toobin (Profile 8.99)

Patricia was the granddaughter of William Randolph Hearst, the billionaire press baron whose life inspired the film Citizen Kane. But the kidnappers had not done their research  Hearst hadnt left much money to his five sons for fear they would drink it all. When the SLA asked for tens of millions of pounds, Patricias father, Randy, simply didnt have it. So she sat in a cupboard for many weeks, talking to her kidnappers and gradually finding that she had more in common with them than she had ever imagined.

Two months later, Patty was revealed as the newest recruit of the SLA. Taking part in a bank hold-up, she shouted: First person puts up his head, Ill blow his mother-f***ing head off!

Toobin writes: Patricia later asserted that her passion for joining was a subterfuge, because she truly believed that the real choice was join or die. But the SLA saw only a woman on fire with revolutionary passion.

It all ended in tears, with most of the SLA killed in a shootout and the last three of them on the run for a year or more. When they were finally arrested, Patty claimed she had been forced to do bad things, which didnt go down very well with the other survivors.

But money talks, or in this case screams and shouts. Patty had her prison sentence commuted by President Carter, and was eventually pardoned by President Clinton.

She lives quietly with her dogs now, and declined to help Toobin with his book.

This story has been told many times before, but even when you know exactly whats going to happen, its a curiously gripping tale.
HISTORY

THE WAR IN THE WEST, VOLUME 2

by James Holland (Bantam 25)

Baby-faced Farley Mowat arrived in Britain from across the Atlantic as a dewy-eyed second lieutenant, come to do his duty in the war against Hitler.

On his first night, he was taken on a pub crawl in Guildford and was immediately pounced on by a hefty Land Girl from a local farm.

She invited him for a stroll by the river and, in some bushes, efficiently stripped the shy 21-year-old of his virginity.

There you are, luv, she said afterwards. Your captain said you needed doing.

Allies: Richard Gere in war film Yanks

And there was nothing she wouldnt do for one of the boys from over there.

Mowat was a Canadian, but the same welcome was offered to some American soldiers and airmen who descended on these shores in their hundreds of thousands after the U.S. joined the war in the winter of 1941.

These eager, gum-chewing boys were warned they might find the people of this tiny island a little strange. But for Petes sake, they were urged, give them a break. Britain may look a little shop-worn and in need of a lick of paint, but thats because the paint factories are making aircraft and guns instead.

So, dont swank, dont make wisecracks at their expense, dont go on about how youre paid more than they are. Play fair with the British serviceman. He can be a pal in need.

And pals were what the Limeys and the Yanks turned out to be. Yes, there were to be tiffs, back-stabbings and son-of-a-b**** name-calling on both sides, and some historians have repeatedly played up those tensions as if Britain and the U.S. were rivals, not allies. But this is nonsense, argues James Holland in the latest volume of his history of World War II.

This was the vital relationship that in the end would defeat Hitler. It contrasted with the deep fissures in the Axis ranks, where the Germans went out of their way to alienate everyone.

Mussolini railed against Hitler for overrunning Greece and Yugoslavia and then crippling them with huge reparations bills equivalent to half a billion dollars a month  that made even more bitter enemies out of them.

In a rare moment of insight, the fascist Duce declared: If we lose the war, it will be because of the political stupidity of the Germans, whose lack of restraint has made Europe as hot and treacherous as a volcano.

3 Number of loo roll sheets British soldiers were rationed to each day during World War II Advertisement

In those middle years of the war, an increasingly isolated Hitler sowed the seeds of his own destruction by ignoring reality. His country was desperately short of coal to power industry and of steel to make weapons. Lack of fuel grounded his fighter planes. Food shops were empty. The tide was turning against him, but no one around him dared say.

All the Fuhrer did was dream ever more impossible dreams.

In Eastern Europe, he urged his tanks on through Russia and the Caucasus until eventually, in his mind, they would meet up with Rommels army as it swept through North Africa, and together they would encircle the Mediterranean and turn it into a German sea.

But the fine detail  the difference between success and failure  eluded him. His forces might well capture the oil wells of the Middle East, but what good would it do them if there were no East-to-West pipelines to bring the booty home?

His own insane over-ambition would bring him down.

Meanwhile, Britain in the summer of 1942 was basking in plenty. A bumper harvest was filling bellies. A surprise surfeit of greengages had housewives making jam for the winter. A bounty, as Holland puts it, to make the Nazis weep.

THE WAR IN THE WEST, VOLUME 2 by James Holland (Bantam 25)

From the other side of the Atlantic, troops and war materials were pouring in, defying German submarine attacks on convoys. While in America, industry was re-gearing its assembly lines from domestic products to planes and tanks.

An unsung hero emerged  one Henry Kaiser, a quick-acting son of German immigrants who loathed the Nazis.

He revolutionised shipbuilding to such an extent that his yards in California could build a Liberty ship to ferry supplies across the ocean in ten days rather than six months.

Turning out these 10,000-ton tubs faster than the wolf packs of German U-boats could sink them proved crucial to the Allies winning the battle of the Atlantic and keeping those vital supplies coming in.

In Germany, Albert Speer, newly appointed as Minister of Armaments, was similarly trying to beef up industrial production, but his efforts were little more than window-dressing  or outright lies.

A new miracle machine gun could pump out 3,000 rounds per minute, the German public were told. But its actual performance was less than half that.

The falsehoods served only to convince Hitler that somehow victory was within his grasp.

No surrender, he ordered the German 6th Army at snowed-in Stalingrad. No retreat, he instructed Rommel in North Africa, though the war there had turned so hopelessly against him after the Battle of El Alamein that the Desert Fox wrote despondently to his wife: The dead are lucky. Its all over for them.

This middle period of the war also left the Wehrmacht retreating in the Soviet Union, the German Navy back in port and its submarines largely sunk, and the Luftwaffe powerless to stop the Allied bombers ravaging German cities.

Most importantly for what lay ahead, the British and Americans were proper allies, working hand-in-glove with one goal  victory.
Indian police on Thursday charged a separatist leader and his wife for their involvement in a murder and arson, after his group warned of escalating violence as tensions rise in Darjeeling.

The picturesque hill station has been reeling from deadly separatist unrest that has forced shops and businesses to shut and caused tourists to flee.

As the violence escalated sharply last Saturday, police said one man died as protesters torched cars and set upon security forces with knives, who responded with tear gas and baton charges.

Bimal Gurung, head of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha party that seeks the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland, is pictured in Darjeeling on June 14, 2017

'Police have lodged a case against Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha for their alleged involvement in violence, arson and killing of a person during clashes,' Inspector General Anuj Sharma told AFP.

'The investigation is on,' he added.

Gurung's Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) - a separatist movement that has long called for a new state of 'Gorkhaland' to be carved out of West Bengal - claimed three of their men were shot dead by security forces in the clashes, which police have denied.

India police fire tear gas to curb Darjeeling protests

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is fighting for a separate state of Gorkhaland

'Three of our supporters were killed and they are filing cases against us,' said GJM's general secretary Roshan Giri.

'Cases should be lodged against the police and state administration for violating human rights and killing,' he told AFP.

The GJM has warned its indefinite strike called earlier this month could degenerate into more violence.

The separatist movement has given local schools 12 hours to evacuate their students and shut down on Friday.

Gurung told reporters on Wednesday that except school buses, no other vehicle would be allowed to leave the area during the 12-hour 'window'.

GJM supporters burn an effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kakjhora during their protest

An injured Indian policewoman is helped by colleagues during clashes with supporters of the separatist Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) group in Darjeeling on June 17, 2017

The hills are famous for the Darjeeling tea whose production is jealously guarded. It is also famed for its 'toy train' -- a 78-kilometre uphill ride from New Jalpaiguri.

Dozens of people including police have been injured in the riots that have rattled the area for nearly two weeks.

The latest violence was sparked by a government proposal to teach the Bengali language in schools in the predominantly Nepali-speaking area.
Just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, a vote at the United Nations sees India and the US pitted against each other.

India could play a vital role in ensuring that US strategic interests are safeguarded.

On June 22 at 10 am, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will vote on a Mauritian resolution to refer the matter of the disputed islands of Chagos to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.

This is a long running dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom (UK). Mail Today has learnt that India is going to vote in favour of Mauritius given that it is a matter of 'decolonisation'.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) receives Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth (C) of Mauritius and his wife during the ceremonial reception at Indian Presidential Palace

Sources told Mail Today, 'India has been discreetly and actively in touch with both Mauritius and US on this matter for the past few months. It is essentially a decolonisation matter, but it also pertains to important security aspects in the Indian Ocean. We think both these aspects can be harmonised.'

Also, there have been diplomatic and political engagements at the highest level between India and Mauritius with the latter's Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth having visited India recently.

Sources indicate Mauritius pursued India diplomatically in New Delhi, Port Louis and New York for a vote in its favour.

The US, on the other hand, has a huge stake in this Indian Ocean archipelago as it has an airbase on Diego Garcia, the lease of which was renewed by Britain for another 20 years.

This is the reason why US is the only country to have come out in support of Britain.

This dispute between Mauritius and the UK could be a cause for consternation between India and the US.

The timing does not work in India's favour as the US is trying to protect her own strategic interests.

The dispute dates back to 1965 when Mauritius attained freedom from the UK, but the latter decided to keep the Chagos islands, which according to the former was in violation of the 1960 UN resolution 1514 that specifically banned the breakup of colonies before independence.

The deal that was struck with the US allowing an airbase on Diego Garcia (a part of Chagos) in 1971 impacted around 1,500 inhabitants who were deported and never allowed to return.

It was only after Mauritius won at the permanent court of arbitration at The Hague did she follow up the case vigorously with the UK and then took it to the UN.

Mauritian PM Jugnauth said, 'In view of purported unilateral actions of the UK, Mauritius would be fully justified in taking forward the completion of the process of decolonisation, which is now on the agenda of the current session of UNGA, with a view to putting the matter before the ICJ.'

Now with US President Donald Trump being highly vocal about the country's strategic interests, this particular issue might create a bit of a flutter, when PM Modi and President Trump meet in a few days.

Could the solution for both the leaders be in the fact that even if Mauritius wins the case against Britain, the US airbase in Diego Garciacan continue to remain?
Opinion / Columnist

In 2012, the late Edward Chindori-Chininga said in parliamentary report that no one, no one in the companies doing mining, the local partner (whoever it happened to be) or anyone in position of authority, knew the quality or quantity of diamonds, who was buying them, how they were being shipped, out of Chiadzwa and Marange, etc. So, no one could say with any confidence the true value of the diamonds coming out of Marange and who was benefiting, etc.; everything was happening under a cloak of secrecy!To mark his birthday in February 2016, President Mugabe admitted that the country was "swindled" of US$ 15 billion in diamond revenue. Up to date, nearly a year and half later, no one has yet been arrested and not a single dollar of the vast fortune has been recovered. Not a farthing. Now he tells us the looting has been wholesale.Mugabe told thousands of youths at Sakubva Stadium that he was bitter after he handed over the dummy cheque to Zimunya-Marange Community Share Ownership Trust while promising them $50 million after he was informed that the then five mining companies had pledged $10 million each."They had me walk here holding a big board inscribed with a cheque that they later refused to honour. You still have that grievance," said President Mugabe.The regime kicked out the "Ghanaians, Lebanese, Chinese and South Africans who were running companies in Chiadzwa so that we do our own mining," years ago. And still the nation is not getting anything from all the hive of activities in Marange and Chiadzwa!"There was a misunderstanding between government and them until government resolved to take over the operations once our operations improve we will fulfil that promise.It is no secret that the regime has been spending money as if money grows on trees buying party cars, buying cars for traditional leaders, bankrolling its political activities, paying Nikuv for unspecified work, etc., etc. This is simply unacceptable that the wealth from the diamond bounty which should be benefiting all Zimbabweans is lining the pockets of a few individuals and the rest used to deny the rest their freedoms and basic human rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections.The billions of dollars looted from Marange and Chiadzwa diamonds gives Zanu PF an unfair political advantage particularly since the money is being used to bankroll its undemocratic vote rigging activities. There is no point in contesting next year's elections until democratic reforms are fully implemented and every dollar from Marange is properly accounted for."I'm also bitter that a grown man like me, I'm made to parade a board ($1.5 million cheque) which doesn't mean anything," said President Mugabe.How insulting; Zimbabweans are today the poorest people in Africa, according to a New World Wealth report, and the people know billions of dollars in diamonds are being swindled out of the country every month! The man presiding over this grand theft now pretends to be bitter over $1.5 million cheque but has never lifted a finger to recover US $15 billion he himself admitted was "swindled"!The day the country has regime change; the nation must launch a thorough investigation into the going on in Chiazwa and Marange with a view of establishing the truth extend of the looting, recovering as much as possible of the looted wealth and most important of all punishing all those involved in this treasonous act.
The country's top security establishment has prepared a blueprint to deliver a lethal blow to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir with a longterm plan for a lasting peace in the trouble-torn Valley, senior officials told India Today TV on Thursday.

As many as 258 militants from a clutch of outfits have been shortlisted for Operation All-Out that has been launched strategically in parts of the region, the security sources said.

Prime locations of terrorist activities were mapped well before the exercise got a go-ahead, the sources revealed.

Army personnel returning after a fierce encounter with militants at Soimoh village of Tral in Pulwama district of south Kashmir

'Intelligence agencies carried out a secret district-wise survey to identify militant hideouts,' said a top security official, who did not wish to be named.

'This strategic operation is based on meticulous planning and intelligence-gathering.'

As many as 130 local and 128 foreign terrorists have been identified as potential targets in the current operation, according to intelligence sources.

Indian army soldiers conduct a patrol during an operation against suspected rebels in Turkwangam Lassipora in Shopian south of Srinagar

'They belong to different terror groups, such as Lashkar, Jaish, Hizbul and Al- Badr,' a source explained.

Six terrorists have been killed in the past two days alone as part of Operation All-Out, said officials.

According to a breakdown of the plan, most of the terrorists on the new security hit list belong to the LeT.

As many as 136 Lashkar militants are on the radar followed by 95 from Hizbul and 23 from Jaish.

The blueprint, a copy of which is with India Today TV, reveals that Sopore tops the list of districts with 39 terrorists.

Of these, 24 are locals and 15 foreigners. Kupwara district is placed second where 34 terrorist are active, of which 32 are of foreign origin.

Shopian and Awantipora districts have 26 and 25 active terrorists, respectively, according to the list.

The officials said greater involvement of local terrorists is a cause for concern because of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, beginning on June 29.

General Bipin Rawat paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, in New Delhi

'These terrorists are well-equipped in the area and the yatra route. Hence, they are a bigger threat,' an official said. Sources also said intelligence inputs reveal that a new consignment of arms arrived in the Valley from across the border.

'These are Chinese-made arms with better precision and more lethal effects,' the sources said, pointing out that Chinese hand grenades were used in an attack on a CRPF Battalion this week, in which 10 jawans were injured.

Officials said use of these grenades to disrupt Amarnath Yatra is a possibility and security forces manning the route have been put on high alert.
Zakir Musa told forces about the presence of the Lashkar terrorists recently killed in separate encounters in Kakpora and Arwani areas

A rift between terrorist groups in the Valley is out in the open with Taliban-e-Kashmir leader Zakir Musa claiming that he provided specific information to security forces about half a dozen jihadis who were killed by the Army in the last seven days.

All the six militants killed in the two operations belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and included dreaded names such as Junaid Mattoo and Nisar Ahmed.

In a video message purportedly issued by Musa's group, the newly raised terror outfit claimed that it had provided information to government forces about the presence of the Lashkar terrorists killed in separate encounters in Kakpora and Arwani areas.

'This is a message from 'Sher-e-Kashmir' Musa Bhai. We want to make it clear that whosoever comes between us and Shariah (Islamic laws), we would ensure his head is chopped off.

'You people didn't listen to us and we had to take action,' two purported terrorists of the Taliban-e-Kashmir group can be heard saying in the clip.

'The death of six mujahideen was because of us as we had informed the police there. Those who don't listen to us will meet the same fate.'

All the six militants killed in the two operations belonged to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and included dreaded names such as Junaid Mattoo and Nisar Ahmed (file pic)

After the killing of Hizbul commander Sabzar Ahmad Bhat by security forces last month, the Musa group had claimed that it had leaked information about his location to the police.

Sources in the security forces said the cracks are a results of Musa's belief in the idea of establishment of a Caliphate in the trouble-torn state while the other side backed by the Hizbul Mujahideen talks about freedom of Kashmir.

Mail Today reported on June 9 that Musa has been successful in poaching 12-15 cadres from Hizbul with his hard-line Islamic appeal of waging jihad against India and using religion to attract more youth into his fold.

Top sources in the Army said the situation makes no difference to the security forces and they would go about eliminating all those who take up arms against India at the behest of Pakistan and its spy agencies.

Burhan Wani and the Hizbul Mujahideen Kashmir-based militant outfit

On the issue of tip-offs being given by the Musa group to government forces, sources said this may be true as the inputs received by the security agencies also suggest the role of an insider in providing pinpoint information about the location of terrorists.

The inputs received for both the encounters that happened on Wednesday in Kakapora near Tral and the clash in Arwani area last week turned out to be extremely accurate.

'The intelligence inputs are generally very vague where we get information that terrorists are located in a particular area or a hub of three to four houses.

'But in case of the last two major encounters, the information was pinpoint about presence of terrorists in one particular house,' the sources said.

Indian army soldiers conduct a patrol during an operation against suspected rebels in Turkwangam Lassipora in Shopian south of Srinagar

Due to the precise intelligence input, the security forces managed to kill the terrorists in a brief gun battle that started at around 3.30 AM. Similarly, in the encounter in Arwani where Junaid Matto was killed, the security forces had matched the location provided by informers with technical intelligence gathered by the Jammu and Kashmir police.

'Dreaded terrorists Matto and Naseer Ahmed along with one unidentified militant were killed by 1 Rashtriya Rifles in the Arwani area under the Victor Force command again in no time,' the sources said.

The trouble between terrorists over Islam and Kashmir started last month when Musa issued a message in which he declared war on Hurriyat separatists and advocated the beheading of their leaders at Lal Chowk.

It was in the same address that he announced his allegiance to a pan-Islamic Caliphate and broke away from the ranks of the Hizbul Mujahideen.

Inputs received by intelligence agencies suggest the United Jihad Council headed by Syed Salahuddin now wants Musa dead as soon as possible and wants no effort to be spared to achieve this goal as the Pakistani spy agencies also don't want to lose control over the terrorist leadership and their activities in Kashmir.
Ivanka, 41, was spotted leaving her beachfront luxury condo building, Arte Surfside, with her six-year-old son, Theodore, on Thursday morning before driving to the gym. The former White House senior adviser wore a cropped black tank that revealed a sliver of her stomach, high-waisted black leggings, and a pair of pale mauve Nike sneakers. Ivanka was later seen leaving the gym with her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail and her car keys in her hand. It's unclear when she plans on heading to Palm Beach for her sister Tiffany Trump's wedding to Michael Boulos, which is set to take place at their father's Mar-a-Lago estate on Saturday, November 12. Mar-a-Lago was shut down and staffers were evacuated on Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Nicole made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early Thursday but has been downgraded to a tropical storm. It was reported that Tiffany is 'flipping out' over the disruption to her wedding week. However, a source told DailyMail.com on Thursday that 'Tiffany is not panicking [about the] weather,' noting that the 'sun is shining' and there is 'no wind in Palm Beach.' The insider also refuted claims that she is expecting at least 500 guests, saying it will be an 'intimate wedding' with a total of 250 people in attendance. Ivanka's latest outing also comes as her father, former President Donald Trump, is facing backlash from the GOP after Republicans' anticipated 'red wave' failed to materialize on election night. Trump was said to be 'livid' and 'screaming at everyone' after the disappointing midterm results, though he denied the claims in a series of posts on his Truth Social app.
Hours before Maria James lost her life in a brutal, still unsolved murder, she issued her son Mark a chilling warning.

'If anything happens to me, make sure [your brother] Adam is looked after,' she told him.

The conversation took place at the breakfast table, and by the time Mark, then 13, and his younger brother Adam, then 11, returned home from school, their lives had changed forever, reported ABC's Trace Podcast.

Maria James (pictured) was brutally murdered just hours after telling her older son Mark to look after his younger brother, Adam (pictured)

Pictured: The bookshop and home where Maria James was murdered in 1980

A local priest, Father Bongiorno, picked the boys up from school and broke the news.

Ms James, at 38, had been stabbed 68 times by her killer on June 17, 1980, in the Victorian bookshop she owned and lived in with her sons.

It is believed she was killed with a small knife with a green handle, taken from her own kitchen drawer.

When she was killed, she was on the phone to her ex-husband John. She had briefly put down the phone and never returned.

Police arrived to find the phone still off the hook.

Despite police finding blood at the scene which they believe belongs to the killer, Maria's murderer has never been found.

Officers investigated multiple leads, but all of them went cold.

It is believed she was killed with a small knife with a green handle, taken from her own kitchen drawer (pictured)

Detective Ron Iddles, who is widely regarded as Australia's greatest detective, was unable to solve the case, and though he retired from Victoria Police this year, will continue trying to hunt down the mother's killer.

He told Trace the amount of stab wounds Maria received suggested her killer was certainly someone she knew.

'I've investigated over 320 homicides. Those where you have absolute multiple stab wounds like this, I don't think I've ever charged anyone where there is no connection between the killer,' he said.
The United States Navy conducted a test of a ballistic missile defense system in Hawaii which failed, according to a report on Thursday.

The SM-3 Block IIA defense system failed to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile fired on Wednesday from a facility in Kauai, Hawaii, Defense News reported on Thursday.

The Block IIA was launched from the naval destroyer John Paul Jones.

While the destroyer did manage to detect and track the missile using sophisticated radar, it was unable to intercept it.

In February, the Navy conducted a test using the John Paul Jones, which is a ship used for missile defense purposes.

That test was successful in knocking down a medium-range ballistic missile.

'Program officials will conduct an extensive analysis of the test data,' a news release from the US Missile Defense Agency said Thursday.

A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA is launched in February from the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones during a flight test off Hawaii resulting in the first intercept of a ballistic missile target by the Block IIA, which is being developed jointly by the US and Japan

The USS John Paul Jones is seen in the above file photo. While the destroyer did manage to detect and track a medium-range ballistic missile using sophisticated radar, it was unable to intercept it

The SM-3 Block IIA is an Aegis ballistic missile defense system jointly developed by the US and Japan.

It is being tested as part of the allies' efforts to deter a potential attack from North Korea.

US Undersecretary of State Thomas Shannon said last week that North Korea's nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program would make the reclusive state a global threat if it became successful over time.

Shannon made the comment to reporters in Tokyo after his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's top national security adviser, Shotaro Yachi.

Under third-generation leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea has been conducting missile tests at an unprecedented pace in an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the mainland United States.

Japan opened a missile defense drill to the public on Wednesday, a move it says will reassure the country it is ready to counter any missile attack by neighboring North Korea.

A PAC-3 Patriot battery drove on to the Asaka Self Defense Forces base near Tokyo, deployed its radar antenna and raised its missile launcher to firing position.

The drill is one of four being held across Japan.

'Making this public is a way to reassure people about their safety and bring peace of mind,' Akinori Hanada, an Air Self Defense Force major, told reporters.

Japan opened a missile defense drill to the public on Wednesday, a move it says will reassure the country it is ready to counter any missile attack by neighboring North Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seen above at a news conference in Tokyo on Monday

North Korea has pushed ahead with its missile and nuclear weapons programs in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, and regularly threatens to destroy the United States, Japan and South Korea.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said this month North Korea's advancing weapons programs were the 'most urgent' threat to national security and that its means to deliver them had increased in speed and scope.

South Korea has deployed the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to protect against the North Korean threat, angering China, North Korea's lone major ally.

Japan's PAC-3 batteries are the last line of defense against any incoming warheads. With a range of around nine miles, they are only able to protect larger cities and key government installations.

Advances in North Korea's ballistic missile program have raised concern in Tokyo that its PAC-3 batteries and Aegis destroyers in the Sea of Japan could be overwhelmed.

Japan has begun a $1billion program to upgrade the PAC-3s to extend their range and accuracy, but the first of those will not be ready until 2020.

In addition to public PAC-3 exercises, some Japanese prefectures have also conducted missile attack evacuation drills in recent weeks.

Japan will follow these up with a series of 30-second public information broadcasts and newspaper ads beginning Friday advising people what to do in the event of a North Korean missile attack, the Yomiuri newspaper said.

A Japanese government spokeswoman declined to comment when asked about the report.
Laura Ramos (above), 31, has been placed on administrative leave from her position at Central High School in Bridgeport following her arrest Tuesday

A Connecticut special education teacher who has been charged with second-degree sexual assault after police say she engaged in a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student allegedly told another teen she wasn't being satisfied by her husband.

The teacher, 31-year-old Laura Ramos, has been placed on administrative leave from her position at Central High School in Bridgeport following her arrest Tuesday, according to The Connecticut Post.

Ramos' lawyer says his client is 'cloaked in the presumption of innocence.'

Officers were called to the high school June 9 following a complaint of a sexual assault.

Officers say a student at the school told a teacher Ramos had been having sexual intercourse with one of her students in the special education program.

Police say Ramos told them she had a relationship with the victim from December 23, 2016 until April 2017.

The relationship entailed a number of sexual encounters during this period, according to police.

Another student told school officials that Ramos began a texting relationship with him, according to WFSB.

In these text messages, Ramos allegedly confided to the student about her marital problems.

'Ms. Ramos would complain that her "man" or "guy" does not want to have sex or do anything with her,' according to police documents.

Officers were called to the high school (seen above) on June 9 following a complaint of a sexual assault

Officers say a student at the school told a teacher Ramos had been having sexual intercourse with one of her students in the special education program

The student said he began to suspect that one of his classmates was engaging in inappropriate relations with Ramos.

'Witness 1 noticed the victim would hang out in Ms. Ramos' class and... would watch them make eyes at each other like flirting,' court documents said.

The witness also told police that the text messages included sexually-charged content.

He said that Ramos even inquired about the possibility of buying marijuana 'for her and her man'.

When detectives initially approached Ramos, she denied having a sexual relationship with the student.

Another student told school officials that Ramos began a texting relationship with him, court documents show. In these text messages, Ramos confided to the student about her marital problems

But she later admitted that she was so alarmed by the investigation that she talked to the student with whom she allegedly had her liaisons about denying their relationship, according to police.

Ramos and the student discussed deleting text messages between them, police said.

Eventually, she admitted to police that she and the student had sex 'a handful of times' in her car - the most recent encounter having taken place in April.

On June 20, Ramos resigned from the school, even though the district had already started the process of terminating her employment.

'Please be assured that the safety and welfare of our students is our main priority at Bridgeport Public Schools, and we make every effort to ensure the ongoing safety of our students,' the district said in a statement.

'We take seriously all allegations of inappropriate conduct which threatens the well-being of our students, and such misconduct will not be tolerated.'

Ramos is due in court next week.
He added that they are working on 'potential alternatives' for Burning Man in case the area is not dried out

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The desert where Burning Man is held every year has been transformed into a lake by the melting of record winter snow levels in the mountains surrounding it - and there's no guarantee it will be dry for the festival.

Experts say the massive pool of standing water in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada is unusual and there is a possibility the area might not dry out before Burning Man - meaning it would have to be relocated.

The desert basin is transformed into mud every year by the run-off of melting snow, but this past season's high precipitation has formed the lake and the playa could still be muddy in late August and impossible to drive across.

Officials insist they are confident it will dry, but they are seemingly playing a stressful game of wait and see with mother nature.

Thousands drive onto the desert playa every year, which is located two hours north of Reno in Gerlach, to take part in Burning Man from August 27 to September 4.

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The Black Rock Desert where the massive arts rendezvous Burning Man is held annually each summer still has large pools of standing water (pictured above) on the Nevada playa thanks to an extra wet winter season

Thousands are expected to make the trek to Gerlach, which is two hours north of Reno, to take part in Burning Man from August 27 to September 4. But there are concerns that the usually dry lake bed may not be completely dried out in time for the event

The large amount of water that's still covering the desert that hosts Black Rock City, has Burning Man organizers and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials seemingly playing a stressful game of wait and see what happens

The playa, which is an alkaline dust flat that was Lake Lahontan 12,000 years ago, received more water than expected this year thanks to the abundant amounts of precipitation this winter in the region

BLM spokesman Kyle Hendrix told DailyMail.com that it's 'taking a bit longer to dry this year due to the above average participation we saw earlier in the year'

Hendrix said: 'The playa drys at different rates each year depending on a number of factors like temperature, wind, rainfall, etc'

He added: 'Standing water is on the playa is not something we see every year.' Pictured above is a kayaker in the flooded water on the playa in March 2017

Since January, the majority of the 129 square-mile playa in Black Rock Desert has been covered in water thanks to the wet winter. Since 1991, the annual event has been held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, except for once in 1997 when it was at the nearby Hualapai Flat

'The playa drys at different rates each year depending on a number of factors like temperature, wind, rainfall, etc,' BLM spokesman Kyle Hendrix told DailyMail.com.

'The playa is taking a bit longer to dry this year due to the above average participation we saw earlier in the year.

'Standing water on the playa is not something we see every year.'

Hendrix added that the government agency is working to 'determine decision-making timelines and potential alternatives.'

Burning Man spokeswoman Megan Miller believes that there's still time for the alkaline dust flat - that was Lake Lahontan 12,000 years ago - to dry out.

'We still have a solid month of drying out to do, but, honestly, we don't think we'll ever have to cancel the event,' she told the Reno-Gazette Journal.

Burning Man spokeswoman Megan Miller believes that there's still time for the desert to dry out. Pictured above is Franziska Goltz dancing on the playa at Burning Man in 2014

She said: 'We still have a solid month of drying out to do, but, honestly, we don't think we'll ever have to cancel the event'

Hendrix added that the government agency is working to 'determine decision-making timelines and potential alternatives' just in case it's not dry enough

The site of Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert is located about two hours from Reno, Nevada on the West Coast

Miller is confident that Burners, the name given to attendees of the event, will still be able to attend the annual bacchanal.

But just in case the water does not dry out completely, Miller said organizers have two alternative plans that she wouldn't reveal.

Burning Man organizers have been discussing the issue with the BLM, the federal agency that oversees the Black Rock Desert and issues the multi-million dollar special event permit each year.

Black Rock Desert field office manager for the BLM told the newspaper there is no 'true backup area' for Burning Man to use if another area is needed.

The event is usually granted the permit from the BLM at the end of July or in early August, which is just before organizers begin the laborious task of building Black Rock City.

But just in case the water does not dry out completely, Miller said organizers have two alternative plans that she wouldn't reveal. Black Rock Desert field office manager for the BLM said there is no 'true backup area' for Burning Man to use if another area is need

The event is usually granted the permit from the BLM at the end of July or in early August, which is just before organizers begin the laborious task of building Black Rock City

Hendrix said: 'If the BLM determines the playa to be too wet for the event to be held safely, the agency will not issue the permit.'

'If the BLM determines the playa to be too wet for the event to be held safely, the agency will not issue the permit,' Hendrix said.

'Depending where on the playa you are, we are seeing mud and water 6'-8' below the surface.

'This was determined after preforming a variety of test to include taking small core samples below the playa surface.'

The water that had drained into the flat seems to have pooled in from the Quinn River, which runs to the Black Rock Desert from Oregon.

The flooding on the playa is also a result of the heavy rainfall this past winter on the West Coast combined with rare snow-melt from the Granite Range located just north of the playa.

The majority of the desert basin has been covered in water since January, allowing people to enjoy the water and kayak.

'It was like nature handed us a gift,' kayaker Renee Aldrich told the Reno Gazette-Journal in March. 'It's a rare occurrence and it felt really magical to see it like that.'

The water that had drained into the flat seems to have pooled in from the Quinn River, which runs to the Black Rock Desert from Oregon. The flooding on the playa is also a result of the heavy rainfall this past winter on the West Coast combined with rare snow-melt from the Granite Range located just north of the playa

Burning Man requires a 22 square-mile area on the Black Rock Desert, which edges have slowly been drying out

However, even if the water that's currently on the desert basin disappears, there's still the issue of whether it will be dried out enough for heavy trucks to drive on and airplanes to land on for Burning Man

Burning Man requires a 22 square-mile area on the Black Rock Desert, which edges have slowly been drying out.

However, even if the water that's currently on the desert basin disappears, there's still the issue of whether it will be dried out enough for heavy trucks to drive on and airplanes to land on for Burning Man.

The playa's famously flat surface could be damaged if the heavy equipment, airplanes and vehicles get stuck in the fine sediment.

'There are a series of tests preformed by a hydro-geologist leading up to the event that are used to measure where water is below the playa,' Hendrix explained.

'There are also multiple load bearing tests that are used to determine how much weight the playa surface can support.'

The playa's famously flat surface could be damaged if the heavy equipment, airplanes and vehicles get stuck in the fine sediment

Only time will tell if the area can dry out in time for the event, where an estimated 65,000 people are expected to attend this year

Executive Director of the Friends of Black Rock High Rock told News for Nevada that in years past, the playa has been covered in water for days during the summer months.

'I haven't heard any stories of the whole playa staying flooded in water for the whole year. But that doesn't mean it hasn't happened,' he said.

'Every year during the summer there are times when the playa is covered in water for days.

'So, it's not that uncommon for playa conditions to affect summer events especially in late spring or early fall.'

Only time will tell if the area can dry out in time for the event, where an estimated 65,000 people are expected to attend this year.
The world's population will grow by a billion people in the next 13 years and will be almost 10billion by the time we reach 2050, the United Nations predicts.

The current population of 7.6billion is expected to balloon in the coming decade, driven largely by high birth rates in Africa, according to a new UN report.

India will surpass China as the most crowded inside the next seven years, while Nigeria will overtake the United States and become the world's third most populous country shortly before 2050, research suggests.

A United Nations report predicts that world population will grow by almost a billion people in the next 13 years and will reach almost 10billion by 2030

While the population is set to boom inside the next century, it will slow by 2100 and remain largely static in the decades thereafter, researchers predict

An increasing challenge over the coming decades will be the ageing population, especially in Europe, where overall numbers are set to decline

Meanwhile Europe, which currently has a birth rate of 1.6 children per woman, is set to see a decline in population in the coming decades.

The report by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs' Population Division said roughly 83 million people are added to the world's population every year.

The upward trend is expected to continue even with a continuing decline in fertility rates, which have fallen steadily since the 1960s, the authors wrote.

John Wilmoth, director of the Population Division, said that the report includes information on the populations of 233 countries or areas of the world.

'The population in Africa is notable for its rapid rate of growth, and it is anticipated that over half of global population growth between now and 2050 will take place in that region,' he said.

'At the other extreme, it is expected that the population of Europe will, in fact, decline somewhat in the coming decades.'

The U.N. agency forecasts that from now through 2050 half the world's population growth will be concentrated in just nine countries - India, Nigeria, Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, United States, Uganda and Indonesia.

Those nations are listed in the order of their 'expected contribution to total growth,' the report said.

During the same period, it added, the populations of 26 African countries are expected to at least double.

Nigeria, currently the world's seventh largest country, has the fastest growing population of the 10 most populous countries worldwide, and the report projects it will surpass the U.S. shortly before mid-century.

Just nine countries are set to produce almost half the population growth up to 2050, with India, Nigeria and Congo leading the list (file image)

India, which has the fastest growing population in the world, is set to overtake China as the most populous country within the next seven years

The new projections also forecast that China, which currently has 1.4 billion inhabitants, will be replaced as the world's most populous country around 2024 by India, which now has 1.3 billion inhabitants.

The report, titled 'The World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision,' said fertility has been declining in nearly all regions in recent years.

Between 2010 and 2015, Wilmoth said, 'the world's women had 2 1/2 births per woman over a lifetime - but this number varies widely around the world.'

'Europe has the lowest fertility level, estimated at 1.6 births per woman in the most recent period, while Africa has the highest fertility, with around 4.7 births per woman,' he said.

The report said birth rates in the 47 least developed countries remain relatively high, with population growth around 2.4 percent a year.

While this rate is expected to slow significantly in the coming decades, the U.N. said the combined population of the 47 countries is projected to increase by 33 percent from roughly 1 billion now to 1.9 billion in 2050.

More and more countries now have fertility rates below the level of roughly 2.1 births per woman needed to replace the current generation, the report said.

During the 2010-2015 period, fertility was below the replacement level in 83 countries comprising 46 percent of the world's population, it said.

The 10 most populous countries with low fertility levels are China, United States, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Vietnam, Germany, Iran, Thailand and United Kingdom, the report said.

In addition to slowing population growth, low fertility levels lead to an older population, the report noted. It forecasts that the number of people aged 60 or above will more than double from the current 962 million to 2.1 billion in 2050 and more than triple to 3.1 billion in 2100.

A quarter of Europe's population is already aged 60 or over, and that share is projected to reach 35 percent in 2050 then remain around that level for the rest of the century, the report said.
British-based EU nationals will be permitted to remain in the UK - in return for the UK expats getting the same deal - in a bid to break the deadlock over citizens' rights.

Theresa May's offer is part of a bid to break the deadlock over citizens' rights, and comes as her compatriots across the country begged the UK not to leave.

The Prime Minister met with senior EU figures, including Donald Tusk, to offer certainty to the three million EU nationals living in the UK, an issue that she has identified as her first priority for early agreement.

Theresa May and European Council President Donald Tusk pose during the EU leaders summit in Brussels earlier today

Full details of the UK proposals will be published on Monday.

The other 27 EU states will also hear a report from chief negotiator Michel Barnier on his talks with David Davis earlier this week.

The Brexit Secretary has already accepted a European timetable to put off talks on a future trade relationship until progress has been made on the terms of the divorce.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he hoped leaders of the 27 other nations would match her 'generous' proposals with similar offers to the one million British expats on the continent.

Downing Street declined to reveal details of the proposals on citizens' rights, but Mr Johnson said: 'What the Prime Minister will be able to do on Thursday is set out, as she has tried actually to do several times, her instinct to be generous about the 3.2 million EU citizens who are living here and hoping that there will be reciprocal, corresponding generosity towards the one million UK nationals in the rest of the EU.

'I think she's got a great offer to make and I hope it will go down well.'

Theresa May's offer to EU nationals is part of a bid to break the deadlock over citizens' rights

However, despite repeated assertions from Mrs May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn that the Referendum result must be respected by the country, high-profile figures such as Mr Tusk are hopeful of a dramatic u-turn.

The European Council President said: 'Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed, and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the European Union,' the Pole said.

'I told them that in fact the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve, so who knows?

'You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one.'

In a two-day summit whose agenda is formally dominated by immigration, security and the economy, Mrs May will also brief her counterparts on the UK's commitment to a new 75 million plan designed to stem the flow of illegal migrants from Africa to Europe.

The three-year programme will offer humanitarian support, including food and water, to would-be migrants on the perilous transit routes from the Horn of Africa and western Africa through countries including Niger, Egypt and Libya.

And migrants who find themselves stranded and destitute along the routes will be offered assistance to return home.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Theresa May's proposals on citizens' rights were 'generous'

While any assisted returns will be voluntary, it is thought that many individuals could take advantage of the scheme as a way of escaping the gruelling conditions of the transit routes, which expose them to the risk of death, violence, forced labour and exploitation at the hands of people-traffickers before they even reach Mediterranean Sea ports.

A record 4,576 people are thought to have died or been recorded missing while attempting the risky central Mediterranean Sea crossing during 2016. Some 181,000 people arrived in Italy via this route last year, with a greater number expected in 2017.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: 'This new UK support will provide desperately needed aid and protection to tens of thousands of the world's most vulnerable.'
An illegal immigrant with a decades old drug conviction, who volunteered his time doing hazmat removal at ground zero, has been granted a pardon for his conviction by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Carlos Cardona entered the US illegally in 1986 through the Mexico boarder from Colombia.

In 1990, when he was 21-years-old he was arrested for the attempted sale of a controlled substance, but Cuomo says Cardona has lived crime free since.

Cardona, now 48, was detained on February 28th, just days after the Trump administration issued a memorandum that said the removal of undocumented immigrants convicted of a crime was a priority.

Carlos Cardona has been granted a pardon by NY Gov Andrew Cuomo for decades old drug conviction in hopes of staving off his deportation

The massive removal of debris at the ground zero site (pictured) was largely aided by volunteer workers

NY Gov Andrew Cuomo said Cardona has lived a crime free life since 1990

'In the more than 30 years since Carlos Cardona has lived in this country, he has built a family and given back to his community, including in the aftermath of 9/11, when he assisted with ground zero recovery efforts at the expense of his own health,' Governor Cuomo said in an emailed statement to The New York Times.

'It is my hope this action will not only reunite Mr. Cardona with his wife and daughter, but also sends a message about the values of fairness and equality that New York was founded upon.'

Without the Democratic Governor's action, Cardona would likely be deported.

'Cardona was detained at a check-in at Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan as a result of his 1990 arrest.

'From there he was moved to the Hudson Correctional Facility in Kearny, NJ. He has been there since.

Since 2013, the governor has granted seven pardons explicitly to remove the threat of deportation, according to his office. Cardona's pardon is the first since the president's new priorities were issued.

Alphonso David, the governor's attorney, speaking to the Times said Cardoza was fast-tracked partly because returning to him Colombia would put him at risk.

Not only would deporting him prevent Cardoza from getting the treatment he needs for ground zero related illnesses, but two of his brothers, one a police officer, were murdered in Colombia by gang members.

A lawyer for Carodna, Rajesh Barua said his client was a volunteer after the World Trade Center attacks, sifting through and clearing out the rubble at ground zero. The time he spent in the debris resulted in a severe lung condition from which he still suffers.

Baura also said: 'As a young man Mr. Cardona briefly fell in with a rough crowd, and in 1990 he pleaded guilty to selling a small amount of cocaine to an undercover officer, a crime for which he spent 45 days in jail.'

That conviction stopped Cardona from obtaining legal status over the 31 years he has lived New York City, although he is married to a United States citizen.

After he missed a court date for an immigration hearing in 2001, an order was issued for his deportation by the Department of Homeland Security's department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But because his illness stems from his volunteering in Lower Manhattan, which earned him medical care through a federal program for those sickened by the aftermath of the attacks, the department permitted him to stay. He was required to check in periodically with the immigration authorities.

The governor's pardon does not automatically nullify the deportation order for Mr. Cardona, said Barua, who must now petition ICE to drop the order. But with his record newly expunged, he said, there should be no grounds to continue the removal.
Opinion / Columnist

"I was born in Makuva, and I started school at Makuva Primary School, then went to Don Bosco."At the end of a two-day, high level strategy session, you do not expect to hear such a humble statement from the putative guest of honour.And, perhaps noticing the blank looks from his audience, he added, with the same disarming charm and poise that exudes presence and gravitas: "That is in Mberengwa, after which I went to Chikwingwizha Seminary in Gweru then St Ignatius College"If you can find another person of the same stature with such a humble beginning, then drinks are on me.But, listening to him describe his journey, you do not hear about the PhD from Imperial College London, or that he is an Eisenhower Fellow, who just happens to hold an MBA and has worked in some of the highest roles in finance and industry globally as well as being a Cabinet minister in government.Or did I mention . . . the World Economic Forum. Instead, he talks about his rural upbringing, how he worked in the fields at Makuva each day before and after going to school, not as a complaint or a badge of honour, but because that is simply what you did then.If humility characterises perceptions of the man, it is his judicious approach to everything that defines him.Nkosana Moyo is the definition of decency and honourable. In a world where virtue and righteousness are so rare, his life story displays a deliberately coherent and principled approach to everything that he has done.When he enrolled at Chikwingwizha, he flirted with the idea of becoming a priest, but says because at the time, he did not have the same convictions about his faith as he does now, he decided that he would not do it."I only have to look at the world now, with the eyes of a scientist, and I can see that everything about it is so perfect, so aligned that it cannot possibly be by accident, but back then, I did not have this conviction firmly rooted in faith," he says.That is the measure of the man. The idea that if something is not capable of being done right, then it is not worth doing at all.After his PhD in Physics, he taught at the University of Zimbabwe. When he discovered that the university would not be able to fund research into his passion (solar energy), he decided that it was time to go into commerce.A job at TA Holdings saw him excel so much that this scientist with expertise in quantum physics got headhunted by a Standard Chartered Bank.Not to advise them on their investments in sciences and engineering, but as managing director-designate for their merchant banking services.Clearly, they were on to something, because once again Moyo excelled in the role.But ever the upstanding man, he says that despite being so good in the job, "I felt that it was not right that I did not have a background in Finance".So he went to Cranfield School of Management - Cranfield University, "one of the oldest business schools in Europe and a world leader in management education and research" for his MBA.While at Cranfield, and as if juggling family life and a challenging degree in a field so far removed from physics was not hard enough, Moyo took classes for, and obtained a Glider Pilot Silver C qualification, which he later upgraded to a proper pilot's licence at Charles Prince in Harare.With his MBA earned, he returned to Standard Chartered in Harare.It was not long before the bank realised that he could be more useful on a bigger stage, and Moyo was promoted to head of Africa corporate banking at Standard Chartered London.While others in similar roles would have jumped at the opportunity to focus on the bank's expanding footprint in the United States or the emerging markets of Asia, he decided that he would focus solely on the bank's projects in Africa.This led to him being sent to Tanzania as country managing director for Standard Chartered Bank in Tanzania.Back on the continent, this son of a Shona father and Ndebele mother from Mberengwa did what a good upbringing had instilled in him: he worked the soil.So drastic and outstanding was his performance at Standard Chartered Tanzania that revenues grew 10 times higher and those in London sent a fact-finding mission to see if everything was being done correctly: and so they were.But by this time, the call to work for others had started to bite. So, with the bank in Tanzania on a firm footing, Moyo decided that his sojourn with Standard Chartered was finished.It was time to go back to Zimbabwe. Instead of making money for shareholders, it was time to help Zimbabweans enterprise and grow wealth.So, with the support of leading luminaries in the corporate sector, Moyo relaunched his Zimbabwe career as founder and managing director of Batanai Capital Finance.With the backing of institutional investors as shareholders, he grew the business to become a major player in the industry.So successful was the business that at the turn of the millennium, Moyo was again headhunted, this time by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, to become Industry and International Trade minister.They hailed his appointment (and that of others at that time) as the dawn of a new era, the introduction of technocrats into government, breathing a new thinking and better ways of doing things.No longer would government trips off less than three hours require business class travel for officials in his ministry, and duty and service replaced lounging and doing nothing.But this was not to last long. Moyo, true to himself, found out early that one cannot function in a government led by unprincipled people, and one needs, but to read his open letter to Mugabe, penned many years later, to see just how diametrically opposed their philosophies are.For Moyo, government is about service, it is about bringing back respect to Africa and Africans.It is about getting people that are skilled in what they do to do the job, not people related to those in the position to appoint.And, more than anything, it is about knowing your brief, and still leaving room to learn."I always make sure that I am throughly prepared, but when I go into the meeting, I make sure that everyone else has a chance to speak before I even share my opinion. First because I do not wish to make people colour their views to what they think I will agree with, but more importantly because 99,9% of the time, I have discovered that no matter how prepared I am, I always learn something new from someone else."It is that unassuming humility, that has seen Moyo appointed first as senior adviser/associate director for the International Finance Corporation, then managing partner and Head of Africa region at Actis Capital LLP, and chief operating officer at the African Development Bank since leaving his role in the Zimbabwe government.And in 2011, he founded and remains to this day executive chairman of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, helping grow Africa's future leaders while taking no salary from the role.This is consistent with the man: he negotiated to take salary cut from Actis in order to move back to Africa: because he believed that global accolades were not the legacy he wanted to leave behind, but the development of his continent in general and Zimbabwe in particular.A very long way from Makuva, Mberengwa, for this man who prefaces many sentences with "Chipo and I . . .", referring to his wife Chipo Mutasa (not TelOne chief executive), with whom they have four children.You will not hear from Nkosana that this is the sister of Shingi Mutasa, a friend told me.So, at the end of that two-day seminar, where he stood up to speak of his humble beginnings, someone asks Moyo for his CV and, for someone with his history and at least eight board appointments, a momentary pause, then a smile.He does not have one! For you see, since joining UZ as a lecturer, Moyo has never looked for a job.His talent and worth has been so obvious that he has been headhunted every time.It is easy to understand this: You need to be with him for, but a few minutes to realise the deep introspection of the man, the measured manner of speaking, the respect for the listener, and the sheer depth of the man's intellect.And a deep, deep love for Zimbabwe. Would he think about political office then?"I have started to seriously consider that role, and will be making a definitive announcement soon", he says.Listening to the man, looking at his resume, and considering the task at hand, it is easy to come to, but one conclusion on the matter.It is time . . .Albert Gumbo is an alumni of the Duke University-UCT US-Southern Africa Centre for Leadership and Public Values. Contact: gumbo.albert@gmail.com
An animal rights group claims to have obtained undercover footage from the inside of a free range chicken farm showing cramped conditions, overcrowding and sick, neglected poultry.

The RSPCA-approved coops, in the north of Perth, are home to chickens producing eggs which are sold at Woolworths, IGA and Coles with a guarantee the animals are treated well and are allowed to roam free.

But animal rights videos claim to have exposed Mt Barker Free Range Farms mistreating the chickens, leaving dead birds to rot while others appear to suffer from burns and respiratory problems, Seven News reports.

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Footage from inside the free range chicken farm appeared to show the birds living in cramped, overcrowded coops. Mt Barker Free Range Farms says the footage was taken at night when the chickens are brought inside for protection

Activists filmed birds that looked to have burns (pictured) and allege some suffered from respiratory problems. Mt Barker Free Range Farms says the images show birds with healthy pink skin who have not feathered or have lost feathers as part of free ranging

Animal activists filmed what they described as distressing scenes of thousands of chickens kept inside overcrowded cages as they pecked at the rotting corpses of other birds, while others appeared unable to stand or walk properly.

Nadia Schilling, from In Defense of Animals, told Seven News customers pay premium to ensure they are eating eggs that were cultivated in a safe, humane environment.

'Consumers need to be guaranteed... that they're being checked in on every day, they're not suffering from thirst, hunger, neglect, deformities,' she said.

Animal rights groups have campaigned for free range chicken farms to install live-streaming cameras to prove to consumers the birds are treated well and live in a stress-free environment.

But Mt Barker Free Range Farms has firmly denied any of its chickens are harmed, and says the 'staged' footage was filmed at night when the birds are brought inside.

'The opening shots of the video show happy, chirping birds. We have two documented external, independent, professional audits within weeks of the date of these allegations showing no such suffering and good conditions in the housing,' a statement reads.

'Our staff walk the chicken houses and the free range area twice a day looking for any birds that have died or might be in trouble. Sometimes a death or injury occurs after they have left.'

Animal activists filmed scenes of thousands of chickens kept inside cages as they pecked at the rotting corpses of other birds, while others appeared unable to stand or walk properly. But Mt Barker Free Range Farms has denied any mistreatment or neglect of the animals

Animal rights groups have campaigned for free range chicken farms to install live-streaming cameras to prove to consumers the birds are treated well and live in a stress-free environment

It says the farm has been recently audited and cleared by the RSPCA and that it treats its chickens 'extremely well'.

'Our view is that the video has been staged. We rely on RSPCA auditing and no non-conformance was identified,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'After dealing with the chickens for three weeks the activists only found three dead birds, which is actually a very low mortality rate.'

It also says the 'ammonia burns' are just the chickens' pink exposed skin and that the birds are 'happy and healthy'. It says ammonia burns are identifiable by burns on the footpads and caused by wet litter (floor bed) conditions.

After being questioned about chickens pecking at other carcasses, Mt Barker said: 'Chickens are omnivores they eat insects and peck at each other hence the term 'pecking order' it is an instinct. We endeavour to avoid birds pecking each other but, we do not clip their beaks and sometimes animals turn on each other.'

Mt Barker's website reads: 'It sets itself the highest possible standards of free range to ensure our chickens live in a happy and stress-free environment. Our stress free growing conditions give free range animals their superior taste and texture.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the RSPCA for comment.
An Australian man has died after returning from holiday in Thailand from an increasingly rare virus that causes inflammation of the brain.

The 60-year-old Victorian man returned from a 10 day holiday in Phuket, Thailand, when he struggled to stay awake and was eventually admitted in hospital in a confused state.

The man was diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis, with less than one percent of cases triggering inflammation of the brain, that leads to a fatal infection in roughly one in four people, according to The Age.

Japanese encephalitis is carried in mosquitoes and if it causes inflammation of the brain in a human it can be fatal in one in four cases (Stock Image)

Japanese encephalitis is carried through mosquitoes and is vaccine preventable, but there is no specific treatment. The rare virus is more common in certain areas of Asia and the South Pacific.

The symptoms of Japanese encephalitis include headaches, vomiting, a fever, convulsions and neurological signs, such as movement disorder, that appear five to 10 days following the infection.

Japanese encephalitis is becoming so 'vanishingly rare' this case is believed to be only the 10th case recorded in Australia.

'We don't have Japanese encephalitis within Australia itself, so it has to be acquired during travel to areas of risk,' Royal Melbourne Hospital doctor Steven Tong told the ABC, according to the publication.

Japanese encephalitis is vaccine preventable and is more common in certain areas of Asia and the South Pacific

'Most figures suggest that for travellers to endemic areas such as Thailand, the risk is probably in the order of one in a million to one in 500,000 travellers to those areas will get Japanese encephalitis.

The rare virus can not be passed from person to person and for Japanese encephalitis to maintain it must stay in a cycle involving mosquitoes, a vertabrate host, pigs and birds.

Doctors are still determining how the 60-year-old man caught the rare virus.
Passers-by were left bemused when police used a huge flatbed lorry to seize a tiny mini quad bike.

Witness Kieran Harte captured the moment officers loaded up the small vehicle onto the oversized lorry on Bayswater Row in Leeds last Friday.

He can be heard telling the police to 'Just pick it up mate!' as he was left jaw-dropped by the over-the-top response to the quad bike.

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Passers-by were left bemused when police used a huge flatbed lorry to seize a mini quad bike in Leeds last Friday

Officers seized the quad bike after a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle stealing.

The teenager is alleged to have fled community support officers who were trying to stop him for driving an unregistered mini quad.

One officer was knocked off his bicycle by the quad bike as the teenager abandoned the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.

In footage captured in the aftermath of the incident, witness Kieran can be heard saying: 'Taxpayers having to pay for a recovery truck just for that little thing. Look at the size of it.'

The video shows an officer examining the quad bike before it was taken away, as well as a group of policemen further down the road.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a teenager from the area was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.

Witness Kieran Harte, who captured the moment on camera, can be heard telling the police to 'Just pick it up mate!' as he was left jaw-dropped by the over-the-top response to the quad bike

A 36-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing authorities.

A spokesperson said: 'At about 7pm on Friday, police community support officers from the local neighbourhood policing team were on patrol on bicycles in Harehills Road, Harehills, when they saw an unregistered mini quad bike being ridden around the streets.

'The rider made off from the officers into Bayswater Row where he abandoned the quad causing it to collide with one of the officers who was knocked from his bicycle and received minor injuries.

'Other officers were called to the scene and a 17-year-old male was arrested from a nearby address on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.

The footage shows a group of policemen further down the road as the quad bike was seized. A 17-year-old was arrested of aggravated vehicle stealing

'He was later released pending further enquiries.

'A 36-year-old woman who attempted to retrieve the bike from the scene was detained on suspicion of obstructing a designated person. The quad bike was seized having been used in an offence and was recovered by police contractors.'

Sergeant Jon McNiff said: 'The illegal and anti-social use of unregistered off-road bikes on the streets of Harehills continues to be an issue that affects the lives of people in the area and is something that creates a danger to other road users, as this incident has clearly illustrated with an officer being knocked off their bicycle.

'It is against the law to ride unregistered, uninsured and untaxed motorbikes on the public highway and also for motor vehicles to be used anti-socially and we will continue to use all available powers to target those who commit these types of offences as part of our work to keep our communities safe.'
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Theresa May was booed yesterday after she met residents left homeless in the Grenfell Tower blaze amid widespread anger at her leaden response to the tragedy.

The beleaguered Prime Minster was surrounded by furious locals who heckled her as she slipped out of the building and was ushered by her security officers into a waiting car.

The angry scenes came just hours after Nicholas Holgate, the 180,000-a-year chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council, was forced to quit over the fire and the 'shambolic' response effort.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has now called for further heads to roll at the council, saying that there was 'not a chance in hell' that residents 'will have the semblance of confidence until they see a change in leadership'.

The PM was roundly condemned for her woeful response during and after the blaze, which tore through the north Kensington tower block in minutes killing at least 79 people.

Theresa May was booed after visiting Grenfell Tower victims in Kensington last night, hours before a council chief resigned

She faced a barrage of criticism after failing to speak to any victims of the blaze or their families when she went on a 'private' visit to the scene in the aftermath.

Meanwhile, reports emerged of residents who just about escaped from the inferno with their lives being left to sleep in make shift beds in local community centres and given just 10 a day to survive on.

Her wooden response was in stark contrast to the spontaneous outpouring of help from Londoners, who flocked in their thousands to the area to donate food, clothes and offers of shelter.

Last week, Mrs May was met with cries of 'coward' and 'shame on you' when she went to meet residents at a local church but refused to address locals who had gathered outside to see her.

Mrs May told the House of Commons on Thursday that she had been to North Kensington to meet a group of residents who came to Downing Street at the weekend to hear from them about the progress that was being made.

But she failed to mention her hostile reception.

Yesterday she admitted the government had failed in its response to the blaze, telling the Commons the help given 'was not good enough' and amounted to a 'failure of the state, local and national.

Council chief executive Mr Holgate was effectively ordered to resign by communities secretary, Sajid Javid in the wake of the blaze.

Nicholas Holgate - the chief executive of Kensington borough council - was told to resign by communities secretary, Sajid Javid, after the shambolic response to the Grenfell Tower fire

But there is still widespread anger that the Tory councillors in charge of the borough have to not also been told to go.

The 55-year-old career civil servant, who will have worked up a huge pension pot during his time at the Treasury, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the west London local authority, is likely to have received a lavish payout.

In a statement, Mr Holgate said Mr Javid 'required the leader of the council to seek my resignation', adding it would be a 'distraction' if he kept his job.

'Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart-breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council,' he said.

'Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.'

Theresa May today told the Commons it had become clear that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 'could not cope'.

'It is right that the Chief Executive has resigned,' she said.

The PM said of the tragedy: 'It should not have happened... that initial failure was then compounded by the fact that the support (victims received) was not good enough.'

Mrs May is understood to have visited Kensington at around 7pm last night, just hours before Mr Holgate's resignation was announced on the authority's website.

Mr Holgate joined the civil service as a trainee at the Treasury in 1984 after studying economics at Cambridge University.

He has worked his way up through a number of lucrative roles, including Chief Operating Officer at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Finance director for Kensington and joint chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham.

He was not answering calls at his two-bedroom flat following his assertion at his west London apartment block this afternoon.

Leader of the council Nicholas Paget-Brown (left) said it was 'with great regret' that he had accepted Mr Holgate's resignation. In a statement Mr Holgate said Mr Javid (right) 'required the leader of the council to seek my resignation', adding it would be a 'distraction' if he kept his job

His resignation comes after it was revealed Grenfell residents had repeatedly warned the council and their landlord, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, about fire safety in the building before the inferno.

At least 79 people died in the fire, which tore through the west London tower block on June 14. Some 600 people were left homeless after the blaze and the aid effort after the disaster was slammed as 'shambolic' by residents.

Shadow housing secretary John Healey said Mr Holgate's decision was correct and accused the authority of going 'awol'.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'He's right to go, he had to go, his council went awol in the days after this terrible fire at a time when the victims, survivors, those families still looking for their family members who were missing needed help on the ground and above all someone to reassure them and coordinate the relief and help efforts. The council were nowhere to be seen when I was down there the day after the fire - he had no option and he was right to go'.

Mr Holgate appears to claim he was forced to quit.

He said: 'Success in our efforts requires leadership across London that sustains the confidence and support of central Government.

'There is a huge amount still to do for the victims of the fire, requiring the full attention of this council and many others. If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction.'

Mr Holgate (pictured, left, earlier in his career and, right, with his wife Natalie) has worked in the civil service since 1984, when he started as a trainee at the Treasury

There was no answer at Holgate's home in west London today as questions were raised about his resignation

Leader of the council Nicholas Paget-Brown said it was 'with great regret' that he had accepted Mr Holgate's resignation.

'Like everyone else, the council has been grief stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims,' Mr Paget-Brown said.

'That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this. However, the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward.

'Nicholas has made a huge contribution to Kensington and Chelsea during his eight years with us and is greatly admired by staff and members. I am enormously grateful to him.'

He was also said to have offered his resignation at council cabinet meeting yesterday but it was unanimously rejected by fellow councillors.

The resignation comes after it was revealed Grenfell residents had repeatedly warned the council and their landlords about fire safety in the building

Labour MP David Lammy said Mr Paget-Brown should be next to go.

He said: 'Many people should consider their positions and step aside. I happen to think the leader of the council should go. Nicholas Paget Brown should step aside immediately. He has lost the faith of the people on the streets. I think they are out of touch with the community.

'But this is not just about resignations - this is a crime. We need to live in a country where the police act. We have heard nothing about this criminal investigation. Other crimes happen you get a rolling commentary - who's been arrested, who's been questioned, what the police are up to. Why have they gone quiet?'

Around 250 homeless survivors will be rehoused permanently inside a 2billion Kensington development, it was revealed today.

The 10m Grenfell Tower refurbishment was inspected 16 times by Kensington and Chelsea council

But the announcement followed a week of chaos in which angry and confused victims said they were given little support or information.

It was also revealed that the fire would likely have been preventable.

The 10m Grenfell Tower refurbishment was inspected 16 times by Kensington and Chelsea Council, but officials still failed to stop the use of flammable cladding effectively banned for use on tower blocks.

The plastic panels that were fitted to the outside of the 24-storey tower were blamed for the fire spreading from one fourth floor flat and engulfing the entire building.

Landlord KCTMO was warned repeatedly about fire safety when the refurbishment was going on between 2014 and 2016, according to residents.

Some said their complaints resulted in the council threatening legal action against them.

Today experts claimed some victims may have been poisoned by cyanide gas released by the deadly cladding.

At least three people injured in the fire were treated in hospital for cyanide poisoning, but the numbers affected by the toxic gas could easily be higher.

Days after the deadly fire it was revealed that millionaire builders saved a meagre 6,250 by fitting flammable cladding to Grenfell Tower instead of fireproof panels.

A whistleblower said fire-safe panels were initially chosen  but contractors then opted for a cheaper version.

A Daily Mail investigation established that in the early stages of the refurbishment, a non-plastic type of panel was proposed, but in the end, cheaper plastic ones were used.

Devastated survivors of the disaster then claimed they had to wait days to get their emergency cash as council workers went home for the weekend.

Some also complained of being asked to provide identification to access the money, despite the majority losing all of their possessions in the fire.

At least three people injured in the fire were treated in hospital for cyanide poisoning, but the numbers affected by the toxic gas could easily be higher. A total of seven victims have been officially identified but at least 79 people are feared dead

Around 250 homeless survivors will be rehoused permanently inside a 2billion Kensington development, it was revealed today

Downing Street gave victims a 5,500 down payment as part of a 5million fund announced by Prime Minister Theresa May last week.

Nearly a week after the blaze, desperate residents were said to still be struggling with accommodation and support.

Full statement from the leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council It is with great regret that I have today accepted Nicholas Holgate's resignation. Like everyone else, the Council has been grief stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims. That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this. However, the Council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward. Nicholas has made a huge contribution to Kensington and Chelsea during his eight years with us and is greatly admired by staff and members. I am enormously grateful to him. Advertisement

More than 300,000 of the 5m emergency fund has been handed to families and over 100 people have been moved into hotels.

But, lawyer Khatija Sacranie, who is offering free advice to those displaced, said some people trying to collect the aid money had been turned away empty handed because they had completed the wrong forms.

And one survivor said he was sent away with just 20 after officials ran out of cash.

The botched response effort was branded as 'appalling' with people still 'running around like headless chickens' by Kensington's new Labour MP Emma Dent Coad.

As homeless residents waited for their emergency fund money, it was revealed the council had nearly 300million in 'usable reserves'.

Kensington and Chelsea had built up the huge sum through what it called an 'extensive cost reduction programme'.

While residents of the devastated tower block protested about cuts, the local authority put money into a scheme to host opera performances in the borough.

It ploughed 5million from the council's reserves into helping set up Opera Holland Park (OHP) as an independent charity in 2015, and lost 1.5million on staffing and operating the event.

In the days after the fire tensions mounted and hundreds of people stormed Kensington town hall, demanding to know how the tragedy could have happened.

In the days after the fire tensions mounted and hundreds of people stormed Kensington town hall

'I wish I could continue': Full resignation statement from the chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council On Tuesday 20 June, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government required the Leader of the Council to seek my resignation. Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart-breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the Council. Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the Council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed. Success in our efforts requires leadership across London that sustains the confidence and support of central Government. There is a huge amount still to do for the victims of the fire, requiring the full attention of this Council and many others. If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction. Whilst the public inquiry and other investigations will get to the truth of the causes of this tragedy and the management of its aftermath, I strongly believe that Councillors and officers have always endeavoured to have the interests of our residents at heart and will continue to do so. Advertisement

Relief at last for Grenfell Tower families as 250 homeless residents are rehoused in a 2billion block in Kensington after authorities buy up 68 flats in 10million deal

By Richard Spillett and Martin Robinson

Around 250 homeless and beleaguered survivors of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire will be rehoused permanently inside a 2billion luxury Kensington development, it was revealed today.

The 68 one, two and three bedroom properties have been bought for just 10million and will provide refuge for families who lost everything in the blaze that killed 79 people a week ago.

Apartments in the Kensington Row development are currently on the market for between 1.5million and 8.5 million. The flats have been bought by the Corporation of London, which will run them as part of its social housing stock.

But developer St Edward has sold the 68 flats at 'cost' price.

The homes are being prepared for the survivors who are currently being housed in hotels around west London

Some of the apartments have large rooms and balconies offering panoramic views of London and residents also have access to a swimming pool, sauna, cinema and gym

The 250 Grenfell residents - around half of its population - are currently in hotels or in extreme cases believed to be sleeping rough in parks or in their cars.

But from the end of July they will living in the development on Kensington High Street lauded as 'one of London's most sought after new addresses'.

The apartments have large rooms and balconies offering panoramic views of London and current residents also have access to a swimming pool, sauna, cinema and gym.

It is not known whether the Grenfell survivors will have the same access.

City of London Corporation immediately handed the flats to Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, who have been so heavily criticised since Britain's worst fire for a generation.

The 68 flats for the Grenfell survivors was announced just before Theresa May apologised for the failures by local and national government in responding to the fire.

Pictures of the development show rooms in the block's penthouses, although the survivors are unlikely to live in such flats

The property deal is a rare piece of good news for the families who lost friends and loved ones in last week's blaze.

It was paid for by the City of London Corporation - the wealthy local authority responsible for the capital's financial Square Mile which reportedly has 1.32billion in the bank.

Grenfell, a 1974 tower block refurbished last year, was engulfed by fire after a fridge exploded in its fourth floor.

Everyone on its top three storeys is believed to have perished including dozens who cowered together in their final moments a single room.

Others died trying to escape or even threw themselves and their children out of windows to escape the deadly heat and smoke.

Since the blaze anger has continued to mount over Kensington council's 'chaotic' handling of the Grenfell disaster amid reports of survivors sleeping rough and being denied cash because of confusing forms.

The Department of Commnunities says it is working to get those affected by the fire rehomed after widespread criticism of the shambolic response to the blaze

Nearly a week after the blaze which killed 79 and made hundreds homeless, desperate residents were said to still be struggling with accommodation and support.

More than 300,000 of the 5m emergency fund has been handed to families and over 100 people have been moved into hotels so far, the group said.

However, Lawyer Khatija Sacranie, who is offering free advice to those displaced, said some people trying to collect the aid money had been turned away empty handed because they had completed the wrong forms.

And one survivor said he was sent away with just 20 after officials ran out of cash.

The botched response effort was branded as 'appalling' with people still 'running around like headless chickens' by Kensington's new Labour MP Emma Dent Coad.

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 company's 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

'Day of Rage' protesters clash with police during anti-government demonstrations despite pleas by Grenfell Tower residents not to let the disaster be 'hijacked' as an excuse for violence

By Richard Spillettand Jay Akbar For Mailonline

Anti-government protesters clashed with police outside Downing Street today despite pleas from Grenfell Tower residents not to let the disaster be 'hijacked' as an excuse for violence.

A group called the Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary (MFJ) are marching from Shepherd's Bush to Downing Street today hoping to 'bring down the government' and 'shut down London'.

As many as 500 people joined the march which coincided with the Queen's Speech.

Anti-government protesters clashed with police outside Downing Street today despite pleas from Grenfell Tower residents not to let the disaster be 'hijacked'

A demonstrator shouts at a police officer near Downing Street today during so-called 'Day of Rage' anti-government protests

Some demonstrators angrily confronted and screamed at police officers, resulting in two arrests, the Met Police confirmed.

Dramatic photos showed several people being detained by police as tempers flared in Whitehall, near Downing Street.

One man was restrained as he screamed in the face of an officer and another male protester was pinned to the floor by police.

As he was being carried away he repeatedly shouted he was a 'peaceful' protester, while those watching chanted: 'Let him go.'

A man is detained by police in Whitehall as numbers of the protesters at the 'Day of Rage' demo swelled during the afternoon

Some demonstrators angrily confronted and screamed at police officers, resulting in two arrests, the Met Police confirmed

Another skirmish with police resulted in a man being led away in handcuffs, having been seen shouting at the protesters.

Pockets of the demonstration then began bickering among themselves in Parliament Square, while another section listened to speeches attentively.

Some protesters carried banners referring to Grenfell Tower, despite residents of the block urging no violence

Speaking at the start of the march today, Zeyad Cred, who lives in the shadow of Grenfell Tower, told activists: 'I am begging you, please keep this peaceful, as the minute it turns into something else you have ruined it for the residents.

'If you are really here for justice and are really here for the residents of my community and the people who live in that tower block, you have got to keep it peaceful. Do not promote this 'march of rage' - it is not what we need.'

The views echoed those of Mahad Egal, a fourth-floor resident of Grenfell Tower, who posted a video message posted on social media today.

A group called the Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary (MFJ) are marching from Shepherd's Bush to Downing Street today hoping to 'bring down the government'. Pictured: A protester scuffles with police

He said: 'I would just like to send a message out: please, to all those protesting, we don't need no violence in the community, we do not want that in our name.

'Please do not disgrace those who have been affected in Grenfell by resorting to violence, we need people to come together. The community has come together, we don't need no violence in the community.'

Mr Egal had to run from the tower block when his next-door neighbour told him his fridge had caught fire, moments before the entire building was engulfed.

Despite the pleas, tempers began to boil over outside the gates of Downing Street when protesters and police squared off, with activists yelling angrily.

Police officers have urged activists to stay calm, insisting the force is already stretched at a time of high terror threat

When the group arrived in Downing Street today, activists confronted and screamed at police officers, resulting in a number of arrests

Dozens of officers were brought to calm the situation, forming a tight barrier between the activists and the gates to Downing Street.

Police worked in 32C heat to contain the demonstrators and were seen detaining at least two men. They have yet to confirm whether arrests were made.

On regular occasions, the demonstrators sang Jeremy Corbyn's name while calling for Theresa May to resign as they marched towards Downing Street.
Millions of pounds from Britains aid budget will be used to send home migrants trying to get to Europe, Theresa May will announce today.

At a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, the Prime Minister will unveil a 75million plan to deter people from crossing the Mediterranean from Africa.

Record numbers have attempted the perilous journey to Italy with fears an even greater influx is looming as the weather improves.

Britain will seek to reduce the flow by offering people free flights from the north of Africa back to their home countries.

Millions of pounds from Britains aid budget will be used to send home migrants trying to get to Europe, Theresa May will announce today

The three-year scheme will provide humanitarian support to would-be migrants on transit routes from the Horn of Africa and western Africa through countries such as Niger, Egypt and Libya.

Those who find themselves stranded and destitute along the routes will be offered assistance to return home rather than continuing to Europe.

While any assisted returns will be voluntary, it is thought many individuals will take up the schemes offer as a way of escaping the gruelling conditions of the transit routes, which expose them to the risk of death, violence, forced labour and exploitation at the hands of people-traffickers before they even reach Mediterranean ports.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: This new UK support will provide desperately needed aid and protection to tens of thousands of the worlds most vulnerable As well as saving lives, this will provide vulnerable people with meaningful alternatives to the treacherous crossings into Europe.
Uber is to introduce a way for customers to tip their drivers and fine those who keep cars waiting, in a desperate bid to clean up its image.

It will also charge people who cancel their cab two minutes after making a booking, in a slew of changes that will come into force in Britain before the end of the year.

The technology giant, which allows people to hail cut-price taxis via an app on their mobiles, has earned a reputation for treating workers badly.

Uber has refused to pay its UK drivers the national living wage, or give them holidays, pensions and other workers rights.

Uber is to introduce a way for customers to tip their drivers and fine those who keep cars waiting, in a desperate bid to clean up its image

It has also been accused of using unethical tactics to manipulate drivers into working for longer than they want to, employing the same sort of technology used to make video games addictive.

But now the scandal-hit company is trying to convince customers it has a heart after all, with a major shake-up that will hit customers in the pocket but will boost drivers incomes.

Payments between Uber customers and drivers are designed to be cashless and are done solely through debit and credit cards linked to a mobile app on smart phones.

While there is technically nothing to stop Uber customers giving drivers tips in cash under the present system, Uber stresses it is not expected or required.

But in the slew of changes they are implementing, customers will be able to pay tips through the app for the first time  a move which is expected to boost the payments to good drivers.

It marks a volte face on Ubers position two years ago, when it refused to introduce the scheme despite huge pressure from workers.

At the moment, customers who make a booking can cancel within five minutes free of charge  wasting drivers time and petrol.

However, that window will soon be cut down to two minutes. Customers who cancel after that will be fined 5.

People will also by charged by the minute if they keep their driver waiting for more than two minutes after arriving  rather like a black cab which starts the metre.

The fee will vary by city, but users in London will be charged 15p-per-minute.

Even then, customers who keep their drivers waiting for more than five minutes face having their booking cancelled.

If a driver ends the booking due to a long wait the customer will be fined 5 in London and 4 in Manchester and Leeds.

The changes signals a massive shift in power between Uber drivers and bosses, following a seemingly relentless string of scandals.

The American firm  once the darling of the technology world - is battling to boost staff morale at its California headquarters as well as the hundreds of thousands of drivers who keep its service running.

Earlier this month it fired more than 20 staff after a whistle blower exposed a toxic culture of sexual harassment and bullying.

And former US attorney general, Eric Holder, who was asked to investigate the mess, said that Uber needed draw up a formal code of ethics.

Uber has refused to pay its UK drivers the national living wage, or give them holidays, pensions and other workers rights

However, the firm was quickly dragged into even more embarrassment.

Just days after Mr Holders announcement, one of its directors resigned for making a sexist joke at a meeting about sexism.

David Bonderman quipped that having women on the board led to more talking.

Meanwhile, Uber has also been fighting allegations of cronyism and tax avoidance.

Earlier this year, the Daily Mail exposed its overly close ties to former Prime Minister David Cameron, whose Downing Street orchestrated a lobbying campaign to get Boris Johnson to protect Uber while he was still Londons Mayor.

The lobbying began after Rachel Whetstone, Mr Camerons close friend and wife of his former advisor Steve Hilton, became Ubers head of policy and communications. She has now quit the lucrative position.

And this month it was claimed that HMRC has missed out on 40million in VAT from the controversial taxi app, thanks to its legal but highly controversial tax avoidance tactic.

Uber was told in October last year that it would have to start paying drivers the national living wage after it lost a legal battle to classify them as self-employed. However, it has refused to increase their pay whilst it appeals the ruling.

The boss of Uber has been forced to quit after a spiralling series of scandals.

Chief executive Travis Kalanick was already taking a leave of absence, but resigned from the taxi app firm permanently after five of its biggest investors insisted he step down.

He will remain on the board without an executive position.

Chief executive Travis Kalanick was already taking a leave of absence, but resigned from the taxi app firm permanently

In a gushing letter, Mr Kalanick spoke of his love for the firm, which he founded and has built into a worldwide empire that is worth tens of billions of pounds.

The 40-year-old also made it clear that he could not cope with the job whilst he is grieving for his mother, who died in a boating accident in May.
Justine Greening said she once failed to impress potential bosses when she ordered in English at a fancy Italian restaurant

Perhaps she asked the waiter for breaded veal when the menu described it as cotoletta alla Milanese.

Or maybe she was tempted by the penne  but simply referred to it as pasta.

But Cabinet minister Justine Greening said she once failed to impress potential bosses when she ordered in English at a fancy Italian restaurant.

The Education Secretary said she made the faux pas when having lunch as part of a job interview for an investment bank.

Because the menu had been written in Italian, bosses had expected her to be confident enough to speak in that language. The politician, who was a young graduate at the time, realised too late she had failed a test and was shunned for the post.

She added the episode was an example of unconscious bias against candidates from working class backgrounds, who may not have the same polish as their more advantaged peers.

Speaking at the launch of the first Social Mobility Index of employers, she said more companies needed to attract candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.

Comprehensive school-educated Miss Greening, the daughter of a Rotherham steel worker, said it was about changing attitudes within companies. Recalling the incident, she said: The interview was fine, and then I got taken out to lunch by two of the junior managers in this investment bank.

I remember trying to work out whether I should order the meal in Italian or whether I should read the English translation underneath. In a split second, I decided Im a non-pompous person, I will just read the English. And I could tell with the body language that I had just failed a test.

Because the menu had been written in Italian, bosses had expected her to be confident enough to speak in that language

Because I was meant to have had the confidence, apparently, I think, to have just said it in Italian. It wasnt that I didnt have confidence  I absolutely had lots of confidence as a person. But I just had a different attitude as to how I felt it was appropriate to behave.

Miss Greening, who studied economics at Southampton University and was an accountant before she became MP for Putney, said she felt unfairly judged.

I had a sense of it being a test I had failed, not because I wasnt going to do a great job at that company, but because I came from a different place and had a different attitude to that situation, she said.

These are the small things that add up to big differences in terms of whether or not in the end people, I think, get opportunities.

She said she had been just one of many graduates who had received the sharp end of unconscious bias because of their accent or behaviour. The Index, compiled by the Social Mobility Foundation, ranks employers on opportunities they provide for poorer applicants. The top three companies this year are accountancy firms Grant Thornton and KPMG and construction giant Skanska. Theresa May has vowed to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds get into top universities and firms.
Disgraced banker Oliver Curtis will be released from Cooma Correctional Centre on Friday and could return to trading shares as soon as he walks out the gate.

A spokesman for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission told Daily Mail Australia there was no restriction on Curtis' ability to work in the financial sector, only that he could not be the director of a company for five years.

In June 2016, Curtis was found guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading, and sentenced to a maximum of two years behind bars.

Despite his conviction, the ASIC spokesman revealed Curtis will still be able to make trades for a company and in his own name, as well as provide financial services to others.

Oliver Curtis was jailed in June 2016 for conspiracy to commit insider trading (pictured after his conviction)

The disgraced banker is expected to be released from Cooma correctional centre on Friday

The five-year ban on directorship, which begins when Curtis is released on Friday, is an automatic result of being convicted under the Corporations Act.

To have been banned from any other financial work, ASIC explained a specific ban would need to have been sought, and none was for Curtis.

Curtis is still eligible to apply for an Australian Financial Services License, but the ASIC spokesman explained he hadn't had one before, and therefore it is unknown if he would have any need for it.

'He didn't have a license before,' the spokesman said.

'He could go and work for an authorised holder [of a license], but he would be their representative and it would be their responsibility that he does the right thing.

'He could apply to have his own license, but there is a good fame and character test. There's still no indication he would want [a license].'

During a lengthy Supreme Court trial last year, a senior crown prosecutor claimed Curtis used tip offs from his former best friend John Hartman to net an alleged $1.433 million profit, which they shared together.

Despite his crimes, he will be able to return to banking and trading as soon as he is released from prison

The jury heard the banker had made trades between May 27 and June 2008 based on confidential information Hartman possessed as an employee of Orion Asset Management.

It heard the trades netted the pair, who were in their early 20s at the time, $1.43 million, which was spent on a luxurious Bondi unit, holiday, a car and motorbike.

Though he has picked up a variety of horticultural skills during his time behind bars, and completed TAFE courses in weed spraying and bobcat operation, it is expected the 31-year-old will return to banking.

It is possible he will go to work for his father Nick Curtis, who founded BBI Group, a mining company which is developing an integrated iron ore port and rail infrastructure project in the Pilbara.

Curtis could go to work for his father Nick Curtis at BBI Group in Sydney (pictured right)

Earlier this year, Curtis' wife, PR maven Roxy Jacenko told Daily Mail Australia things will be 'business as usual' when her husband returns, and that she has advised him to go straight back to work.

'He'll be released on the 23rd of June and the most important thing for him will be to spend as much time as he can reconnecting with the kids, she said.

'For a five-year-old and a two-year-old, 12 months away from your father is a very long time, so there is no other focus for him - other than working on a day to day basis - than spending as much time as he can with the kids and making sure he's forming that relationship he hasn't had the opportunity to form.'

She went on to say routine would play a big part in the weeks following her husband's reintegration into society.

'[Routine is] the only way to get over things in life, the only way to power through them and get back to normality is resuming life, resuming your career, resuming the time you spend with your children and your family.'

'So it's been discussed, and I'm very much of the mindset that, my suggestion to him is straight back to work.'
Cosmetic surgery should be banned for the under-18s, a report recommends today.

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics says companies exploit teenagers as well as put them at risk with dangerous and untested procedures.

The think-tank believes children should be barred from receiving lip fillers, Botox and cheek implants, warning there is 'cause for serious concern' about the ethics of the growing cosmetic industry.

It says children as young as eight and nine are being encouraged to have plastic surgery thanks to online games which simulate the procedures  including mobile apps such as Plastic Surgery Princess.

A report has recommended that cosmetic surgery (stock photo) should be banned for the under-18s

The authors last night praised a Daily Mail investigation in March, which revealed amateur beauticians with no medical training were offering lip fillers to schoolgirls for as little as 59.

Hugh Whittall, who is the director of the Nuffield Council, said: 'The Mail's recent article in which they investigated unregulated filler treatments being offered to young women by unqualified practitioners is a good example of what we are concerned about.'

The investigation revealed that beauticians are widely advertising cosmetic procedures on social media and making few checks as to the age of their clients.

The 192-page Nuffield report calls for new age limits and a new licensing regime. Professor Jeanette Edwards, of the University of Manchester, who led the Nuffield inquiry, said: 'We've got largely an unregulated industry that's exploiting people including children by promoting often untested and unproven products and procedures.

'We need better regulation of the quality and safety of these procedures, the people who carry them out, and where they are carried out. Under-18s should not be able to just walk in off the street, and have a cosmetic procedure. There are legal age limits for having tattoos or using sunbeds. Invasive cosmetic procedures should be regulated in a similar way.'

The think-tank believes children should be barred from receiving lip fillers, Botox and cheek implants (stock photo)

Mark Henley, a consultant plastic surgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals and co-author of the report, said: 'We would like a ban on these apps, but what we want far more is for society to recognise just how revolting they are.'

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons last night called for more regulation.

Marc Pacifico, its spokesman and a consultant plastic surgeon in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said the Government should either introduce legally enforced rules or medical guidelines with 'punitive penalties' for firms that do not comply with them.

'It's time for action that has teeth,' he added.
Advertisement

Thousands of yogis gathered in the heart of New York City to practice downward-facing dogs to the hum of traffic and bleat of car horns to celebrate Summer Solstice.

It was the fifteenth year in a row that the free yoga event took over the tourist mecca, with an estimated 12,000 people participating at some point during the hot Wednesday, the longest day of the year, with six hour-long classes spread out from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

The year's theme was 'Mind Over Madness Yoga' as a response to recent violent attacks around the world, said Tim Tompkins, president of Times Square Alliance and co-founder of the event, according to AOL.

Scroll down for video

Serenity now! Times Square has become the unlikely gathering spot for a yearly day of free yoga

Thousands of yogis practice Savasana (or corpse pose) in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in the world

Yoga enthusiasts came throughout the day, starting at 7:30am and ending at 8:30pm

Organizers handed out blue-green mats to the thousands who came to stretch and practice mindfulness in the middle of Times Square

The theme was 'Mind Over Madness Yoga' to try to find some peace in the wake of so much violence across the world

'A few weeks ago in Times Square a madman drove a car over people, right across the street,' Tompkins said, referring to the May 18 incident that killed an 18-year-old woman and severely injured her 13-year-old sister and 21 others.

'And, so, one of the themes this year is the yoga notion of ahimsa, nonviolence, do no harm because we see that all throughout the world, and we need a little more peace in the world.'

Blue-green yoga mats were handed out to the crowd, which consisted of yoga enthusiasts of all ages, even babies.

No yoga class would be complete without a selfie and one participate takes one as those around her get into their asana

A teacher leads the crowd in chair pose in the middle of bustling Times Square on Wednesday for Summer Solstice

'I have always wanted to come to yoga in Times Square. This year I retired so now I can,' said 62-year-old former school principal Kathy Gaffney, who took the ferry bright and early from Staten Island to get a good place in line.

For the last three years, the event has coincided with International Yoga Day.

'It is mind over matter,' laughed Magdalena Leszko, 40, of the surrounding Times Square din. 'To have fun and to be part of a community. It tests the limits.'

Chloe Liu, a Malaysian living in New York, came with two Chinese friends.

'To be able to do yoga in Times Square, in the middle of this chaotic and noisy scene, to be able to find calmness and equanimity,' she said. 'I was able to - not the whole time, but in and out,' said the delighted 49-year-old.

An amusing photo saw hundreds of people with their backsides in the air as they practiced downward-facing dog

Yogis practicing chair pose keep smiles on their faces despite the simmering temperatures

Yogis came from all over, even from as far away as China and Mexico, to be part of the community of those sharing their practice in Times Square

Despite the calmness, police kept a watchful eye on the dense crowd, which has ballooned over the years, as much a product of the growing popularity of the India-born discipline as the reformed Times Square.

'The first year there were only three people who participated, the weather that day was horrible, raining," said Douglas Stewart, yoga teacher and co-founder of the event. 'But it started to grow year after year,' he added.

In 2015, when the event coincided with the first International Yoga Day, 17,000 people took part, including then UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon.

Yellow cabs contrasted with the blue-green of the yoga mats in Times Square as police kept a watchful eye on the crowd

'To do yoga Times Square, I think the name of the event, like, 'Mind Over Madness' is completely appropriate because well, just looking around at everything that's going on, this is the center of the Western world,' said Luis Castro, who came from Mexico to share his practice with strangers. 'And to do yoga here is very symbolic, I believe.'

While bustling Times Square might be the last place one would expect a serene experience, it's turned out to be the perfect place for yogis to practice mind over matter.

The crowd gets into a lotus position and has a moment of mindful meditation in Times Square

Yogis share their practice through a series of asanas in one of the busiest places in the world, Times Square
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President Donald Trump couldn't help but brag about a set of Republican special election victories as he appeared at a White House event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday evening, and a campaign-style rally.

Republican congressional candidates Karen Handel and Ralph Norman won close races in Georgia and South Carolina, respectively, on Tuesday night.

'We're 5 and 0 in special elections, and I watched the faces on those newscasters, in many cases, and they were going, "Oh this is going to be a big night, this will be great humiliation for President Trump if she doesn't make it," ' the president said at the event.

Trump went after NBC and CNN - which didn't broadcast the president's evening rally - for election night coverage that featured sad-looking political prognosticators who'd cast the congressional races as referenda on his presidency.

Reprising some of his favorite assaults from the campaign, Trump went after the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Paris accord, the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership, Obamacare, and even Hillary Clinton.

In a new promise, Trump said his administration would be submitting legislation that bars immigrants to the US from claiming welfare for their first five years in the country. He also talked, for the first time publicly, about putting solar panels on his border wall, and his belief that the GOP healthcare bill needs more 'heart.'

President Donald Trump couldn't help but brag about a set of Republican special election victories as he appeared at a White House event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday evening, and a campaign-style rally

Trump went after NBC and CNN - which didn't broadcast the president's evening rally - for election night coverage that featured sad-looking political prognosticators who'd cast the congressional races as referenda on his presidency

Pregnant Lara Trump cradled her baby bump before speaking to the crowd at her father-in-law's event

In a new promise, Trump said his administration would be submitting legislation that bars immigrants to the US from claiming welfare for their first five years in the country

Trump celebrated the House-passed GOP health bill in an elaborate Rose Garden ceremony last month where he hailed the legislation as 'a great plan.

'What we have is something very, very incredibly well-crafted,' the president said then.

TRUMP PAYS TRIBUTE TO STEVE SCALISE 'I'd like to also take this moment to send our thoughts and prayers to our courageous friends. somebody that I've gotten to know very well, Steve Scalise, and everyone recovering from the assault,' Trump said at the beginning of his rally remarks. 'We are praying for you. we are pulling for you. you have our absolute support and our deepest admiration. 'And our gratitude goes out tonight as well to the capitol police officers who saved so many lives. You know they ran from the outfield in. They were being hit by rifle fire. They only had handguns and they were able to get em. it was an amazing show of talent and bravery.' Advertisement

GOP senators told reporters last week after a White House brainstorming session that Trump now thinks the bill is too 'mean.'

The president's spokesman wouldn't confirm yesterday that Trump had derided the bill he once supported in that way. Sean Spicer appeared to confirm the reporting, however, when he said 'the president clearly wants a bill that has heart.'

CNBC had used the very same word - 'heart' - in a report on the president's thinking earlier in the day.

Tonight, Trump affirmed that he asked lawmakers to come back with a plan that appropriates more money to government-funded health programs.

'And I think and I hope, can't guarantee anything, but I hope we're gonna surprise you with a really good plan,' he said. 'I've been talking about a plan with heart. I said add some money to it. A plan with heart. But Obamacare is dead.'

Trump brushed off critics who have pointed out that he said, repeatedly, that he'd repeal and replace the existing health care law on day one. Now, he can't even get Republicans in the House and Senate to agree on a bill.

'I've been there for five months. If you remember during the Clinton period they worked for years and years and years and never got health care,' he protested. 'But President Obama, his whole administration pushing, pushing for Obamacare, which has now failed.'

The Senate is in the process of making changes to the House's health bill in closed-door sessions. The White House could not say Tuesday whether the president or his staff had seen a copy of the current bill, a version of which leaked Wednesday as Trump was heading to Iowa.

Reprising some of his favorite assaults from the campaign, Trump went after the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Paris accord, the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement, Obamacare, and even Hillary Clinton

A group of four women standing behind the president garnered attention on social media for taking selfies and even dabbing throughout his speech

Trump also celebrated the House-passed GOP health bill in an elaborate Rose Garden ceremony last month where he hailed the legislation as 'a great plan

'We also want to preserve our safety net for struggling Americans, who truly need help,' Trump said at another point in his remarks. 'But others don't treat us fairly. That's why I believe the time has come for new immigration rules, which say that those seeking admission into our country must be able to support themselves financially and should not use welfare for a period of at least five years.'

Trump said his administration would be 'putting in legislation' to change the welfare policy 'very shortly.'

That proposal is already a part of the law. A 1996 reform signed by Bill Clinton says immigrants are 'not eligible for any Federal means-tested public benefit' for five years from when they entered the country.

The president may have been referring to a draft executive order that was making the rounds in February proposed to make legal immigrants who use the welfare services subject to deportation, as the Washington Post reported.

Typically, immigrants are kept from using welfare programs as soon as they arrive. Some states offer flexibility to immigrants with dependents under the age of 18, however, when it comes to school lunches, emergency Medicaid The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

He also talked for the first time publicly about another conversation he'd reportedly had with GOP leaders behind closed doors about his border wall to keep illegal immigrants out of the country.

Trump had floated an idea to top the divider with solar panels at a June 6 meeting, but Wednesday was the first time he spoke openly about the plan that he claimed was his idea.

'The higher it goes, the more valuable it is,' Trump said in Cedar Rapids. 'Pretty good imagination right? My idea.'

Trump said his administration would be 'putting in legislation' to change the welfare policy that first appeared in a draft executive order 'very shortly'

A huge crowd of supporters packed tightly up against the barriers at the arena to get a glimpse of the president

One woman gave a thumb's up back to Trump as he turned around and greeted the crowd

His favorite topic of the evening, though, was the special election and the opportunity it gave him to attack the 'fake news' media

A solar-paneled wall that creates energy that would help offset its cost was among the proposals that the Department of Homeland Security was looking at for the border before Trump pitched it to senators.

Finalists for the bid were said to have been invited to San Diego last week build prototypes of their proposals.

'This way Mexico will have to pay much less money, and that's good, right?' the president declared this evening. 'You're the first group I've told that to. A solar wall, makes sense.'

The idea received loud applause from attendees of the president's a speech.

'That's one of the places that solar really does work, the tremendous sun and heat,' Trump, a former real estate developer, told his supporters. 'It really does work there. So we will see what happens with that, that would great, and I think we could make it look beautiful too. It would really look beautiful, so that would be nice.'

His favorite topic of the evening, though, was the special election. Trump relished the opportunity to attack the 'fake news' media, and Democrats, once again, bringing the victories up at each of his Cedar Rapids events.

Taking a victory lap at the first one, Trump said of the TV networks: 'They built these studios, they built everything, there were set. Believe me, had our wonderful candidate lost, this would have been one of the great big stories in the history of American politics. Those studios would have been up for weeks, they would have been talking for weeks about this tremendous defeat.

'And after it said projected winner, they just sort of slinked out of there,' Trump said, earning laughter from his Iowa audience during an event the White House said would be about agriculture innovation.

Making fun of MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, Trump said that one journalist blamed Democrats' defeat on the weather. 'It was drizzling,' he said.

During his speech, Donald Trump made a reference to this picture, which was tweeted out by White House staffer Sebastian Gorka on Tuesday night

Donald Trump joked about Gorka's tweet, which was an image taken from a CNN broadcast on Tuesday night discussion the special election in Georgia

A young Trump supporter looks down as those surrounding him follow his every word

Supporters wearing trademark Make America Great Again hats stand up and applaud the president during his speech

Trump stood alongside tractors as he spoke during a pre-rally event at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids

Maddow had asked a colleague on Tuesday's broadcast, 'If there was a turnout effect from the bad weather today in the district, does that have any partisan implications that you could foresee in terms of what was expected for same day, election day voting rather than the early vote?'

She was blasted by conservatives for the question that Trump referenced twice at his Wednesday events as he celebrated the Republican wins.

At his rally later, Trump slammed NBC as 'phony' over the Maddow comment.

'They actually had one of the people say you know, it was a little rainy last night,' Trump said in an impression of the liberal MSNBC host.

The rest of Trump's comments were a slap at CNN, which he has called fake news numerous times. The president's supporters and staffers were sharing a meme of CNN prognosticators looking shocked and demoralized after it became clear that Handel would beat Democrat Jon Ossoff.

'We will never be intimidated by the dishonest media corporations who will say anything and do anything to get people to watch their screens or to get people to buy their failing papers,' Trump proclaimed at his rally, which he held at an arena in Cedar Rapids. 'These entrenched forces are fighting only for themselves and in many cases for their survival, but Im fighting for you.'

'Obstruction doesn't work!' Trump tweeted, mocking Democrats for failing to pick up congressional seats despite standing in the way of his legislative priorities

Georgia's 6th Congressional District special election went to Republican Karen Handel on Tuesday night, delivering Trump a victory in what was seen as a referendum on his presidency

Trump had criticized Democrats on Wednesday morning for their legislative 'obstruction,' hours after the Republicans won the congressional races that reinforced his own victory.

'Democrats would do much better as a party if they got together with Republicans on Healthcare,Tax Cuts,Security,' he tweeted. 'Obstruction doesn't work!'

Democrats have dug in their heels, saying publicly that they will oppose any Republican effort to introduce tax cuts or replace the Obamacare health care scheme.

He gloated Tuesday night on Twitter that Democrats have failed in a series of special elections to make a compelling case against his agenda.

Trump returned to the topic on Wednesday night in Iowa, where he opined that with a 'few votes from the Democrats,' health care reform 'could be so easy and so beautiful.'

'Youd have cooperation, and their plan isn't working because they thought they were going to win last night in Atlanta,' he said. 'They thought they were gonna win, and theyve been unbelievably nasty, really nasty and they thought, they spent close to $30 million on this kid who forgot to live in the community that he was in.'

The president admitted that he wasn't helping the cause with his taunting.

'I am making it a little bit hard to get their support but who cares?' he said mischievously.

Republican Ralph Norman won in South Carolina's 5th Congressional District

Republicans, as Trump gloated, haven't lost a special election since he took office

Tuesday's special election in Georgia, held to fill the seat previously held by Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, was the most expensive House race in history.

Still, Democrats couldn't cross the finish line.

'Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0' Trump wrote on Twitter.

The mockery came he offered prayers for Congressman Steve Scalise, the Republican congressman fighting for his life after last week's baseball practice shooting, and four others hit in the melee.

'Hopefully our nation emerges from this ordeal - it was an ordeal, terrible - more unified and more determined than ever before,' he said. 'We are indeed more unified in our own way than ever before. You just have to take a look at what's happening here, right?

'If we set aside the cynics and the critics we have a chance, and it's a great chance. It lies before us to do extraordinary things for our country in the years ahead. History is written by the dreamers, not the doubters.'

Trump also commented on the death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old student who was held prisoner in North Korea for 17 months and returned to the US in coma. He died Monday.

'I came in and took over a very difficult hand, but were gonna get it fixed. That's what you put me here for. Were going to get it fixed,' he said. 'You look at North Korea, whats going - look at Otto, beautiful Otto went over there a healthy, wonderful boy and you see how he came back. You see how he came back. so weve been given a bad hand and we are going to take that bad hand and it will all be good.'
A band of thieves broke into a Queensland shopping centre bunker and stole cash from an ATM in the dead of night.

Police are investigating the burglary of an Suncorp ATM at Bray Park, north of Brisbane after it was robbed early on Thursday morning.

At around 1.15am, an unknown number of people broke into a bunker containing an ATM at Kensington Village Shopping Centre on Kensington Way.

The thieves broke into the bunker and stole cash from a Suncorp ATM (pictured) at 1.15am Thursday morning

An investigator is pictured on the roof of the bunker which the thieves used to access the ATM cash (pictured)

The door of the ATM was forced off and a substantial sum of cash was stolen.

Police were unable to confirm how the door was ripped off but believe a sophisticated cutting system may have been used.

Officers were pictured at the Bray Park shopping complex on Thursday Morning after the area had been sectioned off into a crime scene.

A number of investigators were seen sweeping the bunker for evidence, while one was seen on the roof of the bunker which the thieves had entered through.

It remains unknown how much cash the offenders made off with.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Officers were pictured at the Bray Park shopping complex (pictured) on Thursday Morning after the area had been sectioned off into a crime scene

Police were unable to confirm how the door was ripped off but believe a sophisticated cutting system may have been used
A woman convicted of rorting the public housing system for 18 years by posing as a 'battling single mother' so she could pay cheaper rent is still living in the government-owned flat she was supposed to be kicked out of.

Rebecca Khodragha, 44, who kept secret from authorities that she was married to a man whose lucrative electrical business collected more than $1 million a year, remains living in the western Sydney unit she and her sons have called home for almost two decades.

In November last year, a court found Ms Khodragha guilty of two counts of fraud, and sentenced her to three months jail, which she served as home detention at the Punchbowl unit.

She was also ordered to pay back more than $80,000 in unpaid rent she had fraudulently claimed, at the time Family and Community Services said the convicted thief would be evicted immediately.

The 'millionaire' Muslim Rebecca Khodragha is still living in her housing commission flat Punchbowl, near Bankstown in Sydney's west

The woman was heading to work on Thursday morning when she was seen, she works at a chiropractor's studio in Bankstown

The mother-of-two was spotted leaving the apartment four months after she was convicted of fraud

But on Thursday, Daily Mail Australia saw Ms Khodgraha at the Highclere Street apartment block, heading out towards Bankstown, where she works in a chiropractor's.

Neighbours said 'Bec' has lived in the unit 'for years'.

During court proceedings District Court judge Martin Sides said Ms Khodragha had shown 'no genuine remorse' and a 'complete lack of insight' for her deception.

The mother-of-two was clutching onto a designer handbag as she made her way down the street.

A spokesperson for the Department of Family and Community Services confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the mother-of-two still lived in the government-owned block but condemned her actions.

'Mrs Khodragha has no place in public housing after committing such an appalling fraud,' a spokesman for FACS said.

'Mrs Khodragha has no place in public housing after committing such an appalling fraud,' a Department of Family and Communities spokesperson said

The woman, who has called the flat home for 18 years, is married to an electrician with a lucrative business

The mother of two clutched a designer hand bag as she walked up the street

The woman initially appealed her sentence but it was overturned - she has been ordered to pay FaCS $80,000 following the fraud

A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia 'Bec has lived down the back there for years' and described her as 'quiet and keeps to herself'.

The woman married husband Khaled in an Islamic ceremony in 1991 but their wedding was unregistered.

Documents revealed Khaled registered his electrical contracting business to the Punchbowl apartment, raking in $1 million each year.

The woman glared at cameras outside of a court appearance earlier this year

The woman and her husband own a Lakemba unit and a Greenacre house (pictured), in Sydney's south-west and have two sons

Khodragha's fraud was exposed after a tip-off from the public

The couple are reported to own two properties in Sydney - a Lakemba unit and a Greenacre house. Khodragha's fraud was exposed after a tip-off from the public.

The Department of Family and Community Services said they have issued an eviction notice and will be following it up.

They told Daily Mail Australia Khodragha is currently 'paying full market rent' for the apartment.

There are currently 60,000 people on the waiting list for public housing in Australia.
She, quite literally, wrote the book on balancing motherhood with work.

And on Wednesday, Ivanka Trump stayed true to her cause.

After a busy day of official business on Capitol Hill, the first daughter spent some quality time with her three children at Washington's Navy Museum.

Eager to share details of the outing with Arabella, Joseph and Theodore, she posted photographs of the visit on social media afterwards.

In both pictures, the playful children clamber over one of the museum's props.

'Arabella, Joseph, Theo & I had the best time visiting the Navy Museum today! Thank you for the great work that you do,' she said in an accompanying tweet.

Ivanka Trump took children Arabella, Joseph and Theodore to the Navy Museum on Wednesday evening

On Instagram, she said: 'It's a terrific place to teach kids about the great work of our amazing American sailors, past and present!'

The children, who are aged between five and one, seemed to enjoy the outing just as much.

All were happy as their mother photographed them candidly playing in the museum.

It came after a busy day of official business for Ivanka who serves as an assistant to her father at The White House.

She was joined by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers on the hill for a discussion on improvements to our workforce and workplace,' a spokesman for McCarthy told the Associated Press.

Last week, Ivanka Trump had appeared alongside her father, President Trump, to promote the expansion of apprenticeships in the United States.

One-year-old Theodore was delighted to play in the museum with his older sister

Afterwards, she took to social media to thank the museum for its work

Yesterday she made her Capitol Hill debut, complete with giving Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., an awkward hug, to discuss some of her other top issues: a childcare tax credit, proposed by Senate Republicans, and paid family leave.

'Just left a productive meeting on the Hill to discuss issues affecting American working families, including childcare & paid family leave!' she tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

She attended a discussion organized by Rubio that looked at proposals to benefit parents.

The first daughter spent the day on Capitol Hill. She is seen leaving her Washington DC home in the morning

Rubio is the co-sponsor of a bill in the Senate that would give families a tax credit of $2,500 per child. Ivanka had previously proposed a childcare deduction, but the White House said Tuesday that it was embracing the Rubio plan.

'Allies on and off the Hill have said that enhancing the child tax credit will best achieve President Trump's promise to increase working families' flexibility,' an official said.

The tax credit will be part of a proposal that the White House's National Economic Council puts forward, a statement indicated.

Rubio has also proposed a tax credit for companies that voluntarily institute a paid family leave policy.

Trump wants to mandate six weeks of paid leave and pay for it with unemployment taxes. Republicans have not embraced the $25 billion proposal the her father's administration included in the president's fiscal year 2018 budget.

Ivanka made a pitch for it at the Tuesday meeting that Sen. Deb Fischer, another sponsor of the paid family leave act Rubio signed onto in the Senate, attended alongside at least seven other lawmakers.

That legislation, which Sen. Angus King, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, has also signed on to offers a 25 percent nonrefundable tax credit to companies that offer four to 12 weeks of paid leave to new parents.

Trump's plan would require businesses to give employees who've just had a child, or adopted one, six weeks off.

First daughter Ivanka Trump (center) returned to Capitol Hill Wednesday, this time to meet with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to talk workforce and workplace issues

Ivanka Trump (right), accompanied by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (left), spent part of her Wednesday on Capitol Hill

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) were spotted walking the halls of Congress Wednesday

'I think we're trying to help the same people,' Rubio said of Ivanka's plan to Politico last week. 'I think there's different ways to try to get there.'

The administration proposes to pay for the $25 billion price tag of the program over 10 years with unemployment taxes. The mandate would likely require a tax hike on businesses.

It gives the states broad latitude to implement the mandate, taking into account that states like California already have paid leave laws. California's routes its claims through its disability insurance program.

A third plan that's under discussion would reimburse employees for 70 percent of their lost wages over an eight-week period at a maximum rate of $600 a week.

The compromise plan seeks to marry liberal proposals that ask for 12 weeks of time off for parenting crises and a conservative philosophy that opposes any additional financial burdens on businesses.

Put together by scholars at the free-market-based American Enterprise Institute and the liberal-leaning Brookings Institute, the plan relies on federal payroll taxes and gives states the freedom to provide more generous benefits if they choose to do so.

Isabel Sawhill, a senior fellow at Brooking who helped author of the plan, met with Ivanka at the White House two weeks ago. Sawhill said Trump was receptive to adopting a plan other than her own.

'She said that was just a placeholder or a stake in the ground and they're open to other ideas,' Sawhill told the AP.

Ivanka Trump made her debut on Capitol Hill Tuesday as a senior advisor to her father and her first act is a push for a paid family leave program in her father's budget and a childcare tax credit proposed by Senate Republicans

On Tuesday, the president's daughter attended a discussion organized by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida that looked at proposals to benefit parents

A White House official told AP then that Ivanka was soliciting the opinions of various groups and individuals who have been working on this issue inside and outside of the government.

She is also building support for the Rubio tax credit that would help families pay for childcare expenses.

'This meeting, led by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, is the next step in building momentum and advancing the proposal to develop a robust child tax credit,' the White House said in a statement that was provided to DailyMail.com.

Rubio is working with the White House to get the tax credit in the tax reform package that House Speaker Paul Ryan will promise today to get across the finish line before the end of this year.

Rubio's paid family leave plan faces stiffer opposition.

Aparna Mathur, the AEI scholar working on the paid leave program with Sawhill, told FiveThirtyEight in February that she was skeptical that companies would create paid leave programs just to get a tax benefit.

'As with all tax-credit programs, at the margin it probably won't get most employers to change,' the economist said.

If companies wanted to offer a program, 'most existing evidence indicates that companies would be doing it anyway,' she told the online news publication.

Democrats would prefer a plan that goes further than what Trump, Rubio or the experts at Brookings and AEI have presented. They want paid leave for dependents who take time off work to care for their sick parents, in addition to new parents.

They might be compelled to sign on to a more restrictive plan as part of a broad budget that creates the building blocks for a more extensive program.

The president's daughter, who is more liberal than her father, just might be the one to convince them.

Trump met with more than a dozen women lawmakers in the GOP last fall about her father's childcare policies during a summit at the Republican National Committee's Washington headquarters.

Her discussion today is with Rubio, Fischer, Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona, Rep. Dave Schweikert of Arizona and Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, a White House official said.

Sen. Mike Lee of Utah will also attend. He is a co-sponsor of Rubio's child care tax credit bill.

'This administration is committed to working with members of Congress to develop a plan that addresses the burden American families are facing,' the White House said of talks on the Hill today in a statement.
The moment a woman caught a would-be thief who tried to snatch her wallet from a shopping trolley has been captured on camera.

The woman, who has not been identified, is seen in the video grabbing a few items from a wall-fridge at the Pompano Beach Whole Foods in Florida last month.

The crook, who police are still trying to identify, is pictured at the start of the video wearing a blue jacket, white t-shirt, and black shorts as he enters the grocery store.

Then, having acquired his shoplifting target, he takes the jacket off, tucks it under his arm, and walks towards the woman, according to WSVN.

Scroll down for video

A man was caught by a woman as he tried to take her wallet while shopping at a Florida Whole Foods

The video shows him stop behind the woman with his back towards her, seemingly pretending to look at other items on a display.

He was then seen in the footage turning towards the woman and grabbing her wallet, before quickly tucking it inside his jacket.

However, the woman turned around just seconds after the man grabbed her wallet, and quickly looked down at her bag and saw it was missing.

She then pulled at the man's jacket, knocking her wallet from his grasp at the same time.

The man grabbed the woman's wallet and then tucked it under his jacket (left), but she noticed and pulled at the top until her wallet fell out (right)

After picking it up off the ground, the woman began pointing at the would-be thief in an effort to identify him.

The Broward Sheriffs Office released a statement explaining how the man allegedly had an accomplish in the attempted robbery.

Police said the second man asked the woman to lean in to the fridge and read a price on a cake for him, as he could not reach across her to do so.

When she was distracted, the man on camera tried to snatch her wallet.

Police asked for anyone with information on the two men to contact Crime Stoppers.
Of the 12 jurors at Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial, only two thought the star was innocent but refused to listen to persuading arguments, it has been revealed.

In an interview with ABC, one of the jurors - who chose to remain anonymous - told how discussions at the highly publicized trial grew so tense, some in the group punched walls and cried as they tried hopelessly to reach a verdict.

Cosby, 79, was charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault for allegedly attacking Temple University basketball coach Andrea Constand at his Philadelphia home in 2004.

His trial played out at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania, for two weeks before a mistrial was declared last Friday.

On Wednesday, as they spoke out for the first time, one of the jurors revealed that ten in the jury were convinced he was guilty of digitally penetrating Constand without her consent, the first charge.

Of the second count - that Constand was unconscious or unaware of what was happening to her after being given drugs by the comedian - 11 jurors thought he was innocent and only one thought he was guilty.

The third count suggested that Cosby gave Constand the drugs without her knowledge by slipping them to her somehow. Again, ten jurors thought he was guilty of it but two, who 'wouldn't budge, would not move', did not.

Scroll down for video

Ten of the 12 jurors in Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial thought he was guilty of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand (right) at his Philadelphia home in 2004 but could not convince the other two to reach a verdict

Eventually, after days of heated arguments in a small deliberation room where jurors were 'walking in circles', they returned a deadlocked verdict to the judge.

A mistrial was declared and Cosby, who was confident he would either be acquitted or see a mistrial, left the court on bail.

In their interview with ABC, the juror refused to say which way they voted and declined to name any of their peers.

They insisted that despite widespread accusations from other women who claimed to have been assaulted by Cosby in the public sphere, nothing except from the contents of the trial was discussed.

'We never brought anything outside in. Never. Not once. If somebody would mention something, we would cut them off,' they said.

HOW THE JURY WAS DEADLOCKED COUNT 1 - Digital penetration without consent Guilty - 10 Not guilty - 2 COUNT 2 - Andrea Constand was unconscious or unaware when Cosby was 'assaulting' her Guilty - 1 Not guilty - 11 COUNT 3 - Cosby gave Constand drugs without her knowledge or consent before the 'attack' Guilty - 10 Not guilty - 2 Advertisement

At the start of deliberations, the jurors all voted to acquit Cosby on all three charges before they began discussing the case.

Somewhere along the line, many changed their votes but it was not enough to return convictions on any of the counts.

There was no lack of tension in the deliberation room. Sheriff's deputies had to be posted outside and broke in several times, worried the group had begun fighting, they said, adding that one male juror punched a concrete wall because he was so irate.

'I think he broke his pinky knuckle. If we kept going, there was definitely going to be a fight.

'They had five sheriffs deputies at the door and they could hear us and they kept coming in because they thought we were already fighting,' they said.

The twelve jurors were initially placed in a larger room but had to be moved when a judge was told that journalists could see in through a window.

The second room was so small that it drove them 'crazy'.

'People couldn't even pace. They were just literally walking in circles where they were standing because they were losing their minds.

'People would just start crying out of nowhere, we wouldnt even be talking about [the case] -- and people would just start crying,' they said.

Cosby was confident he would either be acquitted or see a mistrial declared. He remains on $1million bail in Pennsylvania

Constand broke her silence on Twitter on Wednesday to thank her supporters for the first time since the trial's sensational outcome

Earlier this week, an alternate juror shared his regret at not having been drafted in to bring Constand the verdict she was seeking.

Mike McCloskey, one of the four stand-ins, said he felt like he 'let Andrea down' and believed she was an 'honest lady'.

'I felt like we could have brought justice. But unfortunately being an alternate, I didn't have a decision in that matter,' he told radio station NBC affiliate WDVE.

On Wednesday, Constand spoke for the first time since last week's sensational court outcome.

'Thank you for the outpouring of love & kindness & support. I am eternally grateful for the messages I have received in recent days,' she said on Twitter.

Mike McCloskey, one of four alternates selected in Cosby's trial, said he felt like the jury 'let Andrea down' and claimed he would have voted to convict the star

Cosby maintains that the encounter in 2004 was consensual. In previous depositions, he described giving the woman Benadryl to relax her beforehand but insists he did not sexually attack her.

Despite not taking the stand, trial insiders say Cosby was vocal in his optimism.

According to some who spoke to Page Six after the mistrial was declared, he made light of the trial by referring to the courtroom as his 'stage' and said the room where he was being kept to wait during breaks was his 'dressing room'.

Camille Cosby thanked the jurors who sided with her husband in a statement after they failed to reach a verdict

His wife Camille made few appearances at the trial but spoke with him on the phone when she wasn't there.

After his mistrial was declared, an impassioned statement she had written was read out on the courtroom steps.

As part of it, she thanked the jurors who sided with her husband, saying: 'I am grateful to any of the jurors who tenaciously fought to review the evidence.'

She furiously lashed out at the District Attorney, calling him 'heinously and exploitively ambitious'.

On Tuesday, the trial judge granted a request from several media outlets to release the names of the jurors.

Constand is neither the first nor last woman to accuse Cosby of sexual misconduct but her accusations against him are the only ones which have ever reached a criminal court.

Montgomery County Dist. Atty. Kevin Steele vowed to retry Cosby immediately after last Friday's mistrial was declared.

'We will take a hard look at everything involved and then move this forward as soon as possible. Andrea Constand is entitled to a verdict in this case,' he said.
An Oklahoma woman who was molested by her uncle as a child has to re-live her nightmare all over again, as he now lives next door.

Danyelle Dyer, now 21, was a child when she was assaulted by her uncle Harold English.

He was convicted of molestation in 2004 and sentenced to prison.

Dyer is furious that English, now 65, has been allowed to move in just 100 yards away after completing his jail term.

Perverted English was allowed to live so close because of a bizarre loophole in the state's sex offender law.

Dyer and her family are now trying to get the regulations changed - so she can resume her life without her attacker living so close.

Harold English (left) sexually abused his niece Danyelle Dyer (right) as a child. A legal loophole in Oklahoma has allowed him to live next door to her since his release from prison

Harold English now lives next door to his victim, just 100 yards away from her property. English's home pictured here in the view from his victim's home

She told DailyMail.com: 'He moved in a little over a week ago. We found out because my mother called my grandmother to pick up her niece. When my grandma said she couldn't she finally came out and said he was moving in. That was a few days before his release.'

'I came home on Monday and he was moving my grandmother's property which was right back up to ours. He was right there in my backyard.

'So my dad shuffled me inside and told me to stay inside for the day,' Dyer says of her uncle who moved in with her grandmother. He now lives just on the other side of her fence in Bristow, OK, after serving his time for his 2004 conviction.

'When you have to see it, I can only imagine what it does to my daughter when she's there and she has to witness it,' said Laurina Dyer, Danyelle's mother speaking to KFOR. 'She shouldn't have to. Very heartbreaking.'

Danyelle's father Greg Dyer, is even more incensed: 'Not only is my daughter feeling her past come back to haunt her, but a lot of years of rage and anger that I've kept under my collar is sitting right outside my door.'

The brave young woman who is speaking out about her molestor shouldn't have to share these secrets with the public says her mom. 'She's had to bring her deepest, darkest secrets out for the public to view just to try to rid this person of her life.

Danyelle's parents Greg Dyer and Laurina Dyer (pictured) want to see the laws changed that allowed their daughter's molester to move next door to his victim

And that's exactly what Danyelle did. She posted about her new neighbor on Facebook, including the words 'meet my abuser and my new neighbor.'

In Oklahoma, state laws say sex offenders cannot live near schools or public playgrounds. But it says nothing about living right next to their victims. The Dyer family is demanding that law be changed.

'It's adding one word in there where it talks, where they can and can't live, just adding 'victim' right there along with schools and playgrounds,' said Danyelle.

'Supposedly he paid his debt to society and as long as he's not near a church or a daycare or where children gather, he's free to do as he wishes,' said her dad.

Brave. Danyelle Dyer has come forward about her harrowing ordeal with her molester living next door, she and her family are demanding the law in Oklahoma be changed

Laurina Dyer, Danyelle's mother, made banners to let the town know about their new neighbor

They've been talking to lawmakers and in the meantime,

Danyelle says she's even had other women reach out to her.

'It's very empowering for me because I feel like I'm making a difference and I didn't share my story for nothing and that it is bringing about positive change,' said Danyelle. 'Whether it helps one woman and I can help one woman than I'm completely happy with that.

Meanwhile Danyelle's grandmother, who has allowed English to move in with her since his release says she is working on getting him into another place to live.

'We've been gone every day looking for a place for him to live and get straightened up so he can have a home again,' says Betty Dyer, English's mother. 'I didn't want to put him out on the street. Where would he stay?'

English did not want to talk on camera, but speaking to NewsOn6 says he's sorry through his mother, and if given the chance, he would never commit such an act again.

Danyelle told DailyMail.com: 'My grandmother has always taken his side. I think her saying they are looking for a place is a show she's putting on to make herself seem better, but I feel like if you were you, would find one. I dont have antying to dot with my grandma anymore.'

'But more than getting him to move, the whole reason for me coming out was to change the law and help others. People have contacted me in other states with similar laws. Its very humbling that I shared this deepest, darkest of secrets and that to bring it back to the surface and possibly help thousands of others in a similar position is amazing to me.'
The mother of a teenage girl seriously injured when she was mowed down by a car in Times Square has tearfully accepted her daughter's high school diploma while she recovers in hospital.

Jessica Williams, 19, and her friend Destiny Lightfoot, 18, were among the 22 people injured when a crazed driver plowed into pedestrians in Times Square last month.

The New Jersey students graduated from Dunellen High School on Wednesday.

Lightfoot arrived for the ceremony in a wheelchair and she stood with the aid of crutches to accept her diploma.

Williams is still recovering and watched the ceremony unfold from her New York hospital bed via a livestream video. Her mother, Elaine Williams, received the diploma on her behalf.

Elaine Williams, the mother of injured Times Square car crash victim Jessica Williams, accepted her daughter's high school diploma on Wednesday at New Jersey's Dunellen High School

Jessica Williams and her friend Destiny Lightfoot (above) were among the 22 people injured in the crash last month. Lightfoot was embraced by her friend's mother at the ceremony

Mrs Williams wore her daughter's cap as she and Lightfoot received a standing ovation from those in the crowd.

'To Jessica, as she is watching in New York City, we wish you were here tonight,' Principal Paul Lynch told the crowd, according to MyCentralJersey.

'Just a month ago, this small town of Dunellen was hit with the the realities of the big world in which we live, he said.

'No one expected that that beautiful spring day was going to turn out the way it did in New York City.'

The principal made mention of Williams' yearbook quote: 'If you never go through the storm, how do you expect to get to the rainbow?'

Jessica Williams (above) is still recovering and watched the ceremony unfold from her New York hospital bed through a livestream video

Jessica's mother, Elaine Williams, received the diploma on her behalf. Mrs Williams wore her daughter's cap as she and Lightfoot received a standing ovation from those in the crowd

Lightfoot arrived for the ceremony in a wheelchair and she stood with the aid of crutches to accept her diploma

Elaine Williams teared up during the graduation ceremony as a tribute was made to her injured daughter who is still recovering in hospital

'Our school has weathered the storm for those days, immediately following the events,' Lynch told the crowd.

'Jessica and Destiny - while recovering and fighting their way through the pain and recovery - will see that rainbow with the thoughts and prayers of everyone here.'

Williams was left in a critical condition suffering a broken leg and pelvis following the crash. She had her spleen removed and had to have injuries to her face stitched up, according to a GoFundMe page set up for her.

Her friend Lightfoot suffered a broken tibia, as well as a muscle fracture in her right foot.

Richard Rojas is accused of killing one pedestrian and injuring 22 others when he intentionally drove his car onto a Times Square sidewalk last month.

He was arrested on murder charges but says he doesn't remember what happened.

Lightfoot, pictured on Wednesday, suffered a broken tibia and a muscle fracture in her right foot from the horrific ordeal last month

Destiny dedicated her graduation cap to her injured friend Jessica who is still recovering in hospital from her injuries

Richard Rojas is accused of killing one pedestrian and injuring 22 others when he intentionally drove his car (above) onto a Times Square sidewalk last month
Police are investigating vile and deadly threats made to the wife of the director of a New York production of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' that depicted a Donald Trump lookalike character being assassinated.

The NYPD said Wednesday director Oskar Eustis' wife Laurie Eustis filed a complaint June 9 saying she received disturbing phone messages on her home landline in Brooklyn.

The caller left messages including 'Your husband wants Trump to die. I want him to die,' and saying to Laurie 'I want to grab you by the p***y.' Laurie said she believes the threats were related to the play.

The caller rang their apartment eight or nine times in a half-hour and called back several times the next day, prompting the family to alert police.

The caller also used their daughter's name who had temporarily moved back home.

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Oskar Eustis and wife Laurie Eustis in a photo form last year. Laurie told police she received several threats on her home landline

The production of Julius Caesar by Shakespear in the Park concluded this past Sunday, the assassination of a Trump like Caesar has been criticized

Kyle Brown, 26, the daughter of the artistic director Oskar Eutis, 58, spoke to the New York Post: 'It's sexual attacks on my mother  'grab her by the py,' raping her  threats on me, and physical threats on my father's life.'

'It's not okay. It's stuff we did not sign up for  nothing that the show justified.'

Brown has been temporarily staying with her parents, 'The fact that he knew I lived at home was a very specific thing that triggered my parents,' she said. 'My family's been through so much.'

The caller also threatened to release their home phone number and address.

A spokesman for the NYPD tells DailyMail.com the investigation is ongoing.

The Julius Caesar production by the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park's series has drawn fire for depicting Caesar  who is brutally murdered by Roman senators in the play's third act  as President Trump.

The Public Theater's production of 'Julius Caesar' Tina Benko (left) portrays Melania Trump in the role of Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, and Gregg Henry (center left) portrays President Donald Trump in the role of Julius Caesar

The production has been interrupted by protesters three times in total. First by an alt-right blogger who hopped up on stage and berated the crowd on June 16 while a fellow right-wing writer livestreamed the off-script moment from the audience and shouted that theater-goers were 'Nazis.'

Two more protesters stormed the stage at different points in the play's final, June 18 staging, with one shouting, 'Liberal hate kills!'

The president's son Donald Jr. have blamed the production, for encouraging violence against conservative politicians- specifically placing a connection between the production and the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise and congressional staffers by a left-wing fanatic in Washington, DC, on June 14.

Delta Air Lines, American Express and Bank of America pulled their sponsorships of the Public Theater in response to the controversy.

The backlash prompted Eustis to post an open letter to the theater's website defending the production.

People arrive for Shakespeare in the Park's production of Julius Caesar at Central Park's Delacorte Theater on June 12, the play ran until June 18

The Public Theater did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Delta and Bank of America pulled their sponsorships of the Public Theater.

Several people were arrested for storming the stage in protest. The last show was performed Sunday.

The theater said last week it stood behind the production. The director has said violence is not a solution to political problems.
Controversial Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied has declared Australian democracy doesn't represent her because she's a black woman.

In her first public appearance with political figures since her ABC program was axed, the 26-year-old Sudanese-born diversity campaigner rolled her eyes and smirked before rubbishing a suggestion she could run for parliament to change things at a forum in Canberra.

'Look at the photo of the House of Representatives. It does not represent anyone,' she told the Future Shapers conference at Australian National University on Wednesday night.

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Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied says Australia's parliament doesn't represent her

'It doesn't represent me and it doesn't represent the people that I know.'

Former Labor foreign minister Gareth Evans had suggested she could run for parliament if she wanted to change society.

However Ms Abdel-Magied, an engineer, rejected that call arguing Australia's political parties were biased against women and racial minorities.

This is despite the fact federal parliament has a black, Kenyan-born senator, a Muslim woman, a Muslim man, three indigenous women, two Aboriginal men, a senator who fled Iran as a boy and a prominent Malaysian-born lesbian.

The former ABC television present had no interest in the suggestion she could run for office

Former Labor foreign minister Gareth Evans said parliament achieved more than social media

'Do you know how to get to office? I have to go to preselection, which works really well, and I have to go through these other systems which for women and people of colour are actually biased,' she said.

Mr Evans, who was a Hawke government cabinet minister in 1991 when Ms Abdel-Magied was born, said people like her needed to be involved in parliamentary politics to effect change.

'Yassmin, I am making an unequivocal plea for engagement in traditional politics, parliamentary politics as well as all the other social dimension politics you're talking about,' he said.

'Because unless you do, you abdicate the field to the Brexiteers.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied told the ABC's Q&A program Islam was the 'most feminist' religion

The founder of Youth Without Borders caused outrage with her political Anzac Day tweet

'You opt out and you just play the GetUp! game or the social media game and don't do the serious parliamentary game as well, you're missing a very important vehicle for actually getting decent policy.'

Ms Abdel-Magied's Australia Wide program on ABC News 24 was axed in May.

The decision came after the national broadcaster had rejected calls for her to be sacked for a controversial Anzac Day tweet which said: 'Lest. We. Forget. (Manus, Naura, Syria, Palestine)'.

In February, she sparked outrage as a guest on the ABC's Q&A program for suggesting Islam is the 'most feminist' religion.

She also clashed with independent senator Jacqui Lambie by suggesting Sharia law to her was praying five times a day as a Muslim.
An Australian man is facing criminal charges after a car crash in central Thailand that left two people dead and a third in a critical condition in hospital.

Police found Joel Mackerry sobbing behind the wheel of his Isuzu pick-up truck, Thai Rath reports.

The 55-year-old expat is being held in police custody following the accident in Udon Thani, 560 kilometres north of Bangkok, on Tuesday.

The deadly crash occurred when the man allegedly attempted to flee police after a minor accident where he grazed a local taxi and bus near a shopping mall.

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An Australian man, identified as Joel Mackerry (left and right) is facing criminal charges after a car crash in central Thailand that left two people dead and a third in a critical condition

Mackerry is reported to have panicked after police took chase and allegedly crashed into a motorbike driven by a 50-year-old woman and carrying two young male passengers.

The woman died at the scene, while her 15-year-old nephew was taken to Udon Thani Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The woman's 11-year-old son survived the accident, but is reported to be seriously injured.

Her distraught husband said she had been picking up the two boys from school and was on her way to meet him to go home together.

The 55-year-old expat is being held in police custody following the accident in Udon Thani

The deadly crash occurred when the man allegedly attempted to flee police after a minor accident where he grazed a local taxi and bus near a shopping mall, local media said

She was 100m away from him when her bike was hit head-on by the pick-up truck, he told Thai Rath.

Mackerry allegedly told police he had been drowsy after taking medicine following a visit to a local clinic, according to local media reports.

According to local media reports, he said he had been to the clinic for treatment of a mental illness and was on his way to eat when he hit the taxi.

Mackerry is reported to have panicked after police took chase and allegedly crashed into a motorbike driven by a 50-year-old woman and carrying two young male passengers

The woman died at the scene, while her nephew was taken to hospital, where he later died

Mackerry allegedly told police had been drowsy after taking medicine following a visit to a local clinic

The man also said he is married to a Thai woman from Udon.

A legal representative for Mackerry confirmed to AAP from the local police cells that the accident occurred on Tuesday and said the man was too distressed to speak.

'He still doesn't want to talk about it,' she said. She was unable to provide details of the charges but said the man will face court at a later date.
The solicitor who represented Daniel Morcombe's killer Brett Peter Cowan is behind bars after pleading guilty to fraud and other charges.

Tim Meehan pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday to one count of aggravated fraud and eight counts of fraudulent falsification of records.

The 41-year-old was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on July 13.

Tim Meehan (pictured) is behind bars after pleading guilty to fraud in excess of $30,000 and other charges

Solicitor Meehan represented Daniel Morcombe's killer Brett Peter Cowan (pictured)

Daniel Morcombe (pictured) went missing from a bus stop near his home on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 2003

After news of his plea broke, the state's corruption watchdog issued a statement saying it was continuing to investigate suspected criminal activity within 'elements' of the legal profession in Queensland.

The charges related to the dishonest application of monies in excess of $30,000, belonging to Meehan's former employer Bosscher Lawyers, as well as the falsification of costs agreements and tax invoices, the Crime and Corruption Commission said.

'As this investigation remains ongoing and this matter is now before the court, the CCC is unable to comment further,' it said.

Meehan (pictured) pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday to one count of aggravated fraud and eight counts of fraudulent falsification of records

Cowan is serving a life sentence following his 2014 conviction for Daniel's murder

Queensland Law Society president Christine Smyth said it was a dark day for the legal profession when a practitioner was convicted for such serious offences.

'It is extremely disappointing when any lawyer abuses the trust and faith members of the public place in them,' Ms Smyth said.

Meehan surrendered his practising certificate shortly after Bosscher Lawyers notified the QLS of his criminal behaviour.
Melbourne has been crowned Australia's 'tech capital' because of a new plan to focus on start-ups that create more 'jobs, innovation and productivity' in the city.

Almost 400 companies consulted on a startup action plan with the City of Melbourne to show how small businesses can successfully navigate their local region before launching globally.

Startups are one of the largest contributors to job creation in Australia  between 2004 and 2011 they created more than 1.2 million new jobs, and contributed $164 billion to the Australian economy.

Melbourne (pictured) has been crowned Australia's 'tech capital' because of a new plan to focus on start-ups that create more 'jobs, innovation and productivity' in the city

Co-working offices often incorporate one larger desk for employees and sometimes include a number of people working together on a project that aren't employed by the same company

'Our vision is for Melbourne to be recognised as the number one destination for start-ups and entrepreneurs to 'start, grow and go global', across Australia and Asia,' Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC said in a statement.

Real estate provider Savills named Victoria's capital as the number one tech capital in Australia and 14th in the world. They also won accolades for being the co-working capital of our nation.

'New figures show that Melbourne's CBD is now the co-working capital of Australia with more co-working office spaces than Sydney. Demand for flexible co-working office space is being driven by the start-up sector, which is helping drive job growth,' the Lord Mayor continued.

Co-working offices often incorporate one larger desk for employees and sometimes include a number of people working together on a project that aren't employed by the same company.

The action plan has suggested the City of Melbourne allow start-ups to connect with industries so they can monetize knowledge-based jobs, help start-ups reach into the Asian market and finance office spaces for their businesses.

Some well known Melbourne start-ups include MMGN, a gaming community, Rome2Rio, helps regular people get anywhere in the world and FatSecret which describes itself as a 'Google for food and nutrition.'

'Our vision is for Melbourne to be recognised as the number one destination for start-ups and entrepreneurs to 'start, grow and go global', across Australia and Asia,' Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC said in a statement

Each of these companies capitalised on modern day technology and trends to build an Australian-owned brand that has global potential

Each of these companies capitalised on modern day technology and trends to build an Australian-owned brand that has global potential.

While the plan hasn't reached fruition yet it will be considered at a meeting next Tuesday.

The proposed plan is available at the City of Melbourne's website.
A new Facebook feature which flashes users details and pictures of a missing child in their area has been introduced across Australia.

The notification system, known as Amber Alerts, was coined after the death of 10-year-old US girl Amber Hagerman in 1996, and has been embraced by the Australian Federal Police as a viable way of reuniting abducted children with their families.

It will use GPS tracking to send a message to all Facebook users in a certain geographic perimeter with a picture of a missing child and specific details about their disappearance.

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Facebook Australia has introduced Amber Alerts in every state and will be used by police forces when a child is missing

Users in a specific geographic area will be sent an alert with an image of a missing child and details of their disappearance

The national roll-out of Australia's version of Amber Alerts began June 22 and detectives are confident the feature will be used to successfully find abducted children.

AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Michael Phelan says the Facebook warning system will be invaluable during the first crucial hours after a child is taken.

'While child abductions in Australia are rare, the new tool provides a critical platform for the immediate response in the early hours of a child's disappearance,' Mr Phelan said.

'With Facebook's help we will be able to message every Facebook follower in a particular geographic area defined by investigators.'

A similar alert tool has been used by Queensland Police following the 2005 disappearance of Daniel Morcombe, and it has been vital in helping locate six missing children.

The sister of missing girl Joanne Ratcliffe, who disappeared along with her friend Kirste Gordon in Adelaide on 25 August 1973, gave an emotional statement about the wonders of using technology to find abducted children.

The sister of missing girl Joanne Ratcliffe (pictured) says the Amber Alert system could have been used to save her sibling if it was available in 1973

Ms Ratcliffe gave an emotional statement about the wonders of using technology to find abducted children (pictured left Joanne and right Kriste)

MISSING CHILDREN IN AUSTRALIA There are 38,000 people who go missing in Australia every year. Of that 38,000, almost 23,000 are under the age of 18. Most children that are reported missing are located safe and well within 24 hours. Only a small percentage of missing children are the result of stranger abductions. Missing children/persons and unsolved cases do not close. Often new information is received, and even without new information Senior Detectives still review cases on a regular basis. Source: NATIONAL MISSING PERSONS COORDINATION CENTRE Advertisement

'In the 1970s these options were not available to our family, and if they had have been available the outcome of Joanne and Kriste's disappearance could have been a completely different story,' Ms Ratcliffe said.

She says the introduction of Amber Alerts is a small ray of hope after 44 years of not knowing what happened to her sister Joanne.

'There were nights I would sneak out of my room when everyone else had gone to bed so I could speak to my sister in her picture frame on the mantelpiece. I would hear crying from my parents bedroom. This is a vivid memory I will never forget, nor the memory of my father vowing to never give up hope or the fight to bring Joanne home,' she said.

'Would Facebook Amber Alerts have been advantageous in 1973 at the time of Joanne and Kirste's disappearance? In my mother's words, a resounding bl**dy hell yes.'

Following in the footsteps of 12 other countries, the Australian Facebook Amber Alert provides police forces and emergency crews the ability to issue an immediate alert with key details about a child abduction to people in the specific geographic location.

It is available now and police intend to issue Amber Alerts when there are grave fears over the disappearance of an Australian child.

Facebook users cannot opt out of the alert system, but can simply scroll past or ignore them.
A young TV producer who suffered a heart attack at a train station has thanked the off-duty paramedic and lifeguard who kept her alive until an ambulance arrived.

Former Today show producer Ellie Bayliss, 28, was waiting at Redfern train station in Sydney's inner-city last year when she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.

It was sheer coincidence that the strangers standing next to her at the station were qualified lifesavers who performed CPR on her for close to ten minutes.

She was rushed to hospital without a pulse and given a nine per cent chance of survival, with the odds slimming every minute her body was deprived of oxygen.

Former Today show producer Ellie Bayliss, 28, suffered a heart attack at a train station

She was placed in an induced coma and given a nine per cent chance of survival by doctors

'I keep replaying the day in my head, so many times, because I keep thinking "What if?",' Ms Bayliss told 9 News.

'Five minutes earlier I was on my own walking to the station. It was night time.

'I'm just so grateful it happened where it did and how it did. I wouldn't be here if it didn't.'

Ms Bayliss spent three days in an induced coma at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

When she woke up in a hospital bed- surrounded by monitors with tubes coming out of her body - she had no memory of what had happened.

It was another few days before doctors moved her from intensive care into the cardiology unit.

She underwent heart surgery 10 days later, and was then fitted with a defibrillator underneath her left arm to help monitor and control her irregular heartbeat.

After close to a month in hospital, she was finally discharged and started a long road to recovery.

'I wouldn't be here': The glamorous blonde has thanked an off-duty paramedic and lifeguard who performed CPR on her at the train station while waiting for ambulance to arrive

When Ms Bayliss woke up from her coma she was fitted with a defibrillator underneath her left arm to help monitor and control her irregular heartbeat

'Eventually I started catching the bus on my own again but I was so nervous. I would look around and think I wonder who knows CPR on this bus? How long til we stop? Who would help if something happened?' Ms Bayliss told Marie Claire.

'I felt drained and tired. I had crazy nightmares. Id wake up and feel like something had happened. Mentally I go through ups and downs.'

Now Ms Bayliss is calling other young women to get their hearts checked and learn CPR.

'Three men saved my life because they knew CPR. Do a course - you never know when it might save a life..
The father of Matthew Leveson has completed a memorial tattoo for his murdered son after the nearly decade-long search for his remains came to a close.

Mark Leveson, who has more than 10 tattoos honouring Matthew, posted a photo of his new inking to Twitter on Wednesday.

'May you now rest in peace,' has been scrawled around a previous tattoo of Matthew's face Mark received not long after the 20-year-old disappeared after leaving a Sydney nightclub in 2007.

'After nine-and-a-half years I can finally complete Matt's memorial tattoo. May you now rest in peace,' the heartbroken dad said.

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Mark Leveson, the father of Matthew Leveson, has completed a memorial tattoo for his murdered son after the nearly decade-long search for his remains came to a close (pictured)

Michael Atkins (pictured left) was acquitted of his partner Matthew Leveson's murder in 2009

Mark is seen using a metal detector to search bushland in the Royal National Park (pictured)

Family friend Rachel Sanki (left) hugs Faye (centre) while she embraces another woman holding flowers

The agonizing search for Matthews remains came to a close on May 31 when his skeleton was discovered in the the Royal National Park, south of Sydney.

Matthew's mother, Faye, took to social media to confirm the news their family had long been waiting for.

'It has now been confirmed by DNA testing that the remains found were of our beloved Matty,' she said.

Mrs Leveson extended her gratitude to family, friends and the Australian public for their support in the quest to find Matthew.

'We can never thank you enough for all your love, support, prayers and well wishes that we have received from you all,' she said.

'It is all of these things plus our unconditional love for Matt that have kept us going.'

Police were led to the site in November last year by Matthew's former partner Michael Atkins, who a jury found not guilty of murdering his boyfriend in 2009.

Having been acquitted once of murdering Matthew, Atkins can only be charged with the same offence again if 'fresh and compelling' evidence is found, due to double jeopardy rules.

Mark and Faye Leveson stand together in bushland in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, on Monday, May 29

Police searched for further evidence two days after they located Matthew Leveson's remains in the Royal National Park

Police sift through soil at the scene where they found Matthew Leveson's remains

The Leveson family and close friends were back in the Royal National Park on Friday as police continued to search for evidence of the Matthew's murder

Michael Atkins leaving Glebe Coroner's Court at the inquest into Matthew Leveson's disappearance in November last year

The location of Matthew's body is not of itself enough evidence for such a charge due to further legal restrictions flowing from a coronial inquiry.

Former NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Nicholas Cowdery told ABC radio 'there is the remote possibility of a charge being resurrected against Atkins'.

'But I wouldn't put too much hope on it,' Mr Cowdery said. 'There's a slim possibility, I don't put it any higher than that. I think we need to be realistic.'

Atkins was ordered to give evidence at a coronial inquest into Matthew's disappearance late last year, with a guarantee his testimony could not be used against him.

But he subsequently admitted to lying on oath, leaving himself open to prosecution for perjury. He then cut another deal.

Faye Leveson (pictured left) and Mark Leveson (pictured right) at a press conference after more human remains were found in the Royal National park in Sydney

Mark Leveson (pictured left), Faye Leveson (pictured centre) and Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin stand together as Faye holds a picture of her son Matthew Leveson

Mr Leveson was seen using the pickaxe to hack away at dense shrub in the Royal National Park on Friday, May 26

Atkins was granted immunity from prosecution for perjury or contempt of court if he provided information which led to the discovery of Matthew's body.

Associate Professor Thalia Anthony of Sydney's University of Technology law school said the guarantees given Atkins at the inquest meant the discovery of Matthew's remains likely can't be used as 'fresh and compelling evidence'.

'It seems that his disclosure of the whereabouts of the body and anything associated with the body would not be able to be used against him to get through the double jeopardy threshold,' Associate Professor Anthony told AAP.

'On the basis of what he's told the coroner's court about the approximate location of the body, he can't be charged.'

Mark Leveson, clutching a bunch of flowers, talks to a police officer near the site where his son Matthew's body was found

Faye Leveson is comforted by a friend as police begin to exhume her son Matthew in the Royal National Park

Mrs Leveson broke down in front of the cameras as she implored for a change in the legal system after explaining the heartache her family has suffered searching for the remains of Matthew.

'They painted us into a corner, they painted us into making a decision to bring our son home,' she told Seven News.

'Our laws have to change, the victims have got to have a voice ... we get nothing. We have had to fight for nine-and-a-half years to get to this day to bring our son home.

'So our sons, our other two surviving sons, don't have to go through the rest of their lives, if we passed, and we hadn't found Matty.'

Forensic police sift through soil as they begin to exhume human remains of Matthew Leveson in the Royal National Park on Thursday
Crossbows with the ability to fire out needles and nails have become the latest must-have toys in China.

The latest craze has resulted in anxious parents demanding the 'toys' are banned before a child becomes seriously injured.

Police in the city of Chengdu have banned the toys prompting calls for the ban to extend nationwide.

Chinese media say the 'toothpick' crossbow can shoot iron nails in place of toothpicks

The crossbow is now currently available to purchase on shopping site Ebay

The crossbows can fire out needles and nails and are sold in shops for as little as seven yuan (81p).

However they were originally intended to be used for shooting toothpicks.

According to Shanghai Daily, shop owners have been selling out of the mini crossbows fast and are struggling to meet demand.

It said: 'The Toothpick Crossbow toy has spread across China like wildfire among the nation's primary and middle school children.'

Chengdu police have reportedly stopped sales of the toothpick crossbow

On the way? The items are now on sale in the UK via auction site Ebay raising concern

'The unusual shooting toy may be very small but it is powerful enough to puncture a balloon and pierce cardboard. And when the toothpick is swapped for a metal needle, it becomes a dangerous weapon.

There is now concern that the popular toy could arrive in the UK with the items now for sale on Ebay. Most of the sellers come from Asia but one seller is based in the UK.

While other Chinese state media said the mini crossbows can fire at a distance of more than 65 feet and shoot iron nails in place of toothpicks.

Police in Chengdu in China's southwest, have reportedly stopped sales of the product and concerned parents across the country want the government to issue a nationwide ban.

Earlier this month an 11-year-old in China miraculously survived after one of her classmates thew a 'ninja star' into her head by accident.

One of the blades was stuck into the pupil's head to a depth of two centimetres (0.8 inches).

Surgeons removed the object after operating on the girl for around an hour.
At least three people have died in California as a massive heatwave continues to hit the west coast and southwest region.

Benjamin R. Greene, a 48-year-old lawyer and father-of-nine from Bakersfield, collapsed shortly after he finished a 5k race on Tuesday night.

Temperatures were as high as 107F as the local attorney took part in the Bakersfield Track Club event. An off-duty firefighter performed CPR but he died at a hospital about 8:30pm.

His wife, Michelle, said she is still in shock and blamed the race organizer's for not calling the 'Summer Series' run off.

'He is never coming home, there is no changing this. My children will never get to really know their father,' she told BakersfieldNow.com.

'They werent prepared for medical emergencies knowing that there was a heat wave coming through Bakersfield.

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Benjamin R. Greene (pictured), a 48-year-old lawyer and father-of-nine from Bakersfield, collapsed shortly after he finished a 5k race on Tuesday night. He is one of three people to die in California during the heatwave

'People werent supposed to be outside.'

A friend who was running with Greene was also critical of the organizers, alleging they did not have medics on hand in case someone needed help.

'If they thought of canceling the race, why wouldn't you bring medics out as a precaution,' Nate Wren told the website.

'Why didn't they have medics out there.'

Wren then paid tribute to his friend, who he described as being in 'great shape'.

'If I could do anything, I would trade places with him because he made a difference in people's lives and he helped people,' he said.

Temperatures were as high as 107F when Greene took part in the Bakersfield Track Club event. An off-duty firefighter performed CPR but he died at a hospital about 8:30pm

Children are seen cooling off at a spray pool in Fullerton, California, on July 20

A Phoenix area construction worker drinks water at a job site during the scorching heatwave

'This is my best friend and because of the negligence of some other people I don't have him anymore.'

A Facebook post from Greene prior to the event suggested he had his doubts going into the run.

'I have never run long distance in heat like this. Maybe it wont be as hard as I think. Or maybe it will be absolutely brutal,' he wrote.

An excessive heat warning remains in place in the nearby Central Valley community through Thursday, with temperatures expected to soar well above 100 degrees.

Later on Wednesday, the other two deaths in California were announced.

The Santa Clara County medical examiners office revealed two people, 72-year-old Dennis Young and 87-year-old Setsu Jordan, died on Monday - which was one of the hottest days in the Bay Area during this extreme spell.

Temperatures got as high as 94 in the area on Monday.

Officials said in a statement Wednesday one of the two was homeless and lived in a car.

This map shows how high the temperatures soared on the west coast and across the southwest on Wednesday

For Thursday, the temperature will continue to drop, but it will still be a hot 114 degrees in Phoenix and Las Vegas

Above Steve Smith wipes sweat from his face as temperatures climb to near-record highs in Phoenix

'It is tragic when someone dies of hyperthermia, since in most every case it could have been prevented,' Santa Clara County Medical Examiner and Coroner spokeswoman Michelle Jorden said.

'Heat stress happens when a bodys heat-regulation system cannot handle the heat. It can happen to anyone, which it is why it is so important to be in a cool location, drink plenty of water and take a cool bath or shower if you are getting too hot.'

Santa Clara County spokeswoman Marina Hinestrosa said she was unable to provide any more information on the two people due to health privacy laws.

A National Weather Service heat advisory is in effect until Thursday at 9 pm.

Santa Clara County is forecast to get high temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees.

News of the three deaths came after Phoenix experienced record-setting heat for the second day in a row.

Phoenix hit 117 degrees Wednesday to top its previous record of 115 for the date, set in 2008.

Tuesdays high was 119 degrees, breaking the mark of 116 set last year and tying for the fourth-hottest day in the citys recorded history.

A child used a public water feature to stay cool as temperatures climbed to near-record highs Tuesday in Phoenix

Construction works improvise and find shade underneath an excavator to avoid the head in Phoenix, Arizona

Chris Mitchell sprays water on his face to cool off in a Darth Vader costume along the Las Vegas Strip

Phoenixs all-time high is 122 degrees, set on June 26, 1990.

The high on Monday was 118 degrees, matching last years record for June 19.

National Weather Service meteorologists say the hot weather is sticking around Phoenix for a while longer.

Thursdays forecast calls for a high of 113 degrees, three degrees below the record.

Highs are expected to reach at least 113 in Phoenix until next Wednesday when the temperature is expected to drop to 109 degrees.

Arizona Public Service Company, the states largest electricity provider, said customers set a record peak usage Tuesday as a result of the scorching heat.

Over 7,300 megawatts of energy were consumed between 5 and 6pm, topping the prior 11-year record set in 2006.

Meanwhile, back in California, construction crews rebuilding the damaged spillways at the United States tallest dam have switched to morning and graveyard shifts to avoid 115-degree temperatures in the north of the state.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor American Airlines regional jets sit on the tarmac as American Airlines says seven regional flights have been delayed and 43 have been canceled because of a heat wave as temperatures climb to near-record highs on Tuesday

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, departure signs show regional jet cancellations. American Airlines says seven regional flights have been delayed and 43 have been canceled because of the heat wave

The state of California switched the the 425 contracted construction workers tasked with rebuilding spillways at the Oroville Dam to shifts starting at 5am and 8pm on Monday.

Authorities said the idea is to avoid the worst of the afternoon sun.

Crew leaders also are providing water, fruit and shade for the workers, and counseling them to guard against overheating as they labor on the steep hillside below the dam.

Both spillways at the 770-foot-tall Oroville Dam began washing away in last winters rainy season.

Officials with Kiewit Corp, the Nebraska construction company doing the emergency $275million repairs, said crews are using ice and chilled water to keep the concrete for the new spillways cool enough to work with.

The hottest temperatures in California were reported in Death Valley, where it reached 127, and Palm Springs, where it hit 122.

The excessive heat created traveling chaos on Tuesday, with American Airlines canceling more than 43 flights on Tuesday in Phoenix operated by regional jets because of the heat. Officials said it is harder for planes to take off when the temperatures soar.

The airline also said it will allow Phoenix passengers flying during the peak heat Monday through Wednesday to change flights without a fee.
NSW Police have been granted greater shoot-to-kill powers to deal with the 'evolving threat of terrorism.'

Legislation allowing for the strengthened powers was passed through the NSW Parliament's upper house following a lengthy debate on Wednesday evening.

The Berejiklian government pledged to introduce the tough new measure after the long-running probe into the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege heard snipers hesitated when they thought they had a clear shot at gunman Man Haron Monis - partially because they weren't sure they had the legal justification to shoot him.

Legislation allowing for the strengthened powers was passed through the NSW Parliament's upper house following a lengthy debate on Wednesday evening

The Berejiklian government pledged to introduce the tough new measure after the long-running probe into the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege heard snipers hesitated when they thought they had a clear shot at gunman Man Haron Monis

The coronial report recommended the government consider legislative changes to ensure that police had the necessary protections to resolve terrorist incidents.

The new powers mean police will be protected from criminal liability if they use lethal force 'in good faith' during an event deemed a terrorist attack by the police commissioner.

At present, officers tasked with taking a so-called 'kill shot' must believe their target poses an imminent threat to another person before they can fire their weapon.

The NSW Greens strongly opposed the bill as it was introduced on Wednesday, arguing it was being rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny.

Ms Berejiklian says the tough legislation will ensure NSW has some of the strongest counter-terror laws in the world

Gunman Man Haron Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun

'The key lesson from the Lindt siege it is that there is an overwhelming need within the police for good processes, timely information and quality training,' Greens MP David Shoebridge said

'The key lesson from the Lindt siege it is that there is an overwhelming need within the police for good processes, timely information and quality training,' Greens MP David Shoebridge said.

The legislation also contains no independent oversight of the police commissioner's decision to trigger the move, he said.

Lawyers have also raised concerns about an amendment which allows police to use the lethal force powers on anyone in a terrorist situation, not just the those engaged in such activities.

'The legislation could result in the use of lethal force becoming the norm for any siege situation, without it necessarily being terrorist-related,' President of the NSW Law Society of NSW Pauline Wright said.

Police officers patrol the front of Parliament House in Canberra

The announcement comes in the wake of a series of London terror attacks. Emergency services are pictured attending to victims of the London Bridge attack

The new laws will also give the parole board greater discretion to refuse parole for inmates linked to terrorism, or those radicalised while in prison.

Ms Berejiklian says the tough legislation will ensure NSW has some of the strongest counter-terror laws in the world.

'Community safety is our highest priority. I want our brave police men and women to be absolutely clear that they have our full support to keep the community safe,' she said in a statement on Wednesday.

The bill passed with the Labor opposition's support.
Meredith Vieira has revealed she was 'never totally comfortable' sharing her opinion when she was co-host of daytime talk show The View.

The American journalist appeared on The View as one of the original co-hosts from 1997 to 2006.

In an interview with Fox News Radio's Kilmeade & Friends on Wednesday, the 63-year-old spoke of her time on the long-running talk show and the current news cycle.

Meredith Vieira (left with Star Jones, Joy Behar and Barbara Walters) has revealed she was 'never totally comfortable' sharing her opinion when she was co-host of daytime talk show The View from 1997 to 2006

'I was never totally comfortable with (sharing her views) because my background was as a journalist where you didn't give your opinion that was inappropriate,' she told host Brian Kilmeade.

'You were there to elevate others and to give them the platform as opposed to yourself so I love the moderator role on The View because it was more just keeping the show going, the conversation going.'

When speaking about the current state of violence in the world, Kilmeade asked Vieira whether she was glad to be out of the news cycle or sad that she wasn't in the thick of it.

'You know it's a little bit of both because it's a fascinating time to be a journalist. On the other hand there's so much negativity out there - it's incredible, on both sides,' Vieira said.

The American journalist (above in 2006) spoke of her time on The View and the current news cycle in an interview with Fox News Radio's Kilmeade & Friends on Wednesday

'It just feels like the distance between folks is getting larger and not diminishing and that really worries me as a mom.'

She was on the radio program to speak about osteoporosis, given her mother had suffered from the condition.

Vieira, who is a former Today host and still works as an NBC special correspondent, hosted The View alongside Star Jones, Debbie Matenopoulos and Barbara Walters.

Her own daytime talk show, The Meredith Vieira Show, was canceled on NBC in 2016 after two seasons.
America is getting older and more racially diverse as white baby boomers give way to booming numbers of Hispanics and Asians.

Every racial group grew between 2015 and 2016, but the number of whites increased at the slowest rate - less than one hundredth of 1 percent or 5,000 people.

That is a fraction of the rates of growth for Hispanics, Asians and people who said they are multi-racial, according to estimates from the Census Bureau.

Every racial group grew between 2015 and 2016, but the number of whites increased slowest - less than one hundredth of 1 percent or 5,000 people. A scene from Vista, California

The Asian population and those who identified as being of two or more races grew by 3 percent each, to 21 million and 8.5 million, respectively.

Hispanics grew by 2 percent to 57.5 million. The black population grew by 1.2 percent to nearly 47 million.

The number of non-Hispanic whites grew by only 5,000, leaving that population relatively steady at 198 million of the nation's 325 million people.

Despite the rapid growth in the population of other racial groups, whites will remain in the majority in the U.S. until after 2040.

American taxpayers also face a double-whammy of extra costs as an increasing population of elderly people is matched by a boom in the number of youngsters.

The proportion of the population aged over 65 jumped from 12 to 15 percent from 2001 to 2016, driven by the ageing of the baby boomer generation.

President Donald Trump's core support in the 2016 election came from white voters, whose turnout increased

This represents an increase from 35 million to 49.2 million in those 16 years.

That is a costly leap for taxpayers as those residents move to Medicare, government health care for seniors and youngsters with disabilities.

This accounted for $1 out of every $7 in federal spending last year, set to grow to $1 out of every $6 spent by 2027.

Net Medicare spending is expected to nearly double over the next decade, from $592 billion to $1.2 trillion.

At the same time, children born from 2001 through 2016 were the nation's fastest-growing age group, with a 6.8 percent jump in the year beginning July 1, 2015.

That means more demand on taxpayers for schools and bilingual education.

President Donald Trump's core support in the 2016 election came from white voters, whose turnout increased compared to previous polls.

Meanwhile, black turnout dropped and the non-white share of the U.S. electorate remained flat compared with the 2012 election.

California had both the largest number of whites and non-white Hispanics in 2016, 30 million and 15.3 million, respectively.

Texas had the largest numeric increase in both the white and non-white Hispanic populations. Pictured: Texas A&M University campus

Texas had the largest numeric increase in both the white and non-white Hispanic populations.

As for the share of a state's overall population, New Mexico had the highest percentage of non-white Hispanics at 48.5 percent.

Maine had the largest percentage of whites, nearly 97 percent.

Experts say the full impact of racial changes on voting patterns will only become clear in the decades to come.
A hardline Sydney Muslim imam says it is sinful for someone to wail when a loved one dies.

'For example, when someone has died, you control your tongue,' he said.

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Sunni preacher Mustafa Arja's sermon said any display of emotion was forbidden

'You control your anger. You don't say things which will displease Allah.

'You don't wail. You don't beat yourself up. This is all forbidden in Islam.'

Mr Arja is an Islamic wedding celebrant in western Sydney who delivers sermons with the hardline Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association in Auburn.

The mosque is upstairs from the Bukhari House Islamic Bookstore on Auburn Road, which sells books on Sharia law advocating the death penalty for homosexuals and ex-Muslims, and 100 lashes for adultery.

While that bookstore is now a separate entity, the ASWJ mosque hosts fundamentalist preachers who have recently declared it sinful for Muslims to associate with non-Muslims or attend secular Christian events like the Easter Show.

Islamic wedding celebrant Mustafa Arja says Muslims shouldn't show their emotions

The hardline Sunni preachers have also told girls it is sinful for them to pluck their eyebrows or for men to use public urinals.

However unlike some more feisty imams at the Auburn mosque, Mr Arja called on Muslims to keep their emotions concealed.

'You feel like doing something but you don't do anything,' he said.

'Whether you're irritated, your frustrated, you're angry, you keep it inside and you don't show it on the outside.'
A family of honey farmers refusing to pay council rates on their three Tasmanian properties because they were on 'God's land' have been given a helping hand by an 'anonymous source' who paid their debts.

The three plots owned by the family had left them with $9,332 in arrears owed to Meander Valley Council as they took a religious stance on rates claiming it was a matter 'between the council and God'.

Yet in a surprising twist, an 'anonymous source' has paid the debt at their two Chudleigh plots that make up their Melita Honey Farm, ABC News reports.

The Melita Honey Farm was one of three plots that had overdue rates to be paid to the council

An anonymous source paid off two of the plots' debts which left the Meander Valley Council no choice but to move to sell the Melita Park plot (pictured)

The council will now move to sell the last plot at Mole Creek, which still has unpaid debts as the family refuse to budge on their stance, insisting the land was owned by the 'Heavenly Father'.

It was discussed and agreed at a council meeting in March to sell all three properties if the debts remained unpaid by June 21.

Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins confirmed that an unnamed source had paid the council the debts of two of the properties several weeks ago.

'We understand it was an anonymous source that understands the value of that business to the Chudleigh community,' he said.

As agreed, Mr Perkins revealed that the sale of the final property at Mole Creek will be now sold.

'If they arrived down here with a cheque tomorrow to pay the rates and costs associated with it so far, we would ask no more questions,' he said.

The family took a religious stance on rates claiming it was a matter 'between the council and God' after insisting the land was owned by the 'Heavenly Father'

Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins confirmed that an unnamed source had paid the council the debts of two of the properties several weeks ago

'Unless there's a change of heart and they come to a new realisation and hopefully find some new text within the Bible that allows them to pay rates, I fear we will be in the position in three or so years time.'

It has been confirmed through a report given to the council that the family have failed to make payments for rates since 2010.

The owners admitted to council members in November 2016 that they had no intention on coughing up the cash owed to them.

'They steadfastly reaffirmed their belief that the land was not theirs, but that of the Heavenly Father, that the council would be taking the land from him and that was a matter between council and God,' the report read.

The owners of the three properties are a Dutch family who moved to Australia in the 1980s.

Before moving to Tasmania, they lived in Western Australia for 15 years.

Their business in Chudleigh has thrived since their arrival selling honey and other honey related items as well as gifts and books.

Their two Chudleigh plots offer an interactive experience for visitors with live bee exhibitions and a museum of old beekeeping implements.

Their business in Chudleigh (pictured) has thrived since their arrival selling honey and other honey related items as well as gifts and books
A single mother claims she suffered 'psychiatric injury' when a cop investigating her former boyfriend started sleeping with her while she was a police witness.

Four years ago, Laura Auditore's former boyfriend Marc Osborn was convicted of recording himself having sex with several other women using a hidden camera. Osborn was dubbed 'Sergeant Sleaze' at the time.

The District Court this week heard Ms Auditore was a minor witness for the Osborn investigation - and was not one of his victims - when an unnamed officer began an 'inappropriate' sexual relationship with her.

According to a statement of claim shown to the court, Ms Auditore alleged he would call and text her outside police hours, have secretive sex with her, speak to her while he was intoxicated and text her photographs of his penis.

'I'm a survivor': Laura Auditore, pictured, sued the NSW State Government in the District Court this week, alleging police had a duty of care

'Sergeant Sleaze': Marc Osborn, pictured, was convicted for secretly recording women he had sex with. He was Ms Auditore's former partner at the time of the police investigation

Ms Auditore was a minor witness into the police investigation into Osborne (pictured) - simply confirming his premises - but another officer engaged in an allegedly 'inappropriate' relationship

Ms Auditore argued the officers conducting the investigation should have removed the police officer at anytime when they became aware of the relationship.

She said she was 'vulnerable' in her position as a police witness at the time and claimed to have suffered her injuries - which include anxiety and depression - during or after the relationship.

But the defence argued there was an 'absence of material facts' to allege senior police were aware of the relationship.

Judge Judith Gibson said there were no cases in Australia on the issue of whether or not a police officer owes a duty of care to a witness involved in the case in which the officer is involved.

However, she said courts in the UK have said police officers do not have a duty of care towards a witness, 'no matter how vulnerable'.

After noting other deficiencies with the statement of claim, the judge struck out Ms Auditore's claim but said she could bring the matter back to court.

Ms Auditore said the hearing had 'ruined' her faith in the justice system. Her former boyfriend Marc Osborn is pictured right

A picture of Mr Osborn's police car, which was previously tendered to a court

District Court (pictured) Judge Judith Gibson handed down the judgment

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Auditore said she was furious with the decision, which she said was 'beyond me'.

'It's ruined my faith in the justice system. I don't trust police. I have PTSD and other health issues...

'But it is what it is and life goes on. I'm not a victim I'm a survivor!'

She said Osborn was 'old news' and the detective - who was not named in the court's decision - needed to be exposed for his alleged behaviour.

Ms Auditore said was unsure whether she would bring the matter back to court and said 'it's all corrupt.'

The matter returns to court June 30.
Australian customers will be fined for wasting drivers' time and can tip them via the app for the first time in changes set to be rolled out by the end of the year.

The scandal-hit company, which allows users to hail cars using an app on their smartphones, is aiming to overhaul its image after earning a reputation for treating its drivers badly.

Now, it is implementing a series of changes that will boost the income of workers  by hitting customers' wallets.

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Australian customers will be fined if they keep their Uber drivers waiting in changes set to be rolled out by the end of the year

Uber users will also have less of a window in which to cancel a booking, which will go down five minutes to two. Cancellations after two minutes will incur a fine of $10.

Furthermore, they'll also be charged by the minute if they keep drivers waiting for more than two minutes after arriving.

The fee will be the same as the per-minute rate for the city you're in  so for UberX customers in Sydney, it will be $0.40/minute.

Customers will now also be able to tip their drivers directly through the Uber app for the first time  a policy Uber refused to introduce two years ago despite pressure from its workers.

Uber customers will also be able to tip their drivers via the app for the first time

'These new features and changes are starting in the US, but our focus is absolutely global,' an Uber spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'We aim to make most of these features available internationally by the end of the year.'

It comes after Uber's chief executive Travis Kalanick resigned on Tuesday following pressure from investors.

Kalanick, co-founder of one of the most influential technology companies of its generation, has faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks following an investigation into the culture and workplace practices at the ride-hailing service.
A second man has been charged over the death of mother-of-two Carly McBride following a breakthrough on Monday.

Sayle Kenneth Newson was charged with Ms McBride's 2014 murder earlier this week, with police alleging he was 'jealous' of her relationship with another man, leading to investigators arresting a second man, 26, on Thursday.

The 26-year-old man was arrested and charged in Lithgow, Tablelands of New South Wales, as the alleged co-offender of the murder, according to a police statement.

The alleged co-offender is expected to face Lithgow court on Thursday afternoon.

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Sayle Newson, the short-term boyfriend of Carly McBride (pictured) is expected to be charged with her 2014 murder, as police allege he was 'jealous' of her relationship with another man

Ms McBride, a mother-of-two, vanished in September 2014, before her remains were found in bushland (pictured) in August last year

Sayle Kenneth Newson was arrested on Monday by officers from Strike Force Karabi at a property in San Remo, on the New South Wales central coast.

Newson, 39, had been dating Ms McBride, 31, for eight weeks when she vanished on September 30, 2014 after visiting her former partner Andrew Easton earlier that day.

Ms McBride body was found in bushland at Scone, in the Hunter Valley region, last August, with a post-mortem revealing she died from repeated blunt force trauma.

On Monday afternoon, Newson was charged with murder and refused bail, with NSW police earlier revealing another man - currently behind bars at Lithgow Correctional Centre - will also be charged with her murder later this week.

At a press conference on Monday, NSW police superintendent Steve Clarke said Newson and another man - who will be arrested at Lithgow Correctional Centre later this week - would both be charged with Ms McBride's (pictured) murder

Hunter Valley superintendent Steve Clarke said prosecutors would rely on Newson's claims he was a champion 'Muay Thai' fighter who had never lost.

'The man in custody here has indicated to us that his former profession was as a boxer and Muay Thai champion,' Supt Clarke said.

'He claims to have a record of 20 wins and no losses, that is significant here in this particular investigation.'

Supt Clarke said police would also allege there was a relationship between Newson, who is currently in custody at Wyong Police Station, and Ms McBride.

He said it was alleged that Newson and his co-offender had acted out of 'jealousy'.

'It would appear there may be an aspect of jealously involved in this particular murder,' Supt Clarke said.

Ms McBride left this Belmont, NSW house on September 30 2014 and never returned

Last year it was revealed Ms McBride had been arguing with her ex-partner moments before she went missing. She had been at his property to visit her young daughter (pictured)

Police investigating the case have previously spoken to James Cunneen, a friend of Newson's, about her disappearance.

During a search of his property in the hunt for Ms McBride, police charged Cunneen with drug and firearm offences. The 26-year-old was jailed over the offences.

Monday's breakthrough comes after Ms McBride's remains were found in bushland at Scone, in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, last August.

Earlier last year it was revealed Newson had dropped off Ms McBride at the house of her ex-partner Andrew Easton on the day she disappeared.

The mother-of-two was visiting her three-year-old daughter, but when Newson came back to collect her he was told she'd stormed off after a dispute with Mr Easton, the Daily Telegraph reports.

The 31-year-old's body was found at Scone, in the Hunter Valley region of northern New South Wales (pictured)

On Monday, police claimed that on the day she disappeared, Newson and his co-offender drove to the area in Scone (pictured) where her body was found

She was thought to have gone to McDonald's, just a four-minute drive away, however police believe she never made it there.

On Monday, Supt Clarke said prosecutors will allege that the men who murdered her used her credit card to buy drinks at a restaurant on the day she disappeared.

'We will allege that shortly after her disappearance the man in custody here and his co-offender travelled to the Scone area,' he said.

'Prior to travelling to the Scone area we will allege they went to a local restaurant and used her keycard to purchase some drinks.'
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said new laws might be needed to stop extremists hiring heavy vehicles

Lorry and van hire may need regulation in the wake of the terror strikes, according to Britain's top police officer.

Vans were used in attacks on London Bridge, where the ringleader tried to hire a 7.5 ton truck, and on worshippers in Finsbury Park.

Cressida Dick went a step further than her counter-terrorist chiefs who have warned hire company owners to be on their guard for suspicious customers.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said new laws might be needed to stop extremists hiring heavy vehicles for use as deadly weapons.

'How can you, it's very hard, but how can you deal with van hire?' she asked. 'We've sent a message to the hire community, please be careful, think who it is, if there's anything suspicious let us know.

'Should that be regulated in any way? There's a whole big review to be done. It might require some legislation. It might require some tweaking of legislation.'

Miss Dick has also warned she would be forced to pull bobbies from the beat unless the Government injected more money into fighting terrorism.

A hire van ploughed into several worshippers in Finsbury Park, north London, on June 19

Three terrorists ploughed a rental van into pedestrians on London Bridge on June 3

She said counter-terror police were stretched by four atrocities, including two this month, bringing bloodshed to the UK's streets.

Pointing out that the 'world is now different' since terror strikes in London and Manchester, the new Scotland Yard boss said some crime investigations had been put on the back-burner.

She said frontline numbers would fall and police stations close as forces could not 'do everything'.

Miss Dick has said she would 'obviously' be seeking extra funding from Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Speaking to politicians at London's City Hall for the first time since taking the top job in March, she said the terror attacks had diverted resources as officers painstakingly pieced together the deadly plots.

In a stark warning, Miss Dick said it was inevitable that fewer officers would be employed by the Met and some police services would be dropped  potentially compromising efforts to thwart future threats.

She said: 'The counter-terrorism network is certainly stretched. They have now had four major attacks to deal with and also disrupted a number  five  of other plots.

'Those all take a great deal of backward-looking investigative resources and it takes potentially away from the proactive and forward-looking intelligence work.

'It is inevitable that without further assistance our police officer numbers will drop.'

This van hired from a Welsh firm mowed down people outside the Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park

The Metropolitan Police, overseen by Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan, claims it faces 400million of budget 'pressures'

The Metropolitan Police, overseen by Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan, claims it faces 400million of budget 'pressures', suggesting they are equivalent to further cuts.

It says that on top of reductions totalling 600million as a result of austerity, these will lead to wholesale changes to everyday policing.

The Home Office is also being pressed to scrap a shake-up of the police funding formula after warnings that further budget cuts would put London's security at risk of a terror atrocity.

'It said the Government had protected overall police funding in real terms. Spending on counter-terrorism is also rising from 11.7billion to 15.1billion.
May was Mexico's bloodiest month in at least 20 years and homicides are up sharply in 2017 compared with last year, new government crime statistics show.

Statistics published Tuesday by the Interior Department said 2,186 people were murdered last month.

The previous monthly high was 2,131 in May 2011, according to a review of publicly available records that date back to 1997.

During the first five months of 2017, there were 9,916 killings nationwide - an increase of about 30 percent over the 7,638 slain during the same period last year.

Police and forensics secure the area where six people were killed, in Acapulco, Mexico in January. Government crime statistics show that the month of May was the country's bloodiest month in at least 20 years and homicides are up sharply in 2017

'Pretty grim. Not shocking, because we've seen this for months,' Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope said. 'But, yeah, it's really grim.'

Mexico launched a militarized offensive over a decade ago to combat drug cartels that plague parts of the country. Homicides fell somewhat after peaking in 2011 but have risen again.

At the state level, Baja California Sur saw the biggest jump in the first five months of 2017. After registering 36 killings during the same period in 2016, that spiked by 369 percent to 169 this year.

The violence is in part due to the weakening of El Chapo's (shown) cartel, Sinaloa since his extradition to the US last year, meanwhile the Jalisco cartel is on the rise

There were also significant increases in Veracruz (93 percent), Quintana Roo (89 percent) and Sinaloa (76 percent).

On Wednesday, Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes said at a news conference that seven bags containing two dismembered bodies had been left outside the personal office of the state security chief Tuesday night.

Armed men had also attacked three workers hanging a billboard with photographs and a reward offered for area criminal suspects.

Hope said the violence is being driven in part by 'the weakening of the Sinaloa drug cartel' - whose top boss, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, was extradited to face drug charges in the United States earlier this year.

Hope also noted 'the parallel rise of the Jalisco (New Generation) cartel.'

Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes said at a news conference that seven bags containing two dismembered bodies had been left outside the personal office of the state security chief Tuesday night

In Baja California Sur in particular, Hope said, a Sinaloa faction is battling for control both against rivals within the cartel and externally against Jalisco.

Hope also cited increased heroin trafficking, difficulties implementing a new criminal justice system and insufficient federal police response to the crime surge.

Total homicides for the January-May period declined from 2016 in just four states - Campeche, Coahuila, Mexico State and Nuevo Leon - and nowhere did the drop exceed 6 percent.
Ashton Kutcher has defended ousted Uber boss Travis Kalanick and questioned the decision to remove him as CEO amid a sexual harassment scandal.

The Hollywood A-lister invested 'probably a couple million dollars' when Uber was founded by Kalanick in 2009.

Kutcher, 39, stopped by The Howard Stern Show on Wednesday during which he was asked about Kalanick's removal from the company this week.

The actor, who is married to Mila Kunis, said he was 'conflicted' when asked to weigh in on the CEO's fall from grace.

Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher, who invested millions of dollars in Uber, defended the ride-sharing company's ousted boss Travis Kalanick on Wednesday

'I'm 100 percent certain there were mistakes made and he would cop to the fact that he made mistakes and did things that he maybe shouldn't have done,' Kutcher said.

'But at a certain point, I feel like we're in a society today that is so fast to judge people, and that we have to realize people make mistakes, and you have to let people learn from their mistakes. But I don't know the extent of the internal damage, so I can't really comment, because I don't really know.'

I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight Uber founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick

Kalanick, 40, announced on Tuesday he was stepping down from the ride-sharing firm after facing pressure from investors following a string of setbacks.

The resignation sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and leaves Uber's board of directors with the problem of finding a dynamic leader who also has a steady hand needed to heal Uber after a bruising six months.

Uber has been dogged by questions over its working culture, including sexual harassment, allegations of trade secrets theft and an investigation into efforts to mislead government regulators.

It has since emerged that Kalanick was in Chicago interviewing his potential deputy when two investors hand delivered him a letter calling for his resignation, Bloomberg reports.

Kalanick, 40, announced on Tuesday he was stepping down from the ride-sharing firm after facing pressure from investors following a string of setbacks

In a statement, the board said Kalanick is taking time to heal from the death of his mother in a boating accident. He is pictured above with his mother, Bonnie (right), and father, Donald (left)

The letter was delivered by Matt Cohler and Peter Fenton, of venture capital firm Benchmark, and was signed by five major backers.

Kutcher - known for his tech entrepreneurial ventures - still defended Kalanick on Wednesday, saying he wasn't sure if removing him from the top job was the right move.

'Without a guy like him, the company wouldn't be where it is,' Kutcher told Howard Stern.

'I know there were cultural shortfalls within the company that happened along the way. I don't know that removing him is the best answer, but I think, you know, optically, things have to happen like that sometimes.'

Uber's board confirmed Kalanick's resignation early on Wednesday.

He will remain on the Uber Technologies Inc. board and keep his shares which is estimated he owns 10 percent of stock in the company that's worth billions.

Kalanick, who is worth $6.3billion, still retains control of a majority of Ubers voting shares.

He had already been on indefinite leave amid criticism of his management style and following the death of his mother in a boating accident.
A Kenyan-born senator who grew up without shoes is worried about Australia's welfare dependency and has declared citizenship to be a right not a privilege.

Lucy Gichuhi, federal parliament's first black African member, spoke of struggling financially when she migrated to Australia in 1999 as a married mother.

'I remember the first time we found welfare money in our bank account shortly after our arrival in Australia,' she said in her maiden speech to parliament.

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Kenyan-born senator Lucy Gichuhi says it is easy for Australians to become trapped on welfare as Derryn Hinch looks on

'We were terrified because we were not used to receiving money from strangers for nothing.

'I said to my husband, 'We will have to return it'.'

As the parents of three young girls, Senator Gichuhi and her husband William decided they would prefer to work instead of continuing to receive welfare.

'I could choose to be a victim and receive a handout for a long time, or I could choose the more challenging but empowering road and find a job and learn how to balance work and family life,' she said.

Fellow senators congratulate Lucy Gichuhi after she delivers her inspirational maiden speech

'It could have been very easy for me to depend on welfare to see me through the daily activities of life rather than actively update my qualifications and skills and seek employment.'

The 54-year-old independent senator from South Australia, who was sworn into parliament in May, called for an end to the 'tedious welfare-work dance'.

'I chose to work, even if that meant going back to school and changing my career path to suit my circumstances,' she said.

'Every day, I wondered just how many people are caught in this trap because they do not have the option or freedom to choose a different path.'

Lucy Gichuhi (right) will have to power to reject Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's agenda

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus watch Senator Lucy Gichuhi's maiden speech

Lucy Gichuhi says she is proud of Australia's cultural diversity but added citizenship was a privilege not a right

Senator Gichuhi, who was a qualified lawyer when she replaced bankrupt former Family First senator Bob Day, said she was proud of Australia's cultural diversity.

'I know that to migrate to a country and get citizenship in that host country is not a right; it is a privilege,' she said.

'I am proud to be a black African Australian.'

The Adelaide-based senator, who grew up without shoes in Mount Kenya, is one of 21 crossbench senators in federal parliament.

However if the Greens join with the Labor opposition to reject key government legislation, she becomes one of the 12 most powerful lawmakers in Australia.

In April, she announced she would sit as an independent senator rather than join Cory Bernardi's Australian Conservatives, which merged with the Christian conservative Family First party.

Senator Gichuhi was No.2 on the Family First ticket in South Australia at last year's double dissolution election.
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'Selfish' residents of the exclusive 2billion luxury Kensington development set to house 250 Grenfell Tower fire survivors have been slammed after branding the decision to take the bereft and homeless in as 'so unfair'.

The 68 one, two and three bedroom properties have been bought for 10million and will provide refuge for families who lost everything in the blaze that killed 79 people a week ago.

Apartments in the Kensington Row development are currently on the market for between 1.5million and 8.5 million and some residents are angry because Grenfell survivors haven't 'worked hard for it'.

Resident Maria, who bought her flat two years ago told the Guardian: 'It's so unfair. We paid a lot of money to live here, and we worked hard for it. Now these people are going to come along, and they won't even be paying the service charge'.

Other uncharitable residents have said families, many of whom lost everything in the fire, will use it as a money-making exercise and just rent them out on the private market.

Nick, who lives in a one-bed flat in the complex, said: 'Who are the real tenants of Grenfell Tower? It seems as though a lot of flats there were sublet. Now the people whose names are on the tenancies will get rehoused here, and then they'll rent the flats out on the private market'.

A blue Lamborghini Gallardo supercar passes the development in Kensington where 250 Grenfell blaze survivors - around half of the tower's residents - will start a new life at the end of next month

The development has over 500 apartments, of which the government has bought up 68 for those displaced by the fire

From the end of July Grenfell Tower survivors will now live near multi-millionaires in a sought-after complex which boasts a cinema, swimming pool and gym.

Edmond, who was laying parquet floors in the block last night said: 'It's not going to happen, trust me. You can write what you like, but trust me, money rules the world. People like me are going to live here? Never.'

But others renting flats welcomed the decision.

AJ, who moved two months ago, said: 'There are great facilities  a pool, cinema, gym, spa. The fire was dreadful, I had friends living there. We gave stuff, and went up and helped for a couple days last week. In my eyes everyone should be equal.'

Jaime Paul said: 'These flats are being wasted. There are so many empty ones. People who are worried about the values of their homes are just being selfish.'

Developer St Edward has sold the 68 flats at 'cost' price even though they have a market value of around 160million.

The flats have been bought by the Corporation of London, which will run them as part of its social housing stock.

New Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad said she understands the housing that has been allocated to the survivors was always set aside for social housing within the private development.

According to planning documents there were 63 flats to be set aside for affordable housing - only five fewer than the number bought for Grenfell survivors.

Ms Dent Coad told MailOnline: 'In other words, rather than the council creating additional social homes, they're putting survivors into homes that may have already been allocated to other people.

'So people would have bought the homes in the full knowledge that there would be social housing on that site. That's how development works.'

The 250 Grenfell residents - around half of its population - are currently in hotels or in extreme cases believed to be sleeping rough in parks or in their cars.

But from the end of July they will living in the development on Kensington High Street lauded as 'one of London's most sought after new addresses'.

The apartments have large rooms and balconies offering panoramic views of London and residents also have access to a swimming pool, sauna, cinema and gym

The homes are being prepared for the survivors who are currently being housed in hotels around west London

Pictures of the development show rooms in the block's penthouses, although the survivors are unlikely to live in such flats

The deal to buy the flats is thought to have cost of the government tens of millions of pounds. Pictured: Show flat in brochure

The apartments have large rooms and balconies offering panoramic views of London and current residents also have access to a swimming pool, sauna, cinema and gym.

Grenfell neighbours without gas or water Residents of flats near Grenfell Tower are living without gas, water or electricity, locals have told MailOnline. Many families were evacuated from their homes after last week's fire, but have since returned to flats lacking basic amenities. A Barandon Walk resident initially refused to speak, but said the block had no hot water, gas or electricity. He claimed that no one from the council had been in touch, and that the residents were using a nearby Virgin Active gym and the Westway Sports Centre to shower. The Asian man in his early 30s said: 'We have no gas or water or electricity. 'Some of the residents have been moved to hotels - mainly ones at the Grenfell end - but a lot of us are going to sports centres to shower. 'We might not have hot water for four or five years - they have to take that block down and then we'll have to move again while they sort it out. 'This isn't the sort of thing that will go away in a week. 'There are a lot of food donations but a lot of us would just like a proper meal rather than eating biscuits for dinner. 'The council haven't spoken to us at all, we've had nothing.' A Spanish man, who did not wish to be named, said he had a friend who lived in Hurstway Walk, but that residents had not returned to their flats. He said: 'They are staying in hotels, there is no gas or water'. Advertisement

It is not known whether the Grenfell survivors will have the same access.

City of London Corporation immediately handed the flats to Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, who have been so heavily criticised since Britain's worst fire for a generation.

The 68 flats for the Grenfell survivors was announced just before Theresa May apologised for the failures by local and national government in responding to the fire.

The property deal is a rare piece of good news for the families who lost friends and loved ones in last week's blaze.

It was paid for by the City of London Corporation - the wealthy local authority responsible for the capital's financial Square Mile which reportedly has 1.32billion in the bank.

Grenfell, a 1974 tower block refurbished last year, was engulfed by fire after a fridge exploded in its fourth floor.

Everyone on its top three storeys is believed to have perished including dozens who cowered together in their final moments a single room.

Others died trying to escape or even threw themselves and their children out of windows to escape the deadly heat and smoke.

Since the blaze anger has continued to mount over Kensington council's 'chaotic' handling of the Grenfell disaster amid reports of survivors sleeping rough and being denied cash because of confusing forms.

Nearly a week after the blaze which killed 79 and made hundreds homeless, desperate residents were said to still be struggling with accommodation and support.

More than 300,000 of the 5m emergency fund has been handed to families and over 100 people have been moved into hotels so far, the group said.

However, Lawyer Khatija Sacranie, who is offering free advice to those displaced, said some people trying to collect the aid money had been turned away empty handed because they had completed the wrong forms.

And one survivor said he was sent away with just 20 after officials ran out of cash.

The botched response effort was branded as 'appalling' with people still 'running around like headless chickens' by Kensington's new Labour MP Emma Dent Coad.

The Department of Commnunities says it is working to get those affected by the fire rehomed after widespread criticism of the shambolic response to the blaze

The new flats are around 1.5 miles from the tower in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea and were purchased by the City of London Corporation in a deal brokered by the Homes and Communities Agency

'People have to be looked after now. They have to be housed now. There's still total chaos out there.

'I'm absolutely horrified to hear people have been sleeping in cars and in parks because they don't know where to go and they aren't being looked after. Even now after nearly a week that's still the case,' she said.

Fellow Tottenham MP David Lammy tweeted about reports survivors are being 'threatened' with being classed 'intentionally homeless' if they refused being rehoused hundreds of miles away which he branded 'absolutely despicable'.

More than 500 people were living in the tower block when fire rapidly spread through it a week ago, killing at least 79. The building still contains many bodies because it is dangerous the search

Demonstrators hold a banner demanding justice for the victims of the recent deadly apartment block fire at Grenfell Tower, who many people believe have been failed badly

Residents have been left staying in hotels but some claim to have been forced to sleep rough in parks and cars

The Queen inspects generation donations of clothes, shoes and other items including food to help those whose lives have been changed forever by the Grenfell disaster

A mixture of one, two and three-bedroom flats have been purchased and will house up to 250 residents affected by the fire.

The development will be ready by the end of next month, with the government paying for extra work to be done to ensure the flats are completed in time.

PM sorry over 'failure of the state' to help Grenfell Tower victims in their hour of need Theresa May today offered a heartfelt apology to victims of the Grenfell Tower blaze - saying the help for displaced and bereaved families in the hours after the tragedy 'was not good enough'. The Prime Minister said she 'took responsibility' for the 'failure of the state, local and national' to provide assistance in the aftermath of the horrific blaze. And she said that as the country's leader she is stepping up to take responsibility and 'put things right'. Speaking in the Commons this afternoon, she said the whole country is 'heartbroken by the horrific loss of life' and told how she had been touched by hearing the stories of those caught up in the disaster. Mrs May said: 'Let me be absolutely clear, the support on the ground for families in the initial hours was not good enough. 'People were left without belongings, without roofs over their heads, without even basic information about what had happened, what they should do and where they could seek help. 'That was a failure of the state, local and national, to help people when they needed it most. As Prime Minister, I apologise for that failure. 'And as Prime Minister I've taken responsibility for doing what I can to help put things right.' Advertisement

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, whose department arranged the move with the Corporation of London, said: 'Our priority is to get everyone who has lost their home permanently rehoused locally as soon as possible, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.'

The move came as an independent public advocate to help bereaved families after major disasters was announced in the Queen's Speech.

The post was announced by the monarch along with confirmation that a public inquiry will also be held into the June 14 fire, which prompted a mass outpouring of grief and anger.

Announcing the new roles as she opened the new parliamentary session, the Queen said: 'My government will initiate a full public inquiry into the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, to ascertain the causes and ensure the appropriate lessons are learned.

'To support victims, my government will take forward measures to introduce an independent public advocate, who will act for bereaved families after a public disaster and support them at public inquests.'

The Grenfell Fire Response Team said so far some 675,200 has been distributed to affected families via 500 in cash, 5,000 bank transfers and other 'discretionary payments' made by Kensington and Chelsea Council.

John Barradell, head of the Grenfell Fire Response Team, paid tribute to the volunteers and community members who stepped in after the blaze, and vowed that more will be done.

He said: 'We are doing all we can to co-ordinate and bring in additional support to help local people who have suffered so much, but know we have so much more to do and won't let up on our efforts.

'As well as looking to deliver much more and effective practical and emotional help, we are listening very closely to the community so they can direct help to where it is needed most.'

Eleanor Kelly, chief executive of Southwark Council and spokeswoman for the Grenfell Response Team, said: 'Rehousing those residents affected by the Grenfell Tower fire as quickly as possible is our main priority, and I am pleased that a significant amount of housing has now been identified.'

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy, who is leading the team of more than 250 criminal investigators working on the disaster, said: 'We will continue to do everything we can to find answers to those who are missing loved ones.

'I know that for those who are suffering, those answers cannot come quickly enough.'

'His death has united us': Grieving parents fly from Syria to bury their refugee son, 23, who died in the Grenfell Tower disaster as thousands pay respects at the first funeral since fire

The funeral of a Syrian refugee killed in the Grenfell Tower blaze has been attended by thousands of Londoners and his family, who were flown in from the Middle East.

Mohammad Alhajali, 23, was the first of five of the at least 79 victims of the fire who have been named following the disaster last week.

His family was flown from Syria by the UK Home Office and arrived at the East London Mosque shortly before the funeral at 1.30pm today, where they met privately with mayor Sadiq Khan.

The funeral for Mohammad Alhajali, a victim of the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze, has taken place in a service attended by his family and the Mayor of London

Chief Imam Shaykh Abdul Qayum led the prayer in the main hall of the East London Mosque, with those at the service standing in long rows

Mohammed Alhajali (left and right) was trapped inside his flat for two hours after being separated from his brother, Omar

Family members were in the front row of the mosque's main prayer room, joined at their side by Mr Khan, when the service took place.

Worshippers from across the capital had gathered outside to pay respects to Mr Alhajali, described by this family as 'a very amazing and kind person'.

A midday prayer was held at 1.30pm, attended hundreds of people who regularly pray at the mosque and many others from around the city, before funeral prayers for Mr Alhajali were held.

There was a heightened police patrol outside the mosque, including plain-clothed officers in suits, to provide more support after the terror attack at Finsbury Park Mosque.

East London Mosque officials said midday prayer normally attracts around 2,000 people, but many more were there for the service, given by Imam Shaykh Abdul Quayyum.

Mr Alhajali will be buried later in a private ceremony at the Muslim cemetery in Hainault, east London.

The funeral was attended by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who said he was pleased Mr Alhajali's family were able to be at the service

Mr Alhajali's family were flown from Syria by the Home Office following a public campaign

The family were among thousands of mourners at the East London Mosque this afternoon

In a statement read by family friend Muzna Alnaib, Mr Alhajali's family said: 'He was a loving and caring person always showing support and solidarity with his friends and family stuck back in Syria.

'He never forgot to tell us how much he loved us, his very last words to us were how much he missed us. Ever since he moved away from us we tried to be united with him and his brothers and now, instead, we have been united by his body.

'May he rest in peace and may no other family experience the pain we have endured in the last few days. We would like to thank everyone who has been so kind to us over the past few days.

'In particular we would like to thank the charities and volunteers who have helped us since the fire, especially the Eden Care charity.

'We want to thank all of you who signed the petition to the government to allow us to be here and we would like to thank the home office for their assistance in getting us to London in time for the funeral.'

Alhajali (left), 23, fled his war-torn home of Daraa three years ago with his brother Omar (right)

The family were flown in after thousands of people signed a petition to bring them to the UK

Speaking after the service, Mr Khan said all of London and all of the country are grieving with the family of Mr Alhajali.

He said the dignity with which Mr Alhajali's two brothers have conducted themselves 'makes us all in awe of them' and that he is 'really pleased' his father, mother, two sisters and other family members were able to attend the funeral.

Mr Khan also called on the Government, on 'compassionate grounds', to allow those who lived inside the tower and did not have the right to remain to be given the right to stay in the UK.

He said it was 'crucial' to get the truth about what happened, that the public inquiry into the disaster commences as soon as possible, that those affected are given legal representation paid for by the Government and that the incident report is published this summer.
A California Institute of Technology staffer sent out an alert for a large magnitude 6.8 earthquake off the coast of Santa Barbara, but it was 92 years too late.

Due to a computer snafu, an alert for a quake that happened in 1925 was sent out by email around 4:51pm on Wednesday, reported the Los Angeles Times.

An eagle-eye would have noticed, however, that the alert was dated June 29, 2025 at 7:42am.

That would have been the month, day and time of an earthquake that hit Santa Barbara in 1925 and killed anywhere from 13 to 17 people.

'Thats a mistake. Its not real,' Caltech seismologist Egill Hauksson told the outlet.

The earthquake alert that was sent out on Wednesday for a 6.8 magnitude shaker was actually one that happened in 1925; a picture of the public library, above, which was completely destroyed

He said the glitch happened when scientists on his team made a change to the 1925 earthquake, remapping it to be six miles from where the epicenter of the quake was originally pinpointed.

The software apparently couldn't handle the new information, and inadvertently sent an email out on the U.S. Geological Survey's server that typically sends alerts of new earthquakes.

The USGS quickly corrected itself and received from snarky responses on Twitter

The US Geological Survey sent out a correction Wednesday evening on Twitter.

'An errant earthquake notification at 4:49pm PDT over the Earthquake Notification System. It was caused by a revision of the historic 1925 M6.8 Santa Barbara earthquake and was misinterpreted by software as a current event. We are working to resolve the issue.'

Twitter had its usual fun with the amusing tweet.

'Just seeing who's paying attention,' replied Kevin B.

'I saw this and thought 'Damn, I didn't feel a thing,' said Maria Estrada.

'Reminds me of the boy who cried "Wolf.'' You don't want this to happen very often,' cautioned Sr. Gary.

According to Wikipedia, the quake killed 13 people, but a Los Angeles Times headline from the time period said it killed 17.

Downtown Santa Barbara suffered major damage but not as much damage as it could have if three heroic town employees hadn't had the foresight to shut down the town's gas and electrical lines.

A rebuilding of the city center over the next two years drastically altered the town's landscape, with most buildings going from Moorish Revival Style to Spanish Colonial Revival.

The quake cost $8million dollars in damage, or approximately $112million in today's dollars.
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As roads melt, workers are sent home and schools close, the country has ground to a halt while it sizzles in scorching temperatures not seen since the gruelling summer of 1976.

Britons sweltered yesterday as temperatures hit 94F (34.5C) at Heathrow - the second hottest June day since records began 167 years ago and the highest since the 96F (35.6C) recorded in Southampton on June 28, 1976.



The record-breaking summer of 1976 saw nine weeks of blazing heat as 400 people were treated in a single day for sun exposure, Big Ben suffered its first and only major breakdown and spectators suffered heatstroke and ballboys fainted as the mercury reached 34.6C at the Wimbledon championships.

In the course of a First Division match between Manchester City and Aston Villa on August 25, City players collectively lost 4st in weight and captain, Mike Doyle, called for an end to summer soccer.

A farmer's wife said Britain 'had a glimpse of doomsday' as residents were besieged by a drought and the Metropolitan Police dealt with 600 more daily calls than normal to domestic disturbances, as tempers melted.

And as Britain remains in the grip of another heatwave, this week beleaguered emergency services have seen a deluge of casualties across the country requiring treatment for heat stroke, with an 'unprecedented demand' for ambulance crews.

Trains have been cancelled as rails buckle in the heat, for the first time in almost 100 years donkey rides were cancelled at a seaside resort in South Wales as it was too hot for the animals and for the first time in its history, Royal Ascot has not enforced its dress code.

Women stripped off to their bikinis as temperatures rocketed in the record-breaking summer of 1976, which saw nine weeks of blazing heat

Residents were forced to collect water from a standpipe In Northam, Devon in 1976 as the country was gripped by a heatwave and subsequent drought which followed

Tanning herself in the drought that brought water supply problems to Britain some 41 years ago, 19-year-old model Cerica donned a bikini and enjoyed the sunshine in the dried-up basin of Pitsford Reservoir in Northamptonshire

Festival-goers sought refuge from the boiling sun at Worthy Farm as the Glastonbury Festival got underway yesterday

In similar scenes, sunseekers stripped down to their swimwear in 1976 to make the most of the blazing heat

Sun worshippers in Brighton, East Sussex this week where the temperature hit 33.9C. This is the hottest prolonged spell in June since the drought summer of 1976

The scene on Brighton beach as temperatures soared to 80C, during June, 1976. It was one of the most prolonged heat waves within living memory

That's one way to cool off: A young woman battles the scorching heat of 1976 by taking a dip in a fountain

Sizzling Wimbledon: In the 1976 heatwave Swedens so-called ice-man, Bjorn Borg, was powering towards the first of his five consecutive mens singles titles, when 400 spectators had to be treated for sun exposure

Firefighters putting out a forest fire in Epping Forest, near London, on July 6, 1976. Britain's worst drought for 250 years led to frequent outbreaks of fire around the country

Sunbathers packed Brighton beach in East Sussex in 1976 as they desperately tried to cool off in scorching temperatures which lasted for weeks

C Pillbeam, of the Metropolitan Water Board, turns down the water pressure at a turncock outside St Paul's Cathedral, London on August 18, 1976. The mains water pressure was reduced by a quarter to conserve water supplies

Londoner Dave Pike washes his Ford Escort Mk1 using water from the Thames at Putney, during Britain's worst drought for 250 years, on August 25, 1976

With a strict hosepipe ban in most places, patrol vans prowled the streets and people were actively encouraged to tell on their neighbours - so people took drastic measures to cool off

Employees back in 1976 took their work outdoors and swapped the office desk for a fountain in a bid to avoid overheating

The searingly hot weather, from mid-June to the end of August was more prolonged than any within living memory

Too dry: Soil became severely cracked during the lengthy heatwave of 1976, with hosepipe bans out in force

Agriculture Minister Fred Peart with a handful of powdery soil in a carrot field at Hall Farm on the Duke of Grafton's Euston estate as the minister began a two-day fact-finding tour of drought-hit farmlands in the UK. The land's normal yield of 18 to 25 tons of carrots an acre was all lost due to a lack of rain

Thousands of people gathered at the London Serpentine in Hyde Park during the summer heatwave of 1976

From left: Lynne Simmons, 23, Liz Seeney, 27, and Christine Seymour, 24, all technicians with the McIndoe Research institute, cool off in the river as the 1976 Ginevra Handicap races past
The horrific ordeal two broke Finnish backpackers faced when they arrived to work as bartenders in the Australian outback is laid bare in a shocking documentary.

Director Pete Gleeson's Hotel Coolgardie, screening in cinemas now, shows what happened when Lina and Steph arrived in the small Australian town of Coolgardie and starting working and living at the Denver City Hotel.

At the time the documentary was filmed, the owner would have an agency send two female foreign backpackers every three months to work there  and Lina and Steph were the latest.

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Lina (left) and Steph's nightmare stint in Coolgardie, Western Australia, is captured in documentary Hotel Coolgardie

The former owner of the Denver City Hotel would put up a cardboard sign when new girls were coming to town

The new manager has said the practice no longer happens at the Denver City Hotel and that the documentary was filmed several years ago.

But the former owner would proudly place a chalkboard sign outside the pub that proclaimed: 'New Girls Tonite!'

He even lewdly comments that his male patrons 'grow a new leg' when new girls come to town  and even compete to see who can bed them first.

In the film, these drunken patrons are seen abusing and making unwanted sexual advances towards the young women.

The women are seen subjected to racist comments and unwanted sexual advances in the film

Even their boss hurls insults at them, calling them 'stupid' and asking: 'You eat seals and s***, don't cha? Reindeer?'

Years on, Lina says watching the film was emotional  and left her feeling angry.

'Racism got a whole new meaning for me in Coolgardie,' she told Guardian Australia.

'It was really hard to be there, knowing it wasn't right, what they were doing to us.'

The backpackers said they needed the job and money after they were robbed in Bali

But after they were robbed in Bali, they needed the work to replenish their travel fund and return home.

'[We] didn't want to lose the job, because we needed the money.

'So we had to bite out tongues and be nice and polite, then cry behind closed doors.'
A Russian court has convicted a murderous gang including one female killer who admitted she felt 'sexual pleasure' from repeatedly stabbing dying victims.

The five butchers, who murdered 15 homeless people, saw themselves as 'street cleaners' in a 'crusade' to rid Moscow of vagrants and drunks.

The only woman in the gang, Elena Lobacheva, 26, 'laughed' during the slayings and admitted to detectives that she was inspired by a Hollywood horror movie Bride of Chucky, about a doll possessed by a serial killer.

A Russian court has convicted a murderous gang including one female killer, Elena Lobacheva (left), who admitted she felt 'sexual pleasure' from repeatedly stabbing dying victims. Pictured right, the killer's Chucky tattoo

The five butchers, who murdered 15 homeless people, saw themselves as 'street cleaners' in a 'crusade' to rid Moscow of vagrants and drunks. Pictured, Elena Lobacheva in the court room

Elena Lobacheva, 26, admitted to detectives that she was inspired by a Hollywood horror movie Bride of Chucky (pictured), about a doll possessed by a serial killer

She told police that 'randomly stabbing the body of a dying human brought her pleasure compared to sexual pleasure', reported Life news website.

One victim killed by her and two male accomplices was knifed 171 times, while others were repeatedly struck with hammers, the court was told.

The gang formed after meeting at a forum of 'ultra radicals', and they admitted to being inspired partly by vicious 'Chess Board maniac' Alexander Pichushkin, 43, a notorious serial killer who was convicted of murdering 49 people, mainly homeless and alcoholics in Bitsevski Park in Moscow.

Lobacheva confessed to being involved in seven of the murders and her accomplice Pavel Voitov, 22, said he took part in 14 of the killings. Another 'street cleaners' gang member Maksim Pavlov, 21, admitted he was involved in four murders of homeless people.

Others convicted by a Moscow jury were named as Vladislav Karatayev, 22, and Artur Nartsissov, 24.

The group kept in contact using nicknames via sinister social media groups like one - now banned - called Time to Hate, prosecutor Yaroslav Mytz told Meduza news site.

Pictured, knives and other belongings of killer Elena Lobacheva found in her flat by police

Lobacheva confessed to being involved in seven of the murders and her accomplice Pavel Voitov, 22, said he took part in 14 of the killings. Pictured, Lobacheva (left) and Voitov (right) in the court room

The group kept in contact using nicknames via sinister social media groups like one - now banned - called Time to Hate, prosecutor Yaroslav Mytz told Meduza news site

Here chilling messages were posted such as 'Everything happens for the first time, like first love, first kiss, first sex, first kill'; 'When you are near, the world becomes better. Love you, your Knife'; 'I am not killing, I am cleaning up the world'; 'Every moment of the day you can pick up a knife, go out and make the world better'; and 'Love is finding the one and only who will go killing with you.'

They murdered their victims between 1am and 4am in derelict areas away from CCTV cameras.

The killings were conducted with 'ultra cruelty'.

A body found near Belarussky railway station had 44 knife wounds; a victim killed in the Moscow Hippodrome was stabbed 51 times and suffered 18 hammer blows; another close to Begovaya metro station had 35 knife wounds; one more, near Workers village had two wounds inflicted by stones, and 46 knife wounds.

Lobacheva delighting in the killings, including watching her male accomplices carry out the murders, according to evidence gathered ahead of their conviction this week.

Lobacheva (left and right) told police that 'randomly stabbing the body of a dying human brought her pleasure compared to sexual pleasure'

One victim killed by her and two male accomplices was knifed 171 times, while others were repeatedly struck with hammers, the court was told

Voitov said of her: 'It was clear that she loved murders and enjoyed watching them.

'She always spoke about torture and the dismembering of bodies.

'She laughed as we killed, it was clear as day that she loved it.'

Earlier this female killer had experimented with her appearance, shaving her head, and later wearing military clothes.

When her flat was searched, police found five knives and on her computer a 'step-by-step instruction to killing people and photos of all of her victims with their stomachs cut open and body parts cut off'.

Folders titled 'Tenderness' and 'Need this' contained hundreds pictures and video recordings of torture and executions.

They murdered their victims between 1am and 4am in derelict areas away from CCTV cameras. Pictured, the site of the murder of victim Nikolay Babin

The killings were conducted with 'ultra cruelty'. Pictured, the site of the murder of victim Stanislav Yevseev

In a notebook she had recorded the number of knife wounds on the gang's victims' bodies. A female friend of Lobacheva, called Anastasia Soldatova, said: 'We often discussed beauty of death with Lena.

'Voitov and Lobacheva were keen on serial killers, they spoke a lot about maniac (Pichushkin) who was like an icon for them.

'They wanted to be like him.'

Pichushkin wanted to kill one person for each of the 64 squares on a chess board.

Lobacheva's flat was 'messy and filthy', reported Life, even though her neighbours had described her as 'polite and nice'.

'There were horrible smells and personal belongings all over the flat' which she shared with a pet rabbit,' read the report.

Lobacheva delighting in the killings, including watching her male accomplices carry out the murders, according to evidence gathered ahead of their conviction this week. Pictured, the site of the murder of victim Alyona Shitik

The gang's killing spree was mainly between July 2014 to February 2015. Pictured, the site of the murder of female victim Tatiana

She was nicknamed 'Chucky's Bride' after admitting being obsessed since childhood with the 1998 movie, starring Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif, and Katherine Heigl.

Lobacheva had a tattoo linked to the movie on her arm.

Her mother Olga Lobacheva said she had no inkling of her daughter's bloodthirsty and murderous obsession.

'She's messy but she is a good person. She's supportive. She didn't kill. There is no anger in her eyes,' she said.

The gang's killing spree was mainly between July 2014 to February 2015.

Pavlov told investigators: 'Voitov was our authority. He was extremely cruel in day-to-day life, and very calm and composed during the murders.

'He often spoke about arranging a terrorist attack.

'Once when we walked past a station, he said it would have been so good to blow an explosive so that it hits as many people as possible, and how "their bodies would fly in the air".

Voitov said of his perverted motivation: 'I despise drunk people, this is why I killed them.' Pictured, the site of the murder of victim Gennady Danilov

The gang never stole from their victims, and avoided posting incriminating evidence on the web. Pictured, the site of the murder of victim Oleg Daikun

'It was only Voitov who used a hammer to kill. He enjoyed killing.'

Voitov said of his perverted motivation: 'I despise drunk people, this is why I killed them. I consider them to be biological waste.'

The gang never stole from their victims, and avoided posting incriminating evidence on the web.

Victims included women and men, among them Alyona Shitik, Gennady Danilov, Nikolay Babin, Oleg Daikun, Stanislav Yevseev. One woman was named as Tatiana.

The gang came from different cities and were not linked online, it was reported.

Among their victims was bank worker Sergei Yevseyev - stabbed more than 100 times - who was believed to have been mistaken for a homeless man after he stopped at a local park on his way home from work.

His father Alexander Yevseyev, 60, said: 'My son Sergei was neither homeless nor alcoholic. He worked in a bank and had met with a friend in a local park for a chat and a drink.

'After leaving he was walking home when they attacked him, stabbing him over 107 times.'

Lobacheva's flat (pictured) was 'messy and filthy', reported Life, even though her neighbours had described her as 'polite and nice'

The gang was finally caught after they were filmed attacking a street cleaner who managed to escape. Pictured, Pavel Voitov

The gang was finally caught after they were filmed attacking a street cleaner who managed to escape.

Prokhor Gorshkov, then 45, had finished work and was on his way home when he was set upon by the crazed couple.

He was stabbed in the back before managing to flee to a nearby police station where he gave a description of his attackers.

Senior investigator Sergey Azhayev said: 'Several homeless people were killed next to the railways near Belarussky station.

'All were killed in one particular "style", first being struck with a hummer on their heads, and then 'finished' with knives.

'Every murder had several dozen knife wounds which showed the extreme cruelty of the killers.

'Yet initially we couldn't find a trace to help stitch the cases together.

'All the crimes were carried in the middle of the night or very early in the morning when there were no eye witnesses.'

Lobacheva's mother Olga Lobacheva (pictured) said she had no inkling of her daughter's bloodthirsty and murderous obsession

Pictured, Elena Lobacheva, Pavel Voitov and other 'cleaners' in the court room

The Moscow court is due to announce their sentences 'soon'

He praised Gorshkov, an immigrant worker from Kyrgyzstan, for fighting back against the vicious when he was attacked.

'The man didn't give in. Elena tried to distract his attention, while Pavel and accomplice Artur went at him with two knives.

'Yet the cleaner fought back and survived the attack. He had several deep knife wounds.

'He lost a lot of blood but he managed to make his way home and told his son about the attack.'

He was then able to describe the attackers to police.

'This was the thread that helped investigators to stitch this and other cases together.'

The Moscow court is due to announce their sentences 'soon'.
Unions are responsible for the chaos on one of the country's busiest rail networks, according to a report to be released today.

Unnecessary strikes and work-to-rule action magnified problems on Southern Rail, which would otherwise have serviced passengers in 'an acceptable manner,' according to the analysis.

The report by Network Rail director Chris Gibb was delivered to the Department for Transport in December, but has been suppressed for more than six months.

Unnecessary strikes and work-to-rule action magnified problems on Southern Rail, which would otherwise have serviced passengers in 'an acceptable manner,' according to the analysis

The report by Network Rail director Chris Gibb was delivered to the Department for Transport in December, but has been suppressed for over six months. Above, passengers wait for the skeleton service of Southern Rail trains at Victoria station in January, following an RMT strike

It makes clear that a combination of factors led to the network's poor performance, including a shortage of drivers, poor timetabling and a failure to get trains away on time at busy stations, The Times reported.

But the issues, which meant Southern's parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is the worst performing network in Britain, were magnified by the continued union action from Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT), the report said.

The RMT has staged more than 30 days of strike action in the past 12 months to protest against driver-only trains which would mean no need for a traditional conductor or guard.

The drivers' union Aslef staged damaging strikes around the Christmas period, leading to the closure of the network, which is used by 300,000 passengers daily across London and the South-East.

The report makes clear that a combination of factors led to the network's poor performance, including a shortage of drivers, poor timetabling and a failure to get trains away on time at busy stations. Pictured, a crowded platform at Wimbledon in December during one strike

A 75,000-a-year pay offer for Southern drivers  equivalent to a 23.8 per cent increase over four years  was rejected earlier this week and Aslef ordered a resumption of its overtime ban from next Thursday.

In The Times, Mr Gibb's report states: 'The RMT and Aslef leadership ... are the primary cause for the system integrity to fail, by taking strike action in their dispute over driver-only operation, declining to work overtime and generally not supporting and undermining the system integrity.'

It added that without union action, a 'safe and reliable rail service for passengers would be delivered in an acceptable manner, which would be similar to other commuter rail services in the South-East'.

Mr Gibb also said the dispute was made more difficult to comprehend because no staff member had been threatened with a pay cut or redundancy and that the driver-only model has been tried and tested across Europe.

Labour MPs have joined the unions in calls for GTR, which is majority owned by the GoAhead Group, to be removed and the franchise to be brought under State control.
A federal judge in Massachusetts has awarded more than $2million to a man wrongly convicted by a former state drug lab chemist who pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and falsifying tests.

The judge has determined 53-year-old Leonardo Johnson is entitled to compensatory and punitive damages, saying Annie Dookhan gave 'false testimony to convict an innocent man,' The Boston Globe reported.

Johnson had served 15 months in prison following his conviction in 2009.

Dookhan had testified there was a presence of cocaine in the drug sample Johnson sold to an undercover officer.

Johnson tells the Globe, 'ain't no way, no how a cashew can turn into crack.'

Dookhan pleaded guilty in November 2013 and was sentenced to three years in prison.

A federal judge in Massachusetts has determined 53-year-old Leonardo Johnson (above) is entitled to compensatory and punitive damages

The judge awarded Johnson more than $2million after he was wrongly convicted by a former state drug lab chemist, Annie Dookhan (seen above in a Massachusetts court in 2013)

She has been released on parole.

'Judge Talwanis damages assessment provides fair and just compensation for Mr. Johnson, who has suffered and continues to suffer emotional and financial devastation,' Johnson's attorney, Ilyas Rona, said.

'While we are pleased with the outcome for Leonardo Johnson, we are mindful of the other victims who have received nothing.'

It is not known how or when Dookhan would be able to pay the $2million in damages.

'We are continuing to explore all available options to get our client the best possible result, given the ordeal that he went through,' Rona said.

The judge said Dookhan (seen right alongside her attorney, Nick Gordon, in January 2013) gave 'false testimony to convict an innocent man'

In November 2008, Johnson was arrested by police in the Chinatown section of Boston.

According to the Globe, an undercover officer had asked Johnson for a 'twenty' - a rock of crack cocaine worth $20.

In his testimony at trial, Johnson said that he was addicted to crack cocaine at the time.

Johnson, however, testified that he did not sell the cop crack but rather a cashew.

Nonetheless, police arrested him for dealing narcotics near a school.

Johnson said that he was arrested on prior occasions for drug possession, but never for dealing drugs.

After his arrest, prosecutors were shocked when Johnson declined to agree to a plea deal, as is the norm for those arrested on drug-related charges.

Instead, he pleaded not guilty, sending the case to trial.

Johnson says he was confident that the case would be dismissed since he knew the cashew he sold to police did not contain drugs.

But Dookhan, who at the time was a forensic chemist at the Hinton drug lab in Jamaica Plain, would eventually take the stand and testify falsely that the lab tests showed the substance was cocaine.

On the strength of Dookhan's testimony, the jury convicted Johnson and sentenced him to two years and one day in prison.

In April, Massachusetts dismissed approximately 24,000 drug convictions in the state that were tainted by Dookhan.

This was the single largest dismissal of criminal convictions in US history, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Only a few hundred cases are expected to remain open to prosecution.

In April, Massachusetts dismissed approximately 24,000 drug convictions in the state that were tainted by Dookhan

Dookhan worked testing drug samples submitted by law enforcement agencies from 2003 until 2012.

Prosecutors said Dookhan admitted 'dry labbing,' or testing only a fraction of a batch of samples, then listing them all as positive for illegal drugs. Her motive, they said, was to burnish her productivity and reputation.

She also falsely claimed to have a master's degree in chemistry.

Even if most of the impacted defendants affected by Dookhan had already served their sentences, wiping their conviction will help them in other ways such as employment, housing or lawful immigration status, said Daniel Marx, an attorney who argued for the dismissals.

The high court in January turned down a bid by the ACLU and public defenders to issue a blanket dismissal of all the potentially tainted cases, but also rejected prosecutors' arguments that a previous letter sent to more than 20,000 defendants last September had been sufficient.
One Nation's Pauline Hanson has stood by her comments calling for autistic children to be pulled out of mainstream classes as she claims parents and teachers have thanked her for her remarks.

Her comments made to the Senate on Wednesday have faced stiff opposition from several key public figures including Federal Labour MP Emma Husar who herself has an autistic son.

Speaking to the Senate on Thursday, Greens leader Richard Di Natale slammed her remarks as some of the most 'hateful, outrageous' and 'disgraceful' comments towards young children in need of extra support.

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Pauline Hanson has stood by her comments about autistic school children and has suggested her remarks were taken out of context

Speaking to reporters on Thursday she has made an attempt to clear up her comments after facing a backlash from several key figures including Greens leader Richard Di Natale

She claimed having a disabled child in a mainstream classroom was holding back other students, as they required special care.

Yet the One Nation leader has hit back at critics who suggests her comments have been taking out of context by the media and has urged people to go and read what she actually said.

'If you want to put something out there make sure you read the true facts,' Senator Hanson told reporters on Thursday.

She criticised the Greens for raising an unrelated matter and reiterated her stance on the subject.

'They need the most assistance and help as any other child in the educational system.'

Senator Hanson also revealed the people who have read her comments properly have responded in a positive fashion, with parents and teachers offering messages of support.

'I have many teachers and parents that are thanking me for my comments,' she said.

The Queensland Senator made the remarks during a speech confirming she will help to pass the Federal Government's $18.6billion school funding package.

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has told the Senate children with autism should be moved to special classes as they take up too much of the teachers' time

'These kids have a right to an education by all means - but if there's a number of them, these children should actually go into a special classroom, looked after and given that special attention,' she said.

'Most of the time, the teacher spends so much time on them they forget about the child who wants to go ahead in leaps and bounds in their education, but are held back.

She continued on to say people needed to be 'realistic' and 'get rid of those people' to help the other children.

'It's no good saying we have to allow these kids to feel good about themselves and we don't want to upset them and make them feel hurt,' she said.

'We have to be realistic at times and consider the impact that it's having on other children in the classroom.

'We need to get rid of those people because you want everyone to feel good about themselves.'

She said teachers were spending so much time with students working with a disability that they 'forget' to help the child without one (stock image)

Association for Children with a Disability CEO Eddie Chapman said the Senator's comments were 'outdated and uninformed'.

'Efforts to include children with disabilities in schools have shown it's not only possible, but all kids in the class benefit when you have the diversity of need there,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'To get rid of any children with a disability from mainstream classrooms would be leading us back to dark days, when people with disabilities were kept hidden and unable to contribute to society.

'The reality is our community is made up of people with different needs and modelling that in our schools is the best way to an inclusive society.'

Association for Children with a Disability CEO Eddie Chapman said the Senator's comments were 'outdated and uninformed' (stock image)

Education Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, David Roy, said Ms Hanson's comments were a 'demonstration of her continued ignorance of reality'.

'I'm sadly not surprised,' he said, noting it was not the One Nation leader's first comment degrading the disabled.

'She's already linked autism to vaccine use, of which there's no evidence, and now she's making these comments.

'They're not worthy, they're second class, they're sub humans is the implication.'

He said huge amounts of research had proved including children with a disability in mainstream classrooms had benefits for everyone.

'There is no evidence to suggest non-disabled children suffer academically or in any other way when children with a disability are included in mainstream classes,' he said.

'As a woman who claims to be a battler for Australia's needy, perhaps she could spend less time attacking the most vulnerable, and as an independent senator stand up for those without a voice.'
The DUP's chief whip today dismissed claims they are demanding 2billion as a price for propping up Theresa May in power - and said he believed the chances of a deal are 'very good'.

Jeffrey Donaldson admitted his party was 'no pushover' and wanted higher spending on the NHS, education and infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

But he suggested the sticking point that has delayed an agreement for more than a week is a wider rolling back of austerity.

Mrs May has been scrambling to shore herself up in Downing Street after a disastrous election campaign stripped the Tories of their overall majority.

Mrs May, pictured in the Commons yesterday, has been scrambling to shore herself up in Downing Street after a disastrous election campaign

Jeffrey Donaldson admitted his party was 'no pushover' and wanted higher spending on the NHS, education and infrastucture in Northern Ireland

The PM wants the DUP to commit its 10 MPs to a 'confidence and supply' agreement that will help stabilise her minority government.

Mr Donaldson rejected reports that the DUP has demanded 1billion for the NHS and another 1billion on infrastructure in the province.

'Those figures would not recognise the fiscal reality of the situation in the UK today,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'We're talking to the Treasury and to the Government about, yes, investing in our infrastructure in Northern Ireland, because we've lagged behind the rest of the UK, not least due to 30 years of violence.'

He insisted the prospects for a deal before the votes on the Queen's Speech on June 29 are 'very good'.

Mr Donaldson stressed that the DUP's aim was to help the whole of the UK rather than just Northern Ireland. He said it was 'tempting' to say the party had influenced the shape of the Queen's Speech, adding: 'It will become evidence when the agreement is published.'

Mr Donaldson also delivered a thinly-veiled jibe at Mrs May by saying she is 'engaged now' in the talks. There was criticism from the DUP side earlier this week that No10 was in turmoil after the election and not focused on getting a deal.

'I think the Prime Minister is moving this process forward. She is engaged now. We welcome that,' he said.

'I think that since that has happened we have been moving forward.'

Damian Green, Mrs May's effective deputy, said yesterday that the prospect of an agreement remained a 'possibility' but was still not done.

He said: 'There's still the possibility, there's every possibility of a DUP deal. The talks have been taking place in a constructive way.'

The DUP's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds (pictured in the Commons yesterday) declared he wanted to work with the Government to end the 'dark tunnel of austerity'

The failure to strike a deal left Mrs May in the embarrassing situation of presenting the first minority government Queen's Speech in decades yesterday.

A deal with between the Tories and the DUP is still expected before votes on the Queen's Speech take place next week.

Mrs May's slimmed down agenda will still almost certainly be voted through - even if she manages to anger the DUP enough they abstain. A DUP vote to install Jeremy Corbyn at No 10 is inconceivable.

Labour accused Mrs May of presiding over an 'unprecedented shambles' today and questioned her ability to cling to power.

Mr McDonnell said: 'We are now in a situation where I don't think they have got the right to govern. However, they are now bringing forward their programme.

'We'll seek to amend it. I think there is such disarray now, in the interest of the country, they should stand down and give Labour the opportunity of forming a minority government.

'They have actually junked the manifesto on which they fought the election, so they have now got no manifesto.'

Mrs May needs the support of the ten DUP MPs to keep her in power. But no vote on the Queen's Speech will take place until next Thursday, so the lack of an agreement is not terminal.

Tory MPs believed the DUP have been talking tough in an attempt to try to secure further concessions.

One said the DUP was 'flexing its muscles' in an attempt to show its voters who was in control. And sources familiar with the talks suggested a deal could be completed as early as tomorrow.

And a Conservative source said talks were 'ongoing' as they attempt to secure a 'confidence and supply' arrangement.

The DUP want a series of policy concessions which are likely to come at a high cost to the Exchequer. Its manifesto includes a pledge to reduce corporation tax to 12.5 per cent to match the rate in the Irish Republic.

DUP leader Arlene Foster smiled as she arrived for talks at Downing Street with her deputy Nigel Dodds on Tuesday last week, and she is thought to be driving a hard bargain

It also wants to scrap Air Passenger Duty, keep winter fuel payments to pensioners and the state pension 'triple lock'. The deal is also likely to involve assurances on the level of defence spending in the UK.

Mrs May was forced to seek support from other parties after the snap election left her nine MPs short of an overall majority in the House of Commons.

Speaking outside Downing Street the day after the poll, the PM said that she would 'continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party' to ensure she was able to command a majority to get her legislation through.

Ministers are seeking a 'confidence and supply' arrangement, under which the smaller party would remain outside Government but would ensure its survival by supporting it on financial measures and no-confidence votes.

After initial signs of progress, the Conservatives were forced to row back on an announcement that agreement had been reached, and talks have now dragged on for 11 days without reaching a conclusion.

However, the DUP are also strongly opposed to Jeremy Corbyn because of his links to the IRA. After the 2010 election the DUP could have tried to keep Gordon Brown in power, but cannot now play both sides off against each other.

Mrs May has rejected claims a deal with the DUP would undermine the Government's ability to act as an honest broker in talks on the restoration of devolved institutions and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein has accused Mrs May of breaching the Good Friday Agreement, but hinted that they would tolerate a deal with the DUP if it brought more funding for Northern ireland

The Treasury is believed to be taking its time to scrutinise the details - which include significant spending on Northern Ireland.

There are also complaints about the way No10 is conducting the talks, after a string of core aides - including Mrs May's chiefs of staff Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy left over the election.

WHAT IS THE DUP DEMANDING? The DUP's manifesto called for a corporation tax rate of 12.5 percent - the same level as in the Republic of Ireland - or lower. It also wants air passenger duty abolished for Belfast Airport, again bringing it into line with Ireland. Although the party supported Brexit, it is determined there must not be a hard border with the Republic. The DUP has also made clear it does not believe leaving the EU should hurt the economy - potentially opening the door to customs union membership. There could also be pressure for significant spending commitments on infrastructure. That could range from bus lanes to schools and hospitals. Advertisement

Downing Street has also been scrambling to deal with crises including the Grenfell Tower blaze and the Finsbury mosque terror attack.

DUP sources suggested the talks had not 'proceeded in the way expected' and warned that its support 'can't be taken for granted'.

Party is urging the government to put 'greater focus' on the negotiations.

In the days following the bombshell result on June 8, Downing Street declared that the outline of an agreement had been done.

However, they were quickly contradicted by the Northern Ireland party's leader Arlene Foster.

Mrs May met Mrs Foster in No10 last Tuesday and both parties insist good progress has been made, but no conclusion has been reached.

Some Tories - including ex-PM John Major - have been alarmed that an arrangement with Ian Paisley's former party could damage the UK government's claim to be impartial in the Northern Ireland talks.

There are also concerns that the DUP's stance on issues like gay rights could be toxic for the Conservative brand.
A Labour MP who lost a loved-one in the Grenfell Fire says most of the local councils bosses must resign over the scandal and slammed the police for not making any arrests.

David Lammy said it was right that Kensington and Chelsea's chief executive Nicholas Holgate was forced to quit and leader Nicholas Paget-Brown should be next.

Mr Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye is feared dead in the fire, also blasted Scotland Yard for not making any arrests.

He has branded the tragedy where at least 79 have died corporate manslaughter and demanded arrests amid claims penny-pinching may have fuelled the blaze

Labour MP David Lammy has slammed the police for not making any arrests and not being open about its investigation

Mr Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye is feared dead in the fire, has branded the tragedy where at least 79 have died corporate manslaughter

He said: 'Many people should consider their positions and step aside. I happen to think the leader of the council should go.

'Nicholas Paget Brown should step aside immediately. He has lost the faith of the people on the streets. I think they are out of touch with the community.

Nicholas Holgate was told to resign by communities secretary, Sajid Javid

'But this is not just about resignations - this is a crime. We need to live in a country where the police act. We have heard nothing about this criminal investigation.

'Other crimes happen you get a rolling commentary - who's been arrested, who's been questioned, what the police are up to. Why have they gone quiet?'

The Tottenham MP also believes towers with the same cladding across the country should be torn off.

He said: I have a building in the same constituency with the same cladding - what's it like living in a building like that? What will you be thinking?'

The boss of Kensington and Chelsea council has resigned amid criticism of the boroughs response to the Grenfell Tower blaze.

Nicholas Holgate said the Governments Communities Secretary Sajid Javid had required the leader of the council to seek my resignation.

Leader of the council Nicholas Paget-Brown (left) said it was 'with great regret' that he had accepted Mr Holgate's resignation - Mr Lammy says he should be next

Mr Holgate said in a statement: Serving the families so desperately affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council.

Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.

He added: On Tuesday 20 June, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government required the leader of the council to seek my resignation.

Mr Holgate said his presence would be a distraction if he remained in his post as town clerk, the equivalent of chief executive.

He is thought to be on a 181,000 annual salary.

Council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown said: It is with great regret that I have today accepted Nicholas Holgates resignation.

Like everyone else, the council has been grief-stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims.

That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this.

However, the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward.

Khadija Saye, who lives on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower in west London, died in the blaze

Fire tore through the building in the 15 to 30 minutes after it was sparked by the exploding fridge - experts and

Last Friday Number 10 sent in a team of senior civil servants to help co-ordinate the disaster response in the borough.

Residents condemned the relief effort as absolute chaos and complained that Kensington and Chelsea council had provided little support or information.

Mr Holgate graduated in economics from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1984 and previously worked in central government.

He worked for the Treasury and went on become director of welfare reform between 2001 and 2004 and then chief operating officer at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He went into local government in 2008.

Grenfell, a 1974 tower block refurbished last year, was engulfed by fire after a fridge exploded in its fourth floor.

Everyone on its top three storeys is believed to have perished including dozens who cowered together in their final moments a single room.

Others died trying to escape or even threw themselves and their children out of windows to escape the deadly heat and smoke.

Since the blaze anger has continued to mount over Kensington council's 'chaotic' handling of the Grenfell disaster amid reports of survivors sleeping rough and being denied cash because of confusing forms.

Nearly a week after the blaze which killed 79 and made hundreds homeless, desperate residents were said to still be struggling with accommodation and support.

More than 300,000 of the 5m emergency fund has been handed to families and over 100 people have been moved into hotels so far, the group said.

However, Lawyer Khatija Sacranie, who is offering free advice to those displaced, said some people trying to collect the aid money had been turned away empty handed because they had completed the wrong forms.

And one survivor said he was sent away with just 20 after officials ran out of cash.

The botched response effort was branded as 'appalling' with people still 'running around like headless chickens' by Kensington's new Labour MP Emma Dent Coad.
A man who has been in jail for 36 years for a New Orleans stabbing has walked free after a federal judge threw out his murder conviction and life sentence.

John Floyd, now 67, donned a black t-shirt bearing the word 'justice' on Thursday when he left the courthouse where the judge formally signed off on his release.

Floyd had served more than three decades at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola - a maximum security prison largely populated by men serving life sentences with no hope of parole.

He was jailed over the 1980 stabbing death of Times-Picayune copy editor William Hines in New Orleans.

John Floyd, now 67, donned a black t-shirt bearing the word 'justice' on Thursday when he left the Louisiana courthouse where the judge formally signed off on his release from prison

Floyd's path to freedom began months ago when US District Judge Sarah Vance ruled in September that no reasonable juror would find Floyd guilty of Hines' murder.

'This T-shirt tells it all,' Floyd said in a soft voice after a brief hearing at the New Orleans courthouse.

'I never lost hope. I knew one day it would come.'

Floyd was a 32-year-old 'drifter' living in the French Quarter when Hines and businessman Rodney Robinson were stabbed to death. Both victims were gay and were killed after apparently sharing a drink and having consensual sex with their attacker.

Police found Hines' body in his bedroom on November 26, 1980, and believed he was killed a day earlier by a welcomed visitor. Robinson's body was found November 28, 1980, in the hallway of a downtown hotel.

Floyd has been in custody since January 1981 when police arrested him at a French Quarter bar. Floyd testified that a police detective, John Dillman, and another officer bought him five or six beers at the bar before his arrest.

Floyd also testified that Dillman beat him during his interrogation after he initially denied killing Hines or Robinson.

Floyd waved from a car on Thursday as he left the Hale Boggs Federal Courthouse after serving 36 years at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola

Floyd was 32 years old when he was jailed over the 1980 stabbing death of Times-Picayune copy editor William Hines in New Orleans

Floyd's path to freedom began moths ago when US District Judge Sarah Vance ruled in September that no reasonable juror would find Floyd guilty of Hines' murder

A judge acquitted Floyd of murder in Robinson's killing but convicted him of second-degree murder in Hines' death.

Floyd had confessed to killing Hines and another man - three days and one mile apart and under similar circumstances.

Floyd, pictured above in an undated photo during his time in prison, has been in custody since January 1981 when police arrested him at a French Quarter bar

But Judge Vance said new evidence supports Floyd's claim that police beat him to coerce a confession.

In her ruling last year, Vance said physical evidence at the scene of Robinson's death excluded the possibility that Floyd killed him 'in the manner described in his confession.' Instead, the evidence pointed to a killer of a different race and blood type than Floyd.

'If Floyd was willing - for whatever reason - to falsely confess to one murder, it is far more likely that his other confession is false as well,' the judge wrote. 'The considerable evidence tending to undermine the Robinson confession, therefore, also serves to undercut the Hines confession.'

Vance said Floyd's conviction was based entirely on his statements to police investigators, who found no physical evidence or eyewitness testimony linking Floyd to the crime scene.

In May, Vance had ordered prosecutors to either retry Floyd or release him within 120 days.

District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office agreed to Floyd's release while it appeals the judge's earlier decision to toss out his conviction and life sentence.

Floyd, pictured with his attorney Richard Davis on Thursday, told reporters that his t-shirt reading 'justice' told it all

Floyd will live on a farm in Carencro, Louisiana on supervised release while the District Attorney's office appeals the judge's decision to toss out the conviction

The judge's order on Thursday says Floyd will live in Carencro, Louisiana, on supervised release. He will work there on a farm.

Floyd glanced up at the cloudy skies outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans as he faced a gaggle of cameras and reporters.

'It will take me a while to get used to it,' he said. 'It feels good.'

Floyd hugged another former Angola inmate, Calvin Duncan, on his way out of the courtroom. Duncan, 54, served 28 years in prison for a murder conviction before he was freed in 2011 under a plea deal.

Duncan joked that he couldn't greet Floyd during their years together in prison without his friend professing his innocence.

'But he needs a lot of help now,' Duncan said. 'He needs to learn how it feels to be free.'

The National Registry of Exonerations has examined 2,049 exonerations in the US since 1989 and found it included 245 cases of innocent men and women who confessed, according to registry senior researcher Maurice Possley.

Nearly 75 percent of those false confessions were in homicide cases.
A father accused of killing his nine-week-old son by shaking him has been freed from custody.

Scott Hammond, 27, was granted bail on Thursday on charges of murder and child homicide over the 2011 death of his son Braxton.

The Victoria's Supreme Court heard the infant died eight days after he was taken to a Melbourne hospital in an unresponsive state on October 15, 2011.

Scott Hammond is seen outside the Victorian Supreme Court in Melbourne

Hammond has been granted bail after being charged in February this year with murder and child homicide following the death of his son, Braxton, in Colac

The Colac man, now 27, was not charged over his son's death until February this year.

The prosecution alleges Hammond fatally injured his son by shaking him.

'If I understand the prosecution case, these fatal injuries were inflicted by severe shaking,' Justice Christopher Beale said.

Braxton also had fractures to his ribs and femur, among other injuries.

The judge said a medical report submitted to the court suggests the broken femur occurred quite some time before Braxton was taken to hospital.

The defence says the case against Hammond was not a strong one.

'It's not one of those cases where someone is caught on CCTV,' Fiona Todd said.

'If the case was a powerful one, why did it take from December 2013 (when they received a pediatrician's report) to February 2017 to charge him?'

The 27-year-old was granted bail on Thursday on charges of murder and child homicide

The prosecution alleges Hammond fatally injured his son by shaking him

Police initially suspected both parents when they began investigating Braxton's death in 2011, the court heard.

'It boils down, may I suggest, in the investigators' minds - as to whether it was the mother or father involved in inflicting the injuries,' Ms Todd said.

'(The mother) was considered, certainly, as one of the two people who cared for Braxton on the day of the final injury,' homicide detective Leigh Smyth told the court.Detective Smyth said Braxton's mother had been caring for him when Hammond returned home from a hunting trip on October 15, 2011.
US President Donald Trump has said his planned wall on the Mexican border could feature solar panels - joking it would mean Mexico would have to 'pay less money'.

Mr Trump told supporters at a rally on Wednesday evening in Iowa that a solar wall would 'create energy and pay for itself'.

He claimed as a candidate that Mexico would fully fund his impenetrable border wall but the Mexican government has rejected that possibility.

President Trump told supporters at a rally on Wednesday evening in Iowa that a solar wall would 'create energy and pay for itself'

The President initially teased the partisan crowd by promising that he would give you an idea that nobody has heard about yet.

Were thinking of something thats unique, were talking about the southern border, lots of sun, lots of heat. Were thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy and pays for itself.

And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money, and thats good, right?

He added: Solar wall, panels, beautiful. I mean actually think of it, the higher it goes the more valuable it is.

The wall, which was a signature campaign promise, has not been at the centre of the White House's agenda and construction work has not begun.

Mr Trump has repeatedly insisted the structure will ultimately be built, blaming the 'fake news media' for rumours the project has been cancelled.

The president has consistently claimed that Mexico would pay for the wall even though his Mexican counterpart, Enrique Pena Nieto, has forcefully dismissed the idea.

More than 200 companies have submitted proposals to build the wall, among them one from Las Vegas firm Gleason Partners that proposes a structure of steel, cement and solar panels.

Mr Trump has repeatedly insisted his proposed wall will ultimately be built. Pictured: Fences on the US-Mexico border at San Diego

At the beginning of June, Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing the US from the Paris climate agreement, a global pact to try and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He argued that the agreement disadvantaged the US to the benefit of other countries, leaving workers and taxpayers to absorb the costs and suffer job losses and factory closures.

But he insisted America was still committed to being environmentally friendly.

He said: The United States, under the Trump administration, will continue to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on Earth. Well be the cleanest. Were going to have the cleanest air. Were going to have the cleanest water.
Manson family killer Patricia Krenwinkel, who was convicted of seven murders - including the killing of actress Sharon Tate - will appear before California's parole board today in her 14th bid for freedom.

The 69-year-old killer, who is the longest-serving female inmate in California, had initially appeared in December 2016, but the hearing was delayed when her legal team claimed they had evidence Krenwinkel was acting under duress.

Krenwinkel, who has spent 47 years behind bars, will appear this morning by the parole board who have spent six months investigating whether she was suffering 'battered woman syndrome'.

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Patricia Krenwinkel, pictured left in 2015, and right, in 1969 following her arrest for her role in connection with the Charles Manson murders, will appear before a two-member parole board hearing in California this morning who will decide whether to recommend her for release

Krenwinkel, center, became California's longest-serving female inmate following the death from cancer of fellow Manson family member Susan Atkins, left. A recent parole board recommended Leslie Van Houten, right, for release, but this was blocked by Gov Jerry Brown

Krenwinkel's name appeared in today's listing at the LA County parole board hearings

The two-member panel will today announce whether they will recommend the accomplice of cult killer Charles Manson for freedom.

Speaking last December about the hearing, Sharon Tate's sister Debra said: 'She totally minimized her actions and blamed everything on other people the whole hearing.'

Tate said she didn't buy the concept that Krenwinkel was a victim because she was free to leave at any time and participated in murders two nights in a row.

She continued: 'We all have to be accountable for our actions. I don't buy any of this stuff. She was there because she wanted to be there. Nobody held a gun to her head.'

Krenwinkel was convicted of murdering seven people - including the pregnant actress Sharon Tate, who was married to the Hollywood director Roman Polanski at the time of her death

Krenwinkel's legal team is claiming she was suffering 'battered woman syndrome' as a result of her relationship with the cult leader Charles Manson, pictured during his trial in 1969

Krenwinkel, pictured here the last time she was denied parole in 2011, carved the word 'war' in the chest of one victim and daubed the message 'Helter Skelter' in blood on a refrigerator

Anthony DiMaria, the nephew of victim Thomas Jay Sebring, said a Los Angeles County prosecutor who attended the hearing told him that the parole officials want to research whether Krenwinkel was a victim of intimate partner battery.

He said: 'For this investigation to be initiated at this point is mindboggling. I don't understand where we go from a murder, the killing of eight people (including Tate's unborn child) to an intimate partner battery victim. It's absurd .... It seems like the world is turned upside down. How do you kill eight people and now you're the victim?'

Krenwinkel was most recently denied parole in 2011.

This is her 14th parole hearing.

Krenwinkel's attorney Keith Wattley told KCRA: 'There is no new evidence, no new allegations. It's just that this time I asked the panel to consider the psychological and physical abuse.'

Sharon Tate's sister Debra, pictured, dismissed suggestions Krenwinkel had been coerced or was under threat from Manson as she participated in murders over the course of two nights

Atkins, Krenwinkel and Van Houten had all been sentenced to death following a hearing in Los Angeles on March 29, 1971, however the Californian Supreme Court invalidated the death penalty in 1972 saving them from a trip to the gas chamber

Wattley claimed the parole board were also considering the influence of other members of the group.

Krenwinkel acknowledged during her trial that she chased down and repeatedly stabbed Abigail Ann Folger, the 26-year-old heiress of a coffee fortune, at Tate's home and helped kill grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, the following night.

Los Angeles County prosecutors say Krenwinkel carved the word 'war' into Leno LaBianca's stomach then wrote 'Helter Skelter' in blood on the couple's refrigerator.

Krenwinkel contended at her previous parole hearing in 2011 that she is a changed woman. She has a clean disciplinary record, earned a bachelor's degree behind bars, taught illiterate inmates to read and trained service dogs for disabled people.

Krenwinkel was a 19-year-old secretary when she met Manson at a party. She testified at her previous hearing that she left everything behind three days later to pursue what she believed was a budding romance with him.

She wept and apologized, saying she became a 'monster' after she met Manson.

'I committed myself fully to him. I committed myself to the act of murder,' she said then. 'I was willing to sacrifice others' lives for my own.'

Prosecutors say the slayings were an attempt to ignite a race war after which Manson and his followers would rise from the rubble to rule the world.

Krenwinkel was initially sentenced to death, but the California Supreme Court invalidated the death penalty in 1972.

Governor Jerry Brown has the power to block the release of inmates if parole is granted. He previously stopped the parole of Manson followers Leslie Van Houten, 67, and Bruce Davis, 74.

Krenwinkel became the state's longest-serving female inmate when fellow Manson follower Susan Atkins died of cancer in prison in 2009.
North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a 'psychopath' as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a 'tough situation' at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.

'South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump... will only lead to disaster,' an editorial carried by the paper said.

North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a 'psychopath' as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier

A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbier's death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Trump slammed the 'brutal regime' in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to 'prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency.'

His language was echoed by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who said in an interview ahead of a White House visit next week that North Korea bears responsibility for the student's death.

'I believe we must now have the perception that North Korea is an irrational regime,' Moon told CBS television's 'This Morning.'

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a 'tough situation' at home

Moon, a centre-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favours engagement with the North, rather than the hardline stance taken by his ousted conservative predecessor Park Geun-Hye.

Washington has also stepped up its muscle-flexing in the region, flying two B-1 bombers over the Korean peninsula Tuesday in a planned training mission with Japan and South Korea as its latest show of force.

Earlier this week, Otto Warmbier died six days after being brought back to the United States in a coma from North Korea.

The 22-year-old was returned to his family in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 13 after spending 17 months in North Korea where he was arrested as a student for stealing a propaganda poster in January 2016.

Earlier this week, Otto Warmbier (pictured in March 2016) died six days after being brought back to the United States in a coma from North Korea

He returned in a vegetative state, unable to communicate with his family and with devastating brain loss. North Korean authorities dubiously blamed his condition on a bout of food poisoning which they said he suffered while imprisoned and released him on 'humanitarian grounds'.

On Monday, his family announced his death, laying the blame for it squarely with Kim Jong Un and his regime.

'The awful torturous mistreatment our son received at the hands of North Koreans ensured that no other outcome was possible beyond the sad one we experienced today,' Fred and Cindy Warmbier said in a statement.

President Trump shared his condolences with the family immediately, describing their son as 'North Korea's latest victim'.
Alfred Barlow (pictured) is wearing a jacket with his four medals missing. He has said that he has found the whole thing 'very distressing'

A blind D-Day veteran is appealing for the return of the Second World War medals he lost at a motorway service station.

Alfred Barlow, 95, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, was returning home from a pilgrimage to Normandy, France, earlier this month, where he fought on the beaches more than 70 years ago.

He stopped off at Norton Canes Services near Walsall on the M6 Toll on Thursday June 8.

His wife and grandson, who is also his carer, noticed his four medals were missing after he visited the toilets.

His grandson immediately retraced their steps, asked at all the outlets, and the designated lost property depot but they were nowhere to be seen.

The four medals lost were his 1939-1945 Star, the France & Germany Star, the 1939-1945 War Medal and the Palestine Medal.

Mr Barlow, who turns 96 on June 25, served with 3rd Reconnaissance (Recce) Regiment, 3rd Division, and landed on Sword Beach at 10am on D-Day, June 6 1944.

He said: 'I have found it all very distressing. These medals are worth very little to sell but to me they are priceless.

'I had intended to pass all of my medals on to my grandson, which makes it even more upsetting.

'My grandson and friends in the local Normandy Veterans Association have been fantastic in making contact with all possible options to see if they've turned up but so far we've had nothing.

'That's why I want to get the message out to anyone who may have found or seen them'.

Mr Barlow added: 'It would make my birthday if I was able to have them back again.'

He is offering a reward to anyone who is able to help return the medals to him.

Mr Barlow started receiving support from Blind Veterans UK after losing his sight through macular degeneration and glaucoma much later in life, and is asking for anyone with information on the return of the medals to contact the sight loss charity on the free Blind Veterans UK hotline on 0800 389 7979.
A young woman had to have plastic surgery and 44 stitches in her face after her furious ex-boyfriend lunged at her and 'slashed her from mouth to ear'.

Matthew Grady, 31, is on trial for attempted murder after allegedly storming into Siobhan Stevenson's home in Glasgow and 'threatening to slit her throat'.

The mother-of-one, 23, told a court she has a four inch scar after Grady 'attacked her with knives' when their relationship ended.

Matthew Grady, 31, (left) is on trial for attempted murder after allegedly storming into the home of Siobhan Stevenson (right) and slashing her face

Grady, 31, is on trial at the High Court in Glasgow accused of attempting to murder Miss Stevenson at her flat on January 29.

Miss Stevenson said her relationship with Grady was over and claimed he phoned her on January 29 asking her to sort things out.

She claimed he called her a 'stupid daft cow' and said 'I'm coming through your door' before he later barged in and threatened to 'slit her throat'.

Miss Stevenson told the court: 'I never thought somebody who's supposed to love me would ever do anything like that.'

Jurors were shown images of the injuries taken days after the incident, including the 12cm facial wound which needed around 44 stitches.

Miss Stevenson said she spoke to Grady on the phone twice but during the second call he was 'shouting and bawling', before turning up at her flat.

She was in her bathroom when he got into her property.

She said: 'I saw him in the mirror first then I turned around, he was running towards me with two knives in the air.'

Jurors were shown images of the injuries taken days after the incident, including the 12cm facial wound which needed around 44 stitches

The court heard Grady said 'I'm slitting your throat' when he came at her and she tried to close the door on him but he jammed his foot in it, before cutting her on the arm.

She added: 'I was like 'please, please, don't do this', begging. I just curled up in to a ball on the floor beside the sink and bath, I just rolled down and thought I was going to get murdered.'

The court heard she tried to crawl to the living room but that was being held shut by her sister Ladonia who was inside with her partner and a child.

Miss Stevenson said: 'I was trying to escape for my life.'

Jurors heard she went into a bedroom where Grady leaned over her. She said: 'I just seen one of the knives, then that's it - there was blood.'

She told the court Grady closed the door behind her and ran off as she tied a towel round her neck, believing he had slit her throat.

Miss Stevenson said blood was 'spraying everywhere, all over the ceiling and away up the wall'.

Miss Stevenson said her relationship with Grady was over and claimed he phoned her on January 29 asking her to sort things out

She said she was taken to Glasgow's Royal Infirmary hospital and had plastic surgery the following day.

Defence lawyer Neil McCulloch claims Grady did not try to kill her. He said: 'Once he has slashed your face, once he attacked you in that way he stopped. Didn't he?'

Miss Stevenson's sister, Ladonia, 22,told the court: 'He was shouting he's going to slit her throat and she was screaming 'please, please'.

She added Grady was 'flailing his arms' at the bathroom door where her sister had shut herself in as Miss Stevenson was 'screaming for her life'.

Ladonia said Grady pushed into the living room and shouted 'where's the guy?' but was told there was no man in the house.

She added: 'He just looked about and started breathing heavy and shouted 'why are you doing this to me?' and ran out the house.

'[My sister] had a purple towel, blood was squirting out the top of it, she was shouting 'he's slit my throat'.'

Grady denies the charge and the trial continues.
A Canadian sniper has beat the record for the longest confirmed kill in military history by picking off an ISIS fighter from a staggering 11,319 feet.

Major-General Michael Rouleau said the troops, whose job it is to advise and assist the Iraqi security forces, fired in defence of their partner.

The bullet was fired from a McMillan TAC-50 rifle set on a high-rise tower and took 10 seconds to travel the 2.14 miles towards the fighter, who was attacking Iraqi soldiers.

This smashed the last record set by a Briton Craig Harrison, who killed a Taliban soldier with a 338 Lapua Magnum rifle at a range of 8,120 feet(1.54 miles) in 2009.

A Canadian sniper has broken the world record for the longest kill shot. Pictured: A Canadian sniper team in southern Kandahar, Afghanistan (file photo)

A military source told The Globe and Mail the kill was verified by video, adding: 'This is an incredible feat. It is a world record that might never be equalled.'

The third longest kill was by Canadian Corporal Rob Furlong, who shot down an Afghan insurgent from 7,972 feet(1.51 miles) in 2002 during Operation Anaconda.

And prior to that, Master Corporal Arron Perry hit a terrorist from 7579 feet. He was also Canadian and serving in the same operation.

The longest kill from a US sniper was done by sergeant Bryan Kremer, who hit an Iraqi insurgent at 7,546 feet(1.42 miles) with his Barrett M82A1 rifle in 2004.

The Canadian who achieved the longest kill was operating with Joint Task Force 2, which is training Kurdish forces to fight IS.

Few details are available about their operation, but their last reported location was in the north of Iraq, where a major operation is underway to recapture Mosul.

The sniper has not been named for security reasons and the exact location of the kill has not been confirmed.

Canada's special forces are known for the high skill of their snipers, who are considered among the best in the world.

The Canadians dominate the list of the world's longest confirmed sniper kills. The county's special forces are known for the skill of its snipers

The outstanding accuracy of the Tac-50 makes it the choice long-range weapon of the Canadian Army since 2000

They have been fighting in the Middle East for several years, and were involved in the first confirmed ground battle between ISIS and western forces in January 2015.

Soldiers visiting front-line positions with Kurdish Peshmerga forces came under heavy mortar and machine gun fire.

McMillan Tac-50: Killing machine with lethal range of 2.3miles The outstanding accuracy of the Tac-50 makes it the choice long-range weapon of the Canadian Army since 2000. It is used mainly against individual enemy targets, but can also take out light armoured vehicles. Designed in Arizona in the 1980s, it weighs 26 pounds and is 57 inches in length. The magazine can hold five cartridges, with dimensions of 12.7 x 99mm. The grooved barrel is designed to dissipate heat, allowing regular firing, while a muzzle break reduces recoil. It has a metal finish and comes in black, olive, grey, tan, or dark earth. The rifle has seen action in the Afghan War, Syrian Civil War and Iraqi Civil War. Advertisement

The Canadians used sniper fire to 'neutralise' the ISIS threat without taking any casualties.

Major-General Michael Rouleau said the troops, whose job it is to train the Iraqi military, fired back only in self-defence.

Special forces fighting in Iraq and Syria regularly make use of sniper rifles, as they are considered a more accurate way of targeting insurgents than airstrikes.

Last month, a British SAS sniper is said to have shot dead an ISIS jihadi from 7,920 feet (1.50 miles) away using the world's most powerful rifle.

The kill was unconfirmed by the military so is not included in the league table.

It took three whole seconds for the bullet to reach its target - the throat of an Islamic State terrorist in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The British marksman was using a CheyTac M200 Intervention gun which is produced in South Carolina and retails at $13,800 (10,500) and can vaporise a person's organs from 8,200 feet.

As the terrorist was leaving a burned-out building two weeks ago, the SAS gunman is said to have pulled the trigger, registering one of the most difficult kills in the regiment's history.

This graphic shows the distance from which the Canadian sniper hit the ISIS fighter. It includes a relative comparison to the Shard in London and Burj Khalifa in Dubai

Widely regarded as the most powerful rifle on the planet in its class, it has a working range of up to 9,842 feet and holds the record for the world's longest shot.

The soldiers is said to have only taken a single shot to take down his man, living up to the gun manufacturer CheyTac's motto of 'Make every shot count'.

A source told The Star on Sunday: 'It was a classic counter-sniper operation. The ISIS gunman was moving all the time to get into the best position to get a kill.'

The sniper has not been named for security reasons and the exact location of the kill has not been confirmed
Muhammed Arif is accused of getting his lover to marry a pensioner with learning difficulties, who he then murdered for money

A pensioner was battered to death by his young bride's lover in a plot to cash in on his 250,000 life insurance, a court has heard.

Father-of-two Mohammed Yousaf, 65, was found dead at a rented house in Accrington, Lancashire after he was hit over the head with a hammer as he slept, a jury was told.

Two months before his brutal murder, his alleged killer Muhammed Arif had pretended to be Mr Yousaf to set up a life insurance policy in a nearby Barclays bank, Preston Crown Court heard.

The jury heard Mr Yousaf's wife of just five months, 38-year-old Rukhsana Bibi, had been having a long-running affair with married Arif before the killing.

Mr Yousaf had learning difficulties, was illiterate and could not read or write in English, prosecutors said.

He was found dead in September last year. Tests showed his skull had been 'shattered' and he had knife wounds to his neck thought to have been inflicted with a Poundland craft knife.

The victim's undated will named Bibi as beneficiary and Arif, 45, as a legal guardian. But documents found with the will were believed to have forged signatures on them.

Detectives who searched Bibi's home in Todmorden, West Yorkshire found what they believed were practice signatures in Mr Yousaf's name on a piece of paper, Preston Crown Court heard.

Mohammed Yousaf, a 65-year-old who had learning difficulties, was found dead at a rented flat in Accrington, Lancashire in September last year

'This was we say a planned killing in order to make monetary gain,' said Gordon Cole QC prosecuting. 'Muhammed Arif has in effect inveigled his way into Mohammed Yousaf's domestic and financial arrangements through his girlfriend Rukhsana Bibi.

'Throughout the relevant time we say Arif was having a sexual affair with Bibi.'

Mr Yousaf married Bibi under Islamic law in April 2016 - just two days after her divorce from first husband Abdul Hafeez with whom she had two children and who was Arif's brother.

But ten days before the wedding Mr Yousaf had 'gifted' his 45,000 home in Accrington to Mr Hafeez during a meeting at a solicitor's office.

Arif himself attended the meeting and claimed the transfer was a 'gift' to assist Hafeez in 'applying for a visa for his wife.'

In that same month, an application was made for a 500,000 life insurance policy in Yousaf's name. The sum was reduced at the request of insurers Avia to 244,411, the court heard.

Arif is said to have impersonated Mr Yousaf to set up the life insurance policy

The court heard Arif himself purported to be Yousaf and attended a branch of Barclays to commence the policy.

Mr Cole said: 'Mohammed Yousaf had been receiving support from a social worker, and there had been concerns he may been have had learning difficulties.

'Mr Yousaf himself had reported to his social worker that it was Arif who had proposed the marriage between him and Bibi.

He added: 'Arif and Bibi were to benefit financially from the death of Mohammed Yousaf. There is evidence of Arif and Bibi having lived together before she married Hafeez - a relationship that had gone on for quite some time.

'Notwithstanding the fact that he had arranged the subsequent marriage, the prosecution say that the affair, that relationship continued after Bibi's marriage to Yousaf.'

Police at the murder scene in Accrington after Mr Yousaf's battered body was found

Arif picked up Mr Yousaf from an airport and took him to an empty property and killed him, it was alleged.

The victim's body was found by the landlord of the property when he round to collect the rent.

The court heard Bibi was in Ireland at the time visiting a brother of Arif.

Arif's home in Accrington was also searched and there police found Mr Yousaf's will, which named Bibi as a beneficiary and Arif as the guardian of 25,000 cash. Traces of the victim's blood were also found in Arif's VW Passat.

Arif and Bibi both deny murder. Arif's wife Amna Asif, 48, denies perverting the course of justice by providing her husband with a false alibi at the time he is alleged to have committed the murder. The trial continues.
Millions Receive Free Amazon Credits Following Apple Lawsuit

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Theresa May has said anyone living in dangerous blocks will be evacuated and revealed up to 100 blocks a day will be tested for potentially lethal cladding to ensure safety

The number of Britain's combustible death-trap towers has risen to 11, after it was revealed 600 high-rise buildings across the country could have Grenfell Tower-style cladding.

Thousands could be evacuated from their homes, as the government initially confirmed that least seven blocks have already been identified as 'combustible'.

But writing in a letter to MPs, Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed the number has now risen to 11 high-rise blocks across eight local authority areas in England.

The number of high-rise blocks of flats found to have combustible cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower has now risen to 11, across eight local authority areas in England, has said in a letter to MPs.

Theresa May said earlier today that nobody will be forced to live in dangerous blocks and revealed 100 high-rises a day will be tested for potentially lethal cladding.

Grenfell Tower's aluminium panels had a flammable plastic core which experts have blamed for accelerating the fire that killed 79 people last week.

Downing Street said today that at least seven other towers across four local councils have 'combustible cladding' and 600 more have 'similar' panels.

However, the number of tower blocks with 'combustible cladding' currently stands at 11 high-rise buildings, across eight local authorities.

The figures only cover council-owned buildings and not privately-owned properties across the UK.

In a day of widespread concern over Britain's high rise housing:-

It emerged that 11 tower blocks examined by experts have been found to be combustible, with hundreds of others still being tested.

Camden Council believed its buildings were safe, but discovered after testing that cladding on five blocks was potentially dangerous. It is removing the material and could now sue contractors Rydon.

Three high-rise blocks in Plymouth have the same polyethylene cladding that was in Grenfell Tower and are being monitored around the clock.

A housing association building in Tottenham, north London is being tested after residents were told it has the same cladding as Grenfell Tower.

Barnet Council has found three of its blocks have similar metal panels as Grenfell Tower, but say they are not combustible.

Salford Council says nine of its tower blocks have cladding that is similar to the material used on Grenfell Tower, with tests due to be carried out to check whether it is combustible.

The other buildings identified as a risk have not been announced until residents have first been warned. The government are testing other buildings at a rate of 100 a day.

Camden Council has already begun removing cladding from five towers of up to 23-storeys on its giant Chalcot Estate over fears they are potentially dangerous.

But residents in the 721 flats will not be moved and fire wardens will be put there 24 hours a day to reassure locals and help in the event of a blaze.

The north London council looks set to sue contractor Rydon, who also carried out the Grenfell work, claiming 'the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned'.

Work has stated to remove cladding on the Burnham Tower in Camden today (pictured, with missing panels bottom right) - one of five on the Chalcot estate needing emergency work

Scaffolders started to remove cladding at the Chalcot estate in North London as emergency work began today

Cladding being removed from high rise tower blocks in Barnet, London, which has the same outer panels as the Glenfell tower

These three high-rise tower blocks in Plymouth, Devon, have also been found to be clad in the same combustible material to the Grenfell Tower in London - and have had security teams installed

At least 79 people died in the Grenfell Tower blaze - one of the worst disasters of modern times - and the cladding is believed to have accelerated the blaze rather than slow or stop it

Three high-rise tower blocks in Plymouth, Devon, have also been found to be clad in the same combustible material to the Grenfell Tower in London.

Occupants of the 16-storey Lynher, Tamar and Tavy buildings in Devonport, Plymouth were told of the potential fire risk to their buildings. The towers will now be monitored round the clock by security teams.

Other councils across the UK have been ordered to provide samples of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday and these will be tested at a rate of 100 per day.

Barnet Council has warned that inspectors have found that three of its blocks have similar metal panels as the ill-fated Grenfell Tower, but say they are not combustible.

Residents at the 22-storey River Apartments in Tottenham, north London, have been sent an email saying the building has the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, it has emerged. The building is now being tested.

Meanwhile, Salford City Council has confirmed that nine of its tower blocks have cladding that is similar to the material used on Grenfell Tower.

Aluminium composite material is used on the recently refurbished buildings in Pendleton, with tests currently being carried out to check whether it is combustible.

The council said there will be extended patrols around the affected blocks, adding that 'all fire risk assessments' for the buildings are up to date.

The Scottish government has confirmed that no council-owned tower blocks north of the border are affected by the Grenfell Tower cladding, after local authorities across the country conducted checks on their properties.

Birmingham City Council said none of its 213 blocks used the cladding on Grenfell Tower, but announced that it will be installing sprinkler systems and other fire suppression measures in the wake of the tragedy.

Plymouth MP Luke Pollard was alerted to the worries over three blocks in the city last test results during a debate in the House of Commons on the Grenfell Towers disaster and left immediately.

He said: 'What residents will want to know is that the city council, Plymouth Community Homes and the Fire Brigade are working together to get the answers they need.

'What we need now is to make sure they conduct updated fire checks and provide information to residents and people who live nearby on what this means.

'After the terrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower, the residents are right to demand answers and that's what I and local councillors are asking for.

'It's reassuring that Plymouth Community Homes has acted so swiftly.'

23-storey tower blocks in Camden were refurbished with the cladding at a cost of 16m now found to be dangerous - warning posters have been put up in communal areas telling residents

The blocks in Camden, north London were refurbished with the cladding at a cost of 16 million. But in the aftermath of Grenfell warning posters have been put up in communal areas telling residents that the cladding is believed to be the same.

Today their worst fears were realised and tenants told MailOnline they cannot sleep at night due to concerns about the safety of their homes

Julia Mummolo, 24, a shop worker, said: 'Of course I am worried. I have been able to sleep since the fire at Grenfell. I'm trying to find somewhere else to live i can't stay here.

'I live on the 16th floor. I don't know how I would be able to get out if there were a fire.'

Abdulazuz Farah, 56, a community worker said: 'I am really worried for the safety of my family. This is the same cladding and itvwas put in by the same company.

'I live on the 17th floor. I don't know how we would get out. We are all really worried but we don't have anywhere else to live.'

Louise, 25, said: 'Everyone is worried but where else can we go? There is now here else for us to go.'

Another long term resident who asked not to be named added: 'My parents moved in here in 1969. There are no fire alarms, no fire extinguishers and no evacuation plan.

'Like lots of people I haven't been able to sleep at night after what happened at Grenfell. And to find out we have the same cladding well it's a scandal.'

Restaurant worker Muban Miah, 44, has lived in one of the five towers with his wife and son for the last eight years.

He said: 'People who live on the upper floors are very worried because they don't know what is going to happen.

'There are so many people living in their, young, old and families and who knows what is going to happen if there's a fire.

'We've been told it would take half an hour for a fire to spread from one flat to another. But after last week it is very worrying.'

Bob O'Toole, who lives at the Burnham tower block on the Chalcots Estate in Camdem, is among those who have been told the building failed a fire safety test

Mandy Ryan is a resident of Dorney House on the Chalcot Estate, Chalk Farm, north London, where work is being carried out

Camden Council has revealed its own independent tests show cladding on five up to 23-storey towers on its giant Chalcots Estate (pictured) is potentially dangerous and will be removed

Occupants of the 16-storey Lynher, Tamar and Tavy buildings in Devonport Plymouth were told of the potential fire risk to their buildings. The towers will now be monitored round the clock by security teams

Minicab driver Mohamed Nur, 42, who lives on the 16th floor with his wife and five children.

'Yesterday they came down to take a panel for testing and today we were told it was safe but they are going to change it.

'To be honest I never thought the cladding was safe because of the foam underneath. With what happened last week I am worried. Anything could happen if a fire starts.

'It is not the fire that kills you it is the smoke. After last week I've made sure I know all the exits. I always make sure my children know what to do if something happens. I worry about what will happen to my children.

'Whenever I hear a siren outside I always go to the window to check and see what is happening.'

Bob O'Toole, 62, has lived in one of the blocks for 15 years and is chairman of the residents association.

He said: 'After the fire last week. I was 99.9 per cent sure that our towers were safe. However we were told this morning that the cladding had failed the fire safety test.

'A lot of people were worried about it because there are a lot of families with young children living here, as well as elderly people and vulnerable people.

'The council has been up front with everyone about it and they have given people a lot of reassurance.

'The key is the council is going to do something about it and the important thing is to get the message out there to everyone.'

Blocks in Barnet, left, and Rivers Apartments in Tottenham, right, are believed to have similar or the same panels as Grenfell and some will be removed and tested

Camden Council will rip off the cladding from its Bray, Burnham, Taplow, Dorney and Blashford towers (pictured top left to bottom right) immediately and claim it was not to the specification they demanded

Engineer David Heaton, 56, was visiting his elderly mother who lives on the eighth floor, but did not want to be photographed.

He said: 'My mum's lived here for 42 years. She got dementia and I have to say it's very worrying to hear about the cladding.

'When Grenfell happened last week I was worried about what would happen if there was a fire.

'This is exactly the same sort of building but the next day my mum got letters from the council and her MP giving us assurances.

'It's good they are going to replace the cladding because it's better to be sure it's safe.'

Councils were told to provide the Government with details of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday and three samples were found to be combustible after tests on a 'small number' of specimens.

Flammable panelling on the outside of Grenfell Tower is suspected to have aided the rapid spread of last week's blaze, trapping dozens inside.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is coordinating the process and facilities allow for 100 samples a day to be tested. The fire service will also carry out checks at high risk buildings.

The Grenfell fire was caused by a faulty fridge in one of the flats - and the panels can be seen here exploding off the side

By mid morning on the day after the blaze, the aluminium plastic cladding could be seen charred and melted on the tower in west London

Cladding on the lowest levels of Grenfell survived the fire and can be cross-checked with the many other blocks across the country

Samples taken from the buildings failed Government tests to determine whether the cladding is combustible but that does not mean the tower blocks are unsafe, with that to be determined after more checks by the fire and rescue services, Theresa May's deputy spokesman said.

She said: 'Failing this test does not necessarily mean that your building may be declared unsafe.

Council officials inspected Grenfell Tower 16 TIMES The 10m Grenfell Tower refurbishment was inspected 16 times by Kensington and Chelsea council, but officials still failed to stop the use of deadly flammable cladding. The plastic panels that were fitted to the outside of the 24-storey tower block were blamed for the fire spreading from one fourth floor flat and engulfing the entire building. At least 79 people are believed to have died in the inferno. Survivors have said that Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, the Grenfell landlord, was warned repeatedly about fire safety between 2014 and 2016 when the refurbishment was going on. Inspectors failed to spot that the building was being clad in a materials effectively banned on tall buildings by the government despite viewing it more than 15 times. Kensington and Chelsea council told the Guardian that the first inspection took place on August 29, 2014 and the last was on July 7, 2016. The building inspectors, working for the Conservative-run council, then issued the project with a completion certificate. The high-rise went up like a match as the panels' plastic core burned ferociously. Advertisement

'It will be subject to further testing that is undertaken by the fire services to do that and if that is the case then we will be obviously working with local authorities and the landlords to make sure that nobody stays in a building that's proved to be unsafe.'

The Prime Minister revealed that tests in the wake of the Grenfell disaster had raised potential dangers in other buildings.

She insisted urgent steps were now being taken to ensure residents in those blocks were safe - and appealed for landlords who were concerned about their properties to come forward. Three samples are thought to have raised alarm, but the total number of buildings potentially affected is unclear.

The bombshell news came as the PM updated the Commons on the crisis, and again apologised for the 'failures' in the response.

She said an initial report on what caused the fire at Grenfell would be published over the next 48 hours.

More than 700,000 has been paid out to victims so far, who will not have be expected to repay the cash, and a central command centre has been set up to control the response, with more than 600 people working to support victims in the area.

Experts have pointed to the type of cladding used on Grenfell as a potential reason why the blaze was able to spread so rapidly. Tests have been carried out amid fears that many more properties could be subject to similar risks.

'Shortly before I came to the Chamber I was informed that a number of these tests have come back as combustible,' Mrs May told MPs.

'The relevant local authorities and fire services have been informed and as I speak they are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected resident.

'Immediately after this statement the department for communities and local government will contact any MPs who constituents are affected.'

The Prime Minister announced that a probe into whether cladding in Grenfell Tower met fire safety regulations will be published in the next 48 hours.

Theresa May faced questions over whether the material had passed fire and building safety tests when the West London tower block had been refurbished.

Councils across Britain race to test their tower cladding Burnham residential tower on the Chalcots Estate, Camden, where cladding is being removed CONFIRMED CAMDEN The council is due to urgently remove cladding from five tower blocks on Chalcots Estate. The cladding was tested this week and, although different to that used in Grenfell, was found to be made up of 'aluminium panels with a polyethylene core'. The council has since said it will seek legal advice and accused contractors of fitting flammable materials below the commissioned standard. It also pledged round-the-clock fire safety patrols on the estate's corridors. DEVON Three high-rise tower blocks in Devon have been found to be clad in the same combustible material to the Grenfell Tower in London. Occupants of the 16-storey Lynher, Tamar and Tavy buildings in Plymouth were told of the potential fire risk to their buildings yesterday (Wed). Fire precautions at the buildings were checked urgently and the towers will now be monitored round the clock by security teams. BEING TESTED BARNET Barnet Homes, the council-owned company which runs 24 high-rise blocks in the borough, is reviewing safety in 10 blocks. Three blocks - Granville Point, Harpenmead Point and Templemead point - were reclad in 2012 and have similar panels to Grenfell Tower. They were inspected on Monday and the insulation materials were found to be non-combustible. The other seven blocks have different cladding to Grenfell but are being inspected as a 'precautionary' measure, the council said. NEWHAM Three of the borough's 88 tall buildings have so-called ACM cladding which could be a fire risk. The cladding on these three buildings is now being tested. A spokesman for the council said: 'Once the results are known, we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure our residents are safe. 'We have already written to tenants and leaseholders in the three blocks explaining what is going on and will keep them informed of all developments.' Rivers Apartments in Tottenham, north London, where a review is being carried out of the cladding HARINGEY The London Borough of Haringey owns 54 blocks over six storeys high. None of our blocks have the Reynobond aluminium cladding system that was used on Grenfell Tower. Rivers Apartments, a 22-storey block owned by a Housing Association, is being tested over fears it has the same cladding as Grenfell Tower. HOUNSLOW Only one of the borough's 35 high-rise buildings has the cladding of the type being tested. It is called Clements Court. A council spokesman said: 'We have now taken a sample of this cladding and submitted it to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the DCLG as part of its national inspection exercise, which will examine the detail composition of the outer ACM aluminium cladding. Behind the cladding, however, the system is insulated with a rockwool material which is a non-combustable product, and the installation of the system is solely external and did not interfere with the interior of the building. SUTTON The council has eight blocks in its borough - the highest of which is 16 storeys - and has pledged to undergo a 'comprehensive review of fire safety'. Two blocks have cladding but using different materials than what was used in Grenfell. WESTMINSTER Harley Facades, who refurbished Grenfell Tower, supplied the over-cladding at six tower blocks on the Little Venice estate, but the type of cladding used is different, with non-flammable insulation. As a precaution, urgent checks are being carried out on the cladding system and the way it was installed. The local authority has visited all 41 of its tower blocks to review their fire evacuation plans. ISLINGTON The council is assessing all high rise blocks in the borough, including privately owned premises and has put on hold all planned work to install cladding on council properties -Ilex House, Gambier House, Halliday House, Arlington House. HAVERING The council has no tower blocks which are higher than 14 storeys. Inspections are being carried out on the other blocks they have in the borough. SALFORD The council says nine of its tower blocks have cladding that is similar to the material used on Grenfell Tower. Tests are being carried out to check whether it is combustible. BELIEVED TO BE SAFE BARKING AND DAGENHAM There are four blocks in the borough which have cladding, but the council said it is not the same type as used on Grenfell Tower. CROYDON 16 cladded blocks have been found not to have been clad with the same materials as Grenfell Tower. However, they are being tested as a precaution. GREENWICH The council said that none of the 105 high-rise buildings in Greenwich are clad in the same way as Grenfell Tower. Grenfell's fire has led to councils across the UK testing if their cladding is dangerous HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM The council owns three tower blocks which have cladding, but the materials used are different to Grenfell Tower. RICHMOND The council has two 15-storey blocks which have both been recently over-clad with fire resistant cladding. WANDSWORTH There are three blocks in the borough with cladding. The council is carrying out tests but officers are confident they are safe. DONCASTER Cladding different but 'capping' under windowsills is the same, so they are being checked and tests urgently taken. Statement from St Leger Homes: 'The cladding system we have used in Doncaster is an External Wall Insulation (EWI) Render System which is not the same as was used at Grenfell Tower. The core cladding system we have used is different to that used in Grenfell Tower. 'However, we are aware that a small capping detail under the windows of Silverwood House is similar to that used on Grenfell Tower. Whilst this minor capping work (not the window frames or external cladding) is a different make and supplier to that used in London, we are seeking expert advice and ensuring that extensive further testing is urgently undertaken.' NEWCASTLE Your Homes Newcastle, which manages 38 high rise blocks on behalf of the Newcastle City Council, has reassured tenants that the type of cladding used on the Grenfell Tower has not been used on any of its buildings. The council said it is still reviewing building regulation records for existing high rise residential buildings over 18m in height. They said the priority was 'to identify buildings which have been retrofitted with external cladding and to check if the cladding specified is 'aluminium composite material'.' LEEDS The council said there are 22 blocks with cladding but none are made from flammable material NOTTINGHAM They have 13 blocks, none of which use aluminium cladding LIVERPOOL Council said it is still investigating whether privately owned properties have the cladding  the council does not have any housing stock itself ROTHERHAM There is only one block, but it has no external cladding HARTLEPOOL There is only one council block, owned by social housing provide 13. Investigations are taking place to see what the situation is with the cladding WAKEFIELD None of the 2 high rise blocks  managed by company WDH - are clad with the aluminium panels. Statement said: 'Only five have had external wall insulation, which is not a cosmetic treatment and is fixed directly to the super structure, rendered with no air gap, is non-combustible and we have the relevant manufacturer's guarantees confirming the safety of all products used.' Advertisement

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said sprinklers should be fitted to all buildings immediately in the wake of the disaster

The House held a minute's silence yesterday for the victims of the devastating fire in North London last week - amid fears the final death toll could top 100

Calls were made for combustible materials to be banned in tower blocks during an urgent Commons statement on the deadly fire.

Mrs May said: 'My understanding is the fire service and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) - and BRE were there on the scene very early to look at this issue - they have been identifying the cause of the fire and any contributory factors to the fire.

'They are testing the cladding on the building and they expect to make the results of this public, I think in the next 48 hours.'

IS THE GRENFELL TOWER CLADDING ALREADY ILLEGAL? The 'combustible' cladding used on Grenfell Tower is understood to already be illegal on tall buildings in the UK. Speaking on the Andrew Marr show on Sunday, Philip Hammond said: 'My understanding the cladding in question - this flammable cladding that is banned in Europe and the US - is also banned here.' The Department for Communities and Local Government also confirmed that cladding with a flammable core was banned on buildings over 18metres high. A breach of building regulations is a criminal offence with unlimited fines. It is not yet clear whether other types of cladding found to be combustible are already illegal in the UK, as it depends on various factors, including the height of the building. The police chief leading the criminal investigation into the Grenfell Tower disaster has said that they will be looking at 'criminal offences that may have been committed by any individual or any organisation.' Commander Stuart Cundy said they would be investigating 'how the building was managed and maintained, fire safety measures in the building', as well as 'the construction and the refurbishment.' Advertisement

Responding to calls for a ban, Mrs May told MPs: 'What we need to ensure is that when the fire services, when the police have done their investigation, that any action that is necessary immediately as a result of the identification of the cause of the fire and the reasons why the fire took such hold - which is the issue that is of particular concern - then any action that is necessary is taken and it will be taken.'

Under pressure to introduce incentives for landlords to be given incentives to retro-fit sprinklers, she warned that 'in not all cases will it be the case that the retro-fitting of sprinklers is actually going to be the thing that makes the difference'.

Pressed to give further details about whether the cladding met building regulations, Mrs May asked MPs to remember that there was a criminal investigation under way.

She added: 'The testing of the cladding, the testing of the materials used is being undertaken and a statement will be made by the police and the fire service within the next 48 hours.'

Warnings that the insulation used in the Grenfell Tower refurbishment was flammable had been published on the website of its manufacturer.

Celotex confirmed that it supplied its RS5000 insulation for the 8.6 million renovation of the block.

According to details published online, the material 'will burn if exposed to a fire of sufficient heat and intensity'.

It has also been speculated that if a rain-proof layer had been added to the building a small cavity could have been created, which acted as a wind tunnel and accelerated the spread of the flames.

RS5000, according to Celotex's website, has a Class 0 rating under UK building regulations, meaning it has the highest rating for preventing the spread of flames and prevents the spread of heat.

However, its 'health and safety datasheet' notes: 'The products will burn if exposed to a fire of sufficient heat and intensity.

'As with all organic materials, toxic gases will be released with combustion.'

Design specifications suggest the renovation work carried out at Grenfell Tower included plans for a 50mm 'ventilated cavity' next to 150mm of Celotex FR5000 insulation, which also has a Class 0 rating.

Camden council confirmed cladding used on its Chalcots Estate in north London was to be removed after testing raised concerns about its safety.

Protesters today marched from Shepherds Bush to Parliament to demand justice for the victims of the Grenfell fire disaster

Tensions rose as demonstrators confronted police as they marched on Parliament in the 'Day of Rage' protest. There is widespread anger at the response of the government to the disaster

Theresa May, pictured being escorted by police out of St Clements Church when she visited it in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower blaze. Angry protesters had gathered outside and heckled the Prime Minister for her slow response to the tragedy

Councillor Georgia Gould, leader of Camden Council, said: 'The new results from the laboratory show that the outer cladding panels themselves are made up of aluminium panels with a polyethylene core.

'Therefore, the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned. In light of this, we will be informing the contractor that we will be taking urgent legal advice.

'Whilst we are clear that our cladding design and insulation significantly differs to that at Grenfell Tower, the external cladding panels did not satisfy our independent laboratory testing or the high standards we set for contractors.

'Camden Council has decided it will immediately begin preparing to remove these external cladding panels from the five tower blocks on the Chalcots Estate.

'Camden Council will do whatever it takes to ensure our residents are reassured about the safety of their homes.'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said sprinklers should be fitted to all buildings.

'I ask the government to make available emergency funds so that councils can carry out immediate fire safety checks and install sprinklers, and the timetable for that be made known to residents,' he said.

'There is obviously a huge cost involved in removing and recladding blocks which have flammable materials included in them.

'That money must be made available absolutely immediately because it is a huge job of work.

'And when the Prime Minister says that those people who are in danger must be moved out of their properties, this is massive undertaking and a huge focus of government resources will have to go into it.'

The House held a minute's silence yesterday for the victims of the devastating fire in North London last week - amid fears the final death toll could top 100.

Furious protesters marched on Westminster in a 'Day of Rage' to demand justice for the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

There remains widespread anger at Mrs May's inept response to the tragedy.

Victims and their families are demanding to know how it was possible for a fire to rip through the tower block and set the whole thing alight like firelighter in minutes.

Serious questions remain over how it was legal to wrap the tower block in cheaper, more flammable cladding.

While Kensington and Chelsea Council chiefs have faced a furious backlash after it emerged they have been sitting on 300million reserves while council services have been stretched.

And criticism has been aimed at Mrs May personally after she failed to show leadership in the wake of the disaster.

She spent most of the day after the tragedy holed up in No 10, and when she did visit the site she failed to meet any victims, families or local residents.

Her aides scrambled to try to rectify the glaring mistake by organising for her to visit a church in the area the next day.

But the PM was heckled as she slipped out a side door in a bid to avoid angry protesters waiting for her outside.

The disaster has been described as her 'Hurricane Katrina moment' - in a reference to President Bush who in 2005 flew over New Orleons in his plane as he visited the flood-ravaged area.

The government has now set up a 5million emergency fund for the victims and ordered a public inquiry into the fire.

While it has emerged that survivors of the Grenfell Tower blaze are to be moved into flats in a 2billion luxury development in Kensington.

The government has bought up 68 flats in the lavish new apartment block on Kensington High Street to house those who lost their homes in the fire which killed at least 79 people.

The deal is thought to have cost tens of millions of pounds as apartments in the development are currently for sale from 1,575,000 to 8.5 million.

Some of the families currently being put up in hotels in the area will be moved into the flats permanently from the end of next month.

The 68 one, two and three bed flats have been bought by the City of London Corporation in response to the tragedy and handed to Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council for 'long term' social housing.

An average flat is 2.4million but the developer St Edward sold the 68 for a total of 10million in an 'extraordinary gesture' and insisted on being paid what it cost to build them.

'We can't sleep at night': Horror of residents living in high-rise flats with SAME cladding as Grenfell Tower who have to stay put as council rips it down

High rise block residents have told of their horror that their homes are covered with the same combustible cladding that is being blamed for the Grenfell Tower inferno.

Tenants living on the Chalcott Estate in north London say they cannot sleep at night due to concerns about the safety of their homes.

Julia Mummolo, 24, a shop worker, told MailOnline: 'Of course I am worried. I have been unable to sleep since the fire at Grenfell.

'I'm trying to find somewhere else to live as I can't stay here. I live on the 16th floor. I don't know how I would be able to get out if there were a fire.'

Bill Grover, 45, added: 'I'm furious that we have to live here while they work out how to get rid of this stuff.

'I will do everything I can to stay safe - check all electrical appliances. But it's not just about me. A fire could break out in any of the flats.'

High rise block residents are horrified that their homes are covered with the same combustible cladding being blamed for the Grenfell Tower inferno. Thahiya Islam told MailOnline: 'They put up this cladding to make the block look nicer but it's putting people's lives in danger'

Residents in the 721 flats will not be moved and fire wardens will be put there 24 hours a day instead. Abdulazuz Farah, 56, a community worker, said: 'I am really worried for the safety of my family'

Camden Council has revealed five towers of up to 23-storeys on its giant Chalcot Estate are potentially dangerous.

Camden Council says five towers of up to 23-storeys on its giant Chalcot Estate are potentially dangerous. Elizabeth North, 78, told MailOnline. 'I live on the 7th floor so hopefully I would be able to get out if there were a fire. But what about children living on the top floors?

The process of ripping off the aluminium panels with polyethylene insulation - banned in America and Germany - has already started as scaffolding was put in place this afternoon.

But residents in the 721 flats will not be moved and fire wardens will be put there 24 hours a day instead.

The council looks set to sue contractor Rydon, who also carried out the Grenfell work, claiming 'the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned'.

Abdulazuz Farah, 56, a community worker said: 'I am really worried for the safety of my family.

'This is the same cladding and it was put in by the same company. I live on the 17th floor. I don't know how we would get out.

'We are all really worried but we don't have anywhere else to live.'

Louise, 25, said there was no other option but to stay: 'Everyone is worried but where else can we go? There is nowhere else for us to go.'

Another long term resident who asked not to be named added: 'My parents moved in here in 1969. There are no fire alarms, no fire extinguishers and no evacuation plan.

'Like lots of people I haven't been able to sleep at night after what happened at Grenfell. And to find out we have the same cladding? Well, it's a scandal.'

The removal work at Chalcots Estate follows an urgent inspection of the tower block cladding following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower that claimed the lives of at least 79.

Camden Council, which manages the estate, says a sample of the cladding was sent away for testing at the independent Building Research Establishment Laboratory.

Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council, said: 'The new results from the laboratory show that the outer cladding panels themselves are made up of aluminium panels with a polyethylene core.

'Therefore the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned.

'In light of this, we will be informing the contractor that we will be taking urgent legal advice.

'Whilst we are clear that our cladding design and insulation significantly differs to that at Grenfell Tower, the external cladding panels did not satisfy our independent laboratory testing or the high standards we set for contractors.'

Mother-of-four Sura Daoud said she had nowhere else to go, Mrs Daoud, 38, originally from Iraq, said: 'I live in the top floor with my children, one of them is disabled, so I am worried about the cladding. But it took such a long time to find somewhere to live I don't want to move'

Brian Wright a retired security guard told MailOnline: 'People are really panicking. It's keeping a lot of people awake at night. They've (Camden Council) have got to get rid of it. Clearly the cladding is putting our lives in danger'

Ms Gould said the insulation used on the Chalcots towers included fire resistant wool and fire sealant which had stopped a fire spreading in a nearby block in 2012.

Construction firm Rydon, which carried out the refurbishment of the exterior of Grenfell Tower which finished last year, installing cladding and new windows, said its work 'met all required building control, fire regulation, and health and safety standards'.

But Chalcots residents were still concerned. Thahiya Islam, who lives in the Bray block, added: 'We're all really worried.

'They put up this cladding to make the block look nicer but it's putting people's lives in danger.'

Elizabeth North, 78, who has lived on the estate for 35 years says there will be uproar from residents.

She told MailOnline: 'They (Camden Council) promised us that the cladding was not the same as at Grenfell Tower. Now that it is proven to be the same there will be uproar.

'I live on the 7th floor so hopefully I would be able to get out if there were a fire.

'But what about the families with young children? And there are children living on the top floors what about them?'

Kensington council boss's resignation from 180,000-a-year job was announced just hours after Theresa May visited the area amid growing pressure over shambolic Grenfell Tower aid effort

Nicholas Holgate - the chief executive of Kensington borough council - was told to resign by communities secretary, Sajid Javid, after the shambolic response to the Grenfell Tower fire

The 180,000-a-year chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council has been forced to quit over the Grenfell Tower inferno and the 'shambolic' response effort that followed.

Nicholas Holgate was effectively told to resign by communities secretary, Sajid Javid on Tuesday.

His resignation was announced late last night, just hours after Theresa May visited the west London borough.

The 55-year-old career civil servant, who will have worked up a huge pension pot during his time at the Treasury, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the west London local authority, is likely to have received a lavish payout.

In a statement, Mr Holgate said Mr Javid 'required the leader of the council to seek my resignation', adding it would be a 'distraction' if he kept his job.

'Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart-breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council,' he said.

'Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.'

Theresa May today told the Commons it had become clear that the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 'could not cope'.

'It is right that the Chief Executive has resigned,' she said.

The PM said of the tragedy: 'It should not have happened... that initial failure was then compounded by the fact that the support (victims received) was not good enough.'

Mrs May is understood to have visited Kensington at around 7pm last night, just hours before Mr Holgate's resignation was announced on the authority's website.

Leader of the council Nicholas Paget-Brown (left) said it was 'with great regret' that he had accepted Mr Holgate's resignation. In a statement Mr Holgate said Mr Javid (right) 'required the leader of the council to seek my resignation', adding it would be a 'distraction' if he kept his job

Mr Holgate joined the civil service as a trainee at the Treasury in 1984 after studying economics at Cambridge University.

He has worked his way up through a number of lucrative roles, including Chief Operating Officer at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Finance director for Kensington and joint chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham.

He was not answering calls at his two-bedroom flat following his assertion at his west London apartment block this afternoon.

His resignation comes after it was revealed Grenfell residents had repeatedly warned the council and their landlord, Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, about fire safety in the building before the inferno.

At least 79 people died in the fire, which tore through the west London tower block on June 14. Some 600 people were left homeless after the blaze and the aid effort after the disaster was slammed as 'shambolic' by residents.

Shadow housing secretary John Healey said Mr Holgate's decision was correct and accused the authority of going 'awol'.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'He's right to go, he had to go, his council went awol in the days after this terrible fire at a time when the victims, survivors, those families still looking for their family members who were missing needed help on the ground and above all someone to reassure them and coordinate the relief and help efforts. The council were nowhere to be seen when I was down there the day after the fire - he had no option and he was right to go'.

Mr Holgate appears to claim he was forced to quit.

He said: 'Success in our efforts requires leadership across London that sustains the confidence and support of central Government.

'There is a huge amount still to do for the victims of the fire, requiring the full attention of this council and many others. If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction.'

Mr Holgate (pictured, left, earlier in his career and, right, with his wife Natalie) has worked in the civil service since 1984, when he started as a trainee at the Treasury

There was no answer at Holgate's home in west London today as questions were raised about his resignation
Excavators have been brought in by police to dig for the body of Sharon Edwards, who went missing over two years ago.

Excavations continued at 9am on Thursday at the home of her estranged husband, John Edwards, north of Grafton in New South Wales.

Mr Edwards, 60, was extradited from Queensland to NSW on Wednesday and charged with murdering his wife, two years after she disappeared from the Lawrence area in northern NSW.

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Excavators have been brought in by police to dig for the body of Sharon Edwards, who went missing over two years ago

Sharon Edwards disappeared after last being seen at her home in Lawrence, north of Grafton, in March 2015

Detectives broke the news to Ms Edwards' children that their father had been arrested.

The three adult sons of Mr and Ms Edwards said they were still coming to terms with their father being charged for their mother's murder.

'It's something that no family should ever have to go through,' Ms Edwards' family - including her sons Zac, Josh and Eli - said in a statement.

Edwards, who was the last person to see his wife alive, reported her missing three days after she disappeared in March 2015.

Edwards did not apply for bail at Tweed Heads Local Court and it was formally refused to next appear at Lismore Local Court on August 22.

Police believe there was an altercation between the husband and wife that led to the death of Ms Edwards.

Her body has never been recovered.

Excavations continued at 9am on Thursday at the home of her estranged husband, John Edwards, north of Grafton in New South Wales

Edwards initially told police he saw his wife at their home in Riverdale Court around 10.30pm on March 14
At least 29 people have been killed and 50 wounded in a car bomb attack outside a bank in Afghanistan's Helmand province as people waited to collect their wages.

The powerful car bomb struck a bank in the Afghan city of Lashkar Gah city as government employees were queueing to withdraw salaries in the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

At least 60 wounded people were rushed to hospital after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris and sent a plume of smoke rising in the sky.

No group has claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan.

Afghan men carry a victim of a powerful car bomb in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, on June 22

Two men carry a wounded man on a stretcher to the back of a truck after the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries. The bank is believed to have been especially crowded ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

Government spokesman Omar Zwak said, warning that the toll could rise, said: 'The blast killed 29 people and left 60 others wounded, both civilians and military officials.'

There were some reports on the ground that the number of those killed had already climbed.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The insurgents control vast swathes of the province, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

Aerial views of Lashkar Gah, Helmand, Afghanistan, where the bomb blast killed at least 20

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, the deadliest province for British and US troops over the past decade.

Intensified fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America still is 'not winning' in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
The father of a murdered man has relived the moment he discovered his son was gone.

Barry Gibbins recalls seeing a police car travelling into the private cattle farm where he was staying and he knew his son Greg had been killed.

Greg was stabbed to death outside a Central Coast pizza shop in April, 2015, after attempting to help a woman pass a group of abusive men.

Mr Gibbins snr said the family had been caravanning over the Easter Long Weekend and had turned off their phones to conserve battery. They would first hear of a stabbing over the radio.

He says his wife said upon hearing of the incident: 'I hope that's not Greg.'

Barry Gibbins (left) recalls the moment he saw a police car travelling into his cattle farm and he knew his son Greg had been killed

Barry Gibbins comforts wife Debbie leave the Supreme Court after Bradley James Brooks was found guilty of murdering their son Greg

Greg's twin sister Jenna says the family do not expect a lengthy sentence

In March this year, a Supreme Court jury found Bradley James Brooks, 21, guilty of murdering Gregory Gibbins and wounding his friend, Adam Swindell, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in April 2015 in Toukley.

Mr Gibbins and Mr Swindell had been approached by a woman who asked them to help her walk past a group of men who had been yelling abuse at her.

After a confrontation as they walked past, Bradley Brooks pulled a knife from his pants and stabbed Mr Gibbins in the chest.

The family were then contacted by police, and upon speaking to detectives at Mudgee police station, were required to drive five hours back to Wyong to confirm the horrific news.

'There was just a lot of crying, it was just disbelief,' Mrs Gibbins said.

'We were hoping someone made a mistake.'

Mr Gibbins and Mr Swindell had been approached by a woman who asked them to help her walk past a group of men who had been yelling abuse at her. After a confrontation as they walked past, Bradley Brooks pulled a knife from his pants and stabbed Mr Gibbins in the chest

In March this year, a Supreme Court jury found Bradley James Brooks, 21, guilty of murdering Gregory Gibbins and wounding his friend, Adam Swindell, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in April 2015 in Toukley.

Greg Gibbins was rushed to a Central Coast hospital but was unable to be saved

Greg's twin sister, Jenna McCamley, then received a phone call from a family friend telling her to get to the hospital.

'We knew it was going to be bad but we didn't know it was going to be that bad. We were really naive at the time, we didn't expect what it was.'

Mr Brooks will be sentenced Friday, but Ms McCamley says the family are not expecting a lengthy sentence.

'We want him to rot in jail but I think we have to be realistic. We don't expect life because that's not going to happen.'
President Donald Trump has said he will pursue legislation that would bar immigrants from being eligible for welfare for at least five years.

At a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last night he said 'the time has come' for 'new immigration rules' that would require those seeking admission to the country to be able to support themselves financially and would bar the use of welfare for a period of at least five years.

He said his administration would be 'putting in legislation to that effect very shortly.'

It is unclear, however, how Trump's proposal would change the current situation.

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President Donald Trump told fans he would ensure legislation on immigrants' access to state aid will be put forward 'very shortly'. Pictured: Trump addresses his supporters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Pictured: A smiling Trump addresses his backers at the U.S. Cellular Center. He told them he was thinking about making the planned wall along the country's southern border a 'solar wall' and that this way, 'Mexico will have to pay much less money'.

U.S. immigration law already bars most foreigners who enter the country on immigrant visas from being eligible for federal benefits like Social Security and food stamps for the first five years.

States typically have the authority to determine eligibility for local programs.

Foreigners with non-immigrant visas and those who don't have legal status are generally prohibited from those benefits altogether.

Video from NBC News

Trump's plan would also allow the US to refuse entry to people who are likely to need state assistance by becoming a 'public charge'.

Such a concept has been a feature in American law for many years, but the new president is expected to ensure it is enforced as well as strengthening restrictions.

According to Fox News, the president is expected to refer to a Center for Immigration Studies report from 2015, which found that 51 per cent of households headed by a non-US citizen were benefiting from some kind of state aid.

It was unsure what would be new in the legislation as U.S. immigration law already bars most foreigners who enter the country on immigrant visas from being eligible for federal benefits like Social Security and food stamps for the first five years. Pictured: President Trump in Iowa last night

In US-born citizens, that figure was found to be 30 per cent.

The president also told supporters at the U.S. Cellular Center that he is thinking about 'building the wall [along the U.S.-Mexico border] as a solar wall'.

He added: 'This way, Mexico will have to pay much less money.'
Two of Salim Mehajer's businesses have been placed into administration as the embattled former deputy mayor's downwards spiral continues.

His property development companies, Sydney Project Group and SET Services, have this week been placed in the hands of administrators, 9 News revealed.

The 31-year-old is known for flaunting his 'wealth', and despite his latest blow, was seen travelling in a range rover and wearing gold rimmed sunglasses as he made his way to court in Sydney on Thursday for unrelated charges.

Despite his latest blow, was seen travelling in a range rover and wearing gold rimmed sunglasses as he made his way to court in Sydney on Thursday

Mr Mehajer did not comment outside court today when questioned by 9 News

The 31-year-old is known for flaunting his 'wealth' (he is pictured posing in front of a Porsche)

Mr Mehajer is the major shareholder in both property businesses.

The former deputy mayor of Auburn Council held a higher position until ASIC last year banned him from being a company director to 'safeguard the public interest'.

It's been a rough year for Mr Mehajer, who is currently on trial accused of electoral fraud. He is hoping to win his place back on Auburn Council.

More recently, the 30-year-old was in April charged with assault for slamming Seven News reporter Laura Banks in the door of his luxury Porsche.

More recently, the 30-year-old was in April charged with assault for slamming Seven News reporter Laura Banks in the door of his luxury Porsche (pictured)

Salim Mehajer's fall from grace continues as his two businesses are placed into administration

Two of Salim Mehajer's businesses have been placed into administration as the embattled former deputy mayor's downwards spiral continues

She was asking Mr Mehajer questions as he was released from a Sydney police station after spending the night in jail for allegedly assaulting a taxi driver.

This follows the breakup with his estranged wife and former fellow company director, Aysha, last year.

Mr Mehajer was catapulted to infamy after his opulent wedding celebrations in 2015, which brought streets to a standstill to make way for helicopters, a fleet of 30 super cars and a jet flyover.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Mehajer for comment.
The father of missing RAF airman Corrie McKeague has shared a new photo of himself with his son as he sends his gratitude to those still carrying out the search.

Martin McKeague is currently living in a camper van close to the landfill in Milton, Cambridgeshire, as teams continue to search for clues for the missing 23-year-old's whereabouts.

Mr McKeague said the work of the teams can sometimes go 'under the radar' in a moving message alongside the happy father and son image.

Martin McKeague with his son Corrie who has been missing since last September. Mr McKeague thanked those still searching for the 23-year-old

It has been almost a year since Corrie vanished following a night out with friends in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, last September.

In a new statement, the 48-year-old said: 'It's easy to forget. And it's easy to overlook things and set them aside.

The RAF airman went missing after a night out in last September and search teams have been looking through a landfill site in Milton for several weeks as the hunt continues

The images of father and son come just a short time after Corrie became a father too - with his partner giving birth to a little girl in June

'Like the tireless work and effort, and the dedication and determination that's happening just beyond the cameras and the headlines.

'The volunteers from the Norfolk and Suffolk police departments have sweat and toiled to move heaven and earth for us. They've raked and sifted through 80 to 90 tons of landfill rubbish each day. And for the most part it's been under the radar.'

Mr McKeague visits the site for an hour each week and meets with those working there.

He added: 'I'm allowed to visit this landfill site just once each week for an hour or so, to talk to the faces I know and those I'm meeting for the first time.

'They tell me about their work - the search for my son.

Corrie's girlfriend April gave birth to his daughter on June 14, and shared images calling the little girl their 'perfect princess', left. Right, his mother Nicola Urquhart with the little girl

Mr McKeague said he visits the site once a week to speak to the search teams about the efforts to find his son Corrie, above

'It's humbling to be told how much they appreciate a parent showing their gratitude face-to-face week in and week out.'

Martin also reminds people that the five-figure reward for finding Corrie remains in place from his family in Scotland.

He signs off with the hopeful message of 'let's bring Corrie home together'.

The father and son image comes soon after the girlfriend of Corrie McKeague announced the birth of his baby girl.

'Let's bring Corrie home together': Martin McKeague's message in full Hi Folks, It's easy to forget. And it's easy to overlook things and set them aside. Then they slip away from view. It's like the tireless work and effort, and the dedication and determination that's happening just beyond the cameras and the headlines. And all of those hours, days and weeks have now become months. The volunteers from the Norfolk and Suffolk police departments have sweat and toiled to move heaven and earth for us. They've raked and sifted through 80 to 90 tons of landfill rubbish each day. And for the most part it's been under the radar. Corrie McKeague, left, with Trisha and Darroch at a Christening in 2007 And all the while the excavation continues. Sixteen weeks pass. Sixteen long weeks. The diggers keep digging and the volunteers keep raking and sweating through 4,900 tons of Suffolk's waste and refuse. I'm allowed to visit this landfill site just once each week for an hour or so, to talk to the faces I know and those I'm meeting for the first time. They tell me about their work - the search for my son. They thank me for coming here. It's humbling to be told how much they appreciate a parent showing their gratitude face-to-face week in and week out. Then I watch them as they return to the now stadium-sized hole they've cleared. Those moments never leave me. They never will. So I write about them here as often as I can, because people forget most everything, except the way that you made them feel. Every time I write something about Corrie to all of you amazing people who have cared enough to remember, to stand up and stand by us, I think about how this journey has made me feel and try and share that with you. And maybe if I can just continue to share these words with all of you then we can get beyond the chance of forgetting, beyond letting things slip. Because nothing has changed in the search for my son. The excavation continues. The five-figure reward from the McKeague family in Scotland remains in place. The Suffolk police incident room number to call is still 01473 782019. So thank you for remembering. And let's bring Corrie home together. Martin & Trisha Advertisement

April Oliver, 21, posted a picture of her cradling the newborn on Father's Day as she lay smiling in a hospital bed.

It was later confirmed that the girl was born last Wednesday, June 14.

The tot, who has not yet been named, could be seen sleeping peacefully with her tiny hand outstretched from beneath a blanket.

Anyone with information about Corrie McKeague's disappearance is asked to call the incident room at Suffolk Police on 01473 782019.
A newspaper has taken to extreme lengths to tackle a drink driving epidemic occurring within its area.

The Mountain Scene, a community newspaper in Queenstown, has published 100 names of convicted drink drivers in an effort to stem the rising crime rate.

Each of the 100 names printed have been caught drink driving in the first six months of the year and the paper plans to continue their assault for the remainder of 2017.

The Mountain Scene, a community newspaper in Queenstown, has published 100 names of convicted drink drivers in an effort to stem the rising crime rate

In 2016, 208 people were convicted of drink driving in Queenstown, with 207 being found guilty in 2015.

Queenstown has a population of just over 30,000, making the 100 convictions this year even more alarming.

The area is popular with tourists with millions flocking to the city every year.

The Mountain Scene does not believe that is an excuse, labelling the behaviour of people in Queenstown as 'horrendous.'

'We need to talk about this problem, so our paper has said 'enough is enough' and decided to take a stand,' Mountain Scene editor David Williams told The Guardian.

In 2016, 208 people were convicted of drink driving, with 207 being found guilty in 2015.

Each of the 100 names printed had been caught drink driving in the first six months of the year and the paper plans to continue their assault for the remainder of 2017

Queenstown is again on track to crack 200, and Mr Williams says if their front page threat deters one person from driving after drinking 'we have had a win.'

The response to the initiative has been mixed, with just as many claiming an invasion of privacy as those who support it.

'Wrong and a violation of privacy. These people have been tried by the courts and punished. What good does publishing their names which not only affects them but also their families achieve?' one dissatisfied reader commented.

Another reader disagreed, saying: 'If this form of exposure acts as a deterrent to others & saves one life, it has been worth it & every name on the list can take some credit for that!'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mountain Scene for comment.
The SNP is set to demand a seat at the Brexit talks in return for ensuring the Scottish Parliament does not disrupt Theresa May's plans.

The Prime Minister has admitted the Government's flagship Repeal Bill - which is essential to Brexit - may require a 'legislative consent motion' in Holyrood.

Her admission potentially hands a veto to the Parliament in Edinburgh where the SNP governs as a minority administration.

SNP Westminster Leader Ian Blackford said today the nationalists could pass the legislation in return for a place at the Brexit talks.

The SNP (Nicola Sturgeon, pictured today) is set to demand a seat at the Brexit talks in return for ensuring the Scottish Parliament does not disrupt Theresa May's plans

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the party wanted a seat at the table (file picture)

While Westminster can overrule the Scottish Parliament, doing so could trigger a constitutional crisis that fuels SNP demands for independence.

The battle with the Scottish Parliament is just one of three legislative battles Mrs May faces over Brexit.

She is also running a minority Government in the Commons and could have to confront rebellious peers who refuse to accept her manifesto has a full mandate after she lost seats at the election.

Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, said they would be seeking a place in the Brexit talks in order to achieve a different arrangement for Scotland.

Mr Blackford told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'I think it is right - and many people have said this - that the Scottish Government should be represented at the talks in Brussels.'

The intervention came as Philip Hammond today warned Labour not to hold up Brexit in Parliament for pure party advantage as the Tories try to get back to business after the election disaster.

Mrs May unveiled a barrage of eight Brexit bills in the Queen's Speech but faces a legislative battle on three fronts after losing the Tory majority.

Mr Hammond admitted the weakened Government was vulnerable to 'mischief' in Parliament that risked causing delays in the Commons.

Mrs May also faces a fight for her plans in the Lords amid claims peers will not respect conventions protecting her manifesto because she failed to win a majority.

And the PM could have to secure permission from the Remain-dominated Scottish Parliament for her flagship Repeal Bill, which is crucial for delivering Brexit.

Philip Hammond (pictured in Parliament yesterday) warned Labour not to hold up Brexit in Parliament for pure party advantage

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Parliament with the PM yesterday) has the numbers to cause trouble for Mrs May after she lost her majority

Mr Hammond warned Labour leader not to stir up trouble for the sake of it.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'I hope that the Labour Party and Mr Corbyn will act in the national interest.

'Of course it is possible for people to make mischief in Parliament, to cause delay in Parliament, but I think they would do so at their peril.

'There is a very clear majority for us to get on with this. Even among people who voted to remain in the European Union, the overwhelming sense now is that we need to get on with this.

'We need to make a success of it but we have got to get on with it.'

After unveiling her plans, Mrs May told the Commons she was committed to 'delivering the will of the British people', with a series of Bills that will end free movement, allow Britain to forge its own trade deals and restore powers that have been ceded to Brussels for 40 years.

But Brexit opponents seized on the Prime Minister's weakened authority in the wake of her election setback to warn they will fight her 'every step of the way'.

In a surprise admission, Mrs May said her Brexit plans may need the 'consent' of the Scottish parliament, where Nicola Sturgeon has said she will oppose any move to take Britain out of the single market.

In the Lords, pro-Remain peers claimed that Mrs May's failure to secure a majority meant they did not have to respect Tory manifesto pledges.

The Lib Dems, who have more than 100 peers, said Mrs May would face 'legislative war' over Brexit.

Eurosceptic Tories hailed the Queen's Speech for its clear focus on Brexit and Mrs May's determination to drive it through.

Former Cabinet minister John Redwood said: 'This is perhaps the most important Queen's Speech that I've ever seen in my time as a Member of Parliament because there is this fundamental legislation to give this Parliament back, on behalf of the people, powers over all our law making.'

Of 27 Bills and draft Bills announced for the two-year session, Brexit accounts for eight.

In a surprise admission, Mrs May said her Brexit plans may need the 'consent' of the Scottish parliament

Nicola Sturgeon has said she will oppose any move to take Britain out of the single market

These include the flagship Repeal Bill, which will transpose existing EU regulations into British law to prevent a legal 'cliff edge' when Britain leaves in 2019. Officials said a new Immigration Bill would 'allow the Government to end the EU's rules on free movement' and establish its own controls for the first time in decades.

A spokesman for Mrs May said she remained 'fully committed' to the target of reducing net immigration to the 'tens of thousands'.

The scale of Mrs May's legislative challenge was underlined when she acknowledged it was 'possible' she may need the 'consent' of the Scottish Parliament for the Repeal Bill. Government sources confirmed it was likely to need a so-called 'legislative consent motion' from Holyrood.

While the Scottish Parliament cannot veto Brexit, any move by Westminster to ride roughshod over its views could spark a constitutional crisis.

The SNP's Brexit spokesman Michael Russell said the party would refuse to give consent if any powers in devolved areas, such as fishing and farming, go from Brussels to Westminster.

He described the Government's stance as 'deeply concerning'.

In the Commons, the pro-EU Tory grandee Kenneth Clarke warned that Mrs May would fail to get her legislation through unless she backed down over issues such as the single market.

He told MPs that the votes of the DUP would not be enough to guarantee a majority on Brexit unless there was 'some sort of compromise' on the Tory benches.

Mr Corbyn also suggested Labour would fight the Tories over the detail of the Brexit legislation. He told MPs: 'We will use every opportunity to vote down Government policies that have failed to win public support.'

And Mrs May was facing problems in the Lords. Under the Salisbury Convention  an agreement designed to prevent manifesto pledges being blocked in the Lords  peers do not oppose measures in a ruling party's manifesto. But senior Lib Dems said this did not now apply because Mrs May had failed to win a majority.

The convention dates back to the 1940s when a majority Labour government in the Commons was hugely outnumbered in the Lords. No 10 said yesterday lawyers believed it still applied despite the Tories' failure to win a majority.
A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an asylum seeker at a former British military base which is now being being used as a refugee shelter in Germany.

The shocking incident happened in the town of Herford in the Western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and a Ghanaian man has been arrested.

The victim from Azerbaijan was found injured by people inside the barracks of the former military base which has been converted to to a large refugee shelter in Germany's most populous state.

The shocking incident occurred at a refugee centre in town of Herford (pictured here)

An investigation confirmed that the child had been the victim of a violent rape.

The child has been taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries and police later arrested a 29-year-old asylum seeker from Ghana in the refugee shelter on suspicion of rape.

The man, whose name has not been made public under strict German privacy laws, is currently locked up in investigative custody.

The alleged rape raised tempers at the refugee centre with different groups of migrants fighting over the incident, according to local media.

There were reportedly calls to move all Africans to another shelter to prevent angry asylum seekers from taking revenge, but they are understood to have been rejected by the authorities.

The incident is alleged to have taken place back on June 6, but it has only now been made public by the police.

Sex offences committed by migrants in Germany have doubled to more than 3,000 in a single year, official figures have shown.

A new report issued by the German Government states that there were 3,404 sex crimes involving migrants last year compared with 1,683 in 2015.

The crimes range from less serious crimes up to rape.
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An incredibly rare Kamikaze version of Adolf Hitler's deadly V1 terror weapon is about to go on display at a British museum 47 years after it was saved from the scrapheap - and restored in Germany.

The piloted Doodlebug was effectively a suicide bomb packed with one ton of explosives in its nose.

Towards the end of the Second World War, some 5,000 V1 rockets, the world's first cruise missile, were launched by the Germans to bomb London, causing massive loss of life.

Because their aim was so random - the bombs dropped when they ran out of fuel - some were later modified with a small cockpit so they could be flown accurately towards a specified target, such as Buckingham Palace.

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An incredibly rare Kamikaze version (pictured) of Adolf Hitler's deadly V1 terror weapon is about to go on display at a British museum 47 years after it was saved from the scrapheap. The piloted Doodlebug was effectively a suicide bomb packed with one ton of explosives in its nose

 Slide me  Several of the V1s were found by Allied soldiers in Germany after the war and one of them was transported to Britain (left, at Farnborough, Hampshire) for military scientists to examine. In 1970, the 28ft long missile was salvaged by aviation historian Trevor Matthews (pictured with it, right), who was given it for free when he was told it was about to be scrapped

The pilot was meant to bail out at the last moment but it was ultimately a suicide mission as the airspeed would have been 550mph and they would not have survived.

Although 175 of the piloted V1s were made, they were never put to use because Hitler ran out of money.

Several were found by Allied soldiers in Germany after the war and one of them was transported to Britain for military scientists to examine.

Because the regular V1's aim was so random - the bombs dropped when they ran out of fuel - some were later modified with a small cockpit (above) so they could be flown accurately towards a specified target, such as Buckingham Palace. The pilot was meant to bail out at the last moment but it was ultimately a suicide mission as the airspeed would have been 550mph and they would not have survived

Mr Matthews, who runs a small aviation museum, did little with the V1 - or Fieseler Fi103R Reichenberg - until four years ago when he paid 40,000 to have it restored... in Germany

No going back: The V1 suicide mission Line up the sight: The rare V1 rocket The V1 and V2 flying rockets - or Hitler's vengeance bombs as they were called - killed thousands of people and carried enough explosives to wipe out several buildings. But due to their random nature, Hitler experimented with the idea of getting an airmen to steer them in the direction of a target. About 70 pilots, mostly Hitler youth, underwent training to fly one, knowing full well they wouldn't be coming back. The missiles were meant to have been carried under a Heinkel 111 bomber and dropped over the North Sea. At that point the pilot started the engine and put the rocket into a terminal dive towards a target, which could have been a ship or building. Advertisement

In 1970, the 28ft long missile was salvaged by aviation historian Trevor Matthews, who was given it for free when he was told it was about to be scrapped.

Mr Matthews, who runs a small aviation museum, did little with the V1 - or Fieseler Fi103R Reichenberg - until four years ago when he paid 40,000 to have it restored - in Germany.

Specialists there returned the rocket bomb to its original condition and it is now set to take centre stage in a brand new 120,000 exhibition space at the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum in Kent.

Mr Matthews, 61, said: 'Only six Reichenbergs exist today, and this is the only one in Britain.

'We acquired it from the Army in 1970 from outside a bomb disposal unit in Kent where it was about to be scrapped.

'We asked if we could have it for our museum which we were just starting up and returned a few days later with a lorry.

'We originally thought it was a normal V1 because it didn't have a canopy. Once we got it back and did a bit of research, we found out it was a Reichenberg.

'We didn't have the money or expertise to have it restored and did a cosmetic job on it which was totally inaccurate.

'Then a few years ago we found there was a firm in Germany that specialised in rebuilding Reichenbergs and V1s. You wouldn't have thought there was a need for it but apparently there is.

'Since it came back to us three or four years ago, we have raised funds to build an extension at the museum so we can house and display the Reichenberg.

'It has cost us 120,000 which was raised from from raffles, boot fairs and donations.

'The British Aviation Preservation Council lists the Reichenberg as being a benchmark aircraft with a historical rating of five which is the highest that can be given, because it is the only one of its kind in Britain.

'The limited number of people who have seen it so far have been very impressed and fascinated by it - they didn't know they existed.

'It makes history far more interesting. If you can see or touch something from history, it brings the thing to life.'

The rocket is 28ft long and has a wingspan of 22ft. It was fitted with an Argus 109-014 pulse jet engine. The other five Reichenbergs are in museums in France, Holland, Canada, the US and Germany. Above, a US soldier tries out the cockpit of one of the adapted V1s in Dannenberg, Germany, in 1945

Mr Matthews said: 'Although the pilot was meant to bail out, in reality they would have died. It was a sideways opening canopy that took two people to lift. Even if the pilot could have managed it, at speeds of 400mph to 500mph the first thing they would have hit was the rocket motor behind them.' Left, the V1's fuses; right, the engine intake

Mr Matthews, 61, said: 'Only six Reichenbergs exist today, and this is the only one in Britain. We acquired it from the Army in 1970 from outside a bomb disposal unit in Kent where it was about to be scrapped.' Above, American soldiers by a V1 in 1945 as they interrogate a German garrison commander (centre, back to camera)

About 70 pilots, mostly Hitler youth, underwent training to fly one, knowing full well they wouldn't be coming back.

Mr Matthews said: 'Although the pilot was meant to bail out, in reality they would have died.

'It was a sideways opening canopy that took two people to lift. Even if the pilot could have managed it, at speeds of 400mph to 500mph the first thing they would have hit was the rocket motor behind them.

'It would basically have been a suicide mission.

'These weapons wouldn't have changed the course of the war but they could have put a big dent in morale if they had taken out Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament.'

The rocket is 28ft long and has a wingspan of 22ft. It was fitted with an Argus 109-014 pulse jet engine.

The other five Reichenbergs are in museums in France, Holland, Canada, the US and Germany.
A homeless man whose body was found in a car outside a Sydney school was reportedly stabbed to death.

The body was found on Wednesday night in the back of a white Ford Laser, which the man had been living in, on a quiet street in the beachside suburb of Maroubra.

The man, who locals described as an 'elderly chap', was repeatedly stabbed before the gruesome discovery was made by a passer-by, according to Seven News.

A homeless man whose body was found in a car outside a Sydney school was reportedly stabbed to death. The body was found on Wednesday night in the back of this white Ford Laser

The man, who locals described as an 'elderly chap', was repeatedly stabbed before the gruesome discovery was made by a passer-by. Police established a crime scene (pictured)

Police said the dead man had multiple signs of injury but they are yet to discover a motive for the suspected crime.

On Thursday afternoon, two men were stopped and searched by police just metres from where the body was found, according to Seven.

Police reportedly seized a laundry basket and cordoned off a separate crime scene before seizing two cars for forensic testing.

Seven News understands the men were questioned about a State of Origin party held at an apartment close to where the man was found dead.

On Thursday afternoon, two men were stopped and searched by police just metres from where the body was found

Police reportedly seized a laundry basket and cordoned off a separate crime scene before seizing two cars for forensic testing

Maroubra locals have described the deceased as a kind man who kept mostly to himself.

'He was friendly, he really didn't have much to do with any people. He just slept in his car,' Todd McGarth told the network.

Anthony Reid told AAP he first noticed the man parked at the beach in January.

'He was an elderly chap, he was there most nights and some days just sleeping,' Mr Reid said.

'I got to Maroubra beach a lot, he would always back his car up there. All he had in his car were his blankets and pillows. I felt sorry for him.'

Mr Reid said he offered the man some money and blankets but the man politely declined and said he didn't need money. That was in April.

Sydney police are pictured line search a nearby park in Maroubra after the body was found

The hatchback was seen being towed around 7.30am on Thursday. Maroubra locals have described the deceased as a kind man who kept mostly to himself

'The last thing I said to him was ''don't let everyone know you have money'',' Mr Reid said.

A crime scene was established on Mons Avenue, which is about 200 metres from the beach near a park called Broadarrow Reserve.

Police Superintendent Karen McCarthy said the investigation was in its preliminary stages and she couldn't confirm the type of injuries the victim suffered.

She urged witnesses to come forward with information.

A crime scene was established on Mons Avenue, which is about 200 metres from the beach near a park called Broadarrow Reserve
Peter Ball, first investigated for offences in 1992 but not jailed until 2015

A report into the sexual abuse carried out against boys and men by a disgraced bishop has been called 'harrowing reading' by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Justin Welby commissioned a report into the actions of Peter Ball, the former bishop of both Gloucester and Lewes, after he was jailed in October 2015 for grooming and exploiting 18 men over a period of two decades.

The report found the church colluded with Ball's priority to 'protect and promote himself' rather than give help to the abused.

And now Lord Carey, the former archbishop of Canterbury has been asked to step down as an honorary assistant bishop in Oxford, as a representative of the victims called the abdication of responsibility 'unforgivable'.

Mr Welby, the current Archbishop of Canterbury, has asked Lord Carey to 'review his position' after the report found that he was significantly involved in the way the Church treated victim Neil Todd in 1992-1993.

The Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, has confirmed that Lord Carey has 'voluntarily agreed to step back from public ministry'.

Mr Welby, the Archbishop said: 'The church colluded and concealed rather than seeking to help those who were brave enough to come forward. This is inexcusable and shocking behaviour.

'To the survivors who were brave enough to share their story and bring Peter Ball to justice, I once again offer an unreserved apology. There are no excuses whatsoever for what took place and the systemic abuse of trust perpetrated by Peter Ball over decades.'

The report, conducted by Dame Moira Gibb, concludes the church is making some progress and would not behave in the same way, but says change has not been fast enough.

The report, An Abuse of Faith, stated: 'Peter Ball betrayed his Church and abused individual followers of that Church.

Justin Welby called the report 'harrowing' and said the collusion was shocking and inexcusable

'The Church at its most senior levels and over many years supported him unwisely and displayed little care for his victims.

'Much of what we have described took place in different times and should be viewed from that perspective.

'But such perverse and sustained abuse by a senior figure in the Church and the Church's failure to safeguard so many boys and young men still casts a long shadow.'

During his time as bishop, Ball hand-picked 18 vulnerable victims to commit acts of 'debasement' in the name of religion, such as praying naked at the altar and encouraging them to submit to beatings, his trial heard.

One of them, Mr Todd, came forward in 1992, causing Ball to be given a police caution and resign as Bishop of Gloucester.

But the report notes that there was no disciplinary action taken by the church.

It was 20 years before the abuse came to light again, in 2012, and after Mr Todd spoke to police officers during the criminal investigation, he took his own life.

After Ball was jailed, the church issued an apology and The Archbishop wrote to the victims.

Richard Scorer, a specialist abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon, who represents a number of Ball's victims, said: 'It's clear that senior figures concealed very serious allegations against Ball - the institution colluded with an abuser.

'Evidence that Lord Carey turned a blind eye to reports of Ball's offending is damning, but the report highlights that failure to safeguard vulnerable boys and young men continued under Carey's successor Rowan Williams.

'This appalling abdication of responsibility, from the most senior figures in the church, is unforgivable.

'One of Ball's victims went on to kill himself.'

He called for a mandatory reporting law so that people in positions of responsibility had a legal duty to alert the authorities if they suspect abuse. Those who collude or conceal these crimes should face criminal charges, he said.

Neil Todd, one of those abused, first brought the case to the Met in 1992, but Peter Ball, shown left and right, was released with a caution

The Church's statement in 2015 read: 'We apologise unreservedly to those survivors of Peter Ball's abuse and pay tribute to their bravery in coming forward and also (acknowledge) the long wait for justice that they have endured.'

The report includes criticism in the review of Lord Carey, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time, and senior figures in the Church, saying that their Church was 'most interested in protecting itself'.

The review states that Lambeth Palace's actions, especially in failing to pass on six letters of allegations to the police, while giving them one which was of 'least concern' - 'must give rise to a perception of deliberate concealment.'

The review points out that the Church's management of those seven letters, containing allegations against Ball, is perhaps 'its greatest failure in these events.'

It states: 'The letters came from a range of families and individuals quite independently of each other. They raised concerns which were all either indirectly or precisely suggestive of sexual impropriety, or worse, by Ball.

'These were not people who were at war with the Church or had any axe to grind. In fact, some of the correspondents go to great lengths to try to avoid rancour and find a constructive way forward.'

The 'monster' Bishop of Lewes and Gloucester said he thought of Charles as a 'loyal friend'

The Archbishop of Canterbury called for an independent inquiry after Ball was sent to prison in October 2015

Despite years of abuse in Sussex, Ball was able to leave the diocese in 1992 to take up his post as Bishop of Gloucester.

A year later, the then 16 year-old trainee monk Mr Todd prompted a police investigation which led to Ball's resignation from the clergy.

Ball escaped with a police caution in 1993 for a single act of gross indecency against Mr Todd who persisted to be haunted by his treatment and took his own life in 2012.

Ball had an identical twin brother called Michael who was also a bishop. Lord Carey described the paedophile bishop as 'basically innocent' and said he had a 'very high' regard for him in a September 1993 letter to Bishop Michael.

The review, which said Lord Carey had played a leading role in enabling Ball to return to ministry, described this comment as 'alarming'.

Lord Carey, above, has been asked to review his position after the report said he was a large part of the collusion

It added: 'Ball was basically guilty and had admitted that. Lord Carey was also aware that the Church had received further allegations of potentially criminal actions by Ball.'

Ball's trial at the Old Bailey heard that a string of senior establishment figures had written letters in support of him while the police were investigating allegations of abuse.

Following a caution for gross indecency in 1993, Ball resigned and lived in a rented cottage on the Prince of Wales's Duchy of Cornwall estate.

He was not prosecuted for more than 20 years.

Ball tried to exploit his high-profile connections in order to bolster his position with senior church officials, especially Lord Carey.

The review adds: 'We have received all the relevant material including the correspondence passing between the Prince of Wales and Ball held by the Church and found no evidence that the Prince of Wales or any other member of the Royal Family sought to intervene at any point in order to protect or promote Ball.'

Under the reign of Lord Williams, who succeeded Lord Carey as Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church began to review previous cases.

The review said it was 'lamentably slow' in making change.

Lord Williams said: 'Having read the report and reflected on its details it is clear that I did not give adequate priority to sorting out the concerns and allegations surrounding Peter Ball at the earliest opportunity.

'I recognise that such a delay is likely to have increased the pressure and distress experienced by the survivors of his abuse and I am sincerely sorry for this.'

An NSPCC spokesman said: 'It is utterly disgraceful to discover that collusion at the heart of the Church of England led to the abuse of so many young men and boys. Abuse can happen in any institution or walk of life and we must ensure it can never be covered up by the powerful.

'Abuse in our most revered institutions must be exposed and investigated, offenders brought to justice, and victims given confidence to come forward.'
A man who police found urinating in a planter outside a metro station has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a series of high-power weapons.

Two sheriffs said they saw the urinating man - identified as Christopher Harrison Goodine, 28, of Union City, Georgia - outside Sierra Madre Gold Line Station in Pasadena, CA, at 9.20am yesterday morning.

When the Los Angeles County sheriffs arrested the man and searched his bag, they found a loaded AR-15 rifle with two 30-round magazines, a loaded .40-caliber pistol with silencers, a machete, rope and a notebook containing 'unidentified writings', ABC7 reported.

Officials said the handgun he was carrying appeared to have markings showing it was for police use only.

Pictured: The array of weapons placed on a table during a press conference in Los Angeles

Pictured: An AR-15 rifle, a pistol with silencer, ammunition and a long knife

He is also reported to have had a Bible.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell said: 'But for the grace of God, we could have had a tragedy today in Los Angeles'.

He added that it was 'just another day' for the officers 'looking at the small things that end up turning into big things'.

He also said that there was no intelligence that suggested Goodine was connected to terrorism.

Video source: ABC7 News

Christopher Harrison Goodine, 28, of Union City, Georgia was arrested after allegedly being spotted urinating in public. Pictured: The huge cache of weapons police say were found in his bag

Deputy Katherine Zubo, one of the two officers who arrested Goodine, said the man complied while arrested but did provide a fake name.

The investigation is now ongoing, though information is already emerging - including that Goodine appears to have boarded a train at Chinatown station.

They say there was nothing unusual about Goodine other than that he was urinating in public.

Goodine is being held in East Los Angeles sheriff station after his bail was set at $10,000.

He is expected to appear in court in Pasadena on Friday.
French president Emmanuel Macron extended the hand of friendship to Theresa May as she met EU leaders for the first time since her disastrous election today.

Mr Macron embraced the Premier as they arrived at today's talks and appeared to offer condolences in the wake of the series of tragedies that have battered Britain.

The Prime Minister is due to brief the European Council on Brexit and explain how she can still deliver despite losing her majority and being left clinging to No 10.

Mrs May had earlier hailed the 'constructive' start of Brexit talks on Monday while senior EU figures hint at finding a way to halt the process.

She is set to outline Britain's offer on protecting the rights of EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit.

French president Emmanuel Macron extended the hand of friendship to Theresa May as she met EU leaders for the first time since her disastrous election today (pictured)

Mr Macron embraced the PM as they met for the second time since his stunning election victory in May

The encounter became more light-hearted with the arrival of German chancellor Angela Merkel (centre) as leaders gathered for the first working session

European Council president Donald Tusk quoted John Lennon's Imagine when asked about the possibility, saying 'you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one'. His remarks will spark fears that meddling Eurocrats are determined to unpick last year's historic referendum.

As she arrived, Mrs May said: 'We will be going into negotiations. Those have started constructively,' she told reporters.

'What I am going to be setting out today is clearly how the United Kingdom proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected.

'That's been an important issue. We've wanted it to be one of the early issues to be considered in the negotiations That is now the case. That work is starting.'

Mr Tusk said the EU is 'well prepared' for the 'difficult' Brexit negotiations, which formally started on Monday.

He told a press conference in Brussels: 'The Brexit negotiations started three days ago. It is a most difficult process, for which the EU is well prepared.

'You can hear different predictions coming from different people about the possible outcome of these negotiations - hard Brexit, soft Brexit or no deal.

Mrs May (pictured in the council chamber today) had earlier hailed the 'constructive' start of Brexit talks on Monday while senior EU figures hint at finding a way to halt the process

The PM (pictured arriving at the EU HQ today) is set to outline Britain's offer on protecting the rights of EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit

Addressing the media on arrival (pictured), Mrs May said the UK was keen to resolve citizens' future as soon as possible

'Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the EU.

'I told them that, in fact, the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve.

'So, who knows. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.'

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron - who has also indicated that UK could stay in the bloc - has admitted the EU must reform migration rules or other nations could follow Britain out of the exit door.

Theresa May has insisted that she will push ahead with her Brexit plans, and is travelling to the Belgian capital today where she is set to make a 'generous offer' to protect the rights of EU nationals living in Britain.

Mrs May will be accompanied throughout the talks by her EU Ambassador Sir Tim Barrow (pictured with the PM arriving today)

But there are fears that some remain-backing politicians are taking advantage of her weakened position to thwart parts of her Brexit agenda.

Some are pushing for Britain to stay in the single market - which under current rules would mean the UK would have to accept free movement.

Donald Tusk, pictured in Brussels today, left the door open for Britain to stay in the EU despite Brexit negotiations

Meanwhile, Mr Macron used his first newspaper interviews since being elected to endorse tightening up rules on freedom of movement and to suggest that the UK could perform a U-turn on Brexit.

He told the Guardian: 'The door is open until the moment you walk through it. It's not up to me to say it's closed.

'But from the moment things are engaged with a timescale and an objective, it's very hard to go back, we can't lie to ourselves.'

He added: 'The great defenders of this ultra-economically liberal and unbalanced Europe - the UK - came crashing down on this.

'What did Brexit play on? On workers from eastern Europe who came to take British jobs. The defenders of the European Union lost because the British lower middle classes said: 'Stop!''

Mrs May will today attend her first European Council since the election, where she will meet with other leaders in the EU including Mr Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Rats generally aren't welcome when it comes to being inside your home, and it's the same for this farmer's barn.

A farmer in northwestern China caught a rat stealing corn from his barn and decided to punish it.

The animal's front limbs were tied to a string and were beaten with a whip for over a minute. The whole ordeal was caught on camera and posted online today.

A rat can be seen being tied on a rope as the farmer punished it for stealing corn in China

The scared rodent made a loud squeak as it struggled to dodge the beating and can be seen jumping up and down a few times in the video footage.

The clip is believed to be filmed in a local farm at Yulin, Shaanxi Province.

It was posted on a local account on Weibo, a Twitter-like social media, today.

The man was giving the animal a lesson as he spoke in 'Shaanbei', a local dialect from the region.

'I have noticed you for a few months and finally caught you! Can't believe you ate all the corn, they belonged to other villagers! And how can I pay them back?' said the man.

The man had spotted the rat for a few months as he noticed the corn were all eaten in his barn

It's unclear whether or not the rat survived the ordeal.

On Chinese social media, many people believed that although the farmer had reasons to punish the animal, it was not enough to abuse the rat.

'Though it is vermin, it's not necessary to torture the animal like this,' commented 'zigenliao'.

Another user suggested that he should have just killed the animal rather than torturing it.

'This video is just teaching more people about animal abuse,' said 'Krystalzhouzhou'.

This is not the first time someone in China has been pictured abusing vermin in order to teach them a lesson for stealing.

'I dare not do it again!' The owner tied the rodent to a trolley and put notes on it in Heyuan city, according to a social media account

Shame on you: A convenient store owner in China has allegedly punished a rat for stealing rice

Pictures posted on Weibo in January showed a rat tied up to a trolley in southern China.

A piece of paper attached to the animal's body explained that it had been caught stealing rice at a convenience store.

The note read: 'Huh, is this the best you could do? Even if you beat me to death, I would not admit that the rice at your home had been stolen by me.'

The Shenzhen Traffic Police posted three smiling face emojis on its official account on Weibo in response to the picture.
A boatload of tourists were left stunned when a 30-tonne 'show off' humpback whale performed a never-before-seen headstand just metres from their boat.

Peter Chai was amazed to capture the bizarre spectacle  which saw the huge 49ft-long whale breach before pointing its tail skywards  just outside Sydney Harbour, Australia.

The British expat believes the juvenile whale performed the unusual move deliberately to show off for a nearby boatload of camera-toting tourists who were just 20 metres away.

A boatload of tourists were left stunned when a 45-tonne humpback whale performed a never-before-seen headstand

Having a whale of a time: A huge humpback shows off for tourists near Sydney Harbour

The 49ft-long whale breached before pointing its tail skywards  just outside Sydney Harbour, Australia

And Peter, 53, said he has witnessed rare event only a handful of times  meaning the boatload of holidaymakers certainly were some of the luckiest whale watchers ever.

Peter, who was on board a Whale Watching Sydney vessel, said: 'This whale was breaching a lot, doing a lot of acrobatics in the air, but this headstand was very unusual.

'It was a young juvenile whale and I think it was for the benefit of the boat of people that was looking at it.

'Humpback whales will sometimes perform tail slaps but I have never seen themselves raise their tail upwards out of the water like that.

'Usually they just slap it a little bit out of the water, but this kind of reverse breach is very unusual  they are very few and far between.

'In fact they are actually very inquisitive  you may see them do breaches when there are no boats or humans around, but it is not often you would see something unusual like this.

'It is like it did it for the tourists  they definitely do show off for the boats. I am pretty sure it is a 'look, I am here' type of thing. It looked like a headstand or a handstand.'

A 30-tonne humpback whale performed a never-before-seen headstand just metres from their boat

Peter captured these snaps off the coat of North Head, just outside Sydney Harbour, about 1km away from the shore

Humpback whales  who measure 15 metres long on average and weigh up to 45 tonnes  are currently passing past Sydney as they make their annual northern migration from Antarctica to warmer waters near northern Queensland, Fiji and Tonga to give birth.

The migration begins in mid-May and the whales travel back past Sydney with their calves in October and November with the annual spectacle over by early December.

Peter captured these snaps off the coat of North Head, just outside Sydney Harbour, about 1km away from the shore.

And he said the lucky whale watchers raised the roof when they realised they were witnessing such an unusual spectacle.

Peter said: 'There is always lots of whooping and hollering from the tourists and this time was no exception  often they have never seen a whale before.

'When they do their acrobatics up close it is amazing, this one you could even see the barnacles on its tail.
Thomas Bagnall, 25, with his rocket propelled mobility scooter, in Cheadle, Staffordshire

A petrolhead has designed Britain's first jet-powered mobility scooter - which he claims has a top speed of 126mph.

The scooter was built by mechanical engineer Tom Bagnall, 25, at a cost of 3,500.

The unique vehicle has been kitted out with a home-built jet engine, a turbocharger from a large truck and bespoke custom-made combustion chamber.

It has been a labour of love for Mr Bagnall, from Cheadle, Staffordshire, who has been working on the CareCo scooter for more than three years.

The mobility scooter has competed in demo runs at Santa Pod Raceway and the Shakespeare County Raceway.

But the designer says the scooter had never run its top speed because it would need to race it on a mile-long track.

Tom is hoping one day to get the 150lbs thrust vehicle, which is equivalent to 150 brake horsepower, into the Guinness World Records.

He said: 'It has never run its top speed before, it would need a mile-long track.

'But the exact same engine was on a go-cart and it ran a top speed of 126mph, the mobility scooter is lighter so I think it would probably do more - I can guarantee it would do 120mph.

'It's unofficially the world's first jet-powered mobility scooter - it has not been confirmed but I haven't come across any other ones.

'The chaps a few years ago who fitted a 600cc engine to a mobility scooter ran a top speed racing on a quarter-mile track - that's a lot faster than mine across that distance.

Petrolhead Thomas Bagnall has designed Britain's first jet powered mobility scooter

'Mine is slower to get up to speed but when it reaches 50mph it accelerates quite rapidly.

'It possibly one of the most dangerous things you can ride in. The wheelbase is only 800mm long.

'It has competed in drag racing, not against anyone, just demo runs - it's a bit of a crowd-pleaser.

He claims the novel scooter is very mobile indeed and reaches speeds of 126mph

'It gets a lot of attention as you can imagine, the fastest speed it has reached on a quarter-mile track was 74mph, that was at Santa Pod Raceway.

'I would like to get the vehicle into the Guinness World Book of Records in the future.'

Thomas Bagnall pictured firing up his his rocket propelled mobility scooter in his garage

Tom and four friends, who all specialise in gas turbine engines, have previously fitted a jet-powered engine to a Mini Cooper, Kayak and go-cart.

But Tom and Ollie peeled off from the group to design the jet-powered mobility scooter.

The rocket engine propels the mobility scooter to speeds of 126mph, Bagnall claims

'It was myself and a friend called Ollie Rowrth who made it,' added Tom. 'Ollie lost interest towards the end.

'It was quite tricky to make. There are a lot of components involved and it was quite hard to cram them all in.

'If you just look at it, you would think not a great deal of work had gone into the design but when you take the body off you realise the complexity of the project.

Thomas Bagnall, 25, pictured with his peerless rocket propelled mobility scooter in Cheadle

'We had a few issues with the oil pressure and getting the right amount of voltage - it was abit of a nightmare really but we got there in the end.

'Effectively, it's a home-built jet engine. It's a turbo charge from a large truck with a bespoke custom-made combustion chamber.

'There is a working afterburner on the engine which is what makes most of the power and noise.

'There are two fuel pumps, one oil pump and two igniter boxes.'

Tom will be appearing in BBC documentary Invented In the North, which is due to air on Friday at 7.30pm on BBC1.
Two of the nation's top intelligence officials told Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team, and senators probing 2016 election meddling, that President Trump asked them to refute reports of collusion between the Russians and his campaign team.

CNN broke the story Thursday, citing multiple unnamed sources who said that Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers described their interactions with Trump on the topic as odd and uncomfortable.

They, however, did not believe the president ordered them to interfere with the ongoing investigations, sources said.

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Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats (left) and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers (right) told investigators President Trump had asked them to publicly refute allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians

Mike Rogers and Dan Coats spoke behind closed to members of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's (pictured) team

The two top intelligence officials confirmed conversations already reported in the Washington Post, though said they didn't think President Trump's request was inappropriate - just odd

In private, Coats and Rogers went further then they did when speaking publicly on June 7 in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

During that meeting in front of the Senate panel, the two intelligence community chiefs refused to tell lawmakers if Trump asked them to refute the FBI's Russia probe.

The Washington Post published a story on May 22 saying Trump had asked Coats and Rogers, separately, to publicly deny the existence of evidence of collusion between the Russians and the president's campaign, which CNN confirmed.

Now, CNN's new reporting continues to back that storyline up.

Coats and Rogers spoke separately to Mueller's investigators last week, CNN said, with both men telling the special counsel's team they were surprised the president would make that request.

The two intelligence chiefs also spoke with members of the Senate Intelligence Committee behind closed doors.

One congressional source told the network that Coats and Rogers said Trump wanted them to say publicly what then FBI Director James Comey said to the president in private  that he was not personally under investigation for collusion.

Democratic and Republican sources also told CNN that neither Coats nor Rogers raised concerns that Trump was asking them to do something they were uncomfortable with.

Neither man acted on Trump's requests.

One Congressional source expressed frustration that Coats and Rogers didn't talk about these conversations publicly, especially because they said in private they felt Trump hadn't done anything inappropriate.

They expressed the latter sentiment in public with Rogers telling lawmakers, 'In the three-plus years that I have been the director of the National Security Agency, to the best of my recollection, I have never been directed to do anything I believe to be illegal, immoral, unethical or inappropriate, and to the best of my recollection during that same period of service I do not recall ever feeling pressured to do so.'

However, as CNN also learned, Coats and Rogers weren't sure what they could divulge about their conversations with the president because the White House never got back to them before the hearing, saying whether or not Trump was invoking executive privilege.
Senate Republicans unveiled draft health care legislation on Thursday that would cut Medicaid, end penalties for people not buying insurance and erase a raft of tax increases as part of their long-awaited plan to scuttle Obamacare.

Not so fast, say four conservative senators. Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky are holding out for a bill that goes further, making them a swing-vote bloc that could decide the bill's future.

'We are not ready to vote for this bill, but we are open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor,' the four lawmakers said in a joint statement. 'There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current healthcare system but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their healthcare costs.'

The draft bill's Medicare cuts, sure to anger Democrats, wouldn't begin until 2025 but would take deeper swipes at the popular program than the version of the legislation that passed the House of Representatives last month.

After weeks of closed-door meetings that angered Democrats and some Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the proposal online Thursday.

SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE BILL

After weeks of closed-door meetings that angered Democrats and some Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released a new health care proposal on Thursday

The plan will anger Democrats like Ron Wyden of Oregon (center) and Al Franken of Minnesota (right), who view any move away from Obamacare as mean-spirited, cruel and ugly

The package represents McConnell's attempt to quell criticism by party moderates and conservatives and win the support he needs in a vote he hopes to stage next week. It is still subject to additions, deletions and negotiations that could change it significantly by the time a vote is called.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, predicted 'a little negotiation, but it's going to be very good.'

'Obamacare is a disaster. It's dead,' he said during unrelated remarks, 'Totally dead. And we're putting a plan out today that is going to be negotiated. We'd love to have some Democrat support but they're obstructionists. They'll never support [it]. We won't get one no matter how good it is.'

McConnell said on the Senate floor Thursday that 'seven years ago, Democrats imposed Obamacare on our country. They said it would lower costs. It didn't. ... They said it would increase choice. It didn't.'

The new Gang of Four? Republican senators (from L-R) Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson, Mike Lee and Rand Paul are standing in the way of their party's Senate

'Obamacare is a direct attack on the middle class, and American families deserve better than its failing status quo  they deserve better care,' he said, promising that the Senate bill will 'transition away from Obamacare's collapsing system entirely so more Americans wont be hurt.'

At a campaign-style rally in the heartland state of Iowa late Wednesday, Trump teased supporters with a preview.

'I hope we're going to surprise you with a really good plan,' he said in Cedar Rapids.

'You know I've been talking about a plan with heart. I said "Add some money to it!"'

AT-A-GLANCE: THE SENATE GOP BILL Senate Republicans proposed an Obamacare replacement draft on Thursday that would make major changes to U.S. law: Ends Obamacare's 'individual mandate' requiring Americans to buy medical insurance

Limits federal subsidy payments for insurance premiums to a smaller number of low-income Americans

Unlike the House bill, doesn't let states allow insurers to boost premiums on some people with pre-existing conditions

Denies tax credits toward insurance plans that pay for abortions, with narrow exceptions

Limits Medicaid funds going to each state, tightening further beginning in 2025 Advertisement

In a departure from the version the House approved last month, which Trump privately called 'mean,' the Senate plan would drop the House's waivers allowing states to let insurers boost premiums on some people with pre-existing conditions.

It would also largely retain the subsidies Obama provided to help millions buy insurance, which are pegged mostly to people's incomes and the premiums they pay.

The most significant changes to the calculation formula would base a taxpayer's needs on a ' bronze'-level plan instead of a more generous 'silver' policy, and cut the benefit for people earning more than 350 per cent of poverty-level income instead of 400 per cent.

Cruz, one of the four GOP dissenters, said Thursday that he's 'hopeful that as we openly debate this legislation, real improvements will be made prior to floor consideration so that we can pass a bill that provides the relief from Obamacare that Republicans have repeatedly promised the last seven years.'

The Texas right-winger said he wants Americans to have the freedom to choose among a wider variety of medical insurance policies, including those offered in states other than the ones where they live.

He also is insisting on the expansion of helath savings accounts 'so that consumers can pay health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis.'

And states, Cruz said, should be incentivized 'to cap punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits to further reduce the cost of healthcare.'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday on the Senate floor that the Republican bill is 'heartless' and 'may be meaner' than what the House passed.

'This bill will result in higher costs, less care, and millions of Americans will lose their health insurance, particularly through Medicaid,' Schumer huffed. 'It seems designed to slash support for health care programs in order to give tax breaks to the very wealthy.'

Releasing a statement just minutes after Republicans released their 142-page draft, far-left Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders called it 'even worse than expected and by far the most harmful piece of legislation I have seen in my lifetime.'

'This bill has nothing to do with health care. It has everything to do with an enormous transfer of wealth from working people to the richest Americans,' the fast-reading senator said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan defended his Republican colleagues in the Senate without wading into the weedy details of the legislation.

'Believe me, I know how hard this process is from personal experience,' he told reporters. 'From what I understand their bill tracks in many ways along the lines of the House bill. I think that's very good. ... I think the bottom line is I want them to pass the bill, so we can all get on with keeping our promise.'

'I'm eager for them to pass it, but I'm not going to opine on the details as they go along,' Ryan promised.

'Obamacare is dead,' Trump said Thursday during an event with emerging technology entrepreneurs, 'and we're putting a plan out today that is going to be negotiated. We'd love to have some Democrats' support but they're obstructionists'

President Trump said Wednesday night during a campaign-style rally that he wanted to sign 'a plan with heart' into law

The House's tax credits were tied to people's ages, a change the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said would boost out-of-pocket costs to many lower earners.

Starting in 2020, the Senate version would begin shifting increasing amounts of tax credits away from higher earners, making more funds available to lower-income recipients, some officials said.

Like the House bill, the Senate measure would block federal payments to Planned Parenthood. Many Republicans have long fought that organization because it provides abortions.

To be eligible for tax credits under the Senate's proposal, insurance plans can't cover abortion costs unless the procedure is done to save the life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest.

It's unclear how the Senate can include this provision, however, since the special rules the Senate is using to ease passage of the legislation restrict the kinds of policy changes the measure can include.

Facing uniform Democratic opposition, the Senate plan would fail if just three of the chamber's 52 Republicans defect. More than half a dozen GOP senators have expressed problems with the measure, and a defeat would be a humiliating setback for Trump and McConnell on one of their party's top priorities.

'We have a responsibility to move forward, and we are,' said McConnell.

'I want them to pass the bill, so we can all get on with keeping our promise,' said House Speaker Paul Ryan

GOP Senate leaders were eager for a seal of approval from Trump, who had urged them to produce a bill more 'generous' than the House's.

'It's going to be important to get the president's support to get us across the finish line,' No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Cornyn of Texas said Wednesday of White House officials.

Democrats say GOP characterizations of Obama's law as failing are wrong, while the Republican effort would boot millions off coverage and leave others facing higher out-of-pocket costs. The budget office said the House bill would cause 23 million to lose coverage by 2026.

In some instances, the Senate plan could allow for optional approaches for issues that remain in dispute among Republicans.

That could include the number of years the bill would take to phase out the extra money Obama provided to expand the federal-state Medicaid program for the poor and disabled to millions of additional low earners.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is set to lead the Democrats' opposition, guaranteeing that no one from the minority party will cast a 'yes' vote

The House-passed bill would halt the extra funds for new beneficiaries in 2020. But Republicans from states that expanded Medicaid, like Ohio's Rob Portman, want to extend that phase-out to seven years.

The Senate proposal would also impose annual limits on the federal Medicaid funds that would go to each state, which would tighten even further beginning in 2025. Unlimited federal dollars now flow to each state for the program, covering all eligible beneficiaries and services.

The Senate would end the tax penalties Obama's law created for people not buying insurance and larger employers not offering coverage to workers. The so-called individual mandate  aimed at keeping insurance markets solvent by prompting younger, healthier people to buy policies  has long been one of the GOP's favorite targets.

To help pay for its expanded coverage to around 20 million more people, Obama's law increased taxes on higher income people, medical industry companies and others, totaling around $1 trillion over a decade. Like the House bill, the Senate plan would repeal or delay those tax boosts.

The House waiver allowing higher premiums for some people with pre-existing serious illnesses was added shortly before that chamber approved its bill last month and helped attract conservative support. It has come under widespread criticism from Democrats and helped prompt some moderate House Republicans to vote against the measure.

Conservatives like Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul have warned they could oppose the bill if it doesn't go far enough in dismantling Obama's law. Moderates including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have expressed concern that the measure would cause many to lose coverage.
Two men have been arrested in connection with an alleged worldwide conspiracy to hack into the Microsoft network.

Detectives from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (Serocu) raided two properties in Lincolnshire and Bracknell today and arrested two men.

A 22-year-old man from Lincolnshire was arrested on suspicion of gaining unauthorised access to a computer and a 25-year-old man from Bracknell was arrested for computer misuse act offences.

Detectives from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (Serocu) raided two properties in Lincolnshire and Bracknell on Thursday and arrested two men on suspicion of computer misuse act offences

Detective Sergeant Rob Bryant from Serocu's cyber crime unit, said: 'We are working closely with our colleagues in EMSOU (East Midlands Special Operations Unit), Microsoft's cyber team, the FBI, EUROPOL and the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) to investigate these offences.

'This group is spread around the world and therefore the investigation is being coordinated with our various partners. We've made two arrests in the UK this morning and have seized a number of devices.

Detective Sergeant Rob Bryant from Serocu's cyber crime unit said after speaking to Microsoft, they did not gain access to customer information. (File pictured of Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp)

'We are still in the early stages of this investigation and will work with our partners to ensure that cyber criminals have no place to hide.

'It is too early to speculate on what information the group have accessed, however, after speaking with Microsoft, we can confirm they did not gain access to customer information. The offences took place between January 2017 to March 2017.'

Tom Burt, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit, said: 'Todays action by authorities in the UK represents an important step. Stronger internet security depends on the ability to identify and prosecute cybercriminals.

'This requires not only a strong technical capability, but the willingness to acknowledge issues publicly and refer them to law enforcement. No company is immune from cybercrime.

'No customer data was accessed, and were confident in the integrity of our software and systems. We have comprehensive measures in place to prevent, detect, and respond to attacks.

'We also have specialist teams focused on working with law enforcement to identify people who attack either us or our customers, and were committed to fast and effective action against attackers.'

The two men arrested currently remain in police custody.
British fugitive Jason Waterman (pictured) is thought to have swum from Spain to Gibraltar to hand himself over to police

A British fugitive who fled the UK 18 months ago following a 1.2m drugs bust is thought to have swum from Spain to Gibraltar to hand himself over to police.

Jason Waterman, 32, handed himself in 1,700 miles away from the scene of a cocaine smuggling bust at an airfield near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, where he fled.

But Gibraltar police say the criminal handed himself in 'without warning, dripping salt water and carrying a small bag of wet clothing'.

Waterman told cops he spotted his face on BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow after an appeal was made by the National Crime Agency and handed himself in on Monday evening.

An NCA spokesman said Waterman was believed to have been at Bagby Airfield shortly after a light aircraft arrived from the Netherlands in October, 2015.

Border Force officers searched and found a briefcase containing seven kilos of cocaine with a potential street value of 1.2m from the airfield.

The aircraft pilot was arrested, but later found not guilty of importation offences.

Waterman, originally from Watford, North London, admitted to police in Gibraltar that his escape from the UK 'wasn't through the frontier' during his 18 months on the lam.

Cops are now seeking to extradite him under a European Arrest Warrant.

Police in Gibraltar (pictured) say the criminal handed himself in 'without warning, dripping salt water and carrying a small bag of wet clothing' (File photo)

Brian Shaw, NCA north east operations manager, said: 'It might sound like a cushy number, sitting around watching Crimewatch Roadshow on a Monday morning, but life as a fugitive is hard and stressful.

'The NCA first issued an appeal for Waterman in London nearly a year ago - clearly something about the new appeal made him crack.

'To everyone else feeling the stress of being on the run I would say we are patient people, we keep the pressure on, and we never stop looking for you.'
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Friends, family and members of the public gathered on Thursday in Ohio to say goodbye to an American student who just six died days after being returned to the United States in a coma following 17 months in captivity in North Korea.

Otto Warmbier, 22, was arrested in the reclusive communist country while visiting as a tourist. He was brought back to the United States last week with severe brain damage, in what doctors described as state of 'unresponsive wakefulness,' and died on Monday.

Thousands turned out to pay their respects to Otto at his funeral on Thursday, but many were turned away at the door when Wyoming High School's auditorium reached its capacity of about 2,100.

Warmbier's brother, sister and friends were among those who spoke at the service. A rabbi was officiating at the public service, which was closed to the news media.

Ottos younger brother Austin told mourners: It doesnt matter where he was or what he was doing, he was always there for you whenever you needed him.'

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The casket of Otto Warmbier is carried out from his funeral at Wyoming High School on Thursday

The pallbearers all wore blue and white ribbons on their lapels - the colors of Wyoming High School. Otto's brother Austin is seen third from the right of the pallbearers

Warmbier's father Fred (holding hands with his wife Cindy) wore an American flag tie to the ceremony. He has praised the Trump Administration for securing his son's release

Mourners line the street as the hearse carrying Warmbier's casket leave the funeral service on Thursday

Two young female mourners hold hands as they leave the service on Thursday

It is hard following in Ottos footsteps,' Austin added. 'He had a perfect GPA, and was the captain of the soccer team.

When I used to get in trouble with my parents, Otto would call them from Charlottesville and try to convince them I wasnt the horrible child they thought I was, he said as the mourners broke into laughter.

He added: Otto was the most popular, well-liked person Ive ever met. He could make a friend out of anyone, it doesnt matter who it was.'

The tragic student's former girlfriend, Alex Vagonis paid tribute to him: 'It was not just my life he made more colorful, but everyone elses.

'Every person who had the privilege of interacting with him, even just momentarily, saw the magnetic effect he had...how lucky we all are to have shared our lives and experiences with this inspiring goofball of a man.'

A former teacher of Otto Warmbier said the service was one of love and laughter as his siblings and close friends recalled their times with him.

Warmbier's brother Austin (left) and sister Greta (right) are pictured above speaking at his funeral

Warmbier's girlfriend, Alex Vagonis (pictured), also took part in the ceremony

A view inside the funeral service at Wyoming High School Thursday morning

Mike Pearl a former sports master of Otto`s talks about the service which was at full capacity at the Pendery Center for arts

Friends held each other on stage as another person spoke at the funeral on Thursday

There was also overflow seating at a different location in the school

Pictures of Warmbier were blown up and displayed in the hall for the mourners arriving for the service

A mourner signs the guest book at the funeral of Otto Warmbier Thursday morning

The service lasted for about an hour, after which pallbearers brought his casket out and put it in a hearse to start the procession to Oak Hill Cemetery for burial.

Otto's father, Fred Warmbier, followed the casket out of the auditorium holding his wife Cindy's hand. He wore an American flag tie and a blue suit jacket. Cindy Warmbier wore a black dress, and appeared emotional as she left the service.

Wyoming, Ohio has a population of around 8,000. Before the service, one mourner told DailyMail.com: 'Otto was everybody's son or brother. We all feel the pain of Otto's family today and always will.'

Mourners, some dabbing away tears, lined up patiently as officials walked through the queues seeking family and close friends to take them to the front while police said an anti-room would accommodate those unable to enter the service.

As they entered the hall a large white wreath in blue and white colored flowers, the school's colors, in the shape of a Good Luck horse shoe was placed at the front door.

Otto's mother Cindy (to the right of her husband Fred, in American flag tie) appeared to cry as she left the service

Fred Warmbier hugs a mourner outside of his son's funeral service on Thursday in Wyoming, Ohio

Warmbier is being buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Wyoming, Ohio. Above, pallbearers carrying his casket out of the service Thursday morning

Warmbier's father kept his head bowed as he exited the service Thursday morning, wearing an American flag tie

The pallbearers all wore black jackets as a sign of mourning while carrying the casket out of the service Thursday morning

A bag pipe player led the procession out of the service and to the cemetery

Mourners line the street after the funeral of Otto Warmbier, Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Wyoming, Ohio

Warmbier is pictured above during his trial in North Korea, in which he confessed to stealing a propaganda poster during a trip to the country

Above, the program for Thursday's memorial service for Otto Warmbier, featuring pictures of him with his family

Blue and white ribbons were also tied to trees around the city to show support for Warmbier's family after his recent return.

Following the service, hundreds lined the streets as a hearse took Warmbier's casket to Oak Hill Cemetery for burial. Some held their hands to their hearts as a salute to Warmbier.

Former Wyoming High School sports Coach Mike Pearl who taught Otto in 7th and 8th grade, told DailyMail.com: It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful young man.

I had the pleasure of coaching him in junior high and he was just full of life and just a great kid.

This was a wonderful tribute to his life. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of memories shared. He will be missed, but a lot of folks here today will remember him forever. His life will remain in our hearts and well continue on in his name.

His siblings spoke and three or four of his college friends and they were just positive and optimistic. We shed a few tears but they were probably more through laughter,' Pearl said.

Fred and Cindy Warmbier stand at the front of a line of mourners after the ceremony Thursday morning

Mourners console one another as the hearse carrying Otto Wambier departs for the cemetery after his funeral service Thursday

People hug at the funeral service of Otto Warmbier outside Wyoming High School on Thursday, June 22

People who gathered on the sides of the street to watch the procession wore blue and white in honor of Warmbier

Members of the town held their hands to their hearts in a salute as Warmbier's casket was taken to Oak Hill Cemetery for burial

Otto Warmbier's funeral was held Thursday morning at his alma mater, Wyoming High School, in Wyoming, Ohio

Local reporters, national reporters and even TV crews from South Korea broadcast from the funeral on Thursday

Mourners line the street after the funeral of Otto Warmbier on Thursday

Thousands turned out for the service, and started lining up well before 8am. The service started at 9am and several mourners were turned away due to a lack of space

The service was open to the public, but not members of the news media. Above, mourners lining up ahead of the funeral on Thursday

The town of Wyoming has a population of about 8,000. The auditorium where the ceremony takes places has a capacity around 2,100

Warmbier died on Monday, six days after he was returned from North Korea where he had been detained for 17 months

Warmbier was brought back to the U.S. in a coma. It's still unclear what caused him to become unwell during his detainment in North Korea

A hearse carrying Warmbier's body is parked in front of the high school before the funeral service on Thursday

Pearl said that Warmbier loved shopping at thrift stores an listening to underground rap music.

He loved people and was passionate for life and well keep those memories alive.

'I will always remember his smile and his laughter. He made us believe that life was a game and that you have to live it to the full with a laugh. I was proud to know him,' Pearl added.

Pearl said he is happy that the family were able to get Warmbier home, though their time with him wasn't long. He said they 'have shown a tremendous amount of strength, courage and dignity'.

I have great respect for Ottos parents for the way they have handled this.

They have shown no animosity or bore grudges or made a big thing about the country doing more on Ottos behalf. They have shown grace and they have shown class through out this whole ordeal.

We may never know what Otto endured over there, but we do know what a great kid he was and that he was loved,' Pearl said.

Inside the high school, Warmbier's family laid out all of the possession he took with him on his trip to North Korea

Among the items, which were returned to him after he was released from detainment last week, were a graphic calculator, several items of clothing, his passport, a wallet and a University of Virginia notebook

His wallet and passport can be seen in this photograph released by the family

Warmbier was salutatorian of his graduating class at Wyoming High School. A brick outside the school has his name inscribed on it

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from the Cincinnati area, told the throng of reporters stationed outside that Warmbier was 'an amazing young man' from a resilient family and that North Korea must be held accountable for what happened to the 22-year-old University of Virginia student, who died Monday.

'This college kid never should have been detained in the first place,' said Portman, who revealed Wednesday that he met secretly with North Korean officials in New York last December to press for Warmbier's release.

He said North Korea's treatment of Otto demonstrated 'a basic disregard for human rights, for human dignity.'

'Today is a somber day. It's also a day to talk about a life...and the impact he made on so many people,' Portman added.

In addition to Portman, three officials from the Trump administration were in attendance Thursday morning.

When asked about allegations that President Obama didn't do enough to try and secure Warmbier's release, Portman refused to dole out blame.

'I do believe that both the Obama Administration and the Trump Administration tried to get Otto home,' he said.

Portman himself had a huge role in trying to free Warmbier. On Wednesday, it was revealed that he even staged a secret meeting with North Korean officials at the United Nations last December.

The U.S. does not officially have relations with the North Koreans, so most of the time communications between the two nations happen through conduit nations, such as Sweden.

During the meeting, Portman urged the North Koreans to let the Swedish ambassador visit Warmbier in Pyongyang, but they refused.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman speaks to the press before the funeral of Otto Warmbier on Thursday

Mourners stand out side the art center before a funeral service for Otto Warmbier, who died after his release from North Korea, at Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio, U.S. June 22, 2017

Mourners are seen arriving at Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio, on June 22

The exact cause of Warmbier's death is unclear. Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated, declined to provide details, and Warmbier's family on Tuesday asked that the Hamilton County Coroner not perform an autopsy.

Warmbier's father told a news conference last week that his son had flourished while at the high school.

'This is the place where Otto experienced some of the best moments of his young life, and he would be pleased to know that his return to the United States would be acknowledged on these grounds,' he said.

After graduating as class salutatorian in 2013, Warmbier enrolled at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he was studying at the school of commerce and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year.

At a memorial service on Tuesday night, students at the university remembered Warmbier as outgoing and energetic.

Mourners wait in line outside the art center before a funeral service for Otto Warmbier, who died after his release from North Korea, at Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio, U.S. June 22, 2017

Mourners embrace ahead of the funeral for Otto Warmbier on Thursday in Wyoming, Ohio

Warmbier was returned to the U.S. last week in a coma, and died on Monday. His cause of death is unknown

A woman takes a picture of a wreath outside the funeral for Otto Warmbier in Wyoming, Ohio on Thursday

'Being with Otto made life all the more beautiful,' Alex Vagonis, Warmbier's girlfriend, said.

Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group, and was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.

He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labor for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.

Ria Westergaard Pedersen, 33, who was with Warmbier in North Korea, told the Danish broadcaster TV2 that he had been nervous when taking pictures of soldiers, and said she doubted North Korea's explanation for his arrest.

'We went to buy propaganda posters together, so why in the world would he risk so much to steal a trivial poster? It makes no sense.'

A sign is seen at Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio, on Thursday before the funeral for Otto Warmbier

Blue and white ribbons are seen on one of the streets in Wyoming, Ohio, on Thursday

The funeral has been opened to the public. Thousands were expected to attend

Following Warmbier's death, the tour group that arranged his trip said it would no longer take Americans to North Korea.

'Now, the assessment of risk for Americans visiting North Korea has become too high,' said the China-based Young Pioneer Tours.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that Washington holds North Korea 'accountable' for Warmbier's fate, and demanded the release of three other Americans held by the reclusive regime.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang is running out.

'To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being,' Mattis said.

'Being with Otto made life all the more beautiful,' Alex Vagonis, Warmbier's girlfriend, said of him. The couple pictured together on the right
A renowned female harpist, who played for the Queen, has been charged with her former partner for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage boy in the 1980s.

Danielle Perrett, 58, who has performed for four consecutive prime ministers and to the royals at Prince Phillip's 70th birthday, 'vigorously' denied the allegations at Ipswich Crown Court.

Her lawyer confirmed that she had pleaded not guilty to seven counts of indecently assaulting a teenage boy in the 1980s.

Perrett's former partner Richard Barton-Wood, 68, has also denied five charges of indecent assault on the same teenager, one attempted assault and two charges of attempted buggery.

Danielle Perrett, 58, and her former partner Richard Barton-Wood, 68, at Ipswich Crown Court

Danielle Perrett, 58, who has performed for four consecutive prime ministers and to the royals at Prince Phillip's 70th birthday, 'vigorously' denied the allegations at Ipswich Crown Court

The pair who initially appeared before Ipswich magistrates on May 23 were bailed after appearing together at court yesterday and will stand trial on January 2 next year.

Perrett played at Prince Philip's 70th birthday party and has also performed for Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Duchess of York.

As well as being known as one of the UK's finest harpists, she is also a renowned teacher of the classical instrument.

Ms Perrett's solicitor Jenny Wiltshire said today: 'Ms Perrett pleaded not guilty to all charges at the first appearance in the Magistrates' Court.

'She vigorously denies the allegations made against her. Her trial is scheduled to take place next year and as such it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage'

Perrett refused to comment at her home in a converted mill in Alpheton near Sudbury, Suffolk. Her husband David Gough, 57, said: 'We have been advised not to say anything.'

Perrett has played for VIPs at stately homes around the UK as well as at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and the Palace of Versailles

She will next appear at Ipswich Crown Court for a preliminary hearing to discuss legal issues on December 15.

Barton-Wood of Wymondham, Norfolk, who is a warden and publicity officer at 12th century Wymondham Abbey pleaded not guilty to all charges he faced at the Ipswich Crown Court hearing.

He is said to have been teaching in Suffolk when the historic offences allegedly happened in the mid 1980s.

Judge John Devaux told the pair: 'Your trial is fixed for January 2 next year. In the meantime you will have bail on the same basis as you have now.'

Both defendants were released on conditional bail.

Perrett has played for VIPs at stately homes around the UK as well as at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and the Palace of Versailles.

She has performed solo and chamber music in the USA, Canada, Australasia, South East Asia, India, Hong Kong, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and all over Europe.

Her recordings have received critical acclaim and she has had broadcast on radio and TV. She has also appeared in several films, including the BBC's TV film of the Jane Austen novel Persuasion.

Perrett's biography states she is also a qualified Pilates teacher and a leading figure in promoting good posture and healthy performance practice for harpists and other musicians.

She gained diplomas in harp playing whilst still at school and the Royal College of Music junior department just five years after taking up the instrument

Perrett has received several awards from the Arts Council of Great Britain as well as the Royal Overseas League Harp Prize.
A female corrections officer from Georgia received probation after she admitted having sex with an inmate convicted of murder and giving birth to his baby.

Deenesha Lemandy Carter, 23, of Macon, Georgia admitted one count of violating her oath as a public officer in a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Carter said she had engaged in a sexual relationship with killer Walter Lee Harris, 37, who was jailed in March 2010 for murder.

Corrections Officer Deenesha Lemandy Carter (left), 23, admitted having an affair with prisoner Walter Lee Harris (right) while she was a guard at Georgia's Central State Prison

Harris was serving life for murder in the Central State Prison when he met Carter in jail. Prosecutors dropped sexual assault of an inmate charges against Carter in a plea deal

Georgia Superior Court heard as a result of their affair, Carter fell pregnant and subsequently had the murderer's baby.

According to court records, Carter was indicted on May 2 on two counts, violation of oath by a public officer and sexual assault of an inmate at a correctional facility.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors decided against proceeding with the more serious sexual assault charge.

According to WGXA, Carter will no longer be able to work in law enforcement.

Harris is currently serving a life sentence after he shot Quentin Walker five times.
A high school valedictorian whose graduation speech got abruptly cut off was given the opportunity to finish when Jimmy Kimmel skyped him on Live! on Tuesday.

Peter Butera gained national attention when his microphone was cut off during his graduation address at his high school, the Wyoming Area Secondary Center in West Pittson, Pennsylvania.

Before giving the high school senior class president an opportunity to finish his remarks, Kimmell played a clip of the beginning of the speech, in which Butera began to criticize the school.

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Peter Butera's valedictorian speech at the the Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Pennsylvania was cut off because he started to criticize the administration

So, during his show, Jimmy Kimmel skyped him and gave him the opportunity to finish his remarks

'Whoever cut that mic off should not be in charge of education of any kind. Why were they so mad at you for that Peter?' Kimmel asked Butera, who will attend Villanova in the fall.

'I went off script,' he explained, saying he altered the ending of his speech and didn't clear it with the school because he knew they would not let him say what he wanted.

In the speech, Butera criticized administrators for their 'authoritative nature' that has left the school with 'a lack of real student government,' and this state of affairs which 'prevents students from developing as true leaders.'

In the remarks, Butera criticized administrators for their 'authoritative nature' that has left the school with 'a lack of real student government'

Butera, pictured with other students in his graduating glass, also said the state of affairs at the school 'prevents students from developing as true leaders,' before being abruptly cut off by school officials

On Tuesday, after thanking the late night host for the opportunity, Butera began: 'Hopefully, for the sake of future students more people with power within our school, who do not do so already, will begin to prioritize education itself as well as the empowering of students.

'Because at the end of the day it's not what we have done as Wyoming Area students or athletes that will define our own lives, but what we go on to do as Wyoming Area alumni.'

Kimmell joked Butera's comments were the equivalent to a 2-star Yelp review.

After thanking the late night host for the opportunity, Butera began: 'Hopefully, for the sake of future students more people with power within our school, who do not do so already, will begin to prioritize education itself as well as the empowering of students

Kimmell joked Tuesday Butera's comments was the equivalent to a 2-star Yelp review

Butera shared these same remarks on Facebook after his speech was cut short, and the post was liked and shared hundreds of times.

He also told Citizens Voice, 'I don't think it could've gone any better. I got my point across and them cutting the microphone proved my point to be true.'

The school's principal, Dr Jon Pollard, said Butera was wrong to use commencement as a forum to air grievances.

The school's principal, Dr Jon Pollard, pictured as he goes up to Butera to tell him to stop speaking, said the high school class president was wrong to use commencement as a forum to air grievances

However, Butera told Citizens Voice , 'I don't think it could've gone any better. I got my point across and them cutting the microphone proved my point to be true'

'There is an expectation that graduation speakers deliver their prepared and practiced speech during the ceremony,' Pollard said.

'I recognized that he was not presenting the speech that he had submitted.

'I needed to ensure that no one was offended. He never brought any of his concerns to me and he certainly could have. A graduation ceremony is not the venue for that type of discord.'
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The identity of Banksy may finally have been solved after a slip of the tongue by drum and bass DJ Goldie (above)

The world's greatest art mystery may have finally been solved after the identity of Banksy was apparently revealed by accident in a slip of the tongue - by drum and bass DJ Goldie.

The pioneering musician was being interviewed for a podcast when he referred to the elusive artist as 'Robert'.

It is thought to be confirmation that Banksy is Robert Del Naja - a member of Massive Attack.

Del Naja - known as 3D - is a friend of Goldie and they were both graffiti artists in the same circles in the late 1980s.

Last year, a researcher claimed Del Naja is Banksy which he denied - but listeners say Goldie's gaffe appears to confirm his identity.

Goldie's bombshell occurred around 38 minutes into an interview with spoken word poet Scroobius Pip for his Distraction Pieces podcast which aired on Tuesday.

In it, Goldie is ranting about how the art industry is cashing in on Banksy.

He says: 'Give me a bubble letter and put it on a T-shirt and write "Banksy" on it and we're sorted. We can sell it now.

'No disrespect to Robert, I think he is a brilliant artist. I think he has flipped the world of art over.'

Scroobius Pip says: 'Yeah, completely.'

Goldie, real name Clifford Joseph Price, MBE, then pauses for a few seconds before changing the topic to jazz music.

Drum and bass DJ Goldie was being interviewed for a podcast when he referred to the elusive artist as 'Robert'. It is thought to be confirmation that Banksy is his friend Robert Del Naja (pictured) - a member of Massive Attack

But while the huge slip-up seems to have gone unnoticed by him and the interviewer, one listener cottoned on.

The fan said: 'They were talking about Banksy and then he referred to him as "Robert" and I put two and two together.

'I'm just a random listener but I've heard the rumours - it made my ears prick up.'

Jungle producer Goldie - a former street artist himself - took part in the largest ever British graffiti art battle in the 1980s alongside Bristol artist Del Naja, who later formed Massive Attack.

The hunt for the true identity of Banksy took a twist in 2016 after Del Naja was named as the artist by an investigator who has plotted his art and found they matched up with Massive Attack gigs

In 2016, journalist Craig Williams carried out a five-month investigation into Banksy and concluded that Del Naja, 52, was behind the movement.

He claimed Banksy is not just one person but a team of street artists - and that Del Naja is the ringleader.

It came after he discovered that on at least six occasions, Banksy's work popped up shortly before or after Massive Attack gigs in the same city.

Last year Del Naja denied the rumours and said: 'It would be a good story but sadly not true.

In 2016, journalist Craig Williams carried out a five-month investigation into Banksy and concluded that Del Naja, 52, was behind the movement. He claimed Banksy is not just one person but a team of street artists - and that Del Naja (above) is the ringleader

'Wishful thinking I think. He is a mate as well, he's been to some of the gigs. It's purely a matter of logistics and coincidence, nothing more than that.'

Banksy rose to fame for his provocative stencil work in the late 1990s and ever since, the mystery surrounding his identity has deepened.

At a similar time, Massive Attack were releasing Mezzanine and Del Naja was being credited as the first graffiti artist in Bristol

According to Mr Williams's investigation, six Banksy murals were reported in San Francisco on May 1, 2010 after his band performed a two-night stint in the city that April.

Banksy rose to fame for his provocative stencil work in the late 1990s and ever since, the mystery surrounding his identity has deepened. Above, Banksy's Balloon Girl

Massive Attack played Toronto a week later before more new Banksy murals were reported there.

Later on that tour, Massive Attack headed to Boston's Chinatown a day after a Banksy appeared there.

Similar patterns are reported in 2006 when Massive Attack embarked on a US tour a week before Banksy's Barely Legal exhibition in the city.

In 2008, Bristol street artist - or group - Banksy produced 14 stencils across New Orleans marking the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Del Naja co-wrote the soundtrack to the New Orleans-themed documentary Trouble the Water during the same time frame.

Also in April 2003, Banksy's work appears in Melbourne, the same city Massive Attack had played the month before.

Del Naja also appeared in Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop speaking about the pair's friendship from his early days in the city.

And Banksy even provides the foreword to Del Naja's book 3D and the Art of Massive Attack, which was released last year.

The global graffiti star has also previously been named as public schoolboy Robin Gunningham.
Australia's most wanted terrorist has denied breaking the law, despite rising through the ranks to a senior role in the sinister Islamic State.

Melbourne-born Neil Prakash, 26, has been held behind bars in a maximum-security prison since he was captured crossing the Turkish border in October.

In a court appearance in the city of Killis, the jihadist denied committing any crimes and pleaded not to be sent back to Australia, Daily Telegraph reports.

Australia's most wanted terrorist Neil Prakash has denied breaking the law and pleaded not to be sent back to Australia

Mugshots of Prakash after his arrest in Turkey following a tip-off from Australian security agencies

'I regret that I have joined DEASH,' Prakash told the court, referring to an acronym for the Arabic translation of ISIS.

'But I did not commit any crimes, I did not kill anyone.'

The fanatic claimed he had a change of heart since fleeing Melbourne to take up arms with the jihadist organisation in 2013.

Prakash begged to be sent to a Muslim nation instead of Australia, where he awaits a raft of charges.

'I do not want to be extradited to Australia. I want to be extradited to a Muslim country. I want to be released.'

He was charged with being a member and director of a terrorist organisation and remanded in custody to appear again on September 28.

Prakash is a wanted man in the US, the UK, Israel, Turkey and Australia over his role with the bloodthirsty group.

Reporter Michael Bachelard reportedly witnessed Prakash supervise public beheadings with an armed posse in Mosul.

Prakash has been held behind bars in a maximum security jail since he was captured crossing the Turkish border in October

He claimed he had a change of heart after fleeing Melbourne to join the jihadist organisation in 2013 (pictured in a propaganda film to promote ISIS ideology)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier this month announced Prakash was set to be extradited back to Australia to face a raft of charges.

An arrest warrant for Prakash, issued by the AFP, suggests he will be charged with foreign incursion offences for fighting with the terror group, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation and recruitment for a terrorist organisation.

Prakash, a failed rapper, fled Melbourne in 2013 to join the sadistic jihadist organisation.

He converted to Islam at the notorious Al Furqan Islamic Centre in Melbourne after dropping out of high school.

He has been linked to a number of conspiracies to slaughter Australians, including a foiled Anzac Day plot to behead a police officer in April 2015.

Prakash, a once-aspiring rapper, fled Melbourne in 2013 to join the ranks of the sadistic terror organisation

Prakash used the internet to promote ISIS' ideology and recruit Australians to join the jihadist group

Authorities are also investigating the 25-year-old's involvement in an attack by Numan Haider, who was killed after stabbing two police officers in 2014.

The evidence against Prakash, who is reportedly of Indian, Fijian and Cambodian descent, largely stems from his social media activity.

The fanatic worked tirelessly with an English-speaking cell to radicalise Western people then lure them to the Middle East to fight for the group.

Prakash featured in slick propaganda films to promote ISIS' ideology to young Australians, many of whom died in the war-torn region.
George Heckman, 52, (pictured) and Grant Heckman, 28, both of Westphalia, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a van on a track road, west of Carson City, on Monday

A Michigan school principal killed himself and his adult disabled son in a tragic murder-suicide.

George Heckman, 52, and Grant Heckman, 28, both of Westphalia, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a van on a track road, west of Carson City, on Monday.

Michigan State Police confirmed they were investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.

Police were altered after Heckman, the longtime principal of Pewamo-Westphalia Elementary School, did not arrive for a Monday night school board meeting.

Officers tracked down the principal by pinging his cellphone and found him and his son in the van.

Friends and family were shocked by the news, but some say they can understand what drove him to it.

Janet Pohl, who along with her husband Luke, is a longtime friend of Heckman, say she believes he did it 'out of love for his son and not wanting him to suffer'.

'I don't condone what George did, I don't think anyone condones it, but I understand it. I'm sorry to say I understand it, I wish I didn't,' she told MLive.

Pohl and her husband are also parents of a child with disabilities, and said that Heckman 'saw his son suffer too much, too long.'

Grant was born with cerebral palsy, had severe neurological disabilities, was non verbal and confined to a wheelchair.

He was 'as helpless as helpless could be,' Pohl said. 'Everything had to be done for him,' she said.

Heckman was the longtime principal of Pewamo-Westphalia Elementary School

He was also suffering with painful ulcers from inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

Grant required constant care from Heckman - who cared for him along with his wife Jeanne Heckman, and two other kids, Claudia and Sam.

Pohl said she had wished that Heckman had opened up a more about the struggles he was facing caring for Grant.

Many friends and coworkers had no idea about the difficulties of caring for a severely disabled boy.

He was simply known as a positive and uplifting leader in the area. Heckman was due to take over as superintendent for Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools at the end of June after 20 years as an elementary school principal for 20 years.

A funeral will be held for Heckman and his son on Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia.
This is the heart-wrenching moment a grieving father hears his late daughter's heart beating inside the chest of another person.

Bill Conner cycled an astonishing 1,400 miles from his home in Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the meeting on Father's Day.

Mr Conner was filmed crying as he used a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat of his daughter Abbey inside another person's chest.

The organ was donated to Loumonth Jack Jr, who had been told that he had just 10 days to live after suffering a heart attack.

Bill Conner cycled an astonishing 1,400 miles from his home in Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the meeting with Loumonth Jack Jr, on Father's Day

The grieving father decided to embark on a mammoth 2,600 bike ride to visit the Broward Health Medical Center - the hospital where Abbey's organs were recovered in January

The pair shared a minute-long hug before Mr Jack retrieved a stethoscope so Mr Conner would be able to hear his daughter's heartbeat - months after her passing

Mr Conner told CBS News: 'Knowing he's alive because of Abbey, Abbey is alive inside of him - it's her heart having him stand up straight.'

The grieving father decided to embark on a mammoth 2,600 mile bike ride to visit the Broward Health Medical Center - the hospital where Abbey's organs were recovered in January.

Abbey, who was just 20, had died five months earlier when she and her brother were found unconscious and face down in a resort pool over winter break in Cancun, Mexico.

Abbey Conner was found floating unconscious in a pool in Mexico. Despite emergency treatment, the 20-year-old died.

Abbey is pictured centre with her father Bill Conner to the left and her brother Austin to the right

By the time they were discovered Abbey had suffered irreversible brain damage.

She was kept on life-support for a number of days until doctors were able to harvest her organs.

Abbey had donated four organs which meant four men, aged 20 to 60, were able to live.

When Mr Conner told the Florida donation centre about his plans to ride on her behalf, letters were sent to recipients of Abbey's organs - asking whether they would be interested in meeting her father.

'The only person who has responded at this point is Jack Jr., the heart recipient', said Mr Conner.

The pair arranged to meet 1,400 miles into Mr Conner's trip, at Baton Rouge on Father's Day.

Mr Jack retrieves the stethoscope: He had been told that if he did not get a heart transplant within 10 days that he would die.

But out of tragedy came a miracle. Abbey's death meant Mr Jack was able to get a new heart

Abbey had donated four organs which meant four men, aged 20 to 60, were able to live. She also donated her eyes

They shared a minute-long hug, and Mr Jack retrieved a stethoscope so Mr Conner could hear his daughter's heartbeat for the first time since she died.

Surrounded by My Jack's friends and family, both men began to tear up.

After listening to the heartbeat for some time, Mr Conner jokes: 'Well, it's working!'

Before he continued on his 2,600 mile journey, he added: 'She's alive. Jack's alive and she's alive. It's her heart.

'This isn't about me. This is about Abbey and helping other people in need.'

Mr Conner has started a GoFundMe to bring awareness to the impact of organ donation, with all proceeds going to Donate Life America (DLA) and his 'life saving' bike trip in honor of Abigail.
The owners of a kayak rental company have apologized after making racists comments about white women, Jews and Mexicans in a single Facebook post.

Fort Worth Kayak Adventures in Texas was explaining why it had recently doubled its rates, however in doing so it managed to offend many customers.

The company began one Facebook post stating: 'To all you broke-ass hateful know-it-all white women and Facebook trolls that think they are going to Jew us down'

The City of Fort Worth recently terminated an agreement with a kayak rental service after the company made a racist Facebook post

Fort Worth Kayak Adventures in Texas was explaining why it had recently doubled its rates

The rest of the posting blamed the city for requiring the business to buy expensive liability insurance and share ten per cent of its profits.

But the company wasn't done yet - after an online backlash, the owners removed some of the most offensive parts but added: 'The price is set in stone so stop wasting your time. This is NOT Mexico.'

It resulted in hundreds more followers posting angry responses.

In an interview with NBC 5, the owners apologized.

'We're truly, truly sorry for everything that was said,' said Lori Tenery, who runs the business with her husband and daughter. 'We hope that you will find it in your hearts to forgive us and give us a chance again and make it right.'

The owner blamed the City of Fort Worth for charges associated with liability insurance and permit payments, which the company claims doubled their prices

Tenery even tried to justify the comments by explaining that her husband is Jewish and had no intention of being anti-Semitic.

'We don't mean any harm,' Tenery said. 'We're not racist. We're not prejudiced in any way.'

The couple's daughter, Tiffany Tenery, 17, also apologized.

'I can understand completely why people are upset and I make a public apology to that,' she said. 'The whole Mexico thing was referring to prices, not people.'

The city of Fort Worth has since cut ties with the rental business.
Single parents with children under the age of two have won a landmark appeal against the government's controversial benefits cap.

The judicial review was brought by four lone parent families whose benefits were set to be cut because they could not work the minimum 16 hours a week to avoid the cap.

They claimed the 'catastrophic' cap forced them into poverty.

A judge at the High Court ruled 'real misery is being caused to no good purpose' and said the failure to exempt such families was discriminatory.

However the government said it was disappointed with the decision and intends to appeal.

Four lone parent families with children under the age of two have won the landmark appeal at the High Court against the government's controversial benefits cap

Jeremy Corbyn said the Prime Minister 'should accept the High Court's judgment and end this discrimination against parents and children'

The benefits cap affects some 17,000 families and limits the total amount of benefits a household can receive to 23,000 a year in London and 20,000 elsewhere.

The successful claim was brought over the 'failure' to exempt single parents and their dependent babies and toddlers from the scheme along with a number of other groups.

The solicitor for the families Rebekah Carrier said the cap left parents unable to provide basic necessities for their children.

And the judge in London ruled today that he was 'satisfied that the claims must succeed' against the Work and Pensions Secretary.

Mr Justice Collins announced: 'Whether or not the defendant accepts my judgment, the evidence shows that the cap is capable of real damage to individuals such as the claimants.

'They are not workshy but find it, because of the care difficulties, impossible to comply with the work requirement.

Mr Justice Collins (left) said 'Real misery is being caused to no good purpose' while Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group (right) said the cap 'is a policy that punishes the vulnerable for being vulnerable'

The solicitor for the families said the cap left parents unable to provide basic necessities for their children (file photo)

'Most lone parents with children under two are not the sort of households the cap was intended to cover and, since they will depend on DHP (Discretionary Housing Payments), they will remain benefit households. Real misery is being caused to no good purpose.'

Ms Carrier added: 'The benefit cap has had a catastrophic impact upon vulnerable lone parent families and children across the country.

'Single mothers like my clients have been forced into homelessness and reliance on food banks as a result of the benefit cap.

THE BENEFIT CAP From 7 November 2016, there are different rates for the Benefit Cap - one for Greater London and one for the rest of the country. It is set at 23,000 per per annum for families inside Greater London and 20,000 outside. Single adults' benefits are capped at 15,410 inside London and 13,400 outside. Your benefit will not be capped if you get Working Tax Credit, you get Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, or you have reached Pension Credit age. Advertisement

'Thousands of children have been forced into poverty, which has severe long-term effects on the health and well-being.'

The judge later gave the Government permission to appeal against his ruling.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the ruling demonstrated the failure of the government's austerity agenda.

He added: 'It is failing in its own terms, it's failing our communities, and it's failing the most vulnerable in our country - including the victims of domestic violence and those facing homelessness.

'Labour has stood against the benefit cap, its discrimination against parents with children and the Government's cruel austerity programme.

'The Prime Minister should accept the High Court's judgment and end this discrimination against parents and children.'

Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, added: 'In exposing the absurdity and cruelty of the benefit cap, we hope this case is the beginning of the end for this nasty policy.

'It is a policy that punishes the vulnerable for being vulnerable and even fails on its own terms.'

Mr Corbyn said the ruling demonstrated the failure of the government's austerity agenda

The benefits cap affects some 17,000 families and limits the total amount of benefits a household can receive to 23,000 a year in London and 20,000 elsewhere (file photo)

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said in a statement: 'We are disappointed with the decision and intend to appeal.

'Work is the best way to raise living standards, and many parents with young children are employed.

'The benefit cap incentivises work, even if it's part-time, as anyone eligible for working tax credits or the equivalent under Universal Credit, is exempt.

'Even with the cap, lone parents can still receive benefits up to the equivalent salary of 25,000, or 29,000 in London, and we have made Discretionary Housing Payments available to people who need extra help.

Anne Baxendale from the homelessness charity Shelter, which supported the challenge, said: 'Many of the families say the benefit cap is pushing them into homelessness.

'Many desperately want to work but can't make up the required hours of work a week due to childcare issues or insecure work like zero-hours contracts.

'We are calling on the Government to scrap the cap immediately, before it pushes even more people into homelessness.'
Russia has claimed there is a 'high degree of certainty' that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.

'It is highly likely that Islamic State leader al-Baghdadi was eliminated in an airstrike of the Russian Air Force on a militant command post in a southern suburb of the city of Raqqa,' said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov.

Moscow said last week its forces may have killed the secretive Islamic State leader, but Washington said it could not corroborate the death and Western and Iraqi officials were sceptical.

Russia has claimed there is a 'high degree of certainty' that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured in 2014) is dead

This is not the first time the notorious ISIS chief's death has been reported, however.

In June Syrian state television claimed al-Baghdadi was killed in an airstrike.

Al-Baghdadi, a hate preacher who has a $25million bounty on his head, was believed to be hiding out in the desert outside the besieged city of Mosul in northern Iraq.

In January it was reported the leader had been 'critically injured in airstrikes in northern Iraq.'

The Pentagon said in December it believed that the ISIS chief was alive, despite repeated efforts by the US-led coalition to take out the jihadist group leader.

'We do think Baghdadi is alive and is still leading ISIL and we are obviously doing everything we can to track his movements,' Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told CNN at the time.

'It is highly likely that Islamic State leader al-Baghdadi was eliminated in an airstrike of the Russian Air Force on a militant command post in a southern suburb of the city of Raqqa,' said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov

'If we get the opportunity, we certainly would take advantage of any opportunity to deliver him the justice he deserves,' he said.

'We're doing everything we can. This is something we're spending a lot of time on.'

According to an official Iraqi government document, al-Baghdadi was born in Samarra in Iraq in 1971.

He apparently joined the insurgency that erupted after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and spent time in an American military prison.

This latest development comes as the leaning al-Habda minaret that has towered over Mosul for 850 years lay in ruins, demolished by retreating Islamic State militants.

This latest development comes as the leaning al-Habda minaret (pictured in April) that has towered over Mosul for 850 years lay in ruins

'In the early morning, I climbed up to my house roof and was stunned to see the Hadba minaret had gone,' Nashwan, a day-labourer living in Khazraj neighborhood near the mosque, said by phone. 'I felt I had lost a son of mine.'

His words echoed the shock and anger of many over the destruction of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque along with its famous minaret, known affectionately as 'the hunchback' by Iraqis.

The demolition came on Wednesday night as Iraqi forces closed on the mosque, which carried enormous symbolic importance for Islamic State.

Its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi used it in 2014 to declare a 'caliphate' as militants seized swathes of of Syria and Iraq.
Two days after Travis Kalanick stepped down as CEO of Uber at the request of angry and concerned investors, a new report reveals that the founder of the ride-hailing service will still be an integral part of the company moving forward.

Ariel Investments president Mellody Hobson sat down with CBS This Morning on Thursday to discuss the future of Uber.

And the future she explained, is still very much about Kalanick, who Hobson stated would be an 'ongoing presence' at the company.

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Wise woman: Ariel Investments president Mellody Hobson spoke about the future of Uber on Thursday morning (above)

Same path: She revealed that Travis Kalanick would still have a large role at the company

Lean out: Hobson said that she thought that Sheryl Sandberg would not take the role at Uber

The shock over Kalanick's departure was followed on Wednesday by speculation about who might be stepping into the CEO role at Uber, with Sheryl Sandberg the first name to gain traction.

That is not happening however according to Hobson, who claimed her good friend will not be taking the job.

'So Ive talked to multiple sources around Sheryl, zero chance that shes leaving Facebook. Zero,' said Hobson.

'They made it clear a lot of people want this job, but they also made it clear that they see this job as not one person but a team because they have so much work to do and so many positions,' said Hobson.

That is when she explained that the big challenge for the incoming CEO would be the board member who used to hold their job at the company, which he also founded.

'In some ways I see [Kalanick] as not leaving since he'll stay in the boardroom,' explained Hobson.

'He will be an ongoing presence inside the company and it will be a good thing.'

Kalanick (above in February) will also still have a large say as a board member who owns 10 percent of the company, with his stake worth approximately $7 billion

She then added: 'It may be important long term for the company because he understands it inside and out.'

And while Kalanick's presence may be 'important' for the company, it will potentially be very trying for the new CEO and for the board as they try and land a top-tier executive.

'They have to understand that's going to be hard. That makes it harder to recruit because you have the founder sitting across from you and you may be second guessed,' said Hobson.

'You have to hold yourself in that room.'

Kalanick will also remain a towering presence because of his stake in Uber.

'Huge stake. $7 billion. 10 percent that's just to him,' explained Hobson.

'He has a very special class of voting shares where one of his votes is ten times more powerful than most of the people inside of the boardroom and he'll stay on the board.'

The always-busy wife of Star Wars creator George Lucas appeared on CBS to break this all down as she is also a financial correspondent for the network in addition to her other jobs.

On top of all that, Hobson serves on a number of boards and is a director of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and Starbucks Corporation.

Leading ladies: Ousted Yahoo head Marissa Mayer (left in 2014) and Meg Whitman (right in June 2016) could step into the CEO role

It's electric: Departing GE chairman Jeffrey Immelt (above in March 2016) is another candidate for the job

CEO coifs: Helena Foulkes of CVS (left in 2014) and former Ford CEO Mark Fields (right in February) could step in for Kalanick

Perfect possibility: Tim Armstrong of AOL (above in May 2106) is another leading contender to be CEO

Kalanick, the embattled founder of Uber, resigned on Tuesday at a pivotal, and increasingly problematic, time for the company.

It was not by choice however, with five of the company's biggest investors demanding his resignation according to The New York Times, who obtained a copy of the letter those individuals sent to Kalanick.

In the aftermath of that shocking revolt by the company's primary shareholders, it was revealed that while Kalanick was out as CEO he would remain a member of the Uber board.

'I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight,' said Kalanick.

Meanwhile, one of the investors who demanded Kalanick step down, Bill Gurley of Benchmark, stepped down from his post on the company's board of directors on Wednesday.

Hobson, he always-busy wife of Star Wars creator George Lucas (above in March 2016) appeared on CBS to break this all down as she is also a financial correspondent for the network

Gurley had been pushing for change ever since February, when former Uber employee Susan Fowler wrote about her year working at the company.

Fowler alleged that she and other women at the company were subject to constant harassment by men, and that when she did take complaints to human resources they were always dismissed and nothing was done to change the toxic environment.

She even claimed that at one point an employee with the HR department stated that shew might be the problem, and not the men.

It was not just that either, and Fowler also detailed some members of the staff as doing everything they could to rise up in the ranks while sabotaging not only other workers but also the productivity of the company.

Gurley was replaced by Matt Cohler, his co-worker at the venture firm and a close friend of Sandberg.

It is unclear if he waited to take the position until after Sandberg made it clear that she would not take the job to avoid any possible conflicts of interest, as Gurley seemed to have already planned his exit early in the week.

Among the name floating around as possible replacements for Kalanick are newly ousted Yahoo head Marissa Mayer, Meg Whitman of Hewlett Packard and Helena Foulkes of CVS.

AOL head honcho Tim Armstrong, former Ford CEO Mark Fields, and departing GE chairman Jeff Immelt are also said to be in the mix.

The decision to hire a female would send a strong message no doubt in the wake of the sexual harassment scandal plaguing the company, which led to the termination of 20 employees.

Uber, which was founded in 2009, has raised more than $14 billion ove rthe past eight years.

In the letter to Kalanick, the investors also demanded that an experienced CFO be hired and that the founder and former CEO help the board in their search for his replacement.
This is the shocking moment a man sets a cash machine on fire after finding his bank account had run out of money.

The footage was taken in Yichang, central China's Hubei province and posted online to CGTN today.

Police caught the suspect and are investigating the case.

The man was seen wearing a motorbike helmet as he starts to pour gas on the machine

All of a sudden, the machine explodes and flames can be seen engulfing the ATM booth

The man who was wearing a helmet at the time felt so annoyed that his bank account was out of money that he burnt an ATM.

In the footage posted online today, he can be seen pouring gas into the machine and lighting it on fire causing it to explode.

According to the report, the man set fire to the ATM because his account was empty

As soon as the machine exploded and flames emitted from the machine, the man ran away

Police managed to find the suspect and have launched an investigation

As the machine explodes, the man runs away.

The ATM machine was completely ruined in the explosion.

Police later caught the suspect and are investigating the case.
Potential jurors due to hear Bowe Bergdahl's court martial will be questioned on their feelings about Donald Trump and his claims the army sergeant is a 'dirty rotten traitor'.

Bergdahl is currently facing charges of desertion and 'misbehavior before the enemy' after he disappeared from his Combat Outpost Mest-Malak in Paktika Province, Afghanistan on June 20, 2009.

Judge Colonel Jeffery R. Nance is currently dealing with pre-trial motions before the court martial jury is empanelled.

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The potential jury in the court martial of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, pictured left, will be questioned about their views of President Donald Trump and if they can be impartial

Bergdahl's legal team is currently seeking to remove the 'misbehavior before the enemy' charge as this carries a potential life sentence. The judge said he will rule on the motion later

Bergdahl, left, was captured by the Taliban after he walked off his post in Paktika Province, Afghanistan on June 20, 2009 and was returned to the US following a prisoner exchange

Col Nance ruled he will allow the defense to probe potential jurors' feelings about Trump in a questionnaire being sent in the coming weeks.

Prosecutors have objected to 17 of the approximately 40 questions, including ones asking how prospective panel members voted in the presidential election.

Col Nance ruled: 'I'm going to let you ask pretty much all the questions, but with some changes to address the government's concerns.'

He rejected an earlier motion to dismiss the case over Trump's comments on the campaign trail where he described Bergdahl as a 'dirty rotten traitor'. Trump also claimed Bergdahl should either be executed or sent back to the Taliban.

The hearing is scheduled to take place in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in October.

The judge has yet to rule whether testimony from people involved in the search for the soldier should be included in the sentencing phase pending a guilty plea or a verdict.

A former Navy Seal testified Wednesday that his military career ended when he was shot in the leg during a hastily planned mission to find the missing soldier.

Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer James Hatch told the judge that his team had about 90 minutes to plan their mission and board helicopters after receiving information about Bergdahl's purported whereabouts shortly after he disappeared in 2009.

While on the campaign trail Donald Trump, pictured, described Bergdahl as a 'traitor'

Bergdahl, pictured, will go on trial in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in October

One Navy Seal received a career-ending injury searching for Bergdahl, right, during a hastily-organized rescue operation after his team encountered Taliban terrorists

While pursuing enemy fighters on foot, Hatch was hit by fire from an AK-47. Hatch says he survived because members of his team quickly applied a tourniquet while waiting for a medical helicopter.

'They saved me from bleeding to death for sure,' he testified during the pretrial hearing. Hatch, who entered the courtroom with a service dog and a limp, said he's had 18 surgeries because of the wound.

Prosecutors want to use the injuries to Hatch and others as evidence during sentencing if Bergdahl is convicted. Col Nance, already ruled that the injury evidence can't be used during the guilt-or-innocence phase of the trial scheduled for October.

A legal scholar not involved in the case, Eric Carpenter, said the decision on the injuries could be pivotal.

'This evidence has already been excluded from the guilt phase of the trial, and if it is excluded during the sentencing phase, the heart of the government's case will be gone,' said Carpenter, a former Army lawyer who teaches law at Florida International University. 'This might make the government more receptive to a deal.'

Defense attorney Eugene Fidell declined to say after the hearing whether his client is interested in a plea bargain.

The topic also came up during the hearing. Defense attorneys asked the judge to rule that any alleged desertion ended when Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban hours after he left the remote post.

They say the determination is needed so they can advise their client on how to plead to the desertion charge.

Fidell told the court: 'We need to know so we can tell Sgt. Bergdahl what the consequences are.'

Col Nance responded that Bergdahl can choose to plead guilty to the lesser offense of unauthorized absence, or AWOL, but that prosecutors could continue pursuing the more serious desertion charge if they weren't satisfied.

The judge said he would rule later on the defense's arguments about the duration of Bergdahl's absence.

The judge also said he would rule later on a motion to dismiss the misbehavior-before-the-enemy charge, which could land Bergdahl in prison for life.

Defense attorneys say prosecutors chose the wrong building blocks for the offense because the actions cited in the charge wouldn't be independently criminal, an argument that prosecutors dispute.
Child rape suspect: Corbin James Breitenbach, 23, has been charged with brutally raping and choking a 7-year-old girl in Wichita, Kansas

A registered sex offender has been charged with raping a seven-year-old girl in a strangers apartment in Kansas just six weeks after he was freed from prison for another rape.

Corbin James Breitenbach, 23, was charged on Tuesday with attempted capital murder, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary stemming from last weeks attack in Wichita.

Dressed in an orange jail garb, Breitenbach said little during his first appearance other than to ask his bond amount. When he was told it was $1million, he shook his head.

Sedgwick County Jail records indicate that warrants also have been drawn for charges of attempted first-degree murder, rape, aggravated kidnapping, burglary and another count of aggravated criminal sodomy.

The station KSN reported, citing charging documents, that prosecutors will argue that 'the defendants conduct during the commission of the offense manifested excessive brutality to the victim in a manner not normally present in that offense.'

The convicted registered sex offender was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for choking and raping a 22-year-old woman in 2012, reported Wichita Eagle.

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Crime scene: Police say the suspect entered a second-floor apartment in the 1400 block of North Smith Court in Wichita, Kansas, removed the victim from a bedroom and proceeded to rape her on an outdoor balcony

He was released April 28 on the condition that he report to a parole officer after receiving credit for participating in a rehabilitation or treatment program.

He could have been released as early as December but wasnt because of 32 prison disciplinary reports, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The latest attack happened at around 2.40am on June 11. Police said the suspect snuck into a second-floor apartment in the 1400 block of North Smith Court, where the girl was staying for the night with a friend, without forcing entry and without permission.

Charging documents said Breitenbach, standing at 6 feet and weighing 180lbs, removed the girl from a bedroom, choked her until she was unconscious, raped her on an outdoor balcony and took off.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said he saw the girl on Tuesday and that she is doing better and has been out of the hospital for days.

First appearance: Dressed in an orange jail garb, Breitenbach said little during his first appearance. When he was told his bond was $1million, he shook his head

The condo where she was attacked is directly across a small courtyard from where Breitenbachs girlfriend lives. Police arrested Breitenbach on Thursday at his place of work.

Breitenbach said in a financial affidavit filed with the court that he worked at Joes Car Wash and made $800 a month. He wrote that he lives with his mother and grandmother in Derby and doesnt own a vehicle.

Breitenbachs girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Wichita Eagle that on the morning of the incident, the man was asleep in bed with her after the couple returned home at around 2.30am, give or take a few minutes.

About 30 feet separate the balcony at the girlfriends apartment and the one where the rape took place.

Breitenbach's family said in an audiorecorded statement to the Wichita Eagle that they are in 'utter shock and disbelief.'

It is impossible to communicate the depth of our sorrow and the grief we feel for the victim and her family, they stated.

Tough upbringing: A relative said that as a child, Breitenbach and his siblings spent time in foster care

Aspiring soldier: In his teens, Breitenbach had planned to join the US Marine Corps. Those hopes were dashed when in 2012 he was arrested for raping a 22-year-old woman

A relative of the suspect's revealed to the newspaper that as a child, Breitenbach and his siblings spent time in foster care.

In his teens, Breitenbach had planned to join the US Marine Corps, but those hopes were dashed when in 2012 he was arrested for raping a 22-year-old woman.

That victims fiance told the Eagle that on the day of the assault, he returned home to find his then-girlfriend lying unconscious on the bed. When she came to, she could not walk.

The last thing she remembered was Breitenbach putting her in a chokehold and squeezing her neck until she passed out.

He was convicted of rape in March 2013 and sentenced to 68 months in prison for that crime.
A mother who lives in a high-rise flat with the same cladding used on Grenfell Tower has revealed her eight-year-old daughter asked her 'should we change the house?'

Jonida Saliaj, 36, lives with her two daughters, aged eight and three, on the 18th floor of Bray Tower in Camden, North London.

She revealed her daughter asked her why the 'fire happened' in the tower block just a few miles away in North Kensington.

High rise block residents are horrified that their homes are covered with the same combustible cladding being blamed for the Grenfell Tower inferno. Thahiya Islam told MailOnline: 'They put up this cladding to make the block look nicer but it's putting people's lives in danger'

Camden Council says five towers of up to 23-storeys on its giant Chalcot Estate are potentially dangerous. Elizabeth North, 78, told MailOnline. 'I live on the 7th floor so hopefully I would be able to get out if there were a fire. But what about children living on the top floors?

The process of ripping off the aluminium panels with polyethylene insulation - banned in America and Germany - has already started as scaffolding was put in place this afternoon

Residents in the 721 flats will not be moved and fire wardens will be put there 24 hours a day instead. Abdulazuz Farah, 56, a community worker, said: 'I am really worried for the safety of my family'

Ms Saliaj told the Sun Online: 'I have a daughter she is eight and she is all the time 'mum why did the fire happen? Mum should we change the house?'.'

She continued: 'We do not feel secure. I know that everywhere they are giving fire advice.

'She (her eight-year-old daughter) can't sleep, we can't sleep any more and we do not have much information about what's going to happen because of the cladding.

'I do not think anyone here is feeling secure any more.

'My neighbour lived in this tower since the 1980s one afternoon he said he was going to consider sleeping in the park because he feels secure there.'

It comes as other high-rise block residents have told of their horror that their homes are covered with the same combustible cladding that is being blamed for the Grenfell Tower inferno.

Tenants living on the Chalcots Estate in north London say they cannot sleep at night due to concerns about the safety of their homes.

Thahiya Islam, who lives in the Bray block, told MailOnline: 'We're all really worried.

'They put up this cladding to make the block look nicer but it's putting people's lives in danger.'

Elizabeth North, 78, who has lived on the estate for 35 years says there will be outrage from residents.

She said: 'They (Camden Council) promised us that the cladding was not the same as at Grenfell Tower. Now that it is proven to be the same there will be uproar.

'I live on the 7th floor so hopefully I would be able to get out if there were a fire.

'But what about the families with young children? And there are children living on the top floors - what about them?'

Scaffolders have already started work to replace cladding on the Burnham Tower in Camden today - one of five on the Chalcot estate needing panels ripped off

Scaffolders started to remove cladding at the Chalcot estate in North London as emergency work began today

Julia Mummolo, 24, a shop worker, added: 'Of course I am worried. I have been unable to sleep since the fire at Grenfell.

'I'm trying to find somewhere else to live as I can't stay here. I live on the 16th floor. I don't know how I would be able to get out if there were a fire.'

It comes as a council organised residents' meeting was held at Swiss Cottage library in Camden.

Those who attended were informed and reassured about the steps which will be taken.

Emotions ran high during the gathering as inhabitants of the blocks aired their worries and concerns to a fire brigade borough commander and council figures, including the leader and chief executive.

One resident shouted to the panel during the question and answer section of the meeting: 'You did not check the work, and where you did not check the work you left people in danger.'

She added to supportive claps: 'I want to see someone from the council swing for that.'

Camden Council has revealed five towers of up to 23-storeys on its giant Chalcot Estate are potentially dangerous.

The process of ripping off the aluminium panels with polyethylene insulation - banned in America and Germany - has already started as scaffolding was put in place this afternoon.

But residents in the 721 flats will not be moved and fire wardens will be put there 24 hours a day instead.

The council looks set to sue contractor Rydon, who also carried out the Grenfell work, claiming 'the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned'.

Brian Wright, 78, who lives in the Burnham House block, said tenants were panicking about the cladding.

The retired security guard told MailOnline: 'People are really panicking. It's keeping a lot of people awake at night. They've (Camden Council) have got to get rid of it. Clearly the cladding is putting our lives in danger.'

Mother-of-four Sura Daoud said she was worried but she had nowhere else to go, Mrs Daoud, 38, who is originally from Iraq, told MailOnline: 'I live in the top floor with my children, one of them is disabled, so I am worried about the cladding.

'But it took such a long time to find somewhere to live I don't want to move.

'It was very difficult to find a place to live so I must wait for the council to made the problem better.'

Abdulazuz Farah, 56, a community worker added: 'I am really worried for the safety of my family.

'This is the same cladding and it was put in by the same company. I live on the 17th floor. I don't know how we would get out.

'We are all really worried but we don't have anywhere else to live.'

Another long term resident who asked not to be named added: 'My parents moved in here in 1969. There are no fire alarms, no fire extinguishers and no evacuation plan.'

Mother-of-four Sura Daoud said she had nowhere else to go, Mrs Daoud, 38, originally from Iraq, said: 'I live in the top floor with my children, one of them is disabled, so I am worried about the cladding. But it took such a long time to find somewhere to live I don't want to move'

Brian Wright a retired security guard told MailOnline: 'People are really panicking. It's keeping a lot of people awake at night. They've (Camden Council) have got to get rid of it. Clearly the cladding is putting our lives in danger'

Camden Council has revealed its own independent tests show cladding on five up to 23-storey towers on its giant Chalcots Estate (pictured) is potentially dangerous and will be removed

At least 79 people died in the Grenfell Tower blaze - one of the worst disasters of modern times - and the cladding is believed to have accelerated the blaze rather than slow or stop it

The removal work at Chalcots Estate follows an urgent inspection of the tower block cladding following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower that claimed the lives of at least 79.

Camden Council, which manages the estate, says a sample of the cladding was sent away for testing at the independent Building Research Establishment Laboratory.

Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council, said: 'The new results from the laboratory show that the outer cladding panels themselves are made up of aluminium panels with a polyethylene core.

'Therefore the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned.

'In light of this, we will be informing the contractor that we will be taking urgent legal advice.

23-storey tower blocks in Camden were refurbished with the cladding at a cost of 16m now found to be dangerous - warning posters have been put up in communal areas telling residents

'Whilst we are clear that our cladding design and insulation significantly differs to that at Grenfell Tower, the external cladding panels did not satisfy our independent laboratory testing or the high standards we set for contractors.'

Ms Gould said the insulation used on the Chalcots towers included fire resistant wool and fire sealant which had stopped a fire spreading in a nearby block in 2012.

Construction firm Rydon, which carried out the refurbishment of the exterior of Grenfell Tower which finished last year, installing cladding and new windows, said its work 'met all required building control, fire regulation, and health and safety standards'.

But Chalcots residents were still concerned.

Bill Grover, 45, added: 'I'm furious that we have to live here while they work out how to get rid of this stuff.

'I will do everything I can to stay safe - check all electrical appliances. But it's not just about me. A fire could break out in any of the flats.'

It was revealed today that 600 tower blocks are wrapped in cladding that could go up in the same way as Grenfell Tower and three have already been found to be 'combustible'.

Resident Helen Agyeman said she is relieved there will be fire patrols until the flammable cladding is removed.

Mrs Adyeman, 52, who works in catering, told MailOnline: 'i was not happy to hear that we have the same cladding as in Grenfell Tower where there was that fire.

'But I am happy and relieved that there will be fire patrols.'

Theresa May has said anyone living in dangerous blocks will be evacuated and added that to 100 high-rises a day will be tested for potentially lethal cladding.

Camden Council will rip off the cladding from its Bray, Burnham, Taplow, Dorney and Blashford towers (pictured top left to bottom right) immediately and claim it was not to the specification they demanded

The Grenfell fire was caused by a faulty fridge in one of the flats - and the panels can be seen here exploding off the side

By mid morning on the day after the blaze, the aluminium plastic cladding could be seen charred and melted on the tower in west London

The blocks in Camden, north London were refurbished with the cladding at a cost of 16 million. But in the aftermath of Grenfell warning posters have been put up in communal areas telling residents that the cladding is believed to be the same.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is coordinating the process and facilities allow for 100 samples a day to be tested.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: 'So far, three samples have been found to be combustible.'

She added: 'In terms of how many buildings and how many homes have this type of cladding, the estimate provided to us by councils is that there are approximately 600 high-rise buildings with similar cladding.

'We are in touch with all the local authorities to encourage them to urgently send us the samples and then we will carry out the checks that we need to see where we are with that.'

30,000 BUILDINGS AND 87 TOWER BLOCKS THOUGHT TO HAVE CLADDING Tens of thousands of buildings around the UK are thought to be wrapped in the same type of cladding as Grenfell Tower. The properties are believed to include 87 tower blocks. It is believed that cladding contributed to similar tower fires around the world, including residential blocks in Dubai, but with significantly less casualties. In 2012, one person lost their life and six people were injured after a fire at the Mermoz Tower Roubaix, France. In November 2012 a blaze ripped through the 34-Tamweel tower in Jumeirah Lakes, Dubai, destroying homes. Advertisement

In blocks where the cladding is found to be combustible 'we will do a further test to make sure the building is safe' and residents could be rehomed.

'Obviously nobody will be living in buildings that are unsafe, they will be rehoused if they need to be and landlords will be asked to provide alternative accommodation where that's possible,' the spokesman said.

The Prime Minister revealed that tests in the wake of the Grenfell disaster had raised potential dangers in other buildings.

She insisted urgent steps were now being taken to ensure residents in those blocks were safe - and appealed for landlords who were concerned about their properties to come forward. Three samples are thought to have raised alarm, but the total number of buildings potentially affected is unclear.

The bombshell news came as the PM updated the Commons on the crisis, and again apologised for the 'failures' in the response.

She said an initial report on what caused the fire at Grenfell would be published over the next 48 hours.

More than 700,000 has been paid out to victims so far, who will not have be expected to repay the cash, and a central command centre has been set up to control the response, with more than 600 people working to support victims in the area.

Tests have been carried out on cladding amid fears that many more properties could be subject to similar risks.

Warnings that the insulation used in the Grenfell Tower refurbishment was flammable had been published on the website of its manufacturer.

Celotex confirmed that it supplied its RS5000 insulation for the 8.6 million renovation of the block.

According to details published online, the material 'will burn if exposed to a fire of sufficient heat and intensity'.

It has also been speculated that if a rain-proof layer had been added to the building a small cavity could have been created, which acted as a wind tunnel and accelerated the spread of the flames.
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People have been seen peering over the edge of the Birling Gap near the iconic Seven Sisters today just 24 hours after a second cliff collapsed at Seaford Head in East Sussex.

Shocking images show sightseers fearlessly sitting on top of the cliff face, which is roughly six miles from where 50,000 tonnes of chalk gave way and collapsed into the sea, claiming the life of a woman in her 20s.

The cliffs at Seaford Head in East Sussex have been hit by three unexpected collapses in just two days.

The first happened on Wednesday afternoon, taking a huge section of the coastline with it. Yesterday afternoon there was another collapse, before a giant crack tore into an 80ft chalk-face leading to the third cliff fall last night.

Rescuers yesterday found the body of a woman in her 20s who is believed to have fallen from a clifftop around the time of the dramatic rockfall.

And as the Coastguard has issued a warning urging people to avoid the area, photographs have come to light which show a person teetering near the edge despite the imminent danger.

Sightseers were seen looking over the edge and sitting on top of Birling Gap, roughly six miles from Seaford Head

Dozens of people were seen happily having picnics and exploring the cliff's edge while two other explorers were seen walking on the beach underneath

A sightseer was just feet away from death as 50,000 tons of chalk gave way and a cliff collapsed into the sea in East Sussex

The cliffs at Seaford Head in East Sussex have now been hit by three unexpected collapses in just two days

The identity of the woman found just before 5pm at Cuckmere Haven in the Seven Sisters park is still unknown.

Seaford Town Councillor Phil Boorman said there was a real danger of further collapses and those people close to the edge were risking their lives.

He said: 'Having visited the site with the coastguard emergency team it is clear there could be further cliff falls.

'As a safety precaution the emergency services have cordoned off a large section of Seaford Head.

'But all we can do is appeal to people to not put themselves in danger or be tempted to risk their personal safety for the sake of a simple photograph. Regrettably a lot of people still ignore anything even the coastguard say.'

He said described the people seen enjoying picnics on the cliff edge and visitors walking in the beach beneath the crumbling cliff face as 'complete idiots'.

'They do it all year round and that is bad enough with the erosion of these cliffs but to do it now is just madness.'

The scene of the cliff collapses has created a mini tourist boom in the East Sussex town with some sightseers admitting they had travelled long distances to view the spectacle.

THREE CLIFF FALLS IN JUST TWO DAYS Coastguards are warning the public to keep away from the unstable cliffs at Seaford following three separate cliff falls over the last 48 hours. Wednesday, 4pm: Coastguard alerted to reports of cliff fall at Seaford Head, near Newhaven Thursday, 1.26pm: Second cliff fall at Seaford Thursday, 8.12pm: Third cliff fall at Seaford Head Advertisement

James Longford and his wife Mary, both 35, watched the drama on the news and decided to drive 60 miles from South London to see for themselves.

'The force of nature of quite awesome at times. It is a stunning bit of the coastline but we won't be going onto the cliffs.

'The winds are very strong today and it looks far too risky to be up there.'

Seaford resident Sarnia Pooley watched the figures at the top of the cliff through binoculars with disbelief.

She said: 'Living here we know the dangers. They emergency services have roped off a large area but people still ignore all the warnings.'

Barry Miles, 67, an amateur photographer from Beckenham, London, was taking pictures when the cliff collapsed.

He said: 'Someone said 'look, look what's happening' so I just kept taking photographs.

'It wasn't until someone said later that it was a cliff collapsed, that I fully realised what had happened.

'When I took the photos I thought it was a large wave and spray. There was no noise that I could hear of the cliff collapsing.'

Cliff falls, but nothing on this scale, are known to happen along the stretch of coastline with warning signs and taped-off areas in place to prevent tourists from getting too close to the edge and taking selfies.

Coastguards are now warning the public to keep away from the unstable cliffs at Seaford.

However last night people were witnessed getting close to the edge despite a number of warnings issued by HM Coastguard that the area is 'extremely unstable'.

Authorities have now urged bathers and ramblers to steer clear of the cliffs for fear more sections may continue to collapse.

Coastguards are warning the public to keep away from the unstable cliffs at Seaford following three separate cliff falls over the last 48 hours, all within a close proximity of one another at Seaford Head

A second cliff collapsed in East Sussex - just 24 hours after 50,000 tonnes of chalk and earth crashed on to the shore

A third cliff (pictured) then came crashing into the sea, leading to the Coastguard issuing a warning

Warning signs (right) are in place near the cliffs as they pose a huge risk to beach-goers and people walking underneath the third cliff which has a huge crack in it (left)

A rescue team were searching for the girl who was seen walking with another person by an eyewitness before the collapse - and she has been found safe

The coastguard warned there is no safe place to be and taking selfies on the cliffs endangered life

Authorities have now urged bathers and ramblers to steer clear of the cliffs for fear more sections may continue to collapse

Why do cliffs collapse? Cliffs collapse for a range of reasons. While the most common reason is weathering, there are other factors to consider, such as water crashing against the cliff face, what the cliff is made of, and the climate of the area. For example, softer materials, such as clay are more likely to collapse than harder materials like granite. Bad weather naturally erodes the foundations of a cliff, and can cause it to collapse. One of the most common examples of weathering is when rain fall affects the composition of the cliff. As rain falls, it seeps into the permeable gravel and soil at the top of the cliff, adding weight to it. At the same time, colder winter temperatures can cause the face of this cliff to freeze, as frozen areas weaken as they thaw. If a cliff is against a body of water, such as a sea or ocean, waves crashing on the cliff can also weaken it over time. Cliffs can also collapse as the result of rock slides, when whole slabs of rock detach from an inclined face and collapse, or as a result of mud slides, when wet soil and weak rocks fall. Advertisement

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said they were called at 2.22pm on Thursday to reports a person had fallen from a cliff in the Seven Sisters Country Park. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

He said: 'Two fire engines from Newhaven and Eastbourne were sent to the scene along with officers and the Bexhill and Battle rope rescue units. Coastguard and Sussex Police were also in attendance.'

A Coastguard spokesman added: 'East Sussex Fire Service requested UK Coastguard assistance at an incident at Seven Sisters.

'Birling Gap and Eastbourne Coastguard Rescue Teams and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd were sent to the scene, alongside the South East Ambulance Service and the Sussex Fire Service.'

It comes as a girl in a pink top seen moments before the Seaford Head cliff collapse on Thursday afternoon was found safe and well.

In a tweet the Maritime and Coastguard said: '#SEAFORD UPDATE - Report received on scene that the female in pink top was seen walking away from the cliff fall safe and well.'

Mark Rodway OBE, Maritime Commander, said: 'We are warning beach goers to keep away from the Seaford cliffs area so the emergency services can carry out their work.

'The cliffs along the UK coastline are continually eroding and we've seen a number of cliff collapses in recent months - last night's fall was several thousand tonnes and we are unsure at the current time of the exact scale of the one today.

'It's impossible to predict when the next piece might fall or how big it will be.

'It's very clear that cliffs are unstable in places and we really can't stress enough how important it is to keep back from the edge.'

The coastguard warned there is no safe place to be and taking selfies on the cliffs endangered life.

Commander Rodway added: 'Don't be tempted to go and investigate recent falls and don't risk going to the edge to get a dramatic photo.

On Wednesday a dramatic cliff fall also took place at the shore, near Eastbourne, East Sussex

Beach-goers filmed the rocks crashing into the waters from a height of around 80 metres, throwing up a huge wave

'One of our biggest problems is the 'selfie-culture' where people take risks to get a dramatic photograph of themselves on a dangerous cliff edge - no selfie is worth risking your life for.'

Seaford Town Council clerk, James Corrigan, said: 'It was inevitable there would be further falls over the course of the next couple of weeks.

'We could see from examining the cracks last night there were going to be further falls.

'It's not a surprise but we didn't know it was going to be today.

'This one started further along the coast from the one Wednesday and it's a comparable size but we can only see from the land.

'It's in an ares where you don't normally get walkers but the Coastguard have been out with their heat seeking camera making sure there isn't anybody trapped.'

A photograph of cottages at Birling Gap, East Sussex, (close to cliffs which have fallen) in 1905 shows the third chimney from the left separated from the sea by

But pictures in 2014 showed the property with the same chimney now teetering on the cliff-edge after the sea cut its way through all of the other homes

Large parts of Seaford Head around Splash Point, where the slide occurred, were roped off after cracks appeared on Wednesday

Earlier warnings about the loose chalk attracted people looking to take death defying pictures of themselves on the clifftop

'The area directly beneath the cliff we call 'Splash Point' that's where it was yesterday and has happened again today.'

A huge rescue operation was launched at around 4pm on Wednesday after the rocks crashed into the waters, throwing up a huge wave that stunned crowds.

Emergency services believe it is extremely lucky there was no loss of life after a massive chunk of cliff face chalk plunged into the sea, around six miles from the famous Seven Sisters cliffs.

Large parts of Seaford Head around Splash Point, where the slide occurred, were roped off after cracks appeared.

Earlier warnings about the loose chalk attracted people looking to take death defying pictures of themselves on the clifftop.

Rescue workers from the Fire Service and Coastguard had to search the area to make sure nobody is trapped under the cliff fall

Coastguard spokesman Graham Easton said the emergency services launched a make search and rescue operation just after 4pm Wednesday

Another major cliff fall at almost the same point in the cliffs happened during gale force winds over Christmas 2015.

HM Coastguard spokesman Graham Easton said: 'We would urge people to stay away from the cliff edge.

'The soft chalk is always a risk.'

Rescue workers from the Fire Service and Coastguard had to search the area to make sure nobody was trapped under the cliff fall.

The beach front along the esplanade was packed with tourists and holidaymakers when the white cliffs collapsed.

Mr Easton said: 'Keep well away from the cliff edges and likewise keep clear of the areas below the cliffs as well as there is the potential for more cliff falls, especially at Seaford.

'The photos of the cliff falls and the cracks in the cliff are certainly dramatic but don't risk your life for a good picture, there are plenty of images you can view safely on news and social media channels and we urge you to keep yourself and those with you a safe distance from danger while visiting the coast.

'Not only are people risking their own lives by going close to the edge, they are also risking the lives of Coastguards and other emergency services who would go in and rescue them if they got into difficulty. This is an extremely unstable area and without doubt, lives are being put at risk.'

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed that there were no reports of any missing people in the area after yesterday's fall
President Donald Trump quietly announced his intent to make three appointments to the task force on Wednesday that he formed in May to look into claims of fraudulent voting in the 2016 election.

Until now, the commission has consisted of seven people, including the vice president and the Kansas secretary of state.

The White House had made no additional announcements about the task force that Democrats have called a 'sham' or its work since it was established on May 11, other than Trump's appointments.

He said Wednesday that he was adding a Republican, a Democrat and a county clerk to the commission.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for information about the task force or its progress.

President Donald Trump quietly announced his intent to make three appointments to the task force on Wednesday that he formed in May to look into claims of fraudulent voting in the 2016 election

A statement sent out by the White House on Wednesday night on personnel included three people at the end that it said the president would nominate to serve on his election integrity task force - Luis Borunda of Maryland, David K. Dunn of Arkansas and Mark Rhodes of West Virginia.

Borunda, a Republican, is the Maryland deputy secretary of state and the former chairman of the Maryland Hispanic Business Conference. He founded an organization for Hispanic high students that promotes entrepreneurship and assists with higher education goals.

Dunn is a former Arkansas legislator who leads a government relations and public affairs firm. Term limited, the Democratic lawmaker retired from public service at the end of 2010. His background is in industrial development and taxation, according to the bio on his firm's website.

The third appointee, Rhodes, is a former corrections officer who's served as Wood County Arkansas' county clerk since 2005.

His West Virginia county has one of the highest rates of online voter registrations in the state. Local news reports have detailed the work he's done with the West Virginia secretary of state to clean up his county's voter roles.

'We try to verify every address and then, if we do not see the person, we also flag that they have to show ID at the first time that they go vote,' he told a local news outlet just before the last election.

A statement sent out by the White House on Wednesday night on personnel included three people at the end that it said the president would nominate to serve on his election integrity task force - Luis Borunda of Maryland, (left) David K. Dunn of Arkansas (center) and Mark Rhodes of West Virginia (right)

Trump's executive order allows for up to 15 appointments to the commission.

He previously appointed Connie Lawson, Secretary of State of Indiana, Bill Gardner, Secretary of State of New Hampshire, Matthew Dunlap, Secretary of State of Maine, Ken Blackwell, Former Secretary of State of Ohio and Christy McCormick, Commissioner, Election Assistance Commission, to the task force.

The text of the directive calls for a selection that includes 'individuals with knowledge and experience in elections, election management, election fraud detection, and voter integrity efforts, and any other individuals with knowledge or experience that the President determines to be of value to the Commission.'

It gives the vice president the authority to deputize one of the members of the commission, although Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, was already awarded the job.

Kobach said in a May 14 interview that the commission would be looking at voting irregularities, allegations of fraud and registration issues in all 50 states.

'So what we'll be doing is for the first time in our country's history, we'll be gathering data from all 50 states and we'll be using the federal government's databases which can been very valuable,' he said on Fox News.

The Republican official, who said last week that he was mounting a bid for governor, has a polarizing history in politics. He's the author of Arizona's strict anti-illegal immigration law and a backer of voter ID requirements Democrats say are inherently discriminatory.

Kobach told Fox that identity theft is a problem but he is most concerned about double voting.

'We'll try to get some numbers, some actual statistics because you know, this debate is so contentious but often times the debate doesn't have enough facts in the - in the debate and we're going to be providing those facts, putting them on the table and letting the people decide in going where the facts take us,' he stated.

In the interview, Kobach said the commission hopes to be done with its work in a year, even though it has two years to present its findings.

'If for some reason we have to go later, we can. But our hope is one year,' Kobach said then.

Kris Kobach, the Kansas Secretary of State said in a May 14 interview that the commission would be looking at voting irregularities, allegations of fraud and registration issues in all 50 states 'for the first time in our country's history'

Trump's executive order specifically directs the commission to study voter registration and voting processes used in federal elections and and present a report to the president that identifies practices that will 'enhance the American people's confidence in the integrity of the voting processes used in Federal elections.'

The committee is also supposed to assess 'vulnerabilities in voting systems and practices used for Federal elections that could lead to improper voter registrations and improper voting, including fraudulent voter registrations and fraudulent voting.'

Trump had repeatedly claimed prior to the creation of the task force, which he teased for months with no action, that fraudulent ballots were cast in the last election and they affected the outcome.

'In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally,' he said in November.

Trump appeared to be getting his information from a Texas-based group that claimed it had proof that 3 million ballots were illegally cast in the 2016 election.

VoteStand's Gregg Phillips said in a January appearance on CNN that his group was working to verify the information and it would present its findings when the audit was finished.

'We're talking about accusing three million people of multiple felonies....If we jumped out there with, with just our initial analysis rather than refining it and quality checking it, we'd be out here with, you know potentially some people that aren't committing felonies of felonies,' he told CNN's Chris Cuomo.

The president tweeted about Phillips' appearance, giving the effort a boost.

'Look forward to seeing final results of VoteStand. Gregg Phillips and crew say at least 3,000,000 votes were illegal. We must do better!' Trump said on Twitter.

The Texas Tribune said yesterday that Phillips' efforts had stalled, due to a lack of funding for the project, and the organization he was working with, True the Vote, had decided to scale down its effort.

'Next steps up are for us to sort of pull back on the national audit, and focus on targeted investigations,' True the Vote founder Catherine Engelbrecht said in a video message to supporters.

In response to a request from the Texas Tribune on Engelbrecht's announcement, a White House spokeswoman said Trump's election integrity commission would 'assess the situation.'

'President Trump has expressed concerns regarding possible voter fraud and he wants to ensure that the integrity of all elections, which are the cornerstone of our democracy, is preserved,' the spokeswoman said.

Trump won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote by millions of ballots to Hillary Clinton. To date, his allegations of voter fraud have not been proven.

Democrats have charged that the formation of the voter fraud commission was intended as a diverson from the president's firing of FBI director James Comey.

'President Trumps election integrity commission is a sham and an attempt to distract from the both the Russian attack on the 2016 presidential election and blowback the White House is receiving for firing FBI Director Comey,' Karen Hobert Flynn, president of Common Cause, said in a statement on the day the commission was created.

The White House was under heavy scrutiny at the time for its changing story on the reasons for which the law enforcement official was fired.

'Just two days after the ouster of former-FBI Director James Comey and amid growing scrutiny and questions into the Trump campaigns connection with Russia, President Trump is trying to divert attention from the ongoing FBI investigation by returning to his baseless allegations of millions of cases of voter fraud in the 2016 presidential election,' Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin said in a May statement.

Durbin endorsed the notion of a commission that reviews allegations of fraud -President Trumps 'unfounded accusations of widespread voter fraud' that is.

He said the an independent commission should also probe 'Republican efforts to suppress turnout with burdensome voting restrictions, and Russias interference in our election and reports of contact between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.'

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi similarly claimed the Trump task force 'is clearly intended to accelerate the vile voter suppression efforts in states across the nation.'

'The integrity of our elections has been undermined because of the disenfranchisement of American citizens, not the bigoted delusions of widespread voter fraud,' she said. 'If President Trump cannot believe that the majority of Americans voted against him, he should review his own conduct instead of trying to steal the vote from millions of citizens.'


President Trump taunted Democrats Thursday, who have floated the idea of replacing House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in the wake of congressional candidate Jon Ossoff's loss in Georgia.

'I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning. 'That would be very bad for the Republican Party - and please let Cryin' Chuck stay!'

A handful of Democrats in the House have suggested that Pelosi vacate the top post, as Republicans expertly tied Ossoff to the California Democrat, which likely helped him lose the race.

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As a handful of Democrats have called for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (left) to vacate her leadership position, President Trump (right) has chimed in, mockingly saying he hopes she doesn't go

President Trump tweeted Thursday morning that wanted to see House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi remain in her position - so that Republicans can run against her

Both Reps. Kathleen Rice, R-N.Y. (left), and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio (right), have been critical of Nancy Pelosi's leadership, suggesting her time at the top is up

On Morning Joe Thursday, Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., made a plea for Pelosi's ouster.

'Nancy Pelosi was a great speaker, she was a great leader, but her time has come and gone,' the New York Democrat said.

While Rice acknowledged the credit Pelosi has been given by her colleagues for being a great fundraiser, Rice noted that the money hasn't helped Democrats win elections.

Ossoff's race against Republican Karen Handel was the most expensive House race in history.

HuffPost senior politics editor Sam Stein asked Rice if she believed Pelosi to be an 'out-of-touch San Francisco liberal,' which is the way Republicans have portrayed the top House Democrat in political attack ads.

'I do not believe she is an out-of-touch San Francisco liberal,' Rice replied. 'I believe she is not the leader for the future of the Democratic Party. It's that simple.'

Rice also bemoaned the treatment Pelosi received from Republicans, but that didn't stop her from maintaining the former House speaker should be ousted.

'Do I think it's fair that the Republican playbook over the last four election cycles has been attacking Nancy Pelosi and demonizing her?' Rice began. 'No, that's not fair,' Rice said. 'Nor is it accurate. But guess what? It works, they're winning. We have to address that reality.'

'There comes a time in every leader's life when they have to know that it's time to leave and usher in the next generation of leaders,' Rice said. 'I personally think that time is now.'

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, had challenged Pelosi for her leadership position earlier this year, and agreed, during an interview on CNN Wednesday night, that Republicans' ads using her as a Democratic boogey-woman have been effective.

'I don't think it's fair,' Ryan told Don Lemon. 'But, clearly, these ads using her, linking her to our candidates is still working.'

'I mean, I wish it wasn't true,' he added.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (left) sang the same tune as the president, hoping Democrats would leave Nancy Pelosi in place, because the Republicans know how to run against her and win

Asked by Lemon if he thought Pelosi was more toxic than Trump, Ryan said yes.

'You know what, the honest answer is in some areas of the country  yes, she is. That's the honest answer,' Ryan answered.

Ryan told Lemon that earlier that night, another member of Congress, clearly a Republican, had pulled him aside and said, 'Please tell me you're not going to get rid of Nancy Pelosi, please tell me she's not going to retire because that's who I run against.'

'She's less popular than Donald Trump in my district,' Ryan admitted.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also spoke of the potent tool Pelosi is for Republicans to use against Congressional Democrats.

'I mean, we have all the ads done. They worked perfectly in Georgia,' said Gingrich, who used to represent the district in Congress that Ossoff just lost.

'We know know exactly how to run against a Nancy Pelosi-led party,' he continued.

'We'd love to have the question be in 2018, Nancy Pelosi versus Paul Ryan,' Gingrich added. 'And I hope that the Democrats keep her right where she is for a long, long time. At least a decade.'
Cops in Texas managed to save a puppy from inside a car as temperatures soared into triple digits.

Dashcam video released by Manor Police near Austin shows them working to rescue the little dog who was trapped inside a hot car this weekend.

All four windows to the vehicle were closed, causing the temperatures inside to rise significantly.

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A Texas puppy is recovering today after being left inside the sweltering heat of a car

Witnesses discovered Anabella, a 8-week-old German Shepherd-Husky mix, locked inside a car in Manor, Texas, where temperatures reached 100 degrees

The dog was near death when it was pulled out and had been hiding under a car seat to find some shade

Police identified the car owner as 20-year-old Chandler Allen Bullen. Bullen told police he left the puppy in the car without the engine running because he didn't 'want to waste gas.' He faces charges of cruelty to a non-livestock animal

Outside, the temperature in Austin hit 100 degrees for the first time this year.

By the time officers arrived on the scene the puppy, named Annabelle, who is just eight-weeks-old, was panting and crying and trying to hide under a rear passenger seat in an attempt to find shade.

She was found locked in a car in a Wal-Mart parking lot Saturday afternoon

Officers managed to successfully open the doors to the car by using a tire iron to reach through the sunroof and hit an unlock button.

Officers said that the puppy was overheated, infested with fleas, had several lesions and appeared to be in poor condition.

The owner of the vehicle, 20-year-old Chandler Allen, returned to the car about half-an-hour later and was then promptly arrested on animal cruelty charges. He may lose his rights to the dog and may possibly be sent to jail for up to a year in jail and be handed a $4,000 fine if convicted.

Incredibly, Annabelle has staged a 'miraculous recovery' and is now back to running around and wagging her tale. She is healthy once again, but also extremely lucky

'The officers just spoke with him and asked him why he left the animal in there with the windows up and the extreme heat,' said Manor Police Sgt. Randall Anderson to KXAN, 'and his reaction was, basically, he didn't want to waste gas.'

'It's sad to hear because they're defenseless much like children,' Anderson said. 'You know, they can't get out of the car by themselves, and it's kind of just stuck in there.'

After freeing the puppy, officials transported her to a local veterinarian, Dr. Katharine Lund, at the Austin Animal Center.

Lund told reporters the puppy was near death when she received it.

However, after receiving treatment, little Annabelle is showing signs of a 'miraculous recovery.'
Two people walking along a riverbank stumbled across an ancient Native American dugout canoe thought to be up to 1,000 years old.

Robert Cornett and Jeanna Bradle noticed the 33-foot-long craft sticking out of the mud on the Red River north of Shreveport in Louisiana two weeks ago.

The canoe, which weighs some 1,000 pounds and is three-foot-wide, is thought to be the largest ever found intact in the USA.

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Robert Cornett and Jeanna Bradle noticed the 33-foot-long craft sticking out of the mud on the Red River north of Shreveport in Louisiana two weeks ago

It was constructed 800 to 1,000 years ago by digging out a cypress trump, most likely by the Caddo Indians, who settled in the area.

The find is in excellent condition, although one side of it is missing,

The pair came across the find after Mr Cornett decided to take time off work for a boat trip as it was his birthday.

Archeologist Jeffrey Girard from the Louisiana Archaeological Society and Robert Chip from the State Archaeological Division excavated the boat.

The canoe, which weighs some 1,000 pounds and is three-foot-wide, is thought to be the largest ever found intact in the USA

It was constructed 800 to 1,000 years ago by digging out a cypress trunk, most likely by the Caddo Indians, who settled in the area. Pictured: The excavation team

Mr Girard said a similar canoe was found locally in 1983. This is now on display at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport.

'It's not common to find them. It's only the second one we've found in this area,' he told Fox 33. 'They're both very similar to one another and very large.'

The pair came across the find after Mr Cornett decided to take time off work for a boat trip as it was his birthday

The canoe has been taken to Texas A&M University where a conservation process will begin that could take two years.

A wood sample has been taken away for radiocarbon dating and the craft will go on display when scientists are certain it has been protected from decomposition.

The landowner donated the craft to the state, and it will be displayed locally to Red River when it is ready.

Dugout canoes were first used during the European Stone Age around 8,000 years ago.

They were made by felling a tree trunk and digging out enough wood so it was sufficiently buoyant but not enough to leave it weak.

Complete trunks tend to preserve better than separate pieces of wood, so the canoes were very useful for long-term use for hunting and fishing.

The Solomon islanders of the South Pacific still use the technology to travel between the islands.

Some of the canoes are very small, around six feet, and are designed for children.
A long-awaited report into the Southern Rail meltdown has squarely blamed unions for pursuing industrial action with 'debatable' motives.

The assessment by Chris Gibb says the RMT and Aslef were the 'primary cause' of the chaos that caused misery for hundreds of thousands of commuters last year.

He pointed out that the industrial action - strongly backed by Jeremy Corbyn - was 'hard to comprehend' given that no jobs were under threat and driver-only operated trains were already in 'extensive' use across the UK and Europe.

The independent report, which was completed in December but has only just been published by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, comes as the RMT and Aslef prepare a new wave of strikes and overtime bans after refusing settlement offers from management.

The assessment by Chris Gibb says the RMT and Aslef were the 'primary cause' of the chaos that caused misery for hundreds of thousands of commuters last year (pictured)

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan (left) and RMT general secretary Mick Cash (right) were behind the industrial action

Mr Gibb, a Network Rail director with more than three decades' experience working on the railways, makes clear that there are huge problems with services on Southern.

The document highlighted unreliable infrastructure, overcrowded trains and stations, and an unrealistically tight timetable.

But he concluded that the RMT and Aslef were the 'primary cause' for the chaos that caused months of misery for travellers.

The unions were taking strike action, declining to work overtime and 'generally not supporting and undermining' the system.

'Before this formal action, there were clearly unusually high levels of short-term sickness,' he wrote.

'The action is obviously reducing the service to passengers, but also the needs of every other party in the system.

'If any other part of the system has a fault, the strike and overtime ban magnifies this many times.

'No element of the system is perfect, and it can all improve. But I am convinced by what I have seen that if the traincrew were to work in the normal manner that they have in previous years, the output of the system, a safe and reliable rail service for passengers, would be delivered in an acceptable manner, which would be similar to other commuter rail services in the South East.'

In a damning passage, Mr Gibb said: 'Their action is undermining the system, and its value to the country that funds it through fares and taxes.

'Whatever their motives, which are debatable, I do not support their action. They should influence changes to the system through engagement, such as improving customer service, the safe despatch and operation of trains, and Driver Only Operation.'

The report went on: 'The fact that nobody is being made redundant or losing pay against their wishes, that there will be more GTR trains operating with two people on board, and that safe Driver Only Operation is already extensive in GTR, the UK and Europe, just serve to make this dispute more difficult to comprehend, especially for the passengers.'

Commuters using London Waterloo station were among those who suffered months of misery during the action, which is just about to resume

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in the Commons today) has been a vocal champion of the strikes and vowed to join picket lines

Aslef has announced it is to ballot its members for strikes in a new row over pay, threatening a fresh wave of crippling strikes from the end of July.

The union is also reimposing an overtime ban from next Thursday, after rejecting an offer of a 23.8 per cent pay rise that would have taken the package for drivers to more than 75,000 a year..

Meanwhile, RMT has said that workers on Merseyrail will strike on July 8, 10 and 23, and Southern staff will walk out on July 10.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said. 'No wonder the Government have sat on the Gibb report for seven months. It's taken them that long to slice and fillet it into a document that they can spin as an attack on the unions and the staff. Nobody who uses Southern Rail day in and day out will be fooled by this fit-up by Chris Grayling and the minority Tory Government.

'This is a classic case of who pays the piper calls the tune. It's a shame Mr Gibb never bothered to talk to the unions and the staff and has allowed himself to be used by the Government as a human shield over the Southern Rail fiasco.'

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: 'I note Chris Gibb states that no single party is responsible for Southern Rail's performance. He's right. It's a combination of the Department for Transport and GTR/Southern deliberately provoking an industrial dispute.

'The Southern Rail network is a microcosm of the entire rail industry.The Government has been sitting on the Gibb report for six months. Why were they so afraid to publish it?'
The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released data of the fastest growing professions for the past 12 months.

Law and accountant-based industries have seen the biggest surge, with 62,000 new jobs being introduced.

Farming and retail sectors have been the hardest hit, losing nearly 30,000 employment roles since May of 2016.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released data of the fastest growing professions for the past 12 months. Law and accountant-based industries have seen the biggest surge, with 62,000 new jobs being introduced

The ABS data, released Thursday, showed professional and scientific services leading all sectors with 62,000 new opportunities.

Accommodation and food services had a strong increase of 42,800, with education close behind at 42,000.

Employment opportunities by industry in last year Professional and Scientific services: +62,000 Accommodation and Food Services: +42,800 Education: +40,000 Health Care: +33,000 Public Administration: +30,100 Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste: -13,900 Retail: -19,500 Agriculture: -29,000 Advertisement

Healthcare and public administration had growth of 33,000 and 31,000 respectively.

However, in further bad news for farmers, the agriculture industry experienced the steepest decline, losing 29,000 jobs in the past 12 months.

Pricing policies of major supermarket chains have ravaged the farming industry, and employment possibilities are suffering as a result.

The retail sector has been hit hard by the convenience and affordability of online shopping, and that has been reflected in the ABS' data.

Retail jobs have dropped by 19,500 since May last year, and those trends could be set to continue as Amazon sets up in Australia.
Meet Brazil's wonder dog, who goes by himself to the local veterinary clinic every day to fetch his own food and bring it home.

The story of the independent little pup is melting hearts worldwide after the video of him performing his daily chore was shared on social media.

His name is Pituco and he is from the city of Parai, in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

According to the vet who works at the clinic and pet shop around the corner, the smart canine comes alone to the clinic every day and well-loved in the area.

The story of Pituco is melting hearts worldwide after the video of him performing his daily chore was shared on social media

According to the vet who works at the clinic and pet shop around the corner, the smart canine comes alone to the clinic every day and well-loved in the area

The vet said: 'Everyone knows Pituco. His food is usually placed on a shelf and when he comes in we give it to him. He usually barks until we do. '

Images of the cute little black and white dog show him walking out of the shop with a packet of food in his mouth, he walks down the driveway and turns down another road, stopping momentarily for a wee break, before he turns again down another lane.

Pituco even sometimes carries home not just his biscuits, but food for the cat and other family pets too

According to the vet, the owner settles the account later.

Pituco even sometimes carries home not just his biscuits, but food for the cat and other family pets too.

The footage uploaded to Facebook has turned Pituco into a social media star with over 3,000 shares of his daily outing.
The veteran police officer who was repeatedly stabbed during Wednesday's terrorist attack at a Michigan airport was able to wrestle the Tunisian assailant to the ground, despite bleeding profusely from wounds in his neck.

Amor Ftouhi, 49, a resident of Montreal, Canada, was immediately taken into custody after knifing airport police Lt. Jeff Neville at Bishop International Airport in Flint while yelling, 'Allahu Akbar.'

A criminal complaint charging him with committing violence at an airport says Ftouhi asked an officer who subdued him why he didn't kill him.

The incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism, but authorities are treating Ftouhl at this time as a 'lone-wolf attacker', said FBI Special Agent in Charge David Gelios.

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Hero cop: Lt. Jeff Neville (left) was said to have bravely fought Amor Ftouhl (right) when the man attacked him with a knife at the Flint, Michigan airport on Wednesday

Neville was at his post at the top of a set of escalators just before 10am when he was attacked from behind by a man wielding a knife similar to a Bowie knife. Above, the airport Wednesday

The FBI is reportedly investigating the stabbing as a 'possible act of terror'. Above, the airport on Wednesday

Witnesses said that the weapon that the attacker used was similar to a Bowie knife, like the one above

Airport police Chief Chris Miller said of Neville, a 16-year law enforcement veteran, that he 'fought him to the end,' managing to stop the stabbing and bring Ftouhi to the ground as the chief and other officers rushed to his aid.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect being led away as Neville was gushing blood, a serrated 12-inch knife lying on the ground.

'The cop was on his hands and knees bleeding from his neck,' Ken Brown told The Flint Journal. 'I said they need to get him a towel.'

Cherie Carpenter, who was awaiting a flight to Texas to see her new grandchild, told Flint TV station WJRT she saw the attacker being led away in handcuffs. She described the man in custody as appearing 'blank, just totally blank.

Neville was in satisfactory condition after initially being in critical condition, Miller said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference where the charge against Ftouhi was announced.

Ftouhi appeared in federal court in Flint to hear the charge and will get a court-appointed attorney. A court spokesman says Ftouhi will remain in custody until a bond hearing next Wednesday.

The suspect, who is married and has children, is being charged with violence at an international airport, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

More charges could be filed as prosecutors take the case to a grand jury seeking an indictment.

Police dogs search cars in a parking lot at Bishop International Airport, Wednesday morning, June 21, 2017, in Flint, Michigan

A police dog and his handler patrol a different part of the airport parking lot on Thursday

Flint, Michigan, Mayor Karen Weaver, left, listens to FBI officials speak, standing alongside Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson at Bishop International Airport in Flint on Wednesday

The FBI said Ftouhi, who reportedly has dual citizenship in Canada and Tunisia, has 'a hatred of the US' and yelled about Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan while he carried out his attack.

Authorities also gave more details about Ftouhi's movements before he tried to murder Lt. Jeff Neville by stabbing him in the neck.

Officials say Ftouhi, who lives in Quebec, legally crossed into the US on June 16 via Lake Champlain in New York.

According to Le Journal De Montreal he is originally from Tunisia and his picture was released to Fox 2 Detroit.

On Wednesday morning, he arrived at the Flint airport and walked around a bit - never going past security into the terminals.

They say he spent some time on the first level of the airport, before going upstairs to a restaurant. He then went into a bathroom, dropped his baggage there and then came back out to attack Neville.

At 10am, Ftouhi came up to Lt Neville and stabbed him in the neck with a 12-inch knife equipped with an 8-inch serrated blade while yelling 'Allahu Akbar'.

A police officer stands outside the home of Amor Ftouhi, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 21

Police investigators talk outside the home of Ftouhi. Three people staying at the residence had been taken in for questioning

The building landlord in Montreal said Ftouhi was not a difficult tenant

The saying means 'God is great' in Arabic, and is often shouted by Islamic terrorists before attacks or suicide bombings.

The FBI spokesman also said that Ftouhi said something to the extent of 'you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and you're all going to die'. He added that it was clear the Ftouhi had a 'hatred for the U.S.'

Ftouhi was taken into custody within a minute of the attack.

Police in Canada were searching a Montreal apartment. Montreal police spokesman Benoit Boiselle said officers with their department were assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the search on behalf of an FBI request.

Boiselle said three people staying at the residence had been taken in for questioning.

Luciano Piazza, the building landlord, said Ftouhi was not a difficult tenant.

'I never had any problems with him,' Piazza said. 'I'm really surprised. I would see him at least once a month, when he paid his rent.'

Authorities said there's no indication that Ftouhi was connected to any international terror organization, or that he was part of any wider plot.

'At this time we view him as a lone-wolf attacker,' Gelios said. 'We have no information to suggest any training.'

Sources told NBC 25/Fox 66 that Ftouhi tried to buy a gun before the attack, but was denied one so he bought a knife instead. The whole incident inside the airport was caught on video, the sources added.

Officials also offered an update on Neville's condition, saying he was 'resting comfortably' at a hospital.

He was hospitalized after the incident in critical condition, but his condition improved after undergoing surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Neville (pictured left and right) was retired from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office

A police officer sets up a flare to block the turn lane into Bishop International Airport on Wednesday

Neville has worked as an officer at the airport since 2001. He is currently second in command with the airport police.

Before joining the airport, he worked for two decades at the Genessee Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Robert Pickell told WJRT that Neville was an 'amazing deputy'.

Genesee County Commissioner Mark Young, a friend of Neville's, said Neville left that department in 1997 as a lieutenant after serving in various capacities with the sheriff's office including in the jail, on road patrol and as a court officer.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump was briefed on the stabbing, and US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he was 'proud of the swift response' by authorities from both the U.S. and Canada.
A man accused of knocking out a 61-year-old woman with a single punch before repeatedly stamping on her head and trying to rob her claimed that she attempted to steal from him first.

Devin Brown, 24, is alleged to have approached the woman - a stranger - at the corner of Forsyth and Stanton streets in Manhattan at 6am before savagely beating her.

The victim is said to have been in hospital for a month and could suffer from permanent brain and vocal cord damage.

But according to court papers, Devin - who was arraigned on Wednesday at Manhattan Supreme Court - shouted at cops that apprehended him soon after the attack: 'That b**** robbed me first.'

Pictured: Devin Brown, who pleaded not guilty at Manhattan Supreme Court after being charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery and assault

According to court documents, Devin Brown (pictured) said the 61-year-old woman he is accused of beating had attempted to rob him

According to the New York Post, he added: 'Whats this about? You guys are acting like I killed somebody'.

He has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, attempted robbery and assault charges.

Assistant District Attorney Alissa Marque said the victim was still in hospital, adding that her vocal cords are 'severely damaged' and she 'cannot speak and eat without a feeding tube'.

But Lorin Nathan, for the defense, said there was 'substantial' intoxication involved in the incident.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. said the details of the 'senseless attack' on May 20 are 'truly shocking', adding: 'No one should have to fear walking our citys streets'. Pictured: Devin Brown

Hours after the attack, Brown claimed he was 'drunk and on Xanax' during the ordeal and had also smoked marijuana, causing him to forget everything.

He also claimed that, since he has three sisters, he 'would never lay [his] hands on a lady'.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. said the details of the 'senseless attack' on May 20 are 'truly shocking', adding: 'No one should have to fear walking our citys streets'.

Brown's bail is $500,000.
A man has been killed after a tanker and a car collided on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

The tanker, carrying flammable material, collided with the car at about 8.15pm on Thursday near Tyabb.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a man travelling in a Mercedes sedan crossed onto the wrong side of the road and crashed into the tanker which was carrying LPG and petrol.

The driver of the Mercedes was killed in the crash but the tanker driver escaped serious injury.

A man has been killed after a tanker and a car collided on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula

Explosions and a fire were reported after the crash, with emergency services prevented from getting closer to the scene because of the blaze.

Tyabb local Bruce Thompson said he heard a series of explosions from his home, which is about 500 metres from the accident site.

'I heard a massive explosion and then five or six smaller explosions after that,' he said.

'It really shook the house.'

Mr Thompson said there had been smaller incidents on the highway but it was a good road.

A Country Fire Authority spokeswoman said at least 100 firefighters had worked to extinguish the blaze caused by the explosion.

Ambulance Victoria said a man was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

He was taken to Frankston Hospital in a stable condition.
Australia will back the Philippines in the war against pro-Islamic State fanatics by sending cutting-edge spy planes over the war-torn nation.

Defence confirmed Australia will fly P-3 Orion aircraft over the Mindanao region, where a bloody battle between the army and jihadists has entered its fifth week.

The revelation fuels fears of battle-hardened IS militants finding a foothold in South East Asia after losing ground in the Middle East, reports Sydney Morning Herald.

Threats to regional security loom large after a wave of violence in the nation's south, including the beheading of a police chief.

Australia will fly P-3 Orion aircraft (pictured) over the Mindanao region to back the war against pro-Islamic State fanatics

A bloody battle between the army and jihadists on Marawi city (pictured: smoke billows from a battle zone) has entered its fifth week

'The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh [Islamic State] and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests,' Defence Minister Marise Payne told the newspaper.

'I recently spoke with my counterpart Secretary of Defence Delfin Lorenzana about how Australia can assist the Philippines in its fight against extremists. We agreed the best way to defeat terrorism in our region is for us to work together.'

The use of the planes is classified, however they may pick up signals like mobile phone calls and take aerial images of battle zones to tip-off the Philippines military.

Fears are mounting that would-be terrorists from Australia and other nations could beef up the ranks of four Islamist groups waging the insurgency.

Therea are fears IS militants are finding a foothold in South East Asia after losing ground in the Middle East (pictured: a soldier with an IS flag in Marawi city)

An armored personnel carrier moves amongst stuck vehicles of residents fleeing Marawi

A recent wave of violence has heightened the threats to regional security (pictured: ISIS media shows an extremist waving the ISIS flag in the region)

On Wednesday, an army of Islamists held 31 hostages captive - including 12 children - using some as human shields during a gun battle with troops in Pigcawayan town.

Fighting in Marawi has claimed at least 350 lives, with the figure expected to rise amid reports of fleeing residents seeing scores of bodies in bomb-ravaged debris.

Australia and neighbouring nations are holding a summit in August to address the threat of homegrown militants returning from foreign battlefields.
German hip hop star and former sex worker Schwesta Ewa has been sentenced to a suspended two and a half year prison term for assaulting prostitutes and for tax fraud.

The 32-year-old, whose birth name is Ewa Mueller, was cleared of accusations she had forced fans into prostitution and of procuring and human trafficking charges.

It was claimed she had pimped fans out between November 2015 and September 2016 and did not declare the profits she made from the girls' prostitution.

The prosecution did not prove it in court and the allegation was thrown out.

German hip hop star and former sex worker Schwesta Ewa, pictured leaning against a wall in a pink bikini, has been sentenced to a suspended two and a half year prison term for assaulting prostitutes and for tax fraud

The 32-year-old, born Ewa Mueller, was cleared of accusations she had forced fans into prostitution and of procuring and human trafficking charges. Here she is pictured squatting in the street

The rapper's Instagram account is littered with pictures of her posing in a bikini

It was claimed Ewa, pictured left in a red outfit holding her crotch and right in her underwear looking out of a window, had pimped fans out between November 2015 and September 2016 and did not declare the profits she made from the girls' prostitution. The prosecution did not prove it in court and the allegation was thrown out

Schwesta Ewa, pictured here in a white bikini, worked in red-light districts as a teenager and was addicted to crack cocaine

The Polish-born musician with the gangsta rap name Schwesta 'Sista' Ewa grew up in Germany, working in red-light districts as a teenager and using crack cocaine.

She was arrested in November on charges of having forced the girls aged 17 to 19 into prostitution.

She admitted to having beaten some of them but said the girls had voluntarily engaged in prostitution, which is legal in Germany.

The claim was backed by several of the girls who testified in court.

She was freed after some eight months in pre-trial detention after the court in the western city of Frankfurt decided to suspend the jail term.

The Polish-born musician with the gangsta rap name Schwesta 'Sista' Ewa, seen here posing near the sea, grew up in Germany

The prostitute-come-rapper became a hit with her fans in part due to her massive tribal tattoos

The heavily-tattooed rapper poses in a blue outfit in an untidy apartment (left) and on a balcony (right)

The former sex worker poses with an enormous chain around her neck and wearing a leopard print bikini

Schwesta Ewa, 32, released an album called Kurwa, which reached number 11 in the German charts

Ewa was born in Poland in 1984 but moved to Kiel in the far north of Germany aged three when her mother relocated.

Having landed a job as a waitress, she got dragged into the sordid life of prostitution in the city's red light district when she was still just a teenager.

By the time she was 20, she was addicted to crack and slept in Frankfurt Railway Station.

After a decade as a sex worker, she caught a break when German rapper Xatar saw potential in her in 2011.

He was still in prison for a 1.8million gold heist in December 2009, but when he got out he released a new album and produced Ewa's first LP - Kurwa - which is a slang Polish term for w***e, in a nod to her past.

The album reached 11 in the German chart after it was released in 2015.
He dresses up as Spiderman to entertain sick children in hospital during the day - but he still deals with a bug problem at night.

Christian Costanzo from Phoenix, Arizona, discovered more than 30 scorpions in his apartment. The children's entertainer found dozens of the pests and placed them in a jar after a 30-minute search.

Now he wants to break his lease, since his landlord has not acted on his complaints to solve the problem.

'We went in and we told him about it and they just sort of laughed it off, saying oh well its Arizona,' he told ABC 15.

Scroll down for video

Christian Costanzo from Phoenix, Arizona, discovered more than 30 scorpions in his apartment

Costanzo - pictured left - decided to hunt the pests himself after his girlfriend - right- got stung, although she did not have a reaction

Costanzo first moved into the apartment he shares with his girlfriend six months ago. When he began seeing scorpions around, he told both his landlord and his apartment management.

The building's authorities sent exterminators to get rid of the pests but those efforts still did not solve the problem.

'They came, they sprayed around, and nothing really changed after that. I kept seeing scorpions,' said Costanzo.

He then decided hunt for the pests himself when his girlfriend got stung, although she was not seriously hurt.

He then posted video and photos of the sinister creatures he hunted down on his Facebook page, which has since been shared more than 2,000 times.

Scorpions tend to live in areas like Arizona, which are hot and wet. The Poison and Drug Information Center recorded 588 calls from Arizona residents reporting a scorpion sting in 2016 alone.
Asylum seekers living at the Australian-run immigration camp on Nauru are reportedly accused of using a teenage prostitute and harvesting drugs.

One detainee has been charged with indecent assault of a minor, while four others are facing drug charges, according to The Courier Mail.

A sixth person, a Tuvaluan woman, was detained in May accused of providing sexual services to male asylum seekers in exchange for money, the paper reported.

Asylum seekers on Nauru are reportedly accused of hiring a teenage prostitute and harvesting drugs (file image taken on Nauru in 2001)

One asylum seeker has been charged with indecent assault of a minor, while four others are facing drug charges (stock)

It is understood the detainees facing drug charges are accused of growing marijuana crops on the island.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection told the paper it was aware of the allegations, but said they were matters for Nauru Police and not the Department.

The Australian government pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to house asylum seekers in conditions condemned by human-rights groups.

Australia refuses to settle would-be refugees who arrive by boat, insisting the tough policy dissuades migrants from risking their lives on the dangerous journey.

It is understood the detainees facing drug charges are accused of growing marijuana crops in detention (stock)

Nauru's President Baron Waqa (left) recently told Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (right) the controversial policy was 'working well'

Nauru's President Baron Waqa recently told Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull the controversial policy was 'working well'.

'We know who our friends are, and we know it is great to work alongside you in our fight against people smuggling,' Mr Waqa told Mr Turnbull earlier this year.

'I think the program is working well.'

Last year, The Guardian published more than 2,000 leaked incident reports from Nauru that included allegations of sexual abuse, assaults and self-harm among asylum seekers.

The Australian government pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea to house asylum seekers in conditions condemned by human-rights groups (file photo of asylum seekers on Nauru speaking with journalists in 2001)
The organizer behind a New Mexico treasure hunt that is believed to have claimed its second life, says he is considering cancelling it after authorities urged him to bring an end to the 'nonsense and insanity'.

Colorado pastor Paris Wallace, 52, went missing more than a week ago searching for the buried treasure left by author Forrest Fenn somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. On Monday, a body was recovered near to Wallace's vehicle.

While the body has not yet been official identified as Wallace, it is becoming increasingly likely that he is now the second person to die while trying to recover the bronze treasure chest which is said to contain 265 gold coins along with gems, rubies and hundreds of gold nuggets.

In January 2016, Randy Bilyeu, 54, disappeared along the Rio Grande River in search of the treasure.

Now authorities are demanding that Fenn retrieves the treasure to bring an end to the 'nonsense and insanity.'

Forrest Fenn (pictured in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home in 2014), the organizer behind a New Mexico treasure hunt that is believed to have claimed its second life, says he is considering cancelling it

'He's putting lives at risk,' said New Mexico's top law enforcement officer, State Police Chief Pete Kassetas, noting that he planned to contact Fenn personally to ask him to call off the hunt.

'That is an option, but I have not made a decision yet,' Fenn told Fox News on Tuesday. 'Today I have received over 200 emails urging me to not call off the hunt, and two that think I should.'

However, he did call the disappearance of Wallace 'tragic' and said he was still considering how to make the hunt safer or whether to simply cancel it entirely.

On Sunday, he issued a statement to CBS This Morning saying: 'My heart and my prayers go out to his family and his church...this is such a tragedy.'

Fenn says he hid the treasure in 2010, and publicized it during an interview with CBS in which he read a poem with clues to the chest's location.

Both Colorado pastor Paris Wallace, 52, (left) and Randy Bilyeu (right) went missing more than a week ago searching for the buried treasure

Wallace's car was found in Pilar by another reader who went looking for him in the area after a friend posted about his disappearance in a forum set-up for the treasure hunters. His backpack and rope was discovered in Espanola later

The 86-year-old encourages readers to follow clues in his two books - Thrill of the Chase and Too Long For Walking - to find the treasure.

The author said he buried the goods in 2010 and that the treasure hunt is his way of encouraging families to get outdoors and spend time together.

He told DailyMail.com: 'It is terrible news that the man has gone missing. I pray that he will be found safe and well.

'If I were 10 years younger I would be out looking for him myself.

'It is unfortunate that hundreds of hunters and hikers are lost each year in our forests and waterways.'

In rules on a website about the hunt, he stipulates that readers should never attempt the search alone.

If the body is Wallace's, he will become the second man to die looking for Fenn's treasure.

Fenn says the chest is Roman in appearance (similar shown above) and contains $2million worth of gold and jewels

The Thrill of the Chase and Too Far To Walk contain clues which point to the chest's whereabouts

Author Forrest Fenn, 86, (above) buried the treasure in 2010 and includes clues and maps for his readers to find it in his books

Bilyeu was looking for the same hidden treasure when he disappeared in January 2016.

The skeletal remains of Randy Bilyeu were discovered in July that year by a crew with the Army Corps of Engineers that had been working along the Rio Grande just north of Cochiti Lake.

Autopsy results show there wasn't enough evidence left for the Office of the Medical Investigator to determine what caused Bilyeu's death.

Afterwards, his grieving widow said she believed the entire treasure hunt was a hoax.

'We're disappointed that he lost his life because of a treasure hunt

'There's no treasure - it's not real. He lost his life for a hoax,' she told The Albequerque Journal.

But Wallace's wife of 30 years, Mitzi Wallace, insists the treasure is real and said she and their her 19-year-old son would continue searching for it - including in the area where police believe her husband died.

She told the Associated Press her husband enjoyed risking his life for wild adventures.

'I know without a shadow of a doubt,' she told the AP, 'that it was God's way of taking him.'

A friend of the author defended the hunt on Sunday when contacted by DailyMail.com.

'Forrest has said many things which people should pay attention to [including] don't go anywhere a 79 or 80 year old man can't go, the chest is not hidden in a dangerous place, and don't search alone in the mountains, yet people still look in the Rio Grande.

Wallace's car was found near the Taos Junction Bridge (pictured in 2008). His body was found five to seven miles downstream

Pilar, New Mexico, where Wallace's car was discovered last week (file image)

'They feel they need to check out cliff faces using mountaineering skills and they try crossing raging, ice cold mountain rivers. There is no need for this. Forrest intended this treasure hunt to get kids off the couch and away from their video games.

'It is an adventure aimed at families. Folks who try these stunts with no experience other than watching reality TV programs are foolish and apparently can't read or listen well to the guidance offered by the only person who knows where the chest is located,' Dal Neitzel, who operates a blog about the hunt, said.

However, New Mexico State Police have warned against anyone taking part in the hunt, saying 'the pursuit of the treasure is not worth risking one's life or the lives of dedicated [search-and-rescue] and law enforcement personnel.'

Wallace, who was a lead pastor, was last seen on June 12 north of Santa Fe.

He reported by his worried wife on Wednesday, when he failed to show up to a meeting.

The Colorado pastor told family that he was looking for a treasure trove of about $2million in gold that was hidden by author Forrest Fenn somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

Police found Wallace's abandoned car near the Taos Junction Bridge, with receipts inside showing he purchased rope and other supplies at a local store. Pieces of torn rope were located a short distance from the vehicle.

The body was recovered on Sunday about five to seven miles downstream from where Wallace left his car.
An Illinois man has been charged after posting online several times that he wants to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Joseph Lynn Pickett of Edwardsville was charged June 15 with threatening the President of the United States, the Belleville News-Democrat reported.

US Secret Service Special Agent Vincent Pescitelli said in a criminal complaint that Pickett 'did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, to kidnap, and to inflict bodily harm' against Trump on Facebook.

The posts included frequent profanity as well as detailed death threats to the president.

After making the online threats, Pickett also posted several times that he was 'still waiting' for the Secret Service to come arrest him.

The complaint said two of Pickett's co-workers at Lowes contacted the Secret Service indicating that Pickett had posted threatening messages against Trump on Facebook.

An Illinois man has been charged after posting online several times that he wants to assassinate President Donald Trump. Joseph Lynn Pickett (above) of Edwardsville was charged June 15 with threatening the president of the United States

US Secret Service Special Agent Vincent Pescitelli said in a criminal complaint that Pickett 'did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, to kidnap, and to inflict bodily harm' against Trump on Facebook (above)

Pickett also bragged about having weapons.

'Please call the Cops on me now so I have an,excuse to use my firepower .... AR 15, AK 47, s and w 40, Sig sauer 9 mm. Oh I'm so afraid of the police now..,' he wrote.

Pickett will be detained until a trial because the court can't ensure the safety of other people in community due to 'mental instability,' according to court documents.

A phone message left by The Associated Press seeking comment from Public Defender Thomas Gabel was not immediately returned.

'Before I die I want our president and congress to sign a treaty to never side with Russia or any enemy of the United States of America! If one will then that person deserves to be shot,' his post read.

'Guess what Trump? Im waiting for the right time...and I KNOW your (sic) Putins (expletive)! The secret service now has a heads up as to my plan to assassinate Trump...lets see if they act.'

'He sold our country to the Russians,' Pickett wrote of Trump (seen above at the White House on Thursday). 'He is a Benedict Arnold'

In another separate post, he wrote: 'Honestly am I really going to have to kill trump before our fine Government (the jack booted thugs they are) actually takes me into custody for threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump?

'I mean he sold our country to The Russians. He is a Benedict Arnold but hey the (expletive) is our President even though he needs a blade in his neck. And you dumb, asses who stick up for him...whos gonna protect you when someone like me comes t (sic) take you out.'

Pickett was reportedly fired from his job at Lowes after allegedly threatening a co-worker.

Since February, Pickett has been living off food stamps and financial assistance from his father, according to the Belleville News-Democrat.
Jemma Beale is on trial for four counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice over false rape claims

A woman accused of inventing sex attack allegations against 15 men says she has been gay since the age of 10.

Jemma Beale, 25, told two separate juries that Mahad Cassim raped her after offering to drive her home from a friend's house in November 2010.

Cassim was jailed for seven years in January 2012.

Beale told the court that she was a lesbian with 'no desire' for sex with men.

She has since been accused of inventing bogus sex attack allegations against 15 men.

The prosecution allege Mr Cassim's conviction was wrongful, brought about by Beale's 'false allegations and her perjured evidence at his trial.'

Cassim told jurors last week that the 25-year-old had told him to pull of his underwear after directing him to a secluded alley where they had consensual sex.

However Beale denies four counts of perjury and four of perverting the course of justice. These relate to the accounts she made at Cassim's trials along with four complaints to the police about other attacks between 2010 and 2013.

During her appearance in court today, Beale told the court that she had a tough time at school and was eventually forced out of secondary school by bullies.

She also told jurors that she was gay and was first attracted to girls at the age of 10. However she did have a relationship with a boy when she was 14.

Beale said: 'I didn't tell anybody and I didn't come out for a while.'

The 25-year-old says she didn't have her first serious relationship until she was 15.

John Price, QC, prosecuting, told the jury: Ms Beale maintains that in a period of around three years, on four different and wholly unconnected occasions, one of which involved two attacks and two of which - a year apart - involved the same unknown man, she has been seriously sexually assaulted by six men and raped by nine - all bar one of whom on the day of the alleged incident were strangers to her.

The prosecution ask rhetorically, is this in itself not inherently improbable?

Beale made repeated claims to the police she had been sexually assaulted in 2013

Beale made a series of bogus complaints against up to 15 men, Southwark Crown Court

Jemma Beale, 25, allegedly claimed 15 men had raped and sexually assaulted her over a three-year period. She denies perjury and perverting justice at Southwark Crown Court

Jemma Beale, 25, twice told juries Mahan Cassim raped her after giving her a lift

Beale then told police she was groped by stranger Noam Shazad in a pub in July 2011 and he then took part in a gang rape attack involving 'sexual violence of a most serious kind'.

Mr Shazad skipped bail and fled the country after being charged with sexual assault, the court heard.

Beale then made two bogus complaints against six other men in 2013, Southwark Crown Court was told.

She claimed two strangers sexually assaulted her close to her home in Ashford, Middlesex, before she was put through another gang rape attack by four other men two months later.

Two of those identified by Beale as being involved in the last attack were arrested and interviewed in connection with the assault but never charged, jurors heard.

The prosecutor added: 'It was as we submit - a grotesque invention... each of those reports made by Jemma Beale to the police is alleged by the prosecution in this case as being entirely false.

'She had not been raped. Nor had she been sexually assaulted on any of these occasions.

'Because of what she did, four men have subsequently suffered serious injustice - one of them of the gravest kind.'

Jurors heard that each of the men were questioned by police 'suspected of amongst the most serious of criminal offences' garnering 'public revulsion and notoriety'.

Beale, of Bedfont, Middlesex, denies four counts of perjury and four counts of perverting the course of justice. The trial continues.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado, Oregon and Washington has been linked to a three percent increase in car crashes compared to states that do not allow it, a new study has found.

The Highway Loss Data Institute conducted a study that found an increase in auto collision claim frequencies in those three, and linked it to legal marijuana use, reported CBS News.

'More drivers admit to using marijuana, and it is showing up more frequently among people involved in crashes,' the study claims.

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado, Oregon and Washington has been linked to a three percent increase in car crashes compared to states that do not allow it (stock image)

Of three states, Colorado, where the drug has been legal since 2014, saw the largest estimated increase in claim frequency. It was 14 percent higher than neighboring states. Washington, then was second highest with a six per cent increase, and Oregon came last with just a four per cent increase

The HLDI is affiliated with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit organization funded by auto insurance companies which have a vested interest in not having to play claims and a bias against any sort of impaired driving.

The group used collision claims in their study because it is the most frequent kind of claim insurers receive, according to CBS.

According to the group, past researchers were not able to 'definitively connect marijuana use with real-world crashes'.

So, HLDI switched their focus Colorado, Oregon and Washington, and compared the number of collision claims in those states to the number in those that neighbor them.

'More drivers admit to using marijuana, and it is showing up more frequently among people involved in crashes,' the study claims (stock image of a dispensary)

The group also factored in statistics from those three states before recreational marijuana use was legal.

Of three states, Colorado, where the drug has been legal since 2014, saw the largest estimated increase in claim frequency. It was 14 percent higher than neighboring states.

Washington, then was second highest with a six percent increase, and Oregon came last with just a four percent increase.

The institute also said it is preparing to conduct other similar studies, one of which has already begun in Oregon. That study will attempt to determine if marijuana use is linked to automotive injuries, according to CBS (stock image)

The combined effect for the three states was a small but significant three per cent, according to the HLDI Vice President Matt Moore.

The institute also said it is preparing to conduct other similar studies, one of which has already begun in Oregon. That study will attempt to determine if marijuana use is linked to automotive injuries, according to CBS.

But the auto insurance industry's position on legalized marijuana use is very clear, and David Zuby, chief research officer of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety told CBS: 'Worries that legalized marijuana is increasing crash rates aren't misplaced. The HLDI's findings on the early experience in Colorado, Oregon and Washington should give other states eyeing legalization pause.'
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer will be absent from the podium again on Thursday as his deputy tussles with the press, instead, at an off-camera briefing that will not be broadcast in in real time.

Audio is allowed but it is embargoed until the briefing comes to a conclusion.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders will take questions from members of the media at a 'gaggle' in the press area - the third such briefing of this kind in that setting since Monday of last week.

Off-camera briefings have typically been reserved for days when the president travels out of the area, holds a news conference or delivers a major address.

The Trump White House lowered the bar this week to anytime it thinks the president should be the only voice that 'speaks' on behalf of the administration that day.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer will be absent from the podium again on Thursday as his deputy tussles with the press, instead, at an off-camera briefing that will not be broadcast in real time

Spicer has held one televised briefing each of the last two weeks as new rumors swirled that he was giving up his current position.

He acknowledged Tuesday that the president has been interviewing people to join the communications team after numerous reports claimed that a shake up is underway.

Spicer is said to be seeking to take on a more strategic role that would give him a limited presence in the daily press briefings that have made him a prominent face of the Trump administration.

The reports had journalists taking selfies before and posting them to Twitter in case Tuesday was his final day as a briefer at the podium.

'I'm right here,' he said after one journalist asked him to comment on reports that his role is changing. 'So you can keep taking your selfies and selfie photos.'

A senior administration official and three people familiar with the potential changes said Monday that Spicer had discussed taking a more senior communications role at the White House.

The three people said he has reached out to possible successors and as communications director. The people spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal deliberations before a final decision is made.

'We have sought input from many people as we look to expand our communications operation. As he did in the beginning, Sean Spicer is managing both the communications and press office,' said Huckabee Sanders, a deputy White House press secretary. She declined further comment on the potential changes.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders will take questions from members of the media at a 'gaggle' in the press area - the third such briefing of this kind in that setting since Monday of last week

Discussions about overhauling the White House communications office have been ongoing for several weeks, according to the senior administration official.

Spicer's preference is to step away from the press briefings entirely, though other configurations have also been discussed.

It's unclear how quickly a decision will be made, and, as with all things involving President Donald Trump, the situation could change.

Major staffing shake-ups have been a constant subject of conversation at the White House, but have failed to materialize in recent weeks, aside from the departure of communications director Mike Dubke in early June.

The White House has consulted an array of Republicans and Trump allies, including Laura Ingraham, the conservative radio host and political commentator.

However, Ingraham is not expected to take the press secretary position.

Spicer told reporters Tuesday 'its no secret weve had a couple vacancies,' including Dubke's job, as he disclosed the White House had been 'seeking input from individuals as far as ideas that they have.'

'Weve been meeting with potential people that may be of service to this administration. I dont think that should come as any surprise,' he said, 'But were always looking for ways to do a better job of articulating the Presidents message and his agenda, and well continue to have those discussions internally.'

The Trump spokesman indicated before he left that no changes would be made in at least the next 24 hours.

'See you tomorrow in Iowa,' Spicer declared as he closed out his Tuesday briefing, making reference to a rally Trump was holding Wednesday in Cedar Rapids.

Rumors that Spicer was giving up the podium had reporters taking selfies before his briefing on Tuesday and posting them to Twitter in case it was his last time on camera in that setting. Spicer mocked them during his news conference - and said he'd see everyone the next day

The possible changes for Spicer were first reported by Bloomberg News and Politico.

His public role has already diminished in recent weeks.

The White House has increasingly tapped Cabinet officials and other White House advisers to address reporters on camera and moved to take some of the daily briefings off cable television to keep the focus on Trump, who makes a habit of watching the televised performances.

Spicer spoke Monday from the podium at an off-camera gaggle that barred broadcast outlets from using the audio of the question-and-answer session.

Asked about the changes, Spicer said Trump had spoken before cameras during an Oval Office meeting with the president of Panama and would later make remarks in front of the media at an event with technology leaders.

'There are days that I'll decide that the president's voice should be the one that speaks and iterate his priorities,' Spicer said.

The White House has generally only used that excuse on days that the president has held a press conference or delivered a major speech.

A briefing on Tuesday was left off the schedule but updated guidance put one on camera at the regular viewing time.

Thursday's briefing was initially advised as a not-for-broadcast event. The White House advised later that audio could be recorded - but barred it from being distributed in real time.

Spicer's briefings have been must-see TV during the start of the Trump era, beginning with his fiery, inaccurate claim that journalists wrongly portrayed the size of Trump's inauguration audience.

He has been the subject of recurring skits by comic Melissa McCarthy on 'Saturday Night Live' and his afternoon briefings have garnered strong ratings.

In April the former Republican National Committee strategist apologized for making an 'inappropriate and insensitive' statement comparing Adolf Hitler to Syrian President Bashar Assad by suggesting Hitler 'didn't even sink to using chemical weapons.' His comments ignored Hitler's use of gas chambers to kill Jews.

Trump threatened in May to shut down daily press briefings and told Fox News Channel at the time that Spicer was 'doing a good job, but he gets beat up.'

The president has long seen himself as his most effective spokesman, and has faulted his communications team for much of the early turbulence at the White House as well as the backlash from the firing of FBI Director James Comey.
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. CHRISTOPHER COUNTS, Petitioner - Appellant, v. EDDIE WILSON, Warden, Wyoming State Penitentiary; WYOMING ATTORNEY GENERAL, Respondents - Appellees. No. 17-8003 Decided: June 20, 2017

Before KELLY, BALDOCK, and BRISCOE, Circuit Judges.

ORDER DENYING CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY*

Christopher Counts, proceeding pro se, seeks a certificate of appealability (COA) in order to appeal the district court's judgment in favor of respondents on his 28 U.S.C.  2254 habeas petition. Because we conclude that Mr. Counts has failed to demonstrate his entitlement to a COA, we deny his request and dismiss this matter.

I.

Mr. Counts was charged in state court with three felonies: aggravated assault and battery; aggravated burglary; and kidnapping. A jury convicted him of aggravated burglary and kidnapping, but acquitted him of aggravated assault and battery. The state court then held an additional trial to determine whether Wyoming's habitual-criminal statute applied to Mr. Counts. The jury determined he had three prior felony convictions and that the statute did apply. As a result, the state district court sentenced him to two concurrent life sentences. The Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed his conviction on direct appeal. Counts v. State, 277 P.3d 94, 111 (Wyo. 2012). His requests for post-conviction relief were denied in state district court and on appeal.

The evidence at trial, as described by the Wyoming Supreme Court, showed that Mr. Counts went to the house where the victim, his girlfriend, lived. He began pounding on one of the windows, calling loudly for her to let him in to get his cell phone charger. When she did not respond, he walked around the house, shouting and pounding on the windows and the back door.

The house's occupants heard a crash at the back door, and the sound of breaking glass and wood. Mr. Counts entered the back door. The victim ran out the front. There was evidence that Mr. Counts was carrying a knife, and that when he passed the two men from the house, he said, I warned you once, bitch. Id. at 99 (internal quotation marks omitted).

The victim ran toward a neighbor's house and tried to hide under a parked pickup truck. Mr. Counts ran after her. He grabbed her by the neck and dragged her back into the house. She was screaming and begging for help.

Inside the house, Mr. Counts told the two men to leave. He slammed the front door after them as they departed. After they left, they heard thuds and loud screams coming from the house.

According to the victim, Mr. Counts forced her downstairs into her room, threw her on the bed, choked her, threw objects at her, and called her names. He locked the door to the room and stood in front of it to prevent her from leaving. Eventually, after about an hour, he calmed down.

By this time, the police had arrived. Mr. Counts initially refused to leave the house, but eventually surrendered to police. They found a knife in his pocket and a folding pocket knife under the mattress in the victim's bedroom. The police took a statement from the victim, who later recanted that statement or added significant information that she had not told the police on the day of the incident. The prosecution later learned that in spite of being ordered not to contact the victim, Mr. Counts had been communicating with her to persuade her to change her story.

II.

At the outset, we must determine whether Mr. Counts filed a timely notice of appeal. This threshold jurisdictional issue must be resolved before we consider his request for a COA. See Watkins v. Leyba, 543 F.3d 624, 625 (10th Cir. 2008) (dismissing appeal for lack of jurisdiction, without addressing application for COA, where petitioner's notice of appeal from order dismissing habeas petition was untimely).

The district court entered judgment in favor of the respondents on November 1, 2016. Mr. Counts had 30 days, until December 1, 2016, to file his notice of appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(1)(A). On November 21, he sought an extension of time to file the notice of appeal. The district court could grant him an extension, but only for 30 days after the prescribed time or 14 days after the date when the order granting the motion is entered, whichever is later. Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(5)(C).

On November 23, the district court granted the request for extension of time until December 14. Mr. Counts claims that prior to this new deadline, on December 10, he timely placed his notice of appeal in the prison mailbox. See Fed. R. App. P. 4(c) (describing requirements of prison mailbox rule).

But the district court did not receive the notice of appeal until a month later, on January 9, 2017. This was not due to a simple delay in the mails. As Mr. Counts explained, the district court clerk rejected the envelope containing the notice of appeal he mailed on December 10 because the prison officials did not affix sufficient postage. As a result, the notice of appeal was returned to him. He then re-mailed the notice of appeal in a new envelope with adequate postage, accompanied by his motion for excusable neglect. As proof of all this, Mr. Counts included the original envelope, postmarked on December 13, which showed that the district court had returned his initial submission for insufficient postage.

The district court granted Mr. Counts' motion for excusable neglect on January 10, 2017, and filed the notice of appeal as of that date. But there is a problem. The motion for excusable neglect, considered as a second request for extension of time to file the notice of appeal, was untimely under Fed. R. App. P. 4(a)(5) and 4(c). Thus, notwithstanding the district court's attempt to rescue it, the notice of appeal was untimely and could not create appellate jurisdiction.

Nevertheless, we may construe Mr. Counts' November 21, 2016, motion for extension of time to file his notice of appeal as the functional equivalent of a notice of appeal. See United States v. Smith, 182 F.3d 733, 734-36 (10th Cir. 1999) (construing a motion for extension of time to file a notice of appeal as the functional equivalent of a notice of appeal). The motion satisfied the functional equivalent criteria because it was filed within the time limit for filing a notice of appeal, and it specified the party taking the appeal, designated the judgment appealed from, and named the court to which the appeal was to be taken. See id. at 735; Fed. R. App. P. 3(c)(1). This appeal is therefore timely, and we may proceed to determine whether Mr. Counts has shown his entitlement to a COA.

III.

In order to obtain a COA, Mr. Counts must make a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right. 28 U.S.C.  2253(c)(2). This standard requires a demonstration that  includes showing that reasonable jurists could debate whether (or, for that matter, agree that) the [application] should have been resolved in a different manner or that the issues presented were adequate to deserve encouragement to proceed further. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000) (internal quotation marks omitted). If the application was denied on procedural grounds, the applicant must also show that jurists of reason would find it debatable  whether the district court was correct in its procedural ruling. Id.

When a claim has been adjudicated on the merits in a state court, a federal court can grant habeas relief only if the applicant establishes that the state-court decision was contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law, as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, or was based on an unreasonable determination of the facts in light of the evidence presented in the State court proceeding. 28 U.S.C.  2254(d)(1), (2). This deferential treatment of state court decisions must be incorporated into our consideration of [Mr. Counts'] request for [a] COA. Dockins v. Hines, 374 F.3d 935, 938 (10th Cir. 2004).

Mr. Counts seeks a COA on the following issues: (1) he was improperly denied the right to cross-examine the victim; (2) the prosecutor committed misconduct that deprived him of a fair trial; (3) his trial counsel was constitutionally ineffective; (4) he should have been provided with the prosecution's files; (5) the state failed to provide a bill of particulars; (6) the jury instructions given at his trial failed to define certain necessary terms; (7) there was insufficient evidence to convict him of kidnapping; and (8) the habitual-criminal sentence was improper because one of his prior convictions was for a crime he committed as a juvenile. We have reviewed Mr. Counts' arguments in light of the entire record and the controlling legal principles. Having done so, we conclude he has failed to show that reasonable jurists could find that the district court's denial of his claims was debatable or wrong. We therefore deny his request for a COA and dismiss this matter.

Entered for the Court

Mary Beck Briscoe Circuit Judge
A grandmother-of-three who won 300,000 on a 3 National Lottery scratchcard is planning to celebrate her big win - by eating a chip butty in Skegness.

Liz Lindley, 68, was stunned when she landed herself the massive jackpot, after her husband Bryan bought her the scratchcard from the local Co-op near their home in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.

However, she still has no idea what she'll spend all her winnings on, except for a chip butty, a couple of glasses of champagne, and a trip to Scotland.

Liz Lindley, who won 300,000 on a 3 National Lottery scratchcard, is planning to celebrate her big win - by eating a chip butty in Skegness

She said: 'I have no idea what I'll spend the money on, all I know is that I want a chip butty in Skegness and a glass or two of champagne.

'I also want to go to Scotland to see the town where my father was born. I've never been to Scotland so this gives me the perfect opportunity.

'He lived there until he moved to Coninsby with the RAF where he met my mother.'

Mrs Lindley said she regularly tries her luck with scratchcards, but has only ever won small sums.

She explained: 'I've won the odd few pounds here and there on scratchcards but never this much. I usually buy two or three a week. It's a little hobby of mine.'

The housewife said she reminded Bryan, 79, to get her the scratchcard as he headed to the shop to buy the papers.

She was stunned when she landed herself the massive jackpot, after her husband Bryan (right) bought her the scratchcard from the local Co-op near their home in Horncastle, Lincolnshire

However, she still has no idea what she'll spend all her winnings on, except for a chip butty, a couple of glasses of champagne, and a trip to Scotland

'He wouldn't dare forget and I'm very pleased he didn't this time,' she said.

'He came home and I sat down and scratched off the card and couldn't believe it when I'd won.

Describing her surprise at finding out she'd won the top prize, she said: 'I was shocked.

'I was sitting in the room on the sofa scratching the card when I shouted to Bryan "I've won 300,000!" I checked and then double-checked.

Mrs Lindley picked up her cheque with her family at a presentation ceremony held at The Dower House Hotel, in the village of Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

She said she regularly tries her luck with scratchcards, but has only ever won small sums

'I then asked Bryan to look and check too. We couldn't take it in. I then called my daughter Sam who came around and checked it and she just couldn't believe it either.

'I think she was in a state of shock too. I used to say no-one wins big on these scratchcards and now of course Ive changed my mind.'

She said she reminded Bryan, 79, to get her the scratchcard as he headed to the shop, adding 'he wouldn't dare forget'

Mrs Lindley added: '[W]hen it came to calling my other daughter Tracy, who lives in Norwich, the first thing she said was 'shall we scream?'

'We did and then just burst into laughter and both of us couldn't believe what was happening to our family.'

While a chip butty is on the top of the list, she said her three grandchildren are likely to benefit from her winnings, saying: 'I'm sure they will all come up with a list for grandma.'

Mrs Lindley also plans to hold a big party to celebrate her husband's birthday when he turns 80 at the end of July.

She picked up her cheque with her family at a presentation ceremony held at The Dower House Hotel, in the village of Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.
A teenager who died after taking a lethal cocktail of drugs did not take an overdose because of school bullies, an inquest has heard.

Nyah James, 14, was found unresponsive by her mother having swallowed pills in her bedroom after splitting up from her boyfriend.

Her devastated family had accused bullies of driving Nyah to her death and criticised her school for not doing enough to stop it.

The teenager's older brother Jordan Clements was convicted of abusing four girls he said were responsible for his sister's death.

Nyah James (pictured) was found unresponsive by her mother having swallowed pills in her bedroom after splitting up from her boyfriend

But Swansea Coroners Court was told there was no evidence Nyah was being bullied at school or online, and that she had a history of self-harming, threatening to kill herself, and claiming she heard voices in her head.

Police said Nyah had been 'obsessed' with her boyfriend, who was two years older, and the pair broke up after he chose to spend time with friends instead of her.

The inquest was told it was not clear Nyah meant to take her own life - and could have merely been seeking attention from family and friends.

Detective Constable Paul Harry said: 'Nyah had issues with other girls. Her family alleged she was bullied and a number of schoolchildren were named on social media as the ones who bullied her.

The parents of Nyah James, Susan and Dominique Williams (shown left and right), are pictured outside Swansea Magistrates Court

'After an extensive investigation South Wales Police gave found no evidence she was bullied or threatened.

'There was evidence of her and other girls exchanging texts using derogatory names.

'She had minor squabbles with friends, and had unrealistic expectations of them that they should go everywhere with her and would fall out with them if they didn't.'

A lethal amount of drugs found in her family home at Blaenymaes, Swansea, around 10pm on February 6 this year.

After taking the drugs she attempted to make a number of phone calls to friends and family.

Coroner Colin Phillips said: 'There's no substantial evidence Nyah's death was caused by bullying.

The inquest was told it was not clear Nyah meant to take her own life - and could have merely been seeking attention from family and friends

'The break up of her boyfriend seems to be the trigger.

'It might have been a way of attracting attention and repairing the relationship which was central to her life.

'I am not sure she actually intended to take her own life.'

Mr Phillips gave a narrative verdict as a cause of death, stating it was due to mixed drug toxicity.

He added: 'Nyah James died as a consequence of a self administered overdose of drugs, but her intention was unclear.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
Prosecutors said Michelle Carter sent her boyfriend, Conrad Roy III, dozens of text messages urging him to take his own life.

Carter's lawyer argued that she tried repeatedly to talk him out of it and only began to support the plan when it became clear he would not change his mind. That argument did not succeed.

Here are a series of texts seen in court documents, organized chronologically:

June 19, 2014:

Carter: 'But the mental hospital would help you. I know you don't think it would but I'm telling you, if you give them a chance, they can save your life'

Carter: 'Part of me wants you to try something and fail just so you can go get help'

Roy: 'It doesn't help. Trust me'

Carter: 'So what are you gonna do then? Keep being all talk and no action and everyday go thru saying how badly you wanna kill yourself? Or are you gonna try to get better?'

Roy: 'I can't get better I already made my decision.'

June 23, 2014:

Carter: 'How do you want to harm yourself'

Roy: 'Something idkk yet'

Carter: 'Please don't'

Roy: 'I hate myself I'll always hate myself, I'm never gonna view myself as good I'm so far behind'

Carter: 'What is harming yourself gonna do!? Nothing! It will make it worse!'

Roy: 'Make the pain go away like you said'

Carter: 'It will make the pain go away temporarily, but when you're done, you'll just regret it and feel even worse!'

July 7, 2014:

Roy: 'If you were in my position. honestly what would you do'

Carter: 'I would get help. That's just me tho. When I have a serious problem like that my first instinct is to get help because I know I can't do it on my own'

Later that day, they talk about how he could make carbon monoxide (CO) in order to suffocate to death

Carter: 'Well there's more ways to make CO. Google ways to make it. . . '

Roy: 'Omg'

Carter: 'What'

Roy: 'portable generator that's it'

July 8, 2014:

Carter: 'So are you sure you don't wanna [kill yourself] tonight?'

Roy: 'What do you mean am I sure?'

Carter: 'Like, are you definitely not doing it tonight?'

Roy: 'Idk yet I'll let you know'

Carter: 'Because I'll stay up with you if you wanna do it tonight'

Roy: 'Another day wouldn't hurt'

Carter: 'You can't keep pushing it off, tho, that's all you keep doing'

July 11, 2014:

After Roy suggests putting a generator in the truck to make CO rather than a water pump:

Carter: '...Well in my opinion, I think u should do the generator because I don't know much about the pump and with a generator u can't fail'

July 4-12, 2014:

The following was sent over a nine-day span. The *** symbols show a gap in communications between the two.

Carter: 'You're gonna have to prove me wrong because I just don't think you really want this. You just keeps pushing it off to another night and say you'll do it but you never do'

***

Carter: 'SEE THAT'S WHAT I MEAN. YOU KEEP PUSHING IT OFF! You just said you were gonna do it tonight and now you're saying eventually...'

***

Carter: 'But I bet you're gonna be like 'oh, it didn't work because I didn't tape the tube right or something like that' . . . I bet you're gonna say an excuse like that'

***

Carter: 'Do you have the generator?'

Roy: 'not yet lol'

Carter: 'WELL WHEN ARE YOU GETTING IT'

***

Carter: 'You better not be bulls***ing me and saying you're gonna do this and then purposely get caught'

July 11-12, 2014:

Again, *** shows a gap in communications

Roy: 'I'm just to sensitive. I want my family to know there was nothing they could do. I am entrapped in my own thoughts'

Roy: 'like no I would be happy if they had no guilt about it. because I have a bad feeling tht this is going to create a lot of depression between my parents/sisters'

Roy: 'i'm overthinking everything. . f**k. I gotta stop and just do it'

Carter: 'I think your parents know you're in a really bad place. Im not saying they want you to do it, but I honestly feel like they can accept it. They know there's nothing they can do, they've tried helping, everyone's tried. But there's a point that comes where there isn't anything anyone can do to save you, not even yourself, and you've hit that point and I think your parents know you've hit that point. You said you're mom saw a suicide thing on your computer and she didn't say anything. I think she knows it's on your mind and she's prepared for it'

Carter: 'Everyone will be sad for a while, but they will get over it and move on. They won't be in depression I won't let that happen. They know how sad you are and they know that you're doing this to be happy, and I think they will understand and accept it. They'll always carry u in their hearts'

***

Roy: 'i don't want anyone hurt in the process though'

Roy: 'I meant when they open the door, all the carbon monoxide is gonna come out they can't see it or smell it. whoever opens the door'

Carter: 'They will see the generator and know that you died of CO. . . .'

***

Roy: 'hey can you do me a favor'

Carter: 'Yes of course'

Roy: 'just be there for my family :)'

Carter: 'Conrad, of course I will be there for your family. I will help them as much as I can to get thru this, ill tell them about how amazing their son/brother truly was'

***

Roy: 'Idk I'm freaking out again'

Roy: I'm overthinking'

Carter: 'I thought you wanted to do this. The time is right and you're ready, you just need to do it! You can't keep living this way. You just need to do it like you did last time and not think about it and just do it babe. You can't keep doing this every day'

Roy: 'I do want to. but like I'm freaking for my family. I guess'

Roy: 'idkkk'

Carter: 'Conrad. I told you I'll take care of them. Everyone will take care of them to make sure they won't be alone and people will help them get thru it. We talked about this, they will be okay and accept it. People who commit suicide don't think this much and they just do it'

July 12, 2014:

In these exchanges on the day before his body was found, Roy expresses more hesitation about his plan.

Carter: 'So I guess you aren't gonna do it then, all that for nothing'

Carter: 'I'm just confused like you were so ready and determined'

Roy: 'I am gonna eventually'

Roy: 'I really don't know what I'm waiting for. . but I have everything lined up'

Carter: '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: 'You're just making it harder on yourself by pushing it off, you just have to do it'

Carter: 'Do u wanna do it now?'

Roy: 'Is it too late?'

Roy: 'Idkk it's already light outside'

Roy: I'm gonna go back to sleep, love you I'll text you tomorrow'

Carter: 'No? Its probably the best time now because everyone's sleeping. Just go somewhere in your truck. And no one's really out right now because it's an awkward time'

Carter: 'If u don't do it now you're never gonna do it'

Carter: 'And u can say you'll do it tomorrow but you probably won't'

***

Carter: 'You just need to do it Conrad or I'm gonna get you help'

Carter: 'You can't keep doing this everyday'

Roy: 'Okay I'm gonna do it today'

Carter: 'Do you promise'

Roy: 'I promise babe'

Roy: 'I have to now'

Carter: 'Like right now?'

Roy: 'where do I go? :('

Carter: 'And u can't break a promise. And just go in a quiet parking lot or something.'
Islamophobic crimes in Greater Manchester have increased by 500 per cent centre after the bomb attack in the city, according to police figures.

Hundreds of complaints about attacks, threats and vandalism directed against Muslim residents were received by GMP in the wake of the Arena attack on May 22.

Muslim organisations - as well as individuals and families - now say they face daily harassment and abuse by those who wrongly blame them for the actions Islamist-inspired Salman Abedi.

Police in Greater Manchester have promised to take tough action but say they believe the spike of hate-fuelled incidents is only temporary.

Police officers stand outside the Manchester Arena shortly after the attack which killed 23 people

Paramedics rushed to the scene in Manchester city centre following the attack which was carried out by Salman Abedi

Greater Manchester Police has reported a rise in hate crimes including race crimes and Islamophobia crimes (pictured)

The new figures come just days after an attack close to London's Finsbury Park Mosque which saw one man killed and 11 injured.

According to official GMP figures, there were a total of 224 reports of Islamophobic crimes in the four weeks following the Manchester bomb attack, until June 19.

Some of these complaints were later classed by police as hate 'incidents', meaning that while not categorised as criminal the events were disturbing enough to be recorded.

In the same period last year, there were only 37 hate crime and hate incidents reported - equal to a 500 per cent increase.

There was not an official breakdown of the incidents however one cleric said the community is experiencing a level of hostility it has never seen before.

POLICE SEE A RISE IN HATE CRIMES 22/05/2016 - 19/06/2016 Race: 483 Islamophobia: 37 Disability: 27 Sexual orientation: 75 Transgender: 10 22/05/2017 (date of the attack) - 19/06/2017 Race: 778 (61% rise) Islamophobia: 224 (505% rise) Disability: 38 (41% rise) Sexual orientation: 82 (9% rise) Transgender: 6 (-40%) Advertisement

It was reported that just hours after the attack at the end of the Ariana Grande concert a mosque in Oldham was hit by a fire bomb.

Tell Mama, an organisation which records Islamophobic crime, earlier this week reported a UK-wide increase in incidents.

A senior GMP officer has acknowledged the spike in hate crimes directed against Muslims in the immediate wake of the attack, but says that in recent days the volume is now returning to similar, more expected levels.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: 'Greater Manchester has a diverse population, with people from different faiths and backgrounds and this is something that we are proud of, it's what makes us the city we are.

'We will not tolerate hatred or discrimination of any kind.

'When a major tragedy occurs such as the attacks in Manchester and London, it is sadly not unusual for there to be a spike in the amount of hate crimes, specifically against race and religion, but thankfully they do decrease again quickly.

'We continue to monitor the levels of hate crimes that are reported and it is essential that we remind people about the importance of reporting when a hate crime happens to you, or you see it happening.

'Hate crime is often under reported for a number of reasons, but we want people to have the confidence in coming forward as no one should be the subject of hate and intolerance.'

In the wake of the Finsbury Park Mosque attack, GMP promised to carry out extra, visible patrols outside mosques and other religious buildings in Greater Manchester.

Mr Potts urged the public to continue to report any hate crime to police or Crimestoppers.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes said: 'There is no place for hate crime in Greater Manchester. There is no excuse for targeting someone because of who they are or what they believe.'

It comes as Muslims women have described their alarming experiences in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

A female student was spat at and called a 'terrorist' as she left a coffee shop in the city centre.

People gathered for a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester to show their support for the victims

Music fans were seen sprinting out of the building after a bomb was detonated after the gig

And Saima Alvi, vice chair of the British Muslim Heritage Association, said she felt compelled to warn her daughters not to walk alone after the Arena atrocity.

The mother-of-four, from Altrincham, said: 'I rang one daughter in Lancaster who is a student and told her not to walk around the campus. I said there could be some kind of revenge attack.

'I told her not to take back routes and just to go straight to lectures.'

Teacher Saima also asked her 16-year-old daughter, Maymuna, not to use the tram because she was worried about how people would react to her.

She said: 'When she did get the tram she said 'Mum, everybody seemed to be looking at me'.

'Every time you hear 'attack' on the news I think 'is it a Muslim name'? First you feel sad for the victims, then I think about my family and how it will impact on us. It's an awful thing and something I'm not very comfortable with.'

Maymuna said how anxious she felt sitting on a tram on her way to school two days after the attack.

She added: 'I get the Metro every day but this time when I got on I noticed a lot of unusual looks, frightened faces and a lot of people looking at me because I was the only one on the tram wearing a headscarf.

'I saw a girl from one of my classes and she looked at me and she got up and stood with me throughout the whole tram journey.

'Then when we got off the Metro she met her boyfriend at the other end and she asked me if I wanted to walk with them.'

Hulme councillor Amina Lone says women who wear a hijab, niqab or a burka are 'of course' easier to target.

She said: 'If you're wearing a headscarf then absolutely you are more visible and they are very much a target for hate crime.

'My experience is that Muslim women are targeted first definitely.'

A 14-year-old girl was targeted on her way to school when a passerby shouted: 'When are you going to stop bombing people?'

The pupil at Manchester Islamic High School for Girls suffered the vile abuse just days after the Manchester Arena attack.

Headteacher Mona Mohamed told Radio 4's Today programme that the teenager was 'very upset and hurt' but chose to keep quiet as advised by the school.
An 11-year-old boy who was reported missing in South Florida was discovered on a rooftop by a television reporter inside a helicopter covering the case.

Police were using bloodhounds searching a Hialeah neighborhood for the boy named Angel Gort, who was reported missing around 10am on Tuesday by his family.

The young boy, who has ADHD, ran away from home after becoming upset when he got into a fight with his mother over not wanting to go to camp, WSVN reported.

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An 11-year-old boy who was reported missing in South Florida was discovered on a rooftop by a television reporter inside of a helicopter covering the case

Police were using bloodhounds searching a Hialeah neighborhood for the boy named Angel Gort who was reported missing around 10am on Tuesday by his family. In

Reporter Ralph Rayburn was inside his station's helicopter when he spotted Gort on the roof of his home. Rayburn had his co-workers call 911, who sent an officer to coax Gort into coming down from the roof

Reporter Ralph Rayburn was inside his station's helicopter when he spotted Gort on the roof of his home roughly two hours into the search for the child.

'We were just kind of searching here waiting for our next hit on this story when we spotted the child,' Rayburn, who works for WSVN said. 'He's on the roof of the house.'

He said employees back at the television station alerted police to the child being on the roof and that he appeared to be okay.

Police officers were able to coax Gort into coming down from the roof.

Of spotting Gort, Rayburn toldInside Edition that he was shocked and his first reaction was disbelief.

"Am I seeing what I'm seeing? OK, is that him? That's the kid, on the roof. That's the kid!" he told Inside Edition.

Of spotting Gort (right) on the roof, Rayburn (left) said he was shocked and his first reaction was disbelief

Once on the ground, Gort said: 'My mom is embarrassed. 'I didn't mean to cause any trouble, and I didn't mean to waste any of the police officers' time'

Once on the ground, Gort said: 'My mom is embarrassed.

'I didn't mean to cause any trouble, and I didn't mean to waste any of the police officers' time.'

When asked what he was thinking at the time, he said: 'Not really sure.

'I was thinking of what's going to happen. I was thinking of what I should've never done.'

Gort, who has run away in the past, shared that he will never do it again.

'I was thinking of how hard my mom works to do this, and I just do the most stupidest things sometimes,' he said.

'It's very difficult for her, and I'm proud of the patience she has for me.'
Bill Cosby is eager to get back to work now that his sexual assault case has ended in a mistrial, and the disgraced comedian already has a tour in the works according to his spokesperson.

Andrew Wyatt appeared on Good Day Alabama on Wednesday, and announced that the 79-year-old actor plans to host a series of town halls educating teenagers, young athletes and even married men about how to avoid being charged with a sex crime.

It was then revealed by Wyatt that one of those town halls would be taking place 'some time in July' in Birmingham.

Wyatt appeared on the show along with Camille Cosby's spokesperson and fellow Alabama native Ebonee Benson in their first televised interview since the case ended in a mistrial on Saturday.

At one point, the host of the show, Janice Rogers, said of these proposed town halls: 'Is it sort of a do as I say not as I do thing?'

The reference to Cosby's infidelities with a number of other women and admission to giving some of those women Quaaludes caused both Wyatt and Benson to burst out in laughter.

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From trial to teacher: Bill Cosby (above on Saturday) will hold a series of town halls around the country to teach young people about sexual assault

Big news: His spokesperson Andrew Wyatt announced the tour on Wednesday while appearing on 'Good Day Alabama'

Reason: 'The laws are changing, the statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended, so this is why people need to be educated,' said Ebonee Benson (above)

'We're going to talk to young people because this is bigger than Bill Cosby,' explained Wyatt.

'This issue can affect any young person, especially young athletes of today, and they need to know what they're facing when they're hanging out and partying, when they're doing certain things that they shouldn't be doing.'

He then added: 'And it also affects married men.'

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office did not respond to a request for comment about Cosby's planned tour.

Benson then hopped in to explain the dangers facing young people when ti comes to the subject of sex crimes.

'The laws are changing, the statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault are being extended, so this is why people need to be educated on a brush against the shoulder,' said Benson.

'Because anything at this point can be considered sexual assault and it is a good thing to be educated about the laws.'

On the topic of law, Wyatt said early in the interview that he was not surprised at all with the verdict in the case.

'[Cosby] has always said, "I don't want people coming in deciding if I'm guilty or innocent. I don't want them to take that stance. I want them to hear the truth,"' said Wyatt.

'And I knew that once they heard the truth it was either going to be a mistrial or a verdict of not guilty.'

He claimed that there were 'so many inconsistencies in Ms. Constand's testimony.'

Wyatt then added: 'She gave a different testimony to the Toronto police department and then to Montgomery County and then to the DA Castor at that time, which is why they decided not to press charges [in 2005].'

He also claimed the 52 hours that the jury tried to come to a verdict last week was the 'longest deliberation ever in the history of Montgomery County'

As for his client, Cosby is doing better than ever according to Wyatt.

'He's great, I talked to him this morning,' said the spokesperson.

'He was excited to go home - and his life was at stake, his freedom was at stake - to go home and spend time with Mrs. Cosby and the children and just celebrate Father's Day'

Giggles: Wyatt broke down in laughter after the host of the show joked about Cosby's past indiscretions (above)

Free: Cosby will be back in court in as soon as four months as the DA attempts to quickly retry the comedian in the case (alleged victim Andrea Constand leaving court on Saturday)

Peas in a pod: Cosby, Wyatt and Benson exiting the Montgomery County Courthouse after his mistrial on Saturday

Cosby was just as happy as he walked out of the courthouse with Wyatt on Saturday, who raised a single fist in the air and declared that the comedian's 'power' was back.

He also quoted Huey P. Newton, the co-founder of the Black Panthers, by stating: 'Power is the ability to define phenomena, and make it act in a desired manner.'

Then, to close it out, he attacked those who represented the women accusing Cosby.

'The jurors, they used their power to speak, and Mr. Cosby's power is back,' said Wyatt.

'So the legacy didn't go anywhere, it has been restored. And for all those attorneys who conspired like Gloria Allred, tell them to go back to law school and take another class.'

Camille Cosby, the comedian's seldom-heard-from wife, also jumped into the fray with a statement of her own, which was read outside the courthouse by Benson and later posted on her husband's Twitter account.

In it , she called District Attorney Steele 'heinously and exploitevly ambitious,' Judge O'Neill 'overtly arrogant and collaborating with the district attorney,' the media as 'blatantly vicious entities that continually disseminated intentional omissions of truths for the primary purpose of greedily selling sensationalism at the expense of a human life.'

She did not attack the accusers, but did label their legal counsel as 'totally unethical.'

Benson spoke about Camille's statement in her interview on Wednesday.

'It was a very direct statement. It was a very truthful and pure statement,' said Benson.

'I think the feedback only came from those who did not come and listen for the evidence for themselves.'

Going hard: Camille Cosby (above last Monday) called District Attorney Steele 'heinously and exploitevly ambitious,' Judge O'Neill 'overtly arrogant and collaborating with the district attorney,'

Welcome aboard: It is unclear when Cosby hired Benson, posting a photo of her back in May after her client gave him a painting (pair above on left)

Benson also said in the interview that Cosby's relationship with Constand, which she states was rape and he describes as a mutual affection, helped him in the case even though it revealed he had cheated on his wife.

'I think [the jury] definitely thought about it, because this case, this trial happened years before we made it into a courtroom,' said Benson.

'This trial sort of played out in the eyes of the media, so public opinion was definitely a factor.'

She went on to say: 'I think seeing Mrs Cosby in the courtroom the day that she did come, on closing arguments, and also hearing that statement from her afterwards, I think that resonated with the jury.

'It took away the celebrity aspect and made them more like regular people.'

Benson then closed out by explaining: 'Everyone has issues in a marriage, everyone has problems in a marriage.'

It is unclear how long Benson has been working with Cosby, with the actor posting a rare photo of himself and the young woman on Twitter back in May after an artist she represented made a portrait for the 'Cosby Show' creator.

Wyatt meanwhile has been by Cosby's side for the past few years.

Cosby wrote about the appearance of Benson and Wyatt on Twitter Wedhnesday afternoon, stating: 'Thank You #GoodDayAlabama #WBRC #FOX6 and the most watched news anchor #JaniceRogers @JANICEROGERS6.'

He followed that up with: '...for having my publicists #AndrewWyatt and #EboneeBenson on your show.'
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi defended her position atop the party, as a number of caucus members have suggested it might be time for a fresh face.

'I think I'm worth the trouble,' she told reporters Thursday. 'I feel very confident in the support I have in the caucus,' Pelosi also said.

The calls for Pelosi to vacate her top spot came after Tuesday's election loss in Georgia with Democrat Jon Ossoff being routed by Republican Karen Handel.

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi defended staying in her top position saying, 'I think I'm worth the trouble'

Some Democrats are questioning whether Nancy Pelosi, pictured at a Capitol Hill presser today, should stay on as the leader of the party in light of Jon Ossoff's loss in Georgia

Republicans expertly tied Jon Ossoff, the Democratic House hopeful, to Nancy Pelosi, a liberal from San Francisco, helping Republican Karen Handel win Tuesday's run-off race

Republicans expertly connected Ossoff to Pelosi, a poison pill for some voters, prompting calls for a leadership change.

Ossoff was the fourth consecutive Democrat to lose in a special election.

Forty-eight percent of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Pelosi, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll. Though Pelosi's Republican counterpart, House Speaker Paul Ryan, performs almost equally as badly, at 45 percent.

During her press conference on Capitol Hill Thursday, Pelosi portrayed Democratic grumbling as opportunism.

'When it comes to personal ambition and having fun on TV, have your fun,' she said, in a message to those Democrats who have fallen out of line. 'I love the arena. I thrive on competition,' she added.

With some members doubting her abilities she sang her own praises.

'I am a master legislator. I am a strategic politically astute leader. My leadership is recognized by many around the country and that is why I am able to attract the support that I do, which is essential to our election sad to say,' she said.

'I have experience in winning a Congress,' referencing her rise to House speaker after Democrats beat Republicans in 2006.

Pelosi pointed out that Democratic leaders are often made targets, pointing to former Senate leaders Harry Reid and Tom Daschle, and former House Speaker Tip O'Neill.

President Trump chimed in Thursday morning to the Nancy Pelosi debate, mockingly saying he hopes she doesn't go

President Trump tweeted Thursday morning that wanted to see House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi remain in her position - so that Republicans can run against her

Both Reps. Kathleen Rice, R-N.Y. (left), and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio (right), have been critical of Nancy Pelosi's leadership, suggesting her time at the top is up

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (left) sang the same tune as the president, hoping Democrats would leave Nancy Pelosi in place, because the Republicans know how to run against her and win

Republicans, she suggested, 'always want to choose our leaders.'

Later in the day the Democrats chose to use Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the failed vice presidential candidate, instead of Pelosi in their latest fundraising plea.

And the country's top Republican, President Donald Trump, did chime in, tweeting out Thursday morning: 'I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning. 'That would be very bad for the Republican Party - and please let Cryin' Chuck stay!'

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also spoke of the potent tool Pelosi is for Republicans to use against Congressional Democrats.

'I mean, we have all the ads done. They worked perfectly in Georgia,' said Gingrich, who used to represent the district in Congress that Ossoff just lost.

'We know know exactly how to run against a Nancy Pelosi-led party,' he continued.

'We'd love to have the question be in 2018, Nancy Pelosi versus Paul Ryan,' Gingrich added. 'And I hope that the Democrats keep her right where she is for a long, long time. At least a decade.'

On Morning Joe Thursday, Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., had made a plea for Pelosi's ouster.

'Nancy Pelosi was a great speaker, she was a great leader, but her time has come and gone,' the New York Democrat said.

While Rice acknowledged the credit Pelosi has been given by her colleagues for being a great fundraiser, Rice noted that the money hasn't helped Democrats win elections.

Ossoff's race against Republican Karen Handel was the most expensive House race in history.

HuffPost senior politics editor Sam Stein asked Rice if she believed Pelosi to be an 'out-of-touch San Francisco liberal,' which is the way Republicans have portrayed the top House Democrat in political attack ads.

'I do not believe she is an out-of-touch San Francisco liberal,' Rice replied. 'I believe she is not the leader for the future of the Democratic Party. It's that simple.'

Rice also bemoaned the treatment Pelosi received from Republicans, but that didn't stop her from maintaining the former House speaker should be ousted.

'Do I think it's fair that the Republican playbook over the last four election cycles has been attacking Nancy Pelosi and demonizing her?' Rice began. 'No, that's not fair,' Rice said. 'Nor is it accurate. But guess what? It works, they're winning. We have to address that reality.'

'There comes a time in every leader's life when they have to know that it's time to leave and usher in the next generation of leaders,' Rice said. 'I personally think that time is now.'

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, had challenged Pelosi for her leadership position earlier this year, and agreed, during an interview on CNN Wednesday night, that Republicans' ads using her as a Democratic boogey-woman have been effective.

'I don't think it's fair,' Ryan told Don Lemon. 'But, clearly, these ads using her, linking her to our candidates is still working.'

'I mean, I wish it wasn't true,' he added.

Asked by Lemon if he thought Pelosi was more toxic than Trump, Ryan said yes.

'You know what, the honest answer is in some areas of the country  yes, she is. That's the honest answer,' Ryan answered.

Ryan told Lemon that earlier that night, another member of Congress, clearly a Republican, had pulled him aside and said, 'Please tell me you're not going to get rid of Nancy Pelosi, please tell me she's not going to retire because that's who I run against.'

'She's less popular than Donald Trump in my district,' Ryan admitted.
Up to 11 children have been treated in hospital after taking a potent prescription anti-anxiety drug in a park.

The boys and girls, aged between 13 and 15, were admitted to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth in the early hours of Thursday after taking diazepam, commonly known as Valium.

The group had reportedly taken the tablets in a local park the previous evening.

The children were taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital (pictured) after taking anti-anxiety drug diazepam in a park

A Hampshire police spokesman said: 'We can confirm we are investigating after a number of teenage girls and boys were admitted to hospital.

'The teenagers had taken a number of tablets, believed to be diazepam, which we understand were shared at Kingston recreation ground on the evening of Wednesday, June 21.

'Some of those involved are still receiving treatment, others have been discharged and are recovering at home.

'We are working to identify all those involved or in possession of the tablets to stop them being shared further.'

The children were not seriously hurt by taking the drugs,' added the spokesman.

Diazepam, which was first marketed as Valium, is usually used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms.

It can also be recommended for people who have insomnia.

The group of boys and girls, aged between 13 and 15, reportedly took the diazepam, commonly known as Valium in the early hours of Thursday

Common diazepam side effects include muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and drowsiness.

Sergeant Iain Clancy said: 'As always, we would urge people not to risk their health by taking unknown tablets or substances.

'My team is in touch with local schools to reinforce this advice to young people.

'We are also working with the investigation team to identify other young people who know about the tablets or have taken any themselves.

'Please contact us if you have any information. Anyone who has taken tablets should seek medical advice.'
Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia, says the Trump administration must receive authorization from Congress before targeting forces loyal to Bashar al Assad

A Democratic senator says the US military's recent strikes against Syrian government targets are 'completely illegal,' it was reported on Wednesday.

Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia, told Sirius XM on Wednesday that the Trump administration must receive authorization from Congress before targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al Assad.

'I think the military action that is being taken against Syrian government assets is completely illegal,' said Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton's running mate during the recent election campaign.

Kaine's remarks were made one day after the US-led coalition said it had shot down an armed pro-Syrian drone early Monday morning that had been advancing on its forces near a garrison close to the border with Iraq in southeastern Syria.

Earlier this week, the US military announced it had shot down a Syrian warplane near Raqqa.

The Pentagon has argued that it has legal authorization to use force in Syria.

Kaine (right) and Arizona Senator Jeff Flake (left), a Republican, are urging Congress to reassert its power in granting the administration the authorization to expand its military operations in Syria

The Trump administration, like former President Barack Obama's, has been using a 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against al Qaeda passed after the September 11 attacks as the legal basis for a wide range of military action since.

Kaine says that rationale is flimsy considering that Syria did not play a role in the 9/11 attacks.

'The 2001 authorization said we can take action against the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks,' Kaine said.

'Nobody claims that Syria was a perpetrator. Nobody claims that they are connected to al Qaeda. In fact, they're battling against al Qaeda in Syria.'

US forces in Syria shot down an armed drone affiliated with groups supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad's government overnight Monday. It happened near Al Tanf, where the US military is using the area near Syria's border with Iraq and Jordan to train its local forces

The drone was an Iranian-made Shahed 129, thought to be armed in range of US troops (File of American drone pictured)

'So I think this is a completely unlawful use of power.'

In a statement issued on Tuesday, US forces said the drone was shot at after it 'displayed hostile intent and advanced on coalition forces'.

One official said that the drone was shot down because it was 'assessed to be a threat.'

The downing of the drone comes just days after a US F/A-18 shot down a regime warplane after dropping bombs near US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS in the area around Tabqah, Syria, in the north of country.

The US says an SU-22 operated by the Syrian regime was dropping bombs on the Syrian Democratic Forces when it was shot out of the sky by a U.S. F/A-18E Super Hornet.

This US Navy file photo shows an F/A-18E Super Hornet. The US says an SU-22 operated by the Syrian regime was dropping bombs on the Syrian Democratic Forces, a group that is aligned with the US, when it was shot out of the sky by a Super Hornet earlier this week

The downing of the Syrian plane angered Damascus' key ally and backer, Russia.

Earlier on Monday, a Russian warplane came within five feet of a US Air Force reconnaissance plane which was flying a mission over the Baltic Sea on Monday.

According to the officials, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet, which was armed with missiles, 'rapidly' approached an American RC-135 reconnaissance plane.

As the aircraft were flying side-by-side, the Russian pilot began to undertake 'provocative' maneuvers by flying 'erratically,' according to a US official.

In April, the US Navy launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airfield from a ship in the Mediterranean.

The strikes were in retaliation for an alleged chemical weapons attack ordered by the Assad government against Syrians.

Although there is bipartisan support for Congress to debate and vote on a new AUMF introduced by Kaine and Republican Senator Jeff Flake, the measure faces stiff opposition.

Lawmakers have introduced war authorizations repeatedly in the past several years.

But they have failed to advance amid sharp divisions in Congress over whether, or how, to limit commanders' use of military resources.

US senators called on Congress on Tuesday to take back its authority to determine whether the country goes to war, saying recent US strikes in Syria were not covered by existing authorizations for the use of military force.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has begun considering legislation that would cover military action in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Libya and Yemen against the Islamic State, al Qaeda and other Islamist militant groups.

'I have always believed that it's important for Congress to exercise its constitutional role to authorize the use of force,' the committee's chairman, Republican Senator Bob Corker, told a hearing on Tuesday.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. NEKERO DEJUAN MCCALOP, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-10544 Decided: June 20, 2017

Before TJOFLAT, WILLIAM PRYOR and JILL PRYOR, Circuit Judges.

Nekero McCalop appeals his 48-month sentence, which the district imposed after he pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1), 924(a)(2). McCalop was subject to a base offense level of 22 under the Sentencing Guidelines for having committed the offense of possession a firearm as a convicted felon after sustaining a felony conviction for a crime of violence. See U.S.S.G.  2K2.1(a)(3). That section uses the crime of violence definition in U.S.S.G.  4B1.2. Id.  2K2.1, cmt. n.1 (2015).

Section 4B1.2 defines crime of violence as any offense under federal or state law, punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person of another, or is burglary of a dwelling, arson, or extortion, involves use of explosives, or otherwise involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another. U.S.S.G.  4B1.2(a) (2015) (emphasis added). The clause beginning with or otherwise in this definition is known as the residual clause.

On appeal, McCalop asserts that his prior Florida conviction for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling does not qualify as a crime of violence under U.S.S.G.  4B1.2 in the 2015 version of the Sentencing Guidelines. He also argues that the residual clause in  4B1.2 is unconstitutionally vague. Finally, he argues for the first time on appeal that Amendment 798 to the Sentencing Guidelineswhich became effective during this appeal and removed both the residual clause and burglary from the enumerated offenses in the crime of violence definitionshould apply to him. We stayed appellate proceedings pending the Supreme Court's decision in Beckles v. United States, 137 S. Ct. 886 (2017). Now that Beckles has been decided, McCalop's appeal is ripe for review. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.

First, we must reject McCalop's assertion that U.S.S.G.  4B1.2's residual clause is unconstitutionally vague. His argument is foreclosed by Beckles, in which the Supreme Court held that the Sentencing Guidelines are not subject to vagueness challenges under the Due Process Clause and that  4B1.2(a)'s residual clause is not void for vagueness. Beckles, 137 S. Ct. at 895.

Second, under binding circuit precedent we reject McCalop's argument that his conviction in Florida for burglary of an unoccupied dwelling cannot qualify as a crime of violence under the residual clause. In United States v. Matchett, this Court held that burglary of an unoccupied dwelling under Florida law does qualify under the residual clause. 802 F.3d 1185, 1197 (11th Cir. 2015), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 1344 (2017). We are bound to follow prior precedent unless it is overruled by this Court sitting en banc or by the Supreme Court. United States v. Vega-Castillo, 540 F.3d 1235, 1236 (11th Cir. 2008).

Third, under either de novo or plain error review, the district court's failure to apply Amendment 798 to McCalop's guidelines calculation was not error. As relevant here, the amendment, which became effective on August 1, 2016, deleted the residual clause in U.S.S.G.  4B1.2(a)(2) and eliminated burglary of a dwelling as an enumerated offense. U.S.S.G. App. C, amend. 798. The Sentencing Commission explained that it eliminated the residual clause as a matter of policy, noting that the clause implicated many of the concerns cited by the Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2551 (2015) (holding that the residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C.  924(e), was unconstitutionally vague). See U.S.S.G. App. C, amend. 798 (Reasons for Amendment). The Sentencing Commission further explained that eliminating the clause would alleviate application difficulties and uncertainty following Johnson. Id. In eliminating burglary of a dwelling as an enumerated offense from  4B1.2(a)(2), the Sentencing Commission noted that burglary offenses rarely result in physical violence. Id.

When reviewing the district court's application of the Guidelines, generally we apply the version of the Guidelines in effect on the date of sentencing. United States v. Jerchower, 631 F.3d 1181, 1184 (11th Cir. 2011). If, however, an amendment simply clarifies the Guidelines, we give it retroactive effect, considering it on appeal regardless of the date of sentencing or whether the defendant raised the issue the amendment clarified in the district court. Id. This is because clarifying amendments do not represent a substantive change in the Guidelines, but instead provide persuasive evidence of how the Sentencing Commission originally envisioned application of the relevant guideline. Id.

In assessing whether an amendment to the Sentencing Guidelines is substantive or clarifying, we consider several factors, including whether: (1) the amendment alters the text of the guideline (suggesting a substantive change) or the commentary (which, if the amendment merely supplements rather than alters or contradicts preexisting commentary, suggests a clarification); (2) the Commission described the amendment as clarifying or not; (3) the Commission included the amendment in the list of retroactive amendments in  1B1.10(c) (suggesting a substantive change); and (4) the amendment overturns circuit precedent (suggesting a substantive change unless the amendment clarifies a meaning inherent in the original guideline). Id. at 1185.

Amendment 798 was substantive, rather than clarifying, so we do not consider it on appeal. In promulgating the Amendment, the Sentencing Commission deleted an entire provision of the text of the guideline, stated that it was doing so as a matter of policy, removed burglary from the list of enumerated offenses, and declined to include the amendment in the list of retroactive amendments. See U.S.S.G. App. C, amend. 798; U.S.S.G.  1B1.10(d). These are hallmarks of a substantive amendment, not a clarifying one. Jerchower, 631 F.3d at 1185. Thus, the amendment does not apply retroactively on appeal. Id. at 1184.

For these three reasons, we affirm McCalop's sentence.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. Generally, we review de novo a district court's interpretation of the guidelines, including the amendments thereto. United States v. Pringle, 350 F.3d 1172, 1178 (11th Cir. 2003). But we review for plain error an argument not raised before the district court. United States v. Ramirez-Flores, 743 F.3d 816, 821 (11th Cir. 2014). Although the Sentencing Commission published the proposed amendment prior to McCalop's sentencing, the amendment was not effective until after his sentencing; thus, it is unclear which standard applies to his argument on appeal.

PER CURIAM:
Armed police pounced on a terror suspect in an iconic Spanish square only to discover his bulging 'explosive' body belt was actually hiding more than 150,000 in cash.

The Civil Protection squad, SAMUR, was patrolling the packed 'Plaza de la Independencia' in Salamanca when they searched a pedestrian who looked suspicious and appeared to be drunk.

When they saw he was wearing a body belt which could have contained explosives, they evacuated the area and called in the bomb squad.

Spanish police were patrolling the packed 'Plaza de la Independencia' in Salamanca when they noticed a suspicious looking man

When the officers saw he was wearing a body belt which could have contained explosives, they evacuated the area and called in the bomb squad

However, the belt turned out to be packed with Euro bank notes and not explosives.

'Faced with the suspicion that it was a possible explosive belt, the agents promptly evicted the square creating a perimeter of security,' said a spokesman for Madrid police.

'Officers saw that several packages were fixed with American tape around his body. They quickly cleared the square until the arrival of the bomb squad and dogs' unit.'

'Eventually, no explosive material, battery or wiring was detected so they opened the packages which were wrapped in plastic to reveal 185,000 euros of legal tender inside.'

The belt (pictured_ turned out to be packed with Euro bank notes and not explosives

Witnesses said the incident caused a great deal of alarm in view of the recent terrorist attacks.

The man turned out to be a 42-year-old resident of Madrid who has been charged with failing to declare an amount of money more than the 10,000 euro limit Spain allows to be brought into the country.
The European Union has agreed to extend sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine, following a similar move by the US this week.

European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted on Thursday while hosting an EU summit in Brussels: 'Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia.'

The move has come about in relation to Russia's failure to implement measures promised in a peace agreement.

In a message posted to Twitter, European Commission President Donald Tusk said: 'Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia

After Thursday's political decision, the sanctions will be formally extended for another six months, through to January.

The EU initially imposed sanctions on Russia three years ago after it annexed Crimea.

It has repeatedly extended them as the conflict between Ukraine's government and pro-Russia separatists has dragged on.

EU leaders have long been torn on whether to open more diplomatic contacts with Moscow in parallel with the sanctions.
A man who was motivated by a wild conspiracy theory when he opened fire in a Washington DC pizza restaurant has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Edgar Madison Welch, 29, who pleaded guilty to charges of transporting firearms across state lines and assault with a dangerous weapon, was sentenced in federal court on Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Kentanji B. Jackson said that while no one was injured in the December 4 shooting, 'the extent of the recklessness in this case is breathtaking'.

The shooting unraveled after an unfounded conspiracy theory known as 'pizzagate' linked Hillary Clinton and other Democrats to a supposed child-sex-trafficking ring thought to be run from the restaurant Comet Ping Pong.

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Edgar Welch (pictured during his arrest in December), 29, was sentenced to four years in prison after he opened fire inside a Washington DC pizza restaurant

Welch wanted to personally investigate a conspiracy theory claiming Democrats were running a child sex trafficking ring from the basement of a pizza restaurant

The judge said Welch 'forged ahead' with an 'ill-conceived plot' even though others urged him to abandon it. She added that Welch should have notified law enforcement if he really believed children were being harmed.

The 29-year-old, who was accompanied by his mother, father, sister and fiancee in the courtroom, briefly apologized, saying his words 'cannot undo or change what already happened.'

Two Comet Ping Pong workers and owner James Alefantis also spoke before the sentencing. Alefantis called 'pizzagate' a 'viscous web of lies' and said many people had suffered because of Welch's actions.

Patrons fled when they saw Welch enter the restaurant (pictured, Comet Ping Pong), and he opened fire on a locked storage closet. No one was injured

Welch, a father of two, drove 300-some miles from North Carolina to Washington DC to personally investigate the conspiracy theory and rescue potential sex slaves.

The claims originated after Clinton's presidential campaign chairman John Podesta's emails were published on Wikileaks.

Extrapolating emails that mentioned 'cheese pizza', internet users thought it was a code word for 'c.p.' or 'child pornography'. Podesta's correspondence with Alefantis also fanned the flames of speculation.

In a two-minute recording he made on drive to the restaurant, Welch addressed his daughters and said: 'I can't let you grow up in a world that's so corrupt by evil without at least standing up for you, for other children just like you.'

Patrons at the restaurant fled when they saw Welch, who was armed with a fully loaded AR-15 assault rifle and revolver. He opened fire at a locked storage closet, and no one was injured.

Comet Ping Pong owner James Alefantis (pictured) has said the 'pizzagate' hoax that spread on the internet threw the lives of everyone connected with the shop into chaos

As part of his guilty plea in March, Welch agreed to hand over the rifle, revolver, and a shotgun he left in his car at the time of the incident. He also agreed to pay the restaurant $5,744.33.

In exchange, prosecutors dropped a third charge, possessing a firearm while committing a crime of violence, which carried a maximum sentence of 15 years.

In his one-page, handwritten letter filed with the court earlier in June, Welch wrote that he 'came to DC with the intent of helping people I believed were in dire need of assistance, and to bring an end to a corruption that I truly felt was harming innocent lives'.

He wrote that he wanted to apologize and that he acted without considering the repercussions of his actions or the possible harm.

'It was never my intention to harm or frighten innocent lives, but I realize now just how foolish and reckless my decision was,' he wrote.

Welch also acknowledged his 'foolish and reckless' actions in a letter he filed in June

Comet Ping Pong owner James Alefantis has said the 'pizzagate' hoax that spread on the internet threw the lives of everyone connected with the shop into chaos.

Welch's attorney Dani Jahn asked for a 1.5 year sentence, citing Welch's previous work as an emergency medical technician and volunteer trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake there.

She wrote that he's an involved parent to his seven-year-old stepdaughter and four-year-old daughter.

Jahn also noted he surrendered peacefully after realizing that no children were being harmed at the restaurant.

In their own filing, prosecutors wrote that the fact that no one was shot was 'entirely the product of good luck -- the fortuitous facts that nobody interfered with the defendant's progress and that nobody was behind the door which he ultimately shot through'.

Prosecutors Demian Ahn and Sonali Patel wrote that a 'significant sentence' of 4.5 years was required not only to punish Welch but to 'deter other would-be vigilantes from attempting similar crimes against innocent subjects of the next internet-inspired conspiracy theory'.
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Dozens of Great Danes in the Cruella de Vil puppy mill were left for days at a time without water in stinking airless rooms, new court documents reveal.

And blueblood owner Tina Fay once stapled together a dog's gaping wound while refusing to clean it or give the animal antibiotics, the papers claim.

Now the veterinarian who police believe could have prevented the horrific abuse could be facing charges herself as the police probe into the case widens.

Cops want to know whether Dr. Kate Battenfelder even examined the dogs before giving them a health certificate which allowed them to be shipped out of the house of horrors in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, at prices of up to $5,000 each.

Cops want to know whether Dr. Kate Battenfelder even examined the dogs before giving them a health certificate which allowed them to be shipped out of the hellhouse in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, at prices of up to $5,000 each.

Blueblood owner Tina Fay, here in a new mugshot obtained by DailyMail.com, once stapled together a dog's gaping wound while refusing to clean it or give the animal antibiotics, the papers claim

'We are looking at the case very carefully,' Dean Rondeau, chief of police in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview. 'There are other people  not just the veterinarian  that we are looking at.'

Documents filed in Circuit Court in Ossipee, New Hampshire, show the full range of the abuse that a 16-year-old worker revealed after just one day working for Fay.

The girl, who police refer to just by the initials A.N., is now being hailed as the hero who rescued the dogs when the vet allegedly turned a blind eye.

The teen told Wolfeboro cop Michael Strauch of her disgust at the conditions she discovered in the isolated 8-bed, 13-bath mansion.

A.N. was recruited by kennel manager Julia Smith, the police file reveals. On her only day at work, May 2, she was horrified by what she found and immediately started taking pictures on her phone, which are now being used as evidence against Fay.

A.N. told police as soon as she went to Fay's $1.525 million home she was met by a smell which made her 'want to gag.'

She told Strauch there were 'piles of trash and empty boxes covered in chicken juice. There were maggots and bugs covering the floor where some of the dogs were living.'

'Additionally, A.N. said that while loading trash bags to bring outside, Julia told A.N. she didn't like one of the trash bags they were loading because it contained a dead puppy.

Animal Care Specialist Natalie Parker inspects the ears of Bam-Bam at the Conway Area Humane Society. Nine of Fays Great Danes  including Bam-Bam (above)  were rescued separately and are now at a shelter in Conway, New Hampshire

Ellie, one of nine rescued Great Danes that were part of Tina Fay's puppy mill in Wolfeboro, wanders around in an enclosed area at the Conway Area Humane Society on Tuesday showing a sign of over breeding with her sagging teats

One black and white dog had a really bad case of cherry eye, a disease where the tear duct gets blocked, leaving the cornea constantly scratching against the eyelid

'She told A.N. that they used to bury the dead dogs but they don't anymore,' wrote Strauch in his report.

'Once inside the house, A.N. stated that it was hard to walk as the feces and urine had created a thick layer on the floors. A.N. advised the dogs had a hard time standing as well.

The teen  who had experience working with animals as she lived on an alpaca farm  said she was shocked by the area where chicken for the dogs was prepared.

'The counters were covered in old chicken parts and chicken juice was running off the counter on to the floor,' wrote Strauch. 'The buckets that were used for feeding were not cleaned out from previous feedings. There was also a meat grinder on the counter that was not clean.'

A.N., who was paid $80 for her one day of work, told cops she saw dogs defecating on the floor inside the house while unconcerned Fay watched them.

'A.N. counted at least 25 Great Danes in one room alone,' wrote Strauch. Many other rooms were 'filled with dogs.'

But Fay kept her favorite dogs in her bedroom, Strauch's report revealed. 'In Fay's bedroom the dogs were on the bed and there were feces everywhere. In the master bedroom there was a litter of Great Dane puppies. They were so young that their eyes hadn't yet opened.'

When Julia Smith took A.N. to the 'hot and stuffy' basement, she told the teen the dogs 'needed to go out today because they didn't go out yesterday and they only get water when they go outside.'

'We are looking at the case very carefully,' Dean Rondeau, chief of police in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview. 'There are other people  not just the veterinarian  that we are looking at.'

'A.N. saw many dogs with severely swollen legs and feet and one dog that had such bad 'Cherry Eye' that it couldn't see. A.N. advised they let the dogs out and all they wanted to do was drink 'puddle water.'

So far police have only charged Fay, 59, with two charges of animal neglect, but Police Chief Rondeau said more charges  including endangering the welfare of a minor by allowing the girl to work in such appalling conditions  will follow.

Rondeau said the case against Fay is likely to take more than a year to put together. 'If you will pardon the pun, this investigation has legs,' he said.

Fay, 59, is now on $10,000 bail and is due in court in Ossipee, New Hampshire on August 2.

'We know for a fact that we will be filing additional charges against Tina Fay because the evidence against her is simply overwhelming,' said Chief Rondeau.

'But there are other people, not just the veterinarian, that we are looking at. We need to see if there is a case to be made about collusion or conspiracy and to see if there are any federal charges that should be brought.'

He said the case could even stretch to Europe where Fay, whose grandmother was the third wife of famed financier E.F. Hutton, imported the giant dogs from.

'This case is still in its infancy,' said Chief Rondeau. 'What we have found so far is just the tip of the iceberg and we have a lot more digging to do.'

Fay has been dubbed Cruella de Vil after the evil heiress in the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians who kidnapped puppies for their fur.

A second worker at the kennel, Marilyn Kelly, also approached authorities about the deplorable conditions in the massive mansion, telling cops that in one litter of nine born there, five had died.

Kelly told Strauch: 'One of the puppies has a broken femur and was supposed to be seen by a veterinarian, however Ms Fay thought it 'was better.'

The Humane Society of the United States worked with the Wolfeboro Police Dept. to rescue the Great Danes from a suspected puppy mill on Friday, June 16, 2017, in Wolfeboro, N.H. Fay was arrested at the property

While Fay's website showed dogs in open grounds, or clean rooms of the house, teams found animals living in cages and squalid conditions

'Marilyn stated that on numerous occasions the boxes of frozen chicken are left out overnight and spoiled.' But Fay still insisted they feed the spoiled meat to the dogs.

Kelly also claimed she saw Fay 'staple a dog's wound closed after a dog fight' without cleaning the wound or giving the animal antibiotics.

'She said dogs that are prescribed medications are rarely given the medication for the directed time and only get it for one to two days at most.

'There are dogs with open sores from 'Happy Tail' where the tail hits the kennel and cuts open and doesn't heal,' wrote Strauch. 'She advised that one room is covered in blood from 8 dogs that have the condition.

Kelly said the dogs were only let out of their cages, where they had no water, for 15 minutes a day. They were fed just once a day. 'There are no windows and no interaction. The room burns your eyes from the urine.

'More than half the dogs in the house have liquid stool and it is common to see them vomiting as well.'

Kelly told Strauch that Fay was the only person on duty at the home at weekends, and she often refused to take the dogs outside at all during that time which meant they had no water all weekend.

In one case Humane Society of America official Tona McCarthy found Battenfelder had signed off on a dog whose paw pad was completely missing. In another case McCarthy found a dog with severe cherry eye which showed a 'pink mass protruding from the animal's eyelid.' He found the dog was so thin 'ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bonesare easily visible

The police are probing why Battenfelder, a 38-year-old mother-of-two, cleared the dogs as healthy. They also want to know why Fay chose that particular vet as her practice is located a 90-minute drive from Wolfeboro.

In one case Humane Society of America official Tona McCarthy found Battenfelder had signed off on a dog whose paw pad was completely missing and on others where the pad was 'lifted off the bottom of the dogs' paws.'

In another case McCarthy found a dog with severe cherry eye which showed a 'pink mass protruding from the animal's eyelid.' He found the dog was so thin 'ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bonesare easily visible.

'Tona also observed that there was a healthy certificate issued by Dr. Battenfelder,' Wolfeboro senior patrolman Michael Strauch said in his report.

Battenfelder declined to talk to DailyMail.com. The receptionist at her clinic in Bartlett, New Hampshire, told us she had nothing to add to a statement she had posted on Facebook. The veterinarian did not respond to detailed questions emailed to her about the case.

In her Facebook statement, Battenfelder admitted neither she nor anyone else from her practice had ever visited the home in Wolfeboro where 84 Great Danes were seized in a massive raid on Friday last week. The dogs are now at a secret location where they are being treated after years of alleged abuse.

Fay bought what turned into a house of horrors for $1.525 million in 2015. The real estate listing at the time called it a custom built, recently improved, 8 master suite home

Cruella de Vil-type dog breeder Fay, seen here in a mug shot obtained by DailyMail.com, is accused of mistreating dozens of Great Danes in a stately mansion puppy mill is facing financial ruin and the possibility of years behind bars

'[N]obody from the True North Veterinary Hospital has ever been to the accused owner's home. She had a separate house call veterinarian that was not a part of our hospital team,' she wrote.

'If we had seen anything like the conditions shown in the images being shared online we would have both spoken directly to the owner and reported it to local authorities immediately.'

However, in his report Strauch claims that Battenfelder 'agreed that Mrs. Fay had gotten out of hand with the number of dogs she has.'

Battenfelder said she had started seeing Fay's dogs 'after a referral to us from a board-certified surgeon in January 2016.'

Cops discovered the alleged abuse through what the Police Chief Rondeau calls a serendipitous co-mingling of events, in early May. The bust was made on Friday, June 16

'At that time and for 9 or so months continuing, we were aware that she had a veterinarian come to her property once a month for routine care,' she added in her post.

'In addition to those veterinarians, we knew many of her staff workers and visiting friends who would stay there  none of which ever notified us of any neglect or housing concerns.

'In our past interactions she appeared to have both the funding and capacity to care for a large number of dogs.'

Battenfelder said she believed it was only over the past few months that conditions deteriorated at the huge white home on Warren Sands Road. 'We believe the findings must have been a recent turn of events and we are heartbroken that things deteriorated to that level,' she wrote.

On her website, Battenfelder, who graduated from Penn State in 2001, said she has had a 'lifetime of preparation of education, experience, compassion and dedication.

But now she may find herself in trouble from the New Hampshire Board of Veterinary Medicine. Police Chief Rondeau said that if the investigation finds allegations of malpractice he would present its findings to the board.

Administrative Secretary Kim Lavoie told DailyMail.com the seven-person board has the power to initiate its own investigations, which could lead to penalties including her losing her license.




U.S. Capitol Police arrested dozens of people protesting cuts to Medicaid in the Senate Republicans' health care bill.

The protesters filled a hallway in one of the Senate office buildings, outside the office of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Capitol Police said they arrested 43 protesters for refusing to end the demonstration.

Some of the protesters were being escorted individually, as others were much more reluctant to leave.

As a result, four or five officers dragged several people out of the building, as several media sites reported that one woman was allegedly dropped by police who were carrying her out.

The protesters were yelling 'no cuts to Medicaid' as they were being led away.

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U.S. Capitol Police arrested dozens of people protesting cuts to Medicaid in the Senate Republicans' health care bill. Above police remove a woman protesting

The protesters filled a hallway in one of the Senate office buildings, outside the office of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Above police remove a woman protesting

Capitol Police said they arrested 43 protesters for refusing to end the demonstration. Above Stephanie Woodward, of Rochester, New York, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, is removed. It's unclear if she is one of the people who were arrested

The protest comes after Republicans released a draft of their healthcare plan on Capitol Hill Thursday. Above a handicapped protester is escorted away by Capitol Police

One protester said he's with the disability rights group ADAPT, which identifies itself as a nonprofit for people with disabilities.

Phillip Corona said he traveled from Wisconsin to make his voice heard because Medicaid helps his son Anthony get out of bed every morning.

He fears that changes to the program 'would possibly mean putting him in a nursing home.'

Alison Barkoff, the director of advocacy for the Center for Public Representation, helped organize the protest.

She said the protesters rely on Medicaid to help them live and she says the health bill amounts to 'tax cuts for the wealthy on the backs of people with disabilities.'

Many of the protesters were with the group ADAPT, which identifies itself as a nonprofit for people with disabilities. Above a protester is removed by police

A number of the protesters rely on Medicaid to help them live. Above a protester is removed by police

GOP leaders hope to vote on the bill next week and can only afford two defections from the 52 Senate Republicans. Above a protester is removed by police

Four Republican senators announced later in the afternoon that they are not ready to vote for the GOP health care bill, putting the measure in jeopardy.

The four are Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

They said in a statement that they are open to negotiation before the full Senate considers the measure.

The senators added there are provisions that are an improvement to the current health care system.

But they feel that the measure fails to accomplish what they have promised to their constituents, 'to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs.'

GOP leaders hope to vote on the bill next week and can only afford two defections from the 52 Senate Republicans.
A painful video has emerged of a toddler learning a hard lesson when he smacked headfirst into a glass door.

The tiny boy can be seen running across marbled flooring towards the cameraman, in a spacious room thought to be in Saudi Arabia.

But the infant does not realise that panes of glass separate him from his companion, and he careers into the transparent wall with an almighty bang.

The tot, wearing an adorable white patterned baby grow and a tiny white hat, looks completely stunned as he is knocked off his feet and lands on his behind.

The dazed baby lifts a hand to his forehead, which took the full impact, before shrieking in shock.

The short clip comes to an end as the child's sobs ring out across the marbled flooring, but he does not appear to be seriously hurt.

Pane-ful: The tiny boy can be seen running across marbled flooring towards the cameraman, in a spacious room thought to be in Saudi Arabia. But the infant does not realise that panes of glass separate him from his companion, and he careers into the transparent wall with a bang

Footage of the moment was shared on Instagram by Faisal Al-hamedi.

Some online commentators found the video entertaining, while others expressed their concern about people laughing at the expense of the sobbing baby.

BlueZed said on Twitter: 'Why do you think a young child hurting itself is funny? Take a hard look at yourself!'
President Donald Trump thinks that Russia was 'probably' responsible election hacks that hurt his opponent, the White House said Thursday, he's just tired of Democrats using the illegal activity as a crutch for their electoral loss.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders contended in an off-camera gaggle that Trump was dinging Democrats when he called the hack a 'big Dem hoax' this morning an 'excuse' for Hillary Clinton's defeat.

'I believe the reference to the hoax is about the fact that they're trying to delegitimize his win in the election process, and less about the hack itself,' she said.

President Donald Trump thinks that Russia was 'probably' responsible election hacks that hurt his opponent, the White House said Thursday, he's just tired of Democrats using the illegal activity as a crutch for their electoral loss

President Trump's tweets this morning suggested that he thought the hack was a 'hoax,' but Sarah Huckabee Sanders countered saying it wasn't about the hack itself, but about how Democrats were trying to 'delegitimize his win in the election process'

Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testified Wednesday that he tried to offer the Democratic National Committee help, but the political party declined

Trump brought fresh attention to the dispute this morning when he attacked Democrats in a string of tweets for their moaning and groaning about Russian interference in the election that intelligence officials have concluded was meant to hurt Clinton.

Former Department of Homeland Security head Jeh Johnson said Wednesday in testimony on Capitol Hill that he tried to offer assistance to both the Democratic National Committee and state election officials against Russian cyber intrusions and was rebuffed.

The FBI had spoken with party officials, but DNC officials used the cyber security firm CrowdStrike instead of seeking government assistance.

'I was not pleased,' Johnson said. 'In retrospect it would be easy for me to say I should have bought a sleeping bag and camped out in front of the DNC in late summer with the benefit of hindsight.'

President Trump ignored Jeh Johnson's testimony until Thursday morning, when he suggested Johnson had let him off the hook for collusion. Johnson had testified that there was no evidence Russia was able to change people's votes

President Trump also tried to place blame on his White House predecessor, President Obama, suggesting that his administration could have done more to prevent the hack

Trump ignored the testimony at an event on Wednesday evening and let it rip on Thursday morning, instead.

'If Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them?' the president asked. 'Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the DHS offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). It's all a big Dem HOAX!'

'Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasn't? It's all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!' Trump said during the Twitter rant.

Later, at a White House gaggle that was held off camera, reporters probed Huckabee Sanders about the tweets and Trump's position on Russia'a guilt.

The conversation evolved into a discussion about Trump's claims that he lost the popular vote to Clinton because of election fraud.

Huckabee Sanders said she couldn't understand what that was still a conversation topic since voting took place so long ago.

The reporter had asked in the first round why Trump was continuing to dispute the intelligence community's assessment that Russia was behind the hacking and leaking strategy of DNC officials' emails.

Huckabee Sanders read aloud a statement Trump made at a January news conference, in which he'd said, 'I think it was Russia, but I think we also get hacked by other countries and other people.'

'I think he's made it clear and been consistent that while everyone agrees the result of the election wasn't influenced, he thinks that it probably was Russia,' she said, 'and I think that regardless President Trump has made it clear that we have to protect the integrity of the electoral system.'

The Trump spokeswoman was the one who introduced fraudulent voting into the conversation.

'I have not sat down and talked to him about that specifically,' Sean Spicer said yesterday when a reporter asked him if President Trump believed Russia was behind the hack

'That's one of the reasons he's a strong advocate for voter ID laws and why he's also put in place a voter election commission, integrity commission, chaired by the vice president,' she said, 'which I think shows the level of importance he's placed on that to make sure that the integrity of all of our elections, particularly moving forward are as sound and correct as possible.'

Her response led the reporter she was sparring with to bring up the president's reason for creating the voter fraud commission in the first place - a belief that millions of people voted illegally.

He also mentioned the president's position on man-made climate change, which he once called a hoax. The assertion is at odds with many scientists' assessments of the situation.

'Look the president won the election. I don't know why we have to continue debating this. The Democrats lost because they didn't have a message. They had a poor candidate. We had a message, and the president won. I'm not really sure what fact you're disputing here.

Putting a fine point on it she stated: 'There was only one winner and he was it.'

At a briefing on Tuesday White House press secretary Sean Spicer could not say whether the president agrees that Russia did the hacking that helped to sink Democrats in the last election.

'I have not sat down and talked to him about that specifically,' Spicer said.
Evidence photos from the Philado Castile trial have been released to the public, and they paint a grim picture of the man's death at the hands of a cop.

Castile was driving with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her four-year-old daughter when St. Anthony Police Department officer Jeronimo Yanez pulled him over.

In a video recorded right after Yanez shot Castile, Reynolds claims that her boyfriend informed the officer that he was armed and that he was just reaching to get his ID out of his wallet when the officer shot him.

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Blood splatters the seat where Philando Castile was shot dead by St. Anthony Police Department officer Jeronimo Yanez in July 2016

The photos of Castile's car were released to the public nearly a week after Officer Yanez was cleared of second-degree manslaughter charges. Above, a bullet stuck in the car

Castile was riding with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her four-year-old daughter when they were pulled over by the officer

Officer Yanez shot Castile as the man was reaching into his pocket. Reynolds said that her boyfriend warned the officer he had a gun but that he wasn't reaching for it

Yanez told the jury that he was frightened he was going to get shot so he shot first. Above, blood inside the car

The above photo shows how the bullet passed dangerously close to Reynolds' daughter's car seat

The jury of seven men and five women, 10 of whom were white and two of whom were black, sided with the officer after deliberating for more than 25 hours

The shooting death of Castile, 32, in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights triggered local protests and fueled debate across the country over the appropriate use of force by law enforcement against minorities

The evidence photos show blood splatters inside the car and a pool staining the concrete outside.

A handgun is dropped on the ground, next to a single abandoned sneaker.

A long, skinny piece of wood tracks one bullet's path into the car, coming dangerously close to the child's car seat in the back.

Also included in the evidence photos were a set of pictures of Yanez right after the shooting. In the photos, Yanez's expression is blank.

Among the pictures released after the trial was a set of Officer Yanez taken after the shooting. His expression is blank in the above picture

Blood soaks a piece of paper in his breast pocket after the shooting of Philando Castile

Among the pieces of evidence outside the car was a dropped handgun and an abandoned sneaker

Not only was there blood in the car, but there were splatters that stained the concrete outside as well

Above, a gun that was abandoned at the scene and Castile's work identification card

Castile's wallet, which he was allegedly reaching for when he was shot, is pictured above

Above, bullet shells found inside and out of the car after the deadly incident

The photos were released nearly a week after a jury cleared Yanez of second-degree manslaughter charges in Castile's death.

The jury of seven men and five women, 10 of whom were white and two of whom were black, sided with the officer after deliberating for more than 25 hours spanning five days, acquitting Yanez on all charges.

The shooting death of Castile, 32, in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights triggered local protests and fueled debate across the country over the appropriate use of force by law enforcement against minorities.

Friday's verdict drew an angry reaction from Castile's mother.

Above, is a grab from the video Diamond Reynolds took after her boyfriend was shot and lay dying in his car. The officer's gun is seen in the background

Blood soaked Castile's shirt after he was shot. His girlfriend's four-year-old daughter was in the back seat

'I'm mad as hell right now,' Valerie Castile told reporters after the verdict. 'My first-born son died. ... Just because he was a police officer, that makes it OK.'

She said the verdict shows 'the system continues to fail black people.'

Yanez, the son of a Mexican immigrant, testified during the trial in Ramsey County District Court that he feared for his life after Castile began reaching for a firearm that Castile had disclosed he had in his possession.

Diamond Reynolds is seen above during the trial

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the state capitol in St. Paul on Friday evening, and a series of speakers demanded justice for minorities in the American judicial system and stronger accountability measures for police. Many people waved signs and chanted in unison 'stand up, fight back' and 'if we don't get no justice, they don't get no peace.'

After the rally, police said roughly 2,000 people marched peacefully down streets in St. Paul, at times blocking traffic at intersections and then on Interstate 94, a major highway. Marchers also blocked commuter trains at one point and chanted 'Yanez Guilty.'

An attorney for Yanez, Earl Gray, praised the verdict.

'Justice was done,' Gray told Reuters by telephone. 'We're very happy. Yanez was innocent. He was just doing his job.'

Shortly after the verdict, the City of St. Anthony said Yanez would not return to active duty and that it was negotiating a 'voluntary separation agreement' with him.

The video footage of the aftermath of the shooting taken by Castile's girlfriend, which went viral, had shaped many public perceptions of the fatal shooting before the trial.

The video begins with the girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, in the passenger seat as Castile, covered in blood, sits in the driver's seat and a patrolman points his gun into the vehicle.

'He was trying to get out his ID and his wallet out of his pocket,' Reynolds says. 'He let the officer know that he had a firearm and that he was reaching for his wallet, and the officer just shot him in his arm.'

Castile was shot with Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter in the car. The video showed blood oozing through Castile's shirt as he appeared to lose consciousness.

Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile, spoke with passion about her reaction to a not guity verdict on Friday

The verdict triggered immediate protests at the Minnesota State Capitol building

'F***!' a voice is heard screaming. 'I told him not to reach for it.'

Prosecutors said Yanez was not justified in firing his gun, saying that Castile was courteous and non-threatening.

John Choi, the Ramsey County prosecutor assigned to the case, told reporters following the verdict that Castile 'did nothing that justified the taking of his life.'

'He was compliant,' Choi said.

After the shooting, then-President Barack Obama described as tragedies the deaths of Castile and of 37-year-old Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - the second black man slain during an altercation with police in two days.

'All of us as Americans should be troubled by these shootings, because these are not isolated incidents,' Obama said at the time. 'They're symptomatic of a broader set of racial disparities that exist in our criminal justice system.'
Authorities in Texas say a woman was chatting on Facebook Messenger last week while her eight-month-old daughter drowned in a bathtub, where she had been left unattended and forgotten.

Cheyenne Stuckey, of Azle, Texas, was booked into the Parker County Jail on Wednesday on one count of injury to a child stemming from the tragic incident that took place a week earlier.

Stuckey, who has four children, told investigators with the Parker County Sheriffs Office that on June 13, she placed her youngest daughter, Zayla Hernandez, in the tub with the water running and left her unsupervised 'for only a couple of minutes.'

Cheyenne Stuckey (left), 21, has been arrested and charged with injury to a child in the June 13 drowning death of her 8-month-old daughter, Zayla Hernandez (right)

Baby Zayla drowned in the bathroom of her mother's home in the 1500 block of Reno Road in Azle, Texas (pictured), on June 13

Besides Zayla, Stuckey has four-year-old twins and a 2-year-old son (pictured above)

When she went to check on the baby later, she found Zayla floating face-down in the water, reported CBS DFW.

Stuckey told officials she tried to revive her baby but did not know how.

Deputies responded to Stuckey's home in the 1500 block of Reno Road after getting a report of an unresponsive child.

Paramedics who were also summoned to the scene attempted to perform CPR on the infant, but to no avail. Zayla was then rushed to a hospital in Azle, where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy later determined the eight-month-old died as a result of drowning.

Officials claim Stuckey (pictured with her other children) spent at least 18 minutes chatting with two people on Facebook Messenger while her baby daughter was drowning

Stuckey (left and right) told officials she was only away from the bathroom for 'a couple of minutes.' When she found Zayla floating face down in the tub, she tried to revive her but did not know how

When questioned by deputies, Stuckey reportedly said that after running a bath for Zayla, she became 'distracted' by another child and then went on Facebook Messenger, with a television playing loudly in the background.

An investigation has found that the 21-year-old woman had been on Facebook Messenger with two people for at least 18 minutes while her daughter was alone in the tub, according to the sheriff's office.

In the wake of baby Zayla's death, Stuckey's three surviving children, including her four-year-old twins and 2-year-old son, have been removed from her care and placed in a foster home.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family pay Zayla's final expenses. As of Thursday afternoon, $125 has been raised.
An Illinois man was arrested for attacking his wife's lover with a chainsaw and nearly severing his arm completely off on Monday.

Jose A Jaimes-Jiminez has been accused of attacking a man who was sleeping with his estranged wife, according to the Chicago Tribune.

He allegedly sat outside his wife's place of work in Arlington Heights, a suburb of Chicago, and became angry when he saw her leave with a man.

Jose A Jaimes-Jiminez, 27, (pictured) has been accused of attacking a man who was sleeping with his estranged wife

The 27-year-old then crashed into the man's car before chasing him down with a chainsaw, prosecutors said in court Wednesday, describing it as 'almost a scene from a horror movie.'

Jaimes-Jiminez reached the man after he stumbled and fell, and is said to have mostly cut off his arm, leaving it just dangling by a bit of skin and a tendon. He also suffered cuts to his torso, right hand and elbow.

The victim had surgery and is likely to survive, and the estranged wife was not hurt in the altercation, according to the Tribune.

He has been charged with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery, and is being held on a bond of $2.5million due to the 'violent and horrifying nature of the crime'.

The 27-year-old then crashed into the man's car before chasing him down with a chainsaw, prosecutors said in court Wednesday, describing it as 'almost a scene from a horror movie' (stock image)

When police were called to the scene, they found Jaimes-Jiminez stripped down to his underwear, reportedly to show authorities he did not have a weapon on him.

Jaimes-Jiminez met the victim the first time just three days before the alleged attack, when he saw the man at the store with his wife. The accused argued with the man, telling him they would meet again at another time.

Prosecutors argue that the suspect went home and thought about it all weekend, calling the alleged attack premeditated.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. WILSON ALFREDO SOLIS CORTES, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-17150 Decided: June 20, 2017

Before MARCUS, MARTIN, and JULIE CARNES, Circuit Judges.

Defendant Wilson Solis Cortes appeals his conviction and 120-month sentence, imposed after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of 46 U.S.C.  70503(a), 70506(b). On appeal, Defendant argues that the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (MDLEA)the statute under which he was charged and convictedis unconstitutional. After careful review, we affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

According to the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR), in May 2016, a Marine Patrol Aircraft spotted a low-profile vessel in international waters near Costa Rica. Sent to investigate, the United States Coast Guard discovered three people on board the vessel, as well as 43 bales of cocaine floating several nautical miles away from the vessel. Along with the two others on board the vessel, Defendant claimed Colombian nationality and stated that the vessel was also Colombian. The Coast Guard contacted the Colombian government, which neither confirmed nor denied the vessel's nationality. As a result, the vessel was treated as a vessel without nationality. Following Defendant's arrest, he admitted that he was paid to throw the bales of cocaine into the water at specific GPS coordinates.

A federal grand jury subsequently indicted Defendant on one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of 46 U.S.C.  70503(a), 70506(b) (Count 1), and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of 46 U.S.C.  70503(a)(1), 70506(a) and 18 U.S.C.  2 (Count 2). The indictment stated that both offenses occurred while Defendant was on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

Defendant moved to dismiss the indictment on the ground that the MDLEA was unconstitutional. He recognized that this argument was foreclosed by binding precedent, but nevertheless presented the issue for further review. He further argued that the statute was unconstitutional as applied to him because Congress did not have authority to punish a crime that occurs on the high seas unless the crime has a nexus to the United States. Defendant acknowledged that this argument was likewise foreclosed by binding precedent. The district court denied Defendant's motion.

Defendant later pled guilty to Count 1: conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, 46 U.S.C.  70503(a), 70506(b). The district court sentenced Defendant to 120 months' imprisonment.

II. DISCUSSION

We review de novo whether a statute is constitutional. United States v. Spoerke, 568 F.3d 1236, 1244 (11th Cir. 2009) (When a motion to dismiss challenges the constitutionality of a statute, we review de novo the interpretation of the statute by the district court.).

The Constitution permits Congress to define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas. U.S. const. Art. I,  8, cl. 10. The MDLEA prohibits individuals from knowingly or intentionally  manufactur [ing] or distribut[ing], or possess[ing] with intent to manufacture or distribute, a controlled substance on board a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. 46 U.S.C.  70503(a), (e); see also United States v. Campbell, 743 F.3d 802, 805 (11th Cir. 2014). Congress specifically enacted the MDLEA to punish drug trafficking on the high seas. United States v. Estupinan, 453 F.3d 1336, 1338 (11th Cir. 2006).

Defendant argues that the MDLEA is unconstitutional as applied to drug trafficking offenses where there is no nexus to the United States. He further asserts that Congress exceeded its authority under the Piracies and Felonies Clause by enacting the MDLEA. As Defendant concedes, he cannot prevail on his arguments because they are foreclosed by binding precedent.

This Court has repeatedly concluded that the MDLEA is a valid exercise of Congress's power under the Piracies and Felonies Clause of the Constitution. Campbell, 743 F.3d at 810; see also United States v. Cruickshank, 837 F.3d 1182, 1188 (11th Cir. 2016) (reaffirming this Court's decision in Campbell by rejecting defendant's argument that Congress exceeded its authority by enacting the MDLEA), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 1325 (U.S. Apr. 3, 2017). Moreover, this Court has recognized that the conduct proscribed by the [MDLEA] need not have a nexus to the United States because universal and protective principles support its extraterritorial reach. Campbell, 743 F.3d at 810; United States v. Wilchcombe, 838 F.3d 1179, 1186 (11th Cir. 2016) (The text of the MDLEA does not require a nexus between the defendants and the United States; it specifically provides that its prohibitions on drug trafficking are applicable even though the act is committed outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.  (quoting 46 U.S.C.  70503(b))), petition for cert. filed, (16-1063) (U.S. Mar. 6, 2017). Under the prior precedent rule, we are bound to follow a prior binding precedent unless and until it is overruled by this court en banc or by the Supreme Court. United States v. Vega-Castillo, 540 F.3d 1235, 1236 (11th Cir. 2008) (quotations omitted).

Accordingly, Defendant's conviction and sentence are AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. The MDLEA provides that a vessel without nationality is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and includes a vessel aboard which the master or individual in charge makes a claim of registry that is denied by the nation whose registry is claimed. 46 U.S.C.  70502(c)(1)(A), (d)(1)(A).

PER CURIAM:
The confession of a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series 'Making a Murderer' was improperly obtained, according to a three-judge federal appeals panel that ruled he should be released from prison.

Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for the death of photographer Teresa Halbach after he told detectives he helped his uncle Steven Avery rape and kill her in the family's Manitowoc County salvage yard.

A federal magistrate judge overturned his conviction and ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey, who was 16 years old at the time and suffered from cognitive problems, into confessing.

The state Justice Department appealed the ruling to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a move that kept Dassey, now 27, behind bars pending Thursday's ruling.

Brendan Dassey (left) was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 after he told detectives he helped his uncle Steven Avery (right) rape and kill her in the family's Manitowoc County salvage yard

But a federal magistrate judge overturned his conviction and ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey. That ruling was affirmed today by a three-judge federal appeals panel

A three-judge panel from the Chicago-based 7th Circuit upheld the magistrate's decision to overturn his conviction.

The state attorneys' only recourse now is the U.S. Supreme Court although they could also elect to re-try Dassey within 90 days of the court's order.

Dassey's constitutional rights were violated because investigators made false promises during interrogations, according to Federal Magistrate William Duffin of Milwaukee.

According to WBAY, the 2-1 ruling read: 'The investigators promised Dassey freedom and alliance if he told the truth and all signs suggest that Dassey took that promise literally.

'The pattern of questions demonstrates that the message the investigators conveyed is that the 'truth' was what they wanted to hear.

'Dassey, however, had trouble maintaining a consistent story except when he was being led step-by-step through the facts, thus confirming that his confession emerge not from his own free will, but from the will of investigators.'

Pictured, a photo of a burn pit at Steven Avery's salvage yard, where State Department of Justice Special agent Tom Sturdivant testified that he found bone fragments

Dassey's constitutional rights were violated because investigators made false promises during interrogations, according to Federal Magistrate William Duffin of Milwaukee

The Wisconsin Department of Justice responded to the ruling saying, 'We are evaluating the 2-1 decision from the court.

'We anticipate seeking review by the entire 7th Circuit or the United States Supreme Court and hope that today's erroneous decision will be reversed.

'We continue to send our condolences to the Halbach family as they have to suffer through another attempt by Mr. Dassey to re-litigate his guilty verdict and sentence.'

The Wisconsin DOJ responded by sending their condolences to the family of Teresa Halbach (above)

Dassey and Avery, who was sentenced to life in a separate trial, contend they were framed by police angry with Avery for suing Manitowoc County over his wrongful conviction for sexual assault.

Avery spent 18 years in prison in that case before DNA tests showed he didn't commit the crime. He's pursuing his own appeal in state court.

Their cases gained national attention in 2015 after Netflix aired 'Making a Murderer,' a multi-part documentary looking at Halbach's death, the ensuing jessiinvestigation and trials.

The series sparked widespread conjecture about the pair's innocence and has garnered them a massive following on social media pushing for their release.

Authorities who worked on the cases insisted the documentary is biased.

Ken Kratz, the prosecutor, wrote in his book 'Avery' that Dassey was 'a shuffling, mumbling young man with bad skin and broken-bowl haircut' who could have saved Halbach's life but instead involved himself in her rape and murder and Avery is 'by any measure of the evidence, stone guilty.'
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The party got under way at Glastonbury Festival today as thousands more revellers descended upon Worthy Farm for the world famous music event.

Festival-goers showed off their flamboyant outfits and covered their faces with glitter as they enjoyed music, dancing and drinks a plenty at the Somerset farm.

The second day of Glastonbury saw a surprise appearance from former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, who looked in good spirits as he arrived at the site, ahead of the start of the main performances on Friday.

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The party got under way at Glastonbury Festival today as thousands more revellers descended upon Worthy Farm for the world famous music event

Festival-goers showed off their flamboyant outfits and covered their faces with glitter as they enjoyed music, dancing and drinks a plenty at the Somerset farm

A group of revellers dressed up as Princess Leia as they paid tribute to actress Carrie Fisher, who died last December

Revellers enjoyed some respite from the scorching temperatures of the previous day, with highs of 21C (69.8F) on Thursday.

They awoke to clouds above the festival site following the hottest day in the event's history on Wednesday, with temperatures soaring to 31C (87.8F).

This year's campers certainly appear to be enjoying the warm weather as the frolicked around in the sunshine, at a festival that has become famous for its torrential rain and mud-filled site.

But the dry weather is not expected to last, with a spot of drizzle predicted on Friday night and rain showers on Saturday morning.

These women showed off their embellished and multi-coloured ensembles as they enjoyed the second day of the festival

An array of outlandish outfits were on display at the event, with two friends showing off their pom pom jackets and face glitter

A series of fancy dress costumes were also on show, with this group going for a space cowboy theme at this year's festival

One reveller rocked a bohemian chic look in a floaty patterned dress as she danced away to a brass brand

Hot pink was a popular choice, as one festival-goer dressed up as a toy car (L); while another pair carried giant inflatable flamingos as they arrived at Worthy Farm (R)

Two women wore 'I love MCR' and 'We are Manchester' T-shirts in tribute of the devastating Manchester arena attack in May

Thousands joined together to create the largest human peace sign in the wake of recent terror attacks in the UK

By 9am on Thursday, 100,000 of the 135,000 ticket-holders were already on the Worthy Farm site, despite the main stages not opening until Friday

Meanwhile, thousands of festival-goers joined together to create the largest human peace sign in the wake of recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Organisers estimate that up to 15,000 took part in the unofficial record attempt at the festival's famous Stone Circle.

ED BALLS ARRIVES AT GLASTONBURY Former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls at Glastonbury He showed off his dance moves in the last series of Strictly Come Dancing. And Ed Balls is set to let his hair down once again as he enjoys this year's Glastonbury Festival. The former Shadow Chancellor looked relaxed as he arrived at Worthy Farm in Somerset on Thursday. However, he left his sequinned tops at home, wearing a striped pink shirt and jeans for the second day of the event. Advertisement

William Hawk, from Standing Rock, addressed the crowd during the peace sign event, saying: 'We don't need this in our world. Peace and love comes about simply by giving peace and love.'

SJ Smallpage, 36, who helped organise the event, held an inflatable peace sign with other volunteers from the Sanctuary at the festival.

She said: 'I feel very humbled that people have joined together for something that represents everything that is good about Glastonbury, everything that is good about humanity.

'The numbers are awesome, I can't believe how many people are here. They were still steaming in through the entrances when it happened. It made my heart sing.'

Festival organiser Michael Eavis also delighted music fans with a surprise karaoke performance at the Avalon Cafe, joining tribute band Sladest for a rendition of Elvis Presley's You Are Always On My Mind.

Crowds in the packed tent chanted 'Eavis, Eavis' and rushed outside to take selfies with the 81-year-old.

By 9am on Thursday, 100,000 of the 135,000 ticket-holders were already on the Worthy Farm site, despite the main stages not opening until Friday.

Aerial shots taken from a helicopter on Thursday revealed the sheer scale of Glastonbury as a population of 200,000 people create a temporary home almost as big as Brighton.

It comes as former astronaut Michael Massimino - who will be speaking at this year's festival - described how the sprawling 900 acre site, which has a perimeter of 8.5 miles, could be seen from space.

He told the Glastonbury Free Press: 'If you were flying over the festival with all that humanity there I think you'd be able to see an imprint.

'You'll see green and then bang, you'll see something that looks a bit different. And you'd definitely be able to see all the lights at night.'

This year's Glastonbury headliners are Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran, with Hollywood star Johnny Depp will make an appearance on Thursday.

Jeremy Corbyn will attend on Saturday to take part in a talk, before introducing hip hip duo Run The Jewels on the Pyramid Stage.

Security at the festival, which will host a popular of 200,000 people is tighter than in previous years following the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Fans took selfies as they enjoyed another warm day at a festival that is better known for its torrential rain and mud-filled site

Revellers were seen dancing in their wellies as they enjoyed highs of 21C degrees on the second day of the festival

Revellers enjoyed some respite from the scorching temperatures of Wednesday, waking up to clouds above the site

A group of smiling fans posed in a vintage car during the second day of the festival, after painting their faces with glitter

A pair of festival-goers enjoyed riding on a rickshaw-style bike through the circus area of the sprawling site

Festival organiser Michael Eavis posed with fans after doing a surprise karaoke performance at the Avalon Cafe

Revellers showed off their colourful locks and glitter-covered faces as the party carried on at Glastonbury on Thursday

Cinema ushers Daisy Peters (left) and Tamsin Walton (R) before an appearance by Johnny Depp for a screening of his 2004 film The Libertine

Aerial shots taken from a helicopter on Thursday revealed the sheer scale of Glastonbury as a population of 200,000 people create a temporary home almost as big as Brighton

Photographs shows thousands of tents pitched up by campers shortly after arriving at this year's festival
An incredibly calm security guard thwarted a robbery by approaching three masked men and casually locking them out of a bank as they tried to enter it.

In CCTV footage from the entrance of Banorte bank in Guadalajara, western Mexico, the guard can be seen turning the key in the lock just moments before the first of the gang reaches the door.

The guard has been hailed a hero by online commentators for his quick-thinking and ability to stay calm in such a stressful situation.

In the short clip, men wearing face masks and hats enter the bank through the first set of doors before crossing the foyer to a second threshold.

But just as one of the would-be robbers reaches the second set of doors, the guard appears from inside the bank, and serenely slots a key into the lock.

The gang hesitate as they look at the man to blame for thwarting their mission, before turning and sprinting away from the crime scene.

Foiled: In CCTV footage from the entrance of Banorte bank in Guadalajara, western Mexico, the guard can be seen turning the key in the lock just moments before the gang reach the door

What do we do now? The masked gang hesitate as they look at the man to blame for thwarting their mission, before turning and sprinting away from the crime scene

Since the video was shared on YouTube yesterday it has attracted more than 246,000 views.

One commentator said: 'Give that man a raise.'

Another added: 'Sometimes heroes have no cloak, but a key.'
A first responder suffered a heart attack at the scene of a crash that killed two teenage siblings.

The emergency responder - whose identity is unknown - with Bannock County Search and Rescue in Idaho went into cardiac arrest while pulling the dead bodies of Eric Neibaur, 15, and his sister, Lauren,13, out of the wrecked cars.

He was rushed to hospital and was released on Wednesday. The county sheriff says the traumatic event 'really hit home' for the recovering responder and others at the scene.

'All of us have seen death before, but when we have kids that are about the same age it really hits home a bit more than anything else does,' Bannock county police sheriff told the Idaho State Journal.

The emergency responder with Bannock County Search and Rescue in Idaho suffered a heart attack while pulling the dead bodies of Eric Neibaur, 15, (left) and his sister, Lauren,13,(right) out of the wrecked cars

The teens parents, Eric and Bobbi Neibaur, from Pocatello, Idaho, had been driving ahead of them after a camping trip on Sunday - to make sure they were driving safely - before the tragic incident occurred.

Eric and Lauren Neibaur  who were born just 15 months apart - were following their parents in a pick-up truck, driven by Eric, when they swerved onto the wrong lane and collided head-on with another car driven by Jay Lanningham, 70.

When Eric and Bobbi noticed later that their kids were no longer behind them, they called a relative who informed them the teens had been in a car accident.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Eric, Lauren and Lanningham died instantly.

The accident site also proved difficult for Bannock County sheriff deputy, who had to be granted a day off to recover.

The sheriff told the Idaho State Journal that the scene was so traumatic for the responders that he asked his deputies and their spouses to attend counselling sessions to heal.

That doesnt happen all the time, Nielsen told the paper. But think about it, when you have some traumatic experience and you have to respond to another call it would be very difficult. And this scene was one of those calls.

The teens parents, Eric and Bobbi Neibaur (left and right) from Pocatello, Idaho, had been driving ahead of the teens to make sure they were driving safely before the accident occurred

The teens were in pick-up truck, driven by Eric, when they swerved onto the wrong lane and collided head-on with another car driven by Jay Lanningham, 70. All three died instantly

The Pocatello community held a candle-lit vigil on Wednesday to remember the victims. Pictured is a rock decorated to honor the memory of Eric and Lauren

Now the Pocatello community is reeling at the loss of the two beloved teens, who have been called inseparable. The 54,292-strong town held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday in honor of the victims.

The teens mom Bobbi said: Everybody can say that they are friends, that they loved their siblings, or whatever they want, but those two were unique, she told the newspaper. They had a magical connection.

The family has set up a Gofundme to help with the funeral expenses.
Barack Obama threw himself into the Senate's health care reform deliberations on Thursday, saying in a lengthy post on Facebook that the GOP bill that was unveiled today is 'not a health care bill' at all - it's a transfer of wealth to the rich.

'Simply put, if theres a chance you might get sick, get old, or start a family  this bill will do you harm,' he stated. 'And small tweaks over the course of the next couple weeks, under the guise of making these bills easier to stomach, cannot change the fundamental meanness at the core of this legislation.'

Obama's final White House spokesman had said the outgoing president would not immerse himself in the partisan debate to gut his namesake law once he vacated the Oval Office.

But the two-term Democrat jumped into the fray on Thursday, anyway, in an effort to sink the unpopular bill that four Senate Republicans have said they cannot support.

Barack Obama threw himself into the Senate's health care reform deliberations on Thursday, saying in a lengthy post on Twitter that the GOP bill that was unveiled today is 'not a health care bill' at all - it's a transfer of wealth to the rich

Republicans in the upper chamber released draft health care legislation on Thursday that would cut Medicaid, end penalties for people not buying insurance and erase a raft of tax increases as part of their long-awaited plan to scuttle Obamacare.

The draft bill's Medicare cuts wouldn't begin until 2025 but would take deeper swipes at the popular program than the version of the legislation that passed the House of Representatives last month.

In a departure from the version the House approved last month, which President Trump privately called 'mean,' the Senate plan would drop the House's waivers allowing states to let insurers boost premiums on some people with pre-existing conditions.

It would also largely retain the subsidies Obama provided to help millions buy insurance, which are pegged mostly to people's incomes and the premiums they pay.

Four conservative senators - Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky - are holding out for a bill that goes further, making them a swing-vote bloc that could decide the bill's future.

The GOP can only afford to lose two of them to win Senate approval.

Obama tried to hasten the bill's defeat on Thursday with his social media post that accused the GOP of chasing health care reform just to say they undid Democratic legislation.

'I hope our Senators ask themselves  what will happen to the Americans grappling with opioid addiction who suddenly lose their coverage? What will happen to pregnant mothers, children with disabilities, poor adults and seniors who need long-term care once they can no longer count on Medicaid?

Four conservative senators - Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky (pictured) - are holding out for a bill that goes further, making them a swing-vote bloc that could decide the bill's future

'What will happen if you have a medical emergency when insurance companies are once again allowed to exclude the benefits you need, send you unlimited bills, or set unaffordable deductibles? What impossible choices will working parents be forced to make if their childs cancer treatment costs them more than their life savings?' the former president wrote.

Republicans in the Senate have been working on the bill for weeks in closed-door settings, in spite of complaints about their secretive behavior from members of their own party.

Even the White House was unable to say whether staff or the president had seen the legislation on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, predicted Thursday that it would take 'a little negotiation,' to pass the newly unveiled bill 'but it's going to be very good.'

'Obamacare is a disaster. It's dead,' he said during remarks that were unrelated to the event. 'Totally dead. And we're putting a plan out today that is going to be negotiated. We'd love to have some Democrat support but they're obstructionists. They'll never support [it]. We won't get one no matter how good it is.'

The former president suggested on Facebook that Democrats would be willing to get involved if Republicans had not made repeal of the law a core part of their political agenda.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., writes 'Mean-er' on a reported quote by President Donald Trump while responding to the release of the Republicans' healthcare bill which represents the long-awaited attempt to scuttle much of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act

'We didnt fight for the Affordable Care Act for more than a year in the public square for any personal or political gain  we fought for it because we knew it would save lives, prevent financial misery, and ultimately set this country we love on a better, healthier course,' he said.

The Democrat admitted the law that bears his name is not perfect.

'If Republicans could put together a plan that is demonstrably better than the improvements we made to our health care system, that covers as many people at less cost, I would gladly and publicly support it.'

GOP legislation that made its debut today does not do that, though.

'The Senate bill, unveiled today, is not a health care bill. Its a massive transfer of wealth from middle-class and poor families to the richest people in America,' Obama stated. 'It hands enormous tax cuts to the rich and to the drug and insurance industries, paid for by cutting health care for everybody else.'

The Facebook post was a departure from the declaration that Obama's last White House spokesman, Josh Earnest, had made during one of his final press briefings.

'You could certainly expect the president to follow these developments closely and continue to be thinking about how these kinds of reforms should work,' he said, 'but there's a long tradition in this country ... of the outgoing president giving the incoming president the opportunity to succeed.'

'I would not expect President Obama to be regularly holding conversations,' he said of the soon-to-be private citizen's likeliness to get involved.

Obama got off the sidelines on Thursday to build support for a better reform bill.

'It remains my fervent hope that we step back and try to deliver on what the American people need,' he said.

'That might take some time and compromise between Democrats and Republicans. But I believe thats what people want to see. I believe it would demonstrate the kind of leadership that appeals to Americans across party lines,' Obama wrote.
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Investment banker Oliver Curtis had an emotional homecoming with his socialite wife Roxy Jacenko and their two children on Friday after serving a year behind bars for insider trading.

Jacenko, 37, hired a private jet to take daughter Pixie, five, and son Hunter, three, from Sydney to Cooma so they could meet Curtis as soon as he left the prison in rural NSW where he has been held.

'Dada, Dada!' the children squealed from inside the plane, as they caught sight of Curtis for the first time as he walked toward them on the airport tarmac.

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Convicted insider trader Oliver Curtis has left Cooma prison after spending a year behind bars and has been reunited with his two smiling, young children as they greet him at the door of his private jet (pictured)

Curtis embraced the children tightly in a touching reunion for the family, before they boarded the plane for a return to Sydney.

The family returned to their Bondi Beach apartment around 11am.

The 32-year-old, wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap, was flanked by security guards as he was walked out from prison at 8.45am on Friday morning.

The disgraced banker's five-year-old daughter Pixie could be heard screaming 'Dada, Dada!' as he approached the Cooma airport tarmac

His wife, PR maven Roxy Jacenko, was seen smiling as she held back a giddy Pixie and Hunter, three

Roxy Jacenko held back the two delighted children until their father arrived - with the family embracing in a long and emotional hug before departing for Sydney

Hunter is pictured eagerly looking at his father, who was released after one year in prison for insider trading

Curtis is pictured holding his arms open as he walks up to his chidlren, who are on the family's private plane

Curtis is seen taking pictures of his children on the plane with a mobile phone as he approached

Curtis holds his arms out as he reunites with his daughter and son after a year in prison

Curtis was released from prison just before 9am on Friday as his family prepared to meet him (pictured)

Dressed in a white t-shirt, jeans and a navy jacket and baseball hat, Curtis didn't speak to media waiting outside

The 32-year-old was escorted by two guards as he walked out of Cooma prison (pictured)

Curtis' hired driver waited outside of Cooma prison for the 32-year-old to be released. He was taken to meet in his children in a rented Range Rover

The family returned to their Bondi Beach apartment around 11am from Cooma

Roxy is pictured hugging a man after the family returned to Bondi

Flowers were delivered to Roxy Jacenko's house for Oliver Curtis after he was released from prison on Friday

The flowers were taken to the pair's Bondi home following Jacenko's husband's return from prison

The disgraced banker was bundled into the back of a black Range Rover before he was driven away after serving a year for conspiracy to commit insider trading.

Wife Roxy left her Bondi beach apartment earlier in the morning with children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, before a hired Range Rover drove them to Mascot and onto the tarmac to board the plane.

Dressed in $1,499 J Brand leather trousers and $872 Gianvito Rossi Plexi two toned stilettos, Roxy was seen clutching a $14,000 Hermes Black Swift Mini Kelly Pochette handbag as she took off with Pixie, five, and Hunter, three.

Curtis was sentenced in June 2016 to a maximum of two years behind bars after he and former best friend John Hartman netted themselves nearly $1.5million through insider trades, but will be released early on good behaviour.

Nick Curtis (pictured father of Oliver Curtis sighted visitng his son at home after being relased from prison

His father looked solemn as he visited the couple's Bondi home only hours after Oliver Curtis was released from prison

PR maven Roxy Jacenko has been seen leaving her east Sydney home with her two children in tow to meet her husband, disgraced banker Oliver Curtis, as he is released from jail (pictured)

Curtis is expected to reunite with his children Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, (pictured) at Cooma airport

Roxy was later spotted clutching a $14,000 Hermes Black Swift Mini Kelly Pochette handbag as she arrived at the airport in a black Range Rover and boarded a private plane

The stylish family left their home around 6.45am and headed to the airport (pictured)

Roxy has openly discussed her decision not to tell her children that their father is in prison

Roxy boarded a private plane and will fly to Cooma airport to meet Curtis

Roxy boarded a private plane at Mascot before heading to Cooma (pictured)

Roxy wore all black for the occasion, pairing the outfit with a pair of nude and black $872 Gianvito Rossi shoes

Roxy can be seen holding Hunter's hand as they arrive at Mascot (pictured)

Curtis (pictured with Roxy) will walk out through the frosty gates of Cooma prison a free man on Friday morning

The question remains as to what the 32-year-old will do for work now he is a free man.

A spokesman for ASIC told Daily Mail Australia Curtis was free to return to finance as soon as he walked out the gates of Cooma Correctional Centre.

Files previously seen by Daily Mail show Curtis upheld his subscription to the Financial Review, indicating a strong possibility his banking days are not yet behind him.

But during his time behind bars, the father-of-two appeared to develop a taste for the outdoors, completing courses in bobcat operation, mentoring, agriculture and rural skills, safe tractor operation, small motors, and weedspraying.

Jacenko was seen carrying a car seat for her young son, Hunter, as the family left their home

Pixie and Hunter appeared to be dressed in matching outfits and colours

Both children can be seen carrying iPads to keep then entertained on their flight to the Cooma prison

The question remains as to what the 32-year-old will do for work now he is a free man and if his wife (pictured) and two children will greet him on the other side

During his time behind bars (pictured), the father-of-two appeared to develop a taste for the outdoors, completing courses in bobcat operation, mentoring, agriculture and rural skills

He kept busy in prison, and worked in textiles, education and programs, ground maintenance and in buy-ups.

A corrective services officer told Daily Mail Australia Curtis has spent the last few months on the prison's farm.

The farm is nicer than the main facility and the area has grass and an outdoor gymnasium.

The officer described Curtis as 'a good guy' and 'no trouble.'

When asked if he knew what the insider trader would do next, he said 'probably go back to what he was doing before... I think he's got some business in place.'

Pixie and Hunter believe their father is on business in China, and Roxy has declared she still has no intention to reveal the truth about their father's disappearance to them.

On Tuesday, the Sweaty Betty founder revealed she would be keeping up the story for her children, at her 'In Conversation With Roxy Jacenko' event in Melbourne.

'I might have to take [Pixie and Hunter] in the car with him to [his] office so they can see there is no plane involved, or handcuffs for that matter,' she explained.

Jacenko has said it will be important for her husband to reconnect with his children and return straight to work, wherever that may be

Oliver Curtis was jailed in June 2016 for conspiracy to commit insider trading (pictured after his conviction)

Roxy picks up her son, Hunter, and lifts him into a Range Rover (pictured)

Roxy shielded her eyes with black sunglasses and did not wear her wedding ring for the reunion with her husband
Called in to help secure the front door of a flat that had been burgled, locksmith Chris Phelan was happy to help police in any way he could.

He even let in an officer who arrived to scour the crime scene for clues.

As she dusted the area for fingerprints, Mr Phelan advised her: 'I've been touching the door, my prints will be all over it.' The 62-year-old says the scenes of crime officer assured him: 'Don't worry we will eliminate you from our inquiries.'

But an astonishing police blunder saw Mr Phelan named as the burglary suspect and his photograph put on a wanted list a couple of weeks later.

Chris Phelan, 62, (pictured) ended up being the suspect after he helped police secure a burgled property

He was on holiday in Spain this week when he was featured in a double-page spread in his local newspaper under the headline: 'Hull's most wanted: The eight suspects police want help to catch.'

Humberside Police had blundered by running his fingerprints through their computer as those belonging to the potential burglar.

His details came up because of a single motoring offence a few years ago.

Had police spoken to Mr Phelan or his immediate family the misunderstanding would have been cleared up quickly.

But the first the unfortunate married father of two knew about the mistake was when friends and relatives saw his picture in the newspaper and phoned him.

Police have now apologised, but self-employed Mr Phelan, who was the subject of abuse on social media before the mistake was corrected, fears his business will suffer.

'I am disgusted with the police,' he said. 'They can't apologise enough as far as I am concerned because the damage has already been done.

'People have been slating me on Facebook saying things like, 'He'll never work in this city again.' I could have been arrested. I actually let the scenes of crime officer into the place. I've been a locksmith for 20 years and have never heard about this happening before.'

His daughter Charlotte Phelan, 22, said: 'He felt sick as soon as he saw it, he has been really worried.'

Humberside Police (pictured) had blundered by running his fingerprints through their computer as those belonging to the potential burglar

Humberside Police regularly provide the local paper with details of wanted criminals for publication in the hope that tip-offs will enable detectives to arrest them. The others named and pictured were all wanted for burglaries.

A detective was quoted in the newspaper as appealing to the suspects to 'hand themselves in to avoid facing arrest in front of friends and family'.

Detective Inspector Allison Sweeting said: 'We confirm that Christopher Phelan is not wanted by us and we apologise sincerely for issuing an appeal to locate him.

'It was never our intention to cause Mr Phelan and his family any upset or embarrassment and can only apologise for our mistake. Our investigations mistakenly identified Mr Phelan as being involved in a burglary, when in reality he attended the scene as a locksmith.'

Humberside Police added: 'To help prevent this happening again we have commissioned a review of our processes for future wanted appeals.

'This is to reassure ourselves that this type of appeal is always used appropriately and proportionately as part of an investigation, balancing the privacy and rights of all concerned.'
The Queen was protected by a machine gun-toting Royal protection officer at Ascot on Thursday, as security was stepped up at the event following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Armed police were seen among the glamorous race-goers on Ladies Day at the famous Berkshire racecourse, with officers lining the entrances.

Ahead of the royal procession, a smiling protection officer dressed in a suit and tie was seen carrying a semi-automatic weapon as he arrived by car.

The Queen was protected by a machine gun-toting Royal protection officer at Ascot on Thursday, as security was stepped up at the racecourse following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester

Armed officers were seen among the glamorous race-goers on Ladies Day at the Berkshire race course, with police lining the entrances to conduct security checks

Royal Ascot organisers announced last week that security would be stepped up following recent attacks in the UK

Two plain-clothed policemen travelled in the Land Rover Discovery ahead of the Queen's open-topped, horse-drawn carriage.

The armed officers were seen in much closer proximity to the monarch than usual as she arrived at Royal Ascot.

Expert Mike Yardley said the weapon carried by one of the officers was a short semi-automatic carbine, possibly a Heckler Koch 416 AR clone, which offers both 'power and accuracy' for close and mid-range protection.

Despite the increased security, the Queen looked in high spirits as she arrived in a fuchsia coat and hat.

Event organisers had announced last week that security would be tightened following recent attacks in London and Manchester, including more extensive security checks as race-goers arrive.

The Queen looked to be in high spirits as she arrived at Royal Ascot in a fuchsia coat and hat

The Queen presents an award to winning jockey James Doyle who stood in for injured Frankie Dettori

A statement posted on the Royal Ascot website last week said: 'Heightened security measures will be in place at Royal Ascot next week.

'There will be more extensive dog, bag and physical search procedures for everyone at all the racecourse entrances and you will notice a stronger armed and uniformed police presence throughout the site and the vicinity.

'The safety of all racegoers is paramount and racegoers can be assured that the racecourse works extremely closely at all times with the police, the security services and specialist advisers in implementing the appropriate security measures for protection.'

It continued: 'It is inevitable that access to the racecourse this year will take longer. Please be prepared for this and allow sufficient time.

'Please also bear in mind that if you exit at any stage, you will need to pass through security to re-enter.

The Queen got an especially rapturous welcome from her daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman

Princess Eugenie looked striking in a fiery red dress with pleated detail on the bust, while Princess Anne plumped for emerald green

'We ask that you do not bring unnecessary bags or luggage into the racecourse. Luggage storage facilities will be provided outside of the course enclosures.

'We ask for your understanding, patience and cooperation with us and that you also inform your guests and party members of this update.

'We also ask for your vigilance on matters of security. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please bring it immediately to the attention of the police or our stewards.'

The announcement from Royal Ascot organisers followed increased police presence at a string of major public events across the country.

Her Majesty attended Royal Ascot, one of her favourite events of the year, without Prince Philip for the second day running with Prince Andrew stepping up to accompany her in the traditional carriage procession.

Princess Beatrice wore her hair plaited and completed the look with a jaunty ribbon on the end

She was resplendent in a fuchsia coat and hat, showing no signs of fatigue after a busy two days that saw her attend the State Opening of Parliament yesterday, before nipping back to Windsor to host a lunch and make it to Ascot in time for the first race.

Today, she was back again to present the prestigious Gold Cup, won by Big Orange who held off a late charge by defending champion Order of St George to win a thrilling edition of the feature race.

The winner's jockey James Doyle took the plaudits for a superb ride, but his heart went out to Italian star Frankie Dettori, who should have been riding him but for an injured arm that ruled him out of the meeting.

Despite the absence of her husband, the lifelong racing fan looked to be in her element, and beamed happily as she presented a prize to James Doyle.

Also in attendance this afternoon were her granddaughter's Beatrice and Eugenie who were equally fresh-faced after attending last night's V&A summer party.

Mike Tindall looked dapper in his smart Oliver Brown top hat and tails as he arrived in the parade ring (left) while Princess Eugenie strikes a coquettish pose (right)

Zara Tindall looked smart in a cream button down dress with a ruffle at the bust (left). Sophie Wessex also looked chic in cream, teaming her outfit with a neutral suede clutch bag (right)

Beatrice sported a blue dress and wore her hair in a braid beneath her black and white picture hat by milliner Nerida Fraiman, while her sister looked striking in fiery red.

Zara Tindall took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book and opted for a summery white frock, teamed with a bespoke rose pink cocktail hat by London milliner Juliette Botterill.

Sophie Wessex also plumped for a white midi dress, and looked especially excited to see her mother-in-law the Queen, waving excitedly as she pulled up in her carriage.
Queensland police are reopening a city block after scouring a shopping centre and finding two people inside.

Earlier on Friday morning police were called to Grand Central in Toowoomba, Queensland, after a break in was reported at 5.40am near the Kmart loading docks area.

It was described as a 'major security incident' and the surrounding city block was shut down.

The entire shopping centre was then placed into lock down and hundreds of workers evacuated as authorities searched for the pair.

Two men are now assisting police with their enquiries but no charges have been laid.

ABC has now reported that the two men who caused the major incident where actually just workers from the centre.

Police were hunting for two people who were believed to be inside Grand Central in Toowoomba, Queensland, after a break in was reported shortly before 6am

A block contained by Victoria, Margaret, Little and Duggan Streets were previously closed while police surrounded the area.

A large police presence on Little St including the Toowoomba Dog Squad has been cleared from the area.

The centre contains popular stores like Myer, Target and Coles and has now been re-opened.

Grand Central in Toowoomba was placed in locked down after a security incident

The police spokesman said officers had decided to contain the area because of the size of the shopping centre.

'It's just for the time being and we don't want to alarm anyone. We ask the public to be patient while we respond.'

Grand Central's usual trading hours are from 9am5:30pm on a Friday.
Judges in Europe have ruled that Britain breached the human rights of a Zimbabwean serial criminal by locking him up while he challenged deportation.

The Government was told it acted unlawfully by holding the convicted drug dealer in immigration detention for too long.

The European Court of Human Rights said the then illegal immigrant was wrongly caged for seven months  while officials tried in vain to boot him out.

Judges in Strasbourg accepted there was a risk the criminal, who can only be called SMM, might abscond if granted bail. But they said the Home Office should have 'taken more decisive steps' to determine his second asylum bid, which meant he was detained illegally.

The European Court of Human Rights (pictured) said the then illegal immigrant was wrongly caged for seven months

He had argued his treatment violated Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards liberty.

He had sought 100,000 in compensation for his alleged ordeal  but this was rejected. Instead, Britain was ordered to pay 6,150 to cover his court costs.

The 35-year-old has run rings around the Home Office by thwarting repeated attempts to boot him out of Britain for years before he was finally granted discretionary leave to remain in January 2013.

He currently lives in Wembley, north-west London, and is seeking to continue to live here.

The case will strengthen calls for Britain to quit the ECHR.

Conservative MP Philip Davies, a leading Eurosceptic, said: 'The human rights laws have fallen into disrepute because of cases like this. They seem to defy any kind of logic or common sense whatsoever.

'This man should not have carried out a string of crimes if he was worried about being detained and deported. The man on the street will be shaking his head in disbelief at this ruling.'

Theresa May was a long-standing critic of the ECHR  complaining that during her six years as home secretary it had thwarted attempts to remove terrorists and foreign criminals.

But the Tory manifesto last month said Britain would be bound by European human rights laws for at least another five years if they won the general election  fearing it would prove a distraction from Brexit. SMM arrived in Britain in 2001 on a six-month visitor visa  but did not leave. In 2004 and 2005, he was convicted of driving while disqualified and without insurance, assaulting a police officer and failing to surrender to custody.

Theresa May was a long-standing critic of the ECHR  complaining that during her six years as home secretary it had thwarted attempts to remove terrorists and foreign criminals

He applied for asylum in April 2005 but this was refused and he vanished. In August 2007, he was convicted of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and was jailed for three years. In March 2008, he sought sanctuary a second time, claiming that eight years earlier he had been beaten up and tortured in Zimbabwe by Robert Mugabe's henchmen.

After completing his sentence in November 2008, he was placed in immigration detention  where he spent two years and ten months. In February 2011, then home secretary Mrs May refused his asylum application. Despite ongoing attempts to deport him, SMM  who had mental health issues  was granted bail seven months later. Senior immigration judges then granted him asylum in November 2012.

He then complained to the ECHR that he should not have been locked up because of his alleged torture and psychological state. Both of these claims were thrown out by European judges.

The court said SMM's behaviour was 'to some extent contradictory, on the one hand asking for more time to submit documents to support his asylum claim and on the other hand complaining about the length of his detention'.

But they concluded that despite officials not acting in 'bad faith', his detention from mid-2010 to February 2011 was a breach of his human rights because immigration officials failed to pursue his deportation with 'due diligence'.

However, the ECHR confirmed that Britain was not compelled to set down maximum time limits for immigration detention.

The UK does not specify how long people can be kept in immigration detention before deportation, with Home Office guidance saying it should not extend beyond a 'reasonable period'.
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. HARISCHANDRA KHEMLALL, Petitioner, v. JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS III, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL, Respondent. 16-407 NAC Decided: June 21, 2017

PRESENT: ROSEMARY S. POOLER, RICHARD C. WESLEY, SUSAN L. CARNEY, Circuit Judges. FOR PETITIONER: Kai W. De Graaf, New York, NY. FOR RESPONDENT: Benjamin C. Mizer, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, John S. Hogan, Assistant Director, Robbin K. Blaya, Attorney, Office of Immigration Litigation, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

UPON DUE CONSIDERATION of this petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) decision, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the petition for review is DENIED.

Petitioner Harischandra Khemlall, a native and citizen of Guyana, seeks review of a February 1, 2016, decision of the BIA affirming both a May 12, 2015, decision of an Immigration Judge (IJ) denying Khemlall's motion to reopen for ineffective assistance of counsel and a May 17, 2013, decision denying Khemlall's application for withholding of removal and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). In re Harischandra Khemlall, No. A078 411 215 (B.I.A. Feb. 1, 2016), aff'g No. A078 411 215 (Immig. Ct. N.Y. City May 17, 2013 and May 12, 2015). We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts and procedural history in this case.

Under the circumstances of this case, we have reviewed the IJ's decision as modified by the BIA, i.e., minus the adverse credibility ruling that the BIA declined to reach. See Xue Hong Yang v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 426 F.3d 520, 522 (2d Cir. 2005).

I. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

An alien seeking to reopen proceedings on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel must show that counsel's performance was so ineffective as to have impinged upon the fundamental fairness of the hearing and caused prejudice. Changxu Jiang v. Mukasey, 522 F.3d 266, 270 (2d Cir. 2008) (quoting Jian Yun Zheng v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 409 F.3d 43, 46 (2d Cir. 2005)); see also Debeatham v. Holder, 602 F.3d 481, 485 (2d Cir. 2010). We find no abuse of discretion in the agency's decision not to reopen proceedings based on ineffective assistance of counsel. See Debeatham, 602 F.3d at 484 (applying abuse of discretion standard of review).

As the agency found, counsel's performance was not deficient. First, the agency reasonably concluded that the adverse credibility determination regarding Khemlall and his mother could not be attributed to lack of preparation by counsel. For example, Khemlall's statement under oath that he was deported to Guyana in 2000 conflicted with record evidence that he was deported to Trinidad and Tobago. Khemlall's assertion that he informed his counsel of the correct information was contradicted by his counsel's testimony. It was not an abuse of discretion for the agency to credit the attorney's testimony, particularly given that Khemlall did not confess to the deportation to Trinidad and Tobago until confronted on cross-examination. See Jian Hui Shao v. Mukasey, 546 F.3d 138, 157 (2d Cir. 2008) (according substantial deference to the agency's findings of fact and assessment of competing evidence). Similarly, Khemlall claimed that he sought asylum and went before an IJ in 2000. But, as the agency found, those allegations are belied by the immigration officer's notes from 2000 and no amount of preparation by previous counsel could have resolved this inconsistency because Khemlall continues to assert a different version of events than what is shown by the record.

The agency also reasonably determined that Khemlall's failure to produce evidence of his identity was not the fault of counsel. There was a dispute of fact: Khemlall argued that his attorney had his identity documents and failed to turn them over to the IJ, but his attorney testified to the contrary, stating that Khemlall had told him the documents were lost. The agency's decision to credit the attorney's testimony is supported by the record given Khemlall's testimony during the original merits hearing that he did not know where his passport was and his statement during his reasonable fear interview that he lost it.

Counsel's failure to raise a domestic violence claim was not deficient performance because a strategic decision not to press a weaker claim is reasonable. Cf. Jones v. Barnes, 463 U.S. 745, 754 (1983) (defense counsel not required to raise every colorable claim suggested by a client). Counsel testified that a claim based on the 32-year-old Khemlall's fear of his father due to abuse that Khemlall experienced as a child would have stretched credibility. See Romero v. U.S. INS, 399 F.3d 109, 11213 (2d Cir. 2005) (holding that counsel's decision to omit issue that may have hurt applicant's credibility is not ineffective assistance).

Nor did the agency err in rejecting Khemlall's argument that counsel submitted insufficient documentation and was inadequately versed in immigration law. The record included nine years of country reports on the conditions in Guyana, as well as numerous articles covering incidents of violence. Khemlall focuses on counsel's failure to gather and submit evidence in support of a domestic violence claim, but as explained above, the decision to forgo that claim did not constitute ineffective assistance.

Finally, the agency reasonably determined that Khemlall failed to demonstrate any prejudice as a result of counsel's actions. Khemlall does not explain how the result in his case would have changed if counsel had acted differently or made different decisions. See Debeatham, 602 F.3d at 485 ([A]n alien claiming ineffective assistance of counsel must also show prejudice resulting from counsel's alleged deficiencies.). The bond motions could not have changed the outcome because they were independent of the merits proceedings. And Khemlall has not shown that his domestic violence claim would have fared better than the claims presented by counsel, particularly given that Khemlall is an adult and suffered violence from his father as a child. Khemlall's own expert could not say definitively that such a claim would have been successful, and the passage of time weighs against Khemlall having an objectively reasonable fear of his father.

Khemlall also argues that the agency erred in refusing to consider the merits of his domestic violence claim, regardless of its denial of his ineffective assistance of counsel claim. Khemlall misunderstands the standard applicable to his motion to reopen. Absent ineffective assistance, his domestic violence claim did not meet the standard for reopening because the claim was available and could have been presented in the initial proceeding before the IJ. An applicant seeking to reopen his case bears a heavy burden of presenting previously unavailable, material evidence that would likely change the result in the case. Matter of Coelho, 20 I. & N. Dec. 464, 472-73 (BIA 1992); see also 8 C.F.R.  1003.2(c)(1), 1003.23(b)(3). Khemlall cites to a phrase in the BIA's remand order that the IJ was to consider evidence related to [Khemlall's] application for relief, as proof that the IJ was required to consider the merits of his domestic violence claim. But the BIA remanded for consideration of ineffective assistance as a prerequisite to granting reopening, not for immediate consideration of claims that could only be brought if proceedings were reopened.

II. Withholding of Removal and CAT Relief

We find no error in the agency's denial of withholding of removal and CAT relief. The agency reasonably determined that Khemlall was not subject to past persecution in Guyana. Khemlall asserted only harassment and one incident in which he was hit by a bottle. Khemlall failed to provide evidence that his injury was serious or that it required any medical treatment. Accordingly, as the agency found, the past harm suffered did not rise to the level of persecution. Ivanishvili v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 433 F.3d 332, 341 (2d Cir. 2006) (persecution involves the infliction of suffering or harm that goes beyond mere harassment).

Nor did he show a well-founded fear of future harm or torture. Although the country reports and articles reflect violence in Guyana, the violence described is not politically motivated, and Khemlall submitted no evidence showing that he personally would be targeted on return to Guyana. Jian Xing Huang v. U.S. INS, 421 F.3d 125, 129 (2d Cir. 2005) (fear of future persecution must have solid support in the record); Vanegas-Ramirez v. Holder, 768 F.3d 226, 239 (2d Cir. 2014) (testimony must be factually specific to support a fear of future persecution) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Mu Xiang Lin v. U.S. Dep't of Justice, 432 F.3d 156, 158 (2d Cir. 2005) (requiring particularized evidence suggesting that [applicant] is likely to be subjected to torture). Instead, Khemlall testified that his party is the ruling party in Guyana and that it is working to improve racial tensions, undermining his claim that he would be persecuted or tortured for his support of the party.

For the foregoing reasons, the petition for review is DENIED.

FOR THE COURT: Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk
Advertisement

A sniper has earned a place in military history by killing an Islamic State jihadi from more than two miles away.

The elite Canadian soldier took out the fanatic from a high-rise building during an operation in Iraq last month, it emerged yesterday.

He was so far away that the bullet took almost ten seconds to reach its target. A military source said the shot was taken during an IS attack on Iraqi forces.

The soldier was 2.1 miles, or 11,614ft, away from the jihadi, beating the previous British-held record of 1.5 miles.

The bullet from the rifle travelled at an eye-watering 792mph - faster than a Boeing 737 - and took ten seconds to reach its target

The soldier was 2.1 miles away from the target which has since beaten the previous British-held record of 1.5 miles (stock photograph)

The sniper, who cannot be named for security reasons, is part of Canada's Special Forces, assisting Iraqi forces in the war against IS.

'The shot in question actually disrupted a Daesh attack on Iraqi security forces,' a military source told Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper. The source added: 'Instead of dropping a bomb that could potentially kill civilians in the area, it is a very precise application of force  and because it was so far away, the bad guys didn't have a clue what was happening.'

The source described the difficulty of the shot, explaining that the sniper had to account for wind, ballistics and even the Earth's curvature.

A military insider said: 'This is an incredible feat. It is a world record that might never be equalled.'

The soldier used a McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle  so powerful it can shoot through walls. It is designed to be effective only up to 1.2 miles.

The Canadian sniper worked with a spotter, whose job is to help get an accurate shot. Spotters use binoculars and can see the target more clearly than the sniper, who uses a scope. Spotters carry a machine gun in case the militants discover their position. The pair will sometimes watch their target for hours.

The spotter is essential because he keeps the sniper up to date on the location of the target and specific details.

The sniper fires after exhaling for seven seconds  or until their lungs are empty and they are at their calmest.

The elite Canadian sniper was so far away that the bullet took almost ten seconds to reach its target and was travelling at 792mph

A military source said the shot was taken during an IS attack on Iraqi forces and the sniper cannot be named for security reasons (stock photo)

Then they fire and inhale immediately. The spotter will immediately inform them if they have hit the target. If they have missed they have a few seconds to quickly adjust before they are noticed and can try to hit the target again.

The Canadian shooter is part of Joint Task Force 2, which deals with counterterrorism, sniper operations and hostage rescue. Last night a military spokesman said the task force did not carry out patrols with leading combat troops but was there to 'enable the Iraqi security forces who are in a tough combat mission'.

The spokesman said: 'This takes the form of advice in planning for their operations and assistance to defeat Daesh through the use of coalition resources.'

The sniper took the title from Briton Craig Harrison, who killed two Taliban machine gunners from more than a mile and a half away in November 2009.

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command confirmed the new record-holding sniper 'successfully hit a target' from 11,614ft away, beating the previous target by 3,494ft.

Corporal Harrison was using the Army's most powerful sniper weapon, the British-built L115A3 long range rifle. It took six seconds for him to find out if his shots were successful. The Household Cavalry veteran opened fire after his commander and Afghan soldiers were attacked during a patrol in Helmand Province.
Donald Trump returned Thursday to his drumbeat about his proposed Mexican border wall being a safeguard against drug cartel violence.

'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!' the president tweeted.

Trump's claim about Mexico is based on a International Institute for Strategic Studies survey that measures deaths related to 'armed conflict.' It found that 23,000 people died last year in Mexico's narcotics turf wars.

America's southern neighbor hosted the second deadliest conflict on the planet in 2016, ranking behind only Syria's bloody civil war and leaving Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen far behind.

Donald Trump tied his border wall to the war against mexican drug cartels

'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!' the president tweeted

Police and forensics secure the area where six people were killed in Acapulco, Mexico in January. Government crime statistics show that the month of May was the country's bloodiest month in at least 20 years and homicides are up sharply in 2017

'The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan claimed 17,000 and 16,000 lives respectively in 2016, although in lethality they were surpassed by conflicts in Mexico and Central America, which have received much less attention from the media and the international community,' said Anastasia Voronkova, the editor of the survey.

John Chipman, the IISS's chief executive and director-general, called Mexico's prominence among deadly nations 'all the more surprising, considering that the conflict deaths are nearly all attributable to small arms.'

Mexico's 23,000 conflict-related deaths in 2016 marked an increase from 17,000 in 2015 and 15,000 in 2014.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies published its survey results this month, ranking Mexico's 23,000 conflict-related deaths behind only Syria's total

The dramatic uptick in casualties underscores Trump's frequent argument that the scourge of drug gang murders spills over regularly into the United States.

And the numbers keep getting worse.

Mexico's National System for Public Security has counted homicides for the last 20 years, and May 2017 was its worst month on record.

The survey found that 2,186 people were murdered nationwide last month.

There were 9,916 killings in Mexico during the first five months of 2017, up about 30 percent from 7,638 during the same period in 2016.

Mexico's foreign ministry replied to Trump's tweet, releasing a statement denying it was the second most violence nation in the world.

'While Mexico does have a significant problem of violence, Mexico is NOT the second most violent nation in the world.

'According to UN figures for 2014 (the most recent international report), Mexico is far from being one of the most violent countries. In Latin America alone, countries such as Honduras, Venezuela, Belize, Colombia and Brazil had homicide rates of 90.4, 53.7, 44.7, 30.8 and 25.2, respectively, per 100,000 inhabitants, while Mexico had a rate of 16.4, well below many of the countries in the region.

'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 US.

'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. We look forward to continue working with the US government against drug trafficking based on the principles of shared responsibility, teamwork, and trust.'

Trump pledged on Wednesday night to make good on his signature campaign promise to wall off America from its southern neighbor

The U.S.-Mexico border is a hodgepodge of fences, steel barriers (shown), waterways and entirely open sections where cartels and human traffickers can walk across unimpeded

During a campaign-style rally Wednesday night in Iowa, Trump pledged to build the border wall that was a staple of his election-year rhetoric.

'We will build the wall,' he promised nearly 6,000 supporters in the town of Cedar Rapids. 'We need it. We need it. We have to stop the drugs from flowing in.'

The Department of Homeland Security says Mexican drug cartels collect between $19 billion and $29 billion each year from drug sales in the United States.

Carnage resulting from gang rivalries often results in contract killings and the murders of journalists and government officials  plus the collateral damage of bystanders caught in urban crossfire.
She's already had viewers laughing at her portrayal of Nicola Sturgeon as a power-hungry Bond villain.

Now Tracey Ullman will take on Theresa May in her new sketch show.

The 57-year-old comedienne is a dead ringer for the Prime Minister in a grey wig, dark suit, red nail polish and jewellery, and with the same wary smile.

Tracey Ullman a dead ringer for the Prime Minister in a grey wig, dark suit, red nail polish and jewellery (left). Miss Ullman appears as a mix of political figures, including Miss Sturgeon

The sketch, which also features an actor playing Mrs May's husband Philip, is part of a one-off special, Tracey Breaks The News, being shown on BBC1 today at 9.30pm.

Miss Ullman appears as a mix of political figures, including Miss Sturgeon and German chancellor Angela Merkel, reacting to the results of the recent general election and the anniversary of the Brexit vote.

The star said: 'We've decided to shake it up with a more topical format because things move so fast these days. It's like, every ten minutes I'm voting for something.

'There's never been a better time to be imitating world famous political women, and I admire and thank them all: Angela Merkel, Nicola Sturgeon, and my home girl newbie Theresa May.'

Meanwhile, the real Mrs May has been praised for her fashion sense by the outgoing editor of British Vogue.

Alexandra Shulman, 59, who ran the magazine for 25 years, criticised the assumption that women won't be taken seriously unless they dress blandly.

The comedienne also appears as German chancellor Angela Merkel, reacting to the results of the recent general election and the anniversary of the Brexit vote

The star said: 'We've decided to shake it up with a more topical format because things move so fast these days. It's like, every ten minutes I'm voting for something'

She told Good Morning Britain: 'One of the things I really admire about Theresa May is that she unashamedly shows that she's interested in how she looks.

'She loves her shoes, she likes her clothes, she obviously cares about her jewellery. Obviously it's not the most important thing, but why shouldn't we have fun and celebrate how we look?'
This is the heart-stopping moment two police officers raced to stop a man from committing suicide by jumping from a highway overpass.

Body camera footage from one of the Grass Valley officers in northern California starts by showing a man leaning against the wire fence of an overpass on Tuesday afternoon.

One of the cops is heard at the start of the video trying to talk to the man, asking him: 'Why don't you just tell me what's going on?

'I don't have to touch you or nothing, you know, I just want to talk man. I just want to talk dude, that's it.'

The moment two police officers saved the life of a suicidal young man in California has been captured on camera

Seconds later, the man starts climbing the fence and the two officers run over and grab hold of his legs.

The man is heard telling the officers to let him go, and then says 'I'm not doing nothing wrong', as they drag him off the fence.

The officer replied, while handcuffing the man: 'I know you're not fighting us bud, but I don't want you to do this. I don't want you to jump.'

They then led him to the squad car to 'talk'.

The video started by showing the man standing on the bridge getting ready to climb the fence

Officers tried to convince the man not to climb the fence, but they then had to run over and pull him back down

A statement from Grass Valley police read: 'Officers are often called upon in people's most desperate moments.

'Tuesday afternoon a young man was contemplating ending his life by jumping off a local overpass. Officers arrived and spoke with him for several minutes, trying to get him to reconsider.

'The officers focused their efforts on gaining compliance without the need to use physical intervention. However after a period of time he suddenly tried to climb the fence and jump over to a busy highway below.

It continued: 'By reacting quickly, the Officers were able to prevent a horrible tragedy and get the young man the crisis intervention services he needed.'

Police then explained why the man had not been identified, saying it was out of respect and sensitivity for, 'the individuals, family, friends, and first responders involved'.

One of the officers was seen desperately clinging to the young man's leg, as the suicidal man said: 'let me go'

After getting him back down to the ground, police handcuffed the young man
Sunrise host David Koch has questioned the education minister about how children with disabilities will receive the attention needed in mainstream schools following Pauline Hanson's controversial comments.

Pauline Hanson refused to back down on Thursday following her comments in parliament that children with autism are putting a strain on classrooms in schools and Koch put the dividing question to Education Minister Simon Birmingham.

The host claimed even though Pauline Hanson's comments seemed confronting, teachers have emailed the network claiming they do struggle to seamlessly include children with disabilities into the classrooms due to a lack of funding.

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David Koch (pictured left) questioned Education Minister Simon Birmingham (pictured right) following Pauline Hanson's comments

David Koch said the network had been emailed by teachers claiming Pauline Hanson was 'right' and that school's needed more funding to integrate children with disabilities

'Whenever Pauline says anything it's like using a sledgehammer and we all react against her because we all want inclusion in our schools,' Sunrise host Koch said on Friday morning.

'But a lot of teachers emailed us and said Pauline is right, because we don't have the funding and we don't have the teachers aids to be able to integrate kids with disabilities into the classroom. We want more funding.'

While disagreeing with the way the One Nation leader expressed her opinion, Mr Birmingham does accept there needs to be more support in mainstream classrooms.

'Well I don't agree with the way Pauline put her comments at all, but I do accept there is a need for additional support for schools, teachers and classrooms to be able to support all students with disabilities, including the number of students with autism,' the education minister said.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham said Gonski 2.0 will help teachers better intergrate students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms

Pauline Hanson (pictured) caused a storm when she claimed children with autism are holding other children back in mainstream classrooms at Parliament House

David Koch questioned the education minister following Pauline Hanson's controversial comments earlier this week about children with disabilities in mainstream classrooms

'What Pauline did last night to her credit and a number of minor parties, with the Turnbull Government's leadership, was back fairer funding arrangements for students with disability.'

The education minister said thanks to One Nation and other parties backing Gonski 2.0, it will provide funding to schools to help students with disabilities - especially children with higher needs - while still remaining in the school environment.

Walled Aly, The Project Host on channel 10, said the One Nation leader missed the mark and that funding for teacher's aids would go a long way to helping autistic children thrive in the classroom.

On Thursday, Federal Labor MP and proud mother Emma Husar fervently demanded One Nation leader Pauline Hanson apologise to children with autism.

The mother-of-three, with a son with autism, claimed Hanson's comments were 'ill-informed' and she owed parents of Australia an apology.
Chimpanzees are known to reap a number of social benefits from grooming higher-ranking members of their communities, including protection, acceptance, and even reciprocal grooming.

But, if the chances of receiving anything in return seem slim, theyll give up the activity much sooner.

A new study has found that chimps quit grooming others sooner if a higher-ranking chimp is nearby, seemingly to prevent investing too much time on someone who will then turn their attention elsewhere.

In the new work, the researchers focused on a group with a more defined social hierarchy to see how this influences the grooming patterns. This revealed that when higher ranking individuals appeared where one chimp was grooming another, the groomer would stop sooner

The new research led by a scientist at the University of Kent suggests grooming ties in more with an economic-benefits, markets-based approach, than a relationship model.

Among the social benefits, its also known that grooming helps chimps to reduce stress and remove parasites.

A previous study from Dr Nicholas Newton-Fisher, of Kents School of Anthropology and Conservation, found that chimps tend to stop grooming sooner when surrounded when a larger number of chimps are nearby, regardless of rank.

In the new work, the same researcher and colleagues focused on a group with a more defined social hierarchy to see how this influenced their grooming patterns.

The team observed grooming interactions among a community of chimps in the Budongo Forest Reserve in Western Uganda.

According to the researchers, the findings suggest the chimps did not want to waste time on a peer who may not reciprocate the activity

And, this revealed that when higher ranking individuals appeared where one chimp was grooming another, the groomer would stop far sooner.

According to the researchers, this suggests the chimps did not want to waste time on a peer who may not reciprocate the activity.

If a higher-ranking chimp than those in the grooming pair has appeared, the researchers explain, the chimp being groomed may instead tend to the new individual next, rather than returning the favour.

CHIMPS LEARN GROOMING HABITS FROM THEIR MOTHERS Chimpanzees learn certain grooming behaviors from their mothers, and once they've learned them, they continue to show these behaviors long after their mothers have died, according to new research. Researchers observed some populations of chimps in Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, who exhibited a behavior called 'high-arm grooming': When two chimps groom each other and each raises one arm and either clasp hands or cross their arms as they groom. While some researchers previously thought the behavior was used to signal that a chimp is a member of a group, new research found that chimps that do this are copying their mothers - not identifying with the larger community. While all chimps exhibit grooming behaviors, high-arm grooming has only been observed in eight chimp populations across Africa, each of which exhibit differing rates of either clasping hands or not clasping - but the behavior was absent in three other well-studied populations. Because chimps groom almost only with their mothers until they reach the age of 12, the researchers say it's not surprising that the grooming style they learn stays with them into adulthood. Advertisement

The extreme degree of structural despotism shown by the males of the Sonso community during this study appeared to have a strong influence on grooming investment strategies, the authors wrote in the study, published to the journal Animal Behaviour.

Such conditions reflect marked rank differences and the degree to which rank-related commodities such as agonistic support or tolerance are restricted to high-ranked individuals.

In contrast to our findings for the substantially more structurally egalitarian M-group, the influence of bystanders on the grooming strategies of Sonso community males was mediated by a strong effect of dominance rank.
Gelada males - monkeys that are related to baboons - listen to the loud calls of rivals to gain information about their strength.

The monkeys use these calls to discern the strength of other males relative to them, and whether or not it's worth fighting them.

Males who lead large harems of females engage in the loud calls to deter challenges from bachelor males, who compete with leader males to gain access to females.

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Geladas, also known as 'bleeding heart baboons,' are a species of monkey found only in Ethiopia. Males who lead large harems of females engage in the loud calls to deter challenges from bachelor males, who compete with leader males to gain access to females

Geladas, also known as 'bleeding heart baboons,' are a species of monkey found only in Ethiopia.

They have a red patch of skin and their chest and neck - something that no other primate has.

Researchers based at the University of Michigan, Georgia State University and Princeton University have discovered that gelada males decide to escalate contests with opponents based on their condition relative to to the condition of their opponent.

They do this by interpreting the acoustic quality of the loud calls of their rivals, which are long distance vocalizations that carry honest information about the fighting ability of the caller.

The researchers conducted a study on populations of wild geladas living in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.

HOW THEY DID IT The researchers conducted a study on populations of wild geladas living in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. To analyze how geladas interpret calls, the researchers conducted experiments where they observed male geladas responses to other male's calls, both in natural observations and with playback experiments. For the playback experiments, the researchers recorded loud calls during signalling contests using directional microphones. They only used complete calls that didn't contain any background noise and interruptions. Then, the researchers played back the calls to each of 60 adult geladas (20 females, 20 leader males and 20 bachelor males). Each gelada's response was filmed, and the results were analyzed. Advertisement

The University of Michigan Gelada Research project has been collecting long-term data on this population of gelada's since January 2006.

To analyze how male geladas interpret calls, the researchers conducted experiments where they observed male geladas responses to other male's calls, both in natural observations and with playback experiments.

For the playback experiments, the researchers recorded loud calls during signalling contests using directional microphones.

They only used complete calls that didn't contain any background noise and interruptions.

Then, the researchers played back the calls to each of 60 adult geladas (20 females, 20 leader males and 20 bachelor males).

Each gelada's response was filmed, and the results were analyzed.

The researchers found that, supporting a mutual assessment strategy, gelada males responded to loud calls of different quality according to their own attributes and the attributes of their opponents.

'Previous studies in wild primates have shown that they use mutual assessment, but this was between animals that knew one other,' said Dr Jacinta Beehner, Univesity of Michigan associate professor of psychology and anthropology and co-author of the study.

'They see Kevin and they remember that they beat him in a previous fight.

'The novelty of our finding is that we have shown that primates can do this even for completely unfamiliar individuals - using signals.'

Geladas interpret the acoustic quality of the loud calls of their rivals, which are long distance vocalizations that carry honest information about the fighting ability of the caller

According to the researchers, there has been much debate on specifically how animals make competitive decisions during contests.

Game theory - the study of mathematical models of conflict and cooperation between rational decision-makers - predicts that animals should assess an opponent's condition relative to their own condition before engaging in combat.

This allows animals to avoid costly fights they are unlikely to win, a strategy known as mutual assessment.

Despite the benefit of these types of comparisons, few studies have been able to reject much simpler assessment strategies such as self-assessment (e.g 'I am strong and should fight') and opponent-only assessment (e.g 'he is strong and so I should not fight').

Game theory - the study of mathematical models of conflict and cooperation between rational decision-makers - predicts that animals should assess an opponent's condition relative to their own condition before engaging in combat. allowing animals to avoid potentially costly fights

Researchers say that one approach to distinguish these strategies is to use animal display's, rather than aggressive contests, to examine how animals make decisions about rivals.

'Particularly for quality signals that contain honest information on the condition of its bearer, signals used in animal displays offer an ideal situation for examining mutual assessment because they are low cost and allow for experimental manipulation,' said Dr Marcela Benitez, a postdoctoral research associate at Georgia State University and the study's lead author.

Although primates routinely classify others relative to themselves using individual attributes, the gelada study represents some of the first direct evidence for mutual assessment in primate signaling contests, Dr Benitez said.
Google Glass has made a surprise comeback after the augmented reality headset's companion app was given its first update in almost three years.

The 1,000 ($1,500) device was withdrawn from sale in 2015 after failing to capture consumer attention.

Now the MyGlass companion app that helped pair a user's smartphone with the headset has had an update that adds Bluetooth connectivity support.

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Google Glass (pictured) has made a surprise comeback after the augmented reality headset's companion app was given its first update in almost three years

GOOGLE GLASS The Glass headset was first sold online as part of what Google called an 'open beta' known as the Explorer Program, back in 2014. The tech giant said this was part of testing for the device as a concept. This is where concept products are made and tested, but Google promises it would continue to be tested internally and 'built for the future'. But despite several rumours of a new version of the headset since, no announcements have been forthcoming. And the Google Glass official channel on social site Google+ has not been updated since January 2016. Since the demise of Glass, virtual reality headsets have become increasingly popular among consumers. Advertisement

The smart glasses, which revolve around a small screen that sits in the corner of a wearer's field of vision, enables them to read messages, take photos and make video calls.

Google Glass's support site says the XE23 update, the first since late 2014, enables the latest version of the headset to be paired with Bluetooth input devices, including keyboards and mice.

The update also includes bug fixes and performance improvements.

The reaction to the news on social media has been mixed, with some on Twitter mocking the ill-fated device's resurrection.

Jeff Barrett said: 'Google Glass got its first update in 3 years. The two people who still use it are very, very excited.'

Another user, koush, referenced a Star Wars meme, when he said: 'On hearing about the Google Glass update. "That's a name I've not heard in long time".'

But not everyone was as cynical. User WKN added: 'People think that Google Glass is dead but little do they know how beneficial it is in healthcare.'

The Glass headset was first sold to the public online as part of what Google called an 'open beta' known as the Explorer Program, back in 2014.

The tech giant said this was part of testing for the device as a concept.

When the Explorer Program and Glass website were closed in 2015, Google said Glass had 'graduated' from the company's X lab.

This is where concept products are made and tested, but Google promises it would continue to be tested internally and 'built for the future'.

But despite several rumours of a new version of the headset since, no announcements have been forthcoming.

The reaction to the news on social media has been mixed, with some on Twitter mocking the ill-fated device's resurrection. Jeff Barrett said: 'Google Glass got its first update in 3 years. The two people who still use it are very, very excited.'

Another user, koush, referenced a Star Wars meme, when he said: 'On hearing about the Google Glass update. "That's a name I've not heard in long time".'

But not everyone was as cynical. User WKN added: 'People think that Google Glass is dead but little do they know how beneficial it is in healthcare.'

And the Google Glass official channel on social site Google+ has not been updated since January 2016.

Since the demise of Glass, virtual reality headsets have become increasingly popular among consumers.

Three high-profile systems, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR, have all launched in the UK, as have a range of lower-priced options that work by placing a smartphone into headgear to act as the screen.

This includes Google's own Daydream View headset, which pairs with the company's flagship Pixel smartphone.
Archaeologists in Wales have used 3D digital modelling to shed new light on a strange prehistoric mound that aligns with the summer solstice.

The 5,000-year-old Neolithic passage tomb known as 'Bryn Celli Ddu' in Anglesey includes a stone cemetery that was important for prehistoric people for thousands of years.

Using ground-penetrating radar, researchers have found rock art and monuments that date back thousands of years - suggesting this burial complex was much bigger than previously thought.

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The 5,000-year-old Neolithic passage tomb Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey includes a stone cemetery that was important for prehistoric people for thousands of years

WHAT IS BRYN CELLI DDU? Known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain, Bryn Celli Ddu was once constructed to protect and pay respect to the remains of ancestors. It was first discovered in 1865, reconstructed in 1920s and excavations in the last few years they have uncovered a prehistoric burial cairn above the ground. Experts believe Bryn Celli Ddu had five wooden posts which were built in the tomb's forecourt during the Mesolithic period. A large stone was placed in the centre of the pit which was covered in carved decorations and then the stone tunnel was made. Experts believe it was a place to hold meetings, dances and ceremonies. Advertisement

Bryn Celli Ddu, or the 'Mound in the Dark Grove', is a Late Neolithic passage tomb dating to around 5,000 years ago, located in north west Wales, on the island of Anglesey.

It has a special feature, which means that on the longest day of the year, a beam of light is cast down the passage, lighting up the chamber.

It was a place to hold meetings, dances and ceremonies for several thousand years.

Archaeologists from Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Central Lancashire and Cadw now believe it was substantial larger than previously thought.

'We've been exploring the areas around the main mound at Bryn Celli Ddu to identify whether other burial cairns may have been present, but now lost under the surface', Dr Ben Edwards from Manchester Metropolitan University told MailOnline.

'What's been really exciting, and what completely changes our understanding of the site, is the large number of other cairns we've found.

Bryn Celli Ddu, or the 'Mound in the Dark Grove' has a special feature, which means that on the longest day of the year, a beam of light is cast down the passage, lighting up the chamber

WHAT DID THEY DO? Researchers have used ground penetrating radar (GPR) which bounces radar signals from structures beneath the surface such as stones, or the fills of pits to reveal hidden structures. They also used magnetometry which measures tiny variations in the earth's magnetic background caused by buried archaeology. They also used resistivity which involves passing a current through the soil, identifying high resistance structures (like stones in a cairn), and low resistance features (like pits or ditches). Advertisement

'We've now identified and excavated two additional burial cairns, and the geophysics has shown us the location of at least two more. Bryn Celli Ddu now looks like a true burial cairn cemetery', he said.

Known as one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain, the 5,000-year old monument was once constructed to protect and pay respect to the remains of ancestors.

It was first discovered in 1865, reconstructed in 1920s and excavations in the last few years they have uncovered a prehistoric burial cairn above the ground.

'Over the last three years, we have discovered 10 new rock art panels, and this year the picture has developed to include further evidence for a new Bronze Age cairn along with a cluster of prehistoric pits', said Seren Griffiths, archaeologist from the University of Central Lancashire.

'We have evidence for over 5,000 years' worth of human activity in the landscape, ranging from worked flint derived from the tool making efforts of our prehistoric ancestors to prehistoric burial cairns and pits with pottery deposited within.'

The burial chamber (pictured) was first discovered in 1865, reconstructed in 1920s and excavations in the last few years they have uncovered a prehistoric cairn above the ground

A large stone was placed in the centre of the pit which was covered in carved decorations and then the stone tunnel (pictured) was made

Researchers used ground penetrating radar (GPR) which bounces radar signals from structures beneath the surface such as stones, or the fills of pits to reveal hidden structures.

They used magnetometry which measures tiny variations in the earth's magnetic background caused by buried archaeology.

They also used resistivity which involves passing a current through the soil, identifying high resistance structures (like stones in a cairn), and low resistance features (like pits or ditches).

Researchers used ground penetrating radar (GPR) which bounces radar signals from structures beneath the surface such as stones, or the fills of pits to reveal hidden structures

3D modelling brought the site alive in new ways. Experts used magnetometry which measures tiny variations in the earth's magnetic background caused by buried archaeology

The pit was the centre of the tomb (pictured) and a series of stone circles were built around it which pointed to the angle of the rising sun during the summer solstice

Experts believe Bryn Celli Ddu had five wooden posts which were built in the tomb's forecourt during the Mesolithic period.

Before it was built, a pit was dug in the middle and cremated bones were placed in it.

The pit was the centre of the tomb and a series of stone circles were built around it which pointed to the angle of the rising sun during the summer solstice.

A large stone covered in decorations was placed in the centre of the pit and then the stone tunnel was made.

Experts believe Bryn Celli Ddu (pictured) had five wooden posts which were built in the tomb's forecourt during the Mesolithic period
The outer edge of our solar system is hiding a massive object the size of Mars that could be the tenth planet found to orbit the sun.

The as-yet unconfirmed world, known as 'Planet 10', has been proposed after scientists spotted that icy objects in a region beyond Neptune have wonky orbits.

The reason for their crooked trajectories is unknown, and researchers think that a large, possibly planetary, mass is causing the strange shifts.

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The outer edge of our solar system is hiding a massive object the size of Mars that could be the tenth planet found to orbit the sun. This image shows an artist's impression of 'Planet 10'

WHAT IS THE KUIPER BELT? The Kuiper belt is a freezing ring of debris orbiting more than 4 billion miles from the sun. It is thought to be the remains of the violent and chaotic collisions that led to the formation of the planets. There are an estimated 33,000 objects more than 60 metres across in the belt and three dwarf planets. Astronomer Mike Brown, from Caltech in Pasadena California, has likened the Kuiper belt to the 'blood splatter' left behind by the formation of the solar system. Now scientists have spotted that the orbits of some objects in the belt's outer region do not match up to calculations. This, they suggest, is because the gravitational pull of a large body - possibly a planet - is warping the objects' trajectories. Advertisement

The mysterious mass, University of Arizona researchers show, has given away its presence only by controlling the orbital planes of a population of space rocks known as Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) in the icy outskirts of the solar system.

Earth and similar planets orbit the sun in roughly the same plane, but smaller KBOs are far enough from the gravitational influence of bigger planets that they can orbit the sun at angles to this plane at 'orbital tilts'.

KBOs are debris leftover from the formation of the solar system, and most of them orbit with orbital tilts, also known as inclinations, at what scientists call the 'invariable plane'.

However, the researchers calculated that KBOs at the outer edges of the Kuiper belt orbit at a tilt eight degrees out from the invariable plane.

This, they suggest, means that the gravitational pull of a large mass - possibly a new planet - is pulling on them.

'The most likely explanation for our results is that there is some unseen mass,' said Dr Kathryn Volk, a postdoctoral fellow at Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and the lead author of the study.

'According to our calculations, something as massive as Mars would be needed to cause the warp that we measured.'

The Kuiper belt is an icy, halo-like region that extends outwards from Neptune to a distance around 55 times further from the sun than Earth is, or 55 AU.

It is thought to be the remains of the violent and chaotic collisions that led to the formation of the planets.

The as-yet unconfirmed world (orbit pictured in this artist's impression) could explain why groups of icy objects in a region beyond Neptune known as the Kuiper belt have wonky orbits

There are an estimated 33,000 objects more than 60 metres across in the belt and three dwarf planets.

In their study, the researchers examined the tilt angles of the orbital planes of more than 600 objects in the Kuiper belt.

They found that KBOs beyond 50 AU from Neptune had their inclination warped, which calculations suggest must be caused by an object around the size of Mars.

'It's not what we expect if the only planets in our solar system are those we know of,' Dr Volk told New Scientist.

The object, which could be the tenth planet in our solar system, may have arrived in the outer belt region after a collision with another planet.

'If it's the size of Mars, that is a pretty big object, which would suggest it would be most likely scattered out there by planetary movements further in,' Dr Volk said.

The new object would be different from, and much closer to Earth than, the so-called Planet Nine discovered next year, a planet whose existence remains unconfirmed.

A study published this week cast doubt on the existence of Planet Nine after scientists first spotted the large object in the Kuiper belt last year.

Since the planet was first proposed, several studies have attempted to find evidence of its existence far beyond Neptune based on several signatures it would leave.

Now, new results from a four-year survey have identified eight large-orbit trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), which could help to pinpoint a planet in the vicinity based on a phenomenon known as clustering.

But, the survey found no evidence of clustering whatsoever, and scientists now say detection biases' could be to blame for earlier data that favour Planet 9.
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. SHAMAR LANELL BANKS, Appellant. No. 16-3800 Decided: June 20, 2017

Before: McKEE, VANASKIE, and RENDELL, Circuit Judges.

OPINION*

Appellant Shamar Banks appeals the District Court's Order denying, in part, his Motion for a Reduction of Sentence under 18 U.S.C.  3582(c)(2). We will affirm.

I

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide that a sentencing court shall not reduce a term of imprisonment under  3582(c)(2) to a term that is less than the minimum of the amended guideline range. The only exception is when the original sentence was below the applicable Guidelines range as the result of a substantial-assistance motion the Government files.

The bottom of Banks's amended guideline range was 188 months based on Amendment 782. Because Banks's initial sentence included a downward departure based on substantial assistance, the District Court reduced Banks's sentence to a below-guideline sentence of 168 months.

On appeal, Banks argues that the District Court erred by not disregarding  1B1.10(b)(2) in order to further reduce his sentence below his amended guideline range by considering the sentencing factors in 18 U.S.C.  3553(a). Banks concedes that the text of  1B1.10(b)(2) prohibits a variance below the amended guidelines range, but he argues that such a prohibition was not meant to preclude a district court from considering  3553(a) factors in order to vary from the amended guideline range.

We generally review a district court's denial of a sentence reduction for abuse of discretion. However, Banks's arguments implicate the District Court's interpretation of the Sentencing Guidelines. We therefore exercise plenary review over the District Court's partial denial of Banks's  3582(c)(2) motion.

Section 3582(c)(2), the statutory basis for Banks's motion, provides:

[I]n the case of a defendant who has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment based on a sentencing range that has subsequently been lowered by the Sentencing Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 994(o), upon motion of the defendant or the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, or on its own motion, the court may reduce the term of imprisonment, after considering the factors set forth in section 3553(a) to the extent that they are applicable, if such a reduction is consistent with applicable policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission.

But the Sentencing Commission has issued a policy statementU.S.S.G  1B1.10(b)(2)(A)that states that a court shall not rely on  3582(c)(2) to reduce a term of imprisonment to a term that is less than the minimum of the amended guideline range. There is, however, an exception. Where the original sentence was below the applicable guideline range as the result of a substantial-assistance motion filed by the Government, a reduction comparably less than the amended guideline range  may be appropriate.

Therefore, the District Court was authorized to further reduce Banks's sentence from 188 months to a below-guideline sentence of 168 months, given his substantial assistance. We must therefore determine if the District Court erred by refusing to further reduce Banks's sentence below his amended guideline range by considering the factors in 18 U.S.C.  3553(a). Put simply, the District Court did not.

In Dillon v. United States, the United States Supreme Court stated that a reduction under  3582(c)(2) must be consistent with applicable policy statements issued by the Sentencing Commission, including  1B1.10. A sentencing court therefore is constrained by the Commission's statements dictating by what amount the sentence of a prisoner serving a term of imprisonment affected by [an] amendment may be reduced.  Accordingly,  1B1.10(b)(2) confines the extent of the reduction authorized.

In considering a challenge to the restrictions on sentencing contained in  1B1.10(b)(2), we have previously concluded that the Sentencing Commission's policy statements were binding and that the Commission had permissibly exercised its authority to limit when a district court can reduce a defendant's sentence to below an amended guideline range. In fact, in Berberena, the defendants had similarly argued that Congress did not intend for the Sentencing Commission, through its policy statements, to forbid [ ] judges from reimposing variances and departures they previously deemed appropriate. We explained, however:

Nowhere did Congress require that the Commission permit judges to fashion a reduction with exactly the same toolsdepartures and variancesthey originally used to set an appropriate sentence. Rather than undo the effect of previous departures and variances, the Commission has merely limited the extent to which new ones can be awarded in  3582(c)(2) proceedings.13

Banks's argument on appeal therefore is foreclosed not only by the plain text of  1B1.10(b)(2), but also by precedent from both the United States Supreme Court and our own Court.

III

For the aforementioned reasons, we will affirm the District Court.

FOOTNOTES

. This Court has jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C.  3742 and 28 U.S.C.  1291.

. U.S.S.G.  1B1.10(b)(2).

. Id.

. In accordance with 18 U.S.C.  3553(a), a sentencing court generally must consider the following factors in sentencing:(1) the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant;(2) the need for the sentence imposed(A) to reflect the seriousness of the offense, to promote respect for the law, and to provide just punishment for the offense;(B) to afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct;(C) to protect the public from further crimes of the defendant; and(D) to provide the defendant with needed educational or vocational training, medical care, or other correctional treatment in the most effective manner;(3) the kinds of sentences available;(4) the kinds of sentence and the sentencing range established for(A) the applicable category of offense committed by the applicable category of defendant as set forth in the guidelines (5) any pertinent policy statement (6) the need to avoid unwarranted sentence disparities among defendants with similar records who have been found guilty of similar conduct; and(7) the need to provide restitution to any victims of the offense.

. United States v. Mateo, 560 F.3d 152, 154 (3d Cir. 2009).

. United States v. Berberena, 694 F.3d 514, 519 n.7 (3d Cir. 2012) ([W]hen  a defendant raises purely legal issues of statutory and constitutional interpretation, we exercise plenary review.).

.  1B1.10(b)(2)(B).

. 560 U.S. 817, 821 (2010).

. Id. at 826 (quoting 18 U.S.C.  994(u)).

. Id. at 827. See also Freeman v. United States, 564 U.S. 522, 531 (2011) (The binding policy statement governing  3582(c)(2) motions places considerable limits on district court discretion.).

. See Berberena, 694 F.3d at 521, 523.

. Id. at 521.

. Id. (citation omitted). See also United States v. Anderson, 686 F.3d 585, 58990 (8th Cir. 2012) (The statutory framework does not require the Commission to make all downward departures and variances applied to the original sentence available when creating a basis for sentencing reduction.).

McKEE, Circuit Judge.
With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, it is only a matter of time before robots start taking over jobs.

But it seems that androids may well take our household chores too, as scientists have developed a robot that can neatly iron clothes.

The TEO robot, which uses a camera in its head to create a 3D model of the garment and board, weighs 80 kilograms (175 lbs) and stands 1.8 metres tall (6 ft).

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BRICK-LAYING ROBOTS In March, a robot that can lay bricks six times faster than a builder started work on a building site in the US. The Semi-Automated Mason, nicknamed Sam, can lay 3,000 bricks a day, while a builder's average is 500. The robot is made up of a conveyor belt, a robotic arm and a concrete pump. A builder is needed to load the robot up with bricks. The machine's nozzle covers a brick in concrete before the robotic arm puts it in place. A second builder is then needed to to smooth over the concrete before the robot places more bricks. Advertisement

Developed at the Carlos III University of Madrid, TEO then calculates a 'Wrinkleness Local Descriptor'.

This is a number between 0 and 1 for each point on the creased clothing, where 0 is a sharp edge and 1 a flat spot.

Using these values TEO computes where the creases are, as it knows that the only true 1-rated sharp edges are at the sides of the ironing board.

After it has mapped the garment and board the robot pushes the iron through a determined 'optimum trajectory' to smooth out the creases.

TEO even runs through each manoeuvre again to 'iteratively reduce the wrinkliness', its programmers said.

Since it was first developed in 2012, TEO has been taught to walk up stairs and open doors, but its engineers are now focusing on domestic tasks.

'TEO is built to do what humans do as humans do it,' team member Dr Juan Victores told New Scientist.

In future, Dr Victores and his team want TEO to learn more domestic roles, such as kitchen work.

The ultimate goal for the researchers is to create a machine that learns to do a task just by watching humans do it.

'We will have robots like TEO in our homes - it's just a matter of who does it first,' Dr Victores said.

Developed at the Carlos III University in Madrid, the 'TEO' ironing robot (pictured) uses a camera built into its head to create a 3D model of the garment and ironing board

TEO is not the first robot developed this year to take over tasks from humans.

In March, a robot that can lay bricks six times faster than a builder started work on a building site in the US.

The Semi-Automated Mason, nicknamed Sam, can lay 3,000 bricks a day, while a builder's average is 500.

Sam was built by the New York-based company Construction Robotics.

The robot is made up of a conveyor belt, a robotic arm and a concrete pump.

TEO calculates a 'Wrinkleness Local Descriptor' - a number between 0 and 1 for each point on the creased clothing where 0 is a sharp edge and 1 a flat spot. Using these values TEO computes where the creases are on the garment

A builder is needed to load the robot up with bricks.

The machine's nozzle covers a brick in concrete before the robotic arm puts it in place.

A second builder is then needed to to smooth over the concrete before the robot places more bricks.

Experts spoke out against the robot's arrival and claimed that the auto-builders could put the jobs of thousands of bricklayers at risk.
If you're living with a troublesome pup, then help could be at hand - in the form of a small robot.

Kuri is a knee-high robot that can recognise pets and children and even tell them off if they're misbehaving.

The robot is expected to cost $699 (552), and will be released in the US in December.

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The robot's vision is now much sharper which means it will probably be even quicker at spotting mutts - or other family members - behaving badly

WHAT CAN KURI DO? Kuri learns to recognise family members and can notify its owners through a smartphone when a child or pup arrives home. Kuri 'speaks only robot' - meaning beeps and bloops - but also offers a range of emotional expressions by rolling its head and moving its eyes. It can also play music to recorded sound, which Mayfield Robotics chief executive Michael Beebe uses to tell the robot to tell his dog to get off the couch. Advertisement

The robot, which is made by Mayfield Robotics, is also getting belt treads as feet instead of wheels which means it will be able to move more easily on rugs and soft furnishings.

Engadget notes that it is positive the company is upgrading hardware before the robot has been shipped.

A sophisticated 1080p HD camera means it will be able to take high quality pictures, videos and even live streaming.

Kuri can rotate his head left and right, and tilt its head down and upwards.

It also learns to recognise family members and can notify its owners through a smartphone when a child arrives home.

Kuri the robot could be a life-saver for people living with troublesome pups as it can now recognise pets and tell them off if they try their luck getting on the couch (stock image)

Kuri 'speaks only robot' - meaning beeps and bloops - but also offers a range of emotional expressions by rolling its head and moving its eyes.

It can also play music to recorded sound, which Mayfield Robotics chief executive Michael Beebe uses to tell the robot to tell his dog to get off the couch.

Earlier this year Mr Beebe said he wanted to make Kuri have a character.

Kuri can also play music to recorded sound, which Mayfield Robotics chief executive Michael Beebe (pictured) uses to tell the robot to tell his dog to get off the couch

Mayfield, a 40-person California startup owned by German conglomerate Bosch, plans to deliver Kuri (pictured) by December to US consumers

'You have to make an effort to give a robot personality and character, otherwise it's too cold,' said Mr Beebe at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

'Kuri adds a spark of life to the home. The joy of incorporating a robot in the home is unique and magical.'

Mayfield, a 40-person California startup owned by German conglomerate Bosch, plans to deliver Kuri by December to US consumers.

The team say on its blog that it has more updates planned before the robot is released.
Roborace, the firm hoping to kick-start the future of driverless racing, has released incredible footage taken inside one of its self-driving vehicles while in action.

The cockpit footage was taken during the first full-speed, self-driven lap of the Formula E track in Berlin earlier this month.

The car is seen hitting speeds of 124mph (200 km/h), and avoids colliding with the track walls.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS The Robocar weighs almost 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs), and measures 4.8 metres long (15.7 ft) and two metres wide (6.5 ft). Four motors, each with 300kW of power and a 540kW battery, allow the car to reach dizzying speeds of over 320kph (200mph). A number of technologies allow the car to 'drive' without a driver, including five lidars, two radars, 18 ultrasonic sensors, two optical speed sensors and six AI cameras. It is powered by Nvidia's Drive PX2 brain, which is capable of up to 24 trillion AI operations each second. Advertisement

In the video, Roborace's development car, Devbot, completes several laps of the Berlin track, handling the course at a level that was just eight per cent off the mark set by a human driver.

Roborace has been performing several demonstrations with its development cars, known as 'Devbots.'

But the firm eventually hopes to use its Robocar, which was unveiled in February, to compete in driverless races.

Last month, the Robocar complete its first lap of the Paris ePrix circuit.

The demonstration saw the car complete 14 turns of the almost two kilometre (1.2 mile) track while driven entirely by AI and sensors.

Roborace CEO Denis Sverdlov said the demonstration was a major milestone in the development of autonomous racing: 'Roborace is the only company in the world right now testing driverless technologies on city streets without a human in the car  this is something truly unique.'

Roborace, the firm hoping to kick-start the future of driverless racing, has released incredible footage taken inside one of its self-driving vehicles while in action. The cockpit footage was taken during the first full-speed, self-driven lap of the Formula E track in Berlin

In the video, Roborace's development car, Devbot, completes several laps of the Berlin track, handling the course at a level that was just eight per cent off the mark set by a human driver

The vehicle, which weighs almost 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs) and is powered by four 300kW motors, uses a number of technologies to navigate.

These include five lidars, two radars, 18 ultrasonic sensors, two optical speed sensors, six AI cameras, GNSS positioning and a powerful Nvidia Drive PX2 'brain' processor, capable of 24 trillion AI operations per second.

Roborace first revealed the stunning 4.8-metre-long (15.7 ft), two-metre-wide (6.5 ft) vehicle at February's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Last month, the Robocar complete its first lap of the Paris ePrix circuit. The demonstration saw the car complete 14 turns of the almost two kilometre (1.2 mile) track while driven entirely by AI and sensors

Two of the Robocars will go head to head in a race later this year, setting up the potential for a race series dedicated to driverless cars.

Mr Sverdlov, alongside Roborace Chief Design Officer Daniel Simon, unveiled the futuristic car on stage during a keynote address on the evolution of autonomous vehicles.

Mr Sverdlov said: 'This is a huge moment for Roborace as we share the Robocar with the world and take another big step in advancing driverless electric technology.

Roborace CEO Denis Sverdlov said the demonstration in Paris was a major milestone in the development of autonomous racing: 'Roborace is the only company in the world right now testing driverless technologies on city streets without a human in the car  this is something truly unique'

'I am so proud of the entire team and our partners and particularly the work Daniel has done creating this beautiful machine.

'It was very important for us that we created an emotional connection to driverless cars and bring humans and robots closer together to define our future.'

The car is the brainchild of Mr Simon, an automotive futurist who creates vehicles for Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters, including Tron Legacy and Oblivian.

The vehicle, which weighs almost 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs) and is powered by four 300kW motors, uses a number of technologies to navigate

Two of the Robocars will go head to head in a race later this year, setting up the potential for a race series dedicated to driverless cars

Mr Simon said: 'Roborace opens a new dimension where motorsport as we know it meets the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence.

'Whilst pushing the boundaries of engineering, we styled every single part of the Robocar.

'We take special pride in revealing a functional machine that stays true to the initial concept shared, a rarity in automotive design and a testament of our determination. It's a great feeling to set this free.'

Roborace first revealed the stunning 4.8-metre-long (15.7 ft), two-metre-wide (6.5 ft) vehicle at February's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

The cars include five lidars, two radars, 18 ultrasonic sensors, two optical speed sensors, six AI cameras, GNSS positioning and a powerful Nvidia Drive PX2 'brain' processor, capable of 24 trillion AI operations per second

Roborace provides an open AI platform for companies to develop their own driverless software and push the limits in a safe environment.

The series is designed to be a test of intelligence, so all teams will use the same 'Robocar' programmed with their own software.

The 'brain' of the Robocar is the Nvidia Drive PX2, which uses AI to tackle the complexities of autonomous driving.

It uses deep learning for 360-degree situational awareness around the car, to determine precisely where the car is, and to compute a safe and efficient trajectory.

Rob Csongor, Vice-President of automotive for Nvidia said: 'Roborace and NVIDIA today push the boundary to accelerate the development of deep learning systems for safer passenger and commercial vehicles.'
An asteroid that could potentially wipe out life as we know it is due to fly 'close' to Earth this Saturday.

While Nasa is keeping an eye on the space rock, which is 230 metres (755 feet) in diameter, it says it won't come close enough to our planet to pose a threat.

However, last week a leading astrophysicist warned the next asteroid strike is just a matter of time as thousands of potentially threatening objects circle Earth.

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Nasa says an asteroid is set to make a 'close encounter' with Earth on Saturday. The asteroid  named 441987 (2010 NY65)  is 230 metres in diameter (stock artist's impression)

ASTEROID THREAT While Nasa is keeping an eye on the space rock, which is 230 metres (755 feet) in diameter, it says it won't come close enough to our planet to pose a threat. 441987 (2010 NY65) is travelling just 7.9 lunar distances (which is 1.8 million miles or 3 million km) from Earth. The asteroid was discovered in July 2010 and is expected to come very close to Earth every year until 2022. Advertisement

Scientists from Nasa are tracking the asteroid, which is called 441987 (2010 NY65).

It is travelling just 7.9 lunar distances (which is 1.8 million miles or 3 million km) from Earth.

441987 (2010 NY65) was discovered in July 2010 and is expected to come 'close' to Earth every year until 2022.

Nasa has been contacted for comment.

Dr Alan Fitzsimmons from Queens University Belfast Astrophysics Research Centre warned it is a case of when an asteroid collision will happen, rather than if it will happen, with more asteroids being discovered every day.

An unexpected strike in today's world could easily destroy a major city and a larger one could potentially wipe out humanity, the expert warned.

'It is important to know that scientists and engineers have made great strides in detecting Near-Earth Asteroids and understanding the threat posed by them', said Dr Fitzsimmons from Queens University Belfast Astrophysics Research Centre.

'Over 1,800 potentially hazardous objects have been discovered so far, but there are many more waiting to be found.

'Astronomers find Near-Earth Asteroids every day and most are harmless.'

'But it is still possible the next Tunguska would take us by surprise, and although we are much better at finding larger asteroids, that does us no good if we are not prepared to do something about them', he said.

Joined by scientist Brian Cox and astronauts such as Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart and International Space Station astronaut Nicole Stott, Dr Fitzsimmons is highlighting the threat for Asteroid Day, a global event this Friday.

The asteroid's orbit is market in blue. It is travelling just 7.9 lunar distances (which is 1.8 million miles or 3 million km) from Earth

On that day in 1908, a small asteroid exploded over Tunguska in Siberia and devastated 800 square miles.

The blast is thought to have been produced by a comet or asteroid hurtling through Earth's atmosphere at over 33,500mph, resulting in an explosion equal to 185 Hiroshima bombs as pressure and heat rapidly increased.

The object likely entered the atmosphere at 9-19 miles per second, and would have been extremely fragile, destroying itself roughly six miles above Earth.

In January 2017, an asteroid as big as a 10-story building passed by Earth at a distance half that of the Moon.

And experts have previously warned that humans are not prepared for an asteroid impact and, should one head for Earth, there's not much we can do about it.

Asteroids are hunks of rocky space debris, left over from the creation of the planets, which whizz around our solar system, orbiting the sun.

From time to time they cross paths with us and, while impacts on the scale of the infamous 6.2-mile (10km) 'dinosaur-destroyer' are rare, an asteroid a fifth the size could spell disaster for civilisation.

Dr Fitzsimmons (pictured) from Queens University Belfast Astrophysics Research Centre said it is a case of when an asteroid collision will happen, rather than if it will happen

With energy greater than 10 million Hiroshima bombs, the impact shock would flatten everything within a 186-mile (300km) radius.

Dust and debris would cause an 'impact winter' and most living things would perish.

Alternatively, an ocean strike would trigger monumental tsunamis, obliterate entire coastlines and inject seawater into the atmosphere, destroying huge swathes of the ozone layer and exposing survivors to devastating levels of UV radiation.

Dr Joseph Nuth, is a researcher at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland, and proposed the idea.

Speaking in December 2016, he said: 'The biggest problem, basically, is there's not a hell of a lot we can do about it at the moment.'

'They are the extinction-level events, things like dinosaur killers, they're 50 to 60 million years apart, essentially.'

'You could say, of course, we're due, but it's a random course at that point.'
A bird's flying ability helps determine the shape of its eggs, according to the surprise findings of a new study.

The best fliers tend to lay eggs that are more 'pointy' or elliptical, rather than rounded, researchers discovered.

The findings suggest that egg shape and powered flight may have evolved together because of the need to keep an airborne body sleek and streamlined.

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A bird's flying ability helps determine the shape of its eggs, according to the surprise findings of a new study. The best fliers tend to lay eggs that are more 'pointy' or elliptical, rather than rounded, researchers discovered

CRACKING THE EGG MYSTERY The scientists studied the shape of 49,175 eggs from 1,400 species, two of which were extinct. From museum specimens, they also calculated a standard flight efficiency measurement called hand-wing index (HWI) for each species. The researchers found that egg shape was not related to clutch size, environmental factors or nesting characteristics. But, surprisingly, there was a correlation with HWI. Good fliers tended to lay less rounded eggs. Irrespective of flying ability, larger eggs in relation to bird size were also less symmetrical. The 'pointiest' egg was laid by the least sandpiper, a small shore bird that flies non-stop for thousands of miles on migrations from Canada and Alaska to wintering grounds in South America. Advertisement

Experts led by Princeton University believe that nature squared the circle by designing eggs that maximised internal volume without increasing their width.

Dr Joseph Tobias, a member of the team from Imperial College London, said: 'Variation across species in the size and shape of their eggs is not simply random but is instead related to differences in ecology, particularly the extent to which each species is designed for strong and streamlined flight.'

A wide range of theories has been put forward to explain the huge variation in the shape of birds' eggs.

One proposal was that cliff-nesting birds lay more cone-shaped eggs which roll around in a tight circle and are less likely to tumble off the cliff edge.

Another idea suggests that egg shape is determined by incubation efficiency in a clutch.

To crack the egg mystery, the scientists studied the shape of 49,175 eggs from 1,400 species, two of which were extinct.

From museum specimens, they also calculated a standard flight efficiency measurement called hand-wing index (HWI) for each species.

The researchers found that egg shape was not related to clutch size, environmental factors or nesting characteristics.

But, surprisingly, there was a correlation with HWI.

Good fliers tended to lay less rounded eggs.

The researchers found that egg shape was not related to clutch size, environmental factors or nesting characteristics. But, surprisingly, there was a correlation with their flying efficiency. Good fliers tended to lay less rounded eggs. Pictured are gull eggs hatching

Irrespective of flying ability, larger eggs in relation to bird size were also less symmetrical.

The 'pointiest' egg was laid by the least sandpiper, a small shore bird that flies non-stop for thousands of miles on migrations from Canada and Alaska to wintering grounds in South America.

Lead researcher Dr Mary Stoddard, from Princeton University, said: 'In contrast to classic hypotheses, we discovered that flight may influence egg shape.

Irrespective of flying ability, larger eggs in relation to bird size were also less symmetrical. Pictured is the egg of a Maleo birg

The scientists studied the shape of 49,175 eggs from 1,400 species, two of which were extinct. This is an Uria aalge egg scaled. This is a Common murre or common guillemot egg

'Birds that are good fliers tend to lay asymmetric or elliptical eggs. In addition, we propose that the stretchy egg membrane, not the hard shell, is responsible for generating the diversity of egg shapes we see in nature.'

The study also confirmed that among vertebrates 'pointy' eggs were unique to birds and some of their dinosaur ancestors.

Dr Stoddard added: 'The idea that powered flight and pointy eggs evolved around the same time is particularly intriguing.

'Moving forward, we are excited to explore how eggs changed shape during the dinosaur-to-bird transition.'
An engineer in Poland has taken the age-old potato clock experiment to the next level.

Marek Baczynski has revealed what he says is the world's first self-driving potato, and it runs on its own electricity.

On YouTube, the inventor explains how an energy harvester and a capacitor can be used to store the 'minuscule' energy generated by the potato, eventually powering it enough to drive  and, with a simple script, he granted it 'the gift of freedom.'

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The potato takes about 15 minutes to charge, which will carry it just a few inches at a time. According to Baczynski, it can travel about seven and a half meters (24.6 feet) over the course of an entire day

HOW IT WORKS Potatoes are able to conduct electricity thanks to the presence of electrolytes. The salt and water naturally found in the starchy food product create an acidic environment. And, when a pair of oppositely charged electrodes  an anode (negative) and a cathode (positive) the current can flow. This requires two metals, such a zinc and copper. Advertisement

According to Baczynski, the self-driving potato also makes a great pet  which he's dubbed 'Pontus.'

Potatoes are able to conduct electricity, and putting in a pair of electrodes will get a current going.

But, as Baczynski explains, this is barely enough to power a calculator.

To ramp up the potato power, the YouTuber adds an energy harvesting chip and a super capacitor to the mix.

With a pair of toy wheels and motor from a CD drive, the potato transforms into a tiny, starchy vehicle.

'The energy harvester will collect the electrochemical energy and very slowly build it up in a capacitor,' Baczynski explains in the video.

'And now, after a certain voltage is reached, we get the world's first self-driving potato.'

HOW IT WAS GIVEN 'FREEDOM' At first, the potato just drove in a straight line. So, Baczynski added an additional motor, and a control board to which he wrote a simple script, in order to give it more 'freedom.' The system works as though there's a virtual arrow spinning, he explains. The potato tells the electrodes when to 'stop,' and the control board will send it driving in that direction Advertisement

The potato takes about 15 minutes to charge, which will carry it just a few inches at a time.

According to Baczynski, it can travel about seven and a half meters (24.6 feet) over the course of an entire day.

To 'bestow on this potato the gift of freedom,' Baczynski added an additional motor, and a control board to which he wrote a simple script.

This allowed the potato to 'choose' its direction of movement.

'Imagine that there's a virtual arrow that's spinning and the potato gets to say 'stop' to the electrodes,' Baczynski explains.

'The control board will then power the motors toward that direction, and the cycle repeats.'

To 'bestow on this potato the gift of freedom,' Baczynski added an additional motor, and a control board to which he wrote a simple script. This allowed the potato to 'choose' its direction of movement

With a pair of toy wheels and motor from a CD drive, the potato transforms into a tiny, starchy vehicle

While the potato at first behaved 'chaotically,' the creator notes that it eventually appeared to find a sunny spot to sit in, or follow him around, like a cat.

Thus, as it doesn't need to be fed or watered, Baczynski jokes that Pontus is the perfect pet.

But, in a comical sequence which involves the potato persistently trying to get into the oven, Pontus' fate ends up much that of other potatoes  on a plate.
To small island nations where the land juts just above the rising seas, the U.S. pulling out of the Paris global warming pact makes the future seem as fragile and built on hope as a sand castle.

Top scientists say it was already likely that Earth's temperatures and the world's seas will keep rising to a point where some island states may not survive through the next 100 years.

That likelihood increases, they say, if the United States doesn't follow through on promised cuts in heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions.

A small uninhabited island that has slipped beneath the water line only showing a small pile of rocks at low tide on Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands. To small island nations where the land juts just above the rising seas, the U.S. pulling out of the Paris global warming pact makes the future seem as fragile and built on hope as a sand castle, experts say

President Donald Trump this month said he'd withdraw the United States from the climate deal , prompting leaders of vulnerable islands to talk about their future with a mixture of defiance, hope and resignation.

'If we really push into action, we can save some (small islands) but we may not be able save all of them,' said Hans-Otto Poertner, a German scientist who chairs the climate impacts study group for the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

'The chances are even less with the U.S. pulling out of the climate agreement in Paris.'

While calling Trump's announcement 'deeply disappointing,' Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine told The Associated Press

'I cannot give up on my people and my country and my culture. It's very important for us to be optimistic.'

THE MARSHALL ISLAND TESTS Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear explosive tests at the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Now, researchers from Columbia University have tested the area for harmful radiation to determine that the islands can now be considered habitable  all but Bikini Atoll. Bikini Atoll was the site of twenty-three tests during the twelve year period, including the devastating detonation of a hydrogen bomb on March 1, 1954. Bikini Atoll was the site of twenty-three tests during the twelve year period, including the devastating detonation of a hydrogen bomb on March 1, 1954. At the time of the tests, inhabitants of the islands were moved to other locations. Though many of the displaced residents and their descendants wish to return to their homes, there have been no surveys of gamma radiation over the past several decades, leaving it unclear if the islands are safe to live upon. In new efforts to update this information, researchers flew to Marshall Islands and conducted gamma ray emission surveys on three of the most severely impacted atolls  Enewetak, Rongelap, and Bikini. An 11 megaton shot, partof Operation Castle, was fired from a barge near Bikini Atoll on March 26, 1954. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 67 nuclear explosive tests at the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean. They compared the findings with readings from Majuro Atoll, an island far enough away to be usefd as a control. This location showed 13 millirems of radiation per year (mrem/y). The readings were further compared with readings from Central Park in New York, which showed just 9 mrem/y. For both Enewetak Atoll and Rongelap, the researchers found readings that fall within the safe zone, with 7.6 mrem/y and 19.8 mrem/y, respectively. But for Bikini Atoll, the radiation was much higher; the atoll showed a reading of 184 mrem/y. Though not considered to be terribly dangerous, this is higher than the minimum accepted levels agreed upon by the U.S. and Marshall Islands governments. Advertisement

Heine and other island leaders are putting their hope in strong pollution curbs by China, other nations, individual American states and cities, as well as improved technology.

While visiting Europe, she said 'it's all the more important that Europe takes the lead on climate change.'

Palau 's environment minister F. Umiich Sengebau said he has no choice but to cling to hope.

'Right now some of the islands have disappeared,' he said. 'And so if we continue this trend our very existence as small islands could very well disappear in many instances.'

The U.S. State Department said it considers engagement with other counties on climate change important and it will continue, including with small island states. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said after Trump pulled out of the agreement that the U.S. has cut its carbon dioxide emissions 'dramatically' even before the Paris pact was reached.

When the Paris pact was being negotiated in 2015, small island nations successfully campaigned for a stricter but secondary target for limiting global heat-trapping emissions.

In 2009, world leaders adopted a goal to prevent 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming since the industrial era started, saying 2 degrees is a dangerous level of warming.

The islands' tougher goal would try to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time.

A boat lies wrecked and stuck on a sea wall after it crashed into the back of Foreign Minister Tony de Brum's house on Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Top scientists say it was already likely that Earth's temperatures and the world's seas will keep rising to a point where some island states won't survive through the end of the next century.

The world has already warmed about 1 degree Celsius, so the islands are really trying to prevent another half degree of warming Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit).

When Trump announced he would pull the U.S. out of the Paris treaty, scientists said that made the 2 degree goal close to unachievable and the 1.5 degree goal even more out of reach.

Promised American pollution cuts were about one-fifth of the pledged global reductions hoped for in the accord.

And even if all the pact's pledges were fully realized, it wouldn't stop warming from hitting 2 degrees without even stricter actions in the future, according to computer simulations.

'We are pushing the 1.5 (as a goal) but realistically I think we have passed the point that it can be achieved,' said Kenrick Leslie, executive director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre .

Trump's Paris pull-out, he said, has 'thrown it right out the window.'

Small islands 'are the most vulnerable parts of the world,' said scientist Jim Skea of the Imperial College in London, who chairs another UN climate panel.

Exceeding 1.5 degrees 'really makes the vulnerability threat for them more acute. It's kind of existential.'

Scientists and carbon emissions computer modelers at Climate Analytics helped the small islands in their campaign called '1.5 to stay alive', and they say it is still possible, though unlikely, to limit the warming to that much.

A large pile of rubbish made up of wrecked cars, washing machines and old fridges are stacked high to form a make-shift sea wall on Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

That scenario involves overshooting the 1.5 degree goal and then eventually allowing no new carbon dioxide emissions into the air.

But even that isn't enough so the world would have to somehow pull huge amounts of carbon dioxide out of the air, which is technically feasible but not practical at the moment, said Climate Analytics scientific adviser Carl-Friedrich Schleussner.

Recent studies have shown that the sea level rise in the past decade or so has accelerated compared to previous decades, said University of Colorado sea level expert Steve Nerem. He estimates a meter of sea level rise by the end of this century and emphasizes it could be worse with ice sheet melts in Greenland and Antarctica.

'Anything over a meter (a yard) is catastrophic for these small islands,' Nerem said.

And the islands don't have to be underwater to become uninhabitable, he said, because sea level rise will make them more vulnerable to high tides and extreme storms.

Hilda Heine, President of Marshall Islands, speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters.

Warming over 1.5 degrees also is likely to be devastating for coral reefs - which many of these small islands rely on for their fishing and tourism economies, Schleussner said.

Between rising seas that could swamp population centers and infrastructure like airports and seaports all over the Caribbean, the damage to reefs and fishing with increased warming will hurt Caribbean people in the pocketbooks and in their stomachs, several Caribbean climate officials said.

Ahmed Sareer, the Maldives ambassador to the United Nations and chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States, said the 1.5 goal is harder to achieve without the United States but not yet impossible.

'The island spirit is to never give up,' Sareer said.

'We are always a resilient people.'
Advertisement

A first class ticket on a long-haul flight is normally very expensive indeed  but one savvy traveller picked one up for just $76.

It was for a flight from Jakarta to Tokyo with Garuda Indonesia airlines, which normally retails for a cool $7,000. But businessman Sam Huang used his frequent flyer points to secure a $6,924 discount.

Huang took his father along on the 10-day trip to celebrate his 60th birthday and what's more, they stayed in a $1,000 room at the prestigious Tokyo Park Hyatt Hotel - where Lost In Translation was filmed - for the grand total of nothing.

Scroll down for a video

Sam Huang enjoys his first class experience for just $76. He was greeted with champagne and staff who helped him change into on-board slippers. Flying in the cabin would normally cost $7,000

The first class experience included being greeted by a chef, who he took his order and cooked a fresh and enjoyable meal from scratch

Before the flight Huang enjoyed an exclusive lounge that was spacious, with brown and beige leather interior, with newspapers to choose from and a wide screen TV. Pictured here is his cosy luxury suite on the plane

The on board food was first class with mango dome cake for dessert, pictured, washed down with a glass of champagne

Lost in Translation: Huang recreated one of the movies most famous scenes at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. He used his Hyatt points to pay for the hotel room, which is priced at $1,000 a night

Talking exclusively to MailOnline Travel, Huang revealed that the trip to Japan, which should have cost him $18,000, cost just $750.

He said: To get to Japan I flew first class with Garuda Indonesia from Jakarta to Tokyo. The retail cost was over $7000 but I paid just $76 plus frequent flyer points.

Garuda also had an incredible 90 per cent mileage promotion, which means I only had to use 13,500 miles for my flight. To compare, in the US the same amount of miles would barely get you an economy flight on United.

First class lounge: The food and drink in the first class lounge at Jakarta airport was beautifully displayed and came with champagne

The trip started when he was picked up for his flight by a Mercedes, which took them to Jakarta airport.

Huang, who was born in Pasadena but currently lives in Taipei, wrote on his flight-tip blog: Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted at the curb by two first class escorts, who proceeded to take my passport and bags.

'After breezing through immigration, we arrived at the entrance of the Garuda Lounge and walked straight past the relatively crowded business class section.'

Huang and his father were then shown to the first class lounge, which was equipped with a Yamaha grand piano and small tables lining a patterned wall of mirrors.

While there he tucked into grilled fish, sipped Billecart-Salmon Champagne and then used the shower to freshen up before the flight.

Luxury: The first class cabins are spacious and comfortable, with only two rows of four suites. All the suites have a TV and lots of legroom and they can be fully enclosed. The chairs can be made up into beds

How Loewe can you go? A fancy amenity kit was provided, along with a pair of comfortable pyjamas

After a first class experience in the lounge Huang was directed on board, with more luxury to revel in.

He described how the first class cabin consisted of only two rows and four suites that can be fully enclosed.

The seat itself, he said, 'is quite spacious and is covered with beige leather'.

It even has a closet to keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

The first class suite has a touch pad that allows you to customise the seat position - from the position of your footrest to how far your seat goes back

Like Etihad, Garuda has an on-board chef - and he personally took Huang's order.

He chose sate - which was 'phenomenal' - a salmon sandwich and mango dome cake, which was 'surprisingly delicious'.

Garuda's first-class suites, as they do on board Singapore Airlines and Emirates services, feature sliding doors that turn the suite into a private cabin, Huang explained.

The frequent flyer enjoyed sate, Japanese seafood, rice and freshly cooked vegetables. Huang says it was some of the healthiest food he has eaten on board a plane

He said that the bed was 'quite comfortable' and 'even more spacious than Emirates' first-class cabin'.

'I quickly dozed off for a few hours,' he wrote.

Breakfast was a traditional Japanese spread Huang described as one of the healthiest he'd ever had on a plane.

But that wasnt the last incredible chapter of his discounted trip.

Huang also used his Hyatt hotel points (30,000) to book him and his father, for one night, into the Park Hyatt hotel, made famous by a certain film starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.

He told MailOnline Travel: Over the next 10 days, my dad and I travelled around Japan chasing the cherry blossoms, staying at various Hyatt hotels using points.

'However, a highlight of our trip was our one night stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Considering I was just using my points and hadn't paid for it the service was impeccable.'

There he soaked up the incredible view of the skyline from the bedroom and used his hotel points to buy 'extraordinary' cocktails.

Lost in the view: Thanks to his hotel points, Huang enjoyed free food and drink at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, with the glittering city below

Altogether Huang spent $750 + 250,000 points for all the hotels and his first-class flight to Japan.

This, however, isnt Huang's first trip where hes managed to get massive discounts on flights and hotels, by paying with just points.

Last year, for instance, he flew to Singapore in a first class suite, for just $480 - the trip should have cost him $16,000.
British holidaymakers caught making false food poisoning claims whilst on holiday in Spain could be jailed for up to three years as tourism chiefs get tough on the scam.

Hoteliers, faced with paying out as much as 5,000 a time to settle cases out of court, have already tried warnings, the threat of banning Brits from all inclusive resorts and have even used under-cover detectives.

Now, they are taking a zero tolerance approach after saying 'enough is enough' as the industry estimates it has already cost them around 60million.

Scammers: Food poisioning claims have multiplied ten fold in all parts of Spain, including the mainland, Benidorm, Canary Islands and Mallorca

The bogus allegations, encouraged by so-called 'claim farmers' who have been standing outside hotels to encourage Brits to say they contracted food poisoning, have been hitting all parts of Spain, including the mainland, Benidorm, Canary Islands and Mallorca. Claims have multiplied ten fold in some locations.

The avalanche was set to get worse this summer and there were signs the scam was also spreading to other hot spots such as Portugal and Italy.

Using a loophole in the law, Brits are encouraged to make a false claim when back in the UK and have to show no evidence, only perhaps a receipt for tummy products.

Hoteliers have been settling up out of court to avoid the cost of battling it out in the courts and in some cases, are paying 5,000 pounds to each family member.

Fake claims: Hoteliers, faced with paying out as much as 5,000 a time to settle cases out of court, have already tried warnings, the threat of banning Brits from all inclusive resorts and have even used under-cover detectives

Abta has now launched a new campaign under the banner of 'Stop Sickness Scam', with the support of its members and partners from across the travel industry.

It is being backed by hoteliers and tour companies, with Attorney Jaime Campaner, who represents the hotel business federation of Mallorca (FEHM), saying: 'We will request that anyone involved in these fraudulent claims be convicted.

'In addition, the Spanish penal code has recently included a new offence, such as belonging to a criminal group, which is penalised with very serious sanctions and we will also seek sentences under this law,' he explained.

A spokesman from Abta added: 'Stop Sickness Scams calls on the new government to crack down on fake holiday sickness claims and warns holidaymakers about the consequences of making a false claim.'

'Abta and its members have been working with Ministry of Justice officials for several months, sharing claims data and asking for regulatory change to address the loophole that has left travel companies vulnerable to spurious sickness claims,' they explained further.

'With a new Justice Secretary now in post and with claims management companies increasing marketing ahead of the main summer season, Abta is stepping up its lobbying and consumer-facing activity.'

How to avoid the sickness scammers The campaign is leading with a number of calls to action aimed at the travelling public. These are to: Report touts in resorts to your hotel manager and/or tour operator Warn other holidaymakers if you see touts about and let your friends and family know about the problem If you are cold-called and encouraged to make a fake holiday sickness claim, report the company to the Claims Management Regulator

For more information or to report a company take a look at the governments guidelines Advertisement

A letter signed by Abta members presented to the new Justice Secretary, David Lidington, kick-starts the campaign.

The letter requests a meeting with the new Justice Secretary and reiterates the industry's call for the loophole in the law to be addressed, which would bring holiday sickness claims within a fixed recoverable costs regime.

Next week Abta will also be asking travel industry businesses and members of the public to email their MPs about this issue.

Abta is developing a shareable online site to enable people to easily and quickly raise this issue with their local MP.

The spokesperson from Abta said: 'Alongside the lobbying arm of the campaign there will be multi-channel consumer activity, including a dedicated hub on our website and a digital advertising campaign directly targeting people considering making a claim.'

They added: 'Abtais encouraging its members to support the campaign on social media by sharing materials and using #StopSicknessScams to counteract the highly misleading advertising of unscrupulous claims management companies, which are spending heavily on social and mainstream media ahead of the main summer season.'

Campaign supporters include destination partners and Abta Members, including Thomas Cook, TUI, Jet2holidays and Monarch.

Abta said: 'If you are aware of a fake holiday sickness claim, report it to Action Fraud.'

They added: 'If you believe you have experienced food poisoning as a result of eating in your hotel, contact your hotel or tour operator immediately in resort. Claims companies will take a hefty slice of any compensation awarded.'

'If you aren't satisfied with the response you get from your travel company, you can pursue your case through Abta's independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme or through the small claims court.'

Mark Tanzer Abta chief executive said: 'I strongly urge everyone in the industry to get behind our 'Stop Sickness Scams' campaign. The public need to know the truth behind the highly misleading marketing tactics used by unscrupulous claims management companies whose activities are causing so much damage.'

For more information about the Abta Stop Sickness Scams campaign go to the website.
This is the disastrous moment a monster 15million superyacht bulldozes a fleet of small boats bobbing in its way.

Footage shows the 175ft British luxury liner Tales trying to leave a marina at Portofino, in northwest Italy, last week.

However, the large vessel appears to be out of control as it backs into and overturns parked boats nearby.

Onlookers can be seen rushing over to Tales in speedboats in a desperate bid to push the boat to clear water.

It was reported that around six moored boats were hit but no one was injured.

There were said to be eight passengers and 12 crew members on board Tales when it veered off course.

It's believed that the luxury boat had a problem with its reverse gear system.

This is the disastrous moment a monster 15million superyacht bulldozes a fleet of small boats. Footage show the 175ft British luxury liner Tales trying to leave a marina at Portofino, in northwest Italy, last week

Onlookers can be seen rushing over to Tales in speedboats in a desperate bid to push the boat to clear water

After the blunder, the captain managed to correct the boat's positioning and steer it the right way.

Footage of the accident was posted online via a local news site.

It appears to have been shot from some distance, with a zoom lens allowing for a bird's-eye view.

After watching the chain of events, one Facebook commenter suggested: 'It looks like [the captain] lost his main engines momentarily, or I know losing hydraulics that run everything can cause that.

There were said to be eight passengers and 12 crew members on board Tales when it veered off course. It's believed that the luxury boat had a problem with its reverse gear system

'The dinghy on his starboard side was full throttle in reverse with a line on, so he knew there were issues before the film starts, but it's way too heavy to do anything.'

It's thought Tales - which is described as being a 'pedigree motor yacht of exceptional quality' - costs around 200,000 a week to charter.

Perks include accommodation for 12, with ample deck space, an outdoor bar, barbecue and bubbling Jacuzzi.

MailOnline Travel has contacted the company that charters Tales for a comment.
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. MISO TRANSMISSION OWNERS, Petitioner, MIDCONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR, INC., Intervenor, v. FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, Respondent, DUKE ENERGY OHIO, INC. and DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY, INC.; FIRSTENERGY SERVICE COMPANY, Intervenors. No. 16-3791 Decided: June 21, 2017

Before: KEITH, BATCHELDER, and SUTTON, Circuit Judges. COUNSEL ON BRIEF: Michael J. Thompson, Wendy N. Reed, Patrick L. Morand, WRIGHT & TALISMAN, P.C., Washington, D.C., for Petitioners. Carol J. Banta, FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, Washington, D.C., for Respondent. Noel Symons, MCGUIRE WOODS LLP, Washington, D.C., Matthew Allen Fitzgerald, MCGUIRE WOODS LLP, Richmond, Virginia, for Duke Intervenors. Morgan E. Parke, Stacey Burbure, Karen Anita Sealy, FIRSTENERGY CORPORATION, Akron, Ohio, John Lee Shepherd, Jr., Timothy T. Mastrogiacomo, James P. Daly, SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP, Washington, D.C., for Intervenor FirstEnergy.

OPINION

Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., is a non-profit association of utilities that manages electrical transmission facilities on behalf of its members. Under its well-earned acronym, MISO approves infrastructure projects and allocates the costs among its member utilities in order to maintain the electrical grid and increase its capacity. Duke Energy and American Transmission Systems own utilities in Ohio and Kentucky, and they withdrew from MISO in 2011. At stake is whether the utilities must pay for projects that MISO approved after they announced their departure but before they left. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled in favor of the utilities. Because the Commission correctly interpreted the terms of MISO's Tariff, we deny the petition for review of its order.

I.

MISO is a regional association[ ] of utilities that own electrical transmission lines interconnected to form a regional grid and that agree to delegate operational control of the grid to the association. Ill. Commerce Comm'n v. FERC, 721 F.3d 764, 769 (7th Cir. 2013). It oversees the electrical grid in all or part of fifteen states in the Midwest and South, including Michigan and Kentucky, as well as the Canadian province of Manitoba. Id. at 76970. Beginning in 2006, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved changes to MISO's Tariff that enabled it to authorize network expansion projects and divide the costs among the member utilities. See Pub. Serv. Comm'n of Wis. v. FERC, 545 F.3d 1058, 1059 (D.C. Cir. 2008). The Tariff initially had just two project categories: Baseline Reliability Projects and Market Efficiency Projects.

In July 2009, American Transmission Systems gave notice that it planned to withdraw from MISO and integrate its Ohio facilities with PJM Interconnection, a neighboring transmission organization. Duke Energy's Ohio and Kentucky utilities followed suit in May 2010. Under the Tariff, a utility cannot withdraw from MISO any earlier than the last day of the year following the year it gives notice. Art. Five,  1, App'x 635.

Two months after Duke announced its intention to withdraw, MISO proposed a new category of more expensive expansion projectsMulti-Value Projectsmost of which would carry wind power to urban markets. Ill. Commerce Comm'n, 721 F.3d at 771. The Commission approved this revision to the Tariff. Midwest Indep. Transmission Sys. Operator, Inc., 133 FERC  61,221 (2010). In August 2010, MISO authorized the first Multi-Value Project.

American Transmission withdrew from MISO in May 2011 before it approved any more Multi-Value Projects. But in early December 2011, just weeks before Duke's scheduled departure, MISO approved a portfolio of sixteen projects, estimated to cost billions of dollars in total. MISO proposed adding a provision to the Tariff, given the harmless-sounding label of Schedule 39, which provided that ex-members could be charged for the costs of Multi-Value Projects approved before their departure.

The Commission approved Schedule 39, but only prospectively. Midwest Indep. Transmission Sys. Operator, Inc., 138 FERC  61,140 (2012). The Commission determined that MISO could apply Schedule 39 to Duke and American Transmission only to the extent it was consistent with their preexisting obligations under the Tariff. Id. at P 74. In a separate proceeding, the Commission ruled that Schedule 39 imposed new obligations on withdrawing members. Midwest Indep. Transmission Sys. Operator, Inc., 153 FERC  61,101 P 40 (2015). That meant the filed-rate doctrine and the rule against retroactive ratemaking prevented MISO from applying Schedule 39 to Duke and American Transmission and charging them for the Multi-Value Projects. A group of other MISO Transmission Owners appealed, claiming that the Commission incorrectly interpreted the Tariff and departed from the reasoning of its prior orders. Duke and American Transmission intervened to support the Commission's order.

II.

Venue. In earlier litigation over the MISO Tariff, the parties filed their appeals in the Seventh Circuit, in which MISO has its headquarters, or the D.C. Circuit. That's in keeping with the Federal Power Act's judicial review provision, which provides for venue in any circuit wherein the licensee or public utility to which the [Commission's] order relates is located or has its principal place of business, or in the [D.C. Circuit]. 16 U.S.C.  825l(b).

But is venue appropriate in our circuit? An initial answer is that no one has challenged venue here. The Commission, it is true, hinted in that direction, asking the utilities to explain why the instant dispute  is properly before this Court. Respondent Br. 5. But the Commission did not move to dismiss or transfer the appeal. The Supreme Court has held that an identical provision in the Natural Gas Act, also administrated by FERC, invest[s] all intermediate federal courts with the power to review orders of the Commission, provided [that] the parties may object that the particular circuit lacks the specified qualifications. Panhandle E. Pipe Line Co. v. Fed. Power Comm'n, 324 U.S. 635, 63839 (1945). Absent such an objection, the Transmission Owners have no obligation to prove that the Sixth Circuit is an appropriate venue for their appeal.

We may transfer the appeal on our own initiative, it is true. See Brentwood at Hobart v. NLRB, 675 F.3d 999, 1005 (6th Cir. 2012). But we see no good reason to do so here. Venue lies in the Sixth Circuit because all of MISO's members are public utilit[ies] to which the order relates, and at least one of them has its principal place of business in this circuit. Even though the Commission's order concerned MISO's Tariff, the petitioners are MISO's members, not MISO itself. That's important because [v]enue relates to the convenience of litigants. Panhandle, 324 U.S. at 639. The case also has legitimate ties to the circuit, as the spark that lit the controversy was the withdrawal from MISO of Ohio and Kentucky utilities. Judicial efficiency weighs against transferring the case as well. The appeal has been pending since June 2016, and has been fully briefed. The MISO Transmission Owners, Duke, and American Transmission all support proceeding with the case here.

It's possible, we suppose, that the Transmission Owners filed this appeal in the Sixth Circuit to take advantage of our less deferential review of the Commission's tariff interpretations. But we need not worry about rewarding circuit shopping because that issue does not affect the outcome of this case, as we next suggest and eventually show.

Standard of Review. We generally review the Commission's orders under the arbitrary-and-capricious standard, but we give fresh review to questions of law, such as the interpretation of tariffs and other contracts. See FERC v. Elec. Power Supply Ass'n, 136 S. Ct. 760, 782 (2016); Cincinnati Gas & Elec. Co. v. FERC, 724 F.2d 550, 554 (6th Cir. 1984). Unlike the D.C. and Seventh Circuits, we do not automatically give deference to the Commission's interpretations of tariffs. Compare Cincinnati Gas & Elec., 724 F.2d at 554, with Koch Gateway Pipeline Co. v. FERC, 136 F.3d 810, 81415 (D.C. Cir. 1998); City of Kaukauna v. FERC, 214 F.3d 888, 895 (7th Cir. 2000). We instead defer only when the Commission bases its interpretation on its factual findings or technical expertise. Cincinnati Gas & Elec. Co., 724 F.2d at 554.

The Commission and the MISO Transmission Owners offer competing accounts of whether the Commission based its interpretation of the Tariff on its technical expertise in ratemaking. But we need not take sides. Either way, we would affirm the Commission's interpretation, whether under fresh review or deferential review.

Pre-Schedule 39 Tariff. The filed-rate doctrine prohibits MISO from charging Duke and American Transmission higher rates than those included in its filed Tariff, and the rule against retroactive ratemaking prohibits the Commission from ordering utilities to pay such a rate. See Ark. La. Gas Co. v. Hall, 453 U.S. 571, 573, 57879 (1981). That means MISO can bill Duke and American Transmission for a share of the Multi-Value Projects only if the pre-Schedule 39 Tariff authorized those charges.

When the two utilities announced their withdrawal from MISO, the Tariff stated that a Party that withdraws from [MISO] shall remain responsible for all financial obligations incurred pursuant to [the Tariff] while a Member. Attachment FF,  III.A.2.j, App'x 840. The pre-Schedule 39 Tariff thus authorizes this charge only if the utilities incurred a financial obligation to contribute to the Multi-Value Projects before they withdrew. They did not.

In setting out the framework for network expansion projects, the Tariff says that transmission owners will bear cost responsibility for [expansion projects] as and to the extent provided by any applicable provision of the Tariff, including  any applicable cost allocation method ordered by the Commission. Id., Introduction to Section III, App'x 826. It then explains how to allocate costs for each type of project. Plans for Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects allocate cost responsibility up front, when MISO approves the project. For both types of projects, the Tariff allocates twenty percent of the total Project Cost on a system-wide basis to all Transmission Customers and recovered through a system-wide rate. Id.,  III.A.2.c.ii, App'x 829;  III.A.2.f.i, App'x 837. It allocates the remaining eighty percent of the costs to designated pricing zones and sub-regions, with utilities in those zones paying annual charges calculated under a formula set forth in the Tariff.

Cost responsibility for Multi-Value Projects works differently. Section III.A.2.g.i provides that:

Costs of Multi Value Projects will be allocated as follows:

i) One hundred percent (100%) of the annual revenue requirements of the Multi Value Projects shall be allocated on a system-wide basis to Transmission Customers that withdraw energy, including External Transactions sinking outside the Transmission Provider's region, and recovered through an MVP Usage Charge pursuant to Attachment MM.

App'x 839.

Two distinctions jump out between cost allocation for the first two categories and cost allocation for Multi-Value Projects. First, the provisions governing Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects allocate the total Project Cost all at once, while the Multi-Value Projects provision allocates annual revenue requirements instead. If costs were allocated in full at the time of project approval, the word annual would serve no purpose. Second, for Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects, twenty percent of costs are allocated on a system-wide basis to all Transmission Customers. But for Multi-Value Projects, the costs are allocated only to Transmission Customers that withdraw energy. Accordingly, the [Multi-Value Project] Usage Charge is updated monthly based on transmission owners' energy withdrawals from MISO. See Attachment MM,  3, App'x 93033. The only way to give these deliberate distinctions any effect is to reallocate a project's costs each year based on energy usage. Both distinctions support the conclusion that the relevant Tariff provision reallocates costs for Multi-Value Projects based on the utilities' actual usage of the MISO system, not up front.

Another section of the Tariff points in the same direction. It says that transmission owners who join MISO have no liability for Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects that the association approved before their arrival. Attachment FF, Section III.A.2.k, App'x 840. That makes sense because MISO allocates the costs for those projects up front. But for Multi-Value Projects, the Tariff says that new members must pay for project costs based on actual usage, which would not be possible with up-front cost allocation. Id.

In view of this language and our interpretation of it, Duke and American Transmission did not incur any financial obligations in the short time between approval of the Multi-Value Projects and their withdrawal from MISO for two basic reasons. One: All parties agree that, when Duke and American Transmission left MISO, there were no revenue obligations to allocate because construction had not started yet. Two: Duke and American Transmission ceased to withdraw energy from MISO when they joined a new association and thus could not be responsible for future costs.

The Transmission Owners' contrary arguments do not work. In particular, they cannot square their alternative understanding of cost allocation for Multi-Value Projects with the text of the Tariff. The Owners claim that the Commission's interpretation ignores the distinction between cost allocation (assigning liability for a share of a project's eventual cost to each transmission owner) and cost recovery (determining the charges each owner has to pay each year). According to the Owners, the first part of  III.A.2.g.i allocates costs to all Transmission Customers that withdraw energya group that included Duke and American Transmission at the time MISO approved the slate of Multi-Value Projectsand we should assume (absent a provision saying otherwise) that all costs are allocated at the time of approval, just like Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects. Charges may change annually based on energy withdrawals, they add, but that doesn't alter the fact that each transmission owner present when MISO approved a project remains responsible for part of the bill.

But this interpretation does not account for the language of the Multi-Value Projects' cost-allocation provisions. Why refer to annual revenue requirements rather than Project Cost if the Tariff meant to allocate costs up front, as it did for the Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects? Why restrict allocation to customers that withdraw energy? And why not provide an allocation rate that isn't updated based on energy usage? This argument raises many questions. And the answers to all of them cut against it.

The Owners' interpretation has an uncomfortable relationship with the text of the Tariff in other ways. It is hard to say that a provision beginning [c]osts of Multi Value Projects will be allocated as follows is about anything other than allocation. True, the provision goes on to refer to recover[y] through an [Multi-Value Project] Usage Charge, as does Attachment MM, but that shouldn't surprise us. The Tariff reallocates each year's revenue requirements in proportion to each transmission owner's annual usage, which means that allocation and recovery amount to the same thing for Multi-Value Projects. It makes no difference that a separate part of the Tariff, Appendix K, distinguishes between the right to challenge a rate and the right to challenge allocation of costs. Those two things may often be distinct. But they need not always be. The Transmission Owners try to introduce a rigid distinction between two concepts that  III.A.2.g.i puts together.

Contrary to the Owners' assertions, there's no background presumption that costs should be allocated up front. The Tariff says that, for Market Efficiency Projects, cost allocations as a percentage of project cost shall be determined one time at the time that the project is presented to [MISO] for approval. Attachment FF,  II.B.1.c, App'x 81819. And the allocation to each pricing zone for Baseline Reliability Projects happens one time, on the basis of a formula that can be calculated in advance. Id.,  III.A.c.ii, App'x 830. By contrast, it's not even clear how shares of responsibility for the costs of Multi-Value Projects could be allocated up front, given that the only rate referred to in  III.A.2.g.i is the continually updated Usage Rate.

The Transmission Owners do not even attempt to answer some of the points made above. They instead object that the Commission did not make some of these arguments in its order, and that we therefore may not consider them on appeal. See SEC v. Chenery Corp., 318 U.S. 80, 95 (1943). But Chenery tells us not to sustain an administrative order on a different ground from the one the agency offered; it does not forbid us from noting additional reasons that support the agency's position. See Penn-Cent. Merger and N & W Inclusion Cases, 389 U.S. 489, 526 n.14 (1968). Here, at any rate, we agree with the basis for the Commission's decision: the Tariff provides that the costs of Multi-Value Projects are reallocated year-to-year, not at the time MISO approves them.

In a related argument, the Transmission Owners suggest that we should remand the order to the Commission because it did not lay out enough reasons to support its interpretation of the Tariff and thus did not engage in reasoned decision-making. But the Commission's explanation was clear enough that its path may reasonably be discerned, and thus was not arbitrary and capricious. Encino Motorcars, LLC v. Navarro, 136 S. Ct. 2117, 2125 (2016) (quotation omitted).

Prior Orders. The Transmission Owners also object that the Commission departed without explanation from the reasoning of two prior orders concerning the MISO Tariff. But those orders said nothing about the timing of cost allocation for Multi-Value Projects. The Transmission Owners lift phrases out of context and incite conflict where none exists. That the order approving the Multi-Value Projects provisions rightly referred to Attachment MM's formula for the Usage Rate as rate design respects the Commission's later conclusion that the Usage Rate doubles as an allocation rate. And the Multi-Value Projects provisions did not even exist when the Commission approved the procedures for Market Efficiency and Baseline Reliability Projects, so nothing in that order could conflict with the Commission's decision in this case.

For these reasons, we deny the petition for review.

SUTTON, Circuit Judge.
Millions of British holidaymakers can take heart that cross-channel operator Brittany Ferries is so buoyed up by Brexit that it is investing 175million in a new super-green ship  its first new vessel for nearly a decade.

Shuttling across the English Channel between Britain and the continent on the firms busiest Portsmouth to Caen route  making three daily return journeys - the firm said their new order was an expression of its confidence in the UK.

Bosses said it was a clear statement of our intent for the future and a reassuring signal for our customers of whom 8 out of 10 are British.

Honfleur: Brittany Ferries is investing 175million in a new super-green ship  its first new vessel for nearly a decade

The new ferry, to be named Honfleur after the charming seaside destination on the Seine estuary in Normandy, will be the most environmentally-friendly vessel operating on the English Channel when it enters service in June 2019 as the eleventh ship in the Brittany Ferries fleet.

It can carry up to 1,680 passengers, 130 freight trailers or 550 cars and 64 lorries, has 257 cabins and has been designed for the digital age.

Free Wi-Fi will come as standard in all cabins and public spaces. A special digital lounge will use big screens to show passengers information about current and potential future destinations, and will be available to research connection times, view recommendations, and find out more about services on board.

A top-class, 120-seat a la carte restaurant will offer locally-sourced meals prepared by French chefs, as well as a self-service restaurant, cafe and bar serving light snacks. There are also quiet zones, panoramic views and reading areas.

The ferry will also include two cinemas, areas to keep children and teenagers entertained, boutique shopping and showcase for original works of art by local artists and craftspeople.

Details were revealed after contracts were signed with the Flensburger Schiffbau shipyard in Germany.

The new vessel will carry up to 1,680 passengers, 130 freight trailers or 550 cars and 64 lorries. It has 257 cabins and has been designed for the digital age'

The order further strengthens historic ties between Britain and the French region of Normandy whose most famous cross-channel excursions happened in 1066, when William the Conqueror and his Normans invaded to seize the English crown at the Battle of Hastings, and on June 6 1944 when the Allies D-Day landings returned the compliment to liberate Nazi occupied Europe.

More than 80% of people travelling on Brittany Ferries ships are British with 2.67 million passengers now carried each year across routes covering southern England, western France, Spain and Ireland.

Portsmouth-Caen is the most popular route taking around 1 million passengers, 300,000 cars and 100,000 freight vehicles annually. Brittany Ferries has a 25% market share for cars crossing to France across the English Channel.

A spokesman for Brittany Ferries said: We remain confident about the future despite the challenges of Brexit.

PASSENGER FEATURES Free Wi-Fi standard in all cabins and public spaces

Digital lounge

120-seat a la carte restaurant

Self-service restaurant, cafe and bar

Quiet zones, panoramic views and reading areas

Two cinemas

Children and teenager entertainment areas

Boutique shopping

Gallery to showcase local artists and craftspeople Advertisement

They added: Almost exactly a year after the Brexit vote, Brittany Ferries has confirmed the order for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) cruise ferry. It will operate on the companys busiest route from Portsmouth to Caen with a planned arrival in spring 2019 - as Brexit negotiations move towards completion.'

Brittany Ferries started operations on the very day the UK joined what was then the Common Market  June 1, 1973 - and the company is still owned by a collective of French farmers in Brittany.

A spokesman said: Ever since the first sailing, our operations have played a vital role in the movement of people and freight between the UK and the continent.'

The ferry firm said the construction of a first new ship since 2009 underlines the companys resolve and comes off the back of their best performance in a decade.

Turnover was up 5.2% to 454.9million in 2016 while passenger numbers were up 3% to 2,676,500, the fourth successive year they have risen.

The Brittany Ferries spokesman said: The Honfleuer will be powered by LNG and promises to be the most environmentally-friendly vessel operating on the English Channel.'

They added: Unlike diesel, LNG emits less carbon dioxide during combustion and burns with no smoke. It is entirely free of sulphur and produces very low emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.'

The firm said that unlike diesel, LNG emits around 25% less carbon dioxide during combustion and burns with no smoke. Even more significantly it is 100% sulphur-free and emits very little nitrogen oxide and particulates.

Its LNG-electric propulsion system uses four engines to feed electric generators and two electric propulsion motors. This quieter and more efficient form of power delivery reduces vibration, meaning an even smoother ride for passengers, says the firm.

They added: Engines that run on LNG-electric propulsion are also quieter, more efficient and less prone to vibration, meaning a smoother journey for passengers.'

WILL IT FIT IN MY HARBOUR? Length 187.4 metres

Breadth 31 metres

Max Draught 6.6 metres

Tonnage 42,400 gross tonnes

Passengers 1,680

Passenger cabins 257

Passenger areas 5,200 m2

Vehicle capacity 2,600 lane metres taking 130 freight trailers, or 550 cars and 64 freight trailers.

Top speed 22 knots Advertisement

LNG is cooled to a temperature of -162 degrees Celsius, which shrinks it by a factor of 600 in volume and creates a liquid. LNG-powered ferry services already operate in the Baltic Sea and in Norwegian waters.

The announcement also follows a 65million investment that has seen sulphur and particulate-reducing 'scrubber' exhaust emissions systems retrospectively fitted to six Brittany Ferries ships over the last 18 months.

The Honfleur will also be the first passenger ship in the world to be equipped with on board cranes that allow 40 feet LNG containers to be lifted into a fixed position.

Brittany Ferries commercial director Mike Bevens said: This is a ship that has been truly designed with the customer at heart. Its a huge step forward for us, a clear statement of our intent for the future and a reassuring signal for our customers, 8 in 10 of whom are British.

Honfleur will be the first full-service cruise ferry to embrace the digital age. She will reaffirm our position as a class-leading operator thanks to LNG propulsion and an interior that has been carefully considered to meet the needs of everyone,' he detailed.

Once Honfleurs is in service, the cruise-ferry Normandie will move over to serve the Portsmouth-Le Havre route.
He officially celebrates his 18th birthday tomorrow.

So Anwar Hadid and girlfriend Nicola Peltz, 22, honored the day by hitting up the shops around Venice's upscale Abbot-Kinney neighborhood Wednesday.

While out, the youngest Hadid was low-key while his other half decided to put on a sultry display, showing off her sexy figure in a slinky lace top which revealed her flat tummy and perky breasts.

Celebration! Anwar Hadid and Nicola Peltz were out and about Venice on Wednesday, where the platinum blonde model made a sexy display just one day before her boo's 18th birthday

The up-and-coming model looked like any other college kid while out, pairing a well-loved UCLA hoodie with white pants and dirty Converse while walking hand-in-hand with his platinum blonde lady.

The 6'1" gent added an unique edge with his right ear piercing and collection of chains while forgoing his round spectacles for the trip.

While Anwar's look was effortless, his girlfriend Nicola oozed sex appeal as she sported a sexy sheer lace top which revealed her slim middle and gravity-defying chest while holding her boyfriend by the hand.

Contrasting couple! The 6'1" model was simple in his laid back UCLA sweater and white pants while girlfriend Nicola went for an ultra-sexy look in see-through lace and skin-tight pants

The New York native's thin legs looked endless in her skintight leggings and stiletto-heeled boots.

Adding another slinky layer to the look, the Transformers talent wrapped her waist in a Chanel chain-link belt with leather purselet while carrying another bag in her hand.

Matching Anwar's carefree cool, the Bates Motel beauty hid her eyes behind sepia-toned sunglasses.

Fancy pants: Nicola added another luxe layer with heeled boots and a chic chain belt by Chanel

While today's outing was ultra-casual, Anwar celebrated his birthday among the A-list set Sunday at West Hollywood's Delilah.

Unfortunately the budding model wasn't able to be joined by his fashionista sisters Gigi and Bella, who were stuck in New York working.

Anwar is fastly following in his older siblings footsteps.

Last year he signed a contract with IMG Models, the same agency who reps his sisters, and the barely legal model has already graced several big magazines, including a double cover for Teen Vogue with Youtuber Cameron Dallas.
Bella Hadid was putting comfort before fashion when she arrived at LAX airport on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old model was casually dressed as she prepared to catch a flight out of Los Angeles.

Dressed in a baggy white ensemble, Bella was seen arriving at the airport in an oversize white sweater.

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Jetting off: Bella Hadid was casually dressed as she prepared to catch a flight out of Los Angeles on Wednesday

She also donned a pair of matching white sweatpants.

The brunette beauty rounded out her sporty look with a pair of white sneakers.

Her bobbed hair was worn half-up, half-down in a topknot.

She also carried a black handbag on one shoulder as she was escorted through the airport terminal by a minder.

White on: Dressed in a baggy white ensemble, Bella was seen arriving at the airport in an oversize white sweater

Having a laugh... At one stage, the 20-year-old model appeared to share a joke with a videographer

Bella wore a pair of small round black sunglasses as she she made her way to her flight.

She was also seen listening to music as she walked through the busy airport with her phone in one hand and her headphones in her ears.

At one stage, she appeared to share a joke with a videographer.

Laugh it off... The stunning star could be seen laughing as she continued to make her way through the airport

Music to her ears... She was seen listening to music as she walked through the busy airport with her phone in one hand and her headphones in her ears

The stunning star and the man could both be seen laughing as she continued to make her way through the airport.

It's a change from just a week ago, when Bella took offence at being photographed through the window of her New York City apartment.

'Whoever thinks it's OK to photograph into someones home & private space is straight up sick, sad & f***ed up,' she tweeted. 'Time to move.'
Bethany Platt's abusive fiance Nathan was finally arrested before he could traffic the teenager abroad on Coronation Street.

Wednesday night's episode saw the sick villain get carted off in handcuffs as Bethany (played by Lucy Fallon) gave evidence to the police for the first time.

But her first interview was with policeman Neil, a friend of Nathan's who raped her earlier on in the ITV soap and who took advantage of the privacy to threaten her against turning him in.

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Relief: Bethany Platt's abusive fiance Nathan was finally arrested before he could traffic the teenager abroad on Coronation Street

Traumatising: Wednesday night's episode saw the sick villain get carted off in handcuffs as Bethany (played by Lucy Fallon) gave evidence to the police for the first time

He then watched as she relived a twisted version her ordeal to another officer.

As tensions rose, viewers protested that the situation would not be likely in a real-life situation and voiced their concerns that it could have a negative effect on real victims of similar abuse.

But others were more concerned about Bethany's testimony and hoped that viewers would see her overcome the intimidation and tell the truth about everybody involved in her abuse.

Viewers rejoiced as it appeared that Bethany would finally get justice after living through months of hell.

Agitated: The 17-year-old winced in fear as Nathan was taken away

Get off! She yelled and tried to wriggle out of his grasp as he held her arm

It's over! Viewers rejoiced as it appeared that Bethany would finally get justice after living through months of hell

'YES! Nathan got nicked! I hope Bethany's hell is over now! #Corrie,' one wrote.

'Just wanted to give Bethany a huge hug after tonight's scenes, brilliant performance from Lucy Fallon,' another added.

'Just caught-up with #Corrie. Bethany deserves justice. Hopefully Neil won't be smiling for long after he's been named, shamed and banged-up,' a third wrote.

Tuesday night's Coronation Street saw Harpers character Nathan Curtis arrested after trying to ship Bethany abroad for more sex work.

Violent: Nathan lashed out in a fit of rage as police swooped in to arrest him

Neverending: But her first interview was with policeman Neil, a friend of Nathan's who raped her earlier on in the ITV soap and who took advantage of the privacy to threaten her against turning him in

However, his plans appeared to come to a grinding halt after Bethany called the police from a service station, before they carted the sick villain away in handcuffs.

But Bethanys salvation was short-lived as once she arrived at the station she was confronted by bent copper Neil (Ben Cartwright), a key player in Nathans sex ring.

Whats more, Bethany will soon be forced to re-live her abuse when she testifies adjacent the pack of perverted gang members in court.

Over the last six months, her character has been groomed and manipulated into a sex ring by her abusive fiance Nathan Curtis, who intends to traffic her to Belgium.

And Coronation Street fans had something to celebrate on Monday night as Bethany Platt attempted to escape from her partner's clutches before she could be spirited across the border.

The character, played by Lucy Fallon, pretended she needed the toilet and sought help from a stranger at a service station.

Finally! Grooming victim Bethany Platt attempted to escape from her abusive fiance Nathan Curtis when she realised he was planning on trafficking her to Belgium

Viewers rejoiced as the character said: 'My name is Bethany Platt. There's a man wanting me to leave the country and I don't want to go.'

Bethany asked the mother to call the police as she needed help.

The 16-year-old started getting suspicious of Nathan's intentions when her fiance told her she would be travelling to Belgium on her own and confiscated her phone.

Once she realised what he was planning to do, she sneaked into the service station as the groomer shouted on the phone to one of his associates.

Abusive: Bethany started getting suspicious when Nathan took her phone from her and told her she would be travelling to the continent on her own

Looking for help: Bethany slipped out of Nathan's clutches at a service station, where she found a stranger and asked for help

One fan wrote on Twitter: 'Yes Bethany!! I nearly cried, so glad she's outed Nathan!'

Another wrote: 'Literally just let out a huge sigh of relief thank God above Bethany Platt just cried for help.'

A viewer tweeted: 'I am so glad that Bethany asked for help! I felt like screaming at my TV,' said another.'

'Yes!!! she has finally seen the light!!! Run Bethany run!!!' exclaimed another fan.

'Wow. Just wow. Tears,' said one moved viewer.

Tearful: Bethany was crying when she said: 'My name is Bethany Platt. There's a man wanting me to leave the country and I don't want to go'

Good Samaritans: The 16-year-old appraoched a mother who looked shocked when Bethany asked for help

However, some viewers were concerned Nathan will not give up that easily.

'So hope Nathan doesn't get her before the police arrive,' said one worried fan.

And another fan even tweeted: 'That family Bethany told to call the police I have an awful feeling there connected to Nathan...'.

The moment comes as Chris Harper, who plays Nathan, revealed how he has been stopped in the street by people wanting to share their tale of abuse.

'Atta girl': Coronation Street viewers celebrated the twist on Twitter as a glint of hope appeared on the horizon for the troubled teenager

He told OK! Magazine: 'Just the other day I was standing on a platform and one of the train guards shared his story of abuse with me. I've had lumps in my throat over the response.

'Other people are on the verge of tears because they're saying it's happened to them or they're worried about their niece or a family member.'

Earlier on in the tense episode, Mary Taylor discovers the emotional teen alone amid a heap of packed suitcases, and realising what she is planning, attempts to stop the 16-year-old, played by 21-year-old Lucy Fallon.

Tense: A tearful Bethany seized her opportunity to leave Nathan before he spirited her away across the border into mainland Europe

Important storyline: Chris Harper, who plays Nathan, revealed how he has been stopped in the street by people wanting to share their tale of abuse

But her attempt fails, and Bethany darts into Nathan's waiting car, as a distressed Mary runs to find mum Sarah, played by Tina O'Brien.

Dramatic chase scenes see him racing towards the port in Hull where he's planning on packing Bethany off to Belgium.

However as a terrified Sarah calls the police and begs them to stop the duo, Bethany seems to finally be wising up to Nathan's evil plot.

Chris, who plays Nathan, told Digital Spy: 'He is going to wash his hands of her and move on. She's been a lot of trouble and this is his last chance to cash in on her'

Shock: Bethany paled as she realised Nathan is planning to sell her as a sex slave abroad

Speaking to Digital Spy, Christopher revealed: 'Nathan is going to leave Bethany high and dry with a 'friend' of his. He is going to wash his hands of her and move on. She's been a lot of trouble and this is his last chance to cash in on her.

'As ever, Nathan lies to her about his desire to be together and the strength of his love, telling her that they're eloping to the continent. But he doesn't do a very thorough job, and takes her compliance for granted.

'He thinks if he keeps tightening his grip on Bethany she will comply, but it starts to have the opposite effect. It's his arrogance that leads her to start to question him  he stops listening to her.'

Outrage: The controversial storyline has been met with horror from Coronation Street fans, who have complained about the content of the story

Last week saw Nathan arrested on charges of sex exploitation after horrifying scenes saw him organise the gang assault of his much younger fiancee.

Responding to backlash after the episode, ITV defended the show, insisting viewers were warned of its content.

A spokesman said: 'Coronation Street viewers will be aware that evil Nathan has been grooming vulnerable Bethany for many months.

A Coronation Street spokesman said: 'It's an extremely complex and thought-provoking story which has been meticulously researched and hasn't been undertaken lightly by the programme's production team'

'It's an extremely complex and thought-provoking story which has been meticulously researched and hasn't been undertaken lightly by the programme's production team.

'In accordance with strict compliance regulations, what happens to Bethany was intentionally implicit and viewers were warned prior to transmission.

'Viewers affected by what happens were also directed to seek advice from the NSPCC who are supportive of this storyline and have advised the programme about the depiction of Bethany's story.'
She's never been afraid of flaunting her phenomenal figure.

So Demi-Rose ensured her hourglass curves would be on full display as she attended the Sixty6 magazine issue launch party in London on Wednesday.

Clad in a tight navy dress, the 22-year-old model had all eyes on her as she sauntered into the star-studded bash, which was attended by the likes of Bianca Gascoigne and Lauren Goodger.

Blue-tiful! Demi-Rose ensured her hourglass curves would be on full display as she attended the Sixty6 magazine issue launch party in London on Wednesday

Cinching in at her tiny waist, the garment was flesh coloured to tease a look at her incredible physique, whilst navy stripes flattered her curves.

Skimming over her ample chest, the gown left little to the imagination, whilst the short hemline skimmed over her tanned and toned thighs to offer a look at her lean legs.

Posing from behind, the brunette bombshell also showed off her impeccably peachy posterior through the scanty garment.

Turning heads: Clad in a tight navy dress, the 22-year-old model had all eyes on her as she sauntered into the star-studded bash

Tease: Cinching in at her tiny waist, the garment was flesh coloured to tease a look at her incredible physique, whilst navy stripes flattered her curves

Leggy lady! Skimming over her ample chest, the gown left little to the imagination, whilst the short hemline skimmed over her tanned and toned thighs

Life's a peach! Posing from behind, the brunette bombshell also showed off her impeccably peachy posterior through the scanty garment

Easy does it: Demi was careful not to flash too much as she left her car and headed to the bash

DJ Demi! The starlet was behind the decks for the star-studded bash

Slicking her raven locks away from her face, the petite model wore her glossy tresses in a high ponytail that exposed her pretty features.

Complementing her garment, she wore a sweep of grey eyeshadow and a slick of nude gloss, whilst she boosted a dewy glow.

She finished off the look with a pair of barely there silver heels whilst she held onto a glittering gold clutch bag.

Leggy lady! Lauren Goodger flashed her tanned pins in a olive bardot playsuit

Loving life: Lauren seemed in good spirits as she sauntered into the star-studded party

Glam: Lauren looked sensational on the outing and seemed to be enjoying herself on the night

Sibling support: Bianca Gascoigne's date for the evening was her little brother Regan who looked dapper in a cream lace shirt and cropped black skinny jeans

Blonde bombshell: Bianca looked sensational on the evening in a flapper-style pink dress

Two's company: The pair looked in good spirits as they headed into the party arm in arm

No problems: At first struggling with her low-cut neckline, the blonde regained composure later on as she posed confidently for cameras in the shimmering number

Blonde bombshell! Bianca wore a large pink flower in her glossy locks

Awkward: Also attending the bash was Bianca's ex-boyfriend Jamie O'Hara

Awkward: Bianca awkwardly leaned into her ex Jamie at the bash and welcomed him with a hug

Curves ahead: Former TOWIE star Abi Clarke sizzled in a sheer bodysuit and pencil skirt

Busting out: The starlet offered a look at her surgically-enhanced assets in the garment

Two's company: Abi was joined by her pal Junaid Ahmed who had suffered an unfortunate make-up fail and sported white concealer under his eyes

Golden goddess: Chantelle Connelly dazzled in a gold bodysuit that she wore beneath a sheer knee length skirt with glittering embellishment and detailing

Flesh flashing! Chantelle offered a look at her incredible figure in the sheer garment

Cheeky! Posing from behind the Geordie Shore starlet offered a look at her peachy derriere

Out on the town: Jeremy McConnell donned a beige waistcoat with skinny jeans for the party

Inked up: Jeremy showed off his impressive selection of tattoos in the waistcoat

Cheeky! Jeremy posed with to leotard wearing dancers for the evening

Unlikely pals: Jeremy befriended the Human Ken Doll - Rodrigo Alves - at the party

Floral fancy: Ensuring he wouldn't go unnoticed Rodrigo donned a floral shirt and velvet suit

Three's company: Rodrigo posed with two female models on the night

Time for bed? Scott Disick's former flame Ella Ross stepped out in a pyjama inspired ensemble

Having a laugh: The model couldn't contain her laughter as she posed alongside Love Island's Tyne-Lexy clarson

Flaunt it: Ex On The Beach's Farah Sattaur (L) and Nicole Bass flaunted their curves for the evening

Having fun: Joey Essex posed for photos with to scantily-clad girls at the event

Eye-popping: Glamour model Linsey Dawn McKenzie slipped into a slinky bronze dress which accentuated her deep golden glow

Party pals: Arriving at the bash, she was striking in her cleavage flaunting look while posing a photo with her pal

Demi first rose to prominence in May of last year when she was spotted out with Rack City hitmaker Tyga, 27, while he appeared to be on a break from girlfriend Kylie Jenner.

The starlet was first spotted when she shared some of her now-trademark sexy snaps - leading to reported link up with famed US publicity group Tazs Angels.

In a previous interview with The Sun, she revealed: 'Ive had Instagram since I was 18. Posed for selfies and pictures and it just grew from like 60,000 to 200,000 to a million to 3.2million now.

'In school I was quite popular on MySpace and that kind of followed on to Instagram. It was really weird when people started recognising me and stuff on the street. I just got used to it.'

Busting out: Model Megan Barton Hanson dazzled in a plunging gold jumpsuit

Busting out: The star nearly spilled out of her low-cut one piece

Star-studded: Former X Factor star Sam Callahan also headed to the event in a short-sleeved pink shirt and quirky snakeskin loafers

Partying: Once the stars were inside they were treated to Demi Rose's DJing skills

Bootylicious! Demi flaunted her enviable physique behind the decks

Loving life: The model seemed in great spirits as she set up behind the decks
He's a familiar face on Australian television screens, beaming into living rooms five nights a week.

But a decade ago MasterChef's George Calombaris looked almost unrecognisable.

The 38-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to post a throwback image of himself, which is dated around 2007, in which he's seen posing beside friend and fellow chef Travis McAuley.

Who's that chef? George Calombaris (L) looks almost unrecognisable in this throwback snap

He captioned the image: '10 years ago. Wow. Lots has changed including our hair cuts. But above all. Love that boy. GC xxx #ThrowBackThursday @travismcauley'.

Travis also saw the funny side, as he had first shared the same old photo to Instagram last week after finding it at home.

He caption the image: 'Look what I found @gcalombaris reckon you should grow that hair back.'

Since the snap, George has slimmed down and has discussed his 20 kilo weight loss in the past.

Fellow Travis McAuley teased his mate: 'Reckon you should grow that hair back'

Different today: Friends Travis (R) and George (L) recently on a commercial set

Revealing his decision to shed the kilos in TV Week magazine, the cook says he wanted to lose weight for his children after his father's battle with bowel cancer.

George explained busy 16-hour days saw him binge on unhealthy food which led to weight gain.

Aged 24: George looked very different as a fresh faced young chef making his way

Slimmer: George appears very slimmed down these days compared to the throwback image as well, and he's discussed his 20 kilo weight loss in the past

Good reasons to cut down: 'Then you have kids and life starts dawning on you,' George said. 'You look at your father, who's gone through bowel cancer twice, and go, "What are ways to combat that?"

Changes? Travis has not changed as much as George (Travis is pictured here recently with chef Maria Loi)

'Then you have kids and life starts dawning on you,' George said.

'You look at your father, who's gone through bowel cancer twice, and go, "What are ways to combat that?"

George revealed said he would eat relatively healthy meals but his busy work schedule saw him binge eat and one day he decided to 'consciously make an effort to change.'
On Wednesday, Lena Dunham reluctantly admitted she gave up her dogchild Lamby Antonoff-Dunham three months ago after spending four years and two months caring for the rescue pup.

The 31-year-old Golden Globe winner revealed that an 'awesome person' named Dani Shay adopted her 'special needs' mutt after he received behavioral treatment at Matt Beisner's Los Angeles facility.

This, after the Girls creator stressed Lamby's 'challenging behavior and aggression' could not be treated with 'training or medication or consistent loving.'

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'Heartbroken': On Wednesday, Lena Dunham admitted she gave up her dogchild Lamby Antonoff-Dunham in March after spending three years and two months caring for it

'Lamby suffered terrible abuse as a pup that made having him in a typical home environment dangerous to him and others,' Lena explained to her 8.8M social media followers.

'We needed to be responsible to ourselves, our neighbors and especially our beloved boy. Jack and I will miss him forever but sometimes when you love something you have to let it go (especially when it requires tetanus shots and stitches.)'

Dunham was directly referencing the time in 2014 she shared (then deleted) a snap of her blood-stained panties after Lamby viciously bit her rear end.

King of memes @lenadunham @jackantonoff A post shared by Lamby Antonoff-Dunham (@lamby_antonoff) on Feb 19, 2017 at 5:27pm PST

'#baddog': The 31-year-old Golden Globe winner revealed that an 'awesome person' named Dani Shay adopted her 'special needs' mutt in Los Angeles

Last sighting on March 2: This, after the Girls creator stressed Lamby's 'challenging behavior and aggression' could not be treated with 'training or medication or consistent loving'

Lena explained: 'Lamby suffered terrible abuse as a pup that made having him in a typical home environment dangerous to him and others...Sometimes when you love something you have to let it go (especially when it requires tetanus shots and stitches)'

The troubled canine - who was on the mood stabilizer Prozac - originally cost the eight-time Emmy nominee $150 at the BARC shelter in Brooklyn and amassed 17K Instagram followers of his own.

Lena had detailed her ominous adoption story in a New Yorker essay where she admitted Lamby bit her boyfriend Jack Antonoff (who's allergic to dogs) the 'minute we arrived home.'

Dunham quickly filled the hole Lamby left behind with her better-behaved poodle daughters, Susan and Karen, whom she 'cherishes deeply.'

History of violence: Dunham was directly referencing the time in 2014 she shared (then deleted) a snap of her blood-stained panties after Lamby viciously bit her rear end

She tweeted at the time: 'Lamby has bitten me twice and both times it was in response to me sobbing'

Before/after 2013 adoption: The troubled canine - who was on the mood stabilizer Prozac - originally cost the eight-time Emmy nominee $150 at the BARC shelter in Brooklyn

Allergic to dogs: Lena had detailed her ominous adoption story in a New Yorker essay where she admitted Lamby bit her boyfriend Jack Antonoff the 'minute we arrived home'

The Women's Marcher - who underwent her fifth endometriosis surgery last month - got a buzzcut makeover on Monday just like Katy Perry, Kristen Stewart, Zoe Kravitz, and Cara Delevingne.

The Vogue columnist's next film My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea (in which she voices Mary) will next screen June 28 at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in Scotland.

Here to stay? Dunham quickly filled the hole Lamby left behind with her better-behaved poodle daughters, Susan (L) and Karen (R), whom she 'cherishes deeply'

New look: The Women's Marcher - who underwent her fifth endometriosis surgery last month - got a buzzcut makeover on Monday just like Katy Perry, Kristen Stewart, and Cara Delevingne
Lisa Rinna and family took their relationship to new heights.

The 53-year-old beauty, her husband Harry Hamlin, 65, and daughter Amelia Gray Hamlin, 16, were snapped arriving at LAX airport Wednesday.

The happy trio were flying back to their home in Los Angeles after a vacation to Europe they chronicled via social media.

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Back in America: Lisa Rinna, her husband Harry Hamlin, 65, and their daughter Amelia Gray Hamlin, 16, were snapped arriving at LAX airport Wednesday

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star and her husband and daughter all matched in the color black as they passed through the travel hub.

Lisa, who's been seen on shows including Melrose Place and Days of Our Lives, wore a black sweater coat with leggings and black sneakers and sunglasses.

She had her short, shaggy do parted and wore sunglasses as she smiled upon her arrival following the long flight home.

Glam fam: The trio matched in dark tones as they made their way through the travel hub

Catching up: Amelia took a gander at her smartphone after the family situated themselves upon landing

Hamlin, who celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with Rinna in March, wore a black shirt with black jeans and sneakers and a watch, with black-rimmed glasses.

Amelia wore a black long-sleeved top with matching pants and white sneakers. She topped off her look with a black cap and dark sunglasses.

Lisa and Amelia have shared a number of shots of their time abroad in the past week, with their most recent travels coming in Paris, where both posed for shots in front of the famed Eiffel Tower.

Good spirits: Both Lisa and her daughter seemed to be chipper following the long flight home

In one shot, as Amelia held her in a piggyback position, Lisa wrote, 'And then this happened,' adding an emoji of a heart.

In a different shot, Lisa and her youngest daughter spent time at Hermes' flagship store in Paris.

On her Instagram page, Amelia posted a shot with her sister Delilah, 19, in London, as well as a number of shots from the City of Lights.

Landmark: Upstart model Amelia got some nice shots in Paris with her mom (L) and solo
She's previously declared that her Indigenous children with husband Buddy Franklin will be taught to respect all cultures and has shared her views on Australia Day.

And in the new edition of InStyle Magazine, Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) says Australia 'doesn't recognise Indigenous people enough.'

The magazine reports that the 25-year-old made the passionate plea for equality while presenting at the InStyle Women of Style Awards, last month.

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: 'Our country doesn't recognise Indigenous people enough': Buddy Franklin's wife Jesinta Campbell called for equality during a passionate speech at InStyle event

'Our country does not recognise Indigenous people enough, especially Indigenous women,' she said.

She added that she was thrilled that the awards honoured 'incredibly ambitious, talented, driven, smart, stylish and intelligent Indigenous women.'

Jesinta is married to AFL star Buddy Franklin, 30, whose mother Ursula is Indigenous Australian.

Her man: Jesinta is married to AFL star Buddy Franklin, 30, whose mother Ursula is Indigenous Australian

In late 2015, Jesinta said her future children with her man will be taught to appreciate all cultures.

'The reality is my children are going to be indigenous and we need to bring them up to have an appreciation of all cultures and the history and where it is that they come from and the adversity their culture has been through,' she said during an interview with the Today show.

'It's about raising awareness and being inclusive and paying respect to the past but also making sure that we focus on a positive future so we can move forward and live as a happy nation. I think it should be important for all Australians regardless of whether you're indigenous or not.'

She also promoted understanding between cultures while speaking about Australia Day.

'It's about raising awareness': In late 2015, Jesinta said her future children with her man will be taught to appreciate all cultures

'It's very sad for some people': She also promoted understanding between cultures when she spoke about Australia Day

Earlier this year, the model said Australia Day, which is celebrated annually on January 26, won't be 'real' until there are indigenous flags hung around the country.

She said of the national holiday: 'As a woman I have independence, I have rights, and I have freedom of speech.

'But I also think you can't go past the fact that Australia Day is also a very sad day for some people,' she added.

'You know, for some people it's called Invasion Day for indigenous people, so I would like to see moving forward Aboriginal flags or the indigenous flags around studios and that, to me, would be a sign of really moving forward and the real Australia Day.'

Earlier this year, Buddy took to Instagram to declare: '#ChangeTheDate.'
He has reportedly been wooing science student Cadah Draper, as well as personal trainer Victoria Winterford.

But shortly after returning from Thailand, where he dropped two stone, James Argent signed up to E4's Celebs Go Dating, where he went on a date with a stunning red-headed beauty.

In the episode yet to air, the TOWIE star, 29, oozed body confidence as he displayed his newly slimline physique while embarking on the date as cameras rolled.

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Blind date: James Argent, 29, oozed body confidence as he displayed his newly slimline physique while embarking on a date for E4's Celebs Go Dating

James looked in high spirits as he prepared for the unknown with another blind date for the popular show.

He looked fabulous in a fitted button down shirt - which displayed his weight loss, and was neatly tucked into a pair of chinos.

In the other direction was his date, who put on a leggy display in a black floral mini-dress.

James, who used to date TOWIE's Lydia Bright, proved to be quite the charmer as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before getting to know the pretty lady.

Lucky lady: In the other direction was his date, who put on a leggy display in a black floral mini-dress

Good start: James, who used to date TOWIE's Lydia Bright, proved to be quite the charmer as he gave her a kiss on the cheek to greet her

While they seemed to be getting on like a house on fire- it doesn't look like things worked out between the two.

Last week James was spotted enjoying a very cosy date with Victoria Winterford - with the twosome leaning in for a kiss at the end of the night.

Victoria is a former Essex beauty queen who now works as a personal trainer - which will no doubt be a huge draw for Arg now that he has overhauled his lifestyle and embarked on a health kick.

A source told MailOnline: They have been on a date and he likes her but hes very much single and enjoying dating  hes getting a lot of positive attention now hes looking so good.

Going well: The pair looked like they were having a whale of a time as they chatted away

Ladies' man: It looked like things didn't work out with the two, as last week James enjoyed a very cosy date with Victoria Winterford

Before that he was also said to be romancing student Cadah Draper, who he also met on Celebs Go Dating.

Arg - who embarked on a ten-week stay at a Thai rehab centre earlier this year - is reportedly head over heels for the University student as he leads a healthier lifestyle.

A source told The Sun: 'Arg is looking, and feeling, better than ever. Its not surprising hes found someone as lovely as Cadah  hes a really nice guy with a heart of gold.

'They met on Celebs Go Dating and while its early days, there is definitely a spark between them.

'Everyone is saying how happy Arg is and its not surprising when you look at Cadah, shes gorgeous and has a lovely personality.'

Form a queue ladies! Before that he was also said to be romancing student Cadah Draper, who he also met on Celebs Go Dating

A source told The Sun: 'Arg is looking, and feeling, better than ever. Its not surprising hes found someone as lovely as Cadah  hes a really nice guy with a heart of gold'




She's been on the promo trail for her body confidence documentary this week.

And Iskra Lawrence made sure her message was heard lour and clear as she led a mass yoga class in the middle of New York's Times Square on Wednesday.

The British-born model was front and centre for the stunt, showing off her incredible figure in sportswear.

Body confidence: Iskra Lawrence made sure her message was heard lour and clear as she led a mass yoga class in the middle of New York's Times Square on Wednesday

Iskra looked gorgeous in her blue slogan crop top which flaunted her trim waist perfectly.

She added a pair of colourful floral print leggings, while stripping back the makeup and tying her locks back to keep cool in the summer heat.

The top model was joined by a huge group of yoga-enthusiasts for the event which celebrated physical and mental health alongside clothing brand Aerie.

Fitness fan: The British-born model was front and centre for the stunt, showing off her incredible figure in sportswear

Trim: Iskra looked gorgeous in her blue slogan crop top which flaunted her trim waist perfectly

It's been a busy week for Iskra who premiered her documentary Straight/Curve on Monday night.

The British-born beauty has carved out a lucrative career for herself modeling alongside other full-figured models including Ashley Graham, 29.

With the alarming revelation that 78 percent of 17-year-old girls are unhappy with their body, Straight/Curve aims to refine body image and how it's portrayed by the fashion industry, media and society.

Booty-ful! She added a pair of colourful floral print leggings, while stripping back the makeup and tying her locks back to keep cool in the summer heat

Sending out a message: The top model was joined by a huge group of yoga-enthusiastics for the event which celebrated physical and mental health alongside clothing brand Aerie

Promo trail: It's been a busy week for Iskra who premiered her documentary Straight/Curve on Monday night

And while she may be a top model now, Iskra confesses that like other girls, she wasn't always happy with the way she looks.

During an interview with Redbook magazine last December, the blonde bombshell confessed she too was an insecure teenager.

'I used to be that teenage girl who looked in the mirror and hated what she saw and really wanted to change her body,' she admitted.

'Now, I'm just like, it's not the end of the world to not have a thigh gap. It's not the end of the world to have cellulite.'

'When I'm insecure, I'm just like, "Hell, no, I've been through so much, I will not feel bad today. I'm going to shine today because I deserve to."'

Advocate: The British-born beauty has carved out a lucrative career for herself modeling alongside other full-figured models including Ashley Graham, 29

She's got moves! Iskra looked like a pro as she smiled her way through the al fresco class
She's made a living out of stripping down to her underwear for Victoria's Secret.

And it was a case of art imitating life when Elsa Hosk took to the streets of New York City on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old model was spotted walking through the Chelsea neighborhood in a sheer white lace skirt.

While the skirt was printed with flowers, it left little to the imagination, with the Swedish stunner donning just a pair of black panties underneath.

All will be revealed... Elsa Hosk took to the streets of New York City on Wednesday in a sheer white lace skirt

She teamed her revealing ensemble with a cropped grey T-shirt.

Covered in holes, Elsa's top barely covered her boobs.

The outfit did show off the statuesque star's incredible physique though, leaving no doubt as to why she's considered one of the world's reigning top models at the moment.

She kept things casual with a pair of black and white Adidas sneakers.

X-ray vision: While the skirt was printed with flowers, it left little to the imagination, with the Swedish stunner donning just a pair of black panties underneath

Catwalk queen: The outfit showed off the statuesque star's incredible physique, leaving no doubt as to why she's considered one of the world's reigning top models at the moment

Elsa looked undeniably gorgeous as she made her way down the street accompanied by an assistant who was seen chatting on her cell phone.

The blonde beauty appeared nonplussed as they walked through the streets together.

Her long blonde hair was worn loose and in waves, and she appeared to have been wearing natural-looking makeup.

True beauty: The stunning star has a large fan base, and has amassed over three million followers on Instagram

Her other half: The Victoria's Secret model has been in a long-term relationship with British businessman Tom Daly

She wore a series of fine necklaces and rings, including a ring around her wedding finger.

And while it didn't appear to be an engagement ring, she has been in a long-term relationship with British businessman Tom Daly.

'Ballooning with my baby. The most dreamy experience,' she captioned a sweet Instagram photo of them together last month.
She is known for her tough-as-nails attitude when it comes to the traumas plaguing her personal life.

But Roxy Jancenko, 37, let her guard down this week by admitting that she cries in the shower.

The PR guru, who is recovering from breast cancer as well as preparing for the homecoming of jailed husband Oliver Curtis, made the confession during her Melbourne 'Tips And Tricks' seminar on Monday.

'No one knows': Roxy Jancenko, 37, let her guard down at her Melbourne 'Tips And Tricks' seminar on Monday by admitting that she cries in the shower

'The shower's a good place. No one knows,' she told the audience when quizzed about how she deals with her struggles.

'I got on this train 12 years ago. And then in the past 12 months, it's been a bit of a train wreck to be honest,' she said, referring to her husband's conviction last year.

Roxy also confirmed that she is planning a 'spread' in honour of her husband's homecoming from Cooma Correctional Centre on Saturday.

'I got on this train 12 years ago': She revealed that her life has been 'a train wreck', referring to her husband's conviction last year

Tough times: The PR guru is recovering from breast cancer as well as preparing for the homecoming of jailed husband Oliver Curtis

The PR queen has previously said she will greet Oliver with their children - Pixie, five, and Hunter, two at the jail gates, but The Sun-Herald has reported there could be a change of plan.

On Sunday, Roxy told Fairfax that plans surrounding her husband's scheduled release on June 23 were still up in the air.

Roxy told the publication: 'I am not sure of any arrangements as of yet.'

Change of plans? Oliver Curtis (L) is expected to be released from Cooma Correctional Centre on Friday, but Roxy has hinted she may not be meeting him at the prison gates

But despite her claims, The Sun-Herald also reported that a source close to Roxy said a 'private jet has been booked in her name to fly to Cooma on Friday'.

Roxy's apparent doubts contradict her previous interview with local newspaper the Wentworth Courier back in April.

'Yes. Absolutely (we will be at the gates),' she said at the time.

What happened? Roxy has previously said she will greet Oliver with their children upon his release, but she told The Sun-Herald on Sunday, 'I am not sure of any arrangements as of yet'

'The kids are looking forward to having their father back. It's very important we're there.'

Roxy has said that her children didn't know the full details of why their father has been away for so long.

She has told Pixie and Hunter that Oliver is working overseas, rather than serving time for illegal activities.

'It's very important we're there': Roxy told local newspaper the Wentworth Courier in April that she and the kids would 'absolutely' be there waiting for Oliver - but now she has doubts

The Double Bay socialite previously told Daily Mail Australia she will not be throwing a 'welcome home' party for her husband.

'I'm not really about making a big fuss over something that shouldn't be celebrated,' she said.



'My children think he's coming home from work and that's how it needs to remain. If there was some big gala affair that would seem out of character,' she added.

Jetting off? But despite her claims, The Sun-Herald also reported that a source close to Roxy said a 'private jet has been booked in her name to fly to Cooma on Friday'

'He'll be released on the June 23rd and the most important thing for him will be to spend as much time as he can reconnecting with the kids.'

Rumours have been circling in recent times that Roxy and Oliver quietly split before he was sent to jail.

The well-known publicist has been spotted several times without her wedding ring.

In April, after her interview with the Wentworth Courier, Roxy was photographed kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal in his apartment.
Lily Collins and Taylor Hill both looked gorgeous when they stepped out to promote Lancome's Declaring Happiness exhibition in Shanghai on Wednesday.

The beauties are both spokeswomen for the French cosmetic brand.

Lily opted for a white mini-dress for the opening in the Chinese city.

Beauties: Lily Collins (left) and Taylor Hill (right) both looked gorgeous when they stepped out to promote Lancome's Declaring Happiness exhibition in Shanghai on Wednesday

The 28-year-old actress donned a drop-waist dress with tuxedo paneling at the front and a collar.

It also featured ruffle detailing around the hemline.

The Rules Don't Apply star wore a jeweled necklace, which could be seen peeking out from under her collar.

She rounded out her classic look with a pair of closed-in black stilettos, which featured an ankle strap.

Real-life Snow White... Lily opted for a white mini-dress for the opening in the Chinese city. The 28-year-old actress donned a drop-waist dress with tuxedo paneling at the front and a collar

Crowning jewels: The Rules Don't Apply star wore a jeweled necklace, which could be seen peeking out from under her collar

In talks: Lily was seen giving a red carpet interview after arriving at the event in the Chinese city

The stunning star wore her shoulder-length hair in loose waves, and also sported an orange-red lip.

Taylor was also on hand for the opening.

The 21-year-old Victoria's Secret model wore an orange-red ensemble.

Red hot: Taylor was also on hand for the opening. The 21-year-old Victoria's Secret model wore an orange-red ensemble

Taking the mic... Like Lily, Taylor was also seen talking to the Chinese media at the exhibition's opening

Perfect match: Taylor stepped out in a pair of wide-leg capri pants, which she teamed with a cropped lace camisole top

Taylor stepped out in a pair of wide-leg capri pants, which she teamed with a cropped lace camisole top.

She also wore a pair of strappy black stilettos and gold hoop earrings.

The brunette beauty wore her long hair in loose waves, and wore an orange-red lip similar to Lily's.

Selfie time: Lily shared this photo with Taylor on Instagram, captioning it, 'Sharing the neon spotlight with my fellow Lancome lady @Taylor_Hill tonite as we celebrate...'

Lip service: One Instagram photo shows the Love, Rosie actress seated on a couch designed to look like a pair of red lips

Stylish: Both stars looked stunning in their respective ensembles as they stepped out for the opening

Both stars spoke to the press at the event, with Lily later taking to social media to share a couple of photos.

One photo shows the Love, Rosie actress seated on a couch designed to look like a pair of red lips.

Another photo shows her and Taylor with their heads pressed together.

'Sharing the neon spotlight with my fellow Lancome lady @Taylor_Hill tonite as we celebrate...' she captioned it.
Alec Baldwin was the ever watchful chaperone as he accompanied wife Hilaria and their two oldest children on a runaround on Wednesday.

The 30 Rock and SNL star beamed as he stepped out with son Rafael, two, and daughter Carmen, three.

The actor, 59, played the doting dad as Hilaria, 33, helped the tots cross the busy Manhattan streets.

Family outing: Alec Baldwin was spotted with wife Hilaria and children Carmen, three, and Rafael, two, out and about in New York City on Wednesday

The couple, who wed in 2012, also have a third child, Leonardo, born in September last year.

Yoga instructor Hilaria showed off her long lean limbs in a pair of distressed denim shorts paired with a patterned short-sleeved blouse and towering heels.

Carmen wore dress-up, wearing a colorful princess costumer with princess shoes while her younger brother had on a t-shirt and black shorts with sandals.

Alec opted for a black tee with black pants and brown loafers.

Contrast: Hilaria, 33, rocked denim shorts paired with a patterned blouse and towering heels while her 59-year-old husband opted for a black t-shirt and black slacks with brown loafers

Devoted: The yoga instructor, who wed the 30 Rock and SNL star in 2012, held on tightly to her tots hands as they crossed the busy city street

Birthday boy: Rafael, who turned two last Saturday, seemed mesmerized by the front window display of one of the stores

Mommy duty: Hilaria crouched down to talk with her little boy

Alec, meanwhile, is getting ready to be 'roasted' in a Spike TV special set to be taped Sunday night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

The star will be the center of attention at the black tie event that will air on July 25 under the title Alec Baldwin: One Night Only.

Scheduled to appear and pay tribute to him are Julianne Moore, Tracy Morgan, Kate McKinnon and Jane Krakowski.
He is not the first name that springs to mind as a paragon of fatherhood.

But Scott Disick showed his caring side when he carried his exhausted daughter Penelope after they ate out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The reality television personality seemed to be enjoying every moment as he lugged the four-year-old in his arms as he walked alongside seven-year-old eldest child Mason.

Macho man: Scott Disick put his muscles to work by carrying his exhausted daughter Penelope after they lunched in LA

The 34-year-old self-proclaimed Lord was looking as trendy as ever in a grey T-shirt, blue exercise shorts and a pair of white trainers.

His outing comes after it emerged he has been rekindling his relationship with teenager Bella Thorne.

The Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Roadchup actress posted a photo of herself with a burger on Instagram on Tuesday which appears to be taken in Scott's backyard.

Bella, 19, had a very public falling out with the self-proclaimed Lord, who is a decade and a half her senior, after their trip to France.

The two were seen canoodling at Cannes Film Festival, but the next day Disick already had a new lady on his arm.

The three amigos: He was also joined by his eldest child Mason

Impromptu workout: Scott was no doubt relishing the chance to pump his arms

Good Lord: The reality television personality looked as trendy as ever in his sunglasses

The self-confessed 'sex addict' was spotted - poolside once again - getting cozy with his swimsuit-wearing ex-girlfriend, stylist Chloe Bartoli.

His former lover Kourtney Kardashian famously dumped him in 2015 after photos emerged of him canoodling with the stylist in Monaco, bringing to a nine-year relationship that spawned three children.

She told Complex earlier this 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. I was like, 'I gotta leave.'

'We were [at Cannes] a day and a half before I was like I'm booking my flight and leaving. I love to go out and have fun, I love to f***ing dance, but I just don't party hardcore like that and it was way too much for me. I was like, 'Woah, this is not the way I live my life, bruh.''

In the pink: It seems the 34-year-old's relationship with teenager Bella Thorne is heating back up
After a week of dodging marriage speculation, Lisa Curry's big secret has finally been revealed.

Fans were convinced of the nuptials when she wore a ring on her wedding finger in a snap from her Fiji vacation with fiance Mark Tabone on Saturday.

Appearing on The Morning Show Thursday, the 55-year-old swimming legend finally broke her silence.

The secret's out! After a week of dodging marriage speculation with partner Mark Tabone (L), Lisa Curry's big secret was revealed on The Morning Show Thursday

'Are you guys married, or what's happened here?' host Larry Emdur, 52, asked Lisa point blank.

Appearing on the show via satellite from the Sunshine Coast, she looked glowing in a floral dress as she sat next to Elvis impersonator partner Mark.

'No!' she said passionately, 'don't you think I'd wear a pretty dress?'

Co-host Kylie Gillies, 50, looked surprised with the answer, and probed: 'So what's the mystery ring then?'

'Are you guys married, or what's happened here?' The 55-year-old Swimming legend replied to Larry Emdur's probe, revealing 'It's a ring that my three kids gave me'

'Don't you think I'd wear a pretty dress?' She confirmed that she didn't marry her Elvis Impersonator beau during their Fiji speculation

'It's not a mystery ring... It's a ring that my three kids gave me and it's really special to me,' she revealed.

While convinced fans didn't get the answer they were hoping for, future-hubby Mark, 50, did let one piece of information slip.

Lisa's eyes raised in surprise as he announced the lovers would get married 'later on in the year maybe.'

'Oh sorry, I forgot, we're on national TV!' Her future-hubby did cause Lisa to back-pedal in shock when he announced they'd get married 'later on in the year maybe'

The Olympian shook her head and whispered 'no,' leaving her fiance to awkwardly backtrack.

'Oh sorry, I forgot, we're on national TV!' he said.

He then denied speculation the pair would get married on their upcoming trip to Vegas, announcing: 'that cliche is not happening at all.'

Lisa and Mark announced their engagement in July last year during a romantic holiday in Malta and it now appears likely they'll get married this year.

'That cliche is not happening at all': He then denied speculation the pair would get married on their upcoming trip to Vegas
She's preparing for the anticipated release of her husband Oliver Curtis from Cooma Correctional Centre after a 12-month jail sentence on Friday.

But it was business as usual for Roxy Jacenko on Thursday, when she was spotted heading to her Paddington offices carrying an oversize Gucci shopping bag.

The 37-year-old also shared photos to her Instagram that day capturing a trip to the supermarket with her children, plus various products she received at her workplace.

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Business as usual! Roxy Jacenko is preparing for the anticipated release of her husband Oliver Curtis from Cooma Correctional Centre after a 12-month jail sentence on Friday

The high-profile businesswoman was dressed in workout gear as she headed to her office carrying a Gucci shopping bag and her ubiquitous Hermes purse.

She was seen without her wedding ring, which she has previously said she removes during her morning fitness activities.

Later in the day she uploaded a snap of daughter Pixie, five, and son Hunter, three, during a grocery shopping trip to the supermarket.

Family ties: Later in the day she uploaded a snap of daughter Pixie, five, and son Hunter, three, during a grocery shopping trip to the supermarket

'He reads, she pushes, I pay,' described the mother of two in the image's caption, which showed Hunter reading a shopping list while Pixie pushed their trolley.

Followers of the Sweaty Betty CEO complimented her hands-on parenting style in the picture's comments section.

'I love it that in your busy life, you have so much time with your children,' one fan gushed.

Afterwards she took the children to chicken shop Chargrill Charlies to enjoy some hot chips.

Special treat! Afterwards she took the children to chicken shop Chargrill Charlies to enjoy some hot chips

The Sydney-born publicist also shared a snap of an office delivery from home goods brand Adairs, featuring a gift box of numerous white body and hand towels.

She then posted a selfie where she smiled widely and wore a hat she was gifted from Melbourne-based milliner Ezara Jennings.

'I love it that in your busy life, you have so much time with your children,' one fan gushed

'Gorgeous!' fawned popular fitness guru Emily Skye in a note.

In June 2016, Oliver was found guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading, and sentenced to a maximum of two years behind bars.

Earlier this year, Roxy told Daily Mail Australia things will be 'business as usual' when her husband returns, and that she has advised him to go straight back to work.

'He'll be released on the 23rd of June and the most important thing for him will be to spend as much time as he can reconnecting with the kids, she said.

'For a five-year-old and a two-year-old, 12 months away from your father is a very long time, so there is no other focus for him - other than working on a day to day basis - than spending as much time as he can with the kids and making sure he's forming that relationship he hasn't had the opportunity to form.'

She went on to say routine would play a big part in the weeks following her husband's reintegration into society.

'[Routine is] the only way to get over things in life, the only way to power through them and get back to normality is resuming life, resuming your career, resuming the time you spend with your children and your family.'

'So it's been discussed, and I'm very much of the mindset that, my suggestion to him is straight back to work.'
Her wedding and engagement bands have been noticeably absent over the last few days in the lead up to her husband's release from jail.

And Roxy Jacenko once again stepped out without her bling as she ran errands just one day before Oliver Curtis is expected to walk out the gates of Cooma Correctional Centre, on Friday.

Joined by her Sweaty PR protege Holly Asser, the 37-year-old raced around town, visiting various shops, including high-end designer store Gucci as well as a children's clothing store.

Will the rings go back on tomorrow? Roxy Jacenko steps out without her wedding bands AGAIN just one day before her husband Oliver Curtis is released from prison

The businesswoman looked somewhat downcast as she strolled the streets, showing off her slender frame in activewear.

Roxy, who is thought to have dropped down to just 45kgs, flaunted her figure in a pair of tight black leggings and a white singlet top knotted at the waist.

She accessorised with one her favourite Hermes handbags, and as always, had her trusty iPhone close by.

Missing: Roxy's rings were noticeably absent during the outing

Not an inch to pinch: Roxy, who is thought to have dropped down to just 45kgs, flaunted her figure in a pair of tight black leggings and a white singlet top knotted at the waist

Downcast: The businesswoman looked somewhat downcast as she strolled the streets, showing off her tiny frame in activewear

Forgoing her usual sky-high heels, the blonde beauty kept her footwear comfortable in a pair of blue Nike trainers.

While Roxy did not wear her rings, she did have some sparkle thanks to her diamond tennis bracelet and pricey Rolex watch.

After doing a spot of shopping, Roxy hit chicken shop Chargrill Charlie's where she picked up some dinner for the family.

Helped by Holly, she was seen unloading several bags of food from her black Range Rover before heading inside her luxurious Bondi apartment.

Bronzed: The businesswoman's bronzed complexion was accentuated by her white tank top

Helping hand: Roxy was joined by her protege Holly Asser during the outing

Earlier in the day, the Sweaty Betty PR founder was spotted heading to her plush Paddington offices carrying an oversize Gucci shopping bag.

The blonde also shared photos to her Instagram, capturing a trip to the supermarket with her children, plus various products she received at her workplace.

She also uploaded a snap of daughter Pixie, five, and son Hunter, three, during a grocery shopping trip to the supermarket.

High end accessories: She accessorised with one her favourite Hermes handbags, and, as always, had her iPhone close by

Big day ahead: Friday is set to be a big day for the PR maven, when her husband Oliver Curtis is released from Cooma Correctional Centre

'He reads, she pushes, I pay,' described the mother of two in the image's caption, which showed Hunter reading a shopping list while Pixie pushed their trolley.

Followers of the Sweaty Betty CEO complimented her hands-on parenting style in the picture's comments section.

'I love it that in your busy life, you have so much time with your children,' one fan gushed.

Will she go? Roxy has not confirmed whether she will be meeting her husband at the prison gates

Tough: The last 12 months have been tough for the mother-of-two, raising her two children on her own

The Sydney-born publicist also shared a snap of an office delivery from home goods brand Adairs, featuring a gift box of numerous white body and hand towels.

She then posted a selfie where she smiled widely and wore a hat she was gifted from Melbourne-based milliner Ezara Jennings.

'Gorgeous!' fawned popular fitness guru Emily Skye in a note.

Fit for an army: After doing a spot of shopping, Roxy hit Chargrill Charlie's where she picked up some dinner for the family

In June 2016, Oliver was found guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading, and sentenced to a maximum of two years behind bars.

Earlier this year, Roxy told Daily Mail Australia things will be 'business as usual' when her husband returns, and that she has advised him to go straight back to work.

'He'll be released on the 23rd of June and the most important thing for him will be to spend as much time as he can reconnecting with the kids, she said.

Hungry lot: She removed several bags of food from the boot of her black Range Rover

'For a five-year-old and a two-year-old, 12 months away from your father is a very long time, so there is no other focus for him - other than working on a day to day basis - than spending as much time as he can with the kids and making sure he's forming that relationship he hasn't had the opportunity to form.'

She went on to say routine would play a big part in the weeks following her husband's reintegration into society.

'[Routine is] the only way to get over things in life, the only way to power through them and get back to normality is resuming life, resuming your career, resuming the time you spend with your children and your family.'

'So it's been discussed, and I'm very much of the mindset that, my suggestion to him is straight back to work.'

By her side: Holly held onto her boss's handbag as they unloaded the car
They shelled out $4 million for two waterfront properties in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Newport in 2014.

Now Jennifer Hawkins and her handsome husband Jake Wall have shared a sneak peek of their new home as the finishing touches begin to fall into place.

Posting to the Instagram account of Jake's construction company, J Group Project, the duo have shown how the lavish property is shaping up in a series of snaps.

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Nearly done! On J Group Project's Instagram Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall shared photos of their almost-completed lavish property in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Newport

Captions revealed the project is due to be completed this year, with previews of the home showing an opulent sprawling structure which spreads over four storeys.

The gorgeous mansion takes advantage of its enviable location as it boasts splendid waterfront views and is encompassed by leafy surrounds.

Jennifer and Jake will have plenty of room to move in the spacious abode, which also contains a sunken lounge on a lower level.

Ready to move in! Genetically blessed Jennifer (left) and Jake (right) bought two waterfront properties in Newport for $4 million in 2014

Set it stone: A rendered preview showed the interior design incorporated earthy textures

Picturesque: The property is in a beautiful leafy location

Making a splash: An impressive feature is the wet-edge pool with a sandstone border and stunning waterfront views

Another impressive feature is the wet-edge pool with a sandstone border, which will provide the homeowners with an unbroken view of a glistening harbour littered with boats.

A four-car garage with lift, a home theatre and a gym are among the extravagant features.

Rendered previews of the home's interior show a strong incorporation of stone and texture in the design.

What a view: A gorgeous harbour littered with boats can be seen from the property

Lounging around: The spacious abode has plenty of room for Jake and Jen

This design theme seems to be have been extended to the outside as well.

One photo of the exterior was captioned, 'The entry will combine neutral materials such as off form concrete, timber and sandstone when complete.'

Former Miss Universe Jennifer has opened up in the past about how keen she and Jake are to move into the property once it's ready.

'It's been a really challenging build as it's on a very steep block so everything takes a lot longer,' she previously told The Daily Telegraph.

'The entry will combine neutral materials such as off form concrete, timber and sandstone when complete': Exterior shots reveal texture has been heavily incorporated into the design
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They play spies on TV.

But in real life Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have nothing to hide as they stepped out for a family stroll in New York on Wednesday.

The happy duo, who co-star in The Americans, were spotted with their son Sam and her daughter from a previous relationship Willa.

The American family: Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have nothing to hide as they stepped out for a family stroll in New York on Wednesday

The actress, 41, wore a sunhat and a pretty summer dress for the casual outing.

While Matthew pushed along their son in a pram as he stayed cool in shorts and a T-shirt.

She shares River and her five-year-old daughter Willa with her ex-husband, Shane Deary, who she split from in 2013 after six years of marriage.

Happy go lucky: The happy duo, who co-star in The Americans, were spotted with their son Sam and her daughter from a previous relationship Willa

Keri also has one-year-old son Sam with her The Americans co-star Matthew Rhys, 42.

The pair came out as a couple in April 2014 after meeting on the hit FX TV series.

Keri and Matthew will return to the small screen when the Russian spy drama returns for its sixth season next year.
She had the nation's attention when she competed on Big Brother in 2014.

And as she stepped out on Wednesday night at the Optoma NuForce launch in Sydney, reality star Aisha 'Jade' McKinnon was turning heads again.

Dressed in an eye-catching figure-hugging brown ensemble, the 25-year-old beauty put her ample assets on display in the revealing number.

Satin stunner: Big Brother star Aisha Jade (pictured) donned a VERY low-cut satin chocolate dress for the Optoma NuForce launch in Sydney on Wednesday night

The chocolate-coloured frock showed off the toned physique of the brunette beauty, who had just jetted into town from Los Angeles.

California appeared to have its sun-kissed mark on Aisha, who flaunted her strong tan in the skin-baring outfit.

Complementing the frock, which also featured a thigh-high side split, the TV personality opted for white trainers and a matching white manicure.

California dreaming: The 25-year-old had just jetted in from Los Angeles and was looking tanned and toned in the skin-baring ensemble

The right touches: Aisha opted for white trainers and tousled locks with a mini ponytail to complete the look

Accessorising the look, Aisha decided on a simple gold necklace and natural-looking makeup.

Her hair was low-key stylish with the majority of her tousled locks left out and a mini high ponytail adding an edgy touch.

At the event, the reality star was seen testing out white BHP2 headphones which will launch later this year.

Also attending the event was former Miss World Australia stunner Erin Holland, 28, who looked to be a delight in white.

Dressed in a thigh-skimming white mini-dress, the media personality put on a leggy display as she flaunted her trim pins.

Erin teamed the outfit with stylish nude pumps as her choice of footwear.

Legs for days: Erin put her trim pins on display and opted for nude pumps for footwear

The stunner wore her hair gelled back for a sleek and stylish look and drew attention with bold crimson lips and matching nail polish.

Meanwhile, former Home And Away star Kyle Pryor was a long way from Summer Bay as he rugged up with a scarf.

Cutting a dapper figure, the actor wore a fashionable suit and striped collared shirt and looked ruggedly handsome as he sported fresh facial hair.
They're the high-profile reality show couple in the midst of planning their wedding.

And The Bachelor's Tim Robards, 34, and Anna Heinrich, 30, headed overseas together on Thursday, choosing economy class for their trip to Thailand and Europe.

The attractive pair were all smiles in a selfie posted to Tim's Instagram prior to take-off, despite him complaining about being seated next to 'a crying baby'.

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Financially savvy! The Bachelor's Tim Robards, 34, and Anna Heinrich, 30, headed overseas together on Thursday, choosing economy class for their trip to Thailand and Europe

The black and white snap featured the engaged lovebirds beside each other as Tim announced: 'The vacay begins!'

He wrote in the caption: 'Had to sit next to a crying baby the whole time... lucky for her she's my fiance [sic] or I'd have asked for another seat.'

His wisecrack appeared endearing to the twosome's significant fanbase, including fellow Bachelor contestant and mutual friend Sarah-Mae Amey.

Flying high: They're the high-profile reality show couple in the midst of planning their wedding

'The caption hahaha, I actually did laugh out loud!! Have the best time you two & be safe,' she offered.

Anna, 30, took to her Instagram the previous day to reveal the duo were headed overseas to attend a wedding.

'Peace out Sydney...... Thailand/Europe bound. Surprise, surprise we have another wedding to go to #yay #excited,' she wrote in a post.

'Peace out Sydney...... Thailand/Europe bound. Surprise, surprise we have another wedding to go to #yay #excited,' she wrote in a post

The couple have amassed a combined 431k followers on Instagram since remaining in the spotlight since the inaugural season of The Bachelor in 2013.

NW magazine reported earlier this month the reality star couple could be set to return to television in their own Foxtel show.

They are allegedly 'gearing up to make the announcement' about their program, which insiders say will be like Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's Newlyweds.
Ellie Bamber looked sensational at the Victoria & Albert Annual Summer party on Wednesday night.

Wearing an ice blue silk dress, the 20-year-old actress was the picture of elegance as she worked the cameras and enjoyed the evening, which was held at the iconic British museum.

Her beautiful gown clung to her curves and showcased her pert derriere as she styled her flame-haired glossy locks poker-straight.

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Ice Ice baby! Ellie Bamber, 20, looked sensational at the Victoria & Albert annual summer party on Wednesday night, wearing an ice blue silk dress

The Nocturnal Animals actress's dress featured a bandeau neckline that displayed her delicate decolletage and flawless porcelain skin.

She kept her accessories to a minimum, and simply slipped a diamond necklace around her neck to keep the focus on the stunning simplicity of the dress.

Ellie's make-up was kept similarly simple, with the focus on her pretty eyes and finished off with blush lipstick.

Flawless: The Nocturnal Animals actress's dress featured a bandeau neckline that displayed her delicate decolletage and flawless porcelain skin

Less is more: She kept her accessories to a minimum, and simply slipped a diamond necklace around her neck to keep the focus on the stunning simplicity of the dress

Her petite figure was perfectly highlighted by the dress, which nipped her in at her tiny waist, and she kept her nail colour nude to keep the look fresh.

Ellie's latest venture sees her starring in Treat You Better hitmaker Shawn Mendes' music video for his single There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back.

She received critical acclaim for her role in Nocturnal Animals, where she played the daughter of Jake Gyllenhaal and Isla Fisher's characters, and her next release will see her starring alongside Keira Knightley in The Nutcracker And The Four Realms.

Natural beauty: Ellie's make-up was kept similarly simple, with the focus on her pretty eyes and finished off with blush lipstick

Stunning: Her beautiful gown clung to her curves and showcased her pert derriere as she styled her flame-haired glossy locks poker-straight

Also present at the A-list evening was English actress Liz Hurley, 52, who opted for a red figure-hugging dress, making the most of her toned curves.

Wearing her glossy brunette tresses in loose waves around her face, she accentuated her blue peepers with smouldering eye make-up.

The mother-of-one, who once dated Hugh Grant and is best known for her role in Austin Powers and Bedazzled, showed off her modelling skills as she posed for snaps outside the landmark venue.

Lady in red: Liz Hurley oozed understated elegance as she attended the Summer Party held at The John Madejski Garden, Victoria and Albert Museum on Wednesday

Toned: The English actress, 52, opted for a red figure-hugging dress, making the most of her toned curves

Details: Elongating her toned pins, she teamed it with a pair of strappy white sandals and accessorised with a small gold clutch

Liz was joined by Donna Air, who was the personification of effortless glamour in a white summer dress.

The model, 38, made the most of her slender statuesque figure in a frilly high neck crop top with panels to the decolletage and stomach.

The coordinating skirt featured an array of panelled frills, the elegant lace panelling reaching just above her ankles.

Summer whites: Liz was joined by Donna Air, who was the personification of effortless glamour in a white summer dress

Looking al-white! The model, 38, made the most of her slender statuesque figure in a frilly high neck crop top with panels to the decolletage and stomach

Continuing the monochrome theme was Claudia Winkleman, who slipped into a loose-fitting black jumpsuit.

Despite the sweltering London heat, the presenter teamed it with an oversized white blazer, coordinating her court shoes with the jacket.

Opting for her trademark statement black eyeliner, she looked in good spirits as she arrived at the bash.

Classic: Continuing the monochrome theme was Claudia Winkleman, who slipped into a loose-fitting black jumpsuit

Keeping cool? Despite the sweltering London heat, the presenter teamed it with an oversized white blazer, coordinating her court shoes with the jacket

Royal siblings: Adding a touch of blue blood to the event were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, who opted for regal blue-themed dresses

Smart: Princess Eugenie showed a hint of leg in a pretty high-neck marbled dress as she posed with long-term beau Jack Brooksbank

Blue blooded: Meanwhile Princess Beatrice opted for a more daring semi sheer piece showing off a nude body underneath

Making quite the entrance: Beatrice looked regal in the midi length lace dress which featured chic sheer panels

Adding a touch of blue blood to the event were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of York, who opted for regal blue-themed dresses.

Princess Eugenie showed a hint of leg in a pretty high-neck marbled dress as she posed with long-term beau Jack Brooksbank.

Meanwhile Princess Beatrice opted for a more daring semi sheer piece showing off a nude body underneath.

The Royal sisters looked in the party spirit as they posed for pictures.

Adding a splash of colour: Freshly Squeezed presenter Laura Jackson, and The Joy of Teen Sex presenter Billie JD Porter

Fresh as a daisy! British actress Cush Jumbo joined the girls, turning heads in a baby blue maxi dress

Smart: Despite the heat, Samantha Cameron opted for a black high-neck sleeveless sweater and fitted black trousers, while Lady Violet Manners turned up the heat further in a nude dress

Check her out! British model Edie Campbell looked irreverent in a gingham Bardot top teamed with boyfriend jeans

And Charlotte Delal, of Charlotte Olympia shoes, continued the floral theme in a red bardot dress.

Despite the heat, Samantha Cameron opted for a black high-neck sleeveless sweater and fitted black trousers, while Lady Violet Manners turned up the heat further in a nude zip up dress.

The annual summer party sees some of the biggest names in the arts come together to celebrate.

TV talent: MIC's Rosie Fortesque joined the actresses, in a panelled monochrome frock

Drama: Supermodel Erin O'Connor wore a graphic print sheath while Sophie Moss wore a gothic-inspired black gown

Model behaviour: Neelam Gill rocked a high-neck frilly textured dress with a wide leather belt and fishnet panels

Back to black: Samantha Cameron wore a sleek monochrome outfit as she posed with Harold Tillman

Turning heads: Bianca Jagger wore a silky sleepwear-inspired jumpsuit, while Yasmin Mills rocked a burnished silver crossover front gown
Friends of embattled Jeremy McConnell have asked the star to seek help and return to rehab amid concerns he is in 'self-destruct' mode.

Sources tell MailOnline that the Celebrity Big Brother star's outing to the Sixty6 Magazine Summer launch party at Dstrkt nightclub on Wednesday evening saw him escorted out by his representative yet returned an hour later.

The 27-year-old reality star was seen in the same clothes in the early hours of Thursday morning while sitting on a park bench, as friends of the Irish model revealed they are urging him to seek help amid fears he is 'in self-destruct mode'.

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Sad days: Friends of embattled Jeremy McConnell have asked the star to seek help and return to rehab amid concerns he is in 'self-destruct' mode

Days before the party, Jeremy spoke to The Sun in which he revealed he was 'surprised' he was still alive after his partying left him addicted to booze.

After a stint in rehab, he appeared to be in recovery mode after he was spotted with his ex-girlfriend Stephanie Davis, with whom he shares six-month-old son Caben-Albi, on Father's Day as their on-off relationship rumbles on.

Things appeared to take another turn on Wednesday as he was seen out in London before the shock sighting the following morning on a park bench.

Sources told the MailOnline: 'Jeremy's friends are begging him to seek help and return to rehab. We are so scared he's gone into self destruct mode again.'

Back on the scene: Sources tell MailOnline that the Celebrity Big Brother star's outing to the Sixty6 Magazine Summer launch party at Dstrkt nightclub on Wednesday evening saw him escorted out by his representative yet returned an hour later

On the town: Jeremy clutched a glass as he stood at the party

Family: Jeremy and Stephanie, 24, who met on 2016's Celebrity Big Brother, share son Caben-Albi, six months

Of the evening on the town, sources revealed Jeremy's publicist tried his best to help the star yet he soon returned to the party alone.

Insiders said: 'Jeremys publicist Ed Hopkins turned up at the event and removed him from the party, but he returned on his own one hour later'.

Jeremy's spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We will not be commenting on Jeremy's illness. His well-being is our main concern. We are working with the relevant professionals to provide him all the support he needs.'

Representatives for Stephanie were unavailable for comment.

Round of applause: Jeremy appeared to clap and sing as he strode through the venue at the glittering event

Heading out: Jeremy sported sunglasses as he hit the town despite the evening hours

On Monday, Jeremy spoke to The Sun about his stint in rehab in March and his devastating relapse two weeks ago.

He said: 'I felt massively terrible about my relapse. Its the last time I ever lift a drink again. I was two-and-a-half months sober, which for me was a massive achievement in my sobriety. That wont happen again, I will never forget the first time I saw my son and Stephanie after our time apart.'

Stephanie's convoluted romance with Jeremy has grown increasingly difficult to track as time goes on as the duo have frequently made up and broken up, yet their latest status saw an acrimonious split in which the police have become involved.

As he awaits trial on an assault charge against the star, last week, Jeremy was allegedly facing another police probe.

Out and about: His night on the town came before he was seen in a park

Snappy: Jeremy appeared to document his night out as he took a photo of his evening in the capital

A-ok: The star couldn't help but make his feelings on the night clear as he gave the thumbs up and smiled

The pair, who met on 2016's Celebrity Big Brother, were snapped appearing to smooch outside a hotel on Father's Day, appearing to confirm their latest reunion.

Sources claim the duo spent two days and nights in the hotel, with the reunion coming hot on the heels of a fresh police probe, although they seem to have resolved their woes.

While both parties gave a nod to one another on Father's Day, Caben was nowhere to be seen as they held their chats - just hours before Stephanie appeared to return to Liverpool and Jeremy headed to the Transformers: The Last Knight Global Premiere.

First Father's Day: Jeremy, whose dad passed away in March, penned in his Instagram tribute: 'Happy Father's Day , and to my dad I'll make you proud , slowly learning and growing as a person each day'

Rekindled: Stephanie and Jeremy have certainly been through a lot together in their 18 month on-off romance

Hours later, Jeremy made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere having dismissed their woes by posting a family shot with a gushing caption, in which he also referenced his late father.

The reality star, whose dad passed away in March, penned: 'Happy Father's Day , and to my dad I'll make you proud , slowly learning and growing as a person each day'.

Stephanie also paid reference to Jeremy in a Father's Day post she shared on Twitter sent to her beau from their son.

It read: 'Happy Father's Day daddy... Fall down 7 times, stand up EIGHT! U can do this. I have faith. Love Caben-Albi.'

For confidential help and support call The Samaritans on 116 123
She's a socialite with a penchant for stunning couture.

And Nicky Hilton, 33, put on a stylish and leggy display as she stepped out in denim hotpants for a day in New York City on Wednesday.

The daring cut-offs drew attention to the mother-of-one's endless toned pins as she strode around the Big Apple.

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Fashionista: Nicky Hilton, 33, put on a stylish and leggy display as she stepped out in denim hotpants for a day in New York City on Wednesday

Wow factor: The stylish outfit showed off her phenomenal figure less than a year after welcoming her precious baby girl Lily-Grace, who arrived in July 2016

She slipped on a effortlessly chic bolero jacket which featured a statement azure collar and ivory and blue stripes.

The stylish casual outfit showed off her phenomenal figure less than a year after welcoming her precious baby girl Lily-Grace, who arrived in July 2016.

To keep cool against the blazing heat of the American city she wore a simple dove-grey slip.

The younger sister of reality star turned superstar DJ Paris, toted an elegant cream and brown handbag which no doubt, came with a designer price tag.

Glamour for every occasion: Nicky's laidback look (left) was just as stylish as her red carpet outfit (right) at the Animal Haven's 50th Anniversary party on June 14 in NYC

Happy couple: Nicky and banking heir hubby James Rothchild tied the knot at London's Kensington Palace in a lavish ceremony in 2015, (pictured June 14 2017 in NYC)

Her platinum locks were swept back into a chic ponytail which had been cutely plaited at the front

She slipped on nude pumps which contrasted with her scarlet manicure.

Keeping her accessories minimal, she wore pearl stud earrings and an oversize candy white ring.

She opted for a natural make-up palette, with radiant skin and a slick of rosy lipgloss for her day out and covered her sparkling blue peepers with large shades.

Outfit #2! The socialite-turned-designer later changed into a completely different ensemble while strolling through Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood

Out and about: Nicky bared her shoulders in a trendy Bardot top, with slightly more frayed denim shorts, brown sandals, and silver sparkly purse

All smiles: The hotel heiress braided her blonde locks into a plaited style and rocked little bow earrings for her errands

It was a rare day off from childcare duties for Nicky, who shares her daughter with husband James Rothschild.

Nicky and the banking heir tied the knot at London's Kensington Palace in a lavish ceremony in 2015 before honeymooning in Botswana,

Lily-Grace Victoria was born on July 8, just two days before Nicky and James celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

She previously wed Todd Meister in a quickie Vegas wedding in 2008, but the marriage was annulled after just three months.
She's not exactly known for her shy and retiring behaviour.

And ex Geordie Shore star Chantelle Connelly was back to her old tricks again as she stepped out for the Sixty6 magazine issue 3 party at London's swanky DSTRKT nightclub in a see-through dress on Wednesday.

Consisting of a gem-encrusted leotard with a bejewelled sheer overlay, the 27-year-old left little to the imagination as she enjoyed her evening of escapades at the exclusive hotspot.

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Back to her old tricks: ex Geordie Shore star Chantelle Connelly, 27, stepped out for the Sixty6 magazine issue 3 party at London's swanky DSTRKT nightclub in a see-through dress on Wednesday

The former exotic dancer beamed as she showed off her extensive leg tattoo in the dress, which snakes up her thigh from her ankle, before turning to proudly display her bottom.

Her gym-honed derriere being the focal point of the dazzling ensemble, Chantelle kept her hair simple by styling her brunette tresses into a simple ponytail that fell down her back.

The sexy nude leotard ensured that her other best assets were in view, as her generous cleavage threatened to spill out of the bodycon top.

Sheer-ly revealing: Consisting of a gem-encrusted leotard with a bejewelled sheer overlay, Chantelle left little to the imagination as she enjoyed her evening of escapades at the exclusive hotspot

Bottoms up! Her gym-honed derriere being the focal point of the dazzling ensemble, Chantelle kept her hair simple by styling her brunette tresses into a simple ponytail that fell down her back

She accessorised lavishly with a pair of diamante drop earrings and a chunky gold watch, and was keen not to break any fashion rules by matching her gold pointed court heels to the champagne tone of the look.

Chantelle sported perfectly applied make-up that emphasised her pretty features, as she twirled to allow her glittering gown to catch the light.

The raunchy look enabled Chantelle to show off the rest of her ink collection, which is dotted all over her toned frame.

Eye-catching: The sexy nude leotard ensured that her other best assets were in view, as her generous cleavage threatened to spill out of the bodycon top

Matchy: She accessorised lavishly with a pair of diamante drop earrings and a chunky gold watch, and was keen not to break any fashion rules by matching her gold pointed court heels to the champagne dress

Chantelle has been making a string of appearances in the capital as she makes her way around the party circuit.

Sixty6 magazine is a quarterly magazine reputed for its provocative shoots featuring well-known reality stars from shows such as Ex On The Beach.

Also present at the issue 3 bash were TOWIE's Lauren Goodger, who wore an olive green playsuit, and Joey Essex.

Chantelle's appearance at DSTRKT came after she recently confessed that she doesn't watch Geordie Shore now she has left the show.

Star-studded: Also present at the issue 3 bash were TOWIE's Lauren Goodger, who wore an olive green playsuit

Raunchy: Joey Essex looked thrilled as he posed with scantily clad models

A-list: Former X Factor star Sam Callahan also headed to the event in a short-sleeved pink shirt and quirky snakeskin loafers

Strike a pose: Reality star Bianca Gascoigne, 30, wore a tasselled dress
Channel Nine revealed last month that their upcoming 13th season of The Block would see a first for the show with one contestant welcoming a baby while filming.

And the network recently unveiled another first: a celebrity couple.

Former Miss Universe Australia Elyse Knowles, 24, will compete as a budding builder with her boyfriend Josh Barker.

Block bombshell! Model Elyse Knowles (L) will be FIRST celebrity contestant on renovation series The Block as all five teams are officially unveiled by Channel Nine on Thursday

In the promotional poster with host Scott Cam, Elyse looked red hot in shorts and a mid-drift off-the-shoulder top which showed off her taut abs.

The high-profile star, with 620k Instagram follows, will compete with four other teams over a 10-week period for the enviable cash prize.

They will take on one of five weatherboard houses relocated to a vacant block in Melbourne suburb Elsternwick.

The star-power will likely add to the show's proven unwavering popularity with Australian viewers, having recently been awarded its fifth TV Week Logie Award for Best Reality program this year.

Josh and Elyse - Victoria

Model contender! Bikini model Elyse will embrace her inner 'tomboy' alongside carpenter boyfriend Josh on the reality series, as he claims he'll build it and she'll style it

Despite the bikini model sharing the catwalk with the biggest names in the business, she's keen to embrace her inner 'tomboy' and dig deep for a win.

The couple of four years are frequently apart with Elyse's jetsetting work life, but have committed to renovating their second property together on the reality series.

Elyse claimed teams should not cross her as she will 'hold a grudge', while mentioning her mood may not always be the best on the show: 'I get hangry  you should see me when Im prepping for a bikini shoot!'

Josh, 28, brings a wealth of knowledge to their team as a carpenter, having completed dozens of renovations over the years.

He adds: 'I build it, she styles it.'

Sticks and Wombat - New South Wales

Larrikins! Both Wombat, 37, and Sticks, 31, have children and carpenter and photographer Sticks became the first contender on the program to welcome a child during filming

The lovable larrikins from New South Wales have been best mates for 15 years.

Both Wombat, 37, and Sticks, 31, have children and carpenter and photographer Sticks became the first contender on the program to welcome a child during filming.

He was flown by a helicopter, courtesy of Mitre 10, from The Block to the hospital to welcome his second child to his wife.

Salesman Wombat currently lives 'off the grid' in a shipping container with no electricity, running water  and no toilet.

'We make it up as we go along. I think it will be interesting to see what we have to start with,' says Wombat. But there is one thing they know for sure: it will be Wombat doing the styling. 'Im colour blind,' says Sticks.

Georgia and Ronnie - Western Australia

Renovation regulars! Together for 12 years, married for six and with kids, Georgia, 33, and Ronnie, 41, have flipped 10 houses for profit together in the past

Together for 12 years, married for six and with kids, Georgia, 33, and Ronnie, 41, have flipped 10 houses for profit together.

Long-time fans of the show, plasterer and handyman Ronnie revealed he was once a real estate agent before meeting Georgia, eight years his junior.

Children clothing designer Georgia says another motivation for their appearance on the show is their children: 'We want to give our kids the best start. We especially want them to go to good schools, and thats expensive.'

Ronnie claims they'll be plenty of arguments on screen: 'Actually, every decision is through an argument. I think we have to, though. Because, if I just did everything Georgia wanted me to do, that wouldnt be any fun.'

Jason and Sarah - Victoria

Eye on the prize! The Victorian married couple, Sarah and Jason, have had to put a halt on their own renovations due to lack of funds and hope winning The Block can help turn it around

The Victorian married couple have had to put a halt on their own renovations due to lack of funds and hope winning The Block can help turn it around.

Wife Sarah, 45, dobbed plumber Jason, 46, have been renovating their home for 10 years, a situation not helped by the collapse of Jasons plumbing business due to crippling financial difficulties six years ago.

'We thought we can go back to the bank, and not be able to afford to live. Or we could try some other way of getting the money. And as a spur of the moment thing, Sarah said why dont we try to go on The Block?' Jason admitted.

'We will be perfect for this: we are unstoppable, amusing and have impeccable taste,' Sarah said while also dobbing in her partner for not taking criticism well: 'Hes a bit of a sook when it comes to that.'

Hannah and Clint - Queensland

Renovation rookies! Townsville-based married couple, Hannah and Clint, are entering the competition with zero experience and from non-trade backgrounds

Meanwhile Townsville-based married couple are entering the competition with zero experience and from non-trade jobs.

Hannah, 31, is an ex flight attendance who now works as ground crew for Qantas, while Clint, 33, works in property sales.

Clint played professional rugby league with the Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans over the last decade and will take his competitive edge to the reality show.

'Ive got mixed feelings about leaving the kids. Its going to be hard to say goodbye to them... but were doing this for our family,' mother-of-two Hannah said.

The Block will begin airing on Channel Nine in the next few months
She's already acted alongside Hollywood heavyweights Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling, Nicole Kidman, Hugo Weaving and Colin Farrell.

But it appears young actress Angourie Rice avoids name-dropping or bragging about her impressive roles while winning over her high school peers.

The 16-years-old star told The Project on Thursday: 'I feel like I shouldn't talk about it too much with my - with kids at school.'

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'Teenagers are harsh!' Actress Angourie Rice, 16, reveals she refrains from talking about her Hollywood exploits with peers and is SCARED to audition for high school performances in an interview with The Project on Thursday

Angourie, who had just finished filming Sofia Coppola's The Beguiled, is still completing high school in Australia and flies to America for auditions and filming regularly.

When asked if she'd be seen as a threat for the school performances or musicals by the panel, she surprised them by confessing she doesn't audition.

She admitted she's too scared to try out.

'I feel like I shouldn't talk about it too much': Angourie continues to complete high school in Australia and flies to America for auditions and filming regularly, but refrains from talking about her roles with her peers

'I think it is a bit freaky performing in front of my peers. It is scary,' the brunette said.

The Project hosts were baffled by how she appeared to be worried about her peers, when she's acted alongside many A-listers in her rise to fame.

Angourie insisted: 'Yeah, but teenagers are harsh!'

'It is scary': Despite having numerous films under her belt, she admitted she finds it 'freaky'performing in front of her peers

While on the news program, Waleed questioned whether her on-screen potential love interest role on Spiderman Homecoming had translated into real life.

He asked: 'There is a lot going on for you in your career. Is it true you are dating Spiderman?'

Spiderman in the flick is played by 21-year-old English actor Tom Holland, five years her senior.

The teen actress appeared taken back and firmly stated, 'no comment' and wouldn't tell them anything more.

'No comment!': While on the news program, Waleed questioned whether her on-screen potential love interest role on Spiderman Homecoming had translated into real life, but the teen star refused to tell them anything
She's the Australian comedian at the centre of the Pitch Perfect franchise.

But Rebel Wilson was nowhere to be seen as her co-stars spent time together at Universal Studios Hollywood on Monday.

The group, which included Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow, enjoyed a day at the amusement park to celebrate the launch of the new teaser trailer for Pitch Perfect 3.

Wish you were here! Pitch Perfect 3 actresses, including Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow, were at Universal Studios on Monday, but appeared not to be joined by co-star Rebel Wilson

Rebel may have been unable to join her co-stars as she was not in the United States at the time.

The funnywoman has spent recent weeks in Australia pursuing a successful defamation case against Bauer Media.

On Thursday it was reported by The Australian that Rebel's lawyers are now seeking more than $7 million in damages from the company.

'Dizzy from rides, sunstroke and girl power': Anna Kendrick shared this snap with her 11.9 million followers

Meanwhile, Rebel's co-stars seemed overjoyed during their day out, taking to Instagram to share group photos.

'I'm dizzy from rides, sunstroke and girl power,' Anna Kendrick wrote below a photo she shared with her 11.9 million followers.

The girl-gang wore matching navy shirts that read 'You're Weird, I Like You'.

Not far from her mind: On the same day Rebel's co-stars were at Universal, the star posted this snap from their upcoming film

And while she may have been unable to join them, Rebel's fellow actresses weren't far from her mind.

The same day, the blonde bombshell shared a screengrab from the upcoming Pitch Perfect 3, with the caption 'Is it Christmas yet?'.

The highly-anticipated film is set to hit cinemas on December 21.

Hilarious behind-the-scenes footage: A new teaser trailer of Pitch Perfect 3 shows Rebel playing with two dogs

A new teaser trailer gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the making of the film, including hilarious footage of Rebel clowning around on set.

'I'm being attacked by dogs, which I'm also allergic to!' the star says in the clip, as she plays with two canines.

The first two Pitch Perfect films have made Rebel a household name around the world, and have grossed more than $380 million US dollars.
He's developed a reputation as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood.

And on Wednesday, Hugh Jackman proved exactly why, as he paused to take pictures with fans while making his way through an airport in Barcelona, Spain.

The 48-year-old Wolverine seemed more than happy to stop for a snap, seen smiling before he was whisked away on a private jet.

Mr Nice Guy! On Wednesday, Hugh Jackman lived up to his nice-guy reputation by stopping to pose for pictures with fans in Barcelona, Spain

For the journey, Hugh looked laid-back in a simple navy T-shirt and dark trousers, with a leather backpack slung over his shoulder.

Adding a touch of Hollywood cool to his outfit, the star wore tortoiseshell sunglasses inside the airport.

Perhaps in ode to his Australian roots, Hugh finished off his outfit with a pair of black R.M. Williams boots, which retail for $595.

Hollywood cool: Hugh wore his glasses indoors and showed off his fit physique as he wrapped his arm around fans

Known for his ripped physique, the hunky actor's biceps were also on display, as he wrapped his arms around admirers for the impromptu meet and greet.

Hugh was joined by his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, 61, and their children Oscar and Ava, who joined him on board the private jet.

As she arrived at the airport, Deborra-Lee looked stylish in a billowing button-up, teamed with black pants.

On the move: Hugh was in Barcelona attending a private party hosted by Fox Pictures

The blonde beauty also wore a pair of platform sandals as she made her way out of a van and inside.

The family were in Barcelona to attend a private party hosted by FOX Pictures.

Earlier in the month Hugh and Deborra appeared on the red carpet together in New York.

Family affair: Hugh's wife of 21 years Deborra-Lee Furness cut a stylish figure

Simple yet stylish: The Wolverine star was dressed down for his flight

The couple have been married for 21 years, and recently revealed the secret of their strong union to People magazine.

Hugh told People he meditates regularly with his wife to keep their romance strong.

'We meditate together. And sometimes we have friends over to do it, too. It's a lovely Sunday-morning thing. Everyone comes over, and then we have breakfast.'

The pair also told the publication their 'sense of humour' also keeps their loved-up interactions interesting.

On the way home: Hugh's two children, Oscar and Ava, also joined their parents
He welcomed a baby boy with his wife at the end of last year.

And Jonathan Rhys Meyers, 39, enjoyed some quality time with his lady love Mara Lane as the pair flashed the plastic on a Beverly Hills shopping trip on Wednesday.

The Tudors actor Jonathan looked ready to rock and roll in a edgy quilted dove grey leather jacket.

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Edgy: Tudors actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, 39 looked ready to rock and roll in a edgy quilted dove grey leather jacket, as he stepped out with wife Mara Lane in Beverly Hills on Wednesday

He slung this over a classic white v-neck which revealed his hunky chest and toned midriff.

The Bend It like Beckham star teamed this with baggy ebony joggers adorned with silver zips.

His rocker look was completed with slouchy charcoal biker boots.

Like a true A-lister he slipped on mirrored aviator shades to protect his eyes from the glaring Californian rays.

New family: Mara shared this sweet snap of Jonathan and their baby son Wolf who arrived on December 15

Hot couple: The famously private pair have been together since 2013 and reportedly got engaged just seven months later (pictured December 2016)

Looking handsome for his day date Jonathan's chocolate locks were worn in a quiffed style with a smattering of stubble across his chiseled jaw.

His actress and producer partner showed off her trim post-baby body in a flowing navy blue maxi dress paired with quirky silver studded sandals.

Her flowing raven tresses were worn in cute plaited pigtails and she donned a stylish summer hat for the outing.

The famously private couple were enjoying some rare time off from parenting duties to their six-month-old son Wolf, who arrived on December 15 last year.

Loved up: Mara regulary posts sweet Instagram shots of her life with the Dracula actor

Wolf's arrival marks a change in fortunes for Irish star Jonathan, whose battle with alcoholism has been well documented.

The handsome actor, publicly apologized to fans after he was pictured in a disheveled state while swigging neat vodka from the bottle on a London street in 2015.

Alongside a picture of a smiling Mara, he told Instagram followers: 'Mara and I are thankful for your support and kindness during this time. I apologizes [sic] for having a minor relapse and hope that people don't think too badly of me.'

He is believed to have had six stints in rehab over the past few years.

Positive vibes: Wolf's arrival marks a change in fortunes for Irish star Jonathan, whose battle with alcoholism has been well documented, pictured on May 23 in Hollywoo

In May 2005 he checked into Promises in Malibu, California, seeking treatment for alcohol abuse, before returning for treatment in 2007.

On 27 February 2009, the actor checked into rehab a third time, checking out less than a month later on 15 March 2009.

In November 2011, the star was ordered by a French court to pay a restitution of 1,000 and was given a judgment of a suspended sentence for public intoxication 24 months earlier.

Shortly after his mother died in November 2007, Jonathan gave an interview to the Mail on Sunday's Live magazine to promote a new series The Tudors, in which he insisted his drinking had been 'blown out of all proportion.'

Jonathan and Mara, who began dating in early 2013 reportedly became engaged back in late 2014 but they have never confirmed publicly.

Jonathan confirmed the pair had tied the knot in an interview with UpRoxx

The Irish-born actor is currently on-screen in home invasion thriller Black Butterfly, alongside Antonio Banderas and Piper Perabo.
Between them, they've racked up a hefty 54 years in show-business.

And as Lorraine Kelly interviewed Steps on her morning chat show, both the Scottish presenter and the infamous pop group were shown a throwback clip of when they first met 20 years ago,

The fun music group have reunited this year, two decades after first forming, to record a new album and go on a new tour.

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Talk about Throwback Thursday! Lorraine Kelly and reformed pop group Steps are left mortified and cringing as they watch a badly dated clip of their first meeting 20 years ago

Cringe: The clip began with a brief intro from Lorraine, now 57, who wore glasses and a blue power suit; then cut to the band, in skimpy matching mauve and pink outfits, singing second single Last Thing On My Mind outside by the river on London's South Bank

And to mark the occasion, the production team had lined up a clip of when they performed for the first time on ITV morning television, presented by Lorraine herself.

The clip began with a brief intro from Lorraine, now 57, who wore glasses and a blue power suit; then cut to the band, in skimpy matching mauve and pink outfits, singing second single Last Thing On My Mind outside by the river on London's South Bank.

This left the band - now in their 40s, save for Claire Richards who is 39 - giggling and cringing at the clip from 1998.

Lorraine looked far from impressed at the surprise clip, but, as ever, laughed along in good humour.

'Can I just say, I think we all look better 20 years on,' Lorraine chuckled. 'Just saying!'

Skimpy: The band were seen in coordinated outfits

Last Thing On THEIR Minds: Faye belted out the first line of their sophomore single, back in 1998

20 years ago: The production team had lined up a clip of when they performed for the first time on ITV morning television, presented by Lorraine herself

'We'll take that!' Lisa Scott Lee joked.

'We spared no expense there!' Ian 'H' Watkins laughed, referring to the dated clip.

The group released their fifth studio album, Tears On The Dancefloor, in April this year, having announced on New Year's Day that they were ending their five-year break following their reunion tour and Christmas album.

As they were: The group performed one of their trademark dance routines in the 90s throwback

Looking back: This left the band - now in their 40s, save for Claire Richards who is 39 - giggling and cringing at the clip from 1998

Stunner: Claire - who continued to show off her svelte frame after losing a huge six stone since their last reunion - explained the benefits of reuniting later in life

They're back: The group released their fifth studio album, Tears On The Dancefloor, in April this year, having announced on New Year's Day that they were ending their five-year break following their reunion tour and Christmas album

H-ilarious! H found the clips side-splitting, joking that they'd 'spared no expense'

Happy to be back: 'Its nice to be back and welcomed back,' Lee Latchford-Evans told Lorraine

Good sport: Lorraine looked far from impressed at the surprise clip, but, as ever, laughed along in good humour. 'Can I just say, I think we all look better 20 years on,' Lorraine chuckled. 'Just saying!'

Tears on the Dancefloor entered the charts at number two and the lead single, Scared of the Dark, was released, alongside the announcement of a 22-date tour, Party on the Dancefloor.

'Its nice to be back and welcomed back,' Lee Latchford-Evans told Lorraine.

Claire - who continued to show off her svelte frame after losing a huge six stone since their last reunion - explained the benefits of reuniting later in life.

Like they never left: Tears on the Dancefloor entered the charts at number two and the lead single, Scared of the Dark, was released, alongside the announcement of a 22-date tour, Party on the Dancefloor

'Its 20 years and I feel like weve got the benefit of hindsight now - which isn't always a good thing,' Claire said. 'We did it 20 years ago and were back and we know what to do'

Faye Tozer added: 'We have decided that we want to put as many of our hits into the tour as possible. So it will be a mash-up of old hits as well as the new stuff'

Lorraine summed their comeback up by surmising: 'Well your comeback is a tonic in dark times'

'Its 20 years and I feel like weve got the benefit of hindsight now - which isn't always a good thing,' she said. 'We did it 20 years ago and were back and we know what to do.'

Faye Tozer added: 'We have decided that we want to put as many of our hits into the tour as possible. So it will be a mash-up of old hits as well as the new stuff.'

Lorraine summed their comeback up by surmising: 'Well your comeback is a tonic in dark times.'
Paris Jackson has hit out at critics who have dismissed her because of her privileged background and slammed her for her edgy look and use of profanities.

The 19-year-old daughter of late pop superstar Michael Jackson took to Instagram on Wednesday night to share a series of videos in which she defended herself.

In the dimly-lit clips, the model and actress said: 'A lot of s**t is said about me and people I know and people I'm related to. This is for the people who don't agree with who I am and what I do.

Hitting back: Paris Jackson has laughed out at her critics in a series of lengthy videos on Instagram on Wednesday night

'Yeah, I get it. Yall dont like the tattoos, yall dont like the profanity, yall dont like... my free spirit, my outspokenness and how Im a young chick and I should be quiet.'

She then went on to insist that she is doing all that she can to make a decent life - and set a decent example for other youngsters.

'I am a teenager, I am doing the best I can,' she continued. 'Im working as hard as I possible can to make a living for myself and create my own life.

Setting a good example: She went on to insist that she is doing all that she can to make a decent life - and set a decent example for other youngsters.

Criticism: Referencing Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, Paris went on to say that she felt she'd face criticism no matter what she humanitarian work she did

Fans: The teen suggested that some of the criticism she has faced has come from her dad Michael Jackson's fans, who she believes are much older and more conservative

'Im fighting for human rights, Im fighting for animal rights, Im fighting for the environment. Basically any liberalist movement that will create positive impact on this planet, Im trying to get involved in.'

Referencing Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who has made a name for herself as a humanitarian over the past decade and a half, Paris went on to say that she felt she'd face criticism no matter what she did for the good of the world.

Of her own humanitarian efforts, she said: 'I understand that its not enough. No matter what I do it will never be enough and you will never be satisfied even though Im 19 and Im working my a** off, its not enough.

Rising star: After years of being shielded from the public eye by her dad, Paris has slowly eased her way into the celebrity world

Family: Paris, pictured with her late father Michael Jackson and brother Prince Michael Jackson Jr, also slammed those who have criticised her for her privileged background

'I could adopt s**t-ton of kids, a bunch of f**king charity work like Angelina Jolie and yall will still be creating rumours about me like you do with her.

'I dont really know why people hate me with such a fiery passion, and I cant figure it out. I dont think its jealousy; I think its more than that. Find something else to complain about.'

Paris, whose late dad's changing appearance over the span of his career attracted much attention, suggested: 'Complain about celebrities that are normalising plastic surgery, starvation in Venezuela, complain about our f**king president.'

She also went on to suggest that much of the criticism she has faced may be due to the fact that many of the people who follow her are actually fans of her dad, who died unexpectedly in 2009.

Public: Paris and Prince, and their younger brother Prince Michael Jackson II, made one of their first public appearances at their father's Los Angeles memorial service in July 2009

Making her mark: Paris stated that many people have attacked her for her tattoos and profanity

'Most of my following is usually my father's following and they're a lot older, they watched me grow up,' she reasoned. 'They saw him when he was in his very, very younger [days].

'So understand that the older people that are watching me and seeing what I'm doing don't necessarily agree with all of this because they have very conservative views.'

Of her life as a celebrity offspring, she stated: 'I need you to understand that I am 145 per cent aware of the privilege that was handed to me and the hard work that was put in place in order to get me to where I am today. I'm fully aware.'

She concluded: 'All this effort youre putting into me, a teenager? Put it into something else. Hang out with your cat. Im not your kid; Im not your daughter.'
Earlier this month, her plane was forced to make an emergency landing as she jetted from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

But Jennifer Lawrence appeared to put her aviation scare behind her as she made a stylish arrival at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday.

With her adorable pooch by her side, the Oscar-winning actress looked casually cool in a loose-fitting striped top under a black blazer with baggy satin black trousers.

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Jetting off: Jennifer Lawrence was spotted at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport with her beloved pooch in tow on Thursday

Hauling a black suitcase as she made her way to a departure gate, the 26-year-old beauty rounded out her ensemble with sand-coloured suede shoes, a cream trilby and fashionable oversized sunglasses.

Two weeks ago, the Hunger Games star suffered a mid-air scare while travelling on a private jet from her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to New York.

The pilots were forced to make an emergency landing when one of the engines failed at 31,000 feet.

Security: A burly security guard walked ahead of her as she made her way through the terminal

Casually cool: The Oscar-winning actress looked casually cool in a loose-fitting striped top under a black blazer with baggy satin black trousers

But in a terrifying turn of events the other engine failed when the pilot attempted to make the unscheduled stop.

Fortunately, the plane landed safely in Buffalo, New York, and was greeted by multiple emergency vehicles.

Last year, the Joy actress, who is currently dating director Darren Aronofsky, spoke to Vanity Fair about how she 'works very hard' to keep her life private.

She explained: 'You might think you know me, but when you approach me you're a total stranger to me and I'm scared. [I get] very protective of my space. It took me a long time to be able to do that.

Fashionable: The 26-year-old beauty rounded out her ensemble with sand-coloured suede shoes, a cream trilby and fashionable oversized sunglasses

'If I'm eating dinner and somebody comes up and a flash goes off from someone's iPhone camera, I am really rude to that person.

'Then other people at the restaurant will see and be like, "Oh, damn, I don't want to do that." Privacy is a full-time job and I work very hard at it.'

Jennifer will soon be filming X-Men: Dark Phoenix as well as Bad Blood, a bio-drama about Theranos entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes.
Anjelica Huston once shared screen time with Don Johnson when they appeared together in the 2010 romantic comedy When In Rome.

And they showed that their love of Italy has remained throughout the years, as they were spotted enjoying the sights of Portofino with a group of pals on Wednesday.

Joined by Don's wife Kelly Phleger, actress Lorraine Bracco and filmmaker Brett Ratner, the stars were seen wandering the sun-kissed picturesque streets before dining at a local eatery.

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Lapping up the sights: Anjelica Huston, left, and Lorraine Bracco, right, were spotted enjoying the sights of the Italian town of Portofino on Wednesday

Oscar-winning actress Anjelica, 65, stepped out in style, wearing an off-white patterned tunic-style top with white trousers and a pair of brown strappy sandals.

Former Sopranos star Lorraine, 62, also stuck to the apparent theme, wearing an all-white ensemble that included trousers and stylish trainers.

Walking beside her 67-year-old husband Don, who kept cool in a crisp white button-down shirt teamed with beige shorts, Kelly, 48, also cut a stylish figure.

Group of pals: Don Johnson and his wife Kelly Phleger were also among the large group of pals

Casually cool: Veteran actor Don looked casually cool in a crisp white shirt with khaki shorts

Hug it out: He was seen giving his brunette wife an affectionate hug as they strolled in the sun

Lip service: The lovebirds leaned in for a kiss as they made their way down the jetty

Effortlessly chic: Brunette beauty Kelly looked effortlessly chic in a light spearmint-tinged shirt dress, which was cinched at the waist with a white sash belt.

Leader of the pack: Former Miami Vice star Don appeared to be the life of the party

The brunette beauty looked effortlessly chic in a light spearmint-tinged shirt dress, which was cinched at the waist with a white sash belt.

Their trip to the stunning northern coastline of Italy appears to have been done in fine style, as the group were seen soaking up the sunshine aboard a luxury yacht.

In her 2014 book Watch me, Prizzi's Honor star Anjelica revealed the agony of her relationship with Jack Nicholson and how she once cried for three days after he laughed at the idea of marrying her.

Shop til you drop: Oscar-winning actress Anjelica enjoyed a luxury shopping excursion

Pattern: She stepped out in a stylish white tunic top, which included patterning along her arms

All white on the night: Actresses Lorraine and Anjelica stuck with a theme of white ensembles

Having a laugh: Anjelica appeared to be in decidedly good spirits as she dined with her pals

Chatting: The large group group merrily chatted away as they enjoyed the culinary delights

Lap of luxury: The group of pals have been vacationing in Italy aboard a luxury superyacht

Silver fox: Screen star Don looked dashing with his sharply-styled stubble and greying hair

Anjelica dated screen star Jack, now 80, off-and-on from 1973 to 1989, but she says she was constantly let down by the philanderer as he put other women over her.

She recalled how, at the Cannes Film Festival in 1974, 'pretty French girls would come up on motorbikes and say, "Oh, Jack, you want to ride on my bike with me?".

'He'd get on the bike and leave me standing on the sidewalk,' she wrote, '[and] I would just retire to our hotel room in tears.'

Rush hour: Filmmaker Brett Ratner was also among the group of starry faces on the luxury trip

Flowing: Lorraine was dressed for the warm weather in a flowing white semi-sheer top

Lean back: Don threw on a stylish pair of sunglasses as he reclined in the sunshine for a chat

Phone home: At one point, the 67-year-old actor was seen scrolling through his phone

All aboard: The group of Hollywood pals were spotted aboard their imposing superyacht

Sail away, sail away: They boarded smaller boats as they made their way onto dry land

In her tell-all - the second instalment to her 2013 book, A Story Lately Told - she revealed she was 'very much in love' with the three-time Oscar winner, but he constantly broke her heart.

She recalls that once, when they were watching the matrimonial game show 'he Newlywed Game, Jack began to mock: 'Oh, little marriage. Little tiny marriage game.'

'I replied, 'If you had any balls, you'd marry me,' she wrote about the experience. 'And he said, 'Marry you? Are you kidding?'

Change: In the evening, Don and his wife were seen sporting smart ensembles for their dinner

Smart: Don donned a navy button-down shirt with straight-cut grey trosuers and black trainers

Fancy: Kelly went for a white embroidered top, teamed with loose-fitting blue linen trousers

Taking it all in: The actor paused for a breather as he eyed his breathtaking surroundings
He launched his acting career as an 11-year-old on television series, Round The Twist.

Having relocated to London six years ago, Mathew Walters enjoyed success as a silver screen star and musical performer.

And on Thursday's The Morning Show, the now 28-year-old remained true to his roots, praising the program that forged his career.

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My how you've changed! Round The Twist's Mathew Walters, 28, returned to Australian television on Thursday's The Morning Show, as he gushed over the program that forged his career

Round The Twist is what launched my career,' Mathew told co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur.

'I used to watch (the original series) when I was a kid and watched Jeffrey Walker play Bronson - and never did I ever think that I'd be on it,' the personality gushed.

Thinking back fondly on the television program, Mathew added: 'I wouldn't change it for a thing.'

Reflecting: Round The Twist is what launched my career,' Mathew told co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur, later adding: 'I wouldn't change it for a thing'

Humble roots: Mathew starred as Bronson Twist from 2000 to 2001, in children's fantasy program, Round The Twist

Mathew starred as Bronson Twist from 2000 to 2001, in children's fantasy program, Round The Twist.

He featured in 26 episodes as a young, expressive kid with a bowl-style hair-cut.

The show followed three children and their widowed father, who lived in a lighthouse and found themselves at the centre of many unusual, magical adventures.

Forging his career: Residing in Sydney for the majority of his life, he spent the past six years forging his career in London

Residing in Sydney for the majority of his life, he spent the past six years forging his career in London.

His most noteworthy on-stage roles include Oliver and The Sound of Music.

Alongside musical productions, Mathew also featured as a presenter on Channel 5's Shake in the UK.
She'd just been taking part in a photoshoot for lingerie brand Victoria's Secret.

But Candice Swanepoel didn't worry about covering up too much as she exited the studios where the shoot took place on Wednesday.

Throwing on a silky cherry-red romper, she stepped out into the windy New York City air, her dark blonde locks fluttering dramatically behind her as she walked.

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She's breezy! Braless Candice Swanepoel leaves Victoria's Secret photo shoot in a flimsy silk ensemble... and exposes her derriere as she gets caught in a gust of wind

The South African model's lithe frame was clear to behold in the flimsy sleeveless number.

The less-than-sturdy item of clothing flapped in the wind and clung to her braless chest before blowing the romper so far upwards that nearly the entirety of the model's rear was on show, to any passer-by with a sharp eye.

The lingerie model, 28, looked to be wearing very little - if any - make-up and gold hoops in her ears and a long matching chain around her neck, with a crucifix hanging from then end of it.

She carried a pair of heavy black boots, with silver studs on them, which she had swapped for a comfier pair of black flip flops for her journey home.

Last weekend, the catwalk star showed just why she's so successful as she walked the runway at the Donatella Versace show during Men's Fashion Week in Milan.

The model revealed a little too much then too - as she stepped out in a semi-sheer dress with eye-catching beaded paneling over her cleavage.

Gone with the wind: The less-than-sturdy item of clothing flapped in the wind and clung to her braless chest before blowing the romper so far upwards that nearly the entirety of the model's rear was on show, to any passer-by with a sharp eye

Recently. the 5ft 10in catwalker teamed up with Mara & Mine designers Jasmine Yarbrough and Tamie Ingham for a collection of four vegan sandles, which were released in May.

'Im a very creative person and am always looking for opportunities to explore that. So during the time off [from modeling] during my pregnancy, I needed a project to work on,' Candice told Footwear News.

'The inspiration came from my love of the summer months, travel and my bohemian and minimalist style. I wanted to create a summer collection that is flattering, simple and ethical, to show people that vegan accessories can be just as beautiful and luxurious as leather accessories...I will definitely be sharing the collection with my girls [in Victoria's Secret].'

However it is her role as a Victoria's Secret model since 2007 that has made her household name. She was promoted to an Angel in 2010.
He failed to win Georgia Love's heart on reality dating series, The Bachelorette.

But on Thursday, Courtney Dober kept up appearances on the social circuit, attending Celebrities On Ice, in front of Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral.

The 31-year-old cut a cool and casual figure, pulling a number of playful poses for the camera.

Skating on thin ice! The Bachelorette's Courtney Dober, 31, cut a cool and casual figure, as he posed for photos at the rink, in front of Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral on Thursday

Courtney cut a smart casual figure for the occasion.

A white T-shirt was teamed with indigo skinny leg jeans and white trainers.

A blue coat, left undone, tied in with the low-key look.

Clearly happy to be in attendance, the reality star pulled a number of animated poses for the camera.

Attire: The reality star sported a white T-shirt, indigo skinny leg jeans, white trainers and a blue coat, left undone

Familiar face: Also making an appearance was journalist Tara Brown, 49, and her two sons Jack (far right), eight, and Tom, six

Also making an appearance was journalist Tara Brown, 49, and her two sons Jack, eight, and Tom, six.

The 60 Minutes presenter opted for a black puffer jacket and black pants, and styled her blonde locks sleek and straight.

Placing a protective hand on her youngest son, the trio happily obliged for photos.

Family fun: Placing a protective hand on her youngest son, the 60 Minutes presenter happily obliged for photos

Fancy seeing you here! Wonderland star Ben Mingay brought along his blonde girlfriend, Kirby Burgess

PDA: The couple put on an affectionate display while enjoying a number of beverages by the rink

Wonderland star Ben Mingay brought along his blonde girlfriend, Kirby Burgess.

Ben bundled up for the outing, donning a navy jumper, black jacket, distressed jeans, tan leather shoes, a cap and black gloves.

Kirby opted for a black turtleneck sweater, lightwash jeans, a pink jacket, black boots and fluffy white hat.

Antics: Kirby, an Australian actress, drew attention to her slender frame while performing a move on the ice rink

Mates on-screen and off: Ben was not the only Wonderland star to show up to the family-friendly event. Tim Ross looked decidedly low-key in a khaki T-shirt, black coat, jeans and beanie

The couple put on an affectionate display while enjoying a number of beverages by the rink.

Meanwhile Ben was not the only Wonderland star to show up at the family-friendly event.

Tim Ross looked decidedly low-key in a khaki T-shirt, black coat, jeans and a beanie.

Playful: Tim showed off his skating moves for waiting cameramen
She's becoming a famous for her rock hard and toned body.

But Sofia Richie, 18, covered up her model physique in a large black coat while grabbing dinner with friends in West Hollywood on Wednesday night.

The daughter of Lionel Richie decided to dress in all black for her late-night meal, wearing black slacks and a black high-collared shirt.

Sophisticated: Sofia Richie, 18, covered up her model physique in a large black coat while grabbing dinner with friends in West Hollywood on Wednesday night

She wore a long overcoat that came down almost to her ankles and completely enveloped the star's tiny frame.

Keeping things casual, Sofia wore her light tresses in a straight style around her shoulders and parted it to the side for a bit of added glamour.

She opted to wear just a little makeup on her naturally stunning complexion to highlight her features, but didn't choose a full glam look.

The only hint of color came from her shoes and her bag, choosing black flats with fur along the back ankle strap and a colorful rose on the top.

Covering up her body: She wore a long overcoat that came down almost to her ankles and completely enveloped the star's tiny frame

Her purse was an interesting combination of turquoise and white with brown snakeskin along the sides.

She appeared to arrive solo, valeting her car and holding the ticket in her hand before entering the restaurant.

The Hollywood socialite was in Malibu earlier this week celebrating Father's Day with her dad Lionel Richie.

She brought her doting father, who she says checks her phone every day, to Nobu for the big day.

Natural beauty: The Hollywood starlet opted to wear just a little makeup on her naturally stunning complexion to highlight her features, but didn't choose a full glam look

Last month, Sofia said on Twitter that her dad tracks her phone, and she receives a notification.

But during an interview with USA Today, Lionel says that that's not the case.

'I keep trying to tell them. I don't track. I don't understand,' he began.

'Nicole [eldest daughter] thought I had investigators following her around. I keep trying to tell my kids the same thing: 'I own Chicago. I own Miami. I have been around the world. So when you go through the airport, I have friends. You cannot sneak into a club. I own that club.''

He's got friends: Sofia's dad Lionel says he doesn't track his daughter's phone, but does say he knows a lot of people and they tell him when his kids aren't where they should be

'So they think they are sneaky. So I get a phone call, 'Hey, just want to let you know Sofia just walked in.' I mean, did I call him? No. I'm not tracking.'

He also admits there are some things he'd rather not be aware of.

'At this point now, some things are too much information. There are some things you don't want to know,' says Richie. 'Kids have to be kids. At some point, you have to let them go do their thing.'
Jon Hamm, who plays a Wall-Street-man-turned-bank-robber in Baby Driver, was dashing as ever at its European premiere in London.

The 46-year-old had swung by the Leicester Square event on Wednesday in an Oxford blue suit he'd teamed with a silver tie and a matching silver pocket square.

While hitting the pink-fringed white carpet, he graciously squatted to sign autographs for the gathered fans and posed with them for selfies.

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The big day: Jon Hamm, who plays a Wall-Street-man-turned-bank-robber in Baby Driver, was dashing as ever at its European premiere in London

Wine-colored dress shoes completed the ensemble for the St. Louis native, who shot to fame as womanizing ad man Don Draper on the drama series Mad Men.

Jon posed alongside his co-stars C.J. Jones, Eiza Gonzalez, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort and Jamie Foxx, as well as their besuited director Edgar Wright.

Lily had worn a sleeveless dress with black straps and a thigh-slit, most of the outfit comprised of a sky blue field speckled all over with silvery floral embroidery.

Dapper: The 46-year-old had swung by the Leicester Square event in an Oxford blue suit he'd teamed with a silver tie and a matching silver pocket square

Hello, gorgeous: Wine-colored dress shoes completed the ensemble for the St. Louis native, who shot to fame as womanizing ad man Don Draper on the drama series Mad Men

So gracious: While hitting the pink-fringed white carpet, he squatted to sign autographs for the gathered fans

Eiza's largely off-white mesh gown was shot through with purple designs, and she'd pulled her hair severely back to reveal a massive pair of gleaming earrings.

Whilst C.J., Ansel and Jamie had all worn suits, Kevin had decided to turn up in a white T-shirt, dark jeans, white shoes and a purple black-trimmed bomber jacket.

That day had also seen Jon pop by the Corinthia Hotel for an alfresco photo call that saw him lean against a rail with a gorgeous view of nearby architecture behind him.

Fan service: He also posed for selfies with the fans who'd shown to the premiere

Fun moment: Jon's admirers seemed thrilled when he went over to see them

Jon posed alongside his co-stars C.J. Jones, Eiza Gonzalez, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Ansel Elgort and Jamie Foxx, as well as their besuited director Edgar Wright

Having chucked on a black pair of sunglasses, he posed for photos with Edgar and Lily, the latter of whom plays a waitress called Debora whom Ansel's titular getaway chauffeur ends up falling for in the film.

Jon then wound up standing for the cameras flanked by Lily and Eiza Gonzalez, with Edgar and black-suit-clad leading man Ansel seated in front of them.

Eiza, whose character Darling is a criminal confrere to Ansel's and Jon's, had slid into a chic white dress that tightened about her enviably trim frame.

A place in the sun: That day had also seen Jon pop by the Corinthia Hotel for an alfresco photo call that saw him lean against a rail with a gorgeous view of nearby architecture behind him

Trio: Having chucked on a black pair of sunglasses, he posed for photos with Edgar and Lily

Background: Lily plays a waitress called Debora whom Ansel's titular getaway chauffeur ends up falling for in the film

Its flared and pleated hem was cut off around mid-calf, and she'd added a splash of contrast by way of a green, black and white striped pair of stilettos.

An after-party was also part of the premiere day in London, and at that bash, Edgar and Jon were seen grinning together, the former with a glass in hand.

Baby Driver, the cast of which also includes such names as John Bernthal and Flea, will open in cinemas June 28 both in America and in Britain.

Quintet: Jon then wound up standing for the cameras flanked by Lily and Eiza Gonzalez, with Edgar and black-suit-clad leading man Ansel seated in front of them

Looking fabulous: Eiza, whose character Darling is a criminal confrere to Ansel's and Jon's, had slid into a chic white dress that tightened about her enviably trim frame
She's the doting mother of three beautiful children.

And on Thursday, Lindy Klim took to Instagram to share a touching photo of herself and her younger daughter, Frankie, on Frankie's sixth birthday.

'My baby's 6 today!' Lindy gushed.

Family: Lindy Klim took to Instagram to share a touching photo of herself and her younger daughter, Frankie, on Frankie's sixth birthday

She added the hashtags '#frankieklim #mummysgirl.'

In the lovely image, Lindy and Frankie can be seen staring into each other's eyes whilst lying on the couch together.

Lindy recently told The Sun-Herald she's keen to finalise her divorce to estranged-husband Michael Klim so she can 'move on' and marry her British fiance Adam Ellis.

'My baby's 6 today!' the 39-year-old Balinese princess wrote

With the split being far from amicable, the 39-year-old Balinese princess told the publication: 'It's very difficult'.

On the subject of divorce proceedings, she explained: 'Hopefully (a resolution) will all happen soon. I am ready for that to be over.

'It's not a good thing to go through. We are just getting through it,' she continued.

Moving on: Lindy recently told The Sun-Herald she's keen to finalise her divorce to estranged-husband Michael Klim so she can 'move on' and marry her British fiance Adam Ellis (pictured)

With relations between the former couple becoming strained, Lindy said of their very public break-up: 'It is what it is. It is very difficult.'

This is not the first time that Lindy has spoken of her failed marriage to the 39-year-old former Olympic swimmer.

In a very candid interview with Harper's Bazaar, she said recently: 'I've learnt to be a much stronger person. I'm not a pushover anymore.
He's the Australian swimming champion who's won five Olympic Gold Medals.

But Ian Thorpe he doesn't think he'll ever look as fit as he did on the starting blocks at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph published on Friday, the 34-year-old star opened up about fitness and body image, stating: 'Unless I am prepared to get 30 to 40 hours of training a week, I will never look like that again in my life and I am OK with that'.

'I will never look like that again in my life': In an interview published Friday by The Daily Telegraph, Ian Thrope candidly discussed fitness and body image

The now-retired sportsmen went on describe his current physique as 'kind of OK-ish', but still believes he is fit and healthy.

And while Ian stated he could stand to lose a couple of kilograms, it would not be for health reasons.

'If I wanted to lose a little bit of weight, I have like five kilos that I could lose that would be great for my vanity and that is it.'

Still fit: Ian (pictured in 2016) still works out about six hours a week- a reduction from the 30 or 40 hours he used to do

The Gold medalist went on to talk about his current fitness regime, stating that he swears by a 10,00 step-count per day.

He also works out five times per week, with a personal trainer present for three sessions.

'That is six hours a week [of exercise] compared to the 30 or 40 hours I used to do,' he told the publication.

Olympic superstar: Ian pictured in 2002

The star is both happy and healthy with life outside the pool, having recently returned from a trip to New York with partner Ryan Channing.

The couple seemed to squeeze in a workout whilst in the Big Apple, with Ryan taking to Instagram to share a picture of the couple posing in matching active-wear against the Manhattan skyline.

The couple have been dating since early 2016.

Happy and healthy: Ian seemed to squeeze in a workout whilst recently in the Big Apple with partner Ryan Channing
She has broken away from the period dramas that made her name to play a waitress in action flick Baby Driver.

And Lily James looked edgy in a red textured bomber jacket and ripped boyfriend jeans as she left the Corinthia Hotel in London on Thursday.

Ever the sartorial maverick, the Cinderella star, 28, rocked an oversized black shirt and chic white tapered trousers at the BBC Radio 2 studios earlier in the day.

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Looking good! Lily James looked edgy in a red textured bomber jacket and ripped boyfriend jeans as she arrived at Radio 2 studios in London on Thursday

Different look: Lily James looked edgy in an avant-garde black shirt and white slacks earlier in the day

Lily effortlessly rocked an unusual shirt was without a collar and featured oversized cuffs.

Lily tucked it into her white trousers, which nipped in at her waist, showing off the star's fabulous curves.

The slacks tapered in to Lily's ankles and were paired with pointed black stilettos.

Lily, wore her natural chestnut locks in loose waves as they sat around her shoulders.

Killer footwear: The brunette beauty rocked a pair of black tassled loafers

Flashing the abs: She revealed a hint of her flat stomach in her white crop top

Monochrome star: Lily tucked the shirt into her white trousers, which nipped in at her waist, showing off the star's fabulous curves

She finished off her out there look with a pair of blue and cream sunglasses.

The actress, who shot to fame as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey, patiently signed autographs for fans who were waiting outside the studios in London.

Lily was at Radio 2 to promote her latest film Baby Driver, which stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, a getaway driver sucked into a life of crime.

Pearly Queen: Lily rocked the oversized black shirt with pearl buttons down the middle and along the pockets of the garment

Out there: The slacks tapered in to Lily's ankles and were paired with pointed black stilettos

Brunette beauty: Lily wore her natural chestnut locks in loose waves as they sat around her shoulders

Film star: Lily was at Radio 2 to promote her latest flick Baby Driver, which stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, a getaway driver sucked into a life of crime

Lily stars as Debora, a waitress who is a love interest of Baby.

Ansel and co-star Jamie Foxx were also making the rounds promoting the film on Thursday.

The pair appeared together on This Morning, where they chatted to Holly and Phil about the hyped summer blockbuster.

Having a laugh: Co-stars Ansel Elgort and Jamie Foxx appeared on This Morning to talk about Baby Driver

Ansel said: 'So my character Baby has Tinnitus and he has to listen to music all the time to drown that out.

'The music he listens to is the soundtrack of the whole movie and the movie cuts and moves to that soundtrack.

'So the trailer looks super action-packed and looks like its moving really quickly. The movie all moves like that and has amazing pace.

'Its a very unique movie, Ive never seen anything like it.'

Jamie Fox sent Phil into fits of giggles when he told him: 'I'm a black man - I play the black man, the African American who's threatening'

Jamie, 49, joked around with Phil, saying: 'Im a black man  I play the black man, the African American man whos threatening.'

The Hollywood legend arrived at ITV studios in a navy and white striped polo shirt with bright red trousers.

Some viewers picked up on Jamie's odd attire, with one fan tweeting: 'Jamie Foxx is dressed like the Hamburglar on This Morning.'

Odd attire: The Hollywood legend arrived at ITV studios in a navy and white striped polo shirt with bright red trousers

Controversial: Some viewers picked up on Jamie's odd attire, with one fan tweeting: 'Jamie Foxx is dressed like the Hamburglar on This Morning'

Summer blockbuster: The all-star cast of Baby Driver is completed by Jon Hamm as bank robber Buddy and Kevin Spacey as gang leader Doc

The all-star cast of Baby Driver is completed by Jon Hamm as bank robber Buddy and Kevin Spacey as gang leader Doc.

The old-school soundtrack features classic tracks by Blur, Barry White and T.Rex.

Baby Driver is set to be released in cinemas on June 28.

Looking good: Lily's co-star Ansel Elgort was seen leaving his London hotel that day

Loving life: The star pulled a variety of poses for the fans snapping away

All together now! Ansel got in the background and pulled a host of poses
Convicted insider trader Oliver Curtis will celebrate his release from prison alongside a group of school friends, an insider has confirmed to Daily Mail Australia.

According to a source, the disgraced businessman, 32, will toast to his homecoming alongside fellow graduates of Saint Ignatius College Riverview.

On Tuesday, Oliver's wife Roxy Jacenko announced the the impending welcome home party via text message, telling guests: 'Pixie and Hunter invite you to drinks on Saturday and Oli will be so excited to see you.'

It's a school reunion! Convicted insider trader Oliver Curtis will celebrate his release from prison alongside a group of school friends, an insider has confirmed

The event is scheduled to take place at the 37-year-old Sweaty Betty PR founder's Bondi home on Saturday afternoon.

Oliver, 31, was jailed for insider trading in June 2016, but his children still believe that he has been on an extended business trip to China.

Roxy previously told Daily Mail Australia she wasn't going to 'celebrate' her husband's release and claimed the former investment banker would be 'straight back to work.'

Previous claims: Roxy previously told Daily Mail Australia she wasn't going to 'celebrate' her husband's release and claimed the former investment banker would be 'straight back to work'

In April, Roxy went onto morning television to speak about her marriage and its challenges.

'Look, no marriage is ever perfect,' she said.

'Obviously mine is challenged because of the situation we're in, but Ollie is a wonderful father and I've got my rings on (today), but I don't wear them to the gym ... all is fine.'

'Look, no marriage is ever perfect': In April, Roxy went onto morning television to speak about her marriage and its challenges

This comes after Roxy was spotted kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal at his Sydney apartment in April.

Nabil has been described as one of Roxy's more 'serious' past boyfriends, and the pair dated until 2010.

However, little is known about their relationship prior to the split.
They have joined forces to front a new project that little is currently known about.

But Katie Holmes and Hollwood veteran Patrick Stewart appeared to be hard at work as they continued filming scenes for The Gift in Montreal on Thursday.

Actress Katie, 38, looked nothing but radiant as she was spotted riding a bicycle through a park as the cameras were rolling, while Stewart, 76, took to the water.

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Bella! Katie Holmes, 38, looked radiant as she filmed on a bicycle for her new project The Gift

Man of many skills: Hollywood veteran Patrick Stewart, 76, meanwhile, was seen filming solo on the lake as he showed off his rowing prowress

The Dawson's Creek star was casually clad in a mustard colored jacket that she paired with dark skinny jeans, and she sported a brown purse bag across her body.

Katie wore her shoulder-grazing tresses in a half-up, half-down style, pulling the top section of her bonce back into a tousled bun.

She sported a subtle make-up look that only accentuated her natural beauty and she appeared to be immersed in her character as she joined Stewart for their scenes together.

He had joined her on a bicycle, before taking a boat ride.

Starring role: The actress has joined forces with Hollywood veteran Patrick Stewart, 76, for the film

Mystery project: Not much is known about the project which isn't listed on IMdb but Quebec director Claude Lalonde is helming it, according to the Montreal Journal

In the zone: The Dawson's Creek star was seen in character on the project's set in Montreal, casually clad in a mustard colored jacket with skinny jeans

The Logan star was impeccably dressed, stepping out in dark slacks and a charcoal grey blazer that he paired with a pastel blue shirt underneath.

He then made a quick outfit change to cut a much more casual figure while filming his solo scenes on a lake.

Stewart was seen interacting with crew members in between takes, before demonstrating his rowing skills.

All hands on deck! The Logan star - who turns 77 next month - was later spotted filming a boat scene

Look ma, no hands! Patrick amused a crew member by throwing his arms into the air as he boarded the boat

Engage! The three-time Golden Globe nominee then demonstrated his prowess rowing the vessel for a picturesque shot

Casual: Stewart appeared to have made a quick outfit change for his rowing scenes

New project: It's said the movie will be shot in different locations in the Canadian city until mid-July, with Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul also featuring

In other scenes, Stewart reunited with Holmes and the pair were spotted walking arm in arm down the street.

Katie had slipped into an outfit redolent of the 1950s, as a deep purple wrap slid off her shoulders over a short-sleeved white button-down top.

The top had been tucked into a pleated orange skirt that was hemmed just below the knee, and she'd worn colorful flats on her feet.

Patrick had donned a navy and midnight blue checked blazer over a black T-shirt.

Retro chic: The stars were seen that day walking arm in arm down the street as well, Katie in an outfit redolent of the 1950s

Stylish: A deep purple wrap slid off her shoulders over a short-sleeved white button-down top

Looking great: The top had been tucked into a pleated orange skirt that was hemmed just below the knee, and she'd worn colorful flats

A checked pocket square went well with his dark blue jeans and he finished off his ensemble with a pair of black dress shoes.

The duo appeared in high spirits as they headed up the sidewalk together, with Katie leaning over to Patrick at one point.

They are currently filming for a new project titled The Gift, but not much is yet known about the drama.

It hasn't yet been listed on IMDB, but Quebec director Claude Lalonde is helming it, according to the Montreal Journal.

It's said the movie will be shot in different locations in the Canadian city until mid-July, with Giancarlo Esposito from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul also featuring.

Dapper: Patrick had got on a navy and midnight blue checked blazer over a black T-shirt

Snazzy: A checked pocket square went well with his dark blue jeans and he'd got on a pair of black dress shoes

On the go: Katie was seen at one point leaning over to Patrick

Hand in the pocket: They were seen smiling together as they headed up the sidewalk

Katie, who arrived to Montreal with daughter Suri on Monday, wished her dad Martin Joseph Holmes a happy Father's Day over the weekend.

The actress shared a throwback family photo on Instagram as she raved in the caption: 'Happy Father's Day to my incredible dad who is so kind, wise, generous and such a huge light in my life (heart emoticon) we love u!!!!!'

Patrick, meanwhile, lives in Brooklyn with his third wife Sunny.

He recently completed a role on The Emoji Movie out later this month where he voiced the poop emoji. He also stars in comedy Wilde Wedding, alongside Glenn Close and John Malkovich, due for release this year.

Taking a break: Katie shared her perfect 'summer night' with daughter Suri, 11, with fans, as they got ice cream in the Canadian city while she took a break from filming

Five hearts: The star also shared a photo of this dessert over a Tic-Tac-Toe game

So close: Katie shared a sweet snap of her kissing Suri in an Instagram image on Mother's Day
Irish culinary star and celebrity chef Darren Simpson has died.

The husband and father-of-two is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack in hospital on Thursday night, according to reports by The Daily Telegraph.

The publication claimed Darren's death followed a long battle with alcohol addiction-related illness for the restaurateur.

Celebrity chef, husband and father-of-two Darren Simpson dies after fatal heart attack following long battle with alcohol addiction-related illness, reports The Daily Telegraph on Friday

The former My Restaurant Rules judge was married to wife Julie and fathered two boys, Hamish, 12, and Angus, 14.

The publication reported Darren had recently attempted a stint at rehabilitation in a clinic, followed by being admitted to hospital near his Byron Bay home.

He was born in Northern Ireland, where he studied and began his illustrious career.

At just 21 years of age he became the youngest ever winner of the prestigious UK's Young Chef Award, a feat yet to be broken by another entrant in more than 25 years.

The publication reported Darren had recently attempted a stint at rehabilitation in a clinic, followed by being admitted to hospital near his Byron Bay home

Pictures are Simpson and his son Angus, who was two months old months, in the kitchen of Aqua Luna in Sydney in 2003

In 1999, Darren moved to Australia and was headhunted to become the Head Chef and shareholder of Aqua Luna Bar and Restaurant at Sydneys East Circular Quay, which received rave reviews for its first eight weeks in business.

Over his career he shared the kitchen with and trained in in some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world, including London's acclaimed River Cafe, Paul Rankins Michelin-starred Roscoff and Albert Rouxs Michelin-starred Le Gavroche.

Soon after his success with Aqua Luna Bar he opened Woollahra's award-winning modern Italian restaurant La Salsa in 2005.

TV chef: Darren became well known in the foodie scene by having regular appearances on cooking shows and writing food-based columns for numerous publications (Pictured in 2009 on Lifestyle FOOD channels The Best)

Tragic: The late chef leaves behind wife Julie and sons Hamish, 12, and Angus, 14

Darren became well known in the foodie scene by having regular appearances on Sevens Sunrise, Tens Ready, Steady, Cook and Lifestyle FOOD channels The Best and writing columns doe various national and overseas publications.

He also shared his culinary knowledge as a judge on hit reality show, My Restaurant Rules and as a presenter on lifestyle program, Live This.

Darren also volunteered his time to charity causes over the years, including Camp Canteen, The Childrens Food Education Foundation, The Starlight Foundation, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad and also campaigned for non GM (genetically modified) foods with Greenpeace.

Celebrity chefs, friends and restaurateurs were among the first people to farewell the charming, cheeky and charismatic chef online on Thursday with touching tributes.

Charitable chef: Darren also volunteered his time to a variety of charity causes over the years, including Camp Canteen, The Childrens Food Education Foundation, The Starlight Foundation and Oxfam Community Aid Abroad

His peer and friend Jason Roberts wrote: 'Devastated ...... RIP Darren Simpson !!! The world has lost another brilliant mind!!!! Sorry for those of you who maybe seeing or hearing this now.'

Youre not serious. He is a lifelong friend, please tell me its not true, fellow chef Troy Clayton commented.

A tribute from journalist and friend Shonagh Walker read: 'I hope I wake up tomorrow and this is a dream... I know the last few weeks have been hell for you. You will never be forgotten. love you xxxx.'

Chef and presenter Andrew Ballard Tweeted: 'Such sad news to hear of my former colleague Darren Simpson passing away today. RIP Dazza.'

Chef Adam Moore shared to Twitter: 'R.I.P Darren Simpson you will be missed chef loved working with you.'

Pasty chef @hashtagchef said: 'Devastating news to hear of the passing of my friend, mentor & an amazing chef Darren Simpson who I have known...'

So sad to hear of the death of TV chef Darren Simpson, said Andrew Heslop, a keynote speaker and the founder of Neighbour Day.
She's currently enjoying a huge career comeback, starring in the hit TV drama Big Little Lies.

But Nicole Kidman has now revealed that it very nearly didn't happen, as she wanted to quit Hollywood nearly a decade ago.

The 50-year-old actress made the shock revelation in an interview with The Daily Telegraph on Friday.

Revelation: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph published on Friday, Nicole Kidman claimed that she thought about quitting acting while pregnant with daughter Sunday Rose in 2008

Speaking of the period around 2008, she said: 'I think I was pregnant with [daughter] Sunday, and I was like, 'I'm going to give up acting, I'm done. It's too much.'

However, the star was persuaded to stay in the profession by her much-loved mum, Janelle.

'She said, 'Keep your toe in the water,' because, she said, 'You're going to want that as you get older.''

Shock admission: Nicole pictured in 2008, around the time she thought about quitting Hollywood

And it seems that Janelle spoke words of wisdom, with Nicole now at the top her game professionally.

Earlier this year, the flame-haired stunner received an Oscar nod for her role in the smash-hit film, Lion.

And the superstar recently garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success for her role in the hit HBO drama, Big Little Lies.

A-list cable drama: Nicole has won acclaim for her role in the smash hit series Big Little Lies (pictured with castmates Zoe Kravitz, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley and Laura Dern)

The A-list cable drama was one of the most-talked about shows of the year and is currently rumoured to be returning for a much anticipated second season.

Nicole has also regained her title as the undisputed 'Queen of Cannes' after having four projects showing at the festival this year.

Most anticipated is her role in Sofia Coppola's thriller, The Beguiled, which took home top honours for Best Director at Cannes.
She's been busy promoting her latest flick The Circle.

But Emma Watson looked fresh as a daisy as she attended The Circle Paris photocall at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris on Thursday.

The Beauty and The Beast star, 27, stunned in a chic gown, proving her unique style.

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Turning heads: Emma Watson looked fresh as a daisy as she attended The Circle Paris photocall at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris on Thursday

Making the most of her lithe figure, she slipped into a floor-length ruffled Louis Vuitton dress adorned with delicate gold leaf detail.

The semi-transparent piece featured a ruffled hemline and she teamed it with a bright white t-shirt.

Accentuating her stature with strappy black heels and accessorising with a delicate chain bag her look was complete.

Sweeping her hair off her face into an elegant up-do, she posed happily for snaps.

Standing out: The Beauty and The Beast star, 27, stunned in a chic Louis Vuitton gown, proving her unique style

Emma plays Mae in The Circle, which follows 'a woman who lands a dream job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, only to uncover an agenda that will affect the lives of all of humanity.'

Meanwhile Emma was recently seen catching up with her boyfriend, William Mack Knight - who is 10 years her senior, in New York.

They were spotted making a rare appearance in New York recently, as they enjoyed a dinner date in the city's trendy East Village.

Chic: Making the most of her lithe figure, she slipped into a floor-length ruffled dress adorned with delicate gold leaf detail

Emma and the American tech boss, 37, had met in late 2015, several months after her split from British rugby player Matthew Janney.

While she has never publicly spoken about their relationship, it's said their romance is getting serious, as William's mother Katherine revealed she has been introduced to Emma.

She told The Mirror: 'I have met Emma and she's a wonderful girl. We don't see them very often because he's busy and working very hard.'
Lady Gaga was photographed on Thursday strolling with her talent agent boyfriend Christian Carino on a tree-lined dirt path in Montauk.

Yet her outfit looked as though she could be walking onstage at Radio City Music Hall with Tony Bennett to sing It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing).

A black skirt with a thigh-slit matched an off-the-shoulder black top that bared her midriff and was streaked with frills, and she'd slipped into a pair of nude shoes.

The Cheek To Cheek look: Lady Gaga was photographed on Thursday strolling with her talent agent boyfriend Christian Carino on a tree-lined dirt path in Montauk

Gaga - who's co-starring with Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut, which is yet another remake of A Star Is Born - had wound her blonde hair into a messy updo.

Meanwhile, Christian was much more appropriately dressed for a walk in the woods in a midnight blue T-shirt, dark purple shorts and black sneakers.

Currently at CAA, he's got a client list that would've made Sue Mengers bristle with envy: Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Simon Cowell, Miley Cyrus and Amber Heard are among them, as People reported while confirming this February that Christian and Gaga were an item.

Old-school chic: A black skirt with a thigh-slit matched an off-the-shoulder black top that bared her midriff and was streaked with frills, and she'd slipped into a pair of nude shoes

The couple have been holidaying in the Hamptons, and were spotted walking there Wednesday with their arms flung over one another's shoulders.

Gaga had previously been engaged to the dashing 35-year-old Chicago Fire actor Taylor Kinney, though they wound up splitting in July of last year.

When she'd dropped by The Howard Stern Show in October, she'd called herself and her ex-fiance 'very close' and said: 'We love each other. That's it.'

Keeping it simple: Meanwhile, Christian was much more obviously dressed for where he was, his midnight blue T-shirt complementing dark purple shorts and black sneakers

The Oscar nominee had also joked to Howard that 'I'm not gonna, like, f***ing throw a party' once he finds himself in the arms of another woman.

Slated for release next year, A Star Is Born is the third remake of the 1937 Technicolor film about an aging celebrity who falls for a rising ingenue as his career crumbles.

Though the original, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, wasn't a musical, the next two versions - one in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason and one in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson - were, and the new one will be as well.
Cortney Nelson, 32, has been identified as the man shot on Stanfiel Street in Avondale Wednesday afternoon.

Chattanooga Police were dispatched to the 1700 block of Stanfiel Street in reference to a person shot.



Upon arrival, officers located Nelson suffering from a gunshot wound. Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene to provide medical attention and later transported him to a local hospital. His injuries are considered non-life threatening.



Nelson and witnesses were unable to identify the suspect to police.



Members of the Violent Crime Bureau are following all leads in this case.



Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.


She's not afraid to push the sartorial boundaries at upmarket events.

And Stephanie Pratt injected her wardrobe with a typically fierce summery twist on Thursday as she attended the Laureus King Power Polo Cup in London.

The 31-year-old Made In Chelsea star looked the height of Cuban cool in a tropical pineapple print dress as she posed up a storm at the Ham Polo Club.

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Looking good: Stephanie Pratt injected her wardrobe with a typically fierce summery twist on Thursday as she attended the Laureus King Power Polo Cup in London

The American beauty looked statuesque in the candy-pink minidress, which featured a flirty Bardot neckline.

Cinched in at the waist with a knotted tan belt, the garment's tiered skirt ended at her thighs to show off her endless legs.

Adding further height, the former The Hills star added a vertiginous pair of lemon-yellow towering platforms.

She injected a dose of colour with an orange mini tote and added a pair of green chandelier earrings.

Chic: The 31-year-old Made In Chelsea star looked the height of Cuban cool in a tropical pineapple print dress as she posed up a storm at the Ham Polo Club

Preened to perfection: She wore her platinum blonde hair in a sleek bob and rocked a muted pink lipstick

Turning heads: Guests drank Patron tequila cocktails at the annual polo event

Simply stylish: Cinched in at the waist with a knotted tan belt, the garment's tiered skirt ended at her thighs to show off her endless legs. Pictured with Andrea Smith

Killer accessories: She injected a dose of colour with an orange mini tote and added a pair of green chandelier earrings

Recently, Stephanie admitted that she was kept in the dark about her brother Spencer and his wife Heidi Montag's big baby news before the public announcement.

Stephanie, whose strained relationship with her brother and his wife was played out on The Hills, has now sent her congratulations to the couple - despite not having been told in person.

The reality star told OK! magazine: 'I had no idea Heidi was pregnant. Spencer and Heidi tend to do things in their own way. Im really happy for them both.

Fancy seeing you here! Food blogger Tess Ward made her first public outing since 'splitting from Harry Styles' at the cup

Turning heads: The 27-year-old looked in good spirits at the event, and was dressed for the sweltering climes in an eye-catching maxi dress. Pictured with socialite Hum Fleming

Terrific trio: Tess was joined by a host of stars on the day, posing for pictures with the likes of Olivia Grant (L) and Made In Chelsea's Rosie Fortescue (M)

Sitting pretty: Tess looked in good spirits as she sat next to Olivia at the polo game

Stephanie then explained that she believes her sister-in-law will be a natural mother.

She added: Heidi has wanted a kid for ten years, shes born to be a mum.'

Heidi, 30, and her husband Spencer, 33, married in 2009 and say they have wanted a baby for years.

Budding beauty: Made In Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue looked chic in a purple floral print midi dress

Clashing prints: Rosie toted a blue snakeskin print tote and rocked fuchsia barely there heels

Keeping fashionable company: Rosie's dress was similar in hue to that of Olivia Grant's lilac embroidered number

And it was all yellow: Former MIC star Oliver Proudlock matched his mustard-hued socks to his model girlfriend Emma Connolly's attire

Quirky styles: Emma rocked a yellow chiffon blouse and polka dot palazzo pants while Olivia Perry (R) wore a Bardot striped sundress

And although Stephanie is now happily ensconced with rugby hunk Ollie Lindsay, she admits he is baffled by her ex Joey Essex's publicly expressed hatred of her.

The TOWIE original recently joked about their relationship only lasting three months and critiqued the romance as not balanced.

Stephanie told the magazine: 'He hates me! I have no idea why he dislikes me so much but he did In Bed With Jamie [Laing] and said some rude things about me.

'We broke up over the phone when I was in LA and Ive not seen him since.

Double trouble: Hotel heiress Irene Forte looked chic in a white lace-trim dress as she cosied up to Francesco Ciardi

Monochrome maven: Hum Fleming looked chic in a black lace jumpsuit

Three's a crowd: Hum Fleming, Frankie Herbert and Olivia Grant posed sultrily together

Just horsing around: Olivia Perry, Oliver Proudlock, Emma Louise Connolly and Maddie Chesterman seemed to be having a whale of a time

Neigh bother! The guests larked around as they posed with a jockey and his horse

Suited and booted: Chery's ex partner Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini looked dapper in a navy two-piece

Glamour girls: Emma was joined by friend Maddie Chesterman at the bash

Floral fancy: Rosie matched her shoes to her dress but offset the pattern with her bag

Nice to meet you! Maddie and Emma got to meet the players afterwards

The sun is shining: The trio of attendees were enjoying the British sun
Last night Kourtney Kardashian attended the star studded premiere of Can't Stop Won't Stop with sister Kendall Jenner in Beverly Hills.

While most would dress down for a trip to the theater, the 37-year-old mom decided she'd let her inner bombshell shine at the movie debut.

At the screening, the eldest Kardashian wowed in a sexy shirt dress that revealed her tan chest and ample cleavage with a flirty fishnet bra under her slinky shirt dress.

Movie mama: Kourtney Kardashian made a sultry display on Wednesday night, letting a flirty fishnet bra peek from beneath a sexy shirt dress while attending the premiere of Can't Stop Won't Stop: The Bad Boy Story in Beverly Hills

Kourtney's bronze stems looked toned and thin as they peeked out from the thigh-skimming hem of her deconstructed shirt dress.

The sexy mother-of-three let her flirty frock slip off her shoulder to reveal a peek of her cleavage and a white fishnet bra.

The Armenian-American beauty cinched her dress with a riveted belt by Rockins which was previously sported by fellow California girl Gigi Hadid.

Woke up like this: The mother-of-three styled her hair in beachy waves while belting the look with a chic riveted piece by Rockins

Super squad! The KUWTK star posted a photo of her and her model sister hanging out with famous friends Tyler The Creator and Lil Yachty which she captioned 'movie night'

The ex of Scott Disick's raven tresses were styled in beachy waves, while her runway-ready sister's locks were slicked into a polished ponytail.

Later, the KUWTK star posted a photo of her and her model sister hanging out with famous friends Tyler The Creator and Lil Yachty.



In the snapshot, the social media starlets sit pretty in a lush blue theater seats while turning over their shoulders to face the camera next to the Odd Future ringleader and the Peek A Boo rapper.

A real Bad Boy: At the premiere's after party, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters posed with Ken Babyface Edmonds, who was an important part of the story of Bad Boy Records.

She captioned the post 'movie night' while adding the tag '#cantstopwontstop,' as a shoutout to the documentary about rap mogul Sean P Diddy Combs's Bad Boy Records.

The non-fiction flick promises 'a behind-the-scenes look at the prolific label's legacy' while 'offer[ing] an in-depth look at the two-night anniversary extravaganza that took place last May at Brooklyn's Barclays Center in honor of the late rap great, The Notorious B.I.G.'

Can't Stop Won't Stop premieres on Apple Music on June 25.
She's had her own unique sense of style since bursting on to the scene with Like A Virgin in 1984.

And on Wednesday night Madonna was spotted in an eye-catching frock at the after party for hip-hop doc Can't Stop Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story at the Beverly Hills home of Sean Combs, aka P Diddy.

The 58-year-old left sexy behind and opted for a white dress with a large pattern of different breeds of dogs.

Puppy love: Madonna wore a white dress with a large pattern of different breeds of dogs to the after party for hip-hop doc Can't Stop Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story on Wednesday

The pop icon teamed her poochy number with a black cardigan and black lace-up high heels with a cutout across the top of the foot.

Her long, blonde hair was styled to cascade over her shoulders in soft waves.

And she kept her make-up low-key using neutral colors around her eyes and a soft red on her lips.

Madonna smiled happily as she and a gal pal left the celebrity party together. Her daughter Lourdes, 20, was also at the bash but left separately.

Poochy cute: The 58-year-old chatted with a gal pal as she left the Beverley Hills home of Sean Combs, aka P. Diddy, who stars in the hip-hop doc and hosted the bash

Fur baby fashionista: There was no sign of her rumored new beau, 32-year-old Portuguese model Kevin Sampaio

There was no sign of her rumored new beau, 32-year-old Portuguese model Kevin Sampaio.

They first met when they shared a steamy kiss in the pop star's B**** Im Madonna video in 2015.

But they reportedly didn't hook up until Madonna's recent split from her boyfriend of two years, model Aboubakar Soumahoro, 26.

Meanwhile, aside from Lourdes, the Material Girl has her hands full with five more children.

Making her getaway: Her daughter Lourdes, 20, was also at the bash but left separately

She adopted four of her brood from Malawi: David Banda, 11, in 2006, Mercy James, 11, in 2009, and four-year-old twins Esther and Stella Mwale, whom she welcomed this year.

She shares biological daughter, Lourdes, with former partner Carlos Leon.

Madonna also has a son, Rocco, 16, who prefers to live with his father, her ex-husband, British director Guy Ritchie.
Buddy Valastro's mother Mary has passed away, after a long battle with ALS, aged 69.

The Cake Boss star made the sad announcement on Thursday with an Instagram of himself kissing Mary on the cheek.

'It's with an extremely heavy heart that I must share the news of my mother's passing. She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by the family,' Buddy, 40, wrote.

Sad news: Buddy Valastro is mourning the loss of his mother Mary after an eight-year long battle with ALS

'This is a difficult time for all of us and I do ask for your patience and respect while we let this sink in. Her battle with ALS has ended, she is no longer suffering and I hope she's dancing to 'I Will Survive' with my dad right now.'

After Mary was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease the TLC star launched the Mama Mary Foundation to raise money and awareness for those affected by ALS.

ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nervous system, progressively weakening muscles and impacting physical function.

Buddy's rep said Thursday that the family are 'crushed' at the loss, telling People: 'Mary's condition had been steadily worsening these past months, so it was not sudden but still extremely heartbreaking for the family.

'After eight years of fighting her battle with ALS, the family is relieved she is no longer suffering. Buddy and his sisters are absolutely crushed right now.'

In 2014 he participated in the hugely popular viral 'Ice Bucket Challenge' and opened up to People about the devastating disease.

Buddy, a New Jersey native, has a wife named Lisa and four children: Sofia, Marco, Carlo, Buddy Jr.

Memories: The 40-year-old shared family photos in honor of Father's Day over the weekend

'The worst part about ALS is that one day youre able to brush your teeth, then you'll never be able to brush your teeth again. One day you're able to walk  you're never going to walk again,' he said.

'I've seen the most independent, lively person that I've ever met in my life  I mean, she was just like a ball of energy  reduced to not being able to do anything for herself. And I think thats the part that kills her the most because she was the matriarch. She did so many things for everyone.'

Buddy is the owner and head baker of Carlo's Bakery - the bakery featured on Cake Boss - and now has 17 bakeries throughout the States.

He's a New Jersey native and has four children; Sofia, Marco, Carlo, Buddy Jr. with wife Lisa who he married in 2001.

Buddy is the owner and head baker of Carlo's Bakery - the bakery featured on Cake Boss - and now has 17 bakeries throughout the States
She often succumbs to fits of giggles on Good Morning Britain, and Susanna Reid was similarly animated as she watched her horse win at Royal Ascot.

The 47-year-old presenter initially hid her face in despair as the steed lagged behind during Ladies Day at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire on Thursday.

But the TV host's face soon lit up with glee as her equine choice galloped to victory - and she couldn't resist celebrating the win by punching the air in triumph.

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Neigh bother: Susanna Reid punched the air in triumph as she watched her horse win at Royal Ascot in Berkshire on Thursday

The presenter, who looked typically chic in a fuchsia midi dress and matching fascinator, couldn't hold back her emotions.

Watching the drama from the box with her Good Morning Britain co-host Piers Morgan and former TOWIE star Mark Wright, she seemed to be in great spirits.

As she watched her horse make its way round the famous racetrack, Susanna initially screwed up her features in horror.

Oh no! The 47-year-old presenter initially hid her face with both hands in despair as her steed lagged behind

Tense times: As she watched her horse make its way round the famous racetrack, Susanna initially screwed up her features in horror

Leaning against the very edge of the box's ledge, the brunette beauty clutched her hair as she yelled with despair.

But things soon took a dizzying upturn as her horse started to gallop ahead of its competitors.

Susanna clutched her ticket excitedly as she watched its progress with a expectant grin on her face - before rejoicing as the horse won.

Here we go! But things soon took a dizzying upturn as her horse started to gallop ahead of its competitors

That's the ticket! She later beamed with glee as her horse galloped to victory, while Mark Wright smiled behind her

It seems Mark and Piers couldn't help but get swept up in Susanna's effervescent enthusiasm and also laughed and clapped as they spectated.

Making the most of their day at the lavish racecourse, Mark later posted an Instagram snap of him and Piers smoking cigars.

He gushed in the caption: 'YOU WHAT !? ASCOT.... that man. What a day.'

'Good afternoon Britain!' Piers shared this sweet snap with his GMB co-host at the races

Boys: Making the most of their day at the lavish racecourse, Mark later posted an Instagram snap of him and Piers smoking cigars

The group outing comes a week after Piers Morgan, who cheekily mentioned that 'Susanna Morgan' had a ring to it before, announced Susanna as his wife on Good Morning Britain.

The British presenter, 52, cheered in delight as the clip to introduce them revealed: 'Welcome to Good Morgan Britain. With Piers Morgan and Susanna Morgan.'

The pair have been known for their flirty banter - which is usually fuelled by Piers.

And the outspoken host looked absolutely pleased as Susanna, 46, was introduced as his spouse - leaving her awkwardly reluctant.

Fellow presenters Charlotte Hawkins and weather girl Laura Tobin couldn't help but laugh at the announcement.

The Croydon born broadcaster looked absolutely mortified as a result, stating: 'And the takeover is complete.'
They are the stylish young children of high-profile PR queen Roxy Jacenko.

And Pixie and Hunter Curtis were all dressed up to greet their father Oliver Curtis upon his release from Cooma Correctional Centre on Friday after he served a one-year sentence for insider trading.

The adorable tots were clad in matching Burberry trench coats and Gucci items in the early morning hours, as they left their North Bondi apartment with their mother and headed out to fly in a private plane to a location near the jail.

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Chic: Pixie and Hunter Curtis were all dressed up to greet their father Oliver Curtis upon his release from Cooma Correctional Centre after serving a one-year sentence on Friday

Pixie, five, and Hunter, three, were coordinated their outerwear for the chilly winter morning, with matching children's trench coats from designer label Burberry.

The brand's Sandringham Heritage Trench Coat for children retails for over $1,295.

Pixie wore Toddler Leather Ballet Flats from Gucci on her tiny feet, which retail for $355, while Hunter had on a pair of the brand's Toddler Rubber Sneakers for $280.

Coordinated: Pixie, five, and Hunter, two, were coordinated their outerwear for the chilly winter morning, with matching children's trenchcoats from designer label Burberry

Adorable: They left their North Bondi apartment with their mother and headed out to fly in a private plane to a location near the jail

Under his mini-trench, Hunter donned a plain white t-shirt and blue Gucci cardigan which retails for $520.

Older sister pixie was dressed in an $810 Gucci dress and matching navy blue tights.

She wore her red hair in two neat buns, while her younger brother's blonde short cut was styled with a side part.

They accompanied their stylish mother, who wore $872 Gianvito Rossi Plexi two toned stilettos, $1499 J Brand leather trousers and an oversize black backless sweater.

Stylish: Pixie wore Toddler Leather Ballet Flats from Gucci on her tiny feet, which retail for $355, while Hunter had on a pair of the brand's Toddler Rubber Sneakers for $280

Expensive taste: Under his mini-trench, Hunter donned a plain white t-shirt and blue Gucci cardigan while his older sister was dressed in a Gucci dress and matching navy blue tights

Fashion-forward: Pixie wore her red hair in two neat buns, while her younger brother's blonde short cut was styled with a side part

The children and their mother were reunited with Oliver, a businessman who was convicted of insider trading, at Cooma airport.

Roxy booked a private jet to fly to the town, about an hour south of Canberra, and avoided the growing crowds outside the prison.

Pixie and Hunter believed their father was on business in China during his jail term, and Roxy said she has no intention to reveal the truth about their father's disappearance to them.
US actor George Clooney, seen in February 2017, co-founded the upscale tequila brand Casamigos

Diageo, the British maker of alcoholic drinks, said Wednesday it had agreed to buy Casamigos, an upscale tequila brand co-founded by Hollywood star George Clooney, in a deal worth up to $1 billion.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Diageo to strengthen its participation in the fast growing tequila category, as well as expand the brand internationally," the company said in a statement.

It called Casamigos the fastest-growing super-premium tequila brand in the United States.

Casamigos has won numerous awards since it was created in 2013 by Clooney and two friends, and sales have climbed fast.

The tequila has promoted itself as "made by friends for friends", and the founders plan to stay involved.

"Casamigos has always been brought to you by those who drink it and we look forward to continuing that, working alongside the expertise and global reach of Diageo," said Casamigos Tequila Co-founder Rande Gerber.

Diageo said the deal includes an initial consideration of $700 million and up to another $300 million depending on performance over 10 years.
Takata shares plummeted by more than 50 percent Thursday on fears the troubled airbag maker plans to file for bankruptcy

Takata shares suffered another hair-raising dive Thursday, plummeting by more than 50 percent on fears the troubled airbag maker is headed for bankruptcy and plans to sell its assets to a US company.

The Tokyo-based company at the centre of the global auto industry's biggest-ever safety recall has tumbled for four straight days and its stock is now worth less than a quarter of its value just a week ago.

The shares dropped by their maximum daily loss limit on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to 115 yen ($1.10), falling by more than 50 percent from its Wednesday close.

"The shares are going to keep falling because the only buyers are day traders hoping to lock in gains from fluctuations in the price," Hiroaki Hiwata, a strategist at Toyo Securities, told AFP.

The huge losses stem from a report last week by Japan's Nikkei business daily which said the company, with liabilities exceeding one trillion yen ($9 billion), would make a formal decision about the bankruptcy filing at a board meeting this month.

Some other media have made similar reports, saying Takata's automaker clients were supporting the bankruptcy plan.

On Wednesday, Jiji Press reported the airbag maker will file for bankruptcy protection on Monday, while other media suggested it could come as early as this week.

In response, Takata issued a brief statement Thursday that said "no decision of any kind has been made".

Takata shares were suspended from trading on Friday pending a response to the original Nikkei story and other reports.

Later that day Takata said that no decision had been made but "all options" were on the table.

American autoparts maker Key Safety Systems, owned by China's Ningbo Joyson Electronic, will take over the firm's operations, the Nikkei's report on Friday said.

The board of Takata's US-based unit TK Holdings is expected to approve a filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy there this month, it added.

Nearly 100 million cars, including about 70 million in the United States, were subject to the airbag recall, the largest in auto history, over the defective Takata airbags.

The defective safety devices have been blamed for at least 16 deaths and scores of injuries globally.

Takata has already agreed to pay a billion-dollar fine to settle lawsuits in the United States over its airbags.

The scandal has involved almost every major global automaker, including top client Honda, which has already written down huge costs linked to the faulty airbags.

The new company created under Key Safety would reportedly buy Takata's operations and continue supplying airbags, seat belts and other products.

The downsized Takata would remain responsible for recall-related liabilities, the Nikkei said.
On August 21, 2017, the Earth will cross the shadow of the moon, creating the first US coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in nearly 100 years

For the first time in almost a century the United States is preparing for a coast-to-coast solar eclipse, a rare celestial event millions of Americans, with caution, will be able to observe.

During the eclipse on August 21 -- the first of its kind since 1918 -- the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, casting a dark shadow and making visible the sun's normally obscured atmosphere, or solar corona, as well as bright stars and planets.

Observers will be able to see the moon's 70-mile (113-kilometer) wide shadow from Oregon in the west to South Carolina in the east over the course of more than two daylight hours, with two minutes of darkness engulfing 14 states.

Almost 12 million Americans live within this strip of the country, while some two-thirds of the nation's population reside within a day's car ride, said Martin Knopp of the Department of Transportation.

The US will be the only country to experience the total eclipse, and international visitors are expected to descend for the event.

Spacecraft, NASA aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons and astronauts aboard the International Space Station will capture images.

"Never before will a celestial event be viewed by so many and explored from so many vantage points -- from space, from the air, and from the ground," said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASAs Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

A total eclipse has not covered regions of the contiguous US since 1979. There will be another in 2024, which will cover regions of the country from Texas to Maine.

NASA will broadcast live video of the cosmic event, and watch parties are expected to be held in parks, libraries and stadiums nationwide.

The continental US outside of the total eclipse strip will experience a partial solar eclipse, according to Rick Fienberg, a spokesman for the American Astronomical Society.

NASA has strongly cautioned against directly looking with the naked eye at the sun outside of the total eclipse window.

The only method to safely observe a partially eclipsed sun is with eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, the US space agency said -- ordinary sunglasses are not enough.

And according to Fienberg, even a 99 percent partial eclipse is not nearly as awe-provoking as the total eclipse event.

"It's literally the difference between day and night," he said.

"Going through life without ever experiencing 'totality' is like going through life without ever falling in love."
Attorney Mike Mallen, at a hearing on Wednesday on the topic of short term vacation rentals, brought up the issue of a "safety zone" around schools. However, hosts said guests are thoroughly vetted and there are so many schools and day cares that the zone would eliminate many rental sites.

Eda Walldorf, who said she and her husband have security cameras and other checks at their rental in North Chattanooga, said, "I don't think it's fair that if you live within a certain distance from a school that you're obliterated."

Attorney Mallen, representing GPS, said sex offenders, prostitutes and other undesirables could turn up at the rentals and be a threat to the 600 young students at the school on Barton Avenue.

The City Council, which last year turned down a short term vacation rental ordinance, is set to vote on first reading on June 27 and second reading on July 11.

This ordinance sets up a district where the rentals are allowed - mainly downtown, North Chattanooga and the Southside.

Under the old plan, hosts had to get their properties zoned R-3 or R-4. Zoning is not involved in the new program.

City Attorney Wade Hinton said if the ordinance passes it will go into effect in October. There would be a signup period for obtaining certificates for owner-occupied rentals. For absentee rentals, a sign would be placed on the property and those living nearby would be notified. There would be a hearing before the City Council if a complaint is filed within a 30-day period.

There is a $75 application fee for owner occupied and $125 for absentee. The annual renewal fee is $50.

The city will contract with a vendor that will monitor activity on the various short term vacation rental sites such as airbnb and Home Away.

Existing hosts are also asked to get a certificate.

There was discussion about also allowing short-term vacation rentals by owners outside the district but who own sites of five acres or more.

Cynthia Stanley Cash, North Brainerd neighborhood leader, said, "I wouldn't want a Bonnaro in the neighborhood every weekend." Others said they had no problem as long as the owner lived at the location.

There will also be a 24/7 hotline on rental issues set up by the city.

Steps will be taken to make sure all the hosts are remitting sales tax and hotel/motel tax.
Angola's Vice President Manuel Domingos Vicente had been strongly tipped as a potential successor to President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos until news of the corruption scandal emerged

Angolan Vice President Manuel Vicente will face trial in Portugal over allegations he bribed a magistrate to drop two investigations against him, according to a Wednesday ruling cited in Portuguese media.

Vicente, who was the president of Angolan national oil company Sonangol at the time of the alleged crimes, is accused of bribery, money laundering and document falsification, the public prosecutor's office said, according to Portugal's main news agency Lusa.

Lisbon's trial court has also ordered former Portugese prosecutor Orlando Figueira, who was arrested in 2016, to be tried on suspicion of receiving money from Vicente.

Vicente has denied any involvement in the affair, saying shortly after Figueira's arrest that he had "absolutely nothing to do with any payment".

Until news of the corruption scandal emerged last year, the 61-year-old had been strongly tipped as a potential successor to President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, who has ruled Angola since 1979.

He was informed of the indictment in February through a letter addressed to authorities in Angola, an oil and diamond rich former Portuguese colony in southwestern Africa.

According to Portuguese media reports, Figueira received 760,000 euros ($800,000) to bury cases involving the Angolan leader.

He is accused of accepting bribes, document falsification, money laundering and breaching the confidentiality of an official investigation.

One of the investigations which Figueira allegedly dropped in exchange for cash centred on the origin of funds which Vicente used to buy a luxury apartment in a Lisbon suburb.

In 2012, attempts to investigate alleged money laundering and tax evasion by several Angolan officials in Portugal chilled relations between the two countries, which have strong economic ties.

Portugal is Angola's main source of imports and Portuguese companies are active in banking and construction in the vast African country.

Less than a week after the Angolan vice president was charged, Portuguese Justice Minister Francisca Van Dunem postponed a visit to Angola in February, "at Luanda's request".
Syrian residents of the rebel-held town of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus break their fast with the "iftar" meal on a heavily damaged street on June 18, 2017, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan

The scene in Syria's besieged rebel-held town of Douma is almost surreal -- tables laden with food to break the Ramadan fast are surrounded by the crumbling carcasses of bombed-out buildings.

The open-air meals are a rare treat in the town in the Eastern Ghouta region outside Damascus, made possible only by the relative calm that has followed an international deal to reduce violence.

In recent years, such communal "iftars" or fast-breaking meals have been organised rarely and always inside buildings that provided some protection from the constant threat of government bombardment.

But this Ramadan the meals are being held outside, on long tables covered in festive red cloth.

They are topped first with orange juice and dates ready for residents to break their day-long fast as soon as the sun sets and the call to prayer begins.

Main dishes quickly follow, filling the six tables that each seat around 40 people, with others in an overflow section on the street.

Open-air meals to break the Ramadan fast are a rare treat in rebel-held Douma outside Syria's capital, made possible only by relative calm that has followed an international deal to reduce violence

Bowls of fava beans topped with tomato, olive oil and parsley, and platters of peas in tomato stew with rice arrive among the offerings.

There is also locally produced yoghurt, as well as bowls of fresh apricots.

"After six years of war in Syria and in Ghouta in particular, we wanted to take advantage of the relative calm to bring people happiness," said Muayyed Muhieddine, a spokesman for the local Adalah (Justice) NGO organising the meals.

"We wanted to remind them of the time before the war, when the meals looked like marriage banquets," he told AFP.

- Relative calm -

In May, regime backers Russia and Iran, and rebel supporter Turkey, signed a deal to set up "deescalation zones" in several parts of Syria after fighting that has killed over 320,000 people.

Douma has been under siege since 2013 though residents have been able to cultivate food locally and other items are smuggled in

Though the zones have yet to be formally delineated and implemented, there has been a major reduction in violence in most of the areas included in the plan.

Among them is Douma, the largest city in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region outside Damascus and a regular target of heavy government bombardment.

The city has been under siege since 2013, though residents have been able to cultivate food locally and other items are smuggled in through tunnels and across checkpoints.

Adalah has held the communal iftars in recent years despite the siege and bombardment, but until now always inside, in mosques or underground, though even those locations have not always proved safe.

Last year, "we organised an iftar for 900 people in a mosque, but two mortars landed nearby," said Muhieddine.

This year, the relative calm encouraged the NGO to begin holding the meals outside, and so far it has organised six outdoor iftars.

The meals are prepared in a makeshift street kitchen largely hidden from view by a swathe of red-and-green striped cloth hung around three sides of the cooking stations from a metal frame, like curtains.

The head cook ladles food onto plastic plates that volunteer servers ferry out to the waiting diners.

- Reminder of 'the old days' -

"These meals remind us of the old days," said Abu Hashim Minyasa, as he waited to break his fast.

The fast-breaking meals provide a rare respite from the horrors of Syria's six-year war

Whenever someone passes by, they ask us what is happening and think we're celebrating a wedding."

"These meals are not just for one or two families. They bring together all the people of the neighbourhood and everyone sees each other and eats at one table."

The diners are however virtually all men and boys, with a few young girls there with relatives.

Adalah says it also prepares meals for women, but they are delivered to them to eat in their homes.

The NGO plans to organise four more such meals before Ramadan ends with the Eid holiday.

"We hope to organise these kinds of iftars in other towns in the Ghouta region," adds Muhieddine.

For residents, they provide a rare respite from the horrors of the country's six-year war, despite being set against the backdrop of the conflict's destruction.

"We feel safer, more relaxed with these meals, as though nothing had happened," said 29-year-old Marwan, despite the crumbling buildings around him.

"May God keep the bombing from returning."
Foxconn chairman Tery Guo says the company still intends to bid for Toshiba's memory chip unit despite the Japanese firm announcing it preferred another group of bidders

The head of Taiwan's tech giant Foxconn said Thursday its pursuit of Toshiba "is not yet over", a day after the Japanese firm announced it preferred another group of bidders to acquire its prized chip business.

Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, is controlled by billionaire Terry Gou and reportedly had Apple as a financial backer in its multi-billion dollar bid for Toshiba's memory chip unit, seen as crucial for the cash-strapped Japanese firm to turn itself around.

Toshiba said Wednesday it would hold exclusive talks with a consortium of US, South Korean and state-backed Japanese investors, dashing Gou's ambitions.

But the Foxconn chairman vowed to keep pursuing the acquisition, saying the Taiwanese firm still has a chance.

"The Toshiba case is not yet over. It is very similar to the Sharp deal," Gou told shareholders at an annual meeting in New Taipei City.

He was referring to his takeover last year of the Japanese electronics firm for $3.7 billion, a move he described as "really worth it."

Gou is known for his aggressive dealmaking prowess, shown by his dogged determination to acquire Sharp despite concerns over the Japanese firm's mounting losses.

"We still have a big chance," he said at Thursday's meeting of the Toshiba quest, adding there were still "a lot of variables".

The inclusion of Japanese investors in the selected bidding group by Toshiba will ease reported government concerns about losing a sensitive technology to foreign owners.

But a Foxconn official criticized Japanese authorities for taking a protectionist approach.

"There's no end to their corporate crisis if they are not able to open up," said Tai Jeng-wu, who took over as president of Sharp after Foxconn's buyout.

The Taiwanese firm is the world's largest contract electronics maker and is best-known for assembling products for international brands such as Apple and Sony.

Gou said earlier this year he was mulling a $7 billion investment to make flat panels in the United States in a joint project with Japan's Softbank.

He also said Foxconn aimed to increase investment in China this year to try to boost Sharp's market share in the country.
Otto Warmbier's funeral will be held at Wyoming High School -- located in the city of Wyoming, a suburb of Cincinnati -- from which he graduated in 2013

Otto Warmbier, the US college student imprisoned for more than a year by North Korea and sent back home in a coma that proved fatal, will be buried Thursday in his home state of Ohio.

Sentenced to hard labor for stealing a political poster from a North Korean hotel, the 22-year-old Warmbier was medically evacuated in a coma last week after nearly 18 months in captivity.

Suffering from severe brain damage, he died Monday in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. President Donald Trump slammed Warmbier's detention and eventual death as "a total disgrace."

Warmbier's funeral will be held at Wyoming High School -- located in the city of Wyoming, a suburb of Cincinnati -- from which he graduated in 2013. He will then be buried in Cincinnati's Oak Hill Cemetery.

Blue and white ribbons, the colors of the high school, were still tied to trees in the city of about 8,000 to show of support for Warmbier's family after Otto's recent return.

Warmbier's father Fred earlier told reporters that his son was lured to North Korea, as other US tourists have been, by tour groups run out of China.

"Otto's a young, thrill-seeking, great kid who was going to be in that part of the world for a college experience and said, 'Hey, I've heard some friends who have done this. I would like to do this.' So, we agreed to let him do that," Fred Warmbier said.

"They lure Americans, and then they take them hostage and then they do things to them, and that's what happened to my son," he added.

Warmbier was arrested as he was about to leave North Korea and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years of hard labor. Soon after his family heard nothing more about his fate

Then, just before he was to be medically evacuated, the North Korean regime revealed that Warmbier had been in a coma for much of his imprisonment.

- 'Warm, engaging, brilliant' -

Warmbier died Monday of severe brain damage, which doctors said was likely due to cardiopulmonary arrest.

Medical tests did not show what precipitated his injuries, but also found no evidence of the botulism infection that North Korea claimed was the cause of his coma.

The Hamilton County Coroner's office did not perform an autopsy at the request of the Warmbier family.

Warmbier's friends and relatives described him as a bright young man beloved in his community.

"He just lived life with such a zest and a passion that I haven't really ever experienced in somebody before," Warmbier's childhood friend Chris Colloton told the Cincinnati Inquirer newspaper.

"He was the best guy I knew. I still know him - I'm just going to miss him so much," the 22-year-old said.

In a statement announcing his death, Warmbier's family described him as "a warm, engaging, brilliant young man whose curiosity and enthusiasm for life knew no bounds."

"You can tell from the outpouring of emotion from the communities that he touched -- Wyoming, Ohio and the University of Virginia to name just two -- that the love for Otto went well beyond his immediate family," the statement said.

Following Warmbier's death, the tour group that arranged his trip said it would no longer take Americans to North Korea.

"Now, the assessment of risk for Americans visiting North Korea has become too high," said the China-based Young Pioneer Tours.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that Washington holds North Korea "accountable" for Warmbier's fate, and demanded the release of three other Americans held by the reclusive regime.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang is running out.

"To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.
Tens of thousands of Indian migrants travel home from Doha for the religious holiday every year, but many have been struggling to book tickets since three Gulf states barred Qatar's national carrier from using their airspace earlier this month

India has asked two domestic carriers to run extra flights to Doha ahead of the Eid holiday to help citizens stranded there following an embargo imposed on Qatar Airways.

Tens of thousands of Indian migrants travel home from Doha for the religious holiday every year, but many have been struggling to book tickets since three Gulf states barred Qatar's national carrier from using their airspace earlier this month.

India's civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said the government had asked state-owned Air India and commercial carrier Jet Airways to run extra flights to and from Doha between June 22 and July 8.

"We'll operate additional flights... for our citizens not able to get tickets at Doha," Raju wrote on Twitter, adding he was liaising with India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

"All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured."

A senior Indian foreign ministry official told AFP that extra commercial flights were being run to "facilitate movement of those who wish to travel to India but cannot do that via Qatar's neighbouring countries".

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced a severing of ties with Qatar over Doha's alleged support for extremist groups and Iran.

Qatar denies all the allegations.

The diplomatic rift closed airspace over the three Gulf states to airlines from Qatar or registered there, disrupting normal routes.
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Mahmud Abbas, head of the secular Fatah movement that rules the occupied West Bank, was trying to increase tensions by cutting payments for electricity and other services in Gaza

Israel's defence minister on Thursday accused Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas of trying to spark a fresh conflict between the Jewish state and Abbas's longtime rivals Hamas.

Avigdor Lieberman said Abbas, head of the secular Fatah movement that rules the occupied West Bank, was trying to increase tensions by cutting payments for electricity and other services in Gaza.

"Abu Mazen didn't make a one-time cut," Lieberman told the annual Herzilya security conference near Tel Aviv, referring to Abbas by his nickname.

"His intention is actually to continue cuts and in a few months to stop paying for fuel, medicines, salaries and many other things."

"In my opinion the strategy is to hurt Hamas and also to drag Hamas into a conflict with Israel," he said.

Islamists Hamas seized Gaza from Fatah in 2007 and the two Palestinian factions have had hostile relations since.

The Abbas-led Palestinian Authority had nonetheless continued to pay for electricity and some other services in Gaza.

Abbas recently announced the PA would no longer pay Israel to supply electricity to Gaza, prompting Israel to stop deliveries this week.

The move threatened to leave the two million Gazans with as little as two hours of power a day, prompting warnings of risks of Hamas retaliation.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in Gaza since 2008, most recently in 2014.
North Korea has a small nuclear arsenal and is developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that threaten Japan and South Korea

A Japanese governor has retracted his call for North Koreans to be "starved to death" if Pyongyang were to target his region with atomic weapons, a local official said Thursday.

Masanori Tanimoto, the head of Ishikawa prefecture, walked back on a suggestion that food supplies to the nuclear-armed North should be cut off it were to lob a missile at a civilian atomic power plant in his region in central Japan.

Tanimoto made the comment during a town hall meeting Wednesday.

"The governor retracted his remark today," an Ishikawa government spokesman told AFP.

"He told reporters that we should respect human lives," he added, referring to Tanimoto.

Chronic food shortages and malnutrition are widespread in North Korea, according to the UN.

The country has also periodically been hit by famine, and hundreds of thousands of people died -- estimates range into the millions -- in the mid-1990s.

Tanimoto insisted however that efforts to bring about regime change in North Korea must be "effective".

"We need to help create a situation where the regime would collapse from within even though such a situation may impact the people of North Korea," he said Thursday, according to Kyodo News agency.

Municipalities across Japan have been conducting evacuation drills in response to a possible North Korean attack.

Despite international condemnation and sanctions, North Korea has a small nuclear arsenal and is developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that threaten Japan and South Korea -- and one day could even hit some US cities.

The North has previously launched missiles that have fallen provocatively close to Japan.
A civilian was killed and several wounded Thursday in Indian-administered Kashmir when security forces opened fire on a crowd gathered for the funeral of three rebels slain overnight in clashes with soldiers, police said.

Thousands of villagers poured onto the streets for the funeral, chanting slogans against Indian rule and pelting stones at soldiers who responded with bullets and pellet fire, a police officer said.

S. P. Vaid, director general of police for the territory, confirmed a protester was killed in the exchange.

Thousands of villagers poured onto the streets of Kashmir for the funeral of three rebels who were killed overnight in clashes with soldiers

Another police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least a dozen others were injured by pellets fired by government forces to disperse the angry crowd.

On Wednesday night soldiers and counter-insurgency police surrounded a residential area where they suspected armed militants were hiding out, triggering a fierce exchange of fire.

Scores of residents then emerged from their homes to pelt stones at the soldiers in a bid to help the militants escape, a police officer said.

A tear gas shell fired by an Indian policeman explodes behind Kashmiri protesters during a protest in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir (file pic)

'Three terrorists were killed and three weapons recovered from the site,' army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said earlier Thursday.

Witnesses said the army blew up the house where the militants were hiding in Kakapora, around 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of the main city of Srinagar.

One soldier was also injured in the gun battle, police said.

An Indian paramilitary soldier uses a sling to shoot glass marbles at Kashmiri protesters (file pic)

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 and both claim the territory in its entirety.

Rebel groups have for decades fought the roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Officials say dozens of young people have joined the rebels since last July, when the killing of a popular rebel commander by security forces sparked months of deadly anti-India protests.

Rebel attacks on government forces have increased since then while the army has also intensified counter-insurgency operations.
The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001

A powerful car bomb Thursday struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city when civilian and military government employees were queueing to withdraw their salaries, causing multiple casualties, officials said.

At least 50 wounded people were rushed to hospital, government spokesman Omar Zwak told AFP, with another official warning of multiple fatalities.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest in a series of brazen attacks during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their annual spring offensive.

The insurgents control large swathes of Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital.

"Around 12 noon a car bomb exploded at the entrance of New Kabul Bank," Salam Afghan, police spokesman in the city, told AFP.

"It happened at a time when civilians and officials had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries."

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces, who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Iran's Zagros Airlines which flies domestic routes, signed a memorandum of understanding to pick up 20 planes of the A320neo family, and eight of the A330neo type, Airbus said in a statement

Iranian carriers Iran Airtour and Zagros Airlines have agreed to buy a combined 73 planes from Airbus, the European aircraft maker said on Thursday at the Paris Air Show.

Following the end of international sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme, Iranian airlines are back in the market, seeking to upgrade their ageing fleets and expand their networks.

Iran Airtour Airlines, which runs domestic and regional scheduled services, signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 45 aircraft of the single-aisle A320neo family, Airbus said in a statement.

Airbus said separately that Zagros, which flies domestic routes in Iran, had signed a memorandum of understanding to pick up 20 planes of the A320neo family, and eight of the A330neo type.

Zagros is already the largest operator of Airbus single-aisle aircraft in Iran with 11 A320ceo planes, it said.

Like Airtour, Zagros will use the new planes to upgrade its fleet and expand operations both at home and internationally, Zagros CEO Seyed Abdolreza Mousavi was quoted in the statement as saying.

Both deals still need a number of authorisations before being confirmed, notably from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a US Treasury Department body that administers and enforces American sanctions against foreign countries.

Several international sanctions against Iran were lifted following a nuclear deal with Tehran in July 2015, including those banning the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran.

According to estimates from the Iranian civil aviation authority, the country's airlines will need to purchase between 400 and 500 new planes over the next decade.
The Greeneville and Hixson Post Offices will hold Passport Fairs this Saturday for customers with international travel plans. No appointments are necessary. Fairs serve customers on a first-come, first-served basis.



Officials said if youre planning to travel abroad, be aware:



 It may take six weeks for first-time passport applicants or for renewals. You can check the Department of State website under Travel for updated information on processing time.



 Applicants 15 & under must be present with both parents to apply. If only one parent is present, they must provide a notarized DS-3053 from the other parent. Children ages 16 & 17 require only one parent be present.

 Check the expiration date on your U.S. passport. Many countries require that your passport has as much as six months validity remaining for entry.



 If you are traveling independently, be aware many countries require a travel visa to enter the country. Information about travel visas is also available on the State Department website. If you are part of a travel group, the organizer often takes care of this requirement.

Information for the Saturday, June 24 Passport Fairs:

POST OFFICE ADDRESS ZIP PASSPORT FAIR TIME Greeneville 220 W Summer St 37743 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hixson 302 Northgate Mall Rd 37343 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Customers have the option of applying for a passport book (good for all international travel) or the passport card (good only for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda).





Passport fees:

Adults (Age 16 Years and Older) Minors (Under Age 16) Passport Card $30 $15 Passport Book $110 $80 Passport Card and Book $140 $95

These fees must be paid with a personal check or money order. In addition to the costs listed above, there is a $25 processing/acceptance fee and a $15 fee for photos, which can be paid for by cash, personal check, debit and credit cards, or money order. Passport photo services are available at the Greeneville and Hixson fairs.



Travelers are encouraged to apply for a passport several months before they are scheduled to travel overseas. Again, the average time for passport applications and renewals is six weeks. However, for an additional fee, the State Department will expedite the application and process it within three weeks.



To apply for a passport, travelers need to complete Passport Application Form DS-11 (unsigned) and provide one of the following: a U.S. birth certificate from the Department of Vital Statistics (not a certificate of birth) or naturalization papers. Applicants must also show either a valid drivers license, a previous or current U.S. passport book or card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, military I.D., or a federal, state, or municipal government employee I.D. card. Applicants 15 and under must be present with both parents unless consent is given; ages 16 and 17 require only one parent be present.

For more information about passport application requirements and to download forms, visit the State Departments travel website at www.travel.state.gov.


Turkey has already sent over 100 planes with food and other aid for Qatar but this is the first time a cargo ship has embarked on the voyage to Doha

Turkey on Thursday sent a first ship loaded with aid for its embattled regional ally Qatar, which has been hit by sanctions from Gulf powers led by Saudi Arabia, state media said.

Almost two dozen Turkish troops also arrived in Qatar as Ankara ramps up military support for Doha, even as it tries not to irritate Riyadh.

Turkey has already sent over 100 planes with food and other aid for Qatar, but this is the first time a cargo ship has embarked on the voyage to Doha.

The ship left the Aegean port of Aliaga in Izmir province with around 4,000 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs on board, the Anadolu news agency said. It should arrive in 10 days.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting "terrorism" and leaving Doha economically and politically isolated.

But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately vowed to support Qatar and vehemently rejected the accusations -- already strongly denied by Doha -- that Qatar supports terrorism.

Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said Wednesday that Turkey had already sent 105 cargo flights to Qatar loaded with aid to help the country through the crisis.

A bill was also fast-tracked through the Turkish parliament this month allowing Ankara to send up to several thousand troops to a base in Qatar.

A contingent of 23 soldiers and five armoured vehicles arrived in Qatar on Thursday, the Turkish army said in a statement.

The Hurriyet daily said that there were now 113 Turkish soldiers in Qatar, while adding that the armoured vehicles did not include tanks.

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 relations with the key regional power Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made a tour of Gulf capitals last week, including Riyadh and Doha, in the hope of finding a solution but his visit appeared not to bear any fruit.

Ankara has stopped short of directly criticising Saudi Arabia's actions, merely calling on Riyadh to take a lead role in solving the crisis.

In a sign of the importance of the relations with Riyadh, Erdogan held phone talks late Wednesday with Saudi King Salman after the sudden appointment of his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince in place of Mohammed bin Nayef.

Erdogan also spoke with Mohammed bin Salman himself and offered his congratulations over the move, Anadolu said.

Both sides expressed a commitment to further strengthening relations between Ankara and Riyadh and to "step up efforts" to end the tensions concerning Qatar, it added.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey had been damaged by Riyadh's role in the 2013 ousting of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, a close ally of Ankara.

But ties thawed considerably after the accession of Salman to the throne in 2015, with the king warmly welcomed on visits to Turkey.
Sixty wounded people were rushed to hospital after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

At least 34 people were killed Thursday when a Taliban car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

Afghanistan attack

"At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in today's bombing," the provincial government said in a statement.

This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

Intense fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

No group has claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America is still "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Iran began exporting food to Qatar days after an unprecedented Gulf crisis erupted, leaving the emirate without the land transport links it relies on to import food

Iran is shipping more than 1,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables to Qatar every day after Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia cut relations with Doha, Fars news agency reported Thursday.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain are among several countries which announced on June 5 the suspension of all ties to Qatar over what they say is its support for extremist groups and its political proximity to Iran.

Qatar denies the allegations.

Iran, an arch-rival of Saudi Arabia, began exporting food to Qatar days later as the unprecedented Gulf crisis left the isolated emirate without the land transport links it usually relies on to import food.

Mohammad Mehdi Bonchari, director of ports in Iran's Boushehr province, said Tehran was shipping 1,100 tonnes of food each day to Qatar, Fars reported.

Iran has also flown food to the emirate.

On June 11, Iran's national airline told AFP that it had sent five planes of vegetables to Qatar.

On the same day Fars quoted the head of Iran's cattle exporting association as saying 66 tonnes of beef had been exported to Qatar, with another 90 tonnes of beef expected to follow.

Qatar's air lines have been forced to re-route some of their flights to go over Iran to avoid the newly banned skies over Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain.

That has increased traffic in Iranian air space by 17 percent, the official state news agency has reported.

Iran has urged Qatar and Gulf neighbours to engage in dialogue to resolve their dispute.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for a permanent mechanism in the Gulf to resolve crises like the blockade against Qatar.
US President Donald Trump meets Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, named crown prince on Wednesday, in Washington, DC on March 14, 2017

Closer ties between Saudi Arabia and US President Donald Trump's administration helped pave the way for a succession shake-up making a 31-year-old prince the kingdom's de facto ruler, analysts say.

On Wednesday King Salman, 81, named his son Mohammed bin Salman crown prince and heir to the throne after firing Mohammed bin Nayef, whose counter-terrorism expertise had made him a favourite of previous American administrations.

Over the past two years Mohammed bin Salman accumulated vast powers at the expense of Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, a veteran law enforcer who served as both crown prince and interior minister.

Mohammed bin Salman chipped away at his authority but Mohammed bin Nayef's popularity with the previous US administration of Barack Obama had prevented his ouster, said Stephane Lacroix, associate professor at Sciences Po university in Paris.

"This all changed when Trump came to power," he said.

After assuming office in January, Trump made it clear that his Middle East partners are Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Egyptian president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Lacroix said.

Riyadh welcomed Trump's more aggressive attitude towards its rival Iran, which Saudi Arabia accuses of interference throughout the region.

Mohammed bin Salman was an early visitor to Washington, where he met Trump in March before the president last month made the first overseas trip of his presidency to Saudi Arabia.

Trump received a royal welcome from Mohammed bin Salman and others.

In a speech, the president urged Muslim leaders assembled in Riyadh from around the world to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists".

He singled out Iran as a culprit.

Trump's approach emboldened Mohammed bin Salman and the Abu Dhabi crown prince who seized the chance this month to cut ties with their Gulf neighbour Qatar, analysts and diplomats said.

They accused Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia on the Qatar crisis.

- 'Deep instability' -

With his Trump connection established, Mohammed bin Salman "knew that the US wouldn't mind him sidelining MBN," Lacroix said, referring to the ex-crown prince by his initials.

"I think the Trump factor matters tremendously," he said.

On Wednesday Trump telephoned the new Saudi crown prince to congratulate him on his appointment.

Frederic Wehrey, of the Middle East Programme at Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said "a lot of signalling" from Washington -- including a more activist regional foreign policy -- influenced the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.

"I think that matters," Wehrey said.

The Saudis were not "waiting for a nod from the (United) States" but the warming of relations played a role alongside domestic Saudi factors, he said.

By making Mohammed bin Salman "de facto ruler" heading the kingdom's most important portfolios, King Salman created "a solid foundation" for his son's policies, said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at King's College London.

It signals to Washington that the kingdom is committed to reform "and is the most important partner for the Trump administration" against both Iran and Islamic State group jihadists, Krieg said.

His appointment "is purely about demonstrating a degree of certainty in times of uncertainty," Krieg added.

Mohammed bin Salman must also have "full support" from Saudi royals as pressure mounts from a series of challenges, he said.

These include the relations with Qatar, a military intervention that has continued for more than two years in Yemen, an economy adjusting to the loss of oil revenue, and attempts at social reform in a deeply conservative Islamic nation.

Lacroix said that among the thousands-strong royal family there does not seem to be much opposition to Mohammed bin Salman's appointment, which has concentrated power in one man.

"This is a very new thing... the Saudi regime was always built upon a balance of power between different actors, different factions," he said.

"This is the most autocratic version of the Saudi regime we've seen until now."

With the Saudi royal succession "a done deal," the real issue is how to create the best possible working relationship between the White House and the Saudi royals "at a time of really deep instability and trouble" in the Middle East, said Anthony Cordesman of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
The Mai-Mai is a "self-defence" militia made up of members from DR Congo's Nande, Hunde and Kobo communities as well as rivals from the Nyaturu, who represent ethnic Hutus

Clashes between militants and government troops on Thursday left 16 dead in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the army said.

The fighting erupted in the eastern suburbs of Beni, a city in the troubled North-Kivu province, with residents hearing gunshots and heavy weapons fire.

The province has been plagued by regular flare-ups of ethnic bloodshed, which over the past year has seen a cycle of attacks and reprisal raids between militias.

"The provisional toll is 13 Mai-Mai militants killed, plus six wounded and three dead on the side of the FARDC (the Congolese army)," lieutenant Jules Tshikudi, an army spokesman in the region, told AFP.

"Calm has returned to the city," he added.

The UN mission in DR Congo known as MONUSCO, which says it has deployed peacekeepers to the region, gave a death toll of "nine Mai-Mai killed", spokesman captain Adil Asserhir told AFP, while confirming that the militants have been driven from Beni.

A local civil society leader Gilbert Kambale however warned that "the Mai-Mai are unpredictable" and for city residents it could be "a nightmarish night after the trauma of the attacks."

The army said the confrontation started with an early-morning attack on two of its positions east of the city, claiming the gunmen were from the Mai-Mai militia.

- School hit -

The clashes then moved to the centre of the city, which is home to some 800,000 people, and a shell slammed into a nearby school where teenagers were sitting state exams, wounding a teacher, an examiner and an intelligence officer, the school's headmaster said.

John Mangaiko, who says he's a spokesman for the militants, blamed the army for starting the violence by bombing the group's positions at daybreak. He also blamed the military for damaging the school.

The fighters "pursued the FARDC, but then retreated near the end of the day," he told AFP of the clashes.

He also said the group did not define itself as part of the Mai-Mai, which is a "self-defence" militia comprising members of the Nande, Hunde and Kobo communities as well as rivals from the Nyaturu, who are ethnic Hutus.

Last weekend, troops clashed with suspected Mai-Mai gunmen just south of Beni in a confrontation that killed a soldier and 12 militants.

UN peacekeepers were also ambushed by presumed Mai-Mai gunmen, killing five of them.

- Prison escapees -

The army said some of those involved in both the weekend clashes and Thursday's fighting had escaped during a mass jail break on June 11 when more than 930 inmates fled Beni's Kangwayi prison.

Map of eastern DR Congo locating the city of Beni

Speaking to AFP, the city's police chief characterised Thursday's fighting as a new attempt to free prisoners.

"The attackers tried to free prisoners being held at police headquarters, at the military prosecutor's office and at Beni women's prison," Safari Kazingufu said, indicating that they had been repelled from all three sites.

For more than 20 years, eastern DR Congo has been rocked by conflict waged by both domestic and foreign-armed groups and fuelled by the struggle for control of lucrative mineral resources as well as by ethnic and property disputes.
Pallbearers carry the remains of Otto Warmbier out of Wyoming High School in Wyoming, Ohio, following the funeral for the 22-year-old US student who died after being held in North Korea

Hundreds of mourners turned out Thursday to pay final respects to Otto Warmbier, the US student imprisoned for more than a year by North Korea and sent back home in a coma that proved fatal.

The 800-capacity auditorium at Warmbier's high school in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming was packed to capacity, as were overflow rooms set up to accommodate additional mourners.

Nearby streets were adorned with blue and white ribbons as a show of support.

Still more lined roads in Wyoming, a small town of 8,000 residents, and in Cincinnati, where the 22-year-old was laid to rest. Some waved American flags while others held up signs with supportive messages.

Sentenced to hard labor early last year for stealing a political poster from a North Korean hotel, Warmbier was medically evacuated to the United States in a coma last week after nearly 18 months in captivity.

Doctors said Warmbier had suffered severe brain damage while in North Korea, and he died Monday at a Cincinnati hospital.

President Donald Trump slammed Warmbier's detention and eventual death as "a total disgrace."

"This process has been a window into both evil, and love and good," one of Ohio's two US senators, Rob Portman, told reporters before the funeral, which was closed to the media.

"Today we're seeing the good, and the love that will be expressed through this outpouring of support for Otto and his family."

- 'Window' into good and evil -

Blue and white ribbons were tied around trees in Otto Warmbier's hometown of Wyoming, Ohio as a sign of respect and remembrance

A long line of mourners formed in the early hours of the morning for Warmbier's funeral, held at the high school from which he graduated in 2013.

"This is our season finale. This is the end of one great show, but just the beginning to hundreds of new spin-offs," read a quote from Warmbier's graduation speech included in the program.

The service, which lasted about an hour, concluded with Warmbier's casket being carried out as a bag-piper played the spiritual "Going Home."

- 'Appalling' treatment by North Korea -

Warmbier's treatment by the reclusive North Korean regime sparked strong condemnation in Washington, and inflamed already high tensions stoked by Pyongyang's atomic tests and missile launches.

Trump denounced the "brutal regime" of Kim Jong-Un, and Portman called it "appalling."

"He never should have been detained in the first place," Portman said Thursday. "The North Koreans need to be held to account for that."

On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang was running out.

"To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility toward any human being," Mattis said.
Suicide bombings in Somalia are commonly carried out by Shabaab jihadists who have threatened a "vicious war" against the new government

Five people were killed and 10 were wounded Thursday when a car packed with explosives rammed into the wall of a police station in southern Mogadishu, the security ministry said.

"The blast was caused by a car loaded with explosives, five people were killed and 10 others wounded," Ahmed Mohamud Mohamed, Somalia's internal security ministry spokesman told reporters.

The attack was claimed by al-Qaeda linked Shabaab Islamists, according to a statement carried by the SITE intelligence agency.

Police officer Abdukadir Moalim said a suicide bomber had driven the car into the outer wall of the Waberi police station, killing mostly civilians.

Witnesses said the blast led to panic on the capital's busiest road, which runs alongside the police station.

"The road was congested when the blast occurred and I saw confusion as vehicles reversed, there was destruction and smoke," said witness Abdikarim Muktar.

Security forces cordoned off the road after the blast, and the wounded were being evacuated, another witness, Ali Yusuf, told AFP.

The attack comes just two days after the Shabaab drove an explosives-laden minibus into local government offices in Mogadishu, killing 10 and wounding nine.

Last Thursday, at least 18 people were killed when six Shabaab militants launched a strike on two neighbouring restaurants in Mogadishu.

The Shabaab group, which wants to impose a Taliban-style rule on Somalia, has been fighting for the last decade to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu.

It has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda, both contributors to a 22,000-strong African Union force in the country.

Although pushed out of the capital in 2011, the group still controls parts of the countryside and launches regular suicide bombings and raids in the capital against civilian, government and military targets.
People stand behind makeshift bars wearing masks of Thai human rights activist Jatupat "Pai" Boonpattararaksa, who was arrested in early December 2016 and charged with lese majeste for sharing a BBC Thai profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn

Anti-junta activists staged a rare protest in Thailand on Thursday demanding the release of a prominent student leader who was detained for sharing a news story about the kingdom's new monarch on Facebook.

Jatupat "Pai" Boonpatararaksa, 25, was arrested six months ago for sharing a profile of King Maha Vajiralongkorn written by the BBC's Thai-language service in London on his Facebook page.

Criticising the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per count in Thailand, where the law is broadly interpreted and ferociously enforced.

Some 120 people have fallen foul of the law since an ultra-royalist junta seized power in 2014 but Pai was the first to be detained under the new king's reign.

Around a dozen protesters, some wearing face masks of the detained student, held a brief rally on a pedestrian bridge in downtown Bangkok on Thursday evening.

Police allowed the protest to go ahead, a rarity in the military-run nation where public displays of dissent are often quickly quashed.

Protester Kornkanok Khunta, a political science student at Thammasat University, said supporters believed Pai was targeted because he was openly critical of the military.

"Two thousand people shared this news (profile) but only he got arrested," she told AFP. "Pai is a hero, he is someone who inspired people."

Supporters later read out messages behind bamboo poles strung together to symbolise a jail cell as plainclothes police filmed and bemused tourists looked on.

Pai hails from Thailand's northeast, a poor and rural region where anti-military sentiment runs high.

He led a group of local students opposed to junta rule.

Since his arrest he has been denied bail in a series of secret court hearings while his plight has become a rallying cry for democracy activists and he has won a prominent South Korean human rights award.

Earlier this month the United Nation's rights body released a fresh statement condemning Thailand's use of lese majeste.

The statement noted that the conviction rate under the law had gone from 75 percent before the coup to 96 percent last year.

Many of those jailed have been handed sentences as long as 30 years, often for comments made on Facebook.

Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne after the October death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for seven decades.

He has yet to attain his father's widespread popularity.

Debate about the monarchy's role inside Thailand is all but impossible and media must heavily self-censor when reporting on the royals.
Qatar Airways has notified American Airlines it wants to buy about a 10 percent stake in the US carrier, which confirmed the move in a securities filing

Qatar Airways, its Middle Eastern business pressured by a diplomatic row with neighbors, is seeking as much as a 10 percent stake in American Airlines, the US carrier said Thursday.

The surprise investment push by Qatar Airways was disclosed by American Airlines in a securities filing Thursday saying the Qatari company planned to buy at least $808 million in American shares.

In addition, Qatar Airways' chief executive told his counterpart at American that the carrier sought a stake of about 10 percent.

"The proposed investment by Qatar Airways was not solicited by American Airlines and would in no way change the Company's Board composition, governance, management or strategic direction," American said in the filing.

American's bylaws require board approval to stakes of 4.75 percent or more. Qatar Airways said it would not exceed this level without board approval and would "make all necessary regulatory filings" when required.

"Qatar Airways sees a strong investment opportunity in American Airlines," the company said in a statement.

"Qatar Airways believes in American Airlines' fundamentals and intends to build a passive position in the company with no involvement in management, operations or governance."

The move comes as Qatar faces conflict with neighboring countries after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed ties over Doha's alleged support for extremist groups and Iran. The countries have suspended all flights to and from Qatar.

Qatar's government denies all the allegations.

Qatar Airways has downplayed the impact of the dispute on its business, saying on June 14 that the "vast majority" of its network was unaffected. But analysts have warned the profitable carrier could take a hit should the diplomatic crisis drag out.

At the Paris Air Show this week, Qatar Airways was named the world's top airline for passenger service by Skytrax, a closely-watched industry prize.

Akbar al-Baker, the outspoken chief executive of Qatar Airways, used the occasion to blast Qatar's rivals in the region.

"At these difficult times of illegal bans on flights out of my country by big bullies, this is an award not to me, not to my airline, but to my country," he said.

- 'Open skies' controversy -

American also has had its differences with Qatar Airways, among other Middle Eastern carriers, over state subsidies the US air travel industry says violate international agreements.

American chief executive Doug Parker has joined an effort with the leaders of Delta Air Lines and United Airlines to urge a crackdown by President Donald Trump on an alleged $50 billion in state subsidies to Qatar Airways and two other state-backed Middle East carriers that they argue allows those carriers to illegally compete in the US market.

The Qatar stake in American "does not alter American Airlines' conviction on the need to enforce the Open Skies agreements with the United Arab Emirates and the nation of Qatar and ensure fair competition with Gulf carriers, including Qatar Airways," American said in the filing.

"American Airlines continues to believe that the President and his administration will stand up to foreign governments to end massive carrier subsidies that threaten the US aviation industry and that threaten American jobs."

Qatar Airways already holds stakes in other foreign carriers, including a large holding in International Consolidated Airlines Group, the parent of British Airways.

Shares of American Airlines jumped 1.7 percent to $49.24 in mid-morning trading.
Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav was arrested in the southwestern province of Balochistan last year and Pakistani officials claim he has confessed to spying for Indian intelligence services

An Indian national facing execution after being convicted of spying in Pakistan has sought clemency from the country's army chief, the Pakistani military said in a statement Thursday.

Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav was arrested in the southwestern province of Balochistan last year and Pakistani officials claim he has confessed to spying for Indian intelligence services. He was found guilty in a closed hearing in April.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the statement said.

But India has maintained Jadhav is not a spy, and that he was kidnapped by Pakistan. It lodged a case against Islamabad in the International Court of Justice (ICTJ) in The Hague last month.

New Delhi has accused Islamabad of violating the Vienna Convention by denying him consular access to Indian officials.

The ICTJ has since ordered Pakistan to stay the execution until the UN court passes final judgement in the case.

The nuclear arch-rivals routinely accuse one another of sending spies into their countries, and it is not uncommon for either nation to expel diplomats accused of espionage, particularly at times of high tension.

However death sentences have rarely been issued in such cases in recent years.

In 2013 an Indian national on death row for spying in Pakistan was killed in jail after being attacked by fellow inmates. Sarabjit Singh had been on death row for 16 years.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least developed province, has been battling a years-long separatist insurgency that the army has repeatedly characterised as "terrorism" promoted by hostile states such as India.
Nate Wilson and Matt Schubert with Chattanooga Cycleboats were filming with Brent Thompson and Erik Baker on June 10 for their upcoming travel show, Moving Mountains Roadshow. The cycleboat co-captains were showing the film crew the diversity of the activities aboard the party boat by trolling a couple of fishing lines. Suddenly one of the lines caught a snag that required turning the boat around and heading back up river.

Anxiously trying to save a pretty expensive lure, they managed to break the snag free and real in the line. I could tell there was debris still attached to the lure, said Captain Matt. I honestly thought it was stick that broke free from the bottom. I never imagined it was a keepsake.

Soon what broke the surface of the Tennessee River was a burgundy colored Olympus camera, covered in plant growth and mussels. I knew immediately the camera was not lost recently for a couple of reasons, Captain Nate speculated. Most people these days use their phone for shooting pictures and the growth around the camera body. Captain Nate knew immediately that this was going to be a fun investigation.

Being a hobby photographer and having three small children, Ive put some memory cards through the ringer, the washer and dryer being the most surprising. When Captain Matt pulled that camera out of the river by the wrist strap the first thing I said was Guys that memory card is going to work and we are going to find the owner! I was pretty anxious and excited.

Captain Nate tried opening the side door to the camera the way it was designed but the grit, algae and mussels had it sealed up tight. He retrieved a screw driver and went to work. Soon the outer shell of the camera was easily breaking away from the camera center and out popped a perfectly clean, new looking SanDisk 8 GB SD memory card. I couldnt wait to get it home, but had a long Saturday and Riverbend to finish out, said Captain Nate. Captain Nate didnt get home until 1:30 a.m. Sunday but couldnt wait to investigate the contents of the memory card. What he found when he plugged the card into his computer was a couple hundred pictures and videos of a man exploring trails and deserts somewhere in the American Southwest, a beach vacation with adults and a child and a paddleboarding trip around Maclellan Island in Chattanooga with the unmistakable Walnut and John Ross bridges in the background.

Surprisingly the picture properties showed the images were taken from 2009 to 2012, making the camera missing for five years on the bottom of the Tennessee River. He took to social media at 2 a.m. to help find the owner of the camera and posted a video of the man camping alone in the American Southwest and a very clear selfie.

Captain Nate posted, I need help finding this man. We snagged his camera with fishing line in Chattanooga. There are pictures of what seems to be a mother and daughter too, pics date from 2009 to 2012 and then went to bed. The comments started emerging in the early morning of people wanting to help find the owner of the camera and memories but to the greatest surprise, at 11:45 a.m. and less than 10 hours from the original post, Texas resident Katie Daghlian posted This is our cousin!!!!! Omg!!! This is amazing! He was so mad he lost his camera!!!! I am in Chattanooga visiting. I can get it or connect you to him. He lives in Florida.

Before lunch Captain Nate was on the phone with Florida resident and lost camera owner, Alex Mansur.

I just keep getting goosebumps, Alex told Captain Nate. The odds of you recovering that camera from the bottom of that river the way you did far exceeds that of you winning the lottery. Nate and Alex talked for an hour going over the events of the the recovery and talking through Alexs vivid memory of the day he dropped his camera and memories into the Tennessee River and the emotions that came with losing all the memories on the memory card.

While looking for clues to help identify Alex, Captain Nate felt like he really came to know Alex in a strange way. I knew so much about this man after spending an hour reviewing his pictures and

videos. I knew he spent some time alone in Texas after using google maps to identify trail names in the photos. I knew he used an inhaler. I knew some of his world views and ideals after seeing a picture of a bookshelf in his home. I knew he had family and I knew he cherished them. I had to find him. It was funny, at one point Alex asked me to tell him a little about me because the relationship was unusually imbalanced.

Captain Nate knew the importance of memories, photos and videos as his laptop computer and backup hard drive was stolen from the trunk of his car at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Patton Parkway in February this year. I mourned for three full days. My whole life was in that trunk: photos and videos of my late grandparents with my young children, their births, first words, first steps, first ball team. I was so mad at myself for taking my backup hard drive from home, even for that one evening. It was this experience that drove me to find the camera owner, but never in million years did I think it would take less than 10 hours after missing for five full years. This actually give me hope, said Captain Nate.

These memories were very important to Alex and he couldnt be more grateful. Those videos of me hiking alone in the wilderness marked a pretty personal and challenging time in my life and those experiences I had alone in Southwest Texas were some pivotal moments that led me to where I am today, said Alex.I would like to tremendously thank Nate Wilson and everyone for this unbelievable experience in returning my camera I lost five years ago! I am still in disbelief over this amazing ordeal and how it has unfolded. He is a tremendous person for taking the time to reunite me with my camera and the many wonderful memories it held. My sincerest gratitude to Nate and everyone who helped!

This weekend, Alex will be visiting Chattanooga for his uncles 80th birthday party and without hesitation, new friends Alex and Nate will be meeting on Sunday at Chattanooga Cycleboats to take boat ride to Maclellan Island and for Nate to physically hand Alex the 8GB memory card that slept on the bottom of the Tennessee River since July 19, 2012.
Moroccan demonstrators hold pictures of protest leader Nasser Zafzafi in the city of Al-Hoceima on May 29, 2017 following his arrest

The leader of a protest movement in northern Morocco was "severely" beaten and verbally abused by police during his arrest, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said Thursday.

Nasser Zefzafi -- leader of Al-Hirak al-Shaabi, or the "Popular Movement" -- was detained on May 29 in a village 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the city of Al-Hoceima along with two fellow activists.

A dozen police officers broke down the door of his house in the early hours of the morning, he told his lawyer at a Casablanca prison, according to a joint statement by the rights groups.

"The police broke furniture and windows, and assaulted the three men even though they offered no resistance," it said.

"He said he had a 1.5-centimetre (half-inch) cut on his scalp, another one below his left eye, and bruises on his back."

The rights groups said the police had insulted the three men in vulgar terms, pressing them to shout "Long live the king!" and calling them "separatists".

The police then transported the men to the northern city of Al-Hoceima before flying them, hooded and handcuffed, to Casablanca, they said.

"There, the police took Zefzafi for medical care, including stitches to his scalp, and gave him clean clothes to replace his blood-stained ones," the statement read.

Al-Hoceima has been rocked by worsening social unrest since the gruesome October death of a fishmonger 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 and anger over the region's perceived marginalisation snowballed into the wider grassroots movement.

More than 100 people have been detained in Al-Hoceima since the end of May in a wave of arrests targeting the core of the movement.

Last week a court sentenced 25 demonstrators and suspected Hirak members to 18 months in jail each, according to their defence lawyer.

Zefzafi was arrested on charges of "attacking internal security".

"Moroccan authorities should investigate the credible allegations of police violence against Zefzafi," and refrain from filing charges over "peaceful speech or protest", said Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW's Middle East and North Africa director.

Five detained activists including Zefzafi have threatened a three-day hunger strike over the conditions of their detention, their lawyers said.
Uganda faces the world's fastest growing refugee crisis as people from South Sudan flee a civil war in their country

The EU pledged 85 million euros ($95 million) to Uganda Thursday, ahead of a summit to raise twenty times that amount to help it deal with nearly one million refugees from South Sudan.

Uganda is facing the world's fastest growing refugee crisis as South Sudanese pour over the border to escape more than three years of civil war in their country.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is visiting a refugee settlement Thursday, before joining other top officials, donors and regional leaders for the Refugee Solidarity Summit in Kampala on Friday.

The summit aims to raise $2 billion for the coming year, however organisers say $8 billion is needed to deal with the crisis for the coming four years.

The European pledge is to "help Uganda deal with this unprecedented situation and support the most vulnerable refugees," said aid commissioner Christos Stylianides, who visited the Imvepi settlement in the remote north of the country with UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi.

"Uganda's example of helping vulnerable people cope with displacement is an example for the whole region and the world. However no country can deal with such a high number of refugees on its own," said Stylianides.

- 'Treating the symptoms' -

According to the UN refugee agency more than 947,000 South Sudanese refugees are sheltering in Uganda, bringing the total number of refugees in the east African nation to more than 1.2 million.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, was plunged into civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.

An August 2015 peace deal was left in tatters when fighting broke out in Juba in July last year, spreading violence across the country.

It was this outbreak of fighting that led to the biggest exodus, with some 743,000 South Sudanese arriving in Uganda since July 2016, about 2,000 a day.

More than 270,000 are housed in Bidibidi settlement, which overtook Kenya's Dadaab earlier this year as the biggest refugee camp in the world.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been hailed for a progressive refugee policy in which refugees are allowed to work and access public services.

However the situation on the ground has been overwhelming for locals and aid workers, with not enough food and water to go around.

The UN estimates that another 500,000 South Sudanese will arrive in Uganda this year.

The summit will not include discussions on how to end the ongoing fighting, and there is no peace process in sight.

"We are treating the symptoms but the real root cause of this violence should be addressed. That is what is forcing people to run from their land," said Wadri Sam Nykua, the top government official in Arua, Uganda, welcoming the EU and UN officials to the refugee settlement.
Cedric Herrou, a 37-year-old French organic olive farmer who became a symbol of the migrant crisis for helping Africans sneak across the border from Italy, has been detained again

A French farmer who became a symbol of the migrant crisis for helping Africans sneak across the border from Italy has been detained again, his lawyer said Thursday.

Cedric Herrou, a 37-year-old organic olive farmer, has been hailed as a hero by some and branded irresponsible by others for driving migrants across the border and then giving them accommodation.

He was let off with a suspended fine of 3,000 euros ($3,300) in February after going on trial charged with assisting some 200 illegal immigrants, most of them Sudanese and Eritreans.

He was unrepentant at the time, saying he would not stop helping people who had come to Europe.

"How can you sleep when people are stuck outside in the rain?" he said.

His lawyer Zia Oloumi told AFP Herrou was now in custody again, having been arrested on Wednesday.

"He is accused of assisting the entry, movement and residence of illegal immigrants," she said, adding that Herrou was detained after going to answer police questions about two underage migrants who had arrived at his door.

Herrou had flagged up the two youngsters' cases to authorities, she added.

Police were not immediately able to comment.

Herrou is one of several people to appear in court in southern France in recent months charged with illegally assisting migrants who have travelled up through Europe after crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 77,000 people have tried to cross the Mediterranean to Italy, according to the UN's refugee agency, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 2,000 people are believed to have drowned making the perilous crossing.
President Ashraf Ghani extended the assembly's mandate until elections were feasible, prompting many to question the legality of his decision.

Afghanistan will hold its delayed parliamentary elections on July 7, 2018, the top polling official said Thursday, nearly three years late after deadlines to choose a new assembly were repeatedly missed.

Parliament's five-year term expired in mid-2015 but polls were postponed amid concerns over whether the vote could be fair and transparent after a disputed presidential election in 2014.

President Ashraf Ghani extended the assembly's mandate until elections were feasible, prompting many to question the legality of his decision.

"After long consultations with concerned government bodies, we have decided to schedule the parliamentary election for July 7, 2018," said election commission chief Najibullah Ahmadzai.

He urged the government and international community to provide funding and support for the election, which will likely be held against the backdrop of a worsening security situation in Afghanistan.

"We have learnt lessons from the challenges and problems of the last elections. We are committed to holding (fair and transparent) elections," Ahmadzai said.

Both Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, a former anti-Taliban resistance fighter, claimed to have won the fraud-tainted 2014 presidential election, tipping Afghanistan into a crisis that threatened to trigger nationwide unrest.

It took months for both candidates to agree on a US-brokered deal to form a "national unity government".

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the Taliban insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.
Since President Donald Trump came to power in January, his government has dramatically expanded a policy blocking US assistance to foreign groups that perform or even provide information about abortions

The UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday condemning abuse and discrimination of women, but Washington refused to back one paragraph mentioning access to safe abortions.

The strongly-worded resolution, tabled by Canada, expressed "outrage at the persistence and pervasiveness of all forms of violence against women and girls worldwide," calling on countries to take immediate steps to prevent gender-based violence and discrimination.

The resolution was adopted by the council without a vote, but several countries, including Bangladesh, China and Egypt, took issue with parts or all of the text.

US representative Jason Mack voiced strong support for "the spirit" of the resolution.

But he said the United States could not join the consensus behind the resolution when it came to one paragraph dedicated to women's rights to reproductive health care.

The paragraph calls on countries to ensure their health systems provide "quality comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services", including "safe abortion where such services are permitted by national law."

"The United States fully supports the principle of voluntary choice regarding maternal and child health and family planning," Mack told the council.

But "we do not recognise abortion as a method of family planning, nor do we support abortion in our reproductive health assistance," he added.

Since President Donald Trump came to power in January, his government has dramatically expanded a policy blocking US assistance to foreign groups that perform or even provide information about abortions.

- Migrants and climate -

Other policy shifts under Trump were also on display at the Human Rights Council Thursday, with Mack speaking out on a range of topics, including climate change and migration.

While the United States backed a resolution on the need to improve human rights protections for migrants, which passed without a vote, Mack stressed that "none of the provisions in this resolution create or affect rights or obligations of states under international law."

Washington, he said, would "continue to take steps to ensure national security, protect territorial sovereignty, and maintain the health and safety of its people, including by exercising its rights and responsibilities to prevent irregular migration and control its borders."

Trump has famously issued a ban on travellers from several predominantly Muslim countries, which has run afoul of the courts at home and sparked outrage abroad.

Mack also spoke up during the debate on a resolution calling for a panel discussion examining what impact climate change is having on human rights.

While joining the consensus that passed that resolution, he acknowledged that the text "raises some serious concerns for the United States."

He among other things criticised the resolution's references to the Paris climate pact, stressing Trump's decision earlier this month to pull out or try to renegotiate the landmark pact.

"Any calls for climate action in this resolution can only affirm actions that countries choose to take," he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the cooperation of the Bashar al-Assad's key ally Russia was needed to "eradicate" the Islamic extremists fighting Syria

Recalibrating France's long-held policy of insisting that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad must step down, President Emmanuel Macron has opted for realpolitik by making the fight against terror the top priority.

In an interview with eight European newspapers Thursday, he unveiled a revamped policy to address a conflict that has claimed more than 320,000 lives and created millions of refugees.

Warning of the potential for a "failed state" if Assad were forcibly removed, 39-year-old Macron said the cooperation of the Syrian leader's key ally Russia was needed to "eradicate" the Islamic extremists fighting Damascus.

"The real change I've made on this question is that I haven't said the deposing of Bashar al-Assad is a prerequisite for everything," said Macron, who took office last month. "Because no one has introduced me to his legitimate successor."

He added: "My line is clear: one, a total fight against terrorist groups. They are our enemies... We need the cooperation of everyone to eradicate them, particularly Russia. Two: stability in Syria, because I don't want a failed state."

Macron's statements formalised a shift that had already begun in the wake of the November 2015 jihadist attacks in Paris, which were planned in Syria and executed from Belgium.

- 'Shame on France' -

But Syrian opposition figures who have long looked to France as their leading supporter were outraged.

Under French President Emmanuel Macron's predecessor, Francois Hollande, France was one of the most outspoken advocates of Bashar al-Assad's departure

"Shame on France, whose leader Emmanuel Macron does not see Bashar as its enemy or an enemy to humanity," tweeted Ahmed Ramadan, a member of the Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella organisation of opposition groups.

Under Macron's predecessor, Francois Hollande, France was one of the most outspoken advocates of Assad's departure.

Successive Hollande foreign ministers asserted that Assad and the Islamic State group (IS) were "two sides of the same coin".

The policy began to shift after the Paris attacks, which were followed by several others for which IS claimed direct or indirect responsibility.

Hollande began to place more emphasis on fighting the jihadists in Syria, while still saying that Assad could not "represent the future" of the war-torn country.

- Diplomatic impasse -

In another shift, Macron implicitly criticised UN-backed peace talks that are at an impasse in Geneva.

In the interview, he said "we need a political and diplomatic roadmap" -- he notably did not mention the United Nations.

Macron has previously said he was in favour of "building an inclusive political solution in a much more collective way" -- while regretting that none of the G7 states is party to parallel Syria peace talks under way in the Kazakh capital Astana initiated by Russia, Iran and Turkey.

A diplomat who requested anonymity told AFP: "We've been saying Assad must go for years and that has produced no result... Geneva is of little use... We can't go on like this."

Now, only a few months after accusing Moscow of complicity in "war crimes" during the recapture of eastern Aleppo by Assad's forces, Paris is seeking rapprochement with Moscow.

While the tone was strained when Macron met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late last month in Versailles outside Paris, the French leader was clear about wanting to step up cooperation in the fight against terror.

His foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, was in Moscow on Tuesday to consolidate the rapprochement in what was described as a "spirit of trust".

But Macron reiterated what he sees as non-negotiable "red lines" -- the use of chemical weapons and access for humanitarian aid.

He warned that France, which is part of the US-led coalition fighting jihadists with air strikes in Syria, would respond to the use of chemical weapons.

But he did not say how Paris would respond if any of the red lines was crossed, or whether any concrete demands were made to the Russians on that front.

"Macron is pragmatic, not given to soul-searching and manages his priorities," international relations expert Karim Bitar told AFP.

"He is not complacent about Putin or Assad. Let's say he's halfway between realism and cynicism."
Media Authority chief Elijah Alier Kuai said permits would be granted to all foreign journalists and there was "no problem" with the reporters coming to South Sudan

South Sudan's media authority will lift a ban on around 20 foreign journalists who had been refused access to the country, a top media official said Thursday.

Earlier this month the government's media regulatory authority said it had banned the journalists over "unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories".

The National Dialogue Steering Committee -- tasked with leading consultations to restore peace in the country -- put pressure on the Media Authority to lift the ban.

"They are going to allow any journalists to come. They were preventing some journalists because they said some journalists are fond of criticism of what is happening in the country," said Alfred Taban, the committee's chief of media affairs.

"They were in other words skeptics. I said whether skeptic or not, they must be allowed to come to the country. So now if the BBC wants to come there is no question of somebody being denied a visa."

Media Authority chief Elijah Alier Kuai said permits would be granted to all foreign journalists and there was "no problem" with the reporters coming to South Sudan.

A report by Juba-based Eye Radio two weeks ago said those banned were deemed to have produced stories with "the potential to incite hate and violence" or that "do not have reliable sources or specific locations" or "that insult or degrade the country and its people".

Alier told the radio station: "You need to respect also the country, you can't just label the country as crazy."

Taban said Alier had since "promised that he will facilitate entry to the foreign journalists."

The civil war that began in South Sudan in December 2013, when President Salva Kiir fell out with his former deputy Riek Machar, has been characterised by ethnic massacres, attacks on civilians, widespread rape, the recruitment of child soldiers and other forms of brutality and human rights violations.

Both government and rebel forces are accused of what many commentators regard to be war crimes.

According to the Foreign Correspondents' Association of East Africa, journalists from leading news organisations -- most of whom had previously reported in South Sudan -- have been refused visas or accreditation over the past six months.

Last month Al Jazeera English staff were banned from working in South Sudan after airing a report from a rebel-held part of the country.
Theresa May will meet EU leaders for the first time since her Conservative party unexpectedly lost its majority

German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted Thursday that the EU's future take priority over Brexit talks as Prime Minister Theresa May met European leaders for the first time since a disastrous election gamble.

Under intense pressure on all sides since losing her parliamentary majority, May said her task at the Brussels summit would be to set out her plans to protect EU citizens' post-Brexit rights.

But Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader, made clear that this was not at the top of her agenda as she reaffirmed Berlin's strong ties with France and its newly elected President Emmanuel Macron.

"For me the shaping of the future of the 27 is a priority coming before the issue of the negotiations with Britain on the exit," Merkel said, referring to the number of EU nations minus Britain.

"We want to conduct these negotiations in a good spirit but the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27."

Macron, attending his first summit, did not mention Brexit directly but said it was now time to get down to concrete work -- "hand-in-hand with Germany" -- on putting the European Union back on track after years of austerity and crisis.

"We have to establish our own strategy based on our own interests," Macron said.

- Citizens' rights -

Britain's vote to leave the EU exactly a year ago on Friday was the biggest in a series of shocks that the bloc has faced, but it now insists it is turning the corner on anti-EU sentiment.

Britain on the other hand is mired in fresh debate with supporters of a so-called soft Brexit that would involve staying in the EU's single market.

May is set to brief EU leaders on her Brexit plans over dinner on Thursday, before being kicked out while the remaining 27 discuss key issues including the future location of the EU's medicines and banking agencies, currently based in Britain.

For her part, May said she would set out "clearly how the UK proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected."

The fate of an estimated three million Europeans living in Britain and around one million Britons living elsewhere in the EU was thrown into doubt by Britain's vote to leave the bloc last year.

"That's been an important issue, we've wanted it to be one of the early issues that was considered in the negotiations, that is now the case, that work is starting," May told reporters as she arrived.

May had previously refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in Britain until those of expatriate Britons were secured.

The issue of citizens' rights is one of three priorities in the Brexit talks which began on Monday, along with Britain's estimated 100 billion euro (88 billion pounds, $112 billion) divorce bill, and the fraught question of Northern Ireland, which will be on Britain's only land border with the EU after Brexit.

Earlier, EU president Donald Tusk had channelled John Lennon's "Imagine" as he said he hoped Brexit could be reversed -- though others immediately poured cold water on the idea.

"Who knows? You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one," the former Polish premier added with a broad smile, quoting Lennon's iconic song.

But Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel -- who has strongly argued for EU unity on Brexit -- said Tusk should let it be.

"I am not a dreamer and I am not the only one," Michel told reporters, saying he thought it was "British humour" by Tusk.

Tusk insisted meanwhile that the remaining 27 members had a renewed sense of optimism about the bloc's future after years of crisis and mounting anti-EU sentiment, which culminated in the Brexit vote.

"Never before have I had such a strong belief that things are going in a better direction," he said.

- Law to combat online terror -

In Brussels, security has been stepped up after Tuesday's failed bomb attack at one of the city's main rail stations by an Islamic State sympathiser, following strikes in Britain and France.

Tusk said leaders were all deeply concerned by the issue and agreed that if social media companies could not help prevent online radicalisation and hate-crime, then they were ready to introduce legislation to make them do so.

Leaders also endorsed the EU's growing efforts to build up defence capabilities, especially amid concerns about US President Donald Trump's commitment to transatlantic ties.

Meanwhile Macron and Merkel are expected to recommend another six-month rollover of tough economic sanctions imposed against Russia in 2014 over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has claimed 10,000 lives.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended a state of emergency

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended a state of emergency declared after twin church bombings in April by jihadists, in a decree issued in the official gazette on Thursday.

The renewed three-month state of emergency will start on July 10, according to the decree.

Parliament approved the initial state of emergency in April after the two church bombings claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group that killed at least 45 people.

The jihadist group said it was behind the bombings in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, and it threatened further attacks against Egypt's Coptic Christian minority.

Jihadists also claimed a Cairo church bombing in December that killed 29 people.

The emergency law expands police powers of arrest, surveillance and seizures and can limit freedom of movement.

Egypt had been ruled for decades under a state of emergency, which was cancelled a month before Islamist president Mohamed Morsi took power in 2012.

Following Morsi's overthrow by Sisi, then an army chief, in 2013, a state of emergency was declared for a month after clashes between police and Islamist protesters that killed hundreds and after Islamist mobs attacked Christian properties.

Part of North Sinai in the east of the country where the IS's Egyptian affiliate is based has remained under a state of emergency.
The Chattanooga Theatre Centre welcomes a team of outstanding artists from throughout the community to serve on the 94-year-old community theatre's creative staff for the upcoming season-opening musical The Wiz, said officials.

"Most of the creative talent stepping into leadership roles for The Wiz are new to our theatre, and that move fulfills one of our strategic objectives of welcoming new talent and new audiences through our doors," says Theatre Centre Executive Directer Todd Olson. "The Wiz calls for a multicultural cast of performers, and we set a priority on attracting the best, most diverse team to lead the artistic vision for the show. We've found that in these professionals."

The Wiz will be guest directed by Shane Morrow, co-founder of Jazzanooga, a cultural institution dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining the local and regional art and music communities. Cinnamon Halbert-Smith, a dance instructor at two local schools, will be the guest choreographer. Set design will be by Rondell Crier, guest designer, and Sarah Miecielica, the theatre's resident designer. Terrance Wright will be guest costume designer.

The Wiz, a musical sensation that won seven Tony Awards when it premiered on Broadway, opens Friday, Sept. 15, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 1. The popular musical follows Dorothy on her journey to the Land of Oz, where she travels on a road paved in rock, gospel and soul.

Biographies of The Wiz creative team:



SHANE MORROW (Director) is a Connecticut native who has emerged as one of Chattanoogas leading advocates in promoting diversity and inclusion of the arts since his arrival in 2003. He founded and currently directs two distinctive community arts initiatives, THECREATIVEUNDERGROUND, a theatrical and music production company that provides creative community showcases for Chattanoogas diverse and often underrepresented communities in the arts, and Jazzanooga, which started as a one-day community festival in 2011 and has grown to become a cultural arts and music education nonprofit that offers year-round programming and an annual month-long celebration that promotes Chattanooga's extraordinary cultural heritage. He received the Theatre Centre's 2005-2006 Miss Annie Award for Best Actor for A Raisin in the Sun. He has directed and produced over 100 musical showcases and theatrical performances including Sing, Mahalia Sing, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, Soul of Broadway Songbook, Gods Trombones, The Sounds of Motown Tribute, and The Life and Times of Big Mama Thornton, which he wrote and produced. Mr. Morrow, an accomplished jazz pianist, music and theatrical director, and vocalist continues to merge his passion for performing arts and cultural diversity to make a positive impact in the community in which he lives. He was recently awarded the Unsung Heroes Award from the Footprint Foundation for his work in advancing arts and culture in Chattanooga. Jazzanooga received national recognition from international artist/actor Usher along with State Farm Insurance for promoting music and art education within underserved communities, which was showcased in the national concert series, State Farm Neighborhood Sessions. Through his ongoing series of community arts programming and innovative collaborations, he aspires to bring artists and creative people together to pursue a positive future together, to inspire youth, and to engender pride in our community through the power of the arts.

RONDELL CRIER (Co-Set Designer) is originally from New Orleans and moved to Chattanooga after Hurricane Katrina. As a young artist, he traveled the world, exhibiting in Paris, Florence, Rome, Milan, France, Berlin, and Amsterdam, enjoying commissions from such clients as Swatch Watch, United Nations, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Jazz and Heritage Festival, and MTV. An executive director of programming of YAYA for 12 years, Mr. Crier produced creative projects and programs, managed artists, and engaged over 30 core youth to train and empower under a guild-structured mentoring model. Today, Mr. Crier's focus is on creative place-making. His Studio Everything serves as a multi-engagement facility to provide residents access to professional artists, mentorship, tools, space, and additional resources.

SARAH MIECIELICA (Co-Set Designer) received an M.F.A. in Scene Design from the University of Arkansas. She has worked professionally as a designer and props artisan at many theaters across the country, including the Alley Theatre in Houston, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock, MO, Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT, and McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ. Ms. Miecielica and her husband moved to Chattanooga four years ago and she quickly became involved with the Theatre Centre. Some designs she is most proud of on the Theatre Centre stage include those for Les Miserables, Into the Woods, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Of Mice and Men, and Dividing the Estate.

TERRANCE WRIGHT (Costume Designer) has been seen in many productions throughout the city and has toured nationally with a children's theatre based in Richmond, VA. Some past shows he has appeared in at the Theatre Centre include Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, RENT, and Anything Goes. The Wiz marks his first opportunity to serve as costume designer for a production of this size and he is grateful to all who believe and support his artistic vision.






Actress Emma Watson has hidden copies of classic novel "The Handmaid's Tale" around Paris to promote feminism

"Harry Potter" star Emma Watson spent Thursday hiding copies of Margaret Atwood's classic novel "The Handmaid's Tale" across Paris to promote feminism.

"I'm hiding copies all over Paris!" the actor best known for playing Hermione Granger said on Twitter.

Atwood's 1985 novel -- which has now been turned into a hit television series starring Elisabeth Moss of "Mad Men" fame -- is about a dystopian world where women are reduced to being the child-bearing slaves of male masters.

The British actress -- a goodwill ambassador for the UN on women's rights -- left about 100 copies of the book in various spots across the French capital, according to the website of the Livres Hebdo magazine.

Watson, 27, set up the feminist reading group "Our Shared Shelf" last year which has now nearly 200,000 members.

She carried out a similar exercise across the Channel in November, leaving copies of Maya Angelou's memoir "Mom & Me & Mom" on the London Underground, and in New York in March.

The idea is that readers might chance upon the books and be inspired by them.

To make sure all the books are found, the Twitter account "The Book Fairies" has been leaving clues as to where the copies were left.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's experience as the head of ExxonMobil makes him well-suited to tackle the Qatar crisis, but he has one thing possibly standing in his way -- Donald Trump

The Qatar crisis presents Rex Tillerson with his first challenge as Washington's top diplomat and an opportunity for the former oilman to use his vast network of contacts.

But while his former life as chief of energy giant ExxonMobil prepared Tillerson well, he does have one potential handicap -- his new boss, President Donald Trump.

While Trump has claimed credit for Saudi Arabia's air and land blockade of its gas-rich neighbor, Tillerson has urged an end to the embargo and restored alliances.

That differing approach could make the secretary of state's task difficult at best, but his friends in Washington say his regional experience makes him just the man for the job.

"If anyone can do it, it's him," says James Jeffrey of the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, a former senior diplomat who advised Tillerson at Exxon.

On the face of it, the diplomatic standoff in the oil and gas-rich Gulf has all the makings of a US foreign policy disaster coming at the worst possible time.

Late last month, Trump made what appeared at the time a triumphal visit to Riyadh to unite US friends in the region against Iranian meddling and Islamist extremism.

But just weeks later, on June 5, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates broke ties with Qatar, accusing its royal government of backing terrorist groups.

The resulting stand-off left the countries that host the bulk of US forces in the region -- Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq -- at odds with Washington's other key allies.

- Fighter jets -

Diplomatic crisis in the Gulf

And it could only strengthen the hand of Iran, which is confronting US and Saudi interests through covert operations and proxies in Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon.

Trump initially appeared to revel in the situation, praising Riyadh for standing up to fight terror financing and accusing Qatar of supporting extremism at a "high level."

But Tillerson -- who has been asked by the White House to help defuse the situation -- took a different tack, and this week appeared to be making some progress.

On Tuesday, after the secretary of state had cancelled a planned visit to Mexico and spent two frustrating days on the telephone, he issued a strong statement.

His target was not Qatar -- although he has been clear that all countries should do more to eradicate terror funding -- but Riyadh and its Emirati ally.

Tillerson's spokeswoman, Heather Nauert, told reporters that Washington was "mystified" that the Saudis and Emiratis had not released details of their allegations against Qatar.

"The more that time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE," she said, before turning the knife.

Were Riyadh's actions really about "Qatar's alleged support for terrorism, or were they about the long simmering grievances between and among the GCC countries?" she asked.

The statement was a clear signal that, despite Trump's rhetoric, official Washington blames the Saudis for escalating an unnecessary dispute.

It was not the first such signal from Trump's top national security team -- whose actions often struggle to speak louder than the president's words.

- Terror funds -

A week earlier, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis signed a $12 billion deal to sell Qatar -- supposedly a terror sponsor -- US-made F-15 fighter jets.

In case that wasn't a strong enough sign, Tillerson also made what for him was a rare appearance before reporters to urge the Saudis to "ease" their embargo.

Will Saudi Arabia and the Emirates listen to the State Department and the Pentagon, and seek a face-saving agreement with Qatar that reunites the allies?

Or will they listen to Trump, who during a Wednesday campaign speech praised the Saudi king "for fighting with other countries that have been funding terrorism"?

The key to re-balancing the relationship will lie with Tillerson.

"I think he's doing a good job, and he knows everybody. He knows the Saudis and the Qataris very well," said Jeffrey, a White House advisor under former president George W. Bush.

For Jeffrey, the mistake was to let Riyadh think Trump had given them a green light.

"It isn't that you have two separate policies. Trump is supporting Mattis and Tillerson," Jeffrey argues.

"It's just that Trump can't help himself -- he communicates in a different sphere through tweets and with his supporters.

"It's not Trump the commander-in-chief or the president, it's Trump the leader of a movement with its own worldview," he said.

"It's going to take a while for the Saudis and the Emiratis to understand this and not to take it to the bank, which is what they did."

On Wednesday, a day after the strong "mystified" statement, Tillerson announced that Riyadh had now indeed drawn up a list of demands.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has unveiled plans to shutter the Rikers Island jail complex

Shuttering New York's Rikers Island complex will be no small task, but the city's mayor unveiled plans Thursday to make good on his vow to close the notorious jail with a history of brutal violence.

The roadmap -- published nearly three months after Mayor Bill de Blasio promised to shut down Rikers -- includes a series of prosecutor-backed measures to reduce the incarceration rate of petty criminals.

For years, many New York officials and legal experts have been calling for the closure of Rikers Island, which shares its name with the island on the East River where it is located between the city's Queens and Bronx boroughs.

The sprawling complex has imprisoned celebrities including Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, rapper Tupac Shakur, as well as Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

The city's jails take in some 9,400 prisoners on average per day, according to the mayor's office, and a key part of his plan involves driving down New York's overall prison population.

The roadmap includes a $30 million investment over three years to support that effort, with the goal of reducing the city's daily jail population to 7,000 within five years, and an ultimate reduction to 5,000 detainees.

In order to reduce jail numbers, officials will need to reign in jail admissions as well as length of stay.

Officials plan to expand supervised release programs, offer community service alternatives to jail for individuals with sentences under 30 days and facilitate bail payments.

De Blasio, who is running for re-election this year, anticipates this reduction would allow the city to shut down the prison within a decade.

"We are not offering a quick fix," the mayor said in a statement. "Rikers Island cannot be closed overnight."

But it "is a key piece of creating a smaller, safer and fairer criminal justice system in New York City," he said.

The city will also have to shore up facilities off the island and build new ones, a politically heated topic among concerned neighborhoods.

In the meantime, the city plans to improve transparency and safety at all jails by installing full camera coverage and piloting a new electronic grievance system for detainees to report issues and service requests.
A picture taken from the Lebanese side of the border with Israel shows an Israeli army vehicle in April 2017

Israel on Thursday accused its Lebanese arch-foe Hezbollah of expanding observation posts along the border under the cover of an environmental NGO, in what it called a "dangerous provocation".

The Israeli military published pictures of a building near the frontier supposedly controlled by an organisation called Green Without Borders.

"Hezbollah is thus conducting observation missions by claiming they are activities of this environmental organisation," General Hertzi Halevi, who heads the military intelligence services, told a security conference at Herzliya near Tel Aviv.

According to Israeli media reports, the organisation is controlled by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which Israel considers among its top threats and against which it fought a devastating 2006 war.

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sent a letter of protest to the Security Council with images of the alleged observation posts and maps locating them.

"The well-documented proof of Hezbollah's dangerous provocation verifies that Hezbollah conducts reconnaissance activity near the Blue Line (UN border demarcation) and disguises it as civilian activity, in clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions, said Danon.

"The international community cannot continue to turn a blind eye to Hezbollah's flagrant violations" of its commitment to keep out of the border zone, he added.
Map of Yemen locating the provinces of Abyan and Shabwa

A US air strike has killed a regional Al-Qaeda leader and two associates in Yemen's Shabwa province, a jihadist stronghold in the south, the Pentagon said Thursday.

Abu Khattab al-Awlaqi was emir for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Shabwa, responsible for planning and conducting attacks against civilians, the US military's Central Command said in a statement.

Washington considers Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based branch to be its most dangerous and has conducted a long-running drone war against its leaders.

The aim of the June 16 strike was to "disrupt terrorist compounds, and attack networks in Yemen," the statement read.

The day after the strike, a Yemeni security official said it was conducted by drone, and had hit a vehicle in Saeed district, killing the driver and both passengers.

President Donald Trump has given commanders greater leeway to conduct raids and strikes in Yemen, and the war-torn country has seen a quickening tempo of operations against Al-Qaeda.

For more than two years, Yemen has been locked in a devastating civil war between the Saudi-backed government and Shiite rebels who control the capital.

Al-Qaeda has taken advantage of the conflict to expand its presence in several areas of southern and eastern Yemen under the nominal control of the government and its allies in a Saudi-led military coalition.
The EU joined forces with US-based Internet firms more than a year ago to combat online extremism

EU leaders on Thursday urged Internet firms to do their utmost to combat online extremism promoting attacks or face the possibility of legislation if the industry self-regulation fails.

European Union leaders meeting at a summit in Brussels increased the pressure on US giants like Facebook and Twitter to rein in online propaganda amid a recent spate of terror attacks in Britain, France and Belgium.

"We are calling on social media companies to do whatever is necessary to prevent the spread of terrorist material on the Internet," European Council President Donald Tusk told a press conference during the EU summit in Brussels.

"In practice, this means developing new tools to detect and remove such material automatically," Tusk said. "And if need be we are ready to adopt relevant legislation."

The EU joined forces with US-based Internet firms more than a year ago to combat online extremism, responding to growing alarm in Europe over the use of social media as a recruiting tool, especially by the Islamic State group.

Until now, it has pushed for the industry to regulate itself, but EU officials earlier this month gave mixed reviews to firms like Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft and Google's YouTube.

In its first annual report, the bloc said the four companies are now removing twice as many cases of illegal hate speech and at a faster rate when compared to six months ago.

But EU justice commissioner Vera Jourova called for further progress -- particularly from Twitter.

French President Emmanuel Macron said leaders of the 28 EU countries had discussed at length increasing the efforts to remove online extremist content.

"Opening up the possibility of legislating at the European level is an advance that satisfies me," Macron told journalists.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her counterparts the onus must be put on the firms to remove extremist material and said law enforcement should access encrypted communications between suspected terrorists in defined circumstances, a British government official said.

In the last few months, armed jihadists have carried out attacks in London, the northern English city of Manchester, Paris and Brussels.
Edgar Maddison Welch entered Comet Ping Pong, a pizzeria in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2016, and opened fire with an assault rifle in response to rumors that the restaurant housed a politically connected pedophile ring

A man who invaded a pizzeria in the US capital firing an assault rifle, after fake news reports of a child smuggling ring, was given a four-year prison sentence Thursday.

Washington federal district court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson gave Edgar Maddison Welch close to the maximum term sought by prosecutors for the December 5 "pizzagate" incident, accepting their argument to send a stiff warning against "vigilante justice."

Welch, 28, stormed into Comet Ping Pong, an upscale pizza house, with an AR-15 assault rifle after becoming outraged by right-wing talk on social media that it was central to a pedophile network with deep connections to Hillary Clinton and the Democrats.

No one was hurt, but police had to lock down the neighborhood before Welch surrendered.

The incident followed President Donald Trump's election upset over Clinton, after a campaign in which fake news circulated on social media became a significant factor.

Welch, who drove from North Carolina to Washington to "investigate" Comet himself, was seen by some as much a victim for having believed reports on websites such as Reddit and Infowars that the restaurant hid a politically connected pedophile ring.

Asking for a lighter sentence, Welch told the court he "came to DC with the intent of helping people" and "felt very passionate about the possibility of human suffering."

But prosecutors argued that Welch "armed himself for a confrontation with non-existent criminals; and he terrorized innocent families and employees who were just trying to enjoy their Sunday afternoon at a neighborhood restaurant."
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia said Thursday it had lifted a suspension of its airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria that was imposed amid tensions with Russia after a U.S. fighter jet shot down a Syrian warplane this week.

The Defense Department revealed on Tuesday that the six Australian F/A-18F Super Hornets based in the United Arab Emirates had been suspended from Syrian operations after Russia warned the U.S.-led coalition not to fly over Syrian army positions west of the Euphrates River.

"This was a precautionary measure to allow the coalition to assess the operational risk," a department statement said on Thursday. "The suspension has since been lifted."

The department has not specified how long the suspension lasted. It did not say if Australian airstrikes had resumed or when or if they would.

Australian Defense Force Chief Mark Binskin said on Wednesday the operations were halted while the Australians examined what was happening in what he had described as a "complex piece of airspace" over Syria.

Defense Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday Australian "force protection is uppermost in our minds" in deciding when to resume missions over Syria.

Binskin said the jet fighters had been occupied recently supporting Iraqi security forces in retaking the city of Mosul, so the suspension had little effect on their operations.

The U.S. on Sunday shot down a Syrian jet for the first time during the conflict near the city of Raqqa after it dropped bombs near the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces, which are battling IS. Russia condemned the U.S. action and in retaliation suspended a hotline intended to prevent such incidents.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The team of lawyers investigating potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign is still growing, but its early composition reveals a breadth of experience in criminal law and in following the money.

The team includes a former Fulbright Scholar in Russia, a criminal law expert who's argued dozens of cases before the Supreme Court, a former FBI counterterrorism agent, a veteran prosecutor who took down mobsters and went after Enron executives, and a lawyer with experience in the Watergate case.

At the top is Robert Mueller, who spent 12 years as director of the FBI before retiring from the bureau in 2013. He left the WilmerHale law firm last month to serve as special counsel in charge of the investigation.

FILE - In this June 13, 2013 file photo, FBI Director Robert Mueller listens as he testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, as the House Judiciary Committee held an oversight hearing on the FBI. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team of lawyers investigating potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign is still growing, but its early composition reveals a breadth of experience in criminal law and in following the money. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The group he's already assembled - with experience in international organized crime and the fundamentals of criminal and national security law - suggests he's prepared to dig deep in a wide-ranging and probably lengthy investigation.

A spokesman for Mueller has confirmed the names of seven of the staff lawyers on board so far; more are expected to be added.

A look at those seven:

___

ANDREW WEISSMANN: The veteran Justice Department prosecutor brings years of experience in complex financial fraud cases, corporate misconduct and organized crime.

He led the department's task force that investigated and prosecuted Enron executives in the energy giant's stunning collapse.

Before that, as a federal prosecutor in New York City, Weissmann prosecuted members of the Gambino, Colombo and Genovese families. Between 2011 and 2013, he was the FBI's general counsel under Mueller and has spent the past several years as chief of the Justice Department's criminal fraud section. That section's cases have included large international bribery prosecutions and the criminal charges in January against German automaker Volkswagen in an emissions cheating scam.

___

MICHAEL DREEBEN: A criminal law scholar, the deputy solicitor general has argued more than 100 cases before the Supreme Court in his decades of practice. He's represented the federal government's position on a broad array of legal questions, including whether the police need warrants to access cellphones of the arrested; whether former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell crossed the line by performing favors on behalf of a wealthy benefactor who provided gifts to McDonnell and his wife; and whether seemingly threatening online posts could be treated as criminal acts.

___

AARON ZEBLEY: Zebley's had a long bond with Mueller, serving as his chief of staff at the FBI and then working alongside him at WilmerHale. Zebley was an FBI special agent who worked counterterrorism investigator but also was a national security prosecutor with cases including Chinese espionage. He's also worked as a senior counselor in the Justice Department's national security division.

___

JAMES QUARLES: As a young lawyer, Quarles served as an assistant special prosecutor in the Watergate scandal involving President Richard Nixon. Quarles has worked since the mid-1970s at WilmerHale, where he's been focused on litigation.

___

LISA PAGE: Page is a former trial attorney in what used to be known as the Justice Department's organized crime and racketeering section. She prosecuted, among others, Bulgarian nationals in a money laundering scheme involving fraudulent eBay ads and an associate and member of the Lucchese organized crime family. Page also served in the FBI's general counsel office.

___

JEANNIE RHEE: Another WilmerHale partner, Rhee focused in private practice on representing people in government investigations, including white-collar criminal probes and criminal and civil fraud matters. Before that, she served in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, which provides advice to government agencies on questions including national security, executive privilege and constitutional matters. She served earlier in her career as an assistant United States attorney in the District of Columbia.

___

ELIZABETH PRELOGAR: This lawyer with experience in the solicitor general's office and at the Hogan Lovells law firm is also a former Fulbright Scholar who studied in Russia.

___

Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
Here is the weekly road construction report for Hamilton County:

U.S. 27 (I-124) widening from I-24/U.S. 27 interchange to north of the Olgiati Bridge over the Tennessee River, including widening the Olgiati Bridge: Work on this project continues. The speed limit on U.S. 27 in the construction zone is 45 MPH. The contractor may have temporary lane or shoulder closures on U.S. 27 between 7 p.m.-6 a.m. The new permanent Exit 1A from U.S. 27 North to Main Street / Carter Street/ Convention Center is now open. The intersection of Carter Street and 13th Street is now a 4-way stop. On Friday at 7 p.m. through Saturday at noon, there will be a temporary double right lane closure on U.S. 27 South from north of the Olgiati Bridge to the south end of the project to allow the contractor perform grinding, paving and striping for the next phase of the project. Ramp traffic will be required to yield during this work. At least one lane will remain open in each direction on U.S. 27. THP will assist with traffic control on the project as necessary. Estimated project completion date is July 2019. For more info, visit the project website http://www.tn.gov/tdot/topic/US27-reconstruction-chattanooga. [Dement Construction Co., LLC/JM/CNP230]

SR 317 (Apison Pike) the grading, drainage and paving on from Old Lee Highway (LM 5.58) to SR-321 (Ooltewah-Ringgold Road) (LM 7.84): Work on this project continues. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures throughout the project from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Estimated project completion date is July. [Wright Brothers Const. Co. /Pruett/CNN279]

SR-320 (East Brainerd Road) grading, drainage, installation of signals, construction of seven retaining walls and paving from east of Graysville Road to east of Bel-Air Road: Work on this project continues. During this report period, the contractor will have intermittent lane closures between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This work may affect either direction of East Brainerd Road or side streets from Graysville Road to Hamlett Drive as the contractor installs road crossings and borings. Traffic has been switched onto the newly-constructed section from the west end of the project to the Hurricane Creek Road/East Brainerd Road intersection, allowing the contractor to work on the other side of the roadway. The contractor may have short-term lane closures to perform various operations on an as-needed basis. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as needed. Original completion date is June 2017. Estimated project completion date is December. [Jones Brothers Contractors, LLC /Pruett/CNN383]

SR-153/SR-319 (Hixson Pike) bridge repair on Hixson Pike over SR-153: Work on this project continues. Starting on Friday the contractor plans to open the outside lanes to traffic in both directions on the bridge on Hixson Pike over SR-153 and close the inside lanes in both directions at the same time. This changeover may take several days depending on weather and any unknown factors. This lane closure will be in place until late November 2017. During this report period the contractor may have intermittent lane closures on SR-153 from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. to do work under the bridge. If there are any temporary closures needed on SR-153 as part of this project, they will take place at nighttime on Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m.-6 a.m. and on weekdays on SR-153 South between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and on SR-153 North between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Flaggers will assist with traffic control as necessary during these temporary closures. Estimated project completion date is May 2018. [Mid-State Construction Co. /Micka/CNQ941]

U.S. 27 (SR-29) resurfacing from north of Signal Mountain Road (LM. 3.02) to north of SR-29 (MM. 6.0/LM 6.07): Work on this project has begun. The contractor will have temporary intermittent lane closures on Sundays through Thursdays between the hours of 8 p.m. each evening to 6 a.m. the following morning to mill and pave the roadway. THP and flaggers will assist with traffic control as necessary during these temporary closures. Estimated project completion date is June. [Wright Brothers Construction Co, Inc./Micka/CNQ189]

The tunnel cleaning of the McCallie Tunnel on U.S. 11 (US 64, SR-2), the Stringers Ridge Tunnel on U.S. 127 (SR-8), and the Bachman Tubes on U.S. 41 (U.S. 76, SR-8): The nighttime cleaning operation of McCallie Tunnels, Stringers Ridge Tunnel, and Bachman Tubes occurs normally on Wednesday and Thursday nights during the week with the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Work hours are between 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Tunnels will be closed during cleaning, and detours will be marked accordingly as each tunnel is cleaned. Contract completion date is June. [Diamond Specialized, Inc./Micka/CNQ174]






FLINT, Mich. (AP) - The Latest on the stabbing of a police officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport (all times local):

10:25 p.m.

A published report says the man accused of stabbing a police officer at an airport in Flint, Michigan, is a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia.

Police stand guard in front of an apartment building in Montreal, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. U.S. law enforcement authorities say a man allegedly involved in the stabbing of a police officer at a Michigan airport is a Canadian resident. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)

The Flint Journal, citing court officials, says Amor Ftouhi has lived in Montreal for the past 10 years with his wife and three children. Ftouhi also has family members living in Tunisia and Switzerland.

Court officials say Ftouhi works "on and off" as a truck driver. A federal judge determined that he is qualified for a federally-appointed attorney.

Ftouhi was arrested Wednesday morning at the airport. The FBI says he stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife.

___

9:40 p.m.

A Montreal landlord says the Canadian man accused of stabbing a police officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport was a model tenant.

Luciano Piazza says Amor Ftouhi has lived in the building for six years and is married with children.

Piazza says "I never had any problems with him ... I'm really surprised."

Ftouhi appeared in federal court Wednesday, hours after the FBI alleges he stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville at the airport. Officials say he will stay in custody until a bond hearing next week.

___

8 p.m.

A Canadian man accused of stabbing a police officer at the airport in Flint, Michigan, has appeared in federal court.

Amor Ftouhi heard the charge against him Wednesday and will get a court-appointed attorney. Court spokesman David Ashenfelter says Ftouhi will remain in custody until a bond hearing next Wednesday.

The FBI says Ftouhi stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife and declared "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great." Neville is in stable condition.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the stabbing is being investigated as an act of terrorism.

___

7:45 p.m.

Montreal police spokesman Benoit Boiselle says officers with their department are assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in a search of an apartment in the city.

Boiselle says the FBI requested the search after a police officer was stabbed Wednesday at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan. A Canadian has been charged in the attack.

A number of police stood guard outside of the apartment building in the east end of Montreal. It's located on Belair St. in St-Michel borough.

U.S. officials have charged 49-year-old Amor Ftouhi of Quebec with committing violence at an airport. They allege Ftouhi stabbed airport police Lt. Jeff Neville in the neck with a large knife and declared "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

Canadian TV footage showed police escorting at least one person from the Montreal building where Ftouhi is believed to have lived.

___

7 p.m.

U.S. and Canadian authorities say they are cooperating in the investigation of a Canadian man accused of stabbing a police officer at an airport in Flint, Michigan.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement he's "proud of the swift response" by authorities from both nations. He said Wednesday morning's attack on Bishop International Airport police Lt. Jeff Neville is being investigated as an act of terrorism and added it will be "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said in a statement his government condemns "this heinous and cowardly attack." Goodale added there has been "complete cooperation" between Canadian and U.S. authorities.

U.S. officials have charged 49-year-old Amor Ftouhi of Quebec with committing violence at an international airport. They allege Ftouhi stabbed Neville in the neck with a large knife and declared "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

Neville is in satisfactory condition.

___

6 p.m.

The FBI says a Canadian man charged with stabbing an airport officer in the neck in Flint, Michigan, made references during the attack to people being killed in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Special agent in charge David Gelios says authorities are investigating the attack by Amor Ftouhi as an act of terrorism. He says authorities have no indication at this time that Ftouhi was involved in a "wider plot," but the investigation is in its early stages.

Gelios says Ftouhi, who is approximately 50 years old, legally entered the U.S. at Champlain, New York, on June 16 and made his way to Bishop International Airport in Flint on Wednesday morning.

Ftouhi spent some time in public, unsecured areas of the airport before emerging from a restroom, yelling "Allahu akbar" - the Arabic phrase for "God is great" - and attacking the officer with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade.

___

5:35 p.m.

A Canadian man has been charged with stabbing an airport officer in the neck in Flint, Michigan.

Federal prosecutors announced the charge Wednesday against Amor Ftouhi of Quebec. He's charged with committing violence at an airport.

The criminal complaint says Ftouhi stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife and declared "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

The FBI says Ftouhi said something similar to "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die." Neville was stabbed in the neck and is in stable condition.

___

4:30 p.m.

A Michigan county commissioner says an airport police officer has undergone surgery after being stabbed in the neck.

Genesee County Commissioner Mark Young says he spoke with Lt. Jeff Neville's family at a hospital after the Wednesday morning attack at Bishop International Airport in Flint.

Neville's condition was upgraded from critical to stable.

Young retired from the Genesee County sheriff's office in 1997 and says his "good friend" Neville did the same two years later.

He says Neville served in various capacities with the sheriff's office including in the jail, on road patrol and as a court officer. He says Neville retired as a lieutenant.

A man has been arrested in the stabbing, which forced officials to evacuate the airport, about 50 miles northwest of Detroit. The FBI is leading the investigation.

___

3:45 p.m.

The FBI says it's aware of reports that an attacker made statements during the stabbing of a police officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport but that it's too early to determine their nature or whether the incident was an act of terrorism.

The statement Wednesday from the FBI says it is believed the stabbing was an isolated incident and there was no further threat to the Flint community. The officer is in stable condition at a hospital, and the suspect in FBI custody and being questioned.

Earlier a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because the individual wasn't able to publicly discuss the incident, said the FBI is looking at terrorism as a possible motive in the stabbing.

A second law enforcement official also speaking on condition of anonymity said authorities were investigating witness reports the suspect made during the incident, including saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

____

3:20 p.m.

The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed on the stabbing of an officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer says Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert briefed Trump on Wednesday regarding the stabbing. Law enforcement officials have said the FBI is looking at terrorism as a possible motive in the assault at Bishop International Airport.

___

2:25 p.m.

A law enforcement official says the FBI is looking at terrorism as a possible motive in the stabbing of an officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport.

The official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the individual wasn't able to publicly discuss it says the investigation of the Wednesday morning assault at Bishop International Airport is in its early stages.

A second law enforcement official also speaking on condition of anonymity says authorities were investigating witness reports the suspect made during the incident, including saying "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw says one person is in custody and nobody else is believed to have been involved.

Shaw identified the officer who was stabbed is Lt. Jeff Neville with the Bishop International Airport police. He says Neville's condition also has been upgraded from critical to stable condition.

___

Associated Press writer Sadie Gurman contributed to this report from Phoenix.

___

1:10 p.m.

Authorities say a police officer injured at the airport in Flint, Michigan, was stabbed in the neck and his condition is improving.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said the officer stabbed Wednesday morning is Lt. Jeff Neville with the Bishop International Airport police. Shaw says Neville's condition also has been upgraded from critical to stable condition.

Shaw said one person is in custody and nobody else is believed to have been involved.

Shaw says "everything is on the table" as far as motive is concerned but cautioned against jumping to conclusions.

Witnesses have described seeing a man led away in handcuffs by police, Neville bleeding from his neck and knife on the ground.

Shaw said Neville had retired from the Genesee County Sheriff's Department as a lieutenant.

___

12:20 p.m.

Flint officials say they have stationed police officers around City Hall out of caution after an officer was critically hurt at the city's airport a few miles away.

Mayor Karen Weaver said in a release Wednesday "the situation is under control" but officials sought to take "extra precautions" in light of the Wednesday morning incident at Bishop International Airport. The municipal building remains open.

Witnesses describe seeing a man led away in handcuffs by police and the airport officer bleeding from his neck. Authorities have said the officer is in critical condition.

___

11:50 a.m.

A witness says a man led away in handcuffs by police after an officer was critically hurt at a Flint, Michigan, airport had a husky build and a 'blank' look on his face.

Cherie Carpenter of tells Flint TV station WJRT she saw the attacker's face Wednesday morning at Bishop International Airport. She was awaiting a flight to Texas to see her new grandchild.

Carpenter described the man in custody as appearing "blank, just totally blank."

She and another witness say they saw the airport officer bleeding from his neck. Authorities say the officer is in critical condition.

___

11:30 a.m.

Authorities say the police officer injured at a Flint, Michigan, airport is in critical condition.

Michigan State Police said the officer was critically hurt Wednesday morning at Bishop International Airport. Airport officials posted on Facebook that the officer was hurt but offered no further details about the incident.

A witness tells The Flint Journal he saw the officer bleeding form his neck. He also saw a man detained by police and a knife on the ground.

The FBI is leading the investigation.

Airport and police officials didn't immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

___

10:45 a.m.

Officials say the airport in Flint, Michigan, has been evacuated after a police officer was injured.

Bishop International Airport posted Wednesday on Facebook that the officer was hurt but offered no details about the incident. The post added that passengers were safe and were being told to check for flight delays or cancellations.

Ken Brown tells The Flint Journal he was dropping off his daughter at the airport and saw the officer bleeding from his neck. He says he saw a man detained by police and a knife on the ground.

Travellers and traffic sit outside a terminal at Bishop International Airport, Wednesday morning, June 21, 2017, in Flint, Mich. Officials evacuated the airport Wednesday, where a witness said he saw an officer bleeding from his neck and a knife nearby on the ground. On Twitter, Michigan State Police say the officer is in critical condition and the FBI was leading the investigation. (Shannon Millard/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP)

This March 11, 2005 photo shows Jeff Neville in Goodrich, Mich. Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said the officer stabbed Wednesday, June 21, 2017 is Lt. Jeff Neville with the Bishop International Airport police. Officials on Wednesday evacuated an airport in Flint, Michigan, where a witness said he saw an officer bleeding from his neck and a knife nearby on the ground. Officials on Wednesday evacuated the airport, where a witness said he saw an officer bleeding from his neck and a knife nearby on the ground. (Steve Jessmore/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP)

Police officers gather at a terminal at Bishop International Airport, Wednesday morning, June 21, 2017, in Flint, Mich. Officials evacuated the airport Wednesday, where a witness said he saw an officer bleeding from his neck and a knife nearby on the ground. On Twitter, Michigan State Police say the officer is in critical condition and the FBI was leading the investigation. (Dominic Adams/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP)
SELMA, Ala. (AP) - An American Eagle flight with 65 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Selma, Alabama, after the pilot noticed a burning smell in the cabin and cockpit.

American Airlines said in a statement that the plane landed safely Wednesday morning in Selma at the site of a former Air Force base that now serves as an industrial park and civilian airport. Two passengers were taken to a local hospital to receive medical attention for minor injuries.

American Eagle flight 5559 was bound from New Orleans to Washington D.C. The airline said passengers would be sent by bus to nearby Montgomery to continue their journey to Washington D.C.

The flight was operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trumps' trip to Iowa (all times EDT):

9:05 p.m.

President Donald Trump is musing about putting solar panels on his proposed wall on the Mexican border.

President Donald Trump arrives on stage to speak at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. This is Trump's first visit to Iowa since the election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Trump is suggesting at a rally Wednesday evening in Iowa that a solar wall would "create energy and pay for itself."

He then joked it would mean Mexico "will have to pay much less money" to build it. Trump claimed as a candidate that Mexico would fully fund his impenetrable border wall - a plan Mexico rejected.

Trump also suggested the panels would make the wall "beautiful" and then praised himself by saying, "Pretty good imagination, right?"

The wall, which was a signature campaign promise, has not been at the center of the White House's agenda. Construction has not begun.

___

9 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he wishes China would offer "a little more help" in applying pressure to North Korea.

Trump says at a rally in Cedar Rapid, Iowa: "I wish we would have a little more help with respect to North Korea from China. But that doesn't seem to be working out."

Still, Trump says he likes Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump tweeted Tuesday that while he appreciates China's efforts, "it has not worked out. "

Trump has called repeatedly on China to help exert pressure on North Korea, particularly with regard to its nuclear ambitions.

The comments come days after American college student Otto Warmbier died after being returned from North Korea in a coma.

___

8:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he urged Senate Republicans to add more money to their health care plan because he wants a plan with "heart."

Trump says at a campaign-style rally in Iowa: "I've been talking about a plan with heart. I said, 'Add some money to it!'"

He's also suggesting he would be willing to change the bill Republicans are crafting if Democrats would come onboard.

He says, "a few votes from the Democrats, it could be so easy" and "so beautiful."

Republicans have been working on a plan to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's signature health care law. Top Senate Republicans are expected to release the plan Thursday.

___

7:50 p.m.

President Donald Trump is touting his administration's commitment to agriculture and says he will urge technology upgrades for rural communities.

Trump said Wednesday in Iowa that he plans to add rural broadband Internet access to his administration's upcoming infrastructure plans.

He also says he would push for the latest technology, like drones and sensors on harvesting equipment, so American farmers can compete with foreign agriculture interests.

And he is pledging to end the estate tax and protect corn-based biofuels, which are of particular interest for many in Iowa.

The president is also, as his custom, saluting rural areas for voting for him in last November's election.

___

7:45 p.m.

President Donald Trump is celebrating Tuesday night's Republican victories, declaring, "We're 5-0 in special elections."

The president is speaking at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa the day after Republican Karen Handel's victory in Georgia's 6th Congressional District and Ralph Norman's slim win in South Carolina.

Trump says "last night was very exciting" and blames expectations that Norman would win for his close margins.

The closely-watched Georgia race was seen as a referendum on Trump's agenda.

Trump is also telling his audience he was "dealt a very difficult hand" as president, with crises brewing in North Korea and the Middle East.

He says: "This was a tough hand. But you put me there for a reason and I think you're going to be very happy with the end result."

___

7:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump is saluting former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, whom he just appointed the United States' ambassador to China.

Trump, speaking Wednesday in Cedar Rapids, calls Branstad "a legend" and "one great man."

The president is also praising the Iowan's commitment to public service. Branstad was the longest-serving governor in the nation's history.

"That's not bad," Trump said at an event at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.

Branstad was sworn in last month. He was an early supporter of Trump's campaign and appeared with the Republican nominee at several rallies across Iowa.

Branstad traveled with Trump to Iowa on Air Force One. They were greeted at the airport by the state's new governor, Kim Reynolds.

___

7:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump is getting a tour of the agricultural technology being developed at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa.

Among the machines he saw was a "combine simulator" - a virtual way to practice using a combine.

He marveled at the machine and joked to the student who demonstrated it, "Don't be nervous."

Trump says after the tour that he has "just learned more about farming than I ever thought I'd learn."

The White House says the school's agriculture science program is widely recognized as a center for innovation.

___

2 p.m.

President Donald Trump is heading to the Midwest in search of his supporters' warm embrace - and to celebrate a Republican congressional victory in an election viewed as an early referendum on his presidency.

Trump began his day by reveling in Karen Handel's victory in a special election in a House district in suburban Atlanta.

And he's set to visit Iowa in the evening - touring a community college agriculture program and holding a campaign-style rally.

Trump is no stranger to victory laps.

He seems poised to turn his Iowa trip into a celebration of his resilience despite the cloud of investigations that has enveloped his administration and sent his poll numbers tumbling.

President Donald Trump talks to Kirkwood Community College student Rita Urmie, who is seated in a combine simulator, during a visit to the campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. This is Trump's first visit to Iowa since the election. Professor James Jordan listens second from right. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Donald Trump stands on stage with former Iowa Gov Terry Branstad and Ambassador to China as he speaks at Kirkwood Community College, which is recognized by the White House as a major center of agricultural innovation, during a visit to the campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. This is Trump's first visit to Iowa since the election. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday he'll pursue legislation that would bar immigrants from being eligible for welfare for at least five years - though most already are.

Trump said at a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that "the time has come" for "new immigration rules" that would require those seeking admission to the country to be able to support themselves financially and would bar the use of welfare for a period of at least five years.

He said his administration would be "putting in legislation to that effect very shortly."

Audience members react as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally, Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

It is unclear, however, how Trump's proposal would change the current situation.

U.S. immigration law already bars most foreigners who enter the country on immigrant visas from being eligible for federal benefits like Social Security and food stamps for the first five years. States typically have the authority to determine eligibility for local programs.

Foreigners with non-immigrant visas and those who don't have legal status are generally prohibited from those benefits altogether.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - There was a time when the mention of the Persian Gulf brought to mind images of pampered societies ruled by aging monarchs content to preside quietly over their oil money and fantastical skyscrapers while the U.S. kept the peace.

Not anymore.

A sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early Wednesday is only the latest wild card to be thrown in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf.

FILE- In this Saturday, May 20, 2017 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman during a bilateral meeting, in Riyadh. Mohammed bin Salman was named crown prince in a sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, but that is just the latest wild card in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf, including the unexpected cutting off of nominal ally Qatar from the powerful Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran firing a missile into Syria for the first time, targeting Islamic State militants. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

The kingdom led nations in unexpectedly cutting off nominal ally Qatar from the clubby Gulf Cooperation Council, which suddenly looks so incredibly uncooperative that is has raised fears of war among its members. The fact that Qatar hosts one of the biggest and most important foreign U.S. air bases has so far proved to be a good insurance policy for the tiny emirate - but the dispute brings headaches for Washington.

The main adversary the Arab nations set up the council to stand against, Iran, meanwhile launched a volley of ballistic missiles at militants in Syria, its first such strike in more than a decade and a half.

That's not even getting into low global oil prices squeezing their largely petrodollar-driven economies. Nor does it account for the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State group, which struck Tehran for the first time, or the stalemated war in Yemen that's led to extensive civilian suffering.

So what's actually going on? Some analysts have pointed to the fact that much of the turmoil came after U.S. President Donald Trump's trip last month to Saudi Arabia, his first state visit designed to show the Republican had a far different worldview than his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. In truth, many of the tensions currently on display - with both Iran and Qatar - go back years. But Trump's strong public endorsement of Riyadh as his primary regional partner may have emboldened the Saudis and changed some of the geopolitical math.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates were deeply suspicious of Obama's diplomatic detente with Iran, which culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal.

"The Obama administration's apparent attempt to disengage from the region engendered a change in the Gulf's strategic culture, making some U.S. partners more confident in their ability to act on their own," wrote Michael Eisenstadt, the director of the Military and Security Studies Program at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

However, "arms sales or military surges cannot compensate for policy errors and missteps whose effects are regional in scope and geopolitical in scale," he added.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's efforts at trying to mediate the Qatar crisis while Trump's own tweets appear to back the Saudi-led isolation over allegations the country supports terrorism have only compounded the uncertainty gripping the Gulf. Qatar long has denied backing extremist groups, though Western diplomats say its lax oversight allowed funding of Sunni militants like Syria's al-Qaida branch.

The State Department this week demanded the countries boycotting Qatar spell out their complaints, suggesting the Trump administration was losing patience over the spat among its Gulf partners.

In Iran, Tillerson's comments last week before Congress that the U.S. is working toward "support of those elements inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful transition of that government" angered officials there already suspicious of Trump.

Meanwhile, citizens of Tehran openly accused Saudi Arabia of backing the Islamic State attack on parliament and the shrine of the Islamic Republic's founder that killed 18 people and wounded over 50.

Their evidence? Newly minted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's own comments in May that the kingdom would "work so that it becomes a battle for them in Iran and not in Saudi Arabia."

So when Iran launched its first missile attack in over 15 years on foreign soil this week targeting Islamic State fighters in Syria over the Tehran assault, it openly acknowledged it was a message for Saudi Arabia and America.

That crisis between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which cut diplomatic ties in 2016, has extended into a disputed shooting in the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia said it captured three members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard aboard an explosives-laden boat that it alleges planned to attack a major offshore oilfield. Iran dismisses the allegation, though it earlier acknowledged the death of one citizen it called a fisherman who was shot by Saudi forces.

There's turmoil striking other Gulf countries as well, particularly the tiny island of Bahrain, which is linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway. A government crackdown on dissent for over a year continues unabated. Militants have responded by stepping up attacks on security forces, including one Sunday that killed a police officer.

In Kuwait and Oman, citizens worry about the health of their current leaders, respectively the 88-year-old Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and 76-year-old Sultan Qaboos bin Said. In Oman, there's no clear successor to the sultan while in Kuwait, a leadership struggle is possible.

That challenge of continuing dynastic rule in Gulf Arab nations is tied to the task of handling burgeoning youth populations who expect to live as well or better than their parents. In Saudi Arabia, King Salman putting his assertive, 31-year-old son as next in line to the throne could prove popular with the kingdom's youth - if he can pull off his ambitious plans to wean the country from its oil-soaked economy.

That all could be derailed with the dissention among the Arab Gulf states in the region and the ever-heating war of words between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In a way, that trouble has been there for decades, simmering just under the surface.

Now it's boiling to a crisis at a level unseen since the 1990 Iraq invasion of Kuwait. That ended with a war and burning oil fields, something no one wants to see now.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE - Adam Schreck, the Gulf news director for The Associated Press, has reported from each of the Persian Gulf states and other locations across the Middle East since 2008. Jon Gambrell, an AP journalist since 2006, has covered the Middle East from Cairo and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 2013.

___

Follow Adam Schreck on Twitter at www.twitter.com/adamschreck . Follow Jon Gambrell at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap .

FILE- In this Sunday, May 21, 2017, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, center rear, looks on as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, left, and then Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange an agreement against the funding militant groups, during a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mohammed bin Salman was named crown prince in a sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, but that is just the latest wild card in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf, including the unexpected cutting off of nominal ally Qatar from the powerful Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran firing a missile into Syria for the first time, targeting Islamic State militants (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE- In this Saturday, May 20, 2017 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump holds a sword and dances with traditional dancers during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh. Mohammed bin Salman was named crown prince in a sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, but that is just the latest wild card in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf, including the unexpected cutting off of nominal ally Qatar from the powerful Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran firing a missile into Syria for the first time, targeting Islamic State militants. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE- In this file photo released by the Iranian state-run IRIB News Agency on Monday, June 19, 2017, a missile is fired from city of Kermanshah in western Iran targeting the Islamic State group in Syria. The main adversary the Arab nations set up the council to stand against, Iran, meanwhile launched a volley of ballistic missiles at militants in Syria, its first such strike in more than a decade and a half. (IRIB News Agency, Morteza Fakhrinejad via AP, File)

FILE- In this Wednesday, June 7, 2017 file photo released by Kuwait News Agency, KUNA, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, left, holds the hand of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Qatar. Mohammed bin Salman was named crown prince in a sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, but that is just the latest wild card in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf, including the unexpected cutting off of nominal ally Qatar from the powerful Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran firing a missile into Syria for the first time, targeting Islamic State militants. (KUNA via AP, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 21 , 2017 file photo released by Al-Ekhbariya, Mohammed bin Salman, newly appointed as crown prince, left, kisses the hand of Prince Mohammed bin Nayef at royal palace in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Mohammed bin Salman was named crown prince in a sudden royal shake-up in Saudi Arabia early on Wednesday, June 21, but that is just the latest wild card in days of head-spinning developments in the typically staid Gulf, including the unexpected cutting off of nominal ally Qatar from the powerful Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran firing a missile into Syria for the first time, targeting Islamic State militants (Al-Ekhbariya via AP, File)

FILE - In this April 4, 2017, file picture Saudi boys pose in front of a huge billboard showing in the center, King Salman, with his 31-year-old son Mohammed bin Salman to the right, and Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to the left in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Salman appointed his son, who was until now the deputy crown prince and country's defense minister, as his successor and first in line to the throne. Salman stripped Mohammed bin Nayef of the title of crown prince and ousted him from his powerful position of interior minister. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

FILE - In this photo provided on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, shows an Islamic State group base targeted by a Russian air strike , around Deir el-Zour in eastern Syria. Syrian government and allied troops have inserted themselves into the battle against Islamic State militants by capturing key areas on the flanks of the coalition-led battle to seize Raqqa. They have positioned themselves as indispensable possibly spoilers in the fight to uproot the militants from Syria. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service Photo via AP, File)
PEABODY, Mass. (AP) - Police say a Massachusetts man grabbed his 11-year-old daughter by the neck and beat her with a belt after she installed the Snapchat app on her cellphone.

Sean Nguyen, of Peabody, has been charged with strangulation and assault and battery on a child with injury, however police say the girl was not injured. Nguyen was arrested Tuesday inside a courtroom for an unrelated case.

Police say the 31-year-old became enraged when he discovered the app on his daughter's phone Saturday night.

A police report shows the girl was taken to the Salem police station by relatives after the assault. Police say the Department of Children and Families has been notified.

Nguyen is being held without bail. It's unclear whether he has an attorney.
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Alabama's floodwaters may be infested with balls of fire ants, according to officials warning of the dangers now that Tropical Storm Cindy has made landfall along the Gulf Coast.

The storm has already dumped two to 10 inches of rain from southern Louisiana to the Florida panhandle on Wednesday with more on the way, according to National Weather Service.

As if life threatening flash floods weren't enough of a worry, officials are now warning of fire ants, which are impervious to floodwaters and can be seen floating around en masse.

Cindy claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy on Wednesday after he was struck by a log that washed ashore in Alabama while he was on vacation with his family.

The storm is expected to keep churning seas and spin off bands of severe weather from eastern Texas to northwestern Florida before moving northwest through Arkansas and Tennessee.

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Alabama's floodwaters may be infested with balls of fire ants, which emerge from the soil, for loose balls or 'ribbons' can cling onto people's skin and sting

Vehicles navigate past waves and debris washing over State Highway 87 as Tropical Storm Cindy approaches Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in High Island, Texas

Volunteers put out sand bags in Lafitte, Louisiana, on Wednesday. The storm has already dumped two to 10 inches of rain from southern Louisiana to the Florida panhandle on Wednesday with more on the way

Pictured, an unidentified man looks at a truck that was crushed by a falling tree in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on Wednesday

Storm surge, coupled with high tide, leaves a pier on East Beach in Ocean Springs nearly submerged in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Heavy winds from the storm are expected to weaken as Tropical Storm Cindy moves inland through Arkansas on Friday before a projected path eastwards through Tennessee

Additional rainfall is expected across the entire southern region, with some areas expected to get an additional five to eight inches

A boy on an Alabama beach was struck and killed Wednesday by a log washed ashore by the storm while he was standing outside a condominium in Fort Morgan, Alabama.

Baldwin County Sheriff's Capt. Stephen Arthur said relatives and emergency workers tried but failed to revive him. He wasn't immediately identified.

It was the first known fatality from Cindy. Otherwise, the storm was blamed for widespread coastal highway flooding, rough seas and scattered reports of power outages and building damage caused by high winds.

There were also numerous reports of waterspouts and short-lived tornadoes spawned by the storm.

National Weather Service forecasters estimated anywhere from two to 10 inches of rain was dumped on various southern Louisiana to the Florida panhandle as of Wednesday.

Alek Krautmann of the National Weather Service in Slidell, Louisiana, said Thursday's pattern would likely be much like Wednesday's: Bands of intermittent, sometimes heavy rain spinning onto the coast.

The storm's maximum sustained winds had decreased to near 40mph Thursday morning with additional weakening expected, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Dustin Shelton fills sandbags at Orange County Precinct 3's maintenance barn in Bridge City, Texas

Nicole Cameron and Beverly Allison stock up on supplies on the Bolivar Peninsula of Texas, where a voluntary evacuation was in effect

In Alabama, streets were flooded and beaches were closed on the barrier island of Dauphin Island.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System warned of floating colonies of fire ants could form in the gushing surge of water and cling onto people's skin and sting.

People were cautioned to wear appropriate gear in the floodwater and check any dry surface, like the underside of debris.

In Gulfport, Mississippi, Kathleen Bertucci said heavy rainfall Wednesday sent about 10 inches of water into her business, Top Shop, which sells and installs granite countertops.

'It's pretty disgusting, but I don't have flood insurance because they took me out of the flood zone,' said Bertucci, whose store is near a bayou. 'We're just trying to clean everything up and hope it doesn't happen again.'

In nearby Biloxi, a waterspout moved ashore Wednesday morning. Harrison County Emergency Management Director Rupert Lacy said there were no injuries but fences, trees and power lines were damaged.

Storms also downed trees in the Florida Panhandle. Fort Walton Beach spokeswoman Jo Soria said fallen trees hit houses and cars in what she called 'pockets of wind damage' in two or three residential neighborhoods.

Tropical Storm Cindy sent drenching rain bands over the north Gulf Coast, swamping low-lying coastal roads

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the State Operations Center to raise its readiness level. Pictured, a Shell station on the Bolivar Peninsula that ran out of gas

Storm surge and heavy rains flooded the street in Ocean Springs, Mississippi

An oak tree was toppled in Beauvoir, Mississippi. The storm's maximum sustained winds had decreased to near 40 mph Thursday morning with additional weakening expected, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

The White House said President Donald Trump was briefed on the storm Wednesday by Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency, like his Alabama counterpart a day earlier. He was among authorities stressing that the storm's danger wasn't limited to the coast.

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the power-generating Tennessee Valley Authority, said it was drawing down water levels on nine lakes it controls along the Tennessee River and its tributaries in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky, anticipating heavy runoff from Cindy's rains once the storm moves inland.

The TVA manages 49 dams to regulate water, provide power and help control downstream flooding.

The dugout of a baseball field is destroyed in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Gulf Power employees repair a power pole that snapped in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Off the coast of Texas, rough seas also led to the rescue of a shrimp trawler in danger of sinking.

The U.S. Coast Guard said crew of the trawler Footprint was about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of Galveston when the crew radioed that the vessel was taking on water faster than onboard pumps could clear it.

A helicopter crew lowered and extra pump that enabled the shrimp boat crew to clear enough water to stay afloat. A Coast Guard cutter escorted the vessel to Freeport, Texas.

High surf, heavy winds and overcast conditions didn't stop people from heading to the beach on Okaloosa Island, Florida

Waves crash into the seawall at the small craft harbor at Jones Park, in Gulfport, Mississippi after midnight Wednesday

Kenny Kuluz wades through flood waters at the Ocean Springs, Mississippi, harbor
WASHINGTON (AP) - An online conspiracy theory dubbed "pizzagate" ended Thursday with real-world consequences when a North Carolina man was sentenced to prison for arming himself with an assault rifle, traveling to the nation's capital and firing his weapon inside a neighborhood pizza restaurant.

Edgar Maddison Welch's "ill-conceived plot" last year did "actual damage to the lives of real people," a judge said before sentencing him to four years in prison.

Judge Ketanji B. Jackson said she'd never seen a case like Welch's, and she gave him a punishment on the upper end of guidelines, in part to send a message to others. If Welch believed an internet conspiracy theory that children were being harmed at the restaurant, he should have notified law enforcement, not attempted to take the law into his own hands, the judge said during Thursday's hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington.

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2016 file photo, Edgar Maddison Welch, of Salisbury, N.C., surrenders to police in Washington. Welch is set to be sentenced Thursday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. (Sathi Soma via AP, File)

Jackson said it was "sheer luck" that no one was physically injured when Welch entered Washington's Comet Ping Pong restaurant on Dec. 4 armed with an AR-15 assault rifle and a revolver. He was there just about a month after the election of President Donald Trump to investigate unfounded internet rumors about prominent Democrats harboring child sex slaves at the restaurant.

As diners and staff fled, leaving half-eaten pizza and cups of soda, Welch went through the restaurant. At one point, he fired his AR-15 at a locked closet, but he discovered there were no children being held in the restaurant and surrendered peacefully.

Welch's sentence was just below the 4  years prosecutors sought and above the 1  years Welch's attorney asked for.

During the hearing, the 29-year-old Welch spoke briefly to apologize, saying he realized that his words "cannot undo or change what already happened." In a letter filed with the court, he wrote that he is "truly sorry for endangering the safety of any and all bystanders who were present that day," but he didn't talk about the conspiracy theory that motivated him to act, saying just that he came to Washington "with the intent of helping people I believed were in dire need of assistance."

On Thursday, he sat quietly in an orange jail jumpsuit throughout most of the hearing as his mother, father, sister and fiancee sat in the front of the courtroom.

Welch's attorney, Dani Jahn, said that Welch's actions were "reckless" and "misguided," but she said Welch, a father and former emergency medical technician, had acted with the intent of defending children.

Welch, who is from Salisbury, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in March to interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition and assault with a dangerous weapon. Though the rumors he went to investigate were unfounded, they have upended the lives of those who worked in the restaurant.

The restaurant's owner, James Alefantis, said in court that the "viscous web of lies" about his business has been traumatic for him and his staff. He still needs security there, he said, and has suffered both emotionally and financially. In letters to the judge and in court, employees described the terror of Welch's actions, with some saying they have depression and nightmares and need trauma counseling.

But Alefantis also said he is hopeful.

"I am hopeful that those who provoke fear, traffic in lies and perpetuate conspiracy will awake to the tangible harms that result from their actions," he said in court. "I am hopeful that one day reason will prevail before a shot rings out again in a place of warmth and love and communal gathering."

___

Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko

This evidence photo provided by the Metropolitan Police Department shows a revolver Edgar Maddison Welch of North Carolina brought in to a District of Columbia pizza restaurant on Dec. 4, 2016.. Welch is set to be sentenced Thursday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. (Metropolitan Police Department via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President. Candidate. Businessman. Three of President Donald Trump's roles converge next week as he holds his first re-election fundraiser at his hotel in Washington.

Trump can see the Trump International Hotel from the White House lawn, making it a premier and convenient location for the June 28 major-donor event, his campaign director Michael Glassner said.

But the choice also raises ethics questions, according to conflict of interest attorneys who have been critical of Trump's decision not to cut financial ties with his global business empire.

FILE - In this Dec. 21, 2016, file photo, The Trump International Hotel in Washington. President Donald Trump will hold his first re-election fundraiser at his own hotel in Washington on June 28, 2017. The president began his 2020 campaign on the day he was inaugurated and raised at least $7 million by the end of March. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Kathleen Clark, a former ethics lawyer for the District of Columbia, said that while not illegal or even unusual for Trump, it's a bold example of self-dealing that deeply concerns some Americans.

"It's another example of him trying to get a twofer, promoting his brand through his campaign or his government work," she said.

Norman Eisen, who served as President Barack Obama's lead ethics attorney, said Trump is "becoming more and more brazen in his efforts to monetize the presidency."

Eisen is suing Trump for violating a clause of the Constitution that prohibits foreign gifts and payments; Trump and the Justice Department have called such lawsuits baseless.

Trump has commingled business and politics right from the June 2015 day he glided down an escalator at Trump Tower in New York City to announce his candidacy.

Ethics experts say his continued appearances at his own for-profit properties - he's visited such locations 37 times as president, according to an Associated Press tally - double as a form of advertising that inappropriately enriches him.

The annual financial disclosure Trump filed last week shows that Mar-a-Lago, the Florida resort he visited on seven weekends this winter, saw a revenue bump to $37 million from $30 million during the period covered in his previous filing.

The Washington hotel opened in October, and Trump reported $20 million in income from the property.

Throughout the 2016 presidential race, Trump's campaign account cycled about $8 million into his businesses. At the same time, he contributed more than $66 million out of his own pocket over the course of the primary and general election campaigns.

So far, Trump's re-election campaign is raising money exclusively from other donors.

He officially kicked off his 2020 bid on Inauguration Day by filing Federal Election Commission paperwork, making it the earliest such effort by a sitting president.

It's paying off: The campaign raised more than $7 million by the end of March from appeals to small donors and the sale of merchandise such as the ubiquitous red "Make America Great Again" ball caps.

The money helps pay for political rallies. He's held five of them since becoming president, including one Wednesday night in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The fundraiser next week is aimed at high-dollar donors. His campaign and the Republican National Committee will share proceeds.

Trump himself foreshadowed the choice of location last week in a text message to supporters. Trying to encourage small donors to participate in a drawing to gain admittance, the campaign wrote, in the voice of Trump: "Do not worry about a thing. We will fly you to DC, we will take a picture together, and you will stay at a beautiful hotel. BIG LEAGUE."

He and his supporters have referred to the Trump hotel as "beautiful." The Trump Organization completed a $200 million renovation of the government property weeks before Election Day.

With the General Services Administration as his landlord - and the president as the GSA's ultimate boss - Trump has tried to distance himself from the property's finances. Government watchdogs have argued that the steps he's taken fall short of avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

Under a restructuring outlined in letters between the Trump Organization and the GSA, profits from the hotel will go to an account of the corporate entity that holds the lease, Trump Old Post Office LLC.

The letters do not address what might happen to any profits from the hotel after Trump leaves office, or whether they will be transferred to Trump at that time.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkish officials said Thursday that U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has written to his Turkish counterpart, reassuring him that arms provided to Syrian Kurdish fighters would be taken back once Islamic State militants are ousted from their main stronghold in Syria, the city of Raqqa.

Turkish Defense Ministry officials said in a statement that Mattis also reassured Defense Minister Fikri Isik that the United States would regularly provide Turkey with a list of arms provided to the fighters while U.S. military advisers on the field would ensure that the arms don't go outside of the Syria battle zones.

A U.S. decision to launch an offensive to capture Raqqa in partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has complicated relations with Ankara, which views the group's Kurdish fighters as an extension of an insurgent Kurdish terror group operating in Turkey.

France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and his wife Brigitte Macron awaiting Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos and his wife Maria Clemencia Rodriguez for a dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Nobel Peace Prize winner and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos starts a three-day visit to Paris for talks on cooperation. (Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool Photo via AP)

Ankara fears arms provided to the Kurdish fighters will end up in the hands of the insurgents in Turkey and has threatened to respond to threats.

The officials said Mattis told Isik in the letter that 80 percent of the force which would capture Raqqa would be made up of Arabs and that an Arab force would hold the city.

If confirmed, Mattis' statement on the weapons being taken back once the Raqqa fight is over conflict with recent comments made by officials of the U.S.-led coalition against IS.

The coalition's spokesman at the time, Col. John Dorrian, said last month that the weapons supplied to the Kurds will not be reclaimed by the U.S. after the specific missions are completed, but that the U.S. will "carefully monitor" where and how they are used.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France is no longer pushing for the departure of Syrian President Bashar Assad, in a shift in French policy throughout the Syrian war.

Macron said he wants to work more closely with Russia for a solution in Syria and says foreign powers were too focused on Assad as a person.

"For a long time we were blocked on the persona of Bashar Assad," Macron said in an interview with eight European newspapers published on Thursday. "Bashar is not our enemy, he is the enemy of the Syrian people."

Macron also said that foreign powers "collectively committed an error" in focusing on a military solution in Syria. "The new outlook I have on this issue is that I haven't stated that Bashar Assad's departure is a necessary condition for everything. Because no one has shown me a legitimate successor," he said.

Macron's predecessors were among the most vocal Assad opponents.

However, Macron warned France would attack Syria if the government uses chemical weapons. French warplanes are already targeting Islamic State extremists in Syria.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - South Africa's highest court says it is up to the speaker of parliament to decide whether a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma can be done by secret ballot.

Opposition parties had wanted a secret ballot in the belief that disgruntled lawmakers in the ruling party could turn against Zuma if their votes are not publicly disclosed and they have less fear of reprisals from their own party.

However, the Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that parliamentary speaker Baleka Mbete, a ruling African National Congress member and Zuma ally, can decide on a secret vote. The court says the constitution is "silent" on the matter.

Zuma has faced calls for his resignation even from within the ruling party because of scandals involving alleged corruption and mismanagement.
PARIS (AP) - French authorities are investigating the death of a fitness blogger reportedly hit by an exploding whipped cream canister that was withdrawn from the market in 2013, officials and the company that makes the product said Thursday.

The prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Mulhouse said an investigation is underway into Sunday's death of Rebecca Burger and whether a faulty siphon on a high-pressure canister used to make and dispense whipped cream was at fault. The prosecutor would not comment pending further investigation.

Consumer magazine 60 Million Consumers reported that the exploding canister hit Burger violently in the chest, causing her to suffer a heart attack. The magazine said it had been warning for years of such risks after dozens of incidents, but this was apparently the first death reported.

Burger's family announced her death on Burger's Instagram account and added a photo showing a dismantled example of the type of whipped cream canister that "struck the thorax." Authorities have the actual device that hit the popular blogger, her family said. The Instagram account showed 166,000 followers.

The manufacturer of the kitchen product, Ard'time, said the product has not been on the market since a "first incident implicating a siphon" in February 2013. Products were withdrawn from the market and destroyed, a company statement said, and efforts were made to alert consumers.

"Unfortunately, there are still lots of siphons of all brands that remain potentially dangerous as time passes," the company said.

The consumer magazine said that incidents have been occurring since at least 2010. "We are up to 60 accidents" that have been reported, 60 Million Consumers Deputy Editor Benjamin Douriez said.

"It is, to our knowledge, the first time there has been a death from such an explosion. ... We knew it would happen one day," Douriez said.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Burger died Sunday, not Saturday.
BERLIN (AP) - Germany's parliament honored former Chancellor Helmut Kohl in a memorial on Thursday, remembering him as the architect of German reunification but also as someone who wasn't without flaws.

Norbert Lammert, the parliament speaker, said that because of Kohl "the peaceful unity of our country and a free and pacified Europe is today a reality." Kohl, who spearheaded German reunification in 1990 and was an architect of the euro, died Friday at age 87.

Remembering the party financing scandal that embroiled Kohl after he left office in 1998, Lammert said the former chancellor himself "acknowledged some mistakes."

First row from left, former German President Horst Koehler, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and former President Joachim Gauck attends a minute of silence for late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, prior to a plenary session of the German Parliament Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Thursday, June 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Lammert told Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and others that "Kohl's path was sometimes painful, sometimes caused by himself and sometimes caused by others."

Kohl is being honored with an official European memorial event, a first for the European Union, at the European Parliament on July 1.

A requiem mass will then be held at the cathedral in Speyer, in Kohl's home region, where the former leader also will be buried. Unusually, however, there won't be a state funeral in Germany beyond the official European event - apparently at Kohl's wish.

Lammert, a member of Kohl's party, remarked in his speech to parliament that the location and format in which Kohl is honored for his political work in Germany is "with all due respect, not just a family matter."

Kohl's death has highlighted rifts in the ex-chancellor's family. He had fallen out with his two sons and one of them, Walter Kohl, said he and two of the former leader's grandchildren were turned away from Kohl's home when he tried to visit Wednesday.

Stephan Holthoff-Pfoertner - a lawyer for Maike Kohl-Richter, Kohl's widow and second wife - accused the younger Kohl of ignoring earlier efforts to organize contact and deliberately setting up the scene by turning up unannounced. Walter Kohl denied that.

Members of the German parliament Bundestag and the German government with Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the first row right, stand behind their seats and hold a minute of silence for late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl prior to a plenary session at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Thursday, June 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

German Parliament President Norbert Lammert delivers a speech to commemorate late former Chancellor Helmut Kohl prior to a plenary session of the Bundestag at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Thursday, June 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Walter Kohl, son of late German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, waits at the door of his father's house in Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim, Wednesday, June 21, 2017, before a police officer told him that he was ordered to stay away from his father's house. Kohl's son and two of his grand children knocked on the door of the house where Helmut Kohl lays in state but weren't granted access. Helmut Kohl died June 16. He was 87. (Boris Roessler/dpa via AP)
LONDON (AP) - Britain's Prince Harry has suggested that no one in the royal family really wishes to rise to the throne - and that it is duty, rather than desire, that prompts them to continue serving the British people.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Harry said the House of Windsor is "not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people." He also spoke openly about his distress at having to walk behind his mother's coffin as a 12-year-old boy in full public view, saying: "I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances."

The 32-year-old royal was recalling the day in 1997 when he joined his brother Prince William, then 15, and other members of the royal family in a funeral procession through London's streets for Princess Diana, who died in a car accident.

FILE - In this file photo dated Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, Britain's Prince Harry, centre, leads Prince William, left, and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, background right, during a fun relay race, to promote the charity Heads Together, at the Queen Elizabeth II Park in London. In an interview with Newsweek magazine published Thursday June 22, 2017, Britain's Prince Harry has suggested that no one in the royal family really wishes to rise to the throne, and that it is duty, rather than desire, that prompts them to continue serving the British people. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, FILE)

"My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television," he said.

Harry made candid remarks about being a royal - and his determination to lead as ordinary a life as he could.

"Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don't think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time," he said.

He does his own shopping, he added - and would continue to do so "even if I was king."

"People would be amazed by the ordinary life William and I live," he said. "My mother took a huge part in showing me an ordinary life, including taking me and my brother to see homeless people. Thank goodness I'm not completely cut off from reality."

Asked whether he worried that an "ordinary" royal would make the family "too accessible," Harry said: "It's a tricky balancing act. We don't want to dilute the magic ... The British public and the whole world need institutions like it."
URBANA, Ill. (AP) - University of Illinois police representatives and a campus counseling center will meet with students to discuss the search for a visiting scholar from China.

The Thursday evening gathering at Altgeld Hall in Urbana comes two weeks after 26-year-old Yingying Zhang disappeared. The university says the meeting is open to the public.

Police Chief Jeff Christensen also said in a Wednesday statement that investigators "continue to make progress" and "will not give up" until Zhang is found. He said he couldn't disclose details about the ongoing investigation.

Police say surveillance video shows Zhang entering a black Saturn Astra in Urbana on the afternoon of June 9. They've labeled the case a kidnapping.

Zhang's father, aunt and boyfriend travelled from China and are staying in university housing as the search continues.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iranian media are saying the country has begun exporting gas to neighboring Iraq.

The Thursday report by the semi-official Fars news agency said the exports began late Wednesday through a pipeline straight to Baghdad. According to the report, the daily flow will start at around 7 billion cubic meters per day and eventually grow to 35 billion cubic meters per day.

The pipeline's inauguration came a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Iran.

Iran and Iraq already have a second signed agreement to establish a gas pipeline to the southern city of Basra as well.

The two neighbors have been close allies since the fall of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. They current conduct an estimated $13 billion in annual trade.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against a Boston man seeking to overturn his murder conviction because his lawyer failed to object when the judge closed the courtroom during jury selection.

Justice Anthony Kennedy said in the 7-2 ruling that the error Kentel Weaver's lawyer committed did not appear to affect the outcome of the case. Weaver was found guilty in the 2003 murder of a 15-year-old boy.

The lawyer's failure to object prevented Weaver's mother and others from watching what should have been a public jury selection process. The judge had closed the courtroom because it was overcrowded.

Weaver's lawyer later testified that he mistakenly believed closing the court for jury selection was permitted. In fact, it violates the Sixth Amendment right to a public trial.

But Kennedy said Weaver did not show a "reasonable probability of a different outcome but for counsel's failure to object." He said the lawyer's shortcomings did not lead to a "fundamentally unfair trial."

Weaver was only 16 years old at the time of murder. Prosecutors said the victim, Germaine Rucker, was attacked by a group of men and boys after selling some jewelry to a woman and shot twice.

Witnesses saw a boy wearing a baseball cap pull a pistol from his pants leg. The cap fell off and was recovered by police, who discovered Weaver's DNA on it. Weaver confessed to his mother, and later, to police when his mother brought him to the police station.

Before trial, the judge ordered the courtroom closed because it was overcrowded with 90 prospective jurors, forcing some to stand in the hallway. Weaver's mother and a friend tried to get in but were refused entry.

Massachusetts' highest state court had ruled that the mistake did not affect the fairness of the proceedings and that Weaver was not entitled to a new trial.

Kennedy agreed, even while acknowledging that the judge's decision to close the courtroom for jury selection was a constitutional violation. But he said it "did not pervade the whole trial or lead to basic unfairness."

In dissent, Justice Stephen Breyer said a criminal defendant who shows that his lawyer made a "constitutionally deficient performance" should not have the added burden of showing that the mistake changed the outcome of the trial. He was joined by Justice Elena Kagan.
CLEVELAND (AP) - The partner of a Cleveland police patrolman who is on trial for the fatal shooting of an unarmed burglary suspect testified Wednesday that the shooting wasn't necessary, Cleveland.com reported.

Patrolman Gregory King testified in Cleveland Municipal Court that he didn't fear for his life when partner Alan Buford shot Brandon Jones, 18, once in the chest in March 2015, the news site reported (http://bit.ly/2twPELU ).

Buford is charged with negligent homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months in jail. The case is being heard by a judge, not a jury. Jones was black, as are Buford and King.

King testified Buford shot Jones within seconds of the officers grabbing him outside a closed convenience store where Jones had stolen cigarettes and junk food.

"I was surprised," King said. "I just wasn't expecting it."

Jones' family gasped when King said he never feared enough for his life that night to have used deadly force, according to Cleveland.com. The two officers were dressed in their patrol uniforms Wednesday and didn't look at each other as King testified for about an hour.

Buford's attorney asked King about the dangers the officers faced. King testified he kept his gun pointed at Jones before the shooting and said the break-in occurred in a high-crime area.

King said he checked on Jones after he was shot. He said the teen's last words were, "I don't want to die here."

Buford is assigned to light duty with no contact with the public, a Cleveland police spokeswoman said. King has returned to patrol duties.

___

Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
LIMA, Peru (AP) - Sara Moran never thought her home in a poor part of Peru's capital would become a makeshift shelter for 70 strays when she first rescued a dog after it was run over by a car in 2007.

All the dogs come from the large population of abandoned canines that roam Lima's streets.

"Sometimes I think God has given me this mission," said Moran, 48, as she changes a diaper for a dog named Pecas, one of eight that she's recently rescued and which gets around on a canine wheelchair.

In this Monday, June 19, 2017, Sara Moran plays with group of dogs inside of her home in the Chorrillos neighborhood in Lima, Peru. Moran has a dog shelter in her own home called "Milagros Perrunos" where she cares for 70 stray dogs, some of whom are also paraplegic or sick with cancer. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Feeding the large pack 365 days of the year is the hardest part for Moran. She relies on donations from neighbors and strangers touched by her labor of love.

But she also makes sure they receive plenty of psychological nourishment as well. In winter, when most Peruvians avoid the beach, she takes the dogs on frequent runs across the hard, black sand.

Seeing them happy is her reward.

"They are completely pure," she says. "Their souls have no perversions."

In this Monday, June 19, 2017, a dog called "Teresita" plays at the "Milagros Perrunos" dog shelter in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. All of the dogs come from the large population of abandoned canines that roam Lima's streets. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, Sara Moran changes the diaper of "Pecas" on of the 70 stray and ailing dogs she keeps at her makeshift dog shelter, at her home in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. "Sometimes I think God has given me this mission," said Moran, 48, as she changes a diaper for Pecas, one of eight that she's recently rescued and which gets around on a doggie wheelchair.(AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, a paraplegic dog called "Pecas" who has to use a diaper, rests in its bed at a dog shelter in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. Local resident Sara Moran runs the shelter, called "Milagros Perrunos" from her home, where she cares for 70 dogs, of which some are paraplegic and others suffer from diseases such as cancer. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, the paws of paraplegic dog called "Huellitas" hang limply as he rides his wheel chair, at a dog shelter in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. All of the dogs come from the large population of abandoned canines that roam Lima's streets. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, a dog called "Negrita" looks out of a window of her home, a dog shelter owned and operated by local resident Sara Moran, in Lima, Peru. Moran never thought that her home in a poorer neighborhood of Peru's capital would become a makeshift shelter for 70 strays when she rescued a dog after it was run over and almost killed by a car in 2007. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, dog wheelchairs hang from a window at the "Milagros Perrunos" dog shelter in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. Sara Moran runs the shelter from her own home called "Milagros Perrunos" where she cares for 70 dogs. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017, a dog called "Yodi" who was rescued during a flood lies on her bet at the "Milagros Perrunos" dog shelter in Chorrillos district in Lima, Peru. Feeding the large pack 365 days of the year is the hardest part so the shleter relies on donations from neighbors and strangers touched by her labor of love. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Monday, June 19, 2017 photo, Sara Moran is greeted by two paraplegic dogs called "Huellitas" and "Osito" in the Chorrillos neighborhood in Lima, Peru. "They are completely pure," she says. "Their souls have no perversions." (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Tuesday, June 20, 2017 photo, a paraplegic dog called "Osito" rests after a run in his wheelchair at the Agua Dulce beach at the Chorrillos district of Lima, Peru. "Osito" is part of group of dogs that are taken care of by local resident Sara Moran, who has shelter in her own home called "Milagros Perrunos." (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

In this Tuesday, June 20, 2017 photo, a group of paraplegic dogs run with the help of their wheelchairs on the Agua Dulce beach in the Chorrillos neighborhood of Lima, Peru. The dogs are cared for by local resident Sara Moran. In winter, when most Peruvians avoid the beach, she takes the dogs on frequent runs across the hard, black sand. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
ARUA, Uganda (AP) - South Sudan's leaders must end a civil war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, the United Nations secretary-general said Thursday while visiting what has become the world's fastest-growing refugee crisis.

"The leaders of South Sudan have not deserved the people they have," Antonio Guterres said after touring a refugee reception center in northern Uganda. More than 900,000 refugees are sheltering in Uganda, most of them women and children. Most have arrived in the past year.

"The people (are) suffering enormously with this endless war," Guterres said. "It is time for the war to end."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, center, serves maize meal to refugees in the food distribution tent of the Imvepi reception center for South Sudanese refugees in northern Uganda, Thursday, June 22, 2017. Guterres visited ahead of a U.N.-backed summit in Uganda that is aimed at raising global awareness of the world's fastest-growing refugee crisis and urged South Sudan's leaders to end a civil war that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions of people. (AP Photo/Rodney Muhumuza)

He spoke ahead of Friday's U.N.-backed summit in Uganda that is aimed at raising global awareness of the crisis. Uganda and the U.N. have said they need $8 billion to help the refugees and host communities over the next four years. Uganda has warned it is near the "breaking point" in taking in the refugees.

The European Union on Thursday announced 85 million euros ($94 million) in aid.

More than 1.8 million people have crossed into neighboring countries since the start of South Sudan's conflict in December 2013.

Guterres heard the accounts of refugee children who spoke of everything from medicine shortages to the long line at the communal toilet.

Many spoke of hunger amid a reduction in U.N. food rations.

The U.N. children's fund in Uganda this week said it requires nearly $50 million this year as well as $30 million each year from 2018 to 2020 to provide critical services, including education and child protection, to both refugees and host communities.

Although Uganda has been praised for its generous policy toward refugees, including the allocation of plots of land on which refugees can grow food, national authorities say the continuing influx is straining local resources.

Sam Wadri, the elected leader of Arua, the district hosting the Imvepi refugee reception center, told the U.N. chief that the already impoverished local community was overwhelmed.

"The source where the problem comes from must be addressed," Wadri said.
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) - Ghana's Supreme Court has declared "unconstitutional" the decision by former President John Mahama to allow two former Guantanamo Bay detainees entry into the West African country.

The court ruled Thursday that the ex-president needed to get parliamentary approval for the transfer. It said parliament has three months to approve the transfer of the detainees.

Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby had been held as enemy combatants but were cleared for release in 2009. The two Yemenis were the first Guantanamo prisoners resettled in sub-Saharan Africa and arrived in January 2016.

Mahama has said the detainees were taken in after a direct request by the United States government and did not pose a security threat. Several religious and civil society groups protested their transfer to Ghana.
NEW YORK (AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a compensation program for victims of past sexual abuse by priests.

The diocese says it will take out a loan to fund the program and is sending letters about it to about 235 people who previously reported being abused by a diocesan clergy member. The loan amount wasn't specified.

A diocese spokeswoman says the abuse allegations go back as far as 1934. Families can apply if the victim is deceased.

The program is modeled after one started last year by the larger New York archdiocese. Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros administer the older program and will also run the Brooklyn one.

The Brooklyn diocese also includes Queens.

Feinberg also served as administrator of the compensation fund for Sept. 11 victims' families.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump declared Thursday he never made and doesn't have recordings of his private conversations with ousted former FBI Director James Comey, ending a month-long guessing game that he started with a cryptic tweet and that ensnared his administration in yet more controversy.

"With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information," Trump said in his latest tweets, he has "no idea" whether there are "tapes" or recordings of the two men's conversations. But he proclaimed he "did not make, and do not have, any such recordings."

That left open the possibility that recordings were made without his knowledge or by someone else. But he largely appeared to close the saga that began in May, just days after he fired Comey, then the head of an investigation into Trump associates' ties to Russian officials. Trump has disputed Comey's version of a January dinner during which the director said the president had asked for a pledge of loyalty.

President Donald Trump speaks during the "American Leadership in Emerging Technology" event in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump responded at that time, via Twitter, that Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"

That apparently angry missive triggered a series of consequences each weightier than the last. Comey has suggested that the tweet prompted him to ask an associate to leak damaging information to the media. The resulting news reports built pressure on a top Justice Department official to appoint an independent prosecutor to oversee the Russia investigation. That special counsel is now reportedly investigating Trump's own actions in a probe that could dog his presidency for the foreseeable future.

Trump's declaration now that there are no recordings appear to settle a key dynamic in that investigation: It's now the president's word against Comey's notes.

Without recordings, Comey's version of his conversations with Trump - which he documented at the time, shared with close associates and testified about to Congress - will likely play a key role as prosecutors consider whether Trump inappropriately pressured the lawman to drop the investigation into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. Investigators will also weigh the credibility of Comey against a president who has shown a wobbly commitment to accuracy.

Thursday's revelation came a day ahead of a deadline to turn over any tapes to the House intelligence committee. The timing drew attention away from the release of the Senate's health care bill, which the White House hopes can provide Trump a much-needed legislative victory to boost his sagging poll numbers.

Trump's tweets, old and new, left many perplexed about whether there was motive or strategy behind the whole affair. The president appeared to enjoy ginning up mystery and spinning Washington reporters about the possibility there was a trove of surreptitiously recorded Oval Office conversations.

"I think he was in his way instinctively trying to rattle Comey," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a longtime Trump confidant, said before the Thursday tweets. "He's not a professional politician. He doesn't come back and think about Nixon and Watergate. His instinct is: 'I'll out-bluff you.'"

Trump's earlier suggestion about tapes evoked the secret White House recordings that led to Richard Nixon's downfall in the Watergate scandal. Under a post-Watergate law, the Presidential Records Act, recordings made by presidents belong to the people and can eventually be made public. Destroying them would be a crime.

But the episode tired Trump's defenders and aides, who for weeks have been dodging questions about the recordings. Advisers who speak to Trump regularly have said he had not mentioned the existence of tapes during their conversations. More than a half-dozen aides said they were unaware of any recording devices. All demanded anonymity to speak about private discussions with the president.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday she didn't think Trump regretted the initial tweet. As for his possible motivation, she would only say it was perhaps about "raising the question of doubt in general." She also could not explain Trump's new reference to possible surveillance.

Mark Warner of Virginia, top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said, "This administration never ceases to amaze me." He said the tweeting is an example of Trump's "willingness to just kind of make things up."

"It's remarkable the president was so flippant to make his original tweet and then frankly stonewall the media and the country for weeks," Warner said. "I don't know how this serves the country's interests."

This is not the first time that Trump, the former star of reality TV and tabloids, has manufactured a melodrama that begins with bluster but often ends with a whimper.

Trump flirted with presidential runs in 1988 and 2000 before abandoning them. He offered to help rebuild the World Trade Center in 2004 but never followed through. And his embrace of birtherism, which questioned whether Obama was born in the United States and was eligible to become president, fueled his own political rise. He never produced any evidence.

"I think the president has played the media like a fiddle for two and a half years," said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

The pattern has continued since Trump's election.

On New Year's Eve, he claimed he knew "things that other people don't know" about foreign hacking of last year's election, and that the information would be revealed "on Tuesday or Wednesday." Those days came and went without an answer. In March, he tweeted the incendiary claim that he was wiretapped by his predecessor, a charge he's never supported.

"He follows the paradigm that no news is bad news," said Sam Nunberg, a former campaign aide. "He knows how to play to America's insatiable appetite not just for news but for drama and interest. He brought that to Washington."

He's also brought trouble to his White House.

At a Senate committee hearing this month, Comey suggested that the president's reference to possible recordings inspired him to disclose to the media through an intermediary a memo he had written of their Oval Office conversation. In that meeting, according to the memo, Trump told Comey he hoped he would let the Flynn investigation go. Comey said he understood that to be a request to drop the probe.

One week after the memo was disclosed, the Justice Department appointed Robert Mueller as special counsel to take over the investigation into contacts between Russia and the Trump political campaign.

___

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Ken Thomas and Deb Riechmann contributed reporting.

___

Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., whose panel is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, speaks with reporters after final votes for the week, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 22, 2017. Warner responded to President Donald Trump's tweet that there are no recordings of his private conversations with fired FBI director James Comey, saying, "This administration never ceases to amaze me." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on a North Carolina man who fired shots inside a District of Columbia restaurant while he was investigating a conspiracy theory known as "pizzagate." (all times local):

1 p.m.

A North Carolina man who fired an assault rifle inside a District of Columbia restaurant during his investigation of a conspiracy theory dubbed "pizzagate" has been sentenced to four years in prison.

This evidence photo provided by the Metropolitan Police Department shows the AR-15 assault weapon Edgar Maddison Welch of North Carolina brought in to a District of Columbia pizza restaurant on Dec. 4, 2016. Welch is set to be sentenced Thursday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. (Metropolitan Police Department via AP)

Edgar Maddison Welch was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Washington. His attorney had asked that he be sentenced to 1 years in prison. Prosecutors asked for 4 years.

Welch pleaded guilty in March and acknowledged that he entered the Comet Ping Pong restaurant Dec. 4 with an AR-15 assault weapon and a revolver. He said he drove to the restaurant from North Carolina to investigate an unfounded conspiracy theory about Democrats harboring child sex slaves at the pizza restaurant.

No one was physically injured, but the judge says Welch's actions "literally left psychological wreckage."

___

3:35 a.m.

A man who walked into a District of Columbia pizza restaurant with an assault rifle to investigate internet rumors dubbed "pizzagate" is scheduled to be sentenced.

Edgar Maddison Welch is set to be sentenced Thursday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. In a court document filed ahead of the hearing, his attorney asked that he be sentenced to 1 years in prison. Prosecutors have asked for a sentence of 4 years.

Welch acknowledged as part of a guilty plea in March that he entered the Comet Ping Pong restaurant Dec. 4 with an AR-15 assault weapon and a revolver. He also acknowledged driving to the restaurant from North Carolina to investigate a conspiracy theory about Democrats harboring child sex slaves there.

No one was injured.

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2016 file photo, Edgar Maddison Welch, of Salisbury, N.C., surrenders to police in Washington. Welch is set to be sentenced Thursday at a hearing in federal court in Washington. (Sathi Soma via AP, File)
Britain could lose sovereignty over a Mauritian island used as a defence base after EU countries refused to support the UK in a UN vote over the dispute.

The General Assembly voted Tuesday to seek an opinion from the top UN court on Mauritius' claim that Britain illegally maintains sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, where the United States has a major military base in the Indian Ocean.

Only Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Lithuania contested the measure in support of Britain, as the vote was approved by a winning margin of 94-15 with 65 abstentions.

The loss for Britain came as it begins negotiations to leave the European Union, and there was a lack of support for the UK from the 27 other EU members.

Cyprus voted in favor of the court referral and 22 EU nations including Germany, France and Italy abstained.

Fuel tanks at the edge of a miltary airstrip on Diego Garcia, largest island in the Chagos archipelago

An aerial shot of the snake-like formation of Diego Garcia - the largest of 60 small islands comprising the Chagos Archipelago

Rosemond Sameenaden, 70, joins other Chagos islanders outside the High Court, London, where they fought the UK government for the reinstatement of their homeland back in 2007

Mauritius' defense minister, Anerood Jugnauth, told General Assembly members before the vote that the Chagos archipelago has been part of Mauritius since at least the 18th century and was unlawfully taken by the United Kingdom in 1965, three years before the island nation gained independence from Britain.

He said British Foreign Office memos from 1965 and 1966 reveal 'shocking truths' of how the UK sought to present the United Nations with their evidence in 'the dismemberment' of the Chagos islands and the eviction of the people living there.

An Air Force B-52 bomber from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing takes off from Diego Garcia for a combat mission

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the United Kingdom remains confident of its sovereignty over the islands, which it renamed the British Indian Ocean Territory after the 1965 agreement with authorities in Mauritius.

He said the UK agreed at that time to return sovereignty to Mauritius whenever the archipelago was no longer needed for military purposes.

The UK concluded an agreement with the United States in 1966 to use the territory for defense purposes.

It is now a forward operating location for aircraft and ships that contribute to regional and global security.

Rycroft said the US-UK presence contributes 'to guaranteeing the security of the Indian Ocean itself, from which all neighboring states benefit, including Mauritius'.

'The facilities play a critical role in combating some of the most difficult and urgent problems of the 21st century, such as terrorism, international criminality, piracy and instability in many forms,' he said, adding it was clear what had been agreed with Mauritius.

Jugnauth said Mauritius has repeatedly stated 'that we do not have any problem with the military base, but that our decolonization process should be completed'.

'More than five decades have passed, and now is the time to act,' he said.

A group of Chagossians in Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos archipelago, land for a visit

The resolution asks the International Court of Justice two questions - was the process of decolonisation of Mauritius lawfully completed in 1968 - and what are the consequences under international law of the UK's continued administration, including with respect to the inability to resettle Chagos residents on the islands?

US Deputy Ambassador Michele Sison strongly backed the UK, warning that establishing a precedent of going to the court 'is dangerous for all UN member states.'

The International Court of Justice needs to consider 'whether it would be appropriate for it to respond to this request,' Sison said.

'In our view it would not.'

A Foreign Office spokesman said: Taking this dispute to the international court of justice is an inappropriate use of the ICJ mechanism.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel has filed a complaint with the U.N. Security Council accusing the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of setting up observation outposts along the border on land purportedly used by an environmental advocacy group.

Israel said the posts violate the U.N.-brokered cease-fire that ended a war with Hezbollah in 2006 and asked the U.N. to order the Lebanese government to remove the posts.

"Hezbollah's continued military buildup and destabilizing activities in southern Lebanon have serious repercussions on both regional stability and the ability of the Lebanese government to effectively control its country," Israel's U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, wrote in a letter to the Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In Tuesday's letter, he said the world "cannot continue to turn a blind eye to Hezbollah's flagrant violations" of U.N. resolutions.

Israel says the posts were built on spots used by an environmental group called "Green Without Borders."

The Israeli military on Thursday released photos and video of what it said were the Hezbollah observation posts. One video showed a pair of uniformed men climbing onto a watchtower.

Israel says the environmental group has received funding in the past from Hezbollah.

A blog connected to the group says "for the sake of realizing our aims, we have an agreement of understanding and cooperation" with Hussein Haj Hassan, a Hezbollah Cabinet minister. The blog has not been updated since 2015, and a message sent to a contact was not immediately returned.

UNIFIL, the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, said it was looking into the Israeli allegations. There was no immediate comment from Lebanon or Hezbollah.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite group, has since built up an arsenal that is now believed to include well over 100,000 missiles and rockets aimed at Israel.

Although Hezbollah has suffered heavy losses backing up the forces of President Bashar Assad in the Syrian civil war, Israel considers the group to be a serious threat. Israel is believed to have carried out a number of airstrikes in Syria on suspected arms shipments bound for Hezbollah.

Addressing a security conference on Thursday, the head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Herzl Halevy, called on UNIFIL to carry out its duties - "not only in keeping the peace, but in removing the possibility of war."

___

Associated Press writer Philip Issa in Beirut contributed to this report.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A young black bear has been making the rounds of an Alaska neighborhood in Anchorage and is raiding the residents' trash.

A sighting Thursday morning's sighting provided people a chance to snap photos from the front doors of their homes just as they prepared to head to work.

The bear made it easy after he raided a trash can and munched on garbage in the middle of a lawn.

Smith Savelio takes a photo from his doorway of a black bear that was in his front yard in Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday, June 22, 2017. A black bear has been seen for days raiding trash cans in the east Anchorage neighborhood. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Thursday's bear sighting in Alaska's largest city came days after two people were fatally mauled by black bears elsewhere in Alaska.

Bear sightings are common in Anchorage, a city of 300,000 people that encompasses an area larger than the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

About 350 black bears and 65 brown bears live in Anchorage.
NEW YORK (AP) - A home health care aide was charged with trying to aid the Islamic State group after he unwittingly planned his trip to Syria under the eye of law enforcement authorities, prosecutors said Thursday.

Saddam Mohamed Raishani was arrested Wednesday night as he prepared to board a plane at John F. Kennedy International Airport to begin his travel, according to a release by Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim.

Raishani's lawyer, assistant federal defender Sabrina Shroff, did not immediately comment. Raishani was detained without bail after a brief initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.

Kim said Raishani, 30, wanted to join and train with the militant group after helping another man get there.

"Raishani allegedly acted on his own desire to wage violent jihad, planning to leave his family and life in New York City for the battlefields of the Middle East," Kim said.

The head of the FBI's New York office, William F. Sweeney Jr., said the arrest demonstrated "the nature of the terrorism threat and its reach into communities here at home."

Authorities said Raishani's plans were foiled in January after he unknowingly contacted a person who was a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement. According to a criminal complaint, Raishani, who's from the Bronx, told the source that he had helped a friend shop for supplies to take to the Islamic State group and had driven that person to the airport and contributed money before the friend left the United States.

The complaint said Raishani expressed regret that he had not gone to Syria at the same time as his friend and had quit his job and paid off debts in preparation for his trip. It also said he told the confidential source that he had asked his wife if she would go with him to the Islamic State and, based on her reaction, he decided he would not ask her again because he worried she would report him to law enforcement.

"Raishani also indicated his desire to wage jihad and his belief that the Quran can be read to justify the violence, including beheadings," according to the complaint, which said he told the confidential source: "May God grant us martyrdom."

Eventually, the source introduced Raishani to an undercover New York Police Department officer who posed as someone who also wanted to fight for the Islamic State group, authorities said.

The complaint said Raishani told the undercover officer that he had been in contact with other Islamic State group supporters and no longer felt comfortable in the U.S. It said Raishani told the officer that they could travel to Yemen together, with Raishani posing as a nurse and the officer posing as a refugee aid worker, to move more easily.

In April, the confidential source introduced Raishani to an undercover FBI agent, who also heard some of Raishani's plans, the complaint said.

Raishani was arrested as he prepared to board a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, the complaint said.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans and Democrats denounced President Donald Trump's proposed energy budget Thursday, and even Trump's energy secretary distanced himself from a plan that would slash funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and basic science. The proposal also would eliminate popular programs such as research for advanced energy technologies.

As senators condemned the budget at a hearing, Energy Secretary Rick Perry made it clear he did not have a say on the request submitted to Congress.

The $28 billon proposal "was written before I got here," Perry told the Senate energy panel. "My job is to defend it."

FILE - In this June 6, 2017, file photo, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry speaks during the carbon capture, utilization and storage event, on the sidelines of the clean energy conference held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. Republicans and Democrats are denouncing President Donald Trump's proposed energy budget, and even Perry is distancing himself from the plan. As senators condemned the budget at a hearing June 22, Perry made it clear he did not have a say on the request submitted to Congress. Perry told the Senate energy panel that the $28 billon proposal "was written before I got here,'' adding: "My job is to defend it.'' (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota compared Perry to a defense attorney for a murder suspect: "I know he's guilty, but I'm going to give him a robust defense."

Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said Perry was on "a suicide mission" to "defend the indefensible." King, a former governor, said the energy proposal was "perhaps the worst budget for any agency" he's ever seen. "This is a nonscience budget."

Senate Energy Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Trump's proposal was likely to be overhauled.

"The United States is the world leader in science and energy. We like it that way and we want to keep it that way," she said, adding that "the core of that excellence is the work done at our national laboratories." The Office of Science, which oversees 10 of the 17 national labs, would see a 17 percent cut under Trump's plan.

While she appreciates the administration's effort to balance the budget, "that cannot come at the expense of our efforts on energy innovation," Murkowski said.

Murkowski's comments echoed Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Energy Appropriations panel, who called the national labs "our secret weapon for innovation research that leads to better jobs and higher family incomes in our country."

Alexander, whose state is home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 national security complex, said at a hearing Wednesday that the federal budget can't be balanced "on the backs of national labs, national parks, National Institutes of Health."

Alexander called the energy request "especially bad" and said Congress would reject Trump's call to eliminate the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, or ARPA-E, which supports research into new energy technologies.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chided Perry for trying to "do nuclear clean-up on the cheap." Specifically, she said a budget plan for the Hanford nuclear complex in Washington state was grossly inadequate and driven by White House budget officials who "know nothing about science." Hanford, the largest U.S. site of waste from nuclear weapons production, is in the midst of a decadeslong clean-up with an annual budget of $2.3 billion.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., slammed the administration's proposal to revive the long-stalled nuclear waste dump at Nevada's Yucca Mountain. The state's Republican governor and lawmakers from both parties oppose the plan.

While Perry took office saying he had not decided on the issue, he now is in "full-throated support" of a plan to store nuclear waste in Nevada "against the will of the people in my state," Cortez Masto said.

Perry said he understands the political opposition but added that the U.S. has a "moral obligation" to find a long-term solution to store spent fuel from its commercial nuclear fleet.

"This is a sensitive topic for some, but we can no longer kick the can down the road," Perry said, noting that a stalemate over Yucca Mountain has stretched over more than three decades and six presidential administrations. Trump's budget would spend $120 million to restart a licensing process for the mothballed repository.
PITTSBURGH (AP) - A juror in Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial said Thursday that some jurors were concerned that prosecutors waited 10 years to charge him, expressing suspicion that politics had played a role in the case.

The juror told The Associated Press that the panel was almost evenly split in its deliberations, with a similar number of jurors wanting to convict the 79-year-old entertainer as acquit him on charges he drugged and molested a woman at his Philadelphia-area home in 2004.

He was the second juror to speak out after the jury deadlocked in the case. A mistrial was declared Saturday after 52 hours of deliberations. Prosecutors plan to put Cosby on trial again.

FILE - In this June 17, 2017 file photo, Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa. Cosby will organize a series of town hall meetings to help educate young people about problems their misbehavior could create, a spokesman for Cosby said Thursday, June 22. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

The juror who spoke to the AP questioned the long delay in bringing charges against the TV star, suggesting that "no new evidence from '05 to now has showed up, no stained clothing, no smoking gun, nothing."

In reality, prosecutors reopened the investigation in 2015 after the public release of a deposition that Cosby gave in 2005 and 2006 as part of accuser Andrea Constand's lawsuit against him - testimony that hadn't been offered when another district attorney passed on the case in early 2005. Prosecutors used Cosby's deposition as evidence at the criminal trial.

The juror spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive deliberations.

Constand, a former Temple University employee, told jurors Cosby gave her pills that made her woozy and then penetrated her with his fingers as she lay paralyzed on a couch, unable to tell him to stop. Cosby has said his encounter with Constand was consensual.

Constand, now 44, initially went to police about a year after she said Cosby assaulted her, but a prosecutor declared her case too weak to bring charges.

A decade later, another district attorney revived the probe after excerpts from Cosby's lurid deposition about drugs and sex became public and dozens of women came forward also alleging sexual assault by him. Cosby was charged shortly before the statute of limitations was set to expire.

The juror who spoke to the AP said other jurors expressed the view in the deliberating room that "politics was involved."

"I think they created this whole thing, a case that was settled in '05, and we had to bring it up again in '17 with no new evidence," the juror said.

The juror declined to reveal whether he wanted to convict or acquit Cosby but left little doubt about how he felt.

He said he was suspicious of Constand's story, questioning why she waited to tell authorities and suggesting the clothing she wore to Cosby's house had influenced his view of their encounter.

"When you ask for help on your resume, on your resignation letter, which she did, and he, Mr. Cosby, invites her to his home and she arrives in a bare midriff with incense and bath salts, that's a question," said the juror, appearing to lump several meetings between Cosby and Constand into one.

Cosby, he said, seemed more truthful in his deposition, in which he acknowledged giving pills to Constand before their sexual encounter. The comedian also described how, in the 1970s, he obtained prescriptions for the powerful sedative quaaludes for the purpose of offering them to women with whom he wanted to have sex.

"He openly admitted that what he gave 'em, he gave 'em pills," the juror said. "He almost incriminated himself. It was very, very honest from his side. You could believe from his testimony what he did, but not from her."

The juror characterized the deliberations as tense.

"Crying by men and by women and more than one," he said. "And the tears came towards the end, it was so tense."

Another juror told ABC News on Wednesday that jurors had voted 10-2 to convict Cosby on two of three counts against him. The juror who spoke to the AP confirmed that vote but said three people then changed their minds. He said the panel was typically more "evenly split" and "up the middle."

Cosby is eager to get back to work following the mistrial, a spokesman said. A series of town halls is planned to help educate young people about the problems their misbehavior could create, spokesman Andrew Wyatt told a Birmingham, Alabama, TV station. The issue "is bigger than Bill Cosby" and can affect any young person, especially young athletes, Wyatt said, without elaborating.

The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand has done.

___

Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania.

___

For more on Cosby, including stories about the trial, historical photos, videos and an audio series exploring the case, visit http://www.apnews.com/tag/CosbyonTrial .
3 Wounded In Shooting Just West Of Montrose Dog Beach

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 22, 2017 2:39PM



Montrose Dog Beach / Flickr / Photo: Connie

Three people were wounded in a shooting roughly a block west of the Montrose Dog Beach late Wednesday night.

Three peoplea 19-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 21-year-old manwere driving in the 4700 block of North Simonds Drive at around 10:47 p.m. when someone pulled alongside them and fired shots, police said.

The woman was shot in the wrist and taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. The 19-year-old was hit in the arm and taken to Thorek Memorial Hospital. The 21-year-old, who was struck in the hip, was sent to Masonic. Each victims' conditions stabilized, police said.

The entrance to the dog beach was temporarily shut down as police worked the scene, according to reports.

The shooting happened on the heels of one alderman's request for increased police visibility and patrols during nights and weekends along the lakefront near Ohio Street Beach, after a high-profile fatal shooting just west of the water, in Streeterville.


BEIRUT (AP) - Lebanon's state news agency says the military has detained a Lebanese national crossing into the country from Israel.

The National News Agency says a 31-year-old Lebanese national crossed the militarized border on Thursday to return to Lebanon after leaving to Israel 17 years ago.

Israel withdrew from its occupation of south Lebanon in 2000. The two countries are technically still at war.

Hundreds of Lebanese nationals fled with the retreating Israeli forces, facing accusations of collaboration.

The NNA says the Lebanese national left his family in Israel to return to his country of birth. He handed himself over to the military for questioning.

The Israeli army confirms that a short while ago a suspect was identified crossing the border and forces are now searching the area.
BARNESVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Police say an attorney found dead in the home of his estranged wife, the treasurer of a Pennsylvania county, was fatally beaten by his son with a bat on Father's Day.

State police said in a complaint filed Wednesday that 37-year-old Michael Marchalk had repeatedly threatened 60-year-old Gary Marchalk in recent months. The suspect had lived with his father a few days before the beating and was supposed to enter a drug treatment program Monday.

Instead, police say, the suspect beat and robbed his father, took a vehicle and fled the Ryan Township home the victim shared with his wife, Linda, the Schuylkill (SKOOL'-kil) county treasurer. Authorities are still searching for Michael Marchalk, who was last seen at a Philadelphia bus terminal.

This photo provided by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office shows Michael Marchalk, charged with murder in the death of his father Gary Marchalk. Pennsylvania State Police say in a complaint filed Wednesday, June 21, 2017, that Gary Marchalk, an attorney found dead in the home of his estranged wife Linda Marchalk, treasurer of Schuylkill County, Pa., was fatally beaten with a bat by his son Michael Marchalk on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017. Authorities were still searching Thursday, June 22, 2017, for Michael Marchalk, last seen at a Philadelphia bus terminal. (Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office via AP)

Police say another son found his father's body Monday morning and called police.

___

This story has been corrected to show police are searching for Michael Marchalk.
Theresa May has promised to work with humility and resolve as she prepares to set out her legislative programme for the next two years in a Queens Speech expected to be dominated by Brexit.

The programme set out by the Queen at Wednesdays State Opening of Parliament will feature a number of bills geared towards making a success of Britains withdrawal from the European Union, the Prime Minister said.

But she insisted that the rest of Government business will not be put on hold during the Brussels negotiations, promising measures to build a stronger economy, protect consumers, tackle domestic violence and fix a dysfunctional housing market.

Mrs May said the Queen's Speech would include bills aimed at making Brexit a success (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Downing Street sources declined to be drawn on reports that the Speech will ditch headline promises from the Conservative manifesto, such as the scrapping of universal free school meals.

Almost two weeks after the election, Conservatives have failed to secure a confidence and supply agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party to shore up Mrs Mays minority administration.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during the State Opening of Parliament in May last year (Alastair Grant/PA)

A DUP source warned that talks with Tories havent proceeded in a way that the DUP would have expected and a deal was certainly not imminent. The Northern Irish party cant be taken for granted, the source cautioned.

However, it is thought unlikely the DUP would vote down the Governments programme in a way which would risk a fresh general election handing power to Jeremy Corbyns Labour. Even an abstention by the DUPs 10 MPs would be enough to guarantee Mrs Mays survival.

In a mark of the importance of Brexit to Mrs Mays agenda, the Queen will set out plans not for the usual one year, but for a two-year period taking the Government beyond the expected withdrawal date in March 2019.

Mrs May said the Government would seek a Brexit deal 'that works for all parts of the UK' (Philip Toscano/PA)

Mrs May said the Speech would be about recognising and grasping the opportunities that lie ahead for the United Kingdom as we leave the European Union and delivering a Brexit deal that works for all parts of the UK while building a stronger, fairer country by strengthening our economy, tackling injustice and promoting opportunity and aspiration.

Having called a snap election in the hope of securing an increased majority to deliver Brexit in a strong and stable way, Mrs May acknowledged the outcome was not the one I hoped for.

This Government will respond with humility and resolve to the message the electorate sent, she promised. We will work hard every day to gain the trust and confidence of the British people, making their priorities our priorities.

But she insisted there would be no going back on Brexit, pointing out that more than 80% of voters on June 8 backed parties promising to honour the referendum result.
The Duke of Cambridge is celebrating his 35th birthday.

William, who attended Royal Ascot with the Duchess of Cambridge on Tuesday, is expected to spend the day privately with Kate and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

This year, the Duke is making some major changes to his life by becoming a full-time royal.

He is due to finish his job as an air ambulance helicopter pilot later in the summer as the Cambridges leave the countryside for a life in the city.

With Prince George starting school in London in September, their main home will be Kensington Palace, but Anmer Hall, the familys 10-bedroom mansion in Norfolk, will still be used for weekend retreats.

Prince William is expected to spend the day privately with the Duchess of Cambridge (Philip Toscano/PA)

William will be joining the royals in stepping up to his assist his grandmother the Queen when the Duke of Edinburgh retires from public duties in the autumn.

Next month, the Duke and Duchess will pay a five-day official visit to Poland and Germany  visiting Warsaw and Hamburg.

Prince William (right) becomes a full-time Royal this year (Yui Mok/PA)

The trip  at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office  is being seen as another Brexit diplomacy tour by the royals, to help improve the UKs relations with Europe as it leaves the EU.
Bayern Munich have dismissed speculation linking Robert Lewandowski with a move to Manchester United or Chelsea.

The Bundesliga giants were adamant Lewandowski would be staying and suggested any club seeking to negotiate directly with the player first would be reported to FIFA.

The Poland striker was on Wednesday the subject of speculation over a move to the Premier League, with United and Premier League champions Chelsea known to be seeking a striker.

Bayern Munich have dismissed reports Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, pictured, is to leave for the Premier League (John Walton/EMPICS)

Robert Lewandowski's league record for Bayern:



2014/15: 31 games, 17 goals 

2015/16: 32 games, 30 goals 

2016/17: 33 games, 30 goals  pic.twitter.com/i36eEysBBj  Squawka (@Squawka) June 21, 2017

Sky Sport Germany tweeted a statement from the German club which read: Robert Lewandowski has a contract with FC Bayern, which he recently extended to 2021. Bayern are not thinking about any move for Lewandowski. There are no talks with other clubs, and there will not be.

If other clubs negotiate with a player who still has a long-term contract, they risk punishment from FIFA. The players agent also assured us that he did not hold talks with another club.

Lewandowski scored 30 league goals last season, but was said to be disappointed over a lack of support in his quest for the golden boot, which was claimed by Borussia Dortmunds Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Lewandowski joined Bayern from Dortmund in July 2014 and has won the Bundesliga in each of the last three seasons.
The chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea council has quit after a barrage of criticism for its response to the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

Nicholas Holgate said the Communities and Local Government Secretary had required the leader of the council to seek my resignation on Tuesday.

He added in a statement that he would have been a distraction if he had stayed in his post after the heart-breaking tragedy, which left at least 79 feared dead.

Statement from @RBKC chief exec Nicholas Holgate who has quit after criticism of the council's response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. pic.twitter.com/nRzPcPVuWJ  PA Media (@PA) June 21, 2017

Mr Holgate said: Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart-breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council.

He said there is a huge amount still to do for the victims in very challenging circumstances and added: If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction.

Council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown said he accepted the resignation with great regret and added that the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward.

There has been a lot of anger over the official response to the deadly blaze from survivors and victims families.

Theresa May has apologised for the failures by local and national government in reacting to the tragedy and will address the Commons on Thursday.

It came as inquests were opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroners Court into the deaths of five victims, with a married couple officially named as among the dead.

Disgraced CEO of RBKC Nicholas Holgate resigns. @NickPagetBrown1 when are you going to follow suit?  Alan De'Ath (@AlanDeAth1) June 21, 2017

Omar Belkadi, 32, died from inhaling fire fumes, while his wife, Farah Hamdan, 31, was killed by smoke inhalation.

They lived on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower with their daughters Malek, seven, Tazmin, six, and Leena, just six months old.

The two eldest daughters were found in hospital by family members but the fate of their youngest girl remains unknown.

A general view of flats where Grenfell Tower residents are to be re-homed

Abufars Ibrahim, 39, died of multiple injuries, while Anthony Disson, 65, and a 52-year-old woman, Khadija Khalloufi, both died from inhalation of fire fumes.

A highly toxic gas released by insulation on the outside of the building may have contributed to deaths. The boards, fitted during a refurbishment of the tower, could have produced enough deadly hydrogen cyanide to fill every flat, it has been reported. Manufacturer Celotex stated that the insulation would have released toxic gases if it caught fire.

It was announced that 68 flats around 1.5 miles from Grenfell tower in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea had been purchased by the City of London Corporation in a deal brokered by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

An independent public advocate to help bereaved families after major disasters was announced in the Queens Speech the same day. The speech confirmed plans for a public inquiry into the tragedy and a new strategy for resilience in major disasters could include a Civil Disaster Reaction Taskforce to help at times of emergency, and an independent advocate will support those affected and help them at inquests.

The Grenfell Tower Response Team said 249 households are in emergency accommodation in hotels and 675,000 has been handed out to families affected by the disaster.
The world number one ranking will be on the line in Eastbourne next week with Simona Halep having taken a wild card into the Aegon International.

The Romanians presence means eight of the top 10 women will be on the south coast, including all of the top three.

Angelique Kerber currently heads the standings but is only 115 points ahead of Halep and 270 points clear of world number three Karolina Pliskova. With 470 points available to the winner at Devonshire Park, and Halep and Pliskova in much better form than Kerber, there could well be a change ahead of Wimbledon.

Simona Halep is looking to go into Wimbledon as world number one (Steve Paston/PA)

Really excited to be playing @AegonTennisEB for the 1st time. Big thank you to the tournament for the WC. See you soon Eastbourne  Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) June 21, 2017

French Open runner-up Halep said: I am very much looking forward to playing in Eastbourne.

The quality of the draw is very high so Im hoping for some great matches to give me the best possible preparation ahead of Wimbledon.

It will be a first appearance at Eastbourne for Halep, who pulled out of this weeks Aegon Classic in Birmingham to rest the ankle she injured in Rome last month.

Halep is the second big name to commit to the tournament in as many days after Novak Djokovic also accepted a wild card
Lewis Hamilton has called on his Mercedes team to end McLarens nightmare relationship with Honda by supplying engines to the British constructor next year.

McLaren are in their third year of a long-term contract with Honda, but are the only team without a single point to their name this season following a dreadful start to the new campaign.

To make matters worse, double world champion Fernando Alonso and his team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne are both set to serve grid penalties in Azerbaijan following a raft of changes to their Honda engines.

Indeed it is not inconceivable that both McLaren cars will prop up the grid for Sundays race at a street circuit where overtaking is virtually impossible and top speed is crucial given the main straight here is the longest on the calendar at almost 1.4 miles.

It's hotting up in Baku as we gear up to the #AzerbaijanGP weekender. Get race-ready with our fact sheet: https://t.co/Wxu6sKlNS6  pic.twitter.com/VzwGcPkRZv  McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 22, 2017

McLaren publicly upped the ante on Honda at the last round in Canada after Zak Brown, the teams executive director, described the Japanese manufacturer as lost.

And the sense of pressure only heightened when Alonso, who was set to score his and McLarens first point of the campaign, retired on the penultimate lap after his Honda engine expired.

Talks between McLaren and Honda over their future are ongoing, but it is understood that the Woking-based outfit, who have not won a race since Hamilton left the team in 2012, are keen to turn to Mercedes power next term.

Lewis Hamilton

It would be great for McLaren and it will be fantastic if it happens, Hamilton, who won his maiden title in a Mercedes-powered McLaren back in 2008, said.

McLaren belong at the front with the top teams. They have had a disaster of a time over the past few years. They are having a struggle right now, and it does not look like it will change any time soon.

I hope they get our engine or either Ferraris engine next year so they can be up there with the top teams. It will be great if McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari are all battling.
'Making A Murderer' Subject Brendan Dassey Should Be Freed, Appeals Panel Rules

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jun 22, 2017 9:26PM



Brendan Dassey in 'Making a Murderer'

He should be released. That was the determination reached on Wednesday by a three-judge appeals panel in the case of Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Netflix's Making a Murderer. The judges, in a 2-1 vote, agreed with an August ruling that Dassey's confession had been coerced and his conviction should be overturned.

Among other charges, Dassey in 2007 was convicted of being party to first-degree murder in the killing of Teresa Halbach, a photographer who disappeared after she was known to have visited the salvage yard of Steven Avery, Dassey's uncle, in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Dassey was sentenced to life with a possibility of parole in 2048. Avery, meanwhile, was sentenced to life in prison.

Dassey's conviction and sentence were then overturned last year after a judge ruled his confession had been coerced; but just as he was about to be set free last November, a federal appeals court ruled against his release. Now that the panel from the Seventh Circuit in Chicago has upheld the ruling that overturned his conviction, prosecutors must either appeal the case to the Supreme Court, retry Dassey within 90 days, or set him free.

:: BREAKING NOW: Federal appeals court rules 2-1 Brendan Dassey conviction should be thrown out. #MakingAMurderer pic.twitter.com/IoNCslNcaH  Steve Chamraz (@TMJ4Steve) June 22, 2017 Brendan Dassey won in court. He must be retried in 90 days or the State of Wisconsin must appeal to the Supreme Court #makingamurderer pic.twitter.com/0rDBunpPHo  Shaun Attwood (@shaunattwood) June 22, 2017

The investigation and trial of Dassey and Avery were chronicled in the popular 2015 Netflix docu-series Making a Murderer, part of wave of multi-part true-crime documentaries that emerged around the time. It sparked much conversation about wrongful convictions and coerced confessions.

As we noted at the time of Dassey's release denial, despite criticism that filmmakers had stacked the deck in the series with selective editing to make the investigation and trials appear more egregious than they may have been, video of Dassey's interrogation made it seem entirely clear that the cognitively disabled, then-16-year-old boy did not truly grasp the situation.

Averywho, as the documentary lays out, was once wrongly convictedis also appealing.
Crystal Palace look to be closing in on the appointment of Frank de Boer as their new manager, according to reports.

The Eagles are looking for their eighth boss in seven years in the wake of Sam Allardyces shock resignation having kept the London club in the Premier League.

Several candidates are said to have been short-listed, including Marco Silva, who has since taken over at Watford following his departure from relegated Hull, Christophe Galtier, Mauricio Pellegrino and Burnley boss Sean Dyche.

The Eagles are in search of a new manager following Sam Allardyce's resignation (Martin Rickett/PA)

Reports in Holland suggest former Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers De Boer is now in pole position to take over at Selhurst Park, though.

Palace have not yet made any comment on their recruitment process, with chairman Steve Parish understood to be on holiday although that would not necessarily delay any announcement.

The Eagles will want to have the new man in place ahead of the trip to Hong Kong in mid-July for the Premier League Asia Trophy, which will also feature Liverpool, West Brom and Leicester.

De Boer, 47, left his last job at Inter Milan in November  having been in charge for only 14 matches  after he was unable to produce the consistency which saw him deliver the Eredivisie title for Ajax over four consecutive seasons.
The number of high-rise blocks of flats found to have combustible cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower has risen to 11, Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid has said.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Javid said the blocks are in eight local authority areas in England.

The Government believes that around 600 high-rise buildings in England have some form of cladding.

Grenfell Tower

Landlords, typically local authorities and housing associations, have been asked to check if they used similar aluminium composite materiel (ACM) panels to Grenfell Tower, where 79 people have been confirmed dead or listed as missing presumed dead after a devastating fire last week.

Mr Javid said Camden, Manchester and Plymouth were three areas where buildings had failed the test but stressed he could not reveal more because local residents in the others have not yet been informed, despite landlords being alerted to results.

Just because a building fails the Government test to determine whether it has combustible cladding does not mean it is unsafe, with that to be determined after more checks by the fire and rescue services, Theresa Mays deputy spokesman said earlier.

Grenfell Tower services

Mr Javid urged landlords to send samples to the Governments testing facility, which can handle around 100 samples per day, with extra capacity available if necessary, as a matter of urgency.

In his letter to MPs, the Communities Secretary went on: I also want to reassure colleagues that you will be made aware if any sites are in your constituency by the local authority in the first instance  my department stands ready to assist colleagues if further information is required.

To ensure that local authorities and housing associations know how to respond where tests do show action is needed, my department has today written to every one of them to ensure they know what immediate steps they should take if the testing shows cladding material is unlikely to be compliant with current Building Regulations, and I attach a copy of this for your information.

Grenfell Tower

He went on: We should be clear that landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe buildings. Where they cannot do that, we expect alternative accommodation to be provided. My department stands ready to work with local authorities to ensure they can meet their obligations to provide safety for their tenants. We cannot and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes.

In an emotional conclusion, Mr Javid said the Grenfell Tower disaster has shaken his understanding of his job in the Cabinet.

He said: As a minister I have always been prepared to make tough decisions. I understood the pressures that come with public life but this disaster has shaken my comprehension of what it means to be in office.

Mrs Mays deputy spokeswoman was earlier unable to say whether having combustible cladding on high-rise towers was illegal in every case or not, saying it was an issue of compliance dependent on the individual circumstances of each building, such as height or environmental factors.

Among the buildings so far confirmed by the Government to have flammable facades are the Chalcots Estate in north London, which is removing the cladding, and the Mount Wise Tower in Plymouth.

Both buildings were said to be enforcing more stringent fire-prevention measures as a response, including 24/7 observations of the building by safety teams.
Three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome is negotiating an extension to his contract at Team Sky in a move which would likely secure the future of the British squad.

Team Sky were founded by Sir Dave Brailsford in 2009 and launched in 2010, with Froome joining from their inception.

The future of the squad has been scrutinised in recent months, but the fact Froome is ready to commit to Team Sky suggests the future is bright.

Chris Froome is in talks to extend his stay with Team Sky (John Walton/PA)

Im currently still under contract until the end of 2018 with Team Sky, but we are talking about an extension, Froome told Press Association Sport.

I think that does go to show that I am happy in the team and Ive got no plans on going anywhere just yet.

To me, Team Sky does feel like home. Ive managed to win three Tours whilst being at Team Sky and with the support of the team, the structure around me.

The future of Froome and Team Sky has been subject of speculation in the past nine months, but it appears any tensions have been smoothed over.

Froome did not immediately back Brailsford when reports emerged of a rider plot to ask the Team Sky principal to quit. Those reports were quashed, with Froome taking time over a considered response when he apologised for Team Skys handling of an affair which has seen them investigated by UK Anti-Doping.

At the @Olympics, I did this. Let it inspire you to get active for #OlympicDay on 23 June. What are you going to do?  pic.twitter.com/CTkpWKotEz  Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) June 22, 2017

Team Sky, Brailsford and Sir Bradley Wiggins have denied wrongdoing over a medical delivery to the June 2011 Criterium du Dauphine, which is the central part of the ongoing UKAD investigation.

Froome insists his relationship with Brailsford is good and the 32-year-old wants to race on for the next five, six years, if my body will allow me to.

He added: Mentally thats what Ive got in my mind.

Froome recently dismissed a link with Swiss-American squad BMC Racing, who are led by his friend Richie Porte. Froome considers Porte to be the Tour favourite.

Asked if he had considered trying to force an exit from Team Sky in the past nine months, Froome said: No. The only person from BMC Ive really been in touch with recently has been Richie - and that hasnt been about contract negotiations. Complete mystery to me where that came from.
By Luke Baker

JERUSALEM, June 21 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, met Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Wednesday to try to revive long-fractured Middle East peacemaking that Washington acknowledged will take some time.

Kushner, a 36-year-old real estate developer with little experience of international diplomacy or political negotiation, arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning and was due to spend barely 20 hours on the ground.

Video showed him giving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a friend of Kushner's father, a handshake and a hug as they prepared to sit down with the Israeli ambassador to Washington, the U.S. ambassador to Israel and other senior officials for preliminary discussions.

"This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity and peace," Netanyahu said. "Jared, I welcome you here in that spirit. I know of your efforts, the president's efforts, and I look forward to working with you to achieve these common goals."

Kushner replied: "The president sends his best regards and it's an honour to be here with you."

Kushner did not speak to the media or take questions, maintaining the circumspect profile he has established since Trump took office in January.

U.S. officials and Israeli leaders "underscored that forging peace will take time and stressed the importance of doing everything possible to create an environment conducive to peacemaking," the White House later said in a statement.

Kushner travelled to Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, for two hours of talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas after iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily Ramadan fast.

Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah said all major issues at the heart of the conflict were discussed.

U.S. officials called the trip part of an effort to keep the conversation going rather than the launching of a new phase in the peace process, saying that Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, the president's special representative for international negotiations, are likely to return often.

Trump has described peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians as "the ultimate deal" and made it a priority. As well as receiving both Netanyahu and Abbas in the White House, he visited the region last month.

But it remains unclear what approach Trump, via Kushner and Greenblatt, plans to take on resolving one of the world's most intractable conflicts.

For at least two decades, the goal of U.S.-led diplomacy has been a "two-state solution", meaning an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side and at peace with Israel.

But when Trump met Netanyahu in Washington in February, he said he was not fixed on two states saying, "I'm looking at two-state and one-state, and I like the one that both parties like".

12 'BULLET POINTS'

Netanyahu has in the past given conditional backing to two states. But ahead of his last election victory in 2015, he promised there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch, a remark seen as an attempt to shore up right-wing support.

In discussions with Greenblatt before Kushner's visit, Palestinian sources said the phrase "two-state solution" had not been used.

Palestinian sources said that ahead of Kushner's meeting with Abbas, they had been asked to draw up a list of 12 "bullet point" demands they would want met in any negotiations.

They saw it as a helpful exercise in focusing on core elements rather than an oversimplification of a complex issue.

Trump administration officials have said that if they are going to make progress on peace, they do not want to get bogged down in process but to move rapidly on tackling what are known as "final status" issues, the complexities around Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, water resources, security and borders.

Those have long been thorny problems in the multiple rounds of peace negotiations launched by both Republican and Democratic presidents since the mid-1990s. It remains unclear what new approach Trump's administration may have to untangling disputes that blend politics, land, religion and ethnicity and have defied resolution for 70 years. (Additional reporting by Jeffrey Heller and Ali Sawafta; Editing by Howard Goller)
BERLIN, June 21 (Reuters) - The German parliament's budget committee on Wednesday postponed a decision on a 1-billion-euro ($1.11 billion) funding package for the military, including a deal to lease Israeli-made armed drones, sources told Reuters.

The committee, however, approved equipment packages for the army totalling 11 billion euros and that will include the purchase of five corvette warships for some two billion euros.

The Defence Ministry had warned against delays, saying the acquisition requests were urgently needed to modernise an army weakened by years of spending cuts.

A defence ministry spokesman told a regular government news conference before the approval: "It would be regrettable if a decision is not made during this legislative period as considerable projects to modernise the equipment of soldiers depend on this and they would be delayed."

Christine Lambrecht, a lawmaker from the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), had earlier said that the budget committee would delay a decision on the whole funding package as her party needed more time for consultations.

Lambrecht's comments were later contradicted by her colleagues from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) who said a decision would be made on most of the military procurement deals.

"Of the 30 defence funding requests only seven will be postponed until next week's session," said CDU lawmaker Eckhardt Rehberg. "Ms. Lambrecht is clearly badly informed."

The SPD are junior coalition partners of Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU and their Bavaria-based sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

The Defence Ministry is eager to get the requests approved before a general election on Sept. 24 as more delays could further hobble a military trying to rebuild after years of post-Cold War cuts and prepare for added responsibilities.

The army is also facing a probe into right-wing radicalism in its ranks.

Some SPD lawmakers have reservations about leasing Heron TP drones from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) which can be armed and used to protect soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Mali.

The higher court in Duesseldorf in May dismissed a legal challenge by U.S. weapons maker General Atomics to Germany's plans to lease the drones from rival IAI. But the court this month said it had put the deal on hold again as it considers a complaint by General Atomics against its decision.

Some SPD lawmakers want the budget committee to delay a decision on the deal until a final court decision.

Germany already has three earlier versions of the Heron reconnaissance drone which are deployed in Afghanistan. They are maintained by Airbus and cannot be armed.

Germany is supposed to be taking on added responsibilities within NATO and the European Union.

($1 = 0.8977 euros) (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Writing by Joseph Nasr, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
PARIS, June 21 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said in remarks published on Wednesday that there would be a "Normandy format" summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Ukraine on the conflict in eastern Ukraine before July's G20 summit.

"Before the G20 (July 7-8) we will have a meeting under this format," Macron said in an interview with eight European newspapers.

Macron said it was too early to give his views on the crisis, but said it there was a duty to protect Europe and its allies in the region.

"On this we will not give an inch," he said. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Leigh Thomas)
By Mariel Cristaldo

SAN RAFAEL, Paraguay, June 21 (Reuters) - Thousands of farmers in Paraguay protested on Wednesday against a proposed 15 percent tax on soy, corn and wheat exports that will likely come to a vote in the Senate this week.

Farmers in the world's No. 4 soy exporter gathered in Itapua, one of the main agricultural areas of the landlocked South American country, complaining the tax would put an end to corn and wheat planting and shrink soy output.

"This tax has to be rejected because it is going to kill Paraguayan agriculture," Colonias Unidas cooperative President Agustin Konrad told Reuters.

The proposal, which could come to a vote on Thursday, came from a leftist coalition in Congress, Guasu Front. But President Horacio Cartes's party agreed to support it as part of a political pact formed last week that allowed the party to take back control of Congress.

Even so, Cartes's finance minister warned the tax could have a negative impact on the fast-growing economy and proposed an alternative to raise the value-added tax on agricultural products.

"In recent years there has been a substantial improvement of the tax contribution from the farm sector, but it can still contribute more," said Finance Minister Lea Gimenez.

Protesting farmers displayed signs reading "we do not want to be used as a bargaining chip" and "we want Senators to come and plant seeds" as they lined up tractors and other machinery along a road.

Supporters of the project argue that the agricultural sector contributes very little in taxes, and agricultural exports totaled $3 billion last year.

Cartes has promoted low taxes as a way of attracting foreign investment in agriculture and manufacturing since he was elected in 2013. (Additional reporting by Daniela Desantis; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By Amantha Perera

VALASSMULLA, Sri Lanka, June 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When floods swept through this small town in Sri Lankas Southern Province, 12-year-old Radhika Dayarathne lost more than her home.

The floodwaters that destroyed her familys house and most of their possessions also swept away her and her older brothers school books, school bags and uniforms, leaving them uncertain whether they can return to school.

"What am I to do? My parents cant afford new books, new clothes, new desks. We are ruined," the small girl said with tears in her eyes.

Her school has become a shelter for those left homeless - but Radhikas family stayed there only two days before moving to a hut near their old home, fearing the packed school wasnt safe for their daughter.

Women and children can be disproportionately affected by disasters, for reasons ranging from a desire to stay behind to help less-able family members to cultural restrictions on womens movements.

But taking a closer look at data collected in disasters - and getting the results out quickly - could help reduce the vulnerabilities of those at the highest risk, experts say.

"Data collected and analyzed at the time of emergency is not disaggregated by age, creating a challenge in assessing and responding to the needs of affected population," said Paula Bulancea, UNICEFs representative in Sri Lanka.

For example, officials at the countrys Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said that if they got a quick breakdown of the number of infants, small children and pregnant and nursing mothers caught up in a disaster, they could quickly channel particularly vital supplies, such as baby supplements and specialised medical experts, to those in need.

"Even if the number is one or two, we still could make sure that the supplies get to specific locations," said DMC spokesman Pradeep Kodippili.

G.L.S Senadeera, the director general of the agency, agreed that better information could help guide better action.

"It could most certainly help in more efficient channeling of life-saving resources, which become stretched during large-scale disasters like the one we had recently," he said.

For instance, if the DMC had known earlier that several pregnant women were trapped in a hospital in the Kalwana area in Rathnapura District during the May floods, they could have sent rescue flights earlier to that location, Kodippili said.

At least one still birth was reported during evacuations during the flooding, he said.

FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES

Floods and landslides swept Sri Lanka in late May, killing at least 300 people and displacing or otherwise directly affecting 600,000. A rapid assessment of the disaster by the DMC found that 70 percent of those displaced or affected were women and children.

The UNICEF office in Colombo said that this pattern was consistent in many disasters in the country.

"For example, nearly half of the affected population in the landslide and flood disaster in May 2016 were women and girls," Bulancea said.

Apart from the risks during disasters, women and children can face greater problems in their aftermath of crises as well, the UNICEF country head said.

"Beyond the loss of their livelihoods and their social context, displacement, separation from home, loss of family members, lack of basic health and hygiene as well as personal safety can be stressful and traumatic for them. Children are more inclined to get sick and suffer if basic services are disrupted," she said.

Disasters - including extreme heat waves - also can leave many children out of school for significant periods of time, with their schools at times turned into relief shelters, according to a UNICEF vulnerability study released last year, looking at Sri Lankas Eastern Province.

"Climate change has a direct impact on school education," the study noted.

At least 29 schools were completely destroyed in Sri Lankas May floods and scores more damaged, according to the Education Ministry. Schools were also used as temporary shelters during the first two weeks after the disaster.

The disaster risks women and children face are accentuated by a combination of social, economic and even cultural factors, experts said.

"For example, in our culture, small children are in the care of women, and when disasters happen, women have to take care of their safety as well. The attitude is changing but still persists in rural areas," said Senadeera, head of the DMC.

Helping those who respond to disasters better understand the risks women and children face could help reduce them, Senadeera and Bulancea agreed.

Risks could also be reduced by teaching disaster preparedness in school, with children carrying home lessons to their families, the UNICEF study said.

FROM POLICY TO ACTION

UNICEFs Bulancea said Sri Lanka should reassess the implementation of its disaster resilience policies.

"While we have systems, policies and plans in place on disaster risk reduction which are gender and age sensitive, these are not be being fully implemented," she said.

Radhika, the girl displaced in recent flooding, said her family had no warning of the disaster or idea how to cope effectively with it.

"We dont know what to do, where to go or who to contact when floods come. No one has told us anything," the girl said.

Senadeera said his agency was implementing changes, including issuing more detailed weather alerts and using social media and smartphone apps to disseminate warnings.

Smartphone apps might also be used to communicate with regional offices to make quick decisions on areas for relocation centres that will be safe for women and children, he said.

"We have learned from our past mistakes. Its a stiff learning curve, but policies and implementation are going to change," he promised.

(Reporting by Amantha Perera; editing by Laurie Goering :; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
By Yara Bayoumy and John Walcott

WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's new crown prince and likely next king shares U.S. President Donald Trump's hawkish view of Iran, but a more confrontational approach toward Tehran carries a risk of escalation in an unstable region, current and former U.S. officials said.

Iran will almost certainly respond to a more aggressive posture by the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally in battlefields where Riyadh and Tehran are engaged in a regional tussle for influence.

Saudi King Salman made his son Mohammed bin Salman next in line to the throne on Wednesday, handing the 31-year-old sweeping powers, in a succession shake-up.

Prince Mohammed, widely referred to as "MbS," has ruled out any dialogue with arch rival Iran and pledged to protect his conservative kingdom from what he called Tehran's efforts to dominate the Muslim world.

In the first meeting between Trump and MbS at the White House in March, the two leaders noted the importance of "confronting Iran's destabilizing regional activities."

But that could have unintended consequences, said some current and former U.S. administration officials.

The greatest danger for the Trump administration, a longtime U.S. government expert on Middle East affairs said, was for the United States to be dragged deeper into the Sunni-Shiite conflict playing out across the Middle East, a danger that could be compounded by Trumps delegation of responsibility for military decisions to the Pentagon.

If the administration gives U.S. commanders greater authority to respond to Iranian air and naval provocations in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, things could easily spiral out of control, the official said.

U.S.-backed forces fighting in Syria are also in close proximity with Iranian-backed forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. U.S. military jets twice this month shot down Iranian-made drones threatening U.S. and coalition forces in southeastern Syria. The United States also supports the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen through refueling, logistics and limited intelligence assistance.

"If we were to witness an incident at sea between an Iranian and a U.S. vessel in the Gulf, at a time of immense distrust and zero communication, how likely is it that the confrontation would be defused rather than exacerbated?" said Rob Malley, vice president for policy at the International Crisis Group.

"If there's a more bellicose attitude towards Iran, Iran is likely to respond," said Malley, a former senior adviser on Middle East affairs under President Barack Obama.

Eric Pelofsky, who dealt with Middle East issues at the White House under Obama, said the administration had "labored pretty hard to avoid a direct clash between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the high seas," in part because it would expand the Yemen conflict and there were questions "about what the outcome of such an encounter might be."

But Luke Coffey, director of the Foreign Policy Center at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, doubted Iran would retaliate in a major way.

"Iran has very limited ability or options to retaliate against U.S. forces in the region without suffering an overwhelming U.S. response," Coffey said.

"I think Tehran knows this so they will stick to low-level tactics like harassing U.S. ships in the Gulf. This will be just enough to be annoying but not enough to be considered 'retaliating,'" he said.

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP

MbS was the driving force behind the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen against Iran-allied Houthi rebels, launched in March 2015. He also appears to have orchestrated this month's breach with neighbor Qatar, which was accused by Riyadh and three other Arab states of cozying up to Iran, funding terrorism or fomenting regional instability. Qatar denies the allegations.

"Theres a danger that his foreign policy instincts, that do tend to be aggressive, especially toward Iran, but also toward Sunni extremism, might end up distracting from what he wants to get done economically," said a former Obama administration official, referring to "Vision 2030," MbS's signature economic and social reform agenda.

Malley, who has met MbS, said his attitude toward Iran "stems from his strongly felt conviction that for too long the kingdom has been a punching bag, a passive witness to Iranian action, true or assumed, in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's own eastern province."

"His view is that Saudi Arabia absorbed those blows and now there's no reason to absorb them anymore," Malley said.

That dovetails neatly with Trump who has said Iran promotes evil and is a key source of funding and support for militant groups. MbS has also developed a close relationship with Trump's influential son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who at 36 is close in age to him.

MbS's "desire to confront or even defeat Iran has appeal in the White House, where the crown prince has done an admirable job forging a relationship with the Kushners, who are of his generation," said the U.S. official.

Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, had dinner with MbS when the U.S. president visited Riyadh last month, the first stop on Trump's maiden international visit.

Another senior administration official told Reuters that while Washington did not have advance warning of MbS's promotion, it could see it coming. "This is why the president has tried to foster good relations with him," the official said. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart and Steve Holland; Writing by Warren Strobel and Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Leslie Adler)
BUCHAREST, June 22 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Thursday.

DEBT TENDER

Romanian debt managers tender 800 million lei ($194.50 million) worth of Feb. 2019 treasury bonds.

RULING SOCIAL DEMOCRATS

Romania's ruling Social Democrats will nominate a new prime minister on Monday, their leader said, after ousting their six-month-old cabinet and edging closer to ending political deadlock.

CEE MARKETS

The Romanian leu firmed up to 0.2 percent on Wednesday, edging away from 4-1/2-year lows, as Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu's dismissal in a parliamentary no-confidence vote raised prospects of a stable governing majority.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT SURVEY

Roughly 60 percent of companies operating in Romania believe the poor quality of transport infrastructure is hampering invesmtnet, compared with an EU average of 38 percent, a survey by the European Investment Bank showed. Other investment hurdles were uncertainties over politics and regulation, as well as a dwindling qualified labour force.

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on

For emerging markets economic events, click on

For an index of all diaries, click on

For other related news, double click on: --------------------------------------------------------------- Romanian equities RO-E E.Europe equities .CEE Romanian money RO-M Romanian debt RO-D Eastern Europe EEU All emerging markets EMRG Hot stocks HOT Stock markets STX Market debt news DBT Forex news FRX For real-time index quotes, double click on: Bucharest BETI Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ---------------------------------------------------------------- ($1 = 4.1132 lei)
When smiling 8-year-old Indian actor Sunny Pawar says xiaxia nong ("thank you" in Shanghai dialect), it strikes a chord.

One of the youngest stars at the ongoing 20th Shanghai International Film Festival, Pawar is in the Chinese city to promote his film Lion, which will be released across China on Thursday.

The Australian film released in the United States in November 2016 and in Australia in January has won more than 30 film awards and nearly 70 nominations, including for the Oscars and Golden Globes.

The movie, based on the nonfiction book A Long Way Home, is about an Indian-Australian man, who uses the internet to find his birth mother.

He got lost in India when he was 5 and was adopted by an Australian couple in Tasmania, who are played by Australian stars Nicole Kidman and David Wenham.

Pawar stars as the child, while Indian-English actor Dev Patel plays his older version.

Pawar says he was selected for the role from more than 2,000 students.

His natural acting impressed the casting director, who believes the young boy has potential.

"I am happy, as I've done a good job," Pawar says at a Shanghai cinema after the festival screening.

Prakash Gupta, consul general of India in Shanghai, says movies with Indian themes are popular in China, thanks to the phenomenal success of Dangal, the highest-grossing non-Hollywood import into China.

He highlights the similarity between Lion and Dangal, saying: "The first and most important thing is that both of them are based on real stories ... both their themes are common to all of us."

Gupta says he believes the suffering and struggles in the two movies resonate with audiences, making them globally successful hits.

Graeme Meehan, consul general of Australia in Shanghai, also attended the screening. He says Australian movies have gained popularity across the world in recent years.

"I hope in the future we'll see more Australian films in China," says Meehan.
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

SWITCH BOND TENDER

The finance ministry is expected to announce results of its switch bond tender at 1000 GMT.

C.BANK MINUTES

The central bank is due to publish minutes from the June meeting of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Council (MPC) at 1200 GMT.

LPP

Poland's largest clothing retailer LPP may increase the dividend to be paid out to shareholders in 2018 by about 10 percent, Parkiet daily reported.

PGNIG

Poland temporarily halted gas deliveries from Russia via the Yamal pipeline on Wednesday due to poor quality of the gas, which Russia said was due to a "short-term technical problem."

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
By Jean Yoon and Soyoung Kim

SEOUL, June 22 (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday China should do more to rein in North Korea's nuclear program and he would call on President Xi Jinping to 'lift all measures' against South Korean companies taken in retaliation against Seoul's decision to host a U.S. anti-missile defense system.

In an interview with Reuters ahead of his trip to Washington next week for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Moon said 'strong' sanctions should be imposed if North Korea tests an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or conducts a sixth nuclear test.

North Korea will acquire the technology to deploy a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of hitting the mainland United States "in the not too distant future," Moon said.

"I believe China is making efforts to stop North Korea from making additional provocations, yet there are no tangible results as of yet," Moon told Reuters at the sprawling Blue House presidential compound.

"China is North Koreas only ally and China is the country that provides most economic assistance to North Korea," Moon said. "Without the assistance of China, sanctions won't be effective at all."

Moon was elected in May pledging to take a more moderate approach to the North and engage the reclusive country in dialogue, in addition to pressure and sanctions to impede its defiant pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. (Additional reporting by Jack Kim in Seoul; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
By Ginny McCabe

WYOMING, Ohio, June 22 (Reuters) - Friends and family members will gather in Ohio on Thursday to say goodbye to an American student who died days after being returned to the United States in a coma following 17 months in captivity in North Korea.

Otto Warmbier, 22, was arrested in the reclusive communist country while visiting as a tourist. He was brought back to the United States last week with brain damage, in what doctors described as state of "unresponsive wakefulness," and died on Monday.

A public memorial will be held on Thursday morning at Wyoming High School, in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming. Warmbier will be buried later in the day at a local cemetery.

The exact cause of his death is unclear. Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated, declined to provide details, and Warmbier's family on Tuesday asked that the Hamilton County Coroner not perform an autopsy.

Warmbier's father, Fred Warmbier, told a news conference last week that his son had flourished while at the high school.

"This is the place where Otto experienced some of the best moments of his young life, and he would be pleased to know that his return to the United States would be acknowledged on these grounds," he said.

After graduating as class salutatorian in 2013, Warmbier enrolled at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he was studying at the school of commerce and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year.

At a memorial service on Tuesday night, students at the university remembered Warmbier as outgoing and energetic.

"Being with Otto made life all the more beautiful," Alex Vagonis, Warmbier's girlfriend, said.

Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group, and was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.

He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labor for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.

Ria Westergaard Pedersen, 33, who was with Warmbier in North Korea, told the Danish broadcaster TV2 that he had been nervous when taking pictures of soldiers, and said she doubted North Korea's explanation for his arrest.

"We went to buy propaganda posters together, so why in the world would he risk so much to steal a trivial poster? It makes no sense." (Wrting and additional reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
ANKARA, June 22 (Reuters) - The United States has told Turkey it will take back weapons supplied to the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria after the defeat of Islamic State, Ankara said on Thursday, seeking to address Turkish concerns about arming Kurds on its border.

Turkish defence ministry sources said U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also promised his Turkish counterpart to provide a monthly list of weapons handed to the YPG, saying the first inventory had already been sent to Ankara.

Turkey sees the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdish PKK, which has been waging an insurgency in the country's southeast since the mid-1980s. It has said supplies to the YPG have in the past ended up in PKK hands, and described any weapon given to the force as a threat to its security.

The United States sees the YPG as an essential ally in the campaign to defeat Islamic State in Raqqa, the jihadists' main urban base in Syria. The fight for Raqqa was launched two weeks ago, piling pressure on Islamic State which also faces defeat in its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul.

Mattis told Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik that a detailed record of all equipment provided to the YPG was being kept and that all the weapons would be taken back after Islamic State was defeated, the sources said.

In a letter to the minister, Mattis also said that Arab fighters would form 80 percent of the forces which will recapture Raqqa. Once the mainly Sunni Arab city was taken, it would be held by Arab forces, the sources said he told Isik.

Relations between the NATO allies have been strained by President Donald Trump's decision to arm the YPG, despite protests from President Tayyip Erdogan who set out Turkey's objections at a White House meeting last month.

Erdogan has said Turkey would retaliate against the YPG if it felt it was threatened by the group.

A Syrian war monitor and Kurdish sources said on Wednesday that Turkey had sent military reinforcements including troops, vehicles and equipment into an area of northern Syria where it has been fighting Islamic State and YPG forces.

Turkish officials have not commented, but the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish reinforcements headed south of Azaz town, which is held by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and is close YPG-controlled territory. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Dominic Evans)
LONDON, June 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When it comes to climate speak, labels seem to matter: the American public - particularly Republicans - are more likely to say they doubt the existence of "global warming" than "climate change", according to researchers at Cornell University.

In a survey, 74 percent of Republicans polled said they believed that climate change is happening, but only 66 percent said they believed in global warming. In contrast, 94 percent of Democrats said they believed in both.

The reasons why people discredit climate science may be because they do not like the policies being proposed to tackle the problem, said study co-author Jonathon Schuldt, assistant professor of communication at Cornell.

"Acknowledging the reality of global warming or climate change may lead to new government regulations on businesses, which goes against core conservative values," he said.

"So, telling a pollster that the phenomenon isn't happening may reflect something about a person's general policy preferences, not just their level of certainty that the global climate is changing."

U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets are less likely to speak about climate change than global warming - which he has described as a hoax. In all, 106 of his tweets mentioned "global warming" and 36 said "climate change", the researchers found.

"Our results suggest that Trump's emphasis on 'global warming' may be an effective rhetorical strategy that resonates with his Republican constituents, who express more scepticism in response to that term in particular," said Schuldt.

But the chasm between Republicans and Democrats on climate science might not be as large as it seems, Schuldt added.

"If you ask people what they think about climate change - not global warming - we find that the partisan gap shrinks by about 30 percent," he said. "There's actually more agreement here than we think."

The effect identified by the researchers is especially relevant given Trumps decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, said co-author Peter Enns, associate professor of government.

Trump's announcement on June 1 that he wished to renegotiate the terms of the landmark 195-nation climate deal was met with dismay by other countries who signed the agreement.

Trump has said participating in the accord - which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels - would undermine the U.S. economy, wipe out jobs, weaken national sovereignty and put his country at a permanent disadvantage.

The Cornell University research was based on a national probability survey of 1,461 U.S. adults carried out in October last year, and published on Wednesday. (Reporting by Alex Whiting @Alexwhi, 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)
ISLAMABAD, June 22 (Reuters) - Pakistan on Thursday condemned drone strikes on its soil as violations of sovereignty, after U.S. officials suggested Washington might ramp them up against Afghan Taliban taking refuge inside Pakistan.

The foreign ministry statement also came a day after Pakistan said its forces had shot down an Iranian drone near its southwestern border with Iran.

Washington claims Islamabad provides safe havens for the Afghan Taliban and other militants fighting the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, something Pakistan strongly denies.

U.S. officials told Reuters this week Washington was hardening its stance towards Pakistan, and a new policy on Afghanistan could see an increase in drone attacks. .

"Our position is that drone strikes are counter-productive and violate the sovereignty of Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday in response to the Reuters report.

The United States has been carrying out attacks against militants on Pakistani territory for more than a decade.

Islamabad has repeatedly condemned such strikes in public, but U.S. diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks in 2011 suggested the Pakistani military tacitly approved of the drone programme.

U.S. drone strikes have slowed to a trickle in the past 18 months. Pakistan has received more than $33 billion in U.S. assistance since 2002, but some aid was withheld last year because of Washington's dissatisfaction with Islamabad's actions against militants.

U.S. officials have said the Trump administration is also considering withholding some assistance.

"Pakistan attaches importance to its relationship with the U.S.," Zakaria said.

"We firmly believe that continued close cooperation between our two countries is critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond."

On Wednesday, Pakistan said it shot down an an unmanned Iranian drone flying over its southwestern Baluchistan province.

The incident followed warnings by Tehran that it would strike against Islamist militants who hid in Pakistan and carried out cross-border attacks.

Ten Iranian border guards were killed by militants in April. Iran said Jaish al Adl, a Sunni Islamist militant group, had shot them from inside Pakistan.

The border area has long been plagued by both drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants.

"Pakistan has already shared the information about striking down of this drone with the Iranian authorities indicating that the drone was struck down by our security forces as it was unmarked and there was no prior information about its flight," the Pakistan foreign ministry said. (Editing by Andrew Roche)
CAIRO, June 22 (Reuters) - Egyptian police have killed seven people in connection to recent violence against Christians that included three church bombings and a shooting which left around 100 people dead, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

Police found militants hiding in a desert training camp "as part of the ministry's efforts to track down fugitive terrorist elements involved in violence witnessed by the country recently, including targeting the Christian community and their places of worship," it said in a statement.

Security forces attempted to arrest the men who opened fire. Police returned fire and have so far found seven bodies as well as weapons, a motorcycle, and military uniforms. (Reporting by Haitham Ahmed and Omar Fahmy; Writing by Amina Ismail; Editing by Ahmed Aboulenein)
By Elizabeth Piper and Alastair Macdonald

BRUSSELS, June 22 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said at the start of a European Union summit on Thursday that she would reassure fellow leaders that her government will protect the rights of their citizens living in Britain after its departure from the bloc.

But other leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, made clear that they did not want to get drawn into Brexit discussions and instead preferred to focus on the future of the EU without Britain.

At her first EU summit since a June 8 election sapped her authority to set the terms of Brexit, May said: "I'm going to be setting out some of the UK's plans, particularly on how we propose to protect the rights of EU citizens and UK citizens as we leave the European Union."

She seemed keen to calm the mood with the continentals after weeks of sniping during her election campaign, describing the first formal meeting of Brexit negotiators on Monday as "very constructive" and stressing that London wanted a "special and deep partnership with our friends and allies in Europe".

Merkel also expressed a desire for constructive talks with Britain, but made clear that the EU's priority now was its own future.

"I want to state clearly that the shaping of the future of the 27 has priority over the negotiations with Britain over its exit," Europe's leading power broker said on arrival.

"We will conduct these talks in a good spirit," she added. "But the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27."

France's new president, Emmanuel Macron, spoke of working with Germany to revive European integration and did not refer at all to Britain during his remarks before talks got under way.

Over after-dinner coffee, May will outline her plan to provide early guarantees for some three million people living in Britain from other countries in the bloc, a British source said.

But her wings have been clipped - not only in Britain where voters denied her a majority in parliament, but also in Brussels where EU leaders will try to stop her from discussing Brexit beyond a quick briefing. One EU official said too much detail from May would be unhelpful, as it could provoke reactions.

Instead, once she has left the room, they will continue their own discussion of Britain's departure from the European Union, notably on which city gets to host two EU agencies being pulled out of London - a potentially divisive issue for the 27.

"NOT THE ONLY DREAMER"

Weakened by an election she did not need to call, May has watered down her government's programme to try to get it through parliament and set a softer tone in her approach to Brexit.

Yet her aims have held - she wants a clean break from the bloc, leaving the lucrative single market and customs union and so reducing immigration and ending EU courts' jurisdiction.

On Thursday, her finance minister, Philip Hammond called for an early agreement on transitional arrangements to ease uncertainty that he said was hurting business.

Reflecting, confusion on the continent about what kind of Brexit she will ask for, summit chair Donald Tusk said ahead of a separate meeting with May: "We can hear different predictions, coming from different people, about the possible outcome of these negotiations: hard Brexit, soft Brexit or no deal."

Some Britons had asked him if he could imagine Britain not leaving after all: "The European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows?," the former Polish prime minister said before quoting John Lennon's song "Imagine":

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I am not the only one."

Other leaders took up the late Beatle's theme. President Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania, which has over 100,000 citizens in Britain, insisted relations would remain close and tweeted the Motown lyric: "#Brexit: ain't no mountain high enough".

But Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel, who argues for a need to protect EU integration from British ambivalence toward the project, tweeted: "It's time for action and certainty. Not for dreams and uncertainty #Brexit #FutureofEurope"

Speaking to reporters at the summit, Michel said: "Theresa May is in a very difficult situation in terms of leadership so we will have to see what position Great Britain will defend.

"We can speculate, but it is a waste of time."

SECURITY DISCUSSION

A British official said May would offer "new elements" in a paper on citizens' rights to be published next week. There may be sticking points with Brussels, such as the cut-off date for EU citizens in Britain to retain rights under the bloc's free movement rules and EU demands to preserve a panoply of rights in the future that may irk those keen to reduce immigrant numbers.

May will also aim to show that while still a member of the EU, Britain will contribute to other summit discussions, pressing for more action to encourage social media companies to clamp down on internet extremism and for the EU to roll over sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

Driven by Germany and France's new pro-EU president Macron, some EU states are keen to set up new defence cooperation of a kind that Britain has long resisted as a member. British officials say London, with little power to block them, now accepts the current EU proposals.

British strengths in the intelligence and security fields, as well as its military clout, are key elements in a future relationship with the EU that May wants to emphasise. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald, Robin Emmott, Jan Strupczewski, Elizabeth Miles and Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels; Editing by Noah Barkin)
By John O'Donnell

FRANKFURT, June 22 (Reuters) - Daiwa Securities Group will set up a subsidiary in Frankfurt, Japan's No. 2 brokerage said on Thursday, making it one of the first banks to publicly chose Germany to keep a foothold in the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.

The announcement, which comes as several other banks prepare a similar move, shows financial groups are pressing on with plans to relocate part of their businesses, regardless of the shape of a final deal reached in Brexit divorce talks.

Such moves are set to further bolster Frankfurt's influence. Despite its small size and dull image, the city is favoured because it is the financial capital of Europe's biggest economy and also home to the European Central Bank.

Nomura, Japan's biggest brokerage, has also picked Frankfurt as its EU headquarters after Brexit, one person with knowledge of the matter said.

Several other banks are poised to make a similar move, said two people familiar with those discussions.

Daiwa had previously said it favoured the German city, because London-based staff could easily be transferred to its investment banking branch there.

Daiwa said in a statement on Thursday it would apply for a licence in Germany and its move would "ensure that Daiwa can continue to service its clients in EU after the United Kingdom leaves".

The group has said it would still keep staff in London even after Brexit. It has 450 staff working in the EU now, mostly in the British capital.

Frankfurt, which has long grappled with an unfavourable backwater image, promotes itself as a stable city for banks seeking to relocate, while the German government and politicians have discreetly welcomed those looking to move.

Britain's future following Brexit talks to leave the trading bloc is more uncertain than ever after an election where voters denied its Prime Minister Theresa May a majority in parliament.

Against this backdrop, Germany's steady, if sometimes grey, image holds appeal. (Additional reporting by Anjuli Davies in London; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Edmund Blair)
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said on Thursday he supported efforts to quickly act on legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia and Iran that passed the Senate nearly unanimously but has stalled in the House.

Republican Representative Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, "has indicated he wants to get moving on this quickly, and we want to honor that," Ryan said at his weekly news conference.

The Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act, which also includes new sanctions against Russia, passed the Senate 98-2 last week, a vote that looked like it might complicate President Donald Trump's desire for warmer relations with Moscow.

The measure must pass the House before it can be sent to Trump to sign into law or veto. The House parliamentarian found that the legislation violated a constitutional requirement that any bill affecting government revenues must originate in the House, something known as a "blue slip" violation.

Democrats said they were skeptical about the explanation, noting that previous "blue slip" issues had been resolved in a matter of minutes.

Kevin Brady, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, told reporters he had sent the Senate a solution clearing the way for it to take the bill back, change it and move it forward.

Ben Cardin, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Reuters the change did not appear to substantively alter the legislation and that staff was reviewing it to determine how to move ahead.

Senior Senate Democratic aides said any bill involving sanctions or fines could be interpreted as affecting U.S. revenues.

Trump's fellow Republicans hold a larger majority in the House than in the Senate.

Some lawmakers and congressional aides said the White House was concerned about a provision that would require Trump to obtain Congress' approval before easing any sanctions on Russia.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Congress last week to ensure that any sanctions package would give Trump the flexibility to adjust sanctions.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the administration would not take a position before the bill advanced through the House. However, he acknowledged the White House needed to work with Congress on some areas of the measure.

Ryan said he did not yet know if it would go through the formal markup debate and amendment process. Democrats have said that process could delay the bill for months.

Asked if he supported the policy in the bill, Ryan said he supported sanctions. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Leslie Adler)
A report from Beijing-based BigData Research showed the number of shared bicycle users exceeded 18 million as of the end of 2016 and is expected to approach 50 million by the end of this year. [Photo/China.org.cn]

The case of a boy who fell down while riding a shared bike and died in Central China has drawn people's attention to safety problems of shared bicycles, hnr.cn reported.

Photo shows bikes that users can easily ride or park under the sharing scheme. [File photo: sohu.com]

The boy, whose name has not been revealed, was reportedly 12 or 13 years old. Witnesses said he and other boys were riding yellow bicycles at high speed and practicing drifting on a steep road in Zhengzhou, Henan province, when the accident happened on Sunday. The bicycles are run by Ofo.

Though the accident is under investigation, some said the boys illegally used the bicycles after cracking the password of the mechanical locks on the bicycles.

Users of Ofo bikes first need to pay via their mobile phones before they are sent the password that unlocks the bicycle.

Many primary students in Zhengzhou, however, showed that they can unlock the Ofo bicycles without the password, with one student unlocking four bicycles out of the 10 locked ones, according to the report.

According to law, those under 12 are not allowed to ride bicycles on roads. As Ofo's mechanical lock has long been criticized for its lax features, many question who should be held responsible for the safety of juveniles who illegally use the bicycles.

"I think the parents should be held responsible," said Liu Ming, a resident of Zhengzhou. He said he once saw his 9-year-old son riding the yellow bicycle and warned him.

Another resident, surnamed Wu, agreed on the importance of guardian's role but suggested that Ofo should change its mechanical locks into safer ones. Shared bicycles on other platforms use smart locks, which are hard to illegally break.

An Ofo employee said the company has launched bicycles with smart locks in Beijing and will introduce the new version in other regions of the country in the future.

If somebody dies due to quality defects or poor management of the shared bicycle, the company should take the responsibility, said lawyer Zhang Shaochun.

But if the minor cracked the password then the juvenile and the guardian should take the main responsibility, Zhang added.
By Timothy Mclaughlin

June 21 (Reuters) - The young daughter of a woman whose boyfriend was fatally shot by a Minnesota police officer last year can be heard pleading with her mother to be quiet and cooperate with police, saying "I don't want you to get shooted," newly released video footage showed.

The video is from the interior of the police cruiser of the partner of St. Anthony Police Department officer Jeronimo Yanez, who fatally shot Philando Castile in July 2016 during a traffic stop. Castile was black and Yanez is Hispanic.

The shooting death of Castile, 32, in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights triggered local protests and fueled debate across the country over the appropriate use of force by law enforcement against minorities.

The aftermath of the shooting was broadcast on social media by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, whose then 4-year-old daughter was in the back seat during the incident.

A jury last Friday declared Yanez not guilty of second-degree manslaughter. Yanez had testified that he feared Castile was reaching for a firearm he had disclosed he had in his possession.

The new footage of Reynolds' daughter was released by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Tuesday, when authorities also released dashcam footage of the shooting.

In the video, which starts after the shooting, Reynolds is sitting with her young daughter in the squad car. The daughter can be heard asking her mother not to curse.

"Mom, please stop saying cuss words and screaming, 'cause I don't want you to get shooted," Reynolds' daughter pleads.

Reynolds responds: "OK, give me a kiss. My phone just died, that's all."

Her daughter responds, "I can keep you safe."

Later in the video, Reynolds can be heard asking officers to remove her handcuffs, but her daughter pleads for her not to have them taken off.

"No, please don't, I don't want you to get shooted," her daughter said in the video, which was posted on the Minneapolis StarTribune's website. http://www.startribune.com/video-i-don-t-want-you-to-get-shooted-daughter-pleads-to-mother-moments-after-castile-shooting/429948923/

As the video of Reynolds and her daughter spread online on Thursday, many social media users and civil rights groups expressed shock and outrage.

"Devastating video of #DiamondReynolds and her daughter. Words no child should utter," The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (@TheKingCenter) said on Twitter.

Individuals also weighed in: "Didn't think #PhilandoCastile story could get worse. Watched video of Diamond Reynolds' daughter trying to comfort her. This has to stop." Lori Dziurda (@LDZbranch) (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Dan Grebler)
On May14 and 15, The Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation was successfully held in Beijing. This international gathering brought together 29 heads of state and government and 1,500 representatives from over 130 countries and 70 international organizations. The participation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his delegation fully showcased the Sri Lankan Governments commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and the summit. In the early summer, distinguished guests and great minds gathered together, jointly pursuing BRI, the project of the century and made fruitful outcomes. Before and during the BRF, national governments, local authorities and enterprises reached a number of cooperation agreements, policy measures and practical results including 76 items comprising of more than 270 concrete agreements in five key areas, namely policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity.

I. BRI is the call of the times

The world economy is undergoing profound changes, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the set of Sustainable Development Goals at its core provides a new blueprint of international cooperation. Although various development strategies and connectivity cooperation initiatives from different countries have been put forward, the world economy is still experiencing modest recovery with downside risks. The growth of global trade and investment remains tempered and the rules-based multilateral trading regime is yet to be strengthened. Huge funding gaps still trap the infrastructure construction worldwide. All countries, especially developing ones, still face the common challenges of eradicating poverty, promoting inclusive and sustained economic growth and achieving sustainable development. How to explore new development paths and gain new growth momentum? The world is anticipating a clearer action plan to answer these questions.

China should not be a bystander or a follower but an active participant and a leader, making Chinas voice heard and injecting more Chinese elements into the international rules said President Xi Jinping. As Chinas economy and comprehensive national strength grows steadily, Chinas capacity and willingness to participate in the governance of global economy have been increasingly improved. The international community has been arguing for a long time whether globalization is the treasure cave found by Ali Baba or the Pandoras box that gives out chaos. President Xi Jinping has given Chinas answer to this question in the keynote speech at the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, and the BRF Forum in Beijing. Now Chinas voice has become the strongest support for economic globalization. China raises up BRI and supports the globalization and developing countries growth in order to make the pie of the world economy bigger and drive countries, which deem peace and development as their priorities, to achieve their own development goals.

II. BRI aligns development strategies and makes the world connected

BRI stands for enhancing international cooperation including synergy of various development strategies by building closer collaboration partnerships, which include advancing North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation. Under the initiative, countries along the Belt and Road will strengthen physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity by promoting industrial cooperation, scientific and technological innovation, regional economic cooperation and integration, so as to participate in the global value chain.

BRI endeavours to expand people-to-people exchanges, promote peace, justice, social cohesion, inclusiveness, democracy, good governance, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and women empowerment; working together to fight against corruption and bribery in all their forms; to be more responsive to all the needs of those in vulnerable situations such as children, persons with disabilities and the old; help improve global economic governance and ensure equal access by all to development opportunities and benefits.

BRI encourages countries to manage natural resources in an equitable and sustainable manner, to conserve and sustainably use oceans and seas, freshwater resources as well as forests, mountains and dry lands, protecting biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife, combating desertification, land degradation and climate change so as to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions in a balanced and integrated manner.

III. BRI awakens growth potential of Sri Lanka

BRI, which is rooted in history, opens up to the future and aims at making all the participating countries gain from building it. BRI are the most important international public goods provided by China so far. The initiative is Chinas idea but the opportunities it creates belong to the world, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

There is huge economic complementarity and great cooperation potential between China and Sri Lanka. Currently, Sri Lanka is striving to build itself as a financing and logistic centre in the Indian Ocean. Such a development goal is in line with the 21st century Maritime Silk Road in many aspects. China and Sri Lanka are able to synergize development strategies and jointly build the 21st century Maritime Silk Road through dialogue and consultation.

During the pursuing of the common goal, China and Sri Lanka could improve the infrastructure facilities in Sri Lanka contributing to an international infrastructure network. Sri Lankas geographic location shows a promising future of the shipping industry. Seizing the opportunity of development will improve Sri Lankas competitiveness in the international shipping market.

Building the free trade zone and accelerating the consultation of the free trade agreement will benefit the people of both countries. The Sri Lankan Government has shown its enthusiasm to actively participate in global value chains development and supply chain. It is foreseeable that Sri Lankas basic industrial system will be greatly improved if the Hambantota logistic and industrial zone could be operated as early as possible.

Sri Lanka is planning to build an international financial city in Colombo. Both our countries can enhance financial infrastructure connectivity, jointly work on a long-term, stable and sustainable financing system. The Bank of China has set up its South Asian Branch in Colombo. Moreover, Sri Lanka is able to make use of the Silk Road Fund, the China Development Bank, Exim Bank of China and Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank to enhance its financial capability.

China and Sri Lanka could deepen cooperation in environment protection, natural disaster management and counter climate change. Whether floods or drought, the Chinese Government and people will always stand together with the Sri Lankan people and offer timely assistance. Meanwhile, China is ready to assist Sri Lanka in creating a comprehensive nationwide disaster warning, management and response (WMR) system.

China and Sri Lanka both have long histories and bright civilizations. Both sides can strengthen dialogues between civilization and cultural exchanges, so as to promote tourism development and protect world cultural and natural heritages. Both countries can further encourage people-to-people exchanges and bonds by deepening practical cooperation on education, science, technology, sport, health, think-tank and media. Based on that, China granted more than 1200 scholarships, training programmes and internships to Sri Lanka every year since 2015.



IV. BRI bases what we did in the past

China is one of the largest infrastructure construction partners and main sources of foreign investments in Sri Lanka. The China-Sri Lanka economic and trade cooperation has created more than one hundred thousand job opportunities for local people, trained tens of thousands of technicians and managers and promoted the rapid development of various sectors. Up to 2016, Chinese Companies in Sri Lanka have completed the construction of infrastructure projects amounting to over USD15.5 billion and made direct investments of over USD2 billion, contributing to Sri Lankas economic growth and social development.

During the BRF Forum, President Xi Jinping announced that China would offer CNY400 million (Rs.8.8 billion) as aid given gratis to Sri Lanka this year and CNY 2 billion (Rs.44 billion) for the period 2018-2020. China and Sri Lanka signed four important cooperation agreements including the China-Sri Lanka economic and technical cooperation agreement, the Outline of the Medium and Long-Term Development Plan for Investment, Economic and Technological Cooperation, the Framework Agreement for the Promoting of Investment and Economic Cooperation, financing cooperation agreements. These agreements cover future key cooperation projects and areas.

President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe both expressed their willingness to actively participate in BRI and build Sri Lanka into the hub of the Indian Ocean.

Times are moving ahead and we are looking forward to working together with Sri Lanka and jointly creating a brighter future. BRI is a long-term cooperation programme that needs the efforts of generations. We are ready to cooperate with and assist Sri Lanka to carry out social and economic development. China always does what it says and promises. Time has proven that China is indeed a friend of Sri Lanka.
There were 587 dengue patients per 100,000 in the Colombo District, Colombo Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijeymuni told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Updating the media on the status of the epidemic in the city, Dr. Wijeymuni said that according to statistics, the Colombo City would have 421 dengue patients per 100,000 of the resident population. However, there had only been 2,740 patients reported from the city. Which is much less than is expected and is an indication that we have controlled the epidemic to some degree, he said.

Reading out statistics, the CMO stated that there were 298 dengue patients per 100,000 of population across the country. However, with at least 45 percent of the patients being reported from Western Province, statistics showed there were 448 dengue patients per 100,000 in the Province. With at least 200 deaths reported due to the epidemic, 50 percent of which was reported from the Western Province, the three deaths reported from Colombo C i t y was a relief.

If we inspected one hundred houses, 10 to 12 percent of the houses would have potential breeding areas, this has to be brought down to 5 to 6 percent,

We cant say that we are happy about the situation but there arent many deaths reported from the city, he said.

Health sources reported 61,000 dengue patients for the first six months of the year, while 51,000 patients were reported in 2016. The country was dealing with the highest number of dengue patients ever reported in its history, Dr. Wijeymuni said.

The number of potential dengue breeding grounds had to be reduced to ensure there is no outbreak. If we inspected one hundred houses, 10 to 12 percent of the houses would have potential breeding areas, this has to be brought down to 5 to 6 percent, he said.

At least two percent of the residential areas, was also found to have dengue larvae, which again should be brought down to one percent. These numbers are much higher in some areas in Kalutara and Gampaha, the CMO said. However, the solution to the dengue epidemic was not the reduction in breeding grounds and larvae but eradication of it.

Explaining the unique features of the epidemic, Dr. Wijeymuni stated that many of the patients reported this year were below the age of 18. When the epidemic first began it affected the children and then the elderly, but it seems the fever is affecting children once again, he said. Fifty two percent of the patients reported with the fever were below the age of 18.

The public seem to have forgotten the initial measures we took to ensure children would not be affected by the fever.

Measures, such as wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants and using mosquito repellents are some simple measures that can be taken, he said. Speaking of measures taken to eradicate dengue breeding grounds, Dr. Wijeymuni stated that officials fumigated areas which had reported high number of dengue patients.

He said that houses had been inspected with warning given when potential dengue breeding grounds were found and legal action taken during extreme cases.

Filing legal action is not our main aim, but we have been forced to do so in some cases, the CMO said.

When compared to previous years the number of dengue patients had not reduced during February and March but had continued to increase.

The peak period for dengue is June and July and November and December. This time we had to deal with an increasing number of patients from the beginning of the year and we can see signs of it increasing now as well, he said. The CMO also stated that 86,639 residents had been inspected with 8,216 potential breeding grounds and 897 breeding grounds found.







All seven ports come under Dengue radar

BY DARSHANA SANJEEWA

In accordance with the recommendation by President Maithripala Sirisena a dengue eradication programme had been implemented in all Government institutions, an official said. The dengue eradication programme is to be launched under the leadership of Minister of Ports and Shipping Mahinda Samarasinghe in all the seven ports connected to the Colombo Port, in the next few days. All possible steps have been taken to implement the programme and it would be implemented regularly in the future.

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe initiated this programme at the Colombo Port recently. Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Nishantha Mutuhettigama, L.P. Jayampath, Secretary to the Ministry, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, P.G. Dasanayake, Vice Chairman and a group of employees of SLPA were present on the occasion.
The House decided to hold an adjournment debate this afternoon on steps taken by the government to resolve the issues faced by medical students following a request by Joint Opposition MP Dinesh Gunawardane.

He said a serious issue had arisen in the country today due to the strike launched by the GMOA in protest of yesterday's attack on university students.

The MP said a large number of university students, who were protesting against private medical education, had been hospitalised due to the attack by the police.

He said it should be considered a national issue because more than 8,000 medical students had been inconvenienced because of it and said that government could not keep mum on the matter. (Ajith Siriwardena)
The Governments performance was not satisfactory considering the past two years, SLFP Spokesperson Minister Dilan Perera said.

Addressing the media during the weekly Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) media briefing at the party headquarters today he said that the promises given during the elections had not been not fulfilled. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
'Marketing & Business STRATEGY Sri Lankas first Management book to be published in UK & USA was launched this week at an event held at the Sri Lanka foundation institute.

Renowned Marketer Lewie Diasz who is the author of this book stated that this book will help to uplift the standards of management education in Sri Lanka.

The book is a first for Sri Lanka since it has been endorsed by eminent global scholars and leading authors from the United Kingdom and USA.

Hon. Minister of Telecommunications & Digital Infrastructure graced the occasion as the chief guest whilst Hon. Eran Wickramaratne was the Guest of Honour of the launch event.

Veteran marketing evangelist Mr. Eadley Perera delivered the key note address for the event amidst a large gathering of professionals from the corporate sector.

Prof. Malcolm McDonald form the Cranfield University School of Management UK endorsed the book and stated Lewie Diasz is a respected scholar and practitioner, whose first book was a best seller. The reason is clear. He always has wise and insightful contributions to make to the business community and I know that this book will be yet another boon to all organizations who are keen to grow their sales and profits

The first book titled Strategic Marketing: Marketing Strategies for Sri Lankan Business Entities launched in 2012, was the fastest selling management book in Sri Lanka with over 5,000 copies sold to date. It was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, where theories were contextualized and explained using Sri Lankan businesses whilst simplifying complex marketing management theories.

According to Prof. Gerry Johnson Co Author of the world famous book Exploring Corporate Strategy Books, which address topics as vital as this and also relate them to the local context, are rare but valuable. Lewie Diasz does just this in Marketing & Business Strategy in a way that should appeal to both practitioners and students.

This book is intended for readers in the academic, professional and practitioner markets who are linked by the need for an up-to-date understanding of the meaning and scope of marketing and business strategy.

The material covered will be of direct importance to students of marketing strategy in both postgraduate and undergraduate programmes as a business strategy textbook.

It is also useful to those undertaking professional qualifications in marketing and business and who need to build their understanding on strategic marketing issues. It will be of value to marketing practitioners who wish to explore new ways of looking at the marketing process, their target markets; with a view to managing marketing better as a route to gaining an edge over their competitors.
The Police had launched an investigation into the incident in which a group of university students had forcibly entered the Health Ministry premises and damaged public properties on Wednesday, Police Spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said today.

A tense situation prevailed at the Health Ministry building in Maradana, when the members of Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) forcibly entered and besieged the building.

On Wednesday morning the Colombo Chief Magistrate had issued an order preventing the IUSF from causing public disturbance as well as forcibly entering Government institutions.

Addressing a press briefing DIG Jayakody said the university students had violated a court order and damaged public properties during the protest against South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM).

He said the Government Valuation Department and other institution were evaluating the damage.

We will examine CCTV footages and other evidences and then will submit them to the court. It is a crime to cause damages to public properties under the Public Property Act.

The Police will not let anyone take law into their hands and we will take stern legal actions against those who were involved, he said.

DIG Jayakody said five Police officers and 62 students had been hospitalised during the incident.

However, no one had been arrested as of today.(Darshana Sanjeewa)
Unveiling the website of the Commission (www.rticommission.lk) and its logo on Monday (19), the RTI Commission of Sri Lanka invited public feedback on Draft Guidances on Pro-active Disclosure applicable to all ministries under the globally-acclaimed RTI Act No.12 of 2016.

The Commissions logo, as unveiled, consists of Sri Lanka centered in the black pupil of an eye commonly symbolizing information, held aloft by a hand.

Pro-active disclosure duties refer to information that must be released by Ministers in advance of the initiation of projects. Information must also in general, be released in regard to the functioning of ministries. These relate to procurement processes and disbursements under budgets in regard to both local and foreign expenses. The duties arise automatically in terms of the law and do not depend on a citizen filing an information request against a particular Public Authority.



The Commission has announced on its website that it hopes to hold consultations with Public Authorities and citizens with a view to finalizing the Guidances.



Meanwhile, information available on the Commission website disclosed that the Road Development Authority (RDA) and the Panadura Urban Council were among several Public Authorities summoned by the Commission during the hearing of its first appeals. The Commission is the primary appellate body under the Act. It is mandated to ensure that state, corporate and non-governmental perform in compliance with the law. Failure can result in the prosecution of offenders by the Commission, which is a power not in the hands of other similar bodies, excluding the Bribery and Corruption Commission.

"Several other matters have also been listed for hearing. Among these are two RTI appeals filed by a non-governmental organization Transparency International, Sri Lanka, regarding the assets declarations of the President and the Prime Minister"

In several instances, the information released on the orders of the Commission concerned improper permissions given by the Public Authorities. The RDA was petitioned by a citizen in the public interest regarding an unauthorized construction on the Hakmana Road in Matara and the Panadura UC was brought before the Commission in regard to filling and construction of land in a manner that flooded surrounding areas. Included also, was an order handed down in relation to an information request filed by a public servant in regard to obtaining details of her alleged victimization by her employer.

Several other matters have also been listed for hearing. Among these are two RTI appeals filed by a non-governmental organization Transparency International, Sri Lanka, regarding the assets declarations of the President and the Prime Minister.

Following the hearings of the Commission attended by the appellant and the respondent Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Additional Secretary (Legal) to the President, the Commission has listed the matter for the consideration of two preliminary questions of law. These relate to TISL failing to specify the fact of its membership coming within the definition of a citizen in the initial information request to the Public Authority.

Section 3 (1) of the RTI Act states that Subject to the provisions of Section 5 of this Act, every citizen shall have a right of access to information which is in the possession, custody or control of a public authority. Section 43 defines a citizen as a body whether incorporated or unincorporated, if not less than three-fourths of the members of such body are citizens. The Rules of the Commission gazetted in February 2017 state that the requirements in RTI 01 form which is the information request format can be submitted even on a blank sheet of paper but must contain the necessary details in accordance with the RTI Act.
REUTERS, 21st JUNE, 2017- From the deck of an aircraft carrier to the sub-zero temperatures of a Himalayan military outpost, tens of thousands of Indians joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to celebrate the third International Yoga Day.



Rains failed to dampen the spirits of about 50,000 people who joined in an outdoor yoga session with the prime minister in a park in Lucknow, capital of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.



Yoga has connected the world with India, Modi, looking relaxed in white track pants and blue-collared T-shirt, told a cheering crowd. Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice, he added.



The Modis official Twitter handle, which has more than 30 million followers, has posted pictures of mass yoga sessions in China, Colombia, the United States, Paraguay, Mexico, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.



Social media was flooded with pictures of yoga, the countrys signature cultural export, being performed in various places including an Indian Navy submarine and the landing deck of an aircraft carrier.



It is not only the worlds longest serving aircraft carrier but also the worlds longest-serving warship. I think the ship must have done lots of pranayaams to be sustaining for so long, top naval officer Puneet Chadha told a TV channel, referring to a yogic breathing technique.



Indian President Pranab Mukherjee held a yoga session at the presidential palace and several members of Modis cabinet joined similar events across the country.
National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection was established in 2007 with the purposes of making sure that the fundamental rights of all consumers are upheld and protected by the government and corporations and fighting against violations of consumer rights.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the Chairman of the National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection, Ranjith Vithanage discussed about the plastic rice scare, increasing number of sub-standard imported cosmetics in the market, unregulated and unhealthy advertising and marketing of products and the matters relating to the food safety issue in Sri Lanka.

Q Sri Lankan consumers were scared of reports about plastic rice. Any responsible party from the government didnt even bother to talk about it and make the people aware. What is your take on the whole plastic rice issue?

There is nothing like plastic rice. This story is based on rumours. How can we have credibility on rumours? The discussion about plastic rice began after a video where some people had made balls from cooked Basmati rice which bounced off hard surfaces. They claimed as if the rice balls were originally made of rubber or plastic. Not only that, some other videos showed polythene being melted into plastic sticks which are then cut into rice grain look-alike pieces. As far as I am concerned, the story about plastic rice was first reported in China. The price of plastic is quite expensive. If rice grains are really made from plastic, then the price of that rice should also be high. According to my self study, there is no credible evidence to believe about the existence of plastic rice.

As I have not done a proper scientific test, I am not asking people not to panic. The best solution is in the hands of the Health Ministry, who can carry out a proper scientific test about the reports of plastic rice and issue an official statement so that these reports will be proven to be true or false. Further actions can be taken by the government thereafter. People will be confident about such official statement about the issue.

Q Lanka Sathosa Chairman T.M.K.B. Tennakoon had told a newspaper that the discussion about plastic rice was created by a group, which is against imported Basmati rice.

It can neither be 100 percent true nor false. Apart from the political gains, there are economical and financial gains for certain groups from the plastic rice issue. Economically, the demand for the imported Basmati rice will reduce due to such reports and people will fear to buy them. As people will tend to buy alternatives, consequently the demand for local rice categories and wheat flour will go high. It has happened already. The price of Nadu rice has gone up to Rs.110. Before the plastic rice discussion, Nadu was sold at Rs.80.

Q Even though there is a National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), there are many low quality cosmetics in the market. Several deaths have also been reported due to severe allergic reactions to some cosmetic products. Do you think the NMRA plays their role properly?

The NMRA was established under Cosmetic Devices & Drugs (CDD) Act No 27 of 1980. It claims that it tests samples of cosmetics products of all the companies operating in the country, before releasing them to the market. If it properly happens as they claim, such deaths would not have happened. Nowadays, anyone can import cosmetics without any barrier. None of the cosmetics that are imported to Sri Lanka are properly monitored. It is not compulsory for them to be registered also.

We see a big mafia is within the NMRA. Some companies could bribe the NMRA officials in order to get their

products released.

Q What should be done to change the current situation?

An independent commission should be established to observe manufacturing and selling of local cosmetics and to thoroughly monitor the imported cosmetic products.

Q Advertising is taking over many fields. Do you see a change in the needs and wants of people as a result of massive advertising and marketing?

Yes, there is an obvious change in peoples needs as a result of unhealthy advertising. People are brain-washed. It is not what people really need that they buy. For an example, a person goes to the super market with a list of goods that he or she needs to buy. But, in many instances, they buy unnecessary stuff instead of those in the list after being influenced by advertising, marketing and promotion. When any famous person recommends some product, our people dont think twice to buy it. There is no government institution to regulate advertisements. Especially, advertisements regarding food products should be systematically monitored. A board of doctors has to be there to analyse production and manufacturing of food items. As we talk about these issues, many media institutions dont take interviews from us. If they do, they will have to publish my remarks which are against advertising what the media is relying on.



Q How is the level of public awareness in Sri Lanka about consumer rights?

Actually, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) is fully responsible for this. What the CAA does is allowing fraudulent businessmen to hoodwink the public. There are 411 consumer rights organisations in the country. Unfortunately, none of them are functioning. The ministry is holding awareness programmes only on the World Consumer Rights Day. Such programmes should not be limited for one day.

Such awareness programmes should be constantly carried out throughout the country in regional level. New technological methods should be utilised for the programmes. It will be very useful if they can make people aware about food standards and

consumer rights.

As far as I am concerned, the story about plastic rice was first reported in China. If rice grains are really made from plastic, then the price of that rice should be high. There is no credible evidence to believe about the existence of plastic rice

Q You just levelled a charge against the CAA, saying the institution allows fraudulent businessmen to hoodwink the public.

Yes. We have people there. We are sure that some CAA officials make deals with businessmen for money. When money matters, terms like food safety and public betterment are forgotten for such officials. There is no point in carrying out awareness programmes for the sake of doing it. The government should create and maintain a consumer network throughout

the country.

Q Raids are often being carried out and large stocks of goods unsuitable for human consumption are often found. Is there a decrease in the number of instances where sub-standard goods are found?

It is a very critical and interesting topic. These raids are merely media shows. Companies found to be importing sub-standard goods are not facing further legal actions if they can spend some money and bribe raid officials. Only small scale companies go under legal actions as they fail to satisfy the relevant officials. As long such officers are there to make such institutions corrupt, the number of instances where such sub-standard goods are found will not decrease.

Q From your perspective, how have the challenges of ensuring food safety changed over the past decade in Sri Lanka?

As the sourcing of food today is globalising, the challenge of ensuring food safety is becoming more difficult. It has already and will enlarge the scope of risks that we have to take into account in our evaluation. And, nowadays there are chemicals which we have not even heard about in the past.

But, it is a pleasure to say that when comparing to the past decades, consumers are more aware of food safety issues. There is no doubt that the gratitude should go to the media that had helped to quickly spread news and information about unsafe foods.

The government plays the biggest role in strengthening food safety systems in order to uplift the current level of food safety in the country. It has to be fully vigilant about instances where the general public get caught in the food fraud

Q How big is the problem of food fraud, and how can consumers verify the integrity of the food products they purchase?

The government plays the biggest role in strengthening food safety systems in order to uplift the current level of food safety in the country. It has to be fully vigilant about instances where the general public get caught in the food fraud. As the scope of the problem is enormous, laws should be introduced to curb the food fraud. Addressing the problem is very difficult in Sri Lanka because there are no nationally accepted criteria to be followed. The number of products for one particular food category is immensely increasing. There is the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLS) to issue the standards to products. However, testing, certification and verification of food safety by independent testing agencies is very important. Primarily, it is the right and also the duty of consumers to know whether the foods that they eat include necessary ingredients and go with the accepted standards. In the meantime, it is the responsibility of producers and suppliers too, to maintain their own efforts to improve food standards labelling practices so that it will be easy for consumers to make informed choices.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech during the Summer Davos Forum in Dalian in 2015. [File photo: gov.cn]

Premier Li Keqiang will attend the Summer Davos Forum in northeast China's Dalian from June 26 to 28, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang announced Wednesday at a daily press briefing.

Li will address the opening ceremony, hold talks with leaders from countries including Finland and Sweden, meet some forum participants, and exchange views with representatives from fields such as business, finance, think tanks, and media outlets, Geng said.

This year's forum carries the theme "Achieving Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution." Around 1,500 politicians, officials, entrepreneurs, scholars, and media representatives from over 90 countries and regions will attend.

The annual event is held alternatively in the Chinese cities of Tianjin and Dalian.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Chinese efforts to persuade North Korea to rein in its nuclear programme have failed, ratcheting up the rhetoric over the death of an American student who had been detained by Pyongyang.



Trump has held high hopes for greater cooperation from China to exert influence over North Korea, leaning heavily on Chinese President Xi Jinping for his assistance. The two leaders had a high-profile summit in Florida in April and Trump has frequently praised Xi while resisting criticizing Chinese

trade practices.



While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried! Trump wrote on Twitter.



It was unclear whether his remark represented a significant shift in his thinking in the U.S. struggle to stop North Koreas nuclear programme and its test launching of missiles or a change in U.S. policy toward China.



I think the president is signalling some frustration, Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, told MSNBC. Hes signalling to others that he understands this isnt working, and hes trying to defend himself, or justify himself, by saying that at least they tried as opposed to others who didnt even try.



On Tuesday, a U.S. official, who did not want to be identified, said U.S. spy satellites had detected movements recently at North Koreas nuclear test site near a tunnel entrance, but it was unclear if these were preparations for a new nuclear test - perhaps to coincide with high-level talks between the United States and China in Washington on Wednesday.



North Korea remains prepared to conduct a sixth nuclear test at any time when there is an order from leadership but there are no new unusual indications that can be shared, a South Korean Defence Ministry official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.



Seoul was in close consultation with Washington over the matter, the official added.

REUTERS, 21st

JUNE, 2017
DPA, 21st JUNE, 2017- Venezuelas highest court on Tuesday approved proceedings against Attorney General Luisa Ortega, the highest- profile government critic of President Nicolas Maduro, which could lead to her removal.



The Supreme Court approved a lawsuit against her by Socialist lawmaker Pedro Carreno, who accused her of committing a serious offence in the carrying out of her office, according to El Nacional newspaper. He also accused her of failing to respect the courts democratic decisions. Ortega has been called a traitor by the ruling Socialists since March when she opposed a bid by the Supreme Court - loyal to Maduro - to strip the opposition-controlled National Assembly of its powers.
Beijing issued its first pollution discharge permit to a company in the citys Tongzhou District recently, marking the beginning of the permit-based pollution discharge system in the Chinese capital.

Chinas State Council rolled out a permit system for discharging pollutant last November, requiring businesses to obtain permits before emitting pollutants. Previously, companies in Beijing usually let out pollutants based on environmental impact assessment. All businesses in the capital city are expected to have permits by 2020.

The permit is printed with a unified code and has a QR code containing information such as the address of the company, discharge location and emission elements, as well as the upper limit of annual pollutants.

Companies that are among the first to have permits in Beijing are thermal power plants and paper mills, as well as factories which have chimneys that are over 45 meters high in the Beijing-Tianjin-Heibei region.

Additionally, local environmental authorities have streamlined the process for companies to apply for permits.
It's been 57 years since Cuba and China established diplomatic relations  and what a road they have traveled since 1960.

Their sizes differ greatly and distance and culture could not have been further or more different. But while these differences have kept them apart over centuries, the bonds of friendship developed over the last five decades have been deep, long and wide.

Cuba was the first Latin American and Caribbean nation to recognize China  only 11 years after the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 and just one year after Fidel Castro led the Cuban Revolution in 1959.

Today, the ties that bind them stand out as a distinctive model worth both study and emulation by all others everywhere interested in development of mutually beneficial ties between countries and peoples.

The last two decades have seen the small Caribbean island and the giant Asian nation walk hand-in-hand along the road of peace and progress at multiple levels.

At similar stages of development and with no geopolitical conflicts or historical disputes, they have therefore been able to more easily develop friendship and collaboration. Indeed today, more Chinese are learning Spanish and Portuguese, while more Cubans are learning Chinese  and with reason.

China's assistance to Cuba has grown over the years  and at the same pace that Beijing has been developing ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Important achievements in China-Cuba ties today have been achieved thus far in trade and finance, renewable energy and biotechnology.

Chinese companies are also investing in business in Cuba. A Chinese company, Yutong, has established a bus assembly plant on the island, producing the state-owned buses that transport thousands of Cubans from point to point, day and night.

Chinese companies are also being encouraged and invited by both sides to invest in and do business with Cuba, especially in the new Special Development Zone of Mariel (ZEDM). These include companies linked to biopharmaceuticals and renewable energy, as well as others interested in participating in national Cuban projects.

China is also interested in Cuba's internationally-acknowledged significant achievements in healthcare.

China-Cuba ties do continue to strengthen each year  just as fast as China's relations have been developing with the rest of the Latin American and the Caribbean region, especially with recently-announced new policies based and focused on economics, trade, culture, international affairs and mutual cooperation.

China's new joint-development model focuses on "logistics, energy and informatics" to promote "beneficial interaction between companies, society and governments" and "expansion of financing channels, such as loans and insurance."

But all this is not by accident. China is in fact the number one (or number two) trading partner with most Latin American and Caribbean states, as economic exchanges, in particular, have grown by leaps and bounds in recent times.

For example, in 2000, bilateral trade between China and Latin America and the Caribbean was only $10 billion, but by 2016 it grew to a whopping $216 billion. Besides, this region is the second most important destination for Chinese exports (after Asia), with total Chinese investments now standing at $150 billion  100 times greater than in 2011.

New Chinese investments in the region include automobile and machine production industries, cell phones, air conditioners, buses, electronics, battery and solar panel manufacturing factories and plants.

Other projects also include the construction of a power plant in Ecuador, investments in nuclear energy in Argentina, railway and subway construction in various countries, increased investments in agriculture and cooperation projects involving China's telecoms giant Huawei.

Also on the radar is expansion into areas linked to innovation and science, with China very willing to export state-of-the-art technologies to the region and to engage environmentally conscious companies to not only help create new sources of employment, but also to continue boosting industrialization.

But this is by no means a one-way business track. Latin American and Caribbean countries are also seeking to hook-up opportunities to participate in China's Silk Road initiative: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela have joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), while Argentina and Peru are about to do likewise. This will indeed open the way for these countries to pursue and participate in related projects involving Asian, European and African states and companies.

Also to be counted is the success of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) forum, a cooperation platform established in 2015 that also includes a fund to which China has already pledged $35 billion, $10 billion of which is destined for specific investment projects.

Unlike the USA, which conducts Latin American and Caribbean  and indeed general foreign policy  according to the whims and fancies of whoever is President, China's ties with the region have been guided by set policies that are revisited as time goes by, not to weaken but to strengthen ties at business, state and people's levels, including all actors in any society willing to engage with mutual respect and to bilateral advantage.

Indeed, while Cuba didn't gain any particular advantage when Havana recognized Beijing more than five decades ago, that certainly set the stage for the strong and lasting bonds of business and friendship that have developed with the wider Latin American and Caribbean region since then.

Earl Bousquet is a contributor to china.org.cn, editor-at-large of The Diplomatic Courier and author of an online regional newspaper column entitled Chronicles of a Chronic Caribbean Chronicler.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Updated at 7:50 p.m.

The Charlottesville man accused of slaying a school teacher and her teenage daughter has taken a plea deal that will spare him from the death penalty.

Its been more than two years since city police arrested Gene Everett Washington and charged him with the murders of Robin and Mani Aldridge. In Charlottesville Circuit Court on Wednesday, the 32-year-old submitted Alford pleas to a capital murder charge in the killing of Robin and an amended second-degree murder charge in the killing of Mani.

An Alford plea means the defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges the prosecution has sufficient evidence to win a conviction.

Originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Washingtons case has moved slowly since his arrest on Dec. 8, 2014, for a probation violation. The arrest came just three days after emergency crews responded to a house fire at the Aldridge residence on Rugby Road.

Prosecutors said Wednesday that on the day of the fire, firefighters entered the home to douse the blaze and found the bodies of 58-year-old Robin and 17-year-old Mani in the basement. Their television and cellphones were mysteriously missing from the home, as was Robin Aldridges 2003 Toyota Matrix.

Autopsies later revealed that each had died due to multiple blunt force and sharp force traumas to the neck and head, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The Toyota Matrix was recovered the day after the fire at a nearby apartment complex  the same complex in which Washington lived. Prosecutors said Wednesday that police also found a bag containing bloody clothes, knives, shoes, rubber gloves, a stocking cap and Robin Aldridges cellphone in a dump bin near the apartment.

Washington has since been linked by DNA evidence to the rubber gloves and stocking cap; video evidence further showed a man matching Washingtons description with the bag of bloody clothes and the Aldridges car.

After Washingtons arrest, authorities found Mani Aldridges cellphone in his possession, according to prosecutors. At a news conference following the arrest, then-Police Chief Timothy J. Longo said the senseless and brutal crime had not been a random act, as Mani Aldridge and Washington knew one another, though he would not go into detail.

On Wednesday, Washingtons capital defender, Jennifer Stanton, said her client and Mani Aldridge had a very close relationship for some period of time before any of this happened, as confirmed by police through emails and text messages and cell records. She did not go into further detail, but said more will be revealed at Washingtons sentencing hearing.

It was also revealed Wednesday that in the weeks after his arrest, Washington sent letters to various agencies, including the Virginia Attorney Generals Office, in which he made implications that hed murdered Robin Aldridge, referencing self-defense and the defense of others.

Upon the submission of Washingtons pleas, the prosecution elected to drop one of his first-degree murder charges, as well as a robbery charge.

Speaking after the hearing, Stanton said the plea came in an attempt to get death off the table, saying that Washington suffered from intellectual and cognitive disabilities. She further stated that there were still issues with the prosecutions version of events, and that some DNA evidence drew doubt as to Washingtons guilt.

Lets just say his version of what happened is not the same as what the commonwealths version is, and at the sentencing hearing, we feel that his version will come out, Stanton said. Ultimately, did we think he was going to be found guilty of something? Yes. Whether it was capital murder or something less is another story.

Judge Rick Moore has ordered an extensive pre-sentence investigation before the sentencing hearing, which has been scheduled for Sept. 25 and is expected to last at least one full day. Washington faces a potential life sentence for the capital murder charge and a maximum 40-year sentence for the second-degree murder conviction.

Many relatives and friends of the Aldridges were in attendance for Wednesdays hearing, some sporting T-shirts from Robin and Manis All Buddy Camp, a program developed in honor of the Aldridges following the slayings. Robin was a longtime special-education teacher for Albemarle County, while Mani was a Charlottesville High School student.

The weeklong camp, which pairs local teens with preschool students who have disabilities, is currently midway through its third year.
A 51-year-old woman is accused of brandishing a machete and threatening to cut another woman on East Williams Street in Culpeper on Tuesday.

Diane Michelle Amory, who lives in Culpeper but has a Maryland drivers license, was charged with brandishing a machete or other bladed weapon with intent to intimidate, a Class 1 misdemeanor, according to official court records.

Court records show the woman who made the complaint was visiting her father-in-laws home about 11 a.m. They were sitting on the front porch and she noticed an SUV parked on the street with its door open. There was no room for traffic to maneuver around the SUV on the narrow downtown street.

Reached by phone Wednesday, the complainant said after 10 to 15 minutes, she decided to close the vehicle door.

Finally, I said she must have forgotten, and people are trying to drive by and looking at us like we were idiots, probably thinking it was our car, she said. But it wasnt us. It was hers.

The woman wrote down her version of events in a complaint filed with the police department.

And she opens the front door [of the house] and she starts cussing me out, the woman wrote in the complaint, adding that Amory let her dogs out as well. She threatened to cut my head off. She was only a foot away from me.

After a few minutes, she thought Amory was leaving when she headed to her vehicle, but she returned with the machete instead, the complaint says.

I said I dare you and told her to smile for the camera,  the complainant said. And I snapped the picture. She was right in my face. I had to bend back a little bit to take the picture.

According to the woman, Amory and her boyfriend live with the complainants father-in-law on East Williams Street.

Amory was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Culpeper County General District Court at 8:30 a.m. on July 5.

A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
This year, the University of Virginia could reach a milestone: its on pace to receive more money from private donations than from the state. Thats highly unusual for a large state university.

The administration, under President Teresa A. Sullivan, sees it as a positive sign that its fundraising efforts  spurred on, in part, by declining state funding on a per-student basis  are working.

At a Board of Visitors meeting earlier this month, Melody Bianchetto, the universitys vice president for finance, reminded board members that the university is lucky enough to have a steady stream of philanthropic income  more than $150 million in operating money projected over the next year.

Not many public universities can say that, she said.

But if the trend continues, it could have greater long-term implications. The state traditionally holds the purse strings for public universities, giving it a lot of power, both implicit and explicit, over college administrators.

State politicians, responding to their constituents, usually push universities to keep tuition low and limit the number of spots given to nonresident students.

This year, pressure from the General Assembly was enough to make UVa visitors set aside some of the universitys $2 billion Strategic Investment Fund for financial aid and increase its in-state enrollment.

But legislators might have less influence in the future as UVa relies more on private donations to cover operating costs and less on state appropriations, said Dustin Weeden, who analyzes higher-education issues at the National Conference for State Legislators.

Youre more responsive to the goals of the people who give you your revenue, Weeden said. There are a whole host of concerns private donors have that are different from the goals of the state.

Private donors tend to favor things like new facilities and research, which could benefit the state in other ways, but not necessarily in the way public universities traditionally benefit the state: with affordable undergraduate degrees for in-state students.

Public institutions cant completely shrug it off, Weeden said. But I think they push for more autonomy and control over their own operations.

Greg Weatherford, a spokesman for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, said UVas relationship with the state shouldnt change substantially.

But the university may have more flexibility to spend money as administrators see fit, Weatherford added. This is a good thing, he said, because it will allow the university to think outside the box and try new things.

As they get more funding from students and parents and private donors, that does give some more flexibility to do more interesting projects, he said.

UVa  as well as a handful of other large public universities in the state  has gained more autonomy since reaching a restructuring deal in 2005. The deal allowed the largest universities more freedom to, among other things, set their own tuition and fees.

In return, the universities would fulfill a list of goals set by then-Gov. Mark R. Warner, also known as the state ask. Some of these goals are specific, such as increasing the number of college graduates and degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

Others are more vague, such as maintaining affordability and access.

The 2005 deal was the real turning point, said James Bacon, a journalist and UVa alumnus who often writes about Virginia higher education on his blog, Bacons Rebellion.

Bacon says UVa and other institutions classified as tier 3, such as the College of William & Mary, have almost complete freedom to operate in the way they want thanks to the restructuring act.

The tradeoff has already been made, he said. But I dont see UVa getting any additional autonomy over and above what theyve already got. Theres not a whole lot the state regulates anymore.

The vagueness of the language surrounding affordability and access has allowed UVa and William & Mary to become more like private schools  charging more for tuition and putting that money back into aid for lower-income students, Bacon said.

But the changes were understandable, he said, because of declining funding and contradictory demands from the public. Politicians and their constituents want them to take on more students who need financial aid while keeping tuition low.

Theyre under a lot of pressure to increase enrollment from lower-income and first-generation college students, he said. And those kids need scholarships.

Weatherford said UVa and William & Mary are experimenting with a new model  for state universities in Virginia  that may allow them to keep costs low in the long run. They have the freedom to try this experiment because the state allows it.

One of the best things about being in Virginia is they have the flexibility to try that, he said.

Bacon, who is working on a series of articles about state higher-education regulations, said he doesnt think UVa wants to become a private institution. Even if this shift toward private funding continues, he said, the university takes seriously its duty to the public.

That impulse does exist  people would probably love to get rid of that General Assembly oversight and cut the strings  but at the end of the day, they want to be a state institution, Bacon said.
WYOMING, Ohio  Families wearing blue and white Wyoming Cowboys T-shirts, holding homemade cardboard signs and dogs on leashes and American flags, waited by the edge of the main street for Otto Warmbier's funeral procession to drive by. As the memorial at the town's high school, attended by thousands, ended, people in black dresses and dark suits joined those along the street.

Many were wiping away tears; the ceremony, a celebration of Warmbier's life, had been funny and eloquent, much like the 22-year-old University of Virginia student, beloved by many in this small suburb of Cincinnati and far beyond.

Friends and family shared memories of, as one put it, "this inspiring goofball of a man," and the essential lessons they had learned from him. His little sister Greta Warmbier remembered barreling down the road with him in his silver Chevy Impala, with blue dice and a fuzzy steering-wheel cover, windows down, singing Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" at the top of their lungs. Her oldest brother loved funny movies, she said, but she chose a line from chick flick to sum up his life cut so very short: I'd rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.

Last week, when Warmbier finally came home, people tied ribbons to the trees that arch over the main street here and to the wooden street signs hanging from wrought-iron scrolls in this close-knit suburb of Cincinnati. Otto Warmbier had been imprisoned in North Korea for nearly a year and a half. People had been praying for his release. But he returned in a coma, medically evacuated, so the close-knit community sought, without words, to convey how much they felt.

He died Monday, surrounded by family.

Internationally, his death reverberated. Several national leaders called it murder. President Trump called it a disgrace. It intensified already-raw tensions between the United States and North Korea.

At home, it brought people together.

The surge of people walking toward Wyoming High School, on streets so quiet the birds sounded loud, was one sign of that love. By 7 a.m. Thursday, young people were stepping through the wet grass to gather outside Wyoming High School, where Warmbier gave a joyful graduation speech as salutatorian four years ago.

A crowd of young women in black dresses hugged before joining the growing crowd by the door. Groups of young men in dark suits walked along the quiet neighborhood streets, where blue and white ribbons are tied to thousands of trees.

The ribbons were another sign. Volunteers fanned out Wednesday well past the center of this city of 8,400 people, far beyond the large Victorian houses, stone churches and graceful old trees, to ensure that the ribbons in Wyoming city schools colors fluttered all along the route from the high school to the iron gates of the cemetery where Warmbier will be buried. A few orange ribbons, a nod to the UVa, were tied there as well.

People waited patiently to go in: an elderly lady who struggled to walk along the graduation walk, where seniors have bricks etched with their name; crowds of young people; and boys too young to knot their own ties.

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, was there, along with deputy national security adviser Dina Powell, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Joseph Yun, a State Department official who played an instrumental role in getting Warmbier out of North Korea.

"I think today we're seeing good and evil all at once," Portman said. The good was the line of people waiting behind him, the outpouring of love. The evil was just as visible.

"Otto Warmbier is dead because of North Korea," he said.

Shortly before 9 a.m., there were still hundreds of people in line, and officials began warning them it was likely not everyone would be able to get in. The high school had capacity, between several rooms, for 2,500 people. In the gym, people pressed close on blue bleachers, watching a screen of the ceremony in the auditorium.

There were other signs of love: Pops of orange, for one, a sign that friends from the University of Virginia had arrived.

It was there in the thoughtfulness of a sign in a very long driveway of a house very close to the memorial service: Please park here.

It was there in a Wyoming park, where a man bounced a baby, beaming, over his head, and two boys dropped a baseball glove and a scooter and sprawled onto the grass by a flagpole.

The American flag, just overhead, was flying at half-staff.

Many people smiled as they stepped into the high school Thursday morning, and saw long tables covered with Warmbier's quirky thrift-store finds. In the gym, people pressed close on blue bleachers, watching a screen of the ceremony in the auditorium.

Rabbi Jake Rubin paused after a prayer to say that Fred and Cindy Warmbier wanted to give special thanks to Yun. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

Rubin, executive director of the Brody Jewish Center of UVa, with whom Warmbier had become close, talked about Warmbier's growing Jewish faith, awakened on a trip to Israel with Rubin and others. He chose the name Amit there, Rubin said - perfect for someone who valued friendship, relationships, so much.

Several friends and family members laughed as they talked about Warmbier: How he was a hugger; a sweater; a guy who would drag you to the dustiest, crustiest old thrift store, then exult over the Bengals jersey he had scored; how he would routinely wake up roommates in the morning by singing underground rap, off pitch; how quickly he could down a 40-ounce beer. (Very, very quickly.)

Emmett Saulnier, one of his roommates at UVa remembered crazy nights out and traveling the world and how Warmbier would always return from a trip, whether a summer at the London School of Economics, a trip to the Galapagos, or to Cuba with his mother, glowing with energy from the adventure of it all. Saulnier had waited 18 months, he said, to hear what he thought would be the craziest travel story ever.

Sanjana Sekhar, another close friend from UVa, who met him through a prestigious UVa scholarship for the most intellectually curious students, had just read Jack Kerouac's "On the Road," and always thought of this line: "the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!' "

"Otto was a fabulous yellow Roman candle kind of person," she said. She spoke fondly of his empathy, and their endless talks in the hall outside his door, on long drives, in the garage of his fraternity. He pushed her to be better, to question more, to give everyone in life a chance.

"I look forward to every moment of pure unfiltered life the future holds," she said. "To never yawn, or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn. That is his legacy."

Some of his best friends from college had driven to Wyoming straight from Charlottesville, where 600 people had gathered for a candlelight vigil the day after his death, and a professor spoke of the Jewish prayer for mourners, its emphasis not on death and loss but the abiding presence of God. "There are mysteries we cannot fathom," he said. Friends had spoken, as candles glowed in the amphitheater around them, about his brilliance, his adventurousness, his boundless joy, his faith in connection. He was the one to call rather than text, often, for routine plans (even if friends initially found that weird). He was the one to ignore a hand proffered for an introductory handshake with a grin and a tight embrace, saying, "Let's bring it in," or "Let's hug it out!"

Warmbier was a third-year at UVa, headed for a career in finance, when he went to North Korea with a tour group on the way to a study-abroad program in Hong Kong.

He was not allowed to leave the country. He was accused of trying to steal a propaganda poster, charged with "hostile acts against the state," and given a 15-year sentence after a sham trial.

His parents had no word of him since March 2, 2016, until earlier this month, when North Korean officials disclosed that he was in a coma, and had been for more than a year.

After a medical evacuation, an air ambulance touched down in Cincinnati last week, and he was rushed to the hospital. Doctors said he had a severe neurological injury, and was unresponsive.

Alex Vagonis, who just graduated from UVa, told the crowd about the bin full of thrift-store ties he had amassed, going to Waffle House with him after semi-formals, the intense interest he brought to everything, as though he might just burst into thin air. She told the other students that they would get through the horror of his death; to do otherwise would be an injustice to Warmbier, she said, since he always wanted to see others fly.

Sarah Kenny, student council president who organized the vigil, said she was surprised that people didn't seem more angry, more vindictive about his death.

"I am incredulous that after going through something so traumatic, they could be that hopeful, and just - full of love."

On the program for the celebration of his life was a line from his high school graduation speech, quoting a character on "The Office": "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."

People came Thursday morning, by the hundreds, to celebrate Otto Warmbier, and something they wanted to hold onto: the good old days.

Austin Warmbier, his younger brother, spoke last. He graciously thanked everyone, then said: Enough with the formalities. Can you imagine how miserable Otto made my life?

He laughed about trying to follow in the footsteps of an older brother who was always on time, had perfect grades, was great at sports and incredibly popular. And he talked about how much he had learned from his brother, about setting goals, about discipline, about how you don't win the most friends by being the coolest, the most judgmental.

His brother missed his high school graduation, he said. He won't be best man at his wedding. His kids will never have an Uncle Otto.

But Otto Warmbier indelibly made him who he was, he said, just as he had shaped so many people there. "That's why we will never truly lose him."

There was silence - only broken by sobs - then a bagpipe began to play.

Otto Warmbier's casket was carried out.

After the burial, the Warmbiers had invited everyone - all of Wyoming, UVa friends, doctors, dignitaries - over to their house. The celebration was just starting.
 Flash

The United Nations said Wednesday that the world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, and to hit 9.8 billion by 2050, despite nearly universal lower fertility rates.

The world population is now at least 7.6 billion, up from 7.4 billion last year, spurred by the relatively high levels of fertility in developing countries -- despite an overall drop in the number of children people have around the globe, revealed World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision.

The concentration of global population growth is in the poorest countries, presenting a challenge as the world seeks to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which is aimed to end poverty and preserve the planet, according to the report.

"With roughly 83 million people being added to the world's population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline," said the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which produces the UN report.

At this rate, the world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and surpass 11.2 billion in 2100, it said.

The growth is expected to come, in part, from the 47 least developed countries, where the fertility rate is around 4.3 births per woman, and whose population is expected to reach 1.9 billion people in 2050 from the current estimate of 1 billion.

In addition, the birth rates in African countries are likely to "at least double" by 2050, said the report.

That trend comes despite lower fertility rates in nearly all regions of the world, including in Africa, where rates fell from 5.1 births per woman up to 2005 to 4.7 births in the five years following.

In contrast, the birth rates in Europe are up to 1.6 births per woman, up from 1.4 births in 2000-2005.

"During 2010-2015, fertility was below the replacement level in 83 countries comprising 46 per cent of the world's population," said the report.

The lower fertility rates are resulting in an ageing population, with the number of people aged 60 or over expected to more than double by 2050 and triple by 2100, from the current 962 million to 3.1 billion.

Africa, which has the youngest age distribution of any region, is projected to experience a rapid ageing of its population, the report noted.

"Although the African population will remain relatively young for several more decades, the percentage of its population aged 60 or over is expected to rise from five per cent in 2017 to around nine per cent in 2050, and then to nearly 20 percent by the end of the century," according to the report.

In terms of other population trends depicted in the report, the population of India, which currently ranks as the second most populous country with 1.3 billion inhabitants, will surpass China's 1.4 billion citizens, by 2024.

By 2050, the third most populous country will be Nigeria, which currently ranks seventh, and which is poised to replace the United States.

Meanwhile, the report also noted the impacts of migrants and refugees between countries, in particular noting the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis and the estimated outflow of 4.2 million people.

In terms of migration, the report said, "although international migration at or around current levels will be insufficient to compensate fully for the expected loss of population tied to low levels of fertility, especially in the European region, the movement of people between countries can help attenuate some of the adverse consequences of population ageing."
On the invitation of the Evangelical Church in Germany(EKD), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, and the Lutheran World Federation, a delegation of the Chinese Christian Council (CCC) headed by President Rev. Gao Feng joined the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation held in Europe.

On June 10, 2017, the delegation arrived in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, where the church in Germany held an exhibition of the Reformation, said Fujian Theological Seminary. In the city hall of Wittenberg, Rev. Lv Dezhi, vice-president of the CCC, gave a welcome speech in the opening ceremony of "China's Day". He declared that the Chinese church takes an active part in public affairs of the ecumenical church. For example it attended the executive committee meeting of World Council of Churches (WCC) convened in Nanjing and Shanghai last November and the National CCC/TSPM will hold "Symposium on Sinicization of Christianity in Remembrance of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation" this October.

Dr. Liu Ruomin from the University of Hamburg expounded on the verses of Matthew with a preaching style of the Chinese church, exhorting the audiences to imitate Jesus' work model by the Sea of Galilee and serve their neighbors. Dr. Yue Qinghua, vice-chairman of the TSPM, introduced the Chinese church and stated that the church pushes Sinicization of Christianity to transform Christianity in China into Chinese Christianity. Qiu Zhonghui, general secretary of the Amity Foundation, and Rev. Lv were interviewed.

A round-table meeting was conducted among the delegation, the German church, and the German send mission. The European partners of the Amity Foundation from Norway and the United Kingdom were invited to discuss immigration and refugee issues caused by globalization. The participants showed great concern about the theological education and theological research capability of the Chinese church.

Christina, head of the Asia Pacific Region of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland suggested that the CCC&TSPM publish theological education achievements of the Chinese church and graduation theses written by theological students.

In addition, the delegation also visited churches in Finland and Switzerland to discuss the situation and development of the churches in China and in Europe.

Translated by Karen Luo
Secretary Ben Brancel is asking Wisconsin farmers to help out North Dakota ranchers suffering under drought conditions, answering a call for assistance from his counterpart there.

"Wisconsin farmers have always had big hearts, and this is one more way they can help out their neighbors, even neighbors who are two states away," said the head of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Brancel noted that some Wisconsin farmers experienced heavy alfalfa losses to winterkill this year. "You might even find someone right here who needs help," he said. The University of Wisconsin-Extension operates a farmer-to-farmer website at http://farmertofarmer.uwex.edu to connect farmers with hay to buy or sell.

Low precipitation combined with high winds and temperatures have created drought conditions across North Dakota in varying degrees. A hotline (701-425-8454) is available for callers to report what they are able to provide. Anyone with hay to sell, hay land to rent, or time and equipment to move hay is asked to call and leave their name, contact information and what they can provide. Many producers are also looking for farmers out of state who can dry lot or pasture their cattle.
"Does it not concern you that within the past five years, the SPLC has been linked to gunmen who carried out two terrorist shootings in the DC area?" asks letter



Contact: J.P. Duffy or Alice Chao, 866-FRC-NEWS, 866-372-6397



WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Family Research Council, along with a coalition of forty-one conservative leaders and organizations, released a letter sent to GuideStar USA "to express our strong disagreement with GuideStar's newly implemented policy that labels 46 American organizations as 'hate groups.'" GuideStar bills itself as a neutral organization that seeks to "gather and disseminate information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization."

Recently, GuideStar began using the Southern Poverty Law Center's defamatory "hate group" label on profiles of 46 non-profit organizations, including FRC's GuideStar page.

The letter reads, in part:

"The SPLC has no bona fides to make such determinations. It is not a governmental organization using a rigorous criteria to create its lists, and it is not a scientifically oriented organization. The SPLC is merely another 'progressive' political organization.

"The 'hate group' list is nothing more than a political weapon targeting people it deems to be its political enemies. The list is ad hoc, partisan, and agenda-driven. The SPLC doesn't even pretend to identify groups on the political left that engage in 'hate.' Mosques or Islamist groups that promote radical speech inciting anti-Semitism and actual violence are not listed by the SPLC even though many have been publicly identified after terrorist attacks. Radical, violent leftist environmentalists or speech suppressing thugs -- like the rioting "antifa" movement -- receive no mention from the SPLC.

"Can it be of any surprise then that SPLC's hate map was used by a political activist and domestic terrorist to perpetrate the very sort of hate crimes SPLC claims to oppose? In 2012, a shooter entered the Family Research Council headquarters in Washington, D.C., to 'kill as many as possible' because SPLC had identified FRC as a 'hate group,' and the killer-to-be relied on SPLC's website to identify targets, according to his sworn testimony. The SPLC continues to list on its website people such as House Majority Whip Steve Scalise who was recently shot by James T. Hodgkinson who 'liked' SPLC's Facebook page. Does it not concern you that within the past five years, the SPLC has been linked to gunmen who carried out two terrorist shootings in the DC area?

"We think it is a reasonable point that an aggressive political partisan like the SPLC should not be allowed to be the judge and jury of its opponents' character and motivations. The fact that the SPLC only targets groups on the political right supports this contention. As Karl Zinsmeister notes, while it is entirely acceptable to disagree vigorously with one's political opponents, it is 'utterly unfair to insist they are hate criminals.' He reproduces a statement made by SPLC's Mark Potok: 'Sometimes the press will describe us as monitoring hate crimes and so on. I want to say plainly that our aim in life is to destroy these groups, to completely destroy them.'"
The 2017 Verna is wider by 29mm and the overall length has been increased by 15mm.

Hyundai India has teased the all-new third-generation Verna for the first time. Hyundai calls it the third-generation Verna although it is technically the fifth-generation Accent. The reason for this is that the third-gen Accent was renamed the Verna for the Indian market.

The 2017 Verna looks like a miniature Elantra as its design is heavily inspired from the latter. It gets Hyundais latest signature cascading grille which is flanked by sweptback projector headlamps. The headlamps feature J-shaped LED daytime running lights like the Elantra. The 2017 Verna also gets projector fog lamps.

Like the Elantra and the outgoing Verna, the new sedan too features a coupe-like roofline. The wrap-around, split LED tail lamps are identical to the bigger sedan as well.

The rear bumper features dual-tone treatment with reflectors. On the inside, the highlight of the 2017 Verna is the addition of Hyundais latest 7-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Compared to the outgoing model, the 2017 Verna is wider by 29mm and the overall length has been increased by 15mm. However, the height remains unchanged. Its the same formula that almost every manufacturer is implementing these days in an attempt to give their cars a low-slung appearance, in turn, providing a more grounded stance. Further, the wheelbase has also been increased by 10mm with the wheels placed at the extremities.

In terms of the mechanicals, the 2017 Verna is likely to remain unchanged and will carry forward the same set of engines  1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel motors. However, it is expected to ditch the ancient 4-speed automatic for a relatively newer 6-speed automatic found in the Creta and the Elantra.

Stay tuned to CarDekho as Hyundai is set to release more info on the upcoming Verna in coming weeks.

Source: CarDekho.com
Mumbai: Infosys seems to be swimming in troubled waters again as its former head of immigration Erin Green slapped a lawsuit against the IT firm in the US, for discrimination against non-South Asian employees.

This is the second time that such an allegation has been made against the company. Green filed the lawsuit on June 19, according to an article in the Mint.

According to documents procured by BloombergQuint, Green, who was sacked last year, had not received any warning or performance improvement intimation prior to being sacked. He alleged that Infosys systematically discriminates against its employees and especially against those who are not South Asians. He said that this discrimination finds manifestation in hiring, promotion, compensation and termination of employees.

Green accused Vasudeva Nayak, the former head of global immigration and Binod Hampapur, executive vice-president and global head of talent and technology operations, of discrimination along lines of ethnicity. Plaintiff (Green) was terminated because of Defendants (Infosys) obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapurs discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin. His termination was in violation of Defendants policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination, the complaint read.

The 53-page lawsuit highlighted that Green was employed by the Defendant in Plano, Texas from October 2011 to June 28, 2016. It clearly pointed out that his experience with Infosys puts forth the "discriminatory nature of Infosys's employment practices."

Infosys, however, declined to make a comment on the ongoing litigation.

These charges once again bring Infosys to the centre of yet another controversy while it is already battling another lawsuit along the same lines. This lawsuit was filed by four of its US employees in 2013.

Infosys, along with other Indian IT firms, is also facing an attack from the Donald Trump government as it seeks to protect jobs for US citizens.
New Delhi: The government has sought investment and job creation details from iPhone maker Apple in order to facilitate setting up its proposed manufacturing facility in India.

A view on Apple's application for tax concessions would be taken up after considering the levels of investments and the benefits that are likely to accrue to the Indian economy, sources said.

Departments including revenue, electronics and information technology, and industry are deliberating upon the Cupertino-based technology major's proposal to set up smartphone manufacturing facility in India.

Earlier, Apple Inc had indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including customs duty exemptions, duty waiver on import of components, permission to repair and re-export smartphones and continuation of certain tax incentives after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sources added the government is actively considering their proposal.

With sales tapering off in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India - the fastest growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs.

Apple, however, does not manufacture devices on its own but gets the job done through contract manufacturers. Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years, Apple has sought relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

Apple sells its products through company-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others. It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.
Mumbai: Indian IT industry that has been mired in layoffs controversy will hire in range of 1.3 to 1.5 lakh new recruits in 2017-18 financial year, industry body Nasscom said.

It also says that India's IT exports may grow 7-8 per cent in 2017-18 and

domestic industry 10-11 per cent. Layoffs in India's IT companies have worried both the industry and the employees equally.

Besides, Trump administration's restrictions on H1-B Visas that allows IT professionals entry into the US for work and his advancement of protectionist policies have eroded firms prospects.

Major industry player Infosys has indicated it will hire more number of new recruits this year. The layoffs, according to IT Ministry, were not due to a slowdown in the sector, a view which the IT companies have concurred with.

Most of the big IT players attribute the layoffs to performance related scrutiny and employees' annual appraisals.
Pro-life Leaders and Activists Call for the Senate to Defund Planned Parenthood in Upcoming Healthcare Legislation Contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, 540-538-4741



WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Groups plan to hold a news conference on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the defunding of Planned Parenthood, and then some will go in to pray outside the office of Majority Leader McConnell.



The news conference will be held at the entrance to the Russell Senate Office Building at the corner of Constitution Ave. and 1st Street NE.



Activists plan to announce a major national campaign calling the pro-life community to come to Washington, D.C. engaging in public events should the Senate fail to defund Planned Parenthood.



The name of the campaign is "Justice Delayed/Justice Denied."



Lauren Handy, Founder of Mercy Missions based in Washington, D.C., states; "Women deserve better than Planned Parenthood and will receive better health care once Planned Parenthood is defunded. As a woman whose full time vocation is to council others in reproductive health, I can say for certain that Planned Parenthood and their abortion business is not healthcare." Catherine Glenn Foster, CEO and President of Americans United for Life, comments; "Americans United for Life, with the majority of Americans who oppose abortion on demand, expects the Senate healthcare bill to include language defunding America's abortion giant. With our dozens of model bills protecting life in the law, we understand the power of legislation. And we know that we are well on our way to stripping Planned Parenthood of the more than half a billion taxpayer dollars they receive every year.



"With Planned Parenthood patient numbers and cancer screenings both down, and their abortion numbers and taxpayer funding up, defunding is not just pro-life, but also sound fiscal policy. We at Americans United for Life will continue to work with legislators who use our model bills to craft a future where everyone is welcomed in life and protected in law." Brandi Swindell, Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare, adds; "Every day our clinics see women who have been exploited and treated like a commodity by Planned Parenthood. This vote by the House reminds us that abortion is not health care and we must work for a society where both mother and child are treated with compassion, dignity and professionalism.



"The Senate voting to defund Planned Parenthood is a major step toward replacing them with clinics that provide comprehensive health care for women and ensure equality and rights for all." Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states; "The pro-life community will work passionately to see the Senate votes to defund Planned Parenthood, and that this piece of legislation will end up on the desk of President Trump and be signed into law. Our hope and prayer is that the Healthcare legislation the Senate puts forward will remove the over $550,000,000 of taxpayer funding Planned Parenthood receives every year.



"If the Senate chooses to ignore the people who helped give them a majority and the over 329,000 innocent children who die at Planned Parenthood clinics every year, then we will give a national call for the pro-life community to come to Washington, D.C. and be a voice for the 'voiceless.'



"We will not rest until abortion ends up on the scrap heap of history like slavery and segregation. We can never be indifferent or silent." For more information call:

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741

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Under the expanded pact, the carriers will expand choice and connectivity options for guests flying between India and Europe.

Mumbai: Budget carrier Jet Airways today announced expansion of its codeshare partnership with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.

Under the expanded pact, the carriers will expand choice and connectivity options for guests flying between India and Europe, Jet Airways said in a release.

It enables Jet Airways passengers convenient access to as many as 43 European destinations via the airline's European hub Amsterdam and 27 via Paris besides 34 in North America.

The enhanced partnership will provide seamless connectivity to 12 news destinations in Europe including Athens, Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Lisbon, London Heathrow, Lyon, Nice and Warsaw, among others through codeshare flights.

Similarly, passengers travelling from Europe or North America will gain unhindered air connectivity to 45 Indian cities on Jet Airways domestic network via Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, the release said.

According to Jet Airways, codeshares on key sectors such as Mumbai-Paris, Chennai-Paris, Bengaluru-Amsterdam, and Mumbai-London will offer greater choice and connectivity to its passengers.

"The expanded cooperation reaffirms our commitment to offer our guests choice and seamless connectivity. In fact, our guests travelling to Europe and North America can benefit immensely from our multi-gateway connectivity to all destinations on Air France, KLM and Delta's networks," said Jet Airways Chief Commercial Officer Jayraj Shanmugam.

The partnership significantly expands Jet Airways reach in key markets and adds even more destinations to its already extensive international network, he added. At present, both Air France and Delta Air Lines are codesharing on Jet Airways current service between Mumbai and Paris.

Additionally, Air France, together with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines, also codeshare on Jet Airways' proposed flight between Chennai and Paris from late October.

The release said the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Air Lines will also codeshare on Jet Airways daily flight between Bengaluru and Amsterdam, commencing October 29 and additionally, Delta Air Lines will also codeshare on Jet Airways' third frequency between Mumbai and London.

Jet Airways also codeshares on Air France services connecting Mumbai and Paris as well as KLM's newly-announced thrice-a-week Mumbai-Amsterdam service, which is scheduled to commence from October 29, it added.
New Delhi: Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel has put in place a dedicated team to oversee smooth adoption of the GST regime across its plants and outlets spread across the country.

The flagship company of USD 9 billion JSW Group, JSW Steel is one of the country's leading integrated steel manufacturers with a capacity of 18 million tonnes per annum.

"The transition to GST scenario is a major change process and the the company has established a dedicated team to evaluate the impact analysis and carry out changes to the business process and IT systems as per the GST framework," the company said in a report.

The adoption of GST in the company's business systems and processes is one of the priorities of JSW Steel during the ongoing fiscal.

Terming the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a very significant step of indirect tax reforms in India, the company said that by amalgamating a large number of Central and state taxes into a single one, GST would mitigate cascading or double taxation in a major way and pave the way for a common national market.

The company also expressed optimism that the country's growth momentum may rise, driven by the government's policy initiatives in areas such as taxation.

Parliament's historic Central Hall will host an hour-long function on the intervening night of June 30-July 1 to mark the GST kick-off.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, apart from Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, will be present in the function.
Detroit: Travis Kalanick's combative personality created the culture that let Uber grow from startup to behemoth in just eight years. But under his direction the ride-hailing company had trouble growing up, leading to his downfall.

Kalanick, 40, stepped down late Tuesday, saying in a statement that his departure would help Uber return to growth "rather than be distracted by another fight."

This time the fight was with investors and his board, with several big players pushing for him to move aside. It was one fight too many after years of tussles with just about every business partner Uber touched.

"When you're at war with customers, employees, service suppliers, you can't build up a business model and Kalanick was at war with everyone," said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. "There is no business model in being at war."

App-based ride-hailing itself remains a topic of intense interest for the tech and auto industries as they compete to see whether Silicon Valley or the automakers will reap the profits from the digitalization of how people get from one place to another.

But "the significance of Uber has declined because the company has not managed to present itself in a stable and socially responsible way," Dudenhoeffer said.

Uber's board confirmed Kalanick's resignation early Wednesday, saying in a statement that Kalanick is taking time to heal from the death of his mother in a boating accident "while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber's history." He will remain on the Uber Technologies Inc. board.

The move comes as Uber, the world's largest ride-hailing company, struggles to morph from a free-wheeling startup into a mature company that can stanch losses and post consistent profits. After years of phenomenal growth at the expense of the taxi business, Uber had reached a point where the culture that created the company had become a liability that threatened to kill it.

It was unclear who would replace Kalanick.

Uber made a series of costly missteps under Kalanick that damaged its reputation, including revelations of sexual harassment in its offices, allegations of trade secrets theft and a federal investigation into efforts to mislead local government regulators.

Uber lost an expensive battle for supremacy in China against Didi Chuxing and had to be satisfied with taking a stake in Didi as a consolation prize. Uber posted a $708 million first-quarter loss, unable to turn $3.4 billion in revenue into a profit. The loss narrowed from $991 million in the previous quarter.

Investors have talked about selling stock in Uber to the public, a move that would imply a transition to an established business. The company was valued at near $70 billion the last time it sought capital.

On Tuesday, the company embarked on a 180-day program to change its image by allowing riders to give drivers tips through the Uber app, something Kalanick had resisted. Drivers have said that Kalanick didn't value their labor even though it was the heart of the San Francisco-based company.

Uber's board said in a statement that Kalanick had "always put Uber first."

But under Kalanick, the company developed a reputation for ruthless tactics that have occasionally outraged government regulators, drivers, riders and employees. The company often flouted city regulations for taxi companies with a culture that encouraged "Principled Confrontation."

The company's hard-charging style has led to legal trouble. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Uber's past usage of phony software designed to thwart local government regulators who wanted to check on whether Uber was carrying passengers without permission.

A key moment in Kalanick's fall came in February, when former Uber engineer Susan Fowler posted a personal essay about the year she spent at Uber, writing that she was propositioned by her manager on her first day with an engineering team. She reported the manager to human resources, but was told he would get a lecture and no further punishment because he was a "high performer," she wrote.

That caught the board's attention and brought outside investigations that led to the firing of 20 people including some managers. Former Attorney General Eric Holder conducted one of the probes, finding that the male-dominated Uber didn't have the most basic policies to protect workers from harassment. Holder's report suggested procedures that most companies have had for years such as using performance reviews to hold leaders accountable.

Also, Kalanick lost his temper in an argument with an Uber driver who was complaining about pay. The profanity-laced confrontation was caught on a video that surfaced in February. Afterward, Kalanick said he needed management help and had to grow up. The company began searching for a chief operating officer.

During the past year, several senior managers left the company, including the president and chief financial officer.

Kalanick said earlier this month he was taking an indefinite leave of absence, in part to deal with a personal tragedy. In May, his mother was killed and his father hurt in a boating accident on a California lake.
Washington: Job creation in India will be akey agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top American CEOs of global giants like Walmart, Apple and Caterpillar this Sunday during his visit to the US.

The discussions will also include efficiency in logistics arena, the post-demonetisation macroeconomic scenario and the potential gains through the GST rollout from next month, an official said.

Besides, the impact of new visa restrictions on the IT industry is expected to come up for discussion during talks with the technology CEOs.

"The discussions between the Prime Minister and nearly 20 top American CEOs in Washington would focus significantly on the employment front," said an industry leader who will be among those present for these meetings.

The government is expected to focus a lot of efforts on employment front going forward, while expectations are that 30-40 per cent of the 12 million annual job creation can be addressed by retail sector alone.

New facilities to be set up by the American corporations are also expected to give a boost to the job creation. Modi is slated to visit the US on June 25-26. American CEOs expected to meet Modi on Sunday include Apple's Tim Cook, Walmart's Doug McMillon, Caterpillar's Jim Umpleby, Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella.

Among others are Mariott International chief Arne Sorenson, Jhonson & Jhonson's Alex Gorsky, Mastercad's Ajay Banga, Warburg Pincus's Charles Kaye and Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein. Modi will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 for the first time.

He will hold talks with Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules. India has time and again raised the issue of H-1B with the US authorities and asked them to liberalise the visa regime as Indian companies contribute significantly to the American economy.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties. Regional security situation including Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and other international issues are expected to figure prominently during the meeting of the two leaders.

Modi's visit comes against the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries. Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal.

"India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said. Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India had asserted it signed the Paris agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect environment.
Mumbai: With Uber founder Travis Kalanick resigning as the CEO, Facebooks first female board member Sheryl Sandberg appears to be one of the front runners on Ubers wish-list.

According to an article in the New York Times, board member Arianna Huffington seems to be rooting for Sandbergs appointment. However, according to reliable sources who wished to remain anonymous, Sandberg will not be quitting her post as the COO at Facebook Inc., reported Bloomberg.

Disney COO Tom Skaggs and former Yahoo CEO Marissa Meyer are other names floating around for the vacant post.

As Uber continues to sail in troubled waters, it requires a leader who can direct the company towards a brighter and more definite future. And Sandberg is probably the captain that Uber needs right now  someone who can help morph the company from a start-up embedded in bro culture to a mature and successful business.

According to an interview with Bloomberg Television, Sandberg had said that a lot of Ubers troubles were rooted in its workplace culture that directly or indirectly encouraged harassment and gender inequality.

"I'm glad that they are taking action to address them," Sandberg said. "And all of us need to do more."

Sandbergs appointment as the CEO of Uber could bring in a radical transformation in the companys image and culture. A powerful female chief will project the companys seriousness about dealing with issues like gender parity, harassment. This is especially important since former employee Susan Fowlers blog about facing sexual harassment and a rape victims medical records being accessed by Kalanick drew widespread criticism.

Sheryl Sandberg has been instrumental in creating a USD 445 billion company, ever since her joining in 2008. She has also been a champion of a diverse and inclusive work culture. Her book Option B, she has highlighted the need for employers to understand the issues faced by their employees and offer them bereavement leave and family leave. "People are seeing how much loyalty they can get from their employees when they treat them as human beings," she told Bloomberg Television.
New Delhi: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications today said it has started the process to monetise its real estate assets in Delhi and Mumbai as part of

its efforts to pare debt.

Reliance Communication is saddled with Rs 45,000-crore debt. It has got a seven-month reprieve from banks to service the debt.

"We wish to inform...that the company has initiated the monetisation programme for its real estate properties," the company said in a regulatory filing. The company has come out with advertisement in newspapers to sell or lease Reliance Centre building in Delhi. It has also listed DAKC IT Park in Navi Mumbai for sale/lease.

As part of its overall efforts to reduce debt, RCom will receive Rs 11,000 crore from sale of its tower business to Canadian firm Brookfield Infrastructure.

This along with the merger of wireless business of RCom and Aircel, to form a new entity called Aircom, will enable the company trim debt by nearly 60 per cent.

Like its larger rivals, RCom too has been hit hard by intense price war unleashed by Reliance Jio, owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.
Arshad Warsi will next be seen in 'Golmaal Again.'

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has demolished a part of actor Arshad Warsi's bungalow which was allegedly constructed illegally, a senior civic official said on Wednesday.

The actor allegedly carried out an illegal additional construction in the name of renovation in his bungalow after buying it in resale from an Air India employee few years back, he said.

The members of Shantiniketan (Air India) Co-operative Housing Society had filed a complaint against him, he said.

The demolition team of the civic body served the notice to the actor on Saturday and demolished the illegally constructed area on Monday, the official said.

"We have done a part demolition of the illegally constructed portion as the actor was not present in the bungalow. The remaining illegal construction will be demolished soon," he said.

Warsi did not respond to a query sent by PTI on the issue.
Amitabh Bachchan has also supported various other initiatives of the government previously.

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday urged Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan to withdraw from the GST campaign to avoid getting targeted by traders later.

The government has roped in Bachchan to promote the Goods and Services Tax (GST), ahead of the scheduled July 1 roll out of the sweeping tax reforms.

The Central Board of Excise and Customs will be making the 74-year-old actor brand ambassador for the GST. A 40-second video featuring him has already been shot and is being circulated.

"The GST was a brilliant idea thought of by the Congress. It is another story that the BJP opposed it all the while it was in the opposition. But after coming to power, it started diluting the basic concepts of the GST, and that was not acceptable to us," Nirupam told reporters here.

While the Congress sought GST as a single tax for the entire nation, the BJP introduced four tax slabs and three different sub-types of GST, he said.

"It has become very complicated now. Traders and service providers are required to fill three long forms every month.

Thus, the basic purpose of the GST is defeated. This is unlike the way the GST has been implemented in other countries," he said.

"Some people are creating a confusion that we are opposing the same GST that we passed. But this is not true. We have always been for the GST, but not in this format.

"We tried for three years to get our reservations noticed by the government but they (the BJP) then started maligning us, so we had to pass it," Nirupam said.

"That is why I am suggesting Amitabh Bachchan should not be a party to every foolishness of the BJP. You (Bachchan) are a known person and have a wonderful reputation which may get maligned if there is a backlash from traders," he said.

"Being your fan, I suggest that you withdraw yourself from the GST campaign," the Congress leader said.
Mumbai: Bollywood is currently enjoying a rather successful tryst with biopics. And, while all actors undergo major physical transformation to look their part, Arjun Rampal's avatar as Arun Gawli in the upcoming film 'Daddy' has taken everyone by surprise  the actor's resemblance to the gangster is truly striking.

However, it was no cakewalk for Arjun to turn into the don. Prod him on the subject and he says, "I think Arun Gawli is a very good-looking man (laughs)."

On a more serious note, the actor insists that he wasn't willing to compromise on the authenticity of the character. He says, "It's a true story and so, it has to be real. It is also about ensuring that the character is not completely glamourised  he is a person who comes from a certain backdrop, someone who has been instrumental in creating so much fear and at the same time, garnering so much love."

The actor wanted to get the look of the real-life gangster down pat. He elaborates, "The biggest challenge was for me to look like Arun Gawli. I was nervous on the first day that we did the look test. I wanted it to be exactly like my look in the film and so, I had already lost eight kilos when I tried on the prosthetic nose and cap. The first look test was actually shot on a phone and it was one of the happiest moments of my life when everyone said that I looked like the character. Then, the Italian crew of technicians came on board and further enhanced my look. A lot of things went wrong, and we had to redo it till we got it right. We went radical with various things."

Daddy which releases on July 21 is an unconventional film in every way. The trailer was launched at the Google headquarters which was the first for any film and ever since then social media has been buzzing with praise for the film. The gangster who never ran from the police, this catchphrase is enough to raise curiosity levels among the audience to visit theatres and catch the movie on July 21.

Releasing on July 21, Daddy is directed by Ashim Ahluwalia starring Arjun Rampal
Mumbai: There were several reports of the ex-couple Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor disagreeing to promote their film Jagga Jasoos together. It was even reported that they gave a tough time to the makers of the film.

Though they have been trying to appear comfortable whilst promoting the film together, there have been a few instances where the discomfort was seemingly evident.

Recently, a leading tabloid reported that the couple that had an infamous separation will never reunite for a film.

They had quoted Katrina saying, Its very difficult (to work with Ranbir again). People now have proof that he is a very trying and testing person. Ranbir has also gestured (to me) to not work on a film together. It (working on a film together) will never happen again. RK, on the other hand, chose not to respond to this question and ended the conversation citing time constraint.

Seeing that the news went quickly viral, Ranbir soon came forward to clear the air and revealed that whatever Katrina said, was said as a joke and shouldnt have been taken seriously.

I will be honest with you. We were at a Facebook chat and I cracked a joke on her and she cracked it back at me. It is not fair that the media made it out to be my joke and made it like something I said. I wouldn't say that. So yes, it is not true. Katrina and me have amazing creative partnership. I love working with her. She has really allowed me to shine and she has very gracefully done that for me. She has increased my stardom. She was a much bigger star and she worked with me, like in Rajneeti. And we really needed her in this film. Dada was sure, he was like, "I want Katrina." He wanted her energy. Katrina is funny, she is really funny when she is not trying. And to get that, I think Dada has been successful, he said at a press conference.

It is an action role for her. She is doing buffoonery in the film without it looking like buffoonery. I was enjoying it, seeing her falling and getting up and stuff, he concluded.
Mumbai: Two holdouts kept Bill Cosby from being convicted guilty of sexual assault, a juror has revealed.

The 79-year-old comedian had been charged in 2015 with three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault stemming from a 2004 incident involving Andrea Constand at his Pennsylvania home.

The juror, who spoke to ABC News on condition of anonymity, said that 10 of the 12 jurors thought he was guilty on the first and third felony count; one juror thought he was guilty on the second count.

On count one, that Cosby had digitally penetrated Andrea Constand without her consent, the jury voted 10-2 to find Cosby guilty.

On the third count, that the alleged assault happened after Cosby gave Constand drugs without her knowledge, the jury was also deadlocked at 10-2, in favour of the guilty verdict, the juror noted.

Meanwhile, on the second count, that Constand was unconscious or unaware during the incident, the vote was 11-1 to acquit Cosby.

On counts one and three, the two holdouts were "not moving, no matter what" the juror said.

The juror also revealed that the jury initially voted in a non-binding poll, to find Cosby not guilty on all three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

Furthermore, the juror noted that the accusations against Cosby, made by dozens of other women, 'never' factored in. "Not once. If somebody would mention something, we would cut them off."

On Saturday, a Pennsylvania judge granted a mistrial after the jury had announced that they were deadlocked for the second time in the trial of Bill Cosby.
After the success of his Malayalam film Comrade in America, Dulquer Salmaan moved on to his next Malayalam-Tamil bilingual titled Solo, helmed by director Bejoy Nambiar. The team wrapped up the shoot early this June and the actor has started shooting for next film Nadigaiyar Thilagam (Mahanati in Telugu), in which he plays Keerthy Sureshs pair.

Now, the latest update is that he will soon start shooting for his third Tamil film, which will be directed by Desingh Periyasamy, who won awards for his short-film titled 99. A source close to the actor, says, He will complete some portions for Nadigaiyar Thilagam and would soon start shooting for Desinghs project from August. He was in complete awe of the script and agreed to do the film as it would catapult him to the next league. The official announcement of this flick will be out in July.

While the cast and crew of the yet-to-be-titled movie is kept under wraps, we managed to find out that Kuttram 23 cinematographer KM Bhaskaran has been roped in to crank the camera.

After completing this project, Dulquer would move on to Ra Karthiks flick, that has four heroines, the source adds. Meanwhile, the actor is in talks for yet another promising project, which will be confirmed in a couple of weeks, the source concludes.
Not many directors get the opportunity to work with Superstar Rajinikanth in two consecutive films. But it was director Pa. Ranjiths talent that has made him sign Thalaivar for his films. The duo has collaborated for the second time with Kaala and the principal shooting began in Mumbai on May 28.

The story is about Karikalan (an aged gangster played by Rajinikanth) who fights for the rights of people living in Dharavi.

After completing a chunk in Mumbai, Rajinikanth took a small break and flew down to Chennai. The actor is now all set to join the shoots in Mumbai yet again. Post this schedule, the shoot of Kaala would continue in the massive sets that are being erected at the EVP Studios in Poonamalle, Chennai, worth upwards of Rs 5 crore.

Unfortunately, a worker, Michael, met with a fatal accident just yesterday on the sets, when he stepped on an electric wire. Even as his co-workers rushed the seriously injured Michael to the nearest hospital, he breathed his last there. According to sources, police officials are currently investigating this issue at the shooting spot.

Kaala boasts an ensemble cast of Rajinikanth, Eswari Rao, Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patil, Samuthirakani, Nana Patekar, Pankaj Tripathi and several others.
She came close to debuting in Tollywood several times but unfortunately, things did not materialise. However, Amyra Dastur is glad that shes finally making her debut in Telugu cinema now.

Everyone was asking me when I will debut in Telugu, so I started to feel the pressure. But Im pleased that I am finally debuting in this happening industry. In fact, finally, Im relieved now, she says.

She is quick to add that she doesnt have any regrets about missing out on the first few chances because she made up for them by acting in Jackie Chans Kung Fu Yoga. She feels that working in an international project taught her a lot. It was a big project, and took a year-and-a-half. So I learnt to be patient, she reminisces.

The 24-year-old recently shot for the first leg of her Telugu film in Goa. Goa is like my second home and I go there a few times yearly. I like travelling and reward myself with holidays after working for a while. But I am seeing a different side of Goa now, all the hidden beauty  thanks to the shoot, she says.

The actress who plays a yoga tutor in the film explains that it was the intriguing script and character that made her sign the film. In real life too, I like nature but I am more of a city girl; I need my space and I like my concrete jungle, she says.

Having done a Tamil film already, Amyra feels shes familiar with Telugu as well. I understand it a bit but cant speak fluently. I know a few cuss words though, and I guess thats how you start learning a language, she adds.

Reportedly, Amyra is also working very hard to learn contemporary dance for this role.
Balakrishna is all set to romance Nayanthara once again in his 102nd film, directed by K.S. Ravi Kumar, one of the top directors in Tamil, who earlier directed Rajinikanth in Lingaa. Yes, we have roped in Nayanthara to play the female lead, confirms producer C. Kalyan, adding that there will be two more female leads in the film.

Balakrishna is presently working on his 101st film with director Puri Jagannadh and the unit is back in Hyderabad after a hectic schedule in Portugal. Once he completes this film, he will start shooting for Ravi Kumars film.

After the film launch in Hyderabad, we are going to Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu for the shooting, informs C. Kalyan. Though he didnt divulge the details of the other two female leads, they are reportedly planning to rope in an established actress for one role, while a new actress will play the other role.
Meet Instagram's newest fashionista Coco.

The six-year-old has over 100,000 followers waiting to find out what her next trendy outfit will be. Coco walks around Tokyo with funky colourful clothes, each well matched together.

Her style is all her own as the kid has been picking her own outfits since she was just two-years-old. Her unique style gets her invited to brand parties and fashion shows, including Chanel. If that wasn't enough the pint-sized trendsetter was also featured in Vogue magazine.

Oh yeah, she also gets to hand with folks like US rapper Tigga.

Coco's parents, who own a vintage clothing boutique in Harajuku, have always encouraged their daughter love for clothes and fashion. Her mother, Misato Hamamatsu told Daily Mail Australia, Coco's dad would bring her clothes from all across the globe. Misato describes her daughter's style as a mix of high fashion and art that features high fashion labels.

. with my superstar @kinggoldchains A post shared by COCO (@coco_pinkprincess) on Jun 12, 2017 at 5:28am PDT

While her presence is becoming stronger online, she is also get noticed in real life. The attention, her mother says gives her energy and motivation. "Coco is like a miniature fashionista and that is why we think she became a hit," Misato told Daily Mail Australia.

.  . #harajuku #harajukugirl #harajukufashion #tokyofashion #funktique #funktiquetokyo A post shared by COCO (@coco_pinkprincess) on Apr 20, 2017 at 6:00am PDT

While their daughter has achieved great success at such a young age on the social media platform, her parents say they use Instagram as a tool to teach Coco about life and the world.
Barshank Haj Younes may not have much to celebrate, but the young Syrian is cooking up a feast. His menu features hummus and moutabal - a smoky eggplant salad - and lamb and chicken dishes typically offered to guests at home, about 2,000 km away in war-torn Syria.

For one night this week, the young Syrian Kurd, who fled to Greece a year ago, showcased his cooking talent alongside a Greek chef in a packed Athens restaurant to mark World Refugee Day on June 20. Beyond giving diners in 13 European cities a taste of Middle Eastern and African cuisine, the French-born Refugee Food Festival, backed by the United Nations refugee agency, is hoping to promote integration.

In sweltering conditions, Younes and Greek head chef Fotis Fotinoglou barely have any room to move around as they frantically prepare a menu of 14 Greek and Syrian dishes in the cramped 1 metre x 2 metres kitchen. The menu includes dakos - a Greek barley rusk salad - tomato and zucchini fritters, Syrian freekeh - roasted durum wheat - as well as slow-cooked lamb shank and bulgur with chicken marinated in tahini, yoghurt, spices, and cumin.

"There's cumin in everything!" Fotinoglou says. "You want garlic? Or onion? You want water?" he asks Younes, a gawky 25-year-old with slicked back hair who stared at him blankly. They end up communicating with elaborate hand gestures to get by.

Beyond offering a brief respite from the daily grind of refugee life in Greece, Younes hopes the food will draw attention to the plight of the tens of thousands of refugees and migrants stranded in Greece. "(I want to) remind them that there are refugees here, there are still Syrians here," Younes said. "And I want them to remember that there are Syrians everywhere who are in need."

Younes, who studied computer engineering, began experimenting in the kitchen five years ago, driven by necessity rather than a passion for food. In the early years of Syria's civil war, he fled the mainly Kurdish northeastern town of Amuda for Iraq, where he hoped to make enough money to pay for his journey to Europe. In hotels he worked first as a waiter, then as a cook.

He arrived by boat from Turkey in March last year, a week after the European Union and Ankara enforced a deal to stem the refugee flight to Europe, cutting short his plans to travel north to Switzerland or the Netherlands. "At times I don't want to leave, because I really like the people here, they are very kind," he said. "At other times I want to."

Whatever the future may bring, the message Fotinoglou wants to bring home is clear. "The circumstances which forced (the refugees) to leave behind their homeland, their home, their families, their birthplace -- it could happen to any one of us," Fotinoglou said. "We're here today to say that in cooking, in the kitchen, there are no differences. We're all the same, we're all human," he said.
A woman's risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke later in life may be influenced by how long she breastfed her children, according to a new study from China.

Women who reported having breastfed for any amount of time were about 9 percent less likely than mothers who never breastfed to have signs of coronary heart disease, like a heart attack, in middle age and later and about 8 percent less likely to have a stroke.

"This study suggests that it reduces the mothers risk of developing cardiovascular disease," said study author Zhengming Chen, of the University of Oxford in the UK.

But, Chen told Reuters Health, the study does not prove a direct or causal link between not breastfeeding and poor cardiovascular health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their children for the first six months of life, and continue to breastfeed for a year or more while introducing other foods.

Previous studies have linked breastfeeding to reduced risks of metabolic dysfunction, diabetes and high blood pressure among women later in life, Chen and colleagues note in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Some studies have also suggested a link between breastfeeding and the risk of cardiovascular disease, they write.

For the new study, the researchers analyzed data on women who were recruited between 2004 and 2008, when they ranged in age from 30 to 79 years old, and were followed for about eight years. The analysis included 289,573 women living in 10 urban and rural areas of China, who provided information about their health and breastfeeding history. Researchers also gathered data about them from disease, death and insurance registries to see if they had heart-related events.

The women's average age was 51 when they entered the study. Nearly all reported giving birth to at least one child, and the vast majority breastfed at some point.

Over about eight years, the researchers found nearly 50,000 cases of cardiovascular disease, which included 23,983 strokes and 16,671 cases of coronary heart disease.

Women who had breastfed were 12 percent less likely to have cardiovascular disease, 9 percent less likely to have coronary heart disease and 8 percent less likely to have a stroke over that time than women who had children but never breastfed.

In addition, the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke appeared to decrease as the amount of time women breastfed increased.

Compared to women who never breastfed, those who reported breastfeeding for six to 12 months were 7 percent less likely to have a heart attack while the risk was 18 percent lower among women who breastfed for more than two years. The results were similar for stroke risk.

The researchers also adjusted the calculations to account for other factors that might influence the results like education, income, smoking status, blood pressure and physical activity.

"That didnt really change our study findings at all," Chen said.

The new study can't explain the link between breastfeeding and heart health, but the researchers write that one possibility is breastfeeding helps women's bodies lose weight gained with pregnancy and "resets" their metabolism to improve the way their body uses insulin and processes fats in the blood, for example. These kinds of post-pregnancy changes may help set breastfeeding mothers on a path to better long-term health.

Still, women should not breastfeed to lower their cardiovascular risk, cautioned Dr. Steve Nissen, who is chair of the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

"Obviously people who breastfeed are different than people who dont breastfeed," said Nissen, who wasn't involved with the new study.

"A 10 percent difference is so small that almost any unmeasured factor here could explain it," he told Reuters Health.

Nissen added that breastfeeding is favorable for infants. "We just dont know if its favorable for the mother," he said.
People with early chronotypes have earlier sleep times, while those with late chronotypes have later sleep times (Photo: AFP)

Boston: Teens have naturally delayed sleep rhythms which cause them to wake up late, say Harvard scientists who suggest that delaying school start times could help minimise health risks among students.

The sleep rhythms that reflect circadian systems peak later in teenagers than in adults, and vary as much as 10 hours in individuals across ages, researchers said.

People's circadian systems synchronise with light and darkness in the environment, giving rise to chronotypes: individual rhythms in physiology, cognition and behaviour.

For example, people with early chronotypes have earlier sleep times, while those with late chronotypes have later sleep times and can sleep into the day.

Researchers from Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health in the US analysed self-reported data from 53,689 respondents of the American Time Use Survey from 2003 to 2014.

They used the mid-point of sleep on weekends as a proxy for chronotype.

They found that sleep chronotypes vary widely, both over an individual's lifetime among age groups as well as among individuals. The greatest difference in chronotypes is during adolescence and early adulthood.

Chronotypes become later during adolescence, peaking in lateness at about age 19. The average chronotype, or mid-point of sleep, at age 17-18 was 4:30 am, compared to 3:00 am at age 60.

Most public schools start at 8:30 am or earlier, suggesting that high school students go to school during their biological night.

The research supports delaying school start times to benefit the sleep and circadian alignment of high school students.

Researchers also found that chronotypes vary up to 10 hours from individual to individual regardless of age.

This may provide opportunities for tailoring work schedules to chronotypes, which is important because syncing workers with their optimal work times could help minimise health and safety risks.

"The timing for optimal sleep can be as different as ten hours among individuals, meaning that opposite chronotypes could share a bed without knowing that they do," researchers said.

"What chronotype you are, is influenced by age and gender: on average, older people are earlier chronotypes than younger people and women are earlier chronotypes than men during the first half of their lives," they said.
Vishakhapatnam: The brutal killing of an adult cobra and 22 juvenile cobras by some farmers near Chodavaram mandal in the district, about 50 km from the city, has triggered outrage among wildlife activists. According to sources, farmers K. Demudu and N. Ramu of Lakkavaram, found the snakes coming out of a snake pit while they were working on their field. They called some locals and killed all the snakes.

Some felt repentant afterwards, and feared that they had committed a sin. These people put all the snakes together under a tree and worshipped them, asking forgiveness. Wildlife activist Vivek Rathod said forest officials should sensitise the public about how to react when they come across snakes and added that the cobras do not bite until provoked. People should be informed how they can rescue the snakes.
Mumbai: Incidents of childbirth on a flight or on a train have been reported in the past, but thinking of a delivery on a chaotic suburban railway station in Mumbai seems to be taking things too far. Although a woman going into labour at a station may seem like a challenging situation, an RPF constable proved otherwise when she saved the day.

24-year-old Meenakshi Jadhav was at Thane station to board a train for visiting a hospital in Ghatkopar, when she started experiencing labour pain on the platform. When her husband called for help, RPF LHC Shobha Mote rushed to the spot and arranged for blankets and a first aid kit.

Shobha Mote, who was handling the scanning machine, got assistance from other passengers and the child was delivered within minutes. The woman and the newborn were later shifted to the nearby Civil Hospital.

A lady passenger delivered a baby boy at PF10 of Thane stn with timely assistance of RPF LHC Shobha Mote & passenger nurse. @sureshpprabhu pic.twitter.com/870mGMgoxw  Central Railway (@Central_Railway) June 21, 2017

This isnt the first time the RPF constable has helped deliver a child, she did it before when she was posted at Mumbais CST.
Turkish currency notes (Lira) worth Rs 70 crore In the current market, displayed at the Commissioners office , in Bengaluru on Wednesday (Photo:DC)

Bengaluru: Four people, including a head constable and a government teacher, both working in Chitradurga, were nabbed by the Marathahalli police on Tuesday while they arrived in the city to exchange 78 pieces of Turkey currency notes (Lira) with a face value of Rs 5 lakh each. In the current market, 1 Turkish Lira equals Rs 18.29 and the seized currency notes are worth Rs 71 crore.

The arrested people had struck a deal with a city-based businessman to exchange the currency notes for just Rs 27 lakh. The police laid a trap to nab the accused after Chellasamuel and Shakeer, the businessmen whom the accused offered to sell the Turkish liras, approached police and narrated the incident assuming it to be a case of cheating.

Initially, the duo decided to buy the currency when Shakeer told Chellasamuel that a person from Chitradurga is insisting him to buy high-value Turkish liras for a very low price. Later the duo decided to share the information with the police when they became suspicious.

The accused have been identified as Nagaraju (40), a head constable, Shivaraju (50), a teacher, Muruli (40), a film producer and Arvind Prasad (40) a Davangere-based realtor. They arrived in the city on Tuesday afternoon and Nagaraju met the businessmen and discussed the deal. He told them to come to the parking lot of Innovative Multiplex at Marathahalli with Rs 27 lakh. He even showed them a Turkish lira with a face value of Rs 5 lakh.

When the businessmen went to meet the accused at the decided place, the police nabbed the accused.

Nagaraju threatens cops.

As the police zeroed in on the accused and tried to nab them, Nagaraju tried to escape by pulling out his service pistol and pointed it at the temple of head constable Thimmappa Raju, threatening to kill him. He, however, was overpowered by other policemen and arrested. The prime accused, Charan Reddy, a native of Andhra Pradesh, managed to escape.

While being arrested, Nagaraju, identified himself as a sleuth with the State Intelligence Bureau and even showed his official ID card.

He told police that he had received the consignment from his contact Reddy, who is absconding. A manhunt has been launched by the police to arrest him and to ascertain the source of the currency.

According to police, Nagaraju had a licenced pistol with ten rounds of ammunition which was issued to him while he was in SP Squad in Chitradurga. Nagaraju was later transferred to Chitradurga Kote police station, but he did not surrender the pistol.

Nagaraju told interrogators that he came in contact with Reddy when he was arrested in 2016 by Hiriyur police. He ganged up with Reddy after helping him secure bail and joined him in the currency racket.

Earlier in August 2016, the city police had arrested a group of eight men for trying to sell Turkish Liras with a face value of around Rs 5 crore for Rs 30 lakh.

Lira demonetised in Turkey

The Turkish liras that the gang was selling were demonetised in Turkey on December 30, 2015. But the currency is a legal tender and can be redeemable to US dollars until December 31, 2019, at the Turkey Central Bank, the police said.
Thiruvananthapuram: An Uber driver was arrested for allegedly misbehaving with a woman IT professional of Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram, the police said on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old driver was arrested on a complaint from Prathidhwani, a socio-cultural outfit of the Technopark IT employees. He was booked under section 119 (a) of the Kerala Police Act pertaining to the offence of misbehaving with the passenger and publicly making a sexual gesture or doing acts degrading the dignity of women, a senior police officer said.

The incident happened at Aakkulam, a suburb near Thiruvananthapuram, while the woman passenger was returning home from her workplace at Kazakkuttam on June 13 night. According to the complaint, the woman, an employee of the Technopark Phase 3, had hired a taxi via UberApp to Jagathy in the city by 7.30 pm.

The driver made attempts to befriend the woman during the journey, the complaint said. While the car was about to reach Aakkulam, he grabbed her leg below the knee. According to the complaint, she shouted and asked him to stop the car. When he parked the vehicle, she alighted. The driver then apologised and left, the complaint said.

Though the victim complained to Uber, they just sent an apology mail, stating that this would not be repeated.

Prathidhwani sources said they took up the matter as the woman did not want to reveal her identity but wanted to make sure that no other woman faced a similar ordeal.
Aligarh: A man who allegedly raped and murdered a minor girl was lynched by the locals to death in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district.

The incident took place on Wednesday in Aligarh's Bheekamapur village when a man raped and then murdered a six-year-old girl, following which the locals killed the accused for his heinous act.

As per reports, the accused who hailed from Badaun, used to work at the girl's fathers snacks shop. A month ago, the father of the girl fired him from work, after which he was not seen around in the village.

The man possibly lured the daughter of the shop owner and took her to the nearby farm where he raped and later killed her.

When the parents of the girl were unable to find her after a stretch of time, they started looking for her and later recovered her body from the farm. The accused was also found sitting beside the girl's body.

Angry over the incident, the locals thrashed the accused. When the police reached the spot, the villagers handed over the man.

He was later admitted to a hospital and declared dead after a few hours.

"The accused was nabbed by the locals. He was sitting near the body of the girl. He was drunk. He was thrashed by the people and later died at around 3 am," said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aligarh, Rajesh Kumar Pandey.

A case has been filed in this regard and an investigation is currently going on.
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sacked former state chief secretary IYR Krishna Rao from the post of Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation Chairperson, for allegedly castigating the state government on social media.

Rao had retired in January 2016 but was later appointed to head the state-run body that has a budget of over 170 crore rupees and look after the concerns of the poor Brahmins in the state.

According to reports, Rao shared certain posts written by others against Naidu and the ruling Telugu Desam Party on his Facebook page.

Reportedly, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in the recent past had been receiving several complaints against Rao, accusing him of hobnobbing with the opposition YSR Congress party.

The accusations were that the benefits of various welfare schemes being implemented by the corporation, which was headed by Rao, were not reaching the right people. It was also that despite being the first of its kind organisation for Brahmins, the TDP was not enthralling enough political mileage because of Rao.
Kolkata(West Bengal): Retired Kolkata High Court judge Justice CS Karnan, who was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a contempt of court case, was lodged in Kolkata's Presidency Jail on Wednesday after the Supreme Court refused to grant him interim bail.

A vacation bench of the apex court headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul refused to suspend the six-month prison sentence for Justice Karnan in the case.

Mathew J Nedumpara, a lawyer appearing for Justice Karnan, mentioned the matter before the vacation bench of the top court.

Nedumpara pleaded to the apex court seeking bail and suspension of the six-month jail sentence, to which the court observed, "The seven judge bench had passed the order. It binds everybody. It binds us also."

Justice Karnan was arrested by the Kolkata police in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

The apex court earlier on May 19 rejected Justice Karnan's plea for recall of the six-month jail term for contempt of court, stating that the petition was "not maintainable" in the court.

"I am constrained, but to hold that the present writ petition is not maintainable. The relief, if any, lies somewhere else. I, thus, see no reasonable cause to receive the present writ petition for registration under the provisions of order XV, rule (5) of the Supreme Court rules, 2013," the Supreme Court Registrar said in the order.

Justice Karnan had approached the apex court seeking recall of its order, in which he was convicted and was sentenced to six-month imprisonment.

The top court had taken suo motu cognizance of numerous letters written by him against judges of the Madras High Court and the apex court and restrained him from exercising administrative and judicial powers from February 8.

Karnan is the first ever sitting judge of a higher court in judicial history to be sentenced to jail term.
Mumbai: A day after accusing its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in vote bank politics, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday decided to support BJPs candidate for the Presidential post.

After holding a meeting with his party leaders at his residence declared on Tuesday evening, the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said that his party would support Ram Nath Kovind with an expectation that he would serve in the interest of the country.

We support the presidential candidate of BJP with an expectation that he would serve in the interest of the nation. Amit Shah had said during his visit to Mumbai that Shiv Senas support was needed. I had told him to declare the name of the candidate. He again called on Monday and declared the name. We held a meeting on Tuesday and decided to support Ram Nath Kovind, Mr Thackeray said.

After the Uddhav Thackeray offered his partys support, the NDAs Presidential candidate would get 25,000 votes of Shiv Sena.

On the Shiv Senas earlier stand, Mr Thackeray said he had two names in mind. I had put forth Mohan Bhagwats name who could help in building Hindu Rashtra. The second choice was of M.S. Swaminathan. But I was told that his health would not permit him to work. We decided that whoever willing to do a good work should be supported. I still do not agree with the vote bank politics, Mr Thackeray added.

To a query about Senas opposition to the BJP, Mr Thackeray said, We do not fight for the sake of fighting. Opposing the BJP at every point is not our agenda. We will point out when things go wrong.

Responding to the question on the possibility of opposition fielding a Dalit candidate, he said that there was no consensus. He also refused to accept that Sena had made a U-turn. Mr Thackeray said that Sena never played caste-based politics.
Chennai: The AIADMK (Amma), led by Chief Minister K Palanisamy, on Wednesday announced its support to NDA's Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

The announcement came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi rang up Palanisamy to seek his party's support for the National Democratic Alliance nominee.

A press release issued by the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai recalled the Prime Minister calling up Palanisamy, who is also party headquarters Secretary, seeking support for Kovind and said the matter was discussed on Wednesday by the high command.

Based on the deliberations, it was decided to unanimously extend support to Kovind, the release said.

On Tuesday party leader TTV Dhinakaran had said in Bengaluru after meeting his aunt VK Sasikala in jail that AIADMK (Amma)'s stand on backing the NDA presidential nominee would be decided by her.

He had told reporters that, "It (the party's stand on presidential poll) will be decided by party's General Secretary Sasikala."

Asked whether the party would support Kovind, he had said "That also will be decided by (party) general secretary."
Alappuzha: British couple Gareth Langdon and Lucy Langdon stayed here for a month teaching English at Brightland English Medium School. Impressed, they came back thrice.

Like them, hundreds of foreigners volunteer to teach schoolchildren across the state - rural and urban - under knowledge exchange programmes. Many come with a commitment to teaching children aged 6 to 14.

"They help improve their vocabulary and speaking skills," says Usha Venkatesh, founder-chair of Brightland.

"Although English is an important language in the state, the conversational and vocabulary skills of children are not up to the mark. English language proficiency is essential for getting jobs, and the foreigners can instil confidence in them."

Many come to rural schools for international work experience that could boost their career prospects. They teach approximately four to five hours a week.

Asha Philip, director of Letterland English Medium School, agrees.

We encourage not only the Britons but others like the French as well. So, we want to make each child feel they have opportunities not just in India but the entire world," she said.

S. Radhamani, a teacher at Rural Reconstruction UP School, Ullannoor, Pathanamthitta, says many give new academic experience to rural kids.

"Kerala Volunteer, an NGO founded by Daytona Barker of Greater Denver of the US, supplies volunteering teachers for us," she said.

The Irish Support Children Out of Poverty sends volunteers to St Marys School, Puthuppally, in Kottayam and UK-based Year Out India to three schools in Munnar.

Though mostly English, a few gives classes in arts, sports, reading, drama or one-to-one sessions. Volunteers also hold workshops on life skills or health.
New Delhi: Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar on Thursday expressed gratitude to the united Opposition, after she was named as their Presidential candidate, adding that she is grateful to the 17 parties which chose her.

Speaking to media, Meira said, "I want to express my gratitude to the Congress President and all the 17 parties for selecting me. I am delighted over this unity which represents coming together of forces that have a strong ideological base. I am going to contest the election as their representative."

Earlier in the day, Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced Meira as the Opposition's Presidential nominee. She further appealed to the other parties to support the decision.

The Opposition  Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), and 15 other parties - decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) decision to nominate Ram Nath Kovind as a Presidential candidate.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier said that the Opposition was a divided house over the Presidential elections as many of its partners have extended support to ruling NDA candidate.

A few days earlier, BJP president Amit Shah had announced the name of Kovind as NDA's candidate for the post of Indian President.
The country has seen an increase in the number of coal-based thermal power plants  one of the most environmentally damaging forms of power generation.

Hyderabad: The country has seen an increase in the number of coal-based thermal power plants  one of the most environmentally damaging forms of power generation. In addition to the fly ash problem, these power plants also require large amounts of water, a scarce commodity in India. The Central government has estimated that thermal power plants generate about 950 billion units annually, which requires about 2800 million cubic metres (around 7700 MLD) of water.

To generate one unit power, three litres of water are required. The power ministry has estimated that the requirement of water is likely to grow to 12000 MLD by the year 2026-27. Recently, the Telangana State government has allotted 6.5 TMC of water from the Krishna River every year for the 4000 MW Yadadri thermal power station proposed to be set up at Damaracherla in Nalgonda district. At the same time, for the 4000 MW power plant of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Ramagundam, the government has allotted 60 cusecs of water.

The Union power ministry has advised all states to promote use of treated sewage water for thermal plants. But many more sewage treatment plants will have to be built if the water requirement is to come from this source. The Central Pollution Control Board data shows that of the 62,000 MLD of sewage generated in the country, just 23,277 MLD is being treated at present. With the high rate of urbanisation, and schemes launched by the Centre, the sewage treatment capacity will have to grow further.
Around 70 percent of the total population of this region takes benefit of this government scheme and have this humiliating message painted outside their houses. (Photo: ANI)

Jaipur: Congress leader Ashok Gehlot's tweet about a local media report claiming that the Rajasthan government is marking houses of BPL families has resulted in political mudslinging with the ruling BJP saying the previous

dispensation had begun it.

The media report tweeted by Gehlot also carries photos in which, "I am poor and I take ration through NFSA" (National Food Security Act), is seen written with red against a yellow colour patch on the walls of the houses purportedly belonging

to BPL families.

"What a shame, how admn in Raj is humiliating poor ppl! Putting boards outside homes declaring their poverty, is worst form of mental torture," (sic) the former chief minister had tweeted along with the local media report three days back.

The tweet resulted in a furor with people on social media blaming the state government for its anti-poor policies.

While the Opposition has accused the Vasundhara Raje government of "humiliating" the poor by "branding" them, the state government said it was actually the Ashok Gehlot dispensation that had started the practice.

State Minister of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Rajendra Rathore said, "The practice of identifying BPL families by writing BPL outside their homes was started by the Congress government through an order dated August 6, 2009."

"It is not right to politicise the matter. It was started by the Ashok Gehlot government. By writing BPL on the walls, not only valid beneficiaries are identified but also those ineligible for the scheme get discarded," Rathore had said in a statement.

"The BJP government did not order writing 'I am poor and I take ration through NFSA' on those walls. The matter will be investigated," the minister said on Thursday.

According to the local media report those graffiti can be seen on the walls of over 50,000 houses of families belonging to below poverty level in Sikrai and Bandikui tehsils. In some photographs, the graffiti was seen painted multiple times on

the walls of the same house.

Dausa's Additional Collector K C Sharma said the district administration had not issued any such order but the zila parishad could have issued the directive.
Srinagar: At least one protester died as parts of south Kashmir erupted on Thursday following the killing of three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants in a six-hour long gun battle with the security forces.

The police sources and witnesses said that surging crowds mourning and protesting over the death of the militants clashed with the security forces at a number of places in Pulwama district including in Kakapora where the encounter took place.

The security forces fired teargas shells and used shotguns to quell stone pelting mobs, critically injuring a youth identified as 22-year-old Touseef Ahmed Wani. He was rushed to the sub-district hospital in the highway town of Pampore where doctors declared him brought dead. The doctors said that he had received multiple pellet wounds in abdomen and the head.

The clashes in several Pulwama areas were on when reports last came in. The Internet services in the south Kashmir areas were snapped on Wednesday evening immediately after the encounter had started to prevent misuse of social media by anti social elements. The vehicular traffic on the vital Srinagar-Jammu highway has also been suspended along the Srinagar-Anantnag stretch, reports said.

The train services between Srinagar and Qazigund section have also been suspended whereas a security lockdown is being enforced in Kakapora, Awantipora and Pulwama towns and their neighbourhood. Pulwamas District Collector (DC) said that restrictions have been imposed in these areas as a precautionary measure in view of prevailing law and order situation. Also, the educational institutions including Pulwamas Government Degree Colleges and Higher Secondary School have been closed in the area.

The three slain LeT militants have been identified as Shariq Ahmed and Abdul Majid of Kakapora and Sheeraz Ahmed Bhat of Padgampora area of Pulwama, all local Kashmiris. An Army major was injured during encounter, the second successful operations against militants in the Valley in 24 hours. On Wednesday, two Hizb-ul-Mujahedin militants were gunned down in an encounter with the security forces outside the north-western town of Sopore. One of the slain men was a district commander of the Hizb, the officials said.

The fire fight in New Colony of Kakapora had erupted on Wednesday evening when the security forces laid siege to the area after the joint naka party of the security forces observed some suspicion movement near the residential area at around 8 pm. About one hour later, contact was established with the militants holed up in a residential house. The intermit firing between the two sides continued for about six hours and later the security forces, in their final assault, blasted the house resulting into the death of all the three militants, the sources and residents said. Two AK assault rifles with some ammunition were found on the slain men, the sources added.

This was the first successful counterinsurgency operation in Pulwama area, the hotbed of militancy, in many months as the locals have often hampered operations by taking by indulging in stone-pelting on the security forces enabling the trapped militants to escape.

However, top LeT commander Junaid Matto was killed along with a close associate in a fire fight with the security forces in Arwani area of neighbouring Anantnag district on June 16. 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. The authorities had described his killing a major blow to the LeT. The same evening the LeT militants killed six policemen including Station House Officer Feroz Ahmed Dar in an ambush in Anantnags Acchawal area, the incident which was seen by the authorities as a revenge act and had vowed to eliminate the perpetrators soon.

Meanwhile, multiple funerals were held on Thursday for the slain militants amid chanting of pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans in Kakapora and Padgampora, reports said.
Srinagar: At least one infiltrating militant is reported to have been killed in a clash with the Army troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district on Thursday.

This comes hours after the security forces gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in a six-hour long gun battle in Kashmir Valleys Pulwama district.

A defence spokesman here said that details of the latest infiltration bid are being ascertained. One terrorist is reported to have died but we are collecting details about the incident, the spokesman said.

The Army sources had earlier said that the militant was shot dead by Indian troops soon after a group of infiltrators sneaked into Kupwaras Keran sector after breaching the LoC.

Our own troops foiled yet another infiltration bid by killing the terrorist. He was part of a heavily armed group of infiltrators. The encounter is on, the sources had said.

Earlier the Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged small, automatics and mortar fire in Poonch district of the border. The Army sources in Jammu said that the Pakistani troops once again violated the November 2003 ceasefire agreement by resorting to "unprovoked firing and shelling Poonchs Chakan Da Bagh sector.

The Indian troops were strongly and effectively retaliating, the sources said. There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side.
Srinagar : Two Army soldiers and an intruder were killed on Thursday when a Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) attacked a patrol team along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir s Poonch district.

Army sources in Jammu said that the operation was underway as reports last came in.

The martyred soldiers were part of an Army patrolling party moving in own area along the LoC when the BAT intruders attacked them, sources said.

The sources had earlier also said that Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged small, automatics and mortar fire in Poonch district of the de facto border. The sources said that the Pakistani troops once again violated the November 2003 ceasefire agreement by resorting to "unprovoked firing and shelling Poonchs Chakan Da Bagh sector.

On May 26, the Army had claimed killing two members of Pakistan s BAT in Baramullas Uri sector of the LoC whereas six militants were gunned down in the same sector a day later.

Parts of the 740-km long LoC had witnessed escalation in tensions following the beheading of two Indian soldiers, also blamed by on Pakistan Armys BAT on May 1 this year. Subsequent skirmishes had resulted in several civilians being killed and had forced the border dwellers to desert their shell-hit hamlets, mainly in Rajouri district. Islamabad had strongly denied the Indian charges.

Earlier on Thursday, at least, one infiltrating militant was killed in a clash with the Army troops along the de facto border in the States Kupwara district.
Lucknow: Bahujan Samajwadi Party supremo Mayawati on Thursday backed the Opposition's candidate Meira Kumar for the President's post, while taking exception to NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind's association with the "narrow ideologies" of the BJP and the RSS.

"The Opposition's nominee for President's post Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA candidate," she said moments after Kumar's candidature was announced.

"BSP will support Meira Kumar in the presidential election," she declared.

Mayawati said Kovind had been associated with the "narrow ideologies" of the BJP and the RSS right from the beginning.

"Hence, I do not subscribe to his political background," she said in a statement issued in Lucknow.

"In the new circumstances, after comparing the qualities of the two candidates it is clear that UPA candidate Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA nominee. Hence, our party declares support to Meira Kumar for the presidential poll," she said.

The Opposition on Thursday unanimously decided to field Kumar, a dalit, as its joint candidate for the presidential election against Kovind, with 17 parties supporting the former Lok Sabha speaker's candidature.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the 17 non-NDA parties in Parliament House Library, with the leaders endorsing the name of the former minister and diplomat, whose father, ex-deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram, was often hailed as one of the tallest dalit leaders in the country.
New Delhi: Under attack for his remark that seeking agriculture loan waiver has become a "fashion", Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday clarified that he was referring to the "fashion of political parties" competing with each other to ask for debt relief.

"Today, it is the fashion of political parties to ask for loan waiver. When I was talking in Mumbai (earlier on Thursday), I was referring to the approach of political parties which are competing with each other, asking for waiver of loans," Naidu told reporters.

Stating that waiver of farm loans alone was not the solution to farmers' distress, Naidu said it could be a temporarily solution, that too in distress or extreme situations.

Naidu said the political parties should focus on "long- term solutions" such as improving infrastructure, rural roads, assured power supply, provisions of cold storage and godowns and providing affordable and timely cheap credit to farmers, besides providing market facilities for their produce.

"We have to take care for these measures. We have not done it in so many years after Independence," he said.

Naidu said political parties should focus on bringing in structural policy changes, instead of adopting short-term measures such as loan waiver.

Listing out various initiatives, he said the Modi government had taken a number of steps to improve the situation of farmers and referred to Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

Naidu said it was "surprising" that political parties which were in power for years and "did nothing" for farmers, are trying to blame this government for the farmers' plight.

Earlier in Mumbai, Naidu had said at an event that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the CPI(M) attacked him for his comment that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion".

While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".
Bhopal: Distressed over their debts, three more peasants allegedly ended their lives in Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the number of farmers' suicide in the state to 20 since June 8.

While two suicides were reported from Sagar and Chhatarpur districts of backward Bundelkhand region, another one was reported from Budni, the assembly segment represented by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

In Sagar, 50-year-old Gulai Kurmi was found hanging from the branch of a tree in his agricultural field in Basahari village under Bina tehsil of the district on Wednesday afternoon, the police said.

Kurmi has left behind a suicide note, in which he said he was being harassed by a moneylender over the loan of Rs one lakh he had taken from him. In the suicide note, Kurmi claimed he had actually paid Rs 2.5 lakh in exchange of loan of Rs one lakh, but the moneylender - named as Shankar Maharaj - continued to harass him.

Sagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Sachin Atulkar said, "The police is recording the statements of Kurmi's family members on the basis of the suicide note found with the deceased. Further action would be taken on the basis of investigation."

In Chhatarpur, a 75-year old farmer identified as Mahesh Tiwari, ended his life by hanging himself from the ceiling at his residence located on a hillock near local Sandhya Bihar colony, police said.

Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chhatarpur DP Dwivedi said Tiwari did not own any farmland.

Tiwari's son Buddh Prakash said his father was a contract farmer, cultivating farming fields at village Chithari on rent and owed a debt of Rs 90,000. Tiwari was also working as labourer.

In Guradiya village of Budni assembly constituency in Sehore district, farmer Shatrughan Meena killed himself by consuming poisonous substance. Meena consumed poison on Thursday morning and taken to a private hospital in Hoshangabad, where he was declared dead.

Meena's family members said he owed a loan and was distressed over the problems in repaying it.

Budni Police Station in-charge R N Sharma, however, said the reason behind his suicide is not clear so far.

"The reason behind the suicide would be known after the investigation. Further inquiry is underway," he added.

Madhya Pradesh recently witnessed farmers' stir over loan waiver, farm produce prices and other demands. The death of five persons in police firing in Mandsaur district on June 6 during the unrest triggered a series of protests in various parts of the state.

Since June 8, farmers have ended their lives in Sehore,

Hoshangabad, Raisen, Dhar Neemuch and Vidisha districts. In Sehore alone, the home district of the chief minister, six suicides have been reported so far.
Article 19A of the constitution provides freedom of speech which is the right to express ones opinion freely without any fear through any form.

Hyderabad: If content that is defamatory or obscene is posted on a social media platform, a disclaimer claiming that it is a personal opinion will not save the writer of the post or article.

Legal experts say when the content is written or shared or forwarded to a third person or group of people in any form it is considered to be a publication and there is nothing like personal opinion. However, the police can book a case or courts take cognizance only when the content is defamatory or obscene or incites violence or contempt of court.

If the content is non-defamatory or non- obscene, action taken by the government or police would amount to curbing freedom of expression of any citizen be it a private person or a person holding a public office.

The sacking of AP Brahmin Corporation chairman, I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, a former chief secretary has once against kicked off a legal debate on the freedom of expression. Mr Krishna Rao claims that his content (which was critical of the government) shared on his FB page is a personal opinion. Experts say he has a right to criticise the government and that is not an offence as long as the content is not defamatory or is not in violation of the law.

Central Information Commissioner Prof. Madabhushi Sridhar said, Any content is subject to law. The content decides and not the form of publication. It makes no difference whether it is a printed paper or public meeting or social media platform. Critical analysis is not an offence. Anyone can express their opinion.

But, he adds, there are civil services conduct rules for the All India Services, which says government shall not be criticised. However, these rules itself are unconstitutional. There are rules for subordinate employees too, he says.

In the united Andhra Pradesh, in 1997, a constable, G. Mohan Rao, had written a book Khaki Bhatukulu (Plight of a policeman) in which he highlighted how ordinary policemen suffer in the department.

The AP government had served him a show- cause notice asking why action cant be taken against him for violating APCS Conduct rules. Rule 13 of the APCS (Conduct) of 1964 says: No government employee shall, without the previous permission of the government, publish any book which is not purely of a literary, artistic or scientific character.

Mr Sridhar said, In this particular case, Mohan Rao filed a write petition in the then AP High Court stating he has fundamental freedom of expression under Article 19 A. The High Court upheld it. No rules can stop a government employee expressing his opinions.

In the case of Mr Krishna Rao, who is chairman of the Brahmin Corporation, the service rules do not apply.

Constitutional law is supreme, explains Mr Sridhar. In the order it is natural law followed by constitutional law, statutory law and then rules and regulations and then last comes the code. Freedom of Expression is originally a natural right, which is constitutionally guaranteed by Article 19 A. Freedom of Expression is in the top two rights and it cannot be undermined. Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code defines publication as showing it to a third person. There is no publication if it is a letter between two persons. In any case, form of publication is not an issue, it's the content that shall be examined. If it is not defamation or contempt of court, nobody can stop an opinion from being expressed. Article 19(2) restricts freedom of expression regarding sovereignty, defamation, inciting offences and so on. If anyone is not doing that, no one can stop him expressing his opinion. The Supreme Court, too, has struck down the draconian section 66A of the IT Act that has been misused by governments.

Senior advocate Ashok Ram Kumar, an expert in cyber crimes and digital forensics, explains that the Supreme Court said that provisions of section 66 of the IT Act are too wide and struck it down. After the section was struck down there has been a huge rise in derogatory comments made on social media. When certain comments are made on social media against the Prime Minister, the cops apply the Indian Penal Code and arrest him. In this particular case of Mr I.Y.R Krishna Rao, there is no defamatory content.

A Hyderabad cyber crime officer said, "We are filing cases under 67 of the IT Act when the content is obscene. There is a procedure to file defamation case under section 499 and 500 of the IPC. Police can't directly book cases under defamation. A person has to approach a magistrate and file the complaint. The magistrate can either refer the complaint to the police or take cognizance himself and record the statement and conduct the trial. The services rules are an administrative issue."

What the law says

Article 19A of the constitution provides freedom of speech which is the right to express ones opinion freely without any fear through any form.

Section 7 of The All India Services(conduct) rules 1968.

No member of the service shall, in any form anonymously, pseudonymously make any statement of fact or opinion, which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central or a State Government. Section 17 of AP CS conduct rules 1974.

No Government employee shall, by any public utterance, written or otherwise, criticise any policy or action of Government or any other State Government the Central Government; nor shall he participate in any such criticism.
New Delhi: The Opposition meet to decide its candidate for the presidential polls has begun on Thursday. The chosen candidate will contest against NDAs Ram Nath Kovind, whose nomination is touted to be a political masterstroke from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The grapevine is abuzz with talk that former speaker Meira Kumar, Dr B R Ambedkars grand son Prakash Ambedkar, ex-diplomat Gopal Krishna Gandhi and ex-home minister Sushil Kumar are prospective candidates in the fray.

While Left leaders have leaned towards nominating Gandhi or Ambedkar, Kumars visit to Congress chief Sonia Gandhis residence, a day before the meeting, has balanced scales for her.

The meeting and the decision assume significance as nomination of Kovind has revealed fissures in the Oppositions armour. Kovinds Dalit background has made him a candidate that political parties cannot afford to reject, even more so with his added credentials of being a crusader for the Scheduled castes and OBCs.

An example of this conundrum could be JD (U) president and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was won over with the BJPs smart move. He expressed personal happiness initially and later declared his support to the candidate as well. He also decided to skip the meeting called by Sonia to choose the candidate on Thursday.

Similarly, the move also has pushed the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Bahujan Samajwadi party to the defence as they have chosen to wait and see who the Congress chooses as its candidate. It is likely that they might back Kovind if the candidate is not Dalit.

Who stands where:

Congress: The Congress spurned the BJPs appeal for consensus and said the Opposition would take a call on contesting the election on June 22.

Left: They are likely to nominate Gopal Krishna Gandhi or Prakash Ambedkar but a final decision will be taken after the Opposition party.

BSP: Mayawati said her party cannot take a negative stand against a Dalit. She, however, stopped short of supporting him.

LJP: Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan extended full support to Kovind, saying his choice is a political masterstroke by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shiv Sena: After initially accusing the BJP of vote bank politics, the Sena later expressed support to their candidate, calling Kovind a simple and decent human being.

Trinamool Congress: Just because he was the leader of Dalit Morcha of BJP, they have made him the candidate, says Mamata Banerjee.

JD(U): Nitish Kumar expressed his support to Kovind on Thursday. However, he termed the support to BJP one-off saying that the party will continue to fight against central negligence.

RJD: After being left in the lurch by his ally Kumar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is still ambivalent about backing BJP when his family is being investigated under its regime.

Apart from the national parties, regional parties such as both factions of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Telugu Desam Party have also backed Kovind.
Chennai: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams (AIADMK) rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday announced its support for NDA's Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, voicing confidence that he will perform as a "good administrator."

Panneerselvam said BJP National President Amit Shah had sought support from him for Kovind and the matter was discussed with senior functionaries of the faction on Thursday, besides MPs and MLAs owing allegiance to him.

"Based on that and heeding BJP President Amit Shah's request, it has been unanimously decided to back Kovind," he told reporters.

An "opportunity" has been provided for a member of the Dalit community to be elected to the President's office, and "for providing that opportunity (to Kovind), we have decided to support him," Panneerselvam added.

Asked if the faction, which has 12 MPs and an equal number of MLAs, was supporting Kovind since he hailed from the Dalit community, Panneerselvam said the presidential nominee has been a former MP twice, besides having served as Governor of Bihar, and was, therefore, "experienced."

"We are confident he will perform as a good administrator," he said when asked about Kovind's RSS background and reports that opposition Congress may also field a Dalit candidate against NDA's pick.

The Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction's announcement comes a day after the AIADMK's Amma camp had announced backing Kovind in the race to Raisina Hill.

Chief Minister E Palanisamy had on Wednesday announced the faction's support to Kovind, who has since resigned as Governor of Bihar.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court has stayed an order issued by the Telangana state government resuming the land allotted for house sites to members of the AP High Court Employees Mutually Aided Cooperative Housing Society Limited.

Justice S.V. Bhatt, while dealing with a petition by the High Court Employees Cooperative Housing Society challenging GO 102 dated June 15, 2017, granted the interim order suspending the operation of the GO till further orders.

The judge directed the authorities not to interfere with the possession and enjoyment of the petitioner over the 39 acres land at Kancha Gachibowli village in Serilingampally mandal of Ranga Reddy district.

The petitioner society informed the court that the erstwhile AP government had allotted the land to it to provide house sites to its members in 2010. The present government withdrew the allotment on the ground of non-utilisation of the land for the purpose it was allotted.

The society told the court that the GO was issued on June 15 for taking over the land and the very next day, the authorities took possession of the land by conducting the panchnama without giving it the opportunity to seek its remedies under law.

While granting the stay, the judge posted the case on July 17.
Following the complaint a case under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act was registered and the accused was arrested on Thursday and sent to judicial remand. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The principal of a private school was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly misbehaved with a 13-year-old girl student of his school at Neredmet. The girl in a complaint lodged with police accused principal A. Vishwanath, 43, of misbehaving with her at the school on June 20, Neredmet inspector M. Jagadish Chander said.

Following the complaint a case under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act was registered and the accused was arrested on Thursday and sent to judicial remand.
New Delhi: In a Dalit versus Dalit contest, former Lok Sabha Speaker and onetime diplomat Meira Kumar, daughter of the late Scheduled Caste icon Babu Jagjivan Ram, will take on the NDAs Ram Nath Kovind in next months presidential election, a 17-party conglomerate of Opposition parties decided Thursday. The high point of the unfolding drama was Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, who decided to play along with the Opposition bloc after dithering till the last moment and agreed only after much persuasion by senior leaders.

Seventeen Opposition parties have together decided to jointly field Ms Meira Kumar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said after a one-and-a-half-hour-long meeting. Mrs Gandhi was flanked by former PM Manmohan Singh and Mr Pawar, who held several meetings within his party as well as with Congress troubleshooters Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel, and CPMs Sitaram Yechury. Sources said though Mr Pawar had agreed to be on the Opposition side in the presidential battle, he had wanted the decision to announce the name of the candidate to be deferred by at least a day.
Chennai: The AIADMKs rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday extended its support for NDAs presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, exuding confidence that he will work as a good administrator. Mr Panneerselvam said BJP national president Amit Shah had sought support from him for Kovind and the matter was discussed with senior functionaries of the faction today, besides the MPs and the MLAs owing allegiance to him. Based on that and heeding BJP president Shah's request, it has been unanimously decided to back Kovind, he told reporters here. Later, Mr Shah thanked Panneerselvam for extending his factions support to Kovind.

The BJP president spoke to Panneerselvam over phone and thanked him, said a release from the faction. In his media interaction, Paneerselvam said an opportunity has been provided for a member of the dalit community to be elected to the president's office, and for providing that opportunity (to Kovind), we have decided to support him. Asked if the faction, which has 12 MPs and an equal number of MLAs, was supporting Mr Kovind since he hailed from the dalit group, Mr Panneerselvam said the presidential nominee has been a MP twice, and was, therefore, experienced.
New Delhi: In a Dalit versus Dalit contest, former Lok Sabha Speaker and onetime diplomat Meira Kumar, daughter of the late Scheduled Caste icon Babu Jagjivan Ram, will take on the NDAs Ram Nath Kovind in next months presidential election, a 17-party conglomerate of Opposition parties decided Thursday. Congress troubleshooters rushed to NCP leader Sharad Pawars residence to convince him of going ahead and announcing the name on Thursday itself. The leaders also called in CPM leader Sitaram Yechury to convince Mr Pawar and a luncheon meeting was held.

The NCP chief is understood to have told the leaders he wanted to wait for a farmers meeting with the Maharashtra government on Friday. The Congress and the Left, however, still smarting under JD(U) chief Nitish Kumars turnaround, convinced him to agree to announce the name on Thursday itself. A top source said it was pointed out to Mr Pawar that the presidential polls were a litmus test for a larger alliance ahead of the 2019 general election. Interestingly, Mr Pawar as well as JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar were seen as contenders for the leadership of a Mahagathbandhan against the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

Now, with Mr Kumars exit from the Opposition camp in the coming presidential polls, Mr Pawars position becomes stronger in such a possible alliance. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mr Kumars ally in Bihar, said the JD(U) was committing a historical blunder and urged the Bihar CM to reconsider his decision on backing Mr Kovind. Earlier, Mrs Gandhi had also expressed a similar view. We do hope that other parties also join us, she said when asked about the JD(U) stand. A JD(U) spokesman, however, said, Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind. Ms Kumars candidature will put pressure on the Bihar Chief Minister as she belongs to his state and is a mahadalit.
Hyderabad: In clear violation of the Forest Conservation Act, religious idols have been installed on reserved forest land by politicians in Anantagiri, about 70 km from Hyderabad. A senior forest officer who did not want to be named, said, A 10-foot tall Nandi idol has been placed near a temple that has been there since 1955. It was not in the limelight until this idol was installed. This is against the Forest Conservation Act. After this, others have started installing idols. This trend will continue to grow if not checked.

The idol was installed on Monday morning by the Vikakarabad legislator B. Sanjeeva Rao, zilla parishad chairperson Sunitha Mahender Reddy and others. The idol was installed when the home minister was scheduled to visit Vikarabad, so all the officers were on protocol duty. Despite repeated pleas, they refused to budge. They have ordered people to stay on guard near the idol and these people say they will demolish our office if we touch the idol, he said. Environmentalist Rajeev M. said, Soon people will start painting stones and claiming it to be a place of devotion. More crowds will gather and eventually the temple will take up space and claim to not be a part of the reserved forest. Soon, the temple will be legalised.

Forest officers say district officials were busy and senior officials were under pressure not to speak out against the idol installation. Political backing has taken this encroachment to another level, says one forest official. Mr Sanjeeva Rao said, I have no knowledge of the legalities involved. I just attended the programme and took part in the puja after the idol installation.

Forest officers of Vikarabad are in a tough spot with religious sensibilities being offended, but with 368 acres of Anantagiri forest land encroached on out of 3178 acres, they cannot turn a blind eye to the offence.
As per norms, officials and staff in urban areas should be shifted to semi-urban/rural areas and vice-versa but it remains only on paper.

Hyderabad: With over 60 per cent of officials and staff more or less working in the same Hyderabad and its surrounding districts for years together, failure of the government to shuffle its employees is contributing to corruption.

Though the norms stipulate that staff working in revenue earning departments should be transferred every two years to prevent corruption, the rules remain only on paper.

There is huge demand for posts in Hyderabad and surrounding districts and staff do their best to retain their postings here by lobbying with ministers and politicians.

Even if they are transferred out of administrative compulsions, they ensure that they get postings within GHMC and HMDA limits and avoid transfers to far off districts.

Employees were found to be working at the same place ranging from 5 to 15 years, and even more in the case of a few others.

Allowing them to work for longer duration makes it easier for corrupt staff to set up well organised bribe machinery, resort to irregularities and siphon off government funds and assets.

Inquiries conducted by the state government after any scam or any untoward incidents coming to light often reveals the involvement of staff working at same place for years together.

There is much noise about transferring such staff soon after inquiry reports are submitted, but this seldom happens, due to political lobbying and employees unions.

However, the recent Miyapur land scam in which hundreds of acres of government land was registered in favour of private firms/ individuals appears to have opened the eyes of government. It transferred 73 sub-registrars who were working at same places for years.

After the flooding of Bandari layout last September on account of nala encroachments that created a furore, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and municipal minister K.T. Rama Rao announced transferring of GHMC and HMDA staff working at same places for years.

But when it was found that the existing rules do not permit transfer of GHMC and HMDA staff to other districts, the government brought in amendments to the Acts in the Legislative Assembly in March this year.

However, no major transfers were taken up.

In the Excise department, there have been no transfers for four years. Officials and staff are facing allegations of collecting bribes from liquor dealers, bars, hotels etc. and allowing them to flout norms.

In the commercial taxes department, officials and lower-rung employees are facing allegations of siphoning off tax amount paid by traders in connivance with brokers and auditors.
Hyderabad: The Public Accounts Committee, the premier body that is constitutionally entitled to scrutinise public expenditure, on Thursday pulled up agencies working in city development projects for delays. The PAC, headed by senior Congress MLA Dr J. Geetha Reddy, joined by BJP MLA and state party president Dr K. Laxman, faulted civic officials for giving lame excuses. On potholes, GHMC commissioner B. Janardhan Reddy said repairs could only be done in phases. All roads could not be repaired at the same time; in areas prone to water logging, repairs may have to be done several times, he said.

Water and Sewerage Board, the electricity department, and private companies dig up roads citing emergencies, he said. He admitted that only half the repairs had been done and the monsoon has already set in. Dr Geetha Reddy said that since the government has stated that there is no dearth of funds, it seems that a lack of proper planning is the root cause of the problem.

It was suggested that cement roads be built instead of BT roads, to avoid frequent potholes, but the GHMC commissioner said the problem would continue if they are dug up. Dr Geetha Reddy replied that it cannot be the case that there is no solution to the problem and suggested that all department heads discuss it and evolve a strategy. Dr Laxman pulled up officials for allowing untreated sewage being released in the Ashoknagar nala from the Hussainsagar, which was creating an unbearable situation for people living in colonies around the nala. Sewerage Board executive director Satyanarayana said sewerage treatment plants had not been constructed in all the erstwhile 12 peripheral municipalities (now merged into the GHMC) and that is why there is this problem.

It was pointed out that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had said though funds had been allotted, one STP proposed at Serilingampally had not been completed even after six years. Mr Satyanarayana said `200 crore was needed for the STP due to the cost of land acquisition. To complete all the proposed STPs and areas surrounding the Musi river, Rs 7,000 crore was required, he said.

Dr Reddy replied that the State Budget was dependent on revenue from the capital. When the government is spending Rs 50,000 crore on Mission Bhagiratha, and Rs 25,000 crore on Mission Kakatiya, Rs 7,000 crore for STPs is not a big thing, she said.
As per Census 2011, the sex ratio was 988 women for 1,000 men. In rural areas, it was 999:1,000 and in urban areas 970:1,000 and 933: 1,000 among kids

Hyderabad: Though legislation has existed for several years now making it illegal for centres to reveal the sex of the foetus in pre-conception and pre-natal diagnostic tests, in rural areas abortions of girl babies continue to take place, seriously unbalancing the sex ratio.

The administration at district level has been alerting ultra sound scanning centres, hospitals and diagnostic centres about the serious consequences of flouting the PCNTDA Act, but hospitals, doctors and medical staff continue to administer the gender test.

A new threat is posed by gangs from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka who are offering such tests at the doorstep, using mobile cars and vans with portable machines.

Chairperson of the State Women's Commis-sion, Tripurana Venka-taratnam, such portable machines are not allowed under the Act.

We have noticed that most ultrasound scanning centres in rural areas are not following rules. As per the Act, the scanning centres should ask for prescriptions from doctors for scanning, she said.

She said agents of the PCPNDT tests are operating like a medical mafia, dominating hospitals and scanning centres.

Mr Ch. Anil, founder of the non-profit Revo-lution Welfare Society, which works with tribals in Adilabad district, said that the racket has links with a network of private hospitals in neighbouring districts.

"Some hospitals are encouraging such tests and abortions in case the results reveal a girl-baby in the womb. These hospitals have good relations with some private hospitals in Karim-nagar district and hospitals have contacts with neighbouring Mah-abubabad, Khammam, Suryapet, and Bhadra-dri districts, Mr Kumar said.

He said investigating agencies should break the chain by taking action against one or two hospitals whenever the media focuses on the issue.

Besides Karimnagar, Adilabad and Mah-bubabad districts, abortions of girl-babies are dangerously high in Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahbubnagar, Gadwal and Sangareddy districts.

An auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) of Kuruvi mandal in Mahbubabad district said that there was a huge gap between the number of registered pregnant women and the number of deliveries.

Even well educated women are approaching doctors for abortions if the scan reveals that the foetus is female. A government teacher registered with us last year. She had two girls and an ultrasound scan by a portable machine operated by the agents showed that the third would also be a girl. She got an abortion in a private hospital.

We registered 875 pregnancies in Mahbu-babad district. About 175 mothers had abortions for medical reasons and 125 had abortions after seeing the results, she said.

Code: Lakshmivaram indicates girl child

To get round the law making it illegal to disclose the sex of a foetus in an ultrasound test, some hospitals and diagnostic centres in rural areas in Mah-bubnagar, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Jangaon, Ka-rimnagar, Adilabad and Warangal districts use code words to convey the gender of the baby in the womb.

Telangana State Women's Commission chairperson Tripurana Venkataratnam said, In some cases that we have identified, doctors from Khammam and Suryapet advised pregnant women to visit again on Laksh-mivaram (Thursday). This indicates goddess Lakshmi, so the baby is a girl. If they advise a visit on Mangalavaram (Tuesday) its a boy-child.

Ultrasound scanning centres and doctors say things like the baby has similarities with her mother, or you are lucky, to denote a girl child in the first instance and a boy in the second.

Giving such hints is a crime, Ms Venkatarat-nam said, and so is asking doctors about the gender of the baby in the womb. Govern-ment agencies must create more awareness about the PCPNTD Act in rural areas, especially in tribal areas.
The court asked the authorities to explain who would take responsibility for the 48 surrogate mothers who were found living in the premises awaiting deliveries. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday issued notice to the state government directing it to explain the steps being taken to safeguard the unborn babies and surrogate mothers who have been left in the lurch after the police raided an infertility centre in the city, which was allegedly operating without following the rules.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice T. Rajani was hearing a suo motu motion based on a letter written by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait to the Chief Justice of the High Court referring to news reports of June 19, 2017, including in Deccan Chronicle, with regard to the police raid. He sought appropriate direction to the authorities concerned to safeguard the surrogate mothers.

The court asked the authorities to explain who would take responsibility for the 48 surrogate mothers who were found living in the premises awaiting deliveries.

Justice Ranganathan said that under no circumstances must the identities of the surrogate mothers be revealed. He cautioned that if their privacy is violated, the court will hold the state accountable.

Mr B.S. Prasad, the government pleader representing the medical and health department, assured the court that the state was ready to take care of the women.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had written the letter, moved by the plight of the unborn babies and surrogate mothers. He brought to the notice of the Chief Justice that 48 surrogate mothers between seven to nine months pregnant were discovered by the police at Sai Kiran Hospital & Kiran Infertility Centre at Banjara Hills in the city on June 17, 2017 and they have nowhere to go as the centre has been sealed by the police.

The judge said that 60 per cent of the surrogates are bearing babies for Non-Resident Indian clients and 40 per cent of them are single parents, and as the clients are not likely to come back after the raid, what will the surrogate mother do with the child?

After perusing the letter of the judge, the PIL Committee headed by the Justice took up the letter as a PIL and issued notices to the respondents.
Chennai: Swarms of flies on food plates and foul stench killing appetite for good. This has been the plight of over 3000 families living close to the integrated solid waste-processing plant at Vengadamangalam barely 10 kms from Tambaram on the southern outskirt of Chennai, for the last several months. The residents are paying the price for delivering hygiene for the luckier ones living up in the citys southern suburbs, whose domestic garbage lands here for treatment.

Remember the Chironomous insect attack in Korattur, which drew the attention of the top bureaucrats and ministers in Tamil Nadu? In a similar plight, the residents of Vengadamangalam, who live near the plant, are now fighting against the houseflies.

The foul smell generated from the plant affects the residents of eight panchayats  Agaram, Madurapakkam, Ponmar, Mambakkam, Melakottaiyur, Nallampakkam and Vengadamangalam.

The representatives of the Vengadamangalam plant who have signed an agreement with the Pallavaram and Tambaram Municipalities promising to safeguard the environment of the village has failed to keep up their word. Maintaining hygiene, ensuring that the wastewater does not penetrate into the ground water and non-generation of smoke were few among the many promises mentioned in the agreement, say villagers. Not even the Air Cooler is spared from the foul smell. The smell enters our rooms through ACs, said a resident, who was once arrested for protesting against the ESSEL group, who owns the waste-to-energy project.

The villagers had apparently staged many protests against the management, which was hushed up by the police force. They had also pooled in money of Rs 2 lakh to fight a legal case filed against the group in the Madras High Court. The ESSEL group promised that there would not be any foul smell as the wet waste will be heated and processed using chemicals, giving out fertilizers. But, the stench generated from the plant spreads to about a 3-Km radius, said T Ravi, President of Vengadamangalam Village Panchayat, adding that not even 10% of the agreement is being followed.

A group of Irular Families who live next to the Vengadamangalam plant are the worst affected, as they had been suffering with a lot of health problems. The residents admitted to have seen an increase in the number of fever cases and respiratory problems, after the plant came into an effect. However, when Deccan Chronicle contacted the government hospitals in the locality, there was no positive response.

As soon as we open the covered food, the flies get into the vessels. The plant has deprived us for an access to healthy food. After the plant came into effect, we have seen a rise in fever and cold cases, said Raghu, a resident from the Irular Community.

The plant, which was proposed to treat 300 tones of Municipal Solid Waste per day to generate 2.9 MW of power, is not producing electricity. The Senior Executive - Liaison and Admin, Balaji refused to comment on the questions put forward by this correspondent as he said, I'm not the one who is responsible for commenting on the current situation

However, the manager of the plant, Manikandan told, The gasification technology, being used to process the waste is a failure. It is the reason for the foul smell. We would change the technology soon, as we are expecting funds from the government in 20 days.
It was just after midnight in Londons Finsbury Park area. Muslims who live there, migrants from Pakistan, Somalia and Arab countries, had just finished taraweeh prayers at the Muslim Welfare House. Some others were helping an elderly worshipper who had fallen down while praying. That was when a white van suddenly appeared and crashed into the worshippers at the mosque.

It took about eight minutes for the London authorities to call the incident a terror attack and for medics to arrive at the scene. It was too late for at least one person, the elderly man who the worshippers had been trying to help. At least 11 other people were injured.

It was the ordinary people there who apprehended the attacker. The man, who had rented the van from a rental company, was shouting anti-Muslim slurs such as You guys deserve this when he was pulled out from the van which he had driven into the worshippers. The imam of the mosque intervened and ensured that nothing happened to the perpetrator.

When the authorities arrived and he was finally arrested and taken away, he glibly waved to the crowd he was leaving behind.

For Muslims who live in and around Finsbury Park, the attack was not a surprise. Even while terrorist attacks committed by Muslims gain media attention in the UK, attacks on Muslims are rarely reported. In recent months, Muslim women wearing headscarves have been assaulted and spat upon, Muslim men are routinely harassed, Muslim children are bullied in schools, all ignored by British authorities.

Even in the immediate aftermath of this attack, critics pointed out that the BBC continued to talk about fish markets and Brexit before it decided to provide live coverage of what had happened.

The Finsbury Park area is represented in Parliament by Jeremy Corbyn, who was recently able to propel Britains Labour Party to gain seats against the Conservatives. Corbyn was present at the scene at the Muslim Welfare House after the attack. The high-profile representation, however, seems to have done little so far to humanise his constituents in the eyes of the British public. It did, however, prompt a response from British Prime Minister Theresa May who said the man had targeted the innocent.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the attack was in line with previous attacks in Manchester, on London Bridge and in Westminster. He promised that there would be more security at mosques.

The reactions beyond Britains borders also revealed a lot about geopolitics. While it did provide coverage of the attacks, one article on CNN chose to focus on the history of the Finsbury Park mosque associated with preacher Abu Hamza al-Masri who was extradited to the US and was sentenced to life.

Two groups, however, were openly celebrating. White supremacists in the US rejoiced at the attack. At least one Twitter account associated with white supremacists declared that there was hope for the British yet. The militant ISIS too was rumoured to be elated at the attack, using the video as propaganda to gain recruits and to encourage all Muslims to migrate to the caliphate immediately.

In this last bit lies the truth that all Western Muslims must face. It is unlikely that terrorist attacks in the West will abate. With Western media and many politicians actively promoting the idea that all Muslims are terrorists, it is these communities that will pay the price. With each terrorist attack being perceived as a collective indictment of Muslims, and with people starting to believe that Muslim beliefs may be linked to violence, many will likely have to leave these countries. This sort of subterfuge whether it is casting aside the hijab, or shaving off the beard, or ensuring that mosques have no visible signs of identification, may soon become not a matter of choice, but a matter of survival.
When the BJP declared the name of Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind as its candidate for President, it became clear Mr Kovind will be the next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan. But meeting on Thursday in New Delhi, 17 Opposition parties, led by the Congress, offered the name of ex-diplomat and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar (2009-14), a stalwart Dalit figure who also held Cabinet posts at the Centre, as their candidate.

Seen in the light of the relative weight of the two camps in Parliament and the state legislatures, there is no real contest. The BJP-led NDA is far ahead of its rivals in electoral college votes. But there can be no question that a genuine challenge to Hindutva politics and ideology has been presented by the Opposition. The parties at the meeting that chose Ms Kumar represent people from all corners of India.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who owes his current position to the support of Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD and the Congress, has decided to back the BJP candidate for the presidency, causing speculation about his credentials in respect of opposing Hindutva. This matter comes up as he has a history of being with the BJP. He broke off from the saffron camp after sailing with them for many years until personal rivalry with Narendra Modi  on the issue of the latters projection as PM in 2014  sundered him from the NDA.

The Bihar leader is indeed something of a maverick. In 2012, he was in the NDA but backed the Congress presidential candidate, Pranab Mukherjee. He appears to have a penchant for backing the party that is in power at the Centre.

Of course, Mr Kumars government is not in any existential danger due to his siding with the saffron camp at this time. Neither the RJD nor the Congress would be interested in losing a government, and that is what would happen if they seek to torpedo him.

But after the next general election, if the non-BJP parties have any chance of aspiring for the PMs position, Mr Kumar may have ruled himself out due to his support to the BJP presidential candidate. He may be seen as a rank opportunist.

The BJPs candidate will win hands down because his party is in power, not because he is a dalit. All non-BJP parties supporting him are doing so as they dont wish to cross swords with the power-wielders, although they cite Mr Kovinds dalit status as excuse for their choice. The next President is born a dalit, but his political ideology has been that of Hindutva, which has strong Vedic Hindu underpinnings. All the same, Mr Kovind has good formal credentials for the job, while Ms Kumars credentials too are strong, by any yardstick.
The Paris climate change agreement is different from earlier negotiations like the Kyoto Protocol as it has a bottom-up approach  a flexible framework that gives every country the leeway to meet the climate challenge as it sees fit, and not as imposed by the negotiations. (Photo: AFP/Representational Image)

With US President Donald Trump announcing earlier this month that the United States had decided to walk out of the Paris accord on climate, the world was stunned but by no means bowed down. By sending the message, Mr Trump has isolated his country, and the leadership of the Paris Agreement has passed onto China and the European Union. And the ability of the Trump administration to influence the outcome is limited by several large US cities and some key states vowing to stick to the Paris climate deal.

Mr Trump had named China and India as the countries that stood to gain the most from the aborted agreement, contending that the countries would benefit from the relaxation in using coal. He further added that China will be allowed many coal plants, and India will be allowed to double its coal production by 2020, but not the US. At stake, he explains, are 70,000 jobs in the US. This is like inverting the argument for new energy sources because the shift to solar and wind energy will create many more jobs than will be lost in coal mines.

India, for instance, has announced big plans for clean energy, proposing an addition of 175,000 MW for solar and wind capacity, more than enough to take care of any additional energy needs. The country uses 60 per cent of the coal extracted for power generation. Coal is a polluting source of energy, releasing more greenhouse gases than any other source and a major reason for climate change. This has to change.

The Paris climate change agreement is different from earlier negotiations like the Kyoto Protocol as it has a bottom-up approach  a flexible framework that gives every country the leeway to meet the climate challenge as it sees fit, and not as imposed by the negotiations.

With its emphasis on consensus-building, the Paris pact allows for voluntary and nationally-determined targets and specific climate goals are politically encouraged, rather than legally-bound. Indigenous production of solar cells in India is likely to suffer because Chinese manufacturers will cut prices further to get a greater share of the Indian market, as they lose part of the US market.

Although the use of coal will probably increase, specially with the private sector making inroads into it at the cost of government-owned companies, the Indian initiative to concentrate on solar and wind power is more revolutionary than it seems. These sectors call for a completely different set of skills, mainly in the small-scale service sector, and will require several hundreds of thousands of people, including miners, to be retrained to fit into the new economy. There has not been enough emphasis in the Paris accord on the training for the new jobs, which will be necessary.

China, being the factory of the world, has the dirtiest industry  steel  that shifted from economies such as Japan and the US largely because of environmental concerns. For China and India to rebalance their economies and to mitigate the loss in agriculture will require considerable investment. The Paris deal makes it possible by having a fund of $100 billion a year to help adjust to the change.

Another relevant fact is that the role of government agencies will be limited in most instances. The private sector will take the lead by expanding its investment in clean tech, low-carbon ventures and innovative companies which pursue environmentally-sound corporate strategies and thus will play a greater role than governments.

In the US, the former steel town of Pittsburgh joined 210 other cities representing 54 million Americans in pledging: We will intensify efforts to meet each of our cities current climate goals, push for new action to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target. Additionally, 12 states representing 97 million Americans  30 per cent of the population  have decided to continue their efforts to fight for lower greenhouse gas emissions despite what the US government does.

But it is getting too late, and the target of stopping a rise in temperature beyond two degrees Celsius by the end of the century may be unattainable. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the emission cut targets in November 2016 will result in temperature rise by three degrees Celsius, which is above the preindustrial levels and far above the two degrees Celsius target of the Paris agreement.

In addition, a study published in the reputed journal Nature in June 2016 observes that the current country pledges are insufficient to meet the Paris agreement goal of keeping the global temperature rise well below two degrees Celsius.

Many observers are not much worried about Mr Trump leaving the landmark accord but fear that his team might sabotage the progress. The vacuum in leadership left by the exit of the US requires a greater role for other countries. China and the EU, being the largest polluters, should form the new leadership.

India too can play a major role but it must show that it is capable of such a vision, instead of being consumed by matters of Hindutva mobilisation. Having taken the initiative in shifting to clean energy technologies, it has the size and the market power to make a difference to the world as well as its own economy.
The 2017 Budget has Rs 10 lakh crore allocated for agricultural credit, which means encouragement to farmers to get into more debt by buying more chemicals and more hybrid and GMO seeds from multinationals.(Representational Image)

Indian civilisation is based on gratitude to our farmers and all beings who contribute to our food  annadata sukhibhava. Our traditional belief is Uttam-kheti, madhyam-vyapar, neech-naukri.The combination of the Green Revolution in Punjab imposed in the 1960s and the corporate globalisation reforms started in the 1990s have created policies for annadata dukhi bhava, undermining our 10,000-year civilisational heritage of Earth-first and farmer-first policies.

Since 1995, approximately 3, 10, 000 farmers have committed suicide with the globalisation of agriculture and the hijack of our seeds, agriculture and food systems. And the suicides continue.

Now farmers have started to awaken the nation to the farming crisis with strikes in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Instead of gratitude and justice, they got bullets. This is not democracy; this is not the expression of our civilisational values.

The Green Revolution works against the Earth. It is based on chemicals, and is a war against the Earth, the farmers  our annadatas  and against innocent citizens who are suffering from an epidemic of chronic diseases because they are being condemned to eat nutritionally empty, toxic commodities, not food.

Debt resulting from the purchase of costly non-renewable seeds and unnecessary toxic inputs is the primary reason for suicides by farmers and protests by them. While the immediate short-term measure is debt relief and higher MSP, the lasting solution to the agrarian crisis is a debt-free internal input ecological agriculture called by a variety of names  agroecology, organic, zero budget, permaculture, biodynamic, vedic krishi, natural farming, etc.

The government driven and controlled by MNCs is planning to deepen the debt trap by creating more markets for costly seeds and chemicals. The 2017 Budget has Rs 10 lakh crore allocated for agricultural credit, which means encouragement to farmers to get into more debt by buying more chemicals and more hybrid and GMO seeds from multinationals. This is a recipe for deeper debt traps and more suicides.

The seeds of the agrarian crisis lie in the seed. The Green Revolution seeds were bred for chemicals. That is why Norman Ernest Borlaug had to evolve dwarf varieties that reduced biomass, triggered desertification and water famine. Monsantos GMO Bt cotton increased cotton seed prices by more than 70,000 per cent, trapping farmers in debt and establishing a seed monopoly. Most of the 3,10,000 farmer suicides were in the cotton belt. Monsanto controls 95 per cent of the cotton seed.

Bayer via Deepak Pental is now trying to introduce herbicide-resistant GMO mustard that produces less than non-GMO mustard. Most of the patents linked to GMO mustard are with Bayer. Mr Pental is also advocating that Indias patent laws, which forbid patents on seeds through 3j, must be changed, so his bosses can reap limitless profits from royalties on seeds. In 2004, I started a bija satyagraha to stop the seed law that would have taken away farmers seed freedom by making it compulsory for farmers to register their seeds with a centralised authority. Seeds are a commons, regulated by communities beyond the state and the market. Seed freedom is a farmers birthright. Native seeds have been bred and evolved over centuries by farmers, and farmers rights to save and exchange their varieties among themselves are the foundation of bija swaraj. We collected more than 1,00,000 signatures of farmers who committed themselves to continue to save and exchange their seeds, and not obey the law, and gave them to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The law was not passed. Under its so-called evergreen revolution, the government has announced it will reintroduce the Seed Bill for compulsory licensing, further facilitating corporate rule in agriculture and adding to farmers slavery and distress.

Crop and animal biodiversity, integration of crops, animals and small farmers livelihoods are the distinctness of Indian agriculture, the basis of its sustainability and productivity. Just like seeds are in the commons, animal breeds have been in the commons, with our farmers and pastoralists breeding the most amazing diversity of animals for renewable animal energy, milk, fibre and other products.

Pashudhun was traditionally the real wealth of rural communities. Just as the dwarf varieties in crops displaced plant biodiversity, the cross-bred dairy cow displaced our animal diversity and the made the male calf disposable, beginning the epidemic of slaughter. The animal diversity bred by farmers and pastoralists is traditionally exchanged among farmers through local farmers markets, including animal fairs such as Sonepur Mela and Pushkar. For farmers, animals are part of their extended family  vasudhaiva kutumkam. When farmers are in distress because of an unfair economy or because of drought, which leads to fodder scarcity, they are forced to part with the animals they love. The highest protection of animals is protection of the farmers who take care of them.

Hiding behind the fig leaf of animal welfare, the government is trying to destroy our domestic livestock sector, our pashudhan. The word cattle as defined by our law means a bovine animal, including bulls, bullocks, cows, buffalos, steers, heifers and calves and includes camels.

After having encouraged beef exports to decimate our cattle wealth, it is criminalising the farmers livestock economy through the animal trading law, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017, which prohibits all exchange of animals between farmers through their traditional exchange mechanisms, and transforms the livestock economy into a state-controlled inspector raj.

Governments do not care for animals, communities do. Care is cultivated in the commons through the culture of compassion, not by creating a police state. The animal rules are a denial and an erasure of Indias rich traditional science of animal breeding. The Animal Market Committee does not include farmers or pastoralists who are the breeders of our native breeds and know and love animals.

Cruelty includes putting any ornaments or decorative materials on animals. Mattu Pongal in South India is celebrated by decorating and worshipping the animals and then letting them roam free. Does the government want to make Mattu Pongal illegal? Has it forgotten Jallikattu?

The new animal trade rules are an assault on Indias sanskriti of living peacefully and lovingly with our animals. Our seed economy and livestock economy must be a swadeshi farm economy based on non-violence and ahimsa. Ahimsa is cultivated through swaraj, self-rule, self-governance.

For 30 years, Navdanya has practised and spread an ahimsic non-violent swadeshi ecological agriculture based on seed sovereignty, animal sovereignty and food sovereignty.

Navdanya farmers on using their time-tested seeds are growing more nutritious crops per acre and can feed two Indias. They are earning 10 to 100 times more than farmers growing commodity crops. No ecological farmer practising sovereignty and fair trade has committed suicide. The path to reverse the agrarian distress, end farmer suicide and stop cruelty to humans and other animals is clear. It is chemical-free, corporate-free, violence-free farming, Swadeshi kheti.

It is time to stop being colonised by the violent systems promoted by global agribusiness. It is time for the third freedom movement to protect our farmers, our seeds, our animals.
Facebook has such information and should make it available for study, Persily said.

Facebook said it would not disclose information about political campaign advertising or related data such as how many users click on ads and if advertising messages are consistent across demographics, despite arguments from political scientists who want the data for research.

Details such as the frequency of ads, how much money was spent on them, where they were seen, what the messages were and how many people were reached would remain confidential under the company's corporate policy, which is the same for political advertising as for commercial customers.

"Advertisers consider their ad creatives and their ad targeting strategy to be competitively sensitive and confidential," Rob Sherman, Facebook's deputy chief privacy officer, said in an interview on Wednesday, when asked about political ads.

"In many cases, they'll ask us, as a condition of running ads on Facebook, not to disclose those details about how they're running campaigns on our service," he said. "From our perspective, it's confidential information of these advertisers."

Sherman said it would not make an exception for political advertising. "We try to have consistent policies across the board, so that we're imposing similar requirements on everybody."

Academics who study political campaigns worldwide said this kind of information fosters accountability by analyzing how candidates compete for votes and whether election systems live up to expectations of fairness. Transparency can also deter fraudulent ads, they said.

"We don't have the capacity right now to track it, and nobody does, as far as we can tell," said Bowdoin College professor Michael Franz, a co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project, which catalogs political ads on traditional television but has no means of doing so on Facebook.

Television has been the backbone of political advertising for decades, and local US broadcasters are required to disclose a wealth of details about the cost and schedules of ads. The ads can be seen by anyone with a television provided they are aired in their markets.

Online advertising, though, often targets narrow, more carefully constructed audiences, so for example an ad could be directed only to Democrats under 25 years of age.

Thousands of variations of online ads can be directed at select groups and the targeting can be extreme. Academics argue this is where the process can become very opaque.

"Candidates can speak out of both sides of their mouths," said Daniel Kreiss, a communications professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "Having some kind of digital repository of ads that are purchased during a particular cycle and linked to a particular source is a good, democratic thing for the public."

No such repository exists, and the quandary for researchers is expected to worsen as more politicians use digital advertising because of its relatively low cost and opportunities for target marketing.

According to US President Donald Trump's campaign, $70 million was spent for its ads on Facebook, more than on any other digital platform including Google, and Trump has credited Facebook with helping him defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton last November.

Advertising on Facebook also figured prominently in recent elections in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, researchers said.

Britain is investigating how candidates use data to target voters.

Facebook ads generally disappear with the scroll of a thumb on a smartphone, and they have no permanent links. Advocates for transparency call them "dark ads." Facebook calls them "unpublished posts."

Researchers said that disclosure reports from the US Federal Election Commission are unhelpful because they show what campaigns pay to intermediaries, not to internet platforms.

The role of advertising online is as important to study as the effect of so-called "fake news," which has received more attention than ads, scholars said.

"The holy grail, I think, of political analysis for the 2016 election is to figure out which communications from which entities had an effect on which jurisdictions in the United States," said Nathan Persily, a Stanford University professor who writes about elections.

Facebook has such information and should make it available for study, Persily said.

Facebook's Sherman said the company was open to hearing research proposals, but he doubted much could be achieved.

"Even if we were able to be more transparent in this area, it would only be a very small piece of an overall story," he said.

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Hacking group CyberTeam claimed responsibility for the cyber attack launched on Skype, but also threatened to go after other platforms, such as gaming services as well.

Cyber criminals have spread their arms to another Microsoft service and are threatening to spread it all to rest of the platforms as well.

Earlier this week, cyber criminals launched an attack on Microsofts Skype service, affecting India, Pakistan, Japan, South Africa, multiple countries across Europe and selected countries in the United States.

The outage began on June 19, and lasted for more than two days in many affected areas, leaving victims unable to access their accounts and receive messages or make voice calls through the app.

Hacking group CyberTeam claimed responsibility for the cyber attack launched on Skype, but also threatened to go after other platforms, such as gaming services as well. The outage experienced by Skype was just the beginning of a new era, with Valves Steam gaming service to be the next target, the group said in a twitter post.

Microsoft did acknowledge the issue. An initial statement from the firm said: We are aware of an incident where users will either lose connectivity to the application or may be unable to send or receive messages. Some users will be unable to see a black bar that indicates that a group call is ongoing, and longer delays in adding users to their buddy list.

Following users increasing complaints over the issue, the firm updated its statement to: We have made some configuration corrections and mitigated the impact. We are continuing to monitor and we will post an update when the issue is fully resolved.

It is speculated that the Skype outage was caused by a Disturbed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on its network. However, Microsoft still hasnt given any detailed statement on what exactly happened with Skype.

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Tech giant Samsung plans to hold a launch event in New York City for its next Galaxy Note smartphone in the second half of August, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and so declined to be identified, said the Galaxy Note 8 will sport a curved screen that is marginally larger than the 6.2-inch version of the Galaxy S8 smartphone and feature two rear cameras. The Note 7 was equipped with a 5.7-inch curved screen and one rear camera.

The person did not elaborate further on the phone including pricing. A Samsung Electronics spokesman declined to comment.

Samsung is intent on continuing the premium Note series despite the costly collapse of the Galaxy Note 7, which it was forced to scrap roughly two months from launch in October due to fire-prone batteries. The incident, one of the biggest product safety failures in tech history, cost the firm 6.1 trillion won ($5.4 billion) in operating profit and hurt its credibility.

The firm disclosed its preliminary findings in January that different battery problems from two suppliers caused the fires, which was corroborated by two other independent probes. The firm implemented several steps including a new set of battery safety checks to avoid repeat incidents, which analysts said is helping it win back consumer trust.

Strong initial response for the Galaxy S8 smartphones that began selling in April indicate the firm is recovering quickly, with some analysts forecasting the device to set Samsung's internal sales records and push the firm towards what is widely expected to be its best-ever profit for April-June. There have been no battery fire incidents reported for the S8.

Counterpoint Research estimates Samsung regained its spot as the top global smartphone maker in the first quarter after ceding the spot to archrival Apple in the previous quarter. Apple is widely expected to unveil its next iPhones by October.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Washington: Saudi Arabia and its allies have drawn up a list of demands to be presented to Qatar, the United States said Wednesday, as President Donald Trump discussed the regional crisis with new Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The latest moves came as Washington stepped up its efforts to resolve the thorny row between Qatar -- home to the biggest US air base in the Middle East -- and its neighbors, led by Riyadh.

"We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable," said US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

"We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort and look forward to this matter moving toward a resolution," added Tillerson, who has been tasked by Trump to oversee an end to a standoff that has put key US allies at loggerheads with one another.

Two weeks ago, Riyadh and several of its allies including Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, cut ties with Qatar over accusations that Doha supports extremist groups, including some linked to Saudi foe Iran -- a claim Qatar denies.

In addition to diplomatic isolation, other measures taken included closing Qatar's only land border, banning its planes from using their airspace and barring Qatari nationals from transiting through their airports.

Trump's administration has sent contradictory signals on the crisis. While the US president has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia, Washington has shown mounting frustration over the kingdom's role in the crisis.

Tillerson's spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tuesday that the US was "mystified" that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have failed to present details justifying their embargo on Qatar.

"The more that time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Nauert said.

On Wednesday, Trump discussed the Qatar row with Saudi Arabia's newly-appointed crown prince, on a call during which he also offered his congratulations to the new heir to the throne.

"The president and the crown prince committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond," the White House said in a statement.

"The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar," the statement added.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia's King Salman ousted his nephew as crown prince and installed Mohammed, his son, as heir to the throne.

Trump, 71, and Mohammed, 31, have met twice -- once in Riyadh during the US leader's recent trip to Saudi Arabia and once in mid-March at the White House.

jca/sst/ec

AFP 211851 GMT JUN 17
Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States had a "great relationship with China" as he stood beside former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, the new US ambassador to Beijing.

"We have a great relationship with China and I really like President Xi," Trump said in a speech at an Iowa community college. The comment came a day after Trump said Chinese efforts to persuade North Korea to rein in its weapons programs had failed.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter Tuesday to thank China for attempting to resolve tensions with North Korea, but declared that Beijing's "efforts" had failed.

"While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!" Trump wrote.

The tweet came a day after the death of Otto Warmbier -- a US student who returned in a coma from prison in North Korea -- and on the eve of a first US-China strategic security dialogue.

Since coming to office, Trump has tried to get Beijing to put pressure on Pyongyang over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

It was unclear if the tweet was a signal that those efforts have failed. That conclusion could be seen as a warning of unilateral US action to follow.
Washington: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday urged Chinese officials to apply greater diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to force Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear weapons program.

Tillerson's remarks came after he and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis met with the Chinese visitors at the State Department, where the former general said he saw scope for a better defense relationship.

The extent to which Beijing can influence Pyongyang is key in trying to defuse the North Korea crisis, and Tillerson's remarks came the day after President Donald Trump appeared to suggest China's President Xi Jinping had come up short in efforts to lean on Kim Jong-Un's regime.

Calling North Korea the "top security threat" to the United States, Tillerson said China has a "diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

Trump -- who frequently denounced China on the campaign trail -- has turned to Beijing to help pressure its ally North Korea, prompting concern among Asian partners that America might go easy on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

But on Tuesday, Trump sent a tweet suggesting Xi's efforts had not borne fruit -- a message he reiterated before supporters in Iowa.

"I do like President Xi," he told the crowd Wednesday evening. "I wish we would have a little more help with respect to North Korea, from China. That doesn't seem to be working."

Trump has not elaborated on what might happen next if China, by far the North's most important trading and diplomatic partner, is out of ideas.

Tillerson said the US and Chinese officials had agreed that companies from both countries should not do business with any UN-designated North Korean entities.

- 'Unremitting efforts' -

Trump has made halting the North Korean nuclear threat his number one foreign policy priority.

On Wednesday the US leader took the formal step of extending for another year a national emergency with respect to North Korea that was first decreed in 2008 under president George W. Bush.

In a letter notifying Congress of the move, Trump wrote that the "existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula" together with the "provocative, destabilizing, and repressive actions" of the Pyongyang regime "continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."

In Beijing, officials insisted they have not given up hope of influencing Pyongyang.

"To resolve the Korean peninsula nuclear issue, China has been making unremitting efforts and we have been playing an important and constructive role," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, while stressing China was not the "focus and the crux" of the crisis.

Last month, Beijing and Washington signed a limited deal to open new markets for each other's exports, and a long-standing friend of the Chinese leadership, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, was confirmed as US ambassador.

But tensions remain -- particularly over China's building of artificial islands in disputed South China Sea waters. "Secretary Mattis and I were clear that the US position remains unchanged," Tillerson said.

Still, Mattis spoke in favor of greater communication with the Chinese military, including an officer exchange program to "improve transparency and mutual understanding."

- Warmbier death -

Despite international condemnation and sanctions, North Korea has a small nuclear arsenal and is developing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles that threaten Japan and South Korea -- and one day could even hit some US cities.

Washington has 28,000 troops deployed in South Korea and a naval armada in the region.

China has tightened controls on trade in North Korean coal, but many doubt it will fully enforce any sanctions that might threaten the stability of its unpredictable neighbor.

Separately, Mattis blasted Pyongyang's treatment of Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old student who died on Monday after being evacuated in a coma from detention in North Korea. His release last week initially seemed a gesture of goodwill by Pyongyang, but it quickly turned sour.

"We see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead, basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.

"What you're seeing, I think, is the American people's frustration with a regime that provokes and provokes and provokes, and basically plays outside the rules."
The destroyer detected and tracked the target on the AN/SPY-1 phased array radar but was unable to intercept it. (Photo: AFP/Representational Image)

The US Navy conducted a failed ballistic missile intercept on Thursday with its SM-3 Block IIA off the coast of Hawaii. The destroyer John Paul Jones, running the Navys top-of-the-line Aegis Baseline 9.C2 combat system, failed to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, Hawaii.

The destroyer detected and tracked the target on the AN/SPY-1 phased array radar but was unable to intercept it. It was the second test of this latest iteration of the SM-3. The John Paul Jones successfully shot down a target in February with it. That test was the first intercept using Baseline 9.2C. Program officials will conduct an extensive analysis of the test data, a news release for the US Missile Defence Agency said on Thursday.

The test also marked the fourth flight test of the SM-3 Block IIA and the second time it was launched from a ship. John Paul Jones is the Navys missile defence ship; it replaced the cruiser Lake Erie in 2014.

The missile is being developed by Raytheon and is a joint project between the US and Japan, designed to counter rising missile threats from North Korea.

Late last month the U.S. military successfully shot down an intercontinental ballistic missile target in outer space using an interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Mullah Dad Tabidar, head of Bost government hospital warned that the death toll could rise further. (Photo: AP/Representational)

Lashkar Gah (Afghanistan): At least 29 people were killed Thursday when a powerful car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

60 wounded people were rushed to hospital after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

No group has claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

"At least 29 people were killed and 60 others wounded in today's bombing," Mullah Dad Tabidar, head of Bost government hospital said as bloodied victims were rushed in on makeshift stretchers.

Tabidar said civilians and policemen were among the fatalities, warning that the toll could rise further.

In a similar attack in February, at least six people were killed when a Taliban bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into Afghan soldiers who had queued outside a bank in Lashkar Gah to collect their salaries.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and has repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

Intensified fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America still is "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Lashkar Gah (Afghanistan): A powerful car bomb Thursday struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city when civilian and military government employees were queueing to withdraw their salaries, killing 20 and causing multiple casualties, a government spokesman said.

At least 50 wounded people were rushed to hospital, government spokesman Omar Zwak said, with another official warning of multiple fatalities.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest in a series of brazen attacks during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, but it comes as the Taliban ramp up their annual spring offensive.

The insurgents control large swathes of Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital.

"Around 12 noon a car bomb exploded at the entrance of New Kabul Bank," Salam Afghan, police spokesman in the city said. "It happened at a time when civilians and officials had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries."

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces, who are struggling to contain the Taliban insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Ankara: Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said that the first Turkish ship carrying aid to Qatar has departed in a bid to break the embargo imposed on Doha by a number of Gulf countries.

"Nearly 105 cargo planes have carried aid from Turkey to Qatar, after five Arab countries cut diplomatic ties with Doha earlier this month. Further shipments will follow Wednesday's batch", Anadolu News Agency quoted Zeybekci as saying.

However, it is not economical or sustainable to send food stuff by plane, he said.

Keeping in view Eid al-Fitr - which marks the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, trucks of vegetables are being sent to Qatar on a weekly basis from Beypazari district of the Turkish capital Ankara, said Yavus Ekici, head of Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Both Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were in Doha on June15 to mend Qatar's ties with Gulf Arab states and stated the crisis should be resolved "through peace and dialogue".

"The efforts by Turkey so far and the future steps to be taken were discussed during his meetings with several top Qatari officials," Anadolu quoted Cavusoglu as saying.

Qatar termed the actions by Gulf member countries of isolating it diplomatically it as "unjustified".

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain, along with Egypt had snapped diplomatic ties with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Qatar accusing Doha of supporting terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Bahrain also closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft, and gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave their respective countries. Meanwhile, Riyadh also sealed its land border with Qatar.

Other countries who have recently cut diplomatic ties with Qatar include the Maldives and the Comoros Islands, along with Libya's Tobruk-based government.
There is tension between the two countries since April 26 when 10 Iranian border guards were killed in a militant attack near the Pakistan border. (Photo: AFP/Representational)

Beijing: India will not succeed in driving "a wedge" between Iran and Pakistan by "hyping" the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a Chinese expert said, days after Pakistan shot down an Iranian "spy" drone.

An Iranian drone allegedly on a "spying mission" was shot down by a Chinese-made PAF JF-17 Thunder fighter jet in Baluchistan's Panjgur area on June 19. Pakistani Foreign Office told media that the Iranian drone was shot down by a JF-17 after it ventured "deep inside Pakistani airspace" on a spying mission.

China is concerned about deterioration of ties between Iran and Pakistan as it apprehends that it will affect the CPEC which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan near Iranian border with China's Xinjiang.

However, a Chinese expert asserted that the downing of the Iranian drone by a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet will not affect ties between the two countries, state-run Global Times reported.

"India won't succeed in driving a wedge between Iran and Pakistan by hyping the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," the expert said.

"The downing of the drone is not an indication of cooling Pakistan-Iran relations," Hua Liming, a former Chinese ambassador to Iran, was quoted by the report.

The project is opposed by Baloch nationalists over concerns that it will further enable people from the powerful Punjab province to strengthen grip on their resource-rich province.

India has protested to China over the project as it traverses through the areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Although Pakistan enjoys close ties with Saudi Arabia, which is Iran's arch rival in the Middle East, Islamabad practices an independent foreign policy, since it doesn't follow Riyadh on many issues, including breaking off ties with Qatar and getting involved militarily in Yemen," Hua said.

Iran and Pakistan are neighbours and their relations have not experienced too many problems. But India is trying to make Iran believe that the CPEC, especially the construction of the Gwadar port, will also impair Iran's interests, so the two countries might experience some friction, Hua said.

"China hopes their ties remain healthy and stable since they are all friendly to China," Hua added.

There is tension between the two countries since April 26 when 10 Iranian border guards were killed in a militant attack near the Pakistan border. Iran has accused that militants hiding in Pakistan were involved in the attack.
The ICTJ has since ordered Pakistan to stay the execution until the UN court passes final judgement in the case. (Photo: Videograb)

Islamabad: Kulbhushan Jadhav has sought clemency from the Pakistan Army chief over the death sentence handed down to him by a military court, the Army said on Thursday, weeks after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the Indian national's execution.

Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, claimed that in his plea, Jadhav has "admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities" in Pakistan and "expressed remorse" at the resultant loss of lives and extensive damage to property.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the ISPR said.

The statement said that Jadhav, a 46-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.

Under the law, he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and if rejected, subsequently to the Pakistan President.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav 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 Indian Navy.

The Pakistan military also released a "second confessional video", in which purportedly Jadhav can be seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage".

In the video, Jadhav is shown to be detailing his alleged "subversive and terror activities" for which he has been convicted by a military court.

"During my judicial proceedings which were held under the field General court martial, I was accorded a defence council by the officials here who were conducting the entire proceedings," he says in the video.

He is also shown apologising for his acts and seeking pardon. The Army said it released the video "so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan."

Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav after his arrest. Jadhav was in April sentenced to death by Pakistan's Field General Court Martial on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country.

India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the death penalty handed down to Jadhav on May 8. India has accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by repeatedly denying consular access to Jadhav. In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.

Earlier this month, Pakistan had said that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals.
Infosys, the second-largest IT services company, is facing legal heat in the US as its former head of immigration filed a lawsuit for alleged employee discrimination and retaliation by senior management.

Erin Green, who joined Infosys in 2011 and headed immigration in the US, filed a lawsuit on June 19 before a US district court in the Eastern District of Texas, seeking a trial by a jury.



Greens case is handled by Kilgore & Kilgore, PLC, a law firm based out of Texas and DH accessed the filing. The mail to the law firm on the next step to be taken is still awaiting response. When contacted regarding the legal proceedings by the former US employee, the company said, Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation.



Questions discrimination



According to the complaint, Green questioned discrimination against non-Asian employees at the company. Green resigned from Infosys last year and now works with Arnall Golden Gregory LLP based out of Atlanta as counsel. Before joining Infosys, Green also worked as Head of US Immigration Department at Kan-Tor & Acco for three years and Served as Senior Associate at EY for one year.



Green, during his stint at Infosys, reported to senior executives Vasudeva Nayak, who was the head of global immigration and Binod Hampapur, who was the executive vice-president and global head of talent and technology operations of Infosys.



Infosys is facing the complaint of Green at a time when the Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka is focussing on local hiring as the new Trump-led US administration put visa restriction and mooted Buy American and Hire Amarican policy.



Sikka recently outlined his strategy for local hiring by committing to recruit 10,000 employees in the coming two years. Commenting on the development, T V Mohandas Pai, former board member of Infosys, said the filing of lawsuit by Green against the company will not have any bearing on the company's intent to expand in the US. The filing of lawsuit by Green against Infosys alleging employee discrimination will not have any bearings on the company's intent to hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years, Pai said.



Not first time



This is the second time that Infosys is facing discrimination charges. In 2013, four former employees of the company had filed similar lawsuit against the company alleging discrimination based on ethnicity.



Aston Business School, UK, Doctoral Research Scholar Sanjoy Sen said claims of discriminatory behaviour against Indian IT companies lodged by individuals of non - Indian origin are likely to get the benefit of public sentiment in the US and more attention than they deserve in the current environment of heightened anti-immigration approach to policy.


Three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants (LeT) were killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Kakapora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday.



An army major was also injured in the gunbattle that erupted late Wednesday evening after militants fired on a joint search party of army and police, who were laying a siege to New Colony, Kakapora, 26 km from here.



As the house-to-house search was launched by the security forces, contact was established with militants at around 9 pm and an exchange of fire took place, sources said and added an army major was hit by a bullet during the initial firing.



Reports said as the encounter was on, hundreds of people pelted stones at forces to help militants escape. Announcements were made over the public-address systems of the masjids, asking people to hit the streets to help the militants flee, reports added.



The protesters tried to break the cordon to help militants flee, however, forces fired tear gas shells to disperse them even as they offered stiff resistance, reports said. But there were no reports of any injuries.



An army officer said the cordon in the area was tightened during the night to ensure militants do not escape. " Reinforcements were rushed to the area to ensure that the militants don't escape taking advantage of the darkness. Early in the morning, the army made a final assault on the house where the militants were hiding and neutralised three ultras," he said and added two AK rifles and other ammunition was recovered from the encounter site.



The slain militants were identified as Shariq, Majid and Shabir, all residents of Pulwama district and affiliated to LeT.



Meanwhile, in a separate incident, militants on Wednesday evening gave the slip to security forces amid protests and clashes in Hajin area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district. A police official said following the tip-off about the presence of militants, forces cordoned off Hajam Mohalla, Hajin, 32 km from here and launched searches on Wednesday evening.



As soon as the cordon was being laid, the youth took to streets and pelted stones at forces to help militants escape, he said. The official said forces responded by firing teargas shells and pellets, triggering clashes which lasted for several hours. Amid protests and clashes, militants managed to escape, forcing Army and police to call off the operation, the official added.



The local residents obstructing security forces during the counter-insurgency operation in the Valley has become a routine in the last two years. The hostile residents come in the line of fire, distract security forces and pelt stones on them.



In several such cases, locals shielded the militants and helped them to break the security forces cordon and flee. Several protesters have also been killed in security forces firing during these clashes.


Those who celebrated Pakistan team's victory in the recently concluded ICC Champions trophy final should go and live there, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairman Gairul Hasan Rizvi has said.



Rizvi made the remarks in Meerut on Tuesday while responding to queries by journalists about reports of celebrations in parts of India after Pakistan won on last Sunday.



The NCM chairman was in the Uttar Pradesh town to attend an Iftar party.



Asked about the remarks, Rizvi today said he is firm on his comments.



"Some people in India reportedly likened Pakistan's victory to Eid before Eid. I was asked about it...So, I said those who feel happy about Pakistan's victory should go and live there or they can be sent packing for their hearts lie in that country," he added.



Rizvi, appointed to the Commission last month, said had he refused to comment on the query, it would have meant he "supported" the celebrations by those who live in India but enjoy Pakistan's win.



"I feel those who did so, were on the wrong side. Therefore, I said what I said," the former leader of BJP's minority wing said.



According to media reports, 15 persons were arrested on sedition charges after they allegedly celebrated the neighbouring country's victory. Similar case was reported also from Kerala where 23 persons were charged on a complaint by a BJP leader.
Beneath a forested patch of land on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the bottom of a steep tunnel that winds for 3 miles through granite bedrock, Finland is getting ready to entomb its nuclear waste.



If all goes well, sometime early in the next decade, the first of what will be nearly 3,000 sealed copper canisters, each up to 17 feet long and containing about two tonnes of spent reactor fuel from Finlands nuclear power industry, will be lowered into a vertical borehole in a side tunnel about 1,400 feet underground. As more canisters are buried, the holes and tunnels  up to 20 miles of them  will be packed with clay and eventually abandoned.



The fuel, which contains plutonium and other products of nuclear fission, will remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years  time enough for a new ice age and other epochal events. But between the 2-inch-thick copper, the clay and the surrounding ancient granite, officials say, there should be no risk of contamination to future generations.



We are pretty confident we have done our business right, said Timo Aikas, a former executive with Posiva, the company that runs the project. It seems the Olkiluoto bedrock is good for safe disposal. The repository, called Onkalo and estimated to cost about 3.5 billion euros (currently about $3.9 billion) over the century or so that it will take to fill it, will be the worlds first permanent disposal site for commercial reactor fuel. With the support of the local municipality and the national government, the project has progressed relatively smoothly for years.



That is a marked contrast to similar efforts in other countries, most notably those in the US, to create a deep repository in Nevada. The Yucca Mountain project, which would handle spent fuel that is currently stored at 75 reactor sites around the country, faced political opposition from Nevada lawmakers for years and was defunded by the Obama administration in 2012.



Now, with the backing of the nuclear power industry  and with the retirement of Yucca Mountains chief nemesis, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada  the Trump administration wants to take the project out of mothballs. But its fate remains uncertain. Experts in nuclear waste management say the success of the Finnish project is due in part to how it was presented to the people who would be most affected by it. Each community under consideration as a repository location was consulted and promised veto power should it be selected.



In the United States, Congress in 1987 pre-emptively directed that only Yucca Mountain be studied as a potential site, effectively overruling opponents in Nevada who were worried that the project might affect water supplies or otherwise contaminate the region.



When you look at the Finnish repository, its natural to admire the technical accomplishment, said Rodney Ewing, a professor at Stanford and former chairman of the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, an independent federal agency that reviews Energy Department programmes, including Yucca Mountain. But of equal importance has been the social accomplishment.





Aikas, who was involved in the Finnish site selection process beginning in the 1980s, said he and his colleagues learned early lessons about the need to consult local residents. We ran into difficulties because we tried to behave as industry did back then  wed decide and announce, he said. Invariably, he said, by presenting decisions as unreviewable, they ran into local opposition. Very soon we learned that we had to be very open, Aikas added. This openness and transparency creates trust. When five sites were selected for further study in 1987, offices were opened in each community to provide information.



The approach proved so successful that when it came time for the national government to make a final decision on a repository in 2000, officials in Eurajoki, the municipality that includes Olkiluoto Island, agreed to host it on one condition: that Posiva not present the government an option to choose any other site.



Eurajoki officials had concerns early in the process, Aikas said, but eventually came to see that the repository would provide property tax revenue and jobs. The municipality also had experience with nuclear power: Two of the countrys four operating nuclear power reactors are on Olkiluoto, less than 2 miles from the repository, and a third plant is under construction nearby. You have a community that is familiar with nuclear issues, said Ewing at Stanford.



Finlands success also has its roots in an early decision by the national government. In 1983, it established the principle that the companies creating the waste  TVO, which owns the reactors at Olkiluoto, and Fortum Power and Heat, which owns the other two  are responsible for disposing of it. The government had only approval and regulatory roles.



It has always been important to resolve this spent-fuel issue and keep it in the hands of the power company, Aikas said. Posiva, the company developing the repository, is a joint venture of the two utilities.



The project at Yucca Mountain, in the Mojave Desert about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, has been studied for years at a cost of more than $13 billion. In 2008, the Energy Department began the process of obtaining a construction license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. But the Obama administration moved to withdraw the license application two years later.



Exploratory tunnel

With the election of President Donald Trump, advocates for Yucca Mountain saw a chance to revive it. This is a very important national project, said Rod McCullum, a senior director at the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry group. If we can do this safely, we would be ashamed of ourselves if we didnt do it. The Trump administration is seeking $120 million to reopen the licensing process. And in a symbolic gesture, in his first official trip as energy secretary, Rick Perry toured the site, where little exists beyond a 5-mile-long exploratory tunnel.



Congress rejected the licensing funds in its deliberations on the 2017 budget, and the 2018 budget process is just starting. Even if the $120 million is allocated, it could take a half-decade or longer, and much more money, to complete the licensing, which would involve a lengthy hearing before administrative judges on hundreds of environmental and safety issues raised by opponents.



Even without Reid, most members of Nevadas congressional delegation are still vowing to fight the project, arguing that there are concerns about the long-term safety of drinking water supplies  unlike the Finnish repository, the Nevada site sits above the water table  and that above all, Nevadans do not want it.



The decision to put the repository there was based on bad politics, not good science, said Dina Titus, a Democrat who represents a Las Vegas district. The main issue is consent. She and other members of the delegation have introduced a bill that would require the host states approval before the repository could be built.






Ambulance services were hit and TV cable connections snapped in some areas as the GJM- sponsored indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills entered the eight day today.



No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in Darjeeling which had witnessed widespread clashes between GJM activists and security forces on Saturday.



Ambulance operators were refusing to carry patients due to fear of harassment.



Since morning, local cable TV connections were snapped in a section of the hills.



Internet services also remained suspended for the fifth day today to stop the spread of rumours that incite violence.



Police patrolling was intensified in the hills since morning.



Although the West Bengal government has called an all-party meeting in Siliguri today, all the Hills parties have decided to boycott it.



As normal life continued to be crippled, the GJM yesterday offered a 12-hour "window" on June 23 to schools to evacuate students safely to Siliguri and Rongpo.



The GJM is leading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state to be carved out of West Bengal.
The Legislative Assembly on Wednesday adopted recommendations made by the privileges committee of the House sentencing editors of two Kannada tabloids to one-year imprisonment with a fine of Rs 10,000 for breach of privilege.



In 2014, MLAs K B Koliwad (now the Speaker) and B M Nagaraju had petitioned the privileges committee taking offence to defamatory articles against them in Hai Bangalore. After conducting proceedings, the panel came to the conclusion that the articles amounted to breach of privilege of the members and awarded Hai Bangalore editor Ravi Belagere one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000.



In another instance, in 2017, Yelahanka MLA S R Vishwanath approached the privileges committee taking offence to articles appearing in a local tabloid Yelahanka Voice.



The committee found the articles defamatory and amounted to breach of privilege. The panel awarded Yelahanka Voice editor Anil Raj one-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000. The editors will have to undergo an additional jail term of six months if they fail to pay the fine, the recommendation stated.



The House adopted the recommendations by a voice-vote. Sources in the Assembly Secretariat said the Speaker will now send the resolution to Bengaluru city police to take necessary action.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday patted himself, claiming that farmers in the state did not resort to violent protests as his government had initiated several measures for their welfare.



Unlike Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where the farmers staged violent protests, farmers in Karnataka did not agitate. This shows that the government is pro-farmer and that programmes being implemented by it have helped them, he said, replying to a debate on demand for grants in the Assembly.



Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar said Karnataka stands second in the country in the number of farmers suicides. Why are farmer ending their lives in large numbers? This shows that farmers are in distress. The government did not take any measures to stop suicides.



Members of the ruling party and the principal Opposition BJP charged each other with neglecting farmers and blamed each other for all their woes. Farmers were killed in Haveri soon after B S Yeddyurappa took oath as chief minister in 2008. You (BJP members) dont have the moral right to speak about farmers, the chief minister said.



BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai hit back saying, It was the then UPA government at the Centre that killed the farmers in Haveri. The Centre did not supply fertilisers to the state and hence, the farmers protested. Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda then claimed that the farmers were protesting in Haveri because of the state governments failure to provide seeds.



Both Siddaramaiah and Shettar claimed that their party will come to power in the next Assembly elections. The government is not facing anti-incumbency even after completing four years in office. The Congress victory in the recently held byelections to Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly constituencies has proved it...It is very clear that the Congress will come back to power...The BJP leaders are under the illusion that they will come to power...Your mission 150 will not be a reality, the chief minister said.



Shettar accused the ruling party of winning the byelections by misusing the administrative machinery and using money power. People have witnessed caste politics of the ruling party in the past four years. The BJP will come back to power, he claimed.



The chief minister also claimed credit for celebrating jayantis of all important saints and personalities in the state.




Health Minister Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday told the council that mistake in the question papers in the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) held in January this year will be rectified.



Replying to JD(S) member Ramesh Babu in the council, he said the TET examination was conducted on January 15. The key answer for a question regarding the name of the first chairman of Backward Classes Commission was wrong.



Many candidates lost one mark even though they answered the question correctly. A candidate who had answered the question correctly lost the teachers job just by one mark. Justice should be done to such candidates, he added. The minister admitted that it was an error and assured the House that the mistake will be rectified.




The Opposition parties on Wednesday said the state governments decision to waive crop loans up to Rs 50,000 will bring very little relief to farmers and demanded that the amount be raised to Rs 1 lakh.



We had anticipated loan waiver up to Rs 1 lakh. The decision to waive loans up to Rs 50,000 procured from co-operative societies is not a big achievement, said BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa.



He said the government was forced to waive loans due to pressure mounted by the BJP. The decision is an indication of the governments plans to go in for early Assembly polls.



Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda echoed similar views.  Its not a big help. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab governments have waived loans up to Rs 1 lakh.



Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar termed the governments decision a victory for the consistent efforts by the BJP. Siddaramaiah should not transfer the financial burden to the next government. The Congress government should bear all the burden, he said.



JD(S) MLC and spokesperson T A Saravana said if the state government had waived loans up to Rs 2 lakh, then it would have really helped farmers.



KPCC president G Parameshwara urged the BJP to pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi to waive farm loans borrowed from nationalised banks.



As prime minister, Manmohan Singh waived Rs 72,000 crore agricultural loans. Despite the Centres step-motherly attitude in sanctioning drought relief funds to Karnataka, the Congress government has taken a bold decision and waived farm loans, he said.
Farmers protesting land acquisition for a proposed airport at Nevali set vehicles on fire and clashed with police today, leaving four policemen injured.



The agitated farmers also blocked a busy road in the area by throwing burning tyres on it, a police official said.



A Defence spokesperson said the land is owned by the Ministry of Defence and the state government land records certify the same.



The state government had some years back started acquiring land in the area to set up the proposed airport which the farmers have been opposing.



However, their protest turned violent today as the farmers started agitating simultaneously at several places near Nevali, located about 50 kms away from adjoining Mumbai.



The angry protesters also clashed with police and pelted security personnel with stones when they tried to control the situation, the police official said.



Three police officers and a constable sustained injuries in the clash, he said.



Policemen also fired plastic bullets at the protesters to disperse them, police said.



The protesters blocked the Kalyan-Haji Malang road in the area by throwing burning tyres and wooden blocks on it. They also torched a police van, three trucks, two bikes and a tempo in the area, the official said.



Senior police and revenue officials rushed to the spot to control the situation.



The aggrieved farmers had earlier this month approached the Bombay High Court with a bunch of petitions challenging acquisition of over 1,600 acre land by the Ministry of Defence for an airport requisitioned during World War II.



According to the petitions, the land was requisitioned by the government through an order passed by the then Thane collector in February 1943, under the Defence of India Rules.



The petitions have challenged the validity of the requisition order.



The Defence spokesperson said, "The land in reference is owned by Ministry of Defence/ Indian Navy and the state government land records certify the same."



"The 7/12 (land) extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by the Ministry of Defence," he said.



The spokesperson further said, "The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard defence land from further encroachment."



"The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing police protection and support from the state/district administration and revenue authorities," the spokesperson said.


The US will provide USD 7.5 million to help advance India's power grid as part of their commitments to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy in both countries.



The Ministry of Science and Technology and industry will match the commitment of US' Department of Energy, bringing the total commitment to USD 30 million, officials here said.



"This new consortium demonstrates the US and Indian commitments to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy in both countries," Energy Secretary Rick Perry said ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here next week.



"We know that continued grid innovation will promote economic growth and energy security in the United States and India," he said yesterday.



The initiative, part of America's commitment to fostering the reliable, resilient and secure delivery of electricity, was needed for the strong US national security, economic growth and global leadership, as well as furthering Department of Energy (DOE)'s collaboration with India under the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE), officials said.



The US-India collaboration for smart distribution system with storage (UI-ASSIST) was selected as the new consortia for Smart Grid and Energy Storage under the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC), the DOE said in a statement.



To help pave the way to a more advanced distribution grid that will allow greater use of distributed energy resources such as microgrids and energy storage, the new consortia will bring together experts from academia, DOE's national laboratories and industry, it said.



Together with their counterparts in India, the center will conduct research and deploy new smart grid and energy storage technologies that will modernise the grids of both the nations to make them "smarter", while increasing resilience and reliability, the DOE said.



Through JCERDC, the US' world class installations and national laboratories will contribute their expertise and capabilities as India expands energy access to its remote areas, improves its grid reliability and resilience, and strengthens its energy security.



The US participants will gain insight from India's grid modernisation efforts  a potential export market for US equipment worth billions of dollars  and promote researcher access to India's grid operational experience, it said.



UI-ASSIST's US team, led by Washington State University, is comprised of MIT, Texas A&M University, University of Hawaii, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Snohomish County (WA) Public Utility District, Avista, Burns and McDonnell, ETAP Operation Technology, ALSTOM Grid/GE Grid Solutions, Clean Energy Storage, ABB, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).



The Indian team, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, includes partners from IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhubaneshwar and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) New Delhi.
At least 34 people were killed today when a Taliban car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.



Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.



The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country.



The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.



"At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in today's bombing," the provincial government said in a statement.



This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children.



For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.



The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.



Intense fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.



Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.



Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.



US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.



Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America is still "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.



Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.



The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.


A crucial meeting of opposition parties to decide on a joint strategy for the presidential election started today, attended by leaders of 17 parties.



Prominent among those who attended the meeting held in the Parliament House Library were Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, besides NCP's Sharad Pawar and RJD's Lalu Prasad.



Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah also attended the meeting.



Though Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on May 26, were missing, their representatives were there. While Derek O'Brien represented the Trinamool, the SP sent Ramgopal Yadav and the BSP Satish Mishra.



Other parties represented at the meeting included JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.



JD-U, which has decided to back BJP's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, skipped today's meeting. But RLD chief Ajit Singh attended, making up the numbers.



Most of these leaders were present during the May 26 luncheon meeting hosted by Sonia Gandhi at the same venue. Sources said the opposition camp will evolve its strategy for the July 17 presidential election and decide on a joint candidate to take on NDA's Kovind.



Today's meeting was preceded by hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties since morning.

The Congress has stepped up its efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties after the JD-U's decision.



Cracks had appeared in the opposition camp after the JD-U's surprise decision yesterday, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue.



Sources said a contest for the country's top constitutional post is on the cards as the majority in the opposition sees it an "ideological battle" that has to fought.



Efforts were on to ensure that the NCP did not stray, as the Sharad Pawar-led party held internal discussions to decide on its strategy for the presidential election.



By naming Kovind, a Dalit, the NDA has put the opposition camp in a fix as it has now been forced to think of a suitable Dalit candidate to oppose Kovind so as not to be branded "anti-Dalit" by the ruling dispensation.



The names of former speaker Meira Kumar and Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the principal architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, have been discussed, the sources said.



The Left parties are keen to project Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Prakash Ambedkar, but other parties, including the Congress, are believed to be putting their weight behind Meira Kumar.



Kumar yesterday met Sonia Gandhi along with other senior party leaders, fuelling speculation that the party was willing to support her candidature.
Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal intervention and direct Ministry of External Affairs to urgently take up this issue with the highest authorities in Sri Lanka and secure the immediate release of 20 Tamil Nadu fishermen and 137 boats.



"It is reported that, four Indian fishermen of Tamil Nadu along with their Mechanised fishing boat, who set sail for fishing from Jegathapattinam fishing base in Pudukottai District, have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in the late hours of June 21 and taken to Kangesanthurai, Sri Lanka", Palaniswami said.



The chief minister pointed out that the traditional and historical rights of our fishermen are continuously being denied consequent to the unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and the consequential loss of traditional fishing grounds of the Palk Bay area.



Stating that the Government of Tamil Nadu subsequently impleaded itself in this case and hence, the very matter of International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Sri Lanka is sub-judice, Palaniswami said the retrieval of Katchatheevu back to India only will ensure the restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by the fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds of Palk Bay.



Pointing out that long periods of impoundment and idling of the fishing boats without care will make them unworthy of sailing and unusable for our fishermen, he said "this would subject the life and livelihood propositions of our fishermen into untold misery".



Urging the Centre to impress upon the Sri Lankan Government to release all the fishing boats and gear and return them in refurbished condition to our fishermen immediately, Palaniswami said the immediate release of the boats will help the fishermen community to effectively utilise the recent initiatives rolled out by the State government and strongly supported by Government of India".
Left parties are expected to make a pitch for former diplomat-governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi or Constitution architect B R Ambedkar's grandson, Prakash Ambedkar, as a consensus candidate for the presidential poll at an opposition meeting today, sources here said.



However, Left leaders would be open to other suggestions at the meeting, to be held later in the day, the sources said.



Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar and ex-home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde are believed to be among the others being considered by the opposition parties.



CPI national secretary D Raja's name was also proposed by "some individuals and not parties", the sources added.



"We feel there has to be a contest. We think either Gandhi or Ambedkar should be fielded as the joint opposition candidate. However, that said, we are also open to considering other names," a top Left leader told PTI.



Leaders of key opposition parties, barring those from Nitish Kumar's JD(U), are expected to attend the meeting.



The JD(U) yesterday declared its support to NDA nominee ex-Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind for the July 17 Presidential election.
A day after backing Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the president's post, the JD(U) today said that there was no question of going back to the NDA and it continued to be an integral part of the united opposition.



"The decision to back Kovind's candidature is an isolated incident... we'll never go back to the NDA-fold again," the JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi told PTI over phone from Delhi.



Tyagi said Kovind, the ex-Governor pf Bihar, had played a positive and non-confrontational role in the functioning of the state government.



During his nearly two years' tenure as the Bihar governor, Kovind handled himself with dignity and poise and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was quite impressed with the his demeanour and grace which convinced him to back his candidature for the president's post, he said.



He said Kumar, who is the JD(U) national president, and CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri during the DMK founder M Karunanidhi's 94th birth day celebrations at Chennai on June 4 had discussed the name of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition's candidate and it would have stayed the course but for the NDA throwing a surprise by announcing Kovind's candidature.



"We are bound to support the former Bihar Governor's presidential bid as he had discharged his duties with grace and poise," Tyagi said, adding that having decided to back Kovind's candidature it did not make sense to attend the meeting of the Opposition parties in Delhi today to decide on the presidential elections.



The JD(U) national spokesperson asked the NDA to refrain from nursing any illusion about his party going back to the ruling alliance at the Centre and charged the Narendra Modi government with failing on all fronts.



"Despite backing Kovind's candidature for the president's post, we are of the considered view that the Modi government has failed on all fronts," he said.



Tyagi said that contentious issues like Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and Article 370 continued to be the sore points between the NDA and the JD(U).



"In fact, the communal strife has worsened throughout the country over the past three years," he alleged.



Stating that the JD(U)'s decision to stand by Kovind's candidature for the president's post is an "isolated incident," Tyagi said that his party would continue to be an integral part of the united opposition.
Russia said today it has no information on the fate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the chief of the Islamic State terror group, nearly a week after the Russian military said it may have killed him in an airstrike.

"I have got nothing (to report)," the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked to comment on the possible death of Baghdadi in Syria last month.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has no information on the fate of the Islamic State's leader al-Baghdadi, Zakharova was quoted as saying by the official Tass news agency.

Her comments came two days after the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said the liquidation of al- Baghdadi has not yet been confirmed.

Last Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Baghdadi had been presumably killed by the airstrike on Raqqa's southern suburbs carried out by Russian warplanes.

According to the ministry, the airstrike was conducted on May 28 on a command post where the Islamic State leaders were discussing exit routes for militants from Raqqa through the so-called southern corridor.

US defense officials last week said they were unable to confirm the reports about Baghdadi's death.

There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death or him being critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes.

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 ISIS terror group is known for imposing a hard-line form of Islam that has included stonings, amputations and beheadings.




State Home Secretary Malay De, who chaired an all-party meeting here on the prevailing situation in the scenic hills, said the doors of the government "are open for talks to restore normalcy in there".





The meeting was not attended by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading the indefinite shutdown, or any political party in the hills. The Congress, the CPI(M) and the BJP also stayed away from it.





The home secretary said three political parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), and two development boards of the hills participated in the meeting. The other parties were not named by him.





Asked about the absence of major parties at the all-party meet, he said, "We had invited all the parties without any condition. Had they given their advice on how to bring back peace and normalcy, it would have been better."





De said, "The process will be on. We hope that they will participate in the future. Everybody wants peace. But peace will not return if one adopts a confrontationist attitude."





On the statement of the GJM and other parties that the indefinite bandh will be carried on till the security forces are withdrawn, the home secretary said, "It will depend on our assessment of the situation there."





He said, "It is the constitutional duty of the state government to maintain peace and public order and we will take steps accordingly."





Normalcy should be restored as people are suffering, he said.





The TMC secretary-general and state minister, Partha Chatterjee, who was present at the meeting, said, "They (GJM) are putting the people to trouble. Why are they doing this? They can come to the discussion table and say it."





On the withdrawal of the security forces, he said, "I would like to ask when will they stop violence?"





He said the process undertaken by the state government for the development of the hills will be on and that the development work will suffer if normalcy is not restored.





On the suspension of Internet services there, he said, "You all know why it was done. The people should not be provoked."

The West Bengal government today said it is open to discussion to restore normalcy in the restive Darjeeling hills, but did not give any commitment on withdrawal of security forces, a demand made by the GJM.
In a humiliating move, the Rajasthan government is rubbing salt into the wounds of poor families by instructing them to paint Im poor and I receive food from National Food Security Act" outside their house, as a condition to avail subsidised food grains.



The walls of around 1.5 lakh houses in Dausa district, merely 50 kilometers from Jaipur have been painted by Zilla parishads or district councils. Every household has painted a prominent slogan which reads 'I am poor and I take benefits of NFSA' in red hindi fonts against the yellow background, along with their BPL numbers, and names of heads of families.



As per the officials the move will fix the public distribution system by stopping the buying of cheap good grain by middlemen and to prevent richer families for grabbing a share of it. However, villagers in the district have started receiving regular benefits under National Food Security Act (NFSA) but at the same time most of them find it humiliating.



"No doubt that we are getting wheat delivery on time and we also receive rations, but we find it humiliating at the same time. Everyone in the village is making fun of our poverty", 51 year old Pooran Devi shared with DH. The NFSA was undertaken during the UPA government, as per which people belonging to backward classes were given five kilograms of food grains for one person per month at subsidised rates.



"Despite our opposing, administration painted our walls and said it will help us in the long run," 48 year old Bishmaram added.



The move has triggered sharp criticism for Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and her party, which has already been under scrutiny for lynchings and cow vigilante attacks in the state.



While attacking at Raje, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot called the move as a form of 'mental torture for poor'. "What a shame! Putting boards outside homes declaring their poverty, is worst form of mental torture. Food security guarantee is the right of people. Administration has turned these people into beggars, which is most insensitive," Gehlot told DH.



Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari on his visit to Jaipur said that it clearly proves the BJP governments at the Centre and in states are anti-poor. However, government officials defended the writings and said it was aimed at stopping middlemen from buying subsidised rations.



Surendra Singh, the CEO of the Dausa Zilla parishad, said: This was done just to identify families under BPL and NFSA schemes, we had got directions on this. This was an attempt to regularise the scheme." Sociologists call the move a as kind of 'shaming' practice and an attempt of polarizing of castes. "To ensure that there are no leakages in the welfare system under the NFSA, they should make their paper work strong. No one should be named and shamed for the fact of being poor.," said Dr. Rajiv Gupta, former Dean, Social Sciences, Rajasthan University.




While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".





"Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. (sic)," Yechury tweeted.





Kejriwal was equally scathing.





"You don't see a fashion in it when you waive loans of the rich. But when it comes to waiving farmers' loans, you see it as a fashion. This is not right. You waive a particular individual's loan, but not that of crores of farmers. This shows the kind of politics you engage in," he told reporters.





Urban Development Minister Naidu had said at an event in Mumbai today that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.

Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. pic.twitter.com/6kcPgrqFqE  Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) June 22, 2017

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today came under attack from the Aam Aadmi Party and the CPI (M) for his comment that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion".
In second such attack in less than two months, Pakistani soldiers on Thursday carried out an attack 600 metres inside Indian territory along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir killing two Indian soldiers.



An Army official said Pakistan troops carried out unprovoked rocket and mortar firing on forward posts on the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector at around 2 pm on Thursday. Simultaneously, a Border Action Team (BAT)of Pakistani army launched an attack on a patrol operating in between the two posts 600 metres inside the Indian territory. The Indian troopers bravely repulsed the attack, but two of our jawans lost their lives," he said and added one intruder was also killed in the retaliatory action by the Indian army.



The official said the firefight was going on as Pakistani posts were resorting to heavy firing. The operation is in progress and heavy exchange of fire is going on, he said and identified the slain troopers as Naik Jadhav Sandip and Sepoy Mane Savan from Maratha Light Infantry.



Sources told DH the ambush, carried out by the BAT of the Pakistan army, could have inflicted more damages if Indian troops weren't alert. "After the last attack in the same area, the Army is on high alert and are ready to thawrt BAT attacks. However, as Pakistani army gave covering fire, the BAT wearing black combat uniform could cross over the LoC. They assulted Indian Armys Area Domination Patrol but had to retreat after retaliation," they said.



Defence experts say that the Pakistan's Special Services Group (SSG) forms the core of the BAT, besides, dreaded terrorists from Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad outfits, for trans-LoC action up to a depth of one to three kilometres. "As Indian posts are closer to Pakistan in Poonch sector, the rugged terrain and thicker forests gives BATs an advantage to escape. The BAT usually mutilates the bodies of Indian soldiers to wage psychological warfare, they said.



On May 1 this year, Pakistani BAT had crossed into the Indian territory near LoC in Krishan Ghati sector of Poonch under the cover of heavy shelling and beahded two Indian soldiers. Indian Army had vowed to exact revenge for the mutilation of the bodies during this well-planned BAT raid.



On May 23, Indian Army released a video of a massive fire assault on Pakistani posts which was a message that it would take firm action on locations across the border from where terrorists were infiltrating into India.



Earlier, on 8 January 2013, Pakistani BAT had decapitated bodies of two Indian soldiers - Lance Naik Hemraj and Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh after entering into Indian territory in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch. On May 26, Army foiled a similar BAT attack along the LoC in Uri sector of north Kashmirs Baramulla district, killing two militants.



Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the army foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwara district of north Kashmir by gunning down one militants. "A group of militants tried to sneak in from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir but the bid was foiled by the alert troops. One terrorist has been killed and the operation is on," defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said.
Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav has sought clemency from the Pakistan Army chief over the death sentence handed down to him by a military court after his plea to an appellate court was rejected, the Army said today.



The development comes just over a month after the International Court of Justice stayed Jadhav's execution. Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, claimed that in his plea, Jadhav has "admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities" in Pakistan and "expressed remorse" at the resultant loss of lives and extensive damage to property.



"Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the ISPR said. The statement said that Jadhav, a 46-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.



Under the law, he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and if rejected, subsequently to the Pakistan President. Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav 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 Indian Navy.



The Pakistan military also released a "second confessional video", in which purportedly Jadhav can be seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage".



In the video, Jadhav is shown to be detailing his alleged "subversive and terror activities" for which he has been convicted by a military court. "During my judicial proceedings which were held under the field General court martial, I was accorded a defence council by the officials here which were conducting the entire proceedings," he says in the video. He is also shown apologising for his acts and seeking pardon.



The Army said it released the video "so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan." Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav after his arrest.



Jadhav was in April sentenced to death by Pakistan's Field General Court Martial on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country. India moved the ICJ against the death penalty handed down to Jadhav on May 8.



India has accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by repeatedly denying consular access to Jadhav. In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav. Earlier this month, Pakistan had said that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals.




Amid heightened speculations that Tamil superstar Rajnikanth would join politics, the actor on Thursday refused to entertain questions on his decision.



If I decide to enter politics , I will inform you, he told reporters. He also dismissed as their personal opinion declarations by politicians and pro-Tamil groups  after meeting him  that he would definitely join politics. Whatever they said might be their personal opinion. But if I join politics, I shall inform you, he said.



Speaking amidst his fans recently, Rajini fuelled speculations of an imminent plunge into politics, as he urged his fans to be ready for war (elections).



We will face it when the war comes. Then you have to show the mettle. Till then let us be patient, the actor said and kept his fans guessing without making it clear whether he was talking about elections.



Asserting that he is a true Tamilian, Rajini said if people threw him out of Tamil Nadu, he will not fall in any other state but in the Himalayas.
South Africa's Indian-origin veteran freedom fighter, Kay Moonsamy, who worked in exile from many countries, including India, died today. He was in his early 90s.



Born as Kesval Moonsamy in 1926, he joined the Natal Indian Congress in his youth, rising to become its treasurer in the early 1950's and was elected as vice president in 1955.



After charges against him were dropped by the apartheid era government in the infamous Treason trial in 1957, a year after he was initially charged, Moonsamy went into exile in Zambia to work with the South African Congress of Trade Unions and the African National Congress.



Both these organisations were destined to become partners in the tripartite alliance, with the South African Communist Party, governing South Africa under the African National Congress (ANC) in a democratic South Africa under Nelson Mandela.



After returning to South Africa, Moonsamy became a Member of Parliament in the new democratic order.



"His life would make an interesting book and teach us about some of our history which is not in the text books," Satish Dhupelia, a great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, said in a tribute.



"He worked in exile in Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia, India and the Soviet Union, for 27 years for the freedom of this country, and this country has lost another devoted son of our soil," Dhupelia said, as he recalled how the Gandhi Development Trust run by his aunt Ela Gandhi recognised Moonsamy's efforts with an award in 2014.



Moonsamy's funeral service will take place in Durban on Saturday.
Sometime in October last year, I received a call from one of my friends, floating the idea of a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Without a second thought, I agreed and within no time, the group of travellers grew to 16 in number.



During our 10-day trip in December and January, we covered the Vietnamese capital Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha, the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.



What connects you to these countries are the infamous Vietnam War, the diverse personalities Ho Chi Minh and Pol Pot and of course, the Angkor Wat temple complex. However, the highlight of the trip was the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.



Dong Hoi is an hour-long flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) while Phong Nha town is less than an hour from the Dong Hoi airport.



This sleepy town is actually the stepping stone to one of the most wonderful natural cave networks in the world. We checked in late in the evening at a hotel in Phong Nha.



The Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave) and the Phong Nha Cave were on our list. These are part of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a limestone zone protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with mountains, tropical forests and underground rivers.



Half an hour by road and a short buggy ride takes you to the starting point of an enjoyable walk through pristine forests to the mouth of Paradise Cave. Once you enter the cave, it is nothing but a magical world. The interior of the cave leaves you stunned  a world of myriad stalactites and stalagmites competing with each other in shape, size and hue and on rare occasions, uniting to form pillars! And would you believe that this hidden wonder was discovered only as late as 2005? To explore the Phong Nha cave, you need to take a boat from the town.



As you enter the cave through the underground river, the engines are switched off and the boatman takes up the oars.



Silently moving through the river, taking in the beauty of the caves, is an experience in itself. Phong Nha is just as mesmerising as Paradise Cave and the river flowing in the darkness makes all the difference.



Back in Ho Chi Minh City, we took day trips to Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels. The ingenious ways devised by the Vietnamese guerrilla fighters to defeat the Americans by emerging from the vast tunnel network are mind-boggling.



The Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, 19th century Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market and War Remnants Museum are worth-seeing. The city is a great place to savour exotic street food.



Crossing over to Cambodia by road from Vietnam, Phnom Penh was our next destination where the Royal Palace, Independence Monument and Central Market are the major attractions.



A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a grim reminder of the atrocities under Pol Pot and the details numb your senses.



We reached our final destination Siem Reap by an overnight bus from Phnom Penh.

This is the gateway to the worlds largest temple complex Angkor Wat. Mostly in ruins, this 12th century wonder stands out for its sheer extent and huge structures.

We returned home with beautiful memories of the trip. As its said, Seeing is

believing!



How to get there



Several flights are available from Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City. We flew Malindo Air from Trichy to Ho Chi Minh City via Kuala Lumpur. From Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi and back was by Jetstar Airways and then from Siem Reap back to Trichy (via Kuala Lumpur) was by Air Asia. The total flight cost for one was Rs 32,000.



From Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and to Siem Reap, we travelled by road in a Giant Ibis luxury bus costing approximately Rs 1,300 per person for each leg.



Places to stay



Ho Chi Minh City  Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel.

Phong Nha  Midtown Hotel.

Phnom Penh  Tea House Asia Urban Hotel.

Siem Reap  Banyan Leaf Hotel.

The per night tariff was between Rs 2,500 to

Rs 4,000 for a double occupancy room.



N R Unni

(The author can be contacted at nrunni@gmail.com)
Opposition's nominee for the presidential polls Meira Kumar on Thursday appealed to the Collegium to caste their vote in the best interest of India.



I would appeal to the Collegium to take decision in the best interest of the country based on cherished values, principles and ideologies, she said in her first reactions after she was named as Opposition's presidential candidate against Ram Nath Kovind of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).



A decision to fieled Kumar, a senior Congress leader from Bihar and daughter of Dalit icon Jagjivan Ram, against Kovind in the presidential polls was taken at a joint strategy meeting of the Opposition.



Seventeen political parties attended the meeting. The unity of the Opposition represents the coming together of forces which have a strong ideological basis. I am going to contest as their candidate on the basis of this strong ideological base, Kumar, who served as the first woman Lok Sabha speaker during the erstwhile regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), told reporters.



She also expressed her gratitude towards Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Opposition parties for nominating her to the post of President.
Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has refuted the general impression that the Indian IT industry is overly dependent on H-1B visas for its business mode.



His statement comes amid the Trump administrations crackdown on firms abusing the visa system to hire foreign workers on a low wage.



Sikka also believes that the Indian IT companies need to grab the opportunities provided by new technologies like artificial intelligence in a big way to retain its global leadership edge in this fast changing infotech environment.



It is wrong to say and to think that we are dependent on H-1Bs. For example, if you look over the last 10 years, there are about 65,000, something like that, H-1B visas granted every year. That means over 10 years it is 6,50,000. And we collectively employ millions of people. Infosys alone has 200,000 employees. TCS close to double that number and so on, 50-year-old Sikka told PTI in an interview.



So, the assumption that Indian IT firms are dependent on H-1B visas is not correct, he said in response to a question on the charges that the business model of Indian IT companies is based on H-1B visas and major Indian IT firms like Infosys, Wipro and TCS are expected to be hit by the Trump administrations crackdown on firms abusing the visa system.



In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise this issue with US President Donald Trump during his White House meeting here next week.



During his wide ranging phone conversation from Palo Alto in California, Sikka acknowledged that in the last decade and a half, there was a lot of usage of the H-1B visas. But, ultimately it has always been about delivering value, he asserted.

The Indian IT industry has delivered a tremendous amount of value, especially in the US. But the nature of that value delivery is changing dramatically.



Just as in the past it was easier and it was possible to move jobs to India or to companies where large amount of work would happen in India. So, these kind of a global delivery model or onsite, offshore and so forth...More and more of the work can now be done with the automation, he said.



Responding to another question, Sikka said since more and more of the work is now becoming automated, the Indian IT companies need to focus much more on the innovative areas, on the new areas, on the areas that are the frontier areas.



Like artificial intelligence (AI), like machine learning, like internet openings and you know, voice interfaces and chat interfaces, virtual reality, cyber security and these kinds of things, he said.



Indian IT companies, including his own Infosys, have embarked on this new path, he said. I think that in general we are, the industry is still in the early stages and Im very happy with what we are doing at Infosys, he said.



We have also given back a lot over the last 35 years. And now we have a plan to bring in 10,000 new generation jobs here in the US in the next two years. We already started down that path, we opened our first centre already in Indianapolis. We are going to hire 500 people there by next year. We will have other centers that will be coming up in the near future, he said in response to a question.


The government is expected to take some action on privatising state-owned airline Air India in the next six months, a top official told a private news channel on Thursday.



The comment from Niti Aayog Deputy Chairman Arvind Panagariya comes amid reports that salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group has shown an interest in buying a majority stake in the loss-making flag carrier.



Something should be happening this year, Panagariya said in response to a question on timeline for Air Indias privatisation.



The Narendra Modi government has been exploring ways to privatise Air India, which was bailed out in 2012 with $5.8 billion of federal funding. On Wednesday, there was wide speculation that Tata Group has evinced interest in buying majority stakes in Air India.



A TV news channel has reported that Tata Group, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, could be looking at buying the flag carrier. The report said that Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had held informal talks with the government, expressing preliminary interest in buying a controlling stake in Air India with 51% equity.



It must be noted that Air India was initially owned by Tata Group, before it was nationalised in 1953. At present, Tata Group has stakes in full-service Vistara, joint venture with Singapore Airlines, and low-cost carrier AirAsia India, its low-cost joint venture with AirAsia Bhd.



Officials had earlier said that the Union Cabinet would take a call on Niti Aayogs suggestion to privatise Air India. Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju had said all options, including disinvestment, is before the government to take the national carrier Air India to a new high.



The talks come against the backdrop of arguments that there is no point in the government pumping in money into Air India as part of its Turn Around Plan and Financial Restructuring Plan (TAP-FRP). Under the TAP-FRP approved in April 2012, the government had committed to infuse equity of Rs 42,182 crore from 2011-12 to 2031-32.



Turn around

Modi government has been exploring ways to privatise AI, which was bailed out in 2012 with $5.8 b funding



Media reported that Tata Group, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, could be looking at buying AI



The Union Cabinet would take a call on Niti Aayogs suggestion to privatise Air India soon



People for other countries voice support for GST Bill
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with US President Donald Trump, the countrys IT companies are of the view that the misconceptions about their businesses in the US must be strongly countered.



The misconceptions about Indias IT companies in the US should be countered with the fact that they had in fact been creating jobs there and contributed to the growth of economy of that country, Nasscom, the apex body of the $154-billion industry, said.



Modi is set to meet Trump in White House on June 26. This is going to be the first meeting between the two leaders, after Trump Administration took office in Washington.



Trumps anti-immigrant campaign pitch as well as his America First rhetoric and vows to protect jobs for the Americans over the past five months fuelled speculation that the policies of the new US administration could hit Indias IT industry hard.



The Indian industry is a net creator of jobs in the US. We have supported more than half-a-million jobs in the US. We are also working with more than 75% of the Fortune 500 companies, lot of them are the US companies, enabling them to grow and create more jobs in the US and make them more sustainable, Shivendra Singh, Vice President (Global Trade Development) of Nasscom told DH, adding, So we have a critical role in the growth of US economy.



New Delhi is also concerned over the moves to curb uses of the H-1B Visa regime by the skilled professionals from India and other countries to stay and work in the US. Singh said that New Delhi should strongly counter the misconceptions in the US that the IT companies took away most of the H-1B visas, engaged Indian professionals on lesser pay package to run their businesses in US and thus denied jobs to Americans.
The authorities at St Aloysius College have vehemently opposed the Mangaluru City Corporations decision to rename the road from Catholic Club at Hampankatta to Dr B R Ambedkar Circle (Jyoti Circle).



The stretch is already named St Aloysius Road but the Corporation has decided to rechristen it Mulky Sundararama Shetty Road in honour of the founder of Vijaya Bank. The regional office of the bank is located on the same stretch abutting Jyoti Circle.



Addressing media on Thursday, rector of the college Rev Fr Dionysius Vaz said, The stretch has been popularly known as St Aloysius Road, after it was named by the City Corporation authorities 20 years ago. Most importantly, the campus is a landmark and the road encompassing a part of the campus is aptly named after the institution. The college chapel with rare paintings is also one of the prominent destinations for tourists, who can access the chapel without much ado with the help of the road leading to campus.



Vaz strongly demanded the authorities to revoke the decision, but also insisted on settling the issue amicably, without any confrontations.



No complaints



Registrar of the college Dr A M Narahari clarified that the college authorities have no qualms about Shetty, who has immensely contributed to the banking sector. The bone of contention, however, is replacing the name Aloysius.



For record, Narahari said, most of the prominent buildings and also a road in Bengaluru bears the name of Shetty. The road that was earlier known as Light House Hill (LHH) Road as well as Bavutagudde Road, was renamed St Aloysius by the Corporation authorities, concurred Narahari, who showed photographs of a cement plaque on the compound wall of a building on the same stretch with the name St Aloysius Road engraved on it.



Answering a query whether any objections were invited by the Corporation in this regard in keeping with the procedure, Narahari, quoted the City Corporation authorities, saying, According to the authorities, a notification inviting objections to naming the road was published in newspapers two years ago. Barring that, there was no intimation in this regard from the Corporation authorities, as it was their responsibility to seek the opinion of the college authorities too.



When a petition in this regard was submitted to Mayor Kavita Sanil, however, she claimed ignorance about the existing name. N G Mohan from St Aloysius College Alumni Association said, The very development follows a memorandum in this regard from one of the employee unions of Vijaya Bank.



Varsity next



St Aloysius College principal Fr Praveen Martis said, It was an unwise move on the part of the civic body, when plans are in the making to elevate the college to a status of university.


Congress party workers on Thursday celebrated the decision of the state government to waive farm loans advanced by cooperative banks.



The party workers, led by their district committee president Dr D L Vijaykumar, who gathered at Azad Park circle here, welcomed the decision of the state government with jubilation. It is one of the good decisions and now, the ball is in the court of the BJP to exert pressure on the Central government to toe the line. Or else, the party will lead a protest march against the central government under the banner of Delhi Chalo, he warned.



Chairman of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited A N Mahesh said that the recent decision of the government has proved the partys commitment towards farmers. The BJP-led Central government has ignored farmers, while the capitalists have already taken the benefits of loan waiver.



Former MLC Gayatri Shanthegowda, Chikkamagaluru Urban Development Authority chairman Mohammed Hanif, block Congress committee president H P Manjegowda, Youth Congress president Shivakumar were present on the occasion.






India has ruled out the possibility of the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, playing any role in resolving its disputes with Pakistan.



Two days after Guterres indicated that his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister M Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan had been aimed at encouraging the two neighbours to restart stalled dialogue, New Delhi pointed it out, politely but firmly, that the UN Secretary General had no role to play in settling its differences with Islamabad.



Bilateral matters between India and Pakistan are to be decided bilaterally and the United Nations Secretary General has made aware of this position (of India), Gopal Baglay, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.



He was responding to a query on New Delhis view on the comment by Guterres, who indicated that he had met Modi twice and Sharif thrice to help de-escalate tension between India and Pakistan.



Guterres, who took over as UN Secretary General in January, was holding a news conference at the headquarters of the international organisation in New York on Tuesday when a journalist asked him if he was engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the dispute over Kashmir.



Why do you think I met three times the Prime Minister of Pakistan and two times the Prime Minister of India? the UN Secretary General counter questioned while responding to the query by the journalist.



Sources told DH that prime minister, himself, had conveyed to UN Secretary General New Delhis position that all disputes between India and Pakistan must be resolved through bilateral talks between the two governments, without any role of any third party.



New Delhi maintains that the Simla Agreement in 1972 signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the then Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, had left no scope for any third party to get involved in the process to resolve the disputes between the two nations.




An anonymous letter on a state BJP letterhead demanding the removal of party national general secretary in-charge of Karnataka P Muralidhar Rao and leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar from their posts, landed in media houses in Bengaluru on Thursday.



The unsigned letter by members of Santhosh Balaga with a Mysuru address suggested that the party leader C T Ravi should replace Shettar. The letter also suggested that MLA S Suresh Kumar should replace R Ashoka as the partys deputy leader in the Assembly.



The letter states these and many other issues were scheduled to be discussed at the state executive meeting that was held in Mysuru last month, but they were not taken up at the meeting. The name Santhosh in the Santhosh Balaga apparently refers to BJP national joint general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, who was in the news recently after BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa openly blamed him for causing a rift in the party. When contacted, Santhosh said he did not want to comment.






Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was on Thursday chosen as the joint Opposition candidate to take on BJP nominee Ram Nath Kovind in the July 17 Presidential election.



The Opposition described the upcoming Presidential election as a battle of ideology and not numbers. Meira was chosen at an hour-long meeting of 17 Opposition parties chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, but not before day-long parleys were held between the leaders.



NCP chief Sharad Pawar wanted the announcement to be delayed by a day. However, all other parties suggested that the name should be announced on Thursday, keeping in mind the JD(U)s decision on Wednesday to support Kovind.



The JD(U) did not attend Thursdays meeting. The RLD, which did not attend the May 26 luncheon hosted by Sonia, came on board in Thursday's meeting.Seventeen Opposition parties have decided to field Meira Kumar, said Sonia, who was flanked by several Opposition leaders.



We do hope that other parties also join us, she said when asked about the JD(U)s support. Sonia also said that she was not upset with anybody.



Asked whether they would appeal to JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, We are all appealing to everybody. After the announcement, Meira said, The unity of the Opposition represents the coming together of forces which have a strong ideological basis. I am going to contest as their candidate on the basis of this strong ideological base.



Opposition leaders believe that Meiras nomination could put Nitish in discomfiture as she is from Bihar and belongs to the Mahadalit community. Nitish had earlier suggested that he could not oppose Kovind's nomination as he was a Mahadalit who served as the governor of Bihar.



While RJD president Lalu Prasad flew to Delhi from Ranchi after a court appearance, BSP supremo Mayawati, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda sent their representatives.



A source said after Sonias introductory remarks, Pawar briefed the gathering about the developments and that three names, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Bhalchandra Mungekar and Meira Kumar, have come up for final deliberations.



Pawar said he preferred Shinde or Mungekar, but was not averse to Meira. He again suggested that the announcement should be delayed.



After Pawar, Lalu was the first to speak, but he insisted that a decision has to be taken then and there. If you delay it, there are chances that more people could leave, Lalu told the meeting without referring to the JD(U)  his alliance partner, along with the Congress, in Bihar.



Yechury also referred to the JD(U)s exit and insisted that a decision should be taken. He told the meeting about their preference for Gopalkrishna Gandhi. But Gopalkrishna had suggested that with Kovinds nomination, the Opposition should tweak its strategy.



TMCs Derek OBrien, BSPs Satish Chandra Mishra, SPs Ramgopal Yadav, JD(S)s Danish Ali and DMKs Kanimozhi preferred an early decision. Mishra said they were open to the three names, but party chief Mayawatis preference would be Meira.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Alok Mohan said teams have been constituted to look into the series of untoward incidents reported from Vittal and Kalladka and the murder of a SDPI activist Mohammed Ashraf Kalai at Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district.



The state government has taken the issue seriously and none will be spared. IGP (Western Range) P Harisekharan and Dakshina Kannada SP C H Sudheer Kumar Reddy will be camping in Bantwal and monitor the law and order situation, Mohan told reporters here. Additional police forces have been deployed in Mangaluru city and across the district, he added.



Normalcy returned to Bantwal, Kalladka, Kaikamba and B C Road on Thursday. Business establishments remained open and vehicular movement was normal.



As a precautionary measure, Mangaluru city police commissioner has imposed ban orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Mangaluru city police commissionerate jurisdiction till June 27 midnight. Accordingly, processions and movement of people in groups have been banned.



Mohan said people behind the conspiracy of disturbing peace in the region will be arrested. The police have clues about murderers of Ashraf, he added.



Noting that the police have taken preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the district, Mohan said that the police are keeping an eye on rowdy and communal elements. All efforts are being made to streamline policing in Dakshina Kannada district, to ensure effective policing, he added.



To a query, he said that IGP Harisekharan has been directed to probe into the allegations of police lapses that led to communal clash at Kalladka. The IGP will submit a report shortly. Asked whether Additional SP Dr C B Vedamurthy has been sent on compulsory leave, he just said yes and did not elaborate.




The state Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval for filing an affidavit before the Supreme Court, seeking that 4.98 lakh hectares be dropped from the deemed forest classification.



Briefing reporters after the meeting, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said 17.62 lakh hectares had been classified as deemed forest in the state. Revenue land with features of forest and having 50 trees per hectare is identified as deemed forest. However, a survey revealed that large tracts of land were classified as deemed forest despite lacking the required features.



Jayachandra said the government had sought reports from each district on the status of deemed forest. District in-charge ministers had been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the reports are submitted on time. An expert committee to decide on the extent of deemed forest had also been constituted by the government. He said the government will soon file its affidavit before the Supreme Court, which is hearing a case on the status of deemed forests in the country. The government has been under pressure from local residents and legislators, especially in Malnad region, not to evict dwellers from deemed forests.



The Cabinet also gave its approval for conducting a survey to identify the extent of wetlands in the state. Once the survey is complete, the same will be sent to the Centre. Wetlands have to be classified as per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010. As per an estimate there are 11,000 wetlands (water bodies) in the state.



The Cabinet decided to extend Dial 100 Emergency Response System, to all districts. Dial 100 aims to be the go-to telephone number for emergency services.

The Cabinet gave its approval for providing a government job to N S Leesha, who was injured in the Malleswaram balst of 2013.



SC/ST students to get free laptops



The State Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval for providing free laptops for 27,500 SC/ST students studying in government first grade colleges and 9,726 students in technical institutions. The Cabinet decided to invite tenders from private service providers to run 827 ambulances attached to government hospitals along with existing fleet of 711 vehicles under the 108 Arogya Kavacha scheme. The service provider will take up integration and maintenance of all the vehicles and ensure that at least one ambulance is available in a 10 km radius.



Other decisions



Approval for establishing Ultra Modern Research Centre at Belapu, Udupi at a cost of Rs 126 crore



Approval for establishing Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research in Indiranagar at a cost Rs 25cr



Modernisation of Karnataka Forensic Science and Technology Centre in Bengaluru at a cost of Rs 30.16 crore



Upgradation of 22 employment exchanges at a cost of Rs 15.32 crore



4,000 motorised two-wheelers to be distributed to persons with severe disability



CCTV cameras to be installed in 774 police stations








At least 20 people were injured, including several policemen, when a farmers agitation turned violent in Maharashtra on Thursday.



The farmers, protesting the ownership and possession of a World War II airstrip at Naveli in Thane district, torched six vehicles, burnt tyres and stoned police teams. Retaliating, the police fired pellets to quell the mob. Protests erupted after the Indian Navy constructed a boundary wall around the area of the now defunct airstrip. The state government has plans to build a third airport in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and this airstrip is under consideration for boosting regional connectivity. Naveli is around 60 km from Mumbai.



Around 9 am, hundreds of locals from seven to eight villages assembled and blocked the Thane-Belapur Road, affecting traffic to and from the satellite township of Navi Mumbai. Vehicular movement on the main road leading to Malanggadh and Badlapur-Ambernath Road were also affected. The mob turned their ire on the police and started pelting stones at the personnel and passing vehicles.



The police were forced to strike back, causing the situation to take a violent turn. Twelve policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured in the protests. Besides this, six to eight villagers were injured in the baton-charge.





The injured policemen have been admitted to a hospital in Thane. Peace has been restored the Riot Control Police is stationed at the spot, said Thane Police Commissioner Parambir Singh. He said they have identified some of those who instigated the mob, and they would be booked for attempt to murder.



Public Works Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also the Guardian Minister of Thane, apprised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the situation. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre has called a meeting in New Delhi next week to discuss the issue.



We have called a meeting, and there would be representatives from all stakeholders, Bhamre said.

Earlier this month, the farmers had moved the Bombay High Court, challenging the acquisition of the over 1,600-acre land by the Ministry of Defence for an airport requisitioned during World War II.



Land is ours: navy



The navy clarified that the land belongs to the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy, and figures in the land records, reports DHNS from Mumbai.



The land in reference is owned by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy, and the state government land records certify the same. The navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard the defence land from further encroachment, Western Naval Command spokesperson Commander Rahul Sinha said.


Faced with a paucity of funds, the state government may resort to cutting down on budgetary allocations to some of the departments in order to mobilise resources for crop loan waiver.



The government has to reimburse Rs 8,167 crore to Primary Agriculture Co-operative Societies (PACs) and District Credit Co-operative Banks (DCCBs) following its decision to waive short-term crop loans up to Rs 50,000 availed by each farmer.



Around 22.27 lakh small farmers are expected to benefit from the move.

We will manage it (resource mobilisation) within the budget by making cuts here and there. We will review the financial situation as the year progresses and take a call (sic), Additional Chief Secretary to the Finance Department I S N Prasad told this paper when asked how the government planned to fund the loan waiver. He, however, did not divulge details of the plan to cut down allocations.



Sources in the government said the Finance Department has recommended to the government to make use of allocations under certain heads which are likely to remain unutilised. The PWD, the Water Resources, the Urban Development and the Animal Husbandry are some of the departments identified for this purpose. Of the total Rs 8,167 crore crop loan waived, the outgoing in the current financial year is estimated to be around Rs 5,000 crore. And the remaining amount will be allocated in the 2018-19 budget, the sources pointed out.



Besides, the government has also decided to tighten the belt and do away with unnecessary and wasteful expenditure in the coming days. The government cannot afford to default on payment to PACs and DCCBs as it will, in turn, affect agricultural lending. As many as 5,098 PACs and 21 DCCBs are involved in agricultural lending in the state. The farmers had borrowed about Rs 10,736 crore from them in the financial year 2016-17.



Besides cutting down on budgetary allocations and unnecessary expenditure, the government is hopeful that it will be able mobilise more revenue from the Excise than what has been estimated in the budget.



Unlike the previous BJP government headed by Jagadish Shettar, the Congress government has decided not to impose fresh taxes for mobilising resources, lest it would antagonise the electorate ahead of the crucial 2018 Assembly elections. The Shettar government had increase the VAT rate by 0.05 % to fund its crop loan waiver in 2013.



Balancing act



Govt to cut down on allocations to some depts to mobilise resources.



It will have impact on many projects and programmes announced in the budget.



The govt has to mobilise around Rs 5,000 crore of the total Rs 8,167 crore in the current fiscal.








National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson and former Chief Justice of India Justice H L Dattu on Thursday emphasised that the media should steer clear of sensationalism and proactive journalism to become genuine protectors of human rights.



He was speaking at a workshop on The role of Media in Promotion and Protection

of Human Rights at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU).



Justice Dattu was critical about the current trend of trial by media by some news channels.



He said, A particularly worrisome aspect concerning the media are the media trials under the guise of debates..... The news anchors act as the judge, jury and prosecutor  all roles rolled into one.



Justice Dattu opined that media debates, which seem more like screaming matches, completely overlook the nuances of the issue being discussed and often blur the fine line that separates an accused from a convict.



Citing the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) case, he said, Recent events in JNU, a central university of great national and international repute, and the role of a certain section of the media in whipping up public frenzy, which led to mob violence in court premises and even the threat of its use against the accused... is a pertinent case in point.



Justice Dattu noted that the mainstream media often fails to reflect some of the pressing challenges that confront large sections of society including Dalits, Adivasis, women, rural poor, urban poor and workers in the unorganised sector, among others. He lauded the role of the vernacular media for continuing to highlight important human rights issues from the forgotten regions of the country.



Earlier, addressing the gathering, NLSIU vice chancellor Prof R Venkata Rao lauded

the role of the media. He expressed concern over the safety of journalists, who in exercise of freedom of expression, become victims of attacks. He said it is the responsibility of the state to provide protection to mediapersons.



Meera Saksena, acting chairperson of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, opined that mediapersons need to be cautious in exploring the angle of scoop while reporting. She felt that peoples rights should not be trampled on a rush to achieve TRPs and circulation targets.




The city police cracked a prostitution racket by arresting four Bangladeshi nationals.

All the four were on the run after killing one of their associates over a trivial row in July 2016 in Nelamangala.



The suspects, Obimulla (26), Moin Khan (26), Rakimulla (33) and Mohammed Kislu (35), hail from Parambishnupura, Narail district, in Bangladesh.



They had obtained Aadhaar cards, voter IDs and PAN cards through a local contact identified as Janardhana Reddy from RT Nagar. Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Hemant Nimbalkar said they would find out what documents the suspects used to apply for the cards. Reddy will also be booked, he said.



The suspects, who crossed the border illegally along with others, had stayed in Kolkata for some time before shifting their base to Bengaluru a few years ago. They took a house on rent in Nelamangala to run the prostitution racket. The suspects had strangled one of their associatesidentified as Imrul Choudharyto death and since then, they were on the run.



On Thursday morning, the Hennur police who were on their rounds spotted the suspects moving suspiciously in the area. They took them into custody for questioning. Initially, the suspects tried to hoodwink the police, saying they were labourers from West Bengal, but the police found they were speaking Bengali native to Bangaldesh. A detailed questioning revealed they were illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The suspects confessed to the crime. They said they used to bring girls from Bangladesh for the racket.



Since the murder case has been registered with the Nelamangala police, we are handing over the case to them for investigation, Nimbalkar said.


While there is no shortage of enthusiasm in BMTC to connect Metro with feeder services, the operation is hurting the corporation which now fears a loss of Rs 16 crore.



There were 85 buses in the feeder service which cost us Rs 2.5 crore between October 2016 and March 2017. We have deployed 120 additional buses after Namma Metros entire Phase 1 became operational last week. The projected loss by the operation of 200 buses is about Rs 16 crore, said Ekroop Caur, managing director, BMTC.



Stating that BMTC was eager to bridge the last-mile connectivity, the managing director, however, noted that the corporation cant afford making losses.



Feeder service is a good idea. It will decongest roads by encouraging people to leave their vehicles behind. If we stabilise and break-even, we wont need any help. But till then, we cant suffer losses, she said.



The BMTC has written to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to compensate for its losses. However, there has been no response from the Metro authorities yet. While BMTC officials refused to comment on the possible outcomes, senior officials in the government said the whole process was the result of the communication gap the state government has created between the two corporations.



The managing directors of BMTC and BMRCL had a place in each others board of directors. The government replaced them with their ruling party MLAs, making communication between the two corporations difficult, an official said.



Officials also noted that feeder services in global cities and even in New Delhi are run by the Metro Corporations. Metro may take credit for transporting three lakh people a day, but BMTC has been carrying 52 lakh commuters daily for years now, they said.


The father of a 22-year-old woman, whom the police accuse of slapping a traffic constable when he tried to stop her from disturbing Congress vice president Rahul Gandhis convoy in central Bengaluru on June 12, claims that she is innocent.



Krishna, the father of Sarika who was booked under IPC Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter any public servant from discharging his duties), has accused the police of manhandling his daughter.



After her classes, Sarika took her two-wheeler and was coming out of a building abutting Queens Road and Cunningham Road when police cleared the road for Rahuls convoy, Krishna said at a press conference on Thursday.



Speaking to DH, he further said: When Sarika realised that the road was empty and there was no activity, she immediately took a turn at the nearby junction. Thats when a policeman jumped before her two-wheeler and pushed it, assuming she was trying to escape. She fell off the two-wheeler, injured her knee and was dazed. All that she remembered after that was a crowd gathering around her, including policemen who were abusing her.



She was later taken to the High Grounds police station and her father was summoned. Both of them were detained till 9.30 pm. The police inspector told me that my daughter has to apologise, which we did and we were allowed to go home. But 48 hours later, police called me to inform that an FIR has been registered against Sarika and that she was shown absconding in the document, Krishna said. We were numb with disbelief.



He continued: If a VVIP convoy had to pass through and my innocent daughter had no idea which way to go, the police have no business treating her like a criminal.



An officer from the High Grounds police station, however, claimed that Sarika had been warned from a distance against coming out of the building as it was zero traffic. Despite the warning, she rode up the footpath, her vehicle brushed against a barricade and she fell down. She became angry, went to the constable in uniform and slapped him.



A senior police officer said: We have sent a notice to her father and he is yet to present himself.






Jain moved the court for anticipatory bail in the Mysore Minerals Limited (MML) case in which he is accused of causing a loss of around Rs 300 crore to the company when he was its managing director from 2007 to 2008. The special court of the Lokayukta recently rejected his application for anticipatory bail.



The top official has argued that when the matter of loss to the exchequer was referred to the then Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, he gave a report the there was no material to show that Jain was involved in causing loss to the MML. In a subsequent enquiry by the MML itself, the company also declared that there had been no loss to it. However, a complaint was filed later, accusing Jain again of causing a loss of Rs 43 crore to the MML.



In his application, Jain contended that when another accused in the case, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, has been granted anticipatory bail, he too was entitled to it.



Justice Rathnakala ordered that notice be issued and adjourned the hearing until Friday.



The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday ordered notice to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Lokayukta in an application for anticipatory bail filed by Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department.
The First Review Of Salman Khan's Tubelight Is Out And Here's What You Must Expect From The 2017 Eid Release
COLUMBUS  The exercises Brock Bourek was showing students at Wednesday's improv camp may have looked like games.

But Bourek said improv teaches people important skills such as thinking on their feet, taking risks and opening up socially.

Theater is about communicating with everybody youre working with, the 2015 graduate of Columbus High School said. It helps you break out of your shell a little bit, and that goes a long ways for kids to help them meet new people and talk to people.

Central Community College-Columbus is offering quite a few opportunities for area youths to break out of their shells this summer. This week the college is holding improv and theater camps and later in the summer there will entomology and health care camps.

A greenhouse camp previously scheduled was cancelled because of low enrollment.

Community education coordinator Karen Mroczek said the college was asked by school counselors and educators to organize some camps, especially for elementary students.

Bourek heard about the improv and theater camps through his mother, Stephanie, and didn't have any specific plans for the summer break. He's currently majoring in art administration and theater at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

I thought that itd be such a wonderful opportunity for myself and for the kids, he said.

He sees a lot of valuable lessons for kids to learn through theater.

Four girls enrolled in both the improv and theater camp said they hope the experience gives them a leg up during play and musical auditions next school year.

Im just growing as an actor, said Danielle Burton. Acting is my dream and I feel like this is getting me one step closer to what I want.

Journey Pritchard said learning how to act has also helped her learn more about herself.

Whether his students reach the spotlight or not, Bourek hopes the camp will have a lasting effect on their lives.

My overall goal is for them to be able to leave and understand and appreciate theater, he said. And also use those skills in their everyday lives so theyll have better relationships and communicate better.

Mroczek said the experience of organizing this years camps leaves her optimistic about the future of the program.

All the instructors for the various camps have been so enthusiastic," she said.

We definitely will do summer camps again next year and we hope the number of camps grow and the number of students that attend," Mroczek added.

The improv and theater camps run through Thursday. The entomology camp is July 24-25 and the health care camp is Aug. 7-9.

For more information on the CCC-C camps, contact Mroczek at 402-562-1249.
As David City planned its downtown improvement project, Mayor Alan Zavodny said community members had a difficult debate about whether to keep the brick streets.

One meeting had to be moved to the library to accommodate the large crowd.

People felt strongly that was part of the character of David City, said Zavodny. And some people felt that the time for brick had passed and we needed to modernize.

The debate centered around the extra cost for removing and replacing the bricks. Project designer Al Hottovy with Omaha-based Leo A Daly said the extra labor increases the construction expenses.

It makes it a little more complex, he said. When you pave the street with concrete, you typically use a paving machine. In this case the bricks are laid down individually or by pallets.

Keeping bricks on some of the streets in David City added a little over $315,000 to the $9 million project.

Its a little bit more money, but in terms of keeping the historic integrity of the downtown, in David City the city council agreed to spend a little more money and take a little more construction time to do it, Hottovy said. There was a lot of support from the citizens to keep the character of the brick streets.

The city reached a compromise. Some parking areas and the street in front of the fire department will be converted to concrete to accommodate the weight of the vehicles. But most driving lanes will continue to be brick.

Schuyler has authorized Wahoo-based JEO Consulting Group to complete an infrastructure study as an initial step for a major downtown revitalization project. Although it's too early to know exactly how much the brick streets will add to the project's cost, JEO consultant Steve Parr estimates it would be similar to David City's situation.

The brick paving is going to cost probably twice as much (as concrete), he said. But there is something to be said about preserving the past.

The brick streets, particularly 11th and B streets, where the Lincoln Highway passed through town, contribute to the downtown area's historic designation.

Our application for entry into the National Register of Historic Places was wrapped around the Lincoln Highway, said Schuyler Economic Development coordinator Kem Cavanah. Its not just any brick street, it has historical significance. It ushered in the modern motor vehicle era. America drove through downtown Schuyler.

Because of its designation, Parr is working with the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office to ensure infrastructure projects will maintain the streets historic value.

The infrastructure study is expected to be ready in August, and Cavanah plans to include it in an application for grant money from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He worked to have the downtown designated as a historic district in hopes of securing a $350,000 grant.

Aside from the economic opportunities, Cavanah sees value in preserving the brick streets, even if there is a cost.

You preserve the past for future generations. Thats important, he said. It would sometimes be easy to do away with the old and usher in the new, but thats not always the best decision. Sometimes the best decisions do not always equate with the cheapest cost.
Youngsters with type 1 diabetes have higher levels of PCSK9, which correlated with higher HbA1c levels, research suggests.

These levels of PCSK9 were also shown to be higher in girls than boys, with or without type 1 diabetes.

PCSK9 is an enzyme that activates other proteins, which previous studies have shown to be increased in people with type 2 diabetes. It has been unclear, however, whether PCKS9 levels are high in people with type 1 diabetes in the same way as they in obese people with and without type 2 diabetes.

This new study, conducted by researchers at Boston Childrens Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, sought to address that uncertainty.

PCSK9 levels were measured in 176 young people with type 1 diabetes, aged 15 on average, as well as age- and sex-matched control subjects.

Those with type 1 diabetes had raised levels of PCSK9, with girls found to have higher levels than boys. The type 1 diabetes cohort also had slightly higher blood pressure.

The raised PCSK9 levels were significantly correlated with HbA1c, triglycerides and total cholesterol among those with type 1 diabetes. The researchers noted this was consistent with previous research which found those with type 1 diabetes who had poor blood sugar control had greater dyslipidemia, elevated lipids, or fatty acids, in the blood.

But the researchers were surprised that PCSK9 levels were higher in people with type 1 diabetes than control subjects. This suggests that factors other than insulin may also play an important role in the regulation of PCSK9, the researchers told Medscape Medical News.

The researchers have cautiously hypothesised that PCSK9 inhibitor drugs could help people with type 1 diabetes achieve better blood glucose control, but insist that optimising insulin therapy should still be the first-line approach.

In regard to the discovery of PCSK9 levels being higher in girls, the study team added: Future work will be necessary to understand the contribution of PCSK9 to the dyslipidemia and increased CVD risk associated with [type 1 diabetes], particularly in females.

The study was published online in Diabetes Care.
The Hyderabad City Wi-Fi project or Hy-Fi eventually aims to add 3000 hotspots in the city

The Telangana State Government has launched the Hyderabad City Wi-Fi Project, with over 1000 hotspots across the state capital. Also known as Hy-Fi, the project aims to eventually add 3000 hotspots in the city. Airtel, ACT Fibernet and Indus Towers will be supporting the project.

Read the complete press release below

Taking forward the promise of providing world-class IT facilities, Telangana State Government today launched the Hyderabad City Wi-Fi Project also known as Hy-Fi, with over 1000 hot-spots across the state capital. Inaugurated by the Honble Mayor of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Shri Bonthu Rammohan, the ambitious project will eventually cover 3000 hotspot locations within the city. The launch ceremony was attended by many senior state government officials and dignitaries including Shri Jayesh Ranjan (IAS), Principal Secretary, ITE&C Department, Govt. of Telangana and Shri. B. Janardhan Reddy (IAS), Commissioner, GHMC.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Rammohan said, Being the newest state of the country, Telangana aspires to be the best state in all aspects. Hyderabad has been an inspiration for other cities in IT, business and living standards, and this city will continue to adopt new technologies to uplift the lifestyle of each citizen. Hy-Fi will set another example making Hyderabad a truly connected city even on the digital front.

In June 2015, under the Digital Telangana umbrella, the Government of Telangana has launched the pilot version of Hyderabad City Wi-Fi Project (Hy-Fi). The pilot project saw the government partner with ISPs to provide free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes at approximately 100 public category locations across Hyderabad. These locations include malls, tourist spots, public offices, police stations, government schools and colleges, etc. Over the last two years, the number has more than doubled to cover about 250 locations. Given the tremendous success the pilot project has seen, the Govt. of Telangana has decided to scale up the project to cover more than 3000 locations across Hyderabad. In fact, a separate Government Order has been brought out specifically to enable smooth execution of the program for ISPs. The Government has agreed to take a two phased approach to complete the Wi-Fi project which is a unique example of government and industry participation for enriching community life and enhancing public safety. At present, over 1000 hotspots are being installed with an assured bandwidth of 5-10 Mbps offering 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi.

Addressing the gathering at the occasion and announcing the launch of second phase of the program, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, ITE&C Department, Govt. of Telangana said, Digital India is the future and Telangana is marching ahead to achieve this dream. Hy-Fi is another pro-people initiative where citizens will avail free Wi-Fi to do their work. Businessperson, shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, students, women and tourists will benefit from this essential service.

Shri. B. Janardhan Reddy, Commissioner, IAS, GHMC seconded the Mayor and said: Hy-Fi is another major achievement for the city with the citizens being the major benefactors of the service. With the high penetration of smartphones, free Wi-Fi will be a boost for the people. It will surely enhance the lifestyle of the citizens.

COAI, apex industry association of telecom services providers, mobile and internet companies, is the technical advisor to the Government of Telangana in this ambitious project, was represented by Shri Rajan S. Mathews, Director General, COAI on the panel. Shri Mathews was joined by several leaders from the telecom industry including Shri Venkatesh Vijayraghavan, Circle CEO  Bharti Airtel, Shri Bala Malladi, CEO of ACT and Shri Sujit Sen, Circle CEO Indus Towers.

Shri Rajan S. Mathews, Director General, COAI said With successful completion of the Hy-Fi project, Hyderabad and Telangana will emerge as an example for rest of the country. It is a proud moment for the state and the telecom industry as well. As partners in this ambitious project, the telecom industry will partner in the timely completion of the project. This will provide high speed internet access connecting citizen with education, commerce and opportunities.

Mr. Mathews further added that COAI represents the leading telecom and technology companies across the country and Hyderabad is the city of choice for everything IT. We look forward to working closely with government of Telangana and are proud to be consultants of the government in its endeavour for a fully connected Digital India.

The program will also be seen as an example of the expertise from government and industry coming together for the larger good of the masses. Highlighting the significant role of the telecom industry, Shri Venkatesh Vijayraghavan, Circle CEO  Bharti Airtel said, "Airtel has been a partner in the Governments Digital India vision and we are delighted to support Hy-fi, the country's largest and fastest public WI-FI network. With this digital initiative, Hyderabad has further cemented its reputation as one of Indias technology capitals. Together with the Government of Telangana and the industry we are committed to demonstrating endless possibilities of new digital experiences to the citizens of Hyderabad.

Another unique aspect of the program is the participation of private players who provide the last mile or home connectivity from Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Bangalore-based Atria Convergence Technologies, has been selected for bridging the last mile gap in the project. Addressing the gathering Mr. Bala Malladi, CEO, ACT Fibernet said, With the growing number of citizens moving towards digital economy, our partnership with the Telangana government will bolster the internet connectivity in Hyderabad. With more than 1000 hotspots to be installed in the coming months across the city will enable users to access high-speed internet both inside their homes and on the go throughout Hyderabad.

The Hy-Fi project is a successful example of how the government and the industry can collaborate for a meaningful partnership together which benefits all stakeholders. Speaking about the project, Shri Sujit Sen, Circle CEO, Indus Towers said, We are committed to ensure a robust infrastructure for deploying this project and hope that this will act as the foundation stone for other programs driving Digital India in the state.

With the launch happening on the momentous occasion of World Wi-Fi Day, the CEO of Wireless Broadband Alliance, Shri Shrikant Shenwai said, With billions of people still unconnected, the greatest threat to the global economy is the vast gap between the connected and unconnected world. World Wi-Fi Day has the vision to ensure everyone get connected and encourages cities, governments and operators to collaborate in ensuring affordable, sustainable connectivity for all. Connectivity is now an essential commodity, much in the same category as power and water and the City Hy-Fi project seeks to address these issues  we congratulate Hyderabad.

The Hy-Fi project is a successful example of how the government and the industry can collaborate for a meaningful partnership together which benefits all stakeholders.
The OnePlus 5 is exactly what a OnePlus fan expects; fast, well made, almost runs on stock android and is well priced. It is also an attractive option for anyone looking to buy a premium Android smartphone that doesn't compromise on the basics. However, it does fall a little short of the 'flagship killer' tag that it once wore.

OnePlus 5 detailed review

Id like to start this review of the OnePlus 5 with the bottom-line right at the top. If you are looking for pure performance (speed), a near-stock Android experience and bang for the buck in a flagship Android smartphone, theres nothing better than the OnePlus 5. But hey, that just sounds like the bottom line for OnePlus 3/3T! Doesnt it?





Not much has changed in terms of the overall promise, and while that might just be the right approach for OnePlus, consumers do expect more.

Looks, design and build quality: A good looking look-a-like

Open the box, and you are greeted with a very familiar front, the OnePlus 5 looks almost the same as the OnePlus 3T (review). Turn it around and reminds you of the iPhone 7 Plus(review), hold the iPhone 7 Plus next to it and it starts looking like its twin brother. But that doesnt take anything away from the fact that the OnePlus 5 is a good-looking smartphone that does feel premium and well-crafted in every sense. With a slim 7.25mm waist line (thickness), the OnePlus 5 feels reasonably ergonomic and easy to manage for a smartphone with 5.5-inch display. The overall length and width of the device is almost same as the OnePlus 3T, so it doesnt hold any surprises as far as ergonomics is concerned. The OnePlus 3T felt a lot more modern looking and competitive in terms of design when it was launched, but come 2017 and the goal post has clearly shifted. The Samsung Galaxy S8 (review)and the LG G6 (review) make the OnePlus 5 look a little dated in the looks and design department. So, a Samsung Galaxy S8 aspirant is very unlikely to be swayed by the lower price tag of the OnePlus 5. When it comes to build quality, design and overall finish, the OnePlus 5 leaves you with very little room for complaints. The camera lens bump at the back, perhaps could have been avoided. In fact, a flush camera at the back would have given OnePlus 5 an excellent opportunity to swing back at everyone (including us), accusing OnePlus of copying the iPhone 7 Plus design  Hey, we bettered the design, this is how you make your first dual camera flagship.

As it stands, the OnePlus 5 does feel premium and well made for its price point. It went with a rather safe design, robbing itself the chance to create a unique identity in the crowded flagship market.

To see more shots of the device, scroll down to the bottom of the review.

5.5-inch 1080P AMOLED: A tried and tested approach, nothing to complain or celebrate about

The display on the OnePlus 5 is almost the same as the OnePlus 3T. Its sufficiently bright, clocking 750 lux of brightness as per our tests, comfortably putting it in the flagship league. It is an AMOLED panel, so you get awesome contrast along with slightly oversaturated (some call it vivid) colors. Thankfully, OnePlus has done a wonderful job of offering a choice to select display profiles. Switching the color profile from Default to sRGB was the first thing that I did after entering the settings menu. When testing outdoor visibility under direct sunlight, I did occasionally find the brightness to be inadequate. But, nothing that can pose issues or hamper usability. The OnePlus 5 ships with a pre-applied screen guard, and it really sucks. Its anything but scratch resistant, attracts a lot of finger prints and steals the thunder away from the AMOLED display. I strongly recommend you get rid of the screen guard immediately, almost like a ritual once you unbox the phone. As much as Id want it, I cant simply ignore and brush the screen pixel density topic under the carpet. Yes, the 5.5-inch screen is still at 1080p, while flagships have moved on to QHD displays. For me, on a 5.5-inch screen, QHD is clearly an overkill. It delivers far lesser benefits in comparisons to the potential drawbacks it poses. The PenTile RGBG display on the OnePlus 5 treads on the borderline of adequate sharpness needed for a 5.5-inch device. The 5.5-inch IPS RGBW display on the iPhone 7 Plus feels visibly sharper at the same 1080p resolution. Overall, the display sharpness on the OnePlus 5 is absolutely fine and does not leave you wanting. Its only when you hold a QHD screen based phone next to it, that you start discerning and realizing the difference.

Performance: This thing is fast, really fast!

Plonk the fastest available SoC on a 1080p device, layer it with stock Android goodness and optimize the living daylights out of it. What you get is a OnePlus 5. If I was to draw a parallel, its like how they tune rally cars. Fit it with a performance engine, strip the car of all possible weight and optimize the suspension for speed and handling to tackle the most ridiculous of corners. The OnePlus 5 is built like one. Sure, they went a wee bit too far ahead on the optimizing bit, making the phone perform at break neck speeds on benchmarks when it is supposed to behave closer to real world performance. But, that by no means can take away the fact that the OnePlus 5 is the fastest Android phone in the market today, not just in terms of synthetic benchmarks but how it feels and performs on regular usage. From app load times, to multitasking, browsing and heavy gaming, the OnePlus 5 makes light of everything you throw at it. And yes, we never encountered any serious heat issues with the device. Upon prolonged gaming sessions, the device goes get a bit warm (understandably so with the metal back dissipating heat), but it never comes anywhere close to being uncomfortable or alarming. We didnt expect any different either, the 10nm Snapdragon 835 is quite a cool cucumber.

During benchmarking as well as real world testing, we struggled to find any noticeable difference between the 6GB and 8GB variants of the OnePlus 5. In fact, in some of the synthetic benchmarks, the 6GB variant managed to nose ahead of the 8GB model. Youd buy the expensive 8GB/128GB variant for the extra 64GB storage rather than 2 gigs of additional RAM. With Android being increasingly optimized for performance and memory usage, it's highly unlikely that you would need more than 6GB of RAM for at least the next 2 years. Especially when you are on a close-to-stock Android build, like the OnePlus 5 is and will stay so for foreseeable future.

And, last but not the least, the finger print sensor at the front, which now wears a shiny new ceramic coat is blazing fast, blazing fast and accurate would be the right way to put it. Not sure if I can call it the fastest finger print sensor in the business today, simply because I havent rested my fingers on all of them. But, what I surely say is that it takes the speed and response out of the equation. I never faced a noticeable delay or rejection across the entire review period.

The OnePlus 5 Camera: Dual camera, clearer photos; but we expect more

OnePlus flagships have never managed to lead and set an example on the imaging front. The OnePlus One perhaps came very close to making a statement with its very capable imaging system that was heavily riding on the software and image processing engine that came with the 13MP shooter. The OnePlus 5 camera is surely an upgrade to the OnePlus 3T in terms of overall shooting prowess. At 1/2.8 (6.4mm), the 16MP Sony IMX398 sensor powering the main camera is no cigar in terms of sheer sensor size or even the pixel size (1.12 m). It is however, a dual-pixel sensor, making it a lot more capable in terms of focusing speed and accuracy (more on this later). OnePlus has put more focus on the lens than the sensor, with a large f/1.7 aperture, the OnePlus 5 is evidently better equipped to deal with low light situations in comparison to the OnePlus 3T, or for that matter many of the previous gen flagships. But, the biggest win for OnePlus 5 camera, in my books, would be the speed of capture, the focusing system, scene evaluation algorithms and image processing engine. All of which seem to work in perfect harmony to dish out a mighty fast camera that excels in focusing accuracy, speed and accurate white balance. As a result, the camera seldom suffers from delay in capturing that magic moment. Despite lacking an OIS, the OnePlus 5 camera served us with blur free low-light images. If I were to choose between pixel-level image quality versus immediate (and accurate) focusing coupled with blazing fast capture, Id do with the latter. No, I am not comparing the OnePlus 5 with the Google Pixel here, no play of words. The Google Pixel is a far better camera in every department. Arriving on the pure image quality front, the OnePlus 5 is neither the sharpest nor the most detail oriented shooter, pixel peepers looking for clean images with minimal loss of detail and razor-sharp quality at 100% crop will not be satisfied with the OnePlus 5. The overall image output of the main 16MP camera on the OnePlus 5 is on the softer side. The OnePlus 5 will give you ultra-fast focusing and capture time, immediate image processing, good low-light performance and accurate light metering. But, it wont bowl you over with its dynamic range, detail levels and noise control.

Here are some resized camera samples, followed by a comparison of the camera against the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and the Google Pixel XL. More such shots are at the bottom of the review.

1.6x Optical Zoom: Brings you closer, but whats with the mush?

Heading to the second telephoto unit (the dual camera bit), the 20MP secondary camera on the OnePlus 5 brings in 1.6x optical zoom to the OnePlus 5, the same way the iPhone 7 Plus offers 2x zoom with its telephoto secondary camera. With as many as 20 megapixels crammed on 1/2.8-inch sensor with 1.0 m pixel size, the telephoto performance is somewhat similar to the main camera. Fast and accurate focusing, instant capture and accurate white balance performance. However, the 20MP shots are on the softer side, even more than the results from the 16MP main camera. The f/2.6 lens doesnt help proceedings either, low-light shooting is certainly not its forte and youd often find excessive noise creeping in. In its defense, OnePlus might contest the need to use 1.6X optical zoom in low-light scenarios. And I do agree to an extent, the need to go closer to the subject might arise more often when you are trying to capture a distant object, something that you would encounter when on a vacation or a trek. And more often, those captures are done in adequate lighting conditions. Having said that, perhaps OnePlus could have been wiser on the choice of sensor, a larger sensor with healthy pixel size rather than the pixel count would have certainly made the telephoto performance a lot better. Sure, at that focal length, you can only do so much on the lens side, cant expect wide apertures on a telephoto lens thats tucked inside a 7.25mm smartphone casing.

Its got the modes: Portrait and Pro modes is a nice touch

The modes I like the most: HQ in default shooting and the Pro Mode when you want to experiment. The HQ mode which stands for High Quality (I assume), in my experience, the HQ mode keeps a tight watch on the ISO levels, trying hard to keep it as low as possible. It tries to compensate the lower ISO with lower shutter speed to maintain the same exposure levels. As long as you have good or even adequate light, the HQ mode delivers slightly better details, lesser noise and crisper images. Having said that, you cant go HDR in the HQ mode. On the topic of HDR, the OnePlus does a fine job with HDR shots, It exhibits same speed of capture and processing when shooting in HDR. The Pro mode is another favorite of mine, though theres only so much that you can achieve with the sensor on the OnePlus 5, its a nice option to tinker around and pursue that perfect shot. And, the intuitive interface really helps in ensuring you dont spend too much time mastering it. The portrait mode comes in handy when you want to capture, well, portraits. It uses software-based image separation to blur out (soften) the background, offering the much sought after bokeh in portraits. When compared to the same mode in the iPhone 7 Plus, the OnePlus 5 did perform well, though the separation wasnt as accurate. OnePlus 5 seems to soften the edges.

The video capture performance of the OnePlus 5 does deserve a special mention here. The Snapdragon 835 brings in Qualcomm EIS 3.0 to the OnePlus 5. Though, OnePlus does mention EIS as a key video feature, we recon its the Snapdragon 835 platform that should take due credit for the Electronic Image Stabilization tech on the OnePlus 5. Videos appear smoother and less jerky, and EIS stays in action even when you switch to 4K resolution. The OnePlus 5 offers a maximum of 10 minutes of 4K/UHD video capture in one go.

The Oxygen OS: Thats where its at. Totally!

The OnePlus philosophy of keeping Android as pure as possible with just a few minor tweaks that strictly add value and not bloat forms a huge part of its secret recipe. A recipe which is no longer a secret, and is also being practiced by Motorola and the upcoming Android smartphones from Nokia. Sure, the space for near stock Android phones is going to get tighter in terms of competition and I am sure OnePlus is aware of that. Not just aware, OnePlus seems to be working hard to stay as close to stock Android as possible, almost occupy the Nexus space thats been there for the taking after Google dropped the ball on Nexus devices. And so far, OnePlus seems to be have achieved success.

Based on Android Nougat (7.1.1), Oxygen OS stays very true to the Android Nougat experience while adding a few nifty features that enhance the functioning of the device. For instance, the app drawer icon is gone, swipe up to bring the app drawer on screen, OnePlus has added translucency to the app drawer, it does sort of make the overall interface feel more connected and seamless.

The OnePlus 5 gets a new Reading Mode. It essentially filters out the blue light and adjusts the sharpness and brightness of the display by using the ambient light sensor. The reading mode basically tries to simulate the reading experience delivered by e-ink readers, and it works well. Comes in handy, especially on AMOLED displays. You can either control the reading mode via display settings or program it to trigger when using specific apps. Under Advanced settings, you also get a Gaming Do Not Disturb Mode, quite a mouthful, that mode. But, it does come in handy when you dont want to be disturbed by those pesky notifications and WhatsApp forwards. You can again select the apps that will trigger the DND mode automatically, saving the hassle of switching it on manually.

While the OnePlus 5 brings some nifty features, it offers a robust and bug free stock Android experience, which is more important in my book. Second only to the Google Pixel in terms of how an Android device should feel and function like. Besides Motorola, the real big threat to its pure Android promise will come from Nokias flagship Android smartphones. Nokia is said to be readying quite an arsenal and its been built on the same premise of pure Android experience. I wish Google would wake up and throw a spanner in the works by bringing back the Nexus. Whoa, thatd be the day! Yes, I miss Nexus. I still have 3 of them.

Battery life: All good, no surprises

At 3300 mAh, the battery capacity on the OnePlus 5 hasnt changed at all, what has though is the SoC. The 10nm based Snapdragon 835 sips lesser battery juice, while running faster and cooler. All of which adds to the overall battery efficiency of the device. Moderate to occasional heavy usage will get you through the day without setting any alarm bells. In all likely hood, youd be left with roughly 15% battery life towards the end of the day, assuming you started the day with a full charge. And, just in case you feel the need for a quick dash of extra juice, the Dash charge tech will ensure you get done with refueling in almost no time. However, OnePlus should seriously consider working on the weight and ergonomics of the charger (yeah, why not?). Its block-like and at 105 grams, it does compete for the title of the heaviest smartphone charger in the world.

Decision time: So, should you buy the OnePlus 5?

At Rs. 38,000 for the 8GB/128GB variant, the OnePlus 5 starts nearing the flagships from Samsung and LG. And these competing flagships do sport some headline features that the OnePlus 5 misses out on. Evidently premium and differentiating bezel-less designs, high density displays, water proof certification and wireless charging, to name a few. Add the wider sales and support network along with the ability to check-out the phones to get a first-hand experience at nearest local stores, and it starts to look like a tall order for the OnePlus 5. Add the upcoming flagships on Snapdragon 835, the Moto Z and Nokia 9 (if that's what theyre calling it) to the mix, and you are looking at two very capable options from top brands that will carry a similar promise of pure Android and latest hardware. Yup, all you Android fans and enthusiasts, youre being spoilt for choice!

For OnePlus loyalists and users, the OnePlus 5 is almost a no brainer for anyone using the OnePlus 3 (review) or an older gen OnePlus device. Just buy it, the extra premium is worth it. OnePlus 3T users should ideally wait it out for the OnePlus 6, since theyd have invested in a new smartphone barely 6 months ago.

For the rest, OnePlus 5 is the right buy if pure performance and stock Android experience clearly carries 80% of the overall weightage in terms of what you want from your next premium smartphone. If looks, modern bezel-less design, top quality camera and an exhaustive feature set is what you seek in a flagship, the OnePlus 5 will struggle to convince you.

As promised, here are a few other shots of the OnePlus 5 as well as some more camera samples.
Samsung Bixby's voice feature is currently available as part of early access program. With Bixby, Samsung is aiming to replace all touch-based interactions on a smartphone into a voice-based activity.

Samsung has begun rolling out the preview of its Bixby voice feature for Galaxy S8 users in the United States. The voice assistant feature on Samsung's Bixby is rolling out to select users who enrolled for early access program. The assistant was initially said to arrive in April but got delayed due to issues with training the digital assistant.

Samsung first detailed Bixby, its Siri competitor in March ahead of Galaxy S8 launch. At the launch of its Galaxy S8 series, the South Korean smartphone maker pitched Bixby as the USP of its flagship lineup. However, when Galaxy S8 went on sale in April, Bixby did not support voice feature.

Most reports suggested that Samsung delayed Bixby's voice feature because the assistant struggled with understanding English syntax and grammar. The assistant was expected to launch during the first week of June but is now expected to roll out to all S8 users by the end of this month.

Samsung's Bixby will only support US English and Korean, making it limited against Google Assistant and Siri. With Bixby, Samsung is aiming to replace all touch-based interactions on a smartphone into a voice-based activity. The company is using Viv's developer tools to offer deep integration with third party apps. The Verge notes that Bixby is cool in some select applications but fails to catch basic voice-based requests.
Samsungs always had the work cut out for itself. From its battles against the almighty Apple, to the sea of Android OEMs out there today, Samsung has held the fort down. Yes, Samsungs market share has dropped over time, but the company still leads the global smartphone market proudly. And it over the past few years, it has done this by meeting consumers midway. Samsungs devices give you some, but not all of what you want. And thats pretty much what the story with the Samsung Galaxy J7 Max is.

What we discuss today is the part Samsung is not giving you: uber fast performance.



Samsung Galaxy J7 Max Specifications

Benchmarks

The Galaxy J7 Max runs on a MediaTek chipset, and its no benchmark beast. The MediaTek MT6757 is an octa-core chipset, clocked at 2.39GHz, but youre looking at a pretty drastic performance drop compared to a Snapdragon 625-powered Moto G5 Plus (review). Of course, that means its over 50% slower than a Snapdragon 650.



AnTuTu Benchmark



Geekbench 4 Single Core



Geekbench 4 Multi Core



3D Mark Unlimited

UX

On the other hand, Samsungs choice of chipset for its A or C series smartphones is not competitive either. There, the company makes up for this shortcoming through stellar user experience. Unfortunately, this is another serious misstep on the Galaxy J7 Max. The phone is far from smooth or fast. There are noticeable lags when rendering heavy graphics, while app load times are long. Even regular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp will open after a short, but irritating delay.

This can only get worse over extended usage, meaning the Galaxy J7 Max is likely to slow down considerably in the long run, like many other Android phones. Samsungs new UI looks incredibly premium, but it doesnt actually perform like one.

Heating

On the other hand, we havent found any heating issues on the Galaxy J7 Max yet. Extended periods of gaming can heat the phone up, but we found no tendency to heat up abnormally. With the room temperature controlled to 24 degrees celsius, the Galaxy J7 Max reached about 42 degrees over half an hour of gaming. Gaming experience isnt perfect, but heating certainly isnt an issue you will have to deal with.
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COLUMBUS  Transportation concerns, increasing housing options and adding bike trails were some of the topics brought up during a community workshop focused on the future of Columbus.

Tuesday night's public meeting at Ramada-Columbus was just the start of an information-gathering process for the comprehensive and long-range transportation plans launched by the city to chart growth over the next 20 years.

About 40 people, including elected and appointed officials, business owners, law enforcement officers and community members, were asked to provide input during the fact-finding period of an approximately year-long development of the plans.

Representatives from Kendig Keast Collaborative, a Texas planning firm hired by the city, facilitated the meeting to gather information that will be used to piece together a multi-phased plan. Getting input from the community is an essential part of the process.

There is a very robust public engagement component to developing this comprehensive plan, said Aaron Tuley, vice president of the firm.

One way the public can participate is by going to http://www.columbusne.us/2040compplan to answer questions about the city and its future. New questions will appear every three weeks, Tuley said.

It will take 12 to 14 months to develop and finalize a plan before it's brought to Columbus City Council for approval.

Right now, though, the focus is on gathering information.

It is very important during this fact-finding period that we learn whats important to you all and how would you want to see the community grow over the next 20 years or so, Tuley said.

During the meeting, attendees were asked to discuss transportation issues, areas in the city that would be good for development and what makes Columbus an appealing place to live.

Some of the transportation-related issues voiced focused on high-traffic areas such as 33rd Avenue near the new Columbus High School, the intersection of 18th Avenue and 23rd Street, Eighth Street being the only east-west through street on the south side of town and creating bypasses.

A lack of affordable housing and areas to build was also discussed, as was the development of more recreational trails.

This is just the beginning of the process to getting the needs and ideas down, said Gary Mitchell, president of Kendig Keast Collaborative.

The plan will look at several areas in Columbus, including housing, reevaluating public facilities, planning for the next generation and changing demographics.

Tuley said listening sessions were held a few weeks ago to start the planning process, followed by the community workshop. Additional meetings are scheduled with an advisory committee made up of citizens along with workshops with the city's planning commission.

The plan's development includes several steps, starting in the fall with an existing city report that will provide a snapshot of the community and where it is currently. Demographic projections and what the community will look like in 2040 will be ready in November, followed by a future city report in March and implementation phase in April when strategies will be developed.

By May or June, Tuley said a finalized comprehensive plan will be brought to the planning commission before it goes to the city council.

The city approved Kendig Keast Collaborative and Iteris Inc. to develop the comprehensive and long-range transportation plans for a total cost of $241,495. The city is paying $166,495 with federal funding covering the remainder. Kirkham Michael Consulting Engineers is also analyzing the citys infrastructure.
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Experts see uphill fight against age-related job discrimination

Some expressed concern about older workers being excluded from the tech industry, which is growing rapidly and needs skilled workers.



By MARIA INES ZAMUDIO

For The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Age-related discrimination in the workplace still exists 50 years after the enactment of legislation designed to prevent it, experts and advocates on aging issues recently told the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Laurie McCann, senior attorney for the AARP Foundation Litigation, said the law should not be treated as a second-class civil rights statute providing older workers far less protection than other civil rights laws.



. . .

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PORTLAND (AP)  The state Justice Department says a former Oregon Department of Energy official has pleaded guilty to accepting over $291,000 in kickbacks in connection with the sale of state energy tax credits.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that Joe Colello, who managed tax credit sales for the department, pleaded guilty Tuesday to racketeering, receiving bribes, aggravated theft, tax evasion and official misconduct charges.





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By JEFF AMY

Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss.  Mississippi utility regulators want to pull the plug on costly technology at a first-of-its-kind power plant, saying one of the nation's largest utilities should absorb more than $6.5 billion in losses and ratepayers should pay nothing more.

Three Mississippi Public Service Commissioners said Wednesday that the Kemper County plant, meant to show coal could be burned cleanly, should burn only natural gas. An environmental activist who opposes coal burning said the decision could discourage other utilities from proposing similar projects.





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New towers create a construction tango in downtown Seattle

Local contractors face skilled labor and building component shortages along with maxed-out concrete batch plants and increasing congestion.



By PHIL GREANY

Mortenson Construction

Greany

By just about any measure, the Puget Sound region registers as the nations most active development market. Whether its the number of tower cranes dotting our skylines, or the square-footage absorbed, the frenetic nature of development in our region is unmistakable.

Yet completing projects on time and on budget has become an art form that can go unnoticed. Amid the boom, the local construction industry faces a shrinking pool of skilled craft labor, a shortage of building components, maxed-out concrete batch plants, and increasing congestion imposed by our hourglass-shaped city.

Given these constraints, building within an active urban core like Seattles requires a heightened level of orchestration, relationship-building and foresight.

Retaining skilled workers

Its no secret that our industry faces a profound shortage of skilled craft labor. According to the 2017 Associated General Contractors of America outlook for Washington state, 51 percent of survey respondents believe worker shortages are the top concern, while 39 percent say that worker quality was the biggest concern.

The gleaming faces of the citys newest high-rise towers offer the most telling example of how those concerns play out. Many of the subcontractor partners we call on to fabricate enclosures  glass curtain walls and window systems  are not only at capacity, but have a year-plus waiting list.

Photo from Mortenson Construction [enlarge] Mortenson workers set up post-tension cables on the Residence Inn by Marriott project. AMLI Arc rises on the right and Kinects tower is on the left.

Elevator installers are also in short supply.

To fill the void, many firms find themselves recruiting skilled workers from other states and even overseas. Painters and wallpaper-hangers, too, are among the professionals whose skills are increasingly hard to come by.

As a result, cultivating strong relationships with the best of the best in the subcontractor community has become even more important, particularly when it comes to accommodating fluctuating entitlement timelines and start dates.

One of the ways Mortenson has allied itself with its preferred subcontractors is to involve them in discussions early in the planning phase of a project, rather than dictating assumed timelines and touchpoints. The result is a more engaged group of trade partners who feel invested, have been able to influence the schedule, and know the projected schedule and workforce needs well ahead of time.

Going vertical

To safeguard projects from craft-labor shortages, we self-perform the structural concrete, enclosure installations, shear wall and rough carpentry components on our projects.

Each deck of the upcoming 41-story AMLI Arc residential tower, nearing completion in the Denny Triangle neighborhood, necessitated hundreds of cubic yards of concrete. Getting that concrete on-site was a juggling act of its own. Local suppliers and batch plants are operating at capacity and only deliver on a cyclical basis.

To miss one cycle  by not performing the necessary legwork to be able to receive it  is to be sidelined until the next open delivery slot. This can set a project back by weeks, and by countless dollars.

Further complicating the logistics of building downtown is coordinating street closures. Permits are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and requesting one requires working three months ahead.

Other builders arent the only ones vying for these permits. With the new Denny Substation expected to be energized early next year, Seattle City Light crews are excavating roads and performing trench work in South Lake Union and Denny Triangle to lay conduit in the new service area.

With all of the roadwork and frenzied construction activity in the neighborhood, many of the general contractors operating in the area meet monthly with Seattle City Light to coordinate. Close communication with other contractors also becomes necessary when operating in exceedingly close quarters.

Case in point: our recent work on the Tilt49 office building and AMLI Arc apartment tower. An 18-foot strip was all that separated our projects from that of a neighboring residential tower. Coordinating day-to-day activities with the other project team was vital, particularly with our cranes sharing air space, and with the alley serving as a key artery for deliveries.

Just-in-time delivery

For decades, the Denny Triangle neighborhood was best known for its patchwork of parking lots and low-rise buildings. Today, those lots are being gobbled up at breakneck pace for the development of office towers, high-rise apartment buildings and hotels. Staging areas are a rare commodity.

As a result, any material deliveries need to be made at the precise day and time that they are needed. Each day on each project site, we convene for a plan of the day meeting, during which the foreman lays out the days choreography, including delivery schedules.

For maximum efficiency amid the constraints we face, Mortenson applies lean techniques that originated in the manufacturing world. A key principal of lean is the idea of the just-in-time delivery. Mortenson teams and subcontractors alike commit to lean practices to eliminate wasted materials, time and resources.

Hospitality projects are a different type of animal. Owner-supplied finishes and furniture add another wrinkle to the process. Everything from the wall coverings to carpeting to bathroom finishes are delivered separately, often from a third-party supplier contracted directly by the owner.

And as most Seattleites can attest, increasing gridlock adds an element of unpredictability to the mix.

Neighborly relations

As buildings in previously under-utilized neighborhoods like Denny Triangle fill up with new residents, office tenants and hotel patrons, pedestrian safety and community outreach become even more critical.

While building the Residence Inn by Marriott hotel at 924 Howell St. recently, we were surprised to learn that light emanating from a Mortenson logo on our tower crane had been keeping folks awake inside the upper floors of an established apartment tower nearby.

Thanks to previous outreach meetings with residents there, they knew exactly who to call (me) to take care of the issue. We took the simple step of putting the crane lights on a timer.

Relationship-building early in a projects lifecycle can also help meet expectations later on. If we receive a noise variance from the city to begin pouring concrete at 5 a.m. one morning, we like to communicate that to hotel managers, so they can slip a note under guests doors ahead of time. That way, there are no surprises.

Its one of the many ways being a good neighbor goes a long way, especially in a budding corner of a city on the rise.

Phil Greany is a construction executive with Mortenson Construction, the general contractor for downtown Seattles Tilt49, AMLI Arc and Residence Inn by Marriott projects, as well as the recently completed Hill7.













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Unused building? Consider housing homeless families there

Nonprofit Marys Place has been working with developers and property owners to create temporary shelters before development begins.



By KRIS RICHEY CURTIS

Kinzer Partners

Richey Curtis

What would it take to bring every homeless child in our community inside?

Marys Place, a nonprofit organization that runs several family day centers and shelters that provide just over 450 beds each night in King County, has given this question a great deal of thought. The answer, according to Executive Director Marty Hartman, is partnerships.

Family homelessness is our community crisis right now, and the community must come together to solve it, Hartman says.

Marys Place partners with service providers, medical professionals, employers, landlords, community groups, congregations, schools  anyone and everyone  to address the issue of family homelessness. Their goal is to move families into permanent homes and get them stable as quickly as possible.

But while Marys Place staff and the families they serve search for that affordable house or apartment in a white-hot rental market, they are also increasingly working with forward-thinking developers and property owners to expand their shelter capacity. These unique public-private partnerships are turning out to be a win-win for the entire community.

Photo by Ben VanHouten Photography [enlarge] A former Travelodge on the site of a future Amazon high-rise serves as a Marys Place shelter for homeless families.





Last year, Amazon partnered with Marys Place to convert a vacant hotel on the site of a future headquarters building in the Denny Regrade neighborhood into a shelter for 200 family members. Last month the Seattle-based company announced that the new building would contain 47,000 square feet of space for a permanent Marys Place shelter.

While Amazon is the best known of Marys Place partners, other local corporations and businesses have also provided temporary shelter space in their unused buildings.

Vulcan Inc. has made available a single-family home in South Lake Union, and office space for the growing staff at Marys Place in the old KEXP radio building on Dexter Avenue in downtown Seattle. Pemco Insurance provided a large office building in the Cascade neighborhood of South Lake Union that served as a family shelter for just over a year, and smaller property owners have provided a former restaurant space and two single-family homes in North Seattle.

The organization also partners with local governments.

The Marys Place Family Center in North Seattle is a resource center and night shelter for 100 family members in a former bank building on loan from the city of Seattle. King County has provided a public health building in White Center that sleeps 70, and Marys Place will soon open a shelter in another county-owned building in Kenmore, a former sheriffs precinct, for 80 family members.

Other communities like Auburn, Tukwila and Federal Way are considering similar arrangements to accommodate this interim use in their communities.

Marys Place also partners with companies like BNBuilders, GLY Construction, Perkins + Will and Kinzer Partners who provide pro bono or low-cost services to quickly convert these empty buildings into shelter. They add showers, washers and dryers, curtain room dividers, kitchens, fire and earthquake upgrades, and other improvements that may be required to make the buildings family ready.

Jessica Clawson, a longtime volunteer and now board member at Marys Place, says the organization is a great tenant and neighbor.

Marys Place comes into a building and breathes life into it, preventing vandalism and other illegal uses, Clawson says. The building is well cared for and property owners get the additional benefit of providing an interim use that helps solve a community problem. It just doesnt get much better than that!

Clawson is a partner at McCullough Hill Leary, a business, real estate and land-use law firm that works with developers to obtain permits for their projects.

Pearl Leung, external affairs director at Vulcan Inc., confirms that the interim shelter use has worked well for them.

Marys Place takes care of the building, provides 24-7 eyes on the property, and the families that call it home-for-now are positively engaged in the neighborhood, Leung says.

Clawson participates on a team of volunteer real estate and development professionals working with Marys Place that is continually researching and exploring opportunities for new partnerships. When buildings in current use as shelters are ready for development, the committee ensures that new buildings are coming online to replace and grow shelter capacity.

Clawson encourages property owners to take a look at their portfolios and development plans and consider if there is an opportunity there. You may not think that your space would work, but Marys Place is very creative. Lets talk! she says.

Kris Richey Curtis is partner at Kinzer Partners, a real estate consulting and brokerage firm based in Seattle. She is a Marys Place board member and chairs their Site Selection Committee.













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Photo by Brian Miller [enlarge] The 1907 Main & Alaskan Building sits on a small lot next to the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Pioneer Square.

The historic Main & Alaskan Building, at 76 S. Main St. in Pioneer Square, has sold for $3.4 million, according to King County records.





. . .
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SEATTLE  The Lake City Center building at 12360 Lake City Way N.E. has sold for $7.9 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Lake City Center LLC, which acquired the property in 2001 for $5.7 million.





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Iowa's Republican state chairman described Sen. Ben Sasse as an "arrogant academic" in a surprising outburst of personal criticism directed at Nebraska's Republican senator during President Donald Trump's rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday night.

Politico described the remarks by Jeff Kaufmann as "an extraordinary and seemingly unprovoked attack," reporting that Kaufmann suggested that Sasse "isn't welcome in Iowa" two weeks before the Nebraska senator is scheduled to keynote a local party dinner in the state.

Kaufmann spoke prior to Trump's appearance on the stage.

Sasse traveled to Iowa in advance of that state's 2016 Republican presidential caucus to oppose Trump.

"We had Sen. Ben Sasse from Nebraska, he crosses the Missouri River, and in that sanctimonious tone talks about what he doesn't like about Donald Trump," Kaufmann said.

"You know what, Sen. Sasse? I really don't care what you like. We love Donald Trump. And if you don't love him, I suggest you stay on your side of the Missouri River."

Later, Kaufmann told Politico that Sasse is "sanctimonious" and treats Trump voters with "condescension."

"I think this is all about him getting a name for himself," Kaufmann said.

"Ben Sasse is gonna say that because Ben Sasse is running for president in 2024," Kaufmann said.

Sasse has not responded to the Iowa chairman's remarks.
India and Russia on Tuesday concluded an MOU on the unified technology assessment and accelerated commercialisation programme. Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Ashutosh Sharma and director general, Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE), Russia, Dr Sergey Polyakov signed the agreement on Tuesday. The MOU aims at facilitating support enterprises to improve their global competitiveness through international cooperation, innovative activities and technology transfer. The two agencies (DST and FASIE) will link the Indian and Russian organisations and institutions to develop user-friendly and easy mechanisms for assisting companies and research entities to jointly develop technology collaboration and joint projects, an official release stated. The two sides discussed several simple ways for encouraging young scientists to cooperate in areas of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with an addendum to the agreement between DST and RSF on coordinated competition for conducting collaborating research. Both sides would support young achievers (less than 39 years) in a competitive mode for joint collaborative research. Next call for proposals would be made in 2018. At present, 17 joint projects are being supported by DST and RSF jointly. ''Science and technology cooperation between India and the Russian Federation has been one of the important pillars of the long standing and time tested bilateral relationship. The vibrant partnership in science and technology has created a win-win situation which is driven by a sense of confidence and purpose in achieving together. This deepening relationship has enabled the free confluence of researchers across disciplines and institutions both from academia and research laboratories,''an official release stated. India and Russia are celebrating the 70th year of establishment diplomatic relations between the two countries. Department of Science and Technology, and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Moscow are also celebrating 10th year of their partnership. Two sides are agreed to work for start-up companies and entrepreneurs and to establish Indo-Russian Bridge for Innovation. The DST-RFBR programme today provides one of the robust platforms for bilateral scientific cooperation in basic sciences. It has given access to Indian scientists to work with the entire spectrum of Russian academic and scientific institutions in pursuing front ranking curiosity driven fundamental research of international standards. The first call under DST-RFBR programme was awarded in 2008. In the last ten years, DST and RFBR have jointly supported 254 research projects out of 870 project proposals received. The proposals have an average success rate of about 25 per cent. In terms of scientific areas, projects have been supported across the fields of basic sciences covering physics and astronomy (69 projects), chemistry and material sciences (55 projects), biology and medical sciences (34 projects), earth sciences (32 projects), mathematics (27 projects), engineering sciences (23 projects) and computer sciences and telecommunications (14 projects). Around 800 research publications have emerged from these projects, averaging publications per project.








The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is all set to launch its Cartosat-2 series `eye in the sky' satellite for earth observation along with 30 co-passenger satellites. Isro's workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), in its 40th flight (PSLV-C38), will carry these satellites into orbit. The rocket is scheduled to take off from the Sriharikota space port near Chennai at 9.29 am on Friday, an Isro release said. Cartosat-2 Series Satellite is the primary satellite being carried by PSLV-C38. This remote sensing satellite is similar in configuration to earlier satellites in the series with the objective of providing high-resolution scene specific spot imagery. The 712-kg Cartosat-2 Series Satellite along with 29 co-passenger satellites from abroad and one from India, together weighing about 243 Kg at lift-off' is planned to be launched into a nominal altitude of 505 km. The primary Cartosat-2 series satellite is a remote sensing satellite. The imagery sent by the satellite will be useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and man-made features, and various other land information systems, as well as for geographical information system (GIS) applications. The co-passenger satellites comprise 30 nano satellites, including one from India and 14 other countries - Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, United Kingdom, and the United States. The total weight of all the satellites carried onboard PSLV-C38 is about 955 Kg. This will be the seventeenth flight of the PSLV in its 'XL' configuration (with the use of solid strap-on motors). India uses satellites for various purposes, including observation of land, water and ocean and for meteorological purposes and has accordingly named these as Resourcesat, Cartosat, Oceansat, RISAT, and INSAT series. It also envisages placing a geo-imaging satellite in geostationary orbit to enable near real-time imaging. The overall aim is to maintain the continuity of services and carry out enhancements in technological capabilities with respect to sensors and payloads to meet operational applications. Isro plans to design, develop and launch Cartosat-3 and Oceansat-3. In the future, Isro will also launch more satellites from the INSAT series for meteorological applications. Cartosat-1, the first in the series of earth observation satellites, was launched on 5 May 2005, using the PSLV-C6 launch vehicle, followed by Cartosat-2 on 10 January 2007.








A Lifford man who went into his house and took two 12 inch kitchen knives before stabbing a man in the back has avoided a prison sentence.

Jordan Porter (21) pleaded guilty to stabbing Graham Allen who was sitting in his car at Butcher Street, Lifford, on June 29th, 2015 after an altercation between the two men.

Mr Allen said that if he had not been able to move his car forward just before he was stabbed he believes he may have been killed.

Porter was sentenced to 240 hours community service in lieu of two years in prison.

Detective Garda John OSullivan of Ballybofey Garda Station told Lettetrkenny Circuit Court that Mr Allen went to Butcher Street in Lifford at around 11pm to collect his girlfriend who was socialising with the Porters girlfriend.

The two women told him that Porter was intoxicated and aggressive as a result of having taken a combination of alcohol and magic dragon, a synthetic cannabis substance that was legal in Northern Ireland at the time.

Porter, of 4 Butcher Street, Lifford become involved in an altercation with Mr Allen. Garda OSullivan said Porter went into house and got two large kitchen knives. He came out and launched himself at Mr Allen when he was in his car and stabbed him on the back.

Mr Allen went to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Afterwards Porter became involved in an incident between himself and his own mother to which gardai were called.

He was unsteady on his feet and very agitated and there was blood on his knuckles. He was arrested under the Public Order Act and taken to Letterkenny Garda station where gardai became aware that there had been a stabbing in Butcher Street.

A knife was recovered from the scene and CCTV footage was harvested from a next door bookmakers.

Porter was arrested but did not cooperate when shown CCTV.

CCTV footage showed him running at the car and stabbing Mr Allen through the window. Mr Allen tried to drive off but he was stabbed with a 12-inch kitchen knife. He made a full recovery from his injuries.

Porter later sent a social media message to Mr Allen and he was put in fear and bail was objected to for that reason.

Prosecuting counsel Patricia McLaughlin (BL) told the court that Mr Allen received a 20mm wound to his back. He told gardai he believes that if he had not moved the car forward he would have been stabbed in the neck and may have died.

Mr Allen did not appear at the sentencing hearing.

Defense counsel Peter Nolan (BL) said Porter went to White Oaks for a month for addiction treatment and is now back living at home with his mother.

He said it could have been a very serious case and Porter was lucky he was not before the Central Criminal Court. Mr Nolan said Porter has been clean since and a probation report showed he is a suitable for community service. He said the accused accepted responsibility for his actions on the night.

Mr Nolan told Judge John OHagan that Porter had learned a lesson and has genuine remorse.

He is a young man who made a grave error and I ask you to treat him as leniently as you can, he said.

Making a public apology to the court Porter said he was genuinely sorry for everything that happened.

Judge John OHagan said it appeared Mr Allen wanted to put the episode behind him but he had had a very lucky escape on the night in question.

The judge said Porter, who faced a maximum sentence of five years, had made an early plea and had not drawn the attention of gardai since.

Judge OHagan ordered Porter to complete 240 hours of community service in place of two years in prison.
Toyota is set to add a new member to its popular HiLux family.

The success of the limited edition TRD HiLux, which is aimed at the premium Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Volkswagen Amarok Highline, has encouraged the Japanese brand to add a premium offering above the SR5 on a permanent basis.

Toyota Australia sales and marketing chief Tony Cramb told Drive the company was happy with the performance of the TRD package and admitted it exposed an area of the market, for premium utes at the $60,000 mark, that the brand could exploit. Currently the top-of-the-range HiLux is the SR5 4x4, priced from $54,390 (plus on-road costs) leaving room for the brand to expand upwards.

"That part of the market is on fire," Cramb said. "At this stage we don't have something to offer into that segment of the market so the special edition has been really well received."

But the TRD packaged model is unlikely to continue, instead the company could introduce a new model to compete against the Wildtrak.

"What it opens the door to is possibly variants into that higher-grade section," Cramb added. "Whether TRD is represented or not, time will tell, but definitely we're very aware there is a market above the SR5 that we're not playing in that we need to play in. It's essentially what it is, a tip-toe to see if it's applicable to HiLux and that's been overwhelmingly confirmed, so the direction for us to go in is clear."

Cramb acknowledged the success of the Ford Ranger is also playing a role in the decision. The blue oval's ute is out-selling the HiLux in the 4x4 class so far in 2017. The latest VFacts report from May has the Ford at 14,114 sales, 912 units ahead of the HiLux 4x4.

"I think Ranger is an excellent product offering into that market, particularly in 4x4," Cramb said. "From an overall point-of-view we're not necessarily concerned, but from a 4x4 point-of-view they're clearly doing very well.

"And part of that success is from the variants we don't offer, the higher grades like the Wildtrak those sorts of things are where we're getting beaten."
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The Rebuilding Ireland programme, launched last year to tackle the housing shortage in the country, is seeing progress in Dundalk, with the Rebuilding Ireland sign appearing at several building sites around the town.

As part of the programme County Councils and Approved Housing Bodies can approach house owners of vacant, privately-owned houses in need of repair/remediation, with the option to either lease/repair the housing unit, or to buy and repair/remediate the unit. Louth County Council has made use of this with over 26 different schemes running across the county, including some in Dundalk.

Included here are pictures of some of the different Rebuilding Ireland projects that are progressing across town. One of the larger projects in Dundalk at a completion stage, is a housing development off the Castletown Road.

Among the other works in progress in Dundalk is St Brigids Terrace, where work is ongoing as well as at locations in Seatown and Jocelyn Street, where buildings which have laid idle for some time are now being refurbished to bring them back into residential use.

These developments, along with other building development ongoing in Dundalk at the moment, will go a long way to alleviating the housing shortage in the town at present, and hopefully is a sign of things to come for the future.

While progress is being made to the housing shortage with the help of programmes like Rebuilding Ireland, Louth Deputy Declan Breathnach, believes much more needs to be done.

There must be movement on the vacant properties in particular, as these represent a source of housing that could be ready in a short time to alleviate the crises, believes Deputy Breathnach.

Deputy Breathnach and the Fianna Fail party see the Housing Crisis as not being properly tackled by Fine Gael Government.

In 2014 it was announced that there was a national emergency in housing. It is now three years later and the number of homeless families has increased by over 200 percent. There have been many announcements but very little progress in helping people get homes. Fine Gael launched their housing plan Rebuilding Ireland nine months ago and little else has happened. The issue has got worse as there has been an increase in: House prices, Rental costs, Demands for social housing and Land hoarding.

Deputy Breathnach stated that much more can be done to address the ongoing crisis, including: Refurbishing Vacant Housing, Refurbishing Above the Shop units, Accelerating Social Housing Construction, Getting Construction Moving, Inspection system to improve Rental Standards and Safety and the tackling of Mortgage debt.
Dundalk woman, Sorcha McGee has made her on-screen debut this month in a new campaign from car insurance brand its4women.ie.

Following an open casting call, the TV ad is airing on RTE One and sees Sorcha share her experiences and insights into what it means to look for and find the perfect partner.

Sorcha beat off competition from over 300 hundred applicants after a national search by its4women.ie to find everyday women, from all walks of life and all parts of the country for the fresh, fun and feel-good campaign.

Sorcha (40) and her own perfect partner husband have been together for seven years so she knows a thing or two about finding the perfect match. A former veterinary nurse, Sorcha is now a complaints specialist for PayPal having moved back to Ireland from England which sparked a career change.

Working with its4women.ie and finding small screen stardom has been an exciting experience for Sorcha who commented; Shooting with its4women.ie was a fantastic experience. Not only was it really fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes on set, I met lots of really interesting people on the day. Definitely an unforgettable experience and one I wont forget in a hurry.

The Perfect Partner campaign aims to bolster the brands support of women in Ireland with a programme of content dedicated to females across the country.

Gary McClarty, Managing Director at MCL Insurance Services, operators of its4women.ie said: "As the its4women.ie brand continues to grow and evolve, we are keen to generate content that is relevant and relatable to females in Ireland. Sorcha is the perfect fit for our Perfect Partner campaign and we are honoured to have her and the rest of the cast from across the country representing our brand on the big-screen.

This campaign is particularly exciting for us as it focuses on real stories from real women and is extremely effective in communicating our brand values. At its4women.ie we have always put the needs of Irelands female drivers first and this is an extension of that. The finished ad is fun, fresh and authentic - just like its4women.ie.

The campaign will be rolled-out across TV, cinema, outdoor and online over the next two years. Watch Sorchas on-screen debut in the new Perfect Partner TV ads HERE and HERE.

To find out more about how its4women.ie is supporting female talent visit www.its4women.ie. To join in the conversation follow @its4women_ie on Twitter, @its4women.ie on Facebook and @its4women_ie on Instagram or search #its4women.
Larry Goodman's Louth based ABP foods is about to expand with the news that it is set to take a 50% stake in UK-based meat processor Linden Foods.

Based in County Down, Linden Foods is the meat processing division of Fane Valley Co-op in Northern Ireland and England and employs about 1,000 people. It has facilities in Dungannon in Tyrone, Burradon in England and as Kettyle Irish Foods in Fermanagh.

In a joint press statement, ABP and Fane Valley said The partnership will see ABP Food Group take a 50% stake in the Linden Foods company, adding that the new business will continue to trade as Linden Foods under the current management team.

The move has raised concerns in Northern Ireland regarding competition as it will mark a further consolidation in the meat processing industry in the UK and Ireland.

This comes on the back of ABP's acquisition of 50% of Slaney Foods in Wicklow last year, which has given the combined company more than a quarter of the beef processing market in Ireland.

The Slaney Foods acquisition however, was given the all clear to go ahead by the European Commission in November 2016. In the European Commission's decision it concluded that the merger would not raise competition concerns in any of the three markets it could affect.
Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Cross Border Co-Operation Declan Breathnach TD, has welcomed the publication of a report by the Good Friday Agreement Committee on Brexit.

The Committee held a series of detailed meetings with key stakeholders over the past 10 months outlining the core priorities for Ireland in the context of the Good Friday Agreement.

The final report has set out a series of recommendations to ensure that Brexit does not undermine the cornerstone of the peace process. The publication comes as Brexit negotiations open this week in Brussels around the future relationship of the UK with the EU.

Deputy Breathnach, who is Vice-Chairperson of the Good Friday Agreement Committee, commented,

'This report highlights the key actions that need to be taken to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement remains fully intact in the face of Brexit.

'The issue of the border is rightly taking precedence in talks and there is a pressing need for clarity on how we can avoid the return of a hard border which would only serve to divide communities in the North and South.

'Maintaining a strong North - South and Irish - UK link will be important in helping to ensure the institutional framework of the Good Friday Agreement remains resilient.

'Securing EU funding into the future is another vital component which must be examined as PEACE funding has played a central part in improving investment in border communities. Losing this funding after 2020 would be a devastating blow.

'Progress has been made with the EU declaration that Northern Ireland can re-join the EU automatically with a vote for re-unification. However the priority has to be practical steps to avoid a hard border and maintain the peace process.

'The Government should continue its all-island dialogue to help progress these aims over the next critical 18 months of negotiation, concluded Deputy Breathnach.
There is much excitement at the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol with only days until Mundy makes a return appearance there on Saturday 1st July @ 8.30pm.

Talking to LMFM radio recently, Mundy spoke about his affection for the Centre and how hes looking forward to a return visit, such was the reception he received when he last played there. He spoke about the uniqueness of the venue and how he might just do a rendition of Jailhouse Rock!

Mundy has had a busy year since he last performed in the Oriel Centre, touring the US as well as Australia and New Zealand  he was even a contestant on TV3s Celebrity MasterChef Ireland, albeit an unsuccessful one!

The audience can be guaranteed another night of great music his greatest hits including To You I Bestow, July, Shot in the Dark and, of course, Galway Girl. The audience will also be treated to some new tunes and stories of his recent adventures.

Mundy will be supported by young trad group Teorann which includes local musicians Finnian OConnor and Fiachra Meek alongside DKIT student Grainne Smith.

The Oriel Centre is one of Irelands most unique music venues and tickets for all shows are strictly limited. For tickets log onto www.orielcentre.ie or phone 042 9328887.
At the end of this month, Stevan Premutico will step away from Dimmi, the online restaurant booking platform he founded in early 2009. Under his leadership, Dimmi has withstood well-funded international competitors and wooed TripAdvisor, which acquired it for a reported $25m two years ago.

In conversation with Dynamic Business, the departing CEO reflected on his journey with the market-leading start-up that began life as an idea scrawled on a napkin.

DB: Why did you feel it was time to depart Dimmi?

Premutico: Honestly, I feel like I have done what I set out to do, which is make the restaurant industry better. I am so, so proud of what the team has achieved and where Dimmi is at that I feel comfortable handing over my baby [to current GM Jared Chapman] and moving on . The team I leave behind is one of the best in any small business in Australia.

DB: Can you paint a picture of the success youve had?

Premutico: You can look at success in a number of ways. Firstly, theres the tangible stuff we have partnered with 50% of all restaurants in Australia, including marquee brands such as Rockpool, Urban Purveyor Group and Merivale. Further, Dimmi accounts for 20% of all reservations generated in Australia and we have seated 40 million dinners  in fact, were now seating 1 million a month. Weve been able to help our restaurant partners make money and win new customers. Consequently, we are the clear #1 player in our space.

The thing that Im most proud of  and that I believe defines Dimmis success  is that we made it through the start-up years. For me, the companys story is one of grit, resilience and true determination to make an industry better. We shouldnt have made it through. On the one hand, the industry was old-school and reluctant to change. On the other, big international competitors threw everything they had at usbut we made it. We made it because of a small team of 50 who truly believed in what we were doing: making the industry, including the lives of our restaurateurs, better.

DB: Was it difficult launching Dimmi during the GFC?

Premutico: It made it almost impossible to raise funds but in hindsight it probably made it easier to change the industry. Restaurants were struggling and I knew they needed to change, to innovate, to embrace technology to survive.

DB: Was it business as usual following the TripAdvisor buy-out?

Premutico: TripAdvisor, to their credit, have been a remarkable partner and have allowed Dimmi to be what it always was. By acquiring Dimmi, they gave the company the capital and support it needed to continue growing.

DB: What were the key challenges at the companys helm?

Premutico: Wow, there were so, so many. To be honest, I am surprised we made it through the early days  it was pretty rough at times. As with any start-up, there were moments over the years where we almost didnt make it. Five key challenges come to mind:

Restaurants thought we were nuts: It was difficult gaining momentum during the first couple of years because they were reluctant to change. Not only did they want to retain the personal touch of taking reservations by phone, they were still deeply attached to their pen and paper diaries. Further, nobody had CRM strategies for their database, many didnt have websites (let alone mobile websites) and social media was a foreign concept. We knew that when we got them to the other side, the digital world, it would be significantly better for them and the industry but it was a tough slog  one by one, meeting after meeting. We literally had to drag them kicking and screaming.

It was difficult gaining momentum during the first couple of years because they were reluctant to change. Not only did they want to retain the personal touch of taking reservations by phone, they were still deeply attached to their pen and paper diaries. Further, nobody had CRM strategies for their database, many didnt have websites (let alone mobile websites) and social media was a foreign concept. We knew that when we got them to the other side, the digital world, it would be significantly better for them and the industry but it was a tough slog  one by one, meeting after meeting. We literally had to drag them kicking and screaming. Running out of money: We had a big vision but revenue was super thin in the early days so we had to find creative ways to get through. There were two pretty scary moments when we almost ran out of money. The first was when my seed investor, a family friend, had to revise his contribution from $300,000 down to $200,000the problem was that much of the additional $100,000 had already been committed, so we needed to find another investor quickly! The second moment came about three years in. We were over-optimistic about some of our revenue lines and I took my eye off our cash position. We went from tight  supertight  to not being able to pay our bills and our people. Its tough because as soon as an investor knows youre desperate for cash, they will try to squeeze you. Luckily, we found another investor just in time.

We had a big vision but revenue was super thin in the early days so we had to find creative ways to get through. There were two pretty scary moments when we almost ran out of money. The first was when my seed investor, a family friend, had to revise his contribution from $300,000 down to $200,000the problem was that much of the additional $100,000 had already been committed, so we needed to find another investor quickly! The second moment came about three years in. We were over-optimistic about some of our revenue lines and I took my eye off our cash position. We went from tight  supertight  to not being able to pay our bills and our people. Its tough because as soon as an investor knows youre desperate for cash, they will try to squeeze you. Luckily, we found another investor just in time. Recruiting the best people: I always believed that the only hope we had of making Dimmi work was by attracting great people to make it happen. Unfortunately, great people typically come with big fat salary expectations, which we couldnt meet early on, so we had to find other ways to attract them. Our approach was to focus on what we could offer employees what very few other companies could; namely, the ability to work for a company where you could truly make a difference and have an impact on the world.

I always believed that the only hope we had of making Dimmi work was by attracting great people to make it happen. Unfortunately, great people typically come with big fat salary expectations, which we couldnt meet early on, so we had to find other ways to attract them. Our approach was to focus on what we could offer employees what very few other companies could; namely, the ability to work for a company where you could truly make a difference and have an impact on the world. Retaining the start-up culture: While this has become harder and harder as Dimmi has grown, Ive remained very focused on ensuring a) we never got complacent, b) we continued to innovate rapidly, and c) our customer service and restaurant support were best-in-industry.

While this has become harder and harder as Dimmi has grown, Ive remained very focused on ensuring a) we never got complacent, b) we continued to innovate rapidly, and c) our customer service and restaurant support were best-in-industry. Remaining sane: Without a doubt, this was the biggest challenge during the start-up years! When youre passionate about business, sometimes theres just not enough time or resources available to realise your ambitions. Fortunately, I found yoga  its my personal savior. Its an opportunity to do nothing for an hour. In such a crazy world, that time is sacred to me.

DB: What made you stick to your guns despite overseas threats?

Premutico: Weve had four well-funded international players try to win our market. When the first one struck, in the early days, one of my team members broke down in tears, saying we are small, they are big, they will crush us. While you freak out at the time, the funny thing is that in hindsight you realise the big competitors just make you stronger, much more determined and more focused. When OpenTable arrived in 2015, it was with a big bang. They had lots of money and had carried out a huge acquisition of a local incumbent. Two years later, we have won the battle. We were two very different companies. We truly wanted to help make the industry better. It was never about the money for us. Restaurants were in our hearts, they were part of our DNA.

DB: What has been the secret to Dimmis longevity in the market?

Premutico: I would say its the things that have set us apart from our competitors including an understanding that small and fast beats big and slow plus the following:

We had a first-mover advantage  Owing to our head start, we had the market largely stiched-up. Over that period, we had formed long-term (and mostly exclusive) partnerships with key consumer channels and had built a brand that was the go-to place for consumer search and discovery.

 Owing to our head start, we had the market largely stiched-up. Over that period, we had formed long-term (and mostly exclusive) partnerships with key consumer channels and had built a brand that was the go-to place for consumer search and discovery. We spent years building meaningful relationships with restaurants  consequently, when someone else came along and offered them a cheaper option, it just wasnt enough to break the bond wed established.

 consequently, when someone else came along and offered them a cheaper option, it just wasnt enough to break the bond wed established. We assembled a team of people who really cared  we truly believed that a restaurant would be better off with Dimmi than with anyone else, so we battled hard to ensure we never lost an account.

 we truly believed that a restaurant would be better off with Dimmi than with anyone else, so we battled hard to ensure we never lost an account. A commitment to being innovative  in a competitive world you can never stop, never get complacent. The introduction of Dimmi Payments, was super important for the industry. Enabling restaurants to take partial/full deposits or even full payment up-front has been key in eliminating no-shows. I also love our Yield Management product, which is designed to help drive more bookings in off-peak times. Its crazy that the industry still charges the same prices on a Saturday night as they do for a Wednesday lunch.

DB: Is the restaurant booking industry still ripe for disruption?

Premutico: Every industry always is. I truly believe that technology will continue to turn this great industry on its head. In Australia, we have some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world but there are some big challenges we as an industry need to overcome  these included the highest labour rates in the world, ridiculously high rent costs and crazy new 457 visas rules that make our lives that much harder. The industry doesnt just need answers, it needs solutions too and I think technology can play a big role. I feel Dimmi is best positioned to lead that disruption.

DB: Youve said youd like to launch another start-upany ideas?

Premutico: I have a bunch of ideas but I am in no rush. My first move, post-Dimmi, is a three-month sabbatical so that I can breathe a littleafter that, well see. All I can say is its a great time to be in tech.
Australias biggest retail players need not fear the imminent rollout of Amazon Marketplace in Australia. This is not the death knell of the status quo; local retail businesses and smaller Aussie brands should be seeing this as a golden opportunity to grow their business.

The imminent rollout of Amazon Marketplace in Australia may be seen as the death knell for the status quo that some of the biggest retail players have fed off for years, but for many local retail businesses and smaller Aussie brands it actually represents a huge opportunity to grow their business.

Instead of being intimidated, Australias most savvy businesses are already gearing up to make the most of this long overdue industry shake-up, signing up for early interest in becoming Amazon sellers.

One-part retail, one-part search engine and one-part logistics company, Amazons core product offering relies heavily on providing e-commerce solutions for businesses. Around 50 per cent of the goods they sell coming from third party sellers.

Assuming that the terms of the rollout will be similar to those of Amazon Marketplaces in the US and UK, Australian businesses would do well to learn Amazons model so they can fully capitalise on it when it does launch next year.

Amazons three types of sellers

Amazon sellers can be divided into one of three types: Fulfilled by merchant (FBM), Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)  collectively known as 3P Sellers  as well as Amazon Vendor and Vendor Express. Dedicated research and understanding the different time investment and margin impact of each model is the key to making a smooth transition into the Amazon ecosystem.

FBM is the basic model, where a seller can list a product for sale on Amazon but handle all logistics, customer service and shipping themselves. This model can have the best margins and leverage existing logistics infrastructure, but businesses will miss out on some of the perks that die-hard Amazon customers rely on like Amazon Prime shipping and flexible returns policy.

The model that most small to medium-sized retailers should be looking at is FBA, especially if theyre selling their own branded product or distributing unique items. Under the FBA model, sellers send their stock into an Amazon fulfilment centre and list it for sale on the marketplace. Amazon handles all shipping and returns and sellers usually get paid for sold items within two weeks. Prime members get free or discounted delivery and can buy with confidence.

One of the biggest advantages of the FBA model is that it has an option for Multi-Channel Fulfilment. This means that a company can sell items both from the Amazon store and their own eCommerce website or other marketplaces, and have their products stored, picked, packed and shipped by Amazon. This can really help small businesses grow, as its easily scalable and allows them to sell internationally without the need for their own logistics and warehousing.

There are some things to be aware of though. The first is that unsold units stored with Amazon can be charged for storage after six months, so good inventory management is critical. The second is that Amazons no questions asked return policy known as the A-Z Guarantee applies to all FBA sellers, and is non-negotiable. Businesses should factor in about a five per cent return rate to anticipate this.

The last kind of seller is an Amazon Vendor, which is more like a traditional wholesale agreement. Sellers are invited into the vendor program and Amazon will buy a number of units at a pre-agreed price. This is generally for larger companies and manufacturers with a hands off approach to distribution. Vendor has its perks, such as enhanced on page content and more marketing options, but for small businesses their standard Net 60 terms and laundry list of chargebacks can wreak havoc on cash flow and margins.

Getting the most out of your Amazon account

With all seller types, businesses need to create an account and list each of your products with clear names, descriptions, keywords and high-quality photos. As with any other online marketplace, products are only as appealing as their online presence so engaging copy and professional product photography are a must. If participating in the FBA or Vendor models, businesses need to keep in mind they will also need to send their items into Amazon ready to be shipped to customers.

The next step is making sure products show up on the SERP (or Search Engine Results Page) for all the right searches. This is where Amazon starts to feel similar to Google. A number of SEO factors go into which products rank higher than others, including the title and backend keywords, sales history, pricing, customer reviews, fulfilment method as well as customer reviews (quality and quantity) and the all-important star rating.

Amazon has a suite of on platform marketing tools available for companies to promote their products on the marketplace, with Amazon Sponsored Products being the centrepiece. Like AdWords for Amazon, it is a keyword-focused Pay Per Click advertising service which lets sellers bid their way to the top of search results and get customers eyes on their products. Unlike traditional PPC platforms like AdWords, a targeted paid keyword strategy on Amazon can have the added benefit of improving organic visibility as sales and reviews obtained through advertising channels are indexed by Amazons A9 algorithm.

Its also worth noting Amazons strict policies regarding the review system.Positive customer reviews can give your sales a huge boost, but businesses should resist all temptations to review their own products, or those of competitors. Amazons sophisticated detection software will always be one step ahead.

Its also a no-no to provide any sort of discount or remuneration to customers to encourage them to leave reviews. Amazon recently clamped down on third party services who facilitate these arrangements, and whilst there are still companies out there that will sell businesses the promise of a foundation of reviews for a new product launch, it is unwise to position any business against Amazons will on reviews.

Vendor sellers can still give out products for reviews through the Amazon Vine program for a considerable fee, but for most sellers the best approach is simply following up on sales with good customer service, responding to negative reviews and simply asking customers to leave feedback.

By understanding the basics of how to get started on Amazon Marketplace, Australian retailers should be excited rather than wary of the local launch.

About the author

Tim Parker is the CEO of digital agency Gruden, one of only two accredited Amazon Web Services Government Partners in the country. Grudens Performance Marketing division helps Australian businesses manage their online presence, search visibility and sales.
Join Democratic Senators in pushing back against the disastrous Republican healthcare bill.

Its coming down to just a few days  and a few votes. That was the message from Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer to a group of healthcare advocates assembled on an emergency call by Families USA today. In fact, he said, Do or die weekend is this weekend in terms of stopping Trumpcare, the Republican healthcare bill.

Senator Schumer told us that grassroots support is going to be make or break this week. Theres been less outside pressure on the Senate bill than there was on the House version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA)  but the end result would be just as disastrous. The good news is that there are some Republican Senators who are still on the fence about the bill and there is still time to convince them to vote no.

Senate Democrats are united and are doing everything they can to slow down the Senate and call for a more transparent process using procedural rules, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is playing dirty. Hes violating his own principles in order to rush through this terrible legislation with no hearings. Senate Republicans have been working on it in secret because they know its terrible  they have good reason to be ashamed. And without a fully transparent process, mostly under the cover of darkness, its very likely the bill will be brought to a vote next week, before the July 4th recess.

Senate Democrats are holding a day of action in their states on Friday, June 23, and everyones voices are needed to make sure Senate Republicans understand the consequences of taking healthcare away from 23 million people  for making insurance unaffordable and unfair for people with pre-existing conditions, for women, for the elderly, for children  and for wreaking havoc on the healthcare industry, which accounts for one-sixth of the economy.

If you live in one of these states, call your Senator relentlessly. Keep their phones ringing. Show up at their offices. Make your voice heard. These are the Republican Senators who are still on the fence and could be convinced to vote NO on the Senate version of the AHCA:

Sen. Dean Heller (Nevada)

Sen. Susan Collins (Maine)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia)

Sen. Bill Cassidy (Louisiana)

Sen. Jeff Flake (Arizona)

Sen. Cory Gardner (Colorado)

Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio)

Find your Senators direct number HERE or call the switchboard at (202) 224-3121. You can also use the switchboard to connect with your Democratic Senator and find out about actions you can take on Friday and through next week to support their efforts to stop this bill.

Tell your Senator that lives literally hang in the balance. If you have a personal story about how the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) helped you  tell them about it. If ACA repeal and the monstrous AHCA would hurt you or your family, tell them about it. Use President Trumps words against them  remind them that he said the House version of the AHCA is mean and the Senate version needs more heart  which is putting it mildly. All of the Republican healthcare bills are a cruel punishment for 23 million Americans for the sake of giving the wealthy a tax break. It will destroy lives and hobble the economy for years to come.

Dont have a story of your own or arent sure how to tell is? Share one of the ACA stories Ive published here in the last few years.

Tell your Senator about the young man whose life was saved by the ACA after he was diagnosed with cancer  but could be facing lifetime limits and unaffordable insurance costs if the AHCA passes.

Tell your Senator about the woman in cancer treatment, who might not be able to afford to continue, leaving her children without one of their parents.

Tell your Senator about the young woman whose mother is pleading for her life, knowing that shell likely be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

If your Senator is too heartless to care that lives are at stake, make sure they understand that they have no business in public service  and you will make sure they are voted out of office if they vote yes on the AHCA. If your Senator is going to vote no, thank them and ask how you can help their efforts to push back against this terrible law.

Show up. Speak out. There is too much at stake to stop now.
By this point, most technology practitioners  and nearly all security practitioners  know about WannaCry. In fact, you might be sick of people analyzing it, rehashing it, sharing lessons learned about it, and otherwise laying out suggestions  in some cases, contradictory  about what you might do differently in the future. To the security practitioner, the level of unsolicited advice (frankly) borders on the annoying.

That said, there is one avenue that seems to be underexplored: namely, the opportunity for frank and productive discussions with executives about security goals using WannaCry as an illustrative case study.

WannaCry was serious enough  and impactful enough  to create a lasting impression on many organizational senior leaders. To the astute technology or security practitioner, that represents an opportunity not available under normative circumstances: to forward critical items on the security agenda and potentially realize outcomes that are harder to sell without a concrete example to highlight.

With that in mind, below are a few talking points  conversations that can be initiated with senior management  along with the underlying issues and potential positive outcomes to address key problems that many organizations have. These are suggestions. Practitioners should adapt these talking points to their own environment, of course, or improvise based on their own particular needs.

Point 1: Threat Intelligence and Situational Awareness

One of the noteworthy things about WannaCry is that it didnt come entirely out of the blue. The vulnerability that served as the exploitation vector for WannaCry (CVE-2017-0144) was addressed by a Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS17-010) on March 14, while the exploit code (EternalBlue) was released into the public by the Shadow Brokers hacking group on April 14.

There was plenty of time to act if one knew where to look. Theres no shame in not seeing this coming, though. Whether organizations have the bandwidth for threat intelligence or systematic situational awareness is a function of budget, staff, priorities and available time.

For organizations caught by surprise  which, according to data from ISACAs State of Cyber Security 2017 survey was most organizations (53 percent)  now is a perfect time to address resource allocation around that situational awareness.

One approach is to frame it around remediation time and expense compared to the outcomes had these capabilities been resourced. Theres a dollars-and-cents argument, supported by the facts of WannaCry itself, that can lead to an outcome of investing in this capability.

The outcome here is additional resources or investment in commercial threat intelligence to tip off the security team to items of this type so they know when to take action and can separate the noise from the critical issues.

Point 2: Patching and Risk Management

Situational awareness is useful only to the extent that it informs our behavior. Given that a patch was available to address the underlying SMB issue for some time, those non-IT professionals might say, Fixing is simple  just patch. However, as IT pros know, its not simple at all.

Legacy or critical-but-rickety business applications, as well as other unique situations, sometimes require kid gloves where patching is concerned. These might include testing before applying patches, a shakeout period for patches (sometimes extensive), vendor involvement, or any number of other factors that could impede the application of patches.

A robust patch management process typically will factor in the risk associated with a given vulnerability (either that assigned by the vendor or a common standard such as CVSS) and make the decision about when and how to patch in light of the potential risks.

Of course, this is a task likewise predicated on resource availability, budget and available time. Just like the situational awareness issue, a well-timed discussion about when the right time might be to fast-track a patch  or to ramp up priority, even in cases where there is a risk of production downtime  is a useful conversation to have.

Discussions about changes to patching, potentially even discussions around tool investment, can be framed around seeking an outcome of increased investment in patching and risk management, or greater leverage with business teams that might push back on the potential for production downtime.

Point 3: Attack Surface Reduction

During the height of the WannaCry crisis, many users and IT staff  even technically astute ones  were under the impression that its propagation vector was email. Given the volume of phishing attempts and email-borne malware, coupled with the long duration since the last network-propagating worm attack, they assumed that suspicious attachment blocks, email filters, or user training would prevent WannaCry.

Now, it should be clear to most that the vector was SMB (TCP ports 445 and 139, UDP 137-138) and not email. In the heat of the moment, that misperception can lead to a false sense of safety; it also begs the question of why organizations are allowing inbound SMB in the first place.

It goes without saying that there can be a benefit to reducing the attack surface associated with nodes in our technology ecosystem (whether on premises or off). That said, it can be contentious in situations where a reduction in attack surface potentially would impact  or further complicate  legitimate business usage.

Now, saying attack surface reduction to an executive likely will result in a blank stare  but using the example of WannaCry, along with a discussion of the goal of minimizing the exposure window, wont.

There are a few outcomes that can be achieved with this line of discussion. One is increased leverage and the ability to push back with business and other technology teams. Another is an increase in resources associated with analysis of attack surface, such as systematic application threat modeling. A third is an uptick in testing performed, such as vulnerability assessment tools or penetration testing.

These are, of course, only a few of myriad potential discussions that you might engage in with senior leadership. The goal: Leverage the real-world and impactful example of WannaCry to forward necessary and important goals that serve the betterment of the organization.

Of course, youll want to make sure to couch what you say in verbiage and language that will resonate with them. Have the facts at your fingertips  particularly in terms of organizational impact. Avoid jargon, stay focused on outcomes, and resist the urge to show them the math.
Cybersecurity expert Eugene Kaspersky has volunteered to turn over his companys software source code to allay fears about possible ties with the Russian government, The Australian reported last week. Kaspersky made the offer public at CeBIT Australia.

Some U.S. officials have expressed concerns that Kaspersky Lab might have a close working relationship with the Russian government.

Kaspersky five years ago replaced a number of high-level managers with people who had ties to Russias military or intelligence services, Bloomberg reported in 2015.

Some of them reportedly have provided data from the 400 million customers using Kasperskys software to Russias intelligence agency, the FSB.

Also, Kaspersky himself reportedly visits saunas with Russian officials on a regular basis.

Kaspersky studied at a university backed by the KGB  the precursor of the FSB  in the 1980s, according to reports, and he served as a software engineer with Soviet military intelligence before leaving for the private sector.

The heads of five U.S. intelligence agencies recently expressed suspicions regarding Kaspersky Lab to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, but they dont have an option due to political reasons, Kaspersky suggested on Reddit.

Recently, inaccurate statement and claims about Kaspersky Lab have circulated in public, the company said in a statement provided to TechNewsWorld by corporate communications manager Denise Bertrand.

Eugene never worked for the Russian government, Kapersky Lab contended. He grew up in the Soviet Union era when almost every education opportunity was sponsored by the government in some manner.

The university Kaspersky studied at was sponsored by four state institutions, one of which was the KGB, Kaspersky Lab said. He was placed at a Russian Ministry of Defense scientific institute as a software engineer upon graduating, because it was routine for university faculty to determine students post-graduate positions.

Stirring a Hornets Nest

Kaspersky did itself no favors with its all-out pursuit of hackers and malware authors linked to the U.S.

It has uncovered sophisticated malware or spyware connected to U.S. intelligence sources, including Stuxnet, Flame, Shamoon, and The Equation Group.

Kaspersky didnt seem to look equally hard for state-sponsored malware released by Russia, an acknowledged haven for cybercriminals.

Possibly because of that, and also because of the controversy surrounding Russias possible meddling in the U.S. presidential elections, Kaspersky now is under the microscope.

The FBI is looking into Kasperskys ties with the Russian government, as is the Senate.

Separately, the NSA and the UKs GCHQ reportedly have been trying to hack into Kaspersky for years.

Is Kaspersky Targeted Unfairly?

The NSA could be behind the latest scrutiny of Kaspersky Lab and its CEO.

Its always dangerous to piss off three-letter agencies, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Doing so while operating out of Russia would be even more problematic, he told TechNewsWorld.

However, the likelihood of Kaspersky maintaining a wall between its work with the FSB and Russian government, and its work with other clients is effectively zero, said Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Like a John LeCarre Novel

The situation is like a John LeCarre novel come to life, said Laura DiDio, principal analyst at ITIC.

Youre not going to be able to prove absolutely whether or not Kaspersky has ties to the Russian government, she told TechNewsWorld.

He has done all he can do  offer to give the U.S. government his source code, she pointed out.

The problem isnt whether Russia built a back door into the Kaspersky code, but that Russia may have copies of the source code, Jude told TechNewsWorld.

Regardless of whom Kaspersky turns his code over to, his reputation is shot, Jude said. If its Russia, the U.S. market is dead; if its the U.S., then just about every non-U.S. market is dead.
The Online Trust Alliance on Tuesday released its 2017 Online Trust Audit & Honor Roll.

Among its findings: Consumer services sites have the best combined security and privacy practices.

FDIC 100 banks and U.S. government sites are the least trustworthy, according to the audit.

The number of websites that qualified for the Honor Roll reached a nine-year high. However, the audit identified an alarming three-year trend: Increasingly, sites either take privacy and security seriously and do well in the audit, or they lag behind the industry significantly in one or more critical areas.

The Online Trust Alliance is an Internet Society initiative to promote best practices for online trust. Its goal is to set standards for recognizing excellence in online consumer protection, data security and responsible privacy practices.

Researchers analyzed about 1,000 predominantly consumer-facing websites for site and email security, as well as privacy practices.

Fifty-two percent of analyzed websites qualified for the Honor Roll, a 5 percent improvement over 2016.

Data is the oil of the Internet economy. It is fueling innovation, growth and revenue. At the same time, if abused there is a risk of data spills, negatively impacting user expectations and ultimately the Internet at large, said OTA Chairman Emeritus Craig Spiezle, founder of the group. The OTA Trust Audit & Honor Roll underscores the urgency to embrace responsible security and privacy practices. Failure risks a long-term impact to the Internet.

Consumer Trust Challenges

The annual OTA audits provide a valuable service, especially given the growing number and extremity of online threats, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

However, it is not very likely the report will help fix what hampers e-commerce today, he said.

One of the biggest challenges of addressing online threats is the sheer complexity of the markets, organizations and individuals affected. That is more than any single survey or organization can fix, King told LinuxInsider. The report is cautionary but lacks gravity outside of OTA members.

The decline in government website rankings could be a fly in the ointment. This years sudden poor showing for U.S. government sites could have a negative impact on consumer trust.

Lack of continuity is detrimental to consumers and businesses alike, noted King.

An ongoing problem with public sector sites is the radical shift in expectations and processes when power changes from one party to another, he said. Were seeing that now, as the current administration takes apart regulations and best practices put in place by the past administration.

Top 3 Performers

The audit tallied the percentage of websites making the Honor Roll in six categories:

Consumer Services  76 percent. This industry held onto its ranking as the best performing on the Honor Roll. This segment accounted for 26 of the top 50 consumer-facing sites, or 52 percent.

Internet Retailers  51 percent. Half of the top 500 Internet retailers made the Honor Roll this year, representing a big improvement over last years score of 44 percent. This segment accounted for 10 of the top 50 consumer-facing sites, or 20 percent.

News and Media  48 percent. This marks the most significant improvement over the previous year, across all industries. Last year, media and news sites polled as the worst-performing sector, with only 23 percent making the Honor Roll. This segment accounted for three of the top consumer-facing 50 sites, or 6 percent.

OTAs audit continues to drive awareness and recognition about the importance of responsible data security and ethical privacy practices, said Olaf Kolkman, chief internet technology officer of the Internet Society. The increase in sites embracing end-to-end encryption shows it is becoming the norm for site traffic.

Bottom 3 Performers

Following are the sectors bringing up the rear in the audit:

Internet Service Providers, Carriers, Hosters & Email Providers  46 percent. Coming in slightly worse than News and Media, this industry segment debuted as a new category this year. This segment accounted for seven of the top 50 consumer-facing sites, or 14 percent.

Government  39 percent. This percentage of audited U.S. federal government sites showed a significant decrease from 46 percent making the Honor Roll last year. Note that 60 percent of government websites received failing grades this year.

FDIC Banks  27 percent. This industry segment reflects the biggest drop this year. Last year, 55 percent of this category qualified for the Honor Roll.

The FDIC Banks category had showed steady and significant improvement in its Honor Roll score until this year. The plummeting score resulted from increased breaches, low privacy scores, and low levels of email authentication. Sixty-five percent received failing grades, according to OTA.

Expanded Methodology

An organization needed a composite score of 80 percent or better to qualify for Honor Roll status. Failing any one category automatically caused a company to fail overall.

Organizations also needed a score of at least 60 percent in three categories: 1) domain, brand and consumer protection; 2) site security and resiliency; and 3) data protection, privacy and transparency.

OTA expanded the 2017 methodology with two new criteria  telemetry and data fidelity  to address todays security threat and privacy landscape.

OTA analyzed websites between mid-April and the end of May. The audit analyzed more than 500 million email headers and approximately 100,000 Web pages.

The 2017 report was funded in part by grants from Symantec and Verisign. Data providers included Agari, DigiCert, Disconnect, Distil Networks, Ensighten, High-Tech Bridge, Infoblox, Malwarebytes, Microsoft, Risk Based Security, SecurityScorecard, SiteLock, Qualys SSL Labs, Symantec, ValiMail and Verisign.

Top-Scoring Website List Grows

OTA expanded its list of top performers from 10 sites to 50 this year, a reflection of the increase in overall Honor Roll recipients.

Despite ratcheting up the criteria needed to qualify for the 2017 Honor Roll, it was encouraging to see the highest percentage of recipients since OTA began the Trust Audit nine years ago, said OTAs Spiezle.

Many organizations not making the Honor Roll have a long way to go to ensure and embrace acceptable security and privacy practices, he added.

The 50 highest-scoring consumer-facing sites cover a wide range of industries that include social media, online services, government and retail.

Consumer-facing website owners have an important responsibility, because their customers entrust them with valuable data, said Roxane Divol, Symantec general manager of website security. The OTA Audit recognizes those who go beyond compliance and demonstrate stewardship of their customers online security and privacy.

Online Trust: A Growing Problem

The story of online threats over the past 12-18 months might be summarized as the hits just keep on coming, said Pund-ITs King.

Knowing who is trustworthy is one thing, but another is whether even trustworthy organizations have what it takes to fend off experienced, well financed attackers. It is a continuing, ugly story with an unfortunately unknowable conclusion, he said.

For example, just days before the OTA report hit the news, another report disclosed a breach of a server used by a firm that provided consulting services for the Republican Party. That breach exposed the personal information of millions of voters in the last election.

Consumer trust or lack thereof is impacted by the collective impact of such incidents, said OTAs Spiezle.

This was not a sophisticated breach. This was poor server management which gets to the root of the issues. Security and privacy is not a one-time task. It takes ongoing monitoring review and optimization, he told LinuxInsider.

The OTA audit showed the same thing year after year. A well-determined adversary will penetrate nearly any organization, Spiezle said. That is why the OTA is so focused on email authentication.

We know that more often than not systems are compromised from malicious and spoofed email. Both outbound and inbound authentication is critical, as well as enforcing DMARC policies, he noted.

Congressional Review

OTA officials will present briefings to FTC, NTIA, NIST and FCC staff members on the audit results on June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

In the past, we have had many face-to-face meetings including the White House. Under the previous administrations both Michael Daniels and Howard Schmidt (White House cyber security coordinators) were very engaged. We have not received a response to our offer for this year, Spiezle said.

OTA also will present the 2017 Cybersecurity, Privacy & Innovation Public Service Award to members of Congress for their contribution to help spur innovation and online trust.

Whether the White House would accept the OTAs offer for a briefing was uncertain, Spiezle said. As you can surmise, there has been lots of churn on staffing.
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The joint venture to accelerate the development strategy of Iulius * a rapid development pace of Openville Timisoara, as well as future projects * strengthening of the Iulius Mall network on a regional level.

Atterbury Europe and Iulius have established a joint financial fund, with equal participation shares (50/50) for the development of the mixed-use project Openville Timisoara, western Romania, as well as other development projects to be started.

Moreover, the partnership will contribute to supporting the consolidation strategy on the regional level of the mall network created under the Iulius Mall brand, by the joint holding of 50% each of the shares pertaining to Iulius Mall IASI, Iulius Mall TIMISOARA, Iulius Mall CLUJ and Iulius Mall SUCEAVA.

The partnership will fundamentally strengthen Iulius  dominant position on the Romanian market and accelerate the development pace of the regional projects, both the on-going as well as the future ones.

Atterbury Europe is a European real estate investment company with an emphasis on co-investing with local partners who are leaders in their jurisdictions, with access to a development pipeline that can be accelerated. Romania is Atterbury Europes third investment jurisdiction after successful acquisitions in Serbia and Cyprus.

The agreement between Atterbury Europe and Iulius marks the start of a strong business relationship which targets new real estate developments in Romania.

Atterbury Europes investment strategy is to invest alongside the best of breed in the countries we choose to invest in. We are delighted that our presence in Europe together with our South African ties have led to the joint venture with the Iulius Group in Romania, said Henk Deist, CEO of Atterbury Europe.

We share a similar culture and passion for the development of high quality real estate projects, specifically in the mixed use space, and we look forward to working with the Iulius Group to reach new heights together, comments Louis van der Watt, CEO of Atterbury Property Holdings in South Africa.

During the last 17 years, Iulius has dedicated its efforts to achieving landmark regional projects for the sustainable development of communities, and the agreement with Atterbury Europe holds a significant role in the acceleration of this strategy. Our joint venture combines the know-how and dominant position we hold in the Romanian market, with the financial strength and experience in property management of this prestigious international group. We share the same business vision and we are confident that together we will strengthen our development strategy, adding value to our portfolio and implementing new landmark projects, stated Iulian Dascalu, President of Iulius Company.

Iulius  portfolio will continue to be managed by the same team of specialists in property management.
Written by ACM



*Brussels/EU-Parliament/Angelo Marcopolo/- Replying to an "Eurofora" Question on the sidelines of a Press Conference in Brussels' PressRoom, the New President of EU Parliament, experienced former twice EU Commissioner and Long-Time MEP, Antonio Tajani, a ChristianDemocrat from Italy, (Comp. also Various Other Tajani Statements in Reply to "Eurofora" Questions also Earlier, on Different Issues, f.ex. from Space High-Tech, up to Economy and SMEs, etc), made it even more Clear that, in fact, the Organisation which is due to be the Most Democratic body of the EU, currently has a kind of Threefold approach on the "Hot" Topical Issue :



While being Adamant on Real Political Refugees' need for elementary Protection, and even Discussing some Economic Migrants' socio-economico-cultural Integration (partly in Europe, added to Wider Development Aid EU Policies at their Countries of Origin, mainly Africa etc, with some Interesting Ideas: See, f.ex., Infra), Nobody was Dupe, naturaly, also of the Risk that some, slyly push also various Traffick and other Criminal attempts, as Islamist Radicalization and even Deadly Islamist Terrorism, as a Growing Series of 2012 - 2017, unprecedented, Barbaric Incidents are proving.

------------------------------------------



Tajani spoke Today with Journalists, including "Eurofora", in Brussels' Pressroom, well in direct Extension of his Joint Press Conference, held Earlier here, Together with EU Commission's President, Jean-Claude Juncker, and EU's High Representative for External and Security Action, former Foreign Minister of Italy, Federica Mogherini, (See relevant "Eurofora" Photo, right in the Middle of a High-Level Conference, precisely, on "Migration Management", at the Eve of a 2 Days-long EU Heads of State/Government Summit, here in Brussels, which is due to Discuss, and eventualy Decide, also on Migration Issues, in addition on the current Need to Boost EU's common Security/Defense, as well as certain Topical Foreign Policy issues.



-------------------------------

- "Eurofora" reminded to Tajani, in this Context, also Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos recent relevant Statements, in reply to MEPs' Questions, at CoE's PanEuropean Assembly in Strasbourg, (See: ....), in substance, that Real Refugees could be socio-culturaly Integrated, while Europe might also become Able to Cope even with several Economic Migrants, But, on the Contrary, Greek and Other CoastGuards at EU's External Borders, had Not yet the Necessary Capabilities that would enable them to really Check a growing part of various "Criminals", who are send by Smugglers, particularly through Turkey, (whose Authorities he Criticized for Allowing such things to happen from Territories that they Control. That's why, Pavlopoulos (who is the Unique Top Greek Official supported Both by the Rigt and the Left sides of the Political Spectrum) asked for a European level Response to Fix that Problem.

- "What exactly was that 3rd Issue ?", querried, carefuly but Interested to Know, the New President of EU Parliament.



=> Indeed, that's Part of several Cases that we (EU) are Discussing nowadays here, Antonio Tajani, soberly but Sharply and Positively, Replied immediately to the above-mentioned "Eurofora"'s Question, (Comp. Supra).



+ He also hinted that, at least partly, Greek President Pavlopoulos' concern, recently expressed at the PanEuropean CoE in Strasbourg, is, (in addition to Internal EU JHA Policy), related even with EU's Foreign Policy, (f.ex. on Turkish Authorities' alleged trend to Let mainly Turkish Smugglers select mostly some quite Thorny Groups of Mass irregular Migrants, while reportedly Discouraging Educated/Qualified or Christian Asylum Seekers, even if Facing Brutal Oppression by ISIL and Other Islamist Terrorists, as Brussels' EU Reports, leaked mainly to German mainsteam Medias, such "Die Welt", etc, have recently Revealed and Denounced).



- Indeed, more Widely speaking, currently, the Fight against various TransNational Criminal Organisations attempting to Exploit Mass Irregular Migration, (f.ex., for Smuggling, even Traffick of Childrens' Organs abused in Transplantation "Markets", Sexual Abuses on Women, Children, etc), in addition to notorious claims about Islamist Terrorists' infiltration, etc), are an "Absolutely Important", Top "Priority" of Europe, EU's High Representative on Foreign and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, stressed in reply to relevant Questions, earlierToday.



+ Significantly, such Moves come just after New USA President, Don Trump's 1st official Visits in Europe and to the Middle East, just after which, for the 1st Time in History, even Arab Countries as Egypt, Jordany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc., Started to Jointly Denounce and punish with Sanctions, Qatar's role, particularly during the Last 5 or more Years, to Fund Both "Islamist Radicalism Ideologies of Hate" and Violent Islamist Terrorism", as Trump clearly pointed out.



=> By the way, Tajani did not shy away from the recent Facts, when he acknowledged, later Today, (speaking to Journalists, including "Eurofora", in Brussels' EU Parliament's PressRoom, that, indeed, particularly after also the Recent various ISIS' Deadly Attacks throughout Europe and elsewhere in the World, Yes, "We are Facing a kind of War, especialy since ISIS is Losing around Raqua (Occupied Syria), starting to launch various Attacks in Different parts of the World: f.ex. from Europe to subSaharian Africa, Afghanista, or even Philippines, etc., as he observed.



--------------------------------------------



Pointing out the Fact that he also spoked "after a Series of Attacks" these Last few Weeks, the competent EU Commissioner for Security Union, J. King, stressed that, Although Migration and Security should not be Mixed up as one single issue, nevertheless, "effective Integration, based on Values, are Key in Combatting Violent Extremism, Countering Radicalisation, and ensuring Security", as he characteristically stressed from the outset, into the EU High Level Conference here, Afterwards this Evening , (referring mainly to many People's expressed concerns, EarlierToday.



+ In this Context, 'EUROPOL"'s Director added, concerning also the above-mentioned Observation by Greek President Pavlopoulos, reminded to Tajani by "Eurofora", (Comp. Supra), that, in real Practice, "EuroPol's Officers" have just Started to Work Together with "FRONTEX's" Agents and EU CoastGuards, into Monitoring EU's External Borders.

----------------------------------



++ Tajani, naturally, did not ommit at all, to Also Launch certain Vibrant Appeals for Well Deserved and Mutually Beneficial, Humanitarian Support to real Refugees, as well as Development Aid and various Economic Measures, Both inside and Outside of Europe, particularly at the Countries of Origin and/or Transit, in order to Help Succeed Mass Migrants' Lives there :



- Not as a kind of "Slaves", but, on the contrary, while Respecting their Human Dignity, as they might get a Job, have a Home, a Family, etc., he evoked, especialy on the 1st point.



- As for the 2nd -and quite Larger- point, Tajani stressed, that, at any case, Something Important must be done to Boost Development, particularly in Africa, etc., given also the Huge Mass of People who might be incited, Otherwise, to Move Towards Europe, in the Next Few Years, from Economic and Climate factors: In this regard, he suggested even the Interesting Idea to use also Modern, High-Tech. Means for Space Monitoring, (such as "GALILEO", Earth Observation, etc), of the real Situation's developments on the Ground, (f.ex. about Mass Population Movements, devastated or revitalized Agricultural Lands, etc). But also European "SMEs' Direct Cooperation" with African and/or Other affected Countries' own SMEs, (etc).



-------------------------------------------



- In fact, our mainTask here is to Discuss with EU Citizens on Hot Topical Issues as recent Mass Migration, and bring the outcome into the EU Heads of State/Government's Brussels Summit, the next two Days, he pointed out, Later this Evening, in Conclusion of a well Attended, multifacet and multilevel, High-Level Conference on Migration Management Today, which gathered about 800 Participants from all over Europe.



Tajani is, indeed, very Aware, also of the Fact that one among the Main Issues in the forthcoming European Elections of 2019, will also be that unprecedented Mass Migration. as he observed Earlier Today, (also as part of his Presidency's Duty to Start preparing well that Crucial 2019 Democratic Rendez-Vous, already "from the Beginning of 2017", as EU Parliament's Secretary General, Klaus Welle, had Warned "Eurofora", already as Early as since Autumn 2016, (See : ....), and its Strasbourg's Franco-German area's Press and information Director Martinez, later Confirmed to "Eufofora", on March 2017.
Crude oil has broken below the crucial support of $43.76 per barrel and has officially entered bear market territory, as it is down more than 21% from the highs hit in January of this year.

The fall came even as OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers compliance reached 106% in May, according to sources, reports Reuters.

"The lack of a positive response in oil prices clearly suggests market participants are not convinced that the OPEC's efforts will help shore up prices in a meaningful way in the short-term as shale supply continues to rise in the U.S.," said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at futures brokerage Forex.com. "Unless we see a marked reduction in crude stockpiles, the possibility of further short-term falls in the price of oil cannot be ruled out," reports Reuters.

OPECs compliance in production cuts is unlikely to stoke a positive response in crude oil prices because the US and the OPEC nations  Libya and Nigeria  exempt from the production cuts are steadily increasing their production, which is keeping the market well supplied.

OPECs production cuts have not been able to reduce the large overhang in the US inventories, which continue to be stubbornly high.

"Now we're in the process of the market playing chicken with OPEC and non-OPEC," said John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital. The producers are "going to have to react again in a significant way to get the price to stabilize and go back up," reports CNBC.

Trader sees oil going down to $35 per barrel

Todd Gordon, founder of TradingAnalysis.com had previously correctly predicted that crude oil will fall to $26 per barrel  a target reached in February of last year. Now, Gordon is again bearish on oil and expects it to drop into the mid-$30s. Gordon uses the chart of the United States Oil Fund (USO), for his analysis.

"As you can see, we've broken a pretty good support level right around the $9 region, which equates to about $44 in crude oil," he said Tuesday on CNBC. "And it looks like the downtrend should continue, bringing us down into the lower $8 area in USO. [That equates to] about $38 to $35 in crude oil".
claret2123 said: Many thanks Bev.



is there still a list of trades that are required by the US currently? Click to expand...

As far as I know there is no such list - nor has there ever been. In order to get a visa that allows you to work (assuming you aren't marrying a US citizen or something), you pretty much have to find the job first, with an employer who is willing and able to sponsor your visa application. (Not all employers are able to do so.) There isn't any such thing as a "job seeker's visa" or any other arrangement where you can come over, establish residence and then look for work.Cheers,Bev
Hi all, Asking another question - We have our German Police Certificates and need to send to NVC with translation - do we need a to get a copy of Certificate but in English or do we just have the Certificate name and the result translated and signed??? * Thanks..*
Having pre-existing conditions won't cause any problems for entry to the US. But whether you can get health insurance once there is the (rather bigger) issue in your cases. Until and unless the ACA is rescinded, it's not an issue - however once that happens it really depends on what the replacement looks like. Various politicians have sworn that pre-existing conditions will be "covered" but at what cost is still a big unknown.



Of course, if you were moving to the US for employment, chances are your employer would cover the health insurance issue and you'd probably be able to qualify for Medicare if you worked to retirement age.

Cheers,

Bev
Saudi Arabia has a new crown prince, but for the oil world, much remains the same: The price for a barrel of oil is still wobbling at 10-month lows, and the production cuts put into place by OPEC late last year are likely to continue for now.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday removed the previous crown prince, 57-year-old Mohammed bin Nayef, and named his son, Mohammed bin Salman, 31, as crown prince and successor.

The move answers the question of who will succeed Salman, who is 81, when he dies or steps aside as leader of a world oil behemoth and key American ally. It upends the decades-long brother-to-brother succession path in Saudi Arabia, but in many ways, the change helps stabilize the economic vision and domestic government in Saudi Arabia, experts said.

Omar Al-Ubaydli, an associate professor of economics at George Mason University and a senior fellow at the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, said the appointment erases uncertainty people had about the direction Saudi Arabia will take as it modernizes and looks to take a slice of its government-controlled oil company public.

The previous crown prince, never spoke about anything. Nobody really knew what exactly his visions for the economy were, what his own opinions were on economic issues, Al-Ubaydli said. There was always that spectre of uncertainty. Thats all eliminated. That gives clarity to investors and citizens and markets.

Mohammed bin Salmans is the architect of the countrys Vision 2030, which hopes to end the countrys dependence on oil revenue. Hes known as a reformer and is popular with the countrys younger residents  half of which are under the age of 25  but he already holds a lot of power. Hes the countrys defense minister, chairs a body overseeing state oil giant Saudi Aramco and oversees economic policy. Gulf News reports that hes got so much power, diplomats have nicknamed him Mr. Everything.

He visited President Trump in the White House in March and was one of the first foreign dignitaries to do so.

Ann-Louise Hittle, a principal analyst at consulting firm Wood Mackenzie in Houston, echoed the stability sentiment.

This is confirmation of support for Vision 2030, Hittle said. We expect to see continued support of OPECs goals of reducing inventories and re-balancing of market.

Al-Ubaydli said Saudi oil policy is unlikely to change course for the next 6 to 12 months. Saudi Arabia orchestrated a production cut late last year by OPEC and Russia, trimming output by 1.8 million barrels a day. That cut was extended through March 2018, and while it hasnt caused oil prices to rise, it was keeping them stable around the $50-per-barrel mark until recently. Oil closed at $42.53 on Wednesday.

Al-Ubaydli said the Saudi strategy is based on what it anticipates shale oil producers are going to do. U.S. producers have driven down costs and gotten faster and more efficient at drilling and producing oil, and are continually developing new technology. Shale has turned the U.S. into something of a short cycle producer that can respond quickly to swings in price and demand  a role that only Saudi Arabia was able to fill.

Saudi oil policy is technocratic. Its not personalized. Its not like they have have some personal vision. Its pragmatic, Al-Ubaydli said. Nobody knows oil like the Saudis, but nobody knows what shale is going to do, even shale producers. Each one is trying to cut costs and work out new ways to operate.

Fred Beach, assistant director for policy studies at the University of Texas at Austins Energy Institute, said the move to elevate Mohammed bin Salman has been in the works for years. Theyve been orchestrating this for the last few years to make sure that they had enough people on board, Beach said. I think theyve achieved that. They clearly dont want the disruption. We thought this was coming and yeah, now its here.

While U.S. shale drillers watch OPEC and Saudi closely to try to gauge where oil prices are heading, what really matters in the U.S. is how much better, and cheaper, operators can get at drilling and pumping oil.

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Thats the real story with U.S. shale, not whats happening outside the country, Beach said. It can be cutthroat, but they can move fast because theyre small.

The stability in oil prices late in 2016 and early in 2017  in large part thanks to OPEC cuts  sent U.S. shale drillers into the field. Oil drilling rig counts have continued to grow while billions of investment dollars have flooded into West Texas Permian Basin, where production grew even during the lowest points of 2016.

Now, though, the Texas the oil business is becoming concerned about the recent dip in oil prices.

I think were transitioning from the oil and gas industry having a bullish standpoint, to potentially bearish notions, Amarillo-based oil economist Karr Ingham said. Theyre certainly concerned about where theyre headed. I dont think you have to be an economist to think this way.

For the oil industry, the same issue remains that has dogged it since mid-2014 when prices started falling: The world is awash in oil, and that hasnt change with a new successor named in Saudi Arabia.

What is it that points to higher prices? Ingham asked. What is it thats going to add $5 to $10 to the price of oil and make it stick? I cant really come up with anything.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
DALLAS  State-owned Qatar Airways is attempting to buy 10 percent of American Airlines, a surprising move that would trigger an antitrust review by the U.S. government and carry political and trade-policy implications.

American said in a regulatory filing Thursday that the bid was unsolicited.

We arent particularly excited about Qatars outreach, CEO Doug Parker said in a memo to employees. He said the move was puzzling given Americans ongoing fight with Qatar and other Middle Eastern airlines over government subsidies, which he vowed to keep pursuing.

Qatar Airways, however, said it sees a strong investment opportunity in American and plans to be only a passive investor with no role in management or operations.

Qatar said it plans to buy an initial stake of up to 4.75 percent of Americans shares. American, the worlds biggest airline, said Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker told Parker that he wanted to acquire about 10 percent of Americans stock in all, which would cost around $2.4 billion.

The CEOs met earlier this month during an airline-industry event in Mexico, according to an American spokesman.

Federal law prohibits foreigners from owning 25 percent or more of the voting shares in a U.S. airline. American said Qatar Airways submitted a filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which is subject to review by the Justice Departments antitrust division.

American Airlines approval by its board is required before anyone can buy 4.75 percent or more of its shares. The company said Thursday it had not yet received a formal request from Qatar Airways.

Americans shares were up 54 cents Thursday, about 1 percent, closing at $48.97 after surging more than 4 percent in the morning.

Al Baker is known for brash moves and declarations. His company has bought its way into other airlines, including the parent of British Airways, a close partner of American. Still, the timing of the announcement about American caught everyone off guard.

American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are in a nasty dispute with the three major airlines operating out of the Middle East, which have cut into lucrative international routes for the U.S. and European carriers.

The U.S. airlines accuse Qatar, Emirates and Etihad Airways of receiving massive subsidies from the governments that own them in violation of so-called open-skies aviation treaties. The U.S. carriers are trying to block the three Gulf airlines from expanding service to the U.S.

Parker said that Qatars solicitation will not change Americans stance on the issue.

If anything, this development strengthens our resolve to ensure the U.S. government enforces its trade agreements regarding fair competition with Gulf carriers, he said in his memo to employees.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways also is getting squeezed in a dispute between its national government and neighboring countries led by Saudi Arabia, which accuse Qatar of supporting Islamic extremists. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have barred Qatar Airways flights.

President Donald Trump has tweeted criticism of Qatar, despite the presence of a massive and strategic U.S. military base within its borders. This week, the State Department asked Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to detail their complaints about the small Persian Gulf monarchy and urged a speedy end to the diplomatic crisis.

A tie-up with American Airlines Group Inc. could help Qatar Airways  Qatars most recognized global brand  gain influence with both Wall Street and decision-makers in Washington.

U.S. airlines and their labor unions were unable to get the Obama administration to accept their accusations that the Middle East airlines receive illegal subsidies. American and the others are now pressing their case with President Donald Trump.

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American said its views on the so-called open-skies argument would not change even if Qatar Airways does become a major shareholder, but Qatars Al Baker might believe differently.

Part of this is an attempt to squelch Americans voice as part of that fair and open skies group and to have American stop talking about the effect of the Middle East airlines, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel-industry analyst.

Americans unions, who fear job losses if Middle East carriers expand service to the U.S., reacted with apprehension to the news of Qatars interest in their company. Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, called it asymmetric financial warfare.

This is an adversary of ours, and suddenly it has come to the front door with cash that it got from its rich uncle, the country that runs them, and says Were here to buy some property, Tajer said.

American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, said in its regulatory filing that Qatars proposed investment wouldnt change its board makeup, governance, management or strategic direction. The airline declined a request to interview Parker or other executives.

American and Qatar are already members of the oneworld alliance of global airlines, which lets passengers earn and redeem points on each others flights. Doha-based Qatar said it has long considered American to be a good partner and looks forward to continuing this relationship.

Qatar has been on a global buying spree of late, mirroring a strategy followed by a smaller Gulf rival, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.

Last year, Qatar set up a revenue-sharing partnership with British Airways parent International Airlines Group, deepening its partnership with that company. It owns just over 20 percent of IAG, which also controls European carriers Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling.

In July, Qatar Airways announced a deal to buy a 49 percent stake in Meridiana, Italys second-biggest carrier. And in December it announced a 10 percent stake in Chiles Latam Airlines Group for $608 million.
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Frogs were living in plastic food containers with habitat membranes of sponges and rags controlling the water levels. Model fish constructed from water bottles hung on a hallway wall with prosthetic fins made of foil or foam.

The food storage containers were turned into research submersibles loaded with smaller plastic cylinders meant to depict research equipment such as batteries, cameras and sonar. They held up underwater, though not all completed the mission.

The 40 girls in a room at Cody Elementary School were purposeful but not noisy. They had just finished third, fourth or fifth grade and want to be veterinarians, doctors, computer technicians, police officers, physical therapists, chemists and engineers.

Lisa Rollins, a teacher at Cody, started the two-week summer science camps for girls, called STEM Sisters, three years ago. Now also at Martin Elementary School, it encourages girls to be excited about science, technology, engineering and math. This summers program, on aquatic engineering, ends today.

According to the National Science Foundation, science and engineering fields make up 25 percent of the U.S. workforce, but women make up only 28 percent of that.

Nicole Bir attended the camp last summer when the topic was plants and enjoyed it so much that she came back for a second time.

I wanted to learn more about science and engineering, said Nicole, 11, who will start middle school this fall as a sixth-grader. I wanted to be a smart person. I want to go to medical school to help other people, to take care of them.

The program uses an interdisciplinary curriculum from the Boston Museum of Science to learn more about STEM through hands-on projects and guest speakers from the community who work in STEM fields.

One goal is to improve state standardized test scores in science, Cody Principal Kittiya Johnson said, adding, We want to spark them to do more and not be bored with the content. Everyone learns better with practical uses. I wish we could bring it to all the schools, but money is always an issue.

Im a mom of a daughter and I dont want her to settle because she is a girl, Johnson said. This is a population who have less options. I want them to be exposed to women who have professional careers. They need to know there are other fields that arent just for boys.

When asked how it was having a class with all girls, participants hands shot up with answers revolving around boy behavior and being able to focus without boys playing around.

Veronica Flores said her daughter will benefit from the hands-on work when shes in the sixth grade next year and said the speakers opened up (participants) minds to jobs they might want to do.

The program at Northside Independent School District is funded through a Title 1 grant for programs focused on improving core learning skills in areas of high poverty. Rollins said the curriculum can be employed throughout the school year and most of the supplies can be used again.

I wanted them to be involved, said another mom, Anna Anarel. I noticed both girls showed an interest in STEM, so I nurture that. Any opportunity I have to nurture what they are interested in, Im all for.

jpolcyn@express-news.net
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On the nightstand by his bed, they found a curved piece of blue and silver shrapnel. Blake Duckers, who died this year, had carried it with him to every room he lived in since high school.

It was a chunk of the rocket he helped launch during the inaugural year of Alamo Heights High Schools rocketry program in 2012.

He loved rocketry. It was teamwork. It was building something from nothing, Cheryl Duckers, his mother, said Monday. Hed joke, With rocketry, the skys the limit.

This week, the programs 24 students and their aerospace science teacher, Colin Lang, have been putting the finishing touches on their newest craft  a sleek, silver tube, 20 feet 6 inches long and weighing 600 pounds  and have dedicated it to Blake Duckers and his family.

The students will depart Sunday for White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where theyll launch it on Wednesday.

Blake Duckers was 23 years old, with type I diabetes, when he died suddenly in his sleep at his apartment in Seattle, fresh out of college. The team handed Cheryl Duckers, who also teaches at Cambridge Elementary in the school district, a circular stainless steel memento with the Alamo Heights insignia and her sons name.

Blake would have loved this, thats the only thing I could think of, Cheryl Duckers said, reflecting on the tribute.

Each year, the team redesigns its rocket based on lessons learned from previous launches. This time, for example, there isnt one engine but a cluster of four engines at the bottom.

A million things have to go right, and only one thing has to go wrong, said Eric Anderson, 18, a senior who will be attending University of Texas at Austin this fall to study mechanical engineering.

And things can go wrong. In 2012, the rocket launched by Duckers and his teammates developed a fuel burnout on its side, which essentially turned it into a cruise missile  instead of rising into the air, it raced horizontally across the desert. They found it shattered in the sand 6 miles from the launch site, took pieces of it home and stored the rest in the high schools rocketry lab.

But if everything goes right next week, the teams rocket will break the sound barrier within 5 seconds of the flight. It should traveling up to 1,800 mph or Mach 3, three times the speed of sound, and rise to 100,000 feet above the earth.

Magnetic bacteria being studied by the Southwest Research Institute will be placed in the rockets nose cone to study the effects on it of changes in temperature, air pressure and oxygen level. During acceleration, the bacteria will weigh four times as much as on earth.

Assuming the rocket returns to ground intact, the researchers will be able to compare it to a control sample of bacteria back at a lab.

The high schools rocketry program lasts four years, starting with a students freshman year learning basic skills  like welding and how to operate a 20,000-degree plasma torch. This year, students designed a wheelchair for a local dog with no legs.

When Lang, who taught Blake Duckers, caught wind of his death, he knew this years rocket should be dedicated to him.

He said Blake was one of a small group of dedicated, committed students who stood out among his peers as someone who got things done.

If you look back at all the major changes that occurred on this planet, its always because of dedicated individuals that stepped up and had the bravery and courage to do something and make the world a better place, Lang said. And I believe Blake was one of those people.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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Genene Jones, a former San Antonio nurse convicted in 1984 of killing a child and labeled the Angel of Death for suspicions she killed dozens of other infants and children, now faces a second new murder charge.

Jones, who is in state prison serving a 99-year-term for murder, was indicted Wednesday by a Bexar County grand jury in connection with the the September 1981 death of Rosemary Vega, a 2-year-old girl.

The same grand jury had issued a murder indictment in late May, accusing her of killing 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer in December 1981. Bail was set at $1 million for each new murder charge.

In a case dating back more than three decades, the latest indictment alleges that Jones injected Vega with a substance unknown.

Vegas mother told journalist Peter Elkind that she recalled watching Jones push a drug into her daughters IV line shortly before she went into cardiac arrest, according to an article published this week by Texas Monthly and ProPublica.

Now 66, Jones was suspected of killing dozens of infants in the pediatric intensive care unit at what was then called Medical Center Hospital in San Antonio, now University Hospital, in 1981 and 1982.

The 34 babies who died while she was on duty in that time caused the hospitals infant death rate to increase 178 percent, the New England Journal of Medicine noted in 1985.

Suspicions about Jones had been so widespread that other nurses had begun calling her hours on duty the Death Shift, but after a secret internal probe, the hospital replaced Jones and six other licensed vocational nurses in the ICU with registered nurses in 1982 as a pretext for removing her  but gave Jones a good letter of recommendation, Elkind wrote.

After she was convicted for killing a child in Kerrville and given the 99-year term, it was widely thought Jones would never leave prison, but a Texas law designed to reduce prison overcrowding, in effect for only about a decade, entitles Jones to be released March 1.

When this became known to Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood, he vowed to develop new charges to keep Jones in prison, calling her pure evil, according to a news release issued by his office when the May indictment was handed up.

Justice warrants that she be held accountable for the crimes she committed. Our Office will attempt to account for every child whose life was stolen by the actions of Jones, he said in the release.

At a news conference Wednesday, LaHood said his offices investigation was continuing, with the goal of securing more indictments. A member of his staff directed a San Antonio Express-News reporter to wait in a side room and did not allow him to attend the conference or ask questions. Jennifer Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for LaHood, also did not return calls.

Jones has always maintained her innocence but has not spoken on the record about any specific baby deaths. She has not yet received a court-appointed lawyer.

bselcraig@express-news.net
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Clay Hadick, 68, and his wife, Dianna, were ready to leave New Jersey when he retired from the pharmaceutical industry in 2012.

They moved to Texas, settling in Bexar County  specifically, in Alamo Ranch, in a gated community for people age 55 and older.

They enjoy the warm weather, the low cost of living, the lack of a state income tax and the friendly people here. Hadick had lived in Bexar County in the early 1980s, when he was in the Army and stationed at Brooke Army Medical Center.

Since 2010, a rising tide of seniors 65 to 74 years old has been making this home.

Thats not unique to Bexar County, considering that baby boomers everywhere are reaching retirement age. But new population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau show the percentage growth in this age range in Bexar County outpaced similar increases recorded in Texas and the nation as a whole.

The percentage growth in the number of seniors 65 to 74 years old also eclipsed the population surges of all other age groups here.

Between July 2010 and July 2016, the number of seniors age 65 to 69 living in Bexar County grew by more than 42 percent, or almost 24,000 people, the population estimates show.

During the same time period, the number of Bexar County residents who are 70 to 74 years old increased by 32 percent, or more than 13,000 people, the census numbers indicate.

There are a lot of things going for us here, in terms of it being a place for people to move to retire, said Texas state demographer Lloyd Potter, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. One of them is cost of living. Of course, we have a warm climate. So people from the Midwest and Northeast, theyre looking to retire in a place thats more temperate, but also where there are things to do and see.

Potter suspects many seniors of that age range in Bexar County are veterans or have some connection to the military.

I tend to meet a lot of people who have retired here who are former military veterans  who had lived someplace else in the United States for much of their career, then decided they wanted to move here to retire because they were stationed here for some period.

The Hadicks said that was a factor in their decision to move to Bexar County. Dianna Hadick said they wanted close access to a commissary and to be near the military medical facilities here.

In addition, the cost of homes is not anywhere near as high as it is on the East Coast or the West Coast, Clay Hadick said.

He also doesnt miss the taxes in New Jersey.

A lot of states like California, Illinois and New York and New Jersey  theyre very high-taxed states, he said. Those people whom I know (there) would love to either leave or have left or are thinking of leaving.

We basically cut our taxes in half, Dianna Hadick said. We reduced our cost of living by 25 percent.

Delbert Van Dusen, 74, a retired physician, also moved to San Antonio as a senior citizen. His wife died in 2008. In 2011, he relocated from Tyler to San Antonio, where he bought a house several blocks away from his daughters home.

The weathers not great, but its not bad, Van Dusen said. It doesnt freeze much in the winter. Thats an advantage. I feel good that the Hill Country is nearby  we are at the edge of it. Its a reasonably interesting place to live.

He believes San Antonio will continue to be an attractive retirement spot.

The only major factor that could make it slow down is not having any water, he said.

Texas as a whole saw a similar uptick in the number of seniors 65 to 74 years old, although not as dramatic as Bexar Countys increase.

Census numbers show Texas recorded a 38 percent increase in seniors 65 to 69 years old between July 2010 and July 2016. The state also experienced a 31.4 percent increase in seniors 70 to 74 years old during that same time frame.

Nationally, the number of seniors 65 to 69 years old jumped by more than 34 percent during that six-year period. And the number of seniors 70 to 74 years old increased by more than 26 percent.

This is definitely a nationwide trend, said Peter Borsella, a demographer in the U.S. Census Bureaus population division. These baby boomers are turning 65 now. The first ones started turning 65 in 2011. So more and more of them are turning 65 as time goes on.

We do expect this trend to continue across the country, Borsella said. We are just hitting the front end of it.

University of Texas Health San Antonio has been aware of Bexar Countys growing senior population for some time and is making investments to expand cancer care and dementia care here, said William Henrich, its president.

The institutions cancer center will affiliate with health care giant MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide increased cancer services in San Antonio. UT Health San Antonio also plans to open its new Alzheimers institute by the end of this year.

We have hopefully picked out the two major chronic illnesses where the aging demographic will play a significant role in numbers of people affected, Henrich said.

WellMed, a group of primary care physicians that cares mostly for senior patients, also has made changes to accommodate the rising numbers of older people, teaming with the medical schools at UT Health San Antonio and the University of the Incarnate Word to ensure it has a pipeline of providers in the years to come, said Dr. Chris Arnold, WellMeds regional medical director for Central Texas.

The group also expanded its palliative care program in San Antonio and Austin, boosted its ancillary staff in the market and opened six more clinics in the past four years in San Antonio, he said.

Weve been seeing the tsunami coming our way, Arnold said. Capacity and access to care  thats been the biggest challenge that weve had.

While seniors are making big waves, Bexar County and Texas each have a fairly young median age, the new census numbers show. In 2016  the latest number available  Bexar Countys median age was 33.5 years old. In Texas, the median age was 34.5 years old.

Texas continues to show strong population growth. Its estimated population for 2016 was nearly 27.9 million, according to the new census numbers just released. Thats a more than 10 percent increase from the 25.2 million people in the states 2010 population estimate.

Bexar County also recorded another significant surge in population last year. The 2016 population estimates just released pegged the countys total residents at 1,928,680  a nearly 12 percent increase from the number of people estimated in 2010.

pohare@express-news.net
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HOUSTON  With residents in this area stocked up on supplies and work sites battened down for the onslaught, Tropical Storm Cindy  which became deadly Wednesday  was poised to barrel ashore, bringing winds as high as 50 mph, heavy rains and flooding to portions of southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast.

And while Cindy isnt the worst storm to ever hit the Texas Coast, its the first storm of this years hurricane season to threaten the area.

This is a good test run, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said late Wednesday. Hopefully, everybody now pays attention that we are in hurricane season.

The storm  which formed this week near the Yucatan Peninsula  is blamed for killing a vacationing 10-year-old Missouri boy Wednesday in Alabama, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. The AP said a log carried by a large wave struck the boy, who died despite attempts to revive him.

Cindy was expected to move inland near the Texas-Louisiana line, shifting the worst of the heavy rains and flooding away from Houston and into southern Louisiana and Mississippi.

More for you Cindy downgraded to tropical depression

Alabama and portions of Florida also were expected to get heavy rains and some flooding, with a tropical storm warning posted from San Luis Pass at the southern end of Galveston Island to the Florida Panhandle.

Rainfall of 1-3 inches was expected in Harris County, with the heaviest rains expected early Thursday. Tropical storm warnings were in effect from San Luis Pass to Grand Isle, Louisiana.

A storm surge of 1-3 feet was expected along the coast.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who joined Emmett at a news conference Wednesday, urged residents not to let up on their guard.

If you dont have to be out late  to the wee hours of the morning, certainly turn around, dont drown, Turner said.

Residents took the threat seriously enough Wednesday, buying water and stocking up on canned goods, flashlights, batteries and other supplies. Some stores were nearly out of stock by Wednesday morning.

Emergency responders, transportation and flood control experts remained on alert late Wednesday in case the storm took a turn for Houston.

The Texas Department of Transportation identified more than 35 locations around the greater Houston area where officials expected high water to collect in case barricades were needed to stop people from driving into the high water.

On Wednesday, crews started fanning out to probable locations where they would be needed to address street flooding.

TxDOT crews were working to remove debris and place barricades if and where necessary, TxDOT spokeswoman Raquelle Lewis said.

We have staff ready to do the same throughout the district if we have flooding, she said.

Flights were facing delays late Wednesday at Bush Intercontinental Airport from increasing wind speeds, though none had been canceled by 8 p.m.

A voluntary evacuation was ordered for the Bolivar Peninsula, which has been hard hit by flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms for decades.

Some residents packed to move as others braced for the storm. TxDOT crews worked to remove debris and place barricades where needed along the roadways, which by midafternoon were already being periodically overtaken by waves in some areas.

In Galveston, power outages about 7:45 p.m. knocked out service to about 800 homes and businesses on the island, though service was quickly restored.

Earlier in the day, however, the dark clouds, sporadic rain and waves crashing along the shore didnt deter beach-goers and surfers.

Donna Stauber, her three daughters and nine grandchildren came from the Waco area to enjoy a weeklong family vacation  and they werent about to let a little rain stop their fun.

We checked the weather carefully and kept abreast of whats going on  and the locals tell us were OK, the 61-year-old said.

Staubers 11-year-old granddaughter, Sydney, said the storm made their beach trip better.

Its more fun than regular days because of the big waves, she said. At one point, I was the only person in the ocean.

City of Galveston officials were optimistic the storms island impacts would be minimal, but stressed the island is well-prepared.

We are monitoring it closely, said city spokeswoman Jaree Fortin.

Eric Chapa, 31, had been keeping an eye on the storm all day to spot good surfing conditions.

Todays a good day, he said with a smile as he headed out to hit the waves late afternoon.

Chad Johnson, a lifelong surfer living in Santa Fe, said the threat of bad weather didnt concern him.

Heck, no, Im not worried, he said. I love storms  weve got a roofing business.

At a quiet crossroads in Cheek in Jefferson County, several people filled sandbags in the soupy, dripping evening.

Every time it rains, the street floods, said Sean Williams, a pipe fitter from nearby Beaumont, as he filled 20 sandbags.

Terence Simon, a Beaumont fire fighter who was filling bags for his mom, said residents shouldnt be too relaxed about Cindy.

You cant be too careful with a tropical storm, he said. Allison was a tropical storm that settled over Houston and dumped a ton of rain.  Im thinking this could be one of those.

Cindy started as a disorganized system near the Yucatan Peninsula, but spent most of Tuesday building up over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

On Tuesday, it strengthened into a named tropical storm.

The storm is expected to weaken once it hits landfall, as it curves to the east toward Virginia. It is predicted to be a tropical depression by the time it reaches Arkansas early Friday and arrives in Virginia and Delaware by Saturday.

For Houston, sustained winds are expected to range from 20 to 30 mph, but residents along Galveston Bay may see even stronger winds, with gusts up to 40 mph.

The heaviest rains are expected to be east of Interstate 45, said Brian Kyle, National Weather Service meteorologist.

Outside of Texas, the storm is expected to produce 6 to 9 inches with isolated maximum amounts up to 15 inches over southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and western portions of the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.

This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash flooding in those areas.

Mark Sloan, coordinator of Harris Countys Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said weather forecasting is an inexact science, recalling the heavy rains and floods during Memorial Day 2015 that caught many by surprise.

We all need to be prepared, Sloan said.

Houston-area businesses also took precautions, cleaning and securing construction and other work sites.

We spend pretty much the whole day picking up debris, said Mike Dishberger, past president of the Greater Houston Home Builders Association and owner of Sandcastle Homes. Work slows down to a crawl.

He said the biggest concern was picking up scattered debris that could act like missiles in the winds. Work crews also empty any large trash containers and try to tack plywood onto house frames.

Offshore, operators reported pulling workers off 40 oil and gas production platforms, or about 5 percent of the more than 700 manned platforms in the Gulf, and one drilling rig, according to the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

BP evacuated nonessential personnel from its Mad Dog and Atlantis platforms, but did not expect the storm to be severe enough to warrant total evacuation.

Our top priority is the safety of all personnel and protecting the environment, BP said. We remain prepared to respond as conditions warrant.

Officials along the Houston Ship Channel also took precautions, but the storm posted a larger threat to the Sabine-Neches Waterway, which includes Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange, and the Calcasieu Ship Channel, which includes the Port of Lake Charles in Louisiana.

The Coast Guard said it activated a coordination team ahead of the storm in the Sabine and Lake Charles areas, but not in Houston.

It is just far enough to the east of us here in Houston that Coast Guard measures to close the port were not warranted, said Steve Nerheim, director of the Coast Guards Vessel Traffic Services for Houston and Galveston.

Capt. Robert Shearon, presiding officer for the Houston Pilots who guide ships in and out of the Houston Ship Channel, said they will monitor the situation closely.

This is an early wake-up call for what we might expect this season, Shearon said.

Dug Begley, Keri Blakinger, Margaret Kadifa, Andrea Rumbaugh, David Hunn, Ryan Maye Handy and St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report.
A former employee of BBVA Compass Bank in San Antonio has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $125,000 from customers accounts.

An investigation by the bank, and later by a U.S. Secret Service task force, revealed Gabriel Collazo, 33, began his scheme in January 2014 and continued through May 2016, according to his plea deal, filed Tuesday as he entered his guilty plea.

By January 2016, the bank had initiated its probe after receiving notice from managers at the Buffalo Speedway branch and the Medical Center branch that there were unauthorized transactions on the accounts of two customers, the plea documents said.

By then, Collazo, who had been hired in May 2012, was the manager of Compass Banks branch on North Main Avenue downtown.

As investigators pried, the list of compromised customer accounts grew to at least 14. The trail led back to Collazo with transfers done by himself, or done by other employees at his direction, the plea documents said. The employees told investigators Collazo had instructed them to conduct withdrawal transactions for customers who were not present, and that they complied because he was their manager, according to the plea documents.

On May 18, 2016, bank corporate investigators and human resources interviewed Collazo.

Collazo explained two of the transactions were mistakes and he denied embezzling any funds from members, the plea documents state. Collazo abruptly ended the interview by walking out.

He was fired, but before federal law enforcement could find him to arrest him, his mother told him he had hired a lawyer and would not talk to agents. Then he disappeared, according to a criminal complaint affidavit.

Agents interviewed a close friend, who told them that Collazo admitted that he would take money from accounts with a lot of money in them, invest the money and replace it with money from other customer accounts. Collazo also admitted he would cash out customers certificates of deposit, or CDs. The friend also told investigators that Collazo said he had fled to Puerto Rico after he was fired but returned to San Antonio after his plans on the island fell through, according to the affidavit.

Collazo was not arrested until April. He faces up to 30 years in prison when U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia sentences him later this year.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
An air-conditioning expert testified this week in federal court that Texas could spend about $100,000 to lower the temperature to 85 degrees inside a state prison near Houston where a federal lawsuit claims the indoor heat amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

Renting air-conditioning units for three months would provide temporary respite until a permanent fix could be worked out, Ron Brown said in a Houston courtroom.

Brown was called to testify by lawyers representing six inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit, a wheelchair-accessible facility in Navasota that houses many elderly and sick inmates. Citing 22 heat deaths at Texas prisons, the Pack inmates are asking U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison for emergency relief as the summer temperatures rise.

Ellisons ruling on relief will apply to all 1,400 inmates at the minimum security facility, unless an appellate court overturns his previous ruling granting class-action status.

Brown said Tuesday that the rental for 15 cooling units in the dormitories would cost the prison $32,000 per month plus $15,000 for installation and later removal of the units.

Under cross-examination by the state, Brown noted that 75 degrees is usually the optimum temperature but that his estimate was based on an 85-degree cooling point, which the parties agreed is livable.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials have argued that air conditioning is not economically feasible. The warden has provided ice water, cold showers and air-conditioned respite rooms.

A prison expert also testified this week that a number of correctional units across the country and beyond  including the federal detention center at Guantanamo Bay  provide air conditioning for inmates, though Texas does not provide it in most prison housing areas.

Expert Eldon Vail, who spent 35 years running juvenile and adult correctional facilities in Washington, picked apart TDCJs claim that it has made every reasonable effort to protect people in its care.

You want folks as cool and as calm as you can get them, he testified.

A series of inmates this week have offered vivid accounts of daily life locked inside prison dormitories without air conditioning in sweltering summer heat.

You cant read because sweat pools up in your eyes. You cant write a letter because the ink gets smeared with sweat. You accidentally brush against your bed post and its like touching an oven that was left on.

Its undescribable. Its real misery, said Thomas Pennington, a 52-year-old serving a life sentence. You sit on your bunk, put your head down and you just sit there. Youre soaking wet, clothes stuck to you.

Pennington and four other inmates described sleepless nights, headaches, dizziness and nausea. One inmate, Carlos Huerta, 30, went to the emergency room for heat exhaustion with a body temperature of 102.3. On another oppressively hot day, Huerta saw a sweat-soaked guard on his unit collapse.

Lawyers for six inmates at the Wallace Pack Unit say the heat is especially dangerous for sick and elderly inmates and those who take medicine that inhibits their body from cooling itself.

Ellison previously ruled that the inmates needed a safer water supply because the well at Pack Unit had elevated levels of arsenic.

Twenty-two inmates have died from heat-related illness at the state prisons since 1998, according to TDCJ. Most state prisons in Texas do not have air-conditioning in the housing units.

Lawyers for TDCJ questioned the inmates about the remedies the prison has provided  including ice water, respite rooms and wellness checks.

The Pack inmates testified that the ample ice water and fans arent enough to mitigate the heat. The cool showers help for about as long as it takes to walk back to ones bunk from the shower. The respite areas  including the craft shop, the barber shop and an administrative hallway  offer limited space for limited time periods.

Keith Cole, 63, told the judge the situation has improved since he and others sued the prison. Theres always ice water available, for example.

But he said only truly assertive inmates like him take advantage of the respite areas on a daily basis. The fans just blow hot air. The dorms dont have cross-ventilation because the windows are sealed shut.

One of Coles biggest fears is shortness of breath, which he says affects him every summer when the temperature rises.

The best way to describe it is it feels like youre sucking in air, but youre not sucking in air. You have the sensation that youre suffocating, Cole said.

The hearing for an emergency injunction is expected to last into next week.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com

twitter.com/gabmobanks
WASHINGTON  Former Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson testified Wednesday that he worried Russians might tamper with voter registration data as part of their campaign to influence U.S. elections.

My concern was that if a bad actor was doing this, it might be a prelude to wiping out or eliminating voter roles or altering them in some way, Johnson told the U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

Johnson was responding to a question from U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, about why Russian hackers would break into computer files containing data thats publicly available in Texas and many other states.

Hurd also wanted to know what American intelligence officials meant when they disclosed earlier this year that Russia had been scanning and probing election data in the United States.

Scanning and probing is basically looking into a locked box to see whats inside, Johnson said. Eventually, what we saw is success in infiltrating voter registration data.

Johnson, homeland security boss in the Obama administration, testified in one of two hearings in which witnesses provided additional details about Russian meddling during U.S. election campaigns.

Meanwhile, special counsel Robert Mueller is conducting a criminal investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.

Testifying in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Bill Friestap, the FBIs top counterintelligence official, said the Russians used fake news and propaganda and they also used online amplifiers to spread the information to as many people as possible.

Jeanette Manfra, homeland security undersecretary for cybersecurity, said she knew of evidence that pointed to targeting of 21 state election systems. She declined to identify them, saying it would be up to states to disclose that information.

Neither Friestap nor Johnson said they believed Russias state-backed campaign altered election results, but both said they expected more such efforts in the future.

Johnson added to the weight of evidence pointing to Russian tampering.

In 2016, the Russian government, at the direction of (President) Vladimir Putin himself, orchestrated cyberattacks on our nation for the purpose of influencing our election  plain and simple, he said.

Johnson, part of a Democratic administration, was critical of the Democratic National Committee for refusing offers of assistance.

Russian hacks of the DNC and Hillary Clinton aide John Podesta yielded emails unflattering to Clinton that were disseminated by Wikileaks, U.S. intelligence officials have reported.

Hindsight is 20/20, Johnson said. In retrospect, it would be easy for me to say that I should have bought a sleeping bag and camped out in front of the DNC in late summer.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, asked Johnson if he believed the major political parties should be given the status of critical infrastructure along with the government facilities, nuclear reactors, dams and a total of 16 sectors accorded that designation by homeland security.

Castro noted disclosure this week that a GOP-aligned data firm had unwittingly exposed personal information on tens of millions of American voters, a trove of data discovered recently by a cybersecurity company.

Johnson replied: The danger going down that road is you start losing clarity about what is critical infrastructure and what is not.

Responding further to Castros questions, Johnson said he knew of no laws requiring protection of U.S. election systems.

Castro later said he trying to make the point that no minimum cybersecurity standards exist with regard to elections.

We have to remedy this vulnerability for future elections, Castro said in a statement. We must take every precaution to safeguard voter databases, physical voting infrastructure, and political institutions to prevent more extensive attacks from succeeding in the future.

Johnson said in his testimony he floated the idea last summer of designating U.S. election infrastructure as critical. That would have enabled election officials to get priority assistance from the government to protect against hacking.

But, he added, many secretaries of state and other critics viewed his offer as an unwanted attempt by the government at federal intrusion into the domain of states.

Hurd said later one of the takeaways of the hearing was that Johnson made it clear there would be benefits in declaring election systems as critical infrastructure, and the designation wouldnt mean federal takeover of the systems.

Its been a much debated tool, Hurd said, especially in the states.

States are concerned, as I am, with states rights issues, but this is our utility sector is already listed critical infrastructure, our telecommunications infrastructure is listed as critical infrastructure, and (homeland security) does not have the authority to get in and run any of those things, Hurd said.

blambrecht@express-news.net

Staff Writer Samantha Ehlinger contributed to this report..
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DEL RIO  In 2015, James Jonas, the Crystal City manager and city attorney, made a casual request for a little help with expenses for a city social function held at the Austin Club.

Im kind of funding the dinner out of thin air. Any level of sponsorship or help would be appreciated, Jonas told civil engineer Dan Hejl, one of the invitees.

Its not required. Youve been a good friend, Jonas added.

Hejl soon came through with $3,000, enough to pay for the whole dinner, and Jonas was very appreciative. Unknown to Jonas, Hejl was an informant for the FBI and was taping that and other conversations with him. The recorded evidence was presented Wednesday at the federal corruption trial of Jonas and former Crystal City Mayor Ricardo Lopez.

After the dinner, things progressed to chummy, coded conversations about building relationships. Eventually it led to cash payments to Jonas and to three city council members, most done at Hejls initiative.

Along the way, his Austin engineering firm got City Council approval for two projects in Crystal City and also received checks long past due for work done earlier.

In the recordings, shown on large screens in the courtroom, Hejl and Jonas talked of loyalty, called each other friend and inquired of each others families.

The last bit of help Hejl provided came in January 2016, when Jonas asked him to pay $1,791 due on his membership account at the same Austin Club. As always, Hejl complied.

A month later, in February 2016, 80 federal agents and police made an early morning raid in Crystal City, arresting Jonas and five others on public corruption charges.

Three city councilmen and a 8-liner operator have since pleaded guilty to bribery and await sentencing.

Jonas and Lopez elected to go to trial on offenses that carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years.

On Wednesday, Hejl took the stand as a star government witness and for the next five hours, the jury heard snippets of recorded conversations between him, Jonas and the three councilmen.

But first, Hejl explained what led him to do the FBIs bidding, including pressing envelopes of cash on unsophisticated public officials in exchange for favors.

A few years earlier, he had been swept up in a massive public corruption probe in nearby Maverick County, and admitted to paying bribes to two public officials there.

Confronted by the FBI, Hejl agreed to cooperate, but, he said, he received no deals or promises from the government.

His assignment was to get close to Jonas and the others to see if they would accept bribes. And, he testified, he truly hoped he would fail.

Actually, it was my hope that he would throw the money back at me, said Hejl of Jonas.

But, as the recorded conversations confirmed, no one whom he bribed, usually with the explicit expectation of getting their vote on contracts, turned down the money.

Dan, I want to promote your business in every way possible, and its not because you are incredibly reciprocal. Youre a consummate professional, Jonas said in one recorded conversation.

Toward the end, Hejl testified, Jonas was dropping hints when he was in need of money.

Did he ever walk away? Did he ever return the money? Did he ever refuse it? asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hulings. Hejl answered no three times.

Under cross examination from Jonas lawyer Rogelio M. Munoz, Hejl took a battering as a man who would do the governments dirty work, even betray a man he called his friend, to save his own skin.

When you went to Crystal City as an informant, you went with the intent to get James Jonas to take a bribe, Munoz charged.

You paid James Jonas money because you wanted to save your soul, he added, before passing the witness.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Alia Moses will resume Thursday with the first witness expected to be Manny Palaez, the newly elected San Antonio District 8 councilman.

jmaccormack@express-news.net
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A federal judge has stopped the operator of a West Texas radioactive and hazardous waste site from being bought by its only competitor.

U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson of Delaware sided with the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday, blocking a $367 million merger between Utah-based EnergySolutions and Waste Control Specialists, which owns a storage and disposal site in Andrews County near the Texas-New Mexico border.

The courts decision could restart WCS proposal to accept high-level waste, mainly spent fuel rods from the nations nuclear reactors, at the Andrews site. Currently, it accepts low-level radioactive waste, medical waste and other hazardous waste.

In April, WCS asked federal regulators to hit pause on their review of the high-level waste proposal until after the sale. The Justice Department had sued in November to block the sale, saying the two companies are the only two disposal options for low-level radioactive waste for 36 states.

Bexar County and San Antonio passed resolutions early this year against spent nuclear fuel traveling through the region on its way to Andrews County.

WCS spokesman Chuck McDonald did not respond to an emailed question on whether WCS would ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to restart the review.

On Tuesday, WCS parent company, Valhi., said in a prepared statement that it was considering an appeal to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

WCS has built the nations state-of-the-art facility for low-level radioactive waste disposal, and the acquisition will protect desperately needed American jobs and innovation and ensure the continued operation of the facility, WCS President and CEO Rod Baltzer said in the statement.

WCS facility employs about 170 people in Texas and New Mexico but has struggled financially for years. It operated at a loss of $26.2 million last year, according to federal filings.

bgibbons@express-news.net, Twitter: @bgibbs
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Despite Wednesdays oppressive heat, hundreds of San Antonians packed the Arneson Theatre for the ceremonial inauguration of the City Council.

The hourlong event capped a whirlwind day of change at City Hall. The new council, led by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, includes six freshman members.

Nirenberg, the seven councilmen and three councilwomen arrived at Wednesday evenings ceremony on a prototype battery-powered barge, representing a new fleet thats expected to be cruising the San Antonio River by next years tricentennial celebration.

After the council members recited their oath of office for ceremonial purposes, each spent a few moments addressing their supporters, many of whom fanned themselves in futile attempts to stay cool.

Roberto Trevino said he expects the new body to set an example for other Texas municipalities in how a great city is run.

William Cruz Shaw pumped his fist in the air and rallied the crowd, noting the council is strong, positive and progressive.

Rebecca Viagran quoted Scripture and said her Southeast Side district represents the past, present and future of San Antonio.

Rey Saldana  the most senior councilman and also the youngest  reminded the audience that its not about the people in power. Its about the power of the people.

Shirley Gonzales lauded her West Side District 5 as the heart of San Antonio, encompassing the original San Antonio.

Greg Brockhouse choked up as addressed his beautiful bride, who knocked on more doors than did the councilman.

I will never be able to repay the gift that you have given me to let me chase a dream, he said. Thank you, and I will be there for you the way you have been there for me.

Ana Sandoval said shes confident all the residents of San Antonio will have a voice with the new council.

Manny Pelaez, a lawyer who also used to perform stand-up comedy, wove together laugh lines and commentary about serious issues in San Antonio, partly told directly to his children.

We live in a world where theres people out there who think that you are lesser than others, simply because of your last name. Or because of the language you speak. Or because of the religion that youve got. Or who you love, he said. Well, I tell you, thats not my city.

John Courage told the audience that he was truly humbled to be here on this stage and to be a part of your city government, and Im very honored that the people of District 9 chose me to be the person who represented their best interests.

Clayton Perry told the crowd that hes the token Aggie on the council and that hes excited about what we have in San Antonio, and about working with the rest of the council up here.

Nirenberg thanked his predecessor, Ivy Taylor, for her service to the city and echoed the sentiments hed shared earlier in the day  when the council was officially sworn in.

Traditionally, the evening ceremony is is held in council chambers, but Nirenberg decided to move the event to the iconic bend in the river, in part, to accommodate more people.

Before the new council members headed to the ceremony, they gathered for a diverse group of local religious leaders to bless them.

The day started with an 11:30 a.m. council meeting. By noon, the outgoing City Council had voted unanimously to accept the results of the June 10 runoff. Shortly afterward, the new council was officially sworn in and seated on the dais.

Taylor, who was defeated by Nirenberg, received a standing ovation after she offered some parting words.

What drives me is the idea that to whom much is given, much is required, she said. And Ive been blessed with so much in my life, its been a privilege to be a blessing to others.

Taylor said some of her supporters noted that she made history as San Antonios first African-American mayor. She also was only the second woman to serve in the position as San Antonio rapidly approaches its 300th birthday.

While it certainly is gratifying to serve as an inspiration for our many young people and to underscore that anything is possible in America, she said, really, what I choose to focus on and what I hope folks will remember is that I didnt just make history  I made a difference.

Taylor said serving on the City Council was the honor of my life.

I want to wish the council the best of luck in the days to come, she said. Certainly, there are many challenges before you, but I know you all are equipped to handle them.

After Taylor spoke, both sitting members of council and their immediate predecessors shared kind words about one another  even those who battled each other during the recent elections. From the mayors seat, Nirenberg wrapped up the midday session by noting that City Hall is a house of honor, and that the new council would respect and admire the legacies of those who came before them.

Today, I just want to remind folks that theres a lot to say, theres a lot we could say, but one thing is very clear, he said. The names on the plates change. People come in and out of this building, but the city of San Antonio lives on; and for the brief moment in time that we have the privilege of serving you, it is an honor.

The work is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes, its very difficult. And sometimes, we dont always land on the same place, but Ive appreciated the dedication of our former councilmen and our mayor, he said.

Naming the members whod served in the 2015-17 term, including term-limited Ray Lopez; Joe Krier and Mike Gallagher, who both opted not to seek re-election; Cris Medina, Alan Warrick and Taylor, all of whom lost re-election races, Nirenberg acknowledged their service to the community.

Your dedication to this city, your passion for the work that you do, can be unquestioned, Nirenberg said. And we all know we stand on the shoulders of those who come before us. The work doesnt start brand-new. We continue the legacies that come before us and we certainly will do that with this council.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
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City Council voted unanimously to annex a rural and mostly undeveloped part of South Bexar County on Thursday against the wishes of several residents who said they dont want to become part of San Antonio.

But several council members raised concerns about how the city notifies residents when their properties are being considered for annexation.

Newly seated Mayor Ron Nirenberg, long a critic of the citys annexation policy, said he voted for this one because he believes its an example of San Antonio properly using its annexation authority in an effort to preserve the agricultural character of the area.

The annexation is effective July 13; the area will become part of City Council District 3.

Reminiscent of previous annexation votes in council chambers, affected residents held signs and wore T-shirts expressing their opposition to the citys decisions to absorb them.

This particular annexation is unusual. Typically, the city moves to annex areas that are already saturated with suburban homes and shopping centers. This 6-square-mile area, north of Loop 1604, south of Neal Road, east of Applewhite Road and west of Pleasanton Road, is relatively small, undeveloped, largely agricultural in nature and sparsely populated, with barely more than 70 residences.

On Thursday, the citys Planning Director Bridgett White said the city wanted to annex the area in order to apply appropriate land use control and to protect economic investment in the area.

Earlier this month, Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni said officials at the Toyota manufacturing plant and at Texas A&M University-San Antonio had expressed interest in seeing the city annex the area so there would be more land use controls in place around both their campuses, which are north of this annexation area.

Zanoni said Toyota and Texas A&M are particular about what can be developed around them. He said Toyota wants to ensure things arent built around the plant, such as residential housing, that could compromise the companys mission.

Cavett McCrary, a communications specialist with A&M in San Antonio said in a statement that the university does not have an official stance on the citys potential annexation of this area.

City officials argue annexation is one way to, at least temporarily, ensure the areas rural character remains intact: Cities have zoning powers that Texas counties dont. That means a developer could currently build virtually anything in the unincorporated county.

Theres no land development protections out there right now, at all, said District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, explaining her reasoning for supporting the annexation.

The city, which has already absorbed a large area near the site, had always planned to annex this smaller piece, said Rudy Nino, assistant director of San Antonios Department of Planning and Community Development. He also said some residents in this area were concerned about code compliance issues, such as illegal dumping, and wanted the city to address that.

The city notes this area also contains portions of the Land Heritage Institute, a 1,200-acre preserve along the Medina River thats considered archaeologically sensitive.

The city plans to apply farm and ranch district and resource protection zoning to the area, which would mean any development in the area must be very low density  a builder couldnt develop a tightly packed, suburban neighborhood, for example.

The citys Zoning Commission voted 7-3 in favor of the zoning June 6.

But several residents said they felt the city sprung the annexation on them. Though the city sent a series of notification letters to residents, starting April 20, many residents didnt understand the implications or thought it was junk mail, said Michael Rodriguez, who lives on Trumbo Road.

The notes that we got were not clear, said Rodriguez, who was joined by multiple family members Thursday, including his octogenarian father, in speaking out against annexation. The form deadlines were unclear. Another speaker noted the legal jargon in the citys letters and that they werent provided in Spanish; they didnt understand what zoning or annexation is or the implications.

At one point, newly elected District 9 Councilman John Courage motioned that council delay the vote, concerned the city hadnt done enough to inform residents or better explain to them the possible options. All notices sent to residents met state law requirements, City Attorney Andy Segovia said.

District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales and District 6 Councilman Greg Brockhouse, who also raised concerns about the citys notification system, all voted with Courage but the motion failed. Later, all three council members voted to annex the area.

District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez was absent.

The city is moving faster than usual on this annexation: because this area has less than 100 residential rooftops, the state allows the city to expedite the annexation process.

City planners pointed out that 35 property owners in the area signed nonannexation development agreements with San Antonio that will keep them out of the city for 10 years  that amounted to almost half of the land in the proposed annexation area.

The agreements were sent through the mail to anyone whose land is appraised as an agricultural, timber or wildlife management use; they are exempt from annexation as long as those uses remain in place and owners dont subdivide the property.

White said a number of residents who spoke Thursday, including members of the Rodriguez family, signed those agreements and so will not be annexed for a decade and wont be subject to city property taxes.

Patricia Herreras family has lived on Trumbo Road for most of her life. Her family raised cattle, pigs and chickens. The cattle are gone, but she still keeps chickens and the fresh eggs they produce. Wild rabbits hop about the property. As far as neighbors go, theres one house in front of hers and then, all land.

City officials argue the goal of this annexation is to help preserve that land and character.

Zoning Commission Chairman Francine Romero described this annexation case as a peculiar one, because the area is so rural and unchanged.

Its preserving the South Side as it is and as people down there want it be, Romero said. Usually, the city decides to annex an area after its already overrun with development and people, after the fact, and thats when annexation is so controversial and so painful.

For once were getting ahead of the curve on annexation, Romero said.

She understands why residents might oppose annexation: the zoning categories could limit their ability to sell because the zoning puts restrictions on the land uses.

However, any landowner can request a zoning change from the city.

Romero also acknowledged that a city cant hold off development forever. Once properties start to sell, the city could decide it no longer makes sense to keep an area in an undeveloped state, and so they could begin to allow more intense zoning uses.

Sometimes thats how development works, she said.

Herrera and other residents dont want to be told what they can and cant do with their properties: for example, keeping pigs is illegal in the city limits; horses, goats and sheep are allowed in the city, if the property owner obtains a permit.

A permit for this, a permit for that, said Herrera, who wasnt at Thursdays meeting.

The residents also dont want to pay city taxes. They are skeptical the city services they get will mean much improvement in their day-to-day lives, pointing to the poor quality of some South Side roads already in the city.

Theres a lot of poor people out here, Herrera said. We just think they should take care of what theyve got now (in the city) instead of annexing more and more people.

Residents opposed to the annexation were joined at Thursdays meeting by other South Bexar County residents who have previously fought San Antonio on annexation and won. They are hoping to see a bill passed in the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature that would give residents the right to vote before a city could annex them.

Even if a bill is passed, its not clear that it would apply to an area like the one City Council voted to annex Thursday: During the regular legislative session, state Sen. Donna Campbell nearly passed a bill that would have ensured residents had the right to vote on annexation. State Sen. Jose Menendez filibustered the bill, and it died in the last hours of the session.

But that bill did not apply to areas with less than 100 residential rooftops, such as the South Bexar County site.

vdavila@express-news.net

Twitter: @viannadavila
About an hour before being sworn in as the citys new mayor Wednesday, sitting in his cramped District 8 office, Ron Nirenberg had a message for the new council preparing to join him on the dais.

Go ahead and argue with him.

And thats something that all of council will come to realize, Nirenberg told me, is that Im not threatened by dissent. In fact, I think its a good thing.

Nirenberg made that much clear during his two terms as councilman, often emerging as the sole dissenting voice on key votes. The experience often was demoralizing, he acknowledged, in part because former Mayor Ivy Taylor viewed disagreement as insubordination.

It was discouraged, Nirenberg said. So we saw, in my estimation, a lot of rubber stamping of things.  We have to realize that where you live in the city reflects a whole different set of values and priorities. Different perspectives coming from different council members should be a reflection of the community, and we should embrace that and work with it and find common ground.

Nirenberg will have an opportunity to embrace dissent soon enough.

On Thursday, at his first full council meeting, the new mayor will ask his colleagues to approve a resolution affirming that global warming is caused by emissions of greenhouse gases from human activity; that this is one of the worlds most significant problems; and that San Antonio will reduce these emissions and endorse the Paris climate accord that President Donald Trump recently announced the United States would withdraw from.

Clearly, as mayor, Nirenberg wont shy from controversial issues.

Even as a council member, I laid out a pretty aggressive agenda on important things that are not always easy for public policy, he said. But theyre important.  Ninety-nine percent of the stuff we do at City Hall is done administratively. But there are challenges that we need to address: human challenges, environmental challenges, challenges of justice. And those are the opportunities that we have to make a difference as policymakers.

The dissent is likely to arise in District 10.

On Monday, at a neighborhood meeting, new District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry distributed a written survey asking residents how they felt about Nirenbergs resolution.

Under the text of the resolution, the survey asked: Do you agree with the city of San Antonio adopting and supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement?

Respondents could check yes, no or I dont have enough information at this time.

On Wednesday, Perry told me that 50 percent of respondents answered no, 40 percent answered yes and 10 percent were undecided. With that sort of feedback, it seems likely the conservative councilman will use the questionnaire as justification to oppose the resolution.

While Nirenberg still has the gumption to be aggressive, he should apply it to another controversial issue: the fatal police shooting of Marquise Jones.

An off-duty San Antonio police officer shot Jones in the back in 2014 as he ran from the scene of a fender-bender in the drive-thru of Chachos and Chaluccis on the Northeast Side.

In March, City Manager Sheryl Sculley and City Attorney Andy Segovia commissioned an outside review of how evidence was handled in the internal investigation of the shooting to ensure full transparency.

But now, the city is withholding the report, citing attorney-client privilege.

I do want to understand the rationale for not releasing it, said Nirenberg, who has cited transparency as a core value since he ran for District 8 four years ago. I havent had a conversation yet with the city attorney. I always err on the side of public disclosure.  I understand in a legal situation, there could be valid reasons not to disclose certain things, but it certainly doesnt compute with the way we want to handle issues of government, whether its policing or administration.

Thankfully for San Antonio, the citys new mayor understands that progress happens when youre not afraid to argue.

bchasnoff@express-news.net
One of the most important archaeological discoveries in San Antonio in recent years was the recovery of ceramic shards and other artifacts that could tie the local Italian community to the origin of Mission San Antonio de Valero.

Excavations from 2013 to 2015 unearthed pieces of lead-glazed wares, Spanish pottery and other items that, combined with eyewitness accounts of the missions founding in 1718, indicate that an area just north of Piazza di Colombo Park is where it initially was located before moving twice, settling in todays Alamo Plaza. The ultimate proof could lie beneath a 1927 church or surrounding buildings and paved areas built on a hill in the northwest corner of downtown.

A 2013 report by the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio suggests that additional excavations on the 3-acre site owned by the Christopher Columbus Italian Society could confirm that the property was once the spot of what some consider the earliest founding site of a Spanish colonial village that grew into a major city.

Martin de Alarcon, governor of the Spanish province of Texas, led an expedition of 72 people, including soldiers, civilians and family members, who reached the area of the San Antonio River, which had already been inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years, on April 25, 1718. Father Pedro de Mezquia, who kept a diary of the journey, wrote that there was enough water at the river and San Pedro Creek to the west to support a thriving village and at least two missions.

Mission de Valero was founded May 1, 1718, just four days before the presidio and village of San Antonio de Bejar were established about a half-mile southeast, in the area of todays Main Plaza. According to the late archaeologist Waynne Cox, Father Antonio Olivares established the first mission site and constructed a temporary church of mud and brush on a small knoll some 30 feet above the creeks flood plain, well away from the corrupting influences of the military and civil settlement.

Olivares is believed to have moved the mission in the summer of 1719 to a site east of the river. Researchers have said it could have been in the area of La Villita, or at the site of St. Joseph Catholic Church, by todays Shops at Rivercenter, and may have included a stone church. The mission moved several hundred feet to its third and final location in 1724 after a hurricane destroyed much of the second site.

The mission would remain in operation at that third site until it was secularized in 1793 and converted to a military fortress that became known as the Alamo after the arrival of a Spanish cavalry force from Alamo de Parras in Mexico. The site, now famous for a siege and battle for Texas independence there in 1836, still has some of its 1700s walls in the mission church and former convento, or Long Barrack.

For decades, archaeologists have sought to identify the first two locations of Mission de Valero. Local lore has identified the privately owned Little Chapel of Miracles, in the 100 block of Ruiz Street downtown, as the possible first location. Some have said it could be where San Pedro Creek runs under Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, near Flores Street.

But in early 2013, in response to plans to plant trees, City Archaeologist Kay Hindes asked the Italian society if she could inspect part of the groups property. She found some old wrought nails and ceramic shards, prompting the San Antonio Conservation Society to furnish a $5,000 grant for a more extensive excavation by UTSA.

Digs by the university and consultant Raba Kistner revealed blue rosary beads and a variety of pieces of metal or pottery that could be of the mission era, including tin-glazed, blue-on-white ceramics dating as early as 1650. The items are owned by the Italian society and have occasionally been on public display.

Though referring to the property as the probable site of the first mission, Hindes has said the archaeological evidence is inconclusive. Discovery of a type of pottery, or majolica, known as Puebla Polychrome, which predates 1725, would confirm the mission site, she said.

The prospect that the property is the first mission site is supported by a 1700s eyewitness account, recorded in a diary, that placed the mission half a league, or about 1.3 miles, south of San Pedro Springs. Also, Cox and Anne Fox, another seasoned local archaeologist who has died, had interpreted the missions founding records to indicate that it had been on the property.

Because the area was heavily disturbed in the 1960s for construction of nearby interstates 10 and 35, it is unlikely that open land in the area still contains artifacts from the first mission, precluding the idea of further excavation in the near future. Hindes said work on the San Pedro Improvements Project, with a first phase set for completion for San Antonios 2018 Tricentennial celebration, has revealed that the areas A horizon, or topsoil, has long been disturbed.

I dont think theres much more we can do there to confirm the 2013 discovery, Hindes said.

According to the UTSA report, the Italian society property, once abandoned as a mission, was likely an uninhabited residential area until the late 1800s. After Texas became a U.S. state in 1845, it changed ownership and was the subject of lawsuits until 1926, when it was acquired by members of the Italian society, initially chartered in 1890.

The society donated land for San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church, built in 1927, then opened the first Italian hall in Texas in 1928. In 1957, it donated an Italian-made statue of Columbus to the city, which placed it in the park just south of the church and hall.

In recent years, the society has had plans for a multibuilding complex, billed as Little Italy San Antonio, with a mix of residential and commercial uses emphasizing the groups heritage. In 2013, with the citys approval, the group changed the name of an adjacent city park from Columbus Park to Piazza di Colombo, and funded new entry signs to match a new sidewalk and landscaping funded by the city.

shuddleston@express-news.net

COMING SATURDAY: Early military rations dont sound so tasty. Possum, anyone?
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It was the war to end all wars, the Great War, and San Antonio and Texas heeded the call when the United States finally entered into World War I on April 6, 1917.

The idealistic phrase was inspired by British author H.G. Wells 1914 book, The War That Will End War. America wanted no part of it.

The entire nation was wary of the conflict  sparked by a political assassination  which erupted in June 1914 when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Germany soon entered and declared war on Russia and France.

As visitors walk into the Texas in the First World War exhibit at the Institute of Texan Cultures, they are quietly greeted with the rooty tooty and patriotic music of the era. But they also will find themselves staring into the face of a hero.

A haunting, enlarged black-and-white photo of Henry Schaer catches ones eye. A soldier from Wharton County, and a first-generation Texan born of German immigrants, he died on the battlefield in 1918.

Schaer is standing at attention in his uniform, munitions belt around his waist; a bayonet scabbard hangs from his left, his bolt-action rifle is at his right side, its stock on the ground. Schaer is wearing a sharp brimmed hat, soldier leggings above his lace-up boots.

Had the photo been in color, he would be a vision in brownish green. His clear eyes, likely blue.

The young soldiers younger brother, Charles, served and returned. Its a solemn reminder of the nature of the exhibit.

Nearby, also at the entrance, are the words of Lieutenant Colonel John McCraes famous poem In Flanders Field.

The Canadian officers famous words forever linked red poppies with World War I with its sober opening lines: In Flanders fields the poppies blow/ Between the crosses, row on row.

The death toll  military and civilian casualties  during World War I was devastating. Its estimated that some 17 million died. Another 20 million were wounded.

America entered the war on April 6, 1917. When it was over, 117,465 Americans had died. Texas lost 5,170 soldiers and seven female nurses.

The story unfolds as one walks through the winding exhibit, which includes photographs, film footage, uniforms, letters, maps and other artifacts. The exhibit grew out of a project by students at the University of Texas at San Antonio. It was curated by Bryan Howard, director of research, exhibits & collections at the institute.

More than 100 years after the war began, the saga of distant lives beckons.

In San Antonio, aviation pioneer Katherine Stinson twice tried to volunteer to fight and fly in the war effort. She was denied twice because of her gender.

Even before World War I broke out, Texans and residents of the Southwest were rightfully nervous about, and being affected by, the Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910. Only a few years later, evidence emerged of Germany looking to forge an alliance with Mexico against the U.S.

In 1910, the population of the state was 3.8 million. Texas was mostly rural, and its economy relied on agriculture, cattle and oil.

Tensions built up along the border. American soldiers were detained in Tampico, Mexico. Mexican revolutionary Francisco Pancho Villa was involved in skirmishes and raids.

The Plan de San Diego, believed to have originated in the small Texas town, allegedly was a secret call for Mexican Americans, African Americans, Indians and Japanese Americans to revolt and take over the Southwest by killing all white males older than 16. Many questioned its authenticity in 1915 but fear and suspicion arose in the Rio Grande Valley

In March 1916, Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico.

General John Pershing, known as Black Jack to his troops, was ordered to capture Villa and led an expedition into Mexico. Among his soldiers was Denison native David Dwight Eisenhower, who would go on to become a five-star general and Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War II and the 34th President of the United States.

It was Pershing who was charged with readying troops for war in Europe, the U.S. spurred by the sinking of the Lusitania luxury liner by a German submarine. Nearly 1,200 died, including 128 Americans.

Texas was a staging area for training soldiers because of the tensions south of the border and the resulting actions. One of the Wright Brothers planes was converted at Fort Sam Houston into a reconnaissance plane named Signal Corps. Aircraft 1 which flew its first mission in March 1911 along the Texas-Mexico border.

Camp Wilson in San Antonio, located next to Fort Sam Houston, had served the Texas National Guard and was expanded in 1917. Nine thousand workers built the 1,400 structures which would be renamed Camp Travis. It opened in August 1917.

More than 30,000 soldiers trained there. They learned about trench warfare and chemical gas. Technology had changed the battlefield. World War I marked the first use of a zeppelin, improved submarines, planes with machine guns and deadlier tanks.

The following year, Camp Travis became an induction center. When World War I ended, 62,500 received discharges there.

Brooks Field, Kelly Field and Fort Sam Houston rounded out S.A.s bases. The city was a major aviation center by 1916. The addition of Kelly Field made it the biggest pilot training camp in the country of the war.

In Laredo, there was Fort McIntosh. Toward Houston, there was Camp Logan, Ellington Field, Fort Travis, Fort San Jacinto and Fort Crockett. In Waco, there was Camp MacArthur; in Fort Worth, Camp Bowie.

All were used for military training. Among the aviators who trained here was Charles Lindbergh.

But many Texans didnt wait for President Woodrow Wilson to urge, in early April 1917, Congress to declare war. Some, like San Antonian Frank Musgrave, enlisted in the French Foreign Legion.

Musgrave traded his law practice for the adventure of trench warfare, seeing hand-to-hand combat. For such valor, he earned the nickname Lucky Frank. But luck was shortlived. Eventually, he would be wounded, experience a poison gas attack and captured by German forces.

Musgrave survived and later awarded the Croix de Guerre.

Likewise, San Antonian H. Clyde Balsley joined the fray by volunteering with the American Ambulance Field Service in 1915. By the following year, he was flying missions in the flimsiest of aircraft for France. He was shot down in June 1916, and ranks among the first American aviators, if not the first, to be shot down in World War I.

He was severely wounded in the hip by an explosive bullet, forbidden by the Geneva convention during the airfight, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported. The dogfight was behind German lines. Along with two other Americans and their French commanding officer, Balsley escaped by nosediving straight down after his machine gun jammed and then veering away from German trenches.

The battle against faster and more heavily armed machine gun-toting German planes had been intense as described in the news account: The little group suddenly found itself in the midst of two-score (40) of German flying machines flying at various heights.

For his heroism, Balsley was awarded the Medaille Militaireand and the Croix de Guerre.

San Antonios Edgar Gardner Tobin served as a pilot in the 94th and 103rd Aero Squadrons. He became the first Texan to earn the title of ace. After the war, he formed an aerial mapping service which became the largest in the world and helped fund his philanthropic causes.

In total, from 1917-1919, 198,000 men and 450 women Texans served in World War I. The majority were members of the Army, which included women nurses. Hundreds of thousands of Texans signed up for the draft.

Mexican Americans and African Americans served. The Choctaw Code Talkers trained at Camp Bowie near Fort Worth.

On display is the helmet, its insignia faded, of Eliseo Cadena who fought with the 144th Infantry, 36th Division. Marfa rancher Jose Maria Chavez joined the Army in 1917. Mexican immigrant Marcelino Serna volunteered and would be awarded three medals for his heroism as part of Company B of the 89th Division, 355th Infantry.

Serna charged German machine gun nests and single-handedly, through dense underbrush, killed 24 of the enemy soldiers. He was 24.

Black troops were segregated. Most of the 200,000 soldiers were placed in support roles. Only 40,000 saw combat.

A souvenir from Camp Logan in Houston, where all-black regiments were trained, a red, white and blue pillowcase bearing a hand stitched inscription gives a peek at the romantic fatalism that comes when young men are sent to war.

To My Sweetheart. After the day is over/After the sound of taps/Ive nothing to do but think of you/As you do of me perhaps.

The men of the 370th Infantry, 93rd Division trained at Logan. The all-black regiment served in France.

But the Houston camp is also a reminder of the racial tension which existed in the South. It erupted in 1917 when African American soldiers rioted after an officer was arrested and beaten.

Members of the 24th Infantry rioted in Houston, killing 16 residents, police and an officer. The resulting military trial was held in San Antonio. Nineteen men were hanged, convicted of mutiny.

Professor Howard, an expert in military collections and exhibits, pointed to his personal favorite part of the exhibit  two yellowed and faded handwritten letters from Fred Berdbrede, who arrived in France in July 1918 from Edna.

One of them began, Dear Mamma.

The other was written after the Armistice, detailing what he saw. He wrote about trudging 150 miles in the snow into Germany. Piles of abandoned munitions were everywhere, from hand grenades (he collected one) to vials of nitro glycerin, poison gas and cannon shells.

Or has he put it, everything to kill.

NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify that Fred Berdbrede arrived in France before the Armistice, but wrote letters about he saw after that.

hsaldana@express-news.net
Road trip! Ive been thinking about this trip for 51 weeks. Its nothing new since Ive been there and done it 59 times over.

Yep, the same trip for nearly 60 years starting when I was an ultra-avid pre-teen fisherman. But even with that lengthy history, each week on the same remote Lake Temagami Island is a new adventure and a highly anticipated event.

We stay in a family-owned cabin, the only structure on a three acre, heavily forested island, some 20+ watery miles from the town of Temagami, Ontario. The only access to the island is by boat or float plane.

Because we take gear and food for the week, flying wouldnt be practical or affordable. Thus we tow boats for the trip in, the trip out, and our daily excursions that focus on walleye fishing. Bass season comes in on the day we typically leave for home but this year we may stay one extra day just to fish for these plentiful, hard fighting fish.

Guy trip

Its an all-guys trip with a roster that changes year to year. For instance, one of the regulars and his wife had their first baby last year so he stayed in Kentucky to welcome the addition. But hes back this year and full of stories about his growing daughter.

Grandson Josh Miller also missed last year because the fresh out of college engineer had started his first full-time job. Hes back this year, too.

Josh joined our troop at five years old and so did Danny, his younger brother. Dan too, missed last year due to college obligations and a summer internship but hes back.

They have a special guest this year, their paternal grandfather, Pappy Miller, from Bryan, Ohio. Add in my son-in-law, David Miller, and this trip has become a Miller time experience for sure.

Ive been building our menu for weeks. It is pretty much the same from year to year but it does require a bit of tweaking, just for fun.

Our daily meals start with a big breakfast, an event that starts in the cabin kitchen as one by one we crawl out of sleeping bags to the smell of freshly percolated coffee. Two pots later we actually sit down to eggs, bacon, pancakes.

The first up

My good buddy, Paul Fedorchak, rules the morning kitchen and is always the first up and fortunately perks a great cup of coffee.

Since theres no electricity on the island, or anywhere near it, all cooking takes place on the top of a small propane stove. Lunch includes leftovers, sandwiches, and crumbs. The crumbs are what started out as chips, cookies, or other snack foods that started the trip in good shape but 600 miles of road rumble and seven miles of boat bounce later they are typically nothing but crumbs.

After a dinner of meatloaf, ham, or fresh walleye fillets, we name the fishing teams for the evening, do the dishes, and head out for several hours of fishing.

This year will mark 76 years for Pappy Miller, so there may be a surprise cake, candles and song in store plus a couple special meals based on Venison Helper or some other experimental concoction.

Our Temagami trip highlights each passing year. Its something we talk about on and off, something we all hold dear and a generous blessing that we respect.

The Canadian wilderness is special. The sights, the smells, the endless green, the sound of loons calling, the clear water, the occasional moose or black bear, the glow and warmth of the nightly fire, the friendly wagers, the card games under lantern light, the bubbling skillet filled with fillets, even the familiar comfort of a tattered sleeping bag.

The trip

Our drive is simply a days worth of good roads that ends only after weve navigated several miles of dusty gravel that leads us to a mid-lake launch ramp.

Current passports are required and one can expect border guards to be for the most part, courteous but no-nonsense in their questioning. Understand that they already know the answers after scanning passports so one needs to be honest and forthright.

In recent years, the money exchange has become very favorable for U.S. visitors to Canada. Although the rate of exchange varies daily one can expect at least about $1.25 Canadian for each U.S. dollar.

That in itself makes travel to Canadian destinations a bargain. You just have to keep in mind that kilometers are not miles and the whole metric system provides for some challenging conversion challenges.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The National Pork Board, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is creating a Secure Pork Supply plan to help Americas pig farmers respond quickly and successfully to a major threat, such as a foreign animal disease (FAD).

The plan will enhance communication and coordination of all pork chain segments to help producers keep their farms operating and all related business activities functioning.

Were thankful that our country has not experienced a disease such as foot-and-mouth (FMD) since 1929, said Terry ONeel, National Pork Board president from Friend, Nebraska.

Protection

The Secure Pork Supply plan will ensure farms can get back to production faster if a case of FMD, African swine fever or another foreign animal disease entered America.

An Iowa State University study estimates potential revenue losses to U.S. pork and beef industries from an FMD outbreak would run $12.8 billion per year or $128 billion over a 10-year period.

Related losses to corn and soybean markets over a decade would be $44 billion and $24.9 billion, respectively.

The plan

The Secure Pork Supply plan will provide procedures that pork producers, processors and federal/state agencies agree are feasible should a FAD strike, according to veterinarian Patrick Webb, director of swine health programs for the Pork Checkoff.

This would include the safe movement of animals from farms in a FAD control area to harvest channels or to other production sites as long as the pigs have no evidence of disease.

Basics of the plan that will help producer achieve this include using sound biosecurity, using premises identification tags, keeping detailed production records and maintaining all necessary health papers and certificates.

Collaboration

The Secure Pork Supply plan is the result of ongoing collaboration between the USDA, the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and academia as well as other state and federal partners.
LANSING, Mich.  State leaders shared Michigans draft Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie  a targeted approach for improving water quality and helping to prevent algal blooms, making it safer for people and aquatic life.

The plan

Crafted by the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Quality, and Natural Resources, the plan aims to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Erie to help prevent algal blooms in the western part the lake, including those that are unsafe for people, and address low dissolved oxygen in the central basin of Lake Erie.

Michigans plan details how the state will do its part to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Erie by 40 percent by 2025.

A public information meeting will be held June 28, 6:30-9 p.m., in the Baer Auditorium (Room 110) in Jones Hall on the campus of Adrian College, 112 S. Charles St., Adrian, Michigan.

According to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams, Michigans plan outlines current efforts and articulates concrete actions the state will take to improve Lake Erie.

Although state agencies and other stakeholders are conducting more and better research on the Western Lake Erie Basin and improving best practices for agriculture and wastewater treatment, our Domestic Action Plan lays out additional key strategies for wetland restoration, invasive species research, tightened permit requirements for sewage treatment facilities, and customized farm operations, said Clover Adams.

Algae are natural components of marine and freshwater systems, and not all algae are harmful, but too much algae, like in Lake Eries western basin, is an indication of an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Things like invasive species, heavy rainfall run-off, increasing temperatures and many other ecological challenges make the Western Lake Erie Basin is susceptible to algal blooms.

Collaboration

Recently, Michigan joined Ohio and Ontario in the signing of the Western Lake Erie Basin Collaborative Agreement and the Lake Erie Basin was included as a priority action area in Michigans Water Strategy.

Keith Creagh, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, encouraged cooperative action across local, state and national governments to benefit Lake Erie.

Creagh said, in order to ensure the lake continues to be a source of drinking water and place for recreation, it is imperative that we work together to provide solutions.

Michigans Domestic Action Plan is one of several plans from surrounding states, the province of Ontario, and the U.S. and Canadian federal governments.

Comments

The draft plan will be available for public review and comment through July 14, at www.michigan.gov/deqgreatlakes.

Comments can be emailed to DEQ-LakeErieDAP@michigan.gov or mailed to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Water Resources Division, Attn: Lake Erie DAP, P.O. Box 30458, Lansing, MI 48909.

The final version, along with plans from other Lake Erie Basin states (Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania), will be integrated into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys comprehensive plan, scheduled for release in February 2018.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.  Recent media reports have suggested that tick populations in Pennsylvania may be particularly high this year, leading to an increased risk of Lyme disease.

Although it is unclear whether the number of ticks actually is higher this spring  and if so, why  it nonetheless is always a good idea to take precautions to avoid ticks and the diseases they can transmit, according to entomologists in Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences.

Some people believe a perceived increase in ticks can be blamed on a mild winter, an early spring, certain precipitation patterns, or a large crop of acorns that leads to an overabundance of mice that host ticks, said Steven Jacobs, senior extension associate in entomology.

However, some of these theories have little scientific basis, and most scientists agree that nature is too complex to attribute a rise or fall in the tick population to any one factor.

Joyce Sakamoto, a research associate in entomology who studies tick biology, said the impression that tick populations are higher this spring may have come from the fact that ticks emerged earlier than usual from winter dormancy.

The number of ticks Im finding in Centre County is comparable to previous years, she said. But I did start seeing active adult ticks earlier than usual  in February  both this year and last year.

Sakamoto noted that between 40 and 60 percent of the ticks she tests carry the Lyme disease pathogen, though that doesnt necessarily mean all of them are capable of transmitting the illness, she explained.

Long-term trend

Whether theres been a spike in ticks this year or not, theres no question about the long-term trend.

Fifteen or 20 years ago, the ticks that carry Lyme disease were rare in many Pennsylvania counties, but unfortunately that has changed, Jacobs said. Today, they are found in all counties in the state.

Sakamoto added that public awareness of ticks also has increased with growth and development in Pennsylvania.

We keep expanding into habitats where ticks are found, she said. And as that continues, we need to change our behavior to avoid them.

Symptoms

Even though ticks can transmit a variety of pathogens, its no secret why Lyme disease gets the most attention  Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of confirmed cases.

Lyme disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including a bulls-eye-like rash, fever, stiff neck, muscle aches and headaches.

Left untreated, victims can suffer facial palsy, arthritis and even paralysis. It normally is treated with antibiotics, but if not caught early, recovery can be slow and difficult.

How its spread

The primary vector of the Lyme disease bacterium is the blacklegged tick  often called the deer tick.

Adult ticks can be active from fall through spring if temperatures remain above 28 F. Ticks in the nymphal (immature) stages are active in May, June and July.

Nymphs will attach to mice, chipmunks, birds and other small animals. Adults typically attach to white-tailed deer or other large mammals. While awaiting a suitable host, the ticks usually are found on leaf litter or low branches in brushy, wooded areas.

Hard to see

The larval and nymphal stages of the tick are no bigger than a pinhead, Jacobs said. Adult ticks are slightly larger.

Research in the eastern United States has shown that ticks most often transmit Lyme disease to humans during the nymphal stages.

Thats probably because nymphs are so small they go unnoticed on a persons body, meaning they typically have more time to feed and transmit the infection before they are detected.

Prevention

Jacobs recommends avoiding tick-infested areas such as woods with a high deer population, especially in May, June and July when the nymphs are active. And he urges those who do go afield to take the following precautions when they are going to be in brushy areas:

Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be spotted more easily.

Spray insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and on exposed skin other than the face, or treat clothes, especially pants, socks and shoes, with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.

Thoroughly examine yourself for ticks when returning from the woods.

Be especially vigilant near perimeter areas of tick habitat, such as the edge of woods and along paths and trails, Sakamoto said.

Ticks can sense carbon dioxide, heat, vibration and chemical cues left by other ticks, and theres evidence that they may be more concentrated in areas where theyre more likely to encounter potential hosts.

Also, know the signs of Lyme disease and see your doctor if symptoms develop, Jacobs said.

Removing a tick

If a tick is found attached to a person, it should be removed by carefully grasping the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight back with a slow, steady force. Avoid crushing the ticks body.

He said a tick can be identified by placing it in a small vial filled with rubbing alcohol and taking it to a county office of Penn State Extension.

To learn more about blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease, visit the Penn State Entomology Departments website at www.ento.psu.edu/Lyme.

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The Ranchers-Cattlemen Legal Action Fund, United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) and Cattle Producers of Washington (CPoW) have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington Monday against the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The suit alleges that USDA regulations that allow beef and pork to be classified as "domestic products," even when those meat products are imported from other countries, confuse consumers and harm American farmers.



Public Justice and the Terrell Marshall Law Group filed the complaint, arguing that the USDA regulations violate the text of the Meat Inspection Act. The Act requires that the more than 800 million pounds of beef born, raised and slaughtered annually in other countries and then imported to the United States should include labeling indicating the meat's country of origin.



Under current USDA rules, however, multinational companies can sell meat raised and slaughtered abroad with a "Product of USA" label alongside truly domestic products raised by U.S. ranchers. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), when properly implemented, helps cut through this labeling confusion and allows customers to select domestic goods, if they prefer, which in turn rewards producers who work within domestic laws and regulations.



In addition to the regulatory changes this suit demands, COOL is also expected to be an issue in the NAFTA re-negotiations President Trump has told Congress he plans to undertake. NAFTA currently restricts labeling on imported live cattle and hogs from Canada and Mexico, even though more than 90 percent of consumers say they want to know whether the meat they eat was born, raised, or slaughtered abroad.



"Consumers understandably want to know where their food comes from, and proper labeling would not only allow consumers to make informed choices at the market, but would also be a boon for American farmers," said David Muraskin, a Food Safety and Health Attorney at Public Justice. "With this suit, we're fighting policies that put multinational corporations ahead of domestic producers and shroud the origins of our food supply in secrecy."



"The current Administration has talked a lot about supporting U.S. workers and creating U.S. jobs. Its policy on meat labeling, however, gives multinational companies an unfair advantage over ranchers whose products are raised and slaughtered here at home," said Beth Terrell of Terrell Marshall Law Group. "The USDA should return to common sense labeling that gives consumers truthful information and U.S. ranchers a fair shake in the marketplace. Farmers and families should both be able to expect the U.S. government will be on their side."

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Some would argue that not-for-profits have done their job after campaigning for the UK Bribery Act and Frances Loi Sapin II, and indeed for the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, and should now leave compliance to others.

But I would distinguish three features about the important role not-for-profits can play in the crowded anti-bribery and compliance space.



1. Standard setting. When a not-for-profit publishes guidance or commentaries, it is driven by its mission to reduce bribery and corruption, not by the question of how to achieve the minimum legal compliance. So not-for-profit guidance is likely to set the bar in a different place.

Companies, lawmakers and regulators can do what they will with this: but the least that can be said is that it opens up the debate, and at best it results in the adoption of standards that are designed to achieve the intent behind the law and not simply adherence to the letter of the law.



2. Independence. Most advisors will be publishing materials and getting their name out because they want to win business. Thats their job. But what companies often want is an objective and independent view, whether of the regulatory scene, or how to interpret facts, or what is good practice, or how well they are doing against their peers.

There can be great advantage in hearing those messages from an organization that stands to gain nothing in terms of business or revenues. Likewise, regulators have a proven interest in hearing what independent anti-bribery and corruption experts view as best practice standards and what best works in tackling corruption.



3. Ongoing influence on public policy. Most not-for-profits, in both the anti-bribery and corruption area and other fields, exist more to influence public policy than an individual corporations behavior. Companies and industry associations are prodigious lobbyists, but this is self-evidently in their private interests and not the wider public interest (though the two may happily coincide at times).

From the UK perspective, we certainly would not have a Bribery Act if it were not for groups like Transparency International. In fact, most industry associations consistently lobbied against it.

The anti-corruption field is moving fast across the world, with new corruption trends, new legislation, changing enforcement patterns, and the emergence of tech-related challenges and solutions. Not-for-profits will be key to analysing and influencing the public policy responses.

* * *

Job Opening at TI-UK

Of course, all of this raises the question of whether not-for-profit organizations have the expertise to set standards, give independent views, and influence public policy in a way that is both in the public interest and takes into account the operational realities for companies.

The truth is that there are not many anti-bribery and corruption not-for-profits, and those there are have few specialists dedicated to business. That means that a lot of responsibility is concentrated in the hands of a very small number of individuals.



One of those positions has just become vacant.

The UK chapter of Transparency International, one of the largest in the TI movement across the world, is advertising for a Director of its Business Integrity Programme.

Salary: a lot less than the private sector. Requirements: someone who can use their knowledge and experience of the private sector to advance TIs anti-corruption mission. Rewards: in heaven. Opportunity: huge.

______

Robert Barrington is Executive Director of the UK chapter of Transparency International. He joined TI in 2008, leading the campaign to secure a new Bribery Act in the UK, and was appointed as Executive Director of TI-UK in 2013. He has a degree from Oxford University, a PhD from the European University Institute, and has held fellowships at Oxford and the University of Sussexs Centre for the Study of Corruption.
Until the SFO announced its charges against Barclays, not a single UK bank or individual had faced criminal prosecution for their role in the financial crisis of 2008.

The financial crisis and the recession that resulted is the root cause of the austerity measures that are causing such deep damage to the UKs public bodies, including local councils, the National Health Service, fire departments and schools.

The Bank of England estimated that the crisis caused lost output in the UK of between 2 and 7 trillion. 50 billion of public money alone was spent on bailing out UK banks.

One would have thought that going after those responsible for causing the crisis and extracting significant penalties would have been a policy priority of the UK government.

The United States has managed to collect billions in penalties from banks for their role in the crisis. Between 2009 and 2015, 49 financial institutions paid fines totalling $190 billion to U.S. prosecutors and regulators. For the LIBOR and FOREX rate-fixing scandals alone the United States imposed fines of over $10 billion.

In contrast, UK financial institutions have got off lightly. British banks have paid just over $2 billion in fines to the Financial Conduct Authority for LIBOR and FOREX related wrongdoing.

The Serious Fraud Offices (SFO) decision to prosecute Barclays and former executives for alleged financial crisis-era wrongdoing is therefore hugely welcome on many levels. Its a good example of why the SFO is essential for fighting financial crime in the UK and why its future must be urgently secured. The Barclays case is the first criminal prosecution faced by a bank for financial crisis related misconduct.

Significantly, in charging four former senior Barclays executives, including the former CEO John Varley, the SFO has also surpassed its far better resourced U.S. counterpart, the Department of Justice. The DOJ has been criticized for failing to prosecute top-level bankers for alleged wrongdoing during the financial crisis. Only one banking executive has gone to jail in the United States for playing a part in the crisis.

It is also hugely welcome that the SFO did not do a cozy deal with Barclays by giving it a Deferred Prosecution Agreement  its deal with Rolls-Royce earlier this year was widely seen by commentators as letting Rolls off lightly.

But we should remember that the Barclays case is the first UK prosecution against any financial institution for alleged financial crisis-era misconduct. Others accused of wrongdoing have completely escaped criminal prosecution in the UK. This includes HBOS, where serious organisational failings in the corporate impaired assets division were identified by a Bank of England report into why the financial institution failed. Individuals who had worked in this division were convicted in January 2017 of fraudulent trading, corruption and money laundering, but no action has been taken against the company, which is now part of Lloyds, despite a corporate culture that allowed excessive risk taking.

The lack of prosecutions against businesses extends beyond alleged wrongdoing linked to the financial crisis. UK authorities have failed to prosecute a single company for money laundering.

Whats behind this dearth of prosecutions? Part of the answer lies in the UKs very weak corporate criminal liability laws. In the UK, to convict a company, prosecutors must generally show that a senior employee, usually one who sits on the board, intended for the wrongdoing to occur. This is very difficult to prove, especially in large and global companies where complex chains of commands between thousands of employees mean senior executives can claim ignorance of pervasive wrongdoing by their own staff.

SFO Director David Green has repeatedly called for reform of the UKs corporate criminal liability to make it easier to prosecute companies.

In the United States things are different  businesses can be prosecuted for the actions of low-level employees. As a result, U.S. authorities have been far more successful than their UK counterparts in imposing criminal fines and convictions on errant companies.

HBSC, a London headquartered bank, entered into a $1.9 billion settlement with U.S. authorities for money laundering offenses but escaped any punishment in the UK. Similarly, Volkswagen has faced billions in fines in the United States and pleaded guilty. But despite 1.2 million UK vehicles being affected by the carmakers use of illegal software to mask emission of nitrogen oxides, no UK investigation has been opened.

In recent years, the UK has introduced reforms that make it easier to go after businesses suspected of bribery and facilitating tax evasion. However, one of former Prime Minister David Camerons key announcements just before last years Brexit vote about introducing similar reforms for how companies can be prosecuted for economic crime in general has been quietly shelved under Theresa Mays administration. Camerons promise of a consultation was downgraded to a call for evidence which is likely to allow business to claim any such change would impose too many burdens on it.

The results of that call for evidence are pending. It is likely that Mays minority government will park any potential reform. But with Brexit looming, and suggestions in some quarters that London is poised to become a deregulated hub for money laundering, tax evasion and other kinds of financial crime, the UK government now, more than ever, needs to protect the reputation of its economy. Pushing through long-awaited reforms to corporate criminal liability laws should be a key part of this damage limitation effort, not least because such reforms will help deter the kind of misbehaviour that led to chaos of 2008 financial crisis.

_______

Sue Hawley who is policy director at Corruption Watch. She was involved in the judicial review of the Serious Fraud Office for dropping allegations of corruption involving BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia. Her investigative work resulted in the conviction of the first British company for overseas corruption in September 2009. She has been working to improve the UKs efforts to tackle corruption for the past 10 years. She can be contacted here.

Rahul Rose is a senior researcher for Corruption Watch, a London-based NGO that undertakes cross-border investigations into grand corruption and pushes for effective enforcement of UK anti-corruption legislation. He can be contacted here.
I served a Police Officer for 30 years, most of which was spent as a detective in the inner -city areas of Liverpool. From a cultural point of view, I was in a unique position to identify, observe and evaluate the many strands of British society and life during a time of great cultural and social change. I began to make written and mental notes of little incidents, events, characters and occurrences. Many were funny, some bizarre, a few tragic, all a kaleidoscopic mirror of a time and a place.

P G Ronane

I love travelling, hate flying  I first began travelling to Europe in the 1970s soaking up other cultures. I used the same methodology in recording my experiences. During this time, I frequented Paris and once met and shared a cigarette with Samuel Beckett on a bridge, something I will never forget. My wanderlust has continued unabated and my travels extended far beyond the European mainland fuelled by my partners never ending quest for adventure. Will, I ever grow to like flying? No is the simple answer; it terrifies me!

I seem to be a late developer in life  I became a Father at the age of 44, went to University at the age of 49, stood as a local Councillor at the age of 59 and have written my first book at the age of 61. Who says life doesnt begin at 40. Mine has been packed with goodies of every description. The whole thing has been a learning process for me, as everything in life is and should be.

Im a technophobe  Whilst I love technology and have embraced the digital revolution full on I dont seem to be able to get my head around it. I drive my partner and my 16 - year - old son mad, constantly asking them how to use my gadgets. My son recently gave me his iPod touch and this has been a constant source of amusement as I grapple with learning to use its many wonderful features.

I make interesting things out of old wooden pallets  I have this rather quirky hobby of making things out of old pallets. I have made shoe racks, wall art, candle holders and trays and I am always looking for new ideas  answers on a postcode please. This keeps me sane when Im not writing.

I love Prog Rock music  I saw my first prog rock band, King Crimson, at the tender age of 15 and was hooked. Nowadays, my musical repertoire has extended, however, I still manage to find the occasional Prog concert to attend.

I love reading - I have read books from a very early age and in my early teens developed an interest in serious political and cultural writers. Although I have a Kindle, my house is crammed with books. I feel saddened that my 16-year-old son does not share my enthusiasm, there are just too many distractions which didnt exist when I was growing up.

The Authors I like were, curiously, all travellers  Orwell, Lawrence, Hemingway, Isherwood, Lowry to name a few. They all travelled to the far corners of the earth, observing local life and culture which is reflected in their books. I hope that I can follow some way in their footsteps.

I love food, not much of a cook  I can only make Chicken Casserole, influenced by the time I spent in France, lots of garlic, red wine, herbs, cooked slowly  delicious. My partner on the other hand is an excellent cook, which is fortunate, as we would probably starve!

I wanted to be an Art Teacher  At school I was particularly good at art and toyed with the idea of being an Art Teacher like the lead character in my novel, Catch:52. Unfortunately, it didnt work out, however, I retain a great love of art and enjoy visiting galleries in this country and abroad.

Catch 52 by PG Ronane (published by Clink Street Publishing June 22nd 2017 in paperback and ebook is available to purchase from online retailers including Amazon and to order from all good bookstores.
Run the Jewels' Killer Mike has rushed to the US to be by his ailing mother's bedside.

Run the Jewels

The 42-year-old rapper - whose real name is Michael Render - was in Cannes, France but jetted back home on Thursday (22.06.17) to make sure he is there for what could be his mom's "final hours".

Posting the sad news on his Twitter, Mike wrote: "Hey, all. Due to my Mom being in very bad health I had to exit Cannes early to return to the States to be with her in what may be her final hours. Thanks to all for any prayer and good energy. - KM (sic)"

It comes two days before the hip-hop duo - in which Mike is joined by musical partner El-P - perform at Glastonbury on Saturday (24.06.17) at Worthy Farm in Somerset, South West England.

A representative for the pair has confirmed to BANG Showbiz that they will still be performing at the festival.

The political group will be introduced on stage by Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The festival's organiser, Michael Eavis, previously said of the British politician's appearance: "We're Corbyn fans, that's the thing. He's got something new and precious, and people are excited about it. He really is the hero of the hour."
Prince Philip has left hospital.

Prince Philip

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday evening (20.06.17) as a "precautionary measure" after an infection related to a "pre-existing condition" re-surfaced.

However, he has now left hospital and is thought to be returning to the Windsor residence by car so he can rest.

When Prince Philip was in hospital, he was in "good spirits".

A statement released by Buckingham Palace at the time said: "The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night, as a precautionary measure, for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.

"Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot."

The 96-year-old royal's illness meant he was unable to make the official opening that marks the new Parliament's session, but his son Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, accompanied the Queen in his place.

The statement added: "The Prince of Wales will accompany The Queen to the State Opening. Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon."

Prince Philip retired earlier this year but the palace insisted it was not health-related.

They said in a statement at the time: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision.

"Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements. Although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time."
Archroma, a global leader in colour and specialty chemicals, has announced that its EarthColors dyestuff range has won the Gold Winner at the OutDoor Industry Award 2017, Sustainable innovations Category. EarthColors, Archroma's patent-pending way of creating warm ternary shades from nature, are available in six dyes, covering a palette of natural shades.Among the winners, the Gold Winner Award distinguishes the EarthColors range - out of the 330 entries - as one of the most innovative products of the industry in what is one of the highlights of the OutDoor Show held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, until June 21, 2017.

Archroma, a global leader in colour and specialty chemicals, has announced that its EarthColors dyestuff range has won the Gold Winner at the OutDoor Industry Award 2017, Sustainable innovations Category. EarthColors, Archroma's patent-pending way of creating warm ternary shades from nature, are available in six dyes, covering a palette of natural shades.#

EarthColors are Archroma's patent-pending new method of creating warm ternary shades from nature. These high performance dyes are synthesised from natural waste products of the agriculture and herbal industries, such as almond shells and rosemary leaves, replacing the oil-based raw materials typically used in dyestuff manufacture. Earthcolors are available in a range of six dyes, covering a palette of natural shades. They are fully traceable from the source to the shop, thanks to NCF chip attached on the clothing hangtag.We are extremely proud to receive one of the most prominent awards in the outdoor industry, commented Nuria Estape, head of marketing and promotion for Archromas Brand & Performance Textile Specialties business.The OutDoor Industry Award will surely help us convince more brands and retailers to explore and adopt more nature-friendly solutions from Archroma, Estape said.Manel Domingo, research and development head for special dyes at Archroma, who developed the EarthColors technology, adds: Creating sustainable solutions is a journey: EarthColors was more than five years in the making and the project is still evolving in our laboratories. With the planet reaching the limit of its resources, we need to offer more sustainable options to the consumers. That is why we spare no efforts to develop groundbreaking innovations in the deep belief that we can make our industry sustainable. Its our nature. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Hpfabrics, manufacturer of raw fabrics, is opening a new production and product development facility in Forsyth County, creating 260 jobs over three years. The company, a subsidiary of Tukek Holdings, plans to invest $1.1 million over the next two years in a plant in Winston-Salem that formerly housed Microfibres, a company no longer operating in the city.North Carolina offers the skilled workforce companies need to succeed. The specialised experience our workers bring to the table is known around the world, and that stellar reputation played an important role in the companys decision to come to our state, Governor Roy Cooper said.

Hpfabrics, manufacturer of raw fabrics, is opening a new production and product development facility in Forsyth County, creating 260 jobs over three years. The company, a subsidiary of Tukek Holdings, plans to invest $1.1 million over the next two years in a plant in Winston-Salem that formerly housed Microfibres, a company no longer operating in the city.#

Hpfabrics is a subsidiary of Tukek Holdings, headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. The holding company maintains manufacturing outposts around the world. The Winston-Salem facility will play an important connecting role in the Tukek global production network while producing raw fabrics for a variety of commercial and consumer goods, including upholstery. The company expects to create additional jobs and investment at the facility over a five-year period.Its a pleasure to see an idle facility come to life again, opening new opportunities for North Carolinas talented workers, said North Carolina commerce secretary Anthony M Copeland. NC Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of NC were instrumental in supporting the companys investment decision.The new positions in Forsyth County will provide a payroll impact of more than $8.2 million annually to the local economy.This investment will help Tukek to strengthen its global position in the flocking industry while bringing the lost jobs back and creating much more than what Microfibres had to offer at its best years. This investment will also strengthen trade between Turkey and the United States of America and will be one of the first manufacturing-related direct investments made by a Turkish company into the United States economy, said Rafet Tukek, the president of Hpfabrics and Tukek Holding.A performance-based grant of $250,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Hpfabrics location to Forsyth County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.We welcome Hpfabrics decision to restart production at the former Microfibres plant in Winston-Salem. These new jobs and the additional capital investment will bring new opportunities to our region, said NC Senator Paul Lowe.Many partners in our community came together to support Hpfabrics selection of Forsyth County, said NC representative Donny Lambeth.In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Forsyth County, the City of Winston-Salem, and Winston-Salem Business. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Kimberly-Clark has joined Georgia Tech's Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies (CDAIT). As a member of this non-profit center with a seat on the Executive Advisory Board, Kimberly-Clark will help guide research into the rapidly evolving Internet of Things (IoT) marketplace that addresses critical societal issues.

Kimberly-Clark, a manufacturer of health and hygiene products that are available in over 175 countries, is building on its long-standing partnership with Georgia Tech, dating back more than 35 years. The two organisations have partnered from a research perspective, and Kimberly-Clark sponsors key programmes within the institution including Women in Engineering, the Renewable BioProducts Institute, the Center for Bio-Inspired Design, and the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology. Kimberly-Clark employs more than 100 Georgia Tech alumni.

"We are looking forward to actively collaborating with Kimberly-Clark's experts in the IoT space," said Alain Louchez, managing director of CDAIT. "In particular, their significant involvement in the IoT Security and Privacy Working Group will provide a very useful perspective in a complex and critical area."

Kimberly-Clark has joined Georgia Tech's Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies (CDAIT). As a member of this non-profit center with a seat on the Executive Advisory Board, Kimberly-Clark will help guide research into the rapidly evolving Internet of Things (IoT) marketplace that addresses critical societal issues.#

Currently, CDAIT's activities are focused on horizontal domains through six Working Groups, i.e., education and training; start-up ecosystem; thought leadership, security & privacy; standards & management; and research.

"Kimberly-Clark has a strong track record of transforming insights and technologies into innovative products and services that improve the lives of nearly a quarter of the world's population. By partnering closely with our fellow CDAIT board members and Georgia Tech's faculty and students, we aim to build on this history of innovation and explore the many dimensions of IoT and their applicability in today's world," said Clay Mahaffey, global R&D director for Kimberly-Clark Professional.

"We are honoured to welcome Kimberly-Clark to our board," said Jeff Evans, chair of the CDAIT executive advisory board and director of the information and communications laboratory at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. "With their experience and expertise, we'll keep pushing IoT research and insights even further." (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Jhanvi Was Very Low When She Read This Gossip

Sridevi revealed that her daughter was really low after it was reported that she'd been chasing an actor at a party.

But She Was Not With Ranbir

"But mummy, I was with Gauri aunty (Gauri Shinde, director of English Vinglish) Jhanvi protested.''

I Told Her, Welcome To Bollywood

''I told her, Welcome to my world, if you want to be a part of it, you have to be prepared for all this.'"

On Her Debut

"Abhi tak to aage bhi nahin badi hai woh, let's see how she does in her first film. Wait for the announcement, it'll come soon enough and aapko khud pata chal jayega.''

Here's What Exactly Was Reported Earlier About Jhanvi & Ranbir

According to a web portal, ''Ranbir Kapoor greeted Jhanvi Kapoor at the birthday bash of Karan Johar.''

Everyone At The Party Started Talking About It

''When she saw Ranbir Kapoor she just couldn't stop blushing. ''In fact, she made it so evident that everyone at the party started talking about it.''

Jhanvi Followed Ranbir Everywhere

''Ranbir was busy chatting up with other guests, Jhanvi followed him wherever he went. Ranbir Kapoor was left embarrassed because of it.''
My First Priority Is Always My Children

"I don't want to do a film just for the sake of doing it. My first priority is always my children. So, when I did English Vinglish, the schedule was according to my convenience.

R Balki (producer of English Vinglish) is a dear friend, so he worked out the schedule in a way that my children could be with me.

Bachchon ki holidays chal rahi thi, so we shot in those two months. After that, some offers came but I didn't end up taking them because of several reasons like being on outdoors and being away from the kids, and sometimes, you are just not happy with the script."

It's Not Necessary That I Have To Keep Myself Busy

"I am not keen on taking up these films. It's not necessary that I have to keep myself busy. I should love the subject, it should touch my heart, I should feel for my character and the other characters around me - then I will do it for sure.

All of this matters. But the main thing is it has to be done according to my convenience."

I Always Go With My Instincts

"I always go with my instincts. More than anything, the character has to suit me. I can't do stuff that I did 10 or 20 years ago. I won't be comfortable doing it anymore.

I Want My Children To Feel Proud Of What I Am Doing

"I want my children to feel proud of what I'm doing. So, yes, obviously, I will pick films that have great stories and which don't require me to be who I was years ago. It won't seem or look logical anymore."

I See A Lot Of Myself In Jhanvi

"Jhanvi is more like me. She's very sensitive, naive, obedient... I see so much of myself in her. Khushi is independent, strong and has her own mind."

When Sridevi Didn't Want Jhanvi To Become An Actress

"In the beginning, I didn't want Jhanvi to become an actress. As a parent, one is naturally protective of their children and you are literally exposing them to the world.

Itne saal aapne usko protect kiya and you want them to just happily settle. Bas stress-free ho jao but that doesn't happen.

Today, children too have their own minds and beginning mein, I ignored it and tried to caution her saying that this is a tough job.

There's so much sacrifice, so much to give - no pain, no gain. But it seems she's ready for it. As parents, we will support her."

I Have Never Made My Kids Sit And Watch My Films

"Jhanvi has not seen my films. I have never made my kids sit and watch my movies. I think they haven't seen most of them, except for Mr India and a few others."

When Jhanvi Confessed To Sridevi That She Wanted To Be An Actress

"The first time Janvi confessed that she wanted to become an actress was when someone asked her what she wanted to do in life. She said, I will become a doctor. But not in real life. In a movie, I will play a doctor.'

It was so funny and I was like, Hello, what are you saying?' (Laughs) Maybe, at the back of her mind, she had decided, but she was too shy to express it to us. Slowly, slowly bomb phoda!"

Sridevi's Reaction

"I didn't get angry. (Laughs) But I went up to Boneyji and said this is what she wants. So dono sar pe haath rakh ke baith gaye ki yeh kya ho gaya. (Laughs) Slowly, we psyched ourselves and came to terms with it."
Vishal, the popular Tamil actor is all set to enter the Malayalam movie industry, with the upcoming Mohanlal movie Villian. In a recent interview given to a popular media, Vishal opened up about working with Mohanlal and Manju Warrier.

Check This Out: THROWBACK: Mohanlal's Narasimham Location

The actor, who is all excited about his Malayalam project, stated that Villain is the best debut he could have ever asked for. Vishal also remarked that each and every moment with Mohanlal on sets was thoroughly enjoyable.

Interestingly, he also revealed that he is a great fan of Manju Warrier. Even though Vishal doesn't have any major combination scenes with Manju in the movie, he is happy that his name would be shown in the title cards along with these senior actors.

Vishal also confirmed that he is playing a grey-shaded character in the movie, which is written and directed by B Unnikrishnan. However, the actor refused to reveal other details of his character, which has some suspense factors associated with it.

Villain, which will also feature Hansika Motwani and Rashi Khanna in the pivotal roles, will also mark the entry of popular production banner Rockline Productions into Mollywood. The movie is expected to hit the theatres in August 2017.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 21, 2017 / The Pawar Law Group announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of FleetCor Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FLT) investors who purchased FleetCor stock between February 5, 2016 and May 2, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The suit is for recovery of investor losses.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, visit the firm's website at http://pawarlawgroup.com/cases/fleetcor/ or email Vik Pawar, Esq. at vik@pawarlawgroup.com or call toll free at (866) 999-0873.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The complaint alleges that defendants during the Class Period made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that FleetCor owes its earnings and growth to overcharging customers, disseminating misleading marketing materials, and engaging in predatory sales practices. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 14, 2017. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You may join the case here: http://pawarlawgroup.com/cases/fleetcor/ or email Vik Pawar, Esq. at vik@pawarlawgroup.com

Contact:

Vik Pawar, Esq.

Pawar Law Group

20 Vesey Street, Suite 1210

New York, NY 10007

Tel: (212) 571-0805

Fax: (212) 571-0938

vik@pawarlawgroup.com

SOURCE: Pawar Law Group




NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 21, 2017 / The Pawar Law Group announces it is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Jagged Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE: JAG) resulting from allegations that the Company may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

On January 27, 2017, Jagged Peak initiated its initial public offering ("IPO") of common stock to the public, and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. During the IPO, Jagged Peak and selling stockholders sold 31,599,334 shares at $15.00 per share, raising $474 million of gross proceeds. Since the IPO, shares of Jagged Peak have fallen approximately 20% in light of issues concerning the positioning of its acreage in the Delaware Basin .

Our investigation concerns whether the Company issued false and misleading statements to investors causing investor losses. If you own Company shares and wish to learn how to protect your investment and recover your losses in Company stock, please visit http://pawarlawgroup.com/cases/jagged-peak/ or contact Vik Pawar at 212-571-0805.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact:

Vik Pawar, Esq.

Pawar Law Group

20 Vesey Street, Suite 1210

New York, NY 10007

Tel: (212) 571-0805

Fax: (212) 571-0938

vik@pawarlawgroup.com

SOURCE: Pawar Law Group
First quarter 2018 results: Revenue grew 27 percent year over year to $563.3 million Revenue grew 12 percent year over year excluding the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations and revenue from businesses acquired or divested during the past twelve months GAAP income from operations was $46.6 million in the current period versus a loss from operations of $27.8 million in the year-ago period, largely due to a gain on the sale of Albumprinter, significantly lower acquisition-related charges, and restructuring savings GAAP net income per diluted share was $0.72 in the first quarter of 2018 versus a GAAP net loss per diluted share of $0.92 in the year-ago period due to the items above partially offset by significant non-cash currency-related losses Adjusted Net Operating Profit (Adjusted NOP) was $10.4 million in the current period versus $2.7 million in the year-ago period



Cimpress N.V. (Nasdaq: CMPR), the world leader in mass customization, today announced financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

"We are off to a solid start for fiscal year 2018," said Robert Keane, president and chief executive officer. "Our businesses delivered strong results in terms of the value they are creating for their customers, and our financial results are on track relative to our internal objectives for fiscal year 2018 growth in revenue and unlevered free cash flow. We entered this fiscal year with our new decentralized operating structure that we announced on January 25, 2017, and we have seen the intended benefits, including tightened coordination between marketing and manufacturing activities throughout our businesses, reduction of complexity and costs, and an improved ability to evaluate performance and assess returns on the capital we invest."

Keane continued, "That decentralization resulted, among many other changes, in the transfer to Vistaprint of nearly three thousand team members who were previously in central teams. We continue to see evidence that the Vistaprint business has successfully strengthened its customer value proposition and improved customer retention. Following more than six months of experience with their newly integrated organization, the Vistaprint leadership team has taken the difficult but appropriate decision to reorganize the business. These changes will reduce headcount and other operating costs, but also simplify and streamline operations and more closely align functions to increase the speed of execution. We believe these changes will improve the steady-state free cash flow of this business and, importantly, free up capital to reinvest in other areas of Vistaprint that provide the greatest benefit to our customers and our long-term shareholders."

Cimpress expects the Vistaprint headcount and cost reductions to be largely implemented over the coming two months and believes they will reduce fiscal year 2018 operating expenses by between $20 million and $22 million. Based on a preliminary assessment of these potential actions, the company expects to take a restructuring charge of approximately $15 million to $17 million during the quarter ending December 31, 2017, but we expect net savings for the full fiscal year 2018. Cimpress will provide additional information in its second quarter earnings documents after the Vistaprint restructuring is implemented.

Sean Quinn, chief financial officer, said, "First quarter revenue growth by segment was in line with our commentary at the beginning of the year. Our profits increased significantly year over year due in part to savings from the decentralization we announced last January and some non-operational benefits described below. Conversely, as anticipated, we continue to see pressure on Vistaprint's incremental gross profit from the rapid expansion of new products and design services. As described at our August 8, 2017 investor day, we believe that Vistaprint has multiple pricing and operating levers to alleviate some of this pressure throughout fiscal year 2018 as we scale the new product offerings, but we expect it to take time. In the meantime, our revenue from newly launched products continues to grow strongly, so the mix effect on our profitability is meaningful: Vistaprint's gross margin was about 400 basis points lower this quarter compared to the same period last year. Finally, we remain on track to reduce our leverage to approximately three times trailing-twelve month EBITDA by the end of our second fiscal quarter despite repurchasing $41 million of Cimpress shares during the first quarter."

The following year-over-year items positively influenced GAAP operating income in the first quarter:

A $47.5 million gain on the sale of our Albumprinter business, net of transaction costs. The amount of this gain was influenced by the partial allocation of goodwill to our other businesses in past periods, and the minimal carrying value of acquired intangible assets related to Albumprinter at the time of the sale, partially offset by negative currency-related impacts.

Net restructuring savings of approximately $10 million related to the decentralization announced on January 25, 2017. These savings were realized largely in technology and development and general and administrative costs. From a segment reporting perspective, about half of the savings benefit Vistaprint's Segment Profit, with the bulk of the remaining benefit in our central and corporate costs.

A year-over-year decrease in acquisition-related charges as follows: First, earn-out related charges were $15.1 million lower in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 versus the prior-year period. Share-based compensation related to investment consideration also decreased year over year by $4.1 million. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in acquisition-related amortization of intangible assets of $2.5 million.

Favorable year-over-year currency fluctuations that were offset below the line by year-over-year changes in realized gains and losses from hedging contracts in other expense, net.

Quinn added, "As we look ahead to the remainder of fiscal year 2018, we are on track to recognize the financial benefits of the decentralization announced last January in line with our past commentary. We now also expect to recognize net savings and organizational benefits from the Vistaprint restructuring announced today. Finally, we see no material changes to our planned investment spend that we outlined in detail in our letter to investors dated July 26, 2017."

Sale of Albumprinter Business:

As anticipated, on August 31, 2017 we sold our Albumprinter business, net of transaction costs and based on the exchange rate as of the date of sale, for $93.1 million plus $11.9 million in pre-closing dividends. In connection with the divestiture, we have entered into an agreement under which Albumprinter will continue to fulfill photobook orders for our Vistaprint business via our mass customization platform.

Consolidated Financial Metrics:

Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 was $563.3 million, a 27 percent increase compared to revenue of $443.7 million in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding the estimated impact from currency exchange rate fluctuations and revenue from businesses acquired or divested during the past twelve months, revenue grew 12 percent year over year in the first quarter.

Gross margin (revenue minus the cost of revenue as a percent of total revenue) in the first quarter was 49.6 percent, down from 52.0 percent in the same quarter a year ago due to lower Vistaprint gross margins as a result of significant growth in lower-margin new products which are not yet at scale, as well as a continued mix shift toward our Upload and Print businesses which have a lower gross margin than our Vistaprint and National Pen businesses.

Contribution margin (revenue minus the cost of revenue, the cost of advertising and payment processing as a percent of total revenue) in the first quarter was 31.0 percent, down from 32.5 percent in the same quarter a year ago. Advertising spend as a percent of revenue declined year over year for the first quarter, which partially offset the decline in gross margin as described above.

GAAP operating income in the first quarter was $46.6 million, or 8.3 percent of revenue, compared to an operating loss of $27.8 million, or 6.3 percent of revenue, in the same quarter a year ago. The drivers of this significant improvement are described above, before the "Sale of Albumprinter Business" section of this release.

Adjusted NOP for the first quarter, which is defined at the end of this press release, was $10.4 million, or 1.8 percent of revenue, up from $2.7 million, or 0.6 percent of revenue, in the same quarter a year ago. This increase is primarily due to the savings from our fiscal year 2017 decentralization.

GAAP net income attributable to Cimpress for the first quarter was $23.4 million, or 4.1 percent of revenue, compared to a net loss of $29.1 million, or 6.6 percent of revenue in the same quarter a year ago. In addition to the impacts described above, GAAP net income was negatively influenced by year-over-year non-operational, non-cash currency impacts, and a reduction in our tax benefit in the current period compared to the year-ago period due to lower discrete tax benefits in the current period compared to the same prior-year period. In addition, we adopted a new accounting standard (ASU 2016-16) effective this quarter which changes how we account for the tax effects of certain intra-entity sales. We expect this change will be unfavorable to our GAAP tax expense and effective tax rate for the year, but in no way changes our current or future cash taxes.

GAAP net income per diluted share for the first quarter was $0.72, versus a net loss of $0.92 in the same quarter a year ago.

Capital expenditures in the first quarter were $20.5 million or 3.6 percent of revenue, versus $19.3 million, or 4.4 percent of revenue in the same quarter a year ago.

During the first quarter, we generated $16.4 million of cash from operations and $(6.5) million in unlevered free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined at the end of this press release. Cash from operations was impacted by approximately $4 million of payments related to our January 2017 restructuring as well as transaction costs from the sale of Albumprinter.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $42.8 million of cash and cash equivalents and $820.8 million of debt, net of issuance costs. After considering debt covenant limitations, as of September 30, 2017 the company had $262.4 million available for borrowing under its committed credit facility. Based on Cimpress' debt covenant definitions, its total leverage ratio was 3.39 as of September 30, 2017. The company continues to expect to reduce its leverage ratio to approximately 3 times trailing twelve month EBITDA by the end of calendar year 2017 through a combination of debt repayment and EBITDA expansion.

During the first quarter, Cimpress repurchased 452,820 shares for $40.7 million inclusive of transaction costs, at an average price per share of $89.82.

Supplemental Materials and November 2, 2017 Conference Call Information

Cimpress has posted an end-of-quarter presentation with accompanying prepared remarks at ir.cimpress.com. On Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 7:30 a.m. (EDT) the company will host a live Q&A conference call with management to discuss the financial results, which will be available via webcast at ir.cimpress.com and via dial-in at +1 (844) 778-4144, conference ID 86537588. A replay of the Q&A session will be available on the company's website following the call on November 2, 2017.

Important Reminder of Cimpress' Priorities

We ask investors and potential investors in Cimpress to understand the upper-most objectives by which we endeavor to make all decisions, including investment decisions. Often we make decisions in service of these priorities that could be considered non-optimal were they to be evaluated based on other criteria such as (but not limited to) near- and mid-term net income, operating income, EPS, cash flow, EBITDA, and Adjusted NOP.

Our priorities are:

Strategic Objective : To be the world leader in mass customization. By mass customization, we mean producing, with the reliability, quality and affordability of mass production, small individual orders where each and every one embodies the personal relevance inherent to customized physical products.

: To be the world leader in mass customization. By mass customization, we mean producing, with the reliability, quality and affordability of mass production, small individual orders where each and every one embodies the personal relevance inherent to customized physical products. Financial Objective : To maximize intrinsic value per share, defined as (a) the unlevered free cash flow per share that, in our best judgment, will occur between now and the long-term future, appropriately discounted to reflect our cost of capital, minus (b) net debt per share.

To understand these objectives and their implications, Cimpress encourages investors to read Robert Keane's letter to investors published on July 26, 2017 at ir.cimpress.com and to review materials that were presented at our annual investor day meeting on August 8, 2017.

About non-GAAP financial measures

To supplement Cimpress' consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Cimpress has used the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, rules: Adjusted Net Operating Profit, free cash flow, unlevered free cash flow, constant-currency revenue growth and constant-currency revenue growth excluding revenue from acquisitions and divestitures made in the last twelve months:

Adjusted Net Operating Profit is defined as GAAP operating income plus interest expense associated with our Waltham, Massachusetts lease, excluding M&A related items such as acquisition-related amortization and depreciation, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, and expense for deferred payments or equity awards that are treated as compensation expense, plus the impact of certain unusual items such as discontinued operations, restructuring charges, impairments, or gains related to the purchase or sale of subsidiaries, plus certain realized gains or losses on currency derivatives that are not included in operating income.

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment, purchases of intangible assets not related to acquisitions, and capitalization of software and website development costs, plus payment of contingent consideration in excess of acquisition-date fair value, plus gains on proceeds from insurance.

Unlevered free cash flow is defined as free cash flow as described above, plus the cash paid during the period for interest, minus the interest expense associated with our Waltham, Massachusetts lease.

Constant-currency revenue growth is estimated by translating all non-U.S. dollar denominated revenue generated in the current period using the prior year period's average exchange rate for each currency to the U.S. dollar.

First quarter constant-currency revenue growth excluding revenue from acquisitions and divestitures made during the past twelve months excludes the impact of currency as defined above and revenue from Albumprinter and National Pen.

These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors' understanding of our current operating results from the underlying and ongoing business for the same reasons they are used by management. For example, as we have become more acquisitive over recent years we believe excluding the costs related to the purchase of a business (such as amortization of acquired intangible assets, contingent consideration, or impairment of goodwill) provides further insight into the performance of the underlying acquired business in addition to that provided by our GAAP operating income. As another example, as we do not apply hedge accounting for our currency forward contracts, we believe inclusion of realized gains and losses on these contracts that are intended to be matched against operational currency fluctuations provides further insight into our operating performance in addition to that provided by our GAAP operating income. We do not, nor do we suggest that investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included at the end of this release. The tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliation between these financial measures.

About Cimpress

Cimpress N.V. (Nasdaq: CMPR) is the world leader in mass customization. For more than 20 years, the company has focused on developing software and manufacturing capabilities that transform traditional markets in order to make customized products accessible and affordable to everyone. Cimpress brings its products to market via a portfolio of more than 20 brands including Vistaprint, Drukwerkdeal, Pixartprinting, Exaprint, WIRmachenDRUCK, National Pen and many others. That portfolio serves multiple customer segments across many applications for mass customization. To learn more, visit http://www.cimpress.com

Cimpress and the Cimpress logo are trademarks of Cimpress N.V. or its subsidiaries. All other brand and product names appearing on this announcement may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

This press release contains statements about our future expectations, plans, and prospects of our business that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including our expectations for the growth and development of our business, our expectations for our debt position, and the expected effects of and savings from our recent decentralization and anticipated Vistaprint restructuring. Forward-looking projections and expectations are inherently uncertain, are based on assumptions and judgments by management, and may turn out to be wrong. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of various important factors, including but not limited to our failure to execute our strategy; our inability to make the investments in our business that we plan to make or the failure of those investments to achieve the results we expect; our failure to develop our mass customization platform or the failure of the platform to drive the efficiencies and competitive advantage we expect; the failure of our decentralization and restructuring to have the effects that we expect; our ability to accurately forecast the savings and charges relating to restructuring activities; unanticipated changes in our markets, customers, or business; our loss of key personnel; our failure to reposition our Vistaprint brand and to promote and strengthen all of our brands; our failure to attract new customers and retain our current customers; our failure to manage the growth and complexity of our business and expand our operations; the failure of the businesses we acquire or invest in to perform as expected; the willingness of purchasers of customized products and services to shop online; competitive pressures; general economic conditions; and other factors described in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 and the other documents we periodically file with the U.S. SEC.

In addition, the statements and projections in this press release represent our expectations and beliefs as of the date of this press release, and subsequent events and developments may cause these expectations, beliefs, and projections to change. We specifically disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our expectations or beliefs as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Operational Metrics Financial Tables to Follow

CIMPRESS N.V. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited in thousands, except share and per share data) September 30,

2017 June 30,

2017 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 42,800 25,697 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,297 and $3,590, respectively 58,413 48,630 Inventory 56,754 46,563 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 75,921 78,835 Assets held for sale 46,276 Total current assets 233,888 246,001 Property, plant and equipment, net 511,890 511,947 Software and website development costs, net 50,312 48,470 Deferred tax assets 78,748 48,004 Goodwill 525,806 514,963 Intangible assets, net 268,678 275,924 Other assets 26,772 34,560 Total assets 1,696,094 1,679,869 Liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable 121,119 127,386 Accrued expenses 186,502 175,567 Deferred revenue 39,239 30,372 Short-term debt 19,941 28,926 Other current liabilities 86,998 78,435 Liabilities held for sale 8,797 Total current liabilities 453,799 449,483 Deferred tax liabilities 58,805 60,743 Lease financing obligation 105,679 106,606 Long-term debt 800,860 847,730 Other liabilities 108,607 94,683 Total liabilities 1,527,750 1,559,245 Commitments and contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interests 83,841 45,412 Shareholders' equity: Preferred shares, par value 0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding Ordinary shares, par value 0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 44,080,627 shares issued; and 31,020,287 and 31,415,503 shares outstanding, respectively 615 615 Treasury shares, at cost, 13,060,340 and 12,665,124 shares, respectively (627,002 (588,365 Additional paid-in capital 366,684 361,376 Retained earnings 432,273 414,771 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (88,325 (113,398 Total shareholders' equity attributable to Cimpress N.V. 84,245 74,999 Noncontrolling interests 258 213 Total shareholders' equity 84,503 75,212 Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders' equity 1,696,094 1,679,869

CIMPRESS N.V. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited in thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017 2016 Revenue 563,284 443,713 Cost of revenue (1) 283,755 213,050 Technology and development expense (1) 62,103 59,010 Marketing and selling expense (1) 166,093 132,668 General and administrative expense (1) 38,778 56,580 Amortization of acquired intangibles 12,633 10,213 Restructuring expense (1) 854 (Gain) on sale of subsidiaries (47,545 Income (loss) from operations 46,613 (27,808 Other expense, net (16,312 (2,132 Interest expense, net (13,082 (9,904 Income (loss) before income taxes 17,219 (39,844 Income tax (benefit) expense (6,187 (9,814 Net income (loss) 23,406 (30,030 Add: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (43 927 Net income (loss) attributable to Cimpress N.V. 23,363 (29,103 Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Cimpress N.V. 0.75 (0.92 Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Cimpress N.V. 0.72 (0.92 Weighted average shares outstanding basic 31,220,311 31,570,824 Weighted average shares outstanding diluted 32,332,162 31,570,824

(1) Share-based compensation is allocated as follows:

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017 2016 Cost of revenue 40 43 Technology and development expense 1,856 2,325 Marketing and selling expense 985 820 General and administrative expense 3,928 8,383 Restructuring expense 103

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 we recognized $727 of restructuring costs related to a restructuring initiative within our All Other Businesses segment, as well as $127 of restructuring costs related to the January 2017 restructuring initiative.

CIMPRESS N.V. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited, in thousands) Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017 2016 Operating activities Net income (loss) 23,406 (30,030 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 42,384 35,405 Share-based compensation expense 6,912 11,571 Deferred taxes (16,589 (18,163 Gain on sale of subsidiaries (47,545 Change in contingent earn-out liability 827 16,020 Unrealized loss on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in net income (loss) 6,066 1,811 Effect of exchange rate changes on monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currency 8,386 3,027 Other non-cash items 23 670 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (8,839 2,917 Inventory (8,985 (1,220 Prepaid expenses and other assets (4,893 671 Accounts payable (1,621 (7,952 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 16,847 (5,127 Net cash provided by operating activities 16,379 9,600 Investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment (20,457 (19,319 Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries, net of transactions costs and cash divested 93,779 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (110 (580 Purchases of intangible assets (24 (26 Capitalization of software and website development costs (8,934 (8,312 Other investing activities (1,956 785 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 62,298 (27,452 Financing activities Proceeds from borrowings of debt 179,532 87,000 Payments of debt and debt issuance costs (237,929 (82,725 Payments of withholding taxes in connection with equity awards (1,190 (7,549 Payments of capital lease obligations (4,658 (3,276 Purchase of ordinary shares (40,674 Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares 6,070 Issuance of loans (12,000 Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest 35,390 Net cash used in financing activities (75,459 (6,550 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1,843 601 Change in cash held for sale 12,042 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 17,103 (23,801 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 25,697 77,426 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 42,800 53,625

CIMPRESS N.V. SEGMENT INFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (unaudited in thousands) GAAP Revenue Three Months Ended

September 30, Currency Impact: Constant- Currency Impact of Acquisitions/

Divestitures: Constant-

Currency

Revenue

Growth 2017 2016 Change (Favorable)/

Unfavorable Revenue

Growth (Favorable)/

Unfavorable Excluding Acquisitions/

Divestitures Revenue growth reconciliation by reportable segment: Vistaprint 319,043 286,535 11 (1 10 10 Upload and Print 160,390 131,957 22 (6 16 16 National Pen 59,717 100 100 (100 All Other Businesses 28,054 26,334 7 (2 5 35 40 Inter-segment eliminations (3,920 (1,113 Total revenue 563,284 443,713 27 (3 24 (12 12

Three Months Ended

September 30, Profit (loss) by reportable segment ("Segment Profit"): 2017 2016 Vistaprint 30,895 25,272 Upload and Print 14,768 13,451 National Pen 1,185 All Other Businesses (7,551 (9,752 Total Segment Profit 39,297 28,971 Central and corporate costs (28,257 (28,186 Acquisition-related amortization and depreciation (12,687 (10,213 Earn-out related charges (1,137 (16,247 Share-based compensation related to investment consideration (40 (4,103 Restructuring related charges (854 Interest expense for Waltham lease 1,911 1,970 Gain on the purchase or sale of subsidiaries2 48,380 Total income (loss) from operations 46,613 (27,808

1Includes expense recognized for the change in fair value of contingent consideration and compensation expense related to earn-out mechanisms dependent upon continued employment.

2Includes the impact of the gain on the sale of Albumprinter, as well as a bargain purchase gain as defined by ASC 805-30 for an acquisition in which the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are greater than the consideration transferred, that was recognized in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statement of operations during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Note: During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we began presenting inter-segment fulfillment activity as revenue for the fulfilling business unit for purposes of measuring and reporting our segment financial performance. We have revised historical results to reflect the consistent application of our current accounting methodology. In addition, we adjusted our historical segment profitability for the allocation of certain IT costs that are allocated to each of our businesses in fiscal 2018.

CIMPRESS N.V. RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONT.) (unaudited, in thousands) Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017 2016 Adjusted Net Operating Profit reconciliation: GAAP operating income (loss) 46,613 (27,808 Exclude expense (benefit) impact of: Acquisition-related amortization and depreciation 12,687 10,213 Earn-out related charges 1,137 16,247 Share-based compensation related to investment consideration 40 4,103 Restructuring related charges 854 Less: Interest expense associated with Waltham lease (1,911 (1,970 Less: Gain on the purchase or sale of subsidiaries2 (48,380 Include: Realized (losses) gains on certain currency derivatives not included in operating income (634 1,888 Adjusted NOP 10,406 2,673

1Includes expense recognized for the change in fair value of contingent consideration and compensation expense related to earn-out mechanisms dependent upon continued employment.

2Includes the gain on the sale of Albumprinter, as well as a bargain purchase gain as defined by ASC 805-30 for an acquisition in which the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are greater than the consideration transferred, that was recognized in general and administrative expense in our consolidated statement of operations during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2017 2016 Unlevered free cash flow reconciliation: Net cash provided by operating activities 16,379 9,600 Purchases of property, plant and equipment (20,457 (19,319 Purchases of intangible assets not related to acquisitions (24 (26 Capitalization of software and website development costs (8,934 (8,312 Free cash flow (13,036 (18,057 Plus: cash paid during the period for interest 8,430 5,362 Less: interest expense for Waltham lease (1,911 (1,970 Unlevered free cash flow (6,517 (14,665

Note: We continue to look at profit by reportable segment ("Segment Profit"); however, starting with the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we no longer use Adjusted NOPAT as an internal measure of consolidated profitability, and therefore we have stopped reporting it. Rather, we are using Adjusted Net Operating Profit, which corresponds to our prior Adjusted NOPAT measure, without the effect of cash taxes attributable to the current period.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171101006489/en/

Contacts:

Cimpress N.V.

Investor Relations:

Jenna Berg, +1-781-652-6480

ir@cimpress.com

or

Media Relations:

Paul McKinlay

mediarelations@cimpress.com
AXIS Will Advise Next Generation of InsurTech Startups in Collaboration with Silicon Valley Innovation Platform

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited and its operating subsidiaries ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE:AXS) today announced it has partnered with Plug and Play, a global digital startup innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley. By joining Plug and Play's InsurTech platform, AXIS will gain access to world-class digital insurance startups and will provide mentorship and technical support, along with underwriting and actuarial expertise, to help turn their ideas into products or services.

"AXIS has a proven entrepreneurial track record and our alliance with Plug and Play will allow us to partner with the entrepreneurs who are helping to drive innovation in insurance and reinsurance," said Chris DiSipio, CEO of AXIS A&H and executive sponsor of the Company's InsurTech initiative. "We are the perfect partner for bringing their ideas to life and are committed to InsurTech as a driver of future growth, both for AXIS and the (re)insurance industry."

To help address the rapid and transformative changes underway within the (re)insurance industry, AXIS will work with property and casualty, life/health and general InsurTech startups that have been accepted to Plug and Play's InsurTech program. This 12-week program attracts applications from hundreds of startups from around the world that utilize technology, data and analytics to develop innovative new business models, products and services.

"We are thrilled to have AXIS Capital as a new partner of our platform," said Ali Safavi, Plug and Play InsurTech Director. "Our team intends to leverage this partnership and AXIS' expertise in the field to continue to drive innovation and change in the industry with the hope of creating the ultimate startup ecosystem for InsurTech."

AXIS will focus on the areas of Insurance, Reinsurance, Health, IoT (Internet of Things), FinTech and Mobility, with leaders from different business areas serving as program mentors and technical advisors.

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital is a Bermuda-based global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders' equity at June 30, 2017 of $5.9 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Middle East, Canada and Latin America. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A+" ("Superior") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com. Follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. We connect startups to corporations and invest in over 150 companies every year. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in 24 locations globally giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With over 6,000 startups and 180 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries. We provide active investments with 200 leading Silicon Valley VCs, and host more than 365 networking events per year. Companies in our community have raised over $6 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Lending Club, PayPal, SoundHound, and Zoosk. For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170824005372/en/

Contacts:

AXIS Capital

Keith Trivitt, +1 212-715-3557

keith.trivitt@axiscapital.com

or

Plug and Play

Hadiyah Fain, +1 408-524-1662

hadiyah@plugandplaytechcenter.com
ALISO VIEJO, California, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

UST Global, a US-based leading digital technology services company, today announced that it is a proud winner of Golden Globe Tigers Award, 2017, for the third consecutive year for 'Excellence and Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility'. The award is also in recognition of UST Global's smart solutions in transforming lives through technology. The award was recently handed over during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160714/813943 )



UST Global is committed to live its main motto of 'Transforming Lives' with various social initiatives it believes in. Going beyond the 'cheque writing' approach, the company's social agenda encourages active involvement of its employees in contributing to causes. As part of this, the company focuses on four key areas, i.e., empowerment of children through education; community development through healthcare, and green & clean initiatives; empowerment of women; and empowerment of differently-abled individuals for employability.

Commenting on the win,Alexander Varghese, Chief Administrative Officer and Country Head, UST Global, said, "It is indeed a proud moment for UST Global to receive the Golden Globe Tigers Award, 2017, for the third consecutive year in recognition of our Excellence and Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility. Our vision of doing these sustainable initiatives is to transform lives of the underprivileged and needy individuals of the society, and we hope to continue doing this. Our belief in creating a new era of social capital, job opportunities and being involved in something higher than us has always been the guiding light for our success."

UST Global's HR team has previously received the Golden Globe Tigers Award for HR Excellence in Diversity and Impact Measurement in 2015 and for the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in 2016. The Golden Globe Tigers Awards offers an international platform to recognize organizations and industry leaders across Asia for their commitment to excellence in realms of Marketing, Quality, Branding, CSR & Social innovation, Education & Academics.

About UST Global

UST Global is a leading digital technology services company that provides powerful solutions for Global 1000 companies. UST Global's mission is to lead companies through critical digital transformations to drive higher business value. UST Global specializes in six next-generation digital services - design, cyber security, mobile, social, analytics and cloud. Powered by the mantra 'fewer clients, more attention', UST Global strives for excellence in providing their clients high-quality services and a commitment to long-term success. Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, UST Global has over 17,000 associates; operating in 25 countries across four continents.

For more information, please visithttp://www.ust-global.com



Media Contact:

Manoj M Mani

Manoj.Mattamana@ust-global.com

+91-9632000553



Media Relations

Media.Relations@ust-global.com


DUBLIN, September 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2025" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The Global Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 34.2% over the next decade to reach approximately $46.51 billion by 2025

Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include increasing awareness about renewable energy in developing regions, favorable government regulations to promote the spending on solar equipment and shifting of production plants to emerging economies such as China and India.

This industry report analyzes the market estimates and forecasts of all the given segments on global as well as regional levels presented in the research scope. The study provides historical market data for 2014, 2015 revenue estimations are presented for 2016 and forecasts from 2017 till 2025. The study focuses on market trends, leading players, supply chain trends, technological innovations, key developments, and future strategies.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Market Outline



2 Executive Summary



3 Market Overview

3.1 Current Trends

3.1.1 Increasing awareness about renewable energy in developing regions

3.1.2 Favorable government regulations to promote the spending on solar equipment

3.1.3 Shifting of production plants to emerging economies such as China and India

3.1.4 Recent technological developments in solar photovoltaic glass

3.2 Drivers

3.3 Constraints

3.4 Industry Attractiveness



4 Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market, By End User

4.1 Amorphous silicon /Cadmium telluride (CdTe) module

4.2 Crystalline silicon module

4.3 Thin-film copper indium selenide(CIS) /Copper indium gallium selenide(CIGS) module



5 Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market, By Product Type

5.1 Tempered

5.2 Anti-Reflective (AR) Coated

5.3 Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) Coated

5.4 Annealed



6 Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market, By Application

6.1 Non-Residential

6.2 Residential

6.3 Utility



7 Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market, By Technology

7.1 Pattern

7.2 Float



8 Solar Photovoltaic Glass Market, By Geography



9 Key Player Activities



10 Leading Companies



Dongguan CSG Solar Glass Co., Ltd

Thermosol Glass

AVIC Sanxin Co., Ltd.

Shenzhen Topray Solar Co., Ltd.

Euroglas

Sunarc Technology A/S

Changzhou Almaden Co., Ltd.

Jin Jing (Group) Co., Ltd.

(Group) Co., Ltd. Qingdao Migo Glass Co., Ltd.

Emmvee Toughened Glass Private Limited

Hecker Glastechnik GmbH & Co. Kg

Henan Huamei Cinda Industrial Co., Ltd

Guangdong Golden Glass Technologies Limited

Interfloat Corporation

Borosil Glass Works Ltd.

Sisecam Flat Glass

Saint-Gobain

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9qhcj8/global_solar

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SHANGHAI, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM TRUST, organiser of SIGN CHINA, has established the world's first Future Sign Academy (FSA) in China which is committed to providing the community with a full range of education resources including specialized training, industry research reports, conferences, seminars and international study tours. The core of the academy is the advisory board which is deeply rooted in the sign industry to developcontent by the community, for the community.

The advisory board member of FSA are senior managers and experts from different fields. The first list of advisory board members is announced as below, and the list will be continually updated.

Bing Wang, Managing Director of EFI

Danny Ku, Managing Director of A.E. Smith Brand Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd

Lisa Li, Group Vice President of Focus Media

Richard Tsu, Professor, from Tongji University Design and Innovation School

Stephane Bihorel, China Region Business Development Director of Malherbdsign

Troy Zhang, General Manager of Nelson

Under the guidance of the advisory board, the annual work plan is developed with support from SIGN CHINA and key stakeholders to provide the venue, media coverage, promotional opportunities and volunteers etc. The potential income from the training and events will be put back in FSA to sustain its development and maintain the nonprofit model.

FSA aims to support the development of the professional community in advertising and sign design. It is free to all qualified professionals and has no membership dues. Each year, the work plan will be publicly announced after the completion of the advisory board's meeting, with a goal of supporting monthly activities, quarterly topic highlights and addressing knowledge needs in terms of depth and breadth. As the academy and alumni further develop, FSA will support the initiation of the sub-committees to dive deep into the display, printing, carving, direction system design, digital out-of-home and share case studies in the retail, transport, education and healthcare etc.

With the development of China's economy, the advertising industry is maintaining a very high growth rate, and providing unprecedented wide market for its related sign industry. The establishment of the Future Sign Academy will push the development of industrial value chain, create real valuefor thesign industry and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the industry.

Your contact for further information:

Anna Pan

Tel.: +86 20 3810 6261 ext. 827

E-mail: Anna.Pan@ubm.com

Selected press releases and photographs can be downloaded at: www.signchina-sh.com

About UBM Trust (www.ubmtrust.com)

UBM Trust is a joint venture company of UBM Asia, which is owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange. We have extensive experience in organizing large-scale exhibitions covering different industries in China, as well as organizing Chinese enterprises to participate in famous fairs abroad. Our flagship events serve the sign and LED industries. Among the definitive exhibitions of their kind in the world, these two events have become an important catalyst for the development and upgrading ofChina'ssign and LED industries, offering a comprehensive one-stop trading platform for exhibitors and visitors. We take pride in providing professional high-quality service s to our customers.

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com)

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest event organisers in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global presence in 26 major cities with 35 offices and over 1,600 staff.

With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 11 market sectors with over 290 events, 27 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock online products for over 2,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks.

UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world's fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 14 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where we organise over 110 events.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/21/17 -- Nearly US$500,000 was raised at a riveting and moving gala dinner in Hong Kong in aid of the Asian University for Women (AUW), an independent, international university in Chittagong, Bangladesh seeking to educate a new generation of female leaders in Asia.

The more than 300 guests who attended "In Honour of Daughters: Empowering Women on a Mission" at the JW Marriott Hong Kong on June 13 were regaled by inspiring tales of overcoming adversity and the hardest fought success from a wide array of speakers including former AUW students, public figures and academics from around the world and human rights lawyer and AUW Chancellor Cherie Blair.

The event, which was the first gala dinner organized by Asian University for Women - Hong Kong Support Foundation, will fund 31 full scholarships for one year, enabling the most promising young women from traditionally marginalized communities around the region to attend the university and go on to lead change.

AUW Support Foundation Hong Kong Chairperson Lynne Anne Davis said: "I am so delighted that our wonderfully generous guests have donated enough money to ensure that the dreams of 31 students wanting to attend this remarkable university can now do so, regardless of their ability to pay. We are so grateful that our network of sponsors, including our event partner Marriott International and platinum sponsors Li & Fung, Goldman Sachs, Mohammadi Group, L'Oreal and Mr. Henry Hamrock, plus a host of other organisations, recognize the immense value of investing in the future talent of the region."

Emceed by Bloomberg TV anchor Rishaad Salamat, the evening of experiences extended to a Live Auction conducted by Christie's Chairman of Asian Art Jonathan Stone, featuring once-in-a-lifetime opportunities designed to deepen cultural understanding and broaden horizons. Auction prizes included a private dinner for 10 in London with Cherie Blair and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and a private group luncheon for 10 in Hong Kong with former Chief Secretary The Honourable Anson Chan in Hong Kong SAR's 20th anniversary year.

Cherie Blair, Chancellor of AUW and the first member of her family to go to university, is a firm believer in the transformative power of education. At the gala she talked of how her mother and grandmother, who both left school at the age of 14, made sure that she could achieve her dreams. Mrs. Blair told the audience: "I was told that what Asia needed was a visual representation of why educating girls is important, a place where girls can go, learn from each other and have the chance of an excellent standard of education. That is exactly what AUW offers -- it is a beacon of hope."

Another speaker was Mowmita Basak. Ms. Basak completed her bachelor's degree in Asian Studies at AUW, and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Oxford. She grew up as part of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh and declared that AUW transformed her life and her career from a small-town girl into an aspiring youth leader. She told the audience: "One single opportunity can transform a life completely."

Sweta Kumari is another former AUW student. She overcame poverty, a terrifying assault and mental illness to graduate from AUW in 2015. She is now on a mission to transform higher education in India. She told the audience: "AUW made possible what was totally, totally impossible."

Guests at the gala also heard the personal tales from other leaders who overcame challenges to lead positive change and make a difference, including Founding Co-chair AUW Japan Support Foundation Kathy Matsui; author, academic and AUW Support Foundation Board Member Sheena Iyengar; former Dutch parliamentarian and academic Kathleen Ferrier; AUW Vice Chancellor Nirmala Rao and Executive Vice Chairman of South China Media Group, Jessica Ng.

About Asian University for Women (AUW)

Recruiting from 15 countries in Asia and the Middle East, Asian University for Women seeks out high-potential young women from communities with few opportunities for advancement, and provides them with the academic, professional, and financial support required to earn their Bachelor's degrees and to take on change-making roles. Throughout their years at AUW, students pursue a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum, internships, and community service and educational exchange opportunities which enable them to broaden their worldviews, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate their commitments to public service.

Since opening its doors in 2008, AUW has graduated five classes totaling more than 550 women. About 80% of AUW graduates pursue employment in their home countries immediately after graduation while the remaining 20% attend graduate school internationally. Former AUW students have pursued graduate studies at a range of institutions including Oxford, Stanford, Columbia, Brandeis, and Ewha (South Korea). Graduates have gone into careers with organizations such as Chemists without Borders, Room to Read, Teach for Nepal, Accenture, Chevron Bangladesh, and Democracy International. There are about 600 students currently attending AUW. The vast majority of AUW students are first in their family to attend university, and virtually all receive full financial aid.

To learn more about Asian University for Women, please visit http://asian-university.org/

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3150833



Media Inquiries:

Email Contact

+65-8809-7361




RIGA, Latvia, July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development (BMCTD) sent a delegation to Riga,capital of Latvia,recently and conducted extensive exchanges on deepening bilateral tourism cooperation.

Cao Pengcheng, Deputy Director with BMCTD, held frank and friendly exchanges with Aigars Smiltans, senior officialof Live Riga. The two sides believed that as both Beijing and Riga are capital cities of their respective countries and members of the World Tourism Cities Federation, it isthe high time for them to strengthen cooperation between the two cities' tourism authorities and tourism enterprises. Smiltans was very pleased to learn that China Youth Travel Service (CYTS), Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) and Honglu Spring are competitive tourism enterprises in China, and expressed support to facilitate flights and offer enhanced convenient services for Chinese tourists.

A meetingwas also held on the same day. Itwasattended by representatives of tourism enterprises of the two cities. CYTS, BTG and Honglu Spring introduced their products to their Riga counterparts and expressed willingness to strengthen mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. Local tourism enterprises consulted their Beijing counterparts over new Beijing tourism products, ice and snow tourism, 144 hours transit visa-free policy, Beijing urban governance and other issues.

One local tourism enterprise representative, Helena, said that she is very fond of Beijing and loves Beijingculture, and that she has been using her blog to keep her updated of the latest information of Beijing tourism. She suggested that tourism enterprises could jointly set up tourism communication platforms such as Weibo and WeChat.
Meeting to highlight Company's strategy to demonstrate the power of its immunotherapies in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the new standard of care in oncology

Scientific presentations to outline Transgene's competitive positioning and its capabilities to engineer the next generation of oncolytic virus (OV) based immunotherapies

Regulatory News:

Transgene (Euronext Paris:TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops viral-based immunotherapies, will host today an Immuno-Oncology R&D event for investors and analysts in Paris.

The event, which features presentations by leading clinicians and scientists from around the world as well as key members of the Transgene management team, provides an update on:

the Company's current strategy to demonstrate the power of our immunotherapies in combination with the new standard of care (ICIs). Transgene expects to deliver multiple clinical data read-outs over the next 12 to 18 months from studies evaluating its immunotherapies in a broad range of solid tumors. These studies are being supported by major pharma companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck KGaA and Pfizer;

(ICIs). Transgene expects to deliver multiple clinical data read-outs over the next 12 to 18 months from studies evaluating its immunotherapies in a broad range of solid tumors. These studies are being supported by major pharma companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck KGaA and Pfizer; Transgene's goal to change the "cancer combination paradigm" by developing multi-functional oncolytic viruses to create next generation immunotherapies.

Philippe Archinard, PhD, Chairman and CEO, Transgene, commenting on the Company's R&D day said: "Today's event demonstrates that Transgene is rapidly positioning itself to become a key player in the field of immuno-oncology. We are confident that the read-out from our ongoing clinical trials that are expected over the next 18 months will clearly show the power of our immunotherapies in combination with ICIs to treat a broad range of solid tumors."

Amongst the R&D Day's key speakers are:

Karen Kelly, MD, Associate Director for Clinical Research, UC Davis, Comprehensive Cancer Center will present: "Immunotherapy combinations, a game-changer in lung cancer therapy."

Olivier Rosmorduc, MD, Head of hepato-gastroenterology, La Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Paris, will present: "Novel immuno-oncology approaches in liver cancer."

Christian Ottensmeier, MD, PhD, Director, Head of the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, University of Southampton will present: "Modulating the tumor micro-environment with viral-based therapeutics."

Eliane Piaggio, PhD, Head of the translational research in immunotherapy team, Institut Curie will present: "Effective translational research, the benefits of academic collaboration."

Eric Quemeneur, PhD, Executive VP, Chief Scientific Officer, Transgene, said, "Today's presentations highlight Transgene's competitive positioning in the development of oncolytic viruses. OV drugs hold great promise in the field of cancer therapy given their ability to directly kill cancer cells, modulate the tumor micro-environment as well as to act systemically. We are making significant progress in the development of the next generation of recombinant OVs that have the potential to deliver a step change in the treatment of cancer."

The full agenda of the Transgene Immuno-Oncology R&D can be accessed on Transgene's website from 2:00 pm CET, www.transgene.fr, in the Investor Events and presentation section.

About Transgene

Transgene S.A. (Euronext: TNG), part of Institut Merieux, is a publicly traded French biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Transgene's programs utilize viral vector technology with the goal of indirectly or directly killing infected or cancerous cells. The Company's two lead clinical-stage programs are: TG4010, a therapeutic vaccine against non-small cell lung cancer and Pexa-Vec, an oncolytic virus against liver cancer. The Company has several other programs in clinical and preclinical development, including TG4001 (HPV-positive head and neck cancers), TG1050 (chronic hepatitis B) and TG6002 (solid tumors). Transgene is based in Strasbourg, France, and has additional operations in Lyon, as well as a joint venture in China. Additional information about Transgene is available at www.transgene.fr

Follow us on Twitter: @TransgeneSA

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Company's activities, perspectives, financial situation, results, regulatory authorities' agreement with development phases, and development. The Company's ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product manufacturing, development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. 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 Document de Reference, available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgene's website (www.transgene.fr). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Transgene undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170621006150/en/

Contacts:

Transgene:

Lucie Larguier, +33 (0)3 88 27 91 04

Director Corporate Communications IR

investorrelations@transgene.fr

or

Media contacts:

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

David Dible Marine Perrier, + 44 (0)20 7638 9571

transgene@citigatedr.co.uk


AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Cable company Altice USA Inc. (ATUS) increased Wednesday the number of shares it will sell in its initial public offering by 37%, raising around $1.9 billion.



In the IPO, the company offered 63.94 million shares at a price of $30 per share, higher than the 46.6 million shares announced last month.



The Wall Street Journal reported that Altice USA raised more money in the IPO than any other U.S.-listed telecom since 2000. Altice USA was formed after the acquisition of Suddenlink Communications in 2015 and Cablevision/Optimum in 2016 by Altice N.V.



The increase in the shares comes entirely from selling shareholders, who are now selling 51.9 million shares, compared with last month's plan to sell 34.5 million shares.



The company noted that in the offering, 12.07 million shares were sold by Altice USA, 31.48 million shares by funds advised by BC Partners and 20.40 million shares by entities affiliated with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board or CPPIB.



BC Partners and CPPIB have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 7.78 million additional shares.



The stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'ATUS' and is expected to begin trading on June 22.



After completion of the offering, Altice N.V. will own 70.3% of Altice USA's stake, which will represent 98.3% of the voting power of Altice USA's outstanding common stock.



For the offering, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as joint book-running managers.



Altice USA, a broadband communications and video services provider, serves approximately 4.9 million residential and business customers across 21 states with Optimum and Suddenlink-branded services.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
(ISIN Code: FR0013230620)

Regulatory News:

These materials are not an offer for sale of Tikehau Capital shares or securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. Not for publication, distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

Tikehau Capital (the "Company") (Paris:TKO) announces the repurchase of approximately 53.9% of the 2022 ORNANEs initially issued, at a price of 68.25 per 2022 ORNANE (cum coupon, the "Repurchase Price"), in an off-market transaction.

In order to ensure that all holders of 2022 ORNANEs are treated equally, Tikehau Capital launches a repurchase procedure through a standing repurchase order at the Repurchase Price, for a period of five consecutive business days, from June 22nd, 2017 to June 28th, 2017 (both dates inclusive). Holders of 2022 ORNANEs wishing to participate will have to place a sell order at price of 68.25 with their financial intermediaries.

To date, the number of 2022 ORNANEs outstanding is 563,302, i.e., 46.1% of the total number of 2022 ORNANEs initially issued, it being mentioned that the Company has received an offer to acquire 25.5% of the 2022 ORNANEs outstanding.

The repurchase procedure will be centralized by Societe Generale Securities Services. A single settlement-delivery of the repurchase procedure will occur on June 30th, 2017.

At completion of the repurchase procedure, the total number of 2022 ORNANEs so repurchased will be announced in a press release by the Company and they will be cancelled in accordance with their terms and conditions.

Tikehau Capital further reminds holders of 2022 ORNANEs that, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the ORNANEs 2022 and as indicated in a press release dated June 19th, 2017, any notification of exercise of their conversion right will be settled in cash only.

About Tikehau Capital:

Tikehau Capital is an asset management and investment group which manages 10.3bn of assets, with shareholders' equity of 1.5bn. The Group invests in various asset classes (private debt, real-estate, private equity and liquid strategies), including through its asset management subsidiary Tikehau IM, on behalf of institutional and private investors. Controlled by its managers, alongside leading institutional partners, Tikehau Capital employs 170 staff in its Paris, London, Brussels, Madrid, Milan, Seoul and Singapore offices.

Tikehau Capital is listed on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris, Compartment A (ISIN code: FR0013230612; Ticker: TKO.FP)

www.tikehaucapital.com

Disclaimers

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, securities of Tikehau Capital.

No communication or information relating to the contemplated transaction may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction (other than France) in which registration or approval is required. No action has been (or will be) undertaken in any jurisdiction outside of France where such steps would be required. The subscription for or purchase of securities of Tikehau Capital may be subject to legal or statutory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Tikehau Capital assumes no responsibility for any violation of such restrictions by any person. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law.

In the United Kingdom, this press release announcement is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are persons falling within Article 43 of the Financial Promotion Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant persons"). The press release announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant persons.

This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of Tikehau Capital in the United States of America.

The diffusion of this press release in certain countries may be prohibited under applicable law.

This press release may not be published, transmitted or distributed, directly or indirectly, and does not constitute an offer of securities, in the United-States (including in the territories and dependencies and in any State of the United States), in Canada, in Australia, or in Japan.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170621006456/en/

Contacts:

Tikehau Capital

Julien Sanson, +33 1 40 06 18 40

jsanson@tikehaucapital.com

or

Image 7 :

Leslie Jung, 44 781 864 18 03

ljung@image7.uk.com
FutureStack Digital intelligence leader New Relic, Inc. (NYSE:NEWR) announced plans to establish its first European availability zone for its Digital Intelligence Platform located in Germany. Upon its expected launch in 2018, customers will be able to access the full power of New Relic's cloud-based platform, while having the confidence that their data remains within Europe. With 44 percent year-over-year revenue growth in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) from fiscal year 2016 to 2017, New Relic has driven success with leading enterprises across the region. The announcement supports the company's broad international growth plan.

"Enterprises across Europe are moving to the cloud, adopting DevOps, and creating new digital customer experiences to drive business growth--and they need a single platform to monitor the success of these critical efforts," said Lew Cirne, CEO and founder, New Relic. "With the announcement of our planned European availability zone in Germany, we are doubling down on our commitment to servicing our customers across Europe, which has so much opportunity."

"Revenues of Public IT Cloud Services in Western Europe are expected to grow 23 percent CAGR to $41.4 billion from 2015 to 2020," said Michael Ceroici, research analyst, European Datacenter Group, IDC. "As European Public Cloud Services play catch up with the market in North America, IDC expects growth will be driven by increased confidence in cloud security developments, broader cloud adoption among European SMEs, and the desire to streamline datacenter ownership and maintenance costs."

New Relic's Growing Presence in Europe

New Relic has expanded its team across Europe to offer increased partnership and support to its growing global customer base. The company has offices focused on sales and service in Dublin, London, Munich, and Zurich. In addition, in 2015 New Relic announced its European Development Center in Barcelona, responsible for creating new platform innovations across the New Relic Digital Intelligence Platform, including recently expanded integrations with Amazon Web Services.

The New Relic Digital Intelligence Platform

The New Relic Digital Intelligence Platform is a SaaS solution that delivers full-stack visibility into the performance of digital initiatives--from the underlying host, through the application to the end-user experience. Innovative enterprises throughout Europe use New Relic's platform to gain powerful analytics and actionable insights that help them build and run modern digital businesses. New Relic's platform is powered by a multi-tenant cloud database, which is built to scale during peak business events, such as holidays or sales, allowing companies to have visibility into their systems when they need it most.

FutureStack: Berlin Features Digital Leaders from ProSiebenSat.1, Allianz X, Amazon, Verivox, and Lotto24

The announcement was made at FutureStack: Berlin, New Relic's first-ever full day event for customers and partners in Germany. The Berlin event featured a keynote from Founder and CEO Lew Cirne, and real-world success stories from ProSiebenSat.1, Allianz X, Amazon, Verivox, and Lotto24. It also included hands-on product trainings and networking events for customers to connect with peers across industries. New Relic kicked off its global FutureStack Tour to a sold-out crowd in London last month and plans to host additional events in New York City, San Francisco and Sydney in the coming months. For event details and information on speakers, please visit the website.

About New Relic

New Relic is a leading digital intelligence company, delivering full-stack visibility and analytics to over 40 percent of the Fortune 100. The New Relic Digital Intelligence Platform provides actionable insights to drive digital business. Companies of all sizes trust New Relic to monitor application and infrastructure performance so they can quickly resolve issues, and improve digital customer experiences. Learn more at newrelic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements, as that term is defined under the federal securities laws, including but not limited to statements regarding New Relic's plans to open an availability zone in Europe, including the timing for opening of the availability zone as well as its specific location within Europe, market and customer trends and opportunity, attendance, benefits of attendance and topics covered at FutureStack: Berlin, and additional FutureStack Tour events. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements are based on New Relic's current assumptions, expectations, and beliefs and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause New Relic's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. Further information on factors that could affect New Relic's financial and other results and the forward-looking statements in this press release is included in the filings we make with the SEC from time to time, including in New Relic's most recent Form 10-K, particularly under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Copies of these documents may be obtained by visiting New Relic's Investor Relations website at http://ir.newrelic.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. New Relic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

New Relic is a registered trademark of New Relic, Inc.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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Moscow, Russia and Tokyo, Japan, Aug 28, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co. Ltd, and Russian Agricultural Bank (RusAg), one of the largest state owned banks in Russia, announced the signing of a license agreement on acquiring and issuing JCB cards. According to the terms of the agreement, RusAg will start accepting all JCB cards on the bank's ATM network and POS terminals as well as issuing JCB cards and MIR/JCB co-badged cards.Irina Zhachkina, Deputy Chairman of the Board of RusAg commented: "Russian Agricultural Bank is actively developing cooperation with leading payment systems. We issue and accept Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and Mir cards. Cooperation with JCB, which is one of the leading payment brands, will expand the range of opportunities for our clients who will be able to choose the most appropriate product for them. The launch of a co-badging project with National Payment System and JCB will allow RusAg cardholders to pay with Mir card not only in Russia but also during trips abroad. Certainly, this partnership with JCB will contribute to further development of the bank's card business, including growth of transactions volume and number of cards."Kimihisa Imada, President and COO of JCBI, commented: "We are glad that our partnership with Russian Agricultural Bank which is one of the largest banks in Russia, will markedly expand the JCB card acceptance network. On the other hand, issuing MIR/JCB card helps Russian Agricultural Bank provide new services for their customers. Cardmembers will be able to use MIR/JCB cards for daily purchases and cash withdrawal both in Russia and abroad. JCB cards and MIR/JCB cards are indispensable payment tools for trips to Asian countries such as Japan, China, Thailand and Singapore, which are popular among Russian tourists. Moreover, one of the main advantages of the MIR/JCB card is double benefits. Cardmembers of MIR/JCB card of Russian Agricultural Bank will get unique offers and discounts around the world provided by JCB and have the chance to become participants of the loyalty program provided by the Mir payment system in Russia."About Russian Agricultural BankRussian Agricultural Bank (RusAg) is a 100% state-owned bank regulated by the Bank of Russia. RusAg is one of the leading financial institutions providing lending support to Russian agribusiness. Russian Agricultural Bank acts as a Government agent providing financial services to agribusiness and rural population, which makes up about 30% of the total population. As of December 2016 Russian Agricultural Bank's network of 72 regional branches and about 1,200 additional offices covers the whole territory of the Russian Federation and is the second largest regional branch network in the country. Russian Agricultural Bank provides banking services nationwide to 6.1 million clients.About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide.Note: Statistics about JCB are as of March 2017.For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ or http://www.ru.jcb/ru/ContactJCB International Co., Ltd.Kae MitsudaGlobal Business PlanningTel: 81-3-5778-7963Email: jcbinternational-pr@info.jcb.co.jpSource: JCBCopyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
SAN FRANCISCO, September 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Fitness Bands & Watches Market is segmented on the basis of application as Fitness, Sports Activities, Trekking Activities, Running, Swimming, Gym Activities and Others.

Wristbands that are employed to keep a check on the fitness-related metrics are known as fitness bands/watches. They can also be called as fitness activity trackers. With the assistance of these watches, the users can always keep a track of their sleep patterns, calories intake/burnt, covered distance, examination of heart rate, blood pressure as well as other activities. The consumers can now gauge and assess their routine activities by just sitting at their homes devoid of any prerequisite to visit a doctor for regular health tests.

Moreover, as the charges at various medical institutes have risen, the consumers have started purchasing these instruments. It has been observed that wearable fitness technology is gradually attaining huge popularity across the globe that is in turn boosting the overall market growth.

The factors that are playing a significant role in developing the market growth may include constant development of products, rise in the affordability of the product among the masses, augmented adoption levels of these devices, rise in the frequency of fitness conscious people, augmented awareness among the masses regarding health and fitness, and rise in the investments by the leading manufacturers.

Access 114 page report with TOC on "Global Fitness Bands & Watches Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-fitness-bands-watches-market-professional-survey-report-2016

Other factors that are also contributing in the market growth may include soaring cost of healthcare systems, rise in the consumer preference for smart gadgets, increase in the recognition of wearable fitness devices, rise in the disposable income, and developing economies.

Owing to all the above-mentioned factors, the Fitness Bands/Watches Market will experience the highest CAGR in the next couple of years.

As far as the geographical region is concerned, North America is lately dominating the market and it is estimated that the region will witness a huge upsurge in the forthcoming years, the reason being rise in the introduction of modern products, augmenting medical applications, rise in the awareness level among the consumers regarding health, and rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases and diabetic patients.

In contrast, Asia Pacific and Europe are also emerging as one of the promising regions owing to emergence of huge market opportunities.

Fitness Bands & Watches Market is segmented on the basis of geographical region as

 North America

 Southeast Asia

 Europe

 Japan

 India

 China

The key players operating in the Fitness Bands & Watches Market are recognized as

 Polar

 Razer

 Fitbit

 Xiaomi

 Apple

 Garmin

 Jawbone

 Amiigo

 Atlas Wearables

 Movable

 Mushroom Labs

 Nautilus

 Pivotal

 Runtastic

 Skechers

 Striiv

 YU Televentures

 Fitbug

 Flyfit

 Goqii

 Healbe

 iFit

 Jaybird

 Misfit

Browse reports of similar category available with Radiant Insights, Inc.:

Interactive Voice Response Market - https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-interactive-voice-response-detailed-analysis-report-2017-2022

Counter-IED Market - https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-counter-ied-market-professional-survey-report-2017

Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor Market - https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-tire-pressure-monitoring-sensor-market-professional-survey-report-2017

Radar Sensor Market - https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-radar-sensor-market-professional-survey-report-2017

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"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."
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET.CN), (OTCQB: GLNNF) (CSE: GET.WT), (FKT: GJT) is pleased to announce that it has received the second payment for the $1,000,000 licence agreement with Cannapay Financial Inc.

"Cannapay Financial is building a mobile payment solution for the Cannabis industry designed to operate legally within multiple jurisdictions," says Penny Green, President and COO, Glance. "Glance Technologies intends to enable Cannapay to achieve its goal of becoming the leading provider of mobile payment solutions to the Cannabis industry worldwide."

Glance has granted to Cannapay a non-exclusive, worldwide licence to white label Glance's mobile payment processing platform and its proven anti-fraud technology, for legal business-to-business and business-to-consumer mobile payments in the marijuana industry, and a right to sub-license for a 50% royalty. Cannapay is currently negotiating with dispensaries in various U.S. states to provide a full payment solution through a mobile app with e-commerce abilities as well as developing and acquiring assets with high growth potential in the cannabis space.

Glance and Cannapay closed the second tranche of the Licence Agreement through the payment by Cannapay of $200,000 as part of the licensing fee, and the purchase by Glance of 4,000,000 common shares of Cannapay at a price of $0.05 per share. The transaction will be recorded as a related party transaction as Glance owns approximately 45% of Cannapay.

About Cannapay Financial Inc.

Cannapay combines traditional financial service with innovative technology to provide enhanced digital financial services to legally operating businesses in the marijuana industry. The Company is developing a mobile payment app that will allow users to order products from their smartphones, tablets or computer and have marijuana products delivered to their physical location in compliance with local rules and regulations. Cannapay also offers corporate and technology advisory services.

About Glance Technologies Inc.

Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to dine, order food and drink, settle bills, access digital receipts, earn great rewards and interact with merchants. Glance is building a valuable network of merchants and consumers, and offers targeted in-app marketing, social media marketing, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in iOS (Apple) and Android formats, a merchant manager apps, large-scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing.

For more information about Glance, please go toGlance Technologies'website.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements including the completion of the rights offering (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to Glance's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com.



For more information, contact:

Christina Rao

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1-(604)-723-7480

investors@glancepay.com


Elektrenai, Lithuania, 2017-06-22 11:12 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The national electricity producer Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba has assessed the possibilities for the developments of the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant (Kruonis PSP), when installing the fifth hydro unit. The results of the analysis show that in today's market's conditions the existing 900 MW power is sufficient for the operation of the power plant, but its development is important for the assurance of future sufficient electricity capacity and competitive power engineering in Lithuania. The National Energy Independence Strategy project, which was presented yesterday, included the development of Kruonis PSP in the list of the main energy sector's works.



Expansion of Kruonis PSP production capacity is planned after the construction of the fifth asynchronous hydro unit of 225 MW power. Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba, evaluating the need of the fifth Kruonis PSP unit, analysed the assumptions and prospects of the electricity trading, reserve, regulation and balancing services. After the merger with Sweden and Poland, the electricity prices go down on the stock market, and the difference between peak and night prices decreases (in 2015, the average electricity price was 41.9 EUR/MWh, in 2016, 36.5 EUR/MWh (-13%), in 2015, peak and night prices differed by 1.9 time, and in 2016, by 1.6 time).



"Most of the forecasted changes in the commercial market do not provide significant additional opportunities for commercial trading of the electricity produced in Kruonis. At the same time, we clearly see that the construction of the fifth unit would be the optimal solution to solve the reliability and security of the Baltic electricity system in the shortest possible time. Such a universal unit would allow for a much more flexible real-time compensation of electricity shortages or surpluses on the market, which will be especially relevant when the Lithuanian electricity network will be synchronized with the continental Europe network," - said Egle Ciuzaite, Chairwoman and Director General of the Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba.



Recently announced joint analysis of the long-term adequacy of the Baltic electricity system, prepared by Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian electricity transmission system operators, has shown that in the Baltic region, new reliable and flexible capacities must be created within a short time, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of electricity systems and reliable electricity supply. Otherwise, the system will lack the 200 MW reserve.



The largest potential for the development of the Kruonis PSP consists namely of the possibility of the provision of the reserve and additional need for flexible production capacities in the Baltic region that can provide balancing services. This will be particularly relevant in the Baltic region, when expanding the capacity of renewable energy production, which is also among the key goals of the renewed power engineering strategy.



"Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba is fully prepared to initiate and, prior to synchronization with the continental European electricity system, to implement the project of the Kruonis PSP additional unit, in order to ensure the provision of reservation and balancing services. We will do this, when the transmission system operator and other concerned parties will answer the relevant questions about how much power reserve need to be provided, when working on an isolated network, when preparing for the synchronization and after it, as well as what technical requirements will be imposed on the device ensuring such power reserve," - says the manager of the Kruonis PSP managing company.



At present, a considerable part of the preparatory work of the Kruonis PSP development project has already been carried out, and the estimated duration of its implementation is around four years. According to publicly available data, the fifth Kruonis PSP hydro unit would be constructed twice as fast and would cost twice less than abroad, for example, in Estonia, the investments in new hydro pump plants are planned. Such an advantage is provided by preparatory works and the available basic infrastructure.



We would like to remind that at present four hydro units are installed at Kruonis PSP, and the existing infrastructure of Kruonis PSP is fully adapted to the new hydro unit. In evaluating of the latest technological possibilities, the fifth Kruonis PSP hydro unit could be much more efficient and flexible than the four old ones, both in the functioning in the pump mode and in the production of electricity.



Valentas Neviera, Head of Communication Division, tel. +370 670 25997, e-mail. valentas.neviera@le.lt

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PUNE, India, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The report"GMO Testing Marketby Trait (Stacked, Herbicide Tolerance, Insect Resistance), Technology (Polymerase Chain Reaction, Immunoassay), Crop Tested, Processed Food Tested, and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets', the GMO testing market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.58 Billion in 2017. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2017 to 2022, to reach 2.34 Billion by 2022. The base year considered for the study is 2016, and the forecast years are from 2017 to 2022. The market is driven by factors such as evolution in farming technologies, diverse genetically modified processed food production, labeling mandates in several countries, and proper nutrient sufficiency.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 75 market data tables and 50 figures spread through 179 pages and in-depth TOC on"GMO Testing Market - Global Forecast to 2022"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/genetically-modified-food-safety-testing-market-101319111.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

"Stacked trait segment projected to be the fastest-growing market during the period 2017-2022"

Stacked traits are a combination of more than one transgene in a single crop. Bio-fortified crops which are modified for the production of high nutritional content, HT with IR and disease-resistant traits are popular examples of stacked traits. The increased investments and growth in the R&D activities are responsible for the growth of this market.

Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=101319111

"Soy, corn, and bakery & confectionery products are largely tested for GMOs in the food safety testing market"

Among the crops and processed foods tested for GMO, crops accounted for the largest market share in 2016, dominated by corn and soy. The bakery & confectionery items are largely tested for GMO testing, which include baking flours, breads, cakes, muffins, and other confectionery & baked goods. The market in breakfast cereals & snacks among processed foods is projected to grow at the highest CAGR due to the presence of a large amount of cereal grains and corn flakes. Food additives such as lecithin, vitamin E (tocopherol), and proteins from genetically modified soybean are also largely tested for GMOs.

Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=101319111

"North America and Europe to dominate the GMO Testing Market in 2017"

The European region is the largest market for GMO testing in 2016. Countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and other EU countries are major importers of soy, corn, canola, and other crops and processed foods. The countries in the EU are stringent in GMO regulations, which in turn results in vigorous testing of GMO for safety. North America is the major exporter of soy, corn & canola to the world which requires the conduction of tests for GMO labeling according to the importing country mandates. Brazil and Argentina are also the active countries for genetically modified food testing for safety. Asia-Pacific countries are at the growth stage in this market. China is the major country followed by Japan, Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific.

The report GMO Testing Market includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.), SGS S.A. (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas SA (France), Intertek Group Plc. (U.K.), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), TUV SUD AG (Germany), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), ALS Limited (Australia), Merieux NutriSciences Corporation (U.S.), AsureQuality (New Zealand), Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH (Austria), and Microbac Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.).

In terms of insights, this research report has focused on various levels of analyses industry analysis, market share analysis of top players, and company profiles,which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape, emerging & high-growth segments of the global genetically modified food safety testing market, high-growth regions, countries, and their respective regulatory policies, government initiatives, drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Browse related reports:

Food Authenticity Market by Target Testing (Meat Speciation, Country of Origin & Ageing, Adulteration & False Labeling), Technology (PCR-Based, LC-MS/MS, Isotope), Food Tested (Meat, Dairy, Processed Foods), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/food-authenticity-market-157288822.html

Meat Speciation Testing Market by Species (Bos Taurus, Sus Scrofa, Gallus Gallus, Equus Caballus, Ovis Aries), Technology (PCR, ELISA, Molecular Diagnostic), Form (Raw, Cooked, Processed), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/meat-speciation-testing-market-245489571.html

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MarketsandMarkets' provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets' for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets' are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets' now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets' is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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HONG KONG, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Frontier Services Group Limited ("FSG"or the"Company") (SEHK: 00500), an integrated services company providing security, insurance and logistics services for companies operating in frontier markets, has been selected by South West State of Somalia as the project management organization for its new Free Zone Investment Authority (FZIA). The project will include an integrated solution of air-land-sea logistics capabilities and advanced security management. The initiative will include construction of seaport, airport, as well as residential areas and agricultural zones.

The aim of the project is to promote investment in the South West State of Somalia to create jobs and help stabilize the region economically for internally displaced persons (IDP) and returning refugees to engage and invest in their homeland. FSG will ensure that development projects are managed in order that local citizens, entrepreneurs and investors are able to drive the economy in Somalia. The project is driven by First Hectares, a well-known group specializing in economic zones and agribusiness.

Commenting on the project, Erik Prince, FSG Executive Chairman, said, "FSG has a proven track record of being able to manage complex projects across challenging terrains and is therefore perfectly placed to provide support for this important new project in Somalia. With the team's experience and expertise, FSG will provide the best possible logistics and security services to ensure that the project can operate safely and on time."

His Excellency Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, President of the South West State of Somalia, said, "South West State is preparing for international investment in infrastructure and local enterprise. We are coordinating efforts according to global standards and best practices. FZIA, an official agency of the South West State Administration, will coordinate Government to be a 'single window' agency for promotion, contracting, and management of developmental projects, serving local citizens, entrepreneurs and investors, from small to medium to large scale, the economic drivers of the hopeful future of Somalia."

Omri Cohen, FSG's Managing Director in East Africa added: "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the South West State of Somalia to work with them on this significant project. This is a long-term development, which will require all of our expertise in order that we can deal with the variety of challenges that are likely to come our way from the sea, air and land zones."

About Frontier Services Group

Frontier Services Group Limited ("FSG") (SEHK: 00500) is a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with its headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. FSG supports businesses operating in frontier markets overcome complex security, logistics and operational challenges.
Company to preview its new payment platform to banking leaders to showcase how it fosters cash-lite and inclusive economies, provides greater control over data sovereignty, reduces fraud and lowers costs

MELBOURNE, Australiaand LONDON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Bluechain, the next-gen payment platform for domestic payment schemes, announced it will preview its innovative technology during the Central Bank Payments Conference in Amsterdam June 26-28, 2017. Bluechain, a lead corporate sponsor at the inaugural event, offers central payment networks, financial institutions and the broader payment ecosystem a secure, mobile, push-pull payment platform that streamlines all types of payment transactions across any open network.

The Bluechain payment platform enables central banks, in collaboration with their national payment switches and local banks, to create their own domestic payments scheme. Bluechain bypasses international schemes for domestic payments, while delivering major cost savings. Built on a completely new and innovative security paradigm, Bluechain leverages existing mobile technologies and banking infrastructure to create a powerful, low-cost and frictionless mobile payment solution.

"Central banks need solutions that allow them to regain control of domestic payments, tighten security and foster greater financial inclusion. The Bluechain platform shifts control of the domestic payments market away from international card schemes, and back to national regulators and the domestic payments industry," said Michael J. McAuley, CEO of Bluechain. "Freed from the restrictions of an expensive and fraud-prone card-based technology, Bluechain powered domestic payment platforms can deliver significant cost savings in every payment scenario; including merchant POS, mobile payments, unattended sales, in-app, e-commerce, bill payments, P2P and more."

The Bluechain payment platform is especially appealing to central banks because it fosters greater financial inclusion and fee transparency, while decreasing fraud and transaction costs. Unique features of the Bluechain solution include:

Secure across an open network: Bluechain is built on a new security paradigm that eliminates the need for exposing cardholder data or bank account details during a transaction. The transaction data can be safely transmitted across Bluetooth or any open network to create a more seamless payment experience.

Bluechain is built on a new security paradigm that eliminates the need for exposing cardholder data or bank account details during a transaction. The transaction data can be safely transmitted across Bluetooth or any open network to create a more seamless payment experience. Consistent user experience: Bluechain uses one app for every type of payment, giving users a consistent experience whether paying bills, shopping in-store, buying online or sending money peer-to-peer. The easy-to-use app develops familiarity and trust, driving user adoption across the platform.

Bluechain uses one app for every type of payment, giving users a consistent experience whether paying bills, shopping in-store, buying online or sending money peer-to-peer. The easy-to-use app develops familiarity and trust, driving user adoption across the platform. Low-cost merchant acquisition: Merchants can accept Bluechain transactions on their existing iOS, Android or Windows tablets or smartphones without the need for dedicated and expensive merchant hardware. With the addition of the optional card-reader, Bluechain merchants can also accept non-Bluechain (e.g. Visa/Mastercard) payments on the same device. The Bluechain GlobalCard allows Bluechain customers to purchase from non-Bluechain merchants, in-store, over the phone or on the Internet. Smaller businesses can automate and accept payments without a complicated and costly POS system.

Bluechain is currently available through a private program. Licensing is on a per-transaction basis, which enables member banks to deploy merchant and customer solutions with minimal upfront investment. The platform will be released in late 2017. Contact sales@bluechain.com for more information.

About Bluechain

Bluechain is a next-gen payment platform that offers central payment networks, financial institutions and the broader payment ecosystem a secure system to streamline all types of payment transactions. Bluechain leverages a new security paradigm across any open network that turns a mobile device into a vehicle for pulling or pushing payments. Bluechain technology reduces the major causes of account or card fraud and breaches, increases mobile payment adoption, and lowers fees and costs, while creating new opportunities for greater financial inclusion and transparency. Bluechain leverages existing infrastructure for greater interoperability and provides a consistent and single user experience across all payment types. For more on Bluechain visit www.bluechain.com.

Media Contact

Jessica Ann Morris, Public Relations Kurt Mueffelmann, EVP jamprllc@gmail.com kam@bluechain.com +1.781.608.0499 +1.603.568.4499

Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526082/Bluechain_Logo.jpg

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluechain-to-preview-next-gen-domestic-payment-scheme-at-the-central-bank-payments-conference-300478202.html
WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Shipt, the fastest growing online grocery marketplace, today announced that it will begin delivering groceries and alcohol from Lowes Foods to residents in the Winston-Salem area. Beginning on June 27, 2017, Shipt members will gain access to groceries, wine, and beer that they love from Lowes Foods and with the new partnership, Shipt will be able to deliver to more than 1.5 million households across North Carolina. For a limited time, customers who join Shipt will receive $50 off an annual membership.

"Partnering with Shipt provides an additional online shopping option to our loyal Lowes Foods guests," said Klaus Werner, Head of eCommerce and CIO at Lowes Foods. "By working with Shipt to deliver groceries, we are giving our guests access to the Shipt marketplace and grocery delivery service. As a family owned, local grocery retailer since 1954, we are very excited to continue to offer new and innovative shopping options to our guests in the Winston-Salem area."

Using the Shipt app, members will be able to access the full selection of grocery, beer, and wine items at Lowes Foods local stores, note any preferences, choose a one-hour delivery window and pay for their order. Shipt offers delivery times available as soon as one hour after the order is placed, or up to 24 hours in advance.

"Shipt is flourishing in Winston-Salem, and we're excited to bring groceries and alcohol from a hometown favorite to our members in the area," said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt. "Lowes Foods has been one of the most-requested delivery options from our Winston-Salem members since we launched. Our focus has always been on giving our members the best options for all their fresh groceries, and we know they'll be thrilled with the addition of this new option."

Shipt connects members with a community of Shoppers who hand pick their items from the requested grocery store. Shipt members have access to free delivery on all orders over $35. For orders under $35, there is a $7 delivery fee. To sign up for Shipt and learn more about the service, visit Shipt.com/lowesfoods.

Leading up to the launch, Shipt plans to grow their network of shoppers, who are responsible for ensuring complete, accurate fulfillments of each order. To apply to be a Shipt Shopper, visit Shipt.com and click "Get Paid to Shop."

About Shipt

Shipt, the nation's fastest growing online grocery marketplace, partners with leading retailers to deliver groceries via a community of shoppers and a convenient app. Since its founding in 2014, Shipt has been rapidly expanding and now offers quality, personalized grocery delivery to over 25 million households in 51 markets across the country. Shipt offers unlimited grocery deliveries to members for $99 per year. The company currently has offices in Birmingham, AL, and San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit Shipt.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Shipt

Email Contact

(415) 625-8555




IRW-PRESS: First Cobalt Corp.: First Cobalt unterzeichnet Absichtserklarung (LOI) mit CobalTech

First Cobalt unterzeichnet Absichtserklarung (LOI) mit CobalTech

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Kanada - (21. Juni 2017) - First Cobalt Corp. (TSX-V: FCC, OTC: FTSSF) (das Unternehmen) gibt bekannt, dass es eine nicht bindende Absichtserklarung (LOI) uber den Erwerb aller ausgegebenen und ausstehenden Aktien von CobalTech Mining Inc. (TSX.V:CSK) unterzeichnet hat.

CobalTech hat ein starkes Portfolio an aussichtsreichen Kobalt-Konzessionsgebieten zusammengestellt. Darunter 11 ehemals produzierende Minen in der Stadt Cobalt, Ontario, das Kobalt-Konzessionsgebiet Werner Lake East nahe Kenora, Ontario, und acht Konzessionsgebiete in der Provinz Quebec. Flaggschiff des Unternehmens ist das Projekt Duncan Kerr, das die ehemals produzierenden Minen Kerr Lake und Lawson umfasst, die von 1905 bis 1966 in Betrieb waren und laut Berichten rund 32,7 Mio. Unzen Silber sowie groe Mengen Kobalt als Nebenprodukt produzierten.

CobalTech besitzt auerdem eine Muhle mit einer Leistung von 100 Tonnen pro Tag in der Stadt Cobalt. Dieser Vermogenswert wurde die Yukon-Raffinerie erganzen, fur die First Cobalt eine Joint-Venture-Option auf eine Beteiligung von 50% hat.

CobalTech besitzt 6.588 Tonnen zerkleinertes Haldenmaterial mit einem Durchschnittsgehalt von 761 g/t Ag und 0,95% Co aus uber 2.000 Proben des Konzessionsgebiets Duncan Kerr.1 Die potentielle Menge und der mogliche Gehalt des Haldenmaterials ist rein konzeptueller Natur, denn es fanden keine ausreichenden Explorationstatigkeiten statt, um eine Mineralreserve zu definieren, und es ist unsicher, ob weitere Explorationsarbeiten dazu fuhren wurden, dass das Haldenmaterial als Mineralreserve klassifiziert wurde.

Durch die Absichtserklarung haben beide Parteien die Moglichkeit, Informationen auszutauschen und uber diese Diskretion zu wahren, wahrend jede Partei herauszufinden versucht, ob es gegenseitige, vorteilhafte Geschaftsmoglichkeiten geben kann. Die Absichtserklarung stellt fur keins der Unternehmen eine Anderung der Geschaftstatigkeiten dar und ist auch keine definitive Vereinbarung zwischen den Parteien. First Cobalt hat Canaccord Genuity Corp., als Finanzberater sowie Cassels Brock and Blackwell, LLP, als Rechtsberater fur alle Transaktionen des Unternehmens beauftragt.

Trent Mell, President und CEO von First Cobalt, sagte dazu:

Wir glauben, dass CobalTechs Vermogenswerte im Cobalt Camp unsere eigenen hervorragend erganzen werden und sehen diese Transaktion als Moglichkeit an, einen Mehrwert sowohl fur unsere als auch fur die Aktionare von CobalTech zu generieren. Das Zukunftspotenzial aus 11 zusatzlichen ehemals produzierenden Minen sowie einer Muhle konnte den Pfad zu einer fruhen Produktion in dieser Region ebnen. Diese potenzielle Transaktion macht den qualitativ hochwertigen Vermogenswerten, die das Team von CobalTech aufgebaut hat, alle Ehre.

Bruce Bragagnolo, CEO von CobalTech, meint:

First Cobalt hat eine starke Vision fur die Zukunft und diese Transaktion wird sowohl fur die Aktionare von CobalTech als auch die Gemeinschaft von Nutzen sein. Wir freuen uns darauf, diese Transaktion mit First Cobalt schon bald abzuschlieen.

http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/40136/FCC LOI CSK Final_DEPRcom.001.png Abbildung 1 - Landpakete von First Cobalt und CobalTech im Cobalt Camp, Ontario

Die Leser werden darauf hingewiesen, dass die mit CobalTech eingegangene Absichtserklarung nicht bindend ist und dass der Abschluss der Transaktion von verschiedenen Bedingungen abhangt, wie unter anderem der Durchfuhrung einer Due Diligence-Prufung, der Verhandlung der endgultigen Vereinbarung hinsichtlich der Transaktion sowie dem Erhalt aller notigen Genehmigungen. Die Transaktion kann erst abgeschlossen werden, wenn diese Bedingungen erfullt sind. Es wird keine Garantie ubernommen, dass die Transaktion wie vorgeschlagen oder uberhaupt abgeschlossen wird.

1 Laut Veroffentlichung von CobalTech; fertiggestellt von Golder Associates Ltd. im Jahre 2014, durchgefuhrt gema der Best-Practice-Richtlinien des Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy und in Einklang mit National Instrument (NI) 43-101

Uber First Cobalt

First Cobalt konzentriert sich auf den Aufbau eines breitgefacherten, globalen Portfolios von stark fremdfinanzierten Vermogenswerten auf dem Kobaltmarkt. Zu den aktuellen Vermogenswerten des Unternehmens gehoren fast 3.000 Hektar sowie drei ehemalige Minen im Cobalt Camp in Ontario, Kanada. Eckpfeiler der Vermogenswerte sind eine Option auf die ehemals produzierende Mine Keeley-Frontier, eine hochgradige Mine, die mehr als 3,3 Mio. Pfund Kobalt und 19,1 Mio. Unzen Silber aus 301.000 Tonnen Erz produziert hat, sowie eine Joint-Venture-Option auf eine vollstandig genehmigte Kobalt-Raffinerie in Cobalt, Ontario, Kanada. Das Unternehmen hat auerdem Beteiligungen an sieben aussichtsreichen Kupfer-Kobalt-Konzessionsgebieten mit einer Flache von 190 km in der Demokratischen Republik Kongo; alle sieben Konzessionsgebiete weisen Oberflachenmineralisierung auf.

Qualifizierte Personen

Antoine Fournier, P. Geo., M.Sc., Vice President, Exploration bei CobalTech ist gema National Instrument 43-101 qualifiziert und hat die in dieser Pressemitteilung enthaltenen technischen Informationen uber CobalTech uberpruft.

Fur First Cobalt Corp. Trent Mell President & Chief Executive Officer Fur CobalTech Mining Inc. Bruce Bragagnolo Chief Executive Officer

Fur weitere Informationen besuchen Sie bitte unsere Website www.firstcobalt.com oder kontaktieren:

Heather Smiles Investor Relations info@firstcobalt.com +1.416.900.3891

www.cobaltechmining.com oder:

Bruce Bragagnolo bbragagnolo@cobaltechmining.com +1.604.417.9517

Weder die TSX Venture Exchange noch deren Regulierungsdienstleister (entsprechend der Definition dieses Begriffs in den Richtlinien der TSX Venture Exchange) ubernehmen die Verantwortung fur die Angemessenheit oder Richtigkeit dieser Pressemitteilung.

Hinweis zu zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen

Diese Pressemitteilung enthalt zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen und zukunftsgerichtete Informationen (zusammen als zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen bezeichnet) im Sinne der gultigen Wertpapiergesetze und des United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Alle Aussagen, mit Ausnahme von Aussagen zu historischen Fakten, sind zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen. Allgemein sind zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen an Ausdrucken wie planen, erwarten, schatzen, beabsichtigen, glauben und ahnlichen Ausdrucken oder an Aussagen, dass bestimmte Handlungen, Ereignisse oder Ergebnisse eintreten konnen oder konnten bzw. erreicht werden konnen oder konnten zu erkennen und beinhalten alle Aussagen zu einer moglichen Fusion zwischen Cobalt One und CobalTech. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen beinhalten Risiken, Unsicherheiten und andere Faktoren, die dazu fuhren konnen, dass tatsachliche Ergebnisse, Leistungen und Moglichkeiten erheblich von denen abweichen, die in diesen zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen zum Ausdruck gebracht werden. Zu den Faktoren, die dazu fuhren konnen, dass die tatsachlichen Ergebnisse erheblich von den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen abweichen, gehoren auch die Verlasslichkeit der historischen Daten, auf die in dieser Pressemitteilung Bezug genommen wird, sowie Risiken, die in den offentlichen Dokumenten von First Cobalt beschrieben werden, einschlielich jeder Management Discussion and Analysis, zu finden bei SEDAR unter www.sedar.com. Auch wenn First Cobalt die Informationen und Annahmen, die diesen zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen zugrunde liegen, fur angemessen halt, sollte man sich nicht ubermaig auf diese Aussagen verlassen, die nur am Tag der Veroffentlichung dieser Pressemitteilung zutreffend sind, und es kann nicht zugesichert werden, dass solche Ereignisse im angegebenen Zeitraum oder uberhaupt stattfinden werden. Sofern nicht durch gultiges Gesetz gefordert, beabsichtigt First Cobalt nicht und ist auch nicht dazu verpflichtet, zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen zu aktualisieren oder zu revidieren, sei es aufgrund von neuen Informationen, zukunftigen Ereignissen oder aus sonstigen Grunden.

Die Ausgangssprache (in der Regel Englisch), in der der Originaltext veroffentlicht wird, ist die offizielle, autorisierte und rechtsgultige Version. Diese Ubersetzung wird zur besseren Verstandigung mitgeliefert. Die deutschsprachige Fassung kann gekurzt oder zusammengefasst sein. Es wird keine Verantwortung oder Haftung: fur den Inhalt, fur die Richtigkeit, der Angemessenheit oder der Genauigkeit dieser Ubersetzung ubernommen. Aus Sicht des Ubersetzers stellt die Meldung keine Kauf- oder Verkaufsempfehlung dar! Bitte beachten Sie die englische Originalmeldung auf www.sedar.com , www.sec.gov , www.asx.com.au/ oder auf der Firmenwebsite!

Die englische Originalmeldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link: http://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=40136 Die ubersetzte Meldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link: http://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=40136&tr=1

NEWSLETTER REGISTRIERUNG:

Aktuelle Pressemeldungen dieses Unternehmens direkt in Ihr Postfach: http://www.irw-press.com/alert_subscription.php?lang=de&isin=CA31970 21064

Mitteilung ubermittelt durch IRW-Press.com. Fur den Inhalt ist der Aussender verantwortlich.

Kostenloser Abdruck mit Quellenangabe erlaubt.

ISIN CA3197021064

AXC0258 2017-06-21/21:47
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/21/17 -- First Cobalt Corp. (TSX VENTURE: FCC)(OTCQB: FTSSF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has delivered a proposal to Cobalt One Ltd., which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, for the merger of Cobalt One and First Cobalt. Under the proposal, First Cobalt would acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Cobalt One which would result in the shareholders of Cobalt One holding approximately 60% of the equity in the merged entity and the shareholders of First Cobalt holding the remaining 40%.

If concluded, this merger would consolidate the two largest land packages in the Cobalt camp into a single landholder with over 10,000 hectares (Figure 1). First Cobalt would also become 100% owner of the Yukon refinery, previously a joint venture option between the two companies.

The proposal delivered to Cobalt One includes the following elements:

-- Cobalt One shareholders would own 60% of the merged entity and First Cobalt shareholders would own the remaining 40%, prior to giving effect to any subsequent equity issuances by either company; -- The merged entity would be based in Toronto, a five-hour drive from the Cobalt mining camp; -- First Cobalt would maintain its TSXV listing and seek to obtain a secondary listing on the ASX of CHESS Depositary Interests; and -- It would be a condition of the transaction that the Board of Directors of the merged entity would include Cobalt One Chairman Paul Matysek, Cobalt One CEO Jason Bontempo as well as Bob Cross and some or all of the current First Cobalt Board members.

Trent Mell, President and CEO commented,

"First Cobalt previously concluded a partnership with Cobalt One on the Yukon refinery near Cobalt, Ontario and we shared a common vision for the Cobalt Ontario camp. Both companies believe that a rebirth of this historic mining district will occur through the application of modern geoscience, a better understanding of disseminated cobalt mineralization and ultimately, bulk mining methods. A consolidation of properties, the refinery and the permitted property upon which the refinery is situated offer the potential to significantly shorten the pathway to production. This transaction will benefit shareholders in both companies, while creating one of the largest cobalt exploration companies in the world."

Cobalt One's properties are in Canada, adjacent to First Cobalt's properties, making First Cobalt's Canadian-based management team (with their experience in this region) the ideal choice to manage the merged entity. Consolidating the land package could facilitate new discoveries in this camp, which is unique for its cobalt-silver mineralization, and provide meaningful future cobalt production in a politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction. The refinery is a unique asset in this area and the permitted facility could meaningfully accelerate permitting of a future mining and processing operation. First Cobalt also believes Cobalt One is an attractive counterparty due to its Australian Securities Exchange listing and strong institutional shareholder support in that market.

First Cobalt has engaged Canaccord Genuity Corp. as financial advisors and Cassels Brock and Blackwell, LLP as legal advisors on any transactions entered into by the Company.

About Cobalt One

Cobalt One Ltd. is an ASX-listed exploration company focused on cobalt. The company holds a significant land package of 7,272 hectares in the Cobalt region of Ontario Canada. Many of Cobalt One's holdings are adjacent to those of First Cobalt. Cobalt One currently owns the Yukon refinery, located in the Cobalt camp.

To view Figure 1: First Cobalt and Cobalt One land packages in Cobalt camp, Ontario, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Figure1_FirstCobaltCorp.pdf

Readers are cautioned that the proposed transaction with Cobalt One is a proposal only and that the final terms of any transaction remain to be negotiated. Completion of any transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, completion of due diligence, negotiation of definitive agreements in respect of the transaction, and receipt of any required Board, regulatory and shareholder approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. A transaction cannot be completed until these conditions are satisfied, and there can be no assurance that negotiations with Cobalt One will lead to a transaction on terms acceptable to the Company.

About First Cobalt

First Cobalt is focused on building a diversified global portfolio of assets that are highly leveraged to the cobalt market. The Company's current assets include almost 3,000 hectares and three former mines in the Cobalt camp in Ontario, Canada. Cornerstone assets include an option for the former producing Keeley-Frontier mine, a high-grade mine that produced over 3.3 million pounds of cobalt and 19.1 million ounces of silver from 301,000 tonnes of ore, as well as a joint venture on a fully permitted cobalt refinery in Cobalt, Ontario. The Company also has interests in seven prospective copper-cobalt properties covering 190 square kilometres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all with known surface mineralization.

On behalf of First Cobalt Corp.

Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information visit www.firstcobalt.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects', "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" and include all statements related to the possibility of a merger between Cobalt One and First Cobalt. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the reliability of the historical data referenced in this press release and risks set out in First Cobalt's public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although First Cobalt believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, First Cobalt disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

First Cobalt Corp.

Heather Smiles

Investor Relations

+1.416.900.3891

info@firstcobalt.com

www.firstcobalt.com




ST IVES, CAMBRIDGESHIRE and MILTON KEYNES, England, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The search to find Britain's Best Cafe 2017 is on, with hundreds of local cafes across the UK already signed up and looking forward to the chance to claim the national title and win a fabulous 7-night holiday to Cuba.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526493/SIG_Roofing.jpg )



With voting opening on the 17th July it's the ideal time for cafes to sign up and get their chance to win off to a flying start.

The national competition is organised by SIG Roofing and its local branches will be supporting their local cafes in their bid to win the title.Votes from the cafes and SIG Roofing customers and members of the local community will be counted at the end of September, when 14 regional winners will be announced, with the coveted title being announced in November.

Around 6,000 cafes in the UK help the nation to get through their working day courtesy of the famous Bacon Buttie, legendary British Breakfast or a tasty lunch. Last year over 500 cafes vied for the title of Britain's Best Cafe 2016 and they enjoyed being featured in local press and broadcast media. The competition is looking to promote the cafes again this year in this way and to assist them in gaining votes from the local community they will be provided with a marketing pack to help them on their way to winning.

The competition concludes in November with an awards ceremony for the regional winners taking place at a prestigious London venue. Here, the national titleholder will be revealed and the lucky winner, and a partner, will collect their prize and be on their way to the Caribbean island of Cuba for an amazing holiday to enjoy some of the world's most beautiful beaches and sample local delicacies.

Cafes wanting to be a part of this exciting competition should visit http://www.britainsbestcafe.co.uk and complete the registration form.

From 17th July until 29th September anyone wishing to vote for their local favourite cafe can visit their nearest SIG Roofing branch or vote online at http://www.britainsbestcafe.co.uk .

Editors Notes:

SIG Roofing is the UK's largest merchant of roofing related products and services, supplying industry leading products whilst delivering a quality service to valued customers. Established for over 40 years - with branches throughout the UK from Inverness to Plymouth, the company is committed to supporting the industry with a wealth of roofing knowledge and experience.

SIG Roofing combines over 30 specialist roofing businesses to deliver unrivalled service, products and expertise under one trusted name, supplying products and services for Pitched and Flat Roofing and Industrial Roofing & Cladding.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Each year, Saratoga Today prints their "Best Of" awards to highlight the region's top restaurants, shops, businesses, and service providers. 2017 marks the fifth consecutive year that Saratoga Springs plastic surgeon Steven Yarinsky, MD and his plastic surgery practice have been recognized by the readers of the local paper for their excellence. According to Dr. Yarinsky, this award demonstrates the public's recognition of the practice's commitment to quality and safety. He is proud of the outstanding patient care he and his team are able to provide and is honored to be acknowledged by the local community they aim to serve.

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery options in addition to a selection of non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Dr. Yarinsky's training and experience enables him to perform procedures, such as breast augmentation, facelift, and tummy tuck, with superior results. He is also a certified Expert Injector of BOTOX Cosmetic and many popular dermal fillers. All cosmetic surgeries are performed by Dr. Yarinsky at the only Joint Commission accredited office-based surgery center in the Capital District. Since this is the fifth time he has received the Saratoga Today "Best Of" award, he hopes prospective patients can feel confident choosing his practice based on its history of high-quality care and award-winning excellence.

This year, Dr. Yarinsky was also named "Top Doctor" by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in the Albany, Capital District and New York Metro Areas. This title is determined by a combination of peer nomination and Castle Connolly's own research. The final list of Top Doctors is published and used as a resource for prospective patients seeking the highest quality care in a given field. Dr. Yarinsky says that he is proud to be recognized by both his peers and his patients in 2017, and will remain committed to providing patients with a safe, comfortable experience and natural-looking results in the years to come.

About Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS

Dr. Yarinsky earned his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse before completing a five-year general surgery residency at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus and Marshall University Medical School. Dr. Yarinsky then completed training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo to further advance his skills. In addition to serving as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Yarinsky is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgery, and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, visit yarinsky.com or facebook.com/saratogaspringsplasticsurgery.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.yarinsky.com/practice-news/saratoga-springs-plastic-surgeon-named-best-of-in-region-by-readers-of-local-paper

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3150600



Contact:



Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC

7 Wells Street

Suite 303

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 538-4019



Rosemont Media

(858) 200-0044

www.rosemontmedia.com




MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY) ("goeasy" or the "Company"), a leading full service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians, today announced the acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") of goeasy's Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid (the "NCIB").

Pursuant to the NCIB, goeasy proposes to purchase, from time to time, if it is considered advisable, up to an aggregate of 300,000 Common Shares, being approximately 4% of goeasy's public float as of June 13, 2017. As at June 13, 2017, goeasy had 13,363,158 Common Shares issued and outstanding and the average daily trading volume for the six months prior to May 31, 2017 was 29,980.

Daily purchases will be limited to 7,495 Common Shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume, other than block purchase exemptions. The purchases may commence on June 27, 2017 and will terminate on June 26, 2018 or on such earlier date as goeasy may complete its purchases pursuant to the Notice of Intention. The NCIB will be conducted through the facilities of the TSX or alternative trading systems, if eligible, and will conform to their regulations.

Purchases under the NCIB will be made by means of open market transaction or other such means as a security regulatory authority may permit, including pre-arranged crosses, exempt offers and private agreements under an issuer bid exemption order issued by a securities regulatory authority. The price that goeasy will pay for any Common Shares will be the market price of such shares at the time of acquisition, unless otherwise permitted under applicable rules.

Under its current normal course issuer bid, goeasy has repurchased 160,988 Common Shares at a weighted average price of $23.74 per share. The current normal course issuer bid commenced on June 27, 2016 and will expire on June 26, 2017.

The Board of Directors of goeasy believes that the proposed purchases are in the best interests of the Company and are a desirable use of corporate funds. All Common Shares purchased by goeasy pursuant to the NCIB will be cancelled.

About goeasy

goeasy Ltd. is a leading full service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians. Today, goeasy Ltd. serves its customers through two key operating divisions, easyfinancial and easyhome. easyfinancial is a non-prime consumer lender that bridges the gap between traditional financial institutions and costly payday lenders. It is supported by a strong central credit adjudication process and industry leading risk analytics. easyfinancial also operates an indirect lending channel, offering loan products to consumers at the point-of-sale of third party merchants. easyhome is Canada's largest lease-to-own company, offering brand-name household furniture, appliances and electronics to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements through both corporate and franchise stores. Both operating divisions of goeasy Ltd. offer the highest level of customer service and enable customers to transact through a national store and branch network of over 200 easyfinancial and 170 easyhome locations across Canada and through its online and mobile eCommerce enabled platforms.

goeasy Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the symbol 'GSY'. For more information, visit www.goeasy.com.

Contacts:

goeasy Ltd.

David Ingram

President and Chief Executive Officer

(905) 272-2788



goeasy Ltd.

Steve Goertz

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(905) 272-2788




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RHT)(OTCQB: RQHTF) ("Reliq" or the "Company"), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, is pleased to announced that further to its news release dated June 9, 2017, it successfully closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement of 6,937,200 Units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.11 per Unit for gross proceeds of $763,092.00.

Each Unit each consists of one (1) common share (the "Common Share") and one half (1/2) transferrable share purchase warrant (the "Warrant"). Each of the 3,468,600 warrants entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional Common Share on or before June 21, 2019 at a price of CDN$0.165 per Common Share.

"We're very pleased to complete a successful oversubscribed offering," said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq. "Gravitas played an instrumental role in the success of the private placement as exclusive advisor."

In accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company paid Finders' Fees of an aggregate of $61,047.36 in cash and an aggregate of 554,976 finder warrants (the "Finder Warrant"). Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional Common Share on or before June 21, 2019 at a price of CDN$0.165 per Common Share.

The securities issued are subject to a 4 month hold period that expires on October 22, 2017.

About Gravitas Securities Inc.

Gravitas is known for sophisticated sector expertise, tactical individuals with a commitment to excellence, global integration and innovation, and as a leading independent wealth management and capital markets firm. Gravitas provides a wide range of investment mandates and services for retail and corporate clients globally from offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, and is represented in the United States through its FINRA representative, Gravitas Capital International, in New York and San Francisco.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO 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 Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements".

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

CORE Capital Partners

604-566-9233

investors@ccpartnersinc.com




QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- H2O Innovation Inc. ("H2O Innovation" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: HEO)(ALTERNEXT: MNEMO:ALHEO)(OTCQX: HEOFF) is proud to announce the appointment of two (2) new advisors for its advisory Operation and Maintenance Committee ("O&M Committee"), as Ms. Elisa M. Speranza and Mr. Leonard F. Graziano. The O&M Committee also includes board member Mrs. Lisa Henthorne.

The main purpose of the O&M Committee is to assist the board of directors and the management in organic and external growth initiatives of the Operation and Maintenance ("O&M") business pillar. The O&M Committee will review the strategic orientation of the O&M business pillar, assist the management in organic growth opportunities and elaborate a strategy for acquisitions in the O&M area.

Ms. Elisa M. Speranza is recognized as a water treatment industry leader with a passion for promoting sustainable environmental, economic and social progress. Ms. Speranza was employed with CH2M Hill Inc., a Fortune 500 listing company providing infrastructure and natural resources solutions to clients worldwide, for 15 years. She occupied several positions, such as President of the Operations Management Business Group from 2008 to 2013 as well as Senior Vice President and Corporate Director from 2014 to 2017. Furthermore, Ms. Speranza sat on several boards of directors and committees, such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water For People (W4P), and is a longstanding member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

Mr. Leonard F. Graziano held the position of President and CEO of Severn Trent Services, Inc. ("STS") from 2002 to 2011. STS is a subsidiary of Severn Trent Plc (UK) and provides water and wastewater treatment and operating services to utilities, municipalities and commercial customers around the world. Mr. Graziano was also a board member of Severn Trent Services, Inc. as well as a board member of the National Association of Water Companies.

"We are pleased that Ms. Speranza and Mr. Graziano are joining the O&M Committee. Their years of experience in the water treatment industry, particularly in operation and maintenance activities, can only benefit H2O Innovation. They will also allow us to further develop our business model, and more specifically, our O&M business pillar through sustained organic growth and acquisitions", stated Frederic Dugre, President and CEO of H2O Innovation.

About H2O Innovation

H2O Innovation designs and provides state-of-the-art, custom-built and integrated water treatment solutions based on membrane filtration technology for municipal, industrial, energy and natural resources end-users. The Corporation's activities rely on three pillars which are i) water and wastewater projects; ii) specialty products and services, including a complete line of specialty chemicals, consumables, specialized products for the water treatment industry as well as control and monitoring systems; and iii) operation and maintenance services for water and wastewater treatment systems. For more information, visit www.h2oinnovation.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Alternext Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Source:

H2O Innovation Inc.

www.h2oinnovation.com



Contact:

Marc Blanchet

+1 418-688-0170

marc.blanchet@h2oinnovation.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC / ACCESSWIRE / June 22, 2017 / Argex Titanium Inc. (TSX: RGX) ("Argex" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide an update on technical developments towards the design of a commercial Titanium Dioxide (Ti02) manufacturing facility to be located in Quebec, Canada.

Product improvements have been continuous since the beginning of the year. We achieved consistent morphology and particle size but in addition, the color, brightness and opacity of Argex TiO2 product meet or exceed those of industry leaders in the paint industry. A last finishing step is being finalized with validation from external labs.

At this time, basic engineering is progressing with contributions from WSP and SNC Lavalin. It is approximately half way completed and we expect to finalize in late summer of this year. We continue to collect data in the Valleyfield laboratory in support of the engineering effort as design parameters will be developed.

Upon the completion of the basic engineering package we will be contracting for the detail design activity and project capital cost estimate which is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

"We have engineered the process using best practices and in less than one year since restart, we accomplished a sizeable reduction in energy which will improve our operating costs. The Argex process can use various feedstock sources and that flexibility will be an additional competitive advantage to our low cost of production. We are in discussions with preferred feedstock suppliers in preparation for the detail engineering package", said Carroll Moore, COO of Argex.

We will hold an Annual Shareholder Meeting on June 29, 2017 at 2 pm at the office of Fasken Martineau in Montreal.

About Argex Titanium

Argex Titanium Inc. has developed an advanced chemical process for the volume production of high-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) for use in high-quality paint, plastics, cosmetics and other TiO2 applications. The Corporation's unique proprietary process uses relatively inexpensive and plentiful source material from a variety of potential vendors to produce TiO2, along with other valuable by-products. Argex's process provides a significant cost and environmental advantage over current legacy TiO2 production methods.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Argex, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" "target" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Argex will derive. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Argex's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" in Argex's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; they could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Argex does not intend, nor does Argex undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Contact:

Mazen Alnaimi

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Argex Titanium Inc.

info@argex.ca

Gladys Caron

Corporate Communications and Investor Relations

Argex Titanium Inc.

Gladys.caron@argex.ca

SOURCE: Argex Titanium Inc.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / June 22, 2017 / CEO of Costas, Inc. Mr. Clifford Redekop is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Stephen L. Gomes to the Costas Inc. board of directors. Mr. Redekop says, "Dr. Gomes will add significant expertise in our planning and execution of building the Costas brand. Our push is to acquire digital companies that rely on or primarily operate with FINTech, and Dr. Gomes' ability to do analysis on our acquisition targets will ensure Costas is making moves with the best advice in the market."

- Dr. Gomes' professional career has been focused primarily on the formation, leadership and management of international business strategic alliances and cross cultural business strategies. This assumes a deep understanding of what counts as strategic in an enterprise versus what is only short term tactical in nature.

- Dr. Gomes earned a Ph.D. in Public Management and International Relations from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs funded on a NASA Ph.D. fellowship. His early career was in executive management positions with large international companies with senior responsibility for contracts with government leaders, royal family members and large corporations such as ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia and Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan. His executive duties have included extended assignments in France, Greece, China, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Brazil and Holland.

Included in his work history of more than 30 strategic alliance and joint venture agreements are the following:

- developed and negotiated more than 15 public/private high-tech co-development strategic alliance agreements between major U.S. companies, universities and the Federal Research Labs with a total value of $160 million;

- five major supplier alliance agreements with values up to $15,000,000 for two major U.S. Oil Companies;

- long term real estate asset management outsourcing alliance agreement with values up to $1 billion in real estate asset value;

- set up multi-party manufacturing alliance with major big three air bag manufacturing firm;

- assisted IBM to develop five outsourcing alliances with technology providers for the master Information Technology health care system contract for the

Province of Alberta;

- supported negotiations and alliance discussions on behalf of 15 U.S. corporations and multinational companies with combined assets up to $15 million for each agreement.

- Currently, Dr. Gomes manages Gomes & Company, which is a boutique executive consulting firm engaged in a broad range of domestic and international multi-party consulting assignments mostly focused on high tech and finance start-ups, joint ventures planning, action planning workshops, organization problem solving and specialized business plan strategy and development. For several years, his firm's main clients were Fortune 500 companies working with the Warren Company based in Providence, Rhode Island. While in San Francisco, Dr. Gomes managed the West Coast operation where he was responsible for assisting large corporate clients in the creation and implementation of strategic business alliances, facilitated technology transfer, the formation of technology co-development alliances, R&D consortia and joint ventures. He was instrumental in helping to bring in one of the firm's largest clients, Andersen Consulting which became Accenture Corporation. Before being retained by the Warren Company, he was CEO of American Technology Initiative (Am Tech), a non-profit corporation, co-founded by NASA and the private sector, based in Silicon Valley dedicated to the implementation of public-private technology development alliances and partnerships between universities, federal research labs and the private sector. Clients included NASA, Los Alamos, Cal-Tech, Boeing, and Sandia labs.

- Dr. Gomes has also taught MBA Master's degree courses in Start up Management, Technology Commercialization and Strategic Alliance and Joint Venture Practices (Oregon Graduate Institute - now OHSU, State University of New York (SUNY-Stony Brook - Korea Campus) and Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht, Netherlands).

- Dr. Gomes is active in a number of non-profit activities and boards. He has served in the past as a director on the National Board of Advisers for the Peace Corps and the Virginia Satir Foundation. He currently is also a fellow of the Innovation Creativity and Capital Institute ( IC2 ) of the University of Texas at Austin, which met in April 2017 in Austin. This is a group of international business thought leaders and professors who participate in the University of Texas Business School annual leadership strategy conference sessions by invitation only. Finally Dr. Gomes is an aviation enthusiast and has been flying airplanes since he was 12 years old. At one time he was the youngest pilot in the United States. Howard Hughes hired him for his aviation expertise and knowledge of local Las Vegas flying conditions and politics. At the age of 25, Gomes was put in charge of planning a new $650 million airport for Las Vegas to replace McCarran Field which was to be built at Howard Hughes expense and turned over to Las Vegas at his cost. Later in his career Dr. Gomes used that experience with two other companies to participate in the planning of 12 major new international airports around the globe over a 20 year period.

About COSTAS (CSSI): http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CSSI/profile

COSTAS INC. is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets under the symbol 'CSSI'. Costas Inc. invests in early stage Digital Currency projects. We believe strongly in the growth of Distributed Asset Technology and its integration into Financial Technologies (FINTech. Distributed Networks are the next massive internet investment market, as social media was 10 years ago. Costas Inc. strongly believes that a Distributed Asset Technology product will be the next Facebook or Twitter. The current US market of FINTech is approximately $1.24 Trillion.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release and the statements of representatives of Costas, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, Costas' ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with OTC Markets (Pink Sheets). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For further information contact:

ir@costasinc.com

Costas Corporate Phone Number

702-448-2911

SOURCE: Costas, Inc.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 4, 2017) - Daniel Gundersen and Kingsway Financial Services Inc. (together, the "Concerned Shareholders") have issued the following letter to Eagle Energy Inc. (TSX: EGL) ("Eagle" or the "Company") shareholders regarding the annual general meeting held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 (the "Meeting).

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

We worked hard to gain your support and we greatly appreciate the more than 11 million votes we received. For those shareholders who did not support us, we would like to hear from you. We would like you to tell us your objectives for your Eagle investment. Visit www.SaveEagle.ca and please contact us.

As you may have read, Eagle management claimed victory in the election of directors. Not surprisingly, the press release they issued did not include voting information for all eight nominees. These were the results upon which they claimed victory:

Management Nominees Shares Voted For David Fitzpatrick 11,861,773 Warren Steckley 11,839,281 Richard Clark 11,838,473 Bruce Gibson 11,680,933 Our Nominees

Bradley Porter 11,337,965 Daniel Gundersen 11,311,550 Robert Fong 11,304,850 Gerald Gilewicz 11,274,350

As you can see, the differences between the eight nominees are very small. For example, the difference between Bruce Gibson and Bradley Porter is only 342,968 votes, or 0.8% of outstanding shares.

The Meeting

If you were at the Meeting, you witnessed a chaotic situation. There was no need for this. Well before the Meeting, the Concerned Shareholders had provided Eagle and its legal counsel with a request that standard protocols regarding the Meeting should be observed. Inexplicably, especially given the extremely close nature of the vote, Eagle refused this request. Because of this, legal counsel for the Concerned Shareholders was forced to take a very aggressive position at the Meeting to protect the rights of all shareholders in demanding fairness and transparency.

At the outset of the Meeting, the Chairman provided first inadequate and then inaccurate information concerning the required quorum of shareholders represented at the Meeting. This lead to the first delay. It was then extremely challenging for us to get answers to questions about standard voting protocols and information regarding votes that may have been rejected. Our legal counsel was forced to ask the same questions repeatedly due to the Chairman's unwillingness or inability to answer these questions.

When asked by our legal counsel, the Chairman confirmed that he had made discretionary determinations about the acceptability of certain votes on the advice of his counsel. However, he would not permit us to make any representations or submissions regarding same, or to rectify any deficiencies in such votes, which is widely accepted as being good practice to ensure that shareholders are not disenfranchised. After that, the tabulation of results took well over an hour. The Meeting dragged on, lasting about three hours. The evasiveness and lack of transparency displayed by Eagle at the meeting was cause for concern. We felt it was necessary for our proxy solicitor and legal counsel to review the proxies and ballots that related to voting at the Meeting.

Initial Proxy Review

Our initial review of proxies and ballots was conducted on the afternoon of June 28, 2017. Our representatives were only permitted to inspect records selected by Eagle and they were limited to a review window of only two hours (which we extended to two and a half hours). We quickly confirmed that management had inexplicably rejected 337,000 votes in favour of our four nominees. These shares were voted by an institutional shareholder who voted in accordance with protocols under Alberta corporate law. We also discovered there were over 214,000 shares voted for management for which our advisors were not provided proper supporting documentation. Despite our legal counsel asking Eagle for an explanation on these two points, we have yet to receive a satisfactory response.

Our initial proxy review makes us concerned that the outcome of the Meeting could have been quite different if the Chairman had made different determinations. We remind you that the difference between Bruce Gibson and Bradley Porter is only 342,968 votes (or 0.8% of Eagle's issued shares). A difference of 342,969 votes would have meant that one of the Concerned Shareholders' nominees would have been elected to the board. A difference of 587,424 (or 1.4% of Eagle's issued shares) would have seen all four of our nominees elected and none of the management nominees elected.

Next Steps

The Concerned Shareholders have already spent considerable time and money in developing a plan that would benefit all shareholders. Given last week's events, Eagle has now placed the onus on us to spend more time and money to challenge the results of the Meeting after the fact in the courts. This is highly disappointing as the entirety of this process could have been avoided if Eagle had simply acted reasonably and been transparent with us in advance of and during the Meeting. The motivations of Eagle in making these decisions are not clear. We want answers to the irregularities that we saw in our proxy review. Should the two issues highlighted above be corrected, three of our four nominees would have been elected to the board.

On Friday, June 30, 2017, the Concerned Shareholders filed an originating application (the "Application") with the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. The Application seeks a number of remedies including "the appointment of an independent scrutineer to conduct the audit and re-tabulation of the votes related to the AGM" and an order "that Eagle Energy pay the Concerned Shareholders' costs and expenses." The Application will be heard on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

We will continue to pursue these issues to the fullest extent possible and will update shareholders accordingly. We will continue to be open to solutions that benefit all shareholders.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

Larry G. Swets Jr., CFA

Daniel Gundersen, P.Eng., CFA

Contacts

Daniel Gundersen

403-852-4423

dan@SaveEagle.ca

Larry G. Swets Jr.

630-290-2432

Jack Muir

604-836-8782

jackmuir@cogencygroup.ca

DF King

1-800-398-2816 (toll free within North America)

Email: inquiries@dfking.com
Dow Jones received a payment from EQS/DGAP to publish this press release.

Hellenic Capital plc (HECP) Hellenic Capital plc: Placing and Open Offer; Extension of Placing Timetable 04-Dec-2017 / 14:00 GMT/BST Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. +Hellenic Capital plc ("Company" or "Hellenic") Placing and Open Offer; Extension of Placing Timetable Terms used in this announcement shall have meanings ascribed to them in a circular dated 7th November 2017 ("Circular), which on 8th November 2017 was posted to Qualifying Shareholders of Hellenic. Following consultation with its legal advisers the Company has determined to extend the time available for completion of the Placing of up to 50,000,000 New Shares, details of which were contained in the Circular. The final closing date for the Placing shall be moved back from 22nd November 2017, being the date specified in the Circular, to 31st December 2017. A further announcement shall be made as and when appropriate; and, in any event, as soon as practicable following 31st December 2017. The Circular contained, in addition to information about the Company and the Placing, an Open Offer to Qualifying Shareholders, which closed on 22nd November 2017. In the light of the variance between the revised timetable disclosed above and that contained in the Circular, the Company has today (4th December 2017) written to those Qualifying Shareholders who subscribed for and were allotted New Shares under the Open Offer ("Allottees") advising them of the variation in the new Placing timetable from that set out in the Circular and surrounding matters, giving the Allottees the option of electing to sell to the Company at the Placing Price of 0.5 pence per share the New Shares allotted to them pursuant to the Open Offer. Any New Shares so acquired by the Company shall be held in its treasury and shall be available for re-issue at a future date. Mark Jackson, MBA, FCA Chairman Hellenic Capital plc Kingston-upon-Hull, 4th December 2017 The foregoing announcement has been issued after due and careful enquiry and the Directors of Hellenic accept responsibility for its content. Enquiries: Hellenic Capital plc: Mark Jackson E-mail: mark.jackson@jsacc Tel: +44 1482 794654 Keith, Bayley, Rogers & Co. Limited: Graham Atthill-Beck E-mail: blackpearladvisers@gmail.com Graham.Atthill-Beck@kbrl.co.uk Tel: +44 20 7464 4091 Mob: +971 50 856 9408; +44 750 643 4107 Ends. ISIN: GB00B2PKKY27 Category Code: MSCH TIDM: HECP Sequence No.: 4941 End of Announcement EQS News Service 635395 04-Dec-2017

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 04, 2017 09:02 ET (14:02 GMT)
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Note to Editors: There is an infographic associated with this press release.

Cogeco Peer 1 today announced the expansion of Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) connectivity services to customers in the United States and Europe, providing more businesses around the globe with a holistic solution that can help reduce IT complexity and enable digital transformation.

"Cogeco Peer 1 MPLS enables businesses globally to leverage the best in cloud, hosting, colocation, managed IT, security and connectivity services together, through a single service provider, on one scalable, easy-to-manage network," said Bertrand Labelle, Vice President, Marketing and Innovation. "In a digital age of data-hungry applications and cloud-based technologies, organizations now need powerful connectivity solutions that can keep up with the growing demand for seamless mobility solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and big data analytics capabilities."

According to Gartner, one of the world's leading research and advisory companies, there will be more than 20 billion Internet-connected "things" worldwide by 2020, and more than half of major new business processes and systems will incorporate some element of the IoT. Flexible, cost-effective and easy to administer, MPLS core network technology is ideal for organizations in the midst of a digital transformation and looking to reduce costs, improve network security, optimize efficiency and become more agile.

MPLS technology enables Cogeco Peer 1's global customers to build a secure and private 'any-to-any' network that connects multiple locations with the lowest latency routes. Thanks to its fully managed and diverse network with over 48,000 km of fiber routes, businesses with multiple locations in multiple countries can also leverage the power of MPLS.

"With 16 data centers, our global FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe combined, our global customers can now do more with the power, reliability, and reach of the Cogeco Peer 1 network," added Labelle. "MPLS is a customer's first step towards true network convergence, offering design flexibility that lets you take advantage of converged data networks that deliver optimal network performance."

The Cogeco Peer 1 FastFiber Network uses MPLS to efficiently and securely transmit business applications and data over a single network access, giving businesses their choice of either Ethernet or IP VPN services. Delivering reliability, manageability and multiple service tiers, Cogeco Peer 1's Ethernet and IP VPN services can help businesses of all sizes customize their networks with the service levels they need to run more efficiently.

ABOUT COGECO PEER 1

Cogeco Peer 1 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) and is a global provider of essential business-to-business products and services, such as colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services that allow customers across Canada, Mexico, the United States and Western Europe to focus on their core business. With 16 data centers, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe combined, Cogeco Peer 1 is a trusted partner to businesses small, medium and large, providing the ability to access, move, manage and store mission-critical data worldwide, backed by superior customer support. For more information, visit: www.cogecopeer1.com

For the latest Cogeco Peer 1 news:

- Check out our blog: https://www.cogecopeer1.com/blog/

- Follow us on Twitter: @CogecoPeer1

To view the infographic associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/MPLS.jpg

Contacts:

INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:

Brodie Thompson

(416) 644 2277

Brodie.Thompson@highroad.com



Shawna Gee

(416) 903-2025

shawna.gee@cogecopeer1.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Radius Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RDU) is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding agreement with a private individual to option the 380-hectare Amalia Project which is host to high grade epithermal silver-gold mineralization. The Project is located approximately 25 km SW of the historic Guadalupe y Calvo mining district in Chihuahua, Mexico. During due diligence evaluation Radius geologists sampled bonanza grade outcrop containing 20.4 g/t Au and 5360 g/t Ag from a 1.2m chip.

Amalia Project

The Amalia Project is unexplored, with only minor historic artisanal-scale mining of surface outcrop known. There is no known history of previous systematic exploration of the property. Epithermal Au-Ag mineralization has been sampled by Radius in several veins, vein breccias and disseminated zones over 3.5km of strike length and a 600m vertical interval following the trace of a large regional fault zone.

At the main target area, known as Campamento, a 70-meter-wide zone of intense silicification, and brecciation with massive and stockwork veining has been mapped at the contact between the upper Rhyolite and lower Andesite volcanic sequence. Twenty-two rock chip samples were collected by Radius at Campamento, from an area 250m x 70m. The samples ranged from 0.004 to 33.3 g/t Au and 1.4 to 288 g/t Ag. With results capped at 5 g/t Au, these samples averaged 0.75 g/t Au and 65 g/t Ag. The silica is chalcedonic banded and amorphous indicating a high level within the epithermal system.

Approximately 700m along strike to the SE of Campamento, and 200m vertically below, Radius geologists sampled the Guadalupe zone where intensely silicified, sulphide rich fault zones are exposed in two historic workings separated by 120m. During the initial evaluation only two rock chip samples were collected from Guadalupe zone:

AGU023 graded 20.3 g/t Au and 5360 g/t Ag over 1.2m

MX90439 graded 3.05 g/t Au and 476 g/t Ag over 1.3m

The Guadalupe area is steep and bush covered with limited exposure, hence the extent of the mineralized zone is not yet known. However, locating this high grade mineralized structure on strike and below the high level silica system of Campamento is very encouraging.

Elsewhere along strike to the East and West of Campamento sampling has returned anomalous to high grade results in veins and vein breccias both within the upper volcanic Rhyolite sequence and within the lower Andesites. With Au-Ag mineralization occurring over a vertical interval of 600m in multiple targets over 3.5km strike length, Radius believes there is excellent potential for a significant discovery at Amalia. Exploration will commence immediately. Maps and photos of the Amalia Project will be available on the Company's website.

The Agreement

Radius can earn a 100% interest in the Amalia Project by making an immediate cash payment of US$5000 (paid) and by completing staged payments over a period of 5 years totaling US$845,000 cash and, subject to stock exchange approval, US$15,000 in Radius shares.

Corporate Update

Radius announces that Bruce Smith, M.Sc. Geology, MAusIMM CP, has joined the Radius Board. Bruce has 24 years' global exploration and mining experience, with 15 years in Latin America focused on gold and silver exploration. He has participated in the discovery of several gold deposits and led the exploration team that discovered the Chinchillas Ag-Pb-Zn deposit in Argentina. Bruce has worked with Radius and Goldgroup companies since 1994 and the Company is pleased to welcome him to the Board.

Qualified Person

Bruce Smith, M.Sc., MAusIMM CP, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith has visited the Amalia Project and prepared and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Radius

Radius has been exploring for gold in Latin America for over a decade. The Company has a strong treasury and is looking for investment and project acquisition opportunities across the globe. Please call toll free 1-888-627-9378 or visit our web site (www.radiusgold.com) for more information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Simon Ridgway

President and CEO

Symbol: TSXV-RDU

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements which include, without limitation, statements about the Company's exploration plans for the Amalia Project; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company's investments and properties; timelines; the future financial performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, the Company's plans for exploring the Amalia Project; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company's exploration activities at the Amalia Project will proceed as planned; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with its public statements and stated goals; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its investments or properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Contact: Simon Ridgway

Tel: 604-801-5432; Toll free 1-888-627-9378

Fax: 604-662-8829

Email: info@goldgroup.com

Website: www.radiusgold.com




RIMOUSKI, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: PUM)(SSE: PUMA) (the "Company" or "Puma") begins a trenching program at Murray Brook East Property. The reconnaissance program, aimed at providing the best land access and to evaluate the work needed to proceed with the more advance work as Trenching and drilling operations is done over the entire Murray Brook Project land package (7,678 hectares). It appears that most of the first priority targets are located within or very close to wood cutting areas and along logging roads, therefore minimum additional work will be needed to proceed with the trenching and stripping operations prior to the drilling program. Thus, the first area to be explored is the Murray Brook East Property.

Murray Brook East (4925)

The Murray Brook East Property (4925) consists of 245 claims (5326 hectares). Its eastern boundary is contiguous to the Caribou Mining Lease (# 246) and is located only four kilometers west of the producing Caribou Mine owned and operated by Trevali Mining Corp.

The previous operators of the Murray Brook Property conducted extensive preliminary exploration work from 2012 to 2015 which included geophysical surveys (HeliTEM, Magnetic, Gravity) and geochemical surveys (1,853 soil samples), bringing the property to drill-ready targets. The surveys identified 5 first priority targets to be explored. The previous drilling operation along the 7 km long favorable horizon was conducted in 1956 and included only 10 short holes.

Private Placement

Puma Exploration Inc. has closed the first tranche of a non-brokered private placement financing of flow-through units with qualified investors, employees and consultants as well as with existing shareholders. The company issued 2,160,000 million units at an issue price of eight cents (0.08$) per unit for gross proceeds of $172,800. Each flow-through unit comprises one flow-through common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant gives its holder the right to purchase one common share at a price of 15 cents (0.15$) per share until June 22nd, 2019.

In connection with this private placement, the company has paid cash finders' fees in an amount of $12,704 and issued 158,800 finders' warrants, each entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share of Puma at a price of eight cents (0.08$) for 24 months. All securities issued to purchasers and finders under the offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance of the securities pursuant to applicable securities legislation and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The placement has received the conditional approval of the TSX-V.

The proceeds of the offerings will be used for the exploration and development of Puma's properties in New Brunswick.

About the Murray Brook Project

The Murray Brook Project consists of three (3) distinct contiguous areas that cover more than 18 kilometers of the favorable rock hosting the operating Caribou Mine (Trevali Mining Corporation), the Murray Brook Deposit and the past operating Restigouche Mine. From east to west, they are the Murray Brook East Property (4925), the Murray Brook Mining Lease (# 252) and the Murray Brook West Property (7846). The Murray Brook East and Murray Brook West Properties have been subject to various degrees of exploration work and share the same potential of increasing the mineral resources defined at the Murray Brook Deposit.

About Puma Exploration Inc.

Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company with advanced precious and base metals projects in Canada. The Company's major assets are the 100% per-cent beneficial interest in the Murray Brook Property, the Turgeon Zinc-Copper Project and the Nicholas-Denys Project located in New Brunswick as well as an equity interest in Black Widow Resources related to the Little Stull Lake Gold Project in Manitoba. Puma's objective for the coming year is to focus its exploration efforts in New Brunswick.

You can visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

Learn more by consulting www.pumaexploration.com for further information on Puma Exploration Inc.

The contents of this press release were prepared by Marcel Robillard, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Puma Exploration Inc. to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma Exploration undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the quarterly and annual reports and in the documents submitted to the securities administration.

Contacts:

Puma Exploration Inc.

Marcel Robillard

President

(418) 724-0901

president@explorationpuma.com

www.pumaexploration.com






JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner, held talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an attempt to advance U.S. efforts to revive Middle East peace talks after a gap of three years.



Kushner met Wednesday in Jerusalem with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior advisers. US President's Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt and United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman were also present at the meeting.



The White House described the meeting as 'productive'. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing President Donald Trump's goal of a genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians that enhances stability in the region.



The US officials discussed Israel's priorities and potential next steps with Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledging the critical role Israel plays in the security of the region.



Apparently playing down expectations for a breakthrough, the White House said that 'forging peace will take time.'



After the meeting, Kushner and Greenblatt proceeded to Ramallah, where they had a late-night meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his senior advisers.



The White House did not give details of the outcome of the talks in Ramallah, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.



This was a follow-up to Trump's visit to the Middle East last month, when he met the same leaders.



Greenblatt and Kushner, a former real estate developer with little experience in international diplomacy, are expected to return to the region in a bid to build confidence between the two sides.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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DETROIT, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

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About Stratview Research

Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 22, 2017) - OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD. (TSXV: OS) (the "Company" or "Osprey") is pleased to announce assays from the first 6 holes of 24 previously unassayed holes drilled in 2014. These holes were from an exploration program conducted in 2014 by Goldworx, a former operator of the Company's Goldenville Property ("Goldenville"), located in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. Notable initial assay results include Hole P4-14-04 which returned multiple elevated intervals with elevated gold values, including 3.89 g/t gold over 7.05 metres, which included a higher grade intercept of 26.20 g/t gold over 0.80 metres and 5.71 g/t gold over 1.00 metre.

The 24 holes for 751 m were drilled on a 25 by 25 metre grid on the northern limb of the Goldenville-Gold Lake Anticline which dips moderately between 45 and 60 degrees. Mineralization occurs within bedding parallel quartz veins and within the argillite and greywacke host rocks. The 24 holes were drilled to delineate near-surface mineralization for a planned open pit bulk sample, and average approximately 30 metres in length. The prior operator was unable to finish the planned drill program, completing 24 of a planned 30 holes, and the core from the completed holes was never cut, logged, or assayed. Osprey acquired the well-preserved core and submitted halved core for laboratory analysis.

Initial results from the first holes submitted and assayed are available below in Table 1, and at the Company's website. All holes were drilled around an azimuth of 165 degrees, and inclination of 45 degrees, approximately perpendicular to bedding in this portion of the property.

Company President Cooper Quinn said, "I'm glad to have this first round of results back from the 2014 drill program. These holes were all drilled in a relatively small area peripheral to the existing resource, and will aid in giving the Company a better understanding of structure and geometry of the near surface mineralization in this portion of the deposit."

Table 1 - Drill results from 2014 Exploration Program

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m)1 Au (g/t) P4-14-01 27.70 27.90 0.20 1.11 P4-14-02 19.23 19.43 0.20 0.23 P4-14-02 23.65 23.85 0.20 0.74 P4-14-02 28.00 28.30 0.30 0.24 P4-14-04 12.44 13.25 0.81 0.29 P4-14-04 20.20 27.25 7.05 3.89 including 20.20 22.00 1.80 11.97 including 20.20 21.00 0.80 26.20 and 26.00 27.00 1.00 5.71 P4-14-05 27.52 30.6 3.08 0.35 P4-14-06 14.05 14.53 0.48 2.07 P4-14-08 20.64 21.14 0.5 1.04

1. True widths are unknown, but should be approximated by these results. Holes were drilled in an orientation largely perpendicular to bedding at this location - the majority of veins and mineralization is parallel to bedding.

Results noted in the table above represent the first 6 holes logged and submitted for analysis. Additional core samples from the remaining holes have been submitted for laboratory analysis and will be reported as they become available.

In addition, the Company's first phase of surface work at the west Goldenville and Mitchell Lake areas within the Project, is now complete, with surface rock grab samples and soil samples submitted to the lab for analysis. Reprocessing of historic geophysics data is ongoing in the area as well, and will be combined with the surface mapping and sampling to generate exploration targets for later in 2017.

About Goldenville and Osprey

Osprey is focused on exploring four historically producing gold properties in Nova Scotia, Canada. Osprey has the option to earn 100% (subject to certain royalties) in all four properties, including the Goldenville Gold Project, Nova Scotia's largest historic gold producer. Goldenville hosts a current NI 43-101 Inferred Resource of 2,800,000 tonnes at 3.20 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold for 288,000 ounces of gold (2,800,000 tonnes at 4.96 g/t gold for 447,000 ounces of gold uncapped) near the town of Sherbrooke, NS. All four properties in Osprey's current portfolio have a history of high-grade gold production.

Samples from the 2017 exploration program are cut with a diamond saw, and placed in sealed bags and shipped to Bureau Veritas Commodities in Timmins, ON for sample preparation, with pulps subsequently shipped to Vancouver, BC for gold and multi-element ICP analysis. A Quality Control/Quality Assurance program, including the insertion of Standards and Blanks, has been implemented. The 2017 exploration program is performed under the supervision Perry MacKinnon, P.Geo, Vice President of Exploration of Osprey and a 'Qualified Person' under NI 43-101. Mr. MacKinnon has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

Additional information regarding Osprey and the Goldenville property is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and at www.ospreygold.com.

For further information please contact:

ON BEHALF OF OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD.,

"Cooper Quinn"

Cooper Quinn, President and Director

For further information please contact Osprey at (236)521-0944 or cooper@ospreygold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Osprey within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Osprey provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to exploration findings, results and recommendations, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in Osprey's public filings under Osprey's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Osprey has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Osprey disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Trisura Group Ltd. ("Trisura") (TSX: TSU) today announced the completion of its spinoff from Brookfield Asset Management Inc. ("Brookfield") (TSX: BAM.A)(NYSE: BAM)(EURONEXT: BAMA). Trisura, a leading international specialty insurance provider operating in the surety, risk solutions, corporate insurance and reinsurance segments of the market, is expected to commence regular-way trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") at market open today under the symbol "TSU".

"The spinoff of Trisura from Brookfield is an important milestone in our development and we look forward to executing our business plan as a standalone public company," said Greg Morrison, CEO of Trisura.

The spinoff was effected by way of a special dividend of common shares of Trisura ("Trisura Shares") to holders of Brookfield's Class A and B limited voting shares ("Brookfield Shares"). Each holder of Brookfield Shares received one Trisura Share for every 170 Brookfield Shares held. Shareholders of Brookfield now own approximately 5.8 million Trisura Shares, or a 100% interest in Trisura. Brookfield no longer has any ownership interest in Trisura.

Brookfield shareholders will receive a cash payment in lieu of any fractional interests in Trisura Shares. Brookfield will use the volume-weighted average of the regular-way trading price of Trisura Shares on the TSX for the five trading days immediately following the spinoff (June 22(nd) thru June 28(th)) to determine the value of Trisura Shares for the purpose of calculating the cash payable in lieu of any fractional interests.

Prior to completion of the spinoff, Trisura acquired from Brookfield certain specialty insurance operations, including Brookfield's 60% interest in Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company, a Canadian-based specialty commercial, general liability insurance company, and Brookfield's 100% interest in Trisura International Insurance Company, a Barbados-based reinsurance company.

In order to satisfy Canadian withholding tax and U.S. "backup" withholding tax obligations on the special dividend, a portion of the Trisura Shares otherwise distributable to non-Canadian investors will be withheld from registered shareholders. For non-Canadian beneficial owners of Brookfield Shares registered in the name of a broker or other intermediary, these withholding tax obligations will be satisfied in the ordinary course through arrangements with the broker or intermediary. Beneficial owners should consult their brokers to determine how the withholding tax obligations will be satisfied for their Trisura Shares and on any questions they may have regarding fractional Trisura Shares.

Further details regarding the operations of Trisura are set forth in regulatory filings. A copy of the filings may be obtained on Trisura's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Note: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. The words "expects" and derivations thereof and other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the spinoff of Trisura and its listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Although Trisura believes that such forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information as such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Trisura to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include: economic and financial conditions in the countries in which we do business; the behaviour of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and exchange rates; availability of equity and debt financing; and other risks and factors detailed in Trisura's Prospectus and U.S. Information Statement filed with securities regulators in Canada on May 12, 2017.

We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Trisura investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, Trisura undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Allen Taylor

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 359-7864

allen.taylor@brookfield.com




CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC REPORTS THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS

GAAP earnings per share down 5%, adjusted earnings per share up nearly 20%

Carnival Corporation & plc today reported its results for the third quarter ended August31, 2017. The results of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc have been consolidated and include results on a U.S. GAAP and adjusted basis.

3Q Highlights

3Q U.S. GAAP net income of $1.3 billion, or $1.83 diluted EPS, compared to $1.4 billion, or $1.93 diluted EPS for the prior year

3Q adjusted net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.29 EPS, compared to adjusted net income of $1.4 billion, or $1.92 EPS for the prior year (adjusted net income excludes unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives and other net charges of $62 million and ships, trademark, and goodwill impairments of $392 million for 3Q 2017 and net gains of $7 million for 3Q 2016)

3Q net revenue yields in constant currency increased 5.1% compared to prior year, better than June guidance of up approximately 4.0%

3Q net cruise costs excluding fuel per available lower berth day ("ALBD") in constant currency increased 0.2% from prior year, in line with June guidance of approximately flat

Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates decreased earnings by $0.03 per share

Outlook

At this time, cumulative bookings for the first half of next year are well ahead of the prior year on both price and occupancy

FY 2017 net revenue yields in constant currency are expected to be up approximately 4.0% compared to the prior year, better than June guidance of up approximately 3.5%

FY 2017 net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency are expected to be up approximately 2.5% compared to the prior year, versus June guidance of up approximately 1.5%

FY 2017 adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $3.64 to $3.70, compared to FY 2016 adjusted EPS of $3.45

4Q 2017 adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.44 to $0.50, compared to $0.67 in 4Q 2016

President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald commenting on these results:

"We delivered another consecutive quarter of strong operational improvement and another third quarter adjusted earnings record. Our ongoing efforts to create demand well in excess of measured supply growth helped to drive five percent higher cruise ticket pricing. We have many innovative efforts to accelerate demand in 2018 and beyond including our recently announced digital streaming channel, OceanView, and our mobile gaming portfolio, PlayOcean, both launching this week."

"After the earthquakes in Mexico and a very challenging series of hurricanes, our thoughts are with all of those impacted and we are actively contributing to the relief and rebuilding efforts in the Caribbean and the southern U.S. through monetary and other support. Many people throughout these areas have been impacted and several ports are temporarily unavailable. Fortunately, our owned destinations including Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Cozumel, Mexico; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, Bahamas, as well as more than 40 other ports, plus all those in Mexico, are fully operational and welcoming guests." Donald added that several temporary port closures associated with the storms led to voyage disruptions which are expected to result in an estimated $0.10 to $0.12 per share reduction in earnings in the fourth quarter. The company has resumed normal operations, with some itinerary modifications and is continuing to deliver exceptional Caribbean cruise vacations to its guests.

"Our record results, coupled with strong booking trends, have more than offset the anticipated earnings impact from these weather disruptions, enabling us to raise the mid-point of our guidance and positioning us to achieve the higher end of our previous earnings guidance range. Our performance affirms conviction in our company's inherent ability to deliver sustained double digit return on invested capital in 2018 and beyond. We remain on track to achieve record cash from operations of $5 billion this year, and to continue to distribute cash to shareholders through steadily increasing dividends, currently totaling $1.2 billion annually, and opportunistic share repurchases, which are approaching $3 billion cumulatively over the past two years."

Conference Call

The company has scheduled a conference call with analysts at 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. BST) today to discuss its 2017 third quarter results. This call can be listened to live, and additional information can be obtained, via Carnival Corporation & plc's website at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.

Carnival Corporation &plc is the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world's leading cruise lines. With operations inNorth America,Europe,Australiaand Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line,Princess Cruises, Seabourn,AIDA Cruises,Costa Cruises, Cunard,P&O Cruises(Australia) andP&O Cruises(UK), as well as Fathom, the corporation's immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, the corporation's cruise lines operate 103 ships with 231,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2022.Carnival Corporation &plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaskaand the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both theNew Yorkand London Stock Exchanges,Carnival Corporation &plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com , www.fathom.org , www.hollandamerica.com , www.princess.com , www.seabourn.com , www.aida.de , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.pocruises.com.au and www.pocruises.com .

Exhibit 99.1

Carnival Corporation & plc Reports Third Quarter Earnings

GAAP earnings per share down 5%, adjusted earnings per share up nearly 20%

MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2017 -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced U.S. GAAP net income of $1.3 billion, or $1.83 diluted EPS, for the third quarter of 2017 compared to U.S. GAAP net income for the third quarter of 2016 of $1.4 billion, or $1.93 diluted EPS. Third quarter 2017 adjusted net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.29 adjusted EPS, was higher than adjusted net income of $1.4 billion, or $1.92 adjusted EPS, for the third quarter of 2016. Adjusted net income excludes unrealized gains on fuel derivatives of $65 million and impairments and other net charges of $395 million for the third quarter 2017 and net gains of $7 million for the third quarter 2016. Revenues for the third quarter of 2017 of $5.5 billion were higher than the $5.1 billion in the prior year.

Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald stated, "We delivered another consecutive quarter of strong operational improvement and another third quarter adjusted earnings record. Our ongoing efforts to create demand well in excess of measured supply growth helped to drive five percent higher cruise ticket pricing. We have many innovative efforts to accelerate demand in 2018 and beyond including our recently announced digital streaming channel, OceanView, and our mobile gaming portfolio, PlayOcean, both launching this week." The company will launch OceanView and PlayOcean at a public relations event in New York City's Time Square on September 28th between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Key information for the third quarter 2017 compared to the prior year:

Gross revenue yields (revenue per available lower berth day or "ALBD") increased 5.5 percent. In constant currency, net revenue yields increased 5.1 percent for 3Q 2017, better than June guidance of up approximately 4.0 percent.

Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD increased 12.4 percent (including ship impairment charges). In constant currency, net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD increased 0.2 percent, in line with June guidance of approximately flat.

Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates decreased earnings by $0.03 per share.

Noncash impairment charges for ships, trademark and goodwill of $392 million driven by the company's decision to strategically realign its business in Australia.

Highlights from the third quarter include the official naming ceremonies for AIDA Cruises' AIDAperla, which was christened in Palma de Mallorca with German model and presenter Lena Gercke serving as godmother, and Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess, which debuted in China with renowned basketball legend Yao Ming and his wife Ye Li presiding over the ceremony. We announced three additional Princess Cruises ships, Golden Princess, Crown Princess and Ruby Princess, will be outfitted with the technical requirements to transition them to the Ocean Platform featuring Ocean MedallionTM. This cutting edge interactive guest experience will be piloted later this year on Regal Princess. Also during the quarter, Holland America Line along with O, The Oprah Magazine, had its inaugural Share the Adventure cruise sailing from Seattle to Alaska with a number of distinguished guests on board including Oprah Winfrey. Additionally, Holland America Line received approval to operate a series of cruises to Cuba beginning in December 2017 and Carnival Cruise Line received approval for five additional Cuba cruises in 2018, following the debut of its program in June of this year.

Outlook

Donald commented, "After the earthquakes in Mexico and a very challenging series of hurricanes, our thoughts are with all of those impacted and we are actively contributing to the relief and rebuilding efforts in the Caribbean and the southern U.S. through monetary and other support. Many people throughout these areas have been impacted and several ports are temporarily unavailable. Fortunately, our owned destinations including Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Cozumel, Mexico; Mahogany Bay, Honduras; Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, Bahamas, as well as more than 40 other ports, plus all those in Mexico, are fully operational and welcoming guests." Donald added that several temporary port closures associated with the storms led to voyage disruptions which are expected to result in an estimated $0.10 to $0.12 per share reduction in earnings in the fourth quarter. The company has resumed normal operations, with some itinerary modifications and is continuing to deliver exceptional Caribbean cruise vacations to its guests.

At this time, cumulative bookings for the first half of next year are well ahead of the prior year on both price and occupancy. Since June, booking volumes for the first half of next year have been running ahead of last year at prices that are well ahead.

Donald added, "Our record results, coupled with strong booking trends, have more than offset the anticipated earnings impact from these weather disruptions, enabling us to raise the mid-point of our guidance and positioning us to achieve the higher end of our previous earnings guidance range. Our performance affirms conviction in our company's inherent ability to deliver sustained double digit return on invested capital in 2018 and beyond. We remain on track to achieve record cash from operations of $5 billion this year, and to continue to distribute cash to shareholders through steadily increasing dividends, currently totaling $1.2 billion annually, and opportunistic share repurchases, which are approaching $3 billion cumulatively over the past two years."

The company expects full year 2017 net revenue yields in constant currency to be up approximately 4.0 percent compared to the prior year, better than June guidance of up approximately 3.5 percent. The company expects full year net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency compared to the prior year to be up approximately 2.5 percent versus June guidance of up approximately 1.5 percent. The cumulative impact of the recent weather related voyage disruptions reduced forecasted full year net revenue yields by 0.4 percent and increased full year net cruise cost guidance by 0.3 percent.

Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates compared to the prior year are expected to decrease earnings by $0.33 per share. Taking the above factors into consideration, the company expects full year 2017 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.64 to $3.70 compared to June guidance of $3.60 to $3.70 and 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $3.45.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Outlook

Fourth quarter constant currency net revenue yields are expected to be up approximately 1.5 to 2.5 percent compared to the prior year. Excluding the estimated impact from recent weather related voyage disruptions, fourth quarter constant currency revenue yields would have been expected to increase approximately 3.5 percent, 1.5 percent higher than the mid-point of September guidance. Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency for the fourth quarter of 2017 are expected to increase by approximately 6 to 7 percent compared to the prior year of which approximately 1.5 percent was due to the impact of the recent weather related voyage disruptions and nearly 3 percent will be due to higher dry-dock costs as previously anticipated. Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates compared to the prior year are expected to decrease earnings by $0.04 per share. Based on the above factors, the company expects adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter 2017 to be in the range of $0.44 to $0.50 versus 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $0.67.

Selected Key Metrics

Full Year 2017 Fourth Quarter 2017 Year over year change: Current

Dollars Constant

Currency Current

Dollars Constant

Currency Net revenue yields Approx 3.5% Approx 4.0% 4.0 to 5.0% 1.5 to 2.5% Net cruise costs excl. fuel / ALBD Approx 2.5% Approx 2.5% 8.0 to 9.0% 6.0 to 7.0% Full Year 2017 Fourth Quarter 2017 Fuel price per metric ton $378 $397 Fuel consumption (metric tons in thousands) 3,305 840 Currency: Euro $1.13 to 1 $1.19 to 1 Sterling $1.28 to 1 $1.35 to 1 Australian dollar $0.77 to A$1 $0.80 to A$1

Three Months Ended

August 31, Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income (in millions) $ 1,329 $ 1,424 $ 2,060 $ 2,171 Adjusted net income (in millions) (a) $ 1,659 $ 1,417 $ 2,318 $ 2,089 Earnings per share-diluted $ 1.83 $ 1.93 $ 2.84 $ 2.88 Adjusted earnings per share-diluted (a) $ 2.29 $ 1.92 $ 3.19 $ 2.77 (a) See the net income to adjusted net income and EPS to adjusted EPS reconciliations in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures included herein.

Conference Call

The company has scheduled a conference call with analysts at 10:00 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. BST) today to discuss its 2017 third quarter results. This call can be listened to live, and additional information can be obtained, via Carnival Corporation & plc's website at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the world's largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world's leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK), as well as Fathom, the corporation's immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, the corporation's cruise lines operate 103 ships with 231,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies" in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing Ocean Medallion', a high-tech wearable device that enables the world's first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com , www.fathom.org , www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com , www.seabourn.com , www.aida.de , www.costacruise.com , www.cunard.com , www.pocruises.com.au and www.pocruises.com .

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results

Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc and their respective subsidiaries are referred to collectively in this document as "Carnival Corporation & plc," "our," "us" and "we." Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this document are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to us, including some statements concerning future results, outlooks, plans, goals and other events which have not yet occurred. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these statements by using words like "will," "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "depends," "expect," "goal," "anticipate," "forecast," "project," "future," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "target," "indicate," "outlook," and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms.

Forward-looking statements include those statements that relate to our outlook and financial position including, but not limited to, statements regarding:

 Net revenue yields  Net cruise costs, excluding fuel per available lower berth day  Booking levels  Estimates of ship depreciable lives and residual values  Pricing and occupancy  Goodwill, ship and trademark fair values  Interest, tax and fuel expenses  Liquidity  Currency exchange rates  Adjusted earnings per share

Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are many factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. This note contains important cautionary statements of the known factors that we consider could materially affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. There may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

Incidents, such as ship incidents, security incidents, the spread of contagious diseases and threats thereof, adverse weather conditions or other natural disasters and the related adverse publicity affecting our reputation and the health, safety, security and satisfaction of guests and crew

Economic conditions and adverse world events affecting the safety and security of travel, such as civil unrest, armed conflicts and terrorist attacks

Changes in and compliance with laws and regulations relating to the environment, health, safety, security, tax and anti-corruption under which we operate

Disruptions and other damages to our information technology and other networks and operations, and breaches in data security

Ability to recruit, develop and retain qualified personnel

Increases in fuel prices

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates

Misallocation of capital among our ship, joint venture and other strategic investments

Future operating cash flow may not be sufficient to fund future obligations and we may be unable to obtain financing

Overcapacity in the cruise ship and land-based vacation industry

Deterioration of our cruise brands' strengths and our inability to implement our strategies

Continuing financial viability of our travel agent distribution system, air service providers and other key vendors in our supply chain and reductions in the availability of, and increases in the prices for, the services and products provided by these vendors

Inability to implement our shipbuilding programs and ship repairs, maintenance and refurbishments on terms that are favorable or consistent with our expectations and increases to our repairs and maintenance expenses and refurbishment costs as our fleet ages

Failure to keep pace with developments in technology

Geographic regions in which we try to expand our business may be slow to develop and ultimately not develop how we expect and our international operations are subject to additional risks not generally applicable to our U.S. operations

Competition from the cruise ship and land-based vacation industry

Economic, market and political factors that are beyond our control

Litigation, enforcement actions, fines or penalties

Lack of continuing availability of attractive, convenient and safe port destinations on terms that are favorable or consistent with our expectations

Union disputes and other employee relationship issues

Decisions to self-insure against various risks or the inability to obtain insurance for certain risks at reasonable rates

Reliance on third-party providers of various services integral to the operations of our business

Business activities that involve our co-investment with third parties

Disruptions in the global financial markets or other events that may negatively affect the ability of our counterparties and others to perform their obligations to us

Our shareholders may be subject to the uncertainties of a foreign legal system since Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc are not U.S. corporations

Small group of shareholders may be able to effectively control the outcome of shareholder voting

Provisions in Carnival Corporation's and Carnival plc's constitutional documents may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations that our shareholders might consider to be in their best interests

The dual listed company arrangement involves risks not associated with the more common ways of combining the operations of two companies

The ordering of the risk factors set forth above is not intended to reflect our indication of priority or likelihood.

Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange rules, we expressly disclaim any obligation to disseminate, after the date of this document, any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended

August 31, Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Cruise Passenger ticket $ 4,138 $ 3,803 $ 9,814 $ 9,217 Onboard and other 1,223 1,146 3,237 3,047 Tour and other 154 148 200 190 5,515 5,097 13,251 12,454 Operating Costs and Expenses Cruise Commissions, transportation and other 699 646 1,781 1,723 Onboard and other 184 171 438 411 Payroll and related 520 494 1,552 1,488 Fuel 307 265 914 648 Food 270 260 774 755 Other ship operating (a) 947 643 2,293 1,914 Tour and other 86 84 132 125 3,013 2,563 7,884 7,064 Selling and administrative 547 529 1,649 1,613 Depreciation and amortization 473 443 1,368 1,303 Goodwill and trademark impairment 89 - 89 - 4,122 3,535 10,990 9,980 Operating Income 1,393 1,562 2,261 2,474 Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest income 3 2 7 5 Interest expense, net of capitalized interest (49) (61) (150) (168) Gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net (b) 7 (36) (19) (102) Other income (expense), net 14 (2) 7 6 (25) (97) (155) (259) Income Before Income Taxes 1,368 1,465 2,106 2,215 Income Tax Expense, Net (39) (41) (46) (44) Net Income $ 1,329 $ 1,424 $ 2,060 $ 2,171 Earnings Per Share Basic $ 1.84 $ 1.93 $ 2.85 $ 2.89 Diluted $ 1.83 $ 1.93 $ 2.84 $ 2.88 Dividends Declared Per Share $ 0.40 $ 0.35 $ 1.15 $ 1.00 Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding - Basic 723 737 724 751 Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted 726 739 727 754 (a)Includes $304 million of ship impairment charges in the three and nine months ended August 31, 2017. (b)During the three months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016, our gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net include net unrealized gains of $65 million and $25 million and realized (losses) of $(57) million and $(61) million, respectively. During the nine months ended August 31, 2017 and 2016, our gains (losses) on fuel derivatives, net include net unrealized gains of $134 million and $121 million and realized (losses) of $(153) million and $(223) million, respectively.



CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(in millions, except par values) August 31,

2017 November 30,

2016 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 489 $ 603 Trade and other receivables, net 324 298 Inventories 357 322 Prepaid expenses and other 491 466 Total current assets 1,661 1,689 Property and Equipment, Net 34,172 32,429 Goodwill 2,957 2,910 Other Intangibles 1,247 1,275 Other Assets 606 578 (a) $ 40,643 $ 38,881 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Short-term borrowings $ 182 $ 457 Current portion of long-term debt 1,265 640 Accounts payable 639 713 Accrued liabilities and other 1,845 1,740 Customer deposits 4,038 3,522 Total current liabilities 7,969 7,072 Long-Term Debt 7,723 8,302 (a) Other Long-Term Liabilities 779 910 Shareholders' Equity Common stock of Carnival Corporation, $0.01 par value; 1,960 shares authorized; 655

shares at 2017 and 654 shares at 2016 issued 7 7 Ordinary shares of Carnival plc, $1.66 par value; 217 shares at 2017 and 2016 issued 358 358 Additional paid-in capital 8,690 8,632 Retained earnings 23,066 21,843 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,845) (2,454) Treasury stock, 121 shares at 2017 and 118 shares at 2016 of Carnival Corporation and

30 shares at 2017 and 27 shares at 2016 of Carnival plc, at cost (6,104) (5,789) Total shareholders' equity 24,172 22,597 $ 40,643 $ 38,881 (a) On December 1, 2016, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Interest - Imputation of Interest and reclassified $55 million from Other Assets to Long-Term Debt on our November 30, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

OTHER INFORMATION Three Months Ended

August 31, Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 STATISTICAL INFORMATION ALBDs (in thousands) (a) $ 21,120 20,572 $ 61,541 59,555 Occupancy percentage (b) 111.3 % 111.4 % 106.7 % 106.6 % Passengers carried (in thousands) 3,441 3,265 9,116 8,606 Fuel consumption in metric tons (in thousands) 814 793 2,463 2,417 Fuel consumption in metric tons per thousand ALBDs 38.5 38.6 40.0 40.6 Fuel cost per metric ton consumed $ 378 $ 335 $ 371 $ 268 Currencies U.S. dollar to euro $ 1.15 $ 1.12 $ 1.11 $ 1.11 U.S. dollar to sterling $ 1.29 $ 1.34 $ 1.27 $ 1.41 U.S. dollar to Australian dollar $ 0.78 $ 0.75 $ 0.76 $ 0.74 CASH FLOW INFORMATION (in millions) Cash from operations $ 1,449 $ 1,429 $ 4,298 $ 4,110 Capital expenditures $ 437 $ 450 $ 2,296 $ 2,416 Dividends paid $ 290 $ 262 $ 797 $ 721



Notes to Statistical Information (a) ALBD is a standard measure of passenger capacity for the period that we use to approximate rate and capacity variances, based on consistently applied formulas that we use to perform analyses to determine the main non-capacity driven factors that cause our cruise revenues and expenses to vary. ALBDs assume that each cabin we offer for sale accommodates two passengers and is computed by multiplying passenger capacity by revenue-producing ship operating days in the period. (b) In accordance with cruise industry practice, occupancy is calculated using a denominator of ALBDs, which assumes two passengers per cabin even though some cabins can accommodate three or more passengers. Percentages in excess of 100% indicate that on average more than two passengers occupied some cabins.

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Consolidated gross and net revenue yields were computed by dividing the gross and net cruise revenues by ALBDs as follows (dollars in millions, except yields) (a): Three Months Ended August 31, Nine Months Ended August 31, 2017 2017

Constant

Dollar 2016 2017 2017

Constant

Dollar 2016 Passenger ticket revenues $ 4,138 $ 4,117 $ 3,803 $ 9,814 $ 9,942 $ 9,217 Onboard and other revenues 1,223 1,218 1,146 3,237 3,262 3,047 Gross cruise revenues 5,361 5,335 4,949 13,051 13,204 12,264 Less cruise costs Commissions, transportation and

other (699) (695) (646) (1,781) (1,809) (1,723) Onboard and other (184) (184) (171) (438) (442) (411) (883) (879) (817) (2,219) (2,251) (2,134) Net passenger ticket revenues 3,439 3,422 3,157 8,033 8,133 7,494 Net onboard and other revenues 1,039 1,034 975 2,799 2,820 2,636 Net cruise revenues $ 4,478 $ 4,456 $ 4,132 $ 10,832 $ 10,953 $ 10,130 ALBDs 21,120,155 21,120,155 20,572,112 61,540,974 61,540,974 59,555,384 Gross revenue yields $ 253.82 $ 252.63 $ 240.60 $ 212.07 $ 214.57 $ 205.94 % increase vs. 2016 5.5 % 5.0 % 3.0 % 4.2 % Net revenue yields $ 211.99 $ 211.02 $ 200.87 $ 176.01 $ 177.99 $ 170.10 % increase vs. 2016 5.5 % 5.1 % 3.5 % 4.6 % Net passenger ticket revenue

yields $ 162.82 $ 162.05 $ 153.47 $ 130.52 $ 132.17 $ 125.84 % increase vs. 2016 6.1 % 5.6 % 3.7 % 5.0 % Net onboard and other revenue

yields $ 49.17 $ 48.97 $ 47.39 $ 45.49 $ 45.83 $ 44.26 % increase vs. 2016 3.8 % 3.3 % 2.8 % 3.5 % Three Months Ended August 31, Nine Months Ended August 31, 2017 2017

Constant

Currency 2016 2017 2017

Constant

Currency 2016 Net passenger ticket revenues $ 3,439 $ 3,424 $ 3,157 $ 8,033 $ 8,140 $ 7,494 Net onboard and other revenues 1,039 1,033 975 2,799 2,811 2,636 Net cruise revenues $ 4,478 $ 4,457 $ 4,132 $ 10,832 $ 10,951 $ 10,130 ALBDs 21,120,155 21,120,155 20,572,112 61,540,974 61,540,974 59,555,384 Net revenue yields $ 211.99 $ 211.05 $ 200.87 $ 176.01 $ 177.95 $ 170.10 % increase vs. 2016 5.5 % 5.1 % 3.5 % 4.6 % Net passenger ticket revenue

yields $ 162.82 $ 162.13 $ 153.47 $ 130.52 $ 132.28 $ 125.84 % increase vs. 2016 6.1 % 5.6 % 3.7 % 5.1 % Net onboard and other revenue

yields $ 49.17 $ 48.92 $ 47.39 $ 45.49 $ 45.67 $ 44.26 % increase vs. 2016 3.8 % 3.2 % 2.8 % 3.2 % (See Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.) CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED) Consolidated gross and net cruise costs and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD were computed by dividing the gross and net cruise costs and net cruise costs excluding fuel by ALBDs as follows (dollars in millions, except costs per ALBD) (a): Three Months Ended August 31, Nine Months Ended August 31, 2017 2017

Constant

Dollar 2016 2017 2017

Constant

Dollar 2016 Cruise operating expenses $ 2,927 $ 2,908 $ 2,479 $ 7,752 $ 7,837 $ 6,939 Cruise selling and administrative

expenses 543 542 527 1,637 1,658 1,606 Gross cruise costs 3,470 3,450 3,006 9,389 9,495 8,545 Less cruise costs included above Commissions, transportation and

other (699) (695) (646) (1,781) (1,809) Onboard and other (184) (184) (171) (438) (442) (411) (Losses) gains on ship sales

and impairments (c) (304) (294) - (300) (290) 2 Restructuring expenses (c) (3) (3) - (3) (3) (2) Other (c) - - (18) - - (39) Net cruise costs 2,280 2,274 2,171 6,867 6,951 6,372 Less fuel (307) (307) (265) (914) (914) (648) Net cruise costs excluding fuel $ 1,973 $ 1,967 $ 1,906 $ 5,953 $ 6,037 $ 5,724 ALBDs 21,120,155 21,120,155 20,572,112 61,540,974 61,540,974 59,555,384 Gross cruise costs per ALBD $ 164.32 $ 163.32 $ 146.18 $ 152.56 $ 154.29 $ 143.50 % increase vs. 2016 12.4 % 11.7 % 6.3 % 7.5 % Net cruise costs excluding fuel per

ALBD $ 93.39 $ 93.08 $ 92.63 $ 96.72 $ 98.09 $ 96.10 % increase vs. 2016 0.8 % 0.5 % 0.6 % 2.1 % Three Months Ended August 31, Nine Months Ended August 31, 2017 2017

Constant

Currency 2016 2017 2017

Constant

Currency 2016 Net cruise costs excluding fuel $ 1,973 $ 1,960 $ 1,906 $ 5,953 $ 6,011 $ 5,724 ALBDs 21,120,155 21,120,155 20,572,112 61,540,974 61,540,974 59,555,384 Net cruise costs excluding fuel

per ALBD $ 93.39 $ 92.78 $ 92.63 $ 96.72 $ 97.67 $ 96.10 % increase vs. 2016 0.8 % 0.2 % 0.6 % 1.6 % (See Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures.)

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (CONTINUED) Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share was computed as follows (in millions, except per share data) (a): Three Months Ended

August 31, Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income U.S. GAAP net income $ 1,329 $ 1,424 $ 2,060 $ 2,171 Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net (b) (65) (25) (134) (121) Losses (Gains) on ship sales and impairments (c) 392 - 389 (2) Restructuring expenses (c) 3 - 3 2 Other (c) - 18 - 39 Adjusted net income $ 1,659 $ 1,417 $ 2,318 $ 2,089 Weighted-average shares outstanding 726 739 727 754 Earnings per share U.S. GAAP earnings per share $ 1.83 $ 1.93 $ 2.84 $ 2.88 Unrealized (gains) losses on fuel derivatives, net (b) (0.09) (0.03) (0.18) (0.16) Losses (Gains) on ship sales and impairments (c) 0.55 - 0.53 - Restructuring expenses (c) - - - - Other (c) - 0.02 - 0.05 Adjusted earnings per share $ 2.29 $ 1.92 $ 3.19 $ 2.77

Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(a) Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use net cruise revenues per ALBD ("net revenue yields"), net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share as non-GAAP financial measures of our cruise segments' and the company's financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided along with U.S. GAAP gross cruise revenues per ALBD ("gross revenue yields"), gross cruise costs per ALBD and U.S. GAAP net income and U.S. GAAP earnings per share.

We believe that gains and losses on ship sales, impairment charges and restructuring and certain other expenses are not part of our core operating business and, therefore, are not an indication of our future earnings performance. As such, we exclude these items from non-GAAP measures. Net revenue yields and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD enable us to separate the impact of predictable capacity or ALBD changes from price and other changes that affect our business. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors and expanded insight to measure our revenue and cost performance as a supplement to our U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements.

The presentation of our non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to the financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. It is possible that our non-GAAP financial measures may not be exactly comparable to the like-kind information presented by other companies, which is a potential risk associated with using these measures to compare us to other companies.

Net revenue yields are commonly used in the cruise industry to measure a company's cruise segment revenue performance and for revenue management purposes. We use "net cruise revenues" rather than "gross cruise revenues" to calculate net revenue yields. We believe that net cruise revenues is a more meaningful measure in determining revenue yield than gross cruise revenues because it reflects the cruise revenues earned net of our most significant variable costs, which are travel agent commissions, cost of air and other transportation, certain other costs that are directly associated with onboard and other revenues and credit and debit card fees.

Net passenger ticket revenues reflect gross passenger ticket revenues, net of commissions, transportation and other costs.

Net onboard and other revenues reflect gross onboard and other revenues, net of onboard and other cruise costs.

Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD is the measure we use to monitor our ability to control our cruise segments' costs rather than gross cruise costs per ALBD. We exclude the same variable costs that are included in the calculation of net cruise revenues as well as fuel expense to calculate net cruise costs without fuel to avoid duplicating these variable costs in our non-GAAP financial measures. Substantially all of our net cruise costs excluding fuel are largely fixed, except for the impact of changing prices, once the number of ALBDs has been determined.

We have not provided a reconciliation of forecasted gross cruise revenues to forecasted net cruise revenues or forecasted gross cruise costs to forecasted net cruise costs without fuel or forecasted U.S. GAAP net income to forecasted adjusted net income or forecasted U.S. GAAP earnings per share to forecasted adjusted earnings per share because preparation of meaningful U.S. GAAP forecasts of gross cruise revenues, gross cruise costs, net income and earnings per share would require unreasonable effort. We are unable to predict, without unreasonable effort, the future movement of foreign exchange rates and fuel prices. While we forecast realized gains and losses on fuel derivatives by applying current Brent prices to the derivatives that settle in the forecast period, we do not forecast the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives because we do not believe they are an indication of our future earnings performance. We are unable to determine the future impact of gains or losses on ships sales, restructuring expenses and other non-core gains and charges.

Constant Dollar and Constant Currency

Our Europe, Australia & Asia ("EAA") segment and Cruise Support segment operations utilize the euro, sterling and Australian dollar as their functional currencies to measure their results and financial condition. This subjects us to foreign currency translational risk. Our North America, EAA and Cruise Support segment operations also have revenues and expenses that are in a currency other than their functional currency. This subjects us to foreign currency transactional risk.

We report net revenue yields, net passenger revenue yields, net onboard and other revenue yields and net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD on a "constant dollar" and "constant currency" basis assuming the 2017 periods' currency exchange rates have remained constant with the 2016 periods' rates. These metrics facilitate a comparative view for the changes in our business in an environment with fluctuating exchange rates.

Constant dollar reporting is a non-GAAP financial measure that removes only the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our EAA segment and Cruise Support segment operations.

Constant currency reporting is a non-GAAP financial measure that removes the impact of changes in exchange rates on the translation of our EAA segment and Cruise Support segment operations (as in constant dollar) plus the transactional impact of changes in exchange rates from revenues and expenses that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency for our North America, EAA and Cruise Support segments.

Examples :

The translation of our EAA segment operations to our U.S. dollar reporting currency results in decreases in reported U.S. dollar revenues and expenses if the U.S. dollar strengthens against these foreign currencies and increases in reported U.S. dollar revenues and expenses if the U.S. dollar weakens against these foreign currencies.

Our North American segment operations have a U.S. dollar functional currency but also have revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against these other currencies, it reduces the U.S. dollar revenues and expenses. If the U.S. dollar weakens against these other currencies, it increases the U.S. dollar revenues and expenses.

Our EAA segment operations have euro, sterling and Australian dollar functional currencies but also have revenue and expense transactions in currencies other than their functional currency. If their functional currency strengthens against these other currencies, it reduces the functional currency revenues and expenses. If the functional currency weakens against these other currencies, it increases the functional currency revenues and expenses.

(b) Under U.S. GAAP, the realized and unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives not qualifying as fuel hedges are recognized currently in earnings. We believe that unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives are not an indication of our earnings performance since they relate to future periods and may not ultimately be realized in our future earnings. Therefore, we believe it is more meaningful for the unrealized gains and losses on fuel derivatives to be excluded from our net income and earnings per share and, accordingly, we present adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share excluding these unrealized gains and losses.

(c) We believe that gains and losses on ship sales, impairment charges, restructuring and other expenses are not part of our core operating business and are not an indication of our future earnings performance. Therefore, we believe it is more meaningful for gains and losses on ship sales, impairment charges, and restructuring and other non-core gains and charges to be excluded from our net income and earnings per share and, accordingly, we present adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share excluding these items.

CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT - Roger Frizzell, +1 (305) 406 7862; INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT - Beth Roberts, +1 (305) 406 4832


PANAMA (dpa-AFX) - Carnival Corporation & plc (CUK, CCL, CCL.L) said that it expects full year 2017 adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $3.60 to $3.70 compared to March guidance of $3.50 to $3.70 and 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $3.45. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $3.73 per share for fiscal year 2017. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.



The company expects full year 2017 net revenue yields in constant currency to be up about 3.5 percent compared to the prior year, better than March guidance of up about 3 percent. The company expects full year net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency to be up approximately 1.5 percent compared to March guidance of up approximately 1 percent. Changes in fuel prices (including realized fuel derivatives) and currency exchange rates compared to the prior year are expected to decrease earnings by $0.35 per share.



Third quarter constant currency net revenue yields are expected to be up approximately 4 percent compared to the prior year. Net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD in constant currency for the third quarter of 2017 are expected to be in line with the prior year. Changes in fuel prices, including realized fuel derivatives, and currency exchange rates compared to the prior year are expected to decrease earnings by $0.05 per share.



The company expects adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter 2017 to be in the range of $2.16 to $2.20 versus 2016 adjusted earnings per share of $1.92. Analysts project third-quarter earnings of $2.14 per share.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A bipartisan group of House leaders have introduced a resolution affirming America's commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Article Five. The resolution was unveiled by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., on Wednesday. NATO's Article Five sets out the principle that an attack against one member nation is considered an attack against all members. In a statement, Hoyer argued there must be no doubt about U.S. readiness to come to another NATO member's defense. 'With Russia continuing its aggression in Eastern Europe and its cyberwar against the world's democracies, NATO is as relevant as it ever was during the Cold War,' Hoyer said. 'I hope the House will take a strong, bipartisan vote to pass this resolution soon.' The introduction of the resolution comes after President Donald Trump failed to explicitly endorse Article Five in a speech before NATO leaders in late May. The move troubled some NATO allies, although Trump said in a subsequent press conference with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis earlier this month that he would be 'committed to Article Five.' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a co-sponsor of the resolution, called on the Trump administration to clearly and unequivocally reaffirm America's commitment to collective defensive. 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) - Beatles legend Paul McCartney has announced plan to take his acclaimed long-running 'One On One Tour' to Australia and New Zealand in December. Paul McCartney and Frontier Touring, which will produce the tour, made the announcement in a Facebook Live event Wednesday. McCartney said he has been waiting to get back to Australia and New Zealand for years, and now he is feeling excited. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be touring the region after a gap of 24 years. It gives an opportunity to thousands of McCartney's fans to enjoy his performance in stadiums and arenas in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland. The 21-time Grammy Award winner had enthralled music lovers of the two pacific countries during The New World Tour in 1993. The schedule: December 2, Nib Stadium, Perth. December 5, AAMI Park, Melbourne. December 9, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. December 11, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney. December 16, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Fans registered with PaulMcCartney.com will be eligible to purchase pre-sale tickets through PaulMcCartney.com on June 27 using the password: PAUL1ON1ANZ. Tickets for the general public will go on sale from July 4. The One On One Tour launched in the United States in 2016 and saw McCartney play 41 shows across 12 countries to more than 1.2 million people, winning rave reviews from concert-goers and critics alike. 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.
TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (the "Company" or "Purepoint") (TSX.V:PTU) today reported that since October, 2017 it has acquired through staking an additional 52,479 hectares of mineral claims in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan Canada representing a substantial increase in the Company's 100% owned projects.

"We have taken a very precise and strategic approach to our staking - focusing on the enlargement of our existing projects or securing highly prospective areas of defined potential," said Chris Frostad, President & CEO at Purepoint. "Over the past four months we have successfully added three new projects, enlarged two existing projects and nearly doubled our 100% owned land position".

"Much of our new ground lies on the SW edge of the Athabasca Basin, proximal to our Smart Lake Project. Our initial drilling at Smart Lake identified a radioactive shear that was associated with intense alteration," said Scott Frostad, Vice President Exploration. "We have now re-interpreted the Smart Lake drill results in light of our knowledge gained from the neighbouring Patterson Uranium District. Based on the similarity in structural and lithologic settings, we see the SW Athabasca Basin region to be highly prospective and look forward to exploring our new ground".

Highlights:

Through staking, Purepoint has increased it's 100% owned portfolio of Athabasca uranium projects from five projects and 57,222 hectares to eight projects totaling 109,701 hectares;

The Company's drill-ready Umfreville and McArthur Eas t projects have been enlarged from 6,369 hectares to a total of 14,203 hectares allowing room to properly follow up on initial drill discoveries;

and t projects have been enlarged from 6,369 hectares to a total of 14,203 hectares allowing room to properly follow up on initial drill discoveries; Purepoint's new Rene Lake (5,437 hectares) and Shearwater (26,244 hectares) projects lie due north and due south respectively of the Company's Smart Lake project along the Clearwater Domain;

(5,437 hectares) and (26,244 hectares) projects lie due north and due south respectively of the Company's project along the Clearwater Domain; A summary of the Company's portfolio is below and a detailed location map can be found at http://purepoint.ca/uraniumprojects/athabascabasin.php (http://purepoint.ca/uraniumprojects/athabascabasin.php).

Current Active Project Portfolio:

Minimum annual exploration expenditures are required by the Province of Saskatchewan in order to maintain ownership of property claims. Expenditures in excess of the minimum may be carried forward. The "Held Until" column represents the date up to which claims remain in good standing in the absence of any further unfunded expenditures.

Drilling to date on the Company's Smart Lake, Red Willow and Turnor Lake projects have all resulted in the identification of uranium mineralization and related exploration indicators for further follow up drilling.





Project Size

(hectares) Ownership

Partners Stage of

Completion Purepoint

Investment

to Date Next Steps Held Until

Hook Lake



28,598 21%

Cameco &

Areva Discovery $6,750,000 Follow Up

Drilling March

2028

Smart Lake



9,860 27%

Cameco 2,540 metres

Drilling $3,000,000 Follow Up

Drilling July

2023 Red Willow 40,119 100% 16,550 metres

Drilling $9,250,000 Follow Up

Drilling March

2024

Turnor Lake



9,706 100% 11,200 metres

Drilling $5,500,000 Follow Up

Drilling August

2030

Umfreville



12,217 100% Geophysical

Targets

Defined $750,000 Initial Drilling July

2019

Henday

1,029 100% Geophysical

Targets

Defined $350,000 Initial Drilling February

2020

McArthur E.



5,602 100% Geophysical

Targets

Defined $250,000 Initial Drilling July

2019

Rene Lake

5,437 100% Greenfield $0 Geophysics March

2020

Shearwater

26,244 100% Greenfield $0 Geophysics January

2020

Langley Lake

9,147 100% Greenfield $0 Geophysics March

2020

About Purepoint

Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. is focused on the precision exploration of its ten projects in the Canadian Athabasca Basin, the world's richest uranium region. Purepoint proudly maintains project ventures in the Basin with two of the largest uranium producers in the world, Cameco Corporation and AREVA Resources Canada Inc. Purepoint is currently drilling its flagship project, the Hook Lake JV, located in the Patterson Lake Uranium District.

Scott Frostad BSc, MASc, PGeo, Purepoint's Vice President, Exploration, is the Qualified Person responsible for technical content of this release.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.



For further information please contact:

Purepoint Uranium Group Inc.

Chris Frostad, President and CEO

(416) 603-8368

www.purepoint.ca (http://www.purepoint.ca/)

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: Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. via Globenewswire


DUBLIN, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Shotcrete Accelerator Market by Type (Alkali Free, Alkaline Aluminate, Alkaline Silicate), Grade (Liquid, Powder), Process (Wet Mix, Dry Mix), Application (Mining, Tunneling, Construction Repair, Water Retaining Structure) - Global Forecast to 2022" report to their offering.

The global shotcrete accelerator market is projected to reach USD 1,101.8 Million by 2022, at a CAGR of 8.2%. It is projected to reach 1.22 Million tons by 2022 by volume. The mining activities around the world, increase in tunnel construction due to rapid urbanization in emerging economies and growth in construction repairs in developed countries, are the key factors driving the global shotcrete accelerator market.

Alkali free accelerators were the largest and fastest type of shotcrete accelerator in 2016. Alkali-free acceleratorswere developed as the traditional alkaline accelerators were caustic in nature which caused several health hazards to the shotcrete nozzle operators. Apart from this, due to their superior properties in terms of the 28-day strength or the final strength of the structure, they have been replacing the alkaline accelerators.

Globally, liquid accelerator is the largest and fastest-growing grade of shotcrete accelerator in 2016. Both alkali free and alkaline accelerators are available in their liquid form. Liquid accelerators are generally used for the wet process. The wet process is preferred for underground construction such as mining and tunneling, where larger volume of shotcrete accelerator is consumed.



Wet mix shotcrete process is the largest and fastest-growing process in the global shotcrete accelerator market. The major applications of shotcrete accelerator are in the mining and tunnel construction which uses the wet- mix process. Structures constructed with the wet process are seen to have superior quality and are more efficient compared to the dry process which is the main factor in driving the shotcrete accelerator market in this process.



The European region led the global shotcrete accelerator market, both, in terms of value and volume, in 2016. Germany dominates the market followed by Italy, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden in terms of value, in 2016. The growth in the shotcrete accelerator market in Germany is due to a sudden spur in the German construction industry. The German construction industry accounts for 4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), and it amounted to around USD 334 million in 2015. The strong boom in the German construction industry is attributed by the strong growth of the Eurozone economy.

Companies Mentioned



Applied Concrete Solutions

Atek Fine Chemical Co., Ltd

BASF SE

Basalite Concrete Products LLC

Chryso SAS

Cico Group

Cormix International Limited

Denka Company Limited

Draco Italiana SPA

Fosroc

GCP Applied Technologies Inc.

Gemite Group

Hardman Chemicals Pty. Ltd.

IQE Group

Mapei S.P.A

Mc-Bauchemie

Muhu Construction Materials Co., Ltd.

Normet Oy

Polygon Chemicals

SI Powders

Shotcrete Technologies Inc.

Sika AG.

Silkroad C & T Co., Ltd.

Target Products Limited

The Euclid Chemical Company

Key Topics Covered:



1 Introduction



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Premium Insights



5 Market Overview



6 Shotcrete Accelerator Market, By Type



7 Shotcrete Accelerator Market: By Grade



8 Shotcrete Accelerator Market: By Process



9 Shotcrete Accelerator Market, By Application



10 Shotcrete Accelerator Market, By Region



11 Competitive Landscape



12 Company Profiles

13 Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/28g6qs/shotcrete

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SUDBURY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 22, 2017 / Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSX-V: FL) (the "Company") is pleased to announce new drilling results for its PAK Lithium Project, in the Red Lake mining district. As part of ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) activities, the design brief, conducted by Golder Associates (Sudbury, ON, Canada) and based on the 2017 winter drilling program, outlined slope design recommendations for the Company's lithium deposit and indicated favourable conditions for an open pit structure.

In March 2017, Frontier successfully completed four (4) geomechanical drill holes with core orientation and packer testing which was followed by laboratory strength testing. For the purpose of Frontier's pre-feasibility study, results of the program suggest that rock mass failure should not be a concern given the very strong intact rock strength of proposed pit walls for an open pit up to 200m deep. Slope design will be controlled by the stability of individual benches, meaning the quality of blasting and the prevalence of structures that undercut the bench face angle. Should Frontier perform a future Definitive Feasibility Study, it has been recommended that some additional drilling be performed by the Company.

Frontier also successfully conducted twenty-two (22) sampled boreholes for the soils geotechnical data collection program for the PFS design of a Tailings Management Facility (TMF), as well, fifteen (15) monitoring wells were successfully installed for a baseline hydrogeology study being conducted on the Project.

"These studies indicate that the ground conditions and general site topography seem to provide favourable conditions for a low cost mining scenario with potential open pit operations at the PAK Lithium Project," remarked Trevor Walker, President and CEO of Frontier.

In addition, the Company confirms it has successfully converted the mining claim where the Pakeagama Lake Deposit is located into a twenty-one (21) year lease agreement by the Province of Ontario.

Mr. Garth Drever, P.Geo., is the "Qualified Person" for Frontier defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Company Contact Information

Trevor R. Walker, President & CEO

2736 Belisle Drive Val Caron, ON. P3N 1B3 CANADA

T. +001 705.897.7622

F. +001 705.897.7618

Media Requests

Joseph Mansourian

Manager, Investor Relations

2736 Belisle Drive Val Caron, ON. P3N 1B3 CANADA

T. +001 705.618.0070

F. +001 705.897.7618

About Frontier Lithium Inc.

Frontier's goal is to become a low-cost, fully integrated lithium and tantalum producer through development of the PAK lithium deposit in Ontario, Canada. Frontier maintains a tight share structure with management ownership exceeding 30% of the Company. CAD $4.5 million of exploration work has been conducted from 2013 to 2017 on the deposit which boasts its lithium in a rare, high-purity, low-iron spodumene. The Company has adopted a staged growth approach to exploration and development in order to avoid unnecessary share dilution - a strategic imperative for the Company. The initial target market is the glass-ceramic industry which consumes roughly one-third of global lithium supply and is currently faced with monopolistic conditions, coupled with major lithium producers increasingly directing output toward supporting battery manufacture.

Ceramic/glass customers prefer to source technical-grade (low-iron) spodumene concentrate in excess of 7% lithium oxide (Li2O), if available, to avoid inferior lower grade petalite concentrates, or paying much higher prices for battery grade lithium compounds.

The PAK lithium deposit remains open in all directions and Company Management believes the resource can be developed into a world-class operation. The Company is currently conduction pre-feasibility to produce lithium concentrates. If production of lithium concentrates can be established from Frontier, the possible second stage of investment and longer term prospect is to further process some of PAK's output to produce the higher purity lithium compounds required for lithium battery technologies used in the electrification of transportation and electric grid storage applications.

About the PAK Lithium Project

The PAK Lithium Project lies close to the boundary between two geological sub-provinces of the western Superior geologic province in northwestern Ontario and hosts a rare metals pegmatite deposit. The deposit is an LCT (lithium- cesium- tantalum) type pegmatite. These types of pegmatites have been the principal source of hard rock lithium, tantalum, rubidium and cesium ores mined in the world but there are comparatively few commercially-viable deposits.

Frontier is actively exploring its 100% owned project which contains the Pakeagama Lake pegmatite. The PAK deposit is one of the highest grade lithium mineral resources in North America which has a current

Measured and Indicated Resource of 7.89 million tonnes of 1.73% Li2O equivalent (eq.) or 1.58% Li20 and 104 ppm Ta2O5 and an Inferred Resource of 295,600 tonnes of 1.35% Li2O eq. or 1.20% Li2O and 103 ppm Ta2O5 which has a technical/ceramic grade spodumene with low inherent iron (below 0.1% Fe2O3). The deposit has adjacent zones that are enriched in tantalum and rubidium. Frontier is also evaluating the phased co-production of tantalum and mica-product concentrates once lithium mineral production has been commercialized.

The deposit now has a known 500m strike length with an estimated true width varying from 10m to 125m with a sub-vertical orientation. The resource remains open to depth and along strike to the northwest and southeast.

Additional information regarding Frontier Lithium is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's profile and on its website at www.frontierlithium.com, including various pictures of ongoing work at the project.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Frontier Lithium Inc.
Regulatory News:

Coca-Cola European Partners plc announces that a poll was taken on each of the resolutions proposed at the Annual General Meeting of Coca-Cola European Partners plc (the "Company") held on 22 June 2017 and all resolutions were duly passed. The results of the poll were:

Resolutions For Against Withheld 1 Receipt of the Report and Accounts 435,735,434 99.99% 23,246 0.01% 67,812 2 Approval of the Directors' Remuneration Report 435,332,231 99.90% 443,773 0.10% 50,488 3 Approval of the Remuneration Policy 404,848,554 90.27% 43,659,911 9.73% 152,723 4 Election of Jose Ignacio Comenge Sanchez-Real as a director of the Company 432,063,326 99.15% 3,714,045 0.85% 49,121 5 Election of J Alexander M Douglas Jr as a director of the Company 432,113,945 99.16% 3,674,925 0.84% 37,622 6 Election of Francisco Ruiz de la Torre Esporrin as a director of the Company 432,091,820 99.15% 3,686,003 0.85% 48,669 7 Election of Irial Finan as a director of the Company 424,636,912 97.45% 11,105,627 2.55% 83,953 8 Election of Damian Gammell as a director of the Company 432,634,364 99.28% 3,152,714 0.72% 39,414 9 Election of Alfonso Libano Daurella as a director of the Company 432,100,300 99.16% 3,676,417 0.84% 49,775 10 Election of Mario Rotllant Sola as a director of the Company 427,349,464 98.07% 8,421,138 1.93% 55,890 11 Reappointment of the Auditor 448,239,937 99.92% 381,248 0.08% 40,003 12 Remuneration of the Auditor 448,505,628 99.98% 82,442 0.02% 73,118 13 Political Donations 435,318,451 99.88% 419,094 0.12% 88,947 14 Authority to allot new shares 400,773,375 92.16% 34,126,062 7.84% 927,055 15 Waiver of mandatory offer provisions set out in Rule 9 of the Takeover Code 206,333,661 77.06% 61,414,195 22.94% 168,078,636 16 Authority to disapply pre-emption rights* 427,200,019 98.02% 8,495,785 1.98% 130,688 17 Authority to purchase own shares on market* 434,516,714 99.90% 441,930 0.10% 867,848 18 Notice period for general meetings other than annual general meetings* 426,813,013 97.95% 8,947,732 2.05% 65,747

Indicates Special Resolutions requiring at least three quarters of votes to be cast in favour to pass.

As at 2.00pm on Tuesday, 20 June 2017, the time by which shareholders who wanted to attend, speak and vote at the AGM must have been entered on the Company's register of members, there were 484,266,927 ordinary shares in issue. A vote withheld is not a vote in law and, therefore, is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes for and against a resolution.

The Company notes that resolution 15 (approving the terms of the waiver of mandatory offer provisions set out in Rule 9 of the Takeover Code (the "Waiver"), received a vote of 77.06 per cent in favour. Resolution 15 was an ordinary resolution voted on by shareholders other than Olive, which was not entitled to cast a vote on that resolution. The Company will continue a dialogue with shareholders and advisory services around the rationale for seeking the Waiver with a view to addressing any related concerns.

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.2, copies of the resolutions that do not constitute ordinary business at an annual general meeting will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.hemscott.com/nsm.do

- Ends -

ABOUT CCEP

Coca-Cola European Partners plc (CCEP) is a leading consumer goods company in Europe, selling, making and distributing an extensive range of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages and is the world's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler based on revenue. Coca-Cola European Partners serves a consumer population of over 300 million across Western Europe, including Andorra, Belgium, continental France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The Company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the New York Stock Exchange, Euronext London and on the Spanish stock exchanges, and trades under the symbol CCE. For more information about CCEP, please visit our website at www.ccep.com and follow CCEP on Twitter at @CocaColaEP.

Legal Entity Identifier Code: 549300LTH67W4GWMRF57

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622005792/en/

Contacts:

Coca-Cola European Partners Plc

Company Secretariat

Clare Wardle

T +44 7355 8406

or

Investor Relations

Thor Erickson

T +1 678 260 3110

or

Media Relations

Ros Hunt

T +44 7528 251 022
WHITEHORSE, YUKON -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Yukon Mining Alliance ("YMA") and its member companies are excited to partner with Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon ("Make-A-Wish") to bring a little joy into the lives of some very special Yukon children through the inaugural "Mining for Wishes - Dig Deep" campaign. In the lead up to the 2017 Yukon Mining Investment Conference, the YMA and its member companies, will be holding an online auction to raise funds to grant as many of the pending wishes as possible. During the dinner event in Dawson City, there will also be a silent and a live auction.

Anne Lewis, Executive Director of the YMA, stated, "The leaders in Yukon exploration and mining are proud to be developing some of the world's top mining assets, with Yukon First Nation, Territorial and local governments, while supporting the health, wellness and prosperity of the communities they operate in. The YMA and member companies are honored to join Make-A-Wish in helping children with medically-life threatening conditions "Dig Deep" to discover the hope, strength and joy that exists in life. It's just another example of what makes Yukon the best mining jurisdiction in the world."

Minister of Economic Development, Hon. Ranj Pillai stated, "Government of Yukon is pleased to support the Yukon Mining Investment Conference and welcomes the opportunity to promote Yukon's world-class mineral potential. This potential, combined with ongoing work to ensure clarity and certainty for the mining industry, makes Yukon Canada's most attractive jurisdiction for investment."

Please visit www.miningforwishes.com to participate in the online auction or to make a donation, and check back regularly for updates to bidding and additional auction items. Guests and delegates at the Yukon Mining Investment Conference will also have the opportunity to participate in both the silent and live auction on July 12th in Dawson City, hosted in the Tr'ondek Hwech'in Traditional Territory.

There are currently four wish requests from Yukon families, including six-year-old Seamus who lives with Cystic Fibrosis. He has to cope with frequent lung infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, wheezing and shortness of breath; and that's only part of the daily struggles in the life of a child with CF. There is currently no cure, though current treatments allow people with CF to live longer, better-quality lives than ever before.

Brave kids like Seamus need to believe in a little bit of magic, and perhaps that's why he's so drawn to the stories of Harry Potter. When Seamus was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish, his choice was clear: He wished for a magic wand. Not just any wand, though. One that might help him find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. A visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, will bring Seamus one step closer, and he's already realizing the transformative power of wish after receiving a care package from Make-A-Wish.

"His wish hasn't even happened yet," said Seamus' mom, Amy, "and his whole life has changed! His skepticism on the magic of the Harry Potter world has changed, his belief that we will get a cure has changed! Thank you so much. I don't have words to express what you have already done - thank you a million times, thank you!"

Your support of Make-A-Wish through YMA's Dig Deep initiatives for Yukon wishes can help Seamus' wish come true...and so many others for children who are waiting and hoping for their wishes to be granted. On July 12th - Yukon miners will Dig Deep for Yukon minors.

About the Yukon Mining Alliance

Founded in 2009, Yukon Mining Alliance, a strategic industry alliance of Yukon's leading exploration, development and mining companies, is focused on creating innovative capital attraction initiatives to promote Yukon's competitive advantages as a top mineral investment jurisdiction and its member companies and their Yukon-based projects.

All member companies must have identified resources and significant project expenditures in Yukon; as well as, adopt and adhere to a corporate sustainability policy including community relations, environmental responsibility and labour relations.

DONATE TODAY!

DIG DEEP - Yukon Mining for Wishes

To view the photo associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20170621-Seamus-gr.jpg

Contacts:

Anne Lewis

Executive Director

Yukon Mining Alliance

867-335-1452

anne.lewis@yukonminingalliance.ca

www.yukonminingalliance.ca






NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - John Oliver, the host of HBO's Sunday Show 'Last Week Tonight,' HBO and Time Warner have been sued by coal baron Robert Murray for mocking him and his coal company on the show's most recent episode. Murray had previously sent the show its first cease-and-desist letter.



The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Marshall County, West Virginia, alleges that the show 'executed a meticulously planned attempt to assassinate the character and reputation of Mr. Robert E. Murray and his companies' in a recent episode. Murray Energy is the nation's largest privately-owned coal company.



On his show, Oliver said that when he reached out for comment from Murray Energy on the segment being planned, the company sent him a letter instructing him to cease and desist from any effort to defame, harass or otherwise injure Murray or the company.



The 24-minute segment was focused on the decline of the coal industry and the promises made to it by President Trump. But the cease-and-desist letter seemed to have only emboldened Oliver, who tore into the 77-year-old coal baron on the show.



'I have to proceed with caution. I'm not going to say, for instance, that Bob Murray looks like a geriatric Dr. Evil, even though he clearly does,' Oliver said.



Oliver accused Murray not doing enough to protect his miners' safety. He also criticized Murray's response to a deadly mine accident in 2007 in Utah that was found to have resulted from safety violations. Murray claims that the mine collapse was triggered by an earthquake.



On the show, Oliver later invited a man dressed up in a giant squirrel costume onstage to address a potential lawsuit. The squirrel was linked to a satirical article in the United Mine Workers of America journal that described an alleged conversation Murray had with a squirrel, which the company has denied.



Murray's lawsuit seeks financial damages and an injunction barring the rebroadcast of Oliver's segment. Murray has sued several other media outlets recently, including the New York Times in May for defamation.



In response to Murray's lawsuit, HBO stated, 'We have confidence in the staff of Last Week Tonight and do not believe anything in the show this week violated Mr. Murray's or Murray Energy's rights.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Germany, Greece, India, the Netherlands and Ireland leading countries expecting increase in exports

A Grant Thornton global survey of 2,500 businesses in 36 economies finds that while planned export activity has hit an 18-month high, there are significant challenges ahead as exporters must balance positive long-term trends against the potential for sudden policy shifts.

"For businesses thinking about their future export plans, assessing longer-term trends and sudden changes in government policy will be a balancing act, according to the data from our last quarterly Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR)." said Paul Raleigh, Grant Thornton Global Leader- Growth and Advisory services.

Countries with the greatest increases in planned exports over last quarter are Germany (up 13pp to 35% from 22%), Greece (up 8pp to 34% from 26%), India (up 6pp to 34% from 28%), the Netherlands (up 12pp to 30% from 18%) and Ireland (up 10pp to 28% from 18%).

"Export expectations are up in the G7 (up 3pp) and the EU (up 2pp)," said Raleigh. "This suggests businesses are aiming to tap into the US market, resurgent under the new administration."

At the same time, the proportion of US businesses planning to increase investment in plant and machinery over the next 12 months shot up to 41% in Q1 2017 the highest figure for three years. Providers of capital goods in other countries, which hope to meet that demand, have responded - Germany, with export expectations up 13pp, is a prime example.

News around trade deals has an understandably significant impact on business' export plans. Again, many recent headlines focus on the US.

"In Canada, export expectations fell significantly in Q1 to 9% (down 10pp) which coincided with the new US administration declaring it may scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)," said Raleigh. "In recent weeks, however, it appears NAFTA may be renegotiated rather than ended. It will be interesting to see how firms in Canada and Mexico respond next quarter."

"What's clear is that despite current export confidence, business plans will need to be flexible," said Raleigh. "The most successful businesses will assess the likely impacts of both longer terms tends and sudden shifts in policy, and be ready to react swiftly and decisively."

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622005826/en/

Contacts:

Grant Thornton

John Vita

John.vita@gti.gt.com

312/602-8955
BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Silver Spruce Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SSE)(FRANKFURT: S6Q) ("Silver Spruce" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has secured a loan for the remaining cash component of the Purchase Agreement with Cedar Forest LLC (the "Vendor") for the Kay Mine parcel of 70.84 acres of patented claims near Black Canyon City, Arizona, USA.

The twelve-month, U$450,000 Loan was arranged by Leede Jones Gable Inc. and carries a twelve percent coupon rate. The Company will also pay 1,735,779 fully paid bonus shares to the lender and a commission of 500,000 shares to Leede Jones Gable Inc.

"The provision of this loan will enable Silver Spruce to complete our purchase of 100% of the Kay Mine parcel of patented ground, royalty free. In combination with the 400 acres of unpatented claims filed by the Company, we will control all of the known areas of mineralization at the project that have been identified over the last 120+ years by companies such as the Kay Copper Company, Exxon Minerals, Rayrock (acquired by Glamis) and American Copper and Nickel (a subsidiary of INCO, now Vale)," stated Dr. Brian Penney, Chairman of Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Terms of Purchase

The original asking price for the 70.84 acre parcel of patented ground was U$977,000. Upon execution of the Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% interest in the patented claims, free of any royalties, Silver Spruce paid a non-refundable deposit of US $50,000 to the Vendor.

The Company will pay US $450,000 cash to the Vendor on closing, which is estimated to occur on or about June 28, 2017.

In lieu of the second cash payment of U$477,000 and its associated Convertible Debenture, the Vendor has decided to accept the face amount in shares of the Company at a deemed price of CAD $0.075 per common share. Therefore, the Company will issue 8,649,142 shares to the Vendor at closing.

This acquisition is subject to Exchange acceptance.

The Kay Mine Project

The Kay Copper Company and others produced Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn ore on the property intermittently from 1916 until 1956. Exploration conducted from 1972 to 1982 by Exxon Minerals Company, a subsidiary of Exxon Petroleum, indicates that substantial additional mineralization exists down dip and potentially along strike from the previously producing mineral deposits. A two-page Executive Summary of the Kay Mine Project is available here: http://www.silverspruceresources.com/s/KayMine.asp.

Known mineralization occurs in two zones of massive sulfide, the North and South Zones, extending from the surface to at least 2100 feet in depth. Mineralization is open at depth. A November 1982 internal Exxon Minerals Company report by M. L. Fellows stated that the deposit contains a resource of "Proven and Probable ore" with a tonnage of 6.4 million short tons grading an estimated 2.2% copper, 3.03% zinc, 1.6 ounces per ton (50 g/t) silver and 0.082 ounces per ton (2.55 g/t) gold. The estimate was made using assay data from historic mine level plans and Exxon drill hole intercepts.

Exxon's use of the word "ore" is not to be construed in the strict sense. After examining mine assay level plans and Exxon drill hole data, Silver Spruce has concluded that "Indicated Mineral Resource" is the appropriate term for Exxon's historical estimate. Additional drilling is needed to verify this estimate. The Qualified Person for Silver Spruce has not conducted sufficient work to definitively classify Exxon's resource estimate to be compliant with NI-43-101 resource definitions. The issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Exxon also reported the deposits to be open down dip, with significant additional potential for the discovery of new deposits.

Qualified Person

Mr. Leonard J. Karr, professional geologist and the Company's independent Qualified Person is responsible for the technical content of this press release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), under TSX guidelines.

About Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a well-positioned Canadian junior exploration company pursuing acquisition and development of the past producing Kay Mine volcanogenic massive sulfide ("VMS") project in Arizona, USA, and the development of the Pino De Plata and the Encino De Oro epithermal silver/ base metal/ gold projects located in the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental region of western Chihuahua State in Mexico.

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. The company seeks Safe Harbour.

Contacts:

Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Karl Boltz

President & CEO, Director

Toll Free: (866) 641-3397

info@silverspruceresources.com

www.silverspruceresources.com




VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - June 22, 2017) - Integra Gold Corp. ("Integra Gold") (TSX VENTURE: ICG) (OTCQX: ICGQF) is pleased to announce Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"), the leading independent proxy advisory firm that provides voting recommendations to institutional investors, has issued its positive recommendation that shareholders of Integra Gold vote in favour of the proposed plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado") (TSX: ELD) (NYSE: EGO) as announced on May 14, 2017.

ISS has recommended that Integra Gold shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement resolution relating to the plan of arrangement for a number of reasons, including the fact "the arrangement makes strategic sense as the acquirer is a much larger and well established player in the same segment." In addition, ISS stated, "In light of the adequate transaction process, the sound strategic rational of the proposed arrangement, the significant premium, the favourable market reaction, and the flexibility of the offer consideration to elect either cash consideration or share consideration, or a combination of both (subject to aggregate limits), shareholder approval of this resolution is warranted."

Welcoming the positive recommendation, George Salamis, Chairman of Integra Gold said: "We appreciate that ISS has acknowledged the benefits of the plan of arrangement with Eldorado and has recommended shareholders to vote in favour of the transaction. We also thank shareholders for their ongoing support as they prepare to take part in this new chapter of growth at the Lamaque Project."

In connection with the Arrangement, Eldorado's offer represents:

A value of C$1.21250 for each Integra common share based on the May 12, 2017 closing price of Eldorado common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange

A premium of approximately 52% to Integra's May 12, 2017 closing price and a premium of 46% based on the volume weighted average prices ("VWAP") of both companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange for the 20 day period ending May 12, 2017

Benefits to Integra Shareholders:

Immediate attractive premium for Integra shareholders;

Value to Integra shareholders supported by the cash component of the consideration;

Eldorado has the financial strength and proven track record of developing low cost mines, enabling it to develop the Lamaque Gold Project; and

Integra shareholders to receive shares in a liquid, diversified gold company and will also gain access to Eldorado's dividend policy.

Integra's Directors have unanimously recommended that Integra's shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement and each director of Integra intends to vote all of the Integra shares they own or control at the date of the Arrangement meeting in favour of the Arrangement, in the absence of a superior proposal.

Shareholders of Integra Gold are encouraged to read the Management Information Circular, a copy of which is available under their respective profiles on the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).

How To Vote

Shareholders must vote their proxy before 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver Time) on June 29, 2017.

Integra Gold shareholders with questions or who need help voting are encouraged to contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-866-229-8874 toll-free within North America, or 1-416-867-2272 (for collect calls outside North America), or e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.

About Integra Gold

Integra Gold is a junior gold exploration company advancing projects in Val-d'Or, Quebec, one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world. The Company's primary focus is its high-grade Lamaque project. In the fall of 2014, Integra completed the accretive acquisition of the Sigma Mill and Mine Complex, a fully permitted 2,200 ton per day mill and tailings facility. With major federal and provincial permits in place, existing infrastructure and significant exploration potential, this acquisition removed major costs and shortened timelines typically associated with mine projects. Integra has raised over $150 million since 2013, at successively higher share prices, despite depressed gold prices.

About Eldorado

Eldorado is a leading low cost gold producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia and Brazil. The Company's success to date is based on a low cost strategy, a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, and long-term partnerships with the communities where it operates. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

Kingsdale Advisors

If you have any questions, please contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-866-229-8874 toll-free in North America, or 416-867-2272 outside North America or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.

About Institutional Shareholder Services

Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) is the world's leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment (RI) solutions for asset owners, asset managers, hedge funds, and asset service providers. ISS' solutions include: objective governance research and recommendations; RI data, analytics, and research; end-to-end proxy voting and distribution solutions; turnkey securities class-action claims management; and reliable global governance data and modeling tools. Institutional clients turn to ISS to apply their corporate governance views, identify environmental, social and governance risk, and manage their complete proxy voting needs on a global basis. ISS analysts have unique expertise and insight on the governance and RI landscape, local market voting practices and regulatory requirements, along with expertise in varied fields such as law, M&A, compensation, and analytics.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company, including that the Company is able to procure personnel, equipment and supplies required for its exploration activities in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis and that actual results of exploration activities are consistent with management's expectations. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Corporate Inquiries:

Chris Gordon:

chris@integragold.com



Or visit the company website: www.integragold.com



Follow Integra Gold On:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/integragoldcorp
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

The Government of Canada is committed to delivering better services to Canadians in the official language of their choice. As part of this commitment, in November 2016, the President of the Treasury Board, the Honourable Scott Brison, announced a review of the Official Languages Regulations (Communications with and Services to the Public).

Today, Minister Brison announced the creation of the Experts Advisory Group that will advise him directly on the Regulations review. Each member of this volunteer group has considerable professional experience in official languages and has their ear to the ground of minority linguistic communities across the country. The Group will contribute to adopting an effective approach focused on service delivery and to ensuring that the new regulations reflect the needs and socio-demographic realities of these communities.

The Treasury Board Secretariat itself has already embarked on a comprehensive engagement approach in the review of the Regulations and is actively consulting all stakeholders.

Several working groups, representing key stakeholders, have already been established and are meeting regularly to discuss issues and potential solutions around the delivery of bilingual services. Information sessions will also be held and open to all parliamentarians.

New regulations are expected to be tabled in Spring 2019.

In the interim, the government has imposed a moratorium on offices set or likely to lose their bilingual status until new and modernized regulations are in place.

Group members:

-- Senator Claudette Tardif (Alberta) -- Senator Raymonde Gagne (Manitoba) -- Graham Fraser, Former Commissioner of Official Languages -- Mirelle Cyr, Co-Chair, Dialogue New Brunswick

Quote

"Each member of this group is a long-time trusted advocate for the rights of minority linguistic communities. Their expertise, experience and advice will greatly enrich our review to ensure we modernize and improve the Regulations in a way that will better reflect the needs of our communities."

- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board

Associated Links

- Official Languages Act

- Policy on Official Languages

- Official Languages Regulations

Stay connected

Twitter: @TBS_Canada

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourGovernmentatWork/

Experts' Advisory Group for the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations Review

The Government of Canada is undertaking a review of the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations. The Regulations implement some key provisions of Part IV of the Official Languages Act. They specify, for example, the circumstances where a federal institution must provide services in both official languages.

In conducting the review, the President of the Treasury Board has embarked on an open, transparent and comprehensive engagement approach.

Role of the Experts' Advisory Group

The President of the Treasury Board has turned to experts in the field of official languages to provide him with additional external advice in the context of the Regulations' review and created an Experts' Advisory Group (the Group). The vast experience of its members will ensure that the new social and demographic realities of minority linguistic communities can be properly captured. Noting that more than 25 years had passed since the Regulations were first applied, it is important to reflect on lessons learned and to respond to the evolving needs of minority communities as well as those of all Canadians.

Briefings on the progress of the review will be presented to the Group by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) officials. The Group will report directly to the President of the Treasury Board and will provide him with feedback on the options being considered. TBS presentations to the Group will be open to all interested parliamentarians.

Membership

Senator Claudette Tardif

Well-known for her important role as a defender of francophone minority communities, Dr. Claudette Tardif has been a member of the Senate of Canada since 2005. Before being appointed to the Senate, Dr. Tardif was Dean of the Faculte Saint-Jean and acting Vice-President (External Relations) at the University of Alberta. She is also recognized for her important contribution in the field of education.

Raymonde Gagne

Before being appointted to the Senate in 2016, Raymonde Gagne was President of the Universite de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba. Senator Gagne has a long-standing experience in the field of education, and she has played an important role in the development of Francophone communities in Manitoba and elsewhere. She also served as President of the Association des universites de la francophonie canadienne.

Graham Fraser

Former Commissioner of Official Languages, long-time Quebec-based journalist, and prolific author, Graham Fraser possesses broad expertise in the area of linguistic duality and the development of English-speaking and French-speaking communities in Canada. He is also well known for penning "Sorry, I Don't Speak French," which addresses Canada's policy on official bilingualism.

Mirelle Cyr

Mirelle Cyr has more than thirty years' experience in management and coordination of issues concerning Francophonie on a provincial, national and international level. She coordinated federal-provincial negotiations in regards to official languages and set up collaboration mechanisms to maintain open and positive relations between New Brunswick's two official languages communities. She managed the review of the New Brunswick Official Languages Act, led various consultation processes and holds a master's degree in public administration from Universite de Moncton.

Members will not receive a per diem for conducting work as part of the Experts' Advisory Group.

Objectives of the review

The regulatory review is a part of the commitment to deliver enhanced services to minority linguistic communities, in compliance with the Official Languages Act. The review will mainly seek to:

-- develop an improved calculation method of the official language minority population that reflects new socio-demographic realities -- explore opportunities presented by new technologies to improve service delivery in both official languages -- improve bilingual services in the area of transportation

The review process began immediately after the announcement by the President of the Treasury Board in November 2016. New Regulations are expected to be tabled in spring 2019.

Contacts:

Jean-Luc Ferland

Press Secretary

Office of the President of the Treasury Board

613-369-3163



Media Relations

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

613-957-9400 / Toll-free: 1-855-TBS-9-SCT (1-855-827-9728)

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired):

613-369-9371

media@tbs-sct.gc.ca




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Pivot Technology Solutions, Inc. (TSX: PTG), ("Pivot" or the "Company") a full-service information technology provider, today announced that Pivot has formed a strategic partnership with VIQ Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE: VQS), a global expert providing cybersecurity-protected technology and services.

Effective immediately, Pivot will offer VIQ's innovative products - including its recently introduced next generation ultra-secure platform, VIQ CyberCrypt, as well as video capture devices and HD telepresence systems - together with Pivot's end-to-end services to its broad customer base of public organizations and private enterprises.

"We're delighted to become VIQ's partner in Canada for a military-grade technology set that is in high demand worldwide because of its ability to capture digital media evidence in virtually any form - audio, video, photographic and log-based - and make it available to improve customer security, workflow and productivity," said John Conner, EVP Sales and GM for Canada. "Based on our extensive due diligence, we believe our clients will find tremendous value in the combination of VIQ's award-winning platform and Pivot's end-to-end services."

VIQ's solutions are in use in more than 20 countries with tens of thousands of users in over 200 government and private agencies including law enforcement, immigration, medical, legal, insurance, courts, transportation and transcription. Its SaaS-based platform incorporates powerful search and data analytics capabilities, built-in workflow and collaboration functionality. These include chain of custody, audit logs and redaction, integration with various case management platforms, LDAP and active directory databases, automated fixed/cloud centralized storage, granular user customization and unmatched cybersecurity that is certified military grade.

"VIQ's growth is a reflection of great technology but also great partnerships with companies like TeraMach that are able to provide customers with the insightful advice and support they need to extract full value from product ownership," said Peter Kostandenou, CMO of VIQ. "We look forward to growing together in serving the Canadian market."

Said Kevin Shank, President and CEO of Pivot: "One of our strategies is to build on our core business of selling the best IT solutions, both products and services. In VIQ, we have identified a very worthy partner that furthers our objective."

About VIQ Solutions Inc.

VIQ Solutions (TSX VENTURE: VQS) is the leading technology and service platform provider for digital evidence capture and content management for the world's most security conscious organizations. Our secure modular software allows customers to onboard the VIQ platform at any stage of their organization's digitization, from the capture of digital content from video and audio devices through to online collaboration, mobility, data analytics and integration with sensors, facial recognition, speech recognition and case management or patient record systems. VIQ's technology leads the industry in security, meeting the highest international standards for digital/cyber security and privacy, including military and medical regulations. For more information about VIQ Solutions, please visit www.viqsolutions.com.

About Pivot Technology Solutions

Pivot is a leading information technology infrastructure and services provider to approximately 2,000 customers, including many members of the Fortune 500. With offices throughout North America, Pivot uses its knowledge and local presence to help corporations, governments and educational institutions design, build, implement and maintain advanced computing and communication infrastructure. For more information, visit www.pivotts.com.

For more information about VIQ, please visit: www.viqsolutions.com

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:

Sebastien Pare

President and CEO

VIQ Solutions Inc.

(905) 948-8266 ext. 221

spare@viqsolutions.com




KIBBUTZ SASA, Israel, November 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

First Time a RHD (Right Hand Drive) version

On the oncoming show of MILIPOL at Paris, Plasan is going to present a new variant of the SandCat Stormer for police and counter-terrorism units. As a response to the growing domestic terror and violence seen over recent years, Plasan is launching the ultimate anti-terror and riot-control vehicle - and for the First Time a RHD (Right Hand Drive) version is offered for RHD countries.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/604059/Plasan_SandCat_Stormer.jpg )



The new RHD SandCat Stormer is equipped with the all-new SCAT system to address low intensity conflict violence with a variety of non-lethal means, providing precise and proportionate crowd control, preventing civilian casualties, and with no risk to the system operators. SCAT is a roof-mounted RCWS with day & night Imaging, command and control system, dazzler, multi-shot 40mm smoke/gas grenade launcher, Long Range Acoustic Device, and optional rifle.

The SandCat offers unique optimization between protection, payload, and cost by using composite materials to defeat threats once only encountered in warzones, but now seen in attacks on city streets. This includes B6/B7 protection + AK47 7.62x39 AP + Dragunov 7.62x54 AP, a floor protected against two DM51 hand grenades, and more.

Plasan SandCat Stormer is the lightest tactical armored vehicle providing such a high protection level. It is designed to serve in various mission profiles requiring a highly maneuverable and protected vehicle, such as urban law enforcement, peace-keeping, homeland security and border patrol.

It has low cost of ownership by using a reliable commercial Ford F550 Super Duty chassis with a powerful engine and four-wheel-drive, and staying safely within the Ford certified GVW.

The armored cabin comfortably accommodates up to 10 passengers with great attention to the design and ergonomics to allow the team to fulfill their missions safely.

The Plasan SandCat Stormer truly is the ultimate armored SUV.

http://www.plasan.com

For more information, contact:

Meirav Ofir Marcom, Plasan

Tel: +972-542872368

miravo@plasan.com / info@plasan.com


According to the Complaint, during the Class Period, Anadarko made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company's maintenance and safety protocols concerning certain of its vertical wells were inadequate; that due to those shortcomings, these wells were at an increased risk of explosion; and that as a result of the above, Anadarko's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On April 17, 2017, a fatal explosion killed two people and seriously injured another in a home located within 170 feet of an Anadarko well. On April 26, 2017, The Denver Post reported that the Company "plans to shut down 3,000 vertical wells in northeastern Colorado" after the April 17 explosion. On May 2, 2017, the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District concluded that the fatal explosion on April 17 was linked to a faulty gas line connected to an Anadarko well. After release of this news, Anadarko's stock price fell materially, which caused investors harm.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MONROVIA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Eco Petroleum Solutions, Inc. ((OTC PINK: ECPO) or the "Company") announces that IMMB BG a subsidiary of Immunotech Laboratories, Inc., the Company's subsidiary, has issued an exclusive Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement") for the territory of the Ukraine to LLC Project Development and Implementation Centre Omega ("Omega"). The term of the agreement is for an initial ten-year period with an option to renew the agreement for an additional ten years. The Agreement establishes a price of EUR 3,300 (Euros) per one 8-week cycle of injections or 16 vials. The treatment protocol requires two 8-week cycles of injections administered twice a week with a one-week break between cycles. The ITV-1 treatment will be administered with a combination of different variations of Protease Inhibitors used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

The Agreement established a minimum order as 50 doses of the treatment, or 800 vials. The first order placed is for 10,000 units which will undergo manufacturing validation and then delivered to Omega for sale in the Ukraine as soon as the manufacturing permit is issued, which is expected within the next 180 days. This initial validation order is valued at EUR 2,062,500 ($2,116,125 USD). The validation documentation will be completed in batches of 3,300 and necessary documentation to complete the registration process is anticipated to be completed and delivered to the Bulgarian Drug Administration (BDA) by the end of September. Upon successful completion of the validation and review of the resulting documentation by the BDA, the Company expects the permit for the mass production and sale in the EU to be issued. Completion of the process will allow the treatment to be sold throughout the EU and wherever the permit issued by the BDA is recognized, including the Ukraine. The Company expects additional orders to be placed in similar quantities on a monthly basis after the issuance of the permit.

There are an estimated 210,000 individuals infected with the HIV/AIDS virus living in the Ukraine, and 2.5 million individuals throughout Western and Central Europe and another 1.5 million in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Ten thousand vials represent enough ITV-1 to provide 312 individuals with available treatment to complete both 16-week cycles.

The US Patented ITV-1 treatment has successfully completed Phase I, II and III clinical testing in Sofia, Bulgaria through Immunotech Laboratories BG -- Europe LTD, a subsidiary of the acquired entity. The Phase III testing was conducted at the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Sofia, Bulgaria (www.ncipd.org) on a test group of salvage patients suffering from advanced stages of HIV/AIDS using the best modern testing procedures as approved at the latest World Practice Conference. The final report issued by the Ministry of Health demonstrated improvement in the immune indices in the absolute number of Ly, CD3 T, CD4 T, CD8 T, B Ly, NK and in the percentage of CD3 T, CD4 T, CD8 T, B Ly, NK and of the index CD4/CD8, significant decreases in viral load, a good treatment effect on opportunistic infections, compatibility with all of the other modern antiretroviral drugs, and exceptional tolerance in all patients with a complete absents of any major side effects. The treatment did not show any signs of treatment failure due to the development of resistance or toxicity during the Phase III trials as is often the case with the current medications available in the market today. Approximately Eighty percent of the test subjects reported viral loads at a nil level as a result of the treatment with approximately Sixty-Seven percent of the test subjects showing an improved Immune system. The final report of the clinical trial is available on our website: www.immunotechlab.com and IMMB BG's website www.immunh.com.

"The hard work and financial support given to the clinical trial and permitting process by the IMMB BG subsidiary and it Chairman and CEO Dimitar Savov has kept alive the dream of bringing this treatment to HIV/AIDS victims around the world," stated CEO and Chairman Harry Zhabilov.

About Immunotech;

Immunotech Laboratories is a drug development company committed to the commercialization of its proprietary proteins for the treatment of debilitating infectious diseases. Immunotech is committed to creating drugs for the better health of mankind.

Immunotech's flagship compound ITV-1 (Immune Therapeutic Vaccine-1) is a suspension of Inactivated Pepsin Fraction (IPF), which studies have shown is effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. IPF is the active drug substance of ITV-1 and is a purified extract of porcine pepsin. ITV-1 has been shown to modulate the immune system.

Safe Harbor Statement: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties associated with financial projections, budgets, milestone timelines, clinical development, regulatory approvals, and other risks described by Eco Petroleum Solutions, Inc. / Immunotech Laboratories, Inc. from time to time in its periodic reports filed with the SEC. IPF is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or by any comparable regulatory agencies elsewhere in the world.

While Eco Petroleum / Immunotech Laboratories believes that the forward-looking statements and underlying assumptions contained therein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, including, but not limited to, the ability of Eco Petroleum / Immunotech Laboratories to establish the efficacy of IPF in the treatment of any disease or health condition, the development of studies and strategies leading to commercialization of IPF in the United States, the obtaining of funding required to carry out the development plan, the completion of studies and tests on time or at all, and the successful outcome of such studies or tests.

Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, Eco Petroleum / Immunotech Laboratories or any other person that the objectives and plans of Eco Petroleum / Immunotech Laboratories will be achieved should not regard the forward-looking statements as a representation.

IR Contact:

Immunotech Laboratories, Inc.

120 W Pomona Ave

Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone: (626) 538-4779

Fax: (626) 538-4779




According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Signet issued false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that alleged sexual harassment by employees of Signet's Sterling Family of Jewelers division ("Sterling"), including numerous incidents of sexual assault and rape which were detailed in approximately 249 declarations signed under penalty of perjury by current and former Sterling employees, made it unlikely that Signet would be able to avoid paying a sizable amount of damages in connection with a class action lawsuit filed by Sterling employees. Signet's stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period as a result of this information being withheld from the market. On February 27, 2017, The Washington Post reported on widespread allegations of sexual harassment made in the private arbitration that implicated the Company's senior managers and executives. When this information was announced, Signet's stock price fell materially, which harmed investors according to the Complaint.

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.
SYDNEY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aduro Diamonds Pty Ltd ("Aduro Diamonds") is pleased to announceMr. Ronald H. Winston has been appointed to its Board as an Independent Director.

Mr. Winston is the former Chairman and CEO of Harry Winston Inc. Mr. Winston, the son of the founder of Harry Winston, known as the "King of Diamonds", joined Harry Winston Inc. in 1965 and led the company's expansion from two stores into a global luxury jewelry and watch business. Mr. Winston has deep experience in mineral exploration, diamond mining, rough diamond trading, diamond manufacturing, and diamond sales and holds or has held executive and board roles in both large and development stage companies. Mr. Winston is also an accomplished inventor, holding a number of patents, including patents related to diamonds. Mr. Winston served on the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science under President Ronald Reagan.

Aduro Diamonds, a private Australian diamond exploration and mining company, has acquired control of almost all known historically producing diamond mines and significant diamond occurrences in the Copeton and Bingara regions of New South Wales, Australia. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Copeton Diamond Mines Pty Ltd, holds 100% title to six Mining Leases and seven Exploration Licenses, controlling over 850 km2. When the diamond mines at Copeton and Bingara were in commercial production in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, local miners reported high grades of gem quality diamonds, including a number of large colored gem quality stones. Aduro Diamond's objective is to return the Copeton and Bingara diamond deposits to production using modern mining technology.

James Passin, the Founder and Chairman of Aduro Diamonds, commented:

"It is a great honor to welcome Ronald H. Winston to our Board. With the addition of Mr. Winston, one of the world's most highly respected diamond entrepreneurs, Aduro Diamonds is positioned to bring the high grade deep lead diamond deposits of Copeton and Bingara back to commercial production, while continuing the exciting historical exploration work of our predecessors, including BHP Billiton, who did significant work on the ground between 1993 and 1996. Over the last several years, Aduro Diamonds' geological team has assembled all known geological and mining data from work conducted over the last 144 years, and the Company, with the application of the latest in technological advancements, is now poised to move our diamond project towards commerciality."

Ian Johns

+61251007296/+61418409800

ian@copetondiamondmines.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX: TV)(OTCQX: TREVF)(LMA: TV)(FRANKFURT: 4TI) announces that at its recent Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 21, 2017, shareholders re-elected the nominated slate of directors. Shareholders also approved: the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Company for the current fiscal year and authorized the directors to fix the auditors' remuneration; and the amended Stock Option Plan, Stock Bonus Plan and Share Unit Plan.

In accordance with Section 11.3 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, the Company hereby advises of the results of the voting on the matters submitted to the AGM of shareholders of Trevali held on June 21, 2017 (a total of 164,533,327 common shares of the Company were represented at the meeting, representing approximately 40.76 per cent of the total number of common shares of the corporation's issued and outstanding).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description of Matter Outcome of Votes Votes Votes Vote For Withheld Against ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Election of the following Resolution directors of the approved by Company: ballot ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Cruise 164,302,903 230,175 (99.86%) (0.14%) n/a ------------------------------------------------------------- Anton Drescher 145,420,639 19,112,439 (88.38%) (11.62%) ------------------------------------------------------------- Christopher Eskdale 141,607,313 22,925,765 (86.07%) (13.93%) ------------------------------------------------------------- Catherine Gignac 164,242,903 290,175 (99.82%) (0.18%) ------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Hoffman 164,263,903 269,175 (99.84%) (0.16%) ------------------------------------------------------------- David Huberman 164,236,903 296,175 (99.82%) (0.18%) ------------------------------------------------------------- David Korbin 164,286,403 246,675 (99.85%) (0.15%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Appointment of Resolution 164,169,537 227,325 n/a PricewaterhouseCoopers approved by (99.86%) (0.14%) LLP, Chartered a show of Professional hands Accountants, as auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 and authorizing the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Approval of amendments to Resolution 110,408,511 n/a 54,124,567 the Stock Option and approved by (67.10%) (32.90%) Stock Bonus Plan ballot ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Approval of amendments to Resolution 107,010,331 n/a 57,522,747 the Share Unit Plan approved by (65.04%) (34.96%) ballot ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION

Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with two commercially producing operations.

The Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander mine in Peru and its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. Trevali also owns the Halfmile and Stratmat base metal deposits, located in New Brunswick, that are currently undergoing a Preliminary Economic Assessment reviewing their potential development. Additionally, the Company has entered into a definitive agreement with Glencore PLC to acquire a portfolio of zinc assets from Glencore, including an 80.08% interest in the Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia, a 90% interest in the Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso, an effective 39.24% interest in the Gergarub project in Namibia, an option to acquire 100% interest in the Heath Steele property in Canada and certain related exploration properties and assets.

The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of TREVALI MINING CORPORATION

Mark D. Cruise, President

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the expected benefits of the proposed Transaction, the closing the Transaction" including the anticipated timing thereof, the satisfaction of all conditions to closing the Transaction and the Offering including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary consents and approvals, the completion of the debt financing, the Company's plan to prepare a new PEA for its Halfmile and Stratmat properties, the accuracy of estimated mineral resources, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices, expectations that environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources. These statements reflect 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 uncertainties and contingencies.

These statements reflect 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 uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Peruvian sol versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company's business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

Trevali's production plan at the Caribou Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Trevali's production plan at the Santander Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is therefore no certainty that the conclusions of the production plans and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be realized. Additionally, where Trevali discusses exploration/expansion potential, any potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

We advise US investors that while the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

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. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Contacts:

Steve Stakiw

Vice President,

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

(604) 488-1661 / Direct: (604) 638-5623

sstakiw@trevali.com

www.trevali.com




The global human combination vaccines market is expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 9% during the forecast period, according to Technavio's latest market research.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006058/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global human combination vaccines market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In this market research report, Technaviocovers the market outlook and growth prospects of the globalhuman combination vaccinesmarketfor 2017-2021. The market is further categorized into two types comprising of human combination inactivated vaccines and human combination live attenuated vaccines. The human combination live attenuated vaccines accounted for more than 80% of the market share in 2016.

"The global human combination vaccines market will grow at a high rate during the forecast period due to increasing cases of infectious diseases in developed and developing countries. In addition there is an urgent need to address viral resistance with human combination vaccines," says Sapna Jha, a leadresearch expert on vaccines from Technavio.

Technavio's research analysts segment the global human combination vaccines market into the following regions:

Americas

EMEA

APAC

Human combination vaccines market in Americas

The human combination vaccines market in the Americas dominated the global market with a 46% share in 2016. The market is growing due to strict regulatory norms that recommend proper vaccination of infants born in the region. The continuous efforts by vendors and national organizations to promote the use of human combination vaccines will further drive the market growth in the Americas.

For instance, Merck, a large player engaged in the development and commercialization of therapeutics and vaccines, announced the launch of ILUM Health Solutions in February 2016. ILUM is an organization that provides disease management tools and services to patients with infectious diseases such as sepsis and pneumonia, thereby significantly improving the treatment outcomes.

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

Human combination vaccines market in EMEA

In 2016, the human combination vaccines market in EMEA followed the Americas with a market share of around 36%. This market is expected to grow at a moderate rate during the forecast period due to rising awareness and established healthcare infrastructure in Europe.

Continuous efforts by vendors for the development of newer human combination vaccines will provide vast coverage against various diseases. For instance, in February 2016, Sanofi obtained a European license for its PR5i hexavalent combination vaccine, which will be marketed as Vaxelis. This vaccine will provide immunization coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, HIB, and Hep B infections.

Human combination vaccines market in APAC

"The human combination vaccines market in APAC had the lowest market share of more than 18% in 2016. However, the market is expected to grow at a higher rate than other regions during the forecast period due to increasing pediatric population and rising awareness about vaccinations," says Sapna.

Increase in partnerships between vendors to develop innovative vaccines will also drive the market growth. For instance, in March 2012, GlaxoSmithKline signed an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo to create the number one vaccines company in Japan.

The top vendors in the global human combination vaccines market as highlighted in this market research analysis are:

GlaxoSmithKline

Merck

Sanofi

Browse Related Reports:

Global Travel Vaccines Market 2016-2020

Global Pneumococcal Vaccine Market 2016-2020

Global Meningococcal Vaccines Market 2016-2020

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 patient monitoring devicesmedical imaging, and oncology. 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/20170622006058/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
First-of-its-kind Social Media Analytics Platform

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), a leading provider of global Business Process Management (BPM) services, today announced the launch of an enhanced version of WNS SocioSEER a proprietary social media analytics platform that leverages machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a true "brand equity index", enabling clients to drive competitive advantage.

"Organizations today need an intelligent, proactive way of gathering brand insights to help stay in touch with changing customer expectations. The enhanced version of WNS SocioSEERincorporates advanced AI and deep learning modules combined with domain expertise to help organizations proactively manage and improve brand health, customer centricity and top-line growth," said Keshav Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS.

SocioSEER is a cloud-based solution powered by WNS' proprietary self-learning algorithms which deliver easy-to-use customized metrics, indices, target lists and analysis. The platform filters, categorizes and classifies millions of social media mentions to help clients understand, transform and improve their online brand. SocioSEER is deployed in multiple WNS client engagements, including industry leaders in pharmaceuticals, airlines, beverages, retail and media.

WNS' analytics practice currently has over 2,200 researchers and analytics experts, delivering for more than 50 global businesses across industries. WNS provides a broad spectrum of analytics products and services including big data, business intelligence and reporting, machine learning, research, marketing, social media, risk, fraud, claims, and customer relationship management. The WNS Analytics practice is complemented by a robust R&D center, focused on innovation and emerging technologies.

About WNS

WNS (Holdings) Limited (NYSE: WNS), is a leading global business process management company. WNS offers business value to 300+ global clients by combining operational excellence with deep domain expertise in key industry verticals including Travel, Insurance, Banking and Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Shipping and Logistics, Healthcare and Utilities. WNS delivers an entire spectrum of business process management services such as finance and accounting, customer interaction services, technology solutions, research and analytics and industry specific back office and front office processes. As of March 31, 2017, WNS had 33,968 professionals across 48 delivery centers worldwide including China, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information, visit www.wns.com.

Safe Harbor Provision

This document includes information which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied are discussed in our most recent Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. WNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006079/en/

Contacts:

Investors

WNS (Holdings) Limited

David Mackey

Corporate SVP Finance Head of Investor Relations

+1 (201) 942-6261

david.mackey@wns.com

or

Media

WNS (Holdings) Limited

Archana Raghuram

Head Corporate Communications

+91 (22) 4095 2397

archana.raghuram@wns.com; pr@wns.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Belo Sun Mining Corp. ("Belo Sun" or the "Company") (TSX: BSX) reports that the judge of the Agrarian Court of Altamira has lifted the temporary injunction related to the Construction Licence ("LI") for the Volta Grande Project (see press release dated February 22, 2017).

Belo Sun will continue to work with the communities in the Volta Grande Project's area of influence, as well as all governmental agencies and the courts, to ensure that all requirements and obligations are met. The Company continues to work diligently towards resolving the second suspension order against the LI related to the indigenous study, which it hopes will be positively resolved in a timely manner (see press release dated April 12, 2017).

About Belo Sun Mining

Belo Sun Mining Corp. is a Canadian-based mining company with a portfolio of gold-focused properties in Brazil. The Company is currently focused on the development of its 100%-owned flagship Volta Grande project. Belo Sun trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "BSX". For more information, please visit www.belosun.com or contact Investor Relations at +1 (416) 309-2137.

Caution regarding forward-looking information:

This press release contains "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the next steps for the property, work to be conducted by the Company in the project's area of influence, the lifting of the Court ordered injunction, resolving the suspension order related to the indigenous study and the future financial or operating performance of the Company. Generally, 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". The Company has based its production forecasts on the results of the feasibility study (please see the related technical report available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website for details on the underlying assumptions and parameters. 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: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of current exploration activities; other risks of the mining industry and the risks described in the annual information form of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

+1 (416) 309-2137




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Changfeng Energy Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CFY) ("Changfeng" or the "Corporation") announced today that both Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"), two leading independent proxy research and advisory firms, have published reports recommending that Changfeng shareholders vote FOR a resolution (the "Loan Discharge Resolution") to approve a Loan Discharge Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Changfeng will repay indebtedness owed to a related party for an aggregate amount of Chinese RMB 36,000,000. Shareholders are being asked to vote on the Loan Discharge Resolution at Changfeng's upcoming annual and special meeting of shareholders scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2017.

In making its recommendation, ISS noted the following in its report:

-- "Based on the loan valuation prepared by (Valuation Support Partners Limited), the fair market value of the loan is estimated to be between 36,870,000 and 38,830,000 RMB as at December 31, 2016. Therefore, repayment amount of the loan is reasonable. Meanwhile, as the company is determined to use available funds to repay the loan, there won't be any dilution effects to shareholders. And considering company's current financial positions, it has sufficient funds to support the repayment and discharge." -- "In light of the reasonable terms associated with the related-party loan, company's sufficient liquidity to repay the loan and the requirement of HKSE listing, vote FOR (...) the Loan Discharge Resolution."

Glass Lewis also concluded that the Loan Discharge Agreement is in the best interests of Changfeng's shareholders, stating that "management and the board are in the best position to make decisions regarding the Company's finances.... (...) We understand that in order for the Company to list on the HKSE, these requirements must be met. We are therefore inclined to support the terms of the proposal."

Changfeng encourages all of its shareholders to read the Management Proxy Circular dated June 1, 2017 (the "Circular") for a detailed description of the Loan Discharge Agreement and proposed transaction. The Circular was mailed to shareholders of record as at May 30, 2017 and is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The board of directors of Changfeng, after taking into account, among other things, the unanimous recommendation of its special committee and after receiving legal and financial advice, has determined that the Loan Discharge Agreement is in the best interests of Changfeng and, accordingly, unanimously recommends that Changfeng shareholders vote FOR the Loan Discharge Resolution.

How to Vote

Changfeng shareholders are urged to vote before the proxy cut-off time of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 using the methods below.

Registered shareholders

Shareholders who have physical certificates representing their shares may vote by telephone, fax, mail or via the Internet.

To vote by telephone, call 1-866-732-8683 from a touch tone phone. When prompted, enter your Control Number listed on the proxy and follow the voting instructions. To vote via the Internet, go to www.investorvote.com and enter your Control Number listed on the proxy and follow the voting instructions on the screen. If you vote by telephone or via the Internet, do not complete or return the form of proxy.

Non-registered shareholders

Shareholders who hold their shares through a broker or other intermediary may vote by telephone, mail or via the Internet.

To vote by telephone, call 1-866-732-8683 from a touch tone phone. When prompted, enter your Control Number listed on the proxy and follow the voting instructions. To vote via the Internet, go to www.investorvote.com and enter your Control Number listed on the proxy and follow the voting instructions on the screen. If you vote by telephone or via the Internet, do not complete or return the form of proxy.

About Changfeng Energy Inc.

Changfeng Energy Inc. is a natural gas service provider with operations located throughout the People's Republic of China. The Corporation services industrial, commercial and residential customers, providing them with natural gas for heating purposes and fuel for transportation. The Corporation has developed a significant natural gas pipeline network as well as urban gas delivery networks, stations, substations and gas pressure regulating stations in Sanya City & Haitang Bay. Through its network of pipelines, the Corporation provides safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to both homes and businesses. The Corporation is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "CFY". For more information, please visit the Corporation's website at www.changfengenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this document are Forward-Looking Statements, including statements regarding activities, events or developments that the Corporation expects or anticipates may occur in the future. These Forward-Looking Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof. No assurance can be given that the plans, intentions or expectations or assumptions upon which these Forward-Looking Statements are based will prove to be correct and such Forward-Looking Statements included in the document should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-Looking Statements in this document include the repayment of indebtedness using available funds pursuant to the Loan Discharge Agreement and the intention of the Corporation to pursue a listing on the HKSE.

Although management believes that the expectations represented in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such Forward-Looking Statements are not a guarantee of performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Statements. These factors include, without limitation, no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and no significant and continuing adverse changes in financial markets. Shareholders are cautioned that all Forward-Looking Statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Corporation's filings with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. The Corporation urges shareholders to carefully consider those factors.

The Forward-Looking Statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Mr. Yan Zhao CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer

647.313.0066

yan.zhao@changfengenergy.cn



Ms Ann S. Lin

VP, Corporate Development and Corporate Secretary

647.313.0066

Siyin.lin@changfengenergy.cn




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Antler Hill Oil & Gas Ltd. (NEX: AHO.H) (the "Corporation" or "Antler Hill"), a capital pool company listed on the NEX, announces that Victor Luhowy and Kenneth MacRitchie have resigned as directors and officers of the Corporation effective June 20, 2017 and the following individuals have been appointed, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, to fill the resulting vacancies: Matthew Wood, Peter Bures, Aneel Waraich, and Ali Haji. The Corporation wishes to thank Mr. Luhowy and Mr. MacRitchie for their dedication and wish them well in retirement.

Summary of Directors and Officers

After giving effect to the above-noted appointments, the Board of Directors of the Corporation will consist of four directors, provided the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") does not object to such nominations and such persons are eligible to act as directors pursuant to the requirements of applicable corporate law. The officers of the Corporation will be appointed by the Board of Directors, subject to Exchange acceptance, and will include Matthew Wood as Chairman, Peter Bures as Chief Executive Officer, Jing Peng as Chief Financial Officer, and David D. Heighington as Corporate Secretary. The following is a description of the backgrounds of the new directors and officers:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Wood, Mr. Wood is currently President, Chief Chairman and Director Executive Officer and a Director of Five Star Diamonds Limited. Mr. Wood is an outstanding mineral resource explorer and developer with over 25 years global industry experience in mining and commodities investment. He has managed successful deals in diamonds, coal, energy, ferrous metals, base and precious metals and other commodities. His unique skills in technical and economic evaluation of resource opportunities has been proven by an impressive record of nurturing resource deals from early stage, to market listings and successful exit strategies for his investors. Mr. Wood has an Honours Degree in Geology from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Certificate in Mineral Economics from the Western Australian School of Mines. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Bures, Mr. Bures spent the first few years of his Chief Executive Officer and career at Placer Dome mines in Timmins, Director Ontario followed by 10 years on the sell side in equity research. Mr. Bures worked at Deutsche Bank, HSBC in New York and Toronto, and as Precious Metals & Mining Analyst/Strategist for Orion Securities (Toronto). In 2007 Mr. Bures transitioned to the buy side with Sentry Investments as an associate portfolio manager, specializing in metals and mining where he co-managed several top-ranked funds. Mr. Bures joined the BMO Capital Markets institutional sales desk in New York in 2011 as Director Global Mining Sales. Mr. Bures was most recently with Canaccord as VP analyst covering gold and silver producers and royalty companies. Mr. Bures holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (geological and mineral engineering) from the University of Toronto. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aneel Waraich, Mr. Waraich is the co-founder and Executive Director Director of Steppe Gold Ltd., a near-term precious metals producer in Mongolia. Mr. Waraich is also founder and managing partner of ATMA Capital Markets and ATMACORP LTD. and is a financial services professional with progressive experience in both the asset management and corporate finance businesses. Mr. Waraich focuses primarily on advising public and private companies in the Natural Resources sector. In previous roles at Goodman and Company Investment Counsel and Dundee Capital Markets he worked as an analyst valuating private equity companies. Most recently Mr. Waraich worked as an investment banker focusing on deal origination, going-public transactions and financings for both public and private companies in the resource and technology sectors. Mr. Waraich completed his MBA from the Goodman Institute of Investment Management at the John Molson School of Business and is also a level III Candidate for the CFA  program. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ali Haji, Mr. Haji has extensive knowledge of the Director financial services sector after having spent over 11 years in the Asset Management Industry performing strategic and process improvement roles. He started his career as a technology analyst at Invesco Ltd. in 2006 and advanced into various roles including Technology Risk, Controls, Program Management, and Process Improvement with international assignments involving mergers and acquisitions in Hong Kong, U.S.A and Australia. Most recently, he was also a principal contributor to the creation of a Center of Excellence in London, England for Invesco Ltd. Mr. Haji attended The University of Western Ontario and holds a BSc in Computer Science. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jing Peng, Mr. Peng is a Canadian Chartered Professional Chief Financial Officer Accountant. He has worked in public accounting for the past ten years providing financial services primarily to junior exploration companies. Mr. Peng has served as CFO and director of several Canadian reporting issuers. In addition, since December 2010, Mr. Peng has been the senior financial analyst at Marrelli Support Services, a supplier of accounting and reporting services. Prior thereto, Mr. Peng was a senior account at MSCM LLP from June 2009 to December 2010 and at KPMG LLP January 2007 to June 2009. Mr. Peng holds a Master's degree in Management and Professional Accounting from Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- David D. Heighington, Mr. Heighington is a lawyer and founder of Corporate Secretary Heighington Law Firm, a securities and corporate law boutique operating in Calgary, Alberta since 2000. Mr. Heighington specializes in corporate and securities law with a particular focus on publicly traded companies in the mining, oil and gas, and technology sectors. Mr. Heighington has served as a director and officer of numerous publicly traded companies listed on the TSXV . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Private Placement

The Corporation will proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 39,000,000 common shares (the "Shares") at $0.015 per Share for gross proceeds of up to $585,000 (the "Offering").

The pricing of the Offering is in reliance on the temporary relief measures established by the Exchange, and therefore the Offering and pricing of the Offering require approval of the Exchange having regard to the temporary relief criteria set out in the Exchange's bulletin of April 7, 2014, in relation to the extension and modification of temporary relief from certain pricing requirements (the "Temporary Relief Measures"). In order to comply with the Temporary Relief Measures, the board of directors is proposing to consolidate the Corporation's issued and outstanding common shares on a 1 for 3.3333333 basis, resulting in 1 new common share for every 3.3333333 old common shares. The consolidation will increase the Corporation's flexibility and competitiveness in the marketplace, and make the Corporation's securities more attractive to a wider audience of potential investors, thereby resulting in a more efficient market for the common shares. In order to complete the Offering, which is being made in reliance on the Temporary Relief Measures, the Corporation has provided a written undertaking to the Exchange to hold a special shareholders meeting to approve the consolidation within 180 days of completion of the Offering. A follow-up news release with further details will be issued when the special shareholders meeting has been convened.

Closing of the Offering is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the TSXV. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital.

The Company will provide a further announcement shortly regarding the resumption of trading.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Contacts:

Antler Hill Oil & Gas Ltd.

Peter Bures

CEO and Director

Phone: (647) 951-6511

E-Mail: peter@atmacapitalmarkets.com




Sustainability is becoming a major concern for the packaging industry worldwide, which accounts for a significant portion of the total waste reaching landfills each year. In order to reduce the negative impact packaging has on the environment, vendors need to invest in sustainable packaging materials, monitor their waste, and comply with changing government regulations regarding how packaging and its aftermath should be dealt with. Details on the developments towards sustainability in the packaging industry worldwide are some of this week's top stories on BizVibe

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006129/en/

Sustainability is Becoming a Top Concern for the Packaging Industry BizVibe (Graphic: Business Wire)

BizVibe is the world's smartest B2B marketplace and allows users to discover high-quality leads, contact prospects, and source quotes. Register today to connect with over 18,000 packaging companiesaround the globe.

Singapore's only landfill will be full by 2035

Singapore's National Environment Agency has announced thatthe country's only remaining landfill site will be full by 2035 if current trends regarding packaging waste continue. Semaku Landfill has the capacity to hold enough incinerated waste to fill more than 6,600 Olympic-size swimming pools, but the total amount of packaging waste generated in Singapore in 2016 alone was enough to fill more than 1,000 Olympic-size swimming pools.

The NEA is putting into place regulations that will help to combat the excess generation of waste from packaging. By 2021, companies in Singapore will be required to report how much waste they have generated and other data related to their packaging activities. They will also have to update their packaging waste reduction plans annually.

Read the entire packaging waste article here

Sustainable packaging market growing globally

More than ever, manufacturers are adopting sustainable packaging materials and practices. Manufacturers must examine the entire product lifecycle and supply chain, working to ensure that the final product will be used and disposed of in a way that does not cause environmental damage.

Paper and paperboard, bioplastics, and corrugated cardboard are currently the most commonly used sustainable packaging materials available in the market. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of almost 8% by 2020, and is experiencing more significant growth in regions with high urban populations.

Read the entire sustainable packaging article here

In addition to packaging companies, BizVibe is home to a total of 7 million companies across a variety of industries. The BizVibe platform allows you to discover the highest quality leads and make meaningful connections with your companies of interest in real time. Claim your company profile for free and let BizVibe connect you with potential business partners. For mobile, don't forget to connect on-the-go via BizVibe's mobile app

About BizVibe

The single-minded focus of BizVibe's platform is to make networking easier. Over the years, we've searched far and wide to figure out how businesses connect and enable trade. That first interaction is usually fraught with the uncertainty of finding a potential partner vs. a potential nightmare. With this in mind, we've designed a robust set of tools to help companies generate leads, shortlist prospects, network with businesses from around the world and trade seamlessly.

BizVibe is headquartered in Toronto, and has offices in London, Bangalore and Beijing. For more information on the BizVibe network, please contact us

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006129/en/

Contacts:

Jesse Maida

BizVibe Media Marketing Executive

media@bizvibe.com
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- The appointed liquidator for the Magma Fund Ltd. (the "Magma Fund") and the Firestone Fund Ltd. (the "Firestone Fund" and collectively with the Magma Fund, the "Funds") announced today the filing of an Amended and Restated Early Warning Report under Part 5 of Multilateral Instrument 62-104 - Take-over Bids and Issuer Bids reporting on the control and direction acquired as part of the liquidation process of the Funds over the securities of North Sea Energy Inc. (the "Company"). This filing was required following comments received from the Ontario Securities Commission following the initial Early Warning Report filed by the Funds on September 6, 2016.

Currently, the liquidator appointed for the liquidation of the Magma Fund, Mr. Alexandre Orloff, has control and direction over 10,141,096 common shares of the Company or approximately 17.1% of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (collectively, the "Common Shares") and the liquidator appointed for the liquidation of the Firestone Fund, also Mr. Alexandre Orloff, has control and direction over 3,504,262 Common Shares or approximately 5.91% of all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Collectively, the liquidator of the Funds has control and direction over 13,645,358 Common Shares or approximately 23.01% of all of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

The Funds are currently in liquidation process under the supervision of Mr. Alexandre Orloff, an independent liquidator who was appointed by the directors of each of the Funds on April 22, 2010. As such, the liquidator for the Funds will over time dispose of the Common Shares. The Common Shares were acquired by the Funds for investment purposes and not for the purpose of exercising control or direction over the Company.

Contacts:

The Magma Fund Ltd. and the Firestone Fund Ltd.

c/o Liquidateur NSE

Case Postale 3455 1211 Geneve 3

Switzerland

NSEliquidator@yahoo.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Mr. Anthony J. Cohen issues this press release pursuant to Part 3.1 of National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues with respect to Plato Gold Corp. (the "Company"). Mr. Cohen is a director and significant shareholder of the Company.

On June 22, 2017, Mr. Cohen was issued an unsecured convertible debenture (the "Cohen Debenture") in the principal amount of $50,000.00 (the "Transaction"). The Debenture is convertible, at the option of the holder, into common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a conversation price equal to (i) in the first year following acquisition of the Cohen Debenture, $0.05 and (ii) in the subsequent second and third years following acquisition of the Cohen Debenture, $0.10. The Cohen Debenture matures on June 22, 2020.

The Cohen Debenture was acquired as part of an aggregate offering (the "Offering") of $300,000 of Unsecured Convertible Debentures of the Company (the "2020 Convertible Debentures") due (i) as to the amount of $250,000, on June 15, 2020, and (ii) as to the amount of $50,000, on June 20, 2020.

Prior to the Transaction, Mr. Cohen directly and indirectly owned and controlled the following securities:

-- 17,002,059 Common Shares held directly; -- 12,582,993 Common Shares held indirectly by CEYX Properties Ltd. ("CEYX"), a corporation which Mr. Cohen controls; -- 833,333 Common Shares held indirectly by 1338823 Alberta ULC; and -- 750,000 stock options to acquire Common Shares (the "Cohen Options").

Prior to Transaction, Mr. Cohen directly and indirectly owned and controlled 31,168,385 Common Shares, on a partially diluted basis (assuming exercise of the Cohen Options), which represented 20.38% of the 152,936,655 Common Shares outstanding on a partially diluted basis prior to the acquisition of the Debentures, comprised of: (i) 148,091,655 Common Shares outstanding prior to the completion of the Offering, and (ii) 4,845,000 Common Shares that may be issued on exercise of stock options to acquire common shares of the Company ("Plato Options").

Following the acquisition of the Debenture, Mr. Cohen directly and indirectly owned and controlled an aggregate of:

-- 17,002,059 Common Shares held directly; -- 12,582,993 Common Shares held indirectly by CEYX; -- 833,333 Common Shares held indirectly by 1338823 Alberta ULC; -- 750,000 Plato Options; and -- A Convertible Debenture in the principal amount of $50,000.00 that may be converted into up to (i) 1,000,000 Common Shares in the first year at a conversion price equal to $0.05, and (ii) 500,000 Common Shares in the subsequent second and third years at a conversion price equal to $0.10. The Convertible Debenture has a maturity date of June 22, 2020.

Assuming issuance of the Common Shares on conversion of the Cohen Debenture in the first year, Cohen will directly and indirectly own and control 32,168,385 Common Shares, on a partially diluted basis (assuming exercise of the Cohen Options and the conversion of the Cohen Debenture in the first year), which represents 20.24% of the 158,936,655 Common Shares outstanding on a partially diluted basis following completion of the Offering, comprised of: (i) 148,091,655 Common Shares outstanding following the completion of the Offering, (ii) 4,845,000 Common Shares that may be exercised on exercise of all Plato Options; and (iii) 6,000,000 Common Shares that may be issued on conversion of all of the 2020 Convertible Debentures in their first year after issuance.

The Cohen Debenture was acquired for investment purposes. Depending on the evolution of the Company's business, financial condition, the market, if any, for the Company's securities, general economic conditions and other factors, Mr. Cohen and his joint actors may acquire additional securities of the Company, or sell some or all of the securities they hold, in the open market, by private agreement or otherwise, subject to their availability at attractive prices, market conditions, and other relevant factors. Depending on market conditions, general economic conditions, the Company's business and financial condition and other factors, Mr. Cohen may develop such plans or intentions in the future.

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:

Anthony J. Cohen

1300 Bay Street, Suite 300

Toronto, ON, M5R 3K8

acohen@platogold.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 06/22/17 -- Crystal Peak Minerals Inc. ("Crystal Peak" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: CPM)(OTCQX: CPMMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a convertible loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with EMR Capital Investment (No. 5B) Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of EMR Capital Resources Fund 1, LP ("EMR"), its largest shareholder, pursuant to which EMR will lend Crystal Peak US$12,000,000 (the "Loan"). The Loan will mature in 18 months from the date of issuance, and will bear interest at the rate of 12%, compounded quarterly.

The principal amount of the Loan, in whole or in part, is convertible into common shares of the Company at the option of the holder, at a price per common share of C$0.55. In addition, the interest on the Loan is payable in common shares of Crystal Peak at the market price of the Company on the earlier of the date of conversion or certain prescribed interest payment dates, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Crystal Peak intends to use the funds received from the Loan to fund the continuing development program for its specialty fertilizer project on the Sevier Playa in southwestern Utah, U.S.A. including construction and engineering activities for the project as well as for general working capital purposes.

The closing of the Loan is subject to certain customary closing conditions set out in the Loan Agreement and is expected to take place on or about June 29, 2017. All of the securities issued pursuant to the Loan Agreement will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the closing date of the Loan. The Loan remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Crystal Peak Minerals Inc.

Crystal Peak is focused on the production of premium specialty fertilizers. Crystal Peak controls, directly or through agreement, mineral leases on more than 124,000 acres on its Sevier Playa property in Millard County, Utah. With a brine mineral resource known to contain potassium, magnesium, sulphate, lithium, and a suite of other beneficial minerals, Crystal Peak is targeting the production of specialty fertilizers, initially focused on potassium sulphate ("SOP"), through the use of a cost-effective solar evaporation process. SOP and other specialty fertilizers are used in the production of high value, chloride-sensitive crops such as fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. Crystal Peak is currently engaged in engineering and analysis designed to support a feasibility study, environmental permitting, and ultimately mineral production.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the completion and timing of the Loan; the feasibility study and the results thereof; the targeting of the development and production of specialty fertilizers and associated minerals, including SOP, lithium, and magnesium compounds through the use of a cost-effective solar evaporation process; and Crystal Peak's future business. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "is expected", "expects" or "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases; or terms that state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "could occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Crystal Peak to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although Crystal Peak has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Crystal Peak does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Crystal Peak Minerals Inc.

Lance D'Ambrosio

Chief Executive Officer

(801) 485-0223

lance@crystalpeakminerals.com




Adams Street Partners, a Chicago, IL-based private markets investment firm, raised $475m across their venture/growth equity fund programs.

The Adams Street Venture/Growth Team leads $5m to $30m investments into high growth technology and healthcare companies, and deploys between $125m and $150m per year. The team has nine dedicated investment professionals across its Menlo Park and Chicago offices, and focuses on venture capital and growth equity investments in the SaaS, Mobile, Cloud, Security, FinTech, Healthcare IT, Medical Device, and BioPharma sectors.

Led by Terry Gould, Partner & Head of Direct Investments, Adams Street Partners has made over 225 investments into technology and healthcare companies since its inception in 1972. The Venture/Growth Team has an active portfolio of over 50 companies, and collectively serves on the board of more than 40 of these companies.

Adams Street Partners is one of the largest and most established private markets investment firms in the world managing $30 billion of assets across five strategies  primary and secondary private equity fund investments, co-investments, private credit investments, and direct venture/growth investments. The firm employs 150+ professionals in Beijing, Boston, Chicago, London, Menlo Park, Munich, New York, Singapore, and Tokyo.

FinSMEs

22/06/2017
Avitide, Inc., a Lebanon, N.H.-based company that specializes in the discovery, and manufacture of exclusive biopharmaceutical affinity purification solutions, closed a Series E financing.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The round was led by Sands Capital Ventures with participation from Mithril Capital Management, Polaris Partners, NeoMed Management, OrbiMed Advisors, and Borealis Ventures. In conjuntuon with the funding, Ian Ratcliffe of Sands Capital Ventures joined Avitides Board of Directors.

The company intends to use the proceeds to fund ongoing operations with a target to reach profitability by 2019.

Led by Kevin Isett, CEO and Co-Founder, Avitide discovers, manufactures and supplies molecule-specific biopharmaceutical purification solutions deployed against an array of bio-molecules such as enzymes, antibody-based therapeutics, recombinant vaccines, and gene therapies. The companys proprietary affinity separation technology enables partners to achieve faster bioprocess development timelines, reduced program risk, predictable commercial scalability, and lower cost of manufacturing for batch and continuous operations.

FinSMEs

22/06/2017
CleanCapital, a New York City-based online marketplace for clean energy investing, raised an undisclosed amount of Series A funding.

Backers included Ron Suber, Jon Barlow, and Bradley Pattelli.

The company will use the new capital to implement their technology roadmap and continue scaling operations, growing its team, and expanding opportunities for clean energy investing.

Founded in 2015 by Thomas Byrne, CEO, CleanCapital is an innovative online marketplace for clean energy investing. It allows accredited investorsincluding institutional investors, family offices, and investment fundsto invest in secure and diversified clean energy projects. Investors can monitor investments in real-time using our seamless online platform.

To date, the company has financed over $40M of solar projects and more than 20 MW in operating solar assets.

FinSMEs

22/06/2017
Iconovo, a Lund, Sweden-based developer of inhalers for drugs that treat conditions such as asthma and COPD, raised 2.3m in funding.

The name of the backers were not disclosed.

The company will use the funds to expand its offering to also include drug development.

Led by Orest Lastow, CEO, Iconovo is a developer of inhalers for medications to treat conditions such as asthma and COPD, vaccines and biologics.

The company, a member of SmiLe incubator in Medicon Village in Lund, Sweden, has already signed an agreement for a licensing deal and a product development project with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, New Jersey, USA, that produce and market generic drug products. The agreement includes an up-front payment and milestone payments in the mid-single digit Euro millions range.

FinSMEs

22/06/2017
Lingokids (fka Monkimun), a San Francisco, CA-based developer of language learning services for early childhood, raised $4m in funding.

The round was led by Holtzbrinck Ventures, JME Venture Capital with participation from Bessemer Ventures Partners.

The company intends to use the funds to expand the offering, grow into new regions and reach the goal of having 15m families using its services by 2018.

Launched in 2016 and led by Cristobal Viedma, CEO, Lingokids provides subscription based language learning services for early childhood to two million families. Its current offering includes English and simplified Chinese with plans to launch Spanish in the coming months.

In conjunction with the funding, the company has also announced a new distribution agreement with educational publisher Oxford University Press to make available course-specific learning content inside Lingokids, to extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage parent participation. With this new collaboration, OUP will start bundling physical books with Lingokids and distribute the package in schools around the world.

The company had raised $1.5m in seed funding from 500 Startups, K-Funds founding partners, SHO-zemi Innovation Ventures, Incuvest and angel investor Gwynne Shotwell.

FinSMEs

22/06/2017
During the last couple of weeks a section of farm community are on agitation in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is not for the first time that farmers have gone on agitation against the establishment. In fact, the country witnessed much stronger agitations led by more powerful kisan leaders in different regions. Every time the farmers have come out with the same demand that is remunerative prices for their produces. There is nothing wrong in a producer of a product or service demanding a just price. But the fundamental issue is why should only a farmer demand a just price for his product? Why cannot he command a price, especially, now that we have adopted market economy, in the same way as suppliers of non-agricultural produces?

Unfortunately, neither policy-makers nor so-called farm leaders tried to address this fundamental question. Instead of making the farmers to be at the mercy of government of the day, attempt should have been to strengthen them as an effective supply force in the market. Every time farmers come to street, political leadership tries to douse the fire as a panic reaction. May be, because of the fact that farm sector constitutes not only a large vote bank but also effectively participates in democratic process unlike the comparatively better educated urban sector. No doubt, political leadership devised an easy tool called minimum support price (MSP). It has become religious ritual that every year central cabinet meets to revise MSP upwards. No government failed in its duty of revising upwards. Until 1996 upward revision used to be in the range of around Rs 10 per quintal which now has gone up beyond Rs 50 per quintal since the United Front government in the late nineties. No government including the Modi government which appears to have sound economic approach other-wise mustered courage to re-look at MSP as a tool to rescue farmers. In addition, many state governments also contribute bonus price.

Attempt to resolve farm crisis is explained in terms of competitive upward revision of MSP. Still nobody bothers to understand why farmers continue to commit suicide despite continuous rise in MSP by practically every successive government. First of all, as the very word minimum support price suggests, it becomes effective in protecting interests of farmers when market price crashes. In fact, the very objective of the policy is to ensure minimum price when market prices crash. This appeared like working well till mandis became competitive market, thanks to entry of organised retailers. However, markets also witnessed a situation when government procurement agencies could not compete with private procurers namely, the organised retail sector which resulted in MSP falling short of market prices. The current crisis is mainly because of glut in agricultural produces like tomato which was selling at one rupee a kg in MP. Once one accepts market logic, fluctuations in price cannot be kept out of this practice. If one enjoys a price of more than Rs 50 a kg during the period of shortage he should equally be prepared for a lower price during glut situation. That is how market works.

However, often agitation for demanding remunerative price becomes an excuse for hidden agenda, more so in the case of current stir in MP. If the price was the case, farmers should have immediately withdrawn the agitation on MP governments announcement to procure tomato at Rs 8 a kg. But the real issue is competitive politics among different factions may be because of state assembly elections in 2018. Purpose of this article to discuss long-term solution in order to enable farmers getting remunerative prices; not going into political aspect of the agitation. Basically two policy related issues are involved in the context of enabling farmers commanding just prices. One, providing appropriate and adequate infrastructure facilities to farm produces. Second, more importantly, facilitating farmers direct access to markets. Both would ensure just prices to farm produces. Of course, equally important is getting farmers out of clutches of private money lenders.

Consumers suffered sky-rocketing farm prices in the recent past-be it tomato or onion or vegetables. Right now, many farm produces may command prices lower than MSP. For instance, average price for tur dal in Akola market is Rs 3,500 as compared to MSP of Rs 5,050. Similarly, price of paddy in Cuddalore market is Rs 1,375 as against MSP of Rs 1,470. The same trend may be seen in other produces such as maize, jowar, groundnut, soyabean etc. Going by straight forward market logic there should not be scope for farmers complaining about not getting remunerative prices. Because, during competitive market situation as witnessed a few years back with emergence of the organised retail sector they dont have to depend on government procurement agencies. Rather, farmers refused to sell to Food Corporation of India as they got better prices from private retailers. However, when market prices crash below MSP, farmers can always look forward towards FCI which is duty-bound to procure at declared MSP.

But the truth is somewhere else. Whether it is the case of farm produces commanding higher prices than MSP or just MSP during the subdued market prices, poor farmers are nowhere in the picture though successive governments have been taking policy decisions in the name of farmers. The real beneficiaries are middlemen, that is, traders. Under the system farmers do not have direct access to market to get benefit of either high price or guaranteed MSP. Often, indebted farmers are compelled to sell their produces at much lower prices in advance. First of all, our banking system should be made more humanistic while dealing with farmers so that they dont depend on money lenders. Unfortunately, credit-risk and KYC principles are applied strictly in case of farmers while powerful ones get away with thousands of crores with guarantee by persons with almost nil bank balance.

With regard to enabling farmers to have direct access to the market, current NDA government under Narendra Modi initiated historic step by incentivising the states to amend APMC Act in the last budget. Some states have already initiated steps in this direction. Hopefully, other states will follow soon. Besides, many measures such as preventing diversion of fertilizers to non-agricultural use-through chemical coating, improved crop insurance or for that matter linking rural employment guarantee scheme to productive agricultural work have been initiated. Perhaps, guaranteeing a price by 50 percent higher than the cost as suggested by the Swaminathan committee is the one major promise yet to be implemented. Problem with the current government, more so in the ruling party, is lack of articulating spokespersons capable of effectively reaching out to general public.

Whenever, there is crisis in the farm sector political leaderships, especially, opposition jumps with a demand for waiving farm loans. This is what Congress government has practiced over the years as an attempt to douse the fire. Unfortunately, even the BJP promised such a carrot during the recent UP elections. Now other states also started demanding the same kind of relief. Waiving of farm loan can be considered under extraordinary crisis situation. But that cannot be the fashion statement among the so called farm leaders and opposition parties nor it is a long-term solution.

Apart from enabling farmers access to market through amendment of the APMC Act and getting them out of money lenders clutches through banking sectors attitude, farm sector should be strengthened as an effective supply force. Farmers should be enabled to decide appropriate timing for selling their produces, that is, only when they can command just price-in the same way as manufactured products. This would mean providing adequate infrastructural facilities, that is, cold storages as well as refrigerated transportation facilities. The Vajpayee government had taken initiatives to encourage setting up of cold chains. However, the successive government did not take it forward. Similarly, announcement by Lalu Prasad as the Railway Minister in the first UPA government to provide dedicated railway wagons to transport perishable agricultural products was not carried forward. Had there been adequate cold storage facilities supported with refrigerated transportation, there would not be a situation of farmers getting compelled to sell tomato at one rupee a kg. Whether, there is glut or shortage, scientific storage and transportation would act as a balancing factor to the relief of both farmers as well as consumers.

Instead of trying to exploit innocent farmers to achieve narrow political agenda it is high time both ruling and opposition treat farm crisis as a national crisis and attempt to resolve the issue scientifically through consensual approach.

(Jagadish Shettigar is a former Member of PMs Economic Advisory Council and currently teaches Economics at Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida)
Washington: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the Trump administration said on Wednesday that it will spend $7.5 million to help advance India's power grid, as part of the two countries' commitments to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy.

The Ministry of Science and Technology and industry will match the commitment of US' Department of Energy, bringing the total commitment to $30 million, officials in Washington said.

"This new consortium demonstrates the US and Indian commitments to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy in both countries," Energy Secretary Rick Perry said.

"We know that continued grid innovation will promote economic growth and energy security in the United States and India," he said.

The initiative, part of America's commitment to fostering the reliable, resilient and secure delivery of electricity, was needed for the strong US national security, economic growth and global leadership, as well as furthering Department of Energy (DOE)'s collaboration with India under the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE), officials said.

The US-India collaboration for smart distribution system with storage (UI-ASSIST) was selected as the new consortia for Smart Grid and Energy Storage under the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC), the DOE said in a statement.

To help pave the way to a more advanced distribution grid that will allow greater use of distributed energy resources such as microgrids and energy storage, the new consortia will bring together experts from academia, DOE's national laboratories and industry, it said.

Together with their counterparts in India, the centre will conduct research and deploy new smart grid and energy storage technologies that will modernise the grids of both the nations to make them "smarter", while increasing resilience and reliability, the DOE said.

Through JCERDC, the US' world class installations and national laboratories will contribute their expertise and capabilities as India expands energy access to its remote areas, improves its grid reliability and resilience, and strengthens its energy security.

The US participants will gain insight from India's grid modernisation efforts  a potential export market for US equipment worth billions of dollars  and promote researcher access to India's grid operational experience, it said.

UI-ASSIST's US team, led by Washington State University, is comprised of MIT, Texas A&M University, University of Hawaii, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Snohomish County (WA) Public Utility District, Avista, Burns and McDonnell, ETAP Operation Technology, ALSTOM Grid/GE Grid Solutions, Clean Energy Storage, ABB, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

The Indian team, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, includes partners from IIIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhubaneshwar and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) New Delhi.
After Finance Minister Arun Jaitley last month said he favoured disinvestment of the loss-making state-owned airline Air India, private sector conglomerate Tata Group is believed to have shown interest in buying the national carrier in alliance with Singapore Airlines, an ETNow report said.

It is understood that the recently appointed Tata group chairman N Chandrasekaran has held informal talks with the government for buying a majority stake in Air India.

"Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran has held informal talks with the government, expressing preliminary interest in buying a controlling stake in Air India with 51 per cent equity," the ETNow report said.

If the acquisition of the national carrier goes through, Air India will be back into the fold of Tata Group after the airline was nationalised 64 years back.

JRD Tata had started Tata Airlines in 1932, which was later in 1946 renamed as Air India and was subsequently nationalised in 1953.

Surprisingly in 2013, Ratan Tata, who was at the helm of the Tata group, had said that he will be happy to look at Air India as and when the national carrier is put on the disinvestment list.

In November 2000, Tatas had announced that it will partner with Singapore Airlines (SIA) in its bid to acquire a 40 percent stake in Air-India.

In a press release, the Tatas had said: "Singapore Airlines is a global player with impeccable credentials ... Its airline operating competency will be a significant asset to the consortium and will be critical in ensuring the success of Air India in the international market place."

Although the Tatas have been eyeing Air India for past several years, the salt-to-software conglomerate already has two airline joint ventures operating in India over the past four years.

The Tatas already operate AirAsia India with Tata Sons increasing its stake to 40.06 percent from 30 percent earlier by injecting fresh equity while Telestra's share was reduced to 10 percent from 20 percent.

Another domestic airline company Vistara was also founded in 2013 between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

In case of Air India, Tatas will have to deal with the fact that Air India is saddled with debt burden of over Rs 50,000 crore. The airline's market share has fallen to around 14 percent.

"In this country, if 87 or 86 percent flying can be handled by the private sector... then they can also do 100 percent," Jaitley had said last month on the government's plans to disinvest Air India.

Air India, which is surviving on a Rs 30,000-crore bailout package spread over 10 years announced by the Manmohan Singh government in 2012, is working on ways to improve its financial position.

In 2015-16, the airline posted operational profit of Rs 105 crore on account of low fuel prices and increased passenger numbers. Last fiscal, the airline is estimated to have earned a total revenue of Rs 21,000 crore while passenger revenue stood at Rs 16,500 crore.

A recent report in Firstpost said Air India's revenue growth has largely been in single digits over the last six years. Only once did the company post a double digit growth of 21.2 percent - in 2013-14.

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: The government has asked the Tatas if they would be keen to acquire a stake in the ailing Air India. But its own house is not in order. A proposal for buyout has been made without there being any clarity within the government on how much stake should be offered to any investor. Should the airline be sold lock, stock and barrel (100%) or should only a part of it be sold? There is also the view expressed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation as well as Air India itself that disinvestment need not happen at all to turn around the airline.

Yet another stumbling block in this entire process could be the view of some within the government that foreigners should not be participating in any bidding process for the AI disinvestment. How much of the airline is to be sold, who all can participate in the selloff process and whether the divestment will at all happen or not  everything is up for discussion as of now.

Till the government decides on modalities of the sale, no serious bidder would come forward, however keen he may be to buy Air India. A person close to developments told Firstpost that the proposal to the Tatas was made about three weeks back. He also said that if at all the Tatas consider buying Air India, their long-time partner Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be an integral part of the process. Will those opposed to involving any foreign participant in the disinvestment process of Air India want SIA to have a piece of Indias national carrier?

This person said that the top brass of the Tatas have been in discussions with the SIA experts on whether Air Indias acquisition makes sense. The ball is in the Tatas court now. And the Tatas have been thinking, talking over with SIA about the pros and cons of this move. Extensive knowledge of global aviation lies with SIA, it understands emerging markets well. The talks right now are about whether SIA will get dominance on key international routes through Air India purchase. The two partners are also studying the numbers of Air India, evaluating various scenarios, this person said.

Whether SIA participates directly by acquiring some stake in Air India on its own or whether it becomes part of this deal through its association with the Tatas (the two already have a partnership in full service carrier Vistara), one thing is clear: the Tatas will bid for Air India only in partnership with SIA.

Anyway, there are several other puzzles to solve before the Tatas' move forward in this deal. How much debt will the government write off, to make this deal a sweet one for the former owners? Remember, Air India is sitting on a debt of close to Rs 50,000 crore and the Niti Ayog proposal which first suggested the AI disinvestment did speak of a haircut. How much, is what is worrying all those involved in this process.

The person quoted earlier said the government has offered Air India to the Tatas with a haircut. About three weeks back. Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran met finance minister Arun Jaitley, where the FM proposed this, the person quoted above said. Thereafter, Chandra also met Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.

This was an in-principle meeting, where the government wanted to find out if the Tatas would be interested. The meeting was with Chandra but obviously the message was being sent to Ratan Tata...but unless the Tatas have some figures to work out the purchase math, nothing will move forward, this person said.

He also made it clear that in the event of the deal going through, the Tatas would likely be willing to offer a value for assets  he indicated bilateral flying rights, slots at congested airports across the world and physical assets like aircraft. But the current debt level is not something that would interest any buyer, the Tatas also would not consider buying at this debt level. Besides, the accumulated losses need to be written off.

But why would the Tatas be interested in acquiring stake in a third airline  Tata Sons already owns 51 percent in Vistara and 49 percent in AirAsia India? Besides, Chandra is still grappling with companies he has inherited across the vast Tata group and aviation is still not a core business for the house of Tatas. Money is another consideration. The Tatas have put in over Rs 1,600 crore in the two airline ventures till date and may find it rather tough to generate another sizeable chunk of funds to invest in Air India. Unless the purchase math works out in their favour. Or, in other words, the buyout enables the Tatas and SIA to synchronise routes, international flying rights, assets and liabilities to make a profitable new venture out of the ailing Air India.

Yet another consideration could sour this deal: If the government were to divest only 49 percent equity in Air India, the Tatas may be reluctant to pick up the bait since they would then not get management control.

The Tatas already run two joint venture airlines  AirAsia India and Vistara  and may want to buy into Air India not just for its assets but also for emotional reasons. Remember, group patriarch Ratan Tata had earlier piloted two attempts to buy back Air India from the government but remained unsuccessful each time. Then, two decades later, the Tatas forged the two greenfiled airline ventures when the government relaxed the caps on foreign airline investment in Indian carriers. But both these JVs are relatively small operations, compared with Air India which is the third largest by passengers in the domestic market.

As this article notes, the Tatas have a long history in aviation. JRD Tata began the first air mail service by an Indian company  operating a flight between Karachi and Mumbai in October 1932. This was followed by passenger services within the country, and heralded the birth of Air India. Tata Airlines became a public company in 1946 and was renamed Air India. Its iconic mascot Maharaja was also created in the same year. After Independence, the government bought 49 percent stake in Air India in 1948, and nationalised the carrier in 1953. However, JRD Tata remained its chairman until 1978, when he was removed from the post by the Moraraji Desai-led Janata Party government. Almost a decade later, Ratan Tata was named the chairman of Air India. He held the post for three years, from 1986 to 1989.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has told banks to expedite the disbursal of Rs 10,000 to farmers in the state under the 'initial loan assistance scheme' "without going into detailed aspects of pre-conditions", according to a report in the DNA newspaper. According to him, getting into the detailed aspects is the job of the government.

Fadnavis made this statement at a state-level bankers' committee meeting on Thursday.

While announcing loan waiver for marginal farmers in Maharashtra amid an intense agitation earlier this month, the government had promised Rs 10,000 initial loan assistance at the start of kharif season.

Maharashtra minister of state for home Ranjitsinh Patil had on 19 June attended an event in his hometown in Akola district to kick off the disbursal of loans.

The cooperation department sources had told PTI that loans have been disbursed in over 20 districts. However, the implementation of the scheme, aimed at helping farmers to kick start sowing operations, was getting delayed due to various reasons.

The public sector banks are sanctioning these loans on the basis of affidavits from farmers, not insisting to provide other documents to prove eligibility.

According to a report in The Indian Express, the chief minister told the bankers that he has written a letter to Reserve Bank of India governor Urjit Patel about the scheme and has got in principle approval.

The amount of Rs 10,000 should be credited to the bank accounts of all farmers who have taken crop loan in the past. It includes all debt-ridden farmers, Fadnavis has been quoted as saying in the IE report. Even those farmers who have a Rs 10 lakh vehicle are eligible to get these advances.

A report in NDTV had earlier said that district cooperative banks were finding it difficult to disburse the amount as they are stuck with the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, that were demonetised on 8 November last year.

The cooperative banks were barred from exchanging and receiving old notes on 14 November through an RBI circular. But by that time the banks had already received old notes. The NDTV report said Maharashtra district cooperative banks were stuck with old notes worth Rs 2,770 crore.

The finance ministry, on Wednesday, allowed district cooperative banks to deposit with the RBI the old notes they received during 9 November to 14 November 2016, thus giving a relief to the banks. The move is also likely to expedite the process of disbursing the loan advance to farmers.
New Delhi: GST Network, the company providing IT backbone for the GST, will launch two call centres on Sunday to handle queries from taxpayers and tax officials.

The Goods and Services Tax will be rolled out from 1 July, and GSTN will have a major role to play as it will have to handle the huge traffic of invoices and turnover details of

companies.

GSTN has partnered with IT giants Infosys and Tech Mahindra for launching the call centres.

For any enrolment queries, tax payers may call on the call centre number 0120-4888999.

The call centre for taxpayers will be manned by over 200 trained professionals, and will be increased to 400 going forward.

"With many taxpayers requiring help and guidance to be able to transition to the new technology, the call centres will go live from June 25 to ensure that tax payer enrolments/new registrations under GST are done smoothly," GSTN said in a statement.

"We are aware that not all taxpayers are well-versed with technology and might face some difficulties in completing their registration and application process. We believe as the technology provider, it is our duty to provide all help to them to smoothen their transition," GSTN Chairman Navin Kumar

said.

The GSTN has set up a portal equipped to handle as many as 2.6 billion transactions every month.

Besides, to assist central and state tax officials, the GSTN has set up another call centre number 0124-4479900 for assistance.

"This 40 person team will cater only to tax officials of the states, Central Govt (CBEC).

Like the first one, this will also be live from 25 June," Kumar said.
Bengaluru: A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

The law suit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on 19 June, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

Green reported to Nayak, who quit the company last year.

Greens counsel Kilgore & Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of Defendants obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapurs discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."

"His termination was in violation of Defendants policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.

"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination. Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," the lawsuit said.

The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to 28 June, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the Defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the "discriminatory nature of Infosys's employment practices."

Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers
Washington: Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has refuted the general impression that the Indian IT industry is overly dependent on H-1B visas for its business mode, amid the Trump administration's crackdown on firms abusing the visa system to hire foreign workers on a low wage.

Sikka also believes that the Indian IT companies need to grab the opportunities provided by new technologies like artificial intelligence in a big way to retain its global leadership edge in this fast changing infotech environment.

"It is wrong to say and to think that we are dependent on H-1Bs. For example, if you look over the last 10 years, there are about 65,000, something like that, H-1B visas granted every year. That means over 10 years it is 650,000. And we collectively employ millions of people. Infosys alone has 200,000 employees. TCS close to double that number and so on," 50-year-old Sikka told PTI in an interview.

So, the assumption that Indian IT firms are dependent on H-1B visas is not correct, he said in response to a question on the charges that the business model of Indian IT companies is based on H-1B visas and major Indian IT firms like Infosys, Wipro and TCS are expected to be hit by the Trump administration's crackdown on firms abusing the visa system.

In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise this issue with US President Donald Trump during his White House meeting here next week.

During his wide ranging phone conversation from Palo Alto in California, Sikka acknowledged that in the last decade and a half, there was a lot of usage of the H-1B visas. "But, ultimately it has always been about delivering value," he asserted.

"The Indian IT industry has delivered a tremendous amount of value, especially in the US. But the nature of that value delivery is changing dramatically. Just as in the past it was easier and it was possible to move jobs to India or to companies where large amount of work would happen in India. So, these kind of a global delivery model or onsite, offshore and so forth...More and more of the work can now be done with the automation," he said.

Responding to another question, Sikka said since more and more of the work is now becoming automated, the Indian IT companies need to focus much more on the innovative areas, on the new areas, on the areas that are the frontier areas.

"Like artificial intelligence (AI), like machine learning, like internet openings and you know, voice interfaces and chat interfaces, virtual reality, cyber security and these kinds of things," he said.

"So, we have to bring in a deep focus on embracing automation and AI for that part of our world which is becoming automatised and becoming much more innovative in the new parts of our work. I think that is what the future is going to be all about. It is, every aspect of our life is being transformed by software. Every aspect of our life is being transformed by AI. And we have to embrace this," Sikka said.

Indian IT companies, including his own Infosys, have embarked on this new path, he said. "I think that in general we are, the industry is still in the early stages and I'm very happy with what we are doing at Infosys," he said.

"We have also given back a lot over the last 35 years. And now we have a plan to bring in 10,000 new generation jobs here in the US in the next two years. We already started down that path, we opened our first center already in Indianapolis. We are going to hire 500 people there by next year. We will have other centers that will be coming up in the near future," he said in response to a question.

He said the Indian IT industry already contribute a lot to the US economy and it will do even more.

"We are committed to the US economy. So I think that in addition, beyond hiring and the local economy and the contribution and so forth, it is about innovation. It is about creating jobs with new kinds of skills," Sikka said.

He said the 10,000 jobs that they plan to bring in the US are all high skilled jobs and in the innovative new areas, like AI, new interfaces, cloud based technology et al.

"In order to that, we have to train people. We are creating a huge amount of training and skilling programme to help create these jobs, create these skills. All our centers are not really innovation centers where we deliver value to client, but it is also training centers where we hire kids out of colleges as well as adults and either skill them or deskill them in these areas," he said.
Its been a busy week so far in Chile!

But first, a little more background: Why am I here in the Southern Hemisphere? Im participating in ACEAP: the Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program, supported by the National Science Foundation and run via a collaboration of Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), and Gemini Observatory.

This unique program has several interlocking goals. Not only does it highlight the value of investing U.S. dollars in world-class facilities in the country of Chile, it also allows the ambassadors who embark upon this trip and the Chilean communities they visit to build and foster lasting relationships. Through these relationships, people in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres can work together to promote astronomy as a hobby, as a career, and as a fundamental way to answer questions both big and small. The night sky is shared by people across the world, and instilling a sense of wonder and of custodianship over this resource is the goal and the passion of each ambassador who arrived in Santiago earlier this week.

This year, the programs third year, Im very lucky to serve as a media liaison for the program on behalf of Astronomy magazine. Its my very first trip to Chile, though I grew familiar with many of the astronomical facilities during my years in graduate school. Now, Im getting the chance to see firsthand the outstanding astronomy efforts being made in Chile today, from the 8-meter Gemini South Telescope to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).

Weve been on the go since day one with a packed schedule, but each experience has been more memorable than the last. Honestly, the only thing theres little time for is sleep  which is why I havent had the chance to sit down and blog before this, as Ive jumped on every chance to catch a few spare zs that popped up!

This morning, weve finally got a bit of spare time before we leave the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) after two nights on Cerro Tololo.

Ive already mentioned the busy schedule, but Id like to highlight just a few of my favorite parts of the trip so far:

- Visiting the Observatorio Astronomico Andino and the Cerro Mayu Observatory, where we spent time discussing astrotourism and astronomy education, as well as imaging the night sky. I saw my very first Southern Hemisphere sky from OAA, and took some amazing shots of it from Cerro Mayu, with some help from the experienced astrophotographers in our group!

- Spending the afternoon at the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) headquarters in Chile, where we had the chance to speak with the staff about their education and outreach projects, as well as tour the electronics shop. We were able to see  and, in some cases, hold  detectors used to image the sky.

- Seeing the 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) and the 8-meter Gemini South telescopes on Cerro Pachon; we even got to climb up the scope to see Geminis single-piece mirror and check out the amazing view from near the top of the dome.

- Touring CTIO, including getting an up-close look at the 4-meter Blanco telescope, the 2 Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) telescope, and the SMARTS Consortium telescopes.

Aside from the opportunity to crawl around the domes of these famous telescopes, Ive also had a spectacular time getting to know my fellow ACEAP ambassadors. The group this year includes educators, photographers, planetarium directors, and outreach volunteers and coordinators, all extremely excited and passionate about bringing astronomy into the lives of people in the U.S., Chile, and throughout the world. As we travel, often in close quarters, weve engaged in talk, laughter, and song on our way from one location to the next. While I cant pretend Im not extremely excited about the remaining days of our trip  were going to San Pedro next to visit a few schools, then on to tour ALMA on Friday and Saturday!  I also have to admit that Im really looking forward to getting home and taking advantage of all the connections Ive made here to promote the projects and work of each and every ambassador Ive met. I will also be turning my experience here into a full feature story for the magazine, which Im ready to get home and write (well, following a couple full nights of sleep, probably).

Since I cant write everything down here, nor should I, Id like to point you to some great resources as we continue our journey. You can find out more about our experiences so far and follow the remainder of our trip on Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress.
Taking cues from his cabinet colleague Arun Jaitley, Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu too has joined the club of those warning against the farm loan waiver spree, now spreading fast across the country, Karnataka being the latest state. Loan waiver has become fashion now. It should be waived but in extreme situations only. Its not a final solution. You have to take care of systems. The farmers should be taken care in distress, Naidu said on Thursday.

A while ago, Jaitley too had distanced himself from state-sponsored loan waivers, saying the centre wouldnt share the burden of the waivers and states will have to fend for themselves.

Both Naidu and Jaitley are bang on their stance against the idea of loan waiver. But their words lack conviction for the simple reason that the Narendra Modi-government failed to foresee the crisis in the beginning itself. It should have paid much closer attention to Indias rural agrarian economy and act early before it becomes a full blown crisis. A series of farm loan waivers are nothing short of a crisis situation as it a) destroys credit culture, the impact of which will last for years, b) put immense burden on government exchequer, and c) breaks the back of bank balance sheets.

Secondly, Naidu must not forget that it was none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi who sowed the seeds of a series of loan waiver demands across the country by promising one for Uttar Pradesh farmers in the run-up to the elections. Essentially acting on PMs words, Yogi Adityanath government announced Rs 30,000 crore waiver and dragged more states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana to deal with similar demands.

The loan waiver virus has already begun infecting the credit culture in many states with farmers stopping repayments (read here ). This exercise is also building another round of bad loan bomb on the balance sheets of public sector banks, which are already struggling to get rid of the existing stock of bad loans.

According to IndiaSpend - a data journalism initiative, the total chunk of farm loan waivers could work out to the tune of Rs 3.1 lakh crore or 2.6 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016-17.

Modi and his top ministers who form the decision-making body in the government on national affairs, thus, cannot escape the responsibility of triggering the current round of loan waivers. They have to take the blame and come out with solutions to contain the crisis. On the part of government, it was a clear failure to learn from the past as this writer too has pointed out in an earlier article .

In a recent note, the State Bank of India group chief economic advisor, Soumya Kanti Ghosh said: "Apart from impacting asset quality for the Agricultural sector (return to trend growth may get delayed by 4 years), farm loan waiver will impact State finances (i.e. State fiscal deficits) adversely. The impact on Punjab will be maximum, with state fiscal deficit jumping by an additional 4.8% of GSDP. We thus believe that states will make provisions of farm loan waiver in their budgets in multiple years, Ghosh said.

But, surprisingly, Ghosh concludes saying the current round of farm loan waiver however has a positive aspect unlike the earlier ones. Ghoshs rationale is that states, which have announced the waivers, have done so only up to a specified threshold limit (mostly Rs 1 lakh), and any amount over that will have to be paid. Hence, we can expect that there may not be a significant worsening of credit culture and hence we can get back quickly to trend growth for the Agri sector.

Ghoshs logic of credit culture remaining intact when states stick to loan limits to waiver loans is fundamentally wrong. People dont typically look at the specifics of the deal when farm loan waiver announcements are done and stop paying the very moment an influential politician announces as a loan waiver, regardless of their loan amount and nature of loans.

During the 2008 waiver by UPA, we had to face pressure even from gold loan borrowers who too claimed eligibility for loan waiver, said a senior banker who till recently used to head the rural business division of a large state-run bank based in Mumbai. He cited evidence of the aftermath of the UPA-sponsored Rs 70,000 crore farm loan waiver.

The Modi government has failed to formulate a comprehensive package to deal with farm distress in the beginning itself. It should have foreseen the approaching situation after two consecutive years of drought. The Tamil Nadu farmers protest in the national capital early this year should have offered a clue to the centre about similar agitations across states. Right now, the situation is far too difficult to handle since a few large state governments have already announced the waiver and it is only a matter of time before others too join with similar requests.

The impact on the fiscal health of state governments will further delay their march to lower fiscal deficit targets and even put pressure on them to delay essential spending. For instance, there are already reports of Maharashtra delaying payment of 7th pay panel arrears to 19 lakh state government staff by a year on account of the fiscal impact of the farm loan waiver it has committed to.

The point here is this: The centre cannot wash its hands off the farm loan waiver spree since its inaction and the PMs political promises too are to be blamed for the situation escalating to the current proportions. Naidu must remember that farm loan waiver didnt emerge as a fashion overnight.
Mumbai: Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel today said he is not "overly pessimistic" about employment scenario in the IT sector, pointing out that mushrooming startups can compensate for job losses.

The comments came almost simultaneously with industry lobby Nasscom guiding towards a slowdown in export revenue growth at 7-8 percent in 2017-18 as against the 8.6 percent achieved last fiscal.

There have been reports pointing to big IT firms laying off people and going slow on hiring.

"I think we don't have to be overly pessimistic at this stage," Patel said at an IMC event here amid growing concern over jobs in the US $160-billion IT sector.

"While there could be pressure on employment in some of the IT sectors, it is not necessarily in terms of literally a job destruction, but may be the growth rate is affected by what is happening. The number of startups in that same space is almost compensating for most of this," he said.

Patel said there is a "contradiction" between what the reports say and what he hears from the industry.

"When you talk to businesses themselves, I rarely hear about jobs destruction," he said.

In the past few months a number of IT majors such as Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM and Tech Mahindra have either announced or are believed to be mulling job cuts. Some analysts says job losses could run into lakhs. At present, the IT industry employs over four million people directly.

Increasing automation and protectionist policies in the developed world, especially the US which is the biggest market for the sector, are being blamed for the reverses.

Patel strongly defended India's open trade policies on external trade relations and advocated continuing with them, saying the country has benefited from those.

"Unequivocally, India's position should be for an open trading system," he said, adding that we should stick to it despite the changes adopted in a few countries.

"As a US $2.3 trillion dollar economy at market exchange rates, our voice does count and for the most part we have benefited from an open trading system," he said.
The government has now permitted district central cooperative banks and post offices to exchange old, demonetised notes with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Thats not a surprise, since at some point these entities, stuck with chunks of old notes from customers, had to be allowed to exchange these for new ones. Also, the delay in letting them is primarily due to a KYC inspection exercise Nabard was conducting in cooperative banks for the past several months. This was following allegations that much of the deposits reached these counters in the early days of demonetisation were black money. The government was apparently waiting for this exercise to get over to let cooperative banks pass the old notes to currency chests.

But, what is surprising is a seeming disconnect between the assessments of Income Tax department and the Nabard -- the sector regulator for these institutions -- as far as the legitimacy of the money received by cooperative banks post demonetisation. Remember, around five months ago, when the country was still dealing with aftershocks of demonetisation, the income tax department wrote to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warning that the department has "detected serious unexplained difference between the old notes reported to the RBI and the physical stock" available.

A big possible window that would have allowed conversion of black money into white, post-demonetisation, by the cooperative bank system was plugged to a larger extent after the I-T department detected these instances, the I-T department had warned then.

Following this, the tax department began looking at these accounts. It is not clear how far the department has progressed the investigation into these accounts to dig out details of alleged black cash that gas entered the banking system. A person in the know told this writer that during the Nabard inspection it has not found any major cases of violations in cooperative bank accounts. Most of these deposits were found fine during Nabard inspection, the person said. In that case, did the taxman issue a false warning?

There is no accurate official estimate available for the amount of money collected by cooperative banks between 10 November and 13 November when these entities were allowed to do so. After banning co-cops from collecting old notes, the RBI had also asked currency chests and banks to accept deposit in old notes from the cooperative banks and even asked them not to show this as part of their cash balances. But, according to estimates, this is anywhere between Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 8,000 crore, half of which is in Maharashtraaround Rs 3,000 crore.

The question is, if the tax departments communication to the RBI from specific cases in Maharashtra offers any clue and if that holds true for cooperative bank deposits in other states (considering the character is same) as well, how did both Nabards and the tax departments assessments about the money entered in the banking system become so contradictory. If the I-T department is convinced that there have been serious cases of mismatch in the chunk of old notes reported to the RBI and the physical stock, a claim which wasnt proved during Nabard inspection, shouldnt the government have waited for more conclusive evidence before letting this money enter the currency chests?

Value of old notes (Rs 500 and Rs 1000) lying with district co-op banks in Maharashtra District Rs crore Pune 573.89 Nashik 341.01 Sangali 315.80 Kolhapur 279.77 Jalgaon 209.54 Ahmednagar 167.77 Satara 105.95 Solapur 102.37 Akola 93.76 Thane 76.78 Latur 73.81 Yavatmal 71.63 Amaravati 70.81 Raigad 61.08 Chandrapur 46.09 Aurangabad 39.74 Gadchiroli 33.87 Parbhani 29.50 Bhandara 28.57 Gondia 25.43 Nagpur 11.05 Nanded 10.39 Buldhana 0.93 Wardha 0.92 Jalna 0.72 Mumbai 0.68 as on 18 March 2017 Source: Maharashtra State Co-Operative Bank

For a moment, lets assume, the taxmens warning is true. Then, we are looking at much more black money entering the formal financial system.

This question is particularly relevant since we dont have so far the actual amount of money returned to bank branches post-demonetisation. The last figure RBI announced was Rs 12.44 lakh crore as on 10 December while an estimated Rs 15.44 lakh crore currency was demonetized. Till then, the central bank updated the figure periodically but post the Rs 12.44 lakh figure there were none.

The RBI has completely remained silent and repeated the excuse that the counting of old notes is on. Once the cooperative bank deposits in old currencies  around Rs 6,000-8,000 crore enter the currency chests, this process could become even more complicated and time consuming.

Another intriguing question is: Why has the RBI washed its hands off the exercise of scrutinising cooperative bank deposits? True, the central bank doesnt regulate cooperative banks as it does commercial banks. Typically Nabard does this. But, given the critical nature of this operation in the context of demonetisation, this was a special situation. Also, Nabard has far less infrastructure and expertise compared with RBI to unearth foul play involving fake currency/ black money. It is more of a nodal agency focusing on agriculture and rural infrastructure development. The central bank should have taken the lead to examine the post-demonetisation deposits in cooperative banks, notorious for political intervention, corruption and gross mismanagement. Its absence in the operation is questionable.

Third, there are different layers of cooperative banks -- multi-state, district, urban and primary rural cooperatives. In the three days after demonetisation (10 December-13 December), when these entities were open to accepting old notes, there are possibilities that unaccounted money found its way to these entities in the form of backdated deposits. So, is the possibility of deposits reaching these banks even after 14 November. The counter argument to this assumption is that such manipulations are not possible wherever operations are done through core banking solution. But what about smaller cooperative banks where there is no core banking solution, not even good software? The money from these banks too have reached district cooperative banks. Given the loose regulation and vulnerability of these institutions, a closer look at these aspects would make sense if the idea is to prevent bad money entering the formal system.

Apart from these, senior officials in the cooperative sector highlighted another aspect -- how will these old, demonetised notes be accounted after RBI accepts this money? The problem is this. After RBI restricted co-operative banks either to accept old notes or to deposit the money in the currency chests, it also told these banks not to treat the old high value notes as part of their balance sheet. Hence, this money was kept in separate accounts for these eight months. There is a carry cost for these banks. How will they compensate the customers with due interest payments on deposits these banks havent been able to deploy, so far?

One cant rule out the possibility of corrupt local politicians, who are influential in cooperative banks, using these entities to whiten their illicit money. The taxmans warning in January is an eye opener and needs a much deeper look, especially given that now these deposits are set to enter the currency chests.

The question that should be asked is whether political influence has played its part in letting more black money enter the system at a time the nation is fighting the evil of a parallel economy.
A startup founder narrated how he started tinkering with computer programs as a 12-year-old school student and requested permission from his school to stay back after school was over at 4 pm. As a 15 year-old, he sold computers door to door and started his own company while 17 years-old. Working 18 to 20 hours a day was 'normal' for this entrepreneur as it is for most in the sector.

The passion of this founder is a given with most startup founders. They pursue an idea, start up with their personal savings or family and friends pitch in and they are consumed with the idea that success in most cases is incidental.

Almost all startups are founded on the passion and drive of its founders. Ubers Travis Kalanick founded the ride hailing app after tasting success with his first startup and selling his second one. He had become a millionaire before he set up Uber.

Any interview or write-up of Kalanicks does not fail to mention his brash behavior. Though that trait worked for him ever since he dropped out of school and started up, that has now led to his being sidelined in his own company and the board asking him to step down as the CEO.

A founder having to take a backseat and let a professional take over the reins is not unheard of. When does the founder of a company, with an innovative idea that gets traction and is successful, cross the line and think that success equals bad behavior and he/she can get away with it?

In the case of Uber, the sexual harassment issue raised by former employee Susan J Fowler, which has now become a scandal, has proved to be damaging for the company's image. Customers in California, for instance, chose Lyft over Uber not because it was better but because they did not want to associate with a company that did not treat its women employees fairly.

These are times when social media leads many to vote with their feet. There are cases of customers who wont buy products or services of a company if they are not organic, or trade with certain countries or are seen to hire child labour, says Harish HV, Partner, India Leadership Team, Grant Thornton India LLP.

When Uber's major investors -- Benchmark, Lowercase, First Round, Menlo Ventures and Fidelity -- decided to rectify the companys image by asking Kalanick to step down, the message was clear: The company could not afford to let business bleed and its image take a beating because of the action or inaction of its CEO, even if he was the founder.

When there is a loss of energy within the company and its image is being hurt, the board has to take a call  to shift the person from the leadership position rather than face the issues the gentlemans presence brings for the company, said Harish.

It is also true that startups by their nature are about working with an idea that is innovative and solving an issue. When the idea gets traction with several rounds of funding, and the founder/s are valued and serenaded by investors and the media, they sometimes falter in handling the success thrust upon them as most of them have no experience of managerial skills for running a company.

Santosh Desai, social commentator, and Managing Director-CEO, Future Brands, says that often when the founder/co-founders are successful, they err in thinking that the skills required to run a business and manage it is the same. The startup founders have the passion and have developed the business to scale, but to expect them to also have the skills to manage the business is stretching it, he says.

Many times the founders may not be the best person to lead the company through all its stages. There are many examples of those who realised it and quit when the companys business model reached traction. Bill Gates took a backseat and let Steve Balmer take on the leadership role, for instance. Today the company is led by Satya Nadella and his vision is different from when Gates was the CEO.

Very often, says Devangshu Dutta, chief executive of Third Eyesight, a consulting firm, as the business evolves rapidly, a founder can become irrelevant or even a drag. This can impact the business negatively. When it is due to personality issues, investors ask the founder to leave or step aside or sometimes kick them upstairs. A professional CEO is then brought in, he says.

A companys interest is better served by non-founder CEOs and that is a good thing, believes Paula Mariwala, Partner, Seedfund and Co-Founder, Stanford Angels. Clearly, a leadership change was warranted at Uber and it is a good thing. But the challenge is to find the right leader with the passion and beliefs of the founder and the skills of a professional, says Mariwala.

Each startup has to take the call what is better for it  to let the founder founder who is a maverick too to lead or combine the founders vision with a professional running the company. This is inevitable in companies with maverick founders like Steve Jobs and Travis Kalanick, says Mariwala.

Uber has been notorious for brash behavior and in fact that has been its culture, says Sanchit Vir Gogia, chief analyst, Founder and CEO of Greyhound Knowledge Group, a global strategy and transformation research, advisory and consulting group.

Uber after Kalanick

The company will take a beating for a short while until it recoups, feels Harish. He said the vision for the company may take a little while to be clear as it wont be Kalanicks. But within a short time the company will be able to get back on track provided its business model is right, he said.

A founder and his idea that gets traction is not the sole reason for its success. By that yardstick, he/she should be the sole reason for its failure too. Kalanicks idea found traction and then many people joined him in that entrepreneurial journey as employees, investors, etc.

When a companys culture is not socially acceptable, the CEO is seen as aggressive and its culture detrimental to its image, it is better for investors to cut their losses than allow the leaders actions or non-actions to affect the company, said Gogia. He feels that Kalanick being sidelined at Uber is only a blip on its radar. No one is indispensable. As long as the business model is right, the company will thrive, he said.

Clearly, the ultimate test for the business model of the most valued startup (its valuation is reportedly nearly $70 billion) starts now.
It was a pleasant delight to see Sridevi, an actor who has indulged in loud chirpy roles for majority of her career, at her subtle best when she returned to the silver screen after a long gap of 15 years in Gauri Shinde's slice of life drama English Vinglish in 2012.

She has maintained this duality quite well over the years and has even juggled well her reel and real lives. DNA reports that she shot English Vinglish during the summer break of her kids so that she could spend ample time with them. Now, ahead of her next release MOM, she has realised that her kids have taken after her in some way or the other.

While her elder daughter Jhanvi aspires to be an actor, and has reportedly signed a three film deal with filmmaker Karan Johar, her younger daughter Khushi is also an opinionated girl. Thus, she points out how both her daughters have taken after her onscreen image rather than the mother that she is.

In the same report, he reveals how her daughters have barely seen her films, except Shekhar Kapur's 1987 film Mr India and a few others, but have been influenced by their mother's profession.

Just like Saif Ali Khan expressed his contentions with his daughter Sara Ali Khan venturing into Hindi cinema, she is also skeptical of Jhanvi's aspiration to follow in her mother's footsteps. She says both she and her husband and film producer Boney Kapoor got worried when Jhanvi broke the news to them. But she adds that as parents, they would be happier to see her married but are willing to support her as she navigates through the world of glitz and glamour.

Talking about her younger one, she says that she was surprised by Khushi reacting to body shaming on the internet by posting a long paragraph criticising those indulging in the unhealthy practise.
(Editor's note: We are doing a series of movie reviews based on films newly available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other online streaming websites. You can read Mihir's previous reviews here, and here.)

While a film about a hero is generally the filmmaking norm, theres always something far more fascinating about films on total, absolute dirt bags. We generally dont see films of that kind  not just because its hard to root for the awful person at the centerpiece but also because the portrayal of awful people in cinema always comes with the contrived layer of making you feel for them and understand why they do awful things.

Get Me Roger Stone, a new documentary on Netflix, makes no effort to explain why the person it chronicles became the way he is. And thats only because its central character demands that he should not be regarded as a sympathetic broken prince.

Roger Stone is the prince of darkness  he was probably born evil, and as seen in the film, is extremely proud to be a sleazy and dirty trickster. This is not just a film but a mental descent into a dark power trip, the muddy waters that is international politics, and also a jaw dropping insight into how America ended up with Donald Trump as the president. And it does all this in a funny, irreverent way.

You dont need to know anything about Stone before you see the film  in fact the less you know the better.

The film frantically unfolds the layers early on and then proceeds to shock us with a string of reveals. Stone started off as a small time politician in the 70s but went on to become pals with the biggest movers and shakers of American politics. As he kept climbing ladders some of his decisions became international policy that changed the course of world history  and no one knew who was pulling the strings because Stone kept himself carefully hidden in the darkness.

The more you get to know how Stone positioned himself at the epicenter of historic events the more unsettled you feel, that someone as demented as this chap is the one responsible for setting fire to most of the corners of the Earth.

Youve disliked America for constantly interfering with other countries affairs? Guess who was responsible  Roger Stone.

Halfway through, the film lobs an atom bomb of information about how Stone was single handedly responsible for the creation of political lobbying that has become the cornerstone of worldwide politics.

If youve been following the Trump-Russia investigation youll find a few familiar names turn up in this film  like Paul Manafort for instance, who is basically a Bond villain and one of the most terrifying individuals to have existed. It becomes obvious that Stone and Manafort were a match made in heaven, and Stone explicitly states that the two personally initiated a chain of events through the decades that would see whole countries bombing each other and them getting ridiculously rich because of that.

Trump, who is revealed to be more or less Stones creation also makes a cameo and showers praises on the dark prince. It feels like watching a whole gang of mobsters hilariously waxing eloquent about each other, with Stone showcasing his achievements with the excitement of a crazed child.

If you thought some of the cartoonish politicians in India were hard to digest, youll be baffled by some of Stones personality traits, like Richard Nixons tattoo on his back. Directors Dylan Bank, Daniel DiMauro & Morgan Pehme attempt to understand Stones weirdness but the man, who hovers around the cameras like a creepy smiling ghost takes it upon himself to explain why hes the way he is, and how being incredibly greedy is just a way of life.

He makes no qualms about trying to whitewash his persona  in one of the most powerful moments of the film he stares at the camera point blank and says that he revels in peoples hatred, because if he werent effective people wouldnt hate him.

Despite knowing fully well that he could get into trouble for confessing to crimes on camera, he doesnt hesitate to tell us that he has harnessed the power of disinformation  a tactic that helped Trump win the election. We seldom see that kind of brazen shamelessness in a documentary, and it remains to be seen if this film is used to ultimately prosecute Stone for being involved in Russiagate.

The timing of this documentary is also prescient  its as if Stone wanted the film to come out right now so the world could see how he, a dark genius, put Trump at the White House.

Think of Stone as the Amit Shah of American politics  a razor sharp man with dubious morals who operates in the shadows, and has amassed so much power hes become untouchable. Come to think of it Shah would have a far more colorful story than Stones.

Heres hoping an Indian filmmaker reads this piece, watches the film, grows some balls and replicates the films formula to give us a docu about Shah.

Get Me Roger Stone is streaming on Netflix.
Sir Ian McKellen and Gary Reich have planned a series of short films on the LGBT community. The pair are set to create as many as four films in a collaboration with Jackie Stevenson, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Facebook has already come on board as the broadcast partner of the first film.

McKellen told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement that he is very impressed with gay rights and the momentum the movement has gained. This is the reason why he wants to work with brands, because it takes a long time for ideas to materialise in Hollywood. With brands backing the project, they will move ahead more quickly.

The English actor has maintained distance from brand partners so far. He explained to THR that he never associated himself with any brands because it felt unnatural and against his his values. However, with the short film series, the pattern will change.

McKellen also praised social networking giant Facebook for its forward-thinking approach to issues related to the LGBT community. He also appreciated Facebook for being free in every sense of the world for it is one of the very few platforms where people do not believe in labels.

Ian McKellen was last seen as Mr Holmes in Sherlock Holmes and also voiced Cogsworth for Disney's live action film Beauty and the Beast, both of which were directed by Bill Condon.
Vijay is currently the hottest Tamil superstar, and his films do almost 65 to 75 percent of the business that a Rajinikanth film does worldwide. Vijays strength is his huge fan base and currently, along with his arch rival Ajith, he is giving tough time to superstar Rajinikanth at the pivotal Tamil Nadu box-office.

On June 22 the star is celebrating his birthday, and social media has already been on an overdrive. Kollywoods biggest star wars are conducted on social media as fans try to make their stars happy by trending continuously for days.

A day earlier on Wednesday, the title and first look of his 61st film Mersal was unveiled and it was nightlong celebration for his fans, friends and celebs chipped in with their expert comments.

#HBDThalapathy The social media is going berserk as fans, friends & family wish @Actor_Vijay on his birthday & launch of 1st look #Mersal pic.twitter.com/Sp7qFF4luu  Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) June 22, 2017

Mersal is going to be Vijays costliest film and it is directed by Atlee with whom he had made the blockbuster Theri (2016). The film has three heroines: Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha and Nithya Menen, with music by AR Rahman. It is sort of a period film in which Vijay plays three characters and is being produced by Thenandal Studios, one of the oldest production houses in Tamil Cinema. This is their 100th film.

Vijay is a typical dravidian mass hero on the lines of MGR and Rajinikanth. He made a name for himself doing formula films of larger-than-life super heroes who sing, fight, and romance. Over the years Vijay has matured as an actor, and can do bigbudget commercial films. He has a huge reach in the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka, and is the second biggest Tamil star in the lucrative overseas market.

What is interesting to note is that mass action heroes with strong fan base in Tamil cinema mostly end up with an interest in jumping to politics.

There have been such heroes like MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Sharat Kumar, Vijaykanth and the superstar himself Rajinikanth, who have tried to transfer their mass hero image into politics. The buzz is that Vijay has shown keen interest in politics, and in fact was targeted by the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who got his Thalaivaa (2013) banned for two weeks in Tamil Nadu.

Till her death, there was an uneasy truce between Vijay and JJ, who considered the star as a potential rival.

Last week. at the popular film website Behindwoods Gold Medals Awards, Vijay was honoured with Samrat of South Indian Box-Office and Peoples Choice- Actors medal.

At the function Vijay talked about the farmers issue in Tamil Nadu. Vijay said:

 We all wish well for each other. But farmers who wish well for all of us are not happy. This evening, we are all being awarded for our hard work, but I feel very sad for the farmers who are toiling hard unmindful of any returns for their hard work. It is mandatory and urgent that we need to address farmers problems. It is sad to note that after producing rice, farmers stand in the ration shop to buy it. India can consider becoming a super-power later, but first we should take care of our farmers

It is to be noted that a few days later superstar Rajinikanth met a delegation of 16 Tamil Nadu farmers led by their leader P Ayyakannu and assured his support for their plea to interlink rivers. It looks like there is space for superstars to join politics in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile the first look poster of Mersal has Vijay in a rural avatar as a farmer, and it has gone viral on social media. In one of the three roles he does in the film he is supposed to be playing a Panchyat leader who fights for the farmers rights.

Vijay was also in the news when he visited the irate students at Marina during the Jallikattu agitation and expressed his support to them. Vijendra Prasad , the writer of Baahubali, is one of the writers who has helmed Mersal along with director Atlee.

Vijay will have a quiet birthday as he is now completing Mersal. The film will have a big audio launch in Chennai sometime in August. as the film gets ready for a Diwali release on October 18.
By Vipin Das M

| NEW DELHI

NEW DELHI From the deck of an aircraft carrier to the sub-zero temperatures of a Himalayan military outpost, tens of thousands of Indians joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to celebrate the third International Yoga Day.Rains failed to dampen the spirits of about 50,000 people who joined in an outdoor yoga session with the prime minister in a park in Lucknow, capital of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh."Yoga has connected the world with India," Modi, looking relaxed in white track pants and blue-collared T-shirt, told a cheering crowd.

"Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice," he added.Modi's official Twitter handle, which has more than 30 million followers, has posted pictures of mass yoga sessions in China, Colombia, the United States, Paraguay, Mexico, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.

Social media was flooded with pictures of yoga, the country's signature cultural export, being performed in various places including an Indian Navy submarine and the landing deck of an aircraft carrier.

"It is not only the world's longest serving aircraft carrier but also the world's longest-serving warship. I think the ship must have done lots of pranayaams to be sustaining for so long," top naval officer Puneet Chadha told a TV channel, referring to a yogic breathing technique. President Pranab Mukherjee held a yoga session at the presidential palace and several members of Modi's cabinet joined similar events across the country.Modi pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide after winning power in 2014, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline and is estimated to be worth around $80 billion.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Brussels: European Union president Donald Tusk echoed rocker John Lennon's "Imagine" Thursday as he said he hoped Britain might still stay in the bloc.

Speaking ahead of an EU summit in Brussels where Prime Minister Theresa May was due to brief leaders on her Brexit plans, Tusk suggested the process could still be reversed.

"Some of my British friends have asked me whether Brexit could be reversed and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the European Union," Tusk told reporters.

"I told them that in fact the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve, so who knows?" the former Polish premier added.

"You may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one."

Tusk's last line was a quote from "Imagine", the iconic 1971 ode to world peace by late former Beatle Lennon.

Britain stunned the EU when it voted to end its four-decade membership of the 28-nation bloc in a referendum a year ago on Friday.

But May's disastrous showing in elections on 8 June in which she lost her majority has sparked speculation that her Brexit plans may be watered down, or even reversed.

French president Emmanuel Macron and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble both said last week that the "door was open" for Britain to remain in the EU.

At the summit, May is due to unveil a "generous offer" to resolve EU concerns about the rights of three million European expats living in Britain after Brexit.

Tusk meanwhile insisted the remaining 27 members had a renewed sense of optimism about the bloc's future after years of crisis and mounting anti-EU sentiment culminating in the Brexit vote.

Despite it being his 80th summit as premier or EU head, "never before have I had such a strong belief that things are going in a better direction," he said.

"Our optimism should still be extremely cautious but we have good reason to talk about it."
By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman

While this week's racing action might be a bit quiet compared to the last couple of weekends at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs, there's still a solid lineup of stakes races scheduled to be run, including the $500,000 Ohio Derby (gr. III) at Thistledown, which includes four horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby. Let's start handicapping!

Ohio Derby (gr. III)

With its purse raised to $500,000 after dipping as low as $100,000 a few years ago, the Ohio Derby has regained Grade 3 status for the 2017 renewal, and the grade-coupled with the large purse-has attracted a quality field of nine three-year-olds.

Even though the Ohio Derby has struggled for the better part of the last decade, it has remained a race that is difficult to win. Each of the last nine Ohio Derby winners had previously contested a Grade 1 race, and four of them-Mo Tom, Mr. Z, Prospective, and Smooth Air-had run in the Kentucky Derby.

With this in mind, it could be wise to focus our attention on Irap, Untrapped, Girvin, and Fast and Accurate, the four Ohio Derby starters that contested the Kentucky Derby. Of the quartet, I'll lean against Fast and Accurate, who is 0-for-2 on dirt, and also Untrapped, whose form suggests that nine furlongs might be a bit farther than he wants to run.

This leaves Irap and Girvin as the two that interest me most. Irap entered the Derby off an upset win in the Blue Grass Stakes (gr. II), in which he defeated a deep field that included the two-time Grade 1 winner Practical Joke, the Grade 2 winner McCraken, and future Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Tapwrit.

In the Kentucky Derby, Irap had a relatively trouble-free trip, settling in sixth early on before steadily fading to finish eighteenth. However, you can make a case that he was racing too wide on a track that was favoring the rail, and by falling farther off the early pace than usual, he might have been out of his comfort zone. A return to pace-pressing tactics in the Ohio Derby could yield a significantly improved performance.

As for Girvin, most of his Derby trouble was of the pre-race variety, as a widely-publicized hoof issue caused him to miss some training before the race. In the Derby itself, Girvin was able to save some ground early on while racing in mid-pack, but got jostled around in traffic on the far turn before finishing thirteenth. Overall, it wasn't an eye-catching effort, but Girvin came into the Derby unbeaten on dirt with late-running wins in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) and Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) on his record. Jockey Mike Smith retains the mount, and Smith has been on an incredible roll as of late, going 7-for-13 since June 10th with six of those wins coming in graded stakes victories.

Since Girvin's overall form is more consistent than Irap's, I'm leaning toward Girvin for the top spot, and there's another reason to prefer his chances in the Ohio Derby, and that is the possibility of a fast pace. Loooch Racing has entered three colts in this race, with the late-running Game Over being the most prominent. Game Over is 2-for-2 in his brief career, earning decent Beyer speed figures for victories in a maiden claiming race at Oaklawn and a starter allowance race at Churchill Downs. Both of those were sprints, but Game Over has beaten some good horses and is bred to stretch out, making him an intriguing longshot candidate to hit the board.

The other two Loooch Racing runners, Talk Less and Vibe, have less impressive records, but Vibe recently won a nine-furlong allowance race at Churchill Downs in gate-to-wire fashion, and it wouldn't come as a shock if Vibe is utilized as a pacemaker for his stablemates. This strategy was successfully employed by Loooch Racing in the Charles Town Classic (gr. II) two months ago, in which longshot Cautious Giant carved out a fast pace for stablemates Imperative and War Story, who wound up finishing first and third.

Since Fast and Accurate also figures to race on or near the lead, I believe the Ohio Derby pace will be fairly quick, which could compromise Irap and favor the chances of Girvin. He might be the morning line favorite, but I also believe he's the most likely winner.

Now it's your turn! Who do you like in the Ohio Derby?

*****

J. Keeler Johnson (also known as "Keelerman") is a writer, blogger, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. He is the founder of the horse racing website www.theturfboard.com.
Simulata High School in Jamui has again made its mark in the matric results (Class X) with maximum students in Bihar's top 10 being from this school.

Despite the stellar performance, teachers are a bit disappointed because after producing the state topper for the last three consecutive years, they missed the feat by a whisker this year.

Topper Prem Kumar, who is from Lakhisarai district, has scored 93 percent while the second topper, Bhavya Kumari, from Simultala High School obtained 92.8 percent. Her batchmate Harshita bagged the third position in the state.

Eleven students figure in the list of top ten as many students have got the same marks. School principal Rajeev Ranjan said, I was hoping the first position would also rest with us. I can understand every year it cant happen. Overall, I am satisfied with the result.

This year, five students of the school also cleared the IIT JEE Advance Exam which is a huge achievement for a government school in the state.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar established Simultala Awasiya Vidyalaya in 2010 amid much fanfare. The school was an answer to demands for a school in the state which could meet the standards of the famous Netarhat School in Jharkhand.

Students are admitted in this school on the basis of a written test and interview. The school has also produced stellar results in the intermediate examination with Khushboo Kumari being declared the state topper in the science stream.
New Delhi: Those who celebrated Pakistan team's victory in the recently concluded ICC Champions trophy final should go and live there, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) chairman Gairul Hasan Rizvi has said.

Rizvi made the remarks in Meerut on Tuesday while responding to queries by journalists about reports of celebrations in parts of India after Pakistan won on last Sunday.

The NCM chairman was in the Uttar Pradesh town to attend an Iftar party.

Asked about the remarks, Rizvi on Thursday said he is firm on his comments.

"Some people in India reportedly likened Pakistan's victory to Eid before Eid. I was asked about it...So, I said those who feel happy about Pakistan's victory should go and live there or they can be sent packing for their hearts lie in that country," he added.

Rizvi, appointed to the Commission last month, said had he refused to comment on the query, it would have meant he "supported" the celebrations by those who live in India but enjoy Pakistan's win.

"I feel those who did so, were on the wrong side. Therefore, I said what I said," the former leader of BJP's minority wing said.

According to media reports, 15 persons were arrested on sedition charges after they allegedly celebrated the neighbouring country's victory. Similar case was reported also from Kerala where 23 persons were charged on a complaint by a BJP leader.
WHY DONT YOU READ THESE?
Los Angeles: Teachers in Colorado are being trained to use guns, which they will be allowed to carry in classrooms to fire back in the event of a school shooting.

A group of 17 teachers and staff in Weld County are taking part in a three-day course this week organised by the conservative organisation Coloradans for Civil Liberties.

Laura Carno, the founder of the group, told AFP that the so-called FASTER training is carried out by off-duty police officers who teach participants how to respond in the event of an emergency.

FASTER is the acronym for "Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response," a program created in the wake of the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, in which 20 children, as well as six staff members, were killed.

"The reason why (carrying weapons in schools) is developing is that it's a dangerous world," Carno said, referring to some of the mass shootings that have taken place in the United States in recent years.

Under Colorado law, the staff at schools can carry concealed weapons as long as they have a permit and are designated as security officers.

Carno said the majority of those taking part in the training this week work in rural districts where a police response could take 30 to 45 minutes.

The training involves lessons about gun safety and use as well as emergency response and how to overcome a threat as students flee a classroom that comes under attack.

"The purpose is not to replace police and emergency medical personnel but to allow teachers, administrators, and other personnel on-site to stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately," according to FASTER's website.

Such training, however, has been denounced by groups that favour gun control and who say weapons do not belong in schools.

"The dangers of adding guns to a school environment are dramatically increased by allowing loaded lethal weapons into a school environment on a daily basis as the promoters of FASTER envision," Ken Tolz, founder of Safe Campus Colorado, told the NBC station in Denver.
Darjeeling: Ambulance services were hit and TV cable connections snapped in some areas as the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills entered the eight day on Thursday.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in Darjeeling which had witnessed widespread clashes between GJM activists and security forces on Saturday.

Ambulance operators were refusing to carry patients due to fear of harassment.

Since morning, local cable TV connections were snapped in a section of the hills.

Internet services also remained suspended for the fifth day today to stop the spread of rumours that incite violence.

Police patrolling was intensified in the hills since morning.

Although the West Bengal government has called an all-party meeting in Siliguri on Thursday, all the Hills parties have decided to boycott it.

As normal life continued to be crippled, the GJM on Wednesday offered a 12-hour "window" on 23 June to schools to evacuate students safely to Siliguri and Rongpo.

The GJM is leading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state to be carved out of West Bengal.
Gangtok: Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has come out in support of the demand for a separate Gorkhaland to be carved out of North Bengal hills.

In a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, Chamling wrote, "The fulfillment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling Hills, which is deeply connected with the national identity of the Indian Gorkhas, will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism, which has been second to none."

It also said,"Creation of a Gorkhaland state will also restore permanent peace and prosperity of the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefited as her developmental tempo can be maintained undisturbed."

Chamling also highlighted the problems Sikkim faced with "recurring blockage of its one and only lifeline, NH-10, during the last 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation.

"The blockage of the transportation of essential goods and the unrest causes unmanageable inconvenience. Also, the atmosphere of uncertainty along NH-10 poses great threat to lives as well."

Chamling said Sikkimese students studying in Darjeeling and the rest of India, along with people needing medical treatment, have no option but to take the tension-ridden highway to travel.

He said the Sikkim Assembly had passed a resolution in 2011 aseeking "a permanent solution to the pressing and longstanding problem of the people of Darjeeling Hills".

Chamling's comments come amid an indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha in the West Bengal hills demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.
New Delhi: A Delhi court has acquitted a man of the charge of raping his sister-in-law, saying relations between them were consensual and the woman had "adequate intelligence" to understand what she had consented to.

The court, while letting off the man, said they both were married and knew they could not wed each other without getting a divorce from their respective spouses.

In his order, Additional Sessions Judge Sanjiv Jain said the facts and circumstances of the case showed that the woman and the accused were closely related.

"They were already married with their spouses living. From the beginning they knew that they had not taken divorce from their spouses and their marriage was not possible," he said.

"They were in a live-in relationship for a long time. During that period, they made physical relations. The woman had adequate intelligence to understand the significance with the acts she was consenting to," Jain said.

The judge said that the accused and the complainant, a native of 24 North Parganas district in West Bengal, willingly developed physical relationship and the woman's consent for the physical relations was an "act of her conscious decision".

According to the prosecution, the woman got married to the accused's brother in 1999 and after she delivered a child in 2000, her husband left her.

She then came to Delhi with her brother-in-law, the accused, who found her a job in New Delhi. Soon they developed physical relations with each other, it said.

However, later the accused began to harass her and avoid her, she alleged in her complaint.

The accused denied the allegations and claimed he was falsely implicated by her.
Chennai: DMK legislators on Thursday urged the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to prevent the Centre's reported bid to "privatise" Kamarajar Port and the Ordnance Factory in Tiruchirappalli.

While S Sudarsanam (Madhavaram MLA) opposed the reported move to privatise Kamarajar Port, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi (Tiruverumbur) urged the government to put pressure on the Centre against privatising the Ordnance Factory.

Responding to the port issue, Chief Minister K Palaniswamy said no report has been received either from Kamarajar Port or the shipping ministry.

He said only newspaper reports of 19 June had said that the Centre was going in for a "100 percent sale" of its stake in the port.

"Steps are being taken to get a detailed report on this issue from the Union shipping ministry," he said.

Industries minister MC Sampath said Niti Aayog had only sent a letter to the management of the Tiruchirappalli based factory to look into the feasibility of a Public-Private Partnership model for it.

Based on this, the employees have announced a protest on 27 June against any move to privatise it, he said.

However, he assured that the Centre "has not taken any decision," on privatising the 50-year-old plant.

"All steps will be taken" to stop the reported bid to privatise the Tiruchirappalli-based factory.

Elaborating, he said it was a "general decision," of the Centre to go in for either privatisation or Public Private Partnership with regard to loss-making or less profitable PSUs.
Kozhikode: A 57-year-old Kerala farmer has committed suicide in a village near Kozhikode after revenue officials refused to accept his land tax. The government has ordered a probe into the incident.

KP Joy hanged himself to death at the Chembanodu village revenue office after the officials refused to accept his payments despite several attempts.

Joy was found hanging late on Wednesday night at the government office where he and his family have been battling revenue officials for the past two years.

Following a huge public outcry over the incident, village assistant Sirish was suspended on Thursday for dereliction of duty.

State Revenue Minister E Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate.

"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," Chandrasekheran told the media.

Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.

State Power Minister MM Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.

"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media here.
Malegaon: A 77-year-old debt-ridden farmer allegedly committed suicide at Khakurdi village in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Wednesday.

Supadu Bhika Pawar set himself ablaze in the backyard of his house after building his own 'pyre' and sitting in it early Wednesday morning, said the sub-divisional magistrate Ajay More.

When some local people saw smoke coming out from behind his house, they rushed in and took him to the civil hospital. However, he was declared dead on arrival.

Pawar had taken farm loan in the name of his wife and was finding it difficult to pay it off, family members said.

Khakurdi police are conducting further probe.
New Delhi: Stepping up its attack on the ruling party, the Congress on Wednesday said, whenever a BJP-led government comes to power, the farmers and the agriculture sector suffer the most, along with the poor and the downtrodden.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari accused Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh of being "insensitive" to the problems of farmers after Singh claimed no state has done as much for farmers as Madhya Pradesh.

"There can't be more insensitivity than this. It should be condemned in the strongest of words," he said, adding, "If this is good, we do not know what bad is then".

Tewari said the Agriculture Minister did not have time to go to Mandsaur and express condolences to the families of farmers killed in police firing but is giving such statements.

He also claimed, as many as 6,076 farmers have committed suicide during the NDA government, and 1,600 of them in Madhya Pradesh alone.

He said the agriculture sector saw a negative growth (of -2.2 percent) in 2001-02 when the BJP-led NDA was in power. The second time it recorded a very low growth was in 2015-16 (1.2 percent) when it's again an NDA government, he said.

"The BJP has been a party under which farmers and agriculture sector have suffered the most. The BJP government in Rajasthan and in other states are anti-dalit, anti-poor and only committed to the welfare of the rich and influential," he said.

Tewari also said, the BJP government in Rajasthan is playing a "crude joke" on the poor by painting outside their houses they are poor and are thus entitled to ration.

He said, getting ration from the government is their right and is not a charity being doled out by the BJP regime.

To a question on VHP allegedly arranging bricks for a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said, the BJP has always tried to rake up the issue before the election, but the issue was sub-judice.

To a question on the film Indu Sarkar, the Congress leader said he has been consistent with his view that "the CBFC is an institution which has gone way beyond its expiry date and it needs to go".
Jaipur: Nearly 26 farmers' associations have called for a shutdown in 45,000 villages across Rajasthan on 9 July to press for their demands, even after the RSS-backed Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) called off its proposed stir.

Farmers in these villages have decided to curtail the supply of milk, vegetables and grains, and will wear black bands to show solidarity and fight for their demands. The farmers' bodies have been demanding to waive agriculture loans, the passage of a farmers' Security Act and implementation of the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission.

"Farmers in Rajasthan are no different from farmers of other states," the national president of Kisan Mahapanchayat, Rampal Jat, said in a press conference in Jaipur.

"Farmers' demands have not been met. Holding talks with BKS representatives and assurances given to them was merely an eyewash and attempt to pacify farmers' protest.

"We have called for a shutdown in 45,000 villages in Rajasthan on 9 July. Twenty-six associations representing farmers will support the protest," Jat said.

He has alleged that the BJP, which is in power at the Centre and in the state, has failed to fulfil the promises made to the farmers in its election manifestos.

Farmers in Rajasthan are under huge debt as their produce is not being procured at the government-fixed minimum support price (MSP).

Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab have waived farmers' loans.
Mumbai: Hundreds of Gorkhas living in the city on Thursday gathered at Azad Maidan and expressed solidarity with the ongoing agitation in Darjeeling hills in West Bengal for a separate Gorkhaland state.

They also denounced the "repressive" tactics employed by the West Bengal government to end the agitation.

"On one hand, we (Gorkhas) are fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and on the other, the West Bengal government is treating us like terrorists. This is very painful and unacceptable," said Dhruv Kumar, an agitator, at the protest site in south Mumbai.

Almost five lakh Gorkhas live in Mumbai and hundreds of them, including women and children, assembled at Azad Maidan braving heavy rains.

The protesters shouted slogans supporting the formation of Gorkhaland and denouncing the TMC government.

"We vehemently condemn the move to suppress our democratic rights as Indians. We are appalled by the killing of our people and the atrocities committed by the West Bengal Police," Kumar said.

Another agitator said, "This is solely a people's movement with no political affiliations. We represent no political agenda but only Gorkhas from all over the country."

"Darjeeling is burning. Gorkhas are known for their bravery, but they are facing violence... we want justice..." the agitators shouted.

A third protester said, "We want restoration of peace back home and it is our fundamental right to demand a separate state of Gorkhaland."

Darjeeling is witnessing unrest for the last eight days after the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) launched an indefinite agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state to be carved out of West Bengal.
New Delhi: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is conducting a study to assess the feasibility of having different time zones in the country.

The study is being conducted to give "scientific inputs" on the matter, DST secretary Ashutosh Sharma said.

Recently, Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, had demanded a separate time zone for the North East.

"The DST has been conducting studies on this, looking at what is the potential of energy saving if you have two different time zones," Sharma said.

"One can actually save energy because the sunrise and sunset timings are different (in the country), but the office timings are one across the nation," he added.

The study is also expected to cover the overall impact, especially on the transportation system.

Leaders from the North East region argue that a separate time zone, a long pending demand, would increase daylight savings and efficiency.

One of the arguments is that early sunrise means that by the time they start their day, almost half the day has passed.

This means an early sunset which requires extra use of lights in both homes, offices and public places, hampering the productivity.

Similar is the case with the archipelagos of the Andaman and Nicobar and the Lakshadweep where sunrise and sunset timings are different from the mainland.
New Delhi: India is working with ASEAN to evolve "regional security architecture" in the Asia Pacific with the aim of finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

Discussing various aspects of India's strategic partnership with the powerful bloc, Swaraj said ASEAN-India trade was back on track after two years of slow growth with an increase of 8 percent in 2016-17.

In her address on India-ASEAN partnership at the Research and Information System, a think tank, the minister listed terror financing, arms smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and cyber crime as major challenges facing the region. India and ASEAN, she added, had been working to combat them.

"India has been working with ASEAN towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasising the peaceful settlement of disputes, finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, and support for the centrality of ASEAN."

Enhancing maritime cooperation and security had been an area of focus for both ASEAN and India, she said.

Discussing economic ties, she said the bloc had become India's fourth largest trading partner, accounting for 10 percent of total trade.

According to Swaraj, India was actively engaged in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations involving ASEAN and its six FTA partners, which, when finalised, would be the largest regional trading arrangement, accounting for about 40 per cent of world trade.

"After almost two years of slow growth, ASEAN-India trade is now back on track with an increase of 8 per cent in 2016-17 and with India's exports to ASEAN having increased by almost 20 percent in 2016-17," she said.

Connectivity, the minister felt, was a "huge enabler" for stimulating trade and investment as well as to ensure peace and stability.

"We recognise that the single most important ingredient that can make a qualitative shift in our economic engagement with ASEAN is a major boost towards infrastructure and connectivity, both within India and in the North East in particular, and with ASEAN."

The external affairs minister said efforts were on to enhance connectivity by land, air and sea to transform the corridors of connectivity into corridors of economic cooperation.

"For enhancing digital connectivity, specific proposals have been put forward, involving the setting up of a regional high-capacity fibre-optic network, supplemented by national rural broadband networks and digital villages in remote areas."

Highlighting India's Act East policy, she said various communities of the North East share "ties of blood and history" with ASEAN countries.

"The North East is a 'natural partner' in India's Act East Policy."

Swaraj also talked about India's cultural links as well as the influence of Hinduism in some ASEAN nations.

"Thailand incorporates significant elements from Hinduism in its architecture, arts, sculpture dance, drama and literature. The Cham temple complex of My Son Wat in Vietnam is dedicated to Bhadreshvara, an incarnation of the Lord Shiva.

"The magnificent Angkor Vat in Cambodia was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu.

"The Vat Phou temple in Lao PDR, Ananda temple in Bagan, Myanmar and the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia are examples of the influence of Hindu architectural principles," she said.
Herzliya (Israel): Israel's defence minister on Thursday accused Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas of trying to spark a fresh conflict between the Jewish state and Abbas's longtime rivals Hamas.

Avigdor Lieberman said Abbas, head of the secular Fatah movement that rules the occupied West Bank, was trying to increase tensions by cutting payments for electricity and other services in Gaza.

"Abu Mazen didn't make a one-time cut," Lieberman told the annual Herzilya security conference near Tel Aviv, referring to Abbas by his nickname.

"His intention is actually to continue cuts and in a few months to stop paying for fuel, medicines, salaries and many other things."

"In my opinion the strategy is to hurt Hamas and also to drag Hamas into a conflict with Israel," he said.

Islamists Hamas seized Gaza from Fatah in 2007 and the two Palestinian factions have had hostile relations since.

The Abbas-led Palestinian Authority had nonetheless continued to pay for electricity and some other services in Gaza.

Abbas recently announced the PA would no longer pay Israel to supply electricity to Gaza, prompting Israel to stop deliveries this week.

The move threatened to leave the two million Gazans with as little as two hours of power a day, prompting warnings of risks of Hamas retaliation.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in Gaza since 2008, most recently in 2014.
Bengaluru: Karnataka assembly Speaker KB Koliwad on Wednesday sentenced two journalists of Kannada tabloids, including noted scribe Ravi Belagere, to a year in jail for writing defamatory articles against legislators.

"The State Assembly has decided to punish the two journalists of Kannada tabloids for publishing defamatory articles against legislators," Koliwad announced on the floor of the House in Bengaluru.

Besides the jail term, the speaker also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of them.

"I approve the recommendation of the privilege committee which had recommended a year's imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 on "Hi Bangalore" and "Yelahanka Voice" editors," Koliwad said.

Belagere is editor of "Hi Bangalore."

If the editors fail to pay the fine, the jail term would be extended to another six months, the speaker said.

The Privileges Committee of the assembly had recommended jail for Belagere and Anil Raju of 'Yelahanka Voice' for publishing articles against legislators, including Koliwad. The article against Koliwad was published in the September 2014 issue of 'Hi Bangalore.'

Former Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa had referred the issue to the committee after Koliwad had lodged a complaint against Belagere.

Congress and BJP MLAs, BM Nagaraju and SR Viswanath raised the issue in the House and recommended action against the journalists.

Nagaraju alleged that Belagare, in spite of being summoned by the committee, was not present for the hearing.
Kolkata: Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan was taken to hospital on Wednesday after he complained of chest pain and was returned to Presidency correctional home (jail) when doctors found nothing "alarming".

Earlier in the day, Karnan was flown in from Chennai after he was found hiding in Coimbatore by a team of West Bengal CID who arrested him.

"He was taken to the state-run SSKM hospital from Presidency correctional, where he was lodged, after he complained of chest pain in the evening. He underwent several round of ECG and other tests to ascertain whether he was having any problem," a CID police officer said.

"Nothing unusual was found in his medical tests and therefore he was sent to back to the correctional home," the officer said.

Karnan had been evading arrest since the 9 May Supreme Court order awarding him a six-month jail term for contempt of court.

Karnan, who earned the dubious distinction of being the first sitting high court judge to be awarded a jail term by the apex court, had retired from service on 12 June as a fugitive.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan, arrested for committing contempt of the Supreme Court, was on Thursday taken to a hospital for another round of medical tests to ascertain his health condition.

A senior officer of the Presidency correctional home (jail), where he was lodged, told PTI, "Karnan is not very well and seems to be weak. He was taken to the state-run SSKM hospital today again for another round of tests which were not done last night".

"The tests are being done to ascertain his health condition," he said.

He said Karnan is being accorded no special treatment in jail. "He is being treated just like other convicts. We have not arranged anything special for him," he said.

"He had spent last night at the jail hospital and had taken the food prescribed for him by the doctors at the hospital," he added.

On whether 62-year-old Karnan complained of any uneasiness this morning, the officer said, "He appeared to be very depressed and ate very little in breakfast. Though he has not complained of any health problem today, we took him to the hospital to conduct the remaining tests."

On the possibility of his hospitalisation, the officer said, "It all depends on the findings of the doctors. If they think he requires to be in the hospital, we will have to follow it. After all, he is an old man. We have to keep that in mind."

The former judge was taken to the SSKM hospital last night after he complained of chest pain but nothing abnormal was found in his medical report, he said.

Karnan, who had been evading arrest since 9 May after the Supreme Court awarded a six-month jail term, was arrested on Tuesday night by a team of West Bengal CID from a private resort at Malumichampatti, about six km from Coimbatore, where he was "hiding" for the past few days.

He was brought from Chennai to Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon and was taken to the Presidency correctional home.

Karnan, who has earned the dubious distinction of being the first sitting high court judge to be awarded a jail term by the apex court, retired from service on 12 June as a fugitive.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy on Thursday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to secure the release of 20 fishermen and 137 boats, allegedly apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a letter to Modi, he said only the retrieval of Katchatheevu islet will ensure restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by the fishermen.

"It is reported that four fishermen from Jegathapattinam fishing base in Pudukottai district along with their mechanised boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy yesterday," Palaniswamy said in the letter.

The traditional and historical rights of fishermen are being denied consequent to the unconstitutional ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, he said.

Former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had challenged the legal validity of the Indo-Sri Lankan accords of 1974 and 1976. The Tamil Nadu government had subsequently impleaded itself in this case and hence the matter of the International Maritime Boundary Line with Sri Lanka is sub-judice, he said.

"I reiterate the stand that only the retrieval of Katchatheevu will ensure restoration of peaceful pursuance of livelihood by our fishermen," the chief minister said.

Long periods of impoundments of fishing boats would render them unworthy of sailing and it would push the life and livelihood propositions of Indian fishermen into misery, he said.

Palaniswamy urged Modi to direct the external affairs ministry to urgently take up the issue with the highest authorities in Sri Lanka and secure the release of 20 fishermen from the state.

He requested the prime minister to ask the Sirisena government to return all the fishing boats and gear in refurbished condition.

On 19 June, Palaniswamy had appealed to Modi to take a strong diplomatic stand on the fishermen's issue following the arrest of five fishermen from Rameswaram.
Funeral held

for Warmbier

WYOMING, Ohio  Hundreds of mourners gathered Thursday to celebrate the life of an American college student who was detained in North Korea for over a year and died shortly after being returned home to Ohio in a coma.

Otto Warmbiers brother, sister and friends were among the scheduled speakers for the funeral Thursday at a high school in his hometown of Wyoming, near Cincinnati. A rabbi was officiating at the public service, which was closed to the news media.

Warmbier was accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting North Korea in 2015 and was later convicted of subversion. His family said they were told that he had been in a coma since shortly after he was sentenced to prison with hard labor in March 2016.

Earthquake recorded

off Guatemalan coast

GUATEMALA CITY  A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit off Guatemalas Pacific coast on Thursday, shaking much of the country and neighboring El Salvador. Local officials said there were initial reports of only minor damage.

The Geological Survey said the 6:31 a.m. quake was centered about 24 miles southwest of Puerto San Jose and 6 miles below the surface.

The quake sent people fleeing into the streets in El Salvador.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales sent tweets urging people to remain calm and saying the government was collecting information about possible damage.

The spokesman for Guatemalas national disaster agency, Julio Sanchez, said there did not appear to be any injuries and said damage appeared to be minor.

Archbishop: Church colluded to hide abuse

LONDON  The Church of England colluded with and helped to hide the long-term sexual abuse of young men by one of its former bishops, the head of the church said Thursday.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby apologized to the victims who had spoken out and helped to bring ex-bishop Peter Ball to justice as the church published a report that detailed how senior leaders did little about allegations against Ball over years and even appeared to cover up the case.

Welby ordered the independent report after Ball was convicted and imprisoned in 2015 for misconduct in public office and indecent assaults against teenagers and young men from the 1970s to 1990s. Ball, who admitted to abusing 18 young men, was released after serving 16 months.

Some victims reported that Ball, 85, encouraged them to engage in spiritual exercises involving naked praying and cold showers.

Cladding in other buildings combustible

LONDON  Tests so far have found that at least three high-rise apartment buildings in the U.K. have flammable external panels like the ones believed to have contributed to a fire that killed 79 people in London, Britains government said Thursday.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays office said 600 buildings in the country have similar cladding to that of Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, which was destroyed by the June 14 blaze.

The Department for Communities and Local Government later said that figure refers to buildings with all types of cladding and that not all of them necessarily have cladding made from the same aluminum composite material as Grenfell Tower. Landlords are being asked to check what the cladding on their buildings is made from.

Police and fire officials are trying to determine whether cladding contributed to the rapid spread of the Grenfell blaze, which engulfed the 24-story building in less than an hour. They still havent said where and how the fire started.
When Mohammad Shafi Wani went to purchase groceries from the market on Tuesday morning, he was surprised to find dozens of small tents erected on a piece of barren land, a few hundred meters from his home in Naghisharan area of Shopian district  which was declared a militancy free area almost ten years back. A garrison removed some years ago from the area had been relocated overnight.

"Everyone was taken back by the tents erected in our vicinity. Overnight, they had turned the area into a garrison," Wani told Firstpost.

"There have been no reports of militant activity from this area but still the Army installed a camp out here," he added.

The forces' footprint and installations have increased considerably in last few months in entire South Kashmir, which has been the epicentre of the latest unrest in the Valley. The security forces' camps are back in the area and so is frisking and checking of vehicles on almost every road leading to the four volatile districts of South Kashmir.

The heightened security presence is a throwback to the early nineties, with security checkpoints after every few kilometres. But, the situation is different now as the number of militants reported in the area is way lesser than in the early nineties.

"It is about showing your presence through area domination and making sure that when you get information (about militants), you reach in time. You will see a presence of more army personnel in coming days, both in the south and north of Kashmir," a GoC rank officer of the India Army told Firstpost, on conditions of anonymity.

"The chances of fighting back terrorists, who are more in number in North Kashmir, improve. So you don't want to miss the time in getting to a particular spot," he added.

Residents of Baramulla town in North Kashmir were surprised when the army started deploying its soldiers on the cement bridge in the area round the clock.

"Sometimes, if they wish to, they will check your identity card or start frisking. It's all done randomly. We were coming out of these times but it seems they are here to stay," Ali Mohammad, a shopkeeper in the main town of Baramulla, said. "It is not good."

The stationary army bunker style vehicles are back even in Srinagar city, where demilitarisation was taking place since the last decade. These vehicles were also seen in Anantnag town, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam, where the footprint of the troops deployed in the main markets has seen an increase in last few months.

According to officials, more than 2,000 personnel drawn from various security agencies have been deployed in the four districts of South Kashmir, as part of an area domination exercise aimed to restore normalcy in the Valley.

More than ten militants have been killed in the first twenty days of this month in the towns and villages of Kashmir, excluding the Line of Control. And the counterinsurgency grid in the Valley has also intensified its efforts to take out militants from these South Kashmir areas. These efforts were prompted by an audacious attack by the militants earlier this month, in which six Jammu and Kashmir police personnel were killed.

But the increased footprint of the soldiers on the streets in going to create more problem than it solves, especially for the beleaguered state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The reduction of the footprint of the troops was one of the points of the Agenda of Alliance (AoA) framework of the BJP-PDP coalition government.

Lieutenant-General DS Hooda, former chief of the strategically-critical Northern Command in Jammu and Kashmir, told Firstpost recently in an interview that the army's footprint in the Valley is based on the existing security situation.

"For example, as the situation improved in the Jammu region, the army presence reduced significantly and a large number of troops were pulled out. Can it be reduced in the Kashmir Valley? In the current environment, the short answer is 'no'," he said.

In 2010, former chief minister Omar Abdullah said in the state Legislative Assembly that over 35,000 troops were removed from civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir. "Without creating a hype, we have reduced 35,000 troops and also decreased the number of central paramilitary forces from internal duty," Abdullah had said.

The largest opposition party at that time, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was campaigning for troop reduction as they argued that the presence of the army in Kashmir was intruding in the day-to-day lives of people and was also a reason for gross human rights abuses.

However, since the PDP-BJP coalition government has come to power, and following the civilian unrest that broke out last year after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the footprint of the troops has only increased.

After the Centre refused to return power projects owned by NHPC in Jammu and Kashmir to the state government, which was also a part of the AoA, and now with the re-militarisation of civilian areas, it seems that the coalition's agenda is falling apart. How long the coalition will survive is anyone's guess.
Kenneth I Juster, a top aide of United States president Donald Trump, is set to be America's new Ambassador to India, the White House said on Wednesday.

Juster, 62, who is the deputy assistant to Trump for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of his National Economic Council, would replace Richard Verma if nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

The move is significant as the appointment comes just a few days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the United States after Donald Trump took over as the president.

Verma, the first Indian-American to head this position, put in his papers when Trump replaced Barack Obama as the President of the US.

During his stint, Verma established himself as one of the most remarkable envoys to ever occupy the post. Now Juster is set to take over the prestigious post, once held by foreign policy legends as Frank Wisner and John Kenneth Galbraith.

Ahead of Juster's formal appointment, here is a look back at his most recent predecessors and the role they played in furthering India-United States' strategic partnership:

Richard Verma (December 2014 to January 2017)

The first US Ambassador to India of Indian origin, Verma's two-year stint is regarded as one of the most consequential. A Forbes report highlights his 'far-reaching legacy.'

It said that Verma "raised the US-India strategic partnership to unparalleled heights in virtually every arena of bilateral cooperation while serving as a skilled and talented public diplomat.

"Verma presided over the two most transformational years in the US-India partnership to date. During this period, President Barrack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on nine different occasions while over 40 government-to-government dialogues occurred between US and Indian officials."

At one point, Verma was one of the highest ranked Indian Americans in the US Congress. He had served as National Security and Foreign Policy Adviser to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who he also advised on the India-US Civilian Nuclear Energy deal, and ultimately convinced to back.

Verma worked tirelessly to deepen the bilateral engagement between the two countries. His work influenced all aspects of the two nations' shared interests, including trade, defence and climate change.

Nancy Powell (February 2012 to March 2014)

Powell, a career diplomat, was the first female US Ambassador to India. A somewhat controversial figure, she is known to have ended the United States' nine-year boycott of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Towards the end of her stint, bilateral relations between the two nations plummeted. Tensions escalated after the arrest and subsequent strip-search of an Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, in New York. The US Ambassador resigned following the row, that pushed relations between the world's biggest democracies to their lowest ebb in more than a decade.

But trade relations were deteriorating even before the diplomatic row and in India's eyes, Powell's tenure never recovered from Khobragade's treatment. India took retaliatory measures against the US embassy, including removing the ambassador's exemption from airport security searches.

Many Indian officials felt Powell had mishandled the case, which was related to the low wages that Khobragade paid a domestic worker. Both the then Indian government and Modi saw the arrest as US hypocrisy and arrogance.

She was replaced temporarily by Kathleen Stephens, who took charge as Charge d'affaires in May 2014.

Timothy J Roemer (July 2009 to June 2011)

Roemer was nominated by President Barack Obama as the 21st US Ambassador to India. During his tenure as Ambassador, several policies and initiatives were announced. During his two-year tenure, India became the 12th leading trade partner of the United States.

During his stint, United States removed nine Indian space and defence-related companies, including those from ISRO and DRDO, from its export control 'Entity List', opening the door for increased cooperation, technology transfer, and commercial sales in the defence and space industries.

India and US also signed the Counter Terrorism Initiative (CCI) in 2010, that helped forge close and effective cooperation in counter-terrorism, information-sharing and capacity-building.

"Today, with the formal signing of the initiative, we take several significant steps forward against terrorism," Roemer said, as per a report in The Hindu.

Roemer resigned citing prior personal and professional commitments but, according to a report in The Hindu, the timing of the announcement was suspect as it "coincided with Roemer expressing dissatisfaction with the selection process for a mega Indian Air Force tender for fighter planes, in which both the US contenders were virtually knocked out of the race along with Russian and Swedish companies."

David Campbell Mulford (December 2003 to February 2009)

Mulford's stint came at a time when India-US relations were undergoing a dramatic shift. During his tenure, the two nations saw unprecedented economic cooperation. He helped bolster several areas of cooperation, including business, science, agriculture, education and military cooperation.

He is credited with overseeing the negotiations of the US-India Civil Nuclear Initiative. Mulford had termed the deal as "very constructive and credible". He had said that the civil nuclear energy deal with India will end its isolation and contribute to the non-proliferation system.

"This visit is certainly the most important visit any President of United States has made to India", Mulford said referring to George W Bush's visit to India.

In the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, he facilitated US collaboration and cooperation to help strengthen the efforts against international terrorism. He was also the founder of the US-India CEO Forum.

Robert Blackwill (July 2001 to July 2003)

Blackwill was part of a group of foreign policy advisers to George W Bush during his presidential campaign in 2000. He was rewarded post Bush's win with the ambassadorship to India.

Blackwill's stint was marked by his commitment to take India seriously as an American ally, to counter China's growing power. According to a report in The New York Times, Blackwill promoted perhaps the closest ties between India and the United States since India's independence in 1947.

"The Bush administration perceives India as a strategic opportunity for the United States, not as an irritating recalcitrant," Blackwill had said. Blackwill had said that before he arrived, India was considered "a nuclear renegade whose policies threatened the entire nonproliferation regime."

The report further highlighted Blackwill's diplomatic prowess: "After a series of terrorist attacks for which India blamed Pakistan, the two nuclear-armed nations nearly went to war. As tensions rose, Blackwill was said to have been a strong advocate of a State Department advisory against travel to India, which prompted the evacuation of embassy staff members,"

Whether intended as a pressure tactic or not, the advisory put a crimp in India's economy and tourism and was partly credited for drawing India away from war."

Last year, Blackwill received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from President Pranab Mukherjee for his distinguished service.
The Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has suffered a major setback in Kashmir with one of its top commander and nearly half dozen militants associated with the group killed in different encounters with security forces in June alone.

The security forces killed another three militants from the outfit on Thursday in an encounter that lasted over six hours (five in the last 24 hours) in the densely populated Kakapora area of Pulwama district.

The killings, however, resulted in massive protests across south Kashmir on Thursday with thousands marching towards the native villages of the three militants.

The slain militants killed in the overnight gunfight were identified as Majid Mir, Irshad and Shakir Ahmad all of them were locals and had joined the militancy outfit recently, according to police officials.

The house of a civilian, in which militants were trapped, was completely damaged and the charred bodies of the militants  including a 14-year-old teenage militant  were recovered on Thursday morning.

The encounter is likely to boost the morale of the security forces, who have been working overtime to neutralise militants associated with the outfit for some time now. More so, since it has come just days after a group of LeT militants killed a Kashmir police officer, Feroz Ahmad Dar, along with five personnel, during an ambush near Thajiwar in the Achabal area of Anantnag.

A massive blow to LeT?

Once dominated by foreign fighters, earlier LeT drew its cadre mainly from the poorest pockets of Pakistan to fight the Indian state, in Kashmir, but since the unrest that began after the killing of Burhan Wani in July 2016, the group, according to security agencies, has been recruiting locals and is now dominated by youth from south Kashmir. Here, it is second to Hizbul Mujahideen in terms of numbers, sources said.

In the four districts of South Kashmir, the LeT had at least 35 militants under its fold, who operated alongside nine foreign infiltrators. The fresh encounters of LeT militants have brought that number down considerably.

One of the four volatile districts in south Kashmir, Pulwama is believed to have a large presence of local militants aided by a strong network of overground workers. According to police sources, of the 30 youths who picked up arms in the first four months of 2017, 10 of them (the highest number) are from Pulwama. The district has become a stronghold of militancy with the presence of 70 militants, including 12 foreigners.

The Thursday encounter was the first major successful counter-insurgency operation in Pulwama district.

According to police officials, the killing of three LeT militants on Thursday is likely to come as a severe blow to LeT which recently lost its Kulgam commander Junaid Mattoo during an encounter at Arwin village of Anantnag district on 17 June.

After Mattoos death this is another blow to the LeT in south Kashmir, SP Vaid, Director General of Police, said.

One of the most wanted militants in Kashmir, Abu Dujana is the operational chief of LeT, and is being seen as the man responsible for bringing many locals into the fold of the militant outfit, particularly in south Kashmir. Dujana, a resident of Pakistan is also the main accused in several attacks including two Fidayeen attacks in Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building and an attack on BSF in Udhampur in 2016.

However, intelligence officials say, the number of LeT militants operating in north Kashmir is way higher than those of in south Kashmir.

Locals clash with police, chant anti-India slogans

Massive protests erupted across south Kashmir on Thursday after the killing of the three militants. Thousands of people marched towards the native villages of the three LeT militants to participate in the militants' funeral procession. According to eyewitnesses, the protesters were chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.

Clashes erupted after the funeral which left a 25-year-old youth Tawseef Ahmad Wani, a resident of Tengpuna Pulwama, dead.

He was hit by a bullet in his neck, apart from having multiple injuries, Dr Saba, a medical officer at Pampore hospital, told Firstpost on the phone.

According to officials, at least 65 people sustained injuries during clashes in different areas of Pulwama district. The public health centre Kakpora registered intake of 60 persons with different injuries.

Officials said that 16 of the injured were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment. They added that those referred to Srinagar were having multiple pellet injuries.
The recently quelled farmers' protest in Maharashtra has resurfaced in Kalyan in Thane district as protesting farmers torched three to four police vehicles and assaulted around 10 policemen.

#Visuals from Thane-Badlapur highway where farmers protest turned violent, farmers say their land is being acquired by MoD. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/X5TgogeoMU  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

According to CNN-News 18, the protesting farmers have blocked the Thane-Badlapur Highway and have resorted to arson. Additional forces and riot control police have been sent to the area to contain the unrest.

An ANI report said that the farmers were protesting against the acquisition of their lands by the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Navy is reportedly planning to build a wall, which is at the root of the current agitation, CNN-News 18 reported. More details on the issue are still awaited.

Another report in Hindustan Times, states that the authorities are planning to transform a currently defunct World War II airstrip into an international airport. The move has added fuel to fire, as farmers already hit by declining farm income, had to face land acquisitions.

The farmer agitation comes close on the heels of another 10-day-long bloody agitation by farmers, that was finally called off on 11 June.

From 1 June, over half a million farmers across Maharashtra, barring coastal Konkan, went on an unprecedented strike, marred by several violent incidents.

Major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur and others felt the pinch of the strike as shortages loomed large, coupled with spiralling prices of essentials like milk, fresh fruit, vegetables, and even food grain.

The farmers' demands included a waiver on farm loans, free electricity, appropriate remunerative prices for their produce, grants for irrigation, pension for farmers aged 60 years and above, and implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee recommendations.

However, the government, after extended negotiations, was able to convince the farmers to call off the strike. The Maharashtra government has already announced a farm loan waiver for small and marginal farmers and as for the implementation of Swaminathan panel recommendations, it has said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will lead a delegation of ministers and farmers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the demand can be fulfilled by the Centre alone.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Thursday issued a notification appealing its employees to contribute a day's salary to provide financial assistance to families of farmers in the "suicide-prone" regions of the state. "We have asked officials, including IAS, IPS and forest officers, and the workers of the state government, semi-government bodies, and corporations to contribute a day's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief fund in July to help families of farmers living in the suicide-prone regions," stated the notification.

The money would also be used for education purposes of farmers' children. "Besides chief minister, his cabinet colleagues, ministers of state, MLAs and MLCs have also been asked to contribute if they are willing to," an official said on Thursday. The Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of the state are traditionally known as the "suicide belts" due to a large number of suicides by farmers reported in these areas over years.

Cultivators in various parts of the state recently resorted to protests for a complete loan waiver and other demands. Rattled by the unprecedented agitation, the state government recently agreed to waive loans of small and marginalised farmers. The government is in the process of laying down the criteria to determine the beneficiaries of the loan waiver.
Kolkata: The CBI on Thursday interrogated IPS officer S M H Mirza of his alleged role in the Narada video tapes scandal which allegedly showed him accepting money in exchange of favours.

Mirza was quizzed for nearly seven hours by the CBI officials in Kolkata. He refused to make any comment to the media on his way out from the CBI office.

The IPS officer was the second person to have been questioned by the investigating agency after Iqbal Ahmed, Trinamool Congress MLA and deputy mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The Narada tapes, which were released before the 2016 assembly elections in West Bengal, allegedly showed several Trinamool Congress MLAs and MPs accepting money in exchange for favours from investigative journalist Mathew Samuels who posed as a businessman interested in making some investments in West Bengal.

No arrests have been made so far.
New Delhi: Deepening bilateral trade and economic ties will be one of the key focus areas of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the US where he will hold talks with President Donald Trump on 26 June in their first meeting. A number of key issues, including ways to step up cooperation for effectively combating terrorism and further strengthening defence ties, are also likely to figure during the talks between the two leaders.

Modi will visit the US on 25 and 26 June as part of a three-nation tour beginning Saturday. "One of the agendas of the visit is how to further push and develop economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefit," external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said when asked about the focus of the Modi-Trump meeting.

Refusing to give further details, he said all matters of bilateral interests will be on the table, adding, "The leaders will have an entire gamut of relationship in front of them when they talk." Asked whether incidents of alleged racial attacks will be raised by the prime minister with the US president, Baglay said not all attacks were racial. "Whenever there have been attacks on Indians because of some reason or the other, we have seen that they have been condemned very strongly by the US government," he said.

The MEA spokesperson said the India-US relationship has been very robust and strong and thrust would be to take it further. Asked whether Modi will raise with Trump the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Baglay said India's concerns regarding it are very well known and that it was logical to assume that matters relating to regional and global security will be discussed. "Terrorism that emanates from there (Pakistan) affects not only India, but other countries in South Asia and the world over," he said.

"We do talk to our friends and partners on how to counter terrorism, cross-border terrorism and international terrorism," he said. On whether India will apprise the US about its concerns

over the US military aid to Pakistan being diverted for anti-India activities, Baglay did not give a direct reply, but said such concerns have been conveyed whenever there has been an occasion.

To a query on how preparations for the Modi-Trump meeting were going on considering the US leader's "maverick nature", Baglay only said, "I don't agree with your description of the president."

The MEA spokesperson said Modi will meet CEOs of top US companies and senior representatives from the business community on 25 June. There will be an Indian community event in the afternoon of that day as well.

On Modi's meeting with the CEOs, he said discussions are expected on giving further fillip to trade and investment. Modi would visit Portugal on 24 June and the Netherlands on 27 June.
Chandigarh: A pizza is delivered in 15 minutes but fire brigade vehicles do not arrive even after five hours, Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Thursday highlighting the sorry state of affairs.

The minister said that Punjab requires 550 fire fighting vehicles but practically has only 50 at present.

However, he assured the state Assembly that the government would set up a fire directorate to improve fire safety services in Punjab.

He was replying to a query posed by Congress MLA Navtej Singh Cheema in the ongoing budget session in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Against the requirement of 550 fire fighting vehicles, Punjab has only 150, Sidhu said.

"Out of these 150, 100 are outdated," he said.

The state has practically just 50 fire fighting machines, he said.

The local government minister accused the previous SAD-BJP dispensation of "totally neglecting" this sector.

"The Centre had given a grant of Rs 90 crore for fire services and out of that only Rs 17 crore were spent and that too for small vehicles," he said.

"Pizza can be delivered in 15 minutes but the fire brigade does not reach even after five hours," he said adding that on the directions of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, a fire directorate was coming up.

A sum of Rs 45 crore has been earmarked for this, he said.
Kathmandu: Nepal's drugs watchdog has asked Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurveda to recall six Ayurvedic medicines after they were found to be of "substandard quality" following microbial tests.

The Department of Drug Administration, in a public notice, said six Ayurvedic medical products made by Divya Pharmacy in Uttarakhand, were found to be substandard during inspections at various outlets and tests on specimens.

The medicines which failed the microbial tests are Patanjali's Amla Churna, Divya Gashar Churna, Bahuchi Churna, Triphala Churna, Aswangandha and Adviya Churna, the notice said.

"The batch of medicine which were inspected by the department are found to have contained pathogenic bacteria," an official of the Department told PTI.

The Nepalese drug authorities have urged the stakeholders not to sell or prescribe the use of these six medicines with immediate effect.

A source at Patanjali Ayurveda Kendra in Kathmandu, the sole distributor of the products in Nepal, said the medicines have not been banned but restriction was imposed on the sale and use of certain batch of the medicines that failed lab test.

"We will immediately recall the medicines if found substandard," he said.
Seoul: North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a "psychopath" as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.

Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a "tough situation" at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.

"South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump...will only lead to disaster," an editorial carried by the paper said.

A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbier's death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Trump slammed the "brutal regime" in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to "prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency."
Chicago: Otto Warmbier, the US college student imprisoned for more than a year by North Korea and sent back home in a coma that proved fatal, will be buried Thursday in his home state of Ohio.

Sentenced to hard labour for stealing a political poster from a North Korean hotel, the 22-year-old Warmbier was medically evacuated in a coma last week after nearly 18 months in captivity.

Suffering from severe brain damage, he died Monday in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. President Donald Trump slammed Warmbier's detention and eventual death as "a total disgrace."

Warmbier's funeral will be held at Wyoming High School located in the city of Wyoming, a suburb of Cincinnati from which he graduated in 2013. He will then be buried in Cincinnati's Oak Hill Cemetery.

Blue and white ribbons, the colours of the high school, were still tied to trees in the city of about 8,000 to show support for Warmbier's family after Otto's recent return.

Warmbier's father Fred earlier told reporters that his son was lured to North Korea, as other US tourists have been, by tour groups run out of China.

"Otto's a young, thrill-seeking, great kid who was going to be in that part of the world for a college experience and said, 'Hey, I've heard some friends who have done this. I would like to do this.' So, we agreed to let him do that," Fred Warmbier said.

"They lure Americans, and then they take them hostage and then they do things to them, and that's what happened to my son," he added.

Warmbier was arrested as he was about to leave North Korea and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years of hard labour. Soon after his family heard nothing more about his fate

Then, just before he was to be medically evacuated, the North Korean regime revealed that Warmbier had been in a coma for much of his imprisonment.

Warm, engaging, brilliant

Warmbier died Monday of severe brain damage, which doctors said was likely due to cardiopulmonary arrest.

Medical tests did not show what precipitated his injuries, but also found no evidence of the botulism infection that North Korea claimed was the cause of his coma.

The Hamilton County Coroner's office did not perform an autopsy at the request of the Warmbier family.

Warmbier's friends and relatives described him as a bright young man beloved in his community.

"He just lived life with such a zest and a passion that I haven't really ever experienced in somebody before," Warmbier's childhood friend Chris Colloton told the Cincinnati Inquirer newspaper.

"He was the best guy I knew. I still know him  I'm just going to miss him so much," the 22-year-old said.

In a statement announcing his death, Warmbier's family described him as "a warm, engaging, brilliant young man whose curiosity and enthusiasm for life knew no bounds."

"You can tell from the outpouring of emotion from the communities that he touched Wyoming, Ohio and the University of Virginia to name just two that the love for Otto went well beyond his immediate family," the statement said.

Following Warmbier's death, the tour group that arranged his trip said it would no longer take Americans to North Korea.

"Now, the assessment of risk for Americans visiting North Korea has become too high," said the China-based Young Pioneer Tours.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned that Washington holds North Korea "accountable" for Warmbier's fate, and demanded the release of three other Americans held by the reclusive regime.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang is running out.

"To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically... this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility towards any human being," Mattis said.
The Opposition parties will meet on Thursday to decide their presidential candidate and speculations are that the former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, will be chosen to counter Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Ram Nath Kovind's claim to the Raisina Hill.

According to various news reports, former chief minister of Maharashtra, Sushilkumar Shinde and Kumar are among frontrunners in the last leg of race to presidential poll nominations. However, Shinde dismissed reports that his name is being considered, making Kumar's nomination more likely, according to News18 report. Moreover, Kumar's meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Wednesday, further fueled speculations over her likely candidature.

Kumar's candidature, if she's chosen, would be seen as a copy-cat move to counter BJP's presidential pick, Kovind who is also a Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh. Considering the race boils down to a face-off between the Kovind and Kumar, it will be an interesting competition as both leaders are respected names from their respective parties.

While Kovind is a veteran BJP man, who has shared amicable relationship with the Sangh, Kumar has entered electoral politics in 1985, when she joined Congress. If the popularity of the two leaders is compared, Kovind, a little known face in national political, loses out to Kumar who is a five time Lok Sabha MP and the first woman to become the Lok Sabha Speaker. Kumar also claims the political legacy of her father Babu Jagjivan Ram, a former deputy prime minister and a prominent Dalit rights crusader.

However, that doesn't mean that Kovind lacks the political astuteness. He has headed the BJP's Dalit Morcha and is among one of the few Dalit faces the party could boast of in it's folds in north India. He is also a two-time Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh besides being the Bihar Governor.

In his long standing political career, Kovind not only has the experience of sitting on a constitutional post as Bihar governor but he also has enough administrative experience as member of various parliamentary committees. He has been the chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee and has served as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes and Social Justice and Empowerment among others.

Kumar, on the other hand, has the experience in electoral politics that perhaps Kovind lacks. She has been the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, she had a brief stint as member of the cabinet as Union Minister for Water Resources, which she quit after being nominated as the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

Another factor that plays in favour of Kovind is his humble background. The saffron party has announced Kovind's candidature, playing up his humble beginings, and an image of a self-made man. Kovind comes from a small village in Kanpur district before rising through the ranks of BJP and establishing himself as a prominent lawyer.

Kumar on the other hand is perceived as a Lutyen's zone politician, who has close ties with the Nehru-Gandhi family. Against Kovind's humble background, Kumar is a former IFS officer and the daughter of a prominent politician. Out of her five tenures as an MP, three were contested from Delhi and not her father's work field Bihar.

Kovind has worked for Dalit empowerment too. He joined a stir by SC/ST employees when in 1997 certain orders were issued by the Centre which adversely affected their interests. Kovind took the lead in providing free legal aid to weaker sections, especially the SC/ST women, and poor and needy girls under the aegis of the Free Legal Aid Society in Delhi. His career as an advocate spans over 16 years and he has been a central government advocate in the Delhi High Court.

However, as Ajay Singh argues in this Firstpost article, Kovind in his years in public life so far comes across as an unassuming and 'conforming constitutionalist'. Singh writes, "He has never flaunted his caste identity for political benefits. His grooming in the RSS enables him to remain firmly rooted to the ideological mooring without courting any controversy. The manner in which he deftly managed his stint as Bihar governor and maintained best of relationship with chief minister Nitish Kumar was illustrative of his political sagacity in managing even difficult situations." Kumar on the other hand has been a through Congress woman prominently airing her views on key policy decisions.
Patna: A day after backing Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the president's post, the JD(U) on Thursday said that there was no question of going back to the NDA and it continued to be an integral part of the united opposition.

"The decision to back Kovind's candidature is an isolated incident, we'll never go back to the NDA-fold again," the JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi told PTI over phone from Delhi.

Tyagi said Kovind, the ex-Governor of Bihar, had played a positive and non-confrontational role in the functioning of the state government.

During his nearly two years' tenure as the Bihar governor, Kovind handled himself with dignity and poise and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was quite impressed with the his demeanour and grace which convinced him to back his candidature for the president's post, he said.

He said Kumar, who is the JD(U) national president, and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechuri during the DMK founder M Karunanidhi's 94th birth day celebrations at Chennai on 4 June had discussed the name of former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi as the opposition's candidate and it would have stayed the course but for the NDA throwing a surprise by announcing Kovind's candidature.

"We are bound to support the former Bihar Governor's presidential bid as he had discharged his duties with grace and poise," Tyagi said, adding that having decided to back Kovind's candidature it did not make sense to attend the meeting of the Opposition parties in Delhi on Thursday to decide on the presidential elections.

The JD(U) national spokesperson asked the NDA to refrain from nursing any illusion about his party going back to the ruling alliance at the Centre and charged the Narendra Modi government with failing on all fronts.

"Despite backing Kovind's candidature for the president's post, we are of the considered view that the Modi government has failed on all fronts," he said.

Tyagi said that contentious issues like Ayodhya, Uniform Civil Code and Article 370 continued to be the sore points between the NDA and the JD(U).

"In fact, the communal strife has worsened throughout the country over the past three years," he alleged.

Stating that the JD(U)'s decision to stand by Kovind's candidature for the president's post is an "isolated incident," Tyagi said that his party would continue to be an integral part of the united opposition.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav criticised Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's decision to support NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday, terming it as a historical mistake by the Janata Dal (United) leader.

"People of Bihar will never forget Nitish Kumar. Now a daughter of Bihar from Dalit background has been named the presidential candidate. Nitish should have waited and thought about it. He has done a big mistake and will pay price for that," Lalu said after 17 opposition parties led by Congress announced Meira Kumar's candidacy in the upcoming presidential polls against Kovind.

Lalu has made it clear that he would go with the Congress-led opposition's candidate.

"Nitish had called me and told about his decision. I advised him not to do so, but I can't say what happened after that. Now everybody knows what he has done. He himself had pitched for opposition unity and backtracked," said Lalu.

Back in Patna, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra challenged Nitish to change his decision to support Kovind whose RSS background has under the opposition scanner.

Other RJD leaders, as well as Congress, criticised Nitish Kumar ever since the Bihar chief minister announced his decision to support Kovind.

The JD(U) didn't participate in Thursday's opposition meeting held in Delhi.

Senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh has alleged that Nitish had taken the decision to demean the RJD. He also feared the ruling Mahagathbandhan might not last long in Bihar.
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In an earlier piece, Sunil Raman had written for Firstpost: "Modi and BJP president Amit Shahs strategy to get Dalit-tribal duo in president and vice-president offices is meant to achieve multiple objectives"

He once headed the BJP's Dalit wing. Kovind was made the Governor of Bihar two years ago after the NDA took power in the centre in May 2014.

"Ram Nath comes from a Dalit family and has struggled a lot. We hope he will be the unanimous candidate for the election," Shah said.

If elected, Ram Nath Kovind will be the second Dalit Indian President after KR Narayanan. The earlier names which were doing the rounds for Presidency included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

If elected, Ram Nath Kovind will be the second Dalit Indian President

Before the announcement, we had hoped for a discussion so that there is no consensus. They informed Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh only after the decision was made. This was a one-sided decision, said Azad. He added that the final decision will be taken by the Opposition after the 22 June meeting.

Azad further said that Congress has always believed that the Opposition will make an unanimous decision on the presidential candidate. Sonia Gandhi was authorised to form a sub-group. In the meantime, the BJP has decided that three senior ministers will talk to the Opposition about the presidential candidate. During the meeting, no mentioned was mentioned.

Congress will not comment on NDA's pick for the presidential candidate, said Ghulam Nabi Azad, after Amit Shah announced Ram Nath Kovind's candidature.

Congress was informed only after the decision was made: Ghulam Nabi Azad

By announcing Kovind's name as NDA presidential candidate, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have yet again reminded that they are a master of surprises, expect the unexpected from them. They have proved that all the media speculations and the so called "informed" private talks among the senior leads and ministers to be wrong after Kovind's name was nowhere on the radar when speculations were rife. Read more here .

Expressing her party's reservation about the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee said that, "The office of President is a key post. Someone of the stature of Pranab Mukherjee or even Sushma Swaraj or (L K) Advaniji may have been made the candidate." Read more here .

Someone of the stature of Pranab Mukherjee or even Sushma Swaraj should have been nominee: Mamata Banerjee

Wont support BJPs Presidential candidate if it is for votebank : Uddhav Thackeray "If someone is trying to make a Dalit a President with the purpose of gaining a vote bank then we are not with them," Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said about Ram Nath Kovind, NDA's pick for the 2017 Presidential elections. He then went to add that, "But if it is for the development of the nation then we may support."

If there is an impression that Kovind is selected only to bring Dalits under the BJP fold, it would be far from reality. In fact, Kovinds selection as the NDAs presidential candidate is driven by an objective of deepening the Hindutva into those social segments which were inaccessible to the ideologues of Sangh Parivar. Kovinds selection is certainly a part of a larger political project of consolidating the Hindu identity. Full analysis here .

Kumar entered electoral politics in 1985, when she joined Congress. Read more about the Opposition presidential candidate here

"It's a wonderful choice and I wish her all the luck.. I don't think there could've been a better choice than her. Meira Kumar's name has been doing rounds for long time. She is a well known and highly respected figure," senior Congress leader Sheila Dixit tells Times Now

"As a woman I would want to compliment Meira ji but they dont have the numbers. The majority is for Ram Nath Kovind with all the correct prerequisites." Shaina NC tells Times Now

Will meet Nitish Kumar and will continue to urge him to change his decision to support NDA prez candidate Kovind: Lalu Prasad

Senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh alleged that Nitish had taken the decision to demean the RJD. He also feared the ruling Mahagathbandhan might not last long in Bihar.

JD(U) did not participate in today's opposition meeting held in Delhi but RJD leader Lalu Yadav was present there. Lalu had made it clear that He would go with what the Congress led opposition will decide.

Not only Bhai Virendra but other RJD leaders have openly ciriticised Nitish Kumar since yesterday when the Bihar CM announced to support Kovind.

"People of Bihar will never forget Nitish Kumar. Now a daughter of Bihar from Dalit background has been named Presidential candidate. Nitish should have waited and thought about it. He has done a big mistake and will pay price for that," he said.

Back in Patna, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra challenged Nitish Kumar to change his decision to support Kovind having RSS background.

Latest salvo from the RJD is set to widen the cracks within the ruling Mahagathbandhan. Other alliance partner Congress has also denounced Nitish' party JD(U) for going with the BJP.

"Nitish had called me and told about his decision. I advised him not to do so but I can't say what happened after that. Now everybody knows what He has done. He himself had pitched for opposition unity and backtracked," Lalu said.

After attending the meeting in Delhi, RJD leader Lalu Prasad said that Nitish had done a historical mistake.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after 17 opposition parties led by Congress announced to pitch Meira Kumar against NDA nominee Ramnath Kovind.

Nitish has done a historical mistake, People of Bihar will never forget him: RJD

Talking to reporters, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said: "There could not have been a better candidate than Meira Kumar for the post of President."

"You cannot look at her (Meira Kumar's) caste. Her credentials are known to the world," DMK leader Kanimozhi tells Times Now

"I had initially said Kovind was connected to RSS and BJP ideologies. I had also said that a non-Dalit would've been a better NDA candidate. After the BJP and NDA's one-sided decision, the opposition parties called for a meeting, Today, UPA and others have unaniomously chose Meira Kumar who comes from a Dalit background, " Mayawati tells at a press conference

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) will hold a meeting of its 28 MLAs and two Rajya Sabha MPs to decide which candidate to vote for during the presidential election on 17 July, after some of its members expressed opposition to NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind, due to his RSS background.

Daughter of former deputy prime minister late Jagjivan Ram, Meira Kumar, 72, was the first woman to occupy the high office of the Lok Sabha Speaker between 2009 and 2014 during the UPA-II rule.

The career of Kumar began when she quit her Indian Foreign Service(IFS) job and decided to fight the Lok Sabha polls in 1985, a year before her fathers death.

She holds an MA and LLB degrees alongwith an advanced diploma in Spanish.

From being a foreign service officer to a five-term MP and then a Cabinet minister, Kumar has traversed a long way and a varied course that came in handy to her in running the Lok Sabha that often throws itself into scenes of tumult.

She became an MP for the second time in 1996 and again in 1998 from Delhis Karol Bagh constituency but lost her seat in 1999 when NDA returned to power. Kumar was re-elected in 2004 with a huge margin from Sasaram in Bihar, the constituency of her father, and became an MP for the fifth time in 2009.

Meira Kumar was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh in 1985, defeating top Dalit leaders Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Friday morning that he will accompany NDA's presidnetial nominee Ram Nath Kovind as he files his nomination papers. According to News18, Kovind will assemble in the Parliament library at 11 am with chief ministers, members of parliament, and members of Legislative Assembly.

The electoral college comprising all elected MPs and MLAs of India would appear to be firmly behind Ram Nath Kovind. NDA, its constituents and allies make up 48.6 percent of the electoral college. This apart, regional parties like AIADMK, BJD, TRS and JD(U) have also decided to back Kovind's candidature as the next president of India, giving him over 60 percent of the electoral college, and that figure could increase further, given that some regional parties are still undecided.

It is expected that the security cover will be with him in the upcoming days and weeks, as he travels the length and breadth of the country to canvass for support.

Ram Nath Kovind has also been accorded Z+ security, and commandos of the NSG and security agencies have also done security audit of Kovind's temporary residence in the capital. "A Z+ and NSG security cover has been given to Ram Nath Kovind," a home ministry spokesperson confirmed.

Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination for President in the presence of Narendra Modi: NDTV

The opposition's presidential candidate Meira Kumar will file her nomination papers on Wednesday, the last date of filing nominations. Apart from prominent Congerss leaders, leaders of 16 other parties supporting her, including NCP's Sharad Pawar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad are also expected to be present during the filing of nomination.

The External Affairs Minister on Sunday posted a video of former Kumar, who was the former Lok Sabha speaker, on Twitter which she , "This is how Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar treated the Leader of Opposition." Vadakkan's reponse came in light of the aforementioned tweet.

Congress party criticised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for targeting the Opposition's presidential nominee Meira Kumar. The Opposition leaders said that Kumar is a credible person, and that is a well known fact. Congress leader Tom Vadakkan said that Swaraj, while holding a responsible office, should refrain from making such comments, Deccan Chronicle reported.

"We should hang our heads in shame, even if there is one incident of violence against Dalits." "Even today in our country, atrocities are being committed on Dalits, the oppressed and weaker sections... my fight is against that," Kumar added.

Meira Kumar described recent attacks on Dalits as "shameful", even as she said that it was unfortunate that the elections to a constitutional post are being reduced to the discussion around the candidates' caste.

In a political comeback, Congress had named Meira the presidential nominee after BJP named Ram Nath Kovind as its presidential pick. While Kovind was the governor of Biihar, Meira hails from the state and is the daughter of a prominent politican Jagjivan Ram. Both Kovind and Meira are Dalits.

However, she had already reached out to each member of the electorate through her letter two days ago in which she made an emotional appeal to their "voice of inner conscience".

As Nitish Kumar, a Congress ally in Bihar, declared his support for the NDA candidate, Meira Kumar said that she had not yet decided on whether to appeal to Bihar Chief Minister to support her nomination.

Haven't yet made up my mind over appealing to JD(U) for support: Meira Kumar

Meira Kumar will file a set of four nomination papers which will be proposed and seconded by leaders of a number of opposition parties. She will file her papers at 11:30 AM in Parliament before the Lok Sabha Secretary General, the returning officer for the 17 July presidential election.

Opposition's presidential nominee and former Lok Sabha speaker Kumar said that she will pay her respects at the Samadhis of Mahatma Gandhi and Jagjivan Ram, her father before she files her nomination papers at 11.30 am.

"These charges are baseless and are being levelled with the intent of tarnishing my image. The government has given the bungalow to a government body and later a government office."

Kumar, however, brushed aside these allegations, adding that due process was followed in the move.

Controversies from her past has come back to haunt Meira Kumar, who will file her nomination papers today. Kumar has been embroiled in a controversy over a government bungalow allotted to her. It is alleged that using her influence as the Lok Sabha speaker, she apparently got it converted into a memorial for her father.

"None had alleged that my style of functioning was biased."

Responding to Union minister Sushma Swaraj's releasing a video of a Lok Sabha speech to indicate how she was treated as leader of opposition, Kumar said leaders of various parties had never criticised her for her style of functioning but appreciated it.

Flanked by major Opposition leaders, including CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and TMC's DereK O' Brian among others.

However, JD(U)'s presence was noticeably missing from the scene, which had pledged support to NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind, even before Kumar's candidature was announced.

In yet another bid to underscore Opposition's unity, leaders from various political parties flanked Kumar as she reached Parliament House to file her nomination papers. From Congress President Sonia Gandhi, to All India Trinamool Congress' Derek O' Brian, prominent leaders from several opposition parties made appearances alongside Kumar.

BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu filed fourth set of nomination papers on behalf of Kovind to conclude the nomination formalities for the NDA's presidential pick. The Presidential elections, slated for 17 July, will see a race between Opposition's Meira Kumar and Kovind, who has a decided advantage given to the strength of the ruling party in the House.

Asked why Sabarmati, Kumar said, "Everybody knows the significance of Sabarmati in our country. The 'sant' of Sabarmati (Mahatma Gandhi) played an important role in the freedom movement of our country. That's why I am going there."

"I feel I should start my election campaign from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. I will start from there," said Kumar briefing media in New Delhi, a day ahead of filing her nomination papers.

Meira Kumar is likely to launch her campaign from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad in Gujarat after her nomination papers are cleared on Thursday.

However, Nitish's decision to stand by Kovind has started rumours that the Opposition unity may not be as strong as the Congress would like to portray.

Presidential poll candidate has become a bone of contention between JD(U) and the rest of the opposition parties. While JD(U) declared its support for NDA's Ram Nath Kovind for being Bihar's former governor, Congress fielded Meira Kumar, another Dalit and daughter of prominent leader from the state Jagjivan Ram.

A total of 4,120 MLAs and 776 MPs would cast their votes in the presidential election on 17 July. Kovind fielded by the NDA is expected to garner almost 60 percent of votes with the help of support extended by several non-NDA parties such as JD(U), BJD, and both factions of AIADMK.

Even as Meira Kumar's candidature was approved by 17 opposition political parties, the numbers are clearly in favour of Ram Nath Kovind.

Meira Kumar files nomination even as numbers stack up against her

However, JD(U)'s presence was noticeably missing from the scene, which had pledged support to NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind, even before Kumar's candidature was announced.

In yet another bid to underscore Opposition's unity, leaders from various political parties flanked Kumar as she reached Parliament House to file her nomination papers. From Congress President Sonia Gandhi, to All India Trinamool Congress' Derek O' Brian, prominent leaders from several opposition parties made appearances alongside Kumar.

BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu filed fourth set of nomination papers on behalf of Kovind to conclude the nomination formalities for the NDA's presidential pick. The Presidential elections, slated for 17 July, will see a race between Opposition's Meira Kumar and Kovind, who has a decided advantage given to the strength of the ruling party in the House.

Meira Kumar entered electoral politics in 1985 when she joined Congress and is a five-time Lok Sabha MP. Kumar, the daughter of prominent Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram, has beaten powerful Dalit leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan and Mayawati to win in Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. She is also the first woman to become the Lok Sabha Speaker. Read more about her family background and political career here.

Asked why Sabarmati, Kumar said, "Everybody knows the significance of Sabarmati in our country. The 'sant' of Sabarmati (Mahatma Gandhi) played an important role in the freedom movement of our country. That's why I am going there."

"I feel I should start my election campaign from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. I will start from there," said Kumar briefing media in New Delhi, a day ahead of filing her nomination papers.

Meira Kumar is likely to launch her campaign from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad in Gujarat after her nomination papers are cleared on Thursday.

She represents the values that binds us as a nation: Rahul Gandhi on Meira Kumar

However, Nitish's decision to stand by Kovind has started rumours that the Opposition unity may not be as strong as the Congress would like to portray.

Presidential poll candidate has become a bone of contention between JD(U) and the rest of the opposition parties. While JD(U) declared its support for NDA's Ram Nath Kovind for being Bihar's former governor, Congress fielded Meira Kumar, another Dalit and daughter of prominent leader from the state Jagjivan Ram.

Our alliance in Bihar is strong, different views over #PresidentialPoll has nothing to do with the alliance or Govt: KC Tyagi,JDU pic.twitter.com/429bmXaqkn

A total of 4,120 MLAs and 776 MPs would cast their votes in the presidential election on 17 July. Kovind fielded by the NDA is expected to garner almost 60 percent of votes with the help of support extended by several non-NDA parties such as JD(U), BJD, and both factions of AIADMK.

Even as Meira Kumar's candidature was approved by 17 opposition political parties, the numbers are clearly in favour of Ram Nath Kovind.

Meira Kumar files nomination even as numbers stack up against her

Unfazed by JD(U)'s decision to back NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, major opposition parties will meet in Delhi on Thursday amid indications that former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar could be their nominee for the presidential election.

Meira Kumar met Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Wednesday. Though there was no official word about the meeting, it is widely believed that Meira Kumar could be the opposition's choice against Kovind.

Like Kovind, Meira Kumar belongs to the Dalit community. She was the first woman speaker of Lok Sabha and also has been a Union Minister.

Ahead of meeting of opposition parties, Communist Party of India leader D Raja said that JD(U) was one of the opposition parties which had come together to field a common candidate in the presidential polls and its parting ways will not have any bearing on the stance of other parties.

"It is one party. We are 17 parties who came together on the issue. (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar has taken such a position, it is for him. It does not mean all others follow Nitish Kumar," Raja told IANS.

Gandhi had taken the initiative to talk to opposition parties to evolve a consensus candidate in the presidential election. Nitish Kumar was among the leaders who met her and JD(U) leaders took part in all meetings of the grouping.

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav was also a member of the sub-committee formed by opposition parties to decide the presidential candidate.

The Left parties are keen to put up a candidate against Kovind in what they call an "ideological battle".

Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Wednesday that there would be a "strong candidate" against Kovind.

"The question is of a political battle  whether the basics of our Constitution would be protected or RSS would convert the country into a Hindu Rashtra (nation)," Yechury said.

It remains to be seen if BSP, which has also said that it cannot oppose a Dalit candidate unless the opposition has a more popular Dalit nominee, attends the opposition meeting.

For the record, the Congress said the question whether they would be putting up a candidate against Kovind will be known only after Thursday's meeting.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, whose father Mulayam Singh Yadav is toeing a different line, said that his party would go with the opposition led by Congress.

"There should be no talk about whether a Dalit should be there (be a President)... caste or religion. Whoever would be the protector of the Constitution should be above caste and religion," he said adding that his party would attend the opposition's meeting on Thursday.

The other name doing the rounds as possible opposition candidates is of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who also belong to the Dalit community.
One of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Robert Payas, a Sri Lankan national has petitioned the Tamil Nadu government seeking mercy killing.

In an emotionally charged letter to Chief Minister K Palaniswami, he said he should be killed on grounds of mercy and his body should be handed over to his family. Payas laments the long years served in jail, adding that without the hope of release the jail sentence has become an endless, hapless journey.

"Payas has petitioned the government through the Puzhal prison authorities," a top prison official told PTI. Blaming the Centre  both the previous UPA government and the incumbent NDA  for opposing the release of seven Rajiv Gandhi case convicts, including him, when former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa took the initiative, he said, "We do not know why our release has been put on hold."

He said Jayalalithaa's decision to release the convicts was reflective of the aspiration of Tamils not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the world, to see them free. He said the Centre has "decided that our lives must end in prison".

"I have come to the conclusion that there is no use living when there is no scope for release," he said, adding that the very long prison sentence has punished not only him, but also his family.

Payas, along with his brother-in-law and another convict in the case Jayakumar, had petitioned for early release in 2012 also on the grounds that he had already served more years in jail than is required in a life sentence, according to The Times of India. However, the court turned down their petition.

On 11 June this year, he completed 26 years of incarceration and entered the 27th year, he said. A convict sentenced for life in India is usually granted remission, or parole in 14 to 20 years. However, according to a report in The Hindu, that is not an indefeasible right of a prisoner, and by definition, a life convict can be kept in prison till the end of his life.

Perhaps, it was the thought of an undetermined long sentence still stretching ahead of Payas, now 52, that made him seek death. "The thought of seeking euthanasia has now become deeply entrenched, an idea which did not surface in the past," he said.

The convicts in the case are further distressed by the long and tiresome case, against them for a political assassination planned and executed over two decades ago. Gandhi was murdered on 21 May 1991.

"Delay is the operative word in the case of the convicts whenever they sought a constitutionally-sanctioned appellate action," is how a The Hindu report terms it. The article adds, "It took the President more than 11 years to reject their clemency plea in 2011. In 2014, the Supreme Court commuted their death sentence to life, citing the delay in deciding their clemency pleas." This was followed by the Tamil Nadu government's efforts to set them free, only to be stalled by the Centre later.

The desperation to end this perpetual state of undecidedness is visible in Payas' request. "Also, for the past many years since none of my family members or relatives have visited me I do not think that there is any meaning in my life," He says.

Claiming that Supreme Court Judge Justice Wadhwa had held him to be "not guilty," in 1999, he said still he continued to serve the prison sentence and it greatly anguished him.

Payas and six other convicts in the case, whose sentences have been commuted to life, came the closest to hope and jubilation, Jayalalithaa had tried for their release in 2014. This was one of the rare occasions when Jayalalithaa's arch rival DMK also supported her move; several pro-Tamil outfits had burst crackers celebrating the release of the convicts, says a Rediff.com report quoting PTI. However, the Centre petitioned the Supreme Court against the state's decision and the apex court ruled that the Tamil Nadu government did not have the jurisdiction to order the release of the convicts being investigated by a central agency, according to NDTV.

Payas is a suspected LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) member, who had admitted to being a close associate in the conspiracy hatched to murder Gandhi, according to Hindustan Times.

According to the book, The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination: The Investigation By DR Kaarthikeyan states that Payas' arrest was imminent right from the time the first lose ends of the case were traced by the investigators. He was a close associate of Sivakaran and Murugan, other key conspirators in the case. The book further states, "In September 1990, the LTTE instructed Payas and Jayakumar to go to Chennai in the guise of refugees and and set up bases for LTTE's INT group cadre." Following this, Payas, along with several other family members arrived at Rameswaram on 20 September 1990, a period where a huge number of refugees entered India escaping the bloody conflict in Sri Lanka.

Payas had claimed his child had died due to atrocities perpetrated by the IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force) sent to Sri Lanka due to which he wanted to seek revenge. Pious, in his confession statement, has admitted to being part of the key planners for the assassination and was convicted for his role in the conspiracy.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the West Bengal government on a plea of a 23-week pregnant woman, seeking to abort her foetus suffering from serious abnormalities.

A vacation bench of justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul issued the notice to the ministry of health and family welfare and the West Bengal government on her plea challenging the constitutional validity of provisions of Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

The bench said, "Having due regard to the urgency of the matter and since the petitioners are seeking the appointment of a panel of doctors at a government hospital in Kolkata to examine the state of health of the first petitioner as well as of the foetus, we deem it appropriate that the matter be listed on 23 June 2017."

Advocate Sneha Mukherjee, appearing for the woman and her husband who filed the plea, said that she need to abort her 23-week foetus on the ground that it suffered from serious abnormalities which could be fatal to the health of the mother.

She sought constitution of a medical board at a hospital in Kolkata to ascertain the health of the woman and the foetus.

The petitioner in her plea said that she had suffered immense mental and physical anguish after coming to know of the abnormalities in her 21st week of pregnancy.

"This petition challenges the constitutional validity of section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTP) restricted to the ceiling of 20 weeks stipulated.

"This challenge is to the effect that the 20 weeks stipulation for a woman to avail of abortion services under section 3(2)(b) may have been reasonable when the section was enacted in 1971 but has ceased to be reasonable on Wednesday where technology has advanced and it is perfectly safe for a woman to abort even up to the 26th week and thereafter," her plea said.

The housewife said that the determination of fetal abnormality in many cases can only be done after the 20th week and by keeping the ceiling artificially low, women who obtain reports of serious fetal abnormality after the 20th week have to suffer excruciating pain and agony because of the deliveries that they are forced to go through.

"The ceiling of 20 weeks is therefore arbitrary, harsh, discriminatory and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India," she said.

She claimed that during the examination of foetus on 25 May, the abnormalities were detected including, a combination of four impairments in the heart.

"It was during a fetal echocardiography conducted on the petitioner on 25 May, that it was first suspected that the foetus suffered from Tetralogy of Fallot, a combination of four impairments in the heart. Further, a subsequent fetal echocardiography done on 30 May, confirmed the same.

"However, petitioner had crossed the 20 weeks mark and medical termination of pregnancy under the MTP Act restricts medical termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks," her plea said adding that the denial of her right to an abortion has caused her "extreme anguish" and has "forced her to continue her pregnancy while being aware that the foetus may not survive".
Srinagar: Security forces on Thursday gunned down three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in an encounter that lasted for over six hours in Pulwama district of South Kashmir.

The encounter started last evening in Kakapora area of Pulwama following an intelligence input that three local boys, who had joined militant ranks in banned Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, were holed up in a house located in a densely populated locality, a police official said.

This is the first successful counter-insurgency operation in Pulwama area which is believed to have large presence of local militants aided with a strong-network of over ground workers, he said.

The identity of the three slain militants was being established, he said, adding the successful operation was a big blow to the LeT terror outfit which recently lost its commander Junaid Mattoo in an encounter at Arwin village in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on 17 June.

This is the second successful operation against the terror outfit within three days.

Two militants were killed in an encounter in Sopore township of Baramulla district in north Kashmir on Wednesday.
On 17 June, a man named Ramesh Chand on board an IndiGo flight travelling from Hyderabad to Delhi was caught masturbating. A co-passenger sitting beside him complained to the crew, and the man was arrested upon landing in Delhi.

This isnt the first time were hearing about sexual harassment on Indian planes: Back in 2006, Kerala public works minister PJ Joseph reportedly molested a woman on a Kingfisher flight. He then earned the distinction of becoming the third Kerala minister to quit after being involved in sexual harassment cases and was later acquitted in a district court.

In 2009, a passenger on an IndiGo flight was found staring at an air hostess and masturbating mid-air, as the Times of India liked to call it. In January 2017, a business-class passenger on an Air India flight groped a female passenger while she was asleep. In 2015, a video of a woman slapping a man who molested her on an IndiGo flight went viral. There are several more videos of similar cases uploaded on YouTube for no discernible reason, except perhaps to shame the men involved, or to satisfy the voyeuristic curiosity in videos of molestation that were now seeing in the age of smartphones and easy video recording.

An August 2016 article published in Slate tried to explore what happens in cases of sexual harassment on long-haul flights. It seemed to come to the conclusion that airlines are grossly ill-equipped to handle these instances, and the reasons seemed to boil down to three rough areas: a fear of ruining the airlines reputation, a fear of being sued if the allegations prove to be false, and a concern about how expensive it is to divert a plane to an unplanned landing during an international flight.

In India, there seems to be somewhat less confusion about the procedure.

Nazhadh Sheikh, an aviation trainer at the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training in Bangalore, says that theres a fairly standard procedure for dealing with instances of harassment on planes. The flight attendant is required to restrain the passenger (nothing like handcuffs or anything, just move them away from the victim to the last row and make sure they dont trouble any other passengers), and inform the pilot. If a male cabin crew member is on the flight, hes usually made to sit next to the offender to make sure he doesnt do anything more to anyone else. The pilot notifies airport security, who apprehends the accused immediately upon landing. A detailed report is filed to the in-flight centre, and appropriate action is taken by airport security, who can take the issue up with local police authorities.

Shylaja Gopal, who was a flight attendant for eight years with Jet Airways, agrees that this is the usual procedure thats followed. But she also adds that airline staff are keen to de-escalate these kinds of situations as much as possible, as they cant take action based only on one persons complaint, and that the situation could reflect badly on the airlines if the accused ends up being found innocent.

Something about this protocol doesnt sit right, does it? Maybe its that it feels like an unsatisfactory response thats tailored to suit the status quo of how flights and cabin crews currently work and are staffed, not like a plan thats been formulated to create targeted mechanisms to deal with sexual harassment and womens safety specifically.

That being said, what more can you do when flying thousands of feet above the air with no official authorities on hand to intervene? Im not sure. Would it be a good idea to have security guards or officials entrusted with the responsibility of making sure that flights are safe from criminal actions? Should cabin crew be taught that the reputation of the airline or the possibility of legal action against them is not greater or more important than the safety of women passengers?

Nafeesa Khan, a former flight attendant at Emirates, now a social activist and the Karnataka state president of the International Human Rights Observatory, thinks that this belief would go a long way in helping flight attendants deal with harassment against themselves. She worked as a flight attendant on Emirates for three years, and says that instances of sexual harassment against flight attendants (both male and female) are common on flights. All these instances of molestation, groping, they happen so frequently. Its the saddest moment. Every flight, wed all go near the cockpit and discuss what happens amongst ourselves, but wed never tell our managers in the company, out of fear that wed lose our jobs. She says that airlines are concerned about their brand names, and feel that customers may not want to fly on their airlines if such incidents get publicised. Noting that flight attendant jobs are not permanent, she says that a complaint from a passenger that attendants were rude or did not satisfy their needs could be enough for reason for the airline to sack the attendant, and is exactly why most attendants hesitate to react strongly or file a complaint. What do you do instead? Just ignore.

She believes that it would help flight attendants if there was a grievance cell or separate body across various airlines to deal with these complaints so that they didnt have to be reported internally to the individual airline company itself. She says that airline companies are notorious for handling such complaints badly, recalling instances where shes seen feedback boxes be emptied of negative complaints, or where flight attendants have been sacked after dealing harshly with important, CEO-type passengers who write strongly-worded letters to the airline company. Having an autonomous body or some other such mechanism would assuage flight attendants fears about reporting such cases.

Its a good idea, and clearly, so is gender sensitivity training for managers and senior staff with regard to handling sexual harassment complaints.

Even reporting such cases to the police can get a bit sticky, especially when dealing with cases on international flights. What happens if an Indian man sexually harasses a Bangladeshi woman on a Qatar Airways flight from Malaysia to Thimpu? Well, it depends. Its understood that the country in which the plane is registered has jurisdiction in these cases, and most countries (including Indias) law say that they have jurisdiction over crimes committed in their territory, or by their citizens. The victim can also choose to file a complaint in the country she lands in, or with the Consulate of her home country. That might be best, especially when flying on a plane owned by countries with twisted laws: remember the case of the Dutch woman who was imprisoned for 16 months in Qatar for having sex outside marriage after she reported that she had been raped?

So yes, protocol and laws are a massive pain if you have the bad luck of being sexually harassed in a flight. But why should we assume that this makes it something airlines dont need to think about?

After all, the massive airline business is constantly being restructured to cater to safety. Belts off. Shoes off. Show us that your laptops can come on. No laptops. So and so forth. Does any other business look like hospitality and feel like prison reform as much as airlines? Bound by safety laws as they are, it would be great for them to expand the definition of safe flying to include women.

The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine delivering fresh and witty perspectives on politics, culture, health, sex, work and everything in between.
By Kawa Omar and Ahmed Rasheed

| MOSUL/BAGHDAD, Iraq

MOSUL/BAGHDAD, Iraq The leaning al-Habda minaret that has towered over Mosul for 850 years lay in ruins on Thursday, demolished by retreating Islamic State militants, but Iraq's prime minister said the act marked their final defeat in the country's second city."In the early morning, I climbed up to my house roof and was stunned to see the Hadba minaret had gone," Nashwan, a day- labourer living in Khazraj neighborhood near the mosque, said by phone. "I felt I had lost a son of mine."His words echoed the shock and anger of many over the destruction of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque along with its famous minaret, known affectionately as "the hunchback" by Iraqis. The demolition came on Wednesday night as Iraqi forces closed on the mosque, which carried enormous symbolic importance for Islamic State. Its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi used it in 2014 to declare a "caliphate" as militants seized swathes of of Syria and Iraq. His black flag had been flying on the 150-foot (45-metre) minaret since June 2014, after Islamic State fighters surged across Iraq, seizing vast swathes of territory. Russia said on Thursday there was high degree of certainty Baghdadi was now dead, according to RIA news agency. Moscow said last week its forces may have killed him, but Washington could not corroborate and Western and Iraqi officials were sceptical.Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria.Some analysts said the destruction of the mosque could in fact speed operations to drive Islamic State out of what had been its chief Iraqi stronghold. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi went further."Blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat," he said on his website.

The insurgents chose to blow up the mosque rather than see the flag taken down by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces battling through the maze of narrow alleys and streets of the Old City, the last district still under control of Islamic State in Mosul.In the dawn light, all that remained was the base projecting from shattered masonry. A video on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically, throwing up a pall of sand and dust.Defence analysts agreed the decision to destroy the mosque could indicate that the militants are on the verge of collapse."They had said they would fight until their last breath defending the mosque," Baghdad-based security expert Safaa al-Asam told Reuters. "The fact is that they are no longer capable of standing in the face of Iraqi government forces."The assailants will be freer in their attacks as they don't have to worry about damaging the mosque anymore, he said.

The minaret was built with seven bands of decorative brickwork in complex geometric patterns also found in Persia and Central Asia. Its tilt and the lack of maintenance made it particularly vulnerable to blasts.U.S. Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, spokesman for the U.S.-led international coalition assisting in the Iraqi effort to defeat Islamic State, said Iraqi security forces were continuing to push into remaining ISIS-held territory," "There are two square kilometers left in West Mosul before the entire city is liberated," he told Reuters by phone."SYMBOL OF IDENTITY"

The United Nations' education organization UNESCO said the Minaret and mosque "stood as a symbol of identity, resilience and belonging" and deplored their destruction.

Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph", or ruler of all Muslims, from the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014. The fall of Mosul would in effect mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate", though Islamic State would still hold territory west and south of the city. U.S.-backed militias are closing on Islamic State's Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.The mosque was named after Nuruddin al-Zanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. It was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and housed an Islamic school.The mosque's military and religious history embodies the spirit of Mosul, a conservative city which supplied the armed forces with officers since modern Iraq was created, about 100 years ago, and until the fall of Saddam Hussein, after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion which empowered the Shi'ite majority.The Sunni city balked at its loss of influence and some joined the insurgency against the new rulers of the country. When Islamic State swept into Mosul in June 2014, they were welcomed by those who saw the takeover as promising an end to harsh treatment by Shi'ite-led security forces.The Mosque's destruction occurred during the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, marking when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed.Islamic State fighters have destroyed many Muslim religious sites, churches and shrines, as well as ancient Assyrian and Roman-era sites in Iraq and in Syria."Many different enemies controlled Mosul over the past 900 years but none of them dared to destroy the Hadba." said Ziad, an arts students. "By bombing the minaret, they proved the are the worst of all barbarian groups in history." (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Ralph Boulton)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
India and Russia Celebrates 10 Years of Partnership in Science and Technology

Published: June 22, 2017

This year, India and Russia are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between them. Joint cooperation in science and technology was one of the important pillars of the bilateral relationship between both the countries. Also, Indias Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi and Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Moscow are celebrating their 10th year of their partnership.

Contents MoU

Background

MoU

To expand the joint cooperation, Indias Department of Science and Technology and Russian scientists held discussions to enhance their cooperation in the fields of big data and cyber physical systems.

Subsequently, a MoU on the India-Russia unified technology assessment and accelerated commercialization programme, was concluded in Moscow between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Russias Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE). The MoU is expected to improve closer interaction between scientists of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the scientists of India. It was also agreed to work for start-up companies and entrepreneurs in order to establish Indo-Russian Bridge for Innovation.

The meeting also concluded with an Addendum to the Agreement between DST and Russian Science Foundation (RSF) on coordinated competition for conducting collaborating research. DST and RSF have agreed to support young achievers who are less than 39 years of age in a competitive mode for joint collaborative research. As of now, DST and RSF have jointly supported over 17 projects.

Background

With the closure of the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) between both the countries in 2007, the DST-RFBR has emerged as a robust platform for bilateral scientific cooperation in Basic Sciences. The first call under the DST-RFBR programme was awarded in 2008. In the last decade, DST and RFBR have jointly supported 254 research projects. Under the ambit of this programme, projects have been undertaken in the areas of basic sciences Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry & Material Sciences, Biology & Medical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences and Computer Sciences and Telecommunications.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Topics: Current Affairs - 2017  India-International Relations  India-Russia  International

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By Athar Parvaiz

At the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Rizwan Ahmad Bhat stands next to his shikara (a traditional boat), named Do Badan Ek Jan (two bodies, one soul), waiting for tourists. Last year this time, the lake was packed with visitors exploring its waters and the views of the surrounding Zabarwan hills.

This summer, the lake and its shores are empty of tourists and the smartly-dressed boatman is upset. Look at our empty boats, said Bhat, 31. We have nobody to take on a ride.

Half-a-dozen other boatmen, dressed in T-shirts and jeans, stood around, listening to the conversation. They complained that the media is scaring tourists away from Kashmir. When people watch TV, they think Kashmir is burning and we should not go there, said one of them, and others agreed.

Until July 2016, when young militant leader Burhan Wanis killing sparked a prolonged chain of violence in the Valley, Bhat and other boatmen used to earn Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 a day. Now they count themselves lucky if they make Rs 400 a day.

It is the same story at Ali Shah Carpets on Saida Kadal Road, 7 km off Srinagars city centre. Unsold rugs and shawls worth crores of rupees are piling up to the dismay of general manager Rafiq Ahmad Shah. Tourism is a flop this year, so is our production, he said. Orders were given to artisans in winter for summer sales as no one had foreseen crisis.

The ebbs and flows of violence and tourism

Tourism is important for Jammu and Kashmirs economy, contributing 8% to the states gross domestic product. In 2016, the state had recorded 1,299,112 (1.29 million) tourists. The sector employs over 100,000 people, directly and indirectly, according to approximate industry estimates.

But tourism is also highly sensitive to issues of law and order. In recent months, the national media have been swamped with stories of violence in the Valley and between April and early June this year, only a few thousand tourists arrived, said tourism officials who did not wish to be named.

The Valley has seen a decline in insurgency-related violence in recent years but there has been a rise in street violence, mostly stone-pelting, as IndiaSpend reported on May 30, 2017. Tour operators and tourism officials argue that this violence is too sporadic and localised to affect travellers.



For tourists, however, any trouble, big or small, is avoidable. Bengaluru resident Badri Raghavan scrapped a long-awaited Kashmir vacation with his wife and three children in June 2017 though the cancellation cost was steep. The familys plans had included a houseboat stint on the Nageen lake in Srinagar and homestay in Sonamarg.

The tour operator insisted that it is safe but if I have all of seven days in hand for a vacation why would I spend it looking over my shoulders all the time? said Raghavan.

Tourism figures for the Valley have had a direct link with its law- and-order situation. Kashmir was a strong favourite among national and international tourists until 1988, with over 700,000 arrivals. But in 1989, armed violence began in the Valley and the numbers dropped by 200,000. That year, there were 1,500 violent incidents which included bomb blasts and firing.

In 1990 and 1991, there were 4,211 and 3,780 violent incidents reported, respectively, thereby bringing tourist arrivals to a meager 6,287 tourists, a 98% decrease from tourist arrivals since 1989.

In 1995, violence eased in the Valley and in early 1996, assembly elections were conducted after eight years of governors rule. With a civilian government in place, tourist confidence too returned. In 1998, over 100,000 visitors arrived in Kashmir.

Four years later, India and Pakistan were at the brink of war following the December 13, 2001 attack on Parliament. Assembly elections held in the same year in Jammu and Kashmir in September were also marred by violence. Consequently, tourist inflow declined sharply in 2002, falling to 27,356.

With the start of the India-Pakistan peace process in 2003, and up until 2012, tourist figures climbed steadily to over 1.3 million. In 2015, the numbers fell below 1 million, but this time because floods had devastated Kashmir in September the previous year, affecting its tourism infrastructure badly.

Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Note: Includes domestic & foreign tourists

Hotels fully booked last year; now, only 25% occupancy

Two top sales officials at two leading Srinagar hotels, who requested anonymity, said April-June occupancy is down by 70-80% this year compared to 2016.

From April to June last year, we had no vacancies at all given the huge influx of tourists, said one of the hotel officials, requesting anonymity. But this year, we have just managed 25% occupancy. It is because of the fear psychosis being created about Kashmir, especially by TV channels.

Currently, only 15 of 80 rooms in his hotel have guests staying in them.

In recent years, media portrayal of events as well as non-events in Kashmir have become a serious concern for Kashmiris, especially for those who rely on tourism and related activities.

In a place like Kashmir, tourism inflow is often dependent on peace. But the media reportage about Kashmir is disrupting tourism by creating a false narrative about the situation in Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, director-tourism, Kashmir, told IndiaSpend. In winter itself, TV channels were predicting the start of a bloody summer in March.

Most early bookings were cancelled last year and there were hardly any new bookings this year, according to one of the two hotel officials IndiaSpend spoke to.

Tour operators also accused the media of prompting a Kashmir boycott. Messages like avoid travelling to a place where Indian flags are burnt were being circulated on WhatsApp group (sic). Who would dare to come now? Farooq Kuthoo, secretary-general of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, was quoted as saying in The Hindu on July 6, 2017. The newspaper went on to quote a Gujarati student activist Rimmi Vaghela: There is a concerted effort to shoo away Gujaratis from travelling to Kashmir this year online. Besides the social media, the vernacular press in Gujarat plays up the incidents of violence like never before.

Prominent Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Pervez tweeted recently:

Boycott Kashmir is what some right wing groups in India want in this hot weather across India.  Khurram Parvez (@KhurramParvez) June 10, 2017

At a recent leadership training session for academics at the Kashmir University, the trainer asked an academic from Rajasthan for the first word she associates with Kashmir. Militancy was the answer. For the Kashmiri academics in the classroom, this seemed like a reflection on how Kashmir is portrayed in the media, an assistant professor later said.

We are the victims of media propaganda, said Abdul Hamid the manager of a hotel in north Srinagar. A stone-pelting incident takes place somewhere, someday in Kashmir and it is shown repeatedly on TV for days together as participants on talk shows keep debating stone-pelting and militancy in Kashmir. This is creating a negative message about Kashmir. Only three of the hotels 14 rooms had guests.

Either unemployment or wage cut for workers

The tourism crisis has affected workers more than owners, said Hamid. Hotel owners at least get tax rebates when the tourism industry suffers, but most workers are either laid off or have their salaries slashed up to more than 50%, he said.

In his late 20s, Shabir Ahmad from Tangmarg (Baramullah), was employed as a service boy by a Srinagar hotel in March 2015. He was asked to either accept a 60% wage cut or leave. I preferred to stay as I have no other skill, said Ahmad. Now, I and other employees are just hoping that the tourist inflow to valley improves.

Foreign tourists scarce, exacerbating tourism woes

Many countries including US, UK, Germany and France issued travel advisories against Kashmir.

We used to love dealing with foreign tourists because they stay for days and weeks together, said Tariq Ahmad Patloo, a houseboat owner at Dal Lake pointing to the pages of his old log books at his houseboat New Sea Palace. Now, our houseboat gets just three-four foreign tourists a year.

Between 1990 and 2005, the number of foreigners travelling to Kashmir remained way under 20,000. It witnessed a steady increase after an improvement in the security situation across Kashmir.

In 2011 and 2012, the number of foreign tourists was 32,110 and 37,166 respectively. But, from 2013, this number declined again.

Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Jammu &; Kashmir

(Parvaiz is a Srinagar-based journalist.)
New Delhi: Under attack for his remark that seeking agriculture loan waiver has become a "fashion", Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday clarified that he was referring to the "fashion of political parties" competing with each other to ask for debt relief.

"Today, it is the fashion of political parties to ask for loan waiver. When I was talking in Mumbai (earlier today), I was referring to the approach of political parties which are competing with each other, asking for waiver of loans," Naidu told reporters in Delhi.

Stating that waiver of farm loans alone was not the solution to farmers' distress, Naidu said it could be a temporarily solution, that too in distress or extreme situations.

Naidu said the political parties should focus on "long-term solutions" such as improving infrastructure, rural roads, assured power supply, provisions of cold storage and godowns and providing affordable and timely cheap credit to farmers, besides providing market facilities for their produce.

"We have to take care for these measures. We have not done it in so many years after Independence," he said.

Naidu said political parties should focus on bringing in structural policy changes, instead of adopting short-term measures such as loan waiver.

Listing out various initiatives, he said the Modi government had taken a number of steps to improve the situation of farmers and referred to Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

Naidu said it was "surprising" that political parties which were in power for years and "did nothing" for farmers, are trying to blame this government for the farmers' plight.

Earlier in Mumbai, Naidu had said at an event that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the CPM attacked him for his comment that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion".

While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".
Rocket Lab, a Silicon Valley-funded space launch company, on Thursday launched the maiden flight of its battery-powered, 3-D printed rocket from New Zealand's remote Mahia Peninsula. "Made it to space. Team delighted," Rocket Lab said on its official Twitter account.

The successful launch of a low-cost, 3D-printed rocket is an important step in the commercial race to bring down financial and logistical barriers to space while also making New Zealand an unlikely space hub. The Los Angeles and New Zealand-based rocket firm has touted its service as a way for companies to get satellites into orbit regularly.

"Our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes  our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive in a statement.

The firm had spent the past four years preparing for the test launch and last week received the go-ahead from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which is monitoring the flight. Bad weather had delayed the rocket from taking off three times this week. New Zealand has created new rocket legislation and set up a space agency in anticipation of becoming a low-cost space hub.

Ships and planes need re-routing every time a rocket is launched, which limits opportunities in crowded U.S. skies, but New Zealand, a country of 4 million people in the South Pacific, has only Antarctica to its south. The country is also well-positioned to send satellites bound for a north-to-south orbit around the poles.

But many locals in the predominantly Maori community were not happy with access to public areas blocked. "People come to Mahia so they can go to the beach and it's been chopped off now and by the sounds of it one of these rockets are going to be launching one every 30 days so they've taken over our lifestyle," said Mahia farmer Pua Taumata.

But Taumata also said the programme could bring opportunities. "I'm for technology ... a lot of things could come of it through education. It gives our children something different in their careers. Nobody thought to get into the space industry (before now)," he said.

Rocket Lab is one of about 30 companies and agencies worldwide developing small satellite launchers as an alternative to firms jostling for space on larger launches or paying around $50 million for a dedicated service. The company said in a statement it has now received $148 million in funding and is valued in excess of $1 billion.

Rocket Lab's customers include NASA, earth-imaging firm Planet and startups Spire and Moon Express. The firm will carry out two more tests before it starts commercial operations, slated to begin towards the end of this year.

Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for sharp cuts to corporate taxes will lead Israeli technology companies, a lynchpin of Israel's economy, to consider shifting their domicile to the United States, industry and accountancy executives say.

Israel's technology industry is one of the world's largest behind Silicon Valley, accounting for about 14 percent of the country's economic output, 50 percent of industrial exports and about 10 percent of its workforce.

But with Trump aiming to lower the U.S. company tax rate to 15 percent from 35 percent as part of reforms designed to repatriate more than $2 trillion of profits kept overseas by U.S. firms, the United States would suddenly look more attractive as a base for Israeli businesses.

Many Israeli high-tech companies have operations in the United States but research and development centers in Israel. Some are incorporated in Israel, where the top corporate tax rate is 24 percent, and others in the United States.

Though it is by no means certain that Trump will deliver on the proposed tax cuts, given troubles experienced in pushing through other measures, Israeli software testing company Qualitest is already eyeing a potential move.

"Once the tax goes below the rate in Israel, then these companies will prefer to shift all or some of their operations from Israel to the U.S. to enjoy the tax benefits," said Qualitest co-founder Ayal Zylberman, noting that Qualitest has 800 of its 3,800 employees in the United States.

"We will probably shift our delivery centers," he told Reuters, adding that Qualitest could save a few million dollars a year. Israel also plans to lower its company tax rate next year, but only by one percentage point to 23 percent. "If the U.S. drops its tax to 15 percent, then Israel is less attractive for high-tech companies and start-ups," said Doron Sadan, head of the tax department at accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Israel.

"You will have more start-ups in the U.S. and less and less acquisitions (of Israeli firms) by multinationals." It is not only technology companies that would be affected, given that the United States is the dominant market for many Israeli businesses across multiple sectors.

"If the taxes in the United States are reduced to a level of 15 percent we will see more tech companies incorporate as a U.S. parent company," said Sharon Shulman, tax managing partner at Ernst & Young Israel. In such a scenario, investment in their Israeli operations is likely to shrink.

"If you see a shift of start-ups to the United States over time ... we will start losing talent to the United States," Shulman added Israel's Finance Ministry said it is studying the potential effect of the U.S. tax plan on Israel's economy.

Shulman said the uncertainty is already starting to take a toll. He has a client who is selling intellectual property from the United States to Israel but is delaying the deal to examine the tax implications.

Reuters
Chennai: The AIADMK's rival Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday announced its support for NDA's Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, voicing confidence that he will perform as a "good administrator."

Panneerselvam said BJP national president Amit Shah had sought support from him for Kovind and the matter was discussed with senior functionaries of the faction on Thursday, besides MPs and MLAs owing allegiance to him.

"Based on that and heeding BJP president Amit Shah's request, it has been unanimously decided to back Kovind," he told reporters in Chennai.

An "opportunity" has been provided for a member of the Dalit community to be elected to the President's office, and "for providing that opportunity (to Kovind), we have decided to support him," Panneerselvam added.

Asked if the faction, which has 12 MPs and an equal number of MLAs, was supporting Kovind since he hailed from the Dalit community, Panneerselvam said the presidential nominee has been a former MP twice, besides having served as Governor of Bihar, and was, therefore, "experienced."

"We are confident he will perform as a good administrator," he said when asked about Kovind's RSS background and reports that opposition Congress may also field a Dalit candidate against NDA's pick.

The Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction's announcement comes a day after the AIADMK's Amma camp had announced backing Kovind in the race to Raisina Hill.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami had on Wednesday announced the faction's support to Kovind, who has since resigned as Governor of Bihar.
Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for disrupting the House proceedings, saying the Opposition's atrocious behaviour smacked of hooliganism.

Speaking to reporters in the 'press lounge' of Assembly here, he also flayed the Opposition for allegedly violating the sanctity of the House with their "rowdy acts".

Making his anguish clear over the Opposition's obstructionist behaviour in the House, a visibly upset Singh said that action should be taken against those MLAs who have been breaking the rules of the Assembly and throwing papers at the Speaker, besides creating an unnecessary ruckus over non-issues.

Asked if the AAP and the SAD were conspiring together to disrupt the proceedings, he said given their conduct over the past few days, it definitely appeared to be so, in fact, ever since the Budget session commenced.

He said that he could give AAP MLAs the benefit of doubt since they were novices and did not know how to behave in the Assembly, but the Akalis are also behaving in a similar fashion which clearly indicates that it was a deliberate ploy to prevent the government from implementing its promises to the people.

MLAs of these parties have been violating the sanctity of the Question Hour, he said.

"Instead of utilising the Question Hour for raising their issues, they are indulging in political gimmickry to hog the limelight and to remain in the news," he said, adding that such behaviour was completely against all democratic norms and ethics, and did not behove the elected representatives of the people.

Expressing shock at the assault on a woman watch and ward personnel by AAP MLAs today, he said it was disgusting and shameful.
New Delhi: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday came under attack from the Aam Aadmi Party and the CPM for his comment that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion".

While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".

"Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. (sic)," Yechury tweeted.

Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. pic.twitter.com/6kcPgrqFqE  Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) June 22, 2017

Kejriwal was equally scathing.

"You don't see a fashion in it when you waive loans of the rich. But when it comes to waiving farmers' loans, you see it as fashion. This is not right. You waive a particular individual's loan, but not that of crores of farmers. This shows the kind of politics you engage in," he told reporters.

Urban development minister Naidu had said at an event in Mumbai on Thursday that seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.
Ballari (Karnataka): A local Dalit BJP leader was on Thursday hacked to death by unidentified men at a roadside eatery in Ballari, police said.

35-year old Bandi Ramesh, vice-president of the party's district SC Morcha was attacked with lethal weapons by the assailants, police said.

Previous enmity was stated to be the reason for the killing.

Ramesh had faced several criminal cases in the past, they added.
Agartala: The ruling CPM and the opposition Congress on Thursday demanded the removal of Tripura governor Tathagata Roy for his controversial on the Hindu-Muslim issue.

Roy tweeted a 1946 remark by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, that "the Hindu-Muslim problem won't be solved without a civil war".

"The President must remove Tathagata Roy from the gubernatorial post of Tripura for his dangerous tweet. Courts also could suo-motu register a civil and criminal case against him," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) state Secretary Bijan Dhar told the media.

The next day, Roy tweeted that a "couple of dozen dimwits" trolled him for "advocating a civil war" and that "I was quoting, not advocating (civil war)".

Tripura Congress vice-president Tapas Dey said that after such a dangerous tweet, Roy should be removed at once.

"It is now once again clear that Roy is acting as a RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) activist, not a Governor or a custodian of the Indian Constitution," Dey told reporters.

When contacted, Governor Roy, who is presently in Shillong, told IANS: "I have tweeted the quote of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. If people do not understand, what I would do.

"Anyone can also demand my resignation, I have nothing to do in this regard."

This is not the first time Roy has made controversial remarks on Twitter.

In July 2015, he described people who had attended 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's funeral as "potential terrorists" and said "they ought to be kept under surveillance".

In September that year, replying to a tweet, he said: "Whatever gave you the notion I am secular? I am a Hindu. My state, India, however is secular since 1976."

Roy took charge as the 16th Governor of Left-ruled Tripura on 20 May, 2015.
South China Sea Dispute: China launches Research Project to Compile Data on Disputed Region

Published: June 22, 2017

China has launched a research project aimed at compiling historical data obtained during earlier expeditions conducted by its teams to the disputed South China Sea since the late 1950s.

Salient Highlights

The research project is one among the 14 resource investigation programmes approved by Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology.

Under the project, Chinese researchers will collect and compile valuable data and materials which were obtained by China during its major ocean expeditions to the South China Sea and its affiliated islands and reefs. China expects that a comparative analysis and research done into the data will offer insight into the resources, environment and changes related to the South China Sea and its affiliated islands and reefs.

Around 193 scholars with specialisation in fields such as marine life, ecology, fishery and geology from Chinas 10 domestic research institutions and universities will take part in the initiative. Retired expedition members would also be invited to assist in this programme to ensure the reliability and precision of the data.

South China Sea Dispute

China has been aggressively claiming the entire South China Sea as its own. The other countries that claim the various territories in the South China Sea are Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

The South China Sea is part of Pacific Ocean spreading an area of some 35 lakh square km with eight littoral countries/territories viz. China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam. It is strategically located in the international shipping route that sees the passage of worlds half of the merchant ships. The sea is rich in energy reserves including petroleum, mineral and fishing resources. It is made of some 200 tiny islands, coral reefs, shoals, sandbanks etc. grouped into three archipelagos of Spratlys, Paracels and Pratas. The Macclesfield Bank and Scarborough Shoal are also part of South China Sea. Several countries have made competing territorial claims over the South China Sea. Such disputes have been regarded as Asias most potentially dangerous point of conflict.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2017

Topics: China  Current Affairs - 2017  International  Places in News  South China Sea  South China Sea dispute

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Darjeeling: With the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha spearheading an agitation for Gorkhaland, its alliance partner BJP was in a Catch-22 situation as it could neither come out openly in support of a separate state nor afford to oppose it.

The BJP, which had twice won the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and 2014 with GJM's help with the promise of sympathetically looking into the demand of the Gorkhas, was now facing the heat as the party could not clear its position on the demand for Gorkhaland.

The dilemma within the BJP has not gone down well within the rank and file of the Darjeeling district unit of BJP.

"Our party (BJP) is in a dilemma as it can neither oppose the demand for Gorkhaland nor support it. Supporting the demand for Gorkhaland means loosing support in the plains, where we would be termed as anti-Bengali. But if we do not support the demand for a separate state, then we will lose our support in the hills," BJP district general secretary Shanta Kishore Gurung said.

Gurung had recently participated in a pro-Gorkhaland protest organised by the GJM and had extended his support to a demand for Gorkhaland. Gurung slammed the BJP central unit saying, "the party is taking the Gorkhas and their sentiments for their own ethnic identities lightly."

Gurung's comment comes in the backdrop of BJP state president Dilip Ghosh and national secretary Rahul Sinha clearly opposing the demand for Gorkhaland. Even the central unit of BJP has not cleared its stand on this specific issue.

"The party needs to come out clean on this issue as it is sending out a wrong message to the masses. Our party cadres in the hills are angry with us and threatening to leave the party and join GJM," a senior district BJP leader told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Another top BJP leader said, "The absence of BJP MP SS Ahluwalia from the hills during the unrest has sent out a wrong message and if the party keeps on delaying in announcing its decision, then it will be very tough to maintain a hold on our cadres in the district."

The BJP district leadership's apprehension of losing support due to its lack of clarity on the issue of Gorkhaland was also shared by GJM MLA Amar Singh Rai who said, it was "really unfortunate" that BJP, which had promised to create a separate state of Gorkhaland if it came to power, had completely taken a U-turn on this issue.

"The BJP central leadership is not coming out clean, the BJP MP from Darjeeling was absent when the entire hills was burning. Do you still expect the people of the hills to trust BJP?" Rai questioned.

Both the Trinamool Congress and the CPM have criticised the BJP for "exploiting" the sentiments of the Gorkhas for their "vested" political interests.

"The BJP, just for the sake of winning one seat, made false promises and now they are facing the heat," senior CPM leader Ashok Bhattacharya said.

"Instead of blaming our (state) government for the unrest, the BJP should come clean and say whether they want a separate state of Gorkhaland or not," senior TMC Minister Gautam Deb told PTI.

When contacted BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said, "We are not in favour of a separate state. We want this unrest and violence to stop immediately and all the stakeholders should sit together to solve the problem."
The Opposition parties met on Thursday and decided their presidential candidate. Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, was chosen to counter NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind's claim to the Raisina Hill.

Kumar's meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Wednesday sparked speculations over her candidature. According to Times of India, she was elected unopposed at the Opposition meeting, which included leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, AK Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sharad Pawar, Sitaram Yechury, Omar Abdullah and others. Considering that the race boils down in the face-off between the two candidates and that Kovind and Kumar are both respected names from their respective parties, it will be an interesting competition on 17 July.

Kumar entered electoral politics in 1985 when she joined Congress. Her debut in politics further proves her standing as a Dalit leader, as she beat powerful Dalit leaders like Ram Vilas Paswan and Mayawati to win in Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumar became an MP for the second time in 1996 and again in 1998 from Delhis Karol Bagh constituency but lost her seat in 1999 when NDA returned to power. She was re-elected in 2004 with a huge margin from Sasaram in Bihar, the constituency of her father, and became an MP for the fifth time in 2009.

In between, she had quit Congress for two years from 2000 citing 'differences' with the party leadership. She rejoined the party in 2002.

If the popularity of the two leaders is compared, Kovind, a little-known face in national political, loses out to Kumar who is a five-time Lok Sabha MP and the first woman to become the Lok Sabha Speaker. Kumar also has political legacy on her side, as her father Babu Jagjivan Ram was a former deputy prime minister and a prominent Dalit rights activist.

Kumar's father, Babu Jagjivan Ram played an active role in the freedom struggle, following which he had a political career of over five decades. He became a Legislator at 28 in the year 1936 as a nominated member of the Bihar Legislative Council. Jagjivan Ram was elected unopposed in 1946 and was inducted into the Interim Government on 2 September 1946 as the Minister of Labour. Thereafter, he remained a member of the Union Cabinet for nearly 31 years. He was in the Central Parliamentary Board from 1950 to 1977.

Kumar has also been the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, she also had a stint as a member of the cabinet as Union Minister for Water Resources, following which she went on to become the Speaker of Lok Sabha. She served as the Lok Sabha Speaker from 2009 to 2014. She became pretty popular as the speaker, especially for her polite interventions like "baith jaiye" (please have your seat).

An angle that could affect the 72-year-old leader's candidacy is her ties with the Gandhi family. Besides her political career, Kumar has also been an advocate for social reforms and human rights issues. She is married to Manjul Kumar, a lawyer, and has four children.

As a former IFS officer and the daughter of a politician, she definitely trumps Kovind's humble background. According to Hindustan Times, Kumar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1973 and served at embassies in Spain, United Kingdom and Mauritius. A highlight of the diplomatic peg of her political career was when she served as a member of the India-Mauritius Joint Commission. She was a law graduate, which further strengthens her candidacy appeal. She also has a Masters in English literature and an advanced diploma in Spanish.

It is also interesting to note that out of her five tenures as an MP, Kumar contested three elections from Delhi, and not her father's work field and her birth place, Bihar.

As for Meira's contribution in Congress, she rose steadily from being an All India Congress Committee general secretary for two years from 1990 and again between 1996-1998. She became a member of the Congress Working Committee in 1990 and continued for ten years till 2000. After a gap of two years, she was reinducted in the CWC in 2002 and remained its member till 2004.

Leaders have already begun speculating that the Opposition is only batting for Kumar due to her Dalit status. "They (Congress) are only putting up a symbolic fight. If they only wanted to make her, they could've done during the two occasions when Congress was in power." BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao asserted to Times Now.

The election for the next President of India is to be held on 17 July as President Pranab Mukherjee will demit the office on 24 July.

For live updates, click here.

With inputs from agencies.
As some opposition parties led by Congress meet on Thursday to decide on their presidential candidate to take on Ram Nath Kovind, they face an uphill contest. While there is no doubt that the ruling NDA alliance has a significant majority in the electoral college (comprising all elected MPs and MLAs of India), one can never discount the possibility of an "upset". This is because unlike in voting by elected representatives in Legislative Assemblies and Parliament, party whips cannot be issued in voting for presidential elections. This means members of the electoral college can always exercise their choice as per "conscience".

Incidentally, it was this conscience voting that helped VV Giri get elected as president in 1969, even though he was not the official Congress candidate. That was Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy. But India witnessed the unprecedented spectacle of then prime minister Indira Gandhi openly defying the party directive and supporting Giri, and asking her followers to give a conscience-vote.

Incidentally, the 1969 elections also marked the beginning of the politicisation of the Office of President. Till then, India had outstanding men of intellect and integrity as presidents  Rajendra Prasad, Radha Krishnan and Zakir Hussein. One is not belittling Giri's credentials, but the fact remains that his election marked the onset of the trend of the ruling party at the Centre installing party loyalists as presidents with a clear idea that the person occupying the highest constitutional position of the country will act not only as a rubber stamp of the government of the day but also be a symbolic factor to play nefarious identity politics of caste, creed and gender.

The importance of Kovind's caste has been argued in Firstpost, especially considering the forthcoming Assembly election in Gujarat. But we have seen how Indian presidents have been chosen in the past on the basis of them happening to be women or Muslims. It was only in 2002 that there was an exception to this trend when the then NDA government went for a consensus candidate in APJ Abdul Kalam, a non-politician (His predecessor KR Narayanan, though a career diplomat, had joined the Congress party and was a minister in the Narasimha Rao regime under the Dalit-quota).

In other words, the politicisation of the president's office has degenerated over the last 50 years. And nobody is talking of persons of eminence and competence occupying the exalted office. But it's fast becoming clear that the caste, gender and religion of a candidate now assumes more importance. And that is why we hear the need of a Muslim president, a woman president, or a Dalit president.

It's a great pity that this is the case, considering that the President of India is expected to play a very vital role as per our Constitution. If one reads the Constitution, the term "president" appears 598 times, compared to only 15 mentions of "prime minister". Under Article 53 of the Constitution, the executive power of the Union shall be vested in the president, and shall be exercised by him "either directly or through officers subordinate to him". The same article also vests in the president the "supreme command of the defence forces of the Union".

And if one goes by articles 75, 78 and 86 of the Constitution, the president can direct the Cabinet to discuss any subject, dismiss any minister, and address one or both Houses of Parliament to proffer opinion on any subject. The prime minister must brief the president on all administrative matters as directed by the latter. All promotions, transfers, demotions and dismissals of officials are under the president's name and subject to his discretion.

But as we all know, the real power in the country is actually exercised by the prime minister and his Cabinet. The president does what the prime minister wants him to. That was not exactly the case when our Constitution was framed. There is a powerful school of thought that does not view the Indian president as a titular head of State like the British monarch. One may not agree with this view, but there does remain a grey area that needs to be clarified by the Supreme Court.

One may cite here the debate between BR Ambedkar, the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution, and Rajendra Prasad, president of the Constituent Assembly, and the man who eventually became the first President of India, on 23 May, 1949:

"The president of the Indian Union will be generally bound by the advice of his ministers. He can do nothing contrary to their advice, nor can he do any thing without their advice. The President of the United States can dismiss any secretary at any time. The president of the Indian Union has no power to do so as long as his ministers command a majority in Parliament," Ambedkar had said.

To this, Rajendra Prasad pointed out, "I have my doubts if this word could bind the president. It (the draft Constitution) only lays down that there shall be a council of ministers with the prime minister at the head to aid and advise the president in the exercise of his functions. It does not say that the president will be bound to accept that advice."

Ambedkar then replied, "In all matters within the scope of the executive power of the Union, the president shall, in the exercise of the powers conferred upon him, be guided by the advice of his ministers. We propose to make some amendment to the draft to make things very clear."

Interestingly, however, when the Constitution was finally adopted on 26 January, 1950, Ambedkar's promised amendment of the draft did not find any place. Article 74 only said, "There shall be a council of ministers with the prime minister at the head to aid and advise the president in the exercise of his functions." Nowhere did it say that the president is bound to accept this advice.

No wonder that, during Emergency, prime minister Indira Gandhi did bring out the 42nd Amendment (1976) of the Constitution that said: "There shall be a council of ministers with the prime minister at the head to aid and advise the president who shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice."

However, under the subsequent Janata Party rule, when Morarji Desai was Prime Minister, the 44th Amendment of 1978 was passed, to take care of "the butchering of the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment".

The powerlessness of the president in being bounded by the ministers' advice was diluted, and a second paragraph was added to give the president one chance at having the ministers reconsider the advice. It said, "Provided that the president may require the council of ministers to reconsider such advice, either generally or otherwise, and the president shall act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration."

Has the debate ended here? Not necessarily.

Words like "such reconsideration" are open to various interpretations. But one thing is clear: It will be wrong to say that the Indian president is exactly like the British monarch, who reigns but does not govern. After all, in this age of coalition politics, when no political party has the legislative majority to form the government on its own, the president can play a huge role in deciding who gets the first invitation to form the government. And this is one of the primary reasons why every party hopeful of forming a government after the next general elections will like to have its own person at Raisina Hill.

Even otherwise, under Article 78 of the Constitution, "it shall be the duty of the prime minister" to communicate to the president all decisions of the council of ministers relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation; to furnish such information relating to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation as the president may call for, and "if the President so requires, to submit for the consideration of the council of ministers any matter on which a decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the council".

But consider a situation when the president exercises the power inherent in Article 78, but the council of ministers headed by the prime minister do not follow this. And such a thing has happened in the past; there were strong speculations that then president Zail Singh was contemplating sacking then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in the '80s, as communication between the two had broken down following the latter stopping his weekly meetings with the former.

Obviously, the 42nd Amendment notwithstanding, there are some grey areas which a president can exploit to the great discomfiture of the prime minister. And this explains why the race to Raisina Hill is so interesting. Every prime minister will like to have a president who shares a common vision.
New Delhi: The chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are expected to be present when NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind files his nomination papers on Friday.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is in Delhi.

Tamil Nadu's Edappadi Palaniswami is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday night and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday morning.

Soon after the BJP announced Kovind's name as its candidate for the 17 July presidential election, Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi offered their support.

Naidu had said Kovind was the "best selection" for the highest post which also highlighted the NDA's commitment to downtrodden sections. The TDP is part of the ruling NDA.

Rao too offered his support after holding consultations with his party colleagues.

Both the factions of the AIADMK, mired in controversies, too offered their support.

Sources said Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu spoke to NDA chief ministers and urged them to be present at the time of the filing of nomination by Kovind.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, virtually the entire council of Union ministers, NDA chief ministers and MPs and MLAs from across the country will be among proposers and seconders of his candidature.
Kozhikode: The Kerala unit of Janata Dal(United) will not back National Democratic Alliance's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the party's state president and Rajya Sabha member M P Veerendra Kumar said on Thursday.

Announcing this at a press meet here, Kumar said he had held discussions with JD(U) national leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in this regard.

"I told Nitish Kumar it would be difficult to support the BJP-led NDA nominee for the next president of India. He has given his approval to vote for the candidate desirable to him and the state unit", he added.

Asked if he would vote for the candidate fielded by the opposition in case of a contest, he replied "first let us know who is the (opposition) candidate."

JD(U), a partner in the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front, has no representation in the Kerala assembly.
New Delhi: Hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties began on Thursday morning, hours ahead of a crucial opposition meeting where they were expected to zero in on a joint candidate for the presidential election.

After the JD-U's decision to support NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the Congress stepped up efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties.

Cracks appeared in the opposition camp after the JD-U's surprise decision on Wednesday, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue.

Sources said a contest for the country's top constitutional post is on the cards as the majority in the opposition sees it an "ideological battle" that has to fought.

"No matter what happens, we will contest the election," a senior left leader said.

Efforts were on to ensure that the NCP did not stray, as the Sharad Pawar-led party held internal discussions to decide on its strategy for the 17 July presidential election.

Top Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel met NCP supremo Pawar at his residence and are learnt to have discussed the opposition plan for the poll.

CPM's Sitaram Yechury was also part of the informal discussions, the sources said.

By naming Kovind, a Dalit, the NDA has put the opposition camp in a fix as it has now been forced to think of a suitable dalit candidate to oppose Kovind so as not to be branded "anti-Dalit" by the ruling dispensation.

The opposition, which had earlier discussed the possibility of pitting former governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi against the NDA candidate, is now looking at a dalit face for the contest. The names of former Speaker Meira Kumar and Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the principal architect of the Constitution, BR Ambedkar, have been discussed, the sources said.

Kumar on Wednesday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with other senior party leaders, fuelling speculation that the party was willing to support her candidature.

The opposition camp is yet to name its candidate for the presidential poll.

The Congress, which is coordinating the opposition meet, expressed the hope leaders of all the parties which attended the May 26 lunch hosted by Gandhi would be present on Thursday.

Opposition leaders also maintained the bloc was united against the ruling BJP and that the JD-U continued to be with it, as its decision was a "one-off" development.

Asked about the Congress's choice for the poll, AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari on Wednesday said it was a "hypothetical" question.

"There will be a far clear, coherent and an articulate answer available after the opposition meeting," he said.

Senior leaders from several opposition parties who attended the 26 May meet are expected to be present at Thursday's meeting.
New Delhi: The Opposition on Thursday unanimously decided to field Meira Kumar, a Dalit, as its joint candidate for the presidential election against NDA's Dalit activist Ram Nath Kovind, with 17 parties supporting the former Lok Sabha speaker's candidature.

The decision was taken at a meeting of 17 non-NDA parties in Parliament House Library, with the leaders endorsing the name of the former minister and diplomat, whose father, ex-deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, was often hailed as one of the tallest Dalit leaders in the country.

"We have 17 opposition leaders present here and all of us have decided to jointly field Meira Kumar as a candidate for the forthcoming election for the President of India," Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced after the meeting.

Asked to comment on Nitish Kumar's JD-U, which is supporting Kovind and stayed out of the meeting, she said, "We do hope that other opposition parties join us." Gandhi added that she was "not upset with anybody".

Her party colleague, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, said Kumar had been "selected unanimously". All the 17 parties had proposed her name, he said.

He added Kumar was the "illustrious daughter" of former defence minister Jagjivan Ram.

"There could not be a better candidate than her," he said.

CPM's Sitaram Yechury said "we are appealing to everybody" to support her.

After the meeting, Lalu Prasad Yadav of the RJD said he would meet Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and "appeal to him again to rethink" his party's decision to support the NDA nominee, which he called a "historic blunder".

He also said there was no threat to the Bihar government, a coalition of the JD(U), RJD and Congress.

BSP's Satish Chandra Misra said his party leader Mayawati had earlier said if there was a "better Dalit candidate" (than Kovind), the person should be fielded by the Opposition.

"Meira Kumar is a better candidate," Misra quoted the BSP leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister as saying.

The brief meeting of the opposition parties started with an address by Gandhi where she stressed the need for opposition unity in putting up a joint candidate.

She then gave the floor to NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who said the names of three Dalit leaders Kumar, former minister Sushilkumar Shinde and former Maharashtra MP Bhalchandra Mungekar  had been discussed for the top post.

When many in the group said Kumar was the best possible candidate, Gandhi proposed the name of the former speaker.

Earlier, Yechury had put forward the name of Prakash Ambedkar, but few among the leaders seconded him.

He also told the gathering that former diplomat-governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was earlier being considered as a joint opposition candidate, had also suggested after the NDA named Kovind that the Opposition put up a Dalit candidate.

The meeting was attended by a galaxy of leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, NCP's Pawar, RJD's Prasad, Left leaders Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and the National Conference's Omar Abdullah.

Though Trinamool Congress's Mamata Banerjee, BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on 26 May, were not present on Thursday, their representatives attended the meeting. Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, Ramgopal Yadav, the SP and Misra, the BSP.

There were also representatives from the JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.

Though the JD-U skipped Thursday's meeting, RLD chief Ajit Singh was there, making up for the numbers.

Most of the leaders were present at the 26 May luncheon meeting hosted by Gandhi at the same venue.

The Congress said it was "proud" that the party had fielded its second Dalit candidate and the second woman for the post of the President.

Azad urged the leaders, especially those who had travelled from their states to Delhi, to sign Kumar's nomination papers as proposers or seconders before returning home.
New Delhi: Named by the opposition as its joint candidate for the presidential poll, Meira Kumar on Thursday appealed to the electorate to take their decision in the best interest of the country based on cherished values of social justice and inclusiveness and on principles and ideologies.

She also thanked the 17 opposition parties for supporting her candidature and said she is delighted by the opposition unity that represents the coming together of forces which have a strong ideological base.

"I would appeal to the collegium to take their decision in the best interest of the country, based on the cherished values and principles and ideologies.

"These are social justice, inclusiveness and values of composite Indian heritage which we hold so sacred," she told reporters after she was declared as the unanimous opposition candidate.

Kumar, a former diplomat and union minister who has also held the post of Speaker of Lok Sabha, is the daughter of former deputy prime minister and tall Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram.

Talking about the unity among opposition parties that came together to unanimously propose her name for the presidential election, she said, "this unity represents the coming together of the forces which have strong ideological base."

She said she was going to contest the election as the representative of a united opposition on the basis of the strong ideological base they have.

"I express gratitude to 17 opposition parties who selected me as a candidate for the presidential election," she said.

Sonia Gandhi earlier announced her as joint opposition candidate for the post of President of India, the election for which would be held on 17 July. She will contest against NDA's nominee Ram Nath Kovind, also a Dalit.

Gandhi was supported by leaders of 17 opposition parties at the meeting where Kumar was chosen as their candidate for the presidential election.
The Congress-led 17 opposition parties' decision to nominate Meira Kumar as their presidential candidate to challenge ruling NDA's nominee Ram Nath Kovind suffers from three inherent flaws.

First, they have tried to reduce the prestigious presidential elections into a Dalit versus Dalit contest as if president's post was a reserve category seat. A Dalit from Bihar taking a Dalit from Uttar Pradesh. The Congress and its allied parties keenness to field a Dalit  Meira  against NDA's candidate Ram Nath Kovind reminds of an old detergent ad, which said, "Bhala uski kameej meri kameej se safed kaise".

The president is the head of the nation, the first citizen of the country, supreme commander of the armed forces and custodian of the Constitution who would work with the aid and the advice of a council of ministers. As such this topmost constitutional post has to be free from any shade of politics, least of all a casteist slant. For the first time in the history of Independent India, the presidential election 2017 has been a made out to be a 'my Dalit versus your Dalit' contest.

When last time India saw a Dalit entered the Rashtrpati Bhawan  KR Narayanan in July 1997  almost all parties barring Shiv Sena supported his candidature. Politically those were turbulent times with IK Gujaral heading a minority government managing to survive in the office with outside support from Congress, but the presidential election saw a rare unity among divergent political forces. Narayanan's challenger was former chief election commissioner TN Seshan.

Second, the choice to make Meira as the opposition parties' presidential candidate is reflective of Congress's deep-seated belief in entitlement politics. Just as Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are products of politics of entitlement and dynastic succession, Meira  daughter of Babu Jagjiwan Ram  is a product of politics of entitlement.

One of the key proponents for Meira's candidature or the one who gave a real push to Congress' desire to field her, Lalu Prasad Yadav publicly talked about her legacy politics. "She is the daughter of great leader Babu Jagjiwan Ram and she is (a) daughter of Bihar," he said on Thursday.

It is for the second time in the past few years that her entitlement credentials have been flaunted by Congress and its allied parties. When she was named for Lok Sabha Speaker's post in 2009, the same things were said in her favour: she was a woman, she was a Dalit and she was the daughter of Jagjiwan Ram. She had succeeded veteran Somnath Chatterjee in office and BJP (which was an opposition party back then) had a strong opinion against her as speaker.

The India of 2017 has seen enough of the class of privileged politicians who get undue family legacy weight. In fact, the full majority vote which Narendra Modi secured against that so-called "Maa-Beta ki Sarkar" (Sonia Gandhi-Rahul Gandhi)" because the voters were fed up with dynastic politics. The Congress obviously has not learnt any lessons from that and seems to be caught in a time warp.

More so, Meira may be of Dalit origin but her upbringing and politics represent the elitist Lutyens Delhi against which India so overwhelmingly erupted in the 2014 parliamentary election. The Congress, however, is hardly mindful of that.

Third, the Congress-led opposition fails to realise that howsoever much they may criticise Modi and BJP, they only end up following the agenda set by the prime minister and BJP president Amit Shah. Modi-Shah have stumped all opposition parties with the surprise announcement of Kovind as NDA presidential nominee.

Since Modi-Shah caught everyone by surprise by pulling out a lawyer-turned-politician of Dalit origin with farmer background, the Congress found itself trapped to announce a Dalit candidate.

The key question which haunted Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Yadav and all other leaders who were present in Thursday's combined opposition meet to decide on the name of their presidential candidate was the absence of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his decision to break away from the Congress-led opposition ranks to back NDA's candidate to occupy Rashtrapati Bhawan on 25 July.

Nitish is a credible leader in the opposition ranks and his refusal to attend the Sonia-chaired meet on Thursday is a huge blow to the supposed opposition unity in the presidential polls. This grouping was seen to be a precursor to a grand coalition of opposition parties for the 2019 parliamentary polls.

Lalu thinks that Nitish has committed a historic blunder by deciding to support Kovind. According to the RJD leader, this presidential election was not to elect to office a better candidate but a clash of ideologies. Meira represented an ideology which Lalu likes.

But in all this, it's the Left Front whose position has been hit the hardest. Hours before the opposition parties met, Communist Party of India  Marxist (CPM) chief Sitaram Yechuri made his preference for Gopal Krishna Gandhi (grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) and Prakash Ambedkar (grandson of BR Ambedkar) public through a sound bite to a TV news agency. But he seemed very happy sitting next to Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad when Meira's name as a unanimous choice of the 17 opposition parties was announced.

Kovind with over 62 percent of the value of votes in the electoral college in his favour is sure to be next President of India. Meira's challenge is going to be there only for academic purposes or to count the victory or defeat margin in the 17 July election.
New Delhi: While the plot for a mega dalit versus dalit fight is being scripted in Delhi's power circles, activists belonging to the marginal community are grappling with the caste identities of the two protagonists.

"The NDA's candidate is more of an RSS pracharak than a dalit leader or activist or anything from the community," said dalit activist and Magsaysay Award winner Bezwada Wilson.

Wilson said the candidature of Ram Nath Kovind of the NDA was a "long term plan of the BJP" to effect changes in the Constitution and send a "signal" to the people that they could do "anything" they wanted to.

"After they got Yogi Adityanath as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, atrocities against the minority communities have increased. His appointment was a message to these communities. Now, with Kovind, they are trying to send a similar message: We can make an RSS pracharak the rashtrapati of this country," Wilson said.

Dalit writer and ideologue Chandrabhan Prasad said he found no resonance among dalits for Kovind, holding that the NDA's move to select a dalit candidate as President was an effort to split dalit votes.

"It has been the BJP's strategy to divide the dalits," he said.

By putting up Meira Kumar, who is from a different dalit sub-caste, "the opposition has walked right into the BJP's trap", he said.

"In the 27 years that I have worked as a dalit activist, I have never heard of Kovind's work with the community," said Prasad, adding that Kumar's identity as a dalit had greater acceptance in the community.

Prasad pointed out she was also the daughter of former deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, who was a dalit icon.

Like Wilson, Prasad, too, questioned Kovind's "dalit identity".

"Violent incidents have taken place across the country against dalits after this government came to power. Has Kovind ever spoken out," he asked.

Incidents have been reported from Mirchpur in Haryana, Una in Gujarat, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra. Uttar Pradesh Kovind's home state  has been a major flashpoint with dalits being attacked in Mainpuri, Unnao, Sambhal and Saharanpur.

Professor M P Ahirwar, a dalit professor at the Banaras Hindu University, said when the government had "failed to speak up" on atrocities against the community, its nomination of a dalit as a presidential candidate "reeked of hypocrisy.

"The BJP will never want someone in Rashtrapati Bhavan who can take a firm stand against 'Brahminical Manuvadi communal forces'," he said.

Writer and activist Kancha Ilaiah said Kovind's candidature was the government's effort to address the dalit issue which was becoming a "pain in the neck for them".

Wilson, however, said the government and the opposition had "no other way out" in this political scenario without nominating a dalit.

"The BJP had to answer to the silence over lynchings and other atrocities against dalits. No political party at this juncture can afford to ignore dalits and survive. So we were expecting this to happen," said the national convenor of the Safai Karmachari Andolan, an organisation fighting for the rights of sanitation workers.
   -     :        ,        
On 8 November, 2015, when results for the Assembly polls in Bihar were announced, the scenes on Patna's Veer Chand Patel Road promised a political whirlwind.

Outside the Janata Dal  United (JD-U) office on the busy Patna thoroughfare, hundreds of Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal workers danced under a huge cut-out of Nitish Kumar, shouting slogans challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Later in the day, as Kumar hugged Lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence, the RJD leader announced he would soon take his lantern (party's symbol) to Uttar Pradesh to launch a war against Modi. Standing beside him, Kumar, under whose leadership the Mahagathbandhan  JD-U, RJD and Congress  had just trounced the BJP, beamed like an emperor in the wings.

That day seems so far away in history with the Mahagathbandhan leaders going in opposite directions  one in the BJP's fold, the other in the waiting arms of the law and the third on a solitary path to take on Modi.

With his decision to support NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, Nitish has virtually made his alliance untenable in Bihar. Politics makes strange bedfellows. It is also the art of justifying the impossible. But, Kumar's decision to go along with the BJP appears to be the final step in a concerted strategy to snap ties with Mahagathbandhan partners and do business with the BJP.

Nitish is known for political opportunism. He is perhaps the only chief minister in India who has been in alliance with every political party in the state. Starting as Lalu's ally, he has had the privilege of changing partners according to his convenience and, courtesy his malleability, remaining in power. His hopping-skipping-jumping and then returning to the starting block can be best compared with the politics of Jat leader Ajit Singh. But, the only difference in the politics of opportunism of Nitish and Singh is that the Bihar chief minister manages to give an ideological spin to his political vile and manoeuvring.

His latest volte-face on Kovind is a classical Nitish. The Bihar chief minister, ironically, was the pioneer of the idea of a joint opposition candidate for the presidential election. His party colleague Sharad Yadav was not only one of the prospective candidates but also the party's representative at opposition meetings to discuss a joint candidate. Kumar, in an exhibition of running with the BJP and hunting with the opposition, skipped deliberations and instead liaised with the prime minister.

And now he had decided to support Kovind, saying he is the first governor from Bihar to have been named as the ruling party's presidential candidate. Never mind the possibility of Meera Kumar, a Dalit leader from Bihar, being the opposition's candidate.

What could be Nitish's compulsion?

Just a few years ago, Nitish had become the rallying point for the anti-Modi alliance. By adopting an ideological stand on Gujarat riots and politics of secularism, he was widely seen as a counter to the BJP under Modi. "This is politics. One has to sometimes wear the skullcap and sometimes apply tilak," he had famously said.

During the campaign for the Bihar Assembly election, Nitish was belligerent, taking on Modi on every front, putting the prime minister on the backfoot with crafty counters like 'Bihar in my DNA' and challenging the development narrative of the BJP with his bottom upwards approach against the ruling party's focus on corporates and big-ticket investments. By all accounts, it seemed Nitish was talking to a national audience.

But, for some strange reason, Nitish seems to have given up his ambitions of taking on Modi, becoming a challenger to the prime minister in 2019. He appears inclined more towards running Bihar and if required, even with the support of the BJP. Nobody knows what Nitish gains by scuttling an ambition that looked politically logical and viable by returning to his regional roots. But, this is what Nitish appears to be content with at the moment.

Knowing Nitish, this could be a clever ploy of sitting on the fence till the political landscape becomes clear. It may also be a clever strategy to keep the RJD in check and not allow Yadav and his clan to dictate the agenda. Or, it may just be the realisation that abhi Dilli door ast.

The only casualty of this brinkmanship could be Kumar's own credibility. There are still two years left for the next General Elections to Lok Sabha. At the moment Modi seems unstoppable. But, the murmurs of protest among farmers demanding loan waivers and better prices for crop's, anger among traders because of roll out of GST and the cumulative effects of the disaster called demonetisation  something Kumar hailed and later criticised  could be ominous portents of the shifting mood on the ground.

If a year from now, the country's mood changes and Modi loses his aura of invincibility, Kumar might regret pushing himself out of the race for the next prime minister.
In a blatant copy-cat act showing the united Opposition's desperate move to counter BJPs presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was declared the candidate by the Opposition comprising 17 political parties. In doing so, the Opposition has turned the presidential election into a 'Dalit versus Dalit' contest.

Given her wide experience both as a politician and speaker, Meira Kumar is the most suitable candidate for the post of president, the Congress said after Thursdays meeting of the Opposition, which was chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Has Opposition tried to copy Prime Minister Narendra Modis strategy?

Political analysts see the development differently, dubbing Congress and Oppositions decision to have a Dalit candidate as "a desperate move without any vision and ideas".

The decision of the Opposition to announce Meira Kumar as their candidate is a move in desperation. Forget numbers, they neither have vision nor ideas. Its like a copy-paste job. To counter NDA candidate Kovind, they decided to have another Dalit candidate Meira Kumar in place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually left the Opposition voiceless by announcing Kovind as the candidate. Now, Congress and the Left are using Modis strategy to counter Kovind, said former editor of India Today Hindi, Jagdish Upasane.

Sharing a similar view, political analyst and professor of Geopolitics, Manipal University, MD Nalapat said, Both the Congress and the Left are fixated with the idea of old India. Meira Kumar is a good candidate, but they didnt choose her for her qualifications and qualities, but for her caste. It shows the Opposition lacks vision."

He added, "Young India below 30 is looking beyond caste. Had the Opposition thought of going beyond this Dalit factor, it would have been better. Modi chose Kovind, not because of his Dalit identity alone, but the latter is a disciplined party member. Kovind shares a very good rapport with the prime minister, which is important in a president-prime minister functioning.

A desperate Opposition

The desperation in the announcement is symbolic of the fractured Opposition that is not able to put up a strong, united front against the government. That's quite unlike the times when the UPA regime was in power.

The first blow to the Opposition in the ongoing quest for a presidential candidate was from the Janata Dal-United when Nitish Kumar decided to back Kovind. AIADMK had already announced that it would support Kovind and CPM too had been working on four candidates including BR Ambedkars grandson, Prakash Ambedkar. The CPM had almost unanimously finalised Ambedkar as its presidential candidate.

However, after Thursday's meeting, the Left decided to give full support to Meira Kumar. She has the best experience to be the candidate for presidential election. Initially, we had four names including Ambedkar. But, now CPM will fully support Meira Kumar, the CPM said.

According to JD(U) sources, a couple of their MPs received a message from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who told them that their decision to support Kovind was unfortunate and disappointing. Some of our MPs received a text message from Ramesh stating that JD(U)s decision to support Kovind was unfortunate and disappointing. It reflects the frustration in the Congress, a JD(U) source said.

Though the Opposition has finally named its candidate, political analysts have doubts on whether Dalit vs Dalit strategy will work in their favour.

Against Kovind, who is a Dalit from Uttar Pradesh, the Opposition has chosen Meira Kumar, a Dalit from Bihar, to put Nitish Kumar in dilemma, as the latter has decided to support Kovind. But, its not likely to work, added Nalapat.

While Mulayam Singh attended Modis dinner on 20 June, he stayed away from Akhilesh Yadav's Iftar party. This clearly shows the friction within Samajwadi Party. Given the situation, how many Samajwadi Party MPs will support Meira Kumar, is doubtful. Congress is so confused that first, it approached Sushil Kumar Shinde and after his refusal, Meira Kumars name was finalised. Rather than contesting on principle, Congress has announced its Dalit candidate just to oppose governments decision, without any vision, added Upasane.
Chennai: UPA constituent DMK on Thursday said the Opposition's choice of presidential candidate Meira Kumar was in line with the party's "aspirations."

DMK working president MK Stalin also charged the ruling BJP with "enacting a drama" on selecting a candidate, based on discussions with the Opposition.

Stalin said his sister and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi was present in the Opposition meeting held in Delhi on Thursday to select its candidate to take on NDA's Ram Nath Kovind.

"The (Opposition) candidate has been announced in line with DMK's aspirations...I wish her all the best and to win (the presidential race)," he said.

When pointed out, BJP has also fielded a Dalit on behalf of NDA, Stalin recalled that the ruling party at the Centre had earlier said it will arrive at a decision on selecting the nominee after consulting Opposition parties.

"But they did not implement it...They enacted a drama for the sake of it," he said in an apparent reference to the BJP panel meeting, Opposition leaders on this matter.

"But BJP never told us openly that such and such a person was the candidate...Therefore, a situation has come up where a candidate had to be fielded on behalf of the Opposition," he added.

To a question whether his party will ask all 'members' (MPs and MLAs of other parties in Tamil Nadu) to support Kumar, Stalin said, "We believe that the candidate selected by all Opposition parties should win. On that basis, we are ready to seek support."
New Delhi: The JD(U) on Thursday rejected its ally and RJD chief Lalu Prasad's request to reconsider its support the NDA's presidential nominee, Ram Nath Kovind, saying its stand is based on merit and it will stick it.

After opposition parties decided to field Meira Kumar, Prasad said he will ask Bihar chief minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar not to back Kovind.

"Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind and full consultation within the party.We will stick with his choice," JD(U) spokesperson Pavan Kumar Varma said.

He said Kovind is anyway the "president-in-waiting" due to the numerical advantage the NDA has in the electoral college and his contest with Meira Kumar will be a "token" exercise.

Defending Kumar against his decision to not go with other opposition parties, the former Rajya Sabha member noted that he had broken ranks with the NDA, of which he was a member then, and supported the UPA's candidate Pranab Mukherjee in 2012.
New Delhi: The Opposition zeroed in on former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar for three good reasons  her caste, her state and her party.

Worried about cracks in the Opposition over the NDA's nominee, Ram Nath Kovind, the Opposition selected Congress's Kumar in a bid to woo back the JD(U) and ensure that the BSP did not break away.

The JD(U) on Wednesday said it would back Kovind, while the BSP had said it would not take a "negative" stand towards the candidature of a dalit after the NDA announced their candidate was a dalit from UP earlier this week.

The BSP today supported the Opposition's candidate, stressing that Meira Kumar was "more capable and popular" than Kovind. At a 17-party opposition meeting today, NCP chief Sharad Pawar proposed the names of three people  Kumar, ex-home minister Sushilkumar Shinde and former Planning Commission member Bhalchandra Mungekar.

"It was RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who pitched for Kumar. Two things went in her favour. One that she belongs to the Congress and was selected by its chief Sonia Gandhi," sources in a Left party said.

Second, the fact that she was "the daughter of Bihar" would "impel Nitish Kumar to re-think his decision to support Kovind who comes from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh", the sources said. Third, of course, she was a dalit, with an impressive political background.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yadav appealed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to change his mind on the issue, and said he would discuss this with the chief minister in Patna.

"I will meet Nitish Kumar and will urge him to change his decision to support the NDA candidate. I will tell him not to commit a historic blunder. I will ask him to think again," Yadav said.
Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal dubbed as "shocking" the unsavoury happenings in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday.

Two Aam Aadmi Party legislators, including a woman lawmaker, were injured and the turbans of two others were allegedly tossed during the commotion when the watch and ward staff of the Assembly physically removed them from the House on Speaker Rana KP Singh's orders.

MLAs Sarabjit Kaur Manuka and Manjit Singh were taken out of the Assembly building on stretchers and rushed to the nearby hospital. Manuke fell unconscious after she was allegedly hit in the head during a scuffle with the marshals. Manjit Singh was also injured in the melee.

"In the 70 years of my public life, I have neither seen, nor experienced, nor even imagined, incidents of such horrific, shameful and repressive nature," Badal said.

Badal said it was "midsummer madness of the ruling Congress" and an outrage worse than the horrors of the Emergency days.

The veteran Akali leader also visited the injured AAP legislators at the government multi-specialty hospital in Sector 16, Chandigarh.

"The Indian democracy has been shamed in broad daylight on the Vidhan Sabha floor. I still find it hard to believe what I saw and heard," the former chief minister said.

Badal enquired after the health of the two legislators admitted to the hospital, but both seemed in no condition to speak.

The Akali Dal leader demanded the registration of criminal cases against those who indulged in "wanton violence against elected public representatives and those who issued such shameful orders".

"Under the Congress government, the elected representatives are not safe even in the Vidhan Sabha," he said.

"Badal was shocked to see the two legislators were lying virtually unattended on stretchers, hours after they were admitted. They were being surrounded only by relatives and supporters," a spokesman for the former Chief Minister said.

Chandigarh's director of health services Rakesh Kumar visited the hospital when Badal was there, standing near the stretchers on which the AAP legislators were lying.

"Treat them with compassion and respect due to every citizen. What is happening here? They are lying in a state of neglect" Badal told the official.
Chandigarh: Dubbing Assembly Speaker Rana KP Singh as "goonda Rana KP", Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday said his party will not allow the House to function till he is removed or he apologises for the ruckus.

The Akali leader said Thursday's incidents in the Assembly, wherein turbans of AAP legislators were tossed and some Opposition lawmakers were beaten up by the watch and ward staff, is "an insult to the Sikh community".

"Rana KP acted like a 'goonda' (ruffian) and insulted Sikh religion and culture. We will submit a formal complaint against him with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, besides launching a movement to force him to quit," Badal said.

Two AAP legislators, including a woman, were carried out on stretchers and rushed to a government hospital here after they were injured during the melee.

Badal said it was condemnable that while the Speaker was doing all this, the Congress members egged him on to be even harsher.

"Besides tossing and trampling on the turbans of two Sikh MLAs  Manjit Singh Bilaspur and Pirmal Singh  he also ordered his bouncers to attack the woman MLA.

"Such unprecedented violence ordered, and commandeered by a Speaker in such a ruthless manner, has never occurred in the history of the Punjab assembly," the former deputy chief minister added.

Badal said the Speaker's actions were "premeditated" and that "he was continuously reading out written orders, indicating the Congress had made up its mind to throttle the opposition so that it is not exposed during the debate on the Budget".
New Delhi: Union culture minister Mahesh Sharma's residence in Akbar Road will be the new temporary address of BJP's presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Kovind will be staying at 10 Akbar Road bungalow in the heart of Lutyens Delhi for about a month till the presidential election on 17 July, sources said.

The 71-year-old, who looks certain to be the next president, had earlier been allocated 144 North Avenue as Bihar governor. After his resignation as the governor, top authorities in the Centre decided he should move to a bigger bungalow for security reasons, the sources added.

Interestingly, this is not Sharma's first tryst with presidents, former, would be and present.

The Union culture and tourism minister had earlier been allocated 10 Rajaji Marg, the residence of former president APJ Abdul Kalam, but was asked to leave it for President Pranab Mukherjee who will be moving to the bungalow after his retirement.

Kovind was picked as the ruling National Democratic Alliance's candidate for president earlier this week. He has already got backing from several non-NDA parties, including the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and both factions of the AIADMK.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) MLAs were forcibly removed from the Punjab Assembly on Thursday, for creating ruckus in the House.

Chandigarh: Scuffle between AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira,Lok Insaf Party's Bains brothers with security officials outside Punjab assembly pic.twitter.com/sX5bUjezsV  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

The MLAs had reportedly rushed to the speaker's podium in protest after AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira and LIP leader Simerjeet Singh Bains were barred from entering the Assembly. During the protest, four AAP leaders, including Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, fainted, as per a report in The Financial Express.

All AAP MLAs were subsequently suspended by Speaker Rana KP Singh. Khaira and Bains staged a dharna outside the Assembly and alleged that the Congress government in the state was preventing them from entering the House after they raised the issue of sand and land mafias.

Both the leaders raised slogans  'beiman sarkar' (corrupt government) and 'mafia speaker murdabad' (death to mafia speaker)  while they were escorted out of the Assembly.

Khaira was reportedly suspended for uploading a video of the ruckus in the Assembly on 16 June. He went live on Facebook from inside the House.

Bains, meanwhile, was suspended on 15 June for throwing papers at the Speaker. They had created an uproar after the state finance minister had likened farmers to beggars.

AAP MLA Pirmal Singh alleged that his turban was tossed by the marshals and that the Speaker did not hear them out. Another MLA, Kanwar Sandhu, said that they had only requested the Speaker to allow Bains and Khaira to enter the House but were thrown out, The Tribune reported. Bains termed the entire incident as "murder of democracy".

This is Murder Of Democracy.. MLA's being beaten and given dis treatment in the Vidhan Sabha itself. #Shameful pic.twitter.com/R5lohEQZsj  Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) June 22, 2017

Shiromani Akali Dal MLAs protested the Speaker's action against the AAP MLAs, alleging misbehaviour by the watch, The Hindustan Times reported.
Till a week ago, Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and BJP leaders were gloating over how they had caught the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) by the scruff of the neck over the land scam which they had estimated was worth over Rs 15,000 crore. This week, the three Opposition parties have gone into a silent mode, arousing suspicion on why they chose to shut the tap of their allegations.

BJP leaders had in fact, planned to put pressure on the Centre for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the land scam. The K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) government had itself handed over the probe to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) besides asking the Anti-Corruption Bureau to probe into the irregularities committed at the level of sub-registrars. Its leader, former minister N Janardhan Reddy was at the forefront of mounting pressure on the state government in cases of shady land deals, like the one involving the family of senior TRS MP Kesava Rao.

The BJP's Telangana howitzer is no longer booming, a fallout of the support that has been extended by KCR to the NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called KCR to request him for support. To target someone who is extending support was deemed inappropriate and so the state unit has reportedly been instructed to go easy on the land scam till the presidential elections are over. The BJP leadership does not want a land deal to land its arithmetic for Kovind in Parliament and the state Assemblies in a soup.

However, the Congress backing out from its belligerent position is not a case of quid pro quo. Ever since irrigation minister Harish Rao adopted a belligerent tone and threatened to name Congress leaders who too have their hands in the till, it is like the cat got their tongue.

PS Prasad of the Goldstone group is accused of being the kingpin in this land scam. He is believed to have links with several Congress leaders, both in Hyderabad and in Delhi. In fact, he is known to be close to both the TRS and the Congress. He also had a role to play in the now defunct Praja Rajyam Party, which was floated by actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi in 2008.

Prasad made his contacts in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi in the 90s and had a role to play in land deals involving several influential politicians. Sources say that he even played a part in forging political relationships in united Andhra Pradesh, especially after 2009.

The lid was blown off the scam only after an internal audit of the Registration department in March revealed the sale of 693 acres of government land in Miyapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad. That land parcel was believed to be worth Rs 587 crore. The allegation is that Prasad and his accomplices created forged documents to take away large tracts of government land and sold it off, with sub-registrars being bought for a price. This was corroborated by raids at the properties of several sub-registrars that revealed disproportionate assets in their name or benami names.

Most of the land sales in and around Hyderabad were traced back to Prasad. Two of his associates were arrested but he is still absconding. The duo secured bail last week with the counsel for the accused, thanking KCR for announcing publicly that no hanky panky took place. The accused in fact argued that when the chief minister of the state is claiming no loss to the exchequer, there are no grounds to arrest them. It was rather strange for KCR to announce that the stables are clean because the CID has not even conducted a thorough probe yet.

The TDP is caught in a bind as well. One of its MLCs, Deepak Reddy was arrested on charges of land grabbing. Owners of Mustafa Hills society in Hyderabad accuse Reddy of intimidating and forging documents in an attempt to grab their 60 acres of land. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu tried to do damage control by suspending him from the party.

Apart from this, the TDP itself is embroiled in a land scam in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. What makes it more embarrassing is that the roads and buildings minister Ayyanna Patrudu has accused the human resource minister Srinivasa Rao, without naming him, of having a hand in the land scam. An incensed Rao, realising the jibe was directed at him, asked Chandrababu Naidu to order a CID or CBI probe. Several land records in Vizag have either allegedly been tampered with or are missing, pointing to a political-official nexus.

The TDP realises that those who live in glass houses in Andhra Pradesh should not throw stones at others in Telangana.

What this means is that the Telangana land scam is likely to get a quiet burial, with politicians cutting across party lines realising that their interests are best served this way.

Because dead cases don't tell tales.
Lashkar Gah: At least 34 people were killed Thursday when a Taliban car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

"At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in today's bombing," the provincial government said in a statement.

This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centre piece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

Intense fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 1,00,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America is still "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Afghanistan will hold its delayed parliamentary elections on 7 July, 2018, the top polling official said on Thursday, nearly three years late after deadlines to choose a new assembly were repeatedly missed.

Parliament's five-year term expired in mid-2015 but polls were postponed amid concerns over whether the vote could be fair and transparent after a disputed presidential election in 2014.

President Ashraf Ghani extended the assembly's mandate until elections were feasible, prompting many to question the legality of his decision.

"After long consultations with concerned government bodies, we have decided to schedule the parliamentary election for 7 July, 2018," said election commission chief Najibullah Ahmadzai.

He urged the government and international community to provide funding and support for the election, which will likely be held against the backdrop of a worsening security situation in Afghanistan.

"We have learnt lessons from the challenges and problems of the last elections. We are committed to holding (fair and transparent) elections," Ahmadzai said.

Both Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah, a former anti-Taliban resistance fighter, claimed to have won the fraud-tainted 2014 presidential election, tipping Afghanistan into a crisis that threatened to trigger nationwide unrest.

It took months for both candidates to agree on a US-brokered deal to form a "national unity government".

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the Taliban insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.
Kabul: Despite relentless insurgent attacks, Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission is announcing that parliamentary polls will be held in the war-torn country on 7 July 2018, almost three years late.

The commission announced the date on Thursday. The vote will elect representatives to the 249 seats in the lower house of parliament. Originally scheduled to be held in 2015, rampant insecurity caused the long delay.

Elections have been tumultuous in Afghanistan and in the 2014 presidential elections, a clear winner was never established. Instead, the United States brokered a compromise in which the two main candidates were put in power  Ashraf Ghani as president and Abdullah Abdullah as chief executive.

However the setup has been unwieldy and animosities and power struggles have hampered attempts at good governance.
Moscow: Russia said on Thursday that it has no information on the fate of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the chief of the Islamic State terror group, nearly a week after the Russian military said it may have killed him in an airstrike. "I have got nothing (to report)," the Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked to comment on the possible death of Baghdadi in Syria last month.

The Russian foreign ministry has no information on the fate of the Islamic State's leader al-Baghdadi, Zakharova was quoted as saying by the official Tass news agency. Her comments came two days after the Russian deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov said the liquidation of al-Baghdadi has not yet been confirmed.

Last Friday, the Russian defense ministry reported that Baghdadi had been presumably killed by the airstrike on Raqqa's southern suburbs carried out by Russian warplanes. According to the ministry, the airstrike was conducted on 28 May on a command post where the Islamic State leaders were discussing exit routes for militants from Raqqa through the so-called southern corridor.

US defense officials last week said they were unable to confirm the reports about Baghdadi's death. There have been a number of previous reports of Baghdadi's death or him being critically injured by US-led coalition air strikes. 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 terror group is known for imposing a hard-line form of Islam that has included stonings, amputations and beheadings.
SYDNEY Australia said on Thursday it would resume air strikes into Syria, ending a two-day suspension implemented after the downing of a Syrian military aircraft triggered a Russian threat against Washington-led coalition planes.

Russia said on Monday it would treat U.S.-led coalition aircraft flying west of the River Euphrates in Syria as potential targets and track them with missile systems and military aircraft, but stopped short of saying it would shoot them down.

As a result of the threat, Australia said on Tuesday it would suspend its military campaign.

On Thursday, a decision was made to resume the air strikes in Syria after an assessment of the Russian statement, although it did not say when they would begin again. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Paul Tait)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
SYDNEY Australia's defence force said on Friday it will send two military surveillance aircraft to assist Philippine soldiers fighting Islamist militants, as the archipelago nation battles to regain control of its southern city of Marawi."The Government of the Philippines has accepted an Australian offer of two Australian Defence Force AP-3C Orion aircraft to provide surveillance support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines," said an emailed statement from Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne."The regional threat from terrorism, in particular from Daesh and foreign fighters, is a direct threat to Australia and our interests," she said in the statement, referring to Islamic State by one of its Arab acronyms.

The seizure of Marawi five weeks ago by Islamist rebels and the security forces' dogged fight to regain control of it has claimed 369 lives already, according to official estimates.It has also alarmed Southeast Asian nations which fear Islamic State -- on a backfoot in Iraq and Syria -- is trying to set up a stronghold in the Muslim south of the mainly Roman Catholic Philippines that could threaten the whole region.

Indonesian and Malaysian warships launched joint counterinsurgency manoeuvres with Philippine vessels in waters nearby.The United States has deployed troops near the besieged city, although they are not fighting there, and also provided a P-3 surveillance plane to assist the Philippines in battle.

Australia's statement condemned the attack on Marawi, but gave no details about where the aircraft would be deployed.This week Philippine forces made a renewed push to retake the city, aiming to clear it by the weekend Eid festival.On Thursday, a Philippine military official said about 100 armed militants remain there, confined to an area of about 1 square kilometre. That figures is less than the estimated 400 or 500 fighters who seized the city on May 23. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Brussels: German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted on Thursday that the EU's future took priority over Brexit talks as Prime Minister Theresa May met European leaders for the first time since a disastrous election gamble.

Under intense pressure on all sides since losing her majority, May said her task at the Brussels summit would be to set out her plans to protect EU citizens' post-Brexit rights. But Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader, made clear that this was not at the top of her agenda as she reaffirmed Berlin's strong ties with France and its newly elected President Emmanuel Macron.

"For me the shaping of the future of the 27 is a priority coming before the issue of the negotiations with Britain on the exit," Merkel said. "We want to conduct these negotiations in a good spirit but the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27."

Macron, attending his first summit, did not mention Brexit directly but said it was now time to get down to concrete work  "hand in hand with Germany"  on putting the European Union back on track after years of austerity and crisis.

Britain's vote to leave the EU exactly a year ago on Friday was the biggest in a series of shocks that the bloc has faced, but it now insists it is turning the corner on anti-EU sentiment.

May is set to brief EU leaders on her Brexit plans over dinner on Thursday, before being kicked out while the remaining 27 discuss key issues including the future location of the EU's medicines and banking agencies, currently based in Britain. For her part, May said she would set out "clearly how the UK proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected."

The fate of an estimated three million Europeans living in Britain and around one million Britons living elsewhere in the EU was thrown into doubt by Britain's vote to leave the bloc last year. "That's been an important issue, we've wanted it to be one of the early issues that was considered in the negotiations, that is now the case, that work is starting," she told reporters as she arrived.

May had previously refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in Britain until those of expatriate Britons were secured.

A European diplomat said that there was "no question of any discussion, let alone any negotiation" with May at the summit. The issue of citizens' rights is one of three priorities in the Brexit talks which began on Monday, along with Britain's estimated 100 billion euro (88 billion pounds, $112 billion) divorce bill, and the fraught question of Northern Ireland, which will share Britain's only land border with the EU after Brexit.

Earlier, EU president Donald Tusk had channelled former Beatle John Lennon as he said he hoped Brexit could be reversed  though others immediately poured cold water on the idea.
Beijing: India will not succeed in driving "a wedge" between Iran and Pakistan by "hyping" the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a Chinese expert has said, days after Pakistan shot down an Iranian "spy" drone.

An Iranian drone allegedly on a "spying mission" was shot down by a Chinese-made PAF JF-17 Thunder fighter jet in Baluchistan's Panjgur area on 19 June.

Pakistani Foreign Office told media that the Iranian drone was shot down by a JF-17 after it ventured "deep inside Pakistani airspace" on a spying mission.

China is concerned about deterioration of ties between Iran and Pakistan as it apprehends that it will affect the CPEC which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan near Iranian border with China's Xinjiang.

However, a Chinese expert asserted that the downing of the Iranian drone by a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet will not affect ties between the two countries, state-run Global Times reported.

"India won't succeed in driving a wedge between Iran and Pakistan by hyping the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," the expert said.

"The downing of the drone is not an indication of cooling Pakistan-Iran relations," Hua Liming, a former Chinese ambassador to Iran, was quoted by the report.

The project is opposed by Baloch nationalists over concerns that it will further enable people from the powerful Punjab province to strengthen grip on their resource-rich province.

India has protested to China over the project as it traverses through the areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Although Pakistan enjoys close ties with Saudi Arabia, which is Iran's arch rival in the Middle East, Islamabad practices an independent foreign policy, since it doesn't follow Riyadh on many issues, including breaking off ties with Qatar and getting involved militarily in Yemen," Hua said.

Iran and Pakistan are neighbours and their relations have not experienced too many problems. But India is trying to make Iran believe that the CPEC, especially the construction of the Gwadar port, will also impair Iran's interests, so the two countries might experience some friction, Hua said.

"China hopes their ties remain healthy and stable since they are all friendly to China," Hua added.

There is tension between the two countries since 26 April when 10 Iranian border guards were killed in a militant attack near the Pakistan border.

Iran has accused that militants hiding in Pakistan were involved in the attack.
Beijing: China on Thursday avoided commenting on claims in the Pakistani media that Beijing will fund the $14 billion Diamer-Bhasha dam in PoK and has agreed to include the project in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

"For this specific project and including the construction of dam you mentioned, I am not aware of the details," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to a question on reports from Pakistan that Beijing has agreed to include the project as part of the $50 billion CPEC.

For long, Pakistan has been looking for $12 to 14 billion funding needed to build the Diamer-Bhasha dam located in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) but failed to secure the money as it is proposed to be built in the disputed region.

While evading a response, Geng, however, put up a strong defence of the CPEC, playing down India's concerns over violation of sovereignty.

"What I can say is that CPEC is a new cooperation framework for the two countries to achieve long term development. This corridor will not only promote bilateral development of two countries, but will also contribute to the development and prosperity in the region," he said.

"We know that there is some concern about the corridor but we keep stressing that this economic corridor is just an economic initiative for cooperation," Geng said.

"It targets no third country and is not connected to any sovereign dispute. We hope that the dispute between India and Pakistan could be resolved by consultation and negotiation," he reiterated.

Geng skirted a direct response to the dam issue apparently to avoid a strong reaction from India which has already opposed the CPEC as it passes through PoK.

India's objections to the project led New Delhi to skip China's high profile Belt and Road Forum (BRF) held in Beijing last month to highlight the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC is part of the BRI.

But Pakistan officials were positive that Beijing has agreed to take it up under CPEC, according to reports.

Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman Muzammil Hussain was quoted by the Pakistani media as saying that "the project with 4,500 MW installed capacity has been pending since long due to the fact that earlier in 2006, Asian Development Bank committed to fund the project, however, after 10 years, it declined to fund the project saying it was located in disputed territory".

However, the project has been revived as China had offered Pakistan to bring it under (CPEC).

Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who is also in-charged of the CPEC, told the media few days ago that Pakistan expects China to fund the long-delayed project.

Iqbal was quoted as saying that a Chinese company along with a local partner would build the dam over a 10-year period. Work should begin in the next financial year, he said.

The project to be built on the river Indus was expected to generate 4,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, and a vast nnew reservoir would regulate the flow of water to farmland.

Iqbal said the dam is critical to Pakistan's food security.

The dam was reportedly part of an MOU between China and Pakistan which was signed last December to fund and develop Pakistan's Indus Basin dams. Pakistan estimates there is 40,000 MW of hydro potential.
Beijing: China on Thursday asked the US to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and backed its all-weather ally for being on the "forefront" of the fight against terrorism, amid reports that the Trump administration is exploring tough measures against Islamabad for harbouring militant groups.

"Pakistan is an important country in South Asia. Peace, stability and economic development in Pakistan serves the interest of regional countries and people," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing.

He was responding to reports that the US is exploring hardening its approach toward Pakistan to crackdown on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in Afghanistan.

"Pakistan is on the forefront of global fight against terrorism. It has been firmly opposing terrorism and it has made important sacrifice and contribution to fighting terrorism and maintaining regional security and stability," Geng said.

The foreign ministry spokesman said the international community should acknowledge that and support the counter terrorism efforts made by Pakistan on the basis of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week during a Congressional hearing on the State Department's annual budget proposals said that the Trump administration is beginning an inter-agency policy review of relations with Pakistan and the president has specifically asked questions about the level of support and funding to Islamabad.

Media reports, quoting US officials, said potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally.

Afghanistan has also been strongly critical of Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring hard-line Taliban factions.

Asked about reports from Pakistan that Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is likely to visit Pakistan and Afghanistan this weekend to defuse tensions between the two neighbours, Geng said China continue to have friendly exchanges with the two countries but declined to confirm reports about Wangs visit.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are China's neighbours. We have friendly relations with the two counties as well as high-level exchanges. So, if we have any information we will release in due course," he said.

"China sincerely hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan enhance their communication to deepen their mutual trust and improve relations. They should work together to ensure regional peace and stability and China would like to play a constructive role to that end," he said.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan rift have deepened further after Kabul put blame of the recent terror attack in Kabul's diplomatic area on Islamabad.
Iowa: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will pursue legislation that would bar immigrants from being eligible for welfare for at least five years  though most already are.

Trump said at a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that "the time has come" for "new immigration rules" that would require those seeking admission to the country to be able to support themselves financially and would bar the use of welfare for a period of at least five years.

He said his administration would be "putting in legislation to that effect very shortly."

It is unclear, however, how Trump's proposal would change the current situation.

US immigration law already bars most foreigners who enter the country on immigrant visas from being eligible for federal benefits like Social Security and food stamps for the first five years. States typically have the authority to determine eligibility for local programs.

Foreigners with non-immigrant visas and those who don't have legal status are generally prohibited from those benefits altogether.
Iowa: US president Donald Trump, under siege in Washington, defended his record at a raucous political rally in Iowa on Wednesday, rejecting a Russia investigation as a "witch hunt" and saying he was succeeding against all odds, despite no major legislative achievements.

"All we do is win, win, win," he told a cheering crowd.

A feisty Trump spoke for more than an hour at a rally in Cedar Rapids that was similar to those he held during last year's presidential campaign. It included protesters escorted out by police, Trump attacking the news media and supporters waving signs saying "Drain the Swamp" in Washington.

Trump's first trip to Iowa since taking office on 20 January came against a backdrop of problems in Washington. His legislative agenda is struggling to gain traction, a federal investigation of alleged Russian meddling into the election and possible collusion with Trump's campaign continues and his approval rating is below 40 percent in most polls.

But Trump touted jobs gains and an improving stock market as evidence that his economic policies are working. He vowed he would eventually get funding for a border wall with Mexico  possibly with solar panels attached  despite congressional refusal thus far.

"We're thinking about building the wall as a solar wall. Pretty good imagination, right? It's my ideas," he said.

Solar panels along the wall are among proposals that have been submitted by companies to the Department of Homeland Security, according to media reports.

Buoyed by Republican victories in special congressional elections in Georgia and South Carolina on Tuesday, Trump blasted his opponents as "unbelievably nasty" and said cable news anchors appeared stunned by the Democratic losses.

Unable to get Democrats to join Republicans in major legislative efforts, Trump said the wounding by a gunman last week of Republican representative Steve Scalise in Alexandria, Virginia, had fostered a spirit of unity. But he did not sound optimistic about breaking through the partisan divide any time soon.

Trump said he doubted he would have help from Democrats in getting major healthcare legislation through the US Congress. He wants the Senate to join the House of Representatives in approving legislation soon to reform the signature domestic achievement of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama.
Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Saudi Arabia's newly-appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he discussed the thorny diplomatic row between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, including Riyadh.

"The president and the crown prince committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond," the White House said in a statement about their telephone talks.

"The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar," the statement added.

The region is in the throes of a deep crisis.

Earlier this month, Riyadh and several of its allies including Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, cut ties with Qatar over accusations that Doha supports extremist groups, including some linked to Saudi foe Iran - a claim Tehran denies.

In addition to diplomatic isolation, other measures taken included closing Qatar's only land border, banning its planes from using their airspace and barring Qatari nationals from transiting through their airports.

Qatar is home to the biggest US air base in the Middle East - a hub in the war against the Islamic State group.

Trump's administration has sent contradictory signals on the crisis. While Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia, Washington has shown mounting frustration over the kingdom's role in the crisis.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on Tuesday that the US was "mystified" that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have failed to present details justifying their embargo on Qatar.

"The more that time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Nauert said.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been tasked by Trump to oversee an end to the crisis, has been working the phones in recent days trying to defuse a standoff that has put key US allies at loggerheads with one another.

Tillerson said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia and its allies had prepared a list of demands to be presented to Qatar.

"We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable," Tillerson said in a statement.

"We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort and look forward to this matter moving toward a resolution.
Jerusalem: US President Donald Trump's senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner had a "productive" meeting with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, the White House has said.

Kushner, accompanied by Trump's Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, was also meeting Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank on Wednesday.

"The meeting was productive and the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing President Trump's goal of a genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians that enhances stability in the region," the White House said.

"This is an opportunity to pursue our common goals of security, prosperity and peace," Netanyahu told Kushner in a short video released by the premier's office.

"I welcome you here in that spirit. I know of your efforts, the president's efforts, and I look forward to working with you."

Greenblatt and Kushner are attempting to broker a deal to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, frozen since US-led talks collapsed in 2014.

Both men accompanied Trump in May on his first visit as president to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, attended the meeting with Netanyahu alongside Kushner and Greenblatt.

"The three United States officials discussed Israel's priorities and potential next steps with Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledging the critical role Israel plays in the security of the region," it said in a statement.

"The United States officials and Israeli leadership underscored that forging peace will take time and stressed the importance of doing everything possible to create an environment conducive to peacemaking."

A White House official said this week Trump "strongly believes that peace is possible," and that Greenblatt and Kushner expect to visit the region multiple times in coming months in a bid to build confidence between the two sides.
Yaounde: A double suicide attack killed six civilians in Cameroon's restive far North, which is regularly hit by Nigeria-based Boko Haram jihadists, security sources said.

The deadly blasts happened on Wednesday in Kolofata, where nine people died in a double suicide bombing in early June.

"There were eight killed, six civilians and the two attackers," a source close to Cameroon's security service said of Wednesday's violence.

Another security source confirmed the death toll, but no further details were immediately available.

The far North region, which borders Nigeria, has seen a resurgence in attacks blamed on Boko Haram after months of relative calm.

In mid-June two civilians were killed in an attack in Limani, which is near Kolofata and the Nigerian border. Earlier in the month a soldier was also killed in Kolofata.
Paris: France's new president Emmanuel Macron heads to his first EU summit on Thursday pledging to breathe new life into the bloc after Britain's shock Brexit decision and to bolster European defences in the face of Donald Trump's "America First" policy.

The 39-year-old takes his place among fellow European Union leaders in Brussels flush from emphatic electoral victories at home, although his post-election honeymoon was upset this week by a high-level cabinet reshuffle that saw the departure of his justice minister Francois Bayrou, a key ally.

Macron was quick to bond with the doyenne of the EU, Germany's Angela Merkel, making a point of visiting her on his maiden foreign trip the day after his 7 May election.

Early this month, Brussels unveiled a Franco-German blueprint for the creation of a European defence fund with an annual budget of 5.5 billion euro ($6.1 billion).

Macron's office said Paris and Berlin, traditionally the twin engines of European integration, hoped their partners would sign off on the defence plan at the two-day summit.

The idea for the fund, which would finance joint military hardware projects including drones as well as pooled research and development, is to help Europe stand alone as a global military power in the face of US President Trump's "America First" policy.

Trump berated his European partners on military spending at a raucous NATO summit in Brussels in May.

Macron has called for a permanent European defence headquarters that would plan and monitor defence operations in close cooperation with NATO command centres in the 22 countries that are both EU and NATO members.

Merkel, who herself faces elections in September, said the two core European powers would work to give "new momentum" to the Franco-German axis - whose hand is strengthened by Britain's shock Brexit decision in 2016.

Awakening ambitions

On Tuesday, she said she was prepared to consider additional Macron proposals, which include a finance minister and parliament for the eurozone, "if the circumstances are right".

"We could also consider a euro-budget if it is clear that we are really strengthening the structure of the economy and doing sensible things," she added, backing another suggestion by the French leader.

But Merkel's support comes at a price: she will expect Macron to adhere more closely to the EU's Stability Pact budget rules for countries in the eurozone.

Paris is already on notice from the EU Commission that France is on course to overshoot its deficit limit once again in 2017.

The macro-economic straitjacket was all too familiar to Macron's predecessor Francois Hollande, whose attempts to comply helped make the Socialist leader one of the most unpopular French presidents in the postwar era.

During his electoral campaign, Macron put forward ideas for reforming the eurozone, noting that the 19-nation currency bloc cannot go on as it is if it wants to avoid falling prey to protest and populism.

"We need Europe, so we will remake it," Macron said on the campaign trail. "I will be the president of the awakening of our European ambitions."

With the European Union under attack from eurosceptics such as his presidential rival Marine Le Pen, Macron made support of the EU the cornerstone of his campaign.

In contrast, the far-right Le Pen, whom he defeated by a 20-point margin in May, had vowed to scrap the euro and call a referendum on EU membership.

The EU summit will be the third top-level international meeting for Macron after a NATO gathering and a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.

High expectations

The young new leader, a former Rothschild banker and economy minister, has impressed with self-assured appearances, including staring down Trump in a high-profile handshake.

"There are pretty high expectations among his partners (but) the wind is at his back," said Francois Heisbourg, president of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

A senior EU diplomat told AFP in Brussels that Macron was in a line of French presidents going back six decades who have "promised reforms and a total revamp".

He said if Macron succeeds, "the Franco-German engine will start running, and running very fast."

But he warned: "If the engine works too well, it is not always good for the EU... Let's hope Paris and Berlin know how to control their speed."
OTTAWA The family of a Canadian pastor serving a life sentence in North Korea is concerned for his welfare after the death of an American student after imprisonment there, and wants Canada to work harder to secure his release, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.Hyeon Soo Lim, who served at one of the largest churches in Canada, was sentenced to hard labour for life in December 2015 for what North Korea says was an attempt to overthrow the regime.Family spokeswoman Lisa Pak said Lim's family wants to see a more aggressive approach from the Canadian government following the death of American university student Otto Warmbier earlier this week, days after he was released from captivity in North Korea in a coma."The family is very concerned at this point," said Pak. "They are hoping the Canadian government will turn (efforts) up a few notches in terms of active diplomacy and really start engaging."Pak said there have been no substantial developments in the case since December 2016 when Canadian officials visited Lim.

The family spoke with Canadian officials this week, who promised something different would be done, though they did not provide details, she said.While a lower-key approach had seemed appropriate given the sensitive nature of the situation, Warmbier's death has changed that, Pak said."The countries who have detainees in North Korea have an option now and they really need to take full advantage of it to get the other people who are still alive back home to their families."

In addition to Canada's Lim, North Korea is holding three Americans.A spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada, the government's foreign affairs department, said the case is "absolutely a priority".

"The government of Canada is very concerned about the health, well-being, and continued detention of Mr. Lim," spokeswoman Jocelyn Sweet said."We have been actively engaged on this difficult case and consular officials are working actively to secure Mr. Lim's release." The Swedish ambassador visited Lim earlier this year and told the family he was in decent health at the time, Pak said.Lim's Toronto-area church has said Lim visited North Korea more than 100 times since 1997 and helped set up an orphanage and nursing home.Last year, Lim told CNN he spends eight hours a day digging holes at a labour camp where he has not seen any other prisoners. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
London: Makram Ali, pronounced dead at the scene of a terror attack on Muslims in Finsbury, London, was a "quiet, gentle" grandfather, his family said on Thursday.

Ali, 51, died from multiple injuries following Monday's Finsbury attack, police said.

Ali collapsed with a leg problem and was being attended to by fellow worshippers leaving late-night Ramadan prayers at Finsbury Park Mosque, north London, when a van careered into them.

Preliminary findings from a post-mortem examination found that he "died of multiple injuries", police said.

Ali came to Britain from Bangladesh when he was 10. He was married with four daughters and two sons, and had two grandchildren. He was a regular at his local mosque.

His family said they were "devastated" by his death.

"Our father was a quiet, gentle man," they said in a statement issued via the police.

"He had some form of collapse because of his weak leg, a condition he suffers from, before recovering, sitting up and expressing a wish to return home, only to then become a victim of this horrific incident.

"We wish everyone to know what a loving man he was, he spent his whole life without any enemies, choosing a quiet life instead."

They said he avoided political and social discussion, took comfort in spending time with his family, and was "always ready to make a funny joke when you least expected".

"We'd especially like to thank those people who helped our father in his last moments," his relatives added.

Police were called at 12:21 am on Monday and Ali was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:04am at Finsbury.

Nine other people were taken to hospital. Three patients are still being treated, two of whom are in a critical condition.

Darren Osborne, 47, a father of four from the Welsh capital Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of "the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism including murder and attempted murder".

Police have a warrant to hold him until early Saturday.

The police said counter-terror officers had spoken to 28 witnesses at the scene but issued an appeal for more information about the van's movements before the attack.

The van was driven from Cardiff at around 8:20 am (local time) on Sunday, police believe.

Detectives have trawled through 80 hours of security camera footage so far, visited 140 locations and recovered 33 digital devices from several addresses in Wales.

Prince Charles visited the scene of the attack yesterday and delivered a message of solidarity from his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

The heir to the throne said he was deeply impressed by Mohammed Mahmoud, the imam who shielded the suspect until police arrived, fearing a mob attack.
The Farmington Board of Education approved an increase in the salary schedule during their monthly meeting Tuesday.

According to Matt Ruble, the districts superintendent, the board approved an increase to the base of both the certified employee salary and the classified employee salary schedule.

We increased the base salary of our certified staff by $250 annually to $37,250, Ruble said. We also increased classified staff by one percent of their base salary as well. Both of these increases are on top of the steps and movement schedule.

Ruble added the increase will equate to about a two percent increase for most employees.

Obviously, we would have liked it to be more, but with the state being up in the air in terms of financing, that is where we feel comfortable, Ruble said. I think the CPI, (consumer price index), is about 1.4-1.5 percent, so we are in line with that."

In addition to the salary increase, the board also approved a bid of $9,929.86 from Finn Scientific for new equipment for the high school science wing.

During the process, the board did view bids from two other companies, Carolina Biological, with a bid of $10,241, and eNasco with a bid of $8,671.50, but not all of the items the school needed were available.

In other business, the board approved a budget of $240,000 from Prairie Farms of Park Hills to supply the district with milk, and approved a budget of $740,000 with Kohl Wholesale of Quincy, Illinois to supply the district with food/non-food items to for the upcoming school year. These budgets did not increase from the previous year.

The board will meet again at 5 p.m. on July 18 in the Board of Education Office located at 1022 Ste. Genevieve Avenue. Meetings are open to the public.
By John Irish

| PARIS

PARIS President Emmanuel Macron is starting to realign France's foreign policy, setting out plans to be less interventionist in conflicts abroad and putting his country's national security at the heart of diplomacy.When Macron, 39, took office just over a month ago, he was widely expected to put the emphasis on continuity in foreign policy, an area in which he is a newcomer.Following a policy based largely on ideological interests, France has in recent years been quick to intervene militarily in conflicts such as those in Libya, Mali and Central African Republic. That appears to be about to change under Macron.This week he dropped demands for President Bashar al-Assad to depart as a condition for any peace settlement in Syria and held out an olive branch to Russian President Vladimir Putin at talks in Versailles on May 29.Macron appears to be broadly aligning his foreign policy with the U.S. priorities of tackling terrorism while seeking better ties with Russia, which he considers a long-term partner rather than a direct threat to Europe.Diplomats and officials say he is also seeking to shift policy by making clear his immediate aims are to weaken Islamist militants who threaten France from the Middle East and embark only on diplomatic initiatives that can bring concrete results. "With me it will be the end of this sort of neo-conservatism that has been imported to France over the last 10 years," Macron told eight European newspapers this week."We need to rediscover the coherence and strength of an international policy that restores credit and to have an unrelenting security policy ... to fight terrorism."FOCUS ON AREAS WHERE REWARDS POSSIBLE

French interventions in Middle East conflicts and its rigorous secularism have exposed it to attack by Islamist militants. Gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in and around Paris in November 2015 and over 100 were killed in other Islamist attacks in France in the past two-and-a-half years.

Some veteran French diplomats and officials say the policies of Macron's predecessors, Francois Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy, kept the country on the front line while others, such as the United States and Britain, pulled back from foreign adventures.France also joined sanctions against Russia after it seized the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. Under Macron, France's focus appears likely to shift to areas where Washington sees little added value, such as Africa, or to climate change, on which Washington and Paris disagree. "You can bet that the Middle East peace initiative we promoted for the last few years is dead and buried," said a French diplomat of international efforts to improve ties between Israel and the Palestinians. By contrast, under Macron France has a rough plan for peace between rival factions in Libya, and has for the first time openly called for a united national army that includes eastern militia commander Khalifa Haftar to battle Islamist militants.

"Macron wants his team to focus on areas where there can be solutions and rewards for France. I think he has realised that France is limited in what it can do and what its influence can bring," said a Paris-based Middle Eastern diplomat."I think he sees things in terms of what are his red lines and beyond that, everything is negotiable."Nowhere is this more apparent than over the conflict in Syria. Since 2011, French policy on Assad had centred on openly calling for his eventual departure from power, backing his opponents, and pushing for a U.N-brokered transition.With the U.S. increasingly disengaged on Syria, that stance put France in conflict with Russia, Assad's main international backer. Francois Hollande, who preceded Macron as president, at times described Russia's action in Syria as war crimes, and under Hollande France pushed for resolutions at the U.N. Security Council aimed at punishing Assad's government. Macron and his foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, have dropped such public criticisms and the red line Macron has set in Syria aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's: both say the use of chemical weapons would result in a military response.

Macron has also said the humanitarian situation must improve -- a stance Paris feels can help secure concessions from Moscow."They want to do everything to make sure the dialogue with Russia works so they can find a place back at the negotiating table," said a humanitarian official with knowledge of the new presidencyPROXY FORCES

Le Drian, a defence minister under Hollande, has long had a security-focused outlook on foreign policy and led France's response to Islamist militants in Mali, Libya and Syria.Keeping Le Drian in his cabinet is also widely seen as a sign that Macron wants to nurture Le Drian's close relationship with several powerful leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi or Chad's president, Idriss Deby.The aim of this is to help develop proxy forces in areas where France no longer wants to intervene but needs local forces on the ground.A French push at the United Nations to create a new regional counter-terrorism force in West Africa, alongside France's 4,000 troops, is one example. Another is France's quiet support for Haftar in Libya to oppose Islamist militants.Macron's approach has, however, caused unease among some French diplomats who call it one-dimensional, leaving France exposed to the whims of both the Russians and Americans."It's an overly military vision of things," said a senior French diplomat. "Security has always been a core axis of our diplomacy, but you can't do diplomacy by only focusing on security." (Reporting by John Irish, Editing by Andrew Callus and Timothy Heritage)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Ankara: Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and the new crown prince to "increase efforts" to end tensions in the region related to the dispute with Qatar, Turkish officials said on Thursday.

Erdogan's spokesman meanwhile, said that Kuwait  which is mediating between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors  would present a list of demands by four Arab nations from Doha to end the crisis.

Ibrahim Kalin told a group of journalists that the list by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt would comprise "concrete requests and things Qatar must do" but did not provide details. It would be handed over to Doha in the coming days, he said. His comments were reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency.

The Turkish leader called the Saudi royals late on Thursday to congratulate them on the appointment of prince Mohammed bin Salman as the new crown prince, according to a statement from officials in Erdogan's office.

King Salman and Erdogan also agreed to strengthen ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia and to meet face-to-face during a G-20 summit in Germany next month, the statement said.

Erdogan has strongly backed Qatar in the crisis with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations that cut off relations with Doha after accusing it of supporting terrorism. Erdogan vowed not to leave the tiny nation isolated and Turkey's parliament passed legislation permitting the deployment of troops to a Turkish military base in Qatar in a show of support.

Turkey's military said a contingent of 23 soldiers reached Doha on Thursday as part of the agreement on the deployment of Turkish troops. Five armored vehicles were also dispatched, the military said. Turkish media reports said the Turkish troops would join some 90 soldiers already stationed in Doha.
By Elizabeth Piper and Gabriela Baczynska

| LONDON/BRUSSELS

LONDON/BRUSSELS Prime Minister Theresa May will outline on Thursday her approach to the "hugely important issue" of reassuring EU expatriates about their futures in Britain, at a summit that is her first Brexit test since an election sapped her authority.Over coffee at the end of dinner on the first day of the EU summit, May will address the other 27 leaders and describe "principles" of her plan to give early guarantees to some three million people living in Britain who come from other countries in the bloc. But her wings have been clipped - not only in Britain where voters denied her a majority in parliament, but also in Brussels where EU leaders will try to stop her from discussing Brexit beyond a quick presentation.Instead, once she has left the room, they will continue their own discussion of Britain's departure from the European Union."My understanding all along is that this is a hugely important issue for Britain and for the 27 that has been clear from the very outset of this process," a senior British government source said of the question of EU expatriates. "We want to provide early assurance, and it has always been our position that we want to outline our principles at this dinner and that is what we are going to do."The source said Britain was "perfectly content" with the arrangements. Last week, one diplomat said May had tried to "hijack" the summit taking place on Thursday and Friday by drawing other leaders into wider discussions on Brexit.

Another British official said May would offer "new elements" in a paper to be published early next week. There may be sticking points with Brussels, such as the cut-off date for EU citizens in Britain to retain rights under the bloc's free movement rules.To show the "goodwill" her aides often refer to, May will have a separate conversation with European Council President Donald Tusk and hopes to have other one-on-one meetings. But it is not clear whether she will make any headway on the Brexit talks, which began in Brussels on Monday.SOFTER TONE

Weakened by an election she did not need to call, May has watered down her government's programme to try to get it through parliament and set a softer tone in her approach to Brexit.Yet her aims have held - she wants a clean break from the bloc, leaving the lucrative single market and customs union and so reducing immigration into Britain and removing her country from the jurisdiction of EU courts.On Monday, her Brexit minister, David Davis, described the first day of Brexit talks to unravel more than 40 years of union as setting a "solid foundation" for future discussions. But one Western diplomat from a non-EU country said it was hard to see how some members would be open to fruitful discussions.

"Some are still grieving, some are mad and some are just sad," the diplomat said. "They seem to spend more time complaining about what Britain says rather than cracking on with a deal that will produce a strong Britain and strong EU."A senior EU diplomat said the bloc was ready to listen to what May had to say."The EU 27 position is clear in terms of what conditions we'd like to see for our citizens there and what we can offer for UK citizens here," the diplomat said.May will also aim to show that while still a member of the EU, Britain will contribute to other summit discussions, pressing for more action to encourage social media companies to clamp down on internet extremism and for the EU to roll over sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. She will announce a new 75 million-pound ($95 million) package of aid for migrants and help for them to return to their home countries, in the hope of discouraging people from making the "treacherous journey" to Europe. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald, Robin Emmott, Jan Strupczewski, Elizabeth Miles and Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels; editing by Andrew Roche)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Marius Bosch and Maher Chmaytelli

| MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq

MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq Islamic State militants blew up on Wednesday the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, an Iraqi military statement said.It was from this medieval mosque that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled ''caliphate'' spanning parts of Syria and Iraq three years ago. Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque."The Daesh (Islamic State) terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Hadba minaret," the Iraqi military statement said, .

The explosions happened as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got to within 50 meters (164 ft) of the mosque, the statement said.Iraqi forces earlier on Wednesday said they had started a push towards the mosque. A U.S.-led coalition is providing air and ground support to the Mosul offensive which began in October 2016.

The forces had encircled on Tuesday the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under their control in Mosul.Al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph", or ruler of all Muslims, from the pulpit of the mosque on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran parts of Iraq and Syria. His black flag had been flying over its leaning minaret since June 2014.

Iraqi officials had privately expressed the hope that the mosque could be captured in time for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. The first day of the Eid falls this year on June 25 or 26 in Iraq.The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" even though Islamic State would continue to control territory west and south of the city, the largest they had control of in both Iraq and Syria.Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. and Iraqi military sources. (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Toby Chopra)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Baghdad: Fighters for the Islamic State group are targeting children in Mosul to prevent civilians from fleeing the city as Iraqi forces push into the last stronghold held in Iraq by the militants there, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

The UN children's agency said it has documented a number of cases in which Islamic State fighters killed the children of families trying to escape from neighbourhoods controlled by the militants.

"They are using children as a weapon of war to prevent people from fleeing", said UNICEF's Iraq representative, Peter Hawkins. "This just highlights how indiscriminate and catastrophic this war is".

Iraqi troops are slowly clearing the last pockets of Islamic State fighters from Mosul's old city in an operation launched earlier this week. But an estimated one lakh civilians packed into the dense terrain have slowed progress.

UNICEF said 1,075 Iraqi children have been killed and 1,130 wounded since Islamic State militants overran nearly a third of Iraq in 2014.

In the past six months alone, violence in Iraq has killed 152 children and injured 255, it said. In addition, the agency said, more than 1 million children have had their educations put on hold by either militant rule or displacement.

Children have also been forced to take part in violence. UNICEF said at least 231 children under the age of 18 were recruited by Islamic State and other armed groups.

"The country's future security and economic strength is determined by what is happening to its children", Hawkins said.

The fight to retake Mosul is estimated to have killed and injured thousands of civilians. The Iraqi government says more than 08,50,000 people have been forced from their homes by the operation, which was launched in October. On the city's west, entire blocks have been flattened by clashes, airstrikes and artillery fire.

On Tuesday night, the al-Nuri Mosque and iconic leaning minaret in the Old City were destroyed. Iraqi and coalition officials said Islamic State fighters blew up the landmarks. Islamic State released a statement blaming a US airstrike.
Ramallah: A delegation led by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, held a meeting with the Palestinian President shortly after meeting with the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The White House released a statement late Wednesday that achieving peace with the Israelis "will take time", reports Efe news.

The US delegation visiting the region was aiming to gain support from both parties in an attempt to revive the peace process under Trump's presidency.

Kushner was accompanied on his one-day visit by another of Trump's US Middle East envoys, Jason Greenblatt.

"Kushner and Greenblatt discussed with President Mahmoud Abbas priorities for the Palestinians and potential next steps, acknowledging the need for economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investments in the Palestinian economy," the White House statement said.

"The US officials and Israeli leadership underscored that forging peace will take time and stressed the importance of doing everything possible to create an environment conducive to peacemaking," it added.

The statement was very similar to the one issued earlier by the White House after the meeting with Netanyahu, which described both meetings as "productive".

At the beginning of his presidency, Trump adopted a hard line of unconditional support for Israel, and in February he distanced himself from the policy of his three predecessors in the White House by questioning if the peace process should include the creation of a Palestinian state, the so-called "two-state solution".

However, Trump's administration has since softened its stance, and the US President said after his meeting with Netanyahu and Abbas in May that they both were "ready to start negotiations", and pledged to support them, without specifying what form that support would take.
Ankara: Turkish officials said on Thursday that US defense secretary Jim Mattis has written to his Turkish counterpart, reassuring him that arms provided to Syrian Kurdish fighters would be taken back once Islamic State militants are ousted from their main stronghold in Syria, the city of Raqqa.

Turkish defense ministry officials said in a statement that Mattis also reassured defense minister Fikri Isik that the United States would regularly provide Turkey with a list of arms provided to the fighters while US military advisers on the field would ensure that the arms don't go outside of the Syria battle zones.

A US decision to launch an offensive to capture Raqqa in partnership with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has complicated relations with Ankara, which views the group's Kurdish fighters as an extension of an insurgent Kurdish terror group operating in Turkey.

Ankara fears arms provided to the Kurdish fighters will end up in the hands of the insurgents in Turkey and has threatened to respond to threats.

The officials said Mattis told Isik in the letter that 80 percent of the force which would capture Raqqa would be made up of Arabs and that an Arab force would hold the city.

If confirmed, Mattis' statement on the weapons being taken back once the Raqqa fight is over conflict with recent comments made by officials of the US-led coalition against IS.

The coalition's spokesman at the time, colonel John Dorrian, said last month that the weapons supplied to the Kurds will not be reclaimed by the US after the specific missions are completed, but that the US will "carefully monitor" where and how they are used.

Meanwhile, French president Emmanuel Macron has said that France is no longer pushing for the departure of Syrian president Bashar Assad, in a shift in French policy throughout the Syrian war.

Macron said he wants to work more closely with Russia for a solution in Syria and says foreign powers were too focused on Assad as a person.

"For a long time we were blocked on the persona of Bashar Assad," Macron said in an interview with eight European newspapers published on Thursday. "Bashar is not our enemy, he is the enemy of the Syrian people," he said.

Macron also said that foreign powers "collectively committed an error" in focusing on a military solution in Syria. "The new outlook I have on this issue is that I haven't stated that Bashar Assad's departure is a necessary condition for everything. Because no one has shown me a legitimate successor," he said.

Macron's predecessors were among the most vocal Assad opponents.

However, Macron warned France would attack Syria if the government uses chemical weapons. French warplanes are already targeting Islamic State extremists in Syria.
On Tuesday, Republican Karen Handel won a fierce, closely-watched special congressional election in Georgia, staving off a spirited challenge from Democrat Jon Ossoff.

The fight for the Senate seat, deep in the heart of conservative country is a setback for Democrats who were hoping to make this election a referendum on the Donald Trump presidency, which is widely unpopular.

The White House was quick to paint Handel's victory as a personal triumph for Trump.

White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters told reporters aboard Air Force One that Handel's win serves as proof that "the American people are resonating with the president's agenda" and want to see his agenda enacted.

Trump seemed to revel in the victory, tweeting:

Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2017

However, the truth is a little more complicated than that. The special elections have been held in Kansas, Montana, Georgia and South Carolina, districts that are heavily conservative. Democrats have been overperforming in those races by historical margins.

In fact, according to a report in Vox, the main takeaway of the special elections held in 2017 is that the Republicans are in trouble. An examination of all the special elections shows that the Democrats have added to Hillary Clinton's gains in well-educated districts and even won over some white working-class voters, which the former Democratic candidate struggled with, Vox reported.

Meanwhile, the knives seem to be out for Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who was demonised by the GOP side in the Georgia race.

According to a report in The Hill, Democratic leadership has come under intense criticism by the rank-and-file for Ossoff's loss to Handel. The elders in the Democratic party have been accused of failing to learn lessons from the shocking loss to Trump: that running without a positive message isn't enough to win elections.

Wed better take a good, long, strong look in the mirror and realise that the problem is us; its the party, Ohio representative Tim Ryan said Wednesday morning as he left a closed-door meeting of the Democratic Caucus in the Capitol.

Ryan described Ossoff as a great candidate who simply couldnt carry the national baggage of the Democratic Party, The Hill reported.

On Wednesday, Pelosi attempted to reassure dejected Democrats after the party spent millions of dollars in the election, only to come up short yet again.

Pelosi, in a letter to colleagues, said that when Trump nominated House members to serve in his administration, he chose them from Republican districts the party knew it could win.

She said the Democrats "gave them a run for their money in all of them."

Pelosi insisted Democrats still have a shot at winning the majority in next year's midterm elections, saying, "The House remains in play now."

Pelosi said the Democratic base is energised, adding, "We must now put forth our message."

However, her words cut no ice with some, who are arguing for a new message and approach ahead of next year's midterms.

Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey said, "A loss is a loss is a loss, and there's no excuses."

Pelosi should watch her back. Unless the Democrats start winning more than just moral victories against a deeply unpopular president, her days as party leader could be numbered.

With inputs from AP
By Thomas Escritt

| BERLIN

BERLIN Less than a week after Helmut Kohl's death, a row has broken out between his widow, his sons and his political party over the funeral and legacy of the Chancellor who led Germany through the end of the Cold War and reunification.Der Spiegel reported on Thursday that his second wife, Maike Kohl-Richter, had tried to prevent Chancellor Angela Merkel, his one-time protege, from speaking at his memorial service and instead proposed a vocal critic of her, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.The young, liberal Orban was mentored by Kohl in the early years after the 1989 collapse of East European Communism, although as prime minister of Hungary he has steered an anti-EU, authoritarian course that many say is at odds with Kohl's legacy.Kohl-Richter has also clashed with his estranged son Walter, who said he was barred from visiting the couple's home to discuss funeral arrangements on Tuesday, a claim denied by his widow's lawyer.The Christian Democrat has been lauded as the statesman who seized the opportunity of collapsing Soviet power in Eastern Europe to win a prize few believed attainable: the reunification of East and West Germany.

Next week he becomes the first person to be honoured with a European memorial service for pushing for deeper European integration that led to the birth of the European Union and the common euro currency.But Kohl became increasingly isolated after leaving office in 1998, his legacy tarnished by a party financing scandal involving illegal anonymous donations.

He remarried in 2008 after first wife Hannelore's 2001 suicide. Thirty-four years his junior, Kohl-Richter jealously guards his legacy, keeping reams of official papers in their marital home.Kohl also grew estranged from former political allies. Merkel was never forgiven for finally plunging in the knife at the time of the funding scandal. Then the party's General Secretary, she effectively dispatched Kohl with an article in a prominent newspaper in which she said the party must "learn to fight without the old warhorse".Many questioned whether it was really an increasingly frail Kohl who was close to Orban, a nativist critic of Merkel's open-doors refugee policy, whom he received in his Oggersheim home last year when she was under fire for opening Germany's borders to Syrian refugees.

Orban has campaigned to "stop Brussels", home to the EU's headquarters, which he has compared to Moscow. Russian troops occupied Hungary for more than 40 years. But he was fulsome in his praise for Kohl's life-work."His visage is still before me, my dear friend Helmut's valedictory look, as he repeated: 'Europe, Europe'," Orban wrote in a condolence letter to his widow.Kohl-Richter has been talked out of her objections to Merkel. A government spokesman confirmed that Merkel would speak at the Strasbourg memorial service on July 1. (Additional reporting by Gergely Szakacs in Budapest; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

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On most days of the week, its not uncommon to see a bicyclist pedaling through Farmington. Frequently, riders from all over the world trekking either east or west across the country ride through town as they are pushing themselves for the experience or for competition.

But on May 31, a lone rider passed through Farmington. He wasnt looking for the rush from competition, nor was he looking for some new experience. He was riding for a cause and to honor someone very special.

Many may have passed Bill Conner as he rode from Bonne Terre through Farmington, pedaling his way to Fredericktown. But what makes his travels so much different is he is riding to raise awareness for organ donation and to honor his daughter who died tragically from a pool accident.

According to Conner, his daughter, Abbey was a 20-year-old junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater majoring in Public Relations, and her brother Austin, 23, were on winter break in January in Cancun, when they both were found unconscious, face down in chest deep water in the resort's pool. Unfortunately, Abbey didnt make it even after medical intervention.

Abbey was dead when they pulled her out, Conner said. But my son has made a full recovery and graduated on May 21 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

"They were at all-inclusive resort. They had no money on them, no jewelry. It was a resort where you dont pay for anything. The last thing my son remembers is being at the bar at the pool and then waking up in the hospital.

But Conner did say there is a silver lining to this tragedy. His daughter had signed up to be an organ donor  she had been since high school  so she has helped people to live a better life.

That is just like Abbey, Conner said. She has already helped so many people and thats the positive out of this. She donated her eyes and her tissue and will help 100, maybe 200 people, as a result. Im proud of what she did.

Conner admitted he needed to come to terms with his grief and anger, so he chose to get on his bike and ride to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the hospital that took care of his daughters organ donations.

I originally thought about going to the West Coast. The tissue donation association asked if I would change my route and go to Fort Lauderdale to the hospital that took care of Abbeys donation, Conner said. So, I am going down there and put a medallion on the hospital's tree of life for Abbey.

Although Conner is just beginning his trek, he has experienced a tremendous amount of support and love from complete strangers.

Along the way, I am trying to raise awareness about organ donations, Conner said. As I go through town or pull into a gas station, people see the sign on the back of my bike with Abbeys picture and they hand me money. I had one woman at a gas station tell me she saw me on the news and handed me $10. The guy in line handed me $20.

Conner said people's generosity has not been just an isolated case. All along the way people have been showing him acts of random kindness. Those acts include individuals giving him a lift when he needed it, paying for his hotel room in communities he was passing through and keeping both him and Abbey in their prayers.

Everywhere I have gone, people have gone out of their way for me, Conner said. Total strangers. I cant explain the love and support people are giving me.

Although Conner said he is receiving an incredible amount of support from so many people, it has not made his journey any easier - neither physically nor emotionally.

I know I have only gone 600 miles into a 2,600 mile trip, but I have never climbed so many hills, Conner said. Coming out of Hannibal, the 32-mile stretch on Highway 79, I couldnt go anymore. I balked the last 10 miles. Someone picked me up and took me right to my (bed and breakfast).

But he says even though the hills are hard and will get harder the farther south he goes, that is not the hardest part of the trip.

The hardest part is you have a lot of time to think, so staying positive, Conner said. Like any father or parent, I have a lot of anger, grief. I start thinking about her while I ride and all of sudden, I just start crying. The toughest part is shes not here.

Although along the way, Conner believes Abbey is watching over him and giving him signs that she is still with him.

I was going by horses in this field, and the whole herd began running with me, Conner said. Beef cattle, they dont run, but beef cattle have run with me the entire length of their field when I have rode by. Once, OK ... but three times. I really know Abbey is around.

In a short time, Conner is going to experience something more tangible than just a feeling about Abbeys presence.

I am going to meet the young man who is the recipient of Abbeys heart, Conner said. His name is Jack and he is 20 years old and a junior in college, just like Abbey. That is the positive thing. It takes some of the sting out her not being here.

Hopefully, Conner said he will reach Fort Lauderdale by July 10. When he does arrive, he plans to scatter Abbeys ashes into the ocean.

She had too big of a personality to throw them into a lake, Conner said. It needs to be the ocean.

For more information about Abbeys story, go to rtidonorservices.org/voices_of_donation. To help Conner on his journey, contact him at Gofundme.com/Abbeys-Ride-For-Life.
London: Islamophobic attacks in Manchester have registered a spike of nearly 500 percent since the terrorist attack at a concert venue in the heart of the city last month which claimed 22 lives, according to official figures.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said there were 224 reports of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the month after the attack at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena compared with 37 in the same period in 2016.

This marks a 505 percent rise in Islamophobic incidents as officers said they would take tough action to curb the increase in hate crimes.

"Greater Manchester has a diverse population, with people from different faiths and backgrounds, and this is something that we are proud of. Its what makes us the city we are. We will not tolerate hatred or discrimination of any kind," said Rob Potts, assistant chief constable of GMP.

"When a major tragedy occurs such as the attacks in Manchester and London, it is sadly not unusual for there to be a spike in hate crimes, specifically against a race and religion, but thankfully they do decrease again quickly, he added.

The figures released by GMP show religious hate crimes, including Islamophobia, jumped from 92 to 366 since the arena attack that killed 22 and injured 220 others on 22 May.

Race hate crimes have jumped 61 percent, to 778 incidents, compared with the same four weeks last year.

There is no official breakdown about the nature of the incidents but local businesses, mosques leaders and individuals have spoken about physical and verbal abuse.
Washington: Russia has canceled a meeting with senior US diplomats in the wake of Washington's decision to reinforce sanctions imposed over its occupation of Crimea, US officials said on Wednesday.

US Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon had been due in St Petersburg later this week to meet and mend diplomatic fences with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Relations between Moscow and Washington are at a low even by the standards of a rivalry that goes back to the Cold War.

Shannon had hoped to address "irritants" in the relationship, like tension over Moscow's intimidation of US diplomats and the US seizure of Russian diplomatic compounds. But even this minor first step towards finding enough common ground to begin to address more fundamental issues  such as Russia's intervention in Ukraine  has now fallen apart.

"We regret that Russia has decided to turn away from an opportunity to discuss bilateral obstacles that hinder US-Russia relations," spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

On Tuesday, the US added 38 individuals and entities to its sanctions list targeting the Russians and pro-Russian rebels it blames for the fighting in Ukraine. This is what appears to have triggered Moscow's decision to cancel the meeting, although US President Donald Trump also met Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko on the same day.

But the State Department insisted that the sanctions were not being expanded, merely "maintained", by adding new targets as Moscow finds ways around the previous embargo. Washington also insisted the sanctions would stay in place until Russia honors the Minsk agreement to disengage from eastern Ukraine and returns the annexed Crimea region.

"We have regularly updated these sanctions twice a year since they were first imposed," Nauert explained. "Let's remember that these sanctions didn't just come out of nowhere.... Our targeted sanctions were imposed in response to Russia's ongoing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbor, Ukraine," she said.

Russia's foreign ministry said that, given the new sanctions, it was "not the moment" to hold the Shannon-Ryabkov talks, which Washington had announced on Tuesday.

Asked whether the meeting could be rescheduled, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "I have no confirmation that these consultations will take place."
By Ginny McCabe

| WYOMING, Ohio

WYOMING, Ohio Thousands of friends and family members gathered in suburban Cincinnati on Thursday to say goodbye to an American student who died days after returning to the United States in a coma following 17 months in captivity in North Korea. Otto Warmbier, 22, was arrested in the reclusive communist country while visiting as a tourist. He was brought back to the United States last week with brain damage, in what doctors described as state of "unresponsive wakefulness," and died on Monday.Some 2,500 mourners attended a Thursday morning memorial at Wyoming High School in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming. Warmbier, who graduated from the school as salutatorian in 2013, will be buried at a local cemetery later in the day. The exact cause of his death is unclear. Officials at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was treated, declined to provide details, and Warmbier's family asked the Hamilton County Coroner on Tuesday not to perform an autopsy.Warmbier's brother and sister spoke at Thursday's memorial, as did a number of his friends, said attendee Fred Koss.

"I had to come out to support the family, and also just to show, in my opinion, the North Korean government that we are a dignified country, unlike them," said Koss a 70-year-old Wyoming resident. A program for the memorial carried a quote from Andy Bernard, a character on the television show "The Office": "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them." Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce.

"He was able to connect with grownups and children, and he was one of those people that made you feel like you were his best friend, even though you had just met him," said his college counselor, Cynthia Meis, who attended the service. "He was genuine and authentic, and so smart." Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group. He was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.

He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labor for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.Warmbier's treatment was "appalling," U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio told reporters outside the memorial.North Korean officials told U.S. envoys that Warmbier contracted botulism after his trial and lapsed into a coma after taking a sleeping pill. The family disbelieves that account.Warmbier's death has only heightened tensions aggravated by dozens of North Korean missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since last year. (Wrting and additional reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Bernard Orr)

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A lot of alarmist headlines have been generated as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden meeting with United States president Donald Trump draws near. Trump's stance on H1B visa program and Paris Climate Agreement have predictably been flagged as potential conflict areas. Yet, it is possible to argue that India may enjoy more areas of convergence with a Trump-led United States than it may be reflexively apparent.

To begin, Indian strategists and policymakers surely are aware of the opportunity that a maverick POTUS brings to the table. During discussions and negotiations, a leader such as Trump might be more amenable to suggestions and display a greater risk-taking ability than a conventional politician unwilling to deviate from the beaten track.

Because of the fact that Trump habitually flouts strategic protocols, thinks little of United States' foreign policy establishment, cuts through diplomatic codes and is innocent of history, he may authorise sweeping decisions and elevate India-US ties to a greater trajectory.

As Uri Friedman reminds us in The Atlantic, "as a presidential candidate, he (Trump) vowed never to take advice on international affairs from 'those who have perfect resumes but very little to brag about except responsibility for a long history of failed policies and continued losses at war'."

If China or Saudi Arabia's handling of Trump is any indication, the US president's inconsistency and incoherence in matters of foreign policy can be turned to one's advantage, provided the key leverages are used. In North Korea, Xi Jinping had an effective bargaining chip to turn Trump's anti-China stance into a pro-China one. All that Saudis needed to do was to throw in a billion-dollar arms deal for Trump to side with the House of Saud.

For India, it has to be trade and commerce. Though the core edifice of the India-US relationship remains stable, built on sustained efforts from leaders of both nations, a few resilient structural vulnerabilities have prevented the world's largest democracies from becoming each other's natural allies. As Modi meets the US president, it is India's chance to see whether Trump plays a disruptive or a constructive role in forging bilateral ties.

Trump takes pride in being a "dealmaker". Some commentators have identified this attribute as an impediment because Indian foreign policy has traditionally been based on strategic logic and normative principles. It has never been defined in transactional terms. But India need not be on a collision course with Trump administration's 'America First' policy.

It may very well point out the fact that though India-US trade has ballooned to $115 billion in 2016, from a meagre $19 billion in 2000, the bilateral trade deficit hasn't kept up with the figure. India still enjoys a trade surplus and figures in Trump's 'black list' but it ranks way below competing nations. This might catch the fancy of a 'dealmaker'.

Especially so, when the potential for expansion in bilateral trade is huge. Here, Modi may allay some of Trump's fears by promising a less-protective regimen  a long-standing gripe of American businesses  and point towards opportunities for the US in areas of clean energy. India needs a massive amount of it; the US possesses the expertise and it is a matter of dovetailing mutual interests.

Trump's accusation against India on Paris Climate Agreement gave rise to a heated debate but in adversity lies an opportunity. New Delhi, for instance, has recently announced the setting up of two hubs for cleaner coal technology at an estimated cost of $248 million as part of its national mission on cleaner coal utilisation.

A media report, quoting Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan, states: "Under the India-US joint clean energy research, the new collaborative public-private programme on smart grids and energy storage has been approved. India has also embarked on a joint programme on renewable energy with Norway."

Modi administration has taken a lot of recent strides in areas of renewable energy like solar power but coal still remains the backbone for energy needs. While India is still some distance away from total reliance on cleaner and renewable energy, it is perfectly placed to make coal cleaner and more efficient. This is where the United States can come in in a big way.

As Brookings India fellow Rahul Tongia, and Brookings Institution fellows David Victor and Samantha Gross, write in Livemint, "Coal is a topic where India and the US can find common ground. In its mission to make coal more efficient and cleaner, India is implementing standards for sulphur emissions from coal power plants and is tightening standards for other pollutants linked to local air pollution, a major issue in India. Given limited Indian experience and manufacturing capabilities for the required retrofits, this is another opportunity for US technology providers, who pioneered solutions required by the Clean Air Act."

Stripped to the bone, any bilateral relationship is founded on mutual interest. A transactional leader might actually be better for India because Trump needs deliverables to show to his supporters and could even be willing to bend a few rules if need be.

For instance, India is quite comfortably the world's largest arms buyer and wants the US to approve its request to buy the naval variant of the Predator surveillance drone, according to a Reuters report. Modi might push for the deal during his two-day visit and show it as a deliverable back home.

The US has already designated India as a 'major defence ally' and has pipped Russia to become the biggest arms supplier as India splurges on updating its arsenal and acquiring new weapons systems. 'Dealmaker Trump' might see here another neat opportunity.

Another less explored area that Modi may be expected to focus on is greater coordination between Indian and American states in terms of trade and commerce. The federal governments in both nations may play the role of facilitators as Indian and US businesses get down to the business of negotiating with their counterparts at the micro-level, where most of the action actually takes place.

In his piece for Times of India, Arun M Kumar, chairman & CEO of KPMG India, suggests that "for the US and India, it would be productive to have the leaders of the major states in each country, along with their business leaders, meet once a year in a structured setting to advance business and other mutual interests," which may sync naturally with Modi's push for greater federalism.

It is easy to become mired in preconceived notions of negativity. Yet, as the Lockheed Martin pact with Tata Advanced Systems to produce F-16 fighter planes in India shows (a move which Trump administration has reportedly approved of), leaders need not be trapped in images. The Modi-Trump meeting might be more fruitful than a lot are giving it credit for.
Why exactly is Prime Minister Narendra Modi going to Washington? Has anybody actually thought about it? With US president Donald Trump politically painted in a corner, a special counsel looking into Russia's involvement with his campaign, and former FBI director James Comey deposing between the Senate Intelligence Committee on the issue, why is Modi visiting Washington DC now?

Trump and Comey are locked in their own version of "liar, liar, pants on fire", and the US public is beginning to believe the latter is lesser of a liar than the boss who fired him. But it's hardly the right atmosphere for the Americans to play host.

There are just four days before Modi lands in Washington, but the lukewarm build-up is more akin to an unwelcome visitor on a Sunday afternoon, or a call-up from the dentist.

Seeing as how they will be meeting again in Hamburg less than two weeks later (7-8 July), and even the agenda is dreary and speaks in generalised terms, this visit to a harried incumbent in the White House seems like an indulgence.

Even India's external affairs ministry is at pains to elaborate on the "trade, terror and student visa" trinity that will inevitably cover the entire raison detre for a most redundant trip.

Given the hiding we got from Trump unilaterally over the Paris Accord and his relatively toxic attack on India getting billions and billions to be in the climate control pact, it begs the question  why this trip?

Now that the special prosecutor has also extended his brief to include a probe into the business dealings of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, also senior White House advisor, things are increasingly murky, and it's truly difficult to find a decent enough peg to hang this trip on, or to even expect Trump's attention to be riveted on the representative of a country he hasn't been cordial towards following an initial display of warmth.

Modi has himself been on the wane these past few weeks, more spoken about than seen, and he may want to validate his presence with a high-profile foreign visit, with all the gush and surge of publicity that comes with it. This also includes the photo ops and the opportunities to dress up and be seen in that benign "lord of the manor" persona he had perfected in the first months of his command. Good TV time, lots of pointless analyses, a sense of global power  it is a nice high to cavalcade Pennsylvania Avenue.

The very fact that there is no Indian diaspora, no rah rah stadium full of fans cheering lustily during the visit stays perplexing in that it is being marketed as a "working visit", whatever that means.

New Delhi hasn't really shown its displeasure over Trump's attitude to India or the pullback he has ordered from outsourcing and other cheap labour options. He's been anti-climate and anti-immigration, but not anti-Pakistan or even ready to do much about changing the equation in the sub-continent. Ergo, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Bloomberg writes rather dreamily that Modi should discuss China, terrorism, Afghanistan, and the status of Indians in the US. All of this is old hat, and with Trump waiting for a knock on the door from the prosecutor, one cannot even see what sparks these issues are going to ignite.

Yes, they are meeting for the first time, and that might generate "love at first sight" or it might start a turf war, since two big egos clash, but the only interesting insight Bloomberg gave is to indicate that India and US might be taking the first step on the hopscotch to a "strategic partnership", one that would be comprehensive and send out a message to the world that the two largest democracies are on the same page.

If that "hidden" agenda is for real, maybe this trip justifies it and it will reflect in Hamburg two weeks down the road. But it is tough to enthuse over a visit that seems more like a cul-de-sac than a road to a new era.
Washington: The US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India, governmental sources said on Thursday, a deal being termed as a "game changer" ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here for his maiden meeting with President Donald Trump.

The deal, estimated to be worth $ two to three billion, has been approved by the state department, the sources said.

The decision has been communicated to the Indian government and the manufacturer by the State Department on Wednesday, according to the informed governmental sources.

"This is the first very significant sign of the Trump administration being more result oriented in its relationship with India compared to Obama administration," a source told PTI.

The sources, who requested anonymity as the deal has not been formally announced, said the sale of 22 predator drones being manufactured by General Atomics is "a game changer" for US-India relations as it operationalises the status of "major defence partner".

The designation of India being a "major defence partner" was decided by the previous Obama administration, and formally approved by the Congress.

The state department and the White House did not immediately respond to the questions in this regard. An official announcement is expected soon.

Modi's first meeting with Trump has been scheduled to take place at the White House on 26 June.

The Indian Navy had made the request for this intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform last year.

US aerospace expert Dr Vivek Lall of General Atomics who was pivotal in India acquiring Boeing P8 ISR technology, is believed to have played a key role in fast tracking the decision-making process of the Trump administration.
ISLAMABAD Pakistan on Thursday condemned drone strikes on its soil as violations of sovereignty, after U.S. officials suggested Washington might ramp them up against Afghan Taliban taking refuge inside Pakistan.The foreign ministry statement also came a day after Pakistan said its forces had shot down an Iranian drone near its southwestern border with Iran. Washington claims Islamabad provides safe havens for the Afghan Taliban and other militants fighting the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, something Pakistan strongly denies.U.S. officials told Reuters this week Washington was hardening its stance towards Pakistan, and a new policy on Afghanistan could see an increase in drone attacks.. "Our position is that drone strikes are counter-productive and violate the sovereignty of Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday in response to the Reuters report. The United States has been carrying out attacks against militants on Pakistani territory for more than a decade.

Islamabad has repeatedly condemned such strikes in public, but U.S. diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks in 2011 suggested the Pakistani military tacitly approved of the drone programme.U.S. drone strikes have slowed to a trickle in the past 18 months. Pakistan has received more than $33 billion in U.S. assistance since 2002, but some aid was withheld last year because of Washington's dissatisfaction with Islamabad's actions against militants.

U.S. officials have said the Trump administration is also considering withholding some assistance."Pakistan attaches importance to its relationship with the U.S.," Zakaria said."We firmly believe that continued close cooperation between our two countries is critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond."

On Wednesday, Pakistan said it shot down an an unmanned Iranian drone flying over its southwestern Baluchistan province.The incident followed warnings by Tehran that it would strike against Islamist militants who hid in Pakistan and carried out cross-border attacks.Ten Iranian border guards were killed by militants in April. Iran said Jaish al Adl, a Sunni Islamist militant group, had shot them from inside Pakistan.The border area has long been plagued by both drug smuggling gangs and separatist militants."Pakistan has already shared the information about striking down of this drone with the Iranian authorities indicating that the drone was struck down by our security forces as it was unmarked and there was no prior information about its flight," the Pakistan foreign ministry said. (Editing by Andrew Roche)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: Four Indian civil prisoners have been released by Pakistan and reached India on Thursday.

The prisoners are Suraj Ram, Sohan Lal, Mohamed Maqbul Lone and Abdul Majid.

"Four Indian civil prisoners were released in Pakistan and they have crossed over to India this afternoon," spokesperson in the external affairs ministry Gopal Baglay said.

He said they were released from Pakistani jails on completion of their sentences.

The release of the prisoners by Pakistan comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries over a range of issues.

Details of the offences for which they were imprisoned were not immediately available.
Islamabad: An Iranian drone reportedly on a spying mission was shot down by a Pakistan Air Force fighter jet in the country's restive Balochistan province.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF)'s indigenously built JF-17 Thunder fighter was used to destroy the Iranian drone, a security official said.

The Iranian unmanned aircraft was destroyed on 19 June in Panjgur area, Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said.

The debris of the drone was found in Parom area of Panjgur district, said the official.

"Pakistan shot down an Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Panjgur sector on the Pakistan-Iran border. The drone was hit by Pakistan Air Force as it was unidentified and was flying at around three-four kilometres inside Pakistani territory," the FO said in a statement.

"Pakistan has already shared the information about striking down of this drone with the Iranian authorities indicating that the drone was struck down by our security forces as it was unmarked and there was no prior information about its flight," it said.

This was the second Iranian drone to be shot down as in the past. The US had downed an Iranian drone in Syria.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre-long border with Iran which in the recent months has expressed concern over militants operating along the Pakistani border.
Islamabad: Pakistan will review its visa policy for Chinese citizens to plug the loopholes leading to the misuse of the current 'lenient' policy, officials said on Wednesday.

The decision, taken by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, came days after the kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals who were "misusing" their business visas.

The conditions and requirements for issuance of business and work visas to the Chinese nationals will be reviewed, the Interior Ministry said.

"The decision has been taken to ensure transparency in the visa process and also to preclude misuse of visa-friendly regime that exists between the two countries," it said.

It was part of efforts to ensure maximum security of the Chinese nationals visiting Pakistan on various visa categories and to streamline and regulate the entire process of visa issuance to Chinese nationals, it said in a statement.

According to officials, the decision was taken after the recent kidnapping and killing of two Chinese nationals who were "misusing their business visas".

Taking note of a few incidents of showing forged and fake documents of ghost companies, it was decided to regulate the process of granting extensions in business visas and the authority to extend such visas have been transferred from the regional passport offices to headquarters in Islamabad.

Pakistani missions abroad would issue a maximum of one year multiple entry work visa and further extensions in work visa would be granted by the Ministry of Interior only.

Khan said that a comprehensive mechanism should be put in place for sharing of information of not only USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor related workers but also of other Chinese nationals visiting the country.

Keeping in view various issues being faced by the foreign spouses who are married to Pakistani nationals, it was decided to re-introduce Pakistan Origin Cards to the foreign spouses after addressing certain issues that led to suspension of these cards.
Earlier this month, members of the Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill, and Representative Jason Smith, introduced legislation to establish the Ste. Genevieve National Historic Site and designate it as a unit of the National Park Service (NPS).

In a report released in August of 2015, it was determined by the NPS that at least five of the towns centuries-old vertical log homes met all the criteria considered for eligibility as a future NPS site.

The process to make this determination, however, actually began more than 10 years ago, in 2006, when the U.S. Congress commissioned the NPS to conduct a Special Resource Study to assess the historic buildings and landscapes of Ste. Genevieve to determine if the area would qualify for inclusion in the national park system.

The study looked at whether the historic sites were nationally significant, whether they would be suitable for inclusion in the NPS, whether it would be feasible to add the Ste. Genevieve area to the national park system and whether Ste. Genevieve would have a need for NPS resources.

The village of Ste. Genevieve dates back to the early 1700s, making it Missouris oldest town. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960, also making it one of the oldest National Historic Landmark districts in the country. It is known for its centuries-old homes featuring unique French vertical log architecture.

Because the town is one of the oldest National Historic Landmark districts in the country and possesses a significant number of rare French vernacular vertical log houses in addition to the towns British American and German American architecture, those who conducted the study concluded that Ste. Genevieve stands alone in terms of the character, quality, quantity and rarity of its resources.

Blunt, McCaskill and Smith introduced similar legislation in May 2016. The NPS released its final Ste. Genevieve Special Resource Study in May 2016, which confirmed that portions of the Ste. Genevieve historic district meet the criteria for inclusion in the NPS.

Ste. Genevieve preserves in time an important piece of our past and gives our kids and grandkids the chance to learn about Missouris French colonial history from more than just the pages of a textbook, said McCaskill. The site is clearly deserving of inclusion in our National Park System, which will help maintain and preserve it for generations of Missourians to come, and Im proud to partner with my colleagues on this bill to make that happen.

Ste. Genevieve is a fundamental part of our state and nations history, said Blunt. Im grateful for all the hard work and dedication of generations of Missourians who have helped preserve this national treasure. Establishing Ste. Genevieve as a national park will underscore its significant historic value and allow more visitors to experience French colonial life and gain a deeper appreciation for our states rich heritage.

As the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi, Ste. Genevieve is not only a treasure to us here in Southeast Missouri, but also part of our Missouri heritage and early American identity, said Smith. I am proud to work to make sure these important pieces of history are protected.

National park designations require either an act of Congress or an executive action by the U.S. president.
Islamabad: A high-profile investigation team probing the Panama papers case, in which Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his two sons are accused of corruption, on Thursday submitted its third report to the Supreme Court.

Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, who heads the bench, expressed anger on being told once again that various departments of the government are continuing to refuse cooperation with the JIT.

The report was submitted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to the three-member special bench implementing the court's 20 April verdict on the Panama papers case.

The other two members  Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Azmat Saeed  also warned Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to provide all relevant record to the JIT.

"No good will come out of this for the departments if they delay the process by dragging their legs," Justice Ahsan warned.

The bench also asked the attorney general to ensure cooperation from all departments and asked the JIT to complete the probe and submit the final report on July 10.

The JIT was set up early last month to carry out investigations within 60 days about the alleged money laundering by Sharif family to purchase properties in London.

The issue of properties surfaced when Panama leaks showed that Sharif's children were managing these properties through offshore companies.

Sharif narrowly survived in three-two judgement in his favour in allegations of corruption in the Panama Papers case.
Doha: Qatar's emir congratulated Saudi Arabia's newly-appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday and called for "brotherly relations" between the two countries, currently locked in a bitter diplomatic dispute.

State media in the gas-rich Gulf state said Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had sent a cable of congratulations to the Saudi leadership.

The message was sent to King Salman "on the occasion of the selection of his royal highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud as Crown Prince", said the Qatar News Agency.

The statement also expressed hopes "brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries".

A message of congratulations was also posted on social media.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia and a number allies including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed all links with Qatar over accusations that Doha supports extremism.

As well as diplomatic isolation, other measures taken included the closing of Qatar's only land border, which it shares with Saudi.

Qatar denies the charges of supporting extremism.

Despite efforts at mediation from Kuwait, Turkey and the United States, the dispute between the Gulf countries has now entered its third week.
Ankara: Turkey's economy minister Nihat Zeybekci said the first Turkish ship carrying aid to Qatar has departed, in a bid to break the blockade imposed on Doha by a number of Gulf countries.

Speaking in an interview with the state-run Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, Zeybekci said that nearly 105 cargo planes have carried aid from Turkey to Qatar, after several Gulf countries cut diplomatic ties with Doha earlier this month, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Further shipments will follow Wednesday's batch," he said, adding that Turkey started to deliver supplies by land as well.

Yavus Ekici, head of Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock, said that three trucks of vegetables are on the way to Qatar on a weekly basis from Turkish capital Ankara.

Another five trucks of food will be sent from the southern Hatay province after the Eid al-Fitr, the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, according to the head of Hatay Aid Association Rahmi Vardi.

The Gulf country plunged into a crisis on 5 June, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and some other countries severed diplomatic ties and closed off sea, air and land links to Doha, accusing it of funding terrorism, hosting terrorists and interfering with their internal affairs.
Prime Minister Theresa May, leading a so-called "zombie" government after a disastrous election, on Wednesday unveiled a diluted programme of action that included the mammoth legislation needed to take Britain out of the EU.

Weakened by a disastrous election, May ditched some of her most controversial campaign pledges and suggested she was willing to soften her approach to leaving the European Union. The focus on Brexit was clear as eight of 27 bills outlined in the Queen's Speech dealt with the technicalities of ending Britain's membership in the EU. The speech is written by the government and delivered by the monarch at the ceremonial opening of each new Parliament.

The prime minister, in comments delivered after the speech, promised to work with "humility and resolve" to overcome the divisions in Britain.

"We will do what is in the national interest and we will work with anyone in any party that is prepared to do the same," she said.

The Queen's speech

The 91-year-old Queen Elizabeth II went ahead with the ceremonial opening of Parliament despite the announcement that her husband, Prince Philip, was in the hospital. Buckingham Palace said Philip, 96, was hospitalised as a precaution for treatment of an infection.

Signalling the importance of Brexit negotiations with the EU, set to continue until the spring of 2019, the speech set out the government's program for two years, rather than one.

The state opening of parliament by Queen Elizabeth II came after a string of tragedies which have shaken the nation, and the election on 8 June in which May's Conservatives saw their parliamentary majority wiped out.

The queen, at an occasion shorn of its usual pageantry, read out the watered-down list of proposed legislation and lawmakers will then spend the next few days debating before bringing it to a vote.

According to The Guardian, the Queen's speech "included a series of pro-consumer measures that the government hopes will command popular support among MPs, including a surprise pledge that tenants will not have to pay more than one months rent as a deposit."

Theresa May's approach

The enfeebled premier, who is still locked in difficult talks with a Northern Irish party to prop up her administration, said her programme was about seizing opportunities offered by Brexit.

The queen said: "My government's priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union."

She said her government would seek "to build the widest possible consensus on the country's future outside the European Union", amid divisions within May's own cabinet over the best strategy.

Business leaders reacted positively to the change of tone in the speech and Corbyn said he also hoped for a Brexit deal "that puts jobs and the economy first".

The speech announced no fewer than eight bills to implement Brexit, and new legislation aimed at tackling extremist content online after the terror attacks. According to a report in Mirror, May's speech did not mention the Counter-Extremism Bill which was promised in the 2015 Tories' Queen's Speech.

But the speech was notable also for what it did not contain.

There was no mention of May's hugely controversial invitation to US President Donald Trump to come on a state visit.

Also absent were key pledges the Conservatives had given in their manifesto for the recent election which analysts said had bombed with the electorate  such as reform of social care for the elderly and more shake-ups in schools.

In remarks following the speech, May acknowledged government failings in helping victims of a massive fire in a west London tower block on 14 June. She described the support on the ground after the Grenfell Tower blaze as "not good enough," and said that it failed to help people when they needed it the most.

"As prime minister, I apologise for that failure," she said.

There was no mention two of May's controversial promise to allow a parliamentary vote to repeal a ban on fox hunting, which angered left-wingers.

May called the snap general election in a bid to strengthen her mandate heading into the Brexit talks. But the plan spectacularly backfired, leaving her with a minority government that is now trying to form a majority with Northern Ireland's ultra-conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

May has resisted calls to resign and is hoping for the support of the DUP's 10 MPs to boost her tally of 317 seats in the 650-seat parliament, but a deal has proved elusive so far.

"We are doing what is in the national interest, which is forming a government to address the challenges that face this country at the moment," May said.

But a DUP source said a deal was "certainly not imminent" as the talks "haven't proceeded in a way that the DUP would have expected" and cautioned that the party "can't be taken for granted".

Even with DUP backing, the government would command only a tiny majority, and just a few rebel MPs could be enough to undermine it fatally.

Jeremy Corbyn calls May's speech 'threadbare'

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn denounced the speech, arguing that May had delivered a "threadbare" program devoid of new ideas. Even before news of Prince Philip's illness, the government had announced that the speech would be delivered with less pageantry than usual as a result of the timing of the snap election.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was ready to step in and build a rival government  although he and other opposition parties lack the collective numbers to bring down May.

"This is a government without a majority, without a mandate, without a serious legislative programme led by a prime minister who's lost her political authority," Corbyn told parliament.

"Labour is not merely an opposition. We are a government in waiting," he said during hours of heated debate in which May fended off calls to resign.

Anger towards May

The Times branded May's administration the "stumbling husk of a zombie government" and said she was now "so weak that she cannot arbitrate between squabbling cabinet ministers".

"Downing Street is a vacuum," the newspaper said, two days after Britain and the EU formally started their Brexit negotiations.

May could be forced to resign if she loses the vote, expected on 29 June, just as the country embarks on highly sensitive negotiations for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

After four terror attacks and a deadly tower block blaze that have darkened the national mood in the past three months, anti-government campaigners also staged "Day of Rage" protests that converged outside parliament.

"Bring Down The Government", "Austerity Kills" and "You Can't Trust Her", read some of the placards.

A banner said "We Need Justice For Grenfell Tower"  a reference to the tower block fire last week in which 79 people died, prompting criticism of budget cuts and officials for ignoring warnings about fire safety risks.

With inputs from agencies
By Dustin Volz and Julia Edwards Ainsley

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Russian hackers targeted 21 U.S. state election systems in the 2016 presidential race and a small number were breached but there was no evidence any votes were manipulated, a Homeland Security Department official told Congress on Wednesday.Jeanette Manfra, the department's acting deputy undersecretary of cyber security, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee.U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded the Kremlin orchestrated a wide-ranging influence operation that included email hacking and online propaganda to discredit Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump, a Republican, win the White House in November.The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office. The extent of interference by Russian hackers, and whether they or others could interfere in future elections, has been the source of speculation and media reports for months.Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility for any cyber attacks during the election. Trump has variously said Russia may or may not have been responsible for hacking but has dismissed allegations his associates colluded with Moscow as "fake news."Manfra and other officials testifying on Wednesday said U.S. elections are resilient to hacking in part because they are decentralized and largely operated on the state and local level.

Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats, voiced skepticism, saying only a small number of votes in key battleground states would need to be altered to tip the scales in an election."A sophisticated actor could hack an election simply by focusing on certain counties," King said. "I don't think it works just to say its a big system and diversity will protect us."Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate panel, expressed frustration at Manfra's refusal to identify which states had been targeted. Arizona and Illinois last year confirmed that hackers had targeted their voter registration systems.

Samuel Liles, another senior DHS cyber official, likened states targeted or scanned to a thief walking by homes to scout for weaknesses, and breaches to breaking through a front door.INVESTIGATION

Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, met on Wednesday with senior Senate Judiciary Committee members to ensure there was no conflict between his investigation of potential collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign and the panel's probe of what led to Trump firing Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey.

Trump acknowledged on Friday he was under investigation in the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 race and possible collusion by his campaign, and seemed to assail the Justice Department official overseeing the inquiry.Mueller was examining whether Trump or others sought to obstruct the probe, a person familiar with the inquiry told Reuters.Jeh Johnson, who led the Homeland Security Department until the end of the Obama administration, told the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee his department had issued warnings about hacking into voter registration databases.Asked why the Obama administration did not do more to warn the public, Johnson said: "We were very concerned that we would not be perceived as taking sides in the election, injecting ourselves into a very heated campaign."He told the House committee, which is investigating alleged Russian meddling in the election, that the notices did not get the attention he would have liked, blaming the emergence of a 2005 videotape - in which Trump brags about sexual conquests - for distracting the American public. (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey; Writing by Phil Stewart; Editing by James Dalgleish)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has been a popular destination for expatriates since they didnt have to pay tax on their income and could get most utilities and many other essential commodities at highly subsidised price.

The advantage started diminishing with prices of electricity and water going up by 30 percent after the government slashed the subsidies on them since December last year. The prices of many of these items and other essential commodities are likely to go up further next year when the value added tax (VAT) comes into force from January 2018.

But what has set alarm bells ringing for the expats is a new levy coming into force from 1 July 2017. The fee called family tax or expat levy was proposed in the Saudi budget for the year 2017 to shore up its sagging revenue in the aftermath of the decline in the global prices of oil.

The fee will be 100 Saudi riyals (Rs 1,721 as per the current exchange rate) per dependent this year. It will be doubled to 200 Saudi riyals for every dependent from July 2018, tripled to 300 Saudi riyals in 2019 and quadrupled to 400 Saudi riyals from July 2020.

The fee will be collected annually by the department of passport at the time of renewal of Iqama (resident permit). This means an expat living with his wife and two children in the kingdom will have to pay this year 3,600 Saudi riyals or Rs 62,000 when he goes for the renewal of his resident permit if he likes to retain his family with him.

Expats are not expecting their employers to bear or share the additional expense since most of the private companies are already burdened with a hefty fee for employing the expats. The Saudi government is now charging companies in which expats outnumber Saudis 200 Saudi riyals per month per expat worker.

The fee introduced under the naturalisation of the work force programme by the labour ministry will be increased to 400 Saudi riyals from January 2018. It will go up by 200 Saudi riyals every year until 2020.

Leaders of Indian community in Saudi Arabia said that the proposed expat levy will not be affordable to majority of the Indian workers. They may have to either return or send back their families, says Anil Mathews, general secretary of the Dammam-based Pathanamthitta Non- Residents Association of Malayalees.

He told Firstpost that employers were not likely to compensate the workers with a hike in their salary since the recession caused by the decline in the oil price had badly affected private companies in which majority of the Indians work. On the contrary, the salaries of many were delayed or cut and increments stopped.

An AFP report said that the crisis had also led to mass layoffs. Saudi Binladin Group, a multinational construction conglomerate based at Jeddah, laid off around 70,000 expats. It said many oil refiners, banks and shipping firms were slashing thousands of jobs.

Several companies have also defaulted wages to their workers. Oger Ltd, another top construction firm, was even penalized by the Saudi government by withdrawing its services, including social security and passport affairs. The company claimed that the salaries were delayed as it had not received payments for the projects that were already implemented.

The AFP report said that the drop in global oil prices by about half since 2014 had left the kingdom with a huge budget deficit and billions of dollars in debt to private firms, chiefly in the construction business. The situation is likely to become worse with the government adopting more stringent measures to bridge the deficit.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been urging Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to introduce more taxes to soften the impact of falling government revenues as the price of oil drops, leaving a black hole in budgets, a report in the iExpats.com said.

Anil, who has been living in Dammam with his family for the last 22 years, said Saudi is moving towards a future without expats. Expatriate labourers account for roughly a third of Saudi Arabias 27 million population now. The number of Indians in the kingdom is estimated to be 4.1 million. Of this, 5.22 lakhs are from Kerala.

The crisis has already hit a large number of Indians. Over 10,000 Indians were stuck in the kingdom without food for several days in August last year after they lost their jobs. Even though the food crisis was solved with the Indian Embassy arranging food, many who have lost their jobs are still to get their pending wages, according to Anil.

Gulf watchers say that the additional resource mobilisation measures being taken by the Saudi government will trigger fresh exodus. KN Raghavan, chief executive officer of Roots-Norka, a field agency of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department, said it was a matter of serious concern for the Kerala government since its economy is fuelled by the remittances received from the migrants.

Most of the Keralites living illegally in the kingdom has returned under the amnesty introduced by the Saudi government in March this year. The new family tax and the increase in the cost of living would make continued living in Saudi untenable for many of those who are working legally in the country, he told Firstpost.

However, S Irudaya Rajan, chair professor of international migration research unit of the Overseas Indians Affairs Ministry at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), rules out a big exodus of the workers. He told Firstpost that majority of the Keralites living in Saudi with their families were highly paid office workers and professionals.

The expat fee will at the most force the emigrants in the middle income group to send back their families. This will be a blessing for the state since they will send the money they spend now on maintaining their families in Saudi to their families back home. This will push up the remittances from Saudi Arabia, he added.

However, Anil feels that return of large number of emigrant families might affect shops and small businesses resulting in more job losses and hike in prices of essential commodities. He said many economists and social commentators in the kingdom had been warning the government against the adverse effects of these reforms.

Mahamoud Ahmed, a social commentator, said in an opinion piece in Saudi Gazette that the steps being taken by the government to augment its revenue would hurt the economy. Ahmed said many small and medium companies in Saudi Arabia have been relying the most on expat workers. With these fees, it is expected that many of them will lay off most of their expat employees.

We must understand that these expats are paying Iqama fees to the government, paying phone bills to Saudi companies, paying house rent to a Saudi landlord, buying food from groceries from shops owned by Saudis, depositing their money in Saudi banks. They are getting treatment from Saudi hospitals and teaching their children in private schools owned by Saudis. If they leave the country, a huge chunk of money will disappear, Ahmed said.

An official of the Riyadh Chamaber of Commerce and Industry has also aired similar opinion.

Gulf newspaper Al-Watan cited Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, a member of the chambers investment and securities committee, as saying that the new monthly fee imposed on expats will have an adverse impact on private sector firms.

The report said the real estate market, including offices, shops and apartments, could also be affected as expats opt to leave the country with their families. The official called for measures to alleviate the negative impact of the measures including the nationalisation of jobs.

Expats like Anil hopes the Saudi government will realise the mistake and reverse its decision. He said majority of the Indians had adopted a wait and watch policy. Moreover, it is difficult for them to send the children back home since the admission process for the next academic session in India has already begun.

Reports, however, said many Indians had sent back their families before the commencement of the admission process anticipating the additional burden. Saji Joseph, who runs a small business at Jeddah, has got admissions for his two children in a school in Kozhikode.

He told Firstpost that he was in the process of winding his business and returning to Kerala with his wife. I am waiting for my sponsor to return the investment he has made in the business. He has been deferring it citing the financial crisis. I doubt whether I will get my money back, said Saji, who hails from Palakkad district in Kerala.

Many like Saji are leaving Saudi with their Gulf dreams shattered as the government is going ahead with its goal of transitioning the country with nearly an all-Saudi workforce.
By Richard Cowan and Susan Cornwell

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON U.S. Senate leaders on Thursday unveiled a draft of legislation to replace Obamacare, proposing to kill a tax on the wealthy that pays for it and reduce aid to the poor to cut costs.The draft bill's fate was immediately thrown into question, however, by a statement from Senator Rand Paul and three other conservative Republicans, who said they were "not ready to vote" for it. Democrats need the support of only three Republicans to quash the measure in the Republican-led chamber.The emergence of four Senate skeptics underscored the difficulty for Republicans of steering the legislation down a narrow path to passage. Democrats already deeply oppose Republican attempts to overhaul former President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.The 142-page proposal, worked out in secret by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell with other Republican leaders, was welcomed by President Donald Trump. Despite celebrating its passage at the time, the president later privately bashed as "mean" a version approved last month in the Republican-led House of Representatives, according to congressional sources. Trump, who said on Wednesday he wanted a health plan "with heart," told reporters at the White House that healthcare legislation would require "a little negotiation, but it's going to be very good." He said he doubted Democrats would help.Reaction to the proposal ranged from lukewarm to outright derision.Republican Senator John McCain said he would check with his constituents in his home state of Arizona.I expect theres going to be a number of changes between now and the final vote, said Senator John Barrasso.Obamacare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act, is credited with expanding health insurance to millions of Americans since its passage in 2010. Republicans say it costs too much and involves the federal government too much in healthcare. Trump made Obamacare repeal a centerpiece of his 2016 election campaign.Democrats accuse Republicans of sabotaging Obamacare, and say the Republican bill will make healthcare unaffordable for poorer Americans while cutting taxes for the wealthy.MEDICAID EXPANSION PHASE-OUT

The Senate's draft bill proposes repealing the 3.8 percent net investment income tax on high earners retroactively to the start of 2017. The tax, which affects high-income Americans and was imposed to help pay for Obamacare, has been a key target for Republicans.The Senate bill maintains much of the structure of the House bill, but differs in several key ways.It would phase out Obamacares expansion of the Medicaid program for the poor and disabled over three years, from 2021 to 2024, and then enact deeper cuts in the program than the House version, beginning in 2025. It would also allow states to add work requirements for some Medicaid enrollees. The legislation also reshapes subsidies to low-income people for private insurance. The subsidies will be linked to recipients' income in the Senate bill, a "major improvement" from a measure approved last month by the House that tied them solely to age, Republican Senator Susan Collins said."The current bill does not repeal Obamacare," Paul said. "It does not keep our promises to the American people. I will oppose it coming to the floor in its current form, but I remain open to negotiations." Democratic leaders of Congress, who want the Obamacare law fixed but not abandoned, immediately attacked Senate Republicans' version.

"The president said the House bill was mean," said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. "The Senate bill may be even meaner."McConnell said Democrats chose not to help frame the bill."I regret that our Democratic friends made clear early on that they did not want to work with us in a serious, bipartisan way to address the Obamacare status quo. But Republicans believe we have a responsibility to act, and we are," McConnell said.Like the House bill, the Senate would repeal a penalty associated with the individual mandate requiring most people to have health insurance or else pay a fine. Policy experts said that would keep more young, healthy people out of the market and likely create a sicker patient pool.The legislation would also repeal the penalty associated with the employer mandate that they provide employees health insurance.

The Senate bill would provide money to stabilize the individual insurance market, allotting $15 billion a year in 2018 and 2019 and $10 billion a year in 2020 and 2021.The Senate bill proposes defunding Planned Parenthood for a year, but abortion-related restrictions are less stringent than the House version. There is uncertainty over whether abortion-related provisions will meet Senate rules, but those provisions could be included in another Senate bill.The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the House bill would kick 23 million people off their healthcare plans. The CBO is expected to weigh in on the Senate draft bill early next week.As lawmakers made speeches about the legislation on the Senate floor, a protest erupted outside McConnell's personal office, with many people in wheelchairs blocking a hallway, holding signs and chanting: "No cuts to Medicaid." U.S. Capitol Police said 43 protesters were arrested and charged with obstruction.McConnell may have a tough job convincing enough Republican senators that the Senate bill improves on the House version. A Reuters/Ipsos poll this month found nearly 60 percent of adults believed the House bill would make insurance costlier for low-income Americans and people with pre-existing conditions. Only 13 percent said it would improve the quality of healthcare.HOSPITAL STOCKS SURGE

U.S. hospital stocks were trading sharply higher after the bill was released. HCA Healthcare Inc (HCA.N) rose 3.2 percent, while Tenet Healthcare Corp (THC.N) surged 6.8 percent. Health insurers were also trading broadly higher with large players Aetna (AET.N) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH.N) each up about 1 percent. Insurers that specialize in Medicaid were also gaining, with Centene (CNC.N) up 3.5 percent and Molina Healthcare (MOH.N) rising 3.2 percent. The overall S&P 500 healthcare sector .SPXHC was up 1.5 percent and hit an all-time high. The healthcare sector has surged this week, fueled by biotechnology stocks. Hospital stocks are up on this news today," Mizuho Securities' director of research, Sheryl Skolnick, said in a research note. "They should be, in our view, as the near-term risks would be abated if the subsidy and Medicaid provisions hold through Senate and House negotiations. (Additional reporting by Yasmeen Abutaleb, Caroline Humer and Lewis Krauskopf; Writing by Steve Holland; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said it is probing a stabbing of a police officer at a US airport as an "act of terror". The suspect is in custody.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the Michigan airport. The suspect was identified as a Canadian resident, Xinhua news agency reported.

Fifty-year-old Amor Ftouhi, who carried out the "lone-wolf" attack had entered the US on 16 June, FBI special investigator David Gelios told the media.

According to Gelios, Ftouhi yelled "Allahu Akbar," or "Allah is the greatest," before he attacked Officer Jeff Neville with a 30 centimeter knife at the Bishop International Airport in Flint.

Neville's condition was reported to be "satisfactory" after surgery.

The FBI said the suspect was in custody and was being questioned. The probe will progress with the help of their Canadian counterparts, it added.

Amor Ftouhi had arrived at the airport on Wednesday morning. He spent some time on the first floor. Then he went to a restaurant on the second floor. Emerging from a restroom later, Ftouhi pulled out the knife and starting stabbing Neville in the neck, the FBI said.

Ftouhi also said something like "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan" and "we are all going to die," according to initial accounts from eye witnesses.
Brussels: British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Thursday she would set out plans at a Brussels summit to "protect" the rights of European Union citizens living in the UK after Brexit.

"What I'm going to be setting out today is clearly how the UK proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected," May said as she arrived at the two-day meeting of EU leaders.

"That's been an important issue, we've wanted it to be one of the early issues that was considered in the negotiations, that is now the case, that work is starting," she said.

"We will be setting out how we propose to ensure that EU citizens living in the UK have their rights protected in the United Kingdom," May added.

May's spokesman earlier said that she would set out the principles of her plan over dinner with other EU leaders on Thursday evening.

EU officials said they had however asked her not to bring up the issue, saying all talks should be conducted by official EU and British negotiators Michel Barnier and David Davis, and not by national leaders.

The fate of an estimated three million Europeans currently living in Britain and around one million Britons living elsewhere in the EU was thrown into doubt by Britain's vote to leave the bloc in 2016.

May had previously refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in Britain until those of expatriate Britons were secured.

The issue of citizens rights is one of three priorities in the Brexit talks which began on Monday, along with Britain's divorce bill and the fraught question of Northern Ireland, which will share Britain's only land border with the EU after Brexit.

May said the talks had made a "very constructive start".
By Jan Strupczewski and Alastair Macdonald

| BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS Belgian troops patrolling Brussels Central Station "neutralised" a person after a small explosion on Tuesday, a police spokesman said, adding that there were no other casualties and the situation was under control.He could not confirm media reports that the person had been wearing an explosive vest and it was not clear whether the person shot was still alive. Prime Minister Charles Michel urged people via Twitter to follow instructions from the authorities.The station and adjacent historic downtown area, including the baroque Grand Place city square were packed with tourists and locals on a hot summer evening, were evacuated as police set up a security cordon, witnesses told Belgian media.

Het Laatste Nieuws tabloid newspaper quoted what it said were witnesses saying a man shouted "Allahu Akbar" in Arabic before a small explosion. Soldiers ran toward the spot, saw wires protruding from the man's clothes, and shot him. That account could not be independently confirmed.The city has been on high alert for more than 18 months since Brussels-based Islamic State militants carried out attacks in Paris that killed 130 people there in November 2015 and later bombed Brussels airport and the city's metro in March last year. Those bombings killed 32 people.

The police spokesman said: "There was an incident at Central Station. There was an explosion around a person. That person was neutralised by the soldiers that were on the scene.

"At the moment, the police are in numbers at the station and everything is under control."Prime Minister Michel and the interior minister were in the national crisis centre monitoring developments. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr; Editing by Gareth Jones)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
DEAR ABBY: My brother is in a long-term relationship. Throughout my teenage years, he raped me every chance he got. The emotional and physical abuse has left my life broken. Should I tell his girlfriend about it? I did confront him about it, but he just denied it. Wouldn't she want to know? -- SURVIVOR IN FLORIDA

DEAR SURVIVOR: Yes, you should tell his girlfriend about it! You should also tell every one of your relatives. Where were your parents when this was going on?

While it may be too late for the police to haul your brother off to prison, you should absolutely talk to a rape crisis counselor about what he did to you. To locate a resource near you, contact R.A.I.N.N. (rainn.org), the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. It may be able to help you put your life in order. Its toll-free phone number is 800-656-4673.

DEAR ABBY: Would you please remind your readers about proper service dog etiquette? My service dog has given me a new lease on life, but going out in public with him can be a huge source of anxiety. If your readers see a service dog in public, they should remember:

Don't pet the dog, or talk to it, and don't allow children to "rush" the dog. This distracts the service dog from its important job and could put a handler in danger.

Please don't question whether service dogs are or should be "allowed" somewhere. Handlers need to shop, take public transport and go to restaurants just like everyone else.

Do not ask invasive personal questions about the handler's health or abilities. I'm sure you wouldn't want a stranger prying into your own medical history.

And please don't gush about how "lucky" someone is to have a service dog or how you wish you could have your pet with you. Try mentally replacing the word "dog" with "wheelchair" or "oxygen tank" before you speak. Service dogs are not pets. For a lot of people they are lifelines.

Many of us are happy to speak with you about our dogs or answer questions, but please remember we are also PEOPLE with individual comfort levels and limits, and we just want to enjoy public spaces like everyone else. -- NEW LEASE ON LIFE

DEAR NEW LEASE: Thank you for giving me the chance to remind readers about service dog etiquette. Many of us are animal lovers who have a hard time resisting the impulse to reach out when we see service dogs. It's done with the best of intentions, while forgetting that a dog wearing a vest may be working. I say "may" because, unfortunately, service vests that allow animals to be present in markets and restaurants can be ordered online by people with no disability at all.

DEAR ABBY: You missed the mark in your answer to "Mother Doesn't Know Best" (July 7), whose 8-year-old stepson arrives for visits in old, ill-fitting clothing, even though the father purchases new clothes for him on every visit.

I live in Ohio, and the state considers housing, food, electricity, gas and running water as part of the makeup of child support. I know this firsthand. You also need to know if the mother is working and if she contributes to her son's support. What about other expenses (toys, haircuts, uniforms, etc.)?

Part of the problem may be that Stepmom and Dad live across the country and aren't there to see what exactly goes on day to day. Yes, the little boy shouldn't be showing up at their home in clothes that are too small, but even Stepmom said he was putting on weight. -- MITZI IN DAYTON, OHIO

DEAR MITZI: Your points are well taken. However, the majority of the feedback I received about that letter pointed out that children arriving in old clothes for visits with their dads is a popular ploy that some custodial mothers use in order to get new clothes, and some even return the clothes for cash. Read on:

DEAR ABBY: I had a divorced girlfriend I had confided in about this same problem. She said, "Don't you know? We always send the kids to their dad's in their worst clothing. That way, they'll have to buy them new stuff during the visit."

You can't assume that because a child arrives in worn or ill-fitting clothes that the custodial parent is unfit or that the child doesn't have lots of better clothing at home. -- MRS. D. IN VIRGINIA

DEAR ABBY: Please suggest that when Stepmom and Dad buy clothes for his son, they mark the labels with the boy's initials. The mom may be returning the items for cash and buying something she wanted for herself. -- MOM WHO KNOWS

DEAR ABBY: I am writing this as I sit in a hospital at my daughter's bedside. When staff comes into her room, she asks them to wash their hands in front of her before putting on their gloves. Several doctors took offense at this. We even posted a note on the door, asking the staff to wash up inside the room. Were we wrong? She doesn't want to increase her risk of infection. I would think that a patient worried about proper hygiene would not be sneered at by the people trying to get her healthy. -- TRYING TO STAY HEALTHY

DEAR TRYING TO STAY HEALTHY: Bravo to you for speaking up! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospital-acquired infections have cost the hospital industry $30 billion and resulted in 100,000 patient deaths. A 2013 New York Times article reported that unless pushed to do so, hospital workers wash their hands only as little as 30 percent of the time they interact with patients. The problem is so widespread that some hospitals must monitor workers via video cameras or have them wear electronic badges to "encourage" compliance, while others have resorted to "bribing" workers to do the right thing.

You were not wrong to ask staffers at your daughter's hospital to wash their hands. Nobody should feel reluctant to ask for something that is standard procedure.

Because many patients in hospitals and care facilities feel vulnerable and dependent, they fear that staff will "dislike" them if they ask for too much. For patients to request handwashing is not only in their best interest, but also the hospital's. Too often, change doesn't happen in the medical profession until patients speak up and advocate for their own well-being. You would not have been "sneered at" if your request hadn't made those individuals feel defensive.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
By Amanda Becker and Jeff Mason

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he did not make and does not possess any tapes of his conversations with James Comey, after suggesting last month he might have recordings that could damage the former FBI director. "With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are 'tapes' or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings," Trump wrote on Twitter.Lawmakers investigating allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. 2016 election had asked the White House for any such recordings of Comey, whom Trump fired on May 9.Shortly after dismissing Comey, Trump mentioned the possibility of tapes in a Twitter post."James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" Trump wrote on Twitter on May 12.

Allegations of ties to Russia have cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office, distracting from attempts by his fellow Republicans in Congress to overhaul the U.S. healthcare and tax systems.Comey's firing sparked a political firestorm. The former FBI head testified before a Senate committee that Trump had asked him to drop a probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn's alleged ties to Russia.Trump has privately told aides that the threat of the existence of tapes forced Comey to tell the truth in his recent testimony, a source familiar with the situation said. The White House had said Trump would likely clarify whether he had tapes of Comey by the end of this week.

Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Trump still had questions to answer about possible tapes."If the President had no tapes, why did he suggest otherwise? Did he seek to mislead the public? Was he trying to intimidate or silence James Comey? And if so, did he take other steps to discourage potential witnesses from speaking out?" Schiff said in a statement.Earlier on Thursday, CNN reported that two top U.S. intelligence officials told investigators Trump suggested they publicly deny any collusion between his campaign and Russia, but they did not feel he had ordered them to do so.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers met separately last week with investigators for Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Senate Intelligence Committee, according to CNN. The two officials said they were surprised at Trump's suggestion and found their interactions with him odd and uncomfortable, but they did not act on the president's requests, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with their accounts. The Kremlin has denied U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusion that Moscow tried to tilt the election campaign in Trump's favour, using such means as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats.Trump has denied any collusion, and he continued to cast doubt on the investigations in a series of tweets on Thursday morning. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Patricia Zengerle and Susan Heavey; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beirut: The United Arab Emirates runs at least two "informal detention facilities" in Yemen and has reportedly transferred detainees to a base in Eritrea, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday.

The UAE is a key member of a Saudi-led military coalition that entered Yemen's conflict in 2015 to battle on the government's side against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

HRW said UAE officials appeared to have "moved high-profile detainees outside the country" including to a base in Eritrea.

The rights group said it had documented 49 cases, including those of four children, who had been "arbitrarily detained or forcibly disappeared" - at least 38 of them by UAE-backed forces.

The New York-based group said the UAE also runs detention facilities in southern provinces home to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and a local affiliate of the Islamic State group.

Children are among those detained in the centres, it said.

It said Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, had also "arbitrarily detained and disappeared scores of people in northern Yemen".

The World Health Organization estimates more than 8,000 people have been killed in two years of conflict in Yemen, which also faces a deadly cholera outbreak and the threat of famine.

All parties in Yemen's war have drawn harsh criticism for causing civilian suffering.

The United Nations and HRW have said air strikes by the Saudi-led alliance have killed many civilians and may amount to war crimes.
Vienna: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday appointed one of Moscow's veteran diplomats to head a newly created UN Counterterrorism Office, giving a Russian a top job at the world body's headquarters in New York.

Russia's ambassador to International Organisations in Vienna, Vladimir Voronkov, told Reuters he met with Guterres on Tuesday.

Reuters exclusively reported his appointment earlier on Wednesday. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said that in his new role, Voronkov would "provide strategic leadership to UN counterterrorism efforts, participate in the decision-making process of the United Nations and ensure that the cross-cutting origins and impact of terrorism are reflected in the work."

Haq said Voronkov had more than 30 years experience with the Russian foreign service, working primarily on UN issues."Countering terrorism is one of the things that most countries can work with Russia on," said a senior Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We have very different views on what counts as a terrorist and what counts as an appropriate response to terrorism from Russia, but at least it's a discussion we can have more easily than we can have on political affairs or peacekeeping," the diplomat said.

Nationals from four of the five veto-wielding powers on the UN Security Council - the United States, Britain, France and China - have for the past decade held senior UN posts at the world body's headquarters in New York.

An American heads UN political affairs, a Frenchman has run peacekeeping, a Briton has been in charge of humanitarian affairs, and a Chinese national has run economic and social affairs.

For the past seven years, a Russian has headed the Vienna-based UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

"It is fair to say that the Russians are under-represented at the UN at the most senior levels," the senior Western diplomat said.

The 193-member United Nations General Assembly approved the creation of a UN Counterterrorism Office last week, which will help states implement a global counterterrorism strategy adopted by the General Assembly in 2006.

The strategy, which has been reviewed every two years, aims to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, measures to prevent and combat terrorism, build states' capacity to do so, and ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as the basis for the fight.

The appointment of Voronkov ends speculation among some diplomats that Moscow may have wanted its ambassador to the Washington, Sergei Kislyak, to do the job.

Kislyak has become embroiled in controversy after some US lawmakers raised concern about his meetings with officials of president Donald Trump's administration.

Trump has denied any collusion by his campaign with Moscow.

US intelligence agencies have accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Trump. Russia has denied any such interference.
Washington: The United States has said that China has a responsibility to exert much greater pressure on North Korea to prevent escalating tensions with a government that ignores the law and "provokes and provokes and provokes."

US diplomatic and defence chiefs met their Chinese counterparts for security talks and pushed China to rein in companies that allegedly deal with its wayward ally North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.

Trump has been counting on China to use its economic leverage with the government of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as American concern grows over the North's acceleration toward having a nuclear missile that can strike the US mainland.

Trump tweeted ahead of Wednesday's talks that Beijing's efforts to sway Pyongyang weren't working. That comment came amid outrage in Washington over the death of Otto Warmbier days after the comatose American student was released from imprisonment in North Korea.

Defence secretary Jim Mattis said Trump's commentary "represents the American people's view of North Korea right now. We see a young man go over there healthy and with a minor act of mischief" and come home on the verge of death.

"What you are seeing I think is the American people's frustration with the regime that provokes and provokes and provokes and basically plays outside rules, plays fast and loose with the truth," Mattis told a news conference.

At the talks, Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hosted Chinese foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and Gen Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's joint staff department.

Their meeting took place against a backdrop of high tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula. On Tuesday, the US flew two supersonic B-1B bombers there in a show of force. South Korea's Defence Ministry said the bombers engaged in routine exercises with its fighter jets aimed at deterring the North.

"China understands that the United States regards North Korea as our top security threat," Tillerson said. "We reiterated to China that it has a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

Tillerson called for increased efforts to curtail the North's illicit revenue streams that allegedly help fund its nuclear weapon and missile programs. He said the two sides agreed on the need for companies not to deal with North Korea in violation of UN sanctions, but did not specify any particular action China was promising to take.

Mattis said China "continues to work these issues." North Korea conducts about 90 percent of its trade through China, which maintains that it implements the U.N. sanctions properly.

Chinese officials were not immediately available for comment after the talks. Beforehand, China said it was hoping for "positive outcomes" from Wednesday's dialogue. It had long pushed for a resumption of US negotiations with North Korea, which currently appears a remote prospect.

The talks also covered the South China Sea, where Beijing's island-building and construction of possible military facilities have rattled neighbours and caused tension with Washington. The officials also discussed U.S.-Chinese military cooperation to reduce risk of conflict, as well as efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.

Divisive trade issues will be dealt with at a later date. Like past presidents, Trump is finding the US has limited scope for punishing North Korea, particularly over the arrest of US citizens. Three Americans remain in detention in the reclusive country.

Trump's administration is considering a ban on Americans visiting North Korea. That would only slightly add to the North's isolation and loss of revenue. The route to inflicting significant economic pain on Kim's government remains through China.

Washington has one threat it can use with Beijing: the possibility of "secondary" sanctions that go after Chinese companies doing business in North Korea. Such a move risks fraying relations between the world's two biggest economies. The Chinese state-run Global Times warned in an editorial that if Washington imposes sanctions against Chinese enterprises "it will lead to grave friction between China and the US."
An art installation titled 'The Inflatable Refugee' has 'floated' into the Yarrah River in Melbourne. Creators at the Belgian Art Collective Schellekens and Peleman say their five metre tall 'refugee' is made from the same material used to make the rafts that carry human traffickers as they cross the Mediterranean Sea.

A 'symbol of the dehumanisation of the refugee and the current refugee crisis happening in the world', the 'refugee' was created by the artists to represent how the Western world perceives refugees. They hope that the surrealism of the 'refugee' itself will help eliminate the fear that is constantly associated with refugees around the world.

So far, the 'refugee', with his blank skyward stare and lifeguard jacket, has only travelled within Europe, and his trip to Melbourne is his first outside the continent.

The refugee is visiting Melbourne on display in the Immigration Museum till 25 June, as part of Refugee Week. While his next destination is unknown so far, Schelleken and Peleman's 'Inflatable Refugee' has visited the European countries of Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Belgium so far.
Samsung has announced that it has started mass production of Exynos i T20, the companys first Exynos-branded Internet of Things (IoT) solution. It uses 28-nanometer (nm) High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) process, has Wi-Fi connectivity offering performance needed for upcoming IoT use cases.

Highlights of Samsung Exynos i T200

Utilizes both a Cortex-R4 processor and additional Cortex-M0+ processor enabling the devices it supports to process and perform various tasks without the need for an extra microcontroller IC

802.11b/g/n single-band (2.4GHz)

Has Wi-Fi CERTIFIED certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, and Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT.

Natively supports IoTivity, an IoT protocol standard from the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) enabling seamless interoperability between IoT devices.

Utilizes a separate and designated security management hardware block called the Security Sub-System (SSS).

Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) IP provides secure data storage and device authentication management without the need to fuse a key onto silicon, and rely on a discrete security IC for key storage

Regarding the new IoT chip, Ben Hur, Vice President of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics, said:

The Exynos i T200 is an IoT solution optimized to deliver both the performance and security demanded in the IoT market.With various Exynos solution offerings, Samsung will deliver further differentiated value to not only mobile devices, but also non-mobile spaces, including automotive and IoT.

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Before Donald Trump jumped into politics, Ford planned to shift production of one or more of its smaller cars from Michigan to a new San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. At the time, Donald Trump wasn't president, but he promised to stop such investments that didn't favor job creation in the US. Ford remained adamant the Mexico investment would happen, but scrapped the idea in January.

That's good news for now President Trump, right? Wrong. Ford is no longer building its Mexico plant, but production won't remain in America. Instead, according to Tech Times, Ford is heading to China, where it will save an estimated $1 billion manufacturing the Focus line.

Ford, as you'd expect, views this as a positive move just like it did the Mexico plant. By saving a billion dollars, the US company has more to spend on growing in other areas, with "sport utilities, commercial vehicles, performance vehicles as well as mobility, autonomous vehicles and electrified vehicles" highlighted as areas of focus by Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of global operations of Ford.

The good news for Michigan workers is Ford doesn't see any jobs being lost. Focus production won't move to China until 2019 and the Michigan plant will be shifted over to Ranger pickup truck and Bronco SUV production from late 2018 and 2020, respectively. Investment also continues in the US, with Ford spending $900 million upgrading its Kentucky Truck Plant.

Of course, the obvious question asked by President Trump will be why Ford is going to China at all? The answer from Ford's point of view is clear: a billion dollars. For US consumers, it means buying a Ford Focus after 2019 means you'll receive a car manufactured and shipped from China.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) soared past rival Airbus in the race for airline orders at the Paris Airshow, thanks to its new model of the 737 jetliner.

The Chicago-based planemaker said Thursday it won 571 net new orders and commitments valued at $74.8 billion (list prices), while Airbus said it totaled 326.

Boeing's new 737 MAX 10, the latest version of its famed twin-jet, played a big role in propelling the company ahead of its direct competitor. Included in Boeing's 571 total of new orders and commitments, 147 were for the MAX 10, while 214 were for conversions to the new jet from other models. United Airlines announced Tuesday it had converted 100 of its current MAX orders into the 737 MAX 10.

The latest jet in the planemaker's lineup was unveiled earlier this week at the air show. It can hold up to 230 passengers, 10 more than the previous generation of MAX aircraft, though its maximum range is 300 miles less. It uses the latest winglet technology, allowing improved fuel efficiency, as well as larger display screens for pilots.

Due to its success at the Paris Air Show, Boeing raised its 20-year outlook to more than 41,000 aircraft, valued at $6.1 trillion. Additionally, it is forecasting "significant growth" in the Aerospace Services Market, projecting $2.6 trillion demand for the next 10 years in both commercial and government services.

For Airbus, it was its A320 family that accounted for most of its new business. Of its 326 new orders and commitments, 306 were from that family of aircraft, which directly competes with Boeing's 737, worth $33.8 billion.
Coal company Murray Energy has sued HBO and its Sunday-night host, John Oliver, for what it says was a "false and malicious broadcast" last Sunday evening. It's seeking financial damages and a court order barring rebroadcasts of the segment's "defamatory statements."

Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" coal segment criticized the Trump administration's effort to revive the industry, saying coal jobs have dropped for decades and other energy alternatives are driving the industry's decline.

He ribbed Murray Energy's CEO Robert Murray, who blames regulatory efforts by the Obama administration for damaging the coal industry. He said the 77-year-old looked like a "geriatric Dr. Evil" and noted that the company had fought against coal safety regulations.

The Ohio company sued the comedian Wednesday afternoon in circuit court in West Virginia, saying that he tried to embarrass Murray by making fun of his age and appearance and made false statements about a 2007 collapse of a Utah mine, when nine miners died. The company said Oliver ignored information it sent the show that it says showed an earthquake caused the mine's collapse and that the show made no mention of "the efforts Mr. Murray personally made to save the trapped miners."

An HBO spokesman says the show didn't violate Murray Energy's rights or those of Murray. Oliver noted on the show that Murray Energy has a litigious past, and last month sued the New York Times for libel.

Murray Energy employs about 5,400 people, about half of those in West Virginia.
Not very often does a 10-story-tall, 800,000-pound landmark change locations. Especially one that's alive.

But workers in Idaho will attempt just that starting Friday. A massive sequoia sent to Boise as a small seedling by naturalist John Muir more than a century ago is now in the way of a hospital's expansion and plans are to move it two blocks away to city property.

"We've all got our fingers crossed that the tree is going to make it to its new location," said Mary Grandjean, the granddaughter of an Idaho forester who received the sequoia seedlings from Muir around 1912.

St. Luke's Health System is doing more than hoping. It's spending $300,000 to move the largest sequoia in the state, rather than chopping it down and risking a public relations backlash.

"We understand the importance of this tree to this community," said Anita Kissee, spokeswoman for the hospital. Cutting it down "was never even an option."

Even the tree company hired to do the move is feeling the pressure to keep the 98-foot (30-meter) tree upright as it travels about two blocks over about 12 hours to its new home.

"This is going to be one of what we call our champion trees," said David Cox, who is overseeing the move for Texas-based Environmental Design. "We want to take extreme care to make sure everything goes well."

Cox said the tree will be the tallest the company has ever moved, as well as the largest in circumference at more than 20 feet (6 meters) near its base. He puts the chances of the tree surviving at 95 percent.

"We've got all the equipment we need here," he said Thursday.

The plan is to lift the sequoia Friday afternoon onto the inflatable, rolling tubes. The tree is set to start moving at midnight Saturday on the rolling tubes and arrive around noon Sunday.

It grew from one of four sequoia seedlings that Muir sent to Emile Grandjean, a conservation-minded professional forester and early employee of the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho, his granddaughter told The Associated Press.

Mary Grandjean's father told her that Emile Grandjean planted two of the sequoias at his home in Boise and the two others went to the home of Fred and Alice Pittenger, both doctors.

New owners of the Grandjean home later cut down the trees, said Mary Grandjean, noting what a blow it was to her family. The fate of a third sequoia isn't clear. Of the four trees, the only remaining one is being moved.

"My family and I are very hopeful that the transplanting will be successful," she said.

Cox said sequoias in their native habitat in California draw moisture from the misty atmosphere and can live for several thousand years and reach several hundred feet tall.

The Idaho sequoia is in a drier, colder climate, and the tree lost its original top in the 1980s due to damage from Christmas decorations that people strung on it. At that point, the hospital hired tree experts and the sequoia has thrived despite living in the high desert.

Soil analysis has been done at the transplant site to ensure it will allow the tree to keep growing, Cox said. Most of the soil surrounding the roots also is moving to improve the tree's chances, he said.

If it works, it could remain a Boise landmark for several more centuries.

"I would say three- to five-hundred years at least," Cox said. "It's still a young tree."
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American Airlines (AAL) on Thursday said it received a notice from Qatar Airways about its intent to make an $808 million investment, or 10% stake, in the U.S. company.

American said in a regulatory filing it did not solicit the investment and that such an action would not change the composition of the companys board, governance, management or strategic direction. Whats more, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline said it prohibits any person or company from buying 4.75% or more of its outstanding shares without advance board approval to a written request.

In a statement, Qatar Airways said it had no intent to get involved with American's management, operations, or governance.

"Qatar Airways has long considered American Airlines to be a good oneworld Alliance partner and looks forward to continuing this relationship," the statement read.

Qatar Airways added its investment in the company will not exceed 4.75% without consent from American Airlines' board.

American said it did not receive such a request, but will respond to Qatar Airlines notice in accordance with the Hart-Scott Rodino (HSR) Act, which is required for an acquisition of more than $81 million.

Its CEO Doug Parker said he was not happy about the prospect and found the approach puzzling and strange, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Such a purchase is also subject to review by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Justice Department.

Some analysts see the potential investment as a catalyst to raise their targets on Americans shares.

Theyre [Qatar Airways] going to be buying [shares] on the open market. Thats going to put some upward pressure on the shares, Jim Corridore, equity analyst at CFRA, told FOX Business, adding that the recent decline in oil and good summer pricing for airlines also contributed.

Furthermore, Corridore upgraded his view on the airlines shares to strong buy from a buy, and elevated his 12-month price target by $13 to $65 per share.

Shares of American Airlines rose more than 1% in recent action to $48.99.

Qatar Airways announcement comes as the air carrier faces obstruction among its Arab neighbors in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have cut diplomatic ties with the airlines home country, Qatar, including halting air traffic.

The companys CEO Akbar Al Baker said Monday the blockade on the country would leave a lasting wound, according to The Associated Press. Baker added that he believes the Trump administration would intervene "to make sure that this blockade is lifted soonest and that life in our region comes back to normal, especially since he knows that we are part of his alliance against terrorism and that we are a major player in his strategy in the region."

While the White House has not officially commented on the airlines issue, it released a statement earlier this month regarding President Trumps phone call with Sheikh Tameem bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar.

The president offered to help the parties resolve their differences, including through a meeting at the White House if necessary, it said.
Speaker Paul Ryan is expressing support for a popular bill that would hit Iran and Russia with new sanctions amid Democratic criticism that House Republicans are stalling for time to weaken the penalties at the Trump administration's request.

"We just want to get moving on it," the Wisconsin Republican told reporters on Thursday. "I support sanctions."

The sanctions measure was written by the Senate, where it passed last week on a 98-2 vote. But the passage ran afoul of a constitutional requirement that legislation involving revenue start in the House, known in bureaucratese as a "blue slip."

"We've got to honor the blue slip," Ryan said.

Congressional Democrats said they fear the House is seeking to water down the Russia-related portions of the bill for the Trump administration. The sanctions aimed at Russia are intended to punish Moscow for meddling in the presidential election and for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and Syria.

"House Republicans' effort to obstruct and weaken the Senate's bipartisan Russian sanctions bill is not only irresponsible; it endangers our national security and threatens our democracy," Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement.

Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said his panel sent language to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee late Wednesday that he said would remedy the constitutionality issue in the bill. Brady said the proposed cure would allow the Senate to start a "very simple process to take the bill back, make the change, and then move it forward."

Brady said he's confident of a resolution if the Senate moves ahead with the fix.

Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Thursday "we're getting to a good place" on the sanctions bill.

In addition to hitting Russia and Iran with additional financial penalties, the bill would strengthen Congress' authority over Russia sanctions policy. The bill would require a 30-day congressional review period if Trump attempts to ease or end penalties against Moscow.

The Senate bill imposes mandatory sanctions on people involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them. The measure would apply terrorism sanctions to the country's Revolutionary Guards and enforce an arms embargo.

___

Contact Richard Lardner on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rplardner
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) said Thursday it is in talks with the Chinese government to build its first factory in the worlds largest auto market.

The move would allow Tesla to avoid Chinas hefty import tax of 25% on imported cars. Tesla reported more than $1 billion in revenue from the Chinese market last year, tripling its sales from the prior year.

The electric car maker is working with Shanghai to explore building a manufacturing facility in the region, according to a Tesla spokesperson. The Palo Alto, California-based company reiterated that it expects to provide more concrete plans for Chinese production by the end of 2017.

Tesla is deeply committed to the Chinese market, and we continue to evaluate potential manufacturing sites around the globe to serve the local markets, the spokesperson said in a statement. While we expect most of our production to remain in the U.S., we do need to establish local factories to ensure affordability for the markets they serve.

CEO Elon Musk has stressed that Tesla will need additional manufacturing capacity in order to meet its sales targets. The automaker is currently considering at least three unidentified locations. Tesla could build a total of 10 to 20 new factories, Musk said at Teslas recent shareholder meeting. Last week, he suggested on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) that Tesla could build a factory in India, which also levies a tax on cars shipped into the country.

Building cars in China would likely require Tesla to partner with a local manufacturer. China has long required foreign automakers to create joint ventures in order to build vehicles within its borders.

Tesla shares rose 2.2% to $384.65 in recent trading.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP)  Struggling to advance his agenda in Washington, President Donald Trump traveled to the Midwest on Wednesday in search of his supporters' warm embrace and to celebrate a Republican congressional victory in an election viewed as an early referendum on his presidency.

Trump touched down Wednesday evening in rainy Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and headed to a local community college, where he toured agriculture technology innovations, and then to a campaign rally where he reveled in Karen Handel's victory in a special election in a House district in suburban Atlanta.

"We're 5-0 in special elections," said Trump in front of a boisterous crowd that packed a downtown arena. "The truth is, people love us ... they haven't figured it out yet."

He also applauded Republican Ralph Norman, who notched a slimmer-than-expected win in a special election to fill the South Carolina congressional seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney, and mocked Handel's challenger, Jon Ossoff, saying the Democrats "spent $30 million on this kid who forgot to live in the district."

Trump, no stranger to victory laps, turned his visit to a battleground state he captured in November into a celebration of his resilience despite the cloud of investigations that has enveloped his administration and sent his poll numbers tumbling.

With the appearance in Cedar Rapids, he will have held five rallies in the first five months in office.

The event underscores Trump's comfort in a campaign setting. He laughed off the occasional heckler, repeated riffs from last year's rallies and appeared far more at ease when going after Democrats in front of adoring crowds than trying to push through his own legislative agenda from the confines of the White House.

Trump's aides are making a renewed push to get the president out of Washington. The capital is consumed with the investigation into Russian meddling in last year's election and Trump's firing of his FBI director.

Campaign rallies energize Trump by placing him in front of supporters who have stuck by him and are likely to dismiss the investigations as Beltway chatter.

Iowa, with its large share of independent voters, could be a proving ground for whether Trump can count on the support of voters beyond his base. Unaffiliated voters, or "no party" voters as they are known in Iowa, make up 36 percent of the electorate, compared with 33 percent who register Republican and 31 percent registered as Democrat.

Self-identified independents in Iowa voted for Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton by a 13-percentage-point margin last year, according to exit polls conducted for The Associated Press and television networks. That margin helped Trump take the state by nearly 9 points after Barack Obama won it for Democrats the previous two elections.

Trump held a Des Moines rally in December as part of his transition-era "thank you" tour of states he had won, but has not been back to Iowa since.

At the rally, he touted his administration's efforts to roll back regulations, mused about putting solar panels on a Mexican border wall, derided wind power for killing birds in a state that uses a lot of it and revealed that he urged the Senate to create a health care plan "with heart. Add some money to it!"

He avoided any discussion of the scandals surrounding his presidency, other than one brief reference to the "witch hunt," which is what he has dubbed the probes into his campaign's ties to Russia.

Trump's evening in Iowa began with a tribute to former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, whom he had just appointed the United States' ambassador to China. He hailed Branstad, the longest-serving governor in the nation's history and an early Trump backer, as "a legend" and "one great man."

Trump's stop at Kirkwood Community College was intended to draw attention to the school's advancements in high-tech agriculture, but he resisted sitting behind the wheel of a virtual reality device that simulated a giant combine harvester. He was joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as part of the administration's latest theme week, this time to highlight the importance of technology. He later touted the wealth of Ross and chief economic adviser Gary Cohn, saying: "Those particular positions, I just don't want a poor person. Does that make sense?"

But much of Trump's attention was on the suburbs of Atlanta, in the 6th Congressional District race.

Democrats had lavished attention and money on Tuesday's special election, hoping for a victory that would underscore Republican worries about Trump and serve as a harbinger of a Democratic wave in 2018.

Instead, Handel's victory, in a traditional Republican stronghold that rarely produces a competitive contest, was met with a sigh of relief among the GOP. It was the fourth straight special election that went to the Republicans.

Trump tweeted several times during the night and capped the night off with a text message to supporters crowing:

"Congrats to Karen Handel on a HUGE win in GA! Democrats lose again (0-4). Total disarray. The MAGA Mandate is stronger than ever. BIG LEAGUE," he said in an apparent reference to his slogan, "Make America Great Again."

___

Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report.
Leadership within the House of Representatives, including its speaker, Paul Ryan, is showing signs of softening its stance on the proposed border adjustment tax in order to appease opposition from lawmakers and expedite passage of a tax-cut proposal, FOX Business has learned.

The sudden shift in tone comes after a near revolt from almost the entire House Republican Conference, with members saying privately the infamous import tax would be dead on arrival if it was ever brought to the floor for a vote, people with direct knowledge of the matter tell FOX Business.

The border adjustment tax was originally devised by Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican and House Ways and Means Committee chairman Kevin Brady of Texas, as a way to pay for the up and coming tax reform plan that includes a sharp cut to the federal corporate tax rate to around 15% from 35% and tax cuts for individuals.

The border adjustment tax, or BAT, is essentially a tax on all imported goods coming into the United States, and could raise billions of dollars in revenues. But the tax is controversial: Opponents say it will hurt consumers who will pay more for goods bought at retailers like Walmart (NYSE:WMT), which imports much of what it sells.

That argument combined with a general GOP distaste for raising taxes of any kind has turned the tide against the BAT in the House, these people add. Brady and Ryan are now turning to Senate leaders and White House officials to look for alternatives to the border adjustment tax.

A spokeswoman for Ryan did not return calls for comment. Aides to Brady say he hasnt softened his support for the BAT, but they didnt deny he is discussing alternatives with his allies amid the revolt from House Republicans.

Folks who follow us every day have heard him say for months that he welcomes additional ideas that will help us lower rates and also stop American jobs from going overseas, Emily Schillinger, a spokeswoman for the House Ways and Means Committee, told FOX Business.

Ryan and Brady have been meeting weekly since at least January to discuss a wide range of topics on tax reform including solutions to the BAT, with senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn.

This weeks private meeting is expected to take place on Thursday on Capitol Hill.

One alternative to the BAT is something known as a corporate integration tax plan, which is a way of ramping up taxes on shareholders who receive a corporate dividend.

Another alternative being deliberated is cutting back excessive government spending to pay for the tax cuts, although no decisions have been made about which programs could be cut under the House plan.

During his speech to the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Ryan did not directly address the border adjustment plan, which led many House Republicans to believe he was moving away from his adamant support of the proposal.

We must think differently, so that once again we make things here and export them around the world, Ryan said.

Later during an interview with CNBC, Ryan conceded that the BAT is not likely viable in its present form.
Four Republican senators say they are not ready to vote for the GOP health care bill, putting the measure in jeopardy.

The four are Ted Cruz of Texas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky. They say in a statement that they are open to negotiation before the full Senate considers the measure.

The four say there are provisions that are an improvement to the current health care system. But they add that the measure fails to accomplish what they have promised to their constituents, "to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs."

GOP leaders hope to vote on the bill next week and can only afford two defections from the 52 Senate Republicans.
The White House hosted a group of tech leaders from top drone and wireless communications companies Thursday, as it focuses on emerging technology as a way to promote U.S. job creation and economic growth.

President Trump hopes to encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of new American jobs by bringing the emerging technology companies that are driving innovation into White House policy discussions.

Blue collar labor itself is continuing to evolve using technology, Kespry CEO George Mathew, who was at the White House Thursday, said during an interview with FOX Business. I sense that this administration is really focused on the nature of the current American workforce and how to continue to upscale that labor force  Theyre really digging into topical areas where jobs can be created in the United States.

Other drone manufacturers such as PrecisionHawk and Trumbull Unmanned were invited to discuss regulations, safety and applying their products to the labor market. One of the sessions featured a demonstration of Kesprys unmanned aerial system (UAS) and how it is used for industrial applications. Matthew said his company makes drones focused on enhancing the industrial labor force, in sectors like agriculture, construction and mining. His drone demonstration marked the first time the technology was used in the White House, he said.

It was helpful to have a voice in the room  Youve got to have that ability to participate, Mathew said.

Of the breakout sessions White House officials and business leaders attended Thursday, another focused on 5G connectivity and the Internet of Things. Sprint (NYSE:S) CEO Marcelo Claure, AT&T (NYSE:T) CEO Randall Stephenson and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) president John Stratton attended to talk about wireless infrastructure and connectivity and the consequences a more connected world has on the labor market.

Along with the creators of this new technology, the investors who get these companies off the ground were once again on the White Houses guest list. Venture capitalists including Peter Barris of New Enterprise Associates, Nick Efstratis of EPIC Ventures and Jim Smith of Mohr Davidow Ventures were among other investors at the meeting Thursday to discuss funding for entrepreneurs and breaking down financial barriers.

Some of the other executives that attended Thursdays sessions include Honeywell (NYSE:HON) CEO Darius Adamczyk and General Electric (NYSE:GE) CEO Jeff Immelt.

Earlier this week the president hosted info tech companies, including executives from Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), in D.C. to discuss ways to make the government run more efficiently and cost effectively by updating the outdated infrastructure still used by many federal agencies.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he did not make and does not possess any tapes of his conversations with James Comey, after suggesting last month that he might have recordings that could damage the former FBI director.

"With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are 'tapes' or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Lawmakers investigating allegations of Russian meddling in the U.S. 2016 election had asked the White House for any such recordings of Comey, who Trump fired in May.

Shortly after dismissing Comey, Trump mentioned the possibility of tapes in a Twitter post.

"James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" Trump wrote on Twitter on May 12.

The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office, distracting from attempts by his fellow Republicans in Congress to reform the U.S. healthcare and tax systems.

Comey's firing and its aftermath caused a political firestorm. He testified before a Senate committee that Trump had asked him to drop a probe into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his alleged ties to Russia.

Trump has privately told aides that the threat of the existence of tapes forced Comey to tell the truth in his recent testimony, a source familiar with the situation said.

Earlier on Thursday, CNN reported that two top U.S. intelligence officials have told investigators Trump suggested they publicly deny any collusion between his campaign and Russia, but they did not feel he had ordered them to do so.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers met separately last week with investigators for Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the Senate intelligence committee, according to CNN.

The two senior officials said they were surprised at Trump's suggestion and found their interactions with him odd and uncomfortable, but they did not act on the presidents' requests, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with their accounts.

The Kremlin has denied U.S. intelligence agencies' conclusion that Moscow tried to tilt the election campaign in Trump's favor, using such means as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats.

Trump has denied any collusion, and he continued to cast doubt on the investigations in a series of tweets on Thursday morning.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey and Julia Edwards Ainsley; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by David Gregorio)
Harley-Davidson is in the hunt to purchase Ducati, according to reports.

Sources tell Reuters that the Milwaukee-based company is one of the bidders for the Italian sportbike brand, which has been put on sale by current owner Audi.

Audi paid approximately $1 billion for Ducati in 2012, and the brand has set record sales every year since then.

THE MOST POPULAR CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES AMONG MILLENNIALS

Harley-Davidson and Ducati cater to two largely different customer bases, but have begun to cross paths as Ducati has entered the cruiser and retro segments with the XDiavel and Scrambler and Harley has introduced more affordable standard bikes under its Street lineup.

Neither company has commented on the report.

Harley-Davidson has expanded its manufacturing beyond the U.S. in recent years with the addition of assembly plants in Brazil and India, but a Ducati takeover would be its first foray into Italian manufacturing.

Harley-Davidson previously competed in the sportbike segment when it took over the Buell brand in 2003, but discontinued the lineup in 2009 to focus on its core models.

DUCATI SCRAMBLER TEST RIDE:
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The confession of a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series "Making a Murderer" was improperly obtained and he should be re-tried or released from prison, a three-judge federal appeals panel ruled Thursday.



Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in photographer Teresa Halbach's death on Halloween two years earlier. Dassey told detectives he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill Halbach in the Avery family's Manitowoc County salvage yard. Avery was sentenced to life in a separate trial.



A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey, who was 16 years old at the time and suffered from cognitive problems, into confessing and overturned his conviction. The state Justice Department appealed the ruling to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a move that kept Dassey, now 27, behind bars pending the outcome.



A three-judge panel from the Chicago-based 7th Circuit upheld the magistrate's decision to overturn his conviction. Wisconsin can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, ask for a review by the full 7th Circuit or re-try Dassey within 90 days.



Johnny Koremenos, a spokesman for Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel, said the office expects to seek review by the full 7th Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court, and hopes "that today's erroneous decision will be reversed."



"We continue to send our condolences to the Halbach family as they have to suffer through another attempt by Mr. Dassey to re-litigate his guilty verdict and sentence," Koremenos said.



Laura H. Nirider, an attorney who aided Dassey's defense, called it "a victory for Brendan."



The appellate panel split, with Judges Ilana Rovner and Ann Williams affirming and David Hamilton in dissent. The majority opinion by Rovner said "no reasonable court" could have any confidence that Dassey's confession was voluntary. It cited "the leading, the fact-feeding, the false promises, the manipulation of Dassey's desire to please" as among many factors that cast it in doubt.



Hamilton, in dissent, wrote: "The majority's decision breaks new ground and poses troubling questions for police and prosecutors. It calls into question standard interrogation techniques that courts have routinely found permissible, even in cases involving juveniles."



Avery and Dassey contend they were framed by police angry with Avery for suing Manitowoc County over his wrongful conviction for sexual assault. Avery spent 18 years in prison in that case before DNA tests showed he didn't commit the crime. He's pursuing his own appeal in state court.



Their cases gained national attention in 2015 after Netflix aired "Making a Murderer," a multi-part documentary looking at Halbach's death, the ensuing investigation and trials. The series sparked widespread conjecture about the pair's innocence and has garnered them a massive following on social media pushing for their release.



Authorities who worked on the cases insisted the documentary is biased. Ken Kratz, the prosecutor, wrote in his book "Avery" that Dassey was "a shuffling, mumbling young man with bad skin and broken-bowl haircut" who could have saved Halbach's life but instead involved himself in her rape and murder and Avery is "by any measure of the evidence, stone guilty."
One Texas mom is taking the term "role model" to another level.

Claudia Sierra underwent eight procedures Tuesday to change her mug to resemble First Lady Melania Trump.

Sierra's plastic surgeon, Dr. Franklin Rose, said she is one of many patients who have requested the "Melania makeover."

"I want to feel like the First Lady that I know I am inside," Sierra said in a press release on Rose's website. "Melania for me illustrates power and strength; she is our First Lady and I am looking forward to more closely resembling her and becoming a better version of ME and for it to show on the outside."

More: Dolce & Gabbana comes to Melania Trumps defense with new campaign that mocks her haters

Sierra's procedures included a breast reduction, rhinoplasty, liposuction, a Brazilian buttock lift and an eyelid lift.

"I have had many women visit my office wanting the 'Ivanka Look' and so it's not really surprising to see women now requesting to look more like Melania, who is simply gorgeous," Rose said in a press release.

Sierra's plastic surgery journey will air on an upcoming episode of "Inside Edition."
When Kathy Griffin faced major backlash for her controversial photo shoot with a bloodied mask of President Trump, Ricky Gervais thought the highly publicized incident was ridiculous.

Yes, what she did was bad art, but it was still just art, the 55-year-old told Vulture. There were people treating it like it was a real head. Im screaming, It wasnt a f-----g presidents head! It was a visual statement. Her crime was that it was a bit crass and thoughtless, but who cares? Thats up to her. These are the same people that are screaming about freedom of speech, but then they shift the goalpost. They actually think this was a terror act.

In response, the British comedian tweeted a photo of Trumps two sons holding a dead leopard while on a hunting trip in Africa.

KATHY GRIFFIN BREAKS DOWN

Im screaming, No one killed a president! They actually killed those animals, he said. Then they say, But they paid a poor country that needs the money to shoot that leopard. No, theyre exploiting that poor country. Rich Westerners decimating wildlife so they can go play.

"Thats like someone going into a cancer ward and saying, Ill give a million pounds to everyone if I can just shoot one of these people. Just give the money away! Why do you have to enjoy shooting something to save a poor country? What did those people do in Africa before rich American dentists? Just shut up and admit out loud, I like shooting things.

On June 2, Griffin held a news conference with her lawyer where she broke down in tears and apologized for the image. However, she told reporters her career was over after she said the Trump family systematically mobilized their armies against her.

Gervais also commented on Bill Maher saying the N-word on his show and then publicly apologizing for it. Unlike with Griffin, he thought Maher was in the wrong.

BILL MAHER APOLOGIZES

I really dont know why he said it, admitted Gervais. I know hes not a racist. Hes been fighting bigotry for years. I think it was very misjudged in the split-second and not at all justified. He let himself down. I watched it a few times because when I first read about it, I thought, I wonder what the context was? There simply wasnt any reason to use that word. If you do, it better be justified and funny on its own isnt a justification. The consequences are just too huge compared to that tiny little slip. It wasnt worth it.
If youre like most Americans, you probably only drink tequila at bars, shot down as quickly as possible after a lick of salt and chased with a squeeze of lime. The tequila itself is something of an afterthought; a nearly-unpalatable means to a drunken end.

Well, weve got some news for you: Youre drinking the wrong tequila, and youre drinking it the wrong way. If you want to graduate to drinking tequila like an adult, do as the Mexicans do.

First of all, when youre knocking back shots of Cuervo Especial, youre not drinking real tequila; youre drinking mixto, which is only 51 percent actual tequila (the rest is cane sugar alcohol and flavoring).

See the top-shelf stuff up there, the Herradura, Patron, and 1800? Thats the good stuff. Its made with 100 percent blue agave, and it tastes the way tequilas supposed to taste.

We know that youre thinking: Why would I want to pay $12 for a shot of tequila? The answer? You shouldnt be doing shots of it! Because in Mexico, not only do they only drink 100 percent agave tequila (or increasingly, mezcal), they also dont only do shots of it.

One-hundred percent agave tequila is made for sipping and savoring from a snifter, like a good scotch. No lime or salt is necessary to mask the flavor. (The more aged a tequila is, the more mellow the flavor, so opt for darker-colored anejo or reposado.) After every sip or two, you can dip a wedge of lime into a little salt and suck on it if you want to. But if youre drinking mezcal, skip the lime and opt for an orange slice instead.

If you find yourself at a great tequila bar that really means business, you can see if they have any sangrita, which is the only real chaser that Mexicans drink with tequila. Its a sweet and spicy mixture of citrus juices, hot sauce, and sometimes tomato juice and/or Worcestershire. Its served in a small glass alongside the tequila, and when sipped in between sips of tequila, it cleanses the palate and highlights the tequilas peppery and citrusy taste.

And if youre looking to drink tequila in a cocktail, do as the Mexicans do and mix it with grapefruit soda (like Fresca) to make a refreshing Paloma.

So go forth with this knowledge and be prepared to impress your friends with your worldliness. One thing to keep in mind, though: You probably wont find sangrita at your local Irish pub.
A New York mother who was battling cancer in a Vermont hospital was able to see her youngest daughter graduate high school just two days before she died of breast cancer. Patricia Parrotte, 55, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and an auto-immune disease in November, WISTV reported.

In April, doctors told the family that the cancer metastasized to her spine and that it was terminal.

NEW HAMPSHIRE STUDENT CREDITED WITH SAVING CLASSMATE'S LIFE WHILE ON FIELD TRIP

With her daughter Samanthas graduation date fast-approaching and Parrotte stuck states away in the hospital, the family grew worried that she wouldnt be able to make the ceremony. But thanks to Champlain Valley Technical Center and the administrators at Saranac schools, a special ceremony was brought to Parrottes bedside so that the family could celebrate together.

I went in there and like all of a sudden my mom was back, you know not having the cancer affecting her, Samantha told WISTV of the ceremony.

Parrottes husband Todd said he is thankful the two got to witness their daughters accomplishments together before she died.

We got to see it together, and that was special, Todd told WISTV.

9-YEAR-OLD'S 911 CALL SAVES PREGNANT MOM'S LIFE

Samantha graduated again with her classmates on Tuesday, and said she knew her mother was with her when she was given an award for student excellence.

I know that she is still with me and she would want me to go to my ceremonies with my class, Samantha told WISTV.
Last year, a combination of media coverage and scary outbreaks made Zika the most talked about disease of the year. Then, the winter season brought holiday cheer and diminished mosquito populations, and the public simply forgot about the health threat. However, people need to stay cautious about Zika this summer, especially if travelling to regions known for the virus.

In 2016, the United States saw over 5,000 cases of Zika and thousands more in American territories. People mainly contracted the virus by travelling abroad, but they unfortunately brought it back with them. In both Florida and Texas, several areas revealed cases of locally acquired infection, meaning that the Zika virus had made its way into the mosquito population.

DRAMATIC SPIKE IN OPIOID-RELATED ER VISITS

This year, health officials have not yet seen a major outbreak. That fact does not mean that Zika has left the country, though. Actually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 125 cases have been found in the states and just over 500 in the territories to date.

While these cases havent exactly hit outbreak numbers, they do show the viruss presence. If mosquitoes contract it from any of these cases, Zika has the potential to spread.

THE BRA DEBATE

Pregnancy Risk

When a person gets the Zika virus, he often has little idea that he has the disease at all. It doesnt always come with concerning symptoms and sometimes presents none.

When the virus does show up, a person may get a fever, rash, red eyes, headache, neck or other body pain. Since these symptoms are so generic, a person can easily mistake them for the flu. Other than these symptoms, the Zika virus does little harm to a healthy adult.

However, pregnant women do face a higher risk that the virus could affect their babies at birth. Particularly, it causes increased cases of microcephaly. So far, researchers have reported birth defects in 5 percent of infected pregnancies.

For Zika-related microcephaly, its rate of incidence has increased 2030 times the norm for this defect. Perhaps the US should count its blessings, though, because other countries battling Zika have actually seen a much higher rate for birth defects.

In addition, researchers are still learning what other developmental problems might occur years after a Zika-infected birth. To guard against this disease, pregnant women should travel with caution, avoiding areas with recent casesboth in the US and in other countries.

SHOULD TEENS GET NOSE JOBS?

Testing Troubles

While the public may have somewhat forgotten about the Zika virus, health professionals and researchers have not. Unfortunately, the White House proposed funding cuts by the billions to the CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. These cuts could mean a halt in expanding Zika research and limitations in testing.

Even without the funding cuts, the Zika virus poses several problems for health experts. As mentioned before, its lack of awareness and minor symptoms has likely resulted in many cases passing by unaware. To accurately monitor Zika, the US would need mass testing, a nearly impossible solution.

Then, in the event that an outbreak does occur, many health organizations may not have the staffing and equipment necessary. Hundreds or thousands of tests would need to go through labs, and state facilities would likely not be able to handle such a load. In turn, people would not get the quick diagnosis that the virus warrants to keep it from spreading.

TICK-BORNE DISEASES ON THE RISE

On a positive note, researchers have developed several vaccines that are in the testing stages. One has even moved on to the testing Phase 2. Despite the myriad of obstacles to active monitoring and testing, experts are making progress and working to protect the United States from an epidemic. In the meantime, people should use bug repellant when going outdoors and stay cautious during summer travel.

While the Zika virus may have disappeared from the public eye, it still holds risk in the US. People may not be identifying it when infected, putting others in danger of getting the virus. Of those at risk, pregnant women and their babies should have the greatest concern. This summer, avoid travelling to places affected by Zika and use caution when going outside.

This article first appeared on AskDrManny.com.
If you want to understand how liberals view the relationship between individuals and the government, compare their reactions to the Solyndra scandal to their statements on Social Security reform.

Earlier this month, Solyndra, the solar panel maker that received $535 million in federal loan guarantees and was touted as the symbol of President Obama's "green jobs" initiative, declared bankruptcy and had its offices raided by the FBI.

The failure of a company Obama described as "a true engine of economic growth" has raised obvious questions about the advisability of squandering taxpayer money on such endeavors. But Obama's surrogates have countered by arguing that failure is merely a natural byproduct of progress.

"The reason why fledgling, cutting-edge industries need this kind of assistance is because they can be high risk as well as high reward," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. He also observed that "what happened here is an investment did not pan out."

On Sept. 14, administration officials appearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is investigating the Solyndra loan guarantees, made a similar case.

"Support for innovative technologies comes with inherent risks," testified Jonathan Silver, executive director of the Department of Energy's loan guarantee program.

Jeffrey Zients, deputy director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, also drove this point home. "I think it is the nature of backing innovative technologies that there are technology risks in some situations, market risk," he said.

Yet back in 2005, when Obama was in the U.S. Senate fighting President Bush's efforts to reform Social Security in the Senate, he offered a much different perspective on risk.

"Part of what the president calls an ownership society is really a society in which we do not have social insurance and each of us are on our own, managing risks and returns in the free marketplace," Obama explained at an appearance at the National Press Club. "There's a proud lineage to such thinking. I just happen to think it's wrong."

During the 2008 campaign, Obama said that Bush-style Social Security reform "would gamble the retirement plans of millions of Americans on the stock market."

In reality, the Bush proposal didn't involve government gambling taxpayer money. It gave younger workers the option of investing a portion of their payroll taxes in personal accounts, choosing among investment funds rather than random stocks.

But looking beyond Obama's distortions, his comments have fresh meaning in the wake of the Solyndra scandal and provide insight into what he and his fellow liberals consider appropriate risk.

Obama thinks it's OK for government to risk taxpayer money on business ventures that he deems worthy of investment. But he's outraged at the suggestion that younger Americans be allowed to have more control over the allocation of their own tax dollars.

This derives from the liberal belief that a central authority run by experts will spend money intelligently (in the case of Solyndra, by jump-starting alternative energy), whereas individuals will act irresponsibly if left to their own devices (in the case of Social Security reform, by blowing their retirement on personal accounts).

Experience teaches us differently. Like many failed government ventures before it, Solyndra was a case in which ideologically driven geniuses doled out money to a well-connected company despite repeated red flags that its business model was fatally flawed. And Social Security is insolvent even though government experts have increased the payroll tax rate that finances the program 20 times since its inception.

Beyond acknowledging this reality, a free society should recognize the moral distinction between individuals putting their own money at risk and government bureaucrats playing venture capitalists with taxpayer dollars.

Philip Klein is senior editorial writer for The Washington Examiner. He can be reached at pklein@washingtonexaminer.com. Follow him on Twitter @philipaklein.

This op-ed originally appeared in The Washington Examiner.
Heres something from David Brocks new book that you may not have known: America is a politically divided nation today because the Fox News Channel denied President Obama the traditional presidential honeymoon in 2009.

That appears on page 103 of The Fox Effect: How Roger Ailes turned a network into a propaganda machine, which Brock co-authored with his vice president at Media Matters for America, Ari Rabin-Havt.

Now that you know that Fox is the cause of all of Obamas problems -- and the nations -- it might be worth flipping also to Chapter Nine, for a riveting account of how Fox held Massachusetts voters at gunpoint and forced them to elect a Republican senator.

And by the way, did you know that Fox News frequently interviews Republican candidates for president? No, really, its right there on page 277.

Fox also makes donation[s] of airtime to Republican candidates, otherwise known as presidential debates. This publication co-sponsored one such debate with Fox -- we all wore hair shirts for a month afterward and promised never to do it again.

The Fox Effect is every bit as insightful and scintillating a read as the Media Matters website. And if you flip to the endnotes, you will realize that it actually is the Media Matters website.

Click to read the complete column in The Washington Examiner
Last week, politicians who helped craft the Affordable Care Act celebrated in self-congratulatory style the third anniversary of that monstrosity, which will soon extinguish health care as we've known it.

The president's promises about the ACA saving money and allowing you to keep your existing health plan are proving false, as many predicted.

The Department of Health and Human Services maintains the law will make health care more affordable and accessible. The Wall Street Journal, reminding readers of that claim, reported last week that health insurers are privately warning brokers: "Premiums for many individuals and small businesses could increase sharply next year."

[pullquote]

The 2013 Deloitte Survey of U.S. Physicians, a survey of more than 600 physicians from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, found that "six in 10 physicians (62 percent) said it is likely many of their colleagues will retire earlier than planned in the next one to three years."

Based on the survey results, Deloitte found that most U.S. physicians believe that, among other worries, under ObamaCare, "The future of the medical profession may be in jeopardy as it loses clinical autonomy and compensation" and "Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements may be problematic, prompting many physicians to limit or close their practices to these enrollees." Instead of the established doctor-patient relationship of old, "eight in 10 physicians agree "that the wave of the future in medicine ... involves interdisciplinary teams and care coordinators."

One who thinks he's seen the future and doesn't like it, is my physician, Dr. John Curry, of Fairfax, Va. At my request, he sent me the following email:

"Forty years ago, when I began practicing primary care medicine, medical decision-making and its funding were in the hands of patients and their physicians. The only protection patients had lay in the professional ethics of their doctors. In modern terms that sounds pretty skimpy, but think about it for a minute. The first precept was 'Do no harm'. Ask yourself: can you hold your government to that standard?

The underlying principle was that the physician had to put his patients' interests ahead of his own. This was, of course, the Golden Rule, formalized into standards for professional care. It was also the reason I, and many in my class, applied to medical school. It was the reason my wife's older brother, who practiced medicine in a small town in West Texas, prided himself on the fact that much of the time he 'was paid in peas and pies'. Again, ask yourself, is there any health insurance company or government agency that you can count upon to put your health above their interests?

The decades have rolled by, and the sea-changes have come. Costs have risen, and personalized care has faded. The monstrosity has been birthed, and soon you will look in vain if you are seeking a personal physician who knows you, cares about you, and to whom you have ready access. You will find only systems, ready to suck you up, give you a number, and provide you with federally approved accountable care in a sterile environment populated by highly regulated strangers. And it will cost you a lot! (Whatever anyone says, prepare for a future where your health costs will be higher and your choices fewer!)

I am in my mid-70s and have both the capacity and willingness to care for patients for another decade. But I am retiring. I cannot stand it anymore. More than half of my time in the office is spent filling out forms, writing letters, responding to inquiries, and attending to 'urgent' matters that did not exist 10 years ago. And every year my income is less. At this point I would rather be paid nothing and have the freedom to decide what is right for my patients. ACA is only another straw, but for this tired camel, it will break my back."

Neither I, nor the country, can afford to lose doctors like John Curry, but we are losing them, and we will lose them. Take two aspirin, but don't call in the morning, because Dr. Curry and many like him won't be there to answer the phone.
Puerto Rico, my hearts devotion. Let it sink back in the ocean.  West Side Story

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is drowning. The island, so popular with tourists, is $123 billion in debt. Thats more debt than the $18 billion bankruptcy filed by the city of Detroit in 2013. In May, San Juan declared a form of bankruptcy after creditors filed lawsuits demanding their money. A federal district judge appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts will handle the case.

How did this happen? Luis Fortuno, former governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, who served as president of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico (PNP), which advocates for the island to become a U.S. state, believes he knows.

Fortuno was elected in 2009. In a telephone interview from his Washington law office, he tells me that during his one term he cut government expenses by $2 billion and the islands bond rating went up. We refinanced the debt on better terms and by the time he left office in 2013, we had brought down the budget every year and lowered corporate taxes. People believed they could take risks again.

In the 2012 election, Fortuno lost to Democrat Alejandro Garcia Padilla by a narrow (0.6 percent) margin. Fortuno blames the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for contributing to his opponents campaign. They invested heavily against me, he says. Padilla renewed the spending policies of the past and, though he left office earlier this year, the damage was done.

According to the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal, most of Fortunos cuts in public expenditures were never implemented. The islands Office of Management and Budget reported that one year following legislation that called for spending reductions, 31 government agencies had, instead, increased spending.

As the Journal noted, under Fortuno Puerto Rico implemented tax reform and permit reform, legislated a world-leading public-private partnership (P3) act, reduced government expenses and paid its suppliers

In light of such success, why would voters return control of the island to a party that was responsible for its fiscal downturn? Sometimes ideology beats success and common sense. Fortuno says it didnt help that 61 percent of eligible voters failed to vote.

A referendum on the status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on June 11. Three options were open to voters: remain with the commonwealth, independence or statehood. Statehood won.

Would a Republican Congress and a Republican president ever back statehood for a territory that seems overwhelmingly Democratic and possibly add two senators and one voting House member to that partys total in Washington?

Fortuno doesnt believe it is a given that Democrats would win those seats. He draws a distinction between the mostly liberal Puerto Ricans who have left the island for places like New York City and those who remain. He says current residents are social and economic conservatives, suggesting Republicans could pick up seats.

Perhaps, but the U.S. taxpayer would also have to pick up Puerto Ricos huge debt and with our debt at $20 trillion, it is doubtful Congress, at least under a Republican majority, would be willing to add more red ink.

Perhaps those economic and social conservatives Fortuno says remain on the island might come to their senses and elect someone who represents his views, which were beginning to bear fruit, before a bare majority panicked and returned to the failed policies of the past.
Former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson testified this week to the House Intelligence Committee at a hearing looking into Russias efforts to hack our election process. To say that Johnsons testimony was enlightening is an understatement. Key takeaways from his testimony are as follows:

He did not find out about the hack of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016 until months after the FBI and DNC were already in contact concerning the cyberattack.

The DNC did not want the help of the DHS.

Theres no concrete evidence that Russias cyberattacks actually altered any votes.

Johnson came across as an honest public servant, who told the truth and tried to do his job as best he could. Hes right when he says that our election system should constitute critical infrastructure and that particular attention in the future should be focused on securing voter registration databases against cyberattack. And hes also correct when he says cyberattacks are going to get worse before they get better.

Winning the cyberwar and protecting our critical national infrastructure, economic institutions and national security apparatus from cyberattack is not a partisan issue.

All of this brings up the one big question that the American people and our government should be asking in the Congressional Intelligence Committees probes of Russian shenanigans involving the U.S. election process. Simply put, why was the United States so vulnerable to cyberattack?

We should also ask ourselves what was done, or not done, to prevent cyberattacks during the last eight years. Quite frankly, it was a failure of American leadership and theres plenty of blame to go around. Cyberattacks are inflicting great harm on America from both a national security and economic standpoint. Its the most complex national security threat America has ever faced. Our leaders should know the seriousness of this very real threat. However, something is blatantly wrong when the FBI and DHS dont communicate for many months after a cyberattack, or hack, of a major U.S. political party.

One of the chief reasons the United States has been so vulnerable to cyberattack is because we dont have a sufficient number of cyber experts in America to thwart the worst kind of cyberattacks. James Gosler, one of our nations top security experts, believes that the U.S. only has 1,000 people with the necessary skills to defend the country against the most complex cyberattacks out of the 20-30,000 people required. This is why Ive long advocated for providing national security scholarships to top computer science and data security majors at U.S. colleges and universities.

Last month, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical infrastructure. The Executive Order is right on point and addresses real cyber concerns. Most significantly, it also focuses heavily on cyber workforce development. This has been long overdue and the presidents Executive Order is a big step in ensuring that America has an adequate workforce to combat our worst cyberattacks. The Executive Order is a good first step by the Trump Administration in doing the things that must be done to defend America against cyberattack. However, much, much more must be done.

The American people elected Donald Trump as their 45th president. The results of four recent special elections for Congress underscore that the American people are tired of fake news. They want this president to move forward with his agenda and for Congress to work with him on the nations business. President Trump inherited a nation thats vulnerable to cyberattack and has taken the right first steps to address the issue. Its time now for both the President and Congress to work together and combat the very real cyber threats and challenges that face our nation.

Winning the cyberwar and protecting our critical national infrastructure, economic institutions and national security apparatus from cyberattack is not a partisan issue. Its the most complex national security challenge of our time and requires real bipartisan American leadership from both the President and Congress.
I was surprised last weekend when one of President Donald Trumps lawyers told my colleague Chris Wallace twice on Fox News Sunday that the president is being investigated by the FBI and then told him twice that he is not. This same lawyer repeated the not being investigated argument on a half-dozen other Sunday shows but did not repeat the is being investigated remark.

This produced substantial consternation in the news media and at the White House, since the president himself had tweeted over the weekend that he is being investigated for firing FBI Director James Comey by the same person -- Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein -- who recommended Comeys firing and that the investigation is a witch hunt.

So, who is correct, the president or his lawyer? Is the president under criminal investigation by the FBI? If he is being investigated as he claims, is the investigation a witch hunt? Here is the back story.

When Donald Trump began running for the Republican nomination for president in June 2015 and made novel arguments indicating that his view was that Europe should essentially pay for its own military defense, this triggered concern in European capitals, and it resulted in the commencement of now well-documented British surveillance of Trump and his principal adviser on national security matters, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. The foreign surveillance was eventually passed on to American spies, who acceded to demands from the West Wing of the Obama White House and handed over transcripts of conversations and names of participants.

This went on throughout the presidential campaign and into the transition period after Trump had been elected. President Barack Obamas national security adviser, Susan Rice, recently confirmed that she ordered transcripts of surveilled conversations and names of participants -- this is called unmasking in intelligence community lingo -- and James Clapper, the Obama administration's director of national intelligence, recently acknowledged under oath the existence of the foreign and domestic surveillance of Trump in 2015 and 2016, as well as the unmasking.

One of the unmasked conversations handed over to Rice was between Flynn and the Russian ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak. Portions of that conversation were leaked to The Washington Post, and that generated interest in the relationship, if any, of the Trump campaign and transition team to the Russian government. This provoked a preliminary FBI investigation into Flynn. Flynn apparently was interviewed by the FBI while ignorant of the FBIs possession of transcripts of his conversations with Kislyak. If Flynn lied in that interview as has been reported and speculated in the press, he committed a felony. When Trump learned Flynn had lied to others, he fired Flynn.

Flynns firing ratcheted up the investigation of him, as well as the investigation of whether anyone from the Trump campaign had assisted Russian intelligence agents in hacking into computers in America in order to affect the outcome of the election. When Trump asked then-FBI Director Comey whether he, Donald J. Trump, was being investigated by the FBI, Comey thrice said no. That was, no doubt, true at the time. The Trump campaign and the Trump transition team were being investigated, but not Trump personally.

Then the president, according to Comey, asked Comey to drop the investigation into whether Flynn had lied to FBI agents and others. Then, according to Comey, the president suggested to him that he could keep his job as FBI director if he dropped the Flynn investigation. Then the president fired Comey.

After Comey released a portion of a memo containing his recollections of his conversations with Trump, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as independent prosecutor to investigate and charge, if appropriate, anyone criminally implicated in the Flynn investigation, the investigation of Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election, the investigation of whether any assistance was provided to the Russians by any Americans, and all related matters.

Because Comey presented a credible case for the possibility that the president interfered with a federal criminal investigation, Mueller no doubt is investigating that as one of the related matters. In that respect, President Trump is under investigation by the FBI, which seeks to determine whether he attempted to influence a federal criminal investigation for a corrupt purpose.

Yet as a sitting president, Trump cannot be indicted for any criminal behavior committed while in office. Hence he cannot be a target of an FBI investigation. I use the word target in quotation marks because it has a technical meaning -- namely, that the Department of Justice plans to seek an indictment. So though it is true that the president is being investigated by the FBI, it is also true that he is not a target of that investigation.

Of what value is a criminal investigation of a person if that person cannot be charged criminally? Cant the president fire an FBI director without fear of a criminal investigation of his purposes? Cant he order the cessation of a criminal investigation without fearing that the FBI will investigate the reasons for his order?

Sometimes criminal investigations exonerate a person, and the FBI, without fanfare, will just drop it. In the case of the president, any evidence of guilt will go to the House Judiciary Committee, not a grand jury, as the constitutional remedy for presidential criminal behavior is impeachment, not indictment. Of course, the president can fire a director of the FBI for any non-corrupt reason, but if he does so after a rejected quid pro quo as Comey has publicly claimed that Trump did, that can trigger the woes Trump now endures.

We live in perilous times -- times that demand fidelity to first principles. The core of those principles is the rule of law: No one is beneath laws' protections, and no one is above their requirements. No one.
That special election Georgias 6th district was supposed to be a monumental moment for Democrats in their effort to resist President Trump, but it turned out to be an embarrassing failure.

Republican Karen Handel beat 30-year-old Democrat Jon Ossoff, the new rock star of the left, who couldn't even vote in the race because he doesnt live in the district. What's even more embarrassing for Democrats is that they spent over $30 million trying to help Ossoff win. It became the most expensive congressional House race in history, and they still came up way short.

The liberals would have been better off if they had dug a hole, threw that money into it and set it on fire.

Democrats right now have nothing to offer the American people. They're out of touch, their ideas are old and their leadership is tired. Everything they have tried has failed because, of course, they always believe more government is the solution for all of our problems.

President Reagan famously said government IS the problem. That is a lesson Democrats insist on proving to the rest of us, over and over again. Take ObamaCare, the train wreck that is imploding right before our eyes. Remember, If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor? The plan that was going to save the average family $2,500 per year but actually raised costs by up to $8,000?

They wouldnt get away with it if they didnt have the alt-left, propaganda media pushing their message, whether on a failed election or trying to cover for President Obamas failures. President Trump made that clear Wednesday night at a speech in Iowa.

We will never be intimidated by the dishonest media corporations who will say anything and do anything to get people to watch their screens or to get people to buy their failing papers, the president said.

Heres an example of the lengths the alt-left media will go to in order to explain away the Democrats failures. NBCs Rachel Maddow, in her desperate search for answers as to how Jon Ossoff could possibly have lost a referendum on Trump, blamed weather, or climate change. Or something.

If there was a turnout effect from the bad weather today in the district, does that have any partisan implications that you could foresee in terms of what was expected for same-day election day voting? she asked a guest.

Right, the weather hates Democrats!

It isnt the kookiest theory offered up by Maddow. Every night, she makes a tinfoil-hat claim about President Trump working with the Russians to steal the election from Hillary Clinton. She was sure he didnt pay taxes, until she got hold of a tax return that said he paid $40 million in one year. And when he fired FBI Director James Comey, who every Democrat in the country wanted fired when he was investigating Hillary Clinton, well, that was a dastardly scheme, of course.

The FBI director being fired by the president to try to change or stop an FBI investigation into the president's campaign and his top staffers -- that is a big freaking deal, she hyperventilated on June 8.

And remember back in 2011, Maddow tried to explain away then Congressman Anthony Weiner's very graphic, very lewd tweet?

If the congressman was hacked, as he said he was, if he was pranked, how would that work? How could a person do that? she wondered. What would that look like?

Her guest, a writer from the alt-left Daily Kos, examined an image from the congressman's Twitter account more closely, and concluded that the image had been Photoshopped!

The only thing the Democrats and members of the destroy-Trump, alt-left media have left are these tinfoil hat conspiracy theories. As President Trump might say in a tweet, Sad.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," June 21, 2017
On Tuesday House Speaker Paul Ryan, speaking at the National Association of Manufacturers, reiterated his call for the need for tax reform. Tax reform is urgent because the gap in corporate tax rates between the United States and our competitors is wide and increasing.

Ryan told the audience that as the world changed, our tax code has remained stuck in neutral. It has ballooned to 70,000 pages of rules and regulations that few people today actually understand. There is an old line about this: our tax code is about five times as long as the Bible, but with none of the Good News.

Ryan is right. The average tax rate of businesses in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries is 25%, compared to 35% for the United States. Canadas corporate tax rate is 15%. This means that our companies have an incentive to invert their ownershipto be owned by foreign companies.

For example, Burger King, the fast food chain, merged with Canadas Tim Hortons, a doughnut chain, in order to access Canadas lower taxes.

In America corporate profits are taxed three times, once at the business level, another time when they are distributed to individuals, and a third time at death. The high corporate tax discourages investment. The gap between American and foreign rates is widening, as foreign countries are lowering their rates even as the U.S. rate stays the same. In order to raise U.S. levels of investment, the corporate tax rate should be reduced to the range of 15 percent to 20 percent, as President Trump and Speaker Ryan propose.

The high corporate tax rate results in double taxation of income for equity financingraising capital by selling shares. When corporations take on debt in order to increase investment, the interest on the loan is tax-deductible. This is not true for equity financing. The returns to equity financing are taxed three times. They are taxed once at the corporate level through the corporate tax, once at the individual level, through individual taxes on dividends and capital gains, and once at death, through estate and inheritance taxes.

After all these taxes are taken into account, the tax rate on equity can reach well over 50 percent, depending on the extent of the estate tax. This encourages firms to take on debt for financing, which is distortionary.

Not only is the U.S. corporate tax an outlier, but U.S. corporations are taxed on their worldwide incomea path taken by only 7 of the 34 OECD countries (including the United States). This places America at a competitive disadvantage.

A global (or worldwide) tax system is uncompetitive with high tax rates because it imposes a high income tax rate on all profits, regardless of where they are earned. If an American company operates in the United States and Canada, its domestic affiliate pays U.S. taxes of 35 percent and its foreign affiliate pays U.S. taxes at 35 percent and Swiss taxes at 15 percent. America allows companies to deduct the taxes paid to foreign governments from U.S. taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service, but this means that corporations always pay the full U.S. rate and are unable to take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions.

In contrast, a territorial tax system, common to most of our competitors, taxes only the income earned domestically. Our American company operating in Canada and the United States would pay U.S. taxes on its domestic income and Canadian taxes on its Canadian income. In this way companies can take advantage of low-tax jurisdictions. Business decisions can be made more efficiently, since bringing profits back domestically will not result in those profits being taxed again  thus, capital can go where it is most needed.

America raised just under $300 billion from the corporate tax in 2016, according to the Office of Management and Budget, around 9 percent of all revenue, and the tax costs millions to administer. Most important, it effectively discourages investment in the United States.

American companies hold offshore about $2.6 trillion of earnings from foreign operations. No one knows how much would be repatriated with a lower U.S. tax, but it would be higher than it is now, adding to investment and employment. These are funds that, given proper incentive, can return to America and be used for capital projects, dividends/share repurchases, consumption, or job creation  all of which represent a boost to the weak economy.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of a sensible tax system to economic growth. Real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 1.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017. America needs tax reform to achieve three percent growth and increase job growth. As Speaker Ryan said, We need to get this done in 2017.
Former FBI Director James Comey misled the American people during last years presidential campaign when he referred to the Clinton email scandal as a matter, not an investigation. He did it willfully. He did it intentionally. And he did it at the direction of Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

Mr. Comey misled the American people in the early weeks of the Trump administration by furthering the perception that President Trump was under investigation, when in fact he was not. He again did this willfully and intentionally.

Comey recently admitted that, after being fired from the FBI, he had a friend leak an internal FBI document to the New York Times detailing a conversation Comey had with President Trump. Comey testified under oath that he ordered the leak to help create public momentum for the appointment of a special counsel, which we now know is Comeys mentor and predecessor, Robert Mueller.

The American people want justice to be blind. They want equal justice and equal protection for everyone. But Mr. Comeys actions continue to call his impartiality, and the impartiality of the Holder and Lynch Justice departments, into question.

On May 7, 2014, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for a special counsel to investigate the IRS targeting of conservatives for their political beliefs. Comey and Attorney General Eric Holder blocked the appointment. This despite the fact that the lead investigator they assigned to the case, Barbara Bosserman, was a max-out contributor to President Obamas reelection campaign.

This is the type of unequal justice that Americans despise. No special counsel in the IRS targeting investigation. No special counsel for the Clinton email investigation. But if its about protecting Comeys reputation and hurting President Trump, then of course there has to be a special counsel.

Throughout 2015 and 2016 there were calls from Congress for a special counsel in the Clinton email scandal. Again the Justice Department refused, even after it was revealed that Attorney General Loretta Lynch met privately with Bill Clinton less than a week before the FBI interviewed Hillary Clinton. No special counsel was established, even after some unusual Justice Department immunity deals were revealed, including those designed to protect Secretary Clintons chief of staff Cheryl Mills, and Bryan Pagliano, who set up the email server in the first place.

This is the type of unequal justice that Americans despise. No special counsel in the IRS targeting investigation. No special counsel for the Clinton email investigation. But if its about protecting Mr. Comeys reputation and hurting President Trump, then of course there has to be a special counsel.

We appreciate Mr. Muellers service to our country, but his past testimony as FBI director before the House Judiciary Committee did not inspire confidence about his impartiality. Just four weeks after the treasury inspector general released the report on the IRS targeting scandal and the Justice Department began their investigation into the matter, Mr. Mueller could not answer even the most basic questions about the investigation. He was asked: Who is the lead agent? How many agents have been assigned to the case? And, Have any victims been interviewed? His responses were, I dont know, I dont know, and I dont know.

Investigating the targeting of conservatives by the IRS, which was the biggest story in the news at the time, was clearly not a priority for Mr. Mueller. As FBI director, he didnt even know who was doing what.

But as special counsel investigating the Trump administration? Youd better believe Mr. Mueller has handpicked the exact team he wants.

James Quarles, a partner at WilmerHale, was a $10,000 contributor to House and Senate Democrats. He also has a long history of supporting Democratic presidential candidates, including Dukakis, Gore, Kerry, Obama and Clinton.

Jeannie Rhee, a senior adviser to former Attorney General Eric Holder, was an Obama and Clinton supporter. She also represented the Clinton foundation in litigation, and personally represented Hillary Clinton.

Andrew Weissmann, a former Justice Department official, was also an Obama contributor.

Elizabeth Prelogar, a former law clerk for Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan, donated to both the Obama and Clinton presidential campaigns.

In fact, of the dozen people named to Muellers investigation team so far, none have similarly supported Republican presidential candidates.

The House has a responsibility to defend the deeply-held American principle of equal justice under the law. Thats why we believe its time for the House to have hearings on the troubling matter of the motivation and organization of this investigation.

The past actions of Mr. Mueller and Mr. Comey as part of the Holder and Lynch justice departments call into question their impartiality. If this investigation is to be taken seriously, it is important that the American people get the answers they deserve.
Despite spending millions and millions of dollars, the Democrats still lost in Georgias 6th District.

You could see the pain on their faces: they thought they had this one.

But they didnt.

Heres why.

Lets return to the shooting of Stephen Scalise - or rather, the liberal reaction to it.

On MSNBC, and its twin sister, the campus lounge - we saw a ghoulish reiteration of one sad take: the shooting wasnt entirely unjustified. In fact, given Scalises voting record, it all makes sense! Joy Reid rushed to point out the victim's past, Hollywood trolls like George Takei echoed her assumptions, and a Connecticut professor actually thought it a mistake that a black officer helped save white peoples lives.

Johnny Eric Williams from Trinity College posted on Facebook a number of declarations, including that blacks shouldnt help white people when theyre in danger. As Campus Reform reports, he wrote, "The time is now to confront these inhuman a**holes and end this now. He was referring to whites.

How does this relate to the election? Good question. Im getting there.

Such pernicious comments do not impact the election directly, but create a detour from a winning strategy. Imagine youre driving to work, and your car decides, independently, to go in the wrong direction, taking you further and further away from your destination. For Democrats, that car is identity politics, and its taking their party further and further from a place where they might still resonate with the rest of America.

Its steering the party down a destructive path that makes any correction or improvement impossible.

Today, more people are seeing the wrath of identity politics up close. Its getting more coverage, and receiving more mockery. Take for example, the identity cultists at Evergreen College who ran a professor out of town because he objected to their acceptable anti-Caucasian racism. Even liberals were shaken up by this. For a laugh, google President of Evergreen College George Sumner Bridges and click on the videos of him kowtowing to students - some of whom held him captive during the ordeal, even accompanying him to the bathroom.

Identity activists pretend to seek rights for the collective, but each day they become more like hardened fascists who desire a race and/or religion war.

The destructive impulse of young so-called minds is a tedious, immature one, which is why its so disgusting to see academics indulging it. Instead of challenging the unformed and uninformed minds, teachers feed into their hysterical, unbending desires, resulting in a new world where life experience takes a back seat to identity.

The campus is now a place where the wisdom of a man or woman with a decade of military experience, plus another decade in the work world, takes a back seat to the infantile blathering of a 17-year-old with a nose ring. A self-indulgent whiner with no real challenges in life gets more respect than people who make things, defend things, value things.

In normal life, if a college freshman rejected civil discourse, got in your face and told you to shut up, he would be suspended, perhaps expelled. Now they are applauded, and allowed to harass another day. The campuses are under new management: the mob.

Because campus administrators have long ago abdicated their responsibilities in challenging bad ideas, those bad ideas graduate along with the students, spilling into the real world. The graduate, still angry and self-obsessed, can do nothing but spout bumper sticker slogans and blame everyone for everything.

No one will hire that.

So, their only refuge is either to return to school, or to enter political activism as a vocation - and perpetuate their non-productivity. As a result, campuses and political bodies become even more strident and intolerant, infecting all.

Which is why the Democratic Party is in trouble. For the last four decades theyve bought the myth that America is the actual problem, and that the solution is to replace a single identity (American), with hundreds of sparring tribes. Now they must feed those tribes.

So when a party stands for nothing but envy, anger and retribution - how long before people decide its enough? If the Democratic Party were an actual party, their punch bowl has been spiked with rat poison. Until they drain that bowl, the partys candidates will continue to drop like flies.
President Trump celebrated two more Republican victories in congressional special elections Wednesday and talked up the prospect of legislation to repeal and replace ObamaCare at a campaign-style rally in Iowa.

I hope we are going to surprise you with a really good plan, Trump told a crowd of just under 6,000 people in Cedar Rapids. Ive been talking about a plan with heart. I said, Add some money to it!

Trump had called the Houses version of the legislation mean in a meeting with several Republican senators last week. He spoke hours before Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was scheduled to roll out a so-called discussion draft of the upper chambers health bill.

Trump reminded his supporters that Republicans have a very slim majority to pass a healthcare bill in the Senate and basically cant afford to lose anybody. He also slammed congressional Democrats as obstructionists and repeated his line that if we got the single greatest health care plan in the history of the world, we would not get one Democratic vote.

However, the president also suggested that he would be amenable to altering the legislation if Democrats would come on board.

If we could just get a few votes from the Democrats, Trump said, it would be so easy and so beautiful.

Trump's evening in Iowa began with a tribute to former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, whom he had just appointed the United States' ambassador to China.

Trump hailed Branstad, the longest-serving governor in U.S. history and an early Trump backer, as "a legend" and "one great man."

At the rally, Trump coupled his praise of Branstad with muted acclaim for China and its president Xi Jinping.

"Weve had a very good relationship with China," Trump said, "and I do like President Xi. I wish we would have a little more help with respect to North Korea from China, but that doesnt seem to be working out."

The president spoke two days after the death of Otto Warmbier, the American college student who was medically evacuated from North Korea in a coma last week. Warmbier had been arrested 17 months earlier for allegedly attempting to steal a propaganda banner.

Trump also praised Republicans Karen Handel and Ralph Norman, who won special congressional elections Tuesday in Georgia and South Carolina, respectively.

"We're 5-0 in special elections," the president said. "The truth is, people love us ... they haven't figured it out yet."

He also mocked Handel's challenger, Jon Ossoff, saying the Democrats "spent $30 million on this kid who forgot to live in the district," and even offered some free advice for Democratic campaign managers.

"They need to be positive. They cant continue to be obstructionists," Trump said. "Thats all they have going."

Trump also touted his administration's efforts to roll back regulations, mused about putting solar panels on a Mexican border wall, and derided wind power for killing birds in a state that uses a lot of it. He also avoided any discussion of the investigations surrounding his presidential campaign, other than one brief reference to the "witch hunt," which is what he has dubbed the probes into his campaign's ties to Russia.

Trumps Cedar Rapids rally was the fifth held in his first five months in office. He held a Des Moines rally in December as part of his transition-era "thank you" tour of states he had won, but has not been back to Iowa since.

Trump also visited nearby Kirkwood Community College, where he toured agriculture technology innovations intended to draw attention to the school's advancements in high-tech agriculture.

He was joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as part of the administration's effort this week to highlight the importance of technology.

Trump later touted the wealth of Ross and chief economic adviser Gary Cohn, saying: "Those particular positions, I just don't want a poor person. Does that make sense?"



The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Senate Republicans on Thursday unveiled a draft version of their healthcare reform bill that cuts Medicaid, ends penalties for people not buying insurance and reshapes subsidies to low-income users.

The bill, revealed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, could go to a vote as early as next week. Senate Republicans made the proposal public in a bid to stem criticism that they have been slow to respond to a House version of an ObamaCare overhaul.

More Americans are going to get hurt if we do nothing, McConnell said from the Senate floor.

More Americans are going to get hurt if we do nothing.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The 142-page draft of the bill, which also prohibits states from opting out of key protections for patients with preexisting conditions, eliminates much of former President Obamas signature health care legislation.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE SENATE PROPOSAL

The measure would repeal tax increases Obama's law imposed on higher-income people and medical industry companies to pay for expanded coverage. And it would end the tax penalty Obama's statute imposes on people who don't buy insurance -- in effect, ending the so-called individual mandate.

The legislation would face a potential reconciliation battle with House Republicans, who passed their own ObamaCare overhaul in May by a narrow, 217-213 vote.

Some Republican senators immediately rejected the House version, saying they might use parts of it but would largely start fresh.

To the extent that the House solves problems, we might borrow ideas, said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., on May 4. We can go to conference with the House, or they can pass our bill.

Like the House bill, the Senate measure would block federal payments to Planned Parenthood. Many Republicans have long fought that organization because it provides abortions.

The Senate would also provide $50 billion over the next four years that states could use in an effort to shore up insurance markets around the country.

For the next two years, it would also provide money that insurers use to help lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of lower income people. Trump has been threatening to discontinue those payments, and some insurance companies have cited uncertainty over those funds as reasons why they are abandoning some markets and boosting premiums.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the House bill would cause 23 million people to lose coverage by 2026. The budget office's analysis of the Senate measure is expected in the next few days.

Some Republican senators have already expressed skepticism over the legislation, the secrecy in which it was drafted and the speed with which McConnell said hes like to have it passed.

McConnell has a very slim margin of error. The bill would fail if three of the Senates 52 GOP senators vote against it.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., facing a tough re-election fight next year, said he had "serious concerns' about the bill's Medicaid reductions.

"If the bill is good for Nevada, I'll vote for it and if it's not, I won't," said Heller, whose state added 200,000 additional people under Obama's law.

Another Republican lawmaker who could decide the fate of McConnells bill is Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who said she was unhappy with the process ahead of Thursdays announcement.

The latest proposal also faces uniform opposition from Senate Democrats.

The bill Republicans announced today is even worse than expected and by far the most harmful piece of legislation I have seen in my lifetime, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement. This bill has nothing to do with health care. It has everything to do with an enormous transfer of wealth from working people to the richest Americans.

At the White House on Thursday, Trump expressed hope for quick action.

"We'll hopefully get something done, and it will be something with heart and very meaningful," he said

At a separate event, Vice President Mike Pence, who worked closely with Senate lawmakers on the proposal, touted its merits.

I want to assure you, before summers out, President Trump is going to keep his promise to the American people and were going to repeal and replace ObamaCare, Pence said.

Pence and several Republican lawmakers have been accused of drafting the Senate health care bill in secrecy. In 2009-2010 when ObamaCare was up for a vote, Pence, then a representative from Indiana, took Democrats to task for the very same thing.

Its simply wrong for legislation that will affect 100 percent of the American people to be negotiated behind closed doors, Pence tweeted on Jan. 13, 2010.

Fox News Mike Emanuel, Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connecticut, made some candid comments that caught my eye yesterday.

When hes back home, Murphy said, he sometimes chats people up on a commuter bus, and they are never talking about issues like Russia. They are not talking, frankly, whats on cable news at night.

And then, in the Morning Joe interview, he took a whack at his own party: The fact that we have spent so much time talking about Russia has been a distraction from what should be the clear contrast between Democrats and the Trump agenda, which is on economics.

Bingo. Running mainly against Donald Trump didnt work for the Dems in 2016, and its not working now.

The news peg for these recriminations, of course, is the Democrats losing Tuesdays special election for a House seat in Georgia. I never spent much time on that race because I never believed that Jon Ossoff, despite raising $25 million, was going to win in a heavily Republican district that he didnt even live in.

But since the media collectively declared it a referendum on Trumpand would have gone haywire if Ossoff had wonthere is a reckoning about what the Democratic Party stands for.

Ohio Democratic congressman Tim Ryan told the New York Times that his party is toxic in large swaths of the country: Our brand is worse than Trump. We cant just run against Trump.

The president, for his part, tweeted that the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0.

This reminds me of the endless debates after Hillary Clintons loss about why she didnt have much of an economic message.

I wrote yesterday about how the special counsels investigation of President Trump now dominates the media and political culture. But to the extent that the Democrats use much of their energy bashing Trump, they are failing to connect with voters who arent addicted to Beltway scandals.

Times conservative Ross Douthat says the partys problem is that while the country has moved left, the Democrats have moved even more left:

On immigration, for instance, public opinion had actually become modestly more liberal in the years leading up to Trump  but the Democrats are now almost an open-borders party, so even modest skepticism about immigration tends to push voters toward the Republicans. On abortion, where public opinion has been stable, Democrats have ditched their old attempts at moderation, undercutting the gains that secularization and the liberal turn on other culture-war issues should have naturally delivered them. And the partys base has no patience anymore for the kind of careful triangulation that Bill Clinton practiced on issues like crime and welfare policy, or for the then-Democratic voters who were reassured by it.

We in the press always hype special elections. It would not have been a crucial blow to Trump if Ossoff had won in Georgia, and its not a devastating blow to Democrats that, despite raising $25 million, he couldnt win in a heavily Republican district.

But his loss could serve as a wakeup call for liberals who think the Trump presidency is so disastrous that theyre on track to win the House next year. That may prove to be a mirage.
Democrat Jon Ossoff finished behind Republican Karen Handel in Georgias special House election on Tuesday night, but the real loser could turn out to be House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

While Pelosi is in no immediate danger of losing her House perch, shes increasingly becoming the face of a period of Democratic stagnation thats seen a once-mighty majority systematically deteriorate during her tenure.

I think youd have to be an idiot to think we could win the House with Pelosi at the top, Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Tex., bluntly told Politico. Nancy Pelosi is not the only reason that Ossoff lost, but she certainly is one of the reasons.

As Speaker of the House in 2009, Pelosi presided over a 255-seat majority which was wiped out by the next election, when Democrats fell to 193 seats. In three election cycles since then, Pelosis party has netted a single House seat.

Those seeking to be part of the next Democratic majority are already seeking separation from Pelosi.

Democrat Joe Cunningham, running to unseat Republican Mark Sanford in South Carolina, tweeted soon after announcing his candidacy: If elected, I will not vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker. Time to move forward and win again.

And those calls are coming from Washington, D.C., too.

Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., told CNN we need a leadership change. Its time for Nancy Pelosi to go, and the entire leadership team.

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Oh., who ran against Pelosi in the last leadership election, didnt invoke his former rival by name, but did by association, saying the Democratic product has grown spoiled and rotten in recent years.

Here is the truth: the Democratic Party has a toxic brand, one that is worse than Donald Trumps in many parts of the country, Ryan wrote in a Medium post.

Pelosi is in an undeniably tough spot. Her longevity and leadership position makes her tough to unseat; however, it also makes her a target for the more progressive wing of her party that is upset with those in so-called establishment posts. And her unpopularity with Republicans of conservative and moderate stripes has made her an easy anchor to tie Democratic candidates to in competitive races.

I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party  and please let Cryin Chuck stay! President Trump tweeted on Thursday, also referencing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The schadenfreude among GOP leaders wasn't limited to Trump's Twitter feed, either.

I hope they keep Nancy for 10 more years. At least another decade, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Fox & Friends on Thursday. We have all the ads done. They worked perfectly in Georgia. We know how to run against a Nancy Pelosi-run party.

A source close to Pelosi told Fox News the criticism "bothers her," particularly as it's coming from all angles, as opposed to any attacks she faced after the November elections.

But this is different, said one source. Death by a thousand cuts.

One senior House Democratic member told Fox News: Theres going to be discontent, but its more pronounced now. There is some angst about the elections.

Pelosi, first elected in 1987 from her California district, has sought to stop the landslide beneath her feet by emphasizing the positive takeaways from the highly competitive Georgia race, which Democrats poured money and time into in hopes of dealing President Trump a high-profile defeat. In a Dear Colleague letter obtained by The New York Times, Pelosi, who has resisted all calls to step aside, spoke of a unifying message we can all embrace and utilize in our districts. During a recent caucus meeting, Pelosi also said the shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise by a disgruntled Democratic voter may have contributed to the Georgia loss, Politico reported.

But the spin being deployed by Pelosi and others in leadership is growing tougher to digest for some in the House.

It was probably one of the more disturbing caucus meetings that Ive ever been in, Rice told Politico. And everyone pretty much sat in silence, and Id like to think that they were as shocked as I was that they were hearing the spin that was being put on this loss.

Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
The man who walked into Comet Ping Pong, a Washington, D.C., pizza shop, armed with an AR-15 assault weapon and a revolver to investigate internet rumors has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Edgar Maddison Welch was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Washington.

U.S. District Judge Kentanji B. Jackson said that while no one was injured when Welch fired his weapon, his actions "literally left psychological wreckage."

In a court document filed ahead of the hearing, his attorney asked that he be sentenced to 1 1/2 years in prison. Prosecutors have asked for 4 1/2 years.

Welch acknowledged as part of a guilty plea in March that he entered the Comet Ping Pong restaurant Dec. 4 with an AR-15 assault weapon and a revolver.

He said he drove to the restaurant from North Carolina to investigate a conspiracy theory about Democrats harboring child sex slaves there.

Welch fired his gun multiple times when he came upon a locked storage closet.

After finding no children held against their will, Welch surrendered to police. He said that he had read online that the Comet restaurant was harboring child sex slaves and that he wanted to see for himself if they were there, according to the arrest affidavit.

[Welch] stated that he was armed to help rescue them, it said.

Jackson said Welch"forged ahead" with an "ill-conceived plot" even though others urged him to abandon it. If Welch believed children were being harmed, he should have notified law enforcement, the judge said.

Welch spoke briefly to apologize, saying he realized that his words "cannot undo or change what already happened."

His mother, father, sister and fiancIe were in the courtroom.

Two Comet Ping Pong workers and owner James Alefantis spoke before sentencing. Alefantis called "pizzagate" a "viscous web of lies" and said many people had suffered because of Welch's actions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Key Republican senators came out against the Senate Republican health care plan on Thursday, and their opposition is enough to defeat the package before a vote.

Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said they would not vote on the Senate Republican plan in its current form.

"Currently, for a variety of reasons, we are not ready to vote for this bill, but we are open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor," the statement said. "There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health care system but it does not appear this draft, as written, will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal ObamaCare and lower their health care costs."

Paul told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday that if members who support the bill know they don't have the votes needed, discussion would begin earlier.

"I didn't run on ObamaCare lite," Paul said. "I think we can do better than this --my hope is not to defeat the bill, but to make the bill better."

Paul added: "Now the discussions begin -- I think it could take longer than a week."

Cruz acknowledged that he had not yet had "the opportunity" to fully review the bill in its entirity, but said "there are components that give me encouragement and there are also components that are a cause for deep concern."

I have been clear from day one that I want to get to yes, Cruz told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday. Nobody has fought harder against ObamaCare in the Senate than I have, but we have to actually have legislation that fixes the underlying problem.

Cruz said the current draft doesnt do nearly enough, and would be a disaster politically. Cruz said that key components to get everyone to yes are lowering premiums, and giving the states flexibility.

Senate Republicans released a 142-page draft of their version of a "repeal and replace" health care plan on Thursday titled, Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, which eliminates a majority of ObamaCare provisions, already drawing backlash from Senate Democrats, and even some congressional Republicans.

The bill could go to a vote as early as next week, after the Congressional Budget Office reviews and gives a score to the new plan, but McConnell did not announce a specific timeline for consideration. The Congressional Budget Office expects to have a score for the draft early next week.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who rolled out the legislation, needs 50 votes to pass the bill to the House, with Vice President Mike Pence serving as the tie-breaking vote. But without the support of Paul, Cruz, Lee, and Johnson, passage of the bill in its current form will be nearly impossible, unless Republicans can manage to draw two Democratic votes, which is highly unlikely.

The bill repeals key components of ObamaCare, and manages to maintain some "crucial" conservative items congressional Republicans were looking for, like a cut to Planned Parenthood funding.

GOP SENATORS UNVEIL OBAMACARE OVERHAUL

But despite the early GOP-opposition, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said hes glad the process is moving forward.

The Senate discussion draft is available for everyone to review, Grassley said. There will be a full debate before the Senate, with the ability for senators of both parties to offer amendments.

But Democrats, as expected, are slamming the billand most are hanging on comments made by President Trump earlier this week, suggesting the House bill, called the American Health Care Act, was mean.

The President said the Senate bill needs heart, the President says the House bill was mean, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Thursday after the bill was rolled out. The Senate version is meanerthe House bill is a wolf, but this bill is a wolf with sharper teeth -- its a wolf in sheeps clothing.

At the White House, the president remained consistent in his comment from earlier in the week, and said he hoped to get something done with heart.

Wed love to have some Democratic support, but theyre obstructionist, Trump said. Hopefully well get something done and itll be something with heart and very meaningful.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the bill is even worse than expected and called it by far the most harmful piece of legislation I have seen in my lifetime.

Our job now is to rally millions of Americans against this disastrous bill to make sure it does not pass the Senate, Sanders said.

Despite Sanders, and other Democrats criticisms, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said the bill makes no change in current law when it comes to protecting people with pre-existing conditions.

McConnell said on the Senate floor Thursday that Democrats made it clear early on that they did not want to work with us, but Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said he had never been asked.

It is not just a fiction, it is a gross fiction, Wyden said.

Still, many members have yet to read the 142-page legislation in its entirety, with some Republicans hesitant to forecast votes, prior to reading the bill in full.

WHAT'S IN THE SENATE PROPOSAL: KEY PROVISIONS OF BETTER CARE RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2017

I dont know, Sen. Luther Strange, R-Ala., told Fox News. Weve got a lot of work to do.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, already has a number of concerns, according to her spokesperson, and plans to read the bill in full.

She has a number of concerns and will be particularly interested in examining the forthcoming CBO analysis on the impact on insurance coverage, the effect on insurance premiums, and the changes in the Medicaid program, Collins spokeswoman Annie Clark said.

On the other side of the Capitol, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said he had been briefed on the legislation, and is not going to opine the Senates process.

I know how hard this process is from personal experience -- Last thing I want is to be disrespectful of the process ahead of them, Ryan said. We made a promise to repeal and replace -- eager for them to pass it but not going to opine on the details as they go along.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., who authored a key amendment to the Houses plan, seemed satisfied with the Senates draft proposal.

I am glad to see the Senate further improve the AHCA and put us one step closer, MacArthur said.

McConnell said that when legislation comes to the floor, it will present Senate Democrats another opportunity to do whats right for the American people.

Fox News' Chad Pergram, Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.
President Trump on Wednesday made his first public pitch to install solar panels on his border wall with Mexico.

It was the first time that the president mentioned his plan publically. Earlier this month, two congressional Republicans told The Wall Street Journal about the plan after a private meeting with Trump.

Think of it, Trump told the audience Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The higher it goes, the more valuable it is. Pretty good imagination, right?

The president joked, This way, Mexico will have to pay much less money, and thats good. A solar wall. Makes sense.

In March, two experts wrote an opinion article in The Journal about the potential benefits of a solar wall.

Vasilis Fthenakis, director of the Center for Life Cycle Analysis at Columbia University, and Ken Zweibel, the director of the Solar institute at George Washington University, wrote that a massive string of photovoltaic panels could be placed on the Mexican side of the wall. They said a solar wall may be more practical than a traditional wall.

We estimate that building a roughly 2,000-mile-long single-row solar wall would cost less than $1 billion, plus site preparation costs such as fencing and road construction, they wrote. Compare that with Mr. Trumps wall, which could cost tens of billions of dollars.

Trump has been criticized by some of his supports for what they see as a lack of attention to one of his key campaign promises. Construction has not begun and there has been resistance from Congress. The White House insists that the plan is on track.

Days after taking office on Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order calling for a "physical wall along the southern border." But the order didn't include specific details or say how it would be funded or how much it might cost.

Officials from the Homeland Security Department, which is overseeing bids for the wall, have said repeatedly they don't know yet the length of the wall the administration will ultimately want to build or how much it will cost.

Mexican officials have flatly rejected paying for the wall. U.S. lawmakers haven't been enthusiastic about paying for it either.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Trump on Thursday called allegations his campaign colluded with Russia a big Dem HOAX, firing off several tweets to highlight testimony Trump says vindicates him and taking shots at the Obama administration for failing to stop the Kremlins alleged attempts to meddle in the U.S. presidential election.

Trumps morning tweet storm came a day after former Homeland Security Adviser Jeh Johnson testified before the House Intelligence Committee that he hadnt seen any evidence that Trump or his campaign colluded, conspired or coordinated with the Russians  a charge often levied against Trump by detractors, whove yet to produce evidence backing the claim.

Former Homeland Security Advisor Jeh Johnson is latest top intelligence official to state there was no grand scheme between Trump & Russia, Trump wrote, seemingly also referencing the three occasions during which ex-FBI Director James Comey infamously informed Trump he was not personally being investigated.

Trump added: By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didnt they stop them?

And: Why did Democratic National Committee turn down the [Department of Homeland Security] offer to protect against hacks (long prior to election). Its all a big Dem HOAX!

And: Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasnt? Its all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!

Trumps frustration on the Russia issue has mounted  and occasionally boiled over on Twitter  as multiple parallel investigations continue both inside and outside of Congress.

Despite the Beltway fascination, however, Russia-gate doesnt appear to be resonating far beyond Washington, D.C. In a pair of special House elections on Tuesday night, Republicans won both seats, beating back intense Democrat opposition  particularly in Georgia, where Democrats tried to make the race an early referendum on Trump.
President Trump announced Wednesday night that he will soon ask Congress to pass legislation banning immigrants from accessing public assistance within five years of entering the U.S.

The time has come for new immigration rules that say ... those seeking immigration into our country must be able to support themselves financially and should not use welfare for a period of at least five years," Trump told a campaign-style rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Trump's proposal would build on the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which allows federal authorities to deport immigrants who become public dependents within five years of their arrival. Many of that laws provisions were rolled back during the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations, but Trump's proposal would make more categories of federal benefits off-limits to immigrants.

Currently,states typically have the authority to determine eligibility for local public assistance programs.

Foreigners with non-immigrant visas and those who don't have legal status are generally prohibited from those benefits altogether.

Trump's proposal would also prevent the admission of people who are likely to become so-called "public charges" within five years of their arrival. The concept of "public charge" has been part of U.S. immigration law for over a century. It allows the government to bar entry to individuals who are likely to seek public assistance. Trump is expected to propose toughening up the rules regarding public charge and ensuring that they are enforced.

The administration circulated a draft executive order to make Trump's proposed changes earlier this year. However, Trump's remarks Wednesday indicated that he wants Congress to codify his plan into law.

In requesting these changes, the White House will cite a 2015 report from the Center for Immigration Studies that found 51 percent of households headed by an immigrant are using some form of public assistance, compared to 30 percent among non-immigrant families. That report has been disputed by critics who say it does not take into account the nuances of many immigrant families.

Fox News' John Roberts and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Senates proposal to overhaul ObamaCare must be reconciled with the previously released House version before President Trump can sign a bill into law. While the Senates draft can be viewed in its entirety here, below are some of the key components being touted by Republicans in the Senate.

 Help stabilize collapsing insurance markets by creating a short-term stabilization fund to provide $15 billion per year in 2018 and 2019 and $10 billion in each of the next two years to address coverage disruption. It would also continue federal assistance to low-income Americans through 2019.

 End onerous Obamacare mandates by repealing individual and employer mandates.

 Improve the affordability of health insurance by expanding tax-free Health Savings Accounts, repealing ObamaCare taxes, implementing targeted tax credits and empower states to make changes in what markets are available to residents.

 Preserve access to care for Americans with pre-existing conditions, and allow children to stay on their parents health insurance through age 26.

 Strengthen Medicaid by giving states more flexibility while ensuring that those who rely on this program wont have the rug pulled out from under them.

Click here to read the entire Senate draft proposal.
The United States Mint has taken its first "small steps" toward striking coins to commemorate a half-century since the first moon landing.

As called for by Congress in legislation approved late last year , the U.S. Mint will issue curved gold, silver and clad metal coins to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in July 2019. The proceeds from the sale of the coins will benefit the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and the National Air and Space Museum. [ Apollo 11's Scariest Moments: Perils of the 1st Manned Moon Landing ]

On Thursday (June 15), the Mint revealed three proposed designs for the coins' reverse , or "tails side," at a meeting of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) in Washington, D.C.. The CFA advises the government on issues of design and aesthetics.

Following the criteria outlined in the law (Public Law 114-282, the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act), the Mint's sculptor-engravers based their concepts on "the famous 'Buzz Aldrin on the Moon' photo captured by Neil Armstrong on July 20, 1969."

"Their job was to try to represent the photo in as unique a way as possible," said April Stafford, director of the Mint's Office of Design Management.

The designs are all based on a close-up of Aldrin's helmet visor, showing in its reflection Armstrong taking the photo, with the lunar module Eagle to one side and the American flag that the two astronauts deployed to the other.

The reverse design will appear on the convex, or dome-like side, of the coins, to more closely resemble Aldrin's visor.

"The design is going to appear on hundreds of thousands of coins in a curved fashion, such that the efficiency or the ability to manufacture the design is a factor that has to be considered as well," Stafford explained in an interview with collectSPACE.com.

The three proposed concepts, though similar in their major features, differ in subtle but important ways. For example, one of the concepts reorients the lunar module from how it appears in the original photograph so that the hatch, porch and ladder used by Armstrong and Aldrin to descend from the cabin to the moon's surface is facing the viewer.

Another of the designs omits a solar wind experiment that is visible in the photo and moves the U.S. flag from behind Armstrong to a more prominent position.

"Our concern is to ensure the designs meet the legislative requirements and that the technical and historical accuracy and appropriateness is reviewed," said Stafford.

All of the designs include the inscriptions "United States of America" and "E Pluribus Unum" ("Out of Many, One"), as well as the denomination, either spelled out or in numerical format.

The CFA preferred that the denominations be spelled out, said Stafford.

Prior to presenting the designs to the commission, the Mint consulted with NASA. The members of the CFA expressed their preference for the same design as was favored by the space agency, though offered a suggestion.

"The CFA implored us to go back and check the reference imagery to be sure that the perspective of the lunar lander was accurate," Stafford described. "They wanted to ensure that the depiction of the lander's forward leg was correct." [ NASA's 17 Apollo Moon Missions in Pictures ]

Another, similar review with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), is scheduled for Wednesday (April 21) in Washington, D.C.. The CCAC advises the United States Secretary of the Treasury on coin-related issues.

Stafford's office will compile the recommendations from the CFA and CCAC, as well as from NASA, and deliver it with the three designs to the Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin, who will make the decision as to what will appear on the coins' reverse. Once the selection is made, the Mint will begin the process of preparing the sculpt for the coins' dies.

In the meantime, an on-going public design competition is now nearing the end of its first phase to find the artwork for the coins' obverse, or "heads side."

The Mint launched the two-phase competition in May. The first phase, open to all U.S. citizens over the age of 18, is still accepting art portfolios through June 29. From those, a jury of three CCAC and three CFA members, chaired by the Treasury Department's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, will select as many as 20 artists to submit one design each.

"It is an interesting nexus," Stafford told collectSPACE.com. "It is now where a very specific design stipulated in legislation has been seen by the public and is moving forward into the research and development phase. But it's also at the same time the launch of a more creative competition, where we are calling for just pure inspiration."

The Mint hopes to have the coins' reverse design selected in time to share with the competition's phase two finalists, so they can see the flipside to their obverse designs.

"It is interesting to me that one side is very specific, down to it being based on an iconic photograph, while the other is wide open and simply needs to be emblematic of the United States' journey to get to the moon . I feel like those are two very different things  two sides of a coin, some might say  and I love how they're coming together at this particular intersection. I hope one yields inspiration for the other," said Stafford.

In a departure from prior similar contests, the CCAC and CFA will review the phase two submitted designs (at which point, they, too, will be made public), and then the jury will reconvene to pick a winner. All the phase two participants will receive a $500 fee, while the winning artist will receive $5,000 and have his or her initials appear on the coins.

See two more designs for the tails side of the U.S. Mints Apollo 11 50th anniversary coins at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @ collectSPACE . Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
The Paris Air Show is the largest aviation event in the world and like always, companies from around the world are showcasing their best aircraft.

Held at the Le Bourget Airport, the week-long event kicked off on Monday. Companies such as Boeing and Airbus duke it out to sell their aircraft. Buyers explore the enormous grounds, take tours of the new aircraft and meet with the makers.

10 MUST-HAVE FATHER'S DAY GIFTS WITH A TACTICAL TWIST

Who shops there?

A buyer could be a member of a royal family looking for a private aircraft or a buyer could be a country looking to buy fleets and fleets of fighter jets. Countries, both friendly and unfriendly to the United States, are represented by both their domestic companies selling and their officials window shopping and potentially buying.

When the event becomes open to the public this weekend, more than 350,000 visitors are expected over the three days.

What can you see?

In the sky, there are stunning performances by advanced aircraft, like the French military flying Dassault Rafale and Dassault Mirage. The U.S. Air Force has also been wowing crowds with its new fifth generation fighter jet, the F35-A.

Walking the miles of aircraft and space displays, there is a wide range of both commercial and military aircraft.

But it is not just aircraft at the show -- there are finds that might surprise folks. Buyers can get up close with an extraordinary range of innovation featured there from a NASA Mars 2020 rover to Boeing issuing virtual reality headsets  rather than the typical brochure  in a briefing.

At General Atomics exhibit, attendees even have the chance to fly the powerful MQ-9 Reaper military drone in a simulator of their next-generation ground control station

Paris Air Show attendees are also getting a glimpse of a possible near-term future with supersonic jets on display and even flying cars.

Heres a look at a new plane for special operations, an attack jet and two new futuristic helicopters featured this week and making news.

New Special Operations Aircraft

American company Lockheed Martin introduced a special operations forces variant of the C-130J that will be available to US international partners for the first time.

The C-130 is a military aircraft aptly named Super Hercules.

This new Super Hercules variant, especially suited for the special operations missions of American allies, is called the C-130J-SOF. It is designed to take on a wide range of missions and meet the specific requirements of special operations forces (SOF).

Militaries could use this aircraft to airdrop resupply special operations teams when they are in remote, hard to reach places. It can also be used to assist in rescuing wounded personnel as well as infiltrating and exfiltrating teams.

This new SOF variant can also be adapted to bring hefty firepower like Hellfire missiles and a 30-mm gun in armed overwatch to protect SOF teams working on the ground. The C-130 is also a great aircraft for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance so in the overwatch role it could provide the team with information on the terrain ahead and enemy movements.

The US military already uses the MC-130J and AC-130J gunship for US special operations work.

82ND AIRBONE TURNS 100: 4 MAJOR INNOVATIONS OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS

The Scorpion Attack jet

Scorpion arrived at Paris this week with a lot of buzz since it was recently announced the Textron-made fighter jet has made it into the USAF final three for a new attack fleet.

The OA-X program seeks to provide the US Air Force with a fleet of low cost aircraft that can be deployed to provide first class intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)  as well as light-attack.

This summer, the Scorpion will fly against another Textron aircraft, the AT-6 Wolverine turboprop, and Sierra Nevada-Embraers A-29 Super Tucano at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico in the hopes of becoming the OA-X light attack fleet.

Get a lesson in Flying Fighter Jets with this Native American Pilot

New Search and Rescue RACER Helicopter

A new, futuristic-looking helicopter for search and rescue called RACER (Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) was also revealed at the Paris Air Show.

The goal is to make the helicopter 50 percent faster than todays regular helicopters.

The new helicopter has a very distinctive look in part due to the box wing," which can help reduce drag, while improving fuel efficiency.

Although it looks very futuristic and is only in the design phase, the RACER is expected to be in the air flying within three years.

Go Inside the Marine Corps Fighter Jet World and Hear How this Pilot Was Rescued

4 AMAZING VEHICLES FOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

New X6 Military Helicopter

The large, next-generation X6 helicopter 6 also arrived at Paris Air Show as a belle of the ball with big news -- Airbus has received the European Commission go ahead for financing to develop the X6.

In a few years, it could be replacing the widely used military Super Puma and H225 helicopters that provide long range while carrying a lot of personnel. Both helicopters can reach speeds of about 140 knots and carry up to about 19 military personnel.

The X6 will also be able to deliver range with lot of transport, but with further innovation and advantages like noise, fuel and operation cost reductions.

France will be loaning 330 million and Gernamny 47.25 million to make the X6 a reality.
Getting to take a 10-day vacation for under $100 seems like a dream, but for travel blogger Sam Huang that fantasy recently became a reality when he traveled from Jakarta to Tokyo in first class accommodations for just $76.

Huang was traveling to Japan with his father, who was celebrating his 60th birthday, to see cherry blossoms, Huang told Travel+Leisure.

Huang explained that to get to Japan he flew on Garuda Indonesia, in first class. The retail cost for the flight was over $7,000, according to Huang, but he took advantage of a 90-percent off mileage flash sale the airline had in December of 2016.

And so, for just $76, plus 13,500 points, he was able to purchase the first-class ticket.

In the U.S. the same amount of miles would barely get you an economy flight on United, Huang said.

Because he booked the finest seats available on the flight, the airline also picked Huang up in a Mercedes to take him to the airport. Once there, he was zipped through a VIP security line and immediately taken to a private lounge to wait for his flight with a glass of champagne in hand.

On the flight, Huang was again greeted with champagne in his suite. He even had his shoes personally taken off by a flight attendant who then placed slippers on his feet.

And the over-the-top amenities and savings didnt stop in the air. According to Huang, over the 10 day trip, my dad and I traveled around Japan chasing the cherry blossoms, staying at various upscale hotels using points.

The best part of the epic journey, Huang said, was their one-night stay at the gorgeous Park Hyatt Tokyo. The usual cost per night for the base rooms in the hotel hovers around $1,000 a night, but Huang was able to pay with 30,000 Hyatt points.

Watch his trip in the video above and see even more of the first class cabin onboard the Garuda Indonesia flight here.
A prison riot in Florida -- reportedly involving several gangs -- injured six corrections officers and one inmate and forced the facility to go on lockdown, officials said Wednesday.

More than 20 inmates at the Gulf Correctional Institution were involved, according to reports. The prison is located in the Florida Panhandle, west of Tallahassee.

At 8:00 AM Wednesday an uprising comprised of more than 20 prisoners disrupted the Gulf Correctional Institution in Florida.

OFFICER STABBED IN NECK AT MICHIGAN AIRPORT

The injured were transported to local hospitals, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Corrections. None of the injuries was life-threatening. Once the riot got under control, the inmates involved were thrown in confinement ahead of a disciplinary review.

The incident, which involved inmates from multiple dorms involved supposed gang members, the Miami Herald reported. It was not the first outbreak of violence in the prison.

SPIKE IN GANG VIOLENCE NATIONWIDE

John Rivera, president of the Police Benevolent Association which represents state corrections officers, says this has been building, and the bomb keeps getting bigger and bigger and more explosive for these men and women we ask to guard these prisons.

Much of recent gang violence could be a result of too few and less-experienced corrections officers, according to the Herald.

The mens prison has a maximum capacity of 1,400 inmates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Pride parade in Minnesota will no longer honor law enforcement officers this year as part of its festivities.

Following the verdict in the high-profile trial following Philando Castiles shooting death by a Minnesota police officer, the Twin Cities Pride organizers said in a Facebook post they will not feature police officers in the parade to respect the pain the community is feeling.

Officer Jeronimo Yanez, a Latino cop, was acquitted of manslaughter after he fatally shot Castile, a black motorist, in July 2016.

St. Paul and Minneapolis police officers typically have a large presence in the citys Pride festivities, according to Twin Cities-Pioneer Press.

Twin Cities Pride stated police participation will be limited to one lone unmarked police car at the beginning of the parade, and police participation in the parade itself will be minimal.

PRO-TRUMP GAYS BANNED FROM PRIDE PARADE

St. Paul Deputy Chief Mary Nash, the departments LGBTQ liaison, said 12 to 15 officers from the force  some LGBTQ and others supporters -- have participated in Pride in years past, according to Pioneer Press. Nash called the decision to exclude law enforcement disappointing.

Amy Brockman, an external relations manager for Twin Cities Pride, said they appreciate law enforcement officers.

TEACHER'S PHOTO SHOWING LGBT PRIDE NEXT TO TRUMP GOES VIRAL

This does not at all reflect what they bring to the force and we appreciate them participating in Pride every year and being able to be out with their community as well, Brockman told Twin Cities-Pioneer Press.

Organizers of the parade and festival, which draws in around 350,000 people annually, stated on Facebook they were doing their best to balance the concerns of the community and our concerns for making this family-friendly event a safe and welcoming place for everyone to attend.
A huge swarm of Africanized bees attacked two North County girls and killed their family dog.

The attack happened Sunday evening in Vista.

Madeline Marko-Martinez, 20, and her 19-year-old step-sister, Quinn Rodgers, returned home with a friend after a trip. As they got out of the car, they noticed bees flying around. All of a sudden, the bees started swarming and attacking the girls.

"I tried to move away but more followed me. I started running. We each had our own swarm around us. Everyone was running and screaming -- Im sure it looked wild," said Rodgers.

OKLAHOMA BURGLARY SUSPECT WORE UNDERWEAR ON HIS HEAD

The girls screamed and ran inside the house. They called their parents, who were out of town, but the parents called an exterminator company. When the exterminators arrived, they were amazed by what they found.

"They told us that they were Africanized bees, that they were some of the most aggressive they had ever seen," Marko-Martinez said.

The hive was on the side of the home underneath the eaves of the roof. The exterminators said it was the biggest bee hive they had ever encountered.

Click here for more from Fox 5.
Amid the threat of North Korea possibly launching a missile, the latest U.S. effort to test its shoot-down capability failed on Wednesday night, according to a statement from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

A medium-range ballistic missile was launched from a test range in Hawaii at 7:20 pm local time, but the interceptor missile fired at sea from USS John Paul Jones, a guided-missile destroyer, missed the target.

A planned intercept was not achieved, the statement said.

A U.S. defense official told Fox News both the ballistic missile and the SM-3 interceptor missile fired from the American warship landed in the ocean, but neither were recovered after both missiles broke up when impacting the water.

Wednesday's launch was the second attempt to shoot down a ballistic missile from a U.S. Navy warship since February. The first test was successful, but this latest attempt failed after missing the target for reasons not explained in the statement.

NORTH KOREA NUKE TEST SITE SEES MORE BUILDUP

Late last month in a first-of-its-kind test, the U.S. military successfully shot down an intercontinental ballistic missile target in outer space using an interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The Pentagon will now also have to defend against the potential North Korean missile threat without the use of one of its premier ballistic missile defense ships, after USS Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, struck a 700-foot cargo ship off the coast of Japan last week.
A New York City man was arrested at JFK Airport Wednesday night and accused of trying to fly to the Middle East to join the Islamic State terror group, law enforcement officials announced.

Saddam Mohamed Raishani, also known as Adam Raishani, was charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Raishani's court appearance with Magistrate Judge James L. Cott at Manhattan federal court lasted five minutes and he is expected to attend a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 6th. He wore a red checked shirt and jeans and waved hello to a man, believed to be his father, sitting in the courtroom seats.

His plans to travel to Syria were thwarted after he unknowingly contacted a person who posed as a fellow ISIS wannabe, investigators said. Instead, that person was a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement.

"Having already helped another man make that trip to ISIS's heartland, Raishani allegedly acted on his own desire to wage violent jihad, planning to leave his family and life in New York City for the battlefields of the Middle East," Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said in a statement.

ISIS URGES ATTACKS ON ISLAM'S HOLIEST DAY

Kim praised the efforts of the FBI and the NYPD in halting the suspect's efforts to support ISIS.

"As we have seen many times before, allegedly attempting to join a designated terrorist organization usually has one outcome: arrest," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill in a statement.

It was unclear who will represent Raishani at an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court.

Fox News' Shira Bush and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
California's attorney general is vowing to have the felony criminal charges reinstated that he filed against two pro-life activists who secretly videotaped Planned Parenthood officials discussing what they charge for body parts of aborted babies.

The attorney general's promise came after a San Francisco court Wednesday dismissed 14 of the 15 charges he filed in what the defendants' lawyers hailed as a big win for pro-life activism, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

David Daleiden, leader of the antiabortion Center for Medical Progress, and Sandra Merritt, an employee of the group, posed as fetal researchers and made undercover videos of themselves trying to buy fetal tissue from Planned Parenthood. California prosecutors charged the pair with 15 felonies, saying they invaded the privacy of medical providers by filming without consent.

Having the charges dismissed marks a significant victory for pro-life forces, one attorney said.

"This is a huge victory to have 14 criminal counts dismissed," Mat Staver, a pro-life attorney representing Merritt told LifeNews in a statement.

Prosecutors say Daleiden and Merritt filmed 14 people without permission between October 2013 and July 2015 in Los Angeles, San Francisco and El Dorado counties. One felony count was filed for each person. The 15th charge, which was not dismissed, was for criminal conspiracy to invade privacy.

State Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a longtime Congressional Democrat who took over the investigation in January from now-Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said in March that the state "will not tolerate the criminal recording of conversations." Daleiden, meanwhile, told The Associated Press the "bogus" charges were coming from Planned Parenthoods political cronies." He and Merritt claimed they were acting as investigative journalists to expose alleged plots by abortion providers to sell fetal parts.

"We will now turn our attention to dismissing the final count. Sandra Merritt did nothing wrong. The complaint by the California Attorney General is unprecedented and frankly will threaten every journalist who provides valuable information to the public. This final count will also fall," Staver said.

The recorded conversations included officials from Planned Parenthood and StemExpress, a California company that provides blood, tissue and other biological material for medical research and had received fetal tissue from Planned Parenthood.

In one of the pairs videos, Daleiden poses as "Robert Sarkis" of the phony Biomax Procurement Services and is shown discussing liver tissue with the chief executive of StemExpress at a Northern California restaurant.

Abortion opponents said the recordings showed Planned Parenthood was illegally harvesting and selling the organs. Planned Parenthood said the videos were deceptively edited to support extremists' false claims.

Daleiden and Merritt had previously been indicted in Texas on similar charges in January 2016, but seven months later all of the charges were dropped as prosecutors said a grand jury had overstepped its authority.

The case against against Daleiden took an interesting legal twist last month when Daleiden and his attorneys defied court orders by posting more videos of abortion providers and identifying 14 of the people participating in the state criminal complaint -- names that were previously under a court seal.

The lawyers for the defendant are now facing a federal contempt-of-court charge because they allegedly violated a federal judge's order to pull the videos off the internet. Daleiden's legal team has now engaged attorneys from the Thomas More Society to represent them in the contempt-of-court matter. Those attorneys have filed a request that the federal judge overseeing this case be pulled off because of his own pro-choice activism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Canadian sniper set what appears to be a record, picking off an ISIS fighter from some 2.2 miles away, and disrupting a potentially deadly operation by the terror group in Iraq.

Shooting experts say the fatal shot at a world-record distance of 11,316 feet underscores how stunningly sophisticated military snipers are becoming. The feat, pulled off by a special forces sniper from Canadas Joint Task Force 2, smashed the previous distance record for successful sniper shots by some 3,280 feet, a record set by a British sniper.

 ... the true challenge here was being able to calculate the actual wind speed and direction all the way to the target.  Ryan Cleckner, former U.S. Army Ranger sniper

"The Canadian Special Operations Command can confirm that a member of the Joint Task Force 2 successfully hit a target from 3,540 metres [2.2 miles]," the Canadian military said in a statement.

While officials would not say where the shot took place, the statement noted the command "provides its expertise to Iraqi security forces to detect, identify and defeat Daesh activities from well behind the Iraqi security force front line in Mosul."

The new record was set using a McMillan TAC-50, a .50-caliber weapon and the largest shoulder-fired firearm in existence.

Ryan Cleckner, a former U.S. Army Ranger sniper who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and wrote the authoritative Long Range Shooting Handbook, called the feat an incredible accomplishment, one that owes as much if not more to the spotters expertise as to the shooter's skill.

The spotter would have had to successfully calculate five factors: distance, wind, atmospheric conditions and the speed of the earths rotation at their latitude, Cleckner told Fox News.

Because wind speed and direction would vary over the two miles the bullet traveled, the true challenge here was being able to calculate the actual wind speed and direction all the way to the target.

Atmospheric conditions also would have posed a huge challenge for the spotter.

To get the atmospheric conditions just right, the spotter would have had to understand the temperature, humidity and barometric pressure of the air the round had to travel through.

Cleckner said that while the ammunition that Canadian special forces use in the TAC-50 is off-the-charts powerful, with some 13,000 foot-pounds of force when it comes out of the muzzle, the speed of a bullet, a 750-grain Hornady round, is not as important as the aerodynamic efficiency of the bullet.

The key to having a sniper round travel that far and hit a small target has less to do with speed and more to do with the efficiency with which the projectile moves through the air, he said.

Thats because while sniper bullets exit the muzzle at several times the speed of sound they eventually slow down to less than the speed of sound, and at that point they become less stable. An efficiently designed bullet reduces that instability, he explained.

Dennis Santiago, California-based firearms expert and instructor, said the partnership between the spotter and the shooter is critical.

"Equipment is just a starting point. The shooter on a military team will surely be skilled enough to hold hard on the 'aimpoint' and fire the shot accurately," he told Fox News. "The spotter member of the sniper team is responsible for telling the shooter the precise moment the atmospherics align with the calculations they've made. When it comes together, it's 'mission accomplished'."
An Illinois man accused of attacking a rival with a chainsaw, nearly severing his arm, carried out the attack because the victim was seeing the suspects estranged wife, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Jose A. Jaimes-Jimenez, 27, sat outside his wifes employment building in Arlington Heights, Ill., and became angry after seeing her leave with a man, the Chicago Tribune reported. Jaimes-Jimenez crashed his car into the partners vehicle before chasing him with a chainsaw, prosecutors said Wednesday at a court hearing.

ILLINOIS MAN CHARGED WITH THREATENING TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP

This was almost a scene from a horror movie, Cataldo said.

Jaimes-Jimenez has been charged with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a $2.5 million bond.

The suspect met the boyfriend three days before the incident when he spotted his wife at a store with her companion, Assistant State's Attorney Maria McCarthy said. Jaimes-Jimenez squabbled with the victim and said they would see each other another time, McCarthy added.

After crashing his car into the partner's vehicle, Jaimes-Jimenez ran him with a chainsaw and was able to cut him after the boyfriend stumbled and fell, McCarthy said. The boyfriend's arm was dangling by its skin and a tendon.

ILLINOIS CAREENS INTO FINANCIAL MELTDOWN  AND NOT EVEN THE LOTTERY IS SAFE

He had surgery and is likely to survive, officials said.

McCarthy said Jaimes-Jimenez would have killed the boyfriend if he did not kick the suspect in his private parts while being attacked. The estranged wife was not injured in the rampage.

The suspect stripped down to his underwear when police were called to the scene. He reportedly wanted to clarify to authorities that he did not have a weapon on him.

In court, Jaimes-Jimenez said he has no previous criminal offenses on his record, officials said.
The FBI on Thursday was looking into the electronic records of the Canadian-Tunisian dual citizen accused of stabbing a police officer at the airport in Flint, Michigan, in an attack the feds called terror.

The suspect, Amor M. Ftouhi, is being held in custody until his Wednesday hearing. The 49-year-old man was charged in U.S. District Court with committing a violent act in an airport. The act is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The feds have said more charges could be coming.

Suffice to say, he has a hatred for the United States, Detroits FBI Chief David Gelios said.

Ftouhi screamed Allahu Akbar, which translates to God is great, before stabbing Lieutenant Jeff Neville with a weapon described as an Amazon Jungle Survival Knife, police said.

Afterwards, Ftouhi continued to yell something along the lines of you have killed people in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die, according to investigators.

FLINT AIRPORT ATTACK: MICHIGAN OFFICER STABBED IN ACT OF TERRORISM, FBI SAYS

Ftouhi appeared in court Wednesday for an initial appearance wearing a face mask. It happened after Ftouhi spat on a U.S. Marshal, M Live reported.

Ftouhis public defender told the U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Dawkins Davis that his client primarily speaks Arabic and French and may be difficult to understand. Ftouhi added that his speech may be unclear due to the face mask. Davis and Marshal conferenced and allowed Ftouhi to remove it. His attorney, David Kelzer, told him none of what you were doing before, okay?

The Flint Islamic Center condemned the act, calling it a horrible act of violence, the Detroit Free Press reported. A prayer vigil for Neville is being planned. The president of the center's management committee, Dr. Mohammed Saleem, said, we, as the people of Flint, must remain united against such senseless acts of violence against anyone, and in particular against law enforcement officers.

LONDON MOSQUE ATTACK VICTIM DIED FROM 'MULTIPLE INJURIES,' POLICE SAY

Saleem continued, We will not allow others with their own political agendas to divide us.

The FBI it appeared to be a lone-wolf attack, adding that there was "nothing to suggest a wider plot." Ftouhi entered the United States legally at Lake Champlain, New York, on June 16.

Neville, who fought him off until police were able to come to his aide, is "doing well" and resting at the hospital, airport director Craig Williams told reporters Thursday.

Williams said the attack happened minutes before a previously-scheduled meeting about an incident involving an unattended bag at the airport two weeks ago.

In some ways the Lord was looking over us because we had a lot of resources on site and already on their way to the airport to attend that meeting, he said.

Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.
Polk Countys sheriff is sending out a call to arms. He says people should be armed and prepared just in case they are faced with an active shooter.

The armed assailant doesnt plan on you fighting back, said Sheriff Grady Judd. He plans on having a gun, doing all the shooting, and youre just a sitting duck. Well, the ducks need to shoot back.

Judd says citizens should have a concealed weapons permit and carry their gun with them whenever they can. He also says gun owners should keep their skills sharp.

And if a gun is not your thing, he says, you might consider another kind of weapon, like pepper spray or a Taser.

If youre not afraid of a gun, get one, said the sheriff. And if you need to shoot somebody, shoot em a lot.

Judd is on the same page as Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Ivey posted the same message on Facebook, and it went viral.

Judd is doing more than talking the talk. He is walking the walk. In Florida, it is illegal to carry a weapon on a school campus. But a few months ago, he launched a first-of-its-kind program. He is training staffers at Southeastern University to shoot.

If an active shooter comes on campus, the staffers are automatically deputized, which means that they can do what they have been trained to do.

Click for more from Fox 13 News.
A historic women's college in Georgia apologized Thursday for its past connections to racism and the Ku Klux Klan.

Wesleyan College in Macon said on its website that it was "sorry for the pain that parts of our past have caused and continue to cause."

The school said that when it was founded as the world's first college chartered to grant women degrees, "the economy of the South was based on the sin of slavery" and its students were part of a society "steeped in racism, classism and sexism."

That lead to school rituals "that today remind us of the Klan's terrorism" and the decision to name one of the school's student classes after "the hate-espousing Ku Klux Klan."

In addition, students did "appalling things," including "treating some African-Americans who worked on campus like mascots," the school said.

Although Wesleyan students changed the rituals and the class names, "they also remind us that our history did not stop with those words and images," the college said.

"While we at Wesleyan College, like many throughout the world, continue to struggle with both the legacy and presence of intolerance and hatred, we rejoice that our students today continue to challenge us and lead us forward," the school's statement said.

Colleges and universities have been grappling with their historical connections with slavery.

Georgetown University and the group of Catholic priests that founded the Washington, D.C., school have apologized for selling slaves in 1838 to raise money to pay off the college's debts. And the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors has unanimously approved the design for a memorial honoring the contributions of slaves who helped build and maintain the school.

Wesleyan said it will continue to examine its history.

"Wesleyan can be a community where all kinds of people are able to know, trust, learn from, and care for one another. Our story is one of hope, where the lessons of history make us stronger," the school said.
Legal troubles for the nations largest prison company are becoming an itch that just doesn't seem to go away.

A total of three lawsuits have now been brought against CoreCivic, a Nashville-based private prison operations company, alleging that its corrections officers and other administrative officials at the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility in Tennessee threatened inmates with solitary confinement if they disclosed a massive scabies outbreak to family members or anyone outside the facility.

The latest allegations of mismanagement by CoreCivic staff at Metro-Davidson came in a lawsuit filed on Friday.

"[CoreCivic officers] began threatening plaintiff and other inmates that if they mentioned the word scabies, complained about it, or filed a grievance, they would be placed in solitary confinement," the lawsuit states, according to The Tennessean.

Inmates attempted to inform their family members about the scabies infestation over the phone and asked their families to research scabies on their behalf. Because [CoreCivic] monitors all phone calls, those inmates immediately had their phone privileges revoked, in retaliation for attempting to bring light to the epidemic.

The citys health department was first notified in mid-May about the spread of a scabies-like rash among the female inmates at Metro-Davidson. The scabies then spread to courthouse staff who came into contact with female inmates.

Scabies is a skin condition caused by a tiny mite, which brings intense itching to the area where it burrows, according to the Mayo Clinic website. It is especially contagious and can spread quickly among groups within close confines, like in schools, nursing homes or prisons.

According to reports, as word of the outbreak spread, so did allegations that CoreCivic was denying treatment and that the corporation downplayed the seriousness of the matter. This led to local lawmakers starting to raise questions about the companys handling of the incident.

The Nashville Metro Council planned to question CoreCivic officials during a hearing on Thursday. Meanwhile, State Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, has requested a full-fledged investigation to determine if the company was in breach of its contract with the city.

"As you are well aware, this is only the latest incident in a consistent pattern of alleged failures and negligent conduct by (CoreCivic) with respect to the provision of appropriate safety and health care services at (CoreCivic) facilities nationwide, including the Metro Detention Facility," said Clemmons, a frequent private prison critic, in a letter to Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and members of the Metro Council, according to The Tennessean.

"While I understand that certain council members have or will be conducting hearings on related issues, the current situation presents you with an opportunity to take a more comprehensive look at the contract and Metros long-term relationship with (CoreCivic)."

Officials for CoreCivic refute allegations that they were trying to suppress news of the outbreak.

As we've previously stated, while we do not comment on pending litigation, the health and safety of our staff, community and those entrusted to our care is our top priority, CoreCivic spokesman Jonathan Burns said in a statement to Fox News. The Davidson County Sheriffs Office and the Metro Public Health Department were notified of the issue from the start and have been engaged every step of the way. Were following all protocols and guidelines to mitigate the issue.

Formally known as the Corrections Corporation of America (CAA), CoreCivic is the largest private corrections company in the United States with annual revenue estimated at $1.7 billion.

The company has also had its fair share of controversies.

In 2009, the ACLU filed suit against the company for failing to provide data related to conditions in the jails and prisons that they operated.

In 2012, Ohio auditors of the Lake Erie Correctional Institution deducted $500,000 from contract payments after they alleged multiple violations and inadequate staffing. The prison reportedly saw a spike in violence and contraband drugs after the corporation took over operation of the prison.
A registered Kansas sex offender is now facing life behind bars after being accused of strangling and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl  just six weeks after he was released from prison following a conviction for a similar crime in 2013.

Prosecutors charged 23-year-old Corbin Breitenbach with attempted capital murder, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary Tuesday stemming from a June 11 attack at an apartment in Wichita, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said it is alleged that Breitenbach removed a 7-year-old girl from a bedroom early in the morning, choked her into unconsciousness and then dragged her out to a balcony where he raped her.

POLICE: MAN STABS ANOTHER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

Prosecutors said Breitenbach and the victim had no relation to each other. The girl is recovering after being hospitalized for several days.

His relatives told The Wichita Eagle that they are in "utter shock and disbelief" over the attack and that it is "impossible to communicate the depth of our sorrow and the grief we feel for the victim and her family."

Breitenbachs girlfriend, who lives directly across a courtyard from where the attack happened, also told the newspaper that he was in bed with her later that morning.

Breitenbachs bond was set at $1 million. He was arrested Thursday following a police investigation.

ARCHBISHOP: CHURCH OF ENGLAND COLLUDED TO HIDE SEX ABUSE

The alleged assault happened just weeks after he was released from prison following a similar crime.

The fiance of the woman in the 2013 attack said the last thing she remembered was Breitenbach coming up to her and choking her into unconsciousness.

In that case, Breitenbach was convicted and hit with a maximum sentence of 68 months. He was later released on parole on April 28.

Click for more from The Wichita Eagle.
The Latest on the investigation into a stabbing of a police officer at the airport in Flint, Michigan (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

The FBI says a Canadian man from Tunisia may have chosen to attack a police officer in Flint, Michigan, simply because it has an international airport.

David Gelios, head of the FBI in Detroit, says investigators have found no personal connection between Amor Ftouhi (fuh-TOOH-ee) and Flint or Michigan. But Flint's airport is called Bishop International Airport.

Gelios says Ftouhi "did want to identify an international airport."

The 49-year-old from Montreal is charged with stabbing Lt. Jeff Neville in the neck Wednesday. The officer is recovering.

The FBI is investigating the attack as a possible act of terrorism but Gelios says the agency has "no information" that the attack was part of a wider terrorism plot.

___

3 p.m.

The FBI says a Canadian man accused of stabbing a police officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport tried unsuccessfully to buy a gun while in the United States for five days.

David Gelios, head of the FBI in Detroit, made the disclosure Thursday during a news conference. He did not elaborate.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dan Lemisch says more charges are coming in the days ahead. Ftouhi is in custody until a bond hearing Wednesday.

Amor Ftouhi managed to purchase a knife. He is a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia. He's accused of stabbing airport police Lt. Jeff Neville after yelling "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great."

According to the FBI, Ftouhi said something similar to "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die."

___

2:30 p.m.

The man charged with stabbing a police officer at the Flint, Michigan, airport in a possible act of terrorism lived quietly with his family at a Montreal apartment complex where he was also a caretaker.

That's according to his landlord. Luciano Piazza tells The Associated Press that his tenant helped keep the building stairwells clean and always paid his rent on time. Amor Ftouhi appeared in federal court to hear the charges against him.

Investigators are working to learn more about Ftouhi, whom they describe as a lone-wolf attacker who made his way from Canada to the seemingly random destination of Flint. The struggling Michigan city was once known for its sprawling General Motors factories but is now better known for lead-tainted water.
The male model accused of raping a woman in a Hells Kitchen apartment was full of apologies moments after the alleged attack  but only because hed climbed into bed with the wrong roommate.

He went into my room, thinking it was me! the alleged victims roommate told The Post Wednesday, describing overhearing the ruckus in the bedroom next to hers after a boozy night out with friends.

I heard her say, Get off me! Get off me! and then he said, Im sorry! I thought you were [your roommate.]

ALABAMA PASTOR, WIFE ARRESTED AFTER BRINGING INFANT TO BAR, CHARGED WITH BEING DRUNK

The ear-witness account adds new detail to the alleged attack by male mannequin Henry Romero, 30, on a young woman in March.

Romero had spent the night drinking with both women and a few male friends, the one roomie told The Post, which is withholding both womens identities.

The woman who spoke to The Post said she was Romeros date that night, and had even told Romero that he could sleep on her floor overnight to avoid the trip back to Astoria.

Read more at the New York Post.
A man caught urinating in public at a Los Angeles County light rail station Wednesday was found to be armed with a cache of weapons in a duffel bag, police said.

Christopher Goodine, 28, was arrested at the Metro Gold Lines Sierra Madre station in Pasadena at around 9 a.m., the sheriffs department said. Authorities said they found an AR-15 rifle, a .40-caliber handgun, a machete-like knife, silencers, loaded magazines, bags of bullets, a Bible and a notebook in the bag Goodine was holding.

The markings on the handgun indicated that it was restricted for law enforcement use only, officials said.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell said there are no indications of terror activity and it is unclear why he was armed.

For these deputies, just another day  looking at the small things that end up turning into big things, McDonnell said. There but for the grace of God, we could have had a tragedy today here in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Goodine is Union City, Ga. resident. A man with the same name was arrested in 2015 after he walked into the Waldorf Astoria in New York City with a bulletproof vest strapped around him and a ski mask over his face, according to DNAInfo. At that time, police described the man as quasi homeless who likes to keep clean and has strong concerns about personal safety.

Goodine was being held on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in a Pasadena courtroom Friday, according to jail records.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Connecticut high school teacher was arrested for allegedly having sex "a handful of times" with a special education student, then denying and destroying evidence of the acts.

Laura Ramos, 31, was charged Tuesday with second-degree sexual assault, according to the Connecticut Post. Police arrested Ramos, who is a wife and a mother, after she admitted to having sex with an 18-year-old student while she was teaching at Central High School in Bridgeport.

MARRIED MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER, 27, ARRESTED FOR SEX ROMPS WITH HER UNDERAGE BOY STUDENT

Authorities were called to the high school after another student reported the sexual assault to officials, WFSB reported. The student, named "witness 1" in court documents, told school officials that Ramos began texting him first "as a 'normal teacher' helping a student." Ramos then began confiding in him, allegedly complaining about her "man" or "guy" -- believed to be the teen she had a sexual relationship with.

The student witness told police he saw Ramos and the teen "make eyes at each other" and flirt, court documents alleged.

Ramos would also allegedly complain to the student witness that her "man" wouldn't want to "have sex or do anything, tried to have him buy weed for her, and send him "sexually inappropriate content."

TEACHER ALERTED DRUG DEALERS AS REVENGE ON CHEATING HUSBAND

Police took screenshots of Ramos' text to the student witness before approaching the former teacher, who denied having sex with the teen, according to WFSB. Ramos, however, said she did have a close relationship with him.

In a second interview, Ramos admitted to police she had sex with the teen "a handful of times" in her car, adding that it began in December and ended in April. She said she had previously talked to the teen about denying their relationship and had deleted all her texts.

Ramos submitted a letter of resignation to the school on June 20. School officials told WFSB termination proceedings have been initiated.
President Trump celebrated two more Republican victories in congressional special elections Wednesday and talked up the prospect of legislation to repeal and replace ObamaCare at a campaign-style rally in Iowa.

I hope we are going to surprise you with a really good plan, Trump told a crowd of just under 6,000 people in Cedar Rapids. Ive been talking about a plan with heart. I said, Add some money to it!

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER TOPICS HE DISCUSSED:

CHANGE IN WELFARE POLICY FOR IMMIGRANTS GEORGIA ELECTION SOLAR PANEL BORDER WALL

Meanwhile, Trump is expected to announce whether or not he has secret Comey tapes.

'ACT OF TERRORISM'

The stabbing of a police officer at a Michigan airport Wednesday by a Canadian citizen who yelled "Allahu Akbar" and referenced people being killed in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism, officials said.

NEW CAPTIVES?

The Taliban released a new video on Wednesday showing an American and an Australian captive they abducted last August, the second such footage of the hostages.

The two men  an American identified as Kevin King and an Australian man identified as Timothy Weekes  were abducted outside the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, where they work as teachers.

CASTILE SHOOTING

In the moments after a Minnesota police officer fatally shot Philando Castile, his handcuffed girlfriend began screaming in the back of a patrol car as her 4-year-old daughter begged her to stop.

COMING UP ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL

10:45 ET PM: Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly press conference. Watch live on FoxNews.com.

11:30 ET PM: House Speaker Paul Ryan holds his weekly press conference. Watch live on FoxNews.com
A man who was imprisoned for 36 years walked free Thursday after a federal judge threw out his murder conviction and life sentence for a newspaper editor's stabbing in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

During a brief hearing, a federal judge formally signed off on the planned release of John Floyd. He walked free minutes later.

The judge's order says Floyd will live in Carencro, Louisiana, on supervised release.

VIRGINIA MAN CHARGED WITH GIVING SECRET DOCUMENTS TO CHINA

In May, U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance had ordered prosecutors to either retry Floyd or release him within 120 days.

But the case doesn't end there. District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office agreed to Floyd's release while it appeals the judge's earlier decision to toss out his 1982 conviction.

Vance ruled in September that no reasonable juror would find Floyd guilty of murder based on all the evidence in the November 1980 stabbing death of William Hines, who was a Times-Picayune copy editor.

Floyd had confessed to killing Hines and another man -- three days and one mile apart and under similar circumstances. But the judge said new evidence supports Floyd's claim that police beat him to coerce a confession.

Vance said Floyd's conviction was based entirely on his statements to police investigators, who didn't uncover any physical evidence or eyewitness testimony linking Floyd to the crime scene.

NO BOND FOR MAN CHARGED IN FATAL SHOOTING OF HOUSTON INFANT

Floyd, now 67, was a 32-year-old "drifter" living in the French Quarter when Hines and Rodney Robinson, a businessman, were stabbed to death. Both victims were gay and were killed after apparently sharing a drink and having consensual sex with their attacker.

Police found Hines' body in his bedroom on Nov. 26, 1980, and believed he was killed a day earlier by a welcomed visitor. Robinson's body was found on Nov. 28, 1980, in the hallway of a downtown hotel.

Floyd has been in custody since January 1981, when police arrested him at a French Quarter bar. Floyd testified that a police detective, John Dillman, and another officer bought him five or six beers at the bar before his arrest.

Floyd also testified that Dillman beat him during his interrogation after he initially denied killing Hines or Robinson.

A judge acquitted Floyd of murder in Robinson's killing but convicted him of second degree murder in Hines' death.

In her ruling last year, Vance said physical evidence at the scene of Robinson's death excluded the possibility that Floyd killed him "in the manner described in his confession." Instead, the evidence pointed to a killer of a different race and blood type than Floyd.

CHAINSAW ATTACK NEARLY SLICES OFF ARM OF ILLINOIS MAN IN LOVE TRIANGLE

"If Floyd was willing -- for whatever reason -- to falsely confess to one murder, it is far more likely that his other confession is false as well," the judge wrote. "The considerable evidence tending to undermine the Robinson confession, therefore, also serves to undercut the Hines confession."

The National Registry of Exonerations has examined 2,049 exonerations in the U.S. since 1989 and found it included 245 cases of innocent men and women who confessed, according to registry senior researcher Maurice Possley. Nearly 75 percent of those false confessions were in homicide cases, Possley said in an email.

Prosecutors have claimed that before giving written confessions to police, Floyd had "freely boasted" that he killed both men after picking them up in French Quarter gay bars.

"He twice presented evidence during his initial prosecution to prove that Detective Dillman had beaten his confession out of him, which the trial court failed to find credible either time," Assistant District Attorney Andrew Pickett wrote in a 2012 court filing.

Floyd's attorneys said he couldn't read the confessions he signed, has an IQ of 59 and a "highly suggestible personality," leaving him vulnerable to giving a false confession.

"The State of Louisiana has inflicted a grave injustice on a vulnerable citizen in violation of the Constitution and, when presented with evidence of this, has utterly failed to acknowledge or remedy the injustice," his attorneys wrote in a 2011 court filing.
The partner of a Cleveland police patrolman who is on trial for the fatal shooting of an unarmed burglary suspect testified Wednesday that the shooting wasn't necessary, Cleveland.com reported.

Patrolman Gregory King testified in Cleveland Municipal Court that he didn't fear for his life when partner Alan Buford shot Brandon Jones, 18, once in the chest in March 2015, the news site reported .

Buford is charged with negligent homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months in jail. The case is being heard by a judge, not a jury. Jones was black, as are Buford and King.

King testified Buford shot Jones within seconds of the officers grabbing him outside a closed convenience store where Jones had stolen cigarettes and junk food.

"I was surprised," King said. "I just wasn't expecting it."

Jones' family gasped when King said he never feared enough for his life that night to have used deadly force, according to Cleveland.com. The two officers were dressed in their patrol uniforms Wednesday and didn't look at each other as King testified for about an hour.

Buford's attorney asked King about the dangers the officers faced. King testified he kept his gun pointed at Jones before the shooting and said the break-in occurred in a high-crime area.

King said he checked on Jones after he was shot. He said the teen's last words were, "I don't want to die here."

Buford is assigned to light duty with no contact with the public, a Cleveland police spokeswoman said. King has returned to patrol duties.

___

Information from: cleveland.com, http://www.cleveland.com
A man broke into an Oklahoma business this week wearing some unconventional headwear, leading police to believe hes connected to other burglaries.

Hes wearing a black hoodie and underneath the hoodie, hes wearing a pair of underwear, Del City Police Captain, Ted Kebler, said.

LAX PASSENGER CAUGHT SMUGGLING 50K OF METH IN UNDERWEAR

The unidentified man broke into a Dollar General in Del City, Okla. and spent about 20 minutes inside before heading to a gas station and stealing cigarettes.

Police say this burglary has something in common with other burglaries in the area: the suspect goes for cigarettes every time, KSWO reported.

He doesnt waste any time, he goes straight for the cigarettes and straight out of the storeIt helps identify the person that does the things, identify their MO, how they enter into buildings and stuff, Kebler said.

CONVICTED OKLAHOMA CHILD MOLESTER MOVES NEXT DOOR TO VICTIM

Police said they had seen the same head attire before in a previous burglary, KOCO reported.

So far, the suspect has stolen several hundred dollars-worth of cigarettes.
A crowd of roughly 2,000 people filled a high school auditorium to capacity Friday in Otto Warmbiers hometown to celebrate the life of the student who died earlier this week after being detained for a nearly a year and a half in North Korea, sharing stories about his affinity for hugs, thrift-store clothes-shopping and little-known rap music.

"It doesn't really feel real yet. He's so young, and he's been gone for so long," said Grady Beerck, 22, a former soccer teammate, told The Associated Press. "The impact he made is always going to last with people."

Around 2,000 mourners arrived at the morning memorial service for Warmbier held in the auditorium of his alma mater, Wyoming High School. The memorial is open to the public, but not the media. Around 100 people were turned away, The Associated Press reported.

More mourners lined the street, with some holding signs of support and pressing the tips of their thumbs together to form a "W," as a hearse carried away the casket after service.

OTTO WARMBIER'S DEATH PROMPTS US TO WEIGH OPTIONS VS. NORTH KOREA

It was his life that held mourners' attention Thursday as they fondly remembered a spirited student-athlete who was socially magnetic and had a positive impact on the people around him, whether it was in class, at a swim club or in his travels.

"Didn't matter what time of day or what he was doing, he'd drop everything to help his friends," Beerck said. "He was a goofy kid. He always just lived life to the fullest."

They heard stories about his life, rap music he listened to and his habit of shopping for sweaters at thrift stores. A bagpiper played as the casket was carried to a hearse.

Cynthia Meis, his college admissions counselor from high school, said she admires the strength displayed by Warmbier's parents in the face of such loss and the glare of international media attention.

"The world stage is secondary to the fact that they've lost their child," she said, "and I think we can all certainly appreciate that."



OTTO WARMBIER'S FAMILY DECLINES AUTOPSY

His former soccer coach, Steve Thomas, said Warmbier came from a religious family and was involved in mission trips and a birthright trip to Israel. "He had a deep desire to know God in a personal way," Thomas said. "He wasn't big on doing things because he was supposed to do it. He did things because he wanted to do them."

A handout for the funeral featured a photo of Warmbier posing next to his mother and included a quote from his salutatorian speech in 2013: "This is our season finale. This is the end of one great show, but just the beginning to hundreds of new spin-offs."

The attendees included Ambassador Joseph Yun, the U.S. special envoy who traveled to Pyongyang to bring Warmbier back, and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from the Cincinnati area.

This process has been an example of evil and love and good, Portman told reporters outside the service, Fox 19 reported. This community and country have come together who are holding this family up in prayer.

He added: We have also seen evil. He shouldve never been detained. The North Koreans need to be held accountable for that. They have demonstrated that they have no respect for the rule of law and they showed a lack of respect for basic human dignity and rights. The fact that they didnt tell his parents after he became ill is atrocious. Today is not a day to only focus on that.

At a candlelight vigil Tuesday on the University of Virginia campus, Warmbier's girlfriend at the time of his detention described the loss of a soul mate. Alex Vagonis said she drew some peace from knowing Warmbier got home to Ohio before his death.

Warmbier's family objected to an autopsy, so the Hamilton County coroner's office conducted only an external examination of his body. Medical records have been reviewed, and his condition was discussed extensively by treating physicians at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was hospitalized after his June 13 return.

Warmbier's parents cited "awful, torturous mistreatment" by North Korea. Doctors last week said he suffered a "severe neurological injury" of unknown cause.

He was sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years in prison with hard labor. His family said it was told he had been in a coma since soon after his sentencing.

He is the first American to die after being released from North Korean custody in half a century.



The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow the story at Fox 19.
Penn State students collected stuffed animals during the past spring semester, and turned them over to police to hand out to kids in stressful situations.

The Middletown Police Department had been receiving stuffed animals from Kiwanis and Members 1st to give to kids in recent years, but the Penn State Harrisburg Chapter of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, also known as Alpha Phi Sigma, wanted to help out.

FLORIDA KITTEN FINDS NEW HOME WITH POLICE OFFICER

After the students saw a video of young girl calmed down when a police officer gave her a stuffed animal, they decided to organize a campus-wide collection of new stuffed animals to be donated to the Middletown Police Department.

It usually calms them down right away, Patrol Officer Mark Laudenslager said.

Police officers typically give out the stuffed animals to kids that are at the scene or involved in a domestic violence incident, an accident, emergency, or situation involving child custody, Press and Journal reported.

STUFFED ANIMAL SAVES MASSACHUSETTS TODDLER IN TWO-STORY FALL

Bags of the stuffed animals collected by the criminal justice students will be placed in each police cruiser to be used at the officers' discretion.

The chapter plans to have more service projects to help the Middletown Police Department in the future.


Residents from the Gulf Coast to the interior South continued to bare the brunt of damaging impacts from Cindy on Thursday, including dangerous surf, flash flooding, tornadoes and strong winds.

Cindy, which has been impacting the region since early this week, made landfall as a tropical storm around 3 a.m. CDT Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana border, but was downgraded to a tropical depression shortly before 10 a.m. CDT.

One death was attributed to the storm when a 10-year-old boy was struck and killed by a log when a large wave came ashore near a waterfront condo in Fort Morgan, Alabama, on Wednesday.

The young boy was later identified as Nolan McCabe of who was visiting the area from St. Louis.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said on Twitter that the state was seeing "significant effects of Cindy" and said there was more flooding expected in the coming days. The state is also contacting the United States Department of Agriculture to ask for help for Alabama farmers.





Ivey also expressed condolences to the McCabe's family.

"We have had one death and pray for his family during this difficult time," Ivey said.





Emergency officials continued to warn people to avoid flooded roadways and beaches were red flag warnings were in effect due to dangerous surf.

Many roads were closed in parts of the Deep South due to flooding, including around the Mobile, Alabama, area on Thursday.





Numerous road closures were reported in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jones and Pearl River counties in Mississippi, with coastal flooding also reported in several of those counties. In addition, there were reports of trees down throughout the state.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) said it had not received any reports of major damage or injuries. MEMA told residents to be mindful of the continued threat of dangerous flooding and tornadoes in the coming days.

Our focus continues to be on flooding issues not only for our coastal residents, but now our residents in north Mississippi, the delta and north Mississippi region," said MEMA Executive Director Lee Smithson. "They could see large amounts of rainfall as the system shifts to the northeast in the coming days.

There were also several reports of tornadoes and waterspouts on Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday afternoon, a large tornado produced damage around the Birmingham, Alabama, region. Photos of damage near the town of Fairfield began to emerge on social media showing several businesses ripped apart.





Residents in parts of Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi experienced moderate to severe flooding from Cindy's heavy rain and strong storm surge.
A pit bull burst through a backyard fence, made its way into a nearby minivan and mauled two young children as they sat helplessly strapped into their car seats, police said.

The mother of the 2-year-old girl and the 5-year-old boy managed to pry the animal off them Monday but not before it seriously mangled her sons face, witnesses said.

Tom Grab told WPMT-TV that he was able to pull the 66-pound dog off the boy, but it wriggled free and continued the bloody assault.

Several other people in the area also helped the mother, who drove to a nearby hospital after the dog was removed from the vehicle. She was treated for scratches, but her children are being treated for serious injuries.

The mayhem ended when the owner of the 5-year-old pit bull terrier came out and secured the dog, authorities said.

The dogs owner is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and the dog is in quarantine.

No charges have been filed, and the identities of those involved have not yet been released.

The Lancaster police department did not immediately respond to requests for more details.
An indictment says a former supervisor at a South Carolina juvenile prison ordered guards to hog-tie two inmates and leave them on their stomachs for two hours because they made too much noise.

The U.S. attorney's office said in a news release that Nicole Samples knew that the Department of Juvenile Justice specifically banned tying inmates' legs to their arms as punishment.

The indictment says the former lieutenant also tried to get guards to lie to investigators about what happened.

Samples is charged with two counts of depravation of rights under color of law and one count of obstruction of justice. She faces a maximum of 40 years in prison if convicted of all counts.

Court records did not list a lawyer.
Several firefighters were injured Thursday, including one seriously, as they battled a massive, four-alarm blaze in The Bronx  which tore though a number of homes and was still burning as of 5 p.m., according to officials.

Paramedics treated at least five smoke-eaters and one civilian at the scene for various injuries, FDNY officials said.

The firefighter who was seriously hurt was taken to Jacobi Hospital and was said to be in stable condition.

Theyre talking to him, FDNY spokesman James Long told The Post. Hes alert.

The blaze broke out around 3:40 p.m. at 1136 Olmstead Ave and quickly spread to three other homes, officials said.

Dozens of FDNY units and EMS personnel responded to the scene a short time later. They were still working to douse the flames as of 5:30 p.m.

Click for more from the New York Post.
A toddler in Massachusetts survived a two-story fall from a building on Wednesday thanks to his stuffed animal, police said.

The boy, 2, of Chelsea, was jumping on his bed just before 5 p.m. when a hop sent him out his home window, according to The Boston Globe.

Luckily, the boy was holding a large stuffed cow during the fall. He landed on the toy, which provided a cushion between him and the concrete sidewalk.

"He fell about 16 feet onto concrete. He could easily have broken bones or been very seriously injured, Chelsea Deputy Fire Chief John Quatieri told the newspaper.

The stuffed cow was between 2 and 2 1/2-feet long.

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes wrote on Twitter the boy was conscious and alert at the scene and suffered minor injuries. Kyes also tweeted a photo of the cow, which appeared to only have some brown dirt spots on it.
Cindy, the former tropical storm, was downgraded to a tropical depression and is weakening as it moves inland Thursday. The storm has been blamed for at least one death in Alabama.

There are multiple reports that a tornado touched down in Fairfield, Ala., and caused some damage. There have been no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

Two tornado warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service in Alabama. One of the warnings was for Jefferson County near Birmingham and the other was for Tuscaloosa and Bibb Counties. The service indicated that damage was likely from a possible twister near Birmingham, noting radar signaled there was debris in the air.

A meteorologist said Alabama got up to three to six inches of rain on the coast with up to 12 inches in some areas.

The Weather Channel reported that there are tornado watches for parts of Mississippi, Alabama and eastern Louisiana on Thursday.



Heavy rains are expected to fall in parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, forecasters have warned.

The National Hurricane Center said a tropical storm warning from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, La., has been discontinued, hours after the storm made landfall.

Cindy was located about 165 miles northwest of Morgan City and is moving to the north at 13 mph. The storm is expected to shift toward the northeast and move into Arkansas early Friday, then into Tennessee.

Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall will spread over the Tennessee and Ohio valleys Thursday. Then into the central Appalachians Friday and Saturday.

Cindy's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph Thursday morning with additional weakening expected, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

FLORIDA PRISON GANG RIOT: 6 CORRECTIONS OFFICERS, 1 INMATE HURT

The storm has been blamed for one death in Fort Morgan, Alabama. A 10-year-old boy from Missouri who was vacationing at Fort Morgan was killed after a log, carried in by a large wave, struck him, according to Baldwin County sheriffs Capt. Stephen Arthur. The child was not immediately identified.

The storm is being blamed for widespread coastal highway flooding, rough seas and scattered reports of power outages and building damage caused by high winds. There were numerous reports of waterspouts and short-lived tornadoes spawned by the storm.

Forecasters estimated the storm had dumped anywhere from 2 to 10 inches of rain in various spots along the Gulf Coast from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle as of Wednesday, and more rain is expected.

TROPICAL STORM CINDY TURNS DEADLY: 10-YEAR-OLD ALABAMA BOY KILLED

Downed trees hit a house and cars in two or three residential neighborhoods, according to Jo Soria, Fort Walton Beach spokeswoman.

The White House said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the storm Wednesday by Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey both declared a state of emergency in their state.

In Alabama, streets were flooded and beaches were closed on the barrier island of Dauphin Island.

Casey Stegall, a Fox News reporter, was in Lake Charles, La. on Thursday and reported heavy rains and gusty winds in the area. Stegall said there has been a large amount of flash flooding around the area.

There are numerous road closures and areas where bayous and waterways are out of their banks, Stegall said.

There have been no immediate reports of high-water rescues or areas under water, according to Stegall.

Meanwhile, off the coast of Texas, a shrimp trawler that was in danger of sinking had to be rescued. The U.S. Coast Guard saw the crew of the trawler Footprint was about 80 miles southeast of Galveston when the crew radioed that the ship was taking on water faster than onboard pumps could clear it. A helicopter crew lowered and extra pump that enabled the shrimp boat crew to clear enough water to stay afloat. A Coast Guard cutter escorted the vessel to Freeport, Texas.

Fox News' Casey Stegall and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Virginia man has been charged with espionage for transmitting top-secret documents to Chinese officials.

Kevin Patrick Mallory, 60, was arrested Thursday at his home in Leesburg, Virginia, and appeared in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

Mallory, a self-employed consultant and Army veteran, was charged with gathering or delivering defense information to aid a foreign government and for making material false statements under the federal Espionage Act.

WHO IS REALITY WINNER? ACCUSED LEAKER WANTED TO 'RESIST' TRUMP

Mallory, a fluent Mandarin speaker, traveled to Shanghai in April, and was caught with $16,500 in two carry-on bags upon his return to OHare International Airport in Chicago. He had failed to declare the cash.

Mallory was interviewed by the FBI in May, when he admitted he met with two people from a Chinese think tank, whom he suspected were Chinese intelligence agents. Mallory told the FBI the Chinese agents had given him a special communications device for transmitting documents.

He also told the FBI that the only documents he transferred were two unclassified blacked out security classification documents which he had written on U.S. policy matters, according to the affidavit.

Analysis of the transmitted materials revealed that two of the documents were classified as "secret," while one of them was classified as "top secret."

Analysis of the device through which the documents were transmitted revealed a handwritten index.

GERMANY FILES ESPIONAGE CHARGES AGAINST ALLEGED TURKISH SPY

Court records indicate that Mallory worked as a special agent for the Diplomatic Security Service at the State Department.

He could face life in prison and the charges, if certain conditions are met, could make Mallory eligible for the death penalty, according to prosecutor John Gibbs.

Fox News' Jake Gibson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Belgian authorities say police have detained four people in a series of raids in Brussels linked to the failed bombing at a rail station this week.

The federal prosecutor's office said Thursday that the four were picked up during searches in the Molenbeek neighborhood, where many extremists have lived or transited, as well as in Anderlecht and Koekelberg.

It didn't say whether anything had been seized in the raids, and declined to provide further details.

The raids come after a man blew up a device Tuesday at Brussels Central Station that failed to fully detonate. He was then fatally shot by soldiers. No one else was hurt.

Belgium has been on high alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people at the Brussels airport and a subway station last year.
A suicide car bomb exploded Thursday at a bank in Afghanistan's Helmand province as Afghan troops and government workers waited to collect their pay ahead of a major Muslim holiday, killing at least 29 people, officials said.

Most of the casualties in the explosion near the bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah were civilians, said provincial Gov. Hayatullah Hayat. At least 60 people were wounded, he said.

CAUTION: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack at the Kabul Bank in the southern province, which has been the center of bitter battles between the insurgents and security forces, aided by NATO troops.

ISIS MILITANTS DESTROY 12TH CENTURY MOSQUE IN IRAQ'S MOSUL

The militants, believed to control nearly 80 percent of the province's countryside, increasingly have been making a push into Lashkar Gah to try take the city.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi said in an email that the bomb targeted Afghan security personnel collecting their salaries. He said no civilians were killed and gave a higher death toll. But the provincial governor and police chief emphasized that most of the dead were civilians. Witnesses said children were among the wounded.

In recent weeks, the Taliban have overrun Helmand's key Sangin district, where both British and U.S. troops had fought for years to keep them at bay.

The attacker struck as scores of people, many of them Afghan soldiers or civil servants, were waiting near the Kabul Bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid -al-Fitr holiday, which follows the holy month of Ramdan, which is expected to end later this weekend.

Esmatullah, an Afghan border policeman, who was at the scene of the explosion said the noise from the blast was deafening. He said many are missing in the ensuing chaos as witnesses, survivors and ambulances struggled to ferry first the most seriously wounded to hospital.

SMALL EXPLOSION NEAR NATO FACILITY IN TURKEY; NO INJURIES

"We are taking children to the hospital," said Esmatullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

A 12-year-old girl named Hosnia was crying outside the bank as she searched for her father who had brought her to buy shoes ahead of the holiday.

"I couldn't find anyone, my brother and my father," she said. "My father told me he will take me to buy shoes. We came here and then there was the explosion."

President Ashraf Ghani assailed the attackers as "enemies of humanity." He said the relentless assaults in Afghanistan are particularly offensive during Ramadan, when the faithful seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings.

"These brutal terrorist attacks ... prove that they (insurgents) have no respect for any religion or faith," Ghani said in a statement.

Afghanistan has faced a series of large-scale attacks as the Taliban stepped up the war against the Kabul government in this year's summer offensive. In addition, the emerging Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan has tried to increase its footprint with attacks in urban areas.

The worst occurred May 31, shortly after Ramadan began, when a truck bomb exploded in the heart of the capital of Kabul, killing 150 people. It was the worst attack since the Taliban ouster in 2001.

Pakistan also condemned Thursday's suicide bombing, saying that "we firmly stand with our Afghan brothers in this hour of grief and anguish."

Afghanistan and Pakistan routinely accuse each other of harboring the insurgents.

Helmand is considered a key region because it is one of the largest opium-producing provinces for the Taliban, who charge traffickers a hefty tax to move their contraband to market. Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material for heroin.

Afghanistan is the world's largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other countries combined, according to U.N. estimates.

Meanwhile, a militant attack Wednesday night in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan killed two members of the local council.

Salim Sallhe, spokesman for the provincial governor in eastern Logar, said gunmen opened fire at worshippers in Baraki district. Two other local officials were wounded.

Sallhe said police are investigating. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied the insurgents were behind the shooting.
Britain's Prince Philip was discharged Thursday from a hospital after he was treated for an infection, Buckingham Palace said.

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to a London hospital Tuesday night as a "precautionary measure." The infection was caused by a pre-existing condition, the palace said in a statement.

Philip, who is Queen Elizabeth's II's husband, announced last month he will be stepping down from royal duties, like attending public events. He also missed the Queen's speech at the state opening of Parliament on Wednesday and the Royal Ascot horse races.

Philip, 96, left the hospital in "good spirits."

The royal has been hospitalized several times in recent years, including for treatment of a blocked coronary artery in 2011 and a bladder infection in 2012, but he has been in generally good health.
A suicide car bomber detonated near the gate of a police station in the Somali capital Thursday, killing at least three people and wounding several others.

Col. Ahmed Warsame said the blast targeted the Waberi districts police station on a busy road in Mogadishu. He said the bomber was trying to drive into the police station's gate but detonated against the wall instead.

CONGO RIGHTS GROUP: ARMY KILLS 12 REBELS AFTER BENI ATTACKS

There are no immediate claim for responsibility but the Somalia-based al-Shabab extremist group has been targeting high-profile areas in Mogadishu in recent months.

The blast comes just days after a suicide car bomber posing as a milk delivery van detonated at Wadajir district headquarters in Mogadishu, killing 15. It also comes a week after al-Shabab gunmen carried out an overnight siege on a popular restaurant in the Somali capital, killing at least 31 people.

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab group 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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The man accused of being behind the attempted Paris attack at Champ Elysees several times traveled to Turkey, where he was once questioned over large amounts of gold, jewelry and weapons in his possession, the Paris prosecutor said Thursday.

Prosecutor Francois Molins said during a news conference that Adam Djaziri had pledged his allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a letter written in the form of a will and dated the day before the June 19 attack. In the letter, Djaziri said he practiced shooting to prepare for jihad.

He had a cache of weapons at home and in the vehicle he drove. Djaziri crashed into a police van, setting off a small explosion. Djaziri was the only victim of the attack. Police jumped out of the vehicle, ran to the car, smashed its windows and pulled the driver out in an apparent attempt to save him, according to witnesses.

PARIS ATTACK: CHAMPS-ELYSEES DRIVER HAD EXPLOSIVES AND RIFLE, WAS FLAGGED FOR EXTREMISM

According to Molins, the arsenal of weapons discovered in the vehicle, highlights the scale of the terrorist act that was being prepared, which  if it had succeeded  would have had terrible consequences on human life.

The attack resulted in orange smoke coming out of the car. An assault rifle, two pistols, ammunition and two large gas canisters were found in his vehicle.

Djaziri, 31, was born in a Paris suburb. He was married to a Tunisian woman and had two children. Evidence shows he wanted to join ISIS forces in Syria and Iraq. He asked his family to remember him and called his attack a martyrdom operation, not a suicide mission, said Molins.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
After the Supreme Court earlier this week declined to hear arguments in a nearly 25-year-old case alleging that Chevron is liable for polluting a wide swath of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, lawyers for the plaintiffs said they plan to continue similar suits against the oil giant in abroad.

The legal battle between Chevron and lawyers representing a group of villagers in Ecuador dates from 1993 when U.S. lawyers sued Texaco in a U.S. federal court over claims that it contaminated a large portion of the rainforest in northeast Ecuador while looking for oil. That suit was eventually dismissed in a U.S. court, but restarted 10 years later in Ecuador  by which point Chevron had purchased Texaco.

In 2011, an Ecuadorean court ruled that Chevron was liable for $19 billion in damages. That figure was eventually reduced to $9.5 billion, but Chevron sued Steven Donziger, a public interest attorney and environmental activist representing the plaintiffs, for allegedly obtaining that judgment by violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Three years later, a U.S. federal court in Manhattan agreed, ruling that the Ecuador court's ruling was the result of Donziger's fraud, bribery and other racketeering acts.

The facts of the Ecuadorian judicial extortion scheme and the illegality of the plaintiffs lawyer misconduct have been finally and conclusively affirmed by the legal system of the United States, R. Hewitt Pate, Chevron vice president and general counsel, said in a statement on Monday. Todays decision is an important step toward bringing this illegal scheme to a final conclusion.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case makes it impossible for Donzinger to pursue enforcement actions in the U.S., he has launched separate enforcement actions abroad.

In Canada, Donzinger is appealing a ruling that prevented the seizure and sale of Chevrons Canadian facilities in an effort to fulfill the Ecuadorean judgment. The lawyer told Bloomberg that he expects to win the appeal and said Chevron has implemented a strategy to tie us up in procedural knots so the trial happens as far down the road as possible.

The challenge for Donzinger in Canada is that, while he might win his appeal -- something experts say is a long shot  Chevron does not have any assets in the country but instead has them controlled through a subsidiary company.

Even if he gets a judgment in his favor, he still needs to find some assets, one legal expert close to the case told Fox News. Its the same problem he ran into when trying to get the company to pay after the ruling in Ecuador.

Donzinger has also been unsuccessful in his attempts to get Chevron to pay up in courts in other countries. Public prosecutors in Argentina and Brazil both issued opinions recommending against the recognition of the Ecuadorian judgment and the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in 2015 ruled against Amazonia Recovery Ltd., a Gibraltar-based company set up by Donzinger and his associates, when it awarded Chevron $28 million in damages and issued a permanent injunction against Amazonia.

Chevron operates with these subsidiaries to avoid situations exactly like this, the legal expert said. So Donzingers chances of winning any of these suits is very slim, but its like the Powerball. Its long shot but if it hits, its going to be big.
The Latest on the conflict in Syria (all times local):

8:45 p.m.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, has criticized the U.S. for undermining the Syrian government's offensive against Islamic State fighters.

Russia on Wednesday called off much-anticipated talks with a senior U.S administration official in response to a fresh round of U.S. sanctions on Russia and expressed its disappointment over the U.S. shooting down a Syrian government jet earlier this week.

In an apparent reference to the downing of the jet, Lavrov told Tillerson in a phone call that the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on Thursday that it "violates the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic and harms the task of fighting terrorists and progress in settling the Syria crisis."

___

7:45 p.m.

A senior Russian lawmaker says Russia is negotiating with two Central Asian nations about sending their troops to monitor a cease-fire in some areas of Syria.

State-owned RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday quoted Vladimir Shamanov, head of the defense committee at the State Duma, as saying that Russia has asked Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, two former Soviet republics, to send their troops to Syria where Russia is backing President Bashar Assad. Shamanov said no firm decision has been made yet.

Russia's envoy to Syria earlier said Russia and Iran would send their troops to monitor "de-escalation zones" in Syria and that other countries might join them there.

___

6:15 p.m.

A senior Turkish official says Russia has proposed deploying troops from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to Syria, to monitor de-escalation zones there.

Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also told a group of reporters that Russia and Turkey may send their troops to monitor a zone in Idlib, in northern Syria.

Russia and Iran would monitor another zone near Damascus while the United State and Jordan would observe the Dera region, Kalin said.

His words were carried by Hurriyet newspaper's online edition on Thursday.

___

11:45 a.m.

President Emmanuel Macron says France is no longer pushing for the departure of Syrian President Bashar Assad, a shift in French policy throughout the Syrian war.

Macron said in an interview with eight European newspapers published on Thursday that he wants to work more closely with Russia for a solution in Syria and says foreign powers were too focused on Assad as a person.

Macron says: "The new outlook I have on this issue is that I haven't stated that Bashar Assad's departure is a necessary condition for everything. Because no one has shown me a legitimate successor."

Macron's predecessors were among the most vocal Assad opponents.

However, Macron warned France would attack Syria if the government uses chemical weapons. French warplanes are already targeting Islamic State extremists in Syria.
Lebanon's state news agency says the military has detained a Lebanese national crossing into the country from Israel.

The National News Agency says a 31-year-old Lebanese national crossed the militarized border on Thursday to return to Lebanon after leaving to Israel 17 years ago.

Israel withdrew from its occupation of south Lebanon in 2000. The two countries are technically still at war.

Hundreds of Lebanese nationals fled with the retreating Israeli forces, facing accusations of collaboration.

The NNA says the Lebanese national left his family in Israel to return to his country of birth. He handed himself over to the military for questioning.

The Israeli army confirms that a short while ago a suspect was identified crossing the border and forces are now searching the area.
A man who was found dead after the attack outside a London mosque this week died of multiple injuries, Metropolitan Police said Thursday.

Makram Ali, 51, was found dead early Monday after a 47-year-old man rammed his van into a crowd of worshippers near the Muslim Welfare House mosque in Finsbury Park, police said.

REPORTERSS NOTEBOOK: SKELETON OF LONDON TOWER STANDS AS REMINDER TO GOVERNMENT FAILURE

Investigators could not immediately determine if Ali died of an illness or as a result of the attack. Witnesses near the attack said Ali seemed to suffer from a medical episode just before the rampage.

My heart goes out to Makram Ali's family, friends and the whole community in Finsbury Park at this difficult time. https://t.co/nBGagIqQSZ  Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) June 22, 2017

Ali came to Britain from Bangladesh when he was 10-years-old. His family described him as a quiet, gentle man who took comfort from spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

LONDON FIRE: 42 BODIES FOUND IN ONE ROOM, VIDEO ALLEGES

Suspect Darren Osborne, 47, was arrested on several counts, including the preparation or instigation of terrorism. Detectives are continuing to question him, Sky News reported.

Nine other people were hospitalized after the attack. British health officials said four patients were still hospitalized Wednesday, with two in critical condition. The attack raised tensions in London, which had already been struck by three separate extremist attacks in the last three months.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
North Korea conducted another rocket engine test Wednesday which could potentially be used on a future intercontinental ballistic missile or ICBM, two US officials tell Fox News.

Its the first rocket engine test since the rogue communist regime conducted three in March, which, in addition to an ICBM could also be used for a future new rocket capable of putting a satellite into orbit, according to both officials who are concerned that the technology used for putting satellites into space are the same ones used for an ICBM capable of reaching the west coast of the United States.

The rocket test was conducted in the city of Yun Song, where previous rocket tests have taken place, according to one official.

OTTO WARMBIER FUNERAL: AROUND 2,000 GATHER TO CELEBRATE LIFE OF STUDENT WHO DIED AFTER NORTH KOREA DETAINMENT

The news of another rocket engine test out of North Korea comes as another U.S. official said Wednesday there are signs of increased activity at North Koreas lone nuclear test site.

There are more people and more cars but nobody knows what that means, said the official.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests since 2006, including two last year.

Since hosting Chinas President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago Club in April, President Trump hoped China would help deescalate tensions in the region following a series of ballistic missile tests, including one that flew 1,000 miles higher than NASAs international space station before reentering the Earths atmosphere and splashing down a mere 60 miles from Russia last month.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried! said Trump in a tweet earlier this week.

At the State Department, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hosted Chinese counterparts.

China understands that the United States regards North Korea as our top security threat, Tillerson told reporters Wednesday. We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much great economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region.

U.S. TEST TO SHOOT DOWN BALLISTIC MISSILE FAILS

Relations with North Korea deteriorated further after Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old University of Virginia student and Ohio native was returned to the United States last week after being held for 17-months on charges of subversion after allegedly stealing a communist propaganda poster from his hotel.

Warmbier died on Monday. Friends and family members held a public funeral in Wyoming, Ohio, on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the latest U.S. effort to test its shoot-down capability failed on Wednesday night, according to a statement from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. A medium-range ballistic missile was launched from a test range in Hawaii at 7:20 pm local time, but the interceptor missile fired at sea from USS John Paul Jones, a guided-missile destroyer, missed the target.

Fox News' James Rosen contributed to this report.
The unpredictable North Korean regime issued more threats and a rare offer to engage in talks Thursday, the day Otto Warmbier's family buried their son and amid increasing tensions on the peninsula.

The events showed the schizophrenic nature of the rogue nation's foreign policy, and highlighted the challenges faced by countries seeking to rein it in. But the offer to engage in talks with the U.S. was as close to an olive branch as North Korea has extended in recent memory - and it came along with a simultaneous threat.

"Under certain circumstances, we are willing to talk in terms of the freezing of nuclear testing and missile testing," North Korea Ambassador to India, Kye Chun Yong, told India's TV network WION on Wednesday.

Under certain circumstances, we are willing to talk in terms of the freezing of nuclear testing and missile testing."  Kye Chun Yong, North Korean ambassador to India

When asked if he was open to talk with the United States at any time, he simply responded, yes. He said if their demands are met we can negotiate in terms of the moratorium of such as weapons testing.

The negotiations, he said, must come without preconditions from Washington.

For instance, if the American side completely stopped big, large-scale military exercises temporarily or permanently, then we will also temporarily stop, Kye added.

Yet, on Thursday, the hermit regime stepped up their rhetoric against the U.S.

"The army of the DPRK is whetting the sword of retaliation shaper [sic] than before with a firm hold on the nuclear sword of justice to cope with the U.S. imperialists' escalating aggression moves," according to a posting on the Korean Central News Agency website.

They went on to say, according to KCNA watch, We have already recommended and warned the U.S. several times enough to be understandable. However, the Trump administration, obsessed by megalomania, is going arrogant to mount a preemptive nuclear strike at the DPRK.

This posting was published the same day that the family of 22-year-old Warmbier buried their son. He died a week after Pyongyang returned him to his family in a coma-like state after being held in a North Korean prison, serving what was supposed to be a 15-year sentence of hard labor.

The United States once again condemns the brutality of the North Korean regime as we mourn its latest victim, President Trump said in a statement.

Just hours after Warmbiers funeral, Congressmen Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Joe Wilson, R-S.C., announced the North Korea Travel Control Act, which would require the Treasury Department to issue regulations requiring a license for travel to, from, and within North Korea by American citizens, and ban tourist travel by Americans. The Schiff-Wilson bill is expected to be considered in Committee in the coming weeks.

The North Koreans, who have shown no remorse over Warmbiers death, are reportedly pouring resources into a well-known nuclear testing site, possibly preparing for their sixth nuclear test.

Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to President Trump, told Fox News North Korea remains an incredibly aggressive nation. It is threatening the stability of the whole region."

Gorka also called for China to clamp down on North Korea, as it accounts for more than 80 percent of trade with the rogue nation. On Tuesday, however, President Trump tweeted, "While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea. it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

The administration is considering new sanctions against Pyongyang and wants Beijing to agree to them.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis held a joint press conference after meeting with Chinese officials to discuss the situation with North Korea.

"We reiterated to China that they have diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region," Tillerson told reporters.

Mattis said the two sides affirmed North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are a threat to peace and security in the region, adding that the United States "will continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies."

That same evening, at a rally in Iowa, President Trump said that the U.S. has "a very good relationship with China and I do like President Xi," but added "I wish we would have a little more help with respect to North Korea from China, but that doesn't seem to be working out."
Muslim rebels fled after freeing dozens of hostages from a school in a southern Philippine village on Wednesday and were being pursued by army troops, as a daylong crisis eased in in the volatile region, officials said.

Gunmen from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters prepared to attack troop and militiamen outposts but were repelled by government forces early Wednesday, prompting them to seize villagers as human shields in Malagakit village in North Cotabato province, military officials said.

At least four rebels were killed and two government militiamen were wounded in the fighting, which caused nearly 1,000 villagers in Malagakit and two nearby villages to flee to safety, the officials said.

The retreating gunmen, estimated by the military and police to number from 200 to 300, later occupied a Malagakit grade school building, where they sporadically traded shots with troops up to nightfall, said local army spokesman Capt. Arvin Encinas.

During a lull in the gunbattle, 31 people, including a dozen children, were either allowed to dash to freedom or escaped from the school. Other captives in the school and more 20 other residents who were trapped in their houses later were taken to safety by troops, officials said.

The gunmen managed to escape from the school after freeing the hostages and the other captives were rescued, Encinas said.

"While our troops were slowly approaching, they fled and left behind the civilians that they held as hostages," he said.

The rebels may have taken advantage of a massive military offensive against militants aligned with the Islamic State group who have laid siege to the southern city of Marawi, and plotted to attack military targets elsewhere, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said at a news conference.

"They were taking advantage of the situation that we have a very lightly defended outpost and that they think our forces are elsewhere in the province," Padilla said. "But that is not the case, our forces are spread all over. We may be facing many fronts ... but we've properly assigned our forces."

Rebel spokesman Abu Misry Mamah acknowledged in a radio interview that his group staged the attack, but said they only took hold of some villagers to protect them during the gunbattle.

The rebels broke off from the largest Muslim rebel group several years ago to protest peace talks with the government. Weakened by battle setbacks, some commanders have aligned themselves with the Islamic State group in the hope of securing funding from the Middle East-based group, according to the military.

Last month, about 500 militants seized Marawi, a mosque-dotted center of the Islamic faith in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. The attack followed an army and police raid on a hideout that failed to capture a top militant suspect. Philippine troops, backed by airstrikes, have been fighting street battles to wrest back control of four areas in the city's business district.

At least 258 militants, 65 soldiers and police and 26 civilians have been killed and more than 300,000 villagers have fled from Marawi and outlying towns.

The U.S. military in recent weeks deployed a P3 Orion aircraft to provide surveillance for troops battling more than 100 gunmen holding an unspecified number of hostages in Marawi. President Rodrigo Duterte, despite having an antagonistic stance toward Washington, has acknowledged the U.S. assistance is helping save lives.

The attack has sparked fears that the Islamic State group, while losing territory in Syria and Iraq, may be gaining a foothold in Southeast Asia. Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao region to deal with the Marawi crisis.
A U.S. airstrike killed Abu Khattab al Awlaqi, a senior leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and two of his close associates, U.S. Central Command announced Thursday.

The terror boss, who ruled the militants' stronghold in Shabwah Governorate, was killed June 16, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. It added that al Awlaqi "had significant influence throughout AQAPs terrorist stronghold, had ties and access to the groups other senior leaders, and was implicated in planning and leading efforts to exacerbate instability in Southern Yemen."

The U.S. military has launched more than 80 airstrikes against

Al Qaeda in Yemen since President Trump took office, more than double the average over the past five years. The U.S. conducted 38 strikes against the terror group last year, and 22 the year before.

U.S. special operations has conducted two raids inside Yemen since late January. The first resulting in the death of Navy SEAL Ryan Owens days after President Trump took office.

The other mission took place last month.

"Al Awlaqis death removes a trusted and experienced terrorist leader from AQAPs ranks," CENTCOM continued.

SUICIDE BLAST AT SOMALI POLICE STATION KILLS 7

Yemen was the home of Anwar al-Awlaki, the American Islamic terror cleric linked to a chain of attacks targeting the United States. A drone strike killed him in 2011, according to the Pentagon.

In 2009, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian recruit to Al Qaedas Yemen branch, tried and failed to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day with explosives in his underwear. Investigators say he trained under al-Awlaki.

INSIDE YEMEN'S SECRET PRISONS

The previous month, Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. Army Medical Corps psychiatrist, killed 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas. Hasan launched the attack three weeks before he was due to deploy to Afghanistan. He had previously sent emails to al-Awlaki, investigators said.

In June of that year, U.S. citizen Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad shot and killed one U.S. soldier and wounded another at a military recruiting station in Little Rock, Arkansas. He had traveled to Yemen, where he reportedly trained with Al Qaeda-linked militants.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
I heard a sound during this springs turkey season that I hadnt heard near my home for a couple years. Its one that always brings a smile to my facean early morning call of a bobwhite quail moving along an overgrown field edge, singing out a song of love and looking for a mate.

He was, likely, lonely. I heard him walking and calling all around the perimeter of a 100-acre farm. Such isolation, combined with his biological imperative to sing out to his birds of a feather, carries big risks. Predators, such as foxes and hawks, happily ambush and devour these diminutive birds.

Virginia is several years into an ambitious quail recovery initiative. With much of the potential quail habitat residing on private lands, it takes landowner commitment to stitch together enough quality habitat to give this wonderful gamebird a fighting chance.

The reason for the decline in quail populations over the last 30 years isnt a huge mystery. A combination of ever-increasing human sprawl and evolving farming and land management practices has drastically curbed the places where coveys of quail can survive and thrive. Modern farming techniques and a lack of attention to active management of forests, to include timber cutting and prescribed burning, all contribute. Fields overgrown with native warm season grasses and nutritious forbs and tangled hedgerows are increasingly rare, compared to yesteryear.

Marc Puckett coordinates the recovery program for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He works closely with several private lands regional biologists (see attached map), helping landowners better understand conservation programs and opportunities. While several focal counties have been identified for concentrated efforts, Puckett explains the bobwhite team is happy to work with any landowner interested in improving habitat.

The program is statewide and well serve anybody who has an interest in quail, Puckett said.

Multiple options are available for landowners looking to improve properties. Puckett said one option, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, managed through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service, is very popular.

A new effort scheduled to be announced this fall and coordinated through the NRCSs Working Lands for Wildlife program will target cattle grazing and quail management, identifying ways land can be managed to benefit both bovines and birds.

Its going to be a win-win situation with funding available to perform various practices that both improve cattle crazing and provides for wildlife, to include quail, dozens of species of songbirds and also pollinating insects, Puckett said. While certain parts of Virginia will be labeled as focal areas for this initiative, it will also be available statewide. Having a property in the focal area might help boost the scoring formula being developed for the program, though, Puckett explained.

Our private lands biologists will be able to help any landowner, Puckett said. Theyll make a site visit and offer specific recommendations to help them work through the process. For some landowners, especially those new to this, working through the process can be a challenge, at least initially.

This type of outreach is essential to quail recovery efforts. Educating landowners about what is doable is a key first step. Puckett said the team has been very busy over the last seven years, making more than 3,600 site visits to various Old Dominion properties and helping to write 1,180 management plans.

Puckett readily admits the increasing human population makes it tough to manage land for wildlife. Theyre not making any more land, but making more and more of us. Those people have to be fed, he said, adding its understandable that farmers want to eke out as much financial gain as possible from available acres.

Some conservation programs, though, offset any losses that come when land is taking out of full productive status for growing crops for humans and livestock and converted back to quality wildlife habitat. This can include such things as leaving field borders versus planting right to a wood line, or leaving fields fallow for native grasses and other vegetation.

Landowners who lease acreage to farmers can help by building provisions into the farming agreement that a certain amount of the property will be allowed to grow a little wild versus cleaning every piece of open ground to its margins. Deals can be structured so that either the landowner or the farmer derives any financial benefit from the program, offsetting crop losses, Puckett said. Farming can go very well with wildlife goals, he said.

For more information about quail restoration efforts in Virginia, see dgif.virginia.gov/quail, or contact Puckett at marc.puckett@dgif.virginia.gov, 434/392-8328. The private lands biologist working with counties around Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck is David Bryan, david.bryan@va.usda.gov, 804/287-1661.

CPO Recruitment

The DGIF is recruiting up to 25 conservation police officers to be assigned to various duty stations across the Commonwealth. While, Virginia Conservation Police officers have full police authority with statewide jurisdiction, their main role is to enforce fish, wildlife and boating laws. The typically patrol their assigned areas with 4-wheel-drive police vehicles, boats, all-terrain vehicles and, even, mountain bikes.

Applicants must possess a high-school diploma or GED equivalent and be at least 21 years of age by the conclusion of the CPO Academy. Individuals with outdoors skills, interest in hunting, fishing or boating are encouraged to apply. The deadline is July 5. Caroline County is one of the vacant duty stations. For details, call the DGIF recruiter at 804/367-3443 or email recruiter@dgif.virginia.gov.
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Amy Aldridges final standing ovation lasted 10 minutes.

Dressed in red for her May 14 farewell performance of the pas de deux from George Balanchines Rubies, she bowed, smiled and wiped her eyes as roses and carnations rained down on the stage at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

Surreal is the best way to describe it, Aldridge said of her final performance as a principal dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet. I still dont think its really hit me that it was the last.

Aldridgewho grew up in Stafford County, where her family still livesretired this summer after 23 seasons with the company, which was her home for her entire professional career.

That is rare, she said. I never thought Id start and finish in the same place. But I found a family and made a home here and everything about it felt right.

Aldridge, who notes that dancers never give their ages, first studied ballet at Fredericksburg Ballet Centre. She started taking lessons at age 5.

We were in a restaurant and there was a stage there, her mother, Carolyn Aldridge, remembered. She ran up on the stage and started to dance. She was maybe 4 at the time. I thought, Oh, goodness, maybe this is a sign we should put her in ballet. So we did, and she loved it from day one.

Even so, she never thought it would become a career for her daughter.

I had no idea, she said.

But Amy had found her calling.

She always put the ballet first, before girlfriends and boyfriends, Carolyn Aldridge said. We knew then that she was serious.

Amy started taking lessons at the School of Richmond Ballet.

I commuted six, seven days a week to Richmond with her, Carolyn Aldridge said.

Amy was accepted to the summer intensive course at New York Citys School of American Ballet four years in a row and the school wanted her to join the year-round program, Carolyn Aldridge said. She was uncomfortable sending her high school-aged daughter to New York City, so the family investigated other professional schools. They settled on the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, which Amy attended after completing one year at Stafford High School.

After graduating UNCSA, Amy got her job with the Pennsylvania Ballet and was promoted to principal dancer in 2001.

She danced major roles in countless classic ballets and created original roles for works by modern choreographers. She was known for her clean, fast footwork, technique and personality, she said. Her favorite ballets were those choreographed by George Balanchine.

He is my favorite choreographer, she said. Most of his movement is very musical and theres never really a story. The dancer kind of becomes the music, a little bit.

Her career goal was to dance for 22 seasons.

But when I hit last year, I decided I was not quite there yet, she said. I still felt I was dancing well and there were other things I wanted to dance.

When she saw the companys repertoire for the 201617 season, which included works by Balanchine and a world premiere by Pennsylvania Ballet resident choreographer Matthew Neenan, she decided they were the works she wanted to retire with.

The edgy pas de deux from Rubies was her last performance for the company. Her mother was there, as she has been for almost every ballet her daughter has appeared in.

It was wonderful, Carolyn Aldridge said. I couldnt help but cry. To see the last performance, it was happy and sad. When we got to her house after the performance, there were probably 20 or 25 vases full of roses.

Real rubies and other gems are in Amy Aldridges future. She plans to finish a gemology program with the goal of designing jewelry. Shell also teach ballet, both in Philadelphia and out of the state, and is looking forward to attending performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet.

Ill be there all the time, she said. But with much less pressure! Thats what Im looking forward to, just sitting in the audience.

Aldridges advice for aspiring local ballerinas is to not let anybody tell them they cant dance.

Everybody can find a place and find a fit, she said. Ive seen so many dancers that I work with that are so unhappy and then they leave and get a job elsewhere and find someone that loves them. And they almost quit, almost retired early.

Everybody finds their fit, she continued. If its something that you really want bad enough, and you have the ability and the talent to take you there, its just a matter of finding where your home is.
Prospective students who require English as a Second Language instruction prior to enrollment will now have a direct path to the University of Mary Washington, according to a press release from the university.

UMW has partnered with the International Language Academy of Washington, D.C.

Beginning this fall, ILA will provide an ESL instructional program at both the universitys Fredericksburg campus and ILAs campus in McLean.

In addition, ILA will provide an ESL Bridge program at UMW, pending approval from Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal entity that maintains information on non-immigrant students.

The Bridge program would allow students to directly transfer into UMW upon completion of ILAs Intensive English Program. It will also provide highly motivated ILA students to concurrently attend UMW. Those students, nearing the end of their language program, will live on the Fredericksburg campus and take classes. Prospective students will apply and will indicate the option they prefer.
FORMER FBI Director James B. Comey's open testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month, broadcast live on national television, reflected well on our democracy. An estimated 19.5 million people watched our government at work.

On the same day, Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer told an audience of lawyers, law professors and students that he was not ready to allow the public to watch Supreme Court proceedingsbecause, he said, cameras might change the nature of oral arguments. Breyer's views reflect the opinion of all the Supreme Court justices, with the possible exception of Justice Neil Gorsuch, who said during his confirmation hearings in March that he was "open" to the possibility of cameras in the courtroom.

The Supreme Court does not currently allow any of its public oral arguments or decision announcements to be televised, live-streamed, videotaped or photographed. This blackout deprives the American people of something that is rightfully theirs: the ability to observe government officials perform important duties that only a select few can witness in person.

There may have been a period when cameras in courtrooms presented unknown risks, but that time is past. Fifty state supreme courts already allow them, including the Texas Supreme Court, which live-streams and archives all of its oral arguments.

Texas Justice Don Willett, who is on President Trump's list of potential Supreme Court nominees, recently told me: "My court has been webcasting for a decade. No hiccups. No regrets. No going back. We inhabit a hyperpartisan age, and there's enormous civic-education upside in We the People seeing their judges tackle fateful issues with thoughtfulness and civility. I wouldn't presume to lecture the Supreme Court of the United States, but our experience has been overwhelmingly positive."

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals live-streams its arguments, as do other courts of appeals from time to time. Cameras are also allowed in courtrooms in Britain, Canada, Brazil and many other countries. There have been virtually no negative reports or safety issues resulting from this widespread use of cameras in courtrooms.

With its long tradition of overruling unconstitutional state and federal laws, the Supreme Court is the most powerful judicial tribunal in the world. If any court should be televised, it is the Supreme Court. There would be many obvious advantages.

As Justice Willett pointed out, the American people could watch lawyers and judges respectfully debate contentious legal issues. These arguments would set a wonderful example of how public officials can disagree without undue rancor.

Students and teachers of the law in particular should be able to witness the justices' historic debates over freedom of speech, freedom of religion, abortion and other legal questions. What a shame that no one will ever be able to watch the justices announce their rulings on same-sex marriage and other momentous decisions. Instead, we must rely on the accounts of a few select journalists.

And now there is another compelling reason for the justices to televise their proceedings: The Supreme Court might be hurtling toward a legal showdown with the president. If this happens, the American people should be allowed to watch the landmark case. Citizens might even accept the result more readily if they can observe the arguments and the decision announcement.

There are no strong arguments against televising or live-streaming court proceedings. The justices have said that it could lead to misunderstandings about how the court works and enable journalists to take snippets of arguments out of context. Justice Anthony Kennedy even hinted that he's afraid his colleagues might grandstand. But media distortion of the proceedings is already a possibility, and when there is debate over what happens inside the court now, there is no visual evidence to consult.

In any event, the potential minor risks don't come close to outweighing the certain advantages of transparency.

Some judges have voiced fears that televising court proceedings could make them targets of violence from disappointed litigants or the public at large. But there is no evidence to support this concern. Personal information about every judge is already available to the public. Some of the justices go on television voluntarily to promote their books.

I asked Judge Richard Posner of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals what he makes of this concern about violence. "As far as I am able to determine, there has never been an incidence of violence resulting from such televising," he responded. "Yet fear of violence has been a standard excuse for refusing to allow judicial proceedings to be televised. Standard and phony."

Many of our country's most important political debates and decisions take place inside the Supreme Court. We should all be allowed to witness what a few hundred lucky citizens and journalists get to see.

Eric J. Segall, a law professor at Georgia State University, is the author of "Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court Is Not a Court and Its Justices Are Not Judges."
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Police in North Yorkshire have launched a region-wide summer crackdown on rural crime, which includes a collaborative approach with farmers to snare criminals.

Led by North Yorkshire Polices rural taskforce, Operation Countryside will bring together police officers, specialist units, volunteers and partners, including farmers and landowners.

The operation aims to create a hostile environment for those intending to commit crimes, with a particular focus on the Scarborough and Ryedale areas.

See also: Video  Farmers top tips to fight rural crime

Police will use automatic number plate recognition technology to track suspicious vehicles.

Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) will work closely with farmers on the ground to gather intelligence about rural criminals.

This summer, they will also be using a John Deere tractor, loaned by Ripon Farm Services, to help increase police engagement with rural communities.

The rural taskforce will focus on tackling crimes involving farm machinery and livestock, thefts from farm buildings and wildlife crime.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Polices rural taskforce, said: Offenders from urban areas outside North Yorkshire travel into our communities intent on stealing quad bikes, farm machinery and other valuable property.

High-profile patrols will create a visible deterrent, intelligence will be gathered and used to inform live-time deployments, and officers will use a range of police powers to disrupt would-be offenders wherever possible.

One farmer based near Scarborough, who did not want to be named, welcomed the initiative.

He said: Rural crime is an ongoing problem in this area, so Im glad police are being proactive and taking it more seriously.

In recent weeks, thieves have been stealing Land Rovers, especially in the Ripon area. Quad bikes are going missing and livestock theft is becoming more prevalent.

Earlier this year, police sent 8,000 farms across the county a crime prevention pack, which included an offer to receive a free farm security survey.

The NFU in the North East is urging farmers in the region to take advantage of the free crime prevention advice.

A spokeswoman said: A PCSO will come out to your farm, look at your premises and offer tips to prevent crime. For farmers who have been victims of crime, having an officer visit from the rural taskforce has made a difference.

The rural taskforce was launched in early 2016 to tackle the growing problem of rural crime. In its first year, taskforce officers arrested 101 people, reported 71 for summons and seized 39 vehicles.

Farmers can report crime by calling 101, or by dialling 999 in an emergency. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Tariff-free access to the EU single market is vital, says Fergus Ewing  Tim Scrivener

The Scottish government is on a collision course with Westminster over the prospects for agriculture once the UK leaves the EU.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday (22 June), Scottish rural cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing said retaining tariff-free access to the EU single market was crucial for Scottish farming.

His comments are at odds with prime minister Theresa May who insists the UK will leave the single market and the customs union when it leaves the EU.

See also: I will champion UK farmers, pledges Gove

Europe is an important market for Scottish red meat exports  and it was vital free access to that market remained post Brexit, he told a Quality Meat Scotland meeting at the event.

France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands took about 75% of Scottish beef and 87% of exported Scottish lamb, added Mr Ewing.

This makes it highly important for Scotland to retain tariff-free access to the European single market, he said.

It is crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth in our rural economy.

Modelling

Mr Ewing said the Scottish government was preparing to publish findings from economic modelling for a number of Brexit-related scenarios.

I fully expect that when these results have published, the will confirm what the Scottish government has been saying to UK government ever since the EU referendum, he said.

Contrary to their rose-tinted rhetoric about Brexit, it is a major threat to Scottish farming  especially hill farming.

In 2016, Scotland sold an estimated 62.2m of red meat and a further 6.7m of offal to customers outside the UK, giving a total red meat sales revenue of 73.9m.

There should be a lot of positivity in the sector just now  given that current prices are high, with cattle up 12%, sheep up 20% and pigs up 35%, said Mr Ewing.

Uncertainty

But the sector faced an uncertain future.

As important as it is to keep looking to expand into new markets, we cannot give up on the biggest market on our doorstep, he added.

Following the outcome of the general election, the government must draw up a new plan for Brexit  the UK government no longer has a mandate to pursue a hard Brexit or leave the single market.
Michael Goves appointment as Defra secretary this week surprised everyone, including him.

A strong advocate of leaving the EU, Mr Gove will head the team tasked with forming Brexit policy for food, farming and the environment.

His biggest job will be shaping the UKs new model for agricultural policy outside the world of subsidies under the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

See also: Gove pledges to put farmers at centre of policymaking

Defra says oversight of EU exit work and the overall policy programme will top the list of Mr Goves responsibilities.

But what should farmers expect from Mr Gove? What does he stand for in terms of food and farming policy?

Farmers Weekly has delved into the past to unearth Mr Goves views on agriculture and rural issues, including his voting record on some farming issues.

Badger cull and fox hunting

In June 2013, Mr Gove voted in favour of culling badgers to tackle bovine TB. He also supports lifting the ban on fox hunting.

Trade

Mr Gove would like to see trade barriers with the rest of the world removed after Brexit. In an interview with Nick Robinson on Radio 4s Today programme, he said: We would benefit from being able to take back control of our seat at the World Trade Organisation.

At the moment Britain is represented at the WTO by the EUs single representative  an ex-sociology lecturer from Sweden.

Id like to see a Briton on the WTO determining trade policy. More than that, I would like to see barriers  trade barriers  that weve erected in the EU against developing nations come down.

Subsidies

Farm subsidies will continue until 2022 in line with the Conservatives election manifesto, Mr Gove has confirmed. After that, the future is unclear.

Labour (agricultural workforce)

Mr Gove is committed to ensuring agriculture has continued access to migrant labour  and to do so, a new seasonal agricultural workers scheme may need to be introduced.

We need to make sure that the workforce is there and the support is there, he told Radio 4.

Red tape

Mr Gove is committed to cutting unnecessary EU bureaucracy. He is involved in a cross-party major review, which aims to identify EU-originated red tape needlessly tying up British businesses.

Food imports

In an interview with the Daily Mail before the EU referendum, Mr Gove said British consumers could benefit from cheap food as a result of striking trade deals with emerging nations after Brexit.

An independent Britain could choose to strike free trade agreements with emerging economies and lower tariffs, extending new opportunities to developing nations and in the process allowing prices in Britain to become cheaper, he said.

Animal welfare

Mr Gove has previously stated that all EU farmers should be made to conform to the same standards on animal welfare as British farmers.

EU Habitats Directive

Earlier this year, Mr Gove said Brexit would allow Britain to scrap absurd rules such as the EU Habitats Directive  the EUs core conservation law.

In particular, he said the rules were holding back development of homes in environmentally sensitive areas.

As a result, my constituents and, perhaps your children, find homes more expensive and mobility in this country impeded, he said.

Renewables

In 2015, Mr Gove voted with the government when it applied a climate change levy tax on non-domestic electricity produced from renewable sources.

Devolution

Mr Gove has generally voted in favour of handing more powers to devolved administrations, which could clash with suggestions that Defra plans to centralise more agricultural powers to Westminster after Brexit.

Fracking

Mr Gove has a mixed record on fracking. He previously voted for greater restrictions on fracking in national parks. However, he has also voted against explicitly requiring environmental permits for fracking activities.

HS2 High Speed Rail project

Mr Gove has consistently voted in favour of the governments high-speed rail project, HS2, which will result in hundreds of farmers and landowners losing their businesses to compulsory purchase orders.
Story Highlights Percentage married to same-sex spouse up from 7.9% two years ago

Sharp decline in same-sex domestic partnerships

LGBT men more likely to be married than LGBT women

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Two years after the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that states could not prohibit same-sex marriages, 10.2% of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) adults in the U.S. are married to a same-sex spouse. That is up from 7.9% in the months prior to the Supreme Court decision in 2015, but only marginally higher than the 9.6% measured in the first year after the ruling.

Marital Status of LGBT Americans Pre-Obergefell decision Year 1, Post-Obergefell decision Year 2, Post-Obergefell decision % % % Married to same-sex spouse 7.9 9.6 10.2 Living with same-sex partner 12.8 10.1 6.6 Single/Never married 47.4 49.9 55.7 Living with opposite-sex partner 4.8 5.0 4.2 Married to opposite-sex spouse 14.2 13.6 13.1 Divorced 7.1 6.4 5.4 Separated 2.5 2.2 2.1 Widowed 2.8 2.9 2.2 Sample size 4,752 11,588 12,832 Dates: Pre-Obergefell (Jan. 28-June 26, 2015); Year 1, Post-Obergefell (June 27, 2015-June 19, 2016); Year 2, Post-Obergefell (June 20, 2016-June 19, 2017) Gallup Daily

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court issued the Obergefell decision. As would be expected, the number of same-sex marriages has increased, though the rate of increase has slowed.

As the percentage of LGBT adults in same-sex marriages has increased over the past two years, the percentage in same-sex domestic partnerships has fallen sharply from 12.8% before the Supreme Court ruling to 6.6%.

About half of the decline in same-sex domestic partnerships can be explained by the increase in same-sex marriages. The rest of the decline could mean that others formerly in same-sex domestic partnerships may have stopped living together, or no longer consider a same-sex cohabitant as a "partner."

As a result of these shifts, Gallup estimates that 61% of same-sex, cohabiting couples in the U.S. are now married, up from 38% before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in June 2015, and 49% one year ago.

An increasing percentage of LGBT adults now identify their marital status as single or never married. That has always been the dominant status among LGBT individuals, but has increased from 47.4% to 55.7% over the last two years.

LGBT Americans are still more likely to be married to an opposite-sex spouse (13.1%) than a same-sex spouse (10.2%), but the gap is narrowing. According to prior research on LGBT identification, roughly half of those who self-identify as LGBT are bisexual, helping explaining the high proportion of LGBT individuals who are married to opposite-sex partners. Gallup's question does not probe specifically for whether LGBT individuals are lesbian or gay or bisexual or transgender.

The results are based on Gallup Daily tracking interviews since Jan. 28, 2015, when Gallup first asked lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals who indicated they were married or living with a partner if their spouse or partner was the same sex or the opposite sex.

Overall, 4.3% of U.S. adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to Gallup's latest estimate from its June 2016-June 2017 tracking data. That is up from 3.9% a year ago and 3.4% in Gallup's initial estimate in 2012.

Same-Sex Marriage More Common Among Men, Older LGBT Adults

Currently, 11.4% of LGBT men versus 9.3% of LGBT women say they are married to a same-sex partner. Also, the marriage rate among older LGBT adults is higher than it is among younger adults.

Marital Status of LGBT Americans, by Gender and Age Men Women 18-29 years old 30-49 years old 50+ years old % % % % % Married to same-sex spouse 11.4 9.3 3.3 14.4 18.1 Living with same-sex partner 7.4 6.0 3.8 8.9 8.9 Single/Never married 56.6 55.0 77.2 42.4 32.3 Living with opposite-sex partner 3.0 5.2 5.5 4.1 1.8 Married to opposite-sex spouse 13.2 13.1 6.2 18.4 19.3 Divorced 4.6 6.1 2.1 7.1 9.8 Separated 1.4 2.7 1.3 3.2 2.3 Widowed 2.0 2.4 0.5 0.9 7.1 Sample size 6,789 6,043 4,340 3,641 4,777 June 20, 2016-June 19, 2017 Gallup Daily

Notably, even older LGBT adults are most likely to identify their marital status as single -- 32% say they have never married. This indicates that many LGBT adults, even at older ages when marriage may be more feasible or desirable than it is for younger adults, are remaining single. By comparison, 11.3% of non-LGBT adults age 50 and older have never married.

Implications

Same-sex marriages are becoming increasingly common, and same-sex domestic partnerships less common, for LGBT Americans. In the first year after the Supreme Court ruled states could not prohibit same-sex marriages, the percentage of LGBT Americans who were married grew nearly two percentage points. In the second year since the ruling, the growth has continued, but at a diminished rate. This suggests an initial burst in the number of same-sex marriages came in response to the legal changes. Now, with those legal changes further in the past, the growth in same-sex marriages may be slower.

However, growth in the rate of same-sex marriages is likely to continue. Younger adults, many who may not be in a position to marry regardless of their sexual identity, are disproportionately likely to identify as LGBT. As they age, their life situations may change and they may want to get married. Also, as future generations of LGBT adults come of age, having grown up in a time when there were no legal restrictions on same-sex marriage and greatly reduced societal norms against it, they may marry at higher rates than LGBT Americans in generations before them.

These data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Editor's Note: A correction was made to the estimated proportions of LGBT adults in cohabiting same-sex couples who are married (from 67% to 61%) or living with a partner (from 33% to 39%).
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

CAR CRASH: 12:46 p.m., 1900 block of Northwest Circle Boulevard, Corvallis. An officer responded to a report of a car crashing into a tree in the front yard of a home. The driver, Jordan Reeves, said he was driving his Ford Mustang on Northwest Circle Boulevard when he was forced to swerve away from a car traveling in the opposite direction. He lost control and struck the tree. A witness told police she saw the Ford Mustang speeding before it lost control. The officer cited Reeves for driving while suspended and careless driving.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

TRAFFIC CRASH: 9:52 p.m., Northwest Fourth Street and Northwest Harrison Boulevard, Corvallis. Officers responded after a car struck a pedestrian crossing the street. The pedestrian was taken to the emergency room at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Officers determined the woman had walked into the street when she did not have a green walking signal and was struck by the car as it turned left onto Northwest Fourth Street. No citations were issued.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

TRESPASSING: 8:30 a.m., 3300 block of Northeast Oxford Circle, Corvallis. A woman reported that while she was out of town, her neighbor removed the screen on the front window of her home to feed her cat after the cat had meowed loudly. The woman told police said she had not given her neighbor permission to feed the cat and that her sister was taking care of the pet. An officer issued the neighbor a trespass notice and told her to contact law enforcement if she sees an animal in distress.

Benton County Sheriffs Office

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

DUII: 11:58 p.m., Northwest Seventh Street and Northwest Harrison Boulevard, Corvallis. During a traffic stop, a deputy arrested William G. Simpson, 42, of Vancouver, for driving while under the influence of intoxicants. Simpsons blood alcohol concentration was 0.05 percent.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

BURGLARY: 1:53 a.m., 26300 block of Old River Road, Monroe. A woman called from Portland to report her house in Monroe had been vandalized. She said that on the day before she found the front door open and the window screens and the walls inside damaged. Several items were also missing from the house. No suspects have been identified.
clarajancita at 22-06-2017 04:53 PM (5 years ago) (f)

Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah, has left the country. He jetted out of the countrys shores Thursday morning. An impeccable source confirmed the development to our correspondent Thursday afternoon.

Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah, has left the country. He jetted out of the countrys shores Thursday morning. An impeccable source confirmed the development to our correspondent Thursday afternoon. Quote Chairman left Nigeria this morning. The information I have is that he has gone to attend to his health. So I believe its a medical trip, the source said. We understand that the recent ordeal was traumatic for him. He has never been out of circulation for 6 weeks and you know what that means to a wealthy man.



Asked which country the oil magnate travelled to and how long he will be away, our source simply replied: Somewhere in Europe, I dont know how long he will stay. We on Wednesday reported that Ubah had been released by the Department of State Services (DSS). Ifeanyi Ubah leaves Nigeria after six weeks in DSS custody. Ubah regained his freedom after about six weeks in custody.



He was arrested and detained by DSS on May 5, 2017, for alleged engagement in acts of economic sabotage which include stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm (in Lagos) by the NNPC.

On May 25, Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT Federal High Court extended the detention of Ubah following an ex-parte application the DSS filed through its lawyer, Mr. G.O.A. Agbadua.

Recall that last week, an Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not to continue its investigation of Ubah, for alleged complicity in a N43.29bn petroleum subsidy scheme fraud. Asked which country the oil magnate travelled to and how long he will be away, our source simply replied:We on Wednesday reported that Ubah had been released by the Department of State Services (DSS). Ifeanyi Ubah leaves Nigeria after six weeks in DSS custody. Ubah regained his freedom after about six weeks in custody.He was arrested and detained by DSS on May 5, 2017, for alleged engagement in acts of economic sabotage which include stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm (in Lagos) by the NNPC.On May 25, Justice Yusuf Halilu of the FCT Federal High Court extended the detention of Ubah following an ex-parte application the DSS filed through its lawyer, Mr. G.O.A. Agbadua.Recall that last week, an Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not to continue its investigation of Ubah, for alleged complicity in a N43.29bn petroleum subsidy scheme fraud.

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 22-06-2017 04:53 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
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Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus may not have a Snapdragon variant News oi -Chandrika The Weibo user also revealed that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be coming with a Snapdragon 836 chipset.

Not even six months have passed since the launch of Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus and rumors regarding their successors have already started pouring in.

Today, a Weibo user have claimed that the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus will be coming with an Exynos 9810 processor and CDMA network support. However, he hasn't mentioned whether there will be Snapdragon variants of the flagships or not. Usually Samsung flagships come in two versions; one powered by an Exynos chipset and another powered by a Snapdragon chipset.

If the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus come without a Snapdragon variant next year, then it means they both have reached an agreement in relation to CDMA patents issue. It could also mean that the Korean electronics giant would be able to sell its chipsets to third party OEMs.

A few months back, Taiwan's fair Trade Commission accused Qualcomm of abusing the "Standard Essential Patent" by not allowing Samsung to sell its chipsets and modems to other smartphone companies. However, despite the licensing issue between them, Samsung made the Snapdragon 835 processor for Qualcomm.

Interestingly, Qualcomm is moving to TSMC for the production of the Snapdragon 845. On the other hand, if the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus have a Snapdragon variant, they will make use of the Snapdragon 845 SoC.

Other than that, the Weibo user has also revealed another piece of information. According to him, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 would come equipped with a Snapdragon 836 processor under the hood. The new chipset will be slightly better than the Snapdragon 835 in terms of performance.

Best Mobiles in India

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Reliance Jio seeks CCI nod for spectrum sharing deal with Rcom News oi -Priyanka The notice said that broadly, the transaction relates to the market for the provision of access services in certain licensed service areas across India.

Mukesh Ambani -led Reliance Jio has approached fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking approval for its spectrum sharing deal with Reliance Communications.

According to the notice submitted to the fair trade regulator, CCI "the company is awaiting approval from the CCI for agreements entered into with RCom and its subsidiary Reliance Telecom Ltd (RTL).

The company had entered into a pact with RCom agreement providing RJIL the option to acquire right to use certain another spectrum in the 800 MHz band from RCom subject to the occurrence of certain specified events.

The agreements were "pursuant to the guidelines for the trading of access spectrum by access service providers" issued by the Department of Telecommunications on October 12, 2015, as per the notice submitted to the CCI.

Reliance Jio was testing its network for providing mobile telephone services, high definition voice, video, data and messaging, in India as on the date of entering into the agreements.

The notice said that broadly, the transaction relates to the market for the provision of access services in certain licensed service areas across India.

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Recent Violence and Casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh

Press Statement

Heather Nauert

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 21, 2017



The United States is deeply concerned over the recent violations of the ceasefire, which have resulted in multiple casualties on the Line of Contact over the last week. We urge the sides to avoid escalation and encourage immediate consideration of measures to reduce tensions along the Line of Contact and the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In their statement released June 19, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs called upon the parties to re-engage in negotiations on substance, in good faith, and with political will. The Co-Chairs further underscored that such negotiations are the only way to bring a lasting peace to the people of the region, who expect and deserve progress toward settlement of the conflict.

The United States continues to engage intensely with the sides. Our longstanding policy, shared by the Minsk Group co-chairs, is that a just settlement must be based on international law, which includes the Helsinki Final Act, in particular the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination.

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Nigerian refugees returning to "dangerously unprepared" situation, UN agency chief warns

21 June 2017  Large numbers of Nigerian refugees hosted in Cameroon are returning to northeast Nigeria, into a situation the United Nations refugee chief calls "dangerously unprepared to receive them."

"It is my firm view that returns are not sustainable at this time," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, in a press statement today.

Three weeks ago the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned about the situation in the Nigerian border town of Banki, where thousands were returning.

"Shelter was lacking, there was severe overcrowding, water supplies and sanitation facilities were wholly inadequate, humanitarian aid was in short supply, and with the rainy season approaching, there was a risk of disease. Even before the returns, Banki was hosting some 45,000 internally displaced people," Mr. Grandi stressed.

"Now," he continued "a further 889 Nigerian refugees, most of them children, have arrived. Having travelled from Minawao camp in Cameroon they reached Banki on 17th June."

The High Commission explained that UNHCR has already stepped up information efforts in Minawao camp to ensure that refugees are given accurate information on the conditions in Banki before they make the choice to return.

"In Banki a strengthened inter-agency effort to address the existing situation must be a priority," he continued." We are working with the authorities and humanitarian actors to ensure that returnees are quickly screened, and receive food, shelter and other basic household support."

Mr. Grandi pointed out, "The new arrivals  and we hear reports of more refugees seeking to return  put a strain on the few existing services. A new emergency, just as the rainy season is starting, has to be avoided at all costs."

He concluded by stressing that the Tripartite Commission, established with UNHCR and the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon, needs to hold its first meeting as soon as possible to outline the minimum conditions needed for returns and discuss how to address these spontaneous movements.

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UN Security Council welcomes deployment of regional force to restore stability in the Sahel

21 June 2017  The United Nations Security Council today welcomed the deployment by the so-called Group of Five (G5)  Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger  of a joint force to tackle the threat of terrorism, as well as the serious challenges posed by transnational organized crime in Africa's restive Sahel region.

Unanimously adopting a new resolution, the Council welcomed the joint force's strategic concept of operations, saying it intended to review the deployment in four months' time. It requested that the Secretary-General, in close coordination with the Group of Five (G5) Sahel States, as well as the African Union  to provide an oral update within two months.

Also by that text, the Council urged the joint force of up to 5,000 military and police personnel, as well as the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and French forces in that country to ensure adequate coordination and exchange of information regarding their operations, within their respective mandates. In that regard, it reiterated its request that the Secretary-General enhance cooperation between MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel States through the relevant intelligence and liaison officers.

The resolution also urged the G5 Sahel States to continue efforts to make the joint force operational in a sustainable, viable and effective manner. It also welcomed the European Union's commitment to provide 50 million in financial support, and encouraged further support from bilateral and multilateral partners.

Emphasizing the important role of women in preventing conflict and peacebuilding, the Council underlined the need to take a gender perspective into account in implementing all aspects of the strategic concept of operations.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in the Sahel, abject poverty, fast population growth, climate change, recurrent food and nutrition crises, armed conflicts and violence converge dangerously and undermine the lives and assets and future prospects of millions of families across the region. More than 30 million people face food insecurity, one in five children under the age of five suffers from acute malnutrition and at least 4.9 million are displaced by the effects of conflicts.

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US Says Gulf States Have Prepared List of Demands for Qatar

By VOA News June 21, 2017

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Saudi Arabia and its allies have prepared a list of demands for Qatar, and he emphasized the United States looks forward to the diplomatic dispute between the Gulf states "moving toward a resolution."

"We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable," Tillerson said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates imposed measures to isolate Qatar two weeks ago, causing the worst Gulf Arab crisis in years. The countries have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, a charge that Doha strongly denies.

Tillerson said the list of demands has been prepared and coordinated by the Saudis, Emiratis, Egyptians, and the Bahrainis. He said the United States supports the mediation efforts of Kuwait.

The U.S. State Department bluntly questioned on Tuesday the motives of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their boycott of Doha, saying it was "mystified" the Gulf states had not released their grievances over Qatar.

In Washington's strongest language yet on the Gulf dispute, the State Department said the more time goes by, "the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE."

On Monday, Qatar said it will not negotiate with neighboring countries unless they cease their economic and travel "blockade" of the Gulf state.

"We have to make it very clear for everyone, negotiations must be done in a civilized way and should have a solid basis and not under pressure or under blockade," Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulraham al-Thani told reporters in the capital city of Doha.

Saudi Arabia first took action on June 5, pulling its ambassador out of Qatar and forcing Qatari nationals to move back to their home country by June 19. Saudi Arabia also closed Qatar's only land border and banned its planes from using Saudi airspace.

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US Strike in Yemen Kills Al-Qaeda Emir, Two Other Members

Sputnik News

21:12 22.06.2017(updated 21:28 22.06.2017)

Abu Khattab al Awlaqi, the emir for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)'s terrorist stronghold in Shabwah Governorate, was killed in the strike of the US military along with two of his AQAP associates, according to the statement of Central Command.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US military conducted an airstrike in Yemen on June 16 that resulted in death of three members of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terrorist group (banned in Russia), including the emir for the Shabwah Governorate, Central Command said in a press release on Thursday.

"Abu Khattab al Awlaqi, the emir for AQAP's terrorist stronghold in Shabwah Governorate, was killed in the strike along with two of his AQAP associates," the release said.

CENTCOM said al Awlaqi, who was responsible for planning attacks, had significant influence within AQAP and had ties to the senior leaders.

"Al Awlaqi's death removes a trusted and experienced terrorist leader from AQAP's ranks," the release said.

CENTCOM said the strike was supported by the government of Yemen.

 Sputnik

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US Takes MS-13 Gang Fight to Its Root Countries

By Masood Farivar June 21, 2017

The U.S. Justice Department is taking the fight against the Central American street gang known as MS-13 to its home turf  the so-called "northern triangle" countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

With roots among war refugees from El Salvador in Los Angeles in the 1980s, MS-13, also known by its Spanish name "Mara Salvatrucha," has morphed into one of the largest and most violent gangs in the United States, boasting an estimated 10,000 members.

But much of its leadership remains in El Salvador from where they plan and orchestrate "some significant murders" in the U.S., cases that local prosecutors are unable to investigate, according to Kenneth Blanco, assistant attorney general in charge of the department's criminal division.

As part of its fight against the gang, the Justice Department's criminal division coordinates with the Central American governments to gather leads and evidence for prosecuting gang members in the United States and to target others "before they ever reach U.S. ports of entry," Blanco told a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on MS-13 Wednesday.

"The department's ultimate goal is to dismantle the entire leadership structure of MS-13, including those members who reside overseas," Blanco said.

FBI vetted foreign investigative units in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to probe MS-13 and other gang members as well as locals responsible for criminal activity in the United States, while another Justice Department unit sends attorneys overseas to combat gangs, cartels, financial crimes, public corruption and other transnational criminal activities, he said.

"You can help us take the fight where it emanates from to make sure those people never get here and those who are here go back," Blanco said.

Terrorist organization?

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has called the gang "one of the gravest threats to American safety," and in April told a television interviewer that it could be designated a terrorist organization.

Sessions later said he wasn't certain whether the gang, the first street gang to be labeled a transnational criminal organization by the United States, meets the State Department's standards to be designated as a terrorist organization.

The Justice Department's focus on MS-13 as part of its new tough on crime approach has drawn criticism that the administration is using it as a pretext to crack down on undocumented immigrants.

Blanco said MS-13 actively recruits members among immigrant communities from the northern triangle, including youngsters and recently arrived unaccompanied minors.

In recent years, only a handful of unaccompanied minors arrested after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have had gang roots. Of the nearly 250,000 unaccompanied minors from the Central American countries arrested since 2012  the majority of them between the ages of 14 and 17 -- only 160 were gang members, Carla Provost, acting chief of the U.S. Border Patrol told the Senate panel.

The number of Central American minors arrested at the U.S. Southwest border reached nearly 60,000 in fiscal year 2016, but it has plummeted this year as law enforcement has clamped down on illegal immigration. In May, the Border Patrol arrested 1,493 unaccompanied minors from Central America, down 73 percent from 5,594 in May 2016, according to Provost.

Last year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made 32,709 criminal arrests, including 4,606 arrests of transnational gang members such as MS-13, according to Derek Benner, acting executive associate director of ICE.

During the current fiscal year, ICE has deported 155,338 to 181 countries. Fifty-five percent of the deportees had criminal convictions, it says.

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U.S., China Affirm North Korean Threat, Mattis Says

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017  Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he and the top U.S. diplomat affirmed with high-ranking Chinese officials today that North Korea's nuclear missile program is a threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mattis spoke at the State Department with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, after they hosted the first iteration of the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue.

"We also affirmed our strong commitment to cooperate, including through the U.N. to realize our shared goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Mattis said. "Meanwhile, we will continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies."

The dialogue with China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Gen. Fang Fenghui, chief of the Chinese joint staff department, is a result of the summit in April between President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, Mattis explained.

Mattis Committed to U.S.-China Defense Relationship

The talks were a "unique opportunity," Mattis said, for the United States and China to engage in "philosophical-level discussions" about the way ahead on shared security interests.

The United States seeks a constructive and results-oriented relationship with China in which differences are managed when they arise, Mattis said.

"I'm committed to improving the U.S.-China defense relationship so that it remains a stabilizing element in our overall relationship," Mattis said. "Our two nations can and do cooperate in mutually beneficial ways."

The United States and China agreed to explore new areas of military-to-military cooperation, Mattis said. That includes, he explained, exchanging officers to improve transparency and mutual understanding.

"We welcome the opportunity to engage with the Chinese counterparts on strategic topics to discuss our differences and will now press forward where we can work together," the defense secretary said.

Decreasing South China Sea Tensions

Discussions also focused on freedom of navigation through the Asia-Pacific region, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the maritime space, Mattis said.

"We discussed ways to decrease tension and reduce risk in the South China Sea," he said, adding, "As we maintain open dialogue on this topic, the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows."

Chinese Contributions to Global Security

The United States and China "decided to adopt greater coordination to face the global threat posed by terrorism," Tillerson said.

Those efforts, he explained, include China helping Iraq as that Middle Eastern country seeks to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

"We will be looking to China to help the Iraqi government in specific, meaningful ways to ensure the country's long-term stability and economic growth as it battles ISIS and begins its long process of rebuilding," Tillerson said.

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US Urges China to Step Up Pressure on North Korea

By Nike Ching June 21, 2017

The United States pushed China during high-level security talks on Wednesday to step up diplomatic and economic pressure to rein in the Kim Jong Un regime in North Korea, but defense analysts said Washington may have to lower its expectations, due to Beijing's strategic relationship with Pyongyang.

"China understands that the United States regards North Korea as our top security threat," said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. "We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region."

"Whether it is money laundering, extorting Korean expatriates, or malicious cyberactivity, North Korea has engaged in a number of criminal enterprises that help fund its weapons programs," the top American diplomat added. "We must step up our efforts to help curtail these sources of revenue."

North Korea topped the agenda at the talks Wednesday after a U.S. student who had been imprisoned by the communist country died this week after being returned to his family.

Tillerson, Mattis Represent US

The first round of the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue included Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis from the U.S. side, meeting with China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of the People's Liberation Army's joint staff department.

President Donald Trump has lauded China's past efforts to rein in North Korea, but he acknowledged in a tweet on Wednesday that those efforts have not achieved the desired results. His comments followed the death on Monday of Otto Warmbier, 22, who was returned to U.S. custody in a coma after nearly 18 months of imprisonment by North Korea on a minor charge.

"While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

Mattis said President Trump "represents the American people's view of North Korea right now."

Regime 'Plays Outside the Rules'

"This goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility toward any human being," Mattis said. Americans are frustrated, he continued, with "a regime that provokes, and provokes, and provokes, and basically plays outside the rules, plays fast and loose with the truth."

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun, the U.S. diplomat who traveled to North Korea to secure Warmbier's release, plan to attend his funeral in Ohio on Thursday.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday that China has been trying continuously to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, and that its efforts have always been "important and constructive."

The United Nations has blacklisted hundreds of North Korean entities, but many of them try to get business done through China, according to U.S. officials. The issue is a sticking point between Washington and Beijing that many experts say deserves frank discussion.

"China might be willing to make changes on the margins of its relationship with North Korea, but fundamental changes to its strategy are highly unlikely, because this would threaten the stability of Kim Jong-un's regime and potentially eliminate the North as a buffer state," Rand Corporation senior defense analyst Derek Grossman said.

Grossman said Beijing's strategic calculus about North Korea should temper Washington's expectations of what Trump administration policy can achieve.

The Rand analyst said China's perpetual security concern is reflected in its proposal that the U.S. and South Korea "freeze" routine joint exercises, in exchange for Pyongyang suspending its missile and nuclear programs.

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Germany OKs Plan to Pull Troops From Turkey's Incirlik Air Base

By VOA News June 21, 2017

Germany will withdraw 280 troops, as well as surveillance planes and refueling jets, from the Incirlik air base in Turkey following a decision by the German parliament on Wednesday. The troops will be relocated to a base in Jordan.

The move comes after Turkey refused German lawmakers access to the base, saying the diplomatic relationship between the countries needed to improve first. Germany has maintained a presence at Incirlik since 2014, when Turkey joined the coalition fighting ISIS.

"The German Bundestag (parliament) regrets very much that conditions for the continued stationing of the Bundeswehr in Incirlik are not met," the Bundestag said in a statement following their decision.

Diplomatic discord

It is the latest example of diplomatic discord between the two NATO members.

In March, German Chancellor Angela Merkel banned Turkish politicians from campaigning on German soil, where 1.4 million Turkish voters live.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared Merkel's decision to "Nazi practices."

Election fallout

Officials from Erdogan's party intended to hold the rallies in support of a referendum to give sweeping powers to the Turkish president. Despite being barred from campaigning in German, the referendum succeeded anyway, worrying many that Turkey may be edging toward authoritarian rule.

In February, Turkey jailed German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel on charges of propaganda in support of a terrorist organization. While asking for his release, Germany has offered asylum to Turkish journalists, intellectuals and opposition political leaders wanted by the Erdogan government.

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Iran Begins Pipeline Gas Exports To Iraq After Years Of Delay

June 22, 2017

Iran has begun exporting natural gas to neighboring Iraq after several years of delays, Iranian state media report.

The semiofficial Fars news agency on June 22 said the exports began late the previous day through a pipeline to Baghdad.

The countries signed an agreement in 2013 for Iran to supply Iraqi power stations, but the project was delayed over what officials said was the poor security situation in Iraq.

But Iraqi government forces have recaptured control of much of the pipeline area in recent months, allowing the project to proceed.

About 7 billion cubic meters of gas will flow per day, eventually rising to 35 billion cubic meters a day, Amir Hossein Zamaninia, the Iranian deputy oil minister for trade and international affairs, was quoted as saying by state-run IRNA news agency.

IRNA reported that the countries also have a second agreement in 2015 to build a gas pipeline to the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

Years of sanctions imposed against Tehran have helped to slow development of Iranian gas projects, many experts have said.

Iran also exports a small amount of gas to Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Iran is developing production facilities in the South Pars offshore oil and gas field, which it shares with Qatar

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, Fars, Argus, and IRNA

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-iraq-gas-pipelines -years-of-delay-exports/28573674.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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Islamic State Blows Up Iconic Mosul Mosque

By Jeff Seldin June 21, 2017

Mosul's iconic al-Nuri mosque and its leaning minaret, known as al-Hadba, or "the hunchback," are no more, destroyed by the Islamic State as Iraqi forces worked to eradicate the terror group from one of its last strongholds in the city.

"Blowing up the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri mosque amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat,'' Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaimed via his Twitter account late Wednesday.

The medieval mosque, also known as Mosul's Great Mosque, had stood for more than 800 years and is where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 declared himself caliph over parts of Iraq and Syria.

Iraq's military said its forces were within 50 meters of the mosque Wednesday night when IS militants "committed another historical crime by blowing up" the building, said Gen. Abdulamir Yarallah, overall commander of the Mosul offensive.

Islamic State's Amaq news agency issued its own statement with a counter narrative, accusing U.S. aircraft of destroying the mosque.

U.S. and coalition officials quickly rejected the terror group's assertions.

"As our Iraqi Security Force partners closed in on the al-Nuri mosque, ISIS destroyed one of Mosul and Iraq's great treasures," Operation Inherent Resolve's Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin said in a statement, using an acronym for the terror group.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," Martin added, calling the act "a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq."

The al-Nuri mosque had held a special place in IS lore.

Not only was it where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi first revealed himself to the world, it was named after Nuruddin al-Zanki.

Al-Zanki was a noble who helped fight the early crusaders and was a role model for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the founder of al-Qaida Iraq, which later became IS, said Daveed Gartenstein-Ross at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

"The leveling of al-Nuri Mosque and Hadba Minaret may have been a last ditch effort by IS to repel the Iraqi CTS advance and deepen resentment for the coalition," said Jade Parker, a senior research associate at the Terror Asymmetrics Project on Strategy, Tactics and Radical Ideologies (TAPSTRI).

"IS official propaganda has made a concerted effort to highlight the collateral damage of coalition airstrikes, including mosques," Parker said, adding there are many in the region, including those who don't support IS, who may be hesitant to believe the U.S. and Iraqi version of events.

And within hours, IS sympathizers were spreading the Amaq claim on social media, many looking to incite supporters around the world.

"It appears Amaq's report that states the U.S. is responsible for bombing the mosque is being used as a disinformation tool, the aim being to try to motivate the group's supporters in the U.S. to execute attacks," said Michael S. Smith II, a terrorism analyst who specializes in the influence operations of IS and al-Qaida.

"This [narrative] is being augmented by posts concerning this development on pro-Islamic State Telegram channels," Smith said.

The destruction of the mosque comes on the fourth day of an Iraqi offensive on Mosul's Old City, backed by U.S.-led coalition forces. The Old City is the last district in Mosul that IS militants control following an eight-month long offensive by Iraqi and coalition forces on the city.

Carla Babb at the Pentagon contributed to this report.

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Iraqi General: Bombing of Mosul's Grand Mosque a 'Historical Crime'

By Jamie Dettmer June 22, 2017

Islamic State fighters on Wednesday blew up Mosul's Grand Mosque of al-Nuri, one of Iraq's most important architectural and religious landmarks, as security forces closed in on the historic site, according to Iraqi and U.S. commanders.

They dismissed claims by IS propagandists accusing coalition warplanes of destroying the mosque where jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his 2014 declaration announcing his caliphate after his forces took over significant portions of Iraq and Syria.

This past week, U.S.-backed Iraqi forces have been pushing deeper into the last remaining redoubts held by IS militants in Iraq's second city and had hoped to seize the mosque in time for Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festival is due to begin in Iraq June 25 or 26.

'Historical crime'

Gen. Abdulamir Yarallah, overall commander of the Mosul offensive, described the destruction of the mosque as a "historical crime," accusing IS militants of intentionally blowing up the medieval mosque as his forces closed in on the building.

U.S. commanders joined their Iraqi counterparts in denying the IS accusation and lamenting the loss of a mosque that dates back to the 12th century, and whose leaning al-Hadba minaret earned the city the nickname the "humpback."

"As our Iraqi Security Force partners closed in on the al-Nuri mosque, ISIS destroyed one of Mosul and Iraq's great treasures," said Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.

He added: "This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated. The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS."

Footage of the explosion that engulfed the mosque, and shared widely on social media sites, would appear to indicate a ground blast. There were no signs of shells or missiles striking the building.

For both sides fighting for control of Mosul, the mosque held huge symbolic importance. Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zangi, a Turkic ruler of Mosul and Aleppo, ordered that the mosque be built two years before his death in 1172. He was revered by jihadists for his opposition to Shia Islam and for waging war against Christians during his 28-year reign.

One of his lieutenants, Saladin, who succeeded him, went on to capture Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187 and to lay the foundations of the Ayyubid empire.

When al-Baghdadi announced the establishment of his caliphate in June 2014 from the pulpit of the mosque, the symbolism wasn't missed across the Muslim world, evoking as it did the memories of both Nur al-Din and Saladin.

Dressed in a black robe and wearing a black turban indicating his claim to be descended from the Prophet Muhammad's Quraysh tribe, al-Baghdadi proclaimed: "God, the Great and Almighty, has bestowed upon your mujahideen brothers the grace of victory and conquest, and has enabled them to do that after long years of waging jihad, showing patience, and fierce fighting against the enemies of God."

Mosul's Old City

Since al-Baghadi's proclamation, the black flag of the terror group has flown from the cylindrical minaret covered with elaborate brickwork deep in Mosul's Old City. Iraqi forces earlier Wednesday said they had started a push toward the mosque, whether they would have been able to seize it before the end of Ramadan isn't clear.

On Sunday, Iraqi forces announced they had begun storming the IS-held Old City as the campaign to retake the city entered its ninth month.

"This is the last chapter," Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi, an Iraqi commander, told the Reuters news agency.

But fighting in the Old City, like much of west Mosul, has proved more daunting than the fight to capture east Mosul, thanks to narrow streets making it difficult for armed vehicles to maneuver.

IS fighters have slowed advances with improvised explosives and mines, and persistent sniper fire. Militants have harassed Iraqi soldiers by re-appearing unexpectedly in streets thought to have been cleared of them by using tunnel networks.

Little of the original mosque complex remained even well before IS appeared on the scene. Only the minaret, some columns and the mihrab, a niche in the wall at the point nearest to Mecca, remained from the 12th-century construction.

Even so, the mosque was a landmark of incalculable importance for the residents of Mosul  it will be as sorely missed as the Twin Towers are for New Yorkers or the cathedrals of Coventry and Dresden, which were destroyed in the Second World War.

Local lore claimed the minaret leaned because it was bowing to Prophet Muhammad, but engineers say the lean was caused by prevailing northwesterly winds and the sun's impact on the bricks.

Just days before IS seized Mosul, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced it was planning to start a conservation program aimed at stabilizing the minaret. The minaret's foundations had been damaged in the Iran-Iraq war when bombs cracked underground pipes nearby allowing sewage to collect near the base.

In October, Kurdish officials told VOA that IS fighters have been instructed to wreak as much destruction as they could on Mosul, if they were unable to hold the city against Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga militiamen.

An official with Iraqi Kurdistan's ruling party said the destruction order was sent by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who told his followers to leave devastation and mass killings behind.

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Iran Escalates Involvement in Syria With Anti-IS Missile Strike

By Mehdi Jedinia June 21, 2017

Iran's missile strike this week against Islamic State targets in Syria is escalating its military involvement in Syria and likely will heighten tensions between the U.S.-led coalition and Russian and Iranian forces aligned with the Syrian regime, analysts say.

The strike  the first time Iran fired missiles outside its borders in 30 years  was meant as retaliation for the IS-claimed twin terror attacks in Tehran on June 7 that killed 17 people and wounded more than 50, Iranian officials said.

According to a statement released by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the missile strikes on Sunday hit IS command centers in the eastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor and a bomb-manufacturing facility outside the city.

The IRGC statement said that the attack "was a message" and a "warning" to "Takfiri terrorists, their regional supporters and their supporters outside of the region."

The term takfiri is used by Iranian officials when referring to militant Sunni Muslim fundamentalist groups such as IS.

But Iranian state-run media said the missile strikes carried a greater message to Iran's perceived enemies  Israel, Saudi Arabia and the U.S.

Kayhan Daily, a conservative newspaper close to Tehran's leadership, published an editorial saying the strikes were more than "just a response" to the IS attack in Tehran.

"The strikes confirmed Iran's missile capabilities to shenanigans who dispatched terrorists to Tehran," the editorial said, adding that Iran's "slap was a loud message for the supporters of terrorists in Riyadh and Tel-Aviv."

Old rivalry

Tensions between longtime rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran have escalated in recent weeks after the Saudis and their Gulf partners cut ties to Qatar, citing, in part, its association to Iran and Tehran's alleged link to terrorism.

Iran has stepped up its anti-Saudi rhetoric since the IS-attacks saying Riyadh is trying to destabilize the country by supporting dissidents. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the attacks would only increase hate for the U.S. and Saudi governments, according to state media.

The U.S.-led coalition in Syria meanwhile is keeping a close eye on Iran's military involvement with the Syrian regime. U.S. officials told VOA they were close to confirming that an Iranian-made drone shot down by an American fighter jet early Tuesday in Syria was being operated by the IRGC.

Iran has been a major military backer of the Syrian regime, first in its war with rebel groups across the country and later against IS. Led by the IRGC, about 10,000 Iranian combat troops are in Syria fighting alongside thousands of fighters from Hezbollah, Lebanon's Tehran-affiliated Shi'ite militia, and assorted Shi'ite militias.

Hostilities between U.S.-led forces and Iranian and Russian forces supporting the Syrian regime have escalated in recent weeks in a part of Syria seen as strategically important for the Syrian government and Iran, as Tehran seeks to secure a land corridor between forces it backs in Syria and Iraq.

"Iran's missile attacks on IS was a great measure preventing the U.S. from opposition," said Syrian Information Minister Mohammad Ramez Tourjman. "Iran, at different levels, confronts any threat which may target the Islamic Republic, and the country's missile strikes had a message that deterred the U.S. from even thinking of attacking Iran or isolating the country."

The Iranian missile strike was an intended provocation on Tehran's part, analysts say.

"Tehran's muscle flexing was aimed at U.S. and Saudi Arabia, in particular in the context of recent developments in the region," said Kamran Matin, an analyst at the University of Sussex.

"The intensification of the Saudi-led 'containment of Iran' strategy backed by the Trump administration, and the evidence of U.S.'s proactive measures against Syrian armed forces and their allies in Eastern Syria, could be interpreted as the main impetus for Tehran's missile attack on IS targets in Syria," he said.

Determined coalition

The U.S.-led coalition said that while it is not trying to escalate conflict with Iran and Russia in Syria, it will not back down.

"The coalition's mission is to defeat IS in Iraq and Syria," the coalition said in a statement. "The coalition does not seek to fight the Syrian regime, Russian, or pro-regime forces partnered with them, but will not hesitate to defend coalition or partner forces from any threat."

But Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said the "Islamic Republic will respond more decisively to any future terrorist attack on Iran's soil." And former IRGC Guard chief Gen. Mohsen Rezai wrote on Twitter, "The bigger slap is yet to come."

Still, analysts caution that Tehran's rhetoric may be more for domestic consumption.

"Tehran has long depicted an invincible image of immunity from IS, claiming that its security forces are capable of turning down any threats from IS miles beyond its border," said Habib Hosseinifard, an Iranian affairs analyst based in Germany. "This missile attack was also aimed to cover that wound as well."

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Russia in Talks With Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan to Send Servicemen to Syria

Sputnik News

17:59 22.06.2017

The head of the defense committee of the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, Vladimir Shamanov, on Thursday confirmed to Sputnik that Russia was holding talks with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to send their servicemen to Syria.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier Thursday, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the Russian side had put forward a proposal to send servicemen from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to de-escalation zones in Syria.

"Negotiations are underway now, the issue is being worked out to ensure that representatives of the Russian military police take part in solving problems related to ensuring order in Syria. Questions and proposals to our colleagues from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are also being worked out. There are intentions and the beginning of the negotiation process, the decision has not yet been made," Shamanov said.

 Sputnik

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Sarah grew up in Louisianna, and the sweet-natured Southerner has always had a passion for helping kids, especially those with special needs. After graduating college, Sarah spent some time at her dream job -- working with children with disabilities at the Shriners Hospital in Honolulu. The plan was for her to head back to school to get her Master's degree so she could keep doing what she loved. But as it turns out, God had a very different plan for Sarah. He sent her to rescue this unwanted baby for whom He had a great purpose! Credit: littlewarriornika.com A Change In Plans God completely changed the trajectory of Sarah's life while she was at the University of Southern Mississippi getting her Master's. One Sunday Sarah stumbled upon a church, and there she learned of Danitas Children -- an organization in Haiti dedicated to rescuing orphaned and impoverished children.

"That was my light-bulb moment, where I needed to look into doing some missionary work, Sarah says. {ad_spot} Sarah took a trip to Haiti soon after. Seeing the conditions that Haitian children were living in, especially disabled children who were often seen as worthless, not valued, forever changed her life.

My heart was torn out of my chest. I couldnt act like I hadnt seen this, like I didnt have the tools to help. I knew I would be back. Sarah on a trip to Haiti Credit: Facebook True to her word, Sarah returned to Haiti once she'd completed her Master's program. She signed a two-year commitment and spent her time advocating for kids needs and attempting to combat the neglect and abandonment that ran rampant. But God's true purpose for Sarah became clear when a woman came to the orphanage where Sarah worked with a baby girl, Nika. The 3-month-old baby clearly needed help. She had an enlarged head that Sarah recognized as hydrocephalus -- a condition she says they see a lot in Haiti where there is excessive fluid on the brain. Sarah immediately went to work at getting Nika the necessary medical help.

Meeting Nika Credit: littlewarriornika.com The woman who's brought Nika in claimed to be the girl's aunt, providing a far-fetched story about how she came to be responsible for the baby. However, they soon learned that the woman was actually Nika's mother. She was a young prostitute who'd dropped out of school once she became pregnant.

"But I never judged her for it or treated her any differently," Sarah says. "I knew that she deserved love and to be shown grace." {ad_spot} Family preservation is something that Sarah says is very important to her. So she spent the next two months working with the reluctant mother to get little Nika ready for surgery. The day after the operation, the orphanage received a call from the hospital saying Nika's mother had taken off. Trying To Help Credit: Facebook The girl's mother wound up coming back for her child, but then she began trying to pressure the orphanage to give her money in return for taking care of her own daughter. I told her that she broke our trust, Sarah says. I said, If you dont lie to me, I will move heaven and earth to help your child. We are there to help and support and encourage.

RELATED: The family of 2 little girls with the same rare disorder know they are true miracles Sarah couldn't stop thinking about Nika. She worked tirelessly with the girl's mother, who was detached and repeatedly let her daughter's health lapse, despite the free medical resources offered to her through the orphanage. Sarah did everything in her power to try to get the indifferent mom to take an interest in her daughter's life. "My hope was that she would see someone else love Nika, place value on her life, and maybe, she would be encouraged to do the same. Sadly, nothing she did worked. Nika's health deteriorated until she was at death's door, and Sarah knew that if someone didn't step in, this precious life would be lost. While it seems like an easy decision to step in and rescue the baby, Sarah says the process is different in Haiti than in America. But she championed for Nika's rescue, getting approval from the mother as well as the missionary's CEO.

Coming To The Rescue Credit: littlewarriornika.com Sadly, nothing she did worked. Nika's health deteriorated until she was at death's door, and Sarah knew that if someone didn't step in, this precious life would be lost. While it seems like an easy decision to step in and rescue the baby, Sarah says the process is different in Haiti than in America. But she championed for Nika's rescue, getting approval from the mother as well as the missionary's CEO. RELATED: Miracle boy born with partial skull celebrates his first birthday But that was just the first step in saving the little girl. When Sarah and a pastor went to get Nika, the emaciated child was completely alone, lying on the floor atop a rice sack, surrounded by trash. She weighed only six pounds, and more than half of that weight came from the fluid that had returned to her brain. It was utterly heartbreaking. {ad_spot} It was a victory in the fact we were able to take her out of that situation and restore some dignity to her, Sarah explains. But her organs were failing, and we were fighting for her life. I didnt have to change her diaper for a week because she was so malnourished. In Need Of A Miracle

In addition to the hydrocephalus and severe malnourishment, doctors discovered she also suffered from another lethal condition -- hydranencephaly. A large portion of Nika's brain is missing, and in its place is spinal fluid, which most likely resulted from a stroke that occurred in utero. We consulted with several American doctors, Sarah says. They said we were probably going lose her. We spoke life over her, prayed for miracles. Credit: Facebook And a miracle was exactly what it was going to take for little Nika to survive. Sarah said that 99% of babies with this condition die within the first year. With medical resources being limited in Haiti, the ugly truth is that doctors are forced to choose whose lives are worth fighting for and the doctors there refused to give Nika the feeding tube she needed. But Sarah refused to stop fighting for this little girl's life, and God led her to a doctor in Alabama who was willing to make the trip over to insert the feeding tube.
Shares Issued: 201,530,687

THUNDER BAY, ON, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Premier Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX-PG) is pleased to provide an update of ongoing exploration and development programs at multiple project sites. The 2017 programs include surface exploration, sustained drilling efforts and development initiatives at several operations.

Highlights include:

Mercedes Mine

Underground drilling along strike from the Corona de Oro mine workings has discovered additional high-grade mineralization with intercepts including 116.39 g/t Au & 120.7 g/t Ag across 1.5 metres and 19.84 g/t Au & 700.4 g/t Ag across 3.2 metres.

Development has now reached the Diluvio deposit, located along trend from the Lupita mine workings. Surface and underground drilling continues to define the mineralized horizon prior to mine planning. Step-out drilling has expanded the Diluvio deposit with intercepts up to 10.92 g/t Au & 84.8 g/t Ag across 3.05 metres and 5.17 g/t Au & 13.5 g/t Ag across 30.60 metres.

Underground development (drifting) is underway to access the Marianas Zone, located down-plunge of the Lagunas mine workings. Underground drilling to convert the Marianas Zone from resource to reserve will commence in late 2017.

McCoy-Cove

Definition and expansion drilling continues at McCoy-Cove. Recent highlights include multiple intercepts including 29.52 g/t Au & 8.48 g/t Ag across 5.9 metres and 19.72 g/t Au & 7.29 g/t Ag across 14.3 metres in the Helen and Gap deposits, the identification of widespread alteration and gold mineralization at the Windy Point exploration target, and potentially significant gold mineralization in a target area approximately 1 km south of the main deposit.

"Production costs at our mines, as measured by Cash Cost and All-in-Sustaining-Cost (AISC) metrics, are among the best in the industry," stated Ewan Downie in the Company's c-suite blog (https://www.premiergoldmines.com/news/c-suite-blog/all ), "Actively advancing our pipeline of exploration and development projects will sustain the growth trajectory we have firmly established since becoming a producer."

Mercedes Mine, Sonora State, Mexico

Mercedes reported solid first quarter production of 22,164 ounces of gold and 88,572 ounces of silver and remains on track with 2017 guidance.

Drilling is focused on defining and expanding mineralization in the existing gold horizons and exploring for new veins on the property. The 50,000 metre program is one of the most extensive exploration campaigns in the history of the mine with up to ten surface and underground drills to be active on the property.

Successful results to date include numerous high grade intercepts at Corona de Oro, and in definition and expansion drilling at Diluvio. Diluvio is expected to become part of the mine plan during the second half of the year. Underground crews have commenced access to two additional deposits (Marianas and Rey de Oro) for drilling and development purposes. Drilling at the prospective Marianas Zone is targeted to begin in Q4-2017.

Table 1 Highlights of Results from the Mercedes Mine 2017 Drill Program















Hole ID Target / Zone From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) L17-286D Diluvio Central 297.5 299.0 1.5 10.85 29.00

356.0 359.0 3.0 7.78 32.70 Including 357.0 358.0 1.0 19.75 50.00 L17-289D Lupita 228.0 230.4 2.4 15.52 24.00 Including 229.2 230.4 1.2 29.50 40.00 UG-DI17-005 Diluvio Central 30.2 31.7 1.5 12.30 29.00

33.2 36.3 3.1 10.92 84.80

37.8 68.4 30.6 5.17 13.50 Including 55.6 65.2 9.6 7.27 15.20 UG-LG17-002 Lagunas LG 930 22.9 30.1 7.7 4.56 43.40 Including 22.9 24.4 1.6 6.66 73.00

28.5 30.5 2.1 9.74 45.00 Including 28.5 29.0 0.5 24.90 73.00 C017-910DL-022 Corona de Oro CDO-910 20.5 22.0 1.5 24.40 138.00 CO17-910DL-023 Corona de Oro CDO-910 19.0 20.5 1.5 116.39 120.70 Including 19.0 19.7 0.7 264.00 235.00

25.0 28.0 3.0 5.16 49.00 Including 25.0 26.5 1.5 10.35 40.00

31.0 34.0 3.0 11.20 99.50 Including 31.0 32.3 1.5 18.25 126.00 CO17-910DL-024 Corona de Oro CDO-910 19.5 24.2 4.7 13.94 635.80 Including 21.0 24.2 3.2 19.84 700.40

Note: True widths are currently estimated at 60-80% of the core Interval

South Arturo Mine, Carlin Trend, Nevada

Mining at the Company's 40%-owned South Arturo Mine resulted in a solid first quarter with production of 28,815 ounces of gold. The mine remains on track to meet 2017 guidance. The joint venture (with Barrick Gold) is assessing additional development initiatives including the potential El Nino underground mine and Phases 1 & 3 open pit opportunities.

Access permits have been submitted for an underground ramp from the bottom of the current Phase 2 pit to the El Nino deposit. Following the completion of mining, drilling is planned in H2-2017 from the pit to further define the deposit in advance of potential development. Barrick is performing multiple phases of work, including bulk sampling for metallurgical purposes, in order to refine the economics of additional open pit mining at South Arturo that have been previously permitted. Some drilling is planned for the additional pit areas during 2017 and exploration drilling will test a new area to the west of the current open pit mine.

McCoy-Cove Project, Battle Mountain Trend, Nevada

In March, Premier released an updated mineral resource estimate for the Company's 100%-owned McCoy-Cove Property, located 32 miles south of Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada. The estimate, completed by RPA Inc. of Toronto, Ontario includes:

Total Indicated Mineral Resources of 614,000 tonnes grading 11.57 g/t Au (228,000 ounces)

Total Inferred Mineral Resources of 3,378,000 tonnes grading 12.17 g/t Au (1,322,000 ounces)

Drilling is focused on defining and expanding mineralization in the existing gold horizons and testing additional targets on the property. Highlights from the 2017 program are provided in Table 2 below.

Table 2 Highlight Results from the 2017 McCoy-Cove Drill Program























Hole ID Target / Zone Az/Dip

(Degrees) From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Interval

(ft) Au

(oz/t) Ag

(oz/t) PG17-01 Helen 48/-48 Abandoned (Pre-collar deviation) PG17-02 Helen 254/-83 370.2 371.2 1.1 6.47 1.90 3.5 0.19 0.06 PG17-03 Helen 351/-57 519.1 520.6 1.5 9.41 0.31 5.0 0.27 0.01 PG17-04 Helen 46/-59 598.0 599.7 1.7 9.07 2.89 5.5 0.26 0.08





642.2 647.7 5.5 9.31 12.11 18.0 0.27 0.35 PG17-05 Helen 201/-86 No Significant Values PG17-06 Helen 287/-80 352.5 356.8 4.3 5.69 1.31 14.0 0.17 0.04

574.9 579.7 4.9 6.44 1.00 16.0 0.19 0.03 591.3 597.4 6.1 6.21 1.79 20.0 0.18 0.05 Including 594.7 597.4 2.7 10.49 3.30 9.0 0.31 0.10 PG17-07 Helen 30/-63 434.0 436.8 2.8 9.06 4.65 9.2 0.26 0.14 595.1 602.3 7.2 13.13 0.93 23.5 0.38 0.03 605.6 607.5 1.8 11.25 4.22 6.0 0.33 0.12 629.3 635.2 5.9 29.52 8.48 19.5 0.86 0.25 696.2 702.1 5.9 7.81 1.57 19.5 0.23 0.05 PG17-08 CSD Gap 48/-56 424.1 426.4 2.3 8.38 0.98 7.5 0.24 0.03 467.3 476.6 9.3 5.99 5.80 30.5 0.17 0.17 Including 470.0 472.7 2.7 7.90 6.17 9.0 0.23 0.18 PG17-09 Helen 38/-62 606.3 617.8 11.5 12.08 2.60 37.7 0.35 0.08 648.9 663.2 14.3 19.72 7.29 47.0 0.58 0.21 676.6 684.0 7.4 8.74 1.69 24.3 0.25 0.05 PG17-10 CSD Gap 53/-51 483.7 486.6 3.0 17.73 104.90 9.7 0.52 3.06 557.8 560.2 2.4 19.37 11.28 8.0 0.56 0.33 591.5 594.8 3.4 16.75 3.55 11.0 0.49 0.10 651.1 655.6 4.6 6.92 4.99 15.0 0.20 0.15 PG17-11 CSD Gap 57/-46 550.5 557.2 6.7 6.33 6.60 22.0 0.18 0.19 665.7 671.5 5.8 5.67 1.67 18.9 0.17 0.05 678.3 681.2 2.9 8.69 1.53 9.5 0.25 0.04 PG17-12 CSD Gap 203/-46 Abandoned (Pre-collar deviation) PG17-13 Windy Point 59/-52 399.3 599.5 200.3 0.65 0.31 657.0 0.02 0.01 Including 459.0 460.9 1.8 7.11 0.25 6.0 0.21 0.01 PG17-14 Windy Point 38/-77 370.3 404.3 34.0 0.25 0.19 111.5 0.01 0.01 570.4 636.9 66.5 0.45 0.16 218.1 0.01 0.00 PG17-15 CSD Gap 41/-70 Abandoned (Pre-collar deviation) PG17-16 Deep IP 133/-85 No Significant Values PG17-17 CSD Gap

Abandoned (Pre-collar deviation) PG17-18 CSD Gap 41/-70 409.8 413.3 3.5 4.98 8.69 11.5 0.15 0.25 616.9 618.6 1.7 5.35 177.00 5.5 0.16 5.16 627.3 628.5 1.2 5.08 208.00 4.0 0.15 6.07 PG17-19 Windy Point 71/-45 No Significant Values PG17-20 Deep IP 220/-85 541.6 544.1 2.4 6.07 3.70 8.0 0.18 0.11

Note: True widths are currently estimated at 60-90% of the core Interval

Drilling at the Windy Point exploration target (holes PG17-13 & 14), located 1 km northwest of the main deposit has identified a broad zone of alteration and gold mineralization. Locally, higher grade intervals may be indicative of a new area with the potential to host Helen/Gap style deposits. Drilling has also intersected gold mineralization within the same host rock unit as the main deposit approximately 1 km south of the Helen/Gap resource in a previously untested area midway between the historic Cove and McCoy pits (hole PG17-20).

Positive drill results to date support the next stages of development for the project including hydrological flow tests, a full suite of metallurgical test work, and the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ('PEA') by year end.

Greenstone Gold Mines

At the Greenstone Gold Property work continues to advance the project toward submission of Federal and Provincial EA & EIS documentation required for the receipt of permits. It is expected that the EA and EIS documents will be submitted in early Q3-2017. Additionally, the Partnership continues to support the advancement of Long Term Relationship Agreements with local Aboriginal communities and optimize the mine plan.

Other Exploration

Premier also remains active on its earlier stage exploration stage projects including:

Goldbanks Property in Nevada that is under option from Kinross Gold (Premier earning 50%)

Hasaga Property in the Red Lake camp (100% owned)

Alto-Christina Property in Mexico that is under option from Goldcorp Inc. (Premier earning 100%)

At Goldbanks, Premier has focused on detailed re-logging of the historic drill holes to gain a better understanding of the structural controls in the Golden Devil area. Previous results includes up to 192.00 g/t Au and 10,850.00 g/t Ag over 1.1m (5.61 oz/t Au and 316.46 oz/t Ag over 3.7 ft). The first phase of drilling will test multiple structural intersections across the property in an effort to define the Golden Devil Zone and potentially identify additional high-grade targets along strike.

The Hasaga Property is host to the past-producing Hasaga and Gold Shore Mines and is strategically-located proximal to the Balmer-Confederation regional unconformity, an important geologic feature of the Red Lake mining camp. Earlier this year, Premier reported a potentially open-pitable mineral resource estimate for Hasaga of 1.124 million ounces (42.294 Mt @ 0.83 g/t Au ) Indicated and 0.631 million ounces (25.143 Mt @ 0.78g/t Au) Inferred resources (See January 11, 2017 press release) based on 109,000 metres of drilling conducted in 2015 and 2016. The 2017 22,500 metre exploration drill program is designed to test the potential for deeper higher grade extensions of this mineralization. Historic drilling completed by previous operators that returned high-grade gold mineralization has not been adequately followed up. These historic results, when combined with the March release of hole HMP151 (10.94 g/t Au across 54.0m), may represent mineralization that appears consistent with that of the C-Zone at the historic Hasaga Mine. Premier believes that establishing continuity and scale to this potential C-Zone extension at depth represents a highly attractive underground opportunity.

The Alto-Christina Property is under option from Goldcorp Inc. and is host to multiple poly-metallic horizons that were discovered in 2013 by Goldcorp and the subject of several drill campaigns prior to Premier's involvement. Current drilling is designed to assess the continuity in the Guadalupe Vein where previous drilling returned elevated gold-silver-base metal mineralization over a strike length of some 1.1 km.

Premier AGM and Investor Update June 22, 2017

Premier Gold Mines Ltd. is pleased to invite its shareholders and investors to meet senior management and board of directors of the Company at its Annual and General Meeting to be held at 4:00pm EST on June 22, 2017 at the Board of Trade, 1 First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario. The AGM will be followed by a corporate presentation at 4:30pm EST and a reception.

For those that cannot attend in person the presentation can be viewed at 4:30pm EST via webcast from the company's website www.premiergoldmines.com or via the link below.

Webcast URL: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1440253/EC4B6EF6B98E5DCA9D1E2C8BF45496F3

The webcast replay will be available 9:00am EDT on June 23, 2017 until 11:59 pm EST on June 21, 2018 from the above link.

Stephen McGibbon, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Assay results at Hasaga are from core samples sent to Activation Labs, an accredited mineral analysis laboratories in Thunder Bay, Ontario, for preparation and analysis utilizing both fire assay and screen metallic methods. Assay results for McCoy-Cove are from RC and core samples sent to ALS Laboratories in Reno, Nevada for analysis with the analytical facility utilizing 30 gram fire assay with an AA finish and ICP-MS 42 element scan from 4-acid digestion. Over-limit samples receive an automatic gravimetric finish. Assay results for Goldbanks are from RC and core samples sent to American Assay Laboratories in Reno, Nevada for analysis with the analytical facility utilizing 30 gram fire assay with an AA finish and ICP-MS 50 element scan from 4-acid digestion. Over-limit samples receive an automatic gravimetric finish. Mercedes and Alto Cristina samples are from core samples sent to ALS Chemex an accredited mineral analysis lab in Vancouver, Canada for preparation and analysis by fire assay and ICP methods.

Premier Gold Mines Ltd. is a gold-producer and respected exploration and development company with a high-quality pipeline of precious metal projects in proven, accessible and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Cautionary Note

This Press Release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about production and exploration potential and the Mercedes mine, South Arturo, McCoy-Cove and Hasaga, strategic plans, including future operations, future work programs, capital expenditures, discovery and production of minerals, price of gold and currency exchange rates, timing of geological reports, preliminary economic assessment and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks inherent to the mining industry, adverse economic and market developments and the risks identified in Premier's annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors". There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Premier disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Premier Gold Mines Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Further to its news release dated May 11, 2017, Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) (Aston Bay or the Company) wishes to announce that a portion of its $2 million private placement (the Offering) as described is being offered on a non-brokered basis.

The Company anticipates that certain insiders may participate in the Offering. All of the securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing of the Offering.

About Aston Bay Holdings

ABOUT ASTON BAY HOLDINGS LTD.

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V: BAY) is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the 976,066-acre (395,000-hectare) Aston Bay Property located on northwest Somerset Island, Nunavut. The Aston Bay Property hosts the Storm Copper project and the Seal Zinc project. Historical drilling has confirmed the presence of sediment-hosted copper and zinc mineralization on the property.

The Companys public disclosure documents are available on http://www.sedar.com.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: (416) 456-3516

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. In the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

We seek Safe Harbor.



THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/astonbay06212017.PDFSource: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX Venture:BAY)

To follow Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below.

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Copyright  2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
CALGARY, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - PRIZE MINING CORPORATION ("Prize" or the "Company") (TSXV:PRZ ) (MQSB:GR:FRANKFURT) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement to acquire 100% interest in the Toughnut Property, located in south-eastern British Columbia.

The 1,010 hectare Toughnut Property lies contiguous to the west side of Prize's Daylight Property, where an extensive summer exploration program is about to begin. The Toughnut claims strategically cover over 3.5km strike length of the Silver King shear including most of the mineralized land between Prize's main Starlight-Daylight block and Prize's Sand block to the northwest.

Feisal Somji, President and CEO of Prize Mining commented, "This is a strategic acquisition for Prize Mining as we now control what we believe to be the most significant part of the mineralized Silver King shear zone. This parcel of land will be play an important role in this summer's exploration program as we prepare to drill this fall."

The Toughnut Showing (MF 092FSW294) which includes old pits, shafts and trenches had grab samples from Pacific Sentinel in 1989 that returned 6.64 g/t, 8.65 g/t, and 32.8 g/t Au with associated silver ranging between 33 and 175 g/t Ag. Follow up diamond drilling by Valterra Resource in 2010 returned a best intercept of 6.9 g/t Au and 143 g/t Ag over 2.0m, and 4.05 g/t Au over 8.0m in hole VTN10-005.

The Gold Eagle Showing (no recorded Minfile) located 500m north of the Toughnut Showing was drilled by US Borax in 1988 who reportedly returned a strongly anomalous intercept of 90 g/t Au over 1.53m (RC hole S88-43) (AR 19503). In 2010 Valterra Resources also drilled the property with its best results being 4.02 g/t Au and 9.52 g/t Ag over 24.33m (inc. 4.0m of 14.47 g/t Au and 3.46 g/t Ag). The zone has been tested to 73m and remains open and along strike and down dip.

To acquire the Toughnut Property, the Company must, on an aggregate-basis, pay CDN $150,000, issue 250,000 common shares, and incur CDN $750,000 of exploration expenditures over a five-year period. The Toughnut Property will be subject to a 2 % NSR on its acquisition by Prize. Prize shall have the right to purchase one-half of the 2% NSR for the purchase price of C$2,000,000 on or before the date on which Commercial Production commences.

The option remains subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. There is no certainty that the option will be exercised by Prize. The Toughnut Property is not presently considered to be a property material to Prize.

Jarrod Brown,P.Geo., of Terralogic Exploration Inc ., a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors,

About Prize Mining

Prize is a Calgary based junior mining issuer with offices in Calgary, Alberta and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Prize is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mining properties.

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.

Reader Advisory

Forward-Looking Statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this document contains statements concerning the option to acquire the Toughnut Property. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "potential", or other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "could" occur.

The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Prize, including expectations and assumptions concerning timing of receipt of required regulatory approvals, the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the transaction and the acquisition of the Toughnut Property upon exercise of the option. Although Prize believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Prize can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. There is not assurance that Prize will exercise the option and acquire the Toughnut Property. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks that required regulatory and third party approvals and consents are not obtained on terms satisfactory to the parties within the timelines provided for and risks that other conditions to the completion of the transactions are not satisfied on the timelines set forth in this news release or at all.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable by the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Prize Mining Corp.
BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Jun 22, 2017) - Silver Spruce Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SSE)(FRANKFURT:S6Q) ("Silver Spruce" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has secured a loan for the remaining cash component of the Purchase Agreement with Cedar Forest LLC (the "Vendor") for the Kay Mine parcel of 70.84 acres of patented claims near Black Canyon City, Arizona, USA.

The twelve-month, U$450,000 Loan was arranged by Leede Jones Gable Inc. and carries a twelve percent coupon rate. The Company will also pay 1,735,779 fully paid bonus shares to the lender and a commission of 500,000 shares to Leede Jones Gable Inc.

"The provision of this loan will enable Silver Spruce to complete our purchase of 100% of the Kay Mine parcel of patented ground, royalty free. In combination with the 400 acres of unpatented claims filed by the Company, we will control all of the known areas of mineralization at the project that have been identified over the last 120+ years by companies such as the Kay Copper Company, Exxon Minerals, Rayrock (acquired by Glamis) and American Copper and Nickel (a subsidiary of INCO, now Vale)," stated Dr. Brian Penney, Chairman of Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Terms of Purchase

The original asking price for the 70.84 acre parcel of patented ground was U$977,000. Upon execution of the Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% interest in the patented claims, free of any royalties, Silver Spruce paid a non-refundable deposit of US $50,000 to the Vendor.

The Company will pay US $450,000 cash to the Vendor on closing, which is estimated to occur on or about June 28, 2017.

In lieu of the second cash payment of U$477,000 and its associated Convertible Debenture, the Vendor has decided to accept the face amount in shares of the Company at a deemed price of CAD $0.075 per common share. Therefore, the Company will issue 8,649,142 shares to the Vendor at closing.

This acquisition is subject to Exchange acceptance.

The Kay Mine Project

The Kay Copper Company and others produced Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn ore on the property intermittently from 1916 until 1956. Exploration conducted from 1972 to 1982 by Exxon Minerals Company, a subsidiary of Exxon Petroleum, indicates that substantial additional mineralization exists down dip and potentially along strike from the previously producing mineral deposits. A two-page Executive Summary of the Kay Mine Project is available here: http://www.silverspruceresources.com/s/KayMine.asp.

Known mineralization occurs in two zones of massive sulfide, the North and South Zones, extending from the surface to at least 2100 feet in depth. Mineralization is open at depth. A November 1982 internal Exxon Minerals Company report by M. L. Fellows stated that the deposit contains a resource of "Proven and Probable ore" with a tonnage of 6.4 million short tons grading an estimated 2.2% copper, 3.03% zinc, 1.6 ounces per ton (50 g/t) silver and 0.082 ounces per ton (2.55 g/t) gold. The estimate was made using assay data from historic mine level plans and Exxon drill hole intercepts.

Exxon's use of the word "ore" is not to be construed in the strict sense. After examining mine assay level plans and Exxon drill hole data, Silver Spruce has concluded that "Indicated Mineral Resource" is the appropriate term for Exxon's historical estimate. Additional drilling is needed to verify this estimate. The Qualified Person for Silver Spruce has not conducted sufficient work to definitively classify Exxon's resource estimate to be compliant with NI-43-101 resource definitions. The issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Exxon also reported the deposits to be open down dip, with significant additional potential for the discovery of new deposits.

Qualified Person

Mr. Leonard J. Karr, professional geologist and the Company's independent Qualified Person is responsible for the technical content of this press release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), under TSX guidelines.

About Silver Spruce Resources Inc.

Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a well-positioned Canadian junior exploration company pursuing acquisition and development of the past producing Kay Mine volcanogenic massive sulfide ("VMS") project in Arizona, USA, and the development of the Pino De Plata and the Encino De Oro epithermal silver/ base metal/ gold projects located in the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental region of western Chihuahua State in Mexico.

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. The company seeks Safe Harbour.
VANCOUVER, B.C., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Group Ten Metals Inc. (TSX.V:PGE) (OTC:DCGCF) (FSE:5D32) (the Company or Group Ten) is pleased to announce the completion of planning activities and the deployment of personnel and equipment to the Ultra, Spy and Catalyst projects where the team will commence mapping, prospecting and surface sampling programs immediately and continue through most of July. The projects are in the southwest of Canadas Yukon Territory, proximate to and on trend with the Wellgreen Ni-PGE-Cu project being advanced toward prefeasibility by Wellgreen Platinum Ltd., which has stated results and updated mineral resource estimate are expected to be announced by the end of Q2 2017.



The work on the Spy project will largely be focused on defining the orientation of the Spy Ultramafic Sill and sighting optimal locations for a potential 2017 drilling program, while the broader program aims to further define known showings and test additional prospective ground and geophysical/geochemical anomalies across each project.

President and CEO Michael Rowley stated, We are glad to be returning to the Yukon projects and further expanding our understanding of the geology and mineralization as we look to define priority targets for a drilling campaign, particularly along the Spy sill, which is planned for later this year to follow-up on results announced May 30, 2017. Additionally, our geological team has identified potential for significant mineralization at the CKR portion of the Catalyst project to the south of our holdings around Wellgreen which warrants further investigation.

In addition, the Company is currently engaged in advanced due diligence with respect to a number of potential property acquisitions in keeping with its focus on quality, undervalued assets in established, world-class districts of politically-stable jurisdictions with excellent access and infrastructure.

Mr. Rowley further notes, Group Tens business model includes consistent evaluation of project acquisition candidates which, if acquired, may either be advanced or incubated based on specific criteria. To that end, we anticipate announcing further additions to our portfolio over the coming weeks. Furthermore, the Company plans to strengthen its technical and leadership team and expects to provide updates in that regard in Q3 2017.

About the Yukon Projects

Group Ten controls the largest land position in the Wellgreen area with three Ni-Cu-PGE projects - Catalyst, Spy and Ultra - that, taken together, total over 240 square kilometers (km) in the Kluane Ultramafic Belt, a 600km-long sequence of igneous and sedimentary rocks extending from northern British Columbia through the Yukon and into Alaska. The discovery of the Wellgreen deposit has brought world-wide attention to the potential of the Kluane belt.

About the Spy Project

The Spy Project claims, located 40 kilometers southeast of Wellgreen, follow the strike of the Kluane Ultramafic Belt, parallel to the Alaska Highway that is seven kilometers to the northeast. Clastic sedimentary rocks and limestone of the Hasen Creek Formation are exposed along the northeastern portion of the property, and are intruded by late Triassic and possibly older mafic to ultramafic sills including the Spy Sill.

The 75-100m thick Spy Sill intrudes Hasen Creek siltstone for a minimum of 6 km along a northwest strike, and dips to the southwest. The central portion of the sill consists of peridotite, with gabbro at the top and at the base. Mineralization varies from disseminations to massive sulphide lenses (up to 2.0 x 0.25m) with associated PGM in the basal marginal gabbro phase and its contact with the Hasen Creek siltstone.

PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization occurs within and along the base of the 75-100m thick ultramafic Spy Sill where it intrudes the Hasen Creek siltstone. Mineralization along the contact varies from disseminated to massive sulphide lenses, with historic grab samples from the massive sulphide lenses assayed as high as 3.1 g/t Pt, 1.4 g/t Pd, 1.0 g/t Au, 3.1% Ni and 2.8% Cu from the gabbro, and 75.8 g/t Pt, 7.9 g/t Pd, 7.0 g/t Au, 2.6% Ni and 10.45% Cu, from the footwall siltstone1. Samples are not necessarily representative of all the mineralization hosted in the area.

1Bell, C. 1996. Report on 1995 geological and geochemical surveys on the Klu property. Yukon Dept. of Energy, Mines and Resources, Assessment Report #093371, 244p.

About the Ultra Project

Ultra covers 8,650 hectares and is located south of the Spy project and 42 kilometers (km) northwest of Haines Junction. At Ultra, a portion of the Frohberg PGM-Ni-Cu showing was trenched in 2002 and returned 5.54 g/t Pt, 13.46 g/t Pd, 4.07% Cu and 1.73% Ni over 0.5 meters. Numerous ultramafic occurrences elsewhere on the property are yet to be assessed for PGM-Ni-Cu potential.

About the Catalyst Project

The Catalyst Project is located 35 km northwest of Burwash Landing and only 15 km south of the Alaska Highway along a maintained gravel road. The project covers 16,310 hectares, and is positioned directly northwest of and adjacent to the Wellgreen deposit, with portions of the project southeast and also adjacent to Wellgreen.

Several historic PGM-Ni-Cu showings are present at Catalyst. Within the Arch Zone, the Teck showing is located on the western edge of the Wellgreen property and consists of ultramafic rocks in fault contact with sedimentary rocks with historic assays of 0.36 g/t PGM+Au, 581 ppm Ni and 709 ppm Cu from chip samples over two meters. More recent results from the altered peridotite returned 0.535 ppm PGM+Au, 2,130 ppm Ni and 1,660 ppm Cu over 0.8 meters. Just over one kilometer to the north, the Conwest showing is a 90 meter-long exposure of oxidized, medium-grained gabbro with historic assays of 2,015 ppm Ni, 5,448 ppm Cu and 154 ppb Au. Numerous historic magnetic, EM and VLF anomalies on the property have also been identified that require follow-up prospecting and sampling (from Yukon Geological Survey Minfile Nos. 115G-026, -033, and -088, Assessment Report Nos. 094396, 093662, 017513, 092578, 092575, 092744, 094253, 094250, 094466, 094217, 017459).

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., is the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

All rock samples are grab samples with no length.

Historic samples were analyzed at Chemex Laboratories (now ALS Chemex) or Cominco Resource Laboratory, both in Vancouver. Gold, platinum and palladium were analysed by fire assay and the other elements by aqua regia digestion with ICP finish. No QAQC information is available.

About Group Ten Metals Inc.

Group Ten Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration for deposits of platinum group metals (PGM), gold, nickel and copper. The Company controls a large land position in the Kluane Ultramafic Belt in the southwest Yukon Territory, the Black Lake / Drayton gold project in the Rainy River district in northwest Ontario, and the Duke Island Cu-Ni-PGM project in Alaska.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

GROUP TEN METALS INC.

Michael Rowley

Michael Rowley

President, CEO & Director

info@grouptenmetals.com

Forward-Looking Statements - Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

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.
DAN: TSX-V (Canada)

JE9N: FSE (Germany)

DRRSF: OTC (USA)

SAGUENAY, QC, June 22, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Arianne Phosphate (the "Company" or "Arianne") (TSXV: DAN) (OTC: DRRSF) (FRANKFURT: JE9N), a development-stage phosphate mining company, advancing the Lac a Paul project in Quebec's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, announced that Arianne shareholders have reelected Messrs. Jean Lamarre, Dominique Bouchard, Brian Ostroff, James Cowley, David DeBiasio, Marco Gagnon, Siva Pillay and Steven Pinney as directors of the Company during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company held on June 21, 2017 in Montreal.

"We have had a very busy and productive first six months of the year as Lac a Paul continues to move towards development," said Brian Ostroff, CEO of Arianne. "During the first half of 2017, we have seen numerous MoUs and agreements concluded which should help to propel our project and unlock some of the enormous value that we are sitting on. I want to thank the team, our stakeholders and our investors for their continued support without whom, none of this would be possible."

About Arianne Phosphate

Arianne Phosphate ("Arianne Phosphate Inc.") (www.arianne-inc.com) is developing the Lac a Paul phosphate deposits located approximately 200 km north of the Saguenay/Lac St. Jean area of Quebec, Canada. These deposits will produce a high quality igneous apatite concentrate grading 39% P 2 O 5 with little or no contaminants. The Company has 97,648,080 million shares outstanding.

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.

Follow Arianne on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariannephosphate

Twitter: http://twitter.com/arianne_dan

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ArianneResources

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/arianneresources

Resource Investing News: http://resourceinvestingnews.com/?s=Arianne

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities regulations in Canada and the United States (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, anticipated quality and production of the apatite concentrate at the Lac a Paul project. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects, "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements 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: volatile stock price; risks related to changes in commodity prices; sources and cost of power facilities; the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements; the estimation of labour and operating costs; the general global markets and economic conditions; the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; risks associated with currency fluctuations; environmental risks; competition faced in securing experienced personnel; access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the Company; completion of the environmental assessment process; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; risks related to potential conflicts of interest; the reliance on key personnel; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks including the risk that the financing necessary to fund continued exploration and development activities at Lac a Paul project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all; the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; the risk of litigation. 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 commodity 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, including the completion of any proposed business venture or combination in such forward-looking information. 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.

SOURCE Arianne Phosphate Inc.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 22, 2017) - Crystal Peak Minerals Inc. ("Crystal Peak" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:CPM)(OTCQX:CPMMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a convertible loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with EMR Capital Investment (No. 5B) Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of EMR Capital Resources Fund 1, LP ("EMR"), its largest shareholder, pursuant to which EMR will lend Crystal Peak US$12,000,000 (the "Loan"). The Loan will mature in 18 months from the date of issuance, and will bear interest at the rate of 12%, compounded quarterly.

The principal amount of the Loan, in whole or in part, is convertible into common shares of the Company at the option of the holder, at a price per common share of C$0.55. In addition, the interest on the Loan is payable in common shares of Crystal Peak at the market price of the Company on the earlier of the date of conversion or certain prescribed interest payment dates, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Crystal Peak intends to use the funds received from the Loan to fund the continuing development program for its specialty fertilizer project on the Sevier Playa in southwestern Utah, U.S.A. including construction and engineering activities for the project as well as for general working capital purposes.

The closing of the Loan is subject to certain customary closing conditions set out in the Loan Agreement and is expected to take place on or about June 29, 2017. All of the securities issued pursuant to the Loan Agreement will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the closing date of the Loan. The Loan remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Crystal Peak Minerals Inc.

Crystal Peak is focused on the production of premium specialty fertilizers. Crystal Peak controls, directly or through agreement, mineral leases on more than 124,000 acres on its Sevier Playa property in Millard County, Utah. With a brine mineral resource known to contain potassium, magnesium, sulphate, lithium, and a suite of other beneficial minerals, Crystal Peak is targeting the production of specialty fertilizers, initially focused on potassium sulphate ("SOP"), through the use of a cost-effective solar evaporation process. SOP and other specialty fertilizers are used in the production of high value, chloride-sensitive crops such as fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. Crystal Peak is currently engaged in engineering and analysis designed to support a feasibility study, environmental permitting, and ultimately mineral production.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the completion and timing of the Loan; the feasibility study and the results thereof; the targeting of the development and production of specialty fertilizers and associated minerals, including SOP, lithium, and magnesium compounds through the use of a cost-effective solar evaporation process; and Crystal Peak's future business. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "is expected", "expects" or "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases; or terms that state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "could occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Crystal Peak to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although Crystal Peak has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Crystal Peak does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
When employees at Chesterfield County, Va.'s Department of Revenue go into work on Monday and boot up their computers, they'll face a new IT system for carrying out their jobs. It's been in development for over a year, but the agency realized only last month that there were no plans to make sure the people tasked with using the new system actually know how.It was poor planning, but the department was under the impression that the vendor was going to supply the training, says Kevin Bruny, director of Chesterfield Countys Learning and Performance Center, which rushed to help the department create a training program.This is far from an uncommon situation.A 2015 survey by Deloitte Consulting found that only a third of public-sector leaders around the world think their organizations provide employees with sufficient resources and opportunities to develop the technology skills they need.From many of our surveys, the No. 1 barrier to success with technology is organizational-workforce resistance to change, says Doug Robinson, executive director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).Without proper training, that resistance to change is likely to persist, and any organization looking to upgrade its tech is setting itself up to fail -- or at least struggle.Resistance to change isnt the exception. Resistance to change is the norm, says Tim Maniccia, a New York-based consultant whose company, Policy Innovation, Inc., often deals with managing change in government organizations.With the clock ticking until the new system goes live, Chesterfield County officials stepped into action -- and quickly. The Learning and Performance Center tapped experts from the revenue department who knew how employees interacted with the old systems, and the department used that knowledge as the basis for an online training program.Of course, online training doesnt work for everyone. Its also critical to offer extra help for employees who need it.To say you must use technology to learn to use the new technology isnt going to work for people who are not as tech-savvy, says Bruny.Bruny knows the training process would have been much easier had it started long before, as Chesterfield County has done with other award-winning projects. For example, its countywide shift in 2016 to the 365 version of Microsoft Office was eased by early meetings that The Learning and Performance Center had with all 45 departments. This was particularly important since some employees were using software that was more than a decade old. The county was also in constant communication with employees about what was coming, how it would impact their work and when.Ohio has also taken an employee-oriented approach when upgrading its IT -- one that made it a finalist for NASCIO's 2015 State IT Recognition Award.When the state began to implement a new benefits eligibility system, it tapped employee input at the earliest stage of development. Readiness managers were established in every county totrain caseworkers, help troubleshoot and act as a liasonbetween the states central IT office and caseworkers.We learned from past mistakes and from watching other projects struggle through the process," says Stu Davis, Ohio's chief information officer. "One of the key things we were trying to get across is that this wasnt being done to them but with them and for them."John McCaffrey, the CIO of Westchester County in New York, echoes that sentiment. He says the county executive has sent a strong message to employees that their ideas for innovation and technological improvement are welcome and will be listened to. For example, when the county shifted its contracts from a paper-based system to an electronic one, employees missed being able to lay out multiple versions of contracts on their desks at the same time.The county heard their complaints and started providing dual monitors.It was a simple fix, says McCaffrey, but one that drastically reduced employees' resistance to the new system. The biggest mistake that IT makes is not getting in the trenches with the people who are doing the job.
Missouri sued three large drug companies Wednesday for allegedly hiding the dangers of prescription pain pills, which are blamed for a nationwide epidemic of drug abuse and overdose deaths.Purdue Pharma, Endo Health Solutions and Janssen Pharmaceuticals deceived doctors and patients by not disclosing the addictive nature of the opioid painkillers they manufacture, according to the lawsuit. Without complete knowledge of the risks, doctors overprescribed the drugs, writing enough prescriptions for every adult American by 2013.An estimated one in four patients with long-term prescriptions for painkillers will develop an addiction to the drugs. Close to 2 million Americans abuse prescription painkillers and more than 40 overdose on the pills and die each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.After filing what he called one of the largest lawsuits in Missouri history, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, Attorney General Josh Hawley said "we come to hold these companies accountable."The drugmakers used shadow companies as a front to push faulty research extolling the benefits and playing down the risks of their painkillers, Hawley said at a news conference outside St. Louis Circuit Court.Prescription painkillers are not recommended for long-term use and can lead to addiction to heroin, an illegal opioid that is usually cheaper and easier to get. Last year more than 650 people died from heroin and other opioids, including pain pills, around St. Louis, the area with the highest death rate in the state. The drugs cause deaths by slowing the user's heart and breathing rates.Hazelwood-based Mallinckrodt, which makes generic opioid painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone, was not named in the suit. Last year, Mallinckrodt generated about $273 million in sales on the drugs.Hawley said he sued only the three companies because they "comprise a lion's share of the market," and he is confident in the evidence the state has against them.A spokesman for Connecticut-based Purdue, which manufactures the painkiller OxyContin, a brand name for oxycodone, denied the allegations in the lawsuit."We share the attorney general's concerns about the opioid crisis and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions," according to a statement from the company. "OxyContin accounts for less than 2 percent of the opioid analgesic prescription market nationally, but we are an industry leader in the development of abuse-deterrent technology, advocating for the use of prescription drug monitoring programs and supporting access to Naloxone (a drug that blocks the effects of opioids) -- all important components for combating the opioid crisis."Missouri's lawsuit is one of several filed by state and local governments in response to the national opioid epidemic. Purdue Pharma settled a lawsuit brought by Kentucky in December 2015 for $24 million.Last month, Ohio sued the same three companies as Missouri plus two others, Teva and Allergan, over similar complaints of deceptive marketing. Another lawsuit is pending in Mississippi. The city of Everett, Wash., sued Purdue Pharma this year alleging that the company knowingly profited off illegal sales of OxyContin. West Virginia, which has the highest overdose rate in the country, took a different approach last year by filing suit against several drug distributors and pharmacies.A representative for Endo Health of Pennsylvania said it does not comment on current litigation but is committed to preventing misuse of painkillers.This month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Endo to pull its painkiller Opana ER from the market. The move was a first by the FDA against a prescription painkiller. Although the Opana pills were supposed to be resistant to tampering, users managed to crush and inject the drug, causing outbreaks of HIV and hepatitis C, according to the FDA. Opana ER brought in $158 million in sales last year.Janssen Pharmaceuticals of New Jersey, the third company named in the Missouri lawsuit, makes a pain pill called Nucynta ER and a skin patch called Duragesic that releases the powerful opioid fentanyl."We recognize that opioid abuse is a serious public health issue. Janssen has acted appropriately, responsibly and in the best interests of patients regarding our opioid pain medications, which are FDA-approved and carry FDA-mandated warnings about the known risks of the medications on every product label," said Janssen spokeswoman Jessica Castles Smith in response to the Missouri lawsuit.Jammie Fabick spoke at Hawley's news conference and said she was grateful for his action against the drug companies. Her 17-year-old daughter, Helen, died in 2014 on the day she was supposed to attend a father-daughter dance at Ursuline Academy of St. Louis."I was not educated ... I didn't see any of the exact signs (of drug abuse)," Fabick said. "You never know when it's going to be your last hug."
New York state moved to end child marriages on Tuesday, raising the legal age to 18 from 14 to tackle the issue of underage marriage that is permissible across the United States.Previously children as young as 14 could get married with parental permission and consent of a judge in the state that stretches from New York City north to Canada and west to the Great Lakes.The new law, signed by the governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, still allows for marriage at the age of 17 with parental and judicial permission.In the United States, some 170,000 children were wed between 2000 and 2010 in 38 of the 50 states where data was available, according to anti-child marriage group Unchained at Last.
The Iowa Supreme Court issued an order Monday that bans weapons in all 99 courthouses and justice centers across the state.The policy prohibits guns from all courtrooms, court-controlled spaces and public areas of the courthouses and other justice centers, Chief Justice Mark Cady said in the order. The order doesn't interfere with the authority of county or city officials to determine employment policies for their employees who may work in offices within the court buildings or affect the authority of law enforcement to carry weapons while performing their duties within those buildings.According to the Iowa Constitution, Cady said, the Iowa Supreme Court has the power to "exercise supervisory and administrative control" over the district courts."With the power to supervise and administer courts come the responsibility to promote safety in courthouses and court facilities," Cady added.He also pointed out courtroom proceedings at times can be emotional and controversial, and these "threats" aren't just confined to courtrooms, they also threaten the safety of any individual who comes into the courthouses to conduct business and to those who work in these buildings.There are 72 counties that prohibit weapons in courtrooms and other court-controlled spaces within courthouses, according to the order. These bans are issued by county ordinance or by an administrative order of the chief judge.Further:--11 counties, including Johnson in the 6th Judicial District, that ban weapons in all county buildings--44 counties prohibit weapons in a courthouse, including all counties in the 6th District -- Linn, Johnson, Tama, Benton, Jones and Iowa--16 counties ban weapons only in areas the judicial branch controls.Cady said in the order that while the weapons policies were implemented to make the courtrooms safer, they have "failed to provide uniform protection across the state and throughout every courthouse."He acknowledged implementing a statewide weapons policy and the issue of restricting weapons is difficult, and this becomes more complex because city and county offices are within many court buildings. But he added it's the court's "constitutional responsibility" to make these buildings safe "before history records more acts of courthouse violence."This statewide ban comes only two weeks before the new state law goes into effect, on July 1, which would allow someone to bring a lawsuit against local gun bans. The law, signed by then-Gov. Terry Branstad April 13, gives gun owners the ability to sue local governments if they have been "adversely affected" by a firearm ban.Steve Davis, Iowa Judicial Branch communications director, on Tuesday wouldn't say if this policy was in direct response to the new law but did said courthouse security has been a concern of judicial officials since at least 1999. He pointed out that Cady has referred to courthouse security many times in his state of the judiciary speeches.County officials in the Corridor Tuesday said they were glad to see the court take this position.Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson said the board wasn't going to change its policy, which prohibits weapons in the courthouses, but it's good to have clarification in light of the new law."The courts have the right to control the courthouses and justice centers," Oleson said.Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan said he and other supervisors also had no plans to lift the gun ban in those county buildings. He added that Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness had advised the board the current use of existing security equipment and staff was appropriate and within the county's authority.A 2003 opinion from the Iowa Attorney General's Office stated that Iowa law allows cities and counties to regulate firearms on city- or county-owned property. Elected bodies relied on that opinion when passing their respective gun bans.6th Judicial District Chief Judge Patrick Grady said he was "pleasantly surprised" about the order and he thought it was a "courageous" move by the court that showed "good leadership." Grady, who was at the annual Iowa Judges Association Judicial Conference in Des Moines, added that it was well received by the majority of the judges in attendance when Cady told them he was issuing the order."This just underscores the commitment to making the courts safe for everybody," Grady said.
Former Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown was found not guilty Wednesday in the on-duty fatal shooting of Sylville Smith that set off two days of violent unrest last year in parts of the Sherman Park neighborhood.The verdict drew an emotional reaction in the courtroom, prompting the judge to clear the jury from the courtroom as deputies escorted members of the gallery outside.Smith's father, Patrick Smith, immediately called for calm in the wake of the verdict."I want the community to calm down and come together," he said.Smith's sister, Sherelle Smith, also made an emotional appeal while speaking with reporters."Don't give them a reason to take your life," she said. "Do something different in the community, try as hard as you can to be peaceful and form unity with each other ... black or white. Because we all bleed the same, we all hurt the same."Earlier Wednesday, Smith's family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Heaggan-Brown and the city of Milwaukee.The verdict was just the latest of many acquittals in police shootings around the country, including one in Minnesota last week of the officer who fatally shot Philando Castile. Like that case, it involved suspects with guns, split-second decisions about self-defense and video evidence."Self-defense cases can be very difficult, but it's still our obligation to pursue those cases if we believe justice demands it," District Attorney John Chisholm said after the verdict. "You cannot base your judgments on what the public sentiment is."Mayor Tom Barrett said there would be a strong police presence at Sherman Park on Wednesday, though as of the early evening, there were no reports of disruptions or violent protests around the city. In the playground outside the Boys and Girls Club in Sherman Park, dozens of people gathered to recall Smith's life and discuss the verdict."People have a right to gather to have their voices heard," Barrett said. "My strong request is that this is done in a peaceful manner. Nothing good can come of anything that's not peaceful."Because he remains in custody on a pending, unrelated sexual assault charge, Heaggan-Brown, 25, did not get walked out of the courtroom. He was fired in October after those charges were filed, not for the shooting, and prosecutors were barred from referring to him as "a former officer" during his nine-day trial.His lead attorney, Jonathan Smith, said his client was relieved and grateful for the jury's decision in a difficult case."But there is no joy in a case like this," said Jonathan Smith's partner, Steven Kohn. "We must be mindful that a young man lost his life and had impacted the community enormously."Chisholm noted the rarity in Wisconsin of authorities bringing charges against a police officer for on-duty-related homicide."There's this sense of unease that the community has when they see these officer-involved deaths," he said. "And they want some accountability for it. This is one instance where they were able to get that public accountability."Heaggan-Brown was only the second Milwaukee police officer to be charged in an on-duty homicide in modern history.Chisholm said the case was the rare one that he felt "very strongly" he could charge and prove, aided greatly by video from body cameras worn by Heaggan-Brown and his partner. He said it was important for the community, through the jury, to make the decision."That's what they've done. I don't have to agree with the decision, but I have to respect that," he said.Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said the jury's verdict "was based on the objective evidence before it.""A year ago I told the public I'd seen nothing in the video that was a violation of the law or policy," Flynn said in a statement. "The jury saw the same evidence and came to the same conclusion."Michael Crivello, president of the Milwaukee Police Association who watched much of the trial, thanked the jury on the MPA's Facebook page."Because of good citizens such as all of you, our officers know that the greater community respects, supports and backs the badge."Others called the outcome painful and predictable."I share my community's frustration and continue to be saddened by the tragic loss of life and lack of justice we are all too familiar with in Milwaukee," said Democratic state Sen. LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee.Democratic state Rep. David Bowen of Milwaukee said. "When families lose a loved one in a preventable situation by a system that should be there to protect and serve them, it's a deep-rooted, painful and traumatic situation."Bowen said the video evidence had raised expectations of a conviction."It's unfortunate that the pain that people experienced last summer will only be relived," he said.Heaggan-Brown was charged with first-degree reckless homicide, punishable by up to 40 years in prison. The jury could have found him guilty of lesser charges of second-degree reckless homicide or homicide by negligent operation of a firearm.The jury, which included four African-Americans, was sequestered at an area hotel for nine days, part of a tighter-than-normal security procedure adopted for the trial. It included having all spectators pass through a second metal detector outside the courtroom. The jury deliberated about 10 hours.Heaggan-Brown and two other officers were doing overtime patrol on Aug. 13 prior to the start of their regular 4 p.m. shifts.They pulled up on a car parked too far from the curb that they suspected of being involved in a drug transaction. Smith ran from the car with a gun and turned into a gangway between two nearby homes when he fell at a fence and dropped his gun.Heaggan-Brown, who was chasing Smith on foot along with another officer, shot him once in the arm as Smith rose from the ground, grabbed the gun and turned partly toward the officers as he threw the gun over the fence. Less than two seconds later, after Smith had fallen to his back, Heaggan-Brown shot Smith in the chest.The entire 12-second incident was captured by body cameras worn by both officers. The videos, and Heaggan-Brown's statement to state investigators two days later, became central evidence to the state's case. Jurors watched both videos multiple times, in actual speed, slow motion and frame by frame.Prosecutors say the first shot was justified self-defense, but that Heaggan-Brown's second shot was a felony. Heaggan-Brown told investigators he feared Smith was reaching for a second gun. His attorney argued to jurors that the justification for the first shot clearly carried over to the less-than-a-second that passed before Heaggan-Brown decided to shoot again, as Smith continued moving.During the trial, Chisholm noted that Heaggan-Brown didn't pat down Smith after the second shot, a strange omission if he truly believed Smith might still be armed.The sole defense witness was an expert in police training and use of force, who told jurors Heaggan-Brown acted in accordance with his training, to always assume a subject with a weapon has another one, what the expert called the "plus one rule."Within a couple hours of the verdict, the state Department of Justice, whose Division of Criminal Investigation reviewed the incident, posted all the investigative reports, recordings and other materials online.With numerous Milwaukee police squad cars and a few Milwaukee County sheriff's cars patrolling the Sherman Park neighborhood, people began to gather outside the Boys and Girls Club early Wednesday evening to discuss the verdict."The jury came to that decision because that was their choice," said Smith's cousin, Thaddeus Ashford. "Jurors did their job. We have to deal with it."Cynthia Greenwood, a friend of Smith's family, was upset at the verdict _ though not shocked."I wasn't surprised. I knew they would find the monster not guilty," said Greenwood.Deloris Jones said she wanted to support the Smith family and said she could help but think of her own children."It could have been my baby," she said.
The largest city in Texas will join San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and other local governments in a lawsuit against the states new immigration enforcement law.The Houston City Council voted 10-6 Wednesday morning to join the lawsuit, which was filed last month against Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The suit takes aim at Senate Bill 4, an anti-sanctuary cities measure set to take effect Sept. 1 that allows local law enforcement to question the immigration status of people they legally detain or arrest and punishes officials who dont cooperate with federal immigration agents by turning over immigrants.With Houston signing on, the four largest cities in Texas will all be party to the lawsuit against the state.The lawsuit was first filed May 8, just a day after Abbott signed the bill into law, by officials in Maverick County, the city of El Cenizo and the League of United Latin American Citizens. In the weeks since, cities and organizations across the state have signed on.The lawsuit argues that SB 4 violates the Constitution by threatening guarantees of free speech and equal protection. Democratic lawmakers across the state continue to urge more communities to join in the effort.The law is scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1. U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia has scheduled a June 26 hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction that would block SB 4 from being implemented as the case winds its way through the legal system.Democrats in the Texas House representing Harris County wrote to the Houston City Council last week, urging them to join the litigation.SB4 has several flawed provisions that unlawfully target immigrant communities, expose Texans to unlawful violations of due process and erode essential trust between police and the public, the lawmakers wrote. The letter was signed by state Reps. Alma Allen, Carol Alvarado, Garnet Coleman, Harold Dutton, Jessica Farrar, Ana Hernandez, Jarvis Johnson, Mary Ann Perez, Ron Reynolds, Shawn Thierry, Senfronia Thompson, Hubert Vo, Armando Walle and Gene Wu.Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Wednesday that the best way to assess the legitimacy of SB 4 is in a court of law.We are a diverse city, we are a very welcoming city, Turner said. We have every right to protect Houstonians. Houstonians are expecting us to stand up and protect their interest.Council members Brenda Stardig, Dave Martin, Steve Le, Greg Travis, Mike Knox and Michael Kubosh voted against Houston joining the suit.
Description

 GIS - 22 June, 2017: Enterprise Mauritius is leading a delegation of local apparel manufacturers who will be participating for the second time at Fashion SVP on 27 and 28 June 2017 at Olympia Exhibition Centre in London.

Thirteen manufacturers comprising four large enterprises and nine SMEs will be showcasing to UK buyers their latest collections of a wide range of products including T-Shirts, Shirts, knitwear, denim, and jersey wear.

Fashion SVP is Europes unique sourcing event, with an international show presenting over 120 leading fashion producers from the UK and 21 overseas countries, as well as training seminars, trend focus features, product demonstrations, fashion clinics, a jobs forum and prime networking with the fashion industry.

The fair attracts buyers from large famous European retailers to smaller chains, clothing brands, wholesalers and boutique labels. In 2016, the fair attracted buyers from leading upmarket companies such as Debenhams, Monsoon, Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, Boden, Jaeger, River Island, and Harrods, amongst others.

Local operators participating in Fashion SVP have benefitted from the expertise of Trendstop Ltd, a consultancy firm based in London whose expertise lies in forecasting latest trends and creating new designs for the UK market, to help in the realisation of new collections.

Given the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, Enterprise Mauritius has solicited assistance from Trendstop Ltd so that Mauritian operators can anticipate what is coming for the next season. Renowned retailers have already confirmed visits to the Mauritian stands to take cognizance of the products offered.

Textile and apparel: significant contributor to GDP

The textile and apparel industry has been a major contributor to Mauritian GDP. The UK remains an important market for Mauritian exports, accounting for over 15% of total domestic exports. Over the years, textile and apparel has emerged as a flexible sector adapting to latest technologies to be competitive. Mauritius has been working with top UK retailers such as Arcadia Group, NEXT, Debenhams, Harrods, and River Island, among others.

To further encourage exportation Government has introduced the Speed-to-Market scheme which is being implemented by Enterprise Mauritius. The aim is to give a boost to textile and apparel exports to European countries and to enhance product delivery in terms of Speed-to-Market.
Description

GIS - 22 June, 2017:

The Minister of Financial Services, Good Governance and Institutional Reforms, Mr Dharmendar Sesungkur, chaired yesterday at Sicom Tower in Ebene, a meeting on the signature of the OECD Multilateral Convention on Tax Treaty relating to BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Measures.

Several private sector global business operators participated in the discussions. The aim was to exchange information, chart the way forward and see how to better protect the interests of not only the local financial services sector but that of Mauritius also.

In a statement following the meeting, Minister Sesungkur recalled that the global business and the financial services sector represent a big chunk of Mauritius economic activity and contribute significantly by employing, directly or indirectly, around 20 000 professionals. The financial services sector contributes much in wealth creation and ensures the economic progress of Mauritius in terms of harnessing on investments, he said.

According to the Minister, there are a number of rules and regulations that are soon to enter into force on the international level and that includes the Multilateral Instrument being implemented by the OECD which will be impacting on our financial services sector as well as the EUs BEPS. Hence, the importance of exchanging information with stakeholders of the financial services sector to address these challenges in the coming months so as to ensure the development of the sector, he pointed out.

Government, said the Minister, proposes to analyse the suggestions put forward by the private sector global business operators and see how Mauritius proposal to the OECD can be enhanced to better safeguard the countrys interest and that of the financial services sector.

Multilateral Convention

On 7 June 2017, over 70 Ministers and other high-level representatives participated in the signature ceremony of the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. Signatories include jurisdictions from all continents and all levels of development.

Mauritius has expressed the intent to sign the Convention and other jurisdictions are also actively working towards signature.

The innovative multilateral convention provides for the swift implementation of a series of tax treaty measures to update the existing network of bilateral tax treaties and reduce opportunities for tax avoidance by multinational enterprises. It also offers the tools to implement mandatory binding arbitration, tackle hybrid mismatches, and stop artificial avoidance of permanent establishment status in countries. The convention is in line with the strategy to help restore citizens trust in the fairness and transparency of global governance systems and the legitimacy of the processes underpinning global integration.
(TNS) -- While broadband internet has been an issue for communities and townships in the area, Ottawa County, Mich., could roll full-speed ahead with a plan.The Ottawa County Broadband Committee is partnering with Connected Nation's Connected Community Engagement Program."Our Board of Commissioners has actively supported enhanced broadband for our residents and businesses for the last 10 years," said Paul Sachs, Director of Planning and Performance Improvement for Ottawa County. "We've had successes with expanding broadband into previously underserved areas through collaborative public-private partnerships, but we know there are still areas of need in the county." Connected Nation is a technology organization focused on bringing affordable high-speed internet and broadband-enabled resources to communities across the nation. The Connected Community Engagement Program is a locally-driven effort to bring all families to the right side of the "digital divide."The initial step for the process of bringing high-speed internet to Ottawa County will consist of a short survey for residents, businesses, agricultural producers, health care facilities and schools. The survey can be found at connectmycommunity.org/ottawa-county/ "We hope that participating in this targeted work with Connected Nation's local office, Connect Michigan, will provide us with a better understanding of where these remaining areas are situated so that we can continue developing creative partnerships to meet these broadband needs," Sachs said.According to a release, participation in the online survey will help the committee better understand the status of high-speed internet in Ottawa County, reassessing it after a decade of work. After an evaluation of the survey results, the broadband committee and staff at Connected will develop a Technology Action Plan focused on effectively and efficiently improving Ottawa County's broadband environment."Getting everyone's input  from parents to educators to businesses to the agricultural community  is key in helping us develop a Technology Action Plan that meets the unique needs of Ottawa County," said Dan Manning, Community Technology Advisor for Connected Nation. "The more input we get, the better we can identify ways to create access, adoption and use of broadband for everyone in Ottawa County."
(TNS) - Parish workers, volunteers and residents throughout Louisianas coastal parishes spent much of Wednesday stacking sandbags, piling rocks and making other preparations for the bands of rain and storm surge coming from Tropical Storm Cindy.Cindy never threatened to bring hurricane-force winds, and as of Wednesday evening much of southeast Louisiana had been spared any major impact from the storm. But officials in low-lying communities outside the federal levee system said they would remain on alert until water levels receded.Tropical storms keep us on our toes because (water) can build up real quick, Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle said. Those can be serious storms because they sneak up on you and catch you unexpected. People think, Ah, its not going to be much; its only 40 mph winds, yadda yadda, but it pushes some tides.In Grand Isle, a band of rain that passed through in the early morning flooded the western portion of island with heavy rains, and then at 4 a.m., a tidal surge pushed water across the streets on the eastern end.The water came in from the back side of the island with a big surge and came all the way to the back streets, Camardelle said, noting the storm was still 187 miles off of nearby Port Fourchon at the time. Most of the homes are elevated, but a lot of them have storage and cars and boats (on the ground). Most of them got their stuff up, but we didnt expect that kind of surge to come in at that time and push in that much water.Camardelle said the outer fabric on the so-called burrito levee that protects the Gulf side of the islands western end had torn and would have to be inspected after the storms 10-foot swells subside.In Plaquemines Parish, Belle Chasse residents stayed dry thanks to the 21 workers who operate the parish pumping stations.Their supervisor, Drainage Superintendent Greg Simpson, had about an hour of sleep total between Monday and Tuesday nights, but he and his crew labored to keep Cindys waters at bay.Parish President Amos Cormier III said that when a storm comes near Plaquemines, Simpson is the most sought-after man in the parish.I know getting into something like this, were going to be at it for days, Simpson said. The guys that work for me, they know what the drill is.Simpson, 49, whose duties include managing payroll and fixing machines himself, said hes grown accustomed to the nonstop schedule of storm preparations in his 30 years on the job.He managed to catch a quick meal in an office at Belle Chasse Pumping Station No. 1 just before noon. The menu, provided courtesy of the parish government, was luncheon meat on white bread with a bag of chips.Nothing gourmet, but its better than nothing, Simpson said. I get anxious during these times, and when I get like that, I hardly even eat.At the same time, at Jean Lafitte in Jefferson Parish, Mayor Tim Kerner watched as the water began to rise.Workers and volunteers in the town of fewer than 2,000 residents were in the process of deploying 20,000 sandbags and 300 rock bags, mostly in the boat launches, seafood docks and ice houses that make up the gaps in its levees.The tide is starting to come up now, Kerner said, just before noon. Were sandbagging and hoping it doesnt get too high.Kerner said that as long as the tide doesnt get much over 4 feet, the water is manageable, but he said town and parish workers would have to monitor the situation well into Thursday.Reached again just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Kerner said the water was still holding at about 3 feet  safe, but a little too close for comfort.Oh, yeah, he said. Were still working.In Plaquemines, Cormier had declared a state of emergency for the parish. He said about 5 p.m. that after a day of watching the West Bank, his attention had shifted to some of the newer levees on the East Bank."Were far from out of the woods," he said.St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis had also declared a state of emergency, which could allow the parish eventually to recoup some of its expenses during the storm. Authorities there closed Delacroix Highway and Florissant Highway due to standing water."I just want our citizens to know, in the lower-lying areas of St. Bernard Parish, unless you absolutely need to come down here because of property or business, we ask you to stay home," McInnis said.Cormier expected the worst flooding to come during high tide on Wednesday and Thursday, and he, Kerner and Camardelle all said they would continue to monitor the tides and the rains as Cindy headed inland.As long as its over water and its blowing water in, were going to act like its a hurricane and were going to do what weve gotta do to protect property, Kerner said.2017 The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.Visit The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. at www.theadvocate.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - Residents in six fire districts will see a property-tax increase in the upcoming fiscal year.On Monday evening the Surry County Board of Commissioners approved its operating budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year, and it includes tax increases to help fund a paid firefighter initiative in six volunteer fire departments.Though the budget compromise county commissioners approved by a 3-2 vote includes no increase to the countys 58.2-cent countywide property tax rate, some Surry County residents will have to endure increases for the fire tax and a few other needs.Residents in the C.C. Camp, Central Surry, Four Way, Franklin, Skull Camp and South Surry Fire Districts will see their fire district property taxes increase by seven-tenths of a penny per every $100 in property value.According to County Manager Chris Knopfs budget message, the increases are earmarked to help the volunteer fire departments fund paid positions in their departments.South Surry and Franklin Volunteer Fire Departments already have such a program in place. Part-time firefighters man the departments during normal business hours, when chiefs say its hardest to get support from volunteers who are working.The tax rate hike falls short of what departments had asked the county board to consider. Their requests had been for two-cent increases on their rates.The budget also includes increases to the supplemental taxes which help fund the Mount Airy City Schools and Elkin City Schools. Residents in those two school districts will see an extra penny per every $100 in property value to fund the two municipal school districts.The Elkin district had asked commissioners to consider a 2.3-cent increase to the supplemental tax rate, and Mount Airy school officials had asked for an additional two cents.County water users will also see an expected increase as a result of Mondays budget.Water fees in the Elkin-Gentry Road and Flat-Rock-Bannertown Fire Districts are set to increase by 7 percent. The rate hike is the second of five annual 7-percent increases in the two districts.County commissioners began the incremental increases in the 2016-17 fiscal year in hopes of eventually bringing revenues associated with running the two systems in line with expenditures.Residents who find themselves in the back of a Surry County EMS ambulance will also see increased fees.According to the explanation delivered by Surry County officials at a recent budget workshop, the EMS fee schedule reflected Medicare-allowable rates. For instance, Medicare pays about $414 for an emergency transport. Surry County was charging a similar rate for those services when compensated by private payers.Finance Officer Sarah Bowen explained last week that Medicare tends to pay far less than private insurance companies allow for the same procedure or service. Therefore it is typical to charge significantly more than Medicares compensation. She recommended 30 percent more as a minimum rate and 50 percent as a suggested rate.The commissioners agreed with the suggestion; fees will now equal 150 percent of Medicare-allowable rates.Andy is a staff writer and may be reached at 415-4698.2017 The Mount Airy News (Mount Airy, N.C.)Visit The Mount Airy News (Mount Airy, N.C.) at www.mtairynews.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  Emergency phone calls in Swansea, Ill., are now being answered in Belleville.The Swansea Police Department on Wednesday posted on Facebook that the transition to Belleville had been completed. Swansea has to have its 911 calls answered by another agency as part of a state-mandated consolidation of public safety answering points.The number of PSAPs in St. Clair County had to be reduced from eight to four. OFallon and Fairview Heights combined their 911 call centers. The Cahokia and Centreville PSAPs both had the county-owned CENCOM pick up its 911 calls.East St. Louis also has its own PSAP.Under a state law, counties with more than 250,000 people had to cut in half the number of 911 call centers by July 2017. When the law went into effect, St. Clair County had eight and Madison County had 16 PSAPs.It is bittersweet in that we do not support this law, however are mandated to follow the unfunded requirement, the Swansea Police Facebook post said. We are happy that we are able to team up with Belleville Police Department and look forward to providing great service to the Village of Swansea. Chief Bill Clay and his staff have been amazing to Swansea and we appreciate it. Belleville has hired all four of our remaining 911 Telecommunicators. Belleville has dedicated them to continue dispatching for Swansea since they already know the geography, landmarks and the Swansea way. As every true 911 Telecommunicator knows, that is imperative during times of emergency. This is awesome.As part of the move to Belleville, Swansea is slated to pay Belleville about $309,000 during the 2017-18 fiscal year, and about $316,500 during the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to an intergovernmental agreement between the two municipalities.The payments would cover the cost of four telecommunicators, the intergovernmental agreement says.Rest assured there will be some hiccups during this consolidation but it has been in the planning for nearly two years, the Swansea Police Facebook post said. We researched, double researched and researched again the best possible deal and safest plan for this day.Swansea Village Board Trustee Matt Lanter said he opposed the mandate forcing Swansea to give up dispatching.The idea that its going to save money is beyond foolish, Lanter said. This is going to cost Swansea taxpayers more money; theyre going to get less service and its not good for public safety.Reporter Mike Koziatek contributed to this article.Joseph Bustos: 618-239-2451, @JoeBReporter2017 the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.)Visit the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.) at www.bnd.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  The grid is one of those catch-all terms that holds different connotations for different groups. Generally speaking, it refers to the power structure network of users and suppliers,and can be thought of in terms of the power infrastructure at the city, state and national level. To compensate for the ever-increasing demand on this steadily aging infrastructure, regulators and tech companies are coming together to see what can be done.During a panel discussion on the ways technology can support an evolving grid at the Advanced Energy Economys Pathway to 2050 event on June 21, state Sen. Henry Stern called on the wisdom of the regulators and tech folks pushing the industry forward. Due to technological advances and the growth of Californias population, energy utilities are under increasing demand to make energy available at all times. This demand comes in waves throughout the day, often peaking for Californians in the afternoon and evening.People have traditionally wanted two things when it comes to power, Stern said  for it to be reliable and cheap.It is hard to humanize what happens behind a light switch, he said. However, when the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility began to leak, and when kids start getting sick or pets die, you wake up," he added. "We start thinking about what happens behind that switch.In the midst of an interesting moment in energy policy, it is hard to predict how the technology will grow and what market forces will look like. But decisions can be made about what weknow about the future  and that's utilizing less fossil fuels and making distributed power grids more commonplace.Part of the shift needs to be about how we think about energy, said Matt Duesterberg, co-founder and CEO of energy startup OhmConnect.We traditionally think about energy in terms of a resource, he said. We probably need to start looking at this from a product-type perspective.That includes looking at it in terms of data, of real-time capacity. We have no idea what the grid will look like in 2050, he added, noting that it is hard to guide how the grid will appropriate power.Duesterberg gave an example of current efforts to build out electric vehicle charging stations in business parks and other public locations. This approach relies on the assumption that people will want to charge their vehicles away from home, he explained. But as electric vehicle batteries become more powerful and efficient, he cautioned that drivers may just charge them at home periodically. This model also does not take into account the possibility that autonomous ride-sharing fleets could threaten the model of personal vehicle ownership.Expanding on this idea, Manal Yamout, vice president of policy for Advanced Microgrid Solutions, discussed harnessing power that grid utilities possess and how it can be transformed into value for consumers. Folks think that battery storage is the issue. It's not, she said, noting that batteries are just big dumb boxes. It's the software behind the batteries that can generate more value.Some of the largest value lies in the possibility of aggregating battery storage units to store energy during off-peak hours  energy that can then be redistributed to public utilities for use during times of high demand. This market is evolving very quickly, she said, adding that regulators need to work to help enable it, not restrict it.She also shook off the notion that the state has to choose between clean energy and jobs. The idea that jobs and environment friendly energy are at odds with one another is disproven by the amount of capital and investment in broader market trends.There is no silver bullet in terms of a future technology, at least I don't think there will be, said Duesterberg. But getting to energy efficiency is all about the small gains that contribute to larger, more challenging goals. While getting to 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 is an ambitious goal codified by California Gov. Jerry Brown, he said we all want that to increase to 100 percent  and its going to take a lot of work.
(TNS) -- Now that its bad-boy co-founder Travis Kalanick has resigned as Ubers CEO, the question will be asked: Is Kalanicks departure bad for Uber, or good for Uber?The answer is yes.Its good for Uber, because the company has a better chance of shedding its reputation as a howlingly bad place to work unless youre a young white male; and its reputation for getting its way with civic officials by breaking rules, regulations and norms. These changes, if they occur, will improve its ability to recruit talented personnel, and reduce the friction  ultimately costly  that attended its truculent entry into every new market and its continuing squeeze on its 200,000 drivers.Its bad for Uber, because Kalanicks messianic sales pitch obscured the fundamental unprofitability of its business model. Its not that the companys humongous losses were invisible, since its venture investors undoubtedly knew the numbers and the few financial reports the privately-held company dribbled out were all written in deep red.But Kalanick had persuaded his backers and an uncritical tech press that, trust him on this, the endgame would be glorious  after all, the company was growing incredibly fast. Uber rode his self-confidence to a putative value of $70 billion. Never mind that this valuation was based only on arithmetic, derived from the meagerness of the stake in the company purchased by the latest round of investments. In the venture world, youre only as valuable as the last round, so the next round will tell us a lot.Ousted as CEO by Ubers biggest investors after a string of embarrassing controversies and scandals, Kalanick will remain an Uber director and reportedly retains a commanding share of board votes. But it will be up to someone else to define Uber for the future. The search for a new CEO is underway, and that choice will be crucial. So, too, will the filling of the numerous top jobs currently vacant, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer.But the redefinition of Uber will have to confront reality, which is far less rosy than the myth. Kalanick promoted the impression that Ubers current success and its world-dominating future derive from the inexorable advantages of technology. The truth is that Ubers success is based on two unsustainable tactics: subsidizing fares and exploiting drivers.Whats the real cost of an Uber trip? The passengers dont know, and we dont know. Thats because customers pay only a portion of the fares shown on their Uber smartphone apps; much, if not most, of the cost is covered by the companys venture investors  thats where a goodly portion of their investments has been burned up.What happens when that well runs dry? The fares will rise, and one of Ubers selling points  its price advantage compared to yellow-cab service  will narrow or disappear.Uber has not shown that it can profitably produce better taxi service under competitive conditions, says Hubert Horan, a transportation expert who has written extensively about the company at nakedcapitalism.com. A battle between fragmented, poorly capitalized incumbents and Silicon Valley billionaires supplying billions in predatory subsidies is not neutral market competition.Thats just the start of the questions left over from the Kalanick regime. What if Uber has to build its self-driving car business without (allegedly) stealing the technology from Google? Or winning litigation without (allegedly) investigating the plaintiff in secret? Or winning concessions from municipal officials without (allegedly) tracking their movements covertly?Can Uber continue to stick its drivers with heavy expenses? Thats doubtful. Uber forces drivers to cover their own fuel, maintenance, vehicle wear and tear, and insurance. Drivers begin to get this message after only a few months of working for Uber, at which point they discover that, net-net, theyre driving for something close to minimum wage. A company-funded study determined in 2015 that nearly half of its drivers drop out within a year.Uber exploits its drivers in other ways. The company recruits as many drivers as it can in any region, then tries to manage their movement by raising fares in high-demand places or times, whether its rush hour, the location of a big event, or the site of an emergency. That means that in normal conditions the supply of drivers exceeds demand. Thats good for passengers, who often can summon a driver within minutes, but bad for drivers, who scramble for work. The conundrum was best expressed to me by an Uber driver in Washington, D.C., who explained that he fled the yellow-cab taxi business because of competition from Uber, only to discover as an Uber driver that he was still facing competition from Uber.The pushback against this employment model is coming from several sources. They include state and federal labor regulators, who have been increasingly looking askance at the claim by Uber  and many other such companies  that their core employees are really only independent contractors working for themselves and therefore not entitled to employment rights or fringe benefits.Its coming from drivers themselves, who are beginning to organize (with the assistance of government officials in places like Seattle, which has passed a law allowing the drivers to unionize). Its likely that Ubers cost of employing drivers is destined to rise, another erosion of its business model.The impact of those forces emerged quickly after the first signs of Kalanicks loosened grip, the announcement last week that he would be taking a leave of absence from the CEOs job to grieve for his recently-deceased mother and ponder his personality. As part of a 180 days of change PR campaign, the company added a tipping function to its smartphone app, after years of refusing to countenance this benefit to drivers. Uber also narrowed the period in which customers could cancel their rides to two minutes from five, and added a charge to customers for every minute they keep a driver waiting after a brief grace period. The effect of these changes, of course, is to raise the price of an Uber trip for passengers  the first glimmer of a move toward real cost.The most important consequence of Kalanicks ouster as CEO may be that all these factors will get reconsidered by investors. What they may discover is that the assumptions on which Ubers vaunted $70-billion valuation are just that  assumptions. As we observed back in 2015, the financial and market arguments underlying Ubers ambitions are based on a lot of Ifs. No one is quite sure how to measure its core market. If it's the existing taxi business, it could be anywhere from $20 billion to $100 billion.What's Uber's potential share of this market? Take a wild guess, because that's all anyone can do. If it's 50% of the top estimate, then Uber would capture gross revenue of $150 billion a year; if it's 5% of the lower estimate, that number would be $4 billion. Kalanick was a master at focusing investors attention on the biggest estimates, but he wont be able to do that anymore.Kalanick also was able to communicate a Silicon Valley-centric vision of a world transformed by technology. This modest little app was capable of upending an old, inefficient transportation service model. The possibilities were limitless. Thats why weve seen an unending stream of pitches for the Uber of ______ making their way through the halls of venture firms and across the pixels of technology websites. In virtually every case, the promise has turned out to be more complicated. That may be because even in Ubers case, the promise has been more complicated.Ubers persona was Kalanicks persona. Beyond question he deserves credit for the companys growth in valuation. But it will be a mistake to think that the companys flaws derived only from his personal shortcomings. Theyre more basic, and now they will be on display, under a glaring spotlight. Be ready for a transformed Uber, and dont be surprised if its future is less compelling, emotionally and economically, than its past.
"Voluminous," "disjointed" and "complex" were just a few of the words Oklahoma CIO James Bo Reese used to describe the federal cybersecurity regulations facing states in written testimony before a U.S. Senate committee June 21.Reese, who also serves as the vice president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), discussed some of the issues states face when complying with federal cybersecurity regulation with members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Wednesday morning.While industry and federal government experts were also present, Reese focused his testimony on the disjointed and time-consuming task of coordinating with various federal agencies charged with the oversight of state cybersecurity compliance.In his testimony, the CIO voiced concerns about duplicative efforts that arise out of federal mandates  especially where the acceptance or administration of federal grant funds were concerned.Because state CIOs deliver enterprise IT services to state agencies that administer federal programs or receive federal funds or grants, state CIOs and the larger IT enterprise must also comply with and abide by federal data security regulations that are imposed on those state agencies, he said in his written statement. Thus, state CIOs find themselves operating in an increasingly complex regulatory environment driven by disjointed federal regulations.Reese said the federal audits and regulation mean states are often shoehorned into making compliance-based decisions rather than decisions based on a strategic need.The need to comply with audit findings, which can vary widely depending on the federal agency conducting them, forces states to rush to mitigate for the short term instead of the fixing a larger problem that might exist.We find the scenario kind of like a well-trained physician whos gone to school for many years and practiced and wants to go heal people, and he finds himself in a practice where he is being told, Just put a Band-Aid on it and move on. You dont have time to treat the illness. Youve got to just put a Band-Aid on it," he said. "Our cybersecurity folks feel like that is what they are being told, Put a Band-Aid on it. Check the box. Move on.When asked what could be done to harmonize and normalize the regulations imposed by the federal government, the lack of a cohesive structure or chain of communication was an issue raised by Reese and his industry and federal colleagues.This approach is problematic for state government cybersecurity because it encourages state CIOs to make check-the-box compliance investments instead of ones based on risk, which is the more secure approach to managing sensitive data, he said.Though Oklahoma state government recently underwent a significant consolidation of its IT assets, Reese said the efficiencies created as a result are lost when the new structure is not recognized by federal partners, who carry on as if silos were still in place.Even though many federal regulations are similar in nature in that they aim to protect high-risk information, they are mostly duplicative and have minor differences, which can obscure the goal of IT consolidation, he said. The whole point of which is to streamline IT applications and simplify the enterprise IT environment to produce savings for tax payers.With regard to how he believed federal regulation and oversight could be adjusted to improve the process of state-federal collaboration, Reese said reconciling the regulations among oversight agencies and communications channels would be ideal.
'Hacktivism' common

(TNS) -- A hacker, angry that the police officer charged with killing Philando Castile was found not guilty, reportedly broke into state of Minnesota databases, stealing e-mails and passwords.Minnesota IT Services confirmed the attack and said it's investigating, according to a sparsely worded written statement. "Minnesota IT Services' security forensics team will share any relevant information with law enforcement for review for potential criminal activity."The hacker, known as "Vigilance," tweeted on Sunday: "Justice for #PhilandoCastile MN.gov and mnstate.edu Hacked An innocent man is dead, while a guilty man is free."On Friday, a Ramsey County jury found St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty of manslaughter in the shooting of Castile during a traffic stop last summer. The case drew worldwide attention after Castile's girlfriend livestreamed the aftermath.In an exchange of Twitter direct messages between the Star Tribune and Vigilance, he said the hack involved 23 state of Minnesota databases -- "so quite a lot of information," the hacker wrote. It includes about 1,400 e-mails and passwords from state employees and private citizens, although "many of the e-mails don't have passwords," he said.The passwords have a "weak encryption" so they can be decrypted easily, he said.Vigilance said he published the information, which can be used by others to access people's accounts, including e-mail and social media.The hacker also said he broke into databases at Minnesota State University Moorhead but didn't retrieve any sensitive data.University spokesman David Wahlberg said IT security officials discovered June 5 that files had been hacked. No passwords, Social Security numbers or financial information were stolen, he said. As a precaution, university officials recommended that 8,000 students and 800 employees change their passwords.The hacker said he breached the university files on June 5, the day testimony began in the Yanez trial. "I dump data from valuable servers in anticipation I will need it in the future," he explained. He broke into the state of Minnesota databases the day the verdict was reached, he said."Hacktivism" is fairly common, said cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs. "It's just feeling disempowered or feeling that some wrong has to be corrected in some way," he said.Although he hasn't seen the stolen information, Krebs said criminals could use stolen passwords to access bank and e-commerce websites. "Knowing that people will use the same password on numerous sites, they'll probably have some luck," he said."If they get access to an e-mail inbox, they get access to every single account that e-mail address was used to sign up," he said. "How do you reset your password? They send you a link. ... They can reset any password."The hacker, who declined to give his name but said he doesn't live in Minnesota, said hacking has been "my platform" for six years with a goal of speaking for "those who's voices have fallen on deaf ears.""I chose the Philando case because I was so fed up with all the injustices in the news about cops killing innocent men, women and children then walking free," he told the Star Tribune. "When I saw the verdict, I knew I had to take action."
Gerhard Berger's nephew is not ready to confirm reports he will make his F1 test debut in Hungary.

We reported this week that Lucas Auer, whose mother is F1 legend Berger's sister, could appear for Force India at the post-Hungary young driver test.

Auer drives a pink-liveried, BWT-sponsored Mercedes in the German touring car category DTM, whose series boss is former McLaren and Ferrari driver Berger.

10-time grand prix winner Berger sounds confident about 22-year-old Auer's future.

"F3 and DTM are the series that have produced the most formula one drivers recently," he told the Austrian news agency APA.

"I do not want to rule out Lucas getting a chance in this direction."

Auer has won DTM races already in 2017, and Berger said he was again "clearly the fastest Mercedes all weekend" recently in Hungary as well.

But a spokesman for Auer is not ready to confirm the Force India test news.

"There is a possibility, there are talks, but nothing yet. But we hope so," he said.

(GMM)
Ferrari is taking an engine upgrade to this weekend's grand prix on the streets of Baku.

After the Italian team dominated in Monaco, its title rival Mercedes hit back hard recently with a one-two in Canada.

Now, for the unique Azerbaijani venue incorporating a super-long 2 kilometre straight and 370kph top speeds, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Ferrari is bringing an engine upgrade.

The newspaper said the development is part of the Scuderia's "aggressive development plan" under technical boss Mattia Binotto's direction.

The decision to bring it to Baku was reportedly on the basis of exceptional figures on the test bench.

It is a clear challenge to Mercedes after the Montreal fight-back, with former F1 driver Marc Surer agreeing: "They (Mercedes) must prove that they have the warming up of the tyres under control now.

"Baku is like Monaco but much faster, although I do not believe the tyres will be a particular problem this weekend," he told Germany's Sky.

"The strongest engines will have a clear advantage with the long straights, so you'd have to feel sorry for Red Bull," Surer added.

"Ferrari is strong on every track, getting the tyres up to temperature all the time. So I see Ferrari with very good chances to fight back."

(GMM)
Jean Todt has not denied that a new team might be lining up to enter formula one.

There have been rumours a new project backed by Chinese investors has been shopping around at existing teams for personnel.

And now, Brazil's Globo reports that a company called China F1 Racing Team has been registered at Companies House in Britain.

Indeed, filed documentation shows that the London based company, with a single director who has been in business for many years, was previously called Bronze Fortune.

FIA president Todt is quoted by France's L'Equipe: "We currently have ten teams but the idea is to have twelve.

"There is an opportunity for one or two teams to join F1. There are a lot of rumours in this area, but there is a clear interest from several sides," he added.

However, Todt said there would be no time for a new outfit to be up and running in time for 2018.

"When we see that the right time has come, we will announce a process for potential new teams," he said.

(GMM)
New F1 boss Sean Bratches says the sport will continue on the path of switching more coverage to pay TV platforms.

In the German media, for instance, it is reported that fevered contract talks are currently taking place between Bratches, who is the sport's new commercial chief in the post-Bernie Ecclestone era, and German broadcasters RTL and Sky.

Currently, RTL provides free to air coverage of the races alongside Sky's pay service, but Bratches admitted that the balance could soon shift in the direction of pay platforms.

"We are in talks with all the important and potential partners," Bratches told Germany's Auto Bild.

The report said Bratches envisions a shift in Germany from its current model to something more like Britain, where all the races are on Sky while mainly highlights are broadcast free to air by Channel 4.

"I see a mix of free and pay TV in all markets," Bratches confirmed.

"This is important for fans and sponsors. On the one hand, there is the money, and on the other, the reach and the possibility to strengthen the brand.

"I imagine a model where the highlight races are free to air. With the rest of the grands prix, we can earn money that we can invest back into the sport," he added.

However, Bratches said he is not certain the British model would necessarily work for Germany.

"Every market is different," he insisted.

"In Germany, pay TV is only 7 per cent, while in the US it is more than 80pc.

"We will take into account the characteristics and dynamics of each market. Free TV is important to us," Bratches added.

And another plan, he hinted, is for a website on which historic races can be accessed for a fee.

Bratches said: "With a digital platform, we also want to attract the young fans."

(GMM)


The State Department has opened a formal inquiry into whether former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her aides mishandled classified information while she was the nations top diplomat, Fox News has learned. Despite being under investigation, Clinton and her staffers still have security clearances to access sensitive government information.



The departments investigation aims to determine whether Clinton and her closest aides violated government protocols by using her private server to receive, hold and transmit classified and top-secret government documents. The department declined to say when its inquiry began, but it follows the conclusion of the FBIs probe into the matter, which did not result in any actions being taken against Clinton or any of her aides.



Depending on the outcome of the current State Department inquiry, Clinton and her aides could have their access to sensitive government documents terminated.



Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, confirmed to Fox News the departments formal inquiry.



Meanwhile, Grassleys committee launched its own inquiry into Clintons handling of emails, an inquiry that began in March. Grassley cited among his concerns the July 5 statement of former FBI Director James Comey that the agency found Clinton and her staff members were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information. Grassley also contended there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information...



During the FBIs investigation of Clintons use of top-secret and classified information on her private server, Comey said there were seven email chains on Clintons computer that were classified at the Top Secret/Special Access Program level. Another 2,000 emails on her private server were found to have contained information deemed classified now, though not marked classified when sent. In addition, the server also contained 22 top-secret emails deemed too damaging to national security to be released.



Clintons spokesperson, Nick Merrill, told Fox News that the investigation into Clintons mishandling of classified information is done.



Nothing's been more thoroughly dissected. It's over. Case closed. Literally, said Merrill.



That's not a universally held view.



Chris Farrell, of Judicial Watch, a conservative Washington-based government watchdog that has filed a number of lawsuits related to the Clinton email scandal, said he believes Clinton and her circle of national security criminals should not have access to any classified information for any reason.



Their conduct has cost them that privileged position of special trust and confidence, Farrell said.



Any other government employee would have been prosecuted under 18 USC Sec. 793(f) (Mishandling National Defense Information) and be subject to a long prison sentence and large fines, Farrell added.



This flagrant double standard for the gang that exposed Top Secret Codeword material to the Russians, Chinese and others is both offensive and deeply corrosive to the intelligence community, Farrell said. There is no better evidence that when it comes to Hillary Clinton and her coterie  laws are for the little people.




A former F1 driver has urged Max Verstappen to "keep quiet" and "not worry", amid speculation he wants to move on from his current team Red Bull Racing.

Although Dr Helmut Marko insists he has the Dutchman firmly under contract, there are rumours Verstappen, 19, is eyeing a move to Ferrari for 2018.

The speculation has been fuelled by increasingly frustrated comments from the Verstappen camp, suggesting not only that Red Bull's performance in 2017 is not good enough, but that there may be no light at the end of the tunnel next year.

"For Max it's too early to worry," said Verstappen's Dutch countryman Giedo van der Garde, himself a former F1 driver.

"Of course, as a driver you always want to have the best car you can, but I think that of all the current teams, Red Bull has made the most progress," he is quoted by the newspaper De Telegraaf.

"And Renault is not standing still either," van der Garde continued. "I understand Max's frustration after a race such as Canada, but I still expect Red Bull to have a very good car next year."

But amid rumours Max and his father Jos may try to force a break in the contract, Van der Garde issued a warning about that.

"Remember that they (Red Bull) put him into F1," he said. "His time will come.

"Red Bull also know that Max is a super talent and it's in their interest to provide him with the best possible car as quickly as possible."

As for Verstappen's recent media comments, van der Garde told Algemeen Dagblad newspaper: "I wish he would just keep quiet.

"Seeing the races, he's just fed up and says things out of frustration, which I understand. He wants to win races so it's even good to see. He just speaks his heart."

(GMM)
Trump says he has no Comey tapes

'I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings,' Trump tweets, a day before a deadline to hand over any tapes.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said he did not make nor does he have any tapes or recordings of his conversations with former FBI Director James Comey, despite having previously teased at the idea that they did exist.With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings, Trump wrote in a pair of tweets on Thursday afternoon.Trumps coordinated announcement comes a day before a House Intelligence Committee deadline for the White House to produce any tapes or documentation that may exist by this Friday.A White House official said the tweets  which deviated from Trump's usual off-the-cuff style  were drafted with the help of Trump's communications team on Thursday morning.The White House refused to comment on the tweet Thursday afternoon, with deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders telling reporters that the posts are extremely clear.AND of course we all BELIEVE Trump because he's always been so forthcoming--so honest---so honorable. LOLSix weeks. Six weeks. Trump played the game. Toyed with congress, the media and the voters."Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told POLITICO on Thursday it was puzzling that Trump would allow the tapes saga to linger for nearly six weeks."Its just so baffling to me why he wouldnt have acknowledged that weeks ago, Warner said. I just ... this is not the way responsible leaders act.
Not long after an arsonist tossed a homemade firebomb through the window of the Salman al-Farisi Islamic Center in November 2010, Mohamed Siala, the emir of the stricken Corvallis mosque, got a call of support from Rabbi Benjamin Barnett of the Beit Am Jewish Community.

A few days later, Siala was a guest at Beit Ams Hanukkah celebration, sharing food and fellowship with his Jewish neighbors.

As a religious leader, I aspire always to be true to my own tradition while finding every way possible to build bridges with other traditions, Barnett said.

I think were all pointing in the same direction.

Ever since arriving in Corvallis in 2006 for his first rabbinical assignment, Barnett has made a point of attempting to bridge religious divides  even within his own small but diverse congregation. As the only synagogue between Eugene and Salem, Beit Am serves people from across the broad spectrum of Judaism as well as those from outside the faith who have married into the Jewish religion.

Ive worked hard to create a very welcoming spirit here, Barnett said during a recent interview in his office. Id like to think weve had some success with that.

Next month, after 11 years with Beit Am, Barnett will move to Portland, where he is scheduled to begin a new chapter in his career as rabbi of Havurah Shalom, a Reconstructionist synagogue. While he has some regrets about leaving a congregation and community that have embraced him and his family, hes excited about the prospect of carrying on his interfaith work in a city with large and dynamic populations of both Jews and Muslims.

Their rabbi of almost 30 years is retiring, so Im going to do my best to fill his shoes, Barnett said. Actually, Im going to fill my own shoes and hope its well received.

For Barnett, a youthful 43-year-old with a neatly trimmed beard, hand-knitted yarmulke and infectious smile, reaching out to people of other faiths is especially important at a time when religious differences are being used to incite or justify violence. Hes made a number of visits to Israel over the years, and every time he goes there he makes an effort to spend time with Palestinian people.

One of the things Im most interested in is Jewish-Muslim cooperation, he said.

Every opportunity I can take (to foster that) feels like Im sowing the seeds of greater understanding.

He recognizes that some Jews  even members of his own congregation  believe that what hes doing is wrong, that it undermines official Israeli policy with regard to the occupied territories. But each time he sits down with a Palestinian family for a meal or is welcomed into a mosque, each time he crosses the invisible threshold that separates people of different faiths, it renews his faith in the fundamental interconnectedness of human beings, in the idea that there is more that unites us than divides us.

And he argues, in his gentle way, that a solution to the conflict is possible  if people are willing to do the work of building bridges.

Everybody does want peace, Barnett said. But what I think not everybody understands is that involves sacrifice.

Barnett had hoped to complete a building project of another sort before leaving Corvallis  the construction of a new house of worship for Beit Am. The congregation purchased land for a synagogue in 2000 and was close to breaking ground two years ago when it hit a snag over access to the city water system for fire protection purposes.

Now that problem has been ironed out, and a final fundraising push is underway with hopes of starting construction later this year and opening the new synagogue in the summer of 2018 (see sidebar with this story).

One of the things that makes me sad about leaving is that Im not going to be able to walk with the community into the new building, Barnett said.

However, he promised, I will come back to check it out.
7 Cr Old Currency Seized From Jeevitha's Kin?

The Hyderabad task force police on Thursday seized huge amount of demonetised currency worth Rs 7 crore from the close relative of actress-politician Jeevitha Rajasekhar in Jubilee Hills.

According to the police sources, the task force sleuths conducted raids on the office of Srinivas Enterprises in Jubilee Hills in the early hours of Thursday and confiscated Rs 7 crore cash, all in the denominations of Rs 1000 and Rs 500. They arrested two persons, Srinivas and Ravi.

During interrogation, it was revealed that Srinivas happens to be a close relative of Jeevitha. Unconfirmed reports said the building in which Srinivasa Enterprises has been running actually belongs to Jeevitha.

Srinivas was arrested in the past too in a drug peddling case and was released on bail, say sources.

There were reports during the early days of demonetisation that there was a large scale conversion of old currency into the new currency at this office by taking a commission of 25-30 per cent.
Why Was Roja Missing At Vizag Rally?

The Save Vizag Maha Dharna organized by the YSR Congress party was a major success and almost all the top leaders of the party took part in the dharna and attacked the Chandrababu Naidu government on the sensational land scam running into thousands of crores.

But one leader, who is conspicuous by her absence was firebrand legislator R K Roja. Normally, in all the previous rallies and agitations of party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, Roja used to be in the forefront and speak in an aggressive tone.

She used to draw huge crowds and attract loud applauses whenever she spoke. Even the other day, Roja came to Visakhapatnam and attacked Naidu government, demanding a CBI inquiry into the land scam.

Naturally. Rojas absence at the Vizag meet raised many eyebrows and led to some serious discussion among the media circles.

Apparently, Roja was upset with Jagan reprimanding her for her loose talk in the media, which he felt was getting bad name to the party.

Especially, her comments against Shiv Sena which took objection to her political statements on Tirumala hills did not go down well with the party boss.

Moreover, Jagan also reportedly asked her to mend her style of functioning, since his survey reports indicated that she might lose the next election. Apparently peeved over the class taken by Jagan, Roja stayed away from the Vizag meeting, say sources.
It started as a simple plan.

American Legion Post 10 commander Steve Adams set out to find burial sites of all the World War I veterans in Linn County cemeteries. Now that's snowballed into finding them for all county veterans, dating back to the Civil War (1861-1865) and Spanish-American War (1898).

I got the idea a year ago at our convention in Florence, Adams recalled. The national organization asked us to find our World War I veterans memorials.

The national goal is to compile that information by the the American Legions centennial anniversary on Sept. 16, 2019.

Adams said the only way to document burial sites is by walking row-by-row through each cemetery and looking for markings on headstones.

Commissioner Will Tucker provided me with a map of cemeteries in the county, he said. There are between 50 to 60 registered cemeteries and we dont know how many other small, private cemeteries.

So you can see why Adams said the project has snowballed. But Adams notes that his wife disagrees with that assessment: She says its a regular blizzard, he said, and laughed.

He expanded his search after some Post 10 members asked him why he was only looking for WWI veterans and not World War II and Korean War soldiers as well. But Adams said he always likes a good challenge.

So far, he's found graves for a Civil War veteran in the Santiam Central Cemetery between Highway 20 and Knox Butte, plus sites for two Spanish-American War veterans in the Waverly Jewish Cemetery on Salem Avenue.

James Beebe was born on June 3, 1834, and died on June 8, 1918. In 1861 he served briefly in the Civil War, but Adams didn't know the circumstances of his short tenure.

Beebe is buried at the Santiam Central Cemetery east of Albany, along with his wife, Elizabeth (1839-1881), and their two young children, Frank (1870-1882) and Lily (1873-1882).

Adams said the passing of three family members in little more than a year is puzzling, although there may have been some form of epidemic.

Andrew Butts (March 27, 1868 to Jan. 30, 1954) is buried at the Waverly Cemetery, as is Willis Faxon (Nov. 7, 1873 to Nov. 24, 1953). Both served in the Spanish American War.

Butts was a private in Company K, the 4th Regiment, Ohio Infantry. Faxon also was a private, in Company I, the 1st California Infantry.

So far, Ive found 55 World War I veterans graves; 192 from World War II; 34 from Korea; 23 from Vietnam; and 12 from the Gulf wars, Adams said.

Adams has visited 304 graves so far.

When I get done, Im going to visit with members of cemetery associations and get a list of everyone buried in their cemeteries so I can cross-check names, he said.

Adams now realizes this project will take more than a year.

Eventually, Im going to meet with local funeral home directors and ask them to provide us with the names of veterans for whom they provide services, he said. We could develop a database and update it annually or more often.

Adams encourages anyone with information about private cemeteries or veterans grave sites to call him at the Post 10 number, 541-926-0127.

Im learning a lot about local history, he said. People are also starting to volunteer to help at cemeteries in Brownsville and Sweet Home.

Adams offers the following advice to anyone who wants to help: Theres only one good way to do this, and thats to walk every cemetery.
Earlier this year, one of Svitzers tugs, the 28m Svitzer Hermod, safely conducted a number of remotely controlled maneuvers. From the quayside in Copenhagen harbour the vessels captain, stationed at the vessels remote base at Svitzer headquarters, berthed the vessel alongside the quay, undocked, turned 360, and piloted it to the Svitzer HQ, before docking again. The companies have also signed an agreement to continue their cooperation to test remote and autonomous operations for vessels. The primary systems involved will be autonomous navigation, situational awareness, remote control centre and communication.

The Svitzer Hermod, a Robert Allan ship design, was built in Turkey at the Sanmar yard in 2016. It is equipped with a Rolls-Royce Dynamic Positioning System, which is the key link to the remote controlled system. The vessel is also equipped with a pair of MTU 16V4000 M63 diesel engines from Rolls-Royce, each rated 2000 kW at 1800 rpm.

The vessel also features a range of sensors which combine different data inputs using advanced software to give the captain an enhanced understanding of the vessel and its surroundings. The data is transmitted reliably and securely to a Remote Operating Centre (ROC) from where the Captain controls the vessel.

The Remote Operating Center (ROC) was designed to redefine the way in which vessels are controlled. Instead of copying existing wheelhouse design, the ROC used input from experienced captains to place the different system components in the optimum place to give the master confidence and control. The aim is to create a future proof standard for the control of vessels remotely.

Working on this project with Rolls-Royce and Svitzer and supporting them on the safe demonstration of the Svitzer Hermod is truly a landmark moment for LR and the industry. With autonomous ships likely to enter service soon, we have already set out the how of marine autonomous operations in our ShipRight procedure guidance as it is vital these technologies are implemented in a safe way and there is a route for compliance. Lack of prescriptive Rules was no barrier for de-risking the project and we provided assurance against LRs Cyber-Enabled Ships ShipRight Procedure, whilst considering the safety implications associated with the first closed demonstration. We are honoured to be working as partners on this ground-breaking project in the industrys journey to autonomous vessels. Lloyds Registers Marine & Offshore Director, Nick Brown

Throughout the demonstration the vessel had a fully qualified captain and crew on board to ensure safe operation in the event of a system failure.
May 18, 1925  June 10, 2017

Eva Lorene Agee was born in Redmond to Winona and E. E. Agee. She grew up and attended school in Albany.

She was saved when she was 12 years old during Vacation Bible School at First Evangelical Church in Albany.

She graduated from Cascade College, in Portland, in 1947 majoring in psychology and education, with a minor in music.

In 1949, she went to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky as a teacher in remote mountain schools for grades one through eight. During that time she met Rev. L. C. Beasley, and they married in 1955. Theirs was the first church wedding the mountain people had ever seen.

They continued in ministry in the EUB church in Kentucky and Indiana until his death in 1965.

They had two children, Charlene Yvonne and Mark Agee Beasley, born in Kentucky.

The family lived in Muncie, Indiana at the time of Rev. Beasleys death, where they continued to live while Eva taught second grade and completed her MA in Education at Ball State University.

In 1971 the family moved to Sweet Home and Eva married Arnold L. Daniels. They were active in the Sweet Home Evangelical Church.

Eva taught body management to special needs children, and eventually was the lead teacher for Kindergartens throughout the Sweet Home district.

During those years she was also active in ministry with Cambodian Refugees, teaching English and helping them in the transition to life in America.

Eva and Arnold were snow birds to Arizona after their retirement and eventually relocated to Phoenix for his health. They were active in the Nazarene Church in Phoenix, and adopted several dearly loved grandchildren there.

After Arnolds death in 1991, Eva returned to Albany to be near family. She attended Grace Bible Fellowship where she taught Sunday School.

Eva married Mervin Olson in 1996. He was Grandpa to her grandchildren in their preschool years. After his death she lived with Charlene and her family.

In 2003 she married William Houck. The couple were active in senior ministries and visitation until his death.

Throughout her life Eva traveled to most of the United States, Europe, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Central America and even the northeast edge of Russia.

Her chief desire and joy in life was serving her Savior anywhere she found a need. She maintained friendships with many dearly loved friends she made throughout her life.

Eva is survived by her children, Charlene Skarphol, of Albany, and Mark and Carol Beasley of Salem; grandchildren Evan and Chelsea Skarphol, Brooke and Kevin McCollister, Jenna Skarphol, Amy Beasley, Lauren Beasley; and great-grandsons Lucas McCollister and Elisha Skarphol.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Red Bird Mission at rbmission.org.

A celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24 at Grace Bible Fellowship, 33990 McFarland Road, Tangent.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).
There's gloom in the Oregon Legislature these days, as prospects appear to be dimming that lawmakers will be able to pass a transportation package to help up shore up the state's roads and bridges.

Before we go any further, though, a word to the wise: It's true that the Legislature faces a July 10 deadline to adjourn, so the time required to pass the transportation bill, House Bill 2017, is drawing short. But, still, more than two weeks remain before adjournment. There's plenty of time for a deal to come together, especially if the bill manages to get disentangled from other controversial measures pending before the Legislature.

Still, it's discouraging to review the troubles facing the transportation bill, which outlines a series of badly needed projects throughout the state and identifies funding sources for them. It's been especially discouraging considering how the Legislature has been working to build a bipartisan consensus that the measure is necessary.

This week in Salem, however, a different kind of bipartisan consensus emerged, as legislators on both sides of the aisle expressed doubts that the deal would pass this session.

Sen. Fred Girod, the Republican from Stayton who has served on a special committee over the last two years looking at the issue, was blunt: "I think it's slim to zip that we get it out this session," he told The Oregonian. "There's just too many moving parts and we can't figure out what it's going to be."

On the Democratic side, Sen. Lee Beyer of Springfield , one of the chairs of the transportation committee, seemed just as frustrated: "I'm at the point of just wanting to be done with it," he said.

The gloom wasn't unanimous: Sen. Brian Boquist, a Republican from Dallas, said he thinks the measure has enough votes to pass the Legislature  but he worried that the parts of the bill calling for increases in taxes to pay for it could trigger a ballot challenge. (The bill calls for increased taxes on gasoline and sales of new cars and bicycles.)

But here's our advice to legislators about that: Although we shudder to think about a debate regarding the state's transportation infrastructure needs being carried out in 30-second soundbites on political commercials, don't allow the possibility of a ballot challenge to sideline work that the Legislature needs to do. We like the sound of Boquist's idea: Do what you can to help the bill withstand the challenge, and then get ready to defend it, if need be.

Other worries stalk the transportation bill, in particular a continued feud between the parties over the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, which requires petroleum sellers to blend low-carbon fuels into their gasoline. Two years ago, Republicans  worried that the program would increase the price of gas  held firm against the increase in the gas tax needed to pay for transportation package. Their argument was that the tax increase would result in consumers getting socked twice at the pump.

Republicans, however, have backed off demands to repeal the Clean Fuels Program; instead, they seek modifications to the program to cap any of its additional costs. But Democrats have shown little desire to budge on this. This impasse could sink the package.

One of the ironies here, of course, is that transportation projects to ease traffic congestion likely would reduce the amount of greenhouse gases generated in Oregon. But that won't happen if the bill stumbles now.

When the 2015 Legislature adjourned without a transportation bill, Senate President Peter Courtney told lawmakers to be ready to take action on the matter in 2017. Gov. Kate Brown and Speaker of the House Tina Kotek have joined that chorus. There's still time for the Legislature to push this bill forward  and legislators need to make that happen. (mm)
Let's face it: The cost of creating positive employee experiences quickly builds up and is often overwhelming -- especially for small businesses.

Related: The Hidden Costs of Undervaluing Human Resources

But, with the right tools and resources, many companies are able to balance cost and employee experience.

For Matt Bentley, CEO of CanIRank, an SEO-ranking software company in San Francisco, finding that balance was crucial to employee retention. So, he implemented an employee-recognition system to improve company culture and allow team members to recognize co-workers' achievements.

"We use Bonusly, a peer-to-peer bonus platform," Bentley told me via email. "Employees give each other bonus points, then use their points to cash in on rewards or gifts at the end of each month. It's fun and keeps morale high."

Bonusly has also helped the company reduce the turnover rates of new hires, Bentley said. "In fact, we haven't lost a single new staff member. Even though it costs the company more up-front, it helps to lower our HR expenses in the long run," Bentley said.

With one cost-effective tool, in other words, Bentley has enhanced his company's e employee experience and made a work environment where employees want to stay.

Engaging employees with a recognition system is just one way to provide a positive employee experience while containing HR costs. Here are four other ideas for keep your employee experience positive without breaking the bank:

1. Go paperless.

While businesses have gone digital in most aspects of daily operations, they may find it difficult to ditch that trusty pen and paper entirely. But, by critically analyzing the cost of current printing and paperwork, employers will find an opportunity to save.

Related: The 'Whys' of Why You Should Consider HR Software for Your Small Business

That's exactly what David Reid, CEO and co-founder of EaseCentral, a benefits and HR solution company in San Francisco, did by focusing on digitalization. "By digitalizing the experience and using updated technology, we see savings across the board," Reid told me. "Technology can certainly help augment administrative tasks for HR reps, decreasing costs and increasing overall efficiency."

After integrating payroll into its employee-facing technology, EaseCentral saved both time and money by centralizing HR and benefits functionalities. This allowed the company to focus even more energy on employee engagement.

Tip: Use an HR platform, like EaseCentral or Zuman, which provides a centralized digital place to keep HR, benefits and payroll. With options like these, employers can eliminate paperwork and outdated processes, using cost-containing options.

2. Employee wellness

Many employers worry about the added expense of employee-wellness programs. But Mark Kushinsky, CEO of MaidPro, a house-cleaning and maid service in Boston, encourages employers to look at their greater team and company benefits.

"At first glance, I can see how one might not see how [wellness programs are] a necessity. However, not only does our wellness program encourage a healthy lifestyle, it also lends itself to a better work-life balance," Kushinsky shared with me.

MaidPro's employees are excited about their opportunity to immediately and consistently reap the rewards of the company's wellness program, Kushinsky said. "On the corporate side, having happy and healthy employees has reduced our costs for employee recruitment, while also increasing our retention," the CEO explained. "The wellness program costs less than having to recruit, hire and train new employees regularly."

For example, when one of MaidPro's employees started having serious back problems, she didn't take time off for doctors and physical therapy. Instead, she went to a customized class at MaidPro's headquarters.

"Not only did she have the support she needed from us, but also she was able to continue working during her recovery, which relieved stress for her and for us," Kushinsky said.

Tip: Employee-wellness benefits come in all shapes and sizes. Before making a move, ask employees what they're lacking or need in daily wellness measures. As employers implement benefits to help improve their teams' health, everyone will begin to see employee experience and cost saving improvements.

3. Learning and development

Learning and development is a crucial element in creating engaged employees and positive experiences. Unfortunately, the costs of seminars, webinars and one-on-one trainings quickly add up.

Joyce Wilson-Sanford from Portland, Maine, a retired EVP of strategic organizational development at The Delhaize Group, a global food retailer, said she focused on making her small staff into experts. "I used people who stayed in their primary role to become expert trainers on various topics. Because I only asked for 20 percent of their time for the entire year, primary work didn't suffer," Wilson-Sanford said.

By keeping people in their primary roles, Wilson-Sanford's program cut costs on learning and development and gave new hires an opportunity to dive deeper into the employee experience with superiors.

Explained Wilson-Sanford: "I also created self-managed learning groups." Setting goals for each person and monitoring progress within these groups resulted in improved engagement in their primary roles, she said.

Tip: Find employees who are not only pros at what they do, but excel in bonding with co-workers. As new hires learn the ropes from an experienced co-worker, they'll gain a better grasp of the company's culture.

4. Benefits

The cost of benefits and perks can be too much for small companies. However, when the right benefits that are affordable and effective are chosen, they help attract and retain employees, lowering recruiting costs.

Kevin Busque, co-founder of TaskRabbit, and current CEO and co-founder of Guideline, a 401(k) company in Burlingame, Calif., said he believes benefits are most effective when HR gets younger employees involved.

"If we are spending the money to provide those benefits, we want employees to maximize the value from them," Busque told me via email. "In the process of starting Guideline, I've learned one way to reduce costs without hurting your employee experience is to be super strategic with the benefits you offer and the partners you choose to work with."

Tip: After establishing a budget that fits your company's budget, create a survey to give employees a voice in benefit choices. Without increasing HR costs, leaders can enhance the employee experience by including them in the process.

Related: The 4 Tax-Exempt Benefits Your Employees Want Most

Additionally, no matter what benefits are offered, it's crucial to educate employees on what is available. Provide interactive seminars to ensure everyone is involved and understands how the benefit helps them.

Related:



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


An employee at 365, Whole Foods more affordable spinoff. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Its impossible to predict what the proposed purchase of Whole Foods by Amazon might mean for the grocery chain, for the future of food and retailing in general, for the nascent meal-kit industry, for employment in the retail space, and so on. Its equally impossible not to speculate a bit, since this is probably the biggest happening in food retail since Walmart became Americas biggest grocery store.

I should start by saying that Im writing as an individual and not as any kind of representative of Jana Partners, the activist investors who bought some of my time and advice while in the process of also buying a chunk of Whole Foods shares, then agitated for changes in the company, which, in part at least, precipitated this sale. They wanted my views on Whole Foods and where its gone.

Though on much of this Im a novice, my observations were probably not useless: Ive been a reserved Whole Foods booster for many years, and have looked closely enough at many of the companys policies to take its side against my normal allies in some situations (and, of course, to take my normal allies side against Whole Foods in others). Thanks to my travel schedule and eating preferences, I have also shopped in probably as many Whole Foods stores as anyone who doesnt work for the company. I know something about food and food policy, a little about business  especially the supermarket business  and a lot about meal kits. And, thanks to being interviewed frequently about this situation for the past two months, Ive gotten to pick the brains of many people who know a great deal about all of these topics.

So, for what its worth, I think Amazon now has the chance to correct many of the problems that have recently been plaguing Whole Foods. Thats not a guarantee; its a wish. Things are going to get better or worse, and thats the only given. Im going to try to see how they might get better, and support those efforts.

Whole Foods began as a mission-based company: Put simply, the mission was to improve the quality of the food people eat. And to some extent, that mission was accomplished. But I believe that the chain lost its way (compare the mission statement with reality), and has simply become an upscale conventional supermarket with some products that align with its mission and some that do not, sold with little distinction.

Take, for example, this photo:

Photo: Mark Bittman

I shot this at the entrance to a Whole Foods in Southern California. Its the first thing customers saw that day when they walked in the door. The second thing was a display of grapes from Chile. The only distinguishing characteristics of these products compared to those sold elsewhere was that they were more expensive. The cookies were especially egregious: Not only do they belie the notion that you go to Whole Foods to buy healthy food, they are not even high-quality cookies. Ive seen this kind of thing in every Whole Foods store Ive visited in the last couple of months.

The stock market in general and many shareholders measure success only by profits and stock price, though Whole Foods impact has been incalculable regardless of where its stock stands. Recently, that impact has lessened, because in an attempt to please investors and analysts, the chains executives have prioritized mainstream appeal over the original mission. Meanwhile, its competition, which includes everything from Walmart to Kroger to Trader Joes to the third-rate supermarket near my house  which also sells terrible cookies and organic grapes from Chile, but cheaper  is nibbling at the edges, robbing Whole Foods of whats sometimes called USP: the unique selling point.

I want to go to Whole Foods and trust that the fish is sustainable. Period. I hope to see meat that is pasture-raised without cruelty, and with respect to labor and the land (or at least moving in that direction). I want to know that the vegetables are mostly local, from real farms, in the true spirit of organic. Im willing to pay a premium for that. I dont need protein powder, or water, or cookies in a Whole Foods; those products are just in my way, as are shitty prepared-food bars and mediocre food kiosks. Maybe all of that makes me old-fashioned, but the sell me great ingredients approach could, and once did, make me loyal to the store.

Im not naive, at least when it comes to food. Others, however, are. We all know people who believe in Whole Foods. They believe that if they shop there, theyre guaranteed of buying something thats healthy or sustainable or somehow good. That kind of blind faith is, well, blind faith, but its evidence that Whole Foods has built a level of trust and that, for Whole Foods, has been a good thing.

That trust  along with 450-plus large, attractive, and potentially much better run stores  makes Whole Foods a very valuable company. Amazon has bid $13.7 billion, a 27 percent premium over what share prices were when Jana became involved. Its not impossible that Walmart, Costco, Albertsons, Kroger (one of the big losers here, as Krogers stock price, down 17 percent, showcases), or some other player may bid more, but at the moment that seems unlikely. So lets say this Amazon deal gets done. No one knows what happens next, Jeff Bezos hasnt revealed whats in his mind, John Mackeys musings may or may not matter, and you can read two dozen articles about what is likely to happen that are all pure speculation. (As is this, admittedly.)

If Whole Foods was in a position to be a strong presence in the meal-kit world before this transaction  Amazon will make it a monster.

But there is some evidence: Bezos, not long ago, bought another valuable brand, the Washington Post. That brand was also struggling and believed to be doomed by many people. At the time of the purchase, for what seemed an outrageous amount of money (but, at $250 million, a pittance to Bezos), the fear that Bezos would turn the paper into a cheering squad was rampant. But with an injection of money and energy not seen elsewhere in the daily-newspaper business  the Times is offering buyouts while the Post has been hiring  the Post is again at least the third most important daily in the country, and arguably first or second when it comes to domestic news. Bezos is an enigma, but although he has bought properties to remove them as competitors, he doesnt buy them to sell off their assets, or to ignore the value brought by their legacies, and hes certainly not doing that here.

There are many things Bezos and Amazons team can do with Whole Foods, and no one knows what they will do. So let me say what Id like to see happen, and a thing or two that I think are likely to happen.

One is that its likely that Blue Aprons celebrated IPO will be less celebrated and perhaps even withdrawn. If Whole Foods was in a position to be a strong presence in the meal-kit world before this transaction  and it was  Amazon will make it a monster. Imagine this: You find a recipe you like, and you have some or half or none of the ingredients. You go online, and the recipe is there. You check the ingredients you want in the quantities you want, you check whether you want them prepped or not, you choose the quality level you want (more on that in a sec), and an hour later, the stuff is sitting at your door, along with the half-and-half and the dishwashing detergent you forgot to order last time. This wont happen next year, but it wont take long if Amazon chooses that route. How will other meal-kit-delivery services weather that storm?

Now, about quality. Not everyone can afford to shop at Whole Foods. But remember that, in general, Amazon makes little money and distributes no dividends to shareholders: The companys No. 1 goal is and always has been to grow. So lowering the cost of good food, for them, is an option that wasnt open to Whole Foods. As such, among the first things Amazon is likely to do  says everyone, and this I believe  is to make Whole Foods actual food less expensive.

But as I and many others have said forever, good food  food that is fair, affordable, nutritious, and green  should probably be more expensive, not less. As it happens, we live in a stratified society; I dont like that, and Ive spent a good part of my life working against it, but I acknowledge it. If you can afford pastured meat or day-boat fish, you can specify that in your order; if you cant, you pick the level you can afford. At least no one is choosing for you: That is, not all the food is priced beyond your reach, and if your reach is long, you can buy the best stuff. Yes, Whole Foods has done some of this already, but Whole Foods has never been a place where everyone can shop; my bet is that Amazon will try to correct that, making the impact of this deal greater (and way better) than even Walmarts move to organics.

Amazon will sell you anything, from Pepsi to a $30 chicken to a screwdriver. But suppose within Amazon theres a WF brand or a 365 brand, or an Alexa brand (who cares what you call it?) in which everything really is guaranteed to be exactly what it says it is: local, organic, AWA-certified, truly sustainable, whatever. Its verified by independent parties. Its priced accordingly. There are foragers, some looking for the best stuff they can find, and others finding buys in food that is raised, perhaps not perfectly, but with principles. (FreshDirect, probably also sweating bullets, already does a good job of this.) These are things that Whole Foods execs will insist are already true; if so, great. Thats a foundation and a good starting place.

And suppose that food is within the reach of just about everyone in the country. Id forgotten (until this piece in Civil Eats reminded me), that the USDA is doing a pilot program to allow the use of food stamps online; Amazon (of course) is a part of that program. Lower prices for good food, delivered anywhere  maybe free for people who cant afford to pay shipping or join Amazon Prime?  sounds like a winning formula. As Matthew Yglesias puts it at Vox, Amazon [may] crack the grocery home-delivery game in a way that leads Kroger to go the way of Borders. And that result is only beneficial to the rest of us if Amazon sells better food than Kroger.

In many ways, the primary enemy of the sustainable-food movement is monoculture, the fact that some of the best, most extensive, best-watered land in the world  we call it Iowa for short  is used for little more than corn and soybeans, most of which are in turn used to produce ethanol (a joke), junk food, and feed for industrially raised animals. If you make corn and soybeans less profitable, you do the same for junk food and for cheap, prison-raised, crappy meat. If demand rises for real food, you make growing that food more appealing to farmers who simply respond to the call of profits. Now, its clear that both Amazon and Whole Foods sell plenty of junk: Its going to take a cultural shift for that to change. But this could be the stimulus needed for that shift.

Theres also plenty to worry about, including the survival of neighborhood supermarkets and other stores, and the inevitable job loss as those stores begin to disappear. But the revolution in retailing has already forced a reconfiguring of Main Street and even of so-called superstores. Amazon is hardly what youd call labor-friendly, nor can we celebrate its environmental standards. The most praiseworthy things about the company are its ruthless efficiency  I still marvel at its ability to get me the stuff I need or want with so little effort on my part  its creativity, and its potential.

No one, probably including Bezos and his most thoughtful people, can foresee exactly whats going to happen here. Im happy that Whole Foods isnt going to be turned into a more pleasant version of Kroger, which would be useless at best. Instead, Id like to see a reinvigoration of the brand by putting the original mission first, and using Amazons retail wizardry to make that brand a selling point that would stimulate the purchase, sale, and growth of good food. At this point, with everyone still speculating, one can only hope for the best.
We may soon see another new BlackBerry smartphone on the market, following the successful launch of the KeyOne. The new model's existence has been revealed through a glance at some user agent profiles (UAProf) on one of TCL's websites. TCL, as you may know, is the Chinese company that's building BlackBerry branded devices nowadays.

The UAProf doesn't out a lot of details about the upcoming phone, but it does tell us that it has a screen with 1,920x1,080 resolution. That's 1080p in 16:9 aspect ratio, so chances are that this device will be touch-only and won't come with a physical keyboard (unless we're looking at another slider like the Priv).

BlackBerry KeyOne

The handset has the model number BBD100 and is powered by either Qualcomm's Snapdragon 625 chipset (the same one found inside the KeyOne), or the newer SD626. The reason for the confusion is that the model numbers for these two SoCs are MSM8953 and MSM8953Pro, respectively, and the "Pro" suffix gets lost when you check UAProf or benchmark databases.

That's all we know so far, but if TCL really is working on releasing the BlackBerry BBD100 we'll surely get more information in the coming weeks and months.

Source | Via 1 | Via 2 | Via 3
After a very long wait, Nokia's new Android smartphones are almost ready to become available in the UK. The Nokia 3 will officially go on sale on July 12, priced at 129.99 SIM-free and unlocked. The Nokia 5 will arrive one week later, on July 19, costing 179.99.

You can already pre-order both models from Amazon (with a price guarantee no less), or Clove (where they are more expensive however). The latter online retailer says the aforementioned dates are official launch dates straight from HMD Global, the company currently making Nokia branded smartphones.

You may have noticed that we haven't mentioned the Nokia 6 yet, and that's because the third member of HMD's debut trio still doesn't have an official release date for the UK. As such, you can only register for updates (at the likes of Clove) if you're interested in picking this model up, and you'll be notified when something changes. Hopefully it will land in the UK soon, as it's already been on the market in China for many months.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4




Haiti - FLASH : 9 years in prison for Guy Philippe





Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida, delivered a sentence of 9 years in prison against Senator Elect Guy Philippe with an order for a money judgement in the amount of $1.5 million to follow, for money laundering charge in connection with an international narcotics scheme. Under a judicial agreement, Guy Philippe avoided life imprisonment for drug trafficking. Guy Philippe did not say a word when reading his sentence. His lawyers described the sentence as a good compromise, with the most serious charges being dropped. Defense lawyer Zeljka Bozanic said the agreement did not provide the cooperation of his client targeting Haitian officials, unlike a rumor circulating in Haiti.



Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Departments Criminal Division; Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division; Matthew G. Donahue, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Caribbean Division; and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.



Philippe, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida, after having previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering stemming from his receipt of cash payments derived from the proceeds of narcotics sales that occurred in Miami, Florida and elsewhere in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. According to admissions made in connection with the plea, beginning in the late 1990s, Philippe knowingly using his position as a high-ranking Haitian National Police Officer to provide protection for the shipments of drugs and drug proceeds arriving into Haiti in exchange for cash payments. Philippe admitted that from approximately June 1999 to April 2003, he received between $1.5 and $3.5 million in bribes from drug traffickers, knowing that the payments he received constituted proceeds of cocaine sales that occurred in Miami, Florida, and elsewhere in the United States. Philippe also admitted that he shared a portion of these payments with Haitian National Police officials and other security personnel to ensure their continued support for future drug shipments arriving into Haiti. Philippe used these payments to purchase a residence in Broward County, Florida; and to support himself and to support his family in the United States.



In addition, Philippe wired proceeds derived from the sale of cocaine, in the amount of $376,000, from banks in Haiti and Ecuador to a joint bank account in Miami. To avoid detection, Philippe used the names of others to wire the funds to his account. Philippe further admitted that he arranged for over $70,000 in drug proceeds to be deposited into his account that were conducted in a series of deposits each less than $10,000 to avoid the U.S. federal reporting requirements.



The DEA and IRS-CI investigated the case. The Criminal Divisions Office of International Affairs, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, DEA Port-au-Prince Country Office, Caribbean Field Division, U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Miami Office of Field Operations provided assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn M. Kirkpatrick and Andy R. Camacho of the Southern District of Florida and Senior Trial Counsel Mark A. Irish of the Criminal Divisions Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted this case.



The U.S. Attorneys Office and our federal partners commend the Government of Haiti, including the Ministry of Justice, Haitian National Police, and La Brigade de Lutte contre le Trafic de Stupefiants (BLTS) for upholding the rule of law and assisting U.S. counterparts.



This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20754-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-confesses-and-risks-20-years-imprisonment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20736-haiti-flash-rebound-in-the-case-of-guy-philippe.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20457-haiti-flash-trial-of-guy-philippe-postponed.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20400-haiti-flash-minister-edouard-speaks-on-the-case-guy-philippe.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20155-haiti-flash-extradition-of-guy-philippe-is-illegal-according-to-mirlande-manigat.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20036-haiti-flash-trial-of-guy-philippe-in-the-united-states.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19799-haiti-politics-demonstration-of-support-to-guy-philippe-front-us-embassy.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19796-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-pleads-not-guilty.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19790-haiti-security-all-closed-schools-in-the-department-of-grande-anse.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19774-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-was-extradited-on-what-legal-basis.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19767-haiti-flash-americans-attacked-houses-burned-down.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19757-haiti-flash-violent-reprisals-of-guy-philippe-s-supporters.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19731-haiti-flash-guy-philippe-the-charges-are-known-appearing-on-january-13-2017.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19730-haiti-justice-guy-philippe-appeared-the-minister-of-justice-convened.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19721-haiti-flash-senator-guy-philippe-extradited-to-the-usa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19720-haiti-flash-arrest-of-senator-guy-philippe.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Justice : Launch of a special legal assistance program in Jeremie





This Thursday, June 22, the US Agency for International Development (USAID - Haiti) in partnership with the Federation of Bar Associations of Haiti (FBH), will launch a special legal assistance program (Project Justice  Sector Strengthening Program  (JSSP) / Haiti), for the citizens of the town of Jeremie (Grande-Anse Department) to recover their civil status documents lost during Hurricane Matthew in October 2016.



This 6-month legal assistance program, carried out in collaboration with the Jeremie Bar, will run until 2 December 2017. It is part of the mandate of the JSSP, which is a reinforcement program of the Justice Sector in Haiti established in September 2016, whose one of the objectives is to improve access to justice and the protection of the rights of vulnerable populations.



Under this Program, a Legal Assistance Office (BAL), located at the Bar of Jeremie (at the Court of First Instance), is set up to help victims recover the following legal documents free of charge : acts of birth, Baptism, marriage, death; National identity cards and title deeds.



The JSSP project also aims to support FBH in the strengthening of capacity of local authorities, community leaders and registrars in Jeremie's jurisdiction to better serve vulnerable populations through training sessions on legal procedures relating to civil status.



Note that a similar legal assistance program of the same duration is under way simultaneously in the Coteaux jurisdiction.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





115 arrests in Petion-ville

Gospel Monelus, Petion-ville Police Commissioner said that a major pacification operation in the Jalousie neighborhood by Petion-ville police and officers of several specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) made it possible to arrest about 115 people this week and the seizure of two firearms.



0.5% growth in Haiti for 2017...

In its latest report on the World Economic Outlook for 2017, the World Bank is revising its forecast of growth of the Haitian economy for 2017 to 0.5% instead of -0.6% initially. For 2018, World Bank experts estimate that Haiti is expected to reach 1.7% and 2.3% by 2019, well below the poverty reduction threshold.



Road safety, the Secretary of State raises the tone

Leon Ronsard Saint-Cyr, the Secretary of State for Public Security, reminds users and especially drivers of vehicles that under Articles 41, 48, 50 and 71 relating to violations of the provisions governing road traffic, no vehicles overloaded or in poor condition will be tolerated on public roads. All concerned are required to comply scrupulously with the above articles, otherwise, they will be subject to the penalties provided by law. Port-au-Prince, on 20 June 2017.



Electrical demonstration in Peligre

This week, residents of Peligre, a communal section of Boucan-Carre demonstrated, demanding from the central government economic spin-offs from the revenues generated by the hydroelectric power station.



Housing cooperation with Mexico

On the sidelines of the 47th Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Cancun, Mexico, Haitian Chancellor Antonio Rodrigue met with his Mexican counterpart Luis Videgarray. The two diplomats reviewed the Mexican housing cooperation. Also participating in the meeting on the Mexican side: Mexican Undersecretary Soccoro Flores and members of his cabinet and on the Haitian side Guy G. Lamothe Ambassador of Haiti in Mexico, Harvel Jean Baptiste Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Haiti near the OAS and Ronald Placius of the Haitian Chancery.



National Conference on Human Trafficking

Wednesday at the Oasis Hotel, Max Rudolph Saint-Albin, Minister of the Interior and Local Government participated in the launch of the National Conference on Human Trafficking in Haiti "The Ministry is willing to set up sub-Departmental committees, to fight Human Trafficking in all its forms," said Minister Saint-Albin. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-21281-icihaiti-politics-first-national-conference-on-human-trafficking-in-haiti.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Spanish group ARAEX adds Priorat and Jerez to portfolio

By Andrew Catchpole

ARAEX Grands Spanish Fine Wines is in the process of adding producers from two further DOs to its country-wide collection of estates, bringing Priorat and Jerez into the fold.

Speaking to Harpers at Vinexpo, ARAEX export director Stanley Moss said: We will be launching two new growers, one from Jerez, one from Priorat, and these will be the last major parts of our portfolio that we believe are missing.

Jerez will be our own project, a joint venture working with one of the top three producers, he added. Jerez is unique - white wine is made all over the world, but Sherry is different and we want people to understand this.

In Priorat the company will be adding an independent estate to its stable, along the model of Luis Canas in Rioja, which retains its own identity but is marketed and distributed by ARAEX, joining the other estates under the broader ARAEX umbrella.

The names of the new additions are likely to be unveiled later this year when the deals are complete.

The Vitoria-based company, which has grown from its Basque roots, initially as a grouping of bodegas in Rioja Alavesa, has since added producers from nine DOs to its portfolio in the past 25 years, including the most recent estate, Gorka Izagirre, in Txakoli country.

With wines ranging from Rueda and Ribera del Duero to Navarra and La Mancha by way of Cava, the addition of Priorat and Jerez aims to complete a spread that takes in the most important quality DOs across Spain.

ARAEX celebrates its 25th anniversary in June 2018, having been founded by entrepreneur Javier Galarreta in 1993, with the involvement of consultant Michel Rolland, initially bringing together a group of winegrowers from Rioja Alavesa, before embarking on an ambitious expansion plan.

The company is now a leading producer and brand owner in Spain, exporting upward of 11 million bottles annually to over 70 markets globally.

Further plans are in the pipeline for an innovative approach to distribution in its key UK market of wines currently not already with importers and distributors, with an announcement expected this autumn.
A PILOT from RAF Benson has told of his joy at being part of a fly-past for the Queen.

Flight Lieutenant Garry McKay, 35, took part in the finale of the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London on Saturday to mark Her Majestys official birthday.

He led the fly-past over Buckingham Palace, where the royal family watched from a balcony, in a Puma helicopter going at 90 knots together with a Chinook.

Flt Lt McKay was joined by

co-pilot Flt Lt Tom Woods and crewman Flt Sgt Nick Upton, who all are part of 28 Squadron, for the flight in the Puma HC MkII. He said: Its a great feeling to be in the seat where you could see the crowds on The Mall. You get excited but youve got other aircraft sitting very close behind so I was making sure the primary thing on my mind was keeping in the right formation.

It was a wonderful sunny day and it was lovely to be flying over central London  a place we are not usually allowed to fly over so low.

The fly-past included 29 aircraft from eight bases across the UK and finished with the Red Arrows display team flying Hawk T1 planes at 300 knots. Flt Lt McKay said the helicopters led the way because they were slower. Because of the speed the aircraft are flying you dont really see the other aircraft  everything is going on behind you, he said. Everything is timed so we flew over the palace at exactly 1pm.

My co-pilot was in charge of making sure we stuck to the timing.

It was the first time I have done it and these things tend not to come round very often so it could be a once-in-a-career event for me.

All the crews met up at RAF Marham in Norfolk to prepare before doing practice runs at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire.

Flt Lt McKay said: It allowed us to practice as a package by flying over the college hall, which is where officers training takes place. Its about getting the formation safely. You have a lot of very different aircraft at different speeds in a small airspace.

Being part of a big package of aircraft is something we can be called to do in any operation around the world, so it has those benefits as well as being a ceremonial occasion for the nation.

Flt Lt McKay thanked all the crew at RAF Benson for helping to maintain the Puma and getting it ready for the flight.

He added: Its not just about the crew but huge operation on the ground.

Sixty to 80 people are working every day in the weeks running up to the event to make it a success.
RAIL campaigners in Wargrave say they are appalled that no trains will stop at the village on the Saturday of Henley Royal Regatta.

Great Western Railway, which runs services on the Henley branch line, says a minibus service will replace trains for passengers from Wargrave.

But this means that people will have to travel to Twyford or Shiplake stations before catching a train to Henley, or make other arrangements.

The non-stop service is designed to transport passengers travelling to the regatta from outside the region, including those from London.

Philip Meadowcroft, who founded the Wargrave User Group, said passengers at Wargrave station had not been told about the changes, which could lead to problems during the regatta.

He said: We are appalled by GWRs inadequate communication skills in respect of services on the branch line during Henley Royal Regatta. It is only providing timetable information online, no handy printed leaflets, although it has promised to post details at all stations immediately prior to June 28.

From Wednesday to Friday, trains travelling to Henley on the branch line will not call at Wargrave between 8.48am and 5.13pm.

Return journeys will call at the station every half hour, apart from between 8.29am and 9.25am and 4.54pm to 8.25pm, while return journeys to Shiplake will only be available between 6.06am and 8.29am.

On Saturday, minibus services will leave every hour from Wargrave to Twyford stations and the same route in reverse. However, the train service will stop at nearby Shiplake every 30 minutes.

The minibuses are timed to connect with the non-stop service at Twyford and the total journey time between Wargrave and Henley will be about 30 minutes.

On Sunday, there will be an hourly service from Wargrave to Henley and in reverse, starting at 8.49am and continuing to 9.49pm before a final service at 10.19pm.

A spokesman for GWR said: "We have worked to maintain the morning and evening peak services taking commuters into London in the morning and home again in the evening from Wargrave but the number and length of additional trains required to support the regatta prevents us from being able to do this for every service and on the Saturday.

"The reason for this is two-fold: we provide longer trains for regatta customers and the platform at Wargrave is not long enough to be able to stop longer trains; and the time taken to load/unload passengers at Henley and Twyford means that we have to reduce the number of stops to provide enough services to meet the significant increase in demand.

"We provide over 60 additional trains each day to support the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta, or 312 more services in total, catering for an estimated 34,000 extra customers."

Meanwhile, the Henley Branch User Groups committee will meet at the Bull in High Street, Wargrave, on Monday from 7pm.

Guests and members of the Wargrave User Group will be able to share their experiences of the new timetable before the committee holds its own meeting from 8pm.

Mr Meadowcroft said: This is the opportunity for WUGGERs to air their praises and criticisms.
Bar worker Roy Mahady has been ordered to donate 700

A bar worker started shouting at a garda to "stop being so f**king rough" as he struggled to arrest another male reveller.

Roy Mahady (24) told a garda "go f**k yourself" when he was ordered to go home.

He then ran off when gardai went to arrest him.

Judge Conal Gibbons ordered Mahady to donate 700 to the Irish Cancer Society and said he would apply the probation act.

The defendant, of Lanesborough Mews in Finglas, admitted to failing to follow the directions of gardai.

The incident took place outside the Wright Venue in Swords shortly after 3am on April 27.

Garda Michael McCallion told Swords District Court he went to the scene following reports of men fighting.

Gda McCallion said he arrested one of the men and he was restraining him on the ground, after he had struggled with him.

The garda said Mahady then told him to "stop being so f**king rough".

Directed

Gda McCallion directed him to leave the area, and Mahady moved a few yards away but continued to watch what was happening.

The court heard that Gda McCallion shouted at Mahady to leave the area and he replied "what are you going to f**king do?" and "go f**k yourself".

The defendant ran off when he was told he was being arrested, but a number of Gda McCallion's colleagues arrested him further up the road.

He was taken to Coolock Garda Station, where he was later charged.

Defence lawyer Patrick Jackson said Mahady came from a good family and they were embarrassed at his behaviour.

Mr Jackson said Mahady had consumed alcohol on the night and his behaviour was out of character.

He added the defendant had already apologised to the garda for his behaviour.

Mr Jackson added the bar worker had an offer of a job in the US and asked the judge to leave him without a conviction.
Rapist Keith Hearne has been moved to the Midlands Prison which houses the notorious killers Graham Dwyer and Mark Nash

Violent rapist Keith Hearne was moved straight from Mountjoy to the Midlands Prison after sentencing over fears that he would be the attacked by other inmates.

Hearne (28) was jailed for 12 years on Monday for the rape and false imprisonment of Dominique Meehan (24) at a gaming convention in a west Dublin hotel in 2015.

The Tallaght man, now known as Prisoner 107512, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning Ms Meehan.

After sentencing, Hearne was taken to Mountjoy Prison to be processed into the system.

Target

It is usual for prisoners to spend their first night in the Dublin jail but in Hearne's case he was transferred straight to the midlands facility.

"He was a high-probability target for an attack by another prisoner or prisoners so it was best to move him," a source told the Herald.

"The Midlands is more geared to sex offenders, as is Arbour Hill, so it is less problematic to imprison them there and they would be under less risk of violence."

The Central Criminal Court had heard how Hearne locked the door of a conference room in the hotel where he had cornered his victim, bound her hands with his tie and raped her.

When she screamed, he told her he had a knife in his bag and would use it if she did not stay quiet.

His bag, containing a "rape kit" of a prop knife, handcuffs, condoms, a mask and "sado-masochistic" items, was later found at the scene, the court heard.

He also said to her, "I could break your neck here and now, would you prefer that?", before telling her to be a "good girl".

Ms Meehan, who waived her right to anonymity after Hearne was convicted, was saved only when another person forced their way into the room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown when they heard the disturbance inside.

She has since said she feared Hearne would kill her.

There are around 350 sex offenders in the Midlands Prison and 100 in Arbour Hill.

Hearne is now in the E wing of the jail where notorious killers Graham Dwyer and Mark Nash have been incarcerated in the past.

Nash is serving life sentences for two double murders. He has been in prison since August 17, 1997, the day after he killed Catherine Doyle (28) and Carl Doyle (29) at their home in Carane, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

In 2015 he was convicted for the 1997 murders of psychiatric patients Mary Callanan (61) and Sylvia Shiels (60) at Grangegorman in Dublin.

Both double murders happened just four months apart.

BDSM obsessive Dwyer is serving life for the 2012 murder of vulnerable Elaine O'Hara.

Dead

After Hearne was sentenced on Monday, Ms Meehan told the Herald that the young woman she was prior to being raped was now dead, in her mind.

Reflecting on the 12-year sentence handed down to her attacker, the 24-year-old said she now had to reinvent herself, because she had forgotten who she was before the brutal event.

"I don't know who I am any more. I can't remember who I was before I was raped and I'm trying to reinvent myself so I'll know who I am," she said.

"I don't know how I'm going to proceed from here."
Three men, each fallen on hard times due to addiction, are the first to participate in the new long-term recovery program at Bristol Lifestyle Recovery.

The facility, located in a former nursing home on North Street on the Tennessee and Virginia state line in Bristol, welcomed its first guests last week.

I have an addiction to alcohol, which has caused me many years of incarceration between Virginia jails and Tennessee jails, said 30-year-old Jamie Nunley, one of the first guests to participate in the program. Its taken about eight years of my life away.

Nunley, who had been incarcerated in the Sullivan County, Tennessee, jail on a probation violation, is participating on a furlough. Upon completion of the program, Nunley wont have to return to jail; instead, he will continue state probation.

Nunley said he was 11 years old when he had his first beer.

Im not sure exactly what the whole reasoning was, but it started out as drinking occasionally, socially, he said. It moved into an everyday thing.

Nunley said he was a functioning alcoholic and didnt face too many charges. As an adult, Nunley said hes now acquired an extensive criminal record in Tennessee and Virginia.

Drinking every day led to a lot of bad decisions, a lot of time away from my family, said Nunley, who has a 4-year-old daughter currently living with his in-laws in Marion, Virginia.

Nunley and the other men, including a former landscape business owner and a federal inmate, hope Bristol Lifestyle Recoverys program gets them back on their feet.

The centers program can last anywhere from six months to two years, according to Executive Director Bob Garrett.

The facility, operated by the Fairview Housing Development Corp., which currently runs the 24-bed Manna House of Johnson City, will assist post-detox addicts, people under supervision of the court system, veterans, pregnant detoxed women, the homeless, those aging out of the foster system, those seeking faith-based solutions and addicted men and women. Its not a medical clinic or a treatment center, but it will provide therapeutic recovery programs for individuals in need.

Nunley said hes never been offered help before.

Ive not been here long, but Ive been in tears three times, he said. Theres a lot of love. This is like my second family.

The program is based on a 24-hour schedule, with meals, meetings, classes, community service and other activities scheduled throughout the day. Theres also on-site job training, travel to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and breaks.

Cynthia Williams, the facilitys care coordinator, said the goal is to address the individuals problem, rather than criminalizing the problem. The staff and guests work closely together, discussing any issues and preparing for life beyond the center.

The relationships among the staff and guests are important for a positive outcome, Williams said. Without relationships, recovery would likely take longer, she added.

Nunley said the staff is helpful and people care for the guests. He noted that hes not had an urge to drink because of the support.

More guests are currently in line to begin the program. About 10-15 people have already been approved. Another 20-25 people are in the process of being approved.

Garrett said guests must have a heart to help themselves and let us help them. If people are going into recovery  if they dont want help  it probably wont work out well.

Bristol Lifestyle Recovery isnt a lock-down facility, Garrett noted. If someone wants to leave, they can, but court mandated individuals would have to return to jail.

For more information, visit www.bristollifestylerecovery.com or call 423-845-5600.

276-645-2531

Twitter: @RSorrellBHC
MARION, Va.  Emory & Henry Colleges School of Health Sciences hosted an open house on Wednesday at the Marion campus to introduce a new Falls Prevention Center and an Obesity Research Center, two new facilities devoted to addressing the needs of the community.

Visitors were invited to tour the state-of-the-art School of Health Sciences, which was launched in 2014 after renovations to the former Smyth County Community Hospital complex in Marion, Virginia, were completed.

The satellite graduate school campus includes classrooms, laboratories, housing, food services and student support resources.

Still in its infancy stage, the School of Health Sciences has begun physical therapy, occupational therapy and physicians assistants programs with as many as 35 students in each cohort.

Mary Ann Miller of Chilhowie came to the open house with her daughter. Miller, who fell and broke her hip last summer, said the Falls Prevention Center may be the answer to regaining her strength and confidence.

Im excited about the center. I struggle with balance and strengthening my muscles, said Miller, who uses a walker to steady her gait.

This facility blows my mind, said John A. Patterson of Marion. Ive had problems from a lot of falls. This center sounds like it was made for me. Ive already signed up for services here.

I want to keep going as long as I can, said Patterson, who enjoys volunteering to play the piano at Francis Marion Manor Health & Rehabilitation in Marion.

When we started the School of Health Sciences, we knew we wanted to offer centers that provided outreach to the community, said Julia Castleberry, assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Marion school. Castleberry has accumulated more than 20 years of clinical experience in a variety of adult and older adult rehabilitation settings.

The Falls Prevention Center is not a medical or therapeutic clinic. It is operated under the School of Health Sciences, and all programs and activities are under the direction of Castleberry.

The Falls Prevention Center is very hands-on, said Castleberry. We wouldnt be here without you. The community drove this effort, and I am so glad to be a part of it.

Castleberry said the countrys aging population is credited for more people falling.

Every day, 10,000 more Americans are turning 65 and older. If you look at our population, were going to be more heavily weighted toward older individuals.

The Falls Prevention Center will focus on research and understanding why certain injuries or incidents occur and, furthermore, what can be done on a larger scale to prevent them in the future, said Castleberry.

The center, which contains many tools unique to the area, features a Pressure Mapping System that makes use of a computerized pressure-sensitive mat to evaluate footwear and pressure points. A Safe Gate System is a supported harness system for clients who have had repeated falls and have lost confidence walking. The system trains the client to relearn their reactions.

A Zeno Walkway System allows them to pressure-map a clients walking to look at gate deviations.

Part of Castleberrys job is to offer community programs and educational sessions at no cost to the community. The center offers individual and group programs, fall risk screenings and the opportunity to participate in research.

My main concern with falls prevention is when people stop moving, said Castleberry in a community meeting during the open house. This can happen at any age, not just for the golden oldies. My focus is prevention across a life span.

Castleberry said she is available to speak at community organizations and health fairs to get the word out about falls prevention and the risk factors, including nutrition, footwear and home environment.

I want to hear the needs of the community. Its important that I hear your voice.

Her second focus will offer programs within the Falls Prevention Center, whether that is care for individuals, family members or groups.

In addition, she is eager to start research through annual screening. I will look at the clients mobility, medications, movements and vision every year to see if there are changes.

The School of Health Sciences will be tackling obesity, too. Ted Angelopoulos, the departments director, said the Obesity Research Center will focus on using community partners to establish an advisory board as the first step in combating obesity in children and adults in Southwest Virginia.

We will have community interventions to find lifestyles that are suitable for our rural setting, he said.

Roughly speaking, one third of the population is either overweight or obese. The thing that is alarming is that childhood obesity is an epidemic and is threatening health care systems here and around the world. A person who is obese as a child quadruples the risk of becoming a diabetic as an adult.

Angelopoulos said his research will address solutions to decreasing the alarming obesity statistics that prevail in Southwest Virginia.
The Bristol Tennessee City Council will remain the same next year while the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education gets two new members in 2023,
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.

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When it comes to adopting unique ideas to promote a movie, SRK is someone who always leads the pack and he has done it again with the promotion of his upcoming movie Jab Harry Met Sejal.

Shah Rukh Khan and director Imtiaz Ali were recently in Ahmedabad to launch the first song from the movie. The actor seemed to have a gala time as he met the Sejals there. Later, he posted a snap on his Twitter handle and captioned it as, Meri Sejals, Meri Radhas... made Imtiaz Ali take this picture so he stays out of it... love you all.

In the picture, King Khan is seen striking his iconic pose, while all the girls can be seen cheering for him.

This is not the first time when the 51-year-old has made a Gujarati connect with his fans. In his previous release this year, Raees, Shah Rukh had played a goon whose business was based in Gujarat.

Helmed by Imtiaz Ali, Jab Harry Met Sejal is slated to release on August 4.
Actor Shakti Kapoor has been working in the film industry for almost 42 years now, and has many memorable roles to his credit. While his family and friends believe that he should slow down, he says, Not now!

I will never get tired of working because I told my friends in Delhi that logon ki hobby hoti hai coins, stamps, watches collect karna, and my hobby is to act in movies and be a performer. So, I am following my hobby and getting paid for it. What can be better than this? asks Kapoor, who has been part of classic films such as Qurbani (1980), Naseeb (1981), Rocky (1981) among others.



The 58-year-old actors daughter, actor Shraddha Kapoor is now an established name in Bollywood and son Siddhanth too, is ready to enter Bollywood. His family often advises him to retire from work. My wife and children come to me every 10-15 days and say that Bas karo and we cant see you getting up in the morning at five and going for a jog, then going for work. We come home in the night and we dont see you. I tell them that this energy (positivity) is being distributed to everyone in the house. So, why should I sit back at home and do nothing in life? he adds.

The actor, who was last seen in a small role in Love You Family, adds,  So, why should I sit back at home and do nothing in life.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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Tata Power has offered to sell 51% stake in its 4,000 MW Mundra power project for Re 1 to states like Gujarat which buy electricity from it so as to rescue the debt-laden, loss-making business.

Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL), the Tata Power unit which operates the Mundra project, wrote to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd earlier this month offering to retain only 49 % stake and operate the project as a contractor provided the procurers buy all the power at higher tariffs.

In the letter, copies of which were marked to Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, and Union Power Secretary, CGPL CEO Krishna Kumar Sharma said Mundra has accumulated losses of Rs 6,457 crore against a paid up equity of Rs 6,083 crore.

Besides, CGPL has outstanding loan of Rs 10,159 crore and lenders have stopped further disbursal due to non-viability of the project, he wrote.

Tatas had in February 2006 won the bid for 4,000 MW Mundra project in Gujarat, quoting a price of Rs 2.26 for every unit of electricity generated. It had intended to fire the plant with coal imported from mines owned by the Tata Group in Indonesia.

In 2010, the Indonesian government said that any export of coal could be done only at prices linked to international rates.

Tatas, in turn, sought higher tariffs for power, but the plea was rejected by the Supreme Court.

When contacted, Tata Power said it made the suggestion after exhausting all other option.

Bankers, it said, made a suggestion that if 51 % equity is taken over on a back to back basis with the procurers, then the procurers would have advantage of competitive power for full life of the plant e.g. 40 years at very low and competitive price.

CGPL has and will continue to be open to exploring all options, in consultation with stakeholders, for the long term sustainability and viability of the plant in the interest of all stakeholders and would continue its operations with competitive power, the company said in a statement.

Power Minister Piyush Goyal said the company has written to the state government and it was for the procurers and the firm to sort out the issue.

But as responsible part of the government in the country, the central government is willing to play the role of a facilitator to bring all the stakeholders on the table so that an informed, considered view can be taken, he said.

The Centre, he said, was not siting with blinkers or eyes closed or blindfolded.

We are also conscious of the issues and we will ultimately have to protect the interest of consumer so that the power tariffs through indirect route dont increase for common man or discoms, he said without elaborating.

Sources said CGPL in the letter stated that financial position of the company continues to deteriorate and has reached a critical situation due to substantial loses incurred.

It wanted tariffs to be negotiated or power procurers take over 51 % paid up equity shares of CGPL for a nominal value of Rs 1 and grant relief to the project by purchasing power at a rate to fully address the under-recovery of fuel costs.

In the statement, Tata Power said Mundra project is a national asset that provides close to 2 % of Indias power need.

It is unfortunate that due to circumstances beyond the control of the company, the Mundra plant has been reeling in losses year on year.

CGPL would continue to work towards exploring all options to stop losses and best contain the onslaught of under recovery on fuel side, it said.

Mundra project, comprising of five units of 800 MW each, was commissioned between 2012 and 2013. It has signed a 25- year agreements to sell electricity to utilities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. Gujarat is the lead buyer.

Sources said CGPL has stated in the letter that against the project outlay of Rs 17,900 crore, the company has an outstanding term loan of Rs 10,159 crore and an additional amount of Rs 4,460 crore which is due to Tata Power.

After the Supreme Court rejected compensatory tariff to it and similar power plant of Adani Group, CGPL made a plea with all procurers to consider afresh the issue of compensatory tariff but Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd specifically denied the request.

CGPL has stated that it is making the offer to avoid the project being rendered unviable and eventually turning into a Non Performing Asset (NPA) or bad loan, thereby depriving the consumers of one of the lowest cost power.
The Tata group, which founded Indias first commercial airline, Air India, which was later nationalised, is considering buying a stake in the debt-laden national carrier in partnership with Singapore Airlines, a person familiar with the matter said.

Its a possibility, the person said, requesting anonymity. You sign the cheque and from the very next day imagine the clout you have in the subcontinent, deep into Europe and US.

Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said on June 1 that he favoured selling Air India, although a formal decision on the sale has not been taken.

Jaitley added that he had asked the aviation ministry to look at possible ways of privatising Air India.

Spokespersons for the Tata group and Singapore Airlines declined comment.

A second person familiar with the thinking in Tata group claimed former chairman Ratan Tata and current chairman N Chandrasekaran have informally (and separately) discussed their interest in Air India with various government officials.

Mint could not independently verify this.

The Tata group and Singapore Airlines launched Vistara in 2015. The joint-venture airline will start plying international routes next year.

To be sure, it is not certain the government will go ahead with the privatisation process or that Tatas will take over the airline.

Still, it cant be denied that the groundwork for a possible divestment is being put in place.

A committee of top bureaucrats, which includes civil aviation secretary RN Choubey, has sent its views on Air Indias divestment to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam), said an aviation ministry official who did not want to be named.

In the next step, a note prepared by Dipam will have to be approved by the Union cabinet. Once the cabinet gives its approval, specifics related to how much stake should be sold and how, will be decided.

We are far from that stage, the ministry official added, referring to the sale process.

The Union cabinet is expected to meet on Thursday but it is unclear if the national airlines privatisation plan will be part of the agenda. Finance minister Jaitley is currently on a three-day visit to Russia to boost defence ties. Choubey, who has been part of the deliberations including those related to Air Indias asset valuation, is also in Paris this week for the ongoing air show.

The first person cited above highlighted three reasons for Tatas interest in the national airline.

Three Reasons

First, chairman emeritus Ratan Tata is passionate about aviation (just as he is about cars).

Air India was launched in 1932 by JRD Tata as Tata Airlines. Its name was changed to the current one in 1946. The government decided to take it over in 1953.

Second, Vistara is on the lookout for bigger planes to fly international next year. Air India has enough (its fleet strength is 118). Vistara has still not announced its proposed wide body fleet order.

Third, Air India will provide an unmatched network depth to Singapore Airlines, which itself is under pressure from rivals such as Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

Singapore Airlines will become a very strong carrier if this happens, the person said, adding that the Tata group would probably want a majority stake, a write-off of the airlines accumulated losses and a reduction in the airlines considerable debt of around ~50,000 crore.

In 2000, the Tata group and Singapore Airlines had expressed their interest in acquiring up to 40% of Air India. In 2013, after a meeting with the then aviation minister, Ratan Tata said the Tata group would be interested in buying a stake in Air India if the government were to privatise the airline.
The Tata Group is considering buying a stake in Air India in partnership with Singapore Airlines Ltd, decades after the national carrier founded by them was nationalised.

Its a possibility, a person said, requesting anonymity. You sign the cheque and from the very next day imagine the clout you have in the subcontinent, deep into Europe and the US.

Three Reasons

Air India was launched in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata as Tata Airlines. Its name was changed to the current one in 1946. The government decided to take it over in 1953. So, the Tata Groups passion in aviation has always been there.

Second, the Tata group and Singapore Airlines launched Vistara in 2015 and it will start plying international routes next year. Vistara is on the lookout for bigger planes to fly international next year. Air India has enough (its fleet strength is 118). Vistara has still not announced its proposed wide body fleet order.

Third, Air India will provide an unmatched network depth to Singapore Airlines, which itself is under pressure from rivals such as Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

Singapore Airlines will become a very strong carrier if this happens, a person, requesting anonymity said, adding that the Tata group would probably want a majority stake, a write-off of the airlines accumulated losses and a reduction in the airlines considerable debt of around Rs 50,000 crore.

In 2000, the Tata group and Singapore Airlines had expressed their interest in acquiring up to 40% of Air India. In 2013, after a meeting with the then aviation minister, Ratan Tata said the Tata group would be interested in buying a stake in Air India if the government were to privatize the airline.

(With inputs from Mint)
A 35-year-old man thrashed his three-year-old daughter and chopped both her ears, claiming that a supernatural power asked him to do so. The bizarre incident was reported from Shahdara in east Delhi early on Thursday.

Amrit Bahadur, who works at Urban Kebab, was allegedly reaching out for the girls neck, when he was stopped by the neighbours and handed over to the police.

After his arrest, he told the police that a ghost was whispering in his ear, directing him to make his daughter cry in pain. He told the police that the ghost asked him to donate the girls ear to him, else he would take her to hell with him.

He was hallucinating. He said he thrashed the girl because the ghost told him that he would kill her and take her along if he does not make her cry. He admitted that he started thrashing the girl first, but then the ghost directed him to chop off her ears. He did as directed, a senior police officer said.

When the girl started shouting in pain he gagged her asking her to bear the pain for her own good. The girls mother, who was a witness to the incident, tried to intervene but she was asked to leave.

He reportedly thrashed his wife and asked her to leave the house. He took his wife and five other children to the terrace and locked the door. He then returned to further torture his daughter, a senior police officer said.

On his return Bahadur chopped off the girls second ear.

Amrit Bahadur.

He said the ghost was unhappy with the sacrifice so he asked for the girls blood from her neck. When the girl tried to run away he pinned her down. Meanwhile, the girls mother alerted the neighbours. Hearing them shout for help, the neighbours made a PCR call and a team reached Bahadurs house. Before he could slit the girls neck, he was caught, a senior police officer said.

The neighbours had called us and reported a brawl. We were shocked to find out that the father had mercilessly slashed his daughters ears, he added.

The police said that Bahadur had lost his one-year-old daughter two months ago and had been disturbed since then. His family told the police that he started hallucinating and often said that he speaks to the Satan. His wife too told the police that he claimed to be giving pain to his daughter for her good and to save her life.

The girl who is admitted to AIIMS is now stable. Bahadur has been arrested for causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon, attempt to murder and punishment for cruelty on children.

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New Delhi

Delhi University offers unique courses at the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), with a keen focus on innovation.

The courses are not just aimed at preparing students for a fast-changing innovative world but they also use unique concepts such as meta college and meta university to allow them to experience multiple colleges and universities during the course.

The CIC offers two undergraduate programs, BTech in Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation and BA (Hons) in Humanities and Social Sciences, and a postgraduate course, MSc in Mathematical Education.

BTech in Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation:

This four-year undergraduate degree course, which has been on offer in DU since 2012, is open to all who have studied Mathematics and have secured a best four score of at least 60%.

The course looks to provide students with practical knowledge, in addition to theoretical prowess, when it comes to innovation and technology. The curriculum is evaluated on the basis of both projects that students are expected to complete and theoretical exams.

The course was designed keeping innovation in mind. DU is the only Indian university that provides a course of this kind, said Jogeswar Purohit, an assistant professor for the course.

Admission to the 40 seats for this course will be on the basis of an entrance test expected to be conducted early next month. The entrance exam will be based on mathematics and science subjects.

Interested students can apply to the course on the DU online admission portal, under the entrance-based undergraduate programs application.

However, the CIC does not have a placement cell and does not invite companies and others for recruitment. Almost all of our students have been placed but we do not have a placement cell, he said.

We encourage students to link up and think of their own start-ups. In fact, after they complete their degree, a selected few students are allowed to incubate their projects up to one year at the centre. Students even get funding up to two lakh rupees from ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises, said Purohit, while explaining how the course nurtures an entrepreneurial spirit.

BA (Hons) in Humanities and Social Sciences:

This three-year undergraduate programme is one of its kind, as it is a meta college programme. Students will be able to choose classes from different DU colleges and design their own degree, explained Geetanjali Kala, an assistant professor at DU and the woman behind the course.

Students can tailor their degree to their needs, as they are allowed to take courses from any of the DU colleges, other than St Stephens college. If admitted to one of the 40 seats available for the course, students will be assigned a mentor, who will help them ascertain their interests and pick courses best suited to their passions.

In the first and sixth semester, the students will be expected to attend classes at the CIC.

Anyone who has a 60% best four score, which includes a modern Indian language or English, are eligible to apply, and will be selected based on an entrance test.

The entrance exam will look at subjects like history, geography, political science and include some general science and mathematics. We take current affairs seriously here, and students should expect a few questions related to this, especially news related to marginalized communities, she said.

Question papers from previous years entrance exams are also available on the centres website for any who may want to peruse it.

MSc in Mathematics Education:

This two year inter-disciplinary course would be best suited for those who are looking to teach mathematics in the future.

Degrees usually teach you one or the other, how to teach or mathematics. This course is tailor-made to ensure students not only learn mathematics but also know how to teach it, explained Pankaj Tyagi, the coordinator for the course.

The meta university course, jointly run by Delhi university and Jamia Milia Islamia, allows students to utilise resources available at both colleges. Graduates can apply to one of the 20 seats available through DUs online PG application, before registrations close on Wednesday.

The course is evaluated with 60% for projects and 40% for theory, and works in tandem with JMIs AJK Mass Communication Research Centre. This is where the inter-disciplinary aspect of the course comes in. Students are trained in how to use media to teach mathematics as well, said Tyagi.

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A day after a mother-son duo was attacked while they were asleep and five others, including children, were allegedly intoxicated in their home in northwest Delhis Jahangirpuri area on Monday night, the police have arrested one person in connection with the case.

According to the police, Abdul had hatched a plan to kill Narayini, 75, and Anup, 45, as he was in love with Anups wife Meenakshi. Police said that Meenakshi, too, was involved in the plan.

On Monday night, Meenakshi made food for her family and spiked it with sleeping tablets. While she fed all family members, she herself ate only a little.

After her husband, mother-in-law and others fell unconscious, Abdul allegedly entered the house and attacked Anup and Narayini. He allegedly slit their throat using a sharp knife and left the spot. Meenakshi, who let Abdul inside the house and was semi- conscious at that time, did not leave with him to avoid suspicion.

Meenakshis family found out about her relationship with Abdul and objected to it. The couple often fought over the issue. Since the two prominent members of the family were he husband and mother in law, Meenakshi and Abdul decided to kill them, a senior police officer said.

According to the police, Meenakshi later concocted a story that someone barged inside the house when the family members were asleep and made them unconscious probably by putting a chloroform-soaked handkerchief to their noses.

While Narayini, 75, sustained a cut on her throat, Anup has a sharp injury on his abdomen. The other six members- Titu, 50, Anju, 48, Rajat, 15, Meenakshi, 40, a teenager and an 8-year old child, did not sustain any injury.

The incident came to light on Tuesday morning when a neighbour came to meet the family. On finding the family unconscious and two of them bleeding, he informed the police.

During investigation, the police accessed the CCTV footage of the area and also checked the call detail records of the family members. The police suspected the involvement of an insider as it seemed a little unlikely for one person to barge in and make eight persons of a family unconscious.

We checked the CCTV footage and also sought help from the local intelligence. We also questioned the family members at length. Though everyone told us that they followed the usual routine and went to sleep after dinner and had no clue how it happened, we suspected the involvement of an insider, a Delhi police officer said.

The call detail records of Meenakshi and chat history revealed that she was in touch with Abdul and had hatched a plan. What strengthened our suspicion also was that none of the valuables including jewellery and cash were stolen from the house, he added.

While Abdul has been arrested, Meenakshi will be formally arrested on Thursday morning.
A German national in her 20s has alleged that she was raped by her Indian husband and assaulted by her father-in-law in Punjabs Gurdaspur.

The woman filed a complaint in central Delhis Paharganj area on Wednesday, after having an argument with her husband. The couple was in Delhi to sort out some immigration-related issues.

Based on her complaint, the police have registered a case in the matter and the woman will now have to record a statement before the magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPc.

According to her complaint, the woman said that she had met her husband over Facebook and fell in love. The two then exchanged numbers and started talking over the phone. She told the police she visited India a couple of times, before the man proposed marriage to her. She further said that she went to Gurdaspur after the two got married in November last year.

She alleged that her husband had sex with her without her consent. She also alleged that her father-in-law molested her. According to her, when she threatened to file a complaint, she was abused again, a senior police officer said.

According to the police, the couple reached Delhi on Monday, reportedly to complete some immigration formalities and were staying at a hotel in Paharganj, where they had an argument. The woman alleged that her husband again forced himself on her. She then made a formal complaint, following which we have registered a case, a police officer said.

The police said that they have asked the couple to furnish proof of their marriage. We have asked them to submit the marriage invitation card, the marriage certificate and some photos as proof. The woman will now record her statement before the magistrate and further course of action will be decided after that. The husband has also been called in for questioning, a senior police officer said.

In case the couple are found to be married, no case of rape can be made out legally, police said, though the husband could be booked under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Section 375 of the IPC considers forced sex in marriages as a crime only when the wife is below the age of 15. Marital rape is not recognised as a criminal offence under the IPC.

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Two passengers with similar names and passenger name records (PNR) landed at Delhi airport en route for Dubai leading to a security scare on Monday.

IndiGo, after issuing a boarding pass to passenger Harjinder Singh, had to call him back from the aircraft after another passenger with the same name and PNR approached the check-in counter.

The passengers were to travel to Dubai from Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport by Indigo flight 6E-23 at 7.45 am.

IndiGo confirms of restricting travel of two passengers on its 6E-23 Delhi-Dubai flight (on June 19) on grounds of security inspection. The said two passengers had identical names, who reported at different times carrying the same PNR details (sic), said an IndiGo spokesperson.

When the first passenger Harjinder Singh reported, the staff issued him the boarding pass after verifying the physical copy of the passport. Since its an international flight, boarding pass can only be issued after the requisite verification of the passport and visa. However, when the second Harjinder Singh reported, the staff checked the passport and visa. The staff immediately expressed the need for a thorough verification of both passengers, the spokesperson said.

IndiGo said that Harjinder Singh, who had boarded the flight, was offloaded for investigation.

During the process, the staff learnt that the first passenger had the confirmed booking with IndiGo therefore, the staff offered him an accommodation on the subsequent flight. This matter is being investigated further and IndiGo is in touch with the travel agent who issued tickets under the same PNR, the spokesperson said.

PASSENGER BOARDS WRONG FLIGHT

In another case, a passenger mistakenly boarded a flight for Chennai, though he had taken the boarding pass to travel to Ahmedabad from Mumbai airport.

The incident happened on June 19 at 11 pm. The passenger booked the SpiceJet flight SG 637 to travel to Ahmedabad. He, however, boarded SG 679, which was bound for Chennai. The crew during the headcount noticed an extra passenger and checked the boarding pass. The passenger was then offloaded, said an airport source.

Sources said that the boarding gate was changed at the last moment but the passenger did not hear and boarded a different flight. However, the airline officials should have checked the boarding pass and stopped the passenger at the gate itself.

SpiceJet has in place a multi-layer security check system to ensure that there is no lapse. A passenger had inadvertently boarded a wrong flight. However, he was immediately intercepted and offloaded by the ground staff and all security procedures were followed before the release of the flight, said a SpiceJet spokesperson.

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One can witness stray cattle blocking roads in different parts of the city, and in many cases even causing accidents.

The problem could worsen further as five major cow shelters, aided by the Delhi government, have started denying admitting any more cattle for the past two months due to space crunch.

The three corporations of Delhi  North, South and East  catch stray cattle and send it to one of the shelters.

The Ghuman Hera Gramin Gaushala in Najafgarh has maximum space for 2,500 cows, Sri Dabur Hare Krishna Gaushala in Sureda village can accommodate 1,500-2,000 cows, Manav Gau Sadan Rewla Gaushala has space for 600 animals, Sri Krishna cattle shelter in Bawana can shelter 7,800 cows and Gopal Gau Sadan Harwali Guashala can accommodate 2,000 cows.

The North corporation officials said that when Sureda and Harwali village shelters denied admitting cows, they tried taking the animals to one in Bawana. They, too, turned down our request, he said.

In 2002, the Supreme Court ordered authorities to rid Delhis streets of cattle and shut all dairies functioning out of urban areas so that abandoned animals do not find their way to Delhis busy streets.

An 83-year-old man died after being attacked by a stray cow in northwest Delhis Azadpur on Tuesday morning. There have been several other incidents where bikers have met fatal accidents due to cattle suddenly blocking the road. With the current crisis, the problem is only expected to escalate.

Rajendar Singh Sekhawat, general manager of Sri Krishna cattle shelter said, We are left with no space. We cannot accommodate any further. Besides, we also have to accommodate cattle from neighbouring villages who abandon their bulls. Also, police leaves cattle to us that are caught being transported illegally.

Shyam Sundar, who is in-charge of Ghuman Hera Gramin Gaushala in Najafgarh said, The space is an issue in all the shelters. But the bigger problem is that we are not getting sufficient funds. We get Rs20 per cow per day from the government and the same amount is given by corporation which is not enough. The funds too are mostly delayed.

He said that cows in the shelters are brought in very bad condition as most of them eat plastics or are injured in an accident.

Dabar Hare Krishna Gaushalas manager Satish said that they too have reached their capacity and cannot take any more cattle. The dairy owners do not want to bear the cost of cows after they attain their milking age. They are so selfish that they abandon them. It is mostly these cows and bulls that are brought to us, he added.

As a reason, the number of cattle is fast rising. Around 50% of the cows that are brought to us are ill or injured, he said.

Director of animal husbandry department , Delhi government, Jitendar Kumar Gaur said that the cattle shelter has reached their limits but the need of the hour is focussing more on prevention than cure.

There is a need to control influx of cattle in Delhi. People leave their cattle roaming on streets and take it during nights so that they do not have to feed. There is a need to put a control over such acts so that the problem is solved at its root.

The three municipal corporations are ruled by the BJP  a party that has cow protection on top of its agenda. The BJP had also listed opening of new shelters in its manifesto. However, nothing significant has been done in this direction yet.

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In geopolitics, a friend in need is when you should be a friend indeed. The half-yearly Pentagon report on the status of Afghanistan has declared India the most reliable friend of the Kabul regime. This is merely a statement of fact: Even the United States has been wayward in comparison to the continuity that has marked Indian support. The reports importance lies in its timing. It is the first one released under the Donald Trump presidency and is taking place as the geopolitical playbook in Afghanistan is once again being rewritten.

The Trump administration is still carrying out a major Afghan policy review. But all the evidence points to the US recommitting itself to upholding the Kabul government. While Mr Trump believes the US must get out of Afghanistan eventually, he has rejected his predecessors ill-conceived public deadlines for withdrawal  declarations that hardened the resolve of the Taliban and their Pakistani backers. Washington today accepts that only strength on the battlefield will convince the Taliban to hold sincere talks. Earlier this month, Pentagon chief James Mathis was authorised by the White House to decide on the level of US troop deployment in Afghanistan  and more troops are already on their way.

All of this is music to Indias ears. While Indias most extensive overseas aid and military training programme is with Afghanistan and it recently provided helicopter gunships, New Delhi has severe limitations as to what it can do to help Kabul militarily. At the start of the year the Afghan government was unusually isolated. Iran and Russia, traditional opponents of the Taliban and Pakistan, began shifting to a view that undermining the US in Afghanistan and wooing Pakistan made more sense. Kabuls regional allies were reduced to India and a few Central Asian governments. In such circumstances the US decision to hold the line in Afghanistan, if even for the short term, is welcome.

The Trump administrations final Afghan policy is still awaited though the few straws in the wind are positive. The great game, in any case, is changing again. Iran and Pakistan have seen relations sour after recent violence on their border. India will seek to encourage the US to ensure its tough stance against the Taliban encompass Pakistan as well.

In all this, New Delhis commitment to Kabul, as the Pentagon acknowledged, is notable for its stability. Afghanistan was known as the graveyard of empires. Today this should be updated to the graveyard of grand strategies. Which is one reason India is right to keep its Afghan policy short and simple: Support an independent Kabul regime.
PATNA: A little over half of the students, who appeared for the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) Class 10 or matriculation examination, were declared successful on Thursday. The results were a dismal 50.12%, with a marginal improvement of 3% over last year, even though eight grace marks were granted to the students

The overall pass percentage of Class 10 or matriculation exam increased by around 3% this year as compared to last year as 8,63,950 or 50.12% students out of the 17,23,911 examinees cleared the exam. Around 8.61 lakh students failed.

Prem Kumar of the Sree Govind High School in Lakhisarai district topped the exams with 465 out of 500, securing 93% marks. Bhavya Kumari of Simultala Residential School in Jamui district came second with 464 out of 500 marks (92.8%), followed by Harshita Kumari with 462 out of 500 (92.4%) marks.

Bihar board matric result Bihar board matric result pass percentage: 50.12

8,63,950 students passed of the 17,23,911 who took the exam

students passed of the who took the exam First division: 13.91%

Second division: 26.88%

Third division: 9.32%

40% girls passed the exam

girls passed the exam 49.6% boys have passed

boys have passed Barcoding for the first time in matriculation exams

De-centralised evaluation of answer books in districts

Officials said 13.91% students secured first division, 26.88% second division and 9.32% third division.

Announcing the results, BSEB chairperson Anand Kishor said the board had taken utmost care to double-check the answer books of toppers besides carrying out their physical verification. The board constituted a panel to review the answer sheets of the toppers and physically verify them.

It decided to physically verify the toppers after Class 12 or intermediate arts topper Ganesh Kumar fudged his age and changed his name to reappear for the matriculation (Class 10) and Class 12 exams this year. The BSEB subsequently removed his name from the merit list.

BIHAR TOPPERS (Top 10 students) Prem Kumar (465/500), Shree Govind High School, Mano, Lakhisarai

(465/500), Shree Govind High School, Mano, Lakhisarai Bhavya Kumari (464/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

(464/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui Harshita Kumari (462/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

(462/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui Anil Kumar Roy (460/500), Karkun Lal High School, Altahat, Kishanganj

(460/500), Karkun Lal High School, Altahat, Kishanganj Shubham Kumar Pandey (460/500), SJR High School, Vishunpur, Rohtas

(460/500), SJR High School, Vishunpur, Rohtas Shivam Kumar (460/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

(460/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui Deepalok Kaushik (459/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

(459/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui Manav Gopal (458/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

(458/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui Satyajeet Kumar (458/500), RPS High School, Pokharaira, Purnia

(458/500), RPS High School, Pokharaira, Purnia Pragya Anand (458/500), Simultala residential school, Jamui

The results were delayed by a few weeks as some of the toppers failed to appear before the board. The board called around 40 students in the top 10 list for physical verification and review of their copies.

Last year, the result was declared on May 29.

During physical verification, I had to appear for an interview in front of a panel of subject experts who asked me different questions, Bhavya Kumari, the second topper, said. Asked what she wanted to do in the future, Bhavya said, I want to crack the UPSC (civil services) exams.

I am really happy with my performance, Harshita Kumari, who stood third, said.

Details of the Bihar Board Class 12 examination. (Sourced)

The Bihar government has announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, a laptop and e-book reader for the topper. The second topper will get Rs 50,000, a laptop and e-book while the third topper will be given Rs 15,000, laptop and e-book.

The Bihar board granted eight grace marks to students in order to improve the overall pass percentage this year. The BSEB took consent from the state government for granting grace marks to students, who failed in one subject and four in each subject for those who fail in two subjects.

This year, the BSEB Class 10 exam was held from March 1 to March 8.

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Imagine it is your first day in college. And as you walk into the campus, you feel out of place because of a conversation that flows like...DU se khaas expect nahi kiya tha, but it is Lit AF bro! Logon ki bhi OK report hai etc, and you have everything going over your head.

Yes, varsity life comes with its own quirks, one of them being the lingo. While words like K-Nags (Kamla Nagar),

C-Bats (Cholle Bhature), G-Jams (Gulab Jamun) have always been part of a DU students dictionary; some new words and phrases have been introduced lately. Here are some slangs that you can brush up on before you join college (so you dont have any FOMO (fear of missing out)).

Word: TRIPPY S**T

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: Often used to describe stuff that absolutely boggles the human mind, trippy s**t, is a slang that doesnt require judicious use.

How its used: You could include it as a starter for an epic narration of a party story  Bro, some really trippy s**t happened at Karans house last night.

Word: DATT JA

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: While the literal meaning of the term is to stop, DU students can be heard using this as a precursor to a brawl. Consider this as a warning to stay in ones limit.

How its used: College bullies can often be heard saying , Datt ja bhai, bohot ho gya tera ab.

Word: BT

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: The complete opposite of trippy s**t, BT (Bad Trip) is used to describe a bad experience be it describing a boring lecture or a heartbreak by the college hottie.

How its used: While we hope you never have to say this (which isnt really a possibility), it can be used like this. Yaar kitne assignments pakda diye is teacher ne. Subah subah BT ho gayi.

Word: TAGDA/ LIT AF/ DOPE

via GIPHY

What it means on campus:These three slangs are used interchangeably as they are used to describe a great experience.

How theyre used: Youd probably see them being thrown around the most during fresher parties and DU fests, some what like, Bhai shaam ko EDM night hai fest ki, tagda scene banega party ka! or The freshers party yesterday was lit af/dope.

Word: PAP

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: Youd often come across this, if youre the college selfie expert. PAP simply means post a picture.

How its used: This might be a regular feature when youre on your class group chat. The usage is pretty simple, You are on a vacation right? PAP soon please

Word: TURNT

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: College life definitely increases your chances of partying, and with it, the chances of getting extremely drunk (first timer issues). Thats where Turnt comes in. Used to describe when youre sloshed without letting go of the swag you want attached to your college persona.

How its used: You can use it as, I was so turnt at Yashs place bro! I ended up calling mom and telling her about my result.

Word: ON FLEEK

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: This one is used to describe perfection of any kind, be it wardrobe, personality etc. It can also be replaced with on point (or if youre super impressed, hella on fleek).

How its used: Her clothes are always on fleek. I wish I could carry myself that way.

Word: OK REPORT

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: A slang that is probably a spawn of the Delhi Punjabi culture, this one is used to describe a satisfactory (or great) situation.

How its used: Youd see this fly among guy groups, and probably like this, Bhai, kal vo bike test drive kari thi. OK report hai.

Word: SUCH AMAZE, MUCH WOW

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: Made popular by the Doge memes, this is an exclamatory remark for something wonderful, probably that amazes you. This one can also serve as a sarcastic remark for something that doesnt really amaze you.

How its used:

Friend 1: Her dad bought her a brand new I phone on her birthday. Can you believe it?

Friend 2: Such amaze, much wow.

Word: BEING EXTRA

via GIPHY

What it means on campus: Whatever is over the top, unnecessary or excessive can be described as being extra. How its used: The professor was just being so extra when he did not take Nehas apology.

Other slangs to keep in mind Cray: as in Short for crazy Fo Sho: as in Short for for sure IRL as in In real life YOLO as in You only live once OTP as in One true pairing BAE as in Before Anyone Else IKR as in I know right TLTR as in Too long to read

Follow @htshowbiz for more.
New Delhi: Delhi University (DU) will announce its first cut-off list for undergraduate courses late on Friday, June 23, with admissions beginning on the same day.

The university received around 2.2 lakh applications this year for about 56,000 seats in its 63 colleges.

DU cutoffs are likely to see a marginal rise or maintain the same trend as last year, officials said.

Candidates planning to join any of DUs colleges can check the cut-offs at university website, www.du.ac.in.

St Stephens announced its cut-off recently with most courses seeing a dip in cut-off or being at the same level as last year.

However, other colleges said that St Stephens cut-off trend was not likely to impact them as they had a different admission policy.

Unlike St Stephens, which has an aptitude test and interview to select students making the cut-offs, other DU colleges have to admit all students with qualifying cut-offs who want to join.

This years cut-off may not see much jump and in fact expect for a few courses, mostly the cut-off is likely to remain on similar lines as last years, a university official said.

For those making a beeline for their institutes after the cut-offs are out, an interactive College Explorer with institute addresses, programmes, websites etc have been added to make your search for a college of your choice more easier. Click on this link to find out more. Last years cut-offs have also been added to enable you to compare the scores with the ones being released tomorrow.

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A new official system that ranks UK universities according to their teaching quality has given the thumbs down to some of the most known centres of higher education  including those better known in India such as the London School of Economics (LSE).

The first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) instituted by the apex Higher Education Funding Council of England released on Thursday is intended to help students make informed choices. A separate Research Excellence Framework ranks the quality of research.

Many local and international students, including from India, choose universities for their degree courses based on such rankings, which may vary based on differences in criteria used, but drive student numbers in a sector facing major funding cuts in recent years.

The TEF, which has attracted some criticism from the sector, allocates three markers of quality at the undergraduate level: gold, silver and bronze, based on three criteria: teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes.

Of the 295 universities, colleges and alternative providers of education assessed, 59 were rated as gold, 116 silver and 56 bronze, including LSE.

Also in the bronze category was the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas), Liverpool, Southampton and Goldsmiths.

The ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge were given the gold rating.

The LSE, which is popular among Indian students particularly for postgraduate courses, responded to its bronze rating in a statement: Rigorous academic standards and independence critical analysis are an essential part of undergraduate education at LSE. We recognise that we have work to do but we are confidence that the education initiatives that we have underway will lead to improvements for our students.

However, the challenges around TEF and the limits to the measures it employs are also well-documented, it added.

Madeleine Atkins, Hefce chief executive, said: Students invest significant amounts of time and money in their higher education. They rightly expect a high-quality learning experience and outcomes that reflect their potential.

The UK already has a high bar for quality and standards, which all universities and colleges must meet. But the TEF judges excellence above and beyond this, clearly showing the highest levels across the sector.

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The Civil Services preliminary examination was held on June 18 and here is a crisp and targeted analysis of the General Studies (Paper 1) exam for all the civil service aspirants.

A.Common observations:



1) In 2017, the rotational shift has moved towards Indian Polity and Governance in place of Economic and Social Development.

2) History, Geography, Environment, and Science & Tech maintained their importance and visibility in terms of number of questions asked.

3) Current affairs have also moved towards (Direct approach) in place of more inclination towards (Indirect influence) in 2016. All in all, it remains a major anchor.

4) Contemporary issues of last couple of years were also focused.

5) General Science remained invisible.

6) Language and key words were little confusing, hence paper required focused reading, interpretation and rational guessing.

B.Sectional evaluation:

1) History of India and Indian National Movement (Difficulty level: High)

The questions were asked from the core subject so much so that this time questions were also asked from prominent Acts. For eg questions on Factories Act, Trade Disputes Act, etc.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.

2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q.The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for

(a) the participation of workers in the management of industries.

(b) arbitrary powers to the management to quell industrial disputes.

(c) an intervention by the British Court in the event of a trade dispute,

(d) a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.

Thus, this section required comprehensive knowledge of history to confidently attempt the questions. Hence, it was difficult.

2) India and World Geography (Difficulty level: Easy)

The questions were mostly drawn from daily reading of current affairs highlighted locations on Indian and Global maps.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?

1. Jordan

2. Iraq

3. Lebanon

4. Syria

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only(c) 3 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only (d)1, 3 and 4 only

Q. Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?

(a) Sumatra

(b) Borneo

(c) Java

(d) Sri Lanka

3)Indian Polity & Governance (Difficulty level: Moderate)

The questions were directly asked from the core subject and all of these focused on conceptual clarity of basic polity.

Questions required interpretation, interconnection, deduction etc. which can only be done by an aspirant who has understood rather than mugged up the things.

The questions were asked from diverse topics like conceptual analysis of democracy, equality, rights and duties, decentralization, mind of the Preamble makers, DPSP, Fundamental Duties, form of government including parliamentary and cabinet, Parliamentary proceedings, elections and voting, Speaker, Judicial Review, Indian federalism etc.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the Presidents rule in a State?

1.Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly

2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State

3. Dissolution of the local bodies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?

1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour

2. Abolition of untouchability

3. Protection of the interests of minorities

4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

4)Economic and Social Development (Difficulty level: Moderate)

In the questions on Economy, the factual element was higher for e.g. questions on TFA ratification date, fund value of NIIF, question on NPS, etc.

Focused on prominent contemporary issues of last couple of years for e.g. questions on Small Finance Banks, NPCI on financial inclusion, BTIA etc.

In all, Finance and Banking, Government Budgeting and International Economics remained focused areas in this section.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?

(a) Resident Indian citizens only

(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only

(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments

(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

Q.What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India?

1.To supply credit to small business units.

2.To supply credit to small and marginal farmers.

3. To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5)Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change (Difficulty level: Moderate)

In the questions current affairs influence was visible. The major focus areas were:

Biodiversity based questionsfor example questions ongharial, lion translocation, m-stripes, etc.This has been a trend of past couple of years.

National parks and Tiger reserves remain important.

International organisations remain important (TRAFFIC, Global Climate Change Alliance)

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):

1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q. If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?

(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves

(b) Chambal River

(c) Pulicat Lake

(d) DeeporBeel

6) Science and Technology (Difficulty level: Moderate)

The questions on Science and Technology were clearly focused on application of Science in day to day life. Hence, most of the questions were directly from current affairs and were moderate in answering after logical deduction.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?

1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.

2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.

3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q.The terms Event Horizon, Singularity, String Theory and Standard Model are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe

(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses

(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth

(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

7) Current Affairs (Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate)

In all 22 questions were directly from Current Affairs (CA), but the influence of CA in giving a shape to core and concept questions remained quite high.

In all, it was a fine balance between direct CA and CA highlighted Core and related Concepts.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.The term Digital Single Market Strategy seen in the news refers to

(a) ASEAN

(b) BRICS

(c) EU

(d) G20

(Direct CA)

Q.With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:

1. A private members bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India.

2. Recently, a private members bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only

(b)2 only

(c)Both 1 and 2

(d)Neither 1 nor 2

(CA highlighted Core and related Concepts- Transgender Bill, a Private Member Bill was in news.)

C.Other observations:

Questions from Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of important originations/Institutions were asked.

Questions were directly asked from the Homepage of the important organisations/institutions.

Fine examples of questions asked are given here under:

Q.For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by

(a) anyone residing in India.

(b) a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.

(c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.

(d) any citizen of India.

(FAQs section of E.C.)

Q.With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?

1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

(From Homepage of UN-Habitat)

Conclusion:

Final verdict: Moderately difficult

History may or may not be influenced or highlighted by current events so comprehensive knowledge for attempting History questions is must. Thus, barring History section which was relatively difficult to tackle, rest of the sections can easily be handled by any conceptually enriched and current affairs updated aspirant.

Key Focus Area: Aspirants should inculcate skills like: - art of focused reading, reading between the lines, interconnections, interpretation, rational guessing, and rational ignorance. All these will help in substantially reducing the errors.

Finally, strong basics are required to inculcate the above skills, and for the basics core basic books remain completely relevant and reliable.

( DP Singh is consultant Raus IAS study circle. The analysis of Civil Services Preliminary GS Paper 1 Examination, 2017 has been provided by Raus IAS Study Circle, a private institute. HT does not take the responsibility for any of its findings.)
The Sonipat police arrested a taxi driver on Thursday in a major breakthrough in the MG Road incident where two students were harassed and groped by two men on Friday night.

We identified Ravinder, a taxi driver and a resident of a village in Delhi, through the CCTV camera footages. He was arrested early morning from Gurgaon on Thursday, SHO Rishikant, Rai police station, told HT.

Rishikant said that it was clear in the CCTV footage that Ravinder was standing besides the two girls and tried harassing them later.

He has also revealed the name of one of his friends and we are trying to locate him as well, he said.

Ashwin Shenvi, Sonipat Superintendent of Police, said that though the case was registered in Sonipat, they had shared the information with the Gurgaon police. After going through the CCTV footages, we identified the man and the Gurgaon police helped us nab him, Shenvi said.

The accused will be presented before a magistrate on Thursday. The Sonipat police will be transferring the case to the Gurgaon police for further probe.

The two students had gone out to enjoy at MG Road on Friday night. They bought liquor and were returning to their home nearby when they were harassed, taken for sex workers and groped by two men.

One of the two girls also took to Facebook to narrate her ordeal but the incident came to light when they registered an FIR at the Rai police station in Sonipat on Monday evening.
Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who has her own feminist book club, loves recommending books and instil the love of reading among her fans.

So it was no surprise that the 27-year-old tweeted on Wednesday she would be hiding copies of the Margaret Atwoods dystopian novel The Handmaids Tale around Paris. She was in the city of love for the premiere of her upcoming film The Circle.

Watson partnered with The Book Fairies, an organisation that hides books around cities and lets book lovers discover and read them. She also left handwritten notes inscribed in French along with the books.

We are thrilled to welcome Emma once again as a book fairy, this time in Paris. We are having fun finding great places to hide The Handmaids Tale and look forward to hearing from people who find, Cordelia Oxley, who runs The Book Fairies, told The Bookseller.

I'm hiding copies of The Handmaid's Tale in Paris! Je cache des copies de La Servante Ecarlate dans tout Paris! #OSSParis @the_bookfairies  pic.twitter.com/SvwjYqm1G3  Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 21, 2017

Fans all over social media couldnt control their excitement and were all enthusiastic about discovering the copies of Atwoods book. A couple of fans found not just the novel but also Watson at her films premiere.

Two lucky finders of The Handmaid's Tale in Paris were also lucky enough to meet Emma on the red carpet for #TheCircle! #OSSParis  pic.twitter.com/jmCS3nFL9D  The Book Fairies (@the_bookfairies) June 21, 2017

While some were elated to get their hands on the hidden copies, others wished if they could get this lucky.

Everyone in Paris right now: pic.twitter.com/DGC8ErG2Q2  Megan Flockhart (@meganflockhart) June 21, 2017

I wish I was in Paris right now  Naveen.K.Chowdary (@naveen3498) June 21, 2017

Before this, the actress had also taken to hiding books at the London Underground and New York Citys subway.

Atwoods 1985 novel has been adapted into a dramatic and critically-lauded television series, starring Elisabeth Moss. It is also the months selection of her online book club Our Shared Shelf.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower star, who launched Our Shared Shelf on Goodreads in January 2016, encourages members to read a book that she recommends for the month. She has included literary classics, feminist must-reads, memoirs written by women, and other genres in her list.
The Congress on Wednesday attacked Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan for humiliating those getting subsidized foodgrains by asking them to paint I am extremely poor on the walls of their houses.

Its a sick joke. If the state government provides them ration under the Food Security Act, its their legal right, and not a charity from the government. It proves the BJP governments at the Centre and in states are anti-poor, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said at a press conference here.

To segregate the poor from the relatively well-to-do in Rajasthans Dausa district, the administration asked them to paint I am extremely poor on the walls of their houses if they want to avail subsidised ration. Hundreds of households in Sikrai and Bandikui tehsils were painted with this description with yellow colour used in the background on the walls.

We have to suffer this humiliation for 10 kg of wheat. It has become difficult to hold our head high, Santra Devi of Kundera Dungar village said. The plight of other villagers who are in BPL category is similar. Many villagers have removed the signs and are not availing themselves of the benefits.

Additional collector Dausa, KC Sharma, told HT that district administration had not given any such directive. The zila parishad could have issued the directive as there were complaints of misuse of the Food Security Act by those who are not eligible. I will look into this complaint, he said.

Citing official figures of suicide by farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Manish Tewari also attacked Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh for claiming that no state has done as much for farmers as the BJP-ruled state.

In 2016, 1,600 farmers committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh; the figures stood at 6,076 from 2011 to 2015. These figures are not of the Congress, but of the national crime records bureau. Yet, the agriculture minister of India says no state has done as much for farmers as Madhya Pradesh. This is a shameful statement, which should be condemned, said Tewari. Madhya Pradesh has been on the boil since the death of six farmers in police firing early this month, with the Congress joining the farmers in holding agitation programmes against Shivraj Singh Chouhan government.
Farming is not something that came naturally to 65-year-old S Ranganayaki. Widowed at the age of 45, with three children to take care of, and 23 acres (9.3 hectares) of cultivable land along the Cauvery delta region, she had no choice but to take up farming.

Now, with Tamil Nadu in the midst of a drought said to be the worst in decades, she is wondering whether she made the right decision.

Ironically, it was Ranganayakis efforts around a decade ago that brought water to over 1,400 acres of land, spanning 13 villages and benefiting dozens of farmers.

It was difficult to be a woman farmer, she says, Initially, people refused to take me seriously. It was not until I started fighting for the desilting of the Raja canal along the Veeranam Lake that the men realised I was serious about farming.

In 2001, when Ranganayaki took over her farmlands in Vadamur village near the Veeranam lake in Tamil Nadus Cuddalore district, she realised that water supply for farming could be improved by desilting the Raja canal. This 10-km long canal is the primary source for irrigating 1,300 acres of farm land, spanning 13 villages. But it had not been desilted in decades, and officials were reluctant to take up the project.

S Ranganayaki leads a campaign on in Tamil Nadu.

Without the canal, farmers had to rely on borewells, which are expensive and were not enough to meet the agricultural demands, she explains.

Read | Tamil farmers strike over, but agrarian crisis looms large

In 2003, Ranganayaki started her campaign to desilt the canal by approaching the Public Works Department. When that failed, she employed her own tractor and labourers to clear a part of the canal. She spent over Rs 1 lakh, money she could ill-afford at the time, and managed to desilt around 3 km of the canal, bringing water to 400 acres of land.

This managed to wake up the authorities, and the collector then sanctioned Rs 1.75 lakh to clear the canal in 2007-08, after which the annual release of water to the Raja canal became an event, she says proudly.

R Kaviarasu, a farmer from Kaduvuli Chavadi, describes Ranganayakis efforts as path-breaking. In the past 10 years, there have been very few farmer suicides in this area, and that is in most part thanks to Ranganayakis efforts in bringing water to the region, he says. According to him, she made sure that the government took action in an area where farmers had started to give up hope.

While she has made a name for herself in the farming community, Ranganayaki is unhappy with the situation of her own lands. With an 80% deficit rainfall and no Cauvery water, her fields are lying fallow since last November. Paddy is the major crop, and on average she gets around 5,000 kg per hectare in a good year. In the last few years she had switched to organic paddy, and the yield had reduced a bit.

Last year, however, was particularly bad. Droughts are typically a part of the farming cycle, and some years are not as good as others, but what we are facing is a lack of planning on the part of the official machinery, she says.

The floods in 2015 meant that she lost a majority of crops in the Navarai season (December to January). Since then, it has been a downward spiral, she says. While she managed to cultivate around 10 of her 23 acres of land for the Samba season (August), by the end of 2016 the lack of rainfall meant that she had to leave her lands fallow. It felt strange. I fought to bring water to the farmers around me, and I have no water to cultivate my own lands, she says.

In the last few years, after her daughter died of cancer, Ranganayaki decided to switch to organic farming. I find some peace in the practice, but now that my lands have been lying mostly fallow for almost a year, I am now looking to find different ways to replenish the water, she says.

In 2016, she started a campaign to rid agricultural lands of the small Karuvelam tree (Prosopsis juliflora), a species native to South America and West Africa that was introduced to Tamil Nadu almost a half century ago as fuel wood, but which has now become an invasive weed.

I met some agricultural scientists who explained how these thorny brushes absorbed a lot more water than regular crops. These bushes grow along many of the farmlands and villages, and when I realised that simply cutting them could help us save water, I started to raise awareness on the need to eliminate these plants. By the time the Madras High Court had ordered the uprooting of the Karuvelam trees [in 2015], the farms around the Raja canal had already got rid of them, she says.

Now, Ranganayaki is working with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to help raise awareness on conservation of water in village tanks and canals. I am working with farmers in my area, as well as near Chidambaram, to help identify the canals and understand why they are drying up so quickly, she says. They are currently collecting data from the villagers to try and understand what can be done, so a suitable project can be undertaken.

While there is no water in most tanks and wells at present, Ranganayaki is hopeful that there will be a resolution to the problem soon. I am sure that if the farmers and the government work together, we can find a solution to end the drought and help us continue farming for years to come, she says confidently.

(Published in arrangements with GRIST Media)

This is Part 4 of our series, #BeingAFarmerNow. Part 1 focused on the new age farmers of Madhya Pradesh while Part 2 examined how big-ticket projects cheat farmers out of their land and Part 3 talked about how loan waivers are just be a temporary relief.
Sometime relief and disappointment can come together. The father of a rape survivor, who has been missing since June 10, learnt this the hard way on Thursday.

After running from pillar to post for more than 10 days, the beleaguered father succeeded in registering a missing persons case. Police in Katihar district, 300 kms east of Patna, registered an FIR after the Hindustan Times on Thursday carried a report: Rape victim goes missing;10 days on, Bihar police yet to register complaint.

But the relief was short lived. His daughter, who was allegedly raped by a police constable at Balram village of the district, had flunked the Class 10 examination of Bihar board, the results of which were announced on Thursday.

The Class 10 examinations were held soon after she was raped in February, the victims father told HT over phone. She was a good student and if the unfortunate incident had not taken place she would have passed in first division, he added. My daughter was under trauma and tremendous stress after the incident and was not in a proper frame of mind to take the examination, he added.

But I am relieved that my complaint has been registered at Amdabad police station more than 10 days after my daughter went missing, he said, adding that he was hopeful she would be soon rescued.

The station house officer (SHO) of Amdabad was a changed man on Thursday. He called me to the police sation, offered me a chair and then registered the FIR, the father of the missing rape survivor said. He suspected that the police constable, accused of rape, could have kidnapped his daughter.

The police have also intensified the search for the missing girl. Prima facie, it appears to be a matter of elopement. But we are not leaving anything to chance, police said. The girl would soon be traced, the police said and added that she could be probably in neighbouring West Bengal.

We have launched a manhunt to nab the accused constable. Our priority is to recover the girl, SHO Ajeet Kumar said.

The victims father had on Wednesday alleged that the accused cop had threatened his daughter that she and her father would be killed if they did not withdraw the rape case against him.

The police have registered an FIR, naming constable Khushi Lal Mandal of Balrampur village as an accused, but he is yet to be arrested.
In a veiled reference to Pakistan, India has asked the UN member states to find the source from where the anti-government elements in Afghanistan were getting weapons, training and funds to fight one of the biggest collective military forces in the world.

We see a growing tendency of treating violence in Afghanistan as a routine occurrence. Brutalities by terrorist and criminal networks are ignored under the label of anti- government elements or a consequence of a civil and political conflict. In doing so, we appear to be failing in asking some crucial questions, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on Wednesday.

Mincing no words, Akbaruddin, speaking at a Security Council debate on Afghanistan, questioned where are these anti-government elements were getting their weapons, explosives, training and funding from.

Where do they find safe havens and sanctuaries? How is it that these elements have stood up against one of the biggest collective military efforts in the world? How is it that these elements collaborate with the worlds most dreadful terrorists in killing and brutalising the Afghans?, he asked.

Akbaruddins remarks appeared to be a veiled reference to Pakistan, which is accused by both India and Afghanistan of supporting, training and funding terrorist groups.

He also asserted that the international community should not differentiate between good and bad terrorists, as he admonished attempts to play one group against the other.

The Taliban, Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Daesh, Lashkar- e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others of their ilk are all terror organisations, many of them proscribed by the UN. They should be treated like terrorist organisations with no justifications offered for their activities, he said.

With Afghanistan reeling from terror attacks targeting hospitals, schools, funerals, international development agencies and diplomatic missions in recent months, Akbaruddin said such attacks seem to be aimed at sending a message to a nation trying to stand on its feet.

Clearly, the international community is dealing in Afghanistan with an adversary who is not averse to flagrantly violating international humanitarian and human rights laws; an adversary flush with resources, weapons and operational support; an adversary that has access to sanctuaries outside the sovereignty of Afghanistan, he said.

Akbaruddin lamented that the recent multiple crises inflicted on the war-torn country have again made Afghan territory attractive for criminal and terrorist groups, which seem well connected to international terror and crime networks that prey themselves on the resources of Afghanistan.

This situation affects the security in South and Central Asian regions and beyond, he said. The international communitys collective inability and unwillingness to see the problem for what it is has inflicted huge costs on the people of Afghanistan.

He also criticised the Security Council for at times even shying away from condemning some of the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. Is it that they are far too many to keep track of? Is it because there is a threshold below which human lives lost to terrorism are not required to be addressed, he added.
Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts stretched, pulled and lunged on coloured mats in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday to celebrate International Yoga Day.

Hundreds of people practise yoga on the occasion of the International Yoga Day in Tel Aviv on June 21, 2017. (AFP)

Some 1,500 mats printed with artwork depicting Israels future were laid out for the event in Rabin Square.

People walk on 1500 yoga mats, printed with an artwork and placed together to form the artwork, during an event marking International Yoga Day, at Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, on June 21, 2017. (Reuters)

This is the third International Yoga Day and we have basically an amalgam, a mix of all different yoga schools here in one place, said volunteer Yuav Yenen.

People practice yoga in Tel Aviv on June 21, 2017. (REUTERS)

Other mass yoga sessions were held in China, Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 50,000 people in an outdoor yoga session in Lucknow.

Modi has pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline that is estimated to be worth around $80 billion.
Fed up with alleged harassment meted out by village officials, a farmer committed suicide in front of the village office in Kozhikode district on Wednesday night.

The body of K J Thomas (57) alias Joy was found hanging in front of the village office and a suicide note recovered from the body blamed officials for the death.

Joys relatives said officials refused to accept land tax from him citing some excuses and forced him to make many rounds to the office.

Tension gripped Chakittapara village after angry residents prevented police from removing the body. Later, district collector U V Jose rushed to the village and suspended the village assistant P Sireesh and promised action against others. He also directed the officials to accept the tax immediately.

Family members said village officials had been harassing Joy for quite some time saying their registration papers were not there in revenue records.

Last year the family had to stage a dharna outside the office and tax was accepted after the intervention of higher officials. They alleged that officials had sought a heavy bribe from him for correcting the anomalies in revenue records.

A couple of days back, Joy had threatened to commit suicide if village officials continued to harass him like this, but they ignored him.

Joy is survived by his wife and three children.

State revenue minister E Chandrasekharan has sought a report from the district collector.

The sad incident should have been averted. We will not leave officials responsible for this, he said.

Opposition Congress and BJP called a shutdown in the area.

Last year in Thiruvananthapuram a rubber tapper had set fire to a village office after officials delayed title deed of his land for almost eight years.

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Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday loan waiver has become fashion now and should be waived in extreme situations only.

Loan waiver has become fashion now. It should be waived but in extreme situations only. Its not a final solution. You have to take care of systems. The farmers should be taken care in distress, Naidu said at Indias largest municipal bond programme in Mumbai.

Naidus remarks come days after finance minister Arun Jaitley ruled out any waiver of farm loan and said the Centre will adhere to fiscal targets.

On Wednesday, Karnataka government announced it will waive off cooperative bank loans to farmers, becoming the latest state to offer a write-off amid growing farm unrest in the country.

The move follows Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab announcing loan waivers and a violent rural strike demanding debt relief in Madhya Pradesh, which left five farmers dead in police firing in Mandsaur.

In Maharashtra, ruled by the BJP, farmers are clamoring for a bailout after two years of drought and falling commodity prices. In Punjab, known as Indias grain bowl, the Congress won last months election partly on the promise of a farm loan waiver.

In southern Tamil Nadu, reeling from dry weather, a court asked the state government to write off loans to all farmers. Farmers from the southern state recently protested in New Delhi, showing the skulls of neighbours who had committed suicide to press their demand for drought relief and loan write-offs.

The outburst of discontent poses a challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promised to double farmers incomes over the next five years.

(With inputs from ANI)
From violent protests against a military airbase planned on farmland to increasing desperation among onion growers ahead of the monsoon rain, fresh farm protests swept through parts of western and central India on Thursday.

Hundreds of farmers held up traffic, clashed with security personnel and burned down four police vehicles to protest against a proposed airbase on the outskirts of Mumbai, leaving at least 26 people, including policemen, injured. They were demanding their land acquired by the government be returned.

Local resentment had been building against plans to revive a World War II airbase at Nevali, about 45 km northeast of Mumbai. But Thursdays protests took an unexpected violent turn with stick-wielding protesters blocking a busy local road and clashing with police.

In Madhya Pradesh, tempers flared as 15,000 tractors and pickups laden with onion queued up for a third day to sell at wholesale markets before the monsoon rain begins to spoil the produce. The state also saw four more farmers commit suicide over the past 24 hours, including one in chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans constituency, after failing to repay crop loans.

Anger among farmers has grown across several states, over dwindling crop income largely because of a supply glut and a cash crunch triggered by the governments demonetisation move last November. This year, four states have announced financial bailouts to assuage farm distress.

Farmland acquisition for industrial and infrastructure projects has also long been a lightning rod for protests in India with farmers often accusing authorities of forcibly taking away land or acquiring it cheaply.

The violence in Nevali village started around 8 am, police said. Officers and reinforcements were sent from nearby Thane. Many locals said they reacted after police used batons on the protesters, including women. They also said police had fired at them.

We have been protesting silently (for some time). Since the government failed to take our demands into consideration, we had to protest violently, said Hemant Bhal, a resident of the nearby Bhal village.

People living in the village dont have their own land. They have to live on rent.

An assistant police commissioner was among the injured. Some of our policemen suffered injuries while trying to control the situation, said an officer who did not wish to be named.

More than 700 km to the north, farmers in Madhya Pradesh despaired over a different challenge  how to sell their annual onion crop before the onset of the monsoon rains.

The state has seen a glut of onion, potato and tomato crops this year, leading to a spate of suicide among farmers unable to repay crop loans. The government then offered to buy some of the produce but the procurement hasnt been uniform across the state or fast enough to beat the rains.

Raja Sawalia, a 47-yerar-old farmer from Sehore district, said he has been waiting for three days to sell 60 quintals of onion at a wholesale market near Bhopal.

He is afraid if it rains now his onions will start to rot and the government will not buy them.

I am hoping to sell the onions for about Rs 50,000, Sawalia said.

It will help me pay off my loans and for my kids school and college.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra government has appealed to all its employees, ministers, ministers of state, bureaucrats, members of the legislature as well as the police force to donate a days salary in July for the welfare of the wives and children of farmers who have committed suicide.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will also set aside a days salary for the cause.

The state general administration department issued a notification on Wednesday saying the donation would be completely voluntary, and will be aggregated in the chief ministers relief fund.

The state government has been thinking of ways to raise funds to brace the drought-like situation in the state and to extend monetary help for the wives of farmers who have committed suicide and the education of their children, the state government said in the notification.

The heads of all government departments, government and semi-government institutions, zilla parishads, panchayat samitis, municipalities and municipal corporations, public undertakings and state corporations should bring this to the notice of their employees and seek their permission to donate a days salary, it added.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has decided that all its elected representatives will pledge a months salary for farmers welfare, but will not contribute to the chief ministers relief fund.

Senior Sena minister, Diwakar Raote, said all members of Parliament (MPs), members of the legislative assembly (MLAs), corporators and panchayat samiti members will set aside a months salary to be given as relief to farmers in debt. He added, We will consult the chief secretary to find out under what budget head our contribution should be aggregated.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has also decided to contribute Rs10 lakh for the cause.

The party backed the recent farmers stir and even took to the streets to protest against its ally, the BJP.

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Opposition parties named former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as their candidate for the next President of India on Wednesday, setting the stage for a contest between two Dalit leaders on July 17.

Kumar, the daughter of former deputy prime minister Jagjivan Ram, is pitted against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Ram Nath Kovind, who is the favourite to succeed President Pranab Mukherjee.

Still, Kumars candidature is being seen as a well-considered move that can bring pressure on leaders who broke ranks with the opposition over these polls, especially Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for backing a BJP candidate and not a Dalit woman from his state.

The fielding of Meira Kumar is also seen as an attempt by the opposition to undercut the BJPs outreach to Dalits through Kovinds candidature. Shortly after the meeting attended by 17 opposition parties, BSP chief Mayawati announced her support for Meira Kumar, who had made her Parliament debut by defeating the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister from Bijnor in 1985. Mayawati had said she would support Kovind if the opposition didnt pick a Dalit candidate.

Meira Kumars candidature was announced by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. We do hope that other parties also join us, Gandhi said, in what many felt was a signal to JD (U) Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision.

All 17 political parties have unanimously proposed name of #MeiraKumar ji for forthcoming #PresidentialElection: GN Azad in opposition meet pic.twitter.com/IRsXfSvIqB  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

But Nitish Kumars ally in government and RJD chief, Lalu Prasad, was more direct, saying the Bihar chief minister should not make a historic blunder by supporting the NDA candidate.

Thursdays meeting, also attended by former NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Dal, also discussed the names of Gopal Krishna Gandhi, Prakash Ambedkar and economist Balchandra Mungekar.

A diplomat-turned-politician, Kumar was Indias first woman Speaker in the Lok Sabha.

Kovinds victory is a fait accompli with the NDA and others including the BJD, the AIADMK, the TRS, and the YSR Congress taking the tally past a comfortable majority in an electoral college that has about 11 lakh votes.

At Thursdays meeting, NCP leader Sharad Pawar proposed three names: Sushil Kumar Shinde, Bhalchandra Mungekar and Meira Kumar. RJD leader Lalu Yadav supported Meira Kumar; as the CPI(M) favoured Prakash Ambedkar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi.

The BSP, represented by Satish Chandra Mishra, supported Meira Kumars candidature.

While Sonia Gandhi said there was no anguish over Nitish Kumars absence, Lalu Yadav said parties should appeal to the JD (U) chief to reconsider his decision to support an NDA candidate.

Soon after Kumars name was finalised, Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Derek oBrien of the Trinamool Congress, CPI-Ms Sitaram Yechury and other leaders signed her nomination papers.

She is likely to file her nomination on June 27 or 28.
Raja Sawalia (47), a farmer of Sehore district stares with foreboding at the looming monsoon clouds as he stands behind hundreds of tractor-trolleys brimming with onions waiting their turn to sell them at the Karond mandi in Bhopal.

Will his turn come before the monsoon sets in and damages his over 60 quintals of onion loaded in two tractor-trolleys? He has been standing here for the past three days and he is nowhere near the mandi gates. He is apprehensive that once his onions become soggy and start rotting, the authorities wont buy it. I am hoping to sell the onions at around Rs 50,000; it will help me just pay off my loans, with enough left for by kids school and college fees.

With monsoon likely to hit the state within the next two days according to the meteorology department, Sawalias predicament captures the hope and fear that thousands of farmers are facing as they are anxiously waiting their turn in the 65 purchasing centres throughout the state.

Some farmers like Naushad Khan (53) from a village in Berasia road got so fed up with the unending wait outside the mandi that he decided to sell his onions directly to the consumers in Gyaraso quarters  which is illegal  at Rs 8 per kg. However, he is being harassed by BMC who often shoo him away and also ask for bribes. I am desperate. I have to sell the onions and go back home. I cannot wait this long as I have to prepare my fields for the Kharif crop.

Read more: MP farmer protest: Death toll goes up to 17 after 2 more commit suicide

The lifeline given to farmers of Madhya Pradesh by the governments decision to procure onions at the rate of 8 per kilogram might have given it a breather from the ongoing farmers agitation, but the actual relief to farmers still remains to be seen.

Though officials are not saying it loud but rotten onion wont be purchased. Says P C Meena, agriculture production commissioner, This is for you to understand. Who will buy rotten onions? But the onions we have purchased are our responsibility.

But one thing is certain - the government is staring at an estimated loss of between Rs 500- 600 crores, according to those familiar with the development in the onion front, thanks to the lack of expertise by the procuring, storing and distributing agencies.

An official who did not want to be quoted said if we add the transportation cost of Rs 8 to 10 per kg, the cost of per kg of onion comes at Rs 18, and we are going to sell it at Rs 2, a clear loss of Rs 16 per kg.

Markfed, the onion procuring agency, managing director Dnyaneshwar Patil said that so far they have procured 3.6 lakh metric tonne, but they estimate that this figure will go up to at least 5 or even 6 lakh metric tonne. But that is still only 15 to 20% of the estimated bumper production of 34 lakh metric tonne this year in Madhya Pradesh.

Patil agrees that his agency and neither the State Civil Supplies department which has been given the task of storing, distributing and selling the onions has the expertise either to store or sell a perishable commodity like onion. And distributing it to all corners of the state to be sold through PDS shops at Rs 2 per kg will be a major challenge, he admits.

Hitesh Bajpai the chairman of the state civil supplies corporation knows that the government is staring at a huge loss.

It would be wrong to say that we are fully prepared. We do not have enough capacity to store the onions which we are purchasing so we are trying to sell them though auction. This year our loss due to wastage might be more than last year when the government purchased onion worth Rs 62.8 crores. Our aim is to minimize this loss, he candidly admits.
The ruling party in Madhya Pradesh is accused of writing my house belongs to BJP on the walls of several homes in the Shahpura locality of the capital city, allegedly after a failed membership drive.

The neighbourhood of around 4,000 people is considered a Congress stronghold and is one of the oldest in the city. The slogan was allegedly painted without permission of the homeowners.

The nameplate in my house clearly mentions my name and post in the Congress  still they wrote the slogan on my wall. Two weeks ago they came for a membership drive. When people didnt show interest, they wrote slogans in revenge, said Bhopal district Congress general secretary Pyare Khan on Thursday.

The BJP dismissed the allegation, saying the slogans and posters were part of the publicity for the membership drive.

We have not forced anybody  the slogan was painted randomly for advertisement and not to take revenge, said BJP corporator Sushma Babees, who led the membership drive.

BJP legislator Surendra Nath Singh clarified that the drive was held across the nation and writing slogans and pasting posters are part of it. If it causes trouble for people, I will look into it.

The partys response failed to calm frayed nerves in the locality.

Local Congress leader Ashok Sharma said: When they were writing on my wall, my family objected. But they didnt listen.

Congress leaders said they would lodge complaints with the Election Commission and police for forcing people to become BJP members.

The BJP leaders and workers are acting like goons and we wont allow them to create problems for people, district Congress president PC Sharma said.

Residents are worried the message could create problems for them.

I am a government employee and if somebody lodges a complaint accusing me of being a political partys supporter, disciplinary action could be taken against me, said a man who didnt wish to be named.

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Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel said on Thursday he is not overly pessimistic about employment scenario in the IT sector, pointing out that mushrooming startups can compensate for job losses.

The comments came almost simultaneously with industry lobby Nasscom guiding towards a slowdown in export revenue growth at 7-8% in 2017-18 as against the 8.6% achieved last fiscal.

There have been reports pointing to big IT firms laying off people and going slow on hiring.

I think we dont have to be overly pessimistic at this stage, Patel said at an IMC event here amid growing concern over jobs in the $160-billion IT sector.

While there could be pressure on employment in some of the IT sectors, it is not necessarily in terms of literally a job destruction, but may be the growth rate is affected by what is happening. The number of startups in that same space is almost compensating for most of this, he said.

Patel said there is a contradiction between what the reports say and what he hears from the industry. When you talk to businesses themselves, I rarely hear about jobs destruction, he said.

In the past few months a number of IT majors such as Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM and Tech Mahindra have either announced or are believed to be mulling job cuts. Some analysts says job losses could run into lakhs. At present, the IT industry employs over four million people directly.

Increasing automation and protectionist policies in the developed world, especially the US which is the biggest market for the sector, are being blamed for the reverses.

Patel strongly defended Indias open trade policies on external trade relations and advocated continuing with them, saying the country has benefited from those.

Unequivocally, Indias position should be for an open trading system, he said, adding that we should stick to it despite the changes adopted in a few countries.

As a $2.3 trillion dollar economy at market exchange rates, our voice does count and for the most part we have benefited from an open trading system, he said.
Kripya baith jaiye, shaant ho jaiye (please sit down, be quiet): then Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar would say these words softly and mellifluously many a time every day to calm down agitated MPs in the Lok Sabha. Her gentle persuasiveness didnt always work and an MP from Madhya Pradesh once even requested her not to use shaant, claiming that it was used for dead people in his state. But Kumar wouldnt give up her gentle, persuasive style.

Nominated as the presidential candidate by 17 opposition parties on Thursday, she would need to use the same persuasiveness as she embarks on a countrywide campaign to seek support from lawmakers for what already seems to be a lost battle. She would, however, be the face of the oppositions symbolic, ideological fight against the ruling BJP.

Daughter of former deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram, Kumar, 72, shares many similarities with the NDAs presidential nominee, Ram Nath Kovind. Both are Dalits, studied law, were active politicians and describe reading as favourite pastime. Kovinds was Governor of Bihar, Kumars home state, and she entered politics from Bijnor, his state.

Kumar went to prestigious institutions, Dehradun-based Welham Girls School, and then Indraprastha College and Miranda House in Delhi for her Masters and LLB, before getting into the Indian Foreign Service in 1973. After 15 years in service, the diplomat took a plunge in politics. Kumar got elected to the Lok Sabha five times  the first from Bijnor in 1985 when she defeated Mayawati and Ram Vilas Paswan. She went on to become a Cabinet Minister in Manmohan Singh government before occupying the Lok Sabha Speakers post in 2009.

In her long illustrious career, she had her share of controversies, too. She landed in a controversy for occupying a bungalow in Lutyens Delhi by getting her fathers erstwhile residence converted into a memorial, even as she occupied another ministerial bungalow. A bill of Rs 1.98 crore due to her was waived off by the UPA government as she was not occupying the bungalow.

Like her father, Kumar too had a troubled relation with the Congress for a while. She quit the party in 2000 and returned two years later. There was no stopping for the five-term parliamentarian after getting re-elected from Sasaram, her fathers constituency, in 2004.

Kumars candidature for the presidents post is unlikely to swing the balance in UPAs favour in the July 17 election, but her presence will make it a closely watched contest between two Dalit leaders. It is going to be battle between Bihars former governor and beti (daughter) . .

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Opposition parties will meet in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon to decide their choice of candidate for the July 17 Presidential election.

The meeting will be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a day after Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars party Janata Dal-United (JD-U) decided to support the NDAs Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

Today, in the opposition parties meeting which shall be chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, these issues (Presidential candidate) would be discussed, Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said.

Let us see what comes out of the meeting, he said.

Reacting to the JD-Us decision to support Kovind, Kharge said, Nitish Kumars party JD-Us announcement to support Kovind is his decision.

Earlier in the opposition parties meeting, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav had advised not to decide on the Presidential candidate in a hurry, he added.

Sharad Yadav was also a member of the sub-committee formed by the opposition parties to decide their presidential candidate.

Sonia Gandhi had taken the initiative to talk to opposition parties to evolve a consensus on a presidential poll candidate. Nitish Kumar was among the leaders who met her and JD-U leaders took part in all meetings of the grouping.

The Left parties are keen to put up a candidate against Kovind in what they call an ideological battle.

While some parties have floated the name of former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar as the combined opposition candidate, the other name doing the rounds is of former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who too belongs to the Dalit community.
Pakistan Army on Thursday handed over four Indian nationals, who had inadvertently crossed into the country, to the Indian security forces.

The four Indians had crossed from Wagah and Norowal borders sometime ago. They were arrested and handed over to police for investigation.

The Rangers today handed over four Indian prisoners - Sohan Lal, Suraj Ram, Abdul Majeed and Muhmmd Maqbool Lone - to the Border Security Force at the Wagah border, an official told PTI.

During investigation it transpired that they had inadvertently crossed the border, he said.

India has released 13 Pakistani prisoners including, two children, as a goodwill gesture this month. Most of them had crossed over to India inadvertently.

Earlier in March, India released 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality.

The release of the prisoners came in response to Pakistan freeing 217 Indian fishermen as part of a goodwill gesture in December last year.
The Pakistani armys Border Action Team (BAT) ambushed an Indian patrol and killed two soldiers in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district on Thursday amid heavy artillery and machine gun fire on the frontier.

The Indian army shot dead two BAT gunmen in retaliatory action in the Chakan-da-Bagh area of KG sector along the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two nations.

The slain soldiers, naik Sandip Jadhav and sepoy Savan Mane, both from Maharashtra, were among the 10-member border patrol.

Also, the army shot dead three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants in the morning in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

The killings triggered protests in the area and a young man, Tawseef Hussain Wani, died after a tear smoke shell hit his neck. At least 60 people were wounded in the clashes with security forces.

The militants  Majid, Shakir and Irshad  were from Kashmir. Majid was accused of murdering two village headmen, grenade attacks and a bank robbery.

The mob violence erupted after their burial, forcing security personnel to deploy riot-control measures, police said.

On the border, Pakistan continued to target Indian frontier posts and villages. The shelling provides cover to the BAT, which is a rogue ragtag force of heavily armed terrorists and army regulars.

These teams often sneak into the Indian side of the LoC and ambush patrols.

On May 1, India lost junior commissioned officer Paramjit Singh of Amritsar and BSF head constable Prem Sagar of Dewaria in Uttar Pradesh in a similar attack in the KG Basin sector. The bodies were mutilated and their heads taken away, an act that triggered international outrage against Pakistan.

An army officer said the two slain soldiers on Thursday were not mutilated.

We killed two BAT members but cant say if they were Pakistani soldiers. Another member was grievously wounded. He was helped by his comrades to escape under heavy cover fire from Pakistani posts, he said.

The patrol was moving between two posts and the BAT laid an ambush midway.

The officer said the Pakistanis were 600 meters within India. Its a sneak attack by a typical BAT team comprising five to seven members.

Besides, the army shot dead a militant trying to cross through the LoC in north Kashmirs Keran sector.

The border attack came on a day a 31-member team of Pakistan Rangers offered a chaddar, or ceremonial cloth, at the shrine of Baba Chamliyal at Dugh village in Ramgarh sector, 45 km from Jammu.

They traded sweets, sherbet and niceties with BSF troopers even as the two countries traded fire on the LoC.
Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling has queered the pitch for his Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee by offering support to the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Chamling, who has been in power in Sikkim for nearly 23 years, wrote a letter to Union home minister Rajnath Singh on June 20 (Tuesday) and on Thursday, posted the letter on his Facebook page.

We all are aware that Sikkim and Darjeeling share a very close bond with similarities of language, culture, tradition, caste, food habits etc. As immediate neighbours, we Sikkimese, wish them well forever We have always been there for the people of Darjeeling Hills in times of need and we reiterate that they have our all-out support for the demand of separate state of Gorkhaland, the 66-year-old politician wrote in his post. It was shared by about 1,100 people in the first three hours.

The past three uproarious decades of agitation for the statehood demand in the neighbouring hills has claimed more than 1,000 lives and caused incalculable loss of property and constant threat to security of life, Chamling wrote to Rajnath Singh. The fulfillment of the constitutional demand of the people of the Darjeeling hills, which is deeply connected with the national identity of the Indian Gorkhas, will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism, he added. Creation of Gorkhaland state will also restore permanent peace and prosperity in the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefitted, he added.

Chamlings support to the Gorkhaland movement is likely to add to Banerjees headaches. The Bengal government is aware that activists of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and other hill parties have unhindered access to Sikkim from where they can get logistic support. This will only prolong the agitation.

Read more: Darjeeling unrest: Gurung in hiding, police fear arrest may fan violence

The erstwhile Jyoti Basu government had also faced the same situation in the mid-80s when Gorkha National Liberation Front headed by Subash Ghising carried out an armed struggle that led to the death of 1200 people. Most of the GNLF leaders wanted in connection with attacks and arsons in Darjeeling used to take shelter in Sikkim where they found sympathisers.

Over the past one week, Sikkim has witnessed a series of rallies where people expressed solidarity with the Gorkhaland movement.

Trinamool Congress did not take Chamlings stance in good humour. I hope other states will react responsibly to issues relating to our state, Trinamool Congress secretary general and education minister Partha Chatterjee said in Siliguri.

Political parties in the Darjeeling hills welcomed Chamlings letter to the Union home minister. Any support is important but support from Sikkim is all the more important because we are immediate neighbours, Jan Andolan Party chief Harka Bahadur Chhetri, a former MLA from Kalimpong, told HT.

Chamling also argued in his letter to Singh that disturbances in the Darjeeling hills result in blockade on the landlocked hill states only lifeline, NH 10, and prolonged blockade could lead to security concerns since Sikkim shares international borders with China, Nepal and Bhutan.
If road transport minister Nitin Gadkari has his way, the speed limit on highways and expressways in India could increase up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Currently, only the 165 km Yamuna Expressway connecting Delhi to Agra has a 100 km per hour speed limit. All national highways (NHs) across the country have a speed limit of 80 km per hour.

At a recent review meeting, Gadkari told officials the ministry should consider increasing the speed limit on highways to 100 km per hour and on the upcoming new access controlled expressways to 120 km per hour.

The minister said that with the quality of highways improving and better quality of automobiles being manufactured, it is time that the speed cap on our highways is increased. We are in the process of making a formal proposal, said a highways ministry official.

The ministry will soon set up a committee of experts to deliberate on the issue.

The government has already planned to build 1,000 km of access-controlled expressways. Work has started on some stretches, such as Delhi-Meerut and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Many states in the United States such as Texas have a speed limit of 137 km per hour.

The average speed limit on autobahn, the access controlled highway system in Germany, is 142 km per hour. In some stretches of autobahn, there is no speed limit for some classes of vehicles. But in India, increasing the speed limit is not going to be easy.

However, Gadkaris plan has not gone down well with road safety experts who are piqued at the poor safety standards on roads that witness the highest road accident deaths in the world. In 2015, five lakh road accidents and were reported in India. Speeding accounted for 44% of road accident deaths.

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Tension gripped a village in this district after some persons allegedly slaughtered a cow, prompting the authorities to rush force to ease the situation, the police said on Thursday.

An FIR against was registered against four persons under various provisions of the IPC and the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, a police official said.

The incident occurred in the Mau-Shahjahanpur village.

The incident pertains to June 20, when a cow did not return home after grazing. The next day a frantic search was made. During the search, four persons were seen hiding the head and hide of the cow in the sand near river Ram Ganga, Superintendent of Police (Rural) Subhash Chandra Shakya told PTI.

Heavy police force was deployed in the village, located on the Shahjahanpur-Farrukhabad road, he said.

The accused persons are absconding, the officer added.
The Gujarat forest department on Wednesday arrested four persons for allegedly chasing a lion cub in their car in Visavadar taluka of Junagadh district located close to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, officials said.

A video of the purported incident, which took place on June 17, has gone viral on the social media, drawing flak from animal lovers.

The video, which lasts around one minute, shows the cub running frantically ahead of the car on a narrow path at night to save its life.

Although none of the occupants of the car could be seen in the video, one of them is heard asking the driver in Gujarati to chase the cub: Increase speed, hit it... go fast.. shoot it.. we will not get the chance again.

The cub, however, disappeared into the bushes and escaped unhurt.

Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Junagadh Wildlife Circle, AP Singh said after the incident came to light, the forest officials initiated an inquiry and nabbed the four accused from Bhavnagar on Wednesday.

They were held on charges of endangering the life of a lion cub, the official said. These four men, accused of chasing the cub, were held by the forest officials from Bhavnagar. We also seized their car. We will seek their remand from court to investigate their motive behind this act, Singh said.

According to the official, the video was shot somewhere in Visavadar taluka of Junagadh district on June 17.

Visavadar is close to the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, known as the last abode of Asiatic lions. There are around 523 lions in the sanctuary.

We learned that when they said shoot it, they meant shooting video of the cub on their mobile phone, not shooting the cub with a gun. We are investigating this case from all the angles, Singh said.
Four dalit children, supported by their family, were demonstrating for the past 22 days outside the Barmer collectorate, demanding police investigation into their fathers death.

The family went on hunger strike from Wednesday.

Khetaram Bheel (30) was found dead on the outskirts of Aasada village on May 4. The family alleged that he was murdered, but police claimed that it was an accidental death.

After Khetarams father Prabhu Ram lodged an FIR at the rural police station in Barmer on May 4, police filed the case under section 302 (punishment for murder) of IPC and 3(II)(V) of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Khetarams father Prabhu Ram (65), his mother Leela Devi (62), wife Lehari Devi (28) and his four kids -- Fuli (8), Bhikha Ram (6), Kabbu (3) and Riksha (1) -- started demonstrating outside the collectorate on June 2.

The family members alleged that they were forced to take this step after police took no action for a month. On June 21, the family, including minor kids, started hunger strike. After Leela Devis health worsened, a medical team from the Barmer government hospital treated her.

Family members warned that they will not end the strike till they get justice. Many dalit organisations suppoted the dalit family.

Police are intentionally ignoring justice, said Dalit Aadiwasi Sangarsh Samiti convener Danaram Waghela. Though the case was filed about two months back, police have not started a fair investigation. Apart from justice, Waghela said, they are demanding financial aid to the family under the SC/ST Act.

Waghela warned that the demonstration would continue till police start investigation. Every day, two members of the community will join the hunger strike.

Barmer MP Col. Sonram Choudhary, Urdu Academy chairman Ashraf Ali Khilji, BJP legislator from Chohtan Tarunrai Kaga and former Barmer MP Harish Choudhary met the victims and assured them justice.
The district administration is on high alert as Jats are all set to launch their agitation for quota on Friday by blocking road and rail in Bharatpur.

The move comes even after the OBC commission submitted its report to the state government on Thursday.

Jat leaders have warned that they will block rail and road traffic from 9.30 am on Friday. The main sit-in points are Kherli Mod on Agra-Jaipur national highway-21, Rarah on Mumbai-Delhi railway track, Alwar-Delhi highway and Agra-Bandikui railway track.

Members of Bar Association of Bharatpur, traders and people from all castes have extended support to the agitation. Traders will shut down the market and advocates will also strike to support the agitation.

We are not ready to believe the governments assurance on reservation. The government has accepted the OBC commissions survey report, but we will not call off our stir as the government can delay the notification of quota bill till the upcoming assembly elections in 2018, Jat leader Vishvendra Singh said on Thursday. He said that they want the government to appoint transport minister Yunus Khan for negotiations. Khan will not make false commitments as he is observing Roza. Our blockade, however, will continue, he said.

Convenor of Bharatpur-Dholpur Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti Nem Singh said that the community will celebrate Vishvendra Singhs birthday as struggle day in the form of blockades.

Congress MLA from Kumher-Deeg Vishvendra Singh is an erstwhile royal family member and a patron of Bharatpur Dholpur Jat Aarakshan Sanghars Samiti and has a large following in the Jat community.

Superintendent of police Anil Kumar Tank said that arrangements have been made to maintain law and order and action will be taken against those who break the law or resort to violence. District collector of Bharatpur Narendra Kumar Gupta said sector magistrates have been appointed to oversee the situation and to maintain law and order.

On August 10, 2015, the Rajasthan high court had quashed the 1999 state government order saying that no survey was done before giving reservation to Jats. The court asked the government to set up a commission to review the status of OBC community in Bharatpur and Dholpur districts in four months.
A professor at the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University (JRRSU) who came under scanner for awarding PhD degree to a student in just 10 days in 2014, has now been given charge as the registrar of the university. It is an administrative post.

Prof Tarashankar Sharma was the director of the universitys research centre where the PhD student was enrolled. The student reportedly submitted her thesis on April 16, 2014 and was awarded the doctorate degree on April 26.

As per norms, a PhD thesis submitted by a student is sent to experts, who go through it before giving their report. Later, a viva voce is conducted following which the degree is awarded. Usually, the process, from submission to awarding of the degree, takes three to four months.

After questions were raised at the speed at which the degree was awarded, the then vice-chancellor of the university constituted a two-member committee in December 2014 to enquire into the matter. The committee filed its report in January 2015. In the report, the committee stated that it had sought information from the director of research centre on nine points but the centre failed to furnish the information.

In addition, the committee also expressed distrust over Sharmas administrative abilities and recommended that he should not be given any administrative charge in future. The report also highlighted a number of anomalies at the centre.

In March 2015, BJP legislator from Baran, Pratap Singh, raised a question in the state assembly on the status of the enquiry and action taken, if any. The university responded saying that the action on the committees report was under process.

While the old committees recommendations were never implemented, a new four-member panel was again formed to enquire into the matter.

Anil Bansal, an associate professor at University of Rajasthan and member of the new panel, told HT that the committees head wanted to absolve the accused in the case while the other three members, including him, did not agree to it. We refused to sign the report, said Bansal.

Shrikrishan Sharma, the committees head, refused to comment on the issue.

Contacted, MLA Pratap Singh said that he was unsatisfied with the universitys response. It seems that the enquiry is being deliberately delayed to shield the accused, he said.

Commenting on the matter, university vice-chancellor Prof Vinod Kumar Sharma said that hell have to look at the records before making a statement. He, however, added that there was no favouritism of any sort at the university and everything was taking place as per the rules.

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Three children died while 10 others were injured in lightning struck in a village in Lalitpur as rain lashed various parts of the state on Wednesday.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief over the deaths and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

The CM has announced a financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of those killed in lightning and Rs 4,500 each for the family of the injured.

The state capital recorded maximum of 60.2 mm rainfall while Gorakhpur and Najibabad witnessed 28.4 mm and 15.6 mm rain.

In Lucknow, it started raining since wee hours and continued till 7:30 am. The forecast for Lucknow is partly cloudy sky with rain/thunder showers in some areas.

The maximum and minimum temperature in Lucknow will be around 36 & 22 degrees Celsius.

Elsewhere in the state, rain and thundershowers are likely at few places over east Uttar Pradesh and at many places in west UP, met director JP Gupta said.

Due to rain, the day temperature in Lucknow dipped to 34.7 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal while the minimum temperature was 22.2 degrees  5 degrees below normal.
It was memorable moment for around 125 jail inmates of Model Jail, Gosaiganj who performed yoga to mark International Yoga Day and the event was telecasted live at a screen before Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he performed yoga at Ramabai Ambedkar ground here in the state capital on Wednesday.

Its a big day for us, as we never thought that Modi ji will see us perform yoga live, a jail inmate said as he was told that the yoga session would be telecast before PM Modi.

The yoga session started at around 7amthe same time when the PM began performing yoga at the Ambedkar ground. Since it started raining heavily, the yoga session was carried out at an auditorium. Initially we had planned to carry out the session at the jail lawn. But after it rained, we decided to go for indoor auditorium, said Ambrish Gaur, senior superintendent (jail), Model Jail, Gosai Ganj.

In the yoga session, around 125 jail inmates participated. Jail administration said, since the capacity of the auditorium was low, only 125 inmates could take part in the event. We had plans for 350 jail inmates but rain played the spoilsport, said Gaur.

Gaur said, it was for the first time in the history that any activity of the jail inmates have been telecast live and that too before the PM. Model Jails history goes back to British era, when it used to be a central jail. But after 1949 it was declared as Model Jail.

Jail superintendent said the jail inmates have been regularly performing yoga since its inception and it is a part of their daily routine. He said, the initiative has motivated them.

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Population explosion is on the anvil. According to a UN report, Indias population is expected to surpass Chinas in about seven years. And Nigeria is projected to overtake the United States and become the third most populous country in the world shortly before 2050.

The report by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division forecasts that the current world population of nearly 7.6 billion will increase to 8.6 billion by 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100. It said roughly 83 million people are added to the worlds population every year and the upward trend is expected to continue even with a continuing decline in fertility rates, which have fallen steadily since the 1960s.

John Wilmoth, director of the Population Division, said at a news conference that the report includes information on the populations of 233 countries or areas of the world. The population in Africa is notable for its rapid rate of growth, and it is anticipated that over half of global population growth between now and 2050 will take place in that region, he said. At the other extreme, it is expected that the population of Europe will, in fact, decline somewhat in the coming decades, he added.

Roughly 83 million people are added to the worlds population every year, as per the study. (Shutterstock)

The UN agency forecasts that from now through 2050, half the worlds population growth will be concentrated in just nine countries  India, Nigeria, Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, United States, Uganda and Indonesia. Those nations are listed in the order of their expected contribution to total growth, the report said. During the same period, it added, the populations of 26 African countries are expected to at least double.

Nigeria, currently the worlds seventh largest country, has the fastest growing population of the 10 most populous countries worldwide, and the report projects it will surpass the U.S. shortly before mid-century. The new projections also forecast that China, which currently has 1.4 billion inhabitants, will be replaced as the worlds most populous country around 2024 by India, which now has 1.3 billion inhabitants.

The report, titled The World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision, said fertility has been declining in nearly all regions in recent years. Between 2010 and 2015, Wilmoth said, The worlds women had 2 1/2 births per woman over a lifetime  but this number varies widely around the world.

Europe has the lowest fertility level, estimated at 1.6 births per woman in the most recent period, while Africa has the highest fertility, with around 4.7 births per woman, he said. The report said birth rates in the 47 least developed countries remain relatively high, with population growth around 2.4% a year. While this rate is expected to slow significantly in the coming decades, the U.N. said the combined population of the 47 countries is projected to increase by 33% from roughly 1 billion now to 1.9 billion in 2050.

More and more countries now have fertility rates below the level of roughly 2.1 births per woman needed to replace the current generation, the report said. During the 2010-2015 period, fertility was below the replacement level in 83 countries comprising 46% of the worlds population, it said. The 10 most populous countries with low fertility levels are China, United States, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Vietnam, Germany, Iran, Thailand and United Kingdom, the report said.

In addition to slowing population growth, low fertility levels lead to an older population, the report noted. It forecasts that the number of people aged 60 or above will more than double from the current 962 million to 2.1 billion in 2050 and more than triple to 3.1 billion in 2100. A quarter of Europes population is already aged 60 or over, and that share is projected to reach 35% in 2050 then remain around that level for the rest of the century, the report said.

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The prosecution in the March 1993 Mumbai blasts case on Thursday sought death penalty for five of the six convicted by the designated special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court on Friday.

The five against whom the prosecution sought capital punishment were Mustafa Dossa, Abu Salem, Firoz Khan, Karimullah Khan and Tahir Merchant. The maximum punishment for the offences proved against the sixth, Riyaz Siddique, is imprisonment for life, and the prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for him.

Special public prosecutor Deepak Salvi said the court should take into consideration the number of people who were killed and injured in the series of blasts. 257 people died and 713 others were badly injured. These two figures are sufficient to show the brutality of the act committed by the accused, Salvi said.

Talking about the larger conspiracy which the accused had hatched and the magnitude of the effect it could have caused to the city, had it been materialised, Salvi reminded the designated TADA court that around 1,500 kg of the RDX was brought in the city and it was enough to destroy the entire city of Mumbai. Lots of innocent people have died for no fault of theirs. This should be considered while awarding maximum punishment to the convicts. The special prosecutor pointed out that though India has moved towards abolishing capital punishment, it is widely accepted that in the cases of terrorist attacks, death penalty is the only option available.

Read

1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict fined 2,000 for wasting courts time

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Around 2.30 lakh students have registered online for first year junior college (FYJC) admissions by Thursday, when the website re-opened after repairs. Though the website again slowed down in the evening, the states education department assured it wont crash.

The new admission portal was shut on Wednesday for maintenance after it repeatedly crashed over the weekend. The department has now added extra servers and increased the capacity of existing ones.

On Thursday, the number of applicants, who completed the second part of the form and thus the online registration, shot up to 1.75 lakh. This number was 75,000 before the website was shut on Wednesday.

Education officers believe that almost all aspirants have now signed up for online registrations. I think more or less all students have registered online. We are expecting 4,000 to 5,000 more registrations, said BB Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai region. Last year, 2.33 lakh students had applied for FYJC online admissions.

Chavan added that if the registrations continue at this rate they would not need to extend the June 27 deadline. We will watch the performance of the website for the next few days and if any major problems resurface then we will think about extending the deadline, said Chavan.

Meanwhile, guidance centres said the website slowed down on Thursday evening but the department said they have not received any such complaints. The website was probably slow because such so many students had logged on to it but it could also be a connectivity problem at centres, added Chavan.

Suvarna Sawant, guidance officer, Narayan Guru College of Commerce, Chembur, said, The website was working well till Thursday afternoon, but few students complained that the server slowed down in the evening.

Centres said students faced more issues earlier this week. There were many complaints from students in the first week before the site was fixed but now it looks like the technical problem has been solved, said Hiraman Mali, guidance officer in Ramanand Arya DAV College, Bhandup.

FYJC minority quota cut-offs out for two city colleges

NM College of Commerce and Economics and St Andrews College announced their first merit list for junior college seats for in-house and minority students on Thursday. While cut-offs for commerce and arts streams in the top colleges dipped, the minimum marks required for science and bifocal courses increased by few points.

NM College of Commerce and Economics closed its admissions at 80% for in-house students. This is significantly lower than its last years cut-off of 90.8%. Jimit Shah was the highest scorer at 97.5% among the applicants.

Last week, St Xaviers College, Fort, witnessed a similar trend with its science cut-offs for Christian minority students plummeting to 76.8%, registering a 6% drop, this year. The colleges cut-off for the arts stream also dipped by a couple of points.

On the other hand, in the minority merit list announced by St Andrews College, Bandra, cut-offs for bifocal courses rose compared to previous years. Computer science and Information technology (IT) for science students closed at 85%. IT for commerce and arts students closed at 84.4% and 81%. Bifocal courses are always in demand and their cut-offs rise every year as high scorers opt for them, said Marie Fernandes, principal of the college.

Among the regular courses at the college, commerce stream cut-offs for minority students increased to 80.20% from last years 79.8%. The cut-off for science was 78%, higher than last years 77% last year, but arts saw its cut-off dip to 75.80% from 76% last year.
After reports of inaccurate and hand drawn maps in geography, teachers have pointed out more mistakes in the new state education board social studies textbooks for classes 7 and 9.

Teachers have asked the education department to rectify the mistakes and called for revised versions.

This is the fifth year in a row that the textbooks based on the state board syllabus have been criticised for factual gaffes. Last year, the sociology textbook skirted controversy for containing a sexist remark on the practice of dowry.

More than 17 lakh students use these books every year, but teachers complained that the new ones were misleading students with wrong facts. After Hindustan Times reported the clumsily drawn maps on Wednesday, teachers pointed out at least 10 to 15 more errors.

One of the maps on page 46 of the book shows that Rajasthan receives more rainfall than West Bengal and Assam. Another on page 72 shows that Antarctica is larger than the other continents.

Teachers are worried that similar mistakes will be replicated in the English version of the books, which are yet to hit the stands. These goof-ups are not limited to Marathi books, they will be repeated in the English versions too, said Ravi D, a social studies teacher from Bhandup. He added that Marathi books were translated verbatim to English and the same diagrams and maps were used in them.

These are really silly mistakes that should have been spotted in the early stages of proof-reading, said Vidyadhar Amrute, a retired professor from Sathaye College, Vile Parle, and member of the Mumbai Geography Teachers Association.

Amrute said that some of the members of a panel that was suspended in 2013 for excluding Arunachal Pradesh from the Indian map in the book  an error that forced the department to issue lakhs of corrective stickers for all the new ones. The department is not taking any action against teachers who are responsible for these mistakes. They are reappointed after suspension without any inquiry, said Amrute.

But the states textbook publishing bureau, Balbharti, said that they will not make any corrections unless more people complain. We do not entertain complaints by individual teachers, but if a group complaints come in, we will look into it, said Sunil Magar, director of the bureau.

He added that he had not yet received the geography teachers complaints. If they are valid, we will make the corrections through our monthly magazine, Shikshan Sankraman, he said.

Errors in Class 7 textbooks:

Diagrams on page 4, 5, and 6, show the world map inside a circle, and not a sphere.

Map on page 26 depicting rainfall in India wrongly shows a high equatorial pressure belt in the southern hemisphere.

Class 9:

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is shown underwater.

All the maps on page 1 are clumsily drawn and difficult to understand.

A diagram on salinity-levels across the world, mistakenly shows Chinese coastline as having high salinity.

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A 77-year-old debt-ridden farmer allegedly committed suicide at Khakurdi village in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Wednesday.

Supadu Bhika Pawar set himself ablaze after building his own pyre in the backyard of his house early on Monday, sub-divisional magistrate Ajay More said.

Some locals saw smoke arising from behind his house and rushed in, and took him to the civil hospital which declared him dead.

Pawar had taken a farm loan in the name of his wife and was finding it difficult to pay it off, family members said.

Khakurdi police are conducting further probe.

According to estimates, 1,129 farmers committed suicide between January and May this year. Majority of these suicides are from Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, where farmers practice dryland farming. Many of those who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods dont want to give up their lands because theres no viable alternative.
After farmers got violent while protesting against the land acquisition process at Nevali, Kalyan for the proposed defence airport, Subhash Bhamre, minister of state for defence, has called an urgent meeting to discuss the issue. Bhamre also said farmers should not have resorted to violence.

The defence airport is proposed at the outskirts of Mumbai, where the villagers clashed with the police today, and burned down police vehicles this morning.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has started the process of acquiring around 1600 acres of land in Kalyan and Ambernath talukas of Thane district for an airport.

Local resentment had been building against plans to turn an abandoned World War II airbase into an defence airbase at Nevali, about 45 km northeast of Mumbai. But Thursdays protests took an unexpected violent turn, with farmers whose land had been acquired for the project attacking the police.

Bhamre, who was on tour in Dhule district, immediately left for Delhi and has called a meeting with senior defence officials.

Ganpat Gaikwad, local MLA said he will be meeting chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and demand giving the land back to the farmers.

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Those looking forward to watching ad-free movies on the Tejas Express are in for a disappointment  as the IRCTC is set to hire a contractor to stream free movies, documentaries, programmes and songs on the trains display screens, who will have permission to display advertisements. While hundreds of angry farmers protesting against a proposed defence airport on the outskirts of Mumbai burned down four police vehicles, a 95-year-old woman died after she was knocked down by a speeding car on Wednesday morning. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress party leader Narayan Rane are likely to share a stage at a public function in Kudal, Sindhudurg district later this week. Also, two organic chemistry majors who used their knowledge of chemicals to set up factories that made Mephedrone, recently got arrested by the Mumbai police.

Here are todays top five picks:

1. Movies on Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express no longer ad-free, rly will earn 18 lakh a year through ads

Rs18 lakh in one year  thats how much the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) plans to earn solely through advertisement revenue generated from the high-speed Tejas Express. The IRCTC plans to hire a contractor, who will make arrangements to stream free movies, documentaries, programmes and songs on the trains display screens. Earlier, these were ad-free. However, this is set to change.

2. Uddhav Thackeray, Narayan Rane may share a stage at Sindhudurg this week

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress party leader Narayan Rane are likely to share a stage at a public function in Kudal, Sindhudurg district later this week. The two leaders, who are known for frequently bad-mouthing each other, could face each other for the first time since Rane was expelled from Sena in July 2005.

3. Mumbai hit-and-run: Speeding car knocks down 95-year-old woman, kills her

A 95-year-old woman died after she was knocked down by a speeding car on Wednesday morning. The woman, Shantabai Joshi, was walking on Deen Dayal Road in front of Billeshwar Mahadev temple when a car rammed into her around 7 am. Joshi succumbed to grievous injuries, said a police officer.

4. How two chemistry grads ran a drug start-up, made pots of money and went to jail

Rajkumar Naidu, 36, from Karnataka, and Harischandra Nanasaheb Dorge, 51, from Pune, are not your average start-up owners. The two organic chemistry majors used their knowledge of chemicals to set up factories that made Mephedrone, or MD  a dangerous synthetic drug that has become hugely popular in Mumbai by its street name meow-meow.

5. Farmers torch vehicles over land for airport near Mumbai; at least 25 injured

Hundreds of angry farmers protesting against a proposed defence airport on the outskirts of Mumbai held up traffic, clashed with police and burned down four police vehicles on Thursday. At least 26 people  12 policemen, 12 locals and two mediapersons  were injured in the violence.
Hundreds of angry farmers, protesting against a proposed defence airport on the outskirts of the city, held up traffic, clashed with police and burned down four police vehicles on Thursday. Around 15 policemen, 12 protestors and two media persons were injured.

Two of the protestors, who were severely injured, were shifted to Thane. Two police stations (Manpada police station and Hill line police station) have lodged six cases against more than 500 villagers for attempt to murder, assaulting police on duty, riot sections and other relevant sections of the IPC.

Local resentment had been building against plans to turn an abandoned World War II airbase into a defence airport at Nevali, about 45km northeast of Mumbai. But Thursdays protests took an unexpected turn after farmers whose land had been acquired for the project attacked police personnel.

Defence officials released a statement. The land in reference is owned by ministry of defence/ Indian Navy and the state government land records certify the same, commander Rahul Sinha, chief public relations officer (defence), said in a statement.

The 7/12 extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by the ministry of defence. The navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard defence land from further encroachment. The Maharashtra state government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing police protection and support from state/ district administration and revenue authorities, he said.

The protest began on Thursday morning against the India Navys move to construct a wall in Nevali and soon turned violent.

Around 8am, stick-wielding protesters blocked a busy local road at the Nevali naka with burning tyres and setting seven vehicles on fire, including four police vans. They clashed with police when they tried to disperse the crowd. Police had to use pellet guns to control the mob.

Senior police officials from Thane, who rushed to the spot, requested additional police force for backup. Around 375 policemen, including 32 officers, two State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) platoon containing 30 jawans were deployed at the spot.

The protest was supposed to be a silent one. Suddenly they turned violent and started attacking policemen by pelting them with stones and setting vehicles on fire, said Param Bir Singh, Thane police commissioner.

Union minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre said the farmers should not have resorted to violence.

Bhamre, who was on tour in Dhule district, immediately left for Delhi and called for a meeting on June 27 to discuss the issue. Senior defence officials, two MPs from Thane, Shrikant Shinde, Kapil Patil, and Thane district guardian minister Eknath Shinde are also invited for the meet.

Local MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, however, said he will meet chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The land belongs to the farmers and should be given back to them, Gaikwad told reporters.

Farmland acquisition for industrial and infrastructure projects has long been a lightning rod for protests in India, with farmers often accusing authorities of forcibly taking away land or acquiring it cheaply.

Farmers clashed with police when they tried to disperse the crowd. (HT Photo/Rishikesh Chaudhary)

This year, anger among farmers has also grown across several states, including Maharashtra, over dwindling crop income because of a supply glut and a cash crunch triggered by the governments demonetisation move last November. Several states have announced financial bailouts to assuage farm distress. The British-era airstrip at Nevali is now defunct. The government wants to develop it as a defence airport. Many locals whose land was taken now want it back.

The local farmers claimed their land was taken for the construction of the runway of the airbase during British time and were not returned. I have been fighting for farmers for the past several years and the government is yet to make a final decision about the land. Their land was given on a temporary basis for airbase during British, however, the Indian government took it over. The land was supposed to be returned to the farmers. Without considering our demands, they have started building a compound wall over here, said Tulsiram Mhatre, a farmer. In January this year, hundreds of farmers thronged the airbase and destroyed the tents put up by the authority.
The state government has begun the process of setting aside land, most of which is currently under no-development and agricultural zones, for new towns along the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur expressway.

The state urban development department has proposed to change the reservation of land in 28 villages across five districts  Nagpur, Amravati, Washim, Aurangabad and Ahmednagar  from no-development or agriculture zones to new towns, according to the region plans of the districts. It has invited suggestions and objections from the public on the same.

The Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication Expressway comprises eight lanes that will span 706km from Nagpur to Thane. The expressway will pass through 10 districts and link some of the states most backwards areas, including Vidarbha and Marathwada, to Thane.

The department has also decided to reserve land in 26 other villages for new towns across four districts  Wardha, Buldhana, Jalna and Thane  that have notified draft region plans and the process of preparing final ones is still underway.

Moreover, the government will appoint the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the implementing authority for the expressway, as the New Town Development Authority for these places.

RL Mopalwar, managing director, MSRDC, said, The MSRDC does not plan to acquire land for the nodes along the expressway. We will only plan the development of areas around the interchanges so that there is no haphazard unplanned growth like at Khalapur on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Originally, the state government had planned to acquire land and build new towns to make them agricultural hubs along the expressway and boost employment in the districts through which the corridor will pass.

The nodes were to be equipped with basic infrastructure and social amenities such as roads, hospitals, schools, colleges, electricity, water supply, fire bridge services, as well as provide space for commercial activities such as industries, shops, hotels and offices. Besides, the government had also envisaged godowns for agricultural produce, food processing units, cold storage facilities, soil testing centres, veterinary clinics and so on.

The MSRDC, which will only plan these nodes now, would have otherwise needed to acquire an additional 10,800 hectares, most of which is currently in the agriculture or no-development zone, to actually develop the hubs.

For the highway and wayside amenities itself, the corporation will have to acquire about 10,000 hectares.

Fadnavis aims to complete the project by 2019, the last year of his five-year term.

Titled as Maharashtra Prosperity Corridor, the expressway is chief minister Devendra Fadnavis dream project.

The project is, however, facing stiff opposition from a section of the farmers as well as some political parties protesting the widespread use of agricultural land for the expressway

Read

Mumbai-Nagpur expressway: Motorists from 10 districts may pay for it, heres how

Mumbai-Nagpur expressway: Land acquisition blues, again

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Fifteen years since its last voyage here, Mexican ship ARM Cuauhtemoc docked in Mumbai on Wednesday.

The ship, named after the last Aztec Emperor Cuauhtemoc, is a naval academy that trains cadets on the move. It made its first trip in 1982 and has done 34 instructional journeys covering 7,05,012 nautical miles since  thats about the same as going around the Earth 33 times.

The journey of the Cuauhtemoc is not only to train cadets, but to also strengthen the ties of friendship between Mexico and other countries. We are proud to welcome it into India after 15 years since its last visit here, said Mexican Ambassador to India Melba Pria. The vessel is headed by Captain Rafael Antonio Lagunes Arteaga, and has a 234-strong crew, of which 43 are cadets of the Heroic Military Naval School of Mexico.

Generations of Mexicans have had an emotional bond with this boat. It has the nickname Caballero de los Mares, or Knight of the Seas in Spanish, Pria said.

READ: Indian Navy begins search ops for Mexican woman cadet who fell overboard

During their stay in Mumbai, the crew will take part in exercises with their counterparts from the Indian Navy and will also take time out for a guided tour of Mumbai.

The Cuauhtemoc has visited 59 countries since it first set sail. For its 2017 tour, the ship will visit 15 ports in 12 countries. It has already covered Panama, the United States, Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. After India, the ship will set sail to Singapore, the Philippines, China, South Korea, Japan and the United States, before ending its journey at the Mexican port of Acapulco.

Soon after docking, the crew observed a minutes silence for a cadet, Eva Lidia N, who fell overboard on June 11 while manoeuvring of sails in bad weather at sea. The Indian Navy had launched a search operation for the cadet off the Goa coast.

The Cuauhtemoc will be docked in Mumbai till June 26.
For the first time since the app-based taxi aggregators such as Uber and Ola launched their services in Mumbai in 2014, the Regional Transport Offices (RTO) in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Thursday started a crackdown against vehicles being used by the drivers employed at these companies.

Under the state governments city taxi scheme  Maharashtra City Taxi Rules 2017  drivers/owners using vehicles under app-based aggregators are supposed to get separate City Taxi Permits to do so. They also have to comply with several conditions aimed at keeping passengers safe and preventing over pricing.

After receiving a negligible number of applications in the past 25 days for new permits, the transport commissioner office decided to conduct a drive.

Ola and Uber did not respond to emails sent by HT for their comment on this issue.

According to sources, in a meeting on Wednesday, the transport commissioners office directed flying squads in all 10 RTO and deputy RTO offices in the MMR to begin a crackdown with the immediate effect.

A motor vehicle inspector said if any all-India tourist taxi is found ferrying passengers as an app-based cab, they will be booked under section 66/192A of Motor Vehicle Act for breach of permit conditions. Most cabs working with taxi aggregators have this permit.

As this is not compounding offence, the cabbies will be sent to court, said the inspector. He said the drivers will be fined Rs 2,000 to Rs10,000 or they can be sent to prison for at least three months, according to the Act.

In 2014, Uber and Ola launched their app-based taxi services in the MMR using all-India tourist taxi permits. As those permits were issued to promote tourism, conventional cabbies and autorickshaw drivers demanded action after their business was badly hit.

Under pressure from the unions, the government brought in the Maharashtra City Taxi Rules 2017 to make it a level-playing field for all cabbies.

The state government has made new city taxi permits mandatory for app based taxis under new rules enacted since March 4, 2017. It also developed a web-based application with the help of Mahaonline, a joint venture committee of the state government and a private IT company, to issue the new permits online and appealed drivers to appeal for the city taxi permits.

According to RTO sources, Mumbai RTOs have received just four applications for city taxi permits.

The drivers of Ola and Uber have moved the Bombay high court against the new rules.

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Many students were unaware of the early deadline for submission of registration forms for University of Mumbai (MU) degree courses. They were shocked to find out that they will only be able to apply for seats that remain vacant after three rounds of admissions.

According to the original schedule released by MU last month, online pre-admission enrolment was to be conducted between June 1 and 16 and students were supposed to submit admission forms with registration forms in colleges between June 16 and 22. This schedule was changed and a statement was released by MU on June 16 that said online registration had been extended till June 21 and the form submission deadline had been changed to June 21 too.

While colleges were preparing to release the first cut-off lists on Thursday, they were surprised to see students asking them to submit forms. Though students can apply after three rounds of admissions, they are worried that colleges might not have any seats left for them by then. Even the admission form I got from the college said the last date for submission was June 22. Now Ive been asked to wait till all three merit lists are announced and then re-apply to colleges of my choice after July 4, said Pankti Mehta , 18, a student.

All colleges had printed date of submission on admission forms based on the original schedule and could not change it later. The college refused to accept my admission form saying the deadline was 5pm on June 21 but we were not informed. My fear is that therell be no seats left in the course and the college of my choice after first three rounds of admissions, said another student.

Colleges, on the other hand, said they were only following university rules. We cannot accept any more forms because the process of seat allotment is already underway, said an official from Sophia College, Breach Candy.

According to the statement released by MU on June 16, the first three merit lists will be announced by July 1 and after July 4, colleges will be allowed to accept admission forms to fill the remaining vacant seats, if any.

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While the Mumbai police are touted as the second law-enforcement force after Scotland Yard, a first-time criminal involved in a double murder has managed to dodge them for over a year and a half. Where is Vidhyadhar Rajbhar? The question still remains unanswered, after he allegedly killed artist Hema Upadhyay and her lawyer Harish Bhambani in a chawl in Mumbai.

Rajbhar, a small-time fabrication artist, worked for Hema and her husband Chintan, along with working for other such artists in the city. The Mumbai police and the crime branch have come close to catching him several times, but he managed to escape everytime.

He lived with his mother, his wife and their daughter born to him a few months before he allegedly killed the 43-year-old artist and the 65-year-old lawyer. In three months, his daughter would turn two. In September last year, officials of the Mumbai police and the crime branch waited on their heels for one misstep. After all he was a mere novice, the policemen thought in hopes of catching him. However, there was radio silence and no trace of Vidhyadhar again.

Until mid-December 2015, Vidhyadhar was just a low-lying busy artist working in the lanes of Charkop in Kandivli (West), collaborating with artists who would visit him at his small workshop for their art projects. It was in December that it all changed for the families of Hema and Bhambani, and for all the accused who were arrested in the case. Vidhyadhar was not an artist anymore but a man on the run in a brutal double murder case.

A day after fleeing Mumbai, Vidhyadhar called his mother. In her statement to the police, which is included in the charge sheet, Savitri said, He called and said, I have killed Hema Upadhyay. I have killed Hema on the instructions of Chintan. However, Chintan is now threatening to kill me. I am in Itarsi now and will come to Kandivli police station to surrender.

With every month that goes without Vidhyadhar being arrested, the citys police department gets anxious.There has been no trace of Vidhyadhar in the last six months. Shortly after he escaped from the city, rumours were abuzz that he was killed.

The rumours were put to rest when the police finally traced a call her made to a lawyer seeking legal advice to Madhya Pradesh and then to Chennai. He was later traced to Guwahati in April 2016, but the trail went cold after that. The policemen have had no leads since then. In May last year, a city sessions court even issued a non-bailable warrant against Vidhyadhar.

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Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress party leader Narayan Rane are likely to share a stage at a public function in Kudal, Sindhudurg district later this week. The two leaders, who are known for frequently bad-mouthing each other, could face each other for the first time since Rane was expelled from Sena in July 2005.

On June 23, Thackeray will perform the bhoomipujan of three packages  a 35.10km stretch between Vatul to Talgaon, a 38.70-km stretch between Sambhajinagar to Kalmath and a 44.17-km stretch between Kalmath and Zarap  which is part of the widening of the Mumbai-Goa highway, in presence of Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Harshal Pradhan, media advisor to Thackeray, confirmed that the Sena chief will be attending the function on Friday.

According to protocol, Rane, who is a member of legislative council and a local leader, could be invited to participate in the program.

Rane, who was expelled for questioning Thackerays ability to lead the party, later joined the Congress, taking a chunk of the partys MLAs with him. Following that, Rane launched a vicious campaign against the Thackerays, and Thackeray too has been overtly critical of Rane.

The quadrupling of the highway is crucial to improve inter-state connectivity and to reduce the number of accidents on the existing two-lane highway. It will also improve connectivity to the Konkan district. The estimated cost of the quadrupling of the three packages is Rs3,487.58 crore.

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Bahujan Samaj Party founder president late Kanshi Ram and his protege Mayawati had dreamt of giving India its first Dalit prime minister. That they could not do. However, the BJP stole a march over them by nominating a seasoned Dalit leader for the highest constitutional post  President of India.

The calculated move to give the country its second SC president , 15 years after the country had its first Dalit President KR Narayanan, has put the Opposition on the back foot, demolishing their fragile unity, much before it could be built up.

Several regional forces, including the champions of Dalits, the BSP, will not oppose Ram Nath Kovinds ascendancy to the presidents post.

Thus the BJP has killed two birds with one stone. First it has again derailed the Oppositions ambitious move to unite before the 2019 general elections. Second, it has punctured the political empowerment movement of the BSP, hitting it hard for the second time after the 2017 UP elections.

Kanshi Ram and Mayawati were like dream merchants who ingeniously sold aspirations to their clan to become rulers and not ruled for getting their unstinted support in electoral battles. Their clarion call has always been, Parliament is the temple of power. We have to get majority so that we are not dependent on others. Capture this for your emancipation.

As the BSP was the only Dalit-led party in the country, Mayawati filled the vacuum caused by the demise of former deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram as no other leader, including his daughter and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar, could walk or talk the language with which their clan could identify with.

Many of those bred in the city questioned her style of dressing and talking, but her caste related more with the acid-tongued Mayawati than to the sombre Meira Kumar. This is one reason why even after the Congress propped up Meira Kumar, Mayawati remained the countrys tallest Dalit leader, dashing the dreams of the grand old party to allure Dalits back to the party fold.

However, while Mayawati reached the portals of power in UP, she failed to take her constituency on the path of progress. She gave parks and statues in the form of dignity to them but wasted an opportunity to spread wings in the country after her partys euphoric victory in 2007.

But Dalits of today aspire for more than dignity even though the BJPs rise to power has brought back the ghost of untouchability.

In this background the BJP has played a master stroke, dashing the Congress hopes of Dalits returning to the party fold from a weakened Mayawati, and her own expectations of retaining them now that a Rajput leads Uttar Pradesh.

Her visit to caste clash-hit Saharanpur had surprised her own cadres as she is infamous for keeping away from any troubled spot, including Muzaffarnagar, since the 2007 victory of her party.

Simultaneously, the BJP has also shed its upper caste image and broad-based the Hindutva fold by bringing in Dalits and OBCs of the country in its fold.

The Sangh Parivar had started their ambitious move of solidifying Hindus way back in 1989 when Kameshwar, a Dalit, had laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and again in 2002 the shiladaan was also done by two Dalits.

In her bid to safeguard the Bahujan Samaj from the Sangh Parivars brand of Hindutva, Mayawati belligerently invoked Ambedkar and his ideology and encouraged embracing of Buddhism.

After the Ayodhya issue started petering off, the RSS cadres intensified their activities in Dalit bastis while their leadership went on a Dalit bhoj spree that was symbolic, yet impactful.

And now ahead of 2019 elections, the BJP has emerged as the new champion of Bahujan Samaj by giving a backward caste PM and a Dalit president, derailing Mayawatis claim, Just as BSP today is a symbol of Bahujan Samajs dignity, Mayawati, in the opinion of intellectuals, has acquired a standing in Indian politics where in people may criticise her, even condemn her, but nobody can ignore her.

However, now Mayawatis brand value has nosedived. What political brinkmanship!

saron@hindustantimes.com
Due to the delayed monsoons in the city, prices of foods and vegetables have started increasing steadily over last few days. Prices of perishable vegetables including leafy vegetables like cabbages and cauliflowers have already gone up and is currently trading at a higher rate than that of last week. According to the agricultural produce market committee (APMC), delayed monsoon usually causes prices to increase.

With the monsoon slowing down in the city, the prices of vegetables are expected to increase even further. The south-west monsoon, which has been delayed by over a week now, is slowly progressing northwards. The monsoon has advanced into most parts of country except the coastal region of Maharashtra on Wednesday. The rainfall has been largely below average in most parts of the state with Pune and the neighbouring areas facing a rainfall deficit. The monsoon had reached the city only on June 12, causing the price of vegetables to go up.

The monsoon will steadily progress this week as weather conditions are favourable. Scattered light rains are expected to continue over the coastal Maharashtra including Mumbai, with moderate showers at some places. However, heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected at Marathwada, mid-Maharashtra, north Konkan and Goa in the next 24 hours, said Anup Sakpal, an official from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune.

On June 22, the inward entry of Onion and Potato to the Pune Market Yard was valued at Rs 400 and Rs 500 per quintile respectively with a total of 11660 and 4026 quintiles reaching the city. 64189 quintiles of coriander and 6270 quintiles of fenugreeks with rates of Rs 800 per quintile and Rs 1000 per quintile had also come into the market according to the statistics given by the Pune Market Yard Committee.

The delayed monsoon also advertently affects the inward and outward flow of food and vegetables from the city, with prices going up by 10-15 %. We are expecting the prices to come down soon as the monsoon will normalise soon, said by Mr.Dilip Khaire, chairman of Pune Market Yard Committee.
All Aam Aadmi Party and ally Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) MLAs were thrown out of the Punjab assembly for creating ruckus and rushing to Speaker Rana KP Singhs podium on Thursday morning. The MLAs were protesting the stopping of AAP chief whip Sukhpal Khaira and LIP leader Simerjeet Singh Bains at the assembly gate. Khaira and Bains have been placed under suspension for the budget session that ends on Friday.

The Speaker suspended the AAP and LIP MLAs, led by the leader of the opposition HS Phoolka, for the day after they disrupted assembly proceedings by raising slogans and rushing to the well of the House. He ordered their being taken out of the House when they jostled with marshals.

Watch the video here:

The turban of one of the AAP MLAs, Pirmal Singh, came off in the jostling.

Khaira was suspended after he uploaded a video of ruckus in the House on June 16, while Bains was suspended on June 15 for throwing papers at the Speaker. The two held a dharna at the assembly gate when they were not allowed to enter the Vidhan Sabha complex on Thursday.

Also Read | AAP legislator Sarabjit Kaur injured as marshals evict party MLAs from Punjab assembly

AKALIS TO AAP MLAS RESCUE

AAP MLA Pirmal Singhs turban came off in the jostling. (HT Photo)

Shiromani Akali Dal MLAs protested the Speakers action against the AAP MLAs, alleging misbehaviour by the watch and ward. They walked out only to return with the suspended AAP MLAs. The AAP MLAs took their seats. Shortly before the session was to resume, the Speaker asked the marshals to forcibly evict the AAP MLAs from the assembly premises. Turbans came off in the jostling.

The Akalis protested, alleging that the assembly staff misbehaved with the AAP leaders. Akali MLA Bikram Singh Majithia was seen carrying a yellow turban belonging to an AAP MLA that fell in the melee.

When the SAD MLAs kept protesting and threw paper missiles at the Speakers chair, they were named (suspended) for the day. The Speaker asked the marshals to evict them from the premises. At this, the Akalis walked out of the assembly.

The Speaker adjourned the House for the second time since morning.
Terming the Congress governments first budget hopeless and fake document, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday went ballistic while attacking the treasury benches.

Initiating a debate on the budget, leader of Opposition HS Phoolka said the budget was a document of deceit and it provides no solution to the problems of Punjab.

Phoolka said it was ironical that finance minister Manpreet Badal got to know about the bleak fiscal position of the state on the day of presenting the budget. Were you not aware about the financial bankruptcy of the state when you made tall promises to the people of Punjab through your party manifesto? This government even promised the moon to the people in the governors address. Suddenly, you are claiming there is no money, said Phoolka.

Taking potshots at the FM, who in his speech claimed that there was an increase of Rs 266 crore for the health sector, Phoolka said, all these claims were misleading. This is actually the capital expenditure kept for the health sector and this amount will be spent on buildings and other infrastructure. Health minister Brahm Mohindra even thanked the finance minister terming it an achievement. Every MLA is this House is terming shortage of staff in the health centres as the main problem in their constituency, but your budget is completely silent, said Phoolka.

Last year the budget allocation in the education sector was Rs 9,678 crore, which has been increased to Rs 10,498 crore this year. You made it your achievement. But reality is that last year the allocation on education was 11% of the total budget and this year, you have decreased it to 9%, said the AAP leader. He claimed even states such as Himachal and Haryana have allocated 17% and 15% for education.

The increase you are showing is not enough for releasing even dearness allowances. What about posts of teachers lying vacant in schools and colleges, said Phoolka.

On farm debt waiver, the leader of Oppositions said it appeared that the CM and the FM have not discussed the issue. One day before the budget, the CM announced a total waiver of crop loan. Whereas next day, a provision of only Rs 1,500 crore was made for debt waiver. Why are you playing with the emotions of the farmers? questioned Phoolka.

AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur dubbed Rs 1,500 crore for farm debt waiver as a crude joke with farmers. Against Rs 21,000 crore of farm debt, all you have promised is Rs 1500 crore. It is a stigma on this government. Where is the free education for girls from nursery to PhD that the CM promised during his speech on Monday? she questioned.

The Congress is following the precedent set by the Akalis. Your words are different from your actions. You are taking credit for giving relief to acid attack victims in the budget. But a Rs 3-lakh relief is already there under the law. The government did not bother to read the law before announcing it, she said.

AAP MLA Jagdev Singh also spoke on farmers issues during the debate on budget, giving suggestions without questioning the budget.

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The death of Anirudh (18), son of Chandigarh police constable, due to drug overdose brings to the fore the dark recesses of City Beautiful.

Anirudh went missing from his house on June 14. His highly decomposed body was recovered by police near Nada Sahib in Panchkula. Anirudh was pursuing graduation.

His father Rajesh Kumar alleged that he was killed owing to drug overdose and his friend Manbir Malhotra had later dumped the body in Chandimandir area.

Police have arrested Malhotra on charges of Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 201 (disappearance of evidence).

This is the second death reported due to drug overdose in the city this year.On May 27, another death due to drug overdose was reported from Dadumajra Colony. Saurabh (19), who had been treated at drug de-addiction centre in Sector 16 for six months, was found dead on the roof of the house of his close friend Kaali at in Sector 38.

Kaali is also an addict and had been admitted to drug de-addiction centre in PGI.

The synthetic drug use is on the rise among the youngsters as they cost less, said Pawan Kumar DSP (Crime). Investigations have revealed that more youngsters from middle class families are hooked to the abuse of injections, Kumar said.

The banned injections in the city are sold at a price ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 300 and are being brought to city from Ambala, 50 kilometre from the city.

Sources in police said the unauthorised medical stores and chemist shops in villages pose a challenge as they sell drugs without prescription. Sources added that the synthetic drugs are being sold by the drug peddlers from residential areas to fixed the clients between the age group of 14 and 38.

Rampant use of synthetic drug

The rampant use of synthetic drugs by citys youngsters is posing a big challenge for police. The police have seized 2,800 injections this year.

The issue was also discussed in the meeting of CIA officials of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh on May 23. Chandigarh police had raised the issue of banned tablets and injections being smuggled into city from Ambala. Their counterparts in Ambala were asked to keep a check on pharmaceutical companies and chemist shops, involved in selling banned pharmaceuticals to peddlers.

Even the police report submitted before the Punjab and Haryana high court in February 2017 had pointed out the increase in the substance abuse, particularly of the synthetic drugs.

Cases of deaths due to drug overdose

August 4, 2016: Sandeep Thakur (24), a resident of Sector 29, was found dead in a saloon. His death was due to drug overdose. The police had arrested the saloon owner.

October 24, 2015: Nipun Kalia (23), Himachal Pradesh native and an engineering student of a private college in Landran, was found dead at his paying guest accommodation in Sector 37, Chandigarh.

October 21, 2014: Daughter of an eatery owner in Sector 22 was found dead. Her body was found in a drain on Rajpura Road near Shambhu barrier. The police arrested Rajat Beniwal, a Panjab University student; Kamal Singh, a dhaba owner; and Dilpreet, also a student

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Amarinder Singh-led Congress government has scrapped the Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra scheme started by the Shiromani Akali DalBJP regime.

We have stopped the scheme, finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal said in the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday during the question hour, replying to a query from Congress MLA Parminder Singh Pinki.

The scheme was a pet project of the previous chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.

A full stop on the scheme could have invited a sharp reaction from the Akali MLAs but none of them was present at that time as they had staged a walkout over alleged casteist remarks by local bodies mistier Navjot Singh Sidhu against MLA Pawan Tinu.

Manpreet said of a total of Rs 139 crore spent on the scheme, Rs 4.84 crore was spent on taking pilgrims to Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh, Salasar in Rajasthan (Rs 11.91 crore), Anandpur Sahib (Rs 3.37 crore), Mata Vaishno Devi (Rs 19 lakh), Darbar Sahib Amritsar (Rs 64.81 crore), Patna Sahib (Rs 2.23 crore), Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra (Rs 87 lakh), Varanasi (Rs 18 lakh and Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan (Rs 3 lakh).

He did not specify the reasons behind scrapping the scheme, adding that there are other important matters concerning the state than pilgrimage.

PRTC dues pending

On a supplementary question, he said large dues of the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) were pending as its buses were used for the pilgrimage scheme.

Replying to a query frrm Congress MLA Kulbir Singh Zira, social security minister Razia Sultana said her department was enquiring into bogus old-age pension given by the previous Akali-BJP government. I have instructed the deputy commissioners to hold an independent inquiry, she told the House.

Previous govt exhausted all funds

On a question by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra on the state governments plans to upgrade community health centre at Dudan Sadhan in Patiala, health minister Brahm Mohindra said there were no funds left in the state coffers as they were exhausted by the previous Akali-BJP coalition.

He said if he (the Akali MLA) was so concerned about the hospital, he could have got it upgraded during their governments tenure.

Congress legislator Hardial Singh Kamboj also demanded that the health centre be upgraded.

No subsidy for fencing Kandi farms

On a question raised by Congress MLA Darshan Lal for fencing farms in the Kandi area to save crops from the attack of animals such as wild boars and blue bulls, forest and wildlife minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot said the previous government started a scheme to give subsidy to save crops from wild animals but funds were not allocated due to which no money was released. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kanwar Sandhu said that it was an urgent matter which needs the governments attention, as the area from Lalru to Pathankot was affected.

Will use Raavi font in e-governance transactions

The government has decided to implement the Unicode-compliant Raavi font in all official matters to ensure smooth e-governance transactions.

Health minister Brahm Mohindra on Monday said this in the House while replying on behalf of chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to a call attention motion raised by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Baljinder Kaur for using the font in all Punjabi tests and examinations.

Congress MLA Gurkirat Kotli raised a supplementary question claiming that thousands of candidates who plan to take tests for different posts were worried.

Standardisation of character encoding is mandated as per the notification of Union ministry of electronics and information technology and it will be implemented across all government offices, boards, corporations and commissions, the minister said.

Mohindra said the government is in the process of developing various Unicode-compliant application software as part of its e-governance initiative. All digital services and payments require standardisation of character encoding and fonts, said Mohindra.

CM Captain Amarinder Singh was not present in the House for the second day in a row.

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Bedlam prevailed in the Punjab assembly on Thursday with the turban of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator allegedly tossed and two other legislators taken to hospital with injuries.

The speaker ordered suspension and eviction of AAP legislators for protesting non-stop after which the watch and-ward staff physically removed the suspended MLAs from the assembly after prolonged jostling.

Jagraon MLA Sarabjit Kaur Manuke and Nihal Singh Wala MLA Manjit Singh were admitted to Government Medical Super-specialty Hospital in Sector 16, Chandigarh. Both were carried out of the assembly complex on stretchers, as they fell unconscious after their eviction.

Leader of opposition HS Phoolka later claimed that turbans of three party legislators  Manjit Singh, Pirmal Singh and Jai Kishan Rody  were tossed in the melee. There were allegations of blows being exchanged between the Marshals and MLAs. The tossing of turbans saw legislators of AAP and Shiromani Akali Dal join forces to protest against the speaker and the Congress government. Both parties hit out at speaker Rana KP Singh.

Phoolka termed it murder of democracy whereas SAD president Sukhbir Badal said the speaker was acting like a dictator.

Trouble began as soon as the question hour started with AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu raising the issue of two suspended members, Sukhpal Khaira and Simarjeet Bains, not being allowed to enter the assembly complex. Phoolka and other party members joined him in demanding that Khaira and Bains, who were suspended for rest of the budget session last week, be allowed into the assembly premises. Khaira is from AAP and Bains belongs to Lok Insaaf Party (LIP), its alliance partner.

As the speaker ignored their demand, they rushed to the Well of the House, raising slogans against the speaker and the government. The AAP members continued slogan-shouting for 15 minutes before escalating the situation by trying to get on to the speakers podium.

A few MLAs jostled with the Marshals  male and female staffers of the watch-and-ward staff who formed protective chains  whereas some others tried to jump over them. The speaker named (assembly jargon for suspension) all AAP and LIP and instructed the marshals to evict them from the House. The suspended members refused to leave and were physically evicted.

The SAD-BJP members also staged a symbolic walkout with them only to return within 10 minutes and resume their protest. SAD member Bikram Majitha said that the members had the right to protest, but their turbans and dupattas were tossed. They, too, rushed to the Well of the House, trying to push around the marshals, before staging another walkout. The SAD-BJP legislators returned a few minutes later with suspended AAP and LIP members in tow. The speaker then adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

Before the House resumed, the watch-and-ward staff swung into action to try and remove the suspended members. The AAP members clung to their tables and clasped each others hands to resist eviction. The marshals picked almost all the AAP members, including Phoolka, one by one and carried them out of the House, even as some Akali legislators unsuccessfully tried to block the doors.

In turmoil that last about 15 minutes, the protesting members flung assembly papers towards the speaker. Majithia came to the House minutes later with a tossed-up yellow turban of an AAP MLA. Objecting to the treatment meted out to AAP legislators, the SAD-BJP members again jumped into the Well of the House, shouting slogans and throwing paper missiles at the speaker.

The speaker immediately suspended all the protesting members, instructing the marshals to evict them, and adjourned the proceedings for some more time. However, the SAD-BJP members walked out of the House. And the proceedings went on smoothly thereafter sans the opposition.
New Delhi A Supreme Court bench refused on Wednesday to give bail or suspend the jail term handed to former high court justice CS Karnan, who now will need to be in prison till at least July 3 when the Constitution bench that convicted him returns from vacation.

Karnan was captured in Coimbatore on Tuesday after being on the run since May 9 when the Supreme Court handed an unprecedented six-month jail sentence to him for contempt of court.

We cannot override the earlier order of the seven judge bench, neither do we intend to, said a Supreme Court vacation bench of justices YV Chandrachud and SK Kaul while rejecting Karnans bail plea.

The bench asked Karnans advocate, M Nedumpara, to approach the Constitution bench, which will sit only after the summer vacation period ends on July 3. You have to mention the matter before the Chief Justice of India.

The court also dismissed Karnans plea to suspend the jail term till the bail matter was not heard by a bench of 7 judges.

Karnan retired on June 12, the first senior judge to do so as a fugitive.

Supreme Court had last month directed West Bengal police to arrest him, but he went absconding soon after.

His sentencing of Karnan came after a months-long, and sometimes farcical, standoff with the top court that saw the two sides issuing a string of orders against each other.

The saga began with Karnan writing to the Prime Minister and President accusing judges of the supreme court and the high court of corruption.

In response, the Supreme Court issued a suo motu contempt case against him and summoned him to appear before a seven-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Justice JS Khehar.

The top court also ordered Calcutta high court, where he was transferred from the Madras HC, to not assign any case to Karnan. No judicial body was to recognise his orders, it said.

What followed was unprecedented. For every order issued by Supreme Court, Karnan passed a counter order, even, at one point, ordering arrest of the top court judges. He has repeatedly claimed he has being victimised because he was a Dalit.

The top court had barred the media from reporting anything on Karnan or quoting him.
Design and architecturethe art and science of built environmentshave been around since the beginning of mankind. Creativity meets logic in this field of learning, which can be a lot of fun for creatively-bent students. Unlike courses which involve massive amounts of slogging, reading, and writing, architecture allows you to use the right side of our brains  the one responsible for creative thinking and execution.

Manav Rachna International University offers state-of-the-art undergraduate courses in Architecture and Interior Design. Both disciplines play an active role in the planning and design of modern India, including the hundreds of smart cities and SEZs which are coming up in various parts of the country.

The university has well-qualified faculty whose vast and varied experience helps in training and moulding architects. The aim of the course is to instil the delicate sense of design and generate acumen of creative professionals in students.

Faculty of Planning and Architecture (FPA) is the design faculty of MRIU which equips the students with the competencies necessary for being creative professional designers and architects, and exposes them to the aesthetic, technical, social, political and ethical dimensions of the designed built environment, says Prof. Ar. Jatinder Saigal, Chair Professor of FPA, Director Projects.

A future in architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture course, approved by the Council of Architecture, covers different aspects of modern life, such as urban environment, landscape, conservation, transport, societies, human interaction, climatology, energy conservation, sustainability, waste disposal, renewable energy, green buildings, and planning of services and infrastructure like sewage, water supply, and power. Students interested in the course are admitted on the basis of marks obtained in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) administered by CoA (Council of Architecture) and JEE of CBSE. During their first year, the focus is on developing basic design skills. The following two years focus on advanced skill development. The fourth and fifth years allow students to focus on different areas and practice domains of their choice. During the tenth semester, students undertake individual capstone projects.

The programme is centred around a studio environment where students are expected to resolve life-like design problems on their own. On four occasions, during semester breaks, students are required to sign up for study tours or courses, organized as part of the Summer and Winter School Programmes.

In addition, the university also hosts the National Association of Students of Architecture, which brings together alumni and students from other renowned colleges and universities. This gives an opportunity for the best talent across the country to come together to interact, discuss, devise and innovate.

Graduates of the course can build careers as independently practicing architects, work in architectural firms, take up teaching and research, or work within non-governmental organizations. In India, the architectural profession is regulated by the Council of Architecture (CoA), which was established by Parliament through the Architects Act, 1972.

A career in interior design

For the B.Sc Interior Design course, students are admitted on the basis of portfolios of their previous work. It is an integrated course in collaboration with Algonquin, Canada. After the successful completion of two years, a diploma in interior decoration is awarded to the students, in addition to the Bachelors Degree in Interior Designing. The course encourages students to develop imaginative, responsible solutions to problems created by social needs and economic constraints, as well as the material and physical limitations of the built environment. The integration of fine-art classes elevates the students ability to develop innovative solutions and further balances the increasing demands of technology.

The programme trains students to design and create spaces for various sectors of industry. Graduates can find employment in sectors such as residential, retail, hospitality, exhibition/ events, lighting, or furniture design. Career opportunities for interior design students include space planner, freelance interior designer, office & workspace designers, set designer, art director, furniture designer, Vaastu consultant, Feng Shui consultant, window treatment specialist, interior design educator, kitchen & bath designer, design journalist, and colour consultant, etc.

Two words that define the fields of Architecture and Interior Designing are relevance and innovation, and this is reflected in the opportunities and challenges that MRIU provides. As students will testify, learning at Manav Rachna is an experience in joy and creativity.

Heres your chance to take that giant leap in securing your career. For more details, visit Manav Rachna online or call 0129-4259000.

(This content was created in partnership with HT Brand Studio and not the editorial team)
As the monsoons approach, Maharashtras native mountain range, the Sahyadri, becomes the hottest trekking attraction. Courtesy the forts and caves along the way, stunning hilltop views and a chance to escape the citys constant buzz, monsoon trekking is an easily accessible adventure sport, that also makes for the perfect weekend getaway.

From Harishchandragad in Ratnagiri, to Sandhan Valley in Bhandardara, here are a few picturesque peaks to conquer for both, beginner and pro mountaineers.

1) Korigad, Lonavla, Pune district

Korigad was a stronghold of the Marathas. (HT File Photo )

Level: Easy

Height: 3,049 feet

Why should you visit: A stronghold of the Maratha dynasty under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the interesting part of the fort is that its wall is completely intact and one can walk along its entire perimeter (about 2 km). Its massive gate is also intact, as are several ruins of older structures within the fort, such as six cannons - the largest of which called the Laxmi Toph is located near the Korai Devi temple.

2) Chanderi, Shahapur, Thane district

Chanderi fort , another pride of the Marathas under Shivaji. (HT File Photo )

Level: Easy

Height: 2,593 feet

Why should you visit: The ruins of the Chanderi fort offer a peek into its former glory days under Shivaji Maharaj. The hill-top houses a Shiva-temple and caves. Watch out for a Shivaji Statue inside one of the caves.

3) Raigad Fort, Mahad, Raigad district

Raigad , the capital of Shivajis kingdom, this should be in your must-go-to places. (HT File Photo )

Level: Easy

Height: 2,700 feet

Why should you visit: The capital of Shivajis kingdom, Raigad houses the ruins of an erstwhile massive fort. The fort was destroyed in 1818, by the British troops looking to invade these lands. Raigad sits at considerable height. No wonder then, that close to 1,737 steps lead to the structure, making it a convenient, albeit highly tiring climb. A trip to Raigad can also include a visit to the beaches of Hari-Hareshwar and Are Ware. Dont give a miss to Karnala Bird Sanctuary while youre at it.

4) Bhimashankar (via Ganesh ghat), Bhavagiri, Raigad district

Wow, just soak in the greens at Bhimashankar. (HT File Photo)

Level: Medium

Height: 3,300 feet

Why you should visit: The hill is the source of the river Bhima, an important river in the state of Maharashtra. So, expect scenic river banks throughout the uphill climb. Atop the hill are Jyotirlinga and Bhimashankar temple. The place also holds major mythological importance. Folklore stories indicate a celestial war that took place between lord Shiva and a asura (demon) Bhima. The Sahyadri Wildlife sanctuary is also in he vicinity Bhimashankar.

5) Andharban, Mulshi, Pune

The forest cover over Andharban. (HT File Photo)

Level: Medium

Height: 2,100 feet

Why should you visit: Literally translated to The Dark Forest, Andharban is literally something out of the harry Potter universe. Expect overshadowing trees, thick shrubs, mist and fog even during the day. The dense forest cover offers an exciting forest trail on its uphill climb. Also in the vicinity is Bhira dam, the source of the Kundalika river which is famous for its white water rafting.

6) Sandhan Valley, Bhandardara, Ahmednagar district

Sandhan valley is also called the Valley of Shadows. (HT File Photo )

Level: Medium

Height: 4,255 feet

Why should you visit: Also known as the Valley of Shadows, the landscape might remind you of the terrain of Middle Earth, from The Lord of The Rings. The quite literal stone trench or canyon might as well be the entry to the kingdom of the Dwarves. Fairly dark even during peak daylight hours, the valley offers slices of history such as 7th century rock cut temples and structures that were built during the Peshwa dynasty.

7) Alangagad, Igatpuri, Nasik

Alangagad has a hill top plateau. (HT File Photo )

Level: Medium

Height : 4,852

Why should you visit: A third of the fort trio Alang, Madan and Kulang, Alangagad is one of the toughest forts to conquer in the state. A thick forest cover lies on the hill, and the pathway leading to the three forts often merge, making it tough to not get lost on the way to the top. What makes Alangagad stand out, however, is the plateau on top of the fort. Additionally, one will find two caves, a small temple and 11 water cisterns on the hill top.

8) Harishchandragad, Kothale, Ahmednagar district

Many ancient Indian texts make a reference to Harishchandragad. (HT File Photo )

Level: Advanced

Height: 4,671 feet

Why should you visit: The fort is surprisingly ancient. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here, and various ancient Hindu texts have referenced to Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty. A citadel on the hill top is indicative of its history. One will also find rock cut caves, that house idols of lord Vishnu. The fort was captures by the Marathas in the 1700s. As a result, their architectural stamps are also visible on the fort. Close to Harishchandragad is the Konkan kada, an overhung cliff that treats visitors with a circular rainbow, sometimes, under.

9) Kalsubai Peak, Akole, Ahmednagar district

Kalsubai peak is often referred to as Everest of Maharashtra. (HT File Photo )

Level: Advanced

Height: 5,400 feet

Why should you visit: The Everest of Maharashtra, Kalsubai is the highest peak in the in the state. No wonder then it every trekkers dream to conquer the peak. As a result, given the number of climbers that flock to the hill each year, and the treacherous natural terrain, demarcated trekking paths have been created to the hill top. The name originates from a folk story about a maid, Kalsubai, who disappeared on the hill, while escaping from her cruel employer. A temple has been built at the pinnacle in her memory.

10) Ratangad, Bhandardara, Ahmednagar district

Check out the Amruteshwar Temple at Ratangad, Bhandardara. (Wikepedia commons)

Level: Advanced

Height: 4,665 feet

Why should you visit: Also known as the Jew of Forts, the hill top fort of Ratangad is over 2,000 years old. The peak also as a naturally occurring cavity, that makes it look like the eye of the needle. The biggest attraction in the area is Amruteshwar Temple  an 8th century rock cut temple that features rudimentary carvings of Hindu deities such as Ganesha and Hanuman.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.

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Karan Wahi is rumoured to be in a relationship with fashion photographer Jinita Sheth and the two dont seem to be shy about speaking about this romantic bond. Karan and Jinita often post pictures with each other on Instagram. Before dating Karan, Jinita was romantically involved with actor Ali Merchant, actor Sara Khans ex-husband, who got married on the reality show Bigg Boss. However, Karan is seemingly quite tired of frequent references to Jinitas past and in an interview with us, he says that people should stop doing that.

I am dating someone and everyone is aware of who she is. All I want to say is that the girl, who I am dating, her identity is beyond her ex [boyfriend] or my ex [girlfriend]. I feel that its important to put an end to this, says Karan, who was earlier linked to actor Karishma Kotak.

Karan is currently in Spain shooting for his stunt-based-reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi where, he also celebrated his birthday on June 9. Jinita had posted a picture on Instagram.

Who's the naughty one ? #BirthdayMadness #BirthdayBrat @imkaranwahi #OneFromGoa #TakeMeBack  #10daysToGo monkey A post shared by J E N (@jinitasheth) on May 31, 2017 at 7:04am PDT

When she looks like this .... @jinitasheth A post shared by Karan Wahi (@imkaranwahi) on Jun 2, 2017 at 4:45am PDT

When u dont have pictures in ur phone of the bday girl , but ur besides her in everyones pictures n videos , makes it a happy birthday indeed ... @jinitasheth #beinthemoment #happybirthday #jinita A post shared by Karan Wahi (@imkaranwahi) on Apr 22, 2017 at 4:46am PDT

Talking about his birthday, Karan says that it was a sober event this time. I had a working birthday this year. I am shooting in Spain, so after we wrapped up the shoot, we went out for dinner. I wanted to celebrate my birthday in Spain last year, so Im happy I got to do it this year, says Karan, who turned 32.

The actor adds, If you think you are young, then that is what you will be. I also feel that with age, comes maturity. But if you think that you are old, then that is what you will be.

Meanwhile, Karan, who has written and directed a short film, Have You Met You?, says that he likes direction. I want to keep doing that because I enjoyed it. I put it up for my friends and they loved it. [Also] I am anchoring shows, which will continue. I am also writing another script, he says.

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He is known as MBS and his rise through Saudi Arabias corridors of power has been shockingly swift.

At age 31, Mohammed bin Salman already controlled the kingdoms defence policy and was overseeing a massive internal economic overhaul with the backing of his father, King Salman. His sudden appointment Wednesday to the position of crown prince places him as first in line to the throne, cementing his position as the driving force behind Saudi Arabias major moves and seemingly charting Saudi policy for the coming decades. He is regarded as a bold and ambitious risk taker.

How the crown prince swept competition aside

Even before the royal decree was issued by the king, MBSs plans have resulted in a dramatic shake up of a once predictable and slow-moving country that for decades lagged behind its Gulf Arab neighbours, like Dubai with its glistening skyscrapers and tourist attractions.

In the two-and-a-half years since his father was crowned king, MBS has managed to sweep aside any competition from princes who are older and more experienced than him, most notably his cousin Prince Mohammed bin Nayef who had been in line to inherit the throne.

Khaled Batarfi, a Saudi columnist and professor at King Faisal University, is among those who support MBS ascension.

The current situation requires a lot of effort and quick decision-making and courage, he said. The past generation may not be as quick rhythmically or have the speed thats needed to carry out a transformation.

The country needs new blood and a new generation because the changes needed are big, Batarfi said.

A snapshot of the crown princes many titles reveals just how vast his portfolio is. He is also defence minister; deputy prime minister; chair of the Supreme Economic Council; head of a council overseeing the state-run oil giant Saudi Aramco; head of the Public Investment Fund; and a top member of the Council of Political and Security Affairs.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sits during an allegiance pledging ceremony in Mecca, Saudi Arabia June 21, 2017. (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS)

Rise to power

A little more than two years ago, MBS was a little-known figure in Saudi Arabia.

He served as the head of his fathers royal court when Salman was still crown prince. Unlike his many siblings, he never studied abroad or pursued a masters degree, choosing instead to remain close to his father and study law at the King Saud University in Riyadh.

Within hours of Salmans ascension to the throne, the monarch named his favourite son, MBS, defence minister. Two months later, they led Saudi forces into war in Yemen, becoming the face of a conflict framed in Saudi media as a battle against Shiite-led Irans ambitions for regional dominance. The war whipped up nationalist fervor around the new king and his son. He would also be in charge of inking multi-billion dollar arms deals with Washington.

Social reforms and Vision 2030

Domestically, MBS expanded his reach by turning to outside consulting firms to launch a plan to overhaul the kingdoms economy. His goal is to drastically reduce the countrys dependence on oil exports after a plunge in prices nearly crippled Saudi Arabias ability to spend on national projects and foreign efforts.

MBS vowed to end Saudi Arabias addiction to oil, and pushed through politically-sensitive austerity measures that curbed spending on subsidies and the public sector  where the majority of Saudis are employed.

His Vision 2030 plan and its accompanying National Transformation Plan grabbed international headlines when he announced the country would publicly list a percentage of Saudi Aramco.

Social reforms, hes argued, are also needed in order to bring the deeply conservative nation into the 21st Century. MBS has promised amusement parks and more fun for his generation of millennials. For the first time in decades, Saudis can attend musical concerts in the kingdom and the powers of countrys feared religious police have been curbed.

Members of Saudi Arabia's royal family and dignitaries attend an allegiance pledging ceremony for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca, June 21, 2017. (REUTERS)

More than half of the population of Saudi Arabia is under 25-years-old and 70% are under 35, representing a large potential consumer market, but also a massive challenge for the government to keep up with job creation and affordable housing. The Vision 2030 plan outlines specific goals, such as reducing the unemployment rate from around 12% to 7%.

And unlike previous Saudi royals in top positions of power, MBS has granted several interviews to Western media outlets.

In his most recent television interview, aired in May on Saudi TV, MBS delivered a strong warning to Iran and ruled out any dialogue with officials there. Framing the tensions with Iran in sectarian terms, he said it is Irans goal to control the Islamic world and to spread its Shiite doctrine

We know we are a main target of Iran, Prince Mohammed said, warning that he will work so that it becomes a battle for them in Iran and not in Saudi Arabia.

A younger version of Trump

Madawi Al-Rasheed, an outspoken Saudi critic of the royal family and a professor at the London School of Economics, said MBS stature as crown prince will mean continuing repression of the domestic population and being erratic regionally.

She said it also further aligns Riyadh with Washington. King Salman dispatched MBS to Washington in March to meet President Donald Trump, a visit that helped lay the groundwork for Trumps historic first overseas visit to Saudi Arabia last month.

In this May 20, 2017 photo, U. President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman during a bilateral meeting, in Riyadh. (AP File Photo)

Al-Rasheed said MBS has effectively ingratiated himself with the new US administration by presenting himself as a younger version of Trump by blurring the lines between statesman and businessman.

Irans state TV described the appointment of MBS as a soft coup in Saudi Arabia. The bitter rivals also back opposite sides of the war in Syria and opposing groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain.

Though few of Saud Arabias allies have publicly critiqued MBS, a German intelligence analysis released by the BND spy agency has cited concern over the kingdoms future, noting that the cautious diplomatic stance of older leaders within the royal family has been replaced by a new impulsive policy of intervention.
Australia said on Thursday it would resume air strikes into Syria, ending a two-day suspension implemented after the downing of a Syrian military aircraft triggered a Russian threat against Washington-led coalition planes.

Russia said on Monday it would treat US-led coalition aircraft flying west of the River Euphrates in Syria as potential targets and track them with missile systems and military aircraft, but stopped short of saying it would shoot them down.

As a result of the threat, Australia said on Tuesday it would suspend its military campaign.

On Thursday, a decision was made to resume the air strikes in Syria after an assessment of the Russian statement, although it did not say when they would begin again.
Britains health officials are in talks with Indias Apollo Hospitals to recruit nurses to meet the growing shortage in the National Health Service (NHS), hit by what has been described as an exodus of European nursing staff after the June 2016 vote to leave the European Union.

Indian doctors and nurses have long moved to Britain to meet the shortage. In fact, doctors trained in India are the second largest group in the NHS after those trained in the United Kingdom. New visa curbs have cut numbers, but the number of Indian health professionals remains very high.

Ian Cumming, chief executive of Health Education England (HEE)  the national education and training body  told Health Service Journal this week that talks were on with Apollo Hospitals to send nurses who will be provided postgraduate training for two years.

Brexit was one of the reasons Britain was losing nursing staff, he said. Besides training, the Indian nurses will also help meet shortage during their stay here.

HEE and Apollo Hospitals signed a memorandum of understanding in 2015 on sharing staff and training opportunities, which has been used to source general practitioners, the journal reported. England currently has an estimated 40,000 nursing vacancies.

Cumming said: They are looking for registered nurses working for their organisations who are seeking to get further training in paediatrics, ITU, theatres, A&E, etcetera and they are having a conversation with us on whether the NHS would be able to offer on the job training.

This would be for a fixed period on an earn-learn-return basis  maybe two years. They work as nurses to get that postgraduate experience and training in the specialities we have in this country.

Cummings did not mention figures for the number of Indian nurses, but said: I dont envisage it being single figures.

According to him, the biggest problem was doctors and nurses no longer wanting to work full-time. Graduates trained in Britain have come off the pipeline exactly as we anticipated, he said.

However, he added: More people at the higher end of expectations have left and we have seen an increase in part-time working . . . There is no point in just using the training pathway as the solution if we are then losing people.

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A Canadian sniper has shattered the world record for a confirmed kill shot, firing from a staggering distance of 3,540 metres.

The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed on Thursday that a member of its Joint Task Force 2  the countrys elite special forces  made the record-breaking shot, killing an Islamic State militant in Iraq within the last month.

For operational security reasons and to preserve the safety of our personnel and our Coalition partners we will not discuss precise details on when and how this incident took place, the military said in a statement to Torontos Globe and Mail newspaper.

The kill was independently verified by video camera and other data.

The sniper worked in tandem with an observer, who helps to spot targets, and used a standard Canadian military issued McMillan TAC-50 rifle, according to BBC. He shot the target from a high rise, and it took the bullet around 10 seconds to hit the militant.

A military source told the newspaper that the shot required the shooter to account for wind, ballistics and the Earths curvature.

You have to adjust for him firing from a higher location downward and as the round drops you have to account for that. And from that distance you actually have to account for the curvature of the Earth, the military source was quoted by Globe and Mail as saying.

The previous world record was held by British sniper Craig Harrison, who shot a Taliban gunner in Afghanistans Helmand Province from 2,475 metres in 2009, using a 338 Lapua Magnum rifle.

Proud history

The history of snipers in the Canadian military goes back many years, and many of its soldiers have held the record for the longest kill shot.

Francis Pegahmagabow of the 1st Canadian Infantry Battalion, was the deadliest sniper of the First World War, with a record of 378 kills and is one of the countrys most decorated soldiers.

More recently, Corporal Rob Furlong shot a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan in 2002 from a distance of 2,430 metres. He broke the record set just a few days earlier by another Canadian, master corporal Aaron Perry, who shot an insurgent from a distance of 2,286 metres.

Mark Zuehlke, who has written extensively on Canadas military history, said the best snipers were country boys who knew how to hunt.

They knew how to handle a gun and handle a gun well, he was quoted by CBC as saying.

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A senior police official, who was involved with the taskforce investigating the Air India flight 182 terrorist bombing for nearly 15 years, believes that further breakthroughs in that case are still possible.

The Air India flight, with the aircraft name Emperor Kanishka, was operating on the VancouverTorontoMontrealLondonDelhi route on June 23, 1985 when it was bombed over Irish airspace. The incident claimed 329 lives and was the deadliest terror attack involving an aeroplane till the September 11, 2001 attacks.

In an interview, Gary Bass, who retired as Royal Canadian Mounted Polices deputy commissioner for Canada West in 2011, said that while he is no longer associated with the investigation and does not speak for it, he believed that progress was still possible 32 years after the incident.

Theres always the hope someones conscience will get to them eventually. There are a lot of cases where people feel intimidated or threatened. After the threat has gone away  due to a number of things, (like) due to the person making the threats not being around anymore  sometimes people feel they can come forward and tell the police what they know, Bass said.

Currently a senior research fellow at the Burnaby, British Columbia-based Simon Fraser Universitys Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies, Bass was involved with the Kanishka bombing probe in different capacities since 1996, including being in charge of new investigations.

While the task force probe continued, till date only bomb-maker Inderjit Singh Reyat has been convicted in connection with the tragedy.

The investigation is ongoing and currently undertaken by the E-Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, Cpl Janelle Shoihet, an RCMP spokesperson, said in an email response.

The RCMP is still seeking any assistance from members of the public, especially the members of the Sikh community who may have information that will advance the investigation, she wrote.

There are at least three persons the investigators had leads on. Among them is a person described as Mr X who spent a week with Reyat as he built the bomb used in the attack.

Various scenarios have come up where he was possibly identified but never fully confirmed. The same thing goes for the two people who checked in the bags in Vancouver  one on Air India flight 182, the other on a flight going west. Theyve never been totally satisfactorily identified to the point charges could be laid. So, that would be an example that theres things out there to be known, Bass said.

I assume if they havent identified who those people are concretely, they (the RCMP) are still working at that, he said, while stressing again he hasnt been connected to the task force since his retirement.

Bass expressed concern that the Khalistan movement continues to persist in Canada. I dont think its gone by any stretch of the imagination. I think its still alive and well for sure, he said.

He also makes a personal pilgrimage nearly every year to the coast of Ireland, off which the debris of the doomed airplane were found.

There is no statute of limitations in Canada for cases relating to terrorism or murder. That gives those like Bass the hope that what appears like a cold case could heat up again in the future.

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Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday warned that the cladding of a number of tower blocks in Britain has been found to be combustible, as the first head in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower blaze rolled with the local councils chief executive resigning amid criticism.

Nicholas Holgate claimed he was forced to step down as head of the Kensington and Chelsea Council over the authoritys response to the fire tragedy that claimed at least 79 lives by the governments Communities and Local Government department.

May, in a statement to the House of Commons this morning, said that the council couldnt cope in the aftermath of the fire, and that it was right that the chief executive had stepped down.

She also told Parliament that additional fire safety checks carried out on similar tall buildings and towers blocks in the city had revealed that the cladding used in some cases was made up of combustible material.

As a precaution, the government has arranged to test cladding in all relevant tower blocks. Shortly before I came to the chamber, I was informed that a number of these tests have come back as combustible, she said.

The relevant local authorities and local fire services have been informed, and, as I speak, they are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents, May said.

While the cause of the Grenfell Tower fire is yet to be confirmed, there is widespread speculation that it was the rain-screen cladding used on the outside of the building for insulation purposes that led to the fire spreading too rapidly.

The British premier told Parliament that as many as 151 homes had been destroyed in the massive fire on June 14, most of them in Grenfell Tower and some in the vicinity of the building.

She said that all survivors will be rehoused in equivalent homes and that around 68 flats have already been offered at cost price in a new block of flats in the area.

For any guilty parties, there will be nowhere to hide, she said, adding that the Grenfell Tower investigation will not be used as a pretext to carry out immigration checks.

I would like to reassure people that we will not use this tragic incident as a reason to carry out immigration checks on those involved or on those providing information to identify victims or those assisting with the criminal investigation, May said.

We will make sure that all victims, irrespective of their immigration status, will be able to access the services they need, including healthcare and accommodation, she said.

Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn also welcomed the resignation of the Kensington and Chelsea council chief executive but called for more action against the local council.

In his resignation statement, council chief Holgate said, Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart- breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council. If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction.

I strongly believe that councillors and officers have always endeavoured to have the interests of our residents at heart and will continue to do so, he added.

Holgate said the Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid had required the leader of the council to seek my resignation.

However, a spokesperson from the Department for Communities and Local Government denied involvement, saying, The appointment of chief executives is entirely the responsibility of the local authority.
Stephen Hawking has urged countries to send astronauts to the Moon by 2020 and Mars by 2025 to elevate humanity, as the British physicist is convinced that humans need to leave the Earth to survive for another million years.

Hawking said that the goal would re-ignite the space programme, forge new alliances and give humanity a sense of purpose.

He also suggests that space agencies should aim to set up a lunar base within the next 30 years. I hope it would unite competitive nations in a single goal, to face the common challenge for us all, Hawking said at the Starmus Festival in Norway.

According to Hawking, that there is no long-term future for our species staying on Earth. It would either be hit by an asteroid again or eventually engulfed by our own Sun. Travelling to distant worlds would elevate humanity, he added.

A new and ambitious space programme would excite young people and stimulate interest in other areas, such as astrophysics and cosmology, Hawking was quoted as saying by BBC News.

He said that human space travel is essential for the future of humanity because the Earth is under threat from climate change as well as diminishing natural resources.

I am convinced that humans need to leave Earth, said Hawking, adding that it is time to explore other solar systems as humanity is running out of space and the only places to go to are other worlds.

If humanity is to continue for another million years, our future lies in boldly going where no one else has gone before, he said.

Spreading out may be the only thing that saves us from ourselves, he said.
North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a psychopath as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.

Pyongyangs official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a tough situation at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.

South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump...will only lead to disaster, an editorial carried by the paper said.

A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbiers death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.

Trump slammed the brutal regime in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency.

His language was echoed by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who said in an interview ahead of a White House visit next week that North Korea bears responsibility for the students death.

I believe we must now have the perception that North Korea is an irrational regime, Moon told CBS televisions This Morning.

Moon, a centre-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favours engagement with the North, rather than the hardline stance taken by his ousted conservative predecessor Park Geun-Hye.

Washington has also stepped up its muscle-flexing in the region, flying two B-1 bombers over the Korean peninsula Tuesday in a planned training mission with Japan and South Korea as its latest show of force.
The stage is set for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US for his first meeting with President Donald Trump, including a dining table somewhere inside the White House with more than a glass of warm water for the Indian leader, who was fasting at the time of his first dinner there.

Modi and Trump will be joined by their respective teams at the dinner  12 a side, according to sources  and they can look forward to a menu in keeping with the presidents free-wheeling eating habits; he is not as careful about his food as his predecessor, President Barack Obama.

Indian officials were still somewhat nervous about the dinner, saying it was on the schedule but not on paper, not in writing. They were probably being cautious as all other governments are when dealing with a White House known for its unpredictability. Its not over till its really done and over.

But the dinner will come after almost half a day of meetings on June 26, starting with a one-on-one between the two leaders. This will be their first meeting, though they have spoken at least three times on phone, starting with the morning after Trumps stunning election victory in November 2016.

These one-on-ones (with aides for translation, if needed) are intended to allow leaders to get to know each other, and can go on longer than scheduled. Trumps first meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping in Florida in April was to last 15 minutes but, by Trumps own account, it went on for three hours.

Modi and Trump are also expected to address reporters but the format remained unclear. There are two options essentially. One, a joint appearance at which they just make brief remarks, as has been the standard practice for most of Modis White House visits. And, two, a joint news briefing where they take questions.

The leaders one-on-one will be followed by a delegation-level meeting at which the two sides, represented by top officials with influence on the relationship, will raise issues of importance to them, and check their respective talking-point boxes on other lesser matters.

Top issue for both sides is likely to be counter-terrorism, followed by H-1B visa system for India and trade for the United States. The ongoing US review of its policy on Afghanistan is expected to figure prominently as well and India will be keen to know if the Americans are staying there, and for how long.

Pakistan will figure most certainly, as in all talks before, this time more significantly in the context of a review of relations with special focus on aid, as ordered by the president himself. India will align its concerns with those of the US to argue for tougher measures against Pakistan, said an analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The prime minister is also scheduled to interact with business leaders, in continuation with past practices, and will be meeting 15 of them including, according to speculation, Pepsis Indra Nooyi and MasterCard chief Ajay Banga, both Indian Americans.

And as before, Modi will meet the Indian American community at a reception on June 25, the first full day he spends in the US after arriving the night before.
Closer ties between Saudi Arabia and US President Donald Trumps administration helped pave the way for a succession shake-up making a 31-year-old prince the kingdoms de facto ruler, analysts say.

On Wednesday King Salman, 81, named his son Mohammed bin Salman crown prince and heir to the throne after firing Mohammed bin Nayef, whose counter-terrorism expertise had made him a favourite of previous American administrations.

Over the past two years Mohammed bin Salman accumulated vast powers at the expense of Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, a veteran law enforcer who served as both crown prince and interior minister.

Mohammed bin Salman chipped away at his authority but Mohammed bin Nayefs popularity with the previous US administration of Barack Obama had prevented his ouster, said Stephane Lacroix, associate professor at Sciences Po university in Paris.

This all changed when Trump came to power, he said.

After assuming office in January, Trump made it clear that his Middle East partners are Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Egyptian president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Lacroix said.

Riyadh welcomed Trumps more aggressive attitude towards its rival Iran, which Saudi Arabia accuses of interference throughout the region.

Mohammed bin Salman was an early visitor to Washington, where he met Trump in March before the president last month made the first overseas trip of his presidency to Saudi Arabia.

Trump received a royal welcome from Mohammed bin Salman and others.

In a speech, the president urged Muslim leaders assembled in Riyadh from around the world to drive out extremists and terrorists.

He singled out Iran as a culprit.

Trumps approach emboldened Mohammed bin Salman and the Abu Dhabi crown prince who seized the chance this month to cut ties with their Gulf neighbour Qatar, analysts and diplomats said.

They accused Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, that aim to destabilise the region.

Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia on the Qatar crisis.

- Deep instability -

With his Trump connection established, Mohammed bin Salman knew that the US wouldnt mind him sidelining MBN, Lacroix said, referring to the ex-crown prince by his initials.

I think the Trump factor matters tremendously, he said.

On Wednesday Trump telephoned the new Saudi crown prince to congratulate him on his appointment.

Frederic Wehrey, of the Middle East Programme at Washingtons Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said a lot of signalling from Washington -- including a more activist regional foreign policy -- influenced the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.

I think that matters, Wehrey said.

The Saudis were not waiting for a nod from the (United) States but the warming of relations played a role alongside domestic Saudi factors, he said.

By making Mohammed bin Salman de facto ruler heading the kingdoms most important portfolios, King Salman created a solid foundation for his sons policies, said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at Kings College London.

It signals to Washington that the kingdom is committed to reform and is the most important partner for the Trump administration against both Iran and Islamic State group jihadists, Krieg said.

His appointment is purely about demonstrating a degree of certainty in times of uncertainty, Krieg added.

Mohammed bin Salman must also have full support from Saudi royals as pressure mounts from a series of challenges, he said.

These include the relations with Qatar, a military intervention that has continued for more than two years in Yemen, an economy adjusting to the loss of oil revenue, and attempts at social reform in a deeply conservative Islamic nation.

Lacroix said that among the thousands-strong royal family there does not seem to be much opposition to Mohammed bin Salmans appointment, which has concentrated power in one man.

This is a very new thing... the Saudi regime was always built upon a balance of power between different actors, different factions, he said.

This is the most autocratic version of the Saudi regime weve seen until now.

With the Saudi royal succession a done deal, the real issue is how to create the best possible working relationship between the White House and the Saudi royals at a time of really deep instability and trouble in the Middle East, said Anthony Cordesman of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
Saudi Arabias new crown prince and likely next king shares US President Donald Trumps hawkish view of Iran, but a more confrontational approach toward Tehran carries a risk of escalation in an unstable region, current and former US officials said.

Iran will almost certainly respond to a more aggressive posture by the United States and its chief Sunni Arab ally in battlefields where Riyadh and Tehran are engaged in a regional tussle for influence.

Saudi King Salman made his son Mohammed bin Salman next in line to the throne on Wednesday, handing the 31-year-old sweeping powers, in a succession shake-up.

Prince Mohammed, widely referred to as MbS, has ruled out any dialogue with arch rival Iran and pledged to protect his conservative kingdom from what he called Tehrans efforts to dominate the Muslim world.

In the first meeting between Trump and MbS at the White House in March, the two leaders noted the importance of confronting Irans destabilizing regional activities.

But that could have unintended consequences, said some current and former US administration officials.

The greatest danger for the Trump administration, a longtime US government expert on Middle East affairs said, was for the United States to be dragged deeper into the Sunni-Shiite conflict playing out across the Middle East, a danger that could be compounded by Trumps delegation of responsibility for military decisions to the Pentagon.

If the administration gives US commanders greater authority to respond to Iranian air and naval provocations in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, things could easily spiral out of control, the official said.

US-backed forces fighting in Syria are also in close proximity with Iranian-backed forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. US military jets twice this month shot down Iranian-made drones threatening U.S. and coalition forces in southeastern Syria. The United States also supports the Saudi-led coalitions war in Yemen through refueling, logistics and limited intelligence assistance.

If we were to witness an incident at sea between an Iranian and a U.S. vessel in the Gulf, at a time of immense distrust and zero communication, how likely is it that the confrontation would be defused rather than exacerbated? said Rob Malley, vice president for policy at the International Crisis Group.

If theres a more bellicose attitude towards Iran, Iran is likely to respond, said Malley, a former senior adviser on Middle East affairs under President Barack Obama.

Eric Pelofsky, who dealt with Middle East issues at the White House under Obama, said the administration had labored pretty hard to avoid a direct clash between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the high seas, in part because it would expand the Yemen conflict and there were questions about what the outcome of such an encounter might be.

But Luke Coffey, director of the Foreign Policy Center at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, doubted Iran would retaliate in a major way.

Iran has very limited ability or options to retaliate against US forces in the region without suffering an overwhelming US response, Coffey said.

I think Tehran knows this so they will stick to low-level tactics like harassing U.S. ships in the Gulf. This will be just enough to be annoying but not enough to be considered retaliating, he said.

Close relationship

MbS was the driving force behind the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen against Iran-allied Houthi rebels, launched in March 2015. He also appears to have orchestrated this months breach with neighbour Qatar, which was accused by Riyadh and three other Arab states of cozying up to Iran, funding terrorism or fomenting regional instability. Qatar denies the allegations.

Theres a danger that his foreign policy instincts, that do tend to be aggressive, especially toward Iran, but also toward Sunni extremism, might end up distracting from what he wants to get done economically, said a former Obama administration official, referring to Vision 2030, MbSs signature economic and social reform agenda.

Malley, who has met MbS, said his attitude toward Iran stems from his strongly felt conviction that for too long the kingdom has been a punching bag, a passive witness to Iranian action, true or assumed, in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and Saudi Arabias own eastern province.

His view is that Saudi Arabia absorbed those blows and now theres no reason to absorb them anymore, Malley said.

That dovetails neatly with Trump who has said Iran promotes evil and is a key source of funding and support for militant groups. MbS has also developed a close relationship with Trumps influential son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who at 36 is close in age to him.

MbSs desire to confront or even defeat Iran has appeal in the White House, where the crown prince has done an admirable job forging a relationship with the Kushners, who are of his generation, said the U.S. official.

Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, had dinner with MbS when the US president visited Riyadh last month, the first stop on Trumps maiden international visit.

Another senior administration official told Reuters that while Washington did not have advance warning of MbSs promotion, it could see it coming. This is why the president has tried to foster good relations with him, the official said.
The United States pressed China to exert more economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to help rein in its nuclear and missile programs during a round of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday.

The meeting of top US and Chinese diplomats and defence chiefs was held a day after President Donald Trump said Chinas efforts to use its leverage with Pyongyang had failed, raising fresh doubts about his administrations strategy for countering the threat from North Korea.

The death of American university student Otto Warmbier this week, after his release from 17 months of imprisonment in Pyongyang, has further complicated Trumps approach to North Korea, his top national security challenge.

We reiterated to China that they have a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters at a joint news conference with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Mattis vowed to continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies against North Korea, which is working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States.

But with the long-standing option of pre-emptive military strikes seen as far too risky for now, Trumps aides are stressing economic and diplomatic pressure.

Tillerson said Trump would make a state visit to China this year, and Mattis said both sides agreed to expand military-to-military ties, signalling the new administrations determination to continue efforts to improve relations between the worlds two largest economies, despite frustration over North Korea.

North Korea topped the agenda at the newly established Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, which paired Tillerson and Mattis with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and General Fang Fenghui, chief of joint staff of the Peoples Liberation Army.

While the US officials stressed agreement on the goal of North Korean denuclearisation, the talks also dealt with Chinas sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea, with the Americans reaffirming opposition to Beijings militarization of islands it is building in the strategic waterway.

High hopes

Tillerson urged China to help crack down on illicit North Korean activities that fund its nuclear and missile programs, and said the Chinese had agreed their companies should not do business with sanctioned North Korean entities.

Tillerson stressed the need to choke off funding sources including money laundering, labour export and computer hacking.

Countries around the world and in the U.N. Security Council are joining in this effort, and we hope China will do their part as well, he said.

China, North Koreans main trading partner, has been accused of not fully enforcing existing U.N. sanctions on its neighbour, and has resisted some tougher measures. Washington has considered further secondary sanctions against Chinese banks and other firms doing business with North Korea.

Trump has had high hopes for cooperation from China to exert influence over North Korea, leaning heavily on Chinese President Xi Jinping for his assistance.

The two leaders met in Florida in April and Trump has praised Xi for working on the issue, despite only modest steps so far by Beijing. At the same time, Trump has mostly held back on attacking Chinese trade practices, which he railed against during the presidential campaign.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried! Trump wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, a day after Warmbier died following his return from captivity in a coma. The tweet puzzled even Trumps own aides.

Asked whether Trump had lost faith in Chinas ability to restrain North Korea, Mattis said the presidents view represented Americans frustration with Pyongyangs provocations and after seeing a young man go over there healthy, and with a minor act of mischief, come home dead, basically.

Later on Wednesday, Trump said in a speech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that the United States has a great relationship with China and I really like President Xi.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said earlier Beijing had made unremitting efforts to resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula for its own interests, not due to external pressure.

The talks followed what a US official said on Tuesday were new movements detected by US spy satellites at North Koreas nuclear test site. But it was unclear if Pyongyang was preparing for a sixth nuclear test.
A Turkish man assaulted a young woman on an Istanbul bus for wearing shorts during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, images showed Wednesday, sparking a furore among womens rights activists.

University student Asena Melisa Saglam was travelling on the bus on June 14 when the man seated behind her struck her in the face, images published by Turkish media showed.

Istanbul Pendik'te sort giydigi icin 21 yasndaki Asena Melisa Saglam' minibuste darp eden saldrgann goruntuleri ortaya ckt. pic.twitter.com/7rn7BWDVlK  Haberler (@Haberler) June 21, 2017

She responded by chasing after him but he grabbed her and slung her to the back of the bus before running out of the vehicle.

Saglam said that throughout the journey the man had been verbally harassing her by saying she should not be wearing shorts during Ramadan.

The man was detained shortly afterwards but following questioning -- in which he reportedly said he had been provoked -- he was set free, causing a new outcry.

The release of the attacker is a threat to all women, the womens rights organisation We Will Stop Femicide Platform wrote on Twitter.

We will wear whatever we want outside. We will not give up our freedoms.

Following the outcry, an order was given to re-arrest the man. It later emerged that he had been held in jail since Sunday on separate accusations of committing a tax crime and is also wanted for drugs offences.

Saglam, 21, was quoted by the Hurriyet daily as saying: From the moment I sat down he was making these remarks you dress like this during Ramadan? You should feel ashamed to be dressed like that.

She said she put on her headphones and ignored him but then he got up, hitting her so the side of her jaw hit the bus window.

Opponents of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuse the government of presiding over a creeping Islamisation of Turkey which has undermined the secular principles of the state set up by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk that enshrined womens rights.

But the government insists that while it has given women the right to wear the Islamic headscarf at university, school and even in the army this has not impeded the freedom of Turkish women to dress as they please.

A man named Abdullah Cakiroglu who kicked a Turkish woman who was wearing shorts last year in a similar case is currently on trial and faces nine years in jail if convicted.

The incident comes amid continued alarm over the levels of violence against women in Turkey, which the authorities admit is unacceptably high.

According to the Platform, 173 women were murdered in the first five months of 2017 and 328 for the whole of 2016.
It was called the Snowball Routeofficially the North Atlantic Ferry Routefrom Goose Bay, Labrador, to the one-way runway at Bluie West One on Greenland; then across to Keflavik, Iceland, to refuel again; on to Prestwick, Scotland; and finally to England: the UKs World War II aerial lifeline, flown by freighters as well as ETO-bound bombers and fighters. Route briefings sometimes consisted of showing 200-hour pilots photos of the Greenland coast and fjords. There werent many Arctic experts available, other than those aboard the U.S. Coast Guards Greenland Patrol cutters and some under the command of Colonel Bernt Balchen, the famous polar explorer stationed on Greenland to establish air bases and oversee search-and-rescue and weather station resupply missions.

On November 5, 1942, a Douglas C-53, a paratroop-outfitted version of the C-47, was Snowballing westbound, empty except for its crew of two plus three military passengers returning to the U.S. from Scotland. The Skytrooper never made it, the crew radioing that theyd made a forced landing on the Greenland ice cap and giving an approximate position. The airplane was intact, and apparently there were no injuries.

ONE AIRPLANE DOWN

The next two nights, flares fired by the C-53 crew were seen at a weather station on the Greenland coast, and rescuers set out toward them on motorized sleds. Theyd be back in three or four days if the weather held, the rescuers guessed. But their sleds broke down, and they never found the C-53. The flares were the last that would ever be seen or heard of that airplane and its crew.

Meanwhile, a variety of eastbound B-17s, B-25s and C-47s that were either already over Greenland or gassing up at Narsarsuaqthe famous Bluie West One basewere detoured for search duty. One of them was a B-17F originally bound for England. On November 9 it took off from BW-1, assigned to search the area where the C-53s flares had last been seen. Aboard the Flying Fortress were its original six-man ferrying crew, an Army enlisted man theyd picked up at Goose Bay and two volunteer observers who had jumped aboard at BW-1. They would live to regret their Samaritan offer.

The B-17 reached its search area and ran into a bank of low clouds. The pilot, Lieutenant Armand Monteverde, did a 180 around the weather and headed back into the search grid, only to fly into a sudden whiteout. Sky, cloud and ice were the shadowless same. There was no horizon. Monteverde did the only thing he could and banked away to fly back to clearer air. But the B-17s left wingtip caught the ground, and the airplane skidded onto the ice cap. It was a hard crash, with the bomber traveling only about 200 yards before splitting apart just aft of the wings.

The Fortress had come down atop an active glacier, spider-webbed with crevasses, like landing in the middle of a minefield. The entire broken-off tail section hung over a large open chasm, with another maw yawning just in front of the bomber. One crewman suffered a broken arm, and others had bad cuts and bruises. Just four were unhurt.

NOW THERE WERE TWO AIRPLANES ON THE ICE

Meanwhile, an RAF Douglas Havoc out of Gander, being ferried through a snowstorm by a Canadian crew, flew past its refueling stop at Narsarsuaq and put down on the ice before it tanks ran totally dry.

THREE AIRPLANES

The Canadians set out on foot for the coast. On November 18, a search plane out of BW-1 spotted the Havoc, but its crew was gone. Five days later, a Grumman J2F-4 Duck from the Coast Guard cutter Northland, hove to in a bay on the southeast coast of Greenland, found the crews trail, trod by snowshoes theyd fabricated from pieces stripped from the Havoc. That night, Northland fired off flares, and the Havoc crew spotted them. One of the pilots responded by setting fire to his coat, which in Greenland in late November is a good approximation of burning your bridges. Fortunately, the blazing parka was spotted by crewman aboard Northland, which put a rescue party ashore and found the Havoc crew.

The downed B-17s radioman, Corporal Loren Howarth, had gotten the airplanes radios working and was in touch with a nearby weather-rescue station. Sixteen airplanes were sent out to search for it15 military ships from Bluie West One and a TWA Douglas DC-4 from Bluie West Eight at Sondre Strom Fjord. BW-8 was Bernt Balchens base. Just north of the Arctic Circle, it was already pretty much wintered in, and the civilian Doug was the only airplane on the ramp.

From left, B-17 crewmen Don Tetley and Harry Spencer and pilot Armand Monteverde were among those eventually rescued after their lengthy ordeal on the Greenland ice cap. (National Archives)

After five days of unflyable weather, Balchen himself finally discovered the B-17 while flying the TWA airliner. The same motorsled rescuers who had broken down while trying to find the original rescue target, the C-53, now headed for the B-17, accompanied by an experienced Norwegian dogsledder and his team.

Balchen ordered the cutter Northlands J2F-4 into the hunt as well. On the morning of November 28, the Duck was hoisted over the side, and Coast Guard pilot Lieutenant John Pritchard Jr. and his radioman, Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Bottoms, took off for the B-17 crash site.

Pritchard overflew the B-17 and radioed its crew for landing advice. Dont try it, Corporal Howarth replied, crevasses everywhere. Colonel Balchen, coincidentally, was overhead at that moment in the DC-4, making a supply drop.

Pritchard found a smooth, sloped, apparently crevasse-free area a mile north of the B-17 and carefully touched down with his landing gear extended. He landed uphill, and the Duck quickly came to a stopthe very first successful landing of an airplane on the surface of Greenlands ice cap. (A PBY copiloted by Balchen had landed on a temporary ice cap lake on an earlier occasion, so the distinction is a fine one.)

Pritchard and Bottoms hiked to the B-17, whose commander assigned two walking wounded to return to the Duck and fly out. Pritchard decided to make the takeoff gear up, using the central pontoon as a big ski. That required shoveling the snow from under the main-gear tires until the Duck was resting on its keel, to release the weight on the downlocks so the gear could be cranked up manually. The takeoff was made downhill, and the Duck headed back to Northland. It was nearly dark when the amphibian arrived, so it was hoisted back aboard.

The Duck returns from its first sortie with two B-17 crewmen. The floatplane crashed during its second flight, killing Pritchard, Bottoms and the B-17 radioman, Loren Howarth. (National Archives)

By this time the motorsled rescuers were also approaching the B-17. (The Norwegian dogsled team had been forced to quit the search.) The sledders camped for the night outside the area of crevasses, and it looked like a plan was coming together, with Pritchard due back the next morning. Balchen returned to BW-8 confident that the rescue of the seven remaining B-17 crewmen was imminent.

On the morning of November 29, Pritchard lightened the Duck as much as he could, tossing off all extraneous gear. He and Bottoms planned to make two trips that day, snatching to safety more B-17 crewmen. Soon after they took off, however, the weather rapidly worsened. The cutter radioed to its Duck, ordering it back to the ship. Pritchard and Bottoms never heard the recallor perhaps ignored it.

This time Pritchard landed on the ice cap intentionally gear up, sliding to a stop on the airplanes pontoon. As he was touching down, the Army sledders were approaching the B-17. Only one made it. The other plunged into a crevasse, its driver never to be seen again. To make matters worse, fog was rolling in. Lieutenant Monteverde sent radioman Howarth to the Ducks landing site to tell Pritchard to get the hell out while he had a chance. Howarth joined the Ducks crew for the trip back to Northland.

Howarths decision proved fatal. The Grumman crashed in a snowstorm en route back to the cutter, killing all three aboard.

FOUR AIRPLANES DOWN

The B-17 crew had been on the ice for 20 days by that time. The men were sheltering in the broken-off tail section, occasionally resupplied by air when weather permitted, but they were cold, hungry and increasingly frostbitten. Now the tail was in danger of sliding into the chasm over which it was perched, so they cut it loose and moved to a snow shelter theyd built under the right wing. Little did they know that their discomfort would continue for another five months, though they were just 29 miles from a U.S. Army Air Forces weather-rescue facility called Beach Head Station.

An attempt was made to carry the most seriously frostbitten crewman to the station on the surviving motorsled. A mile from the B-17, an ice bridge collapsed and one of the four sledders disappeared into the void. The three survivors continued on another six miles before the sled engine died and they were forced to make camp. Those men would be rescued, but not until two months later, despite the fact that numerous motor-and dogsled expeditions tried to reach them.

Huskies Pat and Mopey enjoy an afternoon siesta near the sled teams tent during the rescue efforts. The snow wall behind the dogs sheltered the tent in 125-mph gale winds. (National Archives)

In mid-December, the Army Air Forces hired an unusual Canada-based ski-plane, a Barkley-Grow T8P-1, for another attempt to reach the B-17. Built by a short-lived Detroit company that eventually became part of Vultee, the T8P-1 looked like a large fixed-gear Twin Beech. The down-and-welded wheels made transitions to either floats or skis simple. Eastbound from BW-1 to the Bluie East Two base three days before Christmas, the Barkleys Canadian bush pilot encountered a stiff headwind and ran out of gas. He put the twin down on the ice of a fjord in whiteout conditions, landing heavily and wrecking the airplane. He and his navigator, both old Arctic hands, hiked out and found their way to an Inuit hunter village.

FIVE DOWN

Balchen decided he needed PBYs, the go-to bird when everything else has failed. He figured hed belly-land a Cat near the B-17, just as Pritchard had with the Duck. But there were only four PBYs on Greenland, and they were desperately needed for convoy patrol duty, since German U-boats were then sinking Britain-bound freighters and troop transports pretty much at will. On January 4, 1943, the Navy finally agreed to provide two Catalinas as long as Balchen directly supervised the landings.

One day later, an AAF C-45 Twin Beech on skis that had been assigned to the rescue mission disappeared somewhere between BW-1 and BE-2.

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SIX

A second C-45 arrived at BE-2 on January 20 and was fitted with skis. It made one test flight and chopped off its ski tips with its props but managed to land safely.

Weather and other delays kept Balchens two PBYs grounded, though on January 27 a Coast Guard PBY not being supervised by Balchen cruised straight onto the ice cap in a whiteout about 50 miles from BW-1. The damage was slight, but the Cat had plugged itself into an area of ice ridges and hillocks where takeoff was impossible.

SEVEN AIRPLANES DOWN

On February 5, Balchen and his pilot made a successful PBY belly landing on the ice near the camp where survivors of the ice-bridge collapse had holed up. Balchen rescued the three men, but it wasnt easy. One of them had already lost his feet to frostbite. Some reports say they had fallen off, others that they were later amputated. The Cats hull had frozen to the ice while the survivors were being loaded, and the crew had to rock the airplane by its wingtip floats until, engines wailing, it broke free. Then, as the PBY taxied in circles to keep from getting stuck again, one after another the crewmen jumped in through a waist blister.

Bernt Balchen delivered this dogsled team via PBY-5A to a camp near the B-17 crash site to retrieve the last three crewmen. (National Archives)

Just three men remained in the B-17 wreck, barely sustained by airdrops. Balchen again landed in a PBY at the motorsled camp and dropped off a three-man rescue party with a dogsled and nine huskies. The sledders retrieved those last three survivors from the Fortress, though it took them three days to make the 12-mile round trip. Balchen returned on April 5, but the load was too much for his Catalina, which blew an engine while trying to get airborne. Temporary repairs were made, and the next day the PBY took off with only its crew aboard. Even Balchen remained behind, for he would lead the dogsled party off the ice cap to safety. They arrived at Beach Head Station on April 16.

The ordeal was finally over for the last members of the B-17 crew. Some of them had spent almost 5 frigid months awaiting rescue, frequently battered by storms and screaming winter winds. The entire epic cost five rescue planes plus the C-53 and B-17 that were the original objects of the mission. Five men had diedthree aboard the Coast Guard Duck and two in glacial crevasses. The Army Air Forces, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Transport Command, Royal Canadian Air Force and Norwegian Sledge Patrol had at one time or another been involved in the operation, and dozens of land rescue attempts were also made, most of them unsuccessful. It was one of the most extensive search-and-rescue operations ever attempted.

Was it worth it? Wed have to ask the B-17 crew, but we know what their answer would have been.

For further reading, Stephan Wilkinson suggests Frozen in Time, by Mitchell Zuckoff. Also see the article by Captain Donald M. Taub here.
English Electric Canberra WD932s brief but distinguished service life ended in tragedy

Archival footage from the 1951 newsreel shows a sleek twin-engine jet being towed out of its hangar onto the runway of a remote Royal Air Force base in Northern Ireland. The British commentator intones: Great hopes center on the Canberra, Britains first jet bomber. Shes a top secret, a little something nobody else has got. The camera pans to the crew, lingering on the test pilot, RAF Squadron Leader A.E. Callard. He makes a careful study of wind and weather and every crucial detail which must be mastered for the occasion.We learn the Canberras crew is about to embark on a 2,100-mile nonstop flight between Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, and Gander, Newfoundland. The narrator continues, They are aiming to make the hop in record time.

And so they did. On February 21, 1951, English Electric Canberra serial no. WD932 made the first direct, nonrefueled Atlantic crossing by a jet aircraftin a new unofficial record time of 4 hours and 37 minutes. A few days later, Canberra WD932 went on to win a U.S. Air Force competition at Andrews AFB in Maryland, eventually getting the nod to become the Air Forces new twin-engine bomber-interceptor. During the course of 1951, WD932 became something of a celebrity, serving as a symbol of Anglo-American cooperation and as the pattern aircraft for the B-57 program.

For me, this particular airplane was more than just a promising new jet or brief media star. Ten months after its record-setting flight, on December 21, WD932 crashed during a test flight over Centerville, Md. The pilot parachuted to safety, but the engineer-observer was killed. That man was Captain Reid Johns Shaw, my father. He was 29 years old.

By any standard, the English Electric Canberra was one of the most successful military airplanes ever built. Rarely has any aircraft served so long or so well. The Canberra became operational with the RAF in 1951, and served in various roles until retired from service 55 years later, in 2006. It proved to be extremely versatile, utilized by the air forces of 14 other countries, including Australia and the U.S., both of which flew it in combat in Vietnam.

At the dawn of the jet age in 1945, the RAF envisioned a new jet aircraft as a replacement for its de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber, operating primarily at high altitude in a radar bombing role. The Canberra, designed by W.E.W. Teddy Petter, was intended to fill that role. During its test program phase, the aircraft was named after the Australian capital, following the RAF practice of naming British bombers after cities.

On May 2, 1949, the first Canberra A1 prototype, VN799, resplendent in all blue, was rolled out of its hangar for ground runs and taxi tests. Much was at stake during the first flight, on the morning of May 13. Some had suggested the project was doomed from the start because the English Electric Company lacked aviation experience. If successful, however, it would put Britain into the forefront of world aviation technology.

Shortly before the morning briefing, in a discussion with test pilot Roland Beamont, aircraft designer Petter had suggested that since it was Friday the 13th, he would not argue with delaying the flight until the next day. But Beamont was ready to fly. Notwithstanding Petters superstitious fears, it turned out to be a lucky day with a successful first flight. The only uneasiness Beamont experienced during the flight was a sharp directional jerk each time he applied rudder pressure. Ultimately, this resulted in the rounded top of the Canberras rudder being trimmed down to its characteristic squared-off appearance.

On subsequent flights, Beamont discovered that the Canberra handled more like a fighter than a bomber. With its low wing loading and twin-jet power, the new bomber performed better than most fighters of the period. Although acrobatics had not been written into the design requirements, there was nothing to limit the airplane from rolls and loops when flown within the design limits of speed and G forces.

Beamont prepared a flight routine for the upcoming Society of British Aircraft Constructors Flying Exhibition and Display at Farnborough in September 1949. As expected, the airplane stole the show. Aviation Week reported:

Canberra Shows Offbiggest military surprise of the show was the English Electric Co. Ltd sky-blue Canberra jet bomber. U.S. observers were not impressed with the Canberras straight wing and somewhat conventional configuration on the ground. But in the air the combination of test pilot R.P. Beamont and the 15,000 lb thrust from the two axial Avons made the Canberra behave in a spectacular fashion.

Beamont whipped the bomber (designed to carry a 10,000 lb bomb load) around on the deck like a fighter, flying it through a series of slow rolls, high speed turns and remarkable rates of climb. The Canberra was originally designed for radar bombing at around 50,000 ft, but Beamonts demonstration convinced many Britishers the new bomber may prove to be another Mosquito in its versatility at everything from low-level attack through high altitude bombing.

American military observers at this and other early demonstrations of the Canberra were as impressed as their British counterparts, but they could not envision a role for the new bomber. As one reporter said, It is neither fish nor fowl. The Canberra was considered too large to be a fighter and too small to be a bomber. It fell into the same class as the Mosquito, for which there was no American counterpart.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, however, the U.S. Air Force needed a replacement for its aging twin-prop Douglas B-26 (previously A-26) Invader. The B-26 was the only U.S. medium bomber suited to low-level interdiction, but attack with the Invader was purely visual, and its numbers were dwindling. At wartime attrition rates, the B-26 inventory was forecast to be depleted if the war continued to 1954.

According to Lt. Gen. Earle E. Partridge, speaking from the bitter experience of his Fifth Air Force in Korea in 1951, I believe the paramount deficiency of the USAF todayis our inability to effectively seek out and destroy the enemy at night. Not only was there no effective night intruder available for Korea, there wasnt even one on the drawing board of any American aircraft company. But by the time the Korean War broke out, the first production model of the English Electric Canberra had already flown.

An Air Force committee formed in the summer of 1950 was tasked with evaluating all available American, Canadian and British aircraft, to see which one could be most quickly adapted to fill the night interdiction role. The selection was to be made from existing models, since creating a new design would add years to development time. American aircraft to be considered were the Martin XB-51, North American B-45 Tornado and North American AJ-1 Savage; foreign designs were the Canadian Avro CF-100 Canuck and the English Electric Canberra.

Consideration of the Canberra as a night intruder was based on an examination of the aircraft in Britain by USAF officials. Earlier that summer, a group led by Brig. Gen. Albert Boyd of the Air Materiel Command went to England and was enthusiastic about the new bomber in many respects. The Canberras crew facilities, however, were rated as marginal. Although the pilot had adequate working room, overhead clearance was limited. The navigator sat in a cramped black hole behind and below the pilot, with little room to work. Emergency escape for the pilot was by blowing the canopy; the navigator escaped via a hatch located above his seat. Ejection seats were in place for both.

After several months of evaluation by the board of Air Force officers, the final selection was to be made based on competitive flight demonstrations and comparisons at Andrews AFB, outside Washington, in November 1950. The delayed arrival of Canberra WD932 pushed the fly-off to February 26, 1951, though its record-setting Atlantic crossing created buzz for the airplane.

While there was little doubt the Canberra would outperform its competitors, the flying demonstration was considered necessary to silence those who were opposed to accepting a foreign aircraft in the U.S. inventory. The last such example to see active service had been the de Havilland DH-4 of World War I. A strong contingent felt Martins XB-51 was the best choice, but no firm decision could be made without a rigorous fly-off.

Former RAF Wing Commander Beamont, now chief test pilot for English Electric and the Canberra test program, would fly the British entry. Beamonts first reaction to the tight flight schedule was disappointment, since he felt it limited his ability to show off the Canberras capabilities. When asked if the schedule could be varied to suit a particular aircraft, he was firmly told, No, this is an Air Force trial and not a Farnborough show! However, Beamont calculated that he could complete the set maneuvers in about half the allotted time, and no one had said anything about what could or couldnt be done with any remaining time.

Making full use of the controllability afforded by the Canberras low wing loading, Beamont took WD932 though all its set maneuvers. When he completed the final turn and approached the runway with gear and flaps down, he still had about four minutes left of the 10-minute time slot. Putting the time to good use, Beamont snapped up the gear and flaps, applied full power and zoomed back up 1,000 feet above the dazzled spectators, then made a tight 360-degree turn and a spiral dive before landing with a minute to spare.

After the fly-off, the Canberra seemed to be the obvious winner. Nevertheless, the board could not unconditionally recommend its procurement until certain modifications were made and more information was obtained from the British concerning their ability to deliver the requisite number of aircraft. Those factors and the strong support for the Martin XB-51 resulted in both airplanes being named temporary winners.

Since English Electric was unable to supply Canberras to both the RAF and USAF quickly enough, the British agreed to allow the Glenn L. Martin Company to produce it under license in the U.S., assuming the XB-51 lost out. Martin agreed, since it would ensure them a much-needed contract, though naturally they preferred to work on an airplane of their own design. It was during this period of indecision that the B-57 designation was assigned to the American version.

At Boyds suggestion, the USAF board requested the loan of a completely equipped Canberra for a more thorough critical evaluation. In March WD932 was delivered to Martin as its first pattern aircraft. The decision to go with the Canberra was made on March 23, when the Air Force sent a letter to Martin requesting 250 B-57As. English Electric delivered a second Canberra, WD940, on August 31. Martin would go on to produce more than 400 B-57s in various configurations.

Tragedy struck the Canberra project during an evaluation flight just before Christmas 1951, when WD932 crashed in Chesapeake Bay off the Delmarva Peninsula, not far from the Martin factory. Both crewmen ejected, but Captain Shaws chute failed to open and he was killed. It was a significant setback for the B-57/Canberra program.

The Air Force crash investigation determined that WD932s left wing had failed just outboard of the engine nacelle as the pilot pulled 4.8Gs at 420 knots during a tight turn. By process of elimination, it was suggested that improper use of fuel tanksemptying the fore tank first rather than the rear tank resulted in the center of gravity moving far aft, causing the aircraft to pitch up and become longitudinally unstable.

Neither crew member was able to carry out the proper ejection procedure, which involved manually blowing the canopy and navigators hatch before seat ejection. Both the pilot and the navigator ejected through the canopy and hatch, respectively. This was likely the result of the high G-forces. Some believed that my father would have lived had he not been knocked unconscious during ejection, since he died from drowning, and the injuries he sustained during the ejection were relatively minor.

Naturally, there was concern in Britain about the Canberras structural failure. Chief test pilot Beamont duplicated the flight with another Canberra to confirm the original test conditions while the U.S. investigation was still underway.

Beamont reported: I re-proved this case at Warton a few weeks later in another production B2, WD958, to 5.2G at 450 knots, before we knew the results of the analysis. Subsequent calculations showed that with incorrect fuel management on that fatal flight, the C.G. [center of gravity] could have moved well aft of the aft limit and when pulling the G-force tests, the aircraft could have pitched up to 6 to 7G. His willingness to repeat the recently fatal maneuver before knowing the results of the crash investigation was a gutsy move.

After the fatal crash, the Air Force brass called for changes and improvements to address a number of perceived deficiencies. Among the significant modifications in subsequent B-57B models was a much-improved tandem canopy. This represented a considerable upgrade for the pilot, who gained far greater visibility. Of equal importance, it moved the navigator from the compartment deep behind the pilot, with only a small window, to a position where he could see out of the aircraft and be in a better position to eject, if necessary.

As for the crew of WD932, the pilot was Major Harry M. Lester, who had been part of a record-setting USAF team of F-84E Thunderjets at the Bendix Trophy Races in 1949. Captain Shaw, the engineer-observer, had enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in early 1942, shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack. He completed pilot training at Lubbock Air Field in Texas in 1943, and was assigned to fly B-24 Liberators. He would remain Stateside as a pilot instructor for the remainder of the war. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in August 1949 on the day after I was born. He was called up as a reservist at the outset of the Korean War, and assigned to the Canberra project.

When Canberra WD932 crashed on December 21, 1951, the Air Force lost more than an iconic aircraft. It also lost a proficient pilot instructor, test engineer, dedicated officer and family man. Captain Reid Johns Shaw gave the last full measure of devotion to his country. I am proud to be his son.

Rich Johns (formerly Shaw) Matthies writes from Seattle, Wash. For additional reading, he recommends: Martin B-57 Canberra: The Complete Record, by Robert C. Mikesh; English Electric Canberra, by Roland Beamont and Arthur Reed; and English Electric Canberra and Martin B-57, by Barry Jones.

This feature originally appeared in the September 2013 issue of Aviation History. To subscribe, click here.
Carrie Fisher's latest autopsy just revealed that the actress had actually multiple drugs in her system while she went into cardiac arrest on a flight before she died. A report which was released last Monday that there was a mixture of drugs in the actress system when she went into a cardiac arrest then died.

As examined by a Los Angeles County coroner, Carrie Fisher's autopsy revealed that there were substances in her body or system like methadone, cocaine, MDMA or ecstasy, opiates, and alcohol when she was rushed to the hospital December last year. In the said toxicology report, Fisher's body was found to be exposed to heroin but the dose is hard to determine.

Even if it was established that Carrie Fisher's system was exposed to heroin before her death, it was still hard to determine if the time of the exposure and the dose played a crucial role in the cause of death of the actress. According to the Los Angeles Times, the report also showed that maybe the cocaine was consumed within 72 hours before the actress' demise.

After reportedly consuming the said substances, Carrie Fisher was rushed to the hospital after she went into a cardiac arrest. The doctors who attended to her even tried to revive her life but not long, the officials declared the actress dead. Moreover, the cause of death listed was apnea along with other factors and not because of the drug overdose.

But the coroner cited other factors as the cause of Carrie Fisher's death like drug use and atherosclerotic heart disease. The body was not dissected because this was a family's request; instead, they performed CT scans of the body.

Because of this latest confirmation and report regarding the real cause of Carrie Fisher's death, her family members released official statements recently. Her daughter, Billie Lourd said that her mother really battled drug addiction and struggled with mental illness and she thought that these were the ultimate causes of her death.

Meanwhile, her brother Todd Fisher also shared that Carrie Fisher's battle with drug use and emotional disorder put her health at risk and were the main reasons why she died. Because of this, the family learned to accept the real cause of the actress' death.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
NASA through this space telescope was able to discover ten new planets which can potentially support life and have liquid water. These planets were found outside the solar system and these are considered "rocky" and their size is like the Earth.

It was claimed in the latest report that NASA released a survey of 219 exoplanets which were detected by the Kepler space telescope. With its four years in space, it was also discovered that ten of these planets were orbiting their suns which have distance like that of the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Apart from orbiting around their suns, ABC News claimed that these 10 new planets also have a habitable zone. This means that temperature on those planets can support life and liquid water. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that these newly-discovered planets have life, only that all the things that can support life are present.

The discovery of the 10 new planets also paved the way to the notion that humans are not the only ones in the universe. Although this is needed to be confirmed still, Kepler scientist Mario Perez shared that this serves as a boost in the hope of life somewhere outside the Earth.

However, an astronomer from Harvard claimed that these planets which orbit around their suns are not new anymore and are not even rare. This means that perhaps, apart from these planets, there could be even more of those kinds elsewhere.

Kepler, NASA's space telescope is considered as the first space telescope which has been in space for four years already. Its mission is to find Earth-sized planets which are near the habitable zone. But it was not the only way the astronomers have discovered exoplanets and even those that can support life.

Prior to the launching of Kepler, the astronomers and scientists already expressed their hopes that the number of the Earth-like planets will be about a percent of the stars. In the latest report, the frequency was already close to 60 percent as confirmed by an astronomer during the Kepler conference in California.

With this latest discovery of the ten new planets, the astronomers shared their joy even if this number was regarded as very small. This can pave the way to the discovery of more exoplanets that can possibly support life.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Otto Warmbier, a student who was detained in North Korea died within days after he was released. Additionally, contrary to the story that North Korea stated that Otto had contracted botulism, no such evidence was found while he was being treated at the Cincinnati hospital.

After 17 months of being detained in North Korea, Otto Warmbier was released just a couple of days back. However, he died within days of being released and while he was being treated at the Cincinnati hospital. According to Asian Correspondent, he was in a coma at the time when he was released from captivity.

Moreover, the doctors who were treating him found that he was suffering from extensive brain damage which left him in a state of "unresponsive wakefulness." The doctors also said that neither did Warmbier make any purposeful movement nor did he show any signs of understanding of his surroundings or the language.

Warmbier's parents have also said in a statement that their son suffered immense physical torture while he was held captive in North Korea, which resulted in his death. In similar reports, it has been said that though the medical treatment that Warmbier received remains a mystery. But North Korea has said that Warmbier went into a coma after he contracted botulism and was given a sleeping pill. However, the doctors at Cincinnati hospital did not find any evidence of botulism while treating him.

Moreover, ex-detainees of North Korea have expressed their shock after the death of Warmbier, like Jeffrey Fowle, an Ohio municipal worker. Notably, he was imprisoned in North Korea as he left a Bible in a nightclub and was detained for six months, Reuters reported. However, he was in a better state of health when he was released. He expressed shock at the demise of Otto Warmbier and also added that "It doesn't take much to get in trouble in North Korea."

It must be mentioned here that Warmbier was detained in North Korea on charges of stealing an item that bore a propaganda slogan, while he was visiting the state as a tourist. He was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor, however, on "humanitarian" grounds, he was released earlier.

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ELKO  Two large, uncontained fires were burning in Elko County on Wednesday evening after being sparked by lightning.

The Red Springs Fire that started five miles north of Jiggs was estimated to have burned 4,680 acres while the Midas Fire, which is located about five miles outside of Midas, was mapped at 200 acres.

The Red Springs fire 5 started Tuesday afternoon in a wilderness study area and spread to private land, according to the Bureau of Land Management. It was being fought by 84 firefighters and had consumed some sage grouse habitat but no structures were threatened.

The firefighters on the ground are using dozers to create fire breaks and they are getting air support from a single-engine plane that is dropping fire retardant on the scene.

BLM Public Affairs Officer Greg Deimel said two wilderness study areas that contain prime habitat for sage grouse have been hit by the fire: Red Spring and Cedar Ridge.

There are two wilderness study areas down there and in that wilderness study area we have primary and general sage grouse habitat, he said.

The fire slowed down Tuesday night but weather conditions did not help matters. The weather system that brought rain to the Elko area brought high winds to the area of the fire.

Deimel also mentioned Wednesday that a weather system moving through the area could cause the fire to grow even as things cool down heading into the evening.

The Midas Fire was reported at 1:29 a.m. Wednesday and lightning is expected to be the cause.

Firefighters from the BLM, some volunteer units and some private land owners are helping to contain the blaze.

A fire engine is on the scene as well as helicopter that is dropping fire retardant in the area.

Deimel expects weather to be a factor in extinguishing the Midas Fire.

It didnt burn as much overnight but the weather yesterday was a mess, he said Wednesday. The forecast for today is dry lightning and afternoon thunderstorms again.

Elsewhere in Nevada, a fire near Rye Patch Reservoir reportedly burned more than 15,00 acres before being fully contained Wednesday.

A fire near Dunphy was extinguished Tuesday after burning more than 50 acres. Nevada Division of Forestry and resources from Battle Mountain, Carlin, Wells and Elko all responded to the incident.

Thunderstorms moved through the region Tuesday evening after the high reached 99 degrees in Elko.

Bureau of Land Management Public Affairs Officer Greg Deimel cautioned that wildland fires can grow rapidly.

By the time you start digging perimeters and everything else the fire is still moving, he said.
B ritains best new buildings of the year have been announced today by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Six of the 49 projects are individual homes which are also in the running to win the prestigious House of the Year Award, due to be announced this autumn.

Quirky and innovative projects include Suffolk's Peacock House, with an opaque exterior that conceals a series of wonderful internal and external spaces.

Shawn House in Northumberland is a sustainable self-build by Richard Pender, who successfully provided a more manageable home of the highest quality for his ageing parents.

Caring Wood: the towers together with the interlinking roof are clad solely in clay tiles, which the architect describes as a tablecloth being draped over the terrain / James Morris

Maidstone's Caring Wood is recognised for its excellent sustainable credentials, providing a carbon neutral response to climate change. It uses the traditional oast house as a form generator and comprises four towers with an interlinking roof.

Social housing

Two social housing developments in the capital have also been recognised by the awards.

The Silchester Estate in North Kensington was praised as an "exemplary social housing development" by the RIBA judges. The other social housing winner, Dujardin Mews in north London's Ponders End, is the first project of its kind to be council-led in Enfield for 40 years.

Dujardin Mews: social housing in north London's Ponders End / Mark-Hadden

"The lack of high quality new housing is a huge issue in the UK so I am particularly pleased to see great examples of well designed, sustainable new homes amongst our award winners, says RIBA president Jane Duncan.

"Sadly though, these projects are exceptions. We all deserve a well-designed, affordable home, wherever we live in the country. I encourage other local authorities, developers and clients to look at these projects as exemplars."

Commerical buildings

Other notable winners include Brighton's British Airways i360  the world's first vertical pier and tallest moving observation tower.

British Airways i360: world's first vertical pier / Paul Raftery

The monumental extension to the Tate Modern on London's Bankside, known as Switch House, is celebrated for its free rooftop gallery offering a near-panoramic view of the capital.

Sustainable design is well-represented across the board, from an eco straw-clad office building in Norwich to a striking new biomass power plant in Sheffield.

Brick was the top choice for London based-projects while timber is growing in popularity across the rest of the country.

The shortlist for RIBA Stirling Prize for the UKs best building of the year will be drawn from these winners. Scroll through the gallery above for the full list...
A n exemplary west London housing estate has won one of the top awards in architecture.

The Silchester Estate in North Kensington was one of 49 projects across the UK to be recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as among the best new buildings of the year.

Work on the 112 new homes  45 for social rent, 39 for shared ownership and 28 for private sale  as well as community and retail spaces was completed last year.

It was commissioned by housing association Peabody in partnership with Kensington & Chelsea council, which has faced ferocious criticism for its housing policy following the fire disaster at Grenfell Tower that left at least 79 dead.

Silchester Estate, designed by Gospel Oak based architects Haworth Tompkins, was one of two social housing projects to be praised by RIBA. The other was Dujardin Mews in Ponders End in north London, the first council-led social housing in Enfield for 40 years.

RIBA president Jane Duncan said: The lack of high quality new housing is a huge issue in the UK so I am particularly pleased to see great examples of well designed, sustainable new homes amongst our award winners.

In London, Silchester and Ponders End are both great examples of estate regeneration bringing thoughtful and community based affordable housing to the capital.

Sadly though, these projects are exceptions. We all deserve a well-designed, affordable home, wherever we live in the country. I encourage other local authorities, developers and clients to look at these projects as exemplars.

All the new homes at the Silchester Estate have been designed to be dual aspect to increase the levels of light and the estate is tenure blind  meaning social affordable properties and those sold to private buyers are mixed in together with little or no difference in appearance.

RIBA judges said: The brick facades are expressive and skilfully detailed and the new building successfully engages with the existing tower, wrapping it at ground level and providing a new face to the street.

Other notable winners include Brightons British Airways i360  the worlds first vertical pier and tallest moving observation tower, while the extension to the Tate Modern on Londons Bankside, known as Switch House, was praised or its free rooftop gallery offering a near-panoramic view of the capital.
The band will be returning to Dublins Olympia Theatre on October 7 and Belfasts Ulster Hall on October 8.

This week, the band have just played a sold out show at Ulster Hall and have announced their return to Ireland due to phenomenal demand.

As well as setting out on European tour this summer, including several festival appearances along the way, the American hard-rock band are also preparing for the release of Live At The O2 Arena + Rarities which is set to be released on September 8 through Napalm Records.

Check out the teaser for Live At The O2 Arena + Rarities below:

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Tickets for the Dublin show are priced at 41 while tickets for the Belfast gig are priced at 30, booking fee not included. Tickets for both shows go on sale this Friday June 23 from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets nationwide.
The exhibition is being held in the Copperhouse Gallery in St Kevin's Cottages on Synge Street, from 6-8pm.

A self professed 'accidental photographer', Andy Sheridan has taken some of the most beautiful and evocative shots of Dublin City of any photographer in recent times. The self-taught Cavan native travels around Dublin taking long-exposure shots of some of the city's most interesting landmarks and scenes.

Sheridan's has previously held an exhibition of his work in aid of Pieta House, in the CHQ building, which raised over 3900 for their cause. He will once again be donating all proceeds of the sales of his photographs at the exhibition to the suicide prevention charity.

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Brian Wilson, who plays two Irish dates next month, will release an 18-song anthology of his solo work in September.

The record label Rhino has announced that it will revisits Wilsons solo career with a new 18-song collection called 'Playback: The Brian Wilson Anthology'.

The collection mixes studio and live recordings with two previously unreleased tracks: Run James Run, a new song Wilson wrote and recorded for this collection, and Some Sweet Day, an unreleased gem he wrote with Andy Paley in the early 1990s for an unfinished recording project.

The anthology covers more than 30 years of music with selections from nine of Wilsons solo albums and will be released September 22 on CD), double-LP, on digital download and streaming services.

The collection opens with Love and Mercy, one of the four songs on PLAYBACK taken from Wilsons self-titled debut. The song has become one of Wilsons most beloved classics, a regular closer to his live concerts, and was adopted as the title of the acclaimed 2015 biopic that saw the Beach Boy memorably played by both Paul Dano and John Cusack.

Several tracks on 'Playback' come from the two albums Wilson released in 2004: Gettin In Over My Head and the Grammy-winning Brian Wilson Presents Smile. The most poignant of these is Soul Searchin, a song Wilson built around a vocal track left behind by his brother Carl, who passed away in 1998. The celebrated orchestral masterpiece, Smile is represented by Heroes and Villains, and the timeless classic, Surfs Up.

Those back-to-back releases ushered in a sustained burst of creativity for Wilson that includes four acclaimed albums. Theyre represented on the collection by Midnights Another Day (That Lucky Old Sun, 2008); The Like In I Love You (Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, 2010); Colors Of The Wind (In The Key Of Disney, 2011); and One Kind Of Love (No Pier Pressure, 2015.)

Tucked in with these studio classics are two live performances from Wilsons 2000 concert recording, Live At The Roxy Theatre. Included here are The First Time and This Isnt Love, a charming collaboration with Wilsons Pet Sounds lyricist Tony Asher.

'Playback: The Brian Wilson Anthology' includes a selection of classic photos from throughout Wilsons solo career, in addition to a candid shot taken in the studio in 2017 during the recording of Run James Run. The album also includes liner notes by David Wild, and features a previously unseen picture of Wilson on the front cover, taken by legendary rock photographer Robert Matheu.



Here's the complete track listing:

1. Love And Mercy

2. Surfs Up

3. Heroes And Villains

4. Melt Away

5. Let It Shine

6. Some Sweet Day *

7. Rio Grande

8. Cry

9. Lay Down Burden

10. The First Time

11. This Isnt Love

12. Soul Searchin

13. Gettin In Over My Head

14. The Like In I Love You

15. Midnights Another Day

16. Colors Of The Wind

17. One Kind Of Love

18. Run James Run *

* Previously unreleased

Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds: The Final Performances

Here's a list of his upcoming tour dates

June

29 Odeon, Odense, DK

30 Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, DK

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July

3 Carre, Amsterdam, NL

4 Kursaal Oostend, Oostende, BE

5 Grote Zaal, Utrecht, NL

8 BBK Live, Bilbao, SP

9 Montreux Jazz Fest w/ Bryan Ferry, Montreux, CH

13 Pori Jazz Festival, Pori, Finland

15 Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia, IT

17 Nuits de Fourviere, Lyon, FR

19 Jahrhunterthalle, Frankfurt, DE

20 Konzerthaus, Vienna, AT

23 Galway Arts Festival, Galway, IRE

25 Bord Gais Energy, Dublin, IRE

28 Liverpool Exhibition Centre, Liverpool, UK

29 Kendal Calling, Lowther Deer Park, UK

30 Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, UK

August

1 Hammersmith Apollo, London, England

2 Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield, England

3 Kelingrove Bandstand, Glasgow, UK

5 Glastonbury Extravana, Glastonbury, England

6 Times Square Newcastle, Newcastle, England

September

15 Molson Canadian Centre, Moncton, NB

16 Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS

18 Centre in The Square, Kitchener, ON

19 Kodak Hall @ Eastman Theatre, Rochester, NY

21 Foxwoods Casino, Mashantucket, CT

22 Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA

23 Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY

25 American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA

26 Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ

29 Zeiterion Theatre, New Bedford, MA

30 Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ

October

1 Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse, NY

3 Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN

4 Stranahan Theatre, Toledo, OH

6 Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont, IL

7 Belterra Casino, Florence, IN

8 Civic Center Theater, Peoria, IL

12 The Big Fresno Fair, Fresno, CA

13 The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA

14 Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, CA
Dunkirk is one of the most highly anticipated films of this summer. Written, co-produced and directed by auteur Christopher Nolan (behind films such as Interstellar and the Dark Knight trilogy), Dunkirk is a World War II thriller about the unlikely evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France.

In April, Olaf Tyaransen interviewed Cillian Murphy about his film Free Fire, and now the Cork actor will be joining the cast of Dunkirk as a soldier rescued by the crew of a little boat. The film also stars familiar faces such as Tom Hardy and Kenneth Branagh. Newcomers to the big screen include lead Fionn Whitehead and even Harry Styles.

77 years ago 400,000 men were stranded. Go to https://t.co/dpcRdN7bSG to experience #Dunkirk. pic.twitter.com/XIIcdT7f5C
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Taxi drivers around the world are celebrating the ouster of former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, whose ride-hailing app and bad boy attitude made him one of the most despised and admired Internet entrepreneurs in the world.

The coup d'etat staged by Uber's investors, though, is only a small step to solving the giant problems at the San Francisco tech firm.

Kalanick infused Uber with a pirate mentality, expecting executives to bend and break any rules that stood in the company's way. Uber made a game of challenging local regulations and even built software to thwart code enforcers, triggering a federal investigation.

RELATED: Regulatory road should be level for Uber, taxis

When Houston's city council refused to bend to Uber's demands, and Austin voters threw Uber out of the capitol, Kalanick hired a team of high-priced lobbyists to buy friendly statewide laws at the Texas Legislature. Uber now has its own set of rules that give it an advantage over local taxi drivers.

Self-declared impunity, though, only goes so far. Uber's human resources department could only protect the company's sexual predators for so long before the lawsuits started piling up. Then there is Google's claim that Uber stole intellectual property to develop self-driving cars.

As with any out-of-control fraternity party, the reckoning at Uber was inevitable. The board, made up of grown-up private equity and institutional investors, recognized the insincerity of Kalanick's penance and took him out.

But every executive knows that you don't fix a company's broken culture by removing one leader. A completely new management team will need to clean house to curb the reprehensible, unethical and allegedly illegal behavior that has led so many customers to boycott Uber.

RELATED: Uber is in the sub-prime auto business

Accomplishing that task will be tough because Uber's financial situation needs attention as urgently as the behavioral problems.

At the last capital raise, Uber claimed to be worth $70 billion, an absurd number for a company that owns little more than some software and a huge data set. The company lost $2.8 billion last year and another $708 million in the first quarter of 2017. There is currently no CEO or COO in place to stop the bleeding.

Uber is popular because it operates in most major cities and its cheap. But the company's investors are subsidizing every ride a customer takes because the fare only covers a fraction of the costs. The only way the company could make a profit without raising rates is to get rid of human drivers.

RELATED: All of Uber's marbles bet on dumping drivers

Since autonomous taxis are still a decade away, and raising rates will drive away customers, Uber's investors need to find someone else to cover the company's losses. That means taking the company public with an initial public offering. To attract new investors, Uber needed to get rid of Kalanick so that is operates more like a company worth $70 billion.

Now I understand that supporters believe the $70 billion valuation represents Uber's potential to revolutionize personal transportation in the future. But no one can make the case that if Uber's assets were liquidated tomorrow, it would be worth more than Ford, General Motors or Toyota.

Uber's problems may have started with Kalanick, but they don't end with his departure. The troubled company has gotten far ahead of itself. And a lot of investors will be disappointed when reality finally sets in.
WASHINGTON - Former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Wednesday he was "disappointed" by his successor Rick Perry's recent comments that mankind was not the primary cause of climate change.

"It flies in the face of science," he said. "But I had been encouraged by Secretary Perry's strong enthusiasm for the national labs and the innovation agenda. However, there, the problem is the disconnect to the budget prepared by the administration."

The comments came while Moniz was in Washington to announce the launch of a nonprofit that he will lead. The Energy Futures Initiative will provide technical expertise and analysis on reducing carbon dioxide emissions to fight climate change.

Moniz said the launch was "not in response to recent events," but he was critical of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris agreement on climate and said he hoped to work with states, cities and other U.S. institutions still working towards the goals of the accord.

"Filling the international leadership roles will have to be based on solid data and clear analysis," he said. " You can't sustain leadership if it's based on good ideas you had in the shower. That's off the record, I think."

Perry is on Capitol Hill this week, defending the president's plan to slash research funding at the Department of Energy. Asked by members how he would sustain the nation's national labs, Perry said he hoped to avoid large-scale layoffs through better budget management.

Asked about Perry's testimony during a news conference Wednesday, Moniz offered a long smile before responding.

"If Secretary Perry has a magic formula, well,that would be wonderful," he said. " But I've never seen anyone make something out of nothing."
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The U.S. Senate's health care plan garnered mixed reviews in Texas on Thursday. Some applauded its sweep, others offered tepid support, and still others voiced outright disgust as they accused the bill of balancing tax cuts on the backs of the state's most vulnerable.

The 142-page "discussion draft," titled the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 and authored in secret by Senate Republicans, in essence repeats much of the U.S. House bill that narrowly passed last month.

Senate leaders have said their version could be voted on next week.

The bill seeking to unspool the current law known as Obamacare would do away with the mandate that most every American have health insurance as well as steeply curtailing Medicaid spending. The proposal also returns to states the power to limit some insurance provisions now in place, including mandatory maternity coverage and the inclusion of behavioral-health benefits.

While those major provisions closely mirror ones offered in the House version, the similarities did little to temper gut reactions Thursday - at times even within the same political party.

"I give it an F," said Chip Roy, senior adviser of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank in Austin. He called it a "tweaking around the edges" of the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans like him have long vowed to dismantle in its entirety.

Roy, former chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he was disheartened that the Senate version doubled down "on the flawed infrastructure of Obamacare."

The Senate bill takes sharp aim at Medicaid, ending the expansion in 31 states that was a hallmark of Obamacare. But even in non-expansion states like Texas, deep cuts are proposed as the measure would cap future dollars per enrollee based on past spending.

The Medicaid cuts under the Senate bill ultimately would be deeper than what was proposed in the House. A previous analysis of the House plan predicted Texas could lose $1.5 billion per year over the next decade. If the state failed to make up that difference, it is widely expected that services would be curtailed and fewer people would be eligible.

"For Texas, this will be even worse than the House bill," said Elena Marks, president and CEO of Houston's Episcopal Health Foundation.

Reached by phone in Boston Thursday as she attended the Grantmakers in Health convention for health care philanthropists, Marks said the mood turned somber as the bill was made public.

Texas already is tied with Alabama for having the nation's strictest threshold for qualifying for Medicaid, and Marks worries the state's neediest cannot shoulder more cuts. More than 4 million Texans, the vast majority of them poor children, currently receive Medicaid benefits.

A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that more than half of the births in Texas were financed by Medicaid.

Others in Texas who receive Medicaid are the elderly, people with severe disabilities and pregnant women.

Michael Morrisey, a health economist and professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, was more generous in his appraisal. With the caveat that he had not studied the bill in depth, he said he found parts to like, especially measures giving states more latitude to customize regulations and coverage standards.

"I think that is a very good thing," he said, adding that he never favored the Affordable Care Act's one-size-fits-all mandates and provisions.

One provision in the Senate bill would allow states to receive block grants for some health care costs. States also could determine the percentage of revenue an insurance company could use for overhead costs. The ACA mandates that no more than 20 percent could go to non-coverage costs.

Morrisey also liked that the Senate measure would reconfigure how federal subsidies are given to help pay for insurance, moving away from the flat, age-based calculation floated by the House to one that is based also on income, more akin to the ACA.

"You want it to be needs-based," he said.

The bill would have a stricter income threshold to qualify for tax credits. Like the House bill, older Americans could be charged five times more than the young compared to the current three-to-one ratio.

Still, younger and healthier people could benefit more from the Senate plan than the current law and in states like Texas, which leads the nation in the so-called coverage gap, people living under the poverty line would be eligible for help where they were not under the ACA.

Marks remained unmoved in her criticism.

"It's not all that heroic," she said.

She also complained the Senate plan would eliminate help to the poor to offset high deductibles and co-pays.

"The bill is terrible for Texas," added Stacey Pogue, a senior health policy analyst at the Center for Public Policy Priorities. "It's a tax-cut bill. The way it pays for tax cuts to insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and the wealthiest Americans is by gutting health care for those with low and moderate incomes."

Under the Senate plan, Obamacare taxes on over-the-counter and prescription medication, medical devices and the tanning industry all would be repealed. The bill also would repeal the tax on investments, which had targeted the wealthiest Americans, as a way to help pay for Medicaid expansion.

The plan also would eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood for a year.

Morrisey remained skeptical of the removal of the individual and employer mandate without something to encourage healthy people to sign up for insurance to stabilize the risk pool.

The ACA levied a penalty for those who did without insurance. The House plan would do away with that measure but impose a 30 percent surcharge to regain coverage once lapsed. The Senate plans offered no incentive to remain covered.

The measure also split the state's two U.S. senators, both of whom were part of the committee overseeing the bill. Cruz came out against the bill Thursday. Fellow Sen. John Cornyn offered a more triumphant take.

"The time to close the book on Obamacare is now," Cornyn said in a statement. "Our plan will help deliver access to better care at a price the American people can afford."

Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, praised his Senate counterparts and their reworking of the House bill he had helped construct.

"I'm pleased to see the Senate moving forward with legislation that brings us closer to repealing and replacing Obamacare," he said in a statement.
It's never a good time to be laid off, but it came at a particularly difficult time for Debbie, who was in her early 50s when she was let go from her job in 2010 after 21 years as a high school science teacher.

In the wake of the Great Recession, nobody was hiring teachers, especially more experienced ones. So Debbie, who declined to give her last name so as not to jeopardize her job search prospects, took whatever she could find  jobs at Kroger, Party City, Valero. When she was last laid off, the retail jobs seemed to have dried up entirely.

"As far as job hunting, you're not going to find anything around here that's retail," Debbie said, while clicking through listings at Cypress Assistance Ministries, a faith-based group that helps people get back on their feet.

And she's right: In Houston, even while malls continue to mushroom and the rest of the Houston economy has kicked back into gear, retail employment growth has fallen off a cliff. In the past few months, the sector has actually shrunk on a year-over-year basis for the first time since 2010.

It could be just a blip  or it could be part of broader trends in the industry, with large big-box stores going bankrupt as ordering moves online. Parker Harvey, chief economist with Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions, is puzzled.

"From a real estate perspective, retail is doing exceptionally well," he says. "At a certain point though, it's not translating into jobs. It's hard to square those two trends. It's a conundrum, it really really is."

The elephant in the room: Amazon.com, which is building an enormous distribution center in northwest Houston and another in Katy. The whiteboard at Cypress Assistance Ministries announces that they're hiring 2,500 warehouse workers, but that's nowhere near enough to replace the cashiering, shelf-stocking, and floor-cleaning jobs that are disappearing.

The e-commerce behemoth's acquisition of Whole Foods could extend the shrinkage of retail employment into the grocery sector, if Amazon finds a way to make home grocery delivery easier than going shopping, or reduce staffing through automation like it has in its new cashier-less "Amazon Go" grocery store prototype. So far, the company says it plans to keep Whole Foods as it is.

"Amazon has no plans to use the technology it developed for Amazon Go to automate the jobs of cashiers at Whole Foods," a spokesman said in a statement. "No job reductions are planned as a result of the deal."

RELATED: Houston drags its feet on getting the most out of tax breaks

Now, retail jobs aren't usually the best paid. They don't always have a route to advancement. But they do serve as a first line as a resume for young people, and as a safety net for older people who might have had careers cut short before they planned.

And there are a lot of those people. About 360,000 able-bodied people in Harris County between the age of 25 and 64 are either unemployed or not in the labor force, meaning they are not working or looking for work (excluding people enrolled in school or staying home to raise kids), according to a new analysis of American Community Survey data by the Brookings Institution.

Of those, 62 percent have a high school degree or less, and retail jobs usually don't require anything more.

For Debbie, there's a long four years until she can claim Social Security, and she worries about getting another teaching job when new recruits fresh out of school are much cheaper. For the last six months, she has lived out of her car at the parking lot behind her church, hoping some kind of work will come through.

"I think people who move to this area think there are a lot more jobs than there actually are," she says.

Updated to include a statement from Amazon.
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon made tweaks here and there to the autobiographical "The Big Sick," a romantic comedy based on their own extraordinary romance. But the most unbelievable things in this film are 100-percent true.

Their relationship did, as in the film, evolve as Nanjiani's Pakistani-American family was trying to arrange his marriage. Their lives together were irrevocably altered when an illness forced Emily into a medically induced coma. And - perhaps most unlikely of all - Nanjiani did grow up idolizing Hugh Grant and styling his hair like him.

"And you still kind of think that's the ideal hair to have as a human being," Gordon, gently chiding her husband and co-writer, said in a recent interview alongside Nanjiani.

"It's gorgeous," Nanjiani retorts, proudly unapologetic. "He was like my ideal of a man." (Here Gordon cackles) "He still is. The first best-man speech in 'Four Weddings,' when I look back, so much of my stand-up was aping the Hugh Grant delivery. I love that movie."

In "The Big Sick," which opens locally Friday, Nanjiani has filtered his undying love of rom-coms (particularly the Hugh Grant-Richard Curtis variety) through his own improbable experience in love. The film, directed by Michael Showalter and produced by Judd Apatow, already has been hailed as one of the year's best. Amazon plunked down $12 million for "The Big Sick" after its lauded Sundance Film Festival premiere in January.

"The Big Sick" is a refreshing anomaly for many reasons. It's a tenderly personal film in the midst of the brutal blockbuster season. It's a major release starring a Pakistani-American actor (Nanjiani, famous to many for his role on "Silicon Valley"). And it's, by far, the most exciting romantic comedy to come along in years - a rare shot-in-the-arm for a moribund genre, one nearly left for dead after too many conventional mediocrities.

"I would love it to have a comeback," Nanjiani said of the rom-com. "They would need to be different from the glut of rom-coms we had in the early 2000s. It would be good to see new, different versions of it."

Lest anyone doubt his rom-com ardor, Nanjiani's conversation is punctuated by titles like "My Best Friend's Wedding," "Sleepless in Seattle" and, repeatedly, his beloved "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Apatow recently introduced Nanjiani to its writer-director, Curtis, who gave him a few signed frames from "Four Weddings." "Kumail was as excited as a man could be," Apatow said.

Nanjiani, 39, grew up immersed in American pop culture. He moved to the U.S. at age 18 to go to Iowa's Grinnell College. He returned last month to give a commencement address where he encouraged graduates to "have sex with an immigrant." ("We're going through a really tough time right now," he joked, "and it would just be really great for morale.")

He and Gordon (who's played by Zoe Kazan in the film) met in Chicago, where Nanjiani was a few years into his then-nascent, still nerve-rattled standup career and Gordon was a practicing therapist. As in the film, their first encounter was at one of his performances. "He said, 'Is Pakistan in the house' and I woo-hoo'ed, helpfully," Gordon recalls. When the two officially met two nights later, Nanjiani was drawn to Gordon's confidence and Gordon "liked the way his brain worked on stage" - like an early bit of Nanjiani's about the first deer that ate psychedelic mushrooms.

Apatow heard Nanjiani tell his story of meeting Gordon, and the subsequent coma, while the two were on Pete Holmes' podcast about five years ago.

"It really was a strange, wonderful romantic comedy story. I thought: 'Nobody has a great story like this. This sounds like a movie.' I sent Kumail and Emily off to start writing and we worked really hard at it for years," Apatow said. "Everything I do is hoping to be in the universe of 'Terms of Endearment.' We usually don't come close but I think this is as close as we've ever come."

Think of the modern romantic comedy and you're likely to picture Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts or Kate Hudson. It is, Nanjiani grants, "probably the whitest genre." And that's one reason why "The Big Sick" points the rom-com in a new direction. Many of the funniest and natural scenes in the film are of Nanjiani sitting around the dinner table with his Pakistani family. (Anupam Kher and Zenobia Shroff play his parents; Ray Romano and Holly Hunter play Emily's parents.) In one scene, Nanjiani watches YouTube videos on his phone while he's supposed to be praying.

It adds up to a rarely seen snapshot of Muslim life in America, at a time when American openness to immigrants is severely challenged. Nanjiani is glad they made the film "before all the anti-immigration sentiment became so explicit."

"We just wanted to make a movie about family and love," Nanjiani said. "We're very, very lucky because I think we would have had pressure to make a statement with it. The movie is coming out in a very different context than it was made. I like that it humanizes a group of people that are generally seen in a very specific way in American pop culture."

Gordon has her own issues with romantic comedy conventions. She once did a workshop on how their formulas and expectations are ruining our love lives: overselling the bold romantic gesture and falsifying the synchronicity of two people falling in love.

Alternatively fueled and stalled by cultural differences and an ill-timed coma, their relationship contained no such prescribed beats. But by the end, they were in love. Imbued with a new awareness of life's fragility after the health scare, they moved to New York and got married. Nanjiani, with Gordon's help, grew into his own as a performer, and they went on to write "The Big Sick."

"We weren't afraid of failing so much anymore," Gordon said. Nanjiani concurs. "We just kind of went for it."
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This story ran May 29, 1985, three months before Texas repealed the blue law that prevented many merchants from staying open on both Saturdays and Sundays to sell clothing, furniture, major appliances and other items. Stores were typically closed on Sundays. But many retailers clamored to relax the rule, and several local businesses decided to take matters into their own hands.

Most major Houston-area department stores plan to open this Sunday, rather than wait for September when the Texas blue law officially dies.

Macy's, Joske's and Montgomery Ward plan to open this Sunday, and more smaller shops at the regional malls are expected to follow.

Foley's and J.C. Penney opened last Sunday for the first time in Texas. The controversial blue law banned the sale of 42 types of merchandise on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays.

Gov. Mark White has said he plans to sign legislation to repeal the blue law, but last week he said merchants should wait until the change goes into effect Sept. 1.

Foley's, one of the staunchest supporters of the blue law, was the first conventional merchant to announce Sunday openings, even if it technically wasn't legal, noting that the formal repeal was a foregone conclusion.

Retailers that were open this past Sunday reported a productive day, pointing out that a lot of sales were packed into a short five- or six-hour selling day. Tom Putman, district sales promotion manager for J.C. Penney, said sales per hour were about as good as on a Saturday, when the store is open for 11  hours.

"On Saturday, the peak is between noon and 3 p.m. On Sunday, the whole time is peak," he said.

Other merchants fear a drain of sales from weekdays.

Macy's, which has department stores at the Willowbrook and Deerbrook malls, plans to be open on Sunday between noon and six. A spokeswoman noted that the retailer's stores are open in other cities on Sundays, and that families value it as a day to shop together.

A spokesman for Montgomery Ward said the retailer would be open "in reaction to competition."

Carol Kirchhoff, marketing manager for the Willowbrook Mall at FM 1960 and FM 149, said Tuesday that four of the five department stores that anchor the mall - Foley's, Macy's, Joske's and Montgomery Ward - are scheduled to be open. Sears is the fifth department, and its plans are not known.

Between half and three-quarters of the 155 merchants at Willowbrook will have Sunday hours beginning this weekend, she estimated.

Town & Country Center on the Katy Freeway at West Belt also plans to be open since it received word that Joske's, as well as Penney, would be open Sunday. An executive there expects about 50 percent of the merchants to open.

Some malls, such as Sharpstown Center on the Southwest Freeway at Fondren and Northwest Mall at Loop 610 and U.S. 290, that are anchored by Foley's and Penney were open this past weekend. Sharpstown is encouraging its merchants to open, a mall executive said.

Weiner's, a moderate-price apparel retailer, plans to open on Sunday in the Houston area on June 9. It will open on weekdays a half hour later, at 9:30 a.m.

Palais Royal, the apparel chain, has said it will start Sunday hours on June 23.

Not all retailers have announced plans to open, although executives call it a fluid situation.

"People are getting crazy," said one store operations executive. "I'd like to wait until Sept. 1, but if the competitive situation calls for us to open, we'll have to."

K mart and Target, which worked actively for the repeal of the blue law, still don't plan to open on Sunday until fall.

George Hite, vice president of public and consumer affairs for Target, maintains that since the Legislature has reversed the blue law, there's no reason to jump the gun on the effective date of the repeal.

A spokeswoman at Zale Corp. in Dallas, which also worked for the repeal, said the jewelry chain, "still plans to obey the law, even though it hurts."

After test cases by Academy, the sporting goods chain, and Handy Dan, the home center, retailers at newly opened off-price malls began defying the blue law last fall. Later in the Christmas shopping season, they were joined by large discount stores such as K mart and Target.

Many retailers who opened on Sundays in December, returned to six-day weeks in early 1985.

Store executives said they expect to staff the stores on Sunday by juggling the schedules of current employees, possibly cutting back weekday hours.

Some retailers are paying overtime or offering other incentives to Sunday workers. Executives at Foley's and Penney said they had no shortage of volunteers to work last Sunday.
John L. Mone

SAN ANTONIO -- Rep. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, held an interim hearing on base encroachment this week in San Antonio and it's only the first of multiple stops around the state, a prelude to a push to get lawmakers on board with a statewide strategy on base realignment and closure.

Five rounds of base realignment and closure, or BRAC, has closed military installations in Texas from Beeville to Lubbock and every place in between. The Trump administration's announcement of a sixth round of BRAC for 2021 has San Antonio officials concerned.
A Houston school security officer is free on bail after being accused of taking bathroom photos and videos of boys at Energized for Excellence Academy, a middle school near Bellaire in west Houston.

Yandry Jimenez Rivero, a 20-year-old Cuban national who was working for a private security firm, was arrested earlier this week after allegedly being caught by an 11-year-old boy, prosecutors said Thursday.

The tween was in a bathroom stall when he looked up to see a cell phone being held by someone in an adjacent stall.

The boy told a teacher that as he left, he could see black boots under the door of the stall and, through the gap between the door and the wall, he saw a gold badge on a black uniform.

Authorities who checked surveillance video to see Rivero going in and out of the restroom at the same time.

School officials confiscated Rivero's phone and found a number of videos of young boys in restrooms in a deleted folder.

Prosecutor Patrick Stayton said the Harris County District Attorney's office is working to identify other boys in videos.

At a mid-day press conference, he declined to speculate on how many boys may be in videos or whether they are all from the Energized for Excellence Academy on Bissonet.

Rivero is charged with improper photography in a bathroom, a state jail felony. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of two years behind bars.

He is free on $1,500 bond.

School officials could not be reached for comment. Rivero does not yet have a lawyer according to court records.

brian.rogers@chron.com

twitter.com/brianjrogers
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The Howard Hughes Corporation has started clearing a 13-acre site on Texas 242 to construct an outpatient clinic for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The $51.4 million three-story building is expected to be completed by mid-2019. The 200,000-square-foot clinic will be located at the corner of Texas 242 and Fellowship Drive.
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Residents of The Woodlands awoke on Sunday, May 7, to a typical late-spring day, warm enough to provide a hint of the oppressive summer weather soon to come. Unless they were particularly vigilant, however, those who ventured outdoors for a picnic or a bike ride probably knew nothing about a silent intruder threatening their tidy suburban enclave.

On that day, an air quality monitor in Jones State Forest, just north of The Woodlands, recorded an ozone reading of 83 parts per billion -- 13 points higher than the national standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2015. At this level, scientists say, members of sensitive groups -- including adults with respiratory problems and children -- may experience coughing or shortness of breath if they spend time outdoors.

An interactive map developed by the Houston Clean Air Network shows a blob around The Woodlands shaded darker than areas surrounding it on the afternoon of May 7. This ozone plume had hovered over Houston the day before; prevailing winds carried it north.

May 7 is one of six days so far this year when the Jones forest monitor recorded ozone levels that exceeded the federal standard. A monitor in Conroe also has measured readings above 70 on six days. And the hottest days, when ozone levels peak, still lie ahead.

Air quality in the Houston area has improved significantly in the past two decades. Since we all have plenty of other concerns, it's easy to tuck this one into the "other people's problems" file, assuming that dirty air is limited to fence-line neighborhoods near polluting industries.

But data provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality tell a different story. The three-year average ozone reading for Conroe, 73, is higher than those for two monitors near the Houston Ship Channel: one on Clinton Drive (70) and another in Deer Park (67). The suburbs don't get a pass on this one.

"Ozone is a regional-scale problem," said Adrian Shelley, the former head of the nonprofit Air Alliance Houston, who now leads the Texas office of the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen. Other air pollutants such as particulate matter tend to stick close to their sources, but ozone moves around.

Ozone is created when certain compounds emitted by vehicles and industry react with heat and sunlight. In the 1990s, ozone pollution was arguably the most urgent problem in the Houston region, which exceeded federal standards as many as 200 days a year. By some measures, Houston had surpassed Los Angeles as the metropolitan region with the dirtiest air in the country.

That's not a distinction that gladdens the hearts of chamber of commerce leaders. Houston's top business executives and elected officials worked feverishly to meet a deadline to submit a plan for improvements that would pass federal muster.

The plan was developed, cars got cleaner, industry made some headway, and now the area's regional ozone average exceeds the federal limit just 20 or 30 days a year, says Shelley. But the problem has not been solved.

"We are in a tough position here where people are complacent," Shelley says. "But we are still very much in a situation where vulnerable people are dying. Asthma is still the number one cause of school absences."

Dr. Harold J. Farber, a Baylor College of Medicine pediatric lung specialist, said concern about air quality in the Houston area has ebbed, in part, because of sheer fatigue with the issue.

"We've been talking about it for so long," Farber said. "We've gotten a little bit numb to it."

Numerous studies, Farber said, have shown that exposure to high ozone levels can increase the risk of asthma and impede lung growth: "Kids who grow up in high-ozone areas, their lung function is lower."

Parents can monitor daily ozone levels, and plan kids' outdoor activities accordingly, on an EPA website, airnow.gov, or at houstoncleanairnetwork.com. But in the long term, Farber said, business and government need to redouble their efforts to clean up the air.

Recent developments on this front are not encouraging. Earlier this month President Donald Trump's EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, extended by a year the deadline for states to comply with the Obama administration's new ozone standard. The last Houston mayor to put a strong focus on air quality was Bill White, who left office in 2010.

Perhaps leaders of the area's suburban communities, inspired by recent ozone levels, can take the lead in renewing a sense of urgency on this issue.
The Conservation for Economic Growth Coalition, which we lead, has argued consistently that the protection of national public lands  and the designation of national monuments, in particular  are important to the health and growth of entrepreneurial, innovative companies across America. Our employees work hard, and they play hard, and spectacular landscapes provide the inspiration which the best and brightest of our employees value so much when they take time off for family recreation. Access to these lands helps us recruit and keep the people we need to grow our companies, and increasingly, those employees come from a diverse set of communities.

Americas parks, monuments, and protected public lands contribute to the nations economic vitality in many other ways too. A new report from the Outdoor Recreation Industry shows that Americans spend $887 billion annually on outdoor recreation, supporting more than 7.6 million jobs. Regions surrounding national monuments have seen continued growth or improvement in employment, personal income and increased per-capita income, and rural counties in the West with more than 30 percent protected public lands saw jobs increase by 345 percent over areas without protected lands.

Because we hold our public lands in such high esteem, Interior Secretary Zinkes recommendation last week to shrink the boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah raises serious concerns. The recommendation was issued as part of an interim report on the monument, which was triggered by President Trumps recent executive order requiring a review of national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act since 1996. Gold Butte National Monument and Basin and Range National Monument in Nevada are all among the monuments up for review under the order, and the decision on Bears Ears does not bode well for them.

The Bears Ears are two prominent buttes that rise high above Cedar Mesa in southeastern Utah. They are surrounded by a living cultural landscape of mountain peaks, verdant high plateaus and rough-hewn canyon country that is home to cliff dwellings, prehistoric villages, graves and rock art panels of ancestral Puebloan peoples, as well as Ice Age hunting camps. The landscape is significant to all Americans, but indispensable to tribal peoples of the Colorado Plateau who continue to rely on these sacred lands as a place of subsistence, spirituality, healing, and contemplation.

Bears Ears is also the first national monument in American history in which Native American tribes have a formal role to participate in its management. Led by the Hopi, Zuni, Ute Mountain Ute, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray, and Navajo, and supported by over 25 tribes across the Southwest, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition was the dominant force in the designation of these 1.35 million acres of public lands as a national monument. The boundaries of the monument were drawn carefully, with the spiritual connection for Native American tribes in the forefront of drafters minds, and the lands within it are now protected from looting; inappropriate energy development; and unrestricted off-road vehicles.

Zinkes recommendation that the President reduce the size of Bears Ears seems to largely ignore the care that went into the designation of the monument, calling into question whether he is truly listening to tribal leaders, or if he fully understands the implications to tribes of chopping up the monument. It also challenges the wisdom of former presidents  both Republicans and Democrats  who saw fit to safeguard sites that protect land and sea treasures, commemorate the contributions of our military men and women, and honor the many diverse people and cultures that are America.

When he issued his interim report, Secretary Zinke also re-opened the comment period on Bears Ears until July 10th. We hope that this means that his team is open to taking a rigorously honest second look, and that he will make new recommendations to the President based on the evidence at hand. To be credible in this endeavor, and hold true to his admiration for the prime mover of the Antiquities Act  Theodore Roosevelt  Secretary Zinke and his team must take great pains to accomplish a thoughtful and evidence-based review, consulting deeply with the Native tribes who fought so hard for a Bears Ears National Monument.

If the Secretary does not amend his recommendation, and the President does reduce the size of the Bears Ears National Monument, the decision of one President to override anothers monument designation in the face of serous opposition would be a dangerous precedent indeed. It would put all national monuments and the local communities that support them  across the entire country  at risk. The Presidents campaign promise to be a good steward of our public lands would prove to be a sham, and continued economic growth through the vital spirit of our entrepreneurial companies would be compromised.

Our national monuments play important role in not only conserving public lands, species, and artifacts but also help preserve many local and national jobs. The President and Secretary Zinke should rest assured that our coalition, and a large majority of western voters that support keeping protections for existing monuments in place, will be paying close attention to their next move.
In pressing a point about the stakes involved with kicking students out of school through suspensions and expulsions, Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza said 14-year-old Trayvon Martin may not have been murdered in 2012 if his Florida school had not suspended him for 10 days.

Carranza spoke to a group of black community leaders assembled by The Defender Media Group passionately about how students - particularly African American boys and young men - are unfairly thrown out of schools for minor misbehavior.

Martin was suspended out-of-school for 10 days and was with his father in Sanford, Fla., during the suspension, which is when he died. A neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman,ultimately was acquitted in 2013 of second-degree murder charges stemming from Martin's death." .

"If that school district and community didnt have a zero tolerance policy or a policy of instead of addressing issue they're suspending kids, Trayvon Martin would have been in school that next Monday," Carranza said. "Its a matter of life or death."

About 100 people gathered at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in the Medical Center to hear Carranza speak at a community and coffee event Tuesday morning. Defender Publisher Sonceria "Sonny" Messiah-Jiles pressed Carranza about funding inequities, his campus turnaround plan, magnet programs and awarding contracts to minority-owned businesses.

In replying to a question about how the district would uplift its African American male students, Carranza said the district and school board have been working to change prior practices. Earlier this month, the Board of Educaiton approved changes to the Student Code of Conduct that gives principals more options in dealing with student misbehavior. The board also banned suspending students in preschool through third grade.

He said that the district is now working with principals and school leaders on implementing the changes, as well as providing some struggling schools with social workers and wraparound services to help address students' social and emotional needs.

Without changes, Carranza said the district's current and recent discipline practices would ruin lives.

"If you don't think this work is life or death, it is life or death," Carranza said. "We have a system that is perpetuating and permanent underclass in this city and in this school district."

Carranza also said the district has long failed to provide adequate and equitable resources to historically undeserved schools, citing Kashmere High, Cullen Middle and Worthing High schools as examples. Meanwhile, magnet programs that attract a large number of white and Asian students have flourished with extra funding per student.

He said he's working to convene a group of school leaders, parents and community leaders to discuss reviewing how the district funds and operates magnet schools with an eye on reallocating some of their resources to struggling schools. Any changes, which would likely include changes to school zoning and neighborhood feeder patterns, would not be completed until 2018.

But some board members are upset that no such changes will be part of the district's 2017-2018 district budget, which the board will vote on Thursday.

Trustee Jolanda Jones said she took Carranza on his word that he would make substantive changes after hosting community town halls and learning more about the district during the 2016-2017 school year.

"I said okay hes going to make a move this school year coming up because he had the whole previous school year," Jones said. "But were not doing it this school year, so thats literally two school years where were not doing jack."

She said if he was serious about being a change-maker, he would have included magnet funding cuts and 5 percent teacher raises in the proposed budget. But he removed magnet funding cut proposals after parents and others complained and has said there's simply not enough money to provide teachers with raises of more than 2 percent.

Jones also took issue with Carranza's response to questions about discipline. She said it was the school board - not Carranza - that spearheaded banning suspensions for young students and raised alarms about the district's code of conduct, which was changed earlier this month to give principals more options when determining how to punish students.

She said Carranza was using Trayvon Martin's death as a pawn to score political points.

"My point is this: Trayvon could have been visiting his dad, it had nothing to do with suspensions. Trayvon would have still been killed by that racist George Zimmerman, it's just that simple," Jones said. "So to commandeer that to suit your purposes is just wrong."
WASHINGTON - Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a longtime critic of Obamacare, said Thursday that he and a group of other key senators are prepared to vote against the new Senate GOP replacement bill, clouding its prospects hours after it was rolled out by Senate leaders.

In a statement issued with Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rand Paul of Kentucky, Cruz said the bill does not go far enough to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and that further changes will be needed to get it through the Senate.

"For a variety of reasons, we are not ready to vote for this bill, but we are open to negotiation and obtaining more information," the group said in a joint statement that could hamstring Trump administration hopes of passing a health care bill.

The loss of four GOP senators could be fatal for the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, which Republican leaders rolled out earlier in the day. With a 52-48 majority in the Senate, Republicans can only afford to lose two GOP votes, assuming Vice President Mike Pence would provide the tie-breaker in a 50-50 split. Democrats are uniformly opposed to the health care rewrite.

The dissenters' statement laid down a conservative marker: "There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health-care system but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their healthcare costs."

As Senate Republicans unveiled their closely guarded health care bill, Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, acknowledged that the plan falls short of the long-term GOP goal of repealing Obamacare root and branch.

"We are constrained by budget rules, and we'll do the very best we can under the circumstances," he told Texas reporters on the eve of the plan's rollout. He also blamed the Democrats for "being unwilling to lift a finger."

Republican leaders argue that Senate rules for passing a bill with a simple majority preclude them from immediately enacting more sweeping changes, which would require 60 votes to overcome an expected Democratic filibuster.

Cornyn laid out four goals for the new Senate plan:

First, stabilize the insurance market, "to make it possible for people to have real choices when it comes to buying their health care."

Second, bring down premiums which have continued to rise under Obamacare.

Third, Cornyn said, "We will continue the current law with regard to pre-existing conditions so that no one has to worry about losing their coverage if they move from a job or have an interruption in their coverage."

Lastly, he said, the plan should put Medicaid, the health plan for the poor, "on a sustainable path."

Democrats have accused Republicans of rolling back currently planned spending on Medicaid, though Cornyn said the program will continue to see year-over-year increases in spending.

Democrats also have attacked the secrecy surrounding the Senate bill, which is expected to cut Medicaid and repeal taxes on the wealthy. The plan has been kept under wraps until now.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said Thursday that the secrecy surrounding the bill "is now obvious - it's a disaster for Americans everywhere."

"If Senate Republicans like Ted Cruz and John Cornyn truly want to improve health care, they should end attempts to repeal Obamacare and work with Democrats to build on the progress that has already been made," he said in a statement.

Cornyn said there's been no lack of debate.

"We've been debating health care since Obamacare passed on a party line vote back in 2010," he said. "This has also been the subject of at least three election campaigns.

"It is unfortunate that it has become such a partisan issue," Cornyn continued. Democrats, he said, "are simply unwilling to lift a finger to try and help. So the responsibility falls to us to do our very best to help people who are being hurt by the failures of Obamacare."

He said senate leaders expect to get a cost estimate on the bill by Monday, launching formal debate on the bill next week. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the House bill would cause some 23 million people to lose insurance coverage.

"My expectation is we'll take the bill up next week, and we will vote on it with unlimited amendments," Cornyn said. "We have something called a 'vote-a-rama' on budget reconciliation bills like this."

He said he expect "dozens if not hundreds of amendments" and then a vote by the 4th of July recess.

"It will be completely transparent," Cornyn said, "and there will be a fulsome debate and unlimited amendments."

The debate could be a defining moment for Cruz, a key figure in a 2013 government shutdown over Obamacare funding. If he sticks with the tea party right that rallied for repealing "every word" of Obamacare, he could find himself newly isolated from his party's leadership, including President Donald Trump, who has made clear his eagerness to sign a health care bill.

But even as liberal groups blasted the new GOP bill Thursday, some conservative groups expressed the same skepticism as Cruz. "Unfortunately, the Senate bill is an amendment to Obamacare, not a repeal of it," said Adam Brandon, president of FreedomWorks, a prominent tea party group.

Until now, Cruz was seen as one of the best hopes for GOP conciliation.

"Four months ago, I joined with a group of five other senators with very different perspectives on health care policy - representative of the full spectrum of the Republican Party - for the sole purpose of working together to fulfill our commitment to voters to reduce premiums and provide better, more affordable healthcare," Cruz said in a separate statement.

He added: "While I have not yet had the opportunity to fully review the draft legislative text itself, there are components that give me encouragement and there are also components that are a cause for deep concern."

Some analysts say Cruz's opposition could be pivotal. "He was on the drafting committee and allegedly headed it, so he knows the ins and outs and specifics probably better than most senators," said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias. "All of this means he could be critical because Trump, Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP need this after all their promises to the American people."

While Cruz praised provisions in the bill that slow the long-term growth of Medicaid, he said that as drafted, the bill does not go far enough to lower premiums, his mantra in the debate over the health care bill passed by the House last month.

But he held out hope for more talks.

"It is important to remember that what was released today was only a draft," Cruz said. "I am hopeful that as we openly debate this legislation, real improvements will be made prior to floor consideration so that we can pass a bill that provides the relief from Obamacare that Republicans have repeatedly promised the last seven years."

Cruz and his hard right allies are not the only possible GOP holdouts. Some Senate moderates also have expressed worries about rolling back Medicaid spending or cutting off Planned Parenthood.

Cornyn said he talked to Cruz after the dissidents released their statement, and he does not believe their differences are insurmountable. "He said 'we're not opposed to getting to yes eventually,'" Cornyn told CNN. "They're not there yet because of the way the bill is written so far, but that's why we call this a discussion draft, so we can have that discussion and build on it to get to the 50 plus one we need."
Mickey Gilley Boulevard, anyone? Not so fast, urban cowboys and cowgirls.

This week Chron.com reported that outgoing, longtime Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell proposed that a five-mile stretch of road in that city be named after local country legend Mickey Gilley.

BACKGROUND: Pasadena council asked to name road for Mickey Gilley

It was one of Isbell's last proposals before he leaves office. The idea, though, didn't receive unanimous support during pre-council-meeting discussions on June 20.

If naming a road, even a small one, for a man who helped run the world's largest honky tonk and sold millions of records is up for debate, then who even deserves a road named after them?

There was a point in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Mickey Gilley and Sherwood Cryer's Gilley's nightclub was pop-culture ground zero in Texas. A movie was made about people loving and fighting at the place. Gilley put the area on the map, and for once it didn't have anything to do with oil or gas refining.

"My concern is I have no problem naming a road after a (military) veteran who died in the line of duty, or a police officer, or firefighter, or an EMS worker. But an entertainer?" Councilman Ornaldo Ybarra said.

YOUSTONIANS: Famous people from Houston

Ybarra said he thought the gesture was inappropriate and suggested renaming the rodeo arena complex for Gilley.

Isbell countered that Gilley is the most famous person from the city. Others said that a unanimous vote would be a better path for the name change. The whole deal will likely come back up later at the July 5 council meeting when Councilman Jeff Wagner will be sworn in as the new mayor.

Frankly, many Houstonians are likely waiting for streets to be named after ZZ Top, comedian Bill Hicks and rappers Riff Raff and Bun B. Jim Parsons still needs his own street in Spring, and Renee Zellweger could come home and dedicate a Renee Zellweger Avenue in Katy. Geto Boys Way, anyone?

PREVIOUS: Destiny's Child Lane coming to Houston? Maybe

ZZ Top at least has a large portion Highway 71 going through La Grange named after them, for obvious reasons. Let's give Billy, Frank and Dusty their own respective streets in Houston for now though.

Shouldn't we also have streets named after filmmakers Richard Linklater or Wes Anderson? Oak Forest could just be renamed Swayzeville for late native Patrick Swayze.

Having any road through the Texas Medical Center named after famed surgeon Dr. Red Duke seems like a no-brainer. He does have many other things named after him though, like an elementary school in Manvel and the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute.

A portion of Hamilton Avenue outside of Minute Maid Park was renamed Milo Hamilton Way in 2009 after the Astros' longtime broadcaster. A section of Texas-288 is named the Nolan Ryan Expressway after the famous hurler who grew up in the area.

In October 2014 Houston City Councilman Michael Kubosh was looking into changing Hadley Street, which runs east to west from Midtown and into the Greater Third Ward, to commemorate the chart-topping R&B group that spawned Beyonce Knowles' solo career and influenced countless other acts.

Destiny's Child Lane never came to pass. According to Matthew Knowles at the time, his famous daughter thought it would be a fine idea.

Tell us in the comments who you think deserves a street named after them in Houston...
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A fighter jet crashed and went up in flames at Ellington Airport Wednesday, injuring the pilot and prompting the closure of a nearby highway as well as an evacuation at the airport.

Few details were released about the incident, even as investigators were beginning the task of determining the cause.

At a news conference hours after the fiery crash, Master Sgt. Sean Cowher, public affairs superintendent for the 147th Attack Wing, said the pilot of the F-16 was doing well and in stable condition. He did not know if the pilot had been released from the hospital.

Houston police, firefighters, and the Houston airport system all helped deal with the emergency, as residents and motorists could see a plume of smoke for miles.

"Their quick action mitigated further damage, protected our military members and protected our community from harm," said Colonel Matthew Barker, Vice Wing Commander for the 147th Attack Wing.

An F-16 fighter jet reportedly with ammunition was taking off when it caught fire about 10:30 a.m., according to a news release from the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The fighter aircraft was under the direction of the bi-national organization between the United States and Canada that is responsible for securing the North American airspace.

"NORAD routinely trains their units throughout the U.S. to ensure they're ready to provide the air defense shield," said Maj. Andrew Scott, continental U.S. NORAD region public affairs officer. An F-16 is a common military aircraft for those training missions, he said.

Never fully airborne

The U.S. military reportedly is phasing out the F-16 for its own use, but other countries remain potential customers for the iconic fighter jet that has been built in Fort Worth in a program now more than 40 years old.

Scott noted the jet that crashed did not appear to have ever been fully airborne.

The F-16 that crashed was part of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Wing based in Tulsa, Okla.

The aircraft was based at Ellington Field, Scott said.

The pilot, who was conducting a training flight, ejected and was taken to an area hospital. His name is not being released due to the pending investigation, Barker said. The pilot is apparently assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing, according to Capt. Jennifer Proctor, a public affairs officer there.

Details surrounding the accident remain unclear. Cowher said it could be days before the aircraft is removed from Ellington as the investigation unfolds

He said investigators will track pieces of the jet and probe what caused the accident.

"The safety of our airmen is always our top priority, so I ask for your patience while we conduct a thorough investigation" said Barker.

Pilot's intentions

Houston police closed Beltway 8 between Crenshaw and Galveston due to the crash, and also evacuated the airport.

Larry Satterwhite, an assistant chief at the Houston Police Department, said the plane had "military ordnance" on board, but said he could not specify what kind.

"The plane is still there," Satterwhite said. "They are still trying to mitigate that situation, we have a perimeter around it to ensure the public is safe."

Soon after the accident, Satterwhite said he did not know if the pilot intended to down the plane. He said, "We just know the pilot is safe and that the plane is down."

About 17 miles southeast of downtown Houston, Ellington Airport is used by the United States military, NASA and general aviation tenants, with the exception of commercial airlines.

The airport also hosts Houston Spaceport, the 10th commercial spaceport in the United States. Cowher said he could not recall a crash happening at the airport within the last four or five years. Ellington Airport was bought by the city of Houston in 1984.

On a training mission

The aircraft was on a training mission for NORAD, which is known for its popular in-the-air "tracking" of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

NORAD intensified its air space monitoring after 9/11 under a program called Operation Noble Eagle.

The incident will be investigated by a U.S. Department of Defense safety investigation board, Scott added.

Proctor, 138th Fighter Wing public affairs officer, said the unit has a detachment in Houston that performs training missions and air space interceptions under an assignment with NORAD.

"They borrow our jets and our people to conduct that mission," she said. "We provide the security in the air in that part of the country. If someone violates air space, they intercept that aircraft. It's part of Homeland Security."

Mihir Zaveri contributed to this report.
The City of Fort Worth recently announced it would cut ties with a kayak rental service that made an inflammatory Facebook post last week.

The Facebook post, which has since been deleted, used anti-Semitic language to address complaints of a price increase.

"To all you broke a** hateful know it all white women and Facebook trolls that think they are going to J** us down," wrote Fort Worth Kayak Adventures. "(You know who you are)."

The post blamed the City of Fort Worth for charges associated with liability insurance and permit payments, which the company claims doubled their prices.

ROAD RAGE: Central Texas Prius driver, 76, charged with shooting at couple who made 'obscene gesture'

"I still think it's crazy just like you snowflake that think we are going to do this for free," concluded the kayak company.

According to NBC 5, the owners deleted portions of the post after a negative online reaction, but added: "The price is set in stone so stop wasting your time. This is NOT Mexico."

"We don't mean any harm," company owner Lori Tenery told NBC 5. "We're not racist. We're not prejudiced in any way."

Tenery's 17-year-old daughter, also apologized: "I can understand completely why people are upset and I make a public apology to that. The whole Mexico thing was referring to prices, not people."

WILD WEATHER: A 30-minute Texas hailstorm causes $480 million in damages

In response to the backlash, the City of Fort Worth clarified their relationship with the company last Friday, explaining that Kayak Adventures was allowed to operate within a Fort Worth nature park in exchange for a percentage of the revenue going to the city.

On Wednesday, the City of Fort Worth announced it would terminate that agreement and deliver a 30 day notice to Kayak Adventures to cease business operations.

Click through above to see the biggest business blunders of the past year.
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DEL RIO - In 2015, James Jonas, the Crystal City manager and city attorney, made a casual request for a little help with expenses for a city social function held at the Austin Club.

"I'm kind of funding the dinner out of thin air. Any level of sponsorship or help would be appreciated," Jonas told civil engineer Dan Hejl, one of the invitees.

"It's not required, you've been a good friend," Jonas added.

Hejl soon came through with $3,000, enough to pay for the whole dinner, and Jonas was very appreciative. Unknown to Jonas, Hejl was an informant for the FBI and was taping that and other conversations with him. The recorded evidence was presented Wednesday at the federal corruption trial of Jonas and former Crystal City Mayor Ricardo Lopez.

After the dinner, things progressed to chummy, coded conversations about building relationships. Eventually it led to cash payments to Jonas and to three city council members, most done at Hejl's initiative.

Along the way, his Austin engineering firm got city council approval for two projects in Crystal City and also received checks long past due for work done earlier. Crystal City is about 300 miles west of Houston.

The recordings, shown on large screens in the courtroom, showed Hejl and Jonas were talking of loyalty, calling each other friend, and inquiring of each other's families.

The last bit of "help" Hejl provided came in January 2016, when Jonas asked him to pay $1,791 due on his membership account at the same Austin Club. As always, Hejl complied.

Raid and guilty pleas

A month later, 80 federal agents and police made an early morning raid in Crystal City, arresting Jonas and five others on public corruption charges.

Three city councilmen and an 8-liner operator have since pleaded guilty to bribery and await sentencing.

Jonas and Lopez elected to go to trial on offenses that carry maximum penalties of 20 years.

On Wednesday, Hejl took the stand as a star government witness and for the next five hours, the jury heard snippets of recorded conversations between him, Jonas and the three councilmen.

But first, Hejl explained what led him to do the FBI"s bidding, including pressing envelopes of cash on unsophisticated public officials in exchange for favors.

A few years earlier, he had been swept up in a massive public corruption investigatione in nearby Maverick County and admitted to paying bribes to two public officials there.

Confronted by the FBI, Hejl agreed to cooperate, but, he said, he received no deals or promises from the government.

His assignment was to get close to Jonas and the others to see if they would accept bribes. And, he testified, he truly hoped he would fail.

"Actually, it was my hope that he would throw the money back at me," said Hejl of Jonas.

But, as the recorded conversations confirmed, no one whom he bribed, usually with the explicit expectation of getting their vote on contracts, turned down the money.

"Dan, I want to promote your business in every way possible, and it's not because you are incredibly reciprocal. You're a consummate professional," Jonas said in one recorded conversation.

Didn't return money

Toward the end, Hejl testified, Jonas was dropping hints when he was in need of money.

"Did he ever walk away? Did he ever return the money? Did he ever refuse it?" asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hulings. Hejl answered "no" three times.

Under cross examination from Jonas's lawyer Rogelio Munoz, Hejl took a battering as a man who would do the government's dirty work, even betray a man he called his friend, to save his own skin.

"When you went to Crystal City as an informant, you went with the intent to get James Jonas to take a bribe," Munoz charged.

"You paid James Jonas money because you wanted to save your soul," he added, before passing the witness.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A southern Nevada lawmaker who heads the elected body that covers the Las Vegas Strip said Thursday he's running as a Democrat for governor in November 2018.

"I'm in," Steve Sisolak said.

Sisolak, 63, is in his third term on the Clark County Commission, and is its current chairman.

He met earlier Thursday with stadium authority members and bank officials about funding construction of a $1.9 billion football stadium for the relocation of the NFL Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas.

He also served 10 years on the Nevada Board of Regents, and said improving public schools in Nevada would be a top priority as governor.

"Better schools, safer streets and good jobs," he said.

Sisolak is the first high-profile candidate to announce a bid to replace Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval in the November 2018 election, and the best-funded. Sandoval is term-limited and can't run again.

Republican state Attorney General Adam Laxalt is widely expected to also run to replace Sandoval, but hasn't made an official announcement. Laxalt campaign adviser Robert Uithoven declined Thursday to comment.

Las Vegas bicycle shop businessman and Republican political newcomer Jared Fisher launched a pedal-powered tour around the state in April to promote his campaign for governor.

Wealthy Las Vegas businessman Stephen Cloobeck is also considering entering the race as a Democrat, said Brandon Hall, a political consultant to Cloobeck.

Candidate campaign finance filings in January showed that Sisolak had about $3.8 million in cash-on-hand, compared with Laxalt's $1.5 million.

State law lets candidates carry unspent funds from previous election cycles into future campaigns.

Sisolak noted that much of his nine years on the county commission and Sandoval's eight years as governor focused on recovering from an economic downturn that hit Nevada hard.

Clark County has about 2 million of the state's 2.8 million residents and most of its 48 million tourists a year go to the casino corridor just outside Las Vegas city jurisdiction. The county commission today oversees a $6.6 billion annual budget.

That compares with the $8.1 billion statewide spending plan that Sandoval proposed this year.

"Gov. Sandoval did a good job navigating us through a tough time," Sisolak said. "We faced the same at the county. We made tough choices. We learned lessons about diversifying the economy. I want to take that to the state level."
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the assessment of 17 U.S. intelligence agencies that blame Russia for election meddling, questioning Thursday why the Obama administration didn't try to stop it.

"By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin.," the president tweeted. "Why didn't they stop them?"

All 17 intelligence agencies have agreed Russia was behind the hack of Democratic email systems and tried to influence the 2016 election to benefit Trump. The findings are at the heart of an investigation into contacts that members of Trump's campaign team may have had with Russian officials during the campaign and the transition.

Trump, frequently lashes out at the Russia investigation as a "witch hunt" spearheaded by Democrats.

He tweeted Thursday that the Democratic National Committee turned down an offer from the Department of Homeland Security "to protect against hacks (long prior to election). It's all a big Dem HOAX!"

"Why did the DNC REFUSE to turn over its Server to the FBI, and still hasn't? It's all a big Dem scam and excuse for losing the election!" he wrote.

A day earlier, former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told the House intelligence committee that in the late summer and into the fall, he was very concerned about the meddling in state election systems and that DHS encouraged states to seek their assistance.

Last month, Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, who was leading the agency's Russia probe. Trump has come under criticism by some who claim he threatened to undermine the investigation by firing Comey.

Special counsel Robert Mueller was later named to lead the investigation, and the Washington Post reported that Mueller is considering investigating Trump for obstruction of justice because he fired Comey.

Trump also claimed Thursday that Johnson "is latest top intelligence official to state there was no grand scheme between Trump & Russia." But Johnson didn't say that Wednesday. He said he wasn't aware of efforts by Trump or his campaign to collude with Russia beyond what the intelligence community already knows. Johnson also said Russian hacking didn't change election totals, but added that he can't be sure other meddling didn't influence public opinion.

"It is not for me to know to what extent the Russian hacks influenced public opinion and thereby influence the outcome of the election," he said.

Trump has picked fights with intelligence agencies, blaming them for leaks about his associates' Russia ties. During the transition before his inauguration, he ripped into the intelligence community for being behind the leaks and even compared them to Nazi propaganda. "Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to "leak" into the public. One last shot at me. Are we living in Nazi Germany?" he tweeted in January.
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AUSTIN - After a brief respite, the bathroom wars are heating up again.

Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, is expected to introduce two bills in the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature that would regulate which public bathrooms transgender Texans, including schoolchildren, can use.

The first bill, which will closely resemble his bill that failed during the regular session, will be a broad attempt to prohibit cities, counties and public school districts from enforcing non-discrimination ordinances involving multi-occupancy restrooms or locker rooms.

It is expected to allow exceptions for people already protected under state and federal anti-discrimination laws, which do not include sexual orientation or gender identity.

Simmons' bill would effectively invalidate local nondiscrimination ordinances that allow transgender people to use public bathrooms that match their gender identity, as well as school district policies that make accommodations for transgender students.

That proposal, House Bill 2899, had 79 co-sponsors, all Republicans, before lawmakers left Austin in late May. A bill needs to win a simple majority, or 76 votes, on the House floor to pass.

A second proposal Simmons plans to introduce would apply only to public school districts.

Simmons's intentions were first reported by The Dallas Morning News, and he did not respond to the Houston Chronicle's request for comment.

This month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special session to begin July 18, calling lawmakers back to Austin for at least one month to tackle 20 items he said were not addressed to his satisfaction during the 140-day regular legislative session, which ended in May. Reauthorizing the Texas Medical Board and a handful of other agencies, which could close if lawmakers do not approve their continuation, topped Abbott's list.

He also listed "privacy" as one of the topics, saying that "at a minimum" he wants a bill that applies to the use of bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools. In the regular session, Abbott praised Simmons' bill as a "thoughtful" proposal, but it never won approval from a House committee and did not make it to the floor for a vote.

During the regular session, Republicans who wanted to pass some kind of bathroom bill attempted several times to get broader legislation to Abbott's desk, despite fierce opposition from LGBT and business groups who called their efforts discriminatory.

A top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Senate Bill 6 would have required people to use bathrooms in public schools and colleges and government buildings that correspond to the "biological sex" listed on their birth certificates.

It also would have prohibited local jurisdictions, including cities and counties, from adopting anti-discrimination ordinances permitting transgender people to use public bathrooms that match their gender identity. SB 6, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, passed the Senate but was never given a committee hearing in the House.

Instead, the House approved a measure by Rep. Chris Paddie, a Republican from Marshall, which would bar transgender students from using school bathrooms that match their gender identity unless they use an unoccupied multi-occupancy bathroom. Senate leaders derided Paddie's proposal, which passed on a 94-51 vote, as toothless.

House Speaker Joe Straus said last month that he was confident the House "would not go one inch further" on the issue.
AUSTIN -- After a brief respite, the bathroom wars are heating up again.

Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, is expected to introduce two bills in the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature that would regulate which public bathrooms transgender Texans, including schoolchildren, can use.

WHAT THEY SAID: GOP Board of Ed members sound off on special session

The first bill, which will closely resemble his bill that failed during the regular session, will be a broad attempt to prohibit cities, counties and public school districts from enforcing non-discrimination ordinances involving multi-occupancy restrooms or locker rooms.

It is expected to allow exceptions for people already protected under state and federal anti-discrimination laws, which do not include sexual orientation or gender identity.

Simmons' bill would effectively invalidate local nondiscrimination ordinances that allow transgender people to use public restrooms that match their gender identity, as well as school district policies that make accommodations for transgender students.

That proposal, House Bill 2899, had 79 co-sponsors, all Republicans, before lawmakers left Austin in late May. A bill needs to win a simple majority, or 76 votes, on the House floor to pass.

BACKLASH: Paxton leads 35-state coalition over internet speed advertisements

A second proposal Simmons plans to introduce would apply only to public school districts.

Simmons's intentions were first reported by The Dallas Morning News, and he did not respond to the Houston Chronicle's request for comment.

This month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special session to begin July 18, calling lawmakers back to Austin for at least one month to tackle 20 items he said were not addressed to his satisfaction during the 140-day regular legislative session, which ended in May. Reauthorizing the Texas Medical Board and a handful of other agencies, which could close if lawmakers do not approve their continuation, topped Abbott's list.

He also listed "privacy" as one of the topics, saying that "at a minimum" he wants a bill that applies to the use of bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools. In the regular session, Abbott praised Simmons' bill as a "thoughtful" proposal, but it never won approval from a House committee and did not make it to the floor for a vote.

During the regular session, Republicans who wanted to pass some kind of bathroom bill attempted several times to get broader legislation to Abbott's desk, despite fierce opposition from LGBT and business groups who called their efforts discriminatory.

A top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Senate Bill 6 would have required people to use bathrooms in public schools and colleges and government buildings that correspond to the "biological sex" listed on their birth certificates.

It also would have prohibited local jurisdictions, including cities and counties, from adopting anti-discrimination ordinances permitting transgender people to use public bathrooms that match their gender identity. SB 6, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican from Brenham, passed the Senate but was never given a committee hearing in the House.

Instead, the House approved a measure by Rep. Chris Paddie, a Republican from Marshall, which would bar transgender students from using school bathrooms that match their gender identity unless they use an unoccupied multi-occupancy bathroom. Senate leaders derided Paddie's proposal, which passed on a 94-51 vote, as toothless.

House Speaker Joe Straus said last month that he was confident the House "would not go one inch further" on the issue, even if Abbott called a special session specifically on the bathroom bill.

"No. I think the House feels very strongly that we've made our statement and that issue was continuing to be debated while school finance, which is really important to us, had not been addressed," Straus said.
AUSTIN  Members of the State's Board of Education overwhelmingly oppose school vouchers and state regulations about which bathrooms students should use -- including most of the board's Republicans.

Both school vouchers and bathrooms are issues high on Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's wish list of 20 matters he wants lawmakers to tackle during this summer's special legislative session, which begins July 18. Both issues failed to win House approval during this year's regular legislative session.

RANKED: Texas Monthly's biennial list of best, worst legislators

Fifteen SBOE members are elected to oversee the state's education curriculum and standards, not to legislate on school choice or bathroom policies. But six out of 10 GOP members of the board said Tuesday they oppose giving students state money to attend private school and disagree with a legislative push to tell schools which bathrooms transgender students are allowed to use. Both are pet-issues for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a tea party Republican.

Two of the 10 Republican members said they were either open or encouraged the Legislature to draft legislation that would allow for school vouchers or a bathroom law. Two other Republicans either declined to comment or were unavailable.

Of the five Democrats, two could be reached for comment during breaks at the board's quarterly meeting. Both opposed both school vouchers and any type of bathroom bill.

Here's what they had to say:

On school vouchers:

David Bradley, R-Beaumont, District 7: "I think [the Senate has] kind of given up on public education when they're trying to give parents an ability to get their kids out of poor performing schools and giving them options for private schools or for charters. Both houses seem to be moving in different directions."

Barbara Cargill, R-The Woodlands, District 8: "I think the governor and the lieutenant governor are headed in the right direction but I think the language still needs to be worked on. Whatever will benefit those special needs kids, but they're going to have to work on the language and get it more clear."

"For special needs kids, I think that there's just something we need to, we need to take that into consideration. I have friends who have kids who have special needs. I have not read a version of the bill I support yet, and that's why I'm talking about there would need to be work... the fact that it's about special needs kids makes it very different, to me."

Ruben Cortez, Jr., D-Brownsville, District 2: "I'm a glass half-full kind of person and i can't see anything good coming out of this session... Private schools can't properly service the child."

Keven Ellis, R-Lufkin, District 9: "Educating special ed children is a challenge as anyone you speak to who works in that field will tell you. I think if the implication is that these public schools are not working towards that goal, then I would disagree with that. Is it challenging, yes, and we have to keep providing the system that's there with the resources to keep working in a positive way... There's nothing that a private school would be able to do that public schools aren't already doing."

Patricia Hardy, R-Forth Worth, District 11: "I'm just baffled by the fact that there would be this need for special education getting a voucher. I almost feel like saying, 'Sure, go ahead. Do it and see how that works,' because I don't know of a private school that's going to be able to do that for the amount of money we send in a voucher. But I fear that the whole reasoning behind that is to open that door for vouchers, to make a platform for vouchers and make it easier in the next legislative session to pass vouchers for all public school children, which I do not favor. That's the only thing I can think of, otherwise I'd say, 'Yeah, try it. See how that works for you.'"

"I just can't imagine a private school that would be able to handle that. And the other thing I fear is the creation of so-called schools to meet those needs and they become a care babysitter, they get their $7,000 or $8,000, and the families are thrilled that their child finds a place so that they feel comfortable with it, but it's not meeting the needs of the child because sometimes lots of special needs children can do more than maybe their families expect out of them, and maybe they're frustrated by the school."

Tom Maynard, R-Florence, District 10: "As a conservative and a Republican, I signed a pledge that I would honor what the Constitution says and what it means. If you understand the context of that deliberation and how that happened, you can know conclusively that the framers of the 1876 Texas Constitution did not intend for [school vouchers] to happen. I think if the people of this state want that to happen, they should propose a constitutional amendment with some enabling language in Article 7 of the [Texas] Constitution to make that happen."

"The fact of the matter is that the public schools are committed to, whatever that student's need is when they walk in the door, we're committed to providing an appropriate education for that kid. And you don't turn kids away, you don't sort kids, we don't do those kinds of things. Public education is important. It was in our declaration of Independence. We went to war for that in 1836."

Sue Melton-Malone, R-Robinson, District 14: "I taught special education for 10 years and I can tell you right now that most of the private schools do not accept special education students. Now, it depends on how you define special education because it can be anywhere from poverty to severe autism, anything like that. But I can tell you that most of the private schools do not accept special education students. Number one, they don't have the facilities for children who have some type of learning disability that's in the extreme. It's a great deal of paperwork they have to go through and they just prefer to focus on their students and not do any of that. I don't think that that would be a profitable thing just because of that fact.

"The public school systems are setup to accommodate those students and provide for their needs and they do a very, very, very good job of it. I think that your special ed kids need to stay in the public system in order to get those accommodations and the things that they need."

Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio, District 5: "My heart goes to watch other states and do the education savings accounts for special needs children. I saw one in other states that was for foster children being adopted, the third was for the children of active duty who have been [deployed]... I've seen those and I like the look of those and see what the pros and cons of that was and how they're accepted. I would like to see it at least come to a hearty debate. That's what we're used to. I approve of that, I want savings accounts for kids [with] special needs."

Marisa B. Perez-Diaz, D-San Antonio, District 3: "Completely against it. I have to tell you I think it's a poorly thought-out move. I think that when you look at the way that private schools function in reality, they don't' have the resources to support many of the special needs that a lot of our students across Texas really require. In addition, they only get a portion of what we child gets [in public education]... It wouldn't cover the entire amount. Now you have families who have to deal with special needs outside of school, at the home, it's an added expense and then you're wanting them to make up the expense for tuition. It's just really unfair. It's not true choice with these families. I have a lot of heartburn with that."

"I'm wondering if this is just a baseline for embedding vouchers in the future. All I can say is it's not true choice. It's a way to work around."

Marty Rowley, R-Amarillo, District 15: "I don't see how that program will really work to the advantage of Texas public schools, or for that matter private schools either particularly when we're looking at bills in the form of special needs students. I think there are no better vehicle to take care of special needs students than public schools and I think they are doing a good job with that."

On a bathroom bill:

Bradley: "I think it is incredible that we are even having the conversation it's silly that we're even having the conversation. There are boys bathrooms and and there are girls bathrooms and I don't think that there is anything more clear as to which one folks should use," he said.

"Historically, what has happened if you have a kid that has some emotional issues or has some trepidation or has just some natural shyness or modesty. How did we deal with it? They went down to the nurse's office. Problem solved, the nurse always had a bathroom.

"The tenth of the 1 percents, and then there are ways for districts to deal with that. You don't change it for the other 99 percent. And that's not being critical of the 1 percent, but the one percent does not drive policy making for the other 99 percent. That's just, that's life."

Cargill: "It only takes one student to do something really, really bad and I would not want to put any student at risk, whether it's a boy or a girl. To me, I think that this issue definitely needs another look and I'm glad they brought it back up."

"Right now it seems that school districts are all over the place as far as what their rules and regulations are. that's very confusing to kids, it's very confusing to parents, and so if the state can come up with some general guidelines that school districts can abide by, I'd be in favor of that. I'd have to read their guidelines first, though.

Cortez: "It shocks the conscious what they're trying to do."

Ellis: "I would say that that's obviously a hot topic in the Legislature right now. It's going to be in the special session. Here at the state board of education, we're focused on making sure we educate children in the best manner available."

Hardy: "I look at it as a solution looking for a problem because when I ask principals what happened when they had LGBT children or what do they call these, cross, transgender, I was surprised there were these kids because I had never come across it. In my 30 years in the classroom, I had never come across it, but they said yes, and it was addressed by the principal, the counselor, the nurse, the teacher or teachers, the parents and the child. And every case would be different. Every accommodation would be different. Every situation would call for its own set of rules or accommodations to make everybody comfortable

"If you set into policy something, then you don't allow school districts flexibility to deal with the problems as they arise and with the various components of that problem... I think setting something in law is dangerous in that regard."

Maynard: "Remember that this whole thing was in response to a federal directive that has since been rescinded. So, what were they doing before? I think that the issue at its core has been addressed...

"Are we for local control or are we not? We're for local control except for when we're not," he laughed. "To the extent that we ought to allow communities to decide those things, we should. That is the whole focus of the idea of federalism... If you call yourself an conservative then you have to believe in the idea of federalism which is at the core of that, and that the federal government ought not be micromanaging what happens in states and the state ought not be really trying to micromanage what's happening in local communities."

Melton-Malone: "No, I don't think so. I'm from old-school, you know, you're a boy, you're a boy, you're a girl, you're a girl. And so, I think that probably needs to be something that the local school districts deal with, as far as their population goes, how many they have that it would effect, and then go from there. I don't think it's something that the state needs to deal with. I think that should be a local policy that they accommodate those students that they have, and then if you don't have any, then there won't be any problem."

Mercer: "It ought to come up for a debate. I just don't understand, [House Speaker Joe Straus] has a point of view, the speaker, I understand it and I respect that... The bathroom bill, let it come to a healthy discussion, let it come to a debate, it it come to a vote... To not let me fight that's not the way we do things in Texas."

"I want to have the argument, I want to hear all the cases, I know there are best case, worst case scenarios. People can weigh those things and make a reasonable decision and make whatever parameters of the law should be there."

Perez-Diaz: "It's ridiculous we're even having this conversation. We need to protect the rights of all of our students. I can't speak for families, I can't speak for school districts about how they're going to run. But I feel like if it's a matter of protecting children's rights, especially in a time when bullying is such a big issue, we need to do what we can to support our kids. They're already dealing with so many environmental issues outside of school that is one less thing we need to have them worry about in the classroom."

"These individuals are just looking for a place to feel comfortable in their own skin, and they're just going to the bathroom."

Rowley: "Let me put it this way, in conversations I've had with local school administrators, superintendents, principals, it's not been a huge issue. They have found a way to make accommodation protecting the safety of students and at the same time, protecting the rights of those students who would prefer to use bathrooms other than the one designated. And so I don't see that it's such a big problem that it's going to take an act of the Legislature to address it because I think local schools are inherently able to utilize local control and to make those decisions themselves."

SBOE Chairwoman Donna Bahorich, a Houston Republican who hails from District 6, declined to comment on the special session agenda, saying she had not thought much about it because she was focused on the board's quarterly meeting.

Geraldine Miller, a Republican from Dallas' District 12 was absent from the meeting and was recovering from surgery.
Houston ISD's 62 dual language programs are successful by a variety of metrics. And now a national language association has named HISD's districtwide program the best in the nation.

At Chavez High School, Principal Rene Sanchez is bucking trends on PISA, a key global test, with students who outperformed peers nationally at similar schools with high poverty. In the latest round, the scores of a small group were competitive with students from Singapore, recognized as one of the world's best public education systems.

Over at Westside High School, meanwhile, a strong culinary arts program that offers dual-credit courses with the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York supports the city's reputation as a town with a growing number of outstanding chefs.

These pockets of excellence in the seventh-largest school district in the nation, and others like them, will continue to thrive only in an environment of good governance and wise stewardship. That starts with the nine-member school board agreeing on an operating budget for 2017-2018, and doing so in a timely fashion.

The current budget being put forward by the administration is not perfect. Proposals have included a 2 percent raise for some teachers, which is not enough to keep HISD competitive. But a failure to approve a budget in a timely way would itself have a harmful impact on teacher retention and recruitment.

When it comes to their paychecks, teachers, administrators and bus drivers want predictability. If HISD can't expeditiously reach agreement on something as fundamental as an itemized summary of likely expenses and income to fuel its operations, this would send a disheartening message to its constituents. Successful school districts exhibit financial clarity. There have been other bumps. Several signposts along the way have foreshadowed that the budget process could go astray. In May, the board couldn't agree on what many consider the easiest part of the budget to approve.

In the decentralized nature of HISD's district operations, principals are allotted a fixed sum based on their respective school's enrollment as a starting point for their budgets. This sum makes up approximately half of the budget. But trustees, citing disparate reasons for their actions, did not accept the administration's recommendation, which would have kept that per-school allotment flat over last year's budget.

In a healthy, transparent system of governance, board members' concerns would have been addressed in committee meetings and workshops well in advance of the budget vote. But board member frustrations seem to have persisted. The loss of the district's chief financial officer mid-stream and the fractious rapport among board members have further complicated the process. Superintendent Richard Carranza has been in place nearly a year, arguably enough time to determine the district's needs, but he's also facing the erosion of state funding.

It's too late to adjust the path to Thursday's budget vote, but there are instructive moments that should help shape the next fiscal year. The district missed opportunities to garner support from outside accounting experts as to best practices in its budgeting process. More attention should have been paid to identifying wasteful expenditures and efficiency: What programs are providing the best return on investment? The budget process has not been as transparent as it should be. But it's time to take action, and the district cannot afford budget gridlock.

Teachers, students and families need to know that the district has a financial plan to pay its bills. Budget gridlock would hurt the very students that these officials have been elected to serve.
What civilized society would treat someone as savagely as North Korea treated Otto Warmbier?

For the answer to that question, maybe we Texans need to look in the mirror. What happened to that college student during his 17 months in North Korean custody should make us think twice about what's unfolding in a federal courtroom this week in downtown Houston. Our state's prison system is on trial, accused of abusing convicts by locking them in hot cells where temperatures rise high enough to kill grown men. We condemn North Korea for treating an American prisoner badly enough to cause his death, but the simple and shameful truth is that our state government is doing the same thing in our name. And it's got to come to a stop.

Consider what happened to Larry McCollum. He was not a violent criminal; he was a cab driver from Waco, a doting grandfather with a vague resemblance to Santa Claus. But McCollum was convicted on a hot-check charge and sentenced to a year behind bars. At the Hutchins State Jail, he was put in a cell with no air conditioning, no fan and no open windows where state officials admit the indoor heat index soared to about 150 degrees. Within days of his arrival, McCollum died of a heat stroke. A cab driver locked up for writing hot checks was baked alive inside a hot box.

McCollum is one of at least 22 Texas prison inmates who have died heat-related deaths since 1998, and his widow and two children are among the plaintiffs now suing the state. Prisoners testifying earlier this week described suffering from heat-related headaches, dizziness and nausea. Others said they sometimes sleep on cell floors because the concrete is cooler than their beds. Ex-convicts tell us some inmates soak their sheets in their toilet water to try to lower their body temperatures while they sleep.

Out of the 108 state prisons in Texas, only 29 have air conditioning in all of their housing areas. In the other 79, some places like offices and libraries are chilled by AC, but for the most part inmates and guards have to sweat it out during the hottest months of the year. That's especially dangerous for elderly convicts, many of whom suffer from hypertension and other health problems that make them particularly vulnerable to the heat.

Anytime this subject comes up, somebody points out that people lived in Texas for centuries without air conditioning. True enough, but they also lived without antibiotics, and nobody's suggesting we deny that life-saving development to convicts in the 21st century. And people who tell stories about growing up without air conditioning tend to forget that convicts can't stroll onto the porch to catch a breeze or open windows to blow the stifling air out of their cells.

The price-tag for air conditioning Texas prisons is a matter of some dispute. An expert testified this week that lowering the temperature at the Wallace Pack Unit to 85 degrees would cost about $100,000. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said outfitting just four prisons with air conditioning would cost about $350 million, an estimate that seems mighty high. Whatever the cost, we can't just shrug our shoulders and say it's too expensive.

Abusing inmates to the brink of death may be standard practice in North Korea, but in this country it is unconscionable and utterly unacceptable. Just as older homes were adapted to accommodate air conditioning, older prisons need to be retrofitted to house convicts in conditions that meet a contemporary standard of humane treatment. A prison sentence shouldn't be a death sentence.
Politics and education

Regarding "LGBTQ studies under review" (Page A1, Wednesday), here we go again - another political fight over how to run Texas schools. The LGBTQ debate is now added to the growing list of controversies, which include: creationism vs. evolution, prayer, religion, uniforms, vaccinations and accommodating special needs.

When are we going to wise up and realize that a one-size-fits-all government school system will never please everybody?

Going to a free market in education has two big benefits: First, it removes school-related decisions from politics. And second, it would save us taxpayers a pile of money.

David M. Woods, Houston

Compensating teachers

Regarding "HISD pay raises too small, trustees say" (Page A6, June 16), I find it indefensible that two members of the HISD board of trustees insist that teachers in their district should receive a raise larger than the raise proposed by Superintendent Richard Carranza. One trustee even said she would vote against any budget that does not include a 5 percent raise for teachers.

Do these office holders know anything about how the state cares for its retired teachers? The Teachers Retirement System hasn't given retired teachers a raise for approximately 13 years. Our standard of living continues to decline, and in the coming year our premium for health care will increase 50 percent. We will also lose our traditional Medicare and will be switched to Medicare Advantage, unless we choose to drop out. Many of our doctors, and even some hospitals do not accept some forms of Medicare Advantage, so that speaks volumes.

We would gladly accept a 3 percent raise, if it were offered.

Elaine Hutzelman, Houston

Focus on education

Regarding "'Welcome to hell': Lawsuit seeks relief from prison heat" (Page A1, Monday), there is a vocal minority in Texas that believes once someone has been charged with a crime, they cease to be a human being. Just calling these people convicts and criminals separates them from the rest of us. They resent having to pay for the three square meals a day that keep them alive and don't want them to have any amenities.

This comes from a deep misunderstanding of human nature. Television shows like "Scared Straight" just feed into the notion that if we treat people inhumanely, they will learn their lesson and stop committing crimes. Recidivism rates put a lie to that notion.

We are wasting resources by fighting this lawsuit. Texas is hot in the summer, and with global climate change, it will just become hotter. Nonviolent crimes shouldn't warrant a death sentence.

If the state of Texas can't afford to air-condition the prisons when spending for them is triple that of public education, maybe it should stop building so many prisons and stop choking the life out of public education in Texas.

Susan Miller Jackson, Houston

Visiting with Cubans

Regarding "A step back" (Page A15, Saturday), under President Obama's policy the average U.S. citizen could easily travel to Cuba, stay in an Airbnb with a Cuban family and then engage in a cultural dialogue over breakfast and coffee. I know this because I was fortunate enough to do this in February.

As I understand the new travel policy, the only people-to-people type travel must be through a travel group. These groups are less likely to utilize Airbnb homes and are more likely to use hotels, probably large corporate hotel chains.

As a graduate student in anthropology at the University of Houston over the past four years, I have been fortunate enough to travel to several Latin American countries. I have stayed in both hotels and family homes in each of the countries I have visited. The opportunity to visit with families in their homes offered me a greater opportunity to get to know average people, and they got to know me.

If we really want to show the Cuban people that our system is better they need to talk with average American citizens. Returning to policies from the 1960s will only be counterproductive.

Rick O'Loughlin, Houston

No win in Paris exit

Regarding "U.S. right to pull out of Paris plan" (Page A15, Saturday), thank you for publishing U.S. Rep. Pete Olson's specious and retroactive explanation to justify the president's unfathomable decision to pull out of the Paris accord.

He misses three important points: 1) The president fails to designate an innovative organized national proposal to replace the Paris accord; the order is simply destructive in nature; 2) The U.S. excuses itself from a world leadership position, and joins the ranks of Syria and Nicaragua in its approach to the problem; and, most important 3) This withdrawal from a leadership role is most beneficial to Russia and China.

Gerald Busch, Bellaire
Thanks to the foresight of Texas leaders nearly 180 years ago, the Permanent University Fund Lands were established to serve as a long-term source of funding for public higher education. Today, revenue from this unique resource - which comprises 2.1 million acres of West Texas land - benefits more than 20 institutions of the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. These academic and health institutions span the state of Texas, from El Paso to Tyler and from the Rio Grande Valley to Dallas.

Recently, UT faculty and Environment Texas criticized University Lands' management of methane emissions. I can confidently say that a top priority of University Lands is to sustain and conserve this land, and we are committed to a cleaner future for Texas and the nation. Why? Because it's in everybody's interest to ensure the land continues to benefit our state for generations to come. University Lands' revenue supports not only public higher education but also research that is helping cure cancer, eradicate disease and spur innovations that improve the human condition, not just for Texans, but for people around the world.

The latest figures from the Environmental Protection Agency demonstrate that emissions from PUF Lands are significantly lower than what has been cited by Environment Texas and have steadily declined in recent years. In fact, EPA data shows that those reduction rates beat nationwide numbers. And unlike Environment Texas' figures, which cite U.S.-wide numbers, our calculations use data specific to the Permian Basin, because emissions vary widely across the country's various oil and gas plays.

University Lands is not just about oil and gas. We lease land for schools, hospitals, churches, ranching, wineries, wind and solar energy, and small businesses, to name a few, and the Lands provide drinking water to West Texans. University Lands provides internship opportunities to both UT and A&M students (20 interns are working in our offices this summer!), and the Lands are an economic engine, producing thousands of jobs and commercial activity that generates $3.5 billion in GDP and $180 million in state tax revenue annually.

But responsible and consistent oil and gas development is critical to University Lands, and as such, we work continuously with our industry partners to advance the production of this low-cost energy in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Fortunately, the energy sector has been revolutionized in recent years through technology innovations - some of which have been developed at UT and A&M - that allow energy to be produced more cleanly, safely and efficiently than ever before. This transformation is moving America toward energy security, a concept that seemed impossible just 15 years ago.

Oil and gas operators are regulated by numerous government agencies, and we count on these expert regulators, including the EPA, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Railroad Commission to set the appropriate - and constantly evolving - standards of care.

At University Lands, we strive to be the best land management organization in the country and go above and beyond the average mineral owner to address environmental issues. University Lands' contractual leases with oil and gas operators require them to use the highest degree of care to prevent pollution, and we work day-in and day-out with industry to reduce natural gas waste.

Examples include: requiring royalty payments on flared volumes, which incentivizes companies to capture all gas; performing unannounced lease inspections; conducting surveillance by helicopter and satellite imagery; encouraging directional and multi-pad drilling to increase efficiencies and limit surface disturbance and emissions; and promoting the use of vapor recovery units to reduce emissions and recover natural gas.

University Lands works to ensure our operators are using the latest technology, and we are proud our work helps fund university research that is fueling the development of that new technology. We also continue to work with experts at UT and Texas A&M institutions to enhance overall operations.

We will never be done. University Lands, under the leadership of UT and A&M, will continually work to protect the environment while providing the best possible return on investment for public higher education and 350,000 students, which today - along with the entire state of Texas - benefit from this amazing resource.

Houser is CEO of University Lands.
When making flamenco dresses is not just a job, but a way in African, Latin American and Arabic women are training in a sewing workshop run by a Seville foundation that offers employment opportunities and valuable contacts

Loubna Days story sounds like a rags-to-riches Hollywood movie in which the star triumphs over adversity to become a self-made woman. Except that Loubna didnt leave her home town of Tetouan, in Morocco, for an American Dream. Instead, she left to get her two-year-old daughter treatment for eye cancer in 2009.

Once her daughter was on the mend, Loubna started to learn Spanish and to study the application requirements of a micro-credit program that makes small loans to people without financial means who are keen to set up a business. She then signed up for a sewing course and learned to make flamenco dresses fit for the famous April Fair in Seville.

The Seville Fair was like discovering a new world and I wanted to learn how to make the outfits, she says. This year she made two dresses, one yellow  for the teachers sister  and one pink, which she hopes will be the first of many.

This workshop puts them in touch with other women, gives them a job and the possibility of working for themselves

Esther Aguilera, social worker

With two sewing machines purchased at Lidl supermarket and the dedication of Ana Vera and Chelo Garcia, two volunteer teachers from the Seville Acoge Foundation, a handful of African, Latin American and Arabic women are learning the tricks of the trade at the foundations sewing workshop. Though Seville Acoge has 30 years of experience working with immigrants, the sewing workshop is a new initiative that started two years ago.

The women dont have a family-and-friend network to fall back on for help with their children or professional contacts, says social worker Esther Aguilera. This workshop puts them in touch with other women, gives them a job and the possibility of working for themselves.

Unemployment among immigrants in Spain is 25%, a full 6% above the national average, according to the last Labor Force Survey (EPA). And according to Spains National Statistics Institute, unemployment stands at 40% among Moroccans, the largest foreign community in Spain. Being an immigrant isnt in itself an obstacle to starting a business, but the lack of a support network makes it much harder, says Aguilera.

Loubna Day takes measurements from a colleague at the sewing workshop. PACO PUENTES

The foundation started the initiative in order to help immigrant women with diverse needs. Some had to learn Spanish, others wanted to meet women dealing with the same challenges as themselves, and yet others already knew how to sew, but wanted to make flamenco dresses professionally.

The first time I saw a flamenco dress was back home, says Loubna, 32, who has hardly missed a single class at the workshop. I kept thinking about it, because I had no idea how to make it.

Her teacher Chelo taught her the basics: how to take measurements, make the pattern, cut the fabric, sew both by hand and machine, and stitch the frills and other details. And that was just the start. Making a pattern is the most complicated part for them because it involves every sewing technique, says Chelo.

The two women who asked for the yellow and pink dresses brought Loubna the fabrics and told her what they had in mind. In a couple of fittings, the dresses were ready and the women put them on for the first time at the 2017 April Fair.

Loubna cant claim all the credit, though. Kenana Alsalti, a 63-year-old Syrian refugee who worked as a fashion designer in Damascus, helped with the yellow dress.

The Seville Fair was like discovering a new world and I wanted to learn how to make the outfits

Loubna Day, Moroccan immigrant

Already an expert seamstress, Kenana signed up for the workshop to learn sewing lingo in her adopted tongue. She still struggles with the language, but every time she makes a mistake she shakes her head and tries again. The dress is a lot of work, but it was easy for me, she says.

Loubna is coming along, but she needs a formal qualification, says Chelo, referring to the fact that although she can learn the basics of flamenco fashion in the workshop, the next step would be to qualify as a professional dressmaker. To this end, the foundation is getting in touch with companies, flamenco fashion houses and the regional government of Andalusia to help fund their prize student.

Loubnas a hard worker and a perfectionist and shes also punctual I only have good things to say about her, says her teacher, who notes that, with her rather serious demeanor, she is not fazed by the admiration of the other women.

This seriousness contrasts with the Seville mannerisms she has picked up, such as ending every other word with the diminutive suffix ito, but the heat stops her from wearing a flamenco dress herself. As far as her prospects are concerned, she takes a philosophical view. Any job starts little by little, she says.

The African angle

Meanwhile, Mamy Awa Thioune, a Senegalese-born woman living in Seville, runs the flamenco clothing company Lago Rosa. Like many small businesses, it was born out of need. When Mamy fell pregnant in 2015, she couldnt get a job and so decided to try out an idea she had nursed since she was little: making flamenco dresses from wax print fabric, a colored cloth from Ghana. I never thought a black woman could not design these dresses, says Mamy. The flamenco world offers a lot of scope.

Mamy Awa Thioune shows off one of her creations, which sell at a store called Opalo Negro. PACO PUENTES

Brought up in the San Jeronimo neighborhood of Seville, Mamy dances sevillanas and gets into her flamenco gear every year in April. She says that she can design up to 10 very different dresses from the same African print. In Seville, its the colors that get peoples attention. And what could be more colorful than wax print fabric? she says.

Traditionally, flamenco fashion has been dominated by Spanish designers, but Mamy believes theres room for her. This year, two dresses made from her fabrics were shown at the Seville Fair. And shes getting an entire collection ready for the 2018 event. At the fair, they all tell me, Look! A black woman dressed in a flamenco dress! So I imagine there will be the same reaction to my dresses. Theyll say, Look an African flamenco dress!

The New Arrivals project is funded by the European Journalism Center with support from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Nearly 180 faculty and staff from across the University of Texas System recently wrote Chancellor Bill McRaven urging him to reduce the climate-damaging methane pollution leaking from oil and gas facilities on land managed by the UT System. The letter was followed by a student government resolution making the same request.

While many of us have seen the oil rig on the UT campus (on the corner of MLK and Trinity), most in our community know little about UT's massive - and polluting - oil and gas operations out in West Texas.

Hundreds of companies lease land from UT to drill for oil and gas. Managed by University Lands (UL), these 2 million acres of UT lands are home to more than 9,000 oil and gas wells.

This land and the oil and gas that's extracted from it generates millions of dollars of revenue for the University of Texas and A&M systems. But in addition to revenue, oil and gas production also produces significant emissions of a powerful climate pollutant: methane.

Invisible and odorless, methane is 80 times more powerful a heat trapper than carbon dioxide and is responsible for 25 percent of current global warming. Using EPA data, Environment Texas estimated that methane emissions on UT lands have nearly doubled and that between 2009 and 2014, oil and gas produced the equivalent of 11.7 million tons of climate pollution. In one year, the methane from UL oil and gas operations inflicts the same short term climate impact as 2.5 million cars or 3.4 coal-fired power plants.

University Lands takes issue with these calculations, suggesting they have "correct, accurate statistics" that are "specific" to their lands. However, much of the numbers they cite include similar extrapolations and assumptions as the estimate they criticize. They rely on industry-reported emission data known by researchers as providing an incomplete picture. UL's data presentation and message on methane emissions does not reflect an approach worthy of a world-class, truth-seeking research institution.

While University Lands has a small handful of long-standing policies in place that might help reduce methane emissions (for example, their requirement that operators pay royalties on gas burned through flares), they are far from adopting the most recent best practices in this area.

They refuse to require operators on their land to replace high-leak equipment with new, lower leaking retrofits; or carry out regular leak detection and repair programs on older wells and facilities. They won't even set a goal or target for reducing methane emissions. Even the industry group, One Future, has set a goal of a 1 percent leak rate. They claim that they are not a rule-making body (but they have rules for water and land use they are proud to talk about), and their entire position on methane seems to be, "We (industry) have this under control." That approach hasn't been good enough for other energy producing states such as Colorado, Wyoming, Ohio and California, which all have much stronger policies to reduce emissions.

We're happy to admit that UL does many things right, and we believe that if oil and gas companies were regularly leaking oil onto their land, UL's action would be swift and comprehensive. But oil and gas companies on UL land are regularly leaking methane into our atmosphere and warming the planet. Their response, so far, has been lacking. Why is the bare minimum acceptable when it comes to our climate?

There is a real opportunity for University Lands to show leadership in Texas on this issue. That's why we're calling on UT and University Lands to convene a Methane Task Force comprised of UT and Texas A&M experts - and fortunately UT has some leading methane scientists - along with student and other concerned faculty members to fully air out the data, science and different ideas for making progress on this issue.

Our request is simple: as a leader on many climate change issues and a steward of our public land, UT should reduce the amount of methane leaking from the wells on its land. Many departments at UT are working on exciting and promising technologies and policies that will help us reduce climate emissions, and UT spends a fair amount of time bragging about its climate change efforts and experts. But the methane emissions on its land undermines the university's commitment to sustainability. UT should, in other words, be part of the climate change solution rather than exacerbating the problem.

Matiella is a lecturer in UT San Antonio's College of Architecture, Construction and Plannning. Costigan is a PhD candidate in Educational Psychology and member of the Climate Change Action Committee at UT Austin and a member of 350 Austin.
For the first time, Spain will lead the naval effort of the European Unions Operation Sophia, which fights human smuggling in the Mediterranean, diplomatic and military sources have said.

Immigrants await a rescue ship in the Mediterranean on June 18. Stefano Rellandini (REUTERS)

Spain will head the effort between September and December of this year at the request of Italy, which has been in charge of the operation since it was set up in 2015.

The Spanish Navy plans to send the Cantabria replenishment oiler to lead operations under the orders of a Spanish admiral. The move comes after Italy asked all 25 participating countries to contribute a command ship to take over its own naval units. Spain was the only country that responded to the request.

The central Mediterranean has replaced the Aegean as the main route into Europe for immigrants and refugees

To date, Spain contributed a frigate and a patrol aircraft to the counter human-trafficking effort, at a cost of 67 million in 2016.

The Spanish Defense Ministry is aiming to maintain the current contingent of 254 troops and change the naval unit from the Canarias frigate to the Cantabria replenishment ship.

Although Spain will have command of naval operations, Operation Sophias top overall commander will remain Italys Admiral Enrico Credendino, who is based in Rome.

Ever since its inception in 2015, the five ships and six aircraft involved in Eunavfor Med operation Sophia have rescued more than 36,000 people, taken 440 vessels used for human smuggling out of action and arrested 109 people smugglers.

But these efforts have not stopped the central Mediterranean from replacing the Aegean Sea as the main route into Europe for immigrants and refugees.

Between January and April of this year, 37,200 people arrived on the coast of Italy, a 33% rise from the same period in 2016, according to Frontex, the European border agency. An estimated 1,600 people died during the journey.

Operation Sophia has resulted in the rescue of 36,000 people to date

Diplomatic sources admitted that Operation Sophia has a limited impact on the effort to stem the flow of illegal immigration. These sources noted that the mission has not even managed to complete the second of four phases set out in its operating plan.

Part of the problem is that in order to act in Libyan waters, the EU should have a petition from Libyan authorities or a resolution from the UN Security Council. But the government in Tripoli  the only one that is internationally recognized  barely controls just a small portion of the country, making it difficult for the EU to access the Libyan coastline and confiscate the boats used for human smuggling. This can only be done after the vessels leave Libyas territorial waters.

English version by Susana Urra.
Having hit a ceiling at IKEA, Rijnen was approached by drinks brand Diageo, which offered a change of gears with a global supply chain capability management position. The company was in the midst of a recasting of emphasis to become more customer-centric. This coincided with the GFC, which itself necessitated a change in model. It was exciting times, amidst a lot of change.

2009: Take first HR position

Not finding his purpose on the supply chain management side, Rijnen was encouraged to apply for a broad HR role during one of the companys reorganisations, and despite his reservations he joined HR. They gave me an option to go into HR, and I didnt want to; I thought HR was dull  I like the learning side, the transformation side and how HR can be used as a driver of business performance. I thought HR needed a shake-up; and they agreed.

2012: Snags roles in Jamaica and Miami

The year-long program Rijnen ran to help leaders identify their purpose was integral to attaining his first position outside Europe, when he was asked by a past trainee to join Red Stripe in Jamaica. At the same time he was offered the regional project for Diageo Latin America and the Caribbean, led from Miami.
The New Zealand Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal found that Leachs behaviour was in direct violation of the standards expected by anyone in the industry.

The respondents actions breached a fundamental obligation to be truthful in appraisals, reflected poorly on her fitness to teach, and brought the reputation of the profession into disrepute, read a summary of the tribunals decision.

The quasi-judicial body also went on to say that Leachs behaviour was among the most egregious it had seen and had no choice but to hand down the most severe reprimand.

[Leachs behaviour] struck at the heart of the expectation for honesty and integrity that teachers owe the public, the tribunal wrote in its decision.

We consider this to be a clear-cut example of the worst kind of misconduct for which the maximum penalty of cancellation is reserved, it added.
An employer can also deduct when there is a court order or statutory obligation  so PAYE, child support, fines  those do provide a right but otherwise you need consent, he continues.

For example, if you want to recover some costs because the employee has lost or damaged some equipment, or you accidentally paid them for a days leave and youve only discovered that six months later, youll need the employees consent.

Kynaston says its not uncommon to see general consent provided in the employment agreement which gives authority to deduct  however, recent legislative changes means employers must still consult staff before doing so.

As a result of the minimum standards legislation that came into effect this year, an employer must now consult employees before it deducts pursuant to a general authority clause, says Kynaston.

The employee can still withdraw his or hers consent to a deduction  if an employee does object to it, then its problematic for the employer and probably unlawful for the employer to deduct.
"You're a yoga instructor? REALLY?" is often what I'm greeted with when I reveal to people that I've been a Bikram Yoga Instructor since 2008. This piece of information surprises most for two reasons. One: my full time job is stand-up comedian and I'm usually out and on pint number four when the subject comes up. And two: I don't look like a yoga instructor. At least not like the yoga instructors we're bombarded with on social media.

I'm thick-legged and a bit overweight. In class or on social media I'm not the lithe, beautiful, blonde woman bending herself in half with complete serenity and ease. I'm the chubby girl with the shaved head in the corner spilling out of her yoga shorts, red-faced and sweaty as I fold myself into whatever position is being taught at the moment. I'll admit, I do drink kale smoothies in the morning, but I also throw back whiskey at night. Yes, I'm a yoga instructor but I'm also a person of this world who likes some of the dirtier parts of life just as much as I like touching my toes. I'm not perfect. I'm human. A human who does yoga imperfectly.

Yesterday was International Yoga Day and it was celebrated across social media. I'm one of those people who loves Instagram for the reasons others loathe it. I'm in it for picture of food and people in impossible yoga positions. I find it inspiring. I look at someone doing a split on a mountain against a tree while holding a coconut and think to myself, "Maybe I'll be able to do that someday!" I post them as well. I wouldn't be a proper yoga instructor if I didn't have photos of myself on a beach in a yoga pose. It's what we do; it's out trademark move. We worked hard for our flexibility and, like anyone else, we like showing off our hard work. But I do believe seeing perfect body after perfect body on Instagram in the most beautiful and complicated of poses puts some people off. It gives people who don't do yoga the impression they have to look or act certain way to practice.

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I've had people throughout my nearly ten years as a teacher tell me, "Oh, I'd like to get into yoga, I just need to get flexible first." Or "I'll try yoga as soon as I shed some of this weight." People see those pictures on social media and assume that's how all Yogis look. That we all popped into being as pretzel-folk. Most of the people I know who are super-duper flexible started out not being able to touch their toes. And some people who come to yoga broken from a lifetime of not moving or injury have practiced for YEARS and still can't touch their toes. That's ok. That's who yoga is for, the broken and the sick. In yoga there is no ending. It's called a practice because you can do it for the rest of your life.

As a person who lives a very Yin and Yang life, I struggle with my own identity as a yoga instructor. I used to be obsessed with being thin. I used to tell people I wanted to look like my fellow colleague. And finally a friend and nutritionist pulled me aside and said, "Abigoliah, she's Japanese and a former gymnast. You grew up in Ohio and fed on corn and pork until you were 20. You will never be the size of your own thigh." It took a couple more years for that to set in but it has. I don't look perfect in every pose and it's fine because I'm still trying to do the pose. Even the yoga instructors you see who look perfect and seem to live off green juice and praying on Mala beads have their secrets. I know a lot of people who found yoga as they were recovering from addiction. Others have used it to rehabilitate themselves after severe injury or illness. But on social media you don't get the back story, you just get the pretty.

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I'm guilty of it too, but I love that my life is split between two worlds. I love pulling an all-nighter with mates one week and then spending the next two in the studio reversing the effects from one debauched evening.

I guess what it boils down to is we all aren't as perfect as we seem on social media so don't ever feel put off from trying yoga by what you see on Instagram. Now, if you excuse me, I have to finish this beer before bed. Got to be up before 9am class tomorrow. Namaste.

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Increasing numbers of women study science - over half of Wellcome Trust-funded PhD studentships are now awarded to women. But women are still dramatically underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce, and spectacularly so in leadership roles.

In academic medicine in the US and the UK, only 15-20% of tenured professors, departmental chairs, and senior scientific fellowship recipients are female. Interestingly, this is largely due to fewer women applying for senior level positions, rather than a bias by the awarding bodies. And when women do apply, they generally write less ambitious proposals and ask for less funding.

So, if more young women now choose to study science, why do fewer women than men pursue high-level leadership roles in science?

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The answer undoubtedly lies in the pressures of family life on women.

"Acradabadra! I turn you in to the perfect mummy!" Several years ago, one of our then 4-year old twin daughters was waving a magic wand at me.

"What does the perfect mummy do?" I asked.

"Cleans the house, makes us food, picks us up from school..." she replied.

"What about the perfect daddy?"

"Goes to work, plays with us...."

Our daughters were born in the last year of my PhD. I had returned to work when they were 6-months, written my thesis and was training in clinical haematology. At the time of this conversation, I was working 12-hour days and doing frequent night shifts on a bone marrow transplant unit, and in my "spare time" preparing for exams. In my mind, I never cleaned the house, hated cooking, and only collected them from school once or twice a week. My daughters knew I was a doctor and a scientist, and I had taken it for granted that they would automatically appreciate the contribution of women, and mothers, in the workplace.

Like most professional mothers, I then did - and still do, significantly more than half of childcare and household admin.

My husband - a wonderfully engaged and loving father - has always sought to share parenting and support my career. We shared parental leave when our son was born last year. For 2 years he also took our girls to his workplace nursery so that I could work long days in the hospital - but it was me they saw every morning, frantically making everyone breakfast and getting everyone dressed and packed for school.

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In the US, working women spend twice as much time as men cooking, and three times as much time doing laundry each day. Among scientists with dependent children, the majority of women, but only 5% of men, report having the main responsibility for childcare.

Leadership roles in academic science are very demanding, comparatively poorly paid and have high insecurity. Worse, this is coupled with the incredible cost of childcare, especially in the US. For the last 2 years, I've had the fantastic opportunity to do a visiting fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute in the NIH, USA. But despite significant financial assistance from my husband's employers for the re-location, one daycare place for our son and 9-hours of after-school babysitting for our daughters has cost us over $42,000, this year alone.

The L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award is totally unique in that it recognizes that what many women need to progress in their careers is flexible funding. Even in families like ours, with two working parents and significant "co-parenting", the physical and mental burden of childcare still unfairly falls on women.

It is no surprise then that women who have dependent children are less likely than their male colleagues to seek demanding leadership positions in science, less likely to pursue work-related travel, and more likely to tailor their work patterns to fit in with childcare.

Part of my L'Oreal-UNESCO award will fund key experiments, enabling me to directly visualize how key genes are being expressed in individual bone marrow cells in a rare but fatal form of blood cancer. I will also now be able to maximize my working day productivity with additional childcare and I will travel to international conferences and collaborator meetings, and thereby compete more fairly with my male counterparts when I look to establish my own independent research group.

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Not only does inequality in the home prevent women from competing fairly in the workplace, it also impedes societal change for the next generation

Until my daughter enlightened me with her magic wand, I had failed to appreciate that my role at work was invisible, and therefore unimaginable, to our children. All that matters to them are our roles and behaviours when children do see us. Gender identities are formed young, and therefore gender equality in the home must be visible to our children.

If we truly want our daughters to have futures unburdened by gender stereotypes, and our sons to choose to be co-parenting fathers, then we must continue to work harder to avoid gender bias both in the workplace and in our homes. Diversity and equality in the workplace and in the home is essential for innovation and progress, especially in science.
Rawpixel Ltd via Getty Images

Throughout my life I have been reminded of my skin colour, this is not to say that it has always been negative; but from a young age I was aware. For instance, I strive to do my best in everything I do because I must remember I am 'privileged'. My Mother was born in Ghana, and came to the U.K. to ensure her unborn children at the time would reap the benefits of having a great education. Because of this, I was continuously reminded that I should feel privileged and not take my education for granted. I studied Business Management at Kingston University, this was seen as a big achievement. Graduating in my culture abroad represents intelligence, I mean Ghanaian's love a good gloat! Who doesn't? Regardless your background I am sure seeing your child graduate is everything. I have grown up being reminded by friends and family that I am 'privileged', and must not forget if it were not for my Mother my life would be different.

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I chose to study Business Management, although this is a broad degree being the eldest sibling going against the advised career path was risky. Not to generalise the whole African community, you may be told as an African child to aspire to become a Doctor, Lawyer or Finance professional. After graduating I realised very quickly that my degree gave me the opportunity to work in various sectors. I considered working in the Finance industry, this was so I could possibly set the 'right' example for my younger sisters by listening to my elders. As silly as it sounds, until you begin working a 9-5 job after university you do not realise the importance of company culture. My mentor Shirani Rajapaksa once told me to make a list of things I enjoyed e.g building relationships. After writing down a long list of activities I enjoyed as an individual, Account Management seemed lit!

Fast forward a year or so, I found myself working in the creative industry. Diversity in the workplace is essential, especially in the advertising industry. As I previously mentioned, I have always been reminded of my skin colour but working in the creative industry I clearly forgot! Until one day I was presented with a stat from We Are Stripes "13% of creative industry workforce identify as Black and Minority Ethnic Groups (BAME) background". Then it immediately brought my attention to adweek, I remember seeing a black female and she smiled at me. Not your I don't know you but I am going to be friendly kind of smile, but a I'm happy to see you smile. Then I thought to myself 'duh' that was the 'someone like me' effect. We both represented a minority, this is something I do also but did not spot until the other day.

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I began to ask myself why is there a minority disparity in the creative industry. Then I began to think, why wouldn't there be? I am not saying this is the only reason why, but from a young age certain industries were viewed as money-making; the creative industry was not one I remember being mentioned. Being young I thought the adults that advised knew it all! Not to forget, some minorities feel the media continue to portray their communities, music and lifestyle in a negative light. Did all these reasons that came to mind really influence the choice of industry in the BAME community?
Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

As I sat down to write the first draft of this, just over a month ago, the relentless hum of a police helicopter, occasionally eclipsed by the piercing sound of a passing siren, filled my apartment. It kept watch over a scene, just a few hundred yards away, of a barbaric and senseless act of violence that has claimed the lives of innocent men, women and children; a scene at which I accidentally found myself as the first journalist.

One month on, the earth shattering sound of Salman Abedi's bomb still rings in the air. I hear it regularly, late at night, sometimes turning to my phone to check if I'd imagined it, or if it had happened again.

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On the evening of Monday 22nd May, I'd returned home after a long day in London and my usual evening radio show. I greeted my girlfriend and we told each other of our days. Little did we know, our day was far from over. At 10.31pm, the noise of the rumbling explosion shuddered through our flat and shook us to our core. We fell silent and stared at each other, a look of knowing, that whatever that was, it can't have been good.

We dashed to our balcony to find the entire apartment block, and three others around us, had done the same. A sea of people made their way from the Manchester Arena, a view not uncommon on a gig night. Some running, some walking, some expressing the jubilance of a great concert, oblivious to what had just happened, some confused and sharing our sense of concern. A journalistic instinct, if you will, took me to the lift and down onto the road below.

It was still hard to decipher the mood as I approached a man, walking towards the car park with his daughter. She was visibly upset with bunny-ear headwear leaning to one side on her head, innocence violated, clinging on. He was calm, almost cold. He agreed to speak to me on the record and I pulled out my phone as he quietly said two words that hung in the air for what felt like hours afterward. Suicide bomb.

My heart sank. His testimony continued. He described a chemical smell and seeing a corpse. So too did several others. I walked closer to the entrance, people all too happy to speak to me on my way. To offload, maybe, to convince themselves it's not a dream.

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The scene set around me, as the emergency services seemed to fall from the sky. Shrapnel wounds, groups huddled together, fathers comforting mothers, comforting children.

I made my way through the city, now laced with armed officers, uncertainty ricocheting through the streets and returned to our studios for a night of rolling news. The show no presenter ever wants to host.

What followed will be forever written into history. A statement of compassion and community so loud that it echoed through news channels around the world. The first responders, the compassionate taxi drivers taking people from the scene for free, the homeless man that dashed to the aid of an injured woman, the image of the Muslim man and the Catholic woman knelt praying together, 50,000 people standing shoulder to shoulder with the biggest pop stars on the planet at the One Love Manchester concert, 22 of our friends and neighbours who lost their lives, not in the name of hatred and division but, as we have written it, in the name of peace and solidarity.

For this is the city of ambition and endeavour. This is the city of Jodrell Bank, where the Lovell Telescope searches space for intelligent life. This is the city of the industrial revolution that changed the world. This is the city of the suffragettes where, from oppression and adversity, came progress and democracy. This is the city of leaders and learners, where down the road at the University of Manchester, a breakthrough in Graphene is poised to save millions of lives in the developing world. This is the city of the underdog and the outsider. You need only use the ring road on your way past and you're practically part of the family. Pop in for a brew?

In the weeks that have followed, hundreds more have found themselves, by a stroke of misfortune, in the wrong place at the wrong time; witness to the worst in humanity. But witness too, to the best.

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The once-great Repeal Bill is the centrepiece of the Queens Speech. The Bill will repeal the European Communities Act (ECA) 1972, formally severing the UK's legislative ties with the European Union, and placing the huge body of EU law onto the UK statute book. It will lay the legislative foundations for Brexit.

The purpose of this rather large cut and paste job is to provide continuity and certainty, ensuring no EU law disappears unintentionally or without a UK one to replace it.

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But it is not quite that simple. A straight cut and paste would result in large numbers of laws that do not function in the UK after Brexit. Transferring an EU law that refers to the European Medicines Agency is no good if we are no longer part of the European Medicines Agency. So, the Repeal Bill also gives the Government powers to amend legislation and 'correct' laws that are no longer relevant or refer to EU institutions.

It's here it begins to get contentious.

The opposition have warned of 'sweeping legislative powers', which enable a government to continue to change important laws without the formal procedure - slipping in non-essential changes in through the back door. Recognising the sensitivities, the Government's Great Repeal Bill White Paper (published in March) committed to time limiting these powers, but there is also an important role for the rest of Parliament in applying sufficient scrutiny.

Another potential flashpoint is the role of the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Repeal Bill may result in Westminster making changes in policy areas that Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast see as beyond their remit. The Queen's Speech addresses the importance of all four nations co-operating, but in practice there are already concerns about a lack of quality engagement.

Finally the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) will need to be clarified. The UK courts will be looking to the Bill for instruction on how to interpret ECJ case law, what happens to cases to certain cases already in progress and a raft of detailed legal questions regarding past and future judgements.

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If Labour had won the election, they would have scrapped the Bill, and replaced it with an EU Rights and Protections Bill. In reality, any Labour bill would have needed to do much the same thing; it performs an imperfect but important function. It's yet to be seen if Labour will try and oppose the Repeal Bill once it's introduced, Parliamentary arithmetic must make it enticing as a high-profile target. But it's a dangerous game - the Bill is designed, first and foremost, to give certainty and to avoid a big cliff edge. Something very similar will need to be passed by March 2019.

Perhaps more likely is the tabling of amendments to the Bill. It's here that opposition in Parliament could try to impose its 'type of Brexit' on the Government or constraint their flexibility. It could table amendments that mean the Repeal Bill only comes in to force if certain provisions are met.
It's a common complaint. We've all made it at one time or another. But are politicians really the hapless, out-of-touch blunderers we often like to take them for? With Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, the wealth gap widening, public services failing, and other problems threatening to overwhelm us, it's easy to blame them for not taking action. But do we fully appreciate the position they're in? Do we understand the difficult dilemmas they face?

What we're apt to ignore or may not see, is that the actions we'd like to see them take - drastically reducing emissions, increasing taxes on the rich and the corporations, or increasing public spending - would end up harming the economy because they would force corporations and investors to go elsewhere, so losing thousands of jobs. In the old days before globalization, this wouldn't have been so, but with capital, corporations and the rich as mobile as they are today, and with governments being dependent on global money markets, the 'right' action to take can quickly turn out to be counter-productive, risky, or simply wrong. Truth is, economic globalization - the free-movement of capital and corporations to wherever profits are highest - puts governments into a straightjacket they cannot escape; a vicious circle that all politicians are subject to which I've elsewhere referred to as Destructive Global Competition (DGC).

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In this highly conflicted and complex environment shouldn't we afford our politicians a little more credit? Were we in their shoes, would we really do any better? Happily, there's a growing group of forward-thinking politicians who recognise this dilemma. Prior to the 2017 UK general election, over 650 of them signed the Simultaneous Policy (Simpol) Pledge to implement a range of global problem-solving measures simultaneously alongside other governments. Of those 650, 64 were elected as MPs. Among them are representatives from across all the parties, and count the likes of Vince Cable (LibDem), Caroline Lucas (Green), John McDonald (Labour), Jeremy Lefroy (Conservative), Marion Fellows (SNP) among them.

So what is it they have in common? They all agree on two things. First, that in order to solve global problems, we need all or sufficient nations to implement solutions together, simultaneously. Because, if all nations act together, everyone wins and the vicious circle of DGC is eliminated: no nation need fear a competitive disadvantage. Second, that the world's nations need to consider a multi-issue approach. Restricting international negotiations to just a single issue like emissions reductions means there is no scope for trade-offs. There's no way for the big losers on that issue, such as the U.S.A., to be compensated via a different issue. Were the world instead to negotiate two or more issues together, what a nation might lose on one issue, it could gain on the other. That way, the chances of substantive cooperation are vastly increased. But stick with the current single-issue approach and we are designing failure into the process.

Simultaneously implemented multi-issue agreements might sound ambitious, even utopian. Before you pass judgement, consider that the reason the world is failing to make adequate headway on climate change, corporate tax avoidance and a whole host of other transnational issues is precisely because no nation can take the initiative for fear it will harm its economic competitiveness. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair already pointed this out years ago but no one seemed to be listening. In 2005 he said, "The blunt truth about the politics of climate change is that no country will want to sacrifice its economy in order to meet this challenge." More than 10 years on, with emissions as high as ever and with Donald Trump having pulled the U.S.A. out of the Paris Climate Accord precisely because of competitiveness concerns, how much more evidence do we need?

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Madrids historic bullring, La Monumental de Las Ventas, will temporary shut its doors at some point this summer to improve safety conditions for patrons, although no specific start or completion dates for carrying out the revamp have yet been announced.

The Las Ventas bullring was built in 1929. CHEMA BARROSO (EFE)

The decision was made by city and regional authorities due to recurring safety issues with a building popular with tourists to the Spanish capital that dates back to 1929, according to a story published on Thursday by the Spanish daily El Mundo.

This newspaper said that a lack of investment in building maintenance over many years, coupled with the citys refusal to grant licenses for non-bullfight related events at the venue, had triggered the decision to shut down the ring altogether until modern safety standards can be met.

In 2013 there was a failed attempt at building a retractable roof, which collapsed three days before its inauguration

Although no reopening date has been set, the hope is that Las Ventas will be operational again in time for the 2018 San Isidro festivities, a spring highlight of the Madrid cultural agenda.

Another national daily, Abc, reported that city and regional officials negotiated the temporary closure with the venues new management company, which wants to hold all kinds of public events there besides bullfights.

Madrid City Hall believes this will require a revamp of existing facilities to introduce elements such as ramps for wheelchair access and upgraded emergency exits.

The early 20th-century bullring, which is built in the unique Spanish neo-Mudejar style, was classified as a landmark building in 1994, and any alterations to it require authorization from Spains National Heritage board.

The roof built in 2013 caved in on itself. Cristobal Manuel

A bullfight scheduled for this coming Sunday will in all likelihood be the last to be held there ahead of the temporary closure.

With seating space for 23,798 spectators, La Monumental de las Ventas is Spains largest bullring and the worlds third largest after those of Mexico City and of the Venezuelan city of Valencia.

The last renovations at the site date back to 2013, when there was a failed attempt at building a retractable roof to give the ring a use during the autumn and winter months, when there is no bullfighting.

The roof collapsed three days before its scheduled inauguration. Warner Music had paid 4 million for the project in exchange for exclusive rights to hold all kinds of events at Las Ventas over the following three years.

English version by Susana Urra.
For a while now traveling by air has been becoming less and less attractive to my wife and I. The growing, if understandable, security procedures have made flying a real chore, especially as I am a wheelchair user. It was our last two flights that really put us off flying again. The first disaster was when flying home from our favourite city, Barcelona. At the airport, my chair was forcibly taken away from me as the security staff wanted to X-Ray it. I tried to explain that I could not walk, but an insistent guard man handled me out of my chair and whisked it away, as I also tried to explain it did not fold. I soon discovered this too was in vain. My chair was carried back to me in pieces. To get it to fit through the X-Ray machine the security team had dismantled it. It was dumped at my feet in bits and I was left. Luckily I had a few mini tools with me, and rushed to put it back together with our flight departure time fast approaching. The second disaster knocks that into a cocked hat. While on a flight to Vienna, I asked to use the in cabin aisle chair to go to the loo. This is now essential on all flights following a European directive stating that using a wheelchair should not bar people from using the toilet on an aeroplane. To tell the events in detail would take up this whole article, so let's just say through a total lack of training I ended up breaking my leg at 30,000 feet up, the plane was diverted to Amsterdam and I was rushed to hospital. The trip was over and three days later I flew home to spend six months in plaster. I have been rather put off flying. When work needed me to travel to Paris for a conference, it looked like the only answer was the Eurostar.

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My wife and I had never tried the train to Europe, but from the outset it all seemed fairly straight forward. You can book the wheelchair space on the train online, which makes the whole process dead easy. There was a little snafu with paying, but we soon sorted that with a phone call to the assistance line and within an hour everything was sorted. The morning of the big day, I awoke quite nervous. I am not a good traveler, but with the two travel disasters listed above being only the most recent in a long history of travel nightmares I have good reason. I nervously waited in the departure lounge, after being checked in at the special assistance desk. We had gone through passport control and security like a flash. Everyone was super friendly and very helpful. Also no one freaked at the thought of a wheelchair traveling. We found a comfy seat and waited. The boarding was announced and as we approached our carriage I noticed a superb ramp had been attached to the train which allowed everyone to wheel their suitcases onboard. It wasn't just the wheelchair ramp, but it benefited all travellers. Without any real hassle my wife and I were in our seats waiting for the off.

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The train left St Pancras International and soon we whisked through the beautiful Kent countryside. I popped to the wonderfully large accessible toilet, and on my return sat back to enjoy the journey. Then a lovely meal was delivered. It took me back to when I first began flying, when nothing was too much and you had a real sense of occasion. We entered the tunnel without any fanfare and as soon as we went into the darkness we were out the other side.

Still eating our meal! Yet more beautiful countryside to wonder at, and then we were in Paris. The staff at Gard De Nord were equally friendly and helpful, and tolerant of our pigeon French. In France they use a portable lift to get you on and off the train, which makes life even easier. Then we touched down on French soil, with absolutely no hassle, trauma or panic. I have never traveled with so little inconvenience before in my life.

Pairs was also a revelation. We expected to find it less than hospitable for my wheelchair, but in fact everywhere went it was the exact opposite. Our hotel was amazingly kitted out for wheelchair users, and we used an amazing accessible cab firm, G7 Taxis, to get around this beautiful city. The pavements were a little tough going, but mainly on the smaller roads where it was just as easy to wheel in the road. Everyone we met was so lovely and helpful. A visit to a must see tourist attraction The Louvre, was so amazingly accessible and wheelchair users and a carer get in for free. You have to try the access lift at the entrance, as it's amazing. After an afternoon of sight seeing, attended a post conference gathering at a restaurant bar called the Frog and Underground which looked like an access bust as we arrived. Boy were we wrong. A member of staff proudly showed us the lift, accessible loo and they then treated us like royalty.

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Our journey home was just as smooth. I cannot sing the praises of Eurostar highly enough. The same goes for Paris. I shall be back, and very soon. Our next exciting travel adventure is to take the train to Barcelona. I shall keep you posted on that. In the meantime, if you use a wheelchair and haven't already tried Paris by Eurostar do it and do it soon. Vive Le Paris, Vive Le Eurostar.
Danish Siddiqui / Reuters

Travis Kalanick, formerly Uber's embattled CEO, resigned from the company this week due to massive investor pressure. And I say it's long overdue. You don't need a degree in history to know that while Kalanick has been at the helm of Uber, the company have been embroiled in upwards of 15 unrelated, newspaper-worthy scandals. The real question here is: why did his investors put up with him for this long?

Uber's largest investor, Benchmark, led the rebellion. They were closely followed by Fidelity and Menlo Ventures. Together, the trio wrote Kalanick a letter entitled "Moving Uber Forward", and soon after, Kalanick said that though he "loved Uber more than anything in the world", he had "accepted the investors' request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight."

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It's revealing that Kalanick admitted no responsibility when he stepped down. It's also revealing that Kalanick has personally been at the centre of at least three of the company's major scandals. It was Kalanick who made a sexist joke to an Esquire reporter in 2014. It was Kalanick who was caught on camera berating an Uber driver for daring to say that he had difficulty making a living. And yes, it was Kalanick whose visit to an escort bar in Seoul with a group of senior employees led to an HR complaint from a female marketing manager.

Some people will say that despite his controversies, Kalanick ran the company well. They'll say he's a visionary who must be allowed to live within his rules. They'll say that Uber's revenue has grown steadily through the scandals of the last three years. But how well might the company have done if they didn't have a frat boy in charge? And anyway, there are signs that Kalanick was hurting the business. Uber's U.S. rival Lyft have been gaining ground. Around the world, Uber have been picking fights - and losing - with regulators and law enforcement agencies. The company have spent a fortune expanding globally and may soon need to raise more cash. Meanwhile, Google's parent company, Alphabet, is in a major lawsuit with Uber over the alleged theft of self-driving car technology, and many think that the lawsuit is a bigger threat to Uber than any of the scandals of the last three years.
The incredible generosity in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire has seen people from all walks of life volunteering to help. Three British Red Cross volunteers share their stories.

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Debi Haden, 50, a psychosocial support team member, from Norfolk

When you see the enormity of the situation, you can't be anything but compelled to do something. I can't change what has happened, I can't take away the feelings people are experiencing, or what they've seen.

But we can help people feel like they can get beyond the point where they are right now. We give them the opportunity to share their story - a cup of tea, a hug, a tissue.

On our first day we went into a couple of the hospitals to visit people affected. There was one man who had three family members critically ill, and sadly, because of the trauma, his wife lost a baby at seven months. We have seen a lot of people who have children who are critically ill in hospital.

One of the challenging things is that children have witnessed the whole thing and have lost friends. Children have no boundaries so they say what they see. That's quite difficult for the parents.

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We encourage parents to get their children to talk about what they have seen if they want to. Some parents have felt like they can't cry or show emotion in front of their children, but it's okay to show their emotions.

What has been sad is that people who have witnessed the fire feel guilty or helpless, and they feel they have no right to feel the way they do because they are the lucky ones. We encourage them to share their story and feelings. We try to help them understand that how they're feeling is a normal part of trauma.

Paul Welham, 35, emergency response volunteer, from Norfolk

Part of what we're doing is going out into the community to tell people about the help they can get and giving them the information they need.

I spoke to one lady whose child was in a nursery in the tower. Since the fire, her child hasn't been able to go to nursery, so the mother hasn't been able to go to work as she has to look after her child.

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If she's not working, she can't afford to buy food, so she's coming to the community assistance centre to get food for her family. People are coming back every day to get help. They have lost everything.

I've been volunteering for 18 years. Every situation is different. Most emergencies we respond to are localised. This is different; it's a whole community that is affected. We're just doing the best we can to help them.

Aimee Thomas, 22, emergency response officer, from North Wales

The community coming together is the main thing I'll take away from this horrible incident.

I was a bit nervous in the train coming down, as I've only been in the job three weeks and this is my first emergency.

But as soon as I got here and saw the community volunteers and donations being dropped off, it put me right at ease. I thought, 'this community has got it'.

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Principal Jared Materas attached this decal to his race car and had the students sign it. PreviousNext

Egremont Principal Materas Honors Late Student In His Own Way



Gabby's classmates signed their names to the decal on Wednesday. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Egremont Elementary School community was devastated in December when 11-year-old student Gabrielle Corbett died unexpectedly.

Principal Jared Materas saw himself as being a rock for the students and staff and he tried to hold the community together through the difficult period of grief. And it was tough for him, too. She never left his mind.

When Materas isn't in school, and what many don't know about him, is that he races cars. His hobby is to head down to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Connecticut for asphalt track racing. He was driving back from the races one day and an idea came to him - an idea to honor Corbett in his own way.

"I wanted to put something on the car for her and it just sort of evolved," Materas said.

This past weekend he placed a decal on the vehicle reading "In Loving Memory of Gabby Corbett," and with the tagline, which the Egremont community has embraced for Corbett, "Make a Friend, Be a Friend."

"It's on a place of the car that doesn't get damaged. If it does, I can still keep it with me. I'd hang it up in my office so it stays here or offer it to the family," Materas said.

It isn't just the decal that makes it special though. On Wednesday, Materas brought the car to the school and all of the students in Corbett's class signed it. The fifth-graders are in their final days with Egremont School, moving on to middle school next.

"It turned out a lot better than expected. It means a lot to me," Materas said.

Not only did the class get to sign the decal, but they also got to see another side of Materas. Throughout the day students from all grade levels had an opportunity to see the car up close and learn what Materas does off school grounds. And it showed a softer side of Materas, a side he hadn't really shown when he was trying to be the rock for the community.

"It was good for them to see another side of their principal," Materas said.

The next time Materas gets behind the wheel and heads out onto the track, he'll be driving with Gabby and the Egremont School community right there with him.

"I think about her every day. This is a nice reminder and memorial to her," Materas said.
Mount Greylock Regional School Committee member Carolyn Greene, right, wants to be replaced on the district's Regional District Amendment Committee.

Social Media Attacks Take Toll on Mount Greylock Public Servant



Mount Greylock School Committee member Wendy Penner has expressed an interest in taking Carolyn Greene's place on the RDAC. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Citing personal attacks on social media, the Mount Greylock School Committee member who has chaired the district's committee looking at full regionalization announced Tuesday she is stepping back from the latter group.

Carolyn Greene told her colleagues on the School Committee at its monthly meeting that she hopes School Committee member Wendy Penner will be able to fill in for her on the Regional District Amendment Committee, which Greene chaired in 2013 when the school launched its initial study and earlier this year when the School Committee brought the issue back to the fore.

The RDAC is the group charged with developing a proposal to expand the junior-senior high school district to include its two feeder schools, Lanesborough Elementary School and Williamstown Elementary School. The district has asked both its member towns to schedule special town meetings in November to decide the question.

On Tuesday, Greene said the RDAC has received nearly 70 responses to a survey it developed seeking community input on the question.

She also indicated that she had become the focus of vitriol.

"Some of the commentary on social media has gotten not nice," Greene said. "I guess that's what happens. That's what we see happen on issues nationally.

"What I need to do is step back from this process. I think I said a while ago I'm probably not the best person to lead this charge. I've done it before. I've done the building committee."

Greene said she shared her decision with School Committee Chairwoman Sheila Hebert, who was absent from Tuesday's meeting. Greene, the School Committee's vice chairwoman, led the monthly meeting in Hebert's absence  ironic given that one of the attacks on Greene in the comment section of a previous iBerkshires.com article centered on a conspiracy theory that Greene was usurping Hebert's authority.

School Committee member Al Terranova said it is "very unfortunate" that the discourse on social media lacks civility and sometimes indicates an unwillingness to accept or even acknowledge direct answers to questions that are asked.

"Contention is fine on topics," Greene said. "But when it becomes personal, it's something altogether different.

"That was the idea of the [Mount Greylock Regional District Amendment Committee] Facebook page, to provide another opportunity for discussion and transparency. I hope that can continue  respectfully."

The School Committee on Tuesday grappled with questions about the breadth and depth of study for the current RDAC. The first amendment committee spent a year looking at the question of full regionalization and ultimately recommended going forward with the expansion; the School Committee put that idea on hold in 2013 when the district was invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's process after a 10-year effort to secure state funding to address deficiencies in the facility.

Chris Dodig, who serves on the RDAC working group addressing the language of a proposed district amendment, talked about the suggestion coming from Williamstown that the expanded region include "alternative funding" options that would allow one town to add funding for its elementary school on top of the district budget for K-6 education.

"We're able to write in that language easily enough," Dodig said. "We just need to know what language we want to take to the towns.

"The biggest problem with alternative funding, in my judgment, is that each year it has to to be approved by each town at town meeting. Even if we put it in, the towns have to vote for it each year after that. If you look down the road, it seems like a recipe for trouble."

Some Williamstown officials have suggested that alternative funding would be a way to maintain local control over the elementary schools. But potential fairness issues have been acknowledged publicly by the current chairman of the Williamstown Elementary School Committee.

Dodig raised the same issue.

"It would be hard for me as a voter to say: I'm going to approve a budget that gives less to my child's school than someone else's," Dodig said. "We have to think really carefully about that before we go down that road."

A different kind of "alternative" study also has been requested of the district. The Williamstown Board of Selectmen has asked the district to study various scenarios, including full regionalization, operating each of the three schools as fully separate entities without shared services, and continuing the current shared services model under the Tri-District umbrella, where Mount Greylock, LES and WES share a superintendent, assistant superintendent, business manager and special education director.

Dodig balked at the idea of devoting School Committee and RDAC resources to that analysis.

"It's kind of an odd concept to ask a subcommittee of Mount Greylock to look at what it would cost if Williamstown Elementary was separate," Dodig said. "I'm not sure if that's our job."

Steven Miller, who is not a member of RDAC but helps the subcommittee's finance working group, countered that analysis is appropriate for the district and argued that creating different models is not time-consuming once the data is collected.

"I think it does fall within the realm of the task force to look at all the alternatives," Miller said.

Penner emphasized the narrow time frame for the regionalization effort and suggested that the elementary school committees in Williamstown and Lanesborough need to decide whether they want to get behind the effort.

"My feeling is unless we have members of the elementary school committees willing to be at the forefront in this conversation  and be champions of it, it's going to be difficult to imagine a successful vote," Penner said.

The RDAC, formed earlier this year by the Mount Greylock School Committee, includes representatives from the Lanesborough and Williamstown Elementary School Committees and each community's town hall.

Advocates of regionalization know there are hurdles in their path.

The three school districts already enjoy the financial benefit of shared services, and the inefficiency of the current Tri-District arrangement  while obvious to those involved in the day to day  is not apparent to outsiders.

"People don't put a lot of value, somehow, into the discussion of the burdensome administrative structure," Greene said. "People say, 'Are you just trying to cut down on paperwork?' Paperwork? You're talking about mandated reporting to the state.

"It always comes down to, 'You're doing it. Why can't you keep doing it?' That's the part that's really hard to quantify and qualify."

Interim Superintendent Kimberley Grady said Tuesday that the administrative demands of managing three districts takes away from the time the person in her position should be devoting to working with principals and students. And the extended nights and weekends required may be OK for a potential superintendent who has no family or life outside of the job, but those candidates are hard to come by.

"Everything we do, we have to do by three because of the nature of this," Grady said. "And anything we do requires three meetings."

Penner reminded her colleagues that is why they signed up Grady, the district's nominal assistant superintendent, as interim superintendent through the 2017-18 academic year.

"When we did our last superintendent search, our preference was to bring an experienced superintendent here, and we couldn't do that because of the pool we got," Penner said. "We have to be realistic about what our chances are to attract an experienced superintendent.

"That's critical to the success of our region if we're going to continue as a Tri-District. We have to continue to address the onerous demands we place on the superintendent."

It remains to be seen whether the "unsustainability" of the current model is a persuasive argument for full regionalization.

"I have talked to people who have expressed an understanding of the stress of the administration  but they put a higher priority on the loss of local control," Miller said. "That's why I think it's important we have several options that can be studied by RDAC."

Greene pointed out, not for the first time, that one of the options would be for Mount Greylock to step back from the shared services arrangement.

"There's a point at which the Mount Greylock School Committee needs to say if [full regionalization] doesn't happen, does it make sense for us to just be Greylock?" Greene said. "We know what we need for the school and the new building. This is a huge undertaking."
A large American flag flies outside St. Elizabeth's Church.

North County Pays Respects to Late Rep. Gailanne Cariddi

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Just two weeks ago, Mayor Richard Alcombright had sent an email to his representative asking for a House resolution for an event.

On Monday, state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi's aide brought it to his office.

It might seem an everyday thing, but what many didn't know was that Cariddi had taken a sudden turn for the worse in her battle against cancer in these last weeks. She died Saturday at age 63 at Massachusetts General Hospital.

But making sure that mundane task was completed showed the type of person she was, Alcombright said at her wake on Wednesday night. She was continuing to do the work for her constituents even as she was fighting the illness that claimed her life.

"She was for the people," he said. "She didn't have any 'special interests.'"

The most frequent comment was that the North Berkshire community had a large hole in it now that would be difficult to fill.

"She literally gave her life for everybody else. Her family, her business, her community, the city and commonwealth," said Margaret Ware, former Williamstown selectman. "She was amazing person."

Jocye Wrend and Diane Parsons, who both served on the City Council with Cariddi, said she was always on top of things, always working.

Parsons said even in her last week they were talking about a bill she was working on, and that Speaker Robert DeLeo said she was still sending him information. "She was a rare breed," she said. "Politics used to be fun and Gail and I were at it for a long time and it was still fun when we were doing it."

"She was so damned smart, she was so intelligent, she knew what she wanted and went and she got it," said Wrend, who described her as a mentor.

Ware, who's been involved in local and Democratic state politics, said there weren't and still aren't many women in politics here.

"So we were all friends and we all supported one another," she said.

She was also fun loving, they said, with Parsons recalling a trip to Cape Cod to help clear out an unusual amount of snow at Cariddi's house there.

"My best memory of her is when we cross country skied on the beach in Harwichport in January," she laughed.

"I've never forget the fun we had when she wast still around," Wrend said. "I could tell you stories ... but I won't."

For four hours on Wednesday evening, family, friends, constituents and local officials passed by the photos of Cariddi in happier times that were displayed inside St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. They signed the books and read the cards with the bouquets of flowers from the people she'd touched and the many, many agencies and organizations she'd helped over her long career in public service. And they shared their memories.

"The outpouring has been tremendous," her sister, Antoinette Cariddi, said.

An honor guard of state police officers stood at the doors and by the urn containing Cariddi's cremains at the altar. Across the from the church on a closed section of Marshall Street, the ladder trucks from North Adams and Adams flew a giant American flag under breezy skies.

The members of the City Council on which Cariddi had served for more than 20 years, came in together to pay respects. They were followed not long after by a long line of uniformed police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel from the city and surrounding communities.

In Boston, the House started Wednesday's session with memories about their colleague , whose vacant desk held memorial flowers. According to State House News Service, DeLeo had visited her in the hospital on Friday to tell her how much she was loved and would be missed.

Cariddi's funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. from St. Elizabeth's.
State representatives line Marshall Street as an honor guard for state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi following the funeral. PreviousNext

Community, Massachusetts House Bids Farewell to Rep. Cariddi



Cariddi was to be buried in Bellevue Cemetery in Adams. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  A litany of elected state and local officials, friends and family packed into St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church on Thursday to bid farewall to state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, who died Saturday at age 63.

"It's an honor to be here on behalf of an institution that Gail Cariddi loved and, by the way, loved Gail Cariddi," said Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo.

More than 100 state representatives, from as far as Cape Cod, came by bus and car to attend the funeral, a testament to how they felt about her, said state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, a longtime friend and colleague.

"This shows the kind of respect she had," he said, as the state officials lined up along Marshall Street after the services.

DeLeo and state Rep. Patricia A. Haddad, representing the 5th Bristol, spoke at the service, which was attended by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, former Speaker Charles Flaherty, Mayors Richard Alcombright and Linda Tyer, former Mayor John Barrett III, Berkshire Sheriff Thomas Bowler, District Attorney David Capeless, former state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, former state Rep. Daniel Bosley (who preceded Cariddi), the Berkshire Delegation of Reps. Paul Mark, Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Pignatelli, and state Sen. Adam Hinds, House Sergeant-at-Arms Raymond Amaru, and numerous councilors, selectmen and other officials.

A long line of first responders flanked the church's entry and state police stood as honor guards. Across the street, a large American flag again flew from the ladder trucks of Adams and North Adams, and the procession to Bellevue Cemetery in Adams was led by two Pittsfield motorcycle officers, North Adams Police and others.

The speakers focused on Cariddi's work ethic and dedication to her 1st Berkshire District, her fun-loving spirit and kindness.

The Rev. William Cyr said she'd reminded him of St. Teresa of Avila, a famed author of spiritual guides, who lived in the 16th century.

He was listening to CDs about St. Teresa's life the other day when some of the similarities of their lives struck him.

"They were honest, you knew where you stood with them at all times, yet even in their honesty they were incredibly kind and compassionate to others," he said. "They were balanced in their approach to life."

Cyr said a young woman had told him at Wednesday's wake how surprised she was that Cariddi had taken the time to send her a personal letter after she won an award. The late representative would also visit nursing homes to chat with residents, and remembered all of their names, he said.

"Now I'm not trying to say to canonize Gail ... she probably would respond to it the same way as Teresa -- 'stop the foolishness and be quiet,'" he smiled. "But if the Legislature wishes to discuss a bill ... ."

DeLeo said he'd first gotten to know Cariddi at an orientation for incoming lawmakers after her election in 2010.

"I got the sense of what I would appreciate most about Gail ... she was one of the warmest, and most gracious person I have ever had the pleasure of working with," he said. "She had a quiet dignity that is hard to put into words."

On Wednesday during the House session, many rose to speak about Cariddi, he said, and shared their remembrances.

"The house stood united in talking and thinking about his bright, energetic and funny leader and her impact on each and everyone of us. ... as much as we were moved by Gail, we each knew the profound effect on everyone here in her hometown," the speaker said.

Even to the last, on the day she would learn the devastating news that her illness had progressed, she was in his office with a map, talking about the needs of Lanesborough and the Berkshire Mall, he said.

Her friend state Rep. Patricia A. Haddad, representing the 5th Bristol, spoke to the congregation of how Cariddi was always a consummate professional who knew when to lead and when to step back.

"She moved very quickly into leadership roles in the House, never, ever forgetting her district," Haddad said. "She was always asking for advice on how to do things for her people. ...

"She was absolutely unflappable ... she lived with grace and dignity."

But she also had a fun side and was a great traveling companion on jaunts overseas, Haddad said. "No matter how tired, she always had a smile, never complained and already was ready for the next adventure."

Turning to Cariddi's picture and urn in front of the altar, Haddad said they had not come for the wake "because we knew you would not be happy if we didn't do our work ... we kept you and your district in mind ... because you're our friend."




Haiti - Tourism : Minister Menos honors the CEO of Canal 11





Tuesday, Emilie Jessy Menos, the Minister of Tourism, presented a certificate of honor to Jean Paul Elie, President and CEO of Canal 11 for his contribution to the advancement and promotion of culture and tourism in Haiti. Through its program on patronal festivals "11 champetre".



has been doing an invaluable work for over 25 years through its television channel broadcasted in Haiti and the Diaspora : "rural festivals are an essential element in the life of the Haitian people and important in the Development of local tourism."



Elie thanked Jessy Menos for being the first Minister of a government for a generation to distinguish the work of his station "Canal 11 is very grateful to you, Madam Minister. I promise you my full support for the summer season the champetres 2017."



IH/ iciHaiti






















Haiti - Politics : World Public Service Day





Friday, 22 June, the Office of Management and Human Resources (OMRH), together with the Presidency and the Office of the Prime Minister, will celebrate World Public Service Day on the theme "Valued human resources for national development ".



To this end, a ceremony will take place at the Convention Center of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm in order to honor of civil servants from various ministries, decentralized and autonomous bodies of the Haitian public service who provided remarkable work during the year.



As a prelude, ministries and public bodies organize sectoral activities to celebrate in their own way this day in honor of their employees.



Nearly 300 officials from all government ministries and agencies are expected to attend the celebration.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Can Ceuta teach Brexit Britain lessons about taking back control? The briefest of glances at Spain would have debunked the myth that the European Union is unequivocally pro-immigration and unwilling to keep member states borders in check

Take back control is widely held to be the slogan that won the UKs referendum on EU membership last year, and sent Britain charging toward the exit door. Formal negotiations have now begun, and there is one thing Britain is keen to get its hands on more than anything else: control of immigration. With those three vague yet evocative words, campaigners helped to create the perception of a naive EU, unequivocally pro-immigration and unwilling to keep member states borders in check .

A group of sub-Saharan Africans at the doors of Ceutas temporary stay center for immigrants in February. Reduan (EFE)

The briefest of glances to Spain would have debunked this myth. In its Moroccan enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, control means massive barbed-wire fences, diplomatic tensions and misery for the increasing numbers of migrants who seek a better life in Europe. Backed and funded by the EU, these fortress territories demonstrate clearly that the bloc knows what taking back control looks like  and its not pretty.

In Ceuta, migrants in limbo describe the place as a mental prison

In Ceuta, migrants in limbo describe the place as a mental prison. Often basically penniless, they live in increasingly crowded temporary accommodation while they wait to find out whether they can stay in Europe or if their arduous journeys from sub-Saharan Africa have been totally in vain.

Yet these are the lucky ones: theyve managed to scale the dangerous six-meter-high fence. Theyve also survived the months of brutal Moroccan police tactics in the forest a stones throw from their destination, waiting for an opportunity to make a break for a better life.

Samyong Hilaire left Cameroon last summer, and spent the winter in woods on the Moroccan side of the frontier. The 23-year-old was one of hundreds of migrants to finally make it to Ceuta in one of the greatest single influxes in recent times back in February.

Would-be migrants celebrate getting across the Ceuta border fence in December 2016. Joaquin Sanchez

He said: In the forest we lived with many brothers among the trees. Its not easy to live there, because we spent a lot of time without toilets, and we ate just once a day at 11am. Every day Moroccan police came to move us on. We hid on the top of the hills and in the rocks. Its very difficult living in the forest. But we had a dream, we knew what we were searching for, and thats why we lived like this, sleeping outside during the winter.

Ulrich Cabrel, 21, arrived on the same day  after climbing the fence in the dead of night in his second attempt to reach Ceuta.

We had a dream, and thats why we lived like this, sleeping outside during the winter

Samyong Hilaire, 23, from Cameroon

The conditions in the forest are very difficult, he said. Theres no food, and often the Moroccan Auxiliary Forces enter the forest and set fire to your belongings and the small tents we slept in. In Cameroon, I have a baccalaureate qualification but my parents didnt have the money for me to continue my education. In sub-Saharan Africa, if you dont know someone who works for the government, you cant get a job. If your auntie, or your father, or someone in your family doesnt have a good job, its impossible. Ceuta is a mental prison. Here, you cant work, you just eat and sleep. Its exhausting.

After making it to Ceuta, both Ulrich and Samyong went straight for the citys temporary stay center for immigrants, known by the acronym CETI. They are among hundreds living there. But the center, with a capacity of 500, is rammed. Last year saw the number of migrants entering Ceuta rise 14% to 2,578, placing a strain on the enclaves limited resources. Since Christmas, more than a thousand others are believed to have arrived.

Some speculate that recently heightened security in Spains other Moroccan enclave of Melilla could be a factor in this change. The coastal city, some 380 kilometers east of Ceuta, has historically been more of a flashpoint on the migrant trail, but the route appears to be shifting.

Spain and the EU lean on Morocco to provide security at the border, often using fairly brutal methods

Another possible reason is Morocco  which Spain and the EU lean on to provide security at the border  often using fairly brutal methods. Observers say these include the rounding up of migrants before dumping them in the middle of the desert and telling them to be on their way. Ulrichs story suggests this is no myth. He eventually made it into Ceuta, but says during one earlier failed attempt he was captured by Moroccan security forces and taken far away from the forest before having to make his way back again.

The Moroccans use this unsavory role as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Europe, and the countrys government is often said to relax or ramp up security efforts in accordance with political expediency. The EU plays this grubby game, where hundreds of human lives are currency in a diplomatic tug-of-war.

Spain is not Britain, but Ceuta represents something thats conspicuously absent from debate about the EU in the UK. The notion of control may win referendum votes, but it may also mean walled frontiers, human suffering and disconcerting diplomacy. On immigration, the EU is far from the shrinking violet some would have people believe.
Artsakh Foreign Ministry comments on Azerbaijani statements

Comment by Head of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh Artak Nersisyan to News.am Agency

Question: Following the visit of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to Baku on June 19, the Azerbaijani authorities issued numerous comments, accusing the Armenian sides of violating the ceasefire regime with the aim of undermining the negotiation process. How would you comment on such statements?

Answer: Bakus aspiration to blame the Armenian sides for the escalation of tensions and the situation created in the negotiation process is an undisguised attempt to veil its policy of driving the settlement process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict into a deadlock and to torpedo the peacemaking efforts of the mediators. This is especially evident against the background of the incessant provocations on the Line of Contact by the Azerbaijani side, Bakus total disregard for its obligations to strengthen the ceasefire and the declared unwillingness to implement the agreements reached to ensure the conditions for the resumption of the negotiation process.

In this regard, it is necessary to note the June 19, 2017 statement by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen, following their visit to Baku, which we view as another unambiguous reference to Azerbaijan as the party violating the ceasefire regime in the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict zone.

This positive trend, in the matter, observed in the recent statements of the Minsk Group Co-Chairmen, gives some hope that the mediators will not only completely abandon the practice of untargeted calls, but will also press more insistently on the implementation of the agreements reached in Vienna (May 16, 2016) and St. Petersburg ( June 20, 2016), aimed at strict observance of the termless trilateral agreements of 1994 on ceasefire and of 1995 on strengthening the ceasefire regime, for the establishment of a mechanism for investigation of incidents on the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, and for the expansion of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office
Statement by the Spokesperson on the conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts

Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

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I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
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An attempt by a Conservative politician to prevent a full ban on pesticides blamed for harming bees has been thrown out by MEPs.

Julie Girling, who represents south-west England and Gibraltar, put forward a motion in the European Parliaments environment committee opposing plans to extend restrictions on the use of three neonicotinoid pesticides to all crops.

She said the plan for a complete ban was disproportionate and warned it could lead to the increased use of other pesticides.

Scientific evidence that neonicotinoids cause significant damage to bees  important pollinators of major food crops  has been growing.

One major 18-year study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, concluded use of the chemicals was associated with large-scale population extinctions of wild bees in areas where it was used.

However the National Farmers Union has argued the pesticides, or similar plant protection products, are required to produce wholesome, affordable food.

A partial ban on three neonicotinoids has been in place across the EU since 2013 and the European Commission is expected to extend this to all crops later this year.

The MEPs did not have the power to prevent this from happening but a vote against the move could have put the Commission under pressure over the issue.

However, 43 MEPs voted against Ms Girlings attempt to block the full ban, with just eight in favour and seven abstentions.

The news was welcomed by environmentalists.

Sandra Bell, a nature campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: Were delighted MEPs are backing our bees and have overwhelmingly rejected this attempt to oppose a complete ban on bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides.

There is mounting scientific evidence supporting the European Commissions proposal to extend the ban to more crops, and this should now be backed by national governments.

There are concerns that the UK will ditch legislation designed to protect wildlife after Brexit, despite pledges to the contrary by the Conservatives.

Michael Gove [the new Environment Secretary] must demonstrate his environmental credentials by backing an extension of the ban  and committing to keep it post-Brexit, Ms Bell said.

Matt Shardlow, chief executive of insect charity Buglife, accused the Government of failing to live up to its own rhetoric.

Animals in decline Show all 8 1 /8 Animals in decline Animals in decline Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) Where: Orkney Islands. What: Between 2001-2006, numbers in Orkney declined by 40 per cent. Why: epidemics of the phocine distemper virus are thought to have caused major declines, but the killing of seals in the Moray Firth to protect salmon farms may have an impact. Alamy Animals in decline African lion (Panthera leo) Where: Ghana. What: In Ghanas Mole National Park, lion numbers have declined by more than 90 per cent in 40 years. Why: local conflicts are thought to have contributed to the slaughter of lions and are a worrying example of the status of the animal in Western and Central Africa. Animals in decline Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Where: Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica. What: Numbers are down in both the Atlantic and Pacific. It declined by 95 per cent between 1989-2002 in Costa Rica. Why: mainly due to them being caught as bycatch, but theyve also been affected by local developments. Alamy Animals in decline Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) Where: South Atlantic. What: A rapid decline. One population, from Bird Island, South Georgia, declined by 50 per cent between 1972-2010, according to the British Antarctic Survey. Why: being caught in various commercial longline fisheries. Alamy Animals in decline Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica) Where: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. What: fall in populations has been dramatic. In the early 1990s numbers were over a million, but are now estimated to be around 50,000. Why: the break up of the former USSR led to uncontrolled hunting. Increased rural poverty means the species is hunted for its meat Animals in decline Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Where: found worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate seas. Why: at risk from overfishing and as a target in recreational fishing. A significant number of swordfish are also caught by illegal driftnet fisheries in the Mediterranean Animals in decline Argali Sheep (Ovis mammon) Where: Central and Southern Asian mountains,usually at 3,000-5,000 metres altitude. Why: domesticated herds of sheep competing for grazing grounds. Over-hunting and poaching. Animals in decline Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) Where: the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to South Africa and to the Tuamoto Islands (Polynesia), north to the Ryukyu Islands (south-west Japan), and south to New Caledonia. Why: Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing and trading of the species

The UK Government is giving the impression of caring about bees and pollinators, while Conservative politicians in Europe are doing everything in their power to block efforts to protect bees from pesticides, he said.

We hope Michael Gove will listen to the experts and provide reassurance that in the UK and the EU action will be taken to ensure that the huge pollinator declines caused by pesticides never happen again.

In a statement, Ms Girling said the European Commissions proposal was disproportionate.

It has not been demonstrated that the measures are either appropriate or necessary to achieve the objectives; there are a number of less burdensome measures which could have been pursued but which were not considered by the Commission, particularly when we consider that this ban will apply to crops which do not flower and which are not attractive to bees, she said.

I also maintain that there are significant environmental concerns attached to these proposals  namely increased spraying of alternative insecticides which increases water use and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as increasing the risk to non-target organisms and spray drift onto organic farms.

I also fear that this sole focus on neonicotinoids is preventing the Commission and policy-makers from investing attention and funds into other potential causes of bee mortality, such as varroa [a parasitic mite].

She complained there were certain NGOs which are trying to make this into a binary discussion on whether one is for or against all pesticides, and whether or not pesticides should be allowed in agriculture.

I maintain that the issue is much more nuanced and that there is a place for the correct and sustainable use of pesticides in order to allow farmers to provide us with safe and affordable food, she said.

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: The Government has fully applied restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids introduced by the EU to date and no decision on this new proposal has yet been made.

As always with pesticides, we will base our position on a technical evaluation of the best scientific evidence available.
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Beneath a forested patch of land on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the bottom of a steep tunnel that winds for three miles through granite bedrock, Finland is getting ready to entomb its nuclear waste.

If all goes well, sometime early in the next decade the first of what will be nearly 3,000 sealed copper canisters, each up to 17ft long and containing about two tons of spent reactor fuel from Finlands nuclear power industry, will be lowered into a vertical borehole in a side tunnel about 1,400 feet underground. As more canisters are buried, the holes and tunnels  up to 20 miles of them  will be packed with clay and eventually abandoned.

The fuel, which contains plutonium and other products of nuclear fission, will remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years  time enough for a new ice age and other epochal events. But between the 2-inch-thick copper, the clay and the surrounding ancient granite, officials say, there should be no risk of contamination to future generations.

We are pretty confident we have done our business right, says Timo Aikas, a former executive with Posiva, the company behind the project. It seems the Olkiluoto bedrock is good for safe disposal.

The Onkalo repository is expected to cost around 3bn over the century or so that it will take to fill it  it will be the worlds first permanent disposal site for commercial reactor fuel. With the support of the local municipality and the national government, the project has progressed relatively smoothly for years.

Nuclear ambition: Kimmo Kemppainen, research manager for the Onkalo repository project, in one of the tunnels 1,400 feet underground (Miikka Pirinen/NYT) (Miikka Pirinen/New York Times)

That is a marked contrast to similar efforts in other countries  most notably in the US where there have been efforts to create a deep repository in Nevada. The Yucca Mountain project, which would handle spent fuel that is currently stored at 75 reactor sites around the country, faced political opposition from Nevada politicians for years and was defunded by the Obama administration in 2009.

Now, with the backing of the nuclear power industry the Trump administration wants to take the project out of mothballs. But its fate remains uncertain.

Experts in nuclear waste management say the success of the Finnish project is due in part to how it was initially showcased to the people whose lives would be most affected by it. Each community under consideration as a repository location was consulted and promised veto power should it be selected.

In 1987 Washington pre-emptively directed that only Yucca Mountain be studied as a potential site, effectively overruling opponents in Nevada who were worried that the project might affect water supplies or otherwise contaminate the region.

When you look at the Finnish repository, its natural to admire the technical accomplishment, says Rodney C Ewing, professor of nuclear security at Stanford University. But of equal importance has been the social accomplishment.

Posivas Timo Aikas, who was involved in the Finnish site selection process beginning in the 1980s, says he and his colleagues learned early lessons about the need to consult local residents.

We ran into difficulties because we tried to behave as industry did back then  wed decide and announce, he says. Invariably, he adds, by presenting decisions as unreviewable, they ran into local opposition.

Very soon we learned that we had to be very open, says Aikas. This openness and transparency creates trust.

When five sites were selected for further study 30 years ago, offices were opened in each community to provide information.

The approach proved so successful that when it came time for the national government to make a final decision on a repository in 2000, officials in Eurajoki, the municipality that includes Olkiluoto Island, agreed to host it on one condition: that Posiva would not present the government an option to choose any other site.

Sealing the deal: one of the 3,000 copper-cased canisters, each of which will house two tons of radioactive fuel rods, to be buried in boreholes (Miikka Pirinen/NYT) (Miikka Pirinen/New York Times)

Eurajoki officials had concerns early in the process, says Aikas, but eventually came to see that the repository would provide property tax revenue and jobs. The municipality also had experience with nuclear power: two of the countrys four operating nuclear power reactors are on Olkiluoto, less than two miles from the repository, and a third plant is under construction nearby.

Digging the groove: Finland won social consent for the project (Miikka Pirinen/NYT) (Miikka Pirinen/New York Times)

Finlands success

A decision in 1983 in Helsinki laid the groundwork for the success of the repository project. The government established the principle that the companies creating the waste TVO, which owns the reactors at Olkiluoto, and Fortum Power and Heat, which owns the other two  were responsible for disposing of it. The role of government agencies was only approval and regulatory roles.

It has always been important to resolve this spent-fuel issue and keep it in the hands of the power company, says Posivas Aikas  the company, which is developing the repository, is a joint venture of the two utilities.

At the Onkalo site, workers drill into the bedrock down near the 1,400-foot level, taking core drills to study the characteristics of the granite. Above ground, near the curving entrance to the tunnel, construction has begun on a building where the spent fuel, currently cooling in pools at the Olkiluoto reactors, will be readied for burial, handled by remote-controlled machinery as radiation levels will be high. Spent fuel will also eventually be shipped here from Fortums reactors, on Finlands southeastern coast.

Kimmo Kemppainen, research manager for the project, says that in characterising and mapping the rock, it was important to locate, and avoid, fractures where water could flow, since the disposal site was below the water table. But even if water gets near a canister, he says, the clay should form a barrier and keep corrosion of the copper  which could result in a radiation leak  to a minimum, even over tens of thousands of years.

Kemppainien has worked on the project for 14 years. My personal opinion is that for this generation that has used nuclear power, at least we should do something about the waste, he says. Its not safe to store it on the surface.

Meanwhile in America

In the US, more than 80,000 tons of spent fuel are stored on the surface, in pools or dry steel-and-concrete casks, at operating nuclear reactors and at other sites near now-closed plants. The original deadline to have a repository operating by 1998 is long past.

The project at Yucca Mountain, in the Mojave Desert about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, has been studied for years at a cost of more than 10bn. In 2008 the government applied for a construction licence from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. But the Obama administration moved to withdraw the licence application two years later.

With the election of President Donald Trump, advocates for Yucca Mountain saw a chance to revive it.

This is a very important national project, says Rod McCullum, a senior director at the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry body. If we can do this safely, we would be ashamed of ourselves if we didnt do it.

The Trump administration is seeking $120m (95m) to reopen the licensing process. And in a symbolic gesture, in his first official trip, Trumps climate-change denying energy secretary Rick Perry toured the site where little exists beyond a five-mile-long exploratory tunnel.

Congress rejected the licensing in this years budget, and the 2018 budget process is just starting. Even if the $120m is allocated, it could take a half-decade or longer, and much more money, to complete the process, which would involve a lengthy hearing before administrative judges on hundreds of environmental and safety issues raised by opponents.

Most Nevada politicians vow to fight the project. There are concerns about the long-term safety of drinking water supplies  unlike the Finnish repository, the Nevada site sits above the water table. That aside, Nevadans just dont want it.

Good moose: spent fuel from nuclear reactors will be buried 1,400 feet below a forested patch of land in western Finland (Miikka Pirinen/NYT) (Miikka Pirinen/New York Times)

The decision to put the repository there was based on bad politics, not good science, says Democratic senator Dina Titus, who represents a Las Vegas district.

The main issue is consent, she says. She and other members of the delegation have introduced a bill that would require the host states approval before the repository could be built.

In a 2012 report, an expert panel established by the Obama administration to develop a new strategy for managing spent fuel recommended a similar consent-based process. It had another Finland-like recommendation as well: that responsibility for nuclear waste be taken from the government and put in the hands of an organisation created solely for that purpose.

Those recommendations have not been acted upon. But it is also unclear whether Yucca Mountain, if revived by the Trump administration, would succeed under the current approach.

It could be that the federal government could prevail and after some decades we would have a repository, says Ewing. It could be that after several decades the federal government could fail and we would be where we are at today.

Theres a lot to be said for how Finland handled its situation, he adds. If you treat people fairly and present them the information, if the repository is safe, you should be able to get some communities to respond positively.

 New York Times
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Launching a new, small, independent cookware range isnt impossible, but its certainly not easy. The field is crowded with big names with big budgets who can easily squeeze out the little guy. It takes a certain reckless determination coupled with a brilliant product to make it happen. Luckily, Netherton Foundry has both.

Netherton Foundry makes cast iron and spun iron cookware  frying pans, saute pans, tagines and slow cookers. The range is large with over 100 products and includes everything from spun aluminium kettles to bakeware. They have a distinctive black matt finish, with simple lines and an elegant but unfettered look. They feel substantial and solid and something made to use, treasure and pass on.

Thats the idea that husband and wife team Neil and Sue Currie were after when they started the company in 2011. Theyve both worked as product designers, designing domestic electrical appliances as well as cookware to be made in Eastern Europe and the Far East. But they came to the conclusion that they wanted something closer to home. We would far rather be making products that we wanted in our own kitchen, made locally if possible, from sustainable materials and not subject to seasonal fashion. In short, we wanted products with provenance, that would last and last, Sue says.

The couple launched their South Yorkshire-based business with a slow cooker and convinced a local hardware store and a deli to stock it. That was in August and by Christmas of 2011, they were on sale in over 20 independent stockists. Today, theyre found in over 100 shops in the UK and overseas.

Supporting local independents is a key part of their ethos, as is working as much as possible with local craftspeople and resources. They employ six people on site and most of their suppliers are within a 25-mile radius of their workshops. They talk warmly about Jim, who turns the handles for their pans, as well as Rachel, who makes hand-thrown and decorated tagines for them. There is clearly a spirit of shared passion and commitment that is woven throughout their products.

They employ only six people on site, with most of their suppliers within a 25-mile radius of their workshops

Its fitting that Netherton Foundry is based in the heart of England where the industrial revolution was sparked. Abraham Darby (1678-1717) worked in the village of Coalbrookdale, where he discovered a new way to smelt iron, using coke from coal rather than charcoal, so that cast iron could be mass produced. Netherton cast iron casseroles and slow cookers have a timeless look to them with a nod to the past while firmly rooted in the present.

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Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits  with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats  at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. 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Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch  a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties

Many pieces in the range are cast iron but others are made from spun iron, which is half the weight of cast iron but offers similar cooking benefits such as excellent heat conductivity with no hot spots. The spun iron wok is a whisper 1mm thick, so it heats up quickly and cools down quickly too. Other spun iron products include saucepans and frying pans. All of the products are PTFE (commercially known as Teflon) and PFOA free and the cast iron pieces come pre-seasoned so theyre ready to use.

Both cast iron and spun iron have similar cooking benefits, such as excellent heat conductivity with no hot spots

While cast iron has a reputation for being fiddly to take care of, Sue and Neil say its not at all. They recommend re-seasoning pans with flax oil, using only a small amount of seasoning oil at a time and remembering that the more you use a cast iron pan, the better it gets. The beauty of naturally seasoned iron is that it can be restored time and again, no matter what you do to it, Sue says. And if you lose the finish, you can send your pan back to Netherton and theyll re-season it for you.

Almost six years on, Sue and Neil admit the challenges in starting their own cookware business, not least convincing independent retailers to stock an unknown brand. We feel like we are in the Conference League but we are aiming for the Premiership. We really dont need to be a household name, but we do want to be recognised by experts and enthusiasts, says Neil. Those supporters have played a huge role in making Netherton Foundry a talked about, respected and coveted brand.

One of the main challenges in starting up their business was convincing independent retailers to stock an unknown brand

One such supporter is avid cook and photographer Del Sneddon, who captures Nethertons beauty in weekly social media posts. He stumbled across them 3 years ago on Twitter and has been a fan ever since.

I happened to be looking for a seriously robust pan for life  a pan my niece and nephew might fight over when Im dead. Theyre not stylish or conspicuously branded, but thats why I bought one. My addiction, and thats what it is, has driven me to over a dozen purchases  every one, including their excellent casseroles, is meticulously crafted.

Netherton Foundry will continue to grow as more people learn about it but dont expect to find them in big High Street stores. We are a specialist, handmade producer and we have no plans to change this, says Sue. Proof  if it were needed  that bigger isnt always better.
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Remember when Angela Leadsom, while serving as Environment Secretary, suggested that young people should head out into the fields in the summer to pick fruit for farmers denied EU workers?

It doesnt look as if theyre all that keen on the idea.

Industry body British Summer Fruits is warning that the price of strawbs, and raspberries too, could surge by between 30 and 50 per cent in the event that the people who grow them are denied access to their main labour force.

That would be the thousands of people who come to Britain from Bulgaria and Romania to do the job.

Unlike, Id imagine, Ms Leadsom, it's a job I've also done, albeit briefly.

It was in the days before the minimum wage, and you were paid based on how many you picked. At the end of our shift, I sat with a friend to tot up our earnings. We could barely afford to buy a few beers after the train fare home.

This after spending a day in a field having our backs broken while being shouted at by a snotty gang master. Needless to say, I didnt last very long.

In need of money as I was, I also spent some time pruning apple trees, which was less hard on your back, but did result in the removal of the top of part of one of my fingers. The secateurs were very sharp.

As such, I personally think we could do with paying a bit more for our fruit because then the people who come from half way across Europe to pick it for us might get paid a bit more.

But I'd imagine that Im in the minority there.

At the end of the day, I suspect that the potential price increase might not end up being quite as much as 50 per cent. These reports do tend to exaggerate a bit to make headlines and get their point across. But we still face what you could describe as the Brexit Strawberry Tax unless action is taken.

It probably will be. Eventually ministers will get fed up of having to listen to Tories from agricultural constituencies complaining because theyre getting fed up with farmers comparing at their local Conservative club.

Assuming we quit the single market, with its free movement of people, the Home Office will no doubt cook up some cynical little scheme that facilitates Romanians and Bulgarians and others from that part of the world coming over on some sort of agricultural visa, which they'll have to pay for out of their own pockets.

If I was them Id be tempted to tell Amber Rudds people where they could stick that, but the economic reality that has them coming here now will probably keep them coming here.

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.

So theres a chance that the Brexit Strawberry Tax will only be around for a short time, perhaps just long enough for Wimbledon to put its prices up. According its website the 2.50 you'll pay for a minimum of ten strawberries and cream has been frozen forr seven years. Its a lot easier to do something about that when theres someone else to blame.

Michael Gove and/or Boris Johnson would richly deserve being referred to as the man who brought you the Strawberry Tax if their desperate desires to assume leadership of the Tory Party are ever realised. Itd be a particularly good insult for Jeremy Corbyn to throw at the latter when he's dribbling on about mugwumps, or trying some even more obscure word from his Trumpian thesaurus to demean his opponents

As for the rest of us, well, with nursing applications already crashing, and a host of other vital parts of the economy desperately afraid of what might happen if the Brexiteer crazies roar back and get their way, the Strawberry Tax may turn out to be one of the least of our problems.
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Nomura picked Frankfurt as the headquarters for its European Union operations after the UK leaves the bloc, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Japans biggest brokerage will start preparations this month to form a base in the German financial centre, one of the people said, asking not to be identified as the matter is confidential. It will seek regulatory approval and find office space before transferring fewer than 100 employees from London to the city, according to the person.

The move makes Nomura the first Japanese securities firm to choose a location to secure business in the EU after Brexit. It comes despite Prime Minister Theresa Mays loss of a majority in elections this month, which made it more likely the UK will seek a softer Brexit deal that would reduce the impact on its financial services industry.

Recommended JPMorgan confirms hundreds of UK jobs to move to EU because of Brexit

Frankfurt, home to the European Central Bank, has emerged as one of the favoured options for global banks seeking to relocate jobs from London.

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are scouting for office space in the city, which could serve as their new trading hub inside the EU, people with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month.

Nomura, which as of March had 3,026 employees in Europe, mostly in London, had been considering cities including Munich, Luxembourg and Paris to house its EU operations. Kenji Yamashita, a spokesman for Nomura in Tokyo, declined to comment on the decision.

The Tokyo-based securities firm has enjoyed an earnings revival in Europe recently following a round of cost cuts. Last fiscal year, it posted its first annual overseas profit in seven years after eliminating about 900 jobs, mainly in Europe and the US.

Daiwa Securities, Japans second-biggest brokerage, is looking at Frankfurt and Dublin for its EU operations. Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho have been building their presence in Amsterdam, where they hold a banking licence that gives them access to the EU.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney joined forces this week to defend the financial services industry as the government seeks to shift its Brexit focus away from controlling migration to safeguarding jobs.

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.

Hammond said the fragmentation of services would increase prices of financial products, while Carney called for a new system of cooperation between Britain and the EU over derivatives clearinghouses.

Formal negotiations between UK and EU officials on Brexit began this week.

Bloomberg
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US President Donald Trump said hes proposed building a solar wall on the Mexican border that would pay for itself by generating electricity.

Were thinking of something thats unique, were talking about the southern border. Lots of sun, lots of heat, Mr Trump said at a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Were thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy, and pays for itself. And this way Mexico will have to pay much less money, and thats good. Is that good?

Recommended Sean Spicer rows with reporters over definition of a wall

Mr Trump ran for the presidency on an oft-repeated promise to construct a wall across the 1,933-mile Mexican border to stop undocumented immigration.

His speech in Iowa was the first time he has publicly described his proposal to build the wall as a solar power plant, though Politico previously reported that he privately floated the idea to Republican members of Congress in a White House meeting on 6 June.

Think about it, the higher it goes, the more valuable it is. Pretty good imagination, right, good? Trump said in Iowa. My idea.

Mr Trumps first full-year budget, released in May, proposes a $1.6bn (1.3bn) down payment for new and replacement sections of a border wall.

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.

The president has estimated that completing the barrier would cost $8bn to $12bn, though many experts say the actual cost would be far higher.

His proposal has been met with a cool reception in Congress, where lawmakers of both parties have questioned the utility and cost of a physical barrier across the entire length of the border.

Bloomberg
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Chinese business magnate Jack Ma said that evolving technologies are likely to pose a threat to more than just the job market and could in fact trigger a Third World War.

In an interview with CNBC, the billionaire chairman of Alibaba said that world leaders have a duty to educate people to prevent the pain caused by a rapid rise in automation and artificial intelligence.

"The first technology revolution caused World War I," he said. "The second technology revolution caused World War II. This is the third technology revolution."

Recommended This website will tell you if a robot is going to take your job

He said that the opportunities that he sees in the evolution of AI and in globalisation are the reasons he travels so much. He says that on his many trips he is talking to all the government and state leaders and telling them move fast.

If they do not move fast, there's going to be trouble," he said. My belief is that you have to repair the roof while it is still functioning."

But he also said that progress in AI could have the benefit of allowing people to travel more and spend less time working in future.

I think in the next 30 years, people only work four hours a day and maybe four days a week," Mr Ma said. "My grandfather worked 16 hours a day in the farmland and [thought he was] very busy. We work eight hours, five days a week and think we are very busy."

But he said that he does not like the idea of machines like humans.

"We should make sure the machine can do things that human beings cannot do."

This is not the first time that Mr Ma has issued a technology-related warning.

In April he cautioned that society should prepare for decades of pain as the internet disrupts the economy.

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In a speech to an entrepreneurship conference in Zhengzhou, China, he said that the education system needs to be adapted to help soften the blow of automation and the rise of the internet economy.

Mr Ma is the richest person in Asia and one of the 20 richest in the world, thanks to the booming success of e-commerce giant Alibaba.
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Children starting at one of the UKs most controversial schools are made to attend a boot camp to train them in silence and teach them to walk faster.

Michaela Community School  renowned for its tough policies on behaviour  insists all 11-year-olds moving up to the school after primary undertake the strict week-long programme before they are able to start the school term.

Speaking to school leaders at the Festival of Education at Wellington College, headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh said it was important to teach pupils how to behave in the Michaela way.

She explained: We do a boot camp for our children when they join, so when they arrive in Year 7, we keep the rest of the school out for six or seven days.

What happens is, theyll enter a classroom and theyll do it in 50 seconds. We have a stopwatch and we say, right, do it again, you need to bring it down to 40. Do it again, and bring it down to 30, and so on. Then we do the same with the method of exiting classrooms  we do it over and over again to work on their speed.

We very much believe that you cant punish children for behaving in a certain way if you havent taught them that way, so we teach them how to behave, she continued, and this is huge for the pupils because theyre not used to it: the idea of walking in silence, the idea of sitting properly in your chair, sitting up straight and all that important stuff.

The behaviour of teachers at the Wembley Park free school is also scrutinised, the superhead revealed, adding that the school staff room has a star chart for teachers, encouraging them to voice criticisms about each other.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 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Its a really nice place for staff to work, she said. Were very candid the staff get stars for being candid with each other. We have a candour star chart that rewards us for being candid with each other because we have an environment where people are happy to air their grievances.

If they dont, Ill encourage it, say, by telling everyone they need to find one person by Friday and tell them something candid.

Michaela school made headlines after its opening in 2014 when it was revealed children were forced to walk between classrooms and eat lunch in silence.

Ms Birbalsingh, 43, is known for her speech at the 2010 Conservative Party conference, in which she said the education system was "broken" and "blinded by leftist ideology".

Last year she came under fire for issuing parents with a letter threatening to punish pupils with lunch isolation if they were unable to make their lunch payments on time.

The school was rated as outstanding in all categories by Ofsted officers this week, but Ms Birbalsingh said she did not care for exams and her schools teachers did not waste time marking books.

The inspectors main complaint about the school, which currently has 360 pupils across Years 7, 8 and 9, was the schools lack of sporting facilities or outside space.

Speaking at the festival, Ms Birbalsingh said her pupils did not take lessons in art, Information and Communication Technology, Design and Technology and citizenship  the schools curriculum favouring maths, english and science.

To hell with Ofsted, she told teachers at the event in Berkshire, I dont care about our outstanding results.

I know every time the teacher hands out books theyre going to count down so that the children learn to hand out the books really quickly.

"I know that when the children walk through the corridors they do it in silence with their eyes front walking swiftly, and the teachers are all going to be saying close the gap, close the gap and theyre going to be moving really swiftly. And that is because there is consistency  its simple.
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The largely unregulated British cosmetic surgery industry is a cause for serious concern, especially for children targeted by advertising and online plastic surgery games, health experts have warned.

A new report from the Nuffield Council of Bioethics highlights increasing concerns over anxiety related to unachievable appearance ideals  with young people said to be bombarded by promotion of breast implants, nose jobs, and non-surgical procedures such as botox and laser hair removal.

The think tank called for all cosmetic surgeons to be properly trained and certified, for a ban on non-medical invasive procedures for patients under 18, and for evidence of safety and effectiveness to be required for dermal fillers and implants.

It said treatments such as lip and skin fillers, which can currently be offered by practitioners who have no formal training, have grown in popularity but should be regulated in the same way as tattoos and sunbeds.

Under 18s should not be able to just walk in off the street and have a cosmetic procedure, said Jeanette Edwards, professor of social anthropology at the University of Manchester, who chaired the enquiry.

There are legal age limits for having tattoos or using sunbeds. Invasive cosmetic procedures should be regulated in a similar way.

The council said there should be better regulation of the materials used in procedures such as dermal fillers, used to plump up cheeks and lips or fill out wrinkles and creases in the skin, which can currently be bought in Britain without a formal safety or quality approval.

It also said the Government must bring forward legislation to make all dermal fillers available on prescription only.

A selection of plastic surgery games available online (Screenshot from Google Play)

The report urged app stores to better regulate makeover apps and online plastic surgery games aimed at children as young as nine, with names like Plastic Surgery Princess, Little Skin Doctor and Pimp My Face.

Marketing these games encouraging children to play at having cosmetic surgery makeovers is clearly inappropriate and irresponsible, it said.

Such games and advertising on social media may be contributing to an epidemic of mental health problems among young people fuelled by the relentless promotion of unrealistic and often discriminatory messages on how people, especially girls and women, should look, warned Professor Edwards.

Social media companies should collaborate to carry out independent research looking at the extent to which their apps contribute to appearance anxiety, and to act on the findings, said the report.

Cosmetic surgery is big business, with one market research estimate putting the size of the UK market at 3.6bn in 2015.

However, there is little information available publicly about the size and value of the industry and the number of procedures performed. An estimate from 2009 suggested that around 1.2 million surgical and non-surgical procedures took place each year in Britain.

Products and procedures previously used in medicine are now being re-purposed for cosmetic use without evidence to support their effectiveness, the report pointed out.

These include blood plasma injected into a patients face and breasts in a so-called vampire treatment, fat freezing as an alternative to liposuction, and fillers and botox in new areas of the body, such as the ears, knees and feet.

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) warned of the risks of botched plastic surgery and said it was particularly concerned by the fact that there is little to stop any doctor  surgeon or otherwise  from carrying out cosmetic surgical procedures.

Most cosmetic surgeons perform their surgery with diligence and care but the RCS has still been long concerned by some practice in the UK, said Stephen Cannon, the organisations vice president.

There are still too many tragic stories of patients receiving botched cosmetic surgery at a cost to the patient, if not the NHS.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. 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The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. 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The RCS has previously called for new legislation allowing regulatory body the General Medical Council (GMC) to note on its medical register, which surgeons were certified to perform cosmetic surgery, allowing patients to check which doctor to use.

Mr Cannon said the report highlights that the industry is often at its worst when dealing with younger patients  particularly for non-surgical procedures.

GMC guidance makes clear that under-18s must only undergo a cosmetic surgery intervention if it is in their best interests, for instance if they are being bullied at school and wish to have an operation to pin their ears back or correct a cleft lip, he said.

The RCSs own guidance on cosmetic surgery also makes clear that patients of all ages should wait at least two weeks between an initial consultation and consenting to cosmetic surgery.

Increasing numbers of young people are suffering anxiety, depression and low self-esteem as a result of a society-wide obsession with body image and celebrity culture, said the experts.

In 2015-16, the NSPCCs ChildLine service received nearly 1,600 contacts from girls worried about body image, a 17 per cent increase on the previous year.

According to a 2017 survey from the National Citizen Service, 27 per cent of late teens cared more about their appearance than their physical health.

Summing up the reports findings, Professor Edwards said: Weve got largely an unregulated industry thats exploiting people including children by promoting often untested and unproven products and procedures.

We need better regulation of the quality and safety of these procedures, the people who carry them out, and where they are carried out.

 Look Good Feel Better cosmetic workshop for cancer patients

The Nuffield Council inquiry largely reinforced the findings of the 2013 Keogh report of cosmetic procedures that spoke of a crisis waiting to happen.

The Government-commissioned review by Sir Bruce Keogh made a number of recommendations, including a register of everyone providing surgical or non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

The new report called on the Government to implement fully all of the Keogh changes.
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The Finsbury Park attack suspect may have originally intended to target a pro-Palestinian protest that saw thousands of people march through central London, it has emerged.

Witnesses who saw Darren Osborne drinking at a pub in Cardiff the night before he allegedly drove 160 miles in a hired van to launch the attack said they overheard him ranting about the Al Quds Day rally.

Led by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, the controversial march was set to start at 3pm on Sunday.

Drinkers in the Hollybush pub, in Pentwyn, said Osborne was thrown out the evening before after ranting and raving about Muslims and Sharia law, appearing to write notes as he drank alone in a corner.

The landlord, Andy Parker, described the 47-year-old as very political with everyone he spoke to.

"He was very motivated about the Muslim Al Quds Day rally going on on Sunday and London and kept saying: 'Our brothers and sisters are dying and someone needs to do something about it', he told The Telegraph.

 Video shows moment of Finsbury Park attack suspect's arrest

"He kept saying he would do something about it, but he kept going on about it, and was saying we need to 'stand up to Muslims' it is 'time we did something about them'.

"I did not like one bit of it so asked him to leave."

Another customer said Osborne repeatedly mentioned the rally by name, while claiming Muslims were taking over.

Now I think about it maybe his plan was to target this march but then went to the mosque when that didn't work out, he added.

Osbornes family claimed he was not a racist in an initial statement but said he had been troubled for a long time, with his sister saying he underwent rehabilitation for drug and alcohol problems 20 years ago and had recently attempted suicide.

Osborne is believed to have returned to his white hire van after leaving the pub, being found asleep by a passer-by who called the police.

Edward Gardiner, a self-employed builder and plumber who lives near Osborne's home in Pentwyn, said: I called police because I saw a random van in my cul-de-sac with someone drunk in it and the door open," he said.

"I could smell alcohol on him and he was grunting and groaning. I poked him but he didn't respond so I called 101.

Finsbury Park attack Show all 14 1 /14 Finsbury Park attack Finsbury Park attack Police officers attend to the scene after a vehicle collided with pedestrians in the Finsbury Park, killing one person and injuring eight Reuters Finsbury Park attack The incident is being treated as a potential terror attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Reuters Finsbury Park attack Police cordon off a street in Finsbury Park AFP/Getty Images Finsbury Park attack A man prays in the street after the attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack Men gather and pray together in the street in the aftermath of the attack AFP/Getty Finsbury Park attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack PA Finsbury Park attack Onlookers gather near a police cordon EPA Finsbury Park attack Forensic investigators arrive at the scene PA Finsbury Park attack A forensic tent stands next to a van PA Finsbury Park attack A police officer talks with residents AFP/Getty Images Finsbury Park attack Onlookers watch proceedings at the security cordon AFP/Getty Finsbury Park attack Local residents react at the scene AFP/Getty Images

South Wales Police confirmed officers were called to a van in the area shortly before 12.30am on Sunday

Officers attended, a male was asleep inside the vehicle, which showed no signs of having been driven recently, a spokesperson said.

The officers assessment was that no offences were disclosed.

The Metropolitan Police said the van used in the attack almost exactly 24 hours later had set off from Cardiff at 8.20am on Sunday and been driven to London.

At 12.21am on Monday, it hit a group of Muslims leaving night prayers in Finsbury Park, killing one man and injuring 11 more.

A man pronounced dead from multiple injuries at the scene has been named as 51-year-old grandfather, Makram Ali, whose family paid tribute to a loving man who spent his whole life without any enemies.

Relatives said Mr Ali had fallen to the ground because of a weak leg shortly before the attack but had recovered and sat up when the van struck.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu: We are very grateful to everyone who has provided information so far  their accounts are assisting the investigation hugely - but we need more people to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know about the driver of this van.

The van used in the Finsbury Park terror attack (Metropolitan Police)

The head of the firm that rented out the vehicle, Pontyclun Van Hire, called the terror attack shocking and cowardly.

Len Evans said: Together with all the staff at Pontyclun Van Hire, I am doing everything I can to assist the Metropolitan Police in their inquiries.

Detectives have released a photo of the van used in the attack, registration number PO54 CSF, while calling on anyone who spoke to the driver in the day leading up to the attack to call on 0800 789 321.

Recommended Finsbury Park mosque attack suspect previously unknown to authorities

It struck near the Muslim Welfare House, whose imam Mohammed Mahmoud stepped in with other worshippers to protect the suspected van driver from an angry crowd of witnesses.

They flagged down a passing police van as the suspect was restrained on the ground, allowing officers to take him into custody.

Osborne, of Cardiff, has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody on suspicion of the commission of terrorism, attempted murder and murder.

Four injured victims remain in hospital, including two who are in critical care.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to either call police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or contact police online via a secure form at www.gov.uk/act

Anyone with images or footage relating to the incident is urged to upload them via the secure website here.


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The victim who died of multiple injuries in the Finsbury Park terror attack has been remembered as a "quiet and loving" man.

Police said Makram Ali was receiving first aid as the attack unfolded but did not confirm witness reports of a possible heart attack.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard said a preliminary postmortem showed the 51-year-old grandfather died of multiple injuries and that a coroners inquest would formally establish the cause of death. Mr Ali was receiving first aid at the scene as the attack unfolded and was pronounced dead at the scene at 01.04am, he said.

The force previously said an investigation was underway to establish whether Mr Alis death was linked to the atrocity, which injured 11 other people.

In a statement, Mr Alis family said he had suffered some form of collapse because of a weak leg before recovering, sitting up and expressing a wish to return home only to then become a victim of this horrific incident.

Relatives said the grandfather had just completed his evening prayers, which gave him great comfort in the feelings of peace, adding: At present we are getting a clearer picture of what exactly happened to our father and we are getting regular updates from the police who have been extremely helpful so far.

 London residents bring flowers in solidarity with Finsbury Park Mosque after attack

We wish to thank them and the emergency services for their work and wed especially like to thank those people who helped our father in his last moments and also thank all the people who have left messages of condolence and flowers at the mosque.

After coming to the UK from Bangladesh at the age of 10, Mr Ali married and had four daughters and two sons, later becoming a grandfather-of-two. He regularly attended the local mosque and enjoyed visiting the local park with his grandchildren.

Mr Alis relatives, who met Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and senior investigators on Thursday, said he had been due to fly to Canada for a family holiday. They described him as a peace-loving and gentle person who had no enemies, adding that they were devastated by their loss.

Our father was a quiet gentle man, he didnt get involved in political or social discussion, he instead took comfort and enjoyment spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and he was always ready to make a funny joke when you least expected, a statement by Mr Alis relatives said.

We wish everyone to know what a loving man he was, he spent his whole life without any enemies, choosing a quiet life instead.

Finsbury Park attack Show all 14 1 /14 Finsbury Park attack Finsbury Park attack Police officers attend to the scene after a vehicle collided with pedestrians in the Finsbury Park, killing one person and injuring eight Reuters Finsbury Park attack The incident is being treated as a potential terror attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Reuters Finsbury Park attack Police cordon off a street in Finsbury Park AFP/Getty Images Finsbury Park attack A man prays in the street after the attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack Men gather and pray together in the street in the aftermath of the attack AFP/Getty Finsbury Park attack Reuters Finsbury Park attack PA Finsbury Park attack Onlookers gather near a police cordon EPA Finsbury Park attack Forensic investigators arrive at the scene PA Finsbury Park attack A forensic tent stands next to a van PA Finsbury Park attack A police officer talks with residents AFP/Getty Images Finsbury Park attack Onlookers watch proceedings at the security cordon AFP/Getty Finsbury Park attack Local residents react at the scene AFP/Getty Images

We as a family have always believed that the actions of one person cannot be a reflection of a whole people and I have no doubt that our father would not wish for there to be any retaliation or recriminations and would urge people to remain calm and to pray for peace in these difficult times.

Counter-terror detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the attack shortly after midnight on Monday, which appeared to target Muslims leaving night prayers.

The van struck near the Muslim Welfare House, whose imam Mohammed Mahmoud stepped in with other worshippers to protect the suspected van driver from an angry crowd of witnesses. They flagged down a passing police van as the suspect was restrained on the ground, allowing officers to take him into custody.

Detectives have released a photo of the van used in the attack, registration number PO54 CSF, while calling on anyone who spoke to the driver in the day leading up to the attack to call on 0800 789 321.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said the van had set off from Cardiff at around 8.20am on Sunday, adding: We are very grateful to everyone who has provided information so far  their accounts are assisting the investigation hugely  but we need more people to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know about the driver of this van.

The van used in the Finsbury Park terror attack (Metropolitan Police)

He said counter-terror officers have spoken to 28 witnesses who were at the scene of the attack so far, trawled through around 80 hours of CCTV, visited 140 locations and recovered 33 digital devices from properties in Wales.

A 47-year-old man identified as Darren Osborne, from Cardiff, has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody on suspicion of the commission of terrorism, attempted murder and murder.

Four injured victims remain in hospital, including two who are in critical care.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police is reviewing security across London with a focus on places of worship including mosques and Muslim community centres, where uniformed officers have been deployed to boost security.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to either call police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or contact police online via a secure form at www.gov.uk/act

Anyone with images or footage relating to the incident is urged to upload them via the secure website here.
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Tens of thousands of people could be living in potentially lethal tower blocks as it emerged at least 11 council-owned high rises are fitted with similar combustible cladding to that used on Grenfell Tower.

Tests revealed blocks in eight areas across the UK were fitted with flammable panels after a "small number" of samples were analysed, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said.

A further nine blocks in Salford, that were recently refurbished, have similar cladding, a city council spokesperson confirmed, but have yet to be checked by DCLG.

A total of 600 council blocks have been fitted with cladding that needs to undergo testing to determine if it is safe, the Government confirmed yesterday, with residents being forced to wait to find out if their homes are safe.

Theresa May announced urgent testing would be carried out to see how many buildings could be at risk following the devastating blaze in north Kensington that killed at least 79 people.

She said: We cannot and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes" and also pledged to rehouse any tenants that are found to be living in unsafe buildings.

But the comments caused widespread confusion after it emerged some local authorities had disregarded the government recommendations.

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

In Camden, five buildings on the Chalcots Estate were fitted with aluminium panels with a polyethylene core that were not to the standard ordered by the council.

The main contractor on the renovation of the five blocks was Rydon, the same company that worked on Grenfell Tower, according to the council's and its own website.

Rydon said last week its work on Grenfell Tower met all required building regulations  as well as fire regulation and health and safety standards.

Camden Council leader Georgia Gould announced panelling from the buildings would be immediately removed after testing found they were combustible, but none of the estates residents will be rehoused in the meantime.

Ms Gould said the council will instead carry out 24/7 safety patrols on the estates corridors and enhanced safety checks.

A spokesperson for DCLG said it was up to the local authority to do what is right in their area and said it would offer support to the council.

But Camden Councillor Sian Berry said residents were very, very anxious and is calling on the council to rehouse those who want extra guarantees.

Some residents dont want to move. Some want a fire engine to be permanently based on the estate, she said. The residents want reassurance but no matter what you do, some will not feel comfortable living there.

Bob OToole, chairman of Chalcots Estates residents association, said tenants are unable to sleep at night for fear their blocks will go up in flames.

A lot of them can't sleep at night time, they've got kids, weve got a lot of vulnerable people here. Not a lot of people whose English is their first language, he said.

Ms Berry said 13 blocks in the Borough were being looked at by the council, and that private blocks would also be considered in due course.

The Government has also encouraged private landlords to send in samples for testing but they are under no obligation to do so, raising concerns for those renting in the private sector.

Ms Berry said: "I think good private landlords have got to step up and do that as well, everyone should be doing this."

It was unclear whether the same rigorous testing would also apply to other high-rise buildings outside of the housing sector. The Independent contacted the Cabinet office to ask whether hospitals, schools and other publicly-owned high-rise buildings would also be tested but did not receive a response.

Three tower blocks in Plymouth were also found to have combustible cladding, the DCLG confirmed. Social housing landlord Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) also pledged to introduce a 24/7 patrol of the high-rises in Devonport but stopped short of offering to rehouse residents.

It comes after the Government asked local authorities to identify if any panels used in new or refurbished social housing had been made of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM). Councils were told to provide the Government with details of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday.

There has been much public concern and comment about potential flaws in the cladding that was on Grenfell Tower. While the exact reasons for the speed of the spread of fire have yet to be determined, we have concluded that there are additional tests that can be undertaken with regard to the cladding, the letter sent to local authorities on Sunday read.

The Government said teams would be working around the clock and over the weekend to test any cladding sent in by local authorities or private landlords. The Building Research Establishment, which is carrying out the testing, has the capacity to analyse 100 samples a day, with results being received within minutes.

 PM calls Grenfell Tower an 'unimaginable tragedy'

But fears were being raised that residents may have to wait weeks for reassurances. The Government could not confirm how many samples had been received so far, nor how long it would take for all the samples to be tested.

It comes after a block of flats in Tottenham was also found to have similar cladding to that used on Grenfell Tower.

Increased fire safety checks will be implemented at Rivers Apartments, a private development, according to Newlon Housing Trust that manages the flats.

Tottenham MP David Lammy said: I have spoken to the leadership of Newlon and made it clear that this cladding must be replaced. Newlon need to make sure that my constituents are safe in their homes and if this involves decanting them whilst refurbishment takes place, Newlon must foot the bill for this.

I have received assurances that no other tower blocks in Tottenham have this cladding, and the council leadership will be speaking to tower block residents at a public meeting I have organised on Monday".

DCLG said the 11 tower blocks in eight areas would be identified publicly once landlords have informed tenants about the failed tests and the next steps. Councils have no obligation to inform tenants that a building has flammable cladding until the DCLG confirms the result of tests.

A number 10 spokesperson said failing this test did not necessarily mean that buildings would be declared unsafe.

It will be subject to further testing that is undertaken by the fire services to do that and if that is the case then we will be obviously working with local authorities and the landlords to make sure that nobody stays in a building thats proved to be unsafe, they said.

Questions continue to be raised over the role of flammable panelling in last weeks fire at Grenfell Tower.

Combustible cladding is suspected to have aided the rapid and unprecedented spread of the blaze, trapping dozens of residents inside.

Sam Webb, an architect who investigated 2009s deadly Lakanal House fire, said similar aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding was found to be flammable elsewhere, being linked to fires in Australia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

A coroner's inquest into the previous disaster caused the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group to call for a nationwide review of regulation but successive Conservative ministers have failed to launch the initiative.

Experts also warned that a gap between the cladding and original building beneath could cause a chimney effect that creates a rapid airflow and draws flames upwards.

Ms May promised to rehouse survivors of the fire within three weeks and said 164 suitable properties had been identified.

In the longer term, everyone whose home was destroyed will be guaranteed a new home on the same terms as the one they lost, she said.

The Independent has contacted Rydon for comment.
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Residents of five tower blocks thought to have been clad in similar flammable material as Grenfell Tower have spoken of their fear and anger at the discovery.

As workmen began removing panels at the Chalcots Estate in north London, one man whose 80-year-old mother lives on the 16th floor of one of the towers said she told him she would have to jump out the window if there were a serious fire, since she can no longer manage the stairs.

Camden Council has said it will urgently remove cladding from the blocks of flats on the Chalcots Estate near Chalk Farm, after laboratory tests revealed aluminium panels with a polyethelene core were added to buildings.

The council said the panels were not to the standard it wanted and said it would take urgent legal advice". Though residents said they had been told the work to remove the cladding would start in around six weeks, men in hi-vis jackets and hard hats could be seen removing panels today. People living in the towers have not been told when the council expects to finish the work.

English councils have estimated that 600 high-rise buildings used cladding similar to Grenfell Tower in west London, where 78 people are feared to have died last week after the building was engulfed in flames.

Fire safety at all of Camden's high-rise blocks was reviewed after the deadly blaze, the council said. It is the first borough to confirm the cladding on its buildings will be removed. Following the laboratory tests, safety patrols would be made 24 hours a day on the estate to reassure residents.

Michelle Urquhart, who lives on the 24th floor of one of the blocks, said: I'm absolutely disgusted. I'm so angry I could cry.

It's all [about] cutting costs for people in council housing. All the complaints you make and nobody hears you.

Why did Camden take the word of these people [the contractors for the building work] that this was safe?

 Other tower blocks have similar cladding as Grenfell, Theresa May warns

The main contractor on the renovation of five blocks in the estate was Rydon, the same company that worked on Grenfell Tower, according to the council. It carried out the refit between May 2006 and October 2009.

On its website, subcontractor Harley Facades said it completed a 16m contract for the external finishing of the buildings, including 4mm aluminium composite material rainscreen cladding.

Testing on council tower blocks across England have so far uncovered seven high-rise buildings fitted with flammable cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower. The buildings are spread across four councils in England, Downing Street has said.

Ms May told the House of Commons on Thursday that people living in the buildings affected by flammable cladding could be moved, saying: We cannot and will not allow people to live in unsafe homes. They will be rehoused if they need to be."

Yet Camden has not said whether any of the residents in the Chalcots Estate will be rehomed.

A man who lives on the 10th floor of one block and goes by the name Yogi said: I had to move here, I was forced to, I don't like living here. I hate the place."

He added: I'd rather live on the eighth floor where the fire engine can reach me with a ladder. I'm on the tenth floor. And when that cladding catches on fire, nobody gets out.

Richard Davis, 48, whose mother lives on the 16th floor of one of the blocks, told The Independent he became concerned about the buildings safety after noticing that the panels on the outside looked similar to those on Grenfell Tower.

My wife said she thought mum's block is made of the same material, Mr Davis said.

When I spoke to her [his mother] on the phone I asked what would happen if it went up in flames. She said shed just jump.

Recommended Seven tower blocks found with cladding like Grenfell Tower

"She's 80 years old living on the 16th floor, so she wouldn't be able to get down the stairs quick enough if it was to go up like Grenfell Tower."

Mr Davis added: There should have been more research into [the fire safety at the Chalcots Estate]. I think it's pretty disgusting that it's had to take a tragedy like this for them to look into it.

Bob OToole, chairman of the Chalcots Estate tenants' association, said a number of residents in the block were worried about their safety. A lot of them cant sleep at night  they've got kids.

Weve got a lot of vulnerable people here. Not a lot of people whose English is their first language."

Meazza Lisanework, a carer who lives on the 10th floor of one block said she was afraid for her ten-year-old son. We had a meeting [with the council] and told them not to waste time because we have kids. I lost a family friend in that building [Grenfell tower], so it's terrifying. She had a three month old child.

I live on the tenth floor [on the Chalcots Estate]. It's scary, I have a son.

Ms Lisanework said she would not stay in her flat if there was a fire, as some fire safety advice had stipulated.

Im not going to stay, that's one thing I know," she said. "I'm not going to listen to anyone. I'll run, I will go as fast as I can.

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Council leader Claudia Gould said: The arrangement of the cladding and insulation used on Camden Councils buildings significantly differs from that on Grenfell Tower.

It includes fire-resistant rock wool insulation designed to prevent the spread of fire and fire resistant sealant between floors, designed to stop a high-intensity flat fire from spreading to neighbouring flats.

This arrangement previously contained a fire at a flat in Taplow block in 2012. These are significant and proven arrangements to stop the spread of fire.

The new results from the laboratory show that the outer cladding panels themselves are made up of aluminium panels with a polyethylene core.

Therefore the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned. In light of this, we will be informing the contractor that we will be taking urgent legal advice.

The Independent has contacted both Rydon and Harley Facades for comment.
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Nicholas Holgate, the chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea council has resigned amid criticism over the borough's handling of the Grenfell Tower fire.

"Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the Council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed," Mr Holgate said in a statement issued by the council.

He added that last week's fire in North Kensington, which claimed the lives of at least 79 people, was "heart-breaking" but his presence would be a "distraction".

Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid had "required the leader of the council to seek my resignation", Mr Holgate said in a separate interview with the BBC.

The Department for Communities and Local Government would not comment on the resignation.

Mr Holgate's resignation follows heavy criticism of the council for its response to the fire. It also faced questions about the tower's 8.6m refurbishment and it has been suggested that new cladding fitted during the refurbishment could have made the blaze worse.

Government staff and other London boroughs were drafted in to help with relief efforts, with the distribution of humanitarian assistance being provided by the west London borough of Ealing.

Almost a week after the blaze the newly elected Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad said survivors were sleeping rough in parks and cars.

She said the borough was in total chaos and suffering from appalling coordination.

People have been sleeping in cars and in parks because they dont know where to go and they arent being looked after, she said.

Residents had also condemned the initial relief effort as "absolute chaos".

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October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters

It prompted Theresa May to apologise for a failure of the state over the disaster.

Speaking in the House of Commons as MPs debate the Queen's Speech, the Prime Minister said there had been failures local and national in the hours immediately after the fire.

Let me be absolutely clear: the support for the families on the ground in the initial hours was not good enough , she said. People were left without belongings,without roofs over their heads, without even basic information about what had happened, what they should do and where they should go to seek help.

Nicholas Paget-Brown, the leader of the council, said it was with "regret" that he accepted Mr Holgate's resignation.

He said: "The council has been grief stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims.

"That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this."
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Residents of Kensingtons luxury properties were divided after news survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire would be permanently rehoused in a new 2bn development in the area.

The Government announced 68 social homes would be made available at Kensington Row to families left homeless in the blaze that killed at least 79 people.

But reactions were mixed in the upmarket area. Many residents were relieved to hear that families who have lost so much were finally receiving some good news. But others were less compassionate.

Anna, who is in her 60s, has lived in her flat just a stones throw from the new development for 40 years. She said she would not be happy to see survivors rehoused in her area.

"North Kensington is not this Kensington. They should be in a place where they are happy, but not here. I dont want them here, she said.

In the circumstances, they can't all expect to be rehoused in these parts of London. Someone has to pay that money, if they can afford to pay the rent there they should pay rent somewhere else.

But her friend Margaret, who also lives locally, disagreed. She interrupted her to ask: But where are they going to go? They cant stay on the streets.

One mother-of-two, who did not want to be named, said she was disgusted by the reaction of her neighbours.

They are saying: 'Have you heard about how they are letting these people who don't work live in luxury apartments?' They are saying that they don't want these people here in their apartments, that they rely too much on the government. They are saying: I pay 5,000 a month to live here, she said.

I just thought oh my god. Haven't these people suffered enough?

Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Show all 10 1 /10 Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Inside a flat at 375 Kensington High Street - Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The 68 flats are being acquired by the City of London Corporation as part of the response to the tragedy berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The luxury flats are located just a couple of miles from Grenfell Tower berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The families will be offered permanent homes in the building berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Penthouses in the block can go for up to 13m berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street A spokesman for the Berkeley Group confirmed they were finalising plans berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The property boasts a gym, swimming pool and 24-hour concierge service harrodsestates.com Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The families will live in the award winning 2bn development berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Families whose lives were devastated by the fire at Grenfell Tower are to be housed in a luxury development berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street 68 families are to be rehomed in the block berkeleygroup.co.uk

It comes following an announcement by communities secretary Sajid Javid on Wednesday that some residents would be offered newly built social housing at the site on Warwick Road, where private homes sell from 1,575,000 to 8.5m.

The homes were purchased by the City of London Corporation for around 10 million in a cut-down deal brokered by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The development will also include a 24-hour concierge and a private cinema, according to the website of developer St Edward, owned by Berkeley Group.

But social tenants will not have access to these amenities and will be housed in two separate purpose built affordable housing blocks at the site that will be different from the luxury apartments on sale.

A source from the Berkeley Group told The Independent that unlike the flats for sale the apartments would be modern but not luxury. They revealed the social housing apartments will be less high-spec and that fixtures and fittings will also be more basic.

Some of the luxury cars parked on nearby side roads (Lucy Pasha-Robinson/Independent)

Social housing residents will also not have access to the gym or the pool in the development, which the source said was standard for any social housing scheme.

Nick, who lives in a nearby development, said he could not understand the negative reaction from some of the communitys residents.

I dont see what the problem is, were all humans. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion but I think a lot of people dont like change but youve got to change, thats how we grow, by meeting new people, different cultures, he said.

I feel for them, at the end of the day, theyve got to have places to stay, you cant have people on the street.

Despite the good news for some of the survivors, many questions surrounding the development were left unanswered. A Government spokesperson confirmed that only social housing tenants from Grenfell Tower would be rehoused in the block, and private renters or homeowners who were left homeless in the blaze would not be eligible for support.

It was also not immediately clear how affordable the flats will really be. Planning documents suggest the flats will be rented out at social prices, which is roughly 50 per cent of market rates. But Kensington remains one of London's most exclusive and wealthy areas.

A source from Berkeley Group said all flats were designed to be tenure blind and that the flats will not be differentiable from street level.

But photographs of the development clearly show a more spartan-looking block to one side of the development, which will reportedly house the site's social tenants.

The building on the far left may be one of the blocks reserved for social housing tenants (Lucy Pasha-Robinson/Independent)

Radical Housing Network, a campaign group fighting for housing equality, said: We abhor the way developers of luxury blocks meet 'affordable' housing quotas by designing buildings in which those on low-incomes are kept out of sight from the rich."

A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: We are ready to do everything we can to help the victims of the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower.

We already provide council housing across seven London boroughs and are committed to delivering 3,700 new homes on sites across the capital.

These plans have been agreed as matter of urgency as part of the response by councils across London to support the team working on recovery efforts.

It comes after the Prime Minister apologised for the failure of the state over the Governments response to the tragedy.

Theresa May admitted there had been failures local and national in the hours immediately following the fire.

Let me be absolutely clear: the support for the families on the ground in the initial hours was not good enough, she said.

That was a failure of the state, local and national, to help people when they needed it most. As Prime Minister, I apologise for that failure. As Prime Minister I have taken responsibility for doing what we can to put things right.

She also pledged that all families would be rehoused in under three weeks.
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The number of families being declared homeless has rocketed by more a third since the Conservatives took power in 2010, analysis of new official statistics by The Independent has revealed.

Between April 2016 and March 2017, 59,100 families were declared homeless by local authorities in England  a rise of 34 per cent on the same period in 2010-11.

The statistics paint a bleak picture of the UK housing crisis and the impact a lack of decent, affordable homes is having on thousands of families.

There has been a 60 per cent increase in the number of families being housed in insecure temporary accommodation. In particular, bed and breakfast-type hotels are increasingly being used to house families for long periods of time as local councils struggle to find them proper homes to live in.

There are now 77,240 families in England currently living in temporary accommodation  up from 48,240 just six years ago. Of these, almost fourth-fifths (78 per cent) are families with children, meaning there are currently 120,500 children living in insecure, temporary homes.

Of those being housed temporarily, 6,590 households are living in B&Bs, including 3,010 families with children. Almost half have been living in this type of accommodation, which often sees families crammed into one room and forced to share limited bathroom and cooking facilities with strangers, for more than six weeks.

This is illegal under the Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) Order 2003, which banned local authorities from housing families with children in B&Bs for more than a six-week period.

The stark new statistics are likely to pile more pressure on government ministers after the Grenfell Tower disaster prompted widespread criticism of the Conservatives approach to affordable housing.

The causes of homelessness Show all 7 1 /7 The causes of homelessness The causes of homelessness Family Breakdown Relationship breakdown, usually between young people and their parents or step-parents, is a major cause of youth homelessness. Around six in ten young people who come to Centrepoint say they had to leave home because of arguments, relationship breakdown or being told to leave. Many have experienced long-term problems at home, often involving violence, leaving them without the family support networks that most of us take for granted The causes of homelessness Complex needs Young people who come to Centrepoint face a range of different and complex problems. More than a third have a mental health issue, such as depression and anxiety, another third need to tackle issues with substance misuse. A similar proportion also need to improve their physical health. These problems often overlap, making it more difficult for young people to access help and increasing the chances of them becoming homeless Getty/iStock The causes of homelessness Deprivation Young people's chances of having to leave home are higher in areas of high deprivation and poor prospects for employment and education. Many of those who experience long spells of poverty can get into problem debt, which makes it harder for them to access housing Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Gang Crime Homeless young people are often affected by gang-related problems. In some cases, it becomes too dangerous to stay in their local area meaning they can end up homeless. One in six young people at Centrepoint have been involved in or affected by gang crime Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Exclusion From School Not being in education can make it much more difficult for young people to access help with problems at home or health problems. Missing out on formal education can also make it more difficult for them to move into work Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Leaving Care Almost a quarter of young people at Centrepoint have been in care. They often have little choice but to deal with the challenges and responsibilities of living independently at a young age. Traumas faced in their early lives make care leavers some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities, with higher chances of poor outcomes in education, employment and housing. Their additional needs mean they require a higher level of support to maintain their accommodation Getty Images/iStockphoto The causes of homelessness Refugees Around 13 per cent of young people at Centrepoint are refugees or have leave to remain, meaning it isn't safe to return home. This includes young people who come to the UK as unaccompanied minors, fleeing violence or persecution in their own country. After being granted asylum, young people sometimes find themselves with nowhere to go and can end up homeless Getty Images/iStockphoto

Critics have accused the Government and Tory councils of causing a huge loss of genuinely affordable homes and deprioritising those living in social housing, while four former housing ministers are said to have failed to act on a report raising concerns about the safety of tower blocks.

Conservative housing policy since 2010 has prioritised the privatisation of social housing, both by extending the Right to Buy scheme and by forcing councils to sell off their most valuable council homes to private individuals and companies.

At the same time, ministers have mandated that social homes available at heavily discounted rents should be replaced by a new type of affordable housing that has more expensive rents much closer to market rates.

The newly released data shows a huge rise in the number of people being made homeless as a result of losing their social home. In the past 12 months, 4,010 families were declared homeless after losing a home rented in the social sector  a 56 per cent increase in six years.

The number of council homes in the UK has fallen by 165,000 since 2010 alone, with almost a third having been sold to private owners under the Right to Buy scheme.

As The Independent has previously revealed, ethnic minorities in England have borne the brunt of the countrys housing crisis and spiralling homelessness.

The number of BAME families being accepted as homeless has increased by 58 per cent in six years, while for households categorised as White the figure is much lower, at 34 per cent.

 High Court rules proposed benefit cap as unlawful and illegal

Commenting on the findings, Anne Baxendale, director of communications, policy and campaigns at housing charity Shelter, said: The Grenfell Tower tragedy has left people without a home and living in a dire situation, it has also thrust the issue of homelessness into the spotlight.

While Shelter is calling for those affected to be placed in good quality temporary accommodation nearby, and hope officials make good on their promise to do so, we know many local authorities simply don't have enough affordable accommodation for those on low incomes.

It's a similar story across all London boroughs and the country more widely, so its no surprise that today's homelessness stats reveal the problem is getting worse nationally, with more households becoming homeless every year.

The statistics revealing soaring homelessness were released on the day the High Court ruled that the Conservatives flagship benefit cap policy is unlawful because it discriminates against single parents with young children. The same court has previously ruled that the policy also illegally discriminates against disabled people and their carers.

Homelessness charities report that the cap, together with other Tory welfare reforms, is a major cause of families losing their homes.

Many of the families that come to Shelter for advice say the benefit cap is pushing them into homelessness, said Ms Baxendale. Many desperately want to work but can't make up the required hours of work a week due to childcare issues or insecure work like zero-hours contracts.

That's why we're pleased today's High Court judgment, which Shelter provided evidence for, has found that the cap discriminates against lone parents with children under two. In the words of the judge, real misery is being caused to no good purpose. We are calling on the Government to scrap the cap immediately, before it pushes even more people into homelessness.

Labour said the latest figures should make government ministers "hang their heads in shame".

John Healey, the shadow housing minister, said: "These shocking figures are a direct result of decisions made by Conservative ministers: a steep drop in investment for affordable homes, crude cuts to housing benefit, reduced funding for homelessness services, and a refusal to help private renters.

It is simply unacceptable that in a well-off country like ours families do not have a safe, stable and secure place to live.

The unprecedented fall in homelessness under Labour shows that government can make a positive difference to the scandal of rising homelessness. Conservative ministers should hang their heads in shame."

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: This Government is determined to help the most vulnerable in society, and is committed to ensuring people always have a roof over their heads.

Statutory homelessness acceptances are less than half the 2003 peak. However, the Government is committed to do more to prevent more people becoming homeless in the first place.

The Government is investing 550m to 2020 to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. This includes 20m for Homelessness Prevention Trailblazer areas to trial new initiatives to prevent homelessness.

In addition, the Government backed and is now implementing the Homelessness Reduction Act, which requires councils to provide support to people earlier.
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Airline pilots have expressed anger after a planned crackdown on aircraft laser attacks was dropped by the Government.

Earlier this year the Department for Transport announced its intention to introduce legislation meaning people who shine lasers at planes could be jailed or face hefty fines.

But this has not been included in the Government's legislative plans for the next two years.

It is already an offence to endanger aircraft by shining lasers at pilots, and offenders can be fined.

But under the bolstered plans, police were set to only have to prove the offence of shining the laser.

Some 1,258 laser attacks were reported on aircraft in the UK last year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of airline pilots' union Balpa, said: "It is infuriating to see the changes we'd hoped for appear to have been discarded.

"Not having this legislation is dangerous and puts the lives of passengers and crew at risk.

"The proposed tougher laws received cross-party support so it's baffling that they have been dropped.

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 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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 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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

"When a laser pen is pointed at an aircraft it can dazzle and distract the pilot, and has the potential to cause a crash.

"Last year's incident figures remain dangerously high, with the equivalent of more than three laser attacks a day across the UK."

A Government spokeswoman said: "Safety is our top priority.

"Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight could pose a serious safety risk and it is already a criminal offence to do so.

"Anyone found guilty could be liable to a fine, up to a maximum of 2,500."
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The Queen was reported to police for not wearing a seatbelt as she travelled to the State Opening of Parliament in her official car.

West Yorkshire Police said they received a 999 call about the royal journey.

But the force said the caller also thought it was a good idea to ring their local police force, as the Queen was travelled with Prince Charles through London from Buckingham Palace to Westminster.

Confirming the call in a tweet, it also pointed out that the call was not an emergency and should not have been made to 999.

"999 call received reporting that the Queen isn't wearing a seatbelt. #not999 #notevenwestyorkshire," the tweet read.

Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Show all 62 1 /62 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II on a walk-about in Portsmouth during her Silver Jubilee tour of Great Britain, 1977 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The future Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) pictured with her younger sister Princess Margaret (L) in 1933 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The 9-year-old Elizabeth attends an aristocratic wedding with her mother and younger sister. Later in that year with the death of her Grandfather and the Abdication of her Uncle Edward VIII she became first in line to the throne, 1936 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The coronation of King George VI in 1937, Elizabeth aged 10 became the heir apparent to the throne Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth and her sister arrive at Waterloo station to say goodbye to their parents as they leave to tour Canada. Elizabeth was thought too young to escort her parents on the tour and was described as "tearful" as they departed. She and her parents made the first ever transatlantic telephone call during their time away, 1939 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The 13-year-old Elizabeth and her sister Margret address children who have been evacuated from the cities on BBC's 'The Chilrens Hour' She said "We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well", 1940 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Just before the end of the war Elizabeth took part in training to become an ATS officer. She is pictured learning to change a tire, 1945 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The official announcement of Princess Elizabeth and Phillip Mountbatten's engagement. The pairing was incredibly controversial as Prince Phillip had no financial standing and he was foreign born, the prince of Denmark and Greece (though he served Britain in the war and was given British Citizenship), 1947 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II (in coach) and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are cheered by the crowd after their wedding ceremony, on 20 November 1947, on their road to Buckingham Palace, London Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth smiles at her first child, a month old Prince Charles. Charles was born on 14 November 1948 Corbis Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The couples second child Princess Anne was born in 1950 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Arriving back in England upon hearing the death of her father King George VI. The Kings health had been in decline for a number of years and Elizabeth had been filling in for him on an official visit to Australia by way of Kenya. As his heir Elizabeth became Queen aged 26 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth's coronation took place on 2 June 1953. It was the first ever coronation to be aired live on television, being one of the most watched events in history with millions gathering around their TV sets to see the new monarch Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II standing next to her daughter Princess Anne, 1960 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II President Eisenhower (centre) with the British Royal family (L-R) Prince Philip, Princess Anne, HM Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Captain John Eisenhower, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, 1959 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II as she turns to smile and talk to an unidentified officer, during the Trooping of the Colour by the First Battalion of the Jamaica Regiment at Up-Park Camp, Kingston, Jamaica, 1966 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II walking cross country at the North of Scotland Gun Dog Association Open Stake Retreiver Trials in the grounds of Balmoral Castle in 1967 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London, a regular fixture in the royal calendar, 1971 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their traditional summer break at Balmoral Castle. The highland retreat is one of the Queen's favourite places, each year, she heads off to Scotland for the summer. "It is rather nice to hibernate for a bit when one leads such a moveable life," she once said, 1976 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II during a walkabout in Muscat while visiting Oman, 1979 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II with some of her corgis walking the Cross Country course during the second day of the Windsor Horse Trials. The monarch is responsible for introducing a new breed of dog known as the "dorgi" when her corgi Tiny was mated with a dachshund "sausage dog" called Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret, 1980 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II (L-R) the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales after the christening ceremony of Prince Harry, 1984 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II taking the salute of the Household Guards regiments during the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in London, 1985 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth II as they smile to well-wishers outside Clarence House in London, 1987 AP Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II, with Chief Instructor, Small Arms Corp LT Col George Harvey, firing the last shot on a standard SA 80 rifle when she attended the centenary of the Army Rifle Association at Bisley, 1993 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II South Africa's President Nelson Mandela greets Queen Elizabeth II as she steps from the royal yacht Britannia in Cape Town at the 1995's official start of the her first visit to the country since 1947 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she visits Bowring Park in St. John's, Newfoundland, on the third day of a 10-day official visit to Canada, 1997 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh make their way into St. George's Chapel at Windsor for the annual Garter ceremony, 1999 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II as they meet at the Vatican, 2000 AP Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother leaving church by horse drawn carriage on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, 2000 PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth rides her horse in the grounds of Windsor Castle, 2002 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth arrives for the world premiere of James Bond movie "Casino Royale" at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square in London, 2006 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth boards a scheduled train at Kings Cross station in London, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II planting a tree at Newmarket Animal Health Trust, during a royal visit which marked her 50th year as the charity's patron, 2009 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II talking with Pope Benedict XVI during an audience in the Morning Drawing Room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh during a four day visit by the Pope to the UK, 2010 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2010 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II receives flowers from the crowd during her visit to Federation Square in downtown Melbourne, 2011 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth watches a preview of her Christmas message wearing a pair of 3D glasses, studded with Swarovski crystals in the form of a "Q", at Buckingham Palace in central London, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Members of Britain's royal family (front L to R) Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles cheer as competitors participate in a sack race at the Braemar Gathering in Braemar, Scotland, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Prince Charles kisses the hand of his mother Queen Elizabeth at the end of her Diamond Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace in London, 2012 Reuters Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge laughs as Queen Elizabeth gestures during a visit to Vernon Park in Nottingham, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attend a service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral in London, 2012 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II meets young people during an official visit to The Shard building in central London, 2013 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Actress Angelina Jolie is presented with the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, London, 2014 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red evolving art installation at the Tower of London, 2014 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the State Opening of Parliament, 2015 AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II (L-R) Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge holding his son Prince George of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry (back), Prince Andrew, Duke of York (back), James, Viscount Severn (front), Princess Beatrice of York (back), Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Eugenie of York (back) stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace waiting to view the fly-past during the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour,' in London, 2015 Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Trooping of the Colour is an annual celebration marking the Queen's birthday, 2015 Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stands with Kate the Duchess of Cambridge whilst pushing Princess Charlotte in a pram as they leave after attending the Christening of Britain's Princess Charlotte at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, 2015 AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Broadway Theatre in Barking, 2015 Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II greets wellwishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor in 2016 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Members of the Royal Family during trooping of the colour in 2017 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Queen waves at Prince Harry and Meghan after their wedding in 2018 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gesture during their visit to the Storyhouse in Chester, Cheshire in 2018 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Prince Charles reacts as he sits with his mother Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Portsmouth in 2019 AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are joined by her mother, Doria Ragland, as they show their new son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to the Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle Chris Allerton/Sussex Royal/PA Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II reacts as she visits the Haig Housing Trust in Morden in 2019 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat on the The Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords next to Prince Charles, before reading the Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in 2019 POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II looks at the coffin of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during his funeral service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales pose alongside the tree which they planted to mark the start of the official planting season for the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) at the Balmoral Cricket Pavilion, Balmoral Estate in Scotland POOL/AFP via Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Britain's Queen Elizabeth II cuts a cake to celebrate the start of the Platinum Jubilee during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence on February 5, 2022. - Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday will became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades, in a bittersweet landmark as she also marked the 70th anniversary of her father's death AFP/Getty Queen Elizabeth II: Life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Westminster Abbey accompanied by Prince Andrew, Duke of York for the Service Of Thanksgiving For The Duke Of Edinburgh on March 29, 2022 in London Getty

Under UK law, civil and criminal proceedings cannot be taken against the Queen.

Her press office said it would not comment on the tweet.

But under the Queen and law section of the Royal Family's website, it states: "The Queen is careful to ensure that all her activities in her personal capacities are carried out in strict accordance with the law."

It is unclear what the caller was trying to achieve by ringing the police.
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The Government has been dealt a huge blow as the High Court ruled its benefit cap is unlawful and illegally discriminates against single parents with young children.

Conservative ministers are now likely to be forced to change or scrap one of their flagship welfare policies, which limits the total amount of benefits a household can receive to 23,000 a year in London and 20,000 elsewhere.

The ruling was made in response to a judicial review brought by four lone parent families who said the cap would have a severe and disproportionate impact on them.

Ministers had attempted to have the case thrown out but were rejected by the court, which ruled earlier this year that the case must be heard as a matter of urgency. The Government said it was disappointed with the latest ruling and will appeal against the decision.

Delivering his verdict, High Court judge Mr Justice Collins said the benefit cap was causing real damage to lone parent families, and, in a further blow to ministers, said real misery is being caused to no good purpose.

Those in need of welfare benefits fall within the poorest families with children, he said. It seems that some 3.7 million children live in poverty and, as must be obvious, the cap cannot but exacerbate this. The need for alternative benefits to make up shortfalls is hardly conducive to the desire to incentivise work and so not provide benefits. There is powerful evidence that very young children are particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Poverty can have a very damaging effect on children under the age of five.

The cap is capable of real damage to such as the claimants. They are not workshy but find it, because of the care difficulties, impossible to comply with the work requirement. Most lone parents with children under two are not the sort of households the cap was intended to cover... Real misery is being caused to no good purpose.

The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned Show all 16 1 /16 The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "One case where the claimants wife went into premature labour and had to go to hospital. This caused the claimant to miss an appointment. No leeway given" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Its Christmas Day and you dont fill in your job search evidence form to show that youve looked for all the new jobs that are advertised on Christmas Day. You are sanctioned. Merry Christmas" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "You apply for three jobs one week and three jobs the following Sunday and Monday. Because the job centre week starts on a Tuesday it treats this as applying for six jobs in one week and none the following week. You are sanctioned for 13 weeks for failing to apply for three jobs each week" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A London man missed his Jobcentre appointments for two weeks because he was in hospital after being hit by a car. He was sanctioned" 2011 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Youve been unemployed for seven months and are forced onto a workfare scheme in a shop miles away, but cant afford to travel. You offer to work in a nearer branch but are refused and get sanctioned for not attending your placement" 2013 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "You are a mum of two, and are five minutes late for your job centre appointment. You show the advisor the clock on your phone, which is running late. You are sanctioned for a month" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man with heart problems who was on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) had a heart attack during a work capability assessment. He was then sanctioned for failing to complete the assessment" Rex The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man who had gotten a job that was scheduled to begin in two weeks time was sanctioned for not looking for work as he waited for the role to start" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Army veteran Stephen Taylor, 60, whose Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) was stopped after he sold poppies in memory of fallen soldiers" 2014 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man had to miss his regular appointment at the job centre to attend his fathers funeral. He was sanctioned even though he told DWP staff in advance" 2014 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Ceri Padley, 26, had her benefits sanctioned after she missed an appointment at the jobcentre - because she was at a job interview" Jason Doiy Photography The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man got sanctioned for missing his slot to sign on - as he was attending a work programme interview. He was then sanctioned as he could not afford to travel for his job search" 2012 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Mother-of-three Angie Godwin, 27, said her benefits were sanctioned after she applied for a role job centre staff said was beyond her" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Sofya Harrison was sanctioned for attending a job interview and moving her signing-on to another day" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Michael, 54, had his benefits sanctioned for four months for failing to undertake a weeks work experience at a charity shop. The charity shop had told him they didnt want him there" Getty The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Terry Eaton, 58, was sanctioned because he didnt have the bus fare he needed to attend an appointment with the job centre" Getty Images

The claimants, two of whom have previously been made homeless as a result of domestic violence, had said the fact they had children under the age of two meant they were unable to work the minimum 16 hours per week that is needed in order to avoid the cap on their benefits. As a result, their welfare payments were cut.

Lawyers for the four families said they had been unlawfully discriminated against on the grounds they are single parents and therefore unable to work as many hours as other people. The review was supported by charities including Shelter, Gingerbread and Women's Aid.

Following the verdict, the families solicitor, Rebekah Carrier, said: The benefit cap has had a catastrophic impact upon vulnerable lone parent families and children across the country. Single mothers like my clients have been forced into homelessness and reliance on food banks as a result of the benefit cap. Thousands of children have been forced into poverty, which has severe long term effects on the health and well-being.

We are pleased that todays decision will relieve my clients  and other lone parent families around the country  from the unfair impacts of austerity measures which have prevented them from being able to provide basic necessities for their children.

The Government immediately announced that it will appeal against the ruling and said it had been granted permission to do so.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: We are disappointed with the decision and intend to appeal. Work is the best way to raise living standards, and many parents with young children are employed.

The benefit cap incentivises work, even if its part-time, as anyone eligible for working tax credits or the equivalent under Universal Credit, is exempt. Even with the cap, lone parents can still receive benefits up to the equivalent salary of 25,000, or 29,000 in London and we have made Discretionary Housing Payments available to people who need extra help.

In 2015, the High Court deemed the benefit cap unlawful on the grounds that it discriminated against disabled people by not exempting their carers from the cap. As a result, ministers were forced to amend the policy to include an exemption for anyone in receipt of Carer's Allowance.

The policy was introduced by the Coalition government in 2012 and was a pet project of Iain Duncan Smith, the former Work and Pensions Secretary. Ministers said it was not right that a family not in work should not be allowed to receive more in benefits than a working family. The cap was widely condemned for failing to take into account peoples specific circumstances and for targeting some of the poorest people in society, including almost 320,000 children.
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Theresa May has played her opening gambit of Brexit negotiations, telling European leaders she will offer some three million EU citizens a new settled status allowing them to stay in Britain if they have lived here five years.

People gaining it would secure rights on healthcare, education and benefits broadly similar to those enjoyed by EU citizens in the UK now.

But in a move giving Ms May leverage as talks begin, she refused to reveal the exact date after which new arrivals are no longer guaranteed the status - leaving a group of people uncertain of their UK residency.

The extra bargaining power could be deployed as the Prime Minister pushes Brussels to ditch its demand that EU citizens rights are guaranteed by the European Court of Justice even after Brexit - something she told leaders would not happen under her plan.

Ms May played her hand on the opening day of the European Council summit, which also saw a string of leaders suggest Britain can come back to the union if it changes its mind on Brexit.

At the same time German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the most powerful European leader, made clear Brexit is only of secondary importance to her, with the unity of the 27 remaining states paramount.

Ms May was invited to update European leaders on her plans for Brexit at the end of a dinner, telling them it is a, fair and serious offer and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible as to citizens settled in the UK, building careers and lives.

Her proposals would see anyone who has already lived in the UK for five years given the new settled status, securing their position in the country.

Anyone arriving after the triggering of Article 50, but before the notional cut-off date, yet to be set, would also have the chance to stay for five years and gain the status.

But people arriving after the cut-off date but before Brexit day, will be given a grace period of up to two years to regularize their status in the country, possibly managing to stay for the five years and gain settled status, but potentially not.

Ms May also said there will be a streamlined administrative process to sort through peoples cases, using digital tools to register people in a light touch way.

 Theresa May in 'Maybot' mode on arrival at the EU Summit

The British offer stands only on the basis that a reciprocal one is made for UK citizens living in EU countries, Ms Mays officials said.

Government insiders in the UK believe an earlier cut-off date will prevent a wave of new immigrants coming before Brexit day, expected to be in March 2019.

But the EU has demanded that the cut-off date be on Brexit day, with the European Parliament already pledging to vote against any Brexit deal that differs.

The vagueness around the UKs position on the cut off-date and the suggestion that Ms May is willing to set it earlier than the EU wants, indicates she is both willing to engage in some brinkmanship and to budge on the issue.

But her position on the ECJ role in guaranteeing EU citizens rights was far clearer.

She told leaders: The commitment that we make to EU citizens will be enshrined in UK law and will be enforced through our highly respected courts.

A British official went further and said: We have been clear on the ECJ that we are taking back control of our own laws.

It means a potential settlement on the matter of citizens rights could see Ms May agreeing to set the cut-off date on Brexit day, while the EU would back down on its tough position concerning the ECJ.

The offer was set out following a meal of Mediterranean vegetable tart with grilled Chavignol goat's cheese, followed by Monkfish wrapped in lardo di Colonnata with stuffed courgette flower and finished with macerated cherries and almond milk ice cream.

With no chance to debate the plans at council, Ms May will have left the EU leaders with many questions before she publishes her full plans to Parliament on Monday next week.

On Thursday morning European Council President Donald Tusk lamented the UK's pending departure, earlier in the day suggesting like French President Emmanuel Macron before him, that the door to the UK is still open.

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 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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 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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

He said: "Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the EU.

"I told them that, in fact, the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows?"

Referencing the John Lennon song Imagine, he added: "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

New Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkat said he had never wanted the UK to leave the bloc, the single market or customs union.

As he walked into the Council building, he said: "The door remains open for the UK to stay in the European Union."

The powerful German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble has also previously said the UK would find "open doors" in Brussels if it decided not to leave the EU.

But Ms Merkel struck a more pragmatic tone, telling reporters: "I want to say clearly that for me designing the future for the 27 takes priority over the negotiations with Great Britain over withdrawal.

"Naturally we will conduct these negotiations quickly and we will conduct them intensively. We will do everything to ensure that - as has been successfully done so far - the 27 states stick together.

"We want this negotiation to take place in a good spirit. We know that we will want to work with Great Britain later.

"But the clear focus must be on the future of the 27, so that we have the best results."
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Businesses are already pulling investment because of Brexit, the Chancellor has admitted  as he again urged Theresa May to agree a transitional arrangement.

Philip Hammond said a temporary deal with the EU was badly needed to get businesses investing again, appearing to acknowledge that companies are currently putting their plans on hold.

The thing that is causing concern in the business community is the risk of a cliff edge, Mr Hammond said.

Recommended Theresa May told her plans will fail unless she ditches hard Brexit

The sooner we can reassure businesses that there is going to be a smooth path from where we are now to the future arrangements we put in place with the European Union, the sooner we will have that sigh of relief and start seeing businesses investing again.

The Chancellor said it was also a critical issue for firms across the Channel, pointing to the example of car manufacturers in Germany, attempting to secure four-year contracts with British firms.

This is not just a UK problem. This is an issue in the European Union as well, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Mr Hammond also challenged the Prime Minister on her vow that Britain will no longer be subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), once Brexit is completed.

Asked if the ECJ could oversee the transitional arrangement he wanted, he replied: All these things remain to be negotiated.

The comments come after the Chancellor confirmed his position as the Cabinets leading advocate of a soft Brexit, calling for current customs arrangements to remain in place in transition.

In his Mansion House speech in the City of London this week, he dropped any pretence that he sees economic benefits to EU withdrawal  while insisting Britain will leave.

The Chancellor urged Ms May to abandon her red line that securing immigration controls is the first priority, in favour of a deal to protect jobs.

However, Mr Hammonds hint that a transitional deal could last four years is likely to run into opposition from the European Parliament, which has argued that would be too long.

In the interview, the Chancellor also warned Labour not to try to exploit the Tories lack of a Commons majority to disrupt the Brexit process and the eight bills in the Queens Speech.

I hope that the Labour Party and Mr Corbyn will act in the national interest, he said.

Of course it is possible for people to make mischief in Parliament, to cause delay in Parliament, but I think they would do so at their peril.

There is a very clear majority for us to get on with this. Even among people who voted to remain in the European Union, the overwhelming sense now is that we need to get on with this.

The Chancellor also sought to play down claims that he was at odds with the Prime Minister, although he failed to deny reports that she had been planning to sack him after the election.

We get on very well. This is a piece of popular mythology that has been peddled by the media. I have known Theresa May for many, many years, Mr Hammond said.

I am supporting her, right behind her, with her all the way in the job that she is doing because it is in the national interest that we make this Government work well and work well for Britain.
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Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has said he still holds out hope that Brexit can be reversed, despite official talks starting this week.

The senior politician said he had been asked by British friends if there was a way to stop or reverse Britains exit from the EU.

Mr Tusk said: I told them that in fact the EU was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve.

Recommended Theresa May told her plans will fail unless she ditches hard Brexit

"So who knows? You may say I am a dreamer but I'm not the only one," he added, quoting John Lennon's "Imagine".

His remarks came hours before EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss terrorism and security.

But Brexit is also likely to dominate, with Theresa May set to update her European colleagues on the future for EU citizens living in the UK.

The two-day summit, Ms Mays first outing with EU counterparts since her lacklustre performance at the general election, follows four days after Brexit talks officially began.

EU leaders have gained renewed confidence after pro-Europe Emmanuel Macron's victory in the French poll last month.

 Brexit talks: PM welcomes Tusk to Downing Street

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, Mr Tusk said the EU is "slowly turning the corner".

"We are witnessing the return of the EU rather as a solution, not a problem."

He continued: "The Brexit negotiations started three days ago. It is a most difficult process, for which the EU is well prepared.

"You can hear different predictions coming from different people about the possible outcome of these negotiations - hard Brexit, soft Brexit or no deal.

"Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the EU.

"I told them that, in fact, the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

Mr Tusk's suggestion that Brexit could be stopped, reversed or watered down, followed similar remarks made by the newly-elected French President, who told Ms May at a joint news conference in Paris last week that the door remains open for Britain to change its mind.

Of course the door remains open, always open until the Brexit negotiations come to an end, he said, when asked if Britain could yet stay in the bloc.
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The Prime Minister spoke as she entered the Council building, choosing to ignore the thrust of reporters' questions in favour of repeating three times how she intends to table proposals on EU citizens' rights.

She also argued that the start of withdrawal talks earlier in the week had been "constructive", despite her Brexit Secretary David Davis being forced into an embarrassing U-turn.

Ms May had called her election while promising to strengthen her hand so that she could better negotiate Brexit, and then caused outrage by accusing European leaders of trying to swing the vote.

But with talks under way she is due to use a dinner event on Thursday evening to outline how she intends to ensure the rights of EU and British citizens are protected after Brexit.

Asked how talks would go with her new weakened Government, she said it had been a "very constructive start", adding: "But it's also about how we will build a future special and deep partnership with our friends and allies in Europe.

"Today, I'm going to be setting out some of the UK's plans, particularly on how we propose to protect the rights of EU citizens and UK citizens as we leave the European Union."

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

After referencing an intention to work on counter-terrorism, she was asked whether the UK would compromise with EU negotiators, responding: "We will be going into negotiations. Those have started constructively.

"What I'm going to be setting out today is clearly how the United Kingdom proposes to protect the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and see the rights of UK citizens living in Europe protected.

"That's been an important issue. We've wanted it to be one of the early issues that's considered in the negotiations, that is now the case, that work is starting. We will be setting out how we propose that EU citizens living in the UK have their rights protected in the United Kingdom."
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Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has become the latest European politician to say the "door" is open if the UK wants to stay in the EU.

The new Taoiseach said the Ireland had never wanted the UK to leave the bloc, the single market or customs union.

It follows similar comments by European Council President Donald Tusk and other leaders on the continent, many of whom were arriving in Brussels for a summit.

Recommended Theresa May arrives at European Council to lay out plans for rights

The land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is due to be one of the issues dealt with earliest in Brexit talks.

As he walked into the Council building, Mr Vardarker said: "The door remains open for the UK to stay in the European Union."

Earlier in the day Mr Tusk lamented the UK's pending departure, saying: "Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the EU.

"I told them that, in fact, the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows?"

How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15  a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto

Referencing the John Lennon song Imagine, he added: "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

Earlier this month French President Emmanuel Macron said that the "door remains open" to the UK if it wishes to reverse Brexit.

Wolfgang Schauble, the powerful German finance minister, sent out an identical message  saying the UK would find "open doors" in Brussels if it decided not to leave the EU.

 Donald Tusk quotes John Lennon as he says UK could stay in EU

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Mr Schauble said: "The British Government has said we will stay with the Brexit.

"We take the decision as a matter of respect. But if they wanted to change their decision, of course, they would find open doors."
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The Dutch Prime Minister has called for a form of continued membership for the UK after it formally leaves the EU claiming, "I hate Brexit from every angle".

Mark Rutte said it could mean the UK having a new sort of relationship with the single market once it leaves the union.

His comments followed those of other European leaders who have suggested that the door remains open for the UK to stay in the EU if it wants to change its mind.

Speaking as he he arrived for a European Council summit in Brussels, he said it is "crucially important" that Britain sets out what they want from any Brexit deal.

He explained that as an Anglophile, "I hate Brexit from every angle" and then added: "I hope we'll come to some form of continued [UK] membership or relationship with the internal market."

Mr Rutte went on to say that he believed the UK's economy and pound sterling will be hit very hard by its withdrawal from the EU.

Theresa May has vowed to take the UK out of both the EU single market and the customs union, but there are senior ministers pressing for a softer Brexit, including Chancellor Philip Hammond.

 Donald Tusk quotes John Lennon as he says UK could stay in EU

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar became the latest European politician on Thursday to say the "door" is open if the UK wants to stay in the EU, following similar comments by European Council President Donald Tusk and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Wolfgang Schauble, the powerful German finance minister, sent out an identical message  saying the UK would find "open doors" in Brussels if it decided not to leave the EU.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Mr Schauble said: "The British Government has said we will stay with the Brexit.

"We take the decision as a matter of respect. But if they wanted to change their decision, of course, they would find open doors."
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Talks between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Theresa May reportedly became so tense the Northern Irish party refused to answer the phone to the Prime Ministers advisers for 36 hours.

The DUP has demanded 2bn investment in health and infrastructure in Northern Ireland, with the party warning it cannot not be taken for granted.

After an upset at the general election in which the Conservative Party lost its Commons majority, Ms Mays administration needs the support of the 10 DUP MPs in order to govern.

A "confidence and supply" arrangement between the parties  where DUP politicians would support the Tories on a vote-by-vote basis  is being considered.

 Damian Green: DUP coalition is only a 'possibility'

But the negotiations between the parties recently teetered on the brink of collapse as the DUP made its financial demands clear, the Telegraph reported, with the Northern Irish party stopping speaking to Ms Mays team for a day and a half.

The DUP is understood to want 1bn pumped into the health service in Northern Ireland and another 1bn into infrastructure projects.

Funding for devolved nations is usually allocated through the Barnett formula, which is designed to keep financial changes proportionate across the UK.

Every 1 spent in Northern Ireland requires an additional 35 to be found for Scotland, England and Wales under the system, meaning the price-tag to the taxpayer of the DUPs demands would far exceed the 2bn figure.

Number 10 declared that a deal had been struck with the DUP 48 hours after the election, but retracted that announcement the next day.

DUP sources have been disparaging about the Conservative Party, saying it lacks negotiating experience  damning criticism just days after Brexit talks got underway.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters

Damian Green, the effective "deputy Prime Minister", cast fresh doubt on DUP-Tory negotiations on Wednesday when he said the deal was only a possibility and warned: All talks of this kind take a long time.

The First Secretary of State insisted the talks went much wider than just the Northern Ireland partys calls for extra spending and tax breaks.

Ms May's minority government was forced to scrap a host of her most controversial policies in Wednesday's Queens Speech, junking plans to cut universal school meals for children, introduce a "dementia tax" and expand grammar schools.
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Theresa May has refused to say whether the leader of Kensington and Chelsea council should resign following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Overnight on Thursday the authority's chief executive, Nicholas Holgate, stepped down after an intervention by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

In the House of Commons, Ms May was asked whether the political leader of the council, Nicholas Paget-Brown, should follow suit.

That is a matter that will be considered by the appropriate group on Kensington and Chelsea council, the Prime Minister said.

Mr Holgate said he wanted to stay on but admitted his continued presence in the wake of the fire could be a distraction.

Earlier this week Mr Paget-Brown was thought to have offered to resign, but colleagues backed him staying on.

In the circumstances it has of course been appropriate to ensure that as leader... I continue to have the support of my colleagues, he told the London Evening Standard.

Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Show all 10 1 /10 Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Inside a flat at 375 Kensington High Street - Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The 68 flats are being acquired by the City of London Corporation as part of the response to the tragedy berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The luxury flats are located just a couple of miles from Grenfell Tower berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The families will be offered permanent homes in the building berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Penthouses in the block can go for up to 13m berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street A spokesman for the Berkeley Group confirmed they were finalising plans berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The property boasts a gym, swimming pool and 24-hour concierge service harrodsestates.com Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street The families will live in the award winning 2bn development berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street Families whose lives were devastated by the fire at Grenfell Tower are to be housed in a luxury development berkeleygroup.co.uk Grenfell Tower survivors to be housed in 375 Kensington High Street 68 families are to be rehomed in the block berkeleygroup.co.uk

At least 79 people are missing and presumed dead after the devastating fire that destroyed Grenfell Tower last Wednesday.

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake called for political accountability from the Conservative-run Kensington and Chelsea council.

He said: No one is looking for a witch hunt, but if heads are starting to roll, they should be the right ones. There must be political accountability.
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A Conservative politician who ran to be the MP for Coventry South has sought to defend the reasoning behind her controversial post about Adolf Hitler in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Michelle Lowe, who lost to Labour in the recent election by a decisive margin, shared a photo of the Nazi leader smiling and hugging members of the public on Twitter on Monday evening. It included the caption: Politicians should go out and show emotion.

The senior councillor was immediately accused of comparing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to Hitler, with people on Twitter branding the tweet insensitive and distasteful.

In the immediate wake of the deadly inferno which ravaged Grenfell Tower, Mr Corbyn was applauded for engaging with local residents and overtly displaying emotion after he was pictured hugging and comforting them. On the contrary, Theresa May was accused of lacking empathy and wholly misreading the public mood after she refused to meet any survivors of the disaster during a visit to the scene.

(Twitter (Twitter)

But Ms Lowe told The Independent the tweet had not been related to Mr Corbyns reaction to the west London blaze and insisted it was merely a response to the criticism levied at the Prime Minister for failing to display emotion after the disaster.

Seeking to defend her motivations behind the tweet, the Tory politician said the image spoke to me at the time and seemed like a good way to express her anger at the treatment of Ms May.

She said: If people show emotions in public, it doesnt mean they do care or they dont care. Some people are reserved and some people are not and we shouldnt judge people about how much they care by what they show in public.

My post intended to show this [Hitler] is a bad man that is able to show comfort to people but it doesnt mean he cares about them. I was trying to find an example of someone who is clearly not a good person. He was a bad evil man but he was able to relate to people. He mustve been able to do so to get into the position he was in.

She said the tweet had been taken out of context, saying it was a very simple thought process which had been wholly misunderstood by critics.

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

But Ive learnt not be so trigger happy with social media and think more deeply about how things are interpreted before I press enter.

When pressed about what she would say to those who argued the post was offensive and it was rarely appropriate to bring Hitler into such matters, she continued: At the time I was trying to make a simple point of an evil man compared with a Prime Minister who was accused of not showing emotion in public. Being reserved doesnt make you a good or bad person.

Ms Lowe has apologised to the BBC, saying she was sorry for any upset that may have been caused.

The failed MP was condemned for the tweet by Gary Ridley, the Tory leader in Coventry, who said he was disturbed by her statement and she did not represent the views of Coventry Conservatives.

He said: I'm disturbed by any attempt to use Adolf Hitler to make a political point.

Recommended Tory politician suspended after offensive tweet about Grenfell protest

He brought pain and suffering to the world on an unimaginable scale and was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people.

To evoke his memory in this way is disrespectful to those who suffered at the hands of this monster and trivialises the crimes of the Nazi regime."

She has also sparked fury with members of the public, with critics dubbing the tweet "vile" and "insensitive".

Stuart Jennings said: For someone in a representative position, this is an awful tweet to make.

Ms Lowes tweet comes just after a Conservative politician was suspended after appearing to suggest there should have been a hanging during protests over the Grenfell Tower catastrophe which is thought to have claimed at least 79 lives.

Ken Hawkins, a cabinet member at Solihull Council, sent the offensive, inflammatory tweet after hundreds of protesters stormed Kensington Town Hall on Friday to voice their anger about the devastating inferno.

Replying to an image of protesters gathered outside the town hall chanting for justice, Mr Hawkins, who now apologised unreservedly, said: Lets get ourselves a hangin!
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Jeremy Corbyn has said "every single one" of the Grenfell Tower deaths could have been avoided, and called for "urgent answers" following the tragedy which killed at least 79 people.

The Labour leader compared the blaze to Hillsborough and the child sex abuse scandal, marking it out as one of a string of disasters in which working class voices were "ignored".

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Corbyn said: [Grenfell Tower residents] were let down, both in the immediate aftermath and so cruelly beforehand, The public enquiry most establish the extent and by whom.

At least 79 people are dead. It is both a tragedy and an outrage, because every single one of those deaths should and could have been avoided."

He added: From Hillsborough to the child sex abuse scandal to Grenfell Tower, the pattern is consistent. Working class peoples voices are ignored, their concerns dismissed by those in power.

The Grenfell Tower residents and north Kensington community deserves answers, and thousands and thousands of people living in tower blocks around the country need very urgent reassurance.

Mr Corbyn went on to ask Theresa May why the political leaders of Kensington and Chelsea Council were not taking responsibility as well for this whole dreadful event, following the resignation of the chief executive.

He said something had gone "catastrophically wrong" for the fire to happen, and urged for "urgent answers" to ensure people living in the 4,000 other tower blocks in the UK, calling the incident a "wake-up call to the whole country".

It is my suspicion, that many local authorities, strapped for cash after seven years of cuts, have cut back on fire testing and inspections because they simply havent got the staff to do it anymore," said Mr Corbyn.

This has been a wake-up call to the whole country. The fire at Grenfell Tower has taken the lives of people who should be with us and alive and happy today. Now residents of tower blocks all over the country are concerned, worried and frightened for their own safety.

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

"What we need is a step change in our attitude towards housing in this country, to deal with the permanent hosuing crisis that so many of our constituents and residents face.

He added that firefighters were traumatised, overstretched and understaffed in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack and the Grenfell blaze, and called for the whole issue of the security of our fire service to be looked at.

The Labour leader's remarks came after the Prime Minister said tests following the Grenfell Tower fire had shown cladding on a number of tower blocks acorss the UK are combustible"  a revelation described by Labour MP Harriet Harman as "chilling".
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Footage has emerged of Theresa May being booed after she visited victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The Prime Minister was met by shouts of "stand down" and "resign" as she left the meeting on Wednesday night.

She appears to remain silent as she walks with security to her waiting car.

The footage surfaced after Downing Street admitted hundreds of tower blocks in England have similar cladding to that used in Grenfell Tower.

So far tests found combustible cladding has been found on at least three tower blocks across the UK, the Government said.

But English councils have estimated that 600 high-rise buildings used cladding similar to Grenfell Tower in west London, where at least 78 people died last week after the building was engulfed in flames.

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

Councils were told to provide the Government with details of the cladding used on high-rises by Monday and three samples were found to be combustible after tests on a "small number" of specimens.

Flammable panelling on the outside of Grenfell Tower is suspected to have aided the rapid spread of last week's blaze, trapping dozens inside.

Speaking in the Commons earlier, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, said local authorities and fire services concerned are taking "all possible steps" to ensure the buildings are safe and residents have been informed.

She said the Government had arranged to test cladding on all relevant tower blocks as a precaution.

Harriet Harman, a Labour MP, described the revelation as "chilling".

Jeremy Corbyn said "every single one" of the Grenfell deaths could have been avoided and called for "urgent answers".

The Labour leader said residents were "let down both in the immediate aftermath and so cruelly beforehand".
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The Government has announced a new 75m fund to help tackle the migration crisis in the Mediterranean and reduce the number of people dying on treacherous sea crossings to Europe.

Theresa May will confirm the package when she travels to Brussels later this week for a European Council meeting.

The money will help provide emergency provisions for migrants stranded in Mediterranean countries and will also be used to tackle people trafficking and smuggling.

Recommended More than 120 migrants feared drowned on World Refugee Day

It will target at well-known routes that migrants from east Africa and west Africa use to try to reach Europe. Many of these pass through Libya, where they often pay traffickers significant sums of money to take them on dangerous and often deadly sea crossings in a desperate bid to reach Europe.

In 2016, 181,000 migrants arrived in Italy via this route  a figure that is expected to rise in 2017. In total, more than a million migrants arrived in Europe last year, many of them fleeing conflicts in the Middle East.

At least 5,000 migrants are thought to have died at sea last year, the vast majority of them in the Mediterranean.

Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Show all 7 1 /7 Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants arriving in Italy on MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie DeardenI Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants disembarking from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants undergoing health checks after disembarking from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants undergoing security checks after disembarking from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants being fingerprinted after disembarking from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily Refugees and migrants being fingerprinted after disembarking from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden Refugees and migrants arriving in Catania, Sicily A man being taken to hospital from MSF rescue ship the Bourbon Argos in Catania, Sicily Lizzie Dearden

Announcing the new funding, International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: The UK has been at the forefront of responding to the migration crisis and our work to date has helped reduce total migrant numbers to Europe since 2015. But worryingly, more and more people are now using the incredibly dangerous Central Mediterranean route.

This new UK support will provide desperately needed aid and protection to tens of thousands of the worlds most vulnerable. But critically it will also make clear the massive risks involved at every stage of this route and provide alternatives so those who change their minds can return home.

As well as saving lives, this will provide vulnerable people with meaningful alternatives to the treacherous crossings into Europe. Building on our existing work to deal with the root causes of migration, this approach is about using our aid in a smart way, as part of a coordinated approach across government, to provide protection to people who need it and serve Britains national interests.

The funds will be spent over the next three years and will help support migrants who want to return home, as well as providing supplies for those stuck in camps in southern Europe.
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A dramatic rescue of a little girl trapped by ISIS gunfire was captured Friday on video.

David Eubank, a Special Forces soldier turned aid worker, was filmed as he ran out in the open amid ISIS sniper fire to rescue the girl as two other men covered him with rifle fire.

"I thought, 'If I die doing this, my wife and kids would understand,'" Eubank told the Los Angeles Times.

According to the Times, Eubank's dramatic rescue played out on a street in the Iraqi city of Mosul, where ISIS snipers were firing at civilians who were attempting to flee. Wearing only a T-shirt, a bulletproof vest, and a helmet, Eubank is seen running out into the street approximately 150 yards before picking up the girl and bringing her back safely behind a tank.

Eubank, 56, served for a decade with the US Army Special Forces. After leaving the military, he founded an aid group called the Free Burma Rangers, which seeks to bring "hope and love to people in the conflict zones of Burma, Iraq, and Sudan," according to its website.

Watch the dramatic video:

 I've studied happiness for years  here are the 12 best pieces of advice I'm giving my daughter

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 These are the 9 highest-paid Victoria's Secret models

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2015. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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The governor of New York State has pardoned an undocumented immigrant who worked on to help clean up ground zero following the September 11 terrorist attacks in order to help him fight deportation proceedings.

Andrew Cuomos pardon regards a 1990 conviction for attempting to sell a controlled substance. At the time, he was 21 years old.

That conviction had been of interest to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has been tasked by Donald Trumps administration to deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible. Those instructions include deporting non-criminals, however, which is an expansion of criteria from the stated principles of the Barack Obama administration.

After the 1990 conviction, Carlos Cardona helped with recovery work after two planes flew into the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan in what was the deadliest terror attack on US soil.

He developed acute respiratory issues later on, as well as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Those conditions are common amongst 9/11 responders.

Mr Cardona is originally from Santiago de Cali, Colombia, and entered the United States in 1986 when he was about 16 years old.

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

He was detained by American immigration services in February, and has been held there since.

Mr Trump began his 2016 campaign with the promise to deport undocumented immigrants who he labeled as rapists and criminals. While controversial, that promise to be tough on Americas borders seemed to resonate with bas Republican voters concerned about national security and American job security that is said to be threatened by foreign nationals coming into the country and willing to work for cheaper wages.

Legal challenges to Trump administration efforts to make good on its promise to focus on deporting undocumented immigrants have resulted in some lawyers indicating that they do not have the legal authority to block deportations of undocumented immigrants, even if they are non violent and without a criminal record.
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Ohio patrolman Chris Green was celebrating a sizeable drug bust with East Liverpool PD colleagues on 12 May when the captain told him he had something on the back of his shirt.

'Yeah, whatever,' Green thought, casually flicking it off.

In under two minutes, he had fallen into a door and later woke up in hospital being told by doctors he'd overdosed.

The powder he'd brushed off his shoulder (left over from the drug seizure) was fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin and so powerful it can create a high in users simply through contact with skin (it is often used medicinally through an arm patch).

It has become so popular in the US that finding users, many of them middle class, overdosing, passed out or dead around East Liverpool has become commonplace.

"It's nearly a daily basis [thing] and sometimes multiple times a day," Green told The New York Times' The Daily podcast.

"[Just] yesterday or the day before we responded to an overdose; broad daylight, middle of the sidewalk, guy just laying there dying.

"We have a huge issue with the whole drug epidemic. That's what we deal with more than anything else."

Fentanyl entered the East Liverpool community laced in its heroin supply, but it has quickly superseded the drug and now by far outstrips heroin use.

Given its high potential for overdose and the danger of contact high with the powder, heroin would be a preferable vice for police to recover by this point.

"It's almost a sign of relief to find just heroin or just cocaine or just crack," Green added to The Daily, "and that's sad to say."
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Robert Reich served in the administrations of Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, and brought some left wing intellectual muscle to the post of Secretary of Labour for Bill Clinton.

Since the election of Donald Trump, Mr Reich, Professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, has turned his focus to the actions of the President, and concluded the New York tycoon could well be impeached.

In his latest comments, Mr Reich has said he believes Mr Trump has already done enough to warrant impeachment.

Obstruction of justice was among the articles of impeachment drafted against both Presidents Nixon and Clinton, he wrote on his website.

The parallel between Nixon and Trump is almost exact. White House tapes revealed Nixon giving instructions to pressure the acting FBI director into halting the Watergate investigation.

He added: Two weeks after Trump told Comey privately, I need loyalty. I expect loyalty, he had another private meeting with Comey in the Oval Office. After shooing out his advisers  all of whom had top security clearance  Trump said to Comey, according to Comeys memo written shortly after the meeting, I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go, to letting Flynn go.

 Jerry Springer on Donald Trump: Just pretend we're on a four-year break

Mr Trump has rejected claims that he has done anything wrong and described the ongoing investigations into whether his campaign colluded with Russia to alter the election, as a witch hunt. He has repeatedly cited Mr Comey, his former FBI Directors testimony before congress, that he is not personally under investigation.

His legal team has also dismissed reports, which first appeared in the Washington Post, that he was under investigation for possible obstruction of justice by Robert Mueller, the special prosecutor heading the federal probe since Mr Comey was fired.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Many observers have pointed out that the chances of Mr Trump being impeached are modest, especially before the midterm elections, unless there were to be some staggering revelation from the Russia probe. Impeachment can only happen if Republicans decide to ditch Mr Trump and there has been no sign they have decided to do that yet, despite whatever concerns officials may express about him in private.

But Mr Reich believes there is already enough to convict the President.

The federal crime of obstruction of justice applies to [w]hoever corruptly, or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication influences, obstructs, or impedes or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede the due and proper administration of the law, wrote Mr Reich.

Theres already more than enough evidence of probable cause to begin that impeachment inquiry of Donald Trump.
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The warden of a Chechen prison alleged to be one of the locations where gay men were detained and tortured by police has claimed his officers would not even want to touch such people.

Ayub Kataev, head of the ministry of internal affairs for the town of Argun, showed a team from Vice News around its now abandoned police facility in an attempt to disprove the alleged abuse of more than 100 men.

Imagine if there are gays - would we, the Chechens, communicate with them at all? he asked.

My officers would not even want to touch such people - if they exist - let alone beating or torturing them.

Mr Kataev was filmed asking police officers standing on parade whether he had ordered them to arrest or torture gay people, with the recruits shouting no in response.

Footage showed footprints on the floor of the abandoned facility, where empty rooms were filled with broken glass and furniture.

Alleged victims told researchers at the Russian LGBT Network, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and newspaper Novaya Gazeta that Argun was among the locations where they were detained, beaten and given electric shocks after being kidnapped on suspicion of being gay.

News of the disappearances provoked global outcry earlier this year, prompting a rare pledge of a formal investigation from the Kremlin.

Officials in Chechnya, a federal subject of Russia, have denied the reported gay purge and repeatedly claimed that there are no LGBT people in the predominantly Muslim republic.

Kheda Saratova, Chechnya's Human Rights Commissioner and government advisor, claimed she had seen no evidence of the alleged persecution.

I have never seen a single gay and none have ever brought me a statement, or even a verbal complaint, how can I confirm they exist? she told Vice News.

If they exist of course I will help them if they come to me.

But today if there was a member of the LGBT community, this person, knowing our traditions, could have simply gone to a train station, purchased a ticket and left without announcing it.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

Vice said its access to authorities and Argun prison was brokered through regional authorities keen to demonstrate their innocence and that journalists were closely monitored throughout their stay.

Tatiana Lokshina, the Russian programme director at HRW, said reports of new abductions had stopped, suggesting that international pressure has worked.

The organisation said men were rounded up in February and April, being tortured into confessions, humiliated, starved and forced to hand over information about other men who might be gay.

Police allegedly returned of the men to their families, exposing their sexual orientation and indirectly encouraging their relatives to carry out honor killings, causing many to flee to Russia still fearing retribution.

Magomed, one of the purge victims, told HRW: They have long arms and they can find me and the others anywhere in Russia, just give them time.

Chechnya is also alleged to have used torture and secret detention centres against suspected insurgents, political dissidents and drug users in previous crackdowns.

British MPs discussed the campaign in the House of Commons in April, with the Government urged to send the strongest possible siren message to Russia, which itself adopted an anti-LGBT propaganda law 2013.

Weeks later, Vladimir Putin announced an inquiry by the prosecutor general and interior minister, after referring to the reports as rumours.about people of non-traditional orientation.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has completed a government re-shuffle following his landslide victory in the country's parliamentary election.

His new team includes 15 men and 15 women and 14 ministers from civil society. It keeps a fragile balance of those from left, right and centre, breaking with convention to extend his support base.

The reshuffle, which includes more people from the non-political world, reflects the profile of many of his newly elected members of parliament. A ;large number of them have never held a public office before.

The move was expected after Mr Macrons movement En Marche!, which he founded just a year ago, won an outright majority in Frances parliament, shaking up the country's political landscape.

However, the mood of victory soured when four ministers, appointed less than a month ago, were forced to resign over allegations of misuse of funds and financial misconduct.

Mr Macron, who swept an overwhelming majority in the presidential election against far-right Front National candidate Marine Le Pen last month, had promised to quash corruption scandals if elected.

Among the positions filled by women are Minister of Justice, Minister of the Army and Minister of European Affairs.

Remaining in key positions are left-wing mayor of Lyon since, Gerard Collomb, who will serve as Minister of the Interior, Nicolas Hulot as Environment Minister, conservative Bruno Le Maire as Minister of the Economy and Socialist Jean-Yves Le Drian as minister of Europe and foreign affairs.

Businesswoman Florence Parly, who worked previously in a Socialist government and for major French transport companies, was named defence minister, and law expert Nicole Belloubet was nominated for justice minister.

Jacques Mezard moved from the Agriculture Ministry to the Territorial Planning Ministry after Mr Macron's right-hand man Richard Ferrand quit the government earlier this week following allegations of financial misconduct.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A Macron ally since endorsing his centrist bid for the presidency in February, Mr Bayrou said he quit to protect the government from the scandal that has engulfed him.

"I will stand by the president and faithfully support him with a political and personal understanding that is dear to me," he told journalists.

Speaking on French radio Europe 1, a government spokesman said the recent resignations simplified things.

"We have a majority after Sunday's big win and we have the wherewithal to govern. So now it's time to get to work."
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French bus drivers have started wearing skirts to get around their bosses' ban on shorts in recent stifling heat.

France sweltered in temperatures up to 38C this week as the country's weather authority warned people to be "very vigilant" for danger posed by the weather.

Bus drivers in the western city of Nantes, who belong to the CFDT union, said their uniform was "not appropriate" for such high temperatures and that they "envy women at moments like this".

Recommended Today is hottest day in June for more than 40 years

"Given that skirts are an authorised outfit in the company, we are wearing skirts," one driver told the local Presse Ocean site.

Union official Gabriel Magner said: "A modern outlook would allow us to wear long shorts from time to time.

"This is a form of discrimination. Women drivers can wear skirts, but not the men.

"In this heatwave, the temperatures are reaching close to 50C behind our windscreens.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

"And given we have no air conditioning on our buses, its unbearable."

The bus company, Semitan, did roll out a new set of lighter summer trousers last year, it was reported, but did not appear to be moving toward allowing shorts.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

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A Nato fighter jet "buzzed" a plane carrying the Russian Defence Minister as it flew over the Baltic Sea, before being seen off by a Russian military jet, Russia said, an account partly disputed by Nato.

A video of the altercation broadcast on a TV channel run by Moscow's Ministry of Defence showed an F-16 flying parallel with Sergei Shoigu's plane at a short distance.

A Russian Sukhoi-27 fighter was then seen to insert itself between the F-16 and the minister's plane, before dipping its wings to one side to show the missiles it is carrying.

The F-16 then left the area. It was not clear which air force the F-16 belonged to.

Nato said it had tracked three Russian aircraft over the Baltic on Wednesday, including two fighter jets which it said did not respond to air traffic control or requests to identify themselves.

"As is standard practice whenever unknown aircraft approach Nato air space, Nato and national air forces took to the sky to monitor these flights," a Nato official said.

"When Nato aircraft intercept a plane they identify it visually, maintaining a safe distance at all times. Once complete, Nato jets break away," the official added.

The alliance said it had no information about who was on board the planes.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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Mr Shoigu's plane had been en route to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad for a meeting to discuss how well Russia's western flank was defended. Footage of what happened was filmed by someone on his plane.

The RIA news agency reported that Nato aircraft had also tracked Mr Shoigu's plane when he returned after his meeting later on Wednesday, albeit at a greater distance.

The Kremlin has said in the past that all Russian flights over the Baltic are conducted in strict accordance with international law.

Russian politicians called the episode the latest in a string of "provocations," a day after the Russian defence ministry said an RC-135 US reconnaissance plane had swerved dangerously near a Russian fighter jet over the Baltic and that another RC-135 had been intercepted.

The Pentagon disputed that, saying the US aircraft "did nothing to provoke this behaviour" and that the Russian intercept had been unsafe.

In another episode, Sweden said it had called in Russia's ambassador for talks after a Russian fighter jet buzzed a Swedish military jet on an electronic intelligence gathering mission over the Baltic on Monday.

"The Russian plane's actions were out of the ordinary ... in terms of the distance between the planes which was at certain times very small," the Swedish military said in a statement.
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Russia's Foreign Ministry has said there is a high degree of certainty that Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.

A new statement carried by RIA news agency on Thursday doubled down on Moscow's claim last week that its forces may have killed the secretive Islamist leader.

Baghdadi is believed to be in hiding in the region around the Syria-Iraq border, moving frequently and avoiding telecommunications to evade detection. According to the Russian foreign ministry, the strike in which he was allegedly killed occurred at the end of May.

 Used as a human shield by Isis: "My family was blown pieces in the street"

The Russian authorities have not produced any proof since the initial claim was made. Washington DC said it could not corroborate the death and Western and Iraqi officials have been sceptical.

"His death has been reported so often that you have to be cautious till a formal [Isis] statement comes," a European security official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry appeared to backtrack on the initial claim, saying Baghdadi's death "could not be verified".

The Trump administration has also thrown cold water on the claims that two other senior Isis leaders and up to 300 foot soldiers were killed in Russian strikes around the same time as the alleged death of Baghdadi, noting "infirmities" in the reports.

A strike of that size and that claim that would have happened that long ago without any knowledge is something that made me curious, an official said.

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

However, if the report does prove to be true, it would be a huge blow to the extremist organisation, which is rapidly losing territory across both Syria and Iraq.

The US has also claimed that both Isis' grand mufti, or preacher, Turki Binali, and the head of its propaganda wing, Amaq Rayaan Mashal, have been killed in recent strikes.

Baghdadi gained international prominence when he declared the creation of Isis' so-called "caliphate" from Mosul's grand mosque after his forces swept across northern Iraq from Syria in the summer of 2014. He has not made a public appearance since.

On Wednesday night the 12th century al-Nuri mosque was blown up by militants wishing to deprive US-backed Iraqi coalition forces of claiming victory from the same spot the caliphate was created.

There are believed to be fewer than 300 militants left in Mosul's Old City, where the battle to defeat Isis is reaching its endgame after nine months of bloody fighting.

Across the border in Syria, the struggle to oust Isis from its de facto capital of Raqqa is in its early stages after US-backed Kurdish troops took back four neighbourhoods earlier this month.

The loss of both cities will effectively spell the end of Isis as a land-holding force, although observers expect the jihadi organisation to then mount a full-scale insurgency in both Syria and Iraq and to step up terror attacks around the world.
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The blowing up by Isis of the al-Nuri mosque in Mosul marks a decisive defeat for the caliphate declared by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in the same mosque three years ago. Isis will continue fighting as a guerrilla force, but it will be the end of a state once the size of Great Britain and fielding a military force more powerful than many members of the United Nations. Presumably Isis decided to destroy the ancient mosque and its famous minaret, a symbol of Mosul, to prevent the Iraqi security forces triumphantly raising the Iraqi flag over a place so closely associated with Isis.

The end of the short-lived caliphate will be underscored if the self-declared caliph is himself dead, killed by a Russian airstrike near Raqqa some three weeks ago. Oleg Syromolotov, the Russian deputy foreign minister, repeated today a claim made last week but with greater certainty, saying that fresh information showed that there was a high degree of probability that Baghdadi was dead, killed after a meeting he was attending was targeted by Russian aircraft.

Isis is losing its last and most important urban centres. Hundreds of its fighters still hold parts of the Old City of Mosul, where the narrow alleyways and close-packed housing are ideal terrain for its swiftly moving snipers and suicide bombers. But all the east side of Mosul, which is divided in two by the Tigris river, is now in the hands of the Iraqi government, as is most of the west side of the city apart from a small embattled enclave.

It has been an epic siege. The assault on Mosul started on 17 October last year when Iraqi ground forces, supported by the massive air power of the US-led coalition, began the operation. Iraqi and US generals expected heavy fighting on the outskirts of Mosul, but looked forward to a much quicker advance once its outer defences were breached. This had been the pattern when government forces recaptured Ramadi and Fallujah in Anbar province west of Baghdad in earlier offensives. Exactly the opposite happened: Isis adopted different and more effective tactics based on the fluid defence of built-up areas. Instead of defending fixed points to the last man, its snipers, mortar teams and suicide bombers driving vehicles packed with explosives kept moving their positions so they could not easily be located and destroyed by aircraft and artillery.

It took three months for Iraqi forces to capture the eastern part of the city and they were to find the battle even tougher in the west. By 29 March, they had lost 774 dead and 4,600 wounded since October according to a senior US officer. Some 3,500 Isis fighters are reported to have been killed in and around the city between October and May. The government casualties are even more serious than they appear because Iraqi battle-worthy combat troops are limited in number, being mainly concentrated in the counter-terrorism services (Golden Division), federal police and the emergency response division. The soldiers used to occupy captured territory are of far more dubious quality, often belonging to Shia militias or Hashd al-Shaabi.

At the start of the siege the UN reckoned that there were about 1.5 million civilians in Mosul and there are reported to be 100,000 still trapped in the Isis-held Old City. They are forbidden to leave by Isis whose gunmen shoot anybody trying to escape. Some 231 civilians were executed by Isis in recent weeks as they tried to go, according to the UN. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said separately that since the offensive started in October some 606,000 people have been displaced from Mosul, of whom 190,000 have returned. The level of destruction in west Mosul, going by aerial photographs, looks very high  as do civilian casualties because there is no way of separating Isis fighters from civilians who are living in the same houses.

In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty

Isis will have suffered a serious political and military defeat in Mosul, though fierce street fighting in the Old City could go on for months. But Isis will have held out against superior forces backed by the devastating firepower of planes overhead for over seven months, far longer than anybody expected. Furthermore, the group has withdrawn many of its veteran fighters and administrative personnel who can seek sanctuary in rural areas in Iraq and Syria which Isis still holds. The movement is famous for its cruelty and fanaticism, but it also has a high level of military experience and expertise. It will have foreseen inevitable defeat in Mosul and also in Raqqa, its de facto Syrian capital, and withdrawn forces to long-held strongholds in places like Hawaija, west of Kirkuk and in territory in Syria east of Deir Ezzor on the Euphrates and around Mayadeen.

Isis began to lose the war when, confident that its great victories in Iraq and Syria in 2014 had been divinely inspired, it declared war on the world. As a result it has a long list of enemies who are now closing in on it. In the second half of 2014, it turned on the Kurds in Iraq and Syria, thereby provoking US military intervention against Isis in both countries. Sunni states like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which once tolerated or covertly aided Salafi-jihadis, became more cautious.

 Mosul residents on Isis blowing up Grand al-Nuri Mosque

Though Baghdadi may be dead and surviving Isis forces are being driven into smaller and smaller enclaves in Iraq and Syria, the group will fight on. It can activate cells and sympathisers all over the world to commit high-profile atrocities guaranteed to dominate news agendas. Celebrations over Isiss defeat may be interrupted and apparently contradicted by its continuing ability to wreak havoc.

Isis may also draw solace from the growing divisions among its enemies, whose loose collaboration was previously underpinned by fear of the jihadis. As that fear diminishes, there is growing friction between the US and Russia, the US and Iran, Syrian Kurds and Turkey, and, further afield, the confrontation between Qatar, on one side, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, on the other. Isis has always been able to take root and grow from chaos and war.
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Isis has issued a decree banning its fighters from using social media amid rising paranoia over infiltration and tracking by foreign intelligence agencies.

A document from the groups administrative Delegated Committee claimed militants had been killed because of careless online activity, threatening questioning and accountability for anyone breaking the prohibition.

The enemies of the religion have taken various means in order to penetrate the ranks of the muwahhidin [monotheists] and to learn their secrets, read the notice addressed to all soldiers of the Islamic State.

Of these means are the social networking sites, as their widespread use among the soldiers of the Islamic State bears a great harm.

Isiss document claimed the sites were invented by the enemies of Allah  being monitored by them day and night, adding: How many a mujahid has been killed because of this!

How many a maqarr [headquarters] has been destroyed! As such, effective from the date of this notification, using social networking sites is entirely and completely forbidden.

Isiss Delegated Committee released a document addressed to all fighters banning social media use on 14 May 2017

The decree, published in Arabic and English, was dated 14 May and later distributed via the groups private channels on encrypted messaging apps.

Researchers at the Combating Terrorism Centre (CTC), based at the United States Military Academy in West Point, said Isis soldiers have unwittingly caused security breaches in several documented cases.

In June 2015, a militant posted a selfie online complete with geolocation data, causing his headquarters to be tracked by American intelligence and destroyed in an air strike.

Isis leaders have attempted to crack down on social media use by its rank-and-file members on several occasions dating back to September 2014, warning against updates and later prohibiting fighters from publishing statements on the terror groups behalf.

Combined with increased efforts by security services, social networks and internet providers to prevent the spread of extremist material, the internal crackdown appears to have largely destroyed Isis fighters public presence on networks including Twitter and Facebook.

Profiles were previously widespread among foreign recruits in particular, with British members Abu Rumaysah and Aqsa Mahmood among prolific propagandists glorifying life in Syria and encouraging Muslims to join the so-called Islamic State online.

In pictures: Mosul offensive Show all 40 1 /40 In pictures: Mosul offensive In pictures: Mosul offensive A doctor carries an Iraqi newborn baby at a hospital in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi girls play at a yard of a school in Mosul, Iraq July 18, 2017alal Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A woman on crutches who is a relative of men accused of being Islamic State militants is seen at a camp in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq July 15, 2017. Picture taken July 15, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A displaced girl, who fled from home carries a doll at Hamam al-Alil camp south of Mosul, Iraq July 13, 2017. Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi federal police members and civilians celebrate in the Old City of Mosul on 9 July 2017 after the government's announcement of the "liberation" of the embattled city. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said he was in "liberated" Mosul to congratulate "the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory" AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken on 9 July 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City. Iraq will announce imminently a final victory in the nearly nine-month offensive to retake Mosul from jihadists, a US general said Saturday, as celebrations broke out among police forces in the city. AFP In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of the Iraqi federal police raise the victory gesture as they ride on a humvee while advancing through the Old City of Mosul on 28 June 2017, as the offensive continues to retake the last district held by Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Smoke billows as Iraqi forces advance through the Old City of Mosul on 26 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district held by the Islamic State (IS) group. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi man wearing the green scarf of the Shi'ite faith kisses an Iraqi Army soldier on safely reaching the Iraqi forces position as Iraqi civilians flee the Old City of west Mosul where heavy fighting continues on 23 June 2017. Iraqi forces continue to encounter stiff resistance with improvised explosive devices, car bombs, heavy mortar fire and snipers hampering their advance. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A picture taken from the inside of an Iraqi forces armoured vehicle shows residents walking through a damaged street as troops advance towards Mosul's Old City on 18 June 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State (IS) group. Military commanders told AFP the assault had begun at dawn after overnight air strikes by the US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces. They said the jihadists were putting up fierce resistance. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi Army soldiers advance in a destroyed street after an Iraqi forces airstrike targeted an Islamic State sniper position 17 June 2017 in al-Shifa, the last district of west Mosul under Islamic State control. IS snipers, as well as car and suicide bomb attacks continue to hinder the Iraqi forces efforts to retake the final district. A series of airstrikes by Iraqi helicopter gunships attempted to hit multiple Islamic State sniper positions in al-Shifa. Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier frisks a displaced Iraqi man at a temporary camp in the compound of the closed Nineveh International Hotel in Mosul on 16 June 2017 which was recovered by Iraqi troops from Islamic State group fighters earlier in the year. A screening centre set up in the compound's fairgrounds sees a constant stream of Iraqis fleeing the battle for Mosul, awaiting their turn to be checked by the Iraqi forces who are searching for suspected Islamic State (IS) group members. The small fairground lies at the end of a pontoon bridge across the Tigris recently opened to civilians that is the only physical link between the two banks of the river. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis staying at the al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul on 11 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi government forces drive on a road leading to Tal Afar on 9 June 2017, during ongoing battles to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi policeman carries a poster bearing an image of Mosul's iconic leaning minaret, known as the "Hadba" (Hunchback), on 22 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqis stand in line to receive food aid in western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood on 7 June 2017, during ongoing battles as Iraqi forces try to retake the city from Islamic State (IS) group fighters. Living conditions in Mosul have again deteriorated since the start of the Iraqi government's offensive on the city in October in which they retook a large part of the west of the city. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced Iraqis carry lightbulbs and sacks as they evacuate from western Mosul's Zanjili neighbourhood as government forces advance in the area during their ongoing battle against Islamic State (IS) group fighters on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) flashes the victory gesture as he patrols in western Mosul's al-Islah al-Zaraye neighbourhood on 13 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi army soldiers from the 9th armoured division on a truck flash the sign of victory as they drive back from Mosul to the town of Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya) Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Members of Iraqi forces flash the sign of victory on their vehicle as they advance towards Hammam al-Alil area south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi security forces gestures in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi children, one flashing the sign of victory, greet Iraqi army's soldiers from the 9th armoured division in the area of Ali Rash, adjacent to the eastern Al-Intissar neighbourhood of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Peshmerga forces look at a tunnel used by Islamic State militants near the town of Bashiqa, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier takes a photograph with his phone as his comrade stands next to a detained man, whom the Iraqi army soldiers accused of being an Islamic State fighter, who was fleeing with his family in the Intisar disrict of eastern Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Iranian Kurdish female members of the Freedom Party of Kurdistan (PAK) hold a position in an area near the town of Bashiqa, some 25 kilometres north east of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families, who fled their homes in Hamam al-Alil, gather on the outskirts of their town Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Displaced people walk past a checkpoint near Qayara, south of Mosul, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi families who were displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces against jihadists of the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul, are seen gathering in an area near Qayyarah In pictures: Mosul offensive A boy who just fled Abu Jarbuah village is seen with his family at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi child eats a pomegranate upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive People who just fled Abu Jarbuah village sit as they eat at a Kurdish Peshmerga position between two front lines near Bashiqa, east of Mosul, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive A couple who just fled Abu Jarbuah village are escorted by Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers Reuters In pictures: Mosul offensive Women carry a boy over a wall as civilians flee their houses in the village of Tob Zawa, Iraq AP In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier and a civilian ride a motorbike as smoke rises behind them, on the road between Qayyarah and Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces, wearing a skull mask, waits at a checkpoint for people fleeing the main hub city of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive An Iraqi soldier sits at a checkpoint in an area near Qayyarah Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi men prepare food portions for Iraqi forces deployed in areas south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi forces celebrate upon the arrival of vehicles bringing food to them Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive Iraqi childen smoke cigarettes upon the arrival of Iraqi forces in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty In pictures: Mosul offensive A member of Iraqi forces distributes drinks to children in the village of Umm Mahahir, south of Mosul Getty

Analysts said the latest and most forceful decree was somewhat ironic given the powerful role of social media in recruitment, credited with drawing tens of thousands of foreign fighters into Isis, and coordinating terror attacks.

But it appears that fears over enemy infiltration, tracking and careless information sharing now outweigh the benefits for commanders losing thousands of fighters and swathes of territory around Mosul and Raqqa.

In an article for the CTC, Bryan Price and Muhammad al-Ubaydi said that although operational security was a concern for Isis, keeping members on message and stifling dissent and discontent was a core aim of the ban.

Recommended Isis losing ground in online war against hackers

Three days after it was issued, Isis followed up with a lengthy 12-page document addressed to all members of its so-called caliphate, responding to the groups Muslim critics and defectors.

The jihadi treatise  That Those Who Perish Would Perish Upon Proof and Those Who Live Would Live Upon Proof  was also featured in Isiss weekly Arabic language online newspaper, al-Naba, on 25 May.

As Muslim scholars and political leaders around the world unite to condemn Isis, it defended itself against both those who find it too extreme and others who believe it is not extreme enough.

Ordering absolute obedience from fighters, the Delegated Committee stated that even if Isis authorities command something that the soul dislikes, obeying them is obligatory, saying gossiping, insulting or criticising commanders in public or private only leads to evil.

The CTC analysts said that combined with the social media ban, the document suggests that the group is suffering from command and control and other related operational authority problems, and that the group views this issue not only as a strategic problem but potentially also a strategic vulnerability.

On Wednesday, an unofficial Isis media affiliate published a seven-page article full of conspiracy theories over alleged infiltration by outsiders attempting to divide supporters, while militants have been enraged by recent cyber attacks and the creation of fake propaganda magazines.

Harry Sarfos appearance in an Isis propaganda video issued in August 2015, where two prisoners were executed by militants

Isiss growing concern over fear and discontent within its ranks was evident in the latest issue of its Rumiyah propaganda magazine urging female supporters not to demoralise husbands and relatives.

It threatened exile and execution for anyone found to be scaremongering, including a photo of a defector who was interviewed by The Independent last year.

Harry Sarfo, who grew up in the UK and joined Isis in Syria in 2015, spoke from prison to denounce the un-Islamic groups brutality.

Dont let people brainwash your mind and destroy your soul, he said in a message to young people at risk of radicalisation.

This is not the path to paradise, it is the path to hell.

The CTC said it remains to be seen whether Isis decrees on communications would be obeyed, as the group faces annihilation in Mosul and battles to defend its de facto Syrian capital Raqqa.

Isis has long prided itself on its effective use of social media, and it has enjoyed the amplifying effects of thousands of its followers that extend the virtual reach of the groups message and image online, analysts concluded.

Will Isis soldiers comply with the new edict, or will this ban, coupled with new and heightened concerns over obedience, lead to a backlash and further internal rifts?
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By blowing up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, Isis has issued a "formal declaration of defeat," Iraq's Prime Minister has said.

Haider al-Abadi said the destruction was an admission the militants are losing the fight for Iraq's second largest city.

"Daesh's bombing of the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque is a formal declaration of their defeat," Mr al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for Isis.

Isis "terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Habda minaret", the Iraqi military said in a statement.

 Used as a human shield by Isis: "My family was blown pieces in the street"

The mosque was named after a noble who fought in the early crusades and had stood for more than 840 years.

The minaret, which leaned like Italy's Tower of Pisa, gave the landmark its popular name: al-Hadba, or the hunchback.

Also known as Mosul's Grand Mosque, it was where the Isis leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared a so-called Islamic caliphate in 2014 shortly after the militant group overran Mosul.

An Isis statement posted on the group's Amaq news service blamed the destruction on a US air strike, but the US-led coalition rejected the claim.

A spokesman said said the coalition was not carrying out air strikes in the area.

As our Iraqi security force [ISF] partners closed in on the al-Nouri mosque, Isis destroyed one of Mosul and Iraqs great treasures, said Major General Joseph Martin, commanding general of the US-led coalition fighting Isis.

This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organisation must be annihilated, said Major General Martin.

The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of Isis, and we continue to support our Iraqi partners as they bring these terrorists to justice. However, the battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the ISF with that objective in mind, he added.

Iraqi military leaders had privately said they wanted to liberate the mosque in time for Eid al-Fitr, a festival to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

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

Isis fighters initially attempted to destroy the minaret in July 2014. The militants said the structure contradicted their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, but Mosul residents converged on the area and formed a human chain to protect it.

The terror group has demolished dozens of historic and archaeological sites in and around Mosul, claiming they promoted idolatry.

The mosque sat on the southern edge of the Old City, the last Isis stronghold inside Mosul.

Iraqi forces launched a push into the Old City earlier this week, but have made slow progress as the last Isis fighters there are holed up with an estimated 100,000 civilians according to the United Nations.

Earlier this month Mosul residents reported Isis fighters began sealing off the area around the mosque. Residents said the militants ordered families living in the area to evacuate in preparation for a final stand.

The fight to retake Mosul was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 850,000 people.

The famous mosque is seen behind this crowd in Mosul (AP)

While Iraqi forces have experienced periods of swift gains, combat inside the city has been gruelling and deadly for both Iraqi forces and civilians.

The United Nations has warned Isis fighters are targeting children to prevent civilians from fleeing the city.

The UN children's agency said it has documented a number of cases in which Isis fighters killed the children of families trying to escape from neighbourhoods controlled by the militants.

"They are using children as a weapon of war to prevent people from fleeing," said Unicef's Iraq representative, Peter Hawkins. "This just highlights how indiscriminate and catastrophic this war is."

Additional reporting by agencies
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Strictly religious Jewish men who refuse to sit next to women, for fear of even inadvertent contact that could be considered immodest, are a growing phenomenon that has caused disruptions and flight delays around the world and prompted protests and social media campaigns. The pressure to switch seats can be particularly acute on El Al, Israels national airline. And the issue has become emblematic of a broader battle in Israel over religion and gender in public spaces.

The plaintiff in the lawsuit, Renee Rabinowitz, now 83, boarded El Al Flight 028, bound for Tel Aviv from Newark, New Jersey, in December 2015. She had settled into her aisle seat in the business-class section when the passenger with the window seat showed up: an Orthodox man who complained about sitting next to a woman. A flight attendant asked her to change seats to accommodate him, and she gave in reluctantly.

Rabinowitz, who escaped the Nazis in Europe as a child, said Wednesday that she was exhilarated by the verdict.

Rabinowitz was represented in court by the Israel Religious Action Center, the public and legal advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel, a liberal stream of Judaism.

This is a common story; it happens to many, Anat Hoffman, the director of the group, said of the pressure on women to change seats.

El Als lawyers argued in court that passengers often ask flight attendants to reseat them to be closer to a relative, or farther from a crying baby, or for many other reasons.

El Al denied that it discriminated against women. And the airline argued that the principle of taking religious sensibilities into consideration has been defended and recognised in Israeli courts. But the court found that asking people to move because of their gender violated Israels anti-discrimination codes.

The two sides in the case agreed on a judgement proposed by the judge, declaring that it is forbidden for a crew member to ask a passenger to change seats at the request of another passenger based on gender. El Al agreed to tell its cabin staff in writing about the prohibition within 45 days, and to provide training in how to deal with such situations within six months.

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Rabinowitz was awarded 6,500 shekels, or about $1,800, in compensation.

The New York Times
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Valentines Day 2018 will see the maiden flight of the longest ever non-stop route from Gatwick: a new link to Buenos Aires.

Norwegian, which has a busy long-haul network from the Sussex airport to the US, is now launching the first long-haul, low-cost flight from the UK to South America.

From 14 February, the airline will connect Gatwick with Pistarini airport, the main hub for Buenos Aires. Fares of under 600 return are widely available, though passengers will pay extra for luggage and meals.

The distance is 6,906 miles. The outbound flight is timed at almost 14 hours, the inbound at 13 hours.

Bjorn Kjos, chief executive of Norwegian, told The Independent:

Argentina is an under-served area. I think it has fantastic possibilities as a tourist destination.

The only direct competition is British Airways non-stop link from Heathrow to Buenos Aires. Test bookings made by The Independent show typical off-peak prices on BA of 944 return, including meals, drinks and 23kg of baggage.

Mr Kjos said: The fares down there are extremely high.

He said he was not worried about the prospect of British Airways reacting by launching a rival service from Gatwick.

If everyone goes down, the volume will increase dramatically. Im sure theres enough for everyone.

British Airways has been aggressively targeting Norwegian, setting up routes from Gatwick to Oakland in California and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, in direct competition with the budget airline.

You have to like competition, otherwise you shouldnt be in this game, said Norwegians CEO.

Norwegian is opening an Argentinian subsidiary to fly domestic and regional services, which will enable connections from the Gatwick service.
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Just when you thought the days of merrily stuffing your cabin bag with wine and oil from your holiday were well and truly over, one Italian airport has relaxed its strict liquids regulations  for customers buying local pesto.

Under Genoa airports new scheme, Il Pesto e Buono (pesto is good), the 100ml limit on liquids has been relaxed for passengers carrying pesto in their carry-ons  as long as they make a donation to local childrens charity, Flying Angels.

The suggested donation is at least 50 cents (44p) per item, paid at either the airport ticket office or the place of purchase. Passengers can then take either one pesto pot of up to 500g or two of 250g on board.

Recommended 9 incredible European cities that tourists overlook

To avoid any cheating, passengers are given Il pesto e buono stickers to put on their purchases. Only pesto pots with the stickers are allowed through security. The pesto is then checked with the same anti-explosive equipment as is used to check medicines and breast milk.

The scheme launched on 1 June, and in the first three weeks, more than 500 pots have been taken through security, raising over 500, according to the airport. "We consider it an amazing result", airport press officer Nur El Gawohary told The Independent.

Genoa is of course the birthplace of pesto  the combination of basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and oil is called pesto genovese  in Italian. The airport is at pains, on its website, to specify that the new scheme only applies to pesto genovese.

The scheme will surely be welcomed by passengers whove been repeatedly caught out by the rules on liquids.

Every year we were confiscating hundreds of pesto jars at security control, and throwing them away," El Gawohary says. "It was a waste of food and an annoyance for our passengers. So we started to think about how we could allow people travelling with hand baggage only to take pesto with them."

The airport worked with ENAC, Italys civil aviation authority, El Gawohary told The Independent, to find a solution which guarantees safety and promotes our excellent local cuisine. They chose pesto for two reasons: Firstly because jars of pesto were among the most commonly confiscated objects at airport security, and also because pesto is the most famous food product of Genoa - its one of the symbols of the city, every Genoese family has their own recipe, and its one of the most famous sauces in the world.

To allow tourists to take it home in their hand luggage, as well as allowing Ligurians to bring it to friends and family when they visit them, is a way of serving our clients, helping Flying Angels, and promoting our Ligurian cuisine.

Its true that you can buy pesto in the airport, but for the Genoese, traditional pesto  made at home or by your favourite company, has a special value. Every family has their own recipe, and to be able to take pesto made by your mother or grandmother as a gift is really something that we felt important.

The first people to thank us were Genoese kids studying abroad  lots of them in the UK. They always travel without checking a bag, so to be able to take their mammas pasta home to London and get their friends to taste it has been something they really appreciate.

Local pesto producers are also delighted by the move. Davide Faravelli of Baico Pesto Lab in the Cinque Terre region of Liguria, told The Independent, I think its a great opportunity for everyone  for us producers, wholl be able to sell our products more easily, and for our clients, who are finally able to take home a piece of our culinary tradition."

Faravelli started his company three years ago, but noticed that, with luggage weights vigorously enforced, tourists were reluctant to buy pesto. "Right from the start I came up against this difficulty with products that are considered 'liquid'," he says. "Luckily this wonderful news has arrived, without us putting any kind of pressure on the airport."

Favarelli  who also sells wine and oil in Vernazza  hopes the scheme might go further. I think itd be great to do the same for other products, as long as itd be scrupulously controlled, he said. There are no plans to do so, said El Gawohary: Guaranteeing security is our first objective. However, he was at pains to point out that the airport duty free stocks many local products.
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Could there be anything more ridiculous than hearing Maajid Nawaz, one of the founders of Quilliam  which boasts that it is the worlds first counter-extremist organisation  suggesting that extremists in the UK are trying to provoke civil war? He says that Isis has declared this as its aim  which is true  but why is Nawaz repeating it all again? Its good publicity for Isis, unfortunately. Its also good publicity for the Quilliam Foundation whose think tank  how I hate those words  is churning out this stuff.

Inevitably, the Grenfell fire  many of whose victims were Muslims  has become part of the terror story, which is just what a MailOnline report did last week. Had most of the fire victims been non-Muslims, I dont believe this bit of dodgy conflation would have been made. On the other hand, it could well be argued that Lady May might have met the victims if they had not been angry Muslims. And after the van attack in Finsbury Park, we had to endure Corbyns psychobabble about how we must reach out to the pain and stress of victims.

Im not sure how you reach out to stress  though Jeremy seems to think its about hugging people. In fact, responding to terror  of the Islamist, fascist or fiery variety  is a difficult one for political leaders, especially when one of them  the unsympathetic lady  may soon be out of a job and the other one is busy trying to create unity even if he hasnt been terribly successful in doing it in his own party.

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 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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 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In the past, all this seemed a bit easier. Churchills promenades through blitzed London  the occasional jeers didnt find their way into the newsreels  were comparatively easy. There werent many Muslims, for a start, and those that were, particularly Yemenis, were often crewing ships  and dying in them  in the Battle of the Atlantic. Everyone hated the Nazis (save for a few members of the Tory party). But you wont catch Jeremy Corbyn boasting on television about our famous island race. I think Thatcher was the last to come close to this  when the Falkland islanders were our kith and kin. Even Lady May wouldnt dare use that one round at the Grenfell flats.

So now they all talk about unity and values. In the Middle East, were always suspicious when a local dictator talks about unity  wahda in Arabic  because it usually means hes in trouble. Calls for national unity in Tunisia and Egypt preceded the fall of Ben Ali and Mubarak. Autocrats often try to cement this unity with stifling praise for their security forces who protect their nation from foreign plots. This has faint parallels with the UK today.

All politicians praise the police  whose failure to protect the public often becomes buried in applause for their courage  and Isis certainly fits the plots bit, although Cardiff hardly counts as foreign. Other parallels are troublingly closer to the mark. The countries which talk most about unity  President-Field Marshal al-Sissi in Egypt today, for example  are often those facing Islamist violence. Or nations which have substantial minorities of different faiths. Think Lebanon. Or Syria. Or Iraq. All three endured or are enduring civil wars of the kind which Mr Nawaz is waffling on about.

 Hundreds turn out for 'Day of Rage' protest after Grenfell disaster

The difference is that the inherent instability of Middle East states was caused by a number of historical factors, not least their colonial past. In this sense, we should be safe  since we were actually doing the colonising (albeit that some of the colonised then came to the UK). But what I noticed most about the fire was the vast racist social media hatred towards the victims  as soon as many turned out to have been Muslims.

Arab dictatorships close down the entire internet if it suits them, monitor all users or simply clap offenders into jail  especially if the ethnic hatred is injudiciously mixed with the mildest criticism of the local autocrat. The UK cant do that, because of all those values that Lady May keeps blathering about, although Yahoo executives at Sunnyvale, California should hang their heads in shame at the state of their readership after some of the filth that appeared in comments below the line on their web portal after the London fire.

Another faint parallel can be traced in official Arab government reactions to national tragedies  the collapse of an apartment block in Cairo, for example. An immediate investigation is set up by the dictator and public fury at the governments failings is invariably described as anger at the corruption of private businessmen who cut corners in public housing. This is intriguing, because while the anger of the survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire was clearly directed at the failure of the authorities to act on residents previous horrific warnings about fire hazards in the 24-storey block, the anger was largely explained by journalists as the victims frustration at not being able to trace relatives or friends or know the true figure of dead.

Yet the placards held up by the demonstrators did not ask for statistics. They asked for justice.

And justice, of course, is exactly what many Arab demonstrators were demanding in the Arab revolutions. Justice, needless to say, was not what the dictators intended them to have  nor did the West, which insisted on claiming that protestors wanted democracy. And in London, after the fire, one thing which, I suspect, irked those who demonstrated on the streets was that their original demands for fire-risk-free homes had been largely ignored in an environment in which the poor, the unemployed or Muslim refugees had long been vilified on social media  thus making their warnings unworthy of serious attention. This was the injustice they suffered from.

And injustice in the Middle East  by us and our satrap dictators and our sale of billions of dollars of weapons to them and our invasion of Iraq and our bombings  has helped to create Isis. It is justice  home and abroad  that Maajid Nawaz and his chums should be discussing. But I guess a UK civil war gets more hits right now.
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On Sunday, my sister Atalya Ben-Abba completed 110 days in military prison for refusing to serve in the IDF. Next week she will meet a military committee that will assess whether she deserves an exemption on grounds of conscientious objection.

Atalya was motivated to refuse mainly because of her exposure to the reality of a regime which deprives millions of Palestinians of their basic rights. But the statement she submitted to the conscience committee reveals a deeper and broader analysis of our militaristic society, one that is as relevant in the US as it is here in Israel. So far the media has reported on her criticism of the occupation  that's what most objectors have historically commented on  but Atalya has expanded the arena of critique.

According to Atalya's understanding, violence is a result of the inequality at the foundation of our society. An egalitarian society or community, she writes, would render military and police irrelevant.

A refusal to enlist in the army is understood by Atalya as one step of an endless struggle. The better we deconstruct the sources of oppression in society at large and within our interpersonal relations, the better we would understand them, in an infinite process of analysis and struggle.

The way and the goal are one, writes Atalya.

During the bi-weekly prison visits I'm allowed as a family member, Ive seen Atalya apply this outlook in her everyday life, especially in her conduct with other prisoners.

 Trump meets Netanyahu and talks of "unbreakable" US-Israel bond

The other prisoners are not dangerous sociopaths or TV stereotypes. Most of them come from marginalised communities. Most have been convicted of drug use or of defecting in order to provide for their families. As so many of these offences originate in poverty and alienation, they confirm Atalya's claim that without inequality, there will hardly be any crime.

When the other prisoners find out that I'm Atalya's brother, they greet me cordially. You have a wonderful sister  she always supports everyone.

Bar Or Rahmani from Yavne, who was released after sharing a cell with Atalya and another refusenik, wrote on Facebook: I'm an extreme rightist, but that the refuseniks are the most listening, moral, supportive girls I've ever met. In a phone conversation she told me that Atalya helped her in moments of crisis, and that although she hasn't completely changed her mind, she did help me to accept the other.

Prison Four in Tzrifin is hot and humid these days. The large military base is slowly being moved out of the expanding Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Dust from the construction sites rests on the chimneys of the obsolete British Mandate structures. Atalya spends most of her time working in the sewing workshop or improving her English by reading The Lord of the Rings.

 Trump: Israelis and Palestinians are 'reaching for peace'

All military prisons are destined to be demolished in 2017, and the prisoners will be moved to a new facility. We will soon find out whether the refuseniks will be forced to continue their legacy in the new prison.

Atalya is committed to the values of peace and equality in an uncompromising and inspiring way. She will continue to stand up for what she believes in, whether it is decided to keep her incarcerated or let her volunteer for civil service of her choice.

In many ways, the military committee that will assess her will actually determine the ethics of our society as a whole. Are we committed to the values of equality and mutual respect, or to unending war? As the Israeli government threatens to drag us into more carnage in Gaza, it is apparent that now more than ever, young people bear the responsibility of walking in Atalya's footsteps, and refusing to take part in the occupation and in its inevitable bloodshed.

Amitai Ben-Abba is an Israeli dissident and writer from Jerusalem
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I am the wife of a serving Metropolitan Police officer. My husband is a wonderful man who always wanted to be a police officer, even at a very early age. At the age of 22 he left home to attend Hendon police training for 20 weeks, followed by two years on job training with tests every three months. He worked hard, but he enjoyed his job. He loved being able to help people, even when he saw the worst things life could throw at you.

Over the years I have watched him become more and more disillusioned with the politics of his employment. The conditions the police are being told, not asked, to work in have deteriorated dramatically over the years. For instance, there used to be a canteen in every police station working 24 hours a day to cater for officers at any time. Then as belts started to tighten across the country as a whole the police had to do the same, shutting canteens in a lot of stations, then all but one station in the Met. Photographs started to appear on social media and newspapers showing officers having breakfast in everyday establishments with sarcastic comments about robberies going unsolved while they enjoy a cup of tea. This is just a minor detail in the grand scheme of cost-cutting.

It also disrupts family life. I know this is what he signed up for, but in recent years further cost-cutting has caused rest days to be cancelled with very little or no notice. Family plans are cancelled, friends are let down. You get too good at making excuses for not attending events.

Yesterday was the state opening of Parliament. Years ago I would have been so proud of my husband being asked to be part of this. Now Im a nervous wreck waiting for him to let me know hes OK, praying for a peaceful day in our capital city. His uniform, which once a reassurance, now makes him a target. Police officers fainted yesterday because they were unable to get a drink as it would have meant leaving the post and there was no support to make sure this didnt happen.

Next year my husband is retiring from the police having served 30 years. This was not the original plan. He was going to carry on until he was 60, now we are counting down the days. This makes me so sad. Sad because he doesnt love what he does now. Sad because I believe this is happening across all the emergency services across the country. Recent days have made the Firefighters in the Kensington area heroes. They always were, but it takes a tragedy like Grenfell to show how they risk their lives every day to help the public.

The reason I am writing this is when you meet a police officer please bear in mind they are probably there having received very little training (they learn on the street now), they get paid less than an office worker, they get verbally abused by the public and let down by their senior officers, the Police Federation and the Government. Try just saying thank you  I guarantee you will make their day.

Name and address supplied

Inequality in the UK is so obvious

So, the Queen opens Parliament and returns to Buckingham Palace, followed by her security detail in a separate car. Followed by the crown, in its own car and then, youve guessed it, yet another car for a sword. Meanwhile nurses go to food banks, people have nowhere to live etc. This country is sadly out of balance and we desperately need change.

D Leddy

Ottershaw

There is no point to Tory austerity

Ruling the Tory benefit cap unlawful, High Court judge Mr Justice Collins pointed out real misery is being caused to no good purpose.

Theresa Mays entire government in a nutshell.

Sasha Simic

London

We must find out who is accountable for the mistakes made at Grenfell

After the resignation of the chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council calls are growing, in a rather unfocused way, for politicians in the borough to resign.

This would clearly be appropriate, in due course, if any have made specific errors contributing to this tragedy. But I would suggest a further criterion for resignation, irrespective of where ultimate responsibility may lie for the disaster at Grenfell Tower. Any Kensington and Chelsea councillor who made excessive, doctrinaire and continuous points, championing the political virtue of cutting council tax in this richest of areas, rather than investing in key services and infrastructure, should consider their position, or have it considered for them.

Of course such an approach to accountability, if sharply focused, is transferable to the responsibilities and actions of Westminster politicians as well.

John Gemmell

Birmingham

A Brexit solution

May I offer a solution to the tangled mess that is Brexit, the EU and the island of Ireland?

Britain has done the dirty work in questioning the European project  with a very dramatic outcome which was not desired by many  but it was important that it was questioned. Now Ireland and Britain could collaborate in proposing a special joint-membership status with the EU as Large Island Nations. With our common language, shared history, cultural similarities and island geography this makes sense. As joint Large Island Members the border in Northern Ireland could be managed internally.

As part of the new membership deal Ireland and Britain could renegotiate with the EU on a number of fronts:

Fishing rights on the British and Irish coastlines. This would particularly help Irelands indigenous fishing industry on the western seaboard which has all but died due to the straightjacket of the EUs fishing rights. Immigration control (from non-EU countries) into Europe. A quota system is needed for refugees. No single country should disproportionately have to take the burden. The problems that had built up in Calais (for Britain) were very real. The EU must put in place budgetary measures to support countries where there is an inward flow of migration (within the EU) and an associated demand on social services.

A dignified solution can be found. Britain and the EU could hold their heads high after a fractious period in their relationship. No divorce (for now).

Alison Hackett

Dublin

We now know, a year later, why Brexit happened

Brexit: Anti-immigrant prejudice major factor in vote, study finds (News, 22 June).

Well Im blowed, whoda thunk it?

Eddie Dougall

Bury St Edmunds
According to the World Bank, Ireland remains an expensive location in which to enforce a business contract and is the sixth most costly in the OECD. Stock picture

Expectations of a Brexit boom for the Irish legal services industry have so far failed to materialise.

Although hundreds of solicitors based in England and Wales have signed up to practice in Ireland since the Brexit vote last year, it now appears few, if any, have set foot in Ireland since then.

And only one major international player, Pinsent Masons, has announced it will set up an office in Dublin, a move the law firm said it had been likely to make anyway.

Despite the current uncertainty, London remains the world's number one financial centre and the UK remains the second largest market for legal services globally behind the US.

A major factor underpinning this dominance is the number or international businesses choosing English law to govern their agreements. Around 80pc of all cases dealt with in London's Commercial Court involve at least one foreign party.

This legal services business is threatened by Brexit, with the real possibility it will become much more difficult and expensive to enforce judgments of the English courts in EU member states.

According to research conducted by the Bar Council of England and Wales, some international parties have already chosen not to issue proceedings in England, fearing they may not be able to get orders enforced elsewhere.

Read More

As yet there is no evidence of a trend towards these cases being taken in Ireland instead.

In theory, Ireland should be well placed to capitalise due to our use of English and the type of legal system we use.

According to the Bar Council analysis, the fact Ireland would be the only English-speaking common law jurisdiction fully integrated into the European legal order would help attract financial and other service industries to come here and increase the market for legal services.

However, there are also a number of factors in the negative column. These include the high cost of legal services in Ireland, the length of time court cases take, and the continuing struggles of the Court of Appeals to deal with backlogs.

In a Brexit analysis for the 'Parchment' magazine, Matthew Austin, a partner at Hayes Solicitors, said clients continue to be amazed at the length of time it takes to dispose of litigation in the High Court.

According to the World Bank, Ireland remains an expensive location in which to enforce a business contract and is the sixth most costly in the OECD.

The cost of enforcing a claim amounts to 26.9pc of the claim, compared to the OECD average of 22.1pc. It also takes considerably longer to enforce a contract in Ireland (650 days) than the OECD average (551 days).

Law Society director general Ken Murphy rejects the notion that Ireland is uncompetitive in terms of legal costs, pointing to higher costs in the UK.

He said more relevant stumbling blocks to attracting international business to Ireland are capacity problems such as the lack of availability of office space, houses and even school places. He also said court backlogs could be greatly and inexpensively tackled by appointing more judges.
In the fullness of time, June 23 2016 will become synonymous with other pivotal moments in the history of financial services. As we reach the first anniversary of the decision of our nearest neighbour to leave our European Union, there is a silver lining for our country in the need for a new financial services location for banks and asset managers requiring access to European markets.

While the silver lining has a cloud, this is arguably the single greatest opportunity for financial services growth in Ireland since the decision to establish the International Financial Service Centre in Dublin's Docklands.

Thirty years on, Ireland has gained an international reputation as a service provider for the global asset management industry. The seeds have been nourished over time. The collaboratively drafted IFS2020 strategy and notably the establishment of a Financial Services Minister have propelled Ireland into the spotlight of global media. This has been helped by the presence of leaders in financial services and the diaspora of Ireland occupying senior management roles peppered across the globe.

The tireless representation by IDA Ireland, the Irish Funds team and Eoghan Murphy and his department has showcased Ireland's preparedness and capability for the opportunity that beckons.

The Funds Business employs more than 14,000 people and has spread its capability outside the embryo of Dublin's Docklands across 15 counties. We have an all-island capability and capacity to bring solutions to the table for migrating firms. Equally, the Central Bank of Ireland has an internationally revered reputation in the regulation of funds and asset management.

This message has been repeatedly reinforced to the Cork Financial Services Forum in many of the bi-lateral meetings that it has had with banks and asset managers in the UK recently. Comments made by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) earlier this month favourably align to the endeavours of our Central Bank in finalising CP86 Fund Management Company Effectiveness. The confluence of opportunity from Brexit and expectation of CP86 make Ireland the compelling solution. The deployment of our regional capacity can make it the preferred financial services location in Europe.

Within the environs of Cork there are more than half a million people and more than 35,000 graduates from Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and University College Cork (UCC), with a diversity of students from over 100 different countries.

Cork International Airport now has nine flights a day to London as well as connections to 50 other European destinations including Zurich, Amsterdam and Paris, and direct transatlantic flights to Boston starting next month, with direct flights to New York planned for 2018.

From a real estate perspective, the availability of office space is augmented by several 4G developments, with 1 million sq ft of commercial property coming on stream in the next 18 months.

The existence of the Tier 1 data line from Cork offers the lowest latency connectivity between Europe and the US. A second line to France is due for completion in the next two years. This will permit all data to be transmitted direct to the US and Continental Europe without the current routing via the UK. In a post-Brexit, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regime, from May 2018, this will be a key differentiator.

The coupling of this data transmission solution with a data 'EPark' currently under construction offers a legitimate infrastructural alternative for a clearing house, an exchange or similar big data organisation.

As Ireland's second city-region and the second-largest economic hub in the country, Cork has a clear track record of attracting overseas investments. It is home to over 150 FDI companies with over 20 financial services firms.

From an education perspective, Ireland has the highest level of third-level graduates in the OECD area.To satiate the local demands of financial services in Cork, the third-level colleges have collaboratively tailored their syllabuses to deliver in excess of 1,000 business graduates a year. This is bolstered by four research centres in UCC specifically dedicated to financial services. From a RegTech perspective, the Governance Risk & Compliance Technology Centre is centred in Cork city, funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA, contributing to regulatory forums internationally.

Cork Financial Services Forum, run under the aegis of Cork Chamber of Commerce, is a coalition of partners in the asset management arena, partners in the fund administration business, middle office and back office outsourcing and across the audit, tax and consultancy firms, all of whom are enabled by two adaptable educational institutions.

Our collegiality is in addition to the existing essential ingredients that enable a new entrant to be commercially active, locally participative. It offers an opportunity to ambitiously advance their operations with like-minded, yet competitive peers, in Ireland's second centre for financial services.

The opportunity for Ireland from Brexit is present and pressing. The opportunity to succeed depends critically on maximising the country's capacity as an all-Ireland solution. Cork is committed to making a significant contribution and is confident of its opportunity to be successful.

Eoin Motherway chairs Cork Financial Services Forum
An upgrade to a section of pipeline with Scotland will allow for flows to continue in the event of a technical problem. Stock image

UPGRADES to a pipeline between Scotland and Ireland will enhance security of gas supply post Brexit.

Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Gas Networks Ireland, Claire Madden, said the network operator was planning for a hard Brexit but that "anything short of that can be managed".

Gas comprises some 27pc of total energy supply, and is used to produce more than 40pc of electricity. The Corrib Gas field off Co Mayo supplies around 50pc of total needs, but from 2025, 85pc of gas will be imported from the UK through three pipelines orginating at Moffat in Scotland - two linking directly with the Republic, and a third to Northern Ireland.

"It's fair to say that hard, soft or otherwise, we're looking at it closely but there isn't an overriding concern," Ms Madden said.

"Our working assumption is it will be hard Brexit, and anything short of that can be managed. There are issues in relation to security of supply."

She said an upgrade to a section of pipeline with Scotland allow for flows to continue in the event of a technical problem.

There were "potential" issues if new EU regulations were introduced which the UK or Northern Ireland might not implement, which could require Ireland to seek derogations.

One possible scenario involves a requirement where member states must ensure that in the event of a disruption to the single piece of gas infrastructure, that the remaining infrastructure can satisfy total gas demand on a day of "exceptionally high demand".

"We have complied with that on a regional basis," she said. "The test has been if Ireland and the UK lost that, would there be sufficient gas to meet demand? There is, at a regional level. At an individual level we wouldn't meet that standard given the flow from the UK is our largest infeed.

"We comply with European requirements currently, and the basis on which we have compiled is on a regional basis. There may be some issues with compliance but we believe we can get around those."

A worst-case scenario would involve the imposition of tariffs, but these were unlikely to arise, she added.
UK Brexit Secretary David Davis began talks with the EU earlier this week, but the British governments stance may still be a major threat to firms here. Photo: Bloomberg

A hard Brexit will cost Ireland 200m a year and deprive us of 49,000 jobs over a decade, a stark assessment from a leading think-tank warns.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) said the country's economic output would be reduced, with export companies worst hit.

The ESRI also warned that it was a "conservative estimate" of the damage wrought on Ireland by Britain's decision to leave the EU.

Ireland is expected to be affected by Brexit mainly through the loss of trade with the UK, the ESRI said.

A hard Brexit would cut the wriggle room for public spending, or the so-called "fiscal space", by 600m over three years. It would reduce the number of jobs that could be created in the economy by 49,000 over a decade.

ESRI head of economic analysis Professor Kieran McQuinn said: "You could argue there are other effects that we aren't fully capturing, more micro-related issues".

These include "the impact on supply chains, the impact on consumers if we start to see higher prices in retail outlets here because of the hard Border issue".

He added: "So you could argue, if anything, that the effect we are presenting is a lower bound of what essentially could transpire."

Expand Close Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn in the House of Lords yesterday. Picture: PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn in the House of Lords yesterday. Picture: PA

Brexit is already impacting businesses in the export sector. Goods exports plummeted by almost half-a-billion euro last year, on the back of the Brexit-induced weakness in the pound.

Tourist numbers from Britain to Ireland have also fallen.

But air passenger traffic between Ireland and Britain in 2017 is on course to breach the record of 12.8 million set just last year, despite last June's Brexit vote and a slump in sterling that has hit visitor numbers from the UK.

Competition and the stronger euro have given a boost to Irish flyers heading to Britain, however.

An analysis of traffic by the Irish Independent shows that between January and April this year, slightly more than four million passengers travelled between Ireland and Britain, compared to 3.93 million during the same period of 2016.

If the trend continues, the 12.8 million flyers recorded between Ireland and the UK last year could be exceeded this year.

The Dublin-London city pair remains the busiest for air passenger traffic between Ireland and Britain, and one of the busiest city pairs in the world.

Figures from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show 4.76 million trips were made by passengers between Dublin and five London airports last year. Dublin-Heathrow was the busiest route, followed by Gatwick.

Elsewhere, it has emerged that US banking giant JPMorgan Chase is scouting for additional office space in Dublin but also weighing up property in Amsterdam, according to financial newswire Bloomberg.

America's largest bank may lease or acquire about 9,300 square metres of extra office space in Dublin, two people said, asking not to be identified because the plans are private.

That is enough for about 770 workers, based on typical modern office use.
CONSTRUCTION of a 1bn subsea power line between Ireland and France is crucial to protecting the State's energy supply in the event of a hard Brexit, says EirGrid's boss.

National grid operator EirGrid plans to seek permission to build the Celtic Interconnector by 2019, with potential for up to half the cost to be met from the EU.

Ireland operates a single electricity market (SEM) with Northern Ireland, and the island is hugely reliant on imported fuels to power the economy.

Gas and electricity are imported through a series of interconnectors with the UK, but the Celtic link would be the first connecting Ireland directly with the European mainland.

EirGrid CEO Fintan Slye said that a worst-case scenario was that tariffs were imposed on electricity imports, adding that the subsea link would provide an alternative source of power.

"If tariffs were imposed on electricity, that would require a fairly fundamental rethink.

"The UK has huge levels of interconnection with mainland European countries and rely on them heavily.

"If you're looking at an acrimonious Brexit, where there's some kind of tit for tat and tariffs end up being imposed, it would be in the absence of a deal, more like a trade war, and I don't think that's going to happen."

There are currently two interconnectors between Ireland and the UK - the Moyle and the East West - and two more are planned.

They are the controversial North South Interconnector between Meath and Tyrone, and the Celtic link which EirGrid has worked on for the last number of years with its French counterpart, RTE (Reseau de transport d'electricite).

It would involve construction of a 540km cable under the sea, capable of importing and exporting 700MW of power - the equivalent use of 450,000 homes.

Costed at around 1bn, it is eligible for up to 50pc EU funding. Some 20m has been spent to date, with costs split equally between Ireland and France. EirGrid expects to seek regulatory approval next year, followed by an application for EU funding in 2019.

"It improves security of supply, increases competition because you have access to one of the biggest EU markets which will provide downward pressure (on prices) and we can export excess wind," Mr Slye said.

"Post the vote (on Brexit), it becomes strategically more important as it would be the only energy link between Ireland and the EU."

Both the Irish and British governments have indicated that the SEM, underpinned by bilateral legislation, will remain in place.

From next year, it will form part of the European Internal Energy Market, which allows for further integration with EU markets.

Brexit is unlikely to have an impact on the SEM, but if the UK or Northern Ireland decided not to transpose EU energy rules or make other changes which could be seen as giving generators here a competitive advantage, it could lead to problems.

"The question could arise over time if Northern Ireland decided not to comply with some evolution of EU policy in a particular area, for example environmental regulations, where they potentially extended the life of coal or oil-fired power plants, where under EU legislation there is a directive looking for them to close," Mr Slye said.

"It's a risk that if you look 10 years post Brexit, has policy diverged to a point where it's not a level playing field?

"But in any event, the market has always existed across two jurisdictions with different rules.

"Over the 10 years plus that the SEM has been there, neither government has done anything which has disturbed it so there's no reason to believe that the day Brexit happens that one will do it."

Separately, Ireland may be forced to seek an exemption from EU rules which oblige member states to hold the equivalent of 90 days stock of oil, or some 1.6 million tonnes, to cover any interruption in supply.

The oil stocks must be maintained within the EU at all times, meaning that when the UK leaves after Brexit, the stocks held there will not be counted.

Some 20pc of total stocks are held in the UK, with 57pc in Ireland and the remainder in Denmark, Sweden and Spain.

Energy Minister Denis Naughten has said his "strong preference" is that back-up supplies remain in the UK and are counted as part of the 90-day emergency stocks obligation.
Last Thursday morning, over breakfast in CBRE's boardroom, Mary Mitchell-O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Education, with special responsibility for Higher Education, and Laurence McCabe, a consultant with CBRE, were demonstrating the subtleties of receiving business cards from Japanese businesspeople.

"Breakfast with Laurence" is a monthly fixture at CBRE where property guru Laurence McCabe passes on the benefit of 60 years of experience in international property markets, to the younger staff at CBRE.

Minister Mitchell-O'Connor had heard about this initiative over a business lunch in Dail Eireann with CBRE director Florence Stanley. The discussion was about the loss of experience and education that occurs when people retire. The Minister accepted an invitation to attend the breakfast, and I was invited along to observe.

You'll find Laurence McCabe at his desk in CBRE every morning from six o'clock. He turns 77 this year and he's not prepared to waste any time in traffic. Most importantly, the early start allows him to get stuck into dealing with e-mails which have come in overnight, particularly from the US, as he continues his involvement in international property deals.

McCabe told us that "my brief at CBRE is to float, to maximise my global contacts, delegate work, mentor the staff and most importantly, to make sure clients are 100 percent happy with every job."

Laurence McCabe entered the estate agency in 1957 and joined FIABCI (The International Real Estate Federation) in 1963, as he realised at a young age that "without international connections, I would become parochial." "I decided to think globally and act locally. After almost 60 years of building relationships, there's hardly a city in the world, where I can't pick up the phone to a contact." he said. In 1970, he was elected President of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute.

There were questions and contributions from the attendees, as the session developed, and both McCabe and Minister Mitchell-O'Connor gave strong advice on the importance of developing networking skills. "There is no substitute for personal contact" McCabe advised us. "Every client is different" he added, "find out their needs and their problems. Let them speak, and don't interrupt."

The greatest change that McCabe has seen over his career is the development of technology, but he stresses that "technology is important, but it's only an aid. In older days, there was no technology, but deals were still done. Eye to eye is the best technique. I never made a dollar, looking at my computer screen - I make dollars by getting out and meeting people." he told us. In residential property he sees big changes and believes that "soon, you won't need an agent." "For commercial property though, there will be no substitute for eyeballing those you're dealing with."

His biggest mistake, he told us, was setting up in business on his own, in his late thirties. "I realised that I'm a team person - I had to get back to working with other people."

McCabe's advice is very focused on "people skills" and he told us that he based his career on the acronym "H.A.I.L.," standing for "Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity and Love (in the caring for your client sense.) Another maxim mentioned is that one should "turn clients into friends, but not friends into clients." When quizzed on the latter part of that he explained that "business can go wrong, and you will lose friendships."

The Minister contributed enthusiastically throughout and told us that networking is a "must" in so many walks of life, not only as a key to business success but also as important to positive mental health as we age." She said she thought that it was fantastic that Laurence McCabe was sharing his experiences in an informal setting. "There are over half a million, 65-plus year olds in Ireland, with a huge amount of experience that is underutilised. But there is lots more like the "Breakfast with Laurence" initiative that can be done...I'd like to be a fly on the wall at another one of these some day" she added.

From my viewpoint, the event was excellent, and it underlined how valuable the wisdom of older colleagues is and CBRE has been clever in structuring these monthly sessions, to make sure that this knowledge is passed on.

And, the difference between average people and superstars? According to Laurence McCabe, "it's a talent for handling personal relationships."
A 21-year-old man has admitted to setting fire to a large hay barn at Pallaskenry Agricultural College in the early hours of September 24, 2014.

The Limerick Leader reports that at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, Seamus McCarthy, aged 21, with an address at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale pleaded guilty to a single charge of arson.
ONE of the largest livestock farms in the country was grossly over supplied with antibiotics and other prescription only medication by a Crossmolina-based pharmacists, a sitting of Castlebar District Court heard yesterday (Tuesday).

Daragh Quinn of Quinns Chemist, Bridge Street, Crossmolina, Co Mayo admitted to 34 breaches of the European Communities Animal Remedies regulations following the supply of medication to a farm in Co Galway.

The court heard that the 34 charges were brought against Mr Quinn in his capacity as a chemist and director of Quinn Chemists and against the company, Quinn Chemists Limited. Ms Cliona Boland, counsel for the Department of Agriculture who brought the prosecution explained the defendant was in breach of regulation 28 which is the supply of animal remedies without a valid prescription; regulation 48 which is to utter an altered document and falsely endorse a document; and regulation 43 which is to falsely endorse a prescription.

The court heard that the antibiotics were supplied to farmer Richard Bourns of Lisbeg Farms, Eyrecourt, Co Galway, which is one of the largest farms in Connacht with up to 1,000 head of cattle and 2,500 sheep.

Mr Louis Riordan, a Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture told Judge Mary Devins that on September 23, 2015, department officials inspected Lisbeg Farms and found a large quantity of antibiotics and formed the view there was a gross oversupply of antibiotics.

The antibiotics came from Quinns Chemist in Crossmolina and Mr Riordan visited the premises on September 29, 2015. On inspecting Mr Quinns files and comparing them with the antibiotics found on the farm, Mr Riordan said there was an oversupply of medication sent to the farm.

Mr Quinn would receive a prescription from the farm and Mr Riordan said he would dispense medication in excess of what was required. When asked by Ms Boland, how this was illegal, Mr Riordan replied that every prescription has an expiry date and some of the prescriptions were dispensed when they had expired.

Giving an example of Mr Quinns practice, Mr Riordan explained that on one occasion he dispensed a total of 26 bottles of a certain antibiotic over a period of time despite the prescription being for six bottles. There were no repeat orders with any of the prescriptions he said.

Between January 1, 2015 and September 21, 2015, he said Mr Quinn received 9,280.50 for prescribed antibiotics, 7,466.50 for prescription only medication and 10,260 for vaccines which did not require a prescription from Lisbeg Farms.

In his evidence, Mr Riordan said there was serious misuse of antibiotics on the farm and added there seemed to be little examination of animals by vets.

The overuse of antibiotics, Mr Riordan said was a problem as it can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to them and increase the spread of superbugs. He said they can also make a sick animals appear healthier than it is and could also be used to potentially increase the growth of livestock. He said the practice employed on Lisbeg Farms, paints a very sad picture.

Admission

While Mr Quinn admitted to the charges, he said he provided veterinarian prescriptions for farms around Ireland and there was no problems. When explaining the discrepancies regarding the prescriptions, he said he would receive a phone call from the farm requesting an order.

After preparing the order, he would a place it in a basket for sending but stressed he never sent the product until the prescription arrived. He said he never sent prescription only medicine without a prescription.

He said the different dates on his records would be for the day he prepared the order and the day the medicine was dispensed. He explained he had a similar method when preparing an order for a nursing home as it saves time.

When Mr Eoin Garavan, counsel for Mr Quinn put it to Mr Riordan that this could have occurred, he replied that he found it extremely unlikely. However he admitted the Department had no other evidence against Mr Quinn on the matter supply without a prescription.

Mr Quinn added that his premises had been inspected by Department of Agriculture officials on a previous occasion and his practices were never queried before this. He said he admitted making mistakes but was not trying to hide anything and felt his detailed accounts could lead to my downfall.

The court heard that Mr Quinn no longer provides prescription only medication to Mr Bourns and was phasing out of veterinary pharmacy. He said the repercussions for an error were too great for a small pharmacists to deal with and felt he was a victim of circumstance.

Although Mr Quinn pleaded guilty, Judge Devins felt it would be difficult to find him guilty on some of the charges against him based on the evidence she heard. She adjourned the closing submissions until September 12 in Ballina District Court.
Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Alison Cowzer from East Coast Bake who was an Entrepreneur Category Winner, Louise Foody from Kingspan who was a Business Leaders Category Winner and Grainne Quinn from Perrigo who was a Business Leaders Category Winner. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017

The sixth annual WXN Leadership Summit recognising women in business took place at Dublin's Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday.

The event celebrates the 25 most powerful business women in Ireland from across the business spectrum in everything from agri-food, to social enterpise and multinational pharmaceuticals.

Sherry Stephens , the CEO and owner of the WXN Network kicked the event off with a rallying cry-cajoling attendees to get out of their comfort zone in the workplace. She said that women need to grab the initiative if they are to progress to the levels which they aspire to.

"You have to want it. You have to desire it. You'll never be 100pc ready...so ask for that promotion, ask for that wage increase."

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Ciara Fitzpatrick and Amanda Kirk both from Enterprise Ireland . Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left, Claire Conway from BNY Mellon and Karen Goodliffe from HerMoney. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was Emma Egan from William Fry Solicitors. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 / Facebook

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Whatsapp Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Ciara Fitzpatrick and Amanda Kirk both from Enterprise Ireland . Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017

A panel discussion chaired by Marguerite Sayers of ESB Networks heard that Ireland needs to invest heavily in infrastructure in the years ahead if the country is to insulate itself from potential external shocks.

Rosaleen Burke, Multi-site vice president of Boston Scientific, said it was a relief for Ireland that Donald Trump had been "ineffective" in his bid to reform US tax codes for multinationals. She said that the strength of the country's educational offering was a key strength that was recognised internationally. All of the panellists were in agreement that nurturing talent in specific areas important to the economy from second level onwards is vital if the country is to continue to attract large businesses from abroad in the future.

Catherine Duffy, partner and chairman of A&L Goodbody, said that parish pump politics in Ireland could threaten the long-term benefit of infrastructure investments. "Politicians tend to think of where the next vote is coming from. That is something that is a problem and we need to look at the bigger picture," she said.

Catherine Moroney, Head of Business Banking at AIB, was effusive in her praise for the IDA for the manner in which the State body has attracted companies to Ireland. "They have developed a really strong ecosystem and are the envy of the US and other countries in the EU."

Ms Moroney said that the ecosystem which allows businesses to avail of Ireland's talented workforce, its low tax rate and Governmental support provides an ideal package for businesses looking to locate here.

She added that investment in infrastructure could act as a bulwark against possible future downturns.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Cecelia Joyce from Arthur Cox and Laura Martinez from ESB. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was Siobhan Early from NTMA. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Olga Kondratyeva from SMA Nutrition, Aoileann Banks from Google and Daria Schoina from Allianz. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left, Natasha Bevan from CPL Resources Plc. and Siobhan Early from NTMA. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017 / Facebook

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Whatsapp Attending the WXN Leadership Summit at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was from left Cecelia Joyce from Arthur Cox and Laura Martinez from ESB. Pic Steve Humphreys 22nd June 2017

"Economic downturns will come. But the infrastructure will have to cope. You can't build infrastructure that is totally recession proof, but what you can do is optimise the outcomes for when they do occur," Ms Moroney stated.
Air passenger traffic between Ireland and the UK in 2017 is on course to breach a record of 12.8 million set just last year, despite last June's Brexit vote and a slump in sterling that has hit visitor numbers from the UK.

Competition and the stronger euro have given a boost to Irish flyers heading to Britain, however.

An analysis of traffic by the Irish Independent shows that between January and April this year, slightly more than four million passengers travelled between Ireland and the UK, compared to 3.93 million during the first four months of 2016.

If the trend continues, the 12.8 million flyers recorded between Ireland and the UK last year could be exceeded this year.

The Dublin-London city pair remains the busiest for air passenger traffic between Ireland and the UK, and one of the busiest city pairs in the world.

Figures from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show 4.76m trips were made by passengers between Dublin and five London airports last year. Dublin-Heathrow was the busiest route, followed by Gatwick.

In January this year, the number of passengers flying between Dublin and Heathrow was up 5pc on January 2016, at 120,500. Passenger traffic between Dublin and Gatwick soared 20pc in January to 108,000.

Although there were declines in traffic between Dublin and Heathrow and Stansted, numbers to and from Gatwick rose almost 17pc in February to 111,000. In March, year-on-year numbers were again higher at Heathrow and Gatwick, but slipped again at Stansted. April saw a 13pc increase in passenger numbers, to 158,077, between Dublin and Heathrow; a 7pc increase on Dublin-Gatwick to 108,666; and unchanged at Stansted, at 73,719.

Prior to 2016, the previous record was set in 2008, when 12.3 million passengers flew between the two countries. Passenger numbers plunged after the crash.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary has warned that unless an aviation agreement is reached between the UK and the EU by the end of next year there might even be no services between the UK and the EU for weeks after Brexit actually happens.

John Higgins, chief commercial officer with Dublin-based Avolon, the world's third-largest aircraft lessor, told the Irish Independent that he believed agreement would be reached.

"The airlines are right to highlight this as a potential risk," he said. "It's these things that are tangible for people where Brexit becomes real. I'm inclined to believe that people will be rational and that the UK will ultimately solve it with a solution that works."
The list of what ails Uber is long and has grown longer in virtual lockstep with the tenure of the ride-hailing application's founder, Travis Kalanick.

His departure as CEO amid pressure from other shareholders in the company ends the first leg of Uber's journey from startup to 60bn billion enterprise to, eventually, public company.

That the private firm was able to jettison its controlling shareholder suggests a small, but welcome, modicum of market discipline in startup world.

Uber's woes are not all Kalanick's doing. Its original conceit was to offer an asset-light solution to hailing taxis: Uber provides a handy GPS and payments application, drivers bear all the costs and liabilities of transportation, and Uber takes a fee. To beat back pesky livery and taxi regulations, Uber helpfully picked up the tab for drivers' infractions. Now that municipalities have either loosened the rules, levelling the playing field for Uber and its competitors, or simply clamped down, the arbitrage trick is up.

A nasty fight in which Kalanick berated a driver bemoaning the cost he had incurred in acquiring his vehicle showed that Uber's practice of heaping liabilities on its freelancing workers was also reaching its limits. On top of these headwinds, however, Kalanick generated a few of his own.

A frat-like culture led to a probe into charges of sexual harassment and unprofessional behaviour. Senior executives departed.

So did TPG boss, Ryanair chairman and Uber board member David Bonderman, after an ill-judged joke that more women on the board means "more talking". Kalanick had planned a leave of absence, but it appears that wasn't enough for top shareholders including Benchmark Capital.

Kalanick's willingness to step back disrupts the tech-sector model of founders wielding executive power, aided by super-voting shares and cadres of boardroom allies. It also sets a positive example that might one day help a Snap or Facebook through bad times.

The question is what he does next. If its controlling shareholder simply drives from the back seat, the company will look even less suited to public life. From the outside, though, Uber is now on a better course. Kalanick's departure comes after a lengthy investigation led by former US Attorney General Eric Holder.

Uber hired Holder to look into its culture and workplace practices after a female former employee publicly accused the company of what she described as brazen sexual harassment.
Facebook's Stephen Deadman says apppointing a data privacy officer based in Dublin is a key hire as it seeks to engage with the Irish regulator. Picture: Adrian Weckler

Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) dramatically raises the stakes for companies doing business within the EU. Aside from potential fines of up to 20m or 4pc of annual turnover, the whole way that customer data is dealt with has to be rethought.

It's likely that no company feels this more acutely than Facebook, the social media giant with a permanent public focus on its data privacy record.

According to the tech firm's global deputy chief privacy officer, Stephen Deadman, Facebook is revamping much of what it's doing to get ready for next May's legal deadline.

This includes the hiring of a Dublin-based data protection officer and new ways to design data privacy elements attached to Facebook's products.

The GDPR allows for fines of up to 4pc of a company's annual revenue. In an adverse finding against a company of Facebook's size, that could run into hundreds of millions. Is Deadman worried about the scale of the enforcement regime?

"The fines are bigger, sure," he says. "But the stakes have been high for us for a long time. Fines are only one part of the piece. Reputation and trust are absolutely critical. Trust is really a bigger motivator for us in getting it right." One thing that big US tech companies sometimes refer to is the 'collaborative' relationship they enjoy with the Irish data protection regulator. They say they can approach the office run by Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon to seek clarification on issues without it counting against them in a strictly adversarial fashion.

Does Deadman hope to see that continue after the GDPR comes into full effect?

"I don't think it's going to change," he says. "A lot of research suggests that fines do not produce the best outcomes. It's often collaboration. Leadership from regulators is a far more effective way of producing better outcomes. What Helen's office has witnessed in the last year is a massive expansion in resources and this recognises that office's role as the de facto digital regulator for Europe based on the number of tech companies based here.

"Understanding companies like Facebook, which are large and complex, requires a lot of engagement. That's definitely been a strength of Helen's office for us. But we also have to invest in resources so that we can engage at the level that her office would demand. So that means having a DPO based in Dublin with access to all the right resources in the company. It's a key hire for us."

Deadman says that this person, to be hired in the coming months, will be a senior position reporting to a committee ultimately overseen by Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg.

"It's partially to ensure that the Irish data protection commissioner has someone she can go to," he says. "We now have hundreds looking at privacy from all functions of the company, engineers, researchers, legal and policy and security people. We'll be bolstering that team and investing huge amounts of energy in improving the program."

Facebook recently announced its intention to expand its facilities in Dublin with a new Docklands building that can accommodate 800 more workers. Some of those new staff will deal with the new responsibilities the GDPR brings. However, the company faces regulatory investigations across Europe, not just in Ireland, even if the new data law places an emphasis on Ireland as Facebook's primary regulatory base. In recent months, Facebook has had regulatory kerfuffles with authorities in France, Belgium, Holland and Italy, some leading to fines. Does Deadman think that the GDPR concentrates the company's data privacy obligations in Ireland?

"Well, the regulation makes things a bit clearer with a one-stop shop, which we think is a good thing," he says. "That mechanism doesn't exclude regulators around Europe raising issues and they can raise those issues with the lead authority, which for us is here in Ireland. That will continue."

Rather than remaining reactive, though, Deadman says that Facebook is trying to get ahead of issues with a new design approach to its data privacy structure. A series of developer and designer events (called 'Design Jam') have been organised around Europe to focus on improving issues such as transparency and data privacy visualisations for Facebook's users.

"Millions of people currently work in collaborative environments which they call a jam," he says. "It's a service design methodology and it's well understood in design communities. At the moment we try and solve these problems with lawyers and regulators. So when it comes to transparency, trust and control, the consumer is left feeling fairly frustrated because what they see is not something that's necessarily been designed for them, but was created in a very legalistic and regulatory environment. We want to break that open. We've brought together hundreds of experts to tackle the problem.

"A central part is how to give our users a better degree of control over their data and transparency."

So what will this mean for how Facebook users will see GDPR in their services?

"I would expect there to be changes of various things, both at the back end and the front end," says Deadman. "The user process will start with the designers. There will be contrasts. People who use Facebook want it to be quick and simple, they don't want things that are long and legalistic. Lawyers and regulators are pretty bad at this."
Japanese investment bank Daiwa has confirmed that it has settled on Frankfurt as the location for its new EU subsidiary in a move that is likely to see a number of London staff relocated to Germany.

Daiwa Securities Group confirmed on Thursday that it is making a license application to German regulator Bafin, which is expected to be submitted by year-end.

This means its Frankfurt subsidiary will be up and running after 2017, but before Britain officially leaves the bloc in March 2019.

A translation of the group's press release said: "Daiwa Securities Group, Inc. announced today that it has decided to establish a new subsidiary in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) and will make a license application to the German regulator accordingly."

"This arrangement will ensure that Daiwa can continue to service its clients in EU (Europe Union) after the United Kingdom leaves the EU."

The Press Association understands that the Frankfurt operation is expected to start with less than a hundred employees, staffed by a mix of local hires and transfers from other locations including London and Japan.

Daiwa has around 450 employees across Europe, most of which are based in London - which will remain its regional headquarters.

The Japanese firm said in January that it had been working with consultants and was considering both Frankfurt and Dublin as locations for a new subsidiary, before settling on the German city which is widely expected to be the main beneficiary of a London banking exodus.
McDonald's has launched its long-awaited home delivery trial in Europe after teaming up with Uber's takeaway service across parts of the UK.

The fast food giant is offering its McDelivery service through UberEats, with orders available from 22 locations across London and another 10 restaurants in Leeds and Nottingham.

It comes after similar tie-ups with Uber in the US, while McDonald's already delivers in China and Singapore.

Customers will be able to order food through the UberEats app, which then uses Uber couriers to deliver the food.

McDelivery is available on breakfast, lunch and dinner menus from 7am to 2am, although customers must live within 1.5 miles of restaurants in the trial.

Claude Abi-Gerges, a McDonald's franchisee who owns and operates five of the London restaurants taking part in the trial, said the service would bring customers a new level of convenience.

It's the next chapter in how we get freshly made, great-tasting food to our customers in a way that suits them and fits around their busy lives, he added.

McDonald's said restaurant teams would be monitoring the trial closely to see what worked and what did not.

Mathieu Proust, general manager of UberEats, said: We're excited to be working with McDonald's to begin delivery of their food for the first time in the UK.

Our technology means people can get the food they want with the speed and reliability they've come to expect from Uber.

The launch comes after KFC started home deliveries across 30 restaurants in Greater London via the Just Eat platform earlier this year.

Recent figures show home deliveries of ready-to-eat food grew 10 times faster than the eating out market last year.

The delivery sector jumped almost 10 per cent to 599 million visits in Britain last year, while total visits out to restaurants and other dining venues rose by just 1 per cent, according to analysts NPD Group.
Ghostbuster fans will remember cute baby Oscar from the 1989 sequel who was played by Henry 'Hank' Deutschendorf and his twin brother Will.

News has emerged that Hank, who was just 28, passed away after a battle with schizoaffective disorder.

His brother, who worked alongside him running a martial arts academy in San Diego, made the announcement on the Brain & Behaviour Research Foundation's Hank's Hope for a Cure fundraising website.

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my twin brother, Hank," he wrote.

"On Wednesday, June 14th, 2017, Henry John Deutschendorf II lost his battle with schizoaffective disorder. Many people do not know much about Hank. Some knew him as Baby Oscar in Ghostbusters 2 or John Denvers nephew. Others knew him as a brother, son, martial artist, teacher, uncle, or friend.

"What people do not know about Hank was that he suffered from schizoaffective disorder. It is a chronic mental health condition which is a combination of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He experienced hallucinations, delusions, depression, and mania. It is a very severe mental illness that usually requires a lifetime of treatment.

Expand Close Hank and Will Deutschendorf / Facebook

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Hank was diagnosed in August of 2008. If you knew Hank before his diagnosis, you knew a young man who was upbeat, healthy, witty, kind, outgoing, and was always ready to stand up for people. Medication curbed the delusions but it did not stop the voices. The side effects of the medication took a toll on Hank. He felt like a zombie, lost his personality, gained weight quickly, slept for twelve hours a day, and had to use all of his willpower just to lift his hand to drink a cup of water. My brother was left with a bandaid for a gunshot wound."

He continued, "I will remember him as my best friend, my partner, my brother, and the bravest man I have ever known" and asked people to support the fundraising effort.

Anyone affected by the issues raised can contact Samaritans at 116 123 or email joe@samaritans.org or www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Gay Pride Week picnic at Merrion Square (1980). Photo by Thomas A OShea c/o of Tonie Walsh of Irish Queer Archive

Gay Pride Week picnic at Merrion Square (1980). Photo by Gareth Miller c/o of Tonie Walsh of Irish Queer Archive

Marchers unfurl a huge rainbow flag at the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington (AP)

Its the only day of the year that drag queens, flamenco dancers and super-heroes outnumber commuters or tourists on Dublins OConnell Street.

Following a packed week of events, ranging from glitter parties to art shows, Dublins annual Pride Parade will storm through the city this Saturday in a flurry of colour and chaos.

Famed for its extravagant displays and high-energy atmosphere, Pride is a feast for the eyes, as well as an earnest expression of love, respect and progression from the LGBTQ community and their allies.

Pride wasnt always the party of the year, however. At its inception, it was an old-fashioned protest.

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The beginnings of the movement date back to 1969, when a riot broke out at Stonewall Inn, a gay club in downtown Manhattan. Police had been known to occasionally raid the venue, but on the night in question patrons fought back.

A protest broke out, with Police and members of the LGBT community locking horns for the rest of the week.

A year later, the first official Pride event, then referred to as Gay Pride, took place in New York. Officially called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, protesters walked from Sixth Avenue to Greenwich Village, commemorating the Stonewall riots.

Fred Sargeant, a man who attended the actual event, wrote a first person account of the march in 2010, noting that there were "no floats, no music, no boys in briefs." Instead, they held signs and banners, and chanted Say it clear, say it loud. Gay is good, gay is proud.

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Four years later, the first inklings of LGBT protest appeared in Ireland. On June 27 1974, a gay rights public demo was held outside the Department of Justice, when eight people protested anti-gay laws.

The movement took a few years to find its feet however , and was strengthened by the establishment of Irelands first ever LGBT community centre, the Hirschfield Centre.

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By this time the resources were finally becoming available to host a proper week of events, Dublins Gay Pride Week.

Organised by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation, the highlight of the event was the release of 2,000 pink balloons at St Stephens Green. A year later, in 1980, 20 gay men and women walked around Dublins city centre giving out pink carnations, then a symbol of gay liberation, as well as informational leaflets explaining the origins of the Stonewall riots.

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It is worth noting that homosexuality was still technically a criminal offence.

Week-long events followed in the preceding years, such as all-night discos, public protests and sun-soaked picnics, with the festival slowly morphing into what it is today.

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Homesexulaity was decriminalised in 1993 and just two years ago, gay marriage became legal in Ireland by overwhelming public consensus.

This weekend Dublin prepares to celebrate the biggest day in the Pride calendar, when multicolour flags will line the streets in anticipation of the annual Pride Parade.

While it is easy to understand the shift from protest to party, I hope Pride 2017 retains some of the movements original intention and integrity.

Though great progress has been made in recent decades with regards LGBTQ acceptance, equality has not been granted to all. The situation in Chechnya serves as a grim reminder that while we wave flags and don drag this Saturday, scores are still being persecuted for their sexuality.

When reports of Chechnyan concentration camps emerged earlier this year, the world was reminded, with a jolt, that the liberties celebrated year on year were hard-won and are not yet ubiquitous.

When asked about the existence of the torture camps, a spokesperson for the Chechnyan leader, Ramzan Kadyrov said:

You cannot detain and persecute people who simply do not exist in the republic. If there were such people in Chechnya, the law-enforcement organs wouldnt need to have anything to do with them because their relatives would send them somewhere from which there is no returning."

A Chechnyan human rights official echoed the same sentiments, saying: In our Chechen society, any person who respects our traditions and culture will hunt down this kind of person without any help from authorities, and do everything to make sure that this kind of person does not exist in our society.

While the party nature of Pride is one of its greatest aspects, it must not overshadow the traditions noble roots. Protest in the community is needed now more than ever.

The bizarre comments and frankly upsetting details emerging from the once-Russian state must act as a reminder that some great things have been achieved, with more left to do.

Im hoping for both party and protest in equal measure this Pride weekend.


Malak Thawley, who died in Holles Street Maternity Hospital last May, pictured with her husband Alan

The grief-stricken husband of a woman who died during a simple operation in the National Maternity Hospital in Holles St has spoken of his "unbearable suffering".

Alan Thawley revealed his ongoing anguish after an inquest returned a verdict of medical misadventure in the death of Malak Thawley (34) a year ago.

Mr Thawley who was unable to attend the inquest due to his level of mental distress said he is a "sad and lonely widower" who had endured unbearable suffering since his wifes death.

"It is utterly devastating how much a single event can destroy a person," he said in a statement, read outside the coroners court by his solicitor Caoimhe Haughey.

My mind and focus are so concentrated on the day itself that I have not lived a single minute of my life since it happened.

There is no present moment, he said.

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He paid tribute to his legal team led by Ms Haughey who have supported him since the tragedy.

Earlier coroner Dr Myra Cullinane delivered a verdict of medical misadventure after hearing two days of evidence from medical and nursing staff from Holles St and St Vincents Hospital.

Ms Thawley who was about to undergo a low-risk operation for ectopic pregnancy on Sunday, May 8 last died after one her main blood vessels was accidentally injured.

Ms Thawley, who was seven weeks pregnant was living in Blackrock with her American husband Alan while he was working in Dublin.

Questions were raised at the inquest about how soon the accident was identified and treated.

Questions also emerged about how blood supplies were delivered to the theatre. However, senior staff said there was no delay.

A number of changes have been made to practice in the hospital since the tragedy and only senior consultants now perform this kind of surgery.

Dr David Crosby, a specialist registrar who did the keyhole surgery on the patient said he was trained in the procedure and had fifteen such operations without independent supervision.

Not long after the surgery beginning at 4.38pm an unexpected bleeding emerged.He was unclear if it was due to ruptured ectopic pregnancy or an injury to a blood vessel.

He called the senior obstetrician who was on call and at 5.35pm Dr Mary Barry, a vascular surgeon at St Vincents identified the kind of injury involved.

A catalogue of incidents were recalled by witnesses. Additional surgical equipment including vascular clamps had to be obtained from St Vincents Hospital.

A nurse told how she bleeped the laboratory three times for blood supplies and got no answer. A junior said blood pressure equipment could not give an accurate reading.

The theatre had reduced staff due to it being a Sunday although more nurses were deployed once the emergency was alerted. Dr Matthew O Tuathail who was working in the hospital emergency department as a junior doctor said he was asked if he would like to observe the surgery.

When an emergency protocol following haemorrhage was triggered he was asked to find ice. The hospital did not have supplies of ice and he went to a nearby pub for supplies.

The hospital had previous drills on how to respond to an obstetric haemorrhage but not this kind of emergency.

Speaking after the inquest Nicholas Kearns, the deputy chairman of the board of Holles St said: "Our thoughts are very much with Mr Alan Thawley on this difficult day. We acknowledge the terrible loss he has suffered and the pain and grief he has endured since the death of his wife while in our care.

"Once again we take the opportunity to unreservedly apologise for the shortcomings in our care that led to Malaks death. From the outset we have fully accepted our liability in this case. Mr Thawley has suffered a most devastating loss.

"We have conducted a robust internal review which began the day after Mrs Thawleys death. We know that nothing can bring Malak back. However we are determined to continue to implement all that we have learned from this investigation in our clinical practice."
Frank Donaghy (71) is charged along with six others of the false imprisonment of then Tanaiste Joan Burton

The trial of six men accused of falsely imprisoning the former Tanaiste Joan Burton has heard that a peaceful protester is charged with an offence that could potentially result in a life sentence.

Solidarity TD Paul Murphy (34) and five other men have pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and her adviser Karen OConnell by restricting their personal liberty without consent at Fortunestown Road, Jobstown, Tallaght on November 15, 2014.

In his closing arguments to the jury Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Frank Donaghy (71), who only got involved in the protest when he spotted the gathering after going to get petrol, said the man didn't deserve to be labelled a criminal for his actions that day.

Mr Dwyer said it was unfair that his client had been sitting through a lengthy trial facing a charge of false imprisonment which could potentially result in a life sentence.

It is completely unfair to say that he should take responsibility for anyone else's actions. He just joined the protest because he felt he was standing up for himself, his wife, his child and the community and the reward he gets is to indict him with a crime which is up there with rape, murder and robbery.

All he is doing is holding a banner walking up the road, with some old dears from Tallaght, Mr Dwyer said, before he added that it was an injustice that this would constitute a false imprisonment.

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He added that Superintendent Daniel Flavin agreed during the trial that carrying a banner is the essence of peaceful protest.

Mr Dwyer told the jury that the charges laid against Mr Donaghy were ludicrous, unfair and wrong and suggested that if he were to be charged with anything because of his behaviour that day it should be a public order offence that could be dealt with by his local district court.

If your grandfather did as he did, he is just as likely to find himself in the same position as Frank Donaghy, Mr Dwyer said, before he added that if the jury acquitted his client it would be delivering justice for yourself, your family and future generations.

It would be an injustice, contrary to our notions of liberty and democracy that he should be convicted of false imprisonment. He is just an ordinary man. It is absolutely disgraceful the way the State have treated him. He was a labourer, he bled, sweated and toiled. He is entitled in his retirement to sit down by a politician's car, within reason, and he is entitled to hold a banner and slow down the progression of a politician.

Counsel for another accused Scott Masterson (34) said that it would be unfair to simply lump her client, who was peacefully protesting, into a situation with others who were engaged in acts of violence and extraordinary abuse and insult.

Roisin Lacey SC, defending Masterson said her client's mere presence at the protest was not enough to hang him with guilt.

She said it was a spontaneous, unplanned protest and it was manifestly clear that Mr Masterson was not involved in organising people on the day.

He was not encouraging others in violence, nor was he directing others present to do anything like that, Ms Lacey continued, adding that Mr Masterson was not commanding or influencing others.

She suggested that any woman, like herself or members of the jury would find it abhorrent to be called a bitch, cunt or slut. But this was not Mr Masterson.

He was not armed as others who were armed with missiles. None of this can be laid at the door of Mr Masterson. He has nothing in his hand, not armed with anything to incite fear, Ms Lacey said, before she added that it wasn't her client's motive to be there to be violent.

She said it was accepted during the trial that people at an event such as this protest at Jobstown could be there for different motives.

There can be a hijacking of what is intended to be a peaceful protest. It is accepted that people could be there with ulterior motives.

Counsel also criticised the behaviour of the gardai when she said her client was arrested during a dawn raid on his home while he was making school lunches for his four and nine-year-old daughters.

She said the girls, who were present at the time, were very distressed to witness their father being handcuffed.

Why was he handcuffed? Ms Lacey asked the jury after referring to previous garda evidence that people are usually handcuffed for their own safety and that of others present.

Was he going to stab himself with the butter knife he was using to make the sandwiches. Was he a flight risk? Was he going to grab the lunch boxes and survive on cheese strings? Ms Lacey asked.

She said being treated like this in front of his children, Mr Masterson was unjustifiably treated as a violent criminal.

Ms Lacey suggested that this behaviour of the gardai towards her client was indicative of the force's actions throughout the case, Is it cracking a nut with a sledge hammer? Is it all over the top?

She said the peaceful protesters on the day didn't want this political treachery to go unchecked.

We should be grateful to people like Mr Masterson, who have taken part in peaceful protest, to stand up for all our beliefs peacefully and within the law, Ms Lacey said.

Counsel suggested that when her client's daughters look back on the morning of their father's arrest they may be able to put aside their distress and see someone with political principles who was prepared to stand up.

Is he to be condemned for that? I think not, and I urge you not to, Ms Lacey said.

Paul Murphy of Kingswood Heights, Tallaght; Kieran Mahon of Bolbrook Grove, Tallaght; Michael Murphy of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, Dublin; Frank Donaghy of Alpine Rise, Tallaght; Michael Banks (46) of Brookview Green, Tallaght and Scott Masterson of Carrigmore Drive, Tallaght have all denied the charges.

The trial continues before Judge Melanie Greally.
A nurse caring for Malak Thawley told how the young woman nervously grasped her hand before undergoing surgery and asked her to pray for her.

Mrs Thawley (34), who was about to undergo a low-risk operation for ectopic pregnancy in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, died four hours later after one of her main blood vessels was accidentally injured.

The tragic events of a sunny Sunday on May 8 last year unfolded as an inquest into her death opened in Dublin yesterday. It heard of a lack of blood supplies and how one junior doctor had to go to a nearby pub to fetch ice when a haemorrhage occurred.

Mrs Thawley, who was seven weeks pregnant, was living in Blackrock with her American husband Alan while he was working in Dublin.

Nurse Auri Tavsisora revealed that Mrs Thawley "held my hand very tightly and asked me to pray for her".

She recalled: "I said Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for her."

Heartbroken Mr Thawley, who is described as "emotionally fragile" and "in a state of anxiety" by his solicitor Caoimhe Haughey, was advised by a psychiatrist not to attend the inquest.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, who was given Mr Thawley's statement for consideration before the proceedings, said she was very moved by it but in its current format it is "not part of my inquiry".

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Simon Mills, SC for Holles Street, said aspects of the statement "bordered on the outrageous" and were not relevant to the issues before the inquest.

Dr David Crosby, a specialist registrar who performed the keyhole surgery, said he was trained in the procedure and had 15 such operations without independent supervision.

Not long after the surgery beginning at 4.38pm unexpected bleeding emerged. He was unclear if it was due to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or an injury to a blood vessel. He called the senior obstetrician who was on call and at 5.35pm Dr Mary Barry, a vascular surgeon at St Vincent's, identified the kind of injury involved.

A catalogue of incidents was recalled by witnesses. Additional surgical equipment, including vascular clamps, had to be obtained from St Vincent's and the Blackrock Clinic with a Garda escort.

A nurse told how she bleeped the laboratory three times for blood supplies and got no answer. Four units were used from the theatre fridge, but more was needed. A junior doctor said blood pressure equipment could not give an accurate reading.

The theatre had reduced staff due to it being a Sunday, although more nurses were deployed once the emergency was alerted. Dr Matthew O Tuathail, who was working in the hospital emergency department as junior doctor, said he was asked if he would like to observe the surgery.

When an emergency protocol following haemorrhage was triggered he was asked to find ice. The hospital did not have supplies of ice and he went to a nearby pub for supplies.

The hospital had previous drills on how to respond to an obstetric haemorrhage but not this kind of emergency.

The coroner repeatedly questioned witnesses on who was co-ordinating the response and who was the line manager.

The inquest continues today.
Rapist Keith Hearne has been moved to the Midlands Prison

Violent rapist Keith Hearne was quickly moved from Mountjoy to the Midlands Prison on Monday over fears that he would be attacked by other inmates.

Hearne (28) was jailed for 12 years for the rape and false imprisonment of Dominique Meehan (24) at a gaming convention in a west Dublin Hotel in 2015.

The Tallaght man locked the door of a conference room in the hotel where he had cornered his victim, bound her hands with his tie and raped her.

When she screamed, he told her he had a knife in his bag and would use it if she wasn't quiet.

His bag, containing a "rape kit" of a prop knife, handcuffs, condoms, a mask and "sado-masochistic" items, was later found at the scene, the Central Criminal Court heard.

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Ms Meehan, who waived her right to anonymity after Hearne was convicted, was only saved when another person forced their way into the room at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown when they heard the disturbance inside.

She has since said she feared Hearne would kill her.

Hearne, now known as Prisoner 107512, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of falsely imprisoning the gaming enthusiast.

After sentencing, Hearne was brought to Mountjoy Prison to be processed into the jail system.

It is usual for prisoners to spend their first night in the Dublin jail, but in Hearne's case he was transferred straight to the Midlands.

"He was a high probability target for an attack by another prisoner or prisoners so it was best to move him," a source told the Irish Independent.

"The Midlands is more geared to sex offenders, as is Arbour Hill, so it is less problematic to imprison them there, and they would be under less risk of violence."
Leaving Certificate higher level music students would have been happy that all questions on the composing paper were in the major key, said teacher Susan McCormick.

Overall, Ms McCormick, of the Institute of Education, Dublin said it was a fair and manageable paper.

She said Question One, the melody question, had an upbeat question which was to be expected, although the length of the upbeat may have thrown some students.

The question was very similar to one that came up in 2014, so if students had studied their past papers theyd be fine. .

Ms McCormick described Question Five, harmony, was very straightforward, in both chord choice and baseline, with the exception of Bar 14, which posed a challenge to find a suitable cord progression.
An "increasing lack of predictability" with the Leaving Certificate higher level economics paper in recent years continues, according to Mairead O'Sullivan of the Business Studies Teachers Association (BSTAI).

Ms O'Sullivan, a teacher at Glenstal Abbey, Co Limerick, said all in all it was a "balanced, but challenging" paper.

Students who were depending on certain sections or questions would have been disappointed, as the paper demanded knowledge of the entire course, she said. Candidates also needed "a solid understanding of current affairs".

According to Ms O'Sullivan, students may have been thrown by what did not appear on the paper as opposed to what did: "Students who had become accustomed to a fourth microeconomics question may have been disappointed by its absence. Strong students would have missed elasticity and other calculation-style questions, for example the national income tabular question." She also commented on the "third-level texture" of many questions, which appeared to be forging a pathway towards the proposed new curriculum.

Candidates sitting Design and Communication Graphics, at both higher and ordinary level, would have been "relatively happy with fair and well balanced papers", according to Michael Horan, of the Association of Secondary Teachers' Ireland (ASTI).

Mr Horan, who teaches at St Brigid's, Killarney, described higher level as "challenging". He said diligent students would have been rewarded, particularly in Section B, Question B where they had to do a perspective view of a display box and then draw a one-piece surface development of the front surfaces.

The ordinary level paper, where the tasks included designing a main stage for Glastonbury Music Festival, was "very approachable".
The Leaving Certificate exams finish on Friday and the HPAT results will follow soon afterwards.

CAO applicants to medicine also have to sit HPAT, which assesses skills such as reasoning, problem-solving and the ability to understand the thoughts, behaviour and/or intentions of people.

A successful applicant must achieve high CAO points and a very good result in the HPAT. It is possible to achieve the maximum 625 CAO points and not get a place in medicine, if the applicant has not done well enough in HPAT.

It is impossible to predict what combination of HPAT scores and CAO points will secure entry to medicine this year: it varies from year to year anyway, and the changes being introduced this year to the Leaving Cert grading system and CAO points scale presents a further challenge.

However, when the HPAT results arrive, it may be clear to some that they will not receive an offer, irrespective of what they achieve in their Leaving Cert. These candidates now need to explore other options and consider changes to their CAO choices.

The CAO website provides information that may be of some assistance. After receiving a HPAT score, applicants can try to get a rough idea of how many CAO points they will need by checking out the entry to medicine document in the student resource section of CAO.ie. This provides a good indication of how many CAO points were required by applicants who achieved the same HPAT score last year.

It is important not to panic. Even if an offer seems unlikely, nobody knows exactly what the cut-off for medicine will be in August. If there is any possibility of receiving an offer, no matter how unlikely, applicants should consider leaving at least a couple of medicine courses on the CAO form.

It would be very hard on any student to miss out on an offer because they removed all medicine courses from their application. Applicants often do better in their Leaving Cert than they had expected and, in any event, points for medicine can go down, as well as up.

If an applicant needs to make changes to their CAO form, they should consider degree programmes that they will enjoy and could use as a foundation for a fulfilling career, if medicine is never possible for them in the future.

Anyone who is disappointed in relation to an application for undergraduate medicine should bear in mind that there are graduate-entry routes, which are the preferred avenue for many aspiring doctors.

Graduate entry programmes will accept a 2:1 degree in any discipline and research indicates that students who come from arts backgrounds perform just as well in their studies as their classmates with science or engineering backgrounds.

Other options include studying in Europe, the UK, and retaking HPAT or the Leaving Cert. Medicinepoland.ie will hold an open/interview day on August 31 at Polish House, Fitzwilliam Place Dublin.

Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin

Important dates

Tomorrow

Open Day - Portobello Institute

Reply to offers by this date for decisions received by June 8 - UCAS

June 24

Open Days - MU and Pontifical University, Maynooth

June 26

Change of Mind Online Info Session - DCU

Live Snapchat Q&A (5 days) - IT Sligo

Drop in Day - MU (Kilkenny Campus)

Innovation Summer Camp (5 Days) - UCD

June 27

Assistive Technology Summer Camp (3 days) - Athlone IT

Open Day - DCU

School of Hospitality Mgmt & Tourism Live Q&A - DIT n CAO live Q&A - Galway-Mayo IT

Nursing & Midwifery Summer Camp (2 days) - UL

June 28

Info Session - IT Sligo

Facebook Live Q&A - NUI Galway

CAO Live Q&A (3 days) - Waterford IT

June 29

CAO Live Q&A Galway - Mayo IT

June 30

Final date for application - Entered into Clearing after this date - UCASJuly 1

Change of Mind - CAO

Q. My daughter is doing the Leaving Cert. Can you tell me what happens if she is offered a CAO place and rejects it?

A. If she is offered a place she can always choose to reject it. However, she may not receive another offer.

The CAO will look at her order of preferences and her exam results in August and offer her a place on the course highest on her list for which she has all the entry requirements, if she also achieves the minimum cut-off points. If she rejects this, she will only receive another offer if a place on a course she has listed higher becomes available during a future round.

Future round places only become available when other candidates reject their offer and it is not guaranteed. For this reason, I would suggest that she only list courses on the CAO that she would consider accepting. Not all courses need to be a perfect fit but it is helpful to ask the question 'if this was the only offer I receive, would I be happy to do this course and can I see how it will help me achieve my career goals?' Common reasons students turn down offers can include: accepting an offer from a non-CAO course, deciding not to go to college or making a big mistake in completing the order of preference in the CAO.

I hope this helps. We will have lots of more detailed information about accepting courses in the Irish Independent supplements on the day of the Leaving Cert results and the days of the CAO offers.
Belief: Mary Daly, principal of St Dominic's Secondary School, says the trips to the Gaeltacht have a positive influence on students. Photo: Doug O'Connor

An education: Clodagh Ni Shuilleabhain, Sinead Ni Fhoreis, Orla Ni Sheoige and Caoimhe Ni Nuallain enjoy tea and scones at the house of bean an ti Aine Ruiseal. Photo: Dominick walsh

The stampede westwards has begun as thousands of students head for the Gaeltacht this summer. From Glenn Cholm Cille in Donegal to Baile an Fheirtearaigh on the Dingle Peninsula, the lilting sound of city slickers temporarily morphing into Gaeilgeoirs is a most unusual, and uniquely Irish, cacophony.

In West Kerry alone at least 2,500 students are already experiencing three weeks of linguistic and cultural immersion this summer.

And with oral Irish now making up 40pc of the overall mark in the Leaving Certificate, there's a very practical reason why parents fork out nearly 1,000 for these programmes.

Many see the trip to the Gaeltacht as a rite of passage. They view it as more than just a crash course in Irish but as a forceful gust of native culture too.

Expand Close Belief: Mary Daly, principal of St Dominic's Secondary School, says the trips to the Gaeltacht have a positive influence on students. Photo: Doug O'Connor / Facebook

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But the Gaeltacht is changing and while attendance figures on language programmes continue to climb, their future as hubs of the Irish language appear to be somewhat jeopardised.

Last year's census recorded an 11pc decline in the number of daily speakers of Irish outside the education system within the past five years in Gaeltacht areas.

It's now estimated that just over one fifth of people living in Gaeltacht areas speak Irish on a daily basis.

With language use falling in the general Gaeltacht community, can it still claim to be the best place for the native tongue to be taught?

Mary Daly, principal of St. Dominic's Secondary School, Ballyfermot, Dublin believes the Gaeltacht is about much more than just the language, that its positive influence on students is remarkable and that, regardless of the quality of pop-up Gaeltacht programmes in urban settings, nothing beats the real thing.

She told the Irish Independent: "The impact the Gaeltacht has on our students is immense.

"Remember many of them have had no experience of the country outside of Dublin so it's eye-opening.

"It creates in them a better understanding of what the Irish language means and enables them to understand how it can be used on a day-to-day basis, it's not something they just read in a book.

"Through events such as ceilis and outdoor activities they become immersed in the language. Each year about 10 to 20 of our students go to the Gaeltacht, mainly to Galway or Kilcar in Donegal. We're a DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity) school and we subsidise those trips.

"Each year the most difficult part is getting them to come home again because they enjoy the courses so much."

Despite the census results, the number of students heading for the Gaeltacht, to areas such as An Rinn in Waterford or Rath Chairn in Meath, has been increasing in recent years.

And schools often make their own arrangements to visit the Gaeltacht for a few days during term time.

"The colleges have had to find extra beds in recent years," explains Maria Nic Dhonnacha, spokeswoman for CONCOS - the umbrella body for Gaeltacht colleges across Ireland.

She says new mna ti have been brought into the system to accommodate students.

In West Kerry the increase has been felt most noticeably as Padraig Ferriter, principal of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Dingle, and director with the West Kerry Development Co-operative.

"What you have here is impossible to replicate in a non-Gaeltacht area. It's a combination of things with the language at the heart.

"It's about culture, song, geography, archaeology and a level of experience built up over decades.

"We have mna ti who've been hosting students for 40 years. They've seen it all and are so skilled at what they do."

He adds: "The young people are immersed in the language during activities and in the homes in which they stay for the few weeks they're with us. Their grasp of and proficiency in the language increases considerably and that's why the Gaeltacht has maintained its uniqueness."

And, over the years, the programmes have moved with the times. The use of mobile phones and hand-held devices is usually restricted but the days of chastisement for uttering a word in English are no more.

As one bean an ti explains: "We don't follow them trying to catch them out for speaking English but rather support them and praise them for their efforts at speaking Irish."

Jamie O'Tuama of Gael Linn, an organisation which actively promotes the Irish language and arts, told me that during the recession the number of students visiting the Gaeltacht fell sharply but that levels are fast approaching pre-downturn rates again.

"We run Gaeltacht programmes for students in Baile Bhuirne in Cork's Muscrai Gaeltacht and at two schools in Donegal - at Machaire Rabhartaigh and Bun an Inbhir. Up to 2007 all the courses were really well-attended but then numbers plummeted.

"We went from catering for 1,400 students each summer to around 800. Now though those numbers are steadily increasing again; we'll have well over 1,000 students in our Gael Linn programmes this summer."

Offering activities such as Oga Yoga - effectively yoga through Irish - and with a heated swimming pool at its Cork-based school the Gael Linn courses of 2017 combine the contemporary with the traditional.

"Nowadays courses such as ours are results driven. When parents are spending 860 for a three-week programme they want to see that their child is really benefiting.

"But it's very important for us to make sure the students enjoy themselves too, that they make new friendships and return home with a new and positive relationship with the language," says O'Tuama.

"And there's a massive social benefit too," he adds, noting "for some children from city areas it's a huge culture shock.

"But they rise to it, surprise themselves, make friends and embrace this unique experience."

For the younger students, you have to be motherly and available to them if they need to talk. If youre fair with them then, they will be fair with you

After 25 years of hosting students at her home, west of Dingle, Co Kerry, Aine Ruiseal knows all there is to know about Gaeltacht visits.

As an experienced and welcoming bean an ti, shes discovered the secret to contentment for her youthful house guests.

My motto is once you feed them well and talk to them theyll be fine and appreciate you, she explains from her home in Feothanach at the foothills of Mount Brandon.

And far from a strict disciplinarian, Aine explains that the modern bean an ti must cater for the students emotional needs too.

For the younger students you have to be motherly and available to them if they need to talk. Many of the children wouldnt have been away on their own before. If youre fair with them then, they will be fair with you, says Aine.

Up to 10 students stay at Aines home when theyre attending summer programmes in the West Kerry Gaeltacht and, in recent years, secondary school students have been coming during term time too.

I cater for all ages really up to student teachers from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick and Dublins St Patricks College. Some of the students, especially those who attend Gaelscoileanna, really have beautiful Irish and we enjoy helping all our students learn. Its a huge part of my familys life and we love it, says Aine.
European Union watchdog OLAF is poised to probe the suspected fraudulent use of EU funds provided to gardai which ended up in a mysterious Dublin bank account.

A full-scale investigation by the agency - which probes allegations of fraud against the EU budget - would mark a further escalation in the controversy over finances at the Garda Training College at Templemore.

It is understood that the suspected fraud involves EU funds, which were supposed to be used for Garda training purposes, being transferred to a bank account in Cabra, Dublin, from the training college in Templemore.

Last night OLAF confirmed it was aware of the matter. A statement said that specialised experts evaluate incoming information of potential investigative interest according to standard procedures.

They decide if there is "sufficient suspicion of fraud, corruption or any illegal activity affecting the EU's financial interests for OLAF to open a case" and if the information falls within the agency's investigative priorities.

The statement said that after this initial assessment, OLAF will decide whether or not to open an investigation.

It said the assessment "does not mean that the individuals are guilty of any wrongdoing" and that "OLAF fully respects the presumption of innocence".

"At this stage, OLAF will not issue further comments," the statement said.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan referred the suspected fraud to domestic watchdog, the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) on Monday night.

She told the Dail's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) she did this after the head of the Garda internal audit unit, Niall Kelly, provided her with a report on the matter that day.

She said Mr Kelly reported he has "reasonable cause to suspect that potentially there may be criminal activity, fraudulent activity, on the [Cabra] account".

During her appearance at the PAC - which is examining financial irregularities at the training college - Ms O'Sullivan also told TDs that Mr Kelly informed OLAF about the issue.

Ms O'Sullivan refused to name a former senior garda who was the most recent signatory of the bank account, saying there has to be "due process and fairness to individuals".

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She indicated that the account had different signatories over the years it was in existence - 1999 to 2010 - and the most recent is "a retired senior officer". Ms O'Sullivan told TDs that the account was open between 1999 and 2010 and it contained 90,000 at its height. She rejected suggestions it was "convenient" that she couldn't answer some questions due to the matter being referred to GSOC, saying that "under no circumstances" was this done to "keep it from public view".

Meanwhile, the force last night refused to answer any questions about a 2010 email written by its finance boss Michael Culhane to the Department of Justice.

In the email, Mr Culhane appears to suggest that he indicated that Templemore Training College had "charitable status" in a letter to Revenue in order to "muddy things up".

Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry revealed the email during the PAC's meeting on Tuesday and said it was "particularly troubling".

The Irish Independent asked for a statement from Mr Culhane or the Garda seeking clarification on what was meant by the "muddy things up" remark.

A Garda spokesman said: "An Garda Siochana is not commenting on any matters that may be before (the) PAC."

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said it would be "inappropriate to offer any comment at this stage", pointing out that there is an ongoing process at the PAC which will "deliver its report in due course".
Two separate violent incidents in Dublin overnight have left a man suffering knife wounds and a house badly damaged.

Gardai in Kevin Street were alerted to a row between two men that occured in the Patrick Street area of the city centre at around 10pm.

One man in his 30s received a number of slash marks to his face and head with a box cutter or utility type knife.

Although he was injured it is understood he did not require hospital treatment.

No arrests have been made.

In a separate and unrelated incident a house in Finglas came under attack by a number of men armed with clubs and sticks who chased two men innto the property.

The pair were outside a house on Cardiffsbridge Road when up to a dozen men, some armed with sticks, appeared on the scene.

The two men took refuge in the house which then came under attack by the mob, resulting in criminal damage.

It is understood the innocent residents of the house were in no way connected to the row.

Some of the mob fled the scene in a silver car.

No arrests have yet been made in relation to the matter.
The kind Garda was pictured helping an older lady through the crowds at Dublin's Aviva Stadium

An elderly woman and Garda who featured in a heartwarming photo that went viral online were reunited - on RTE's Liveline.

Mary Dent, from Ringsend, Dublin, was reunited with the kind Garda Reserve member and full-time farmer Paul Barnwell on RTEs Liveline this afternoon.

The duo were snapped as Paul assisted Mary (86) with her shopping through the crowds at a recent Robbie Williams concert.

The photograph of the pair walking together was shared thousands of times online.

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Mary spoke to Joe Duffy today and described the reaction shes been receiving since the photograph.

"Everybody's stopping me in the street," she told the RTE Radio One show.

She explained how she had been out enjoying her day on the "sunny afternoon" when she met Paul.

Mary had spent her day in Dun Laoghaire, made a stop in Dealz for a bit of shopping and had also stopped in Blackrock where she treated herself to an ice cream.

"I'm always doing something Joe," she said, "my family even say they have to make an appointment to see me."

Paul came on air and said he had been delighted to spend time in Mary's company.

"She was friendly," he said, "she told me about her hip replacement and I told her about my mother who isn't well at the moment."

Mary, who has seven sons and four daughters, said that she even received "a phone call from my son in San Francisco" when he saw the news about it.

Both Fota Island Resort in Cork and Seafield Hotel in Gorey, Co Wexford contacted the show to offer hotel stays as a treat, to the duo's delight.

Later the official Twitter account for Liveline tweeted:
An Aer Lingus passenger has slammed the airline claiming his flight was delayed for over two and a half hours after they "missed their slot" and were then forced to change crew.

J Caffrey said that he and fellow passengers boarded their flight from Dublin to Faro which was scheduled to depart at 10.55am on Wednesday.

However they were left sitting on the runway at Dublin airport for over three and a half hours during the hottest day of the year after a delay led to staffing problems for the flight.

Mr Caffrey explained: "They were late boarding the aircraft. Once we boarded and everyone was seated the captain said we 'missed our slot' although we had pushed back."

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He said that this was at about 11.30am and he claimed that they were left waiting until 12.15pm before hearing anything more.

According to Mr Caffrey at this point they were told that two of the cabin crew were "past their permissible hours".

"Kids were crying, people were frustrated and the crew didn't know what to say. They told us they needed replacement crew but didn't know from where or how long!"

Mr Caffrey explained that the new crew arrived at 1.30pm but it would be another hour before flight EI494 took off.

Aer Lingus claim that the flight ultimately departed at 1.28pm but Mr Caffrey claims it was almost an hour later before it finally took off.

In a statement, the spokesman added: "Aer Lingus flight EI494, Dublin to Faro, was initially delayed today due to an air traffic control restriction which ultimately caused a requirement for a change of cabin crew as the crew were about to exceed their permitted hours of operation.

"Guests remained on board during the delay and were provided with refreshments. We apologise to our guests for the inconvenience caused."
This is the moment a tractor crashed through a level crossing in Co Kildare as barriers were closing this afternoon.

The vehicle caused significant damage to the barriers in Barberstown and at least 2,000 people were affected by knock-on delays.

A spokesman for Irish Rail explained that the incident took place shortly before 5pm, as commuters were looking to head home for the evening.

"The gates were lowering, there would have been orange lights and then red lights flashing, but this driver simply ploughed on."

Commuter trains to Maynooth as well as rail services to Co Sligo were delayed as a result with customers advised to make alternative arrangements.

An Irish Rail teamwas dispatched to the crossing and cleared the damage.

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The spokesman said: "Thankfully our teams were able to get out there and remove the debris from the track."

Irish Rail are currently operating a manual service at the level crossing in Barberstown.

Delays of up to an hour were experienced by commuters, but shortly after 6.30pm Irish Rail confirmed that services were returning to normal.

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The incident is expected to cost Irish Rail "tens of thousands" of euro, the spokesman added.

"We have contacted gardai. We would ask that anybody who damages a level crossing be prosecuted."
Pat Hickey is home in Dublin but still faces charges in Brazil. Picture: Justin Farrelly

THE ticketing scandal at the Olympics in Rio has cost the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) more than 1.5m.

Figures released by the OCI today, ahead of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), showed 1.04m was spent on legal and professional advice alone.

President of the organisation Sarah Keane, who was elected in February tasked with cleaning up the mess left in the wake of the 2016 games, said almost 300,000 has been recouped from insurers.

The cost of the whole affair dragged the OCI into the red last year. It posted a loss of 826,180. However the board has said it can meet its debts from reserves.

Expand Close New Olympic Council of Ireland President Sarah Keane after the Olympic Council of Ireland EGM at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile / Facebook

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Whatsapp New Olympic Council of Ireland President Sarah Keane after the Olympic Council of Ireland EGM at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ms Keane has promised to lead a reform agenda. "The (new) board feel very strongly about trying to be as transparent and accountable for our actions as possible, communication is a big piece of that," she said.

"As an organisation, I can't sum up how the last year has been. It's been chaotic, dramatic, traumatic, extremely costly and there's been a lot of individuals who suffered personally and deeply as a result of what's happened in the last year," she said.

Former OCI president, Pat Hickey, is home in Dublin on bail, as he faces charges in relation to alleged ticket touting in Brazil.

However, the pre-AGM conference today was told that so far, there has been no progress on the case in Brazil, with no date set.

Ms Keane also said an athletes commission would be set up, with one member of that commission also a full board member of the OCI.
Trade union Siptu is urging its members to vote for a new public sector pay deal on pay and pensions.

Its appeal comes after more than 20 organisations reached a deal with the Government recently on a pay agreement to follow the Lansdowne Road Deal.

The deal will allow for the pay reductions, introduced to deal with the economic crisis, to be restored for all civil and public servants earning less than 70,000 by 2020.

According to Siptu, the Public Service Stability Agreement 20182020, has more positive elements than negative ones.

"Having considered the matter in full, we have decided to recommend acceptance of the proposals, on balance, as the benefits, such as the protections against outsourcing in particular, as well as other positive elements, outweigh the potential for what might be gained by running the risk of rejection," said the National Executive Council of SIPTU.

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If its members accept the deal, the trade union said it will "vigorously pursue" implementation of all elements of the proposals.

"In particular, we will insist on full implementation of Clause 4.1.3. which envisages a process to satisfactorily resolve the issue of pay for new entrants," it added.

The union will ballot its 70,000 members between July 3 and August 9, with the votes being counted on August 10.

Trade union Impact, which has 60,000 public service employees, is also asking its members to back the draft deal.

The agreement will also see public sector pensions put on a more sustainable footing by ensuring that public servants, except for the lowest paid, make a permanent additional superannuation contribution.

This will apply in different ways for different groups, with those who will receive the most valuable pensions paying the most.

The total cost of the agreement is about the same as the previous deal (Lansdowne Road Agreement), at 887m for the next three years.

It means the lowest paid civil and public servants will receive pay rises of almost 7.5pc between now and 2020, with those on higher salaries receiving just over 6pc.

The agreement recognises that without public servants, there can be no public services, and recognises, also, the huge contribution those working in the civil and public service have made to the improvement in our public finances and our economy.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said it will reveal its position on the deal next week.

However, the organisation's call for special financial incentives on recruitment and retention problems, were not provided in the agreement.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) deferred stating its position "amid rising concerns about a recruitment and retention crisis for doctors".

Dr Ann Hogan, president of the IMO, said: We cant divorce the debate about the pay agreement from the crisis in retention and recruitment for doctors.

"The agreement fails, in its current form, to adequately address this issue and in the absence of substantial proposals, it is not realistic for the IMO to reach a conclusion on the merits or otherwise of the pay agreement.
This albino corn snake was found in a tree in Dublin

A 5ft long albino corn snake has been found in a tree in Ballybrack.

The snake was discovered last Friday and placed in the care of Bairbe O'Malley Veterinary Hospital in Bray, County Wicklow.

A call was put out on social media to reunite the snake with its owner but nobody has come forward to claim the unusual pet yet.

Veterinary nurse Leonie Sunderland told Newstalk that the "fabulous" 5ft albino corn snake is in "great condition" with all the signs of a healthy snake.

However, she is worried that he may have been abandoned.

"What he was doing up a tree in Ballybrack, we're not sure," she said. "Given that we haven't heard anything from any worried owner, he may also have been abandoned."

Ms Sunderland said that they're looking to set the snake up with a new owner if he is not claimed soon.

The team of vets want to match him with someone who is good with reptiles as they have a very specific set of requirements when it comes to "heat, temperature and humidity".

They warn that taking care of a corn snake is a long-term commitment.

They have a lifespan of between five and 10 years but they can even live longer when given proper care.

The corn snake is one of the most popular breed of snakes due to their docile dispositions.

They're naturally nervous and defensive but once they learn to trust their owner they can become very used to handling.

If you would like more information, contact the hospital on 01-2723857. Please note proof of ownership will be required.
Aisling Ferry, Cara Towell and Elanor Flannery, Ashbourne, Co Meath, on Portmarnock Beach. Photo: Collins Dublin

More than 40,000 people were left without water on the hottest day of the year after a major water pipe burst.

As the mercury rose above 25C in many parts of the country, Cork city was left sweltering with no mains supply.

Many pubs and cafes had to close while some businesses were forced to reduce their service and turn customers away.

Yesterday marked the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and it also turned out to be the hottest.

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Whatsapp Lee William Dawson, Finglas, and Leticia Ribiro, Brazil, in St Stephens Green. Photo: Arthur Carron

Dublin temperatures soared higher than 28C in the peak of the sunny spell this week.

Highest readings for the city were recorded at the Phoenix Park, home to Dublin Zoo. Elephants were treated to a welcome cooling down from zoo keepers as they basked in the sunshine.

Highest temperatures were 25C in Cork, while Meath and Cavan also hit 25C.

This week was the first time Met Eireann had to issue a yellow heat warning.

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"We needed to flag the fact that this would happen," a spokesperson said.

"Not everyone is happy with the hot weather. Some elderly people can struggle due to medication. In Europe we've seen heatwaves cause serious problems."

A young teenager was airlifted to hospital after getting into difficulty while swimming in a river in Co Wexford last night.

The 13-year-old girl was with at least two others when she got into difficulty while swimming in the area.

Lifeboats from Curracloe, Dunmore East and Tramore were joined at the scene by the Coast Guard's Rescue 117 helicopter. The rescue effort was co-ordinated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin.

Separately, locals and businesses in Cork hit problems after a water pipe burst at Lee Road Waterworks. Gallagher's Gastro Pub in Bridge Street was forced to cancel a bus full of tourists who had booked, after making the "executive decision" to close the kitchen.

One of the pub's employees, Emma Gallagher, said: "It's the hottest day of the year obviously and this has really disrupted us.

"We're a gastropub so we have a full kitchen and we just can't operate a kitchen with no water.

"The water got cut off about 11.30am and with a city full of tourists on a day like today it's far from ideal."

Another pub affected was the White Rabbit Bar and BBQ on MacCurtain Street in Cork city centre which had discoloured water coming out of its taps.

The bar had water back just before 4pm but the whole area had been affected causing widespread disruption.

One cafe also affected was the Coffee Roasters on Bridge Street which faced an anxious rush before lunchtime as its water supply was cut off.

The cafe was forced to source an alternative back-up supply of water which it got just in time for rush hour.

Cork City Council said the burst mains had been repaired late yesterday afternoon.

"Some discolouration to the water supply may occur when the water supply is restored," it said.

Meanwhile, Sean Venn, forecaster with Met Eireann, said yesterday "was the last of the really nice weather".

Temperatures will be "falling back to normal values" between 16C and 22C across the country.
Ex-Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald came under fire over appointment of Maire Whelan to Court of Appeal. Picture: Collins

Several Fine Gael Cabinet members believe Maire Whelan's controversial appointment to the Court of Appeal will result in the party crashing out of Government.

The new Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, now believes that his predecessor Enda Kenny has handed him a "hand grenade" that could result in a general election.

The Irish Independent can reveal that at a private meeting of Fine Gael ministers, Mr Kenny and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald were openly questioned over the appointment, which was ratified by President Michael D Higgins on Monday.

It is understood that Mary Mitchell O'Connor confronted Mrs Fitzgerald, saying: "Why didn't you wait a week before pushing through this appointment?" But other ministers raised questions over Mr Kenny's role and the reason why the appointment was done in haste.

Ms Mitchell O'Connor also made a passionate address about her performance in Government and was defended by ministers Michael Ring, Regina Doherty, Charlie Flanagan and Eoghan Murphy.

Sources close to Mrs Fitzgerald played down the confrontation.

However, other ministers present confirmed it took place.

The controversy surrounding Ms Whelan's appointment dominated yesterday's Dail proceedings and has also led to serious tensions among Cabinet members just days into Mr Varadkar's tenure as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.

Mr Varadkar's tumultuous week saw Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin tell his TDs that trust between the two parties had been eroded because of the events surrounding Ms Whelan's appointment.

Aspersions

The two main leaders were also embroiled in heated exchanges in the Dail, with Mr Martin being accused of casting aspersions on the "competence, capacity and suitability" of newly appointed judge Ms Whelan.

Mr Varadkar divulged details of a private phone conversation he shared with Mr Martin at the weekend, telling his opposite number he had brought Ms Whelan's capabilities into question.

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Speaking during 'Leaders' Questions', Mr Martin asked why Ms Whelan's appointment was rushed through by Mr Kenny and Mrs Fitzgerald. He said it was clear there was "collaboration" between them to ensure Ms Whelan's appointment was secured.

Mr Varadkar then claimed that in a private phone call with Mr Martin on Sunday, the Fianna Fail leader had questioned Ms Whelan's capabilities for the role but allegedly said he would not say this publicly.

"You did say it publicly," Mr Varadkar said.

"You mightn't have meant to but you did."

Senior Fianna Fail figures now predict that an early election is far more likely under Mr Varadkar than Mr Kenny.

But there remain major tensions within Fine Gael, with several senior ministers questioning the reasons behind Ms Whelan's "rushed" appointment.

One theory shared by a number of ministers is that Ms Whelan's appointment means she would be exempt from giving evidence at any future inquiry involving senior Cabinet members.

Both Ms Whelan and Mr Kenny were central to the Fennelly Inquiry, which investigated the departure of former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan, as well as the recording of phone calls in and out of Garda stations.

In the Dail, Mr Martin claimed that he was not being "personal", adding: "I have no axe to grind with the individual."

The Cork South Central TD also criticised Mr Varadkar's Dail performance on Tuesday, during which he named a number of other judges who were appointed under a Fianna Fail government for which he served.

"You tried to create (the) impression of precedent with these individuals and there wasn't," Mr Martin said. "You shouldn't have done it."

But Mr Varadkar turned the tables on Mr Martin and asked on two occasions that he withdraw his comments.

On Tuesday, Mr Varadkar said that in the past Fianna Fail had appointed individuals such as Supreme Court judge Frank Clarke and former Supreme Court judge Adrian Hardiman.

But Mr Martin replied: "Maire Whelan is no Frank Clarke. Maire Whelan is no Adrian Hardiman."
Actor Stephen Rea has described the Democratic Unionist Party as "revolting people" and described the partys possible partnership with the Conservatives as "completely stupid".

Rea, who was born in Northern Ireland, is sceptical of the minority Tory government looking for support from the DUP, claiming it is just about numbers.

I dont know why the DUP are going around crowing about their own importance  its only because the Conservative Party has imploded through their own stupidity. Who wants to be teamed with them? he asked.

He added: Its completely stupid....[It] is utter crap.

Rea was opposed to Brexit, but now believes it could result in a United Ireland. Although unionists parties still received the majority of votes in the last elections in Northern Ireland, he says that the majority voted in favour of staying in the EU.

Rea was formerly married to Dolours Price, the woman convicted of the 1973 IRA bombing of the Old Bailey.

She later accused Gerry Adams of being responsible for the abduction and murder of some of those the IRA considered to be informers.

Asked if he thought some of the British comments about the DUP had been unfairly critical, he replied; They are revolting people.

Rea was speaking at the launch of the Kilkenny Arts Festival. The theme of this years festival has evolved in response to recent global cultural, political and economic changes.

Director of the festival, Eugene Downes, said the festival will reflect and react to Brexit, the new policies of the Trump administration, and the renewed energy for European integration.

Rea will read Oscar Wildes famous De Profudunis letter which he wrote while incarcerated in Reading Jail.
John Finnerty has stepped down from the newsroom at RTE

Newscaster John Finnerty has retired from the RTE newsroom. Mr Finnerty left the national broadcaster in recent weeks. A source at RTE said that his retirement was a "low key affair".

They said that Mr Finnerty had indicated he didn't want "a fuss made".

Mr Finnerty joined RTE in the mid-1980s, initially working in radio, before then transferring to news and current affairs.

He had been working in the newsroom, alongside Bryan Dobson and Sharon Ni Bheolain, for more than three decades.

He also fronted 'RTE News Now'.

'Prime Time' host Miriam O'Callaghan described him as "a true gentleman, in the true meaning of the world."

Mr Finnerty lives in Dublin with his wife Amanda, and is father to daughter Vanessa.

A spokesperson for RTE said that they would not be commenting on Mr Finnerty's contract.

The 65-year-old is known for his distinctive timbre.

He featured in a parody song in 2009, which compared his voice to "the sound of chocolate milk" and also to "the sound of satin silk".

Mr Finnerty's retirement comes shortly after RTE's long-serving political correspondent David Davin-Power hung up his boots.

Mr Davin-Power left RTE in April.

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He told journalists that he was "not retiring", and said he was "just changing direction".

Mr Davin-Power, who joined the station in the 1980s, launched 'Morning Ireland' in 1984 with broadcaster David Hanly.

He has subsequently been replaced by Micheal Lehane.
A 73-year-old town mayor has described how he rescued his son during a gang assault.

Tommy Reilly, Lord Mayor of Navan, Co Meath, managed to pull the gang of five young men off his son Ciaran Reilly during the vicious attack.

However, he said he is "disgraced by gardai letting the perpetrators walk free."

The attack, that was captured on CCTV, shows Tommy's son Ciaran, who runs Reillys Londis in Navan, being repeatedly struck with glass vases and being kicked and punched until being dragged to safety.

The incident occurred on Sunday.

Speaking to Independent.ie about the incident, Tommy Reilly said:

"I was here in the shop for most of the afternoon, as I am now.

"Ciaran came in to get some stuff on Sunday for the kids' lunches for the next day and we had a chat.

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Whatsapp Mayor Tommy Reilly (Photo: Gerry Mooney)

"This group of young lads were around. We could tell they were up to no good.

"I got into the car and left. When I was the second car from the traffic lights, I saw the boys in the mirror and saw them starting to attack and I turned back at the roundabout and returned to the shop.

"Within two minutes, these boys had Ciaran on the ground.

"They pulled the shirt over his head and beat him."

While in the shop, Ciaran said he suspected that the two young boys were going to attempt theft so he positioned himself in the middle of the shop.

One of the two boys left and the other went up to Ciaran and challenged him to fight. He told both boys to leave and was then punched by one of them inside the shop.

The other boy then blindsided him and punched him in the jaw from behind.

He described how one of them then picked up a heavy vase from the flower display outside the shop and threw it at him and just missed a woman at the fruit and vegetable section standing behind Ciaran.

"I had to leave the shop because there were customers in there and I needed to ensure their safety. I then went for the guy, and we ended up on the ground and it got worse."

At that stage four more youths, from a group who had been watching the incident, decided to join in and started to kick Ciaran as he was on the pavement.

The boy who started the fight then picked up another vase and continued to hit Ciaran with it.

"They were all encouraging each other, saying come on, come on," Ciaran said.

It was at this point that Tommy managed to drag Ciaran from the boys.

Gardai arrived at the scene and Ciaran decided to drive to A&E.

However, within moments, he said he passed the group walking down the road.

He rang Tommy in disbelief, who said that the gardai only brought the ringleader across the road and then let him go.

"I was left in A&E with injuries while they were left walk free.

"This is just one example of all the anti-social behaviour that exists and this gang are not strangers to it and they are being left get away with it," said Ciaran.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai attended the scene of a suspected assault incident at Abbeylands, Navan shortly after 9pm on June 18, 2017.

"A male aged in his 40s sustained injuries during the incident. Gardai are following a definite line of enquiry."
The constant demand that the governance of Ireland, and of all publicly funded bodies, be radically secular seems at odds with the realities of Irish cultural sensibilities.

No generation starts from scratch in its understanding of the world but inherits various ways of engaging freely and openly in a shared tradition.

There is no escaping the fact that the Irish way of life has been deeply influenced by Christian thought and practice.

For instance, as I grew up, all greetings were a form of blessing, especially in the Irish language, while the Angelus bell punctuated the day.

The drift towards secularism does not herald a more enlightened shift in the national psyche but an invitation to join a very loosely defined approach to human living, rooted in the even more indeterminate world of modern liberalism.

In any society, truth will only emerge out of free competition between ideas and beliefs and not through the dominance of any group over another, be it religious or secular.

Philip O'Neill

Oxford, UK

How to resuscitate rural Ireland

I would like to know if there is any politician or other person in authority interested in stopping the 'faminisation' of rural Ireland.

There is not a town or village in the country that has not lost, due to closure, a bank, post office, Garda station, shop or even a public house.

Meanwhile, Dublin cannot cope with the allocation of jobs being assigned to the city. It has a shortage of office space, and what's available is among the dearest in Europe.

It has a major housing crisis, major sewage problems, the prospects of a major water shortage and, above all, it has an enormous traffic crisis.

Despite all these problems, more and more jobs are being allocated to Dublin, while rural Ireland is dying.

With modern means of technology and communications, surely it's possible to establish job opportunities in most towns in rural Ireland. By having a greater spread of jobs, it would take the pressure off Dublin and resuscitate rural Ireland.

It's over to the politicians and others in authority to balance the jobs allocation and give rural Ireland a lifeline and ease the pressure on Dublin, thereby increasing the quality of life all round.

Richard Burke

Wicklow

Government numbers on the up

Isn't it amazing how the Government party with the smallest parliamentary party ever can find on its benches sufficient talent to populate one of the largest government line-ups ever, even after the younger, most recent intake of TDs has been disqualified from consideration?

Indeed, even after some who backed the wrong leadership candidate have been cast aside.

Former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald is reputed to have been replaced at Aer Lingus by four people and a computer when he left the airline. Could it be that Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan have been replaced by four ministers and a smartphone?

Frank Schnittger

Blessington, Co Wicklow

'Saviour' Macron just a chancer

Maybe it's my imagination, but has all the crowing about the saviour of the so-called 'centre' (well, if Fine Gaelers are to be believed anyway), Emmanuel Macron, greatly abated following the latest parliamentary election result in France?

The winner, of course, was not Mr Macron but the "none-of-the-above" 58pc of voters who registered their preference from their armchairs.

But Mr Macron is very likely to ignore the reality and pursue an agenda for which he has no mandate. We must remember that the French, unlike the Irish, do not suffer fools easily and are certain to take to the streets in the event that Mr Macron lets his ego run away with itself.

Perhaps the real lesson from the French electorate is that when a politician protests that he/she is of the 'centre', they are simply not to be taken seriously. Such a politician is merely repositioning him/herself so that they can straddle whatever they perceive to be the prevailing public mood. In other words, a chancer.

Jim O'Sullivan

Rathedmond, Sligo

Leo's misdirected excitement

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's visit to No 10 Downing Street created in him a frisson about a thespian on a studio set, nary a mention of even one of the innumerable decisions made in No 10 that impacted upon Ireland.

For a man who alleges he and his party are the direct 'political party descendants' of Collins and Griffith, mores the pity he did not sense their anguished shades at the actual foot of the 'famous' stairs.

While a creative imagination is important to every politician, I, for one, sincerely hope Fine Gael has not exchanged "two-pint man" for an aficionado of the imaginary.

Declan Foley

Berwick, Australia

Stop discrediting psychiatrists

What Dr Ciara Kelly forgets to mention in her recent Repeal the Eighth article ('Independent.ie', June 19), is that the psychiatrist may actually have had the girl's best interest in mind while assessing and treating her, and her baby.

She attempts to discredit the treating psychiatrist throughout the article, and discredit those psychiatrists who have previously testified that abortion is not a treatment for suicide. We should be applauding the equality given to mother and baby in the Eighth Amendment and attempt to deal with crises in ways other than abortion. I feel the pro-abortion lobby is jumping on this girl's case, without thinking of the regretful consequences an abortion would result in for her.

In the UK, abortion was introduced in restrictive circumstances and now one in five pregnancies results in abortion. We will be no different in Ireland.

Claire Stack

Lisgoold, Co Cork

Heading for same problems

We now have an openly gay Taoiseach, one of the very few heads of government in the world in an openly gay relationship.

Combined with gender quotas for elected representatives and a State that a number of years ago broke off diplomatic relations with the Vatican, this makes us a country where the liberal agenda rules the roost.

When the Catholic agenda was powerful, we are told, it was responsible for many of the social problems of the time. Must we not logically draw the same conclusion about the forces of liberalism?

Michael Gavin

Ballyfermot Avenue, Dublin 10
Cassie Stokes says she feels "lucky" that her girlfriend Kathleen Gauvin decided to leave her life in Canada behind and move to Ireland to be with her.

The Dundrum woman (29) had dated Kathleen for several years while they both lived in Toronto but they split up shortly before Cassie returned home last year to host Xpose.

After almost a year apart, the pair rekindled their romance and Kathleen decided to settle in Dublin so they could be together.

"It's going great, we are back together and happy. It's going brilliant. She's really enjoying being in Ireland. She had only been here for a wedding once so it's lovely to have her here and I'm lucky that she's loving it.

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"She thinks Irish people are the most amazing people ever," she said.

They have been inseparable since getting back together and recently celebrated Kathleen's 30th birthday at Las Tapas De Lola restaurant in the capital.

Sharing a photo of the pair on Instagram, Cassie said she felt lucky Kathleen had ever looked her way.

"Happy birthday to this one, I'm lucky you even looked my way once and thankful you continue to. Here's to many more laughs and smiles and 30th birthdays...I mean 25th birthdays," she wrote.

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With only three permanent hosts remaining on Xpose, Cassie has her work cut out for her for the next few months, but she's up for the challenge.

"We will probably go on a quick holiday but that's it. Then it's work, work, work. I think I'm a workaholic, which is fine. I'll rest when I'm dead," she told the Diary.

Video of the Day

The Xpose office will be busy over the coming months as the show is set to have several guest presenters fill in for Ruth O'Neill who recently departed.

Thalia Heffernan co-hosted for a week while Celebrity Big Brother star Jonathan Cheban was also slated to make an appearance before being forced to cancel at the last minute due to other commitments.

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Cassie had been working in London just before she landed her Xpose gig. The TV presenter reckons she always would have ended up back home even if she had not been chosen for the show.

"I was working in a digital agency so I'd say I would still be there now. Although I probably would have ended up back here one day anyway," she said.

Speaking at the launch of this year's Dublin Horse Show in Weir & Sons, Cassie will serve as MC for Ladies Day at the event.

"I think every woman is into fashion. Especially working on the show I work on, you have to be on top of the trends," she said.

The Dublin Horse Show runs from August 9-13 with Ladies Day on the 10th
Members of the public enjoying the good weather in St. Stephens Green, Dublin..Pic Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Annie Geldr and Yurbi Marrufo from Belmaine this afternoon on Portmarnock Beach enjoying the sun and temperatures expected to reach up to 29C this afternoon....Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

From left, Aisling Ferry, Cara Towell and Elanor Flannery from Ashbourne, Co. Meath this afternoon on Portmarnock Beach enjoying the sun....Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

The state forecaster has confirmed that Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far.

The mercury hit 28.6 Celsius in Dublin's Phoenix Park which, according to Met Eireann, makes it the "highest temperature in Ireland so far this year".

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But while Dublin was baking in the heat other parts of the country didn't reach the temperature highs.

Temperatures started high in Valentia, Co Kerry overnight but fell steadily during the day with a high of 17 C recorded this afternoon.

And in Galway it was a mild 16C in parts.

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Forecaster and meteorologist Gerry Murphy explained: "It was the hottest day this year with 28.6C in the Phoenix Park. It wasn't the warmest day ever in that area of the country but it was close to it..

"Your average maximum temperature for June in the Phoenix park is usually around 18C."

Mr Murphy explained that over the last week all four provinces have experienced temperatures in the mid 20s at some point.

He described the recent sunny spell as a "mini heatwave".

But also confirmed that temperatures will drop over the coming days.

"We can expect temperatures tomorrow between 15C and 22C tomorrow and then returning back to more typical values by the weekend."
A truck driver has been branded reckless after a video emerged online showing him overtaking another lorry and forcing oncoming traffic into the ditch.

The nail-biting footage was captured on a dash cam in South Africa and it has already been shared across the globe.

Motorist Rudi Viljoen captured the heart-stopping incident on the single lane road on the N1 near Laingsburg.

In it one trucker is observed overtaking another. At least four cars are forced to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the HGV.

Mr Viljoen told The Sun that a further six cars were forced to take similar evasive action before he started filming.

This all happened at about 90km per hour and it was the longest three minutes of my life," he said.

I think the driver pulled out of the slipstream thinking he had enough speed but when he lost the slipstream he did not have the speed but just kept on regardless to overtake.

He didnt care about the ten cars coming at him head on which were forced off the road. And the other driver did not slow down either to make the situation safe which he could have, he said.

Watch the footage here:
Joanne Froggatt has said the Downton Abbey stars are hoping a movie will be made but fear their schedules could hold them back.

Her comments came as a film executive claimed that the movie is in the works and production would likely begin early next year.

Froggatt, who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of maid Anna Smith, spoke to the Press Association in Los Angeles on Wednesday at the premiere of her latest film, A Crooked Somebody.

She said: Nothings managed to come together yet. It would be lovely if it did. But I think we are all kind of hoping something will happen.

Its difficult because we are all out of contract so everyone is doing different things at different times in different places.

Its kind of tough getting 24 main characters together at the same time.

We are all keen to replay our little roles for 10 weeks and have a little get together and selfishly have a great time and hang out again.

Michael Edelstein, president at NBCUniversal International Studios which distributes Downton, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that a film has been in the works for some time.

We are working on getting the script right and then weve got to figure out how to get the (cast) together, he added.

Because as you know, people go on and do other things. But were hopeful to make a movie sometime next year.

The ITV period dramas creator, Julian Fellowes, also said this month that a film was pretty likely.

Froggatt, 36, stars in A Crooked Somebody alongside Mad Mens Rich Sommer, who came up with the story about an attention-seeking, fraudulent psychic.
Despite losing all four limbs in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2012, Travis Mills is ensuring he and other wounded soldiers adapt to life after their injuries.

Both Mills right leg and right arm were ripped off when a roadside bomb went off after the former soldier had put his backpack down, while his other limbs were badly injured.

But despite the incident Mills has refused to let it get him down, instead opening a camp in Maine, US, to help others.

The facility will help combat-injured veterans and their families adapt to life after injury, with activities such as kayaking, tubing and fishing.

And this summer the facility will be helping 56 families free of charge, assisting in restoring the confidence of injured veterans and, in Mills words, helping to let them know that life goes on, dont live life on the sidelines, and never let the injury impede or affect your life in a negative way.

Mills is one of the finest examples of such positive thinking  he is expecting another child with his wife.
An Australian MP has breastfed her baby while making a motion in parliament.

Greens co-deputy leader, Larissa Waters, addressed parliament while feeding her 14-week old baby, Alia Joy.

Ms Waters was speaking about black lung disease, a major health issue that affects Australia's coal miners.

Her decision to breastfeed her baby was welcomed by her fellow MPs.

Three-month hold Alia Joy made history three months ago when she became the first baby to be breasted in Australia's Parliament.

She's now a regular at Australia's Senate.

Ms Waters later tweeted about Alia Joy's latest visit to Parliament: "First time I've had to move a Senate motion while breastfeeding! And my partner in crime moved her own motion just before mine, bless her."

The senator campaigned for changes last year to allow new mums and dads to briefly care for their infants in the chamber.

Greens colleague Sarah Hanson-Young made headlines back in 2009 when her two-year-old daughter Kora was taken from her arms and ejected from the senate chamber.
Helmand has been at the centre of bitter battles between the Taliban and Afghan security forces, aided by Nato troops

A suicide car bomb has exploded at a bank in Afghanistan's Helmand province as troops and government workers waited to collect their pay ahead of a major Muslim holiday, killing at least 29 people.

Most of the casualties in the explosion near the bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah were civilians, said provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat.

At least 60 people were wounded, he said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack at the Kabul Bank in the southern province, which has been the centre of bitter battles between the insurgents and security forces, aided by Nato troops.

The militants, believed to control nearly 80% of the province's countryside, have increasingly been making a push into Lashkar Gah to try to take the city.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi said the bomb targeted Afghan security personnel collecting their salaries.

He said no civilians were killed and gave a higher death toll.

But the provincial governor and police chief emphasised that most of the dead were civilians.

Witnesses said children were among the wounded.

The Taliban has recently overrun Helmand's key Sangin district, where British and US troops had fought for years to keep them at bay.

The attacker struck as scores of people, including many Afghan soldiers and civil servants, waited outside the bank ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which follows the holy month of Ramadan, expected to end this weekend.

Esmatullah, a border policeman who was at the scene of the deafening explosion, said many people were missing in the ensuing chaos as bystanders, survivors and ambulances struggled to get the most seriously wounded to hospital.

"We are taking children to the hospital," said Esmatullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

A 12-year-old girl named Hosnia was crying outside the bank as she searched for her father, who had brought her to buy shoes ahead of the holiday.

"I couldn't find anyone, my brother and my father," she said. "My father told me he will take me to buy shoes. We came here and then there was the explosion."

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attackers as "enemies of humanity".

He said the relentless assaults in Afghanistan are particularly offensive during Ramadan, when the faithful seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings.

"These brutal terrorist attacks ... prove that they (insurgents) have no respect for any religion or faith," Mr Ghani said in a statement.

Afghanistan has faced a series of large-scale attacks as the Taliban stepped up the war against the Kabul government in this year's summer offensive.

In addition, the emerging Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan has tried to increase its footprint with attacks in urban areas.

The worst occurred on May 31, shortly after Ramadan began, when a truck bomb exploded in the heart of the capital Kabul, killing 150 people. It was the worst attack since the Taliban ouster in 2001.

Pakistan also condemned Thursday's suicide bombing, saying "we firmly stand with our Afghan brothers in this hour of grief and anguish".

Afghanistan and Pakistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring the insurgents.

Helmand is considered a key region because it is one of the largest opium-producing provinces for the Taliban, which charges traffickers a hefty tax to move their contraband to market.

Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material for heroin.

Afghanistan is the world's largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other countries combined, according to UN estimates.

Meanwhile, a militant attack on Wednesday night in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan killed two members of the local council.

Salim Sallhe, spokesman for the provincial governor in eastern Logar, said gunmen opened fire at worshippers in Baraki district. Two other local officials were wounded.

Mr Sallhe said police are investigating.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied the insurgents were behind the shooting.

AP
Donald Trump tweeted that he has 'no idea' whether other 'tapes' or recordings exist (AP)

US President Donald Trump has said he "did not make" and does not have any recordings of his private conversations with ousted former FBI director James Comey.

"With all of the recently-reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information," Mr Trump said he has "no idea" whether there are "tapes" or recordings of the two men's conversations.

However, he declared he "did not make, and do not have, any such recordings".

The tweets are the latest chapter in a high-stakes guessing game after Mr Trump hinted he might have recordings of his private conversations with Mr Comey at the White House and over the phone.

The tale of mystery began last month just days after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey, who was then leading an investigation into contacts before and after the election between the president's campaign and Russian officials.

The absence of recordings almost certainly elevates in significance to investigators the notes made by Mr Comey right after the conversations.

A New York Times report cited two unnamed Comey associates who recounted his version of a January dinner with the president in which Mr Trump asked for a pledge of loyalty.

Mr Comey declined, instead offering to be "honest".

When Mr Trump then pressed for "honest loyalty", Mr Comey told him, "You will have that", the associates said.

Mr Trump tweeted the next day that Mr Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"

Mr Trump's tweets on Thursday raised questions about why the president would have staked his reputation and political capital on promoting something that was not real.

His earlier suggestion about tapes immediately evoked the secret White House recordings that led to Richard Nixon's downfall in the Watergate scandal.

Under a post-Watergate law, the Presidential Records Act, recordings made by presidents belong to the people and can eventually be made public. Destroying them would be a crime.

Mr Comey says any recordings that might exist would support his version that Mr Trump asked him to pledge loyalty and urged him to drop the investigation into the president's former national security adviser.

"Lordy, I hope there are tapes," Mr Comey declared at a congressional hearing.

The president has steadfastly refused to clarify whether any tapes existed.

Two weeks ago, he teased reporters in the White House rose garden by saying that he would explain "maybe some time in the very near future".

He cryptically added: "You are going to be very disappointed when you hear the answer."

White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said on Wednesday that an answer would be provided this week, presumably by the Friday deadline set by the House intelligence committee for turning over any tapes.

The Secret Service had said it had no audio copies or transcripts of any tapes recorded within Mr Trump's White House, according to a freedom of information request submitted by The Wall Street Journal.

That did not exclude the possibility that recordings were created by another entity.

AP
President Donald Trump has said his planned wall on the Mexican border could feature solar panels.

Mr Trump told supporters at a rally on Wednesday evening in Iowa that a solar wall would "create energy and pay for itself".

He joked it would mean Mexico "will have to pay much less money" to build the structure.

Mr Trump claimed as a candidate that Mexico would fully fund his impenetrable border wall but the Mexican government has rejected that possibility.

The US president also suggested the panels would make the wall "beautiful" and then praised himself by saying, "Pretty good imagination, right?"

The wall, which was a signature campaign promise, has not been at the centre of the White House's agenda and construction work has not begun.

AP
The burnt out remains of the Grenfell Tower are seen in North Kensington, London, Britain June 20, 2017. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

The number of high-rise blocks of flats found to have combustible cladding similar to that used on Grenfell Tower has risen to 11, Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid has said.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Javid said the blocks are in eight local authority areas in England.

The Government believes that around 600 high-rise buildings in England have some form of cladding.

Landlords, typically local authorities and housing associations, have been asked to check if they used similar aluminium composite materiel (ACM) panels to Grenfell Tower, where 79 people have been confirmed dead or listed as missing presumed dead after a devastating fire last week.

Mr Javid said Camden, Manchester and Plymouth were three areas where buildings had failed the test but stressed he could not reveal more because local residents in the others have not yet been informed, despite landlords being alerted to results.

Just because a building fails the Government test to determine whether it has combustible cladding does not mean it is unsafe, with that to be determined after more checks by the fire and rescue services, Theresa May's deputy spokesman said earlier.

Mr Javid urged landlords to send samples to the Government's testing facility, which can handle around 100 samples per day, with extra capacity available if necessary, as a "matter of urgency".

In his letter to MPs, the Communities Secretary went on: "I also want to reassure colleagues that you will be made aware if any sites are in your constituency by the local authority in the first instance - my department stands ready to assist colleagues if further information is required.

"To ensure that local authorities and housing associations know how to respond where tests do show action is needed, my department has today written to every one of them to ensure they know what immediate steps they should take if the testing shows cladding material is unlikely to be compliant with current Building Regulations, and I attach a copy of this for your information.

"We should be clear that landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe buildings. Where they cannot do that, we expect alternative accommodation to be provided. My department stands ready to work with local authorities to ensure they can meet their obligations to provide safety for their tenants. We cannot and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes."

In an emotional conclusion, Mr Javid said the Grenfell Tower disaster has "shaken" his understanding of his job in the Cabinet.

"As a minister I have always been prepared to make tough decisions. I understood the pressures that come with public life but this disaster has shaken my comprehension of what it means to be in office. I have met some of the victims of Grenfell, I have witnessed for myself the grief and anger of those who have lost so much - more than just their possessions but also their loved ones, their security and their memories.

This government will do everything possible not just to replace houses and provide immediate relief, but to seek justice for those people who have been failed. This tragedy should weigh on the consciousness of every person tasked with making a decision so this can never happen again.

Mrs May's deputy spokeswoman was earlier unable to say whether having combustible cladding on high-rise towers was illegal in every case or not, saying it was "an issue of compliance" dependent on the individual circumstances of each building, such as height or environmental factors.

Among the buildings so far confirmed by the Government to have flammable facades are the Chalcots Estate in north London, which is removing the cladding, and the Mount Wise Tower in Plymouth.

Both buildings were said to be enforcing more stringent fire-prevention measures as a response, including 24/7 observations of the building by safety teams.

Camden Council said the Chalcots Estate was facing renovation after tests found "the panels that were fitted were not to the standard that we had commissioned".

The company in charge of fitting the cladding to the affected Camden towers oversaw the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, in west London, according to its website.

Rydon carried out the refit of the high-rises between May 2006 and October 2009.

Plymouth Community Homes said of Mount Wise Tower, the at-risk high-rise: "It has been found to be aluminium coated with a polyethylene core, which has been rated as category 3 under the new controlled test conditions.

"The fire rating scale goes from 0 to 3 (with 0 being the highest safety score and 3 being the lowest)."

The Newlon Housing Trust confirmed that Rivers Apartments, in Tottenham, north London, is clad with Reynobond PE, reportedly the same material used at Grenfell Tower.

But it said that after an "extensive safety audit" the London Fire Brigade confirmed the tower block would be considered a "low fire risk" after modifications and technical clarifications.

The building is fitted with a sprinkler system, a wet riser, a firefighters' lift and smoke evacuation valves, the trust said.

It added: "With regard to the status of the cladding at the end of last week, we asked the leading independent experts, the Building Research Establishment (BRE), to review its design and specification and we are waiting for their technical recommendations. This will determine whether or not the cladding should be removed and replaced, and if so what the appropriate replacement should be.

"If we receive further instructions from the fire brigade or any other statutory authority, we will of course comply with them."

Responses from Scottish local authorities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive suggest the type of cladding used in Grenfell Tower has not been used on their high-rise blocks.

The Department for Communities and Local Government would not reveal how many samples have been tested in total, saying the priority was to give updates on failed tests and for councils to inform their residents.
A woman shouts at a police officer during the protest in London. Photo: Getty

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of London for a 'Day of Rage' amid accusations organisers hijacked the Grenfell Tower disaster for political purposes.

The demonstration, started by Movement For Justice By Any Means Necessary (MFJ), was billed as a day of action for the victims of the inferno.

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Coinciding with the Queen's Speech, police said 500 people joined the march, which aimed, according to the event page, to "bring down the Government".

Several people appeared to be detained by police as tempers flared in Whitehall near Downing Street with protesters and police squaring off as activists yelled angrily.

One man was restrained as he screamed in the face of an officer and another male protester was pinned to the floor by police.

As he was being carried away he repeatedly shouted he was a "peaceful" protester, while those watching chanted: "Let him go."

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Another skirmish with police resulted in a man being led away in handcuffs, having been seen shouting at the protesters.

Pockets of the demonstration then began bickering among themselves in Parliament Square, while another section listened to speeches attentively.

Throughout the afternoon, "Justice for Grenfell" was yelled by the crowd, with many brandishing signs bearing the slogan.

Karen Doyle, from the Movement for Justice, promised further action, saying outside Downing Street: "I believe that we can have double, triple, quadruple the number on this demonstration on the streets."

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The ClementJames Centre, which has been helping those displaced by the fire, earlier shunned the movement as opportunistic.

"We cannot emphasise enough how against this many of the affected residents we've spoken to are and they do not want their grief hijacked for any violent or destructive means," a spokesman said.

Meanwhile, brand-new flats in a Kensington High Street development have been bought for those who lost their homes in the blaze, according to the 'Evening Standard'.

Penthouses in the development are expected to go for 13m (14.8m), and flats in the building are expected to be purchased to permanently house Grenfell families.

The Berkeley Group has confirmed flats in the building are in the process of being sold for former Grenfell residents.

The City of London Corporation is acquiring the 68 flats as part of the response to the tragedy. A spokesman told the 'Evening Standard': "We are ready to do everything we can to help the victims of the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower."

The deal was brokered by the Homes and Communities Agency on behalf of the government.

As well as other luxury amenities, the block features a 24-hour concierge service and a gym.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Our priority is to get everyone who has lost their home permanently rehoused locally as soon as possible, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives."

This move comes after Jeremy Corbyn asked for empty luxury homes in the area to be requisitioned and given to the victims.
Isil destroyed Mosul's al-Nuri mosque and its iconic leaning minaret known as al-Hadba when fighters detonated explosives inside the structures yesterday night, Iraq's Ministry of Defence said.

The mosque - also known as Mosul's Great Mosque - is where Isil leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called Islamic caliphate in 2014 shortly after the city was overrun by the militants and was seen as a key symbolic prize in the fight for Iraq's second largest city.

The minaret that leaned like Italy's Tower of Pisa stood for more than 840 years.

In a statement posted online after the Ministry of Defence statement, Isil claimed an airstrike carried out by the United States destroyed the mosque and minaret. The US-led coalition rejected the Isil claim.

A coalition spokesman, US army Colonel Ryan Dillon, told The Associated Press that coalition aerial surveillance confirmed the mosque was destroyed, but he said a US strike was not the cause. "We did not conduct strikes in that area at that time," Col Dillon said.

Isil fighters initially attempted to destroy the minaret in July 2014. The militants said the structure contradicted their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, but Mosul residents converged on the area and formed a human chain to protect it.

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organisation must be annihilated," US Major General Joseph Martin, the commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq, said in a written statement.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of Isil," he added.

The mosque sat on the southern edge of the Old City, the last Isil stronghold inside Mosul. Iraqi forces launched a push into the Old City earlier this week, but have made slow progress as the last Isil fighters there are holed up with an estimated 100,000 civilians, according to the United Nations.

Earlier this month, Mosul residents reported Isil fighters began sealing off the area around the mosque. Residents said Isil fighters ordered families living in the area to evacuate in preparation for a final stand.

The fight to retake Mosul was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 850,000 people.
Rebecca Burger was reportedly hit violently in the chest by the exploding canister, leading to a heart attack

French authorities are investigating the death of a fashion blogger reportedly hit by an exploding whipped cream canister that was withdrawn from the market in 2013, officials and the company that makes the product said.

An investigation is under way into the death of Rebecca Burger and whether a faulty siphon on a high-pressure canister used to make and dispense whipped cream was at fault, the prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Mulhouse said.

The prosecutor would not comment pending further investigation.

Consumer magazine 60 Million Consumers reported that the victim was hit violently in the chest by the exploding canister, and said that led to a heart attack.

The magazine said it had been warning for years of such risks after dozens of incidents, but this was apparently the first death reported.

The manufacturer of the kitchen product, Ard'time, said the item has not been on the market since a "first incident implicating a siphon" in February 2013.

Products were withdrawn from the market and destroyed, a company statement said, and other efforts made to alert consumers.

"Unfortunately, there are still lots of siphons of all brands that remain potentially dangerous as time passes," the company said.

The consumer magazine said that incidents have been occurring since at least 2010.

"We are up to 60 accidents" that have been reported, said the deputy editor of 60 Million Consumers.

"It is, to our knowledge, the first time there has been a death from such an explosion. We knew it would happen one day," Benjamin Douriez said.

AP
Old picture of the gate to the al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul (AP)

This image provided shows al-Nuri mosque destroyed by IS in Mosul (US CENTCOM via AP)

Islamic State has blown up a historic landmark in Mosul, the city's famed 12th century al-Nuri mosque with its leaning minaret known as al-Hadba.

The explosion destroyed another piece of priceless Iraqi cultural heritage but also sent a strong message to US-led coalition forces and Iraqi troops closing in on the last stronghold of IS, in Mosul's Old City neighbourhood.

Iraq's ministry of defence said the militants detonated explosives planted inside the structures on Wednesday night.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted early on Thursday that the destruction was an admission by the militants that they are losing the fight for Iraq's second-largest city.

"Daesh's bombing of the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque is a formal declaration of their defeat," Mr al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

"It is a shock, a real big shock," Amir al-Jumaili, a professor at the Archaeology College in Mosul, said.

The al-Nuri mosque, which is also known as Mosul's Great Mosque, is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a rare public appearance, declaring a so-called Islamic caliphate in the summer of 2014, shortly after Mosul was overrun by the militants.

The minaret that leaned like Italy's Tower of Pisa had stood for more than 840 years.

IS blew up the mosque during the celebrations of Laylat al Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims.

The "Night of Power" commemorates the night the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is now under way.

An IS statement posted online shortly after the ministry of defence reported the mosque's destruction blamed an air strike by the United States for the loss of the mosque and minaret.

The US-led coalition rejected the IS claim.

Spokesman US army Colonel Ryan Dillon said coalition planes "did not conduct strikes in that area at that time".

IS fighters initially attempted to destroy the minaret in July 2014.

The militants said the structure contradicted their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, but Mosul residents converged on the area and formed a human chain to protect it.

IS has demolished dozens of historic and archaeological sites in and around Mosul, saying they promoted idolatry.

Earlier this month, Mosul residents reported IS fighters had begun sealing off the area around the mosque.

Residents said that IS fighters ordered families living in the area to leave - probably in preparation for the militants' final stand.

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organisation must be annihilated," US Major General Joseph Martin, the commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq, said in a written statement.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of Isis," he added. Isis is another acronym for IS.

The mosque sat at the heart of the Old City, the last IS stronghold in Mosul.

Iraqi forces launched a push into the Old City earlier this week, but have made slow progress as the last IS fighters there are holed up with an estimated 100,000 civilians, according to the United Nations.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the global coalition against IS, also criticised the destruction, describing it as "a very significant moment", in comments at an annual security and policy conference in Herzliya, Israel.

"Late yesterday, as Iraqi security forces closed in on that mosque about a hundred metres away, Isis blew it up, a mosque that sat there since the 12th century, Isis blew it up," Mr McGurk said.

The fight to retake Mosul was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 850,000 people.

While Iraqi forces have experienced periods of swift gains, combat inside the city has largely been gruelling and deadly for both Iraqi forces and civilians.

Mr Al-Jumaili said he long feared the destruction of the mosque and minaret was inevitable.

"It was the last icon for the historic city of Mosul and a valuable symbol," he said. "I am sure Mosul residents could not sleep last night."

AP
Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 over photographer Teresa Halbach's death two years earlier

A US prisoner featured in the Netflix series Making A Murderer was coerced into confessing and should be released from prison, a three-judge federal appeals panel has affirmed.

Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 over photographer Teresa Halbach's death two years earlier.

Dassey told detectives he helped his uncle Steven Avery rape and kill Ms Halbach in the Avery family's Manitowoc County salvage yard.

A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey, who was 16 at the time and suffered from cognitive problems, into confessing.

The state Justice Department appealed the ruling to the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

A three-judge panel from the 7th Circuit affirmed the lower court on Thursday and said Dassey should be freed unless the state chooses to retry him.

AP
Police stand guard in front of an apartment building in Montreal (AP)

A Canadian man shouted in Arabic before stabbing a police officer in the neck at a Michigan airport.

Federal officials said the man referenced people being killed overseas during the attack which is now being investigated as an act of terrorism.

Amor Ftouhi, 49, of Montreal, was immediately taken into custody. A criminal complaint charging him with committing violence at an airport says Ftouhi asked an officer who subdued him why he did not kill him.

The attack at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, is being investigated as an act of terrorism, but authorities have no indication at this time that the suspect was involved in a "wider plot", said FBI Special Agent in Charge David Gelios.

"At this time we view him as a lone-wolf attacker," Mr Gelios said. "We have no information to suggest any training."

The criminal complaint said Ftouhi stabbed airport police Lieutenant Jeff Neville with a large knife after yelling "Allahu akbar", the Arabic phrase for "God is great".

According to the FBI, Ftouhi said something similar to "you have killed people in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die".

More charges against Ftouhi could be filed as prosecutors take the case to a grand jury seeking an indictment, Mr Gelios said. The Flint Journal, citing court officials, said Ftouhi is a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia.

Mr Neville was in satisfactory condition after initially being in critical condition, airport police Chief Chris Miller said at a late afternoon news conference where the charge against Ftouhi was announced.

Ftouhi appeared in federal court in Flint to hear the charge and will get a court-appointed lawyer. A court spokesman said Ftouhi will remain in custody until a bond hearing next Wednesday.

The attack occurred just before 10am local time, prompting officials to evacuate and shut down the airport and add security elsewhere in the Michigan city about 50 miles northwest of Detroit.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump was briefed on the stabbing, and US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he was "proud of the swift response" by authorities from both the US and Canada.

Police in Canada were searching a Montreal apartment. Montreal police spokesman Benoit Boiselle said officers with their department were assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the search on behalf of an FBI request.

A number of police stood guard outside the apartment building in the east end of Montreal located on Belair St in St-Michel borough. Canadian TV footage showed police escorting at least one person from the building where Ftouhi is believed to have lived.

Mr Boiselle said three people staying at the residence had been taken in for questioning.

Luciano Piazza, the building landlord, said Ftouhi was not a difficult tenant and that he is married with children.

"I never had any problems with him. I'm really surprised. I would see him at least once a month, when he paid his rent."

Mr Gelios said Ftouhi legally entered the US at Champlain, New York, on June 16 and made his way to the Flint airport on Wednesday morning.

Ftouhi spent some time in public, unsecured areas of the airport before going to a toilet where he dropped two bags before attacking the officer with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade, Mr Gelios said.

Ftouhi never went through any security screening, Mr Gelios said. He described Ftouhi as "cooperative" and talking to investigators.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect being led away as Mr Neville was bleeding and a knife on the ground.

"The cop was on his hands and knees bleeding from his neck," Ken Brown told The Flint Journal. "I said they need to get him a towel."

Cherie Carpenter, who was awaiting a flight to Texas to see her new grandchild, told Flint TV station WJRT she saw the attacker being led away in handcuffs. She described the man in custody as appearing "blank, just totally blank".

Mr Miller, the airport chief, said Mr Neville "fought him to the end," managing to stop the stabbing and bring Ftouhi to the ground as he and other officers arrived to help.

After the stabbing, officials stationed police officers at Flint City Hall a few miles away. Mayor Karen Weaver said the situation was "under control" but that officials sought to take "extra precautions".

Genesee County Commissioner Mark Young, a friend of Mr Neville's who retired from the county sheriff's office in 1997, said Mr Neville left that department two years after him. He said he served in various capacities with the sheriff's office including in the jail, on road patrol and as a court officer.

Mr Neville retired from the sheriff's office as a lieutenant.

AP
Senate Republicans have released their long-awaited bill to dismantle much of Barack Obama's healthcare law but ran into trouble as four GOP senators said they opposed it.

The bill would provide less-generous tax credits to help people buy insurance and let states get waivers to ignore some coverage standards that Obamacare requires of insurers.

It would also end the tax penalties under Mr Obama's law on people who do not buy insurance - the so-called individual mandate - and on larger firms that do not offer coverage to their employees.

The measure represents the Senate GOP's effort to achieve a top-tier priority for President Donald Trump and virtually all Republican members of Congress.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell hopes to push it through his chamber next week but solid Democratic opposition - and complaints from at least six Republicans - have left its fate unclear.

"We have to act," Mr McConnell said on the Senate floor. "Because Obamacare is a direct attack on the middle class and American families deserve better than its failing status quo."

Some Republican senators, as well as all the Senate's Democrats, have complained about Mr McConnell's proposal, the secrecy with which he drafted it and the speed with which he would like to move it to passage.

Mr McConnell has only a thin margin of error: The bill would fail if just three of the Senate's 52 GOP senators oppose it.

Democrats gathered on the Senate floor and defended Mr Obama's 2010 overhaul.

They said GOP characterisations of the law as failing are wrong and claimed the Republican plan would boot millions off coverage and leave others facing higher out-of-pocket costs.

"We live in the wealthiest country on earth. Surely we can do better than what the Republican healthcare bill promises," said Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer.

Four GOP conservative senators - Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah, Kentucky's Rand Paul and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin - said the bill falls short of GOP promises to erase Mr Obama's law and lower people's costs.

However, they said they were "open to negotiation and obtaining more information".

The House approved its version of the bill last month.

Though he lauded its passage in a rose garden ceremony, Mr Trump last week privately called the House measure "mean" and called on senators to make their version more "generous".

At the White House on Thursday, Mr Trump expressed hope for quick action.

"We'll hopefully get something done and it will be something with heart and very meaningful," he said.

The bill would phase out the extra money Mr Obama's law provides to states that have expanded coverage under the federal-state Medicaid program for low-income people.

The additional funds would continue through 2020 and be gradually reduced until they are entirely eliminated in 2024.

Ending Mr Obama's expansion has been a major problem for some GOP senators.

Some from states that have expanded the programme have battled to prolong the phase-out while conservative Republicans have sought to halt the funds quickly.

Beginning in 2020, the Senate measure would also limit the federal funds states get each year for Medicaid.

The program currently gives states all the money needed to cover eligible recipients and procedures.

AP
New York, June 22(Just Earth News): The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday welcomed the deployment by the so-called Group of Five (G5) a Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger a of a joint force to tackle the threat of terrorism, as well as the serious challenges posed by transnational organized crime in Africa's restive Sahel region.

Unanimously adopting a new resolution, the Council welcomed the joint force's strategic concept of operations, saying it intended to review the deployment in four months' time. It requested that the Secretary-General, in close coordination with the Group of Five (G5) Sahel States, as well as the African Union  to provide an oral update within two months.

Also by that text, the Council urged the joint force of up to 5,000 military and police personnel, as well as the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and French forces in that country to ensure adequate coordination and exchange of information regarding their operations, within their respective mandates. In that regard, it reiterated its request that the Secretary-General enhance cooperation between MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel States through the relevant intelligence and liaison officers.

The resolution also urged the G5 Sahel States to continue efforts to make the joint force operational in a sustainable, viable and effective manner. It also welcomed the European Union's commitment to provide 50 million in financial support, and encouraged further support from bilateral and multilateral partners.

Emphasizing the important role of women in preventing conflict and peacebuilding, the Council underlined the need to take a gender perspective into account in implementing all aspects of the strategic concept of operations.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in the Sahel, abject poverty, fast population growth, climate change, recurrent food and nutrition crises, armed conflicts and violence converge dangerously and undermine the lives and assets and future prospects of millions of families across the region. More than 30 million people face food insecurity, one in five children under the age of five suffers from acute malnutrition and at least 4.9 million are displaced by the effects of conflicts.

Photo: UNDP/Nicolas Meulders

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, June 22(Just Earth News): Civilians in Yemen continue to be killed and injured during Ramadan, despite calls for the conflict parties to respect their obligations under international law, the senior United Nations aid official in the country warned on Wednesday.

Targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen continues during the holy month of Ramadan despite my repeated calls and the calls from the international community, including the UN Security Council, to all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, said Jamie Mcgoldrick, Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, in a press statement.

On 17 June, at least 22 civilians, including six children, were reported killed and injured in a series of air attacks on a market in Sa'ada Governorate, near the border with Saudi Arabia.

There were no reported military targets in the proximity of the market at the time of the attack, and no warning was issued to civilians in the area, said McGoldrick.

On 19 June, the power lines to the main water supply system in Dhamar City were damaged as a result of military activity, affecting one million people who rely on this water source and putting them at greater risk of death, given the current fast-spreading cholera outbreak in Yemen.

Following the attacks on the market in Sa'ada, the European Union and others in the international community have expressed concern over the reported deaths of civilians, noting that this is a stark reminder that Yemeni civilians are the ones bearing the brunt of a war that has devastated their country.

The disregard for the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure at a time of great need, due to the combined effects of the cholera outbreak and the looming famine, continues to shock me and must end, underscored the Humanitarian Coordinator.

Wars have laws and I implore that all parties to the conflict uphold their responsibilities to comply with international humanitarian and human rights laws, he continued. The warring parties must distinguish between the civilian population and combatants at all times and between civilian objects and military objectives; and must take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects.

McGoldrick urged those influencing and arming the parties to use their position to end the conflict and to stop fuelling the violence.

The humanitarian crisis is Yemen is entirely man-made and it is immoral to allow hardship and deprivation to continue. We must give hope to millions of Yemenis by showing that the world is not indifferent to their suffering, he concluded.

Photo: ICRC/Khalid al-Saeed

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, June 22(Just Earth News): Facing a fast-growing refugee crisis, Uganda is set to host in its capital, Kampala, a 'Solidarity Summit' with the support of the United Nations, to rally international support for refugees and host communities in the form of donations, investments and innovative programmes.

The two-day Summit, which opens Thursday, 22 June, comes as the UN estimates that in just one year, largely due to an influx of people fleeing violence and instability in South Sudan, the refugee population in Uganda has more than doubled  from 500,000 to more than 1.25 million  making the country host to the world's fastest growing refugee emergency.

Hosted by President Yoweri Museveni and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the event, which is expecting 30 Heads of State and international donors, looks to raise $2 billion to meet the humanitarian needs of refugees and to support the hosting communities over the next four years.

Nearly 86 per cent of all South Sudanese refugees in Uganda are women and children

For many South Sudanese refugees, the first stop once they cross the border is Imvepi camp in northern Uganda's Arua district. A tent run by UN partner organization Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym, MSF, is where they receive vaccinations, malnutrition screenings and primary healthcare.

Mary Opangi, a young woman from crisis-torn Yei town in South Sudan, was nine months pregnant when she fled, and gave birth just after arriving at the Ugandan border. Just as we came there, my stomach started to feel pain, that's why they took me to the hospital, she said.

She is one among a seemingly endless stream of daily arrivals that are putting a huge strain on Uganda's already meagre available resources.

Imvepi camp, which opened in February this year and is already filling up, is hosting 120,000 refugees, U Aye Maung, Field Officer for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) told UN News, which is on the ground in Uganda ahead of the Summit.

Water is scarce, he explained, and providing adequate shelter is another challenge the UN refugee agency is facing.

I think the biggest challenge is, if you see the terrains, one is the scarcity of water, we need a huge [amount] of water supplies every day. If you see 100,000 people [in the camp]  shelter will be another priority for the next.

Furthermore, the newly arriving refugees depend entirely on food assistance.

The current funding does not cover the vast needs, the UN Office in Uganda underscored, and there is a risk that food rations might get cut.

Uganda has also opened its doors to refugees from Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. With an average of 2,000 new arrivals each day, the country needs urgent and robust support to deal with the refugee crisis.

'Uganda's magnificent response has been met by meagre support' UN refugee agency chief

In an opinion piece, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said the South Sudan refugee crisis and the question of Uganda's capability and resilience is proving to be an early test of the commitments of the New York Declaration, adopted at a UN Summit last year with the aim of helping Stat plan a just, coordinated approach for global governance of both refugees and migrants within two years.

So far, Uganda's magnificent response has been met by meagre support, but [] there's a chance to turn the page, he said, stressing international indifference undermines Uganda's often-praised model for welcoming, supporting and integrating refugees. Yet, the Solidarity Summit is a chance for the world to step up so Uganda can continue to show us the way.

UN Photo/Mark Gartenl

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Actor Ajith Kumar and Vivek Oberoi will be soon leaving to Serbia for a short schedule of their upcoming film 'Vivegam'.

It was reported widely that the shooting has been completed last month as the entire crew returned to Chennai after fisnihing ovr 150 days of shoot in Bulgaria, Serbia and a couple of other neighboring countries in Europe, The team also started working on post production including the dubbing for artists.

However now it is revealed that the shooting is not actually entirely wrapped up and some important combination scenes between Ajith the lead hero and Vivek Oberoi who plays the villain in the film need to be canned. Apparently Vivek Oberoi was not well at time of completing the shoot and hence the makers had to postpone this for a separate schedule.

This will be the final schedule of shot for 'Vivegam' and it will last for not more than a week's time.

'Vivegam' directed by Siva and produced by Sathya Jyothi Films banner on a grand scale is getting ready to hit the screens on August 10, 2017 for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
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Many people use video chat to keep in touch with family and friends. One local hospital is using it to save lives. Hendricks Regional Health, a hospital headquartered in Danville, Indiana, with medical facilities in Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield and more, is one of the first hospitals in the nation to launch a mobile telestroke program, allowing doctors to start evaluating stroke victims before they reach the hospital.

Dr. James Nossett with Hendricks Regional Health is one of the doctors leading this project. Nossett says time is of the essence when working with stroke victims.

I use the term time is brain, because stroke victims lose about 2 million brain cells per minute. Sadly, I cant tell you how many times people come to the hospital and say their stroke symptoms started the day before they came to the hospital. The family and the patient say they wanted to wait it out and see if symptoms got better. Well, its too late then, said Nossett.

The American Stroke Association recommends patients receive a powerful drug known as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) within an hour of reaching the hospital to minimize the long-term effects of the stroke. TPA is the only approved treatment for clot-related strokes, but it is only approved for use within a limited number of hours after symptom onset.

Nossett says the steps doctors are required to take before administering the drug, such as checking in the patient, evaluating their symptoms, ordering needed medications and preparing the CT scan for the patient, can make it difficult to get the medication to the patient with 60 minutes of arrival. Thats why Hendricks Regional Health has teamed up with Hendricks Countys emergency medical services to allow doctors to connect with patients while they are still being transported to the facilities.

The paramedics call in and say they want to go telestroke. We connect with an iPad and do this live on FaceTime, with the patient and the EMTs, said Nossett. They give us the name of the patient so we can get them plugged into our system before they even arrive. It lets us put orders in and give a heads up to our CT scan person. We start a nine-step exam, asking them to do different things like smiling, raising their eyebrows, holding their arms out, speaking and some other things. Normally we cant do it until they get to the hospital, but now we can do it before.

Because the program is new, Nossett doesnt have any statistics regarding the programs outcomes yet. However, he feels they have been hitting the mark of getting patients treatment in under an hour.

Stroke facts:

-Every year, 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke; almost 130,000 are fatal.

 There are nearly 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S.

 Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

 Factors such as high blood pressure, bad eating habits, smoking, drinking and lack of exercise can put you at risk of having a stroke.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

National Stroke Association
According to Critical Race Theory (CRT) scholars (e.g. Delgado, & Stefancic, 2012), racial progression only occurs when whites have a shared interest in racial progression that does not fundamentally alternate the benefits of whiteness. CRT scholars argue that the imbalanced racial caste system serves the existing power structure of white supremacy and that changes to this power structure only occur when the changes benefit the interest of those the system favors (whites). For example, Bell (1980) contended that the 1954 Supreme Court decision to desegregate public schools (Brown v. Board of Education) was more the result of shared interests, domestic and abroad, that culminated to serve multiple needs of America while protecting and maintaining white supremacy. In particular, Bell argues that the courts decision centers more on (1) changing the hearts of mostly nonwhite underdeveloped Communist countries to accept Americas form of a democracy, while providing a form of (2) pacification for Blacks who began to question the merit of Americas WWII campaign of freedom and liberation from oppression, when Blacks who fought in the war returned home to Americas generational practices of racial discrimination and second class citizenship. As well, Bell argues that the courts decision (3) provided whites with an opportunity to transition the rural, segregated South into a financial source of profit. As such, segregation was only viewed as an obstacle when the solution served the need of maintaining whiteness and Americas white imperialism.

In the context of education reform in Indianapolis, we can see how the interests of white elites, who want to revitalize Center Township and bring a tax-base back to the urban core (reverse white flight), align with the long-standing interest of Black families who have been plagued with chronic school failure in Indianapolis since the federally mandated desegregation of IPS. For example, former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and former Deputy Mayor of Education Jason Kloth both supported the NEO Plan (2012/13), which was a proposed free-market plan to increase high-quality seats through a competition model. Both Kloth and Ballard declared that the plan would bring people back into Indianapolis and increase the tax base. We are currently seeing this same process under the current mayor and the expansion of the innovation network under Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Lewis Ferebee.

Unfortunately this logic is both classist and racist. If the mode of thought for changing the landscape of education in Indianapolis is to bring back the tax-base that left Indianapolis (coded language for bringing back white people who left), then you already made the decision that the people living here (mostly nonwhite people) arent worth investing in. Through the racialized and coded language of good neighborhoods and good schools, white elites incentivize white working- and middle-class families to move back to Indianapolis through amoral public-relation-rhetoric of revitalizing urban cities, while dually serving their elite constituents by making the city better, which translates to making the city whiter.

The free-market education reform movement has provided a perfect example of interest convergence, where white philanthropic individuals and organizations can appear to serve the needs of Black communities, but arent essentially changing the aggregate performance of schools in Indianapolis (traditional and charter) and not addressing the historic truths of why white flight in Marion County occurred in the first place.

Admittedly, there are children who need an adequate and transformative education right now, and those children and their families dont have the luxury of waiting for us to figure this out. Yet, we have to remember that No! is an acceptable answer. Taking any money would only temporarily serve our interests, but will generationally serve theirs. As Jessie Williams stated during the BET Awards, we must stop accepting freedom with conditions. The education of Black children should not come as a convenience for white elites to gentrify Indianapolis and urban cities across the nation.

Peace and love.

Dr. Nate Williams is a professor in the Educational Studies Department at Knox College located in Galesburg, Illinois. Williams is an Indianapolis native and graduate of IPS and former teacher at Arsenal Tech High School. He teaches courses on cognitive development, anti-racist education and education policy.
During his campaign, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett outlined a plan to address gaps in the Indianapolis education landscape and promote solutions to improve options and outcomes for students. The Mayors Office of Education Innovation (OEI) has worked aggressively to promote equitable learning opportunities across the city.

OEI authorizes Mayor-Sponsored Charter Schools (MSCS), with almost 40 locations across the city. Since its inception, OEI has adopted national best practices in charter school authorizing, earning a reputation as one of the highest quality authorizers in the country. With four schools opening this fall, MSCS will serve 15,000 students, the majority living in Center Township. MSCS serves a highly diverse student population with 77.8 percent qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch, 55 percent Black and 15 percent Hispanic. Despite the majority living below the federal poverty line, MSCS students consistently outperform similarly situated students in traditional public schools. Autonomy and strong accountability bolster this success; however, OEI continues to work on initiatives to improve academic outcomes and opportunities for all Indianapolis students, which includes an investment in early childhood education.

Indiana is one of several states that do not provide statewide pre-K funding for all children. In 2015, OEI and United Way of Central Indiana initiated the Indianapolis Preschool Scholarship Program (Indy PSP). This program provides full scholarships for the citys eligible 3- and 4-year-olds to enroll in high-quality pre-K programs. During its first year, Indy PSP received more than 5,000 applications for just 1,300 scholarships. OEI has continued to advocate for statewide pre-K funding so that every child across Indiana has access to high-quality pre-K. As a state, we are moving in the right direction, but there is more work that must be done.

In efforts to promote transparency, higher visibility of school performance and alignment between traditional public and public charter schools, OEI has fully supported unified enrollment, Equity Reports and collaboration with IPS. Since its formative stages, OEI has engaged with Enroll Indy to help develop a strategy to streamline a new unified enrollment process that will begin October 2017. Equity Reports inform parents about school-level data specific to student subgroups. This tool is an additional resource for families and advocates to gauge performance and discipline outcomes by race and gender.

Enroll Indy and Equity Reports are just two components of a district-charter collaboration between IPS and OEI. This collaboration strengthens the Indianapolis education landscape with strategic alignment on common academic measures and facilities data points between IPS and MSCS. While partnership and collaboration with the district are essential to better inform families, OEI is currently working aggressively to address barriers to learning for the citys low-income students.

The Indianapolis Promise and the Working Group on Poverty and Education are two initiatives designed to alleviate learning obstacles for the citys low-income students. The Indianapolis Promise seeks to close the skills gap to ensure Marion County students are breaking the cycle of poverty and businesses have a pipeline of highly qualified employees. The City convened the Indianapolis Promise Task Force with members from the public, nonprofit and private sectors to research and produce a report on the initiatives implementation. The Task Force will present recommendations to the mayor by December 2017.

Since February, the Working Group on Poverty and Education has met to develop a plan to address the many challenges facing Indianapolis students living in poverty. The working group is tasked with creating a comprehensive plan to combat barriers to learning and increase visibility of relevant resources to Indianapolis students and families. Standing by the mayors vision for education, OEI supports opportunities to make Indianapolis a city where every student in every neighborhood has access to a high-quality education.

Ahmed Young is director of charter schools for the City of Indianapolis Office of Innovation Education.
While many view summer as an ideal time to cash in vacation days, host barbecues and relax, some members of the community will be using the summer to help rejuvenate an often-neglected area of Indianapolis. Building 10 homes, renovating 80-plus others and finding ways to invest $50,000 into beautifying the near east side is in the cards this season, thanks to two initiatives organized by local nonprofits and implemented by members of the community.

The 46201 Project

This past week alone, hundreds of individuals volunteered their time to help repair homes in the Near Eastsides 46201 area code. These home renovations are part of the Shepherd Community Centers 46201 Project that launched this summer. In the 46201 Project neighborhoods, a staggering 35 percent of all housing is abandoned and approximately 39 percent of the population lives below the Federal Poverty Line. The goal of the initiative is to help families break the cycle of poverty by tackling the systemic issues in the neighborhood.

Many of this weeks volunteers were from a church group in town for a convention, and the Shepherd Community Center plans to send more groups and individuals from local churches, businesses and organizations to help Near Eastside residents. They hope to renovate 80-100 homes by the end of the summer.

We are focusing on houses that are owned, because we dont want to fix up a home and have an issue where the landlord will up the price on the tenant. Any homeowner who is interested can apply to receive help with everything from simple tasks to painting, roofing and all types of things, said Jill Height of the Shepherd Community Center. The majority of all the workers are volunteers, and there are volunteer opportunities for people who know how to build a home and for people who have no experience.

Potential volunteers can apply on Shepherd Community Centers website, and individuals who want assistance with their home can inquire by giving the center a call.

46201

In addition to helping homeowners restore their property, the center is building 10 homes from the ground up through a partnership with the Central Indiana Fuller Center for Housing. The homes will be sold to individuals selected by the Fuller Center based on need. Height says the recipients will pay $400 a month in rent for 20 years.

Building houses is only the first step of a five-year initiative to tackle numerous areas of concern.

Our goal is to affect housing, hunger and hope. We know that our neighborhood is not always seen as the nicest in the city, and we want to make an impact by identifying the underlying issues and find solutions. Hope is a big factor in that, because if you have no hope, you dont care to make a change, said Height. We want people to volunteer and get involved. We want to get to know our neighbors on a first-name basis, and we want to offer hope to people overall.

Indy East Arts Peace

While some organizations are working on repairing houses, others are finding additional ways to make the Near Eastside safer and visually pleasing. According to Julia Moore of the Arts Council of Indianapolis, safety and beauty go hand-in-hand.

The things you put in public space and the way you arrange a public space can actually reduce crime. Making kids feel integrated in a space is another way to increase public safety and discourage crime later on, said Moore.

Armed with a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Arts Council of Indianapolis has partnered with Near East Area Renewal (NEAR) to spearhead Indy East Arts Peace, a community-led initiative that aims to train select Near Eastside residents in creative placemaking and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED looks at ways to create spaces that encourage safe engagement with the world. It can include the strategic use of shrubbery, the placement of gates and security devices, or eliminating hidden places where criminal activity can take place. Creative placemaking is all about making a community more enjoyable. It targets places where people gather, walk and play and makes them more interactive and beautiful. The end goal is to create safer and more desirable places to live.

We are creating spaces where people can compose music together, create art together or participate in theater together. We want to find spaces where all of this can happen on the east side. We want to make things more comfortable through artistic seating, well-designed activities and things that increase beauty, said Moore.

Most importantly, all of these concepts are going to be decided upon up and implemented by Near Eastside residents. Indy East Arts Peace will hire four artists, four community leaders and four members of law enforcement and split them into small teams. These teams will explore the neighborhood and come up with creative ways to improve the Near Eastside using art and design.

Think of the times you have been enthusiastic about something. Its usually because its your own idea that you are excited about. The idea is to train community members and artists who will be working in their own neighborhoods, and police officers who know what crime happens where. It wont just be visual artists that we are looking for; we want musicians, dancers, all mediums. Each team will create three to five ideas that could take place at different locations. There might be 25 ideas at the end, and we will have a big pitch night party where the teams and the community at large are brought together to vote for their favorite ideas.

Indy East Arts Peace will officially launch in August. The planning, training and engagement phase runs till July 2019, and all participants will be paid for their time.

For more information on Project 46201, visit 46201project.com. To connect with the Arts Council of Indianapolis, visit indyarts.org.

The 46201 Project
Dangal girl Fatima Sana Shaikh is back in her hot chick avatar!

If you have been trying to take some time out from you busy schedules and go out on a vacation, but the work is keeping you busy, then please dont see Dangal girl Fatima Sana Shaikhs pictures from Malta. Why? Because she really knows how to balance the two and have a ball.



Twitter

We saw a total different side to Fatima in Dangal, her debut film. She played the role of Geeta Phogat, a wrestler. But how is the lady in her real life? If you havent been following her on Instagram, heres the treat for you:

#1

A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 19, 2017 at 8:13am PDT

#2

A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 19, 2017 at 10:21am PDT

#3

Squinting.... photo credits for all my pictures @melissajin92 A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 21, 2017 at 1:10pm PDT

#4

A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 19, 2017 at 3:34am PDT

#5

A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 12, 2017 at 3:02am PDT

#6

The door A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 21, 2017 at 4:09am PDT

#7

We be jumpin A post shared by Fatima Sana Shaikh (@fatimasanashaikh) on Jun 21, 2017 at 3:44am PDT

Just in case you didnt know, she is not holidaying in Europe but shooting for her next film Thugs of Hindostan, which also stars Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif in the lead. If grapevine is to be believed, the actress will be seen playing Aamirs love interest in the film. After playing Aamir's daughter in their previous film, it will be interesting to see Katrina-Aamir-Fatima share the screen space in a love triangle?

Keeping all the work related information aside, doesnt Fatima look happy, lively and amazing in these pictures? We are really jealous that all we can do is work, look at these pictures and sulk but if you can heading to a vacay, how about exploring Malta!


Air India Express, the low-cost airline by the national carrier will operate special flights between Kerala and Doha from June 25 to July 8 to help Indians who want to return from Qatar, which is facing a diplomatic and economic blockade from its middle eastern neighbours.

BCCL

This came after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke to Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Wednesday.

"All steps necessary for the timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured. I and Sushma Swaraj are in touch on this issue," the aviation minister tweeted.

All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured. I and @SushmaSwaraj ji are in touch on this issue.  Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 21, 2017

However many expats living in Qatar pointed out that the tweet was spreading panic.

Sir, your tweet would be misguiding as it looks like there is some issue happened in qatar and Indians will taken back.  Prince Jose (@princecochin) June 21, 2017

The minister later clarified that, it wasn't an evacuation and the government move was only an "additional capacity for people who were not getting tickets for travel".

Correct, no issue as such. This is additional capacity for people who were not getting tickets for travel.  Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 21, 2017

There are an estimated seven lakhs Indians living and working in Qatar, mostly from southern states like Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Qatar has been in the midst of a diplomatic and economic blockade by countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.

AFP

These countries have also banned Qatar Airways, the world's second largest airline company from flying in their skies and using their airports.

The blockade had raised fears of Qatar, one of the richest countries in the world in terms of per capita income facing shortage of essential goods.

AFP

But the administration in Doha has insisted that the supply of essentials will be normalised soon and there was no need of panic. At the beginning of the crisis, Qatar had assured India full safety of its citizens working in the country.

AFP

According to 2017 estimates, there are around 2.6 million people living in Qatar, of which foreign workers amount to around 88% of the population, with Indians being the largest community.
With reports of China mulling to establish a naval base in Pakistan doing the rounds, India may once again worry about the much talked about Chinese doctrine of String of Pearls to contain both lands as well as the maritime footprint of India in the region.

String of Pearls refers to a geopolitical theory to the network of Chinese intentions in India Ocean Region (IOR). Precisely, it refers to the network of Chinese military and commercial facilities developed by China in countries falling on the Indian Ocean between the Chinese mainland and Port Sudan.

Reuters

The doctrine has been discussed and debated for years and Indias Look East Policy was always seen as an answer to Chinese String of Pearls.

But first, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and now its macro form of One Belt One Road (OBOR) under which China will construct various land and maritime trade routes are also seen as a part of Chinas larger military ambition.

India has already been encircled by Chinese military and commercial facilities and if as reported, Chinese naval base comes up on Pakistan soil, thats going to be the possible last cog in the chain of pearls encircling India.

Wikipedia

Though similar military and commercial facilities have been developed by China to encircle Japan and other American allies as well, since our concern is India, we are discussing the Chinese presence in IOR which might prove costly for India at the time of conflict with China.

1. Strait of Malacca

The Indian Ocean sees nearly 60 per cent of the trade which includes the trade of oil from the oil fields of the Middle East. And 80 per cent of Chinas oil imports pass through the Strait of Malacca. Therefore, Strait of Malacca is indispensable for China until it develops alternative routes.

Therefore China is keen to develop friendly relations with countries like Malaysia and Singapore which surround the Malacca Strait.

India has a strategic hold on Malacca Strait and in past as India had threatened to block Malacca Strait when China was mulling to help Pakistan in 1971 war.

During the Kargil conflict in 1999, India had choked supply to Pakistan by using its navy-practically blocking the Karachi port. China is said to have developed a naval base near Strait of Malacca on Cocos Keeling Island, which is a distant part of Australia.

2. Myanmar

China has the presence in Myanmars Kyaukpyu port. The port situated in the Bay of Bengal has given China access to have a commercial Maritime facility which can be used as a military facility at the time of conflict. China has invested a lot and 2400 km gas pipeline connecting Kyaukyu and Kunming is an example of it.

MarineBuzz.com

Another main Chinese presence in close vicinity to Indian shores are at Coco Islands. Coco Islands are situated north of Andaman and Nicobar islands and strategically extremely important at the times of conflict. China is reportedly having a military base there as well.

3. Bangladesh

China has developed the port of Chittagong which again gives it a station to be used in the heart of the Bay of Bengal. China has invested a lot in Bangladesh and both Bangladesh and Myanmar are important points of OBORs sub-project, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM). China once again has been pushing Bangladesh to allow a naval base near Chittagong.

4. Sri Lanka

Though India has robust relations with Sri Lanka for centuries, China has found its feet in Sri Lankan soil as well. The Chinese company has developed a port Hambantota, in the Southern-eastern side of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government has also allowed the control of it to a Chinese company.

The previous Rajapakshe government had allowed Chinese to build this port and it was likely to allow China to build a naval base here. But the Rajapakse government was ousted in 2015 election and the present Sirisena government has cordial relations with India, which seems to have given a jolt to the Chinese plans.

Recently, the Sri Lankan government had rejected Chinese request of allowing one of its nuclear submarine dockings at Hambantota.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan- India relations require no introduction and China is Pakistan all weather ally. Therefore, Pakistan has always been Chinas tool to keep India in check. The Gwadar Port developed by China for the purpose of CPEC is just the tip of the iceberg as the political pundits believe that China will not only assist Pakistan Navy through Gwadar port but would also launch offensive using this port in the scenario of a Sino-Indian conflict.

And now Pentagon has come up with a report that China may come up with a full-fledged naval base in Pakistan which again speaks volumes about Chinese ambitions in IOR.

6. Chinese presence in Greater IOR

MarineBuzz.com

China hasnt limited itself to lure the countries encircling India, but it has also made its presence felt on the African coast and the Middle East. China is said to have a powerful presence on the African coast of India ocean in Sudan and Kenya while its now building a military base in Djibouti to counter the increase American footprint in the Middle-East and IOR.

Here's How India has planned to counter China

Apart from the Look East policy through which India has been trying to improve relations with China Southern-Eastern neighbours like Taiwan, South Korea, Philippines and Japan, India has been trying t improve its relationship with its neighbours so that they dont go and sit in the lap of China.

Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

To counter Chinese influence in Myanmar, India has recently extended over USD 1.75 billion in grants and credit to Myanmar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently visited Bangladesh and also received his counterpart in New Delhi. All these moves are seen as key to counter China. India-Bangladesh is also likely to develop deep sea military infrastructure in Sonadia.

IndianDefence Forum

In order to counter Chinas Gwadar move, India has made deal with Iran and now India is developing Chabahar Port in Iran which is even more crucial than Gwadar as its located on the mouth of Hormuz strait from where oil trade from the oil fields in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and UAE takes place.

India has also invested a lot diplomatically in countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia - all surrounding China. Besides, India has good old friends in Japan, South Korea and Russia.
On Monday, the Punjab government made a spectacular announcement! Education for girls, from kindergarten all the way to the PhD level has been made completely free. This a huge, progressive step to get more girls into school, which will take them one step closer to empowerment. Heres what a few other states in the country are doing for girls education:

1. Tamil Nadu

REuters

The government offered a 50% subsidy to women to buy scooters and free laptops with Internet for girls in Class 11 and 12.

Also read: Punjab Has Just Announced Free Education For Girls From Nursery To PhD

2. Uttarakhand

reuters

To boost education of girls in the State, it was decided that girls who have been enrolled in schools with getting free cycles.

3. Kerala

Reuters

A lot of girls in India, especially in rural regions, drop out of school after hitting puberty. To curb this dropping out rate, Kerala became the first state in the country to make sanitary napkin vending machines mandatory in all higher secondary schools.

Also read: In A First, Kerala Makes Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines Mandatory In All Schools

4. Indian Institute of Technology

toi

This may not be a nation state, but it sure is a country of its own when it comes to technological education in India. In order to help increase the number of women who enrol in the institution and thereby to increase the number of female graduates in this field, it has approved a 20% quota of supernumerary seats for women.

5. Bihar

reuters

The State decided to eliminate all fee for girls belonging to Schedule Tribes and Scheduled Castes when they are gaining admissions in government universities and colleges.

6. Karnataka

indiatimes/representational image

The state government said that girls studying in government and aided private degree colleges will receive free education to increase the number of women gaining access to higher education.

7. Haryana

bccl

Haryana government is in the process of opening as many as 41 new government senior secondary schools for girls in the state to get more girls in school.

8. West Bengal

the indian awaaz

The Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme launched in 2013 gives unmarried girls between 13 and 18 years of age, in classes 8-12 an annual scholarship of Rs 760. They also get a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 as soon as they turn 18 if they are still enrolled in either school or university.

9. Maharashtra

bccl

In 2015, the government launched the Bhagyashree Scheme for girls below the poverty line. Under this scheme, they get Rs 21,000 at the time of birth and then Rs 1 Lakh after she turns 18.

10. Gujarat

reuters

The government will offer free medical education to female students under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavlamban Yojana.

11. Assam

the better india

The state government has proposed to make girls education free up to the university level. This scheme has been proposed to make the education system more accessible.

Currently, there is no data to show how these schemes have helped girls in India. However, these initiatives look pretty prmosing to begin with.
Committed to solving hunger and malnutrition in India, anti-hunger activist Ankit Kawatra is all set to receive the prestigious Queen's Young Leaders Award with 60 others from all 53 Commonwealth countries.

Facebook

Ankit Kawatra, 25, will be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony to be held at the Buckingham Palace on June 29.

Kawatra quit his corporate job in 2014 and founded a not for profit organisation called Feeding India, that works towards solving problems of hunger, malnutrition and food wastage, mainly by redistributing extra food from restaurants, canteens, households, corporates etc. to help people in need.

He started working for the cause after witnessing a massive amount of extra food being thrown away in a wedding and feels that his mission is to end hunger in his lifetime.

Facebook

"India wastes 67 million tonnes food every year which is more than the national output of Britain. If no one else was working on it, I had to take the first step to channelise the excess food," Mr Kawatra said in a statement on Wednesday.

Starting from a team of five, the NGO today works in 43 cities with 4,500 volunteers and has served more than 8.5 million meals to vulnerable individuals such as children, women, old age citizens, disabled people etc.
Time and again we hear of sexual harassment on Indian planes and there seems to be no solution to this atrocity. In another blood boiling incident, a Gurgaon man was arrested on Monday morning for repeatedly groping a woman seated next to him, reports HT.

REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

According to the report, the 31-year-old man named Mohit Kanvar from Gurgaon, didn't just trouble the woman but also had the guts to turn around and ask, "You don't like to be touched?", when she tried to complain to the crew.

A report states the man kept touching her with his left hand and left leg and the moment she turned to tell him to sit properly, she saw that the mans eyes were closed.

The shameless man didn't stop there, he folded his right arm and groped the woman again.

REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

When the air hostess asked the accused, Kanvar, to sit properly, he abused her too. The woman then took the issue to the pilot of the flight and no sooner the flight landed in Mumbai, the man was then taken into custody by the Sahar police.

He is now booked under the section 354, molestation in the Indian Penal Code.

Is there any place safe for women? With incidents like these, the possibility looks bleak.
A mob of nearly 50 men brutally assaulted two alleged cattle thieves and paraded them naked on the street in Etah district. The two men were rescued by policemen who took them to a government hospital for first aid but chained them by the arms and legs to the hospital bed.

toi

The two men, Asif and Rehan, both in their late twenties, from Nadrai area of Kasganj district, were caught by residents of Ghiraura village allegedly trying to steal a buffalo early on Tuesday morning.

Dasrath Singh, station house officer of Etah Dehat police station said, "There were a total of eight men who came in a pickup truck to steal buffaloes from Ghiraura village, but fortunately the residents spotted them and caught two, while the rest fled. From the truck, we recovered three buffaloes stolen from Firozabad district."

2 Muslims cattle traders stripped, lynched by Hindu mob in the presence of Cops, in Etah

Police cuffs-up VICTIMS & charges them with rioting pic.twitter.com/jHYElMvF3X  Omar (@timesn0w) June 21, 2017

Before the police arrived, the mob had assaulted the men with iron rods and sticks and paraded them naked. Police, however, said the men fired on the villagers and attacked them first.

screen grab

"It was the thieves who first fired on the villagers with country-made pistols and attacked them with sticks when the villagers tried to nab them. The villagers assaulted them in response," Singh added.

Interestingly, the police didn't recover any country made pistols from the two men, who are from a nomadic community of Kasganj. The men were taken to the district hospital for treatment, during which they were chained to a bed. They were later sent to the Etah district jail.

toi

"The apprehended cattle thieves are hardened criminals. We feared if they tried to flee from the hospital, the angry mob lying in wait outside would lynch them. So the policemen on duty chained them to the bed," a police officer said.
In a deadly car bomb explosion outside a bank in Lashkar Gah, capital of the southern Afghan province of Helmand on Thursday, dozens have been killed and wounded, including civilians and members of the security forces waiting to collect their pay, said officials.

Representational Image

At least 20 people had been killed and more than 50 wounded, including members of the police and army, civilians and staff of the New Kabul Bank branch where the attack took place, said Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor.

WION

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but insurgent groups, including the Taliban and Islamic State have in the past targeted banks where police, soldiers and other government employees collect their pay.

Last month, at least three people were killed and many wounded in an attack on a bank in the eastern city of Gardez.
Senator Larissa Waters breastfeeding her daughter Alia Joy in the federal parliament is slowly becoming an iconic image.

aap

Waters breastfed her 14-week-old baby daughter while passing a motion on black lung disease thereby becoming the first mother to do so. This feat comes just one month after she became the first MP to nurse a baby in the chamber.

aap

In May, Waters had said, "I am so proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the Federal Parliament, Senator Waters said back in May. We need more women and parents in Parliament. And we need more family-friendly and flexible workplaces, and affordable childcare, for everyone."

aap

In 2016, parliamentary regulations were removed to allow mothers to breastfeed in the chamber. Earlier, children were now allowed in the chamber and breastfeeding mothers were given a proxy vote while they waited outside feeding their babies.
Last month, a Canadian Special Forces sniper operating in Iraq took a shot at an ISIS terrorist 3,450 metres away. 10 seconds later the terrorist was dead. This was the longest distance confirmed kill in history.

Reuters

According to reports, the round was fired from a TAC-50 rifle from the top of a building. The sniper is a member of the elite JTF2 (Joint Task Force 2) special forces unit that is tasked with counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.

A report in The Globe And Mail states that according to military experts, this record may never be broken. The previous record was held by British soldier Craig Harrison who shot and killed a Taliban militant at 2,475 meters away.

And while we're at it, here's a list of 14 of the world's deadliest snipers.

Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly expressed his satisfaction with the results of last week's Eurogroup meeting and the agreement over the Greek issue that emerged from the session , in a brief discussion he had with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on the sidelines of an European Council summit in Brussels
This event is hosted by Sprott Group of Companies, over 180 investment professionals focusedon natural resource and precious metal investing.

With accolades from the 2016 event still ringing in our ears, were excited to announce that the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will once again be the site of the Sprott Natural Resource Symposium  July 25-28, 2017.

Rick Rule and the whole team put the entirety of their energy and passion into organizing this event, insuring that last years outstanding presentation will be surpassed in 2017:

 The keynote speakers they choose are top-notch; people the audience values and respects, and people they have long relationships with.

 They are lining up the top-rated experts from mining companies, resource stocks and precious metals, and theyll be assessing the current markets, telling you about their own companies, and what they do with their own money.

 Ricks mission for the Symposium is much different than anything youve ever seen or experienced. His allegiance is to the attendeesnot to a sponsor with a check in his hand.

 In other words, our exhibitors arent just advertisers. Theyre content.

 Rick and his team vet every exhibitor before they come to the Symposium. Theyre invited on a performance basis  he knows the executives personally and Sprott has invested in every listed exhibitor.

 Rick genuinely believes that they are among the best at what they do. Its important to note that each of these exhibitors are owned in Sprott managed accounts, so while they may not succeed as speculations, Rick and the Sprott team have studied them all.
The US Seems Keener To Strike At Assad Than It Does To Destroy Isis





It is instructive that the West now expresses more outrage at the use of gas  it blames the Assad regime for this, of course  than at the continued cruelty of Isis



By Robert Fisk

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The extraordinary destruction of a Syrian fighter jet by a US aircraft on Sunday has precious little to do with the Syrian planes target in the desert near Rasafa  but much to do with the advance of the Syrian army close to the American-backed Kurdish forces along the Euphrates. The Syrians have grown increasingly suspicious in recent months that most Kurdish forces in the north of Syria  many of them in alliance with the Assad government until recently  have thrown in their lot with the Americans.

Indeed, the military in Damascus is making no secret of the fact that it has ended its regular arms and ammunition supplies to the Kurds  it has apparently given them 14,000 AK-47 rifles since 2012  and the Syrian regime was outraged to learn that Kurdish forces recently received an envoy from the United Arab Emirates.

There is unconfirmed information that a Saudi envoy also visited the Kurds. This, of course, follows the infamous Trump speech in Riyadh, in which the US President gave total American support to the Saudi monarchy in its anti-Iranian and anti-Syrian policies  and then later supported the Saudi-led isolation of Qatar.

On the ground, the Syrian army is now undertaking one of its most ambitious operations since the start of the war, advancing around Sueda in the south, in the countryside of Damascus and east of Palmyra. They are heading parallel with the Euphrates in what is clearly an attempt by the government to liberate the surrounded government city of Deir ez-Zour, whose 10,000 Syrian soldiers have been besieged there for more than four years.

If they can lift the siege, the Syrians will have another 10,000 soldiers free to join in the recapture of more territory. More importantly, however, the Syrian military suspects that Isis  on the verge of losing Raqqa to US-supported Kurds and Mosul to US-backed Iraqis  may try to break into the garrison of Deir ez-Zour and declare an alternative capital for itself in Syria.

In this context, the American strike on Monday was more a warning to the Syrians to stay away from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces  the facade-name for large numbers of Kurds and a few Arab fighters  since they are now very close to each other in the desert. The Kurds will take Raqqa  there may well have been an agreement between Moscow and Washington on this  since the Syrian military is far more interested in relieving Deir ez-Zour.

No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter

The map is quite literally changing by the day. But the Syrian military are still winning against Isis and its fellow militias  with Russian and Hezbollah help, of course  although comparatively few Iranians are involved. The US has been grossly exaggerating the size of the Iranian forces in Syria, perhaps because this fits in with Saudi and American nightmares of Iranian expansion. But the success of the Assad regime is certainly troubling the Americans  and the Kurds.

So who is fighting Isis? And who is not fighting Isis? Russia claims it has killed the terrible and self-appointed caliph of the Islamic State, al-Baghdadi. Russia says it is firing Cruise missiles at Isis. The Syrian army, supported by the Russians, is fighting Isis. I have witnessed this with my own eyes.

But what is America doing attacking first Assads air base near Homs, then the regimes allies near Al-Tanf and now one of Assads fighter jets? It seems that Washington is now keener to strike at Assad  and his Iranian supporters inside Syria  than it is to destroy Isis. That would be following Saudi Arabias policy, and maybe thats what the Trump regime wants to do. Certainly, the Israelis have bombed both the Syrian regime forces and Hezbollah and the Iranians  but never Isis.

It is instructive that the West now expresses more outrage at the use of gas  it blames the Assad regime for this, of course  than at the continued cruelty of Isis towards civilians in most of the areas the caliphate still occupies in Syria and Iraq. If we are to believe all the Americans now say, they want to destroy Isis but are quite prepared to go on attacking the Syrian government forces that are fighting Isis. Does Washington want simply to break up Syria and leave it as a failed state? And can it succeed when Russia is threatening to attack US aircraft if they again strike at Syrian jets?

This article was first published by

The Independent

-
Thank You for Your Killing

By Jacob G. Hornberger

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - One of the most interesting bromides to enter the American political lexicon after the 9/11 attacks has been the line that Americans have been taught to say to American soldiers: Thank you for your service.

Yet, hardly anyone ever makes a critical examination of what exactly the service for which they are expressing gratitude actually consists. Its just automatically assumed that the service consists of defending our country or protecting our rights and freedom.

My hunch is that when the bromide is expressed, most people have in mind Iraq and Afghanistan. Thats because oftentimes the bromide is accompanied by a reference to the ultimate sacrifice that some soldiers have made, which means they have been killed in battle.

Yet, there is one glaring fact about the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: They have nothing to do with protecting our country or our freedom. They never have. Thats because neither Iraq nor Afghanistan has ever attacked or invaded the United States and tried to conquer our country. As a practical matter, thats the only way they could take away our freedom.

What then is the real service that U.S. troops have performed and continue to perform in Iraq and Afghanistan for which people express gratitude?

Killing people. Thats what U.S. soldiers have been doing in Iraq since 1990 and in Afghanistan since 2001. They have been killing people. Lots of people. Hundreds of thousands of people. And they continue to do so on a regular basis.

It would probably not sit well with many Americans to state the obvious to some individual soldier or to the troops in general: Thank you for your killing. Its more palatable and more comfortable to say instead, Thank you for your service.

Lets break it down a bit more.

Why have they killed all those people? Why do they continue to do so?

Again, it has nothing to do with protecting our country or defending our freedom because no one, and certainly not the people they are killing, are invading and trying to conquer the United States, which would be the way to take away our freedom.

No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter

The reason they killed so many people in Iraq and Afghanistan was to oust the governing regimes in both countries from power and replace them with regimes that would look with more favor on the U.S. government. The reason they have killed multitudes of people since their initial invasions has been to ensure the continued existence of the regimes their invasions installed into power.

Thats what killing ISIS members is all about. In large part, ISIS consists of members of the regime that the U.S. invasion ousted from power in its initial invasion of Iraq. Not surprisingly, it wants back in. A classic civil war for power.

Its no different in Afghanistan. The country was already embroiled in a civil war when the U.S. invaded in 2001. The U.S. invasion ousted the Taliban regime from power and installed the group that was revolting against the Taliban regime. Ever since, the Taliban have been fighting to regain power. Thats what civil wars are all about  the quest for power, oftentimes between two brutal, corrupt, and tyrannical groups, which is certainly the case in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The horrible irony is that it has been the U.S. government, not the Taliban or ISIS, that has destroyed the freedom of the American people through the adoption of powers that ordinarily characterize totalitarian regimes: secret mass surveillance and the powers to incarcerate, torture, and assassinate American citizens as part of their process of keeping us safe from the enemies that U.S. interventionism produces.

Of course, there is also the out-of-control spending and debt necessary to sustain this ongoing, perpetual killing program, both of which constitute a grave threat to Americas economic well-being.

Whether they want to believe it or not, that is the service that Americans are actually thanking the troops for when they say, Thank you for your service. The reality behind the bromide, as discomforting as it might be, is: Thank you for killing people and, in the process, contributing to the destruction of our freedom and prosperity here at home.
Saudi Arabia, Israel to Establish Economic Relations for First Time: The Times

By Geo Politics

Riyadh ( YE )  Saudi Arabia and the Israeli regime are in clandestine talks to establish official economic relations for the first time since the entity was created on the Palestinian territories some 69 years ago, a report says.

The Times , citing unnamed Arab and American sources, said in a report on Saturday that forming economic connections between to two, which would be gradual and step by step, could begin by allowing Israeli companies to open shops in the Arab kingdom, or granting El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. permission to fly over Saudi airspace.

However, any such progress would bolster the alliance between Irans two most implacable enemies and change the dynamics of the many conflicts destabilizing the Middle East, the report speculated.

So far Saudi officials have had some open meetings with senior officials in Israel, trying to gradually pave the way for establishing ties with the occupying regime.

Back in May last year, Israeli newspaper Arutz Sheva reported that Saudi Arabia and its Persian Gulf allies, namely Jordan and Egypt, had been sending messages to Israel through various emissaries, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. They had asked Tel Aviv to resume Middle East negotiations under new terms, which included changes to the Saudi initiative.

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In July last year, Anwar Eshki, a well-connected retired general in the Saudi military paid a visit to Israel, meeting with Israels Foreign Ministry director general Dore Gold and Yoav Mordechai. He also met with a number of Knesset members.

Israeli daily Haaretz at the time described the visit a highly unusual one, as Eshki could not have traveled to Israel without approval from the Saudi government.

This post originally ran on YemenExtra

See also
Home N. Korea Is Open To Moratorium On Nuclear, Missile Tests: Report



By Yonhap News Agency



June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - NEW DELHI, June 21 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's top envoy to India on Wednesday offered a conditional moratorium on his country's nuclear and missile tests in an apparent bid to hold talks with the United States.



North Korea Ambassador to India Kye Chun-yong said Pyongyang is willing to talk in terms of freezing its nuclear and missile tests under certain circumstances.



"If our demands is met, we can negotiate in terms of the moratorium of such as weapons testing," Kye said in English in an interview posted on the website of India's television station WION.



He suggested that one of the key demands is the halt of the U.S. joint military drills with South Korea, which Pyongyang denounced as a rehearsal for invasion. Seoul and Washington say their annual exercises are defensive in nature.



South Korea's new President Moon Jae-in said Seoul has no plans to scale back joint military exercises with Washington, according to an interview with U.S. broadcaster CBS. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Moon has dismissed as personal views his adviser's recent remarks in Washington that South Korea and the U.S. may consider scaling back their joint military exercises in exchange for North Korea freezing its nuclear and missile development programs.



The U.S. keeps some 28,500 troops in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in a cease-fire, not a peace treaty.



In February 2012, North Korea agreed to temporarily put a moratorium on missile and nuclear tests and freeze its uranium-enrichment facilities in exchange for 240,000 tons of food aid from the U.S.



But the deal unraveled two months later as North Korea made an unsuccessful attempt to launch what it claims was a rocket to put an earth observation satellite into orbit.



South Korea, the U.S. and other regional powers said it was a cover for testing the North's ballistic missile technology, which is banned under a U.N. resolution.



North Korea has carried out five nuclear tests and dozens of missile tests as it seeks to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the U.S.



Despite sanctions and pressure, North Korea has repeatedly vowed to further develop its missile and nuclear weapons program, viewing it as a deterrent against what it claims is Washington's hostile policy against it., The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. This article was first published by Yonhap News Agency - Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Click here to comment on our Facebook page
America Illegally At War For a Long Time Now By US Senator Rand Paul June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - US Senator Rand Paul has spoken out during the debate on war powers, saying that the current wars the US is leading are illegal, and that he isnt voting to go to war in 50 or 60 countries where terrorist powers are now based. The hearing during which Rand Paul spoke out was the latest one in a yearlong string of debates over what to do with the open-ended 9/11 Proclamation on war authorization. The divide between the members of Congress over the issue has been growing, with some using this debate for the singular purpose of imposing limitations on our president  its just a fact, according to Republican Senator Bob Corker, while others may refuse to limit a president at war in any way.

Paul first of all argued about the role and specifics of Article II of the US Constitution, detailing the presidents duties as commander-in-chief.

He said that the founding fathers of the US  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin among them  would disagree with you on saying that Article II gives the president power to commence in war, instead listing it as congressional duty, not presidents at all.

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I want to know, are we going to limit the president's power? Are we going to take back our power? Are we going to limit the duration of the war? Are we going to identify our enemy? Paul asked during the statement.

To lead a war against terrorism  at least the way the US might see it  is becoming less and less acceptable, Paul said.

Well, just the Islamic State [IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL] is in 32 countries right now. I mean, you add in Taliban and you add in Al-Qaeda, we're probably [talking about] at least 50 or 60 countries. I'm not voting to go to war in 50 or 60 countries.

Thus, there should be a strict and specific limitation for war powers, Paul argued, saying that if they pass something for the sake of it, and not to limit the war powers, it wouldnt be acceptable.

Some people, Paul noted, say that you got all the Article II, and it would just be nice to have an AUMF [Authorization of Use of Military Force].

No, it wouldn't be nice. That's the Constitution. There's supposed to be no war without an AUMF. We have been illegally at war for a long time now. This is illegal war, at this point, he said.

Another key document related to the war powers that is mentioned by Paul is the 9/11 Proclamation, which was very specific to 9/11, and weve had people just saying, you can do anything you want now for 15 years.

However, there is a practical question related to this, Paul noted.

Is doing anything you want, killing every perceived enemy and every perceived leader or chieftain of five people in some misbegotten village, is it helping?

He gave an example of US forces killing four or five terrorists in a village, but also killing their wives and children: Is it better? Do we have less terrorists now or more?

For a hundred years they'll be talking about the time the Americans came and killed women and children. For a hundred years, they're going to be talking about the Saudis dropping bombs on a funeral procession. That does not go away. These people remember the battle of Karbala in 680AD. They have long memories, Paul said.

We're not going to defeat terrorism by having war in 60-some odd countries and dropping drones on everybody that we think in a village is of a radical ideology. And I just say now, I won't vote for something that doesn't limit the president's power, but simply gives a rubber stamp to what we're doing, the senator concluded.

This article was first published by

RT

-
US Govt Proves Loyalty To ISIS As Bill To Stop Arming Terrorists Gets Only 13 Supporters

By Matt Agorist

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - One of the most rational bills ever proposed, barring the Feds from giving money and weapons to child murdering terrorists, has almost ZERO support.

For the last several decades, the US government has openly funded, supported, and armed various terrorist networks throughout the world to forward an agenda of destabilization and proxy war . It is not a secret, nor a conspiracy theory, America arms bad guys .

Given the insidious history of the American empire and its creation and fostering of terrorist regimes across the globe, it should come as no surprise that the overwhelming majority of politicians would refuse to sign on to a law that requires them to  Stop Arming Terrorists . And, that is exactly whats happened.

H.R.608  Stop Arming Terrorists Act was introduced by Rep. Gabbard, Tulsi [D-HI] on January 23 of this year. The bill doesnt have any crazy strings attached and its original cosponsors are a mix of Republicans and Democrats  highlighting that it transcends party lines.

For years, our government has been providing both direct and indirect support to these armed militant groups, who are working directly with or under the command of terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS , all in their effort and fight to overthrow the Syrian government, Gabbard said in an interview earlier this year.

The text of the bill is simple. It merely states that it prohibits the use of federal agency funds to provide covered assistance to: (1) Al Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or any individual or group that is affiliated with, associated with, cooperating with, or adherents to such groups; or (2) the government of any country that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) determines has, within the most recent 12 months, provided covered assistance to such a group or individual.

The only thing this bill does is prohibit the US government from giving money and weapons to people who want to murder Americans and who do murder innocent men, women, and children across the globe. It is quite possibly the simplest and most rational bill ever proposed by Congress. Given its rational and humanitarian nature, one would think that representatives would be lining up to show their support. However, one would be wrong.

After nearly 5 months since its introduction, only 13 of the 535 members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors. What this lack of support for the bill shows is that the federal government is addicted to funding terror and has no intention of ever stopping it .

To add insult to treason and murder, Senator Rand Paul [R-KY] introduced this same legislation in the Senate . He currently has zero cosponsors.

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Given the overwhelming lack of support for a bill that simply asks the government to stop giving money to people who behead children and video it , it should come as no surprise that Donald Trump signed hundreds of billions of dollars in weapons deals with other countries who also fund these people .

As Americans bicker over Trumps bogus and non-existent Russian scandal , hes signing a deal worth hundreds of billions of dollars with the largest state sponsor of terror in the world  ensuring decades of future wars and the continuation of the cycle of terrorism.

Whats more is the fact that less than one week after publicly reprimanding Qatar for terrorism, President Trump signed off on the sale of $12 billion in weapons to the country he referred to as a funder of terrorism. This move, in Trumps own stance, makes him a de facto funder of terrorism now.

What this lack of support for the bills and the recent moves to arm the terrorist regimes illustrates is the fact that the US has no intention of ever stopping terrorism. Trump, just like Obama and Bush before him, will continue to foster the growth of terrorism to enrich those who profit from war.

Terrorism is necessary for the state. War, is the health of the state.

Without the constant fear mongering about an enemy who hates our freedom, Americans begin questioning things. They challenge the status quo and inevitably desire more freedom. However, when they are told that boogeymen want to kill them, they become immediately complacent and blinded by their fear.

While these boogeymen were once mostly mythical, since 9/11, they have been funded and supported by the US to the point that they now pose a very real threat to innocent people everywhere. As the recent attacks in the UK illustrate, ISIS is organizing and spreading . Even the terrorists in the UK had ties to the British government who allowed them to freely travel and train with ISIS-linked groups because those groups were in opposition to Muammar Gaddafi , who the West wanted to snub out.

Its a vicious cycle of creating terrorists, killing innocence, and stoking war. And, unless something radical happens, it shows no signs of ever reversing.

The radical change that is necessary to shift this paradigm back to peace is for people to wake up to the reality that no matter which puppet is in the White House, the status quo remains unchanged.

Trump is proving that he can lie to get into power and his supporters ignore it. If you doubt this fact, look at what Trump did by calling out Saudi Arabia for their role in 9/11 and their support for terror worldwide prior to getting elected. He now supports these terrorists and his constituency couldnt care less.

This madness has to stop. Humanity has to stop being fooled by rhetoric read from teleprompters by puppets doing the bidding of their masters.

Please share this article with your friends and family to show them how their supposed leaders  except for a few good ones  are content with funding the enemy, laying waste to rights, and condone the murder of innocence.

Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Matt is the founder of The Free Thought Project.
Our Presidents Word Wars



"America First" apparently means making us the first to get mixed up in yet another endless, costly war  or three.



By Olivia Alperstein





June 21, 2017 "

Information Clearing House

" - These days I find myself thinking often about a cartoon by the late Theodore Geissel.



In it, a woman with a sweater that reads America First reads aloud from a storybook to two children: And the Wolf chewed up the children and spit out their bones, she relays. But those were Foreign Children and it didnt really matter.



Geissel  better known as Dr. Seuss  was criticizing Americans purposeful isolationism during World War II. But its never felt more prescient, as a sitting American president embarks on a dangerous and deadly new America First policy.



These days, America First is apparently code for using language to provoke other countries into aggressive stances or all-out war. America First apparently means making us the first to get mixed up in yet another endless, costly war  or three.



Instead of America First, we really need Diplomacy First.

On the global stage, even a slight mischaracterization or poor choice of words by a world leader can provoke a diplomatic crisis. Thats why I was shocked to see the White Houses brief statement on the recent attacks in Iran, which states : We underscore that states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote.

That sounds awfully like the president was blaming the innocent Iranians targeted by ISIS gunmen a few weeks back for their own murders.

The last administration negotiated the Iran deal for the precise purpose of avoiding an unnecessary war with Iran and deescalating the countrys nuclear program. It was arguably life-or-death diplomacy.

The new administrations approach, on the other hand, is more like kick-the-hornets-nest-until-it-stings-you-then-blame-the-hornet.

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Our president has a history of strange and poorly timed statements and tweets  for instance, he called for a Muslim travel ban right after a recent terrorist attack in London, only expressing sorrow or sympathy for victims or families several hours later .

This is impulsive and intentionally careless. Those are words you never want to hear about foreign policy, especially in a world so beset by crises. Its playing whack-a-mole with a bunch of brush fires  while someone else is lighting a cigarette.

Iran isnt the only country to get Trumped. The complex crisis in Syria has come at a huge human cost  and yet Trump is considering escalating the conflict. In Afghanistan, he recently authorized the first battle use of the  Mother of All Bombs , and now hes giving the generals the go-ahead to send thousands more U.S. troops there.

A few weeks ago, Trump also handed over a $110 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia , which routinely violates human rights and continues to wage war on its poorer neighbor Yemen. As for the Yemenis, Trump has been unwilling to aid in the humanitarian crisis that war has caused  including a growing famine  by using U.S. leverage over the Saudis.

And Ive yet to hear Trump speak a single word on the systematic slaughter of LGBT people in Chechnya while he defends Russia.

The late Desmond Tutu once said, If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. Trump seems to love picking fights with European allies and countries weve cut hard-won diplomatic deals with, but cant seem to find the words to speak up about real humanitarian crises caused by his friends.

The United States is no longer a global leader. While other countries try to work together to solve problems and continue to lead on global progress, well get left behind chanting America First.

Olivia Alperstein is the Deputy Director of Communications and Policy at Progressive Congress. Distributed by OtherWords.org.
Israel Versus the UN - The Nikki Haley Doctrine

By Ramzy Baroud

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, seems to be championing a single cause: Israel.

When Haley speaks about Israel, her language is not merely emotive nor tailored to fit the need of a specific occasion. Rather, her words are resolute, consistent and are matched by a clear plan of action.

Along with Haley, the rightwing Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu is moving fast to cultivate the unique opportunity of dismissing the UN, and thus, any attempt at criticizing the Israeli occupation.

Unlike previous UN ambassadors who strongly backed Israel, Haley refrains from any coded language or any attempt, however poor, to appear balanced. Last March, she told a crowd of 18,000 supporters at the American Israel Public Affairs Committees (AIPAC) annual policy conference that this is a new era for US-Israel relations.

I wear heels. Its not for a fashion statement, she told a crowd thrilled by her speech. Its because if I see something wrong, were going to kick em every single time.

Trumps new ambassador condemned, in retrospect, UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which strongly criticized Israels illegal settlements. While still in its final days in office, the Obama administration did not vote for  but did not veto the resolution, either  thus setting a precedent that has not been witnessed in many years.

The US abstention, according to Haley, was as if the entire country felt a kick in the gut.

What made Israel particularly angry over Obamas last act at the UN was the fact that it violated a tradition that has extended for many years, most notably during the term of John Negroponte, US Ambassador to the UN, during former President George W. Bushs first term in office.

What became known as the Negroponte doctrine was a declared US policy  that Washington will oppose any resolution that criticizes Israel that does not also condemn Palestinians.

But Israel, not the Palestinians, is the occupying power that refuses to honor dozens of UN resolutions and various international treaties and laws. By making that decision, and, indeed, following through to ensure its implementation, the US managed to sideline the UN as an irrelevant institution.

Sidelining the UN, then, also meant that the US would have complete control over managing the Middle East, but especially the situation in Palestine.

However, under Trump, even the US-led and self-tailored peace process has become obsolete.

This is the real moral but, also political, crisis of the Haley doctrine, for it goes beyond Negropontes silencing of any criticism of Israel at the UN, into entirely removing the UN  thus international law  from being a factor in resolving the conflict.

The ambassador seems to have no regard for her countrys allies, or the possible repercussions of dismissing the only international body that still serves as a platform for international engagement and conflict resolution. Ramzy Baroud

In a talk at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council  which is made up of 47 member countries  Haley declared that her country is reviewing its participation in the council. She claimed that Israel is the only country permanently on the bodys calendar, an inaccurate statement that is often uttered by Israel with little basis in truth.

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If Haley read the report on the 35th session of the Human Rights Council, she would have realized that the council discussed many issues, pertaining to womens rights and empowerment, forced marriages and human rights violations in many countries.

But considering that Israel has recently celebrated 50 years of occupying Palestinian land, Haley should not be surprised that Israel is also an item on the agenda. In fact, any country that has occupied and oppressed another for so long should also remain an item on international agenda.

Following her speech in which she derided and threatened UN member states in Geneva, she went to Israel to further emphasize her countrys insistence to challenge the international community on behalf of Israel.

Along with the notorious hasbara expert Danny Danon, Israels ambassador to the UN, Haley toured the Israeli border with Gaza, showing sympathy with supposedly besieged Israeli communities  while on the other side, nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza have been trapped for over a decade in a very small region, behind closed borders.

Speaking in Jerusalem on June 7, Haley took on the UN representatives who have bullied Israel for too long.

I have never taken kindly to bullies and the UN has bullied Israel for a very long time and we are not going to let that happen anymore, she said. It is a new day for Israel in the United Nations.

By agreeing to live in Israels pseudo-reality, where bullies complain of being bullied, the US is moving further and further away from any international consensus on human rights and international law. This becomes more pronounced and dangerous when we consider the decision by Donald Trumps administration to pull out from the Paris accords on global warming.

Trump argued that the decision was of benefit to American businesses. Even if one agrees with such an unsubstantiated assertion, Haleys new doctrine on Israel and the UN, by contrast, can hardly be of any benefit to the US in the short or long run. It simply degrades US standing, leadership and even goes below the lowest standards of credibility practiced under previous administrations.

Worse still, inspired and empowered by Haleys blank check, Israeli leaders are now moving forward to physically remove the UN from Israels occupation of Palestine. Two alarming developments have taken place on that front.

One took place in May when Miri Regev, Israels culture and sport minister, made a formal demand to the Israeli Cabinet to shut down the UN headquarters in Jerusalem, to punish UNESCO for restating the international position on the status of Israels illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.

The second was earlier this month, when Prime Minister Netanyahu called on Haley to shut down UNRWA, the UN body responsible for the welfare of 5 million Palestinian refugees.

According to Netanyahu, UNRWA perpetuates refugee problems. However, the refugees problem is not UNRWA per se, but the fact that Israel refuses to honor UN resolution 194 pertaining to their return and compensation.

These developments, and more, are all outcomes of the Haley doctrine. Her arrival at the UN has ignited a US-Israeli hate fest, not only targeting UN member states, but international law and everything that the UN has stood for over the decades.

The US has supported Israel quite blindly at the UN throughout the years. Haley seems to adopt an entirely Israeli position with no regard whatsoever for her countrys allies, or the possible repercussions of dismissing the only international body that still serves as a platform for international engagement and conflict resolution.
Saudi Hijinks, US Policy Stinks

By Finian Cunningham

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The whimsical Saudi rulers are playing musical chairs again, with the king's favorite son jumping the succession queue in what some observers have called a "soft coup" to become heir to the oil kingdom throne.

The medieval-like House of Saud has always been a lynchpin in US foreign policy for the Middle East. More so under President Donald Trump who has struck up a chummy relationship with the young Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This relationship is like the blind leading the blind. No wonder US policy is fast becoming a disaster for the restive region.

America's deepening and reckless military involvement in Syria is a result of Trump cozying up with the Saudi despots. That, in turn, is leading to the US brazenly flying air force cover for Saudi-sponsored terrorists in Syria at the risk of going to war with Russia and Iran. Russia has warned that any more US shoot-downs of Syrian jets will not be tolerated.

This week the obscurantist Saudi rulers decided to shake up their bizarre rules of succession in the kingdom. The ailing King Salman (81) decreed, overnight, that his heir Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef would no longer be the heir. Bin Nayef was pushed aside, to be replaced by the king's own son, Mohammed bin Salman.

At age 31, the new Crown Prince could soon become the future Saudi ruler who will govern the country for the next half century. On one hand, the shake-up is aimed at giving the impression of stability in a strategic American ally, given that, potentially, Mohammed bin Salman could rule for several decades to come, owing to his youthful age.

On the other hand, however, the upending of Saudi succession rules is fraught with risk that the Arab state could become even more unstable from internal power rivalries and social discontent. Not to mention that the country has already become more embroiled in regional problems with neighbors Yemen, Qatar and Iran. All of which stems from the rapid elevation of the young prince to a position of immense autocratic power.

The United States' decades-long "special relationship" with Saudi Arabia has always carried major downsides. Yes, the Saudis are a pillar in maintaining the American petrodollar system to prevent the collapse of the US economy; and, yes, the Saudi rulers are lavish spenders on US weapons, which props up the Pentagon military-industrial complex  another lifeline for American capitalism.

However, the Saudi rulers are also longtime sponsors of Wahhabi fundamentalism which has injected deadly sectarian poison into the Middle East region and beyond. Washington is complicit in fomenting sectarianism through its relationship with Saudi Arabia, and the price for that Faustian pact is a world in turmoil from terrorism.

Donald Trump's presidency is an unfortunate marriage of interests with Saudi Arabia. Trump is capricious, ignorant and impetuous. His understanding of international relations and history seems woefully inadequate. He also appears to be unscrupulous and reckless. It's all about making money that matters to him.

From the earliest opportunity, the Saudi prince wheedled his way into Trump's court. He was greeted in the White House back in March, one of the first foreign leaders to do so. Then two months later, Trump ventured on his maiden foreign trip as president in which he made Saudi Arabia his first stop. Trump was royally received by the House of Saud with sword-waving ceremony . And then the Saudis signed record arms deal with the US worth up to $350 billion  the biggest ever in history.

It was during Trump's Saudi visit that the policy of increased hostility towards Iran and isolation of erstwhile Saudi and American ally Qatar was hatched. This reckless, clueless embrace of Saudi Arabia by Trump has led to a dangerous escalation in tensions across the Middle East, which are seen playing out in Syria and towards Iran and Russia.

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Trump the tycoon and the Saudi upstart-prince are a duo who are plunging the world into danger of all-out war. The pair are a match made in hell, both being rash and irresponsible in their behavior.

Nobody outside Saudi Arabia had heard of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman until his father become king in January 2015 on the death of King Abdullah. In the space of two years, the young prince has been made defense minister and de facto chief of Saudi's oil economy. Now, this week he has been shunted into becoming heir to the throne, sidelining his elder cousin and nephew to the king.

The precocious prince has only enjoyed this meteoric rise in the House of Saud because of his father's favoritism. Other more senior royals feel ousted and see the new Crown Prince as undeserving of his assigned authority. In short, he is out of his depth.

In the Saudi succession rules, the royal line is supposed to pass from brother to brother. There are still surviving brothers of the Saudi founding king, Ibn Saud, who have been removed from the succession. The present King Salman first broke the rules when he made his nephew Mohammed bin Nayef the Crown Prince back in April 2015. Now he has broken the rules again by making his own son the heir and unceremoniously pushing bin Nayef to the side. Such are the hijinks of despots.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the architect behind the disastrous war in Yemen, which is turning into a Vietnam-style quagmire for Saudi Arabia, costing the kingdom billions of dollars every month. He is also reportedly the architect behind the policy of renewed hostility towards Iran. In an interview before Trump's Saudi trip, Mohammed bin Salman said he would never talk to Iran and even threatened to unleash violence on Iranian territory. That threat was followed by the deadly terror attack in Tehran on June 7 in which up to 17 people were killed by Daesh suicide squads.

The hiked-up hostile policy towards Iran has, in turn, led to Saudi Arabia blockading Qatar and causing a bitter rift in the Persian Gulf because Qatar is perceived as being too soft on Iran.

The power-struggle antics among the absolute rulers of the House of Saud have promoted a prince who has a reckless outsized ego and lust for dominance. President Donald Trump seems cut from the same cloth. Courting the young Saudi heir may be lucrative for American weapons-dealing and no doubt the Trump business brand in the oil-rich region. But the consequences of such capricious and clueless "leadership" are throwing the region and the world into increasing conflict.

This week the US State Department flatly contradicted Trump's policy of supporting the Saudi-led blockade on Qatar . It said it was mystified that the Saudis had not presented any evidence to justify the blockade. This is just one example where Trump is being made to look a total fool by following stupid Saudi policy  policy that is made by a prince who has gathered a record for disaster in several other spheres.

What a double act. Saudi despotism marries Trump cluelessness. And the world is reaping the calamity of clowns.

This article was first published by

Sputnik

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See also

Decoding the 'soft coup' that makes Mohammed bin Salman the most powerful man in Saudi Arabia
The US escalation in Syria and the threat of world war

By Bill Van Auken

June 21, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - In the wake of Sundays US shoot-down of a Syrian fighter plane and the following days warning from Russia that it will treat all American warplanes flying west of the Euphrates River as targets for its surface-to-air missiles, the threat of an armed confrontation between the worlds two largest nuclear powers is now greater than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis nearly 55 years ago.

This threat, which carries with it the grim prospect of the annihilation of humanity, is the product of a calculated escalation on the part of US imperialism.

The downing of the Syrian fighter marked the first time in this century that a US warplane has shot down the plane of another country. The last instance of such aerial combat took place in 1999 during the US-NATO war against Serbia, when an American fighter plane shot down a Serbian MiG.

The gravity of the event was underscored Tuesday with Australias announcement that it is grounding its planes that have been flying over Syria. Australia was one of the few members of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition that made any significant contribution to the increasingly murderous US air campaign against both Iraq and Syria. While the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, responded to the Russian threat with bravado, extolling the ability of US pilots to take care of themselves, the Australian military clearly believes that one of its planes could be brought down.

The escalation of the conflict continued Tuesday with a US warplane shooting down an Iranian drone in southeastern Syria.

What will be the consequences if a Russian surface-to-air missile battery fires on a US plane seen as posing an imminent threat to Moscows forces on the ground in Syria, or, for that matter, if a US warplane painted with the radar of a Russian SAM site takes preemptive action?

No one knows. Complacent US foreign policy experts insist that the last thing either Washington or Moscow wants is a nuclear conflagration, and, therefore, it will not happen. This fallacious argument is then employed to justify unbridled US aggression.

The supposed rationality of capitalist ruling classes has again and again proven no deterrent to the outbreak of catastrophic wars. As former defense secretary Robert McNamara recalled in the documentary Fog of War, during the Cuban missile crisis, Rational individualsKennedy, Khrushchev and Castrocame that close to total destruction of their societies.

In a number of ways, the current situation is even more combustible than that in 1962. At that time, the demand of the fascistic Air Force chief of staff, Gen. Curtis LeMay, that he be allowed to bomb Russian missile sites in Cuba was overruled by President Kennedy. Today, US military policy in Syria, and for that matter in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe, has been delegated by Trump to a cabal of active-duty and recently retired generals, headed by Defense Secretary James Mad Dog Mattis, as well as to area commanders, whose outlook, in most cases, does not differ from that of LeMay.

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A glimpse of their attitude toward the Syrian crisis was provided by a recent forum of the Council on Foreign Affairs featuring the longtime Pentagon advisor on both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Kimberly Kagan.

Kagan, who now heads the Institute of the Study of War, first invoked the tired pretext of the war on terror as the justification for the US intervention. Syria, she asserted, represented a vital national security threat because it was exporting terror and terror groups from its borders. She acknowledged that ISIS posed a threat, but went on to insist that Al Qaeda posed an even greater danger because it had been allowed to carve out its own safe haven in Idlib province.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Syria is not an exporter of terror, but rather the victim of the Al Qaeda-linked militias that were unleashed upon the country by the CIA and Washingtons regional allies in a war for regime change. As for Al Qaedas safe haven, it has been defended by the US, which has repeatedly denounced the Syrian government and Russia for bombing these so-called rebels and insisted that only ISIS can be targeted.

Kagan dispensed with her twisted arguments about terrorism to concentrate on the real concerns within the US military and intelligence apparatus. Iran and Russia posed a long-term strategic threat to the US, she argued, because of their military presence in Syria, challenging American dominance of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

The threat was to be dealt with by the US military seizing for itself a base of operations in what is eastern Syria, along the Euphrates, from Raqqa in the north to the Iraqi and Jordanian borders to the south. One of the aims of the American intervention, she stated, would be to energize Sunni populations in the Euphrates River zone, which has been a hotbed of ISIS support, but before it, Al Qaida support. In other words, Washington will seek to reignite the sectarian war for regime change based on Sunni Islamist militias, but this time with American boots on the ground.

How many US troops will this operation require? I dont know, Kagan said. Its not 150,000 guys. But its got to be enough to be present and to extend presence forward. Key to this military adventure, she added, was to prepare for what the Russians and the Iranians will try to do to respond.

In other words, what is being preparedbehind the backs of the American people and without any debate, much less a shred of legalityis another full-scale Middle East war directed not just at Syrian regime change, but at confronting Iran and nuclear-armed Russia.

Nor is this conflict confined to the Middle East. Also reported on Tuesday was a Russian jet armed with air-to-air missiles intercepting a US RC-135 spy plane over the Baltic Sea near the strategic Russian military base at Kaliningrad, with the two planes reportedly coming within five feet of each other. Each side accused the other of operating dangerously.

Meanwhile, NATO held a ceremony in the former Soviet Baltic republic of Latvia to mark what it said was the full deployment of a 4,500-strong deterrent force on Russias border. The Pentagon recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers and other aircraft as well as Army units to the region for exercises. Russia has reportedly countered with a buildup of its own on its western border.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he didnt see any imminent threat of an armed confrontation in the Baltic region, but Russias ambassador to NATO, Alexander Grushko, described the military dynamic as dangerous.

The American media has treated the escalating confrontation in the Middle East and the heightened tensions in the Baltics as virtual nonissues. At the first White House press briefing held in over a week, press secretary Sean Spicer made no statement regarding recent US military actions in Syria and the assembled poodles of the press corps didnt ask him a single question on the growing war danger.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, working in close sync with the Pentagon and the CIA, has conducted an unrelenting campaign of anti-Russian hysteria aimed at creating a new, ostensibly liberal, constituency for war among privileged layers of the middle class. Democrats have endorsed every new act of military escalation in Syria, demanding only that the Trump administration present a comprehensive plan for war and, in some cases, calling for the passage of a new authorization for use of military force to legitimize military aggression.
General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman was has been conferred with a Honorary Citizenship by the state of South Carolina, United States of America.

General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman was on Wednesday, conferred with an Award and Key Of The State of South Carolina which is a Honorary Citizenship by the state of South Carolina, United States of America, Vanguard reports.

The event took place at the Faithful Centre Bible Church, Inglewood, California where Apostle Suleman is holding the regions edition of his ministrys life-changing crusade tagged Help From Above, which holds between Tuesday, 20th and Wednesday 21st June, 2017.

Leader of the delegation and Rep., John Richard C. King said the honour, which is the highest given to non-residents of South Carolina was sequel to approval of the House of Representatives of the State in recognition of Apostle Sulemans contribution to humanity.

Apostle Suleman won this highest honor not only because he is noted as a great social worker with outstanding performances in outreach programmes but also his passion for giving without borders

Apostle Suleman is so privileged, because there are a lot of people out there who are equally blessed if not more but are not willing to do, noted a member of the award committee.

Apostle Suleman, at the ceremony, dedicated the award to God, his better half and partner, Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman as well as members of the Omega Fire Ministries, worldwide.

A letter exclusively obtained by Vanguard, dated June 8, 2017, conveying the approval of the House and signed by Richard C. King, Chairman South Carolina Legislators Black Caucus, also indicated that the state was looking forward to hosting Apostle Suleman at its Capitol Hill.

Excerpt of the letter read thus: We would like to confer upon you the Honorary Citizenship of South Carolina for being an accomplished humanitarian. This is the highest honour given to non residents of the State of South Carolina.

We look forward to hosting you at the South Carolina State Capitol and exploring future partnerships with you and the State of South Carolina.

Apostle Suleman also had a meeting with senators representing the State last night. The meeting had in attendance, the States lawmakers to be led by Rep. John C. King who is representing South Carolina. Others in the list include Rep. Harold Love, representing Tennessee, and Hon. Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, representing Atlanta-Georgia.

Sulemans Communications Manager, Phrank Shaibu, in a reaction, thanked the government and people of the State of South Carolina for finding Apostle Suleman worthy of such a high honour, noting that it is also an indication of the acceptance of the message of salvation which Omega Fire Ministries has taken to the United States and other parts of the world.

We are grateful and elated that the message of salvation, love and compassion which the servant of God has taken to the United States of America and other parts of the world has been widely accepted and bearing fruits. This honour by the State of South Carolina bears testimony to this reality, he stated.
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe seems to have landed herself in a social media war that seems not to be ending anytime soon!

The Edo born actress shared a photo of her stepping out for an event with the captioned

Off to an early start!Multi tasking kinda Day! Benin are you ready??? The African Widows Summit is tomorrow, I will be live in Benin my hometown  @felixkingfoundation

#letusonjoinhandstoabolishwidowsmaltreatment   And a female follower criticized her for being a widows ambassador when clearly shes not one, and then Mercy replied
2017 BB Naija housemate and PayPorte ambassador, Uriel Oputa is moving into her new home.

The entertainer who was well known as the drama queen in BB Naija revealed in a recent Instagram post that she was finally moving into her home and the next thing she looks forward to acquiring is a house.

Uriel is the only daughter from a family of five. She hails from Imo state and is related to controversial celebrity, CharlyBoy.

She shared a video of herself and wrote;

Im moving!!!! Finally my Own place Its been a bumpy ride but God did iti will miss my door but until i move snap snap. Need to get a Car next so i will leave Uber people alone .. i will miss my door dearly who will do my decor mummy youre coming to live with Uu soon.

Source: Naijaloaded
The 19-year-old daughter of an All Progressives Congress, APC, councillorship candidate of Odi Olowo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Bode Adeosun, has been kidnapped at Ilepeju area of Lagos.

The incident occurred four days to her 20th birthday. It was gathered that the victim, identified simply as Bukola, who was in the company of her younger sister, went on an errand for her mother.

While her younger sister went to collect the item from a trader, Bukola waited outside. But apprehension set in after the younger sister came out of the apartment, only to discover that Biodun had disappeared.

It was gathered that while Bukola was waiting for her younger sister, a Black Toyota pulled up to her and ordered her to enter the car, pointing a gun at her, and later zoomed off.

Confirming the abduction of his daughter, the politician stated that he was informed about news of Bukolas abduction by his wife. He said:

While expecting her return, I received a call at about 1.39a.m. The caller told me that my daughter was in their custody. He said I would hear from them again and hung up before I could say anything. That was when I knew that my daughter had been abducted. Since then, I have not heard from them. I do not know what my daughter is going through where she is. My fear is for her not to be raped.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said that the victim was reported to have been missing to the Police, adding that investigation had begun.

Vanguard
It is sad news for the family of a 19-year-old young girl after she was kidnapped by unknown men at Ilupeju area of Lagos state.

Bukola Adeosun, the 19-year-old daughter of Mr. Bode Adeosun, an All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship aspirant at Odi Olowo Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers.

Vanguard reported that Bukola was abducted about 9 p.m. on Tuesday at Ilupeju area of the metropolis when she went out to buy fish for her mother with her younger sister. The victims sibling was said to have gone in with the fish seller to collect balance of their money but came to discover that Bukola was nowhere to be seen.

The kidnappers were alleged to have ordered the girl into their Black Toyota Camry car.

Bukolas younger sister thought the victim had gone back home. She also went home only to find out that Bukola was also not at home.

The victims distraught father, Adeosun, said members of the community joined them in the frantic search for Bukola.

He said: I was returning from a meeting when I received a phone call from my wife that our daughter had been abducted. I rushed home and saw a crowd in my house. They were assisting my wife in the search for our daughter. After we returned home about 1.39 a.m., I received a phone call from a strange person, telling me that my daughter was in their custody. The caller said that I would hear from them again and hung up.

It was then I knew my daughter had been abducted. Since then, I have not heard from the kidnappers. I dont know what my daughter is going through right now.

My daughter was abducted four days to her birthday. She would have been 20. I hope this is not how my political opponents want to get back at me. They know they would lose in the forthcoming election.

A resident, Mr. Kunle Ajayi, said Bukolas abduction was strange because such had never happened in the community. The matter was reported at Ilupeju Police Station. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the girl was missing, not abducted.

He said the matter had been reported to the police and that investigation was ongoing.
Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose was joined by a large crowd of residents in the state on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti, in celebrating three years of his victory in the June 21, 2014 governorship election.

Fayose defeated Dr. Kayode Fayemi in all the 16 local government areas in the election.

At the rally, the governor took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of nepotism.

Specifically, he stated that the 2017 budget did not capture the interests of all Nigerians, especially Ekiti State which he said the Federal Government did not appropriate anything for.

Fayose said the people of the state would revolt against the All Progressives Congress in the 2018 governorship poll due to its insensitivity to the plight of the people of the state.

A government of nepotism cant stand the test of time. The economy of this country has shrunk under this government. I say they will go, they must go. Nigerians are hungry and angry.

Im not one Nigerian that will chicken out to join a political party. We will remain here telling them the truth, telling them the economy is not working, we stand for the truth.

The crowd comprising members of the PDP, artisans, transport unions and youths among others marched through Fajuyi Park to Ojumose and stopped at the popular Ijigbo roundabout in a show of loyalty to Fayose.

Fayose said, The policy of Buharis government is anti-Ekiti. If you check properly, nothing was budgeted as a project for Ekiti in the 2017 budget. That is why Nigeria must be restructured, so that a state can control its own resources.

The APC-led Federal Government is fighting everybody, the judiciary and legislators as well as the press are not spared. They are running a lawless government and that was why they refused to release Col. Bello Dasuki (retd.) and El-ZakkyZakky despite court orders. This is not the kind of Nigeria of our dream.

The APC will be upset in 2018, we will crush them and that is why you have to be strong and firm. I am a leader in Nigeria and nobody can gag or cow me, because this country belongs to all of us. Today, Nigerians are hungry and angry. There is so much nepotism and poverty in the land, so this government must go.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Over 300 houses were affected in the heavy downpour of Tuesday in Ibadan, with property worth millions of naira destroyed, according to the South West Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mr Yakubu Sulieman.

Many houses including a Celestial Church of Christ, Orogun, along UI-Ojoo Road were submerged and property destroyed, areas heavily affected by the rain include Olodo, Oki, Akobo, Onipepeye, Kute, Eleyele and Ariyo.

NEMA said that it is still collating the number of families displaced and the means of livelihood destroyed.

The agency identified the major cause of the flood as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in rivers and erection of illegal structures on waterways and flood path.

The state government has promised to support affected residents and repair roads, culverts and drainages affected by the flood.

This assurance was given Wednesday by the State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo when he led officials of National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, and the State Emergency Management Authority, SEMA, to the flooded areas.

Otunba Adeyemo warned residents to stop dumping refuse on waterways.

It is unfortunate this has happened despite numerous preventive measures put in place by the government which include dredging of rivers, urban renewals and plans and various sensitization programmes. Despite this, some of our people have not stopped the habit of dumping refuse indiscriminately. However, we will not rest on our oars and our government, being a responsible one will provide succor for the affected people and commence repairs of roads, culverts and drainages. We hope to complete the repairs before the end of this year.

Otunba Adeyemo admonished residents to play their role in avoiding a reocurrence of this natural disaster by adhering to environmental laws and patronizing Oyo State government registered waste disposal agents.

He warned that house owners at river banks should relocate or leave their houses during heavy downpour

He lamented the unprofessional attitude of some Structural Engineers who do not leave set-backs before construction of buildings and consequently called for professional building ethics to ensure that due processes were followed during construction.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola advised residents to desist from dumping refuse in drainages and water ways, pointing out that these acts largely contributed to persistent flooding in the State.

NEMAs representative, Mr. Sulaiman promised the agencys readiness to support the State as it has done in the past. He assured that the agency would continue to fulfill its obligations to the people of the country.

Source: ( PM News )
Veteran Nollywood actor, Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has stated that marginalization was a key cause of the agitations by some Igbo groups.

He said the only way Igbos will be happy to stay in Nigeria was if the country can live in justice and equity, by giving the Igbos their rights.

He also said that if Igbos were treated like people of other parts of the country, they will give staying in Nigeria a try but since the actions of Nigerian authorities towards them is not accommodating then we say staying on our own is best for the long term.

Osuofia, who spoke in Igbo language, said this in an interview with Ugwumba TV.

According to the 59-year-old Enugu-born thespian, If Nigeria wants to reorganize itself and live in justice and equity, why not give it a try, but if our people have checked everything, right from the end of the war, to the 3 Rs which I did not see any till now, then we will say staying on our own is best for the long term.

We all have to come together and support it.

Nnamdi Kanu and his group have been peaceful so far, but it pains me so much when I read and watch videos of how police and soldiers attack our young ones, it broke my heart.

Be wise, there is nowhere food is cooked and kept ready for you, if you want to use your people and do politics, let me say this to you, what is coming, you will feel like you are immune to it, but you will be the first one to be cut out and reduced to nothing.

Reacting to the call by the coalition of Northern youths for Igbos to vacate the region in 3 months time, Osuofia said its better to for Igbos to start coming back early before the war will overtake them.

He said though it is difficult for one to abandon his investments, he maintained that life is more important than property and wealth.
An Indonesian engineering firm PT Intim Perkasa has expressed an interest in building a refinery in Nigeria, this was confirmed by the West African countrys state oil company on Wednesday.

A representative of PT Intim Perkasa Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of the Indonesian company, indicated an interest in building a modular refinery in the southern Akwa Ibom state, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said in an emailed statement.

It would have a refining capacity of 10,000 barrels per day, said NNPC spokesman Ndu Ughamadu in the statement.

Nigeria currently has a refining capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd).

We have embarked on an ambitious plan to fast-track programmes to restore our capacity utilization from 30 per cent to a minimum of 90 per cent in the next 24 months, said Maikanti Baru, NNPC group managing director.

To do that, we are working on securing financing from third parties, not just funding, but also technical expertise, he added.

Nigeria has been seeking investment in the sector to reduce reliance on imported oil products that consume a large portion of the OPEC members scarce foreign currency reserves.

Its existing, ageing refineries produce hardly any fuel after years of neglect.

Source: ( PM News )
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has attributed the arrest of Chukwujeme Onwamadike, the suspected kidnapper popularly known as Evans, to information sharing and intelligence cooperation among police services in West Africa.

Idris said, Information sharing is crucial to tackling the menace of trans-border crimes in West Africa; it is through such exchange that we were able to nab a Ghanaian/Nigerian kidnapper two weeks ago, after evading arrest for many years.

Idris spoke in Accra, Ghana in a paper titled: The role of Nigeria Police in national security and its contributions in West Africa, delivered at an ongoing West Africa international security conference.

For several years, Evans terrorised Nigerians and nationals of many countries across West Africa. Efforts to apprehend him did not yield the desired results until we spread our search net wider, he said.

The police chief, who solicited closer ties among security agencies in the sub-region, emphasised the need to improve the method of monitoring and surveillance, particularly among border and coastal police units.

Idris called for improved communication capabilities among intelligence gathering outfits in West Africa, and called for mutual support to plug loopholes usually exploited by criminals.

He said that the Nigeria Police Force had 300,000 personnel in 127 area commands and 5303 divisions, adding that the force had consistently contributed to stability and peace in ECOWAS nations and under UN mandates.

The Nigeria Police Force trained 250 Liberian Police personnel in 2005 and has consistently offered training slots to police officers from Gambia and Sierra Leone at the Police Staff College, Jos and the Police Academy, Wudil.

We also trained 100 police officers from the Republic of Niger on mobile police combat in 1998. At the end of the training, Nigeria donated trucks, riot equipment and tear smoke to the Nigerien government, he said.

Idris said that the Nigeria Police Force also helped to stabilise Guinea Bissau in 2012, when the military intervened in its leadership and truncated democracy.

Our police personnel remained there until democracy was restored in 2014, he stated.

The IGP expressed Nigerias readiness to consistently cooperate with police formations in other countries to track down criminals, pointing out that such mutual cooperation had become even more necessary as technology had reduced the world to a small village.

Source: ( PM News )
Weeks after six pupils of Igbonla Model College, another confusion and fear at the Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry, as kidnappers have threatened to abduct some pupils and staff members of the school.

It was learnt that the kidnappers sent two letters of the same content to the junior and senior sections of the college respectively.

This is just as the daughter of a councillorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Odi Olowo Local Council Development Association, Ilupeju, Bode Adeosun, was reportedly abducted.

PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday that that the letters sent to Kankon were posted on the corridors leading to the offices of the two principals.

In the letters sighted by our correspondent, the kidnappers claimed responsibility for the abduction of six pupils of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, who had spent 28 days in captivity.

They vowed to abduct six pupils from Kankon, as well as the two principals of the college, boasting that nothing could stop them.

A copy of the letters read, Kidnappers are visiting the school the same way we did at Igbonla, Epe. We are going to capture three pupils from senior school and three from junior school. We are kidnapping both principals.

We are coming in two days time. No security put in place will stop us from gaining entry and fulfilling our mission as stated in this letter. Be expecting us!

Our correspondent learnt that the letters were sent to the college about two weeks ago, while the security agencies and the state government were alerted.

Policemen and soldiers were said to have been deployed in the school.

However, when the ultimatum given by the suspects elapsed, the security presence around the school reportedly reduced, which caused panic.

Some parents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they had initially wanted to keep the threat secret, but decided otherwise due to the reduction in the number of operatives manning the school.

One of the parents said he had visited his ailing son, who is in Junior Secondary School, on Saturday, June 10, when he saw one of the letters.

As I was passing by the principals office, I saw a notice and stopped to read it. I was shocked when I read the content. The principal was not around at that time, but I alerted some staff members present.

I informed the Parents Forum Association chairman, who contacted the school authorities. The government and security agencies had also been informed.

A large number of policemen and soldiers were initially deployed in the school. There were also security vans patrolling the school surroundings.

But when I went back four days after, the number of security men had reduced considerably. I saw only two policemen at the school gate.

Another parent said he was at the school on Wednesday (yesterday) to assess the security situation, but was disappointed, urging the government to take the threat seriously.

He also lamented that the school fence was very low while there were bushes at the back of the premises, which could be exploited by the hoodlums.

He said, Part of the bushes had been cleared upon the threat, but there are still a lot to be done. The school fence needs to be raised. There should be light around the fence for safety at night.

A parent called for massive security around the school, saying some insiders could be aiding the hoodlums.

There is a Nigerian Air Force base near the school; the threat should not be taken for granted, she added.

The PFA Chairman, Mr. Wale Alo, said the case was reported at the Akpa Police Post and Area K Command, Badagry.

He said, We have been trying to beef up security. The state government sent policemen and military personnel. The school also employed some vigilantes to secure the school, especially at night. I learnt that the deputy governor is aware. Although the handwriting on the letters looks like that of a child, the content is beyond any pupils reasoning. The school is a little bit far from the waterside, but we must not leave anything to chance.

A member of staff of the college, who begged not to be named, said security was required in the school.

He said, It was the junior school that got the letter first. After three days, the same letter was dropped at the senior school. The school employed local vigilantes after the letter was received. They left after some days, saying the government did not appreciate their effort. They said if anything happened to them in the course of protecting the school, they could be abandoned.

These vigilantes are the ones really doing the work. In the middle of the night, they were around the hostels, hiding in the bush. Presently, two policemen are on duty per shift. Once it is 11pm, they go to sleep. However, five policemen patrol the road leading to the school every day.

The school authorities, however, described the letters as a rumour.

One of the two principals, Mr. Sunday Fadaunsi, said, We regard the letters as a rumour. Parents and pupils have been circulating it, but nobody can come up with any letter.

When asked about the security measures put in place in the school, he said, the deputy governor is handling that.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the government was aware of the letter, adding that the security of the school, pupils and staff was guaranteed.

He said, We are aware and the security agencies are on high alert and alive to their responsibility. Whether it is a threat or a prank, the Lagos State Government will not yield any of its schools or pupils to the evil machinations of kidnappers. We shall secure our schools and every pupil and tutor. The police and other security agencies are up to the task. This is an assurance to the Model College, Kankon, and the general public.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the police had beefed up security in the school and other colleges in the coastal areas of the state.

There is intelligence report that these people (kidnappers) may perpetrate criminal acts at model colleges. The police are using proactive measures to fortify the schools, including Kankon, to prevent what happened in model college, Igbonla.

The Area Commander, Area K, said there is an adequate police presence at the school and there was no cause for alarm.

Meanwhile, the APC councillorship candidates daughter, Bukola Adeosun, was allegedly kidnapped around 9pm on Tuesday while she was sent on an errand to Shilon Street, Ilupeju, with her younger sister.

Her father, Bode, said the abductors contacted him around 1.30am on Wednesday with a hidden number.

He said  Bukola, was sent on an errand with her younger sister, but only the little sister came back.

Around 1.39 am, we got a call from the kidnappers confirming that Bukola is in their custody.

I believe the kidnap of my daughter has some political undertone since local council election is coming up next week.

The state PPRO said a case of missing person was reported to the police.

He said, The family said she went to buy fish around 10pm, but she didnt return. We are investigating. She is an adult.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
It is a sad day for two alleged internet fraudsters after they were remanded in prison for defrauding foreigners.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, arraigned one suspected Internet fraudster, Folusho Oguntoyinbo, also known as Sydney, before Justice Hakeem Olatunde Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on a three-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N700, 000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira).

One of the counts reads: That you, Folusho Oguntoyinbo (a.k.a. Sydney) sometime in 2016 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira from Roy Torgerson by falsely representing to him that you were Sydney A., female, which representations you knew to be false.

The 31-year-old suspected fraudster, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ayanfeoluwa Ogunsina, asked the court for a trial date and pleaded that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

However, the defence counsel, M.O. Lawal, told the court of a pending application for bail of his client.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to July 13, 2017 for hearing of the bail application and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.

Meanwhile, the EFCC also arraigned a member of a syndicate of Internet fraudsters, Ojo Adedayo, a.k.a. Kate, before Justice Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents.

One of the counts reads: That you, Ojo Adedayo (a.k.a. Kate) sometime in 2016 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division, with intent to defraud, had in your possession a document titled Me, which document you knew contained false pretence.

However, the 22-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to July 13, 2017 for hearing of the bail application and remanded the suspect in prison custody.
The State governors, on Wednesday, said they the country must be United, that they would not allow Nigeria to break up, stating that those fanning the embers of war were wasting their time.

The governors spoke after their meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in continuation of Osinbajos consultations on the recent tension in the country as a result of several agitations.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola, Ajimobi, who spoke on behalf of the other governors, said the governors and other stakeholders had agreed that despite the agitations being witnessed in parts of the country, Nigeria must not break.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of a meeting, Osinbajo stated that any Nigerians expecting the country to break was only wasting his time.

The message is for Nigerians to work more together and collaborate. We have more to gain when we are united.

We cannot afford to break, and anybody that is thinking of that, is wasting his time, and we will not allow it, not in this country. All of us are unanimous about that, he added.

He said the governors resolved that the unity of the country is sacrosanct, non-negotiable and we have all agreed to work together to educate people.

Ajimobi added, Any time you have agitation, usually, there will be poverty; there will be unemployment; there will be hardship. So, we should address fundamentally these areas of poverty, unemployment and hardship.

Nigerians are by nature a united people; nobody cares whether you are from the north, south or the east.

The governor also warned against the consequences of war, urging Nigerians to learn from Rwanda and Somalia.

Osinbajo had appealed to the governors to always be ready to speak up against statements from individuals or groups capable of setting the nation on fire.

He said they must be ready to protect the nation and its democracy from the hands of those who were bent on dividing the country.

He spoke before the meeting, which was held inside the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, went into a closed-door session.

He stated, We must not allow the careless use of words, careless expressions that may degenerate into crisis.

We are a people that like to talk and we express ourselves loudly but it is expected for us to recognise that it is those same words that can cause conflagration; that can unfortunately lead to calamity. We must be careful on how we express ourselves.

What we have seen in recent times is that some of the languages (words) used have tended to degenerate badly and I think that we must begin to speak up against some of these things and ensure that we protect our democracy and our nation from the hands of rhetoric that may just divide us.

Osinbajo, who had earlier met separately with leaders of thought and traditional rulers from both the North and the South-East, said those who participated in the previous consultations agreed that Nigerias unity should not be taken for granted.

He said nobody wanted the nation to witness bloodshed or war.

While describing the previous meetings as frank and open, Osinbajo said they were able to agree on most of the critical issues that were discussed, and in most cases, changed perceptions that might have been long embedded in their minds.

He added that the participants also agreed that under no circumstances should hateful speeches be condoned and that government should take all steps necessary to bring to book all those who preached violence.

The acting President stated that they also agreed that government needed to do more to engage youths productively, create some jobs and multiply the economic opportunities available.

Osinbajo added, More importantly, we agreed on the need for leaders to speak out forcefully to counter divisive speech or any kind of warmongering.

We agreed that leaders, at all levels, must speak out forcefully against any kind of divisiveness or divisive speech. And we expect that our political leaders will do so without waiting to be prompted.

All of those who spoke felt that sometimes when leaders do not speak up promptly, it always results in degeneration, no matter what the problem may be.

This applied to both the statements made by the young people in the South-East as well as the youth in the northern states. We discovered there was a need for much greater resonance in the way that these things are done and for the leaders to speak up more forcefully.

We believe that if the leaders do not speak up forcefully enough, if for any reason, matters are allowed to degenerate, not only does leadership lose their legitimacy, they run the risk of things going completely out of control.

He commended the leaders from the North and South-East for their openness at the consultations, saying they were extremely responsible even in their criticisms of what they felt were issues that should have been better handled.

While saying their criticisms were fair and balanced, he commended them for their sense of responsibility and their leadership.

Osinbajo mentioned the issue of herdsmen and farmers crisis, especially the way that some of these had resulted in flashpoints across the country, as one of the issues raised at the previous meetings.

He said it was important that lasting and satisfactory solutions were found to the problems identified.

Describing the problems as multidimensional, Osinbajo said state governors had important roles to play especially because they were in control of their territories.

He stated, We must resist the temptation to play politics especially with matters of security, but to reach for simplistic narratives that might be originally expedient and satisfying but false, deceiving and sometimes unhealthy to proper understanding of the issues.

Governors, who attended the meeting, included Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Godwin Obaseki (Edo).

Among others are governors from Borno, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Lagos, Kebbi, Ondo, Imo, Taraba and Anambra states among others.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
A former Nigerian bus conductor identified as Mike Akinlabi has received a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge. A former Nigerian bus conductor identified as Mike Akinlabi has received a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge.

According to Trends of Nigeria, Akinlabi was a bus conductor in Nigeria before he received a Masters degree and went ahead to pursue his doctorate degree.

Akinlabi has now successfully received his PhD degree from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Nigerian Twitter users congratulated the genius man for fighting hard for his success.

Congratulations  Scjeherazade j (@ScheherrieJ) June 22, 2017

Congrats to one of us  #Ola and Ola#NeverJustifyFraud# (@harsiwarju) June 21, 2017

Inspiring!  Emeoha Osita kennneth (@ositaemeoha) June 21, 2017

https://twitter.com/TrendsOfNigeria/status/877553474711453696
A Nigerian woman has landed in serious trouble after defrauding her France-based lover of about N5million after promising him marriage.

A 33-year-old single mother of four, Aishat Akintunde has been arrested by men of the Nigerian police in Lagos after she allegedly swindled her Facebook lover of money and properties valued at about N5m.

According to PM News, the woman duped her France-based lover, Ayobami Adeniyi, after she promised to marry him and also help him purchase a filling station in Nigeria.

It was gathered that the woman got into trouble after selling an unregistered Renault bus with properties inside value at about N2.5m for just N1m. She claimed during investigation, that Adeniyi shipped the bus for her to sell, PM News reported.

However, Adeniyi told the police to detain the suspect. When he got to the police station, after arriving Nigeria, Adeniyi narrated his ordeal in the hands of Akintunde. He said they met on Facebook in November 2016, where Akintunde told him that she was a divorcee.

She had also told Adeniyi that if he was ready for a relationship he should send some money to her to rent an accommodation.

I sent the sum of N100k to her because I was desperately in need of a wife from Yoruba land, he told PM News.

In February 2017, she told me that her mother was a big time oil dealer in Nigeria managing 3 filing stations. She later told me that her mother was about to sell off one of them for N4m and she advised me to purchase it.

She sent three pictures of the three filing station to me to convince me. I accepted her advice thinking that she was a honest woman who would be a good house wife. I confirmed the alleged sales from her mother on phone.

Adeniyi claimed that he transferred the sum of N1.85m into the suspects account. He said he also sold his Peugeot car in Nigeria for N1m and remitted the money into her account.

I also shipped a Renault bus with properties inside valued at about N2.5m to her to sell and pay for the filing station, he added.

But she instead converted all my money to her personal use and plunged me into debt.

But Akintude argued that she received only N1.5m from the complainant and not N5m. She said she sold the bus for N1m and used the proceeds to buy an uncompleted building at Sango Ota, Ogun State.

According to the Police the matter is still under investigation, and the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
Police have arrested a 33-year-old single mother of four, identified as Aishat Akintunde in Lagos for allegedly swindling her Facebook lover of money and properties valued at about N5m.

The suspect who resides in Lagos was able to dupe France-based Ayobami Adeniyi, after she promised to marry him and also help him purchase a filling station in Nigeria.

The mother of four was initially arrested for selling an unregistered Renault bus with properties inside value at about N2.5m for just N1m. She claimed during investigation, that Adeniyi shipped the bus for her to sell, PM News reported.

However, Adeniyi told the police to detain the suspect. When he got to the police station, after arriving Nigeria, Adeniyi narrated his ordeal in the hands of Akintunde.

He said they met on Facebook in November 2016, where Akintunde told him that she was a divorcee.

She had also told Adeniyi that if he was ready for a relationship he should send some money to her to rent an accommodation.

I sent the sum of N100k to her because I was desperately in need of a wife from Yoruba land, he told PM News.

In February 2017, she told me that her mother was a big time oil dealer in Nigeria managing 3 filing stations. She later told me that her mother was about to sell off one of them for N4m and she advised me to purchase it.

She sent three pictures of the three filing station to me to convince me. I accepted her advice thinking that she was a honest woman who would be a good house wife. I confirmed the alleged sales from her mother on phone.

Adeniyi claimed that he transferred the sum of N1.85m into the suspects account. He said he also sold his Peugeot car in Nigeria for N1m and remitted the money into her account.

I also shipped a Renault bus with properties inside valued at about N2.5m to her to sell and pay for the filing station, he added.

But she instead converted all my money to her personal use and plunged me into debt.

But Akintude argued that she received only N1.5m from the complainant and not N5m.

She said she sold the bus for N1m and used the proceeds to buy an uncompleted building at Sango Ota, Ogun State.

According to the Police the matter is still under investigation, and the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
THE Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday cleared a policeman attached to the Makinde Police Division of allegation of extortion.

A seven-second clip filmed by a female motorist had shown the policeman holding what looked like a Point of Sale terminal.

He was seen taking what appeared like an Automated Teller Machine card from a man who had disembarked a motorcycle.

The woman who was filming the incident from her car was heard in the background accusing the policeman of extortion.

Efforts by our correspondent to speak with the woman were abortive, as the poster of the clip on Instagram said she sought anonymity.

The poster told PUNCH Metro that the witness was in her car when the incident happened.

After the video went viral on the social media, many Nigerians expressed shock and dismay at the attitude of the cop, which they said represented the level of corruption in the Nigeria Police Force.

Our correspondent visited Olowora Street, in the Mafoluku area of Oshodi, where the incident reportedly happened on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. He established the spot of the incident from the video evidence, but no resident owned up to witnessing the incident.

Instead, the residents, including motorcyclists and traders, lamented that policemen from the Makinde and Akinpelu divisions were notorious for extorting money from commercial motorcyclists in the area.

A trader close to the scene of the incident noted that policemen from the Makinde division sometime stayed at the junction to extort money from motorists and motorcycle riders.

A resident of the area said, Extortion by policemen is not new here. There is a woman selling roasted corn down the road. They stay close to her place. But I did not witness the one in the video.

An executive member of one of the motorcycle riders association in the community, who watched the video, said it was not impossible for the policemen to do such a thing.

He said, It is a normal occurrence around here. In fact, it happens on a daily basis. Those policemen always stay in that area to stop motorcycle riders and motorists. But I believe the man that was being extorted in that video is not the motorcycle rider. It must be his passenger, who could be a yahoo-yahoo boy (Internet fraudster). When policemen ask them (fraudsters) for money, they give excuses. The excuses may have forced the policeman to devise the method of the POS terminal.

But for us as motorcycle riders, they collect between N5,000 and N10,000 when they seize our motorcycles. They have told us that we are their ATM. The policemen fond of this are from the Akinpelu and Makinde divisions.

Another motorcycle rider in the community said cops sometime threatened to take them to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad where they would be detained for robbery.

We all have been victims at different times. Sometimes, they ask us not to park close to banks or pick more than one passenger. They could say we have been asked to stop using a particular park and they will arrest us and start demanding money, he added.

A resident listed some of the points of extortion to include Akinniku Street, Bolade Junction and Oshodi Express bus stop.

There is nobody to call them to order; they just do as they like, he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the command was aware of the video, adding that the policeman involved was arrested and detained.

He said, The policeman was on a stop-and-search on Tuesday. From what we gathered, he stopped a commercial motorcycle rider who was carrying a passenger with a bag. He asked the passenger what he had in his bag and he stated them.

The policeman searched the bag and found the POS terminal and other documents. When he asked him what he was doing with the POS, the man claimed he was using it to pay utility bills and that he worked with an electricity distribution company.

The policeman demanded a proof of identification and he tendered it. The policeman then asked him to go since there was nothing implicating on him. Unknown to all of them, a passerby was filming the scene without their knowledge.

We arrested the policeman initially. But this morning (Wednesday), we saw the same commercial motorcycle rider and asked him to give an account of what transpired. The rider gave the same account, saying the policeman did not collect any money from the passenger.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The embattled chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council, has resigned after the company was slammed over their response to the Grenfell Tower inferno which razed a London residential building.

The chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea council, Nicholas Holgate, has resigned after being asked to do so by the communities secretary, Sajid Javid. In a statement Holgate said that Javid required the leader of the council to seek my resignation.

His resignation comes after a tide of criticism of the council, not only for the way it responded to the Grenfell Tower tragedy but also for historical neglect of poorer residents of the borough and a neglect of social housing.

Holgate said: Serving the families so desperately affected by the heartbreaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council. Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.

He added: Success in our efforts requires leadership across London that sustains the confidence and support of central government. There is a huge amount still to do for the victims of the fire, requiring the full attention of this council and many others. If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction.

Council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown said: It is with great regret that I have today accepted Nicholas Holgates resignation. Like everyone else, the council has been grief-stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims. That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this. However, the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward.

It is understood that the Department for Communities and Local Government decided several days ago that John Barradell, the chief executive of the City of London council, should take over from Holgate at the recovery command for the Grenfell Tower operation because of concerns about the councils failure to adequately manage the fire recovery operation. Residents affected by the fire gave a cautious welcome to the news of Holgates resignation. One resident who has lost many people close to her in the fire and who asked not to be named, said: We welcome the government intervention but we want to see all levels of the council held to account. We need resignations from those responsible for planning.
The Senate is working on a bill that will check the incessant increase in house rents in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria, the Senate Committee Chairman on Federal Capital Territory, Senator Dino Melaye, has said.

He stated that the Rent Edit bill would protect tenants and landlords even as he promised that lawmakers would ensure the passage of the bill before the end of the 8th Senate.

Melaye disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Information at the housing arm of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mrs Eno Olotu, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the senator, who spoke at the 2nd Abuja Housing and Investment Expo, also stated that corruption had hindered development and growth in the housing sector

Melaye urged stakeholders to have a change of heart by putting the interest of the people first.

He said, Not everybody can own a house. The Rent Edit Bill will help guide and curb excessive rents in the Federal Capital Territory and the nation at large.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, noted that the theme of this years event, Housing and Investment for Economic Recovery, was apt considering the fact that the provision of affordable housing, investments and job creation would ensure economic recovery.

Fashola said his ministry was willing to collaborate with private sector players in order to enable citizens purchase affordable homes based on their incomes.

In his remarks, the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye, urged stakeholders to take advantage of the programme as well as interact with exhibitors in order to give the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government the required attention in the housing sector.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Thirty-four Nigerians deported from six European countries for immigration-related offences arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday.

The deportees, who arrived at 6.30a.m, were sent back home from Switzerland, Germany, Iceland, Austria, Belgium and Hungary.

The deportees, who comprised 32 males and two females, were brought back in a chartered Airblue Panorama aircraft.

The spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development, saying this morning, we received 34 Nigerians who were brought back from Europe. They were made up of 32 males and two females. 

He said all the deportees were alleged to have committed immigration-related offences in their host countries.

Alabi said the deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Police.

Also on ground to receive them were officials the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

The deportees were profiled by immigration authorities and were allowed to depart to their various destinations.

It will be recalled that 90 Nigerians were deported from nine European countries in April for committing similar offences.

They were deported from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, Spain and Hungary.

Source: (NAN )
One of the communities that issued a quit notice to Nigerians living in there has rescinded its decision ,according to the Nigeria Union in South Africa said on Thursday.

The President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, disclosed on telephone from Pretoria that a meeting was held by the union and the community as well as the police to resolve the issue.

A meeting was held at Klaafontein community, Extension 5, Johannesburg, and it was attended by the police, officials of the Nigeria Union and members of the Nigerian community resident there.

A lot of issues were raised. At the end of the day, it was agreed that they should work together and fight crime in the community.

The police told the community that nobody should leave and that it was their duty to protect all residents, he said.

Anyene commended the police in charge of the community for their timely intervention in resolving the misunderstanding.

He also said union executives and officials of Nigeria High Commission would travel to Kuruman community in Northern Cape Province for another meeting on the quit order issued to Nigerians there.

Anyene further said that the union received a report that the Hendrila community in Mpumalanga Province had asked Nigerians resident in the area to leave.

He said, We understand that about 30 Nigerians were affected by the recent quit order.

We have written to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to urgently intervene following this latest development.

Source:( PM News )
Residential Women of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State took to the streets to protest the death of a woman identified as Mrs. Margaret Udiamehi, who was beheaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

It was gathered that the headless body of the deceased was found in the bush in the early hours of the day, while the head was later discovered by police operatives at a different location.

The angry women chanted solidarity sounds as they marched through major streets of the town as they chant solidarity songs over the gruesome murdered of the deceased in her farm on Tuesday by the suspected herdsmen.

They later took their protest to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma and the Divisional Police Headquarters to register their grievance over the incident.

Citing the example of a woman who narrowly escaped death from the hands of the herdsmen couple of days ago, the protesters said they could no longer fold their arms and watch foreigners come into their land and destroy their crops, rape and kill them.

They therefore urged all concerned authorities to give them adequate protection, noting that necessary steps should be taken to curb the excesses of the hoodlums to enable them have peace.

Speaking on the incident, daughter of the deceased who was still in shock, said when her mother left for farm in the early morning and did not return home, the youths and other women became apprehensive as they embarked on a thorough search throughout the night before her body was discovered at about 2:00 am, with her head severed off.

The Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma Division, SP Franklin Akanonu, who confirmed the killing of the woman, said they were almost giving up in the search of her head before it was finally discovered at a different location from where the body was discovered.

He appealed to the protesters to collaborate with the Division to fish out those behind the evil act through provision of useful information.

Meanwhile, policemen were seen giving protection to some members of Fulani who gathered in their camp in Ujuelen as the Divisional Police Officer, DPO explained that the action was necessary to prevent further destruction of lives and properties.

Source: ( PM News )
The wife of billionaire kidnapper, Chukwuduben Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans,Uchenna Precious Onwuamadike, has revealed the bank he used to hide his ill-gotten money.

In an interview with the media, Uchenna disclosed that her husband kept his money in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), adding that officials of the bank frequented their house to transact business with Evans.

Hear her: I have not been receiving money from him, I have never seen his money.

The only thing I know is that there was a time he bought an expensive watch in Dubai and I wanted to know why he bought it when he could not open any business for me.

I have never seen him as a rich man. While with him, we made sure we had all we wanted to eat and thats all. I cant remember seeing any sign of affluence in him.

In fact, I have never suspected him as a criminal. If I have been seeing any strange things, I would have suspected him. We have three cars, one Hilux, one grand Cherokee and an SUV.

I know he banks with GTB only. Their staff used to visit us in the house.

Source: ( PM News )
Real estate firm Altis Cardinal LLC is developing a four-story, mixed-use building that will include self-storage and retail space on the former site of the Mosley Motel in St. Petersburg, Fla. A ground-breaking was held last week for the project at 401 34th St. N., at the edge of the Kenwood Historic District. Mayor Rick Kriseman and city council member Amy Foster, who represents the area, attended the event, according to the source.

Slated to be complete in March, the project will include 7,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, with three levels of self-storage above. The $55 million self-storage component is part of Altis $75 million redevelopment plan for the area. The company purchased the foreclosed property in 2016. Before its demolition, the hotel was home to hundreds of people who were living in squalid conditions, the source reported.

In total, Altis has purchased 12 acres of property between N. 31st and 34th Streets, and N. 3rd and 5th Avenues. Its also converting a six-story office building into loft apartments, and adding two four-story buildings containing 122 apartments to the existing housing site.

"We wanted to aggregate as much property as we could in that area, because we thought it had a lot of unrealized potential," said Frank Guerra, principal. He also noted that Kenwood is a "very successful historic district."

Known for its attractive bungalows and brick streets, Kenwood has an active neighborhood association, according to the source. Association president Brenda Gordon said shes pleased with the areas redevelopment, calling it a welcome change from the great no-mans land of parking lots and vacant commercial buildings.

Guerra and business partner AJ Suarez founded Altis in 2009. The Miami-based company focuses on acquisitions, third-party development and management, and real estate consulting.
A collision with another vehicle yesterday caused a bus to crash through a fence and into several parked tractor-trailers and at least one car at Arapahoe Self Storage in Boulder, Colo. Fourteen people were evaluated by medical responders following the 8:58 a.m. accident. Two were treated for minor injuries and released, while one was transported to a local hospital, according to the source.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) jump-line bus, which serves Boulder, Denver and surrounding communities, was traveling west when it collided with an eastbound vehicle. The cars driver was attempting to make a left turn into a business along Arapahoe Road, according to bus passenger Patrick Goslin, who was sitting on the left side behind the driver. Goslin felt a jolt before the bus skidded onto the sidewalk and into the storage property at 6389 Arapahoe Road, he told the source.

"We just tipped over the side and, luckily, there was a tractor-trailer parked there, otherwise we would've ended up on our side," Goslin said. "Being on the left-hand side, obviously, we ended up on the right-hand side, kind of on top of people." A heavy-duty wrecker will be necessary to turn the bus upright, according to the source.

The bus passengers and driver escaped the vehicle through windows and emergency exits, Goslin added. Its unknown how many people were on the bus.

Arapahoe Road was closed in both directions until noon while officials investigated the accident.

The bus driver, Riley Davis, is a contractor with First Transit, according to Tina Jaquez, RTD public-affairs manager. It was his third day on the job and first day on the jump line, according to the source.

Dick and June Paquette, the storage-facility owners, said they were reading the newspaper when they got the call about the crash. "The way I look at it, it could've been worse," said Dick Paquette, who is already contacting the owners of the damaged vehicles.

Opened in 1973, Arapahoe Self Storage offers 370 units as well as covered vehicle storage. The Paquettes also own AAA Store-N-Lock in Boulder.
When I was 7 years old, I began having a recurring nightmare about pirates. In my dream, headless pirates sailed down the neighboring city-maintained swale and discussed how they were going to cut off and steal my familys heads. Never mind that there was zero moving water, let alone enough to sail a ship, in said gully except in the roughly 25 minutes following a torrential downpour. And lets ignore the fact that the drainage ditch originated a mere 20 yards away at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hall  who were not, to the best of my knowledge now or then, pirates or sponsors thereof. We should also overlook the fact that the pirates were with no heads (and therefore no mouths) loudly discussing their head-swiping mission.

But none of that mattered to me at the time. I had that dream over and over again for years and eventually became terrified of pirates. Even while watching Pirates of the Caribbean years later at the ripe old age of 35, my sister paused the film to ask my mom if she thought it was okay for me to watch, given my well-known fear of swashbuckling.

It was. Decades older and in possession of facts that eluded my childhood self, for me pirates had morphed into eyeliner-wearing fictions, with the occasional Somali ransom demander thrown in for good measure. Isnt it funny how a little data can transform something that seems so treacherous into something quite benign?

Which is why it seems like we all need a little fact-finding about hedge funds right about now. In recent weeks hedge funds have been repeatedly named as the bogeymen under our collective beds. Here to steal from the poor, make themselves rich, wreck companies, and single-handedly prevent the U.S. from balancing the budget, they are modern-day economic pirates, hellbent on destruction.

Or maybe not. For example, when Donald Trump released his single-page tax plan on April 26, it failed to mention closing the carried-interest tax loophole for hedge funds, an oft-repeated promise of his campaign. As per usual, his surrogates rushed the next day to ensure the public that carried interest was still on the chopping block. So how much does the U.S. stand to gain by closing the carried-interest tax loophole? Eighteen billion dollars. Over ten years. And yes, that was billion with a B. While this is certainly no small chunk of change, its less than 1 percent of the interest payments the government is projected to make over that decade. Carried-interest revenue is enough to pay for six out of ten years of community block grants, which one could morally argue is a good use of fund manager profits, but the bottom line is it isnt going to eliminate the federal deficit or save Social Security. If those are the goals, tax reform will need to be more comprehensive than the type that generates budgetary sofa change.

In addition to driving the U.S. into bankruptcy, it seems hedge funds are after the average Joe too. For the amount of ink they get, youd think that activist hedge funds encompass the bulk of the alternative investment universe, and that they spend their time fleecing poor retail stockholders left and right (at least according to a new paper by Leo Strine and recent remarks by Warren Buffett). But activist hedge funds comprised only 4 percent of hedge fund assets under management through the first half of 2016.

And retail shareholders? Theyve been on the decline since the 1950s, falling from more than 90 percent of all shareholders to about 30 percent in 2016. Oh, and the top institutional shareholders in 2016 (and in the four years prior)? Vanguard, Fidelity, State Street, and BlackRock. Theres nary a hedge fund name among them. Altogether there were about 300 publicly announced activist campaigns in 2015, with roughly 10 percent of those undertaken by the three most active of the activists, all hedge funds. Activist efforts included campaigns to boost shareholder value, as well as some targeting corporate governance, environmental, and other issues. So has no hedge fund ever pillaged and plundered at retail shareholder expense? Perhaps, but those kinds of forays may be significantly overstated.

Finally, hedge fund fees arent the oft-stated 2 and 20 and never have been. When I looked at fees for PerTrac in 2010, I found average management fees ranged from 1.35 percent to 1.65 percent, based on launch data between 2000 and 2009. Recent data suggests management fees fell from their 2009 high to an average of 1.39 percent in 2016. Performance fees are also lower than many might expect: My PerTrac research showed them topping out at just over 19 percent on average for funds launched in 2007, and newer data suggests they fell to an average of 16.7 percent in 2016. Sure, you can pay less for passive management, but Id suggest that is more of an asset allocation discussion than a fee debate. I wont even get into misconceptions about performance. As many times as Ive written about it, that particular ship must have sailed.

So you see, as it was with the infamous drainage ditch buccaneers of my youth, sunshine is the best disinfectant for many of the horrors of hedge funds. But while my pirate phobia merely kept me from watching The Goonies until I was in my early 20s, the collective angst and misinformation about hedge funds could keep investors from making rational asset allocation decisions and cost us all some booty.
Thirty-six percent of large institutional investors prefer renewable assets to traditional energy such as oil, according to Preqin.

More than half of conventional energy investors are now putting money to work in renewable resources.

Fifty-two percent are targeting renewable assets for their portfolios, according to a Preqin report Thursday. The financial data provider said that large institutional investors with more than $10 billion of assets are more likely to prefer renewable resources in their holdings.

Traditional energy investors are allocating capital to renewable energy to diversify their portfolios and keep up with increasing demand in emerging economies, according to the report. Its another sign that interest in sustainable sources of energy is gaining momentum, a global shift that may not be derailed by President Donald Trumps decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement battling climate change.

Even though oil prices are low and traditional energy sources are cheaper, the ship has sailed on renewables, said Tyler Rosenlicht, vice president and portfolio manager at real asset investment firm Cohen & Steers.

Emerging economies with large-scale energy projects aimed at improving living standards will create investment opportunities in both renewable and conventional energy, according to Preqin.

Although the decision made by the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Agreement poses a challenge for the renewables industry in the U.S., the continued commitments of other countries to this agreement is likely to result in opportunities for fund managers and investors targeting these regions, Preqin said.

Renewable-focused funds have raised $5 billion this year, surpassing fundraising for pools targeting conventional energy, according to a report earlier this month from the data provider.

The stable returns that a diversified energy portfolio provides is likely enticing investors to consider assets tied to oil and gas, as well as those in solar or wind.

Energy funds that invest in both renewable and conventional energy perform roughly on par with conventional energy investments and with less dispersion, or difference between the best and worst performing investments, according to the report released Thursday by Preqin.

Thirty-six percent of renewable energy investors with more than $10 billion under management prefer renewable energy, the report shows. That includes 17 percent with more than $50 billion of assets.

A smaller percentage leans toward traditional energy. Twenty-eight percent of institutional investors that manage more than $10 billion prefer conventional energy investments, including 11 percent with more than $50 billion of assets, according to Preqin.

Investments in energy, including renewable resources, will have to expand to keep up with rising demand from a growing population, Rosenlicht said. Otherwise, how are you going to grow that supply?
The Allstate unit that directly competes with GEICO for consumers who buy auto insurance online has suffered a slip in Illinois.Esurance, the direct insurer that Allstate acquired for $1 billion six years ago to better compete with GEICO, saw its Illinois policyholders fall by 4% over the past year to 49,317, as reported in a June 12 filing with the Illinois Department of Insurance.The same filing also stated that Esurance is increasing its auto insurance rates for its remaining customers by 2.7%. The spike is Esurances third in 18 months, as reported by the Chicago Business website. In November 2015, it raised rates by 8.2% and followed with a 3.8% bump in July 2016.On the other hand, GEICO continues to add Illinois customers despite raising its rate along the same lines.A filing reports that GEICO Casualty had 212,029 Illinois policyholders as of March 31, which is a 15% increase from 183,644. Since January 2015, GEICO Casualty has raised rates four separate times, by a total of 17%.So what has enabled GEICO to yield double-digit growth amid its price hikes?Advertising is a potential factor as GEICO continues to flood the airwaves with its advertisements even in the midst of an unusual series of rate hikes for a company that brands itself primarily by how much money it can save consumers.Meanwhile, Allstate confessed that it has decimated Esurances advertising level as it spikes its prices to improve the bottom line of a unit that has never made money since Allstates acquisition.Esurances customer erosion in Illinois is worse than in other parts of the country as its auto policies dropped 2% to 1.4 million from 1.43 million.
Metromile, the company that is pinning its future on pay per mile insurance, has hired Carrie Dolan as Chief Financial Officer.



Dolan most recently served as CFO of Lending Club, which she helped grow into the worlds largest online credit marketplace connecting borrowers and investors. Over her six-year tenure, annual revenue increased more than 7,000% and in 2014, she managed the companys IPO, one of the top 10 US-based Internet public offerings of all time. Prior to Lending Club, Dolan spent 10 years at Charles Schwab & Co, where she was Senior Vice



President and Treasurer, as well as CFO, Schwab Bank, which she helped launch in 2003.



Do you know someone who deserves to be named as Woman of Distinction or who should be nominated in one of 23 other categories? Nominate yourself or a colleague now  it's free to enter and takes just a few minutes.



Over her storied career, Carrie has been an exemplary financial steward of leading brands, earning the respect of her colleagues and peers along the way, said Dan Preston, CEO at Metromile. Were thrilled to have an executive of Carries caliber join our team. Were eager to bring to bear her deep knowledge of financial services, capital markets and scaling fast-growing organizations as we accelerate the growth of Metromile.



In addition to her professional successes, Dolan has received several industry accolades. Shes been named one of the Most Powerful Woman in Finance by American Banker, featured in The San Francisco Business Times Forever Influential List, and recognized as the Financial Woman of the Year by The Financial Women of San Francisco for her commitment to her profession, service to community and support for the advancement of women.



Metromiles pay-per-mile insurance model is a disruptive breakthrough in the insurance industry, said Carrie Dolan, CFO, Metromile. This is a fantastic team and I am very excited about the opportunity to work together in revolutionizing the insurance industry and leading Metromiles next phase of growth.



Early in her career, Dolan held various financial positions at Chevron where she launched the Chevron Credit Bank, which offered proprietary credit cards. She holds both a bachelors degree in finance and an MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.



In addition to Dolans appointment, Metromile also announced four recent promotions: James Moorhead to Chief Operating Officer, Sean Griswold to Chief Customer Officer, Katy Allen to VP of Business Development and Jason Foucher to VP of Insurance Product.



Metromiles pay-per-mile insurance is currently available in seven states, including Calif., Ill., N.J., Ore., Pa., Va., and Wash., and the company is focused on offering pay-per-mile insurance nationwide.





Related stories:

Traffic violations raise premiums by as much as 40%: report

Billionaire backs Metromile with $191.5 million
Chris Christie, Governor, New Jersey, ramped up his attacks on his states largest health insurer by claiming that it brazenly failed its poorest residents by mishandling Medicaid claims and launching an attack against a company that he seeks to help finance an opioids campaign.While Christie highlighted $16 million in fines against Horizon Blue Cross in a news conference, his months-long campaign to get Horizon to tap into its surplus for $300 million to finance opioid addiction treatment has also become tied in with larger budget negotiations ahead of an imminent deadline next Friday.Lawmakers note that discussions over Horizon and another proposal by Christie to dedicate lottery revenue to the states public workers pensions are being considered as part of a potential deal that will include a school funding overhaul proposed by Democratic lawmakers.The proposed budget is one of Christies final hopes to have lawmakers negotiate on issues that he is passionate about before he leaves office in January, according to the 6ABC news website.At present, lawmakers have not taken up the Horizon or lottery proposals, since they seek his signature over a new school funding plan, while Gary Schaer, Democratic Assemblyman and budget chairman, said amid a private meeting of Assembly Democrats that the prospect of making a deal could be possible.Christie mentioned that the state Department of Human Services and the insurance commission has cited Horizon for improperly handling hundreds of thousands of Medicaid claims, triggering backlogs and impacting residents since 2015. Christie said he could not tell if anyone was actually hurt, and Horizon countered by saying that it is not aware of any members impacted in any way.Christie suggested that the violations justify the proposal of his passage. The proposal features transparency provisions to ask Horizon to present further information online and include spots for public members on the board.Horizon just brazenly failed their members and the citizens of New Jersey. What their multi-million dollar lobbyists and secretive management team worked to make sure we wouldnt notice is that Horizon has been cited repeatedly, Christie stated.Kevin McArdle, spokesman, Horizon, said that the company has made substantial progress on the issues and was blindsided by Christies news conference that comes just over a week before the fiscal years end when the Republican governor and Democrat-led Legislature must enact a new budget.His comments strongly suggest that this is further retaliation for Horizons unwillingness to submit to his demand for $300 million from the reserves we hold to protect our members and an abuse of power, McArdle said.Christie responded by saying that his comments could hardly be classified as retaliatory since violations triggered his February proposal to use Horizons surplus.The governors proposal has come under wider attack as Steve Forbes, publisher and businessman, tweeted that the idea is bullying.
Blockchain, the London-based bitcoin currency service provider, has raised $40 million of fresh funding, representing one of the largest investment rounds in the financial technology sector since Britains vote to leave the European Union.

New investors in the company, which provides technology such as virtual bitcoin wallets and analytical tools for the digital currencys underlying system, include Googles GV, which led the funding with Lakestar. Existing investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sir Richard Branson, provided new financing.

The pace of innovation in the digital currency space is unmatched, said Tom Hulme, a partner at GV. We were impressed by Blockchains consistent market traction and dedication to building secure financial products for an increasing number of users.

Bitcoin, and the blockchain system that powers it, is one of several virtual currencies and the value of one bitcoin skyrocketed more than 300 percent in the last year. A competing currency, Ether, based on the ethereum blockchain, reached a record $402 earlier this month.

Blockchain Chief Executive Officer and co-Founder Peter Smith said his companys new funding was raised before bitcoin and ethers recent run up. We did it a few months ago, he told Caroline Hyde in an interview on Bloomberg Television Thursday.

While it has been accepted for legitimate transactions by companies such as Microsoft Corp., Expedia Inc. and social media platform Reddit, it is also a favorite tool for criminals seeking ways of anonymously sending and receiving money, such as during the May WannaCry ransomware attack that affected countless businesses and hospitals worldwide.

In a press release, Blockchain said its new investment will support a wider global expansion and related localization efforts, as well as further research and development for its product.

The 14 trillion dollar financial services industry hasnt meaningfully changed in over a century, said Smith in the release. Blockchain is on a mission to create a financial system that is faster, more inclusive, and radically different than the status quo.

Blockchain had previously raised $30.5 million in 2014.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions InsurTech Funding
Aon Benfield, the reinsurance intermediary and capital adviser of Aon plc, has appointed Andy Marcell to the new position of president of Aon Benfield. Marcell will begin the role with immediate effect and will report to Eric Andersen, chief executive officer of Aon Benfield.

Based in New York, Marcell will have added executive Aon Benfield responsibilities and will play a wider role in managing the global business, the company said in a statement. He will also take more of an active role with clients and colleagues across the business to support the firms ongoing growth strategies.

Prior to joining Aon Benfield in August 2015, Marcell was CEO of reinsurance broker Guy Carpenters U.S. operations and head of its global facultative business. Most recently, Andy was head of strategy at Aon Benfield and over the past two years he has focused on ways to grow the business across the firms existing client base. He has also worked on a range of strategies to attract new clients to the firm.

Source: Aon Benfield

Topics Aon
Nebraskas governor has declared a state of emergency for storm-damaged areas of the state.

The June 20 declaration by Gov. Pete Ricketts will let the state respond to local governments in the wake of storms that struck both ends of Nebraska last week.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has said the agency is gathering information from emergency managers about damage in more than 30 counties. The National Weather Service has reported that three tornadoes touched down in the Nebraska Panhandle last week and four tornadoes hit eastern Nebraska on Friday, spawned by a storm that carried howling straight-line winds and blinding rain as well.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Windstorm Nebraska
Davy Andrews is so adept at technology that hes become the de facto IT troubleshooter in his office. But theres one bit of tech he wont touch: self-driving cars.

I wouldnt want to be the first to jump into something with that kind of risk, said Andrews, 33, an administrative assistant at a New York investment firm. I would have to see enough evidence that it is safer, considerably safer. From where we are right now, its hard to imagine getting to that point.

Autonomous autos are advancing so rapidly that companies like Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Waymo are beginning to offer robot rides to everyday consumers. But it turns out the traveling public may not be ready. A recent survey by the American Automobile Association found that more than three-quarters of Americans are afraid to ride in a self-driving car. And its not just Baby Boomers growing increasingly fearful of giving up the wheel to a computer, a J.D. Power study shows  its almost every generation.

One of the greatest deterrents to progress in this field is consumer acceptance, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao told Bloomberg News last week at a department-sponsored conference in Detroit. If theres public concern about safety, security and privacy, we will be limited in our ability to help advance this technology.

Most commuters dont have access to a self-driving car, so Chao has called on Silicon Valley to  step up and explain how they work. She and other regulators advocate for autonomy as a solution for curbing the hundreds of horrific collisions that happen every day in regular automobiles. Among those that end up being fatal, 94 percent are caused by human error, according to U.S. authorities.

Test Drives

Consumers will only become comfortable with driverless cars after they ride in them, Mary Barra, the chief executive officer of General Motors Co., said this week. The largest U.S. automaker is testing 180 self-driving Chevrolet Bolts and ultimately plans to put them in ride-hailing fleets, though it wont say when.

You can talk about it, but until you experience it, self-driving cars are hard to comprehend, Barra told reporters at the GM factory building the Bolts north of Detroit. Once youre in the vehicle and you see the technology, you understand how it works.

The opportunity for autonomy to make a meaningful impact on public safety is immense. Last year, 40,200 people died in motor-vehicle accidents on U.S. roads, the National Safety Council estimates. That was up 6 percent from the year before.

Forty thousand people a year is unacceptable, Alex Epstein, the councils senior director of digital strategy, said during a panel discussion at the TU-Automotive technology conference in Detroit last week. Its a jumbo jet going down every couple days.

Dark Space

Dangerous as it may be to operate cars themselves, many drivers are anxious about autonomous technology because they associate it with the fragility of electronic devices. Laptops crash and calls drop with nagging regularity. The consequence of a computerized car crash is much greater.

While it might be convenient to have a car drive for you, driving is a very high-stakes pursuit, said Andrews, who has no interest in letting a robot take the wheel of his Volvo. When things go wrong, its not the same as a normal computer error.

Another culprit killing consumer confidence has been automakers over-hyping the capabilities of todays driver-assist technologies. Thats led some drivers to drop their hands from the wheel even with systems built to require constant attention of the traffic environment, as was the case with the fatal crash last year of a driver in a Tesla operating in the semi-autonomous Autopilot mode.

Respondents to J.D. Powers survey made mention of Tesla crash and recognized vehicles with autonomous features can still get into accidents, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of J.D. Powers driver-interaction research.

When youre not in control and the vehicle is in control, now youre in this dark space where you wonder What actually happens if the technology fails? she said. This fear of failure is the major reason consumers are wary.

Mercedes Ads

Regulators investigated the Tesla crash and cleared the companys Autopilot system of fault in January. And the company hasnt been the only one to come under scrutiny  Daimler AG last year pulled Mercedes-Benz ads that consumer groups complained had wrongly suggested its E-Class sedan with driver-assist features was fully autonomous.

The television spot showed the driver removing his hands from the wheel, even though the automakers Drive Pilot system requires resuming control every 30 seconds.

The fastest way to make sure the public does not accept these technologies is to over-promise and then have some horrific crash because the consumer believed the capability was higher than it actually was, Epstein said.

Another impediment to consumer acceptance may arise from semi-autonomous features, which should inspire confidence and instead feel unnatural and annoying, said Lukas Kuhn, chief technology officer at Tourmaline Labs Inc., a California company that analyzes driving behavior for insurance and ride-sharing companies.

Driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed to the flow of traffic and lane keeping that steers a car back into the lines, can feel intrusive rather than intuitive.

In order to make the user buy into the feature, we have to make it feel more natural, Kuhn said. If I can drive this car way better than the machine, why should I take my hands off the wheel?

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Auto InsurTech Tech Personal Auto
Seven U.S. coal miners died in accidents so far this year, most of them with less than a year of experience at that particular job and mine, according to federal officials. In all of last year, eight miners died.

Tim Watkins, deputy administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, said earlier this month theyre launching an initiative as soon as possible to talk to miners and try to determine if there are training deficiencies.

Our intent is to talk to every single one of them, every miner who falls into one of these categories, Watkins said. Well need a great amount of assistance from mine operators.

Six of the seven miners had worked at the respective mines for less than one year, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration report. Five had less than one year experience in the particular job they were doing.

With the market the way it is, people are moving around, they are having to move people, people are doing different jobs, Watkins said at a stakeholder meeting in southern West Virginia.

Three deaths occurred at surface mines, three at underground mines and one at a surface mine processing facility, federal officials said.

In a January accident, a 42-year-old miner was positioned between a conveyor belt drive and its safety guard when he came in contact with the drive roller and was fatally injured, federal officials reported. In May, a miner hit his head on the mine roof or roof support when he was traveling in a trolley-powered supply locomotive.

Four deaths this year were in West Virginia, two in Kentucky, one in Montana.

Last years total of eight coal miner deaths was a historic low, Watkins said.

Other MSHA data show 931 miners were injured over a recent nine-month period had with less than one year experience at that mine, dropping to 418 injured with two years experience at a particular mine and only 83 with a decade of experience.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Training Development Mining
Johnson & Johnson is seizing upon a U.S. Supreme Court ruling from Monday limiting where injury lawsuits can be filed to fight off claims it failed to warn women that talcum powder could cause ovarian cancer.

New Jersey-based J&J has been battling a series of lawsuits over its talc-based products, including Johnsons Baby Powder, brought by around 5,950 women and their families. The company denies any link between talc and cancer.

A fifth of the plaintiffs have cases pending in state court in St. Louis, where juries in four trials have hit J&J and a talc supplier with $307 million in verdicts. Those four cases and most of the others on the St. Louis docket involve out-of-state plaintiffs suing an out-of-state company.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 in a case involving Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. that state courts cannot hear claims against companies that are not based in the state when the alleged injuries did not occur there.

The ruling immediately led a St. Louis judge at J&Js urging to declare a mistrial in the latest talc case, in which two of the three women at issue were from out of state. It also could imperil prior verdicts and cases that have yet to go to trial.

We believe the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Bristol-Myers Squibb matter requires reversal of the talc cases that are currently under appeal in St. Louis, J&J said in a statement.

The question of where such lawsuits can be filed has been the subject of fierce debate.

The business community has argued plaintiffs should not be allowed to shop around for the most favorable court to bring lawsuits, while injured parties claim corporations are trying to deny them access to justice.

Along with talc cases, large-scale litigation alleging injuries from Bayer AGs Essure birth control device in Missouri and California and GlaxoSmithKlines antidepressant Paxil in California and Illinois are examples of other cases where defendants could utilize the Supreme Court decision.

Although he declared a mistrial on Monday, St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison left the door open for the plaintiffs to argue they still have jurisdiction.

Plaintiffs lawyer Ted Meadows said he would argue the St. Louis court still had jurisdiction based on a Missouri-based bottler J&J used to package its talc products, which he said would create a sufficient connection to the state.

Its very disappointing to mistry a case because the Supreme Court changed the rules on us, said Meadows.

The lawsuit decided by the high court on Monday involved claims against Bristol-Myers and California-based drug distributor McKesson Corp by 86 California residents and 575 non-Californians over the blood thinner Plavix.

Beyond Mondays mistrial, the Supreme Courts ruling could bolster a pending appeal by J&J of a $72 million verdict in favor of the family of Alabama resident Jacqueline Fox, who died in 2015. A Missouri appeals court had said in May it would wait until the Supreme Court issued its decision to decide the appeal.

J&J has won only one of the five trials so far in Missouri. It previously sought to move talc cases out of St. Louis, but the Missouri Supreme Court in January denied its bid.

The company has also cast the St. Louis court as overly plaintiff-friendly and has allowed evidence linking talc to cancer that was rejected by a New Jersey state court judge overseeing over 200 talc cases. The plaintiffs are appealing.

The talc verdicts against J&J led the business-friendly American Tort Reform Association last year to declare the St. Louis state court the nations top Judicial Hellhole.

Now J&J could try to use the Supreme Court ruling to dismiss many of the cases it faces in Missouri, according to legal experts.

Corporations facing a large volume of cases in venues chosen by plaintiffs will likely cite the Supreme Court to try to dismiss those claims, said Rusty Perdew, a defense lawyer at the law firm Locke Lord.

You have a bunch of defendants who can go back and say, Judge, you got that wrong and youre going to have to dismiss claims by all those plaintiffs,' he said.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Tom Brown and Bill Trott)

Related:

Topics Lawsuits California Legislation Claims Missouri
The House Financial Services Committee advanced five flood insurance proposals on Wednesday, adding to the two bills it passed last week.

The House measures seek to reform and reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is set to expire on September 30, for five years. The latest bills seek to address claims issues and questions about oversight of the Write Your Own Program (WYO) that arose after Hurricane Sandy; limit claim payments on repetitive flood properties; require the use of replacement cost value in determining premium rates; clarify that private insurance policies satisfy the mandatory insurance requirement and repeal the mandatory flood coverage requirement for commercial and multi-family properties located in flood hazard areas.

They are in addition to two bills approved last week that encourage more private insurance, move the program toward actuarial-based rates, enhance premium credits for mitigation efforts and seek to improve underwriting of urban properties.

The seven bills must still be packaged together and scheduled for a vote by the full House.

Package of Reforms

The seven bills combined would touch on almost every facet of the flood insurance program including financing, privatization, mitigation and mapping.

They seek to encourage more private insurer participation by eliminating the non-compete provision that keeps WYO carriers from selling private policies, directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give private insurers access to its historical loss data, exempting certain properties from the mandatory purchase requirement, and clarifying that private policies satisfy the purchase requirement.

In the area of mitigation, they call for stricter land regulations in high risk areas, credits and coverages that reflect rebuilding efforts, and more community-based flood mitigation plans.

For homeowners, certain provisions limit how much rates can rise every year and set a ceiling on the maximum a property owner would have to pay.

Other bills address the high cost of repetitive loss properties, strengthen FEMAs oversight of the WYO claims process, lower the reimbursement WYO carriers receive, and encourage the NFIP to use reinsurance to limit its exposure to future losses.

While we have a responsibility to provide certainty to the homeowners and small business owners who rely on the NFIP for protection, we must also ensure that the program protects the interests of hardworking taxpayers, said Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.). These reform bills will benefit all Americans because they will invite private sector competition and lead to a sustainable flood insurance program  sustainable for homeowners, small business owners, residential and commercial real estate markets, and sustainable for hardworking taxpayers.

Industry Support

Insurance industry lobbyists, some of whom had qualms about expense reductions for WYO carriers included in last weeks legislative package, issued statements supporting the renewal of the NFIP and generally endorsing the House bills. However, the agents group, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big I), has stopped short of a full endorsement and is maintaining a neutral stance towards the package largely due to its opposition to lowering WYO carrier reimbursements, according to Charles Symington, senior vice president of external and government affairs for the Big I. While the cut in the reimbursement (from 30 percent down to about 28 percent of premium) is not as steep as originally proposed (25 percent), the Big I opposes any cut.

Nat Wienecke, senior vice president, federal government relations at the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), said her group applauds the passage of NFIP reauthorization and reform legislation and strongly supports the reforms that encourage the growth of a private insurance market. PCI also appreciates the additional reforms to reduce unnecessary burdens in the program and that reforms will be phased in over time to allow the market time to adjust to changes.

Jimi Grande, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Association of Mutual Insurers (NAMIC), called yesterdays committee action vote a positive step in the evolution of the flood program. The legislation allows property owners and communities to continue to mitigate their risk of flooding, while at the same time maintaining the availability of affordable flood insurance coverage for those who need it, he said. He called the reforms the first steps necessary to putting the NFIP on a path to solvency and ensuring the continued protection of millions of homeowners and their communities.

According to Big I lobbyist Symington, reauthorizing the program in a timely manner is the number one priority for his members. The NFIP is critical to providing vital protection for nearly five million property owners across the country. IIABA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress, in a bipartisan fashion to ensure timely reauthorization of the program, he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also been working on flood insurance.

One of the Senate proposals, sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), would renew the program for 10 years.

However a measure being worked on but not yet released by the chairs of the Senate Banking Committee is expected to be the main vehicle in the Senate. This committee is chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R- Idaho) while Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is the ranking Democrat. The committee held hearings in March and in May on reauthorizing the NFIP at which lawmakers heard from Roy E. Wright, FEMA deputy associate administrator for insurance; Steve Ellis, Taxpayers for Common Sense; Michael Hecht, the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance; and Larry Larson, the Association for State Floodplain Managers.

Heres What Passed

Here are summaries of the five bills that the House Financial Services Committee passed this week.

By a vote of 58-0, the panel approved a measure sponsored by Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) designed to remedy problems that arose in the handling of Superstorm Sandy claims. HR 2875, the National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2017, would strengthen FEMAs oversight of the WYO program under which private insurers write and service NFIPs standard flood policies. Velazquezs legislation seeks to improve disclosure and transparency for policyholders so they have a better sense of what is covered under NFIP policies and would boost penalties for fraudulent statements related to claims. It would also initiate a pilot program to authorize WYOs to inspect pre-existing structural conditions of insured and pre-insured properties that could result in a denial of a flood insurance claim.

Multiple studies and investigations have found that FEMA hasnt conducted the appropriate oversight over the Write Your Own program, Velazquez said. Unfortunately, some bad actors participating in this program have gamed the system to avoid paying policyholders claims after flood disasters.

She said the legislation is meant to address complaints by homeowners who saw their Sandy claims denied, delayed or underpaid. This bipartisan legislation would address these shortcomings and protect policyholders from fraud and abuse, she said.

By a voice vote, the committee passed another bipartisan bill sponsored by Reps. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). HR 1558, the Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act, aims to limit the funds that NFIP spends on claims for properties that have flooded multiple times.

A tiny number of properties that are flooded and rebuilt over-and-over again are responsible for a massive chunk of the indebted NFIPs spending, said Royce.

The sponsors said that as of January 2016, there were more than 150,000 structures around the country classified as repetitive loss properties by FEMA and that FEMA estimates that while these properties comprise just one percent of those insured by the NFIP, they represent 25 to 30 percent of all flood claims. Also, according to a 2009 report by FEMA, the number of these properties increases by nearly 5,000 each year.

The bill would require communities to map repeatedly flooded properties and public infrastructure to determine the specific areas that should be priorities for voluntary buyouts, drainage improvements, or other mitigation efforts; implement plans for mitigating flood risk in these problem areas; and submit these plans as well as reports on progress to FEMA.

A third bill that passed the committee, also 58-0, would clarify that flood insurance policies written by private carriers satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement. HR 1422, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act, sponsored by Reps. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), would give private insurers and state regulators more flexibility in what private policies satisfy the requirement that properties in flood zones have insurance.

Currently, many homeowners in Florida and across the country face unaffordable flood insurance premiums and a lack of coverage options, largely due to burdensome federal regulatory barriers that give the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a harmful monopoly over flood insurance policies, said Ross.

The fourth and fifth bills, both sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), passed the Republican-controlled committee more along partisan lines.

The fourth measure would repeal the mandatory flood insurance coverage requirement for commercial and multi-family properties located in flood hazard areas and provide for greater transfer of risk under the NFIP to private capital and reinsurance markets. The bill (HR 2246, the Taxpayer Exposure Mitigation Act of 2017) passed the committee by a vote of 36-24. It calls for community involvement in mapping; requires FEMA to purchase reinsurance or some capital market alternative to cover future losses; and allows commercial properties to opt-out of the mandatory purchase requirement so they can more easily purchase private flood coverage.

Homeowners and businesses across the country depend on the accuracy of flood maps in making decisions about flood insurance and flooding risks. Its time to make sure the program is on sounder financial footing, that taxpayers are protected from footing the bill for future losses, and its time to shift power from bureaucrats in Washington to states, local communities and policyholders, Luetkemeyer said in filing this bill.

The fifth bill (HR 2565, Use of Replacement Cost in Determining Premium Rates) passed by a vote of 34-25. This would require the use of replacement cost value in determining premium rates for flood coverage. It calls for FEMA to conduct a study of insurance industry best practices for risk rating and classification, including practices related to replacement cost value in premium rate estimations and to develop a feasible implementation plan and projected timeline for including replacement costs value in the estimates of risk premium rates for flood insurance. It also calls for FEMA to incorporate up-to-date replacement cost values, by structure, when calculating annual chargeable premium rates, as opposed to the current practice that relied upon a national average, over a one to three year period.

The current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) fails to do what private insurance policies do: price for risk, according to Luetkemeyer. Instead, the NFIP relies on a pricing system in which policyholders in less expensive homes subsidize those in more expensive ones. Insurance policies from private carriers take into account for pricing and underwriting purposes the cost to completely replace a structure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses an average replacement cost calculation instead of a property-specific one. He said his legislation would ensure that FEMA would use a property-by-property approach when it comes to pricing for premiums, helping to end the subsidization of wealthier homeowners.

Related:

Topics Carriers Legislation Claims Flood Property Market Homeowners Human Resources
Dallas-based independent insurance broker RHSB has added Austin January, Dan Rupper and John Sanders as assistant vice presidents.

January, AVP employee benefits, is an experienced employee benefits consultant proficient in several functions of human capital management. Prior to joining RHSB, January spent time in the professional employer organization and employer services industries giving him a unique perspective on the healthcare industry. January calls on his experience and knowledge to ensure his clients receive unbiased consultation where results and service are the metrics for success.

Rupper, AVP commercial insurance, is an experienced sales executive from the oil and gas industry and medical sector. He holds FINRA certifications in Series 63 and Series 22 and is a licensed property and casualty lines agent. Rupper is focusing on risk management solutions for middle market companies both nationally and internationally.

Sanders, AVP commercial insurance is an experienced sales consultant, previously from the manufacturing sector with professional experience in corporate business travel and logistics. He is a licensed property and casualty lines agent who specializes in risk management and insurance solutions that help secure, customized coverage while at the same time collaborating to drive down coverage costs and exposures.

RHSB has been providing insurance solutions to companies, families and individuals for over 70 years. A member of Assurex Global, the privately held risk management, commercial insurance and employee benefits brokerage group, RHSB has offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Source: RHSB
The South Carolina Department of Insurance has set a deadline for auto insurers in the state to meet the requirements of the recently passed moped safety legislation.

The new moped law, which takes effect July 1, amends South Carolinas motor vehicle law to include mopeds in the definition of a motor vehicle and requires owners of mopeds to register them with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Mopeds were not previously classified as motor vehicles in the state.

The main purpose of the new law is to allow for intoxicated drivers to be prosecuted for drunken driving; moped owners must now obtain a special moped license, which can be suspended if a moped operator is arrested for driving under the influence. The law also requires teens to wear a helmet when operating a moped.

But their are also implications for auto insurers writing business in South Carolina, even though moped operators are not required to maintain auto liability insurance. Though mopeds are now classified as motor vehicles under the new law, they are still excluded from the definition of an individual private passenger automobile, thus excluding them from the states auto insurance requirement.

However, mopeds are now included in the definition of a motor vehicle for the purposes of uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle insurance coverages.

Mopeds are not included in the definition of a motor vehicle for any [insurance] purpose other than uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle coverages, the SCDOI bulletin reads.

In other words, insurers must provide uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle coverage that includes compensation for losses resulting from accidents involving mopeds, and cannot deny coverage in the event of an accident involving a moped.

South Carolina Sen. Greg Hembree, a Republican from North Myrtle Beach, told the Associated Press in May that adding mopeds to the definition of a motor vehicle closed an insurance loophole insurers were using to deny coverage if a moped caused damage to a vehicle in a crash.

This takes care of that, he said.

South Carolina automobile insurance policies issued or renewed on or after Nov. 19, 2018 must provide uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle coverage that includes compensation for losses resulting from accidents involving mopeds.

SCDOI said in its bulletin that auto insurers must submit any form, rate, and rule filing changes as a result of the new law by June 1, 2018 via its SERFF filing system. Each filing should include references to the new law (S.C. Act No. 89 (R. 99, H. 3247)) and the SCDOI bulletin in its filing description.

Additional information and a copy of the new law are available on the SCDOI website. SCDOI said questions regarding the bulletin should be directed to the department via email at PCmail@doi.sc.gov.

Topics Carriers Legislation Auto South Carolina
Tropical Storm Cindy churned slowly on Wednesday across the Gulf of Mexico toward an expected landing on the Texas-Louisiana border, after claiming the life of a vacationing child and threatening to bring flash floods from Texas to Florida.

The storm took the life of a 10-year-old boy who was struck and fatally injured by a log dislodged by a large wave while he stood near shore in the Gulf Coast community of Fort Morgan, Alabama, the Baldwin County Coroner said.

The boy, whose name was not immediately disclosed, was vacationing with and his family at the shore. No other casualties have been reported from the storm.

Cindys wind speed remained at maximum sustained winds of 50 miles (85 km) per hour, down from 60 miles (95 km) per hour on Tuesday, and the storm center was located about 135 miles (215 km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday in an afternoon update.

Two tornados were reported about 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Biloxi, Mississippi, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency and readied emergency vehicles and the Louisiana National Guard. As of noon, he said there were no reports of significant flooding or damage, but there were worries of tornadoes.

Alabama also declared a state of emergency, Texas increased its state of preparedness and Floridas governor warned residents in the northwest part of his state to stay alert for flooding and heavy rain.

The storm has had limited impact on oil production in the Gulf. About 17 percent of oil production in the Gulf was shut in and 40 platforms, or about 5 percent, were evacuated. Expected rains and wind could disrupt regional refineries that are home to some 2.3 million barrels per day of refining capacity.

Sabine Pilots, which guides ships in and out of the ports of Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange, Texas, suspended some operations on Wednesday, a spokesperson said.

The storm, moving northwest at nearly 9 miles (14 km) per hour, was expected to make landfall along the Texas-Louisiana border, near major Exxon Mobil Corp., Motiva Enterprises and Total SA refineries. Outages at refineries could drive up gasoline prices.

The big story here is going to be a large area of rain across the southern portion of the U.S., said Matt Rogers, president and co-founder of Commodity Weather Group.

Cindy could drop between 6 and 9 inches (15-23 cm) of rain and bring as much as 15 inches to some parts of southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, and cause life-threatening flash flooding, the NHC said.

The storm could cause a surge of up to 3 feet (0.91 meters) in isolated areas and possibly spawn tornados from southern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, the NHC said.

The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, the largest privately owned crude storage terminal in the United States, suspended vessel offloading operations ahead of the storm but expected no interruptions to deliveries from its hub in Clovelly, Louisiana.

Energy companies with operations in the Gulf of Mexico reported little impact on production. Shell suspended some well operations and Anadarko Petroleum, ENI and Enbridge said they had evacuated non-essential personnel.

The Gulf of Mexico region is home to about 17 percent of U.S. crude and 5 percent of dry natural gas output, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

New Orleans residents were told to expect about 6 inches of rain from the storm, Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a press conference, about half the amount previously forecast.

There was little impact on air travel. At 4 p.m., New Orleans airport reported eight flights canceled and Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson had seven flights canceled, according to FlightAware, an airline tracking service.

There were reports of voluntary evacuations from some coastal communities in Texas, including the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, near where the storm was expected to hit land.

The Tennessee Valley Authority said it was lowering some lake levels to add water storage capacity for rains from Cindy. TVA provides electricity to more than 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states, along with flood control for the Tennessee River system.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Most meteorologists forecast this year will be more active than normal.

(Reporting by Liz Hampton, Scott DiSavino, Bernie Woodall, Jon Herskovitz, Devika Krishna Kumar and Ernest Scheyder; Editing by Chris Reese and David Gregorio)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Florida Texas Louisiana Flood Windstorm Energy Oil Gas Aviation Mexico Alabama
President Tran Dai Quang shakes hands with former US Secretary of State John Kerry (Photo: VNA)



During a reception for Kerry in Hanoi on June 21st, President Quang said Vietnam-US ties have been developing positively as the US has had a new administration.

President Quang told Kerry that he and President Donald Trump exchanged letters on bilateral relations, in which President Trump promised to boost cooperation in economy, trade, investment as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern and join hands with Vietnam and regional countries in ensuring security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region on the basis of respecting international law.

The US President also affirmed his plan to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting and pay an official visit to Vietnam, he said.

Having mentioned the Trump administrations commitment to assist Vietnam in overcoming the war aftermaths, President Quang said Vietnam will continue helping the US search for its servicepersons missing in action and suggested Kerry supports Vietnams concerns, especially speeding up the detoxification of Bien Hoa airport, mine clearance, looking for missing Vietnamese soldiers and aiding war victims.

While acknowledging Kerrys proposal on sustainable energy development in Vietnam, the President expected that, with its strength in clean and renewable energy, the US will continue cooperating and assisting Vietnam in the field.

For his part, Kerry said Vietnams policies are on the right track and expressed his expectation that Vietnam and the US will cooperate more closely in all sectors.

Kerry told his host that over the past 30 years, he has spared no effort to enhance Vietnam-US relations, and found that Vietnam became a typical economic model with high competitiveness.

Meetings between the two countries senior leaders will contribute to promoting the bilateral relationship in the future, he added./.
Wes Martin, who served as the senior anti-terrorism officer in Iraq from 2003 to 2004 and the senior operations officer for detention operations from 2005 to 2006, wrote an op-ed for Iran Focus in which he applauded the senior officials in the Trump administration for refocusing the attack onto the Iranian Regime.

In recent weeks, Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Secretary of Defence James Mattis, among others have come out to criticise Iran as the number one states sponsor of terrorism in the world, as they did before the attacks.

Martin wrote: Having served as the Senior Antiterrorism Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq, I personally know the Iranian mullahs actively supported Al Qaeda for the sake of harassing and killing American troops.

He continued: It has also been widely reported that Tehran allowed traditional Al Qaeda cells to operate from inside the Islamic Republic, as well as sheltered several of Osama bin Ladens close relatives. Tehran will support terror under any self-described Islamic banner if it means causing trouble for progressive nations. It was only a matter of time before an Islamic terrorist organisation was going to bite the hand that has been feeding them.

It is worth noting that the Iranian Resistance forces have the same view of Iranian terrorism.

Maryam Rajavi, the president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, released a statement which argued that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had welcomed the terrorist attack, as he could now play the victim in the eyes of the worlds media.

She wrote: [Khamenei] wholeheartedly welcomes [the terror attack] as an opportunity to overcome his regimes regional and international impasse and isolation [and allow Iran and its foreign representatives to] switch the place of the murderer and the victim and portray the central banker of terrorism as a victim.

Martin argues that lawmakers across the world must be careful not to fall for this deception, otherwise they may end up kowtowing to terrorists because they feel sorry for them.

He wrote: The Iranian presence in [the Middle East] is aimed at establishing a region-spanning Shiite caliphate much like the Sunni one ISIS had sought to create. The major difference between these entities is not sectarian, and it is certainly not that one is a victim of terrorism while the other is a perpetrator.

He continued: The major difference is that while ISIS is losing ground, Iran is on a path toward growth. It will continue unless the international community takes notice of the danger, tightens the economic restrictions on the regime, and puts its support behind the Iranian Resistance, which aspires to establish a truly democratic system in place of the regressive theocracy.

He encouraged world leaders to have the courage to address Iran as a terrorist supporter and endorse the Iranian Resistance, who are widely supported by the people of Iran, as the only legitimate option for Regime Change in Iran.


Frontier Services Group Limited

(Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

For Immediate Release 22 June 2017

Contract Win

FSG selected by South West State of Somalia Free Zone Investment Authority

to Provide Logistics, Aviation and Security Services

(Hong Kong, 22 June, 2017) Frontier Services Group Limited ("FSG" or the "Company") (SEHK: 00500), an integrated services company providing security, insurance and logistics services for companies operating in frontier markets. FSG has been selected by South West State of Somalia as the project management organization for its new Free Zone Investment Authority (FZIA). The project will include an integrated solution of air-land-sea logistics capabilities and advanced security management. The initiative will include construction of seaport, airport, as well as residential areas and agricultural zones.

The aim of the project is to promote investment in the South West State of Somalia to create jobs and help stabilize the region economically for internally displaced persons (IDP) and returning refugees to engage and invest in their homeland. FSG will ensure that development projects are managed in order that local citizens, entrepreneurs and investors are able to drive the economy in Somalia. The project is driven by First Hectares, a well-known group specializing in economic zones and agribusiness.

Commenting on the project, Erik Prince, FSG Executive Chairman, said, "FSG has a proven track record of being able to manage complex projects across challenging terrains and is therefore perfectly placed to provide support for this important new project in Somalia. With the team's experience and expertise, FSG will provide the best possible logistics and security services to ensure that the project can operate safely and on time".

His Excellency Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, President of the South West State of Somalia, said, "South West State is preparing for international investment in infrastructure and local enterprise. We are coordinating efforts according to global standards and best practices. FZIA, an official agency of the South West State Administration, will coordinate Government to be a "single window" agency for promotion, contracting, and management of developmental projects, serving local citizens, entrepreneurs and investors, from small to medium to large scale, the economic drivers of the hopeful future of Somalia."

Omri Cohen, FSG's Managing Director in East Africa added: "We are proud to have reached agreement with the South West State of Somalia to work with them on this significant project. This is a long-term development, which will require all of our expertise in order that we can deal with the variety of challenges that are likely to come our way from the sea, air and land zones."

Ends

About Frontier Services Group

Frontier Services Group Limited ("FSG") (SEHK: 00500) is a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with its headquarters in Hong Kong and offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Dubai, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. FSG supports businesses operating in frontier markets overcome complex security, logistics and operational challenges.

Media enquiries:

International media - contact Marc Cohen or Aaron Bass, The PR Office:

E: FrontierServicesGroup@theproffice.com

T: + 44 20 7284 6969
Calls for newly-appointed Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to scrap the help-to-buy scheme are quickly becoming the consensus, as one leading banking figure becomes the latest voice to state it is doing more harm than good.

Wim Verbraeken, the chief executive of KBC Bank Ireland, said at an investor meeting in Dublin yesterday that it served to "actually reinforce demand and it translated, we believe, very quickly, into higher house prices, rather than in an increased ability for first-time buyers to buy their homes."
The sister of murdered Northern Ireland schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson has launched a stinging attack on the Gardai, accusing them of obstructing an inquest into her sisters death.

Making a direct appeal for the Garda Commissioner to hand over potentially key information, Kathleen Arkinson hit out at the perceived procrastination and delay preventing the case from concluding.

Ms Arkinson said she felt the justice system has failed her family in every way.

Kathleen Arkinson, sister of murdered Northern Ireland schoolgirl Arlene Arkinson, outside Belfast Coroners Court.

"We have done everything we can and we are still here a year and a half later for an inquest for one child who was 15 years old.

"I would appeal to Noirin OSullivan to please look into this as soon as possible because it is dragging our lives away.

"We cant go on like this forever."

Arlene Arkinson

The inquest, which opened in February 2016, has been stalled for months to facilitate the sharing of information from legal authorities in the Republic.

The material includes papers on the lines of inquiry pursued by the Gardai, searches carried out south of the border and a purported meeting between gardai and the former girlfriend of Robert Howard, the prime suspect in the murder.

Garda officers may also be asked to give oral evidence.

During a preliminary hearing at Belfasts Coroners Court Judge Brian Sherrard moved to allay any conspiracy theories.

He said: "The delay that has been caused is not because this court harbours any concerns about the family whatsoever.

"In terms of rumour or suspicion, I can put that to bed straight away. The delay in this case is purely because we are awaiting a comprehensive response from An Garda Siochana."

Arlene, 15, from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, vanished after a night out across the border in Co Donegal in August 1994.

She was last seen being driven down a country road by Howard, a convicted paedophile with a lengthy criminal history.

Despite extensive searches, including a fresh dig in Tyrone last year, her body has never been found.

The inquest opened in February 2016 and has heard evidence from dozens of witnesses including Howards former girlfriend Patricia Quinn, and senior detectives who worked on the case.

Information from the Gardai has been described as the last piece of the jigsaw and the coroner mooted Halloween as a potential deadline for closing the inquest.

"After we get to that point then the balance will be tilting towards decision rather than further delay," added Judge Sherrard.

The Arkinson family have closely followed proceedings and were in court for the brief hearing.

Their barrister Henry Toner QC expressed frustration and demanded an explanation for the 13-month delay from An Garda Siochana.

Mr Toner said: "It is an insult to the Arkinson family who are suffering misery by these delays which are inexcusable and unwarranted.

"The family is appalled and deeply upset by the failure of the Garda to assist either properly or at all.

"They believe that the delay and procrastination adds to the rumour and suspicion that already exists in relation to Arlenes murder.

"It is important that the Garda is held to account."

Meanwhile, in a statement read out afterwards, Kathleen Arkinson said: "The Arkinson family are appalled and deeply upset as a result of exquisite cruelty inflicted unnecessarily upon them by the Garda in not assisting the coroners court properly or at all.

"The Arkinson family wonder what the Garda have to hide in relation to Robert Howard, their association with him and others who associate with him.

"The Arkinson family believe that the investigation into the murder of Arlene, a 15-year-old child, should not be delayed further by the Garda.

"The Arkinson family call upon Garda chief Noirin OSullivan to personally intervene in this case.

"They plead with the Garda chief to instruct her officers who possess all relevant information in relation to Robert Howard and the murder of Arlene to release this information immediately to His Honour Judge Sherrard so that the inquest into Arlenes death can be concluded."

The case has been adjourned for mention in September.

- Reporting: Lesley-Anne McKeown, Press Association
This document aims at reaffirming EU strong support to assist Vietnam in achieving the objectives of the seventh and thirteenth Sustainable Development Goal: "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (SDG 7)" and "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13)" adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on September 25th, 2015, as well as the Nationally Determined Contribution of Vietnam submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the so-called Paris Agreement on climate change which entered into force on November 4th, 2016.

Photo: Ngoc Bich

It will allow increased cooperation in the energy sector, in particular in support of Vietnam's commitments to supply sufficiently high-quality energy for socio-development, to diversify energy investments and business models, to develop a competitive energy market and to promote renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

The EU and its 11 member states, through this Joint Declaration, will endeavour to:

a. Further enhance the sector dialogue on energy together with all relevant actors in the sector to contribute to a more sustainable energy sector by promoting efficient, clean and renewable energy available to all citizens.

b. Provide technical assistance to the Vietnamese Government to achieve its objectives enacted in its strategies mentioned here above, to refine its policies, to promote and prepare relevant capacity development projects including to identify innovation needs for the clean energy technologies and provide the technical knowledge transfer between EU and Vietnam, with a particular focus on renewable energy.

c. Help to identify and bring forward potential energy projects that could be financed with the assistance of the development partners, in order to increase the provision of and access of the population to modern and low-carbon energy services.

d. Assist in the development of access to off grid solutions that are contributing to the overall objective of the sector.

e. Promote the mobilisation of the private sector as well as associations and non-governmental organisations in the field of energy through the organisation of business fora, industrial attachment programs, and other strategic capacity building interventions to inform and attract the private sector and financing institutions towards sustainable energy investments in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Government will endeavour to:

a. Provide a regulatory environment that contributes to the development of a sustainable and modern energy sector with a substantial contribution of renewable energy to the generation mix.

b. Lead and coordinate the sector dialogue through program steering on energy ensuring transparency of information related to funding and project preparation in the sector.

c. Continue the process of implementing legislative and regulatory reforms, establishing an appropriate environment to promote private-sector investment in the energy sector while encouraging the phasing-out of market distorting subsidies and subsidies that finance fossil fuels, and supporting economically viable business models.

d. Promote greater transparency in the implementation of public investment programs and a sufficient gestation period for the projects constituting these programs.

e. Promote the use of sustainable energy technologies and efficiency solutions with a view to limiting the negative climate and environment related impacts of energy generation and use./.
Leo Varadkar has told his first EU summit as Taoiseach that it is not too late for the UK to stay within the organisation.

It comes amid heightened security after a foiled terrorist attack in one of Brussels' busiest train stations on Wednesday.
The annual report of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is testimony to the apparent lack of regard some of those at the top of the public sector and political life have towards taxes paid by hard-pressed taxpayers.

However, the lack of accountability at the heart of the EU puts our little violations into the halfpenny place. Nobody at the top of the EU has a direct democratic mandate of any nature. They were all elected by their peers.

Earlier in the week, I read a short review of the new book by erstwhile Greek Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis, who fell foul of the EU during the Greek bailout negotiations and had to leave his position and return to academia. The column carried the headline Varadkar and Donohoe should talk to Yanis Varoufakis and was subtitled Ex-Greek Finance Minister lays bare lack of accountability in European machine.

We know only too well how our so-called European friends reneged on the promises it made to us during the reign of the Troika. We also are conscious that some of the debt now being carried by the Irish taxpayer was a direct result of alleged EU refusal to allow us to burn the bondholders  or gamblers who buy and sell bonds to make a profit.

For most of us, taking a punt means sometimes you win and other times you lose. The EUs version was big boys cannot be seen to lose.

The Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) has been with us on and off since 2011. The rationale forwarded when this policy was mooted was to assist industry and commerce in calculating their taxes because of the differing tax regimes in operation in member countries.

The EC suggested that it would reduce the administrative burden, compliance costs and legal uncertainties for cross-border companies and would significantly help to combat tax avoidance in the EU.

In practice, it means that corporation tax would be calculated not on where the product was made but on where it would be sold.

In 2011, in the early part of the fight back from recession, it was clear that the CCCTB was going nowhere. In October 2016, Pierre Moscovici, economic affairs commissioner, decided it was time to have another cut at it. Its an issue that must be approved by all 27 members, assuming Brexit is still to happen.

Many of these countries have serious issues with it. In whose interests is it being pushed?

Ireland is a small country, with a small population, on the periphery of Europe.

However, Ireland is also one of the most successful countries, not only in Europe but in the world, at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). There are other countries in the eastern part of the EU in a similar situation.

The CCCTB, as it is currently envisaged, is not in the interest of these smaller countries. It is, however, in the interests of the larger countries such as France, Germany and the other more populous and richer countries at the heart of Europe. When those countries were winning all of the FDI projects all was fine and dandy but now that its going elsewhere  because of higher costs or because of stringent labour regulations  they need to find another way to win back new investments.

MEP Brian Hayes this week said the Commission, in its handling of the CCCTB, had fudged its figures in an effort to persuade sceptical countries to come on board.

An Ibec study suggests Irish tax revenues would take a 7.7% hit if the proposal was adopted. We cannot afford to take such a hit. Our government must make certain that any agreement on its part must not impact on our ability to sustain our own economy.

It is unacceptable that the European Commission cannot give an exact picture of how a revised tax base will impact on every country.
In its latest quarterly economic commentary, the think-tank said tax receipt trends this year suggest a slightly higher budget deficit in 2017 than originally forecast. It added that the unknown effects of Brexit also call for a more careful budgetary approach for next year.

The reduction in taxation receipts from revised forecasts now suggests that the general government balance will be larger than had been expected at the start of the year. We now believe there will be a deficit in 2017 of -0.5% of GDP, compared with -0.1% in [our] previous commentary. This suggests that the budgetary strategy for 2018 needs to be more cautious than had been originally intended, the Institute said.

Regarding Brexit, the ESRI said the issue of Britain leaving the EU continues to pose a substantial risk to the Irish economy. It added that a hard outcome  where the UK gives up access to the European Single Market and Customs Union  would, over the first three years of such a policy, reduce potential output growth in the Irish economy by around 2.5%.

Over the same period, this would reduce the amount of fiscal space in the Irish economy by approximately 600m, according to the Institute, which said that would consequently reduce the extent to which Irish Government expenditure can be increased over the medium-term.

The reports co-authors Kieran McQuinn and Conor OToole said 2017, to date, has seen certain countervailing trends emerge relating to the overall positive performance of the Irish economy.

On the positive side, labour market data illustrates that the pace of employment creation, and subsequent reduction in unemployment, increased in 2017. Less encouragingly, the state of the public finances and the performance of different taxation headings, in particular, have been significantly less robust in the present year.

Apart from Vat receipts, most other tax headings either display weak growth or declines with respect to the same time last year, they said.

As well as its calls on GDP growth, the ESRI said GNP  which excludes financial contribution from multinational companies  should grow by 3.5% this year, followed by similar growth of 3.3% in 2018.

The countrys unemployment rate, meanwhile, should finish 2017 at around 6.1% - down from 7.9% at the end of 2016  and close out 2018 at an even healthier rate of 5.4%.

In its latest commentary, the ESRI also questions official house building figures and suggests they are overstating the actual present rate of construction activity.

It said many of the units being reported as new build projects could be completions of partial builds begun before the onset of the financial crash in 2007/2008.

While it doesnt foresee another housing credit bubble forming, the Institute expects rents and prices to remain elevated.

While there is no imminent credit risk, the ESRI said prudent and ongoing monitoring of credit levels is required.
Freshly Chopped, which specialises in salads, lean meats and healthy ingredients, opened at the Eastgate business park in Little Island, creating 15 jobs.

Co-founder and managing director of the Dublin-founded company, Brian Lee said Cork had been in its sights for some time as it aimed to expand nationally.
But a health index study suggests that 1.2m people do not have private medical insurance or a medical card. Thats a quarter of the population.

The Pfizer Health Index, a national study of health and wellness, showed health funding was highest on the list of priorities for respondents.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 63% they rate their health as eight out of 10 or higher, with 14% giving their health a score of 10 out of 10.

The key personal priorities of Irish people continue to be family health and well-being, personal health, and financial health.

However, despite priorities, 26% of those surveyed said they have neither private medical insurance nor a medical card. The volume of people who hold a medical card dropped slightly, from 43% last year to 42% in 2017.

The numbers of medical-card holders in Ireland first began to increase in 2010, but they remain at the levels of recessionary years.

Engagement with medical professions is relatively high, with 30% of those surveyed having visited their GP in the last month, and 41% having attended a screening in the last year.

In terms of public priorities for government spending, health was greatest, at 75%, followed by education, 50%, and job creation at , 30%.

Each year, the Pfizer Health Index focuses on a particular topic and 2017 examined attitudes to health in the workplace.

It found that 80% of Irish workers feel they have a good work/life balance, and 88% of people find the content of their job interesting. Most have a good relationship with colleagues, while the average number of sick days per year is 3.56.

Workplace stress was found to be an issue, with 62% reporting moderately to very stressful work environments.

The majority of people (75%) have never discussed a health issue with their employer, citing a lack of the employers understanding or ability to support them.

Of those who did speak to an employer about health matters, the vast majority, 80%, found the response to be good or excellent.
Families of pupils with autism attending autism units at mainstream primary schools have reported increasing difficulties securing places in secondary schools in recent years, as there is no obligation on schools to set up such classes.

In its report on Mr Brutons School Admissions Bill, the Oireachtas Education Committee recommends the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) be allowed to intervene.

Children are being turned away from certain schools due to the lack of facilities to accommodate such children. It is imperative that the NCSE be given the statutory power to require schools to establish an autism or special needs class where they identify the need of any such child, said the report.

Committee chairperson Fiona Loughlin, a Fianna Fail TD, said the problem is particularly acute when it comes to children moving from primary to second-level.

I know of 12 children in one school that has a special unit and they will be transitioning next year. But none of them have a second-level place, except for one who got a place by taking an appeal

So it is very pertinent that the minister take a position on this, she said.

The committees report said it is also imperative that an end is brought to the so-called baptism barrier which means some non-Catholic parents cannot get their children into local primary schools.

It is imperative that the relevant legislation is, at the very least, amended so that no child is denied admission to a State-funded school on the basis of their religion or beliefs, it states.

Ms OLoughlin said the committee has not suggested how this might be done, leaving it instead to the minister and his officials to bring appropriate amendments when the bill is back before the committee at the next legislative stage next week.

However, she said, the cross-party committee will find a consensus position on how to do so if that does not happen.

The committee was told by a group representing Catholic primary schools that its surveys show baptism certificates are an issue only in a small number of cases where children are refused enrolment. But Equate, a group lobbying on this issue, has welcomed the committees recommendation and said childrens rights need to be prioritised over all other interests on the subject.
More than 100 representatives from Government agencies, Development Partners (DPs) agencies, financing institutions, private sector and Non-Government Organisations, attended this event which is an opportunity for developments partners and MoIT to exchange views on the development of the nations energy sector.

The principal participants in the VEPG are the MoIT who has invited representative of other Ministries, and DPs active in the energy sector or closely related sector. Representatives from the business, Non-Governmental Organizations and research communities are invited to policy and technical dialogues.

MoIT and DPs advocate cooperating on energy development in Vietnam in the context of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the UN framework convention on climate change. They will endeavor to align Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the extent possible with national policies and systems, and enhance coordination and dialogue for effective ODA to the energy sector. This includes efforts to create the conditions for more investment in sustainable energy, to increase access to modern energy services and to improve the efficiency of energy infrastructure and use.

Photo: Phuong Giang/CPV

According to MoIT Minister Tran Tuan Anh, the consultations among DPs and Vietnamese Government agencies have affirmed the necessity of setting up a Vietnam energy partnership group.

The foundation of this framework will create a more comprehensive and coherent mechanism of cooperation which will enhance the attraction of resources, improve efficiency of high-level consultations on policies as well as partly help Vietnam in the implementation of objectives on energy security and socio-economic development. This will also support Vietnam in implementing its national efforts and international commitments on sustainable development", said Mr Tuan Anh.

In a context where the cost of renewable energy technologies is falling, it is time to unleash the potential of the numerous and powerful driving forces around us: cities and regions, citizens, cooperatives, investors, businesses. Energy transition to a greener economy will contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas concentration to safe levels. More energy efficiency and more renewables improve air quality for citizens, reduce geopolitical risk by limiting import dependency and generate green growth together with thousands of additional jobs.

Mr Bruno Angelet, Ambassador-Head of Delegation of the EU to Vietnam stressed: "Sustainable energy development is a key objective for Vietnam's economy and we are strongly committed to make the best of our efforts to help Vietnam in addressing this important challenge. This requires a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration the socio-economic development goals of the country. Achieving a greener economy through sustainable energy is good for Vietnam and therefore good for us all".

At the event, Mr Bruno Angelet and Mr Tuan Anh also signed a Letter of Intent for continued cooperation towards a performing and sustainable Energy sector in Vietnam./.
The confirmation comes as economic think-tank the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) suggests the housing supply crisis may be worse than it seems, by probing the veracity of construction figures.

Mr Murphy, who is reviewing the Governments housing programme, will tell a Focus Ireland meeting in Dublin that 650 families were still in B&Bs and hotels at the end of May.

Despite a commitment by former housing minister Simon Coveney that the use of emergency housing would stop by July 1, Mr Murphy has accepted this will not be possible.

In Mr Murphys speech, leaked last night, he says that everyone in a hotel by the end of May will in the coming weeks either have left their hotel accommodation or have been notified of the alternative accommodation to move to. He will say that there will still be a small number of families with exceptional needs housed in commercial accommodation until specific tailored solutions can be put in place. At the end of May, 650 families were still in hotels and B&Bs but this is considerably less than the 871 in March, his speech says.

Meanwhile, an economic think-tank suggests the housing supply crisis may actually be worse than it seems.

According to the ESRI, the estimated number of new houses needed to be built per year in order to meet basic demand has gone up from 25,000 to between 30,000 and 35,000; whereas there are only around 13,000 new builds annually.

Of those new builds, the ESRI questioned the official figures, inferring that a pre-recession hangover is playing a part in numbers. Currently, any housing unit is designated as complete by the Department of Housing when it is connected to the electricity services by ESB.

It may be that more recent increases in housing supply are actually units partially built in the run-up to 2007/2008 and which are only now being finished.

This would suggest that the official statistics are actually overstating the present rate of construction activity in the domestic economy, the ESRI said in its latest quarterly commentary.

Our estimates suggest that, based on this relationship, the level of supply in 2016 [was] 12,700 units  less than the actual figure but not as low as other estimates suggest.

This still does highlight the significant deviation between actual supply and demand and the likelihood that both prices and rents are set to increase for the foreseeable future.

Business: 14
The 45-year-old, from Grattan St in Youghal, was last seen on March 20 and her husband, Richard, reported her missing to local gardai on March 24.

He is to issue a public appeal for information on her whereabouts on the next edition of RTEs Crimecall, saying Tina, please contact somebody. I want to know that youre alright.

Other members of the family made an appeal for information last night.

What we have heard is that she left the house, her half-sister Lorraine Howard told TV3 News.

She sent her husband away to get her something in the shop and in that hour from when he went to the shop until he came home, she was missing with two bags packed, documents gone and disappeared off the face of the earth. No one has seen or heard anything from that day on.

She said Tina and her husband were always together.

So for her not to be with him now at this stage and to be on her own somewhere, is completely out of character, she said.

If she even just took a photograph of herself with a newspaper and said look, theres todays date, Im alive and well you can stop worrying about me.

Relatives of Tina Satchwell missing from Co Cork since March fear for her safety. See #3News @5.30 & b3 @7 & 10 pic.twitter.com/T3VNPIQ8XN  Paul Byrne (@PaulByrne_1) June 21, 2017

Margaret Maher begged that, if her niece could not come home, she would contact somebody and let them know she is OK.

Three months is a long time without any contact, nothing. We have nothing at all, she said. Youd be waiting for a phonecall, hoping its not bad news or anything, but after three months you are thinking that if she didnt contact us after this, we are thinking the worst.

Tinas cousin Sarah Howard said somebody had to have some information. Somebody doesnt just disappear like that, she added.

Gardai carried out a forensic examination of Tina Satchwells home earlier this month but did not reveal details of the results.
The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) music spokesperson Siofra Cox said the higher and ordinary level exams were fair. She thought students would have been entertained by the excerpt of music at the beginning, which was the main title from Star Wars, the same as last year.

The listening section of the paper concentrated on the description of musical features from prescribed songs and works, with the first movement of Vivaldis Spring the set work.

Ms Cox said the Irish music question was straightforward, while reasonably challenging students to identify specific features of ceili band performance.

Maillarts Overture to Les Dragons de Villars featured as the previously unheard piece in another question. Students would have found this a stimulating test of their finer listening skills in relation to orchestral music, suggested Ms Cox.

There were no surprises in the composition section of the paper. The skills-based triad, melody, and chord progression questions should have held no problems for the well-prepared student, she said.

Ms Cox said students taking the ordinary level paper would have found it a straightforward exam and a fair test of their knowledge.

There were 3,600 students entered for technology exams, which was worth 50% of total marks for the majority who choose higher level. For ordinary level candidates, they will receive up to 40% for the written exam, the remainder going for project work earlier this year.

ASTIs subject spokesperson Damien Cloney said the opening sets of higher level questions followed the usual lines, with longer design questions based on a toy tractor and a salt-and-pepper stand.

The possibility of students writing about using a computer numerical control machine instead of more traditional approaches to a design modification task reflected the modern direction of the subject, he said, but he was concerned at the use of black-and-white images throughout the exam.

In the section on technology in society, Mr Cloney said tech used in schools and transport were among the topics covered.

Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) technology spokesperson Gavin Berry was pleased with questions on electronics and mechanics. He thought some of the terminology in the final section might have been difficult, but he felt that the paper was well structured.

At ordinary level, Mr Berry said a good range of topics was covered and well-prepared students should have found it to be well within their capabilities. He thought the ordinary level exam had nice contemporary topics, such as drones and carbon fibre.

While the papers move away from the traditional in places might not have pleased some students, he felt requiring them to think about practical  and not just theoretical  work they had done was a good direction to be moving in.
Sources on both sides have been greatly alarmed by the nature of the clashes between the two men at Leaders Questions this week, leading many to suggest a general election is now far more likely this year.

The alarm comes as the Irish Examiner has learned Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney was called upon to defuse a major row last Sunday between Mr Varadkar and Transport Minister Shane Ross over Ms Whelans appointment to the Court of Appeal.

It is believed the dispute began when Mr Varadkar spoke to Mr Ross by telephone to inform him of his intention to see Ms Whelans appointment completed the following day  24 hours before they were due to discuss the matter at Cabinet.

It is understood that Mr Ross, highly angered by this conversation, made contact with members of the Independent Alliance to inform them of the Taoiseachs plan to fast-track the appointment.

According to sources, Mr Ross is said to have said he was considering his position in Government, but fellow members of the Alliance warned it was not an issue to pull down a Government on.

However, such was the fear that the Alliance may have to withdraw from Government, that Waterford- based junior minister John Halligan reached out to Mr Coveney in a bid to resolve the issue. The two have a good working relationship since the formation talks for Government last year.

The Irish Examiner has confirmed that a series of calls took place between Mr Coveney, Mr Ross, and Mr Varadkar, and the matter was eventually resolved.

Those close to the row have seen it as significant that it was Mr Coveney that was called upon to resolve the tensions between Mr Varadkar and Mr Ross.

The two have been in much greater contact in recent weeks now that Simon is deputy leader. But it looks like he is going to have to play the good cop to Leos bad cop, especially with the Independents, said one minister.

Ms Whelan was formally appointed by President Michael D Higgins on Monday, as Mr Varadkar had sought.

At Cabinet on Tuesday, the Taoiseach confirmed Mr Rosss judicial appointments bill will be prioritised and passed through all stages of the Dail and Seanad before the summer break.

In the Dail, the Taoiseach asked Mr Martin to withdraw remarks he made about Ms Whelan.

It comes after Mr Martin made a highly personal attack on the former attorney general in the Dail yesterday, claiming she is no match to some previous judicial appointments.

In a sparky exchange, Mr Varadkar said he wanted to give Mr Martin the opportunity to withdraw the remarks in which he claimed Ms Whelan is no Frank Clarke, is no Adrian Hardiman, and is no Donal ODonnell.

However, Mr Martin accused the Taoiseach of bringing personality into the issue of Ms Whelans appointment to the Court of Appeal.

You invited the comparisons, not I, you did so to circumvent the issue that goes to the heart of this, Mr Martin said.

It was indigenous and thats what you were are at, the Fianna Fail leader said, adding that a bit of straight talking and honesty was now required as he continued to call for explanations around the appointment.

The Taoiseach confirmed that he had spoken to Mr Martin over the phone on Sunday night during which Mr Martin questioned Ms Whelans suitability for the post.

You also said you wouldnt go there publicly, but you did go public and in doing so, in my view, was a mistake, it was wrong.

You cast aspirations on somebody who is now a judge at the Court of appeal, Mr Varadkar said.
Patrick ORourke went on a hunger strike earlier last year in prison while awaiting sentence.

Mahon Corkery, defending, had applied for a psychiatric report to be prepared on ORourke as he appeared to be unable to give any clear instructions. Mr Corkery said yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that he had now received lucid instructions and the accused was prepared to be sentenced.

Judge David Riordan noted from the evidence that ORourke appeared to live in an isolated way. The judge did not see any reason to suspend any portion of the sentence and noted that the accused had two previous assault convictions, one for common assault and one for assault causing harm.

Judge Riordan said it was a vicious assault on the victim, who required emergency surgery as a result of the attack.

A jury reached unanimous guilty verdicts in the case against the accused back in November 2014 on charges of producing a samurai sword and assault causing harm to another man at Tramore Road in Cork.

ORourke, whose address at the time was 3 The Cottages, Tramore Road, Cork, pleaded not guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm to Trevor Morgan on June 11, 2012, at Tramore Road, Cork, and to a charge of producing a samurai sword during the alleged incident.

Judge Riordan remanded ORourke on bail for sentencing in November 2014. However, a warrant had to be issued for his arrest when he failed to appear.

He was arrested for sentencing earlier this year.

Mr Corkery said the accused had been prescribed anti-psychotic medication and had been referred to the National Forensic Psychiatric Services at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

Injured party, Trevor Morgan, said during the trial that he worked in the Tramore Road area and that the defendant who lived by the entrance to the work place did have some dispute with him previously in relation to traffic at the gateway.

Trevor and Karen Morgan testified that when they first saw the accused that night he had something long in his left hand and he started verbally abusing them and walking towards them, They said ORourke slapped Mr Morgan in the face with his hand, Mr Morgan threw chips at him and ORourke brought down the samurai sword on Mr Morgan over his right eye causing a skull fracture.
A SHARP increase in the rate of arrests of immigrants in the US for overstaying their visas, including the case of Irishman John Cunningham in Boston, has sparked alarm in the sanctuary cities around the country that give undocumented immigrants refuge.

A total of 41,318 people were arrested on civil immigration charges in the period between the beginning of President Donald Trumps presidency in January and April 2017, which is a 37.6% increase compared to the same period in 2016.

In Boston alone, a haven for many of the 50,000 illegal Irish immigrants who make up just a fraction of the 11m undocumented, the number of such arrests by federal authorities has doubled in the first two months of the year compared to the same period last year.

What began as a tightening of the financial screws on these cities by threatening to cut off billions in federal aid has now expanded into a wider crackdown.

Under President Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, millions of immigrants were also deported but the rate of arrests and deportations has increased sharply since Trump came to power.

While the federal government accuses these sanctuary cities of thwarting the efforts of the immigration authorities to seize and deport illegals, the mayors of the cities have said their job is to protect their communities not to do the work of implementing and assisting federal immigration officials.

Meanwhile, inspired by the defiance of such cities, the sanctuary movement has also spread to a number of college campuses around the country. Like the sanctuary cities, sanctuary campuses are also on a collision course with Washington after pledging to shield thousands of undocumented students who increasingly feel under siege or in danger of deportation.

The universities and colleges have pledged that campus police will refuse to enforce immigration laws and will not allow officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) onto campuses without a warrant. Neither will they share students immigration status with ICE. In response, the governor of Texas and Republican legislators in Arkansas, Georgia and California have threatened to cut off funding to such colleges.

There are about 4,500 higher education institutions in the US, including state and private colleges, and so far about 28 have declared themselves to be sanctuaries. Over 100 others have expressed varying levels of support for the movement.

A growing number have also chosen to implement sanctuary-type policies without calling themselves sanctuary campuses, including the California State University system, the largest public university in the country, Rutgers University in New Jersey and the University of Massachusetts.

Different levels of support have also come from leading private colleges like Harvard, Yale and Stanford universities.

Harvard president Drew Faust said while she would not declare the school a sanctuary campus, the university would continue to provide support services for undocumented students.

So far, the University of Pennsylvania is the only Ivy League school to formally designate itself a sanctuary campus.

Unlike sanctuary cities, many of which shield large numbers of Irish illegals, the students protected by sanctuary campuses tend to be primarily of Latino or Asian origin.

This is because the children of Irish illegals automatically became citizens once they were born in the US, while thousands of Latino and Asian children were not born in the country, having arrived illegally with their parents.

These children, numbering about 800,000, had been protected under a policy know as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), introduced in 2012 by then President Obama, though it should be noted that under Obama 2.7m illegal immigrants were also deported.

Trump vowed to repeal DACA during his presidential campaign but in a surprise about-turn on June 16 he said he was leaving it stand, at least or now, though his decision will have no impact on the status of their parents.

As ICE raids escalate across the country, DACA recipients will continue to fear that their parents will be picked up at any moment  on the way to work, church, or the supermarket  all because they had the audacity to want a better life for themselves and their families, said Cornell University professor Maria Cristina Garcia.

The conservative Federation for American Immigration Reform strongly opposes the sanctuary movement and says schools that refuse to cooperate with federal agents are putting students security at risk.

Affording public benefits to illegal aliens not only serves as a magnet to future illegal immigration but is a slap in the face to the thousands of disadvantaged Americans and legal immigrant students competing for those same college slots and funding, the group says.

For some schools defiance does come at a high price. Many are already struggling financially and will find it difficult to withstand the threatened loss of millions in annual federal aid.

An estimated 65,000 undocumented students graduate from second level schools in the US each year and while they are guaranteed a first and second level education in state schools they often face legal and financial barriers to higher education.

Only six states, California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, allow undocumented students to receive state financial aid.

Thus, only 49% of illegal immigrants between 18 and 24 have attended college or university, compared with 71% of all US residents in this age group.

Many of these undocumented students, brought by their parents at an early age to a better life in the United States, also find themselves struggling with dual identities.

Indeed, they they have become known as the 1.5 generation because they fit somewhere between the first and second generations. They are not first-generation immigrants because they did not choose to migrate but neither do they belong to the second generation as they were born and spent part of their childhood outside the US.

They are also finding themselves in an increasingly hostile environment amid growing concern about tough laws now before the US Congress that would expand powers to enforce immigration laws and deport such illegal immigrants.

Two of the bills spell out new powers for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, while a third would beef up immigration enforcement.

Republicans, who have proposed the bills, say they are aimed at keeping the country safe but Democrats charge that they target the wrong people and would amount to setting up what they called a deportation force.

New York Congressman Jerry Nadler went further. Speaking about the bills before judiciary committee members in the House of Representatives, he said one provision could turn millions into criminals overnight.

That provision would make it a crime to be unlawfully present in the country. Under current law, being unlawfully present is a civil violation, not a criminal one, and is not punishable by imprisonment.

This provision even applies to those who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own, and who, once they turn 18, would now be considered criminals facing imprisonment.

Its hardly the future the parents of these immigrants imagined for them, no more than they could ever have imagined sanctuary cities and sanctuary campuses becoming part of the fabric of modern America.
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomes Cambodian PM Hun Sen (Photo: VNA)



Without Vietnams sacrifice, there would be no Cambodia now, stated the Cambodian PM at a meeting with officials and locals of the southern province of Binh Duong, which he co-chaired with his Vietnamese counterpart.

PM Hun Sen, who toured southern localities of Vietnam to mark his 40 years path of seeking support from Vietnam to salvage Cambodia, wished that the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia will evergreen and last forever.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said this is a chance for Vietnam and Cambodia to review the history of solidarity between the two nations in hardship time as well as in peace and prosperity.

The destiny of the two nations is inseparable. This is a historical truth, said the PM who affirmed that Vietnam will forever be a faithful friend of Cambodia and the Cambodian people.

In the evening the same day, PM Phuc hosted a banquet for the Cambodian leader and his entourage.

Earlier the same day, PM Hun Sen visited Loc Ninh district of Binh Phuoc province where he and his comrades started their path to save Cambodia from Pol Pot genocide.

In Loc Thanh commune, he cut the ribbon to inaugurate a Culture House as his gift to locals who witnessed the first steps of his revolution career.

On June 21st, 1977, PM Hun Sen and his four comrades came to Vietnam to ask for help in building revolutionary armed forces to join volunteer Vietnamese soldiers in fighting the Pol Pot regime, saving Cambodian people from genocidal disaster./.
Thursday, June 22nd, 2017 (11:04 am) - Score 807

UK Satellite operator Avanti has agreed a new contract worth 1,202,711 with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which will make a 40Mbps (download speed) broadband service available to rural businesses across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly in England.

At present around 97% of Cornwall can already access a fibre broadband (FTTC/P) service and most of that is due to the original Superfast Cornwall project, which was a joint 132m contract between BT and the ERDF. Cornwall also has more of Openreachs native ultrafast FTTP technology deployed than any other county in the UK (around 85,000 premises at the last count).

The raw fibre footprint (above) is clearly strong but less than 90% of local premises can actually access superfast broadband speeds of 30Mbps+, although a second on-going Broadband Delivery UK contract with BT hopes to improve this (details). The longer-term goal for the project is to reach 99% coverage of 30Mbps+ broadband by 2020 and we hope to hear more details on that plan soon.

However, once the above deployments have completed, its likely that some remote rural business will still be left excluded from the coverage of fixed line superfast broadband and this is where the new deal with Avanti comes into play.

David Williams, CEO of Avanti, said: We welcome this broadband initiative, connecting rural businesses still not addressed by fibre. The capabilities of High Throughput Satellites (HTS) are well proven to meet the needs of rural businesses and the demand remains strong, so this initiative will help us to marry demand and supply in the region.

Mark Duddridge, Chair of Cornwalls LEP Board, said: We are now seeing the transformative effect of excellent digital connectivity to many businesses and communities in Cornwall. However, we are concerned that we have areas which havent yet been reached. We are therefore very excited by the potential of the new superfast satellite application now being launched. Digital connectivity is allowing Cornwall to compete on a Global stage and is facilitating the creation of tomorrows industries.

Apparently Avanti will allocate capacity on their HYLAS 1 and HYLAS 2 spacecraft to serve local firms with download speeds of up to 40Mbps via several UK Satellite ISPs (Bentley Walker [Freedomsat], SSW and Avonline). Its estimated that roughly 1,000 businesses in the region are expected to take-up this offer in its first year.

However Satellite isnt perfect and remote businesses will need to grapple with high latency times (not much good for complex real-time Cloud and VPN systems), limited / expensive data allowances and high setup costs, although its possible that the Governments Better Broadband rural subsidy scheme may be able to help with the latter.
Photo for illustration (Source: tuyengiao.vn)

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ho Minh Tuan reviewed the development of Vietnam's revolutionary press over the past 92 years.

He stressed that over the past nine decades, especially in the innovation process, Vietnams revolutionary press has continuously developed in both quality and quantity. Journalists are trained more professionally, positively reflecting breadth of life, contributing much to the cause of construction, development and protection of the nation, as well as the international integration of the country.

The Ambassador highly appreciated the efforts of the Vietnamese representative press agencies in the Czech Republic and the community press in timely providing information on the situation of the host country and neighboring countries, and the Vietnamese community there, contributing to fostering the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and other countries, as well as enhancing the role and status of the Vietnamese community in the host country.

Mr. Tuan suggested the representative press agencies and the community press should follow the area of operation, have a lot of influential press works, contributing to the expansion of external relations, protecting sovereignty over Vietnams sea and islands, building the Vietnamese community in the local country to be united, deeply integrated and help them look toward the homeland.

He confirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy would coordinate and create conditions for the press agencies to operate effectively.

At the ceremony, journalists shared the difficulties in maintaining and developing the current community press, in which the most difficult problem was to ensure financial resource for operations of press agencies.

Besides the current website, the journalists also desired that the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic should have a newspaper to reflect the orthodox viewpoints, news and events of the community.

The Vietnamese Ambassador and representatives of the Overseas Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic supported the proposal and affirmed that they have always accompanied the journalists to build and promote the image of Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic./.
Pham Anh Tuan, director of the Vietnam National Satellite Centre and Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel Ambassador to Vietnam,

signed a framework agreement on cooperation on space science and technology (Source: CPV)



Accordingly, the Vietnam National Satellite Centre and the Space Agency will promote cooperation on earth observation, including earth science and supervision, the promotion of cooperation among space industries and satellite activities.

At the signing ceremony, Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Meirav Eilon Shahar said that as a powerful country in terms of science-technology and innovation, Israel is ready to share experience, support and cooperate with Vietnam in science and technology, including space technology, for peaceful purposes.

With the agreement, Israel could help Vietnam in training. The two sides could also exchange delegations of researchers, as well as participate in several projects.

After the event, the Vietnam National Satellite Centre held a seminar on the history of the development and dream of Vietnams space presence, presided over by famous Mr Nguyen Van Hieu./.
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It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
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Sauber confirmed last night the departure of team principal Monisha Kaltenborn but rejected claims that the reasons were linked to differences over the treatment of its drivers.

In an initial press release which addressed the rumors, and which oddly made no mention of Kaltenborn's departure, Sauber's Chairman of the Board Pascal Picci set the record straight.

"The owners and board of Sauber Motorsport AG take strong exception to speculative and widespread media reports today that our race drivers have not been, and are not being, treated equally.

"This is not only patently untrue, it would be contrary to the teams absolute and longstanding commitment to fair competition.

"These reports, attributed to anonymous sources, are highly detrimental to both Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein as well as to the management and all staff of the Sauber F1 Team".

A second official release then confirmed Kaltenborn's departure from the Swiss outfit, invoking "diverging views".

"Longbow Finance SA regrets to announce that, by mutual consent and due to diverging views of the future of the company, Monisha Kaltenborn will leave her positions with the Sauber Group effective immediately.

"We thank her for many years of strong leadership, great passion for the Sauber F1 Team and wish her the very best for the future.

"Her successor will be announced shortly; in the meantime we wish the team the best of luck in Azerbaijan."

Team manager Beat Zander and technical director Jorg Zander will oversee operations in Baku this weekend while the Hinwill-based outfit searches for Kaltenborn's successor.

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A new study by Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit organization, shows that spending on arts and culture in Forsyth County is up $20 million since 2010 when the last similar study was done. The results of the study were announced Wednesday at a meeting of local arts leaders.

Using budgetary figures from 2015 and cultural audience surveys in 2016, the study shows that combined spending by the nonprofit art and cultural sector in Forsyth County was nearly twice that of other similar areas in the national study.

Full-time jobs in the nonprofit arts and culture sector in Forsyth County rose from 4,769 in 2010 to 5,559 in 2015. Those organizations paid $13.7 million in state and local taxes in 2010 and $14.8 million in 2015. The median state and local taxes in similar study regions was $7.8 million in 2015.

The total economic impact of these sectors doubled from 2000 to 2015, going from $76.6 million to $156.8 million. The median total impact in similar study regions was $88.27 million in 2015.

It is abundantly clear from this benchmark study that arts and culture is an economic driver in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County and City of Arts and Innovation is more than just a tag line. It is a fact of life here, said Jim Sparrow, the president and chief executive of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, which commissioned the local portion of the study.

Randy Cohen, the vice president of strategy and research at Americans for the Arts, said that nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, which spent almost $105 million during 2015, leveraged $52 million in additional spending by their audiences for restaurants, hotels, retail stores, parking garages and other local businesses.

Cohen told a story to illustrate the collateral effect of arts spending.

He and his wife decided to have a date night at a dance concert. They started planning two weeks in advance. They went online to buy tickets for the show and make reservations at a restaurant.

On the night of the concert, Cohen came home from work to find that his wife had bought him a tie. They spent about $75 for dinner, then proceeded to the theater where they paid for parking. They enjoyed looking at the beautifully appointed theater with its chandeliers and carpets, and then they watched the performance.

An intern didnt change the light bulbs in those chandeliers, Cohen said. The theater paid an electrician. The fact that they went online to buy tickets means the theater also paid information-technology people to build a website. A restaurateur and her employees benefited from having theatergoers go out to dinner.

The parking garage made money, and on it goes.

Look at the boards of our arts and cultural groups, and you will see prominent members of our business community, Mayor Allen Joines said. They tell me our arts and cultural offerings are among the strongest recruiting tools for our creative economy, and we certainly appreciate the substantial contribution the arts make to our local and state tax coffers.

Other findings concluded that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $2.12 billion in direct economic activity in North Carolina, supporting almost 72,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and generating $201.5 million in revenue for local governments and the state of North Carolina.

This study should put to rest any misconception that public support of the arts comes at the expense of other programs and services, said Dave Plyler, the chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. In fact, as the study points out, communities that support the arts are investing in an industry that creates jobs, has impressive payrolls, generates tax revenue and attracts visitors.

About 60 percent of Forsyth Countys nonprofit arts and cultural organizations participated in the study, and nearly 800 eventgoers were surveyed about their spending. In addition to the price of tickets, they averaged spending $21.38 a person on restaurants, parking and in some cases, lodging. About 65 percent of people who attended nonprofit arts and cultural events in Forsyth County were residents of the county.

The study also showed the value of volunteers. During 2015, a total of 6,227 volunteers donated 278,974 hours to the organizations in the study. That donation of time has an aggregate value of $6,572,627. The aggregate value of in-kind contributions from individuals, business and others was $1,934,824.

The N.C. Arts Council also participated in the study. Its executive director, Wayne Martin, along with first lady Kristin Cooper and Susi Hamilton, the N.C. secretary of natural and cultural affairs, were at Wednesdays meeting to comment on the value of the arts in the state.
On November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM, the Allied Powers signed an armistice with Germany, ending World War I. Armistice Day is marked every year in Europe on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" by two minutes of silence.


Brazilizn federal police announced on Tuesday that they found evidence that President Michel Temer [Britannica profile] received bribes to help businesses. Temer has been under investigation since a wealthy businessman provided testimony implicating Temer in a bribery scandal and alleging Temer took endorsement hush money. Temer continues to deny the accusations and refuses to resign. In a report, the federal police say they have enough evidence [AP report] to warrant a formal investigation into the president by the Supreme Court for passive corruption. The federal police also released video evidence showing the presidents aide carrying a suitcase containing money allegedly taken from JBS [corporate website], a meatpacking company, to be given to Temer. The president is currently being investigated for corruption, obstruction of justice and being member of a criminal organization. If the investigation is given to the Supreme Court, Temer will be suspended from office pending a trial.

Brazil has endured tumultuous times during which former presidents have been caught in scandals of receiving various bribes from various businesses. Former president Dilma Rousseff was impeached for corruption [JURIST op-ed] last year amidst a time of economic turmoil. In April Brazil Supreme Court [official website] ordered investigations [JURIST report] into eight cabinet ministers and dozen of lawmakers who are allegedly linked to the countrys so-called car wash bribery scheme. In May the Brazil Supreme Court authorized a corruption probe [JURIST report] into President Michel Temer and his alleged involvement with the bribery of a potential witness in a major corruption case. Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was implicated in the scandal [JURIST report] warranting charges to filed against him, including most powerful politicians. In November lawyers for ousted former Brazil president Dilma Rousseff [Britannica profile] filed documents [JURIST report] alleging current President Michel Temer took a large bribe. In June Brazils top electorial court dismissed a case [JURIST report] against President Temer for alleged illegal campaign funding in his 2014 election.
A federal judge approved [order, PDF] a settlement Tuesday between the family of Michael Brown and the city of Ferguson, Missouri. The settlement was approved [NPR report] by Judge E Richard Webber of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri [official Website], and details of the settlement agreement will remain sealed. Webber stated, disclosure of the terms of the settlement agreement could jeopardize the safety of individuals involved in this matter, whether as witnesses, parties, or investigators. The suit had alleged violations of civil rights, improperly trainined and supervised officers, and failure to conduct a fair and impartial investigation. The original lawsuit sought [CNN report] punitive and compensatory damages in excess of $75,000 and attorney fees.

Ferguson gained international attention after the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown. The response to the shooting set off massive protests and social unrest. In October a federal judge dismissed [JURIST report] Ferguson protesters lawsuit against police. In August a new Municipal Court judge in Ferguson ordered sweeping reforms of courtroom practices following a damning federal report of racial bias [JURIST report]. The Department of Justice report released last year cleared [JURIST report] the former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson from federal prosecution for Browns death. Former attorney general Eric Holder additionally stated that the report showed that racial disparities in police practices could not be alternatively explained other than through racial bias, which he says is proven through statistics and an examination of records and emails.
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley [official website] filed a lawsuit [complaint, PDF] against three of the largest opioid manufacturers on Wednesday. Purdue Pharma LP, Johnson & Johnson and units of Endo International Plc. [corporate websites] are accused of violating consumer protection laws by deliberately and carefully crafting a campaign of deception. The complaint alleges that the companies employed deceptive trade practices and cited fake research to convince doctors and consumers that their products were safe despite knowing they were addictive and potentially life-threatening. In 2015, 33,000 people nation-wide [Reuters report], including roughly 500 Missourians, died from non-heroin opioid overdoses. Hawley plans [Kansas City Star report] to put any monetary compensation won through the suit towards drug rehabilitation and other family services for those who have been impacted by addiction.

Missouri is the third state suing opioid manufacturers over their sales and marketing practices. Last week a bipartisan group of state attorneys general from Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas announced joint investigations [JURIST report] into the marketing and sales practices of the manufacturers of opioid painkillers. This development follows Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWines [official website] decision [NPR interview, transcript] to file suit [JURIST report] late last month against five drug manufacturers for misrepresenting the risks of opioids. The crisis has risen to the level of a national epidemic in recent years, in turn eliciting a variety of responses from different authorities across the nation. In March President Donald Trump [official profile] signed an executive order [JURIST report] establishing a task force to combat the opioid crisis. This would not be the first time that opioid drug manufacturers have found themselves in trouble with the law. In July 2007 the US District Court for the Western District of Virginia [official website] sentenced [NYT report] three former executives of the Purdue Frederick Company, manufacturer of painkiller OxyContin [FDA materials], to three years of probation and 400 hours of community service in drug treatment programs. The three executives, including former president Michael Friedman, former chief in-house counsel Howard Udell, and former medical director Paul Goldenheim, all pleaded guilty [JURIST report] in May 2007 to a misdemeanor offense of misbranding a drug. Prosecutors had alleged that the company and executives were aware in 1995 that doctors were concerned about the drugs high addiction risk, but its sales representatives continued to misrepresent OxyContins effects to physicians. Purdue Frederick agreed to pay $634.5 million in fines for its role in misleading the public. OxyContin, which is a Schedule II controlled substance [DOJ backgrounder], has become increasingly abused because its time-release mechanism can be easily disrupted for illicit use.
Venezuelas Supreme Court [official website, in Spanish] on Tuesday allowed an investigation into the countrys attorney general, Luisa Ortega, for alleged commission of serious offenses in the exercise of office. The investigation was initiated by claims from Pedro Carreno, a lawmaker from President Nicolas Maduros political party, who has accused Ortega of being mentally ill. Ortega has recently become a vocal opponent of Maduro. Ortega has denounced crackdowns on protesters, denounced the courts efforts to remove power from the Venezuelan legislature, and challenged the legitimacy of the judges elections. Although the countrys Constitution dictates that Ortega can only be removed from office by the National Assembly, recent court decisions have been called into question. Ortega has condemned the investigation [NYT report] as politically motivated.

Venezuela has seen significant political unrest since the December 2015 election. Earlier this month Maduro pledged [JURIST report] to hold a referendum on a new constitution. On April 2, Venezuelas Supreme Court reversed a ruling made just days prior [JURIST reports] that effectively dissolved the countrys legislature. Last November the National Assembly postponed a symbolic trial of Maduro in an effort to ease political tension in the nation [JURIST report]. In October the National Assembly voted to open criminal impeachment proceedings [JURIST report] against Maduro, alleging that he manipulated the constitution to remain in power. That same month the Assembly also declared [JURIST report] that there is a breakdown of constitutional order and that the government had staged a coup by blocking an attempt to remove Maduro from power.
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Should Texas Raise the Age Of Criminal Responsibility To 18?

Dallas, Texas, 06/22/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

In Texas, along with a handful of other states, 17-year-olds accused of criminal offenses are automatically tried as adults. Texas lawmakers have introduced two bills that propose raising the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18.

If the proposed laws are passed, Texas will join the majority of states that have lifted their criminal responsibility ages to 18.

New York Becomes Most Recent State to Raise the Age

In April 2017, New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed in a law that raises the states age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18. Previously in New York, 16-year-old offenders were housed in the same facilities as adult criminal offenders. Teenagers were also prosecuted in the adult system, which meant they received a criminal record if convicted.

Under the new law, 16-year-old and 17-year old criminal defendants accused of misdemeanors will have their cases diverted to judges in the family court system. Teen defendants will also get access to special training and social services programs.

Teens accused of nonviolent felonies will be tried in special youth part courts in criminal court.

Finally, defendants under age 17 will no longer be held in county jails. When the last phase of the new law goes into effect, 18-year-olds will also no longer be held in county jails.

According to a New York Times article, North Carolina is the only state left in the country that prosecutes 16-year-olds in the adult criminal justice system. A few states, including Connecticut, Illinois, and Vermont, are considering raising the age of criminal responsibility to 21.

Experts Saying Raising the Age Helps Kids and State Costs

Criminal justice experts have stated that treating teenagers as adults in the criminal justice system is detrimental for both the young people involved and the states.

Scientific studies show that the juvenile brain is structured differently than the adult brain. Research supports the idea that teens accused of crimes benefit more from intervention and education than they do punishment and imprisonment. Sadly, teens who cant make bail can be held so long in jail that they end up expelled from school for non-attendance.

Proponents of raise the age laws also point to the added costs that come with housing teen criminal offenders in the same facilities as adults. Because many jails and prisons require teen defendants to be kept in separate areas of the facility, prison administrators must often designate an entire cell block for just one or two teens. This creates extra costs that put pressure on state budgets.

Sources:

Dallas State and Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Broden & Mickelsen, LLP

2600 State St Dallas, Texas 75204

Main Phone: (214) 720-9552

source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/should-texas-raise-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-to-18/

Social Media Tags:Criminal Responsibility Age, Dallas State and Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer, Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility, Texas Criminal Responsibility Age

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Photo Credit: Michael Reiss

Washington D.C. is a hub of international travel, with every luxury brand hotel vying for your vote. Yet, despite the competition, one property consistently wins out as the residence of choice for the worlds visiting elite, the Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. is strategically located right off the Tidal Basin with views of the water, monuments and Cherry blossoms in season. This post-modern style structure is architecturally significant, but that is a mere whisper of what lies behind the entry.

Photo Credit: Michael Reiss
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved an agreement on cooperation in the railway sphere signed by the Cabinet and the government of Serbia in Belgrade in June 2013.

The decision was made at a government meeting on Wednesday.

According to an explanatory note to the document, its endorsement would create a reliable international legal tool for implementing and stepping up bilateral intergovernmental relations, the conditions for improving transport relation. The agreement would promote development of cooperation in the railway sector.
A contract with Ukrzaliznytsia Board Chairman Wojciech Balczun is formally extended until June 9, 2019, the press service of the company has reported, referring to Director for Legal Services Andriy Omelchenko.

According to him, in line with the Ukrainian legislation, the board chairman of Ukrzaliznytsia is appointed and dismissed exclusively by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Balczun was appointed board chairman under the order of the government. According to the legislation, the term of office of the board chairman of the company is three years.

"According to the law on the specifics of the formation of a public joint-stock company of railway transport of general use and the Ukrzaliznytsia's regulations, the chairman of the public joint-stock company is appointed and dismissed exclusively by the Cabinet of Ministers," Omelchenko said.

In addition, he said that according to the Labor Code of Ukraine, if after the expiration of the employment contract the employment relationship actually continues and neither of the parties requires its termination, the validity of this contract is considered to be extended for an indefinite period.

The rules of Article 39-1 of the Labor Code on the extension of the fixed-term contract for an indefinite period apply to cases where, after the termination of the contract, the employment relationship actually continues and each of the parties does not require its termination," Omelchenko said.

Ukrzaliznytsia said that the contract with the board chairman expired on June 5, 2017, but labor relations actually continue and none of the parties demanded its termination, and the contract with Balczun is formally considered extended until June 5, 2019.
The blockchain technology will be introduced in the State Land Cadastre.

"In today's resolution, we have written two things: the transfer of the State Land Cadastre to blockchain technology. It is the most advanced technology in the world to protect information. The second point is the transfer of all of the auctions conducted for leasing state land to the electronic format. This is a pilot project that we will launch this October," First Deputy Agricultural Policy and Food Minister Maksym Martyniuk said at a government meeting on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said that the government has introduced a commitment to hold land auctions for state-owned land.

"Since the adoption of our decision in Ukraine, it is possible to hold only land auctions. So there is no other way. I would ask you to sign a letter from the Prime Minister to all the supervision agecnies, regional administrations, district administrations, so that everyone can be clearly notified that the failure to comply with this resolution entails criminal punishment. Any land that is provided must be provided at auctions, "the prime minister said.

As reported, referring to a memorandum of cooperation signed by Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, the Ukrainian government initially sought adoption of a bill on farmland turnover by late December 2016. Instead, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada extended the moratorium on the sale of farmland imposed in 2002 until 2018.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has proposed to increase expenses and revenues of Ukraine's national budget in 2017 by UAH 26 billion or some 3.5%, including by UAH 25 billion for the general fund. The relevant bill has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday.

According to the bill, it is expected that the planned revenues from taxes and fees will be increased by UAH 7.1 billion for individuals' income tax, by UAH 33 billion for VAT imposed on imported goods.

The national budget 2017 will receive an additional UAH 4.6 billion at the expense of larger than expected dividends paid by Naftogaz Ukrainy and UAH 1.5 billion from the oil and gas condensate royalties, which should grow thanks to the increase in the forecast average annual price of a barrel of Brent crude oil to $ 53 by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry.

At the same time, it is expected that domestic VAT will be reduced by UAH 10.3 billion, taking into account the refunding of this tax, and by UAH 3.4 billion due to the reduction of the natural gas royalties over the termination of joint operations agreements.

The government said in the explanatory note to the document that according to the revised macroeconomic forecast, the estimated nominal GDP in 2017 reviewed upwards to UAH 2.846 trillion from UAH 2.585 trillion.

Taking into account these updates, the revenues of the 2017 national budget are proposed to be set at UAH 757 billion, expenditures - UAH 827.14 billion, including UAH 698.74 billion and UAH 764.7 billion respectively for the general fund, while maintaining the upper limit of the deficit at UAH 77.65 billion.

In addition, due to the additional capitalization of PrivatBank (Kyiv) late 2016 by UAH 107 billion, the Cabinet of Ministers points out the need to raise the limit of the state debt for the end of 2017 to UAH 1.824 trillion from UAH 1.717 trillion.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and European Council President Donald Tusk have discussed the possible ramifications of the project for construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

"We have also coordinated on our positions and the threats related to the Russian politically-motivated Nord Stream 2 project, which is aimed against the entire European Union, not Ukraine alone," Poroshenko said in his joint statement with Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.

Diversification of energy supplies, energy security and efficient cooperation remain on the agenda for both Ukraine and the European Union, Poroshenko added.
Anonymous tipsters helped lead police to 22 pounds of marijuana and $20,000 in cash, police say.

According to a press release from the North Platte Police Department, information provided to Lincoln County Crime Stoppers prompted police to investigate Michael A. Perez, 34. Information gathered by the department led police to believe Perez was involved in dealing drugs and stolen firearms.

A search warrant was served Wednesday morning at his home in the 1100 block of West Sixth Street. Officers knocked on the door, announced themselves and went inside. They found Perez flushing marijuana down the toilet, according to the press release.

A search of the residence turned up about 22 pounds of marijuana and $20,000 cash. Police also found oxycodone, a narcotic, for which Perez didnt have a valid prescription.

Perez was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of oxycodone and tampering with evidence.

The North Platte Police Department was assisted in its investigation by members of the CODE Task Force, which is made up of numerous law enforcement agencies in west central Nebraska, including the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.
The recent letter to the editor from Roger Green of Scottsbluff critical of Rep. Adrian Smith is baseless. Im reluctant to give Green more attention than he deserves, but his letter criticizing Smith for being inaccessible is not supported by facts.

Despite Nebraskas 3rd Congressional District spanning 75 counties, Smith holds meetings all over the district every year, and he is visible and approachable around the 3rd District.

Just this year alone, Congressman Smith has already held public meetings in McCook, Beatrice, Ogallala, St. Paul and Chadron, as well as farm bill listening sessions in Scottsbluff and Aurora with more to come. This doesnt take into account the meetings he holds with local chambers of commerce, Farm Bureau members, community organizations, and constituents who come in to meet with him in Nebraska and Washington, D.C. on the issues most important to them.

Greens claim about Smith holding telephone meetings rather than in-person ones is completely false. He holds telephone town hall meetings in addition to his in-person events to connect with even more Nebraskans. When you have 65,000 square miles to cover, you should use all available resources to reach constituents and Congressman Smith does.

Craig Safranek, Merna
When I arrived in the Senate, I joined a bipartisan gathering in the office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., to discuss renewable energy. Several colleagues from both parties attended. We laid the groundwork for including renewable fuels in our nations all-of-the-above energy strategy and committed to not let partisanship get in the way of solutions for American families.

We made a strong connection: all of us wanted to work together to advance environmentally-friendly fuel options for American consumers.

I have remained committed to the spirit of that meeting. Thats why I have introduced bipartisan legislation, known as the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Sens. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Currently, over-regulation prevents E15, a fuel blend consisting of 15 percent ethanol, from being sold during the busy summer travel season, from June 1 to Sept. 15. My renewable energy bill would extend the Reid vapor pressure waiver, more commonly referred to as the RVP waiver, to E15, allowing the fuel to be sold throughout the year.

Recently, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on my RVP legislation. We heard testimony from a variety of stakeholders, including Mike Lorenz, the executive vice president of Sheetz, Inc. He testified that this easy fix of the RVP waiver would bring major relief to retailers offering E15 and remove one of the biggest obstacles for those who want to sell E15 in the future. He also explained how the rule would make the price of fuel less expensive for consumers.

I was pleased to see this common-sense, bipartisan legislation discussed in committee, and Im hopeful our conversations laid the groundwork to move this important bill forward.

Deb Fischer is Nebraskas senior representative in the U.S. Senate.
Swedish investors hope to build one more wood processing plant in Rivne region in two years

Ukrainian Sawmills with Swedish investment (Kostopil, Rivne region) this year plans to start building one more wood processing plant in Rivne region. The plant will produce pine saw goods for production of furniture, millwork and construction materials.

The company told Interfax-Ukraine that the plant with a capacity of 250 cubic meters will be built in Sarny district. The investment could reach EUR 20 million.

"After the launch of our plant in Kostopil in the near term, the investors are ready to start implementing the investment project in Sarny. We plant that construction will start this year. It will take around two years. Local construction companies will be involved," the company said.

Pine saw logs of local forestry enterprises will be used as raw materials. Earlier before the introduction of the moratorium on exports of unprocessed round timber it was exported.

"Now Ukrainian Sawmills will process our wood inside the country, creating finished goods and added value," the company.

The agreement with local authorities of Sarny to allocate a land parcel has been signed. The company said that 65 new jobs will be created, as well as 300 affiliated jobs.

The company said that the plant will be environment friendly, fully automated and producing no waste.

Finnish, German and Swedish equipment will be installed.

Bark left after processing will be used as fuel for boilers, chips and flakes will be supplied to pellet or wood chipboard producers located not far from the plant.

The products will be certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

The first wood processing plant with a capacity of 300,000 cubic meters a year was built in Kostopil. Investment totaled EUR 25 million and 150 jobs has been created. It is planned to export over 80% of the products.
Once upon a time, there were two fiercely ambitious brothers in Cuba  but the two men were very, very different.

Fidel, the older of the two, who would become world-famous, was a bearded pillar of fire when he spoke to la masa. Raul, the kid, was unusually small, with a pinched face; his talents were not the undisciplined ones of The Crowd but those of the ranked obedience of The Military.

Strangely enough, when the two brothers had been running Cuba for many years, there also happened to be two presidents in the big country to the north with two very different views about how to deal with the Castros. And this month, those two leaders and their ideas clashed when President Donald Trump, a man not unlike Fidel, tried his best to rescind the policies of President Barack Obama.

But just a minute  perhaps we should say Trump APPEARED to rescind Obamas opening to the island. For there are curious contradictions in this policy from a White House where what you see is so often not what you get.

Essentially, what President Trump announced last week was that Obamas policy had been what he hates most: a bad deal. Cuba had not really given up anything. Repression had only grown over the last two years. The business of the U.S. and Cuba was essentially not much business.

Sure, Obamas policies had led to more than 4 million tourists entering Cuba last year  a record number  of which about 614,000 were Americans, some with organizations and some as individuals. Now, under Trump, travel would become notably less romantic, allowed only in large, organized and carefully overseen groups.

And therein lies the problem: If youre trying to encourage bottom-up small amigo venture capitalism, you cant do it very well with organized travel groups, which will pass these budding small enterprises right by.

Then there are the whispers that are already becoming newspaper fodder. The new policy directs a department of the U.S. Treasury to provide Americans doing business in Cuba with lists of prohibited hotels and other businesses linked to the GAESA, Cubas humongous conglomerate belonging to Rauls Cuban military, which controls more than half of the islands economy. It seems to those of obviously little faith that President Trump, a famous hotel and resort builder himself, may be in effect freezing investment in Cuba in order to, as The Washington Post so unkindly put it, undermine a growth area for his industry rivals who have raced in recent years to establish a foothold in a lucrative new market.

Last year, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, now merged with Marriott International, grasped Obamas opening to become the first Cuban hotel managed (not owned) by a U.S. company in nearly 60 years. But the Trump businesses could not take advantage of that opening because of the presidency (Trump has shown substantial interest in Cuba in the past), and now no one else can take advantage of it, either (for a while).

Meanwhile, the Sad, Beautiful Story of the Isle of the Two Brothers  what a great name for a movie!  has moved on. Well, lets correct that, too. Cuba has CRAWLED on.

Except for the leaders and the military, Cubans are utterly impoverished. Presidente Fidel has died. Presidente Raul, head of the military since 1959, has put the island on a much more military bearing.

And it looks as though his son-in-law, the humbly named Gen. Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Callejas (Dear Lord, please find the poor guy a nickname!), will take over soon and find that both Russia and China are moving in on the hemisphere  Chinas investments in the region now top the $100 billion mark.

One has to ask what the Trumpian changes really mean. The restriction to organized tours will backfire, isolating the small businesses Cuba needs; the message of hostility is self-defeating; American businesses and especially American agriculture are screaming already at being cut out of Cuban investments.

Surprisingly, some of those who are usually critical of President Trump are sending mixed messages about the new policy. Even The Washington Post writes in an editorial that his message is not wrong  neither about the lack of political reform in Cuba since Mr. Obamas effort began, nor about the risk that Mr. Castro and his cronies will use greater economic flows as a de facto bailout.

Perhaps for now, we just have to live with ambiguity and have hope. That is, after all, what our diplomats and policy-makers have to live with every day.
Iraq lifts ban on imports of poultry from Ukraine

Iraq has lifted a ban on imports of poultry from Ukraine imposed in the middle of March over outbreaks of avian influenza, the State Service for Food Safety and Consumers Protection of Ukraine has reported on its website.

The veterinary medicine agency of Iraq sent this information.

As reported, in the middle of March 2017 Iraq, China, Qatar, Yemen and Jordan imposed a ban on supply of poultry from all territory of Ukraine.

Hong Kong, the EU, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) applied the regional principle. These countries ban shipments of poultry only from those Ukrainian regions where outbreaks of avian influenza were recorded.

Qatar lifted the ban in the middle of June.
Amendments to Infrastructure Ministry order No. 337 cutting the base aviation fee from $17 to $13 have been adopted, Director General of Boryspil International Airport Pavlo Riabikin has said.

"What does it mean? All airlines flying from the Boryspil airport would receive a decreased fee for passenger servicing from June 20. Ryanair airline will receive $7.50 asked by them for new destinations for the Boryspil airport. The airport will meet the target to reduce revenue to 8% in the second half of this year, while it would receive a trigger to boost passenger flow in the medium-term outlook," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Riabikin said that the reduction of the passenger servicing fee along with the discount program of the airport would stimulate airlines to fly more, carry more, open new destinations and cut the prices of tickets.

"Finally passengers would win," he said.
The representative of Ukraine in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) for the settlement of the situation in Donbas, former President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma believes that without unity in Ukrainian politics it is impossible to achieve conflict resolution and economic development in the country.

"Today, a lot of people, even inside Ukraine, believe that we are not a subject, but an object of international politics. There is a war in the country, and why don't we have unity in our political elite?", Kuchma said during the Baltic-Black Sea forum titled "Dawn of Europe: historical pattern of civilizational choice" in Kyiv on Thursday.

"I tell the political elite to unite against this situation. Let's look at the parliament, the politicians' quarrel over quarrels. They only play on this - on Donbas, our killed people. And where is our unity? If there is no unity, then nothing will happen," he said.

According to the second president, the Ukrainian government should be fighting corruption and economic development in the first place.

"I think that the leadership of Ukraine understands well that the issue of corruption should be front and center. Does not the leadership understand the situation with the current economy?" Kuchma said.
Ukraine sees no need to change the Minsk and Normandy negotiating formats on Donbas, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko said.

"We see no need to change the Normandy format and have some trend in parallel to the Minsk process. We did discuss our U.S. partners' more active involvement in the Normandy format, we are fully open and welcome these steps, and will welcome their more active participation, including representation in the format of the Minsk process, including within the Trilateral Contact Group," Poroshenko said at a briefing in Washington on Wednesday at the end of his U.S. visit.

This could give in "a second breath, a reset and produce a fast result," Poroshenko said.

He also said that during his visit to Washington he and senior U.S. officials discussed further sanctions police on Russia. "We discussed concrete plans, which involve: first, keeping in place, and sometimes reinforcing, the sanctions regime with respect to Russia, right until full implementation of the Minsk agreements," Poroshenko said.

This is a very important issue, and it is not coincidental that the U.S. introduced new sanctions against Russia during the Ukrainian delegation's visit to Washington, he said.
1 of 4

Why Congress urges Amitabh Bachchan for GST!



The Congress' Mumbai unit on Wednesday asked megastar Amitabh Bachchan to refrain from acting as the Brand Ambassador for the upcoming Goods & Services Tax (GST) being rolled out from July 1.



"Both Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) know that the government is not ready nor does it have the infrastructure to roll out GST. That's why it is using a legend like Amitabh Bachchan so that he becomes the fall guy and has to face the brickbats," Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam said in a statement.



Nirupam noted that he had the utmost respect for the superstar and hence "wanted to caution him" against being used by government on the issue of GST. Read More...


HONG KONG, June 22 (Reuters) - China sold 7 billion ($1.02 billion) yuan-denominated offshore bonds in Hong Kong to institutional investors on Thursday, said the Ministry of Finance, which has tapped the market for the ninth consecutive year. Bonds of various tenors were offered, among which the largest amount sold was 5 billion yuan of three-year bonds priced at 3.99 percent, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Another 2 billion yuan five-year bonds were priced 4.10 percent. ($1 = 6.8313 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by Donny Kwok; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

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.
By Marius Bosch and Maher Chmaytelli | MOSUL/ERBIL, IRAQ

Islamic State militants on Wednesday blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, an Iraqi military statement said, as Iraqi forces seeking to expel the group from the city closed in on the site.

It was from this medieval mosque three years ago that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" spanning parts of Syria and Iraq.

Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque, a claim swiftly denied by the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the hardline Sunni group.

"We did not strike in that area," coalition spokesman U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian told Reuters by phone.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," said a statement from the commander of the coalition's ground component, U.S. Army Major General Joseph Martin, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The Iraqi military's media office distributed a picture taken from the air that appeared to show the mosque and minaret flattened in the middle of the small houses of the Old City, the historic district where the militants are besieged.

"The Daesh (Islamic State) terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Hadba minaret," the Iraqi military statement said.

The Iraqis lovingly call the minaret Al-Hadba, or "the hunchback."

A video seen on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically in a vast billow of sand and dust, as a woman lamented in the background, saying "the minaret, the minaret, the minaret."

The explosions happened as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got to within 50 meters (164 feet) of the mosque, the Iraqi military statement said.

An Iraqi military spokesman gave the timing of the explosion as 9:35 p.m (1835 GMT).

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," said U.S. Major General Martin.

Iraqi forces said earlier on Wednesday they had started a push towards the mosque.

The forces on Tuesday had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under Islamic State control in Mosul. [nL8N1JI1LE][nL8N1JH3PS]

Al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph" - or ruler of all Muslims - from the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

His black flag had been flying over its 150-foot (45-metre)leaning minaret since June 2014.

Baghdadi's speech from the mosque was also the first time he revealed himself to the world, and the footage broadcast then is to this day the only video recording of him as "caliph."

MINARET WAS VULNERABLE

Iraqi officials had privately expressed the hope that the mosque could be captured in time for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. The first day of the Eid falls this year on June 25 or 26 in Iraq.

"The battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces with that objective in mind," said Martin.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" even though Islamic State would continue to control territory west and south of the city, the largest they held sway over in both Iraq and Syria.

Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. and Iraqi military sources.

The mosque is named after Nuruddin alZanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The mosque was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and housed an Islamic school.

By the time renowned medieval traveler Ibn Battuta visited two centuries later, the minaret was already leaning. Its tilt gave the landmark its popular name: the hunchback. [nL8N1I30PS]

It was built with seven bands of decorative brickwork in complex geometric patterns ascending in levels towards the top in designs also found in Persia and Central Asia.

Nabeel Nouriddin, a historian and archaeologist specializing in Mosul and its Nineveh region, said the minaret has not been renovated since 1970, making it particularly vulnerable to blasts even if it was not directly hit.

The Mosque's destruction occurred during the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, marking when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to prophet Mohammed.

(additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad and Phil Stewart in Washington; writing by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Toby Chopra and Jonathan Oatis)
June 22 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

* Business groups applauded a more pro-business tone from the government in the Queen's Speech yesterday, but warned that they were still in the dark over future trading arrangements. * Hornby Plc's Roger Canham, fresh from seeing off a challenge to his position, resigned as executive chairman with immediate effect. The Guardian

* Just 24 hours after Bank of England governor Mark Carney said the state of the economy and the uncertainty caused by Brexit meant borrowing costs should stay on hold, the bank's chief economist, Andy Haldane said it would be prudent to tighten policy before the end of the year. * Tesco is to close a call centre in Cardiff, putting 1,100 jobs at risk. The Telegraph

* Drinks giant Diageo has agreed to pay up to $1 billion to buy George Clooney's tequila company, Casamigos. * The Serious Fraud Office appears to have been granted a reprieve from plans to abolish it in a U-turn that came just a day after the organisation targeted Barclays with the first criminal charges ever brought against a bank over the financial crisis. Sky News

* AS Watson Group, which is part of the vast Asian conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings , has tabled an indicative offer for Holland and Barrett, whose owner has kicked off an auction of the business, according to Sky News. * Uber's troubled chief executive, Travis Kalanick, has quit following a revolt by major shareholders. The Independent

* Starbucks will hire 2,500 refugees across Europe by 2022 as part of a wider plan that sparked a social media backlash when it was announced in January. * The co-founder of Cobra beer, Karan Bilimoria, has said that he does not think that Britain will end up leaving the EU, once people become aware of the full impact a split will have on business and the economy. (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by Sandra Maler)
(Repeats June 21 column. John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

* Chart 1: * Chart 2: * Chart 3: By John Kemp

LONDON, June 21 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's decision to reverse some of last year's austerity measures coincides with a renewed decline in oil prices and complicates the financial and economic outlook for the kingdom.

All allowances, bonuses and financial benefits for civil servants and military personnel cancelled, amended or suspended in September 2016 have been restored and backdated by a royal decree issued by King Salman ("Saudi Arabia slashes ministers' pay, cuts public sector bonuses", Reuters, Sept. 26, 2016).

The decision coincides with the alteration of the succession in favour of the king's son Mohammad bin Salman and relieves the previous crown prince of all his posts.

The distribution of largesse to coincide with changes in the succession is common in monarchical systems to cement loyalty to the ruler and the chosen heir.

Saudi successions have normally been accompanied by generous financial packages for employees on the government payroll and distributions have also been made at other times of political stress.

The government has been gradually relaxing some austerity measures in recent months and signalling it would go further.

The decision to pair the change in succession with a relaxation of austerity is not surprising but there are questions about its affordability in the medium term.

AUSTERITY

Austerity measures were introduced by the government in response to the sharp drop in oil prices and revenues ( ).

Saudi Arabia's earnings from petroleum exports shrank to $134 billion in 2016, from $322 billion in 2013, the last full year before oil prices slumped ("Annual Statistical Bulletin", OPEC, 2017).

As spending outstripped income, the country's foreign reserves were depleted by $116 billion in 2015 and another $81 billion in 2016, according to statistics from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency.

Saudi Arabia's official foreign assets have fallen by a third to $500 billion at the end of April 2017, from a peak of $746 billion in August 2014 ("Monthly Statistical Bulletin", SAMA, April 2017).

The combination of spending controls, increases in taxes and utility fees, and higher oil prices at the end of 2016 and in early 2017 narrowed the budget deficit and stemmed the depletion of reserves.

But austerity has provoked complaints from Saudi citizens and a broad slowdown in the private-sector economy, which relies heavily on government spending and oil revenues as the ultimate source of almost all activity.

According to a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, the decision on Wednesday to reverse cuts for civil servants and military personnel was necessary to ensure a decent life for the kingdom's citizens.

SUSTAINABILITY

Foreign reserves declined by $35 billion in the first four months of the year; the reversal of austerity coupled with lower oil prices means the decline could accelerate in the rest of 2017.

Saudi Arabia still has room to manoeuvre. The kingdom's remaining reserves stand at $500 billion. It has little foreign debt. And the eventual sale of shares in state oil firm Aramco should raise additional funds.

But reserves are depleting at an unsustainable rate of $100 billion per year, plus or minus $20 billion ( and ).

Saudi Arabia maintains a fixed exchange rate to the U.S. dollar, which means the country probably needs to keep minimum reserves of $200-300 billion to preserve confidence or risk a run on the peg.

In the meantime, the country is bogged down in an expensive armed conflict in Yemen which appears to have reached a stalemate.

Military and political competition with Iran, the kingdom's traditional enemy, is escalating, and Saudi Arabia has promised to buy billions of dollars of extra armaments from the United States.

The government has outlined ambitious plans to move the economy away from dependence on oil and public-sector jobs to non-oil industries and the private sector.

The decision to restore public-sector salaries and bonuses is inconsistent with the policy of encouraging a shift to private-sector employment.

PACING REFORMS

So far the economic transformation plan has been long on rhetoric and short on substance. Tough decisions on spending lie ahead and will test the government's resolve.

The recent Article IV consultation between the Saudi government and the International Monetary Fund concluded the kingdom could afford to take longer to balance its budget ("IMF staff completes 2017 Article IV mission to Saudi Arabia", IMF, May 17).

"The government is adapting its fiscal policy to lower oil prices. The aim of bringing about a large, sustained, and well-paced fiscal adjustment to achieve a balanced budget is appropriate," the IMF said in May.

"The target of balancing the budget, however, does not need to be met in 2019 ... given Saudi Arabia's strong financial asset position and its low debt."

"A more gradual fiscal consolidation to achieve budget balance a few years later would reduce the effects on growth in the near term while still preserving fiscal buffers to help manage future risks."

But given the government's swift turnaround on austerity, it remains unclear how it will close the persistent budget and current account deficits.

If something cannot go on forever, it will stop, noted the late Herbert Stein, chief economic adviser to then-U.S. president Richard Nixon.

The kingdom has comfortable financial reserves but they will not last forever.

(Editing by Dale Hudson)
SINGAPORE, June 22 (Reuters) - Goldilocks Investment Co, an equity fund which is part of Abu Dhabi Financial Group, said on Thursday it had increased its stake in embattled commodity trader Noble Group to 5 percent.

The increase came as the crisis-hit trader extended a key debt deadline earlier this week and continued talks with potential investors to boost liquidity. The Singapore-listed firm has been buffeted by a collapsing share price, credit downgrades, management upheavals and a series of writedowns and asset sales.

Its shares tumbled 12.5 percent on Thursday to close at S$0.455, down from a 2011 peak of about S$17.

Goldilocks, which previously owned 1.18 percent of Noble shares, said it purchased an additional 50.546 million shares on Tuesday to take its take to 5.0 percent.

The fund did not elaborate in its filing to the Singapore stock exchange why it increased its stake in Noble.

(Reporting by Miyoung Kim; editing by David Clarke)
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has urged the European Parliament to introduce additional trade preferences for Ukrainian goods.

An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that a total of 230 lawmakers finally backed resolution No. 6517.

In its address the Ukrainian parliament asks the European Parliament "to endorse a draft legal initiative introducing additional autonomous preferences for goods made in Ukraine as worded by the European Commission, without any exception and abbreviation."

According to the address, "these trade preferences would first become an important signal of political solidarity of the European Union with Ukraine."

As reported, the European Parliament has supported the proposal of the European Commission to increase tariff quotas for honey, corn, barley, oats, cereals and processed grain, grape juice from Ukraine. At the same time, the European Commission's proposal to raise quotas for Ukrainian wheat, tomatoes and urea was not supported by the deputies.

In September 2016, the European Commission proposed to increase the annual tariff rate quotas for some goods from Ukraine: maize by 650,000 tonnes, wheat by 100,000 tonnes, barley by 350,000 tonnes, cereal and processed grain by 7,800 tonnes, oats by 4,000 tonnes, honey by 3,000 tonnes, grape juice by 500 tonnes and preserved tomatoes by 5,000 tonnes.

According to the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement, Ukraine can supply 36 goods to the EU without tariffs within the limits of the approved volumes of tariff quotas. In particular, the quotas for beef supplies amount to 12,000 tonnes, pork  40,000 tonnes, milk, yoghurts, fermented milk products  8,000 tonnes, milk powder - 1,500 tonnes, butter - 1,500 tonnes, egg products - 1,500 tonnes, eggs  3,000 tonnes. For wheat, quotas were determined at a rate of 950,000 tonnes, barley  250,000 tonnes, maize  400,000 tonnes, sugar  20,000 tonnes, honey  5,000 tonnes, processed tomatoes  10,000 tonnes, grape and apple juice  10,000 tonnes, oats  4,000 tonnes, garlic - 500 tonnes.
SINGAPORE, June 22 (IFR) - Chinese high-yield property bonds gapped out 5bp-10bp despite a strong pushback from Dalian Wanda Group against rumours that Chinese banks had ordered the sale of its bonds.

Wanda said the rumours were "malicious speculation" and that banks had not issued such notices.

Nevertheless, the market swirled with more rumours, said a trader.

"There were rumours that CBRC (the Chinese banking regulator) had asked banks for some Chinese companies' loan details, causing the property bonds to widen," said one high-yield trader.

Bonds from Wanda Group sank as much as 11 points in the morning to 100.75 while Fosun's 2022s have slipped to 96.9/97.85.

The negative impact dragged newly priced bonds from Evergrande down by 3 points in the afternoon.

In contrast, investment-grade credits were stable to slightly wider.

"It's rather quiet as the market seems focused on new issues and upcoming ones from Kaisa and Jinmao, which are both in the market today," said an IG trader.

China Reinsurance's 3.375% 2022s bucked the trend, tightening to 190bp/187bp over Treasuries after the issuer did a US$700m tap yesterday at 195bp.

(Reporting by Kit Yin Boey; Editing by Vincent Baby)

Keywords: MARKETS ASIA DEBT/
By Robert Hogg

LONDON, June 22 (IFR) - The Republic of Belarus has revised pricing for a US dollar dual-tranche offering, according to a lead.

The sovereign is marketing benchmark notes due February 2023 at a yield of 7.25% area, Initial price thoughts were released at low to mid 7%.

Price guidance for benchmark notes due June 2027 has been set at a yield of 7.75% area. The notes were originally marketed at high 7% to 8%.

The total combined order books are over US$1.8bn, evenly split across the tranches.

The 144A/Reg S deal is today's business via Citigroup and Raiffeisen Bank International.

Belarus is rated Caa1/B-/B-. The bonds are expected to be rated B-/B-.

(Reporting by Robert Hogg; editing by Alex Chambers)
By Robert Hogg

LONDON, June 22 (IFR) - The Republic of Belarus has set yields for a US dollar dual-tranche offering, according to a lead.

The sovereign has set the yield for benchmark notes due February 2023 at a yield of 7.125%.

Initial price thoughts were released at low to mid 7%, with price guidance set at 7.25% area.

The yield for benchmark notes due June 2027 has been set at 7.625%. The notes were originally marketed at high 7% to 8%, with guidance set at 7.75% area.

The expected sizes are in the context of US$500m-US$750m per tranche.

The total combined order books are over US$3.1bn, with a slight skew to the long five-year bond.

The 144A/Reg S deal is today's business via Citigroup and Raiffeisen Bank International.

Belarus is rated Caa1/B-/B-. The bonds are expected to be rated B-/B-.

(Reporting by Robert Hogg; editing by Sudip Roy)
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 22 (Reuters) - The investment arm of Brazil's state development lender BNDES has asked JBS SA to convene a shareholder assembly to remove the controlling Batista family from the meatpacker's management and board, two people briefed on the matter said on Thursday.

The arm known as BNDESPar , which holds a 22 percent stake in JBS, wants the board to call an assembly as soon as possible, said the people. Minority shareholders endorsing BNDESPar's move may demand the Batistas pay them compensation for a recent price plunge in the shares of JBS, the people said.

Last month, Prosecutor-General Rodigo Janot reached a plea agreement with billionaire brothers Wesley and Joesley Batista, whose family owns 42 percent of JBS, to avoid prosecution if they turned in 1,893 politicians involved in a bribery scheme. Their alleged involvement in the scandal has driven shares of the world's No. 1 meatpacker down 33 percent since mid-May.

JBS and BNDESPar did not have an immediate comment.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Tom Brown)
SARAJEVO, June 22 (Reuters) - Bosnia's autonomous Bosniak-Croat Federation aims to raise 100 million Bosnian marka ($57 million) in the third quarter to help pay maturing debt in the absence of IMF cash, finance ministry data showed.

It will hold auctions of three-month treasury bills worth 20 million marka on July 11 and Sept. 26, according to data on the regional finance ministry's website, and two more auctions - both worth 30 million marka - of three-month bills on Aug. 1 and Aug. 22.

The Federation has stepped up the frequency of treasury bill sales to help plug a budget gap after the IMF suspended loan disbursements because of delays to reforms at national and regional levels. The lender has withheld 80 million euros ($89.27 million)earmarked under its 553 million euro loan deal for Bosnia. Although the IMF distributes the loan payments to Bosnia's central government in Sarajevo, the country's two autonomous regions, the Federation and the Serb Republic, are the principal beneficiaries of the aid. Both have resorted to the issuance of domestic debt to cover their budget holes and finance maturing debt. (1$ = 1.755 Bosnian marka) ($1 = 0.8961 euros)

(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
CAIRO, June 22 (Reuters) - Egypt will receive the second disbursal of a $12 billion International Monetary Fund loan within two to three weeks, Finance Minister Amr El-Garhy told Reuters on Thursday.

The $1.25 billion disbursal, which will complete the first $4 billion loan tranche, was initially expected to come toward the end of June.

Garhy said it was delayed due to bank procedures and the IMF executive board meetings, but that there were no obstacles to Egypt obtaining the loan.

(Writing by Arwa Gaballa: Editing by Patrick Markey)
By Chijioke Ohuocha

LAGOS, June 22 (Reuters) - Etisalat Nigeria had already repaid $500 million of $1.2 billion in loans owed to banks before it defaulted in February due to a currency devaluation, a senior executive told Reuters on Thursday.

Talks between Etisalat Nigeria and lenders to restructure the $1.2 billion loan agreed in 2013 have failed to produce a deal, forcing the banks to step in this month. Ibrahim Dikko, vice president for regulatory affairs, said the company currently owed lenders $575 million and talks with lenders were ongoing.

The total amount of debt outstanding were $227 million and 113 billion naira ($358.73 mln), he told Reuters in a phone interview.

The loan agreed with 13 local banks in 2013 was a seven-year facility to refinance a $650 million loan and fund expansion of its network. Etisalat Nigeria missed payments in February after sharp falls in the value of the Nigerian naira bloated the loan value, making repayments difficult. ($1 = 315.00 naira)

(Editing by Susan Fenton)
PARIS, June 22 (Reuters) - France's top central banker supported on Thursday European Commission proposals to move oversight of the trade in clearing euro-denominated securities from London to within the eurozone after Brexit.

Around 90 percent of euro-denominated derivatives are cleared in London. A European Commission draft law would give Brussels the power to deny recognition to a clearing house if it posed excessive risks or to require it to move to the EU.

"We cannot reasonably expect that these global financial market infrastructures take into account, in their operations and risk management, the financial stability of the euro area, on top of the financial stability of their own jurisdiction," Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said. "Since, regrettably, London will soon be outside the EU, the current setup is no longer adequate," he added.

Villeroy, a European Central Bank governing board member, said the European Commission's proposals were "valuable" but should be "strengthened", with more precise definitions.

"Euro-denominated clearing activities should be located in the European Union when they exceed certain thresholds," he said.

Clearing houses, like the London Stock Exchange's LCH.Clearnet , and UK officials argue that forced relocation would split markets, increase trading costs and diminish the status of the euro. (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing Richard Lough)
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction in one of Jim Roger's quotes.

(Kitco News) -- Despite being bullish on gold and silver over the longer term, one well-known investor says he's not fully committed to the metals just yet.

"For me, gold has not had enough corrections yet. There are still too many gold bugs," Jim Rogers, chairman of Rogers Holding, said in a recent interview on The Investor's Podcast.

The Singapore-based investor, who first rose to fame in the 1970s when he co-founded the Quantum Fund with billionaire George Soros, said he would take a more contrarian approach when investing in gold.

"When people say, I never want to invest in gold again, that is when I want to invest in it," he said.

"When everybody is throwing it out the window, that is usually a good time to buy anything including gold. So far, there are too many people that love gold."

Gold has found some reprieve Thursday after falling to multi-week lows this week. August Comex gold futures last traded at $1,251.60 an ounce, up 0.47% on the day.

However, Rogers noted that even if he still sees too many gold bugs, he isn't fully stepping away from the precious metals.

"Many people think of gold as a currency, but it is just another investment," he said. "I own gold and silver although I am not purchasing more at the moment."

He also shared his other current picks, which included the U.S. dollar, investments in China as well as in Russia. He added that he is currently shorting junk bonds.
* Dana says $700 mln of sukuk have become sharia non-compliant

* But scholars say certified instruments can't be reinterpreted

* Problematic aspects don't invalidate entire document

* Nothing intrinsically wrong with mudaraba format

* Dana case may cause stronger implementation of AAOIFI standards

By Bernardo Vizcaino

June 22 (Reuters) - Some of the top scholars in Islamic finance say it is difficult to declare an Islamic contract invalid because it no longer meets sharia standards, as the United Arab Emirates' Dana Gas is trying to do with $700 million of sukuk.

Scholars decline to comment specifically on the case, which Dana has filed at a court in the emirate of Sharjah. The company argues it should no longer make payments on the sukuk because the interpretation of Islamic finance standards has changed since they were issued in 2013, making them "unlawful".

But many scholars say Islamic instruments are not subject to reinterpretation if they were originally certified by a competent authority.

"The matter of compliance is determined at the time of issue," Sheikh Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo, author of a 1996 textbook on Islamic banking that is an industry reference, told Reuters. "Once that bridge is crossed, the matter is closed."

Sharia compliance is embedded in a document and cannot be voided even if some parts of a deal turn out to be faulty, said Mohamad Akram Laldin, executive director of the Malaysia-based International Sharia Research Academy for Islamic Finance.

Such arguments may help to determine the result of a dispute that has stunned the Islamic finance industry and made some investors question whether sukuk are safe investments.

Dana said last week that since its sukuk were no longer valid, it would not redeem them upon maturity in October. It wants an agreement with creditors to exchange them for new, four-year Islamic instruments offering much lower profit.

Unlike other legal systems, sharia has not been codified. It relies on interpretation through a process known as ijtihad, or legal reasoning.

That means different views often exist, and over time the consensus among the scholars who certify financial instruments as sharia-compliant can change.

For many investors, Dana's case is alarming because it raises the prospect that other companies with Islamic debt could justify not honouring their obligations by claiming sharia standards had changed since the debt was issued .

MUDARABA

Dana's existing sukuk were originally certified as sharia-compliant by Dar Al Sharia, a unit of Dubai Islamic Bank . The Dubai-based advisory firm did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The sukuk use the mudaraba format, a common structure which resembles an investment management partnership. One party provides funds while the other supplies expertise and management services.

A source with direct knowledge of Dana's position said the company would argue its sukuk were invalid because the repurchase price was fixed in advance, while coupon payments were decided with an interest-based calculation and paid regardless of the firm's performance.

Several scholars said there was no intrinsic problem in the mudaraba format, however.

"With specific reference to mudaraba, there is no sharia authority in the world who would opine that it is a somehow faulty or suspect method of contracting and conducting business," DeLorenzo said.

A fixed repurchase price and coupon payments are common across the industry, said Laldin, who is also deputy chairman of the sharia advisory council of Malaysia's central bank.

"There is nothing unusual about the structure. I am not aware of any new ruling about mudaraba that comes from scholars or industry bodies."

Mudaraba is covered by a UAE law dating to 1985, which all the parties would have known when the sukuk was issued, Laldin said.

A by-product of the Dana case may be wider implementation around the world of standards issued by the Manama-based Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

AAOIFI's standards are followed wholly or in part by regulators across the globe, although only a handful of countries, including Bahrain and Sudan, make them mandatory.

AAOIFI declined to comment on the Dana case. But the dispute illustrates the need for harmonisation of industry practices, AAOIFI secretary-general Hamed Hassan Merah told Reuters.

"A lot of regulators are now contemplating whether to implement AAOIFI standards on a mandatory basis. This would eliminate many issues across the industry, especially in cross- border transactions and syndications."

AAOIFI is working on an overhaul of its sharia standard for sukuk, which was issued 15 years ago. A draft is expected this year and a final version in early 2018, Merah said.

(Editing by Andrew Torchia, Larry King)
French President Emmanuelle Macron has said he plans to hold a meeting in the Normandy format before the G20 summit, which is scheduled in Hamburg on July 7-8.

"We will hold a meeting in this format before the G20 summit," he said in an interview with the Figaro newspaper and several other European publications.

In addition, Macron said that negotiations with colleagues in the Normandy format will allow him to better understand at what stage the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict is.

"Regarding the Ukrainian issue, I will give you a clear answer after my first negotiations within the framework of the Normandy format. But it is quite clear that it is our duty to protect Europe and its allies in the region [in the east of Europe]. We should not deviate from our position," he said in an interview with the French newspaper Figaro and several other European publications.

As reported, Macron, after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 30, announced the need for negotiations of the Normandy Four (France, Germany, Ukraine, Russia) as soon as possible.

The Ukrainian side confirmed its readiness to hold the Normandy format meeting at the highest level. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko said in mid-June that the meeting of the leaders of the Normandy Four would happen "much faster than before the end of the summer."

On June 21, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said that the telephone conversation between the leaders of the Normandy Four would be held before the end of June.
JERUSALEM, June 22 (Reuters) -

* Israeli foodmaker Strauss Group said on Thursday it will sell 2.7 million shares in a private placement to institutional investors for a total of 180 million shekels ($51 million).

* Strauss, a maker of snacks, fresh foods and coffee, said it will sell the shares at 66 shekels each.

* Its shares closed at 68.30 shekels on Wednesday in Tel Aviv after hitting a year high of 69.50 on Monday.

* The share allocation is subject to approval from the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

* ($1 = 3.5409 shekels)

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Tova Cohen)
NAIROBI, June 22 (Reuters) - The Kenyan shilling weakened on Thursday due to dollar demand from multinational companies paying dividends, traders said. At 0804 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 103.55/75 per dollar, compared with 103.35/55 at Wednesday's close. ...........................Shilling spot rates .....................Shilling forward rates .......................Cross rates ..................................Local contributors .......................Central Bank of Kenya Index .....................Kenyan Bonds contributor pages ...............Treasury bill yields ..................Central bank open market operations .........................Horizontal repo transactions , ................Daily interbank lending rate .............................Kenya Bond pricing ..................Real time Africa economic data <ECI & AFR> ...........................African economic news .................................NSE-20 Share Index .................................NSE-25 Share Index .................................NSE All Share Index ...........................FT NSE Kenya 15 Index .......................... FT NSE Kenya 25 Index SPEED GUIDES: (Reporting by John Ndiso; 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.
PORT LOUIS, June 22 (Reuters) - Mauritius' trade deficit widened 38 percent to 8.03 billion rupees in April from the same period a year earlier driven by higher imports of mineral fuels and lubricants, official data showed on Thursday.

The value of imports overall climbed 16 percent to 14.17 billion rupees, with the cost of mineral fuels and lubricants increasing to 1.99 billion rupees from 1.29 billion rupees a year earlier.

Exports fell 4 percent to 6.14 billion rupees, Statistics Mauritius said in a statement.

France was the main buyer of goods from Mauritius in April, accounting for 14.5 percent. China supplied 16.8 percent of Mauritius' imports.

(Reporting by Jean Paul Arouff; Writing by George Obulutsa)
* China's aluminium output rising since March

* Market focused on falling zinc stocks, cancelled warrants

* China aluminium output cuts could move the needle -analyst

(Updates zinc, adds closing prices)

By Pratima Desai

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Aluminium prices held near six-week lows on Thursday as the market focused on rising supplies and exports from top producer China, lower output costs and higher inventories.

Benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange closed up 0.2 percent at $1,870 a tonne after earlier touching $1,866.50, near Wednesday's lowest since May 11 of $1,866.

"China is producing and exporting more aluminium. Rising stocks do not signal a tight market," said Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke. "Production costs have come down because coal prices are lower."

EXPORTS: China's aluminium exports are rising. In May the country exported 460,000 tonnes of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products, up from April's 430,000 tonnes. OUTPUT: China's aluminium production last year accounted for 55 percent of the global total, estimated at nearly 59 million tonnes, according to International Aluminium Institute. Its output has been rising since March. INVENTORIES: Aluminium stocks in LME warehouses are up around 13,000 tonnes this week to above 1.43 million tonnes. SHANGHAI: Stocks in warehouses monitored by the Shanghai Futures Exchange at 433,110 tonnes are more than four times the levels seen in January. POWER: Electricity, generated by burning coal, accounts for 30 to 40 percent of aluminium production costs in China. Lower coal prices cut output costs and boost margins.

HIGH: Aluminium hit $1,981 in March, its highest since December 2014 on expectations of falling supplies from China, where an environmental crackdown could mean output cuts during the winter months starting in November. POLLUTION: The crackdown on pollution is part of a broader move to reduce overcapacity, boost revenues and help improve banks' balance sheets under pressure from non-performing loans, said Goldman Sachs analyst Max Layton.

BANKS: "Steel and coal output cuts were about bank balance sheets in the first instance, they also reduced pollution. These cuts were put in place early last year when non-performing loans were spiking," Layton said. "China's aluminium output cuts will move the needle, you are looking at a balanced Chinese market over the next couple of years and lower export growth."

ZINC: Zinc closed up 2.3 percent at $2,700 a tonne. Earlier it touched $2,710, its highest since April 7, on falling stocks in LME warehouses, which are down nearly 30 percent since January to 304,000 tonnes, and on cancelled warrants -- metal earmarked for delivery -- at above 65 percent.

PRICES: Copper ended flat at $5,743, lead finished up 0.9 percent at $2,205, tin closed 1 percent lower at $19,300 and nickel was up 0.1 percent at $9,010 a tonne.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Top Base and Precious Metals Analysis - GFMS LME/ShFE arb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Additional reporting by Maytaal Angel; Editing by David Evans)
* Riyadh up 6.8 pct since appointment of new crown prince

* Banks strong, valuations supportive

* Retailers buoyant on austerity reversal

* Petchems down near 10-month low

* Foreign funds net buyers in Qatar, first time since Arab rift

By Celine Aswad

DUBAI, June 22 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market extended on the previous session's rally on Thursday as investors focused on shares likely to benefit from economic reforms and from MSCI's decision while Qatar rebounded as foreign funds were net buyers. The Riyadh index added 1.2 percent to a 20-month high of 7,426 points in heavy trade.

It is now up 6.8 percent in reaction to the appointment of the architect of the economic reform and privatisation plans, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to crown prince. Previously the 31-year old was deputy crown prince.

Some shares which were top gainers on the previous day continued to rally with the only listed miner, Saudi Arabian Mining , surging 9.4 percent. The now crown prince had previously stressed the importance of expanding the mining sector as part of plans to diversify the economy from oil.

Banks were also strong with government-majority owned National Commercial Bank gaining 4.6 percent, extending on its 10 percent surge on Wednesday.

Analysts at Dubai-based Exotix said in a note the Saudi banking stocks "screen particularly well" compared to other sectors, because they are trading at a relatively attractive valuation.

News of the retroactive reinstatement of civil servants' allowances was supportive for the retail sector on the expectation that shoppers will be spending more money in the Eid al-Fitr break, which will start either Sunday or Monday. Apparel retailer and mall operator Fawaz Alhokair climbed 4.7 percent.

The austerity reversal will bring in between 5 and 6 billion riyals ($1.3 billion to $1.6 billion) according to the finance minister.

Public sector workers were also given an extra week off for Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Also, investors were happy that index compiler MSCI placed Riyadh on the watch list for an emerging market upgrade. Analysts predict the market may gain 20-30 percent through to the decision date in June 2018.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures staying near overnight 10-month lows weighed on some large cap petrochemical stocks; Saudi Basic Industries lost 2.5 percent.

QATAR, UAE

Qatar's stock index rebounded 2.9 percent, snapping four sessions of declines as 39 shares rose and only two declined.

Foreign funds, which have been net sellers of Qatari shares since June 5 when Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states cut diplomatic and trade links with Doha, were net buyers on Thursday, suggesting they have regained some confidence in the market.

Shares of Vodafone Qatar , a constituent of the MSCI emerging market benchmark, jumped 5.2 percent and was the most traded stock on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Abu Dhabi's index fell 0.6 percent as Eshraq Properties , the most traded stock, lost 8.7 percent. On Thursday the company said it will meet on July 5 to ratify the sale of its shares in real-estate investment fund Ward Holding.

Dubai's index fell 0.5 percent as shares of the most traded stock GFH Financial Group slumped 8.9 percent. On Wednesday the company said that Integrated Capital (IC), owned by Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG) transferred its 21 million shares in GFH to Ajman Bank. IC will remain to be "beneficial owner" with a 13.38 percent stake.

"This announcement clearly prompted retail investors to cash out, it was negative on sentiment," said a Dubai-based broker.

Gulf stock markets will be closed as of June 25 because of the Eid break with Saudi Arabia and Qatar's bourse announcing they will resume trade on July 2.

HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index surged 5.5 percent to 7,335 points.

DUBAI

* The index lost 0.5 percent to 3,402 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index fell 0.6 percent to 4,432 points.

QATAR

* The index rebounded 2.9 percent to 9,030 points.

EGYPT

* The index rose 0.3 percent to 13,417 points.

KUWAIT

* The index edged up 0.1 percent to 6,772 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index flat at 1,313 points.

OMAN

* The index declined 0.06 percent to 5,118 points.

(Reporting by Celine Aswad; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
* STOXX 600 down 0.4 pct

* Novartis leads health stocks after study result

* UK's Imagination Tech puts itself up for sale, shares bounce

* Oil price weighs on energy stocks, miners

(Updates prices)

By Kit Rees

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - European shares were in store for another weak session on Thursday, pegged back by the slide in commodities-related sectors on the back of depressed oil prices.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.4 percent, on track for its third day of straight losses, while the blue chips dropped 0.6 percent.

The price of oil fell further as worries persisted over global oversupply, with Europe's energy sector down 1.5 percent, close to 7-month lows, and mining stocks also retreated 0.7 percent. "What didn't help were those conflicting comments from OPEC ... and Iran. They need to be singing from the same hymn sheet if we are to believe that there's positivity to be taken from these cuts while the U.S. continues to produce more and the rig-count goes up," Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, said.

"As we saw yesterday, even a drawdown in stockpiles offered absolutely no help because it just added to the murky outlook."

Health care was the top-gaining sector, however, up 0.7 percent with Switzerland's Novartis in the driving seat as its shares advanced nearly 3 percent, following a positive study result for its canakinumab medicine, which cuts risks for heart attack survivors. "Expectations around this catalyst have been low and as a result we have previously highlighted success could drive 3% to 5% upside to mid-term EPS and valuations," analysts at Jefferies said in note.

Elsewhere, Imagination Tech , once a high flyer as a supplier of graphics technology to Apple <AAPL.O, soared more than 20 percent after it put itself up for sale. In April, Apple said that it would no longer use Imagination's graphics technology in the iPhone, wiping out more than 60 percent of the British firm's market value.

Broker action also lifted shares in industrial machinery firms Rotork and Alfa Laval , which both rose more than 3 percent following double upgrades from Morgan Stanley to "overweight".

The broker said that it was positive on forecasts for Alfa Laval's divisions, and saw growth potential for Rotork's products. Morgan Stanley was more pessimistic around the oil sector, however, with analysts saying in a note that they expected concerns around a 2018 oil supply glut to weigh.

This put pressure on shares in Subsea 7 , Amec Foster Wheeler , TGS NOPEC Geophysical Company and Tullow Oil , which were all down between 2.6 to 4.8 percent at the bottom of the STOXX. (Reporting by Kit Rees, Editing by Vikram Subhedar)
SAO PAULO, June 22 (Reuters) - Management at Petroleo Brasileiro SA will pursue an initial public offering of fuel distribution unit BR Distribuidora, Chief Executive Officer Pedro Parente said on Thursday, as Brazil's state-controlled oil company aims to cut debt and capital spending in low-return activities.

Speaking at an event in Sao Paulo, Parente said the plan will be delivered for board approval shortly. While management is still analyzing how to structure the plan for an IPO of BR Distribuidora, Parente said the move seems the most appropriate to create "more value for Petrobras," as the oil firm is known.

(Reporting by Lais Martins; Writing by Alexandra Alper and Guillermo parra-Bernal; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

SWITCH BOND TENDER

The finance ministry is expected to announce results of its switch bond tender at 1000 GMT. C.BANK MINUTES

The central bank is due to publish minutes from the June meeting of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Council (MPC) at 1200 GMT.

LPP Poland's largest clothing retailer LPP may increase the dividend to be paid out to shareholders in 2018 by about 10 percent, Parkiet daily reported.

PGNIG Poland temporarily halted gas deliveries from Russia via the Yamal pipeline on Wednesday due to poor quality of the gas, which Russia said was due to a "short-term technical problem." ****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
MILAN, June 22 (Reuters) - Gianni Mion, the chairman of ailing Banca Popolare di Vicenza, said on Thursday he hoped a deal to save the lender and its regional rival Veneto Banca could be reached this weekend.

The government is scrambling to prevent the two banks from being wound down under European banking rules that would impose losses on senior bondholders and large depositors before taxpayers money can be used.

To find an alternative solution, the government put up for sale the good assets of the two lenders. On Wednesday Intesa Sanpaolo , Italy's biggest retail bank, filed an offer subject to strict conditions. "The offer (filed by Intesa) has been judged the best possibile... now we need to wait for the government response," Mion told Reuters on the sidelines of an event.

"We hope everything will be worked out this weekend," he said.

(Reporting by Andrea Mandala; writing by Francesca Landini)
(Repeats to attach to alerts) OSLO, June 22 (Reuters) - Norway's central bank issued the following economic forecasts in a monetary policy report on Thursday after keeping rates unchanged at 0.50 percent, as expected, while also removing its easing bias. The forecasts are shown in comparison with the figures given in the bank's previous report in March. Figures (percentage change unless stated):

2017 2018 2019 2020 June Mar June Mar June Mar June Mar Mainland GDP 2.0 1.6 1.9 2.0 1.9 2.2 2.2 2.2 Core CPI* 1.4 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.3 1.5 1.4 Deposit rate 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.1 Oil invest. -5.2 -9.8 1.0 3.4 5.1 5.2 4.9 4.9 Unemployment** 2.8 2.9 2.6 2.8 2.6 2.7 2.5 2.6 Annual wages 2.4 2.5 2.8 2.8 3.1 3.1 3.4 3.3 Import-weighted FX (I-44) index 104.7 102.9 103.7 102.2 102.2 101.4 101.6 101.1 NOTES: * Core CPI is the consumer price index adjusted for tax changes and excluding energy products. ** Unemployment as calculated by NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration)

(Reporting by Oslo newsroom)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry intends to ask leaders of Ukraine and all competent ministries and agencies, including the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, to urgently react to the situation around construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait and send a note of protest to Russia.

The ministry's press service reported that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be also notified, as Russia's steps to build the bridge across the Kerch Strait and its sealing off could cause large damage not only to navigation safety, but also to national security of Ukraine.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuriy Lavreniuk said at a meeting devoted to the situation around the Kerch Strait, now Russia in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the agreement on cooperation in the use of Azov Sea and Kerch Strait signed by Ukraine and Russia and some other international agreements and documents, is building the arch of the bridge across the Kerch Strait.

"Russia has not arranged the approval of its steps with Ukraine," he said.

Lavreniuk said that the Transport Ministry of Russia has designed a draft order on sealing off the Kerch Strait for 23 days in August-September 2017. Russia explains the ban from passing the strait by construction of the arch of the bridge.

In May 2017, a criminal case against violation of environment safety rules during construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait bounding the territory of Russia and occupied Crimean peninsula was opened.
LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - A breakdown in Brexit talks between Brussels and London would be negative for the United Kingdom's credit rating but could be absorbed by other EU countries, S&P Global's sovereign ratings chief Moritz Kraemer said on Thursday.

The firm stripped Britain of its coveted triple-A rating after the Brexit vote last June, downgrading it by two notches to AA and assigning a negative outlook.

If no deal was struck, it would be negative for the United Kingdom said Kraemer, adding a downgrade of more than one notch could not be excluded "but it would be very unusual".

Asked what a breakdown in Brexit talks would mean for other European Union countries, Kraemer said: "It would be absorbable at the current ratings level" though he added that Ireland would be most exposed.

(Reporting by Marc Jones, writing by Karin Strohecker, editing by Nigel Stephenson)
HANOI, June 22 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0418 GMT.

June 22 USD/VND mid-point 22,433 USD/VND interbank 22,692/22,755 USD/VND unofficial 22,720/22,740 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.17/36.39

Interbank offered rates Overnight 2.3-3.0

1 week 2.6-3.1

1 month 3.5-3.9

3 months 4.2-4.5

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed

NEW YORK, June 22 (Reuters) - Shares of solar companies soared on Thursday and their options drew a rush of bullish activity a day after U.S. President Donald Trump broached the subject of placing solar-power panels on his proposed wall along the Mexican border.

First Solar Inc's shares rose 3.2 pct to $38.42 and SunPower Corp shares were up 13 percent to $8.69. Shares of the Guggenheim Solar fund rose 2.5 pct to $19.39.

Raymond James energy analyst Pavel Molchanov cited Trump's comments about possibly putting solar panels on the wall during a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday as the reason behind the spike in the shares. "Trump talked yesterday about a 'solar wall' on the Mexican border - that might sound like a joke but it's not," he said.

Solar panels are among proposals that have been submitted by companies interested in the wall project to the Department of Homeland Security, according to media reports.

Molchanov warned investors this was not a good reason to chase the rally in shares.

"Setting aside the broader question of whether the wall will even be politically realistic, the notion that it will be covered in solar hardware is entirely far-fetched," he said. "It is hard to take this idea seriously."

Molchanov has a "market perform" rating on First Solar and an "outperform" rating on SunPower.

Traders in the options market took the opportunity to load up on bullish call options on First Solar, SunPower and Canadian Solar Inc .

Calls convey the right to buy shares at a fixed price in the future and usually are used to place bets on shares rising.

Near-term calls on First Solar and SunPower changed hands at a rapid pace, sending trading volume to several times their daily average, according to options analytics firm Trade Alert.

Solar stocks, including Vivint Solar and Sunrun Inc got a boost on Tuesday after Goldman Sachs upgraded its rating on Vivint to "buy," citing potential for mergers and acquisitions in the sector. (Reporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Editing by Daniel Bases and Bill Trott)
BUDAPEST, June 22 (Reuters) - Hungary sold 50 billion forints ($180.90 million) worth of government bonds at an auction on Thursday, 10 billion forints more than planned, the Government Debt Management Agency (AKK) said . The AKK will hold a non-competitive top-up tender later on Thursday. Series: A200923C Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 22/06/2017 08/06/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 36.40 55.12 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 15.00 15.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 0.69 0.77 Series: A221026B Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 22/06/2017 08/06/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 72.45 71.40 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 20.00 20.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 1.66 1.81 Series: A271027A Issue status: Auction data: AUCTION DATE 22/06/2017 25/05/2017 TOTAL BIDS (bln HUF) 34.86 22.80 ALLOTTED (bln HUF) 15.00 10.00 AVERAGE YIELD (pct) 2.92 2.99

($1 = 276.4000 forints)

(Reporting by Krisztina Than)

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.
TAIPEI, June 22 (Reuters) - Taiwan's central bank left its policy rate unchanged on Thursday, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The central bank subsequently confirmed it had kept its policy rate unchanged at 1.375 percent. All 14 economists surveyed in a Reuters poll had predicted no change in the rate. (Reporting by Taipei bureau; Writing by Faith Hung; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
ISTANBUL, June 22 (Reuters) - Here are news, reports and events that may affect Turkish financial markets on Thursday.

The lira stood at 3.5325 against the U.S. dollar at 0518 GMT, easing from 3.5300 at Wednesday's close.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond was at 10.48 percent in spot trade on Wednesday and was at 10.44 percent in Thursday-dated trade.

The main BIST 100 share index rose 0.12 percent to 99,390.12 points on Wednesday.

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks advanced on Thursday as oil prices struggled to climb off a 10-month low hit overnight on concerns over a supply glut and falling demand. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 0.3 percent. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.1 percent, with shares in auto air bag maker Takata Corp plunging 50 percent as they exchanged hands for the first time since sources said last week it was preparing to file for bankruptcy. ERDOGAN SPEAKS WITH SAUDI LEADERS

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke by telephone with Saudi Arabia's King Salman and its new crown prince and they agreed to increase efforts to end tensions related to Qatar, sources from Erdogan's office said on Thursday. CENTRAL BANK MINUTES The Turkish Central Bank will release the minutes of its latest monetary policy committee meeting (1100 GMT).

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE The Turkish Statistics Institute will release consumer confidence data for June (0700 GMT).

ERDOGAN

President Tayyip Erdogan will hold regular weekly meetings with the head of the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) Hakan Fidan (1030 GMT), the armed forces chief Hulusi Akar (1130 GMT) and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (1330 GMT). In the evening he will host a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner with farmers (1729 GMT).

YILDIRIM

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will meet the head of the Pakistani army (0900 GMT). He will also host a Ramadan dinner for staff from his offices (1729 GMT).

For other related news, double click on:

Turkish politics Turkish equities Turkish money Turkish debt Turkish hot stocks Forex news All emerging market news All Turkish news For real-time quotes, double click on:

Istanbul National-100 stock index , interbank lira trading , lira bond trading (Writing by Daren Butler)
KAMPALA, June 22 (Reuters) - The Ugandan shilling was unchanged on Thursday and was expected to get support from coffee export dollar inflows, traders said. At 0921 GMT commercial banks quoted it at 3,585/3,595, the same level as Wednesday's close. 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.
(Adds pricing commentary, context)

By Robert Hogg

LONDON, June 22 (IFR) - The Republic of Belarus has opened books on a US dollar dual-tranche offering, according to a lead.

The sovereign is marketing benchmark notes due February 2023 at a yield of low to mid 7%, and benchmark notes due June 2027 at a yield of high 7% to 8%.

Investors have been divided in the run up to the bond hitting the screens over fair value, although many thought it should come wide of Ukraine.

But the yield that Belarus has begun marketing its bonds suggests that it is seeking to price inside Ukraine.

"Looks tight versus Ukraine," said a banker away.

Ukraine's September 2027s, for example, are bid at 97.024 to yield 8.184%, according to Tradeweb.

Belarus last issued a bond in 2011. It has since tried to return a number of times but without success, partly because many banks said they would not touch a deal.

The country is one of the more controversial issuers that could try to access the markets. Its outspoken president, Alexander Lukashenko, is on a list of 16 people and nine entities in the country that are subject to US sanctions.

However, the sovereign is free to issue international debt as the West tries to re-engage with Belarus.

In April, the US extended economic sanctions relief for Belarus for six months, continuing a policy begun during the Obama administration intended to encourage a country traditionally in Russia's orbit to turn to the West.

The EU lifted the majority of its sanctions in February 2016, although some restrictive measures are still in place, including an arms embargo.

The 144A/Reg S deal is today's business via Citigroup and Raiffeisen Bank International.

Belarus is rated Caa1/B-/B-. The bonds are expected to be rated B-/B-.

(Reporting by Robert Hogg; editing by Sudip Roy)
(Adds analysts comment, background)

By Chijioke Ohuocha

LAGOS, June 22 (Reuters) - Etisalat Nigeria had already repaid $500 million of $1.2 billion in loans owed to banks before it defaulted in February due to a currency devaluation, a senior executive told Reuters on Thursday.

Talks between Etisalat Nigeria and lenders to restructure the $1.2 billion loan agreed in 2013 have failed to produce a deal, forcing the banks to step in this month. Ibrahim Dikko, vice president for regulatory affairs, said the company currently owed lenders around $575 million and talks with lenders were ongoing.

The total amount of debt outstanding were $227 million and 113 billion naira ($359 million), he told Reuters in a phone interview.

The loan agreed with 13 local banks in 2013 was a seven-year facility to refinance a $650 million loan and fund expansion of its network. Etisalat Nigeria missed payments in February after sharp falls in the value of the Nigerian naira bloated the loan value, making repayments difficult.

Exotix Capital said in a note Etisalat Nigeria shareholders had refused to give further bailouts to the company to reduce pressure or convert its obligations to equity, and hence the telecom firm had missed its most recent repayment in May.

Parent Etisalat, which is carrying its 45 percent stake in the Nigerian arm at nil value, said on Tuesday it had been ordered to transfer its shares to a loan trustee by June 23, after negotiations failed.

The UAE group, which generates 3.7 percent of its revenue from Nigeria, had questioned the rationale of investing more in the local unit, when asked by lenders to recapitalise its affiliate as an option, sources said.

Exotix said the company had struggled with several years of losses due to low revenue, tough competition and more recently currency losses, adding its second-biggest shareholder Abu Dhabi state investment fund Mubadala has been trying to divest its stake for some time.

One telecom analyst said Etisalat Nigeria could struggle to find new investors, putting lenders in a weak negotiating position, although the company could be viable if acquired by one of its rivals.

Another option could be to restructure the loan, pending any new investors coming along, Exotix said. Etisalat Nigeria has initiated changes to its shareholding structure.

Renaissance Capital analyst said Etisalat could be worth $1.2 billion based on an enterprise value to operating cashflow multiple, compared with South Africa's MTN and other African peers.

Etisalat Nigeria has 20 million subscribers, according to Nigeria's telecom regulator, making it the country's number four mobile operator with a 14 percent market share. MTN has 47 percent, Globacom 20 percent and Airtel - a subsidiary of India's Bharti Airtel - 19 percent.

($1 = 315.00 naira)

(Editing by Susan Fenton and David Evans)
(Adds company quote, background)

ZURICH, June 22 (Reuters) - Online pharmacy Zur Rose Group plans to raise up to around 230 million Swiss francs ($236.6 million) in an initial share sale, the Swiss company said on Thursday, with the cash to help grow operations including its DocMorris unit in Germany.

The IPO, with a price range of 120 francs to 140 francs per share, would value the company at between 780 million francs and 870 million francs, Zur Rose said.

Zur Rose will use IPO proceeds for expansion, including to boost TV advertising in Germany, its largest market, as well as to support its shop-in-shop concept with Swiss grocery chain Migros that is due to open its first location next month. "The company plans to use proceeds from the IPO primarily for the acceleration of the growth strategy and the strengthening and expansion of it position as the leading 'pure play' online pharmacy in Europe," Zur Rose said in a statement.

The first trading day is expected around July 6.

The ongoing liberalisation of pharmacy markets across Europe offers chances for further international expansion that Zur Rose said it aims to serve from its DocMorris logistics centre on the German-Dutch border.

Among other competitors, it is going up against Germany's Shop Apotheke , which last year raised about 100 million euros ($112.6 million) in an IPO in Frankfurt. Zur Rose is the second Swiss pharmacy group to list shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange this year. Galenica Sante's listing in April was Europe's largest IPO this year. UBS and Berenberg are joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners, with Zuercher Kantonalbank mandated as co-lead manager.

(Reporting by John Miller, editing by Michael Shields)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak and Director of the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine, Oleksandr Vinnykov, discussed the issues of reforming the Ukrainian army at the meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday.

"The parties discussed topical issues of reforming the defense ministry, including with the assistance of the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine," a message posted on the website of the Defense Ministry, says.

Vinnykov stressed the importance of increasing the consultative support of key aspects of these reforms and maintaining the pace of their implementation.
CAIRO, June 22 (Reuters) - Average yields on Egypt's three- and nine-month treasury bills rose at an auction on Thursday while yields on the three-year bonds dipped, data from the central bank showed.

The average yield on the 91-day bill rose to 20.375 percent from 20.244 percent at the previous auction on June 18 and the yield on the 273-day bill rose to 20.662 percent from 20.350 percent at the last similar auction.

At another auction on Thursday, average yields on the three-year bonds dipped to 18.358 percent from 18.382 percent at the last auction on June 21.

Central bank auction dates have been changed due to upcoming public holidays in Egypt.

Auctions for six-month, one-year T-bills and ten-year T-bonds will be held on July 2 while three-month, nine-month T-bills and five-year T-bonds auctions will be held on July 3.

(Reporting by Arwa Gaballa; Editing by Toby Davis)
ZURICH, June 22 (Reuters) - Online pharmacy Zur Rose Group plans to raise up to around 230 million Swiss francs ($236.58 million) in an initial share sale, the Swiss company said on Thursday, with the cash to help grow operations including its DocMorris unit in Germany.

The IPO, with a price range of 120 francs to 140 francs per share, would value the company at between 780 million francs and 870 million francs, Zur Rose said.

Zur Rose will use IPO proceeds for expansion, including to boost TV advertising in Germany, its largest market, as well as to support its shop-in-shop concept with Swiss grocery chain Migros that is due to open its first location next month. The first trading day is expected around July 6.

(Reporting by John Miller, editing by Michael Shields)
The special representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the Trilateral Contact Group, Martin Sajdik, said he is satisfied with the work done by the group to verify the lists of captives in Donbas.

It is a difficult process, Sajdik said after the group's meeting in Minsk on Wednesday, adding he liked the fact that this issue was discussed in detail and in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and mutual trust during the group's meeting.

The humanitarian subgroup said that a great deal had been done since the previous meeting, he said. In particular, additional interviews were conducted among people who expressed their willingness to stay in territories where they had been held in detention following their release, Sajdik said.

Sajdik also said that he understood relatives who would like to know an exact timeline for an all for all exchange of captives.

Steps are being taken today that are needed to achieve this goal, and it is possible to say that there is clarity now as to who can be exchanged and who can be released, he said.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed a package of pension reform bills.

An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that the decision was made at a government meeting on Wednesday.

"Approved. Thank you! We are sending it to parliament," Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said.

He said that the bills are balanced and reflect all the parameters presented earlier.

Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Rozenko said that not all proposals of the National Reforms Council and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko were taken into account in the bills that the government was considering on June 21, and the discussion can be moved to parliament.

He also said that the bills can be submitted to parliament only after the conclusions of the ministries received.

Social Policy Minister of Ukraine Andriy Reva said that absolutely all of the proposals were taken into account and that they were not important.


By Park Hyong-ki



Korea has a tendency to overuse economic terms developed by scholars overseas without applying their true meanings and insights into local industries, analysts say.



Terms such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution and creating shared value (CSV) have been overhyped here since their emergence at forums and on business publications.



This is because of Korea's economic nature of being a fast follower rather than a global leader, they said.



"As a small and open economy that has always tried to advance by rapidly catching up with others, Korea had to learn and digest the newest trend and emerging technology as fast as it could," said Yun Chang-hyun, an economist at the University of Seoul.



"This fast-follower mentality has led it to overhype the terms like the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Industry 4.0."



Klaus Schwab, the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, introduced the Fourth Industrial Revolution through his book. The emergence of robots, self-driving cars, biotechnology among others will "fundamentally" change the market as they will get rid of the borders separating the physical and digital worlds.



The problem is that the term is not widely used in other countries and its details are not certain.



During his visit to Seoul in May, for example, famed U.S. journalist Thomas Friedman said that he is not used to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



But so many politicians, bureaucrats, scholars and journalists use the term so frequently in Korea.



In April, the government said that it will issue 17 certificates related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution like robotic parts, software development and three-dimensional printing beginning late next year.



"It is nonsense. The Fourth Industrial Revolution lacks an agreed-upon definition yet. Then, how can the government measure something based on such a term to give state certificates?" asked a professor at a Seoul university.



In the case of CSV, it was first introduced by Harvard University professors Michael Porter and Mark Kramer via the Harvard Business Review in 2006. Porter is widely known in studies of competition and strategy.



They suggested that companies adopt new ways to create value by addressing social and environmental problems amid the failure of capitalism.



Companies must work with society to "redefine their purpose and share value" for social progress. For example, the professors gave an example of how Nestle worked with small and poor farmers to improve the quality and productivity of their coffee bean production.



This cooperation via shared value would further lead businesses to innovate and grow, they said. CSV is often confused with corporate social responsibility (CSR).



Korea is one of the very few countries that actively promote the Fourth Industrial Revolution and CSV.



Upside of overhypes



But some point out that the widespread use of these words by the public and private sectors here has increased the social awareness and importance of them.



"Like the creative economy in the former administration, the positive side is that they are raising the awareness of changes that are about to happen in society amid the rapid rise of these technologies considered a crucial part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," said Sun Dae-in, a local economist and head of SDInomics, an independent economic research center.



"On the other hand, the focus on the importance and impact of such terms has been unclear in driving the next path in certain areas such as jobs."



Sun noted that Schwab's book sold more copies here than in European countries such as Germany and Switzerland.

As Yun said, Korea, as a follower, is highly sensitive to external factors and trends, Sun added.



Yun concurred saying that the positive side is that Korea is always willing to learn anything new as fast as it can so that it would not fall behind.



However, the government has tried to lead in adopting new trends, not the private sector, unlike in Germany.



Germany's Industry 4.0 is a policy similar to the concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.



But Germany's private sector, especially its small- and medium-sized enterprises, has been in the forefront.



In contrast, Korea introduces regulations within which the private sector is confined to operate and practice newer things, Yun said.
Kim Jeong-seon Lee Hyuck Lim Myong-cheol

Three medical professors have won the Kwangdong Award for Cancer Research for their achievement in the study of oncology, Kwangdong Pharmaceutical said Thursday.

The awardees are Kim Jeong-seon, oncology professor at the National Cancer Center; Lee Hyuck, international medicine professor at the Samsung Medical Center; and Lim Myong-cheol, gynecology professor at the National Cancer Center.

The company said the Korea Cancer Association has selected the recipients of the sixth annual Kwangdong Award in recognition of their extensive cancer research.

The selection was based on the number of times they were referenced in journals listed on the Science Citation Index (SCI).

The awards ceremony was held during the 24th Asia Pacific Cancer Conference and the association's general meeting at the COEX in southern Seoul. Each recipient received a 5 million won cash prize.

Kwangdong and the association co-initiated the award in 2012.
President Moon Jae-in on Thursday urged China to do more to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons, noting the communist state may acquire nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in "the not too distant future."



"I believe China is making efforts to stop North Korea from making additional provocations, yet there are no tangible results as of yet," the new South Korean president was quoted as saying in an interview with Reuters.



"China is North Korea's only ally and China is the country that provides the most economic assistance to North Korea. Without the assistance of China, sanctions won't be effective at all," he added, according to the report.



The South Korean leader earlier stressed a need to add dialogue to options for dealing with the provocative North, noting currently only sanctions and pressure are available.



Speaking to the British news service, Moon said additional and strong sanctions should be imposed on the North if the country conducts a sixth nuclear test or tests an ICBM.



"It must be sufficiently strong enough that it would prevent North Korea from making any additional provocations, and also strong enough that it will make North Korea realize that they are going down the wrong path," he said.



He also noted there was "more room" for China to play a bigger role in resolving the North Korea crisis, the report said.



Moon expressed hope to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on July 8-9.



In addition to asking China to do more to rein in North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, the South Korean president said he also planned to ask Xi to remove China's apparent retaliatory measures against South Korean firms and products. Such measures have been in place since Seoul agreed to host the THAAD U.S. missile defense system.



"If I have the chance to meet President Xi, I will ask him to lift all of these measures. This is the agenda that we cannot evade," Moon said.



Moon expressed his hope to meet with as many world leaders as possible at the G20 summit, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Both Japan and Russia are part of six-nation talks aimed at denuclearizing the North. The talks, also involving the two Koreas, China and the United States, have been stalled since 2008. The South Korean president has vowed efforts to restart them.



Moon noted the North's nuclear program will top the agenda of his bilateral meetings in Hamburg.



Talks with the Japanese leader will likely cover many other issues, he said, while expressing concerns over Japan's growing military spending.



Other issues may include Japan's persistent territorial claim to a set of South Korean islets in the East Sea, Dokdo, as well as Japan's sexual enslavement of Korean women during World War II.



"If Japan were to show its strong resolve in looking back on its past history and sending a message that such actions will never happen again... then I believe that this will go a long way in further developing its relations with not only Korea but also with many other Asian nations," Moon was quoted as saying.



In late 2015, Seoul and Tokyo signed what was then praised as a historical deal to put their shared past of sexual slavery behind them once and for all.



Moon said many South Koreans did not accept it, apparently repeating his call on Japan to agree to a renegotiation of the deal, under which Tokyo agreed to provide 10 billion yen (US$10.3 million), not in compensation, but only as support funds for the thousands and thousands of Korean women forced into sexual slavery.



Thursday's interview, held at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, came ahead of Moon's bilateral summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week.



Moon said he has "high expectations" for the meeting with Trump.



"I am very glad that President Trump has made the resolution of North Korea's nuclear issue the top of his priority list on his foreign affairs agenda," he said, according to the report.



The Moon-Trump meetings are scheduled for next Thursday and Friday. (Yonhap)




The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has sent humanitarian aid to the territory of the Donetsk region temporarily uncontrolled by Kyiv, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service said in a report on Thursday.

"Twelve humanitarian trucks crossed the Novotroyitske checkpoint into the temporarily uncontrolled territory. The vehicles were carrying food, hygienic product sets and construction materials with a total weight exceeding 233 tonnes," the report said.

According to the State Border Guard Service, the cargo was sent to residents of the Donetsk region on behalf of the ICRC.
By Kim Se-jeong



The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Social Economy Fair is scheduled to open next Thursday, featuring 180 social enterprises and co-operatives in Seoul.

At the three-day event, participants will make a presentation about their businesses and sell products at Seoul Plaza and in the City Hall basement. Visitors will also be able to learn about the history of the social economy of Seoul.

The fair is part of the Academy on Social and Solidarity Economy, which will take place throughout next week in Seoul. The academy is designed to train local social entrepreneurs.

The theme for this year's academy is "Innovative Ecosystems for Social and Solidarity Economy Public Policies  a Contribution to the Future of Work."
By Kim Se-jeong





Species Restoration Technology Institute representatives carry a captured Asian black bear down Mount Sudo, June 15./Yonhap

Asian black bears almost went extinct in Korea. Mount Jiri used to have a lot of them, but their population shrank as mountains were destroyed for development and they were deprived of their habitat and food sources.

In an effort to restore them to nature, the Species Restoration Technology Institute under the Ministry of Environment spearheaded a restoration project in 2004. The institute bred the species and fed newborn bears before releasing them into the wild. The institute estimated 47 bears live on Mount Jiri.

Earlier this week, however, one of them was found on Mount Sudo near Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province.

The bear was spotted by a group of people who were maintaining trails on the mountain. The institute's representatives rushed to the scene to confirm it was one of the bears it bred.

The institute lost track of it last September: While each animal has a chip implant to enable the authorities to monitor its whereabouts, the institute failed to replace the chip battery in time.

The institute concluded the bear had traveled 80 kilometers from its last reported location.

The incident caught many by surprise, as the bear would have crossed two major highways on its trek.

The Ministry of Environment's reaction was self-praising. It said the long-distance travel by the bear proved the success in restoring ecosystems across the country despite major infrastructure that could impede restoration. "This shows the once-disconnected habitats are now connected," an official said.

Yet, environmentalists insisted the incident rather reveals the flaws in existing policies.

"Mount Jiri has about 3 million visitors per year. People hike, camp, eat food and leave trash. Affected by a shrinking habitat, the bear moved north," the National Park Conservation Network, a civic group, said in a statement. "The government should reconsider plans to build a cable car and a mountain rail around Mount Jiri."

Chung In-cheol from the network said government policy is too focused on getting more visitors to the mountains. "Instead, we should create the right environment for the bears to live," he said.

An activist from Green Korea, an NGO, argued, "This means any of the 47 bears can show up out of the blue anywhere. This raises questions about hikers' safety."
By John J. Metzler



UNITED NATIONS  Thirty years ago this week in 1987, President Ronald Reagan visiting Berlin, made his famous challenge, "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall." Alongside the American President stood German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.



A few years earlier I met Helmut Kohl campaigning in his native Rheinland. Kohl, a towering but slightly awkward provincial politician, was often described to Americans as an amicable Gerry Ford type-character, evoking our own president of a decade earlier. It was not totally a compliment. Yet through perseverance and fate, this man from a small Western German city became a statesman on the world stage not just because of German unity, but because that singular achievement came about in peace, liberty and freedom. Kohl has died at the age of 87.



His formal election as Chancellor came in early March 1983. I vividly recall watching the fog lift over the river Rhine in the great Cathedral city of Cologne that Sunday election morning. By evening in Bonn the capital, I witnessed the landslide of his Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the Free Democrats (FDP) which ushered in the opening act of the Helmut Kohl era. His political tenure would continue through sixteen years.



Kohl was deeply committed to the Atlantic Alliance. Yet standing shoulder to shoulder with the USA in NATO in the early 1980's was not as popular as it was assumed either inside Germany or on the American Left where a loud minority "Peace movement" created an atmosphere where many people viewed the U.S. as looking to start a nuclear war. Kohl stood fast against left wing political theatrics.



Though the summer and fall of 1989 saw political rumblings in the Soviet Empire in Hungary and Poland, even otherwise hardline East Germany witnessed large and vocal demonstrations against the ruling communist regime.



Yet it was in Berlin where the anvil of freedom would strike against the Soviet Imperium. The Joshua trumpet which sounded in 9 November 1989 heralded the historic events which would release a tsunami of liberty sweeping across Central Europe. By the end of 1989, it had torn through the old Iron Curtain and had shed the bright light of freedom.



But contrary to the accepted narrative, the fall of the Berlin Wall did not see the immediate demise of the "German Democratic Republic" whose Stasi and Soviet enforcers did not disappear with the November mist. Kohl advanced a democratic ten-point plan for reunification. Ambitious and costly yes, but one which would integrate 17 million East Germans as equals.



Kohn's miscalculation was that he said basically the old East Germany would need a fresh coat of paint and before long the landscape would be blooming. But decades of socialist mismanagement and repression had created a deeper challenge. Over the past quarter century since, the cost of reunification has been over a trillion dollars in massive infrastructural and social benefit transfers.



Chancellor Kohl was the architect of German unity on 3 October 1990, but the supporting cast included statesman and women who allowed it to happen. George H.W. Bush, Francois Mitterrand. Margaret Thatcher and Russia's Mikhail Gorbachev. In other words, the allies of WWII, who had defeated the Nazi regime in 1945, had to legally sign off on the occupation and allow the reunification of both West and East Germany. The Cold War had ended. Here at the UN, reunification meant that the two German delegations awarded membership in 1973 representing two separate states, namely the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, would merge into one representing a united German nation.



After reunification Kohl kept close links with the USA and especially stressed the importance of Transatlantic ties through NATO. Within Europe Kohl was close to French President Francois Mitterrand and is well remembered for a moving and mournful ceremony in Verdun, the killing field of the First World War.



Lessons of German unity were studied worldwide. When South Korea's President Kim Young-sam visited united Berlin in 1995 he exclaimed, "The question of Korean unification is no longer if it will happen, but how and when it will happen."



He was especially committed to Germany's European identity within the emerging economic and political power of the European Union (EU). His protege Angela Merkel became Chancellor in 2005.



Helmut Kohl's bold decisiveness and political vision helped achieve both German and indeed European unity. These extraordinary events, now a generation ago, were underscored by former President George H. W. Bush who called Kohl "One of the greatest leaders in post-war Europe."





John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China." Contact jjmcolumn@earthlink.net.




Companies will file administrative suit



By Yoon Sung-won



The government will increase the monthly telecom fee discount rate to 25 percent from 20 percent to reduce household telecom expenses by 4.6 trillion won a year.



Those who sign up for a one-year or two-year service subscription contract with a mobile carrier can choose either the monthly rate cut or a one-time subsidy on a new handset purchase.



According to the State Affairs Planning Advisory Committee and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, Thursday, the government will also mandate an extra 11,000 won ($9.64) discount on monthly telecom expenses for the elderly and those in the low-income group.



It will also establish more free Wi-Fi access points at schools, public organization buildings and on public transportation.



The presidential advisory panel and the ruling party expect that the plan will produce an aggregate 4.6 trillion won reduction in annual household telecom expenses.



The abolition of the basic telecom fee worth 11,000 won, which was one of President Moon Jae-in's key campaign pledges, was excluded from the plan in the face of strong opposition from telecom companies.



Regarding this, Lee Gae-ho, chairman of the economic committee under the advisory committee, said, "We will get telecom businesses and consumer groups to continue their talks."



Kim Tae-nyun, the deputy head of the committee, said, "The goal of abolishing the basic telecom fee was to lessen household telecom expenses. Our plan has the same effect, while we will continue to seek improvements in other areas."



The government plans to introduce measures that will immediately lessen the household telecom burden.



The advisory committee and the ruling party said the increase of the discount rate on the monthly fee will be introduced in September. They estimate that the measure will encourage more consumers to opt for this rather than the handset subsidy.



Companies up in arms



This plan, however, is expected to draw opposition from telecom companies as it will undermine their profitability.



Company officials from the three carriers are saying that they plan to initiate administrative lawsuits to stop the government from enforcing the "artificial" rate cuts.



They claim the policy is an intervention into private companies' management.



Lee said the companies will be able to withstand the 5 percentage point increase in the discount rate.



"The Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning is sufficiently acknowledging the detailed composition of the telecom fees of each mobile carrier," he said. "They can bear the 5 percentage point increase. We have devised the plan in consideration of their capabilities to invest in their preparations for fifth-generation networks."



The government also announced a measure for budget mobile carriers, which are expected to suffer a heavier blow after the telecom fee cuts. As budget mobile carriers lease network infrastructure from SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus, the government plans to reduce lease rates in August.



Targeting the consumer burden of purchasing new handsets, the government will revise the telecom act to scrap the upper limit of subsidies that telecom companies and handset makers can provide. It will also seek to get telecom companies and handset makers to separately notify their customers on how much the subsidies are to ensure market transparency.




By Yoon Sung-won



The explosive popularity of social media among Korean users is starting to subside amid a sense of fatigue on excessive information from the new medium, according to industry sources, Monday.



Data showed the numbers of users on major social media sites such as Facebook and Kakao Story are decreasing this year. According to market tracker Nielsen KoreanClick, the monthly active users of Facebook remained at 9.96 million in May, down 13.1 percent from 11.45 million a year earlier. That of Kakao Story was 12.59 million, down 17.76 percent from 15.31 million. Twitter also lost over 10 percent of its users in the month.



Facebook has been the most-used social media site in Korea, recording 5.6 billion minutes of cumulative use time on mobile devices in April, according to mobile app data researcher WiseApp. Naver's Band came second with 2 billon minutes. Instagram had 1 billon minutes and Kakao Story had 900 million minutes.



WiseApp pointed out Facebook's use time is continuing to decrease for the first four consecutive months of this year. Its use time was 6.6 billion minutes in January, 5.9 billion minutes in February and 5.8 billion minutes in March.



When the internet entered the business world in the 1990s, executives unaccustomed to the massive amount of information suffered from what is called "information fatigue syndrome," which made making decisions difficult.



"Adding to the information fatigue syndrome, social media users increasingly face concerns over excessive or unwanted disclosure of personal data. They also experience a sense of relative deprivation as they compare their actual lives with the seemingly happy lives of others," an internet service industry source said. Out of so-called "social media fatigue," some of them stop using social media or unregister from the services, he said.



"Though it has not been medically defined, those who excessively indulge in social media can feel stressed and fatigued. Some of them undergo withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to access social media," the source said.

An overflow of ads in social media timelines has also been pointed out as a cause of the user's tiredness.



In particular, Facebook is increasingly strengthening its ad business on the social media platform, tapping into its 2 billion global user base. Besides Facebook, most social media platforms have introduced ad platform algorithms that automatically analyze user patterns and preferences to publish ads.



"Ad platform businesses on social media will definitely continue to grow on the spread of mobile devices and their use. Social media platform operators will come up with more elaborate advertising techniques to penetrate into the lucrative market," a Seoul analyst said.



"It is notable that the number of ads that users have to watch is rapidly increasing while people have already started to access the services less. In the meantime, users may find the platform less intriguing."



Meanwhile, new types of social media such as video-sharing Snapchat and Naver's SNOW are gaining momentum in niche markets. Closed-doors social media services such as Blind are also popular.



Compared to mainstream social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Kakao Story, Blind provides anonymous communication channels among members of the same industry or company.






Air Seoul CEO Ryu Kwang-hee, fourth from left, poses with cabin crew during a media event at Incheon International Airport, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Lee Hyo-sik

Air Seoul will fly to major destinations in Japan and Southeast Asia, taking passengers from Jeju Air and four other local low-cost carriers (LCCs), the company chief said Thursday.

CEO Ryu Kwang-hee told reporters that the carrier, which began operations last October, will operate on international routes to Osaka and Guam, both popular destinations for Korean tourists, from Incheon International Airport starting Sept. 12.

Its planes will also start flying to Hong Kong and Narita International Airport near Tokyo on Oct. 31.

Currently, Air Seoul operates three A321-200 planes, leased from Asiana Airlines, on 11 international routes. The planes serve passengers heading to Takamatsu, Nagasaki and six other Japanese cities, as well as to Macau, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.

"We are excited about serving leisure travelers heading to these four popular overseas destinations in the second half of this year," Ryu said in the company's first press conference at Incheon International Airport.

Air Seoul planes will fly to Osaka twice a day and to three other destinations once a day.

"I have no doubt Air Seoul will be able to effectively compete with other LCCs by offering safe and pleasant flight services for both Korean and non-Korean customers," he said.

To service the four new routes, the carrier will add two new planes to its fleet, according to the CEO, who said the airline will continue to lease at least two new planes each year to cope with its expanding operations.

"Early next year, we plan to fly to destinations in the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. We also would like to serve routes linking Incheon and other domestic airports with destinations in China," Ryu said. "We will continue to serve people visiting small cities in Japan which could later become popular tourist sites."

Air Seoul was initially set up in 2015 to take over Asiana's unprofitable short-distance international routes when Korea's second-largest flagship carrier was sandwiched by industry leader Korean Air and five local LCCs.

Asiana has had a hard time competing with LCCs in costs as it pays workers more and offers more services. In addition, Asiana has lagged behind Korean Air in attracting passengers on long-distance international routes.

After handing over its short-distance international routes to Air Seoul, the company plans to mobilize more resources to become a premium carrier capable of competing with Korean Air and other multinational carriers.
After starring as a vampire, as a king and countless other roles, and even taking on a villain role in the Hollywood blockbuster franchise "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter," Lee Joon Gi is set to take on a new role. This time, the actor will be starring in a crime procedural.

According to Soompi, Lee Joon Gi recently appeared in a pictorial for Marie Claire Korea and shared his thoughts about his upcoming role. The actor will be one of the lead stars of the Korean version of the ABC crime procedural "Criminal Minds."

Lee Joon Gi said that he will play the role of NCI agent Hyun Joon who will be part of a team of profilers who identify the culprits in various crimes using their expertise in understanding the criminal profile. tVn recently scored the rights to the American franchise which is now on its 12th season in the US.

"Unlike my other projects, I want to show a Lee Joon Gi who is more alive and active as 'Hyun Joon,'" the actor said in the Marie Claire interview. "I am having a good time filming it. I want to surprise the public with new characters every time."

Lee Joon Gi said that he is enjoying the challenge of playing different roles in his projects because he wants to show a different side of his skills to his fans with every outing. In "Criminal Minds," Lee Joon Gi will star alongside an equally talented group of actors with Moon Chae Won, Son Hyun Joo, Yoo Sun, Lee Sun Bin and Go Yoon also on board the project, Korea Portal reported.

"Criminal Minds" is expected to release this July on tVn. The first season is expected to have 20 episodes. "Criminal Minds" follows the list of American series adapted for the Korean audience like "The Good Wife" and "Entourage."
Donbas water supply to be discussed at next meeting of Trilateral Contact Group for Ukraine - Sajdik

The Trilateral Contact Group mediating the settlement process in eastern Ukraine will draw up suggestions for its next meeting on how to ensure the undisrupted functioning of the water supply system in the conflict area in Donbas, the special representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the Trilateral Contact Group, Martin Sajdik, told reporters in Minsk on Wednesday.

The Trilateral Contact Group unanimously backed OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Chief Monitor Ertugrul Apakan's proposal to draft measures in time for the group's next meeting to ensure the undisrupted operations of the region's water supply infrastructure, Sajdik said after the Contact Group's meeting.

It concerns the water supply networks and pumping stations near the populated localities of Vasylivka, Petrivske, Krasny Lyman and the system of the Southern Donbas water pipeline, he said.

The issue of water supply and payments for it were also discussed by the economy subgroup, he said.

The positive thing is that since the end of May, the second payment has already been transferred for water supplies to the certain districts of the Luhansk region, a move that will help provide the population of these districts with water, Sajdik said.

However, a stable mechanism of payments for water supplies has yet to be worked out, he said.
The meeting of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron is scheduled in Paris on Monday, June 26, the Ukrainian president has said.

"We were invited to meet with President Macron in Paris on June 26. And he has a very pro-European position. We are preparing for the leaders' talks next week in the Normandy format and these are very important and very effective weeks for Ukraine and for Europe," Poroshenko said during a joint statement with President of the European Council Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.
About 500 Ukrainian servicemen commit suicide upon return from war in Donbas

About 500 Ukrainian servicemen have committed suicide upon their return from the war in Donbas, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said.

"According to the military prosecution service, about 500 suicides committed by participants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) were registered upon their return from the war zone as of early June," the minister said in an article titled, 'Strategy of hybrid peace', for the newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda.

Avakov referred to the international standard of military conflicts: 90-95% of soldiers eventually develop medical (nervous) conditions and social problems, and about a third of them demonstrate post-traumatic stress disorder, whose frequent outcome is suicide.

The number of domestic violence reports filed by families of Ukrainian combatants in Donbas grew eight-fold as early as in 2015, Avakov said.
The Donbas reintegration bill was not on the agenda of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's negotiations with senior members of the U.S. Administration in Washington DC, Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker Iryna Gerashchenko said.

"Was the Donbas reintegration bill discussed at those meetings? No. Neither this nor other bills were discussed," Gerashchenko said on Facebook on Thursday morning, following Poroshenko's visit to the United States.

She said though that the Donbas settlement process "was high on the agenda, and a broad range of conflict settlement issues and the restoration of peace in Donbas was discussed in that context," she said.

Gerashchenko was a member of the Poroshenko delegation that visited the United States on June 20-21.
A number of former members of the Donbas volunteer battalion have appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine demanding it investigate what they say are crimes committed by Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy Semen Semenchenko, who is a member of the Samopomich faction.

"Our appeal will be signed and sent to the PGO today. We want to raise this issue. Semenchenko is someone who lies a lot. Ordinary people still have not figured out that this is not a secret, but [Ukrainian] media is ignoring this," Donbas volunteer battalion member Oleksandr Kalashnyk said on Thursday during a press conference at the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Signatories of the appeal said they would also petition Rada deputies about crimes allegedly committed by Semenchenko.
Ukraine's National Guard in 2017 has detained about 300 individuals with ties to the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, National Guard Commander Yuriy Allerov has said.

" Our military men have detained about 300 individuals during five months in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) area [in eastern Ukraine]. There are many confirmed targets for destruction, which our snipers have handled," Allerov on Thursday told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
Historic ties of north Meck span throughout region Though the north Mecklenburg area didnt see significant population growth until a few decades ago, its rich history dates back to the Revolutionary War. That was the basis of...

An easier-than-expected first mammogram experience HUNTERSVILLE  Scheduling a cancer screening probably ranks somewhere on your to-do list between "clean out the garage" and "donate those clothes that don't fit." Sure, you'll get to it at...
The issue of extending the EU sanctions against Russia will be discussed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU member states, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Thursday.

The issue of sanctions is not on currently on the agenda, it will be discussed at the ambassadorial level, he said.

The EU's sectoral sanctions on Russia expire on July 31. Earlier, it was reported that the EU summit on June 22-23 intends to recommend extending economic sanctions against Russia, which are linked to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. At the same time, according to a senior EU official, the heads of states and governments will assess the progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
This article appears in the June 23, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

Make American-Chinese Cooperation

for the New Silk Road, the Heart of

a Common Destiny for Mankind

[Print version of this article]

The following speech was delivered by Helga Zepp-LaRouche, on June 17, 2017, to a conference sponsored by the Schiller Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

Dear Guests of the Schiller Institute Conference in Detroit:

If you only believe the Western media, especially the mainstream media in the United States, you actually would have quite a reason to be pessimistic, because what do you see? You see an unbelievable campaign against President Trump, a color revolution. You have a special prosecutor who is supposedly investigating Russia-gate, the absurd idea that Russia stole the election from Hillary Clinton, and gave it to Trump, a special prosecutor who investigates possible obstruction of justice, and you get the impression that its only a question of time when the presidency of President Trump will fail.

Schiller Institute Helga Zepp-LaRouche

If that would be the only reality, it would be very bad for the people of America, and the world. For the people who have voted for Trump, which Hillary Clinton called cynically the deplorables, it would mean that they still have one hundred million jobs lacking, because thats the actual figure which is not in the statistics, but that is the reality of unemployment in America. They would still have a dropping life expectancy rate, which is the surest indicator for a failing economy.

But this is not the whole reality: Because what the mainstream media are not reporting, is that there is already, right now, a completely new paradigm becoming a reality.

Less than four years ago, President Xi Jinping of China announced a completely new policy which he called the New Silk Road. He did that in September 2013 in Kazakhstan, and in the almost four years since, this new economic cooperation policy, the so-called Belt and Road Initiative, has taken on a dynamic that is absolutely breathtaking. It is already now about twenty times as big as the Marshall Plan in the post-war reconstruction after the Second World War. And it is not limited by that, by no means: It is open-ended.

There are already six major industrial development corridors, in various parts of the Eurasian continent. You have more than one hundred ten countries cooperating, and it extends to all of Asia. It already reachesdespite the policies of the European Union, which is very hesitant, to say the leastit reaches into Eastern and Central European countries, the Balkan countries. Italy is cooperating, as are Spain and Portugal. France has a positive attitude. Switzerland wants to be a hub of the New Silk Road, and even the small country of Luxembourg now recognizes the advantages of this new policy. It reaches into Latin America.

But from my standpoint, one of the most important things is that it has changed the nature of the crisis in Africa completely. By the Chinese building railways, from Djibouti to Addis Ababafrom Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Tanzaniareaching into the heart of Africa, it has completely changed the outlook of the Africans, in terms of a real perspective of overcoming poverty and underdevelopment.

The largest infrastructure project in history is now at least under consideration, in terms of a feasibility study: It is the Transaqua Project, which is the idea to refill Lake Chad, which has only ten percent of its original water at this point, and take some of the water from the tributaries of the Congo River and bring it along a system of rivers and canals, and this way, give hydropower to 12 countries which are along the route, bring in inland waterways, and provide plenty of water for irrigation of agriculture. So, it has completely changed the self-confidence of the Africans.

The View from China

There was, in mid-May, a very, very important summit in Beijing, the Belt and Road Forum. There were twenty-nine heads of state, representing, together with other top leaders, one hundred ten nations. There were 1,200 international delegates. And I had the extraordinary honor to be one of the invited speakers, and I could both speak and make a commentary at the Think-Tank Summit, which was part of the Belt and Road Forum. And then, I had the opportunity to have high-level meetings, in Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai, in the following two weeks.

And from that very fresh experience, I can tell you: The world looks completely different from this perspective.

First of all, the delegates at the Forum had the very distinct feeling of participating in the shaping of history, of the creation of a new world economic order, a completely new paradigm of mankind, where geopolitics is superseded by a win-win cooperation among all nations which participate in this project.

Now, what is being discussed and being realized, here, is to export the Chinese economic miracle, in a win-win form of cooperation among all the nations of Eurasia, Africa, Latin America, and so forth. People from China naturally know what the Chinese economic miracle is, but I think Americans tend to underestimate it. It is really the greatest economic achievement in the history of mankind, and I think it goes even beyond the famous German economic miracle. Because in 1949, when the Peoples Republic of China was founded, because of the civil war and the war against Japan, the life expectancy in China was only thirty-five years. The infant mortality was twenty percent. The illiteracy rate was eighty percent.

Since the economic reforms of Deng Xiaoping, but especially in the last thirty years, these kinds of economic policies have created an economic miracle that is unlike any other development in any other country. It lifted 800 million people out of poverty. At this point, there are only four percent left in severe poverty, and it is the aim of the Chinese government to overcome and eliminate that poverty by the year 2020. The life expectancy has gone up to seventy-six years average. The illiteracy rate is only four percent; it is probably much less than that in the United States, at this point.

And China has become the world leader in many areas, but especially in the building of fast train systems, and it has already constructed more than 20,000 km of fast train systems, and it has the aim to connect every Chinese city by the year 2020 with a fast train. That will probably be 50,000 km of such fast train lines.

Now, since the Belt and Road Forum took place in mid-May, you have had, in rapid sequence, two other major international economic events. One was the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, and then the Shanghai Cooperation Organization annual meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. What you see in these meetings is the extremely rapid economic integration of the New Silk Road, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and reaching out even beyond that.

President Putin just gave an interview, where he invited all Russian citizens to ask questions, and he got two million questions. One question referred to the cooperation between the New Silk Road and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and he stated what is very obvious: That this does not just improve the relations between Russia and China, but it is of global importance for the well-being of the entire civilization. President Xi Jinping has said the same thing many, many times, that what we are talking about is a completely new approach to world affairs, a community for a shared future of mankind.

Obviously, the key for this Belt and Road Initiative to succeed, is that the relationship between the United States and China must be going well, and they must cooperate, because they are the two largest economies of the world. And when these two countries can find a new relationship between each other, I am absolutely confident that there is no single problem on the planet which cannot be solved.

On Thursday, there was a very important high-level meeting in New York, which was addressed by, among others, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai, who basically gave us the story, that in history, it has happened sixteen times that a rising power was surpassing the existing dominant power. The ambassador noted that in twelve of these sixteen times it came to a war, and that four times, the rising power superseded the existing power.

He said that we do not want to have either the example of the twelve wars, nor the other four. What we are talking about is a completely new page in history, a true win-win cooperationnot a zero-sum game, where one wins and the other one loses, but a community of shared interest. In other words, that it is the key to what even many leaders in the United States have been warning about, that the United States does not fall into the so-called Thucydides trap, which refers historically to the same problem between the ancient Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta, which led to the Peloponnesian War, and finally, to the destruction of the Greek state.

The Real Reason for the Attacks on President Trump

Now, fortunately, with the election of President Trump, that danger is clearly very much diminished. There was a very good meeting in Mar-a-Lago, the first summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping, earlier this year. As a follow-up, President Trump sent his advisor Matt Pottinger to the Belt and Road Forum in May. So this is on a very good route.

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President Trump (@POTUS) on Twitter

But let me just say, in parenthesis, that this very positive attitude of President Trump to Chinaand Russia, actuallyis the real reason why there is right now the attempt of a color revolution against President Trump. It is because Trump is about to improve the relationship with Russia and China, qualitatively, way beyond anything in the past. And it is the political forces representing the old paradigm, those people who thought that when the Soviet Union had collapsed that they would build an unipolar world and keep Russia down, prevent the rise of China: It is they who have started what President Trump has called an unprecedented witch-hunt against his Presidency, peddling the absolutely absurd idea that it was the Russians who stole the election from Hillary Clinton and gave it to Trump. These are the same people who are now leading the charge that President Trump was involved in obstruction of justice, which is a complete lie. Even the New York Post came to the conclusion that the unbelievable hearing by the former FBI Director James Comey was really a show, which can only be characterized as J. Edgar Comey, in a clear reference to J. Edgar Hoover, who used to blackmail Presidents and threaten them with the distribution of lies.

We should be absolutely aware: This is a very tense situation. It is not just what people now call the so-called deep state, meaning the military-industrial complex, the intelligence community, in combination with the mainstream media. We should not underestimate the role of the British Empire. It was the Financial Times calling for the impeachment of Trump. It was the New York Times, which is supporting this disgusting performance of Julius Caesar in New York, where the main actor playing Julius Caesar looks like Trump, and his wife is dressed up like Melania Trump, and celebrating the death and the murder of Caesar, every day. So, this is a very serious matter, but it can be defeated.

Privatization Wont Work

In order to make the collaboration among the United States, Russia and China successful, however, we cannot leave the cooperation in infrastructure on the level of private investments. The problem with private investors is, that they want to have a twelve percent return, per year, which is a completely wrong idea, in terms of the function of infrastructure. If Trump would just add it to the Federal budget, he would have the same opposition from the Democrats and the Republicans, which brought down the repeal of Obamacare.

The privatization of large infrastructure just does not work. There was an example in recent history where this was attempted and led to a complete disaster. I want to remind you of it and tell you about it, and that was when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Wethat is my husband, Lyndon LaRouche, and myselfwe proposed to take the Productive Triangle, the region from Paris, Berlin, Vienna, which was no longer separated by the wall, beef it up through modern technologies, and then have infrastructure development corridors into Eastern Europe, to Warsaw, Kiev, and the Balkans. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, we simply extended that conception to all of Eurasia, connecting the infrastructure corridors between Asia and Europe, and in this way, have the industrial and population centers of Europe and Asia connected.

This would have been the basis for a peace plan. It would have allowed the use of the industries of the Comecon for the modernization of the infrastructure of these countries with the help of Western technology, and it would have totally changed history for the better. But at that point, this was not the geopolitical intention of Margaret Thatcher, Mitterrand, or Bush Sr., and they went for privatization instead.

When the first part of the project, the Productive Triangle, was on the agenda, the chairman of Deutsche Bank, Alfred Herrhausen, had a similar proposal for the development of Poland, where he proposed to use the famous Credit Institution for Reconstruction [Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau] which had been the financial basis for the economic miracle of Germany after the Second World War. He was assassinated, and so was Detlev Rohwedder, who was in charge of restructuring the state-owned industries of the G.D.R., East Germany. He had come to the conclusion that he wanted to reconstruct them first, and then see what was socially acceptable, in terms of privatization. He was assassinated, and then, instead, they replaced him with a woman called Birgit Breuel, who went for rapid privatization. It led to a complete clear-cutting of the industry. The results are still to be felt today, because in the eastern part of Germany, there are still some towns and villages which are almost without people, because all the young people had moved awaythere were no jobs left, and only those who were too old to move would stay.

The same thing happened after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when Jeffrey Sachs went for shock therapy, and was able, in the privatization of state-owned industries, to cut the industrial power of Russia, between 1991-94 down to only one-third.

This had unbelievable social consequences. It led to a complete demographic collapse. Russia lost one million people each year in the 1990s under Yeltsin, and it was clearly a form of genocide, which was only reversed by President Putin. It led to the phenomenon of the oligarchs, people, who all of a sudden were billionaires, without doing any work.

The same problem now exists for Africa, and the Africans are very clear: They say, this whole policy by the European Union to go for private investment in infrastructure in Africa will not work, because private investors want profit, and they are not concerned about the future for Africa.

This is why my husband recently called for the full implementation of a national credit policy, a policy in the tradition of Alexander Hamilton, Glass-Steagall, a National Bank, a credit system, and in this way only can America be integrated into the New Silk Road effort.

What has to be understood is that there are certain areas of the economy where private interests cannot play a useful role, becuse the projects create a framework for the entire economy. Infrastructure is not just measured by the cost you invest in it, or by the profit you get out of it, from toll booths and other such means, but the true value of infrastructure is obviously the entire transformation of the productivity of industry, which is made possible as a result of the productivity of labor power.

A Policy for the Future

What we are talking about is an entirely new economic platform, which is defined by a new level of technology. In this time, it must be absolutely fast train systems, it must be the maglev, and what the United States really needs, given the fact that they have only a miserable 150 km of fast trains, somewhere between New York and Bostonand these trains only go up to 150 km per hourwhat is needed in the United States is about 40,000 miles of a combination of maglev and fast trains, integrated with urban metro systems to reduce the average commuting time, from presently up to four hours, to only twenty minutes.

The efficiency of infrastructure is all the more important, the more developed the level of production is. For many areas, industrial urban areas, like New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Chicago, or the greater Detroit region, or Cleveland, Ohio, I would suggest what should be taken as a model is the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei model, which is planned to be turned into a super-city. Its called the Jing-Jin-Ji model, and it is supposed to take 130 million citizens, create one integrated new city of over 212,000 sq. km, integrate a system of airports, highways, fast train systems, maglev, and metroso that for every person, it takes no more than twenty minutes to go from his house to his job. The trains should go about 200-350 kph.

In the case of the Beijing-Hebei-Tianjin model, there is a specific role for every city. Beijing is supposed to focus on technology and culture; Tianjin will be a research base for manufacturing; Hebei will have a core in minor industries. A similar approach should be taken for the United States, including both a renewal of existing urban areas, where the infrastructure is absolutely desolate, totally decrepit, but also the creation of entirely new cities, science cities, where centers for scientific and technological cooperation and international projects will be put on the agenda.

I think, the biggest problem is: Do not just get stuck in the present problems. The infrastructure discussion in New York, as we saw it in the last couple of days: they dont have a vision for the future yet. They think about how to fix LaGuardia Airport; they dont consider that there could be population growth, or economic growth, or that with a fast train system, as we are proposing it, the function of airports would be completely differentso, maybe, you dont want to focus only on the airport, you should start with a fast train system as part of an integrated infrastructure system.

What we have to do, is to look at this whole question from the standpoint of the future, from the standpoint of a completely new paradigm of cooperation among nations. We have to start with the idea of one mankind, of a completely new set of relations among nations, where nations are not just looking for their own interest, but start with the interest of the other. That was the basis of the Peace of Westphalia, which has been the basis for international law and it is now the basis for the idea of win-win cooperation. Then, we can concentrate on the common aims of mankind.

What are these common aims of mankind? We can find cures for diseases, which are still incurable today. We can develop the idea of energy and raw materials security, once we think about the commercial use of thermonuclear fusion power. We can think about the benefits for every nation, in joint cooperation in science and technology, of space collaboration. And we can imagine many, many more breakthroughs, breakthroughs where we dont even know yet what questions to ask. That is the true nature of human creativity, that there are no limits to what human beings can accomplish.

We are still in the infancy of development of the human species. And I think we are very lucky that we are alive and can shape the future at this point. But I think the most crucial aspect for this whole perspective, to succeed, is: Make the American-Chinese cooperation for the New Silk Road function in the immediate period.
This article appears in the June 23, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

NEW YORK SUMMER OF HELL CHAOS LOOMS

No Piecemeal Infrastructure Approach

Possible: U.S.A. Requires New Paradigm

[Print version of this article]

June 20As at least 1.5 million commuters are already aware, what New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has called the Summer of Hell begins on July 10. If leading officials in the New York Metropolitan area do not quickly change the way they are thinking about the rail and tunnel situation, it will truly become hellish, in ways they cannot even imagine. At issue is a tunnel and rail system that is more than a century old, which moves millions of people in and out of Manhattan every day. After derailments in early April, it became clear that repairs to the tracks at Penn Station could no longer be delayed, so these urgently needed repairs are set to begin on July 10. This means a reduction in the number of trains entering Penn Station, which will affect Long Island and New Jersey commuters, who will have to find alternative routes to get into the city.

Theres the Rub!

Since necessary action on the overall rail grid has been so long delayed, and what has actually been done has been squeezed to miniscule proportions due to budget constraints and small-mindedness, there is no redundancy in alternative routes that can accommodate a 20% increase in commuters. The rush-hour traffic by car is already intense; the bus lanes through Lincoln Tunnel are at or above maximum capacity; and the same is true for the other rail lines. Governor Cuomo is reportedly trying to make emergency repairs on crumbling roads to handle the extra automobile traffic, and in New Jersey, Morris County and Essex County commuters will be rerouted to the PATH trains Hoboken station, but these trains are also already at or over capacity as well.

In April 2019, the L train line will be closed for 15 months to repair the Canarsie Tunnel, damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. A proposal to reroute the G Train to help address this problem was shot down by MTA representatives, who say that there are already too many trains using the proposed alternative line. What no one is saying straight out, is that we have reached the end. That is, there is no redundancy. The entire system is at the breaking point, and closing one section for repair or maintenance risks pushing another section over the limit. Better for half of New York City to just take a two-month vacation somewhere else. Helga Zepp-LaRouche pointed out today, that unless there is a comprehensive plan to solve this, and people are informed of it, there will be chaos and potential upheaval.

There are already hints of such chaos as the overloaded system groans oneven before the scheduled reductions in service. In early June, a subway car got stuck in a tunnel and the temperatures inside became sauna-like, while the passengers waited for 45 minutes for the train to move. Now, passengers are breaking out of stalled trains and walking on the tracks to get to workan extremely dangerous proposition.

The Solution for TomorrowToday

A few weeks ago, Lyndon LaRouche called for assembling a committee to put forward a solution to this crisis. That committee is being assembled. This problem cannot be addressed through public-private partnerships and piecemeal, localized plans. China is building transcontinental, high-speed rail corridors in Asia, South America, and Africa. We must think like the Chinese, and join their Belt and Road Initiative. As we develop real high-speed railthat is, trains that travel at 250 mphBoston and Philadelphia will become part of this region. New York City will be the center of it. The new tracks and stations must be planned to serve a vibrant region of East Coast commuters for at least 50 years into the future. Adding sky lights and shopping centers to Penn Station will do nothing, except waste time and money.

The only way to fund an infrastructure program on the scale that is needed, is in the way that Lyndon LaRouche has proposed in his Four Laws. First and foremost, stop the hemorrhaging with Glass-Steagall. No more trillion-dollar quantitative easing (QE) packages; that money is worthless! The banks must be separated by functionthat is, solvent commercial and savings & loan banks must be separated from speculative investment banks. That step must be followed immediately by the creation of a top-down system of national banking and credit, as President Abraham Lincoln did with his successful Greenback policy.

The purpose of such a Federal Credit System is to increase the productivity of the American people, through investment in, and development of advanced technologies, which will also create mass employment in new, productive jobs. Jobs which can become careers, as opposed to taking in each others laundry, as millions are now doing with the informal, app-based, slave-labor economy of today.

Finally, all of this must be driven by a commitment to harnessing thermonuclear fusion power to supply mankinds ever-increasing need for energy. Not only will a modern rail grid require an abundance of electricity, but moving mankind into space, to learn the secrets of the universe, and develop breakthroughs in science, means developing nuclear-powered rockets as President Kennedy envisioned.

Since New Yorkers are known for being outspoken, cosmopolitan, and impassioned individuals, it is unlikely that they will sit passively on the sidelines as everything breaks down. If this passion can be focussed properly, on working with President Trump to implement his campaign slogan, Make America Great Again, and through American system methods, as LaRouche has proposed, the summer may well be hell, but the knowledge that a better future will result from current difficulties will avert complete chaos. On the other hand, if leading officials persist in their foolishly small-minded, money-worshipping state of denial exhibited thus far, expect a very hot summer of chaos and upheaval, with no end in sight. Its up to you.
This editorial appears in the June 23, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.

What Are the Real Issues

Behind All This?

[Print version of this editorial]

June 15The British have repeatedly assassinated American Presidents, after first assassinating the father of our Constitutional system, Alexander Hamilton. But you would have to go all the way back to Abraham Lincoln, to find the sorts of repeated threats against a President, especially threats of murder, that are being made against President Trump right now as you read thisunder British direction. A comedian is circulating a photograph of herself on the Internet, holding up a replica of the Presidents headsevered.

At the same time, the protracted stabbing-murder of President Trump is being regularly performed before large audiences in New Yorks Central Park, under the proud sponsorship, and with the repeated vigorous endorsement, of the traitors at the British-loving New York Timesunder the absurd guise of Shakespeares Julius Caesar. The actor allegedly portraying Julius Caesar in this bloody farce, is dressed and made up to look exactly like President Trumpwhile his wife speaks with a Slavic accent and looks and dresses just like the Presidents wife, Melania.

Obviously, no one believes the New York Times that this represents freedom of speech. It represents deliberate incitement to political murder, or even a license to killand that, even while an innocent U.S. Congressman, and another innocent man, are in critical condition in a Washington hospital, after being shot yesterday morning by a crazed mass-shooter looking for Republicans to kill.

Much more just like this could be adduced, as you all know.

The British Empire, whose bloodlust is behind all of this, just called this morning for Trumps impeachment, in its flagship Financial Times of London.

The reason for the parallel to the same murderous hysteria whipped up against Abraham Lincoln, is that the issues today are actually no less important now, than they were then. Then, it was the question of the survival of this Republic in the face of that same British Empirea question which involved the future of the entire human species. Now, Lyndon LaRouche has made it clear that the victory of Jim Comey and Bob Muellers FBI in their attempted coup against President Trump, would plunge the world into a nuclear war which would destroy our civilization and perhaps our species.

On the other side, the continuation of the Constitutional institution of the Presidency under the legitimate President Donald Trumpand the prosecution and conviction of the foreign-sponsored traitors who would wreck itmoves the United States into the New Paradigm for which Lyndon and Helga LaRouche have fought for almost half a century, by way of President Trumps open and sincere commitment to peace and partnership with Russia and China. We must restore Roosevelts Glass-Steagall Act as President Trump has promised, as part of Lyndon LaRouches Four Laws of June 2014, encompassing national banking, massive Federal credit issuance, fusion power development, and a full space program in an international cooperative effort.

The choice is now before this generation, before each of us, and before you personally.
PRESS RELEASE

Pushkov on Putin-Trump Meeting at G20 Summit

June 21, 2017 (EIRNS)Commenting on the proposed meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the July 7-8 G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, Russian Sen. Alexander Pushkov, the chairman of the Federation Councils committee on information policy and media, said:

"If you ask me what the highlight of the G20 summit will be, I would reply that it will be the meeting of [Vladimir] Putin and [Donald] Trump. Trump, being under pressure from his political opponents, has had no opportunity to meet with Vladimir Putin. I think that a lot will depend on this meeting; that is why it is so highly anticipated everywherefrom Tallin to Lisbon, from Beijing to Cairo,"

according to TASS. Russias Federation Council is the upper house of the national legislature, the Federal Assembly.

"I think an agreement on it will be reached," said the Senator during a visit to Berlin. Comparing the upcoming talks to the 2001 meeting between Putin and then U.S. President George Bush in Ljubljana, he said:
PRESS RELEASE

Senates Feverish Sanctions Bill Stalled by House, White House

June 21, 2017 (EIRNS)The bill to put new sanctions on both Russia and Iran, which passed the U.S. Senate 98-2 last week, is now stalled in the House of Representatives. The Senate bill was passed in a fever of self-righteousness; its main sponsors repeatedly justified it as "punishing Russia and Iran for what theyre doing," with Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee out-McCarthying each other. But the Senate had been warned by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson not to pass the bill, and the White House has since sought to slow it down and change it in the House.

On Tuesday, House Republican leaders found a way to stall the bill: It is unconstitutional. As Bloomberg News reported,

"House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady of Texas said that House leaders concluded, in consultation with the parliamentarian, that the legislation, S. 722, violated the origination clause of the Constitution, which required legislation that raises revenue to originate in the House."

Brady gave the bill full lip-service.

"I strongly support sanctions against Iran and Russia to hold them accountable. We were willing to work with the Senate throughout the process, but the final bill and final language violated the origination clause in the Constitution,"

he said. Brady made clear that the House leadership is not proposing a sanctions bill to the Senate, but rather will wait for the Senate to pass a new one which cures the Constitutional problem.

The Republicans simultaneous announcement about another Senate bill, that chambers still-secret version of repeal of Obamacare, made clear they are willing to ignore the parliamentarian and Constitutional questions when motivatedin this case, to be able to pass legislation with just 51 votes and no possibility of filibuster. So White House pressure may be part of the sudden Constitutional concerns about the anti-Russia/Iran sanctions.

Senate Democrats immediately responded as "more McCarthyite than thou." Said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York,

"House Republicans are considering using a procedural excuse to hide what theyre really doing: covering for a president who has been far too soft on Russia."

Neither party has chosen to notice or address the furious reaction of U.S. allies Germany and Austria last week, against the sanctions bill.
PRESS RELEASE

U.S.-China Dialogue Discussed Raising Relations for 40-Year Span

June 21, 2017 (EIRNS)Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis came out to meet the press at the conclusion of the first session of the "Diplomatic and Security Dialogue" with their Chinese counterparts. This is the revamped dialogue that had been held previously between the two countries, but under President Trump it was raised to Cabinet-level, with the aim of achieving concrete goals. While the parties will also meet for dinner, the press conference was called late afternoon at the end of the formal session. The press conference included only the senior American officials, Secretaries Tillerson and Mattis.

Tillerson struck an up-beat tone, saying that he and Mattis had been "pleased" to host the dialogue, and that President Trump was looking forward to his state visit to China later this year.

"As weve said before," Tillerson said,"U.S. and China relations have undergone a profound transformation over the past 40 years. These dialogues provide an opportunity to consider how were going to engage and how were going to live with one another over the next 40 years. In furthering these relations, we need to work to expand areas of cooperation, as we did today on issues where we have shared security interest."

Tillersonand Mattis subsequentlyindicated that they were still working together on the issue of North Korea, and that both parties were in agreement on the overall goal of a nuclear-free peninsula. He said that they had urged China to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime and were hopeful they would do so.

The Secretary notably said, "We agreed that China will help Iraq, in multiple ways, to achieve more stability and development" as it defeats ISIS. And he indicated that they had had a "frank exchange of views" on the South China Sea. While they held different views on the situation, Tillerson said that China was committed to resolve the disputes diplomatically and in accordance with international law.

Mattis said that the dialogue had been

"a unique opportunity for our nations to engage in philosophical-level discussions about how we discuss these issues, and the mutually beneficial future we can create."

Mattis indicated that DoD would plan more officer exchanges with China and develop mechanisms for more open and effective communications between the two militaries. He also noted that they would manage their differences where they exist, adding that "while competition between our nations is bound to occur, conflict is not inevitable."

Importantly, neither official placed any military option on any table regarding North Korea, although Tillerson noted that "China understands that this is the United States top security concern." The potential reared its head when Mattis was asked about President Trumps Tuesday evening Tweet,

"While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi and China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

Mattis said that the President was simply "expressing the anger and frustration of the American people" at the D.P.R.K. (North Korean) regime.

State Councillor Yang Jiechi will remain in Washington tomorrow for discussions on Capitol Hill, and he will hold talks at the White House with National Security Adviser McMasters and presidential advisor Jared Kushner.

The days of Barack Obama pronouncing, "We make the rules. China must learn to play by the rules," are gone, replaced by mutual respect and hope for future cooperation.
Ritz-Carlton is a brand that defined luxury in the lodging industry. Now, that name will be emblazoned on a new cruising and yachting venture aimed at upscale vacationers.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., a subsidiary of the hospitality giant Marriott International Inc., announced Thursday that it is launching the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a high-end yachting and cruising endeavor that will take to the seas in 2019.

Cruising experts, however, note that other newcomers to cruising have tried to break into the industry with little success.

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They are not reinventing the wheel by attempting to get into the six-star cruising market, said Stewart Chiron, a longtime cruise reviewer and author of Cruiseguy.com.

The venture, established in partnership with Los Angeles investment firm Oaktree Capital, will start small with three custom-built yachts, designed to hold no more than 298 passengers each. Each ship will feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony, and will drop anchor in smaller ports not accessible to large cruise ships.

Douglas Prothero, managing director of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said guests will be able to hire the yachts for custom charter tours or reserve a cabin on scheduled cruises.

He said the business hopes to fill a niche left vacant by traditional cruise companies that are focused primarily on filling massive ships with hundreds of passengers.

That has left an opportunity in the market, Prothero said, adding that the Ritz-Carlton yachts will not include casinos or large show lounges. Think of it as a casual luxury resort at sea.

Still, Marriott will face competition from luxury cruise companies such as Seabourn, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas cruises, among others. Such cruise companies sail ships that carry 400 to 600 passengers, with seven-night cruises to Europe ranging in price from $7,400 to $14,000.

The first two Ritz-Carlton ships will launch in 2019 and 2021 and will cruise ports in the Mediterranean Sea, northern Europe, Canada and the Great Lakes during the summer months while sailing to destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean Sea in the winter.

The third ship, expected to put to sea in 2022, will focus on touring the Pacific Rim.

Porthero said the company has yet to establish prices and fares, but reservations will open in May 2018.

Chiron cited several unsuccessful attempts to break into the $117-billion cruise industry with unique money-making ideas.

In 2002, Ocean Development Group teamed up with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to propose a 720-foot luxury residential cruise ship to set sail in 2007. But because of financing problems, the plan fell through.

Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer announced plans in 2012 to launch a cruise ship that would replicate the ill-fated Titanic that sank in the North Atlantic in 1912 after striking an iceberg.

Palmer originally said the ship would set sail by 2016 and has since promised to put the ship to sea by 2018.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
Kyiv's Appeals Court has ruled on pretrial confinement for two more former tax officials in its so-called illegal tax schemes investigation, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine press service has said.

"On June 22, 2017 Kyiv's Appellate Court approved the request of the Main Military Prosecutor's Office on pretrial custody of two ex heads of district state tax inspection offices in Kyiv. The men served during the term of disgraced ex-President Viktor Yanukovych and his tax chief Klymenko," the press release said.

The PGO's press service said one of the former tax officials was remanded to pretrial confinement, setting bail at UAH 5 million. The court set bail was set at UAH 2 million or pretrial confinement for the second suspect.

Ukraine's Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios on his Facebook page on Thursday said of the 23 suspects arrested in this case.
Responding to thousands of complaints that its new employee uniforms are causing an allergic reaction, American Airlines announced Wednesday that it wont renew its contract with the manufacturer.

In a letter to employees, the Fort Worth-based airline said it has agreed with garment maker Twin Hill to end its partnership to supply employee uniforms after its contract expires in 2020.

It is clear we need a long-term solution because the current approach simply does not work, according to the letter signed by American Airlines senior vice presidents Kerry Philipovitch, David Seymour and Kurt Stache.

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Twin Hill, a subsidiary of Fremont, Calif.-based Tailored Brands, issued a statement saying that tests discovered nothing toxic or harmful in the airline uniforms, made of a wool blend, but has agreed to breaking off the partnership with the airline to prevent further harm to the company.

Twin Hill has determined that the reputational risk, management distraction, and legal and other costs associated with serving American in the future would be unacceptable to our business, given the likelihood of continued unfounded allegations about the safety of our garments, the company statement said.

The problems began in September, when American Airlines began  for the first time in nearly 30 years  distributing new uniforms to its 70,000 flight attendants, pilots and other workers.

So far, at least 3,500 flight attendants have reported negative reactions to the material in the uniforms, including hives, rashes and headaches, according to the Assn. of Professional Flight Attendants.

American Airlines has offered employees who complain about the material the option of wearing uniforms made of polyester or 100% cotton, as well as uniforms made by an independent supplier. The companys previous uniforms were made primarily of synthetic material, such as polyester.

For now, American Airlines employees will continue to wear the Twin Hill uniform or the alternative outfits, at least until a new manufacturer is hired after 2020.

Were pleased that American Airlines has announced today that it will begin the process of ordering and delivering new uniforms for flight attendants and other American employees, Bob Ross, president of the flight attendants union, said in a statement.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
In case anyone was wondering what would happen if a handful of fairly wealthy, well-insured men gathered in a room and quietly tried to reinvent the $3-trillion U.S. healthcare system without any input from medical experts, patient advocates or others who know what theyre talking about, the U.S. Senate stepped up Thursday with the answer.

After weeks of secret negotiations focused primarily on political considerations, not public interest, Republican lawmakers unveiled a 142-page healthcare-overhaul bill that seems scientifically designed to reduce or eliminate coverage for millions of people, jack up premiums and all but invite insurance companies to stop offering individual plans.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unwrapped this steaming pile of legislative manure with his oft-repeated falsehood that Obamacare is on the edge of collapse. It isnt. But Republicans, including President Trump, have done everything possible to destabilize the Affordable Care Act and cause jittery insurers to rethink participation in the system.

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Given all this uncertainty in insurance markets, McConnell said with a straight face, Republicans have a responsibility to act.

This isnt about undermining former President Obamas signature achievement and cutting taxes for the rich, he suggested, although thats precisely what this is about. We are for our constituents, our states and our country, McConnell declared.

If so, they have a funny way of showing their love.

This bill basically says that they dont care about the sick and the poor, Geoffrey Joyce, director of health policy for USCs Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, told me. Under this bill, those who are sick are going to pay through the nose.

At its core, the Senate bill is a craven attempt to keep all the good stuff from Obamacare  protections for people with pre-existing conditions, covering young people on their parents plan until age 26  while doing away with the bitter medicine that made everything else possible  higher taxes, the mandate.

They want their dessert but not their spinach, observed Katherine Hempstead, senior advisor for the healthcare-focused Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Meanness remains the defining characteristic of Republican healthcare legislation.

The Senate bill trims the financial assistance lower-income people get through Obamacare. Those subsidies also probably would buy less because the legislation allows insurers to provide less-comprehensive coverage.

Moreover, higher monthly premiums would be all but certain. Under the Senate plan, insurers still would have to cover people with pre-existing conditions and charge them the same as what they bill healthy people. Thats whats known in healthcare circles as guaranteed issue.

But no other developed nation provides guaranteed issue without a mandate because its a surefire recipe for higher premiums. Someone has to pay for treating the sick, after all. If only the sick have insurance, then their policies will cost a fortune.

What Republicans consistently fail to acknowledge is that insurance  health, car, property, whatever  is about managing risk. The basic idea is that everyone will need a helping hand at some point, so you spread the expense of that assistance among the entire population to achieve the lowest possible cost.

Its futile to argue that people should have a choice whether to be insured. Thats both shockingly selfish and completely irresponsible.

Allowing people to wait until they get sick to buy coverage, which is what the Senate bill effectively does, means insurers would face an endless cycle of expensive claims, rather than balancing out the needs of the sick with premiums from the not-yet-sick, i.e. healthy people.

We live in a very unusual time, Hempstead said. The fundamental concept of risk pooling is getting lost in the conversation.

Also lost in the conversation is a sense of decency and humanity.

The Senate bill, like its companion legislation approved by the House, includes deep cuts for Medicaid, the federal-state insurance system for kids, the disabled and low-income people. Hundreds of billions of dollars worth of federal funding will be cut from the program, which covers a third of all Californians.

Whereas Obamacare prevented insurers from charging older individual policyholders more than three times what younger people paid, the Senate bill would allow insurers to charge older people five times as much as younger ones.

Like the House bill, the Senate version also would defund Planned Parenthood for a year, which undoubtedly would play well among the Republican base but makes no sense from a public-policy perspective. All it does is make healthcare less accessible to women.

A full analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office isnt expected until next week. But the CBOs scoring of the House bill determined that the number of people without health insurance would grow by 23 million as a result of the legislation becoming law.

Its telling that Republicans in the House and Senate refused to expose their legislation to the same rigorous democratic process that Obamacare underwent  the months of hearings and testimony from experts, the extensive, bipartisan negotiations on what would and wouldnt be in the bill.

The notion that the Affordable Care Act was rushed through Congress in the dead of night is a shameless lie perpetuated by conservatives unwilling to admit they had a seat at the table for the entire discussion.

Only after they succeeded in watering down the bill (adios, public option!) did they circle their wagons and vote against it for political gain.

USCs Joyce said Trump, in prodding Republican lawmakers to repeal Obamacare and come up with something new, doesnt really care about healthcare. He just wants a win.

The president and conservative lawmakers seem oblivious to the fact that theyre messing with a sixth of the nearly $18.5-trillion U.S. economy. Their recklessness borders on insanity.

In case youre wondering, though, coverage for Trump and members of Congress would return to how it was before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010 if the Republican approach is adopted.

That means 75% of their health insurance would be paid for by taxpayers. It also means Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and their families would continue enjoying a White House clinic containing exam rooms, hospital equipment and supplies.

It means lawmakers would be able to pay an extra $600 a year for access to the Office of the Attending Physician in the U.S. Capitol, staffed by Navy doctors, nurses, technicians and a pharmacist. All treatment, including the services of specialists, is included in the annual fee.

In other words, theyre covered.

Even for the pre-existing condition known as heartlessness.

David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com.
Bill Gurley, a venture capitalist whom sources said led the push to demand the resignation of Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick, stepped down late Wednesday from his role at the company too.

Gurley is being replaced immediately by his colleague, Matt Cohler, on the ride-hailing app makers board of directors, according to a spokesperson for their investment firm Benchmark. Uber declined to comment.

Gurleys resignation from the Uber board comes at a tempestuous time for the San Francisco company as it tries to recover from a string of scandals that led to Kalanicks resignation on Tuesday. Benchmark led a minority investor bloc that controls about 40% of Ubers shareholder votes in arguing that Kalanick couldnt shake his aggressive management style or be the one to reshape the companys culture.

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Its not unusual for activist investors at publicly traded companies to resign their board seat following whatever campaign they were carrying out, whether successful or not. But with Uber being a private company, and thus subject to different rules, Benchmark will retain the seat, albeit with a different representative.

One of the nations best-known private investment outfits, Benchmark has amassed a large stake in Uber since first leading a $11-million financing into the start-up in 2011.

For comparison, the Bay Area firm made a similar investment in Snapchat maker Snap Inc. and held a 12.7% stake, which was valued at more than $1 billion, going into the Los Angeles start-ups initial public offering of stock in March. Uber is valued at almost three times what Snap was, which could reap billions of dollars for Benchmark.

But investors worry their potential gains could be wiped away if turmoil persists at Uber. Gurleys stepping aside could be another effort to turn a new page after more than a week of contentious decisions at the highest levels of the 12,000-employee firm.

Executive turnover has been high at Uber, with the company losing its president, head of self-driving, head of business, head of engineering and its senior vice president of communications earlier this year.

After the board of directors commissioned an investigation into claims that Uber had a toxic culture and mishandled complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination, the company fired 20 employees who were found to be at fault.

When the board delivered the recommendations from the investigation to Ubers workforce last week, board member David Bonderman made a sexist joke about women talking a lot, which resulted in his resignation later that day. Bonderman, a billionaire investor, is the founding partner of TPG Capital, which also has start-up investments in Airbnb and Spotify.

The shake-ups have left Uber in a particularly vulnerable position. The company is currently being run by 14 executives who used to report directly to Kalanick. Meanwhile, it still needs to fill a number of high-profile roles, including chief operating officer, chief marketing officer, chief financial officer, legal counsel and now chief executive officer.

Board committees are helping run many of the searches. The board now consists of:

Garrett Camp, Ubers co-founder and chairman

Ryan Graves, senior vice president for operations

Travis Kalanick, co-founder and former CEO

Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global and the Huffington Post

Wan Ling Martello, executive vice president of Nestle in South Asia

Cheng Wei, chief executive of Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing (of which Uber is a shareholder)

David Trujillo, partner at Uber investor TPG

Matt Cohler, general partner at Uber investor Benchmark

Yasir Al Rumayyan, managing director of Uber investor Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund

paresh.dave@latimes.com / PGP

Twitter: @peard33
Last summer, Ari Fitz set herself a goal to create a YouTube video every day.

Anyone can record a video of themselves and put it online. But Fitz made it her full-time job  many of her videos required planning, art direction and editing.

On a scale from 0 to 100, Id say Im at 97, the 27-year-old from downtown Los Angeles said of the work that goes into her videos, which include compilations from trips to Palm Springs and Copenhagen, as well as humor skits and commentary about gender.

More than 220,000 people have subscribed to Fitzs YouTube channel, and her videos regularly draw more than 100,000 views. She has fans who support her on crowdfunding site Patreon and hang on to her every word. Sometimes she even gets paid to host or speak at events around the country.

But in the world of YouTube, where the biggest stars boast millions of subscribers, millions more in video views, and lucrative branding deals, Fitz hasnt quite made it yet. And YouTube wants to change that.

This summer, Fitz will join 10 other female YouTube content creators such as Iskra Lawrence, Akilah Hughes, Joanna Hausmann, Yanyi When, and Taren Guy in a new program called Supercharger, where they will spend eight weeks in New York at YouTube Spaces getting a crash course in building their businesses. YouTube is expected to announce the inaugural program Thursday at VidCon, the annual conference for online video stars, in Anaheim.

The curriculum will cover topics such as how to turn an idea into a video series, how to do script development and set up production schedules, and how to pitch ideas to advertisers and network executives, who increasingly rely on online stars known as influencers to generate awareness and buzz for new shows. They can earn a few thousand dollars to several million.

The program is being launched in partnership with ad agency and media buyer IPG, and will let creators rub shoulders with some of IPGs clients, who could become potential sponsors of their shows.

We look for groups of creators who we think can be the next big YouTube star, said Jamie Byrne, director of YouTube Creators. He added that Youtube plans on offering the program several times a year to different groups of creators. The first group consists only of women.

In the media, women are often put into very specific roles, and they maybe dont get to express their voice in the way they want to, Byrne said. Supercharger is a great way for us to help emerging female creators to tell their own story in their own voice.

There is little data available that show a disparity between the kinds of deals male and female YouTube creators get. Nor is there evidence of women being an under-represented group on YouTubes platform. Nonetheless, its still a good public relations move for the company, said David Craig, a USC professor and Peabody Fellow who studies contents creators.

YouTubes chief executive, Susan Wojcicki, has been vocal in her support for diversity in the technology industry, and so making the first Supercharger group women-only is an example of the company putting its money where its mouth is, Craig said.

But it also makes smart business sense. Now that YouTube has amassed an audience of more than a billion people, it has to make sure that the audience is engaged if it wants to maximize ad dollars. The Google-owned company faced a backlash from advertisers in March after ads appeared next to racist or extremist videos. Following the "brand safety concerns," YouTube has been working assiduously to lure back big-name advertisers.

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has been a vocal proponent of diversity in the tech industry. Above, she talks at Vidcon this year. (FilmMagic / FilmMagic for YouTube) (FilmMagic / FilmMagic for YouTube)

In the past, advertisers mostly cared about how many viewers they could reach, Craig said. But today, analytics has allowed advertisers to pinpoint what people are watching and what theyre buying, and theyve found that its more valuable to have a smaller, devoted audience than it is to have a huge audience that doesnt care.

You want a person with 10,000 followers, whose audience hangs on to their every word, more than you want someone with a million followers whose audience isnt paying attention, Craig said.

Which is why YouTube is making bets on creators such as Fitz, whose charisma can keep an audience engaged for six minutes while she talks about body hair. Or Vanessa Hill, whose 360,000 subscribers regularly tune in to watch her explain facets of the brain using crafts.

Its also in YouTubes interest that these creators are able to make enough money from what they do so they can keep creating content for the platform.

Fitz cobbles together a living from her crowdfunding Patreon account, sporadic speaking engagements and revenue from Youtube advertisements. She declined to reveal how much she makes from YouTubes ads, but said it is far from enough to live off. Her earnings from ad revenue fell this year following YouTubes advertiser backlash in March. And while YouTube has updated its policies to curb offensive content and make its platform more advertiser-friendly, creators such as Fitz are still reeling, with her ad revenue down 80% from earlier this year, she said.

Vanessa Hill, 30, of New York, also makes Youtube videos full-time. She also declined to reveal how much she makes, but described the job as being like a freelancer where she has to find different ways to bring in money.

You have ads on YouTube, some people sell merchandise, others do work on the side, she said.

Hill has the benefit of a partnership with PBS, but, like Fitz, she is mostly a one-woman show who writes, films, hosts and edits her shows herself, and hasnt had any formal training or experience in how to build a sustainable career on YouTube.

YouTube, for its part, has made free resources available to its millions of creators, offering tips on how to tag videos, how to pick thumbnails and how to grow an audience. When it comes to securing brand partnerships  which is where the big bucks are  many creators are less sure of what to do.

Its difficult for a lot of people working out of their homes, especially if theyre a one-man show, said Raina Penchansky, co-founder and co-CEO of Digital Brand Architects, an agency that represents digital influencers. They dont necessarily have the perspective or a team around them explaining to them whats taking place in the market.

And while YouTube creators may have the fresh voices that advertisers want, they dont always speak the language of the advertising industry, which can make it challenging for them to pitch their shows and secure deals.

Ive never been in a situation where I have to go give an in-person pitch for an idea I have, said Hill, who sees the program as an opportunity to build a sustainable career as a full-time YouTuber.

I can already tell that the biggest takeaway Im going to get from this is the ability to present and pitch my ideas to various stakeholders and actually have a fighting chance, said Fitz. To be instilled with a thick layer of confidence will help me go far.

tracey.lien@latimes.com
Opera knows a little something about conflating Julius Caesar with an American president. It also knows a little something about Donald Trump.

In the early 1980s, a young director made a name for himself by staging a daring production of Handels Giulio Cesare. It opened with a news conference at a fancy international hotel by a cocksure U.S. president having just arrived in the oil-rich Middle East.

The text of his speech, as Peter Sellars wrote with strange prescience in his updated plot synopsis of an 18th century libretto, concerns itself at length with the palm trees, which he clearly admires. Perhaps they remind him of Palm Beach. Let them belong to the victors.

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A few years later, Sellars famously set Mozarts The Marriage of Figaro in an apartment in the then-new Trump Tower, 52 floors above Fifth Avenue. This is the world, to quote Sellars plot synopsis of an old libretto again, of beautiful people for whom perjury, loss of happiness and absence of consciousness can be compensated for by the feel of money, the sense of being on top and the sweet certainty that their own barren lives will be enriched by the amusement and consolation offered by the collapse of the hopes and plans of others.

The cast of Peter Sellars production of Mozarts Le Nozze di Figaro during a dress rehearsal. (Elena Seibert / For The Times)

Neither of these examples, however, was a foretaste of the Public Theaters recent production of Shakespeares Julius Caesar, which portrayed Trump as the Roman emperor. Sellars did not presume direct correlation between past and present. The U.S. president was someone in the future, not specifically Ronald Reagan, then in office. The Figaro apartment in the Trump Tower was not Trumps gilded one but a modern duplex dominated by a large Frank Stella-like painting. The Count in no way physically resembled Trump or his lifestyle.

In both cases, Sellars wasnt in the business of singling out individuals. Handel and Mozart were artists with great insight into society, and Sellars was instead seeking what light their work  work that has survived centuries  shined on our own values.

That might sound very much like the intent of the controversial New York Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Caesar, with a Caesar resembling Trump. Director Oskar Eustis sounded as though he was after something similar to what Sellars was up to with Handel and Mozart, using Shakespeares tragedy as a mirror to nature, often revealing disturbing, upsetting, provoking things.

The result then offers, you might say, a teaching moment about the ramifications of political violence. As a general, Caesar had committed genocide, killing nearly every soldier-age male in Gaul, possibly as many as a million. He was assassinated by a cabal of senators when, after declaring himself a god, he attempted to turn the republic of Rome into a kingdom. Follow this parallel with Trump through to its logical conclusion, and you would need to have Caesars last words in the updated play be Et tu, Bernie.

From there, anything ridiculous goes.

Opera is far from blameless in unscrupulous updating. But when the intent is noble, the point is not to place a specific individual in someone elses shoes. When Sellars has chosen to focus on historical figures, such as Richard Nixon or Robert Oppenheimer, he made a new opera about them as a way of better understanding their inner lives. When he updates a classic work, he helps us to imagine ourselves capable of the spiritual growth that Handel proffers his Caesar and Mozart his Count.

In the end, a director has to be true to the work, or everything starts to unravel. Instead of generating a discussion about political violence, the recent Julius Caesar seemed to incite dangerous vitriol. Public Theater sponsors Delta Air Lines and Bank of America pulled their support.

Opera and theater director Peter Sellars (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

So now we have a new debate about whether we should patronize companies that dont stand for what we believe to be right. Therein lies another cautionary tale.

Around the time Sellars made his Giulio Cesare and Figaro productions, the Brooklyn Academy of Musics most generous sponsor was Philip Morris. That led a few artists to boycott BAM for accepting money from a tobacco company.

The difference here was that the chairman of Philip Morris happened to be an arts lover. When asked by the New York Times whether the BAM sponsorship was intended to improve the companys image, Hamish Maxwells reply was that he was thinking of it more as a stimulus to his employees. Philip Morris employees got discount tickets, and the exposure to avant-garde art was a way to inspire them to be more innovative. And this was in the Reagan era, no less.

The Public Theater has admirably stood up to Delta and Bank of America, saying that it will not be censored by any sponsor. Both companies will find they cant win, since pulling out of the Public will prompt other customers to boycott them, which has the unfortunate consequence of changing the subject once again. Is it OK to fly an airline or bank with an institution only if it gives money for Shakespeare in the Park?

How much harder will it be to get other companies to support the arts? Will arts groups less financially robust as the Public rethink the kind of work they put on, lest they create a controversy and lose sponsorship?

Its not a pretty picture. It is also one that opera, generally the most expensive of the performance arts, faces regularly. Censorship is part of opera history, and composers and librettists have found all kinds of innovative ways around it. Handel did so by being entrepreneurial. Mozart, by being subversive.

Companies today in countries like Germany and Austria get massive state support with few or no strings attached. Elsewhere though, young people are thinking about opera on a much smaller, independent scale that allows more freedom, especially when they see what happens when an opera is misunderstood.

The Metropolitan Opera pulled the radio broadcast of John Adams The Death of Klinghoffer three years ago because of pressure from a sponsor. However unsympathetic the opera ultimately was to terrorism, it prompted death threats and protests from people who objected to showing the underlying thinking and emotions of both sides of the Israeli and Arab conflict. This sours the American opera scene, which increasingly plays it safe.

There are no simple answers. Things may well get worse before they get better.

Artists cant pull punches. But the punches need to hit the mark. Treating theater as an early warning system, like the recent Julius Caesar, does little good when it preaches to the converted and offends those for whom the warnings are meant. Giving offense, moreover, has become honey to social media.

But showing the capacity for grace in the graceless, as Sellars did with Giulio Cesare and Figaro and as he promises to do this summer in his Salzburg Festival production of Mozarts La Clemenza di Tito, in which an emperor learns compassion  that is where hope lies. That is theaters one chance of being lucky enough to change minds.

mark.swed@latimes.com
Ewan McGregor is no stranger to dual roles. He played both Jesus and the Devil in 2015s Last Days in the Desert and a decade earlier portrayed his own clone in The Island. But only Noah Hawleys limited FX series Fargo required the Scottish actor to play both sides of a bloody death scene.

As feuding brothers Emmit and Ray Stussy, McGregor came to be fighting with himself over a rare, framed postage stamp. Shoving the stamp over to younger brother Ray as part of a peace offering, Emmit accidentally breaks the frame, lodging a shard of glass in Rays neck and then watches in horror as his brother bleeds to death.

On the Set: When Fargo brought its snowy noir to Los Angeles 

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McGregor, on the phone from Montreal where hes shooting his next film, Zoe, recalls the climactic showdown. It was a very odd day because I was sick as a dog and taking DayQuil or NyQuil or whatever it is. We shot the Ray stuff first opposite my friend Steve, who doubled for Emmit. I was thinking about how Ray left his girlfriend Nicki in a hurry, didnt give her a kiss or a proper goodbye and now theyll never get a chance to have the life they dreamed. That felt quite desperate to me so I wanted to find a pathetic position for Ray to die in. I went to my knees, tipped over and ended up in this very awkward place. I thought it was kind of a cool position for Ray to be in as he dies.

After McGregor acted out Rays death throes, he played the other side of the scene. Our body double Paul watched all the takes of me being Ray so he was able to mimic the lines and the timing. As Emmit, through Paul, I just played off what I had already done as Ray. By that point, Im not really thinking about breaking down the moments. Im just in it. And thats how I did all the Ray-Emmit scenes: I was totally Ray when I played Ray and totally Emmit when I played Emmit. They didnt get in the way of each other because these brothers have completely different spirits.

Emmits a capitalist, so Trump becoming president was quite useful for me as I prepared to play this man whos just about making money.  Ewan McGregor

To get inside the curly-wigged head of Emmit, the self-proclaimed Parking Lot King of Minnesota, McGregor took a few cues from Donald Trump. He explains, Emmits a capitalist, so Trump becoming president was quite useful for me as I prepared to play this man whos just about making money. Thirty years earlier, Emmit bamboozled Ray into swapping his precious collection of rare stamps for a muscle car. At 17, McGregor says, Emmit knew what he wanted and tricked his brother to get it.

Taking on Ray, McGregor gained three inches around the waist and wore a bald wig to embody the surly parole officer whos fallen madly in love with parolee and would-be criminal mastermind Nicki Swearingen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). At work, Rays really rude and has no respect for people because hes got no respect for himself, but he absolutely adores Nicki, McGregor says. Its quite endearing, I think, and funny as well to see Ray suddenly switch into being a pussy cat whenever hes around Nicki.

 The Fargo actress talks about what shes binge-watched and recalls her first acting job on Touched by an Angel.

After Rays shocking death, McGregor transforms Emmit into a guilt-ridden character whos no match for white-collar criminal Varga. Portrayed with reptilian charm by British actor David Thewlis, Varga strips the formerly cocksure Emmit of his corporate assets, eats his food and moves into his mansion. Davids amazing, says McGregor, who vividly remembers Thewlis incendiary star turn in Mike Leighs 1993 movie, Naked. I saw it one afternoon at the Haymarket Cinema in London, came out of the theater and walked through Leicester Square ready for a fight or something because I felt so strong just from watching Davids performance.

The two British natives convey their characters predator/prey relationship with unsettling bravado, but McGregor never huddled with Thewlis to discuss story arcs. Its not my style to talk about things like that, McGregor explains. I got to watch him deliver this extraordinary dialogue in a really specific way where you cant imagine anyone doing it other than Thewlis. But I dont discuss scenes with other actors. I dont like to plan whats going to happen. I just play in the moment and see what happens. I think its much better that way.

See the most read stories this hour 

calendar@latimes.com

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Samira Wiley still tears up a bit talking about Poussey Washington, the character she played on Orange Is the New Black for four seasons.

She gave me my life, Wiley says. She gave me a career. I met my wife [writer Lauren Morelli] on Orange. I felt like from the moment I got that role, I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. And now its gone  which is fine. Im on to the next thing.

Poussey died in a prison riot in Season 4s penultimate episode, her demise echoing the 2014 chokehold death of Eric Garner at the hands of New York City police officers. Shortly afterward, Wiley won the role of Moira in Hulu s adaptation of Margaret Atwoods cautionary classic The Handmaids Tale, which is all but certain to garner multiple Emmy nominations on Thursday.

Wiley, 30, dropped by The Times offices shortly before a recent call time on a movie project, shooting in downtown Los Angeles, that shes not at liberty to discuss. But she had plenty to say about a host of other topics, including the foreboding finale of Handmaids.

In the book, Moiras fate remains ambiguous after Offred finds her at Jezebels. When did the producers tell you that youd be continuing on the show?

For the longest time, I had no idea. Youre right. In the book, you dont really see her after Jezebels. I was almost afraid to ask. On Orange, you couldnt talk to the writers about anything. It was all on lockdown. But here, they gave me more hints. It was bit by bit, piece by piece.

Even then, theres something pure about reading the script and not knowing whats going to happen. It feels like watching a show with everyone else. I dont necessarily want to know whats going to happen next.

So you werent dying inside, wondering, Am I going to have a job next season?

Im a person who likes and wants to live in the moment. It comes easy to me  probably because of my ADD. I cant focus on too many things at one time.

I mean, I didnt even read the book until after I was cast, which was interesting because Margaret Atwood happens to be my wifes favorite author. I had no clue. She freaked out when I got the audition, which was good because I was a little wary of playing another gay character. I didnt want to be typecast. And she was like, Absolutely not!

Being married to a writer is crazy. You have no control. Anything you do or say can end up in a script.  Samira Wiley

Moira was presumed dead after the fourth episode. People werent too happy about that.

So many people were like, Oh my God, I cant believe they did this to you twice! They killed Poussey and now youre dead in The Handmaids Tale. And I wanted to be like, No guys! Please dont stop watching!

And then finally, Episode 8 came out and you see Moira in that costume at Jezebels and everybody was like, Oh my God! Those bunny ears! They were pretty intense. We probably could have done with something smaller.

It was great seeing Moira alive, but awful to see what she had become.

She has literally become this other person. I feel like the goal in the last few episodes is for her to come back to herself in the same way Offred has. Moiras character inspires Offred early on and helps her get through the hard times and then that happens in reverse when they see each other again. Offred tells her, Dont let the bastards grind you down.

And it snaps her out of it. And she finally makes it to Canada.

Its pretty  fantastic. She got there by accident, but of course its not by accident. She tried to get there way earlier than everybody else, as we learn in Lukes backstory when Offred says, We should have left when Moira left.

Samira Wiley in The Handmaids Tale. (Hulu)

I wanted a Moira backstory episode. Whyd Luke get one but not Moira?

I know! What the ? Season 2, hello? (Laughs)

You do turn up in Orange for a flashback scene this new season.

My wife wrote that episode. Thats how I ended up there. But she also wrote the episode where I died last season.

So she kind of owed you something ...

Being married to a writer is crazy. You have no control. Anything you do or say can end up in a script. That thing in the first season of Orange with Piper and Alex where they would say, I heart you literally came from something I said to her. Literally. I wasnt emotionally available to say I love you yet. Now its an Orange Is the New Black thing.

And you originated it!

You want to hear another one? One time, we were having this conversation where she used the word normalacy. I told her that wasnt a word. Its normalcy. And she fought me on it until she realized, OK. Im wrong. Then she goes and writes, I think in Season 3, a scene where me and Big Cindy are having the same conversation but she makes me the wrong one!

She exacted her revenge.

Im a real stickler for words. I was so.  Now Im the one in the episode saying, Im pretty sure its normalacy. [Wiley shakes her head] So stupid.

Do you have any idea what they have planned for Moira next season? Because theyve already broken from the book ...

We had a screening of the finale and at the panel afterward, the showrunner [Bruce Miller] talked about things we could explore, like Moira and Luke in Canada. They found each other. Theyre family now. I dont know much. But even just to hear those few things made me really excited. Lets go find [Offreds daughter] Hannah!

What did you think of the parallels between Gilead and the current climate in America? Im thinking of that one scene in the coffeehouse where the counter guy calls you and Elisabeth Moss character sluts.

Bruce was saying that the election really opened up this thing where people who were thinking these things for years all of a sudden had permission to say them out loud. So he changed some things in the script, thinking, This can happen because I see it happening. I wonder if that was one of those things.

I have a friend, my age, who was on the train the day after the election, and this guy was just staring at him the entire ride. You know, someone looks at you a certain way and it makes you cringe. And he said when he got off the train, this guy just looked at him and said, [N-word] and walked off the train. And he was like, How do people already feel like they can say anything to us?

The show really captures the sense that encroaching ugliness in the pre-Gilead scenes, that maybe we shouldnt assume progress is a given. Maybe were going backward ...

Yes. And people really want to talk to me about all that kind of stuff. I went to the Cars 3 premiere at Disneyland the other day and Im dancing and drinking a beer and Owen Wilson s trying to get by with his kids. And my friend, Lea, Lea DeLaria, she played Big Boo in Orange, is in Cars 3. And she says, Hey Owen, I dont know if you know Samira Wiley from Orange Is the New Black and he obviously had no idea who I was. Probably never watched Orange Is the New Black.

Then Lea goes, Shes also in Handmaids Tale. He immediately stops and says, What? Wait. And he brings me over and he had all these questions.

Im still thinking about the part where you said you were drinking a beer in Disneyland.

I know, right? I was doing the electric slide with a beer in my hand. It was awesome.
It wasnt the showiest part in the bunch, but it packed a wallop. In the HBO miniseries Big Little Lies, Shailene Woodley played the wounded, resilient Jane opposite a royal Hollywood trio of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern. It was a young actress dream. I felt like a kid in a candy shop, every day on set, she says.

Sitting on a couch in HBOs L.A. offices, Woodley wears a T-shirt, jeans and, as a concession to an upcoming photo shoot, high heels. Later shell put a shot up on Instagram standing in front of the building barefoot. Born and raised in the Valley, she lives in Hawaii when shes not working. But shes almost always working.

At 25, Woodley has been acting for 20 years, earning a Golden Globes nod for her role in The Descendants and anchoring the Divergent film series. Equally passionate about social activism, last year she spent the better part of six months at Standing Rock protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, and was arrested for her efforts. She uses her time in both worlds to forge bonds with groups she might not know otherwise  even rich Monterey moms.

Reese Witherspoon, Darby Camp, Shailene Woodley, Iain Armitage, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Crovetti, Nicolas Crovetti in a scene from HBOs Big Little Lies. (Hilary Bronwyn Gayle / HBO) (Hilary Bronwyn Gayle / HBO)

Jane seemed to be a way into the story for people who might not relate to the posh setting.

For me as well, because I had a hard time relating to any of those women and the glamorous lifestyle of Monterey, Calif. Because of Janes ability to see them, hear them, accept them, love them and because of their ability to do that with her, it created a reflection of empathy for me in my own life -- who are the people that I immediately dont relate to, but what through lines do we have that actually provide healing for both of our internal processes.

She is this single mother whos dealing with a really dynamic trauma, a kid herself trying to fit into an adults world, and is thrust into a community of privilege. I can only imagine how difficult that is. On the one hand, you want to fit in and be accepted. On the other hand, you notice things that arent quite right.

Jane is recovering from a brutal rape, and her life is made even harder when her young son is accused of abusing a girl at school. How did you navigate all of that?

The only thing was that I didnt ever want to step on anyones toes who had been in the position that she was in. I wanted to honor that situation as truthfully as possible. I was definitely being hypersensitive and hyper-aware to the gravity of rape and the gravity of these circumstances that millions of women go through every single day, and wanting to bring as much truth as possible to Janes character in order to honor all of them as well.

Any time that youre working with someone youre close with that has any type of anger or animosity, it becomes humor the second the camera cuts.  Shailene Woodley, on fight scenes with costar and friend Laura Dern

Laura Dern plays your nemesis here, after she played your loving mother in The Fault in Our Stars. What were those battles like?

So fun. There were so many moments when we would have to start laughing, especially during that fight scene, because she played my mom and were also very close in real life, so any time that youre working with someone youre close with that has any type of anger or animosity, it becomes humor the second the camera cuts.

Iain Armitage, who plays Janes son Ziggy, started acting almost the same age you did. How did you work together?

That kid is a genius. If I could do every scene with him all over again, I would. The very special thing about him is that he was aware of the camera enough to know that he had to turn it on a little bit, but he hadnt developed ego enough to inhibit him from still picking his nose in the middle of a scene, or scratching his neck. That was also something that I learned a lot from, just that reminder of wonder in cinema, as well as in life.

Nicole Kidman, from left, Shailene Woodley and Reese Witherspoon in a scene from Big Little Lies. (HBO)

For a murder mystery with rape and domestic abuse, the series had the happiest ending imaginable. Was that group scene on the beach cathartic?

The beach was so special because we filmed the show as much in chronological order as we could, so the scene at the end was one of the last things we all had together.

The pain was still there, the trauma was still there, the fear was still there and present amongst all of these women, but what they had was a unity and a trust and a respect and a certain reverence for each other that could only have developed from the interactions that preceded that moment. It felt very hopeful to me to see all of these women show up in their own way, with their own stories and their own histories and their own belief systems that are all very different, and yet choose no matter what to be an ally for each other, to be a sister for one another.

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Theres a moment when you sit down with Stanley Tucci where youre afraid he might yell at you. Not because Tucci is a man prone to yelling, nor because he seems like an unfriendly guy, but because his work on FXs Feud: Bette and Joan has left a somewhat terrifying mark. Of course, Tucci is nothing like Jack Warner, the fearsome, misogynistic studio executive he portrayed in six episodes of the anthology series. Tuccis role is seminal, although not necessarily vast, largely because the focus is on the ongoing battle between Hollywood stars Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) and Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange). Still, as Warner, Tucci shakes the screen. From the premiere episode, in which Warner uses a crass expletive to refer to Davis, the character gives a memorable impression.

You go with what is there written on the page, which is really fascinating and brutal, Tucci explains, sitting in a cafe in London near the home he shares with his kids and wife, Felicity Blunt. But he was really funny. He chews the scenery and therefore I do. Thats just very satisfying. Its so well written and there are really funny jokes in there.

Tucci mined the Internet for footage of Warner, finding a helpful moment in a series of outtakes filmed in the 1950s when Warner was attempting to promote that years slate of films. In the clips, Warner curses and continually messes up, revealing telling ticks that Tucci used in his performance. The actor took on the role without actually seeing any scripts but felt that the most important aspect was following the narrative presented by creator Ryan Murphy rather than the historical truth of Warner.

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Stanley Tucci plays the hard-driving misogynistic studio chief in Feud. (Matthew Lloyd / For The Times)

Being true to him is just being this outwardly very charming, fast-talking, well-dressed fella  and then behind the scenes hes a ruthless misogynist.  Stanley Tucci

You want to be true to the piece, number one, and you want to be true to him, Tucci says. Being true to him is just being this outwardly very charming, fast-talking, well-dressed fella  and then behind the scenes hes a ruthless misogynist.

The actor pauses. But look whats happening now, he continues. Look at the Bill OReilly thing. Look at the Roger Ailes thing. Its all the same. Theyre just better at covering it up now. Before you didnt cover it because it was just sort of a given. Unfortunately, a lot of men still behave that way. They get away with it because theyre in positions of power. Look who is running our country. Thats the same kind of person as Warner, but not as good of a businessman.

Filming Feud in late 2016 and early 2017 marked the first time Tucci has returned to shoot a project in Los Angeles for several years. He moved to London nearly four years ago, and hes found his niche in the citys cultural landscape, taking in all the theater and art available here. He shot a week on this months Transformers: The Last Knight in Britain and recently received distribution for a film he wrote and directed called Final Portrait, in which Geoffrey Rush plays Italian artist Alberto Giacometti, which he also shot here. He remains mostly out of the loop on any awards chatter (although he acknowledges any Emmy attention for Feud would be great because I think the shows really good).

The actor has learned that its important to stay open to what comes, both in ones career and in life. Saying yes to Feud gave him an experience he describes as incredibly fun and offered him an opportunity to spotlight the sexism that continues to rage through Hollywood and the rest of the world. It may not be a conscious choice that Tucci often appears in projects led by strong women, but it doesnt necessarily seem like an accident either. He is concerned with what his work says, and in this case Feud is proffering a realization that Hollywood still needs to fix a few issues around gender.

When you read scripts you can have a character who is sexist, but sometimes you feel the script itself is sexist. Whats the point of that movie?  Stanley Tucci

When you read scripts you can have a character who is sexist, but sometimes you feel the script itself is sexist, Tucci notes. Whats the point of that movie? Im not interested in that. If the character is a sexist, like Jack Warner, and theres an incredibly complex character there, then its interesting. Otherwise its gratuitous and whats the point?

As an actor, he has simple expectations: Hell take on anything  TV, film or anything else  if it feels interesting and its something he hasnt done before. To me, if its good work its good, he shrugs. It doesnt matter where it is. Is the script good? Is the director good? Is it an interesting role? Then do it.

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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.
Ukrainian representative in the Trilateral Contact Group Leonid Kuchma has expressed the view that until electoral processes in the countries participating in the Normandy Format are over, there will be no substantial changes during the talks on Donbas.

"The responsibility is with Germany, France and Russia. [As for] the Ukrainian side, as you can imagine, peace is priority number one... I have such a conviction that there will be no serious advancements until the German and Russian elections [are over]," Kuchma told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

Kuchma however expressed hope that new French President Emmanuel Macron will help break the stalemate in the negotiations.
The title of The Bad Batch, Ana Lily Amirpours arid and feverish new movie, refers to the assorted undesirables who have been exiled by the U.S. government to a vast and barely habitable stretch of Texas wasteland. Under a merciless sun, a sullen new arrival named Arlen (the British actress Suki Waterhouse) is promptly captured by a gang of iron-pumping cannibals who tie her up, drug her and divest her of an arm and a leg.

Arlen escapes, barely, and finds her way to a makeshift town of losers and drifters, noodle carts and shipping containers laughably known as Comfort. Ruled over by a self-styled messiah/drug dealer/harem-keeper known as the Dream (Keanu Reeves), Comfort is a slight improvement on Arlens previous situation. But its still no country for old men or young women  or, for that matter, a little girl named Honey (Jayda Fink) and her bunny rabbit, both token symbols of innocence in this dust-choked dystopia.

Honeys father is a towering slab of muscle named Miami Man, a reference to his Cuban expatriate roots that is helpfully tattooed across his impossibly bulked-up chest. Hes played by Jason Momoa, the smoldering Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo on Game of Thrones who will play Aquaman in the forthcoming DC Comics movies. Framed here against staggering desert vistas, Momoa is not so much man as monolith, as slab-like and expressively inarticulate as the obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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Any Stanley Kubrick influence is otherwise absent from The Bad Batch, a marriage of grindhouse horror and acid western that feels conceived under the spell of Sergio Leone, Alejandro Jodorowsky, George Miller and Quentin Tarantino. Its the second feature film written and directed by Amirpour; her justly acclaimed 2014 debut, the Iranian vampire thriller A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, established her as a formalist of striking confidence.

The visual and sonic acumen of that film is also evident in The Bad Batch, from its killer electronic soundtrack to the shimmering, sun-blasted widescreen images captured by the cinematographer Lyle Vincent. (Texas is played, sensationally, by the squatter community of Slab City, Calif.) The movie is a spellbinding physical object, a thing of ramshackle buildings and endless horizons, that begs to be seen on the big screen if at all.

But here Amirpours stylistic flair must work overtime to fill the gaps in an increasingly patchy and wayward narrative. Pauses and longueurs can be effective, particularly in a setting where a measure of tedium comes with the wide-open terrain, but the deliberation of the pacing is not warranted by the films thin, circuitous story.

Punctuating its long stretches of desert-wandering indolence with quick, brutal spasms of violence, The Bad Batch eventually coalesces around the tenuous bond that forms between Arlen, armed with a pistol and a prosthetic leg, and Miami Man, whos handy with a cleaver and other sharp objects. Their mission is to find and rescue Honey, a familiar if effective point of entry into an unflattering mirror on America, in all its pointless savagery, sexual exploitation, class oppression and rapacious capitalism run amok.

Yeah, I dont entirely buy it, either. As a politically barbed fantasy, The Bad Batch is intriguing but facile; as a bid for cult-classic status, its strained and self-conscious (though it is fun to see Reeves pimping and Jim Carrey slumming as a mute vagrant). Amirpour has vision to burn, and inside this not-so-bad batch of splendid atmospherics and half-baked ideas is a leaner, sharper movie trying to chew its way out.

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The Bad Batch

Rating: R, for violence, language, some drug content and brief nudity

Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes

Playing: ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood

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Although it unfolds in and around a Virginia boarding school in 1864, a year before the end of the Civil War, Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled has some of the spooky, suggestive magic of a fairy tale.

The opening shot could be of an ancient grove at the witching hour, the chatter of cicadas merging with the sound of a young girl humming as she strolls past trees draped in mist and moss. Kneeling to pick a few mushrooms for supper, young Amy (Oona Laurence) is startled to find a man seated at the base of an oak barely a few feet away, as if he had materialized out of thin air.

The man is John McBurney (Colin Farrell), an Irish mercenary who has deserted his post in the Union army after a severe leg injury. Frightened but intrigued, Amy helps the man to his feet and guides him to the gates of the Miss Martha Farnsworth Seminary for Young Ladies, where she and four other students have been waiting out the war with French lessons and needlepoint under the watchful eye of their headmistress, Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman), and their teacher, Edwina (Kirsten Dunst).

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There is more to Coppolas moody sorcery than an eye for fine embroidery and antebellum real estate.

Miss Martha is initially scandalized by the presence of a Yankee on the premises. But rather than turning him over to the Confederate troops who occasionally march past their gates, she is moved by some impulse  call it Southern hospitality, Christian compassion or something less pure of heart  to nurse this handsome stranger back to health. The other young women meekly but excitedly concur, by which point its clear that the eerie supernatural portents seeded at the outset have already taken root.

Adapted by Coppola from Thomas Cullinans 1966 Southern gothic novel, The Beguiled will soon weave its own hushed, intoxicating spell, one that recently seduced the Cannes Film Festival jury into giving Coppola a directing prize (only the second time in the festivals 70-year history that a woman has received that honor). The precision of her technique is plain to see in the shadowy spareness of the plantation setting, the delicate cut of the womens lacy white dresses and, above all, the flickering candlelight in the movies ravishing nighttime images, shot on richly muted 35-millimeter film by cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd.

But there is more to Coppolas moody sorcery than an eye for fine embroidery and antebellum real estate. Films as unique and vivid as Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette and Somewhere have established the director as a quietly meticulous observer of individuals in enclosed environments, and here she once more displays uncanny patience and intuition, letting the story rise and fall on the subtlest shifts in emotional temperature.

McBurney, laid up with a bad leg but otherwise fully functioning lower-body appendages, is properly beguiled by the lovely ladies who keep popping in and out of his room. What soldier in his position would not be? But Coppola is altogether more interested in how the women register their own beguilement, and also how McBurney, with more instinct than calculation, manipulates their sympathies and awakens their repressed desires.

There is the childish curiosity of Amy and Marie (the adorable Addison Riecke), as well as the unbridled teenage lust of Alicia (Elle Fanning). Alicias single-minded pursuit of McBurney stands in stark contrast to the mantle of sadness and diffidence that clings to Edwina, whom Dunst, Coppolas most reliable muse, plays with piercing vulnerability. Not to be counted out is Miss Martha, whose stern sense of propriety is undergirded with glimmers of warmth and mischief in Kidmans delicious performance. The movies most memorable scene finds her bathing McBurney as he sleeps, her scrubbing motions becoming vaguer and more hesitant the further south she goes.

The dueling impulses at play in that moment  the way Coppola teasingly acknowledges the humor of the situation, even as she treats the reality of female desire with complete seriousness  are a testament to her control in a story that might have gone the way of either The Bacchae or a Monty Python sketch. No virgins get spanked in The Beguiled, but Coppola and her actors arent afraid to nudge their story gently and occasionally in the direction of camp, particularly in a dinner scene in which each girl, trying to impress McBurney, boasts about her contribution to that evenings dessert. Hope you like apple pie! winks Alicia. (He does.)

 Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst and Colin Farrell star in Sofia Coppolas The Beguiled.

On the surface, The Beguiled seems to follow more or less the same narrative trajectory as Don Siegels enjoyably pulpy 1971 adaptation of the same title, which starred Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page in the McBurney and Miss Martha roles. Once again an overgrown Southern hothouse becomes the setting for a violent parable about the dark side of desire, in which a man fancies himself a fox but soon learns hes landed in the wrong henhouse.

Coppolas film  not a remake of Siegels film so much as a repositioning of the original text  makes McBurney a more sympathetic figure (the tender-eyed Farrell has little of Eastwoods macho snarl) even as it quietly grants the women the moral high ground. The fascination and at times the frustration of her achievement is that she has drained away some of the storys juiciest, most suspenseful elements: a spot of incest, a violent ambush and a grisly surgical operation that is here reduced to a memorable line I wont spoil.

There is compromise in all this narrative subtraction, but there is also purpose. Scrupulous behavioral observer that she is, Coppola is trying to isolate her emotional and psychological variables, to capture the tricky, elusive interplay of heterosexual longing in close quarters. But her most troubling decision, to judge by the criticisms that have arisen in recent days, is the excision of a character: Hallie, a slave girl who figures significantly in both Cullinans novel and Siegels movie.

The subjects of cultural erasure and artistic responsibility can be grist for nuanced consideration and cheap outrage alike. Coppola, as it happens, has been no stranger to criticism of every kind, often directed at her alleged lack of ambition, vision and political rage: Her luminous and moving Marie Antoinette was pilloried in many quarters for not being a sufficiently damning treatise on class warfare. That charge now finds an echo in the bizarre logic that The Beguiled is blind to the realities of American slavery, simply by choosing to be a deftly crafted miniature rather than a sweeping panorama.

Coppolas film might well have been more compelling had she left that thread of Cullinans story intact. (Mae Mercers superb performance as Hallie in the 1971 film suggests as much.) But what others will decry as a failure of sensitivity on her part is better understood, I think, as an assertion of humility, rooted in a deeper knowledge of her own limitations than her critics realize. After seeing The Beguiled, you may well claim that Coppola misses the bigger picture, though it might be fairer to say that she sees the beauty in the smaller one.

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The Beguiled

MPAA rating: R, for some sexuality

Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Playing: ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood, and the Landmark, West Los Angeles

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@JustinCChang

ALSO

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Review: Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan brave the hurdles of interracial romance in the delightful The Big Sick

Review The surprisingly bearable Transformers: The Last Knight displays Michael Bays genius for imbecility
The Big Sick begins with a meet-cute, proceeds confidently through flirtation, sex and full-fledged romance, then skids to a halt with a nasty breakup, followed by the kind of dire medical emergency that seems fated to end in reconciliation or grief.

It sounds like the stuff of a conventional romantic dramedy, and on some level it is. Certainly you can sense the imprint of Judd Apatow, one of the movies producers, in both its emotional density and its precision-tooled stream of laughs and tears.

Conventionality is a funny thing, though (and so, for that matter, is The Big Sick). The beats and patterns of the average American comedy can often feel as moribund as those of, say, the noisy, CGI-encumbered superhero epic. But as Wonder Woman recently demonstrated, all it takes is the savvy adjustment of a single element  not necessarily limited to the protagonists gender or ethnicity, though there are worse places to start  for something straightforward to look positively radical.

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 Husband and wife Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon relay a fictionalized version of their lives in The Big Sick. The movie was recently acquired by Amazon Studios for $12 million.

And so it is with The Big Sick, which, in charting the romance between a Pakistani American man and a white woman, invigorates the Apatovian formula and indeed an entire genre with a thorny study of interracial relationships and the bonds that hold immigrant families together across an ever-widening generation gap.

The relative novelty of this kind of big-screen exploration springs, in this instance, from real life. Smoothly directed by Michael Showalter (Hello, My Name Is Doris), The Big Sick is the brainchild of its screenwriters, the actor-comedian Kumail Nanjiani and (spoiler alert?) his wife, the writer-producer Emily V. Gordon. With far more skill than solipsism, they have spun their true love story into a warm and gently thought-provoking fiction.

While Emily is given a delightfully spirited reading by Zoe Kazan, Nanjiani pulls off the none-too-easy feat of playing a younger version of himself (and stepping into the leading role for which four seasons of Silicon Valley have prepared him well).

In the movie, the Pakistan-born, Chicago-based Kumail works as an Uber driver while pursuing a career in stand-up comedy. One evening his set is interrupted by a woo-hoo! from Emily  a friendly bit of audience participation that, as Kumail informs her afterward with mock reproach, nevertheless fits the definition of heckling.

Emily is no professional comedian herself (shes studying to be a therapist), but to the movies good fortune, she does not allow Kumail to hoard all the jokes; on the contrary, she seems to be entirely on his goofy, anything-for-a-punchline wavelength from the moment of their first encounter. As they spend several evenings hooking up, hanging out and watching Kumails favorite horror movies at his endearingly crummy bachelor pad, the prickly and propulsive rhythm of their banter alone is a delightful testament to their compatibility.

But Emily soon realizes the extent to which Kumail, for all his outwardly Western ways, remains beholden to the rigid expectations of his familys culture. For his traditionalist parents, Azmat (Anupam Kher) and Sharmeen (Zenobia Shroff), the idea of Kumail dating, let alone marrying, outside his race would be unthinkable. In their ideal world, he would ditch the comedy, become a lawyer and settle down with one of the many, many nice Pakistani American girls they keep inviting over for dinner.

The latter bit will come as no surprise to those who saw the crowd-pleasing documentary Meet the Patels, which similarly addressed the informal, family-driven dating services that often thrive in immigrant communities. Fans of Master of None will likewise spot parallels between Nanjiani and that shows Indian American star, Aziz Ansari, both aspiring entertainers with an ambivalent relationship to their Muslim upbringing.

In different hands, The Big Sick might have engineered an awkward meeting between Kumails parents and their future daughter-in-law, but in the short term, fate had precisely the opposite outcome in store for Nanjiani and Gordon.

Shortly after angrily breaking things off with Kumail, Emily is hospitalized with a mysterious infection and placed in a medically induced coma, a shock that brings Kumail back into the picture and forces him to spend several days waiting for good or bad news with her out-of-town parents, Beth (Holly Hunter) and Terry (Ray Romano).

Its the kind of crisis that speaks to the unpredictability of life, which rarely cleaves to rom-com trajectories or delivers its most important lessons in the expected order. Happenstance, in this case, also begets the movies secret weapon, as Romano and Hunter give marvelously full-bodied performances that, far from seeming like isolated showstoppers, only deepen and complicate the movies emotional undercurrents.

Terry, beneficiary of the drawl that Romano spent years perfecting on Everybody Loves Raymond, has an arsenal full of clueless dad jokes and an instinctive kinship with Kumail. Beth is far tougher on the guy who broke her daughters heart, but it doesnt take long for her spitfire veneer to crack open. There are almost no words to do Hunter justice; when she breaks into a smile, you could almost warm your hands over the screen.

As a director, Showalter is shrewd enough to leave the funny and sad moments largely undifferentiated. Kumail, whos auditioning for a major Montreal comedy festival while all hell breaks loose, is a promising but not-yet-sterling aspirant to the professional quipster ranks. But if his lazy, behind-the-beat rhythm doesnt always slay on stage, it works like gangbusters from moment to moment of The Big Sick, where Kumail is dependably ready with a leisurely comeback: There are always chuckles to be amplified, tensions to be defused and presumptions to be dismantled.

Well, maybe not entirely dismantled. With Emily necessarily unconscious for much of the running time, this is very much Kumails journey of self-realization and perseverance, though its a bit irksome that the movie frames itself so insistently as the story of his redemption. For all its focus on Kumails between-two-worlds perspective, The Big Sick cant help but present his conflict in a way that flatters and reinforces the enlightened Western perspective of its presumed audience.

You may roll your eyes a little, as I did, when Emily blasts Kumail for not telling his parents about her after five months of dating. (My Palestinian American wife waited more than a year to break the news to her parents that she was seeing a Chinese American guy. Id apologize for oversharing, but then oversharing is the very reason for this movies existence.)

Shroff and Kher have lovely moments as Kumails mom and dad, but I wanted more from them than comic uptightness and dramatic outrage; ironically, their trouble communicating with their son is precisely why they dont emerge as fully dimensional figures, as Beth and Terry do.

All of which is to say that diversity, in storytelling as in real life, is a rewarding but messy business, and The Big Sick is both a delightful comedy and an imperfect milestone. With any luck, well look back on it someday and it wont feel like a milestone at all.

------------

The Big Sick

Rating: R, for language including some sexual references

Running time: 2 hours, 4 minutes

Playing: ArcLight Cinemas, Hollywood; AMC Century City 15, Century City; and the Landmark, West Los Angeles

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Movie Trailers

justin.chang@latimes.com

@JustinCChang
The documentary Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami Who Started It All essentially says it all as a fittingly devotional tribute to Srila Prabhupada, who traveled from Calcutta to New York at age 70 and spearheaded a revolution of self-realization.

As chronicled by director John Griesser, it wasnt all rose petals and hand cymbals when the former pharmacist arrived in America by cargo ship in 1965 without sponsors or suitable winter clothing.

Eventually, hippies, in pursuit of an alternate reality that wasnt drug-induced, began trickling into his East Village storefront, and, within a few years, Prabhupadas movement would have high-profile outposts in San Francisco and then London, where it found a valuable ambassador in George Harrison.

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With its rare archival footage featuring the quiet Beatle, as well as adherents Allen Ginsberg and, later, Boy George, the film effectively summons an evocative moment in time.

But, in the absence of on-screen detractors, save for brief mention of a backlash from alarmed parents who accused movements such as Hare Krishna of employing mind-control techniques to recruit their children, the film ultimately feels like a marketing tool for ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Still, and it may just be the lighting, theres no denying that the swamis original American disciples, shown a half-century later and 40 years after the death of their leader, all seem to possess a palpable inner glow.

-------------

Hare Krishna! The Manta, the Movement and the Swami Who Started It All

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

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calendar@latimes.com
The House on Coco Road is the story of director Damani Bakers family, particularly his mother, Fannie Haughton, and her remarkable life, reflective of the troubled history of race in America. Descended from Louisiana sharecroppers (the title refers to that home), and the product of the Great Migration to California, Fannie was a teaching assistant of Angela Davis at UCLA in the late 60s and was closely associated with the Black Panther Party.

After drugs ravaged the familys Oakland neighborhood in the early 80s, Fannie took her children to the seeming utopia of Grenada, an island in the Caribbean where a peaceful communist revolution was taking place under the leadership of Maurice Bishop. In 1983 that paradise came under attack, invaded by American forces stoked by fake news and Reagans political panic.

Baker weaves together 16-mm home movies, archival news and footage he shot during a return trip to the island in 1999, with contemporary interviews to unpack his childhood memories of the familys short, violent experience in Grenada. The film effectively positions the invasion as an attempt to destabilize revolutionary black leadership in the area, in much the same way the U.S. did with the Black Panthers.

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The House on Coco Road is a remarkable document of how social forces affected the lives of Baker and his ancestors. It might lack the scope to encompass all of the story it wants to tell, but its a compelling conversation starter.

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The House on Coco Road

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: The Cinefamily, June 27; streaming on Netflix, June 30

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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calendar@latimes.com
The horror-comedy A Beginners Guide to Snuff explores the lighter side of guerrilla underground filmmaking, following two bumblers who kidnap and pretend to torture a woman. Thanks to three lively lead performances and smart storytelling choices, what could have been a distasteful premise becomes surprisingly entertaining.

Writer-director Mitchell Altieri and producer Phil Flores previously made the modern B-movie faves The Hamiltons and The Violent Kind under the nickname the Butcher Brothers. They wink at themselves here, telling a story about desperate showbiz wannabes taking a last-ditch shot at stardom.

Joey Kern and Luke Edwards play odd-couple brothers  one sweet, one jerky  who plan to enter an amateur horror contest with a found-footage project designed to resemble a real snuff film. Bree Williamson plays Jennifer, an actress the brothers abduct without her consent so that her performance will be more real.

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If the brothers meant Jennifer harm, or if they werent utterly hapless, Beginners Guide wouldnt work. But thanks to the cast playing the material as farce  plus a few sick twists  the films more fun than appalling.

The filmmakers try too hard to comment on Hollywoods sexist, dehumanizing nature, and a preponderance of old movie quotes crosses a line from clever to cutesy. But at no point is this brainless, sleazy exploitation. Altieris always aiming for something more. Sometimes he gets there.

-------------

A Beginners Guide to Snuff

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Music Hall, Beverly Hills

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Movie Trailers

calendar@latimes.com
It was a curious twist that Hulk Hogans sex tape became a test for the 1st Amendment in an era when the news media were increasingly vulnerable to petulant billionaires, angry mobs, shrinking advertising, a Twitter-frenzied president and a Montana congressman who body-slammed a reporter.

The new documentary Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press focuses on Hogans civil suit brought after Gawker posted a video of the professional wrestler having sex with a friends wife. The 2016 judgment awarded to Hogan bankrupted the website. But the case raised deeper questions about privacy in the Internet age and how the rich  Hogans cause was bankrolled by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel  can afford to silence news organizations.

The film, directed by Brian Knappenberger, is a troubling glimpse at the pressure news organizations face in politically vicious times. President Trumps raucous populism has challenged the news media with threats and alternative facts. That confrontational approach has been countered by a press renaissance, much like during Watergate, of holding those in power accountable.

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The battle bristles across newspaper websites and 24-hour cable news cycles. Trumps animosity towards journalists, describing them as liars and terrible people, appeases his base and discredits stories critical of him. Trumps strategy coincided with two cases in which billionaires crushed and controlled news outlets: Thiels backing of Hogan and the purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal by Sheldon Adelson, a prominent Republican donor.

Gawkers prurience and irreverence made it less than a hallowed symbol for press freedom. Years earlier, a Gawker blog outed Thiel as gay, prompting him to fund Hogans crusade. Hogan settled with the website for $31 million. But the case turned into a meditation on the reach of the media and the clout of big money to stop it. It was a tale that echoed well beyond Gawkers lurid fascinations.

The sharper meaning at play in Nobody Speak is what kind of society will we become and who will articulate and define it. Where is the truth in a land of disquieting parallel narratives? Upon whose version of reality will we base our democracy? The Constitution has made freedom of the press sacrosanct. But as history has shown, from the Pentagon Papers to Watergate, there are determined and increasingly wealthy forces that dont want certain stories told.

After the Adelson family bought the Review-Journal in a secretive deal in 2015, many reporters and editors left the paper, complaining of compromised editorial integrity. Columnist John L. Smith, one of the most eloquent voices in Nobody Speak, resigned after he was ordered not to write about Adelson, a casino magnate often courted for campaign donations by conservative politicians.

Attacking or attempting to co-opt the messenger is not new. Trump has made it his default art form. But the most chilling scenes in Knappenbergers documentary are taken from Trump rallies, including one where the then-candidate pointed to reporters and said, The worlds most dishonest people back there. The irony is that Trump once reportedly impersonated a publicist to plant stories about himself with reporters.

Our cultural and class wars have revealed a deep distrust for the news business. The Internet and the rise of social media have sapped newsroom revenues and forced thousands of layoffs. Pundits and networks like Fox have made news less about truth than about twisting facts to fit political persuasions. This relentless cacophony imperils democracy, obscuring the information a government and a people need to make informed decisions about its laws, beliefs and future.

Nobody Speak drifts at times and lacks sweep and historical perspective. But it is a troubling foreshadowing of things to come if journalists are threatened, sidelined or attacked by powerful institutions and people more concerned with their own interests than whats best for the country or communities.

-------------

Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica; also streaming on Netflix

See the most-read stories this hour 

Twitter: @JeffreyLAT

jeffrey.fleishman@latimes.com

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Molly has a great story, Chelsea Handler said while perched at the end of a bed as she coaxed Molly Sims from the rooms entry hall. The two were sitting in a bedroom Tuesday afternoon alongside Jessica Alba and Kelly LeVeque, the celebrity nutritionist whose book Body Love they were celebrating, as the rest of the luncheon guests mingled just outside.

I have a great story, Sims said taking a seat alongside Alba before talking about her recent successes with weight loss.

The four were part of an intimate group, totaling about 15 in all, assembled at the Parachute Hotel, a luxury penthouse in Venice Beach, to nosh on organic chicken, pan-seared branzino, sugar snap peas and cumin- and coriander-dusted squash among other tasty offerings in celebration of LeVeques book due out June 27. The nutritionist has amassed a following of Hollywood devotees with her focus on what she said is a food philosophy rooted around the idea of rooting out the drama in food and weight loss with a focus on protein, fiber, healthy fats and greens.

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Word travels fast in L.A., LeVeque said of how shes been able to grow her Hollywood clientele which includes Alba, Handler, Sims, Emmy Rossum and Kate Walsh.

The nutritionist said she expects to release a protein powder in September and is otherwise waiting to plot her next move saying, Lets see how the first book goes.

If celebrity endorsement is any indication, all should go well as Alba, Chandler and Sims sang praises of LeVeques approach to health and wellness.

I have 10 pounds that just wont go away and Im super tired in the midmorning, Alba said. Im tired midafternoon and I dont know whats going on and I feel like I eat healthy and I dont have a ton of time to exercise and Im never going to stop drinking. So a friend of mine [said] Oh I have someone who has a really balanced approach to nutrition where you dont have to become somebody else and you lose inches.

Thats something that resonates with me too because Im so locked into a number, Handler said. If I go over that number it completely ruins my day so its nice to get detached from the number on the scale.

Handler is set to detach in another way as she gears up to get unplugged and go on vacation. The comedian, who currently has a talk show on Netflix, said her next big step will be in the form of a break, I have got two weeks off to be exact, she said.

For Sims, who says the near future for herself consists of changing a lot of diapers, she faces a looming deadline with HarperCollins on Thursday when she is due to turn in her book Everyday Chic expected out Oct. 10.

And for Alba, its all work with a bit of a break when she can be with her kids.

Im just at the office everyday and Im looking forward to spending some time with the kiddos and just getting away and being with them, she said. Theyre growing so quickly. Its so sad; the year flies by so its nice to spend the time in the summer with them.

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Charles Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel lost her latest bid for freedom on Thursday as parole hearing commissioners rejected a request by the states longest-serving female inmate to be released after a hearing in Corona.

The decision is the latest in a long series of repeated denials by Krenwinkel to secure parole on her conviction in a murderous rampage with Manson and other so-called Manson family members. But late last year, her attorney asserted new claims that Krenwinkel suffered abuse at Mansons hands before the murders.

A Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesman said Krenwinkel will be eligible to apply for parole again in five years.

Where are they now? Charles Manson's family, four decades after horrific murders 

Heres a breakdown of the case:

Patricia Krenwinkel at a parole hearing in 2011. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)

A murderous rampage

On Aug. 9, 1969, Krenwinkel joined the band of Manson acolytes who stormed the Benedict Canyon home shared by pregnant actress Sharon Tate, 26, and her movie director husband, Roman Polanski. Tate and four others were stabbed and shot. Krenwinkel testified to chasing coffee heiress Abigail Folger with a knife and stabbing her 28 times.

The next night, Krenwinkel and others killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their Los Feliz home. Krenwinkel and fellow family member Leslie Van Houten held down Rosemary LaBianca as Charles Tex Watson stabbed Leno LaBianca.

Both homes had walls smeared with blood, and Krenwinkel used blood to scrawl the words Death to Pigs. She later testified at trial that her hand throbbed from stabbing one of the victims so many times.

Patricia Krenwinkel (File) (Test)

The public is in fear

Krenwinkel was sent to death row in 1971 after a Los Angeles jury convicted her of killing Tate and six others in the two-day rampage.

After the states highest court in 1972 ruled the death penalty unconstitutional, Krenwinkels sentence  along with those of other Manson family members  was commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Krenwinkel has sought parole more than a dozen times.

At a 2011 hearing, the panel recognized Krenwinkels efforts, commending her for a clean disciplinary record, having earned a bachelors degree, and her work training service dogs and counseling fellow inmates.

But Commissioner Susan Melanson said the barbarity of the crimes  coupled with Krenwinkels failure to fully grasp the global effects of the Manson killings  warranted more time behind bars.

This crime remains relevant, Melanson said. The public is in fear. And that just is a fact of the crime and the consequences of the crime.

Charles Manson (California State Prisons) (Los Angeles Times / California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

Did Manson abuse Krenwinkel?

Last year, Krenwinkels attorney made new claims that she had been abused by Manson or another person.

At a hearing in December before the parole board, a source said Krenwinkels attorney, Keith Wattley, raised the notion in his closing statement that his client was a victim of intimate partner battery.

The claim, the source said, was akin to battered-spouse syndrome, a psychological condition experienced by people who have suffered prolonged physical or emotional abuse by a partner. The syndrome has been used as a legal defense by women charged with killing their husbands.

In an email to The Times, Wattley wrote in December, I pointed out that there are some things that haven't fully been investigated (believe it or not). Can't really elaborate at this time.

Leslie Van Houten would pose an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison, Gov. Jerry Brown has said. (Nick Ut / Associated Press) (Nick Ut / AP)

Californias longest-serving female prisoner

Prosecutors are opposed to Krenwinkels freedom.

By law, decisions by the Board of Parole Hearings must be approved by the governor, and Gov. Jerry Brown has already rejected the idea of setting another Manson follower free.

In April, a state review board recommended parole for Leslie Van Houten, who had been convicted of murder.

Brown reversed that decision and a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge later upheld the governors reversal, saying there was some evidence that Van Houten still presented an unreasonable threat.

Susan Atkins, a former topless dancer who became one of Mansons closest disciples, died in prison in 2009 at age 61.

After Atkins death, Krenwinkel became Californias longest-serving female inmate.

What a coward that I found myself to be when I look at the situation, Krenwinkel said in a 2014 interview with the New York Times. The thing I try to remember sometimes is that what I am today is not what I was at 19.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

For more breaking news, follow us on Twitter: @Matthjourno and @lacrimes

UPDATES:

1:40 p.m.: This article was updated with news of the denial.

This article was originally published at 8:25 a.m.
Editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Strana.ua Ihor Huzhva was detained in Kyiv on Thursday evening, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has said.

"Huzhva who demanded and received $10,000 for not publishing compromising materials about an incumbent politician has been detained as part of an investigation by the State Fiscal Service and the Kyiv Prosecutor's Office," Lutsenko wrote on Facebook on Thursday evening.

The investigators have footage and photo evidence of this offense, he said.

Huzhva earlier reported about a raid that was under way in the Strana.ua office on Thursday. "A raid is under way in our editorial office on trumped-up charges," he wrote on Facebook.

Strana.ua Deputy Editor-in-Chief Svitlana Kriukova first wrote that the raid was being conducted by 15-20 SBU security service officers. Later, she updated that they were investigators from the National Police.

"The entrance of the business center's is blocked," she wrote on Facebook. According to her, Huzhva was in the office at that moment.

Lawyers arrived later, she added.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson defended the Obama administrations delay in revealing Russian attempts to interfere with the 2016 election, saying Wednesday that officials were worried that theyd be blamed for a partisan attempt to influence the results.

The FBI found evidence by August that Russian-backed hackers had targeted electoral systems in 21 states, officials confirmed Wednesday, but the Obama administration did not publicly disclose the meddling until Oct. 7.

At that point, Johnson and James R. Clapper, then the director of national intelligence, issued a joint statement accusing Moscow of cyber thefts and disclosures  intended to interfere with the U.S. election process and of attempts by a Russian company to break in to state voter registration databases.

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The unusual statement followed weeks of leaks of emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and senior officials, including Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta. Some of the emails embarrassed or undermined her campaign.

We were very concerned that we would not be perceived as taking sides in the election, injecting ourselves into a very heated campaign, Johnson told the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.

After weeks of legal and political tumult created by President Trumps decision to fire FBI Director James B. Comey last month, two congressional hearings Wednesday focused on the original crime  a broad cyberattack on U.S. electoral systems by the Russian government in an effort to influence the outcome.

Officials repeated previous assurances that none of the digital intrusions affected the vote count on election day. But they said they expect Russian authorities, who have denied any election-related hacking, to keep trying.

I hope the American people will keep in mind Russias overall aim is to restore its power and prestige by eroding democratic values, said Bill Priestap, assistant director of the FBIs counterintelligence division.

Priestap said the hackers stole data from some states to understand what it consisted of and to plan future attacks. He declined to describe the stolen data because the Russian operation remains the focus of an FBI investigation.

Several lawmakers on the House panel pressed Johnson to explain why the Obama administration did not respond more quickly to Moscows interference.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking Democrat, said he and other lawmakers were given a classified briefing last summer about Russias campaign hacks. He asked why the White House waited until December to punish Moscow by imposing sanctions and expelling 35 alleged spies.

What led to such a long delay in making attribution and why would the most significant step of imposing costs on Russia for its interference come only after the election? Schiff asked.

Johnson said the need to protect intelligence sources and methods prevented him and other officials from issuing more specific warnings earlier. He said he had repeatedly warned last year about the vulnerability of voter registration databases to hacks.

He said the Oct. 7 statement did not get the attention it deserved because it was overshadowed by a Washington Post report later that day about Trump making crude comments about women on a 2005 Access Hollywood tape.

Homeland Security officials confirmed at the Senate hearing that the Russian hacks breached electoral systems in 21 states  though only Illinois and Arizona have been made public and the details of the penetrations remain secret.

Jeanette Manfra, the acting deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity at Homeland Security, said the secrecy was intended to preserve confidential relationships with state and local elections officials. The top Democrat on the committee wasnt convinced.

I do not believe our country is made safer by holding this information back from the American public, said Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat.

The two hearings also laid bare conflicts between Homeland Security, which is responsible at the federal level for securing U.S. elections, and state and local elections administrators.

No secretaries of state  who are responsible for elections in each state  have been cleared to receive classified details of the Russian hacking operation, said Connie Lawson, secretary of state in Indiana and president-elect of the National Assn. of Secretaries of State.

She also criticized Homeland Security for not revealing a cyberattack last fall on at least one U.S. voting software supplier by Russian military intelligence, an operation revealed this month by the Intercept, a website that specializes in national security issues. It cited a leaked classified report by the National Security Agency.

It is gravely concerning that election officials have only recently learned about the threat referenced in the leaked NSA report, especially given the fact that [Homeland Security] repeatedly told state election officials no credible threat existed in the fall of 2016, Lawson said.

But Johnson had complaints as well, saying state elections officials resisted his offer to designate voter databases as critical infrastructure  a move that would have allowed federal authorities to offer cybersecurity protections similar to those given to power grids, dams and financial networks.

Johnson said the reaction of state officials ranged from neutral to negative because they feared a federal takeover. Lawson confirmed that many state officials remain wary, saying they dont want to compromise public confidence in the system.

david.cloud@latimes.com

Twitter: @davidcloudLAT
Los Angeles County Medi-Cal patients missed dialysis treatments, suffered injuries when their wheelchairs or scooters werent secured in vans and endured yelling and insults by drivers paid to take them to medical appointments, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County filed the suit in L.A. County Superior Court against LogistiCare, the Atlanta-based company providing the rides.

Toni Vargas, one of the attorneys who filed the suit, said that she has received complaints about LogistiCare since 2014, but that the company has not made improvements. That simple disregard is just the [hallmark] of LogistiCare, she said in an interview.

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Medi-Cal, the states healthcare program for low-income residents, guarantees rides to medical appointments for patients whose conditions prevent them from traveling by bus or car. Dialysis patients are often tired and nauseous after treatment and cant operate cars.

The transportation is frequently arranged through LogistiCare, which is one of the biggest providers of non-emergency medical transportation in the country. The firm doesnt employ drivers directly; it contracts with vendors who provide the rides. LogistiCare coordinates 65 million rides annually in 39 states and Washington, D.C., according to its website.

Jody Gonzalez, general manager of LogistiCare California, said company officials could not comment on pending legal matters, or on individual complaints because of federal patient privacy laws.

In Los Angeles County we provide 2.7 million trips each year and 99.8% are complaint-free. Because our goal is 100% success, we investigate every complaint and work quickly and earnestly to correct any issues, Gonzalez said in a statement.

Gonzalez also pointed out that because of the huge number of rides managed by LogistiCare, even a small percentage not going as planned could mean thousands of service issues each year.

Medi-Cal has about 13.5 million participants, including 4 million in L.A. County, according to state figures. It was not clear how many Medi-Cal patients rely on LogistiCare to get to treatments.

Adam Weintraub, spokesman for the states Department of Health Care Services, which runs Medi-Cal, said department officials would not comment on the pending litigation.

Complaints have surfaced against LogistiCare in other states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut and New Jersey.

Rose Ratcliff, a plaintiff in the L.A. County suit, said she needs dialysis three times a week because diabetes made her kidneys stop working.

If you miss your appointments, you die. That machine becomes a part of you, Ratcliff, 59, said in an interview.

She said she has often missed her four-hour appointments because vans pick her up late from her home in Van Nuys. Once, she said, a driver did not strap down the motorized scooter she uses to get around.

I was trying to tell him, Hey, Im not locked down, and he kept cursing me, Ratcliff said. She said that moving around in the vehicle damaged her scooter and left her with bruises and scrapes.

Other plaintiffs, including wheelchair users, made similar allegations.

The suit alleges that some patients have ended up in the emergency room because of shortness of breath or fluid build-up after their rides showed up late, causing them to miss some of their dialysis treatment.

Most Medi-Cal patients are part of managed-care plans, which contract directly with LogistiCare to provide transportation. The lawsuit mentions three such L.A. County plans: Health Net, Anthem Blue Cross and L.A. Care Health Plan.

Representatives of Anthem and Health Net said they would not comment on pending litigation.

Hector Andrade, spokesman for L.A. Care, said that about 10,000 of the plans 1 million members utilize LogistiCare each month.

We are committed to providing high-quality care to all our members and are continuously looking for ways to make improvements, Andrade said, adding that the plan would watch closely how the lawsuit unfolds.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla

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Southern Californias air quality board took the unusual step this month of editing footage from an official webcast that showed its chairman confronting a protester who had interrupted a public meeting.

The incident took place about 30 minutes into the South Coast Air Quality Management Districts June 2 board meeting, after dozens of activists opposed to a planned expansion of oil company Tesoros refinery began chanting at agency officials from the auditorium in Diamond Bar.

An audience member live-streamed the fracas, a video of which remains posted on Facebook.

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The districts video doesnt include an obscenity-laced exchange in which board Chairman William A. Burke, who is African American, approached and confronted a man in the audience who he believed had threatened and cursed at him using racially derogatory language.

After the disturbance, members of the 13-member panel retreated to a private conference room to conduct the rest of the business on the agenda, with no members of the public allowed inside.

AQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said state law permits officials to exclude members of the public from meetings any time there is a threat to security and safety so long as journalists are allowed to attend. No reporters were present that day, he said.

Environmentalists staged the protest in reaction to AQMD Executive Officer Wayne Nastris May 12 decision to sign off on an environmental review of Texas-based Tesoros plans to merge its Carson and Wilmington facilities into the West Coasts largest refinery.

Environmental groups say the project would pose health and safety risks to people in Wilmington, Carson and western Long Beach.

During public testimony on an unrelated item, Alicia Rivera, Wilmington organizer for Communities for a Better Environment, criticized air quality officials for the decision as a group of other activists joined her in chanting: You wash your hands, you put all the power in one persons hands  referring to Nastri.

Thats when the video posted online by the air district cuts out abruptly.

The official video picks up after the board reconvened in a private room. The agency typically streams and posts video of all of its governing board meetings.

Atwood said that the footage that was not included was not part of the meeting, it was protestors protesting. The meeting at that point had been suspended.

The unofficial video shows that the protest continued for several minutes with some board members remaining at their seats as demonstrators yelled shame on you, Burke for prison, you are killing children and other chants.

Burke rose to his feet to argue with one of the demonstrators and later approached the audience, pointing his finger at a man, the video shows.

Alicia Rivera, who organized the protest, said she grew concerned and tried to stop the unidentified man, who she said was shouting louder than anyone in the auditorium and is not affiliated with her group.

People present said they heard the man use a derogatory term for African Americans and that Burke responded with an obscenity.

Burke denied using an obscenity.

I thought I heard a racial slur from one individual and went down to ask the fellow about it, Burke wrote in an email to the Times. He ran back yelling obscenities at me so I was never able to speak to him.

Burke said in a subsequent phone interview that the man ranted about doing something abusive to me  and though it was hard to make out  referred to him as boy and may have used other derogatory terms. If he would have done something abusive to me I would have defended myself, thats for sure.

No one calls me boy, Burke said in the interview.

Its not unusual for Burke, the longtime chairman of the air board, to engage in prolonged discussions with environmentalists and other agency critics from the dais during public hearings. He has served for over two decades on the panel, which is responsible for cleaning the air and protecting public health across a four-county basin of 17 million people.

Burke said he would look into why video of the incident was not posted, but Im sure what theyre going to tell me is that it wasnt part of the public proceeding.

After the confrontation, the board went into closed session and the auditorium emptied, Atwood said.

Later, when the board reconvened its public agenda in a conference room, Rivera said she and others tried to attend but were barred entry by security guards.

I thought it was really outrageous, Rivera said.

California law allows bodies like the air board to adjourn to a private location when there are people disrupting the meeting that cannot be removed, said Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, nonprofit that advocates for open government.

But the lack of video prevents the public from knowing exactly what sort of activity the board used to adjourn the regular meeting. Its possible that they didnt do it right or that they never announced the adjournment.

The Brown Act does not authorize a closed session to deal with disruptive conduct, only to discuss pending litigation, Francke added. Without video, the record simply isnt there to figure that out.

While behind closed doors, the air quality board voted to award millions in contracts to fund electric school buses and approved a $150 million annual budget.

tony.barboza@latimes.com

@tonybarboza

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A record-breaking heat wave that has been roasting California for days has claimed the lives of two seniors in San Jose, public health officials said Wednesday.

A 72-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman died from heat-related illnesses Monday, according to the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Days of punishing heat probably aggravated any existing illnesses they may have had and contributed to their deaths, said Joy Alexiou, a department spokeswoman.

Its a cumulative effect of days on end of high heat, she said.

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Dr. Michelle Jorden, chief medical examiner for Santa Clara County, said hyperthermia and heat stress occurs when a persons heat-regulation system cant handle hot temperatures.

It is tragic when someone dies of hyperthermia since in most every case it could have been prevented, she said in a statement.

Like most of California, San Jose has been under a heat advisory for several days due to a dry, high-pressure system centered over the Southwest.

On Monday, temperatures reached 94 degrees in San Jose, according to the National Weather Service in San Francisco.

Across the Sacramento Valley and inland communities, temperatures soared past 100 degrees and hit a record-breaking 113 degrees in Redding. The previous high for Redding was 104 degrees, set in 1988.

In Southern California on Tuesday, temperatures in the low desert communities were among the highest ever recorded, the weather service said. Death Valley hit 127  seven degrees shy of the hottest temperature ever recorded on the planet.

An all-time record high for San Diego County was set Tuesday in Ocotillo Wells, when the mercury hit 124 degrees.

Will Pi, a meteorologist for the weather service, said temperatures will increase three to five degrees Thursday throughout the Bay Area.

Meanwhile, health officials urged Californians to drink plenty of water, take cool baths or showers and stay indoors.

Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly, said Santa Clara County Executive Dr. Jeffrey Smith. But we can protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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Despite persistently high temperatures working against them, firefighters have kept a 1,500-acre blaze burning north of Big Bear Lake from spreading deeper into the wooded area, authorities said Thursday.

The Holcomb fire started Monday afternoon and has burned 1,562 acres north of Big Bear and Baldwin lakes, where it made a brief push east toward Highway 18 and triggered mandatory evacuations earlier this week.

Since then, crews have relied heavily on water- and flame retardant-dropping aircraft to attack the blaze while they build containment lines around the fire, said Anna Bribiescas, a spokeswoman at the fires incident command center.

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The work has seen success. Officials said late Thursday that the blaze was 35% contained, and Highway 18 was set to reopen Friday morning.

#HolcombFire - US Forest Service Night Flying Air Attack image from last night. More on this unique aircraft tomorrow. @R5_Fire_News pic.twitter.com/UVN9jzWH27  San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) June 22, 2017

Still, the firefight has been slow-going in Holcomb Canyons rocky and steep terrain.

This is big horn sheep country. Its not for people, Bribiescas said.

Hundred-year-old trees that had held boulders in place on hillsides are now gone, meaning firefighters have to watch their every step and listen for rolling, burning logs or tumbling rocks in the darkness.

Its slow and accurate but not fast, she said of the work.

Officials said overnight winds pushed the fires northern face back on itself, limiting its spread, while defensive fire work to the west and south limited its expansion.

No growth overnight on the #HolcombFire . Remains 1,540 acres and 10% contained. pic.twitter.com/haEs1AJ2KE  San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) June 22, 2017

The days ahead will present challenges, however. The National Weather Service warned of stubbornly high temperatures around the fire and issued a red flag warning for neighboring counties.

The high temperatures, increased wind speeds and dropping humidity mean the conditions are ripe for a fast-moving wildfire in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles, forecasters warned.

More than 1,200 firefighters are battling the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and authorities have asked for the publics help. The U.S. Forest Service is asking for anyone who was in the area of the Pacific Crest Trail near Holcomb Valley Road north of Highway 18 or in the Doble Trail Camp between 6 p.m. Saturday and 3:05 p.m. Monday to call (909) 382-2699.

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

UPDATES:

10:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details on the growth of the fire.

This article was originally published at 2:50 p.m.
A Los Angeles police officer was arrested Thursday and accused of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 15-year-old member of the departments cadet program, the latest embarrassment stemming from an investigation into thefts and other misconduct tied to the program, Chief Charlie Beck said.

Officer Robert Cain, 31, allegedly had sex in the past month with a teenager suspected with other cadets of being involved in the recent thefts of police cruisers and other LAPD equipment, Beck said. Cain also allegedly knew of, and helped facilitate, the string of thefts that has rattled the department in recent days, Beck said.

There may be a connection between the wooing of this underage female and access to the equipment. I dont know, the chief added at a news conference. I know that would be consistent with pedophile type behavior.

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Beck said he personally arrested Cain at the departments 77th Street Division station around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

I find the actions of Cain, if they are proven, to be despicable and I find his actions absolutely inconsistent with the ethics and standards of the Los Angeles Police Department, he said.

Cains bail was set at $75,000.

The latest allegations swirling around the troubled cadet program drew condemnation from city leaders, with one city official calling for an audit of all of the departments youth programs.

Investigators learned of the sexual misconduct allegations on Wednesday, as part of a larger review of the theft of three LAPD cruisers and other equipment. Detectives uncovered text messages between Cain and the victim that detailed inappropriate behavior, and showed the officer knew about the alleged thefts, according to Beck.

Cain was placed under 24-hour surveillance as soon as his name surfaced in the investigation, Beck said.

Cain was the officer assigned to the equipment room at 77th Street Division, according to Beck, who earlier this week said lax security of the stations equipment locker may have played a role in the alleged theft of squad cars, bulletproof vests, police radios and Tasers by LAPD cadets.

Beck described the relationship between Cain and the cadet as short-term, and said none of the sexual encounters took place on LAPD property. Cain was not assigned to the departments youth programs and does not have a significant disciplinary history, Beck said.

Detectives began searching Cains locker, residence and social media accounts on Thursday for evidence of any other sexual misconduct. At this time, police do not believe any other sworn personnel were involved, Beck said.

The case has not yet been presented to the Los Angeles district attorneys office, according to a spokeswoman for the agency. It was not immediately clear if Cain had an attorney.

Investigation of the sexual misconduct allegations grew from an ongoing review of the LAPDs cadet program. Last week, Beck said three cadets had been arrested and accused of stealing three cruisers from department garages. Officers chased two of the stolen cruisers through South L.A. on June 14, resulting in separate car crashes.

The search for the stolen cruisers quickly focused on a 16-year-old female cadet, Beck said last week. Two other teenage cadets, boys aged 15 and 17, were also arrested.

Four more cadets, aged 14 to 18, were arrested as the inquiry unfolded, police said earlier this week.

The only adult cadet arrested in the probe was identified as Leonel Flores, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles. The others have not been identified because they are minors.

Six of the cadets were assigned to the 77th Street Division. Beck has suspended the cadet programs at the 77th Street and Pacific divisions pending further review.

Cains alleged actions were quickly denounced by city leaders.

There is no higher priority than protecting and guiding our young people  and when they become LAPD cadets, every parent should feel confident that they will be treated with the utmost care every step of the way. The charges against this officer are deeply disturbing, and I have been assured he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement.

City Councilman Mitchell Englander, a reserve police officer, said he plans to introduce a motion Friday calling for a full investigation and audit of all LAPD youth programs.

Beck last week announced a top-to-bottom review of the LAPDs cadet program, but Englanders motion would expand the review to other youth programs including the Gang Reduction and Youth Development and Police Activities League Supporters programs, according to Colin Sweeney, the councilmans communications director.

The motion would also require that findings of the investigation be made public.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents rank-and-file police officers, also harshly criticized Cain on Thursday.

If these disgusting allegations are true, we applaud the department for taking swift action to arrest this individual for this vile crime, the union said in a statement. There should be zero tolerance for any officer who takes advantage of those they are entrusted to protect.

Matt Johnson, president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, a civilian panel that oversees the department, said: Chief Beck has been very clear that there will be a complete investigation into these allegations  which in no way reflect the courage and integrity that define the 10,000 members of the LAPD and the 2,000 Cadets who work hard every day to better themselves and serve their communities.

LAPD brass has long pointed to the cadet program as a success story. Thousands of young people, 13 to 20 years old, have participated over the years. The goal is to foster relationships between the citys youth and police while helping participants develop skills that will aid them later in life.

Beck is scheduled to speak to the entire cadet class at a graduation ceremony Saturday, and has repeatedly said he hopes the continually unfolding scandal does not tarnish the program as a whole.

I intend to go forward Saturday with the graduation, the chief said. I hope the media attend so they can see the other 2,200 cadets who so well serve this city.

james.queally@latimes.com

richard.winton@latimes.com

kate.mather@latimes.com

Follow @LACrimes @katemather & @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

UPDATES:

7:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, City Councilman Mitchell Englander and Police Commission President Matt Johnson.

4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from Beck.

4:15 p.m.: This article was updated with details about the investigation from LAPD Chief Charlie Beck at a news conference.

3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the officers arrest.

This article first published at 2:30 p.m.
For months, Bea Watts waited as the Los Angeles County child protection agency failed to pay her more than $4,500 for taking care of two children in her foster care.

As bills piled up, she issued an ultimatum: The Department of Children and Family Services would have to take the children back, she said, unless it paid her by March 1.

DCFS finally paid Watts, a Simi Valley resident, but her experience wasnt unique.

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Thousands of regular assistance checks from DCFS failed to reach recipients like Watts after the agency implemented a new computer system in October. Because of glitches in the conversion, the department for several months failed to pay foster care parents, young people living on extended foster care assistance, group homes and others.

When The Times first reported the problem in January, DCFS officials said approximately 700 payments were missed. That number eventually grew to almost 4,500, DCFS figures show.

Those numbers dont include glitches with issuing the vouchers that people on assistance fill out and return in order to receive payment. In December alone, almost 5,000 vouchers for payment  a substantial chunk of the agencys 15,351 cases  werent returned to the agency, according to numbers provided by the department.

DCFS officials estimate that a little more than half of those vouchers werent issued correctly in the first place.

In January  the worst month  nearly 10% of all foster care payments were skipped.

The agency said that it has since cleared the backlog, which peaked in the winter. Officials said that there are still payments missed each month  though not nearly as many as just after the computer system change  but that it isnt taking DCFS as long to make good on those skipped checks.

One former foster child, Myeisha Jackson, 21, who depended on the payments, said she was kicked out of her apartment for failing to make rent. A group home manager said she had to borrow thousands of dollars from friends to make payroll. A large foster family agency was owed money for months  as much as $1 million, county officials said.

Documents obtained by The Times under the California Public Records Act show the agencys foster care hotline was swamped with phone calls reporting issues with payments. At the height of the problem, the county more than quadrupled the number of staffers working the phones, the documents show.

Richard Pugh, president of the Ventura County Foster Parent Assn., provides foster care to children for both Ventura and L.A. counties. Pugh said that he didnt receive his November and December checks until February, and that he spent hours on the phone to get paid.

It was just chaos, Pugh said. Weve all been having problems.

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors in February called for an inquiry into the root cause of the problem, saying that missing payments might be more widespread than known. The board also asked for a plan to distribute all back pay by March 14.

DCFS acting Director Brandon Nichols said the missed-payments issue has possibly consumed more of his time than any other since he became head of the department in February. He said that he has dedicated extraordinary resources to solving the problem, that the department has burnt staff out working on the issue, and that he is dismayed by reports that people suffered hardships because they werent paid.

However, Nichols said that people going as long as two months without receiving their payments were rare exceptions. When a payment is skipped, a report is generated and a manual check is cut, Nichols said. Most of the time the payment is made within 30 days of the initial payroll, he said.

The problem was most severe around January and February, Nichols said. DCFS officials were prioritizing extreme cases in which people claimed dire situations, such as impending evictions. Officials even hand-delivered checks in those situations, he said.

He also said the spike in vouchers not being submitted was caused primarily by a mix-up in the system involving foster family agencies, which oversee and are responsible for paying some of the countys foster care parents. Rather than being issued to the agencies, the vouchers were sent to the foster parents, according to Nichols. The agencies were owed money but still paid those parents, he said.

But Nichols acknowledged that the system conversion caused some people not to receive vouchers for payment, though he said it was a rare occurrence.

Exactly how many people went unpaid for longer than 30 days is also unclear. Nichols said DCFS met the March 14 deadline for back-pay set by the Board of Supervisors.

For the department, publicity over missing payments comes at a sensitive time. DCFS officials are in the early stages of a major campaign funded by the state to recruit more foster care parents and tackle a countywide shortage in foster beds.

Nichols said he worries that media coverage of the missed payments will impede the crucial effort. He said he hadnt heard of any foster parents saying they wouldnt provide care in L.A. County again because of the missed-payments issue.

I have not heard anyone say, I am done doing this because people arent paying me on time, Nichols said.

But Watts said her experience made her begin to question whether to undertake the difficult task of being a foster parent for L.A. County children again.

Now, she has reached a decision.

Its really sad, Watts said, but its my last time fostering with L.A.

Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com

@adamelmahrek
A Costa Mesa man pleaded guilty Thursday to helping three men escape from an Orange County jail last year, an incident that sparked a weeklong manhunt that extended from Southern California to the Bay Area, prosecutors said.

Loc Ba Nguyen, 51, will serve one year in jail for his role in the January 2016 escape at the Central Mens Jail in Santa Ana, according to a statement issued by the Orange County district attorneys office.

Nguyen admitted to smuggling wire cutters, cellphones, a knife and other items into the jail  tools that proved essential in the escape carried out by Hossein Nayeri, Bac Duong and Jonathan Tieu, prosecutors said.

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Prosecutors said Nguyen was given a shopping list of items necessary for the jailbreak plot when he visited Duong at the facility on Jan. 9, 2016. He also admitted to serving as the getaway driver after the trio broke out weeks later, early on the morning of Jan. 23, prosecutors said.

A spokeswoman for the district attorneys office declined to say exactly what the wire cutters and knife were used for. Previously, authorities said Nayeri, Duong and Tieu used a cutting tool to saw through several layers of metal and rebar, giving them access to plumbing tunnels that led to the jails roof.

They rappelled down the side of the building, where Nguyen was waiting with a car.

Jail staff did not learn of the escape for nearly 15 hours, giving the trio a lengthy head start on their pursuers. Law enforcement officials have said Nayeri, Duong and Tieu took a cab driver hostage and drove to San Jose in the days after the escape.

Their plan fell apart when Duong and Nayeri became embroiled in an argument over whether to kill the hostage. Duong eventually drove back to Orange County, released the cab driver and surrendered. Nayeri and Tieu were arrested in San Francisco the next day.

Earlier this year, the Orange County grand jury released a scathing report blaming lax supervision within the Sheriffs Department and improper inmate counting procedures as key factors that allowed the trio to escape and helped prolong their time on the run.

The Sheriffs Department has yet to issue an after-action report on the incident, which would follow normal protocols for major events, because of the ongoing criminal case, according to Lt. Lane Lagaret, a department spokesman.

The cutting tool that the men used to escape was never recovered. Duong, Nayeri and Tieu were scheduled to appear in court for preliminary hearings this month, though it was not immediately clear whether those had taken place.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies mistakenly shot and killed a teenager in Palmdale early Thursday when their bullets bounced off the ground as they opened fire on an aggressive dog, sheriffs officials said.

The 17-year-old was struck in the chest by at least one skip round several yards from the deputies as they fired several shots at a charging pit bull just after 3:40 a.m., officials said. Investigators believe the deputies did not notice the teenager in the darkness, the department said.

Moments earlier, the dog had bitten one of the deputies and the teenager had restrained the animal so that it wouldnt attack again. The bitten deputy did not fire but was struck in his right leg by a fragment of a bullet fired by a fellow deputy that bounced off the ground in the shooting.

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1 / 9 Roberta Alcantar, mother of the victim, hugs her sons friend Miles Mooreand at a candlelight vigil for teenager Armando Garcia-Muro in Palmdale. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 9 Roberta Alcantar, left, mother of the victim, is comforted by Pharaoh Mitchell, co-founder of the Community Action League, at the scene along the 38500 block of 10th St East where Alcantars son was fatally shot in in Palmdale. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 9 Roberta Alcantar, left, mother of the victim, outside the Palmdale apartment complex where her son, Armando Garcia-Muro, 17, was accidentally killed by L.A. County sheriffs deputies. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 9 Investigators at the scene where L.A. County sheriffs deputies opened fire on a dog, accidentally striking and killing a teen, officials say. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 9 Investigators at the scene of the Palmdale shooting. Armando Garcia-Muro, 17, was hit by at least one stray bullet as deputies fired at an aggresive dog he was trying to restrain, officials say. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 9 Investigators at the scene of the Palmdale shooting where L.A. County sheriffs deputies opened fire on a dog, accidentally killing a teen, officials say. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 9 Amber Alcantar, aunt of the victim, at the scene where Armando Garcia-Muro, 17, was mistakenly shot and killed by L.A. County sheriffs deputies, officials say. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 9 Roberta Alcantar, mother of the victim, Armando Garcia-Muro, 17. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 9 Roberta Alcantar, right, mother of the teenage victim, and her mother, Valencia Alcantar, outside the Palmdale apartment complex where Armando Garcia-Muro was accidentally shot and killed by L.A. County sheriffs deputies, officials say. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

The teen was identified by family members as Armando Garcia-Muro, who was about to enter his senior year at R. Rex Parris High School in Palmdale. The eldest of four siblings, he loved dogs and aspired to go into construction, said his mother, Roberta Alcantar.

He would give his life for anybody, she said. He was a very loving person.

In a news conference at the scene hours after the shooting, Capt. Christopher Bergner of the Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau said it appeared that both the teen and the deputy had been struck by rounds that ricocheted off the ground when deputies fired at the charging animal.

He may have been struck by one of the skip rounds in what were calling an extremely, extremely unfortunate incident, Bergner said. Our initial impression was [the deputies] didnt even see the individual coming around from the side of the building.

Five deputies were present at the time of the shooting but only two fired, discharging six to eight rounds, Bergner said.

Authorities said deputies had gone to an apartment complex in the 38500 block of 10th Street East around 3:40 a.m. in response to a call about a loud party. As they arrived, a pit bull charged at them and bit one of the deputies in the left knee, Bergner said.

The teenager restrained the animal and brought it to the rear of the complex, which was around a corner, Bergner said. Meanwhile, the deputies retreated from the home to call for backup and medical units, who arrived and checked on the bitten deputys injuries.

At some point, the pit bull broke free and charged at the deputies again.

Bergner said the dog was a full-grown male that weighed 60 to 65 pounds and was 5 to 7 feet away from the deputies when they opened fire.

The dog was struck and retreated to a carport area at the rear of the complex, the Sheriffs Department said. Deputies decided to try to corral the dog to prevent anyone else from being attacked, but as they approached the carport they noticed the boy on the ground wounded.

Deputies provided medical aid before paramedics arrived and took him to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he died.

 A man was shot and killed by Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies in Palmdale early Thursday morning.

Garcia-Muros aunt, Amber Alcantar, said deputies told her the teen was shot while trying to stop the dog from attacking deputies a second time. She said she heard a knock on her door in the early morning. It was Garcia-Muros friend, who was frantically looking for the boys mother.

The youngster was holding a pair of bloodied shoes. They were Garcia-Muros, Alcantar said.

Obviously something was wrong, she said. She and Garcia-Muros mother went to two hospitals in search of him, but couldnt find him and eventually returned home.

The dogs owner, who lives at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred, declined to give her name because she had too many things going on with the law right now.

She said the dog is a 3-year-old blue-nosed pit bull. Her home is used as a local hangout by some of the neighborhood kids, she said.

They are all my friends, the woman said. They are good kids. They come over and they listen to music.

The neighborhood children were hanging out and listening to music like they ordinarily do, she said Thursday. Her dog was off its leash, but was well-mannered, she said.

She was skeptical of the deputies claims that her dog attacked them.

Thats not my dog. Thats not his personality, she said.

The deputy who was bitten and later struck by a bullet fragment was treated at a local hospital and released, Bergner said. The dog was shot and survived but will be euthanized.

Under the departments use-of-force policy, deputies are allowed to fire at animals if they reasonably believe that theyre about to be killed or be seriously injured by the animal.

Bergner said any time a deputy fires a duty weapon, he or she is put on temporary desk duty while the incident is investigated.

The Los Angeles district attorneys office has previously determined that officers are justified when firing at dogs that pose an immediate threat, even if the officers bullets end up injuring someone else at the scene.

In 2014, a deputy fired a shotgun at a dog biting his leg and mistakenly wounded a resident who was struck in the leg by pellets that rebounded off the ground. Prosecutors wrote in a memo that the mans injures were an accidental result of the deputys lawful discharge of his shotgun and did not constitute a crime.

A similar result came in 2009 when local prosecutors reviewed a shooting in which a man claimed to have been shot when a probation officer opened fire at a charging pit bull. The district attorneys office concluded it was unclear if the mans injury was caused by a bullet, but that the officer was justified and that any injury was accidental and unavoidable given the circumstances.

All police shootings, even ones that could be deemed justified, come with risks, said Sam Walker, a nationally recognized expert on policing.

If you miss a person, who knows where that bullet goes, said Walker, a retired criminal justice professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Thats the reason most departments ban warning shots or shots at moving vehicles. You dont know where the bullet is gonna go.

Staff writer Sonali Kohli contributed to this report.

maya.lau@latimes.com

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @mayalau and @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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UPDATES:

6:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the teens mother.

2:35 p.m.: This article was updated with more details from the Sheriffs Department and comments from the boys aunt and the owner of the dog.

11 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from a Homicide Bureau captain.

9:50 a.m.: This article was updated with information from a Sheriffs Department statement on the shooting.

9:05 a.m.: This article was updated with details about the incident from an internal memo.

This article was originally published at 6:25 a.m.
Sheriffs deputies approached a man who was urinating on a planter Wednesday at a Pasadena transit station and made an alarming discovery.

In his duffel bag, the deputies found a cache of weapons, including a loaded AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, a handgun, rope, a machete, two loaded 30-round magazines, several rounds of loose ammunition and a notebook with unidentified writings, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

The handguns markings indicated it was restricted for those in law enforcement or government, officials said.

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The deputies quickly arrested Christopher Harrison Goodine, 28, at the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line station shortly after 9 a.m. Goodine was taken to county lockup, where hes being held on $10,000 bail, according to jail records.

Investigators were still looking into Goodine and his plans.

At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said there was no evidence of a link to terrorism, and he credited deputies with averting catastrophic violence.

For these deputies, just another day  looking at the small things that end up turning into big things, McDonnell said. There but for the grace of God, we could have had a tragedy today here in Los Angeles.

The deputies  who provide security to Metros bus and rail lines across the county  had been on patrol at the sheriff station. They were driving away when they spotted the man, later identified as Goodine, urinating in public.

We dont know what could have happened if he wasnt taken into custody, McDonnell said.

Goodine is a resident of Union City, Ga. A man with the same name was arrested in 2015 after he walked into the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, wearing a bulletproof vest and a ski mask, DNAInfo reported.

At the time, New York police described him as a quasi-homeless man who had brushes with the law in Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Washington, D.C.

Goodine is scheduled to appear in a Pasadena courtroom Friday, according to jail records. Its unclear if he is being represented by an attorney.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno

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European Council President Donald Tusk announced on Thursday that the EU leaders agreed to extend economic sanctions against Russia for another half a year.

"Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia for their lack of implementing the Minsk Agreement," Tusk said on Twitter.

The effect of the EU's sectoral sanctions against Russia related to the events in Ukraine would normally expire on July 31. It was reported earlier that the summit planned for June 22-23 recommended extending the economic sanctions against Russia, which the EU ties to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
President Obama has been out of office only a few months. But he might have both a street and an L.A. freeway named after him soon.

Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson has proposed renaming Rodeo Road in southwest L.A. Obama Boulevard in honor of the president. Wesson noted that Obama held a campaign rally at Rancho Cienega Park on Rodeo Road when running for president and that the area already has streets named after presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Adams).

In May, a plan to name a stretch of the 134 Freeway after Obama moved forward with approval from the state Senate. The freeway is not far from Occidental College in Eagle Rock, which Obama attended.

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In California alone, several schools have been named after Obama. And in the Monterey Bay town of Seaside, city leaders designated a key street Obama Way.

Rodeo Road is a major street that runs from near the Culver City border east to Mid-City. Its sometimes confused by newcomers with the more upscale Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Rodeo Road is not far from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. That used to be Santa Barbara Avenue until the city changed the name three decades ago.
An erroneous alert of a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Santa Barbara was reported Wednesday. The quake did occur on that date, but 92 years earlier. Heres piece looking back at the damage caused by that temblor that was originally published in 2013.

At 6:42 a.m. on June 29, 1925, the city of Santa Barbara was heavily damaged by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake. Thirteen people were killed and damage was estimated at $8 million. Few buildings on State Street escaped damage.

Los Angeles Times staff correspondent Kyle D. Palmer reported the next morning:

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SANTA BARBARA, June 29  Recurrent shocks, following a severe temblor at 6:42 this morning that demolished or seriously damaged virtually all brick, concrete and stone structures in the city and caused the death of an undetermined number of persons  now known to exceed seventeen (later revised down to 13)  forced Santa Barbaras 30,000 residents to face a night on the citys lawns, in the public parks and along the beach.

Thirty-two persons were reported as seriously injured. It is estimated that the total number receiving minor injuries did not exceed 200.

The first person to be rescued alive from the huge pile of debris in front of the wrecked San Marcos Building is Mrs. Marcario Hernandez, who was caught by the feet under fallen timbers. The woman was discovered by workers searching for the body of Dr. James Angel, dentist. Her leg was broken, but she appeared otherwise uninjured.

The body of Dr. Angel was still warm when removed, indicating he had been dead but a short time.

Although the earthquakes following the first heavy temblor this morning were thought to be due to settling of the earths crust and greatly diminished in violence, they were of sufficient intensity to dislodge bricks and stones and render dangerous the immediate vicinity of shake buildings. A shock of considerable intensity was felt at 5:40 p.m., another at 6:46  almost twelve hours to the minute since the first quake  and two more at 7:22 and 7:23.

Soon after the morning earthquake, Los Angeles Times staff photographer George Watson was dispatched to Santa Barbara. Years later in an interview for the Watson Family Photographic Archive, George Watson remarked that he drove up in my old 1915 Buick C-25.

We drove up there in record time and the destruction was amazing. The Californian Hotel was about a 4-5 story building, quite long and the whole wall was all dropped out. You could see the beds, dressers, and the sheets tied together where the people slid down, terrible looking mess. And the street was full of rubble. It was really terrible.

The Santa Barbara mission was badly damaged. While at the mission, Watson captured an image of one of the Franciscan friars, Brother Michael standing on the steps of the church surveying the damage. This image later appeared in publications around the world.
In states looking to legalize pot, police and politicians often grapple with the same hard question: How will that affect road safety?

The topic has dominated discussions in legislative committee rooms from California to Massachusetts as well as on front porches across the country as activists gathering petition signatures have gone door-to-door trying to sway potential voters in legalization efforts. Now new data may bolster arguments against legalization.

A study released Thursday by a leading insurance research group showed an uptick in collision claims in states that have legalized marijuana.

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In the years since recreational pot sales became legal in Colorado, Washington and Oregon, those states have seen a 2.7% increase in collision claims, according to the study from the Highway Loss Data Institute. The group used data from insurance claims, not from law enforcement records. Legal sales took effect in Colorado in January 2014, followed by Washington that July and Oregon in October 2015.

Its tricky to say what the exact magnitude of legal marijuana is on this increase, said Matt Moore, senior vice president of the Virginia-based nonprofit. But its safe to say that since retail sales have begun, crashes have increased in these states.

The group used neighboring states  Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming, to name a few  as controls and did before-and-after comparisons. After retail marijuana sales began in Colorado, the collision-claim frequency was 14% higher than in neighboring Utah and Wyoming, according to the report. Washingtons estimated claim frequency was 6% higher than in Montana and Idaho.

Trying to gauge how high is too high behind the wheel has long perplexed states. Unlike for alcohol, there is no on-scene Breathalyzer for marijuana thats widely used, so confirming pot use requires that officers take drivers to police stations to administer a blood test. And theres another question: Whats a reasonable cutoff?

Some states, such as Colorado and Washington, have established 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood as a legal standard for judging whether someone is driving under the influence. THC is a chemical compound in cannabis responsible for its psychological effects.

The study released Thursday already has its critics.

Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project, a group dedicated to ending marijuana prohibitions, said the report showed some correlation but not causation.

In other words, it found a slightly increased risk of collisions in states that have made marijuana legal for adults, but it did not actually look at the causes of collisions and does not show marijuana is to blame for that increase, Tvert said, adding that his group takes seriously the issue of combating driving while high.

It is important that governments and businesses continue to educate the public about the danger of impaired driving  whether it is by cannabis, alcohol or other substances  as well as the laws that prohibit it, he said.

In recent years, some states that have legalized pot, such as Colorado, have launched extensive advertising campaigns warning of the dangers marijuana poses to kids and teenagers, and also of the risks of driving while high.

Moore said the study was an important step toward equipping states with all the facts as they consider legalizing pot. Its a concern worth monitoring and looking at over time, he said.

Since 2012, voters in eight states have approved ballot measures legalizing the purchase and possession of marijuana for anyone 21 and older. This year several states seeking tax revenue from pot sales tried to legalize marijuana through legislative action; all the efforts have faltered.

In Rhode Island, Democratic state Sen. Josh Miller has led an unsuccessful effort to legalize pot for the last four years.

This year, his legalization bill remains stalled in a committee as the session winds down to a close this month. State Atty. Gen. Peter F. Kilmartin was among those opposed to legalization, citing, among other things, the need for more research on legalization efforts.

Asked about the study, Miller said he remained undeterred in his efforts.

The details, he said, are always more important than the headlines with such studies.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisalee

ALSO

Heres what Colorados governor has to tell other states about legalizing marijuana

Heres whats driving lawmakers working to legalize recreational pot in 17 more states

Following the example of voters, legislatures are trying to legalize marijuana  with mixed results
The good news, we guess, is that President Trump has so far proved to be a rather ineffectual chief executive. Hes signed 40 pieces of legislation, but none represented major new initiatives. Even his one clear victory, Senate confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, came about only after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blew up tradition and killed the filibuster on Supreme Court nominees.

Beyond that, the White House has offered no significant legislation of its own. The president has been content to let Congress drive the repeal-replace Obamacare car, though he has by fiat undermined the landmark healthcare law by refusing to enforce sections of it. The president also has failed to offer nominees for more than 400 of 558 key administrative positions requiring Senate approval, according to a daily tracker maintained by the Washington Post. So apparently hes been quite busy not doing much of consequence, which is probably in the nations best interests, given how wrong-headed many of his political beliefs are.

One place where Trump has made some strides, though, is in attacking regulations. Granted, Congress has done much of the heavy lifting, rescinding 15 Obama administration regulations under the Congressional Review Act. But Trump is only just getting started on his anti-regulatory agenda, which has no coherent vision beyond less is more. The administration already has begun quitting legal fights in which the Obama administration had been engaged  the Environmental Protection Agency recently settled a lawsuit with a company the Obama administration had been fighting over a proposed an open-pit gold mine in the headwaters of Alaskas Bristol Bay, one of the worlds premier sockeye salmon fisheries.

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Regulations should stand or fall on their own merits and the public good, not because the president has given his bureaucrats a roll-back quota.

There is a philosophical argument to be made that excessive regulation can stifle growth and development. But it falls to government to ensure that industries, in their pursuit of profits, dont cause serious or irreparable harm by poisoning the air and water, or cheating investors, or marketing drugs that hurt more than they heal, or any of the other oversteps that even the best-meaning corporations can occasionally make.

There undoubtedly are many regulations that have outlived their purpose, or that have proved to be less useful than anticipated. And there is a mechanism for undoing or revising them. But Trump isnt approaching the issue in so rational a way; instead, he has framed his mission in bizarre and unsupportable terms. His two for one order, in which every new proposed regulation must be accompanied by two regulations that are to be rescinded, is the polar opposite of good governance. Regulations should stand or fall on their own merits and the public good, not because the president has given his bureaucrats a roll-back quota.

The administration seems to have made a priority of undermining environmental regulations, particularly those dealing with climate change. In keeping with Trumps ill-considered decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement, the administration has decided to roll back the Clean Power Plan, which was supposed to reduce carbon emissions from electric plants, and to put a hold on rules requiring drillers to capture methane emissions from wells. Fortunately, scrapping regulations isnt that easy, and environmental groups already are lining up their legal challenges, arguing that the government lacked the authority to simply stall an approved rule.

The courts could well be the savior for the environment, and any other regulated arena. To adopt a regulation, federal law requires the government to provide evidence that the proposed rule is necessary, make the details public, and then collect, analyze and respond to public comments. A similar process is required to rescind a rule. So in the case of the methane capture rule, for instance, the Trump administration must demonstrate that either circumstances have changed or the previous justification for the rule was wrong. And it will likely have to defend the argument later in court. No easy task, that.

To be sure, Trump and his minions, who rode into power on a rocket of disruption, pose a serious threat to the nations well-being, from their willful ignorance of climate science to their draconian views on criminal justice, and from their attacks on the healthcare system to their efforts to weaken fundamental institutions of government. The election might be behind us, but battles remain ahead.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook
The first time I saw my students ball their fists and lunge at each other, I hurled my body across the room, smashing the buzzer on the wall for security  something I would do many times during my first year of teaching 10th grade in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Stop it this second, both of you! I screamed as they spat insults at each other.

My students, 95% of whom were black while I am white, looked at me blankly for a second, then burst out laughing. Ms. Rosenblum, we were just playing! they wailed, eyes still watering as they took their seats, best friends once more.

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In the hall the security guard stared at me, eyebrows raised. Sorry, I mouthed. I thought they were fighting.

In the days since since Jeronimo Yanez walked free, I cant stop thinking about how I would have reacted had I been in his shoes and encountered a black man with a gun. With every particle of my being, I hope differently. But realistically, I frequently misread my students behavior when I was a teacher, just like Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, alleges Yanez, who is Latino, misread Castiles.

The way my students ribbed each other, to my ears, sounded like bullying. Flirting, to my eyes, looked like harassment. I grew up in a lily white part of West Virginia, and now that I found myself teaching black teens in the Big Easy, I regularly perceived much of their culturally normal, innocent behavior as dangerous and frightening. It took years of watching how my black colleagues responded to, and diffused, those same behaviors to realize that my students werent the ones out of line  I was.

How can we ever learn to perceive each other correctly if we never have the opportunity to care about, let alone know, one another?

Research confirms what black people already know: White people tend to view blacks faces as more threatening than white ones. We also know from first-person shooter experiments in the same study that this incorrect perception can make them more likely to respond with force.

I was armed with detention slips instead of a gun. The instances when I exercised that power poorly are not excusable, and are just one reason I believe we need to hire more black teachers. But like Yanez had the law on his side, I had the school on mine. I could justify my discipline by calling the behavior disruptive, just like Yanez justified his use of force by saying he feared for his life.

The problem with these justifications is that they are both subjectively defined, and based on the cultural norms we grow up in. And increasingly, too many of us live under one cultural code, in isolation.

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, where Yanez and Castile grew up, neighborhoods are growing dramatically more segregated in a pattern that reflects the nations. For reasons related to segregation, the Huffington Post ranked the Saint Paul-Minneapolis-Bloomington metropolis as the third worst city in the country for blacks in terms of poverty and unemployment. While the high school that Castile attended, Saint Paul Central, is relatively diverse with a student population that is roughly one-third black (like Castile), one-third white and one-third Asian, the high school that Yanez attended, South Saint Paul, is markedly less so: just 5% of students are black, 66% are white, and 22% are Latino, like Yanez.

Does segregation alone explain why a group of South Saint Paul students told racist jokes days after President Trump was elected? Does it explain the noose a South Saint Paul Trump supporter hung in his yard? Does it explain why Jeronimo Yanez shot Philando Castile?

Perhaps not alone. But the fact that Castiles alma matter has virtually no Latino students, and Yanezs has very few black students, should give us pause. How can we ever learn to perceive each other correctly if we never have the opportunity to care about, let alone know, one another?

Until enough children from integrated communities grow up to be film directors and network CEOs, racial stereotypes will continue to serve as surrogates for personal knowledge. Fear will continue to trickle in via every screen we invent and burrow in our psyches like a tumor, ready to activate at the first shot of adrenaline.

It will take massive change to bring justice to victims like Castile. Better training, clearer laws, and weaker opposition to such things from police unions are all overdue and essential. But in the spasm of solutions that will follow this too-familiar pattern of horror and prescription, let us not forget integrations role to play.

Integration was not popular during the sixties and seventies, and it is unlikely to be popular now. The alternative, however, is that mothers will continue to bury their sons, while my former students grow up believing the Declaration of Independence is just another piece of funny paper.

Cassady Rosenblum is an intern in The Times Opinion section.

cassady.rosenblum@latimes.com

@cassadyariel

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To the editor: With all the money spent in the Georgia special election, the defeat of the Democratic congressional candidate Jon Ossoff was no surprise. Ossoff is a nice guy, but he does not live in the district and is perceived as an outsider. The Democrats ignored the most basic principle: All politics is local. (After bitter Georgia loss, Democrats struggle to chart a course, June 21)

Furthermore, the Democrats keep attacking President Trump with the idiotic allegation that his relationship to Russia won him the election. This insults American voters by accusing them of obeying the instructions of a foreign power.

The Democrats ought to attack Trump instead by offering something positive like a proposal for a single-payer or Medicare-for-all healthcare system, either of which would be cost-effective and efficient and take away the dreaded preexisting condition threat. Offer a major public works program to reduce unemployment. Offer a free college education.

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If the Democrats do this, they will start winning elections.

Aris Anagnos, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: As disappointed as I am in the defeat of Ossoff in Georgia, what really upsets me is the amount of money spent by both parties on an election for a House seat. The Democrats threw money away on one seat when they should be gearing up for the real challenge in 2018.

Thinking of how many hungry mouths could be fed, how many children could get healthcare or how many addicts could get help with the $60 million spent on this race should concern everyone. No other country wastes the amount of money we do on campaigns.

It is time to bring down campaign spending to a reasonable level.

Debbie Cassettari, Chino Hills

..

To the editor: It should come as little surprise that a mostly affluent Republican district in Georgia did not turn blue. But it should be a wake-up call to Democrats that a heavily Republican district in South Carolina made up of mostly working-class whites living in rural areas almost flipped on Tuesday.

It seems that working-class and rural Americans are ripe to return to the Democratic fold. Democrats would be wise to give them reasons to do so.

Michael Olson, Pasadena

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To the editor: You report that the justification by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) for formulating the GOPs healthcare legislation in secret was that holding public hearings about it would give Democrats a chance to get up and scream. (Republican secrecy faces mounting criticism as GOP senators work behind closed doors to replace Obamacare, June 16)

Isnt that how democracy is supposed to work? Arent the arguments offered by the opposition party (what Hatch calls screams) meant to help the Senate reach a better outcome?

Republican senators know they do not represent a majority of Americans, so why are they using their slim majority in the Senate to block any input from the opposition? Could it be that they fear prolonged reasoned debate would expose the inferiority of their plan compared with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act?

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Legislation in a democracy should always promote what is good for all its people, not what favors less than half of them.

Brian Finney, Venice

..

To the editor: The Times crosses the line on journalistic integrity by challenging the GOPs closed-door approach and its secretive process in addressing how to change the numerous ineffective and inefficient provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was rammed down the throats of taxpaying citizens who were lied to by the bills proponents.

How dare you talk about the Republicans secretive process when Obamacare was championed by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who publicly proclaimed, We have to pass the bill so that you can find out whats in it.

Report both sides of the story. The public demands and expects more from the Fourth Estate.

Peter S. Griffith, Arcadia

..

To the editor: Ive been shocked and deeply distressed by the Republican senators secrecy in crafting their healthcare bill, which should be at the forefront of public debate given its scope.

This latest effort by the Republican Senate leaves me feeling yet again like I no longer live in a democracy.

In order to counter this supreme lack of transparency and its harrowing impacts, it is the absolute duty of Californias Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris to make every effort to block this bill. Tactics should include withholding consent on routine matters until Republicans agree to hold hearings on this bill, and offering as many amendments as possible to delay the process.

This is an opportunity for leadership from the Democrats. We need to see that theyre willing to do everything in their power to fight for the welfare of their constituents.

Elizabeth de Mahy, Berkeley

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To the editor: President Trumps decision to once again bar American tourists from traveling to Cuba and ban business transactions with firms connected to Cubas military and security services is bad news for entrepreneurial Cubans and U.S. businesses  but it is good news for the environment in Cuba. (Trump just reopened the Cold War with Cuba. His excuse was completely disingenuous, editorial, June 16)

Under the presidencies of Fidel Castro and then his brother Raul, nearly one-quarter of the land in Cuba has been placed under some form of environmental protection. As a consequence, Cuba has the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean and amazing endemic wildlife. A visit to Cuba offers spectacular birding and botanical experiences through organizations with permits from the Cuban government.

I cannot wait to visit Baracoa and the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in February. I want to experience them before Chinese businesses inevitably step in to drain coastal wetlands and build big resorts. Government protections for the environment seem to melt away in the face of potentially big financial gains.

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Frances Klein, Los Feliz

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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
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
Its a mystery that goes back to the days of Aristotle, flummoxing biologists and mathematicians for centuries: Why do birds eggs come in so many different shapes and sizes?

Why are owl eggs almost perfectly round, while hummingbird eggs look like tiny watermelons? And why are still other eggs pointy, but only on one end?

Now researchers have made a serious attempt to answer this deceptively simple question. Their conclusion: Egg shape is related to how much time a bird spends in flight, according to a report in Fridays edition of the journal Science.

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Scientists have long hypothesized about the reasons for eggs to have the shapes they do. Even Aristotle had a theory: Long and pointed eggs are female; those that are round, or more rounded at the narrow end, are male, the Greek philosopher wrote in The History of Animals in the fourth century B.C.

More recently, scientists have proposed that there were practical reasons for eggs to have certain shapes. For instance, perhaps eggs that are pointy on one side offer an evolutionary advantage to birds that nest in tall cliffs because such eggs will roll in a tight circle, preventing catastrophic tumbles over the cliff edge.

But these studies have mostly been speculative, or used small sample sizes that focused on limited types of birds.

The new study, led by evolutionary biologist Mary Stoddard from Princeton University, considered vast amounts of data to understand what, exactly, determines the shape of an egg.

Stoddard and her colleagues started with a database of egg images from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkeley. The pictures were taken in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, in places all over the world.

The research team developed software capable of scanning these images and extracting detailed information on each eggs size and shape. The software analyzed a total of 13,049 pictures containing 49,175 individual bird eggs. These eggs represented 1,400 different species, including members of every bird family.

Next, Stoddards team mapped out the full range of egg shapes, graphing them according to their asymmetry (how pointy they were on one side) and their ellipticity (how elongated they were).

Then they consulted the map to see if characteristics like body weight, nest type and wing shape were correlated with an eggs location on the graph. Two of those factors stood out.

The first was total egg size. This made sense to the researchers because the larger an egg, the more it has to be compressed to fit through its mothers narrow oviduct.

The second, to their great surprise, was the birds hand-wing index. This is a measure of how pointed and elongated a birds wings are, and biologists use it as a proxy for flight strength, which is higher in birds that fly frequently or over large distances.

For instance, birds that fly a lot, like barn swallows, tend to have eggs that are more elongated or pointy. Birds that fly less often or more weakly, like the screech owl, have eggs that are more round and symmetric.

This connection between egg shape and flight strength prompted the researchers to explore an idea that was first proposed in 1991 but had been slow to gain traction: As birds evolved to become stronger fliers, their bodies may have become more streamlined. This, in turn, could have affected the shape of their eggs.

To understand how this could happen, researchers created a biophysical model to test the forces an egg might experience while its being shaped in the oviduct. The model showed that, given the right conditions, those forces could produce all of the egg shapes included on the graph.

As the work became increasingly complex, so did the makeup of the research team. By the end, Stoddard had assembled a diverse team with expertise in evolutionary biology, computer science, mathematics and physics.

Despite the overwhelming number of eggs analyzed in the study, it doesnt prove that adaptations for flight were responsible for the differences in egg shape  the correlation could be simply a coincidence.

Charles Deeming, an ecologist who studies bird reproduction at the University of Lincoln in England and who was not involved in the study, said that pelvis shape, in particular, could be critical in determining egg shape. With further research, he said, scientists may be able to narrow down a more specific link between bird anatomy and egg shape.

The study authors were careful to point out that theyve just gotten started. Indeed, their work raises more questions than it answers.

Stoddard acknowledged that a lot of experimentation would be needed to see whether their models accurately describe whats happening in real life. She already has some ideas as to how to tackle this next question.

Though there is a lot of work left to be done, University of Cambridge behavioral ecologist Claire Spottiswoode said the results represent the beginnings of a general theory to explain trends in egg shape across all types and species of birds.

Its tremendously exciting, said Spottiswoode, who was not involved in the study. Its the first time that weve got a really unified theory for both how and why egg shape variation has evolved.

mira.abed@latimes.com

@mirakatherine

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Fountain Valley has hired a new city manager.

Robert Houston, currently a deputy city manager in Newport Beach focusing on information technology, will begin his new job July 31.

He will replace John Sibley, who has served as interim city manager since March after the departure of Bob Hall, who left to head the Rancho Santa Fe Assn. in San Diego County.

Houston, 50, said Fountain Valleys staff has a good reputation and that its residents have a positive energy, giving him a solid foundation.

Id love to join a team like that, he said.

Sibley, a former Orange city manager, said its been a pleasure serving Fountain Valley.

Im going to miss it, but Im sure Im leaving it in good hands, he said at Tuesdays City Council meeting, just before the council approved Houstons hire.

Fountain Valley received nearly 40 applications for the position following a nationwide search. The job will pay $210,000 per year.

Houston has been with Newport Beach since 2010. Before that, he worked for five years with the city of Carlsbad.

Houston, who grew up and attended college in Canada, also has worked in Canadian government at the federal and province levels. He has more than 25 years experience in public service, according to the Newport Beach city website.

He has a bachelor of business administration degree from Trinity Western University and a masters in business administration from Royal Roads University, both in British Columbia.

hillary.davis@latimes.com

Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD
Laguna Beach United Methodist Church will officially have a new leader come July.

Rev. Lynn Munson will begin her new role as senior pastor on July 2, filling the void left by Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow, who will lead the First United Methodist Church of Los Angeles.

In the United Methodist Church, bishops and district superintendents assign pastors to churches. Laguna Beach United Methodist Church is part of the California-Pacific Conferences south district.

In this case, Bishop Grant Hagiya and south district Supt. John Farley assigned Munson, a Huntington Beach resident, to the Laguna Beach church.

Laguna United Methodist Church is on the upswing and we identified Rev. Lynn Munson as a great match for the church as she is high energy, inclusive in her leadership, gifted as a preacher, and driven to build the church, Farley wrote in an email.

Munson, who was born in Chicago and has lived most of her life in Orange County, comes to Laguna Beach after leading Yorba Linda United Methodist Church for seven years as senior pastor.

Everyone I tell that Im going to Laguna Beach says, Wow, the beach,  Munson said. Someone has to be pastor so it might as well be me.

Ive met such awesome people so far. They do a lot of mission and ministry for people who are in need. Its an arts community, so we could do some creative worship.

Munson earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and a master of divinity at the Claremont School of Theology.

Her career has included management positions at two engineering firms and more than 20 years working in the United Methodist Church.

When Munson began at Yorba Linda, the church faced declining membership and budget shortfalls. Munson looked for ways to cut expenses, according to a 2013 Orange County Register story.

One important move was switching the church staffs healthcare plan to save $15,000, the Register reported. Recently, Munson oversaw a capital campaign and renovation of the Yorba Linda churchs sanctuary.

Munson said another appealing trait of Laguna Beach United Methodist Church is that its a reconciling congregation, meaning members welcome all people into the church, especially those of differing gender and sexual orientations.

Laguna Beach United Methodist Church is located at 21632 Wesley Dr. For more information, visit lbumc.org or call (949) 499-3088.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
A Costa Mesa man pleaded guilty Thursday to helping three inmates escape from the Orange County Mens Central Jail in 2016.

Loc Ba Nguyen, 51, admitted to smuggling weapons into a correctional facility, aiding a prisoners escape and sending an article useful for escape into a prison, according to the Orange County district attorneys office. He also has a sentencing enhancement for personal use of a knife.

Prosecutors are offering Nguyen one year in county jail.

Prosecutors said Nguyen visited one of the inmates, Bac Tien Duong, at the Santa Ana facility on Jan. 9, 2016, and received a list of items needed for an escape.

A few days later, prosecutors said, Nguyen left a backpack containing rope, a knife and clothing on the jail premises. He later left a duffel bag at a location near the jail that contained additional clothing, two pairs of wire cutters and two cellphones, authorities said.

Early on Jan. 23, prosecutors said, Nguyen waited in a car near the jail and picked up Duong and two other escapees, Hossein Nayeri and Jonathan Tieu, and drove them to a nearby residence.

Sheriffs deputies arrested Nguyen on Jan. 24.

All three inmates were eventually arrested after a statewide manhunt. Duong surrendered after returning to Orange County from Northern California. Nayeri and Tieu were found in San Francisco.

The trios breakout involved cutting through metal, steel and rebar, traveling through plumbing tunnels, going onto the roof and climbing down the jailhouse with a makeshift rope of bed sheets and cloth, according to the Los Angeles Times.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint
Many of my neighbors and I in the Heights are in opposition to the construction of a six-lane freeway along what is fondly referred to as Mariners Mile. To turn several established neighborhoods upside down to construct a six-lane highway for such a short stretch of land appears to us, in Newport Heights, Cliffhaven and Bay Shores, as a frivolous act with no discernible benefits to the community or to visitors passing through our neighborhoods.

It is doubtful that these extra lanes will have any effect on traffic flow while they will turn our village-like neighborhoods " upside down, creating dangerous conditions for tourists who want to visit the businesses along the stretch, schoolchildren who will have to cross the highway to get to schools in the Heights, and residents who will find their streets used as byways to an even greater extent than they are now.

Turning Pacific Coast Highway into six lanes is totally incompatible with revitalizing the Mariners Mile Area as a walkable village type community, the other goal espoused by the city. I strongly urge the city of Newport Beach to abandon this unpopular idea.

Lynn Lorenz

Newport Beach

*

A few questions for a councilman

As citizens have reviewed and examined the record of Councilman Scott Peotter and several disturbing questions have arisen. Peotter owes the community answers to these questions.

In 2015, Peotter reported $10,000 to $100,000 income from Capitol Ministries, a religious organization whose web site indicates ministers  must be capable of raising funds for their ministries. Did Peotter solicit donations from undisclosed parties to support his living expenses? If so, from whom and how much did they provide for Peotters personal expenses?

In July 2014, Peotter was cited by the city clerk for accepting contributions in excess of the legal limit from persons associated with Woodys Wharf restaurant. Why did Peotter then schedule a September 2014 fundraiser at Woodys and fail to report the expenses associated with that fundraiser until cited by a resident in 2015? Peotter was later the deciding vote in reversing a prior decision on Woodys Wharf and settling litigation on terms highly favorable to Woodys.

When it was clear that the public rejected Museum House, why did Peotter refuse to rescind the approvals of the project?

Peotter should provide clear and complete answers to the public or he should resign.

Kristin Cano

Corona del Mar

How to get published: Email us at dailypilot@latimes.com. All correspondence must include full name, hometown and phone number (for verification purposes). The Pilot reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity and length.
A 34-year-old Ventura County man died while attending the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend.

The Clark County coroner has yet to determine a cause of death for Michael Morse, an insurance broker from Moorpark and native of the Conejo Valley. When authorities found Morse, his body temperature had reached 109 degrees, said his mother-in-law, Linda Marshall.

Morses wife, Jennifer Marshall, is raising questions about the medical treatment her husband received after he began having seizures on Saturday at about 3:25 a.m. as he and two friends started to leave the festival to return to their hotel.

Why wasnt he taken to a hospital?

They were waiting in an Uber line when he began convulsing and having seizures. At that point, he was taken into the medical tent. He remained in that tent for a little over four hours, Jennifer Marshall said. A coroners official said Morse was declared dead at the speedway at 7:41 a.m. Saturday.

Marshall wants to know why her husband was not rushed to a hospital. She said no one from event promoter Insomniac, a division of the concert giant Live Nation Entertainment, has reached out to her to answer her questions.

Why did he sit in a tent for four hours? Why wasnt he taken to the hospital where doctors could have possibly done more? Marshall said late Wednesday. From my understanding, they did take other people to the hospital. But I dont know why they didnt take Mike.

This is such a senseless death, she said.

They did take other people to the hospital. But I don't understand why they didn't take Mike.  Jennifer Marshall, whose husband Mike Morse died at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas last weekend

Michael Morse (Family photo)

A spokeswoman for Insomniac was unable to be reached for comment late Wednesday. Earlier, a representative, Jaclyn Dadas, provided a statement on behalf of Insomniac that said:

The unexpected passing of a loved one is tragic, and while the exact cause of this tragedy is still unknown, we do know that family and friends are grieving. It is with great sadness that we send our thoughts and condolences to the loved ones of the man who passed away after the festival had ended, the statement said.

Our health and safety plan is created over several months with local agencies. Our roaming medical personnel are available twenty-four hours a day, free of charge, with the best emergency room doctors, nurses, EMTs and paramedics in the country. A full staff of security and police are also available to all attendees. We encourage everyone to approach our caring staff and ask for help if needed.

An Electric Daisy veteran

It was Morses third time attending the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. He had also attended the event when it was held in Los Angeles, his wife said. She said her husband thought it would be his last time going to the event.

He said he was ready to move on and try some new things in life, Jennifer Marshall. said. He just wasnt into it as much as he had been in the past.

Morse told her he was planning on taking it easy and wasnt intending or planning when I talked to him to be taking any drugs, she said. No drugs were found on his body nor in his hotel room, she added.

The last time I spoke to him that evening, he was complaining how hot it was.

Above-normal temperatures

According to the National Weather Service , the temperature Friday in Las Vegas as the first musical sets began at 7 p.m. Friday was 105 degrees, which is above normal for this time of year but not record-breaking. Around 3 a.m., just before Morse started his seizure, the air temperature in Las Vegas was 79 degrees. Musical sets were scheduled to end at 5:30 a.m.

Electric Daisy was held over three nights, from June 16 through Sunday.

Fatal overdoses at raves

There have been a number of deaths among people who have attended Electric Daisy Carnivals and other raves sponsored by Insomniac in the past. Since 2006, there have been at least 29 confirmed drug-related deaths nationwide among people who attended raves organized by Los Angeles-area companies. Of those, 21 attended events promoted by Insomniac, which became a subsidiary of Live Nation in 2013.

On Tuesday, the parents of Nicholas Austin Tom, a 24-year-old San Francisco man who died from an Ecstasy overdose at the Electric Daisy Carnival in 2015, filed a lawsuit against the raves promoters, claiming the slow response to their sons medical emergency contributed to his death.

Ecstasy, a drugs commonly taken at raves, can cause the bodys internal temperature to rise dramatically, up to 108 degrees. At that temperature, organs can begin to fail and trigger seizures that lead to death.

Separately, there have been six deaths among people who attended raves held by Hard Summer in Southern California since 2014, a concert brand that is also run by Live Nation. Three of them went to the Hard Summer music festival last summer at the Auto Club Speedway in an unincorporated part of San Bernardino County near Fontana. All three died of Ecstasy overdoses.

The event is scheduled to return to the venue for a two-day run beginning Aug. 5.

He embraced life

Jennifer Marshall said her husband was a native Ventura County man  born in Westlake Village, raised in Thousand Oaks. He went to college at Cal State Northridge.

He really embraced life. He was always up for a challenge to try something new. He was always there for his friends, for his family, she said. He absolutely adored animals. And he was the nicest person you could have met.

The couple first met when they were 18, working at the same Best Buy store, and began dating when they were 21, she said. He later owned his own insurance firm, Morse & Morse Insurance Brokers.

His mother-in-law, Linda Marshall, said he was far too young to die. He loved his family, his nieces, his nephews, she said. She knew that he was fond of music at electronic music festivals.

Morse was an organ donor, Linda Marshall said, and his organs were taken for patients in need of transplants.

Besides his wife, Morse is survived by his parents and a brother.

Insomniacs move to Las Vegas

Insomniac moved the Electric Daisy Carnival from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to Las Vegas in 2011 following a Los Angeles Times investigation that found that Insomniac paid a government manager working for the taxpayer-owned stadium.

The investigation was published following the fatal overdose of a 15-year-old girl who attended Electric Daisy Carnival at the Coliseum in 2010.

Insomniacs chief executive, Pasquale Rotella, was indicted in 2012 on six felony counts in an alleged bribery-and-embezzlement scheme. Last year, Rotella pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor conflict-of-interest charge, and agreed to pay $150,000 to Los Angeles County and serve three years of probation.
Get those yoga mats ready.

Holland America Line plans to help its passengers turn over a new leaf, thanks to a partnership with Oprah Winfrey and O Magazine.

Inspired by Oprah to live their best life, guests on our North American departures will enjoy morning meditation and healthy eating tips, the line announced last week.

The cruise ship company also plans to offer travel-friendly fashion advice and will launch Os Onboard Book Club, starting in August.

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The shape-up, get-healthy, become-a-fashionista plan will be available on more than 300 Holland America cruises sailing in North American waters from August through 2018. Special activities, developed with the magazines editors, include:

Love That, a program of packing and fashion tips from Adam Glassman, O Magazines creative director;

Just Breathe, a daily mediation and movement program that focuses on health;

Os Onboard Book Club, offering an opportunity for passengers to connect to discuss new authors and books chosen by Leigh Haber, Os book editor;

Lets Eat, a program focusing on healthful, guilt-free eating habits.

Oprah will join passengers on a Holland America cruise to Alaska this summer, making two appearance on the main stage. In addition, Gayle King, Oprah Magazine editor-at-large, and Lucy Kaylin, O editor-in-chief, will be on board. Others joining the group include Elizabeth Stroud, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and comedian Rita Rudner.

The week-long, round-trip voyage sails from Seattle on July 15. Cabins are still available, starting at $999 per person, double occupancy, and can be booked through a travel agent or with Holland America.

Travel@latimes.com

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You must see Quarai, said the friend we were visiting in Albuquerque. Its a mystical place. Eager for a spiritual fix, my husband, Paul, and I drove southeast from the city to this Spanish mission ruin [122 Manzano Quarai Road, Mountainair, N.M.; (505) 847-2585, www.nps.gov/sapu], one of three sites of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. We spotted Quarais jagged red sandstone walls rising above a grove of cottonwood trees, their leaves shimmering in the sun like polished jade. The footpath to the ruin led us among grassy mounds that shelter the remains of the native civilization that flourished here before the Spanish arrived in 1598. Enter the church alone, our friend had recommended, so I went first, my footsteps echoing off the shadowy stone walls. My eyes were drawn to the cobalt blue sky. I heard the whisper of leaves in the wind and felt a sublime connection to nature and the past.

The two-night tab: $299 for lodging; $125 for car rental and gas; $189 for meals; plus airfare and taxes.

The bed

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The striking design, architecture and art of Hotel Chaco (2000 Bellamah Ave. N.W., Albuquerque; [505] 247-0708], which opened May 1, pay homage to Chaco Canyon, home to some of the most extensive pueblo ruins in New Mexico. It was an unexpectedly appropriate  and gorgeous  place for us to stay after visiting Quarai. Because we were among the hotels first guests, we enjoyed a discounted introductory room rate of $199 a night, which is good through the end of July.

The meal

Hotel Chacos rooftop restaurant, Level 5, was still under construction, so we dined at Mas Tapas y Vino (125 2nd St. N.W., Albuquerque; [505] 388-0088). We nibbled on a tasty array of Spanish tapas as we sipped a lovely New Mexican sparkling wine that was extra-bubbly, thanks to Albuquerques nearly mile-high elevation. I was surprised to learn that grapes have been grown in New Mexico since 1629, when the church at Quarai was under construction, and that today the state has 60 wineries.

The find

Though Quarai was less than two hours from Albuquerque, we spent our first night near the ruins at Casa Manzano (103 Forest Road 321, Tajique, N.M.; [505] 384-0689]. A mile and a half up a rutted dirt road, the charming B&B nestles among pinon and juniper trees. Because there are no restaurants nearby, we supped on take-out we had picked up in Albuquerque. In the morning, owner Guy Seiler served a delicious eggs-and-potatoes breakfast spiked with his dynamite green-chile salsa, along with homemade pastries.

The lesson learned

It was satisfying to discover that prices for car rental, lodging and food are lower in New Mexico than in Los Angeles. We high-fived when we stopped to refill the tank on the way to the airport and paid only $2.09 a gallon for gasoline.
A huge suicide car bombing struck Thursday outside a bank in Afghanistans southern Helmand province, targeting Afghan troops and government employees waiting to collect their salaries ahead of a major Muslim holiday and killing at least 29 people, officials said.

Hayatullah Hayat, the provincial governor in Helmand, said most of the casualties were civilians. The explosion near the Kabul Bank in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah also wounded at least 60 people, he said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but Helmand has been at the center of bitter battles between the Taliban and Afghan security forces, aided by NATO troops. The insurgents, believed to control nearly 80% of the provinces countryside, have increasingly been pressing into Lashkar Gah and its environs in efforts to take the city.

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In recent weeks, the Taliban have overrun Helmands key Sangin district, where both British and U.S. troops had fought for years to keep them at bay.

The attack happened as scores of people, many of them Afghan soldiers or civil servants, were waiting near the Kabul Bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holiday, which follows the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to end later this weekend.

Esmatullah, an Afghan border policeman who was at the scene of the explosion, said the blast was deafening. He said many were missing in the ensuing chaos as witnesses, survivors and ambulances struggled to ferry the most seriously wounded to hospital.

We are taking children to the hospital, said Esmatullah, who like many Afghans uses only one name.

Twelve-year-old Hosnia was crying outside the bank as she searched for her father, who had brought her to buy shoes ahead of the Muslim holiday.

I couldnt find anyone, my brother and my father, she said. My father told me he will take me to buy shoes. We came here and then there was the explosion.

Helmand is considered a key region because it is one of the largest opium producing provinces for the Taliban, who charge opium traffickers a hefty tax to move their contraband to market. Corrupt government officials also benefit from the production and trade of opium, the raw material used to make heroin.

Afghanistan is the worlds largest opium-producing country, producing more than all other opium-producing countries combined, according to a United Nations estimate.

Meanwhile, a militant attack the previous night inside a mosque in the countrys east killed two members of the local council.

Salim Sallhe, spokesman for the provincial governor in eastern Logar, said gunmen opened fire at worshipers during prayers at a mosque in Baraki district on Wednesday night. Two other local officials were wounded by the gunfire.

Sallhe said police were investigating. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the insurgents were behind the shooting.

ALSO

Iraqi officials say Islamic State destroyed historic mosque and minaret in Mosul

Ahead of Jared Kushners visit to help broker peace, Israel touts new settlement

As Iraqi forces storm Mosuls Old City quarter, a desperate Islamic State strikes back
During the last eight months, Iraqi forces have fought to corner Islamic State militants into an ever-dwindling area of the city of Mosul.

Troops this week began the long-anticipated assault on the Old City quarter, the last district still in the extremist groups hands.

And Wednesday, officials said militants destroyed the iconic Nuri mosque, the site where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi declared the groups caliphate three years ago.

As the pressure has increased around Mosul since the government offensive to retake it began Oct. 17, the fight has apparently transformed into a so-called cauldron battle, where the militants have no chance of escape. Their only options would be to surrender or die.

Several military officials and analysts expect the militants to make a last stand in the remaining one square mile of what had once been the crown jewel of their caliphate. Many officials estimate it will take more than a month to clear the area.

The closer weve gotten to the Old City the more defenses were seeing, said Col. Mounir Abdul Aziz, a commander with the Iraqi armys 15th division, in a recent interview in west Mosuls Zanjili neighborhood. The problem is that now its a suicidal enemy. They dont withdraw easily, unless theyre killed or wounded.

The militant group on Saturday released a 34-minute video with footage of combat in Mosul and its preparations for battle.

According to one jihadi in the video, they would accept only one of two outcomes: Either it is victory from Allah  or a martyrdom through which we enter paradise.

Security forces have estimated that about 500 militants are holed up in the Old City.

The Old Citys densely packed buildings and narrow walkways require more troops than other locations to ferret out jihadis, said David Eubank, a former U.S. special forces soldier turned aid worker who is traveling with the Iraqi armys 9th division.

In normal assault situations, you need three soldiers to every militant. But in a place like this it requires seven to one, maybe even 10 to one, Eubank said in an interview.

Nasser Nayef, an Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service soldier, said the resistance would only get more difficult.

What happens when you corner a cat? It scratches, he said.

Islamic State has, in fact, adopted various tactics to stall the Iraqi troops advance. Heres a look at some of them:

Snipers

An Iraqi soldier shows off an Islamic State sniper rifle in west Mosul. (Nabih Bulos / For The Times)

The extremists have had more than three years to prepare for the assault on the Old City and have set up what soldiers say are well thought-out sniper lanes where troops are expected to come in.

An attack Sunday by Iraqi forces showed that Islamic State militants had chosen their sniper positions well. As Iraqi troops Humvees rolled toward the outer perimeter of the Old City, a commanders voice sputtered out of the radio.

Gunners get down. Get down, he ordered.

Islamic State snipers were trying to pick off the gunners as they peeked out of their machine-gun nests to give suppressing fire.

Shouts erupted on the radio after one gunner caught a bullet in the shoulder and was swiftly evacuated to a medical station away from the front line.

Soldiers say the positions are well protected, placing the sniper behind a small hole in the wall of a building or even several rooms away from a structures outer wall to provide protection from strikes.

The groups videos show the militants using not only standard scoped rifles, but also long-barreled weapons it has manufactured with a range up to almost 1,000 yards, soldiers say.

An Islamic State sniper fires his rifle in west Mosul. (Islamic State video)

Heavy machine guns and rockets

The moment the Iraqi troops bulldozers began to breach ersatz barricades made of masonry and crumpled cars, the rat-tat-tat of heavy machine guns broke through the stillness of the morning Sunday, peppering the incoming troops with bullets.

With nothing left to lose, the militants have brought all the weapons they have to bear, said Lt. Col. Mohammed Tamimi, a battalion commander in the Counter-Terrorism Service.

As he spoke, bullets smacked the fence of the house where he had set up his mobile command center. The jihadis were less than 300 yards away.

Theyre shooting 23 mm guns to stop us, Tamimi said. Thats what you use to hit aircraft.

Elsewhere on the front line, troops have found caches of Swedish-made antitank grenade launchers that were supplied to the Iraqi military by the U.S. but were scooped up by Islamic State when it took over Mosul in 2014, as well as antitank guided missiles.

Mouse-holing

Whether through warplanes or commercial drones, the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces have many eyes in the sky over Mosul.

Once an Islamic State position is spotted, troops relay the coordinates to the coalition, which then conducts a strike in less than four minutes, said Col. Arkan Fadel, an Iraqi officer who coordinates airstrikes.

The intense surveillance has forced the militants to operate in small units of two- to five-man teams. They nimbly move through a network of holes punched in the walls between houses to avoid being seen from above.

The tunnels mean security forces must move in a coordinated line to stop the militants.

I have to wait for the other units to come and secure both sides of where I am before I can go forward, Lt. Col. Salam Obaidi of the Counter-Terrorism Service said Monday. Thats why were advancing like turtles.

Inghimasis and suicide bombers

Special correspondent Nabih Bulos walks through a west Mosul neighborhood where five Islamic State suicide bombers attacked Iraqi forces.

The early stages of the fight for Mosul saw Islamic State dispatch scores of suicide car bombs at the incoming forces. Using drones, the militants would direct drivers to avoid barriers set up by troops.

But the close-quarters combat and narrow streets of the Old City have led the group to shift to what are known as inghimasis, gunmen who rush at their enemy, fighting to the last bullet and grenade before detonating their suicide belts.

Last week, soldiers of the Iraqi armys 9th division battled for control of the Shifaa neighborhood, which is next to the Old City. They had halted the advance for the day and had secured the street where they would spend the night  or so they thought.

Five suicide bombers ran at them, but none made it close enough to detonate their belts.

One in the street, three in the mosque, another Daesh in this building here, said Brig. Gen. Mustafa Sabah, a brigade commander with the 9th division. Daesh is the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

These guys want to die and my soldiers want to live. How do you counter that?

Using residents as human shields

About 700,000 people have fled Mosul, once Iraq's second-largest city with a population of 1.2 million. But an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people still live in the Old City.

Security services have long accused Islamic State of using civilians as human shields and forcing residents to stay with the militants as they retreat to areas still under their control.

That issue has been compounded in Mosul, where the Iraqi government urged residents to stay in their homes during the offensive in a bid to reduce the number of those displaced.

In the Old City quarter troops are bound to engage in house-to-house fighting with militants hiding among civilians.

The buildings there are older, residents say, and liable to collapse even if not directly targeted. Military planners say they are doing everything they can to prevent civilian deaths.

We are using less powerful ordnance in our strikes, Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab Saadi, deputy head of the Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, said in an interview.

Several residents interviewed last week spoke of dozens of people killed in the strikes.

Those lucky enough to survive the airstrikes still face the prospect of being hit by stray bullets, even as the militants massacre those who are fleeing the carnage. In a recent incident, hundreds were cut down by Islamic State snipers near Mosuls Pepsi factory.

Those who flee tell of a desperate existence for those trapped inside the Old City.

There was no fresh water inside. We sold our gold to afford to buy 6 jerrycans filled with water for $130, said Maha Ghanem Salem, a resident fleeing from Shifaa neighborhood last week.

When her husband, a vegetable porter named Ali Salem, went to look for water, he caught sight of the soldiers. He quickly corralled his wife, his two sons and two daughters to make their escape.

We have always worried that Iraqi civilians would pay a very high price and we have seen in the last few weeks that the number of civilians wounded and killed has increased, we fear, very sharply, Lise Grande, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator, said in a phone interview. What is facing all of us in the next few days is frightening to contemplate.

Bulos is a special correspondent.
A new footage this time from the back of the police car, has been released and shows the four-year-old daughter of Philando Castille's fiance, hugging her mother and begging her to stay calm after the shooting.

The incident happened on July 6, 2016, during a traffic stop in suburban Minneapolis. It gained widespread attention after Diamond Reynolds livestreamed the aftermath on Facebook. Her 4-year-old daughter was sitting in the back seat of the car when Office Jeronimo Yarez opened fire on Castile. Afterward police put both of them under custody.

The upsetting video was released less than a week after Yarez was acquitted on all counts in the case. He has since been fired from the police force.

Images show Diamond Reynolds and her daughter in the back of the police car after the shooting.

This video contains disturbing images:

'Mom, please don't scream 'cause I don't want you to get shooted!' the girl sobbed while hugging her mom.

Reynolds tries to reassure the kid, but keeps repeating to herself 'I can't believe they just did that. Please let him be ok.'

'I can keep you safe,' the 4-year-old answer trying to comfort her mother.

Reynolds is visible disturbed and starts screaming for someone to take off her handcuffs.

'No, please no! I don't want you to get shooted! Don't take them off until they take them off you,' the four-year-old begs to her as an answer for her request.
The number of deaths, convictions, and indictments associated with one former Texas nurse is as dizzying as it is troubling. On Wednesday, a Texas grand jury served the infamous "Killer Nurse" with a second murder indictment.

Prosecutors trying the case against Genene Jones, 66, argue that the former pediatric nurse could personally be responsible for murdering as many as 60 children.

Nico LaHood, the Bexar County District Attorney, issued a statement at a news conference. "I believe Genene Jones is an evil woman. I think her conscience is seared. I don't think she looks at the world the way we do."

Jones has been sitting behind bars in a Gatesville, Texas prison where she is serving a 99-year sentence for the murder of 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan. Later that same year, Jones was convicted of attempted homicide of a 4-week-old baby.

Working at San Antonio's Bexar County Hospital and at a private practice during the 1980s, Jones is accused of injecting her victims with a powerful muscle relaxant, which, if administered improperly to young children, can lead to dead.

Representatives of the Bexar County District Attorney's office believe in the possibility of Jones' conviction in other pending cases. During, or shortly after, her shifts as a working nurse, Jones is accused of killing children who seemingly died of unexplained seizures and other complications.

Prior to her expected 2018 release, Jones will be extradited to Bexar County to await trial for the impending charges.

On the latest indictment, the grand jury sitting on the case recommended to the judge that Jones' bond be set at $1 million.
The Blessington man who is charged with sexual assault on a girl he met via Snapchat faces a further charge of allegedly penetrating the victim's mouth with his penis.

The accused 19 year old man has in the past been refused bail after Gardai found him packing up all his belongings in apparent preparation for a one way flight to Berlin which had been booked in his name.

The man is alleged, on a date unknown between February 13 and 14 last at his address to have allegedly committed sexual assault on a girl he befriended on Snapchat, a social media platform.

The latest charge against him is alleged to have occurred on a date unknown between April 10 and April 14, 2017.

He appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan on Wednesday, May 24 and yesterday, Wednesday, June 21.

The matter has been adjourned. Representing the accused, Stephen Walsh said that his client was eager to have the matter dealt with. The case will proceed in due course to the Circuit Court.

Read more: Blessington man accused of sexual assault of girl he met on Snapchat
A District Court judge said he would not accept the contents of a letter from a TD about a defendant, unless she came in to give evidence and could be cross examined.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was commenting today after he was told that independent TD for Dublin Central, Maureen OSullivan, had sent a letter of reference in relation to defendant, Dominic Campion, with an address at Flat 1, 3 Lower Buckingham Street, Dublin.

The 24 year old appeared today (June 22) at Naas District Court, charged with stealing a purple mountain bike from the railings at Maynooth railway station around 5pm on July 10 last year.

Garda Inspector Mel Smith said the bicycle belonged to a rail commuter and was found on the M4 motorway.

The Court was told by Sarah Connolly, BL, representing Mr Campion, that her client had 48 previous convictions, but had made progress in courses which he started in September 2016.

These previous convictions included handling stolen property in December 2015.

The defendant had been in custody since May 23 last and had a complex past.

When Ms Connolly said there was a letter of reference from Maureen OSullivan TD, Judge Zaidan said this was not good practice and referred briefly to a letter sent by a politician in an Israel-related case.

TD Maureen O'Sullivan

I wont admit it, he said, of Deputy OSullivans letter.

He said if she wanted to give evidence she could come in and give it on oath and she could be cross examined.

He then asked if it was sent in a personal capacity or in her capacity as TD. Ms Connolly said it was sent as a TD.

Ms Connolly said there were also references from the Larkin Unemployment Centre and other bodies.

Mr Campion, said Ms Connolly, had completed a horticultural course in 2016. He had great potential, she said, and had made a lot of progress.

Judge Zaidan jailed Mr Campion for seven months and backdated the sentence to May 23.
Councillors have expressed frustration at the delay in creating much needed town design plans for Newbridge and Kildare despite earmarking 70,000 to hire an architect to head the project.

At yesterdays municipal district meeting, Cllr Morgan McCabe (Ind) and Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy (FG) asked for an update. Cllr Suzanne Doyle (FF) also questioned the delay in carrying out separate traffic management plans for both towns.

Local councillors had all previously agreed 70,000 from the Local Property Tax (LPT) fund should be used to hire an architect from the Royal Irish Architects Institute (RIAI) to tackle the design plans.

Kildare County Council Director of Services, Tadgh McDonnell said he had been in contact with the RIAI and it suggested the council utilise its graduate scheme. Mr McDonnell said that would mean the project would be spearheaded by someone who was only recently qualified as an architect.

He said the council had advertised for architects under a tender arrangement that had already been advertised.

He said offers had gone out to the prospective employees and he wanted to see who got the job to ascertain what experience they had in the area of town design. He said they had received applications from Kildare, outside the county and other local authorities.

Cllr McCabe said it was important the council expedite this extremely quickly, to draw up a plan, and cost what can be done.

Cllr Sean Power (FF) criticised the delay.

I am not happy, we are still here in the middle of June and really making no progress on this matter, he said.

Mr McDonnell said they could have hired an architect from the RIAI but the council wanted someone with experience in the area of town design  to choose the best person for the job to ensure the project is carried out to its full potential.

Cllr Fiona McLoughlin Healy accused the council of trying to subvert the decision of the councillors. She said the whole idea of setting aside the money for the architect was to ensure the town plan could be progressed and not subject to any delays.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle said the council has excellent architects in house and this was a great opportunity to get someone in from outside, with such experience to work with them and learn from them.

She mentioned the visit of Simon Wall, who spearheaded the Westport rejuvenation. She said the candidate would also need that element of charm to help convince members of the community of the merits of the vision. Cllr McLoughlin Healy said Mr Wall's visit had built up people's expectations and now they would be disappointed.

Mr McDonnell said he was aware of the talents of Simon Wall, and he had arranged his visits to Kildare to meet councillors and the communities. He said there were staff in the council, but they could not be released to take on the project.

He rejected Cllr McLoughlin Healys contention that the council had tried to subvert the process. He said there were rules and regulations, and head count was a matter for the Council's Chief Executive. If new people were to be taken on, he said any extra staff had to be approved by the Department.

Cllr Mark Lynch (SF) acknowledged the Director was trying to get the best person for the job to ensure it was done right.

Cllr Doyle also recognised this, but pointed out time was of the essence with major planning applications currently being assessed for Kildare town such as the Kildare Village expansion.

She said apart from the town design plans, the traffic management plans were vital for the future development of the towns.

She said the outdated Kildare plan, which was carried out when schools were off and didnt take in the railway station traffic, was still being referenced in the planning process, despite being flawed. She criticised the delay in National Transport Authority (NTA) funding for the traffic plans.

The council said it was still in discussions with the NTA about the scope of the traffic plans and funding.

Cllr Joanne Pender asked for an estimated time frame for the projects. She asked if the money could be used to carry out some work in advance of the town design plans.

Mr McDonnell said the council could look at doing some works in the meantime.
Well theres a surprise. I had honestly thought that Norman Lamb would stand again to be leader.

This afternoon, though, he has ruled himself out in an article for the Guardian:

I have just fought a gruelling campaign to win my North Norfolk seat. Attempting to win a seat for the Liberal Democrats in an area that voted quite heavily to leave the EU was bound to be a challenge. Not only was the partys position on Brexit toxic to many erstwhile Liberal Democrat voters in North Norfolk, but I found myself sympathising with those who felt that the party was not listening to them and was treating them with some disdain. I abstained on article 50 because I felt it was wrong in principle to vote against, given that we had all voted to hold the referendum in the first place. For many in the party that abstention was an act of betrayal. I have been accused of supporting a hard Brexit  the last thing I want  while a Lib Dem source told the London Evening Standard this week that the abstention looks like he cant make a tough call. It is actually quite tough to go against your party, and I did it on a matter of principle.

Hes realised that his position on the EU puts him at odds with a large number of members, especially since so many joined after the EU referendum.

Norman wrote about the sort of politics he wants to pursue:

I want the Liberal Democrats to use our potentially pivotal position in parliament to force cross-party working on the profound challenges we face: not just the Brexit negotiations, but how we secure the future of the NHS and our care system. If I had decided to run for leader, I would have used my position to champion a different style of politics  rejecting the abuse and aggression that turns so many people off, and instead seeking to build consensus where possible in the national interest. I favour telling it straight, not dissembling  bringing people together rather than dividing them. The public will not forgive the political class if we fail to understand the changed circumstances of a parliament with no majority.

In a powerful section, he wrote about how experience has made him more determined to fight injustice.

Whether it is tenants in tower blocks; people with learning disabilities; workers with no stake in an enterprise watching as the owners of capital take an ever growing percentage of our national income, and their own wages fall; the citizen who feels powerless against remote power, whether at the town hall, Westminster or Brussels  these are the things that drive me on, keep me fighting for justice. And what about the whistleblower  a constituent of mine  who tried to highlight wrongdoing in our banks but saw his career and his health destroyed as a result, and his concerns ignored for years? Liberals need to make the case for a radical shift of power to the people in all these spheres.

Highlighting climate change, extremism, intergenerational fairness and automation as the great challenges facing us, he concludes:

If the progressive side of politics is to prevail, we cant just hanker after a better yesterday. We have to win the battle of ideas about how we confront these profound challenges.

All eyes will now be on Ed Davey to see if he will put himself forward. Vince Cable remains the only declared candidate. My sense is that people want to see a proper, inspiring contest, not a coronation of one person. Do you agree?

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
The Lib Dem Press Office has issued a veritable storm of press releases in response to the Queens Speech today. Heres a round-up of what our key figures said about their areas of expertise.

Tim Farron looked at the whole speech and was unimpressed:

This slimmed down Queens Speech shows a government on the edge. Having dropped everything from the Dementia Tax to fox hunting I assume the only reason they have proposed a Space Bill is so they can shoot their manifesto into space and pretend it never existed. People up and down the country are seeing our schools and hospitals in crisis. Proposed Tory cuts will leave our children in overcrowded classes in underfunded and crumbling schools, the sick left on trolleys in hospital corridors and the vulnerable without the vital services they rely on. This speech is bereft of any real solutions to these issues. The only thing that stayed the same was the Tories obsession with Brexit. Instead of tearing up our membership of the Single Market and the Customs Union, with all the consequences that will have for the economy, jobs and prices in the shops, they should be trying to bring the country together. Theresa May should ask all parties to come together and negotiate the best possible Brexit deal for the whole country.

Lets look at home affairs and justice. On the Governments various measures to tackle extremism and terrorism, Ed Davey sad:

Our police and security and intelligence services do a brilliant job of keeping us safe but the government is not giving them the resources they need. Theresa May has underappreciated the work of our police in gathering intelligence and has overseen damaging cuts both as Home Secretary and now as prime minister. The police face funding cuts in real-terms of 160m between 2015-16 and 2016-17, and future cuts of -1.4% by 2020.

The Government is going to set up a Commission on counter-extremism. Ed had some words of warning:

We support this Commission but it must bring together all the relevant voices, otherwise, like the Prevent Strategy, it will be doomed to fail, lacking the trust and respect from the very communities it needs to engage.

And what of this plan to fine social media platforms that fail to immediately remove extremist content?

As the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has said, the problem with extremist content isnt their policy on it taking down but the sheer scale of the stuff. We need to work with these companies to make sure that when extremist content is identified, it is taken down and we are well equipped to counter extremist narratives online.

Immigration

Ed had a lot to say today. Here he is on immigration:

Theresa May is not being honest with the public. She staked her career on this. Yet despite committing to bringing immigration down to the tens of thousands, there was no sign of it in todays Queens Speech. Has she finally started listening to the businesses and experts who have said that reducing immigration in such an arbitrary manner would be damaging to our economy? I hope so. The vilification of immigrants by the Conservative Party is an utter disgrace  these are students who help fund our universities, doctors and teachers who help us and our children, and entrepreneurs who help grow our economy. Theresa May must drop the target and instead recognise their contribution to Britain.

Domestic Violence

There is a draft bill on domestic violence. Ed Davey was concerned that cuts to services for victims were not being addressed:

Everything that can be done to eradicate domestic violence and abuse must be done. Too many of the laws that exist are outdated and leave victims without the support and protection they need. But legislation is only half the story. Vital frontline services that offer support to women are being cut to the bone or shutdown altogether. Vulnerable women, often with their children, are being turned away at the door of refuges due to lack of funding. This is disgraceful. Until this government is willing to invest in refuges and other frontline services, women and children up and down the country will continue to be let down.

Social care

Norman Lamb was furious that the issue of social care had been kicked into the long grass again:

Social care is in a state of total crisis. A million older people are missing out on care they need and services face a funding black hole of billions in this year alone. In Coalition we commissioned the Dilnot report  an independent, expert led review of social care funding -yet the Conservatives have chosen to ignore the recommendations. Now they are simply kicking the issue into the long grass again with more consultation, after their deeply unfair Dementia Tax was clearly rejected by voters.

Help for renters

Olly Grender was delighted to see that the Liberal Democrat policy to ban lettings fees was finally going to be enacted:

I am absolutely delighted that a ban on unfair letting fees is now finally being proposed as law. We saw from the tragedy at Grenfell Tower that tenants rights have been ignored for far too long. Its time we made them a much greater priority, including by introducing a public register of rogue landlords.

Trade

Tom Brake didnt see much merit in the Trade Bill:

In reality this is an Anti-Trade Bill, as it means leaving the single market and customs union, despite clear opposition from the Chancellor and the Bank of England. It might give Liam Fox a job with plenty of air miles, but many workers will be worried that this bill will give them nothing but P45s. Leaving the single market and customs union would be catastrophic for the British economy, wrenching us out of the worlds biggest marketplace of over 500 million consumers. Our integrated European supply chains and international companies based here rely on free trade with Europe. Britain pushed to create this system to avoid exactly the regulatory nightmare we will now face. Every port will be clogged up with lorries arguing over export dockets, with companies less keen to include British goods in their supply chains, and a border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will further destabilise our union. Theresa May has no mandate to pursue this extreme Brexit, yet she is charging on with a package which will harm jobs, the economy and our country.

He was also concerned that the Great Repeal Bill might be a bonfire of key standards that keep us safe:

Many Conservatives have made it clear they want to use Brexit to scrap our hard-won workplace rights and environmental standards. But protections for workers and our environment are not just red tape to be tossed on a bonfire. Nobody voted to diminish their rights, make themselves poorer or to make our country less safe. The Liberal Democrats will strongly oppose any weakening of existing standards and fight to ensure proper oversight and transparency. We cannot allow this minority Conservative government to use Henry VIII powers to steamroller the democratic process.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
On election night, I was knocking up voters in a very posh bit of the Edinburgh West constituency. It was going well with most folk indicating that they had already voted for Christine Jardine. I got to one house where a very angry man told me he wasnt voting for us and wasnt sure who he would vote for as, in his view, everyone had run a negative campaign focusing on what was wrong with the other candidates.

Id not concede that Christines campaign was wholly negative  although the voters did need to know where we stood on the SNPs second independence referendum and the Tories hard Brexit  but its certainly true that voters often feel that the parties appear more focused on tearing each other down rather than casting a vision of what we should do as a nation.

The political climate has become particularly toxic in Scotland since the independence referendum (for example, a SNP supporter followed Tory canvassers in one seat screaming abuse through a megaphone).

What can we do to change this?

Two weeks or so ago we were all overjoyed to see twelve lovely Lib Dem MPs elected to Westminster. Each one of those victories was something to celebrate. We are overjoyed that the voters in those constituencies hold those MPs in as high esteem as we do.

Some of those twelve will be candidates in the forthcoming leadership context and we will have to choose between them. That will require us all to scrutinise what they have to offer.

Given that we are supposed to like these twelve people, could we make a pledge to take forward this campaign by trying to build up candidates we support rather than tearing down those we oppose?

If we support a candidate, lets share why that candidate is worthy of support rather than attacking other candidates.

Lets assume all of the candidates are good Liberals who seek the leadership from the best of intentions. We must honour that in our discourse and in our campaigning.

Even if we prefer one candidate over another, lets seek to understand the skills and ideas of all of the candidates. Some of us will end up with a leader that wasnt our preferred choice. We have to be unable to get behind and support that leader if we are to take forward liberalism in the years ahead.

If we Liberals cant do positive campaigning within the confines of an internal election, what hope is there for the wider country?

* Stephen lives in Edinburgh, works in the oil industry in Aberdeen and has been a party member since he was 17.
Liberalisms ideas, implemented either by Liberal Democrats or by others, have been wholly vindicated. This has been so on free trade and market economics; on the nature of social injustice and the need for a compassionate, intelligent state; on civil liberties and on foreign intervention. Whilst not always heard  and, lets face it, often unpopular  our party has stood for the best of its traditions in the best interests of our country. With a leadership election almost underway, what is the political landscape in which we find ourselves, and what will our next leader (and the party) have to do to make an impact at the next election and beyond?

It is often stated that the politics of the 21st century will be centred around the merits of an open society versus those of one that is closed. This carries weight; indeed, any lessons to be learned from Emmanuel Macrons recent victories in France should not ignore that it was on this basis that much of the presidential campaign was fought. The Brexit debate entailed similar arguments, with no prominent defence of liberal immigration, whilst the recent general election offered a choice only between Labours state socialism and protectionist, patrician Conservatism. It should, however, be noted that these visions for Britain, combined, won 82.4% of the vote.

A new liberalism, fit to meet the challenges of the 21st century, is required; one which recognises that Corbyns Labour Party and Conservative Brexiteers may have accurately diagnosed the UKs disquiet, but knows their solutions have been found wanting time and time again. One which precisely because of its belief in the European ideal  rather than in spite of it  fights for as close a relationship as possible with the European Union instead of seeking to reverse, at this point, the decision made by last years referendum. Most importantly, this new liberalism cannot seek to face the problems of the 21st century with solutions from the 20th  fruitless ideological battles between left and right.

The challenges facing the NHS are not simply a matter of resource, important as that undoubtedly is. Social care faces similar, if not more serious, challenges. The toxic debate around welfare and work, which stems largely from Thatchers 1980s, must be reset, and we must keep up with the pace of new technology and its implications for employment. Our freedom is threatened without precedent: whilst protecting and enhancing civil liberties, we must make it known that we will not tolerate any limitation or extinction of the freedom of others through violence  be it physical, sexual, domestic or terror-related. Doing so does not preclude advancing the proud liberal causes of prison and drug law reform.

A new liberalism could replace the five giants of squalor, ignorance, want and idleness and commit to a new Beveridge Commission to (in addition to Norman Lambs original proposal to examine the future of the NHS and social care) find solutions to the housing crisis; to invigorate education, fundamentally reform welfare and eradicate poverty; and to ensure the economy is rebalanced between the north and south and between large and small business, with a labour market fit for the future. It could tackle a sixth giant  fear  to make clear, once and for all, that voters can be sure of the countrys security.

The Liberal Democrats aim should be to govern. To achieve it we must be credible, distinctive and, above all, driven always by liberalism. We must recognise that the process will be a long one. Optimism about our country and its people should not breed complacency about our partys fortunes. A new leader will bear the responsibility of gaining voters trust with the future of the country. That trust must be earned; if we fail to do so, nothing whatsoever guarantees us a future. I look forward to hearing leadership candidates proposals in the coming weeks.

* Scott Smith is a postgraduate student and Lib Dem member originally from Dundee, now living and studying in Leeds.
The General Election has left most Liberal Democrats feeling flat and hugely disappointed. We had hoped to create a springboard in the earlier Local Government elections, but fell short. (In many cases, like mine, frustratingly close, but still short.)

So now, with our commitment to enter no deals with either Theresa May [insert current Tory party leader here] nor Jeremy Corbyn, the party will continue to struggle to find any independent influence.

A weak and wobbly minority government, with its damaged, exposed Prime Minister and with an official opposition living in financial La-La Land, mean that the Liberal Democrats should be at least seen as a viable alternative opposition.

Instead, we have (in sad circumstances) lost our leader, and dont have a universally appealing candidate with which to replace him. The Tories are likely to change their leader before their conference in October, but only have appalling candidates with which to replace her. Bizarre, isnt it, that Corbyn is the most stable party leader!

And if there is another General Election, what likelihood is a vastly different outcome? Labour would say they would get elected. But that ignores that many former Labour supporters held their noses at the Polls to stop May, not to support Corbyn. Who wants another Election, only to return another hung parliament? (Not Brenda from Bristol, thats for sure.)

There is one key issue for this Parliament  Brexit. We now have Phillip Hammond, with increased influence, proposing a much softer approach. Indeed, between him and Keir Starmer, there is now little to differentiate.

For example, although they mistakenly say, Were leaving the EU and therefore the Customs Union (cf. Turkey is member of Customs Union but not EU), they are both agreed that they might re-join it. They agree, in principle, in the value of transitional arrangements to move from membership to a new relationship with the EU. There is a distinct shift toward congruity driven by aversion to economic self-harm.

Regarding the border requirement in Ireland, we should be pointing out that Norway and Sweden have a working soft border  by dent of Norways membership of EFTA and thereby both belonging to the Single Market, the European Economic Area.

Why then, couldnt our Parliamentarians, who now have a much stronger position, create a Coalition of Common Sense, to strategically construct, inform and instruct our Brexit minister and his negotiating team in Brussels, along these lines? There are enough MPs on both sides of the House who were Remainers and who support a soft exit to carry this through. (And of course, demonstrate their Parliamentary Sovereignty.)

The LibDems could then quietly drop our unpopular demand to have a further referendum, on the basis that Brexit terms were being decided by Parliament, not by the Executive.

Undoubtedly, the Brexit negotiations are the most important that the Country has undertaken in the 70 years or more. In times of war, we have created governments of National Unity. Perhaps it is time for us to propose something of this nature, something we might regard as a Coalition of Common Sense.

* Brian Milnes is a South Cambs exec member, newbie and candidate
A TOP local economist has said putting the private sector first will not produce any downward pressure on house prices.

Dr Stephen Kinsella was speaking at a public meeting on housing, organised by the Labour party in Limerick and held at the Pery Hotel.

Dr Kinsella urged the state to get involved in building more housing.

The market is not the answer. This should be everyones talking point. It delivers more supply quickly, but it doesnt reduce prices. Everyone assumes if you give people more of something, prices will go down. Its true for things like oranges and cars, but its not true for houses, he told the meeting.

The Kemmy Business School lecturer pointed out Irish governments did this when we were a third world country.

Local Labour TD and former Housing Minister Jan OSullivan has urged a vacant homes tax and measures to stop the hoarding of land when there is an urgent need for housing.

There isnt one answer. But there are over 700 publicly owned pieces of land suitable for housing construction. Therein lies a real opportunity to have a mix of social and affordable housing, and housing at affordable rents. We need sticks as well as carrots, she said.

Also addressing the housing meeting were Anne Cronin of homelessness charity Novas and Dan ONeill, of Siptu.
A YOUNG man has admitted setting fire to a large hay barn in West Limerick almost three years ago.

When arraigned at Limerick Circuit Court on Tuesday morning, Seamus McCarthy, aged 21, who has an address at Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale pleaded guilty to a single charge of arson.

The charge, under the provisions of the Criminal Damage Act, relates to an incident at Copeswood Dairy Farm, Shannon Grove, Pallaskenry in the early hours of September 24, 2014.

The hay barn, which was located in the dairy yard at Pallaskenry Agricultural College, was completely destroyed in the blaze.

No other buildings or machinery were damaged.

A large number of bales of straw and hay were also destroyed in the fire but no livestock, people were injured.

After the alarm was raised by a local resident, four units of the fire service remained at the scene for almost six hours in a bid to ensure the fire was totally extinguished and there was no risk of it re-igniting.

A garda investigation was subsequently launched resulting in Mr McCarthy being arrested and charged and brought before the district court.

The matter, which is being dealt with on indictment, was forwarded to the circuit court in recent weeks.

After the defendant entered his guilty plea, Erin OHagan BL, defending, asked that a court-sanctioned probation report be prepared in relation to her client ahead of the sentencing process.

Judge Tom ODonnell agreed and after requesting that a report be prepared he adjourned the matter for review on July 28, next.

Mr McCarthy was remanded on continuing bail pending his next court appearance.

While the maximum sentence for arson is life imprisonment, such a penalty is unlikely the case of Mr McCarthy.
THE YOUNG man who was seriously injured in a hit and run in County Limerick has undergone surgery in Dublins Mater Hospital this Wednesday to correct broken vertebrae in his neck.

David Kelly received more than 100 stitches to the head and sustained two broken vertebrae in the neck, as well as broken bones in his arm after being knocked down while walking on the Ballingarry Road at Dullas, around a mile and a half outside Croom.

His family has again renewed an appeal for anyone with information to come forward to gardai, as they search for answers about the events that left the 21-year-old with such serious injuries.

He asked me yesterday, who would do this to me and leave me there? He is upset as well. We just want to know, said his uncle Conn Kelly this week.

He has a long road ahead of him. Thankfully there are no brain injuries. Its a sad sight, leaning over his head to feed him.

His aunt Joanne Kelly said: We are just hoping now that the guards will be able to find out what happened. If we hadnt found him, he more than likely would have bled to death on the side of the road.

David, from Dullas in Croom, was discovered in the middle of the road by his aunt at around 2.30am on Monday morning, June 12, about a mile from his home. Gardai believe the incident occurred between 1.30am and that time.

A nurse who was travelling in the car with Davids aunt gave him life-saving medical attention before paramedics arrived.

Someone will talk, while it is fresh in peoples mind. Its a waiting game. Someone has to know something, said Conn.

Even if you know something, ring the gardai confidentially, so we can get to the bottom of it. At the end of the day, there was a man nearly killed, and hes very lucky to be alive, he added.

Conn praised the quick response of the emergency services and hospital staff.

Gardai are examining the incident as a road traffic matter, and believe that David was hit at high speed. They are appealing for road users who were on the on the Ballingarry Road out of Croom between the hours of 1am and 3am that night to contact Newcastle West Garda station on 069-20650, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111, or any garda station.
A JURY has heard how three elderly siblings were terrorised and tied up in a bedroom by two men who broke into their rural farmhouse near Pallasgreen five years ago.

Statements from Willie Creed, Nora Creed and Chrissie Creed, who are all aged in their 70s, were read out in court this Wednesday while their brother Tom, 74, gave evidence about the incident which happened at Ballyluddy, Pallasgreen on May 31, 2012.

Patrick Roche, aged 52, of Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin, Dublin and his son Philip Roche, aged 24, also of Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin have pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated burglary and false imprisonment.

The jury has heard that when Nora opened the front door of the farmhouse at around 10pm having been alerted to a scraping sound she was forced back and knocked to the ground by the culprits who were dressed in black and had their faces covered.

When Willie and Chrissie reacted to the disturbance in the kitchen they too were confronted by the men who were armed with sticks and large knives.

Willie told gardai he was slashed across the arm by one of the culprits who, he said, were looking for money.

The three siblings were tied up and locked in a bedroom for around an hour by the culprits who proceeded to ransack the house.

It was discovered sometime later that around 5,000 in cash which had been hidden in a sock was taken.

All three pensioners told gardai they believed they were going to die while their brother, Tom, who was the first to respond after the alarm was raised described the scene as mahem saying there was blood everywhere.

Everything had been pulled out. There were cups, saucers, pans all scattered on the ground, he told Michael Collins BL, prosecuting.

The three siblings, the court heard, were treated by paramedics at the farmhouse before being taken to University Hospital Limerick where they were detained overnight.

The trial continues.
Jun 22, 2017, 9 AM

James Hautmans acrylic painting of Canada geese in flight was chosen as the winner of the 2016 United States Federal Duck Stamp Contest and has been reproduced on a new duck stamp. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now accepting entries for the 2017

By Michael Baadke

Artists across the United States are preparing for the next federal duck stamp art contest.

Entries for the annual contest must be submitted by Aug. 15 to be eligible for consideration as the design for the 2018 federal duck stamp, also known as the migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp.

The highly competitive contest is open to any U.S. citizen, national or resident alien age 18 or older, as long as the artist is not a contest judge or a federal duck stamp office employee, or related to one or the other.

The full contest rules can be found online.

Artists this year can choose to paint one of the following five species: mallard, gadwall, cinnamon teal, blue-winged teal, or harlequin duck.

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All of the submitted artwork will be carefully judged during the federal duck stamp contest taking place Sept. 15-16 at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where it is being hosted by the College of Natural Resources and the College of Fine Arts and Communications.

A panel of five noted art, waterfowl and stamp authorities judges each competition, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which sponsors the annual competition.

Judges evaluate entries based on accuracy of the waterfowl and habitat, composition, and suitability to be made into a [1-inch by 1-inch] stamp.

No entries are judged prior to the start of the contest; any piece of art that meets the size criteria and contains an identifiable, live depiction of one of the eligible species will be judged.

The service also notes that in addition to the contest judging, visitors can enjoy events such as a decoy carving contest, educational hunting, and outdoor activities, and more.

Last years federal contest was won for the fifth time by James Hautman of Chaska, Minn., with an acrylic painting of three Canada geese in flight. The painting was then prepared as the central design for the 2017 $25 federal duck stamp issued June 23 (Linns, June 26, page 10).

While the only material prize the winning artist receives is a pane of the issued duck stamps signed by the Secretary of the Interior, winning the contest can result in a financial boon for the person whose artwork takes home the top honors.

There is a potentially lucrative market for prints and related products featuring the winning design, and the artist is granted permission to market the winning image and any other works as by the Federal Duck Stamp artist.

Waterfowl hunters are required to obtain the federal duck stamp as an annual license, but the stamps are also purchased by stamp hobbyists and outdoor enthusiasts.

According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, for every dollar spent on federal duck stamps, 98 goes toward the acquisition or lease of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Although not valid for postage, the federal duck stamp is a popular collectible.

The stamps are illustrated and listed as hunting permit stamps in the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers and in Vol. 1 of the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue.
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Marco Polo, first Westerner to say that Tibet is part of China: Chinese scholar

Marco Polo (file photo)

MADRID, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Hao Shiyuan, a scholar with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said in a recent visit to Spain that in the 13th century, Marco Polo, who toured China for 17 years, was the first Westerner to say that Tibet is part of China.

Hao, director of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology under the CASS, visited Spain as member of a delegation of Cultural Exchange of Tibet, which participated in a conference entitled "The history and the actuality of Tibet".

Hao said that according to Marco Polo, since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Tibet was under China's rule, as reflected by the Italian in his book entitled "Travels of Marco Polo".

"Tibet is a big land where people have their own language and idolatry. But all of their affairs are placed under the management of the Yuan Emperor," Marco Polo then wrote in his book.

Hao also presented the situation of Tibet before and after 1959, the year when this autonomous region was peacefully liberated. He said that since the 18th century, many Western people have described a system of servitude in Tibet.

Hao said that Tibet, before the democratic reform in 1959, had a theocratic feudal serfdom, darker than the Dark Age of Medieval Europe. Governmental officials, aristocrats and senior lamas, who represented merely 5 percent of the population, had the monopoly on all cultivated land, pastures, mountains, rivers, and most of the cattle. The other 95 percent of serfs and slaves possessed neither productive materials nor personal freedom.

Samuel Turnei, of the British India Company, visited Xigatze in 1783 and described Tibet as follows: Tibet first appears to travelers as the worst place on earth, showing a great extent of cultural incompetence.

In 1904, when British colonialists invaded Tibet again, an army journalist, Edmund Candler, gave the true nature of Tibetan society -- like the serfs during the middle ages of Europe.

"Yet, this (Potala) palace, where dwells the divine incarnation of the Bodhisat, the head of the Buddhist Church, must have witnessed more murders and instigations to crime than the most blood-stained castle in medieval Europe."

"The monks are the overlords, the peasantry their serfs," described Edmund Candler in his book "The Unveiling of Lhasa".

In ancient Tibet, there was no school in the modern sense. Education was monopolized by the monasteries and less than 2 percent of children had access to school. Some 95 percent of the labor force was illiterate.

Now, Hao said Tibet has a completely modern education system with distinctive local features, covering preschool, primary, secondary and higher education, occupational education, continued education and special education.

Hao Shiyuan provided the latest figures for 2016, when Tibet had 6 institutions of higher learning, 127 middle schools and 826 primary schools. The total enrollment was over half a million. Some 98.9 percent of children are enrolled in primary schools, 23.4 percent in colleges. Illiteracy fell to 1.2 percent. Average span of education for people over 15 years old has grown to 7.3 years.

Last year, Tibet maintained double digital economic growth and people's living standard continued to rise, with per capita urban distributable income reached 27,875 yuan (4,082.75 U.S. dollars), up 10 percent year on year; rural 9,316 yuan, up 13 percent.

However, the modernization of Tibet is still a major challenge for the Chinese government, because modernization at 4,000 meters above sea level is a pioneering effort with no prior models to follow, Hao said.

Population of the Tibet Autonomous Region is now about 3.2 million, with 27.74 percent urban and 72.26 percent rural. The economic and social development of Tibet remains a long and difficult task during China's modernization drive, he said.

Hao's delegation met on June 16 with President of the Constitutional Commission of the Senate of Spain, Juan Jose Lucas, while the day before, it was at a conference at the Confucius Institute in Barcelona.
A San Francisco judge dismissed 14 invasion-of-privacy charges Wednesday against two antiabortion activists who attended national meetings of abortion providers, posing as fetal researchers, and secretly recorded conversations with the participants.

Superior Court Judge Christopher Hite refused, however, to dismiss conspiracy charges against the pair, based on the same video recordings, and denied a defense request to make the videos public. State Attorney General Xavier Becerras office, which filed the charges, said it can satisfy Hites objections and get the 14 charges reinstated.

David Daleiden, leader of the antiabortion Center for Medical Progress, and an employee of the group, Sandra Merritt, made the recordings at the conventions of the National Abortion Federation in San Francisco in 2014 and in Baltimore in 2015.

They said afterward that they had been acting as investigative journalists to expose alleged plots by Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers to sell fetal parts. Lawyers for the abortion federation say its members were subjected to harassment and threats after Daleidens group posted edited versions of the recordings online.

Becerras office charged Daleiden and Merritt with violating a California law against recording conversations without consent. In a separate case, a federal judge in San Francisco issued an order last year prohibiting Daleiden and his group from making the recordings public, and has said he may hold Daleidens lawyers in contempt of court for posting links to many of the recordings last month.

In Hites court, lawyers for Daleiden and Merritt argued that their ability to put on a defense was unfairly hobbled because the charges stated only the date of each recording and did not name the person recorded or specify which of the hundreds of videos was the subject of the charge.

Prosecutors said they had provided the names to defense lawyers under a court order to keep them confidential. But Hite ruled that the charges were still too vague and must specify each of the 14 recordings that were allegedly made without consent.

He said no such specificity was required, however, for the charge of conspiring to violate abortion providers rights by surreptitiously recording them.

The ruling was nevertheless a huge victory, said Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, a nonprofit religious conservative organization that represents Merritt. He predicted the conspiracy charge would also fail and said the prosecution was a threat to every journalist who provides valuable information to the public.

Becerras office, in a statement, said it has been given 10 days to specify the recordings on which each charge was based and will be making the requested changes.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
DALLAS  State-owned Qatar Airways is attempting to buy 10 percent of American Airlines, a surprising move that would trigger an antitrust review by the U.S. government and carry political and trade-policy implications.

American said in a regulatory filing Thursday that the bid was unsolicited.

We arent particularly excited about Qatars outreach, CEO Doug Parker said in a memo to employees. He said the move was puzzling given Americans ongoing fight with Qatar and other Middle Eastern airlines over government subsidies, which he vowed to keep pursuing.

Qatar Airways, however, said it sees a strong investment opportunity in American and plans to be only a passive investor with no role in management or operations.

Qatar said it plans to buy an initial stake of up to 4.75 percent of Americans shares. American, the worlds biggest airline, said Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker told Parker that he wanted to acquire about 10 percent of Americans stock in all, which would cost around $2.4 billion.

The CEOs met earlier this month during an airline-industry event in Mexico, according to an American spokesman.

Federal law prohibits foreigners from owning 25 percent or more of the voting shares in a U.S. airline. American said Qatar Airways submitted a filing under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which is subject to review by the Justice Departments antitrust division.

American Airlines approval by its board is required before anyone can buy 4.75 percent or more of its shares. The company said Thursday it had not yet received a formal request from Qatar Airways.

Americans shares were up 54 cents Thursday, about 1 percent, closing at $48.97 after surging more than 4 percent in the morning.

Al Baker is known for brash moves and declarations. His company has bought its way into other airlines, including the parent of British Airways, a close partner of American. Still, the timing of the announcement about American caught everyone off guard.

American, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are in a nasty dispute with the three major airlines operating out of the Middle East, which have cut into lucrative international routes for the U.S. and European carriers.

The U.S. airlines accuse Qatar, Emirates and Etihad Airways of receiving massive subsidies from the governments that own them in violation of so-called open-skies aviation treaties. The U.S. carriers are trying to block the three Gulf airlines from expanding service to the U.S.

Parker said that Qatars solicitation will not change Americans stance on the issue.

If anything, this development strengthens our resolve to ensure the U.S. government enforces its trade agreements regarding fair competition with Gulf carriers, he said in his memo to employees.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways also is getting squeezed in a dispute between its national government and neighboring countries led by Saudi Arabia, which accuse Qatar of supporting Islamic extremists. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have barred Qatar Airways flights.

President Donald Trump has tweeted criticism of Qatar, despite the presence of a massive and strategic U.S. military base within its borders. This week, the State Department asked Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to detail their complaints about the small Persian Gulf monarchy and urged a speedy end to the diplomatic crisis.

A tie-up with American Airlines Group Inc. could help Qatar Airways  Qatars most recognized global brand  gain influence with both Wall Street and decision-makers in Washington.

U.S. airlines and their labor unions were unable to get the Obama administration to accept their accusations that the Middle East airlines receive illegal subsidies. American and the others are now pressing their case with President Donald Trump.

American said its views on the so-called open-skies argument would not change even if Qatar Airways does become a major shareholder, but Qatars Al Baker might believe differently.

Part of this is an attempt to squelch Americans voice as part of that fair and open skies group and to have American stop talking about the effect of the Middle East airlines, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel-industry analyst.

Americans unions, who fear job losses if Middle East carriers expand service to the U.S., reacted with apprehension to the news of Qatars interest in their company. Dennis Tajer, a spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, called it asymmetric financial warfare.

This is an adversary of ours, and suddenly it has come to the front door with cash that it got from its rich uncle, the country that runs them, and says Were here to buy some property, Tajer said.

American, based in Fort Worth, Texas, said in its regulatory filing that Qatars proposed investment wouldnt change its board makeup, governance, management or strategic direction. The airline declined a request to interview Parker or other executives.

American and Qatar are already members of the oneworld alliance of global airlines, which lets passengers earn and redeem points on each others flights. Doha-based Qatar said it has long considered American to be a good partner and looks forward to continuing this relationship.

Qatar has been on a global buying spree of late, mirroring a strategy followed by a smaller Gulf rival, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.

Last year, Qatar set up a revenue-sharing partnership with British Airways parent International Airlines Group, deepening its partnership with that company. It owns just over 20 percent of IAG, which also controls European carriers Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling.

In July, Qatar Airways announced a deal to buy a 49 percent stake in Meridiana, Italys second-biggest carrier. And in December it announced a 10 percent stake in Chiles Latam Airlines Group for $608 million.
Gaslight: Lantern Slides from the Nineteenth Century

By Joachim Kalka. Translated from the German by Isabel Fargo Cole

New York Review Books. 233 pp. Paperback, $17.95

---

The biographical note accompanying "Gaslight: Lantern Slides From the Nineteenth Century" describes Joachim Kalka as "an essayist, literary critic, and translator of authors such as Martin Amis, Angela Carter, G.K. Chesterton, Christopher Isherwood, and Gilbert Sorrentino." Impressive as it is, that list only hints at the extent of Kalka's literary sophistication. His freewheeling essays - adroitly translated by Isabel Fargo Cole - reveal not only an easy familiarity with the obvious masterpieces of German, French and English-language literature, but also a devotee's appreciation of ghost stories, mysteries, classic films and comics. His subjects range from Wagner's conception of the Valkyries in "The Ring of the Nibelungs" to the artistic legacy of Jack the Ripper to a mini-history of anarchist bomb-throwing.

In fact, Kalka belongs to that admirable line of European intellectuals, such as Roland Barthes, E.M. Cioran, Umberto Eco and Simon Leys, who can write interestingly about almost anything. What he doesn't do, however, is write conclusively. Whereas an American essayist frequently resembles a courtroom lawyer, trying to make an argument or prove a case, Kalka - who is from Stuttgart, Germany - is content to circle around a subject, illuminating it from various angles. Then, instead of closing with a knockout summary of the evidence, he simply stops. This can take getting used to. Still, how can you resist a writer who draws insights from "Mickey Mouse and His Sky Adventure" and Gershon Legman's "Rationale of the Dirty Joke"?

Kalka's essays are, in short, anything but conventional. In one he speculates on the erotic implications associated with the title of Balzac's novel "A Woman of Thirty." In still another, he reflects on Baghdad's longtime, and now sadly vanished, connection with Arabian Nights-style romance. "A Good German" relates the career of the ultraconservative 19th-century critic Wolfgang Menzel, who promulgated an intensely Germanophile literature that embraced xenophobia and racism. The 20th-century writer Arno Schmidt argued that one could still use Menzel's writing as a guide, "because his verdicts are so reliably wrong that each and every book he branded as heretical can be read with pleasure to this day."

Kalka's own similarly sharp, though sometimes enigmatic observations dot these pages: "Truth thrives in the margins." All complex narratives "rest upon an invisible foundation of the untold." "Nothing can be more necessary than the superfluous." He quotes well, too. G.K. Chesterton, comparing fiction's portrayal of policemen and amateur detectives, concludes that law enforcement "is the only trade... in which the professional is always supposed to be wrong." At one point, Kalka casually reminds us that Proust actually fought a pistol duel over a negative review of his first book.

The long essay on Proust and France's Dreyfus Affair - the notorious case of a Jewish army officer framed for espionage - emphasizes a fin-de-siecle France as politically riven as the United States is now. A right-wing government characterized by jingoist nationalism, fanned national prejudices (anti-Semitism, in this case), suppressed evidence to protect the guilty from prosecution and caused one whistleblower - the eminent novelist Emile Zola, author of the stirring polemic "J'Accuse" - to be vilified, convicted of libel and forced to flee to England.

When he looks at the constantly accelerating advances of modern technology, often described as "breath-taking," Kalka notes that this only means that "above a certain speed, one is literally unable to breathe." He then points to the growing gulf between "our inventiveness and our moral imagination, between what we are able to picture (BEGIN ITAL)somehow(END ITAL), that is, everything, and what we are (BEGIN ITAL)truly(END ITAL) able to picture, to face in our mind's eye with all its consequences - that is, hardly anything anymore."Kalka's critique closes with a surprising view of our rust-belt past:

"We are already beginning to gaze back yearningly at the industrial labor that was seen so long as the epitome of alienation, the destruction of human potential - yearningly, for our society is unable to provide a large segment of its population with work of any kind, and in hindsight the secure assembly-line job appears not as dehumanization but as a guarantee of existential meaning and pride."

Let me emphasize, again, that Kalka works up fantasias on particular themes rather than systematic articles. His meditation on gastronomy opens by recalling the lost custom of serving elaborate, "edible (BEGIN ITAL)structures(END ITAL). The only example we are still familiar with (at least from shop windows) is the wedding cake, which combines elements of architecture, sculpture, and occasionally portrait painting." From here Kalka deconstructs the malleability of cake, Emma Bovary's kitschy wedding dinner, and the symbolic meaning in Victorian England of mutton chops and celery stalks.

With a comparable sprightliness, "Gaslight, Fog, Jack the Ripper" dances from Dickens to Sherlock Holmes to novelist Patricia Cornwell's crazed belief that the painter Walter Sickert was the Ripper to Patrick Hamilton's play "Gaslight" - source of our vogue term "gaslighting" as the deliberate blurring of the truth - to Alban Berg's chilling opera "Lulu." Yet another essay considers the ethical implications of a once-advanced weaponry, in this case the submarine. In Billy Wilder's comic film, "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes," Queen Victoria reacts with paradigmatic disgust when she learns about an undersea war machine disguised as the Loch Ness monster. This sort of weapon, she says, is "unsportsmanlike, it is un-English, and it is in very poor taste." Her majesty continues: "Sometimes we despair of the state of the world."

Don't we all, at least occasionally? As Joachim Kalka's "lantern slides" remind us, the fierce hatreds, economic disparities and zeal for new technologies that characterize life today are hardly new. They are simply late growths from 19th-century roots.
He was so cute: Blond hair, blue eyes and a killer smile. He was dressed in a black robe with a fake scar on his forehead and regaling our fifth-grade class with his book report on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." As a 10-year-old with only the most sophisticated of tastes (give me a "Baby-Sitters Club" any day), I thought the synopsis - and his excitement - about this brand-new book sounded ridiculous and childish. But we all do crazy things to connect with our crushes, so I decided the novel couldn't be that bad and began reading the Harry Potter series.

I was behind the times, of course. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" - or "Sorcerer's Stone," for us simple-minded Americans - made its debut in the United Kingdom 20 years ago, on June 26, 1997. Anniversary events, from new exhibitions to broomstick lessons, are springing up worldwide to celebrate the occasion, showcasing the long-reaching effect of author J.K. Rowling's tales.

Millennials like myself are looking at the date wondering how it can possibly be that two decades have passed since we first met Harry, Ron and Hermione, the characters who grew up right alongside us.

It wasn't until 1999 that I began the books in earnest, adamant that I would not fall for the spell they had cast over the rest of the world.

I was wrong.

I wasn't into magic, didn't enjoy "unrealistic" genres and wasn't much for following the whims of a crowd. But within pages of that first book, I fell hook, line and sinker.

It helped that Harry and I were the same age. As soon-to-be-11-year-olds with an inability to keep our mouths closed at appropriate times, I felt a kinship with this fellow ill-shaped glasses wearer. My back story was nowhere near as tragic as his, but we both had the terrible habit of sometimes feeling alone even when surrounded by people. But I never felt alone when I was reading the books.

Every few years over the next decade or so, I would wait with breathless anticipation to grab a copy of the newest installment. I was too young for midnight release parties - and refused to dress up - but I'd show up at Borders first thing in the morning to grab my beloved hardcover copy and begin reading immediately.

As an anxious child, reading was one of the few things that took me out of my head. It's hard to focus on every single thing that could go wrong or overthink every action when you're preoccupied watching someone else's life unfold. With Harry, for a few hours each day, I was transported to someone else's world, which, for an overly complicated mind like mine, was extraordinary in its own right.

But the series wasn't just an escape. Though seemingly a children's book to those not accustomed with its twisting plots, the Harry Potter books helped me deal with death in a way I could not have anticipated. Over the course of its print publication, I lost a grandfather, an uncle and a grandmother - all sudden and all devastating. I was not comforted by the fact that Harry had experienced great loss, too, but rather by how the books approached death as a whole. Sirius Black told Harry in "Prisoner of Azkaban": "the ones that love us never really leave us," and I chose to believe that was true. If someone else could deal with a tragedy much greater than mine, then surely I could be strong, too.

The series also made me feel like it was OK to not be OK. Nearly the entirety of the fifth installment, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" followed a depressed, overwhelmed and short-tempered Harry. If this magical, powerful, popular boy could feel so beaten down and lonely, then I was allowed to be a hormonal and miserable girl who hated the world sometimes, too. (I'm so sorry, Mom and Dad, for what you had to put up with during my 14th year of life.)

Our timelines always seemed to have a way of aligning like that. As Harry dealt with burgeoning crushes and the painful parts of friendship, I grappled with similar issues (minus the whole fighting the Dark Lord thing). And though I had long moved on from blond boy, our bond over Harry was ever present, and we would geek out with each other on the days that the new films debuted, both so excited to see our favorite story in theaters.

The series seemed to mark time in my life in a way I didn't realize until it was over. The last book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," came out less than two months after I graduated high school. Reading it was a unique experience. At 18, I was wrapping up a story I had started at 10. Harry and I were both leaving our childhoods behind for the greater unknown. I took solace in the fact that the movies were still ongoing, but when the eighth and final film hit theaters in 2011, shortly after I had graduated college, the girl who didn't dress up drew a small lightning-shaped scar on her forehead and shed a tear (OK, several) over the end of an era.

As the first book celebrates its 20th anniversary, I can't tell you exactly how many times I've read it or the others. But at least once a year for the past 18, I have cracked open a spine, slipped back into my childhood and lost myself for hours in a magical world.
George Clooney has struck a deal to sell his tequila company Casamigos to London-based alcoholic beverage company Diageo for up to $1 billion, CNBC reported Wednesday citing a source familiar with the situation.

Clooney owns Casamigos with nightlife business magnate and husband to supermodel Cindy Crawford Rande Gerber along with real estate giant Michael Meldman. All three will stay on with the brand once the acquisition is complete, according to CNBC.
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WASHINGTON - Kumail Nanjiani offers his apologies - sort of.

Usually he's livelier, as the sardonic coder Dinesh on HBO's "Silicon Valley," and as the geeky host of Comedy Central's "The Meltdown With Jonah and Kumail." But today, weeks into hotel room junkets for his new film, "The Big Sick," after screenings and Q&As plus an early-morning drive down from New York, he can't seem to stifle his yawns.

So he's nursing a coffee. Luckily, Emily V. Gordon, his wife and frequent collaborator, is the bubbly human equivalent of a shaken-up can of La Croix.

"You're getting the most tired version of us," he jokes as he and Gordon settle onto a stiff sofa at a D.C. hotel. "So we won't know well enough to not say controversial stuff."

There's not much that's controversial in "The Big Sick," which he and Gordon wrote together and is based on their real-life romance. But the movie, like other rom-coms that happen to have mega-producer Judd Apatow attached to them, isn't exactly a straightforward love story, either. "The Big Sick" is complicated - a sweet, bitter, then sweet again reminder of how vulnerable love can be to the vagaries of life.

The film follows a Muslim Pakistani-American stand-up comedian whose parents expect to arrange his marriage, and the blond American paramour whom he neglects to tell about the whole marriage thing. It's an only slightly Hollywood-ized version of Nanjiani's real life. (Nanjiani, 39, plays himself.)

Then there is the story line that gives the film its name: "The Big Sick's" heroine is in a coma.

Which actually happened to Gordon.

"We always say there's a lot of movies in this movie," offers Gordon, who has blunt Betty Page bangs and eyeliner that flicks up at the corners in a delicate cat's-eye. In person, the 38-year-old is sharper and wittier than the on-screen Emily, who is rendered more wide-eyed and naive by the pixieish actress Zoe Kazan.

"The Big Sick," which also stars Holly Hunter ("The Piano," "Top of the Lake") and Ray Romano (TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond"), emerged from Sundance this January as one of the festival's most-buzzed-about films. Before the dust had settled, Amazon had picked it up for $12 million, reportedly outbidding several other studios. (Amazon.com chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

Which brings Nanjiani and Gordon here, to shill for their love story in hopes that it will stand out when it arrives in theaters next week, in the middle of a "Wonder Woman" kind of summer.

---

Nanjiani was onstage at Chicago's famed Lincoln Lodge comedy showcase when he first encountered Gordon, who was in the audience, gently heckling him. At her communal table, she recalls, was a woman "who heckled him more than I did. I thought, 'Oh, God, he's going to think we're part of this duo.' "

After the set, "I looked for you to apologize," Gordon says to Nanjiani.

"You didn't look hard enough," he replies, shooting her a coy smile.

She didn't have to. A few days later, they ran into each other again, and soon enough they were dating.

In person, Nanjiani is a lot like his on-screen self, if slightly quicker with a punchline. He speaks with the faint accent of his native Karachi. (He moved to the United States for college, in Iowa of all places.) He's a comedian, but he was never an Uber driver, as he is in "The Big Sick." He was an IT guy. ("Which is worse?" he asks jokingly.)

They'd been together for only about eight months when Gordon began feeling strangely ill, stricken with what she thought was a flu she couldn't shake. Finally, her breathing and heart rate became so abnormal that doctors sent her to the hospital.

Gordon and Nanjiani tell this whole tale in a cozy sort of unison, one nodding, or occasionally piping up with a funny detail, while the other is talking,

They didn't always share such synchronicity.

Until her hospitalization forced him to reckon with his feelings for her, Gordon says, "I was in a serious relationship, and Kumail was in a very casual relationship."

Nanjiani was expected to follow through on a South Asian cultural tradition and let his parents arrange a marriage for him to a Pakistani-Muslim woman. Unlike her on-screen counterpart, Gordon knew this.

"I wasn't exactly thinking of an expiration date" on the relationship, Nanjiani says. But they were both aware that there was one.

Then Gordon was put into a medically induced coma as doctors raced to find the root of her illness. She was eventually diagnosed with adult-onset Still's disease, a rare inflammatory disorder that racks sufferers with fever, rash and swollen joints. It can also affect the heart and lungs.

In real life, as in "The Big Sick," it took a medical emergency to make Nanjiani hash out exactly what kind of relationship he was in with Gordon, as well as what kind of son he was. And what kind of Muslim.

Three months after Gordon woke from the coma, the pair married, first in a courthouse ceremony, then in a Pakistani-Muslim one. They moved to New York and didn't tell anyone they were hitched.

"I felt so exposed," Gordon says. "My health was all anyone was talking to me about. It felt good to have some privacy."

Though Gordon began writing essays for various publications, and Nanjiani was regularly onstage, the two stayed mum about their ordeal, too.

"I wanted a little emotional distance. You can't really tell a good story when you're wrapped up in it, going through it," Gordon says, speaking in the language of the therapist she was before she quit to work side by side with her husband.

"We're still kind of going through it," Nanjiani chimes in.

"Absolutely," Gordon says.

Then Nanjiani ran into Apatow at the South by Southwest conference in Austin in 2012. His stand-up comedy career was taking off, he was touring the country and "Silicon Valley" would soon debut to critical acclaim.

Apatow, who'd had a hand in "Superbad," "Knocked Up" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" - basically, the great slapstick comedies of our time - asked Nanjiani whether he had any ideas to pitch.

"Well," he told Apatow, "there's this crazy thing that kind of happened. ..."

---

Men of color don't often land leading roles in romantic films - and if you're in search of leading men who are Muslim, then all you've got, for now, is Nanjiani. And he had to write the screenplay to land the part.

It's not lost on him that he's telling the story of a Pakistani family to mainstream audiences at a moment of deep Islamophobia.

"My family in this picture is definitely the underdog," he says. "They're the people from another culture. We have different names. We look different. It's very easy to have them be the funny foreigners."

Instead, "The Big Sick," directed by Michael Showalter ("Wet Hot American Summer") portrays the family with dimension, including parents who were at first deeply disapproving of Nanjiani's romantic choice. Anupam Kher, a Bollywood legend, stars as Nanjiani's father, who is grappling to understand, and forgive, his son in rich scenes that illuminate how a Muslim family navigates American life.

Nanjiani's acceptance into his girlfriend's family is equally fraught, even if no one disowns anyone. There are scenes, with Nanjiani, Hunter and Romano silently tolerating one another in hospital waiting rooms, that feel like a metaphor for America, where we all ought to try harder to understand one another.

When Romano, interviewed by phone, gropes for a way to describe why these scenes have such power, he defers to Bono.

Yes, the U2 singer.

After catching a screening of the film, Romano recalls, Bono told the cast that "The Big Sick" was "a serious film disguised as a rom-com."

"I don't think they set out to do that," Romano says of Nanjiani and Gordon. "At its core, it's a rom-com. But it is showing this without preaching: Love transcends any culture."

And in the parade of beautiful, smart young Pakistani women who arrive on Nanjiani's doorstep, there's something else, too: a no-judgments look at those who willingly choose culture over love.

Still, there's already criticism of the fact that Nanjiani ends up with Gordon (who is named Emily Gardiner in the film).

"I've seen a lot of Desis are upset at me," Nanjiani says with some exasperation, using a common term for people of South Asian origin. "Like, 'Oh, another white girl.' "

"Keeping your identity sacred while also being able to do what you want, as an individual, I get it," Gordon adds. "It's complicated."

That's what the whole film is about, Nanjiani says.

"This is our story," he says. "We didn't fabricate it. And I think two different cultures coming together is beautiful."

For that, no apologies.
The child actor who played Baby Oscar in "Ghostbusters II" has died, according to family members. He was 28 years old.

He was found dead in his San Diego apartment on June 14 by his twin brother, William. The official cause of death was hanging, according to E! Online.

Henry "Hank" Deutschendorf played the expressive child of Dana Barrett, played by Sigourney Weaver, in the 1989 hit sequel to the even bigger 1984 original film. He was also the real-life nephew of musician John Denver.

PREVIOUS: Dan Aykroyd slams director over 'Ghostbusters' remake costs

According to a statement from his family, Deutschendorf had suffered from severe mental illness for the better part of the past decade. He had been diagnosed in August 2008 with schizoaffective disorder, which is a mixture of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

He was able to function and thrive as an instructor at the West Coast Martial Arts Academy he helped run with his brother.

The man's family had created a web page titled "Hank's Hope For A Cure" to raise awareness of his condition and also fund raise for the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

"Our parents will always remember him as a loving son. His family will remember him as someone who was always there when they needed him. His nieces and nephews will remember him as the funnest uncle who was always ready to play, his brother William wrote on the site. "His close friends will remember how he always helped them look for the silver lining."

TASTY WAVES: Then and Now - 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High's' cast and crew

Hank also leaves behind a girlfriend that he shared an apartment with.

"His girlfriend will remember him as someone who made her feel like the most important person in the world," his brother continued. "I will remember him as my best friend, my partner, my brother, and the bravest man I have ever known."
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One of the most powerful, and, yes, shocking episodes of "Fear the Walking Dead" aired on AMC Sunday and starred none other than San Antonio's Jesse Borrego.

In fact, Borrego is getting rave reviews for his portrayal of an intriguing homeless vagabond with a warm, generous heart.

Fortunately, a repeat will run at 7 p.m. Sunday on AMC before the new episode. So if you missed Borrego's beautifully raw performance, you have another chance to see it.

It's fairly stand-alone, so even if you haven't kept up with the series, you likely will have no problem understanding the story.

RELATED: 'Blood In, Blood Out' star Jesse Borrego quotes movie, poses with Spurs fans at AT&T Center

It's also groundbreaking for English-language TV, as it's almost entirely in Spanish (with subtitles).

"100," the fourth episode of season three of the zombie apocalypse drama, catches up with a regular character who has been missing for a while: Daniel Salazar (Ruben Blades). Last season, viewers were left wondering if he'd died back in a fire at a crazy woman's estate.

As we discover, he was severely burned, and very nearly eaten by zombies, but is still alive.

Hobbling through the streets of Tijuana, he skillfully avoids the zombies, referred to as the Infected here, who fill the area. When one of the Infected notices him, he flees and hides under a car.

After passing out, he's awakened and pulled out from under the car by a new character, Efrain Morales, played with humor and sensitivity by Harlandale High graduate Borrego ("Blood In, Blood Out").

RELATED: Here's why actor Don Cheadle was in San Antonio at UIW's graduation

Efrain sees Daniel's charred legs and warns him he'll die if he doesn't get help -- and water.

Efrain leads Daniel to a shed with a dry water fountain. Daniel is skeptical that the water will come, but at exactly 5 p.m., water begins to flow. Daniel laps it up thirstily, and Efrain fills his jugs while explaining that water miraculously flows from the fountain at 5 p.m. every Tuesday.

Incredulous, Daniel wonders who this man in front of him really is. Efrain, revealing his penchant for humor, provides a little comic relief: "I'm the fifth Beatle, and you?"

Efrain then loads Daniel into a rickshaw and peddles through the zombie-filled town, expertly dodging the Infected along the way. Efrain delivers some water to a family. They scoot out of sight as a vehicle of armed men -- whom we later learn are ruled by a cruel big shot named Dante, who controls the water supply in this godforsaken place.

Daniel fades in and out of consciousness as Efrain and his friend Lola debate how to treat Daniel's infected leg.

RELATED: Guy Fieri films around S.A., visits multiple restaurants, catches Pitbull show

When he awakens, Lola is pulling out a knife. He screams in pain as she scrapes off the charred skin with a blade.

Eventually, he feels good enough to bond with Efrain and share some whiskey with his new friend. A trained barber, he gifts the homeless man with a needed haircut.

These scenes are gloriously human, made warmer by the cold world that surrounds them. It's not long before Daniel confides in Efrain about all the terrible things he's done in his life; while a soldier in El Salvador, for instance, he was responsible for nearly 100 deaths.

Mostly plaguing his conscience is the fact that he can't find his daughter Ofelia. He believes he was responsible for the fire that likely claimed her life.

What he's really after is forgiveness, which his new friend is too tired to give him.

RELATED: Fan photos show Metallica at St. Anthony Hotel, downtown San Antonio ahead of show

That sends Daniel into a suicidal state, borne of guilt and shame -- and he flees from his newfound companion.

Events that come next, all the way to the shocking and wonderfully satisfying conclusion, will make even those who haven't been too enthused about the horror series fall in love with it.

For me, it also was a re-introduction to the talents of hometown actor Borrego, who has had too many roles to count -- as a serial killer in HBO's 'Dexter,' a terrorist in "24" and his breakout performance as a young dancer in the '80s NBC drama "Fame."

This one in "Fear the Walking Dead" is among his most memorable.

Borrego breathes so much humanity, quirkiness and love into Efrain that you'll be thinking about this odd and charming character for days.

jjakle@express-news.net
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First, San Antonio took a page out of Austin's book with the taco-inspired rendition of the "I love you so much" wall, and now our I-35 neighbors are trying to claim the S.A. remix with a t-shirt.

Former Mayor and U.S. Housing Secretary Julian Castro spotted a tee emblazoned with "I love tacos so much," the phrase made popular by San Antonio producer and director Luis Munoz.

But below the slogan, the words "Austin, Texas," appear in tiny font.

"Wait, I thought this was ours, not Austin's," Castro said in his Facebook upload of the photo on Wednesday.

RELATED: San Antonio gets own version of Austin's 'I love you so much' wall with a taco twist

Munoz painted a variation of Austin's iconic mural at 109 W. Grayson St. in 2015. The wall became an overnight social media sensation as San Antonians and tourists immediately started snapping photos and sharing them.

The mural has since relocated to a wall across the street, at Viva Taco Land. But the following has remained the same  some people have even had the mural tattooed on their body.

And of course, San Antonio was one step ahead of Austin in creating a T-shirt boasting the phrase. Munoz said Taco Land started selling their merchandise soon after he finished the mural nearly two years ago.

"I think it's nice for a change that Austin is trying to follow something we're doing," he said. "It makes me think they're trying to capitalize on what I've done and that's alright, I'm flattered."

Castro didn't mention where he saw the San Antonio knock off in Austin. However, TYLER'S, which was founded in Tyler, Texas but has multiple Austin locations, has the shirt listed on their website.

The popular Texas leisure company is also selling tank tops, crop tops and stickers emblazoned with the made-popular-in-S.A. slogan.

RELATED: S.A. woman wins fans online with Trump-inspired fashion statement that has people 'pissed' off

Munoz said the shirt fuels the ongoing taco-debate-turned-war that pitted the two cities against each other.

"Austin is just mad because their gluten-free tacos are terrible," Munoz joked. "This just ups the stakes a little. It makes me laugh. They're going to take shots and we've got to take shots back."

And if this fashion statement launches another attack, Munoz is happy to have Castro on San Antonio's side.

"Julian is one of my favorite mayors," he said. "If there's ever a mayor that's been 'puro S.A.,' it's him."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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The LISD board of trustees named its chief academic officer as the lone finalist for the superintendent position during a special-called meeting held Wednesday night.

Trustees voted unanimously to name Sylvia Rios as the finalist for the job. She was appointed chief academic officer at LISD in January 2016.

Click through the slideshow above to see the 9 things you need to know about Rios.

Trustees spent about three hours in closed session discussing the position.

Under state law, the school board is required to wait 21 days before signing a contract with a new superintendent.

Im very honored and privileged to serve the Laredo Independent School District community, Rios said. Im looking forward to working with a great team of professionals, parents and trustees.

READ MORE: Teary-eyed LISD superintendent bids farewell to Laredo

LISD trustee Ricardo Garza, who made the motion to appoint Rios, said two applicants were interviewed Wednesday.

The process was fair and rigorous, Garza said.

If named superintendent, Rios would replace A. Marcus Nelson, who now serves as superintendent at Waco ISD.

Id like to congratulate the board of trustees on their selection of Dr. Rios, Nelson said. She brings a level of deep understanding of teaching and learning that will service and benefit the entire school district.

RELATED: Economics professor: South Texas refinery will cost $1.9 billion, four times the previous estimate

Nelson said that when he recruited Rios to LISD, he knew she would be able to take the districts academic success to a new level.

She has clearly done that and it seems a logical decision to give her the opportunity to bring her experience to the superintendent role, he said. Im happy for her and her family. I wish her all the best.

LISD hired the law firm of Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Russo and Kyle to assist with the superintendent search.

The district received 30 inquiries for the superintendent position. Of the 26 applications sent to those who inquired, 16 were filled out and returned to the law firm. Two later withdrew their application, resulting in 14 candidates for the job. The deadline to apply for the position was June 9.

LMTonline web producer Jordan Ray contributed to this report.
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The Department of Defense and the Texas A&M Colonias Program are collaborating to improve communities in Webb County by providing free medical services and repairing infrastructure.

It took two years of planning to make Operation Health and Wellness a reality. The Texas A&M Colonias Program-led operation, done in collaboration with the U.S. Army Reserve, Navy and Webb County, serves as a training exercise for the Department of Defense.

These entities came together to bring long-term sustainability to various communities. The end goal is the improve the quality of life for colonia residents.

A colonia is defined as an unincorporated community living without one or more major infrastructures such as electricity, paved roads, storm drainage, sewage systems, access to potable water and Internet.

READ MORE: 9 things to know about the lone LISD superintendent finalist

The Texas A&M Colonias Program and the Department of Defenses Innovative Readiness Training are overseeing the two major sites located in La Presa and El Cenizo. The training is a civilian-military program that consists of military personnel providing services to communities in need all across the U.S. Any city can apply via the Department of Defense website.

The training helps strengthen ties between U.S. military forces and civilians and encourages operations that are mutually beneficial.

This allows (U.S. troops) to train in an environment where they actually have to do their army job and train for missions around the world and at the same time we can help communities that are in need, said Maj. Matthew Morris, who is also a dentist.

The U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Navy have four medical mission sites set up across Webb County. They are located in El Cenizo, Santa Teresita, Las Penitas and Larga Vista community centers. The medical services center at El Cenizo offers free dental, medical and optometry services and has received over 300 patients in the last three days. It also offers educational lectures that cover topics such as nutrition, oral hygiene, diabetes and stress management.

The military medical support unit is composed of nurses, dental assistants, dentists, doctors and ophthalmologists. Services will run until June 29.

RELATED: Teary-eyed LISD superintendent bids farewell to Laredo

The project currently being conducted at La Presa is one of the two engineering sites in Webb County and is part of the Horizontal Engineer Core Competency Training. It is being completed by the 227th Engineer Company out of San Antonio. Troops receive practical, valuable training as they repair a 2.5-mile stretch of roadway that serves as access for over 400 residents in that region.

This is the main road in the community. Because it is flood-prone, children and families have difficulty getting to school or work when it rains.

The project will be completed on June 29. The road will be in good shape for up to seven years. Webb Countys ultimate goal within that time frame is to generate enough revenue or find funding to make it a paved road.

That is a project that I am very grateful for and that I know was highly anticipated by the residents of La Presa, said Precinct 1 Webb County Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez. The road in question that is being paved is one that floods a lot when it rains, and thats a big concern that has been brought up to me by the residents of the area.

"If the road gets flooded, how do the kids get to school? How do families go out to get water? With the completion of this project, I believe well be making a big impact on the quality of life in the area.
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LISD trustees voted Wednesday night to name a lone finalist for superintendent.

The finalist is Sylvia Rios, Laredo Independent School District's associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Under state law, the school board has 21 days to negotiate a contract with the finalist. Upon reaching an agreement, the board would vote to appoint her superintendent.

The superintendent will replace Marcus Nelson, who spent eight years as chief of LISD. His last day with the district was June 13.

Ann Dixon, an educational search consultant for the law firm of Walsh, Gallegos, Trevino, Russo and Kyle, said the firm received 30 inquiries for the LISD superintendent job. LISD hired the firm to help with the superintendent search.

READ MORE: Economics professor: South Texas refinery will cost $1.9 billion, four times the previous estimate

Of the 26 applications sent to those who inquired, 16 were filled out and returned to the law firm. Two later withdrew their application, resulting in 14 candidates for the job. The deadline to apply for the position was June 9.

Under state law, applications for a superintendent position at a public school district are confidential. A school board must reveal who its chooses as the finalist or finalists for the job.

LISD trustees began interviewing applicants Saturday morning during a special-called meeting.

Trustees were scheduled to conduct follow-up interviews Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The Monday and Tuesday meetings, however, were canceled.
Wang Jianlin, the Chairman of Wanda Group (file photo)

Wanda Film, a subsidiary of Dalian Wanda Group, has applied to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange for its shares to suspend trading from 1 p.m. on June 22.

In the morning, the share price of Wanda Film dropped by 9.9 percent to 88.3 RMB, approaching the point of suspension. Its share-price dive is believed to be caused by the internal information of banks, including China Construction Bank, which allegedly advised their staff to dump Wanda bonds.

(File photo)

Wanda Group, China's largest commercial property company and the world's largest cinema chain operator, issued a statement on its website at noon, clarifying that after an investigation, banks such as China Construction Bank never issued such notices, and speculation online is nothing more than rumor. We hereby state that all operations are fine, and we sincerely hope that people will not trust or circulate the rumors.

Snapshot of Wanda's Statement
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Seven law firms spanning from San Antonio to Irvine, California presented to City Council on Tuesday how they would assist the city after being investigated by the FBI in a public corruption probe in late April.

Less than a week after the FBIs visit to Laredo, City Council voted to hire an outside attorney to guide them through ameliorating current contracting and operating procedures; ethics policies; and how to increase transparency in the citys operations.

Click through the gallery above to see the 7 law firms vying to help the City of Laredo in the wake of April's FBI probe.

"We're looking for an ounce of prevention," Councilman George Altgelt said. "We have the mirror held up to us in light of recent woes."

READ MORE: City council unanimously votes to create state's first animal neglect registry

Because there was no quorum Tuesday  only Mayor Pete Saenz and councilmen Altgelt, Roberto Balli and Alberto Torres we present  City Council could not cast their votes on which firms they would like to hire. Acting City Attorney Kristina Hale said they will need to take action on this at the next meeting.

The mayor expressed that they are looking to hire someone who has no connection to the City of Laredo or Webb County, which was also searched by the FBI on April 26.

RELATED: 9 things to know about the lone LISD superintendent finalist

Altgelt said they want to restructure the city to better insulate elected officials, city management and department heads when it comes to procurement. He also wants more teeth to the ethics ordinance so that the consequences are tougher if it's violated.

Every firm that presented specialized in municipal and government law, and some have previously represented cities in cases involving the FBI.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
Roxie Theater

For a person who weighs 450 pounds, walking down the block might as well be a trek through the Andes. While Alejandro Guzman Alvarezs Mexican indie Walking Distance moves as slowly as its corpulent hero, its mostly gentle and sweet, if you can forgive its somewhat unsatisfactory third act.

Fede (Luis Luca Ortega) is mostly confined to his small apartment. His caregivers are his sister Rosaura (Martha Claudia Moreno) and brother-in-law Ramon (Mauricio Isaac). After one visit when they show him photos from their trip to Oaxaca  for Fede, a frontline report from the outside world  he becomes obsessed with photography.
Lone Star College-University Park has received three grants totally $45,000 in funding for its arts, innovation, and technology programming.

The local college campus received awards from the Society for Information Management's Houston Chapter, the Shining Stars Guild, and the college hosted the first Texas Open Innovation Conference spring semester that also generated funding.

"This funding will go towards scholarships and adding more equipment in areas such as our innovation room, so that we have the latest and greatest tools for our students," Shah Ardalan said, LSC-University Park president. "This is going to make our students much more competitive and marketable once they get out of school."

The Society for Information Management's Houston Chapter is an organization that works to help local science, technology, engineering and math programs students encourage students to pursue careers in technology professions through funding, outreach and scholarships. LSC-University Park was selected by the organization to receive a $15,000 donation to help bring information technology programming to students.

"The SIM donation allows LSC-University Park faculty to establish a curriculum for our students and community that better prepares them for the challenges of ever-changing technology professions," said Steven Kahla, dean of workforce education at LSC-University Park, in a statement. "Our faculty and staff are continually working to stay ahead of technology developments and organizations like SIM help us achieve this goal."

Another $15,000 was raised through The Shining Stars Guild fundraising events. The guild is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting performing arts in greater northwest Houston.

"We are very pleased to be able to support the LSC-University Park arts programs in this way," said Susan Cofran, co-president of The Shining Stars Guild, in a statement. "We look forward to a continuing successful relationship with the college."

LSC-University Park will utilize the funds from the guild to strengthen the theater arts programming, including the development of public performances, and youth educational programs.

"The (guild) came and helped because we are the community's college. Art is important to them and to northwest Houston, and they wanted to help fund," Ardalan said. "They wanted to adopt us and help grow the program. We are going to have more educational programs for the younger population, more programs open to the public, and keep building the program in a strong way."

Additionally, the campus reports it has also benefited from its strong alliance with innovation leaders.

LSC-University Park also hosted the first Texas Open Innovation Conference during the spring semester, which was a two-day conference that produced a $15,153 return for the campus. The conference included more than 150 business and educational leaders from across the country.

The college has plans to join forces with the Energy Conference Network to hold the conference again in 2018. The dates are set for March 28-29. The conference is accepting presentation and speaker proposals for the 2018 event.

LSC-University Park offers a variety of associate degrees and fast-track certifications. The campus houses a University Center with two university partners - University of Houston-Downtown and University of Houston. Amongst the various centers, facilities include a high-tech Innovation Room, an Energy and Manufacturing Institute, and charter high school iSchoolHigh.

"We appreciate and understand the community's trust in us to educate the future of this country and community," Ardalan said. "About 90 percent of those we educate stay in the community, and we take great pride in that. The investment the students make in us is returned into the community."
A Texas man who pleaded guilty in the November murder of his wife in Pearland was sentenced to 45 years in prison Thursday, June 22.

Pearland Police jailed Rodolfo Chaires, 48, in connection with the shooting death of Ernestina Chaires, 48, at a Pearland apartment on Nov. 29, 2016.

GRAPHIC: Man on fire jumps from bridge near San Antonio

According to Brazoria County court records, the couple had broken up, and the victim had moved to Pearland from Littlefield, Texas, about three weeks prior to the shooting. The couple's daughter moved to Pearland with her mother.

Littlefield is northwest of Lubbock.

The victim, who was staying with family members, was in hiding from her husband, who had repeatedly threatened to kill her if she didn't return to Littlefield.

CAPITAL MURDER: Houston man returns to court in shooting of baby

Chaires tracked down the victim and suddenly appeared at the apartment located at 2920 Oak Road around 3 p.m. on Nov. 29.

After pushing his way past his daughter, Chaires pleaded with the victim to reconcile for almost four hours.

When she refused, he eventually took out a gun and shot her twice in the chest in front of his frightened daughter and two grandchildren and then walked out the door.

Chaires must serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
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State Sen. Borris Miles, a Democrat who represents portions of Harris and Fort Bend counties, will host a grand opening for his new Fort Bend District office in Missouri City on Saturday, June 24.

The event is scheduled to go from 1 to 3 p.m., including a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., at the office at 2440 Texas Parkway. The senator will be joined by other local officials, including State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City), Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage, Fort Bend ISD Trustee Grayle James as well as Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen and several other city council members.
The Conroe City Council is considering implementing an "unexpected major events" policy that would set standards where council members would have to be informed in a timely manner when such events could end up costing Conroe substantially more money than expected.

Consideration of the new policy comes after council members also heard during their Wednesday workshop an update on the increased costs to the city for installing a so-called "duct bank"system along Texas 105. Duct banks are groups of conduits bundled together and designed to protect and consolidate electrical cables in concrete and metal casings.

City officials say because of a Texas Department of Transportation request for changes and then delays and other issues in dealing with contractors and subcontractors in installing the bank, the city is on the hook for an additional $328,859 for the work.

The timeline involving the ongoing squabble involving TxDOT and the companies dates back to last fall, but council members say they didn't know of any issues involving the work -- or the additional cost to the city -- until this year.

"Seems like we're caught in the middle of all this and we'll just have to bite the bullet," Mayor Toby Powell lamented during discussion of the changes in the project.

Councilman Guy Martin noted the update on the project would "dovetail" into the conversation, which came up later, on the major events resolution.

The proposed major events resolution would include a requirement that the city administrator notify the council when an event could cause a delay of 30 days or more in a capital improvement project, or if there's an unexpected claim, cost or loss or expense of $50,000 or more that may be due.

"The goal is for me, as well as staff, to provide you with as much information in advance on something that's going to appear back before you in a meeting that you're going to vote on," City Administrator Paul Virgadamo told the council.

Still, Martin bristled over the matter, saying he didn't find out about what he called the "105 problem" until this month.

"I just don't understand why anyone would think that we don't need to know this right after it happens," Martin said. "I just don't get it. I've never understood it. Hopefully this (the proposed resolution) is going to take care of the problem."

The resolution had been expected to have something to do with the awarding of grants to help promote events in the city, but those grants were not discussed during the workshop and were apparently unrelated to the resolution.

In other matters, the council also heard a presentation on a program the Texas A&M Transportation Institute is working on that would utilize what's called an Eco-Signal and Connected Vehicle Technologies to improve the flow of traffic.

The futuristic technology would use a wireless data technology system where equipment installed at traffic lights would send signals to cars and trucks, helping traffic flow more smoothly by having the vehicles slow down or speed up, decreasing time sitting at red lights.

A stretch along Texas 105 is one of the first areas in Texas being considered for testing the technology, although its possible implementation would still be years away.

Conroe Police Chief Philip Dupuis brought a chuckle to the council chambers when he asked if the vehicles would be "occupied or unoccupied." He was assured they would be occupied.

Also during the workshop, council members heard an update on the homeless situation in the area from Nancy Heintz, of the Montgomery County Homeless Coalition. According to a count of the homeless taken earlier this year, there are 149 "sheltered" homeless individuals in Montgomery County and 44 "unsheltered." By comparison, in Harris County, there are 2,287 sheltered and 1,078 unsheltered.

Council members also heard a presentation on a proposed ordinance that would regulate how storage containers are utilized. Director of Community Development Nancy Mikeska told the council the proposed ordinance would not prohibit their use, but rather would define how containers are used and where they're located. Although there are no areas in Conroe where people are living in container homes, there are cities in the country where, because of soaring housing prices, containers are being refurbished and turned into tiny houses. Conroe's proposed ordinance also would place restrictions on people converting containers into homes.

"Full steam ahead," Mayor Pro Tem Duke Coon said of the proposed ordinance.

During the workshop, the council also discussed other matters, including hearing a presentation on awarding a contract for an odor control system on a city pump station, separating the city's Public Works Department and Engineering Department and appointing a director for the Department of Public Works.

The council meets in its regular meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
Health insurance executives stand to be the sole beneficiaries of a small provision in Republicans' bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Both the House and Senate repeal measures would free insurance companies from a part of the Affordable Care Act - also known as Obamacare - that effectively makes it more expensive for them to pay their CEOs.

Typically, when corporations pay taxes, they can save money by deducting the pay their employees receive from the income they report to the federal government. That fact effectively reduces the cost of firms' payroll, encouraging employers to hire and pay their workers more than they would if corporations had to pay taxes on wages and salaries as well.

For well-paid executives, firms can deduct up to $1 million in cash -- not including stock options and other forms of compensation that often form the bulk of executive pay.

But Obamacare created an exception to the general corporate rules that applied specifically to the insurance industry. Under the law, companies are only allowed to deduct up to $500,000 for each executive -- including stock options and other forms of payment.

By undoing that change, insurance companies would return to the same rules as other firms, and have a stronger incentive top offer big money to their top executives.

Liberal critics see it as a giveaway that will only encourage insurance companies to pay their executives more -- although they will receive the same treatment as other CEOs, noted Mark Mazur, director of the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.

There is not very much money at stake. Testifying in the House in March, Thomas Barthold, the chief of staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, said that eliminating the break would save corporations about $400 million over 10 years.

That is a trivial amount in the context of the overall bill. The legislation would also eliminate a broader tax on the insurance industry overall, which will save the sector $145 billion over the same period. In all, the House's version would have forgone nearly $1 trillion in revenue over a decade.

Still, the provision has political significance.

When Democrats were working on Obamacare, they were reckoning with public outrage against what many saw as special treatment for certain industries. Obamacare benefited the private insurance industry financially and protected the sector politically by requiring many Americans to buy their products.

Possibly to deflect criticism from activists on the left, Democrats included this nominal penalty on the salaries of well-paid insurance executives. They were following a precedent President Bush had established in 2008, when he enacted a similar provision for the executives of companies that benefited from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Opponents decried the program as a federal bail-out for the financial sector.

"It was not about the money. It was much more about the symbolism," Mazur said.
WASHINGTON - People connected to the Russian government tried to hack election-related computer systems in 21 states, a Department of Homeland Security official testified Wednesday.

Samuel Liles, the Department of Homeland Security's acting director of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Cyber Division, said vote-tallying mechanisms were unaffected and that the hackers appeared to be scanning for vulnerabilities - which Liles likened to walking down the street and looking at homes to see who might be inside.

But hackers successfully exploited a "small number" of networks, Liles said, likening the act to making it through a home's front door.

Liles was testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russia's efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election, and his remarks add some clarity to the breadth of the Kremlin's cyber mischief. Officials in Arizona and Illinois had previously confirmed that hackers targeted their voter registration system, though news reports suggested the Russian effort was much broader.

Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Russian hackers "hit" systems in 39 states, and the Intercept, citing a classified intelligence document, reported that Russian military intelligence "executed a cyberattack on at least one U.S. voting software supplier and sent spear-phishing emails to more than 100 local election officials just days before last November's presidential election."

In a separate hearing before the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, former Department of Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson testified that Russia's meddling, directed by President Vladimir Putin, was "unprecedented, the scale and the scope of what we saw them doing." The testimony came a day after White House press secretary Sean Spicer said at a briefing he did not know whether President Donald Trump believes Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

In addition to scanning voting systems for vulnerabilities, Russian hackers acquired and engineered the release of emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, according to U.S. intelligence committees.

"In retrospect, it would have been easy for me to say I should have brought a sleeping bag and camped out in front of the DNC in the late summer," Johnson testified. He said the severity of Russia's efforts persuaded him to sign onto an Oct. 7 statement publicly blaming the Kremlin for what had happened, even though doing so could have been perceived as "taking sides" or "challenging the integrity of the election itself."

"My view is that we needed to do it, and we needed to do it well before the election to inform American voters of what we saw," Johnson said. He added: "I think the larger issue is it did not get the public attention that it should have, because the same day the press was focused on the release of the Access Hollywood video." That video showed Trump bragging about kissing and groping women.

Officials declined to say which 21 states were targeted or identify those that had data - such as voter registration lists - removed from their systems. Jeanette Manfra, the acting deputy undersecretary for cybersecurity and communications, said she could not do so because it was important to protect the confidentiality of those victimized.

FBI Assistant Director of Counterintelligence Bill Priestap testified Wednesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee that Russians also pushed false news reports and propaganda online, using amplifiers to spread their message. He said Russia for years has tried to influence U.S. elections but that the "scale" and "aggressiveness" of its efforts in 2016 made the attempts more significant.

"The Internet has allowed Russia to do so much more today than they've ever been able to do in the past," Priestap said. He said Russia's goal was to "sow discord" in the United States and to "denigrate" Clinton and help Trump.

Johnson suggested that in the aftermath of the hacking, the federal government should "encourage a uniform set of minimum standards for cybersecurity when it comes to state elections system and voter registration databases."

But he acknowledged that doing so might be a heavy lift, given that state election officials are naturally suspicious of what he called a "federal takeover" of their election practices.

"State election officials are very sensitive about what they perceive to be federal intrusion into their process," Johnson said, noting that he often encountered officials pushing back and arguing that "it's our process, our responsibility."
The iconic leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri has stood over Mosul for 800 years. But on Wednesday, one of the most iconic religious sites in the country came crashing down as the Iraqi army fought to take the city back from Islamic State militants.

What happened to al-Nuri mosque? The Islamic State's Amaq News Agency quickly argued that the mosque was destroyed in a U.S. airstrike. But the U.S.-led coalition denied that, suggesting instead that the Islamic State had blown up the mosque as they retreated.

Grainy video footage released by Iraq's joint operations command to reporters appears to offer the best chance to assess these competing claims. The footage appears to have come from cameras the Iraqi army set up along the Mosul front line to watch the Islamic State's positions.

After reviewing the video, a number of explosive experts said that the blast appeared to have come from within the building rather than an airstrike that might have struck from above.

"I cannot imagine how an airdropped bomb could produce the effects shown in the video," said Sidney Alford, chairman of Alford Technologies Limited and a leading expert in bomb disposal techniques.

Others agreed. "It is clear that this could not have been an airstrike because there are multiple detonations on different levels of the minaret," said Ben Goodlad, a senior defense analyst at Jane's by IHS Markit. "This points to pre-placed explosives used for demolition rather than a strike by ordnance."

"There is no evidence of an impact before the explosive occurs," added Neil Gibson, a senior weapons analyst at Jane's, suggesting this pointed away from an airstrike.

It is not clear if the Islamic State planted these explosives in the building or why they would deny doing so if they did. However, there had long been rumors that the group had planted bombs in the mosque; its fighters have also deliberately destroyed or damaged many other religious buildings and artifacts in Syria and Iraq, in large part due to a fundamentalist view of Islam that radically opposes idolatry, theological experts and the group itself claim.

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri may also have held a symbolic significance in the fight for Mosul. It was also the location of the first and only public appearance of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic State's leader, three years ago. Speaking to The Washington Post, Hassan Hassan, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Tahrir Institute and co-author of "ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror," suggested that this meant the loss of the mosque would have been a blow to the group's image.

"It would have been the most symbolic blow within its most symbolic stronghold," Hassan said.

While Gibson said he couldn't ascertain the type of explosives used from the video footage, there were some clues to where the explosives might have been placed. "The gases are vented from the bottom level up, so probably a single large charge in the lower levels, its gaseous detonation products traveling up the structure of the tower and venting in a weak point," he said. "Or more likely a series of charges placed internally within the structure and linked with [detonating cord], the charges starting from the base area and traveling upward."

Alford also suggested that there had been a number of charges within the structure linked with detonating cord. "It seems that a series of four or five large explosive charges - at least several tens of kilos - was placed at internals up the tower, with a larger amount left at ground level," he said.

The black smoke of the explosion suggested that the explosives used were of a military level and may have been based on TNT, Alford added. A number of TNT mines have been found in Islamic State training camps near Mosul.

On Twitter, some argued that the video released Wednesday actually showed a previous incident - with many pointing to the 2014 destruction of the Nabi Yunus shrine by the Islamic State. Comparing the two videos, Gibson said that the demolitions themselves do seem to be pretty similar, with charges within the mosque and several on the minaret.

However, the results of the demolition are visibly different. "Ultimately, the dust and debris cloud from the 2014 video would seem to be of a completely different shape to the 'new' one," Gibson said. "In the 2014 one, the cloud surges upward to a considerable height, there is no evidence of this in the new video."

And while the quality of the video is poor, Iraq's joint operations command's footage does appear to show the unique aspect of the al-Nuri mosque: It's now-destroyed slanting minaret.
CHAMBLEE, Ga. - Republicans in the conservative Atlanta suburbs and across the country were elated Wednesday after their party beat back Democrats in a competitive special election, avoiding a loss that could have damaged President Trump's hopes of enacting his agenda.

But the celebration of Republican Karen Handel's victory in Georgia's Sixth congressional district may be brief.

Trump's priorities remain largely stalled on Capitol Hill and Tuesday's result, due to a unique set of circumstances, provides only a faint road map to either party as they strategize for next year's midterm elections. By some measures, the Georgia race only deepened the uncertainty around the choices facing both Republicans and the Democrats going forward.

"I'm encouraged," said Rep. Tom MacArthur , R-N.J., a moderate who faces a tough reelection race against a marquee Democratic recruit. "Of course, it's a single election in a single district, so you can't read too much into it, in either direction."

Handel beat Ossoff by roughly four percentage points, or almost 11,000 votes, in what became the most expensive House race in history. The margin was surprisingly tight, given the fact the district has only elected Republicans to the House since 1978.

"I'm proud of how close we came," Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee executive director Dan Sena said on a post-election call with consultants, according to a listener who requested anonymity in order to discuss what was said. "Remember, folks: there are 71 districts that perform better than Georgia Six."

What cannot be replicated next year are the sheer amounts of resources and organization that poured into a single contest from all sides, bringing the total cost of the race to more than $50 million.

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff, a 30-year-old former congressional aide, also carried personal liabilities as a candidate, including a thin resume and the fact that he does not live in the district he sought to represent.

Democrats could still find themselves with an edge in the midterms, depending in large measure on how Trump - historically unpopular for a president so early in his tenure - performs in the next year-and-a-half.

But in their disappointment at the outcome of a race into which they had placed so much of the party's resources and its hopes, Democrats must confront a number of questions.

Ideological fractures remain in their party, with recriminations still flying over Hillary Clinton's unexpected loss in last year's presidential election. One choice facing the party is whether to embrace the hard line advocated by its ardent liberal base, or to take a more conciliatory and moderate stance as Ossoff did.

Another question is whether Democrats have the right leadership for the battle ahead. Handel and outside groups working on her behalf resurrected a well-worn Republican strategy of tying opponents to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., a symbol on the right of out-of-touch liberal values.

With yet another example of Republicans successfully using Pelosi as a political foil, some Democrats wondered Wednesday if it is approaching time for the 77-year-old leader and her deputies to step aside. The question tends to divide members of the House Democratic Caucus into two groups: the majority that hail from liberal districts and are loyal to Pelosi, and the minority in moderate or GOP-leaning areas that see her as a liability.

Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., 38, one of the most outspoken critics of the caucus's leadership, said Wednesday the party needs "a new generation of leadership - one focused on the future."

Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., 52, expressed similar views on Twitter, and in an interview with CNN, where she said: "It's time for Nancy Pelosi to go, and the entire leadership team."

For Republicans, the biggest quandary is how closely to tie their fortunes to an unpopular president and his freewheeling populism,

Observers point to Virginia's gubernatorial primary this month, where establishment favorite Edward Gillespie triumphed over a Trump-aligned candidate, though narrowly, as evidence the Trump model does not guarantee victory.

In another special election Tuesday night, a deep-red South Carolina House district elected Ralph Norman, a conservative businessman who has complimented Trump but did not try to emulate his style on the campaign trail. And Handel, herself an establishment Republican, tread cautiously in associating herself with Trump.

In her victory speech on Tuesday night, Handel thanked "the president of the United States" along with Vice President Mike Pence for their support. She did not mention Trump by name.

Some of Trump's allies had a strong message for Republicans on Wednesday: Resist the notion you're in danger of losing power, redouble efforts to advance the party's agenda and do more, not less, to embrace the president.

"If they've gotten advice to not mention him, that's bad advice," Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said in an interview.

"The president is not an ideologue. He's a pragmatist. He's trying to get people shoulder to shoulder and execute on the plan," Perdue said. "Too many people in the Washington establishment are looking through a traditional lens."

Trump cheered Tuesday night's victories on Twitter. "Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O!" he wrote. "All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0."

The GOP victory in Georgia came at a critical moment. Senate Republicans are preparing to unveil their sweeping rewrite of U.S. health-care laws, even as rank-and-file members complain about the secrecy of the process and express concerns about aspects of the plan. Some of those members are already worrying privately about the political fallout they might face when voters lose coverage or face higher premiums under the new system.

Nodding to congressional Republicans' effort to revise the Affordable Care Act, she suggested it was time to move toward concluding that work. "We need to finish the drill on health care," Handel said.

But health-care is far from the only debate with potential pitfalls for Republican incumbents. Tax reform - a way to achieve the rate cuts Handel promised voters - is in limbo on Capitol Hill. And the investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether Trump tried to obstruct justice is a variable that keeps Republicans on edge.

MacArthur, who has worked closely with Trump on health care in recent months and confronted waves of voter anger at town-hall meetings, is now facing a challenge from Democrat Andy Kim, a former Obama administration national security staffer who launched his campaign this week.

The southern New Jersey district has been a hotbed of Democratic activity in the past six months, and voters' heated opposition to MacArthur at public events has become fodder for cable news.

Shrugging off those clashes, MacArthur said the tide had not turned against him back home. "It's a loud, angry minority that has an agenda that doesn't click with my district. I believe that," he said.

Even in the wake of Ossoff's loss, some Democrats said the fact he was competitive in Atlanta's Republican suburbs could be a positive sign for next year, when they must win 24 GOP-held seats to claim a majority of seats in the House.

"All of these special elections are a symbolic warning to Republicans, should things stay the way they are," Democratic strategist Robert Shrum said. "Presidents always have trouble in midterm elections when they've just been elected, and Trump has tremendous trouble with college-educated, suburban voters."

Viebeck and Tumulty reported from Washington.

Read more at PowerPost
WASHINGTON  The Senate Republican plan for replacing the Affordable Care Act faces a tricky path to approval when it comes up for a vote, with several GOP senators voicing reservations Thursday that could scuttle the legislation.

But none of the Republicans said the objections were nonnegotiable, and Senate leaders hoped to push the bill to a vote before the Fourth of July.

The 142-page bill, unveiled Thursday after weeks of secret negotiations led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, would cut deeply into Medicaid. It would eliminate most taxes that funded the expansion of health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act to millions of Americans, including about 5 million in California, and end the mandate that people buy insurance.

The new bill would keep some of the most popular parts of the health care law passed in 2010 and signed by President Barack Obama, including requiring insurance companies to issue policies to people with pre-existing medical conditions and allowing parents to keep their children on their policies up to age 26.

And many other aspects of the current law would be jettisoned. Like a House health care bill approved in May, the Senate measure would allow states to opt out of provisions in the Affordable Care Act that require insurers to provide such basic benefits as prescription drugs, emergency care and maternity coverage.

The legislation would also strip funding for Planned Parenthood. The organization provides health care to 1 in 5 women and is already banned by law from providing abortions with taxpayer funds, but Republicans object that the organization provides privately paid abortion services.

The measure would also bar insurers that sell policies to people under the federal law from providing abortion coverage, something that California law requires. Anyone wanting such coverage would have to buy a policy out of their own pocket.

Obamacare isnt working, by nearly any measure it has failed, and no amount of 11th-hour reality-denying or buck-passing by Democrats is going to change the fact that more Americans are going to get hurt unless we do something, McConnell said.

He quickly ran into opposition not just from unified Democrats, but from several senators in his own party. McConnell can afford just two defections  Republicans hold 52 of the Senates 100 seats, and can win a 50-50 vote with a tiebreaker cast by Vice President Mike Pence.

Four of the Senates most conservative Republicans  Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin  said they would oppose the plan as written because it did not repeal the entire Affordable Care Act. But Paul, for one, said he is open to negotiation.

A more moderate Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, said she fears that thousands of her constituents would be stripped of their coverage. She also said she would offer an amendment to strip the Planned Parenthood defunding. Its just wrong, she said.

Collins, however, did not say how she would ultimately vote.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is expected to release an assessment early next week of how the Senate legislation will affect the public. The office concluded that the House version of the bill would lead to 14 million people losing or deciding to drop their health insurance within the next year and 23 million by 2026.

Californias two Democratic senators slammed the new bill, saying its main beneficiaries were wealthy people who would enjoy a tax cut, thanks to the GOP plan to eliminate tax hikes that fund the Affordable Care Act.

Sen. Kamala Harris denounced the plan to give tax benefits to the richest among us, allowing what will end up being among the poorest among us to face serious and severe consequences, including  and I dont want to sound too extreme here  but including death.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein said most of the complaints about the Affordable Care Act come from people who abruptly lose federal subsidies for purchasing insurance when they exceed income limits. We ought to fix things like the individual market, and thats fixable, Feinstein said. But to throw everything out?

There isnt any one of the very wealthy people that would be impacted by this who will say, I need a tax cut, at the expense of depriving people of health care, she said. Its bizarre thinking.

The Senate measure would largely maintain the structure for federal subsidies now used by people to buy insurance on health care exchanges, including the one in California called Covered California. But it could reduce the number of people eligible to receive those subsidies by changing the income requirement from 400 percent of the federal poverty line (about $55,000 a year for an individual) to 350 percent (about $49,000 a year).

Although the Senate bill would keep the popular Affordable Care Act requirement that insurers make policies available to people with pre-existing conditions, Harris noted that companies could be allowed to charge far more for such policies than they can now. The bill would not deny coverage, but it would just make it much more expensive, prohibitively, she said.

The biggest target, however, is Medicaid, which provides coverage for the poor and millions of working-class Americans in states such as California that expanded the program with federal help. Medicaid, which is known as Medi-Cal in California, also pays for nearly two-thirds of Americans in nursing homes, almost half of all births, and care for 60 percent of disabled children.

The Affordable Care Act greatly expanded funding for Medicaid to allow low-income people who had been unable to afford insurance to purchase policies. Both the Senate and House bills would phase out that expansion. The Senate version would do so more slowly, but would eventually make deeper cuts to the program than would the House version. It would do that by tying how much money states get to the overall inflation rate instead of the rate of medical inflation, which is significantly higher.

The Senate bill would help poor people more than the House measure would in at least one respect: It would give tax credits to people to purchase policies and would base them on income. The House bill would base the credit on consumers age, meaning a wealthy 60-year-old would get as big a break as a poor one.

President Trump hailed the House measure as a major victory after it passed in May and hosted the GOP House delegation in a Rose Garden celebration. But he seemingly turned on the bill earlier this month, calling it mean and urging the Senate to come up with something that had more heart.

Its going to be very good, Trump said Thursday of the Senate bill. But White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to say whether the president would formally endorse it. She said Trump wants to bring all the stakeholders to the table, have those conversations, and well get back to you.

Republicans have argued that the current law is not working, and Democrats have agreed that it needs repairs. But uncertainty surrounding the laws repeal and moves by the administration to weaken the act have destabilized the individual insurance market markedly in recent weeks. Facing decisions on whether to participate in the exchanges next year, several major insurers have pulled out, leaving millions of individuals stranded.

Many Republican senators, while invited to offer suggestions, were kept in the dark about the contents of the legislation until it was made public Thursday. Democrats denounced the secret process, which included no public hearings on a bill that will affect most Americans and a sixth of the economy.

If the bill clears the Senate, Republicans will attempt to reconcile it with the House-passed bill to produce a single version, and then present it again for approval in both chambers. The bill only narrowly passed the House with the help of every California Republican, including seven who represent districts won by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in November. Many stayed on the fence until the last minute.

No Democrat in either house is expected to support the effort. The legislation also faces intense opposition from doctors and hospitals, patient groups such as the American Diabetes Association and American Cancer Society, as well as the powerful AARP. Many of these organizations have already begun advertising campaigns against the bill.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
Chinas internet leviathan Baidu has announced its plan to upgrade the companys financial services by using artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that the technology can help to avoid investment blunders.

According to Zhu Guang, Baidus senior vice president, the company will cooperate with the Agricultural Bank of China to launch a financial brain project, as well as to develop applications related to evaluations of clients credit and supervision of their financial risks.

Based on Baidus big data and algorithms, we can [deduce] our clients ages and educational backgrounds with an accuracy rate of 90 and 85 percent respectively. By generating a financial portrait of our clients, we can attract more customers, which is crucial for our future plans, Zhu was quoted as saying by Thepaper.cn on June 20. Zhu also noted that AI technologies can be used for identity recognition and data collection, which are vital elements for the development of the financial industry.

Compared to humans, AI is more accurate in determining the authenticity of cachet and bills. At the same time, by analyzing and studying clients behavior and irregular trade events, AI can establish anti-phishing modes to avoid risk, said Zhu.

Introducing AI technologies into the financial sector is not Baidus initiative alone. According to the Wall Street Journal, Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, is building an artificial intelligence engine to automate management of the company. Rebellion Research, a New York-based investment adviser, also uses AI technologies to make investment decisions.

Following in the steps of its foreign counterparts, Baidu, Chinas largest search engine, will build two AI-based financial platforms, helping clients to manage their personal wealth and consumption.
WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans on Thursday plan to release a health-care bill that would curtail federal Medicaid funding, repeal taxes on the wealthy and eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood as part of an effort to fulfill a years-long promise to undo Barack Obama's signature health-care law.

The bill is an attempt to strike a compromise between existing law and a bill passed by the House in May as Republicans struggle to advance their vision for the country's health-care system even though they now control both Congress and the White House.

The Senate proposal largely mirrors the House measure with some significant differences, according to a discussion draft circulating Wednesday among aides and lobbyists. While the House legislation pegged federal insurance subsidies to age, the Senate bill would link them to income as the Affordable Care Act does. The Senate proposal cuts off Medicaid expansion for states more gradually than the House bill but would enact deeper long-term cuts to the health-care program for low-income Americans. It also removes language restricting federally subsidized health plans from covering abortions, which may have run afoul of complex Senate budget rules.

But on the eve of the bill's release, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., faced the prospect of an open revolt from key conservative and moderate GOP senators, whose concerns he has struggled to balance in recent weeks. Republicans familiar with the effort said Senate leaders have more work to do to secure the 50 votes needed to pass the measure, with Vice President Mike Pence set to cast the tiebreaking vote, from the pool of 52 GOP senators. No Democrats are expected to support the bill.

Republican aides stressed that the plan is likely to undergo more changes to secure the votes needed for passage, but there were major concerns Wednesday from senators on opposite ends of the GOP spectrum.

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"My main concern is I promised voters that I would repeal - vote to repeal Obamacare. And everything I hear sounds like Obamacare-lite," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., whose state expanded Medicaid and has been pushing for a more gradual unwinding of that initiative than many conservatives prefer, said she is waiting to scrutinize what is released but has not seen anything yet that would make her drop her concerns with the proposal.

"Up to this point, I don't have any new news - tomorrow we will see it definitively - that would cause me to change that sentiment," she said.

Like the House bill, the Senate measure is expected to make big changes to Medicaid, the program that insures about 74 million elderly and lower-income Americans and was expanded in most states under the ACA. In effect, the revisions would reduce federal spending on the program.

The Senate measure would transform Medicaid from an open-ended entitlement to one in which federal funding would be distributed to states on a per capita basis. It would also seek to phase out the program's expansion - although at a more gradual rate than the House version.

Yet the Senate bill is expected go further than the House version in its approach to cutting Medicaid funding in the future. In 2025, the measure would tie federal spending on the program to an even slower growth index than the one used in the House bill. That move could prompt states to reduce the size of their Medicaid programs.

That provision, a nod to conservative lawmakers led by Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., risks alienating moderates, including Capito and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who also represents a state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Some Republicans worry that such a move would force states to cut services or coverage, potentially leaving millions of low-income people without sufficient health care.

The growth rate that is applied to Medicaid spending going forward has major implications, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "That inflater is critical, because it translates into billions of dollars over time," she said.

Portman and Capito have also been pushing for the inclusion of a $45 billion fund to treat and prevent opioid addiction. As of early Wednesday afternoon, the opioid money was not included in McConnell's proposal, according to a top GOP senator and Senate aide familiar with the discussions.

"I don't think there is right now," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, said when asked whether the legislation includes a distinct opioid fund. "It might have to be considered separately."

But Portman and Capito, like all senators, will have a chance to introduce amendments to the bill when it heads to the Senate floor, which McConnell said is likely to happen next week. This process will allow senators to draw attention to the causes they have championed and potentially change the final bill.

Moderates who are on the fence about whether to support the Obamacare overhaul are likely to be pleased at the bill's approach to insurance subsidies because they would be based on financial need, potentially preserving coverage for more people who got insurance under the ACA.

Subsidies are currently available to Americans earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Starting in 2020, that threshold would be lowered to 350 percent under the Senate bill - but anyone below that line could get the subsidies if they're not eligible for Medicaid.

That provision, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, would be "a real benefit to poor people in states that don't expand Medicaid."

In a move that will please the health-care industry, the draft also proposes repealing all of the ACA taxes except for its "Cadillac tax" on high-cost health plans in language similar to the House version. Senators had previously toyed with the idea of keeping some of the ACA's taxes.

It would also eliminate Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood for one year. Federal law already prevents taxpayer funding to pay for abortions except to save the life of the woman or in the case of rape or incest. But some Republicans want to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which also provides health services such as birth control, because their clinics provide abortion services.

Like the House measure, the Senate bill would eliminate two central requirements of the current health-care law: that individuals provide proof of insurance when filing their annual tax returns and that companies with 50 or more employees provide health coverage for their workers.

In a move that is critical to insurers, the Senate measure would continue to fund for two years cost-sharing subsidies that help 7 million Americans with ACA plans. House Republicans have challenged the legality of the $7 billion in subsidies - which help cover consumers' deductibles and copays - in court, and insurers have warned that they will have to hike premiums dramatically next year unless the federal government commits to continuing the payments.

McConnell has told Republican senators that he wants to maintain protections for people with preexisting conditions under the law. But it was not clear to some lawmakers Wednesday what that would entail.

"I haven't seen the draft yet. I like the idea of preexisting conditions being more firmly clarified," Portman said.

Paul criticized GOP leaders for potentially keeping some of the ACA's "most expensive regulations," which he says are the primary drivers of higher premiums.

"It may well be that prices don't come down at all," he said.

But the Senate proposal may change rules for waivers that states can file with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that could allow them to potentially scale back some of these federal mandates.

While the details of McConnell's proposal are expected to be made public Thursday, much of focus in recent weeks has been on the process used to draft the bill.

Democrats and even some Republicans have been critical of Senate GOP leaders for crafting the proposal behind closed doors without hearings and consideration of the legislation by the relevant committees.

Several, GOP senators have expressed concern about moving quickly to a vote before they fully understand how it would impact health insurance markets and their constituents.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said that in addition to actually reading the bill, "I'll also want to get full input from constituencies in Wisconsin."

Given the fact that there may be just a week between the bill being posted and a final vote, he added, "I find it hard to believe we'll have enough time."

- - -

The Washington Post's Amy Goldstein and Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.

- - -

Video: Trump blames Democrats for health-care deadlock

President Trump held a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 21 and discusses his plan for health-care. (The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2sXwYHG

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In the early hours of Wednesday, Saudi Arabia's King Salman elevated his 31-year-old son to be the kingdom's crown prince, replacing the king's 57-year-old nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef. The formal ascension of Mohammed bin Salman establishes the young royal as the most important political figure in the country, given the widespread suggestions that his father is ailing and infirm.

Mohammed bin Salman's admirers style him a necessary and energetic promoter of change in a kingdom that needs it. His detractors, though, see him as reckless and impulsive ruler, and they fear his rise will lead only to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The announcement "marks the first time since Saudi Arabia's first ruler, King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, that a Saudi monarch has designated his son rather than a brother as his heir apparent," my colleagues wrote. "And it's only the second time since the kingdom was founded in 1932 that a grandson of Ibn Saud has been named crown prince, and its potential future king."

But it shouldn't come as a surprise. Experts and journalists expected King Salman to eventually shove aside Mohammed bin Nayef, a political heavyweight with deep ties to the country's security apparatus, in favor of his son - it was just a question of when. In April, the king reshuffled key government posts and issued decrees seen as part of a bid to strengthen the hand of then-Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while weakening that of his rival. On Wednesday, more posts were granted to a younger generation of princelings who are thought to be loyal to the new crown prince.

"We've seen the shift of power coming for some time, and the steady centralization of power under King Salman and the purview of his son," Kristin Smith Diwan, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf State Institute in Washington, said to my colleagues.

Despite its various palace rivalries and family grievances, Riyadh is making the transition look smooth and seamless. Footage showed the king's son kissing his cousin's hand in a choreographed ceremony. The new crown prince received oaths of loyalty from his family and members of the public in Mecca on Wednesday night.

World leaders congratulated Mohammed bin Salman, including President Trump, who had already met the prince at the White House. The pair spoke during a Wednesday phone call and "discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists."

Trump has been a Saudi cheerleader since entering office, which is welcome news in Riyadh after the latter years of the Obama administration. Relations reached a low ebb then as Washington pursued diplomacy with Iran and seemed to cool on the long-standing Saudi alliance.

"MbS's appointment as crown prince should confirm the improved working relationship with Washington after the strains experienced during the Obama administration, chiefly over Iran and the nuclear deal," wrote Simon Henderson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. But, he warns, "future ties will not necessarily be harmonious."

Since Mohammed bin Salman assumed greater powers under his father, the Saudis have taken a more aggressive role in the region. The prince is seen as a hard-liner on Iran, the architect of a deadly and controversial Saudi-led intervention in Yemen and one of the main proponents of the Saudi- and Emirati-led effort to isolate Qatar, which has spiraled into a larger regional conflagration. The time may soon come when American and Saudi interests diverge.

Recent moves by Riyadh have "ruptured the traditional Saudi alliance structure," wrote Bruce Riedel of the Brookings Institution, suggesting that the Saudis' aspirational role at the vanguard of the Sunni Muslim states is under threat. "Turkey has come to Qatar's support and Iran is posturing as Qatar's ally, while Pakistan and Oman are again neutral."

"When father and son came to power after the death of King Abdullah, there was a hope that they could unite Sunnis and provide leadership when it was sorely needed," wrote David Hearst of the Middle East Eye. "Instead, they may have fragmented and polarized it beyond repair."

At home, Mohammed bin Salman has championed the need for change to shake up the country's oil-dependent economy - as well as a broader liberalization of what remains one of the world's most rigidly conservative societies.

"I'm young. Seventy percent of our citizens are young," Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview with The Washington Post's David Ignatius this year, during which he seemed to lament the excesses of the regime's religious police and the advent of extreme religious conservatism in recent decades.

"We don't want to waste our lives in this whirlpool that we were in the past 30 years," he said. "We want to end this epoch now. We want, as the Saudi people, to enjoy the coming days and concentrate on developing our society and developing ourselves as individuals and families, while retaining our religion and customs." But critics say the prince's talk has yet to be met by his proverbial walk.

Riedel of Brookings offers a gloomy final analysis: "The king has complete authority and control. His choice of his favorite son is likely to provoke quiet muttering and complaining in the family and the clerical establishment, but not a challenge. The longer-term costs of upsetting the legitimacy of the line of succession in the midst of low oil prices and regional tensions are much more worrisome. The young prince is poised to inherit a kingdom under stress at home and abroad."
In the last month, for the first time since the civil war in Syria began in 2011, the United States has directly attacked Syrian government forces or proxies - not just once, but at least four times. The urgent question now is less about Syria than Russia. In response to the latest of these incidents, in which a U.S. fighter plane shot down a Syrian jet, Moscow has threatened to target any U.S.-led coalition aircraft flying over Syria. That would mark a massive escalation, and potentially the first direct great-power conflict in recent memory.

Can a war in the Middle East between Russia and the United States be averted? The answer is yes - but only if Washington clears up the massive confusion its own lack of strategy has caused.

The present political dynamics in the Middle East are unsettled and kaleidoscopic. But in the interests of brevity, leaving aside smaller players, and before we think about the role of the United States and Russia, the basic configurations of power in the region since the 2011 Arab Spring can be simplified in terms of five loose groupings.

First, a grouping of Sunni monarchies (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain); Arab secular nationalists (Egypt since President Abdel Fatteh el-Sisi took over in 2013, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia); and Gen. Khalifa Haftar's faction in eastern Libya.

Second, a grouping of Turkey; Qatar; and Muslim Brotherhood affiliates such as Hamas in Gaza, Egypt under President Morsi before 2013, and the internationally-recognized Libyan government based in the western part of that country.

Third, a grouping of Iran and its Shiite allies, including Iraq (at least among key factions of the Baghdad government), the Assad regime in Syria, and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Fourth, the collection of various Sunni jihadi networks, including the Islamic State, various al Qaida affiliates, and any number of smaller factions.

Fifth, there is Israel, which does not fit into any of the above, but is most closely aligned with members of the first grouping.

Three key stories since the 2011 Arab Spring broadly explain how the United States and Russia fit into these dynamics, and why these two great powers are being dragged into confrontation in the Middle East.

The first story is the tension between human rights and stability. Initially motivated by humanitarian impulse, the United States and its Western allies achieved regime change in Libya and attempted it in Syria, by backing rebels in each case. These rebellions rapidly became infected by radical Islamists, giving Russia the opportunity, not unreasonably, to claim that, in the interest of preventing Islamist chaos, it was backing strongmen on the opposite side (Haftar in Libya and Assad in Syria).

Egypt is a similar case. Russia took advantage of the Obama administration's aversion to the Sisi regime's human rights abuses following the overthrow of Muslim Brotherhood rule to increase Russian influence in Cairo, as exemplified by Egypt's current diplomatic support for the Russian intervention in Syria.

The second story is the 2015 Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration, and reluctantly accepted by the Trump administration, whose advocates claimed that it was the best way to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon without the resort to force. Russia joined sanctions against Iran, but since they were lifted, Moscow has developed warmer relations with Tehran, as exemplified by the way it acted as a key broker between Saudi Arabia and Iran to set up the November 2016 OPEC agreement.

By contrast with Moscow, the Trump administration has taken a hard-line stance toward Tehran. It has various motives for that shift: Iranian missile testing since the deal was signed; Iranian support for Shiite militia groups in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon; and a belief that traditional U.S. allies such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are in need of greater support (notwithstanding that many Israelis supported the nuclear deal).

The third story is the role that radical Sunni Islamist networks now play in the region, enabled by social media and other online tools that facilitate networking. One simply cannot explain the speed and scale at which the Islamic State formed, for example, without that network effect. These fluid jihadi networks have proved effective in exploiting tears in the fabric of order in fragile states, and then governing captured ground, predominantly in areas with Sunni majority populations, above all in western Iraq, northern Syria, and southern Yemen.

When one puts these three stories together, we see the nexus of the current U.S.- Russia standoff in Syria.

At the center of the nexus is the fact that while the U.S.-led coalition has done a good job of beating back the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the policy goal under both the Obama and Trump administrations has only been negatively defined as the defeat of the Islamic State. Neither administration has set out a positive vision for who will govern territory cleared of the Islamic State. In other words, the U.S. has a military strategy without a political counterpart - and the more the Islamic State's territorial control has been squeezed, the more evident the absence of U.S. political strategy has become.

Enter the Trump administration, which in keeping with its broader hard-line stance toward Iran, has been consistently clear about who it does not want to govern r-captured ground, namely, Iran-backed Shiite militias, who form a large part both of Assad's ground forces and indeed Baghdad's.

Hence the Trump administration has taken the view that both Sunni jihadi groups and Shiite militias should be grouped under the same category of radical Islamic terrorism. Consistent with this, it has stepped up action against Shiite paramilitary groups in Syria. Furthermore, the administration's hard-line attitude, conveyed by Trump in his visit to Riyadh in May, encouraged the blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt, on the basis of alleged Qatari support for Iranian proxies.

But the glaring absence of a U.S. positive political vision in the Middle East has left its negatively defined anti-Islamic State and anti-Iranian goals untethered, which has generated regional confusion. Imagine a sheepdog who is good at barking, but has little sense of direction: The Middle East is now in the position of its harried flock.

Even the administration itself seemed confused about how to respond to the implications of its own strategy, as was clear from its plainly contradictory signals on the Qatar crisis: While Trump initially enthusiastically endorsed the blockade of Qatar in public, his national security team sought to de-escalate it behind the scenes, and this calmer line seems to be prevailing. So, what does Washington positively want? Who knows.

Although the most likely outcome of the Qatar crisis at this point is a U.S. brokered de-escalation, it is likely that a jilted Doha will subsequently look to become less dependent on the United States by building up existing relations with Turkey, which already has a base in Doha; Russia, which already has strong commercial links with the emirate (Qatar owns a large stake in Rosneft, for example); and Iran, with whom it needs good relations given the need to cooperate over the shared exploitation of natural gas fields in the Persian Gulf.

The limits of having no positive political strategy are also evident in Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, the United States military has effectively helped clear ground for Iranian Shiite militias to backfill, which contradicts the administration's anti-Iranian position. The only real alternative is to support a greater governance role for Kurdish groups, potentially as part of an enlarged independent Kurdish state. But so far, the U.S. position has been to support the unity of Iraq.

In Syria, the situation is more complex, because unlike the Iraqi Kurds, who have reasonably good relations with Ankara, the Turkish government is vehemently opposed to any kind of independent Kurdish state in northern Syria. But the U.S.-led coalition overwhelmingly relies on Kurdish ground forces in Syria, and they hold most of the ground cleared from the Islamic State. Does the United States support a Kurdish state in northern Syria? We don't know. Has it provided any alternative to a Kurdish state in northern Syria? No. Is the territory still legally part of Syria? Yes. Unsurprisingly, there is serious confusion on the ground, which has produced the U.S.-Russian escalation we see today.

So back to the original question: Are we are headed toward a great-power conflict in the middle east?

In my view, until the U.S. presents a positive political strategy, we will continue to have direct clashes between Russian-supported Shiite militias and U.S. forces, which may well produce an accident in which either Russia shoots down a U.S. plane or vice versa. Even then, I think that neither Washington nor Moscow would rationally want a conventional fight. But conflict dynamics are never wholly rational; far from it. Violence can generate new emotional pressures in conflict and spin out of control in a direction nobody anticipated.

Besides the risk of escalation with Russia, the more the United States starts directly attacking Shiite militias, the more likely the Iranian nuclear deal will completely break down. This would reopen the possibility of a U.S. war with Iran. Even before that point, Iran would likely react to counter the United States in the region by exerting much more aggressive influence over Baghdad. The nightmare scenario would be an Iranian puppet like ex-Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki getting back into power, and issuing a demand for U.S. forces to leave Iraq, which would put Washington in a vexed position of either accepting or returning to direct rule.

To avoid escalations of this sort, the Trump administration should now lay out a positively defined political vision for the Middle East, which would accompany and tether its negatively defined anti-Islamic State and anti-Iranian goals. At this time, the fundamental part of this vision must be a clear U.S. position on the future of Kurdish-held areas in Iraq and Syria.
For the better part of the past half century, Vietnam veteran Bob Luckett has been working in the construction industry.

Luckett, 69, started out as a laborer in a masonry company after completing his military service in 1971. It was tough work at first. His boss "was great, but he worked you to death," he said, and soon Luckett developed an allergy to the lime in mortar.

"My hands were like hamburgers."

So Luckett took on a supervisory role, and steadily rose through the ranks before starting his own contracting company in 1998. He took charge of projects from designing and building homes from scratch to doing remodels and additions. He sold the company in 2015, and did some consulting and project management for local construction companies. But he knew he wanted something different, something more.

Then Luckett heard a report the radio one day about the challenges veterans face finding a job after leaving the service, and the idea for a new venture was born. In November, Luckett founded Veteran's Next Mission, a nonprofit that offers veterans a paid four-year training program to prepare them for a career in the construction industry.

One recent afternoon on a quiet tree-lined cul-de-sac in Arlington, Virginia, Luckett was hard at work with his first group of trainees. The crew was working on a $185,000, 12 x 16 feet addition to a home Luckett designed and built 12 years ago for a newly wed couple. Now that the family has grown to include three kids, they needed extra space. And so Luckett is back to help his old clients, and some veterans looking for an opportunity.

"Put a nail in, right there," said Luckett, pointing at a corner where two wooden boards needed to be held together.

Gripping a gray nail gun tightly, Brian Mandes fired once.

"Well, that was refreshing," Mandes, 44, said as the nail gun gave off a poof of cool air. Mandes spent 14 years in the infantry in the Army National Guard. He had completed a tour in Iraq, where he was armed with an M4 rifle and an M2 .50-caliber machine gun. But he had never fired a nail gun.

"I love it. Every chance I get to use it, I use it," Mandes said.

Under Luckett's close guidance, his trainees put up form boards along the perimeter of the concrete base of the structure. They painstakingly measured out the wood, sawed it to the precise length and affixed it to the concrete slab. At each step, Luckett would first demonstrate what to do, then have Mandes and Derek Lett, another trainee who served as a cavalry scout in the Army from 2011 to 2013, repeat the procedure. A third trainee, Lisa Duan, 24, was off that day.

Construction is a "very natural" transition for veterans, Luckett said, because it shares so many elements of military life: working outdoors, teamwork, organization and discipline. "It's a good opportunity for veterans."

And Luckett thinks that veterans bring an additional element of grit to construction work. "A lot of other construction sites, it's raining, and the guys are gone," he said. "[For] these guys, it's just water."

The veteran unemployment rate stands at 3.4 percent, lower than the national average of 4 percent for nonveterans, according to the latest May figures from the Department of Labor. But some veterans face greater challenges finding employment than others. Those ages 18 to 24 have an unemployment rate of 10.7 percent, more than two percentage points higher than nonveterans the same age, according to Department of Labor statistics.
J. Scott Applewhite, STF / Associated Press

The Democratic Party's charged debate about whether it needs a new generation of leaders included a new voice on Thursday: President Donald Trump.

Trump mocked the twin faces of the Democrats in Washington - Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. - in a Thursday morning tweet, facetiously urging them to stay in their leadership roles for the sake of the Republican Party.
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After eight years as principal at Sam Houston High School, Darnell White has been named director of student support services for the San Antonio Independent School District.

White chose to take the central office position, which focuses on student discipline, district spokeswoman Leslie Price said.
China is not yet ready to issue an official digital currency of the nation, nor has it authorized any institute to do so. This is according to Chinas central bank, which made the statement to address rising digital currency fraud and virtual currency prices.

According to a notice issued by the Gold and Silver Bureau of the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC), the so-called digital currency in the market now is not legal, as the central bank has not yet issued a legal currency.

The PBOC said at a January seminar that it will issue official digital currency as soon as possible. Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the central bank, elaborated that the digital currency issued by the PBOC will be mainly responsible for replacing cash, so as to bring down costs and improve the efficiency of circulation.

The concept of digital currency is increasingly popular, especially as certain forms like Bitcoin gain value. The PBOC warned that some institutes and companies promoting digital currency are likely perpetrating pyramid schemes or other fraud. As early as 2013, Bitcoin was classified as a virtual commodity rather than a legal currency.

Issued by the Jiangsu Internet Finance Association in April, a report on Chinese internet pyramid schemes observed that there are over a dozen digital currencies in China, all of which are "illegal pyramid schemes in the disguise of digital currencies.

In May, a court in Peixian County, Jiangsu province sentenced a man to four years in prison for organizing a pyramid scheme in the name of promoting Markcoin and Vikcoin. The organization turned out to have lured hundreds of thousands of clients, and the amount of money involved potentially reached hundreds of millions of RMB.
DEL RIO  A newly elected San Antonio councilman is expected to take the stand today as an FBI informant in the federal corruption trial of two former Crystal City officials.

Manny Pelaez, who took his seat on City Council representing District 8 on Wednesday, is missing his first full City Council meeting today because of his court appearance.
A man arrested in a North Texas traffic stop last weekend is accused of transporting numerous drugs and guns, according to the Titus County Sheriffs Office.

Jonathon Paul Cockrell, 24, of Mesquite, faces numerous charges, including Arkansas warrants for possession of drugs and firearms, as well as charges of manufacturing or delivering of control substance, unlawful carry of a weapon, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
(Xinhua) 17:54, June 22, 2017

BEIJING, June 22 -- With the recent launch of operation of Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi railway, China's remarkable infrastructure capabilities are again highlighted in promoting regional interconnectivity to pave way for global economic growth.

Ronnie Lins, CEO of Center China Brazil: Research &Business, commended China's infrastructure capabilities as leading the world.

"China's infrastructure capabilities take a lead worldwide, effectively pushing forward its economic and social development," he said.

The Chinese-built 472-km-long Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kenya's capital Nairobi and East Africa's biggest port city Mombasa comes as part of ambitious efforts to build a 2,700-km East Africa corridor connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and other East African countries.

Poor infrastructure has been blamed in part for impeding Africa's capital inflow and economic development. The railway joins other Chinese-built ones in promoting interconnectivity in Africa, including the continent's first transnational electrified railway linking Ethiopia with Djibouti completed in October 2016, which cut traffic time from one week to 10 hours.

By the end of 2016, the Mombasa-Nairobi railway construction had created 42,000 jobs locally. It is expected to become both a regional artery of communication and a link to the adjacent industrial parks and special economic zones, putting Kenya on a faster track of industrialization and economic growth.

Experts believe that improved interconnectivity will become a fresh economic driving force amid uncertainties over global economic recovery and serious structural problems.

In Asia, Africa and Latin America, Chinese-built railways are extending further and further to boost construction of infrastructure and trade networks intended by the China-proposed Road and Belt Initiative in seeking common development and prosperity.

Like building blocks of a global picture of interconnectivity, such infrastructure projects, many of them under the framework of the Road and Belt Initiative, are meanwhile boosting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation and partnerships.

Former Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra called the initiative a crucial multilateral integration project that "goes beyond the traditional Silk Road to reach Latin America." For Latin America, increasing infrastructure cooperation with China will help promote regional integration, she added.

Latin American countries have shown a growing interest in the initiative, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank that serves partly to support projects seeing its Latin American members increase recently to six.

Guo Shengxiang, dean of the Academy of APEC Creative Finance, an Australian think tank, sees that China's infrastructure capabilities are still in an upturn.

"China's infrastructure capabilities will continuously benefit world economy," he added.
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Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 22 2017

New York State Legislature Passes Bill Providing 9/11 Rescuers Sick Leave.

Albany, NY - June 22, 2017 - Today, the State Senate passed legislation, championed by Senator Todd Kaminsky, granting sick leave to 9/11 first responders who contract an illness as a result of having worked in or around Ground Zero following the September 11th terrorist attacks. The measure (S.6398a) -- which applies to active police officers -- ensures these heroic individuals who worked on the rescue, recovery and cleanup of the World Trade Center Attacks are not financially penalized while seeking medical treatment by having to exhaust their personal leave time.

The first responders who put their lives on the line during and after 9/11 deserve our unequivocal support for their heroism, bravery and sacrifice, said Senator Todd Kaminsky. I have spoken with all too many courageous officers who are battling cancer caused by the debris at Ground Zero and are at risk of losing their jobs while they seek necessary treatment. I am proud the Legislature came together to pass this measure, and I will continue to fight for our first responders who selflessly give so much of themselves to protect our state and country.

"I'm so happy to see that Senator Golden and Senator Kaminsky were able to join forces and create a bipartisan team to take care of sick first responders. I was more nervous about this bill not passing than getting results from a PET scan I had the same day. Also, I'm very appreciative of the help from the Fealgood Foundation. John Feal and Anthony Flammia have been there through the entire fight with support," said Chris OConnor, a Detective with the Rockville Centre Police Department.
Local News, Business & Finance, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: June 22 2017

Cuomo: "Like the disastrous House proposal, this bill will strip coverage from millions of New Yorkers."

Albany, NY - June 22, 2017 - New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has released the following statement on the Senate Republican Health Care Bill"

"The Senate Republican health care bill continues the ultra-conservative assault on New Yorkers and our values. Senate Republicans have broken their promise to protect the American people and are trying to pass an inhumane piece of legislation that hurts middle class New Yorkers, discriminates against women, defunds Planned Parenthood, and turns its back on the most vulnerable Americans.

"Like the disastrous House proposal, this bill will strip coverage from millions of New Yorkers, cost New York State billions of dollars, and devastate our health care system. Senate Republicans have intensified the war on Medicaid services that New Yorkers rely on. And by keeping the reckless Collins-Faso Amendment, this bill targets New York and threatens to slash an additional $2.3 billion in Medicaid funding for the state, leading to devastating cuts to our hospitals, nursing homes, and home care providers.
Abu Bakr al Baghdadi delivering his first speech as Caliph Ibrahim at the Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul in July 2014.

The Iraqi government announced today that the Great Mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul has been destroyed. US Central Command (CENTCOM) subsequently released a statement accusing the Islamic State of demolishing the holy site.

The demolition of Al-Nuri is a milestone in the war against Abu Bakr al Baghdadis so-called caliphate. Baghdadi delivered his first sermon as Caliph Ibrahim from the pulpit at Al-Nuri on July 4, 2014. Just days earlier, Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al Adnani declared that the group ruled over a caliphate stretching throughout large parts of Iraq and Syria.

As our Iraqi Security Force partners closed in on the Al-Nuri mosque, ISIS destroyed one of Mosul and Iraqs great treasures, Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, Commanding General of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command-Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement. This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated.

The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS, Martin said, and we continue to support our Iraqi partners as they bring these terrorists to justice. Martin warned that the battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] with that objective in mind.

Via its Amaq News Agency, the Islamic State tried to blame coalition airstrikes for the mosques destruction. The statement, seen below, was released online earlier today.

However, there is no evidence indicating that the US-led coalition bombed the mosque, which was built centuries ago. Its iconic minaret, nicknamed the hunchback, famously leaned to one side.

Iraqi government sources have circulated images from the moments after the Islamic State detonated its explosives in the mosque.

Baghdadis speech at Al-Nuri was a seminal moment in the history of his group. He used the pulpit to call on Muslims around the world to join the new state.

So let the world know that we are living today in a new era, Baghdadi said. Therefore, rush O Muslims to your state, he argued later in the speech. Yes, it is your state. Rush, because Syria is not for the Syrians, and Iraq is not for the Iraqis.

The State is a state for all Muslims, Baghdadi continued. The land is for the Muslims, all the Muslims. O Muslims everywhere, whoever is capable of performing hijrah [emigration] to the Islamic State, then let him do so, because hijrah to the land of Islam is obligatory.

The Islamic State leader made a special plea for assistance from scholars, judges, doctors, engineers, military personnel, as well as those with administrative and service expertise and all different specializations. He wanted all of these types of skilled individuals to emigrate to the lands of his caliphate.

During his sermon at Al-Nuri, Baghdadi also emphasized his organizations uncompromising jihad against everyone else. He argued that the world has been divided into two camps and two trenches[t]he camp of Islam and faith, and the camp of kufr (disbelief) and hypocrisy. The former is supposedly the camp of the Muslims and the mujahidin everywhere, while the latter is the camp of the Jews, the Crusaders, their allies, and with them the rest of the nations and religions of kufr, all being led by America and Russia, and being mobilized by the Jews.

The Islamic States early motto was remaining and expanding. It was intended to convey a sense of indefinite territorial expansion and permanence. But the groups propagandists quietly began to de-emphasize this idea as the jihadists lost ground in Iraq and Syria.

The demolition of Al-Nuri underscores the fact that Baghdadis loyalists are not holding their turf. Instead, they have proven their willingness to burn to the ground even holy sites rather than let their enemies capture them intact.

The destruction of Al-Nuri prevents the Iraqi government from issuing its own statement from the mosque. Baghdadis foes could have broadcast his caliphates loss of the important site. While no such message can now be made from Al-Nuri, the Islamic States violation of the mosque presents the coalition with another opportunity, as it can highlight the jihadists lack of respect for a holy location they themselves once portrayed as being at the center of a history-changing event.

Al Qaeda and its allies have chosen not to pursue the Islamic States all or nothing approach to holding territory. For example, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) avoided a fight for Mukallah in southern Yemen last year, arguing that a battle with Arab-led forces would leave the port city in shambles.

A coalition led by Al Nusrah Front, which was openly part of al Qaeda at the time, also overran the Syrian province of Idlib in early 2015. The jihadists and Islamists have held Idlib for more than two years since, often debating how to make sure they dont lose it. They are trying to avoid the mistakes made by Baghdadis men, who are in the process of losing their two capitals in Iraq and Syria. While an international coalition was assembled to dislodge the Islamic State, no such force has been formed to uproot the jihadists deeply embedded in Idlib and elsewhere in Syria. The jihadists in northwestern Syria have sought to sow confusion when it comes to their own Taliban-style state.

Baghdadi chose the opposite course, calling on the whole world to recognize his Islamic State.

O Muslims everywhere, glad tidings to you and expect good, Baghdadi said during his sermon at Al-Nuri in July 2014. Raise your head high, for today  by Allahs grace  you have a state and Khilafah, which will return your dignity, might, rights, and leadership.

Nearly three years later, Baghdadis followers leveled Al-Nuri to the ground after being surrounded by US-backed forces.

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.
The Taliban claimed credit for a suicide attack that targeted a bank in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand, earlier today. Dozens of Afghans were killed and wounded in the deadly attack.

Afghan officials said the suicide bomber detonated his car bomb outside of the Kabul Bank branch in Lashkar Gah as military personnel and civilians were lining up to withdraw funds before the beginning of Eid al Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, TOLONews reported. Twenty-nine people were killed and 50 more were wounded in the blast, health officials told the Afghan news agency.

Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi and media official Abdullah claimed credit for the bank bombing on their official Twitter accounts. Abdullah said that the attack targeted soldiers who were collecting their salaries, and claimed that 73 security personnel were killed and wounded in the blast.

The Taliban has targeted Kabul Bank branches throughout Afghanistan in the past. In Feb. 2011, a Taliban suicide attack team armed with assault rifles and hand grenades hit a branch in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province. The Taliban team opened fire on civilians and policemen who lined up outside the bank to collect their earnings. At least 42 people were killed and more than 70 were wounded, including the chief and deputy chief of police for Nangarhar province.

In March 2014, another suicide team struck the Kabul Bank branch in Asadabad as police and security personnel gathered to collect their pay. Afghan officials claimed that one policeman and four Taliban fighters were killed, but the Taliban claimed that at least 28 puppets, or Afghan security personnel, were killed in the assault.

Helmand province has become a stronghold for the Taliban since US forces began withdrawing from the province in 2013. The Taliban now controls seven of the provinces 14 districts (Baghran, Dishu, Khanashin, Now Zad, Nawa, Musa Qala, and Sangin) and contests another six, including the provincial capital (Lashkar Gah, Nahr-i-Sarraj, Kajaki, Nad Ali, Marjah, and Garmsir), according to data compiled by FDDs Long War Journal. The status of Washir district is uncertain as news reports from the district are scarce. Nearly all of Helmand has been controlled or influenced/contested for well over a year.

The situation in Helmand is so bleak that the Taliban has effectively surrounded the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, and have launched several forays into the city. The Taliban have also unleashed major attacks in the district. In Oct. 2016, the Taliban ambushed a large convoy of Afghan troops after they negotiated their safe passage from their base on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah. More than 200 Afghan troops were killed, wounded, captured, or surrendered. [See LWJ report, Taliban details deadly ambush of Afghan military convoy.]

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced today that a provincial leader for al Qaedas branch in Yemen was killed in an airstrike on June 16.

CENTCOM said that Abu Khattab al Awlaqi, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsulas (AQAP) emir for the Shabwah province, and two associates were killed in a bombing that targeted terrorist compounds and attack networks in Yemen.

According to CENTCOM, Awlaqi was a senior leader responsible for planning and conducting terrorist attacks against civilians and had significant influence throughout AQAPs terrorist stronghold in Shabwah.

The now deceased AQAP leader was a member of the Awlaqi tribe, which has largely thrown in its lot with al Qaeda. One of its most infamous members was Anwar al Awlaqi, the US-born jihadist preacher who also recruited and organized AQAPs external plots against the West. The US killed Anwar in a drone strike in Sept. 2011. His son, Adbulrahman, was also killed in a drone strike along with a senior AQAP leader two weeks later.

CENTCOM noted that AQAP maintains a terrorist stronghold in Shabwah and elsewhere in southern Yemen.

In recent years, AQAP has taken advantage of ungoverned spaces in Yemen to plot, direct and inspire terror attacks against the US, its citizens and allies around the world, CENTCOM said.

CENTCOM described AQAP as a formidable terror group that remains committed and capable of attacking US citizens and the homeland.

The US has ramped up counterterrorism operations in Yemen since President Donald Trump took office in January. While the exact number of strikes launched by the US since the end of January is unknown, CENTCOM announced at the end of April that more than 80 precision strikes against AQAP militants, infrastructure, fighting positions and equipment had been carried out in the first months of 2017.

Additionally, the US has launched at least two ground raids against AQAP. One took place in Marib province in May and another in Al Baydah at the end of January.

According to data compiled by FDDs Long War Journal, the previous record number of airstrikes conducted by the US in Yemen in any one year was 41 in 2009. Last year, the US launched 38 airstrikes against AQAP in Yemen.

AQAP still controls rural areas of central and southern Yemen despite being attacked by both the US and a United Arab Emirates-led ground offensive, which ejected the group from major cities and towns it held last year. AQAP claims to still operate training camps in Yemen to this day. In mid-July 2016, AQAP touted its Hamza al Zinjibari Camp, where the group trains its special forces. Zinjibari was an AQAP military field commander who was killed in a US drone strike in Feb. 2016.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
My travel destinations are feeling a little random of late. A few weeks after returning from Zimbabwe and South Africa, I packed my bags again for the Pacific Northwest  one of my favorite west coast travel destinations. Ive been to Seattle a number of times and fell in love with the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington, but I was in all new territory recently  even for me! My mom has talked about Priest River and Priest Lake, Idaho my entire life. She used to spend summers up there and had nothing but fabulous things to say about the area. Shes been wanting to go back for a while but hadnt found the right time. When she was planning a trip to visit family in Idaho, she thought of taking make the drive north.

When she asked me to come along, you can guess how long it took me to say yes. I really cant turn down a travel opportunity. So I packed my suitcase and boarded a flight to Spokane, Washington  about 100 miles from the lake. I always love flying into the PNW because the trees and landscape are so green  its breathtaking

Visiting Priest Lake, Idaho

We stopped off in the small town of Priest River (about 45 minutes from the lake) to look around, buy some groceries, and find some coffee! We caught the tailend of a heatwave in the area and saw the mudhole  an area in the river where the town goes to swim in the summers when its just too hot to do anything else! So we hopped back in the car and headed to Elkins Resort  our lodging for the next two nights.

Where to Stay on Priest Lake

The property is beautiful and studded with red chairs that POP wonderfully! There are 32 cabins, ranging in size, and a main lodge with a restaurant, bar, and cafe in the morning! From there you can rent kayaks and boats of all sizes to enjoy on the lake. The lodge is open year round but is busiest in July and August. In telling us about her time up in northern Idaho, my mom continually mentioned how the weather was dependable only between July 15 and August 15. Everyone who knows about Priest Lake seems to know this as well. We caught the end of the heat wave. And then we also experienced a cloudy day in the 60s-ish and two rain storms  nothing too crazy but enough to keep you inside for a while!

Hiking near Priest Lake

We were able to sneak in a hike before the rain came. We took a wrong turn on our intended route, unfortunately, but the trails were lovely and well kept. There are a few trails leading out from the lodge, so you have your pick of outdoor activities.

The cabins at the lodge were wonderful  with a fully-equipped kitchen, cable TV, and beds/rooms of varying sizes in each cabin. But a big selling point is the restaurant at the lodge. You can see from the photos below just how beautiful the plating was and the flavors were amazing. The miso salmon and the cinnamon sugar donuts with huckleberry cream cheese sauce were my absolute favorites. Luckily we got that big hike in!!

One of the women who worked at the lodge compared Elkins Resort in the summer to the camp in Dirty Dancing with tons of families and lots of activities. Though we were in northern Idaho, I immediately saw the grounds for her comparison (pun intended!). The weather may be most dependable July 15 to August 15, but Id go back to the lodge any time of year. Staying in the cabins was just as relaxing as sitting beachside! I cant wait to get back to Priest Lake, Idaho and enjoy some of those lake activities!
(Xinhua) 20:20, June 22, 2017

BEIJING, June 22 -- Duke Kunshan University will welcome the first students in its undergraduate degree program in August 2018, according to a press release.

The four-year bachelor's degree program, initially offering eight undergraduate majors, was designed by faculty at Duke University with input from Chinese higher education experts.

Graduates of the program will receive a bachelor's degree from Duke University as well as a degree from Duke Kunshan University approved by China's Ministry of Education.

The university expects to accept 175 students from 12 Chinese provinces and municipalities, who will have to take the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, also known as the Gaokao.

International students from outside of China are required to submit either their SAT or ACT test scores in the application process and admission criteria will be similar to that of Duke University.

Courses will be taught in English and will be primarily conducted in small, discussion-based classes. Overall, Duke Kunshan will have a student-faculty ratio of 10:1.

Duke Kunshan University was jointly founded by Duke University, China's Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan in 2013 and currently offers master's degree programs.
Lifestyle / Travel

Picking a college in America can be difficult decision. Here are some advice from U.S. Schools Accept, a college admissions specialist based in California that helps those living in Asia find the right university overseas

Jun 22, 2017 | By LUXUO

Youve decided that you want to go to college in the U.S. Youve heard that West Coast universities are leading the way in science, technology, engineering, and math. How are you going to choose the one that is the best fit for you and your goals? Here are some tips:

1. Start by making a list of your interests and personality traits.

If you are shy, for example, you may prefer a small private college. If you have always wanted to live by the beach, you may look for schools with proximity to the ocean. University California Santa Barbara, for example, is not only situated in an idyllic community on the Pacific Ocean but boasts six Nobel Prize winners among its renowned faculty.

2. Make a list of what activities you hope to participate in while pursuing your degree.

If you are thinking about pursuing a degree in business, but also love film, look for a college that has a strong business program but also offers courses in film so that you can explore that field. It is possible to switch your major or receive a minor in a second field. Most colleges have web pages for each of their academic departments.

3. Think about if you would like to be a part of a large school or a smaller, private university.

Bigger schools offer more diversity, larger class size (often taught by TAs rather than professors), and a place where you can be semi-anonymous. Smaller colleges tend to offer more leadership opportunities in a comfortable, close-knit community.

4. Consider the sort of environment in which you thrive.

Studying abroad offers many challenges. One of which is convincing your family that you will be safe. Different schools have different social vibes. If there are specific activities that youre currently invested in, make sure your prospective school or the surrounding area offers opportunities to continue. Many West Coast schools have many students from Asia that have formed great networking and support groups on and off-campus. Students regularly get together, often at their new favorite close-to-authentic-as-they-can-find Asian restaurant.

5. Be wary of college rankings.

Your college search should be about what is important to you. Prioritize things that are important to you. List out your top five requirements based on the discussion above. Cappex is one of a myriad of resources that will help you compare your priority list with data on every U.S. college.

But what if I dont qualify for the college I want?

Evaluating admissions statistics in relation to your qualifications can be daunting. Most four-year universities have required GPA, SAT and ACT ranges that they find acceptable. Most international students will either need to score high enough on the verbal section of the SAT and or provide a TOEFL score. This process can be intimidating. Most students spend years preparing to attend their dream college.

Dont rule out attending a school because your GPA or test score is low. Starting your U.S. college career at a community college could be the right answer for you. If your SAT or ACT score is not in range of your desired university and you dont have the time to retake it, or you simply did not take it, consider attending a community college for two years to complete your general education classes. Most community colleges do not require a SAT or ACT score, and a few do not even require the TOEFL for international students.

The quality of the education is comparable, the tuition is significantly less, and the schedule is flexible. Whether you start at a community college or a four-year university, you are required to take general education courses (60 units). These are the prerequisites that you can take at a community college that will transfer to your desired four-year university where you will complete your major and earn your Bachelors degree.

For many students starting at a community college is the most direct route to earning their Bachelors Degree from a top U.S. college.

List of universities in the West Coast

Now that youve done some thinking, heres a list of the top US colleges in the West Coast for your consideration:

Stanford University: Good for Engineering, Social Sciences

University of California, Santa Barbara: Good for Engineering, Social Sciences, Business

University of California, Irvine: Good for Engineering, Social Sciences

Pomona College: Good for Mathematics, Economics, Biology

Claremont McKenna College: Good for Economics

California Institute of Technology: Good for Engineering

University of California, Berkeley: Good for Social Sciences

University of California, Los Angeles: Good for Social Sciences

Whitman College: Good for Science

Colorado College: Good for Science

Harvey Mudd College: Good for Engineering

Reed College: Good for Humanities

University of Southern California: Good for Science, Dentistry, Business, Film

University of Washington: Good for Science

Scripps College: Good for Womens Only Liberal Arts

Santa Clara University: Good for Engineering, Business, and Law

Occidental College: Good for Liberal Arts

University of California, San Diego: Good for Medicine, Science, Social Sciences

University of Colorado, Boulder: Good for Science

Pitzer College: Good for Psychology and Political Science

University of California, Davis: Good for Social Sciences

Pepperdine University: Good for Business

University of Denver: Good for Social Sciences and Humanities

Colorado School of Mines: Good for Engineering

Why U.S. School Accept?

U.S. School Accept helps each student navigate the college application process and determine a major and a career path. These decisions guide the identification of the best-fit university for that student. Students entering the 2+2 Program are placed into Californias top community college in one of the safest and most beautiful small cities in the world  Santa Barbara. This crucial step, helps the student acclimate to college life in America, saves money on tuition, and side-steps the TOEFL and SAT/ACT requirement of entering a university as a freshman. We walk the student through the entire process, from community college to university to bachelors degree.

Visit U.S. School Accepts website for more information.
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GREENFIELD -- Baystate Franklin Medical Center management and the Massachusetts Nurses Association bargaining unit representing nurses at the hospital in Greenfield will negotiate again Friday.

A deadline is looming.

The union has called a 24-hour strike for Monday. Management in turn declared that it will lock out the nurses for two days -- one day on each side of the strike.

Baystate Franklin will lock out the union-represented nurses beginning 7 p.m. Sunday, June 25. Temporary nurses hired by Baystate will care for patients from then until 7 p.m. on June 28.

Also this week, state Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, and state Sen. Adam Hinds, D- Pittsfield, sent a letter to Baystate Health CEO Dr. Mark Keroack urging compromise.

"The work of both parties does immeasurable good for the health of the community," the lawmakers wrote. "We believe it is always possible to find common ground if there is a resolve to do so."

Baystate spokeswoman Shelly Hazlett said Keroack responded to the lawmakers personally.

Baystate Franklin and the nurses union averted a strike in 2014 by reaching agreement on a contract after Rosenberg and state Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington, intervened to bring the sides together. In his letter this week, Rosenberg referenced the 2014 negotiations, which had dragged on for more than a year.

Rosenberg was not available to comment Thursday because of the Statehouse votes on marijuana legislation occupying his time, said spokeswoman Mara Dolan. Besides being one of the most powerful lawmakers on Beacon Hill, Rosenberg also represents a district that includes Greenfield.

Hinds, who took office in January, represents 52 communities in Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties. Some of them are served by Baystate Franklin.

The 200 nurses at the 90-bed Baystate Franklin Medical Center have been working without a contract since December.

The union wants more nurses hired to staff the hospital, as well as higher pay and cheaper health insurance. Baystate has said writing staffing requirements into the contract would be cumbersome and rob it of the flexibility it needs.

Both sides negotiated until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

State Senate Majority Leader Stanley Rosenberg and State Sen. Adam Hinds letter about Baystate Franklin by Jim Kinney on Scribd
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

The OSCE is expected to monitor the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops on June 23, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said June 22.

The monitoring will be held under the mandate of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative along the line of contact near the Tapgaragoyunlu village of Azerbaijans Goranboy district, said the ministry.

On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring will be held by Mikhail Olaru, Simon Tiller, field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative, and Colonel Yuri Dudchenko, a representative of the High Level Planning Group.

On the Azerbaijani territories occupied and controlled by Armenian armed forces, the monitoring will be held by Ghenadie Petrica, Ognyen Yovic, field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Bosshard, a representative of the High Level Planning 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.
SPRINGFIELD -- A park at the corner of Bridge and Main streets downtown -- once the site of a well-remembered department store -- is for sale along with the Tower Square complex, a Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company official said this week.

MassMutual put Tower Square, including the adjacent Marriott hotel, up for sale Monday after having developed the property and owning it for more than 45 years.

Company spokeswoman Laura B. Crisco confirmed this week that Steiger Park -- referred to by MassMutual as Tower Square Park -- is also for sale.

The 45,000-square-foot parcel will be marketed for sale with the rest of the complex, Crisco said, but the park could also be sold separately.

The city has assessed the plot at $405,600.

The sale of the complex could be split up in other ways, too -- the office tower, including the parking garage, could be sold separately from the 265-room Marriott or along with it, Crisco said.

Steiger Park ready for development, Crisco said. It's zoned by the city as "business C," meaning it's in a downtown district with pedestrian amenities and high rise buildings with no setbacks, according to city code.

The city and the Business Improvement District make heavy use of Steiger Park these days as a site for food truck events and the weekly farmers market.

The backers of the Springfield innovation Center at 270-280 Bridge St. and the planned Innovation Cafe there have spoken of using Steiger Park as an outdoor dining and working space with plenty of WiFi access.

Chris Russell, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District, said Wednesday he doesn't expect anything to change in the short term.

"MassMutual has been very gracious to allow us to do programs there," he said.

And, other than the announced sale, no one has voiced any plans to change or develop the park.

"Who knows, it could stay looking that way for many years," he said.

And even if Steiger Park does change, the Business improvement District has other options such as Stearns Square, Duryea Way and Riverfront Park. The city plans to begin construction on rehabilitiaon projects at Stearns Square and Duryea Way in August and at Riverfront Park in the fall.

Steiger's downtown department store closed in 1994. MassMutual bought the Steiger's building for $1 and later tore it down.

The park, according to accounts in the Republican's archives, was only supposed to be temporary. People back then talked about developing the site.

Shoppers once were able to walk through a skybridge over Main Street from Tower Square -- once known as Baystate West -- to the Steiger's or to Forbes & Wallace.

Tower Square is today connected with Monarch Place and with the former federal building at 1550 Main Street.

Tower Square was completed in 1971 on a 4-acre block at the intersection of Bridge and Main streets in downtown Springfield. MassMutual built the complex in cooperation with civic and business leaders in hopes of spurring a downtown revitalization.

This week, MassMutual said current development projects in Springfield -- including Union Station and the MGM Springfield casino -- has made Tower Square more valuable now than it has been in years.

The company said it is not cutting its commitment to Springfield, its headquarters for 166 years.

Tower Square has 1.6 million square feet of space -- about the same size as Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. At Tower Square, 370,000 square feet of space is in the 28-floor office tower. The "mall" portion of Tower Square totals 180,000 square feet.
Oscar winner George Clooney and business partners Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman are selling their Casamigos premium tequila brand to British beverage giant Diageo for close to $1 billion.

Diageo will pay $700 million upfront, with the potential for $300 million more in performance-based payouts over 10 years, according to CNBC.

Clooney, Meldman and Gerber launched the label in 2013.

Gerber, husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford, is a successful restaurateur and entrepreneur. Meldman is a Southwest-based real estate developer.

"If you asked us four years ago if we had a billion-dollar company, I don't think we would have said yes. This reflects Diageo's belief in our company and our belief in Diageo," Clooney told Deadline. "But we're not going anywhere. We'll still be very much a part of Casamigos. Starting with a shot tonight. Maybe two."

Gerber told Business Insider that "Casamigos really started by accident as far as a company."

"As you do in Mexico, we would drink a lot of tequila. We'd go out to bars and restaurants, and bartenders would recommend them. Some were good, some not so good, and some expensive. There came a point where George turned to me and said, 'Why don't we create one that's perfect for us?'"

Gerber and Clooney spent two years meeting with distillers and tried 700 samples of tequila until they found the perfect recipe. They wanted to find one they could drink all day long that didn't have a burning aftertaste or leave them feeling hungover.
This summer, Liverpool, England's celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

As part of the celebration, the city commissioned a choreographer to create a dance to commemorate this milestone in music history.

So who did the Brits hire to honor their hometown heroes?

American choreographer Mark Morris.

The choice makes sense. Music has always come first for Morris. Whether it's Bach or Bob Wills, Morris always starts with music that inspires him, he said during a recent interview.

"I choreographed it the way I do everything," he said. "I listened to it. I studied it. And I made up a dance."

On June 28 and 29 at Tanglewood, the Mark Morris Dance Group will perform several pieces featuring music by one of Morris's favorite musicians, Lou Harrison, who died in 2003 and was born 100 years ago this year.

"I knew him for 30 years or so," Morris said. "I met him because of his music, which I love, and we had a long relationship."

Morris frequently created pieces based on Harrison's music and was a longtime friend of the composer. Next week's performances at Tanglewood will feature four works inspired by Harrison, including the world premiere of a piece Morris created based on Harrison's "Numerator."

"I commissioned music from him late in his life and I choreographed a number of his dances and a new one for this trip as well," Morris said. "But the obvious thing is it's wonderful music and I love to dance to it."

The other three, Harrison-inspired pieces on the program at Tanglewood are "Pacific," "Serenade" and "Grand Duo."

Morris originally choreographed "Pacific" for the San Francisco Ballet in 1995. "I wasn't sure it was going to work but it worked beautifully so it's part of our repertory now," Morris said.

"Serenade" was the last solo Morris originally choreographed for himself in 2003 before he stopped performing. At Tanglewood, Lesley Garrison will perform the piece. "It's a late piece of his for guitar and percussion and a mixed bag of cultural references and different styles and modes from the world," Morris said. "It's a quiet, beautiful dance."

"Grand Duo" was first performed by Morris's company in 1993 at the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center and quickly became one of the company's most popular, signature works.

But what some people might not realize is Morris only used four out of the five musical movements in "Grand Duo" written by Harrison.

"Lou is mad at me because there's one movement from that piece that I didn't choreograph," Morris said. "I thought it would make the piece too long."

The section Morris chose not to choreograph "is a great piece of music that would be great on its own. But in the middle of the dance, it would just make it to me too long and weigh the whole thing down. He reluctantly agreed I could do just four movements instead of five."

Six songs from "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" served as the inspiration for "Pepperland," which features an original score by composer Ethan Iverson.

Morris was 11 years old when The Beatles iconic album came out in 1967. Like millions of people, Morris said he was a fan of their music. Or rather, he specifically said he was a fan "if you can be at that age. I was nascent queer so I had a crush on all of them."

As for his favorite Beatle, "that rotated," Morris said.

"It (the Sgt. Pepper's album) was in the air," Morris added. "It was unavoidable. I was very devoted to The Beatles for a very long time and this gig came up and it was very interesting and surprising. It turned out great. I'm very happy with it.

"For it to be a hit in Liverpool where people are very, very strict about their Beatles devotion, I was very proud of it and I thought it went great."

So could this start a trend? Can Morris's fans expect to see pieces in the future inspired by The Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin?

"No," Morris said.

He then quickly added, "But I didn't see myself doing this. It was a particular project for a particular occasion. So, I don't know. I would consider anything I am asked to do seriously."

"I'll do anything, that's what I'm trying to say," Morris said. "Once. I'll do anything once."

Mark Morris Dance Group performs "Lou 100: In Honor of The Divine Mr. Harrison" on June 28 and June 29 at 8 p.m. at Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglwood in Lenox, Massachusetts. For tickets or more information, visit www.bso.org or click here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

Armenian Armed Forces once again used an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) against the units of Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the frontline between the two countries troops, the countrys Defense Ministry said in a message June 22.

Due to its poor quality, the UCAV used by the Armenian Armed Forces didnt cause any damage to the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, according to the message.

Azerbaijans Defense Ministry warned that adequate retaliatory actions will be devastating for the enemy.

The ministry earlier reported that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces destroyed a UCAV belonging to Armenias Armed Forces June 21 evening.

The UCAV attempted to carry out reconnaissance flights over the Azerbaijani army positions and was destroyed in the direction of Azerbaijans Terter District.

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 22

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The topic of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is always on the agenda of the Russian Foreign Ministrys efforts, Spokeswoman of the ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing June 22.

Answering the question sent earlier by Trend that whether the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement was discussed by the Russian and French foreign ministers in Moscow on June 18, Zakharova noted that the issue wasnt discussed in detail.

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.
The University of Michigan will launch a driverless shuttle service on campus beginning this fall, giving the school another piece of technology that will keep it at the forefront of autonomous vehicle research.

The service will use two fully-automated, 15-passenger, all-electric shuttles manufactured by French firm Navya to transport students, faculty, and staff between U-Ms engineering campus and the universitys North Campus Research Complex.

USA Today Network Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press

Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/06/21/driverless-shuttle-service-launch-university-michigan/418265001/
Montana software entrepreneur Greg Gianforte was sworn in Wednesday as the states sole U.S. House member on an afternoon that found him alternately praised as a "family man" and booed for suggesting that his fellow representatives not be paid until they pass a balanced budget.

Boos could be heard from the Republican side of the House floor when Gianforte called for the "no balanced budget, no pay" measure, and a buzz was audible throughout the chamber when his brief remarks came to a conclusion.

Full Story: http://www.missoulacurrent.com/government/2017/06/montana-congressman-gianforte-swearing-in/

***

Republican convicted of attacking reporter joins House

The newest member of Congress drew boos from some in his own Republican caucus on Wednesday as he called for withholding lawmakers pay unless they approve a balanced budget.

Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana, who was sworn in Wednesday, immediately made waves as he pledged to "drain the swamp" in his initial speech to Congress, an echo of President Donald Trumps campaign promise. The 56-year-old former software executive earned national notoriety last month after he body-slammed a reporter who had questioned him about the GOP health care bill.

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/ap_news/montana/republican-convicted-of-attacking-reporter-joins-house/article_2da18afb-f313-5e75-bd0e-977f2ed0f89a.html
A

dvances in biotechnology innovation have had an

enormous transformative impact on many sectors of

the U.S. economy  life-saving drugs for patients

of all ages, protecting plants that are key to feeding the world

and industrial biotechnology applications that are leading to

bio-based fuels, chemicals and products that can protect

our environment.

The biosciences need for a stable and supportive public

policy framework is vital to industry firms large and small. It is

almost impossible for any state or region to ignore the need

for selective incentives to either hold existing bioscience

companies or attract new enterprises.

Full Report: https://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/BIOSCIENCE_INNOVATION_IN_THE_STATES_LEGISLATION_AND_JOB_CREATION_THR_UGH_PUBLIC_PRIVATE_PARTNERSHIPS.pdf
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Belgian senator, member of the Flemish Parliament Joris Poschet may be included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae, for illegally visiting the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia, said Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev.

Joris Poschet, being in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, met with representatives of the illegal regime created in occupied Azerbaijani territories, according to Armenian media outlets.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry is examining the information on Belgian politicians illegal visit to the Azerbaijani lands, and afterwards he may be included in the ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae, Hajiyev told Trend.

Visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other Armenian-occupied regions of Azerbaijan, uncoordinated with the Azerbaijani side, are deemed illegal and the names of the visitors are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae.

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.
The future of rural America depends on attracting younger generations to make a life in smaller communities. That means listening to young people, responding to their interests, and sharing power.

By Ron Daley

Full Story: http://www.dailyyonder.com/rural-communities-must-empower-youth/2017/06/22/19891/

***

Has your Montana community taken advantage of MEDAs Resource Team Assessments?

"As a result of the Resource Team Assessment the City of Forsyth now has a master plan for making improvements

in our community and we are aggressively implementing the plan."

Past Mayor Dennis Kopitzke

"The Resource Team has brought such unity and inspiration to our tiny community. It is a great service, and reassuring to know that you are still there to help us with advice, encouragement and funding sources."

Ellen Allen, Custer, Montana

Sponsored by Montana Department of Commerce with coordination by Montana

Economic Developers Association and your local Certified Regional Development Corporation, Resource Teams are

a county and/or community based planning and assessment process involving interviewing a large number of people

in the community, recording their suggestions and having a team of experts write



up implementation plans for

county/community use. The critical focus is the community. The team of experts suggests ways of accomplishing

the goals of the community.

More information: http://www.medamembers.org/media/userfiles/subsite_107/files/Resource%20Team%20Summary(1).pdf
"Without this support, many rural areas may no longer have access to air services," the letter says. "This would significantly reduce support for rural communities in our states. A reduction in support could lead to a reduction in services and ultimately in jobs for rural America."

A bipartisan group of senators is fighting to maintain commercial air service in rural communities after the Trump administration called for eliminating federal support for such a program.

By Melanie Zanona

Full Story: http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/338459-senators-pan-trumps-proposed-cuts-to-rural-airports
Utah kids need tech skills. Utah school districts need tech support.

In a match funded by the state, the Millard School District will create a way for students in 11 districts to gain experience in information technology by helping with computer crashes and other electronic woes in their own schools.

The partnership is one of a dozen that will divide $2.1 million in state grants to develop a skilled workforce for Utahs leading industries.

The "Talent Ready Utah" grants are designed to bolster collaboration among industry, educational institutions and economic-development leaders to create "talent pipelines for high-demand, high-wage occupations," Nate McDonald, spokesman for the state Department of Workforce Services, said in a news release.

By MIKE GORRELL | The Salt Lake Tribune

Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/home/5424293-155/one-utah-idea-to-train-workers
When the deals too good to pass up, you buy first and figure out the details later. Thats not how low-income housing developments typically start, but its what Homewords Andrea Davis decided to do when the Missoula nonprofit director saw the price tag on the surplus manufactured homes designed to house Bakken oilfield workers.

The units dont look like much on the outside. But they seemed well built, appliances were already installed, and they cost just $35,000 apiece. Davis ordered ten.

"It was such a good opportunity that we didnt want to let it go," she says, "but we didnt have a project yet."

By Derek Brouwer

Full Story: https://missoulanews.bigskypress.com/missoula/living-large-in-tiny-homes/Content?oid=4393779

***

Big ideas, small houses in Boise, Idaho http://www.matr.net/article-77648.html
The University of Montana Foundation is pleased to announce

a nationwide search for the position of Associate Vice President for

Marketing and Communications.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the AVP leads the

Foundations marketing and communications team, works with the

President and CEO to create and implement effective strategies

and serves as a member of the executive management team.

The AVP will join the Foundation at an exciting time. Private

support for the University of Montana has increased dramatically

around a set of strategic priorities identified by the University.

The

Associate Vice President will play a critical role in driving our

fundraising results to the next level and strengthening our

organization to ensure sustainable success in the future. The AVP

will also serve as a leader in achieving and maintaining a "best

place to work" culture for our dedicated staff.

Full Opportunity Information: http://supportum.org/aboutus/employmentopportunities/prospectus/Prospectus-UMF-AVP-Marcom.pdf
Thousands of students and hundreds of employers in Montana received national honors last week at a White House summit on innovative workforce development and apprenticeship training. Montana was one of the 11 states invited to the event with President Trump, who signed an executive order to increase federal grant funding available for apprenticeship programs.

The cornerstone of Montanas workforce development success lies in the partnership between your Montana University System and your Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Through this innovative collaboration, Montana strategically deploys state and federal resources to target high demand occupations through work-based learning and industry alignment.

By JOHN CECH

Full Opinion: http://billingsgazette.com/opinion/columnists/guest-opinion-montana-s-workforce-innovators/article_24c7803a-251e-518a-a8d6-123cf2a74caf.html
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

Azerbaijan and Moldova have great potential for the development of bilateral relations, President of Moldova Igor Dodon said.

He made the remarks June 22 in Baku during a one-on-one meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Dodon said he is very glad for visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Aliyev.

Azerbaijan and Moldova have very good bilateral relations, Dodon noted, adding that the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries was celebrated in May 2017.

Unfortunately, no meetings of the Azerbaijani-Moldovan intergovernmental commission have been held over the last five years, he said.

The Moldovan president expressed hope that his meeting with the Azerbaijani president will give a new impetus to the two countries bilateral relations, because there is a great potential for this, and this potential hasnt been fully employed so far.

Dodon noted that there is a very big Azerbaijani diaspora in Moldova. He said the Moldovan diaspora in Azerbaijan is smaller and consists of 10-15 people, adding that he met the diaspora June 21.

Azerbaijan and Moldova have always lived in peace and friendship, Dodon noted.

He expressed confidence that even greater achievements await the two countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

President of Moldova Igor Dodon has said specific projects will be considered for more active cooperation with Azerbaijan.

He made the remarks in Baku June 22 at a meeting in an expanded format with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The Moldovan president noted that he is very glad to have this meeting held at a high level.

We have just been reminiscing that we have not met in the last 8-10 years. It is therefore very important that today, we will give a new momentum to our bilateral relations at the highest political level, he said.

There was a very long pause in the work of the intergovernmental commission as well. I have experience in managing an intergovernmental commission, Igor Dodon said, adding he headed the Moldovan side in the Azerbaijani-Moldovan intergovernmental commission for a few years.

We have a very big potential and I really hope that following the high-level meeting, we will also give a new momentum to the work of the intergovernmental commission in the near future.

President of Moldova expressed hope that a meeting of the two countries ministers will be held this year in order to consider directly the specific projects and steps to cooperate more actively.

We certainly have positive dynamics in trade  there was a growth by more than 30 percent last year, but the volume of about $5 million is a too small volume. I hope that in the framework of the intergovernmental commission, we will also be able to arrange a visit of our entrepreneurs here, in Baku, for them to meet with their potential partners, Igor Dodon added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

The visit of the Moldovan president is a very important event in bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev while making statements for press in Baku.

Following the meeting in an expanded format, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon made press statements on June 22.

President Aliyev expressed confidence that President Dodons visit will give a good momentum to dynamic development of the Azerbaijan-Moldova relations.

Today we discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and outlined the ways for further joint activities, noted the Azerbaijani president.

Azerbaijanand Moldova will continue to strengthen political relations and joint active work at international structures, said President Aliyev.

He noted that the Moldovan presidents visit is an indicator of mutual respect and mutual interest between the two countries.

I would also like to note that the official visit of President of Moldova Mr. Dodon to Azerbaijan is one of his first official visits, and that he came to our country, we regard as a sign of respect for Azerbaijan. Today we have also discussed very widely the issues related to trade and economic cooperation. There is good potential, added the president.

Relevant instructions have already been given to the two countries structures in order to accelerate the process of coordinating issues related to the increase in the Azerbaijan-Moldova trade turnover, said President Aliyev.

To do this, we expect that a joint intergovernmental commission, which hasnt been meeting for a long time, to meet soon, added the Azerbaijani president.

During the commissions meeting, important issues will be discussed on how to increase the mutual trade, said Ilham Aliyev.

The president said that the commission will further discuss the investment opportunities, and infrastructure projects, in which the two countries companies can jointly participate.

In other words, these issues are also of great importance, because todays level of trade and economic relations, of course, cant satisfy us. We know that there is a much bigger potential, noted the president. Meanwhile, the cooperation in the field of energy and transport has great prospects. We realize many transport and energy projects in Azerbaijan, which have exceeded the borders of our country, and it would be interesting to cooperate with the Moldovan partners in this direction.

Today we also discussed the issues of interregional relations. We have already outlined here the concrete steps to structure or formalize interregional relations between various regions of our countries, said President Aliyev.

He added that the two sides also discussed the issues related to humanitarian cooperation.

The president of Moldova told me that yesterday he met with representatives of the Moldovan community in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moldova operates very actively, and I am grateful to the president for the attention shown to them. This is also an important factor in bilateral relations, said the head of state.

The Azerbaijani president thanked the Moldovan president for the visit and wished him and the friendly people of Moldova further success and prosperity.
Details added (first version posted on 15:04)

Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

The visit of the Moldovan president is a very important event in bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev while making statements for press in Baku.

Following the meeting in an expanded format, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon made press statements on June 22.

President Aliyev expressed confidence that President Dodons visit will give a good momentum to dynamic development of the Azerbaijan-Moldova relations.

Today we discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and outlined the ways for further joint activities, noted the Azerbaijani president.

Azerbaijan and Moldova will continue to strengthen political relations and joint active work at international structures, said President Aliyev.

He noted that the Moldovan presidents visit is an indicator of mutual respect and mutual interest between the two countries.

I would also like to note that the official visit of President of Moldova Mr. Dodon to Azerbaijan is one of his first official visits, and that he came to our country, we regard as a sign of respect for Azerbaijan. Today we have also discussed very widely the issues related to trade and economic cooperation. There is good potential, added the president.

Relevant instructions have already been given to the two countries structures in order to accelerate the process of coordinating issues related to the increase in the Azerbaijan-Moldova trade turnover, said President Aliyev.

To do this, we expect that a joint intergovernmental commission, which hasnt been meeting for a long time, to meet soon, added the Azerbaijani president.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

The loan debt of Khalig Azizzade, who was killed in the 2016 April battles, to the Para non-banking credit organization (NBCO) has been closed and the relevant documents have already been given to the martyrs family.

This issue was under direct control of Azerbaijan's First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, MP Ganira Pashayeva told Trend June 22.

Pashayeva said First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyevas assistant Anar Alakbarov talked to the martyrs mother and informed her that Mrs. Aliyeva keeps the families of all the martyrs, including martyr Azizzades family, under attention.

Anar Alakbarov noted that Mehriban Aliyeva has always been attentive to martyrs families, Pashayeva added.

Pashayeva also said she visited the Para NBCOs office with the martyrs family.

At the Para NBCOs office, the martyrs family was given a document testifying that the loan is closed, the MP added.
Students of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) have started their summer internship and on-the-job training. Dean of BHOS Engineering department Zafar Gurbanov tells about the program objectives, importance and specific features.

 At what organizations do BHOS students undertake the internship?

 As one of the leading higher educational institutions in Azerbaijan, BHOS pays close attention to the issues of the students professional development. Every year our students undertake on-the-job training to apply knowledge they gained into practice. The internship is arranged at various SOCAR facilities and at international companies operating in the country and abroad including petrochemical companies PETKIM and STAR in Turkey.

This year, 326 BHOS students participate in the summer internship. Out of them, 140 Petroleum Engineering students undertake on-the-job training at various SOCARs oil-and-gas production units including 28 May, Absheron and Bibiheaybat of Azneft Production Union. Chemical Engineering students have the industry practice at the refinery named after Heydar Aliyev and Azerikimya Production Union. Beginning from the July 1 this year, 49 Process Automation Engineering students start their internship at international companies including Emerson Process Management, Avandsis Group, Schneider Electric, NOC ve Avtomatika LLC, and ATENAU LTD. For the first time, internship for some of our students is arranged at Azersu OJSC.

 Please tell about the internship objectives. Why it is important?

 The on-the-job training enables the students to consolidate theoretical and practical knowledge they gain at BHOS. In addition, it forges them as specialists in their fields. During the internship, the undergraduates learn how to work in a team consisting of high-qualified and experienced professionals. Moreover, they participate in various projects and study modern equipment and technologies. In addition, the interns are acquainted with safety rules and HSE procedures and are provided with personal protection equipment according to industry safety requirements.

 What makes this internship different from the previous ones?

 In the past, BHOS teachers assigned various tasks to interns. This year, they are instructed by the specialists of those companies and organizations where they undertake on-the-job training. Upon the practice completion, the students prepare reports, which can be submitted only after they are checked with usage of the plagiarism-prevention Turnitin system. Then a special commission assesses the reports and the results of the internship.

 Have any of the future graduates received job offer from international companies?

 As you know, SOCAR conducts nationalization policy in the energy sector. Its main objective is to train highly qualified local specialists with good knowledge of English language who can work in the oil and gas industry of Azerbaijan and participate in international projects. The Baku Higher Oil School participates in this policy implementation by training skilled oil and gas engineers. This summer we hold the first graduation ceremony. Most of our graduates already obtained employment at SOCAR and leading international companies such as, for example, BP, STAR, PETKIM, Maire Tecnimont Group, SOCAR Polimer, SOCAR Upstream  SOCAR AQS. Some of the graduates were admitted to masters program at leading universities abroad.
Electrocardiogram recordings are often used to diagnose heart attacks and other conditions. But a new study suggests that in the case of patients with breast implants, the recordings can often be misleading. It recommends that doctors use other tests to confirm any indications. Share on Pinterest The results of a new study suggest that breast implants can impede ECG readings, and that doctors ought to be warned of false abnormalities. The study, which was presented recently at the European Society of Cardiology meeting EHRA EUROPACE-CARDIOSTIM 2017, held in Vienna, Austria, is published in the Societys Europace journal. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the hearts electrical activity that is made using a machine attached to the skin of the chest, arms, and legs. An ECG can reveal how fast the heart is beating, whether or not the rhythm of the beat is irregular, and the pattern of electrical pulses in each part of the heart. ECGs are used to diagnose heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, and other heart conditions. They are used routinely in clinics, doctors surgeries, and outpatient departments. Emergency departments also use them to investigate chest pains.

Implants can disrupt heart readings Breast implants are used in breast augmentation to enlarge or restore breast size. They can also be used in mammoplasty or reshaping of the breast, as well as in breast reconstruction  following mastectomy, for instance. Most implants are of the saline or silicone-gel type. In 2016, plastic surgeons carried out nearly 290,500 breast augmentations in the United States, 4 percent more than in 2015. Dr. Sok-Sithikun Bun, lead author of the new study and a cardiologist at Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco, explains why they carried out their investigation. Our experience shows that breast implants make it difficult to see the heart with echocardiography because ultrasound cannot penetrate through the implant. We wanted to find out if implants also disrupt an ECG. For the study, 28 women with breast implants and 20 control women of the same age without breast implants underwent ECGs. All the women were healthy and showed no evidence of structural heart disease. Each ECG was analyzed by two electrophysiologists who were blinded about the subjects  that is, they were unaware of key characteristics such as the age and sex of each patient, whether they had breast implants, and whether they had heart disease. One physiologist declared all the ECGs of the control group to be normal. The other said that one of them was abnormal.
When we have a headache or a cold, many of us pop a Tylenol without a second thought. But acetaminophen  the active analgesic ingredient in the drug  is also commonly used to ease pain during pregnancy. A new study suggests that this could be a major problem.

Share on Pinterest New research warns about the adverse effects that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may have on male children.

The new research suggests that taking the common analgesic acetaminophen during pregnancy is not a good idea, especially for mothers expecting male babies.

The study, published in the journal Reproduction, examines the effects of acetaminophen in mouse fetuses and finds adverse effects on the masculinization of the mouse brain, extending all the way into adulthood.

Previous research has already indicated that acetaminophen can suppress the development of testosterone in male fetuses, potentially leading to developmental changes in the reproductive system and the brain.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that drives the growth and development of the male body, as well as the male programming of the brain. In men, testosterone controls sex drive, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, and the production of sperm and red blood cells.

In the previous studies in rodents, inhibited levels of testosterone in the fetuses were shown to raise the risk of testicular malformation in newborns.

But there are other health risks posed by inhibited levels of testosterone, and many of them manifest in the behavior of adult males, suggests the new research.

The first author of the study is Prof. Anders Hay-Schmidt, who, at the time of the study, was part of the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG is an international transport and logistics holding company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It is an acknowledged expert in the field of transport and logistics with an impeccable reputation and more than 20 years of experience in the international cargo transportation sector. Favorably standing out among its competitors, the company offers its customers optimal and efficient logistics solutions at attractive prices.

Customers and their individual requirements stand at the core of the companys policy. The possibility of getting a whole range of transportation and logistics services from a single operator makes the company attractive for customers. Along with the high-level service, AsstrA offers convenient delivery schemes, including international door-to-door transport.

The package of services includes import and export support, cargo insurance, project logistics, trade, warehousing and customs services of the highest level. Introduction of innovations, strict observance of the rules of international cargo transportation and cargo safety guarantee give our company undeniable advantages.

Currently, AsstrA operates in 16 countries of Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Asia. Building on many years of experience in the field of logistics, the company is strengthening its position in the markets of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Iran. Business in these regions is gaining momentum: the largest international companies are claiming to enter the market and reveal their strategic plans. The expansion of our presence in the Asian market is conditioned by the great demand for international cargo transportation services.

We have established departments for Asia in order to meet the individual needs of our customers and ensure a high quality of services. The company opened its office in Turkeys Istanbul city in late 2016. Its representatives in Baku, Ashgabat and Tehran are working successfully. All AsstrA specialists are familiar with the particularities of business in these regions. The company offers ready-made industry solutions and proven schemes of work to its customers.

Our advantage is that we work without taking into account time zones. Our specialists are in touch with the customers 24 hours a day and seven days a week. At the same time, we speak different languages, including the language of the country where we work. This allows us to be fast in decision-making, promptly perform our tasks and inform the customers all around the world.

Our goal is to find the most advantageous option of delivery for the customer and develop an optimal and profitable route. For this purpose, we closely cooperate with the customer and study the cargo requirements and particularities. If necessary, we select alternative transport solutions or combined schemes of cargo transportation by different types of transport.

The company's philosophy is to render services of Swiss quality even under the conditions of the unpredictable global economy. The company deals with the most difficult tasks thanks to a close partnership with the worlds reliable transport companies. Putting forward unique offers in the sphere of logistics, AsstrA plans to boost the turnover in the Asian market by at least 40 percent in 2017, as compared to 2016.

Azerbaijan is a major political player in the region. It is considered one of the most influential states with a great economic potential. Today, the country is a respectable importer and exporter of investments, consumer goods, natural resources and minerals.

Cross-border trade in Azerbaijan is growing faster than the world average, which makes its markets attractive for international logistics companies.

Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover increased by 15.4 percent in 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014 and stood at $7.7 billion, according to analysts. The country carried out trade operations with 126 countries around the world.

Foreign trade results:

Export  $4.3 billion (up by 12.4 percent)

Import  $3.4 billion (up by 23.4 percent)

Foreign trade surplus  $867.2 million

Top import products included vehicles, spare parts (23.6 percent of import), machinery and equipment, electrical equipment, equipment and spare parts (21.1 percent), ferrous metals and products made of ferrous metals (16.3 percent), food products (12 percent) and others.

Azerbaijan continues to increase the volume of imports and exports. The country launches new strategic projects. Taking into account all factors, AsstrA improves its logistics solutions on the market routes. Today, we offer the best solutions known as "from door to door" for transportation of any types of cargo by all types of transport, both to Azerbaijan and beyond.

Air transportation to / from Azerbaijan is concentrated in Baku Cargo Terminal at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Railway transportation is carried out via the GUAM and North-South transport corridors.

Road transport to Azerbaijan runs through border crossings Boyuk Kesik on the border with Georgia, Samur on border with Russia, Sadarak village, Julfa city, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on the border with Turkey and Iran, Astara, Bilasuvar and Julfa on the border with Iran.

Maritime transportation to Azerbaijan is successfully carried out by our company through the ports of Baku and Alat to /from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Russia. Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi are used by AsstrA specialists when organizing combined schemes to deliver goods using several types of transportation, for example, maritime and road, or maritime and rail.

AsstrA is a time-tested reliable partner. Hundreds of major projects implemented by the company are a proof of its professionalism. Its membership in such reputable international organizations as the Association of International Road Carriers (ASMAP), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) is another factor proving that. The company has ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 certificates. Positive feedback and gratitude from regular customers from various regions and sectors of the world economy shows the high quality of services rendered by the company.

About the company:

AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG is an international transport and logistics holding company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It has been operating in the sphere of logistics for more than 20 years. The company is represented in 16 countries of Europe, Asia and the CIS. It offers a whole entire range of services through a single logistics operator.

In particular, the company ensures international transportation by various types of transport, import and export support of any type of cargo, as well as cargo insurance "against all risks" in the most reputable insurance companies in Germany and Switzerland. The package also includes project logistics, trading, warehousing and customs services.

Thanks to the wide geographic range and cooperation with professionals, AsstrA offers advantageous logistics solutions at reasonable prices and takes into account the needs of each customer and partner.

Contact us:

Email: [email protected],

.: +994 55 813 59 74

WhatsApp & Viber: +48 576147796

Website: http://www.asstra.com

Fb: https://www.facebook.com/AsstrAsia/?ref=bookmarks
AURORA, Colo.

June 22, 2017

Jena Hausmann

Colorado

Cory Gardner

Colorado

Media Contacts:

Natalie Goldstein

/PRNewswire/ -- In response to this morning's draft legislative language of the U.S. Senate's version of the healthcare reform bill,, president and CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado, released the following statement:Instead of just repealing the Affordable Care Act, the draft Senate healthcare bill released today would roll back more than 50 years of bipartisan, bedrock commitments this nation has made to provide a healthcare safety net for children. Today, Medicaid covers more than 30 million kids nationwide, including 590,000 kids inSenator(R-CO) helped win some improvements for children with disabilities in this draft version, and for that, we are grateful. However, Children's Hospital Colorado urges Sen. Gardner to keep his public and repeated pledge of "stability" for the Medicaid population. For thechildren who were covered by Medicaid before Obamacare and who will lose coverage if this hastily drafted plan becomes law, this approach is a far cry from stability.As a society, we must get this right. Sen. Gardner is in a unique position to do just that, and as an advocate for all children, Children's Hospital Colorado is counting on him., Children's Hospital ColoradoPager: 303-890-8314Email: Natalie.Goldstein@childrenscolorado.org

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/childrens-hospital-colorado-ceo-calls-on-us-senator-cory-gardner-to-improve-senate-healthcare-draft-for-kids-300478733.html



SOURCE Childrens Hospital Colorado




SAN DIEGO

June 22, 2017

the United States

Pena Nieto

June 19

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico's

Latin America

Stuart Titus

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

Canada

Mexico

the United States

North America

Mexico

February 2, 2016

Maldonado

Mexico

Mexico

Grace Elizalde

Mexico

Raul Elizalde

leader announced

.

CONTACT:

Andrew Hard

/PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in, today announced that it applauds Mexico Presidentfor signing a bill into lawthat officially legalized the cultivation, production, and use of cannabis products with less than 1% THC for medical use inThe new law, which was approved bylawmakers earlier this year by an overwhelming majority, will directministry of Health to draft and implement policies to regulate the use, importation, and production of pharmaceutical products derived from cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant/low-THC cannabis."This historic change in policy for this criticalnation is a momentous achievement for the over 120 million Mexican citizens who can now benefit from the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, plus for the medical cannabis advocates who have worked diligently for many years to make the therapeutic use of cannabinoids legal in the Country," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr.. "We are extremely proud to have been the first company to providecitizens with access to a medical product based on cannabis (THC-free hemp CBD) and applaud President Nieto andlawmakers for their commitment to cannabis reform. We look forward to continuing our support ofas it moves forward with this new era of medical cannabis for those in need."With medical cannabis fully legal inand now in, we wonder how long it will be beforejoins the rest ofin reforming laws at the national/federal level. With 30 U.S. States approving medical cannabis and 17 others with CBD-only laws, we feel the real crime in this matter is the lack of progressive leadership shown by our own federal government. The science 100% supports this, the people fully support this, and the opioid crisis is totally out of control. We, the people, demand answers from our leaders."Medical Marijuana, Inc., started exporting toto help families gain access to THC-free CBD hemp oil RSHO-X after the Health Department of Mexico, COFEPRIS, issued the country's first-ever government permits on, to two families, including thefamily whose daughter suffered from a severe form of epilepsy.Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s HempMedsfurthered its efforts to encourage cannabis reform through its close ties with its nonprofit partner in, the Por Grace Foundation. Following a 2015 court ruling, eight-year-oldbecame the first patient into legally access and use CBD. Grace's father,, started the Por Grace Foundation to further access to CBD by advocating for patients, hosting public forums, and meeting with government officials. Raul joined President Pena Nieto on stage last April as thethe country would pursue medical cannabis reform.We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.comTo see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.HempMeds is a corporate portfolio company of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC PINK: MJNA) and the Company's exclusive master distributor and contracted marketing company, handling sales and distribution.This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties. The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.Chief Executive OfficerCMW MediaP: 888-829- 0070andrew.hard@cmwmedia.comwww.cmwmedia.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medical-marijuana-inc-applauds-mexico-president-for-signing-bill-to-officially-legalize-medical-marijuana-in-mexico-300478079.html



SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.




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Compared to women who had never breastfed, mothers who breastfed their babies had a 9 percent lower risk of heart disease and an 8 percent lower risk of stroke.

Among mothers who breastfed each of their babies for two years or more, heart disease risk was 18 percent lower and stroke risk was 17 percent lower than among mothers who never breastfed.

Each additional 6 months of breastfeeding per baby was associated with a 4 percent lower risk of heart disease and a 3 percent lower risk of stroke.

Zhengming Chen et al., Breastfeeding may reduce a mother's heart attack and stroke risk, Journal of the American Heart Association (2017).

Researchers from the University of Oxford, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking University analyzed data from 289,573 Chinese women (average age 51) participating in the China Kadoorie Biobank study who provided detailed information about their reproductive history and other lifestyle factors.Nearly all were mothers and none had cardiovascular disease when they enrolled in the study. After eight years of follow-up, there were 16,671 cases of coronary heart disease, which includes heart attacks, and 23,983 stroke cases.The researchers considered a range of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and physical activity that could have biased results."Although we cannot establish the causal effects, the health benefits to the mother from breastfeeding may be explained by a faster "reset" of the mother's metabolism after pregnancy. Pregnancy changes a woman's metabolism dramatically as she stores fat to provide the energy necessary for her baby's growth and for breastfeeding once the baby is born. Breastfeeding could eliminate the stored fat faster and more completely," said co-author, Sanne Peters, Ph.D., a research fellow at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.The authors noted that women who breastfeed may be more likely to engage in other beneficial health behaviors that lower their risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women who do not breastfeed.Compared to women in China, breastfeeding duration is typically shorter among women in the United States. Ninety-seven percent of the women in this study breastfed each of their babies for an average of 12 months, compared to 30 percent of U.S. mothers in 2016, according to the World Health Organization.However, the U.S. Nurses' Health Study found only women with a lifetime duration of breastfeeding of 2 years or more had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who never breastfed."The findings should encourage more widespread breastfeeding for the benefit of the mother as well as the child," said Zhengming Chen, M.B.B.S., D.Phil., senior study author and professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford."The study provides support for the World Health Organization's recommendation that mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for their first six months of life."Because this study was observational, relying on information provided by the mothers about their breastfeeding histories, it does not prove cause and effect. Results from observational studies such as this one must be confirmed by a different type of study that can prove that a behavior may result in an outcome.Source: Medindia
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Prof Paul Hunter from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said the study brings together existing research to highlight the potential risks. "Colloidal silver as a water treatment is sold across Africa and in countries like Haiti, despite the fact it doesn't treat water very effectively. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against its use as a primary water treatment. If it isn't doing any good, we wanted to investigate if in fact it could be causing harm."The research looked at previous studies where the effects of silver, silver nitrate and silver nanoparticles have been measured 'in vivo' - on living animals.They found that, although results varied, more studies than they expected showed some evidence of genotoxicity, reporting effects including chromosomal aberrations, DNA fragmentation and damage to sperm.Prof Hunter said: "We already know that there is little evidence that silver in water has any benefit. But this study brings together a body of work which shows it is potentially damaging DNA, and harming reproductive success."Colloidal silver is also widely marketed as an alternative health substance which can treat everything from skin complaints to bacterial and viral infections, cancer and AIDS. Again, little research exists to show any beneficial effects, but there are known side effects.One of the more obvious signs of over-exposure to silver is argyria, where the skin and hair turns a blue-grey colour.WHO guidelines for drinking water quality don't currently include a value for silver in water, but indicate that a concentration of 0.1 milligrams per litre could be tolerated without risk to health. However, this was determined as a level unlikely to cause argyria, and didn't take into account potential damage to DNA.Prof Hunter said: "While none of the previous studies alone are definitive, and we can't use them to determine a safe level of consumption from this review, we consider that the balance of evidence suggests there is the chance of damage to DNA."There is an urgent need for more research on this area to determine if people drinking water treated with silver have evidence of DNA damage."Source: Eurekalert
Last Updated on Jun 22, 2017

Episiotomy, also known as perineotomy, is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the vaginal tissue and the muscle between the vagina and anus, called the perineum . The incision in made just prior to the birth of the baby to enlarge the vaginal opening, thereby facilitating the delivery of the baby.

Historically, it is said that the obstetrician Sir Fielding Ould first described episiotomy way back in 1742, in his Treatise of Midwifery in Three Parts. The procedure became popular in the early 20th century largely due to the efforts of Dr. Joseph DeLee, a well-known obstetrician from Chicago, USA.

Although episiotomy was a routine part of normal childbirth in the early days, with the advancement in knowledge, it is now recommended only for certain cases. Therefore, in recent times, episiotomy rates have decreased appreciably throughout the globe. The episiotomy rate in India is difficult to ascertain, although some studies have shown that it may range between 53-77%, but can be as high as 92% in case of deliveries at private hospitals. Therefore, the evidence-based recommendation of limiting the episiotomy rate to below 30%, is far less than what is actually practiced in India.

There are two types of episiotomy  midline and mediolateral, both with their advantages as well as disadvantages.

Midline Episiotomy: This type of episiotomy involves an incision from the vagina straight down towards the anus. This type of episiotomy is less painful. The major advantages of this type of episiotomy are (i) reduced blood loss, (ii) improved healing, and (iii) less painful sexual intercourse. The major disadvantage of this procedure is that the tear can extend into the anal muscles that can lead to problems in the long-run, such as fecal incontinence.

This type of episiotomy involves an incision from the vagina straight down towards the anus. This type of episiotomy is less painful. The major advantages of this type of episiotomy are (i) reduced blood loss, (ii) improved healing, and (iii) less painful sexual intercourse. The major disadvantage of this procedure is that the tear can extend into the anal muscles that can lead to problems in the long-run, such as fecal incontinence. Mediolateral Episiotomy: This type of episiotomy involves an incision that extends from the vagina at a 45 angle to the vaginal orifice. The incision may be made on either the left or right side. The major advantage of this type of episiotomy is that the chances of anal muscle tear are much less. The major disadvantages include (i) greater blood loss (ii) slow healing (iii) more pain, and (iv) difficult and painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).

Classification of Episiotomies Based on the Extent of the Tear

Episiotomies are classified on the basis of the extent of the tear into the following four categories:

First Degree: In this type of episiotomy, the tear only penetrates the vaginal lining.

In this type of episiotomy, the tear only penetrates the vaginal lining. Second Degree: This is the most common type of episiotomy, where the tear penetrates the vaginal lining and the underlying vaginal tissues.

This is the most common type of episiotomy, where the tear penetrates the vaginal lining and the underlying vaginal tissues. Third Degree: In this type of episiotomy, the tear extends through the vaginal lining, vaginal tissues and part of the anal sphincter.

In this type of episiotomy, the tear extends through the vaginal lining, vaginal tissues and part of the anal sphincter. Fourth Degree: This is the most severe of the four types of episiotomies. In this type of episiotomy, the tear extends through the vaginal lining, vaginal tissues, anal sphincter and the rectal lining.

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It is to be noted that with increasing severity of the episiotomy, the chances of complications like severe pain and infections also increase proportionately. In most cases, obstetricians aim for a second degree episiotomy, which could unintentionally extend to a third or a fourth degree.

It is important to note that episiotomy is not recommended in case of spontaneous vaginal delivery. However, the procedure can be done in the following conditions:

If the baby is in distress (increased/decreased heart rate) and there is a serious risk to the babys life if not born quickly.

If the baby is larger than normal (fetal macrosomia).

If there is a clinical need for forceps delivery or vacuum delivery.

In case of breech birth, in which the baby is not born head-first.

If the mother is exhausted from a prolonged labor.

If the mother suffers from a serious health condition and a speedy delivery is required to keep her safe.

Both types of episiotomies (midline or mediolateral) are relatively straight-forward and easy to perform. Episiotomy is done under local anesthesia. In order to perform the episiotomy, the obstetrician will wait till the babys head protrudes approximately 4 cm through the vaginal opening.

This is termed as baby crowning. Once crowning occurs, the obstetrician will insert two fingers into the vagina to protect the babys head from coming in contact with the surgical scissors. An incision will then be made either straight down towards the anus (midline incision) or at an angle of ~45 to the vaginal orifice (mediolateral incision). The perfect timing for the episiotomy is when the baby is about to be delivered (within the next 3-4 contractions).

This type of accuracy in the timing of the episiotomy is also associated with far lesser blood loss. After the incision is made, the obstetrician will use his/her fingers to pinch the skin below the incision to ensure that further unnecessary tearing does not occur. He/she will also apply gentle pressure on the babys head to prevent it from coming out too abruptly so that the delivery occurs as smoothly as possible.

After the delivery of the baby and the placenta, the vagina and perineum are cleaned and thoroughly examined for any extension of the episiotomy. The anal canal is also checked to exclude anal sphincter injury. The episiotomy is then repaired by suturing the vaginal lining and the underlying tissue. The sutures are dissolvable and are absorbed by the tissues usually within a month. So, there is no need to visit the doctor to take out the stitches.

As with any surgical procedure, episiotomy is not without risk. Complications can arise due to penetration of the episiotomy incision into deeper structures, as well as due to various other reasons. The major complications are briefly highlighted below:

Excessive Blood Loss: This can occur either at the time of the episiotomy or after the repair.

This can occur either at the time of the episiotomy or after the repair. Extension of the wound: The wound may extend beyond its intended limits. It may also include the anal region resulting in fecal incontinence

The wound may extend beyond its intended limits. It may also include the anal region resulting in fecal incontinence Perineal Infections: Infections are very rare, but can nevertheless occur. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of episiotomy. Moreover, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection arising from the episiotomy site has also been reported.

Infections are very rare, but can nevertheless occur. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of episiotomy. Moreover, methicillin-resistant infection arising from the episiotomy site has also been reported. Postpartum Perineal Pain: Excessive perineal pain after childbirth can be a sign of the formation of a hematoma, a blood clot in the wound.

Excessive perineal pain after childbirth can be a sign of the formation of a hematoma, a blood clot in the wound. Wound Dehiscence: Wound dehiscence is the rupture of the stitched-up wound along the line of incision that can occur after an episiotomy. However, dehiscence of an episiotomy usually occurs less than 2% of the time.

Wound dehiscence is the rupture of the stitched-up wound along the line of incision that can occur after an episiotomy. However, dehiscence of an episiotomy usually occurs less than 2% of the time. Dyspareunia: This is commonly known as painful sexual intercourse. It can last anywhere up to 18 months postpartum. Episiotomy during first birth and scarring of the perineum during the procedure are major risk-factors for long-term dyspareunia.

The recovery period varies with the type of episiotomy performed. In case of first or second degree episiotomy, the recovery will be faster than in case of third or fourth degree episiotomy. In the latter cases, the pain will last longer. On an average, it can take about a month for the episiotomy wound to heal and the stitches to be dissolved. During this period, follow the doctors advice to facilitate the healing process. Some simple strategies are given below:

Ease the pain: Painkillers can be taken as advised by your doctor to ease the pain. Acetaminophen or paracetamol is the safest choice, since it can be taken even while breastfeeding. You can take ibuprofen if your baby is not premature or of low birth weight and does not suffer from any other health issues. Diclofenac gel patches applied to the perineum can also ease the pain. Since ibuprofen and diclofenac are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), they not only take care of the pain, but also reduce inflammation and swelling. Aspirin is not recommended as it can pass to your baby through the breast milk.

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Soothe the wound: Cool the wound by placing an ice-pack or ice-cubes wrapped in cloth on the affected area. This will have a soothing effect and also help to ease the pain.

Cool the wound by placing an ice-pack or ice-cubes wrapped in cloth on the affected area. This will have a soothing effect and also help to ease the pain. Keep the wound clean: Keep the episiotomy wound and the surrounding area clean. Rinse the perineal region with warm water after defecation and urination.

Keep the episiotomy wound and the surrounding area clean. Rinse the perineal region with warm water after defecation and urination. Avoid pressure on your stitches: Your doctor may prescribe a laxative to ease constipation. This will reduce the pressure on your stitches during bowel movements.

Your doctor may prescribe a laxative to ease constipation. This will reduce the pressure on your stitches during bowel movements. Do pelvic floor exercises: Resume your pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible after birth. These exercises will strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor as well as increase the blood circulation, thereby aiding the healing process.

As healing occurs, the pain and discomfort will gradually disappear. If however, you experience intense pain at the wound site or develop a fever or if pus oozes out of the wound, you should consult your doctor immediately, as these could be signs of infection.

Health Tips
After breaking all records within the first few days of its release, Baahubali: The Conclusion' has now added another feather to its hat of achievements. SS Rajamouli's magnum opus will now be screened as the opening movie at this year's Moscow International Film Festival in Russia that starts today. This development has filled both Rajamouli and Baahubali's fans' hearts with pride, joy and excitement.

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Feeling like a proud father, Rajamouli shared this news on Twitter and all we are left with now is to see Moscow shout Jiyo re Baahubali or cry at the scene where Katappa killed him. In fact, Rajamouli is currently in Russia to attend this 8-day event that will end on 30th June.

Very excited to be in Russia for Moscow international film festival. Proud that #Baahubali2 is selected as the opening film.  rajamouli ss (@ssrajamouli) June 22, 2017

This movie has already broken records at the international level and garnered over Rs. 1500 crores worldwide within 22 days. The movie is now looking forward a China release and the people are hoping for it to break Dangal's mega records. Baahubali's popularity is no joke and by this time we are sure that even Bollywood will agree with the charm of Prabhas, especially after he became the first South Indian actor to get his own wax statue at Madame Tussauds in Malaysia. Apart from Baahubali 2', movies like Badman', A Death in the Gunj', U Turn' and Kothanodi' will be screened at the festival too.
Today, representatives of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy will be holding a meeting with top-level officials from the Defence Ministry to discuss the procurement of assault rifles for the Armed Forces. The main agenda of this meeting will be finalising the specifications of the assault rifles.

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The Indian government is going to spend $250 billion over the next 10 years on modernising its Armed Forces. While this is great news for the Indian Defence sector, the problem comes from the involvement of PM Modi's Make In India campaign. Under this campaign, India is trying to build an indigenous defence industry with the help of foreign firms. For example, the collaboration between Lockheed-Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. (Read Full Story)

In another example of why the Make In India campaign may not be the best bet when it comes to arming our defence forces, the 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles which were built by a Rifle Factory in Ishapore, West Bengal, failed miserably during firing tests.

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These guns were supposed to replace the AK-47s and INSAS rifles the Indian army is heavily reliant on right now. But, Army sources reveal they had many faults including, "excessive recoil," "excessive flash & sound signature," and were in need of a "complete redesigning of the magazine." The guns had an "excessive number of faults and stoppages to the extent of more than twenty times the maximum permissible standards."

 Twitter

Would you want to put a gun like this in the hands of an Army jawan patrolling our border? They can't be reloaded properly and aren't discreet at all. Of course not!

Even last year, an indigenous rifle, the Excalibur, was rejected by the Indian Army for not meeting the standard requirements.

Pushing the "Make in India" campaign down the Indian Army's throat is only delaying an upgrade they have been in desperate need of, for the last few years. While it is a great campaign for the economic growth of the country, at times, it seems to be doing more harm than good. Do you think the government should back off and let the Indian Army procure firearms from the best possible source instead?
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

Trend:

The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry has released footage showing live-fire stage of the large-scale exercises of Azerbaijans Armed Forces, which started June 19.

At this stage, artillery, air defence assets, aviation, as well as other formations fulfilled combat-training tasks using weapons and military equipment, said the Defense Ministry.

Effective use of troops and control systems was realized with observance of the principles of modern combined arms operations in complex terrain and taking into account the supposed action of the imaginary enemy.

Live firing and fire maneuvers were carried out in various firing ranges and training areas using modern equipment.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Russias IrAero carried out the first international flight from Krasnoyarsk to Baku, the Yemelyanovo International Airport said in a message.

The first flight on the Krasnoyarsk-Baku route was carried out on June 21, said the message. Further flights will be carried out until the end of the summer schedule twice a week  on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The flight is carried out via Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

In early April 2017, IrAero obtained the permission from Russias Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) to carry out flights to Azerbaijan.

IrAero is an air carrier based in Irkutsk, Russia. It carries out domestic and international scheduled passenger services, charter and cargo flights.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 21

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

The total volume of investments in Azerbaijans oil and gas sector has exceeded $75 billion since 1994, a source in the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR told Trend.

In 2016, $7.35 billion was invested in the countrys oil and gas sector, according to the source.

"As of Jan. 1, 2017, the total volume amounted to $74 billion, and it has already exceeded $75 billion as of today."

Earlier, BP Vice President for the Southern Gas Corridor Joe Murphy said total investments by BP and partners in Azerbaijans oil and gas projects amount to $66 billion.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Central Asian gas has chances to become additional source for the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, but some issues need to be resolved before that, Bruce Pannier, US expert on Central Asia and energy issues, told Trend June 22.

Including Central Asia in the Southern Gas Corridor has been the EU policy for almost a decade. Representatives from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended the EU summit in Prague in May 2009 when the Southern Corridor  New Silk Road project was unveiled, recalled the expert.

Pannier noted that to export large quantities of Central Asian gas a pipeline need to be built to connect Central Asia to Europe.

The best option is the Trans-Caspian pipeline, but the legal status of the Caspian Sea need to be resolved for that, he added.

Pannier believes that Turkmen gas can easily become a source of gas for the Southern Gas Corridor.

Turkmenistan has the largest gas reserves in Central Asia, fourth largest gas reserves in the world and the distance between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan across the Caspian Sea is not far, the expert noted.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan could contribute some of their gas to such a pipeline, Pannier believes.

In general, an extra consumer, especially one like the EU, would be welcome to any of the Central Asian countries, he said.

First, the extra revenue, which all of them would welcome. But second, the more customers you have the more leverage you have in bargaining, said Pannier, adding that Turkmenistan can serve as an example in this regard.

Having lost both Russia and Iran as customers, Turkmenistan is now only selling gas to China. If China wants to lower the price it pays for Turkmen gas, there is not much the Turkmen government can do. If Ashgabat says it wont lower the price and Beijing says it wont buy any gas from Turkmenistan that means Turkmenistan would not have any money coming in at all. It would be disastrous, he explained.

Pannier added that if Turkmenistan still sold gas to Russia and Iran, Ashgabat could tell Beijing, Russia and Iran buy our gas for, lets say, $200 per 1,000 cubic meters, and we wont sell for less than that - a much better position to be in.

The same would be true for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan should they ever start exporting large amounts of gas, he noted.

Recently, the European Council has said in its conclusions on the EU Strategy for Central Asia that the EU will continue to seek to extend the Southern Gas Corridor to Central Asia, and to further promote the EU's multilateral and bilateral energy cooperation.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.

At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
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Deputy Foreign Minister Terens Quick stated the following in response to a question from the Athens-Macedonia News Agency (AMNA) on the results of the Greece-Cyprus-Israel Trilateral Diaspora Conference, which was held in Thessaloniki within the framework of the Trilateral Summit Meeting:



"The 2nd Greece-Cyprus-Israel Trilateral Meeting on Diaspora Issues, which took place within the framework of the Trilateral Summit Meeting in Thessaloniki, had excellent results and clarified the three countries' scope for cooperation in such an important field of activity.



First of all, it was remarkable that, during the official working luncheon that brought the Summit Meeting to a close, nearly half the time was devoted to discussion of Diaspora issues.



The leaders of the three countries applauded the agreement we had reached earlier at the Trilateral Meeting with Fotis Fotiou and Natan Sharansky, that we need to invest more in young people.



We have worked up a number of ideas, but we will make them more specific at the next Trilateral meeting, which will take place in Nicosia, on 20 and 21 August, within the framework of the annual Diaspora Conference held by the Republic of Cyprus.



Moreover, in his press conference following the Trilateral Summit, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a major Trilateral Conference on joint actions and cooperation between the three countries, which will take place in December of this year. In fact, in all of his statements, the Prime Minister linked Diaspora affairs with the brain drain, which he not only wants to convert into brain gain, but, in the present phase, is seeking ways to capitalise on it in a way that benefits both the children who have left and Greece itself. And this can be done either through entrepreneurial activities on the part of young people or through Academic Communities.



I need to stress that, with regard to all of the large package of Diaspora issues we have before us  that all three countries need to develop and implement  I collaborate regularly with Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.



Once again, I really want to express my satisfaction and pleasure at the fact that Diaspora issues were on the agenda for the first time at a Summit Meeting  and very high on the agenda. Naturally, I want to thank the Cypriot Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots, Fotis Fotiou, and Natan Sharansky, a very prominent figure of the Jewish Diaspora.



I note that I had an excellent bilateral meeting with Mr. Sharansky on Thursday morning, and we identified a number of the pieces of the mosaic, which we put together later, at the Trilateral meeting with Cyprus."



The Deputy Foreign Minister was accompanied during his meetings with his Cypriot and Israeli counterparts by his Diplomatic Counselor, Victor Maligoudis, and the Director General of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, Michalis Kokkinos.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanization has published the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the offshore section of the TurkStream gas pipeline project.

The EIA was prepared by ELC Group Inc. on behalf of South Stream Transport B.V., the project owner of the offshore section of the TurkStream project.

The EIA consists of information on the potential environmental and social impacts of the offshore section of the TurkStream project. It also includes recommendations for the mitigation of the potential adverse impacts and enhancement of the beneficial ones.

The Turkish government established a Review and Evaluation Commission with representatives of relevant institutions and organizations to review the EIA report. After receiving the findings of the commission, South Stream Transport B.V. will submit a final report to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

We consider the EIA process to be an opportunity for a transparent consultation on possible impacts of our project. The described measures in our EIA provide appropriate and effective mitigation to minimize our environmental footprint, said the statement from the South Stream Transport B.V.

The exact conditions for certain measures, for example regarding replantation of trees, will be determined by external experts in coordination with the Turkish government, according to the statement.

We are committed to develop the TurkStream offshore pipeline in line with good international industry practice and in compliance with Turkish regulations, said the company.

TurkStream project envisages construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline under the Black Sea, the capacity of each branch being 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas.



One branch is meant to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe. The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Turkey also stipulates that these two offshore branches should be built by December 2019.

On Dec.8, 2016, South Stream Transport B.V., 100-percent subsidiary of Gazprom, signed a contract with Swiss Allseas Group on constructing the first line of the Turkish Stream gas pipelines offshore segment.

Later in February 2017, the two companies inked an agreement on constructing the second line of the pipelines offshore section.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Russia will not abandon the construction of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, even if the South Stream project is revived, Deputy Executive Director for Energy Studies at Russian Institute for Energy and Finance Alexei Belogoryev told Trend June 22.

"Russia will not abandon the implementation of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project because of not only economic, but also political obligations to Turkey," Belogoryev told Trend.

Earlier, Austrian media reported that the Russian Gazprom company and the Austrian OMV Group company are secretly discussing the possibility of reviving the South Stream project, which will pass through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Austria.

Belogoryev added that at least first branch of the Turkish Stream pipeline, intended for the supply of Russian gas to Turkey, will be built.

As for the construction of the second branch, there are still many issues related to ensuring the demand for this gas, Belogoryev added.

The expert said that as only European countries may need the gas from the second branch of the Turkish Stream pipeline, it is necessary to build infrastructure for its further transportation, primarily in Greece as Italy is the main buyer.

"The way of resolving this issue is still unclear, but in general, it is the fact that Gazprom will not abandon the Turkish Stream project," he said.

The expert said that the transportation of gas to Europe via the South Stream pipeline would be economically more profitable for Gazprom.

Russia was forced to abandon the idea of building the South Stream gas pipeline at the end of 2014 because the European Commission refused from providing an exception from the Third Energy Package requirements for this project.

Later, a decision was made to replace this project with the Turkish Stream pipeline, which will pass through the territory of Turkey.

Russia and Turkey signed an intergovernmental agreement in October 2016 on the implementation of the Turkish Stream project.



The agreement envisages construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline through the Black Sea, the capacity of each branch being 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas.



One branch is meant to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe. Initially, Russia and Turkey planned to build four branches of the pipeline. The construction of the offshore section of the Turkish Stream pipeline was launched in May 2017.

---

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijan is negotiating mutual recognition of e-signature with Turkey and Georgia, Tofig Babayev, director of the Regional Innovative Technologies Academy (RITA), told Trend June 22.

This issue is being considered at the state level and the customs bodies of these countries are competent in the negotiations, Babayev said.

"Over the past weeks, the customs bodies of the countries held conferences, seminars and meetings, where they also considered the issue of mutual recognition of e-signature, he added. Perhaps, there is already some progress in this issue."

Earlier, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies told Trend that an agreement on mutual recognition of e-signature among the members of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking Countries (Turkic Council) was reached within the second meeting of the working group of the Council held in Istanbul in May 2017.

The meeting participants reached an agreement on creating the necessary conditions for the recognition of the e-signature among Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The sides also discussed the creation of joint e-services among the members of the Turkic Council, the issues of exchanging experience and holding trainings on the creation of "e-government", using of the "single window" principle in rendering e-services, development of mobile applications, etc.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, June 22

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev by his decree has approved a framework agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for implementation of the uranium tailings remediation program of the Environmental Remediation Account for Central Asia (ERA).

The framework agreement was signed March 16 in Tashkent during the visit of the EBRD delegation, headed by the EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti, reads the decree posted on the website of the Uzbek presidential press service June 22.

The agreement envisages EBRDs cooperation with Uzbekistan in restoration of the countrys environment affected by uranium mining and enrichment during the Soviet era.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Under a long awaited contract, Iran began exporting its gas to Iraq last night.



Irans Deputy Minister of Petroleum for International Affairs and Trading Amir-Hossein Zamaninia has said that in the first phase, the country will export 7 million cubic meters of gas per day to the neighboring Iraq, IRNA reported.



The volume of Irans gas exports to Iraq will reach 35 million cubic meters (mcm) in future, he added.



Iran and Iraq earlier in 2013 signed two contracts on exporting 50 million cubic meters of gas per day to Baghdad and Basra power plants.



Iran, in order to increase the volume of its gas exports to Iraq needs to complete its sixth cross country gas pipeline (with a capacity for transferring 110 mcm/ day) stretched from south pars to Iraqi borders.



The cross-country pipeline is expected to be completed by March 2018.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

Airbus has announced new deals with Iran on the sidelines of the 52nd Le Bourget Paris Air Show, reassuring its commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and associated rules.

According to the European aircraft manufacturer, Zagros Airlines as well as Iran Airtour Airlines agreed on Thursday to acquire a total of 73 aircraft.

Zagros Airlines

Zagros Airlines, one of the leading domestic airlines in Iran, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the acquisition of 28 new aircraft, covering 20 A320neo and 8 A330neo aircraft, the French aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.

The commitment was signed at the 52nd Le Bourget Paris Air Show by Seyed Abdolreza Mousavi, Zagros Airlines CEO, and Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President for Commercial Aircraft.

According to the statement, to date Zagros Airlines is the largest domestic single-aisle Airbus operator in Iran with 11 A320ceo family aircraft.

Iran Airtour Airlines

On the same day, Airbus said the Tehran-based Iran Airtour Airlines has also become the French aircraft manufacturers newest customer for the A320neo family after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 45 aircraft at the Paris Air Show.

Airbus assured that the MoUs are contingent upon all necessary approvals, including those from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Airbus will continue to act in full compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and associated rules.

The Middle Eastern countrys flag carrier, Iran Air, has already ordered 100 Airbus and 80 Boeing planes since Tehran concluded the JCPOA with the world powers in 2015.

Over the recent months, Iran has taken delivery of three Airbus and four ATR aircraft.

In order to renew its aviation fleet, Iran requires 500 new aircraft in the next 10 years.
BAD AXE  Cypress Creek Renewables would like to build as many as 15 20-acre solar farms in Huron County.

Casey May of Cypress Creek updated the Huron County Board of Commissioners on the companys intentions for solar development in the county Tuesday.

If they build the farms, the company plans to sell the electricity produced to DTE Energy, May said.

May also offered the companys assistance in crafting the countys commercial energy development ordinance.

A moratorium on commercial solar development has been imposed by the board of commissioners for a year or until the ordinance is finished.

A lot of discussion has taken place in the county about how land enrolled in PA 116, the states farmland preservation program, would be developed for solar.

May said that any cost to land owners incurred by pulling their land from the program would be absorbed by Cypress Creek.

Landowners have signed leases with Cypress Creek to receive up to $800 an acre to house solar farms for 20 years.

Thats more than farmers could earn from agriculture.

In order to release land from PA 116, the property would have to be rezoned from agricultural use to commercial and/or industrial usage.

If a farm is converted to solar, farmers would lose tax credits dating back seven years, according to Rich Harlow, program manager for the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

Farmers would also have to put a percentage of the farm on a permanent conservation easement if the PA 116 rezoning were recent. If 30 acres of a 100-acre farm were set aside for solar, 60 acres would have to be put on a permanent conservation easement, Harlow previously told the Tribune.

Currently, 75.4 percent of Huron Countys farmland is enrolled in PA 116.

The reason the company chose Huron County, May said, was the countys infrastructure; the clear, flat land; and the fact that the company could operate in DTE territory.

Even though there are a lot of cloudy days in the Upper Thumb, May said that the accumulation of sunlight is good enough to make it work.

The 20-acre sites will each cost $3 to $4 million to build, and would produce 3 megawatts of electricity.

Commissioners also asked how the solar farms would be taxed.

May said that the company is working with the state to determine whether the solar farms are real or personal property.

Cypress Creek is based in Santa Monica, California, and has operations in eight states, May said.

Commissioner Ron Wruble asked why.

States such as Michigan, South Carolina, New York, Illinois and California have incentives for renewable energy development, May said.

States like Michigan that have mandates for renewable energy use are also attractive, he said.

Based on his research, Commissioner Steve Vaughan said, My fear was that you were a land acquisition company.

He noted that some wind farms in Huron County have been sold and have changed their names two or three times.

There is a lot of apprehension, especially around this table, Vaughan said.

Wruble also asked May about brownfields development.

Board Chairman Sami Khoury asked whether municipalities owning 10 or 15 acres would be candidates for solar development.

May said that brownfields development and municipally-owned parcels could be considered for development.

While personnel committee action by the Huron County Board of Commissioners was in the news last week, the board attended to a number of other matters at its first meeting of the month June 13.

The board also:

 Opposed sections of the Michigan Senate and House budget recommendations for fiscal year 2018, as the board says it will result in the elimination of public specialty mental health services.

 Authorized signing of a joint Great Lakes Mayors letter opposing the proposed nuclear waste repository in Kincardine, Ontario.

 Supported Michigan House and Senate bills calling for all communication devices that have access to 911 contribute equally to the funding of 911 operations.

 Adjusted the salary of Jacob Dhyse to reflect his assignment as deputy sheriff  Road Patrol/Marine, effective April 1, 2017.

 Approved the employment of Brianna Emming as a part-time deputy sheriff (Corrections).

 Approved the employment of Adam Rifenbark as a full-time deputy treasurer.

 Congratulated Daniel Lanfear, a student at Harbor Beach High School, as the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 State high jump champion.

 Congratulated Haili Gusa of Ubly as the MHSAA Division 4 State 800 meter champion.

 Approved applications to allow acreage into PA 116 as requested by various persons.

 Released several acres from PA 116 as requested by various persons.

 Pledged in full faith and credit of Huron County for Ritter Drain & Branches, principal amount of $280,000.

 Authorized signing of the Regional Detention Support Services Transporter/Reimbursements Contract Amendment.
CASEVILLE  The money is not quite there yet, but its getting closer.

After being approved by the Michigan House of Representatives, grant funds that Caseville officials are seeking for a recreational project at Pointe Park must now get the approval from Senate. The money is part of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, which goes to fund recreational projects across the state.

Caseville is seeking $296,000, while the city will match $104,000. Clerk Jamie Learman said the city is all set to go on that end.

We are set with that, said Learman. Were ready.

The $400,000 project at Pointe Park includes the installation of seawall along the Pigeon Rivers edge, a 10-foot long sidewalk for handicap accessible fishing, a handicap-accessible kayak/canoe launch, paved parking lot, hard-wired LED lighting along the breakwall, an additional handicap accessible walkway out to the front of the boardwalk on the beach side and some improvements to the bathrooms.

Thats pretty much the scope of the project, Learman said.

While the progress of the funds comes as good news, the process has still been slower than anticipated. Last year, city officials had hopes of getting the money and the project started by late spring or early summer.

We really thought we could do it, at least get a lot of it done before the summer season started, but we cant do anything until they get it approved, Learman said.

As it currently stands, Learman said the city is looking at a tentative September start.
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...
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford recently told Congress that a war with North Korea would devastate Seoul, inflict horrendous casualties, and be unstoppable at the outset.

"It would be a war like nothing we have seen since 1953, and we would have to deal with it with whatever level of force was necessary," Mattis told the House Armed Services Committee in June 12 testimony. "It would be a very, very serious war."

Much of the focus on the North Korean threat has been on the North's drive to develop an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with a nuclear warhead capable of hitting the U.S. mainland, but Dunford said the conventional threat in the form of long-range artillery on rails and in hardened bunkers along the demilitarized zone would also be formidable.

In response to questions from Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., Dunford said, "There's 25 million people in Seoul, and 300,000 of those are Americans who are within range of thousands of rockets, missiles and artillery pieces along the border.

Related content:

"I don't have any doubt in my mind, if we go to war with North Korea, that we will win the war," he said, but warned that "we will see casualties unlike anything we've seen in 60 or 70 years."

Dunford said that the bulk of the casualties would come "in the first three, five, seven days of the war, where all those people in the greater Seoul area are exposed to the North Korean threat that we will not be able to mitigate initially."

Mattis stressed that diplomacy, coupled with economic sanctions, must take precedence in attempts to restrain North Korea. As part of that effort, he joined with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the State Department on Wednesday for talks in the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue.

The talks were the outgrowth of the April summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Yang Jiechi, China's top foreign policy official, and Gen. Fang Fenghui, chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army, led the Chinese delegation.

Trump had counted on China using its influence and economic heft to rein in North Korea's Kim Jong-un but appeared to back off that approach after the death of American college student Otto Warmbier.

Warmbier died Monday at an Ohio hospital five days after he was evacuated in a coma from North Korea, where he had been held prisoner for 17 months.

On Tuesday, Trump took to Twitter: "While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried!"

At the State Department, Tillerson and Mattis said the efforts are continuing despite Warmbier's death, but Tillerson said, "We need to address directly, very frankly, areas where we face threats. The most acute threat in the region today is posed by the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea]. China understands that the U.S. regards North Korea as our top security threat."

Mattis said he reaffirmed with his Chinese counterpart that North Korea's nuclear programs pose a threat to the region and the world. Without giving details, Mattis said, "We will continue to take necessary measures to defend ourselves and our allies."

The SecDef said he agrees with the anger and frustration of Trump and the American people over the treatment of Warmbier, who was arrested and tried for allegedly taking a propaganda poster as a souvenir.

"We see a young man go over there healthy and, with a minor act of mischief, come home dead," Mattis said. "There's no way we can look at a situation like this with any way of understanding."

He said Americans had lost patience "with a regime that provokes and provokes and provokes."

"Black Hawk Down" author Mark Bowden, writing on North Korea in the Atlantic Monthly, said Trump will soon "collide with the same harsh truth that has stymied all his recent predecessors: There are no good options for dealing with North Korea."

"Right now, the best hope for keeping the country from becoming an operational nuclear power rests, as it long has, with China, which may or may not have enough economic leverage to influence Kim's policy making," said Bowden, who was recently interviewed by Military.com on his new book "Hue 1968."

China "also may not particularly want to do so, since having a friendly neighbor making trouble for Washington and Seoul serves Beijing's interests nicely at times," he said.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Tehran-based Mahan Air announced the launch of flights between Tehran and Barcelona, operated twice a week by a modern Airbus aircraft, IRNA reported.

Mahans first flight departed Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport on Thursday at 06:55 local time (GMT+4:30) and landed in Barcelona at 09:55.

According to the report, the flights will take place on Sundays and Thursdays every week.
Afghanistan has lots of desert and little forest, but the country's then-minister of defense liked a forest-pattern camouflage uniform that came with zippers, rather than cheaper buttons.

The result was that the U.S. ended up paying up to $28 million more for the forest-pattern uniform than it would have for the desert pattern already in use, according to a report by the office of the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) released Wednesday.

"They picked the pattern based on a fashion preference, not by experts, but by the minister of defense (Abdul Rahim Wardak)," John Sopko, the SIGAR chief, told The New York Times. "That was a dumb decision."

Defense Department officials cited in the SIGAR report said Wardak chose the pattern from uniform styles he saw online. The pattern was created and owned by the Canadian company HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp.

HyperStealth had proprietary rights to the design, requiring contractors producing the uniforms to pay a fee to the company and thus making the uniforms more expensive, the report said.

"Between November 2008 and January 2017, DoD spent approximately $93.81 million for 1,364,602 uniforms (one shirt and one pair of pants) and 88,010 extra pairs of pants for the ANA (Afghan National Army) that were made using a proprietary camouflage pattern," the SIGAR report said.

"We found the proprietary-patterned uniforms were up to 43 percent more expensive than similar non-proprietary patterned uniforms used by the ANP (Afghan National Police), which potentially added between $26.65 million and $28.23 million to the costs of the ANA uniform procurements since 2008," the report said.

SIGAR said the Pentagon "was unable to provide us with documentation" to show that the forest-pattern uniform was essential to the requirement for ANA uniforms, and "unable to provide market research indicating that other companies' similar products were inadequate to meet DoD's requirements for ANA uniforms."

SIGAR said DoD officials have "expressed general agreement" with the report and concurred with SIGAR's suggestion to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of uniform purchases.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Thursday that terrorists and extremist groups do not adhere to basic human and moral principles, IRNA reported.

'Terrorists continue their crimes and atrocities against humanity at any time or place with no consideration,' Qasemi said condemning recent terrorist attacks in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Denouncing the brutal act, Qasemi sympathized with Afghan nation, government and families of the victims.

Iran as always stands by the people of Afghanistan in their struggle with the inhuman phenomenon, he said.

News sources in Afghanistan said that some 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in a terrorist attack in Helmand province on Thursday afternoon.
A French company's alliance with the University of Michigan will change a portion of campus this fall when its new driverless shuttles transport people and boost research into automated vehicles.

The influence of NAVYA will extend further into the state this fall as it also plans to open its first US-based assembly facility in the Ann Arbor area.

The company hopes to build 20 of its 15-rider ARMA electric and fully autonomous shuttle buses this year, after hiring 15 people to make that happen.

The facility will open in September, said Henri Caron, NAVYA's vice president of sales.

"We'll be able to produce 15 (shuttles) by the end of this year," Caron said, "and then we'll ramp up."

Caron spoke about his company's plans in Michigan at Mcity, the connected and automated vehicle testing grounds in northeast Ann Arbor.

He joined several U-M officials and researchers, as well as industry experts, to demonstrate for the media how automated vehicles were taking shape. Among them: The ARMA shuttle that debuted there in late 2016, offering self-guided tours.

"The shuttle is equipped with a multitude of sensor technology to provide 3D vision which enables it to map out the environment, detect obstacles in its path and identify traffic and road signs," according to NAVYA.

The market for the NAVYA shuttles is estimated at 20,000 units, Caron said, at least at this stage of road testing. Customers could be campuses, like at U-M; airports; and other areas where people need to move regularly and in predictable patterns, but without the cost of staffing a bus.

U-M is buying two of the ARMA buses for about $500,000, said Carrie Morton, deputy director of Mcity. The funds come from industry partners because of the research aspects of the vehicles in their new roles on campus.

That price includes significant instrumentation to aid the research.

NAVYA is the only company authorized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to operate on open roads and on private land, Caron said. The company has licensed shuttles in Nevada, California, Florida and Michigan.

NAVYA also operates its automated 15-passenger shuttles in several countries of Europe, as well as Australia, Singapore and other nations.

"We are the most advanced company in terms of deployment on open road," Caron said.

The advances in connected and automated vehicles seem to offer endless opportunity to automakers, who are investing heavily in the realm, as well as the technology companies that join them in the race to market.

However, it's also still a small one for production aspects.

Caron said the new Ann Arbor area facility will be about 20,000 square feet.

It's just a start, he said, but the company's growth continues along with global interest and as testing abilities expand.

Today, worldwide, NAVYA's vehicles are doing more than 1,000 km per day in fully autonomous road time. By the end of September, that should grow to 3,000 km per day. And an additional 5-8 vehicles are deployed per month.

Caron said its hoped that the growth arc continues after the Michigan facility is up and running. The location will be finalized soon, he said, and the state is considering tax incentives.

"We hope that very soon we will have to move (to someplace larger," Caron said. That could include out-of-state locations, he added.

"Today we are concentrating on Michigan, but we already have customers in Nevada," he said.

NAVYA has dedicated $5.5 million to set up the Michigan facility, Caron said.

The plant manager started last week, Caron said, with two salespeople joining the crew in July. Twelve more people - including those with mechanic and technician skills - will be hired for assembly, according to online job postings.

Those jobs, which require electrical and assembly backgrounds, as well as mechanical engineering, show how technology is changing not just driving: It's also altering automotive production.

"We are not a car manufacturer," Caron said. "We are an assembly plant .. connecting to our technology."
ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor City Administrator Howard Lazarus last month laid out an ambitious timeline for completing some of the planning work for a new Amtrak station in the city.



That timeline anticipated getting a completed environmental assessment report to the Federal Railroad Administration for review in early June, with FRA authorization to release the report for a 30-day public comment period by June 19.



But those goals were missed.



In a written update to the City Council on Wednesday, June 21, Lazarus said the schedule has slipped, but the city is continuing to make progress and working collaboratively with the FRA and Michigan Department of Transportation. He said they're partners and share the goal of getting a completed draft report released for public review as soon as possible, and that could happen by late July.

Ann Arbor's existing Amtrak station on Depot Street on June 6, 2017. Some city officials argue it's inadequate to meet current and future passenger needs, so the city is making plans to build a new one.

The report is expected to include a detailed analysis of the remaining options for a new train station for Ann Arbor, a major stop on the Detroit-Chicago line, and help narrow the list to one preferred option.



Three different locations are still under consideration, including the existing Amtrak site on Depot Street, part of Fuller Park in front of the University of Michigan Hospital and the historic Michigan Central Railroad Depot building on Depot Street that now houses the Gandy Dancer restaurant.



As many people in the community are waiting to see the analysis of the options, City Council Member Jane Lumm asked Lazarus for a status update at the council's meeting this week.



"Is the release imminent? And if not, what's the time we're looking at now and what is the holdup?" she asked.



Lazarus declined to give a full response at the meeting, but he said the release of the report is not imminent and he would provide an update to council in writing. That came on Wednesday in the form of a five-page memo outlining the work still being done and a new timeline.

Lazarus said AECOM, a consultant helping the city prepare the environmental assessment report, has completed revisions and resubmitted a cultural resources assessment and draft environmental assessment report, except for one chapter that's still under development and expected Thursday, June 22.

Once reviewed, Lazarus said, the final chapter will be forwarded to MDOT and FRA, completing a full report for their review.



"FRA will complete their review of the resubmitted and revised documents and schedule a call with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office," Lazarus wrote. "MISHPO has the authority to make determinations on the implications of the proposed design alternatives on historic resources. The current draft documents reflect the current state of consideration recognizing specific detail regarding impacts on historic resources."



The city historically has favored the Fuller Park location for a new station, while the FRA has asked the city to further explore and analyze Depot Street options, including giving more consideration to returning the historic depot building that now houses the Gandy Dancer to use as the city's train station.



Lazarus said the city has been told the FRA's review of the final draft report could take a couple weeks.



"Once the FRA management signs off on the document, the materials are ready for public review," he wrote, noting all of the materials will be made available to the public via the project website and at city hall, and there will be three public meetings.



Some council members have expressed concerns that the city hasn't been transparent enough with the public while the city and the FRA have been engaged in private communications over the last few years, and even council members have had trouble getting information.

Council votes 6-5 against releasing information about train station project

In response to those concerns, Eli Cooper, the city's transportation program manager, told council members earlier this month he wished he could share more publicly, but it's not the city's call. He said the city can't release draft information without FRA authorization.



Asked about the FRA's position, FRA spokeswoman Desiree French said the draft environmental assessment report technically belongs to the FRA, as compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act is a federal requirement and the FRA's responsibility. Once the city is done making revisions to the draft report, she said, the FRA will review it for completeness and compliance with federal regulations and NEPA procedures before authorizing the city to release it to the public.



Following FRA authorization to release the report for public comment, Lazarus said the city's staff will present the materials to the city's Park Advisory Commission. At this time, he said, all of the design options include interaction with parks and recreational lands and features.

Ann Arbor council votes 8-3 to move ahead with train station design

In order to advance a federally funded construction project with implications on park facilities, he said, a letter acknowledging such impacts must be provided to the FRA by the park owner.



Lazarus said PAC will provide comments to the City Council for its consideration, and the city, as the owner of the impacted parks and recreation features, will forward its findings and authorizations to the FRA. He said the schedule anticipates a late August or early September City Council meeting for that.



The city has been trying to get through the environmental assessment phase so it can move forward more aggressively on preliminary engineering designs and spend down remaining federal grant funds for the project that expire at the end of September.



Lazarus said the preliminary engineering phase was initiated on May 22 and progress is being made on three of the four design alternatives. He said a letter was hand delivered to management of the Gandy Dancer on May 22, indicating the city's interest in pursuing a new train station and requesting access inside the restaurant.



He said access is necessary to conduct a historic structure assessment. And since the city has not received authorization to enter the restaurant to conduct that assessment, he said, consideration of that design alternative has been suspended for the purpose of preliminary engineering activities.



He said the city is going to continue work on the other alternatives, but the city and its preliminary engineering team have agreed to suspend continuing development of designs for multiple sites on June 30.



After the public review process results in determining a preferred alternative, he said, preliminary engineering design work will resume for the preferred alternative.



Lazarus provided council members with an updated schedule that he described as compressed and aggressive.



It shows the FRA authorizing the release of the environmental assessment report for a 30-day public review on July 30, and then going to PAC for consideration on Aug. 15, and then to the City Council on either Aug. 21 or Sept. 5.



There would be other public meetings held, including a public hearing on the draft report, in August, and then preparation of a comment-response document in September, as well as environmental findings going to MDOT and FRA by the end of September. The preliminary engineering work would continue into December.



The local Huron Valley Group of the Sierra Club, which is against building a train station in Fuller Park, sent a letter to Lazarus on June 20, reminding him that federal rules require an analysis showing there is no prudent and feasible alternative to using parkland unless officials determine the use of parkland would have minimal impact.



Some city officials have argued a station at Fuller Park could fit within the footprint of an existing parking lot that's leased by UM, and so the impact on actual green space and the park would be minimal.



The Sierra Club's letter, sent before the new project timeline came out, raised concerns about the previous timeline proposed by Lazarus, showing the matter could go to PAC possibly within a day after the the public release of the draft environmental assessment, and then to City Council in early July.



"This rushed timeline gives the appearance of forcing a decision rather than reasoned deliberation," Nancy Shiffler, the group's chairwoman, argued in the letter, referring to the previous timeline. "Again assuming the city still favors Fuller Park as the preferred site, it is hard not to interpret this effort as avoidance of having to demonstrate the lack of a prudent and feasible alternative, precisely because such an alternative exists at the current site on Depot Street."



The new timeline anticipates there would be a couple weeks to review the report before it goes to PAC, and then to City Council.



Lazarus said the city, MDOT and the FRA have agreed to a "tapered match" approach to have federal funds cover 100 percent of the costs of ongoing work through the grant-funding period, after which the city will spend more local dollars to complete the remaining work.



The overall goal is still to have 80 percent of the work federally funded, and 20 percent locally funded.



"The local share of funds will support work as it continues beyond the June 30, 2017, federal funding period," Lazarus wrote in his memo.



Though the federal grant funds technically don't expire until Sept. 30, Lazarus has said the FRA can't guarantee the city's invoices submitted to the FRA after June 30 will be processed prior to a mid-September cutoff for fund disbursements.



A final accounting to determine match ratios will be developed at the completion of all work, Lazarus said, noting the city has approved up to $700,000 of local matching funds for the project.



"That local match was authorized as contracts were brought before City Council reflecting the anticipated full agreement and local share," he wrote, acknowledging it appears the federal share will end up being less than the $2.8 million initial grant award. "In order to complete the work associated with the grant, it appears the city will need to expend the $700,000 already authorized for this effort."



If the city costs run beyond the 20 percent share, Lazarus said, that is acceptable to the FRA and is noted as an "overmatch."

Once there's an FRA-approved plan for a new station at a chosen site, the city intends to put the project to a vote of the people in an election before any construction happens. The city plans to seek federal funds to cover a majority of the costs for final design and construction.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Providing a tour of the Michigan Traffic Lab at the University of Michigan, Henry Lui explains the constraints of real-world background traffic.

It is expensive and dangerous, Liu says, which is what makes the augmented reality unfolding on a split screen behind him a "game-changer."

On one half of the screen, multiple cameras provide views of connected and automated vehicles reacting to the augmented reality unfolding on the other half of the screen. The two are completely in sync, bringing together the real and virtual worlds of transportation.

"Testing and evaluation of connected and automated vehicles is very important, both to improve the technology, but also to increase the confidence of the consumer," said Liu, the director of the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation.

Mcity opened up its facilities to members of the media on Wednesday, June 21, to provide an update of how that technology is being tested on its grounds every day by both UM researchers and its more than 65 private partners from the automotive sector.

The traffic lab is the control room of the 32-acre Mcity connected and automated vehicle testing site.

A number of connected and automated vehicle demonstrations were led Wednesday by leaders of Mcity and UM's Transportation Research Institute.

From having vehicles react to a sudden braking incident to avoiding a crash with a vehicle running a red light using vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the demonstrations were designed to display how these technologies might be able to change the face of mobility and the automotive industry.

"Mcity plays a critical role in early stage research," Mcity Director Huei Peng said. "The test facility provides a safe, controlled environment for testing vehicles and technologies of tomorrow."

Here is a look at how some of those technologies of tomorrow are being tested at Mcity today:

Dedicated Short Range Communications

Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) refers to a specialized form of Wi-Fi that offers secure, short-to-medium-range communications for automotive applications. It lets vehicles send messages about their location, direction and at a distance of at least 1,000 feet. Unlike cameras and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), DSRC is not restricted to line-of-sight.

The scenario at Mcity involves three vehicles traveling in a row, with the lead vehicle and the last vehicle, a Ford Econoline van, communicating with DSRC technology.

Dillon Funkhouser, the driver of the Econoline and a UM senior research engineer, said the technology provides a connected vehicle technology safety application called emergency electronic brake lights.

The technology can provide a driver with a preview of a hard-braking event, even without a proper line of sight, which is blocked by the second vehicle.

"That's one of the big benefits of connected vehicle technology is that it doesn't rely on line of sight to warn a driver about potential hazards down the road," Funkhouser said.

The scenario is one that could happen in Ann Arbor today, Funkhouser said, through the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment. Currently, around 1,500 vehicles are deployed with the technology in northeast Ann Arbor, communicating with one another and other wired infrastructure.

As the vehicle approaches 30 mph, the lead vehicle driver is instructed by Funkhouser to perform a hard brake. The DSRC system then sends a flag wirelessly from the lead vehicle back to the Econoline, letting the driver know about a hard braking down the road, providing an advisory message in the rear-view mirror.

"The idea is maybe you're driving down the highway and your view is obscured by a big truck in front of you, so we want to be able to provide the driver with that information as soon as possible," Funkhouser said.

Avoiding a collision

UM assistant professor of mechanical engineering Gabor Orosz and his team have been working on testing technology they have implemented in connective and automated vehicles for some time.

In this scenario, passengers are led through a course on two occasions. The first time, Orosz operates the vehicle, before putting the Kia Soul in connected and automated mode for the second run. Each time, the vehicle approaches a stopped vehicle that is out of sight of both the driver and its autonomous sensors.

In the connected and automated mode, Orosz's vehicle is able to use DSRC and GPS technology to detect the hidden vehicle. The difference is a much smoother braking that can translate to saving lives and avoiding accidents.

"We only start braking when we see the car, so there is much more harsh braking," Orosz says during the first run. "When we're braking, about 70 percent of our body weight will feel it. In the second scenario, because we know the vehicle is there because of vehicle to vehicle communication, we start braking much earlier, but with much milder force."

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication

Mcity Director Huei Peng sits in the back seat of a connected automated Lincoln MKZ, equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communication explaining how the vehicle will react to the virtual world about to unfold before it.

The vehicle has augmented reality technology that enhances the environment of Mcity's test site with simulated vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and even trains.

The vehicle drives its passengers in driverless mode through two loops of an urban section of the test facility. In the first loop, the connected automated vehicle encounters another vehicle obscured from its view that is running a red light.

"The onboard sensors, LIDAR and radar camera will try to detect that vehicle, but because all the sensors need line of sight, they will not be able to see it," Peng explains. "However, with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, we can hear the other vehicle, therefore, avoiding the crash."

The second loop implements Mcity's augmented reality capabilities, allowing the connected vehicle to react to virtual vehicles, and in this case, a virtual train crossing its path.

This kind of simulated testing can be done repeatedly, Peng said, while being less risky and expensive than implementing real-world background traffic and professional drivers.

"It runs up to $100 a day to use real cars and hire a driver," Peng said. "You may have a crash, in which case you would need to repair it. Our vision is DSRC can be used for cars, bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians."

For more information on the happenings at Mcity, visit its website.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A trial date has been set in the case of a 61-year-old Hamburg Township woman accused of embezzling more than $50,000 from an elderly Ann Arbor woman.

At Cheryl Smith's last court appearance, attorneys said a plea deal was in the works.

But on Wednesday, June 21 in Washtenaw County Trial Court, Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Jonathan Emmons and Smith's attorney, Bill Amadeo, told Judge Archie Brown they've been unable to reach a resolution.

A jury trial was set for Oct. 30 with a final pretrial hearing scheduled for Oct. 18.

Amadeo said he plans on filing at least three motions before a Sept. 13 deadline.

Smith is accused of bilking 89-year-old Agnes Jamieson, a family friend who lived in the same Ann Arbor neighborhood where Smith grew up, of $50,000 to $100,000.

Witnesses at the preliminary examination testified that Jamieson was living in filth while Smith was supposed to be taking care of the elderly woman.

Jamieson's house in the 3000 block of Rosedale in Ann Arbor was filled with feces, and only had narrow pathways for the elderly woman to get from her bedroom to the kitchen and bathroom, according to court testimony.

Smith is charged with embezzlement of a vulnerable adult - $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, and larceny-more than $20,000, according to court records.

She remains free on a personal recognizance bond.
ANN ARBOR, MI - The 40-year-old woman accused of bilking $61,000 from a downtown Ann Arbor business had her case adjourned when she appeared in the Washtenaw County Trial Court Wednesday, June 21.

Esther Wells' attorney, Southfield-based Joshua Nucian, told Judge Archie Brown that they are working toward a plea deal, but requested more time to sort out the financial complexities of the case.

"We're trying to work towards a resolution," Nucian said.

Brown set a pretrial date of Aug. 9.

Wells is accused of abusing a company credit card while working at Professional Communications, located in Nickels Arcade, 326 S. State St. in Ann Arbor, according to police.

Between January 2014 to May 2016, Wells is accused of using the credit card to pay for daycare, car insurance, personal utility expenses, groceries and gas, police said.

Wells also was adding work hours onto her weekly employment checks without performing the additional labor, according to police.

Another employee noticed the inconsistencies with accounting procedures and notified police, authorities said.

Wells is free on a $5,000 personal bond.
Demetrius Montgomery, photo provided by Detroit police

YPSILANTI, MI - A woman found dead in an abandoned vehicle in Detroit may have been fatally stabbed in Ypsilanti, police say.

Latisha Bargaineer, 29, was found stabbed to death about 11 p.m. June 18 in a red Ford Flex in the 6400 block of Colfax Avenue in Detroit, according to Ypsilanti and Detroit police.

Police believe she was possibly stabbed and beaten with an edged weapon between Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, Ypsilanti police said.

The vehicle Bargaineer was found in is owned by Demetrius Montgomery, 37, of Ypsilanti, who is being sought for questioning in the death.

Ypsilanti police were alerted on Tuesday to a possible homicide suspect in the city limits, according to a release from the Ypsilanti Police Department. On Wednesday, police found the potential crime scene in the couple's apartment in the 300 block of West Cross Street in Ypsilanti.

Montgomery, who Detroit police say may be headed to Alabama, is believed to have fled in a black GMC Yukon with a Michigan license plate of "DRR6262," Ypsilanti police said. The vehicle was taken from a cousin of Montgomery's in the area where Bargaineer was found.

"Until further evidence indicates otherwise, we are treating this case as a homicide," Ypsilanti police said in a statement.

Those with information regarding this death are asked to contact Ypsilanti police Lt. Deric Gress at 734-482-9847, call Detroit police at 313-596-2260 or 313-596-1616, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP (773-2587).
BAY CITY, MI -- If Bay City Public Schools's declining student population trend continues and the district doesn't make critical changes to its budget, it could be facing a $2.5 million deficit in a couple of years.

The Michigan Department of Treasury on May 1 sent a letter to Superintendent Janet Greif and Board President Mark Zanotti, alerting them that the district's projected general fund balance for June 30, 2019, is nearly $2.5 million in the hole. The state asked the district to provide explanation for the projected deficit and what it was going to do to eliminate it.

About two weeks later, Greif submitted a corrective action plan, but the state rejected it because it failed to eliminate the deficit. The state then requested a meeting for June 7 with Greif, Sarah Dufresne, the district's director of finance, Zanotti and one other school board member.

In a June 8 letter, State Superintendent Whiston wrote, "Despite the good faith effort on the part of the department, MDE and the district administration to discuss the fiscal matter, the board president and his designated board member were the only scheduled participants who failed to attend."

Zanotti told The Bay City Times-MLive he had a conflict and was unable to attend. He declined to comment on why he didn't send another board member in his place.

The board now has until June 30 to submit a plan that shows the district can avoid deficit. The district requested an extension, but it was declined.

A special board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 28 to approve the district's budget.

From left, Bay City schools attorney William Allsop, Superintendent Janet Grief and Board President Mark Zanotti at a school board meeting in February.

Greif, whose last day with the district is Friday, June 30, was unable to be reached for comment for this story. Last month, the school board hired Stephen Bigelow, the current school chief of Capac Community Schools, as the district's next superintendent. Bigelow, who agreed to a three-year contract earlier this month, begins July 1.

Part of the reason for the potential deficit is a recently ratified contract that included a bonus and future step increases for the district's 300 teachers. The two-year contract, which was approved in April, is going to cost the district about $2.2 million and is projected to leave the district's fund balance at about $120,000, depending on healthcare costs, at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.

Before that contract, teachers in the district hadn't receive a raise since 2009, with the exception of a 1 percent and half-step increase.

"I wouldn't blame it all on the teacher's contract," Zanotti said. "We hadn't give them a raise in seven years and we were losing good teachers because of it."

Board Vice President Thomas Baird, though, said a majority of the reason for the potential deficit is the teachers contract.

"We had about $2.5 million in our fund balance and the contract ate up $2.2 million," Baird said. "So, it is a large reason for the situation we're in."

Another issue is the district's declining student enrollment. Since the 2012-2013 school year, the district has lost about 372 students.

Student Count Data:

2016-2017: 7,905

2015-2016: 7,941

2014-2015: 8,160

2013-2014: 8,208

2012-2013: 8,277

The state is projecting the district loses another 100 students in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

"Personally, I'm hoping that we beat the numbers on the projected loss," Zanotti said. "That's the biggest way to help our budget."

Bay City schools receives about $7,500 per student in state funding.

The district is expected to look at a number of cost-saving measures, including not replacing teachers through attrition. Zanotti said, however, that the district does anticipate to hire about 10 teachers this year.

A big cost savings could come through switching the district's health insurance provider, Baird said. Grief presented a plan to school board members earlier this month. The move, which would require union approval, could save the district $1.5 million for one year, Baird said.

The Bay City school district operates under a $74 million general fund budget, meaning the district's fund balance at the end of next year could be less than 0.2 percent if no cost-saving decisions are made. Rainy day funds between 5 and 8 percent are considered healthy, according to the Michigan Department of Education. In 2015, Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation that requires additional financial oversight for school districts with less than 5 percent in their reserve funds.

Zanotti says it may take the district a few years to reach those levels, but is confident it will avoid becoming a deficit district.

"We need to get serious, no question about it, but we won't be in deficit," he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Mohammed bin Salman Al Sauds appointment as the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, instead of Mohammed bin Nayef, is nothing more than a White Revolution in the Kingdom.

There is a tradition in Saudi Arabia requiring the approval of three instances for becoming a crown prince and then a king. And there is no doubt that Prince Mohammed bin Salman received the approval of all the three instances  first of all, the US, secondly, the ruling dynasty, and, thirdly, the Supreme Religious Council.

The US approval was received in March 2017 during a meeting between Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald Trump. Also, during the visit of the US president to Saudi Arabia, the sides signed military contracts worth $110 billion  a price entitling Mohammed bin Salman to claim the throne in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Arab media, the US and Saudi Arabia do not disclose the exact figure of the signed contract. The US and Saudi Arabia signed contracts worth $460 billion, $110 billion of which is intended for the purchase of US weapons, and the remaining $350 billion will be spent for implementation of various American projects in the region and in the US, the Arab media report.

The White Revolution in Saudi Arabia will sooner or later lead to changes in the region. It is possible that Saudi Arabia will support an independence referendum in Iraqs Kurdish Autonomous Region to weaken the Iraqi government, which is under Iranian influence.

Previously, Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq, was more loyal to the central government of Iraq. But today Barzani threaten to wage a war if the central government of the country prevents the independence referendum.

Also, it is possible that Saudi Arabia will support the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), which openly say they will not leave the territory liberated by them from the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

Taking this into account, Turkey has recently been deploying military equipment to the border with Syria. Military equipment is in Turkeys south-central province of Kilis, which borders Syrian territories controlled by YPG and PYD. The Turkish media regards this action as preparation for opening of a new military front in Syria.

Besides the abovementioned, the new prince is expected to become a supporter of the policy of ousting Turkey from the Middle East politics. In particular, it is expected that if Ankara continues its active Middle East policies, Arab countries can begin to isolate Turkey diplomatically. In particular, the Egyptian authorities have already issued a statement on isolating Turkey and imposing economic sanctions on it. Meanwhile, despite Ankara understands that the Middle East region is on the verge of serious changes, the Turkish authorities have so far made no official statements.

The White Revolution in Saudi Arabia is expected to make a domino effect in a number of neighboring countries, in particular in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is not excluded that the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is one of the closest associates of Mohammed bin Salman, will sooner or later replace Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of the United Arab Emirates.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
BAY CITY, MI -- Suspecting a customer of hers was working with police, a Bay City woman had her buyer smoke crack cocaine in her presence.

Turns out, that didn't insulate the alleged seller from facing charges. She's now facing two 40-year felonies for reportedly selling crack.

The afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 4, an operative of the Bay City Department of Public Safety's VIPER Unit arranged a purchase of crack from the home of 34-year-old Nicole C. Marcott and her boyfriend. The agent visited the couple's apartment in the 200 block of North Jefferson Street and bought $60 in crack, court records show.

After leaving the residence, the agent met up with police and turned over the crack. Court records indicate police had equipped the operative with recording technology prior to the deal.

A week later on the afternoon of Jan. 10, an operative arranged for a crack purchase from Marcott at the Bay Motel, 910 E. Euclid Ave. Again, the person was outfitted with recording equipment.

A blue Pontiac G6 pulled into the motel's parking lot and the agent entered it. Inside were Marcott, a man, and another woman.

"Nicole said I was acting too nervous and anxious and pulled out a crack pipe," the operative later told police, according to court files. "Nicole said I had to take a hit or she wouldn't deal with me so I took a hit. I was scared and didn't know what to do."

After paying $100 for crack, the operative left the car and met up with police.

The second buy operation was coordinated between both VIPER and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, or BAYANET.

Authorities issued a warrant for Marcott's arrest on April 28. By Monday, June 19, she was in police custody and appeared in Bay County District Court for arraignment on two counts of second-offense delivery of less than 50 grams of a narcotic or cocaine. Typically a 20-year felony, the second-offense tag doubles the maximum to 40 years.

The arraigning judge set Marcott's bond at $25,000 cash-surety. Marcott is to appear for a preliminary examination at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

In 2016, the VIPER Unit seized crack valued at $6,820 on the street, compared to $5,150 in 2015 and $15,150 in 2014.
The Detroit Land Bank Authority agreed to repay $5 million of $6 million Michigan housing officials say it owed for improper demolition cost billing it's been reimbursed for since 2014.

That amount, however, is offset by $5 million in new demolition funds being granted to the Land Bank, according to a statement issued by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spokesman John Roach.

The agreement is the result of an agreement between Detroit officials and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation, an entity responsible for dispersing federal Hardest Hit grant funds for demolition and greening efforts.

A separate Federal Bureau of Investigation probe into possible program misspending is ongoing.

"I am pleased both parties were able to reach a resolution without incurring the added costs of an arbitrator," MSHDA Executive Director Earl Poleski said. "The new protocols and procedures put in place over the past several months have improved programmatic operations, allowing us to move forward in a business-like fashion to support the new direction of the land bank and the important work being done to reduce foreclosure and revitalize neighborhoods in the city."

The state completed an audit of Detroit's demolition program and released a summary of findings in early 2017.

The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation determined the Land Bank improperly billed for $7.3 million in demolition costs that shouldn't have been reimbursed. The city initially conceded to repay $1.3 million of that total but contested the remainder.

The Land Bank continues to neither confirm nor deny improper invoicing related to the disputed $6 million.

"There is no admission by (the Land Bank) that the disputed $6 million was inappropriately spent," the city said in a statement issued Thursday.

The Land Bank must pat for the cost of the audit, an amount that hadn't been publicly revealed as of Thursday.

In addition to improper billing, the audit found issues with demolition management and a ballooning salary costs.

MSHDA spokeswoman Katie Bach on Thursday declined to release MLive a copy of the audit, summary findings or settlement agreement without submission of a formal Freedom of Information Act request. MLive subsequently filed a FOIA request.

"In 2017, we are going to speed up the demolition of homes, and we're going to do it in full compliance with federal and state regulations," Duggan said at the State of the City address in February. "The feds shut us down for 60 days last summer, and they were right to do it."

In 2015, Duggan's office and the Detroit Land Bank fell came under scrutiny when there was a substantial increase in demolition costs. Officials blamed the rise on more stringent asbestos protocol and a shortage of fill-dirt.

Detroit officials reported the average cost per demolition was around $12-13,000 in February. The number is noteworthy after the city came under fire in 2015 for some tear-downs costing more than $20,000. The city spent an average of $9,500 per demolition between March 2014 and January 2015, and more than $15,000 per demolition between May 2015 and March 2016.

The city said it's spent $119 million of $258 million in grant money it's received through the Hardest Hit Fund and demolished 11,700 vacant houses since 2014.

The city expects to spend the remaining $158 million over the next 18 months, Detroit officials said.
SANDUSKY, OHIO -- Police arrested eleven people, including six from the Detroit area, following a brawl that evolved into what authorities called a "riot" near Cedar Point about 2 a.m. Monday, according to the Toledo Blade.

The Blade reports, based on police reports and statements from the Sandusky Police Department, that hundreds of people, including Cedar Point patrons and staff, surrounded and began closing in on police after they arrested a 19-year-old Carlos Demetrius Clayton, who was pushing people in a large crowd outside Cedar Point Commons Apartments near the popular Ohio theme park.

WTOL-TV, Channel 11 News in Toledo described the apartment complex as a dormitory occupied by many Cedar Point seasonal employees.

Several other fights also broke out, pepper spray was released and Clayton was shocked with a Taser after he tried to reach for an officer's gun, the Blade reports.

View a short clip from the fight posted on Facebook by Fox 8 News in Cleveland:

Police say they believe more than 200 people were in a crowd when a fight broke out at Cedar Point Gardens. Sandusky police were asked to assist after one suspect attempted to grab a Cedar Point police officers gun. Posted by Fox 8 News on Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Sandusky police didn't immediately respond to MLive's request for comment Thursday afternoon.

Cedar Point police, Sandusky police and Cedar Point security guards helped subdue members of the unruly crowd and one officer suffered minor injuries, the Blade reports.

Here are the arrests and charges, according to the Blade:

Detroit-area suspects:

Justin Eddie-Marquez, 21, of Detroit: four counts of riot and a count each of failure to disperse, resisting arrest, and underage consumption.

Roshown Baker, 18, of Detroit: riot.

Kainan Kordero-Kendrick Reed, 20, of Clinton Township: riot and resisting arrest.

Jakari J. Willis, 19, of Oak Park: riot, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Russell Lee Donahue, 22, of Detroit: riot.

Angel Barnes, 18, of Harper Woods, Mich.: resisting arrest.

Suspects from elsewhere:
Russian hackers targeted 21 U.S. state election systems in the 2016 presidential race and a small number were breached but there was no evidence any votes were manipulated, a Homeland Security Department official told Congress on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Jeanette Manfra, the department's acting deputy undersecretary of cyber security, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded the Kremlin orchestrated a wide-ranging influence operation that included email hacking and online propaganda to discredit Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump, a Republican, win the White House in November.

The Russia issue has cast a shadow over Trump's first five months in office. The extent of interference by Russian hackers, and whether they or others could interfere in future elections, has been the source of speculation and media reports for months.

Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility for any cyber attacks during the election. Trump has variously said Russia may or may not have been responsible for hacking but has dismissed allegations his associates colluded with Moscow as "fake news."

Manfra and other officials testifying on Wednesday said U.S. elections are resilient to hacking in part because they are decentralized and largely operated on the state and local level.

Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats, voiced skepticism, saying only a small number of votes in key battleground states would need to be altered to tip the scales in an election.

"A sophisticated actor could hack an election simply by focusing on certain counties," King said. "I don't think it works just to say its a big system and diversity will protect us."

Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate panel, expressed frustration at Manfra's refusal to identify which states had been targeted. Arizona and Illinois last year confirmed that hackers had targeted their voter registration systems.

Samuel Liles, another senior DHS cyber official, likened states targeted or scanned to a thief walking by homes to scout for weaknesses, and breaches to breaking through a front door.
At least 12 armed men who Thursday attacked the city of Beni city in the North Kivu province to free Allied Democratic Force (ADF) prisoners, have been killed by the army, Anadolu reported.

This came after armed men recently set free over 900 prisoners in another prison.

A security officer in North Kivu, Lt Roland Bashali told Anadolu Agency that a group of armed men attempted to break into the prison in Beni.

''The armed men first attacked two army positions in Kalau and Rwangoma before moving to Beni, the police station and later to the prison but the army successfully repulsed them.'' said Bashali.

The eastern DRC has several militia groups which often attack army police and civilians. Their attacks have recently increased after President Joseph Kabila failed to leave office after his term expired on Dec. 19, 2016.
The 28 member states of the European Union have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months, European Council President Donald Tusk said on Thursday, TASS reported.

"Agreed. EU will extend economic sanctions against Russia for their lack of implementing the Minsk Agreement," Tusk tweeted.

A diplomatic source earlier told TASS on the sidelines of the European Union summit that sanctions would be prolonged for six months. "After the political decision is made, Tusk will launch an official procedure. The European Council will approve the decision at the ambassadorial level after which it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and come into force," the source said.

He stressed that some EU members had spoken out against the automatic extension of sanctions on Russia. "There are some countries who believe that an automatic procedure is inappropriate. They think that the leaders of France and Germany should give clear recommendations, as they are members of the Normandy Quartet," he pointed out.

The EUs economic sanctions on Russia will expire on July 31.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Today, on June 22, Turkey will send 25 servicemen and five armored personnel carriers to Qatar, Turkish media outlets reported quoting sources in the countrys General Staff.

The first group of military instructors left for Qatar June 19.

A military agreement entered into force between Qatar and Turkey June 9.

The document was signed on November 10, 2016 in Ankara.

Earlier, a law was passed in Turkey on ratification of an agreement between the two countries on the deployment of a Turkish military contingent in Qatar.

The establishment of a Turkish military base in Qatar is envisaged by the agreement on strengthening bilateral cooperation signed by the two countries in 2014.

Moreover, the Turkish parliament ratified the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Education and Training for Gendarmerie between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the State of Qatar.

The protocol was signed on December 2, 2015 in Doha as part of the agreement on cooperation in the sphere of security between the internal ministries of Turkey and Qatar.
Baku, Azerbaijan, June 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Seven members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group were detained in the southern Turkish province of Adana, the provincial police department said in a message June 22.

According to the message, all the detainees are citizens of Turkey, and there are facts proving their participation in illegal groups on the territory of Syria.

Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has claimed over 500,000 lives.

Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
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The 25th Annual General Meeting of the Company is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Hyderabad.The Register of Members and the Share Transfer Books of the Company will remain closed from Thursday, August 3, 2017 to Wednesday, August 9, 2017 (both days inclusive) for the purpose of 25th Annual General Meeting of the Company.The Company has fixed Wednesday, August 2, 2017 as cut-off date for e-voting on Resolutions to be passed as set out in the notice of the AGM.Source : BSE
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "State Bank of India (SBI) is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 289, target of Rs 304. Wockhardt is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 580, target of Rs 555. ITC is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 308, target of Rs 324."

"Just Dial basically goes through sharp pullback rallies and once those pullback rallies are over, it tends to make new lows. So chances are that we will at some point test Rs 320-330 which were the recent lows. It is getting back towards previous lows. Possibly weaker than all the other tech stocks," he added.

"A fresh uptrend has started yesterday, but today, it is a correction of that move and chances are it is still a buy on dip. So, as and when FMCG sector restarts its rally, Britannia Industries should make fresh highs. So I would be a buyer on this dip in Britannia."
Sudarshan Sukhani of s2analytics.com told CNBC-TV18, "We are looking at midcaps because the Nifty itself covers all the largecap. So, buy Voltas, after a nice small consolidation, Voltas is now coming out."

"Consider buying Ceat. The stock is part of that tyre group which is already doing well and thanks to the decline in crude that is a sentiment positive also. It is breaking from a small correction, so, Ceat is a buying opportunity, a two-day correction."

"Finally Adani Ports which has been on a roll for a long time. Just like the Nifty, it was also consolidating, it is moving up. So, these are three midcaps but I would think there are a lot of opportunities," he added.

"I dont think there is anything significant because Infosys has been doing this, it goes up, comes down, it is not giving us a bullish stance. So, it is best to be avoided."

"Maruti Suzuki should remain an outperformer for this entire bull market and the bull market could continue for years. Dont even think of selling it, stay with it."

"Purely on the charts, and I am not talking about fundamentals, fundamentals can change the structure for midcap almost instantaneously. Purely on the charts, there is nothing to comment on Kiri Industries , it has been underperforming and you can switch to better midcaps. Century Textiles is a far better stock to be in," he said.
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Cipla on Thursday said it withdrew from the ongoing patent dispute with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche related to anti-cancer medicine Elontinib Hydrochloride after it reached an out-of-court settlement acknowledging the laters validity of patent rights over the drug.

Cipla and Roche/OSI confirm that they have reached an agreement regarding the ongoing patent disputes relating to the anti-cancer medicine Erlotinib Hydrochloride, Cipla said in an email statement.

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 added.

Cipla didn't disclose the details of the agreement.

Typically, in-patent infringement settlement cases end up with the challenger getting a licence to launch authorised generic for a royalty payment to the innovator.

The drug-maker earlier this week has withdrawn the special leave petition (SLP) it filed in the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court Order of 2015.

Roche has filed patent infringement case against Cipla after the Indian drug maker started selling its own version of Erlotinib Hydrochloride from late 2007 at third of innovators brand price.

Roche sells the drug used in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer and several other types of cancer under brand name Tarceva that cost around Rs 1.4 lakh at months dosage.

This is a surprising development, considering this was one of the biggest cases where mediation was initially advised by the DHC and had failed, wrote Maitreyee Dixit on SpicyIP, the intellectual property legal blog.

This settlement possibly marks the close of the first pharma patent case in India in the post TRIPS era, bringing a monumental chapter of Indias patent law to an end, Maitreyee added.
trends Clean power for Chennai Metro: To get largest solar rooftop installations The Chennai Metro Rail Project is looking to the sun to power its operations, quite literally. The project is on track to get one of the largest rooftop solar installations in India. CNBC-TV18's Jude Sannith gave us this report.
business Expect few more state governments to follow loan waiver scheme: Karnataka Bank Karnataka becomes the fourth state to waive off farm loans. Waiver of loans disbursed by cooperatives to cost the state over Rs 8,000 crore. Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) urges the centre to forego loans by nationalised bank as well. As far as this is not going to affect the repayment culture, we are not that much concerned, Mahabaleshwara MS, MD & CEO, Karnataka Bank told CNBC-TV18.
business GST & RERA will create confusion among consumers & developers at start: Prestige As the economy gears up for the goods and services tax (GST), the real estate sector is the one in focus today. The sector will attract a tax rate of 12 percent but there will also be availability of input tax credit on construction materials.
After months of speculation about a possible acquisition of controlling stake from Malvinder and Shivinder Singh in Fortis Healthcare, Fortis Malar and SRL Diagnostics, Malaysia-based Integrated Healthcare Holdings (IHH) is said to have pulled out of the talks at the last hour, according to a source-based report by Economic Times.

IHH, the Asias largest healthcare group operates the Parkway Pantai chain of hospitals in Malaysia, Singapore, China, India and Turkey.

The reasons for IHH pullout were not known immediately. The ET report said that IHH will be announcing the pullout formally by the end of this day.

IHH has been in exclusive negotiations with the Singh brothers, Malvinder and Shivinder, to acquire a controlling interest in Fortis Healthcare and Fortis Malar and SRL Diagnostics.

Business daily Mint had earlier reported that IHH is close to finalizing the deal by paying around Rs 3,600 crore for a 26 percent stake in Fortis.

The Singh brothers have been trying to raise funds to repay debt in RHC Holding, their holding company, to the tune of Rs 4,064 crore.

The company last week said in a filing to stock exchanges that it is still evaluating the best possible ways to raise funds and no firm decision in this regard has been approved by the board till date.

Fortis board had approved enabling of fund-raising options up to Rs 5,000 crore including but not limited to qualified institutional placement, foreign currency convertible bonds or any other method.

The stake sale is facing hurdles from Daiichi Sankyo, as the Japanese drug maker says that the Singh brothers' exit from Fortis Healthcare would hamper recovery of damages of Rs 2,562 crore awarded by a Singapore tribunal to the drugmaker.

In April, Daiichi moved Delhi High Court to block a sale in Religare Health Insurance Company Limited by the Singh brothers to investors affiliated with the equity firm True North. This caused the High Court to furnish details of all their unencumbered assets for future compensation.

Shares of Fortis Healthcare rose 1.56 percent to close at Rs.197.95 on BSE, the benchmark Sensex gained 0.02 percent and ended at 31,290.74 points.
Infosys Chief Executive Vishal Sikka attends a news conference in Mumbai, India, February 13, 2017. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui - RTSYGKL

The recent spate of senior level exits at Indias second largest information technology outsourcing company Infosys has raised questions about chief executive Vishal Sikka's leadership, but analysts and industry watchers are not calling it a crisis, just yet.

However, they do believe that the second largest Indian IT company will have to soon show growth numbers to impress the investors.

Infosys has lost about ten senior level executives since chief executive Vishal Sikka took over in 2014, the most recent exit being that of Sandeep Dadlani, Infosys head of Americas, and the global head of manufacturing, retail, CPG and logistics, who resigned from the company last week.

Some, like Michael Reh, former EVP at Infosys banking product Finacle, was brought into the company by Sikka from his previous employer- SAP in 2014. He quit in March last year.

The unusually high amount of senior turn over can be attributed to the new business model brought in by Sikka, and a clash of different cultures and styles, according to Peter Bendor-Samuel, CEO of consultancy Everest Group.

Phil Fersht, CEO at HfS Research said that when Sikka took the helm, the idea was to move on some long termers and bring in some fresh blood. He added, however, that stable and experienced leaders are essential for IT services companies as they go through a time of changing business models.

Several long time Infosys employees, or 'Infoscions', as the company refers to them, have quit in the past two years.

Notable among these were Sanjay Purohit, the former head of consulting at Infosys, who quit last year. Purohit had been with the company since the year 2000 and headed its product and platforms solutions unit Edgeverve.

Manish Tandon, who was with Infosys since 1998, also quit last year, as the executive vice president and head of healthcare and life sciences.

No company however talented can fail to be affected when it loses large numbers of talented executives, The velocity of change and loss of continuity with customer relationships is starting to have an impact on its ability to execute, Samuel of Everest told Moneycontrol in an email response.

CXOs moving outside Infy to bigger roles

Many of these senior executives were holders of extremely aggressive budgets which are difficult to achieve in the current climate of heightened uncertainty around government policies such as immigration together with uncertainties on the future of IT spending by global clients, said Sanjoy Sen, Doctoral Research Scholar, Aston Business School, UK.

Many of the former senior executives have moved on to bigger roles- Tandon, for example, is now the CEO of IT company CSS Corp. Dadlani, who had been with Infosys since 2001, has joined Mars Inc, the maker of Snicker chocolate bars, as its chief digital officer.

Gordon Muehl, the global group manager for industrial internet and country head for Germany, who was brought in by Sikka from SAP, quit this May and is now the global chief technology officer security & privacy protection at Huawei Technologies.

Overall, I don't see a major issue and point to some strong talent Sikka has brought into Infosys, such as Corey Glickman (Innovation), Sanjay Rajagopalan (Design Thinking) and Sudhir Jha (AI). Plus Mohit Joshi is a strong leader driving the financial services business for the firm and the US lead, Ravi Kumar is a strong personality for growing the onshore business, said Fersht on the question of a larger leadership issue at Infosys.

Infosys had not responded to a request for comment on this story at the time of publishing.

'Infosys badly needs a strong CMO'

What worries analysts and investors alike is some of the recent issues the company has been facing- an ongoing battle between the companys board and founders over lax corporate governance, slowing growth in some of its key verticals, and the rapid changes brought on by automation and digitisation.

Analysts say that slowing growth is an issue at Infosys. Samuel said that much of the growth and share gains under Sikka have come as a result of cutting price and positioning Infosys as a price challenge.

Unfortunately, the industry has retaliated and growth has again slowed. If Infosys is to stake its claim as a digital leader it must dramatically increase its growth rate in the new digital segment, he added.

Fersht agreed that the Street was increasingly cautious about Infosys growth story. To be above the flat growth trend for the industry - revenue growth in excess of 5 percent, with margins stable would be ideal. The firm still lacks a strong CMO and this is a position they badly need to fill to cement the firm's messaging and positioning in the market, he added.

The firm still lacks a strong CMO and this is a position they badly need to fill to cement the firm's messaging and positioning in the market, he added.

Sen said it would be premature to conclude that Infosys issues are because of an individual leader's leadership style, but it can certainly do more to reduce high-level attrition.

"The company should perhaps also be more pragmatic in revisiting its ambition levels and setting market expectations that are more practical to fulfil, he said, adding that the company should leverage agility and faster decision-making as its competitive differential to tide through these uncertain and volatile times.

neha.alawadhi@nw18.com
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In 2014, Parmigiani Fleurier signed a partnership with the Musee de lElysee in Lausanne. This partnership is part of a long-term commitment to support the art of photography and the emerging talent of the future. It links two brands that share the same desire to preserve the legacy of the past while encouraging learning and development among future generations.

With that aim in mind, in 2014 the Musee de lElysee and Parmigiani Fleurier created the Prix Elysee, which supports creativity in the field of photography. This competition rewards one talented photographer every other year, allowing them to produce and exhibit a new large-scale photography project. Selected from among 440 candidates, eight nominees were unveiled during the Nuit des Images in June 2016. They then devoted themselves to their photography projects, which were presented in January 2017 in the Nominees Book exploring the artistic direction taken by each one. These projects were individually judged by a prestigious jury. The winner will be announced on 24 June 2017 during the Nuit des Images which, every year, marks the conclusion of one cycle and the start of the next.

The eight nominees for 2016-2018 and their project

Isabelle Blanc and Olivier Hilare (Switzerland and France)  "La Verite de Mr Truth"

The True Truths Stories is a collection of new photographs based on the codes of the literary work (preface, chapters, epilogue, narrator). It is made up of a succession of narratives mixing true and fictional stories, within which the artists play with truth and falsehood with the help of archival and contemporary images.

"Whats hiding behind the polished sheen of images, both public and private?"

Elina Brotherus (Finland)  "Meaningless Work"

Elina Brotherus has an ambitious photographic mission: a project to produce images from her own interpretations of the preparatory scores and scripts of Fluxus artists in the 1960s and 1970s.

"How can a piece of work that seems insignificant be transformed into a project that will have significance in years to come?"

Matthias Bruggmann (Switzerland)  "A haunted world that never shows"

Building on the framework of his prior work on contemporary conflicts, Matthias Bruggmann continues a long-term photographic project launched in 2012 documenting the conflict in Syria. Respecting the numerous constraints inherent to photojournalism, his work aims to challenge our own moral assumptions and bring to the surface a greater understanding of the violence that underlies the conflict.

"If the tens of thousands of images of torture captured by Syrian photographers dont get the attention of the Western public, what can a foreigner who doesnt even speak Arabic achieve?"

David Jimenez (Spain)  "Omen"

In his photographic project Omen, David Jimenez seeks to play with the limits of our perception. He works toward the completion of this ambitious visual exploration which aspires to transcend time, space and culture to become a poetic visual abstraction that leads us closer to a higher meaning.

"A vast world opens up once our beliefs are abandoned to a stable and objective reality"

Sofie Knijff (Netherlands, Belgium)  "Tales"

Creating a dialogue between the fictional and real, Sofie Knijff will explore the influence of fairy tales and their meaning in different cultures today. Focusing on the genre of portraiture, she will work with children, bringing their favourite fairy tales to life. It is her hope that this project will inspire a new vision of how we perceive the "other" in the world today.

"Id like for my work to use the world of fairy tales to provide a different understanding of how we see the Other"

Jim Naughten (UK)  "The Mountains of Kong"

Jim Naughten proposes to travel through time to a fabled place where only the best images can be made. Acting as an explorer, scientist and photographer, he sets out to discover a world that existed in popular consciousness and maps for over a hundred years, the Mountains of Kong.

"The changeability of history and the way in which myths are born, grow and then disappear completely fascinate me"

Emeka Okereke (Nigeria)  "As We Recede"

Between the periods of 1950 and 1970 most African countries gained independence from colonial rule. With this came the task of self-actualisation and construction of nationalist consciousness. Emeka Okereke explores the sociopolitical entity of contemporary Nigeria with a multimedia project, encompassing photography, video and sound to revisit the history and eventualities of the Nigeria- Biafra War, giving a fresh perspective on the nuances of this impactful conflict.

"The creative process is a thought process"

Robert Zhao Renhui (Singapore)  "Natural History"

For Robert Zhao Renhui, nature conservation and appreciation is and always has been about fulfilling peoples need for nostalgic wildness, however contrived and fictitious it may be. He proposes embarking on a photographic project to investigate and document the different ideas we have constructed of nature.

"Zoos might be cruel, but theyre useful for city-dwellers"
Moneycontrol News:

Ramdevs Patanjali Ayurved was made to recall six of its medical products from Nepal by the countrys the Ministry of Health's Department of Drug Administration, as they were of a substandard quality.

The Hindustan Times reported that six medicinal products include a specific batch of Patanjalis Divya Gashar Churna, Bahuchi Churna, Amla Churna, Triphala Churna, Adviya Churna and Aswangandha.



On #YogaDay2017 notice for recall of seven of #ramdev baba's products by Nepal's Drug Administration. pic.twitter.com/FB8CjXQcOR

 Kanak Mani Dixit (@KanakManiDixit) June 21, 2017

In a public notice which made the social media rounds, the administration said that the six products, which were inspected and tested at various outlets failed the microbial tests, officials said. The batches were made by Divya Pharmacy in Uttarakhand.

The authorities have asked the Patanjali Ayurveda unit in Nepal to inform them about steps being taken to recall the products in line with local medicine laws. The department urged the stakeholders not to sell or prescribe the use of these six medicines with immediate effect.

In addition, Bengaluru-based Micro Lab Limited, which makes the Indian manufactured drug, Bactoclav received the same order.

The Hindustan Times reports of a Right to Information (RTI) reply in India had revealed that nearly 40% of Ayurveda products, including items from Patanjali, were found to be of substandard quality by Haridwars Ayurveda and Unani Office.
The recent deal between Tata and Lockheed is being applauded by many as a game-changer but critics are contending that it is nothing but a ploy to dump an ageing and outdated jet to India.

Tata recently signed a deal with US firm Lockheed to establish a plant in India to produce and service the F16 block-70 fighter jets. The deal is considered as a major step by the US company with an eye on Indian Air Force's plans to buy over 200 new fighter jets to its ageing fleet. It has earned praise for giving a boost to the Make in India plans.

But is it a ploy to make India a dumping ground for a jet that originated in the 70s? Brahma Chellaney, a commentator on strategic affairs tweeted, "Is Lockheed dumping F-16s on India? F-16s will become more obsolete by the time the first India-made ones roll out."

Another writer, Rahul Bedi, too shared similar doubts while talking to BBC. He said that the jet has already reached the maximum level of modernisation, adding that it is being phased out by the US for the much newer F-35's.

However, Lockheed has rejected this argument. The F-16 remains the backbone of the US Air Force's frontline air fleet and the US Air Force plans to operate F-16s, alongside F-35s and other aircraft for decades into the future. The US Air Force recently announced plans to extend the structural service life of up to 841 of its F-16s, the company told the BBC.
Officials from various telcos on Thursday met Union Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha and discussed the issue of resolving the debt crisis in the industry.

The telcos put down various suggestions such as cutting down the Spectrum Usage Charge (SUC) and cutting down the USoft contribution.

But there is a greater confusion with the respect to the Inter-Connect Usage Charge (IUC) debate.

They also made an appeal for lowering the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and sought that the license fee be subsumed as a part of the new tax.

Anil Ambani, Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Communications, had a brief one-on-one meeting with the Telecom Minister.

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In a recent poll of chief risk officers from banks across Asia Pacific, 77 percent of respondents told Silicon Valley analytics firm FICO that the inability to accurately assess customers credit risk constrains business growth.

In Asia, FICO estimates there are 250 million unbanked in India and more than 500 million in China, while a recent estimate by KPMG for Southeast Asia puts the figure at 438 million.

There is a significant economic, social and business imperative to address the issue, with the large majority of banks in the region looking to engage people who currently sit outside the formal banking system.

41 percent of lenders surveyed said they have customer growth targets of 20 percent or more for the year ahead. A further 14 percent said they needed to grow 15-20 percent, while 7 percent need to hit 10-15 percent more customers.

These steep targets reveal the ambitions of banks in the Asia Pacific region, who are eyeing the unbanked and underbanked populations, said Dan McConaghy, president for FICO Asia-Pacific.

And while one immediately thinks of the potential of China and India, it is worth remembering that even in developed economies there are many consumers outside the formal banking system. FICO demonstrated this recently with our FICO Score XD launch in the US, which aims to address the 53 million consumers there that are still unbanked or underbanked.

With more than a billion potential customers in the region, the survey found that 2 in 5 banks said they could grow their customer base by 11 to 25 percent if they could accurately score unbanked customers.

Furthermore, 7 in 10 respondents believe these new customers will be more profitable than existing customers.

The survey showed a more even split of opinion when it came to the potential for loans to go bad with these new customers. While about 3 in 5 banks anticipate higher bad loan rates from the unbanked and underbanked, 2 in 5 banks believe the risk is just the same, if not lower than other customers.

FICO has demonstrated that lenders do not have to dramatically increase their risk appetite, just because they are lending to a customer who is unbanked, said McConaghy.

By taking advantage of new alternative data sources, delivery platforms and mobile technology, we and our partners have created new scores that deliver risk assessments that are highly predictive and comparable to our traditional FICO Score.

In 2016, FICO announced an alternative data score in partnership with Lenddo to help address the unbanked population in the Indian market. A similar score was also announced in the Philippines in partnership with Consumer CreditScore (CCS). Both will help to improve and automate risk assessment using scores that are highly predictive.

The survey revealed that the speed of customer growth and reliability of risk assessment is still hampered by labor-intensive underwriting, with 4 in 10 banks admitting their credit assessment is mostly a manual process.

FICO conducted the survey of 37 chief risk officers from across Asia Pacific in March 2017 at its CRO Forum 2017 event in Phuket, Thailand.
Homoeopathic medicines.

The Union cabinet today approved signing of an agreement between India and Sri Lanka for cooperation in areas of traditional systems of medicine and homoeopathy.

The proposed memorandum of understanding will be inked between the Ministry of AYUSH and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine.

"The signing of the proposed MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of traditional medicine and homoeopathy. This will be of immense importance to both countries considering their shared cultural heritage," an official statement said.

The financial resources necessary to conduct research, training courses, conferences and meetings will be met from the existing allocated budget and existing plan schemes of the Ministry.

India has well-developed systems of traditional medicine including medicinal plants, which hold tremendous potential in the global health scenario. Sri Lanka also has a long history of traditional medicine. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy and Homoeopathy are the important traditional health care systems existing in Sri Lanka.

Both countries share a common culture with respect to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. Moreover, there are a large number of medicinal plants, particularly those found in tropical region which are common to the two countries given similar geo-climatic factors.

The Ministry of AYUSH, as part of its mandate to propagate Indian systems of medicine globally, has taken effective steps by entering into MoUs with 11 countries.
The central bank even issued a dissent note to the public on the governments proposal to set up a Payments Regulatory Board. (Image: Reuters)

Despite pressure in the IT (information technology) sector, start-ups are creating more jobs. The pessimism regarding job losses is a judgment too soon, RBI governor Urjit Patel said on Thursday.

While there could be pressure on employment in some of the IT sectors, it is not necessarily in terms of literally a job destruction, but may be the growth rate is affected...The number of start ups in that same space is almost compensating for most of this, Patel said at a panel organised by the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) on Banking and Financial services in Mumbai.

Patel further said that when you talk to companies, they hardly complain.

"I rarely hear about jobs destruction. The sector has always had two-way movement. It is a high employment turnover sector. I think we don't have to be overly pessimistic at this stage I'm not overly pessimistic and certainly would not make a judgment on it now, it is too early to tell," he added.

Talking about fintech (financial technology) at the same panel, he said with the emergence of technology-enabled innovation in financial services there will both opportunities and risks to financial sector stability.

He cautioned that these needs to be addressed by policy makers, regulators and supervisors, as many innovations have not been tested through a full financial cycle.

Indias fintech industry has almost tripled its size since 2013 and the value of transactions has touched USD 30 billion already. Here, Patel asked to maintain caution of the space that the world is yet to recover even from the 2008-09 global financial crisis.

Meanwhile, the RBI itself is going more digital. The central bank has taken several steps in the sector such as the licencing payment banks, Bharat Bill Payment System and launch of UPI (Unified Payment Interface), IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), among others to facilitate innovations, payment systems and digital banking.

The banking regulator has also issued a discussion paper for peer-to-peer lending companies and will soon issue guidelines on it.

"We had to wait for one or two clearances in this area before we move forward and we have those clearances now," Patel said.

He also said enough focus or publicity has not been given to IndiaStack - a set of APIs (application program interface) that allows governments, businesses, start-ups and developers to utilise a unique digital infrastructure to resolve problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless services delivery.

The UPI, Aadhaar authentication, Aadhaar e-KYC (know-your-customer) and digital locker among others are a part of IndiaStack.

"IndiaStack is a game-changer in our macro fundamentals as financialisation of our savings continues. The most important and durable implication of this is going to be an increase in financial savings compared to where we are now," he said.

IndiaStack can also help improve growth rates in the future and its full implication will come in short to medium-term, Patel said.
K G Krishnamoorthy Rao

The summer admissions to foreign universities are in full swing and students from India will soon be on a flight to their dream destinations to achieve their career goals. On an average, every year, nearly 50000 to 55000 students travel from India to countries like US, UK and Australia. We have also seen Germany and Ukraine becoming favourite destinations for specific subjects such as Science and Medicine in the recent years. These 55000 students not only comprise of pupils who travel for higher education after class 10th but also of professionals above 40 years who travel for short term professional courses arranged by various universities.

Be it students or professionals, admission to a foreign university is not only enthralling but also nerve- wracking. While it provides a great future prospect to get your degree from a foreign country, it comes with its own share of uncertainties and hesitations. Student travel insurance provides a host of benefits including medical and non-medical insurance coverage for the tenure of your academic course with auto-renewal and extension facilities. The coverage is exhaustive and provides for the expenses that are incurred on medical treatment, passport loss, and study interruptions.

Insurance companies generally provide student travel insurance to those who are between 16 to 35 years of age. Here is a snapshot of various covers that students can avail:

Medical expenses

The insurance plans take care of your medical expenses that may arise owing to accident and sickness while travelling. This medical assistance also includes emergency dental treatment, maternity benefits and also takes care of transfer to the nearest location (or country) where the treatment you need is available. From our database, we have observed that students have filed claims for medical OPD the most, which goes to show that this is one of the most important feature of the policy.

Loss of Passport

This cover keeps you at bay from the fright when you lose your documents in a foreign land. It shields you from this inconvenience and ensures that the reasonable expenses that may be incurred in procuring a duplicate or temporary passport overseas is covered.

Baggage Delay/ Loss

In case of baggage loss, your insurer is liable to pay up to the specified maximum limit as per the policy wordings. The policy can also provide financial protection on unplanned personal purchases due to delay in arrival of the checked-in baggage in a foreign country.

Sponsor Protection

In case of accidental death or permanent disablement of your sponsor, your tuition fee incurred for the remaining period of this education up to specified maximum limit will be reimbursed by the insurer.

Tuition fee

The student travel policies are so comprehensive that they ensure the reimbursement of unutilized tuition fees if you are hospitalized for more than one consecutive month for Injuries/ ailments that are covered under the policy. This also includes the cases of terminal illness or transportation to the nearest location in case of medical emergency or in case of accidental death of your immediate family member.

Personal Accident

Most of the times, insurers provides coverage against accidental death and permanent total disablement, irrespective of the country in which you are studying.

While many diverse aspects are covered under a student travel insurance policy, it is important to fully understand the exclusions of such policies.

It does not entail the medical expenses that may be incurred when the specific purpose of a journey is to receive medical treatment or advice for pre- existing conditions. Also, it does not shield you in cases that are related to the influence of alcoholism, abuse of drugs, HIV and AIDS.

Unexpected situations that pose as a hurdle in your study plans can make you spend your savings in a jiffy. Today educational institutions abroad usually provide such policies partly or ensure that you purchase one as a part of their admission/ academic course mandate.

There is minimum paperwork involved in this form of insurance. Today, insurance companies have adopted the digital platform and provide all the details of their products on respective websites. Applying for a student travel insurance policy may be as simple as running a few medical tests and submitting documents that are required by the insurer. Many companies offer customized policies as well to cater to your preferences and requirements.

It is important to analyze and compare the different policies that are offered by different insurance companies to select the right plan. It is recommended to buy a policy from a reputed insurer that has a respectable record of servicing and claim settlement as these are the vital features when you need to register a claim. You must also remember that an economical policy may not always be the paramount policy for you. Lastly, you should always read the policy document carefully to understand the terms of the policy before making the final decision.

With increasing disposable income and the scaling ambitions of the Indian youth, we have certainly seen an upsurge in the awareness and acceptance of student travel insurance.

You know all your efforts and hard work over the years have been worth it when you receive that admission letter from your chosen international university. And with that right insurance policy, you can keep all your worries at bay and make your travel and stay secured.

The writer is MD and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Company
The logo of Apple is seen at a store in Zurich, Switzerland November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann - RTSUCB7

The government has sought investment and job creation details from iPhone maker Apple in order to facilitate setting up its proposed manufacturing facility in India.

A view on Apple's application for tax concessions would be taken up after considering the levels of investments and the benefits that are likely to accrue to the Indian economy, sources said.

Departments including revenue, electronics and information technology, and industry are deliberating upon the Cupertino-based technology major's proposal to set up smartphone manufacturing facility in India.

Earlier, Apple Inc had indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including customs duty exemptions, duty waiver on import of components, permission to repair and re-export smartphones and continuation of certain tax incentives after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Sources added the government is actively considering their proposal.

With sales tapering off in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India - the fastest growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs.

Apple, however, does not manufacture devices on its own but gets the job done through contract manufacturers. Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years, Apple has sought relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

Apple sells its products through company-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others.

It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.
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Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has refuted the general impression that the Indian IT industry is overly dependent on H-1B visas for its business mode, amid the Trump administration's crackdown on firms abusing the visa system to hire foreign workers on a low wage.

Sikka also believes that the Indian IT companies need to grab the opportunities provided by new technologies like artificial intelligence in a big way to retain its global leadership edge in this fast changing infotech environment.

"It is wrong to say and to think that we are dependent on H-1Bs. For example, if you look over the last 10 years, there are about 65,000, something like that, H-1B visas granted every year. That means over 10 years it is 650,000. And we collectively employ millions of people. Infosys alone has 200,000 employees. TCS close to double that number and so on," 50-year-old Sikka told PTI in an interview.

So, the assumption that Indian IT firms are dependent on H-1B visas is not correct, he said in response to a question on the charges that the business model of Indian IT companies is based on H-1B visas and major Indian IT firms like Infosys, Wipro and TCS are expected to be hit by the Trump administration's crackdown on firms abusing the visa system.

In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise this issue with US President Donald Trump during his White House meeting here next week.

During his wide ranging phone conversation from Palo Alto in California, Sikka acknowledged that in the last decade and a half, there was a lot of usage of the H-1B visas. "But, ultimately it has always been about delivering value," he asserted.

"The Indian IT industry has delivered a tremendous amount of value, especially in the US. But the nature of that value delivery is changing dramatically. Just as in the past it was easier and it was possible to move jobs to India or to companies where large amount of work would happen in India. So, these kind of a global delivery model or onsite, offshore and so forth...More and more of the work can now be done with the automation," he said.

Responding to another question, Sikka said since more and more of the work is now becoming automated, the Indian IT companies need to focus much more on the innovative areas, on the new areas, on the areas that are the frontier areas.

"Like artificial intelligence (AI), like machine learning, like internet openings and you know, voice interfaces and chat interfaces, virtual reality, cyber security and these kinds of things," he said.

"So, we have to bring in a deep focus on embracing automation and AI for that part of our world which is becoming automatised and becoming much more innovative in the new parts of our work. I think that is what the future is going to be all about. It is, every aspect of our life is being transformed by software. Every aspect of our life is being transformed by AI. And we have to embrace this," Sikka said.

Indian IT companies, including his own Infosys, have embarked on this new path, he said. "I think that in general we are, the industry is still in the early stages and I'm very happy with what we are doing at Infosys," he said.

"We have also given back a lot over the last 35 years. And now we have a plan to bring in 10,000 new generation jobs here in the US in the next two years. We already started down that path, we opened our first center already in Indianapolis. We are going to hire 500 people there by next year. We will have other centers that will be coming up in the near future," he said in response to a question.

He said the Indian IT industry already contribute a lot to the US economy and it will do even more.

"We are committed to the US economy. So I think that in addition, beyond hiring and the local economy and the contribution and so forth, it is about innovation. It is about creating jobs with new kinds of skills," Sikka said.

He said the 10,000 jobs that they plan to bring in the US are all high skilled jobs and in the innovative new areas, like AI, new interfaces, cloud based technology et al.

"In order to that, we have to train people. We are creating a huge amount of training and skilling programme to help create these jobs, create these skills. All our centers are not really innovation centers where we deliver value to client, but it is also training centers where we hire kids out of colleges as well as adults and either skill them or deskill them in these areas," he said.
The Maharashtra government has launched an enforcement exercise to crack down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs and other banned substances in health supplements, food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday said and asked other states to take similar action.

Addressing a seminar on Nutraceuticals, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal said the regulator has already provided the states a list of drugs banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

On widespread use of performance enhancing and other banned drugs in health supplements, he said, "It is a serious issue. We are working along with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to prevent this. A major enforcement exercise is going on in Maharashtra by state Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."

"We require these efforts to be taken on an ongoing basis," he said adding that other states need to follow the example of Maharashtra.

India stands third in the world in doping violation cases and this is a "dubious distinction", Agarwal said, while cautioning the food supplement industry to be aware of threat of use of doping substances.

Earlier this week, the FSSAI had written a letter to the food safety commissioner of states/UTs on use of performance enhancing drugs in health supplements. It directed states to initiate special drive to check for use of such substances in food supplements.

It directed states to initiate a special drive to check for use of such substances in food supplements.

The regulator had noted that use of health supplements by youth and sportspersons is gathering popularity in India.

It did not rule out the possibility of unscrupulous manufacturers adding certain performance-enhancing drugs and other banned substances in these products.

In case of any suspicion, the FSSAI had said that samples should be drawn and sent to NADA.

"Action as provided under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 shall be initiated against defaulting food business operators," it said.
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Disclaimer

Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes.
The airline stocks have been doing well in a goldilocks like scenario. To discuss the dynamics of the industry as well as potential of a new player coming into the private listed space  Air India. CNBC-TV18 spoke to Amber Dubey, Partner & Head of Aerospace & Defense, KPMG and Mayur Milak, Senior Research Analyst, Indianivesh Securities.

Dubey is confident that the 18 percent passenger growth for the sector is very much sustainable because it is backed by some solid fundamentals. The oil prices look like they will be stagnant at the levels sub USD 50/barrel, the policy initiatives taken by the government have aided growth, the propensity to travel by air, higher per capita incomes and the economy growing at steady place  all these fundamentals will support growth of the airline sector.

However, on the flipside the airline space is vulnerable to security, safety issues and health issues like a disease outbreak where the bookings get cancelled, says Dubey.

The only headwind for the aviation sector is the infrastructure gap at main airports like Mumbai, Delhi and others like Goa, Pune etc but on the whole the current environment is conducive for growth.

Talking about the privatisation of Air India, Milak says that would help bring in lot of efficiencies to the carrier. However, it is unlikely to be a neck-breaking competition to the other private players. In fact it would be good for the whole of aviation space.

Therefore, the entire sector looks in a sweet spot, believe Milak, adding that it is supported by lower crude price, the demand looks structural and not seasonal.

So, the overall growth looks intact and valuations are still cheap. There is still value in SpiceJet.

Dubey does not think Air India government would look at selling it to the foreign airlines, at least not in the initial stages given the emotional connect and the national carrier tag. However, if there are no Indian buyers then they would look at foreign players. Moreover, there are lot of bilateral rights and slots at Heathrow, JFK, Chicago etc, which are of immense value and cannot be given to foreign players.

With regards to debt and what needs to be written-off etc., Dubey thinks there are lot of issues to be sorted out by the bankers, government and the potential bidders.
Mahesh Nandurkar of CLSA said as India is expected to usher in the largest-ever indirect tax reform, GST, from July 1, the current trend on inventory de-stocking makes it amply clear that the June quarter numbers for most businesses will be subdued.

He believes business financials will begin to normalise from the September quarter.

Structural benefits of better tax compliance leading to higher tax-to-GDP ratio, seamless trade across the country driving improved logistics and corporate efficiencies, and shift in business from unorganised to organised should be visible with a lag of 3-4 quarters, Nandurkar feels.
Most retailers report that their business was a complete washout in April due to localised lockdowns across the country.

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With GST rollout around the corner, the Indian garment industry will likely become more organised, handing branded marquee names a clear advantage over the fragmented players, who currently make up over 60 percent of the industry. Indian Terrain Fashions (ITFL), which has been in apparel business for over six years now, looks to be on solid turf, given its brand recall, and focus on mens wear.

The Company

Indian Terrain, with a market cap of Rs 775 crore, grew out of a split from Celebrity Fashions (CF) in 2010. The Chennai-based company has been quietly expanding its footprint over the years to leverage the strengths it had gained in menswear. Its recent product offerings include mens footwear and boys wear.

Leveraging On The Expertise Of Celebrity Fashions: Indian Terrain benefits from one of its key suppliers Celebrity Fashions (CF) experience in understanding fashion trends. About 25 percent of ITFLs woven outsourcing requirement is met by CF alone.

GST, A Shot In The Arm: Post GST, scores of small unbranded garment players, who hogged the market share of organised entities such as ITFL in the past, will come under a uniform tax regime. However, after July 1 this year, a marginally higher tax rate of 12 percent on apparel items (where price exceeds Rs 1,000) as against the current effective rate of 8 to 10 percent, is likely to be a short-term dampener.

Asset-Light Business Model: Since ITFLs focus is solely on retail and distribution activities pan-India, manufacturing of garments and apparel is completely outsourced to external suppliers. Though this model assures a better return on capital, on the flip side, it also exposes the company to major external uncertainties. However, quality control checks and long-term contractual agreements ensure that such risks are mitigated to quite an extent.

Product Variety with Superior Realizations: ITFLs product pricing strategy is targeted at the upper middle class, with an average realization in the range of Rs 1500-Rs 3000 per unit. Though this may seem marginally higher than most other competitors, superior product quality, backed by a strong brand recognition, plays a vital role not only in terms of product differentiation, but also by way of higher contribution towards operating margins. The ability to meet a diverse range of consumer requirements spanning t-shirts, knitwear, shorts, shirts, trousers, and jackets also gives the brand ample visibility.

Wide Distribution Network: To ensure adequate brand presence and awareness, ITFLs products are marketed through over 1200 multi-brand outlets (MBOs), 269 large format stores (LFS), 141 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), and 7 e-commerce platforms. To expand its reach further and capitalize on the uptrend in the non-metros as well, ITFLs strategy entails adding new stores (mainly in Northern India because of the immense untapped potential), entering into agreements with new franchisees, and setting up of more effective distribution channels throughout the country.

Retailing in a Sweet Spot: Indias branded apparel market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10-12 percent every year, largely led by a spurt in GDP, thereby boosting discretionary consumption. A change in consumer preferences towards premium garments underscores the subtle shift in favour of aesthetics and quality over price for the new generation of Indian men.

The growing popularity of online shopping has revolutionised the retail industry and will continue to drive the sectors growth in the coming years, owing to the convenience and flexibility it offers. However, the growth of e-commerce channels with deep pockets, apart from their steep discount strategies, may pose significant challenges for the companys brand.

Peer Comparison

Valuation

Despite a strong top-line growth, ITFLs performance on the operational and bottom-line fronts was affected in FY17 (in comparison to FY16) on account of high procurement costs, higher interest and depreciation expenses (attributable to store additions), and an increase in the tax rate. Barring this blip, the company has been performing steadily year-on-year.

Since the wholesale distribution channel accounts for more than 30 percent of ITFLs annual turnover, there could be GST-induced disruptions impacting the companys earnings for a couple of quarters. With the long-term tailwinds firmly in place, any weakness could be an accumulation opportunity, as the stock looks reasonably valued at 18.5x FY19 estimated earnings.
Old Bridge Capital Management believes India will become a large consumer economy going forward.

Over the next decade or longer, rural franchise will fairly become largethe decade will be about evening out of distortion (between rural population and GDP against urban counterparts) that is there and at the end of it, we will be a large consumer economy, Kenneth Andrade, Founder & CEO of Old Bridge told CNBC-TV18 in an interview.

On Indian market, Andrade said there is no valuation comfort in most businesses. You have to look at large opportunitiesgoing forward, the market breadth will collapse. Individual brilliance will sustain, he added.

Andrade highlighted how the shift from unorganised to organised businesses could be a long term concern as unorganised is currently a big employment generator. Having said that, he feels the economy will find a way out around this.

He noted the media sector is suffering lack of pricing power. Top media companies are cash positive, he said, adding incremental demand will lead to higher return on equities (RoE).

However, sectors that he is away from include pharmaceuticals, IT and financials.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has promoted two employees to the post of Executive Director.

These are the first appointments since the norms were changed to recruit more internal staff for higher positions.

Nagendra Parekh and Amarjeet Singh have been made Executive Directors. They were both Chief General Managers previously. The regulator is yet to decide on portfolios for them.

Parekh is currently the seniormost general manager at SEBI and was previously a member at Forward Market Commission. Singh is currently working as an executive assistant to the Chairman.

At a board meeting in April, SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi had cleared a long-pending demand of SEBI Employees Association to increase the representation of internal employees in Executive Director posts. Now, more than 60 percent of ED positions will be filled internally.

The SEBI Board also changed the constitution of the recruitment panel, which will include a chairman, two board members and two external members. The chairman will select the external members.

SEA had on several occasions made its case before the regulators board and chairman. However, previous SEBI chief UK Sinha did not give the green light to raise the limit above 50 percent. After Tyagi took over in March, SEA made the demand again and got his approval in his first SEBI board meeting.

The SEA, which represents more than 600 employees, had also filed a petition before the Bombay High Court saying lateral hiring instead of promoting internal candidates was impacting their morale and in violation of regulations.

The court, however, dismissed the petition saying that SEBI has the power to hire outside candidates.
Indian IT services industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) expects software export growth to slow to 7-8 percent in the current financial year, the lowest revenue growth forecast in the last eight years.

Nasscom had, for the first time in 25 years, deferred the annual growth revenue guidance range in February, citing political and macroeconomic factors.

The IT services industry has been grappling with a slowdown in its banking and financial services business, which contributes a large chunk of revenues. It has also been hit by its retail clients facing a slowdown from the rise of online retail channels.

At its flagship industry event earlier this year, the Nasscom India Leadership Forum, the industry body had said that the IT industry grew by 8.6 percent in the current fiscal 2016-17, in line with its forecast of 8-10 percent last year.

Last November, Nasscom had lowered its annual forecast from 10-12 per cent, due to an adverse impact from Brexit in the UK, the US elections and stressed financial services spending.

The IT industry is going through a transformation in its business models as the IT market shifts to cloud-based and everything-as-a-service delivery models, which require less upfront expenditure, slowing overall growth of the sector.

Nasscom said on Thursday that the last fiscal year added USD 11 billion in revenue to Indian IT industry, and that the domestic market is expected to grow faster than export revenues. Nasscom attributed this to relatively fast adoption of digital solutions by Indian enterprise.

However, the domestic growth projection has also fallen from last years 11-13 percent.

Adding to the industrys woes in the past year are protectionist policies in nearly all its big markets, including US, UK, Europe, Singapore and New Zealand. Nasscom said on Thursday that the industry is looking at newer markets such as Japan, Germany, Middle East, Africa and China with focus on digital solutions in this fiscal, in addition to a big focus on reskilling employees in areas such as cybersecurity and data science.

Nasscom and big Indian IT players have consistently denied news of mass layoffs this year, but confidence among the workforce is low. The industry body said it expects to add 1.3-1.5 lakh new jobs this year, and marked cloud platforms, business intelligence, cognitive technology and embedded technology as growth areas.

Manoeuvring through an uncertain phase over the past year, the industry has maintained its status as a key net hirer in the country and global technology and services hub. Considering the evolution that the industry is undergoing due to the adoption of new technologies, it is imperative that we as an industry drive the skilling and reskilling of new and existing talent, said R Chandrashekhar, president, Nasscom, in a statement.
Job creation in India will be a key agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top American CEOs of global giants like Walmart, Apple and Caterpillar this Sunday during his visit to the US.

The discussions will also include efficiency in logistics arena, the post-demonetisation macroeconomic scenario and the potential gains through the GST rollout from next month, an official said.

Besides, the impact of new visa restrictions on the IT industry is expected to come up for discussion during talks with the technology CEOs.

"The discussions between the Prime Minister and nearly 20 top American CEOs in Washington would focus significantly on the employment front," said an industry leader who will be among those present for these meetings.

The government is expected to focus a lot of efforts on employment front going forward, while expectations are that 30-40 per cent of the 12 million annual job creation can be addressed by retail sector alone.

New facilities to be set up by the American corporations are also expected to give a boost to the job creation.

Modi is slated to visit the US on June 25-26.

American CEOs expected to meet Modi on Sunday include Apple's Tim Cook, Walmart's Doug McMillon, Caterpillar's Jim Umpleby, Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella.

Among others are Mariott International chief Arne Sorenson, Jhonson & Jhonson's Alex Gorsky, Mastercad's Ajay Banga, Warburg Pincus's Charles Kaye and Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein.

Modi will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 for the first time. He will hold talks with Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules.

India has time and again raised the issue of H-1B with the US authorities and asked them to liberalise the visa regime as Indian companies contribute significantly to the American economy.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties.

Regional security situation including Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and other international issues are expected to figure prominently during the meeting of the two leaders.

Modi's visit comes against the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries.

Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said.

Strongly rejecting Trump's contention, India had asserted it signed the Paris agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect environment.
With the concept of shared office space fast catching up in India, leasing is expected to touch 10 mn sq ft by 2020. While demand more than tripled in 2016 to touch 0.7 mn sq ft as compared to 2014, this year leasing is expected to cross 1.5 mn sq ft, says a report titled The Art of Co-working by CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd.

Shared office spaces fall into three categories  traditional business centres, co-working spaces and incubators/accelerators. According to CBRE Research, currently, there are close to 350 shared office operators present in India, spread across 800 locations in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

As many as 85 percent shared office space in India is in Tier 1 cities, while the remaining 15 percent is in Tier 2 cities. With Bengaluru, NCR (Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida) and Mumbai being gateway cities, 75 percent of the shared office spaces are based in these three locations. Each has more than 100 shared office spaces followed by Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune. CBRE research also revealed that while more than 90 percent of business centres and co-working spaces are present in tier 1 cities, almost half of incubators/accelerators are present in tier 2 locations.

The most significant benefit of a co-working space is the cost saving as compared to a conventional space leasing. In the larger cities of Delhi, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune, for instance, cost saving is anywhere between 10 percent to 25 percent when choosing a co-working space over a traditional office space.

Indias office market has seen sustained growth in the past few years. It is also one of the most dynamic segments of real estate, witnessing numerous advancements, whether it is technology driven, design related or with regards to workplace strategies. With the global economy continuing to expand and India emerging as a hotspot for corporates expansion strategies, it is only natural that concepts such as shared offices/co-working spaces would pick up the pace. Occupier focus on business operations over RE decisions, increasing occupier awareness of co-working as an alternate option, the rising acceptance of remote working and an increased preference towards flexible leasing terms will be factors that will drive demand for co-working spaces in the times to come, said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman, India & South East Asia, CBRE.

Initially, co-working spaces were focused on providing solutions for entrepreneurs and startups who had constrained budgets for their office setups. However, with the benefits that such spaces offer  affordability, negligible CapEx requirements, efficient space usage and flexibility to expand and contract at short notice, the concept is now catching up with established corporates.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. said, With domestic and international corporates focusing their expansion strategies on cost efficiencies, optimum business operations and space utilization, co-working is not only changing the dynamics of office spaces in India, it is also defining the corporate culture of the future.

Co-working spaces have been dominant in the top cities of Gurgaon, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, with smaller cities of Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have seen a higher presence of business centres - a result of business centre formats entering the Indian market at an earlier stage. Tier 2 cities such as Kochi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Bhubaneshwar, Patna etc. are witnessing demand for incubators/accelerators formats. 90 percent of shared office operations in India are by domestic players who offer all three formats, whereas international operators focus on business centre spaces followed by co-working operators. There are more than 20 international operators in the shared office segment in India, mainly from APAC, USA, UK and EMEA.

In the next few years, with office rents continuing to move up across India, the total space leased by co-working operators in tier 1 and tier 2 cities is could touch 6 - 10 mn sq ft by 2020. With the choices of Indias millennial population continuing to have an impact on Indias real estate industry, co-working could be the differentiator in attracting talent.
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Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications said it has started the process to monetise its real estate assets in Delhi and Mumbai as part of its efforts to pare debt.

Reliance Communication is saddled with Rs 45,000-crore debt. It has got a seven-month reprieve from banks to service the debt.

"We wish to inform...that the company has initiated the monetisation programme for its real estate properties," the company said in a regulatory filing.

The company has come out with advertisement in newspapers to sell or lease Reliance Centre building in Delhi. It has also listed DAKC IT Park in Navi Mumbai for sale/lease.

As part of its overall efforts to reduce debt, RCom will receive Rs 11,000 crore from sale of its tower business to Canadian firm Brookfield Infrastructure.

This along with the merger of wireless business of RCom and Aircel, to form a new entity called Aircom, will enable the company trim debt by nearly 60 per cent.

Like its larger rivals, RCom too has been hit hard by intense price war unleashed by Reliance Jio, owned by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani.
To make the metro commute in the capital a frictionless experience for daily commuters, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has allowed the use of e-payment watches.

DMRC will be working in collaboration with Austrian watchmaker LAKS GmbH to introduce a smart watch  Watch2Pay  along with a Delhi Metro SIM card. It will be available for Rs 6,000 onwards.

The smart watch will enable commuters to just wave their wrist, instead of a smart card or token, on the screen at the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) gates to make payments and commute.

The watches will be available through an e-commerce site, DMRC said in a statement.

Last year, the DMRC had announced that 500 out of the 1073 AFC gates across all Metro stations of the network are being converted exclusively for the Smart Card users to enable smooth exit at a faster pace.

The testing for the smart watchs application in Delhi Metros began in 2015 when Lucas Scheybal, CEO, Watch2Pay, made a transaction via a prototype at the New Delhi Metro Station.

The watchmaker is already in collaboration with Hyderabad Metro Rail since 2015 and claims to be the first watch equipped with a smart card that provides customers with a fast and convenient alternative to tickets and cash.

Smart watches can be topped up just like Delhi Metro smart cards through credit cards, debit cards and net banking.

This year, the annual ridership of the Delhi Metro crossed the 100 crore mark.
The Grand Imam of Egypts Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb announced on Wednesday that Al-Azhar  the world's oldest Sunni institute of Islamic learning  will submit a draft law to parliament criminalising hate speech, particularly against any religious beliefs.

During an event at Al-Azhar attended by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to celebrate Laylat El-Qadr on Wednesday, El-Tayeb said that Al-Azhar is submitting this draft law upon the president's request as a way to combat ideologies that do not represent Islam.

Al-Azhar said that this law aims to criminalise incitement to hatred and violent crimes committed in the name of religion, and should help promote tolerance.

The proposed law also prohibits any act of discrimination between citizens, and states that educational and media bodies should commit to spreading a culture of brotherhood and tolerance and the respect of the religious doctrine of the other.

The Egyptian president said in a speech at the event that amending religious discourse is key to defeating terrorism and extremism.

Following the April suicide bombings targeting churches in Alexandria and Tanta, which killed 46 people and injured dozens, El-Sisi formed the Supreme Council to Combat Terrorism and Extremism, which is tasked with combating terrorism in accordance with a national strategy to fight the phenomenon.

The Egyptian president has repeatedly called for purging religious discourse of extremist ideologies.

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Uber CEO Travis Kalanick speaks to students during an interaction at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Mumbai, India, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/File Picture

Amitabh Kant, the chief executive of NITI Aayog, in a recent event narrated how he had to rescue Uber's co-founder and CEO Travis Kalanick and get him an access into India after he landed in the country without a valid visa. At 2:30 am, he had to wake up the home secretary and the director of Intelligence Bureau to ensure his entry into India.

Kant was speaking at a welcome function for the Uber CEO in New Delhi organised by an industry chamber.

During last years Startup India event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Kalanick to share the dais with him, despite the company having been banned in New Delhi in 2015 by courts after the rape of a woman executive by a Uber driver partner.

Kalanick continued to enjoy a clout with top bureaucrats across the world even in countries which had blocked Uber or where it was facing massive opposition from local courts.

At the event with Kant, Kalanick talked about the companys value of principled confrontation in front of several government officials  a value which professed confrontation with local laws to what the company thinks is right.

So much so that during the conversation Kant had to agree that innovation will always be ahead of regulations and that the government had to be receptive to change.

Despite all the clout it enjoyed, not all was fine within Uber's workplace. Behind the curtains of overly focused, work centric environment, soon emerged cases of sexism. Multiple issues involving the driver partners came to light with a video of Kalanick himself being involved in a heated argument with a driver going viral.

A former engineer at Uber called Susan Fowler wrote a blog-post enumerating incidents of harassment she suffered in the workplace.

The most recent incident of allegation of a senior executive possessing medical record of the rape victim involving a Uber driver, proved to be a final nail in the coffin.

The developments finally pushed the much celebrated founder and chief executive to resign from the company.

Rivals could gain with Uber's internal strife

While operations of the company may not or least be marginally affected specially in the US-headquartered Uber's second biggest market -- India, the brand image is likely to go for a toss, according to experts.

According to communications consultant Dilip Cherian, there are two things to be considered in Ubers case. One is operations in terms of customer satisfaction, services offered etc. The other thing is how the regulator, law enforcement agencies and policy makers look at the company.

"Companies which have caused sectoral disruptions globally tend to suffer a lot of damage (to image)," Cherian said adding that a lot will depend on who is brought by the company as the new chief executive officer and if the person is able to make sure that the company's image is reformed.

Uber will also be in a vulnerable position while competing with local rivals across respective markets.

According to Jaspal Singh, co-founder of transport advisory firm Valoriser Consultants, the immediate focus of the company now will be more on correcting things than targeting growth.

"Players like Didi are quite aggressively looking to expand in different markets. Similarly Ola too is getting aggressive when it comes to expanding into newer categories such as electric vehicles. Grab in South East Asia is also playing very aggressive now too. Whereas Uber is drastically looking at improving things internally. When you do things like that, it impacts your partners and stakeholders," he said.

Analysts however unanimously agree that the recent incidents are unlikely to have much impact on the business, provided there are no further rabbits coming out of the hat.

"India is not a politically correct market," said Harish Bijoor, chief executive officer of brand and business strategy firm Harish Bijoor Consults Inc. He added that the key issue is the size of the business and the way it touches the common man.

According to him, if at all there will be any effect on the consumers, it will solely be if there is a degradation of the services and not from the immediate developments.

According to a recent report in tech blog Recode, Uber's Asia Pacific head Eric Alexander had allegedly obtained confidential medical records of the rape victim, which were passed around in the company up to CEO Travis Kalanick.

The report also stressed that Ubers executives spread rumours that rival Ola was trying to sabotage companys image through an incident that involved a sexual assault on the woman passenger.

"Based on facts in public domain, it's possible that Travis' resignation could have been avoided if it was proven that he didn't look at the medical report of the victim or other goings on or had acted swiftly against the executives involved," said Avimukt Dar, a partner at law firm IndusLaw.

Startups could stop identifying with Uber

Uber was looked up as the holy grail of successful startups globally. It has raised close to USD 10.7 billion since its launch in 2009 making it as world's most valued startup at over USD 70 billion.

Launched in 2009, Uber has raised over USD 10.7 billion, making it as one of the highly successful startups valued at over USD 70 billion. Brand consultants say the recent incidents could damage the companys image in eyes of those who idolised the company.

Younger startups could refrain from calling themselves -- Uber of xyz, a connotation very popular amongst companies trying to aggregate local businesses.

"Events like this do change the perception of savvy founders who don't want to then take on any of the negative rub-off of a company that is affected by problems of its own," said Cherian.
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Tata Elxsi shares gained nearly 3 percent intraday Thursday after Airports Authority of India selected the company to design IT guidelines for all airports coming up in the future.

As a strategic design partner, the Tata Group company will help AAI to provide a seamless passenger travel experience.

"We will be primarily responsible to set the wayfinding and information design guidelines for all AAI airports coming up in the future," the global design and technology consultancy said in its filing.

It will also enable AAI to set a team and create a process to design and implement world-class, customer-centric information and wayfinding system. This will cover the entire passenger journey right from parking to boarding the plane, to making the spaces efficient and user-friendly. The design will be in line with the global standards and Tata Elxsi will set the guidelines / standards for all future airports.

Tata Elxsi has already started the work on creating an intuitive, customer-centric wayfinding system and developing a unique image for several airport terminals like Goa, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, Pune, Trivandrum, Coimbatore and Guwahati.

At 14:48 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 1,636.90, up Rs 19.35, or 1.20 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Sunil Shankar Matkar
Elantas Beck India Limited (EBIL) is the largest manufacturer of the specialty chemicals used in the electrical insulation space in India. Riding on technology from parent company Altana (a global specialty chemical leader), a dominant presence in the Indian market and power sector reforms, this company is worth a look. Interestingly, the company is 75 percent owned by parent Altana and none of the other subsidiaries or parent companies are listed anywhere in the world. Though there is nothing to suggest that a delisting is planned in India, a certain premium linked to speculation around this event is bound to be in the stock.

Companys Background

Incorporated as Dr Beck & Company, the company has been present in India since 1956. In 2003, it was acquired by leading electrical insulation company Elantas Gmbh (part of specialty chemicals leader Altana Group). The company is engaged in the sale of electrical insulation systems (82 percent of FY16 revenue) and electronic & engineering materials (18 percent) with its key end market being the electrical machinery industry.

It manufactures and sells wire enamels and insulation products (varnishes etc) for magnet wire manufacturers, motor and transformer industry and refurbishment industry. Applications are found in electric motors, household appliances, cars, generators, transformers, capacitors, TV sets, wind mills, computers, lamps, circuit boards, and sensors, etc.

Its manufacturing plants are located at Pimpri and Ankleshwar with capacities of 7,400 and 16,820 MT. The companys key clients are major players in the electrical machinery industry like Bosch, ABB, Siemens, and BHEL etc.

Value chain for Elantas

Dominant player in the electrical insulation market:

Elantas is a market leader in all the segments of electrical insulation in India and holds a significant market share (about 40 percent each) in primary insulation segment (wire enamels) and secondary insulation segment (insulation of winding wire already mounted on a device). In the domestic market there are very few large players, with some competition in north India from a local supplier Harman Bawa. Internationally as well, there are very few companies that can match the companys expertise  Axalta Coatings is one of them.

Power Sector Reforms are Key Long-term Growth Drivers

The governments policy focus on the power sector and the anticipated increase in generation capacity to 400 GW by 2022 is one of the key drivers. Demand for generation and T&D (transmission and distribution) equipment are expected to grow by 25 percent CAGR till FY22. Industry body IEEMA (Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association) forecasts the business for sub-stations, transmission lines, conductors, insulators and transformers etc. to grow in medium term on account of such a policy push.

In the last few years, Elantas has faced an indirect threat from the import of low-cost electrical machinery from China (16 percent of total demand in India) which leads to lower requirements for electrical insulation by the domestic equipment manufacturers. However, possible policy support from the government ranging from import curtailment to purchase of local products would be supportive for the companys prospects. IEEMA has already highlighted a demand revival with 5.5 percent industry growth in Q4 FY17 (vs -1.4 percent in Q3 and 1.6 percent in Q2 2017). In our conversation with the companys management, it was highlighted that company is operating at ~70 percent capacity utilization and expects it to gradually improve from hereon. Further it doesnt see any incremental negative impact from Chinese imports.

Significant barriers to entry

Electrical insulation industry is a hi-tech niche segment which requires considerable investment in terms of technology, R&D for new applications and a matching skilled manpower. Elantas Beck benefits from the in-house R&D capabilities as well proven technology expertise from the parent company Altana. Additionally, it is the only company in India in this sector having presence in all the product segments. Further, a well-entrenched distribution network helps in maintaining customer relationship, critical in B2B industrial segment.

Raw Material Cost  a Crude Oil Derivative

Key raw materials are polymer intermediates (MDA, TMA, MDI) and solvents (cresol, phenol) which, in turn, are derivatives of crude oil. A sharp increase in crude oil prices and its derivatives can have an adverse impact on companys margins. It is noticeable that the company has been a net beneficiary of low oil price regime as the raw material cost as a proportion of sales has reduced from 71.2 percent (in FY13) to 55.7 percent (Q1 2017). Given the oil production cut discipline in OPEC and improving shale oil production in US, oil prices are expected to remain contained in the medium-term. Further, the company is increasingly sourcing raw materials from the domestic firms (64 percent in FY16 vs 57 percent in FY13), which reduces its exposure to forex fluctuations.

Financial Projections

Source: Moneycontrol Research

High and Improving Return Ratios (%) for Elantas

Source: Moneycontrol Research

Valuation and Recommendation

We expect the companys revenue to grow at 7 percent CAGR (FY15-18E) ahead of industry growth rate. Companys EBITDA margins are expected to remain in range of 24-25 percent partially benefitting from the cost efficiency programmes. Elantas is currently trading at PE multiple of 25x 2017E EPS, which is at premium to median valuation prevailing in the Indian chemical sector universe (20x). However, we think this premium is warranted given the companys dominant position and high barriers to entry in this segment. Further, compared to its global peers like Axalta coatings and Dupont, it is trading in discount.

Elantas is a steady performer where earnings volatility hasnt been significant. Given that the parent holds 75 percent in the Indian listed subsidiary and is not listed and doesnt have any other listed company globally, de-listing is an event that may not be ruled out.

In the last one year stock has given decent return of 27 percent (vs 32 percent for BSE small cap). In the current year, the stock has underperformed (4.5 percent vs. 29 percent for the BSE small caps) but given improving industry dynamics, companys segment dominance and the probable option of delisting, this stock may be the right candidate for any risk-averse investor.
Rajat Bose of rajatkbose.com told CNBC-TV18, "On Fortis Healthcare I am also looking at Rs 208. In the short term, Rs 203.50 would be a resistance and above that Rs 208-215 is the supply zone. I am not also expecting it to go beyond Rs 215 anytime soon. Only positive is that its short-term downtrend and corrective downtrend that was, that is already through and it is moving up. But it needs to sustain above Rs 195-196 where its 50-day moving average is located."

"My suggestion is that once it reaches about Rs 208 or so, it will be better to book profits and again, buy at lower levels," he added.
Vijay Chopra of enochventures.com told CNBC-TV18, "My sense is that there are not going to be any major fireworks in Fortis Healthcare, although there are few good news around this company. Delhi High Court has given them approval to sell the stake. So probably this can propel the stock to about Rs 210-215. But I do not see any Rs 250 kind of a level happening. So that is quite possible that we see Rs 210-220 odd levels happening on the stock. Positive news all over, so definitely hold on to the stock as of now and probably one can wait for another Rs 10-15 and then cash out."

At 14:46 hrs Fortis Healthcare was quoting at Rs 199.70, up Rs 4.80, or 2.46 percent.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 230.90 and 52-week low Rs 170 on 03 May, 2017 and 09 November, 2016, respectively.
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Share prices of dairy products makers Prabhat Dairy, Parag Milk Foods and Vadilal Industries gained as much as 4-9 percent in morning trade Thursday after a ban on milk products from the world's second largest economy.

The Government of India today banned milk, milk products and confectionary from China for one year, reported CNBC-TV18 quoting Cogencis.

In previous year as well, the government had imposed a ban on import of milk and its products from China and that was applicable till June 2017.

India had first imposed the ban in September 2008 on apprehension some milk consignments from the country contained melamine, a toxic chemical used for making plastics and fertilisers.

The ban is more a preventive measure as India itself being the world's largest milk producer and consumer, hardly imports milk products from China.

India's milk production increased from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 155.5 million tonnes in 2015-16.

Among states, Uttar Pradesh is the leading milk producer, followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat.

At 11:18 hours IST, the stock price of Parag Milk Foods was quoting at Rs 221.50, up 1.58 percent and Prabhat Dairy was at Rs 137.50, up 6.59 percent while Vadilal Industries was at Rs 857.00, up 6.35 percent on the BSE.
Answer: Tata.

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Shares of Tata Motors has bounced back more than 1 percent intraday Thursday on plan to raise Rs 500 crore via issue of securities on a private placement basis.

"A meeting of the duly authorised Committee was held on June 21, approving offering for subscription, on a private placement basis, up to 5000 rated, listed, unsecured, 7.50 percent coupon, redeemable, non-convertible debentures ('NCDs') of face value Rs 10,00,000 each, at par, aggregating up to Rs 500 crore,' as per BSE release.

The said securities will be listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).

Credit Rating & Research (CARE) has assigned CARE AA+ rating to the securities.

The tenure of the securities is 1826 days from the deemed date of allotment and date of maturity is June 22, 2022.

At 10:21 hrs Tata Motors was quoting at Rs 461.05, up Rs 3.75, or 0.82 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
(Representative image)

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Tata Power has offered to sell 51 per cent stake in its 4,000 MW Mundra power project for Re 1 to states like Gujarat, which buy electricity from it, to tide over the financial crisis facing this business.

Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL), the Tata Power unit which operates the Mundra project, wrote to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd earlier this month offering to retain only 49 per cent stake and operate the project as a contractor provided the procurers buy all the power at higher tariffs.

In the letter, copies of which were marked to Nripendra Misra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, and Union Power Secretary, CGPL CEO Krishna Kumar Sharma said Mundra has accumulated losses of Rs 6,457 crore against a paid up equity of Rs 6,083 crore.

It has outstanding loan of Rs 10,159 crore and lenders have stopped further disbursal due to non-viability of the project, he wrote.

Tata had in February 2006 won a bid for the 4,000 MW Mundra project in Gujarat, quoting a price of Rs 2.26 for every unit of electricity generated. It had intended to fire the plan with coal imported from mines owned by the Tata Group in Indonesia.

In 2010, the Indonesian government said that any export of coal could be done only at prices linked to international rates.

Tata, in turn, sought higher tariffs for power, but the plea was rejected by the Supreme Court.

Sources said CGPL in the letter stated that financial position of the company continues to deteriorate and has reached a critical situation due to substantial loses incurred.

It wanted tariffs to be negotiated or power procurers take over 51 per cent paid up equity shares of CGPL for a nominal value of Rs 1 and grant relief to the project by purchasing power at a rate to fully address the under-recovery of fuel costs.

When contacted, a Tata Power spokesperson said the company would comment issue shortly.

Mundra project, comprising of five units of 800 MW each, was commissioned between 2012 and 2013. It has signed a 25- year agreements to sell electricity to utilities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. Gujarat is the lead buyer.

Sources said CGPL has stated in the letter that against the project outlay of Rs 17,900 crore, the company has an outstanding term loan of Rs 10,159 crore and an additional amount of Rs 4,460 crore which is due to Tata Power.

After the Supreme Court rejected compensatory tariff to it and similar power plant of Adani Group, CGPL made a plea with all procurers to consider afresh the issue of compensatory tariff but Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd specifically denied the request.

CGPL has stated that it is making the offer to avoid the project being rendered unviable and eventually turning into a Non Performing Asset (NPA) or bad loan, thereby depriving the consumers of one of the lowest cost power.
Electricity, gas, water supply growth demonstrate an encouraging recovery by 4.4 percent.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the Trump administration said today it will spend USD 7.5 million to help advance India's power grid, as part of the two countries' commitments to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy.

The Ministry of Science and Technology and industry will match the commitment of US' Department of Energy, bringing the total commitment to USD 30 million, officials here said.

"This new consortium demonstrates the US and Indian commitments to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy in both countries," Energy Secretary Rick Perry said.

"We know that continued grid innovation will promote economic growth and energy security in the United States and India," he said.

The initiative, part of America's commitment to fostering the reliable, resilient and secure delivery of electricity, was needed for the strong US national security, economic growth and global leadership, as well as furthering Department of Energy (DOE)'s collaboration with India under the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE), officials said.

The US-India collaboration for smart distribution system with storage (UI-ASSIST) was selected as the new consortia for Smart Grid and Energy Storage under the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC), the DOE said in a statement.

To help pave the way to a more advanced distribution grid that will allow greater use of distributed energy resources such as microgrids and energy storage, the new consortia will bring together experts from academia, DOE's national laboratories and industry, it said.

Together with their counterparts in India, the center will conduct research and deploy new smart grid and energy storage technologies that will modernise the grids of both the nations to make them "smarter", while increasing resilience and reliability, the DOE said.

Through JCERDC, the US' world class installations and national laboratories will contribute their expertise and capabilities as India expands energy access to its remote areas, improves its grid reliability and resilience, and strengthens its energy security.

The US participants will gain insight from India's grid modernisation efforts  a potential export market for US equipment worth billions of dollars  and promote researcher access to India's grid operational experience, it said.

UI-ASSIST's US team, led by Washington State University, is comprised of MIT, Texas A&M University, University of Hawaii, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Snohomish County (WA) Public Utility District, Avista, Burns and McDonnell, ETAP Operation Technology, ALSTOM Grid/GE Grid Solutions, Clean Energy Storage, ABB, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

The Indian team, led by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, includes partners from IIIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhubaneshwar and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) New Delhi.
Indian IT export is projected to grow by 7-8 per cent in 2017-18, industry body Nasscom said in its guidance today. The domestic market is expected to grow 10-11 per cent, it said.

The IT-BPM industry is expected to add 1.3-1.5 lakh new jobs during 2017-18, Nasscom president R Chandrashekhar told reporters here. In the previous fiscal, the industry's net hiring stood at 1.7 lakh.

Keeping in view the political and economic uncertainties in key overseas markets that impacted decision-making and discretionary spend, and also the performance of IT companies last year, Nasscom expects the future outlook to be positive, he said.

"India's share in the global IT sector is not only steady, but also growing," Chandrashekhar said. The size of the Indian IT industry is pegged at USD 154 billion, including USD 11 billion incremental revenues added in the previous fiscal, according to Nasscom.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Uganda Thursday morning to participate in the Nile Basin Summit, state news agency MENA reported.

El-Sisi is set to join closed meetings for the heads of states of Nile Basin countries. He is also expected to give a speech in front of the summit.

The president will also participate in bilateral meetings with African leaders to discuss ways of bolstering and developing ties, including with Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni.

According to MENA, El-Sisi's participation at the first-time summit reflects the high prioroty Egypt has placed on strengthening cooperation with all Nile Basin countries.

Cairo is also participating in an effort to rebuild common ground between all Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) countries, to guarantee the mutual interests of each country in the NBI launch programmes and ensure that no country is harmed by any programme or agreement.

On Monday, Egypts Sameh Shoukry travelled to Ugandas Entebbe for ministerial meetings in preparations for Thursdays presidential summit.

Officials had said earlier that the upcoming summit would look at the results of earlier meetings as well as points of contention on the Entebbe Agreement.

Uganda is the current chair of the Nile Council of Ministers of Water Affairs of the NBI. Egypt froze its NBI membership in 2010 over disagreements about the Cooperative Framework Agreement, more commonly known as the Entebbe Agreement.

The NBI comprises 10 permanent members: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Eritrea has observer status.

Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said Egypt hopes the upcoming "historical" summit will "come up with a common vision to re-launch the initiative based on the mutual interests of all countries."

Egypt and Sudan have declined to sign the Entebbe Agreement -- which sets out the principles and obligations of member states regarding the use of the basin's water resources -- citing concerns about its reallocation of water quotas and other provisions.

Historic water-sharing pacts between Egypt and Sudan continue to govern the distribution of Nile water between the two countries.

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Arvind Panagariya, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog in an exclusive interview to CNBC-TV18's Shereen Bhan spoke about employment surveys, job creation and about putting methodology in place to measure jobs in India.

For a proper methodology, we need to fully revamp our statistical system, have establishment and enterprise surveys and get technical systems in order to track jobs data, says Panagariya.

He expects to have a more robust jobs measurement tool by end-2018.

Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview.

Q: One of the new jobs that you have been tasked with is to try and improve the way that we measure jobs in the country. Now, I know that there has been a lot of disagreement on whether we have created enough jobs, we have not created enough jobs. I am just going to go with what the government data is suggesting. If I look at the data that has been put out by the labour department which tracks eight sectors, India created 4.21 lakh jobs in 2014, 1.35 lakh jobs in 2015 and about 2.5 lakh jobs in 2016. Now if I look at what the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) data is showing up, it shows that we created 3.7 million jobs every year in the last four years. It is like chalk and cheese. What do we believe?

A: We need to get our statistical systems in order. We have a good survey that takes place. The employment and unemployment survey. But unfortunately the frequency of that survey has been rather low. So the last one we have is from 2011-2012 and something similar has been done by Labour Ministry annually, but that also last is 2015-2016.

So the eight sector survey from which we are quoting actually is simply not suited to getting countrywide or nationwide estimates done. For most part until December, 2015, and I know you quoted data from 2014 for example, this survey actually was not even a random survey. So it is not a representative survey. You cannot convey sample results into population results, meaning into the nationwide employment figures.

So unfortunately, the labour bureau has tried to do this using certain multipliers which really are not appropriate, statistically speaking.

Q: But then, do you buy the CII number, which is saying that we have created 3.7 million jobs every year and this is based on the census data that gives the number of people employed and unemployed and thereby has a much wider base. So do you buy that as the other side of the argument?

A: We have to be careful. We have to be careful what CII is putting out also is not necessarily coming from a proper statistical survey.

Q: So that is not representative either?

A: It seems to me that they are simply extrapolating based on unemployment rates and the growth in the workforce and so forth. So that also is not a scientifically tight methodology.

Q: So what is going to be the new methodology that you are putting in place? I understand that you are almost to the final stages of putting your report on how we measure jobs in this country together.

A: We really need to fully revamp our statistical system. This was a task force which included our Chief of Statistics, TCA Anant and also the Labour Secretary and we had some experts on the committee. We also consulted with Professor TN Srinivasan who is probably the highest authority on this. So now we are going to recommend actually a full revamp. We need to have more frequent surveys. Household surveys, which will be at least annual, possibly some quarterly element to it.

We also need to have the establishment or enterprise surveys with again an annual frequency. And I think the possibilities of doing this in the next 2-3 years is all in place. So, like any new statistical system that you put in place, it takes a little while. So it is not going to happen right tomorrow, but by the end of 2018 or so, we will see a much more robust.

Q: We will have to wait till the end of 2018 to get a much more robust measure?

A: Yes.

Q: You have obviously been assessing on the basis of every data available to you on part of the government, where does the jobs story lie today?

A: I have been arguing that if you look at the good surveys that we do have which I mentioned, employment and unemployment survey is a household survey that is being done since 1970's on a relatively regular basis. And there, we actually see that the unemployment rates in India are not terribly high. If you take the liberal definition of employment then it is typically 2-3 percent. If you take the most conservative definition of employment then it is 5-8 percent.

Where I feel the jobs situation is, is that we have not created enough formal sector jobs, enough good jobs.

Q: And you believe that is where we are going to continue to feel the pressure? In fact that is going to be the situation that gets worse? I will just use the IT sector for instance as an example. We did create 3 million jobs to get to the first USD 100 billion in revenue for the Indian IT sector. But now for the next USD 100 billion, perhaps only 1.2-2 million jobs will be created. At least that is the estimation that the industry is working with.

A: I do not know. Actually the estimates I saw, this was by Saurabh Srivastava who was one of the very early heads of NASSCOM. He wrote an article within the last 2-3 weeks, saying that in the next eight years, he expects that IT sector will create 2.5-3 million jobs. And he also points out in the last three years, even if you restrict yourself to top-five companies, they have created about 5,00,000 jobs.

Q: That, they have. But this is a Nasscom-McKinsey report and I am going back to it. While the IT industry created 3 million jobs on a turnover of USD 100 billion, going forward, anywhere between 1.2-2 million will be needed to create the next USD 100 billion. This is of course a NASSCOM study.

A: No, that is different. That is simply because we are probably moving to the higher value. The way you have read to me the report, I have not seen it, but the way you read the report, it is simply saying that the next USD 100 billion will create 1.2-2 million.

Q: Versus the 3 million that was needed to create the first USD 100 billion. So because of automation, etc. there are several factors associated.

A: Perhaps, in the higher value added categories now, but that simply means that instead of USD 100 billion, in the next, if we did the first USD 100 billion, in the next 7-8 years, we ought to create maybe USD 300 billion or so. So the scale ought to be larger.

Q: So you are saying that a robust measurement of the jobs seen in India, possible only by the end of 2018?

A: Absolutely, yes. There are some other calculations that we can do faster. There are some numbers, we can count the formalisation of the labour force, that we can count in a much shorter time period meaning in a matter of months. And we can also do some count of employment created by the government schemes. There also can be done faster, but it is partial. All of these are partial.

Q: Let me move away from jobs now and talk to you about another issue and this is an issue that I know concerns you, the issue of farm loan waivers. This is not my intention to say that people should not be worried about the distress that is being caused in the agricultural sector or the distress that farmers are facing. But this is not necessarily the answer. It may be the palliative at this point in time, but this does not really address the much needed reforms that the agricultural sector needs. In your three year blueprint, in your five and seven year blueprint, the Niti Aayog has laid out a wide roadmap on what needs to be done. But do you believe this successive state governments have failed to register the kind of reforms that are required for the agriculture sector?

A: Unfortunately, this process of reforms and agriculture had been started under Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. And that government had brought out this model, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act. But it was never actually implemented in earnest. A lot of the states did adopt the model act, but they never actually implemented it in earnest.

And so, 10 years have passed, none of that happened in a major way. So we are starting there again now and so, this is the time we have to ensure, we certainly from Niti Aayog engage very deeply with the states and we take, even now, my next visit is going to be Rajasthan and I have requested and he has agreed. Professor Ramesh Chand to go along with us.

So we try to discuss with the states what specifically the states can do. These are state subjects, agriculture is entirely a state subject. So, we need to certainly do those reforms.

Q: So, in the short-term, what is it that you will recommended at this point in time to try and alleviate the pain that is being felt in the IT sector?

A: The fix we really need is getting the farmers better prices, more remunerative prices. And that is a reform that can be, in principle done really fast.

Q: So why haven't the BJP run states at least moved towards that reform?

A: Some movement has happened. Like the Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is an initiative very much in that direction and some increase has been through minimum support price (MSP) also. But remember to move in a big way, you also need financial and fiscal resources. And ultimately, of course, the state governments have to take the initiative.

Q: So do you believe that the projections that you have laid out as far as growth is concerned and those are of course, long-term projections. But in the short-term, the agri distress is going to further bring down, weigh down on growth.

A: Growth is not the big issue here because agriculture in terms of the gross domestic product (GDP) the share is not so large. But it is in terms of the people it impacts. There are so many people employed in agriculture and dependent on agriculture. So that is really the much bigger issue. I certainly think that at least finally the agricultural growth seems to have shown good progress in this last year, and the monsoons this year have been good also. So we should see actually coming up. So again, I return to the prices. The farmers need to get those prices.

Q: Are you worried about the path to fiscal consolidation, given the fact that we have now got four state governments announcing farm loan waivers and anyway, the fiscal situation of state government is not particularly great at this point of time, on account of several issues including the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) bonds.

A: For economists, fiscal consolidation is important. So when anything that stresses the finances is something that the economists worry about. On the other hand, I also understand that a lot of this has political salience and when particularly this concerns the farmers that are very small farmers, nearly half of our farmers really work on farms that are half a hectare. So these are by no means well to do farmers. So, there is the other side to it. And certainly the political leadership has to respond to some of these things sometimes.

Q: Speaking of political leadership and response on the NPA front, we now have 12 stressed accounts that have been identified by the RBI that will now move towards insolvency proceedings. How confident do you feel that we are going to be able to arrive at some sort of quick resolution?

A: For the first time, I feel quite optimistic that we are seriously and sincerely moving towards a resolution of these assets. I think we should have moved on this earlier. I have been arguing it internally for sure, but nonetheless, the fact that finally we have taken some bold moves -given the RBI the necessary powers, this time, I do feel that we will see progress.

Q: Speaking of bold moves and this is one of the recommendations that the Niti Aayog has made is strategic divestment. You have put a list together which doesnt seem to have seen any forward movement despite the fact that we keep talking about it every few months and you are still hopeful that it will go through. Now there is talk that Air India could be the first on the strategic divestment block. Do you believe that government should give up management control altogether or do you believe that government should perhaps continue to hold certain amount of equity in Air India?

A: I think now where Air India stands, it is almost a matter of existence. The debt is already about Rs 52000 crore. We are adding about Rs 4000 crore of debt every year. So, this is simply not sustainable and in the end, the airline does need to go with management in the private hands.

I think it is time now, this is a problem actually  successive governments have sort of recognised but failed to act on it. I think the Prime Minister is bolder, he is more decisive.

Q: You are saying privatisation of Air India is what Niti Aayog has recommended, give up management control is what Niti Aayog has recommended. Niti Aayog has also recommended I understand writing off a significant portion of the debt, which would be crucial as far as the private investor is concerned?

A: At this stage our report really is confidential and it will not be appropriate for me to speak about the contents of the report.

Q: Has the government started to reach out to private sector players?

A: My sources information on that are as same as yours. You probably have better sources.

Q: Do you believe that within this year we could see resolution on Air India?

A: Yes, something should be happening this year. We are in June, so there are six months to this year. Remember that whether actually something happens or not also depends on the buyers and all but from the government side we should see action most certainly within coming six months.

Q: The last conversation we had was at least a few months ago. You said you were hopeful in Q1 of this financial year we would see strategic divestment take off. We are almost there, what is the situation?

A: This fiscal year we are still in Q1. So, let us not be pessimistic. Certainly one thing I am sure you have noticed that Finance Minister himself actually has made a very strong statement, which he had not done till last year. So, he made a pretty strong statement saying that we need to privatise and that was not only in the context of Air India but in general he had said so.

Q: You believe privatisation is going to get a leg up in the next few months?

A: After the Finance Ministers statement, I feel quite optimistic now.

Q: I understand that again this is something that Niti Aayog is working on  some sort of mechanism to try and aid the construction sector out of the current problems. Has that mechanism been arrived at?

A: Yes. Quite a few resolutions have actually happened.

Q: Not the previous measures that were already announced for the construction sector, this is more to do with the real estate sector and the pending projects that have been stuck, so some kind of gap funding for real estate developers being worked out?

A: That one I am not sure.

Q: How do you feel about the way the Indian economy is shaping up? The numbers at this point in time very clearly suggests that there was an impact on account of demonetisation even though TCA Anant would not want to correlate that exactly. Do you feel that with the advent of GST as well that perhaps at least over the next few months we could see an impact on growth?

A: On the impact itself let us be clear that when you say that there was an impact, you move the goal post quite a bit. Now you are saying was there some small impact or not. If the growth rate was 8 percent in 2015-16, 7.1 percent in 2016-17, so you can infer whatever you want to infer. However, the fact is that the messiahs of doom were all saying that the growth rate will decline by 2 percentage points or more. That certainly did not happen. So, I stand by my earlier statements on this subject.

Looking to the future I certainly think there will be some teething pains as we implement the GST but this is a very important, major game changer reform. I think in terms of longer term trajectory by which I dont mean 3 or 4 years later but in about another years time I think this will really have a major impact because finally we have laid down the infrastructure for creating a single market in the country for every single product.

Q: Prime Minister Modi is headed to Washington to meet President Trump over the weekend and while we can talk about whether H1B is likely to be the big focus area etc. My sense is that perhaps it may not because the US sees this as an immigration issue and not as a trade issue. Do you think it would make sense for India to really take up the H1B issue in a big way on this visit?

A: I suppose we will raise it. There has been some movement on the US side also. I think a bit more conciliatory statements coming out of the United States also. That being said I suppose if I were to speculate and this is pure speculation because I have no inside information, what might turn out to be the subject of the two leaders talk is terrorism. I think that is where the two countries do see eye to eye and our interests are better aligned but that is pure speculation on my part.

Q: You believe that this is going to be something that India will want and perhaps also hope that there will be a strong message that comes in from the Trump administration on this, especially to do with Pakistan?

A: For our Prime Minister the fight against terrorism is a major subject. Two subjects which are outside my area really that he has pushed very hard on is one corruption, and that is an issue that he actually first broached at the Australia G20 and that has led to a lot of the movement actually within the G20 since then.

The other one on which the Prime Minister really has invested a lot is combatting terrorism. I think that is a very important international agenda item for him.

Q: What about trade because President Trump in his speech has also without naming India raised the issue of certain countries which have very high tariffs in the context of Harley Davidson and we know that he was talking about India. However the view in the US is that while we have opened up significantly on FDI, on the trade side not so. On the trade side the view is that India continues to be extremely protectionist.

A: I wouldnt say extremely protectionist because all our tariffs as far as industrial goods are concerned are 10 percent or less.

Q: You have been asking for 7 percent?

A: I have been asking because I would like us to return to trade liberalisation. The last we liberalised tariffs was in 2007-08 and then the UPA government also stopped at it and we to some degree lost a bit of the momentum. So, this is part of the reason we have also written in our external agenda, that we ought to unify the tariff rate at around 7 percent. There are more reasons for why we made that recommendation because it also then takes out the inverted tariff structure from which we suffer currently. There is room for liberalisation but we are pretty liberal economy now. There was a licence required for every product to be imported, the average tariff used to be 165 percent, highest tariff was 350 percent. So, we are down to the highest tariff on industrial goods being 10 percent now. So, we have liberalised but we could do a bit more.

Q: Let me end by asking you in terms of what the priorities are going to be at the Niti Aayog. Post the going public with your plan, there has been a lot of talk on whether this is old wine in new bottle, whether the Niti Aayog is emperor in new clothes and so on and so forth. But as you go about now, hoping to execute what you have laid out as part of this plan, give me a sense of what you expect will be the low hanging fruit that should hopefully get done this year.

A: First, in India, we have very free entry on commenting and no exit whatsoever.

Q: That is the case everywhere, isnt it? Comments are free,

A: And particularly, in the age of social media, everybody comments. So even those who have not read the three year action agenda do the commenting. So I would urge your viewers to actually read this document and read the prior documents that have existed. You may or may not like this document, but it is not the same as the old document. That I can assure you. These are very different documents and it is only 200 pages.

Q: Only 200 pages, yes.

A: If you compare the five year plans used to be in three volumes. But now of course, we unlike in the past, the way the plans were done, we have interacted closely with the ministries, closely with the states. So we also have a good deal of sense of where the ministries are headed, where the state governments are headed.

So to some degree, this three year action agenda reflects the priorities. Therefore, I am much more hopeful. It is really how somebody describes the difference between the Chinese approach to planning and the Indian approach to planning that the Chinese basically, the order would come from the top that these are the things that the government wants to do, lay out a plan, how we should do it.

In contrast, in India, basically the planning commission would sit down and do its plan rather than the government telling that this is where we are headed and therefore. And so the implementation therefore, with the five year plans had become weaker. We actually have done exactly the way I have described to you, the Chinese approach.

We have talked to the government what the government plans to do, we have talked to the states what they plan to do and that is the basis on which we have written. We have certainly not been passive, meaning there are certain things that we have advocated proactively. So we have tried to push the frontier a bit.

Q: This year what is it that you would like to at least take forward from the plan that you have put together?

A: Not a single thing. There are a number of things. We have proposed moving on all the fronts. We have been moving on the medical reform, this is happening. We are currently working very actively, just as we speak on the higher education reform. So we would very much like to move on there. We have been pushing very hard on the APMC Act reform and we very much hope that we will be moving on that.

So there are a number of fronts on which, at the moment has to happen. Coastal Economic Zones, about which we have talked. There is some movement on those as well. So we will see movement happening along all dimensions.

Q: And you feel confident?

A: Absolutely.
A security officer walks past tourists stranded during GJM strike in Darjeeling on Friday. PTI

Darjeeling remained on the boil on Thursday after Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung was booked for his alleged involvement in the killing of one person in violent clashes, even as the West Bengal government offered peace talks to defuse the crisis amid an indefinite shutdown.

The continuing turmoil in Darjeeling over the long-standing demand for a separate Gorkhaland state has witnessed violent clashes between police and protesters, with one civilian dying and one India Reserve Battalion commander suffering serious injuries. The GJM claims that three of its activists also died in the clashes.

But the fire that burns in Darjeeling today pales in comparison with the blood-stained history of the 1980s.

The struggle for a separate state for all Indian Nepalis based on ethnic and linguistic identity has been going on for more than three decades. Underdevelopment and government neglect have prompted other ethnic minorities living in the region to support the movement as well.

The movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland carved out of Darjeeling hills and its southern plains (Terai) has its roots in the alienation Gorkhas feel from the rest of West Bengal. The Nepalis of Darjeeling have a very different culture than the Bengalis of the state. A large number of them crossed over to India from Nepal after the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the two countries.

In 1970, the Nepali, Lepcha, and Bhutia communities for the first-time formally demanded that Darjeeling become a separate administrative unit. But the first mass mobilisation for a full-fledged Gorkhaland movement started in the 1980s under the leadership of Subhas Ghising and his National liberation Front (NLF).

There were violent protests throughout 1986-88 after the 11-point programme of NLF was launched in March 1986.

The state governments stern approach and police retaliation against the protesters did not help in keeping the peace. More than 1,000 people died in the clashes that eventually led to the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council being formed under the chairmanship of Ghising. The body, sanctioned by the state government, administered the region till 2008 with part-autonomy.

Ghising had to resign in 2008 after losing public support, and his close aide Bimal Gurung emerged as the new leader of Gorkhas with his party Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

During the 2011 state assembly elections, GJM bagged three seats in Darjeeling and Bimal Gurung signed the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration treaty with the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government to create an autonomous body. Although Gurung claimed the demand for statehood was not dead, the movement eventually died down.

But encouraged by the Indian government giving statehood to Telengana in 2013, the long-standing demand for Gorkhaland emerged again. Bimal Gurung resigned from GTA and earned the ire of the government.

Last month, the movement received a fresh trigger when the West Bengal government declared that Bengali would be made a compulsory language for Classes 1 to 9 in all state-board schools.
Build your skillset: Change is the only constant and with the evolving times an updated skillset would be a handy addition to your resume. Show potential employers what youve learned that can be an asset to their business in the post-coronavirus world. (Image Source: Reuters)

Frequent data breaches are costing Indian companies Rs 110 million on an average in 2017, more than 12 percent increase from last years average cost of Rs 97 million. The average size of the data breach has also increased by 6 percent and the loss of existing customers increased by 4.3 percent over the year, a study by Ponemon Institute has revealed.

The study examines the costs incurred by 39 Indian companies in 13 industry sectors due to loss or theft of protected personal data and the notification of breach victims and regulators as required by laws and business contracts. Among these companies, the average number of breached records was 33,167.

The average per capita cost of data breaches increased from Rs 3,704 in 2016 to Rs 4,210 in 2017 a 13 percent increase. Per capita cost is determined by dividing the total cost of data breaches by the size of the data breach in terms of the number of compromised records.

Effects of data breaches are more on services, financial, industrial and technology companies. They face higher per capita cost as well as they lose a greater number of customers. Comparatively public sector, research and transportation companies have a lower per capita cost.

More than two-fifth of data breaches are as a result of malicious or criminal attacks. One-third of them are due to system glitches and rest because of human negligence. The cost of data breaches in the case of criminal attacks is comparatively more than breaches happening due to other factors.

The losses are more in India compared to European countries like Germany, France and United Kingdom where organisations are quick to identify and contain breaches.

Even though the time to identify and contain the incidents of data breaches have decreased over the years, Indian organisations take an average of 170 days to detect that an incident occurred and 72 days to contain the incident.

If the time to identify and contain the incidents is reduced by 40 percent Indian organisation can save up to Rs 50 million, the IBM-sponsored study shows.
India is working with ASEAN to evolve "regional security architecture" in the Asia Pacific with the aim of finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

Discussing various aspects of India's strategic partnership with the powerful bloc, Swaraj said ASEAN-India trade was back on track after two years of slow growth with an increase of 8 per cent in 2016-17.

In her address on India-ASEAN partnership at the Research and Information System, a think tank, the minister listed terror financing, arms smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and cyber crime as major challenges facing the region. India and ASEAN, she added, had been working to combat them.

"India has been working with ASEAN towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasising the peaceful settlement of disputes, finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, and support for the centrality of ASEAN."

Enhancing maritime cooperation and security had been an area of focus for both ASEAN and India, she said.

Discussing economic ties, she said the bloc had become India's fourth largest trading partner, accounting for 10 per cent of total trade.

According to Swaraj, India was actively engaged in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations involving ASEAN and its six FTA partners, which, when finalized, would be the largest regional trading arrangement, accounting for about 40 per cent of world trade.

"After almost two years of slow growth, ASEAN-India trade is now back on track with an increase of 8 per cent in 2016-17 and with India's exports to ASEAN having increased by almost 20 per cent in 2016-17," she said.

Connectivity, the minister felt, was a "huge enabler" for stimulating trade and investment as well as to ensure peace and stability.

"We recognise that the single most important ingredient that can make a qualitative shift in our economic engagement with ASEAN is a major boost towards infrastructure and connectivity, both within India and in the North East in particular, and with ASEAN."

The external affairs minister said efforts were on to enhance connectivity by land, air and sea to transform the corridors of connectivity into corridors of economic cooperation.

"For enhancing digital connectivity, specific proposals have been put forward, involving the setting up of a regional high-capacity fibre-optic network, supplemented by national rural broadband networks and digital villages in remote areas."

Highlighting India's Act East policy, she said various communities of the North East share "ties of blood and history" with ASEAN countries.

"The North East is a 'natural partner' in India's Act East Policy."

Swaraj also talked about India's cultural links as well as the influence of Hinduism in some ASEAN nations.

"Thailand incorporates significant elements from Hinduism in its architecture, arts, sculpture dance, drama and literature. The Cham temple complex of My Son Wat in Vietnam is dedicated to Bhadreshvara, an incarnation of the Lord Shiva.

"The magnificent Angkor Vat in Cambodia was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu.

"The Vat Phou temple in Lao PDR, Ananda temple in Bagan, Myanmar and the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia are examples of the influence of Hindu architectural principles," she said.
As part of the major push towards resolution of large bad loans this month, bankers will be meeting Thursday to discuss three big steel accounts  Essar Steel, Bhushan Steel and Electrosteel Steels  as part of the joint lenders' forum (JLF) to discuss the plan ahead.

Banks have outstanding loans worth Rs 45,000 crore to Essar Steel, Rs 47,000 crore to Bhushan Steel, and Rs 11,000 crore to Electrosteel Steels.

"We will discuss these three accounts tomorrow. Hopefully now there should be some resolution. The filing of the cases will happen in the next 10-15 days' time," a senior public sector bank official on aware of the meetings said on late Wednesday evening.

On Wednesday, bankers decided to move an application to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to initiate corporate insolvency on Jyoti Structures, another senior banker aware of the discussions said.

Reports suggest ABG Shipyard and Alok Industries will also be taken up for the same.

SBI is the lead bank for Jyoti Structures and Alok Industries that have outstanding loans of RS 22,000 and over RS 5,000 crore, respectively.

ICICI Bank, the lead bank for ABG Shipyard, received a mandate from the consortium of 22 lenders to decide the fate of Rs 6,900-crore loan.

Bankers are holding continuous meetings almost on a daily basis since last week to discuss the 12 accounts identified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earlier this month, to be referred to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

These defaulted companies account for nearly Rs 1.9 lakh crore or 1/4th of the total bad loans in the banking system.

All the defaulting companies observed by the RBI have an outstanding debt of over Rs 5,000 crore and 60 percent of it are classified as a non-performing asset (NPA).

To initiate corporate insolvency, bankers have to file cases against the defaulted companies to the NCLT. Once an account is admitted to the NCLT, the bankers take over the control of the company's Board and appoint an insolvency professional to look after the day-today business.

Meanwhile, a solution is being discussed to revive the company and lenders and borrowers have to finalise the resolution within 180 to 270 days, failing which NCLT will allow liquidation of the assets.

Bankers have already decided to file the case of Lanco Infratech to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the IBC, which is publicly announced by the corporate in a regulatory filing.
Luxembourg watchdogs have fined the local arm of Swiss private bank Edmond de Rothschild for its handling of funds linked to scandal-hit Malaysian investment fund 1MDB, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The authorities and the bank confirmed Edmond de Rothschild had been fined nearly nine million euros (USD 10.1 million) for failing to take proper safeguards against money laundering. They did not comment on news reports that the case concerned 1MDB.

Paying the fine "marks the end of the proceeding in which it has actively participated", the bank said in a statement, noting the Luxembourg arm had taken measures since the first half of 2016 to strengthen its compliance and risk control procedures.

The group installed a new CEO of Edmond de Rothschild (Europe) in Luxembourg last year in a management shake-up.

Swiss watchdog FINMA said it was conducting its own enforcement proceedings against the bank to determine whether the group had fulfilled anti-money-laundering standards.

Rothschild is the latest Swiss bank to be swept up in the 1MDB case, which has triggered money-laundering investigations in at least six countries including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who chaired 1MDB's advisory board, has denied any wrongdoing.

As part of an extensive review into 1MDB-related transactions, Singapore has shut down the local units of Switzerland's BSI Bank and Falcon Bank due to failures of money laundering controls and improper conduct by senior management, frozen millions of dollars and charged several private bankers.

The review uncovered a complex web of transactions involving shell companies and individuals operating in many jurisdictions, including the United States, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Luxembourg and Malaysia.

Singapore's central bank last month fined Credit Suisse and United Overseas Bank (UOB) a total of SGD 1.6 million (USD 1.15 million) for breaching anti-money laundering rules in transactions related to 1MDB.

Last year, it fined DBS, UBS, Standard Chartered and private bank Coutts for breaches of Singapore's anti-money laundering laws in connection to 1MDB transactions.

Swiss agency FINMA has already reprimanded Credit Suisse and UBS for dealings surrounding 1MDB.

(USD 1 = 0.8953 euros)

(USD 1 = 1.3894 Singapore dollars)
The Egyptian military has said naval forces were able to rescue an Italian ship with six people aboard that was in distress off the coast of Matrouh governorate, a statement by the armed forces read on Thursday.

In a statement, spokesperson Tamer El-Refai said the vessel, named Arabesque, sent out a mayday to the Egyptian armed forces search and rescue unit after a malfunction in one of the ships engines.

The ship was located 116 miles off the Egyptian coastline when Egyptian naval forces came to its assistance.





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Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
Friends In Pink is still on the radar and growing every year
Egypt is keen on overcoming outstanding differences between the Nile Basin countries, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni during a visit to Entebbe to attend a summit of Nile Basin presidents.

According to an official statement released by the presidents office, El-Sisi told Museveni that Egypt is adamant on ending divisions in a way that will restore cooperation between all Nile Basin countries and accomplish mutual goals that exceed cooperation in the field of water and extend to different developmental fields.

According to the statement, Museveni expressed his appreciation for the historic and ongoing bonds between the two countries, and his aspiration for an upgrading of bilateral relations.

He expressed his respect for the Egyptian presidents willingness to participate in the summit, stressing the importance of the summit in launching serious talks at a strategic level on the Nile water issue, which could contribute to bringing together the viewpoints of the different countries.

Uganda is the current chair of the Nile Council of Ministers of Water Affairs of the Nile Basin Initiative.

The initiative comprises 10 permanent members: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Eritrea has observer status.

Egypt froze its membership in the initiative in 2010 over disagreements about the initiatives Cooperative Framework Agreement, also known as the Entebbe agreement.

Egypt and Sudan have declined to sign the Cooperative Framework Agreement--which sets out the principles and obligations of member states regarding the use of the basin's water resources -- citing concerns about its reallocation of water quotas and other provisions.

Historic water-sharing pacts between Egypt and Sudan continue to govern the distribution of Nile water between the two countries.

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June 22, 2017 U.S. Torture, A Saudi Coup And ISIS Crimes - "By, With And Through Allies" The U.S. military and/or the CIA outsourced parts of their ongoing torture campaign in Yemen to the United Arab Emirates, reports AP. Some "interrogations" are done in the presence of U.S. personal and on U.S. ships: MUKALLA, Yemen (AP)  Hundreds of men swept up in the hunt for al-Qaida militants have disappeared into a secret network of prisons in southern Yemen where abuse is routine and torture extreme  including the grill, in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire, an Associated Press investigation has found. Senior American defense officials acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses.

...

At one main detention complex at Riyan airport in the southern city of Mukalla, former inmates described being crammed into shipping containers smeared with feces and blindfolded for weeks on end. They said they were beaten, trussed up on the grill, and sexually assaulted. According to a member of the Hadramawt Elite, a Yemeni security force set up by the UAE, American forces were at times only yards away. There have long been rumors in Yemen that detainees were transported to U.S. ships off the coast for intense "interrogations": @BaFana3 - 3:42am  6 May 2016

All on #Yemen now : US aircraft carrier, 2 naval destroyers, amphibious ready group & Marine expeditionary unit. That's near 15,000 troops

Now I know whose ships the captured AQAP militants are being ferried to from Al Mukalla, Hadhramaut. AP now: A Yemeni officer who said he was deployed for a time on a ship off the coast said he saw at least two detainees brought to the vessel for questioning. The detainees were taken below deck, where he was told American polygraph experts and psychological experts conducted interrogations.

...

Two senior Yemen officials, one in Hadis Interior Ministry and another in the 1st Military District, based in Hadramawt province where Mukalla is located, also said Americans were conducting interrogations at sea, as did a former senior security official in Hadramawt.

...

Former detainees and one Yemen official provided the AP with the names of five suspects held at black sites who were interrogated by Americans. The UAE had been part of the CIA's "black sites" torture apparatus. Its agents are thereby well trained. The U.S. military and/or the CIA now seem to have outsourced (vid) most of the "dirty" stuff to them. That does not make them less culpable. The Obama administration has called this acting "by, with and through" allies. The Trump administration continues with the scheme. The tortured "militants" were most likely not al-Qaeda chaps. Al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula held the harbor city of Mukalla in Yemen. The UAE "liberated" the city in April 2016 by making a deal with AQAP and letting them go. It is allied with the group while fighting the Yemeni Houthi. If the U.S. torture crews believe that they are "interrogating" real "al-Qaeda" they are hoodwinked by the UAE operators. The U.S. military is, of course, denying all torture accusations and the CIA is, of course, not commenting, but denigrating the accusers. We have heard such denials before. ---

Yesterday an al-Saud family clown prince replaced another al-Saud family clown prince to replace the old al-Saud family king who will be offed soon. This in a country named after the al-Saud family. It is change you can believe in. The soon to be dictator-king Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the guy who has debt-to-GDP, is fawned over in U.S. media. That is no wonder. He has lot of money and no idea of its value. He paid 500 million for a used ship that had cost only 300 million when it was build six years earlier. Some of his money will drop here or there when a journalist writes a pretty piece about him. If the journo is really good at it s/he will get payed off in some CIA endorsed weapon deal with the Gulf sheiks. Bin Salman is not very bright. He visited Israel and is in constant contact with Israeli officials. His development program for Saudi Arabia, based on austerity, was written by McKinsey consultants and is thereby likely to fail. With his extreme anti-Iranian stand he looks like a mere U.S.-Israeli puppet.

bigger The 26 million people he rules over will not like either. Many Arab peninsula citizens will want to see his head on a pike. The House of Saud is now a house of cards destined to fall. The rise and installation of Muhammad bin Salman as Saudi King is, in part, a project of his mentor, the Emirati clown prince Mohammed bin Zayed. Bin Zayed rules the UAE. "By, with and through" allies comes to mind. ---

The Saudi rulers sponsored, together with Qatar, the ISIS takeover of Iraq and parts of Syria. They also helped finance the Clinton campaign. The Islamic State terrorists just blew up the 845 year old al-Nuri mosque in Mosul. ISIS leader Baghdadi had declared himself Caliph in that mosque and the Iraqi military was on the verge of re-taking it. The NYT report of the mosque destruction calls the the ISIS nihilists "militants": Almost from the beginning of its rule, the Islamic State systematically destroyed or damaged one important monument or shrine after another[...] In Mosuls library, militants burned thousands of old books and manuscripts. Another NYT report recently called Bernie Sanders followers "militant": The growing tension between the partys ascendant militant wing and Democrats competing in conservative-leaning terrain, was on vivid, split-screen display over the weekend. In Chicago, Senator Bernie Sanders led ... Demanding single-payer health care is obviously comparable to the sectarian massacring of thousands or to blowing up century old places of worship. Only "militants" do such. But don't you dare to compare Saudi sponsoring of ISIS and of Hillary Clinton. Even when the Saudis are doing both. Drawing connections from the UAE/CIA torture in Yemen, the UAE mentoring of the coming Saudi king, Saudi sponsoring of the CIA endorsed Clinton campaign, the U.S./Saudi caused famine, as well as the terror of ISIS in not kosher - even when there are direct lines between all of these. Trump is, by the way, no better than Clinton in this. His endorsement of the aggressive new Saudi ruler while a U.S. jet shoots down a Syrian plane which is attacking ISIS is likely not just a coincidence. But its the progressives who are "militant". Posted by b on June 22, 2017 at 10:47 UTC | Permalink Comments
Did you miss out on the Pop Quiz this week? It's time to catch up and get ready for next week!
Many questions about district elections

Dear Morgan Hill City Council,

At the City Council meeting on June 7, you decided on your own to change to District elections for Council members.

You had a very clear example that our residents will step forward on short notice and at a challenging time of the year to prepare applications and attend interview sessions. Over 20 well-qualified residents expressed their interest in filling the vacancy left by Gordon Siebert at the end of last year.

Yet you claimed that the short time period and challenging time of the year prevented you from forming a Citizen Advisory Committee. So your direction to staff is to support workshops (which currently have no definition). Historically, most public comment at your meetings and workshops are one-way input to you, not actual discussion and debate.

If a district has no candidates, does the council do an appointment? If so, would that be the same process that was used to replace Mr. Siebert?

When you have formed districts, under what conditions could we still be sued for bias?

How will district boundaries evolve over time? Does this become an issue with the citys Residential Development Control System?

What is the definition of equitable representation?

Who represents those who are financially insecure?

Who represents those who live in apartments or mobile home parks?

Given the very different levels of resident involvement in our last election campaign and the following appointment process, we should have had a city-wide discussion on how to get more residents involved in selecting who decides how our city operates. Instead, we get a mandate

from council to go to district elections for council members.

More than once, Council member Rich Constantine stated that the city had done nothing wrong. Yet you chose to be stampeded by the lawyer trolls. And it was a choice for you to make, even though you claimed that the outcome was forced on you by the cost/benefit analysis.

Thank you for your consideration,

Doug Muirhead

Morgan Hill

Thanks for promoting WorkAbility

The Morgan Hill Unified School District WorkAbility/TPP office would like to take a moment and thank those business who have signed on to open their doors to our students to assist them in learning and practicing new job skills. Please patronise these merchants and thank them for giving back to our community.

If your business is interested in investing in the youth of Morgan Hill in this way, please give us a call at (408) 201-6300 ex. 42217. The students salary and workers compensation insurance are paid by the district, so it is a win-win!

The following businesses have signed on so far: Ace Hardware/Johnson Nursery, Advance Haircuts, Bargain Hunters Outlet, Community Garage and Towing/Ponzinis, Goodwill of Silicon Valley, Granada Theatre / Willow Heights Mansion, GVA Cafe, Made in Japan/Europe/USA, Massive Sounds with DJ Guy, Maurizios, Morgan Hill Foods, Prova California Table, Rosys at the Beach, St. Vincent de Pauls Thrift Shop, TJ Maxx, Top Knot Salon and YMCA/CRC.

WorkAbility I and the Transition Partnership Program of Morgan Hill Unified is a program for high school students in special education. For five weeks beginning June 19, a group of 14- to 21-year-olds will be hitting Morgan Hill for some Community Based Instruction (CBI).

The purpose of CBI is to promote each students community knowledge through instruction, participation and real world experience.

CBI combines functional academics, social skills and job skills. Students practice essential life skills like how to purchase items, order lunch and make sure they have received the correct change. They learn how to dress for work, fill out time cards complete with proper signature, and how to be independent and confident in their community.

We hope to meet you while we are out and about this summer!

Catherine Cano

MHUSD Job Developer
The Egyptian cabinet approved in a meeting on Thursday the extension of a nationwide state of emergency for another three months.

The renewal still requires parliamentary approval.

On 11 April, Egypt's parliament voted in favour of imposing a three-month state of emergency following two deadly suicide bombings that hit two churches in Alexandria and Tanta, killing 47 people and injuring dozens more during prayer services.

The militant group Daesh claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Egypt has had a state of emergency since 2014 in some parts of North Sinai as part of efforts to battle an Islamist insurgency that intensified after the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

According to the Egyptian constitution, any state of emergency must be approved by parliament by majority vote within seven days of its declaration by the president, with renewal also requiring parliamentary approval.

The state of emergency grants authorities expanded powers including trying civilians in special courts, restricting or regulating movement in public places, and more authority to regulate media outlets.

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The state Senate approved Thursday a bipartisan House bill that is designed to help provide better communication and interaction between deaf and hard-of-hearing motorists and law enforcement officials.

The Democratic-sponsored House Bill 84 has Reps. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, and Evelyn Terry, D-Forsyth, as co-sponsors.

It cleared the House by a 111-0 vote April 6. The Senate voted 47-0 in favor.

The bill would allow for a special voluntary numeric and electronic designation on state driver's licenses that the motorist is deaf or hard of hearing. The information would be accessible to law enforcement officers in their official vehicles.

No medical examination would be required to obtain the designation.

The full House is required to approve an amendment submitted by Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, which clarifies which motorists qualify for the license designation.

The amendment requires verification or documentation of their designation as deaf or hard of hearing by the N.C. Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, in conjunction with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

Acceptable documentation would include: an exam from a medical professional; affidavit from an individual, or their parent and guardian, that they are deaf or have hearing loss; and documentation submitted to the DMV.

If the bill clears the General Assembly and is signed into law by Gov. Roy Cooper, it would become effective Jan. 1.

Affected motorists can volunteer to have a sticker on their plate designating them as deaf or hard of hearing.

Sandra Wright, whose husband Cameron Wright Jr. is deaf, said the concern of the deaf community about HB84 has been having the sticker being mandated on license plates.

"It would be a danger to our safety if others know what the symbol means," Wright said. "There is no promise the person driving the car at the time police pull them over is really the deaf owner of the car because their child or relatives could be driving it."

Krawiec said the voluntary plate designation "addresses those concerns while the bill as a whole provides an extra tool for safe interaction."

The bill would establish a minimum educational and training standard for criminal justice officers for when they interact with a motorist who is deaf or hard of hearing, including requiring that they check the motorist's driver's license for a designation as deaf or hard of hearing.

The bill was introduced about 10 days after Andrew Murray, Mecklenburg County's district attorney, chose on Jan. 30 not to bring charges against a state trooper who fatally shot a deaf driver in Charlotte on Aug. 18 following a high-speed chase on Interstate 485.

Murray said Trooper Jermaine Saunders had legal justification to fire the shot that killed Daniel Harris not far from his north Charlotte home, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Murray's findings were included in a 122-page report that included details on the chase and other events leading up to Harris' killing, including a statement that Harris ran at the trooper with a metal object in his hand. Saunders told investigators he thought Harris was carrying a weapon. It turned out to be a metal key ring.

Murray also raised the possibility Harris was undergoing a "mental health crisis" during the confrontation. Prosecutors said Harris had a history of mental illness and had been in a psychiatric hospital in Florida for seven years.

Charlotte attorney Will DeVore, who represented the family, took particular exception of prosecutors' release of Daniel Harris medical information, which he said had no relevance to the criminal case or any civil action the family might bring because Saunders was not aware of Harris' past mental problems at the time.

Jay Harris, Daniel Harris' brother, has said there is "extreme miscommunication and disconnect" between the deaf community and law enforcement. Police must receive appropriate training for interacting with a large part of our population."
Egypt's Ministry of Interior said Thursday that police have killed seven terrorists involved in recent attacks on churches and Christians during raids on training camps in Giza and Upper Egypt.

The raids, which started at dawn, initially targeted the Western Desert in Assiut where militants where training in camps and hideouts to execute further attacks during the upcoming period, the ministry said.

The militants were killed after a shootout with police forces, who seized large amounts of guns, ammunition, and IEDs.

The ministry said it is working on identifying the slain militants and that the State Security Prosecution will carry out further investigations.

Christians, who make up about one tenth of Egypt's population of more than 92 million, have been the subjects of several terrorist attacks in recent months.

In December 2016, a suicide bomber killed 29 worshippers at a Cairo church.

On Palm Sunday, twin suicide bombings on churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria killed 47 people.

In May, armed men attacked buses carrying Christian worshippers in Upper Egypts Minya governorate, killing 30.

Daesh claimed responsibility for all four attacks.




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The Canadian Mortgage Broker Association is petitioning the government to hold bank mortgage specialists to the same regulatory standards as mortgage brokers.The CMBA urges the government to take action to ensure that bank mortgage brokers comply with certain provincial consumer protection statutes that govern areas of exclusive provincial jurisdiction, such as mortgage broker licensing, Samantha Gale , executive director of CMBA, wrote in a letter to the Standing Committee on Finance. Mortgage broker licensing statutes provide detailed, well considered and essential consumer protection requirements in the absence of any similar federal requirements.It makes sense to put the bank mortgage broker on the same level playing field as other provincially licensed mortgage brokers to ensure that robust consumer protection rules are effective and enforceable against the entire mortgage brokering industry.The Standing Committee is currently reviewing consumer protection and oversight at schedule I banks across the country.In the letter sent to the Committee  which was shared with MortgageBrokerNews.ca  Gale mentions a regulatory gap in federal and provincial regulations that allows bankers to operate as a broker without having to adhere to the regulatory requirements of brokering.A ... poignant example of a regulatory gap with banks can be found with the concept of bank mortgage brokers  the ones who negotiate mortgage arrangements for borrowers, not with the bank itself, but with other third-party lenders, Gale wrote.She cited a 2011 article by mortgage broker Steven Garganis about one example of a bank operating as a broker.Back in the early 2000s, RBC created the Alternative Mortgage Solutions (AMS). This department would take declined mortgage applications and broker them to secondary Lenders like Home Trust Equitable Trust and other institutional Lenders or Private Lenders, Garganis wrote. The intention was to retain as much client business as possible while also generating a new source of revenue.Gale argued: Some of these deals truly befuddle borrowers who walk into a bank expecting to get a conventional bank mortgage, and instead end up with a private mortgage with an unfamiliar lender and sizeable broker fees.Bank brokers do not provide borrowers with conflict of interest disclosures which explainswho the bank broker represents or how and how much the bank broker gets paid.The regulatory double-standard has long frustrated brokers.New Brunswick recently implemented a regulation that requires brokers to obtain a special license from the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCSC) as of April 1.Bank employees, however, are exempt.
In a recent survey on the preferences of prospective home buyers, the Toronto Region Board of Trade (TRBOT) found that the actual state of starter housing in the city is radically different from what these buyers are expecting.



Fully 69 per cent of the respondentsmost of which are young professionalsindicated a preference for houses with at least 3 bedrooms, while 81 per cent do not want condo. This is in stark contrast to the proportion of mid-rise and high-rise housing units built between 2011 and 2016 (83 per cent).



Torontos chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat noted that these aspiring home owners dreams will run aground on the harsh reality of the decline of the single-family home, now cripplingly expensive in a market suffused with foreign investment.



They are now competing with global capital. They are in entry-level positions making entry-level salaries, sometimes working more than one job and they are competing with capital from around the city that wants the same housing that they do, Keesmaat said, as quoted by the Toronto Star.



The trend is showing no signs of stopping, and Keesmaat herself is already raising her children on the expectation that they will establish their own families in apartments.



If they choose to stay in the city those are the odds  that theyll raise their family very differently from how they were raised, just as Im raising my family very differently from how I was raised, she explained.


Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet team toured Wright brothers sites and flew in a World War II bomber Tuesday and Wednesday while in the area for the Vectren Dayton Air Show

An earlier-than-usual arrival at Dayton International Airport for the air show taking place this weekend gave the 65-member team some free time. Pilots and several others took advantage of the break to explore the rich aviation heritage of the National Aviation Heritage Area, culminating Wednesday afternoon in flights on one on of the vintage World War II bombers scheduled to fly in the air show.

A group of approximately 30 Thunderbirds took turns taking familiarization flights on the Champaign Aviation Museums B-25 bomber Champaign Gal Wednesday afternoon at historic Grimes Field Airport in Urbana. The twin-engine, bomber can carry six passengers at a time.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Thunderbirds members visited units of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, including the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Wright Cycle Co.; Aviation Trail Inc.s Parachute Museum; Dayton Historys Wright Brothers Aviation Center in Carillon Historical Park; Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family mansion in Oakwood, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA), the congressionally chartered nonprofit management entity for the heritage area, coordinated the tours with its heritage partners.

This is the first time weve had the opportunity to show one of our premier military jet teams the aviation heritage in our heritage area, said Tony Sculimbrene, NAHA executive director.

About NAHA

The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) is a nonprofit chartered by Congress in 2004 as the management entity for the National Aviation Heritage Area, a region of national historical importance encompassing Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Warren, Champaign, Shelby, and Auglaize counties. The Heritage Area is one of 49 National Heritage Areas in a program administrated by the National Park Service, and the only one dedicated to aviation heritage. Visit aviationheritagearea.org for more information.
President Emmanuel Macron says France is no longer pushing for the departure of Syrian President Bashar Assad, a shift in French policy throughout the Syrian war.

Macron said in an interview with eight European newspapers published on Thursday that he wants to work more closely with Russia for a solution in Syria and says foreign powers were too focused on Assad as a person.

Macron says: "The new outlook I have on this issue is that I haven't stated that Bashar Assad's departure is a necessary condition for everything. Because no one has shown me a legitimate successor."

Macron's predecessors were among the most vocal Assad opponents.

However, Macron warned France would attack Syria if the government uses chemical weapons. French warplanes are already targeting Islamic State extremists in Syria.

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A senior Russian diplomat says the head of the Islamic State group has most likely been killed in a Russian airstrike.

Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency Thursday that "according to the Defense Ministry's information, there is a high probability that (Abu Bakr) al-Baghdadi has been killed when the Russian air force hit militants' headquarters on the southern outskirts of Raqqa in late May." He wouldn't offer details.

The Defense Ministry first made the claim Friday, adding that al-Baghdadi's death in the May 28 strike was still "being verified through various channels." Syromolotov similarly said that the checks were continuing.

He added that al-Baghdadi's demise would mark a "major success in the fight against international terrorism," spreading "fear and panic" in the IS ranks.

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Oil and gas industry executives have just received a cold dose of reality with the results of a survey of the industrys next generation of talent.

In EYs latest edition of its polls surveying public perception of the oil and gas industry, only 26 percent of Generation Z (16- to 19-year-olds)  and only 45 percent of millennials (born between 1982 and 2004) found oil industry jobs appealing. About 55 percent of these respondents perceive oil industry jobs as blue-collar, dangerous and not environmentally friendly.

Thats not actually where the majority of jobs are, but perception is reality, Rachel Everaard, US Oil & Gas People Advisory Services Principal at EY, said in a phone interview from her Houston office.

She attributed that perception in part to how the industry is portrayed in the media.

What you see in annual reports are people wearing hard hats, even the executives.

The surveys findings provide an opportunity to educate young people about future jobs in the industry and how cutting-edge the industry is, Everaard said.

The way technology is changing, a lot of the more traditional jobs are going away, she said.

The new jobs will require new skill sets, such as data analysis, she said.

Were seeing more work done around robotics in processing operations. Jobs will be in information technology, finance and accounting, human resources, the supply chain to capture margins, she said.

Some people in the industry see the findings in a positive light.

If its just a communications issue, we can change our communications strategy, she said.

Others are concerned because the findings indicate companies may have to make significant changes to how they operate in order to attract, recruit and retain a workforce, she said.

Those changes may be a result of the surveys finding that there is a disconnect between what young people want in a career and what oil and gas executives think the generation wants.

Young people responding to the survey overwhelmingly prioritize salary  56 percent  followed by a good work-life balance  49 percent  and job stability and on-the-job happiness, 37 percent each.

While executives and younger workers agree on salary being a top priority  72 percent of executives ranked it first  43 percent of executives ranked technology second, followed by good work-life balance, 38 percent ; and the opportunity to try new roles, 28 percent.

The survey found the industrys lack of appeal among young people is largely driven by its lack of appeal to young women: Only 24 percent of women between 16 and 35 find the industry appealing, compared to 54 percent of men in the same age range.

Local companies such as Pioneer Natural Resources, Concho Resources and Occidental Petroleum have constructed new campuses that include cafeterias, child care and workout spaces, and Everaard said other companies may have to provide similar offerings to appeal to younger workers.

Oil and gas companies should be assessing their benefit programs to offer things to attract young people, Everaard said.

The results of the survey is providing the industry with very actionable items to address the need to recruit the next generation of workers, she said.

She said the rapid change in technology and rise in efficiency means there will be fewer industry jobs in the future, but those being created will require higher and more specialized skill sets. That adds a greater sense of urgency, she said.

Theyre trying to tap into a generation of people who dont have a positive perception of the industry, she said.
Prince Philip was discharged Thursday from a London hospital after he was treated for an infection, Buckingham Palace said.

Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday as a precautionary measure after he fell ill with an infection related to an existing health condition that wasn't made public.

Philip, who turned 96 earlier this month, was driven from the hospital Thursday. Officials said he was in good spirits during his two nights' stay there.

His brief admission to the hospital meant he missed out on two major events in the queen's calendar  the state opening of Parliament on Wednesday and the Royal Ascot horse races.

In May, Philip announced he was stepping down from public life and wouldn't take on new charity roles after more than six decades of service.

The royal has been hospitalized several times in recent years, including for treatment of a blocked coronary artery in 2011 and a bladder infection in 2012, but he has been in generally good health.

The queen, 91, maintains her regular schedule of public appearances.

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Egypt's telecoms operators received the wireless frequencies needed to deliver 4G mobile broadband networks on Wednesday, a key step in the long-delayed introduction of high-speed telecoms services.

Egypt sold four 4G licences in 2016 as part of a long-awaited plan to reform the telecoms sector and raise dollars for stretched government finances.

"The authority has sent a letter assigning the frequencies to telecommunications companies today," an official at the National Telecom Regulatory Authority told Reuters.

The country's three mobile operators - Vodafone Egypt , Orange and Etisalat - all acquired licences.

Orange Egypt agreed to a provision that required it to pay half the licence fee in dollars.

"The companies will redistribute the frequencies in preparation for offering the service commercially in the market within two months," said the official on condition of anonymity.

Egypt's state-owned landline company Telecom Egypt said in July 2016 that it would begin offering 4G services within a year of obtaining the necessary frequencies.

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Egypt will receive the second disbursal of a $12 billion International Monetary Fund loan within two to three weeks, Finance Minister Amr El-Garhy told Reuters on Thursday.

The $1.25 billion disbursal, which will complete the first $4 billion loan tranche, was initially expected to come toward the end of June.

Garhy said it was delayed due to bank procedures and the IMF executive board meetings, but that there were no obstacles to Egypt obtaining the loan.

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The archaeological documentation of Al-Maala necropolis in Upper Egypt was carried out

The Antiquities Documentation Centre has completed its project to document Al-Maala necropolis, which is located in the town of Esna in Luxor governorate.

The necropolis is a very important archaeological site because it was the official cemetery of the rulers of the third nome of Upper Egypt during the Third Intermediate Period.

Hisham El-Leithy, the director general of the centre, explained that the documentation work was carried out by an Egyptian mission from the centre.

Al-Maala is the second site in the town of Ensa to be subject to the process; Esna temple was the first.

The documentation project, he explained, aims to record information about every inch of every monument in Egypt according to the most up-to-date scientific and archaeological techniques.

The actual documentation methods will consist of computer-data sets, plans and sections, as well as photographs, drawings and illustrations, recording forms, logbooks, site notebooks, diaries and dive logs, El-Leithy said.

He added that GIS systems, 3D reconstructions, applications that support on-site recording processes, modern measuring techniques and data-processing software used in geophysical research would also be used.

El-Leithy said that the project to document all the archaeological sites in Egypt was also stopped in the aftermath of the 25 January Revolution due to budgetary problems.

The ministry however resumed the documentation project earlier this year and started with the Esna Temple and the Tanis site. At Al-Maala, the mission documented the architecture of the seven tombs that compose the necropolis as well as their engravings and paintings. All the pillars found there were also documented and given a special number.

The Al-Maala necropolis consists of seven tombs divided into two groups: the southern and northern groups.

The southern group, El-Leithy said, is composed of three tombs, with the main one belonging to Ankh-Tify, the ruler of the Nekhen area found between Edfu and Isna towns during the reign of King Nefer-Ka-Re of the Third Intermediate Period.

The tomb is decorated with his biography and different titles, and contains information about the period.

The other two other tombs have not been identified yet, but one of them is decorated with scenes showing the process of grain storage as well as the tombs owner in different positions with his family members. The second tomb has no decorations.

The southern group at the necropolis, El-Leithy said, consists of four tombs, the main one belonging to Prince Sobek Hetep, believed to be the son of ruler Ankh-Tify.

The tomb is decorated with scenes of daily life. It is surrounded by three other undecorated tombs that have not yet been identified.





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A Lake Wales teacher tracked his 14-year-old daughter to the home of a 17-year-old boy and assaulted him, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Thomas Griffin charged with burglary with assault, criminal mischief

Investigators: Griffin tracked daughter by tracking cell phone

Deputies: Griffin is a teacher at Lake Region High in Winter Haven

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Investigators said Thomas Griffin, 43, a teacher at Lake Region High School in Winter Haven, realized his daughter was not in their home, then used the GPS location of her cellphone to track down where she was. He discovered the phone was in the area of a mobile home park where he'd dropped off his daughter recently to visit with friends.

Griffin then reportedly drove to the location and, while walking up to the home's front door, damaged the front porch gate, breaking its hinges. He knocked on the front door and, when asked by the 17-year-old who was there, identified himself as the girl's dad.

When the teen opened the door, deputies say Griffin entered the home without permission and asked where his daughter was. When he found her, he told her to go outside to his vehicle, then grabbed the teen victim by the throat, threw him on the couch and threatened to kill him if he ever went near the girl again, investigators say.

Griffin was booked into the Polk County Jail on one count of burglary with assault and one count of criminal mischief.
An archaeological mission from Yale University has discovered a new rock inscription site near the village of El-Khawy near Luxor, during their excavation work on the Elkab Desert Survey Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities.

The inscriptions range in date from the early Predynastic Period, which spanned approx. 4,000 to 3,500 BC, through to the Old Kingdom (approx. 2,686 BC to 2181 BC).

The village of El-Khawy is located approximately 7km north of the ancient city of Elkab and 60km south of Luxor.

Mahmoud Afifi, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Section at the ministry explained that the site is composed of several panels of rock art and inscriptions which include some of the earliestand largestsigns from the formative stages of the hieroglyphic script, and provides evidence for how the ancient Egyptians invented their unique writing system.

Hani Abu ElAzem, head of the Central Department of Upper Egypt Antiquities, described the discovery as important because it helps in understanding the development of a system of graphic communication, which sets the stage for the appearance of true hieroglyphic writing in Upper Egypt in approx. 3,250 BC.

John Coleman Darnell, the head of the archaeological mission, said the inscriptions were discovered on high rock faces overlooking the modern railroad and the earliest one shows animal imagesespecially a herd of large elephantssome of which develop into symbols of political power associated with late Predynastic rulers. The most important inscription is found at the northern end of the site dates to the final phase of the Predynastic Period (the Naqada III phase or Dynasty 0, approx. 3,250-3,100 BC.)

He continued that the mission also discovered a panel of four signs, written right to left (the dominant writing direction in later Egyptian texts) featuring a bulls head on a short pole, followed by two back-to-back saddle bill storks with a bald ibis above and between them. This panel is one of the largest yet discovered from Dynasty 0.

Darnell continues that rock art in the Eastern and Western deserts of Egypt demonstrates that ancient artists often interacted with earlier imagesclustering similar images or images with related meanings on the same rock surface.

By the last phase of the Predynastic Period, rock art and other objects from the Nile Valley could use images to express concepts, such as the saddle bill stork with a serpent beneath its beak meaning victory.

These symbols are not phonetic writing, but appear to provide the intellectual background for moving from depictions of the natural world to hieroglyphs that wrote the sounds of the ancient Egyptian language, Darnell said, adding that the newly discovered inscriptions at El-Khawy provide another example of this important transitional phase.

The team of archaeologists located these inscriptions by mapping out routes based on road networks in Egypt. Most rock inscriptions in Egypt, Darnell said, are not randomly placed; they are placed along major roads, either roads that parallel the Nile or roads that head out into the desert. They are usually at a juncture or crossroads. Any place where someone might pause in their journey, said Darnell.

Using a new recording technique pioneered at Yale, Darnell and Alberto Urcia, a digital archaeologist and associate research scientist in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, created a series of 3D images of the inscriptions from photographs taken in the field.

This new technology makes it possible to record sites at a level of accuracy and detail that was absolutely impossible before, said Darnell.

It also means that we can record the site as a place, or a location, and not just as a series of inscriptions.

This was not what I was expecting to find when I set out on this period of work on the expedition, said Darnell. It was completely shocking to me.

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Crime rates in Florida are at a 46-year low across the state. Central Florida's crime rates are down too.

In Orange County crime was down 4.6% in 2016, and in Orlando its down 12.8%

Crime is down in many categories, except murders and rapes

In Florida, crime was down 4.4 percent in 2016

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It is always a moving target and something that we are constantly looking at to improve where we can, said Captain Angelo Nieves, Orange County Sheriffs Office.

To combat crime, law enforcement agencies normally document every incident, every broken law, every arrest. That information is then compiled statewide and nationally in Uniform Crime Reports.

They sort of give that baseline, its that snapshot of crime across the state, said Lee Massie, Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute director. And if there is a pattern, it allows them to use their limited resources more effective and efficiently.

Lee Massie spent years in law enforcement and now is an expert in crime numbers.

The numbers themselves speak to a broad picture, of what is going on across the state, and speaks to the fact that things are going good, said Massie.

In Florida, crime was down 4.4 percent in 2016.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;

In Orange County it was down 4.6 percent, and in Orlando it was down 12.8 percent.

It shows a reduction in almost every category that is captures, minus the murders, said Massie.

In Orlando burglary, larceny and aggravated assault are all down.

Yeah, that is a pretty significant decrease and we are very happy with that, said Chief John Mina, Orlando Police.

But murder and rape cases both show an increase.

I always say homicide is a hard crime to predict, or prevent. It is a crime of passion, said Mina.

In 2015 there were 32 murders, but in 2016 there were 84 murders. In 2016, 49 people were killed in the Pulse massacre, which skews the statistic. But, even if the 49 lives lost at Pulse are removed, the numbers still show an overall increase between years.

If you do take that out, there is an increase, but the good news is, this year the homicides are down by 20 percent, said Mina.

Rape is also up from 182 cases to 211 cases. Chief Mina said there may be a reason we are seeing higher numbers.

So I think what you are seeing is not necessary an increase in committed crimes, but an increase in reported crimes, specifically rape, said Mina. He says public awareness campaigns have encouraged and informed more victims about coming forward.

In Orange County, every crime is down except murder. It is up from 53 cases in 2015 to 61 cases in 2016.

Murders are always a difficult moving target, you have incidents of domestic violence, you have incidents of emotion, said Nieves. You have situations where alcohol are introduced into these situations. And when these things occur they happen rapidly and sometimes in closed environments and residents, and so forth.

But OCSO and OPD both look at numbers daily to make sure they stay on top of all crime. And overall it is down.

A lot of people say, Well what do you attribute that to? I give a lot of the credit to our officers who are out there working hard, but also our residents, said Mina.

Nieves agrees their deputies and the community have really played a large role in the overall decrease.

Residents are key to this, they are our eyes and ears when we are out on the streets, said Cpt. Nieves. We are constantly looking at what areas we have an impact on, as the trends change, so do we, we are very fluid.

Orlando police say their murders are also down 20 percent so far in 2017. That's fourteen in the first six months, and of those, 12 are already solved.

Massie said when considering the growing number of people throughout the Central Florida area, an overall crime decrease is a big deal.

And then to be able to produce an annual report in all of these crime categories, speaks volumes for the kind of work we are getting from out law enforcement, said Massie.
A rabbi who is accused of impregnating a 15-year-old girl is expected to face a judge on Thursday.

Lloyd Haughton is being held at $35,000 bond

Haughton is also accused of molesting teen

Rabbi has denied allegations

RELATED: Sanford rabbi arrested, accused of impregnating teen

The Sanford Police Department arrested Lloyd Haughton, 41, on Wednesday. Haughton was scheduled to face a judge at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. He is being held on a $35,000 bond.

In March, a 15-year-old girl went to police, saying Haughton had been molesting her for the past two years.

Haughton denied the allegations. But a month later, the girls mother contacted police to say her daughter was pregnant and that Haughton was the father.

On Wednesday, test results from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement concluded Haughton was the biological father of the fetus.

Police said Haughton is a rabbi at Synagogue Beth Israel in Sanford.

According to the synagogues website, Haughton is a native of Manchester, Jamaica, and became the first rabbi to be ordained through Beth Israel Torah Academy. The synagogue's website has since removed Haughton from its site.

In addition, the website stated that he is the synagogues official cantor and teacher of biblical Hebrew.

Gary Fernandez, the head rabbi of Synagogue Beth Israel, told News 13 that Haughton is no longer with the synagogue.

"Immediately upon hearing the news, Lloyd Haughton was released of his duties and is no longer affiliated with Synagogue Beth Israel. This is very sad, and time is needed for us to heal from the entire matter," Fernandez said.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith was sympathetic toward the synagogue.

It is always disheartening when people in positions of authority violate and abuse the trust that is bestowed upon them, he said in a statement. I hope the congregation and community can come together to heal and repair the trust that has been shattered.

Investigators said there is nothing right now to indicate there are more victims, but anyone who wants to report an incident can call the Sanford Police Department at 1-407-688-5070.
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On Tuesday, the Sugar Land Police Department announced it had arrested 13 men whom they said attempted to have sex with children they met online.

Dubbed "Operation Broken Heart," the two-month operation, which took place in April and May, was conducted in concert with several other Houston-area police departments and federal law enforcement agencies.

"Task force officers engage in communication with suspects using social media websites accessible to adults and children," detailed a news release by the city of Sugar Land. "Through online communication, officers were able to direct suspects attempting to engage in sexual contact with children to another location where the online predators were arrested."

JAILED AGAIN: Fort Worth man arrested in second prostitution sting by same undercover cop

In total, 13 men ranging between the ages of 19 and 66 were arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor and attempted sexual assault of a child. Three of the accused men were also arrested on charges relating to the possession, promotion or distribution of child pornography.

"It is a very serious offense and is something our entire community and Houston Metro region should be coordinated against," said Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley at a press conference Wednesday. "Especially against our children, who are most helpless more than anything else."

According to authorities, online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony and may be punished by two to 20 years in prison while attempted sexual assault of a child is a third-degree felony and is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

ROAD RAGE: Central Texas Prius driver, 76, charged with shooting at couple who made 'obscene gesture'

"Operation Broken Heart" was a nationwide effort involving more than 4,500 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and resulted in over 1,000 arrests, according to Sgt. Matt Levan with the Sugar Land Police Department.

In the Houston area, the task force conducted 151 investigations, made 105 arrests, received 569 cyber tips, identified five child victims, issued 153 subpoenas and served 58 search warrants, Levan said.

The Sugar Land PD teamed up with the Fort Bend County District Attorney, Rosenberg Police Department, Katy ISD Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Constable Precinct 1 office, Katy Police Department, the Chambers County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security to make the arrests.

Levan said law enforcement on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are working every day on similar cases.

"The work never stops," he said. Levan encouraged parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children's use of the Internet and social media.

Click through to view the mugshots and names of the accused online predators.
Eid will fall on Sunday and last for three days, while Thursday will mark the 30 June holiday

Next Thursday, the 29 June, will be an official holiday for both the public and private sector in Egypt, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail announced on Thursday.

The day off will mark the 30 June Revolution holiday, which this year falls on a Friday.

Employees in ministries, governmental authorities, the public sector and other state-owned institutions, as well as in the private sector, will take the day off.

"This leave does not apply to all examinations in schools, institutes and universities, as those will continue in accordance with the previously announced deadlines," the prime ministerial decision reads. 

The 30 June was made a public holiday in 2014, marking the day in 2013 when massive protests took place against then-president Mohamed Morsi, who was subsequently ousted.

This Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr which marks the end of the month of Ramadan will start on Sunday 25 June and last for three days; all three days are holidays for the public sector, while banks and the private sector will be off for the first two days only.



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Ivanka Trump, you're fired.

According to plastic surgeon Dr. Franklin Rose, first lady Melania Trump has eclipsed first daughter and former fashion designer Ivanka - as a plastic surgery muse, anyway.

"I've have had many women visit my office wanting the 'Ivanka look,'" Rose said in a press release. "So it's not really surprising to see women now requesting to look more like Melania, who is simply gorgeous."

READ ALSO: Melania Trump wears $51K Dolce & Gabbana jacket in Sicily

One such request came from Cypress mom and cancer survivor Claudia Sierra.

"I want to feel like the first lady that I know I am inside," Sierra explained in the same media statement.

On June 20, she underwent eight surgeries in an effort to look more like the Slovenian-born first lady and former model. Sierra's "Melania Makeover" aired on Inside Edition on Monday.

READ ALSO: 13 facts about Melania Trump

Her procedures included a revision breast reconstruction, revision rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift, eyelid lift, Botox, fillers, and unspecified injectable treatments.

Check out before photos of the Texas beauty in the slideshow above.
If any single person could stop the oil market's plunge, it would be 31-year-old Mohammad bin Salman.

For two years, the new crown price of Saudi Arabia, picked this week to succeed his father to the throne of a country that pumps one in every nine oil barrels consumed around the world, has pushed ambitious reforms aimed at unshackling the Saudi economy from fickle oil prices and furnishing new jobs and industries outside of oil and government for a young and growing population, racing against time as the world's energy mix evolves.

At the center of the young reformer's plans is next year's $2 trillion public offering of a slice of Saudi Aramco, a bid to raise seed money for new technology and manufacturing industries that would diversify the Kingdom's oil-dependent economy. But his agenda could flounder if oil remains cheaper than $50 a barrel.

READ ALSO: Will oil prices head to $30 or $60

"He wants to raise as much money as possible from listing Aramco," said Jim Krane, fellow for energy studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. "That's crucial for the future of the Kingdom and the national transformation he's spearheading. He needs cash and high oil prices to do it."

That means it's more likely Saudi Arabia will keep pressure on to drain the world's oil glut  and work to convince other oil-producing nations like Russia to join it  despite the market pessimism that has driven prices down 20 percent this year. The Kingdom is aiming for $60 a barrel oil, but prices have dropped under $45 a barrel in recent weeks.

If oil drops into the $30 a barrel range, Saudi Arabia may lead an effort to make deeper oil production cuts, or once again try to extend the current agreement to keep 1.8 million barrels a day off the market beyond March 2018 -- ultimately clearing a path for oil companies in Houston to drill up U.S. shale plays even faster, analysts said.

READ ALSO: Falling prices, equipment and labor constraints could slow U.S. drilling surge

Salman's rise comes as shifting global power structures complicate the once-straightforward relationships and dynamics that drove the oil market. The Kingdom is fighting a proxy war in Yemen and supports Syrian rebels amid tensions climb with Iran and Qatar, and Salman's hawkish stance on defending Saudi Arabia could propel simmering conflicts in the region.

It has embraced Russia, its long-time rival for influence in the Middle East, even as Qatar has acquired a stake in Russia's state-run Rosneft. And crude exports from the United States have pushed further into international markets this year, even as Salman extends friendship to the Trump Administration.

"The challenges facing the oil market are as high as they've ever been and the geopolitics is more complex than it has ever been," said Amy Myers Jaffe, executive director of energy and sustainability at the University of California at Davis.

"Can he manage that on top of two wars and a very tense conflict with Qatar?" she said. "It's an important time for all the players in Saudi Arabia to come up with a sophisticated strategy, and the question is whether his ascension will facilitate that or not."

Over the past year, Salman has consolidated power within the Kingdom's oil industry, elevating a new energy minister, Khalid al-Falih, who believed cuts would help rebalance the oil market, and steered its oil-market strategy away from the previous push to hoard market share. Salman has orchestrated pacts with Russia, OPEC and several other countries to stop pumping more oil than the world needs  all in support of his plans to shake up the Saudi economy.

That puts Salman in a difficult position: knowing the Kingdom is motivated to boost oil prices to ensure a successful IPO of Saudi Aramco, other OPEC producers can lean on Saudi Arabia to bear the brunt of the output cuts if it wants to extend or deepen the reductions, analysts said.

So far, it appears Salman has been willing to make that exchange. On Thursday, OPEC said its crop of oil-producing countries conformed to their quotas in record numbers in May, reducing supply more than they promised. Most of that output cut has come from Saudi Arabia.

At the beginning of last year, when Salman signaled it wouldn't matter to him if oil prices plummeted. That has changed, analysts said, because Saudi Arabia's national reforms  including its efforts to boost labor-intensive industrial sectors to attract big financial institutions to Riyadh  are at stake.

"He thinks Saudi Arabia has to make up for lost time," said Matt Reed, vice president at Foreign Reports, a Washington consulting firm focused on Mideast oil politics. "To him, these reforms are all overdue by years or decades. There's an urgency about MBS that you don't see elsewhere in the Gulf."


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A long-running legal battle over land next to the historic Hays Street Bridge on the near East Side is going to the Supreme Court of Texas.

The Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group, which raised money to revive the landmark, asked the states highest court this week to overturn a ruling that blocked the groups lawsuit against the city of San Antonio over development of the 1.7-acre site at 803 N. Cherry St. land.

The group sued 2012 to prevent the city from selling the land to the Alamo Beer Co. A Bexar County district court jury found in 2014 that the city failed to comply with the terms of a 2002 memorandum of understanding regarding the bridges restoration by not developing the land into a park.

RELATED: 12 things you didn't know about Hays Street Bridge

But the 4th Court of Appeals sided with the city in March and dismissed the case after concluding the city couldnt be sued for breach of contract.

The Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group alleged in its lawsuit that the land had been donated as part of an effort to raise money to restore the bridge, which reopened in 2010 as a bike and pedestrian route over railroad tracks.

Following the jury verdict, state District Judge David Canales issued a ruling that the city interpreted to mean that it could sell the land as long as the proceeds went toward the bridge, the San Antonio Express-News reported in 2015.

The city sold the land to a company headed by Alamo Beer owner Eugene Simor in December 2014.

Amy Kastely, an attorney for the Hay Street Bridge Restoration Group, couldnt be reached for comment Thursday.

We will aggressively defend the decision of the Court of Appeals, which was a complete vindication of the citys position regarding this matter, Debbie Klein, assistant city attorney, said in an emailed statement. In the meantime, well continue working with the community on responsible development around the Hays Street Bridge.

In a petition for review that was filed with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Kastely said the appeals court misinterpreted the local government code in its ruling for the city.

The Court of Appeals held that the city is immune from suit for this breach of contract, essentially because the (Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group) did not seek money damages, Kastely said. The group only sought to hold the city to the terms of the 2002 agreement.

Surely this result  sends a cynical message of disregard to those who generously seek to contribute to their communities, she added in the filing.

The land sale to Alamo Beer was for $295,000 and included a matching grant to the company that was funded by the sale, Kastely wrote.

From any reasonable perspective, this was a giveaway that breached the citys agreement with the Hays St. Group, she added. A contempt motion filed by the group in Bexar County district court was put on hold pending the citys appeal, she said in her filing with the Supreme Court.

Property records show a company headed by Simor deeded the land to a company headed by San Antonio apartment developer Mitchell Meyer in October. The website for Meyers company, Loopy Ltd., previously showed that The Bridge apartments were planned for the Cherry Street site. A call to Meyer was not returned so its not clear if hes still proceeding with those plans.

pdanner@express-news.net
Although longtime Democrat voter and Bernie Sanders supporter James Hodgkinson is the one who pulled the trigger at the GOP batting practice in Alexandria, Va. on June 14, the Democratic Party and its leftist media sidekicks should take a long look in the mirror.

They are not without fault, given their relentless spewing of hate-filled propaganda framing President Trump as a Russian Hitler, his supporters as racists and Nazis and Republican lawmakers as evil villains who want people to die.

Garbage in, garbage out. No wonder Hodgkinson went postal.

Those calling for unity should understand unity is impossible unless those smarmy swamp dwellers slither their way out of the sludge and cap off the sewage they have been gushing since Trump's inauguration.

Until they do, leftists will do what leftists do, communicating their opinions and demonstrating their frustrations by breaking and burning things...or going on Hodgkinson-style shooting sprees...or stabbing police horses with nail embedded flagpoles like one did in Harrisburg, Pa.

Every time the swamp princess herself, Nancy Pelosi, opens her mouth, she inspires normal Americans to donate campaign dollars and dash to the polls to support anyone but Democrats. Pelosi's latest tasteless word salad came barely 24 hours after the Alexandria shooting when she said Republicans are "sanctimonious" for blaming the left for inciting violence.

Leftists inciting violence? Let me un-sanctimoniously count the ways.

Art Institute of Washington's Professor John Griffin commented on a since-deleted Facebook post that Republicans in the House of Representatives "should be lined up and shot" for passing the American Heath Care Act to fix Obamacare. Griffin stressed, "That's not hyperbole; blood is on their hands."

The Washington Times reports a California State University lecturer, Lars Maischak, tweeted: "To save American democracy, Trump must hang. The sooner and the higher, the better." He also tweeted: "Has anyone started soliciting money and design drafts for a monument honoring the Trump assassin, yet?"

If this kind of hate-filled vitriol falls on the wrong ears, it could be interpreted as a dog whistle to people like Hodgkinson or the crazy Bernie Sanders and Jill Stein supporter in Portland, Oregon who yelled at two Muslims then slit their defender's throats.

Hodgkinson was reportedly a member of a Facebook group called "Terminate the Republican Party." After the shooting, some fellow members celebrated a now-deleted post preserved in a screen catch by the Daily Caller which read, "And it's one, two, three shots you're out at the old ball game."

Shortly after the shooting, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) received a threatening email with the subject line reading "One down, 216 to go."Did you NOT expect this? When you take away ordinary peoples very lives in order to pay off the wealthiest among us, your own lives are forfeit," the sender wrote.

Meanwhile, in Virginia, police blanketed a town hall meeting for Rep. Tom Garrett (R-Va.) after he received threats targeting Garrett, his family and even his dog. "This is how we're going to kill your wife," read one threat.

Tuscson.com reports the FBI arrested a school employee for threatening to shoot U.S. Rep. Martha McSally and other voicemail messages warning her to "be careful" and telling her "her days were numbered."

WSBC-2 reports the FBI was called to investigate that GOP candidate for the Georgia House special election, Karen Handel, received a threatening letter and a suspicious package June 15. Her neighbors also received envelopes containing a white powdery substance. I could go on, but I'm only allowed 650 words.

Love trumping hate sure requires an awful lot of visceral abhorrence toward those with whom leftists disagree.

If anyone is sanctimonious, it is Swamp Princess Pelosi, for blaming the right for blaming the left for inciting violence. Pelosi's time would be better spent on her knees asking Jesus to help her drain the Democratic Party swamp and culling the hate before another Hodgkinson-style atrocity occurs.

Susan Stamper Brown Susan lives in Alaska and writes about culture, politics and current events. She is a regular contributor to Townhall, The Christian Post and Right Wing News. Susan's nationally syndicated column is published in scores of newspapers and publications across the U.S. She writes about politics, culture and media and was selected as one of America's 50 Best Conservative writers for 2015 and 2016. Contact her by Facebook or at writestamper@gmail.com.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Thursday that he does not have "tapes" of his private conversations with then-FBI Director James Comey, finally ending a mystery of his own creation that began last month when he suggested that he had privately recorded their talks.

Trump on May 12 floated the idea he had an audio record of their conversations, apparently as a way to intimidate Comey. For five and a half weeks, the president and senior White House officials refused to tell the public whether such tapes exist.

But after an inquiry from congressional investigators about the tapes, Trump tweeted Thursday, "I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings":

---

With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea...

...whether there are "tapes" or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings.

---

On May 12, a day after details of a one-on-one dinner he had with Comey were reported by the New York Times, Trump issued an apparent threat to the former FBI director, whom he had recently fired.

"James B. Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" Trump tweeted.

In the weeks since, Trump, White House press secretary Sean Spicer and other top officials have repeatedly been pressed on whether the president had such "tapes" and whether he records private conversations in the White House. They declined to provide answers each time.

At a June 9 news conference, Trump played coy when asked whether the "tapes" exist. He told reporters they would have to wait "a fairly short period of time" to find out.

"Oh, you're going to be very disappointed when you hear the answer," Trump said. "Don't worry."

Comey, meanwhile, effectively dared Trump to release whatever "tapes" he may have.

"Lordy, I hope there are tapes," Comey said in his Senate testimony earlier this month.

At an off-camera briefing for White House reporters, spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders attempted to put the issue to bed.

"I think the president's statement via Twitter today is extremely clear, and I don't have anything to add beyond the statement itself," she said.

She was peppered with questions about his statement, however, during the remainder of the 20-minute briefing and provided short answers that shed little light on Trump's motivation.

Why the game? Sanders was asked.

"I don't know that it was a game," Sanders said, relaying that Trump had pledged to provide an answer by the end of the week to whether he was aware of recordings and he did that.

Was the president's original suggestion on Twitter that there could be recordings meant to threaten Comey?

"Not that I'm aware of, I don't think so," Sanders said.

Does the president regret his original tweet?

"I don't think so," she said.

Did the president ever have recordings of Comey?

"Not that I'm aware of," Sanders said.

Was Trump concerned that he was under surveillance by others while in the Oval Office?

"I don't know specifically if there's a direct concern," Sanders said.

For the lawmakers on Capitol Hill who were demanding Trump provide information by Friday about the tapes' existence, his tweet does not settle the matter.

"We have to have an official statement, tweets aren't official," said Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, who is running the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Until they get that official response, Conaway said, he would not comment on whether a subpoena may still be issued.

He added that it was "good for [Trump] to clarify" his position and that "you always take the president at his word - until it's proven otherwise."

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Intelligence panel, also said the president's tweet was not sufficient.

"We'd all like to believe that our president can be trusted when he says something, regrettably though he has repeatedly proved otherwise," Schiff said. "If this is meant to constitute his answer to the House investigation then it needs to be fully truthful  if the president is being less than candid about this, I think we have very serious problems with the White House."

Schiff said has questions about "why he would have said the opposite to begin with."

"Was this an effort to intimidate James B. Comey, was this an effort to silence James B. Comey?," he said. "Those questions still need to be answered."

Schiff said he will continue to ask witnesses that come before the committee if they are aware of the existence of tapes and said he will consult with Conaway before deciding whether a subpoena is still in order.

The committee cannot produce a subpoena for the tapes - or anything else related to the Russia probe - without the approval of Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., Schiff said. That arrangement continues, despite the fact Nunes handed over his chairman's duties regarding the Russia probe to Conaway in early April.

"The chair is still insisting on the sign-off on our subpoenas," Schiff told reporters. "That shouldn't be happening."

Schiff added that Nunes had not yet turned down any subpoena requests from investigators, but stressed that Conaway should have the final word on subpoenas related to the Russia investigation.

Nunes stepped away from the helm of the Russia investigation after coming under the scrutiny of the House Ethics Committee. Democrats and outside groups had accused Nunes of coordinating with the White House to throw the House Intelligence Committee's investigation off course by alleging that the identity of a surrogate of the president, or potentially the president himself, might have been improperly revealed on a surveillance report.

---

The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report.

---

Video: President Trump tweeted on June 22 that he doesn't possess - and didn't record - tapes of his private conversations with former FBI director James Comey. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

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http://wapo.st/2rGPd0h

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Helen Fabick was an honors student who in February 2014 was supposed to attend a daddy-daughter dance at her high school.

Instead, her father found the 17-year-old dead in her bed.

"If this sounds like a nightmare, it has definitely been a nightmare for our family," Helen's mother, Jammie Fabick, said during a news conference Wednesday with Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley. "It's something no parent should ever have to do, to bury her own child, to something so senseless."

Fabick and Hawley stood together in St. Louis as the state's top lawyer announced he was suing three pharmaceutical giants he claims are responsible for a "coordinated campaign of fraud and deception" that has led to Missouri's current opioid crisis.

The lawsuit, Hawley said, will seek "hundreds of millions of dollars" in damages and civil penalties from Endo Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by Johnson & Johnson, reported the Associated Press.

He said the companies have used fraudulent science to mislead patients on the addictive risks of opioids and "profited from the suffering of Missourians."

"They used bogus front organizations and fake research; they used fraudulent advertising and deceptive trade practices," Hawley said in prepared remarks, according to Reuters. "And they repeatedly lied about the true risks of the drugs they sold."

In Missouri in 2015, thousands of people were hospitalized from non-heroin opioid overdoses and about 500 people died, according to the AP.

Yet it's the only state in the country with no prescription drug monitoring system, a database that experts have said is a crucial step to curbing addiction and overdoses.

Proposals have languished in the legislature for half a dozen sessions.

At the news conference Wednesday, Hawley said Missouri lawmakers "should act to pass a prescription drug monitoring program" as just one of several efforts to "address what is a national epidemic but one that has had serious consequences here in the state of Missouri," reported the AP.

With Hawley's lawsuit, Missouri becomes the third state to legally challenge the pharmaceutical industry over the current opioid epidemic.

In 2015, Mississippi sued several drug companies and just last month, Ohio filed its own lawsuit against five pharmaceutical groups. Purdue, Endo and Johnson & Johnson were cited in both, reported Reuters.

Endo told the Kansas City Star it would not comment on pending litigation, but Stephen Mock, the vice president for investor relations and corporate affairs wrote in an email that the company's "top priorities include patient safety and ensuring that patients with chronic pain have access to safe and effective therapeutic options."

A spokesman for Purdue vigorously denied the allegations, reported the Star, but said the company shares "the attorney general's concerns about the opioid crisis and we are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions."

A Janssen spokeswoman told the Star that the company had "acted appropriately, responsibly and in the best interests of patients regarding our opioid pain medications, which are FDA-approved and carry FDA-mandated warnings about the known risks of the medications on every product label."

In March, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., launched an investigation into five top opioid manufacturers and their alleged role in the deaths of more than 200,000 people since 2000, as The Washington Post previously reported. Purdue and Janssen were on her list of companies from whom she demanded information.

At the news conference Wednesday with the attorney general, Fabick said she wasn't educated when her daughter died in 2014.

"I didn't see any of the exact signs (of drug abuse)," Fabick said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "You never know when it's going to be your last hug."
WINSTED  The flaming rat case is a good one, but after you walk away from your imaginative, fun, inspiring 90 minutes in a repurposed bank building on the main drag here, youll first talk about the bright-red, early 60s Corvair. Sooner or later youll get around to the emerging threats from Washington against your rights to file legal claims.

Having nearly asphyxiated a couple times in a death-trap Corvair, back in that period of callow youth, youll look down at the mirror that shows the rear-mounted engine, perched behind the axle.

That kind of explains the ease with which your old high school buddy could perform parking lot doughnuts with just an inch of fresh snow. It also accounts for the fishtailing under even low-speed, dry conditions, along with the potential for the rear tires to collapse at the same time. Oh yeah, and the carbon monoxide that cuddled us when the heater was on. What you didnt know was, in a front-end crash, with nothing between you and the bumper but air, the steering wheel had a tendency to spear drivers through the chest. How cool is that?

Theres a lot to learn at the American Museum of Tort Law, consumer advocate Ralph Naders nearly 2-year-old cultural destination here in his hometown.

Yep, its not the most compelling name for a museum. And if you go there expecting to get some new recipes for sugar, butter, flour, baking powder, salt and eggs, well loser, thats a torte, not a tort. Try Nujaims Bistro, a new Mediterranean restaurant down the block that has baklava but not yet the wit to put a Ralph Nader Torte on the menu.

A tort is your fundamental right to sue, which can lead to things like million-dollar judgments, punitive damages, case-law precedents and safer cars. You like safe cars, dont you? Because you can drive like a jerk and not die, almost. Before the General Motors investigators got busted for harassing Nader and he called them out with the classic Unsafe At Any Speed, launching the consumer-advocacy revolution, car makers wrote off fatalities as the price of doing business.

Take Fords Pinto, as dangerous a piece of junk that ever put tire to asphalt. The rear-mounted gas tank could have been made safer for $11 per vehicle. The damning paper trail, first reported in the late-1970s by a young magazine called Mother Jones, led to wrongful death and injury settlements, $100 million in punitive damages, and recalls.

Richard L. Newman, executive director of the American Museum of Tort Law, fondly recalls his old Pinto from the memory of someone who was unscathed by the vehicle. He had the idea to create the T-shirt of the stylized, nearly engulfed Pinto that is a staple of the museum gift shop. The word museum is a misnomer, Newman said in a recent phone call. This stuff is still alive. A former president of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, he joined the museum as it was opening, but after Eisterhold Associates architects of Kansas City, installed the easy-to-use interactive displays with their colorful graphics used to discuss landmark cases.

At the entrance, youre hit with a quote from Judge Learned Hand, who made history on the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York: If we are to keep our democracy there must be one commandment: Thou shalt not ration justice.

Visitors learn that a partial cause of the American Revolution was King George IIIs termination of jury trials. Stratford residents will be enthralled by the asbestos-litigation corner, as opposed to the piles of asbestos tailings that Raymark spread around the town.

There are individual exhibits for everything from the famous case of the scalding McDonalds coffee, to the Dalkon Shield, a poorly designed intrauterine birth-control device marketed by the A.H. Robins Company that led to infections in many users, resulting in hundreds of thousands of lawsuits.

So what about the flaming rat? Back around World War II, a 19-year-old boy was cleaning some machinery with gasoline down in Mississippi. Some dripped through the machine, splashing on a sheltering rat. The rat scurried under a nearby gas heater, which ignited the rodent, which ran back to the boys machine. Boom!

I asked Newman whether the museums marketing team, so obviously not on the ball in getting some product placement at Nujaims Bistro, had considered a fundraising event in which Ralph Nader gets locked in the vault and donations are taken to bail him out. It is then he tells me the mystery. On an inside wall of the very serious vault is a small silver cylinder. If it is pulled, air is released on the other side of the wall: a possible distress signal.

Who  Newman mused  had to die in the vault before that was installed?

Ken Dixon can be reached in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. See twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst. Dixons Connecticut Blog-o-rama is at blog.ctnews.com/dixon/
The North Carolina man who commandeered a pizza restaurant at gunpoint in Northwest Washington, D.C., to investigate a false Internet rumor of a pedophile ring there was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday.

Edgar Maddison Welch, 28, who apologized to his victims and residents in the nation's capital last week in a court filing, asked for an 18-month sentence for charging into Comet Ping Pong last December carrying a fully loaded AR-15 military-style rifle and revolver seeking to investigate a viral Internet rumor known as "Pizzagate."

Prosecutors had sought a 4 1/2-year prison term.

False stories propagated a conspiracy theory that linked Hillary Clinton to an alleged child-sex-trafficking ring run from the family restaurant, where Clinton's presidential campaign chairman, John Podesta, occasionally dined.

During the sentencing hearing, assistant U.S. attorneys Demian S. Ahn held up the rifle used by Welch and told the judge it had been part of an "armed invasion" and part of a campaign of "vicious harassment and unfounded rumors."

James Alefantis, who owns Comet Ping Pong, also appeared in court saying the "physical terror" created by Welch and the rumors "left lasting damage on the people I love" adding that he hoped that "one day in a more truthful time we will remember this day as an aberration" when "lies were seen as real and our social fabric had frayed."

Welch pleaded guilty in March to a D.C. assault and a federal firearms charge in the Dec. 4 incident that drew national headlines to the Connecticut Avenue retail block where the restaurant is located.

Welch said court to U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, "I wish there were a way that I could offer something other than an apology... I realize mere words can't undo what happened...but I am sorry," said Welch, wearing an orange prison suit and standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

"I am sorry for anything I have caused," Welch said.

In imposing the sentence, the judge said she was handing down a penalty she said was needed to uphold the rule of law against vigilante justice.

"I hope you understand and see how much people have suffered because of what you did," Jackson said going on to say "I am truly sorry you find yourself in the position you are in, because you do seem like a nice person who on your own mind was trying to do the right thing. But that does not excuse reckless conduct and the real damage that it caused."

In a previous letter filed in court, Welch said he had not intended to "harm or frighten innocent lives, but I realize now just how foolish and reckless my decision was."

His attorney, assistant federal defender Dani Jahn, had said in court records that Welch "does not seek to minimize the impact his reckless and frightening actions had on those who encountered him. . . . Rather, Mr. Welch is hopeful that those victimized by his actions can forgive him."

Federal prosecutors countered in their memo to the judge that it was "entirely the product of good luck" that no one was shot. They urged Jackson to send a strong message to deter those who would commit violence based solely on "malicious and misguided" Internet rumors.

"Beyond Pizzagate, the Internet is full of wild conspiracy theories where people urge members of the public . . . to take action," wrote the assistant U.S. attorneys Ahn and Sonali D. Patel.

Welch of Salisbury, North Carolina, traumatized employees, customers and many in the community, prosecutors wrote, adding that he "made clear he had no respect for the public institutions of the District of Columbia, telling detectives that everyone in D.C. is 'crooked,' " including the FBI, whom he did not trust to investigate the supposed crimes.

"A significant sentence is required to deter other people from pursuing vigilante justice based only on their YouTube feed," prosecutors wrote.

In plea papers, Welch, a father of two young girls, acknowledged that he had become agitated by reports and videos he read and saw online about the supposed sex ring before loading his Toyota Prius with arms and ammunition for the drive from his home to Washington.

"Raiding a pedo ring, possibly sacrificing [sic] the lives of a few for the lives of many," Welch wrote in one of several text messages in an unsuccessful effort to recruit friends for what he said would be a violent confrontation, authorities said.

"Standing up against a corrupt system that kidnaps, tortures and rapes babies and children in our own back yard," he wrote in another exchange.

Welch binge-watched YouTube videos about the alleged child-trafficking ring on Dec. 1, setting a plan, court files show. Still, Welch was warned by a friend and his girlfriend against doing "something stupid," as she put it in a text that was included in court filings. Using a "camera" and conducting "recon" first would be better than going to the restaurant with "guns blazing," the friend advised in other messages cited by authorities.

Finally, as he drove to Washington, Welch texted his girlfriend a Bible verse about being anointed by God and recorded a message to his family saying he loved them and hoped his daughters would understand someday that he was trying to protect the defenseless.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Welch parked and left a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and box of shells in the car, then walked into the restaurant carrying a loaded, six-shot revolver on his hip and holding the 9mm long rifle with about 29 rounds of ammunition across his chest.

After a panicky evacuation by workers and customers, including children, Welch fired the rifle multiple times at a locked closet door, striking computer equipment inside, court documents state. He also pointed the rifle toward an unwitting employee retrieving pizza dough who entered at the back of the restaurant and then immediately turned and ran for his life, according to the government's evidence signed off on by Welch.

Welch ultimately did not shoot anyone and surrendered after he found no evidence of hidden rooms or sex trafficking.

Welch has agreed to forfeit the rifle, the revolver, a shotgun and ammunition he carried with him that day and to pay restitution of $5,744.33 to the restaurant for damaged computer systems, a door, lock and ping-pong table.

In March, conservative radio host and Infowars website operator Alex Jones apologized for promoting the Pizzagate conspiracy. Jones posted a six-minute video on his website in which he read a prepared statement saying that the restaurant owner, Alefantis, had nothing to do with human trafficking. The statement came after Alefantis's attorneys had requested a retraction.

Separately, a Shreveport, Louisiana, man, Yusif Jones, pleaded guilty last winter to telephoning a copycat threat to a nearby pizza shop on Dec. 7, saying: "I'm coming to finish what the other guy didn't. I'm coming there to save the kids, and then I'm going to shoot you and everyone in the place," according to court charging documents.

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Video: Watch: 'Pizzagate' gunman recorded this video on his drive to D.C.

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WASHINGTON - The health-care proposal unveiled by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday came under immediate attack from conservative and centrist Republican senators as well as industry officials, casting the bill's viability into doubt even as GOP leaders plan to bring it to a final vote next week.

The 142-page bill, which McConnell, R-Ky., released after weeks of drafting it in secrecy, drew swift criticism from hard-right senators who argued it does not go far enough in undoing Barack Obama's signature health-care law - the Affordable Care Act. It also prompted an outcry from centrist senators and medical organizations worried that it takes on the law, known as Obamacare, too aggressively and would lead to million losing their health care or receiving fewer benefits.

These critics effectively delivered their opening bids in what is expected to be a contentious week of negotiations. McConnell is trying to pass the bill before the July 4 recess, with Republican leaders seeking to quickly learn whether they will be able to fulfill years of promises to roll back the law or whether it's time to turn to other items on their legislative agenda, such as overhauling the tax code.

No Republican senators definitively said they would vote against the bill, instead focusing attention on the provisions that would need to be changed to earn their vote. President Donald Trump predicted the final product is "going to be great" - but only after some more negotiations take place.

The next big showdown will come early next week when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office releases its analysis of the bill. Congress' scorekeeper is expected to release a comprehensive estimate of how many people could lose their insurance coverage under the proposal and what impact it may have on premiums, as well as on the federal budget deficit - numbers many Republican senators said they need to see before making a final decision.

It is unclear what a bill capable of attracting the 50 out of 52 Republicans needed for passage would look like - or whether such a compromise is possible. What is clear is that the bill McConnell released will need to change to survive.

"This current draft doesn't get the job done," said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. "But I believe we can get to yes."

Cruz joined forces with three other Republicans - Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Mike Lee of Utah - to issue a statement saying that while they cannot support the bill as written, they are open to negotiating changes that could ultimately win their backing. Cruz, Lee and Paul are pushing for the bill to more fully repeal the ACA, while Johnson has worried that the legislation is being rushed.

On the other end of the GOP spectrum, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she also has "concerns about some of the provisions." She opposes blocking federal funding for Planned Parenthood, as the Senate bill would, and said she was unsettled by the changes to Medicaid that would result in long-term federal spending cuts to the program.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., who is up for reelection in 2018 in a purple state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA, said he has "serious concerns" about the Medicaid provisions.

Like the bill that passed the House in May, the Senate measure would cut off expanded Medicaid funding for states - but at a more gradual rate, by phasing out the higher federal spending between 2020 and 2024. But it would enact deeper long-term cuts to the program, which provides health-care coverage for 74 million Americans.

Rick Pollack, president and chief executive of the American Hospital Association, said in a statement that the plan "moves in the opposite direction" in terms of providing health coverage and that "Medicaid cuts of this magnitude are unsustainable and will increase costs to individuals with private insurance."

In a nod to centrist senators, the Senate bill would preserve two of the ACA's most popular provisions: Insurers could not deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, and children could stay on their parents' plans until the age of 26 - though critics said people with past illnesses might not be able to afford plans under the revamped rules.

But the bill would allow states to use an existing ACA program, known as 1332, in which they can file for waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that allow them to scale back the requirements for plans offered by insurers.

Some argued the complaints about McConnell's proposal - particularly from the GOP senators who came out quickly and forcefully against it - amounted to little more than posturing that would allow critics to eventually claim credit for reshaping the final version of the bill.

"If anyone actually believes Ted Cruz isn't going to vote for final passage of this bill, well, I have some rainforest in Arizona to sell you," John Weaver, a Republican strategist, wrote on Twitter.

Cruz, who is up for reelection in 2018, helped start a health-care working group that has been huddling for months. Allies have said that Cruz wants and needs to support a repeal bill, leading many to conclude that he will eventually come around.

The Senate bill would abolish the penalties for two of the ACA's central mandates - that individuals must show proof of insurance when filing their taxes and that firms with 50 workers or more must provide health coverage - while providing less money for moderate- and low-income Americans buying insurance on the individual market.

Cruz said he wants to eliminate even more regulations so that insurers can offer cheap plans with bare-bones coverage. He also wants to allow people to buy plans across state lines, expand health savings accounts and cap the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.

McConnell introduced his draft text - which he spent weeks crafting with only a small circle of aides - in a private meeting with Republican senators Thursday morning before showing it to the public.

"Republicans believe we have a responsibility to act - and we are," McConnell said on theSenate floor.

McConnell is privately threatening to bring the bill to a vote next week, even if he does not have the necessary votes, according to two Republicans in close contact with Senate GOP leadership who were granted anonymity to describe private conversations.

But that message may be more of an attempt to pressure Republicans to support the bill rather than an ultimatum,and some aides and outside observers speculated McConnell would pull the bill rather than have it go down in defeat. A McConnell spokeswoman declined to comment.

There is still a dispute over whether Senate rules will allow the bill to include language in McConnell's draft that would deny Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood's services for one year. Federal law already prevents taxpayer funding to pay for abortions, except to save the life of the mother or in the case of rape or incest. But some Republicans want to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which also provides health services such as birth control and preventive screening.

While the House legislation would peg federal insurance subsidies to consumers' age, the Senate bill would factor in income as well, as the ACA does. But younger people would still get more generous subsidies than they do now, and the bill would allow insurers to charge older consumers based on a 5-to-1 ratio, rather than the current 3-to-1 ratio.

"It needs to look more like a repeal of Obamacare rather than that we're keeping Obamacare," Paul said. He expressed displeasure that GOP leaders had not done more to undo the insurance subsides created under Obamacare.

Some medical experts warned that while the adjustments to the tax credits in the Senate proposal are better than the House bill, they would probably still fall short of what is needed.

Sharad Lakhanpal, president of the American College of Rheumatology, said in a statement that they "do not go far enough in ensuring individuals living with rheumatic disease will be able to maintain their current level of coverage."

The bill is being moved under arcane budget rules that allow it to be passed with a simple majority. McConnell has little margin for error in a chamber where Republicans hold a 52-to-48 advantage and Democrats are firmly united against the legislation.

Senate Democrats swiftly protested the bill Thursday, criticizing Republicans for crafting it under secretive conditions and asking for more time to debate and vet the measure. Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Republicans were "turning truth upside down" with their promises of an open amendment process next week.

Obama, who has weighed in sparingly on public policy since leaving office, posted a scathing critique of the Senate bill Thursday on Facebook, urging voters from both parties to lobby senators to slow down and renegotiate the measure. "Simply put, if there's a chance you might get sick, get old, or start a family - this bill will do you harm," he wrote.

Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Thune (S.D.) made it clear that party leaders are well aware of the challenge they face in marshaling sufficient GOP votes for their proposal.

"Forty-eight. That's not enough to pass," Thune said, counting out the four GOP senators who declared their opposition in a joint statement.

But, he added, "we're not voting yet."

- - -

The Washington Post's Paige Winfield Cunningham, Elise Viebeck, Amy Goldstein and David Weigel contributed to this report.

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Video: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., intends to present the legislation that would reshape a big piece of the U.S. health-care system on Thursday, June 22. Here's what we know about the discussion draft of the bill. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

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Video: Protesters block hallway outside McConnell's office

A group of protesters blocked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) office on June 22nd to oppose the GOP health-care bill and cuts to Medicaid.

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HART -- Hart ISD Superintendent David Cox says that Hart ISD has been relying in part on revenues from a state aid program in existence since 2006. This will expire in September unless the Legislature acts to prevent this in the upcoming special session.

Because of this and other factors, including decrease in enrollment, the school district will again begin its fiscal year on Aug. 1 in the red.

This year, the budget calls for $415,000 more in expenditures than revenue. Last year, the districts beginning negative balance was $335,000.

This extra revenue program, called Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction or ASATR, existed to make up for the extra revenue districts lost when the Texas Supreme Court ordered the Legislature to compress tax rates because of high property tax rates in local school districts. Also, its believed that some legislators wanted to force consolidation on some small districts.

This revenue went to most districts, but many stopped qualifying because of how their enrollment or property tax base grew. The program is set to expire this September.

Earlier this year, both the House and Senate passed a version of House Bill 21, a measure intended to increase funding for most schools and bring the formulas for allocation of that money up to date. But the Senate added a private school choice provision to the bill, which the House and many public education advocates refused to accept, saying it would sap money from public schools. The bill died, and so it seems any real chance of bolstering funds for districts relying on ASATR, according to Texas Tribune.

Texas political columnist Dave McNeely recently wrote that in 2007, the Legislature had balanced state and local funding: locals and the state each paid 45 percent, the federal government, 10 percent. A decade later, the locals share is up to 52 percent and the states dropped to 38 percent, with the feds still at 10 percent

The decrease in enrollment at Hart is 20 students, from 230 in May to an anticipated 210 when the new school year begins in August. The district has $2.2 million in fund balance, according to Business Manager Teresa Montemayor. She said that the tax base for Hart ISD is about $6 million less than last year, and this will cost the district about $60,000. This loss in value is attributed to the decrease in farmland values, according to Jerry Heller, chief appraiser for the County Appraisal District.

The school board adopted the new budget at its June 12 meeting. Montemayor said that most of the decrease in enrollment is attributed to few jobs, mostly in the agriculture field.

House Bill 21 would have increased the basic allotment from $5,140 to $5,350 per student. The district is expected to have 20 fewer students when school begins than when it ended in May, from 230 to 210. This is a loss of $4,200. Harts property tax rate is $1.17 per $100 valuation, and this is the maximum the rate can be for the district. This rate was again adopted by the board.

Also, the board accepted the resignations of secondary secretary Cathy Leibel (retiring), Juanetta Bocko (accepted a position as head of the Plainview ISD art department) and Lani Johnston, elementary teacher. Leibels position will be filled by Eloisa Gonzales, who has been a paraprofessional at Hart Elementary; her position there will be absorbed by other paraprofessionals. Cox said that Bocko wont be replaced for maybe two years because the incoming juniors and seniors have their fine arts credits. The state requires schools offer at least one fine art for students to graduate; this includes art, music and theater arts.

Two full-time paraprofessionals at Hart Elementary, Carmen Lopez and Pat Smith, will be half-time this coming school year. Montemayor said these personnel changes will save the district about $66,000 for the upcoming year. The Board approved 2 percent raises for the four administrators: Cox, Montemayor, Secondary Principal Ramona Neudorf and elementary principal Krista Gregory. Also, 2 percent raises were awarded to Gloria Diaz, cafeteria manager, and Eliazar Castillo, maintenance director. And Rosario Gonzales Jr., who works with Castillo, was given a 3 percent raise.

Montemayor said that last school year, the district began the fiscal year in the red by $335,000. Other positions absorbed are the PEIMS secretary, which was absorbed this past school year, and the position held by retiring Sharon Davis, elementary paraprofessional. Lopez and Smiths hours were reduced because of too few students in the 3-year-old program.

In a letter to Cox, Hale County Juvenile Probation notified him that it has taken over the administration and services that Hale County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program/disciplinary Education performed. The price per day per student has increased from $25 to $30 or $28 to $30, depending on the type of student. This contract is approved on a yearly basis. Cox said that this past school year, there was one student from Hart ISD was assigned to the program.

In other business, the board approved Brown, Graham & Company as financial auditor. Also, the board approved a premium of $33,885 for coverage of property, school liability, privacy and information security and auto coverage for Aug. 1, 2017, through July 31,1 2018, by the Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management policy. Some deductibles on liability insurance provided by TASB have increased from $5,000 to $50,000.

One student transfer to the district was approved.
One of 15 Harris County judges challenging a federal order altering the cash bail system for low-income misdemeanor defendants has dropped out of the group that hired a pricey Washington, D.C., law firm to appeal the lawsuit.

Criminal Court-at-Law Judge Mike Fields, a Republican who has been on the bench since 1998, opted out of the appeal prepared by $550-an-hour lawyer, Charles "Chuck" Cooper, who was just retained as private counsel for Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Fields said Wednesday that he still supports the appeal but prefers to use Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan's office for his legal representation. Ryan's office put Assistant County Attorney Bruce S. Powers on record with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as Fields' lawyer.

Fields said he doesn't want the county to spend more money on his behalf. The county's legal bills have already reached $3.5 million in the case.

"I know the average Harris County taxpayer makes $20 an hour - $550 an hour is a huge jump from there," Fields said.

The bail suit was brought on behalf of Maranda ODonnell, a young mother who was held in the Harris County Jail because she couldn't afford to post $2,500 bail after being arrested for driving with a suspended license. Similar lawsuits filed on behalf of two other people were merged into the case in August.

On April 28, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled that a "wealth-based" bail system for misdemeanor defendants was unconstitutional. Her order went into effect earlier this month.

Fields, 52, said he cannot justify spending more money for the appeal, especially after the district circuit and U.S. Supreme Court all denied the county's request for a temporary halt to Rosenthal's order. He said he supports the idea of a settlement, as do several of his colleagues.

"All county officials involved would like to settle this lawsuit in a way that balances the rights of the arrestees with the safety of the public," said First Assistant Harris County Attorney Robert Soard. "We have been unable to reach an agreement with the plaintiffs on how to handle arrestees charged with serious misdemeanors, such as domestic violence or driving while intoxicated, or those who may consistently fail to appear in court."

The suit names all 16 criminal court at law judges as defendants, and one, Judge Darrell Jordan, previously opted to not to participate in the fight. Besides Fields, Jordan, who is a Democrat, is the only other African-American jurist on the Harris County criminal courts at law.

Neal Manne, a Houston attorney who joined with two civil rights groups in filing the lawsuit on behalf of indigent defendants, said Fields' decision about legal representation evokes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"The arc of the moral universe is long," he said, "but it bends toward justice."
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In the first voting session of the 2017-19 City Council, the body voted 9-1 today to recognize that global warming is occurring and that San Antonio will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

San Antonio joins other cities across the U.S. in the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda by its adoption and support of the Paris Agreement, according to language in the council-approved resolution.

It is our first council agenda, but there are very important foundations that we lay in our city on issues of resilience, on issues of equity and fairness, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said just before the vote.

He reminded those in the audience whod attended the meeting in support of the resolution that it was just that  the city has resolved to address climate change, but theres much hard work and debate to come.

After he was elected June 10, Nirenberg said joining other American cities in fighting climate change was a priority for his fledgling administration.

Nearly two dozen residents addressed the council, all but one speaking in support of the resolution. They included college students who implored the council to take action for their future and a former resident of the Mission Trails mobile home park along the San Antonio River, who worries not only about San Antonio but the entire world.

You can see when Mother Earth is not cared for, it is us who get sick, Manuel de La O said.

Council members lined up to support the resolution, including Ana Sandoval, a climate scientist elected to represent District 7. Shes expected to be a leader on environmental issues for this council.

Climate change is a big problem, theres no doubt about it, she said, noting that it impacts butterflies and other wildlife, causes heat waves and impacts people with asthma. It is not one issue. It is every issue.

Only District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry voted against the resolution. Hed attempted to delay the vote, and got support from Councilman Greg Brockhouse to do so, but their push died in a 2-8 vote. Ultimately, Brockhouse supported the measure, but not before voicing significant displeasure at how the item had made the councils first agenda.

He suggested that the resolution should have passed through council committees, where individual members might have pushed to change some of the language it contains.

District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez was not present for his first council session. He was testifying as an informant in a federal corruption case.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh
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DEL RIO - Until an unusual phone call from James Jonas two years ago, Manny Pelaez had known him for a decade as a friend, a former client and someone who shared his fascination with politics and the law.

But he said the proposal the former Crystal City manager and city attorney floated that day was no more than an illegal fee kickback scheme, and left him stunned and worried.

I was shocked. I was scared. I understood law enforcement was already looking at Crystal City, said Pelaez, testifying as a prosecution witness Thursday in a federal corruption trial of Jonas and former mayor Richard Lopez.

His appearance came one day after Pelaez was sworn in as the newly elected San Antonio District 8 city councilman.

It also came on the fourth day of a public corruption trial of Jonas and former Crystal City mayor Ricardo Lopez. Four others, including three former city councilmen, have already pleaded guilty.

Jonas, Lopez, three former Crystal City councilmen and an 8-liner operator were charged in 2016 with crimes including conspiracy, bribery, fraud and theft of services. Some of the offense carry maximum penalties of 20 years. The other defendants pleaded guilty.

Jonas, 55, a one-time prominent Republican lobbyist whose clients included AT&T and Citibank, was down on his luck and behind on child support when he went to work for Crystal city in 2012.

By the summer of 2015, when he contacted Pelaez, he was still in desperate need of money, despite an annual salary of $216,000

Mr. Jonas made it very clear he was in financial trouble. He wasnt making enough to cover his child support and other obligations. Hed been trying to settle past due taxes with the IRS, said Pelaez, under direct examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Harris.

On recorded conversations played in the courtroom Thursday, Jonas complained of not being able to pay his rent, and of going to a vacation in Galveston without having money for the hotel.

But a solar project proposed for Crystal City held promise of providing some financial relief.

Part of the plan, as Jonas explained it in the recording, was to have Texas Solar Utilities hire Peleaz to represent it in contract negotiations with the city. But thats not where it ended.

He proposed to me that I take a very large retainer from them, and pay him a third, testified Pelaez, who said Jonas suggested a retainer of $60,000.

He said, Theyve got money. Go heavy on the pencil in the billing, Pelaez recalled.

He also said Jonas had made it very clear to Texas Solar that if they did not hire Pelaez, the city council votes in support of the project, will vaporize.

Pelaez said the proposal led him to quickly call the ethics hotline of the Texas Bar Association. He then consulted a lawyer who did federal criminal work. Both advised he was duty-bound to report it to the authorities.

At the time, Pelaez, a lawyer, was representing a client from Crystal City who was being questioned by the FBI in the ongoing investigation, so he contacted the agent, whom he already knew.

Within hours, the FBI was in his office to talk. He agreed to record conversations with Jonas. And while the solar deal never came to pass in Crystal City, the recorded talks led to a charges of bribery.

As he described his plan to Pelaez, Jonas suggested that he do sufficient work so that a fee-sharing is appropriate. He also made it clear he did not want his name on any paperwork, or have Texas Solar learn of the fee-splitting.

I was shocked at how brazenly and casually that was worded. It was unreal, recalled Pelaez.

Under cross-examination from Rogelio M. Munoz, who is representing Jonas, Pelaez said he did not have an attorney-client relationship with Jonas in 2015, and that the proposed deal did not qualify as a legitimate case referral.

He also said he no choice but to go to the FBI.

You could have told your friend, thats unethical, stop it, said Munoz, before being silenced by an objection from the federal prosecutors.

During his three hours on the stand, Pelaez appeared to ignore Jonas, who sat hunched across the courtroom with his lawyers, going through legal papers.

After he was finished testifying, he paused in the hallway and shared his thoughts about the experience.

The nerves and anxiety were at the beginning, he said. My children have been on my mind all day. We teach them, when they see bullies or someone doing something wrong, they are supposed to tell an adult. I practice what I preach.

Pelaez also said he is hopeful the good people of Crystal City will get some closure and healing, and that the case will remind all South Texas officials of their ethical and legal duties.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Alia Moses will continue into next week when the defense is expected to put on its case. It remains unknown if Jonas or Lopez will take the stand.
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A 19-year-old girl from Fort Worth who tragically died Monday after being thrown from a horse is being remembered by friends and family online.

According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office, Jocelyne Campos sustained multiple blunt force injuries from the fall, which caused her death, which was deemed an accident.

Karely Vazquez, a close friend of Campos, told mySA.com that the horse Campos was riding panicked and darted off. Friends attempted to catch up to her but were unable to make it in time.

READ ALSO: 'Careless' foreman crushes woman, 19, with backhoe at Bexar County construction site

"They didn't see how it happened, but the guess is the horse stood on his hind legs and threw her off," Vazquez said.

The Star Telegram reported that the accident took place in south Fort Worth near Echo Lake on Sunday night.

Campos died from her injuries the following morning.

Vazquez said that Campos was the life of the party.

"She was so happy. Her smile was contagious and she was always making people laugh," Vazquez said.

READ ALSO: Online tributes remember the 'sweet soul' of New Braunfels teen who was killed Saturday in shooting

Friends and family have taken to social media to express their love and admiration of Campos, who was described as being a genuine angel, an amazing friend and shining star.

A fundraiser has been created in her honor to help pay for funeral expenses. As of Thursday morning the page had raised $6,330 of the initial $5,000 goal.

jthorpe@express-news.net

@jerilynnthorpe
Voting is now open for the seven semifinalists selected from hundreds of applications in the 7-Eleven Womens Franchise Initiative competition.

DALLAS  Its show time for seven women entrepreneurs who have been selected as finalists in the 7-Eleven Womens Franchise Initiative competition to win a franchisee fee-free 7-Eleven store. As the competition intensifies, each semifinalist has produced a short Why I Should Win video that is posted on the 7-Eleven franchising webpage at womensfranchisegiveaway.com.

Now, it is up to the voting public to narrow the field to three. Voting in the video competition opened on June 19 and will stay open until 11:59 pm on July 2. Anyone can vote, and vote more than oncebut only one time per day for as many days as they like through the end of the video portion of the competition.

7-Eleven invited qualified women to enter the contest and consider becoming an independent business owner with the No. 1 franchise business, as named in Entrepreneur magazines 2017 Franchise 500. One deserving woman will be awarded a 7-Eleven fee-free franchise, a value of up to $190,000. The winner can choose from any of the companys 7-Eleven convenience store franchises available in the continental U.S. at the contests culmination.

Seven semifinalists were selected from hundreds of applications received by 7-Eleven this spring:

Alisa DavernAliso Viejo, CA

Alyson LawsonDeSoto, TX

Avalon YoungSedalia, CO

Bridgette PattersonWoodbridge, VA

Thi Grace NguyenMcKinney, TX

Evelyn ScottChesapeake, VA

Latanya BennetKing of Prussia, PA

In their videos, the semifinalists have submitted some compelling personal stories and reasons they want to become a 7-Eleven franchisee, said Larry Hughes, vice president of franchise systems for 7-Eleven. We invite people to visit our website and choose not just the one they like the best, but also the one who makes the best case for getting this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start her own business.

7-Eleven believes in giving back to communities where it does business and will donate to the winners charity of choice that aligns with its Project A-Game program. Project A-Game grants provide youth a foundation for success by funding programs focused on education, fitness, safety and hunger relief. The donation will be determined by the total number of votes the winners video receives throughout the voting period.

After July 2, the top three contenders will be determined by the number of votes their video receives. These three finalists will then have one-on-one interviews with 7-Eleven, and the winner will be announced in July.

The competition is similar to 7-Elevens successful Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway for U.S. military veterans. Like Operation: Take Command, this multi-phase competition includes meeting company franchising qualifications, preliminary interviews, a video contest and a final one-on-one interview with 7-Eleven senior leadership for the top finalists.

Less than one-third of franchised businesses in the United States are owned by women. To increase its own number of female franchisees, 7-Eleven launched this franchise give-away contest exclusively to women entrepreneurs.

Some of our most successful franchisees across the country are women, said Hughes. 7-Eleven serves a diverse customer base, and the number of women shopping our stores continues to grow. More and more are choosing to become independent business owners, and 7-Eleven offers a proven system and one of the best entrepreneurial opportunities around.

To qualify, an entrant had to be age 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have excellent credit and at least three years of leadership, retail or restaurant experience. Contestants go through the same qualification process as all 7-Eleven franchise applicants including credit evaluation, a leadership test, business plan development, budget and store location preferences.

This year marks the 53rd year of franchising for the worlds largest convenience store. Today, franchisees operate almost 90% of the 7-Eleven stores in the United States. An interactive map at franchise.7-eleven.com indicates stores available for franchising.
Yves here. This post originally had the title, Intergenerational mobility and preferences for redistribution, but as you will see, it is mainly about America. The state by state breakdowns of actual versus perceived odds of rising economically is revealing. The tidbit at the end, reactions to factual information, is more predictable based on other experiments with people with pre-existing beliefs.

By Alberto Alesina, Nathaniel Ropes Professor of Political Economy, Harvard University; and Research Fellow, CEPR; and Stefanie Stantcheva, Associate Professor, Harvard University; and Edoardo Teso, PhD candidate in Political Economy and Government, Harvard University. Originally published at VoxEU

Americans are generally thought to view the economic system as fair and see wealth as a reward for ability and effort, while Europeans tend to believe that the economic system is unfair, and that wealth is the result of circumstances. This column tests this using new evidence on beliefs about intergenerational mobility in four European countries and the US, and confirms that Europeans do indeed tend to be overly pessimistic about moving up the social ladder compared to reality, while Americans are overly optimistic. These perceptions have important implications for how redistribution and equal opportunity policies will be received.

John Steinbeck conjectured in 1966 that there is not much support for redistribution in America because the working poor saw themselves as temporarily embarrassed millionaires (Steinbeck 1966). Are people willing to accept high levels of inequality if they think that everyone has a shot at climbing the social ladder? Is tolerance for inequality linked to belief in equality of opportunity?

These questions are especially relevant today, with sharply increasing inequality in many industrial economies and especially in the US. Whether or not redistribution or equal opportunity policies are supported depends on perceptions of fairness of the market system.

The (stereo)typical view on intergenerational mobility distinguishes between American and European attitudes. Americans are thought to view the market system as relatively fair, and to believe in the American dream. Thus, they see view wealth as a reward for ability and effort, and poverty as the result of inability to take advantage of opportunities. In contrast, Europeans tend to believe that the economic system is unfair, and that wealth is the result of family history, connections, and sticky social classes. Poverty is the result of bad luck and the inability of society to take care of the needy regardless of their effort (Alesina and Glaser 2004).

Today, however, the American dream may be more accurately described by the green light at the end of Daisys dock in The Great Gatsby  which Gatsby likes to contemplate and reachs for relentlessly  the embodiment of a dream that seems so close that [we] could hardly fail to grasp it, that provides Gatsby with profound motivation to work hard and succeed, and yet ends up being out of reach and unattainable. In fact, new data (Chetty et al. 2014) suggest that intergenerational mobility in the US may, in fact, not be higher on average than in Europe, even though within the US there are large geographical differences in intergenerational mobility.

In a recent paper, we collect new survey and experimental data for five countries (France, Italy, Sweden, the UK, and the US), to document the anatomy of peoples beliefs about intergenerational mobility and the fairness of their economic system (Alesina et al. 2017). We begin by comparing peoples perceptions of mobility to recent data on actual intergenerational mobility in the five countries.

Figure 1 illustrates these results. Panel A shows the average perceived probability of remaining in the bottom quintile against the real probability in each country. Points above the 45-degree line therefore indicate more pessimistic perceptions. Panel B similarly illustrates the probability of moving from the bottom to the top quintile. In this figure, being optimistic about mobility implies being above the 45-degree line. Europeans are not only more pessimistic than Americans, they are also overly pessimistic relative to reality, while Americans are overly optimistic. Americans vastly overestimate the probability of making it to the top of the ladder for children starting from the bottom. This is the embodiment of the idea of the American dream. Europeans are instead overly pessimistic about the chances of getting out of poverty  that is, out of the bottom quintile.

Figure 1A Perceptions of and actual intergenerational mobility

Figure 1B Perceptions of and actual intergenerational mobility

Interestingly, and this is a finding worthy of additional research, we find that Americans are especially overoptimistic about social mobility in parts of the country where actual mobility is especially low (the south and the southeast), and they are pessimistic where mobility is actually high (the north and northwest). This is shown in the three maps of Figure 2. Map A shows the different level of social mobility as measured by Chetty et al. (2014). Map B shows the perceptions of social mobility derived from our data. Even a cursory look at these two maps shows a clear inverse correlation, highlighted in Map C, which shows the ratio of perceived to actual mobility.

Figure 2 Actual and perceived intergenerational mobility

Map A Average actual probability

Map B Average perceived probability

Map C Ratio of perceived to actual state-level probability

A majority of Americans tend to believe that the economic system is fair, while French and Italian respondents have extremely negative views about the fairness of the system, and show extraordinarily low levels of trust in the government regarding policies to increase opportunities. Half of US respondents agree that the system is fair, and 53% believe that everyone has a chance of making it. Only 10% and 19% of Italian and French respondents, respectively, agree that the system is basically fair. Similarly, only 13% of Americans say that they never trust the government, in comparison with 29% of Italian and 33% of French respondents.

We also uncover deeply polarised views on policy. Left-leaning respondents are pessimistic about social mobility and the more pessimistic they are, the more they see a role for government in implementing equal opportunity policies, like spending more on public health and education, and financing them with more progressive income taxes. In contrast, right-leaning respondents seem to see the government as the problem rather than the solution, and even those who are pessimistic about social mobility do not want more government spending.

In the final part of the survey, we performed a randomised experiment. To the treated group, we showed an animation meant to make them more pessimistic about social mobility. The treatment had a strong first stage, and those who saw it had more pessimistic views about social mobility than those who did not see it. It reinforced the polarisation of respondents. Left-wing respondents who saw the animation wanted even more government intervention. Right-wing respondents  even though they were made more pessimistic about social mobility by the animation  did not want the government to do anything to correct the problem. Thus, the treatment had the effect of either preaching to the choir or preaching to the deaf. Our findings confirm the idea that the message of the right is increasingly: Its not your fault that youre a loser; its the governments fault (Vance 2016).
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends much of her time in Asia and is currently researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as scribbles occasional travel pieces for The National.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has today released a report on how student loan servicer failures could deprive borrowers whove pursued public service careers from debt relief to which theyd otherwise be entitled.

The report itself could serve as yet another case study of whats wrong with the neo-liberal playbook.

Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program in 2007 to forgive (some) student debt incurred by those who choose public service careers. These include members of the military; teachers; social workers; prosecutors and public defenders; police, firefighters, and other first responders; Peace Corps volunteers and members of AmeriCorps; nurses and doctors, according to the text of prepared remarks CFPB director Richard Cordray is scheduled to make today in Richmond.

The CFPB estimates that one-quarter of the U.S. workforce is currently employed by a public service employer. Part of the problem as the report recognizes arises from new credentialing requirements for many public service positions (report, pp. 1-3). This leaves many aspirants caught in the crossfire of two economic trends  the need to earn an advanced degree for a career in these fields, and the rising costs involved in securing those credentials, according to Cordrays remarks.

The PSLP program forgives some student loan debt for qualifying borrowers after theyve made 120 timely payments e.g., ten years of payments. Eligibility provisions are tightly drawn and only apply to federal direct loans. Various gotcha provisions seem designed to knock out rather than draw in borrowers (I know, I know, thats a bug, not a feature). These include being enrolled in a qualifying repayment plan e.g., an income-driven repayment plan and making 120 timely payments while employed full time by a qualified public service employer.

Role of Servicers

And, guess what: who administers these complex requirements? Why, the student loan servicers!

Now, how does this work in practice? I bet regular readers can guess how well thats worked out.

The problems the CFPB report documents are apparent, even though it will not be until October of this year before the Department of Education begins accepting the first applications for debt relief (since its necessary for a borrower to make a minimum of ten years of payments before any relief may be granted and Congress only created the program in 2007).

More than 550,000 borrowers have thus far signalled at least an initial intention to pursue debt forgiveness under the program.

The CFPB report sidestepped estimating how many people otherwise eligible would find their ability to secure debt forgiveness thwarted by servicer mistakes and misinformation. The agency reported that 10% of the 8500 federal student loan complaints it received in the one-year period covered by the report 1 March 2016- 28 February 2017 concerned the program (report, pp. 11-12). During this period, the CFPB Bureau saw a 325 percent increase in student loan complaints, involving 320 companies (report, p. 6).

Servicer Failures

Lets turn to Cordrays prepared remarks again for some of the depressing reality that the CFPBs investigation revealed:

But borrowers reported that servicers are giving them the runaround in ways that can hamstring their progress. They complained about servicers providing incorrect or inadequate information about their eligibility for loan forgiveness. And they said they do not receive timely or accurate information about eligibility for this program, even when they identified themselves as public service workers. This can stall their progress toward the debt relief they have earned, and can lead to months or even years of unnecessary payments that can cost thousands of dollars and extend their time in debt.

For those who have the time, I recommend looking at the full 50 page report, which discusses in greater detail just how servicers have failed in meeting basic responsibilities. As the report itself is written in soporific bureaucratese, Id suggest skipping to the litany summarizing borrower complaints and in particular, focussing on the quotations from actual borrower complaints (report, pp. 29-42). Problems include failing to provide clear, accurate and timely information to borrowers, neglecting to recognize and record necessary qualifying information correctly, directing borrowers into programs that dont qualify for future debt relief despite borrowers announced intentions, and crediting payments improperly.

These servicer delinquencies are not without consequences. They can and do screw up peoples lives, and cost real people real money. Cordray highlighted the consequences of just one set of mistakes, where a nurse found that prepayment derailed her plans to qualify for the program:

We heard from a nurse who described a series of servicing breakdowns that left her with additional years of unnecessary student loan payments  in part because her servicer never told her she had been bumped off track. To get ahead of her debt, she opted into a program where her employer paid extra toward her loans, putting them in paid-ahead status. But then her servicer stopped counting her monthly payments, even though she made them on time and for the right amount. The borrower was not aware that her payments were no longer being counted toward loan forgiveness, which cost her part of her eligible public service. She told us: I find it outrageous and disheartening that by default, overpaying your bill each month would result indisqualifying payments. This results in three years of additional payments, which is real money.

Allow me to include another example that of a borrower whose servicer failed to tell him he didnt qualify for PSLF relief until hed already completed years of military service and that cost him more than time and money. He was only informed of a PSLF eligibility requirement to consolidate his loans after a service-related injury forced him out of the military:

I was told that none of my active military service, including deployments to Afghanistan, would count for PSLF purposes. This is a slap in the face to all Veterans. PSLF is supposed to provide reward those who serve the public. . . . [M]y military service, in which my leg function was sacrificed, did not count for anything [toward PSLF]. This is contrary to the alleged policy for which the PSLF program was created and it is insulting (report, p. 30).

Other Threats to the Program: Trump Budget Cuts

Trumps proposed budget cuts include chopping the PSLP program, according to this New York Times account, The Key Spending Cuts and Increases in Trumps Budget.

Now, how is that possible? More than half a million people have made career and financial decisions over the course of a decade, based on the assumption that they will qualify for student debt relief. What possible justification is there for reneging on this commitment?

The cited rationale is the costs bugaboo. Ive not made an independent assessment of these claims, but according to this Washington Post account, Watchdog agency blasts government contractor for mishandling student loan forgiveness program:

Projected costs for the program has given some policymakers pause. A Government Accountability Office report in 2015 said the typical borrower in the program owes about $70,000, with 1 in 4 on the hook for more than $100,000. If only a portion of the people going through the verification process receive forgiveness, the government would still be responsible for canceling billions of dollars in student loans. But some say the benefit is worth the expense.

Even if the program costs the government these estimated billions, so what?

Nearly two-thirds of borrowers in the program earn less than $50,000 per year, while 86 percent earn less than $75,000 per year (report, p. 21, citing Department of Education figures).

The Bottom Line

What Is to Be Done? Well, first up, how about free college a benefit other countries seem able to afford. Free college means no student loans. Graduates unburdened by huge debts have flexibility to pursue careers theyre interested in whether that be in public service or elsewhere without any need for debt forgiveness.

The CFPB has been under attack since its inception, subject to an extreme vilification campaign thats often led its opponents to become unhinged, and go so far as simply making stuff up, as Yves discussed in this post, The CFPBs Big Opponent, Jeb Hensarling, Rivals Trump in the Make Stuff Up Category. Reports such as todays demonstrate why we need such an agency.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente,

We held the 2016 Naked Capitalism London meetup at the Jerusalem Tavern as in 2010, which seems retrospectively to have been a very good choice. We stood outside, but the pubs interior is said to be facsimile Eighteenth Century, rather like the plumbing in my hotel, but I couldnt tell you the difference between facsimile and the genuine article. I got lost walking there from the Tube, whether through dyslexia or because Londons handy public street maps dont always put North at the top, so I was a little late, but people were able to recognize me from my announced purple shirt, as there were only two other people in the pub wearing the same color. I had a terrific time, stayed til 10:30PM, and when I left, people were still talking. Amazingly, even then, the sky was still light. London is indeed a northern city, so lets just hope the Atlantic Conveyor doesnt flip.

* * *

An interesting lot, London Naked Capitalism readers! What follows is an unordered list of nuggets I gleaned from various conversations. (I did have to say Please speak English more slowly. Im an American several times, so Id be grateful if you, readers, correct any errors of fact, interpretation, or omission). Therefore summarized and suitably anonymized, and with a addendum of conversations with other Londoners:

The UK is more complicated than you think, and not only because of its history. (Several people told me this in almost so many words.)

The Queen banks at Coutts, which is now a brand owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland (!).

The Queen is a high roller, but in the UK that only means shes rich, not that shes a gambler. (Phew!)

George Osborne, who publishes the London Evening Standard, hates Theresa May so much he cant think straight, which makes him a useful idiot for the Standards Russian oligarch owners (who are not Putins friends. At all).

Rule: The subject of real estate is a strange attractor for conversation in London, and all conversations rapidly converge upon it. Frothy, I said, but that seemed not to be understood, at least immediately[1].

This rule applies to conversations about Grenfell Tower.

In the UK, owning property but not the land is called freehold leasehold. [Dammit. I told you the UK was confusing! lambert] (Possession of the property will be subject to the payment of an annual ground rent.) Owning property and the land is called freehold. Three Dukes own a ginormous percentage of the land in the UK (but not the houses or the flats), so all that ground rent goes to them. One is the Duke of Westminster.

Many Venezuelan expats have become street vendors in the Dominican Republic. There has been a Venezuelan diaspora in Latin America over the last five years.

There are 300,000 Colombians in the UK. They got into the EU via Spain, and then emigrated to the UK. Many are organized by a union that seems to be much like the Wobblies; that is, they are organized not because they are cleaners or laborers or taxi drivers or university instructors but because they are workers (albeit Colombian). Tactics bypass the usual practices of collective bargaining, and involve direct action, like marching through the workplace beating drums. (I forget the name of the union, unfortunately.)

Estimates of how much business the London financial sector will lose from Brexit range from 10% to 30%.

The finance sector may find it hard to leave London because of established social connections, like kids in school.

The finance sector may find it hard to leave London because the necessary facilities, for example blast-proof data centers, have yet to be constructed elsewhere.

Two Bernie Sanders organizers came to the UK and trained Momentum chapters in organizing techniques, hundreds at a time.[2]

Momentum GOTV software allowed dynamic allocation of volunteers to marginal districts, and away from safe one, on election day.

There were so many Momentum volunteers that the campaign had a hard time knowing what to do with them.

Corbyns speech at the Libertines concert was seen as an important straw in the wind at the time[3].

About 40% (guessing) of the the youngest class at Central Saint Martins has sworn off digital communications entirely[4]. This is important because Central Saint Martins is a driver in the world of fashion, hence abandoning social (and digital) may become cool. So go long Moleskine, HallMark, Montblanc, Uni-ball

* * *

So thank you to all London Naked Capitalism readers for a fun and informative meetup. Several of you offered me drinks, and although I couldnt accept all the offers, I did appreciate them. I also want to thank the attendees who made up for my social ineptitude by ensuring the meetup mixed and flowed. I did try to talk, or at least listen, to all of you, and if I missed anyone out, my apologies.

P.S. You should always comment. Like the Dinsdale Brothers, your moderators are vicious but fair.

NOTES

[1] The following day I read a story in the FT that people were starting to place their property on the market privately, through intermediaries, since otherwise buyers might not meet their price, which they would then have to reduce. Thats frothy, too.

[2] Making Jim Messina look like the expensive grifter he is.

[3] So Corbyn turns out to be a brilliant organizer, as well as a brilliant campaigner. Who knew? (Brilliant seems to be the UK equivalent of awesome or amazing, but still.)

[4] The reason: Police tactics in the 2011 riots, which really were a big deal. The police stood back, letting the rioters do their work, but recording everything on CCTV, which is ubiquitous in the UK. Then they came after not only whoever they could identify on the tapes, but their families as well.

ADDENDUM

Other random conversations, some on Grenfell Tower:

1) One London cab driver, who voted for the Liberal Democrats, complained a lot about the heat, and said London is very angry, not just about Grenfell Tower, but about the Borough Market knife attack.

2) I had a long conversation with a cashier at WH Smiths in Paddington, who was an immigrant apparently from the Indian subcontintent. I moaned about contactless payment, and her view  her degree was in IT management  was that it was broken as designed, and nothing would ever be fixed because the system was put in place incrementally. Both she and the cab driver above estimated Mays tenure in months and not days or weeks.

3) The London cab driver who took me to Grenfell Tower said it was horrible, but nothing else (even though Id given him that destination when I got in, explaining that the nearest stations on the Tube were closed). I didnt press.

4) One person (young, male, black, dapper, cellphone glued to ear) walking near Grenfell Tower said The only party here is UKIP, (this was before the rally), and Nobody who lives here thinks it was an accident. (A poorly composed photograph I did not use included what in the US would have been a gentrifying, old-fashioned lamp post.) When asked Was it an accident? another person (older, male, black, dreadlocked, hooded eyes), standing well back of the rally under the Westway paused, and said I dont know. When asked Was it an accident? a third person (young, black, female, designer training to be a lawyer) said (paraphrasing) Wed need evidence, wouldnt we?

5) I also had a lovely lunch with Clive and Richard Smith, who were kind enough to come into town. I need to think about it before summarizing, if I ever do (though they may chime in, of course!).
Not surprisingly, the financial press has been all agog about the drama of Travis Kalanicks forced departure from Ubers CEO position yesterday, fixated on salacious insider details.

That means journalists largely have ignored what ought to be the real story, which is whether Uber has any future. I anticipate that Hubert Horan will offer a longer-form treatment of this topic. Hubert had already documented, in considerable detail in his ten-part series, how Uber has no conceivable path to profitability. Its business model has been based on a massive internal contradiction: using a ginormous war chest to try to achieve a near-monopoly position in a low-margin, mature business that is fragmented geographically and locally.

Monopolies and oligopolies are sustainable only when certain factors are operative: the ability to attain a superior cost position through scale economies, which include network effects, or barriers to entry, such as regulations, very high skill levels, or high minimum investment requirements. Neither of these apply in the local car ride business. Even if Uber were able to drive literally every competing cab operator in the world out of business due to its ability to continue its predatory pricing, once Uber raised prices to a level where it achieved profits, new entrants (or revived old entrants) would come in. Uber will thus never be able to charge the premium prices (in excess of the level for a traditional taxi operator to be profitable) for the very long period necessary for Uber to merely be able to recoup the billions of dollars it had burned, mainly in subsidizing the cost of rides, let alone to achieve an adequate return on capital. And thats before you get to the fact that systematically much higher prices would mean fewer fares and thus lower revenues and profit potential at the new pricing level.

Ubers managerial upheaval of the last few months mean its decay path is sure to accelerate. Ive been following the business press for over 30 years. I cant think of a single case where even an established, profitable business with an solid franchise has had so many top level positions vacant, and for such bad reasons. As reader vidimi quipped, With no CEO, CFO, COO, and CIO, uber is coming very close to becoming a self-driving company. And thats not even a full list.

For instance, world-class flack Rachel Whetstone, recognized as a key force in rebuilding the Tories brand in the UK, quit in April. The heads of engineering departed for failing to disclose a previous sexual investigation; the head of product and growth was forced out over a sexual impropriety at a company function. And in a scandal that will have a much longer tail, Ubers former head of its driverless car unit, Anthony Levandowski, has had his case involving alleged theft of intellectual property from Google referred to the Department of Justice. Kalanick was deeply involved in Levandowskis sudden exodus from Google. It seems implausible that Kalanick didnt know Levandowski was making off with boatloads of files. If the case does lead to a criminal prosecution, it is hard to see how Kalanick could escape scrutiny as a potential criminal co-conspirator.

The closest analogies I can think of to Ubers level of senior departures in the last six months dont come close in terms of number and seriousness. Investment banking powerhouse Salomon Brothers, hailed as the King of Wall Street in the mid 1980s, had its chairman/CEO, vice chairman, president, and head of Treasury bond trading forced out by the Fed in 1991 over a Treasury bond auction market rigging operation. Warren Buffett, who already had a stake in the firm, came in as chairman and CEO for nine months. Salomon as a top Wall Street firm had strong and if anything overly independent profit center managers. Yet Salomon never fully recovered and was sold six years later.

More recently, Barclays had its chairman, CEO, and president forced out by unwisely choosing to challenge the Bank of England over the Libor trading scandal. Barclays weathered that crisis better that Salomon had because among other things it was considered to have, and apparently did have, a very deep bench at the top level.

What has happened at Uber is orders of magnitude worse from a managerial perspective. This is an immature company in every sense of the word, despite its huge valuation. Some of the top executive departures, such as of its recently hired COO, brought it to help the company grow up, its CFO and its head of communications, were voluntary. Thats not what you see in Silicon Valley stars on a winning path. Confirming that picture are rumors of insiders being cashed out at valuations well below that of recent fundraisings.

And particularly worrisome is the resignation of Ubers chief financial officer, Gautam Gupta, at the end of May, when Uber announced $708 million in quarterly losses. Gupta curiously appears to be leaving voluntarily (hes serving till July; someone turfed out would have been shown the door immediately), yet appears to be going from a high profile and presumably well-remunerated post to join a no-name startup in San Francisco. A CFO departure is often a red flag, particularly when it is abrupt and mysterious. It also appears that these events roughly coincide with the decision of the investor that orchestrated Kalanicks ouster, Benchmark, to move against him. From the Wall Street Journal:

But a few weeks ago, partners at Benchmark began hatching a plan to pressure Mr. Kalanick to resign, according to the people familiar with the matter. Benchmarks partners, who include Ubers longtime board member Bill Gurley, were concerned that the firms reputation would be sullied by all of Ubers problems, these people said.

And Vanity Fair confirms what ought to be obvious: that Kalanicks defenestration was not about sexual harassment or its dangerously immature culture. Amazon is a famously toxic place to work, but Bezos gets away with it because the company is lauded as the epitome of a successful technology company. Kalanick was seen increasingly as an obstacle to getting an IPO done promptly:

Virtually everything moves fast in Silicon Valley, but there are a few rare exceptions. The path to taking a company public, for instance, remains insanely protracted and slow. According to several people close to both Kalanick and Uber investors, Kalanicks demise was mostly motivated by the boards goal of bringing Uber public at the highest possible valuation. For now, theyre focusing on hiring a C.E.O. who can help settle the rocking ship and then take Uber public so that they can add another comma to their personal net worths.As Axioss Dan Primack wrote, Someone close to Uber recently said to me: Its wrong to say that Uber doesnt care about women. It doesnt really care about people, and women are people. Its incidental. 

The wee problem is it will prove impossible to effect anything resembling a turnaround at Uber. As Hubert Horan pointed out, the very culture that made Uber a success is now its biggest liability. And as a result, investors dont appear to have a plan for how to straighten out Uber. From the Financial Times:

Among Ubers dozens of outside investors, opinion is divided over whether the sudden exit of Mr Kalanick will really help right the company after months of turmoil It will be difficult for the company to function after losing its entire C-suite, points out one investor.

And before we get to the lack of a shared view among the outside investors as to where to go now, there is the additional problem that Kalanick still controls about 60% of the votes. What executive in his right mind would become the CEO of a company where there are certain to be ongoing power struggles within the board? Either one who is sorely deluded or out to take Uber for a ride for by taking a very sweet deal for what is likely to be at most a one-year gig.

This was also a troubling section in the Financial Times story. Notice from the link above that depicted Gautam Gupta, the financial executive whose resignation Uber announced in late May, as the chief financial officer. He was apparently a placeholder that investors didnt see as having the necessary expertise:

One area of particular concern is Ubers finance department, and the investors who demanded Mr Kalanicks resignation also asked in their letter that the company immediately hire a chief financial officer. Uber has been without a CFO for more than two years, during which time that department has been led by Gautam Gupta, Ubers head of finance, who is leaving next month.

Uber may simply have been fabulously paranoid about revealing any more than it needed to, but some of the tidbits out of Uber raise further worries. For instance, Kalanick had maintained he wanted Uber to stay private as long as possible. That may be a fad with some unicorns, but its not the way for a shareholder to maximize his net worth, so its a preference that raises questions about the founders ulterior motives. Needless to say, that desire put him at odds with his investors.

Similarly, in its last round of financing, to rich suckers individuals, Uber managed to produce 290 pages of blather that not only failed to include net profits but even revenues! Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan refused to market the private offering to their customers. Uber was also considering non IPO via buying a shell company. The last time I saw that trick used was with penny stock scammers in Florida.

From Hubert Horan via e-mail:

I remain amazed (but not surprised) that not a single one of the dozens and dozens of articles, either after the Kalanick leave or the Kalanick sacking, mentioned the companys multi-billion dollar profit problem. I obviously understand that many of the stories wanted to take a very narrow factual approach (Uber announced yesterday) approach, but none considered financial results to be relevant facts, and most of them actively gave the impression that Ubers problems were strictly cultural/governance, and gave the strong impression that no one thought there were any problems related to competitiveness or finances. Even with an open rebellion of investors, no one as much as hinted that concerns about earning returns on the $13 billion theyd invested might be part of their motivation. Even Sarah Lacy, who ought to know better, insists Uber is still worth billions above and beyond the value of their Didi stock, and seems to think Uber becomes the next Yahoo that slowly fades into oblivion over many years because its core operations remain basically ok (but cant justify the historic valuation). Since it has been 7 years the investors need to get roughly $25 billion when the company is finally sold/merged/whatever just to save face (it will still be seen as a major failure). Not gonna happen, especially after the Waymo case and another year of huge losses. Uber has absolutely no path to sustainable profits. No two people in what is left of Uber management/Board could agree on a financial turnaround strategy would require, and some appear to have achieved clinical levels of delusion. If King Solomon showed up on Market Street tomorrow, he couldnt come close to saving the company, and would run as fast as he could once he saw the mess. None of the names being floated make any sense because their alleged skill sets arent useful given the companys actual problems. You can imagine my reaction when I saw suggestions for bringing someone from the airline industry. Im sure they can find some new hires, like the new Board member (from Nestle) or the woman from HBS, because all they know about the company and the industry are the glowing stories theyve read in the paper. I watched those kind of people join the airline industry for decades. Failure rate was 100%. Someone needs to do a this isnt like any previous big company turnaround ever in history story. As Yves mentioned, past cases of mature companies with a stable core business and lots of positive inertia are totally irrelevant. Previous examples where you can quickly cut operations back 25% and raise prices in order to get the cash flow needed for a more serious restructuring dont apply. There were no past cases where the failed previous regime still had total voting control of the board.

Or shorter:
Lone State readers,

I confess to being remiss about firming up what hood would be best for our meetup. I thought Id be starying near the airport, but instead Ill be in Plano (very near the city line of Dallas). The last time I was there, the traffic was much worse than it had been on previous visits, which I gather is due to some companies opening offices there.

We had met at a spot suggested by Steve in Dallas:

Cantina Laredo

4546 Belt Line Rd

Dallas, TX 75244

We could do that again, or try a new place. The pluses of Castina Laredo were that it was quiet, the people who ordered food said it was good, and we had no problem taking over a part of the place (although management knew were were coming and made sure we had a section to commandeer). The only bad part was everyone wound up seated at first a table that got longer and longer as we kept adding square normally four-seaters to it, and then readers set up satellite tables. Everyone being seated impeded mixing a bit. But that may be the drill elsewhere. We had about 35 people at the peak last time.

Another issue (and this is operative no matter where we wind up) is I am not renting a car (Im not keen about driving in some cities and Dallas is one of them, plus I have a sprained ankle, so driving would hurt). Cab service to anything other than the airport in Plano is crappy. Steve in Dallas was kind enough to give me a lift last time, which was above and beyond the call of duty.

That is a long winded way of saying that I will endeavor to be there at the start of the meeutup, but I am subject to the whims of the Logistics Gods. Readers have enjoyed meeting each other, and Im sure youll have stimulating conversations regardless. So please forgive me if I am not there to be a proper host from the outset!

Ill announce the location one we have that sorted, but assume that it will go from 5:00 PM till at least 8:00 PM. See you soon!
The forty bed hotel-style unit envisaged for South Tipperary General Hospital to alleviate chronic overcrowding is now highly unlikely to be in place this winter, according to the Labour Party health spokesman Deputy Alan Kelly.

He said that building temporary accommodation was heralded and promised by some public representatives a year ago as being a solution for last winter but added - as we know now, that has not materialised.

The Tipperary TD said it is now highly unlikely that it will even be in place for next Winter.

It was ridiculous and naive to believe that this could be delivered that quickly in the first place said Deputy Kelly.

The Labour Party spokesman said he had held a number of meetings with Health Minister Simon Harris and made it very clear to him that the ultimate solution to the situation in Clonmel was a complete redevelopment of the hospital site to create greater capacity and pathways for patient management.

Deputy Kelly said he now understands that South Tipperary General Hospital will be in the government's Capital Plan announced after the summer.

In preparation for that, a brief is currently being finalised in order to develop a Master Plan for the South Tipperary General Hospital campus. The Master Plan will provide for the orderly development of the campus and ensure the hospital has a bright future said Deputy Kelly.

He said that a brief was currently being finalised in order to develop a Master Plan for the South Tipperary General Hospital campus which will provide for the orderly development of the campus and ensure the hospital has a bright future.

He said he made it very clear to Minister Harris that the overcrowding at the hospital was continuing at worrying levels.

As part of the Winter Initiative Plan 2016-2017, a number of actions were put in place in Clonmel, including improving early discharging; increasing access to Community Intervention Teams; increasing access to diagnostics; and providing additional home care packages. T

hese were all welcome but they haven't had any dramatic impact on the volume of overcrowding in the Hospital insisted Deputy Kelly.

The Tipperary TD said it was quite obvious to everyone that there are capacity challenges at South Tipperary General Hospital and that a review of capacity needs is almost concluded.

The most immediate and effective response available to the HSE was identified as the fit out of additional space for 11 trolley bays on the first floor of the hospital to alleviate pressure on the Emergency Department.

This was prioritised for funding and completed recently. A recruitment process has been undertaken to provide staff for this new area. It is anticipated that this additional capacity will open in September or October of this year he said.

In relation to the Cashel Health Campus, which includes Our Ladys Hospital, Deputy Kelly said under the Capital Plan and the 2018 Estimates Process there is a proposal to develop a campus that has a predominant focus on older patients, but one which recognises the need to also address the needs of other age groups.

The services proposed can be developed in the existing buildings at the former Our Ladys Hospital.

Independent TD Seamus Healy, speaking in the Dail, reminded the Minister for Health of his promises in relation to South Tipperary General Hospital.

Nine months ago Minister Harris visited South Tipperary General Hospital and he described the conditions at the hospital as utterly unacceptable.

He said "solutions must be found" and that a decision would be made by the end of the year (2016). Nothing has happened. said Deputy Healy.

Deputy Healy said South Tipperary General Hospital was a progressive, forward looking, efficient hospital but unfortunately despite the best efforts of staff there is horrendous chaos at the hospital.

Minister Harris must fulfil his promise and make funds available immediately for 40 additional inpatient beds to address the chaos at the hospital caused by the policies of this and previous Governments, he said.
Tipperary beauty Cailin Duggan is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Niamh Kennedy and bring the Miss Ireland title back to the Premier County.

The Birdhill native will represent Tipperary at this year's Miss Ireland pageant.

Last year's Miss Tipperary Niamh Kennedy took home the coveted Miss Ireland title.

At the Tipperary final in the Great National Ballykisteen Hotel in Tipperary town, Cailin wowed a panel of three expert judges - former Miss Limerick Universe and top model with the Catwalk Models, Kellie Mc Grath; Miss Tipperary 2015 and model with Assets Agency Lauren Browne; and last year's Miss Tipperary and reigning Miss Ireland Niamh Kennedy.

Esme Mansergh Wallace, Cailin Duggan and Miss Tipperary 2016 and Miss Ireland Niamh Kennedy.

Cailin has become the fifth winner of the heat which is being organised by Esme Mansergh Wallace who is a former Miss Tipperary and former Miss Sunday World.

Esme is very confident that Cailin now stands a brilliant chance of going all the way to the Miss World finals following on from the footsteps of the first winner Clonmel girl Aoife Walsh and last year's winner Niamh.

Said Cailin - This is just the best feeling. I am incredibly greatful to have been chosen from such a great group of girls. I'm so delighted and in complete shock. I can't wait to head to the Miss Ireland final and do my county proud. I'm very excited to see where this journey will take me

Esme Mansergh Wallace; 2nd Runner Up Mary Kinane; Miss Tipperary Cailin Duggan; 1st Runner Up Danielle Lyons; and Miss Tipperary 2016 and Miss Ireland Niamh Kennedy.

First runner up on the night which was Bruff girl Danielle Lyons while second runner up went to bubbly Donaskeigh native Mary Kinane. There was also prizes for Best Dressed, Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality which were awarded to Lucy Butler, Kelsey Hoare and Ailish O Donovan.

The standard of girls this year has been amazing and I couldnt have asked for a nicer group of girls to work with", said Esme.

The judges had such a hard time narrowing it down but I am so delighted with the way everything went and I cant wait to see how Cailin gets on in the final.

" Our 1st and 2nd runners up go onto the Miss Ireland Semi final as well and I have high hopes that we will see three Tipperary women in the Miss Ireland final this year. We have been lucky in the past being the only county to have all three girls in the final and I am sure we will do the same this year with Danielle and Mary joining Cailin.
The NATO Deputy Secretary General, H.E. Ms. Rose Gottemoeller will travel to Belgrade on Friday, 23 June 2017.

Ms. Gottemoeller will attend the official inauguration ceremony on Assuming the Office of the President of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic.

The Deputy Secretary General will also meet with the Prime minister designate, Ms. Ana Brnabic and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ivica Dacic.

Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Gottemoeller). Also follow us at @NATOPress.
(Natural News) Making chocolate milk is easy. All you need to do is mix chocolate powder with regular milk, add some cocoa and sugar, and then you get to enjoy your drink. However, several million people say you dont need ingredients at all  you get your flavorful chocolate milk treat straight from the cow itself. Apparently, seven percent of American adults  yes, adults, not little toddlers who think that the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and Santa Claus are real  believe that brown cows make chocolate milk. And no, this is not a joke. There are people who believe in the existence of magical cows from whose udders gush Ovaltine.

An online survey from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy showed that around 16.4 million Americans  a population as big as the state of Pennsylvania  have no knowledge about the food ecosystem. In an interview with HuffingtonPost.com, Center for U.S. Dairys parent organization Dairy Management, Inc. spokeswoman Lisa McComb said the survey was done by market research group Edelman Intelligence, noting, Responses came from all 50 states, and the regional response breakdown was fairly even, with a slight uptick (approximately 10 percent higher) in the South.

The survey found that 48% of adults in the United States have no idea where milk comes from (although 29 percent of them have children who are presumably drinking said milk treat and 37 percent of them drink milk out of the container).

McComb said the survey was done online. Although not yet released in its full form, the survey contained these key observations:

Nine in 10 Americans say they ingest a dairy product at least once a week.

Forty-two percent of milk consumption happens during early morning as part of breakfast.

Ninety-five percent of the respondents store at least one cheese variation in their refrigerators as of the moment.

Sixty-three percent of those who were surveyed said they prefer staying at home, eating cookies and drinking milk, rather than going out, on a Friday night.

To ease confusion on this matter, the Center for U.S. Dairy formally defined chocolate milk as cows milk with added flavoring and sweeteners. (Related: Dairy Un-Forbidden: Discover the Virtues of Raw Milk)

In line with these findings, the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization is offering a basic lesson on all things dairy on its website to celebrate this months National Dairy Month.

For a deeper look at how Americans view the countrys food industry, read Michael Pollans The Omnivores Dilemma. It might shed light on where people are in their understanding of food and food ecosystems; for instance, a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the 1990s showed that almost one in five American adults were not aware that hamburgers were beef.

At the end of the day, its an exposure issue. Right now, were conditioned to think that if you need food, you go to the store. Nothing in our educational framework teaches kids where food comes from before that point, non-profit FoodCorps co-founder Cecily Upton said.

Sources include:

Health.USNews.com

VICE.com

HuffingtonPost.com

FoxNews.com

MLive.com
Two people have been killed in the previous week in separate black bear attacks. Patrick Cooper, a runner in a race was the first victim, while a contract miner at work was the second.

The Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb race turned into a disaster when 16-year-old Patrick Cooper got lost and was mauled by a black bear. Cooper already reached the halfway mark when he missed the trail.

Based on the police report, Copper managed to frantically call his brother to inform him that he was being chased by a black bear. Race director Brad Precosky immediately launched a search and rescue operations but they failed to locate the boy.

After a few hours after, the responders located the body of the teen about a mile up the path at 1,500 vertical feet (457 vertical meters) with the bear who stood guard. The attack was considered a rare predatory behavior not common among black bears in the area.

One Chugach State Park ranger shot the 250-pound bear (113-kilogram) in the face, however, the animal still managed to flee the scene. Meanwhile, the Alaska State Troopers confirmed that Cooper's body was airlifted from the scene last Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Authorities say that they are trying to figure out why the bear behaved that way. Female bears tend to be defensive when caring for cubs but won't attack in a predatory manner.

"It's very unusual, Ken Marsh, State Fish and Game spokesman said. "It's sort of like someone being struck by lightning.

But the attacks did not stop there. Last Monday, June 19, another victim was killed 300 miles northeast of Anchorage. Based on the police report, the mauling occurred inside Pogo Mine, a gold mine in the area. The victim was a contract employee tasked to take geological samples. The attack left another miner injured. However, no names were divulged by the authorities for the second incident.

The state park rangers remain clueless with regard to the behavior of the animal. When asked when there are cubs in the area, Alaska State Parks division operations manager Matt Wedeking said that there could have been but they don't know for sure and that they have no further information about the bear as of the moment.




A San Francisco police officer  dubbed on social media as the "Hot Cop of Castro"  has been ordered to stand trial in connection with a crash in North Beach that left two men with serious injuries.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports 39-year-old Christopher Kohrs faces two felony counts of hit and run for the November 2015 incident.

Kohrs originally faced two counts of hit and run causing injury, but had one count increased to hit and run causing serious permanent injury.

Police say Kohrs was driving on a road when he slammed his car into two men, both in their 40s, who were crossing at night. Police say he then ran away from the scene.

Kohrs turned himself in about eight hours after the incident.
A man on a motorcycle allegedly drove into a crowd of people protesting Republican efforts to change federal health care Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco, nearly hitting several of the demonstrators.

Protesters had gathered outside the San Francisco Federal Building at 7th and Mission streets around 12:30 p.m. and were conducting a "die-in," in which a group of around 20 people laid down on Seventh Street to block traffic, when the incident occurred.

Emily Lee, a spokeswoman for the group Bay Resistance, which organized the protest along with Senior and Disability Action, said the man drove up on a red motorcycle, traveling the wrong way on Seventh Street.

"Everyone thought he was just confused, but he didn't stop, and at some point it became clear he was going to come through the crowd, and people jumped out of the way," Lee said.

"He was definitely targeting us," she said. "It was unclear if it was for political reasons or if he was just mentally unstable or what, but it was terrifying."

Lee said the man then turned around and began to come back through the crowd.

Federal police officers on the scene ordered him to stop, and one pulled out a gun when he initially failed to listen to orders to get off his bike, Lee said.

Police Officer Robert Rueca said there were no injuries as a result of the incident. The suspect is in custody, but charges have not yet been determined and his identity has not yet been released.

The "die-in" was intended to illustrate the potential effects of Republican health care legislation now moving through the U.S. Senate. A Congressional Budget Office report found that 23 million fewer people would have insurance by 2026 under a similar law approved in the House in May.

The event was part of a national day of action regarding the health care legislation, which is moving through the Senate with little public input or notice.

Lee said the group lying in the street included seniors and people with various disabilities because they would be among those most affected by the legislation.
Nearly 40 years ago, when the first gay pride flag was unfurled at San Franciscos Gay Freedom Day Parade, the rainbow of colors became an instant symbol of a community.

But the recent addition of two colors in a Philadelphia celebration has sparked controversy within the LGBTQ community.

The six colors of the flag, as designed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker, were intended to inspire unity. During festivities in Philadelphia, a pride flag was unveiled that included the colors black and brown. And that has people talking.

"The gay flag is supposed to be a rainbow of inclusiveness," Marina Coleridge said. "Theres not a white band on it, so why do we need a black and brown band on it?"

"When it comes to our own community, were in these bubbles and these boxes, and we dont want to, I think, confront that issue," added Darrell McElvana.

The flag was first commissioned by San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk.

Baker died just a few months ago, so the controversy comes at an interesting time for some of his close friends, including activist and author Cleve Jones, who addressed the issue by tweeting an alternative design for an even more defiant flag.

"I wish they would have created something more beautiful that honors our history and the black and Chicano power movements of the '70s," Jones said by phone.

Jones said Baker originally designed the flag with more colors, and he welcomed all kinds of variations.

"He started the flag with more than just the six colors that we have now so, you know, the idea was to put even more colors out there," said Nichole Ostrowski.

For many, inclusion within the gay community is a conversation thats long overdue. Adding two colors to a flag may not be a solution to that problem, but it might be a start.
This weekend, San Franciscos Market Street will be awash in rainbow colors as an estimated 1 million people turn out for the annual SF Pride celebration. But the man who created the rainbow flag will be notably absent.

Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag, died in March at the age of 65, leaving behind a colorful legacy that will be celebrated during this years parade.

Were doing a moving art piece as well as a tribute on the main stage for him, said George Ridgely, executive director of SF Pride.

Joe Rosato Jr.

Ridgely said in addition to the Prides official tributes, many of the parades more than 200 contingents will likely create their own tributes  just as they did last year following the mass Orlando gay nightclub attack that left 49 people dead.

Even without the tributes in the parade, Ridgely said the entire parade route of rainbow banners and flags serves as the most fitting tribute to Baker.

His spirit is there, Ridgely said, and has always been there with those flags along the route.

Joe Rosato Jr.

Baker crafted his unique six-color flag in San Francisco in 1978 while working for the Paramount Flag Co. With his activists gift for outreach, the flag quickly caught on as a symbol of the LGBT movement and eventually spread globally.

The symbol now has taken a whole life of its own, said Tom Taylor, who worked with Baker on some of his early flags. We really love seeing it going around the world.

Baker moved to New York in the 1990s but would often return to San Francisco and his home away from home in Taylors workshop, which included commercial sewing machines. There he would work on ideas such as the mile-long rainbow flag he created for New York to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the gay civil rights movement.

After he made the mile-long flag in New York, that was it, Taylor said. That cemented it in history.

Joe Rosato Jr.

Taylor and his husband Jerry Goldstein recently hosted a memorial gathering for Baker at the Castro Theater. The line of attendees stretched down the block, snaking beneath recently installed rainbow banners for the Pride celebration. Bruce Beaudette stood in the line engulfed in a costume that looked like a rainbow ribbon factory had just exploded.

Before 1978, we didnt have a joyous symbol representing us, Beaudette said. Its also joyously colored, life and happiness.

A few steps away, Michael Wong, artistic director for the Gay & Lesbian Freedom Band, wore a drum major outfit and conducted the band through a romp of popular songs.

Well see at the Pride parade this year so many remembrances of Gilbert, Wong predicted, because the rainbow flag will be seen everywhere.

Bakers flag has recently become embroiled in controversy after a Philadelphia LGBTQ group added stripes of brown and black to represent people of color. Goldstein is among those who believe the idea is misguided, saying the flags six existing colors already were intended to represent everyone.

All of the colors in the rainbow flag and those he proposed were all of inclusivity, Goldstein said. There are six colors, and the six colors are going to endure forever.
Capitol Police removed protesters, many of whom are disabled and use wheelchairs, from outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office after text of the GOP Senate health care bill was released Thursday.

Police made a total of 43 arrests at the demonstrations, the Capitol Police said. They were charged with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, authorities said.

The Protesters were organized by a group called ADAPT, which identifies itself as a nonprofit for people with disabilities.

Video of the protest showed the protesters being carried away by police officers as they chanted "no cuts to Medicaid." Empty wheelchairs remained in the hall after the arrests, the video shows.

Just prior to the protest, Senate Republicans released their long-awaited bill Thursday to dismantle much of Barack Obama's health care law.

The Senate bill would, beginning in 2020, phase out over four years extra money that Obamacare offered to the 32 states that expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income people, The Associated Press reported. It would also limit, beginning in 2020, the federal funds that states get each year for Medicaid. That money now covers all eligible recipients and procedures.

President Donald Trump's $4.1 trillion budget proposal for 2018 also includes $600 billion in decreases to Medicaid, apparently on top of health care bill cuts. Medicaid provides health care not only to the poor, but also to elderly and disabled Americans, who account for 60 percent of the cost.


Republican Karen Handel won a nationally watched congressional election Tuesday in Georgia, and she thanked President Donald Trump after she avoided an upset that would have rocked Washington ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

Incomplete returns show Handel, a former Georgia secretary of state, winning almost 53 percent of the vote over Democrat Jon Ossoff, who won just over 47 percent in Georgia's 6th Congressional District.

"A special thanks to the president of the United States of America," she said late Tuesday night as her supporters chanted, "Trump! Trump! Trump!"

It was Handel's most public embrace of the man whose tenuous standing in this well-educated, suburban enclave made a previously safe Republican district close in the first place.

Handel's margin allows Republicans a sigh of relief after what's being recognized as the most expensive House race in U.S history, with a price tag that may exceed $50 million.

Yet the result in a historically conservative district still offers Republicans a warning that Trump, for better or worse, will dominate the looming campaign cycle. Georgia's outcome follows similar results in Montana, Kansas and South Carolina, where Republicans won special House races by much narrower margins than they managed as recently as November.

Republicans immediately crowed over winning a seat that Democrats spent $30 million trying to flip. "Democrats from coast to coast threw everything they had at this race, and Karen would not be defeated," House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement.

Democrats still must defend their current districts and win 24 GOP-held seats to regain a House majority next November. Party leaders profess encouragement from the trends, but the latest losses mean they will have to rally donors and volunteers after a tough stretch of special elections.

Handel, 55, will become the first Republican woman to represent Georgia in the U.S. House, according to state party officials.

Her win comes after losing bids for governor in 2010 and the Senate in 2014, and it builds on a business and political career she built after leaving an abusive home as a teen.

"It's that fighting spirit, that perseverance and tenacity that I will take to Washington," she said Tuesday night.

Handel is the latest in a line of Republicans who have represented the district since 1979, beginning with Newt Gingrich, who would become House speaker. Most recently, Tom Price resigned in February to join Trump's administration. The president himself struggled here, though, edging Democrat Hillary Clinton but falling short of a majority among an affluent, well-educated electorate that typically has given Republican nominees better than 60 percent of the vote.

Handel emphasized that Republican pedigree often in her campaign and again in her victory speech.

She also noted throughout the campaign that she has lived in the district for 25 years, unlike Ossoff, who grew up in the district but lives in Atlanta, a few miles south of the 6th District's southern border.

In victory, she commended Ossoff and pledged to work for his supporters. She noted last week's shooting of Republican Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and said politics has become too embittered.

"My pledge is to be part of the solution, to focus on governing," she said.

Ossoff, taking the stage at his own party after conceding the race, told his supporters his campaign "is the beginning of something much bigger than us," adding, "The fight goes on."

Party organizations, independent political action committees and donors from Los Angeles to Boston sent a cascade of money into a race, filling metro Atlanta's airwaves with ads and its 6th District neighborhoods with hordes of paid canvassers.

Contrary to the chants at Handel's victory party, she insisted for months that voters' choice had little to do with Trump. She rarely mentioned him, despite holding a closed-door fundraiser with him earlier this spring. She pointed voters instead to her "proven conservative record" as a state and local elected official.

Her protestations aside, Handel often embraced the national tenor of the race, joining a GOP chorus that lambasted Ossoff as a "dangerous liberal" who was "hand-picked" by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California. She also welcomed a parade of national GOP figures to Atlanta to help her raise money, with Ryan and Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Paul Ryan holding fundraisers following Trump's April visit.

It was enough to help Handel raise more than $5 million, not a paltry sum in a congressional race, but barely a fifth of Ossoff's fundraising haul. The Republican campaign establishment, however, helped make up the difference. A super PAC backed by Ryan spent $7 million alone.

On policy, she mostly echoes party leaders. She said she'd have voted for the House Republican health care bill, though she sometimes misrepresented its provisions in debates with Ossoff. She touts traditional supply side economics, going so far as to say during one debate that she does "not support a living wage"  her way of explaining her opposition to a minimum-wage increase.

That wasn't enough to sway the election. But a living wage was a key driver for voters like Grant Robison, 25, a Johns Creek resident who works for National Cash Register. He voted for Jon Ossoff.

"I don't think that anybody should live in poverty, dealing with that when they're working a 40-hour week," he said.

Republican Ralph Norman won a special election Tuesday to fill the South Carolina congressional seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney, battling to a victory closer than many expected to replace the new White House budget director.


Newly elected Rep. Greg Gianforte received a bright orange jumpsuit in the mail on his first day working on Capitol Hill Wednesday, NBC News reported.

The Montana Democratic Party sent the representative the package after Gianforte was arrested for assaulting a Guardian reporter the night before he was elected. Gianforte pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and was sentenced to community service and anger management training.

"As a convicted criminal, he will be hidden by his leadership and not given any position of influence in Washington, Roy Lowenstein, spokesman for the Montana Democratic Party, told NBC News. "So, we got Mr. Gianforte a welcome gift to help his new colleagues identify him."

Lowenstein added that Montana Democrats sent the Jumpsuit to draw attention to the assault and the Congressman's attempt to blame the altercation on the victim.


Six people were arrested in connection with a prostitution sting in New Hampshire on Wednesday.

Manchester police say five people face prostitution-related charges, including four men who approached an undercover officer and a woman who offered an undercover detective sex for a fee.

They have been identified as: Olvin Laza Miranda, 27, of Manchester; Mercedes Delgado, 47, of Manchester; Walter Loan, 52, of Northfield; Wilkins De La Cruz Peralta, 24, of Manchester; and Alicia Dubois, 30, of Manchester.

The men were charged with prostitution and released on $1,000 personal recognizance bail. Dubois was charged with prostitution and released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail. All five are due back in court on July 26.

As for the sixth arrest, Manchester police say an undercover detective was working on the prostitution operation when a man offered to sell her heroin. The officer followed him to Monadnock Lane, where he met with a second man.

The undercover detective watched as the men separated in the alley, and detectives stopped both of them, later arresting the second man, who was identified as 30-year-old Michael Simoneau of Greenville. Simoneau was charged with possessing a controlled drug after police found .5 grams of crystal methamphetamine on him, violating his bail and violating probation/parole. Simoneau is due in court on June 22.

The first man who offered the undercover detective heroin was not charged in the incident.

It's unclear if any of the accused have attorneys.
A former professional wrestler is throwing his hat in the ring for the Illinois governors race, according to a new report.

Jon The Illustrious One Stewart, 50, confirmed Wednesday to the Chicago Tribune that he will enter his candidacy as a member of the Libertarian Party.

"Politics is wrestling with suits and ties on," Stewart told the Tribunes Chicago Inc. column. "I'm comfortable on a mic, and I'm not afraid to tell the truth."

Stewart reportedly ran as a Republican for the state House in 1997 as a client of Kellyanne Conway, now counselor to President Donald Trump.

"She's probably one of the smartest people I've ever met so I'm not surprised she has got to where she is, he told the newspaper.

Stewart said he voted for Trump and considers the president a Molotov cocktail thrown into the system in Washington, D.C., the paper reported.

Matt Scaro and Kash Jackson, both of the Illinois Libertarian Party, have also announced their candidacies for governor.

Stewart told the Tribune he believes Illinois politics are broken, calling the current state surreal.

"How can the Democrats and the Republicans say, 'Give us one more chance? he asked.

He noted Trump as well as Jesse The Body Venturas successful bid for governor of Minnesota in 1998 as an outsider success story.
A patrolman with the sheriffs office in Lake County, Indiana, was indicted Thursday on charges of raping a co-worker, the state police confirmed.

Nicholas Medrano, 34, of Crown Point, was charged with rape, confinement, attempted rape and sexual battery.

An investigation into Medrano began in the fall of 2016 when the Lake County Sheriffs Department asked the Indiana State Police to look into the allegations because it involved one of their officers, authorities said in a news release.

The complainant was a professional co-worker of the officer, authorities said.

Medrano has been with the Lake County Sheriffs Department for nearly 11 years, authorities said.

Authorities said Medrano's attorney was coordinating with the Lake County prosecutors office to turn himself in.

Upon his surrender he will be given a $100,000 surety and will be held in lieu of $10,000 bond, authorities said.

Medrano is currently on leave as an officer from the sheriff's department, the prosecutor's office said.
JCPenney announced plans to hire 400 associates in Illinois as the chain already starts thinking about the coming back-to-school shopping rush.

The company said Thursday it is looking to hire associates for positions including cashiers, beauty consultants as well as other service and support positions. In a press release, the company said there is flexible scheduling and an associate discount of up to 25 percent off.

JCPenney salons also are seeking new employees, specifically experienced stylists to join the companys salon program.



This program allows for more flexible hours and personalized pricing. Salon stylists receive paid artistic training and health benefits for full-time employees.

Those interested can apply in-store or online.
Police are conducting a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead in a West Side Chicago street early Thursday morning.

The woman, believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, was found unresponsive just after 1 a.m. in the 3500 block of West Huron in the citys East Garfield Park neighborhood, police said.

During an initial death investigation, detectives discovered the woman had blunt trauma to the face and defensive wounds on her body.

Area North detectives have since opened a homicide investigation.

The womans identity was not being released as of Thursday morning.
A Milwaukee jury on Wednesday acquitted a former police officer in the on-duty shooting of a black man last year that ignited riots on the city's north side.

Jurors found that Dominique Heaggan-Brown, who is also black, was not guilty of first-degree reckless homicide when he shot 23-year-old Sylville Smith after a brief foot chase following a traffic stop Aug. 13. Smith had a gun when he ran, but the case hinged on whether he was a threat when Heaggan-Brown fired the shot that killed him.

Body-camera video showed Heaggan-Brown shooting Smith once in the arm as he appeared to be throwing the gun over a fence. The video showed the second shot  1.69 seconds later  hit Smith in the chest as he lay on the ground.

Prosecutors argued Smith was defenseless at the time of the second shot because he had thrown the gun over the fence. Defense attorneys argued Heaggan-Brown had to act quickly to defend himself.

Smith's family members reacted angrily to the verdict, swearing and storming from the courtroom. Outside, one man shouted obscenities at a sheriff's deputy as he was held back by other family members.

Later, his father, Patrick Smith, said the killing was "in cold blood," but urged people not to react violently to the verdict.

"I really don't want them to act irrationally toward the cops, because all cops ain't bad," he said.

No protests were immediately evident. Mayor Tom Barrett said police would have a strong presence in the Sherman Park neighborhood hit by the previous unrest, and urged any demonstrations be peaceful.

Smith's family filed a civil lawsuit against Heaggan-Brown and the city, family attorney David Owens announced after the verdict. He said it had become clear since the shooting that Heaggan-Brown never should have been on the force.

Heaggan-Brown's attorney, Jonathan Smith, said the former officer was thankful for the acquittal and believed he was justified in using deadly force.

"There is not joy in a case like this. I think we must be mindful that a young man lost his life," said Steven Kohn, another of Heaggan-Brown's attorneys.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, who made the decision to charge Heaggan-Brown, said he did not agree with the verdict but would respect it.

Heaggan-Brown was fired from the police force in October after being charged with sexual assault in an unrelated case. The sexual assault case was not mentioned during the trial because it is being handled separately and knowledge of it could prejudice the jury.

Smith's shooting was among a string of killings of blacks by police in recent years that have increased debate about race and policing. Heaggan-Brown's acquittal came less than a week after a Minnesota officer, Jeronimo Yanez, was acquitted in the shooting death of a black motorist seconds after the motorist informed him he had a gun. Yanez testified the driver, Philando Castile, disregarded his commands not to take out his gun and he feared for his life.

In Milwaukee, Smith's death brought to the surface long-simmering tensions between black residents and police, and demonstrators assembled near the site of the shooting in Sherman Park hours after it happened.

Two nights of riots followed, with protesters throwing rocks, bricks, and bottles at police officers. The protesters burned eight businesses and a police car and when it was over, 40 demonstrators had been arrested and a handful of officers hurt.

In the encounter with Smith, Heaggan-Brown and two other officers had approached Smith's rental car because it was parked more than a foot from the curb and they believed a drug deal was about to take place.

In Heaggan-Brown's bodycam video, he began chasing Smith immediately after stepping out of his patrol car.

Heaggan-Brown's camera shows him briefly pointing the gun at Smith as he begins the pursuit. He put his gun back in his holster as Smith turned into a path between two houses.

Smith slipped and fell near a fence, dropping his gun. He started reaching for it as he stood up, with his left hand holding the fence.

When the video is slowed frame-by-frame, Smith is seen holding the gun by the barrel to throw it over the fence. Prosecutors argued that Smith no longer posed a threat.

The two shots by Heaggan-Brown came in quick succession, striking Smith once in his right arm and then the fatal shot to the chest.

The 12-member jury included four African-Americans.

The Milwaukee acquittal also came as jurors in Ohio concluded their third day of deliberations in the murder retrial of a white University of Cincinnati police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist. Ray Tensing's first trial ended last November in a hung jury after some 25 hours of deliberations on the murder and voluntary manslaughter charges.

The Milwaukee verdict was in line with recent history.

Data shows 82 officers nationwide have been charged with murder or manslaughter for on-duty fatal shootings since 2005, said Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Ohio's Bowling Green State University. Thirty-four of those cases, or 41 percent, have ended in non-convictions. Twenty-nine officers, or 34 percent, have been convicted, often for a lesser offense. The remaining cases are pending.

Stinson said the race of the officer charged didn't appear to matter to judges or juries weighing these cases. Of the 12 black officers charged in the cases he tracked, three were convicted, five were acquitted, one had the case dismissed and three are pending.

"I think that the police subculture trumps the race of the officer. Black officers act in the same ways as white officers do," Stinson said. "A police officer is a police officer."
The driver for a bus company is accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old an intellectually-disabled girl on the bus.

State police said they received a report on Feb. 28 about sexual contact between an 11-year-old girl and a bus driver for Connecticut Transportation Solutions, LLC.

State police charged 39-year-old Luis Cruz, of Bridgeport, with fourth-degree sexual assault. Cruz worked as a bus driver for Connecticut Transportation Solutions, LLC, which transports those with special needs, but has been terminated.

The arrest warrant reveals that Connecticut State Police Troop G in Bridgeport received a report from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in late February and began investigating.

Documents reveal the incident took place about a month before in January. State police said the 11-year-old victim was picked up at her biological parents place to be transported back to her foster home in Bridgeport. Normally, transports occur on Tuesday and Thursday, not Wednesday, but this time they did, according to the arrest warrant. The paperwork also reveals that Cruz was not her regular bus driver.

Police said GPS data showed that Cruz's bus made an unscheduled stop at a parking lot in Newtown along Mile Hill Road for less than two minutes.

During the first interview with Cruz, police reported that the suspect did not mention the unscheduled stop but when presented with the GPS data he, "claimed he had pulled off the road to check that the victim was still wearing her seat belt."

Detectives questioned why the car was stopped for nearly two minutes.

"Detectives asked Cruz repeatedly if he had done anything else while in the lot to account for the additional time, and Cruz could provide no explanation other than to say he 'lost track of time'," the affidavit said.

Cruz said when the victim made it home to her foster mother, she turned back around to point at him and said that he had touched her. He told police, "he was 'shocked' but gave no verbal response to the victim's claim." He said that the foster mother said, "'Don't worry about it', while making a spiral hand gesture to indicate the victim 'was not all there'," according to police documents.

In the arrest warrant, police spoke to the foster mother who "described the victim as 'a sweet, loving, kind, non-aggressive child' with the mental capacity of a two-year-old."

The foster mother told police that the victim told her that Cruz had touched her private parts and that "Cruz reportedly responded by saying, 'She's lying. I don't know what she's talking about'."

The report said the foster mother "denied ever telling Cruz 'not to worry' about such a serious allegation. She also told detectives she would never diminish one of her foster children by referring to them as 'not all there'."

The foster mom went on to say that when she went back into the house, the victim again said, without prompting, that Cruz had touched her inappropriately.

The foster mom immediately began making calls to DCF.

During a second interview with Cruz, detectives said the suspect told them that during the unscheduled stop in the parking lot in Newtown he had been texting a friend. The arrest warrant said "when Cruz showed detectives the text thread which he considered his alibi, there was no active texting taking place at the time of the crime."

Eventually, the arrest warrant states that Cruz provided a recorded verbal statement that he pulled into the parking lot "with the sole intent of touching the victim's (private part). Cruz indicated that he believed the victim was sleeping and would be unaware of the contact."

Cruz also said he did not manage to reach the victim's private part, "he stated that he was only able to reach the victim's inner thighs."

The bus company, Connecticut Transportation Solutions, LLC released a statement saying that they fired Cruz when they found out about the allegation.

Here is their full statement from Chet Doheny, president and CEO of Connecticut Transportation Solutions, LLC:

Connecticut Transportation Solutions takes the safety of the students and passengers utilizing our transport services very seriously. We ensure all of our drivers go through an extensive background check satisfying all the credentialing requirements of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Children and Families.

The driver in this case met all mandated requirements and when concerns were brought to our attention we took immediate action, including contacting police and other appropriate state agencies as well as terminating employment. We have and will continue to support the Connecticut State Police in this investigation.

We know the level of trust and confidence parents and guardians place in us. This is not something we take lightly. This company will continue to put student and passenger safety first.

Any questions regarding details of the investigation should be directed toward the State Police.
A family is suing the City of New Haven and the New Haven Board of Education for negligence after a drama teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student was arrested.

According to documents, the family alleges that the City of New Haven and/or the New Haven Board of Education was negligent after a minor allegedly became involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a teacher.



Jennifer Frechette, 44, a Wilbur Cross High School drama teacher, is accused of sexually assaulting a student, according to court documents. She faces sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor charges.

District administrators and security staff responded to allegations of inappropriate conduct with Frechette and a student on Jan. 5, according to the school.

According to the arrest warrant, the investigation began when school security officers found the student and Frechette together in a dressing room used for school plays. Security officers also found battery-operated tea light candles, a mat that was set up with a quilt and pillows, and unused condoms in the room.

The security officers said that Frechette kept saying I dont know what I was thinking, and asked if they would let her go.

The warrant said Frechette denied to officers anything inappropriate happened between her and the student and said she was discussing the school play with him. But in February, the school nurse said the victim requested a test for sexually transmitted diseases and he admitted Frechette performed a sex act on him. The nurse notified police.

Police also found inappropriate text message conversations with Frechette on the victim's cell phone.

The student's parents were notified and Frechette was immediately placed on paid leave pending the results of a police investigation.

A letter sent out by the school district informed other parents of the allegations.

"A breach of that responsibility by any staff member is cause for concern. The arrest of a New Haven teacher on allegations of sexual assault and risk of injury is deeply troubling," the letter reads.

In a statement to NBC Connecticut Interim Superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo said, My heart goes out to the victim in this case and we will continue to offer any and all support that we can.
There has been a rise of car crashes in places where recreational marijuana is legalized, a new report claims.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that legalizing recreational marijuana use in Colorado, Oregon and Washington has resulted in about 3 percent higher overall collision claim frequencies.

"The combined-state analysis shows that the first three states to legalize recreational marijuana have experienced more crashes," Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, said. "The individual state analyses suggest that the size of the effect varies by state."

Since the three states legalized recreational marijuana, Colorado had a 14 percent increase of collision claims compared to Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming, Washington had a 6.2 percent increase compared to Montana and Idaho, while Oregon had a 4.5 percent increase compared to Idaho, Montana and Nevada.

"This report reveals the same concerning trend we've seen in reports from the Governors Highway Safety Association and the AAA Foundation, underscoring the increased risk associated with legalization," Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford, said. "AAA applauds Connecticut lawmakers for the careful consideration they have given this issue".

On June 6, for the first time, the Connecticut General Assembly brought a bill up for debate about regulating the recreational use of marijuana. The Speaker of the Connecticut House, Rep. Joe Aresimowicz conceded that the bill was about 12 votes short of passage.

Massachusetts started allowing recreational marijuana use in the state at the beginning of the year.
Uncertainty is the main word being used in city and town offices across Connecticut as the state is expected to go without a budget when the fiscal year ends on June 30.

The anxiousness is directly linked to how much cities and towns will assess their residents for car taxes to start the fiscal year. Car tax bills are normally sent out for July payments, but with the states cap on car tax mill rates in limbo, Newington, Manchester and Torrington have already told their residents the municipalities are going to wait to send them until the state has a budget.

"Not knowing what that mill rate is going to be at the end of the session or the budget deliberations poses a great problem for the City of Torrington," said Torrington Mayor Elinor Carbone. "We dont want to be put in a position where were billing our taxpayers at 32 or 37, to find out that mill rate changes."

The state law that caps car tax rates was approved in 2015, and according to the law all car tax rates would be capped at 32 for cities and towns in the 2017-18 fiscal year. However, throughout budget talks in the 2017 legislative session, the assumption among both Democrats and Republicans has been that the cap would remain at 37, the rate for 2016.

The reasoning is that lawmakers recognized they wouldnt be able to provide enough funds to cities and towns at the lower mill rate, so they decided unofficially to leave the cap flat at 37. That led to headaches for some cities and towns because they were all under the impression the cap would be reduced. There is even some discussion that the cap could disappear altogether during budget talks.

The governor, however, said theres no reason cities and towns cant send out tax bills like they always do.

"Sure they can," Malloy said.

Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz said no one should have been surprised in local governments that the car tax cap was going to remain unchanged, since its been a consistent topic of conversation for months,

"Im not sure why they cant assess," Aresimowicz said. "Obviously the 37 is what weve been saying all along as where expect to equalize the car tax rate to stay at. They should just move forward with that. I dont see it going any lower."

Carbone said its not that simple, and says she wouldnt be comfortable sending out supplemental tax bills to make up the lost revenue if the rate changes later in the year.

"Plain and simple its just too confusing for the taxpayers to get a bill on July first, be told they must pay it by July 31, and then receive a supplemental bill. Its just too confusing."
More women die from pregnancy complications in our state than anywhere in the nation, according to researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.



They are looking for solutions to the high maternal death rate in state.



The deaths of women who pass away during or within a year of childbirth are categorized as maternal deaths.



"Its really inconceivable to think that a country like ours is really talking about this and that its increasing. Its such a tragedy for the families," said Assistant Professor Amy Ranes Milenkov, at UNTHSC.



No one knows the pain more than Allen Johnson, of Red Oak. His wife Calista passed away days after giving birth to their daughter on June 2, 2017.



"I'm a widower at 35, it's nothing you prepare for," said Johnson.



He says he and Calista were excited when they learned she was pregnant after years of trying, and that Calista was overjoyed when she learned she'd had a baby girl.



"She was excited because boys run in her family. They told her it was a girl and she had a big relief on her face," said Johnson.



But three days after they brought Baby Angelique home from the hospital, Johnson says his wife called him at work, complaining of extreme headaches.



"I got a call from her. I can barely understand her and her speech was kind of slurred and she said you need to come home," he recalls.



By the time he reached home, paramedics had taken her the hospital, where within hours, Calista died from what doctors believe was eclampsia, considered a preventable condition related to a hypertension disorder called preeclampsia, which accounts for 18 percent of maternal deaths in the U.S.



"I wished I recognized the signs earlier. I wish I would have just put my foot down when I asked her if she wanted me to come home," says Johnson.

"These are younger women that are having cardiac events and that's shocking!" says Milenkov.



"We know that there's an increase in hypertension among younger women. We know there's an increase in diabetes. Obesity is one thing that factors into almost every health problem and we are seeing it play out in pregnancy outcomes as well and maternal health outcomes."



She also says more young mothers are dying of drug overdoses and suicide related to postpartum depression.



"Although there are providers that are doing depression screenings, we don't often have a resource to send women to once it's identified that they need some services," she adds.



She says most of these deaths can be prevented.



"Its not only shocking, its embarrassing to have a maternal death rate that is higher than the nation's, but also, as a nation, we are increasing and its something that is a crisis that we have to attend to," she adds.



Allen Johnson's sister, Uniquka Johnson-Christian, is helping take care of her new niece.



She's eight months pregnant and agrees with researchers about a lack of awareness of pregnancy complications.



"I didn't know anything about eclampsia or pre-eclampsia," she says. "If it's something that could be lethal, why don't more people know about it?"



Two weeks after welcoming his daughter, they're burying their loved.



A mother gone too soon during a search for answers that can't come soon enough.



Governor Greg Abbott says he wants the search for solutions to be a priority during the special session in July.



He recently passed a bill that calls for postpartum depression screenings for mothers who receive government funded medical assistance.



State lawmakers will decide in July whether to continue or dissolve the taskforce researching the maternal death crisis in Texas.

The Johnson Family is sharing Calista's story in hopes no other family goes through similar tragedy. You can read more here.


Three internal candidates are among the eight finalists for Dallas police chief announced Wednesday.

Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax will select the new chief.

"This is probably one of the biggest decisions Ill have to make as city manager, one of the most important ones," Broadnax said.



The candidates include the following, in alphabetical order:

Malik Aziz, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department

Carmen Best, Deputy Chief, Seattle Police Department

Steven Dye, Chief, Grand Prairie Police Department

U. Renee Hall, Deputy Chief, Detroit Police Department

Michel Moore, First Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department

Luther Reynolds, Assistant Chief, Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department

Gary Tittle, Assistant Chief, Dallas Police Department

Rick Watson, Deputy Chief, Dallas Police Department

Broadnax said interviews will be conducted over three days in July. Citizens, community leaders and city officials will participate in the process and provide advice before the manager makes the final decision.

A citizen meet-and-greet session with the candidates is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11, at Dallas City Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second-floor foyer.

"I think the process hopefully will be beneficial to the applicants. Theyll get a chance to tell their story, to tell why they want to be chief in the city of Dallas. And well get a chance to assess their talents through that process," Broadnax said. "I'm excited about this opportunity."

Advice was already available for the manager Wednesday.

"I feel we need someone who knows the community, knows whats going on inside the city of Dallas," said City Councilman Tennell Atkins.

Councilman Lee Kleinman said Dallas needs the best person for the job and he has worked with insiders Watson and Tittle. But Kleinman said an outsider might have advantages setting the department on a better path.



"They don't really come in with that history and come in fresh and can develop that relationship of trust and that relationship of structure that I think this department really needs," Kleinman said.



The selection comes with the Dallas police force shrinking because of pay and benefit complaints at the same time as violent crime is edging higher.



Dallas Black Police Association leader Thomas Glover said an insider should be selected, and he said Aziz has strong support.

"We can't afford to have someone in office waiting to learn. We need someone on day one who can walk in and do the job," Glover said. "This decision will make or break 3,000-plus officers in their employment decisions."

NBC 5 reached out to the departments and unions for the external candidates, among them, Detroit Police Deputy Chief U. Renee Hall.

"Some issues in Dallas are very close to what we saw...dealing with the issues of retention," said Detroit Police Chief James Craig. "Renee has been in the front seat of that bus with me. It would not be foreign to her." Chief Craig called Hall a "natural fit" for Dallas.

Hall is one of two women being considered for the job.

"She is absolutely ready for this," said Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole of her Deputy Chief Carmen Best. Best has had key roles in Seattle with community policing and innovation.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck weighed in as well on his 1st Assistant Chief Michel Moore, a 35-year veteran of the LAPD who worked his way up the ranks.

"With Los Angeles experiencing historically low crime levels and improving community engagement," Chief Beck said. "I consider him (Moore) an integral part of LAPD's success story."

City Councilman Scott Griggs said he is impressed by the opportunity for city council and community input and the speed with which Broadnax is moving forward.

"I'm very pleased by the progress, pleased by the announcement today that we have many strong candidates for this position," Griggs said.



The candidates will tour various police facilities and parts of Dallas on Monday, July 10, with a reception that night for invited community leaders.

On Tuesday, July 11, the candidates will participate in panel interviews with law enforcement officials, faith and neighborhood leaders and police groups before the public event that evening.

The city managers staff will interview the candidates on Wednesday, July 12, and the next steps in the process will be determined after that.
A former Texas nurse who prosecutors say may be responsible for the deaths of up to 60 young children was indicted Wednesday on a murder charge for the second time in recent weeks.

The Bexar County district attorney's office said in a statement that Genene Jones was charged in the September 1981 death of 2-year-old Rosemary Vega.

She was charged with a separate count of murder last month in the death of an 11-month-old boy.

Jones, 66, is serving concurrent 99-year and 60-year sentences in state prison for the 1982 killing of another toddler and the sickening of a 4-week-old boy who survived. But she was scheduled to be released in March under a mandatory release law in place when she was convicted.

During Jones' time working at a San Antonio hospital and elsewhere in Texas, children died of unexplained seizures and other complications.

District Attorney Nico LaHood previously said investigators believe Jones may have killed some or all of those children because they died under unusual circumstances during or shortly after her shifts.

The 11-month-old boy died of a fatal overdose of an anti-seizure drug, Dilantin, and prosecutors at Jones' 1984 murder trial said the nurse lethally injected children at a clinic in Kerrville, northwest of San Antonio, to demonstrate the need for a pediatric intensive care unit at a nearby hospital.

Other prosecutors theorized that Jones' tactic was to take swift medical action and save some of her victims, making herself appear to be a sort of miracle worker.

It's not clear why Jones' actions, involving so many suspected victims, were not detected earlier. But Sam Millsap, a previous district attorney in Bexar County, told KSAT-TV in 2013 that medical records at the San Antonio hospital at one point were accidentally destroyed, hampering efforts by investigators to prove their suspicions.

She received a letter of recommendation in 1982 from the hospital that described her as "loyal, dependable and trustworthy," according to a report jointly published by Texas Monthly and Pro Publica.

Jones, whose case has been chronicled in two books, a TV movie and numerous articles, has maintained her innocence. It's not clear if she has an attorney to address the most recent allegations against her.

LaHood told The Associated Press after Jones was charged with murder in May that the charge was based on fresh evidence that came to light and a review of old evidence. He also said the deaths of some of the other children were being re-examined and that additional charges could be coming.

Prosecutors were expected to release additional information later Wednesday on the most recent indictment.
Sheriff's deputies say a North Texas mother charged in the drowning of her infant daughter had been distracted by Facebook when she left the girl unattended in a bathtub.



In a news release, Parker County investigators said Cheyenne Summer Stuckey, 21, originally told deputies she had left her 6-month-old child alone in the bathtub "for only a couple minutes" inside her Reno, Texas, home on June 13.

The mother later returned to find her daughter, Zayla, unresponsive and floating face-down in the bathtub.



Stuckey told police she was uncertain whether she had placed a bathtub stopper in the drain. Investigators later found Stuckey had been on Facebook Messenger for at least 18 minutes while her child was in the tub, authorities said.

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During her interview with police, Stuckey said she had implicated herself in the negligence of her daughter's death by saying she left the infant unsupervised and became "distracted" by another child, Facebook messenger and a loud TV.



Deputies said the mother tried to save her daughter, but "did not know how."

Stuckey was booked into the Parker County Jail and charged with injury to a child. No bond has been set, as of writing.

Deputies said other children in the home were placed into foster care.

NBC Dallas-Fort Worth has reached out to Stuckey's lawyer for comment on her behalf.
Bedford police on Friday sought to reassure the community that there is no known public danger days after a teenager's body was found in a landfill.[[429988703,R]]

The body of 14-year-old Kaytlynn Cargill was discovered Wednesday by a worker at the Republic Services Arlington Landfill on Mosier Valley Road. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office positively identified the body but has not determined Kaytlynn's cause or manner of death.

The medical examiner has ordered toxicology tests as part of the investigation.

At a press conference Friday, Bedford police said no arrests have been made and that no "persons of interest" have been named.

Bedford Police Chief Jeff Gibson provided new information into the investigation of the death of a Bedford teenager.

"We have absolutely nothing that points to a risk to our community, that points to further danger," said Bedford Police Chief Jeff Gibson.

Kaytlynn had been reported missing just after 6:20 p.m. Monday. According to a flier, she was walking her dog and asked her friend to watch it for a minute. Kaytlynn never returned and the dog was found tied to a post in the apartment's dog park.

Since Monday, Kaytlynn's disappearance and the eventual discovery of her body has left some in this community shaken and concerned.

"I did not get a phone alert or an email alert," said Bedford mother Crystal Riddell, who questioned the way police initially handled Kaytlynn's missing persons investigation.

"If a missing persons report was filed Monday, regardless of the urgency, that should have been posted Monday night on Facebook, not Tuesday at 2:31 p.m.," Riddell said.

Bedford police say the community where a teenager disappeared is safe, even though her cause of death has not been determined.

Gibson stressed that officers canvassed the Oak Creek apartment complex where Kaytlynn was initially reported missing for days and that they never had a reason to believe the teen was abducted or in any danger.

"There's nothing we could have done differently," Gibson said Friday. "Our staff has worked tirelessly on this case, night and day, since being notified [by Arlington police]."

"We did not have any specific requirements that would require us to initiate an Amber Alert," the chief said.

Police are increasing patrols where 14-year-old Kaytlynn Cargill disappeared. The girl's body was discovered Wednesday in a North Texas landfill.

It remains unclear what happened to Kaytlynn Cargill or how her body ended up at the landfill. The many unanswered questions have left the quiet community unnerved.

"I think that we can be more vigilant as a community to be aware of what's going on around us," Riddell said.

Dozens gathered for a vigil Thursday at Central Junior High School, where Kaytlynn Cargill - whose body was found in a North Texas landfill Wednesday - had just completed seventh grade.

On Thursday, dozens of people gathered for a vigil at Central Junior High School, where friends said Kaytlynn had just completed seventh grade and played trumpet in the school band.

"You could look at her and tell she was always really happy, she was really carefree," said classmate Bayleigh Wagoner.

"I just don't understand. She's, she was 14. What did she do to you? She's just out here walking her dog, doing a normal thing. Then she's just gone," said Brooke Kirkland, carrying balloons to the apartment complex dog park where Kaytlynn was last seen.

Bedford teenager Kaytlynn Cargill disappeared Monday night and two days later, her body was found in a landfill, less than four miles from her home. Police revealed new information about the investigation.

The family has planned a visitation for Kaytlynn on Monday June 26 at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. The visitation runs from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church of Euless.



Police are asking anyone with information on the girl's disappearance to call police at 817-952-2440, call Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS or e-mail tips@bedfordtx.gov


The American Civil Liberties Union is suing over the actions of District of Columbia police on Inauguration Day, saying police acted improperly by using pepper spray and flash-bang grenades without warning or justification and holding demonstrators without food, water or access to toilets, among other actions.

The ACLU's lawsuit was filed on behalf of four people, including three who were arrested on Inauguration Day: Shay Horse, Elizabeth Lagesse and Milo Gonzalez. Lagesse and Gonzalez still face charges while charges against Horse, who was photographing the march as a photojournalist, have been dropped. The lawsuit also includes Judah Ariel, who was at the demonstration as a legal observer. Despite wearing a green hat identifying him as a legal observer, he was pepper-sprayed, the lawsuit said.



"They hand cuffed us with zip ties that were so tight, several fingers on both my hands went numb. When I asked an officer to loosen the ties, he replied, 'They're not supposed to be comfortable,'" Horse said at a news conference Wednesday.

Horse said police were indiscriminate in rounding up demonstrators and "targeting everyone in the area that wasn't them." Horse said that though he was working as a journalist he was arrested and subjected to an invasive search.

"I feel like I was raped," he said.

Horse said police could clearly see that he was a photographer.

"I was just doing my job," Horse said.

More than 200 people were charged with rioting after protesters broke windows and set fire to a limousine the day of President Donald Trump's inauguration. But ACLU attorney Scott Michelman says police attacked peaceful demonstrators without justification and used the actions of a few to punish many law-abiding demonstrators.

"The MPDs extreme tactics against members of the public, including journalists, demonstrators, and observers, were unjustifiable and unconstitutional, Michelman said in a statement. People from all over the country come to the nations capital to exercise their constitutional right to protest. MPDs wanton and vindictive conduct on January 20 chills free speech, which is a vital part of our democracy."

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to be determined by a jury. The ACLU said it could add more plaintiffs to the case.

"Each year, the men and women of MPD protect the rights and ensure the safety of thousands of First Amendment assemblies, demonstrations and protests," the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement responding to the lawsuit. "All instances of use of force by officers and allegations of misconduct will be fully investigated."
One of President Donald Trump's newest appointees is a registered agent of Saudi Arabia who earns hundreds of thousands of dollars to lobby on the kingdom's behalf, according to U.S. Department of Justice records reviewed by the Center for Public Integrity.

Longtime Republican lobbyist Richard Hohlt was appointed by Trump to the Commission on White House Fellowships, a part-time advisory body responsible for making final recommendations to the president of candidates for the prestigious White House fellowships.

Since January, the Saudi Arabian foreign ministry has paid Hohlt about $430,000 in exchange for "advice on legislative and public affairs strategies," according to The Center for Public Integrity.

Trump's decision to appoint a registered foreign agent clashes with the president's vow to clean up Washington and limit the influence of special interests, The Center for Public Integrity reports.

Trump singled out lobbyists for foreign governments for special criticism, saying they shouldn't be permitted to contribute to political campaigns. Hohlt is himself a Trump donor, though his contributions came before he registered to represent Saudi Arabia.
Islamic groups across Southern California are responding to an alert for increased security as the month of Ramadan comes to a close this weekend.

The Eid al-Fitr prayer, a three day holiday marking the end of Ramadan, is scheduled for Sunday. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement Monday to step up security measures at celebrations and gatherings this weekend.

In the statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad urged local mosques to request extra police patrols and hire security officers who are authorized to carry firearms.

CAIR spokesman, Ibrahim Hooper, said the alert is intended to supplement regular security measures at mosques and shouldn't discourage attendance.

"In fact, if you're a family and you want to go to the Eid celebrations, you might feel safer if there's local police presence," he said.

Hooper attended the funeral of 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen on Wednesday, and said her death, as well as the stabbing of two Muslims in Oregon on May 26, has added to rising tensions within the Muslim community.

"We've seen an unprecedented spike in anti-Muslim rhetoric and anti-Muslim sentiments since the November election, but I think that goes hand-in-hand with the spike in hate targeting all minority groups, not just American Muslims," he said.

The Islamic Center of Southern California will be hosting an Eid celebration at the Pasadena Convention Center on Sunday, and the OC Register reported that 20,000 Muslims are expected to attend an Eid prayer in Anaheim at Angel Stadium.

The New Horizon school in Los Angeles, an offshoot of The Islamic Center of Southern California, will also host a celebration on Sunday morning.

Though the school is currently out of session, a spokesperson said the school increased security during the school year after receiving threats.

CAIR encourages mosques to build good relationships with local law enforcement so their presence doesn't feel "odd" or "threatening" in a time of crisis, Hooper said.

The Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Sheriff's Department have not yet received any requests for increased policing this weekend.
People gathered at a Muslim school in Sunrise Wednesday evening to pay tribute to a life taken too soon.

Nabra Hassanen, 17, was murdered in Northern Virginia during the holiest time for Muslims -- Ramadan. The teenage girl was brutally beaten as she walked back to her mosque last weekend.

Wilfredo Ruiz, from CAIR FLORIDA, condemns the attack.

"It's very personal because this was a lady in the middle of worshipping acts. She was having an early breakfast we call Saour, she was on the way to pray the first prayer at the mosque. That relates to all of us," said Ruiz.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast under sunlight and it is common to wake up for an early breakfast before sunrise.

The girl was with a group of other teenagers they had just wrapped up breakfast and were on their was to their mosque to pray. It was around 4 a.m. when police say the girl became the target of a road rage incident.

The girl's family and many in the Muslim community believe she was targeted because of her religion. However, police are not investigating it as a hate crime.

Darwin Martinez Torres, 22, was arrested in connection to the attack. Detectives said he got into it with the group and then got out of his vehicle to attack the teen. Hassanen was beaten with a bat before Torres allegedly drove off with her and dumped her body in a pond, according to police.
Two people were transported to the hospital after a duplex caught fire in the Little Haiti neighborhood.

Three adults and a 4-year-old child were in the duplex on Northwest 64th Street when the fire began. The adults tried extinguishing the flames and left the smoking home before Miami Fire Rescue arrived on scene.

Next door, a group of teenagers were sleeping as smoke started to fill their unit. They had no idea there was a fire next door, authorities said. Firefighters were able to rescue the teens before the fire spread.



Two adults were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
What to Know 30-year-old home health aide Saddam "Adam" Mohamed Raishani was arrested at JFK Airport Wednesday night, federal prosecutors say

He was trying to fly to Turkey, then get to Syria to join ISIS, according to authorities

Raishani had been actively preparing for months to join the terrorist organization

A Bronx home health aide was arrested at Kennedy Airport Wednesday night as he prepared to board a flight to Turkey in an apparent attempt to join ISIS, federal prosecutors say.

Saddam "Adam" Mohamed Raishani, 30, was allegedly planning to leave his family and life in New York City to support the deadly terrorist organization in Syria, Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim alleges. He was planning to get into the country through Turkey.

Raishani has been charged with one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and was set to face a judge in federal court later Thursday. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.

The FBI and NYPD began investigating Raishani in January when he contacted a confidential source working with law enforcement to tell him he wanted to join ISIS, authorities said. He told the source he'd already helped another person get from New York to the Middle East to join ISIS and regretted not having gone with him.

Raishani told the source he wanted to wage jihad and that he believed that the Quran could be read to justify the violence, including beheadings, used by ISIS.

That source introduced Raishani to an undercover officer who pretended he also wanted to travel abroad to fight for ISIS.

Whenever the three of them met, Raishani would talk about being in touch with other ISIS supporters and show videos that appeared to depict ISIS terrorists killing civilians in Yemen, prosecutors alleged.

Also during those meetings, Raishani advised the other two to avoid detection by law enforcement by covering their computer's cameras and turning off the microphones when watching pro-ISIS videos online, according to prosecutors. He told them he even put on gloves while watching such videos.

He also said if the two went abroad, he could pose as a nurse and the undercover officer could pose as a refugee aid worker in order to cross international borders without being stopped and questioned by authorities, the criminal complaint stated.

By April, Raishani was actively planning to travel abroad to join ISIS, and he contacted a second undercover officer, an FBI employee, to figure out how to travel overseas to join ISIS before the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month that runs from about May 26 through June 24 this year.

He told the undercover FBI officer he'd contact the officer about travel arrangements and said he didn't care if he was arrested, "because Allah would know that he tried," according to prosecutors.

Then in June, Raishani told the initial confidential source he was getting ready to leave, including paying off his remaining debts; the two men bought clothing they intended to wear for their training in ISIS, the criminal complaint alleges. Raishani then told the undercover FBI officer he was planning to meet an ISIS member in Turkey in the next few days, who would then help him join ISIS in Syria.

Raishani bought a plane ticket for a flight scheduled to leave JFK Airport on June 21 for Istanbul, via Lisbon, Portugal, according to federal authorities. He was arrested by the FBI after he tried to board that flight to Lisbon.

Raishani faces up to 20 years in prison if he's convicted.
What to Know Charmin is hailing the van as the first ever on-demand mobile bathroom service in New York City

It made stops at Columbus Circle, Herald Square and Bryant Park Wednesday and comes to Rock Center Thursday

Anthony Anderson of the TV series "Blackish" has been accompanying the van

Toilet paper company Charmin has been rolling an on-demand mobile bathroom called Charmin Van-GO around Manhattan as part of a two-day pilot program -- though whether the intent is to make the Uber-style bathroom service a regular option, we're not entirely sure.

Anthony Anderson of the TV series "Blackish" has been accompanying the van on its trips to Columbus Circle, Herald Square and Bryant Park. On Thursday, the van hit Lincoln Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then Rockefeller Center from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the High Line from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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To request the service, go to CharminVanGo.com and follow the simple directions to request the van.

"With just the touch of a few buttons, a totally private and super clean bathroom could be delivered directly to people in select New York City neighborhoods," the company said in a statement.

At Charmin, were always looking to bring people the best bathroom experience, both at home with our tissue and in new and unexpected ways," said Janette Yauch, associate brand director for Charmin said in a statement. With the Charmin Van-GO, we are providing one of the largest, most-trafficked cities in the world a new way to Enjoy the Goon the go.

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Joe Lhota was confirmed late Wednesday night by the New York Senate to run the MTA as chairman.



Gov. Cuomo had nominated Lhota earlier in the day on Wednesday, transit sources told NBC 4 New York.

The sources said although he will be the chairman of the MTA, he will not be the CEO, since the governor plans to split those positions. Its not yet who the CEO would be.

Lhota will return to the post he held before leaving to run for mayor in 2013.

Lhota was widely credited with cleaning up dirty stations and responding quickly to Sandy-damaged tunnels in the fall of 2012.

The nomination  at the very end of the legislative session in Albany  blunts criticism of Gov. Cuomo that he has left the authority rudderless since Tom Prendergast left after the opening of the Second Avenue subway line.

Lhota's nomination comes at a messy time for the MTA, which is dealing with an aging subway system. Just this week, straphangers endured yet another day of crippling service changes because of signal problems. Trains were so severely backed up during the morning rush hour Tuesday that two men aboard a stalled northbound F train outside 34th Street climbed between subway cars and leaped down onto the tracks, apparently planning to walk the course to the next station, according to witnesses aboard the train.



On Wednesday, the head of the MTA, Acting Executive Director Ronnie Hakim, ordered a "top to bottom" review of the recent subway problems that have left commuters exhausted and frustrated.

Hakim announced at a board meeting Wednesday she's ordering a review of the delays and the MTA's response to them.

"We understand that everybody is frustrated with this," said Hakim, adding that the MTA is working to accelerate the replacement of aging signals that keep failing on the subway.

She declined to offer a concrete timeline of the review, saying only, "We work every day at making service more reliable."

Signal problems have become an all too common blight for many subway commuters. And with trains expected to get even more packed as Amtrak work at Penn Station diverts customers to other routes, riders are demanding help.

On Monday, Gov. Cuomo called on the MTA to explore potential discounts this summer for subway riders on diverted trains. The agency did announce Tuesday it would provide 25 percent average discounts for LIRR riders who use key transfer hubs between Brooklyn and Queens, but didn't address the subways.

The stress of a crumbling system with more passengers than ever  5.6 million weekly in 2016  has caused the number of train delays to triple during the past five years, to 70,000 per month.

Much of the signal system is more than 80 years old, and 30 percent was installed before 1965. The subway system took a big hit in 2012, when Superstorm Sandy washed out tracks and flooded tunnels. Equipment, from the trains themselves to the ancient signaling system, hasn't been replaced because of the enormous cost and pressure to keep fares from rising. A single ride now costs $2.75.

The MTA promised in May to roll out a $20 million plan to help ease extensive delays around the subway by deploying a rapid response team to fix signals and switches when they break.

Cuomo on Tuesday also introduced a bill that would add two additional governor-appointed seats to the MTA board, and an additional vote for the chairman (also appointed by the governor), claiming it would give the state majority voting power on the MTA board and empower him to speed up fixes on the subway. Currently, the state already has 6 of 14 voting members on the MTA -- but essentially controls two other members, so it already has the majority in place without the new bill.

The MTA board is made up of 14 voting seats: New York state controls 6; New York City has 4; and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam have one seat each (the latter four split one vote each on the board, however).
What to Know Diego Ismael Puma Macancela, a 19-year-old Ecuadorean national, was detained by ICE on the day of his prom earlier this month

He's now been transferred to a facility in Louisiana; his mother has also been transferred, and is being held 50 miles from where he is

A vigil was being held for the two Wednesday afternoon

The Westchester high school student detained by federal immigration police on the day of his senior prom has been moved out of New York and into a holding facility in Louisiana, relatives and advocates say as they prepare to hold a vigil Wednesday afternoon.

Diego Ismael Puma Macancela, a 19-year-old Ecuadorean national and a senior at Ossining High School, is at an immigration holding facility in Alexandra, Louisiana, according to Neighbors Link, the immigrant rights advocacy group representing Puma Macancela.

His mother, Rosa Ines Macancela-Vazquez, has also been moved, and she's now 50 miles from her son, at the LaSalle Detention Facility.

A vigil will be held for the teen and his mother at 26 Federal Plaza at 2 p.m. Wednesday, their family says.

The two were held at the Orange County Correctional Facility in Goshen after they were arrested earlier this month. They stayed there while their lawyers filed appeals with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to delay deportation proceedings.

The timing of the next steps in the process remains unclear. Mary Vinton, director of development and communication at Neighbors Link, says the group is continuing to work with community leaders and with Rep. Nita M. Lowey (D-Rockland/Westchester) on the case.

Puma Macancela and his mother arrived in the U.S. in 2014, fleeing Ecuador because of gang violence, relatives told News 4. Puma Macancela was just weeks away from graduation when his mother was detained on June 7.

Fearful after her detainment, Puma Macancela went to his cousin's apartment that night. But ICE agents came knocking at the door Thursday.

His cousin, Gabriela Macancela, said they hid in fear as ICE agents surrounded the home because he was "really scared."

Puma Macancela eventually walked out and was detained. Macancela said she heard the agents say, "He's coming out, he's coming out," as he left the apartment.

"They grabbed him like he's a criminal," Macancela said. "He didn't do anything wrong, he was just doing the best he could for his future."

ICE told News 4 New York that the arrest was the result of an immigration judge's final order back in November 2016.

Relatives said they didn't know about the order for Puma Macancela to leave the U.S. and thought there would be a chance to appeal as the teen finished his schooling.

"He came here to start a new life, and now he's going to have to go back and start all over again," Macancela said.

Ossining Mayor Victoria Gearity told News 4 she learned about the ICE raid by watching it unfold outside her window. She has criticized the federal agency for not notifying village officials beforehand.

However, in a statement to News 4, ICE spokeswoman Rachael Yong Yow said officials were notified.

"Contrary to a statement issued from the Ossining Mayors Office, local police received prior notification that ICE would be in the local area conducting targeted enforcement actions," she said in a statement.

Puma Macancela's family said they're exploring legal options and working with local immigration groups.

Lowey called on ICE to postpone his deportation so that he can graduate from high school.

In a statement, Lowey said the teen was well-liked and admired, and that "young people who were brought to the United States as minors and have no criminal record should never be subject to such a cruel, deportation-first policy."

"While it is critical we work to improve our nations immigration system, the Trump Administrations increasingly aggressive assault on immigrant families does not reflect the values on which this nation was founded," the statement continued.
A little girl amid a pile of bodies was rescued by an American aid worker sprinting out from behind a tank in the besieged city of Mosul despite the threat of ISIS sniper fire this month. The moment, captured on video, shows the devastation of Iraq's struggle to end the ISIS insurgency.

The video shows veteran Dave Eubank rush through a cloud of smoke toward the corpses as two other men from his group provide covering fire from behind a tank. Seconds later, he reemerges with the girl scooped in his right arm and passes her off to another volunteer from his group, a Syrian refugee who speaks to the girl in Arabic.

"I just prayed to God and told her I'd knew we'd save her," Eubank said. "I told her in English, as we're running through the gunfire, 'If no one will have you, if there's nowhere out there for you, don't worry. I'll adopt you.'"

The footage captures the harrowing reality that civilians face amid the battle for Mosul, and it's been shared widely online. One tweet showing the incident has more than 16,000 retweets, and he's earned praise from Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., among others.

Street-by-street fighting has left much of Mosul in northern Iraq crumbling, and ISIS has increasingly been killing civilians as it struggles to maintain control, according to Eubank and the United Nations, whose human rights division found credible reports that it slaughtered at least 204 people over three days  including at the gutted Pepsi factory where Eubank's rescue took place.

On Tuesday in the city, ISIS destroyed the iconic mosque where it announced its caliphate in 2014 as Iraqi forces approached, according to the Iraqi government.

Eubank, who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and is from Southern California, told NBC that his rescue was part of a coordinated effort on June 2 to save the few people who survived a mass attack.

Thirteen-year-old Amna Mahmoud Alo cannot sleep and spends her days in a tranquilizer-induced calm, as fighting in her home of Mosul, Iraq, has left her emotionally shattered.

A crowd of 30 to 40 civilians had been gunned down outside the former Pepsi factory while trying to flee their neighborhood in the northwest part of the city.

"We see ISIS shooting people daily, but not in those numbers," he said. "They're just sweeping the highway with fire, killing anyone trying to flee, and there were a couple of living people among the dead."

Eubank and his aid organization, the Free Burma Rangers, had been called in by Iraqi forces the day before to provide medical aid to wounded civilians. After hearing from victims that there were still survivors, the group hatched a plan with the U.S. military to rescue them, including the young girl.

The video begins just after U.S. forces had dropped smoke canisters in order to conceal Eubank  who is wearing only a helmet and bulletproof vest  and a team of American and Iraqi soldiers conducting the rescue, he said.

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Other videos from the rescue that he provided to NBC show Eubank and his team rescuing a young man from the same pile of bodies moments later, then carrying the pair to safety.



Eubank said he founded the Free Burma Rangers, which is currently embedded in the Iraqi army's 9th division, after leaving his army post in order to "serve God in a different way" and "help people, with the freedom to do it."

Besides medics and aid workers, every team includes a videographer to capture and spread news about the atrocities of the war zones where they work.

"We video everything: refugees getting fed, people having fun, people getting shot," Eubank said. "I've been doing this for 20 years, and many of the people I meet say, 'Please tell the Americans about us, please tell the Americans we need help.'"

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He added, "We want people to know the Iraqis are wonderful people and worthy of being helped."

The little girl he rescued was taken to the hospital "terrified, devastated and dehydrated," Eubank said, and is now in the care of an Iraqi general. Though calls have been put out on social media in search of any surviving relatives, the general is filing adoption papers in the increasingly likely case that no one is found.
Longtime House leader Nancy Pelosi pushed back Thursday after a handful of Democratic party members called for her to step aside from her position following the party's loss in a Georgia special election, NBC News reported.

"I feel very confident about the support that I have in my caucus, Pelosi said during a press conference.

Republican Karen Handel, who defeated Jon Ossoff, ran an ad in Spanish attacking Pelosi, while an outside group aired another featuring San Franciscans thanking Ossoff for his campaign.

Critics say change is needed but Pelosi insisted shes already done that by bringing younger members into leadership.
A pet squirrel named Joey who gained fame as a crime-fighter might be more of the lover type.

Joey, who police credited with scaring off a burglar trying to break into his home's gun safe, made his long goodbyes earlier this month, then scampered up a backyard apple tree at his Meridian, Idaho, home and hasn't been seen since.

"If I had to guess, he found a girlfriend and they're off doing their squirrel thing," said Adam Pearl, who raised Joey in his home for about 10 months.

A University of Idaho scientist said that's probably right for Joey.

"For a lot of mammals, behavior changes once spring comes," said Janet Rachlow, a professor at the school's Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences.

Joey made headlines in February after police went to Pearl's home to investigate the burglary and Joey introduced himself. A few hours later, police nabbed a teen burglary suspect with items from Pearl's home and scratches on his hands. The teen told police a squirrel at one home came flying out of nowhere and kept attacking him until he left.

Like many famous crime fighters, Joey had a rough start in life. He was abandoned after falling out of his nest not long after being born and would have died if Adam Pearl and his wife, Carmen, hadn't taken him in.

"His eyes weren't even open," Adam Pearl said. "He was about the size of a Bic lighter when we first got him."

They bought supplies and set an alarm every two hours to feed him. Joey thrived, and soon had the run of the house, using a litterbox and learning to scavenge from bowls of nuts.

"I wanted him to be able to fend for himself," Adam Pearl said.

Joey did just that, delighting the family with his antics.

"He'd let anybody pet him when he was in the house," Pearl said. "I guess right up until the kid broke in. Right after that is when he started getting aggressive."

About a month ago, Pearl made the decision to leave a sliding door open after Joey seemed extra rambunctious. Joey eventually ventured out, played with wild squirrels during the day and returned to his bed inside at night.

On June 4, he climbed on Adam's shoulder, where he stayed for several minutes getting his ears scratched before disappearing in the apple tree.

"I think that was his goodbye, looking back on it," Adam Pearl said.

Rachlow said Joey might have a little bit of culture shock assimilating into squirrel life, but will likely succeed.

Adam Pearl said Joey liked to chew on items in the house, so there's also relief in being an empty-nester.

"Hopefully, he doesn't bring any little Joeys into the house," he said.
A teen boy is recovering after he was attacked by a police K-9 who was searching for a suspect in Delaware.

State Troopers were called to the BP Gas Station on 1923 Pulaski Highway in Bear, Delaware shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a man carrying a gun. When they arrived they found a man matching the suspects description riding a bike on Pulaski Highway.

A state trooper warned the man to stop but he continued riding away on his bike, investigators said. The trooper's K-9 then ran after the suspect. Police say the man kicked the police dog in the head and chest and also pulled out a gun in an attempted to shoot the animal. He didn't open fire however and continued to flee as the K-9 chased after him, police said.

As the pursuit continued, the K-9 suddenly attacked a 15-year-old boy who was on Strathaven Court at the time. Kaylynne Waters told NBC10 she watched as the K-9 grabbed the boy by his shirt.

The dog jumped on him once, Waters said. And he was like, Get down! Then the dog started to bite on him.

Waters told NBC10 her friend thought the K-9, a German Shepherd, belonged to a neighbor because it wasnt wearing a police vest.

The trooper was able to gain control of the K-9. The teen was taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

This is unfortunate and we are extremely concerned for the teenager and his family, a Delaware State Police spokesperson wrote.

Matthew Fogg, the teens attorney, told NBC10 his client continues to recover both physically and emotionally.

Hes not really interested in going outside right now, Fogg said. Thats something hes going to have to deal with. This was absolutely a terrifying experience.

The suspect the K-9 was initially chasing after is described as a thin black male standing between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-9 wearing a black T-shirt and blue jean shorts. He was armed with an unknown make and model handgun.


The opioid crisis appears to be accelerating with the addition of a noxious alternative to heroin and fentanyl: carfentanil.

Most commonly sold as a powder, it is about 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is used commercially to sedate elephants and other large animals, and mixed with heroin by drug dealers looking to boost their product.

Despite its lethal nature, carfentanil is quickly gaining popularity throughout the country. Local officials suspect the deadly drug was behind a fatal overdose in West Philadelphia earlier this month, the Philadelphia Department of Health tells NBC10. It is also believed to have claimed the lives of a 36-year-old Spirit Airlines pilot and his 34-year-old wife in Ohio.

Last year, also in Ohio, a law enforcement officer overdosed on carfentanil during a drug bust. He did not knowingly ingest the substance, but merely came into contact with it while recovering narcotics from a car. It took three doses of Narcan, an overdose antidote, to revive him.

Because the drug is so dangerous, the Philadelphia Police Department has been advised to take extra precautions when responding to an overdose, police spokesman Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said. Officers are asked to wear gloves and masks, and have a minimum of two people present during field tests in case one goes into distress.

None of us are Supermen or Superwomen, Kinebrew said. The same thing can happen to us.

The public is also advised to take extra precaution if a loved one overdoses. Kinebrew suggests calling 911 immediately, describing the scene in detail and maintaining a safe distance.

Imagine you stumble into a loved ones bedroom ... and you breathe something in, he said.

Symptoms of exposure to carfentanil include respiratory distress, drowsiness, disorientation, sedation, pinpoint pupils and clammy skin, according to the DEA. These telltale signs usually appear within minutes, but Kinebrew said he knows of instances where an overdose happened hours after taking the drug.

Carfentanil is so powerful that zoo veterinarians typically wear a face shield, gloves and other protective gear  "just a little bit short of a hazmat suit"  when preparing the medicine to sedate animals because even one drop splattered into a person's eye or nose could be fatal, said Dr. Rob Hilsenroth, executive director of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

A loaded syringe of a reversal drug is kept on hand just in case, and the extremely limited carfentanil supply regulators allow for such facilities is kept locked away and subject to auditing, Hilsenroth said.

Carfentanil is also being mixed with other drugs to create a deadly substance called Gray Death. The mixture includes heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil and a synthetic opioid known as Pink or U4. It has been linked to deaths in the Gulf Coast and Ohio and Georgia.

The Drug Enforcement Admninistration in Philadelphia says while the drug is dangerous and has been seen in Philadelphia, it has not infultrated the region in the same ways as Ohio and other parts of the country.
Republicans just got a big argument for sticking with President Donald Trump and pushing forward with dismantling "Obamacare." And Democrats are looking almost incapable of translating the energy of their core supporters into actual election wins.

Tuesday night's outcome in a Georgia special House race was a triumph for the GOP, and the most recent, and devastating, illustration of the Democrats' problems, from a weak bench and recruiting problems to divisions about what the party stands for.

Instead of a win or even a razor-thin loss by Democrat Jon Ossoff that many had expected, Republican Karen Handel ended up winning by a relatively comfortable 4 percentage point margin in the wealthy suburban Atlanta district previously held by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

That followed another recent Democratic disappointment in Montana, where the Republican candidate won even after last-minute assault charges, and an earlier loss for the Democrats in Kansas.

Indeed the best news Democrats got Tuesday night was that a different special House race, in South Carolina, ended up closer than the Georgia contest even though it had drawn little national attention. Republican Ralph Norman beat Democrat Archie Parnell by around 3 percentage points in South Carolina, closer than expected and a warning sign to the GOP not to take any seat for granted.

But for Democrats, having failed to unseat a Republican in four special House elections in a row despite an extremely energized base, it's now a time for soul-searching  and finger-pointing.

Ossoff ran a careful campaign and shied away from talking about Trump, and some groups on the left wasted no time in insisting that Democrats must draw brighter contrasts with the GOP.

"Defeating Republicans in districts that they have traditionally held requires doing something drastically different than establishment Democrats have done before  specifically, running on a bold progressive vision and investing heavily in direct voter contact," said Jim Dean, chair of Democracy for America.

The Georgia race was the most expensive House race in history, with many millions spent on both sides. The fact that that level of investment failed to pay off with a win against a Republican candidate widely viewed as uninspiring left Democrats frustrated and dispirited heading into the 2018 midterm elections. Democrats will need to pick up 24 House seats to take back the majority.

The outcome "better be a wake-up call for Democrats  business as usual isn't working," Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said over Twitter. "Time to stop rehashing 2016 and talk about the future."

House Democratic leaders tried to downplay the loss ahead of time, pointing out that the Georgia race took place on GOP-friendly terrain, as did the other recent special elections. Rep. Joe Crowley of New York, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said that there are 71 districts that will be more favorable for Democrats to contest than the one in Georgia.

"This is a heavily Republican district," Crowley said. "It never should have been this close to begin with."

But for Republicans from the president on down, it was time to celebrate.

Trump sent supporters a text message crowing, "Congrats to Karen Handel on a HUGE win in GA! Democrats lose again (0-4). Total disarray. The MAGA Mandate is stronger than ever. BIG LEAGUE."

As the results rolled in Tuesday, AshLee Strong, spokeswoman to House Speaker Paul Ryan, mused over Twitter, "Remember when they told us we'd be punished in the special elexs for following through on our promise to #RepealAndReplace #obamacare?"

Indeed the string of special election wins, especially in Georgia, sent a powerful message to Republicans that they must be doing something right, even though Trump's approval ratings are low by historical standards and the GOP has yet to notch a single major legislative accomplishment on Capitol Hill. Far from rethinking their support for Trump or their plans to undo former President Barack Obama's health care law, Republicans seem likely to stay the course.

And as for the Democrats, they, clearly, are doing something wrong. What exactly it is, and whether they can fix it, will be debated in the weeks and months ahead.
A missing 4-year-old Virginia girl has been found safe more than 200 miles from home.

Kimberly Jane Long was last seen Wednesday night at a home in Smyth County in southwestern Virginia. She was found more than 200 miles away in Rockingham County, according to WCYB.

Joel Dee Long, the man accused of abducting her, has been arrested, WCYB reports.
A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier pleaded guilty Wednesday to dumping 15,000 pieces of undelivered mail in the sewer in northeast D.C.

USPS learned of mail in a catch basin at the intersection of Douglas Street and Anacostia Avenue last May and found 74 pieces of mail, according to the D.C. U.S. attorney's office. The next day, postal investigators removed a manhole cover near the catch basin and found 17 large trash bags full of mail.

Undeliverable because of sewer contamination, the mail was soaked and clumped together, and it shredded as it was picked up, prosecutors said.

Christopher Newton, 22, quit when a supervisor asked about the mail found in the sewer along his route.

In his guilty plea for obstructing mail, Newton confessed he was the only person responsible for dumping the mail, according to prosecutors.

Newton faces a maximum of six months in prison and a possible fine. He's due to be sentenced Sept. 6.
A woman was killed after a bullet passed through a wall, striking her as she sat inside a friend's home in Northeast Washington early Wednesday morning.

Robin Fitzgerald, 41, went to visit her friend Clarence Jacobs at his apartment in the 700 block of 51st Street NE after leaving a Bible study class at her nearby church, The House of Praise.

Jacobs told News4 his brother came to the apartment and he and his brother got into an argument. He said during the altercation, his brother fired shots through a wall, shooting Fitzgerald by accident.

"This is a tragedy that didn't need to happen. There's no words that I can put this in. Robin was, like, one of my oldest friends. I've known her ever since elementary school," Jacobs said.



Officers arrived to the apartment just after midnight and found Fitzgerald suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, D.C. police said.

Fitzgerald was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police arrested 29-year-old Aaron Jacobs and charged him with second-degree murder while armed.
The second of five men charged in the shooting outside a Rhode Island convenience store that left a 46-year-old man dead and his adult son severely injured has been sentenced to prison.

Davante Neves will serve one year of a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit felony assault.

Prosecutors say Neves drove two of the men to the May 2016 shooting in North Providence.

Police say the five men got into an argument with 23-year-old Hernan Avila III outside the convenience store.

Georgette Avila says her husband, Hernan Avila Jr., jumped in front of their son to shield him from bullets after the confrontation escalated.

Prosecutors say Ernest Keosouphanh fired the gun. Keosouphanh was sentenced in March to life in prison.
A beloved teacher in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been fired after 30 years on the job.

Trinity High School Principal Denis Mailloux says math teacher Billy Sheehan broke the code of conduct and now that hes been dismissed, hell never again be able to work at a Catholic school in New Hampshire.

Students and parents are standing behind their beloved teacher.

Hes basically the reason I got through high school, said 2015 Trinity graduate Kelly Moloney.

She and her sister, Shannon, and their friend, Nora Landry, are just a few of the more than 850 people who signed an online petition to Bring Back Mr. Sheehan.

He doesnt teach math, he teaches students, he teaches them life, Shannon Moloney said. You want to be better because he is so good.

On a Monday morning in March when students showed up to school, Landry said Sheehans desk was cleared out and they had a new math teacher.

I actually started crying to my English teacher because I didnt know what was going on and I was scared, she recalled.

It wasnt until this Monday that the school principal explained as best he could the private, personnel matter, saying Sheehan violated the schools code of conduct. In part, Principal Mailloux wrote, Let me be clear, Mr. Sheehan broke no laws However, he did engage in behavior and communications with students that clearly violated diocesan and school policies.

After reading the letter we were disappointed, said Josh Wright, whose daughter will be a Trinity junior next year.

He says theres nothing in that letter that makes him question whether or not she was safe with Sheehan.

We really felt like Sheehan deserved a second chance, Wright said Wednesday.

A community member that NBC Boston spoke to, who didnt want to go on camera or be identified, said theres a side of the story that would raise concerns with any parent.

But thats hard to believe for the parents and students who say they know Sheehan best.

I dont know what my son talks about with Billy but Im OK with that because its Billy Sheehan and I trust Billy with my son, said another Trinity parent, Bob OSullivan.

Several attempts to reach Sheehan for comment went unanswered.
Authorities say a 31-year-old woman was found dead with a dog leash tied around her neck in her Massachusetts home and her live-in boyfriend is facing a murder charge after he was found in New Hampshire hours later.

Thirty-two-year-old Ryan Power was arraigned Thursday on charges of murder, strangulation and assault and battery on a household or family member in the death of Leah Penny. He ordered to be held without bail.

The victim was found unresponsive in her home on Lebanon Street in Malden at 9:49 a.m. Wednesday; her 1- and 2-year-old children were found unharmed upstairs, according to a Middlesex county prosecutor. Police said Power had left the home on Tuesday night after an altercation with the victim.



He was found Wednesday afternoon in Seabrook, New Hampshire, and arrested as a fugitive from justice.

32-year-old Malden, Massachusetts, murder suspect Ryan Power was brought to the police station on Thursday ahead of his appearance in court where he will be arraigned on charges of murder, strangulation and assault and battery on a household or family member. Power is accused of killing Leah Penny.

It could not immediately be determined if Power had a lawyer.

The death remains under investigation and an autopsy is scheduled.
A Massachusetts man is facing civil rights and bomb threat charges after he yelled anti-Muslim slurs at a woman wearing a headscarf and falsely claimed she had a bomb during a tirade on an Orange Line train on Monday night.

Sean P. Devlin, 34, with listed addresses in North Reading and Boston, is charged with violating a person's civil rights, making a false bomb threat, and malicious destruction of property over $250. Bail was set at $10,000 at his arraignment Tuesday in Boston Municipal Court. He was also ordered to stay away from the victim, witnesses and all MBTA transportation if he makes bail.

Prosecutors said Devlin was on board an inbound Orange Line train when he allegedly began shouting anti-Muslim slurs at 61-year-old Malika Touirtou wearing a headscarf and making false accusations about her having a bomb that would "kill us all."

Touirtou was heading home from her mosque after a long day of prayer when the incident occurred.

"He said to me a bad word, he said to me, 'go back to your country, why are you coming here,'" said Touirtou, in an exclusive interview with NBC Boston. "I talked to him, 'this is my country, what's your problem."

Touirtou and a witness told responding MBTA Transit Police officers that Devlin also hit her in the back with an umbrella, for which he could face additional charges. He then allegedly kicked and punched a window on the train until it shattered.

"He pushed me like this, for what, for what he pushed me, this is America, nobody pushes other people," she said.



"Behavior like this is inexcusable," Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley said Wednesday. "There's no place for hate in Boston or Suffolk County."

Transit Police arrested Devlin at North Station and said they found three small bottles of alcohol in his pockets. He also had active arrest warrants for misdemeanor offenses out of Woburn, Somerville and Lowell district courts.

After Devlin was arrested, officers and MBTA personnel did a check of the train and found nothing unusual. Train service was then restored.

"I dont want any problem with nobody because Im old, Im good woman, I have good heart, I like everybody, I love America," Touirtou said.



The incident occurred just two days after three New Hampshire teens were arrested for allegedly beating the popular street performer Keytar Bear while using racial slurs. Prosecutors said they are pursuing civil rights charges in that case as well.

Despite the assault, Touirtou says she just wants Devlin to get help.

"I dont like him go to jail because maybe hes not normal," said Touirtou.
New Hampshire health officials are warning residents of a syphilis outbreak, saying the number of reported cases so far for 2017 are double that of previous years.

Through May of this year, the state Department of Health and Human Services said 42 cases of the sexually transmitted disease were identified. Over the past five years, there have been an average of 20 cases of syphilis in that time period.

State health officials said the increase is consistent with national trends. The majority of the cases have been in Hillsborough and Rockingham counties.

"Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can have serious health consequences if left untreated, but it can be cured when a person is diagnosed and given the right antibiotics," State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said. "Syphilis was close to being eliminated in the United States back in 2000, but over the last decade it has been making a resurgence, and unfortunately, New Hampshire is not immune to the impact of increasing STDs."

Syphilis can infect anyone who is sexually active. If a pregnant woman is infected, she can pass on the infection to her unborn child, resulting in congenital syphilis, a severe, disabling and often life-threatening infection seen only in infants. New Hampshire has not had a case of congenital syphilis since 2013.

The news comes just five months after New Hampshire health officials warned of an outbreak of another sexually transmitted disease - gonorrhea. Reported cases of gonorrhea in the state exploded by an even more rapid rate of 250 percent in 2016.
Environment Agency sends emergency response team

A catastrophic sluice failure on the River Kennet at Hungerford prompted a major fish rescue operation over the bank holiday weekend.

The sluices that failed are an historic structure linked to the former milling operations at Eddington.

Their function today is largely redundant as there is no longer an active mill.

However, the structure also fed water into a fishing lake and side stream which is supposed to flow into a Special Area of Conservation around the water meadows.

The meadows support some of the best known populations of the rare Desmoulins whorl snail in the UK.

The tiny snails rely on ditches and depressions in wet meadows in order to survive.

Reports of dramatic drops in the water level and dead stranded fish in the side stream prompted the Environment Agency to send an emergency team to Eddington Bridge.

They were able to recover and move several hundred trout and grayling from the stream by A4 Hire.

A spokeswoman for Action for the River Kennet (ARK), Charlotte Hitchmough, said conservationists generally did not favour sluice gates in a chalk stream because they slowed the flow and caused sediment deposits.

Ironically, the sluice failure is improving the water quality.

She said: In many ways the collapse of the sluices has a very positive impact on the river environment  the upstream section is now flowing freely and the river is reverting to its natural course.

However, its important that flow in the stream leading to the water meadows is restored, to prevent further ecological damage and to protect the habitat on the meadow.

The chief executive of the Town and Manor of Hungerford, Jed Ramsay, agreed: As a land and riparian owner upstream and downstream of Eddington Mill, we have seen the short-term impact of the failure of the sluices on our waters.

However, we recognise that there will be some great long-term benefits for the environment and we are working closely with our neighbours and respective agencies involved to ensure the best outcome now and for the future.

The repair, replacement or even removal of the sluices is likely to be both complicated and expensive, with several agencies working with the landowners involved to identify the best solution for residents and the environment.
Richard Benyon also criticised on Twitter after introducing Queen's Speech

NEWBURY'S Conservative MP Richard Benyon was taunted by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Benyon, who was recently re-elected, was given the honour of moving the Loyal Address  introducing the Queens Speech.

During his speech Mr Benyon jokingly described himself as a "working class hero", adding that "someone once said to me that deprivation in West Berkshire is when Waitrose runs out of balsamic vinegar; they were totally wrong."

Those comments, although appearing to be made tongue-in-cheek, were criticised on social media.

richard benyon, great-great grandson of lord salisbury, describes himself as a "working-class hero"  Olivia Ford (@_oliviaford) June 21, 2017

#Queenspeech Is Richard Benyon for real? They seem to think they're all having jolly japes on first day back at school Unbelievable.  Jo Richards (@JoRichardsKent) June 21, 2017

Mr Corbyn also took the opportunity to have a dig at his political rival by saying: "I do congratulate the honourable member for Newbury on his speech.

"My mother told me of the joy of Greenham Common because she was there and I went to visit her there and I hope that he will understand the deep love of human nature that motivated a lot of those women to go there during those days.

I would like to thank him for taking time out from his considerable responsibilities looking at his extensive property portfolio and tending to his directorship of the UK Water Partnership.

I hope one day a Labour government may soon be able to come to the aid of his Newbury constituents by taking water back into public ownership and the aid of his tenants by ensuring theres a responsibility to make sure all homes are fit for human habitation.

I know the Honourable Member will also continue diligently tending to his interests in parliament, his interests in Africa and rural affairs.

I do agree with part of what he said when he spoke of the need for us as a country to adhere to all the agreements on climate change issues all around the world and I thank him for that part of his speech.

Mr Benyon said in his speech: "I wrestled the Newbury constituency from the Liberal Democrats at the third attempt.

"I want it on the record that in doing so, I reduced the number of Members of this House who were educated at Eton by one. That may be why some Opposition Members consider me to be something of a working-class hero."
Richard Benyon says he was honoured to be asked to give Loyal Address

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon says he was privileged to have been given the honour of moving the Loyal Address  introducing the Queens Speech - at the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Benyon spoke at length about Newbury and West Berkshire and condemned the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London during his speech.

He said: "The area I now represent is by all measures a prosperous areasomeone once said to me that deprivation in West Berkshire is when Waitrose runs out of balsamic vinegar; they were totally wrongbut we all know, in all our constituencies, areas of need, although not on the scale of deprivation and poverty that I witnessed in my years as a soldier in Belfast in my early 20s.

"The part of England that I represent combines so much of what makes me positive about Britains future.

"Sitting alongside some of the most breathtaking countryside exists an economy of extraordinary excitement and dynamism.

"In 1985, a small group of people started with working on mobile telecommunications in a one-room office above a curry restaurant in Newbury.

"That company, Vodafonestill based in Newburyemploys 108,000 people worldwide and is worth 59 billion.

"West Berkshire remains one of the most exciting places to start or grow a business. It attracts companies and investment from around the world, and it is a model for the kind of outward-looking, engaged, modern society that works for Britain today.

Businesses are not just entities or institutions separate from real lives; they are first and foremost about the people who work in them and those families who in turn depend on them.

"As we tackle the big challenge of this Parliament, let us remember what really matters to our constituents.

"Too often, this place, and those who report on it, are obsessed with the politics of Brexit; our constituents are concerned with the realities of Brexit.

"That means the reality for the companies in West Berkshire, and in all our constituencies, that are part of a new generation of creative entrepreneurs in manufacturing, tech, life sciences and the service sector.

"They need to be able to sell their goods, services and expertise in Europe and around the world, and they need to be able to recruit the best people to keep them competitive.

"Like the majority in my constituency, I voted to remain in the EU, but, like the majority of people I represent and most people in this House, I recognise the result of the referendum.

"I want to be positive about the future. I want to look back at this time and say that I was part of a Parliament that rose to the challenge and, with a great unity of purpose, helped to ensure that Britain successfully reset its relationship with its European neighbours, successfully negotiated access to key markets for its businesses and, while controlling immigration, still allowed people to come to Britain to study and to contribute to our economy and our society.

"The referendum was in part about parliamentary sovereignty, so we in Parliament can reflect that by immersing ourselves in the detail of what we can all agree is a great national endeavour.

"Let our eyes be not only on Europe. As the United States takes a particular route on the environment and climate change, we should grasp the opportunity to ensure that the UK becomes the leader in clean tech, green innovation and resource efficiency.

"I welcome, for example, legislation announced in this speech that will promote the development of electric vehicles. This will ensure that we build the cars of the future, maintain our strength in motor manufacturing and make our towns and cities better places in which to live and work."
By Reuters

NEW DELHI: The government is expected to take some action on privatising state-owned airline Air India in next six months, a top government policy adviser told television channel CNBC-TV18 on Thursday.

The comment from Arvind Panagariya, deputy head of policy think-tank Niti Aayog, comes amid reports that India's salt-to-software Tata conglomerate has shown an interest in buying a majority stake in the loss-making national carrier.

"Something should be happening this year," Panagariya said in response to a question on the timeline for the national carrier's privatisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has been exploring ways to privatise Air India, which was bailed out in 2012 with $5.8 billion of federal funding.

NEW DELHI: The government is expected to take some action on privatising state-owned airline Air India in next six months, a top government policy adviser told television channel CNBC-TV18 on Thursday. The comment from Arvind Panagariya, deputy head of policy think-tank Niti Aayog, comes amid reports that India's salt-to-software Tata conglomerate has shown an interest in buying a majority stake in the loss-making national carrier. "Something should be happening this year," Panagariya said in response to a question on the timeline for the national carrier's privatisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has been exploring ways to privatise Air India, which was bailed out in 2012 with $5.8 billion of federal funding.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The government has sought investment and job creation details from iPhone maker Apple in order to facilitate setting up its proposed manufacturing facility in India.

A view on Apple's application for tax concessions would be taken up after considering the levels of investments and the benefits that are likely to accrue to the Indian economy, sources said.

Departments including revenue, electronics and information technology, and industry are deliberating upon the Cupertino-based technology major's proposal to set up smartphone manufacturing facility in India.

Earlier, Apple Inc had indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including customs duty exemptions, duty waiver on import of components, permission to repair and re-export smartphones and continuation of certain tax incentives after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Sources added the government is actively considering their proposal.

With sales tapering off in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India - the fastest growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs.

Apple, however, does not manufacture devices on its own but gets the job done through contract manufacturers. Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years, Apple has sought relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components.

Apple sells its products through company-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others.

It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.

NEW DELHI: The government has sought investment and job creation details from iPhone maker Apple in order to facilitate setting up its proposed manufacturing facility in India. A view on Apple's application for tax concessions would be taken up after considering the levels of investments and the benefits that are likely to accrue to the Indian economy, sources said. Departments including revenue, electronics and information technology, and industry are deliberating upon the Cupertino-based technology major's proposal to set up smartphone manufacturing facility in India. Earlier, Apple Inc had indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing iPhones in India, but wants fiscal concessions, including customs duty exemptions, duty waiver on import of components, permission to repair and re-export smartphones and continuation of certain tax incentives after implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sources added the government is actively considering their proposal. With sales tapering off in the US and China, Apple is eyeing India - the fastest growing smartphone market in the world -- and looking to set up a local manufacturing unit to cut costs. Apple, however, does not manufacture devices on its own but gets the job done through contract manufacturers. Besides exemption from the Customs duty on imports of components and equipment for 15 years, Apple has sought relaxation in the mandated 30 per cent local sourcing of components. Apple sells its products through company-owned retail stores in countries like China, Germany, the US, the UK and France, among others. It has no wholly-owned store in India and sells its products through distributors such as Redington and Ingram Micro.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: If reports are to be believed, Air India could soon be reunited with its original parent  the Tata Group. According to news reports, the Tatas held informal talks with the government, expressing preliminary interest in picking a controlling stake (51 per cent) in the loss-making national carrier.

Its true that Air India was once owned by the Tatas and theres an emotional angle. However, it cannot be handed over to anyone without process and scrutiny as part of reforms planned by the government, said a senior government official. Tata Group declined a comment.

The official added that privatisation was once of the suggestions received by the ministry to revive the airline. However, he said the Cabinet has to take a final decision on the matter. Divestment is one of the options that may be looked at. If that is the case, the Tatas will have to bid along with others.

Experts say the deal will be a nothingburger unless critical issues like debt restructuring, voluntary retirement scheme and fleet management are resolved. A case in point is the privatisation of IDBI, which has no takers minus the non-core assets.

Even the stake will have to be carefully decided, since 51 per cent will mean the buyer will have management control. Its a politically sensitive issue and is not easy to be decided in a few meetings, the official added.

The revival of Air India, which has been in the red since the merger with Indian Airlines a decade ago, has created a rift among ministries and departments. While the government think-tank Niti Aayog recommended complete privatisation, the Civil Aviation Ministry believes selling stake would be like handing it over to a private player on a platter.

For Tatas, which already has two partnerships (Air Asia, Vistara), this could give an edge to regain leadership. But the deal could put pressure on the company, which already has significant debt.

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: If reports are to be believed, Air India could soon be reunited with its original parent  the Tata Group. According to news reports, the Tatas held informal talks with the government, expressing preliminary interest in picking a controlling stake (51 per cent) in the loss-making national carrier. Its true that Air India was once owned by the Tatas and theres an emotional angle. However, it cannot be handed over to anyone without process and scrutiny as part of reforms planned by the government, said a senior government official. Tata Group declined a comment. The official added that privatisation was once of the suggestions received by the ministry to revive the airline. However, he said the Cabinet has to take a final decision on the matter. Divestment is one of the options that may be looked at. If that is the case, the Tatas will have to bid along with others. Experts say the deal will be a nothingburger unless critical issues like debt restructuring, voluntary retirement scheme and fleet management are resolved. A case in point is the privatisation of IDBI, which has no takers minus the non-core assets. Even the stake will have to be carefully decided, since 51 per cent will mean the buyer will have management control. Its a politically sensitive issue and is not easy to be decided in a few meetings, the official added. The revival of Air India, which has been in the red since the merger with Indian Airlines a decade ago, has created a rift among ministries and departments. While the government think-tank Niti Aayog recommended complete privatisation, the Civil Aviation Ministry believes selling stake would be like handing it over to a private player on a platter. For Tatas, which already has two partnerships (Air Asia, Vistara), this could give an edge to regain leadership. But the deal could put pressure on the company, which already has significant debt.
By Express News Service

What is the status of your IPO?

There was a proposal to list in London, but now we have decided to do it in India. We will be filing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus within the next three months and have the IPO done within 6-12 months. Bankers have been identified and we have three major banks  Kotak Mahindra, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and Axis Bank helping us. We are planning for a 10 per cent dilution, which is the minimum required for the IPO.

Why the delay in going for IPO?

In Saudi Arabia, we have a hospital named Sanad Hospital, where a substantial portion of revenues is derived from patients referred and funded by the health ministry. But, due to the downturn and declining oil prices, there was a delay in payments from the government. In fact, we were planning to go for the IPO last year, but postponed it mainly because the money was stuck. Luckily, in the past three months, we have got a significant portion of the money.

What are your immediate expansion plans?

We are planning expansion in India as there is a requirement for quality healthcare. We have a few projects in the pipeline. One will be in Bengaluru. We will also have projects in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram. We are looking at other places and even looking at opportunities for acquisition of existing hospitals or a chain of hospitals.

Internationally, we inaugurated a hospital in Dubai six months ago. We opened one in Sharjah a month ago and we plan to open one in Qatar in another month. Three more hospitals are in the pipeline in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

How is the revenue from Indian entities compared to those in GCC?

In India, our total income is 10-15 per cent of the overall business. If you look at per-bed or per-patient collection, it is much higher in GCC even though the number of beds is more in India.

You recently launched an app for medical emergencies in Kozhikode. How does it work?

The app brings help to reach even before the ambulance arrives, providing Basic Life Support (BLS). The Golden Hour, which is the time after the incident, is crucial and any intervention can save lives.

Before even thinking of the app, we were training volunteers on BLS, and currently there are about 200,000 people trained. On using the application, named Aster Emergency App, the call goes to a call centre from where it gets connected to the GPS of a nearby ambulance as well as the BLS trained volunteer who is also in short distance from the incident. We have launched it in Kozhikode and wish to roll it out across the country. Anybody who wants to take it to any city can, and we are willing to share the technology as part of our CSR activity.

What is the status of your IPO? There was a proposal to list in London, but now we have decided to do it in India. We will be filing the Draft Red Herring Prospectus within the next three months and have the IPO done within 6-12 months. Bankers have been identified and we have three major banks  Kotak Mahindra, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch and Axis Bank helping us. We are planning for a 10 per cent dilution, which is the minimum required for the IPO. Why the delay in going for IPO? In Saudi Arabia, we have a hospital named Sanad Hospital, where a substantial portion of revenues is derived from patients referred and funded by the health ministry. But, due to the downturn and declining oil prices, there was a delay in payments from the government. In fact, we were planning to go for the IPO last year, but postponed it mainly because the money was stuck. Luckily, in the past three months, we have got a significant portion of the money. What are your immediate expansion plans? We are planning expansion in India as there is a requirement for quality healthcare. We have a few projects in the pipeline. One will be in Bengaluru. We will also have projects in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram. We are looking at other places and even looking at opportunities for acquisition of existing hospitals or a chain of hospitals. Internationally, we inaugurated a hospital in Dubai six months ago. We opened one in Sharjah a month ago and we plan to open one in Qatar in another month. Three more hospitals are in the pipeline in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. How is the revenue from Indian entities compared to those in GCC? In India, our total income is 10-15 per cent of the overall business. If you look at per-bed or per-patient collection, it is much higher in GCC even though the number of beds is more in India. You recently launched an app for medical emergencies in Kozhikode. How does it work? The app brings help to reach even before the ambulance arrives, providing Basic Life Support (BLS). The Golden Hour, which is the time after the incident, is crucial and any intervention can save lives. Before even thinking of the app, we were training volunteers on BLS, and currently there are about 200,000 people trained. On using the application, named Aster Emergency App, the call goes to a call centre from where it gets connected to the GPS of a nearby ambulance as well as the BLS trained volunteer who is also in short distance from the incident. We have launched it in Kozhikode and wish to roll it out across the country. Anybody who wants to take it to any city can, and we are willing to share the technology as part of our CSR activity.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Wind and solar sectors can generate three lakh jobs, if the Centre and states work together to achieve the clean energy goals to install 160 gigawatts of renewable power by 2022. Indias rapidly expanding solar and wind energy sectors employed 21,000 people in 2016-2017.

According to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, which has former TCS chief S Ramadorai, HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh and former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar among the trustees, indicates that domestic solar manufacturing industry could provide full-time employment to an additional 45,000 people in India.

The study was supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a New York City-based non-profit international environmental advocacy group.

The study estimates that Indias clean energy goals have the potential to put 34,600 people to work in wind power, 58,600 in utility solar and 238,000 in rooftop solar jobs over the next five years. Eighty per cent of the new clean energy workforce will be employed during the construction phase, says Neeraj Kuldeep, programme associate, CEEW.

The study suggests the national and state governments to promote reporting of employment generation from renewable energy companies. It also recommends support development of training centres led by the private sector to source construction jobs locally since solar jobs are well distributed among states and develop wind power training centres based on state-specific wind targets in eight states.

Since most of these jobs are in the rooftop solar PV segment, central and state governments must provide greater policy support to the rooftop sector, said Kuldeep. The study states that labour-intensive rooftop solar segment can employ 70 per cent of the new workforce, creating seven times more jobs than large-scale projects such as solar farms.

NEW DELHI: Wind and solar sectors can generate three lakh jobs, if the Centre and states work together to achieve the clean energy goals to install 160 gigawatts of renewable power by 2022. Indias rapidly expanding solar and wind energy sectors employed 21,000 people in 2016-2017. According to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, which has former TCS chief S Ramadorai, HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh and former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar among the trustees, indicates that domestic solar manufacturing industry could provide full-time employment to an additional 45,000 people in India. The study was supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a New York City-based non-profit international environmental advocacy group. The study estimates that Indias clean energy goals have the potential to put 34,600 people to work in wind power, 58,600 in utility solar and 238,000 in rooftop solar jobs over the next five years. Eighty per cent of the new clean energy workforce will be employed during the construction phase, says Neeraj Kuldeep, programme associate, CEEW. The study suggests the national and state governments to promote reporting of employment generation from renewable energy companies. It also recommends support development of training centres led by the private sector to source construction jobs locally since solar jobs are well distributed among states and develop wind power training centres based on state-specific wind targets in eight states. Since most of these jobs are in the rooftop solar PV segment, central and state governments must provide greater policy support to the rooftop sector, said Kuldeep. The study states that labour-intensive rooftop solar segment can employ 70 per cent of the new workforce, creating seven times more jobs than large-scale projects such as solar farms.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: FOUR persons, including a head constable previously attached to the district crime Intelligence Bureau, a small-time film producer and a teacher, have been arrested while they were trying to exchange demonetised Turkish Lira worth Rs 71 crore with Indian currency worth Rs 27 lakh.

Marathahalli police on Tuesday arrested Nagaraju (40), head constable with Chitradurga district police, Shivaraju (50), government primary school teacher in Chitradurga district, Murali (40), a resident of Mattikere and a film producer, and Aravind (40), a realtor in Davangere. Police are on the look out for Chenna Reddy, a realtor from Andhra Pradesh.

According to the police, a man called Shakir was contacted by a person in Chitradurga over phone. The unknown person would call and tell Shakir that he has huge amount of high-value Lira which can be converted into crores of rupees. When Shakir showed an interest, they decided to meet on Tuesday. It was then that Nagaraju came into the picture. To convince Shakir, he brought a Lira note and showed it to him. But Shakir smelled a rat and, on the same day, informed his business partner Chellaiahswamy who filed a police complaint.

Police then decided to lay a trap and instructed Shakir to ask Nagaraju to come at Marathahalli on Tuesday evening to exchange the notes. The exchange was to take place at the parking lot of Innovative multiplex

At 8.45 pm, Nagaraju and his associates came in an Alto car and called Shakir over phone. A team of policemen went along with Shakir disguised as his friends. Police also cordoned off the area.

Shakir then met Nagaraj who asked him about the Rs 27 lakh. But, when the policemen started to close in, Nagaraj panicked and tried to shoot with his service revolver. However, police managed to nab him and his associates. Police said, During his stint in the District Crime Intelligence Bureau, he was given a service revolver, which he had not returned after his transfer, which is illegal.



Police have seized scrapped 78 notes of Turkish Lira in denomination of 5 lakh which is worth Rs 71.29 crore in Indian currency.

BENGALURU: FOUR persons, including a head constable previously attached to the district crime Intelligence Bureau, a small-time film producer and a teacher, have been arrested while they were trying to exchange demonetised Turkish Lira worth Rs 71 crore with Indian currency worth Rs 27 lakh. Marathahalli police on Tuesday arrested Nagaraju (40), head constable with Chitradurga district police, Shivaraju (50), government primary school teacher in Chitradurga district, Murali (40), a resident of Mattikere and a film producer, and Aravind (40), a realtor in Davangere. Police are on the look out for Chenna Reddy, a realtor from Andhra Pradesh. According to the police, a man called Shakir was contacted by a person in Chitradurga over phone. The unknown person would call and tell Shakir that he has huge amount of high-value Lira which can be converted into crores of rupees. When Shakir showed an interest, they decided to meet on Tuesday. It was then that Nagaraju came into the picture. To convince Shakir, he brought a Lira note and showed it to him. But Shakir smelled a rat and, on the same day, informed his business partner Chellaiahswamy who filed a police complaint. Police then decided to lay a trap and instructed Shakir to ask Nagaraju to come at Marathahalli on Tuesday evening to exchange the notes. The exchange was to take place at the parking lot of Innovative multiplex At 8.45 pm, Nagaraju and his associates came in an Alto car and called Shakir over phone. A team of policemen went along with Shakir disguised as his friends. Police also cordoned off the area. Shakir then met Nagaraj who asked him about the Rs 27 lakh. But, when the policemen started to close in, Nagaraj panicked and tried to shoot with his service revolver. However, police managed to nab him and his associates. Police said, During his stint in the District Crime Intelligence Bureau, he was given a service revolver, which he had not returned after his transfer, which is illegal. Police have seized scrapped 78 notes of Turkish Lira in denomination of 5 lakh which is worth Rs 71.29 crore in Indian currency.
C Shivakumar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: In a questionable move, the State housing board has chosen a site within the special and hazardous zone in Ernavur to build houses for 7,000 urban poor and slum dwellers. According to the proposal, flats for the poor and slum dwellers will be built at a cost of Rs 680 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in the area, which has several major industries. The 27.35 acres of land on the eastern side of Thiruvottiyur High Road is right opposite the Ennore Thermal Power Station, just behind the railway line and only 6 km from the busy Ennore Port.

This area, where there is a large concentration of industries, was found to be highly polluted and could pose a health risk to residents in a recent study by an environment organisation. Also, being in the area marked as the hazardous and industrial zone as per Regulation 18 of the Second Master Plan for Chennai, the area would be preferred by such industries that are keen to set up a unit in the State.

Despite these factors, this area, considered to be toxic by environmentalists, has obtained the nod from the consultant appointed by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB), sources said. Citing the existence of habitations, the project has been given the clearance.

However, the Madras High Court-appointed Chennai Metropolitan Development Authoritys (CMDA) Monitoring Committee member MG Deivasahayam, environment activist Nityanand Jayaraman and Vanessa Peter, activist for housing of the poor and independent researcher, criticised the move to accommodate the poor in such a zone. One cannot just implement the project. How can a hazardous zone be reclassified into the mixed residential zone? If it comes before the Monitoring Committee, we wont clear it, Deivasahayam said.

It is a case of environmental racism. Would you move rich people into such a place where hazardous industries are located? questioned Jayaraman, noting that pollution levels in Ennore were not within the required parameters.

Such resettlement projects expose the reality that the State does not have a housing policy, Vanessa pointed out. Currently, they are framing one with the help of the German agency for international cooperation (GIZ). But it was a closed-door participation where local NGOs and people were not involved. How can you frame a policy without the involvement of locals, she said.

However, a top TNHB official defended the project, stating that there were habitations in and around the area. The project will be implemented only after taking into consideration each and every aspect and concern, the official told Express.

The Centre will grant Rs 1.5 lakh per flat, while 20% of the cost will be borne by beneficiaries and Rs 173 crore will be availed using special transferable development rights. A total of Rs 265 crore will come as gap funding from the State government.

factoids

1. The State will build nearly 7,000 flats for the economically weaker section on 27 acres of land in Ernavur

2. As per Regulation 18 of the Second Master Plan, the entire land falls in the special and hazardous zone

3. Each house will have a plinth area of 400 square feet for the homeless

4. The total cost of the project is D676.61 crore

5. TN is planning to raise funds by giving special Transferable Development Rights worth D173 crore for the project

6. 20% of the schemes costs has to be borne by beneficiaries

CHENNAI: In a questionable move, the State housing board has chosen a site within the special and hazardous zone in Ernavur to build houses for 7,000 urban poor and slum dwellers. According to the proposal, flats for the poor and slum dwellers will be built at a cost of Rs 680 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in the area, which has several major industries. The 27.35 acres of land on the eastern side of Thiruvottiyur High Road is right opposite the Ennore Thermal Power Station, just behind the railway line and only 6 km from the busy Ennore Port. This area, where there is a large concentration of industries, was found to be highly polluted and could pose a health risk to residents in a recent study by an environment organisation. Also, being in the area marked as the hazardous and industrial zone as per Regulation 18 of the Second Master Plan for Chennai, the area would be preferred by such industries that are keen to set up a unit in the State. Despite these factors, this area, considered to be toxic by environmentalists, has obtained the nod from the consultant appointed by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB), sources said. Citing the existence of habitations, the project has been given the clearance. However, the Madras High Court-appointed Chennai Metropolitan Development Authoritys (CMDA) Monitoring Committee member MG Deivasahayam, environment activist Nityanand Jayaraman and Vanessa Peter, activist for housing of the poor and independent researcher, criticised the move to accommodate the poor in such a zone. One cannot just implement the project. How can a hazardous zone be reclassified into the mixed residential zone? If it comes before the Monitoring Committee, we wont clear it, Deivasahayam said. It is a case of environmental racism. Would you move rich people into such a place where hazardous industries are located? questioned Jayaraman, noting that pollution levels in Ennore were not within the required parameters. Such resettlement projects expose the reality that the State does not have a housing policy, Vanessa pointed out. Currently, they are framing one with the help of the German agency for international cooperation (GIZ). But it was a closed-door participation where local NGOs and people were not involved. How can you frame a policy without the involvement of locals, she said. However, a top TNHB official defended the project, stating that there were habitations in and around the area. The project will be implemented only after taking into consideration each and every aspect and concern, the official told Express. The Centre will grant Rs 1.5 lakh per flat, while 20% of the cost will be borne by beneficiaries and Rs 173 crore will be availed using special transferable development rights. A total of Rs 265 crore will come as gap funding from the State government. factoids 1. The State will build nearly 7,000 flats for the economically weaker section on 27 acres of land in Ernavur 2. As per Regulation 18 of the Second Master Plan, the entire land falls in the special and hazardous zone 3. Each house will have a plinth area of 400 square feet for the homeless 4. The total cost of the project is D676.61 crore 5. TN is planning to raise funds by giving special Transferable Development Rights worth D173 crore for the project 6. 20% of the schemes costs has to be borne by beneficiaries
By IANS

NEW DELHI: A man absconding for around two and half months after raping an Uzbek woman here has been arrested from Mumbai, police said on Wednesday.

Sonu, 34, of Pitampura area, raped the 26-year-old woman at a flat in Chhattarpur area of south Delhi on March 31 and was absconding since then.

"The accused was arrested from Matunga area of Mumbai on June 16," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal.

Police said he was arrested with the help of technical surveillance and is presently in judicial custody.

NEW DELHI: A man absconding for around two and half months after raping an Uzbek woman here has been arrested from Mumbai, police said on Wednesday. Sonu, 34, of Pitampura area, raped the 26-year-old woman at a flat in Chhattarpur area of south Delhi on March 31 and was absconding since then. "The accused was arrested from Matunga area of Mumbai on June 16," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Chinmoy Biswal. Police said he was arrested with the help of technical surveillance and is presently in judicial custody.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: While the main event for third International Yoga Day was in Lucknow, Delhi did not lag behind in making an effort for a healthy mind and body through this ancient Indian tradition. Fearing London -style attack-- ploughing van into a crowd of people--during the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Connaught Place in national capital, Delhi police barricaded the entire area

with thousands of policemen deployed to prevent any such attack. A three-tier security layer was thrown around the area, a senior police officer said, adding, snipers were also stationed on certain buildings to keep a hawk-eye vigil.

Political heavy weights like Union Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu, NDAs President nominee Ram Nath Kovind and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were seen taking deep breaths and posing in different

asanas early morning on Wednesday.

Yoga is our ancient spiritual way of life for our overall well being of physical and mental as well as inner

conscious and added that every person should perform yoga on daily basis said former governor of Bihar Kovind.

In a lead up to a grand event, the Lutyens Delhi walls and other free public spaces were painted with graffiti showcasing different positions in Yoga. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) along

with the Ministry of Ayush organized the event. The knowledge and technical expertise were contributed by organisations like Patanjali Yoga Peetha and Art of Living.

Stressing upon the need to make Yoga a mass move meant Naidu said Yoga is not a religion but it is the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul. We should make Yoga a mass moment, connecting people and strengthening the bonds of humanity.

In order to create a ground swell for the event the NDMC had been organizing Yoga classes in all the 13 parks in the Lutyens Delhi area for the past two weeks. Around 18,000 people participated in the

grand celebration in central Delhi.

Here in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj joined a yoga session organised by her ministry with nearly 100 diplomats from various missions. Stressing that yoga belongs not merely to India,

she said, "Excellencies, yoga is not merely about physical well-being through asanas or postures or pranayam or breath control. It is a science to attain inner peace, it is the art to attain equanimity."



Armed forces celebrated Yoga Day

From the Siachen-Saltoro Ridge, worlds highest and costliest battlefield to down south of Kanyakumari and bordering Arunachal Pradesh to Kutch, thousands of armed forces personnel joined the International Day of Yoga by performing various asanas of yoga. Almost all the bases of the Army, Navy and Air Force across the country organised events to commemorate the day.

While Navy sailors did yoga on INS Vikramaditya, Indias biggest warship to its submarine fleet of INS INS Sindhudhvaj and INS Sindhukirti on board showing their grit and enthusiasm with their yoga demonstration . Over 100,00 sailors participated at Mumbai based Western naval command, where yoga was performed at INS Viraat, navys old aircraft carrier.

On the other side, IAFs air warriors participated in the Yoga day at highest airfield at Leh, Laddakh.

A large number of army personnel also performed yoga in difficult terrain along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: While the main event for third International Yoga Day was in Lucknow, Delhi did not lag behind in making an effort for a healthy mind and body through this ancient Indian tradition. Fearing London -style attack-- ploughing van into a crowd of people--during the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Connaught Place in national capital, Delhi police barricaded the entire area with thousands of policemen deployed to prevent any such attack. A three-tier security layer was thrown around the area, a senior police officer said, adding, snipers were also stationed on certain buildings to keep a hawk-eye vigil. Political heavy weights like Union Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu, NDAs President nominee Ram Nath Kovind and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were seen taking deep breaths and posing in different asanas early morning on Wednesday. Yoga is our ancient spiritual way of life for our overall well being of physical and mental as well as inner conscious and added that every person should perform yoga on daily basis said former governor of Bihar Kovind. In a lead up to a grand event, the Lutyens Delhi walls and other free public spaces were painted with graffiti showcasing different positions in Yoga. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) along with the Ministry of Ayush organized the event. The knowledge and technical expertise were contributed by organisations like Patanjali Yoga Peetha and Art of Living. Stressing upon the need to make Yoga a mass move meant Naidu said Yoga is not a religion but it is the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul. We should make Yoga a mass moment, connecting people and strengthening the bonds of humanity. In order to create a ground swell for the event the NDMC had been organizing Yoga classes in all the 13 parks in the Lutyens Delhi area for the past two weeks. Around 18,000 people participated in the grand celebration in central Delhi. Here in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj joined a yoga session organised by her ministry with nearly 100 diplomats from various missions. Stressing that yoga belongs not merely to India, she said, "Excellencies, yoga is not merely about physical well-being through asanas or postures or pranayam or breath control. It is a science to attain inner peace, it is the art to attain equanimity." Armed forces celebrated Yoga Day From the Siachen-Saltoro Ridge, worlds highest and costliest battlefield to down south of Kanyakumari and bordering Arunachal Pradesh to Kutch, thousands of armed forces personnel joined the International Day of Yoga by performing various asanas of yoga. Almost all the bases of the Army, Navy and Air Force across the country organised events to commemorate the day. While Navy sailors did yoga on INS Vikramaditya, Indias biggest warship to its submarine fleet of INS INS Sindhudhvaj and INS Sindhukirti on board showing their grit and enthusiasm with their yoga demonstration . Over 100,00 sailors participated at Mumbai based Western naval command, where yoga was performed at INS Viraat, navys old aircraft carrier. On the other side, IAFs air warriors participated in the Yoga day at highest airfield at Leh, Laddakh. A large number of army personnel also performed yoga in difficult terrain along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: It was a kidnap that never happened but left the family of a toddler and Cyberabad police panicky. The kidnap, however, turned out to be a case of mistaken identity by a newly- appointed ayah of a private school.

It was around 8.30 am on Wednesday when a couple, Krishna Reddy and Kalpana of Rainbow Colony, heard the honking of a vehicle outside their apartment and asked their 5-year-old daughter Janahitha to go out and wait at the gate so that she can be picked up by her school bus crew. She goes to Pallavi Play School in Bachupally. However, Janahitha was picked up by the ayah of Crayons Play School.

The ayah, who joined duty on Wednesday, was given the address to pick up another student but she unknowingly picked up Janahitha and left, Bachupally SI K Balakrishna Reddy said. Minutes after Janahitha was picked up, Pallavi School bus arrived, leaving the parents shocked. When they enquired with a nearby pan shop owner, they were told that the girl had been taken away in a car by a woman.

Police, on receiving a complaint from the parents, registered a kidnap case, alerted neighbouring police stations and set up checkposts at all major junctions. The CCTV footage from nearby locations was retrieved and a search launched for the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the teachers at Crayons School learnt about the mistake of the ayah and were about to bring the girl to the police station when the police reached the place after tracking down the car. The toddler was handed over to the parents.

Kidnap case registered

As we registered a kidnap case, the court will be told that it was a case of mistaken identity and the school ayah had no intention to kidnap the girl and the case will be closed after that, a police officer said.

HYDERABAD: It was a kidnap that never happened but left the family of a toddler and Cyberabad police panicky. The kidnap, however, turned out to be a case of mistaken identity by a newly- appointed ayah of a private school. It was around 8.30 am on Wednesday when a couple, Krishna Reddy and Kalpana of Rainbow Colony, heard the honking of a vehicle outside their apartment and asked their 5-year-old daughter Janahitha to go out and wait at the gate so that she can be picked up by her school bus crew. She goes to Pallavi Play School in Bachupally. However, Janahitha was picked up by the ayah of Crayons Play School. The ayah, who joined duty on Wednesday, was given the address to pick up another student but she unknowingly picked up Janahitha and left, Bachupally SI K Balakrishna Reddy said. Minutes after Janahitha was picked up, Pallavi School bus arrived, leaving the parents shocked. When they enquired with a nearby pan shop owner, they were told that the girl had been taken away in a car by a woman. Police, on receiving a complaint from the parents, registered a kidnap case, alerted neighbouring police stations and set up checkposts at all major junctions. The CCTV footage from nearby locations was retrieved and a search launched for the vehicle. Meanwhile, the teachers at Crayons School learnt about the mistake of the ayah and were about to bring the girl to the police station when the police reached the place after tracking down the car. The toddler was handed over to the parents. Kidnap case registered As we registered a kidnap case, the court will be told that it was a case of mistaken identity and the school ayah had no intention to kidnap the girl and the case will be closed after that, a police officer said.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: In yet another back-to-back seizure in less than a week, Air Intelligence Unit officers confiscated crude gold wires weighing 1.166 kg from a passenger arriving from Dubai on Wednesday.

As many as seven pieces of crude wires, cleverly concealed as silver-coloured beadings inside the central frame of a trolley bag, were seized from a certain Mujeeb Parambattu of Kozhikode. He arrived on an Indigo flight early morning, said Additional Commissioner S Anilkumar. He was trying to exit without declaring the contraband valued at Rs 34 lakh in the open market. Assistant Commissioners K P Sivadas, E V Sivaraman and Romy N Pynadan and Superintendents R Latha, T K Sreesh, G N Lakshminarayanan, K P Majeed, K Sreekumar and others took part in the raid.

On Sunday, Customs officers at CIAL had foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.172 kg gold. It had been converted into crude granules and concealed in the upper portion of 10 perfume bottles in the check-in baggage, said an officer.

KOCHI: In yet another back-to-back seizure in less than a week, Air Intelligence Unit officers confiscated crude gold wires weighing 1.166 kg from a passenger arriving from Dubai on Wednesday. As many as seven pieces of crude wires, cleverly concealed as silver-coloured beadings inside the central frame of a trolley bag, were seized from a certain Mujeeb Parambattu of Kozhikode. He arrived on an Indigo flight early morning, said Additional Commissioner S Anilkumar. He was trying to exit without declaring the contraband valued at Rs 34 lakh in the open market. Assistant Commissioners K P Sivadas, E V Sivaraman and Romy N Pynadan and Superintendents R Latha, T K Sreesh, G N Lakshminarayanan, K P Majeed, K Sreekumar and others took part in the raid. On Sunday, Customs officers at CIAL had foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.172 kg gold. It had been converted into crude granules and concealed in the upper portion of 10 perfume bottles in the check-in baggage, said an officer.
Sonali Joshi Pitale By

BNS

Boman Irani is soon going to play the real life character, Kailash Satyarthi, a child rights and education activist, in Jhalki. Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize fin 2014 for his work on child labour. Boman talks about his film Jhalki, how tough it is to play another person and his upcoming films.

How did this film reach you?

I had my day off and I was sitting by my window and answering messages. While I was doing it I got a message from Brahmanand Singh, which said that he is making a childrens film where a girl is searching for her missing brother who is a child labourer. I called back the person, I dont know why. Normally I put them to my manager or something. He gave me the synopsis of the film and I said ok, I am happy to do it.

It is not a long role by the way, when asked him about my character he said it is Kailash Satyarthi. I was compelled to do it not only because I am getting a chance to play him but also to spread awareness about the person. I told them give me a day and I will sort out my dates, as I had to shoot in Banaras. There was date issue but I managed it and told them that I am on. It was out of impulse, also it is little bit of departure from what we generally do and because of the man himself I decided to do it. It is important to talk about the person who many Indian dont know. It is disheartening.

Have you met Kailash Satyarthi?

No, but when I agreed to do the film, and when I met the director I told him I am doing this film and you will have to make me meet Kailash Satyarthi at any point of time. I really want to meet the man.

How did you prepare for the role?

It is never easy but in todays day and age, doing research has become easier. I watched many of his videos, his documentaries on how he rescued children. I figured out three aspect of the man, which I tried to understand, one is the public persona. The second person is the crusader, who does rescue operations without fear of losing life. The third person is actually his nature, how he talks and behaves with rescued children. There is a completely different personality.

Is it tough to do a biopic of living person and does it actually help people to know more about the person or the cause?

Yes, people will compare, but you should be willing to ignore that and identify that person as a character. For example when Ben Kingsley played Mahatma Gandhi in the film, there was an uproar about why English man should be playing Gandhi. Those days there used to be short reviews and they showed couple of shots at the round table. Everyone started laughing, how will he do it. When you see the film the man actually transported you to his world. We dont know how Gandhi looked like in real life. So an actors job is to make you believe that he is Gandhi since you are in a cinema hall and it is the actors domain. He should use it to create his illusion.

People had reservation about Daniel Craig when he took over James Bond people forgot about it after watching it. I too have played Gandhi on stage though my personality is not at all like that but it did not matter because what really matters is whether you can wear the spirit of that person. As far as helping a cause or person is concerned I feel it depends on the story. I think awareness is very important; we have such heroes in our country. We should be aware, proud and realise that there is world outside your own city where people are doing such work.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming films?

I am doing Tarun Mansukhanis Drive, it is an interesting role. Then I am doing Parmanu, I am playing a bureaucrat, who is interested in after the failed attempt of atomic test, to revive whole thing and initiates it .John Abraham is playing the commander in chief. It is again a realistic character. The role in Sanjay Dutt biopic is also nice, so one day Hirani calls me and says that you are not part of my film and I need to put you in the film, he is little sentimental about these things .

I have small shot in the film where we play a clip of Munnabhai MMBS but then he again called me said that you have to play some role in the film. I said whenever you want me to shoot I will come. I have shot for my special appearance. He represents possibly a real character, it is not a famous character but that person must have come across in Sanjay Dutts life.

Is there any update on Munnabhai 3?

I am as much as in dark as other people. They are working on the script and I would not want to talk about it.

Boman Irani is soon going to play the real life character, Kailash Satyarthi, a child rights and education activist, in Jhalki. Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize fin 2014 for his work on child labour. Boman talks about his film Jhalki, how tough it is to play another person and his upcoming films. How did this film reach you? I had my day off and I was sitting by my window and answering messages. While I was doing it I got a message from Brahmanand Singh, which said that he is making a childrens film where a girl is searching for her missing brother who is a child labourer. I called back the person, I dont know why. Normally I put them to my manager or something. He gave me the synopsis of the film and I said ok, I am happy to do it. It is not a long role by the way, when asked him about my character he said it is Kailash Satyarthi. I was compelled to do it not only because I am getting a chance to play him but also to spread awareness about the person. I told them give me a day and I will sort out my dates, as I had to shoot in Banaras. There was date issue but I managed it and told them that I am on. It was out of impulse, also it is little bit of departure from what we generally do and because of the man himself I decided to do it. It is important to talk about the person who many Indian dont know. It is disheartening. Have you met Kailash Satyarthi? No, but when I agreed to do the film, and when I met the director I told him I am doing this film and you will have to make me meet Kailash Satyarthi at any point of time. I really want to meet the man. How did you prepare for the role? It is never easy but in todays day and age, doing research has become easier. I watched many of his videos, his documentaries on how he rescued children. I figured out three aspect of the man, which I tried to understand, one is the public persona. The second person is the crusader, who does rescue operations without fear of losing life. The third person is actually his nature, how he talks and behaves with rescued children. There is a completely different personality. Is it tough to do a biopic of living person and does it actually help people to know more about the person or the cause? Yes, people will compare, but you should be willing to ignore that and identify that person as a character. For example when Ben Kingsley played Mahatma Gandhi in the film, there was an uproar about why English man should be playing Gandhi. Those days there used to be short reviews and they showed couple of shots at the round table. Everyone started laughing, how will he do it. When you see the film the man actually transported you to his world. We dont know how Gandhi looked like in real life. So an actors job is to make you believe that he is Gandhi since you are in a cinema hall and it is the actors domain. He should use it to create his illusion. People had reservation about Daniel Craig when he took over James Bond people forgot about it after watching it. I too have played Gandhi on stage though my personality is not at all like that but it did not matter because what really matters is whether you can wear the spirit of that person. As far as helping a cause or person is concerned I feel it depends on the story. I think awareness is very important; we have such heroes in our country. We should be aware, proud and realise that there is world outside your own city where people are doing such work. Can you tell us more about your upcoming films? I am doing Tarun Mansukhanis Drive, it is an interesting role. Then I am doing Parmanu, I am playing a bureaucrat, who is interested in after the failed attempt of atomic test, to revive whole thing and initiates it .John Abraham is playing the commander in chief. It is again a realistic character. The role in Sanjay Dutt biopic is also nice, so one day Hirani calls me and says that you are not part of my film and I need to put you in the film, he is little sentimental about these things . I have small shot in the film where we play a clip of Munnabhai MMBS but then he again called me said that you have to play some role in the film. I said whenever you want me to shoot I will come. I have shot for my special appearance. He represents possibly a real character, it is not a famous character but that person must have come across in Sanjay Dutts life. Is there any update on Munnabhai 3? I am as much as in dark as other people. They are working on the script and I would not want to talk about it.
S Subhakeerthana By

Express News Service

Four years ago, actress Kasthuri and her infant child posed for a series of maternal photographs in Jade Bealls book, A Beautiful Body Project: The Bodies of Mothers. The photos subsequently went viral on social media, and she initiated legal proceedings against the media house that circulated them without permission. You didnt hear a whole lot more about this actress, but now, it appears shes ready to be part of films again. My daughter is a leukemia survivor. I have been occupied with taking care of her. Now that shes better, I have time to devote to films. I returned to India just two months ago, she says.

Kasthuri is part of the Simbu-starrer Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan, in which she plays an investigating officer. I shot only for two days, and will be seen in both parts. I dont play a regular cop, and wear some smart outfits, she adds. The film reminded her of how much she misses being part of cinema. Once the acting bug bites you, theres no getting out. I also have a couple of films in Telugu. I dont have the glamorous image there that the present generation of Tamil movie-goers identify me with. I am always their Akkalamma (the role she played in Annamayya), she says.

Now that she has made herself available for films again, shes a star in demand again. I was asked to be a contestant on the Bigg Boss show. I turned down the offer because I cant bear to be stuck inside a house for 100 days. She was also subjected to some social media trolling recently, when a photo of hers with Rajinikanth got shared. I met him on my birthday. We discussed many things.

Hes not as indecisive as people perceive him to be. Hes just holding his cards close to his chest. Hes a cautious player. I got the impression that hes preparing himself for a stint in politics. He doesnt want to take a step back once he goes forward. Its going to be only a matter of time, she smiles.

While on Rajinikanth, Kasthuri was considered for an important role in Kaala. But Pa Ranjith eventually told me I am too young. Right now, I am too old to be Vijays pair, but I am too young for Rajinikanth.

Four years ago, she almost took over as programming head for a big news channel, but that didnt happen. One week before I signed on the dotted line, I found myself in the hospital with my daughter. There are many such projects Ive been unable to do due to various reasonslike Devaraagam with Arvind Swami. Also, Rambas debut project was offered to me first, she says. About her stint in Tamil cinema, she also remembers that she did a film called Naanga for director Selva for free. The director told me he would cast me in his next. I am still waiting for the call, she smiles.

When she sees films, she spots characters she wishes shed got. Like Kajols role in Minsara Kanavu. Like Madhoos role in Roja. Or how about Ramya Krishnans in Baahubali? Ive only played either glamorous roles or pious ones. Ive not played the real me in films. And now, I have been approached by a director to play a ghost. Ennayum pei aaka poraanga cinema-la, she laughs.

She now realises that destiny has had a hand. Last year, I was all set to be the face of a popular toothpaste brand, but then Vardah happened all of a sudden, and I couldnt even show up in Mumbai. I got replaced by somebody else. When your time is bad, even your best decisions begin to backfire.

The actress was an insomniac, and is today able to sleep just for three hours a day. My face doesnt seem to be aware of the struggles my body is going through. Ive had death stare at me at least thrice in my life. What I am today is because of my four friends, who are as important to me as the oxygen I breathe.

She turns a tad nostalgic and says she rues the passing away of director Bharathan. I took to films because I fell in love with his work. His Devaraagam was shot in the same location where I was shooting for Amaidhi Padai. I convinced Bharathan to cast me in his next, but he passed away, she says.

Kasthuri doesnt want to play a mother on screen. I am okay playing a mother to, say, a five-year-old. But not to actors like Sivakarthikeyan, Dhanush, and Vijay Sethupathi.

Its not like those roles are strong anyway, she says. And its unlike her to do something so stereotypical anyway. In 2009, for instance, she returned after a long sabbatical by doing an item number in Thamizh Padam. Actresses, in general, make their comeback either as mothers or sisters. I thought I should be different and do a sexy kuththu song, she laughs. Does she think she can do it again? Hey, if Jennifer Lopez can be a bombshell, I can be too. I am not afraid to show it!

Four years ago, actress Kasthuri and her infant child posed for a series of maternal photographs in Jade Bealls book, A Beautiful Body Project: The Bodies of Mothers. The photos subsequently went viral on social media, and she initiated legal proceedings against the media house that circulated them without permission. You didnt hear a whole lot more about this actress, but now, it appears shes ready to be part of films again. My daughter is a leukemia survivor. I have been occupied with taking care of her. Now that shes better, I have time to devote to films. I returned to India just two months ago, she says. Kasthuri is part of the Simbu-starrer Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan, in which she plays an investigating officer. I shot only for two days, and will be seen in both parts. I dont play a regular cop, and wear some smart outfits, she adds. The film reminded her of how much she misses being part of cinema. Once the acting bug bites you, theres no getting out. I also have a couple of films in Telugu. I dont have the glamorous image there that the present generation of Tamil movie-goers identify me with. I am always their Akkalamma (the role she played in Annamayya), she says. Now that she has made herself available for films again, shes a star in demand again. I was asked to be a contestant on the Bigg Boss show. I turned down the offer because I cant bear to be stuck inside a house for 100 days. She was also subjected to some social media trolling recently, when a photo of hers with Rajinikanth got shared. I met him on my birthday. We discussed many things. Hes not as indecisive as people perceive him to be. Hes just holding his cards close to his chest. Hes a cautious player. I got the impression that hes preparing himself for a stint in politics. He doesnt want to take a step back once he goes forward. Its going to be only a matter of time, she smiles. While on Rajinikanth, Kasthuri was considered for an important role in Kaala. But Pa Ranjith eventually told me I am too young. Right now, I am too old to be Vijays pair, but I am too young for Rajinikanth. Four years ago, she almost took over as programming head for a big news channel, but that didnt happen. One week before I signed on the dotted line, I found myself in the hospital with my daughter. There are many such projects Ive been unable to do due to various reasonslike Devaraagam with Arvind Swami. Also, Rambas debut project was offered to me first, she says. About her stint in Tamil cinema, she also remembers that she did a film called Naanga for director Selva for free. The director told me he would cast me in his next. I am still waiting for the call, she smiles. When she sees films, she spots characters she wishes shed got. Like Kajols role in Minsara Kanavu. Like Madhoos role in Roja. Or how about Ramya Krishnans in Baahubali? Ive only played either glamorous roles or pious ones. Ive not played the real me in films. And now, I have been approached by a director to play a ghost. Ennayum pei aaka poraanga cinema-la, she laughs. She now realises that destiny has had a hand. Last year, I was all set to be the face of a popular toothpaste brand, but then Vardah happened all of a sudden, and I couldnt even show up in Mumbai. I got replaced by somebody else. When your time is bad, even your best decisions begin to backfire. The actress was an insomniac, and is today able to sleep just for three hours a day. My face doesnt seem to be aware of the struggles my body is going through. Ive had death stare at me at least thrice in my life. What I am today is because of my four friends, who are as important to me as the oxygen I breathe. She turns a tad nostalgic and says she rues the passing away of director Bharathan. I took to films because I fell in love with his work. His Devaraagam was shot in the same location where I was shooting for Amaidhi Padai. I convinced Bharathan to cast me in his next, but he passed away, she says. Kasthuri doesnt want to play a mother on screen. I am okay playing a mother to, say, a five-year-old. But not to actors like Sivakarthikeyan, Dhanush, and Vijay Sethupathi. Its not like those roles are strong anyway, she says. And its unlike her to do something so stereotypical anyway. In 2009, for instance, she returned after a long sabbatical by doing an item number in Thamizh Padam. Actresses, in general, make their comeback either as mothers or sisters. I thought I should be different and do a sexy kuththu song, she laughs. Does she think she can do it again? Hey, if Jennifer Lopez can be a bombshell, I can be too. I am not afraid to show it!
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: With caste competitive politics playing out in the Presidential election, the Opposition on Thursday made it certain that the next President would be a Dalit by propping up former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as the joint candidate against Ram Nath Kovind of the NDA. While the Opposition apparently bailed out the moral dilemma of the BSP chief Mayawati by giving an alternative Dalit candidate, the seeming chasm between the JD (U) and the RJD looks to deepen further, with likely impact on the future of the ruling Bihar Mahagathbandhan.

IN PICS | Check out who all came together to choose Opposition's presidential candidate

The 17 parties Opposition jamboree, which was joined by the Ajit Singh led RLD commanding a few hundred votes in the electoral college, decided to throw the weight behind the diplomat turned politician Meira Kumar, who claims to inherit Dalit political legacy of Babu Jagjivan Ram. A relieved Mayawati, while announcing BSP support to Kumar, said that the Opposition candidate is more capable and competent.

However, the JD (U) did not take the bait, with the party national general secretary K C Tyagi saying that political decisions arent changed in minutes and seconds. His response came in the wake of the RJD chief Lalu Prasad terming JD (U) support to Kovind a historical blunder, while vowing to meet the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in a bid to persuade him to change the decision.

However, Kumar, who reportedly shares warm relations with Kovind, has given the assurance to senior BJP leaders that his stance would remain firm.

But the BJP is working overtime to dwarf the Opposition jamboree by ensuring that a minimum of 20 chief ministers lead Kovind in filing the nomination papers on Friday. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and senior leaders will accompany Kovind when he files nomination papers at 11.45 am on Friday. Besides all NDA chief ministers, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and a few others would attend Kovinds filing of the nomination papers.

The Opposition meeting in the Parliament House was preceded by a small brainstorming of key leaders at the residence of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who had zeroed in on three names  Meira Kumar, former Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde, and Rajya Sabha MP Balchand Mungekar. The CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had two names with him  Prakash Ambedkar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi, grandsons of B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi respectively. In the Opposition meeting in the evening, the unanimous Opposition choice was Kumar, who expressed gratitude and delight at the grand unity among political parties.

While the BJP termed the Opposition choice of Meira Kumar as a scapegoat, the JD (U) leader Pawan Kumar Verma said that Ram Nath Kovind is already a President in the waiting.

Even while the Opposition sought to blunt the BJPs bid to demolish its unity with a Dalit Presidential candidate, the saffron outfit is making spirited efforts to make further dent. While the Congress seemingly antagonised Aam Admi Party (AAP), which command about 5,000 votes in the electoral college, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seems in a clear dilemma. The BJP leaders appeared hopeful that a good number of AAP legislators from Punjab would back Kovind on July 17.

NEW DELHI: With caste competitive politics playing out in the Presidential election, the Opposition on Thursday made it certain that the next President would be a Dalit by propping up former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as the joint candidate against Ram Nath Kovind of the NDA. While the Opposition apparently bailed out the moral dilemma of the BSP chief Mayawati by giving an alternative Dalit candidate, the seeming chasm between the JD (U) and the RJD looks to deepen further, with likely impact on the future of the ruling Bihar Mahagathbandhan. IN PICS | Check out who all came together to choose Opposition's presidential candidate The 17 parties Opposition jamboree, which was joined by the Ajit Singh led RLD commanding a few hundred votes in the electoral college, decided to throw the weight behind the diplomat turned politician Meira Kumar, who claims to inherit Dalit political legacy of Babu Jagjivan Ram. A relieved Mayawati, while announcing BSP support to Kumar, said that the Opposition candidate is more capable and competent. However, the JD (U) did not take the bait, with the party national general secretary K C Tyagi saying that political decisions arent changed in minutes and seconds. His response came in the wake of the RJD chief Lalu Prasad terming JD (U) support to Kovind a historical blunder, while vowing to meet the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar in a bid to persuade him to change the decision. However, Kumar, who reportedly shares warm relations with Kovind, has given the assurance to senior BJP leaders that his stance would remain firm. But the BJP is working overtime to dwarf the Opposition jamboree by ensuring that a minimum of 20 chief ministers lead Kovind in filing the nomination papers on Friday. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and senior leaders will accompany Kovind when he files nomination papers at 11.45 am on Friday. Besides all NDA chief ministers, Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and a few others would attend Kovinds filing of the nomination papers. The Opposition meeting in the Parliament House was preceded by a small brainstorming of key leaders at the residence of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who had zeroed in on three names  Meira Kumar, former Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde, and Rajya Sabha MP Balchand Mungekar. The CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had two names with him  Prakash Ambedkar and Gopal Krishna Gandhi, grandsons of B R Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi respectively. In the Opposition meeting in the evening, the unanimous Opposition choice was Kumar, who expressed gratitude and delight at the grand unity among political parties. While the BJP termed the Opposition choice of Meira Kumar as a scapegoat, the JD (U) leader Pawan Kumar Verma said that Ram Nath Kovind is already a President in the waiting. Even while the Opposition sought to blunt the BJPs bid to demolish its unity with a Dalit Presidential candidate, the saffron outfit is making spirited efforts to make further dent. While the Congress seemingly antagonised Aam Admi Party (AAP), which command about 5,000 votes in the electoral college, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seems in a clear dilemma. The BJP leaders appeared hopeful that a good number of AAP legislators from Punjab would back Kovind on July 17.
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The world observed the International Yoga Day on Wednesday. Christian-majority Mizoram chose to call it a Healthy Mizoram Campaign. Churches and Christian organisations in Mizoram called for a boycott of International Yoga Day citing yogas incompatibility with Christian beliefs.

The influential Young Mizo Association (YMA), a major NGO in the state, which has been critical of the Yoga Day celebrations, maintained that yoga was not compatible with the Mizos and Christian beliefs.

The YMA had on Monday decided that its central committee will not attend the Healthy Mizoram Campaign launched by the Mizo government in connection with Yoga Day.

The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, which is a conglomerate of 15 major churches, boycotted the campaign saying yoga is dipped in Hinduism. Launching the Healthy Mizoram Campaign at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl, Governor Lt Gen (retired) Nirbhay Sharma referenced the alternative view of yoga and said it was based on misconceptions.

He was of the view that yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community. Yoga has always been approached as a technology for inner well-being and does not adhere to any religion, he said.

GUWAHATI: The world observed the International Yoga Day on Wednesday. Christian-majority Mizoram chose to call it a Healthy Mizoram Campaign. Churches and Christian organisations in Mizoram called for a boycott of International Yoga Day citing yogas incompatibility with Christian beliefs. The influential Young Mizo Association (YMA), a major NGO in the state, which has been critical of the Yoga Day celebrations, maintained that yoga was not compatible with the Mizos and Christian beliefs. The YMA had on Monday decided that its central committee will not attend the Healthy Mizoram Campaign launched by the Mizo government in connection with Yoga Day. The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, which is a conglomerate of 15 major churches, boycotted the campaign saying yoga is dipped in Hinduism. Launching the Healthy Mizoram Campaign at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl, Governor Lt Gen (retired) Nirbhay Sharma referenced the alternative view of yoga and said it was based on misconceptions. He was of the view that yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community. Yoga has always been approached as a technology for inner well-being and does not adhere to any religion, he said.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties began this morning, hours ahead of a crucial opposition meeting where they were expected to zero in on a joint candidate for the presidential election.

After the JD-U's decision to support NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the Congress stepped up efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties.

Cracks appeared in the opposition camp after the JD-U's surprise decision yesterday, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue.

Sources said a contest for the country's top constitutional post is on the cards as the majority in the opposition sees it an "ideological battle" that has to fought.

"No matter what happens, we will contest the election," a senior left leader said.

Efforts were on to ensure that the NCP did not stray, as the Sharad Pawar-led party held internal discussions to decide on its strategy for the July 17 presidential election.

Top Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel met NCP supremo Pawar at his residence and are learnt to have discussed the opposition plan for the poll.

CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury was also part of the informal discussions, the sources said.

By naming Kovind, a dalit, the NDA has put the opposition camp in a fix as it has now been forced to think of a suitable dalit candidate to oppose Kovind so as not to be branded "anti-dalit" by the ruling dispensation.

The opposition, which had earlier discussed the possibility of pitting former governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi against the NDA candidate, is now looking at a dalit face for the contest. The names of former Speaker Meira Kumar and Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the principal architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, have been discussed, the sources said.

Kumar yesterday met Congress President Sonia Gandhi along with other senior party leaders, fuelling speculation that the party was willing to support her candidature.

The opposition camp is yet to name its candidate for the presidential poll.

The Congress, which is coordinating the opposition meet, expressed the hope leaders of all the parties which attended the May 26 lunch hosted by Gandhi would be present today.

Opposition leaders also maintained the bloc was united against the ruling BJP and that the JD-U continued to be with it, as its decision was a "one-off" development.

Asked about the Congress's choice for the poll, AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari yesterday said it was a "hypothetical" question.

"There will be a far clear, coherent and an articulate answer available after the opposition meeting," he said.

Senior leaders from several opposition parties who attended the May 26 meet are expected to be present at today's meeting.

NEW DELHI: Hectic parleys between leaders of non-NDA parties began this morning, hours ahead of a crucial opposition meeting where they were expected to zero in on a joint candidate for the presidential election. After the JD-U's decision to support NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the Congress stepped up efforts to keep the opposition united as its top brass held discussions with the leaders of a host of other parties. Cracks appeared in the opposition camp after the JD-U's surprise decision yesterday, as its chief Nitish Kumar was the one who had initiated the process for a joint opposition strategy on the issue. Sources said a contest for the country's top constitutional post is on the cards as the majority in the opposition sees it an "ideological battle" that has to fought. "No matter what happens, we will contest the election," a senior left leader said. Efforts were on to ensure that the NCP did not stray, as the Sharad Pawar-led party held internal discussions to decide on its strategy for the July 17 presidential election. Top Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel met NCP supremo Pawar at his residence and are learnt to have discussed the opposition plan for the poll. CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury was also part of the informal discussions, the sources said. By naming Kovind, a dalit, the NDA has put the opposition camp in a fix as it has now been forced to think of a suitable dalit candidate to oppose Kovind so as not to be branded "anti-dalit" by the ruling dispensation. The opposition, which had earlier discussed the possibility of pitting former governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi against the NDA candidate, is now looking at a dalit face for the contest. The names of former Speaker Meira Kumar and Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the principal architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, have been discussed, the sources said. Kumar yesterday met Congress President Sonia Gandhi along with other senior party leaders, fuelling speculation that the party was willing to support her candidature. The opposition camp is yet to name its candidate for the presidential poll. The Congress, which is coordinating the opposition meet, expressed the hope leaders of all the parties which attended the May 26 lunch hosted by Gandhi would be present today. Opposition leaders also maintained the bloc was united against the ruling BJP and that the JD-U continued to be with it, as its decision was a "one-off" development. Asked about the Congress's choice for the poll, AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari yesterday said it was a "hypothetical" question. "There will be a far clear, coherent and an articulate answer available after the opposition meeting," he said. Senior leaders from several opposition parties who attended the May 26 meet are expected to be present at today's meeting.
By PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan Army today handed over four Indian nationals, who had inadvertently crossed into the country, to the Indian security forces.

The four Indians had crossed from Wagah and Norowal borders sometime ago. They were arrested and handed over to police for investigation.

"The Rangers today handed over four Indian prisoners Sohan Lal, Suraj Ram, Abdul Majeed and Muhmmd Maqbool Lone to the Border Security Force at the Wagah border," an official told PTI.

"During investigation it transpired that they had inadvertently crossed the border," he said.

India has released 13 Pakistani prisoners including, two children, as a goodwill gesture this month. Most of them had crossed over to India inadvertently.

Earlier in March, India released 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality.

The release of the prisoners came in response to Pakistan freeing 217 Indian fishermen as part of a goodwill gesture in December last year.

LAHORE: Pakistan Army today handed over four Indian nationals, who had inadvertently crossed into the country, to the Indian security forces. The four Indians had crossed from Wagah and Norowal borders sometime ago. They were arrested and handed over to police for investigation. "The Rangers today handed over four Indian prisoners Sohan Lal, Suraj Ram, Abdul Majeed and Muhmmd Maqbool Lone to the Border Security Force at the Wagah border," an official told PTI. "During investigation it transpired that they had inadvertently crossed the border," he said. India has released 13 Pakistani prisoners including, two children, as a goodwill gesture this month. Most of them had crossed over to India inadvertently. Earlier in March, India released 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality. The release of the prisoners came in response to Pakistan freeing 217 Indian fishermen as part of a goodwill gesture in December last year.
By PTI

GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today extended his support for a separate Gorkhaland state saying it would fulfil the constitutional demand of the people of Darjeeling hills and also bring permanent peace in the region.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, he said, "The fulfilment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling Hills... will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism."

He also said that creation of a Gorkhaland state will restore permanent peace and prosperity in the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefited by it.

The three decades of agitation has "claimed over 1000 lives and caused incalculable loss of property", he said.

Besides, he said, Sikkim has been suffering "untold loss owing to the recurring blockage of its one and only lifeline NH-10, during the last 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation".

Chamling, also the president of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, wrote about the plight of students and patients who needed to take that "tension-ridden highway to travel to their destination".

He said that a prolonged agitation in Darjeeling-Sikkim region would pose threat to national security also because of the tiny Himalayan state's strategic location. Sikkim lies within three international borders with China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan.

Citing the martyrdom of several Gorkha people during the freedom movement, Chamling wrote, "The martyrdom of the Gorkha freedom fighter, Major Durga Malla has been duly recognised by the installation of his statue outside the Indian parliament."

GANGTOK: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today extended his support for a separate Gorkhaland state saying it would fulfil the constitutional demand of the people of Darjeeling hills and also bring permanent peace in the region. In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, he said, "The fulfilment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling Hills... will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism." He also said that creation of a Gorkhaland state will restore permanent peace and prosperity in the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefited by it. The three decades of agitation has "claimed over 1000 lives and caused incalculable loss of property", he said. Besides, he said, Sikkim has been suffering "untold loss owing to the recurring blockage of its one and only lifeline NH-10, during the last 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation". Chamling, also the president of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, wrote about the plight of students and patients who needed to take that "tension-ridden highway to travel to their destination". He said that a prolonged agitation in Darjeeling-Sikkim region would pose threat to national security also because of the tiny Himalayan state's strategic location. Sikkim lies within three international borders with China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan. Citing the martyrdom of several Gorkha people during the freedom movement, Chamling wrote, "The martyrdom of the Gorkha freedom fighter, Major Durga Malla has been duly recognised by the installation of his statue outside the Indian parliament."
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: Fur flew and turbans came undone as bedlam broke out in the Punjab Assembly Thursday. It was a day that witnessed Aam Aadmi Party and Akali Dal MLAs closing ranks against the ruling Congress on the sand mafia issue while speaker Rana K P Singh remained steadfast in keeping suspended lawmakers out of the house.

Such were the scenes unseen ever before: lawmakers grappled with marshals, turbans were tossed up in the air, house papers were turned into confetti, and an AAP MLAs found himself in hospital.

The Akali Dal wiseacre, Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time chief minister of the state, described the events as midsummer madness, an outrage worse than the horrors of the Emergency, and the darkest day in the history of democratic India.

Incumbent chief minister Amarinder Singh was similarly outraged, while pinning the blame entirely on opposition MLAs, whose behavior he characterized as hooliganism. Visibly upset, Amarinder said action ought to be taken against MLAs who broke decorum on the day.

The days proceedings began on a charged note with two suspended lawmakers Sukhpal Khaira (AAP) and Simarjit Singh Bains (Lok Insaf Party) trying to barge into the house. They were stopped on the threshold amidst a melee of marshals and opposition lawmakers. In the thick of it, the turban of Pirmal Singh Khalsa (AAP) came loose or was tossed off, depending on whose version was heard. Khalsa himself alleged that his turban was tossed off by marshals.

To this accusation, AAP lawmakers added the charge that their women comrades -- Baljinder Kaur, Rupinder Kaur and Sarabjit Kaur -- were manhandled by male marshals.

Outside the house, as police massed to prevent the entry of suspended members, Akali Dal and AAP MLAs united and forced their way in, led by Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. But marshals balked Pirmal Singh Khalsa at the gates, and speaker Rana called an adjournment for tempers to cool.

They did not. In fact, attitudes now became set in stone as AAP MLAs sat put in their seats while Congress MLAs huddled around the chief minister to discuss how to dislodge them and get on with the proceedings. The marshals were called in again and the AAP MLAs were bodily lifted to remove them from the house. At this point, Akali Dal lawmakers tried to block the marshals and another scrum ensure on the floor of the House. Yet more turbans came loose or were tossed up, and Bikram Singh Majithia (Akali Dal) rushed to the speaker with the loose turban of as proof of the marshals doing.

The speaker hardened his attitude and this time ruled that the AAP MLAs not only be externed from the House but the premises itself.

Once the AAP MLAs were turned out, the Akalis took charge of the bedlam and worked up a din loud enough to drown out all proceedings. As papers turned into confetti, the speakers called in the marshals again, but this time the Akali MLAs walked out rather than enact another melee.

Within this narrative of the day, there lay several sundry charges by lawmakers. Pawan Kumar Tinu (SAD) said he was manhandled by marshals. Sarabjit Kaur Manuke (AAP) was reportedly injured and even fainted under the hand of the marshals. Another AAP legislator Jai Kishan was accused of hitting a marshal. Bikram Sigh Majithia (AAP) claimed he was witness to two MLAs being kicked by marshals.

Parliamentary affairs minister Brahm Mohindra moved a privilege motion against SAD-BJP and AAP-LIP MLAs and the speaker Rana KP pulled up Pawan Kumar Tinu for using unparliamentarily language against a minister.

In the grand tradtion of enemys enemy being friend, AAP leaders squeezed into Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badals car to go see their colleague Pirmal Singh Khalsa in the Sector 16 hospital where he ended up after the days exertions. Supplying the metaphor of the day, they carried the AAP MLAs turban.

The younger Badal vent his spleen upon the speaker, whom he called goonda KP and his marshals bouncers.

But what was it all about? As AAP lawmaker Kanwar Sandhu put it, all that they asked the speaker to do was allow suspended MLAs Bains and Khaira to enter the House. The speaker would not, and so it was a murder of democracy.

In his post-melee remarks, Amarinder Singh said he would give AAP MLAs the benefit of doubt since they are novices and but surely the Akalis ought to know better?

CHANDIGARH: Fur flew and turbans came undone as bedlam broke out in the Punjab Assembly Thursday. It was a day that witnessed Aam Aadmi Party and Akali Dal MLAs closing ranks against the ruling Congress on the sand mafia issue while speaker Rana K P Singh remained steadfast in keeping suspended lawmakers out of the house. Such were the scenes unseen ever before: lawmakers grappled with marshals, turbans were tossed up in the air, house papers were turned into confetti, and an AAP MLAs found himself in hospital. The Akali Dal wiseacre, Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time chief minister of the state, described the events as midsummer madness, an outrage worse than the horrors of the Emergency, and the darkest day in the history of democratic India. Incumbent chief minister Amarinder Singh was similarly outraged, while pinning the blame entirely on opposition MLAs, whose behavior he characterized as hooliganism. Visibly upset, Amarinder said action ought to be taken against MLAs who broke decorum on the day. The days proceedings began on a charged note with two suspended lawmakers Sukhpal Khaira (AAP) and Simarjit Singh Bains (Lok Insaf Party) trying to barge into the house. They were stopped on the threshold amidst a melee of marshals and opposition lawmakers. In the thick of it, the turban of Pirmal Singh Khalsa (AAP) came loose or was tossed off, depending on whose version was heard. Khalsa himself alleged that his turban was tossed off by marshals. To this accusation, AAP lawmakers added the charge that their women comrades -- Baljinder Kaur, Rupinder Kaur and Sarabjit Kaur -- were manhandled by male marshals. Outside the house, as police massed to prevent the entry of suspended members, Akali Dal and AAP MLAs united and forced their way in, led by Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. But marshals balked Pirmal Singh Khalsa at the gates, and speaker Rana called an adjournment for tempers to cool. They did not. In fact, attitudes now became set in stone as AAP MLAs sat put in their seats while Congress MLAs huddled around the chief minister to discuss how to dislodge them and get on with the proceedings. The marshals were called in again and the AAP MLAs were bodily lifted to remove them from the house. At this point, Akali Dal lawmakers tried to block the marshals and another scrum ensure on the floor of the House. Yet more turbans came loose or were tossed up, and Bikram Singh Majithia (Akali Dal) rushed to the speaker with the loose turban of as proof of the marshals doing. The speaker hardened his attitude and this time ruled that the AAP MLAs not only be externed from the House but the premises itself. Once the AAP MLAs were turned out, the Akalis took charge of the bedlam and worked up a din loud enough to drown out all proceedings. As papers turned into confetti, the speakers called in the marshals again, but this time the Akali MLAs walked out rather than enact another melee. Within this narrative of the day, there lay several sundry charges by lawmakers. Pawan Kumar Tinu (SAD) said he was manhandled by marshals. Sarabjit Kaur Manuke (AAP) was reportedly injured and even fainted under the hand of the marshals. Another AAP legislator Jai Kishan was accused of hitting a marshal. Bikram Sigh Majithia (AAP) claimed he was witness to two MLAs being kicked by marshals. Parliamentary affairs minister Brahm Mohindra moved a privilege motion against SAD-BJP and AAP-LIP MLAs and the speaker Rana KP pulled up Pawan Kumar Tinu for using unparliamentarily language against a minister. In the grand tradtion of enemys enemy being friend, AAP leaders squeezed into Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badals car to go see their colleague Pirmal Singh Khalsa in the Sector 16 hospital where he ended up after the days exertions. Supplying the metaphor of the day, they carried the AAP MLAs turban. The younger Badal vent his spleen upon the speaker, whom he called goonda KP and his marshals bouncers. But what was it all about? As AAP lawmaker Kanwar Sandhu put it, all that they asked the speaker to do was allow suspended MLAs Bains and Khaira to enter the House. The speaker would not, and so it was a murder of democracy. In his post-melee remarks, Amarinder Singh said he would give AAP MLAs the benefit of doubt since they are novices and but surely the Akalis ought to know better?
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a commander, were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday.

Acting on a tip-off, a team comprising the district police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Army launched a joint combing and search operation in Pazalpora area of Sopore on Tuesday evening, a police spokesperson said and added that the security personnel encircled a house where the militants were hiding. The holed-up militants were asked to surrender through loud speakers and other means, the spokesperson said.

However, the militants refused to surrender and opened fire with AK-47 rifles. The troops returned fire and in the gunfight, which continued till Wednesday morning, the two Hizbul militants were killed. The house was damaged in the gunfight.

The slain militants were identified as Gulzar Ahmad Lone alias Ibrahim, district commander of Hizb, and Basit Ahmad Mir alias Tahir. Ibrahim hailed from Sopore, while Tahir is from Pattan area of Baramulla. They were involved in a number of criminal activities. Lone was involved in the Sopore mobile tower attacks. He was instigating and luring youngsters to join the militant group in Sopore, the spokesman said.

Two AK 47 rifles, five AK magazines, 124 AK rounds, two pouches and a grenade were recovered from the encounter site. Police handed over the bodies of the militants to their family members. Later, hundreds of people attended the funeral of the militants, raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Two additional battalions  2,000 men  of the Army will be sent as reinforcement to four troubled districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. With the presence of additional forces in Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, some Army camps in Shopian and Pulwama will be revived again, they said.

Meanwhile, militants attacked the CRPF camp of 180th battalion in Tral in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. The militants fired two grenades towards the CRPF camp. The grenades exploded outside the premises and did not cause any damage or injuries. It was the second attack on the CRPF camp in June.

SRINAGAR: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a commander, were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday. Acting on a tip-off, a team comprising the district police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Army launched a joint combing and search operation in Pazalpora area of Sopore on Tuesday evening, a police spokesperson said and added that the security personnel encircled a house where the militants were hiding. The holed-up militants were asked to surrender through loud speakers and other means, the spokesperson said. However, the militants refused to surrender and opened fire with AK-47 rifles. The troops returned fire and in the gunfight, which continued till Wednesday morning, the two Hizbul militants were killed. The house was damaged in the gunfight. The slain militants were identified as Gulzar Ahmad Lone alias Ibrahim, district commander of Hizb, and Basit Ahmad Mir alias Tahir. Ibrahim hailed from Sopore, while Tahir is from Pattan area of Baramulla. They were involved in a number of criminal activities. Lone was involved in the Sopore mobile tower attacks. He was instigating and luring youngsters to join the militant group in Sopore, the spokesman said. Two AK 47 rifles, five AK magazines, 124 AK rounds, two pouches and a grenade were recovered from the encounter site. Police handed over the bodies of the militants to their family members. Later, hundreds of people attended the funeral of the militants, raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Two additional battalions  2,000 men  of the Army will be sent as reinforcement to four troubled districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. With the presence of additional forces in Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, some Army camps in Shopian and Pulwama will be revived again, they said. Meanwhile, militants attacked the CRPF camp of 180th battalion in Tral in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. The militants fired two grenades towards the CRPF camp. The grenades exploded outside the premises and did not cause any damage or injuries. It was the second attack on the CRPF camp in June.
By AFP

NAIROBI: Two police officers were shot dead in eastern Tanzania on Wednesday, the latest in a series of attacks against local officials and security officers, state television reported.

The killing by unknown assailants happened in the Kibiti region where 11 police officers have been slain since March.

The murders, and uncertainty over the motive, have spread fear throughout local government in the region.

"Two road security police officers were shot dead during the day", the state-owned Tanzania Broadcasting corporation (TBC) reported.

A local official told AFP on Wednesday, "According to the information we have, it was in broad daylight".

"Men on a motor scooter opened fire on the police officers who were on patrol," before fleeing, the official added.

"We don't know who will be the next victim. Local officials have also been targeted".

Gunmen ambushed and killed eight police officers in April in Kibiti, which is 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the economic capital Dar es Salaam.

Since then police have killed four "bandits" believed to have been involved in that attack. The previous month three police officers were killed in Kibiti.

Several local elected officials have also been killed in the region in recent months.

While the assailants have not been identified, they typically use motorcycle taxis to escape after the murders and steal weapons from police officers' bodies.

At a public meeting in the area on Tuesday Tanzanian President John Magufuli issued a strong warning to the perpetrators of the attacks.

"This is not a government you can play with," he said. "There is no religious faith that teaches people to kill."

Some observers have blamed the spate of attacks on Muslim extremists.

NAIROBI: Two police officers were shot dead in eastern Tanzania on Wednesday, the latest in a series of attacks against local officials and security officers, state television reported. The killing by unknown assailants happened in the Kibiti region where 11 police officers have been slain since March. The murders, and uncertainty over the motive, have spread fear throughout local government in the region. "Two road security police officers were shot dead during the day", the state-owned Tanzania Broadcasting corporation (TBC) reported. A local official told AFP on Wednesday, "According to the information we have, it was in broad daylight". "Men on a motor scooter opened fire on the police officers who were on patrol," before fleeing, the official added. "We don't know who will be the next victim. Local officials have also been targeted". Gunmen ambushed and killed eight police officers in April in Kibiti, which is 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the economic capital Dar es Salaam. Since then police have killed four "bandits" believed to have been involved in that attack. The previous month three police officers were killed in Kibiti. Several local elected officials have also been killed in the region in recent months. While the assailants have not been identified, they typically use motorcycle taxis to escape after the murders and steal weapons from police officers' bodies. At a public meeting in the area on Tuesday Tanzanian President John Magufuli issued a strong warning to the perpetrators of the attacks. "This is not a government you can play with," he said. "There is no religious faith that teaches people to kill." Some observers have blamed the spate of attacks on Muslim extremists.
Ejaz Kaiser By

Express News Service

RAIPUR: Two women cadre of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) were gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Narayanpur district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.

On a tip-off about the presence of Maoists, a combined team of special task force (STF) and specially-trained district reserve guard (DRG) carried out a search operation. The rebels opened fire near Hasnar, about 15 km from Orcha police station, leading to a gunfight. In the retaliatory attack, two women Maoists were killed by the forces.

A temporary Maoist camp in the area was also destroyed, the Narayanpur superintendent of police Santosh Singh told the New Indian Express.

There was no report of any injury sustained by the forces, the SP said. Some ammunition, rifles, items of daily use, a sewing machine and literature were recovered from the site.

It was the second successive successful operation following specific intelligence inputs. A day before, in a joint operation, a Naxal deputy platoon commander was killed at Kamteda village about 140 km from Kanker. Today, the troopers recovered eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) packed in a heavy trunk that were destroyed on the spot.

The remaining Maoists fled to the nearby jungle, Kanker deputy inspector general of police Ratan Lal Dangi told the New Indian Express.

In a separate incident, a deputy commander of Maoist was arrested by the police in Bijapur district on Wednesday.

RAIPUR: Two women cadre of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) were gunned down in an encounter with security forces at Narayanpur district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. On a tip-off about the presence of Maoists, a combined team of special task force (STF) and specially-trained district reserve guard (DRG) carried out a search operation. The rebels opened fire near Hasnar, about 15 km from Orcha police station, leading to a gunfight. In the retaliatory attack, two women Maoists were killed by the forces. A temporary Maoist camp in the area was also destroyed, the Narayanpur superintendent of police Santosh Singh told the New Indian Express. There was no report of any injury sustained by the forces, the SP said. Some ammunition, rifles, items of daily use, a sewing machine and literature were recovered from the site. It was the second successive successful operation following specific intelligence inputs. A day before, in a joint operation, a Naxal deputy platoon commander was killed at Kamteda village about 140 km from Kanker. Today, the troopers recovered eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) packed in a heavy trunk that were destroyed on the spot. The remaining Maoists fled to the nearby jungle, Kanker deputy inspector general of police Ratan Lal Dangi told the New Indian Express. In a separate incident, a deputy commander of Maoist was arrested by the police in Bijapur district on Wednesday.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: More than 1,600 acres of land under dispute near the Nevali airstrip in Kalyan taluka of Thane district has been tilled by farmers for around 75 years. However, the Ministry of Defence has the

records for all the land in its name.

We have been farming the land since the time of our forefathers. Yes, we too have heard that the land was acquired by the British government during World War II. But, our ancestors told us the land was returned to us after the war and since then we have been tilling it, said Mathur Mhatre, president of the Shri

Malang gad Parisar Jamin Bachav Andolan Samiti, the farmers body that organised Thursdays agitation.

However, commander Rahul Sinha, chief public relations officer (Defence), in a statement released in Mumbai said, The land is owned by Ministry of Defence / Indian Navy and the State government land

records certify the same. The 7/12 extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by Ministry of Defence.

The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard the defence land from further encroachment. The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing police protection and support from state/ district administration and revenue authorities, the statement

added.

What was the defence department doing for the past 75 years? How do they term us encroachers while we have been tilling the land all these years, questioned Mhatre. However, nobody seems to have any answer to queries raised by him or the other villagers. We met Bhamre sahib last month in Mumbai to request him to look into our issue. He promised us that he would consider our case. But nothing happened after that. The people are angered at the prospect of losing their land, Mhatre added.

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre was in Dhule on Thursday when the agitation over the Nevali land turned violent. Speaking to the media, he said he has called a meeting of all the officers

concerned next week and reiterated his promise that the issue would be resolved amicably.



MUMBAI: More than 1,600 acres of land under dispute near the Nevali airstrip in Kalyan taluka of Thane district has been tilled by farmers for around 75 years. However, the Ministry of Defence has the records for all the land in its name. We have been farming the land since the time of our forefathers. Yes, we too have heard that the land was acquired by the British government during World War II. But, our ancestors told us the land was returned to us after the war and since then we have been tilling it, said Mathur Mhatre, president of the Shri Malang gad Parisar Jamin Bachav Andolan Samiti, the farmers body that organised Thursdays agitation. However, commander Rahul Sinha, chief public relations officer (Defence), in a statement released in Mumbai said, The land is owned by Ministry of Defence / Indian Navy and the State government land records certify the same. The 7/12 extracts are held with Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai. The land was acquired by Ministry of Defence. The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard the defence land from further encroachment. The Maharashtra government is fully aware of the subject case and is providing police protection and support from state/ district administration and revenue authorities, the statement added. What was the defence department doing for the past 75 years? How do they term us encroachers while we have been tilling the land all these years, questioned Mhatre. However, nobody seems to have any answer to queries raised by him or the other villagers. We met Bhamre sahib last month in Mumbai to request him to look into our issue. He promised us that he would consider our case. But nothing happened after that. The people are angered at the prospect of losing their land, Mhatre added. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre was in Dhule on Thursday when the agitation over the Nevali land turned violent. Speaking to the media, he said he has called a meeting of all the officers concerned next week and reiterated his promise that the issue would be resolved amicably.
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Four more farmers have allegedly committed suicide since Wednesday night in Madhya Pradesh.

A total of 21 farmers have so far committed suicide in the state since June 8.

A 50-year-old farmer Shatrughan Meena allegedly consumed poison at his house in Guadiya village near Budhni town in Sehore district on Thursday morning. His kin alleged that Meena was under pressure to repay a loan of Rs 10 lakh borrowed from a private lender. Also, he had sunk into a state of depression upon knowing that his land records were missing in the Budhni Tehsil.

Recently, the chief minister had announced that copies of land records will be provided free of cost to farmers. But the deceased farmers kin alleged that despite going to Budhni tehsil several times, they were unable to get their missing land records.

In another incident, Shyam Kumar Yaduvasnhi, a farmer allegedly took his life by consuming pesticide in Chhindwara district on Thursday. His kin claimed that two days ago, the staff of electricity department and a nationalised bank had come to his house for the recovery of outstanding dues. Police are investigating the incident.

Two other suicides were reported from Sagar and Chhatarpur districts. A 48-year-old farmer identified as Gulai Kurmi, a native of the Khimlasa area in the district, allegedly hung himself on Wednesday evening.

A suicide note purportedly written by the farmer blamed a private money lender from whom he had borrowed `1 lakh. Using some fabricated documents, the money lender Shankar Udayniya made Kurmi mortgage a large part of his land as a security for the loan.

Although Kurmi repaid the loan amount, Udayniya demanded more claiming that the loan amount had peaked to `2.5 lakh. Udayniya threatened him with dire consequences, including loss of life in the event of non-payment.

The police are comparing the handwriting in the suicide note with that of Kurmi's handwriting found in other documents. Police promised stringent action against those named in the letter, if the proble could prove the letter's autheticity.

In another incident, a 75-year-old farmer Mahesh Tiwari took his life at his house in Sandhya Vihar Colony in Civil Lines area of Chhatarpur district on Wednesday night. He was allegedly under pressure to repay borrowed money.

However, the police said the primary probe revealed that Tiwari took his life owing to prolonged illness and not debt burden.

BHOPAL: Four more farmers have allegedly committed suicide since Wednesday night in Madhya Pradesh. A total of 21 farmers have so far committed suicide in the state since June 8. A 50-year-old farmer Shatrughan Meena allegedly consumed poison at his house in Guadiya village near Budhni town in Sehore district on Thursday morning. His kin alleged that Meena was under pressure to repay a loan of Rs 10 lakh borrowed from a private lender. Also, he had sunk into a state of depression upon knowing that his land records were missing in the Budhni Tehsil. Recently, the chief minister had announced that copies of land records will be provided free of cost to farmers. But the deceased farmers kin alleged that despite going to Budhni tehsil several times, they were unable to get their missing land records. In another incident, Shyam Kumar Yaduvasnhi, a farmer allegedly took his life by consuming pesticide in Chhindwara district on Thursday. His kin claimed that two days ago, the staff of electricity department and a nationalised bank had come to his house for the recovery of outstanding dues. Police are investigating the incident. Two other suicides were reported from Sagar and Chhatarpur districts. A 48-year-old farmer identified as Gulai Kurmi, a native of the Khimlasa area in the district, allegedly hung himself on Wednesday evening. A suicide note purportedly written by the farmer blamed a private money lender from whom he had borrowed `1 lakh. Using some fabricated documents, the money lender Shankar Udayniya made Kurmi mortgage a large part of his land as a security for the loan. Although Kurmi repaid the loan amount, Udayniya demanded more claiming that the loan amount had peaked to `2.5 lakh. Udayniya threatened him with dire consequences, including loss of life in the event of non-payment. The police are comparing the handwriting in the suicide note with that of Kurmi's handwriting found in other documents. Police promised stringent action against those named in the letter, if the proble could prove the letter's autheticity. In another incident, a 75-year-old farmer Mahesh Tiwari took his life at his house in Sandhya Vihar Colony in Civil Lines area of Chhatarpur district on Wednesday night. He was allegedly under pressure to repay borrowed money. However, the police said the primary probe revealed that Tiwari took his life owing to prolonged illness and not debt burden.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: In a jolt to the UP government, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on Thursday issued directives to the state to produce the original report on the basis of which members of UP Shia Waqf Board were removed. Expressing concern over the removal of nominated members of the Board, the court granted 24 hours to additional advocate General Ramesh Kumar Singh make the governments stand clear over the issue.

Yogi Adityanath government had removed six of 10 nominated members of UP Shia Waqf Board on June 16, 2017, following a probe report of Central Waqf Council (CWC) indicating rampant corruption and irregularities in the Waqf properties. The vacation Bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice SN Agnihotri passed the above order on a writ petition moved by a sacked member Aalima Zaidi and others. The court fixed Friday for next hearing of the matter.

The members who were removed by the state government included Akhtar Hasan Rizvi, Sayed Wali Haider, Ashfa Zaidi, Maulana Azim Husain Zaidi, Aalima Zaidi and Nazmul Hasan Rizvi. They were nominated by the previous Samajwadi Party government. Aalima and others have challenged the removal order in the HC.

Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, advocate Gaurav Mehrotra referred to Section 20 and 20 (A) of Waqf Act, 1995, submitting that the state government flouted the above mentioned sections of the Act while removing the six members from the Board. Advocate Mehrotra also argued that the appointment of the nominated members was a term-bound appointment and as such, the members could not be removed before the expiry of the term.

Opposing the plea on behalf of the state government, additional advocate General Ramesh Kumar Singh sought time to seek instructions and verify the facts. Earlier this month, the government had accepted the recommendation of CWC probe committee, led by Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand Waqf Board in-charge Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, for CBI probe into financial and land irregularities allegedly committed by the officials of both the Boards. Besides, the CWC probe team also recommended to the state government to get the charges of Waqf land grabbing and transfer of funds levelled against SP leader Azam Khan and his wife probed by the central probe agency.

Immediately, after assuming power in the state, Yogi Adityanath government had received a lot of complaints regarding corruption against the chairmen of both the Waqf Boards from various quarters of Muslim community. Subsequently, the state asked CWC to look into the functioning of both the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards. The CWC probe team in its report had reportedly underlined the rampant corruption in the Boards which the report said reached a crescendo during the previous regime with Azam Khan holding the Waqf portfolio. The report not only indicted Azam Khan, who was in-charge of minority affairs then, but also Shia Waqf Board chief Wasim Raza.

LUCKNOW: In a jolt to the UP government, Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on Thursday issued directives to the state to produce the original report on the basis of which members of UP Shia Waqf Board were removed. Expressing concern over the removal of nominated members of the Board, the court granted 24 hours to additional advocate General Ramesh Kumar Singh make the governments stand clear over the issue. Yogi Adityanath government had removed six of 10 nominated members of UP Shia Waqf Board on June 16, 2017, following a probe report of Central Waqf Council (CWC) indicating rampant corruption and irregularities in the Waqf properties. The vacation Bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice SN Agnihotri passed the above order on a writ petition moved by a sacked member Aalima Zaidi and others. The court fixed Friday for next hearing of the matter. The members who were removed by the state government included Akhtar Hasan Rizvi, Sayed Wali Haider, Ashfa Zaidi, Maulana Azim Husain Zaidi, Aalima Zaidi and Nazmul Hasan Rizvi. They were nominated by the previous Samajwadi Party government. Aalima and others have challenged the removal order in the HC. Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, advocate Gaurav Mehrotra referred to Section 20 and 20 (A) of Waqf Act, 1995, submitting that the state government flouted the above mentioned sections of the Act while removing the six members from the Board. Advocate Mehrotra also argued that the appointment of the nominated members was a term-bound appointment and as such, the members could not be removed before the expiry of the term. Opposing the plea on behalf of the state government, additional advocate General Ramesh Kumar Singh sought time to seek instructions and verify the facts. Earlier this month, the government had accepted the recommendation of CWC probe committee, led by Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand Waqf Board in-charge Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, for CBI probe into financial and land irregularities allegedly committed by the officials of both the Boards. Besides, the CWC probe team also recommended to the state government to get the charges of Waqf land grabbing and transfer of funds levelled against SP leader Azam Khan and his wife probed by the central probe agency. Immediately, after assuming power in the state, Yogi Adityanath government had received a lot of complaints regarding corruption against the chairmen of both the Waqf Boards from various quarters of Muslim community. Subsequently, the state asked CWC to look into the functioning of both the Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards. The CWC probe team in its report had reportedly underlined the rampant corruption in the Boards which the report said reached a crescendo during the previous regime with Azam Khan holding the Waqf portfolio. The report not only indicted Azam Khan, who was in-charge of minority affairs then, but also Shia Waqf Board chief Wasim Raza.
By Express News Service

BAGALKOT: A 26-year-old old engineer from Bagalkot has been missing from Hamburg in Germany since Sunday. Manjunath Choori was pursuing his Masters in the German city and is suspected to have been washed away in a river, according to sources in Delhi. But the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to confirm it.

Manjunath Choori

Chooris friend Anil Deshpande, who lives in Hamburg, lodged a missing complaint with Hamburg Police. Sources apparently said Manjunath may have committed suicide by jumping into a river.

His bicycle, shoes and clothes were found on the river bank and search for him is under way. As the river currents are too strong, the search has been called off. However, we are waiting for further confirmation. Police have found a letter in the mail box of Manjunath but not much is known of the letter and its contents, the sources said.

Family members living in Simikeri village in Bagalkot are in a state of shock and unable to believe the information coming from New Delhi. Manjunath had come to Bagalkot in November when his father had expired. He was depressed, but we cant believe he took such an extreme step over the incident. We hope the police conducts a thorough investigation into the matter and traces Manjunath, said a relative of Manjunath.

A 26-year-old engineer from Bagalkot has been missing from Hamburg in Germany since Sunday. Manjunath Choori was pursuing his Masters in the German city. On Wednesday, the family members approached Bagalkot MP P C Gaddigoudar, seeking to expedite the search operation with the help of MEA. We hope God will help us bring our brother back safely, said Kavita, elder sister of Manjunath. He used to call us daily. But since Sunday afternoon we did not receive any call. One of his friends in Germany informed that he is missing. We also heard a letter was found in his room, but there is no clarity on it, Kavita said.

BAGALKOT: A 26-year-old old engineer from Bagalkot has been missing from Hamburg in Germany since Sunday. Manjunath Choori was pursuing his Masters in the German city and is suspected to have been washed away in a river, according to sources in Delhi. But the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is yet to confirm it. Manjunath ChooriChooris friend Anil Deshpande, who lives in Hamburg, lodged a missing complaint with Hamburg Police. Sources apparently said Manjunath may have committed suicide by jumping into a river. His bicycle, shoes and clothes were found on the river bank and search for him is under way. As the river currents are too strong, the search has been called off. However, we are waiting for further confirmation. Police have found a letter in the mail box of Manjunath but not much is known of the letter and its contents, the sources said. Family members living in Simikeri village in Bagalkot are in a state of shock and unable to believe the information coming from New Delhi. Manjunath had come to Bagalkot in November when his father had expired. He was depressed, but we cant believe he took such an extreme step over the incident. We hope the police conducts a thorough investigation into the matter and traces Manjunath, said a relative of Manjunath. A 26-year-old engineer from Bagalkot has been missing from Hamburg in Germany since Sunday. Manjunath Choori was pursuing his Masters in the German city. On Wednesday, the family members approached Bagalkot MP P C Gaddigoudar, seeking to expedite the search operation with the help of MEA. We hope God will help us bring our brother back safely, said Kavita, elder sister of Manjunath. He used to call us daily. But since Sunday afternoon we did not receive any call. One of his friends in Germany informed that he is missing. We also heard a letter was found in his room, but there is no clarity on it, Kavita said.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: UNESCO is likely to ink a pact with multinational oil and gas company ONGC for conservation of ecosystem in and around Chilika lake and protection of birds besides improving livelihood of fishing community.

Chilika lake is the countrys largest brackish water lagoon spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts, covering an area of over 1,100 sq km.

A preliminary survey was conducted by a joint team of ONGC and UNESCO comprising UNESCO Director for India, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka Shigeru Aoyagi and Director (HR) of ONGC DD Misra, who were accompanied by founder of Bhubaneswar Bird Walks Panchami Manoo Ukil.

They visited Mangalajodi wetlands and surrounding villages on Tuesday to have first-hand understanding of the conservation issues of the area. Local BDO, other officials and PRI members also accompanied the visiting team.

Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday, Misra said an ambitious project will be taken up soon to make Chilika a UNESCO world heritage site and provide Mangalajodi bird watchers paradise global recognition.

The team called on Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hailed the efforts made by ONGC and UNESCO for comprehensive development of the lakes ecosystem and wetlands of Mangalajodi, which is intrinsically intertwined with the conservation of migratory and endemic birds.

Maintaining that Chilika is hotspot of biodiversity, Aoyagi appreciated the interest shown by Pradhan in conservation efforts and assured that he will also put in his best efforts to develop Chilika as UNESCOs world heritage site.

A comprehensive dossier having detailed development plan of the ecosystem and its inhabitants by involving various Ministries and departments of both the Union and the State governments will be prepared, he said.

Aoyagi and Misra also met State Environment and Forest Minister Bijayshree Routray and discussed their conservation plan with Secretary of the department Suresh Mohapatra and CEO of Chilika Development Authority Samar Nanda. The Minister assured all possible support from the State Government for the project.

BHUBANESWAR: UNESCO is likely to ink a pact with multinational oil and gas company ONGC for conservation of ecosystem in and around Chilika lake and protection of birds besides improving livelihood of fishing community. Chilika lake is the countrys largest brackish water lagoon spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts, covering an area of over 1,100 sq km. A preliminary survey was conducted by a joint team of ONGC and UNESCO comprising UNESCO Director for India, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka Shigeru Aoyagi and Director (HR) of ONGC DD Misra, who were accompanied by founder of Bhubaneswar Bird Walks Panchami Manoo Ukil. They visited Mangalajodi wetlands and surrounding villages on Tuesday to have first-hand understanding of the conservation issues of the area. Local BDO, other officials and PRI members also accompanied the visiting team. Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday, Misra said an ambitious project will be taken up soon to make Chilika a UNESCO world heritage site and provide Mangalajodi bird watchers paradise global recognition. The team called on Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hailed the efforts made by ONGC and UNESCO for comprehensive development of the lakes ecosystem and wetlands of Mangalajodi, which is intrinsically intertwined with the conservation of migratory and endemic birds. Maintaining that Chilika is hotspot of biodiversity, Aoyagi appreciated the interest shown by Pradhan in conservation efforts and assured that he will also put in his best efforts to develop Chilika as UNESCOs world heritage site. A comprehensive dossier having detailed development plan of the ecosystem and its inhabitants by involving various Ministries and departments of both the Union and the State governments will be prepared, he said. Aoyagi and Misra also met State Environment and Forest Minister Bijayshree Routray and discussed their conservation plan with Secretary of the department Suresh Mohapatra and CEO of Chilika Development Authority Samar Nanda. The Minister assured all possible support from the State Government for the project.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Tollywood star Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena, which held its recruitment camp in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits earlier, has announced that it would hold similar camps in North Telangana to select party workers.

The party chief on Wednesday stated that recruitment drive will be conducted at Adilabad on June 24 and Karimnagar on June 25. Those who are interested to work with the Jana Sena can apply online. Those who are unable to apply online, can directly attend the recruitment drive, the film actor said in a press release here.

HYDERABAD: Tollywood star Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena, which held its recruitment camp in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits earlier, has announced that it would hold similar camps in North Telangana to select party workers. The party chief on Wednesday stated that recruitment drive will be conducted at Adilabad on June 24 and Karimnagar on June 25. Those who are interested to work with the Jana Sena can apply online. Those who are unable to apply online, can directly attend the recruitment drive, the film actor said in a press release here.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Which permissions need to be sought to operate in a Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinic? Which rules related to surrogacy exist?

Telangana Health and Family Welfare department officials said that there are no clear cut guidelines on Surrogacy which helps them to know if any illegal activity is taken up at Hospital where ART procedures are practised.

On Thursday morning, officials of the department will meet to discuss the issue. It is learnt from well-placed sources, the discussions on surrogacy was not slated for the discussions earlier. However, after raids were conducted on Sai Kiran Hospital (a Unit of Kiran Infertility Centre), this was included as a topic in the meeting.

It is learnt that some of the officials are of the opinion that keeping the surrogate mothers at a clinic is wrong. But there are no Acts or sections under which we can book cases. If the sex of a baby is determined before birth, cases can be booked. But there are no clear cut guidelines on surrogacy, sources in the department said.

Apart from surrogacy, discussions will be held on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act(PCPNDT), 1994, and Clinical Establishments Act.

Requirements for surrogacy

After the raids on Saturday, gynecologists and officials have been enquiring about rules required for a hospital to take up surrogacies.

Anurag Chawla, Advocate at Surrogacy Laws India (a firm), said that for a ART Clinic to take up surrogacies, they have to be enrolled under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMRs) National Registry of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinics and Banks in India and take due permissions for a hospital from State concerned.

A Gynecologist, who did not wanted to be named, said that if a Clinic wants to take up ART procedures, they have to register as genetic clinic under PCPNDT Act.

When asked if women can be kept at a clinic until delivery, Anurag Chawla said, They are all human beings. They should be given due care, medical facilities and hygienic food so that they will deliver healthy baby. Newborns belongs to commissioning couples.

Law in the offing

Gynecologists who have been tracking developments in The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 said it is still in draft stage and opinions of doctors, surrogate mothers, were collected on the bill. There might be amendments to the draft Bill, a doctor said. Salient features of the Bil state that abandoning children born out of surrogacy and people or organisations indulging in commercial surrogacy will be jailed for ten years and fined I10 lakh

HYDERABAD: Which permissions need to be sought to operate in a Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinic? Which rules related to surrogacy exist? Telangana Health and Family Welfare department officials said that there are no clear cut guidelines on Surrogacy which helps them to know if any illegal activity is taken up at Hospital where ART procedures are practised. On Thursday morning, officials of the department will meet to discuss the issue. It is learnt from well-placed sources, the discussions on surrogacy was not slated for the discussions earlier. However, after raids were conducted on Sai Kiran Hospital (a Unit of Kiran Infertility Centre), this was included as a topic in the meeting. It is learnt that some of the officials are of the opinion that keeping the surrogate mothers at a clinic is wrong. But there are no Acts or sections under which we can book cases. If the sex of a baby is determined before birth, cases can be booked. But there are no clear cut guidelines on surrogacy, sources in the department said. Apart from surrogacy, discussions will be held on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act(PCPNDT), 1994, and Clinical Establishments Act. Requirements for surrogacy After the raids on Saturday, gynecologists and officials have been enquiring about rules required for a hospital to take up surrogacies. Anurag Chawla, Advocate at Surrogacy Laws India (a firm), said that for a ART Clinic to take up surrogacies, they have to be enrolled under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMRs) National Registry of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinics and Banks in India and take due permissions for a hospital from State concerned. A Gynecologist, who did not wanted to be named, said that if a Clinic wants to take up ART procedures, they have to register as genetic clinic under PCPNDT Act. When asked if women can be kept at a clinic until delivery, Anurag Chawla said, They are all human beings. They should be given due care, medical facilities and hygienic food so that they will deliver healthy baby. Newborns belongs to commissioning couples. Law in the offing Gynecologists who have been tracking developments in The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill 2016 said it is still in draft stage and opinions of doctors, surrogate mothers, were collected on the bill. There might be amendments to the draft Bill, a doctor said. Salient features of the Bil state that abandoning children born out of surrogacy and people or organisations indulging in commercial surrogacy will be jailed for ten years and fined I10 lakh
By AFP

UNITED NATIONS: About 600 troops from Congo Republic serving as UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic will be returning home following allegations of sex abuse, the United Nations announced on Wednesday.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso's government "decided to withdraw" the troops deployed in the MINUSCA mission after the commander complained of misconduct, a UN statement said.

"The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," said the statement.

"These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent-owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops."

The 12,000-strong MINUSCA force has been plagued by a wave of sexual abuse allegations since the mission to help restore stability to the country began in 2014.

Lieutenant General Balla Keita of Senegal told UN headquarters in a leaked memo that he had sent six letters of blame to the battalion commander already this year over alleged sexual abuse, fuel trafficking and lack of discipline.

The 629 peacekeepers deployed in Berberati, the country's third-largest city, are Brazzaville's only contribution to UN peacekeeping.

Despite the departure of the military troops, a smaller contingent of 140 police from Congo Republic will remain in the mission in the Central African Republic, the UN said.

Last year, 120 troops from the same contingent were sent back following allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation involving at least seven victims, six of whom were children.

"The battalion is notorious for SEA (sexual exploitation and abuse) misconducts, fuel trafficking and poor discipline," Keita wrote in the memo sent last month.

"The situation has deteriorated to the point that the battalion is no longer trustable because of poor leadership, lack of discipline, and operational deficiencies," he added.

UN under fire

Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon in 2015 took the rare step of firing the then-head of the peacekeeping force over his handling of dozens of misconduct cases, including the rape of minors.

With sex abuse cases continuing to surface, Ban's successor Antonio Guterres has vowed to toughen up the response to the damaging allegations as he faces pressure from the United States to cut funding for peacekeeping.

UN critics in the United States -- many of whom are in the US Congress -- point to the mounting cases of misconduct by UN peacekeepers to support their campaign to cut funding to UN missions.

The memo and UN assessment of the Congolese troops were released by the Code Blue Campaign of non-governmental organizations seeking to expose cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers.

Code Blue said in a statement that it was relieved by the decision that "will ensure that vulnerable women and children in Berberati will be safe from further predation by that particular battalion."

But the organization asked why the United Nations waited until documents were leaked to take a decision and said the world body must now ensure that soldiers facing credible allegations are prosecuted by Brazzaville authorities.

Under UN rules, it is up to the country contributing troops to a peacekeeping mission to investigate and prosecute criminal cases.

UNITED NATIONS: About 600 troops from Congo Republic serving as UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic will be returning home following allegations of sex abuse, the United Nations announced on Wednesday. President Denis Sassou Nguesso's government "decided to withdraw" the troops deployed in the MINUSCA mission after the commander complained of misconduct, a UN statement said. "The review of the deployment of uniformed military personnel from the Republic of Congo found that the nature and extent of existing allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, in their totality, point to systemic problems in command and control," said the statement. "These problems have also been compounded by issues related to the preparedness, overall discipline, maintenance of contingent-owned equipment, and logistical capacity of these troops." The 12,000-strong MINUSCA force has been plagued by a wave of sexual abuse allegations since the mission to help restore stability to the country began in 2014. Lieutenant General Balla Keita of Senegal told UN headquarters in a leaked memo that he had sent six letters of blame to the battalion commander already this year over alleged sexual abuse, fuel trafficking and lack of discipline. The 629 peacekeepers deployed in Berberati, the country's third-largest city, are Brazzaville's only contribution to UN peacekeeping. Despite the departure of the military troops, a smaller contingent of 140 police from Congo Republic will remain in the mission in the Central African Republic, the UN said. Last year, 120 troops from the same contingent were sent back following allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation involving at least seven victims, six of whom were children. "The battalion is notorious for SEA (sexual exploitation and abuse) misconducts, fuel trafficking and poor discipline," Keita wrote in the memo sent last month. "The situation has deteriorated to the point that the battalion is no longer trustable because of poor leadership, lack of discipline, and operational deficiencies," he added. UN under fire Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon in 2015 took the rare step of firing the then-head of the peacekeeping force over his handling of dozens of misconduct cases, including the rape of minors. With sex abuse cases continuing to surface, Ban's successor Antonio Guterres has vowed to toughen up the response to the damaging allegations as he faces pressure from the United States to cut funding for peacekeeping. UN critics in the United States -- many of whom are in the US Congress -- point to the mounting cases of misconduct by UN peacekeepers to support their campaign to cut funding to UN missions. The memo and UN assessment of the Congolese troops were released by the Code Blue Campaign of non-governmental organizations seeking to expose cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers. Code Blue said in a statement that it was relieved by the decision that "will ensure that vulnerable women and children in Berberati will be safe from further predation by that particular battalion." But the organization asked why the United Nations waited until documents were leaked to take a decision and said the world body must now ensure that soldiers facing credible allegations are prosecuted by Brazzaville authorities. Under UN rules, it is up to the country contributing troops to a peacekeeping mission to investigate and prosecute criminal cases.
By AFP

GOIS: A fire chief reopened the debate over Portugal's deadly forest blaze Wednesday, arguing it had a criminal origin, as hundreds of firefighters struggled to contain it.

Politicians added their voice to those of local people who have questioned the handling of the disaster by the emergency services, as the funerals of the 64 killed took place.

The president of the League of Firefighters, Jaime Marta Soares, said Wednesday he believed that arson had caused the fire, contradicting an earlier account by police.

On Sunday, police chief Almeida Rodrigues had ruled out arson, blaming dry thunderstorms for the blaze after saying they had found a tree hit by lightning.

But Marta Soares told local news media the fire had already been burning for two hours before the storm started Saturday.

"I believe, until there is evidence to the contrary, ... that the fire was of criminal origin," he added.

"The country needs clear answers to legitimate doubts," said the president of the parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, reacting to the claims.

He was addressing lawmakers during a special parliamentary session in memory of the victims of the fire, which has injured more than 200 people.

Questions also remain over how so many people could have died, most of them perishing on a single road that locals say should have been sealed off by first responders.

Early Wednesday, firefighting planes flew sorties over the smouldering forest canopy in the central Pedrogao Grande region, dropping water to bring the blaze there "under control" late afternoon, regional civil protection head Vitor vaz Pinto said.

By the evening, firefighters -- 1,500 were mobilised in all -- and firefighting planes were concentrating on fires in the area around Pampilhosa.

The blaze had appeared to be under control on Tuesday, only for it suddenly to flare again, forcing authorities to evacuate 40 hamlets near the village of Gois, not far from Pampilhosa.

Officials expressed concern that some residents were refusing to leave homes threatened by the flames.

Questions, anger mount

In the tiny village of Alcafaz, near Gois, local people said they had stayed on to fight the fire.

"They told us the fire service would come but they never arrived," said Jose Antonio Gomes, 55, columns of smoke still rising in the hills around the village.

At another hamlet, Candosa, 33-year-old Sergio said he had worked "all day and all night without anyone coming" to help as residents themselves put all hands to the pump.

He says no one came to evacuate them, and locals had to drive the elderly to safety.

As he stood there with others, columns of smoke and flames were appearing over the top of the hill in front of the village. This time though, firefighters were on hand.

Minute's silence

Many of those who perished were caught in their cars as they tried to flee the blaze, most of them on the N236, now dubbed the "road of death" by local media.

"My nephew died, a fireman" said Joaquim Serra da Fonseca, 68. As news of the fire spread on Saturday, his 40-year-old nephew and several colleagues rushed down the road to help.

Faced with the fury of the fire, they turned back but in the thick smoke, they apparently crashed into a car full of people, Serra da Fonseca said.

They were caught by the flames as they tried to help the passengers.

Serra da Fonseca wondered why they were allowed to take the road when police knew that a fire was raging in the area.

Martyrs

Prime Minister Antonio Costa has also asked why the N236 had not been closed to traffic. He has also called for answers as to why the emergency services communications network was interrupted.

Press reports suggested Portugal's fire plan had not been revised for four years and that the intense heat might have made some communication antennae malfunction.

As anger mounted among the relatives of those killed, the daily Publico reported that civil protection personnel and back-up fire crews only reached the fire site two hours after the first emergency calls.

Costa has called for "immediate explanations" from authorities, but insisted that there was "no evidence" of any rapid response failure.

The first funerals began late Tuesday not far from the still-burning forest.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended the funeral of a firefighter in the village of Castanheira de Pera along with several other politicians and hundreds of locals.

A large crowd earlier had gathered in the tiny hamlet of Sarzedas de San Pedro to bury six victims.

The front page of the Correo da Manha showed images of tearful relatives next to pictures of some of those killed alongside a headline that read simply: "Martyrs".

GOIS: A fire chief reopened the debate over Portugal's deadly forest blaze Wednesday, arguing it had a criminal origin, as hundreds of firefighters struggled to contain it. Politicians added their voice to those of local people who have questioned the handling of the disaster by the emergency services, as the funerals of the 64 killed took place. The president of the League of Firefighters, Jaime Marta Soares, said Wednesday he believed that arson had caused the fire, contradicting an earlier account by police. On Sunday, police chief Almeida Rodrigues had ruled out arson, blaming dry thunderstorms for the blaze after saying they had found a tree hit by lightning. But Marta Soares told local news media the fire had already been burning for two hours before the storm started Saturday. "I believe, until there is evidence to the contrary, ... that the fire was of criminal origin," he added. "The country needs clear answers to legitimate doubts," said the president of the parliament Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, reacting to the claims. He was addressing lawmakers during a special parliamentary session in memory of the victims of the fire, which has injured more than 200 people. Questions also remain over how so many people could have died, most of them perishing on a single road that locals say should have been sealed off by first responders. Early Wednesday, firefighting planes flew sorties over the smouldering forest canopy in the central Pedrogao Grande region, dropping water to bring the blaze there "under control" late afternoon, regional civil protection head Vitor vaz Pinto said. By the evening, firefighters -- 1,500 were mobilised in all -- and firefighting planes were concentrating on fires in the area around Pampilhosa. The blaze had appeared to be under control on Tuesday, only for it suddenly to flare again, forcing authorities to evacuate 40 hamlets near the village of Gois, not far from Pampilhosa. Officials expressed concern that some residents were refusing to leave homes threatened by the flames. Questions, anger mount In the tiny village of Alcafaz, near Gois, local people said they had stayed on to fight the fire. "They told us the fire service would come but they never arrived," said Jose Antonio Gomes, 55, columns of smoke still rising in the hills around the village. At another hamlet, Candosa, 33-year-old Sergio said he had worked "all day and all night without anyone coming" to help as residents themselves put all hands to the pump. He says no one came to evacuate them, and locals had to drive the elderly to safety. As he stood there with others, columns of smoke and flames were appearing over the top of the hill in front of the village. This time though, firefighters were on hand. Minute's silence Many of those who perished were caught in their cars as they tried to flee the blaze, most of them on the N236, now dubbed the "road of death" by local media. "My nephew died, a fireman" said Joaquim Serra da Fonseca, 68. As news of the fire spread on Saturday, his 40-year-old nephew and several colleagues rushed down the road to help. Faced with the fury of the fire, they turned back but in the thick smoke, they apparently crashed into a car full of people, Serra da Fonseca said. They were caught by the flames as they tried to help the passengers. Serra da Fonseca wondered why they were allowed to take the road when police knew that a fire was raging in the area. Martyrs Prime Minister Antonio Costa has also asked why the N236 had not been closed to traffic. He has also called for answers as to why the emergency services communications network was interrupted. Press reports suggested Portugal's fire plan had not been revised for four years and that the intense heat might have made some communication antennae malfunction. As anger mounted among the relatives of those killed, the daily Publico reported that civil protection personnel and back-up fire crews only reached the fire site two hours after the first emergency calls. Costa has called for "immediate explanations" from authorities, but insisted that there was "no evidence" of any rapid response failure. The first funerals began late Tuesday not far from the still-burning forest. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended the funeral of a firefighter in the village of Castanheira de Pera along with several other politicians and hundreds of locals. A large crowd earlier had gathered in the tiny hamlet of Sarzedas de San Pedro to bury six victims. The front page of the Correo da Manha showed images of tearful relatives next to pictures of some of those killed alongside a headline that read simply: "Martyrs".
By AFP

LASKHAR GAH: At least 34 people were killed Thursday when a Taliban car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

"At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in today's bombing," the provincial government said in a statement.

This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.

The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah.

Intense fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts.

Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand.

Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground.

US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America is still "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime.

Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump.

The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.

LASKHAR GAH: At least 34 people were killed Thursday when a Taliban car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan's Lashkar Gah city as people were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan. Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky. The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country. The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan. "At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in today's bombing," the provincial government said in a statement. This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children. For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centrepiece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability. The Taliban effectively control or contest 10 of the 14 districts in Helmand, blighted by a huge opium harvest that helps fund the insurgency, and have repeatedly threatened to seize Lashkar Gah. Intense fighting last year forced thousands of people to flee to Lashkar Gah from neighbouring districts. Since they launched their spring offensive in late April, the Taliban have been mounting lethal assaults on the Afghan army and police outposts in Helmand. Washington is soon expected to announce an increase in the US military deployment to bolster Afghan forces as they struggle to contain the insurgency. American military commanders in Afghanistan have requested thousands of extra boots on the ground. US troops in Afghanistan now number about 8,400, and there are another 5,000 from NATO allies, a far cry from the US presence of more than 100,000 six years ago. They mainly serve as trainers and advisers. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis this month acknowledged that America is still "not winning" in Afghanistan nearly 16 years after the US-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime. Mattis said he will present a new US military strategy for Afghanistan, along with adjusted troop numbers, in the coming weeks to US President Donald Trump. The Afghan conflict is the longest in American history, with US-led forces at war since the Taliban regime was ousted in 2001.
Trinity Church honors veterans buried as far back as 1731

The flags will be on display until Nov. 13, and the church graveyard, which is adjacent to the park at Queen Annes Square, is open to the public.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. Morning high of 50F with temps falling to near 40. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 28F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Ryan Smith, an assistant professor of entomology at Iowa State University is encouraging Iowans to take precautions this summer when spending time outdoors in areas commonly populated by mosquitoes and ticks, which can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases that can have serious or potentially fatal outcomes.

Smith is available for interviews, and Iowa State can offer the use of a live television studio if necessary.

Precautions

Smith advised Iowans to wear insect repellent and appropriate clothing when outdoors. Additionally, he urged homeowners to rid their yards of standing water, a prime location for Iowa's most plentiful nuisance mosquitoes to lay eggs.

Smith said tick populations likely will remain near peak levels through the rest of June. While Lyme disease remains the most prevalent in the state, there is also the potential threat of Powasson virus, which is similarly transmitted by deer ticks and is potentially fatal in humans. No cases of the virus have ever been detected in Iowa, but cases have appeared in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

When visiting wilderness areas for activities such as camping, hiking or fishing, Smith recommended regular checks of any exposed skin for ticks followed by a thorough search after returning home.

If you find a tick attached to your body, Smith said using tweezers improves the odds of complete removal. He said maneuvering the tweezers as close to the head of the tick as possible minimizes the chances of leaving behind parts of the tick's mouth that puncture the skin.

Smith said anyone with plans to travel abroad this summer also should stay aware of insect-borne diseases. Infected mosquitoes in parts of South America and Africa, for instance, may transmit yellow fever, which can lead to severe liver disease. World health experts are monitoring an outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil, and Smith said travelers could bring the disease into the United States where native mosquitoes may become infected. Chikungunya virus, another disease transmitted by mosquitoes, raises similar concerns, Smith said.

"If you're going to travel internationally, it's just a good idea to know ahead of time what sort of infectious diseases are out there and what sort of precautions you can take," he said.

Heightened surveillance

For the second year in a row, the ISU Medical Entomology Laboratory has stepped up its efforts to trap the two mosquito species associated with the transmission of Zika virus, which can cause severe birth defects in newborns. The laboratory has expanded its trapping efforts from 15 counties in 2016 to 26 counties this summer. Smith said the laboratory placed many of its trapping sites along the southern and eastern borders of the state, where these species could be introduced.

Last year's surveillance found no specimens of Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species known to transmit the disease, in Iowa. But Smith said there's nothing stopping the mosquitoes from crossing into Iowa from Illinois and Missouri, where Aedes albopictus has been confirmed.

West Nile

The medical entomology laboratory collected 46 pools of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus in 2016, an increase from the 17 pools that tested positive in 2015. Last year's total was the second highest the medical entomology lab has identified in its history. The highest total of positive pools was 66 in 2013.

"There are several variables that impact the prevalence of West Nile in Iowa in a given year, some of which we're only beginning to understand," Smith said. "But you can count on Iowa having some West Nile-positive mosquitoes."

Most Iowans can count on a few bug bites, too, but taking the proper precautions will help to keep them to a minimum, he said.
Bottom Line: A microscopic fungus called Candida tropicalis triggered gut inflammation and exacerbated symptoms of Crohn's disease, in a recent study conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Meeting Where the Study was Presented: Digestive Disease Week May 5-9, 2017 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Senior Author: Fabio Cominelli, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Division Chief of Gastroenterology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Cominelli also served as senior author on five other studies presented at the conference.

Lead Author: Luca Di Martino, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Digestive Health Research Institute at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Background: Colon inflammation, or colitis, is a painful yet common symptom in Crohn's disease. Scientists believe colitis is caused by an abnormal immune response during which the body tries to fight an infection, but also attacks the intestinal tract. According to the new study, C. tropicalis infection may intensify this malfunction.

Said Di Martino, "The type of microorganisms that live in our intestine, our microbiome, has been shown to be a key element for triggering Crohn's disease. Recent studies have shown that the abundance of the fungus Candida tropicalis is significantly higher in the intestine of Crohn's disease patients compared to healthy people." Di Martino investigated how C. tropicalis and other gut microorganisms may influence intestinal inflammation.

How the Study Was Conducted: Researchers induced colitis symptoms in mice by adding low levels of dextran sodium sulfate to mice drinking water. The chemical causes acute intestinal injury, similar to a colitis flare. Next, they infected a subset of the mice with C. tropicalis fungi and examined the mouse intestinal tracts and gut bacteria.

Results: Researchers discovered mice infected with C. tropicalis fungi had intensified Crohn's disease symptoms, compared to uninfected mice. The findings suggest anti-fungal medications could combat debilitating symptoms of the disease by lowering gut levels of C. tropicalis.

"Our data demonstrate that C. tropicalis may play a pro-inflammatory role in intestinal injury by exacerbating gut inflammation during the recovery phase of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis," the authors wrote. "We speculate that infection with the fungus C. tropicalis may play a role in triggering flares during Crohn's disease and that anti-fungal therapy may be beneficial in Crohn's disease patients."

The researchers suggest C. tropicalis fungus may trigger gut inflammation by modulating levels of other gut bacteria. Said Di Martino, "We found that high levels of C. Tropicalis increases the abundance of harmful proteobacteria in the intestine, such as E. coli, disrupting the normal balance of the gut bacteria and creating a dysbiosis, a key element that triggers intestinal inflammation."

Infected mice had several signs of debilitating gut inflammation. Endoscopies revealed colons from infected mice had 4.5 times higher levels of particular inflammatory molecules (called IFN-) associated with colitis. Under the microscope, infected intestinal tracts also had more severe visual signs of swelling than those from uninfected mice.

Author Comment: "We discovered that experimental mice infected with C. tropicalis were more susceptible to intestinal inflammation compared to uninfected mice," Di Martino said.

"The most exciting discovery was that in the infected mice there was a significantly higher abundance of proteobacteria, the same type of deleterious bacteria found increased in Crohn's patients," Di Martino said. "This confirmed that the presence and the abundance of fungi in the intestine have the ability to modify the bacteria living in our intestine, leading to a dysbiosis which will eventually trigger an inflammatory syndrome."

"As a next step, we want to confirm the role of the fungi in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease by treating infected mice with antifungal drugs to decrease symptoms of intestinal inflammation," Di Martino said. "If our hypothesis is right, that would open the door to novel antifungal therapies to treat Crohn's disease patients."

Limitations: This study tested the effects of human gut bacteria in an animal model, and results may not fully translate to human disease. The researchers also induced colitis in mice acutely using dextran sodium sulfate, while colitis is often a chronic condition in humans.

Source: http://casemed.case.edu/cwrumed360/news-releases/release.cfm?news_id=664
An international team of scientists including the Computation Institute has determined the 3-D atomic structures of more than 1,000 proteins that are potential targets for drugs and vaccines to combat some of the world's most dangerous emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

These experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, an international archive freely available to the scientific community. The 3-D structures help expedite drug and vaccine research and advance the understanding of pathogens and organisms causing infectious disease.

"Almost 50 percent of the structures that we have deposited in the Protein Data Bank are proteins that were requested by scientific investigators from around the world," said Wayne Anderson of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, who is director of the project. "The NIH has also requested us to work on proteins for potential drug targets or vaccine candidates for many diseases, such as the Ebola virus, the Zika virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We have determined several key structures from these priority organisms and published the results in high-impact journals such as Nature and Cell."

This milestone effort, funded by two five-year contracts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), totaling a budget of $57.7 million, represents a decade of work by the Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID). CSGID is led by Anderson in partnership with the University of Chicago, the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the University of Calgary, the University of Toronto, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the UT Southwestern Medical Center, the J. Craig Venter Institute, the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and University College London.

Before work begins on a targeted protein, a board appointed by the NIH examines each request. Once approved, the protein must be cloned, expressed and crystallized, and then X-ray diffraction data is collected at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Photon Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility at Argonne National Laboratory. This data defines the location of each of the hundreds or even thousands of atoms to generate 3-D models of the proteins' structures that can be analyzed with graphics software.

Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

Each institution in the Center has an area of expertise it contributes to the project, working in parallel on many requests at once.

The University of Chicago team focuses on antibiotic resistance factors such as metallo -lactamases, essential enzymes that are potential drug candidates, as well as transcription factors responsible for virulence from pathogenic bacteria.

Argonne Distinguished Scientist Andrzej Joachimiak, the co-principal investigator of CSGID, said the initiative was a highly collaborative effort. The team works closely with microbiologists and chemists from the biology community to identify chemicals that will inhibit protein activity; then they produce and crystallize proteins with those inhibitors bound to determine their structures using X-ray crystallography.

The University of Chicago team has recently characterized protein crystal structures with novel inhibitors from two important agents that cause human disease: Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Cryptosporidium parvium, responsible for tuberculosis and the parasitical infection cryptosporidiosis, respectively.

In their research, the team uses community resources in the Advanced Protein Characterization Facility and data collection facilities at the Advanced Photon Source.

Until recently, the process of determining the 3-D structure of a protein took many months or even years  but advances in technology, such as crystallization methods, the powerful X-rays from the Advanced Photon Source, upgrades to computational hardware and software, and automation of many of the steps have dramatically accelerated the process.
Republicans in the U.S. Senate on Thursday unveiled a bill that would dramatically transform the nation's Medicaid program, make significant changes to the federal health law's tax credits that help lower-income people buy insurance and allow states to water down changes to some of the law's coverage guarantees.

The bill also repeals the tax mechanism that funded the Affordable Care Act's benefits, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy and health care industry.

Most senators got their first look at the bill as it was released Thursday morning. It had been crafted in secret over the past several weeks. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is seeking a vote on the bill before Congress leaves next week for its Fourth of July recess.

Senators had promised that their ACA replacement would be very different than the version that passed the House in May, but the bill instead follows the House's lead in many ways.

At lightning speed and with a little over a week for wider review, the Republicans bill could influence health care and health insurance of every American. Reversing course on some of the more popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act, it threatens to leave tens of millions of lower-income Americans without insurance and those with chronic or expensive medical conditions once again financially vulnerable.

Like the House measure, the Senate bill, which is being called a "discussion draft," would not completely repeal the ACA but would roll back many of the law's key provisions. Both bills would also  for the first time  cap federal funding for the Medicaid program, which covers more than 70 million low-income Americans. Since its inception in 1965, the federal government has matched state spending for Medicaid. The new bill would shift much of that burden back to states.

The bill would also reconfigure how Americans with slightly higher incomes who dont qualify for Medicaid would get tax credits to help pay insurance premiums and eliminate penalties for those who fail to obtain insurance and employers who fail to provide it. It also would make it easier for states to waive consumer protections in the ACA that require insurance companies to charge the same premiums to sick and healthy people and to provide a specific set of benefits.

We agreed on the need to free Americans from Obamacares mandates, and policies contained in the discussion draft will repeal the individual mandate so Americans are no longer forced to buy insurance they dont need or cant afford; will repeal the employer mandate so Americans no longer see their hours and take-home pay cut by employers because of it, McConnell said on the floor of the Senate after releasing the bill. He also noted that the bill would help stabilize the insurance markets that are collapsing under Obamacare as well.

As expected, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) assailed the bill, saying it would strip away health care benefits and protections from Americans who need it most through changes in Medicaid and the ACAs essential health benefits. Even though much of the early reporting says the bill will keep certain protections for Americans with preexisting conditions, he added, the truth is it may well not guarantee them the coverage they need. By allowing states to waive essential health benefits, what the bill is saying to those Americans is: Insurance still has to cover you, but it doesnt have to cover what you may actually need; it doesnt have to cover all or even most of your costs.

The White House had no immediate comment, but President Donald Trump has been pressuring Congress to pass a health bill quickly.

It is not clear that the bill will make it through the Senate, or that all of it will even make it to the Senate floor. The Senate (like the House) is operating under a special set of budget rules that allow it to pass this measure with only a simple majority vote and block Democrats from dragging out the debate by using a filibuster. But the "budget reconciliation" process comes with strict rules, including the requirement that every provision of the bill primarily impact the federal budget, either adding to or subtracting from federal spending.

For example, the legislation as released includes a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. That is a key demand of anti-abortion groups and some congressional conservatives, because Planned Parenthood performs abortions with non-federal funding. But it is not yet clear that the Senate parliamentarian will allow that provision to be included in the bill.

Also still in question is a provision of the Senate bill that would allow states to waive insurance regulations in the Affordable Care Act. Many budget experts say that runs afoul of Senate budget rules because the federal funding impact is "merely incidental" to the policy.

Drafting the Senate bill has been a delicate dance for McConnell. With only 52 Republicans in the chamber and Democrats united in opposition to the unraveling of the health law, McConnell can afford to lose only two votes and still pass the bill with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence. McConnell has been leading a small working group of senators  all men  but even some of those have complained they were not able to take part in much of the shaping of the measure, which seems to have been largely written by McConnell's own staff.

So far, McConnell has been fielding complaints from the more moderate and more conservative wings of his party. And the draft that has emerged appears to try to placate both.

For example, as sought by moderates, the bill would phase down the Medicaid expansion from 2020 to 2024, somewhat more slowly than the House bill does. But it would still end eventually. The Senate bill also departs from the House bill's flat tax credits to help pay for insurance, which would have added thousands of dollars to the premiums of poorer and older people not yet eligible for Medicare.

A Congressional Budget Office report estimating the Senate bill's impact on individuals and the federal budget is expected early next week. The House bill, according to the CBO, would result in 23 million fewer Americans having health insurance over 10 years.

For conservatives, however, the Senate bill would clamp down even harder on Medicaid in later years. The cap imposed by the House would grow more slowly than Medicaid spending has, but the Senate's cap would grow even more slowly than the House's. That would leave states with few options, other than raising taxes, cutting eligibility, or cutting benefits in order to maintain their programs.

Defenders of the health law were quick to react.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) complained about changes to coverage guarantees in the ACA.

"I also want to make special note of the state waiver provision. Republicans have twisted and abused a part of the Affordable Care Act I wrote to promote state innovation, and they're using it to give insurance companies the power to run roughshod over individuals," he said in a statement issued shortly after the bill was released. "This amounts to hiding an attack on basic health care guarantees behind state waivers, and I will fight it at every turn."

"The heartless Senate health care repeal bill makes health care worse for everyone  it raises costs, cuts coverage, weakens protections and cuts even more from Medicaid than the mean House bill," said a statement from Protect Our Care, an umbrella advocacy group opposing GOP changes to the health law. "They wrote their plan in secret and are rushing forward with a vote next week because they know how much harm their bill does to millions of people."
A new study published in the American Heart Association has found that the risk of a heart attack or stroke is reduced later in life in mothers who breastfeed their babies.

Credit: didesign02/Shutterstock.com

Breastfeeding is not beneficial for babies alone. Although previous studies have reported that mothers receive short-range health benefits from breastfeeding, like weight loss and lowered levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels post-pregnancy, there are no clear findings of the long-term effects of breastfeeding on the risk of developing heart diseases in mothers.

Study findings in China reveal a 10% lower risk of developing heart disease or stroke in women who breastfeed their babies.

A research team from the University of Oxford, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking University examined the data of 289,573 Chinese women who participated in the China Kadoorie Biobank study. The average age of the women was 51 years. The participants provided detailed information about their reproductive history and other lifestyle-related factors.

Almost all the participants enrolled for the study were mothers and none had heart disease. An 8-year follow-up has found coronary heart diseases including heart attacks in 16,671 participants and stroke in 23,983 participants.

A range of risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and physical activity that could have biased the study outcomes were considered by the researchers. They noticed the following:

The risk of developing heart diseases and stroke is reduced by 9% and 8%, respectively, in mothers who breastfeed their babies compared with women who had never breastfed. When the breastfeeding period is for 2 years or more the risk is reduced by 18% in heart diseases and by 17% in stroke. A lower risk of 4% in heart disease and 3% in stroke is associated in each additional 6 months of breastfeeding per infant.

Although we cannot establish the causal effects, the health benefits to the mother from breastfeeding may be explained by a faster "reset" of the mother's metabolism after pregnancy. Pregnancy changes a woman's metabolism dramatically as she stores fat to provide the energy necessary for her baby's growth and for breastfeeding once the baby is born. Breastfeeding could eliminate the stored fat faster and more completely," Co-author, Sanne Peters, Ph.D., research fellow at the University of Oxford, UK

The authors mentioned that women who breastfeed may be more likely to get involved in other health promoting behaviors that reduce heart disease risk, compared to women who do not breastfeed their babies.

As the study is observational, it does not prove the cause and effects. A different type ofstudy proving results through behavior needs to be done to confirm the information supplied by mothers as in this study regarding their history of breastfeeding.

Compared with Chinese women, the duration of breastfeeding is shorter in U.S. women. According to the World Health Organization, 97% of the women in this study had breastfed each of their infants for an average of 1 year as against 30% of women in the U.S in 2016.

Yet, the risk of coronary heart diseases is significantly less only in women with lifetime duration of breastfeeding of 2 years or more than those who never breastfed, reveals the U.S. Nurses' Health Study. The American Heart Association recommends 12 months of breastfeeding, if possible.

"The findings should encourage more widespread breastfeeding for the benefit of the mother as well as the child," said Zhengming Chen, M.B.B.S., D.Phil., senior study author and professor of epidemiology at the University of Oxford. "The study provides support for the World Health Organization's recommendation that mothers should breastfeed their babies exclusively for their first six months of life."
Mobile phone text messaging is a powerful tool for improving quality of care, as shown by Jose Antonio Nhavoto in his doctoral thesis in informatics at orebro University. He has developed and tested a method in Mozambique, helping patients with severe diseases to follow through with their treatments.

"Patients who received text messages felt that their doctor cared and the method proved to be significant in getting people to show up for their appointments," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

Combining care and communication in his thesis project, Jose Antonio Nhavoto has examined how text messages can be used in several different ways to improve care for patients linked to 16 healthcare centers in the Maputo region in his native Mozambique. The actual technology was already in place, but it was given a new scope and new content.

"The patients were undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis, diseases with among the highest mortality rate in the country. In addition, these diseases are stigmatizing.

A very tangible result of the project was that the number of missed doctor's appointments reduced radically - from one in four to near enough none at all. This based on a patient group of 50,000.

The patients had four different types of text messages linked to their treatments. Two of them were reminders - of doctor's appointments and of picking up prescriptions. A third type was aiming at encouraging and motivating the patients to follow their treatments.

"The fourth message category focused on information, for example on how to avoid having others catching the disease and the possibility to test for HIV for free," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

All text messages were anonymous but personal in as much as they were based on the medical records for each patient, which were held at the healthcare centers.

Using text messages for the improvement of care turned out to work very well in this project, both for patients and for healthcare staff. But the benefits do not stop there.

"The technology used is cheap and easy to scale up. It can be used for other diseases and in other countries. In India, mobile phones are widely used. Even in affluent countries such as Sweden, where many people own much more advanced phones, voice messaging or even video may well be a development of what we have done here," says Jose Antonio Nhavoto.

He is now returning to Mozambique and is hoping to present his finding to the Ministry of Health and to various aid organizations. One advantage with the text messaging technology in a poor country is that it is cheap and that mobile phones are relatively common. But there are obstacles to be overcome:

"Women in rural areas in Mozambique are not allowed mobile phones so they are relying on their husbands. Neither do healthcare centers in certain areas have any computers, since there is no electricity. What people do have, however, is the possibility to charge their phones.

Using text messaging within healthcare in Mozambique is consequently not only a question of technology and healthcare as such, but it is also dependent on cultural and social conditions. And language. There are 43 different local languages, in addition to the official Portuguese used in this particular project.
Bengaluru: A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.



The lawsuit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.



Green's counsel Kilgore and Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of defendant's obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapur's discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."



"His termination was in violation of defendant's policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.



"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination...Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," he said.



The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to June 28, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the "discriminatory nature of Infosys's employment practices".



Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."



The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.



Infosys co-founder Mohandas Pai told PTI, "The filing of lawsuit by Green against Infosys alleging employee discrimination will not have any bearings on the company's intent to hire 10,000 Americans in next two years."



"It will not affect the recruitment because it is very difficult to hire 10,000 people in two years. It's a tall target, and one quarter is nearly over.. These are statements that one can make to please politicians," he said.



Earlier, Head Hunters India founder and MD K Lakshmikanth had said the move to hire 10,000 American workers in next two years "can be seen as an act of Infosys to appease Trump's administration, which could file legal suites against IT companies, including Infosys for 'misuse' of H-1B work visas programme".



Pai, a former director of Infosys, said, "Since Infosys is not an American company, it is very easy to level charges of discrimination, and nobody wants to go for trial."


New Delhi: The NATGRID, a network aimed at sharing information about terrorists among security agencies, will now be getting access to the Income Tax Department's PAN records and individual taxpayers' data.



The ambitious project conceived by the then Home Minister P Chidambaram during UPA II rule will soon be getting new powers to access tax payers' information after it signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Income Tax department.



According to an order issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the department will share 'bulk information', starting from the Permanent Account Number (PAN) to the taxpayer's name and all the individual data that it captures like father's name, gender, date of birth, photograph and signature or thumb impression.



The department will also share with the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) all information available in the department's database regarding residential and office addresses, addresses for communication, email addresses and phone and mobile numbers of all the taxpayers.



The MoU with the NATGRID that functions under the Union home ministry will also include confidentially clause so that transfer of personal data is safe.



As per data, while there are over 25 crore PAN holders in the country, the actual number of taxpayers is about 5 crore. The NATGRID, which is still in nascent stage, in different phases, will connect data providing organisations and users besides developing a legal structure through which information can be accessed by the law enforcement agencies.



In the first phase, 10 user agencies and 21 service providers will be connected. Later, about 1,950 additional organisations will be linked in the subsequent phases.



These data sources include records related to immigration entry and exit, banking and financial transactions and telecommunications. The agencies include the Intelligence Bureau, local police and revenue and customs departments.



While the clearance for the Rs 3,400 crore project from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) came in 2011, its execution slowed down after the exit of Chidambaram in July 2012.



There are around 70 personnel, drawn from both the government and private sectors, are working in the NATGRID.










This is the wine industry's new normal: heavy rains, floods, hailstones, drought and sometimes even frost. Wine makers who once took great pleasure in competing against each other to offer the best wine on the market are now locked in a duel with Mother Nature to simply save the vines they manage to grow. In just the past few years, rising temperatures have devastated crops in warmer climates worldwide.







Last year in Australia and Chile, for example, an unprecedented heatwave sparked forest fires and in France, one hailstorm nearly wiped out entire harvests in April. Wine production in 2016 slumped to its lowest level in two decades, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine.







The changes and the harm will get worse in the future no matter what action society takes, because of time lags in the climate system and the energy system, John Holdren, professor of Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard University, told AFP. In an effort to save their livelihoods, vignerons have gathered at the prestigious Vinexpo in the world's most storied wine region this week to hash out solutions to mitigate these climate challenges. The future harm will be much smaller if society takes strong remedial action than if it does not, Holdren said.















Low-tech approach







The planet's surface temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 Fahrenheit) since the late 19th century, according to NASA, intensifying the risk of bushfires and droughts, while altering rainfall patterns. This has in turn affected wine's harvesting seasons.







Vines are very sensitive plants, Gaia Gaja, co-owner of leading Gaja Winery in Italy, told AFP. They're like a thermometer. They register every little variation that there is around them. Winemakers have found that global warming can cause grapes to ripen earlier, which changes their sugar and acid levels, leading to lower-quality wines with higher alcohol content.







We need big changes, Miguel Torres, president of Spanish wine company Bodegas Torres, said during a news conference on the issue. He suggested that wine-producing estates join together in a global grouping to try to counter the effects of climate change and encourage changes by other companies.







For some winemakers, these changes mean using low-tech approaches to delay harvesting times and increase soil moisture. They are experimenting with pruning later or using grape varieties that take longer to ripen, or thrive in warmer climes or are resistant to drought. But these grapes are not yet ready to be turned into great wines, according to winemakers.







Winemakers are also experimenting with growing drought-tolerant vines, Gaja said. Her company's Italian vineyards eschew chemical products in favour of more organic compounds such as mulches and compost to keep the soil moist or allowing grass to grow freely underneath vines to provide shade in dry spells and suck up excess moisture when wet.















'Premium wines at risk'











For others, the solution is as simple as reaching out to influencers to make them aware of the growing wine market problem. Everybody understands something about wine, Holdren said. Practically everybody drinks wine and many influential people drink premium wine and I think to the extent we can persuade influential people that their premium wines are at risk, we will have a very powerful voice in this discussion.







For winemakers who have no choice but adapt to this new normal, solutions do not come cheap. The Torres company has invested about 12 million euros ($13 million) in research, trying to alter the CO2 content of different matter -- such as algae and methane -- to recycle water and lower its energy consumption by 25 percent.







Our job in the last 15 years has become not about taking care of vineyards but taking care of life, Gaja said. Disappearing vineyards have become another consequence of climate change, prompting companies to look for planting harvests elsewhere. Torres. for instance, has bought land in the south of Chile, near lakes, while the French wine and champagne company Taittinger has gone to Britain in hopes of finding vineyards to make its sparkling wine.
New UK research suggests that older fathers have sons who are more intelligent, more focused on their own interests, and less concerned with fitting in at school, helping to give them an educational boost.



Carried out by a team from King's College London along with The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the USA, the large-scale study looked at behavioral and cognitive data from 15,000 UK-based twin pairs in the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS).



At age 12, participants were asked to complete online tests that measured what the team called 'geek-like' traits, including non-verbal IQ, a strong focus on a subject of interest and levels of social aloofness.



Parents were also asked whether their child cared about how they are perceived by their peers, and if they had any interests which took up a large portion of their time.



The researchers found that sons of older fathers were more likely to demonstrate the "geek-like" traits, care less about what their peers thought of them, and spend more time on their special interests.



In addition, they also found that they performed better in school exams, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, even several years after study finished.



This results also still held even after the team took into account parents' social/economic status, qualifications and employment.



Although previous research has found that older fathers have children with a higher risk of negative health outcomes, including autism and schizophrenia, the new study suggests that children with older dads may have some advantages when it comes to education and career.



The study did not look directly into how environmental factors play a role, but the team did put forward some suggestions.



As older fathers are more likely to have established their careers and have a higher socioeconomic status than younger fathers, their children may be brought up in more enriched environments and have access to better schooling.



The team also hypothesized that there is a genetic link between older paternal age, autism, and the personality traits found in the study, suggesting that some of the genes for the "geek-like" traits and for autism are overlapping, and that those genes are more likely to be present in older fathers.



"When the child is born only with some of those genes, they may be more likely to succeed in school. However, with a higher 'dose' of these genes, and when there are other contributing risk factors, they may end up with a higher predisposition for autism. This is supported by recent research showing that genes for autism are also linked with higher IQ," explained Dr Magdalena Janecka from King's College London and The Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai.



The findings can be found published online in the journal Translational Psychiatry.
Patna: Living up to its previous record, Simulata High School in Jamui, Bihar, has once again dominated the class 10 results, having the maximum number of students from a single school in top ten.



Despite school's sterling show, teachers were a little disappointed because the topper, unlike the last three years, was not from their school.



Topper Prem Kumar, from Lakhisarai district, has scored 93 percent while the second topper, Bhavya Kumari, from Simultala High School, scored 92.8 percent. Her batchmate Harshita bagged the third position in the state.



Eleven students figure in the list of top ten students because some students scored equal marks. Simulata High School Principal Dr vRajeev Ranjan said, I was hoping the first position would also rest with us. I can understand every year it cant happen. Overall, I am satisfied with the result.



Five students from the same school have cleared IIT advance test, a huge achievement for any government school in Bihar.



Chief Minister Nitish Kumar established Simultala Awasiya Vidyalaya in 2010 with much fanfare amid demands for a school in the state which could meet the standards of famous Netarhal School in Jharkhand.



Students are admitted in this School on the basis of a written test and interview. Students of the school also fared well in the Intermediate examination. Khushboo Kumari was declared state topper in science stream.




Thiruvananthapuram: A BJP's Yuva Morcha booth president was arrested on Thursday after fake currency notes and a colour printer were seized from his house in Keralas Thrissur district.



According to Thrissur district police chief N Vijaya Kumar, the team that was conducting raids as part of Operation Kubera to crackdown down on illegal money lenders found counterfeit notes of Rs 2000, 500, 50, 20 at Yuva Morcha leader Rakesh's house.



The total worth of the fake notes seized is Rs 1, 37, 590.



Rakesh, a prominent BJP leader in the area, has been arrested and charged. He is known to loan money to local people in the area.



Kumar said, "Rakesh's brother Rajeev is absconding and we are on the look out for him. Rajeev is also a leader of the Yuva Morcha."



Police have seized a colour printer, plain sheets of paper and fake currency notes from his house during the raid.



The BJP has suspended both Rakesh and Rajeev from the primary membership of the party.
Thiruvananthapuram: A 57-year-old farmer hanged himself outside a Village Administrative Office in Kerala's Kozhikode district after the officials refused to accept his land tax for the lack of property deed. He is survived by his wife and three children, police said.



Kaavilpurayidathil Joy's tried to deposit tax over the past year-and-a-half as the officials continued stonewalling his efforts, saying his property was a disputed one. Joy wanted the receipts of the property tax so that he could pawn his land to help support his children's education.



This was not the first time when Joy had tried to pay his property tax. His family had earlier sat on a dharna as well to persuade officials.



Joy's family has alleged that he had warned the officials of committing suicide if they didn't accept his tax.



Village Council chief Shiji said the state authorities were requested to extend a helping hand to the family. "We requested them to provide a state government job to one member of the deceased's family."



Shiji also said that it was understood that Joy had taken a loan of Rs 10 lakh.



Kozhikode district collector U V Jose said that the village officer and assistant village officer have been suspended pending enquiry.



State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran on Thursday said the incident was most unfortunate.



"The district collector has been asked to find out what happened and we will ensure that all steps are taken against erring officials at the village office," IANS quoted Chandrasekheran as saying.



Revenue officials from various places have been reported to have declined to accept land tax from farmers, citing various technical issues.



State Power Minister M.M. Mani, who arrived at the residence of Joy on Thursday, said that he has spoken to the district collector. Mani assured justice to Joy's family.



"The state cabinet will take a compassionate approach in this case and will do the needful," Mani told the media.



Deputy collector land and Revenue is inquiring into the matter and a report will be submitted soon.



(With inputs from agencies)
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended former Mandsaur collector Swatantra Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP) OP Tripathi and City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sai Krishna S Thota over the violent farmer agitation that was witnessed in the area.



On June 6, the police opened fire on agitating farmers killing five of them and another farmer allegedly beaten up by the police died during treatment at MY Hospital in Indore. This sparked widespread furore in neighbouring districts, including Neemuch, Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Shajapur and Ratlam.



The police action at Mandsaur had left the Shivraj government red-faced.



The farmers and opposition parties, especially Congress, have demanded stringent action against the policemen and officers responsible for the shootout.



Interestingly, the Collector and SP were transferred by the state government after the June 6 incident. It is believed that these officers have faced state government action for their alleged inability in handling the law and order situation during the farmer protests.



Meanwhile, Dinesh Sharma - head of the MP Panchayat Sachiv Sangthan - was also arrested by police on Wednesday. Sources claimed that Sharma was nabbed for his alleged role in the farmer agitation.



However, the police claimed that Sharma was wanted in some past cases and arrest warrant was issued against him.
Thane: Four policemen were injured when farmers protesting against land acquisition for a proposed airport at Nevali, around 50km from Mumbai, torched vehicles and clashed with the police on Thursday.



The agitated farmers also blocked a busy road in the area by throwing burning tyres on it, a police official told PTI.



The farmers have been protesting a move by the state government that took place a few years back, to acquire land in the area to set up the proposed airport.



However, their protest turned violent on Thursday as the farmers started agitating simultaneously at several places near Nevali.



The angry protesters also clashed with police and pelted security personnel with stones when they tried to control the situation, the police official said.



Three police officers and a constable sustained injuries in the clash, he said.



Policemen also fired plastic bullets at the protesters to disperse them, police said.



The protesters blocked the Kalyan-Haji Malang road in the area by throwing burning tyres and wooden blocks on it.

They also torched a police van, three trucks, two bikes and a tempo in the area, the official said.



Senior police and revenue officials rushed to the spot to control the situation.



The aggrieved farmers had earlier this month approached the Bombay High Court with a bunch of petitions challenging acquisition of over 1,600 acre land by the Ministry of Defence for an airport requisitioned during World War II.



According to the petitions, the land was requisitioned by the government through an order passed by the then Thane collector in February 1943, under the Defence of India Rules.



The petitions have challenged the validity of the requisition order.



(With inputs from PTI)
It was a special day for the family of Aarti Sharma in Agra It started began with a visit to the temple as the family prepared for the arrival of some unexpected help from a distant state.Aarti had shot to prominence earlier, after she put out a heartfelt appeal for help offering to sell her kidney to fund the education of her three daughters and one son.Aarti lives with eight family members in a 330-sq-ft rented room at Rohata in Agra.According to her, demonetisation had pushed her family into poverty, as their garment business shut down. But she was determined that her children get a good education.After News18 Kerala reported the familys plight, CPM MLA James Mathew from Taliparamba in Kannur took up Aartis cause. Today was the culmination of a month-long initiative launched in his home district.School children from 150 schools in Kannur had come together to collect money to help Aartis family. Over 2 lakh rupees were brought to Agra by two school teachers, with the help of a Malayali Association in Delhi. The family looked visibly elated as Aarti, her husband and children arrived at the Bhagath Singh memorial community hall.'Hum Thumhare Saath Hein, Hum Sab Ek Saath Hein ( We are with you, we are all together)' was the chant by one of the teachers who had got the money which brought tears in the eyes of the family.When some in her own state of UP were reluctant to pitch in, the help from students in distant Kerala calling her mother came as an unexpected surprise for Aarti.Apart from the monetary aid, Aartis family was also presented with a memento affixed to which was a pair of gold earrings donated to them by a child artist in Kerala.The teachers have also extended the offer of free education to Aartis children if they are willing to move to Kerala. James Mathew, MLA, said: There are lots of good schools in Kerala. Taking this as an opportunity to offer good education to the children in other states, we are inviting them. They can study and live in Kerala as long as they want."News18 Kerala spoke to Aartis eldest daughter, Navya, who said, We have heard a lot about Kerala. We are interested to go there for our education. We are ready to go anywhere for a good education."Little help came for Aarti from the BJP-ruled UP government. Yet the party has accused the Left government in Kerala of using aid for Aarti as an excuse to paint the saffron party in a bad light.James Mathew brushed off these allegations, saying: In Kerala, we are working hard to ensure free and quality education to all. We just wanted to extend this to helpless children in other states.
In an apparent case of class profiling, the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan has started painting I am poor or I am extremely poor outside the houses of BPL families as a condition to avail subsidised food grains.The humiliating markings have been made to separate the poor from the well-to-do families that abuse the subsidies as the government struggles to fix the public distribution system.More than 1.5 lakh houses in Dausa district have been painted by the state government. The exercise is reportedly being undertaken all over the state.The stamp of poverty also includes the names of the people on the outside walls of their houses and that they receive ration from the government under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).The people who benefit from the schemes say they feel ashamed and insulted because of the markings. All the people passing by see this and make fun of us. We feel ashamed. It is as if the government is trying to provoke us, said a Dausa resident.I am poor and receive ration from the government under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) is written outside a house in Dausa, Rajasthan.Another villager said that just for a few kilograms of wheat, their walls were spoiled by the government. For three people, they gave us 15kg wheat for three months. For this, they spoiled our wall. They are mocking the poor people, she said.The Raje government, which has already been under scrutiny for lynchings, has come under attack from the opposition parties for the move.Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari held a press conference on Thursday and called the marking a sick joke on the poor. If the state government provides them ration under the Food Security Act, its their legal right, and not a charity from the government. It proves the BJP governments at the Centre and in states are anti-poor, he said.Swaraj Abhiyan founder Yogendra Yadav also slammed Raje in a tweet. Does such a disgusting joke, or insult, on the poor befit the government, he wrote.Congress leader DC Bairwa said after the BJP came to power, they have systematically ensured that people are not able to claim subsidies with such schemes.State BJP leader Deepak Joshi, however, denied the claims and said the identification was only done so that those entitled to subsidies do not miss out.This is not the first time that a government in Rajasthan has tried to brand the poor. In October last year, a yellow patch was painted on houses belonging to BPL families in Bhilwara town.More than 1 lakh houses were profiled and given markings, including the name of the beneficiary and the identification number.Earlier, the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh too had painted 'main gareeb hun (I am poor)' on the houses of BPL families in 2012 to ascertain the number of beneficiaries under the Food Security Act.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to impose a one year jail term on two journalists for writing defamatory articles against legislators.



The decision was taken on the recommendation of the House Privileges Committee after an inquiry. The committee felt that legislators' privileges were violated after a series of defamatory articles against them.



The two journalists  Ravi Belagere of Hi Bangalore and Anil Raj who ran a tabloid called Yelahanka Voice  have also been asked to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.



This is the first time such a punishment has been imposed on journalists.



The articles were written in 2013. The case was taken up after complaints from BJP MLA from Yelahanka, S R Vishwanath, and Congress ' BM Nagaraj about being targeted by these two tabloids.



"It was a unanimous decision of the House, to act as a deterrent," said Speaker KB Koliwad.
Srinagar: One person was killed and at least 40 injured in clashes between stone pelters and security forces on Thursday in south Kashmir.



The clashes broke out after three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were gunned down by the Army in Pulwama district in an early morning operation.



Tawseef Ahmad Wani, who was killed in the protest, was from Tengpuna village in Kakapora area. Sources said he received a serious injury in his abdomen, but it is not yet clear if it was a bullet wound or one caused by pellets.



He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.



The injured were taken to a Primary Health Centre in the area. Doctors there said the injuries were consistent to those caused by a pellet gun.



No army personnel was injured during the clashes, with sources saying the situation was handled by the police deployed.



The encounter in which the three militants were killed had started on Wednesday evening and lasted for nearly six hours.



This came after an intelligence input that three local boys of Lashkar-e-Taiba were holed up in a house located in a densely populated locality, a police official said.



The three terrorists have been identified as locals Majid, Shariq and Irshad. Two AK-47 rifles have also been recovered from their possession, added the official.



The official also said that the successful operation was a big blow to the LeT terror outfit which recently lost its commander Junaid Mattoo in an encounter at Arwin village in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on June 17.



This is the second successful operation against the terror outfit within three days.



On Wednesday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Sopore township of Baramulla district in north Kashmir.
All 17 political parties have unanimously proposed name of #MeiraKumar ji for forthcoming #PresidentialElection: GN Azad in opposition meet pic.twitter.com/IRsXfSvIqB  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

: The Opposition parties on Thursday declared the name of former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as their Presidential candidate against NDA's Ram Nath Kovind. The Opposition was jolted by the decision of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he decided to back the National Democratic Alliance's candidate on Wednesday.However, Congress President Sonia Gandhi categorically denied that she was upset with Nitish over his decision to back Ram Nath Kovind. Sonia also exhorted all the political parties to support Meira's candidature.Opposition leaders on Thursday held a press conference and declared Meira Kumar's name, which was "proposed unanimously". Senior Congress Leader Gulam Nabi Azad said that Opposition backed Meira Kumar for the post of President unanimously. "Daughter of freedom fighter Jagjivan Ram, Meira Kumar is an experienced leader and has served in various capacities."The Opposition parties, in a meeting on Thursday, discussed the names of Meira Kumar, Sushil Kumar Shinde, and Prakash Ambedkar. The left parties were reported to be rooting for Prakash Ambedkar, a former Member of Parliament and grandson of BR Ambedkar. But all the leaders finally agreed on Meira's name. The five-time Member of Parliament, first woman Lok Sabha Speaker from 2009 to 2014, Meira was elected unopposed in 2009.With Opposition fielding a candidate, a contest is likely on the cards. The Bharatiya Janata Party had sprung a surprise a few days ago when it broke from tradition to field a Dalit candidate, Ram Nath Kovind.The Opposition was quick to communicate its disapproval of Kovind's candidature, saying they were not taken on board. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that there were better and more known Dalit leaders than Ram Nath Kovind.RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, however, launched a scathing attack on his ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying he had made a "historical mistake" by supporting the NDA candidate."Nitish had informed me of his decision over the phone. I advised him not to support Kovind. I don't know what happened after that. Now, everybody knows what he has done. He was pitching for Opposition's unity, and it's he who backtracked," Yadav said, adding "Nitish and I joined hands to keep the anti-secular forces at bay. The alliance stays."Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, declaring support for Meira, said that it doesn't matter if the BJP has the majority. "Meira Kumar is a strong candidate... We will give our support to Meira Kumar," he said.Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Satish Chandra Mishra extended his party's support to Meira, saying that his party supremo had made it clear that she will support a common Opposition candidate if he/she is better, more eligible, and credible for the top post.
New Delhi: Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav has reportedly filed a mercy petition before the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Pakistan and has allegedly "admitted his involvement in espionage".



According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), media wing of Pakistan Army, Jadhavs earlier plea to the military appellate court was rejected, forcing him to appeal before the COAS.



"Commander Jadhav has admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan and expressed remorse at the resultant loss of many precious innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions. Seeking forgiveness for his actions, he has requested the COAS to spare his life on compassionate grounds," reads the mercy plea, according to the ISPR statement.



If Jadhav's mercy plea is rejected by Pakistani COAS, then the last resort available to him would be to appeal to the President of Pakistan. The press release highlights what it claims to be is the second confessional video of Jadhav, where he is seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage."



The statement from ISPR claimed that the video has been made public so that world comes to know about what has India done and continues to do against Pakistan.



India, however, has categorically rubbished Pakistan's claims. A highly placed source in the government told CNN-News18, This video is completely false and fabricated. Jadhav is in the custody of Pakistan from last one year and its very easy for any Pakistani agency to manufacture this kind of video".



Shockingly, the ISPR statement has come a day after Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit hinted at a softening stance, saying there was a scope for rethinking in the case.



In an interview to the English daily, The Hindu, Basit claimed that Jadhav had some steps to go through an appeal process in Pakistan.



The High Commissioner said he would be able to appeal for clemency first to Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa and President Mamnoon Husain if his appeal was rejected by the Court of Appeals. "So there is room for a rethink there."



According to the transcript of the alleged second confessional video, Jadhav stated that, The RAW officials had started sniffing that the Modi government will be in power by 2014. So I was inducted and my services were handed over to RAW. The aim was to see that all the activities around the Mekran coast, Karachi and Balochistan Interior. Turbat and Quetta were to be organised and nicely coordinated.



Jadhav has allegedly also admitted his intention to stoke violence in Balochistan and has said that his "basic purpose of visit to Pakistan was to establish and meet the leadership of Baloch sub-nationals, the BLA or the BRA and establish and infiltrate around 30 to 40 RAW operative along the Mekran coast for Operations along with Baloch sub-nationals and miscreants or terrorists."



On April 18, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a federal military court in Pakistan for allegedly spying and stoking violence in Balochistan. This had drawn an angry response from India, saying that if Jadhav was sentenced then it would be a "premeditated murder."



Pakistan has failed to give India consular access to Jadhav as per international lawsm despite repeated attempts.



Thereafter, India had approached the International Court of Justice on the basis of Vienna Convention of Consular Relations and argued that India be allowed consular access to Jadhav.



Harish Salve, appearing for India, had made a case that Pakistan had violated VCCR as it had denied India the right to consular access. Although, the case at the World Court is still at the stage of accepting written submissions from both parties, but the ICJ in its initial order in May had ruled that Pakistan could not execute Jadhav till the pendency of this plea.



Back in Pakistan, there have been petitions in the Supreme Court of Pakistan urging the government to execute Jadhav as the country was not bound by International Law in this case.
Lucknow: A week after the Yogi Adityanath government gave its nod for the dissolution of Shia and Sunni Waqf Boards in the state, members of the Shia Waqf Board have decided to move the High Court against the decision.



While two members have already resigned from their posts, the others held a meeting called by the Shia Central Waqf Board President Waseem Rizvi in Lucknow, where they decided to challenge the government order. The members had been nominated by the Akhilesh Yadav government.



Maulana Azim Hussain Zaidi, member of the Board, says that it is unconstitutional to remove nominated members before the term of the board ends.



Rizvi alleged the action was retribution by the government. This is a reaction of the action I took on Mohsin Raza, who is now a Minister of State in the current Yogi Adityanath government. We received complaints against Mohsin Raza and found that he has sold waqf properties and enemy properties.



Minister of State for Waqf Mohsin Razasaid had earlier said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had given his nod for the dissolution of Waqf Boards after reports of corruption and anomalies were found to be true by a Central Waqf Council (CWC) committee.



The report by the fact-finding committee of the Central Waqf Council also alleged that SP leader Azam Khan misused his position as a minister to acquire properties under the boards.



Howver, Rizi said that these are just wild allegations and there is no documentary proof against him. Instead, we have documentary proof against Mohsin Raza. We gave him notice after finding him guilty of allegations of property scam against him. Unfortunately, he has become the Waqf minister and that is why now we are being targeted, he added.



Rizvi said dissolution of the Waqf Board was also tried by the Samajwadi Party but they were rejected by the Supreme Court.
India will run special flights for its citizens to travel home during Eid from Qatar which has been hit by travel and trade boycott by other Gulf nations.



All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured. I and @SushmaSwaraj ji are in touch on this issue.

 Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) June 21, 2017

India will run special flights for its citizens to travel home during Eid from Qatar which has been hit by travel and trade boycott by other Gulf nations.Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapati Raju, said that Air India and private airlines will operate additional flights to Doha from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.He assured that Indians are not stranded in Qatar but many have not been able to get tickets due to the embargo by other Gulf countries. Nearly 7 lakh Indians live in Qatar.AFP quoted a senior Indian foreign ministry official as saying the extra commercial flights were being run to "facilitate movement of those who wish to travel to India but cannot do that via Qatar's neighbouring countries".Tens of thousands of Indians, especially from Kerala, travel home from Doha during Eid, but many have been struggling to book tickets since three Gulf states barred Qatar's national carrier from using their airspace earlier this month.Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced a severing of ties with Qatar over alleged support for extremist groups and Iran, a charge which Doha denies.While Air India will operate special flights between Kerala and Doha from June 25 to July 8, Jet Airways will operate extra flights between Mumbai and Doha.Jet Airways will operate a 168-seater aircraft on June 22 and June 23. Air India subsidiary Air India Express will be flying its 186-seater Boeing 737 on Thiruvananthapuram-Doha and Cochin-Doha routes from June 25 to July 8, a senior official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.Raju said the government is also in talks with other private airlines to start special flights. He said the move comes after Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, discussed the matter with him earlier this week.All steps necessary for timely movement of our citizens from Doha will be ensured. I and Sushma Swaraj are in touch on this issue, Raju tweeted.
: Uber Technologies Inc has hired a law firm to investigate how it obtained the medical records of an Delhi woman who was raped by an Uber driver in 2014. The review will focus in part on accusations from some current and former employees that bribes were involved, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.The law firm O'Melveny & Myers LLP, which is in the early stages of the probe, was hired by the ride service after employees gave contradictory accounts of how Uber obtained the medical records, one of the people said.The firm is also exploring whether former Chief Executive Travis Kalanick knew how Uber came into possession of the records, the person added.Kalanick through a spokesman declined to comment. Uber also declined to comment, and O'Melveny & Myers did not respond to a request for comment. Members of Uber's board were briefed about the investigation in recent days, shortly before five major Uber investors sent a letter to Kalanick to demand his resignation, said the person. The probe was likely one reason the board turned against Kalanick, who stepped down on Tuesday, the first person said.The investigation is ongoing and has not reached any conclusions on whether Uber improperly obtained the records. Reuters has no evidence that bribery occurred.The rape victim sued Uber last week, accusing the ride service operator of improperly obtaining and sharing her medical records. The suit said that shortly after the rape occurred, former Uber Asia chief Eric Alexander "met with Delhi police and intentionally obtained plaintiff's confidential medical records."Alexander, through spokeswoman Heather Wilson, denied paying any bribes and said that the files containing the victim's records had been obtained through appropriate, legal methods.A Delhi Police spokesman did not answer multiple phone calls from Reuters to seek comment. The rapist was convicted in 2015.According to a person familiar with conversations between Kalanick and Alexander, the two executives had discussed obtaining the victim's records because they suspected the rape might have been fabricated by an Uber rival to damage the company.Another person said Alexander showed the medical files to colleagues in New Delhi more than once.Wilson denied that Alexander had discussed or shared the records with colleagues. She said that Alexander believed the victim was raped and never expressed the view that it was a set up. Uber fired Alexander earlier this month.Kalanick, 40, announced late on Tuesday that he was resigning as chief executive, though he would remain on the board of Uber. He said he had accepted "the investors' request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight."Privately held Uber has grown from startup to a global ride service valued at $68 billion in less than a decade, driven by Kalanick, who set the tone of a company that challenged laws and norms to succeed.Confidence in Kalanick had been strained this year by claims of sexual harassment in the company and a lawsuit accusing Uber of benefiting from trade secrets stolen from self-driving car technology from Alphabet Inc's Waymo.
Roman dignitaries paid tribute to late fashion icon and philanthropist Carla Fendi, whose remains laid in state at Rome City Hall on Wednesday.



Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi and former mayor, Francesco Rutelli, were among those who showed up to say a last goodbye to the honorary president of the famous fashion house, who died Monday at the age of 80, Xinhua news agency reported.



"Always perfectly turned out with a tan and a signature short crop of curly hair, she was a force of nature," Vogue magazine wrote in its obituary.



"With her drive, her passion, her exacting eye, and her great skills as an ambassador, she played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of Fendi's success," the leading fashion monthly wrote.



In 1925, Carla Fendi's parents, Adele and Edoardo, founded a small family firm dedicated to fur and leather goods. Carla was one of five sisters, who their mother nicknamed "the five fingers of the hand".



She joined the firm in the 1950s, and along with her sisters, in 1965 she hired young German designer Karl Lagerfeld, who launched the House's first ready-to-wear collection in 1977 and who marked his 50th anniversary with the brand last year.



Over time the label's logo made up of two Fs, one of them upside-down and backwards, became an internationally recognized symbol for luxury.



"Fendi put on a fashion show atop the Great Wall of China on October 19, 2007, making this breathtaking event the first show visible from the Moon," according to the brand's website.



Carla served as the company's president until the fashion house was sold to French luxury group LVMH in 1999, after which she served as honorary president.



In 2007, she set up the Carla Fendi Foundation, which funded the restoration of Rome's Trevi Fountain in 2016 and has been a patron of Italy's National Academy of St Cecilia classical music institution since 2010.



Carla Fendi was also honorary president of the Festival dei Due Mondi (Italian for Festival of the Two Worlds) -- a music, opera, dance and visual arts festival held in the ancient hilltop city of Spoleto every summer since 1958.



In a note on its website, the Festival honoured Carla Fendi as "a generous patron, a friend to the city of Spoleto and to its festival, whose successes she has shared for many decades with her extraordinary participation".
The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) - led by Pahlaj Nihalani - is all set to censor out a dialogue from the Imtiaz Ali directorial venture Jab Harry Met Sejal which features Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in key roles.



The Censor Board chief hasn't given his approval to the usage of the word 'intercourse' mentioned in a dialogue from the film and shown in its second mini trail.



In digital they dont need a certificate to run. We have asked the producer to change the dialogue. There is a process. Things work according to that, he said.







Nihalani said that though the board had asked for the dialogue to be removed from the trailer, the filmmaker neednt pay heed to the order.



Ashok Pandit - who is also part of the CBFC  not only confirmed Nihalani's objection to word intercourse in the trailer, but also mentioned that he does not have the authority to decide what goes on channels.



In the case of The Danish Girl or feature films to be shown on a channel, the makers require a censor certificate and Nihalani can choose to withhold. But to say he will take action against channels who have shown this trailer is not part of his purview.



Meanwhile, Jab Harry Met Sejal's mini trails continue to win hearts. On Wednesday, the makers released Radha - the film's first song.



The film Jab Harry Met Sejal traces the love story of a Punjabi man played by Khan and a Gujarati girl essayed by Sharma.






Acclaimed filmmaker and an essential part of New Hollywood wave cinema, Martin Scorsese once said, "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out." His own films reflected conflicted identities existing in the real world and resulted in forming an off-screen culture of its own. In Hindi film industry, Kabir Khan is one such director who has the right amount of courage and smartness to keep the realism intact in an otherwise, completely fictional stories.Starting out as documentary filmmaker hailing from Delhi, Kabir always had a keen eye on issues that genuinely affect lives. His dad was one of the founding professors of Jawaharlal Nehru University, so it would be apt to say that the radical punch packed in his every film is a result of his political upbringing. Right from his first feature film, Kabul Express, Kabir dealt with issues, other filmmakers try and ignore.Loosely based on his own experience in Afghanistan, Kabul Express portrayed the sad state of the country post-Taliban. Commenting upon the terror of Taliban and the politics played by the USA in the name of rescue, Kabir, very subtly highlighted an extremely political scenario. Presented as a human experience story, Kabul Express dealt more with the pain, sufferings and findings, than the politics and war between two polar apart ideologies.His second film, New York, was again a subtle commentary on the state of Muslims post 9/11. Layering another sensitive issue with a heart-warming story of friendship and love, Kabir proved that political stories don't always have to be ruthless, a human touch can evoke more emotions on the issue, making it relatable to a larger masses and not just the intellectuals and social commentators.After two semi-successful attempts at making grave issues more humane, Kabir experienced his first big success with Ek Tha Tiger. Starring mass-hero Salman Khan as a RAW agent, the director made a wise move. The rivalry between India and Pakistan was used as film's undertone, but unlike other RAW vs ISI films, this one was a made and promoted as a love story. The socio-political structure of the two neighbouring countries was reduced to a mere backdrop, but the end message of the film was of peace and no hidden war.The director once again touched upon the condition of India and Pakistan, and this time it was a mute child who narrated the entire story with her expressions with Salman as her companion. Weaving a strenuous relationship between the two countries, with threads of innocence and human touch, Kabir touched the hearts of all with Bajrangi Bhaijaan. It had a child-like perspective, a common man's understanding of a never-ending cold war between the supposedly 'rival' countries. Bajrangi Bhaijaan was a story of a true human love between a man and an innocent girl, not related to him or even to his 'nation'. Breaking the notions of 'boundaries' and the wall of 'superficial nationalism' that we surround ourselves with, Bajrangi Bhaijaan moved above such planes towards a greater religion called humanity. The film's real villain is the notion that the bureaucracies of both the nations have about each other.So far, Kabir has managed to represent and connect to those millions of people who are above all the complexities of Jinnah's vision and Gandhi's sacrifice. People who like to live in peace without any barbed wires with 440 V current through them. People who believe in the religion of humanity instead of fighting over a piece of land, people who do not want to understand the conspiracies of 'RAW' and 'ISIS' but admire the valleys of Kashmir, kebabs of Karachi, Pakistani fashion and bands, farms of Punjab and sewai in a pure veg 'vaishno' dhabha. The director so far has successfully woven the simple thoughts of normal, non-political people, bounded by some grave situations and has always chosen human story over propaganda.Now, Kabir is ready to touch upon the horrific Indo-Sino war of 1962, where Indians fell in "Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai" trap and had to go on an expensive war while being a young free-nation.Tubelight's backdrop is grave, but once again, it's Salmans innocence and faith that has taken the front seat in the narrative. The film is inspired by a not-so-popular Hollywood film Little Boy, which itself is based on the backdrop of World War II. Choosing a path between JP Dutta's war dramas and Chetan Anand's Haqeeqat, Tubelight looks like another heart-warming story, commenting on the relation between China and India from a humane perspective.Kabir's film, despite having a political undertone is enriched with heart-warming-scenarios. The story always has a tender soul but also serves as a commentary on what is/or happened outside. The director himself believes in having an opinion but his art always reflects the ideal, humane behaviour. At a time, where left or right have become more than just direction, Kabir has struck a neutral equilibrium, putting humanity ahead of any false notion of nationalism and feeding on a set propaganda of a greater nation. Kabir has cracked the formula of narrating meaningful stories whilst commercial success.Kabir Khan, a writer and as a director successfully presents hope to people, and make them believe in an ideal world, where innocence, kindness and love can overcome the harsh realities of politics. Maybe he's not a perfect filmmaker with the capacity of commenting on the nuances of political scenarios, but his films have the power to at least look at the cold-wars with a child-like perspective- full of life and softness. The man brings a touch of tenderness to the harsh real-world with his cinema. And that's why he is a visionary the industry will always need.
: The West Bengal police have lodged an FIR against 40 people including Gorkha Janamukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha in connection with the killings of three GJM supporters.Investigation revealed that the GJM supporters were not killed in police firing  as alleged by the pro-Gorkhaland supporters."We have found that all of them were killed after GJM agitators opened fire during protests on June 17. They were killed in a GJM firing, not police firing," a senior police officer said."We have lodged a murder case against 22 people, including Bimal Gurung, his wife Asha, Jyoti Rai and Vinay Tamang," he said, while adding that Bimal and his wife are absconding.Hours after the FIR, GJM announced that Bimal, Asha, along with 40 others leaders, are going to resign from the GTA. They will send their resignation to the CMO on June 24.Today, in the all-party meeting  which was boycotted by Congress, Left Front, BJP  the state government issued a warning asking GJM to withdraw the strike immediately as this is badly affecting the people living in the Hills."We don't want bloodshed in the Hills. We want peace and it should be restored immediately. Nothing is going to be achieved through violence and therefore we would like to request those who are behind strike should come for talk for the betterment of Hills," Trinamool Congress leader Partha Chatterjee said.Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has written a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, urging him to intervene as crisis in the Darjeeling Hills is also affecting the economy of Sikkim. He said that several students studying in Darjeeling are facing a harrowing time due to the bandh.Earlier, on June 18  a day after the killings - GJM leaders found themselves in the backfoot after Singh appealed to those demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland to maintain peace in the Hills.The statement issued by the MHA stunned the GJM leaders (keeping them in dark about the communique) as many of them felt that instead of issuing a press statement  Singh should have communicated with them directly.
Within a short span of a decade, it has been a very long journey from one flank of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the opposite for Ram Nath Kovind. From 53, South Avenue, when he was an ordinary Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, to 144 North Avenue, the first floor residence allocated to him as the Governor of Bihar.In the interim, very few people, not even his closest relatives, knew that one day Kovind would be occupying the majestic viceregal lodge in mauve and pink Jodhpur sandstone straddling the Raisina Hill.Nearly a week before his nomination by the BJP as NDAs Presidential nominee, Kovinds wife Savita travelled to Delhi to get treated for a minor ophthalmic ailment. Sources in the family say that the next first lady - if BJP nominee goes on to win the poll - did have an inkling that some major announcement regarding her spouse was in the offing.News channels broke the story at 2pm on Monday. Flooded with calls, Kovinds phone thereafter was continuously busy. It was difficult to reach him and hear from the man of the hour for a very long time.Savita Kovind since then has met a select, yet a steady stream of visitors at the North Avenue accommodation. To a small group of journalists that she called in this Tuesday, she offered sweets, but spoke very little.A few miles east of the Presidents House, at the Congress Headquarters on Akbar Road, Pawan Gupta waits for a senior party leader who is busy talking to UPA allies seeking consensus of a joint opposition candidate against Kovind. Gupta is the local Congress leader from Kanpur who contested the last Mayoral elections on the party ticket.Gupta claims Kovind, who also hails from Kanpur, was in the city less than a month back to attend a function organised by the Lions Club. We shared dais, but I left a bit early. Never did I realize that I am meeting the future president of India, he said.But such is politics, and such is life. For someone who joined the BJP in 1991- when Dr M M Joshi was the national president- Kovind beat everyone, from full timers to high profile cabinet ministers, to emerge the NDA choice in the final lap.He was inducted in the party by Kalyan Singh, but very few people know that all these years, he has been very close to Kalraj Mishra, said a state BJP leader.During NDA-1, Kovind got two terms to the Rajya Sabha. He also headed the party Schedule Caste morcha.By the time his second term as an MP ended, UPA had elbowed BJP out of power at the Centre. BSP and SP had replaced BJP from its preeminent position in the UP polity. With a few MLAs in the assembly, party could send only a select few to the upper house from the state.Kovind could never really manage another RS nomination after 2006.He, however, was accommodated as a national spokesperson during Rajnath Singhs tenure as BJP president. In all the three years that he was in Delhi, he held less than half a dozen press conferences - including one on Ranganath Mishra Commission report on religious and linguistic minorities.In one of the pressers he faced a very hostile media. The rapport somehow never really developed between him as the spokesperson and the Delhi media, says a senior journalist who had covered the part for more than a decade.Later Kovind was to shift base to Lucknow to try his luck in state politics. When Lakshmikant Bajpai was appointed UP BJP president, Kovind was inducted in the state unit as an office bearer.The idea was to prepare for the 2014 general elections. Kovind zeroed in on Jalaun Lok Sabha seat in Bundelkhand, worked on the constituency for over a year, but the party denied him an LS ticket.With a clear victory under its the belt in May that year, BJP went about making key appointments - especially to constitutional positions. From UP, Kalyan Singh and Kesari Nath Tripathi were chosen for gubernatorial assignments.One was an OBC leader, the other a Brahmin. We wanted to nominate a Dalit as well, says a BJP leader from UP. As most of top BJP leaders in UP had won elections, the choice narrowed down to the remaining few.Kovind, thus got a much needed break in politics after a long hiatus. He was sworn in as the governor of Bihar on August 8, 2015.The rest is history.
New Delhi: Sonia Gandhi was all smiles when she announced the name of Meira Kumar as the Opposition's choice for the Presidential candidate. Seventeen Opposition parties participated, with Ajit Singh being the surprise package. Though the absence of Janata Dal United was hard to miss.



It was clear though that Nitish's support for NDA presidential nominee Kovind was uppermost in the mind of those at the meeting. And it was called no less than a betrayal by Nitish.



Sonia Gandhi told News18, "I am not upset with anyone. I appeal to all opposition parties including anyone who's not here," sending an important message to Nitish Kumar who decided to skip the meeting.



Lalu Yadav came out to speak about Meira Kumar, but, unlike Sonia, he was more direct in his message to his political partner Nitish Kumar: "I will meet him and urge him to vote for Bihar ki Beti."



In this Dalit versus Dalit battle for Raisina Hill, the Opposition has upped the ante by choosing someone from Bihar.



Sources say that Congress had earlier suggested two names: Sushil Kumar Shinde and Meira Kumar.



Sonia was hoping to bring Shiv Sena on its side by declaring Shinde as the Presidential candidate.



When Sonia called all the allies and told them that it was Meira Kumar. Her target was Nitish.



Sources say, for now, Nitish has decided to stay with Kovind. But his hands are tied. He may find it difficult to turn his back completely to Meira, who is also a prominent Dalit face from Bihar. The possibility of a break or split in voting cannot be ruled out.



The remaining Opposition parties will certainly wish to remind Nitish that his support for Kovind meant turning his back to both secular and Bihari votes.






New Delhi: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that loan waivers have become a fashion but the need of the hour was to take care of the system as well as farmers.



Loan waivers have become a fashion now. Loans should be waived only in extreme situations. It is not a final solution. You need to take care of the system along with the farmers, said the minister.



On Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state will waive off farm loans up to Rs 50,000 which were taken from co-operative banks till June 20, costing the state exchequer Rs 8,165 crore.



With this, Karnataka had become the fourth state to announce partial farm loan waiver after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab.



Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday had announced a total waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for small and marginal farmers (up to 5 acres) and a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers, irrespective of their loan amount.



Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also announced a farm loan waiver on June 4. He said the waiver will come into force by October 31, 2017, and will be restricted to small and marginal farmers with land holdings of five acres. Around 40 lakh farmers are estimated to benefit from the step.



Earlier, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh had also approved waiver of farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh, fulfilling a major election promise made by the BJP. According to state government, the decision will benefit 2.25 crore farmers and is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 36,000 crore.



However, the Centre has ruled out any waiver of farm loan and said it will adhere to fiscal targets. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Centre is not considering any such plan.


Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday attacked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for backing NDA President nominee Ram Nath Kovind, calling his decision a 'historic mistake'.



Yadav's comments came in wake of 17 opposition parties led by Congress announced the candidature of Meira Kumar of the presidential elections.



After attending the meeting organised by opposition parties in Delhi, where the announcement was made, Yadav said, "Nitish had called me and told about his decision. I advised him not to do so, but I can't say what happened after that. Now everybody knows what he has done. He, himself, had pitched for opposition unity and backtracked."



This latest salvo from the RJD is set to widen the cracks within the ruling Mahagathbandhan in the state. Congress, which also part of the alliance in Bihar, denounced JD (U) for going with the BJP.



Back in Patna, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra asked Kumar to change his decision and said that Kovind had a RSS background.



"People of Bihar will never forget Nitish Kumar. Now, a daughter of Bihar with a Dalit background has been named the presidential candidate. Nitish should have waited and thought about it. He has done a big mistake and will pay price for that," he said.



Other RJD leaders have also ciriticised Nitish Kumar openly since Wednesday for supporting Kovind.



JD (U) did not participate in Thursday's opposition meeting held in Delhi. Yadav had made it clear that he would go with what the Congress-led opposition decided.



Senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh alleged that Kumar had taken the decision to demean the RJD. He also feared the ruling mahagathbandhan might not last long in Bihar.
: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling, has written a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh backing the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland."The fulfilment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling Hills which is deeply connected with national identity of the Indian Gorkhas will provide long awaited justice to their patriotism, which has been second to none," the letter states."Creation of Gorkhaland state will also restore permanent peace and prosperity of the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefited as her developmental tempo can be maintained undisturbed," it adds.Calling the protesters who were killed in firing as martyrs, the letter says, "Unfortunately, on June 17, three young people have been martyred and several others injured in the firing. The past three decades of agitation for the statehood demand in the neighbouring hills has claimed over a 1000 lives and caused incalculable loss of property and constant threat to security of life."While urging the Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene, the letter said, "Several students studying in the Hills are facing a harrowing time due to the bandh. The landlocked state of Sikkim has been suffering untold loss during the last 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation. The Sikkim Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution in 2011 and sent it to the government of India seeking a permanent solution to the pressing and longstanding problem of the people of Darjeeling Hills which would not only be in the interests of the region but also of the entire nation."Reacting to Chamling letter to Singh, Trinamool Congress leader Partha Chatterjee said, "In this situation, we expect that our neghbouring states to react responsibly."Meanwhile, all political parties in the Hills welcomed Chamling's stand on Gorkhaland.Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), General Secretary, Roshan Giri said, "We welcome the statement of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling ji. It is time for all of us to unite for the identity of Gorkhas."Earlier, the West Bengal police have lodged FIR against 40 people including GJM chief Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha in connection with the killings of three GJM supporters on June 17.
On the coast of central Vietnam, a few minutes from the small town of Hoi An, Cua Dai Beach offers beach-bound vacationers the best value for money. Here, a day at the beach costs 12.43/$13.18, according to the annual TravelBird global Beach Price Index, published Wednesday, June 21.



The Beach Price Index takes into account the cost of a tube of sunscreen, a beer, a bottle of water, an ice cream and lunch at beaches in over 70 countries. Note that the ranking doesn't include the price of hiring a sun lounger, although this doesn't always come with a cost in certain countries.



Such is the case in Vietnam, where simply ordering a drink will secure you a place on the shores of the South China Sea. The three beaches offering the best value for money are, in fact, in Vietnam: Cua Dai (12.43/$13.18) in Hoi An, City Beach in Nha Trang (13.11/$13.90) and Long Beach on the island of Phu Quoc (13.60/14.42).



Pricey Scandinavian beaches



Northern Europe has a strong presence at the other end of the scale. Kristiansand beach, in Vest-Agder county, Norway, is the most expensive beach, notably due to the price of lunch (25.82/$27.37). In total, the cost comes in at 60.95/$64.61 for a day on the shore of the North Sea, looking out to Denmark. The top three most expensive beaches are all in Norway, followed by Mareto Plage Publique on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia in fourth.



Vacationers will need a well-filled wallet for a day at the beach in Scandinavia. Sweden's Ribersborg Beach and Denmark's Dueodde Beach, among others, are some of the other Scandi beach destinations where a day at the coast costs at least 49/$50.


Trapped in a war zone, Carmalia Baunto's husband, Nixon, had been trying for weeks to stay alive as Islamist guerrillas and Philippine government forces battled for control of Marawi City.With the fighting raging around him, Nixon texted and called throughout, until just over a week ago when the messages stopped abruptly, leaving his wife praying that it was just his cellphone battery that had died."I'm OK, but I can't go out. The house is safe," the 41-year-old hardware store owner had told his wife in a message from their home inside the southern Philippines city.He heard gunbattles in the street, he wrote, and hid from black-clad fighters who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and have occupied the city's commercial district for a month.On June 14, at 9:59 a.m., Nixon texted to ask Carmalia to buy him more credit for his phone, which she did.Then the messages stopped, and his phone stopped ringing. A graffiti is seen on a wall of a back alley as government soldiers continue their assault against the Maute group, who have taken over parts of Marawi City (REUTERS)"I've had sleepless nights since then," Carmalia, 42, told Reuters at Marawi's government compound, where she has been sleeping in a mosque while awaiting word of her husband.The couple and their children were out of town when fighting erupted in Marawi on May 23, but Nixon went in the next day to check on their home and got trapped. Like most of the city's residents, the family is Muslim.Officials estimate 300 to 500 people are still trapped inside Marawi, fearful of militants accused of using civilians as human shields as much as of government airstrikes and starvation.Some families have sent messages saying they have resorted to eating blankets or cardboard dipped in water to keep hunger at bay. A rescued resident is seen with government forces after he was rescued from his home in Marawi city, Philippines (REUTERS)The Philippine military has said it is in the final stages of its operation to oust the insurgents, whose ranks contain local militants and foreign, battle-hardened fighters from Islamic State's campaigns in Syria and Iraq.The fighters have put up tough resistance, exploiting the city's narrow streets, thick concrete walls and basements, and harassing troops with sniper fire and Molotov cocktails.Philippines military aircraft - with technical assistance from U.S. special forces - have pummelled the city with 500-pound bombs, raising fears about the safety of civilians unable to get out.In the early stages of the conflict, many people were texting and calling in their whereabouts. A rescuer shows residents the way after they were rescued from their homes in Marawi city, Philippines (REUTERS)Their best hope of getting out lies with a "peace corridor" initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte.It comprises Philippine army officers and their former adversaries, fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the government in 2014.The team says it has helped to evacuate 270 people since it was set up on June 4. It has also delivered supplies to those who remain behind.Others have escaped by making their own way across the city, dodging sniper fire, to cross the Banggolo bridge over the Agus river and reach the government-controlled area.But there is no power and water in the city. Phone batteries have now largely run down and the team has no way to contact most of those inside, including Nixon Baunto. He had used two phones, his wife said, and the power must have run out in both.Families visiting the evacuation team's office on Wednesday provided 15 new names of loved ones they say are trapped in the city, according to Wendell Orbeso, a director at the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.Later, the team received a text saying 10 or more people were hiding out in a grocery store."We don't exactly know how many people are still there," Orbeso told Reuters at the office in a government building now mostly used to house evacuees. Smoke rises next to damaged buildings and houses, as government forces continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi City (REUTERS)The locations of the beleaguered civilians are passed to military commanders in the hope that soldiers can rescue them.After flushing militants from the city's neighbourhoods, troops have moved house-to-house, watching out for booby traps that include cooking gas cylinders rigged to explode, Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey told reporters in Marawi on Wednesday.Carmalia has been told the army is close to clearing the militants from the area around her home, she said.Nixon was too scared to leave the house, she said. He believed he would likely be captured by the militants or mistaken for a fighter and shot by the military, he told her.He had survived by collecting and drinking rainwater.Earlier in the siege, Nixon ventured out to a mosque, where he reported seeing more than 100 civilians sheltering, including women and children nursing gunshot wounds, he told his wife."He could not take the shooting, the bombing and the fear of stray bullets," she said, so he returned home, further from the epicentre of the battle."I pray to Allah every day, every night, every hour for this war to end so my family can be reunited," Carmalia said, wiping tears from her eyes.She was desperate to have her husband back for the Eid al-Fitr festival this weekend, she said. "If he's not back, I have no interest in celebrating."
Seoul: North Korea on Thursday called US President Donald Trump a "psychopath" as tensions soar following the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was evacuated in a coma from North Korean detention last week.



Pyongyang's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the US president was in a "tough situation" at home and claimed he was toying with the idea of a preemptive strike on North Korea to divert attention from a domestic political crisis.



"South Korea must realise that following psychopath Trump...will only lead to disaster," an editorial carried by the paper said.



A series of atomic tests and missile launches since last year have ratcheted up tensions on the Korean peninsula, and Warmbier's death has further strained relations between Pyongyang and Washington.



Trump slammed the "brutal regime" in Pyongyang, and said he was determined to "prevent such tragedies from befalling innocent people at the hands of regimes that do not respect the rule of law or basic human decency."



His language was echoed by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who said in an interview ahead of a White House visit next week that North Korea bears responsibility for the student's death.



"I believe we must now have the perception that North Korea is an irrational regime," Moon told CBS television's "This Morning."



Moon, a centre-left politician who was sworn in last month after a landslide election win, favours engagement with the North, rather than the hardline stance taken by his ousted conservative predecessor Park Geun-Hye.



Washington has also stepped up its muscle-flexing in the region, flying two B-1 bombers over the Korean peninsula Tuesday in a planned training mission with Japan and South Korea as its latest show of force.
Mumbai: Police personnel inspect a charred vehicle that was set ablaze by the farmers in Nevali during a violent protest against a proposed international airport on the outskirts of Mumbai on Thursday. At least 25 people, including policemen, locals and media persons, were injured in the violence. (Image: PTI)
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles walk through the Royal Gallery in the Houses of Parliament prior to The Queen's Speech during the State Opening of Parliament in London on June 21. Queen Elizabeth II goes to Parliament on Wednesday to outline the government's legislative programme with far less pageantry than usual in a speech expected to be dominated by Britain's plans for leaving the European Union. (Image: AP)
From the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru and the Great Wall in China to Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in Lucknow and colonnaded Connaught Place in Delhi, the sound of 'Om' reverberated through India and the world in celebration of the traditional fitness regime that combines spirituality and physicality. (image: AP)
Strangeways Brewing owner Neil Burton spent years collecting the beer memorabilia now on display at his new brewery in Fredericksburg.

The James Monroe High School grad handpicked and assembled the vintage ads, old beer labels, photos and other brewania covering most of the surface of the glass-topped, U-shaped bar that dominates Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg, located at 350 Lansdowne Road.

I see something different every time I look, said Tonie Stevens, Strangeways sales and marketing director, during a preview tour Friday.

Burton, who opened his first Strangeways in Henrico County in 2013, has spent $2.5 million renovating his parents former menswear warehouse into the companys second location. Its as much a feast for the eyes as a chance to taste the wide variety of craft beers that Strangeways is known for.

The public will get their first glimpse when Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg holds its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. The celebration will include a new beer each day. Brewmaster Matthew Matty Eck plans to release The Homecoming, a light, farmhouse-style ale suited for hot summer days, on Friday.

There will also be food trucks, outdoor games, music and merchandise sales during the grand opening.

Workers were putting the finishing touches on the 10,000 square-foot brewery Friday, and Eck had the 10-barrel, brewing system up and running. There are 48 taps behind the 100 foot-long bar inside, and another 48 behind the 30 foot-long granite-topped bar that will serve the patio. Each tap handle bears either a hand-carved version of Strangeways A.F.M. Monkey logo or its signature S inside a gear.

The operation will be smaller than the one in Henrico, which the owners hope will give them the flexibility to experiment. Among other ingredients, Eck will incorporate such things Virginia-grown honey, hops and pumpkin in his beers. Using local ingredients helped Strangeways get a $150,000 grant from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Forestry Industries Fund last September.

Strangeways tasting room will be open daily beginning June 26. The bar is backed by a huge mural in Strangeways vivid signature colors of teal, red and yellow. Created by Richmond artists Mikael Broth and James Callahan, it features the A.F.M. Monkey, the S and other characters that populate the companys packaging and logo items.

Stevens said that shes scouting for local packaged food products that will be offered for sale in a cooler near the bar. The Henrico location carries such things as a locally made pimento cheese, pickles and salsa.

Strangeways interior also features booths and seating for up to 279 people, and an eclectic mix of Virginia artists work, vintage objects wired as lamps and taxidermied critters, including a wildebeest head mounted over the bar. All the art is for sale.

Theres an area on one side of the bar where patrons can try their hand at six arcade games including Golden Tee Live and Big Buck Hunting. This area, as well as a lounge in another part of the building, can be blocked off for private events.

The arcade is key, Stevens said. We find a lot of people love it. When they have a private event, they make it part of their event.

Strangeways has 3 acres of green space that can be used for outdoor games such as corn hole. Food trucks can set up there as well. The dog-friendly patio can seat 100, and has two gas fireplaces.

Well probably brew some specific fireplace beers, Stevens said.
Blacksburg-based Aeroprobe is prepping for a growth spurt as the company launches two new products years in the making.

The 20-year-old business employs about 30 people today, but plans to hire 10 more in the coming months. CEO Nanci Hardwick says shes looking for salespeople, engineers of all varieties, scientists, computer scientists and machine technicians.

Aeroprobe will invest about $300,000 in the expansion. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, meanwhile, will provide a $7,750 incentive package as part of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The hiring is designed to fuel Aeroprobes next chapter, as it begins to market sensors for drones and a new type of 3D printer.

The drone sensors are similar to what the company has been making for wind turbines and airplanes for years  except small enough to be attached to unmanned aircraft.

Hardwick says it measures things like wind speed, temperature and GPS in real time, feeding data to an onboard computer. That way if a gust of wind overcomes the drone, its computers will be able to adjust steering accordingly so its not knocked off course.

At the end of the day, thats a safety thing, Hardwick said. It opens up the conditions in which vehicles can fly and increases the safety factor.

The other new product has been in the lab for about a decade, but will be officially unveiled for the first time later this year.

Aeroprobe calls the invention solid-state additive manufacturing machines. But Hardwick says its similar to a room-sized 3D printer for metals.

What makes the technology different is that it prints the metals as solids, instead of melting them down so they can be formed to the desired shape.

Hardwick says metals lose some of their properties when they enter liquid form  most notably strength.

So Aeroprobe has developed a technique to heat the metals just to the point theyre soft enough to be mixed and printed, but short of melting.

The companys scientists have been designing the machine for nearly a decade, and now Hardwick said she expects to send the first sale out toward the end of 2017.

She said that the product has already captured the attention of the automotive, trucking, aerospace and manufacturing industries.

With the release of the two new products, Hardwick said its an important time for the company.

Our team here is fantastic, but our workload has grown on both sides of the business such that we just need more help, need more support, Hardwick said.
NGC, EOG sign gas contract for future domestic supplies

NGC, in a statement issued earlier this week, said both companies have reached an agreement for a continued gas supply to the domestic market from 2019, following the execution of a gas supply contract for new reserves. The signing took place on June 14 at EOGs offices on Sweet Briar Road, St Clair, Port-of-Spain.

EOG is a key supplier of domestic gas to the petrochemical sector while NGC is already being a partner with EOG in the South East Coast Consortium (SECC) Offshore Block.

Describing the negotiations as tough yet exceptional, NGC president, Mark Loquan, said having an agreement in place paves the way for increased collaboration for both companies to stimulate increased gas production to the domestic market...Both companies can now get down to the business of collaborating on the development of smaller fields and creating further benefit along the value chain for Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Loquan also thanked the commercial and legal teams at EOG and NGC as well as the NGC board and all involved, for their hard work and professional approach in reaching this major milestone; not only in the context of a good working history, but also for the future of our energy sector. EOGs managing director, George Vieira, was quoted as saying EOG is grateful to NGC for negotiating in good faith as this charts the course for future investment and partnership opportunities. NGC said while Loquan could not speak to specific details of the contract; in terms of volume and time, he did say this milestone illustrated the companys new strategic direction and its mission of becoming a global player through strategic partnerships locally, regionally and internationally.
There has been an increase in the number of Koreans landing jobs at international organizations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 398 Koreans were working for international agencies as of October, up from 353 last year and almost double the number from a decade ago.

Of them, 132 work at the world's five major financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, compared to 103 at the end of last year.

Each year, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance hosts a job fair for international organizations. The number of people taking part in interviews there rose from 63 in 2009 to 80 in 2010 and 116 this year, reflecting Koreans' growing interest in these transnational bodies.

"In 2008, eight people were hired, but 13 people found jobs at international organizations last year," said Kim Sung-wook, director of international organizations at the Finance Ministry. "We are expecting more people to be recruited this year."

However, Koreans still account for only a small share of the jobs at these prestigious bodies, a number that looks especially skewed considering the stake the country has in many of them.

Korea's financial quota within the IMF now stands at 1.41 percent, but Koreans account for only 0.95 percent of its staff, having 23 workers there. Its quota within the World Bank is 1.0 percent, but Koreans only make up 0.46 percent, or 55 of all the employees.

The situation is similar at other international organizations. Koreans represent just 1.74 percent of the staff at the Asian Development Bank (49 workers), 0.2 percent at the Inter-American Development Bank (4 workers) and 0.06 percent at the African Development Bank (1 worker).

Korea joined the African Development Bank back in 1982, but it was not until 27 years later in 2009 that the bank started to welcome employees from the country.

As of the end of last year, Korean nationals accounted for only 0.62 percent of jobs at the world's five major financial organizations. Yoo Kwang-yeol, head of international financial policy at the Finance Ministry, said, "Talented Koreans should seek jobs more aggressively at [such global bodies]."
We like it so?

With our hundred-year history of pulling oil and latterly, gas out of the ground, and 55 years of managing the same, what do we have to show for it? I think most people, particularly people of my generation, have expressed the fairly strong view that we really have not done as well as we should have done, given the resources and the potential that we thought that we had, Dr Terrence Farrell said as we discussed his latest book, We Like It So? Farrells generation saw the rise of TT colours over the Red House in 1962 as people in their teens and early 20s.

They made up that pioneering cadre of local professionals who ran our state enterprises, Parliament, Judiciary and Public Service as young adults returning from university in the 1970s. Farrell himself, an economist with legal training, went on to become a deputy director of the Central Bank and now chairs a Board that advises government on economic development.

He tends to be outspoken on policy issues, particularly forex distribution and diversification and has theorised for some time about the curious workings of this country that have led to this underachievement.

Many of these ideas come together in We Like It So? The seeds of the book he said, started with two opposing ideas in a strange juxtaposition often found in TT, the islands as paradise versus the islands as underperformers.

Farrell said explanations that people were wont to give, that Trinbagonians were lazy, incompetent or malicious were superficial, which is why underperformance required deeper examination, particularly as he, and other commentators note, nationals work happily and willingly in foreign countries and follow the rules of multi-nationals based here.

I was particularly concerned about underperformance in the economic sphere.

I didnt want to get too far out of my area of competence, said Farrell, So I focused on questions of how we work, how we innovate, how we invest.

Those were the questions I was trying to answer and those are economic questions. But the roots of those things are socio-cultural.

Which means you have to go back in history to understand where these things come from. Our values, our attitudes. According to Farrell, we are following a script laid out 200 years ago, during our slavery, indentureship and colonial periods.

These events have shaped and help concretised our attitudes to authority, risk taking and innovation, decision making and even our very sense of self, all concepts he expands further in the book.

Ultimately, Farrell concludes that our lack of identity, or ambivalence about self, causes the poor leadership we see.

With that lack of confidence in self, comes the inability to make good decisions, or the ability to have faith in decisions that are made. And this, is when we actually decide to make them.

Farrell shows where Trinbagonians and West Indians on the whole, have eschewed data in favour of voops, vaps and vi ki vai in taking key policy decisions, leading to the underperformance we see in many spheres.

As a hierarchical society and a colony of exploitation, risk taking and innovation were not necessary and failure at either severely punished by a people who respected status above all else.

We Like It So? makes for compelling reading, particularly as one relates the historical antecedents Farrell raises to present day conditions in this countrys economy: its hostile labour-employer relationships, its continual false starts at diversification, the persistence of the import-distribution business model, for example.

Some of his solutions proposed at the end of the book definitely warrant further academic study, if not by himself, at least some enterprising department of the UWI or the UTT.

It is interesting, though, that Farrell complains at one point in We Like It So? that West Indians spend too much time researching into the beginning of a problem without providing the answers at end. He spends up to 95 per cent of the book developing his thesis and only the last few pages discussing his possible solutions. Again, he may be leaving this for development in another book, or for further academic study.

One idea mentioned in connection with another review of this book is also worthy of further inquiry. The reviewer, Raymond Ramcharitar, rejects Farrells suppositions, on the basis of bias toward a particular intellectual tradition that Ramcharitar believes was in large part contributory to the very issues the economist discusses in We Like It So?.

Ramcharitar postulates instead, that mass migration of TTs best minds in the 60s and 70s is responsible for the underperformance we see today.

It would be elucidating to see what future study of both theories reveal, particularly the points of connection, if any, between the two.

We Like It So?, however, is important, because it attempts to examine what we are, how we came to be that way and how we can be better.

Anything that at least nudges us in the direction to think about our society, to talk and debate about it, is likely a step in the right direction.
Public holiday, party and productivity

The first two are old friends, often seen together. Raise your hand if you havent been to work since last week Wednesday or Friday.

Dont worry, youll have plenty of company, with all the Trinbagonians who applied for days off, sick leave, casual leave or just plain didnt bother to show up to work the day before and/or the day after the Corpus Christi holiday. This past Monday off for Labour Day and another day for Indian Arrival Day brings the holiday tally for June up to three.

Discussion about the third P, judging from the lack of academic study of, or statistics on the phenomenon, is a thing nobody seems to like. Unless youre a business owner or employer.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce has had plenty to say on how worker absenteeism of this kind affects the productivity of businesses: We do know from anecdotal evidence provided by some of our members, that this is indeed a serious problem in the workplace.

Yet another example of the challenges employers face can be seen when workers extend a long weekend by calling in sick the day right before or after the holiday, or simply by their arriving late for work. The abuse of leave entitlements appears to be on the rise as more and more full use of sick or casual leave come to be erroneously regarded as rights.

The hospitality and retail sectors are usually hardest hit by this phenomenon with unplanned absences severely affecting operations and causing those who are at work to be stretched to their limits.

The result is usually poor and inefficient customer service rearing its ugly head above the real root causes! At a 2011 workshop on managing employee absenteeism, the Chambers feature speaker said, High member response to the invitation to participate in the aforementioned workshop pointed to recognition that employee absenteeism is an area of concern The article on the event went on to say that work culture needed to be changed so employees could shift their focus on from being absent from work at every opportunity, to attending work regularly and punctually and being productive when they are at work. The Chamber noted that while the energy sector produces 32 per cent of this countrys GDP, while employing only three per cent of its workers, other sectors employed 97 per cent of this countrys labour force, while producing 68 per cent of GDP.

It gets worse.

At a seminar last year, the Employers Consultative Association revealed that TT had the fifth highest level of absenteeism in the world.

The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index 2016-2017 says poor national work ethic is the number one drawback for ease of doing business in TT. In 2011, it was the third.

TT also ranks 73 out of 138 countries for the relationship between pay and productivity, and 137 out of 138 for labour employer relations.

At what cost is the country continuing in this mode? Particularly given our economic realities? How do we raise productivity faced with these challenges? One suggestion put forward, has been to simply reduce the number of holidays.

This country has 14 public holidays, 15 this year with the one off being given to the First Peoples in October, plus Carnival Monday and Tuesday, which are not official public holidays, but on which most people do not work.

This of course will require negotiation between TT multiethinic, multi-religious groups.

Another suggestion has been to let all of the holidays stay, but let them only be celebrated by the group they are connected with. This means that it is a regular day at work for everyone else.

But beyond absenteeism at holiday time, the figures show that regular workday productivity is a problem as well. Even when workers are showing up, they arent getting much done.

More extensive academic study of productivity in this country, how it is to be calculated and its drivers needs to be done. This is the basis on which subsequent improvements need to be made.

Additionally, it must be considered, why are Trinbagonians so work adverse, at least in their own country? It is unlikely that the issue stems only from the workers end.

Employers too may need to consider how they are contributing to the problem.
Crime does not discriminate

Whether or not one has been affected directly, each person is likely to be familiar with friends, relatives and neighbours who have suffered the effects of the violence and loss, and the deep sense of anger and injustice that tends to follow.

An unfortunate fallout from the all too pervasive nature of crime in our society is that our senses appear to have become somewhat dulled and crime is essentially treated as just another topic of the day  very much like the weather report.

Nonetheless, the TT Chamber has observed that ever so often, a particularly heinous act of criminality causes us to pause for a while longer and think.

One such incident was Father Clyde Harveys harrowing encounter last week Monday with bandits, who tied him up, robbed him and even threatened to kidnap him.

A well-known priest, Father Harvey has worked tirelessly in communities throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad, and his is a voice which represents the voiceless in our society. Yet ironically, it seemed as if the very community that he served, had now turned against him through his young assailants.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition publicly condemned the attack.

Some people, however, challenged the attention to the case, questioning what appeared to be greater value being placed on some lives over others. What about the many families who have lost their loved ones and have suffered untold pain, they asked? Who is clamoring for justice on their behalf? Who is condemning the criminals for the reprehensible acts against the average citizen? To a large extent, there is merit to these concerns.

Yet another perspective was that Father Harvey was singled out for special mention because of what he stands for as a religious leader and a respected public figure.

And this is where we seem to have lost our way. We are experiencing a total breakdown in respect for those in authority  from teachers to principals, police officers, religious leaders and so many others. The average citizen is now left with a deeply unsettling feeling, upon realising that even the icons and elders among us will not go unscathed by crime.

Crime does not discriminate; it is no respecter of boundaries, social status or income levels. Sadly, its crippling effects can lead to anyone of us becoming a victim and a subsequent statistic.

Having arrived at this juncture, where does that now leave us? We at the TT Chamber renew our repeated calls for the Acting Commissioner of Police to take firm and immediate action to address the spiraling crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago. It is the holder of that office, along with law enforcement in its entirety, who must be held accountable for the present abysmal state of affairs.

By the same token, while the police remain at the frontline in fighting crime, some responsibility also extends to every institution  be it government, the opposition, the judiciary, civil society and every one of us as individuals in this country. Serious work is required to stem the devastating effects of crime. Non-violence can begin with each of us and extend to our circles of influence. After all, no amount of eff ort is too great to bring about peace and positivity within our society.
Corporate culture down to leadership

Many businesses have a sophisticated code of governance, but it is ultimately about the employees - the people in the business - that make the words of a code resonate and actually mean something.

But corporate culture is an imprecise concept thats often misused and misunderstood. Culture as a set of shared beliefs, norms and values that defines what is important and what is appropriate for individuals belonging to this group. Within organisations, culture comes down to the particular way things get done.

Corporate culture relates very tangibly to a companys brand. Take American bank Wells Fargo, which has on-going controversy following the discovery that it created millions of fraudulent savings and checking accounts on behalf of Wells Fargo clients without their consent. Low-level bank employees were under pressure to open multi ple accounts per customer to meet targets which came from the head of the retail bank division, Carrie Tolstedt, who reported directly to the banks CEO John Stumpf.

Following the aftermath of the scandal, the CEO stood down from his position. The downfall in the reputation of business: toxic corporate culture that can be blamed on the people at the top - their chief executive. His tolerance of fraud did not instiltrust in the bank so his departure was needed to help recti fy this as customer trust is essential to their operations.

As the business environment continues to evolve, brand, identity and image of organisations have become more important.

Where a corporate culture has failed, its public standing fails. This means that an organisations culture should be one of its most important assets as it is highly important to the productive capacity and the value of the brand. Culture can help to stave off reputational risks. Effective leadership results from a trustworthy system of accountability, and promoting accountability at executive board level is essential to a healthy corporate culture that features sound ethical practices. The job of a management accountant is to compile the necessary management information that can help with this accountability.This means that the top must align and embed a clear set of values that define the purpose of their business. Only then can walking the talk have positive knock-on effect on the rest of the organisation.

Effective leadership must not lose sight of other stakeholders. Todays businesses that ignore what its customers think and say do at their own peril in this digital age when a negative view can go viral in so many ways.

Boards should strive to ensure that they understand their culture and that it is as good as it can be. This is especially important if they are based in very different places around the world.

When thinking about corporate culture, here are a few questions to ponder

:  What sort of culture does the board want for the organisation and what sort of behaviours does it wish to encourage and discourage?

 How is the tone at the top set out and conveyed through the organisation?

 Do management practices drive people to do things that they regard as unethical?

 Do people who do not walk the talk get promoted?

 How best can boards satisfy themselves that the information coming to them is fair, balanced and sufficient? How is diversity of thinking and challenge encouraged?

 Does the organisation have a speak up system in place that staff believe they could use without fear of retribution? Now thats a lot to think about and the fact there are so many questions does show that there are no absolute right ways when it comes to assessing culture.

Attempts to manage culture may not work or can result in unintended negative circumstances. However, the management accountant, working at the heart of an organisation, can ensure these consequences do not arise.
Home-grown questions

The Prime Minister met with executive secretary of ECLAC, Alicia B?rcena and other members of the Commissions executive team. The Prime Minister indicated that Trinidad and Tobago has the ability to produce much more goods and services than our population can absorb and therefore it is imperative that we look towards other markets. In addition, the Office of the Prime Minister indicated that the meeting centred on discussions on how ECLAC could partner with Trinidad and Tobago, to utilise its research capabilities to assist our country in making more data-driven decisions in the formulation of social and economic policies.

The Prime Minister holds the view that the data from ECLAC will be useful in helping this country to make the economic changes that create an environment where everyone can enjoy the best possible standard of living.

A number of concerns arise from these statements. In the first instance, we must be forgiven for asking what has happened to the work that we thought was being undertaken by the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). Were they not mandated to develop an economic plan for the country? Was this ever presented to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet? Was it presented and rejected? What was the role of the draft diversification roadmap reported in the daily newspapers on March 26, 2017? What has happened to the notion of an economic plan? Have we abandoned it? What does ECLAC using its research to expand our economic base mean? Is it that ECLAC will provide studies to assist with the drive to diversify our economy? So far very little use has been made of studies for any government decisions. What has happened to the Carnival Study? Has this been started? Has any impact analysis been conducted? Are any local consultants being utilised to provide studies to guide any economic decisions over the last year and six months? Has the quality of the work of local consultants been sub-standard? What about the quality of the work coming out of EDAB? Has EDAB produced less than satisfactory work? Has Terrence Farrell been sidelined? If so, who has replaced him? Of course, it appears that the data coming out from ECLAC is viewed as far more reliable. What about the Cabinet approved committee to guide the restructuring and transition of the Central Statistical Office to the National Statistical Institute? Is the failure of this committee to produce a cohesive and unified report the act that forced the Prime Minister to abandon all hope of a National Statistical Institute to produce data for policy decisions? These are all troubling because it appears to sideline the domestic capability and seemingly value only that which is foreign. The Prime Minister once again seems to be suggesting that home grown solutions are not possible. One wonders if there has simply been an abandonment of long-term planning. Instead, short-term projects that can be implemented and completed within the next three years are given emphasis.

The question then remains  is the focus on short-term planning the best approach to address and come up with solutions for the long-term economic problems facing us? The ball is squarely in the court of the Honourable Prime Minister.
Caribbean drowning in debt

She spoke of the need to reduce the debt of English-speaking Caribbean island states, including pardoning part of the regions debt to create a resilience fund that allows for financing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. In this regard, it is hoped that the Prime Minister will ask B?rcena that ECLAC conduct analytical work and publish those results separately for the English-speaking Caribbean. Lumping us with Latin America is not helpful as our levels and types of vulnerability are unique.

The question that must be asked is how bad are these problems? If we were to look at the levels of debt ECLAC reported in 2013, ten countries of the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) had total public debt percentages of between 76 per cent and 130 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP); above the limits of what is sustainable debt.

ECLAC also revealed that total public debt, both internal and external, in 15 countries of the Caribbean (the ten already mentioned plus Anguilla, Guyana, Montserrat, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago) reached nearly $50 billion dollars, equivalent to 72 per cent of sub regional GDP. Of this amount, about $30 billion corresponds to internal debt and nearly $18 billion to external debt, 46 per cent of which is owed to private creditors and 54 per cent to public creditors.

English-speaking Caribbean countries that are considered to be Small Island Developing States (SIDS) recorded public debt on average at over 80 per cent of GDP in 2014. Globally, debt to GDP ratio of SIDS was on average 64.3 per cent, while SIDS in the Pacific recorded public debt ratios of 33 per cent of GDP, and most other groupings (six in all) of SIDS around the world recorded lower debt ratios than the SIDS in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean has a debt problem. This huge debt is limiting the regions fiscal space thus hindering island states from funding their own development. This is compounded by the relatively high GDPs associated with these SIDs which make access to overseas development assistance near impossible.

The debt level of a country is considered unsustainable if debt-toexport levels are above a fixed ratio of 60 per cent  or for those countries that have very open economies, where the exclusive reliance on external indicators may not adequately reflect the fiscal burden of external debt  the debt-togovernment revenues are above 250 per cent. Only two territories in the region do not breach the debt-to-export threshold of 150 per cent, while eight of them breach the debt-to-government revenues of 250 per cent. In fact, an additional three countries are close to the threshold with debt-to-government revenues of over 220 per cent. This suggests that for the Caribbean SIDS in general, debt levels are unsustainable.

ECLAC underscores that these high debt burdens reflect the economic and environmental vulnerabilities of these countries which have become a hindrance to development of the SIDS.

As an example of this, it is estimated that between 2000 and 2014 natural disasters caused damage of at least 27 billion dollars in English-speaking Caribbean countries. We have had natural disasters destroy infrastructure that Caribbean Governments borrowed money to build.

They must service that loan but also borrow more money to replace the very infrastructure that has been destroyed.

Natural disasters create more debt in the Caribbean.

There are seven countries in the Caribbean in which total debt service as a percentage of total government revenue is over 25 per cent. The last two decades have been marked by an escalation of debt in most of the countries in the region, with a number succumbing to a high-debt low-growth trap. Not only is fiscal space reduced, but an increase in risk premia results in an increase in the cost of borrowing and the country becomes unattractive to investors. This makes it harder for the Caribbean not only to attract investors, but also to borrow for development.

ECLAC proposed a framework to reduce the external public debt of Caribbean SIDS through the creation of a regional resilience fund to finance climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

It proposes the creation of a resilience fund that can be financed through instruments such as debt swaps for climate change Adaptation and Mitigation, which require interaction between multilateral institutions, donor countries and debtor countries. The idea is for the beneficiary countries to commit to allotting the resources that they save on debt servicing to this Caribbean resilience fund.

We must commend the Prime Minister for this initiative. If the Caribbean SIDs can have their debt reduced then they can demand more from us and this benefits our manufacturers. Greater demand for our manufacturers, given the desire to grow the non-energy sector, must be encouraged. We urge the Prime Minister to use his office to further this cause - it is in our best interest.
Journey into the deep

Their vessel was the bathysphere, a primitive spherical tethered submersible. Here, Trinidadian biologist Dr Diva Amon recounts her experience of heading even deeper than Beebe, journeying to 2,382 metres below the ocean surface in the Cayman Trench. The first part was carried on June 15.

13.34: 2,343 metres  We have retrieved several experiments on the periphery of the vent field using the dexterous mechanical arms of the Shinkai6500. These experiments were left in March 2013 during a previous research expedition that I was fortunate to participate in with colleagues from the University of Southampton on board the RRS James Cook.

On to the Von Damm vents! We move off the sedimented sea floor to begin to climb the rocky mound up to the vents. During the discovery expedition in 2010 on the RRS James Cook, the Von Damm vent field was not the only one found. In fact, the deepest- known vent field in the world was found approximately 20 kilometres to the north at a depth of 4,967 metres. This site was named the Beebe vent field after William Beebe, the famous naturalist and explorer. Beebe spent a great deal of his life in Caribbean including undertaking his deep dives and spending his final years at the research station, Simla, that he founded in Trinidad. This research station is still in operation as part of the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

14.51: 2,299 metres  The main spire of the Von Damm vent field is in sight. Hot, mineral- rich water emanates from several small orifices around the 30-metre tall conical mound; some of these have had fluids as hot as 140C recorded. At the top of this mound is a spire that shelters a nearly two-metre-wide hole with gushing hot, clear fluid.

The numbers of animals have increased dramatically. There are white squat lobsters, red shrimp with bright green eggs located in their heads, metre-long tubeworms, white eel-like fish, and snails dotted on the rocks.

The main spire comes into view further up the mound; it appears that the whole spire is moving.

Upon closer inspection, I can see that there are millions of white shrimp covering every inch of the main spire, constantly jostling to get close to the hot fluids. These shrimp have no eyes; instead they have evolved a dorsal eyespot on its carapace, which can see the thermal radiation given off by the vents. They are also successful farmers  their bacterial food source grows in their gill chambers using the chemical-rich hydrothermal- vent fluid as fuel.

Every species of animal observed inhabiting the Von Damm vent field is new to science and without a name. Many of these animals are endemic to this site, meaning that they have not been found anywhere else on the planet thus far. Since the discovery of hydrothermal vents more than three decades ago, more than 500 new faunal species have been found in association with these habitats, many of which are exquisitely adapted to their environment. Our knowledge of species dispersal, biogeography and evolution in the deep ocean has also been advanced greatly, however, there is still much to discover and learn 16.02: 2,290 metres  We attempt to get one last temperature measurement of the fluids gushing from within the sea floor. The list of tasks has not been completed but the pilots have given the signal that we need to ascend.

We should be on the surface in just over an hour and then scientists will have a sleepless night processing the samples collected. My time in the Shinkai6500 is drawing to a close.

As we back away from the main spire, I watch it fade into the darkness.

I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to see these remarkable ecosystems with my own eyes.

As the human population grows and technology increases, we find ourselves pushing deeper into the worlds oceans for resources.

There are deep-sea fisheries, deepwater cables for communication, deepwater oil and natural gas exploitation and now the possibility of deep-sea mining looms in the near future. The hydrothermal vent structures themselves are made of ores of copper, zinc, silver and gold. With commodity prices and demand on the rise, the mining of deep-sea vents looks set to begin as early as next year.

Some vent fields are located within the Exclusive Economic Zones of countries; this may be a blessing for some where governments have introduced marine parks to protect vents of particular scientific interest. For other vents and the accompanying animals, such as Solwara I off Papua New Guinea, this may signal disaster, as mining has been given the go-ahead by the government of this island nation. The Beebe and Von Damm vent fields lie within the territorial waters of the Cayman Islands and thus we can only hope for a favourable future for these vents and their special inhabitants.

Most vents, however, are found in international waters, where the International Seabed Authority, an organisation established under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and operating out of Jamaica, has jurisdiction. Several exploratory leases for mineral exploration have already been granted, including one for exploration at vents in the Indian Ocean by China and another for exploration in the Atlantic Ocean by Russia.

As I gaze out the window on the journey back to the surface, I contemplate that until 2010, we didnt know this incredible place or many of these species existed. Without a full understanding of deepsea hydrothermal-vent habitats, we cannot predict the consequences of our decisions and actions for our planets largest realm. For now, we can only speculate as to what will happen if mining were to begin.

Would the habitat ever recover and return to its original state? If so, how long would that take: a decade? A century? Millennia? If an ecosystem inhabited by rare animals thousands of metres below the ocean, closed off to the human eye, were to be lost, would it matter? Looking at examples from elsewhere on the planet, it is clear that national and international policies for conservation have not kept up with mineral exploration but maybe this is a chance for the outcome to be different. By taking part in research expeditions such as this one, it is hoped that we can gain insights that will be invaluable when it comes to answering these questions and making these decisions in the future.

For more info on our natural environment contact the TTFNC at admin@ttfnc.org or visit website at www.ttfnc.

org, Facebook or You- Tube pages
ESC series looks at dismantling colonialism

Two of the leading figures in those movements in the United States and Britain will be the featured speakers at the opening event at the Central Bank Auditorium, Twin Towers, Independence Square on Sunday at 5 pm.

Cleo Lake and Michael Quess Moore will address Dismantling the Colonial Legacy: Reflections from a New Front Line. Lake is an artist, activist, councillor (Cotham, England) and founding member of Countering Colston, a campaign that is stripping the city of Bristol, England of a notorious slave traders name, building by building.

A native Bristolian of Afro-Jamaican and Scottish roots, Lake says she is an artist who is driven by truth and justice.

The Countering Colston campaign is meant to empower residents although the city of Bristol openly celebrates the major historical slave trader Edward Colston who lived there. As a form of positive resistance, Lake has called an action of awareness to understand the complete history of the transatlantic slave trade; to commemorate and mourn those who died because of the slave trade; celebrate those who resisted slavery and promote ideas of human dignity, equality and freedom.

, USA, which has already led to the take down of a number of statues glorifying those who fought to maintain slavery in the United States.

Take Em Down NOLA was primarily founded by three young black educators: adjunct college professor Malcolm Suber, K-8 principal Angela Kinlaw, and Moore. Together, they have lobbied for the removal of statues that represent the colonial context and white supremacy.

Last month, three images were taken down: the statue of Confederate leader Jefferson Davis, originally erected in 1911; an equestrian statue of the Confederate general PGT Beauregard; a monument to the Battle of Liberty Place, which commemorated a Reconstruction-era insurrection by white supremacists.

The launch of the lecture series will be followed by an exciting film festival that runs from June 29 to July 25, comprising a number of award-winning films such as I am not your Negro by the Caribbeans own master film-maker Raoul Peck, Get Out, Queen of Katwe and Fences. All films are free and will be followed by discussion.

For seat reservation for Sunday and more info: 625-5008, www.emancipationtt.

com or on Facebook at Emancipation Support Committee  ESC.
Loving Venezuela from a distance

our closest neighbour, is suffering political traumas because of its different mode of governance. We care deeply but its brand of politics is its brand of politics. We are not going to proffer who is right and who is wrong. Venezuelans have to fight it out for themselves. I am not taking sides. All we can do is commiserate. We cannot send them troops. We cannot send them money. But we can supply as much food, water.

clothing and essential toiletries to the best of our abilities. What we cannot do is allow too many of them to flood TT . There are several more millions of Venezuelans than us. At what point do we say no more Venezuelan refugees? Three quarter of a million? One million? The leader of the Movement for Social Justice is always expressing deep sympathy for President Nicolas Maduro. Does David Abdulah care that some Venezuelan citizens are allegedly being murdered so that Maduro can hold on to power? Abdulah asks that Caricom helps Venezuela. To what end? To send our regiment to injure Venezuelans? Once whichever power controls Venezuela sticks with any energy agreement signed between Venezuela and TT , we are not expected to interfere in its politics. Perhaps Abdulah can ask the government to turn the Queens Park Savannah into a giant refugee camp to shelter the Maduro protesters. And how are we going to handle more refugees than we can chew?

LYNETTE JOSEPH Diego Martin
I was in Tobago

He gave this explanation yesterday, a day after Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar toured flood-ravaged areas of Siparia and Penal and handed out grocery hampers to affected residents.

During a tour in Penal/Debe areas severely affected by Bret, Rowley said he spent the weekend in Tobago.

He said that reports from the Met Office on the weekend advised that based on the projected path of the storm, Tobago was to have received the worst of it. In reality, South, Central and East Trinidad bore the brunt of Brets rains, wind and the subsequent flooding.

I was scheduled to come back on Tuesday. Storm conditions and storm warnings were discontinued at 5 oclock on Tuesday. I am here on Wednesday. If there is someone missing me, I would love to know who that is, Rowley told reporters.

While in Tobago, Rowley said, he was in continuous contact with all relevant stakeholders including those in the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), National Security Council and various Govt Ministers.

Among those on the tour yesterday were Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein; Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan; Housing Minister Randall Mitchell; National Security Minister Edmund Dillon and Minister in the Ministry of Education Dr Lovell Francis. Rowley said his concern is getting tangible help to those in areas who cannot access food, water and warm conditions.

As such, items such as mattresses, dry foods and water are priorities he said. We have all the agencies with us here today and what we need to get first and foremost is food and water for those people who are marooned. With respect to physical infrastructure, nothing much can be done now until the water subsides, Rowley said.

Several flood-affected residents at Debe Trace condemned the Prime Minister for remaining in his SUV while speaking to them through the vehicles window. Unlike other officials, Dr Rowley did not wear boots on the tour yesterday.

On Tuesday, Persad-Bissessar wore lace-up boots as she met with affected residents and gave out emergency food hampers.

Invited by some residents to interact with them, Rowley responded: Well I cant spend time with everybody. I am trying to go through and see as much as I can in two hours. Therefore, some people I get to talk to. Many persons were left marooned yesterday due to the storm which dumped so much water in such a short space of time that major flooding was inevitable.

Media personnel covering the PMs visit, were trapped in the middle of the flooded Debe Street, when the maxi taxi transporting them stalled. A truck driver employed with Anand Low Price Supermarket came to the aid of stranded journalists some of who climbed through the maxi taxi windows to reach the flat-bed truck.

Transport Minister Sinanan commenting on the overflowing river at Suchit Trace noted that works had resumed on the nearby highway. Residents had blamed the flooding to shoddy work on the highway. I have instructed three directors with me here today to go into NIDCO, see what it is the residents are talking about and see if that it is really a part of the problems they face. The highway is continuing to Point Fortin.
With just one week left before his U.S. summit, President Moon Jae-in has been giving back-to-back interviews to American media about his views on North Korea. His approach is to start dialogue with the North on condition that Pyongyang freezes its nuclear and missile development programs. The ultimate aim is for North Korea to give up its nuclear arms programs altogether.

Moon said he intends to discuss this plan with U.S. President Donald Trump and stressed several times that the American president shares his thoughts. The two sides have been fine-tuning their official positions, and any discord will probably be packaged diplomatically.

On Tuesday, a White House spokesman flagged more sanctions against North Korea following the death of Otto Warmbier, the college student who died shortly after being evacuated in coma after 17 months of detention in North Korea. The spokesman said any chance of talks between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have clearly become more distant.

U.S. lawmakers are calling for retaliation. Trump made his first negative comment on Beijing's efforts to pressure North Korea since he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early April, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been saying that Washington may take unilateral steps if this situation continues.

In these circumstances, promising to resolve the standoff through dialogue may sound correct theoretically but is quite unrealistic. In an interview with CBS, Moon said, "So there is a possibility that Kim Jong-un continues to make the bluff with his nuclear weapons programs. But deep inside he is actually yearning or wanting dialogue."

There have been people who thought it was an exaggeration to think that North Korea is really developing nuclear bombs. They believed that North Korea lacked the wherewithal and was only bluffing. That led them to believe it will give up its nuclear weapons if presented with a big enough carrot. But now the only people who think that are a small handful of incorrigible optimists.

Everyone else knows that the North Korean regime is deadly serious, because it feels nuclear weapons and long-range missiles are the only things that can protect it. North Korea's former deputy ambassador to the U.K., Thae Yong-ho, stated flatly after he defected to South Korea that Kim Jong-un will never give up nuclear weapons.

If Moon really thinks North Korea is "bluffing," he needs to think again. The U.S. government and lawmakers have named North Korea as the most urgent and dangerous threat to the U.S. It may well succeed in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile during Moon's term in office.

Looking at the North at this point in time through rose-tinted spectacles could prove the costliest mistake any South Korean president has yet made.


DNA testing for all prisoners before 2018

There are also plans to do DNA testing on the arrestee population throughout the country including Tobago.

Newsday understands that a DNA regulator from Jamaica has already been contracted to assist in the setting up of the DNA lab and he has already started the recruitment process for specialised persons to work in the DNA lab.

That person is based at the office of an elite agency at St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

Yesterday, Attorney General Faris Al Rawi told Newsday that the DNA legislation has already been passed and the Government intends to comply with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

We are on an urgent operationalisation of the DNA laws which were last put into the statute books without any advance since 2011. The Ministry of National Security in conjunction with the office of the Attorney General has taken the lead on the following matters - The appointment of a regulator under the DNA legislation, the regulations for the DNA laws to be put into effect, the mapping of the DNA samples to be taken from the entire prison population, the exclusion population (TTPS, Prisons, Immigration, all protective services), and the arrestee population which is estimated at 1000 persons per month.

So what we are doing is putting into effect the DNA laws because the country has for many years, simply just passed laws without putting them into operation.We are doing the same thing with respect to the electronic monitoring system. The Attorney General also noted, So, we will report further after the completion of the procurement exercise because we intend to operationalise this with immediacy.

He said that DNA results will be fed into specialist courts which will manage the trial processes.
Central Bank eliminates one cent coins July 1

At Central Banks first public session at its office in Port of Spain, Manager of Banking Operations, Sharon Villafana explained the reason for their decision to do so was to save money for the country.

The cost of minting the one cent coin is about 21 cents for each one.

We know overtime there will be less and less one cent coins in circulation therefore you the public would have less coins available to complete your cash payments. To facilitate this, the Central Bank has decided to introduce some guidelines to help the public. These guidelines will be voluntary and they will help the public to be able to complete cash transactions with certainty, she said.

The Bank will issue guidelines to help the public understand the rounding process which will be used by vendors.

Rounding really is a lesser or a greater adjustment of a final cash payment to the nearest five or ten cents. So what these guidelines are going to be doing is to assist vendors and consumers to have a common basis to treat with the absence of a one cent, she said.

In the initial phase, the rounding process will be voluntary as the one cent will still be legal tender. She said the rounding guidelines will only apply to cash payments.

Rounding guidelines are not to be applied where the consumer already has one cents that is in his possession that are sufficient to complete the exact amount payable. If a vendor wishes to round but the consumer still has reservations, Villafana said the vendor should attempt to provide exact change to the consumer.

If the vendor however does not have the exact change to provide and insist on using rounding the customer has some choices.

The customer may, if they have the exact amount, tender the exact amount payable or they can opt to pay for the items using other forms of non cash payment, she said.

With these rounding guidelines, Villafana said pricing on individual items should not be changed.

Rounding applies to the total payment at the end of a transaction, inclusive of all duties and taxes, she said.

Citizens can also expect new five, ten and 25 cent coins from July 1. The Bank changed the composition of the coins because it was costing more to make than the value of the coin. As a result, the coins will no longer be pure alloy but mixed metal.

This is much more cost effective for us to be able to produce a good quality coin for the use by the public as well as reduce cost.

The new coins will look and feel the same, the design, the size the weight will remain consistent with our current coins in circulation.

The old coins will continue to be legal tender and the intention is to have these coins co-mingle in the environment, she said.
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Jaywalkers take heed: If you do it in parts of China, you could be in for the shaming of your life. Authorities have installed a new device called the "Electronic Police" at intersections in cities in four provinces. Not only does it detect when people are jaywalking, but it snaps photos of the offenders and uses facial recognition tech to pull up their images in the provincial police database, reports RT. Once police confirm a match, the person isn't just flagged for the offense (they can choose whether to pay a fine, take a safety class, or volunteer with traffic police). Their photo and personal details, including parts of their ID number and home address, are displayed on a large screen for all passersby to see.

Facial recognition has already been used in China to catch toilet paper thieves in public restrooms and to predict orders at the fast food chain KFC, reports the AFP. But the use of public shaming takes things to a whole new levelone that local police say is proving effective. They say public shaming can go so far as to impact insurance and pension premiums, and police in the city of Jinan say they've caught more than 6,200 people crossing at red lights since installing the system in early May (yes, that's less than two months), with the number of incidents dropping ten-fold from 200 per day to 20. Jinan is looking to install the system at 50 other major intersections by the end of June, each costing the city roughly $15,000, reports Mashable. (Texting pedestrians are hit with fines in parts of New Jersey.)
Premier Li Keqiang urged government departments to hold an inclusive and cautious attitude toward emerging new types of businesses and new industry models, during the State Council executive meeting held on June 21.

Citing WeChat (a Chinese social media platform) as an example, Premier Li said it could not have achieved such success if the government kept the old-fashioned way of regulation.

To promote development of the sharing economy, Premier Li asked related authorities to streamline and adjust mechanisms that cannot adapt to the new target, including administrative approvals and business registration, while introducing new access and supervision policies that are in line with the principle of encouraging innovation with an inclusive and cautious attitude.

He said the success of WeChat has not only made peoples lives easier, but also greatly boosted employment, indicating that China should adopt an inclusive attitude toward the blossoming sharing economy.

Leading the world in sharing economy

Premier Li said that the sharing economy, enabled by Internet Plus, has not only fostered many new types of businesses and resolved excess capacity, but also created numerous jobs. He urged authorities to pay great attention to the driving role of the sharing economy in economic and social development.

Sharing economy has a huge market in China. Besides bike sharing, various new types and models of businesses are emerging with the development of Internet Plus, said Premier Li.

In fact, during the Premiers visits overseas, many state leaders praised the development of shared bikes in China.

We have led the world in some fields of sharing economy, said the Premier. He asked officials attending the meeting to stick to market-oriented principles, strengthen guidance for businesses, and encourage qualified industries, regions and market entities to develop the sharing economy.

An inclusive mind is a must

The rapid development of the sharing economy is followed by some problems, as usual.

Premier Li brought up the case of sharing bikes, saying that this new emerging industry absorbed some excess overcapacity and revived bicycle manufacturing companies, but there are problems in some regions, such as deliberate damages and undisciplined parking.

Sharing economy is a new industry pattern with features of separation of ownership and right of use, high flexibility, and coexistence of multiple modes. Government organs should bear an inclusive mind to supervise its development and avoid harsh measures, according to the Premier.

The Premier also talked about his inspection in a southern province where part-time jobs are becoming popular.

It shows features of the sharing economy where people can work for different employers in one day as they have no fixed employer and are paid by the hour.

Related departments did not take strict measures to manage such transformation but provided convenience to the market, so that more jobs were created to meet the diversified needs of Chinas huge market, he said.

The Premier stressed that related government departments should encourage innovations with inclusiveness and prudence.

But this does not mean government department should leave the market alone. On the contrary, effective supervision is more important than ever. Efforts should be made to create a favorable market environment and promote new industry patterns with scientific supervision, he added.

Government organs should take initiative

To be honest, the new industries accompanying the sharing economy and mass entrepreneurship and innovation are way beyond our imagination. This should be attributed to market vitality and social creativity, said Premier Li.

The Premier also required all departments to take responsibility in innovating supervision methods to prevent risks and create a fair competitive environment.

We should send a positive signal to the market, said Premier Li. The Chinese people have the wisdom to create so many new economic models; we also have the ability to explore a new inclusive supervision and social coexistence model to release Chinas economic potential.
A Wall Street Journal reporter was fired Wednesday over potential business dealings with an Iranian-born arms dealer. The Washington Post reports Jay Solomon, chief foreign affairs correspondent for the Journal, had received Pulitzer consideration and was well-liked by the paper's editor in chief. His shocking termination springs from an AP investigation into Farhad Azima, who Solomon used as a source for stories. Azima, who has dealt weapons to multiple nations and was tied to the Iran-contra affair, offered Solomon a 10% stake in a company called Denx. While it's unclear if Solomon ever accepted that stake, the AP uncovered 18 months of emails and texts between Solomon and Azima discussing business together.

In 2014, Solomon texted Azima: "Our business opportunities are so promising." The following year, Azima wished Solomon luck "on his first defense sale" in regards to delivering a proposal to UAE representatives. Also in 2015, there was talk of Denx being involved in an effort to bring down the government of Kuwait, though Solomon denies any knowledge of that. "Mr. Solomon violated his ethical obligations as a reporter, as well as our standards," Politico quotes a statement from the Journal as saying. The newspaper says it was "dismayed" by Solomon's actions and "poor judgement." Solomon, while denying ever getting into business with Azima, says he understands "why the emails and the conversations I had with Mr. Azima may look like I was involved in some seriously troubling activities." (Read more Wall Street Journal stories.)
A memorial to murdered Muslim teenager Nabra Hassanen was set on fire in Washington, DC, Wednesdaybut as with the murder itself, police say there is no evidence it was a hate crime. Police say 24-year-old South Carolina man Jonathan Solomon was arrested Wednesday morning after the memorial of flowers and posters was set on fire at a Dupont Circle fountain, reports the New York Daily News. He has been charged with vandalism. Later Wednesday, around 5,000 people gathered in Sterling, Va., for the funeral of 17-year-old Nabra, who was kidnapped and killed while walking back to a mosque early Sunday. Darwin Martinez Torres, 22, has been charged with the murder.

"I just want to thank everyone for your love and support and I just want to say to Nabra that I love you and Ill always miss you," 10-year-old Nour, one of Nabra's three sisters, told mourners, per the Washington Post. Police have described the killing as a road rage incident, not a bias crime, but "if evidence develops of a hate crime, I promise we will charge to the highest levels," Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler Jr. tells the AP. Nabra's body was found in a pond near Torres' home, and the chief says police are awaiting the results of tests to determine whether she was sexually assaulted. "We're doing a thorough investigation and that's something of concern to us," he says. (Read more murder stories.)
In what American commanders called a crime against the people of Iraq and the country's prime minister called an admission of defeat, officials say ISIS fighters blew up Mosul's most iconic mosque Wednesday night as government troops closed in. The Grand al-Nuri Mosque, more than 800 years old, was where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate in 2014 during his only public appearance, the BBC reports. ISISwhose fighters had been seen bringing explosives to the site, according to CNNclaimed the mosque in Mosul's Old City had been destroyed by American aircraft, but US commanders swiftly denied the claim, saying there had been no strikes in the area.

Aerial photos showed little but rubble remaining at the mosque complex, where the black flag of ISIS had flown since 2014. The destruction of the mosque and its famous minaret "amounts to an official acknowledgement of defeat," Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement. The Old City is the only part of Mosul still held by ISIS, and commanders say the "final chapter" of the offensive to retake the city has begun. The Iraqi military says elite counterterrorism units had fought their way to within 170 feet of the mosque, which is at the southern edge of the Old City, when it was destroyed, Reuters reports. (Russia says al-Baghdadi may have been killed in an airstrike last month.)
"Suffice to say, he had a hatred of the United States," Detroit FBI chief David Gelios says of Canadian citizen Amor Ftouhi, who is accused of stabbing a police officer in a suspected terrorist attack at Flint, Michigan's airport. Ftouhi, a 49-year-old Montreal resident, has been charged with committing a violent act in an airport. "Were seeking search warrants for electronic media, for his vehicle," but for now, "we view him as a lone wolf attacker," Gelios says. Police say Ftouhi yelled "Allahu akbar" before stabbing Lt. Jeff Neville in the neck. Authorities say Neville, who fought the attacker and brought him to the ground, is in satisfactory condition at a local hospital, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Canadian Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale has confirmed that Ftouhi, who entered the US legally five days before the Bishop International Airport attack, is a Canadian citizen, the CBC reports. "The officer and his family and colleagues are foremost in our thoughts and prayers," Goodale said in a statement Wednesday. He said Canada condemns the "heinous and cowardly attack" and the Mounties are assisting the FBI's investigation. The Montreal Gazette reports that police have searched the apartment where Ftouhi is believed to have lived with his wife and children. The apartment building's owner told reporters the suspect was a "very good guy" who had never been complained about in his six years living there. (Read more Flint, Michigan stories.)
The dust continues to settle after the resignation of Uber CEO Travis Kalanick from the $70 billion tech company he helped found. The New York Times interviewed more than a dozen employees and other insiders at Uber to get the lowdown on the months that led up to Kalanick being forced out by investors. It includes him butting heads with executives, accusations of sexual harassment, a wave of employees leaving for personal reasons, and the death of his mother in a boating accident. Meanwhile, CBS News reports investors forced Kalanick out because they want to guarantee Uber has a successful IPO. "Given its investment in technology and growth, Uber can't afford to alienate potential and current customers with adolescent behavior," CBS states.

While Kalanick is out as CEO, he still maintains a large stake in Uber and has a spot on the board. Management experts tell the Washington Post he could have a hard time letting go of his former position. This is not a guy who's going to go softly into the night," the author of a book on the psychology of CEOs says. Kalanick has a reputation as a micromanager. Even during his brief leave of absence last week, he was calling current executives and interviewing candidates for open executive positions. It remains unclear who will replace Kalanick as Uber CEO, but some big names were being floated. (Read more Travis Kalanick stories.)
The Ku Klux Klan is suffering from declining influence and plagued by infighting, according to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League. The 152-year-old hate group's "most consistent activity" is handing out hate literature, and their chief targets are Black Lives Matter, LBGT issues such as transgender bathrooms, Muslims, immigrants, and keeping the Confederate flag flying, per the report. But as far as fliering goes, USA Today points out a year-over-year drop, with the ADL recording 86 such incidents in which fliers were left at people's homes in 2015 and 78 in 2016. There was a slight increase on one front, though: The report finds 42 active Klan-affiliated groups in 2017 as compared to 37 in early 2016, though most have fewer than 25 members.

They have held activities in 33 states in the last 18 months, but attendance has been light, with USA Today citing two June events that drew just 10 and 12 people, respectively. Distrust has wracked the ranks, with members dissing each other on social media. The ADL notes one post from a Klan member griped there are "more Imperial Wizards on Facebook then there is at Hogwart's Academy." While the head of the ADLs Center on Extremism says the KKK has "largely failed to maintain the notorious status they once had," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt warns that Klan acolytes still represent a danger. "These hardened racists and bigots are looking to spread fear," he says, warning that unhappy members may move on from the "small and fractured" KKK to other extreme far right groups. (This KKK leader's murder was allegedly a family affair.)
Leading Senate Republicans are ready to unveil a healthcare bill seen as a compromise between the House's version of ObamaCare repeal and ObamaCare itselfbut they now have to find a compromise between conservative and moderate senators. The 52-member Senate GOP caucus will be presented with the bill Thursday morning in what Majority Whip John Cornyn says is the "start of the process" of getting 50 votes to pass it, using budget reconciliation to avoid Democratic filibusters, Politico reports. Cornyn says some senators will agree immediately to vote for the legislation and there will be "very detailed" efforts to address the concerns of those who need to be won over.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, however, faces what the Washington Post calls an "open revolt" from senators on both ends of the spectrum. Sen. Rand Paul says the plan sounds like "ObamaCare light," while moderate senators, especially those from states that accepted ObamaCare's Medicaid expansion, worry that the Senate legislation makes even deeper cuts to Medicaid funding than the House version. Sources tell the Hill that two other issues likely to complicate the GOP's path to 50 votes by alienating moderates are language defunding Planned Parenthood and the bill's predicted failure to include a $45 billion fund for treatment of opioid addicts. (The vote could happen as soon as next week.)
At the end of the 19th century in a booming Canadian gold rush town, patrons of the Arctic Restaurant and Hotel could buy moose, cranberries, caribou, and even swan meat. And, of course, sex. The Arctic in Bennett, British Columbia, is the surprising place where "the Trump empire began," and now Parks Canada and a local First Nation tribe is restoring it for tours, Maclean's reports. Bennett became a major hub of the Klondike Gold Rush and got the attention of Friedrich Trump, who was cutting hair in Manhattan after arriving in the US from Germany in 1885. The president's grandfather traveled to British Columbia and opened the Arctic in 1897.

Trump's biggest profits by far came from alcohol and prostitution. "I would not advise respectable women to go there to sleep as they are liable to hear that which would be repugnant to their feelings," a Yukon Sun reporter wrote in 1900. That wouldn't be too big a problem, as a woman-run hotel in Bennett was fancier than the Arctic. Tourists who come to Bennett today are surprised to find a piece of President Trump's family history. "I think hes lost touch with his roots," says one tourist visiting from Delaware. (Read more Donald Trump stories.)
Quick, name a candidate favored by President Trump who scored a victory this week. Sure, Karen Handel in Georgia and Ralph Norman in South Carolina come to mind, but the New York Times points out another: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. It wasn't an election, of course, but he was named the new successor to the throne in his country, and the Times explains how Mohammed has emerged as an important ally of the Trump administration. One sign: The 31-year-old dined at the home of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump on a visit to DC, then returned the favor by hosting them on their visit to Saudi Arabia. Among other things, he favors a hard line against Iran and is leading the Saudi move to punish Qatar for its purported support of terrorism. Other coverage of the prince:

Fast rise: Mohammed effectively assumed control of the nation's economic and defense policies in 2015, the same year his father took the throne, reports MarketWatch. Given that his father is 81, his ascension to crown prince raises the prospect that Saudi Arabia might have a king in the not-too-distant future who would rule for decades.

Mohammed effectively assumed control of the nation's economic and defense policies in 2015, the same year his father took the throne, reports MarketWatch. Given that his father is 81, his ascension to crown prince raises the prospect that Saudi Arabia might have a king in the not-too-distant future who would rule for decades. Nickname: He goes by MBS (or MbS), notes the AP in a profile of the "bold and ambitious risk taker." The Washington Post has different adjectives used by detractors: "reckless and impulsive."

He goes by MBS (or MbS), notes the AP in a profile of the "bold and ambitious risk taker." The Washington Post has different adjectives used by detractors: "reckless and impulsive." Changing country: The Wall Street Journal assesses, noting the shakeup comes at a crucial point in modern Saudi history. "Low oil prices and mounting demographic pressures are tearing at the kingdoms fragile social contract, making change even more urgent and political unity at the top a greater priority." The king's decision to replace his 57-year-old nephew with his son as successor was seen by close observers as inevitable.

The Wall Street Journal assesses, noting the shakeup comes at a crucial point in modern Saudi history. "Low oil prices and mounting demographic pressures are tearing at the kingdoms fragile social contract, making change even more urgent and political unity at the top a greater priority." The king's decision to replace his 57-year-old nephew with his son as successor was seen by close observers as inevitable. Risk for US: That he shares Trump's hawkish views on Iran might carry a risk for the US, analysts tell Reuters. Expect the Iran-Saudi Arabia hostility to intensify, which could make it more likely for the US to be "dragged deeper into the Sunni-Shiite conflict playing out across the Middle East."

That he shares Trump's hawkish views on Iran might carry a risk for the US, analysts tell Reuters. Expect the Iran-Saudi Arabia hostility to intensify, which could make it more likely for the US to be "dragged deeper into the Sunni-Shiite conflict playing out across the Middle East." Worried: There may be some "quiet muttering" in Saudi Arabia about the the move, but don't expect a challenge because the king's decision is absolute, writes the Brookings Institution's Bruce Riedel at Al-Monitor's Gulf Pulse. "The longer-term costs of upsetting the legitimacy of the line of succession in the midst of low oil prices and regional tensions are much more worrisome," he adds. "The young prince is poised to inherit a kingdom under stress at home and abroad."

There may be some "quiet muttering" in Saudi Arabia about the the move, but don't expect a challenge because the king's decision is absolute, writes the Brookings Institution's Bruce Riedel at Al-Monitor's Gulf Pulse. "The longer-term costs of upsetting the legitimacy of the line of succession in the midst of low oil prices and regional tensions are much more worrisome," he adds. "The young prince is poised to inherit a kingdom under stress at home and abroad." Oil markets: Traders are taking a leery, wait-and-see approach in regard to the world's biggest oil-producing nation, reports CNBC. Older generations of rulers have let "seasoned technocrats" run the nation's oil industry, notes the New York Times, but Mohammed is expected to exert more control.

Traders are taking a leery, wait-and-see approach in regard to the world's biggest oil-producing nation, reports CNBC. Older generations of rulers have let "seasoned technocrats" run the nation's oil industry, notes the New York Times, but Mohammed is expected to exert more control. Unique system: Need a primer on Saudi Arabia's monarchial system? Slate provided one in 2015 when current King Salman took over. Any king must be a male descendant of the first king, Abdulaziz, who died in 1953. That has made for a line of relatively old successors up until now.

(Read more Saudi Arabia stories.)
Millions of Americans have something in common with Kim Jong Un: He, too, appears to be self-conscious about his bodyspecifically, his ears. North Korea has strangely taken to photoshopping its leader's ears, which a pair of non-proliferation experts picked up on, reports Motherboard. While North Korea's habit of editing photos is well-known, Dave Schmerler of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey say they've noticed several photos in which editing specifically targets Kim's ears. As Lewis puts it, "He doesn't like his ears, or so it seems."

Schmerler may know why. One photo of Kim shows an imperfection at the base of his ear, which doctors suggest could be anything from a cyst to a viral infection. North Korea has a history of covering up illnesses, but erasing the mark, if it is benign, also serves a purpose. This cosmetic alteration and others like it are likely designed "to help Kim look a bit more handsome than he is in real life," Lewis says. His ears aren't Kim's greatest cause for distress, apparently. The chairman of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee says Kim is limiting public appearances and travel over fears that there's a plot to cut his head off, per the Korea Herald. (North Korea claims the CIA tried to kill Kim.)
Hundreds of men swept up in the hunt for al-Qaeda militants have disappeared into a secret network of prisons in southern Yemen where abuse is routine and torture extremeincluding the "grill," in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire, an Associated Press investigation has found. The AP documented at least 18 clandestine lockups across southern Yemen run by the United Arab Emirates or by Yemeni forces created and trained by the Gulf nation, drawing on accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers, and Yemeni military officials. All are either hidden or off limits to Yemen's government, which has been getting Emirati help in its civil war with rebels over the last two years.

Senior American defense officials said Wednesday that US forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses. They said US senior military leaders were aware of allegations of torture at the prisons in Yemen, looked into them, but were satisfied that there had not been any abuse when US forces were present. However, one Yemeni official said American forces were at times only yards away from the abuse at secret sites inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas, and even a nightclub. In a statement, the UAE's government said "there are no secret detention centers and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations." Click for more. (Read more Yemen stories.)
Police officers are trained to dominate, interrogate, and show strength. These are the skills that, in theory, make them good police officersbut those same skills can also make for a dangerous abuser, write Melissa Jeltsen and Dana Liebelson at the Huffington Post. "If domestic abuse is one of the most underreported crimes, domestic abuse by police officers is virtually an invisible one," they add. Victims may be reluctant to report the abuse to their abuser's colleagues and friends or maneuver through a confounding justice system with which their abuser is familiar. A federal law also states anyone convicted of domestic abuse cannot own a gunwhich, for the family of a police officer, could mean loss of income. Yet, as the stories of two women told in the Huffington Post piece illustrate, domestic abuse by police officers does happen and can be especially terrifying.

Sarah Loiselle and Karen Tingle, both ex-wives of Delaware state trooper Andrel Martinez, accuse him of abusing, stalking, and intimidating them during their relationships and after they ended. Their stories involve unlawful searches in a police database, threatening messages, friends intimidated at work, and other police officers who appeared to work for their husband rather than his victims. That's one reason a retired police officer believes police departments should have a mandatory procedure in place for instances when an officer is accused of domestic violence, which is no rare thing. Surveys have found that up to 40% of police officers have admitted to violent behavior against a family member. As a Cato Institute researcher explains, domestic violence is "the most common violent crime for which police officers are arrested," but many are never convicted and are even able to keep their jobs. Read the piece in full here. (Read more police officers stories.)
The CIA may be famous for daring acts of espionage, but in 2013 several agency contractors learned the hard way not to use their shadowy skills to steal from vending machines. A declassified report from the Office of Inspector General says several agency contractors conspired to steal more than $3,300 worth of products from CIA vending machines between the fall of 2012 and March 2013. According to BuzzFeed, which acquired the report through the Freedom of Information Act, an unidentified contractor disconnected the network cables that enable communication between the vending machines and the agency's "FreedomPay" system, thereby allowing "purchases to be made by nonpaying individuals."

The hacker then shared the technique with an unidentified number of other contractors, all of whom later admitted to taking part in the scheme. All of the contractors involved were escorted from the building and fired by their respective contractor employers, though the Department of Justice declined to press charges. While it's not clear why the perpetrators thought they could get away with ripping off the world's most feared intelligence agency, Slate speculates they likely thought the CIA had "bigger fish to fry" or that no one would ever notice $3314.40 worth of candy missing from an agency with an annual budget of $5 billion. All things considered, Gizmodo considers this "easily the greatest CIA operation in the history of the organization." (This university student's extreme exam heist failed.)
It didn't take long for coal baron Robert E. Murray to sue John Oliver: It was just days ago that Oliver ripped into the coal industry on Sunday's Last Week Tonight, and by Wednesday, Murray had filed a lawsuit against Oliver, the writers of the show, HBO, and Time Warner, the Daily Beast reports. Oliver focused on President Trump "lying" to coal miners: "Stop telling them that their jobs are all coming back when theyre not. Stop telling them that coal is clean when it isnt. And stop pretending that this isnt an industry in the middle of a painfulalbeit necessarytransition." But during the segment, he also ripped into Murray for, per Oliver, not doing enough to safeguard his miners.

During the episode, Oliver revealed his team had contacted Murray's company before the segment aired, and the company had responded with a cease-and-desist letter. Oliver also pointed out that Murray has a history of suing media outlets, the Independent reports, and predicted that his show would soon get a lawsuit of its own. The suit accuses Last Week Tonight of "execut[ing] a meticulously planned attempt to assassinate the character of and reputation of Mr. Robert E. Murray and his companies." One of the issues brought up by Oliver was a collapse of one of Murray's Utah mines that killed nine people; Oliver cited a government report finding that unauthorized mining practices were to blame, but Murray's lawsuit insists an earthquake was to blame and says Oliver ignored studies supporting that claim. (Read more John Oliver stories.)
US will work to restore deconfliction link with Russia in Syria

Washington : The US will work to restore the deconfliction channel with Russia in Syria that Moscow suspended after Washington's forces downed a Syrian warplane, an official said here.

At a luncheon in Washington, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford said that the US would work both by diplomatic and military channels to re-establish the line of communications to avoid confrontations and reduce tensions, adding that there are still ways to avoid clashes although US and coalition forces can fully defend themselves, Efe news reported.

"I'm confident that we are still communicating between the coalition operations centre and the Russian operations center," he said, adding that "I think the worst thing any of us could do would be to address this with hyperbole."

The chairman noted that Washington's main objective in Syria is to destroy the Islamic State, something that Russia has also said is central to its own strategy in Syria, where it is defending the interests of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

On the weekend, a US Navy F-18 shot down a Syrian SU-22 fighter bomber that had bombarded rebel Syrian Democratic Forces, who are US allies and who are participating in the allied offensive to liberate Raqqa from the IS.

Russia said that the shootdown incident was a "cynical violation of Syria's sovereignty".

Dunford said that if Russia is serious about eliminating the IS, it should understand that it is necessary to work to reduce tensions in Syria, where the US has increased its presence by deploying elite ground forces.
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New Delhi:

Television actor Shakti Arora has rubbished the reports of his break-up with his longtime girlfriend Neha Saxena and asserted that they are very much together. Shakti's reaction came after it was reported that he and Neha ended their seven year long relationship over compatibility issues.



In fact, according to a report published in TOI, a source was quoted as saying that couple, who was engaged since 2014, was having a trouble in their paradise for a while now. "Over the past few months, a lot of differences cropped up between them, which led to constant tiffs," a source reportedly told TOI.



The media report further suggested that Neha who was accompanying beau Shakti in Indonesia for a show has reportedly returned to India post a tiff. "Neha is now back in India and they have decided to take a break from each other; they need time to think about where their relationship is headed. Distance is also taking a toll on their equation," TOI quoted a source as saying.



While the news came a shock for the couple's fans, Shakti has cleared the air on social media as he posted a happy picture of himself with his lady love on Instagram.



Putting all the rumours to rest, the 'Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi' actor wrote, "A Real relationship will last long beyond the rumors..Putting All Rumours to Rest..

#relationshipgoals".

A Real relationship will last long beyond the rumors..Putting All Rumours to Rest.. #relationshipgoals A post shared by Shakti Arora (@shaktiarora) on Jun 21, 2017 at 12:57am PDT



Earlier, Neha too had clarified over their rumoured break-up and said, aWho is spreading these rumour? Shakti and I are together. In fact, I returned from Jakarta only because my Visa expired.a



Indeed, the couple's clarification has come as a big sigh of relief for their fans.



Neha and Shakti had fell in love on the sets of their show 'Tere Liye' in 2010 and got hitched in 2014. The couple was supposed to get hitched in 2016 but had to postpone their wedding due to demonestisation.



aI had withdrawn cash to pay to the wedding organisers, caterers and other staff as I had to give them an advance. However, they are refusing to take the old currency now. It will take me a long time to exchange the old notes with the new ones. I have no idea when we will get married now. Itas definitely not happening this year,a Shakti had said in an official statement.
New Delhi:

The Indian Army which has set its sights on the upgradation and modernization of its arsenal and equipment in order to make its force leaner and meaner has turned assault rifles manufactured by Ordnance Factory Board stating that they didn't meet the desired standards.

As per media report, the army has said that home-made assault rifles that were meant to replace AK-47s and Indian Small Arms System rifles (INSAS) were not good enough, as per a media report.

According to NDTV, the indigenous assault rifle manufactured by the government's Ordinance Factory Board (OFB) failed basic tests last week, which included, excessive recoil and "excessive flash and sound signature". The media house quoted sources as saying that a "complete redesigning of the magazine" was needed to make loading the rifle easier.

Demonstration firing of the 7.62 x 51 mm rifle made by the Rifle Factory Ichapore, Kolkata  took place on June 13 and 14. Following this, the armys project management team said the gun was only a prototype that requires comprehensive design analysis and improvement.

The Army is very stringent about the quality of weaponry it wants its forces to use and doesn't compromise one bit on the standards it sets. The Army had rejected an earlier indigenous rifle called the Excalibur last year. Armymen at present are using AK-47s and INSAS, which are made in India. They were inducted in the Army in 1988.

With India still importing 65 percent of its military requirements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly favoured making the country self-reliant in the defence sector.

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New Delhi:

Two Indian Army jawans were killed in Pakistani BAT Army attack in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The Army foiled infiltration bid and killed an intruder in the area. The operations were underway.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Army gunned down two terrorists and foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwara's Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir along the LoC. The Pakistani troops had voilated the ceasefire in Khari Karmara of Poonch sector, Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K: Two jawans lost their lives, one armed intruder killed, another injured in Poonch, operations are in progress. pic.twitter.com/pSnJxSnN1k  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

Also Read | J&K: Security forces kill two terrorists in Baramulla district's Rafiabad town

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New Delhi:

The Inter-Services Public Relations has claimed that the alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav has filed a mercy petition to Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. In the mercy petition, he has sought forgiveness for his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities, the ISPR said in a statement on Thursday.



The Inter-Services Public Relations has claimed that Jadhav has admitted that he was involved in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan. It also said that Jadhav has expressed regret over the loss of lives and damage to property due to his actions.



The ISPR said that Jadhav has requested the Pakistan Army chief to spare his life on compassionate grounds, the ISPR said in a statement on Thursday. Jadhav had reportedly filed an appeal to the Military Appellate Court earlier, which was rejected.A

The ISPR has also released a second alleged confessional video of Jadhav which purportedly shows him accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage.

On June 16, International Court of Justice asked India to give its final submission on Kulbhushan Jadhav case by September 13, while Pakistan was given the deadline of December 13 for the same.A

Pakistan has claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Indiaas request to delay proceedings of Kubhushan Jadhavas case until December.A

Jadhav, 45, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April. 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.A

(With Inputs from PTI)

His mercy petition to Mil Appellate Court was already rejected.

Second confessional video at https://t.co/GldmIYLOsl . (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/EqmbRyinRI a Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) June 22, 2017

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New Delhi:

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said in Mumbai on Thursday that asking for loan waiver has become a fashion nowadays but it is not the final solution. Further, he said that loan waiver should be considered only in extreme situations.

Farmers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha recently protested over various issues concerning them, including the demand for waiving off their loans.

Seeking loan waiver has become a fashion these days. But waiving off loans is not the final solution and it should be considered in extreme situations, said Naidu, who was in the city for an event. He said farmers need to get good remunerative price for their produce and care should also be taken of those in distress.

Waiver (of loan) needs to be done in extreme situations, it cant be solution in long term, we need to focus more on infrastructure: V. Naidu pic.twitter.com/yvICjSIRsX  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

ALSO READ: UP CM Yogi Adityanath's first Cabinet meeting: Key decisions

Most importantly we should create adequate infrastructure and facilities like godowns, cold storage, refrigerator vans, among others. Also, we will have to ensure that affordable credit is available to these farmers, Naidu said.

So far states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab have announced loan waiver.On the Centres proposal to sell state-run carrier Air India, Naidu said the governments role is more of a facilitator and an administrator which should focus on creating infrastructure.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier pitched for Air Indias divestment, saying it has a market share of 14 per cent whereas its debt is Rs 50,000 crore, following which the the Civil Aviation Ministry said it was looking at all possible alternatives to make the airline viable.

Ws in context of addressing infrastructure problems incl farmer problems,said we arent addressing issues in long term bt in short term-Naidu pic.twitter.com/oPoLA6BhjB  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

READ: Farmers' agitation enters on day 4, call for Maharashtra Bandh today

Tata group is believed to be discussing buying a stake in debt-laden Air India as the government mulls various options, including full or partial privatisation, to revive the national carrier, sources said.

We have seen what has happened to Air India. The government has no business to be in business. It should focus on administration, delivering health and education facilities, connectivity and providing basic amenities and it has to be a helping hand, Naidu said.

With PTI inputs

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Mumbai:

Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the municipal bodies should look at avenues to raise funds locally instead of expecting funds from the Central and state governments.



Naidu, who was in the city to attend the listing of the Rs 200 crore bond by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), said there is enough money in the system but the local bodies need to tap them efficiently through various modes of funding.



The listing of the PMC bonds marks urban revival in the country. This event is going to have a wider impact on urban development. The time has come when cities (local bodies) start looking inward and raise money, he said.



PMC has raised Rs 200 crore by selling 10-year bonds at a coupon of 7.59 per cent. The issue was oversubscribed six times. The proceeds will be used for a Rs 2,300 crore water project.



The minister assured that the Centre will fund any developmental project undertaken by municipal local bodies but it is necessary that they should actively participate in raising resources for providing the necessary infrastructure and amenities to the citizens.



He, however, noted that the resources should be raised in the most transparent manner.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that at least 10 cities should issue municipal bonds within a year. Other cities should now follow Pune and Ahmedabad, Naidu said.



Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arjun Meghwal, who was also present at the listing, said the capital markets health is improving and cities should take the benefit of it and become self-sufficient in raising funds.



On the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said creating infrastructure should be perceived as a business model and local bodies should look at proper options with bankable proposition.



SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi said local bodies need to be more disciplined in maintaining their accounts and system to make the bonds issued by them trade-worthy.



They should have a proper credit system in place to ensure investor confidence in repayment of bonds, the Sebi chief said.



SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya said such bonds will reduce the dependency of the municipal corporations and improve their fiscal position.



SBI Capital is assisting many government agencies in raising funds through various instruments, she said.



The benchmark Sensex today rallied 211 points to hit an all-time high of 31,494 at 1200 hrs.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday had a telephonic conversation with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven. In the conversation, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation for Sweden's support to the 'Make-in-India' programme.

Sweden had participated in a big way in the 'Make-in-India Week' held in Mumbai in 2016, with Lofven himself attending it along with a large delegation consisting of government officials, heads of agencies and industry leaders.



"Had a good discussion with H. E. Mr. Stefan Lofven @SwedishPM on the phone. I deeply appreciate Sweden's support for @makeinindia," Modi tweeted.



Modi and Lofven had jointly inaugurated Sweden's pavilion at the 'Make-in-India Week' in 2016 in which over 18 Swedish companies had participated.



Some of the biggest Swedish participants included ABB, Atlas Copco, Camfil, Ericsson, Ikea, Saab, Sandvik, Scania, SKF, TetraPak and Volvo.



Around 160 Swedish companies are operating in India, employing 160,000 people directly and 1.1 million indirectly.



"Swedish industry has always believed in India as a perfect trading partner, right from the time Ericsson laid the first cables in 1903 to the current times when our companies are looking to raise their investments and their manufacturing units here," Swedish Ambassador to India Harald Sandberg had said then.

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New Delhi:

BSP supremo Mayawati on Thursday said that she was in support of the opposition's Presidential candidate Meira Kumar.



Mayawati wrote on social media, Twitter, and dubbed Meira Kumar as more capable and popular than NDA candidate. She further tweeted that BSP will support the opposition candidate in the Presidential polls.

On Thursday, Congress President Sonia Gandhi announced Meira Kumar as the Presidential candidate for Presidential poll 2017.



Earlier Satish Mishra of BSP had tweeted that Mayawati gave her consent for the name which came in the opposition meet held on Thursday.

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Chandigarh:

The opposition Aam Aadmi Party and ally Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) MLAs were physically removed out of the Punjab Assembly on Thursday by the Marshals after they created a ruckus.

The opposition SAD legislators were also named by the Speaker after they protested and rushed to the Well of the House protesting the manner in which the AAP legislators were thrown out.

The AAP legislators were protesting stopping of partys chief whip Sukhpal Khaira and LIP leader Simarjeet Singh Bains at the assembly gate on Thursday.

Last week, Khaira and Bains were suspended for rest of the budget session.

The Speaker suspended the AAP MLAs present in the House and lone LIP legislator Balwinder Singh Bains, led by the leader of the opposition H S Phoolka, for the day after they disrupted assembly proceedings by raising slogans and rushing to the Well.

Even the SAD MLAs including party president Sukhbir Singh Badal were named and suspended for the day by the Speaker after they created ruckus protesting the manner in which AAP legislators were physically removed from the House.

High drama was witnessed as the Speaker ordered that the AAP legislators and lone LIP MLA be taken out of the House, even as the opposition lawmakers jostled with the marshals.

In the commotion, the turban of one of the AAP MLA allegedly came off. Later, Phoolka claimed that four of their legislators had also been injured as they were forcibly taken out.

Also Read: 'Traitor' posters featuring Kumar Vishwas: AAP lodges complaint with police, calls it a 'conspiracy'

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLAs protested the Speakers action against the AAP MLAs, alleging misbehavior by the watch and ward staff.

Earlier during Question Hour today, AAP MLAs protested against Khaira and Bains for not being allowed to enter assembly complex, with AAP senior leader Kanwar Sandhu raising the point.

They rushed to the Well of the House and raised slogans.

AAP members tried to break the human chain of watch and ward staff. Amid the din, Speaker named all the AAP and LIP MLA, directing marshals to take them away.

AAP MLAs were physically removed by marshals. Later on, the SAD and BJP MLAs staged walk out in protest against the removal of AAP MLAs from the Assembly.

Afterward, when SAD and BJP members re-entered the House, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal protested against the alleged removal of turban of a AAP MLA and said that even women members of the opposition who were named by the Speaker had been pushed around.

When the House re-assembled, the SAD MLAs protested the manner in which the AAP legislators were thrown out of the Assembly complex.

SAD senior legislator and former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia was seen carrying turban of a MLA of AAP. He along with other SAD lawmakers including Sukhbir rushed to the Well of the House and raised slogans against the government.

As the ruckus continued, the Speaker named all the SAD MLAs including Sukhbir Badal, Majithia and Ajit Singh Kohar and directed marshals to take them out of the assembly.

Suggested Read | Nirbhaya fund: AAP govt to install CCTV cameras in over 6,000 buses in Delhi

The House was later adjourned for 15 minutes.

Later, talking to reporters outside the Assembly, Sukhbir said, if elected representatives are treated like this, imagine how this ruling party will behave with the common people.

The way turban came off, it is an insult of the entire Sikh community. We will move the National Minorities Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Caste against the manner in which opposition legislators have been treated, turbans have come off and women members were mistreated.

Last week, Khaira was suspended after he uploaded a video of ruckus in the House on June 16 and went live on Facebook from inside the House. LIPs Bains was suspended on June 15 for hurling some papers towards the Chair.

The two legislators held a dharna at the assembly gate today when they were not allowed to enter the Vidhan Sabha complex.

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New Delhi:

NDAs Presidential pick Ram Nath Kovind on Friday will file his nomination for countrys top constitutional post. For his nomination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah will stand as proposers while Lok Sabha Secretary General will be the returning officer.

The ruling BJP has completed all the preparations. It has prepared four sets for Kovinds nomination.

In the first set, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Proposer while Home Minister Rajnath will be the seconder. In the Second set, BJP president Amit Shah will be the Proposer and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will be the seconder.

BJPs ally in Punjab and SAD leader Prakash Singh Badal has also been made a proposer in the third set and Venkaiah Naidu will be the seconder.

Telugu Desham Party National President and CM of Andhra Pradesh, Chandra Babu has also been made a proposer in the fourth set while EAM Sushma Swaraj will be the seconder.

After the announcement of Kovinds name, Chandra Babu Naidus TDP was one among the few parties who immediately extended their full support after the declaration of Kovinds name as NDAs presidential pick.

Also Read | President poll: 10 interesting facts about Ram Nath Kovind's life and political journey

The announcement of Ramnath Kovind as the NDA nominee for the post of countrys President surprised many political pundits and thrown the opposition into disarray.

Kovind's victory looks almost a sure shot as NDA parties hold 48.10% votes in the Presidential polls, while TDP, AIADMK, YSRCP, BJD, TRS and IND, parties which have already expressed support to NDA candidate Kovind hold 12.20% votes. This leaves opposition with less than 40% votes.

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New Delhi:

A 24-year-old woman on Wednesday gave birth to a baby boy on a platform of Thane railway station.

Meenakshi Jadhav and her husband Sandesh Jadhav were going to visit a hospital. But when they reached Thane Railway Station to catch a train to Ghatkopar, she started experiencing delivery pain.

Reacting to the situation, Railway Protection Force (RPF) officer Shobha Mothe and other women reached to help Meenakshi and provided her a dignified cover. Minutes later she gave birth to a baby boy.

Meenakshi and her baby were later shifted to a Civil hospital for treatment. Both are reportedly safe.

Recently, in a similar incident, a woman flying from Saudi Arabia to India gave birth to a baby while the plane was still over the Arabian Sea.

Also Read: Jet Airways welcomes unexpected guest mid-air, crew members deliver baby in flight

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New Delhi:

Farmers' protest in Maharashtra's Thane turned violent on Thursday. The residents of Nevali village are protesting against land procurement by Ministry of Defence for a proposed airport.A

The disputed land is an abadonned airport built by British forces during the World War. Overtime, local villagers reclaimed that land and have been using it for farming and other purposes.A

On Thursday, the farmers torched vehicles on Thane-Badlapur highway to protest against the acqusition. In response, the authorities have sent in additional forces to control the situation.A

Maharashtra: Farmers protest turns violent on Thane-Badlapur highway, protesting farmers say their land is being acquired by MoD pic.twitter.com/b6VDUmhMmH a ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

Thane farmer protest: Additional forces sent to the spot including riot control vehicles a ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

#Visuals from Thane-Badlapur highway where farmers protest turned violent, farmers say their land is being acquired by MoD. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/X5TgogeoMU a ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

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New Delhi:

Google on Thursday highlighted the work of Oskar Fischinger, the German-American artist, musician and filmmaker who created incredible works of animated art set to music by dediacting Doodle.

To mark his 117th birthday Google wants you to think new and visual music composition of your own in honor of filmmaker and abstract animator Oskar Fischinger.

The artist's died in 1967, was known for pairing abstract visuals with music, long before computer graphics and music videos.

Oskar Fischinger made around 50 short films and painted around 800 canvases that holds a place in museums, galleries and collections across the globe.

This German-American abstract animator, filmmaker, and painter, notable for creating abstract musical animation many decades before the appearance of computer graphics and music videos. He created special effects for Fritz Lang's 1929 Woman In The Moon, one of the first sci-fi rocket movies.

One of Oskar Fischingers famous quotes was, Music is not limited to the world of sound. There exists a music of the visual world, is one of Fischingers famous quotes.
New Delhi:

A team of students from Tamil Nadu has made India proud as US space agency NASA has launched the worldas smallest satellite built by them. The students were seen rejoicing after the launch of the satellite that weighs just 64 grams.



Rifath Sharook, an Indian teenager hailing from Tamil Naduas Pallapatti, had created the smallest and lightest satellite in the world for USas National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The 18-year-old has broken a global space record by launching the satellite named KalamSat.

History was made on June 21, when a NASA sounding rocket carried the KalamSat from Wallops Island, a NASA facility. History has been created as an Indian studentas experiment has been carried out by NASA for the first time.

According to Rifath, the satellite is a sub-orbital flight and the mission span was 240 minutes post launch. The little satellite operated for 12 minutes in a micro-gravity environment of space.A

"The main role of the satellite will be to demonstrate the performance of 3-D printed carbon fibre," Rifath had said earlier.A

Rifath said he participated in a competition 'Cubes in Space' jointly organised by NASA and an organisation called 'I Doodle Learning' and his satellite was selected.

The main challenge in the competition was to develop an experiment to be sent to space that fits into a four-metre cube weighing exactly 64 grams.

"We did a lot of research on different cube satellites all over the world and found ours was the lightest," he was quoted as saying by TOI.A

Rifath said reinforced carbon fibre polymer is mainly used to create the satellite. "We obtained some of the components from abroad and some are indigenous," he said.

Chennai: Students who built the world's smallest satellite, rejoice after its launch. The satellite weighing 64 grams was launched by NASA. pic.twitter.com/ak7NP9KzUO a ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

As the name of the satellite suggests, aKalamSata is named after Indiaas nuclear scientist and former President, APJ Abdul Kalam. Rifathas project is the first to be manufactured via 3D printing.

Speaking about his experience, Rifath added: aWe designed it completely from scratch. It will have a new kind of on-board computer and eight indigenous built-in sensors to measure acceleration, rotation and the magnetosphere of the earth. The main challenge was to design an experiment to be flown to space which would fit into a four-metre cube weighing 64 grammesa.

An organisation called aSpace Kidz Indiaa funded the satellite, said Rifathas.

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Police charge five persons, including two IUML leaders, with abetment of suicide | The accused had demanded a public apology from the doctor
New Delhi:

India's Ambassador to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin on Thursday (IST) urged the international community to 'ensure that the resurgent forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens anywhere and at any level.'



Presenting India's arguments during the debate on the situation in Afghanistan, Akbaruddin stressed on the need of eyeing all terrorists with same lens, "We must not differentiate between good and bad terrorists, or play one group against the other."



"The Taliban, Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Daesh, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others of their ilk are all terror organizations, many of them proscribed by the UN. They should be treated like terrorist organizations with no justifications offered for their activities," he added.



In the backdrop of ever increasing tension between India and Pakistan on the issues of Kashmir and Bolochistan, the Indian ambassador questioned the availability of the weapons and resources to terrorists in Afghanistan, "...where are these anti-Government elements getting their weapons, explosives, training and funding from? Where do they find safe havens and sanctuaries? How is it that these elements have stood up against one of the biggest collective military efforts in the world?"

Suggested read: Donald Trump administration planning to crackdown with drone strikes on terror safe havens in Pakistan: Report



Akbaruddin also strongly condemned international community's lack of attention towards the crisis in Afghanistan, "Despite the worst possible violence witnessed in Afghanistan, this Council doesn't think appropriate to meet more often than at routine quarterly debates on the situation in Afghanistan. At times, the Council has even shied away from condemning some of the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. Is it that they are far too many to keep track of? Is it because there is a threshold below which human lives lost to terrorism are not required to be addressed?"



India is Afghanistan's one of the closest allies and has remained committed to support and strengthen capabilities to not only fight terrorism and violence but also to aid development and nation building, he said.



A few days ago, the first cargo of goods arrived, marking the beginning of first such regular service between the two nations.

Read Syed Akbaruddin's full statement in UN here:



Mr President,



Thank you for organizing this debate on the situation in Afghanistan. We appreciate the briefings by SRSG Mr Yamamoto and the account presented by the distinguished Permanent Representative, Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal that have added to our understanding of the current crises in Afghanistan.



Mr President,



2.The recent flurry of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, including the massive Kabul bomb attack, have left many of us horror struck. The civilian casualities, most of them being children, is sadly at an all-time high.



3.Clearly, the international community is dealing in Afghanistan with an adversary who is not averse to flagrantly violating international humanitarian and human rights laws; an adversary flush with resources, weapons and operational support; an adversary that has access to sanctuaries outside the sovereignty of Afghanistan and operational command of the international forces deployed there; an adversary that sees no reason or incentive to give up violence and participate in the creation of a democratic, united, stable, secure and prosperous state.



4.Unfortunately, the multiple crises that have been inflicted on the war-torn country have once again made Afghan territory attractive for criminal and terrorist groups, which seem now well connected to international terror and crime networks that prey themselves on the resources of Afghanistan. This situation affects the security in South & Central Asian regions and beyond.

Mr President,

5. A crisis, more often than not, is seen as a catalyst for real change and genuine solutions. However, for this to happen, one's perceptions need to be straight and forthright. After all, you can't change what you can't or are unwilling to see. This we believe, for a long time, has remained the conundrum that the international community has faced in Afghanistan. The international community's collective inability and unwillingness to see the problem for what it is has inflicted huge costs on the people of Afghanistan.



Mr President,



6. While no two conflicts are comparable, one wonders why, despite the worst possible violence witnessed in Afghanistan, this Council doesn't think appropriate to meet more often than at routine quarterly debates on the situation in Afghanistan. At times, the Council has even shied away from condemning some of the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. Is it that they are far too many to keep track of? Is it because there is a threshold below which human lives lost to terrorism are not required to be addressed?

Mr President,

7. We see a growing tendency of treating violence in Afghanistan as a routine. Brutalities by terrorist and criminal networks are ignored under the label of anti-Government elements or a consequence of a civil and political conflict. In doing so, we appear to be failing in asking some crucial questions. For example, where are these anti-Government elements getting their weapons, explosives, training and funding from? Where do they find safe havens and sanctuaries? How is it that these elements have stood up against one of the biggest collective military efforts in the world? How is it that these elements collaborate with the world's most dreadful terrorists in killing and brutalizing the Afghans? How is it that the phenomenal rise of opium production, accompanied with a rise in global narcotics drugs prices, have gone totally unattended by the 1988 sanctions committee?



8. Why is it that the 1988 sanctions regime is still being maintained when there is no will to utilize its leverage for progress in the peace process? Why is it that we do not hear anything about the stalled peace process from those involved and the activities of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group? Why is it that we are not hearing discussions about ideas and plans of action of the Security Council on a conflict which has left many Afghan lives shattered and brutalized?



9. In the last few months, Afghanistan has faced some of the worst attacks on its territories. Attacks on hospitals, schools, funerals, or international development agencies and diplomatic missions seem to be aimed at sending a message to a nation trying to stand on its feet. We salute the Afghan National Security Forces who are doing their best in countering the forces of terrorism and extremism which strike persistently one after another.



10. India remains committed to stand with Afghanistan and support and strengthen capabilities to not only fight terrorism and violence but also to aid development and nation building. Our efforts to this end will be strengthened with the initiation of a direct air corridor between our two countries agreed last December. A few days ago, the first cargo of goods arrived in both our countries overcoming the obstructions our two countries have faced in connecting and trading with each other.



11. While we welcome the efforts at renewing the UN's approach to dealing with Afghanistan through the upcoming strategic review of UNAMA, such efforts should be guided by the needs and priorities of Afghanistan, its people and its Government. We would appreciate broader and more informal discussions on the matter with all important stakeholders. In this regard, the international community's assistance to the people and Government of Afghanistan needs to address the gaps between the efforts of the country in nation building and quandaries of death and survival.



12. In this regard, it is international community's first and foremost duty to ensure that the resurgent forces of terrorism and extremism do not find sanctuaries and safe havens anywhere and at any level. We must not differentiate between good and bad terrorists, or play one group against the other. The Taliban, Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Daesh, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and others of their ilk are all terror organizations, many of them proscribed by the UN. They should be treated like terrorist organizations with no justifications offered for their activities.



Mr President,

13. The first and foremost priority of all of us should be to assist Afghanistan in dealing with the humanitarian and security situation in the country, as was outlined by the Secretary General in his report of his visit to Afghanistan.



14. India, for its part, will continue to stand, in the words of our Prime Minister stand not behind but shoulder to shoulder, with the democratically elected Government of Afghanistan, while it battles against terror and the multiple crises inflicted on it. We hope that this Council, which is tasked with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, will also play their role in restoring peace in Afghanistan.

Thank you, Mr President

Suggested read: UN chief Antonio Guterres says he is engaged in bringing about India-Pakistan dialogue to solve Kashmir issue

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Irbil (Iraq):

The Islamic State group destroyed Mosuls 12th century al-Nuri mosque and its iconic leaning minaret known as al-Hadba, when fighters detonated explosives inside the structures last night, Iraqs Ministry of Defense said.



Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi tweeted early today that the destruction was an admission by the militants that they are losing the fight for Iraqs second-largest city.



Daeshs bombing of the al-Hadba minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque is a formal declaration of their defeat, al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group.



The mosque, which is also known as Mosuls Great Mosque, is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called Islamic caliphate in 2014 shortly after Mosul was overrun by the militants. The minaret that leaned like Italys Tower of Pisa had stood for more than 840 years.



The IS group blew up the mosque during the celebrations of Laylat al Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims. The Night of Power commemorates the night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is now underway.



An IS statement posted online shortly after the Ministry of Defense reported the mosques destruction blamed an airstrike by the US for the loss of the mosque and minaret. The US-led coalition rejected the IS claim.



A coalition spokesman, US Army Col. Ryan Dillon, told The Associated Press that coalition aerial surveillance confirmed the mosque was destroyed, but he said a US strike was not the cause.



We did not conduct strikes in that area at that time, Dillon said.

ALSO READ | Islamic State blows up Mosuls iconic Al-Hadba minaret and Nuri mosque where Baghdadi declared himself caliph



IS fighters initially attempted to destroy the minaret in July 2014. The militants said the structure contradicted their fundamentalist interpretation of Islam, but Mosul residents converged on the area and formed a human chain to protect it.



IS has demolished dozens of historic and archaeological sites in and around Mosul, saying they promoted idolatry.



This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated, US Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, the commander of coalition ground forces in Iraq, said in a written statement.



The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS, he added. ISIS is another acronym for the Islamic State group.



The mosque sat on the southern edge of the Old City, the last IS stronghold inside Mosul. Iraqi forces launched a push into the Old City earlier this week, but have made slow progress as the last IS fighters there are holed up with an estimated 100,000 civilians according to the United Nations.



Brett McGurk, the US envoy for the global coalition against IS, also criticized the destruction at the hands of the militants in comments today at an annual security and policy conference in Herzliya, Israel.



In June 2014, Mosul, a city of nearly 2 million people fell to ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate from the mosque, the grand mosque of al-Nuri in Mosuls Old City, he said.

ALSO READ | Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Not his first death, know about past claims on his life by various nations



And late yesterday, as Iraqi security forces closed in on that mosque about a hundred meters away, ISIS blew it up, a mosque that sat there since the 12th century, ISIS blew it up.



Earlier this month Mosul residents reported IS fighters began sealing off the area around the mosque. Residents said that IS fighters ordered families living in the area to evacuate in preparation for a final stand.



The fight to retake Mosul was launched more than eight months ago and has displaced more than 850,000 people. While Iraqi forces have experienced periods of swift gains, combat inside the city has been grueling and deadly for both Iraqi forces and civilians.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A powerful car bomb on Thursday struck a bank in Afghanistans Lashkar Gah city when civilian and military government employees were queueing to withdraw their salaries, causing multiple casualties, officials said.



According to the latest information, the car bomb has left at least 34 dead and nearly 60 wounded.



The injured people were rushed to the hospital, government spokesman Omar Zwak told AFP, with another official warning of multiple fatalities.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Pakistan Interior Ministry on Wednesday made a policy decision to review the conditions for the issuance of visas to Chinese nationals after the recent abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals in Quetta.

The decision to make visa rules stringent for the Chinese citizens comes days after Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar had informed that the killed Chinese nationals were secretly preaching Christianity and entered Pakistan on a business visa.

According to the ministry, the decision to tighten the visa norms is being taken in order to ensure regulation, streamlining and transparency of the process of visa issuance to Chinese nationals, as well as to preclude misuse of the visa-friendly regime that exists between the two countries.

In a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Nisar the key decision were taken. And now Business visas, visa on arrival to Chinese nationals will only be granted after production of invitation/assignment letter certified and endorsed by recognised Industry along with a letter from other designated Pakistani officers posted abroad for the promotion of business activities.

UN chief Antonio Guterres says he is engaged in bringing about India-Pakistan dialogue to solve Kashmir issue

The ministry also reached a decision that extensions of business visa will only be granted by the Interior Ministry on request and after provision of required documents by the employer.

Interior Minister Nisar also directed Nadra to expedite consolidation of data of Chinese nationals present in Pakistan so that it could be shared with security agencies in order to ensure maximum security arrangements.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington :

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Saudi Arabias newly-appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he discussed the thorny diplomatic row between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours, including Riyadh.



The president and the crown prince committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond, the White House said in a statement about their telephone talks.



The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar, the statement added.



The region is in the throes of a deep crisis.

Read | Donald Trump's top aide, Kenneth I Juster will be America's new ambassador to India



Earlier this month, Riyadh and several of its allies including Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, cut ties with Qatar over accusations that Doha supports extremist groups, including some linked to Saudi foe Irana claim Tehran denies.



In addition to diplomatic isolation, other measures taken included closing Qatars only land border, banning its planes from using their airspace and barring Qatari nationals from transiting through their airports.



Qatar is home to the biggest US air base in the Middle Easta hub in the war against the Islamic State group.



Trumps administration has sent contradictory signals on the crisis. While Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia, Washington has shown mounting frustration over the kingdoms role in the crisis.



State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said yesterday that the US was mystified that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies have failed to present details justifying their embargo on Qatar.

Read | Donald Trump's proposed state visit to UK in doubt



The more that time goes by, the more doubt is raised about the actions taken by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Nauert said.



US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been tasked by Trump to oversee an end to the crisis, has been working the phones in recent days trying to defuse a standoff that has put key US allies at loggerheads with one another.



Tillerson said today that Saudi Arabia and its allies had prepared a list of demands to be presented to Qatar.



We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable, Tillerson said in a statement.



We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort and look forward to this matter moving toward a resolution.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
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HARTFORD  Democratic majority leaders of the House on Thursday admitted they dont yet have a final budget proposal, but they have set Thursday, June 29th for a session to debate a new two-year spending package.

If they cant finalize a new, two-year $39-billion budget, then House Democrats hope to approve a short-term fix resolution. But House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, warned that without Republican support to bring it over 100 votes, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy could easily veto such a resolution.

And Malloy indicated as much.

The fiscal year begins on Saturday, July 1 and the likelihood of a budget deal is diminishing daily. Democrats hold a narrow 79-72 edge in the House and are in an 18-18 tie in the Senate, with Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, a Democrat, the presiding officer, who broke 14 ties during the recent 22-week legislative session.

Senate Democrats also caucused their budgetary options on Thursday and plan to meet on the 29th.

We dont have a product to put on the table, said Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, after a multi-hour closed-door meeting of Democrats. He said that previous plans to include electronic highway tolls in the budget, and possibly retrieving additional revenue in the second year of the biennium, failed to win approval in the caucus.

"We always had the hope of having tolls available to us and for transportation funding here in the state of Connecticut, Aresimowicz told reporters outside the House chamber at about 2 p.m. That process is going to be a little slowed down. We did the lock box, but clearly we're going to have come back next year and do some sort of action to get the tolls moving. So, that changed."

Klarides said that any so-called continuing resolution from the General Assembly would get vetoed by Malloy. Unless theres a bipartisan resolution, itll get vetoed, said Klarides, who along with Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano will meet with Democrats on Friday. They will all join Malloy behind closed doors on Monday in what will be a last-ditch attempt to start the new fiscal year with a budget.

Kelly Donnelly, director of communications for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, warned Thursday that a mini-budget bill that doesnt address the states looming $5-billion deficit, would be in danger of a veto.

If members of the General Assembly choose to exacerbate our difficulties and kick the can down the road, they should be prepared to justify that fiscally irresponsible choice to their constituents, Malloy said. It would be especially surprising to see Republicans endorse any continuation of the current biennial budget, given their strong criticism of that budget over the past two years.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Competition opens for new Canada 150 Research Chairs Program offering more than $117 million to attract top international research talent

OTTAWA, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, today launched the call for applications to the Canada 150 Research Chairs Program. The Minister is inviting the world's scientists and scholars to apply to the new program and, if successful in their applications, bring their groundbreaking work to Canada. The investment of $117.6 million honours Canada's 150th anniversary and was announced earlier this year in Budget 2017.

The Canada 150 Research Chairs Program is designed to attract 15 to 35 internationally-based researchers and scholars to Canada, including Canadian expatriates who wish to return home. These researchers and scholars will bring their knowledge and expertise to universities across the country, and will help students train to become tomorrow's professionals: the researchers, medical professionals, engineers, entrepreneurs and teachers whose contributions help build a better Canada and grow the middle class.

The chairs are set for seven-year terms at two values: $350,000 per year and $1 million per year. The recruitment of these chairs is designed to be fast and will be guided by the Government of Canada's commitment to equity and diversity. By opening the program to researchers from all disciplines, and at all career stages, the Government of Canada wishes to attract the brightest minds that will help further Canada's reputation as a global centre of research excellence.

Quotes

"Attracting international researchers and scholars to Canada is critical as we build a prosperous country and grow the middle class. These efforts will ensure the next generation of students learns from the world's brightest talent, so they have the knowledge and skills for the jobs of tomorrow. My message to the researchers of the world: We are hiring."The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"We are proud to support talented researchers whose hard work will contribute to advances in research, and further strengthen Canada's reputation for research excellence, during Canada's 150th anniversary and beyond."Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Chair, Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee

Quick facts

The Canada 150 Research Chairs Program is open to top-tier international scholars and researchers, including Canadian expatriates, from across all disciplines.

150 Research Chairs Program is open to top-tier international scholars and researchers, including Canadian expatriates, from across all disciplines. The Government of Canada wants to leverage Canada's strengths as a destination of choice for the best and brightest world-leading scholars and researchers.

wants to leverage strengths as a destination of choice for the best and brightest world-leading scholars and researchers. The Canada 150 Research Chairs call for applications closes September 15, 2017 .

Additional links

SOURCE Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Tel.: 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Ann Marie Paquet, Press Secretary, Minister of Science, Tel.: 613-404-2733, [email protected]; Julia Gualtieri, Media Relations Advisor, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Tel.: 613-944-4347, [email protected]

Related Links

www.sshrc.ca


Monique LeBlanc, Regional Director of the Bank of Canada, will be available to answer questions about the theme and the various security features of the commemorative note.

Bank note exchange:
MINSK, Belarus, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ --

Beijing-Minsk Business Cooperation Promotion Fair was held in Minsk on June 21. Li Luxia, head of Beijing delegation and vice-chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-Council (CCPIT Beijing) said that Beijing is willing to constantly push the business cooperation communication and trade investment development with Minsk.

Li Luxia said that the friendly exchanges between China and Belarus have a long history. In September 2016, President Lukashenko paid a state visit to China and both sides announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual trust and mutual benefit.

By the end of 2016, China-Belarus trade volume had reached US $1.524 billion. China became the third largest trade partner and also the largest trade partner in Asia of Belarus with a bright prospect for cooperation. In the context of the continuously deepening of the strategic partnership and the continuous development of the Belt and Road Initiative construction, Beijing held the Business Cooperation Promotion Fair in Minsk, which is a concrete practice for mutual construction as sister cities and Beijing's emphasis on economic and trade cooperation with Minsk.

The Promotion Fair was held jointly by CCPIT Beijing and Minsk Branch of Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than 50 entrepreneurs from Minsk in the fields of food, art, clothing, pharmaceuticals, exhibitions, law, etc. and over 70 entrepreneurs from Beijing in the areas of energy, tourism, culture, agriculture, science and technology, economy and trade attended the Fair.

Image Attachments Links:

http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=291741

SOURCE AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS (AAP)

For further information: Mr.Ji, Tel/Fax: 86 10 63075245.
Featuring the very best of real estate, the state-of-the-art urban campus will exemplify innovation, connectivity and sustainability

TORONTO, June 21, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - CIBC Square, a transformative project by Ivanhoe Cambridge and Hines, officially broke ground this morning during a special ceremony held on site at 81 Bay Street. Formerly known as Bay Park Centre, CIBC Square will feature two buildings and a one-acre elevated park over the rail corridor. The first of the project's two buildings, 81 Bay Street is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The second building, at 141 Bay Street, and the elevated park over the railway will be completed in 2023.

Breaking ground at the ceremony were Mayor of Toronto John Tory, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament (Vaughan) Steven Del Duca, Ivanhoe Cambridge Chairman and CEO Daniel Fournier, CIBC President and CEO Victor Dodig, Hines Canada CEO Kevin Shannahan, and Ivanhoe Cambridge President, Office, North America, Arthur Lloyd.

"The new Union Station Bus Terminal will be integrated with our largest transit hub for a seamless commute as we continue to invest in building up our transportation network and innovative projects  like high speed rail and GO RER. CIBC Square is a visionary example of what government can achieve in partnership with the private sector - commuters can enjoy a walk in the park and take in the best views of the city for a more enjoyable, comfortable transit experience."

- Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation

"This project is a perfect example of how private and public partnerships can help reimagine Toronto and build up the city. This will provide a better experience for commuters, revitalize the entire area with a new elevated park over the railway and give a boost to the city. Thank you to all those involved in getting us to today."

- John Tory, Mayor of Toronto

"CIBC Square will be a remarkable addition to Toronto's skyline and a significant contributor to its thriving economy. We are delighted to make a significant and sustainable impact to the development of Canada's largest city, with an elegant, modern and efficient project."

- Daniel Fournier, Chairman and CEO of Ivanhoe Cambridge

"At CIBC Square, we will create a truly modern urban campus that reflects our investments in building the bank of the future. The world-class amenities will deliver an exceptional client and employee experience, and an environment of innovation and collaboration. CIBC is thrilled to be part of this major development which will enhance Toronto's position as a financial capital for our clients in Canada, the U.S. and around the world."

- Victor Dodig, President and CEO of CIBC

"We are excited to be part of this dynamic project team that will be delivering this world-class urban campus in the heart of Toronto. With this project, we are contributing vibrant, technically and socially advanced architecture befitting the city for decades to come."

- Kevin Shannahan, CEO, Hines Canada

About CIBC Square: Delivering a new international standard

CIBC Square is the result of a joint effort between global real estate leaders Ivanhoe Cambridge and Hines, and one of the last office development with a commercially renowned Bay Street address in Toronto's business district.

CIBC Square, with its enviable location directly adjacent to Toronto's Union Station, epitomizes the best of the "transit-oriented development" (TOD) approach. It not only completes the Union Station campus master plan by delivering a world-class bus terminal, but also provides direct links to all of Toronto's transit channels, including TTC Subway, GO Train, Via Rail, PATH and the UP (Union Pearson) Express. As part of the CIBC Square Project, the Bay East Teamway will be renovated to first-class standards and will provide direct immediate access to the GO Train platforms from the project.

Each of the buildings will be equipped with an extensive array of amenities far exceeding anything available in the Toronto marketplace today. The signature amenity of CIBC Square is a one-acre elevated park, spanning one of North America's busiest railways to connect the two buildings at the 4th floor level.

As a clear indication of their commitment to this globally unique public space, the programming of the park has been developed in co-ordination with Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, which operates and curates the activities of New York City's famed Bryant Park. The elevated park will become a landmark destination for office users, area residents and tourists.

CIBC Square comprises two highly innovative office buildings on a 2.9-million-ft2 (270,000-m2) downtown urban campus. The buildings will feature 49 and 50 floors respectively of cutting-edge office and collaborative spaces designed to exceed the expectations of the most discerning tenants. CIBC Square will accommodate the optimal densities that are required by today's premier global office space users, and will offer expansive views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline.

Designed to maximize efficiency with open floor plates and building systems that enable tenants to optimize the footprint, CIBC Square will set a new standard for technology and innovation that far surpasses buildings from previous development eras. The project will be one of the last office developments with an internationally renowned Bay Street address in the business district.

Additional amenities will include first-class fitness and bicycle-parking facilities with showers exclusive to tenants, an international style eatery offering a selection of nutritious and healthy food options, and a variety of other restaurant options, including a white-tablecloth restaurant, a casual restaurant, and a cafe. The project will also deliver a first-to-market amenity of dedicated interior VIP parking and limo/taxi pick-up and drop-off facilities for building occupants and their clients. Finished ceiling heights throughout the project will be 9'6" (2.9 m) on the office floors and 12'0" (3.65 m) on the high-density podium floors, and the floorplates will be the largest available in downtown Toronto.

CIBC Square is designed by architect firms WilkinsonEyre and Adamson Associates, following an architectural design competition. The project is founded on architectural and structural excellence, exceeding mechanical, electrical and security expectations, which have been designed to attain LEED Platinum Core & Shell certification, WELL Certification and WiredScore Platinum accreditation.

About Ivanhoe Cambridge

Ivanhoe Cambridge, a global real estate industry leader, invests in high-quality properties and real estate companies in select cities around the world. It does so prudently, with a long-term view to generate optimal, risk-adjusted returns. Founded in Quebec in 1953, Ivanhoe Cambridge has built a vertically integrated business across Canada. Internationally, the Company invests alongside key partners and major real estate funds that are leaders in their respective markets. Through subsidiaries and partnerships, Ivanhoe Cambridge holds interests in nearly 800 buildings, primarily in the residential, office, retail and logistics real estate sectors. Ivanhoe Cambridge held approximately C$56 billion in assets as at December 31, 2016. The Company is a real estate subsidiary of the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (cdpq.com), one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers. For more information: ivanhoecambridge.com.

About Hines

Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 189 cities in 20 countries. Hines has approximately $96.5 billion of assets under management, including $48.5 billion for which Hines provides fiduciary investment management services, and $48 billion for which Hines provides third-party property-level services. The firm has 114 developments currently underway around the world. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired 1,206 properties, totaling over 390 million square feet. The firm's current property and asset management portfolio includes 533 properties, representing over 213 million square feet. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a pioneering commitment to sustainability, Hines is one of the largest and most-respected real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information.

B-roll clips of the project can be downloaded via this link

CIBC Square high-resolution images can be downloaded by clicking on this link.

CIBC Square  Technical Fact Sheet



81 Bay Street 141 Bay Street Number of floors 49 office floors + 4 mechanical floors 50 office floors + 4 mechanical floors Height 238.46 m (782 ft) 243.1 m (797 ft) Rentable area (square feet) 1,500,000 rsf 1,400,000 rsf Parking spaces 366 spaces 443 spaces Bike parking spaces 526 stalls 524 stalls

Total rentable area: 2.9 million rsf

Electric Charging Stations: 12 spaces

Elevated park area: 1 acre (0.4 ha)

Projected certification labels / designations: Wired Pre-Certified Platinum and pursuing both LEED Platinum Core & Shell and Delos WELL Building Standard

Ceilings heights and floor plates:

Typical low-rise floor plate: 30,000 rsf

Typical high-rise floor plate: 33,000 rsf

Typical Podium floor plate: 64,000 rsf

9'-6" floor -to-ceiling heights (typical floor)

12'-0" floor-to-ceiling heights (high-density podium) plus 12" raised floor for cable and infrastructure

42'-6" lease spa n | floor plates inherently flexible and highly efficient  steel structure

Floor-to-ceiling windows enabling maximum sunlight penetration

Other building features:

Acoustically optimized glass, designed to minimize noise and provide privacy

Airflow will be filtered, consistent, and silent (NC-40)

Highest international standard in office Internet and cell connectivity

Enhanced security and hardening elements

79-ft-high signature ground-floor lobby with second sky-lobby at park level

Project timetable:

81 Bay Street start: Q2 2017, completion: Q2 2020

141 Bay Street start: Q2 2020, completion: Q4 2023

Key project team members:

Concept developer: Ivanhoe Cambridge

Investors: Ivanhoe Cambridge and Hines

Architects: WilkinsonEyre and Adamson Associates

Developer: Hines

General contractor / builder: EllisDon

Urban planners: Urban Strategies

Landscape architects: Public Work

Anchor tenant: CIBC

Owner's representative broker: Cushman Wakefield

Lawyers: Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg

Leasing lawyers: McCarthy Tetrault

Urban planning lawyers: Davies Howe

SOURCE Ivanhoe Cambridge

For further information: Media contacts: Ivanhoe Cambridge Public Affairs, [email protected], Media line: +1 866-456-3342; Zak Paget, FleishmanHillard, +1.416-799-0793, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.ivanhoecambridge.com


READING, England, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - The announcement that ECMWF's new data centre will be located in Bologna comes at the end of a session of the Centre's Council, its governing body, which includes representatives of all its Member States.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526728/ECMWF_Bologna_Entrance.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526729/ECMWF.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526730/ECMWF_Silvio_Cau_Florence_Rabier.jpg )



(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/526731/ECMWF_Silvio_Cau_Florence_Rabier_2.jpg )



The Italian proposal to host the Centre's data centre had been evaluated as part of an international competition and was judged at the beginning of the year to best meet ECMWF's requirements. Member States then tasked Director-General Florence Rabier with entering into discussions with the Italian Government with a view to having a high-level agreement ready for this session of Council.

After discussions and votes, representatives of ECMWF's Member States were satisfied with the high-level agreement proposed by Italy and approved Bologna as the host city for ECMWF's new data centre. The building is to be delivered to ECMWF by 2019 and will host the Centre's new supercomputers, whilst the Centre's headquarters are to remain in the UK.

Dr Rabier commented:

"I am delighted that our Council has decided to support the proposal by Italy to host ECMWF's new data centre. This new facility will allow us to upgrade our high-performance computing capability to the levels required to continue to advance weather science. The decision-making process has been long, thorough and at times difficult, and we have already incurred some delays which could have an impact on our computing capability within the next couple of years. We are extremely grateful to all our Member States, who have taken great care to ensure that ECMWF's best interests would prevail. Of course I want to especially thank the Italian authorities, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that their proposal meets all the required criteria. Having our headquarters in the UK and our data centre in Italy will be a new experience which will illustrate perfectly well the truly intergovernmental nature of ECMWF."

The President of Council, Professor Miguel Miranda, added:

"Weather forecasts in each of the Member States, and indeed far beyond, rely on ECMWF continuing to produce and deliver the best numerical prediction in the world. Today's decision will enable the Centre to start planning in earnest for the procurement of its next supercomputing system.

On behalf of our Council of Member States, I want to join the Director-General in expressing our gratitude to all Member States, who have participated actively in this process. The new Data Centre will be located in Italy, with significant support from the government and the Emilia Romagna region. There is still a lot to do to ensure that the premises will be fit for purpose in two years' time, and we cannot but be impressed by the enthusiasm and the ardour the Italian team has put into this project so far.

ECMWF is an example of European nations pooling their resources to achieve the best possible outcome. ECMWF was created 40 years ago and there are major challenges ahead in today's world marked by a changing climate."

"This result - said the Italian Minister of Environment Gian Luca Galletti - is a great success for Italy. The new data centre in Bologna will allow ECMWF to continue its important work in studying weather phenomena as a strategic element for sustainable economic progress and citizen security. Now Bologna is at the centre of the global environmental challenges. This will further enhance the skills, the ability to innovate, the attractive pole of environmental data which are the heritage of the city. This is the result - said Galletti - of impressive teamwork of many Italian institutions, such as the Ministries of Environment, Education, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, the Emilia Romagna Region with President Stefano Bonaccini, the municipality of Bologna with Major Virginio Merola, and the Alma Mater University with rector Francesco Ubertini. I want to thank Director-General Rabier and President Miranda of ECMWF, together with all Member States: this is a responsibility that Bologna will surely honour."

ECMWF's ten-year Strategy adopted in 2016 sets ambitious goals for Earth system modelling at high resolution. It specifies a target of a 5 km grid spacing for ensemble forecasts by 2025, down from 18 km today. An intermediate step will be the implementation of a 9 km ensemble in 2020-2021. These resolution upgrades will require a new high-performance computing facility with approximately ten times as much computational capacity as is currently available to ECMWF, some of which will come from more processors. The new facility in Bologna will give us the flexibility to accommodate the latest technologies in supercomputing.

Notes for editors

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an independent intergovernmental organisation supported by 34 states, established in 1975. ECMWF's core mission is to produce numerical weather forecasts, carry out scientific and technical research to improve forecast skill, and to maintain an archive of meteorological data.

SOURCE ECMWF
$0.67 hamburger special available opening day

RICHMOND, BC, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - This year marks McDonald's Canada's 50th anniversary and to commemorate the milestone, the restaurant chain will be re-opening the doors to its first-ever Canadian location in Richmond, BC on Friday, June 23rd.

For the opening weekend, the restaurant is celebrating loudly and proudly with some nostalgic elements, including original uniforms, a vintage car, classic images over the past 50 years and a throwback to 1967 with a special one-day $0.67 hamburger special.

"Returning the iconic Golden Arches to their original home is a very special moment, and one that we are happy to share with the community, residents and long-time guests," said Joe Guzzo, McDonald's Richmond Franchisee. "I am thrilled to build on the rich history that this location has by modernizing the restaurant and the experience for all our guests. We look forward to welcoming the City of Richmond and all community members back to the restaurant to check out our new look while enjoying some fun little nuggets from our past."

Of course, the celebration would not be complete without a special guest appearance by the chain's very own Ronald McDonald, who will be delighting guests on opening day. Throughout the festivities the restaurant will also be giving away a variety of prizes to restaurant and drive thru guests.

Community members and guests are invited to join in the fun by visiting the newly renovated restaurant on No.3 road. It will feature innovative elements including self-order kiosks, McCafe Bakery and a modern look and feel  with wood and stone finishes. In addition, guests will see the original Golden Arches back in their place, as well as a commemorative plaque and a piece of brick from the original building.

"This restaurant is a tremendous source of pride for our McFamily," said Shelly Hansen, Regional Vice President, Western Canada, McDonald's Canada. "Fifty years ago, we were thrilled to start our McDonald's Canada journey, right here in BC. Today, we feel very happy and fortunate to celebrate this significant milestone with the community that has supported us for so many years."

Fun Facts

June 1, 1967 First McDonald's restaurant in Canada opens in Richmond, BC

First McDonald's restaurant in opens in Currently, there are 197 McDonald's restaurants in British Columbia

Local franchisee Joe Guzzo owns 13 McDonald's restaurants and has been with the company for four decades, first as an employee and now as a franchisee

Media Event

Media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting at a 1967-themed re-opening event where the restaurant will honour its long history in the community by celebrating some of its most iconic moments over the past 50 years.

What: McDonald's Richmond's Grand Opening Who: McDonald's Franchisee, Joe Guzzo

McDonald's Regional Vice President, Shelly Hansen When: June 21st, 2017, 11:00 AM Where: 7120 No.3 Road, Richmond, BC, V6Y-2C6

About McDonald's Canada

In 1967, Canadians welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, serving close to three million guests every day. Together with our franchisees, we proudly employ nearly 90,000 people from coast-to-coast and approximately 85 per cent of McDonald's 1,400 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs. Of the almost $1 billion we spend on food, more than 85 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada.

SOURCE McDonald's Canada

For further information: on McDonald's Canada visit www.McDonalds.ca.
Morneau Shepell and The Globe and Mail announce 2017 winners at conference and award ceremony

TORONTO, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The winners of the first Employee Recommended Workplace Award were announced today at The Globe and Mail's new headquarters in Toronto. The winning organizations in the small, mid-sized and large categories, in the privately-owned, public, or not-for-profit or government sectors, are also being announced and profiled nationally in The Globe and Mail tomorrow, June 22.

The Employee Recommended Workplace Award recognizes excellence in achieving a healthy, engaged and productive workforce. Employees were asked to complete a short confidential survey that includes questions about their physical and mental health, as well as aspects of their work and life  all elements of Total Health that impact employee engagement and productivity. On completion, they received a personal assessment that identified potential areas for improvement and provided them with resources to help them take action. Organizations received a summary report of their workforce that highlighted positive results and outlined opportunities for improvement, which they could use for Human Resources planning.

Award recipients were selected solely on the basis of the scores from their employee's surveys. The 2017 Employee Recommended Workplace Award winners are:

 Private company: Sklar Wilton & Associates (small)

L.V. Lomas (mid-sized)

Klick Inc. (large)  Public company: NEBS PAYweb.ca (small)

Killam Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (mid-sized)

Nestle Canada (large)  Not-for-profit/ Government: New Brunswick Association for Community Living (small)

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (mid-sized)

Cegep Garneau (large)

More information on each company and why they won is included below.

"The 2017 Employee Recommended Workplace Award recipients provide an excellent example of leading organizations that are undertaking successful strategies to foster a positive culture and improve their employees' total health, including their physical and mental well-being in both work and life," said Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief Research & Development Officer, Workforce Productivity, Morneau Shepell. "These winning organizations understand that workplaces made up of mentally and physically healthy employees go hand-in-hand with strong engagement and high productivity. Each organization accepting this award has also demonstrated a commitment to continued success by identifying opportunities for improvement in their workplace and effectively taking action to address these gaps."

"The Globe is thrilled to celebrate the inaugural winners of the Employee Recommended Workplace Awards. They have set the bar high for organizations looking to achieve a healthy, engaged and productive workforce," said Phillip Crawley, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, The Globe and Mail. "Award recipients should be particularly proud of their accomplishment in receiving this unique award as winners were chosen solely based on employee submissions. It's very encouraging to see so many organizations fostering an employee-centric work environment and making their employee's health needs a priority."

Enrolment for the 2018 Employee Recommended Workplace Award program is now live. For more information on the Employee Recommended Workplace Awards and to register online, please visit employeerecommended.com/register.

About The Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail, founded in 1844, is Canada's foremost news media company. Each day, The Globe leads the national discussion by engaging Canadians through its award-winning coverage of news, politics, business, investing and lifestyle topics, across multiple platforms. The Globe and Mail print and digital formats reach 6.3 million readers every week, with Report on Business magazine reaching 1.7 million readers every issue in print and digital. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrative approach to employee assistance, health, benefits and retirement needs. The Company is the leading provider of employee and family assistance programs, the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 4,000 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States, and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

2017 EMPLOYEE RECOMMENDED WORKPLACE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Winner, privately-owned, small business

Sklar Wilton & Associates is a privately-owned Toronto-based Canadian marketing advisory firm that specializes in business strategy. The company stresses that its people are the key to its success and aims to ensure that every member of its team feels connected and supported. Turnover is non-existent at this company  it offers flexibility for its staff and a wide array of workplace wellness and health programs. Sklar Wilton & Associates achieved the highest overall score of any entrant in the 2017 award.

Winner, privately-owned, mid-sized business

L.V. Lomas is a supplier of fine ingredients, ranging from chemicals and packaging, to food ingredients, to ingredients for home and personal care products and pharmaceuticals. The company has low turnover, offers mental health training for its managers and supplies an array of workplace health programs to employees.

Winner, privately-owned, large business

Klick Inc. is a full-service digital marketing and strategy company. Through its Klick Health division, it is the world's largest independent health marketing and commercialization agency. The company promotes a culture of fun and philanthropy, while focusing on positive employee experience through an array of programs built to support employees in the workplace including peer recognition and health initiatives.

Winner, public company, small business

NEBS PAYweb.ca is a company that provides online payroll and administrative services. The company provides a compelling work environment where its employees can grow in their careers, while fostering a culture of openness, trust and respect.

Winner, public company, mid-sized business

Killam Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust owns, manages and develops multi-family residential properties in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Alberta. Since its first acquisition in 2002, Killam's real estate portfolio has grown to $1.8-billion and includes 13,655 apartment units and 5,165 manufacture home community sites. The company is committed to its employees, offering a scholarship program, rental discounts and a unit purchase program.

Winner, public company, large business

Nestle Canada is the Canadian division of Nestle, the world's largest food and beverage company. The company focuses on the values of its founder, Henri Nestle, fostering a people-focused, flexible and diverse work environment. To support employees achieve their professional goals, the company offers personal development and careers development programs.

Winner, not-for-profit or government, small business

New Brunswick Association for Community Living is a provincial non-profit organization that works on behalf of children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families. It promotes an inclusive work environment where employees are working to help those living with disabilities lead a better, happier life.

Winner, not-for-profit or government, mid-sized business

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is a leading centre for scientific research, training and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics. The institute focuses on having a "comfortable, harassment-free working environment" for everyone and it has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment, discrimination or violence in the workplace. Trust and mutual respect are the core values of the company and its community.

Winner, not-for-profit or government, large business

Cegep Garneau is a public, French-language college in Quebec City, offering pre-university and technical programs. The college focuses on the health and well-being of both its staff and students, from having the right support staff, to its beautiful location in Quebec City. It also dedicated to environmental sustainability throughout the college.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell - Corporate

For further information: Contacts: Cathren Ronberg, Morneau Shepell, [email protected], 416.355.5632; Lanna Crucefix, The Globe and Mail, [email protected], 416 585-5000
All proceeds from the Canada Day Pancakes promotion go to the Breakfast Club of Canada

BURNABY, BC, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - In celebration of Canada's 150th birthday, the Ricky's Group of Family-style Restaurants, http://www.gotorickys.com, a Canadian company, is reaching back to its storied roots as a pancake house and is serving up Canada Day Pancakes from June 26 to July 1.

These delicious pancakes have a red maple leaf centre and kids of all ages will love them. All proceeds from the sale of each $1.50 pancake will be going to support Breakfast Club of Canada, http://www.breakfastclubcanada.org.

The promotion will run in all Ricky's All Day Grill restaurants, Ricky's Country restaurants and Ricky's Cafes across the country. The pancakes will be served every day of the promotion until 11:00 a.m.

"We agree with Breakfast Club of Canada that a good day starts with a good breakfast," said Stacey Hansson, senior vice-president of Ricky's Group of Family-style Restaurants. "That's why we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Canada's 150th than by serving up special pancakes for our guests and donating the proceeds to the Breakfast Club." The restaurant chain has a long-standing relationship with the organization.

"The Club is proud to partner with Ricky's Group, and to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday in a way that will benefit generations to come," Josee Desjardins, vice-president Ontario and Western Canada of Breakfast Club of Canada, said.

For 20 years, the Breakfast Club of Canada has been nourishing children's potential by making sure as many of them as possible have access to a healthy morning meal before school, in an environment that allows their self-esteem to grow and flourish. Operating from coast to coast, the Breakfast Club helps feed 167,000 students every day in 1,450 Canadian schools.

Interested parties are invited to visit http://www.gotorickys.com to locate a Ricky's near them to celebrate Canada's 150th.

Ricky's All Day Grill

Ricky's began as a pancake restaurant in BC in 1960. Since the late 1970s, it has evolved into a successful restaurant franchise known for big breakfasts, large portions and extensive menu. Ricky's All Day Grill is part of the Ricky's Group of Family-style Restaurants, with 90 locations across Canada. Frank Di Benedetto is the CEO/Owner of FDF Brandz, which includes Ricky's Group of Family-style Restaurants and Fatburger Canada. www.gotorickys.com

SOURCE Ricky's All Day Grill Restaurants

For further information: Dan Pittman, 714.282.9994, [email protected]
June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

OTTAWA, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, we shine a light on the heritage, achievements and cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Over the generations, many Indigenous Peoples and their communities have come together on June 21, the longest day of the year, to celebrate their culture and heritage. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to honour and showcase the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples across this land.

National Aboriginal Day is first and foremost a day for celebration, but it also an occasion to reflect upon our past and our present. As we mark Canada 150, it is especially important to carefully consider the events that have shaped our country, including some of the darker chapters in our history.

Our Government is committed to working toward meaningful and lasting reconciliation. A successful journey toward reconciliation is one where Indigenous teachings, culture, traditions and practices are embraced in the spirit of their contribution to the Canadian fabric. It is where governments, civil society, educational institutions, corporations and non-Indigenous Canadians work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples, to forge new ways of understanding and build a stronger country.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I encourage all Canadians to take part in the National Aboriginal Day celebrations happening in numerous communities and eight major cities across the country. Let us work together to ensure that the next 150 years are marked by respect, trust, hope and optimism.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only), please contact: Pierre-Olivier Hebert, Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 819-997-7788

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca


OTTAWA, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Aboriginal Day:

"Over twenty years ago, the Government of Canada, together with Indigenous organizations, designated this day  the summer solstice  as National Aboriginal Day.

"Every year, we join together on this day to recognize the fundamental contributions that First Nations, Inuit, and the Metis Nation have made to the identity and culture of all Canadians. The history, art, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples have shaped our past, and continue to shape who we are today.

"No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. Our Government is working together with Indigenous Peoples to build a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship  one based on respect, partnership, and recognition of rights.

"We are determined to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples  by closing socio-economic gaps, supporting greater self-determination, and establishing opportunities to work together on shared priorities. We are also reviewing all federal laws and policies that concern Indigenous Peoples and making progress on the Calls to Action outlined in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone a happy National Aboriginal Day. I invite all Canadians to take part in the #NADCanada activities in their community and to learn about the history, cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. The 150th anniversary of Confederation this year reminds us of the legacy of the past. As we look forward to the next 150 years, we commit to move ahead together in a spirit of reconciliation and respect.

"This year, I am also pleased to announce that from here forward the Government's intention is to rename this day National Indigenous Peoples Day."

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555

Related Links

http://pm.gc.ca/






A Canadian national has been charged with stabbing a police officer at an airport in the midwestern state of Michigan Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors announced the charge against Amor Ftouhi of Quebec. He is charged with committing violence at an airport.

FBI's Detroit field director David Gelios said the agency believes Ftouhi is a "lone wolf" attacker who entered the country legally and then made his way to Flint, Michigan. He said the FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.

On Wednesday morning, Ftouhi stabbed Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife uttering "Allahu Akbar,'' the Arabic phrase for "God is great.'' The FBI, which is leading the investigation, reported that Ftouhi said something along the lines of "You have killed people in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die.''



Neville was in stable condition after initially being in critical condition following the stabbing at the main terminal of Bishop International Airport, a small regional airport in Flint, Michigan.

Airport officials posted a statement on Facebook saying that all passengers were safe. Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said in a release the situation is under control, but she urged officials to take extra precautions in light of the incident.






Fulani community in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State has accused the Mambilla tribe of committing ethnic cleansing against them.Recall that Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) had also expressed shock and sadness over the alleged wanton destruction of lives and cattle going on in Taraba State.In their reaction, the community in a press statement issued in Jalingo, said more than 20 families were wiped out in attacks within one week.They noted that as at Wednesday morning, more than 100 people had been murdered even as killings were still going onIn the press release signed by elders of the community, Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu , Malam Suleiman Musa, Alhaji Hassan Ardo and Alhaji Dauda Jae, the elders lamented that over 180 Fulani villages in the Mambilla Plateau were attacked.They lamented the alleged lukewarm position of the Taraba State Government to the incidents.More than 130 persons, including children and women are missing while over 4,000 cows were either killed or taken away.We are calling on relevant authorities to urgently intervene, the elders said.The Fulani community further appealed to Acting President Yemi Osibanjo to take all necessary measures to stop the ethnic cleansing being committed against them.
Notorious kidnapper, Evans has continued to sing like a bird in police detention as investigations progress before his final arraignment in court.



36-year old Evans, the kidnapper

Suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Dumeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, has told his interrogators the secrets which had helped him to escape police drag net for seven years.

Evans, who it was learnt, took police to his third detention camp in Lagos recently, said he created multiple identities to be able to be a step ahead of security agents.

This came as the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, disclosed that Evans was arrested based on information sharing and intelligence cooperation among police services in West Africa

The suspect had earlier boasted to be the lord of the kidnapping world. He said: To kidnappers out there, you have seen what Im going through. You have seen it on television and read it in newspapers. For police to have arrested me, the lord of kidnappers, I think there are no other kidnappers out there. Those who are into kidnapping should stop it. Kidnapping doesnt pay. I have learnt my lesson. I think there are no kidnappers anywhere.

In living to his claims as the lord of kidnappers, Evans told his interrogators that he had a different name for different state of the federation.

For instance, the suspect is known at his Magodo residence as George but he is Evans in the Lagos criminal world.

In Edo he is Sunny; in Port Harcourt, he is Richard; in Lagos he is Evans; in Anambra he is Somtu, etc, while some his girlfriends police arrested know him as Mike.

Security agents in each state are looking for different persons whereas it is the same person. He was doing that just to outsmart security agents. He is extremely intelligent in crime matters, a source said.

Speaking on Evans arrest, Idris said information sharing was crucial to tackling the menace of trans-border crimes in West Africa.

He said: It is through such exchange that we were able to nab a Ghanaian/Nigerian kidnapper two weeks ago, after evading arrest for many years.

Idris spoke at an ongoing West Africa international security conference in Accra, Ghana, in a paper entitled: The role of Nigeria Police in national security and its contributions in West Africa.

He said: For several years, Evans terrorized Nigerians and nationals of many countries across West Africa. Efforts to apprehend him did not yield the desired results until we spread our search net wider.

Idris, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Jimoh Moshood, solicited closer ties among security agencies in the sub-region and emphasised the need to improve the method of monitoring and surveillance, particularly among border and coastal police units.

The IG called for improved communication capabilities among intelligence gathering outfits in West Africa, and called for mutual support to plug loopholes usually exploited by criminals.

He said that the Nigeria Police Force had 300,000 personnel in 127 area commands and 5,303 divisions.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, said an Indonesian firm, PT Intim Perkasa Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of PT Intim Perkasa, Indonesia, has indicated interest in building a 10,000-barrel per day modular refinery in Akwa Ibom State.The Corporation made this known in a statement signed by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, in Abuja, on Wednesday.It said Mr Adi Hartadi, Head of Investor Relations of PTPP (Persero) Tbk, partners to PT Intim Perkasa Nigeria Limited, disclosed the intension of the company during a business meeting with the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru.Hartadi stated that the company had more than 50 years of experience in construction and engineering and it was desirous of diversifying into downstream operations in Nigeria.The statement quoted Baru as saying that the NNPC placed high premium on investment in the nations refining sector, adding that the corporation would give necessary support to the Indonesian Companys interest in the downstream sector.Represented by Chief Operating Officer, Refineries and Petrochemicals of the NNPC, Mr. Anigbor Kragha, he stated that the countrys three refineries, with a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, could not function optimally over the years due to lack of investment.Baru further explained that given Nigerias expected population by 2025, more than 40 million litres of petrol would be required for local consumption.He added that the combined capacity of the nations three refineries would only be able to satisfy just above 50 per cent of the projected local demand.He expressed optimism that with this kind of investment coming steadily, Nigeria could serve as a regional hub of refined petroleum products for West Africa and beyond.He called on the investors to be mindful of clean fuel policy across African countries and ensure that they produce fuels that meet specification with regards to sulphur content.On our end, we have embarked on ambitious plan to fast-track programmes to restore our capacity utilization from 30 per cent to a minimum of 90 per cent in the next 24 months.To do that, we are working on securing financing from third parties, not just funding, but also technical expertise to help us increase our performance to world class levels that they should be.He addedBaru also said that in line with the Federal Governments policy on modular refineries the NNPC had set up a Greenfield Refinery Department that specialized in new refinery projects and also provide professional support to potential investors in modular refinery in the country.Also, the Third Secretary for Economic Affairs, Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria and the leader of the Indonesian delegation, Mr. Dwiyatna Widinugraha said that the visit was a follow-up to the earlier visit by the Indonesian envoy to NNPC, the bilateral meeting between the Indonesian Trade Minister with his Nigerian counterpart as well as the visit of Indonesian Prime Minister to Nigeria.The countrys decision to build a refinery in Nigeria was coming few weeks after Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry Purwanto, had expressed the interest of the country in purchasing more crude oil from Nigeria.
The police has responded after a police officer was allegedly caught using POS machine to collect bribe in Lagos state.



The Nigeria police said it could be possible the officer was using a handheld machine to verify vehicle registration details

After a video surfaced online showing a policeman in Lagos using what looks like an Automated Teller Machine card on another device that looked like a Point of Sale terminal machine after stopping an Okada rider, the Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday cleared the air on the matter.

After the video appeared online, many people raised alarm that policemen in Lagos state are now using POS to take bribe from motorists. It was gathered that the policeman caught in the act was posted to the Makinde Police Division.

The seven-second clip was filmed by a female motorist which caused serious buzz on social media. However, some residents close to the scene of the incident told Punch that policemen from the Makinde division sometime stayed at the junction to extort money from motorists and motorcycle riders.

Extortion by policemen is not new here. There is a woman selling roasted corn down the road. They stay close to her place. But I did not witness the one in the video. the resident said.

An executive member of one of the motorcycle riders association in the community, who watched the video, said it was not impossible for the policemen to do such a thing.

He said, It is a normal occurrence around here. In fact, it happens on a daily basis. Those policemen always stay in that area to stop motorcycle riders and motorists. But I believe the man that was being extorted in that video is not the motorcycle rider. It must be his passenger, who could be a yahoo-yahoo boy (Internet fraudster). When policemen ask them (fraudsters) for money, they give excuses. The excuses may have forced the policeman to devise the method of the POS terminal.





But for us as motorcycle riders, they collect between N5,000 and N10,000 when they seize our motorcycles. They have told us that we are their ATM. The policemen fond of this are from the Akinpelu and Makinde divisions.

Another motorcycle rider in the community said cops sometime threatened to take them to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad where they would be detained for robbery.





We all have been victims at different times. Sometimes, they ask us not to park close to banks or pick more than one passenger. They could say we have been asked to stop using a particular park and they will arrest us and start demanding money, he added.

A resident listed some of the points of extortion to include Akinniku Street, Bolade Junction and Oshodi Express bus stop.

There is nobody to call them to order; they just do as they like, he said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the command was aware of the video, adding that the policeman involved was arrested and detained.

He said, The policeman was on a stop-and-search on Tuesday. From what we gathered, he stopped a commercial motorcycle rider who was carrying a passenger with a bag. He asked the passenger what he had in his bag and he stated them.





The policeman searched the bag and found the POS terminal and other documents. When he asked him what he was doing with the POS, the man claimed he was using it to pay utility bills and that he worked with an electricity distribution company.





The policeman demanded a proof of identification and he tendered it. The policeman then asked him to go since there was nothing implicating on him. Unknown to all of them, a passerby was filming the scene without their knowledge.





We arrested the policeman initially. But this morning (Wednesday), we saw the same commercial motorcycle rider and asked him to give an account of what transpired. The rider gave the same account, saying the policeman did not collect any money from the passenger.

However, the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit - PCRRU of the Nigeria Police Force has responded saying:





"Re: VIDEO - "Nigerian police man caught on camera using POS machine to collect bribe"





Nigeria Police Force once used handheld machines to verify vehicle registration details.

I'm sure we all know Bank requirements on issuance of PoS.

I CHALLENGE ANYONE WHO PAID 'PoS BRIBE' TO CONTACT PCRRU 24/7 via;

Calls Only: 0805 700 0001, 0805 700 0002 | SMS and WhatsApp Only: 0805 700 0003 | BBM: 58A2B5DE | Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU | Facebook: www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU | Email: complaint@npf.gov.ng OR PolicePCRRU@gmail.com





Our quick response will put a smile on your face.

PCRRU say No to Impunity.





ACP ABAYOMI SHOGUNLE.

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,

PUBLIC COMPLAINT RAPID RESPONSE UNIT (#PCRRU),

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

#BailisFree."
Nigeria Needs $1.4bn to Purchase STBs for Digital Switch Over

Having missed the June 17, 2017 deadline for the entire Digital Switch Over (DSO) process, which commenced since 2006, the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, has said that Nigeria needs as much as $1.4 billion to purchase Set-Top-Boxes (STBs), in order to achieve 95 per cent access to free digital television content across the country.Kawu who made the disclosure in Lagos recently, while briefing journalists on Nigerias preparation for the DSO process, said the country needed up to 32 million STBs to cover its 190 million population, and provide them with quality digital television contents.STBs are small digital boxes, which receive and convert digital signals into viewable contents.According to Kawu, the average Nigerian family in a home is six and if each home has one Set-Top-Box, then the entire population of 190 million will need up to 32 million STBs, costing $1.4 billion at the rate of $45 for each STB.He said that the government subsidises each STB at the rate of N1,500, which he said, had been a huge cost on government.He however said the government had concluded plans to reduce cost of STBs to as low as $20 for each box, by encouraging local production of STBs in Nigeria.In order to achieve cost reduction on the STBs, Kawu said NBC licensed 13 local manufacturers of STBs, to commence local manufacturing in Nigeria at reduced cost.Giving further details of the Set-Top-Boxes, Kawu said the licensed Set-Top-Box manufacturers had committed resources to the importation of 850, 000 STBs from China, but that the NBC had issues with the payment, following the seizure of its funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during the past administration of the NBC.He however said President Muhammadu Buhari, who had always been convinced of the importance of Nigerias DSO process, finally approved release of the seized sum of N10 billion to the NBC in September 2016.So far, a total of 745, 480 STBs have been imported into the country; 566, 478 have been delivered, while 485, 409 have been sold and 332, 095 were activated in Jos and Abuja. Our call centre has been very busy. As at June 11th, 2017, one of the appointed call centre managers, The Outsource Company (TOC), has received 796, 026 calls from customers. It equally received 21, 369 complaints for various challenges.We are engaging with the Nigerian Governors Forum, so that the states can partner us, especially in the procurement of Set-Top-Boxes as well as critical assistance for the installation of transmission systems in their various states by our signal distributors, Kawu said.Commending the federal government for its commitment to helping the NBC achieve full coverage in the entire DSO process, Kawu said: We would like to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, who stated last December, through Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, that Nigeria is irrevocably committed to the DSO. We have continued to receive the support of the federal government and we would like to place on record too, the tremendous support of the Senate and the House of Representatives, in the entire DSO process.
I am a Nigerian from Oyo State and based in France. I met the suspect Akintunde on Facebook in November 2016. And in the cause of our discussion, the suspect told me that she was a divorcee and that if I was ready for a relationship I should send her money to rent an accommodation and I sent the sum of N100, 000 to her because I was desperately in need of a wife from Yoruba land. In February 2017, the suspect told me that her mother was a big time oil dealer in Nigeria managing three filing stations. She later told me that her mother was about to sell off one of the filing stations for N4 million and she advised me to purchase the station so that any time I returned to Nigeria to settle down with her, I would have investment to fall back on. She sent three pictures of the three filing station to me to convince me. I accepted her advice thinking that she was a honest woman who would be a good house wife. Before I started investing in the filing station, I requested to speak with her mother to confirm her claims and her mother equally confirmed through phone call that she was an oil dealer operating three filing stations in Nigeria and that she was about to sell one of the station for N4 million.

Following her mothers confirmation, I told the suspect to open an account in her name for me to be transferring money into it till the N4 million was completed to pay for the filing station. I transferred the sum of N750,000, N650,000, 250,000 and N200, 000 into her account. I equally sold my Peugeot car in Nigeria for N1 million and remitted the money into her account. I also shipped a Renault bus with properties inside valued about N2.5 million to her to sell and pay for the filing station. But I was surprised to hear that she did not buy any filing station, but instead converted all my money to her personal use and plunged me into debt. I am now appealing to the Nigerian Police to help me recover my money from the suspects, he said.

The police in Lagos have arrested 33 year old single mother of four, Aishat Akintunde pictured above, for allegedly defrauding her Facebook lover of money and properties valued at about N5 million. According to PM news, Aishat, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, met her France-based victim, Ayobami Adeniyi online in 2016 and promised to marry him. Trouble started for the suspect when the DCP in charge of Federal SARS, Lagos, Ibrahim Kaoje dispatched a team led by DSP Olaniyi Festus to Sango Ota area of Ogun State to arrest a suspected female smuggler that allegedly sold an unregistered Renault bus with properties inside value at about N2.5 million for just N1 million.During police investigations, Aishat told the police that she had a lover in France who shipped the bus into Nigeria for her to sell. The police then reached out to Ayobami to confirm the report. When contacted, Ayobami appealed to the police arrest Aishat and keep her in detention, promising to be in Nigeria in the next two days. Upon his arrival, he went to the police to narrate his experience with Aishat.In her defence, Akintude allegedly admitted receiving only the sum of N1.5 million cash from the complainant and not N5 million which he was claiming and a bus which she sold for N1 million and used the process to buy an uncompleted building at Ijoko area of Sango Ota, Ogun State.The Police say she would soon be charged to court after investigations into the matter has been completed.
The Vatican has announced that it is donating about $515,000 towards aid projects in South Sudan, AFP news agency reports.The move comes after Pope Francis dropped plans to visit South Sudan because of security fears in a country hit by myriad conflicts since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011.The $515,000 would be spent on two hospitals run by nuns, a teacher training programme and a project to buy seeds and tools for some 2,500 farming families.Speaking at a press conference at the Vatican, Ghanas Bishop Peter Turkson said the aid was a concrete sign of the pontiffs closeness to the people of South Sudan.
Hundreds of mourners turned out Thursday to pay final respects to Otto Warmbier, the US student imprisoned for more than a year by North Korea and sent back home in a coma that proved fatal. The 800-capacity auditorium at Warmbiers high school in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming was packed to capacity, as were overflow rooms set up to accommodate additional mourners.Nearby streets were adorned with blue and white ribbons as a show of support.Still more lined roads in Wyoming, a small town of 8,000 residents, and in Cincinnati, where the 22-year-old was laid to rest. Some waved American flags while others held up signs with supportive messages.Sentenced to hard labor early last year for stealing a political poster from a North Korean hotel, Warmbier was medically evacuated to the United States in a coma last week after nearly 18 months in captivity.Doctors said Warmbier had suffered severe brain damage while in North Korea, and he died Monday at a Cincinnati hospital.President Donald Trump slammed Warmbiers detention and eventual death as a total disgrace.This process has been a window into both evil, and love and good, one of Ohios two US senators, Rob Portman, told reporters before the funeral, which was closed to the media.Today were seeing the good, and the love that will be expressed through this outpouring of support for Otto and his family.A long line of mourners formed in the early hours of the morning for Warmbiers funeral, held at the high school from which he graduated in 2013.This is our season finale. This is the end of one great show, but just the beginning to hundreds of new spin-offs, read a quote from Warmbiers graduation speech included in the program.The service, which lasted about an hour, concluded with Warmbiers casket being carried out as a bag-piper played the spiritual Going Home.Warmbiers treatment by the reclusive North Korean regime sparked strong condemnation in Washington, and inflamed already high tensions stoked by Pyongyangs atomic tests and missile launches.Trump denounced the brutal regime of Kim Jong-Un, and Portman called it appalling.He never should have been detained in the first place, Portman said Thursday. The North Koreans need to be held to account for that.On Wednesday, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that US patience with Pyongyang was running out.To see a young man go over there healthy and, (after) a minor act of mischief, come home dead basically this goes beyond any kind of understanding of law and order, of humanity, of responsibility toward any human being, Mattis said.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (APC, Kano Central) said yesterday that increased agitation for secession takes a centre state in the Nigerian polity following the collapse of political parties.Speaking to select journalists in Abuja yesterday, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, said political parties in Nigeria had been weakened.They cannot function well. Our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not well, I mean is not well funded. No serious meeting has taken place since we came on board. The opposition too has problem which seems to be irreconcilable. Under this, we are bound to have a kind of situation, he said.Kwankwaso also differed with the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai who directed for the arrest of northern youths who told the Igbo to leave the North. He said the youths should rather be engaged in a peaceful discussion.Dialogue and discussion with both sides is the way out; there is need for caution on both sides... Secession is not solution for lopsided appointments. Im sure if you remember, there were issues over skewed appointment, but nobody called for break up. The way out is to be on the table, he said.On whether the National Assembly had powers to introduce new projects in budget, he said the document must be looked at.The National Assembly is not a photocopier. It needs to look at the figure and issues. If you take the constituencies of the entire senators, they are equal to that of the president and if you look at the entire federal constituencies of Reps, they are equal to that of the president. So, executive, legislature and even the judiciary must be together in the interest of the country, he said.Kwankwaso also spoke on President Muhammadu Buhari and 2019.If he is going for second time, there is no problem because (the fact that) somebody is in the hospital doesnt mean somebody who is outside is healthier than him. It is the decision of Allah and nobody can fault it.Kwankwaso who dodged questions on the rift between him and his successor in Kano, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said he had more supporters in Kano more than ever.This is not the time to talk on Kano, the time will come I now have more supporters in my constituency, Kano and even in the entire North more than before, he said.Denying his defection speculation, Kwankwaso, who came second in the presidential primaries of the APC said the party was fair to him, hence there was no need to dump it for another.
A double suicide attack killed Bokos restive Far North, which is regularly hit by Nigeria-based Boko Haram jihadists, security sources said.The deadly blasts happened in Kolofata, where nine people died in a double suicide bombing in early June.There were eight killed, six civilians and the two attackers, a source close to Cameroons security service said of Wednesdays violence.Another security source confirmed the death toll, but no further details were immediately available.The Far North region, which borders Nigeria, has seen a resurgence in attacks blamed on Boko Haram after months of relative calm.In mid-June two civilians were killed in an attack in Limani, which is near Kolofata and the Nigerian border. Earlier in the month a soldier was also killed in Kolofata
The Osun Government says it will provide free train ride for its indigenes from Lagos to Osogbo during the Eid-el-Fitr holiday.The Commissioner for Industries, Commerce and Co-operatives, Mr Ismaila Jaiyeoba-Alagbada, gave the information in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo.Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the free train would leave Iddo terminus in Lagos to Osogbo on Saturday June 24 by 10am and return to Lagos on Tuesday June 27 by 11am.He said the train would also pick passengers along Ogun and Oyo corridor.Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the service was in continuation of the commitment of Gov. Rauf Aregbesolas administration to making life more meaningful for the people of the state.According to him, the free train service, which commenced in 2011 during festive periods, is also aimed at facilitating a stress-free homecoming for the people during the festival.The commissioner urged indigenes of the state who wish to come home to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr to make use of the opportunity of the free train service.We encourage holiday makers to use this opportunity to update themselves about the developments that are taking place in the state.The Aregbesola administration, regardless of the negative hate campaigns of those that are threatened by its massive pro-people policies, has created an enduring legacy of service.We have taken service to the people to a new height that will be impossible to reverse. We have opened up roads and we have built schools that many find hard to believe are possible in this part of the world.We have renewed our urban settlements to attract investors. These and many more would be the spectacles to behold when they visit the State of Osun, he said.
Another suspected kidnapper has been caught in Lagos but this time it's a female. The suspect was caught yesterday in Elepe, Ikorodu,...

Another suspected kidnapper has been caught in Lagos but this time it's a female. The suspect was caught yesterday in Elepe, Ikorodu, Lagos as she tried to steal a little girl from her mother's room.





People gathered and helped her pin the woman down. The woman, who is in her early 30s, was beaten after which she allegedly confessed that a man sent her on the mission and she's usually paid N500,000 for each child she kidnaps.





She was saved from getting lynched by the timely intervention of police.
There is palpable fear at the Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry, as kidnappers have threatened to abduct some pupils and staff members of the school.It was learnt that the kidnappers sent two letters of the same content to the junior and senior sections of the college respectively.This is just as the daughter of a councillorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Odi Olowo Local Council Development Association, Ilupeju, Bode Adeosun, was reportedly abducted.It was gathered on Wednesday that the letters sent to Kankon were posted on the corridors leading to the offices of the two principals.In the letters sighted by our correspondent, the kidnappers claimed responsibility for the abduction of six pupils of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, who had spent 28 days in captivity.They vowed to abduct six pupils from Kankon, as well as the two principals of the college, boasting that nothing could stop them.A copy of the letters read, Kidnappers are visiting the school the same way we did at Igbonla, Epe. We are going to capture three pupils from senior school and three from junior school. We are kidnapping both principals.We are coming in two days time. No security put in place will stop us from gaining entry and fulfilling our mission as stated in this letter. Be expecting us!Our correspondent learnt that the letters were sent to the college about two weeks ago, while the security agencies and the state government were alerted.Policemen and soldiers were said to have been deployed in the school.However, when the ultimatum given by the suspects elapsed, the security presence around the school reportedly reduced, which caused panic.Some parents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they had initially wanted to keep the threat secret, but decided otherwise due to the reduction in the number of operatives manning the school.One of the parents said he had visited his ailing son, who is in Junior Secondary School, on Saturday, June 10, when he saw one of the letters.As I was passing by the principals office, I saw a notice and stopped to read it. I was shocked when I read the content. The principal was not around at that time, but I alerted some staff members present.I informed the Parents Forum Association chairman, who contacted the school authorities. The government and security agencies had also been informed.A large number of policemen and soldiers were initially deployed in the school. There were also security vans patrolling the school surroundings.But when I went back four days after, the number of security men had reduced considerably. I saw only two policemen at the school gate.Another parent said he was at the school on Wednesday (yesterday) to assess the security situation, but was disappointed, urging the government to take the threat seriously.He also lamented that the school fence was very low while there were bushes at the back of the premises, which could be exploited by the hoodlums.He said, Part of the bushes had been cleared upon the threat, but there are still a lot to be done. The school fence needs to be raised. There should be light around the fence for safety at night.A parent called for massive security around the school, saying some insiders could be aiding the hoodlums.There is a Nigerian Air Force base near the school; the threat should not be taken for granted, she added.The PFA Chairman, Mr. Wale Alo, said the case was reported at the Akpa Police Post and Area K Command, Badagry.He said, We have been trying to beef up security. The state government sent policemen and military personnel. The school also employed some vigilantes to secure the school, especially at night. I learnt that the deputy governor is aware. Although the handwriting on the letters looks like that of a child, the content is beyond any pupils reasoning. The school is a little bit far from the waterside, but we must not leave anything to chance.A member of staff of the college, who begged not to be named, said security was required in the school.He said, It was the junior school that got the letter first. After three days, the same letter was dropped at the senior school. The school employed local vigilantes after the letter was received. They left after some days, saying the government did not appreciate their effort. They said if anything happened to them in the course of protecting the school, they could be abandoned.These vigilantes are the ones really doing the work. In the middle of the night, they were around the hostels, hiding in the bush. Presently, two policemen are on duty per shift. Once it is 11pm, they go to sleep. However, five policemen patrol the road leading to the school every day.The school authorities, however, described the letters as a rumour.One of the two principals, Mr. Sunday Fadaunsi, said, We regard the letters as a rumour. Parents and pupils have been circulating it, but nobody can come up with any letter.When asked about the security measures put in place in the school, he said, the deputy governor is handling that.The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the government was aware of the letter, adding that the security of the school, pupils and staff was guaranteed.He said, We are aware and the security agencies are on high alert and alive to their responsibility. Whether it is a threat or a prank, the Lagos State Government will not yield any of its schools or pupils to the evil machinations of kidnappers. We shall secure our schools and every pupil and tutor. The police and other security agencies are up to the task. This is an assurance to the Model College, Kankon, and the general public.The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the police had beefed up security in the school and other colleges in the coastal areas of the state.There is intelligence report that these people (kidnappers) may perpetrate criminal acts at model colleges. The police are using proactive measures to fortify the schools, including Kankon, to prevent what happened in model college, Igbonla.The Area Commander, Area K, said there is an adequate police presence at the school and there was no cause for alarm.Meanwhile, the APC councillorship candidates daughter, Bukola Adeosun, was allegedly kidnapped around 9pm on Tuesday while she was sent on an errand to Shilon Street, Ilupeju, with her younger sister.Her father, Bode, said the abductors contacted him around 1.30am on Wednesday with a hidden number.He said  Bukola, was sent on an errand with her younger sister, but only the little sister came back.Around 1.39 am, we got a call from the kidnappers confirming that Bukola is in their custody.I believe the kidnap of my daughter has some political undertone since local council election is coming up next week.The state PPRO said a case of missing person was reported to the police.He said, The family said she went to buy fish around 10pm, but she didnt return. We are investigating. She is an adult.
The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the groups members and eligible voters in Anambra State to ...

The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the groups members and eligible voters in Anambra State to boycott the November governorship election in state.Kanu, who spoke at his fathers palace at Afara Ukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, also said residents of Southeast and others under the Old Eastern Region would not vote in 2019, if the Federal Government fails to hold referendum before the election.The IPOB leader faulted Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on why he (Kanu) was not among stakeholders invited to Aso Rock for a roundtable discussion.He vowed not to relent in the struggle for Biafra.Kanu said: Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back. We are ready to go there (prisons) unless the Federal Government gives us Biafra.We are starting with Anambra in November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State. In 2019, the whole of Biafra land will not vote for any President. There will be no senator, there will be no House of Representatives candidates. There will be no House of Assembly and there will be no councillorship elections in Biafra land, if they (Federal Government) fail to call for a referendum.The IPOB leader urged members of the group to remain steadfast and calm as Biafra remains their only hope.He said: We are not like any other people. People like us dont come twice. Thats why I know that with the last breath in this very body, Biafra will be restored. Theres nothing anybody can do about it. Tell them thats what I said. Nobody on this earth can stop Biafra.
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, has reacted to the defection of former Minister o...

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, has reacted to the defection of former Minister of State (Defence) Musiliu Obanikoro to the party.





He also said that former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George will soon join the APC.





Ajomale stated that he was not surprised at Obanikoros defection to the ruling party.





His words: You know he was one of us before he decamped to PDP. When we were in the defunct Alliance for Democracy, AD, he was with us. He benefitted a lot from the party because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu loved him.

Tinubu made him a commissioner in his cabinet when he was governor of Lagos State and later Obanikoro was also given senatorial ticket by AD and that was how he became a senator on the platform of AD. Suddenly for reason best known to him, he decamped to PDP.

But all along nobody took offence to his action because we all knew that Obanikoro will one day come back. Obanikoro is like the prodigal son in the Bible who bite the fingers that fed him, but just like the biblical prodigal son was forgiven by his father, we have also forgiven Obanikoro.

Thats to tell Nigerians that Asiwaju Tinubu has a large heart; very accommodating. With what Obanikoro did to AD, ACN and later APC when he was in PDP some would have thought Tinubu and other APC leaders would not forgive Obanikoro, but Tinubu doesnt bear grudges. He forgives easily.

He is not an autocrat or a dictator that some people portray him to be. With Obanikoro now in APC, the next big fish we are expecting in APC is Chief Bode George. He is coming to join us very soon, to join APC in helping to transform Lagos State into Dubai of Africa, Ajomale said.





Obanikoro has debunked claims that he has defected to the ruling party stating that he only attended the towns hall meeting organised by Remi Tinubu because it was done in his constituency.
Bukola, the 19-year-old daughter of APC councillorship candidate in Odi Olowo LCDA, Lagos State, Mr. Bode Adeosun, has been abducted by sus...

Bukola, the 19-year-old daughter of APC councillorship candidate in Odi Olowo LCDA, Lagos State, Mr. Bode Adeosun, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers.







It was learnt that she was abducted on Tuesday night around 9p.m. at Ilupeju area of the state, when she went to buy fish for her mother. It was gathered that the victim and her younger sister went on the errand.



While her younger sister went to collect their balance from the fish seller, the kidnappers, who came in a black Toyota Camry car, ordered the girl into their car and zoomed off.

According to their father, I received a phone call from a strange person telling me that my daughter is in their custody and that I would hear from them once again. The person hung up his phone.

My daughter would in four days mark her 20th birthday, I dont know what have befallen me. I hope this is not how my political opponents want to get at me."

It was then it dawned on me that my daughter had been abducted by kidnappers. Since then I have not heard from them. I dont know what my daughter is going through in their hands now and my fear is that they may rape her.The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the girl was missing and the matter reported to the police and investigation is ongoing into the matter.
Nigerians took to Google last week to know more about the wife and other family members of suspected notorious kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onuamadike (aka Evans).Googles Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Anglophone West Africa, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, made this known in Lagos on Thursday.Kola-Ogunlade said that issues on superstar, Beyonces twins, the London fire and the Confederation Cup also trended on Google Search.The one-week search started from June 16 and ended on June 22, according to Kola-Ogunlade.He noted that the suspected kidnapper was arrested on June 11.Many people searched for news around this issue using terms Evans the kidnappers wife, Evans wife and kids, Evans kidnapper and Evans wife, he said.Kola-Ogunlade said that Fathers Day message from Bill Clintons black son also trended on Google search.He said that the self-proclaimed love child of Bill Clinton, Danney Williams, resurfaced on popular social network, Twitter, with a Fathers Day message for the former United States President.Kola-Ogunlade said that Williams wrote: Though you abandoned me and only took care of Chelsea, I still want to thank you for giving me life. Happy Fathers Day @billClinton.I am not looking for sympathy or welfare; I just wish you didnt forget about me @billclinton. #BillClintonSon #ClintonKid.The manager said that Nigerians, who were looking for good messages to send to their fathers, searched Google for Fathers Day messages.He said that people searched for Fathers Day 2017, Fathers Day text message, Fathers Day message from son and Fathers Day message from daughter.On Beyonces twins, Kola-Ogunlade noted that Beyonce was reported to have given recently and thought to still be in hospital.According to him, the, Beyonce and Jay-Z had been rumoured to be expecting twins.People searched Google using the search terms Beyonce twins, Beyonce news, jay Z and Beyonce net worth, he said.Kola-Ogunlade said that the London hotels fire also topped Google search last week.He noted that at least 79 people were dead or missing following the fire that tore through the 24-story Grenfell Tower in London on June 14.He said that the Google Search terms for the fire included London tower fire and London tower fire outbreak.The manager added that Nigerians searched for information on Confederation Cup to be hosted by Russia this year.Google search terms on this topic are Confederations Cup, 2017, Confederations Cup fixtures, FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, FIFA Confederations Cup fixtures and CAF Confederations Cup, he said.
A woman identified as Margaret Udiamehi has been raped and beheaded by suspected herdsmen at Ekpoma, Esan West LGA.

A woman identified as Margaret Udiamehi has been raped and beheaded by suspected herdsmen at Ekpoma, Esan West LGA.



They said a woman earlier escaped from the herdsman who pursued her but they took her cutlass. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, one of the women who gave her name as Grace said they were tired of watching strangers destroyed their crops, rape and kill women in the village.



She called for government protection to allow them go to the farm. Daughter of the deceased said her mother left for farm in the morning and did not return home which made a search party to the organised to look for her.



She said they searched through the night before her naked body was discovered at about 2am and her head chopped off. Divisional Police Officer in Ekpoma, SP Franklin Akanonu, who confirmed the killing assured the protesters that the killers would be apprehended.



He urged the protesters to provide information that would help apprehend those behind the killing. Sources revealed that policemen were deployed to the Ujuelen camp of Fulani herdsmen to protect them from any possible reprisal attacks.

The body of the victim was found on Tuesday night by a search party after she failed to return home from the farm while the police discovered her severed head on Wednesday morning at a different location.Angered by the brutal killing, women in the locality took to the streets of Ekpoma to demand expulsion of all herdsmen from the village and environs The protesters went to the palace of Onojie of Ekpoma and the Divisional Police headquarters to vent their anger.
Chairmen, Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West said, Thursday that his battle with the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has nothing to do with the Administrator of Ijumu Local Government Area, Taofiq Isah, but for the governor to provide good governance for the people of the state.Senator Melaye, however, alleged that the governor was siphoning the States money under the guise of Caretaker Committees and has refused to conduct local government elections in the state. Speaking with Vanguard Thursday, Senator Melaye who noted that he was also fighting for Kogi workers and pensioners, however lamented that workers and pensioners in the state were suffering and dying, following what he described as governor Bellos non-payment of 15-month salaries and pensions, adding, Yahaya Bello collected N20bn from the Federal Government as bailout fund. Still, he refused to settle workers. He also collected N11bn from the Paris Club fund. Still, he refused to pay workers and pensioners.He said, "All I am asking for is good governance."Senator Melaye also disclosed that he was fighting the governor because all the tertiary institutions including the State Polytechnic, College of Education and the University have been under lock and key for five months following the strike embarked on by the lecturers, and not because of the Administrator of Ijumu local government Area.According to him, Doctors in the State have also been on strike, just as he said that the governor should call off the strike and ask them to return to work, adding that he was having a running battle with governor Bello because the hospitals in the state are not equipped.Melaye said, Children can no longer go to school. Tenants can no longer pay their house rent. Enough is enough! The people of Kogi State are tired of this government.The advent of Yahaya Bello as governor and Taofiq Isah as local government administrator in the political history of Kogi State has brought this unfortunate socio-political paradigm shift.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
Did Gingrich just say Trump lied about having tapes of Comey?: Opinion
The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
Jessica Shanno has lived all of her life in Pottawattamie County and resides in Crescent. The mother of three children, Shanno wanted to be an active part of the community and not just sit and watch the world go on around (her).

She decided to leave her job to focus on her family and her schoolwork. While pursuing a degree in business, Shanno enjoyed her accounting class as it seemed to fit with her organizational skills and attention to detail.

Her newly acquired skills landed her a job at a local accounting firm, which allows her to contribute financially to her family.

In May, Shanno completed her business administration/accounting degree at Iowa Western Community College and is considering her next steps.

She said she realizes that going back to school can be very difficult for adults. Her advice: Go for it. Dont be scared. Youthful students (can be) intimidating, but once you are there, you feel like a part of the crowd and can learn a lot from them.

Applications for the STARS Scholarship for low-income adult parents and custodial grandparents are now being accepted through June 30. Call 712-322-8800 ext. 7 for more details.

This scholarship program is a part of the Council Bluffs Community Education Foundation and is funded by the Iowa West Foundation.
An Omaha man faces a charge of felony assault after police said he started a fight in a Council Bluffs bar and left without paying for his drinks.

Andrew Shuput, 26, posted $1,000 bond Wednesday and was released from the Pottawattamie County Jail.

On June 12, police were called to Dustys Lounge at 1501 A Ave. about midnight in reference to a man making a scene inside the bar.

Police found Shuput walking near 17th Street and West Broadway when he was nearly struck by a passing car, they said, and he appeared to be intoxicated.

Shuput smelled of an intoxicated odor and had watery eyes, police said.

The offender stated he had been drinking at the business and just wanted to have a good time and meet some girls, police noted.

Officers took Shuput back to the bar and spoke with staff. Bar employees told police Shuput had tried to buy shots of alcohol but his debit card had been declined. When Shuput went to get money from an ATM, he couldnt get more cash and became upset, they said.

Shuput was asked by employees to leave, but he refused to leave without his friend. After being escorted outside by employees, Shuput came back into the bar and hit his friend on the head repeatedly, police said.

The friend refused to pursue charges on Shuput. Employees escorted Shuput outside again, but this time Shuput grabbed the employee by the arm and turned her around. The woman complained her arm was in a lot of pain after Shuput grabbed her, police said.

Witnesses said Shuput ran out the door toward a gas station and then crossed the street when police found him.

Shuput agreed to a sobriety test and his blood-alcohol level was .085, according to police. The legal limit is .08 to drive.

Shuput was charged with public intoxication and assault. He faces up to five years in jail if convicted.

He was also banned from Dustys.
Tuition will rise this fall at many Iowa and Nebraska private colleges, but some higher education institutions have devised unusual ways to compete for students.

Omahas College of St. Mary, for instance, has dropped its sticker price by $10,000  a 33 percent decline  while Drake University will raise tuition for incoming freshmen by 11 percent but will lock the price in for those students.

College and university officials describe this as an ultra-competitive period in higher education. The number of high school graduates has leveled off nationwide, and many colleges are competing for the same students.

Status quos no longer good enough, said Sarah Kottich, vice president of finance and administrative services at the College of St. Mary. Students also can compare prices more easily on the Internet, Kottich said.

David Drozd, research coordinator of the University of Nebraska at Omahas Center for Public Affairs Research, said the states projected population of 18-year-olds will go up somewhat over the next few years.

However, almost all of the growth will be among minority population groups, who enroll in college at lower rates than whites, he said.

A look at 15 private colleges in Nebraska shows tuition rates rising anywhere from 2 percent at Nebraska Christian College in Papillion, Nebraska, to 9 percent at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. The exception in the bunch is the College of St. Mary, which decided to drop the sticker price for a years tuition this coming school year from $29,954 to $19,950.

The college reasoned that a sticker price of $30,000 or more would scare off some potential students. Further, most students at private schools receive huge discounts, scholarships and other aid, and the sticker price gives an inaccurate picture of what students actually pay at the College of St. Mary and other private schools.

Kottich said students at her college also are paying a lower actual price than they did before.

Kottich said the drastic sticker-price reduction appears to be working. Applications and deposits at the College of St. Mary are up by 15 percent over any of the past three years.

Drake University in Des Moines took a completely different approach. Drake raised tuition for incoming freshmen by 11 percent for 2017-18 and by 3 percent for returning students. But the freshmen will have their rate locked in for the next four or five years.

Drake President Marty Martin said prospective students didnt like the uncertainty of ever-rising tuition rates.

They were saying, That is very difficult to plan for. Is there a way to avoid that?  He said freezing tuition at one rate for incoming freshmen was the cleanest, clearest way to help them plan. And, Martin said, it will save those students several thousand dollars over the long run compared to coming in at a lower rate but facing annual tuition hikes of about 4.5 percent.

Paul Hassen of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said flat numbers of prospective students mean colleges are battling harder to boost enrollments.
OMRO, Wis.  One by one, the Weiss family rounded up the nine grandchildren, who had been running circles around the barns. They gathered under a towering maple tree, around a table laden with barbecue meatballs and French silk pie, and grabbed one anothers hands.

We ask your blessing on the meal were about to eat, said David Weiss, 75, head bowed under his camouflage hat.

Amen, his family responded  a quintessential display of one of Americas most enduring religious traditions.

A poll by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that saying grace is a widespread practice in the United States. About half of all Americans take a minute to say a prayer over their food at least a few times a week, the poll reveals, making grace an unusual commonality in a politically divided nation.

Rural and urban Americans are equally likely to say grace, the poll shows. Northerners and Southerners, Catholics and Protestants, Democrats and Republicans, all say grace to varying degrees. Even some Americans who reject organized religion still say grace.

Its a powerful way of reminding yourself that you are not self-sufficient, that you are living by somebodys grace, that plenty of other people who work just as hard as you dont have anything to eat, said Tim Keller, a prominent New York City pastor who wrote a book on prayer.

Keller said the physical act of bowing heads, closing eyes and folding hands is an important exercise in gratitude for people of many faiths, from childhood on up.

Thats true for the Weiss family, evangelical Protestants who gathered on their 77-acre farm in Wisconsin. Silvie Weiss, 11, called grace a peaceful moment to get away from the world. Her aunt Becky Sell, 36, said that it offers me a chance to fix a point in my day where I am intentional about honoring and acknowledging what God has done for us.

In the Post-Kaiser poll, which was conducted April 13 to May 1 among a random sample of 1,686 American adults, 48 percent say they give blessings to God or say grace before meals at least a few times each week. Slim 51-percent majorities say grace in both rural and urban America; in the suburbs, 45 percent say grace regularly.

Theres a larger partisan split: 62 percent of Republicans say grace at least a few times a week, compared with 43 percent of Democrats and 41 percent of independents.

Theres a religious split, as well: Six in 10 Protestants say grace a few times a week or more, as do 52 percent of Catholics. But the practice is more prevalent among black Protestants (80 percent) and white evangelical Protestants (74 percent) than among white mainline or nonevangelical Protestants, 31 percent of whom report saying grace frequently before meals.

Overall, about 8 in 10 blacks, about 6 in 10 Hispanics and about 4 in 10 whites say grace at least a few times each week.

The tradition of mealtime grace is firmly established in the black church. For Lynn Thompson, 64, grace connects her to God even when shes not well enough to make it to her Arkansas Baptist church. She and her husband take turns leading the prayer.

I say, Lord, I thank You for one more day, for waking me up this morning, for giving me the health that I have, whatever it may be, Thompson said.

Even 11 percent of people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or adherents of no particular religion say grace at least a few times a week.

Take Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard University, who asks someone to say a blessing when he hosts nonreligious students for dinner. Some bristle, but Epstein believes in the act of gratitude.

Why do we have to give up the good parts of being religious  including the mindfulness, the reflection that comes from a ritual like grace  just because we dont believe in the traditional wording of the poem that people recite when they sit down to a meal? Epstein said.

Stuart H., 32, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a nonbeliever who incorporates prayer into his life. He grew up Catholic but came to consider himself an atheist. His fiancee followed a similar religious trajectory, and as young adults they both became addicted to heroin.

When they learned she was pregnant, they committed to getting clean, said Stuart, who told his story on the condition that his full name not be used to avoid revealing the couples drug use to his daughter, now 2. The couple began meditating and decided to start saying grace again. But what to say, when they dont believe in God?

Stuart found an answer when he went to work on a medical marijuana farm in California. There he met a Native American man who taught him to give thanks to the spirits for his food.

Now Stuart and his fiancee pray with their daughter to the spirits of the earth for fruits and vegetables, and to the spirits of the four-legged ones for beef. One recent day, with chicken on the table, Stuart thanked the winged ones for providing one of those that we may feed our bodies.

Whether or not I really have a firm belief in something, I believe its always best to give gratitude for the things that are given to you in life, Stuart said. Adopting this mindset and these practices has allowed me to get past a lot.

Three hundred miles away in Portales, New Mexico, Carl Smith, 31, was raised in a mainline Protestant church but no longer has a congregation. Ive kind of stopped going to church, he said. I dont like organized hypocrisy.

But the practice of saying grace has stuck with him, he said, calling prayers before food a habit thing.

Smith, who answers emergency calls for 911, often prays for the desperate people on the other end of the line. Theres some rough stuff here on the phone sometimes, he said. So he engages with God, like a conversation with a friend.

For those who dont like to improvise grace, numerous denominations offer specific formulas. The Lutheran table prayer is popular: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed.

Reciting a prayer before meals is also traditional in other religions, including Islam, Hinduism and Bahai.

For Aaron Gold, an Orthodox Jew living on Long Island, the blessing before meals is just one of many prayers he says each day. Before you eat something, you have to say a blessing, he said, whether its one glass of water or a whole big feast.

His children, 3 and 5, have mastered the Hebrew prayer before meals, which means, Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brought forth bread from the Earth. Now hes teaching them to sing the longer prayer that comes after the meal.

The act of teaching his children makes you concentrate more on it, and you think about it more, Gold said. You grow closer to your kids through it. Its a bonding experience.

Clergy and theologians say the association between food and prayer exists in nearly every religious culture. It feels like a human luxury to pause before eating, said Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest and popular author.

Christian author Anne Lamott said she added grace to her spiritual practice after a long struggle with the eating disorder bulimia. Grace adds something that is beautiful and very sweet and healing, she said.

Many say they started saying grace once they had children, as a way of teaching them to pray. While 40 percent of Americans younger than 35 say grace, at least half of older groups say grace regularly.

When it comes to income, 51 percent of those in households making $50,000 or less annually say grace at least a few times a week, compared with 44 percent of those making more than $50,000. (The margin of sampling error for the overall results in the Post-Kaiser poll is plus or minus 4 percentage points.)

Anne-Marie Dole, 56, has been saying the same Catholic grace since she was a child, every time she eats a meal. When she recites the prayer for a stranger, she chokes up at its power.

Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts  I cant do it, she said, breaking down in tears. Im just saying thank you to God to have food at all. You know, its a horrible thing to go hungry.

Once a professional horse breeder and trainer, Dole was left permanently disabled after a car crash. She needs more surgeries and a new wheelchair, and she just broke up with another boyfriend who hit her, she said. Going hungry is a familiar pain.

Sitting in her faulty wheelchair in Cortland, New York, shes down to 99 pounds. But she has dinner waiting, one she picked up at church that morning.

Its a wonderful feeling to be grateful and thankful, she said. And so, before she eats, Dole will say grace.

 Zauzmer and Guskin reported from Washington. The Washington Posts Scott Clement in Washington also contributed to this report.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley has introduced two bills that would deal with prescription drug prices.

The first, called the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act, would crack down on brand name drug makers that pay generic drug makers to hold off on offering generics to consumers.

In his weekly press call Wednesday, the Iowa Republican said the pay for delay tactic allows brand name manufacturers to charge high prices for a drug for a period of time after the drugs patent expires. The bill was introduced with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

The second bill, introduced by Grassley and Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, would deter pharmaceutical companies from denying samples to generic companies as part of the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies program. The bill is called Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples Act.

This process currently delays generics getting on the market, Grassley said of companies withholding samples from generic companies.

Prescription drug prices are a constant topic of discussion for people across the area and was a key topic at a recent AARP forum on health care, Medicaid and Medicare in Council Bluffs. Grassley said he hears about the issue from stakeholders often.

Every individual hospital that comes to my office is offering their advice and position that we have to do something on prescription drugs, he said.

Theres little to no mention of prescription drug cost relief in the American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives in early May.

Asked if any language would be included in the Senates version of the bill, Grassley said that prescription drugs have not been talked about so much.

In all the meetings Ive been in since May it hasnt been discussed, he said.

Grassley noted drug costs might not be part of the bill because Republicans in the Senate are working to pass it through budget reconciliation.

Its going to be narrowly written to get through the reconciliation process, Grassley said of the legislative process that allows the passage of a budget bill that is not subject to filibuster.

Grassley reiterated a point he mentioned last week, that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has promised floor debate and the chance to offer amendments on the bill.

Republican leaders were expected to release details of the bill today, after senators from both sides of the aisle criticized the secrecy of those crafting the bill. Grassley defended that secrecy and noted McConnells pledge.

Leaders in the Senate have said theyd like to vote on the bill before the Independence Day recess. Over the weekend Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a former Republican presidential candidate, said he believes the process could take longer and urged the Senate to slow down.

The Senate is not a place where you can just cook up something behind closed doors and rush it for a vote. So the first step in this may be crafted among a small group of people, but then everyones going to get to weigh in, Rubio said.

It is going to take days and weeks to work through that in the Senate, Rubio said on CBS Face the Nation.

Grassley said he supports seeing the legislation move through the Senate at a brisk pace because of problems the ACA is currently experiencing.

I think getting things done as quickly as we can is important, he said.

 Hope Yen of the Associated Press contributed to this story.
The man who will face off against Gov. Kim Reynolds in a June 2018 primary election  former Gov. Terry Branstads pick to follow him as Iowas top elected official  said the Branstad era has come to a close during a campaign stop in Council Bluffs Wednesday afternoon.

Reynolds, who served as Branstads lieutenant governor until his selection to become U.S. ambassador to China, is widely seen as Branstads personal pick to succeed him.

I think there are some leadership issues right now. Its time for a new opportunity, said Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, who announced Tuesday he will run against Reynolds. We have a selection process in Iowa, not an appointment process. Picking the same old people results in the same old solutions.

Corbett, who is currently serving his second term as mayor of Iowas second-largest city, announced Tuesday he will challenge Gov. Kim Reynolds for the Republican nomination for governor.

In announcing his candidacy in Cedar Rapids, Corbett, who has served as mayor there since 2009, introduced himself as a conservative Republican with an independent streak.

Corbett faces challenges, one of which is money, the second being recognition, in his bid to unseat Reynolds. Reynolds reportedly has $1 million in her campaign fund and has said she will double that by the end of the year.

It isnt all about money, Corbett said, although I believe I can raise enough to be competitive. Right now my job is go get people to know who Ron Corbett is.

Asked about the current budget shortfalls facing the Reynolds administration, Corbett said the budget shortfall was predictable and preventable.

Instead of taking action last summer, they took a wait and see attitude, he said.

Weve got to grow the economy, Corbett said. Weve got a 3.1 percent unemployment rate, which is good. But it also means its difficult to fill jobs. We need more people to fuel the economy.

Corbett, who has proposed adoption of a flat tax and simplification of the states income tax code, said Iowas 8.98 percent tax rate is holding us back. He said elimination of tax credits and deductions coupled with implementation of a flat tax could reduce the tax rate to 3 percent.

Coupled with a 1-cent increase in Iowas sales tax, with 37.5 percent of the increase earmarked to address Iowas water quality issues and the remainder of the sales tax revenue going to offset Corbetts proposed income tax cut.

One of the benefits of a primary election is the discussion of ideas, Corbett said. Weve lost our focus on education, and Im sounding more of an alarm on this issue. Im really concerned about the morale of our teachers and principals.

Referring to changes in Iowas collective bargaining regulations for educators approved by lawmakers and Branstad earlier this year, Corbett said, Were not going to get the best and brightest if all teachers are going to get is cost of living increases.

We cant have our battle cry be, Move over Mississippi, he said referring to Mississippis last-place ranking in terms of teacher pay.

In announcing his candidacy, Corbett said the administrations budgeting practices were creating chaos and unpredictability and that Branstads decision to privatize Medicaid two years ago was hurting the poor and disabled, who are facing cuts and delays in services.

Corbett, 56, graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon in 1983 then worked for The Equitable Life Insurance Company as an agent for 10 years.

He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1986 and served seven terms, including selection as speaker of the House from 1995 until 1999 when he resigned to become president of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He left the chamber to become a vice president with CRST, a trucking firm based in Cedar Rapids.

Corbett was elected mayor of Cedar Rapids in 2009 and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2013. In 2015, he officially resigned CRST and launched a conservative think tank, Engage Iowa, which focuses largely on education, water quality and state tax reform.

 Assistant News Editor Mike Brownlee contributed to this article that also contains material from the Associated Press.
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One hundred of the greatest minds are being sought to come to Nottingham and help solve some of the world's biggest problems.

The high-calibre recruitment drive is part of a new 200m project by the University of Nottingham that will create up to 500 jobs , including new academic talent and researchers.

Within the university's biggest ever investment dedicated to research, it aims to tackle six global challenges  including securing sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery and developing greener transport systems.

Together they contribute to all 17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals  a set of shared objectives between members to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, pro-vice-chancellor for research and knowledge at the university , said the investment will help "transform" its impact  with a vision for bringing significant changes in everyday lives through its discoveries.

She said: "This unprecedented investment in our research and people gives us the opportunity to find solutions to some of the world's biggest issues  how to prevent malnutrition by finding crops that can withstand climate change; how scanning the brain can help us treat mental illness; how to change the fact that there are 46 million people enslaved around the world today; how to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; how to revolutionise greener transport; and how personalising our use of technology can build better-connected societies."

The five-year programme will be unveiled today (Thursday, June 22) in a special event at the Royal Society, in London, as the university bids to attract investors to double its own outlay.

Aircraft powered by batteries and the next global industrial revolution are some of the revolutionary changes that could result from a new 200m investment programme by the University of Nottingham.

In its biggest ever cash injection into research, the university will take the lead in tackling six global challenges that could bring significant changes in everyday lives through its discoveries.

The project will create up to 500 jobs over the next five years, consisting of 100 research fellow positions and at least 370 other roles within its research teams.

By channelling findings into commercial solutions, it is expected to have a knock-on effect by creating more jobs in businesses across the region.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, pro-vice-chancellor for research and knowledge at the university, is leading the programme.

She said: "We're really interested in bringing world-class, talented researchers to the university from around the world. We're looking for really outstanding young academics to build their careers with us and tackle these challenges.

"We're also investing that money into buildings that are already great in the university.

"It will be truly global in terms of what we're hoping to discover and its importance, as it will have an impact on everyday life.

"The university is a very important driver of the regional and local economy, and we want to do this in a way that grows companies in the area, creating new jobs."

The university is funding six "beacons of excellence"  multi-disciplinary research groups focused on finding solutions to a global issue.

Together they contribute to all 17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals  a set of shared objectives between members to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

The research areas include securing sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery and developing greener transport systems  including investigations into electric airplanes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Prof Corner said: "When you think of aircraft being powered electrically, it's like putting a man on the moon.

"We can't do that at the moment because we haven't got everything we need to make it possible. If you think about the size of the battery that would be needed, the jet could never get off the ground and the engine would be a massive fire risk.

"But we can see that if we did succeed with that, it would be globally significant.

"We have identified our strongest areas and then decided to direct those resources at these very significant challenges for the world."

The programme will be launched today with an event at the Royal Society, in London, where funding bodies, industrial partners and government organisations will be invited to provide further backing  with the aim of doubling the initial 200m investment over the next five years.

Professor Sir David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, said: "From the pioneering work of people like Sir Peter Mansfield who developed MRI, to Professor Don Grierson who created the world's first genetically modified tomato, our university and our people are pioneers of world-changing research.

"It is right the university makes this investment in these six profoundly important areas, building on existing expertise and enabling us to entice world-leading academics and experts to push the boundaries of possibility.

"Our beacons are tackling complex global challenges. Our research informs policies across the world and we work with the United Nations, internationally-renowned organisations and NGOs tackling real-world issues.

"We live in rapidly changing times, politically, scientifically, economically. The university's vision to deliver research of global significance remains a constant. But we cannot stand still.

"We believe our unique approach and proven excellence in research will allow us to help solve these problems facing the world now and in the future."

Chris Hobson, director of policy at East Midlands Chamber, added: "This is a really exciting announcement and builds on the strengths that we have here in Nottingham, as well as across the wider region.

"These beacons of excellence will not only help develop solutions to the global issues of the coming decades, but also places Nottingham at the centre of these efforts, developing the ideas, technologies, processes and products for us to export and share around the world

"The investment creates a focus here in the East Midlands, which will draw in international partners and collaborators. We look forward to supporting this work as it progresses."

The six "beacons of excellence" that the university will invest in are:

Rights Lab  finding solutions to ending modern-day slavery

Green Chemicals  the next global industrial revolution

Precision Imaging  personalised therapies to transform lives

Propulsion Futures  the future of propulsion

Smart Industrial Systems  sustainable products for the future

Future Food  exploring new ways of feeding the world
Barry Jurgensen, an Arlington High School history teacher, is walking across Nebraska to bring awareness to human trafficking.

On Wednesday, Jurgensen was at Cody Park, where he met with local and area leaders who are working to eliminate the problem. Jurgensen said researching the Underground Railroad in his history classes brought his fellow teachers, students and himself to an awareness that slavery still exists today.

As teachers, we wanted to try and do something to help bring awareness and also educate young people on how to identify trafficking, but also how to prevent themselves from being trafficked, Jurgensen said.

Jurgensen said the methods have not changed over time  the same tactics are used today as in the early 1900s.

Not only are we walking to raise awareness, but also to raise money for those organizations that are fighting against human trafficking, Jurgensen said.

LeeAnn Nielsen, human trafficking specialist with the Salvation Armys Fight to End Trafficking Program (Safe-T) in North Platte, said people are amazed that human trafficking exists in our area.

When I go out and do a presentation, people are shocked that this is happening, Nielsen said. Along Interstate 80, its huge, but whats been surprising to me is it is happening even the smaller communities, the rural communities along Highway 83.

Nielsen said whenever there are events in these communities, such as a rodeo or concert, human traffickers are attracted to those places. Nebraskaland Days is one event that attracts traffickers, said Leticia Bonifas, executive director of Central Nebraska Human Trafficking and Immigration Outreach in Lexington.

Wherever there is a large group of people gathered, thats when traffickers bring in people, load up the hotels and start selling them online, Bonifas said.

The Interstate 80 corridor is the main route for drugs and guns, and now human trafficking as well.

What weve seen is traffickers bringing victims to our state because our laws were so lax, Bonifas said. But now with the passing of LB 289, which enhances penalties for the traffickers and decriminalizes them for minors, the traffickers now know the penalties will be much stiffer.

Jurgensen said one question he gets along his journey is whether its really a big problem.

They ask, Is it really happening around here? Jurgensen said. And my answer is yes, of course it is.

According to a study conducted by the Womens Fund of Omaha and Creighton University, The Commercial Sex Trade of Nebraska, North Platte is actually one of the hot spots, Jurgensen said.

Nielsen, Bonifas and Jurgensen all said traffickers target the vulnerable.

They tend to pick on runaways, homeless, those who are down and out, people who are alone, who are looking for a better life, Nielsen said.

Bonifas said the myth is that a lot of these are abductions.

Does it happen, absolutely, but what were seeing is a grooming process, Bonifas said. What starts out boyfriend-girlfriend where the individual is in love with the trafficker so they have a loyalty to their trafficker.

Sometimes grooming takes a week, sometimes its a month, sometimes its a year, said Bonifas.

Its a billion-dollar industry and its growing, catching up with drug trafficking, Nielsen said. And its our own American citizens, our Nebraska boys, girls, transgender, theres a market for all individuals, so wherever theres a market, thats where they go.

Bonifas said people need to acknowledge that sex trafficking happens and become educated on the issue. To report suspected human trafficking, Bonifas said, call local law enforcement.

There is a national hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Jurgensen will be making his way to Ogallala over the next few days and from there on to Scottsbluff. To follow his journey, go to the Walk Forever Free Facebook page, where there are links to donate to organizations in various communities that focus on human trafficking issues.
Warriors five-eighth Kieran Foran has been ruled out of Friday night's clash with the Bulldogs with a quadriceps injury.

Foran suffered the injury in his side's 34-12 win over the Gold Coast Titans in Round 14 and it had been hoped he could have recovered in time for Friday's game after last week's bye, but the Warriors have ruled him out a day before kick-off.

Ata Hingano is set to start at five-eighth in Foran's place.

Manu Vatuvei is the other player to drop out of the Warriors' initial 21-man squad.

For the Bulldogs, Brett Morris has been omitted through injury, replaced by Kerrod Holland on the wing. Asipeli Fine has also been cut from the initial 21-man squad named on Tuesday.

Updated NRL team lists



Match Draw Widget

[2017] Telstra Premiership - Round 16: Warriors vs Bulldogs


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Piatak Meats, a butcher shop that's been in business for 100 years on Broadway in Merrillville, is closing its doors and folding up its butcher's aprons.

"We have an announcement," the company said on its Facebook page. "It's rather sad, but after 100 years of serving the community, we are closing the shop. It's a sad time for us, but business just isn't what is use to be."

The old school butcher shop at 6200 Broadway was founded in Gary in 1910, and moved to Merrillville in 1959. It was known for grinding fresh meat daily and made 25 different types of homemade sausages.

Piatak plans to have a closing sale, with 20 percent off all freezer items and dry goods.

"We have appreciated all the years of serving you," the family-owned company said on Facebook.

Part-owner Steve Fugate said the business just wasn't there any more and the owners are nearing retirement age with no one to take it over.

"The business is changing," he said. "The business just isn't here. Maybe it was the location, but things are changing. Young people just like to go out to eat more."

Piatak Meats was a beloved institution in the community. One Yelp reviewer described it as "the best place in the Region for fresh meat, including chicken and daily ground beef."

It offered hormone-free, steroid-free and preservative-free meats, such as ribs, smoked hams, beer brats, hickory smoked pepperoni and USDA choice beef. The butcher shop was known for its personal touch, such as providing special cuts or giving customers recipe suggestions.

The business tried to modernize with new products, such as a line of more than 30 heat-and-serve meals for under $12 each.

Broadway in Merrillville has been marred with many closings in recent years, including The Patio Restaurant, The Merrillville Off-Track Betting facility, Broadway Cafe and the Wiseway supermarket just down the street.

Tragedy struck at Piatak Meats in 2013, when 27-year-old Hobart resident Andrew Fugate, the son of one of the owners, was shot to death by burglars in the cooler in an early-morning robbery. He was shot three times in the head, including at close range.

Police released surveillance video of suspects but still have not made any arrests.
Whiting is one of those towns with a thriving downtown that has seen a resurgence in recent years. On any given day, theres a steady stream of traffic with diners and shoppers making their way in and out of establishments on 119th Street, the main business corridor in Whiting. This is especially true in the summer months, when the lakefront is a big attraction.

However, if you find yourself in downtown Whiting on the third Wednesday evening from May through October, youll see something a bit out of the ordinary. The crowds are bigger. The traffic is heavier. The music playing on the speaker system is a blast from the past. And so are the cars parked along the street. These evenings are dedicated as Whiting 119th Street Cruise Nights.

According to Whitings Event Coordinator, Norb Dudzik, a typical cruise night brings out about 160 cars. At the May cruise night, there were at least 220 cars, with vintage car owners lured by the History Channel filming for an upcoming program related to the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Ill., called Volo: House of Cars.

The original Disney Bus was parked at the May cruise night for spectators to view. The film crew went around to different parts of town. They filmed in all these places, and they came out during cruise night and walked around and filmed some unusual cars that they saw, said Dudzik. They went up to some of the real fancy cars and what they filmed will be part of the show.

The link with Volo will continue as the DeLorean from the hit Back to the Future movie series will be on hand for the July cruise night.

The cruise nights stem back 13 years to when Dudzik was doing volunteer work with the Chamber of Commerce. He didnt own an antique car owner himself, but he noticed that on Wednesday evenings a handful of old cars would park near Keiths. When he talked to the owners, Dudzik got several requests to start a cruise night in Whiting so the guys could show off their prized vehicles and socialize with other car lovers.

Dudzik talked with Mayor Joe Stahura, who around the same time mentioned in a meeting that hed like to see an event such as a gathering of vintage cars. The cruise nights were soon off and running and have continued every season since.

When he got started, Dudzik said he spent time visiting car cruises in the area to get the word out. Now these guys I originally brought here are bringing their friends out, he said. A lot of them have been coming from the beginning. We get people that come from Illinois and Porter and LaPorte Counties.

While trophies were awarded in the early years, the cruise has shifted from being a competition to a simple celebration of the beauty and power of vehicles of the past. Those who register are eligible to win door prizes, such as gift cards for gas stations. Participating cars can be no newer than 1999.

The cruise nights are highly anticipated by car buffs in the area.

"Cruise Nights in Whiting is a Fun Family event. You get to chat with your home town friends and meet and check out cars from different cities too," said Jim Drewniak, a lifelong Whiting resident. "I have been attending Cruise Nights from Day One. Only missing a few.Whiting Downtown has many eateriess and a variety of different stores too."

Cruise Nights have indeed been a boon for the downtown area and local businesses. Tracey Clark, one of the owners of Bulldog Brewery, said business picks up noticeably on cruise nights when the weather is good. Its very good for the town and very good for us as a business, she said.

For updates and additional information, follow Whiting Cruise Night on Facebook.
WEST LAFAYETTE  The Purdue Institute for Civic Communication, which has assisted undergraduate and graduate students find sophisticated, career-boosting internships across the country, will come to an end in December.

PICC was founded by Executive Director Carolyn Curiel, a Hammond native.

I am leaving Purdue in December, she said by telephone earlier this week.

And with our institutes support coming to an end, this kind of dedicated, high-level assistance for Purdue undergraduates and graduating seniors unfortunately will not be available through the PICC after December 2017. But the program will end with a record of solid success for students.

The PICC, which is university-wide and nonpartisan, was made possible by a four-year grant from the Daniels Fund, named for philanthropist Bill Daniels, a Colorado resident who helped establish the cable television industry. After his death in 2000, his $1 billion estate transferred to his private foundation, which provides grants and scholarships among other opportunities.

Curiels project began eight years ago, however, when she became a Purdue professor. The program has assisted nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate students attain internships, fellowships and employment in non-academic careers, especially in Washington, and to enter top graduate and law schools.

Curiels students have received merit scholarships (more than $200,000 to date) and other financial support, as well as unique mentoring and class opportunities, including classes in Washington in the program Curiel created in partnership with C-SPAN.

Curiel, a former journalist with the New York Times, ABC News, and the Washington Post, also had a career in high levels of public service, as a White House speechwriter and as a U.S. Ambassador to Belize during President Bill Clinton's administration. She used her experience and network of contacts to teach, mentor and connect Purdue students with civic and communications organizations. Dozens of her former students now work in Washington.

She also is a cousin of federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel, an East Chicago native. Gonzalo Curiel, a judge in the Southern District of California, presided in one of the class-action lawsuits targeting Trump University. President Trump settled the lawsuit along with two others in March for $25 million.

Curiel's legacy strong, exit 'bittersweet'

"Leaving will be bittersweet," she said. "Purdue may attempt to continue this program in some form but it will be nothing like it was before, and I don't believe there will be anything like it in the future. That troubles me.

"The program did not have the support of academic administrators in recent years. When it was established, the provost was very much behind it. Our program could only succeed because two successive provosts at Purdue  Randy Woodson (now chancellor of North Carolina State University) and Tim Sands (now president of Virginia Tech University)  supported my vision of experiential teaching and connecting students with the real world," Curiel said.

Curiel also made it clear she had support from Purdue President Mitch Daniels, and partnered with him on several projects.

Curiel, who said she expects to turn her attention to writing, said she will find another way to continue to help guide young people to serve their communities and nation.

"I especially wish to help the communities of Hammond and Northwest Indiana, my home, sweet home," she said.

Students praise PICC, lament its end

Taylor Cody, who will be a senior this fall at Purdue, is currently interning with C-SPAN's Washington Journal doing programming and research in Washington.

Cody, who graduated from Merrillville High School in 2014, said she is "forever grateful" for the PICC and the opportunities and connections it gave her in such a short time period.

"I was struggling trying to find an internship going into my senior year, and they pointed me in the right direction and have continued to stand by my side throughout the process," she said by email.

"While I am saddened by the program ending, I believe the incoming students will be the ones truly missing out."

Joshua Long, executive director of the Hammond Education Foundation, said he first got involved with the PICC in summer 2012, and he said at that time, it was called Project Impact.

Long, a 2008 Griffith High School grad, said he spent time in Washington for nearly three weeks and met with lawmakers, lawyers, journalists and historians at C-SPAN to get a seminar-style overview of civic communication.

"Our final project for the class was to reflect on what we were able to take from the class," he said. "My paper was about how I wanted to address the ongoing challenges facing Northwest Indiana students through an education-based nonprofit.

"I am sad that future Purdue students will lose out on all of the opportunities that PICC provides. It is a truly unique program that pushes practical use of communication and follows up with real opportunities for students. I am still benefiting from it but future students won't, and that's a shame," Long said.
CROWN POINT  A grand jury indicted a Lake County sheriff's officer Thursday on charges of rape, attempted rape, sexual battery and confinement, according to a news release from the Indiana State Police.

Nicholas Nick Medrano*, 34, of Crown Point, was indicted following a state police investigation that began in fall 2016, the release stated.

An attorney for Lake County Sheriff John Buncich said Thursday night Buncich plans to file disciplinary charges with the department's Merit Board next week seeking Medrano's firing.

Buncich will also seek merit board approval for temporary suspension from duty without pay while the charges are pending, attorney John Bushemi said in an email.

The Lake County Sheriffs Department asked the Indiana State Police to investigate the case because it involved one of the department's own police officers, state police said.

"The complainant was a professional co-worker of the officer," the release stated.

Medrano faces two counts of rape, two counts of confinement, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual battery, state police said.

The indictment alleges Medrano knowingly or intentionally had sexual intercourse with the alleged victim between Jan. 10, 2013, and June 30, 2014.

Medrano, a patrolman, has approximately 10 1/2 years of service with the Sheriffs Department and is a patrolman. He is currently on leave as a police officer for the Sheriff's Department, according to a release from Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter.

The officer's attorney is coordinating with the Lake County prosecutors office to turn himself in, state police said.

He will have a $100,000 surety and $10,000 cash bond upon his surrender, state police said.

*This story has been changed.
Porter Superior Court Judge Julia Jent is stepping down after serving 20 years on the bench and breaking new legal ground by helping to create and preside over the drug, veterans and re-entry problem-solving courts.

"It's going to be so hard," she said of leaving behind the problem-solving courts. "I have to keep telling myself I don't own them."

Jent said she is retiring after having just been sworn into a new six-year term to spend time with her husband of 51 years, Jack Jent, a former Portage Township trustee, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

"My family has got to come first," she said.

Jent, 70, hopes to be able to continue serving through her 21st anniversary on the bench, which will come Jan. 21. But she said that will depend on the status of her husband's health.

Word of her impending retirement reportedly already has resulted in a line of applicants looking to serve out the five remaining years of the post before having to run for election.

Her replacement will be named by the governor. While Jent is a Democrat, she said there is no requirement that her successor be of the same party.

Jent said she was appointed by Democratic Gov. Evan Bayh in 1997 to replace Republican Mary Harper, who now presides over the Porter Circuit Court.

"We know the rules going in," Jent said.

Jent said she has reached out to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb in hopes of having a voice in selecting a replacement willing to keep the problem-solving courts alive.

"There's nothing that says you have to keep it going," she said. "I hope he will talk to me."

Jent said Lake County has a nominating committee for judicial replacements, but there is nothing similar in place in Porter County.

Jent rose to the ranks of judge from humble roots as an orphan in Germany. She was adopted in 1956 at the age of 9 to a family in Texas, then fled an abusive home situation to join the U.S. Army at 18 where she met Northwest Indiana native Jack Jent. The couple relocated to the Region where she raised four children and took advantage of educational opportunities afforded by her military service to pursue a career in law.

Porter County Chief Public Defender Ken Elwood, who served as Jent's first campaign manager, said, "Her background has molded her in such a way that she cares for people in need."

"You can never question her heart or her passion," he said.
CROWN POINT  A Lake County Superior Civil Court judge has rejected attempts by the Family Christian Center and its pastors to dismiss wrongful death claims filed in the May 2015 drowning of an 18-year-old woman.

On Tuesday, Judge John R. Pera issued the order denying the motion after careful consideration of the parties written submissions and the argument made by counsel at the hearing which took place April 20.

Vicki Walker, the mother of Domonique Nikki Smith, filed the lawsuit against Steve and Melodye Munsey in November 2016 after her 18-year-old daughter was found drowned May 29, 2015, in a pool at the pastors Schererville home. In the lawsuit, Walker is listed as Vicki Olds.

In her lawsuit, she alleges suspicious circumstances surrounded the investigation into her daughters death and claims the Munseys were negligent in caring for her daughter, who was baby-sitting the pastors grandchild at the time of her death.

Other defendants in the lawsuit include Family Christian World Inc., Indiana Land Trust Co. and Darryl Anthony Smith, the father of Domonique Smith.

Smith was found floating face down in a pool at the Munseys' residence. Walker said her daughter had been a lifeguard and was a strong swimmer.

She should have been watching my child, while (Smith) watched their child, Walker said.

Walker also raised questions about an alleged 15-minute gap in surveillance footage obtained by police from the Munsey residence.

I believe the tape was altered, Walker said.

The defendants have sought to have the lawsuit dismissed on the grounds that Smith was employed by the church as a baby sitter. That would mean the mothers complaints should be made to the Workers Compensation Board of Indiana, the governmental body with jurisdiction over disputes between workers and employees.

Philip E. Kalamaros, attorney for the pastors and their church, told Pera at the April hearing that Smith worked as a baby sitter on behalf of the church on four occasions before her death.

Trent McCain, attorney for Walker, argued Smith worked as a contractor, not an employee, on behalf of the church.

He said the church had Smith complete tax documents commonly used in a business-contractor arrangement, and the church referred to Smith as a vendor in an internal church document.

In his ruling Tuesday, Pera stated, The Court finds that the factors it must consider in determining the deceaseds status as an employee or independent contractor favor the Plaintiff (Walker).

The case is set for a case management conference at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 16, according to Peras order.
MICHIGAN CITY  Mayor Ron Meer told those gathered at his annual State of the City address that continuing the momentum in redeveloping the city is a primary goal.

Meer touted a long list of accomplishments Tuesday night, ranging from the ongoing revitalization of the downtown to more high-speed internet connections for local industries and a future hotel along U.S. 12 close to the lakefront.

"The road to success is always under construction, but by no means are we done. Michigan City still has much to do and much to accomplish," Meer said.

Other projects underway are the development of AmeriPlex at U.S. 20 and Cleveland Avenue and a rebranding effort titled "Create Play Repeat."

The ongoing construction of the new Franciscan Alliance hospital at U.S. 421 and Interstate 94 and improvements to that interchange featuring Michigan City in block letters with a blue wave representing the lake on the overpass, are examples of the city's aggressive strategic revitalization plan over the past 10 years, he said.

Meer also challenged others to rethink the quality of the schools here and praised schools Superintendent Barbara Eason-Watkins for her work since coming from Chicago in 2010.

"We're second to none in Northwest Indiana and I think folks have to start realizing it," said Meer, adding the senior class of 2017 was the first to receive up to $5,000 a year in scholarships under a program funded by casino revenue.

Other achievements cited by Meer included the conversion of Pine, Washington and Ninth streets from one- to two-way travel to make traveling to the lakefront and throughout the north end easier, and the 2016 transformation of the once-abandoned six-story Warren Building into 44 units for artists to live, create and display their works.

He also talked briefly about Gov. Eric Holcomb signing legislation in May to provide state funding for the upgrades to the South Shore commuter line aimed at reducing travel times to and from Chicago.

The multimillion dollar project hinges on approval of federal money that would pay half the cost.

Meer said he has not, and will never, be a mayor who leaves completed studies on a shelf to collect dust.

"This administration has taken pride in identifying goals and doing our due diligence as we work toward those goals, and then carrying through and executing a plan to make those goals a reality," he said.
Eric Garner's family expressed frustration with the Justice Department's progress Wednesday after they met to discuss the investigation into Garner's chokehold death at the hands of police in 2014.

Garner's family said DOJ prosecutors told them and the Rev. Al Sharpton that the investigation is continuing.



That drew condemnation from Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, about the case's pace.

"We shouldn't have to wait like this," Carr said at a news conference. "Other cases have been solved that came after us."

Garner's family said they came to the meeting with the prosecutors from Washington, who had taken over the case, hoping to learn if there would be an indictment of the police officer who killed Garner.

Earlier this year, law enforcement sources told NY1 a federal grand jury was hearing testimony in the case.

The Justice Department is trying to decide whether to bring federal civil rights charges against NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo.

He put Eric Garner in a deadly chokehold, a move banned by the NYPD, while trying to arrest him for illegally selling loose cigarettes in July 2014. Garner died after saying multiple times he could not breathe.

The city medical examiner had ruled Garner's death a homicide.

The federal investigation began after a grand jury on Staten Island declined to indict Pantaleo.

Garner's family said they are hopeful Pantaleo will be indicted because the prosecutors are veterans and have worked with the National Action Network on other police cases around the country, and have convicted other officers on civil rights charges.

The family is calling on DOJ to indict all of the officers who were involved with trying to arrest Garner, not just Pantaleo.

The Justice Department did not comment on the meeting.
NEW YORK - A Bronx man has been arrested after federal investigators say he tried to aid the Islamic State group.

The U.S. Attorney's office says Saddam Mohamed Raishani, 30, was taken into custody Wednesday while trying to board a plane to Syria at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Investigators say Raishani wanted to join the militant group after helping another man get there.

Raishani is expected to appear Thursday in Manhattan federal court.

Authorities say his plans were foiled because he unwittingly contacted a person who was a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement.

That person, authorities say, introduced him to an undercover law enforcement officer who posed as someone who also wanted to fight for the Islamic State group.

This is a developing story. Check back with NY1 for updates.
A major part of the city's Catholic community is reaching out to survivors of abuse.

The head of the Brooklyn Diocese says it will financially compensate parishioners who were abused in the past by priests or deacons.

The fund will be overseen by a committee which is independent from the church.

The Diocese, which covers Brooklyn and Queens, will abide by the committee's decisions.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio says this will help mend the relationship between the Church and the communities it serves.

"I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this is a program and a concrete expression of our contrition, and our desire to make amends. We hope it will help with the healing process, and bring survivors some amount of healing," DiMarzio said.

Applicants have until September 30 to submit their requests.

For more information, go to www.brooklyndiocese-ircp.com.
The state legislative session ended Wednesday night with no deal for Mayor Bill de Blasio to retain control of city schools.

The extension for mayoral control of schools is set to expire at the end of the month.

Lawmakers had been negotiating an extension, but they could not agree on provisions for charter schools.

According to sources, Gov. Andrew Cuomo tried to reach a compromise by offering a one-year extension without any mention of charter schools.

A side letter would have allowed lawmakers to deal with defunct charter school locations at a later date, but Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie rejected the compromise.

State Senate Republicans issued a statement Wednesday night that they could not conclude all the business and would leave.

Lawmakers could return at some point this year for a special session to work on bills they could not complete Wednesday night, including mayoral control of city schools.

There are a number of local tax extensions that Senate Republicans want, but they are heading back to their districts Wednesday night as the legislative session ends.

If lawmakers do not convene for a special session, they would not meet until January of 2018.

Absent any legislative action, the city would go back to the old system of local school boards July 1.
Laetitia KY, a young fashion designer from the Ivory Coast, recently went viral on social media for an original photo series where she sculpts her long hair into a variety of shapes, from human hands, to bunny ears and even the African continent.

KY says that she has always been fascinated by hairdressing, but got the idea for creative hair art a year ago, while admiring the intricate hairstyles of women from various African tribes. She found them amazing and they inspired her to use her own hair as a means of artistic expression. The results are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Weve seen artists use human hair as a medium before, but not while its still attached to the scalp, and thats precisely what makes Laetitias art so impressive. Using her own curly hair, hidden wire and some fabric, the young fashion designer is able to sculpt pretty much any shape imaginable, from giant hands holding her phone for a selfie, or a tree complete with green leaves, to a small female dancer. The only limit seems to be her imagination.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

The 21-year old claims that it takes her just a few minutes to sculpt her hair into most shapes, but the hands, which have gotten the most attention online, took her half a day to create and position for different poses.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

While KYs art is definitely playful in nature, but she told Aplus that it also carries a serious and important message. She says that African womens hair has long been considered as not pretty enough, and through her art she wants to change that perception.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

And with the return of natural hair to the Black community, hairstyles [have] become a beauty asset, a way of self-affirmation and [a] claim of its beauty. To use [these] hairstyles as means of expression is, therefore, [powerful] because it speaks to all its Black women who have had, for a long time, made believe that their hair was not dope enough, the artist wrote in an email.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Regarding the attention her hair art has received over the last couple of weeks, Laetitia KY told Buzzfeed that she never expected it to happen, but now that it has, its awesome.

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Im very happy that lots of people are sharing my art, she said. It encourages me a lot, but at the same time, I feel a bit of pressure from the expectations for my future work. I really hope I will be up to it!

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram

Photo: Laetitia KY/Instagram
Ecstatic remarks by FCC Commissioner Mike ORielly on the first World Wi-Fi Day June 20 have caused a bout of head shaking and alarm in the Wi-Fi health community.

ORielly pulled out all the stops in singing the praises of the observance, saying it acknowledges the wonderful technology that has been developed.

Michael O'Rielly

He sees a world literally bathed in wireless transmission of information.

Its more than likely than not that internet traffic will continue to shift to Wi-Fi for the foreseeable future and security enhancements will reverse threats of exposed consumer experiences, he said.

Moreover, ubiquitous Wi-Fi voice calling and a truly mesh network seem not far away. Wi-Fi incorporation into location technologies seems a guarantee especially for hard to reach areas such as building interiors, he added.

Without Wi-Fi, Users would still be dragging fiber throughout the inner workings of commercial buildings, residences and campuses, dramatically raising service costs while reducing availability, he continued.

Health Aspects Ignored, Say Critics

Wi-Fi and pulsed radiation health advocates say research shows that cellphones, computers, wireless tablets, cell towers, routers in classrooms and offices, cordless phones, cordless phone bases in bedrooms, baby monitors, wearables, wireless utility meters, etc., pose a health hazard.

Especially at risk are children, as is shown in this graphic.

Cecelia Doucette

Cecelia Doucette, a leader in urging caution with radiation-emitting devices, said in response to the ORielly statement that, Indeed, technology brings wonderful advances, but wireless technology also brings great harm.

The FCC knows this, she said, yet continues to fail to invoke the precautionary principle, placing corporate profit over public health.

She cites Harvard's Captured Agency Report and notes the U.S. Government Accountability Office asked the FCC to bring its public radiation exposure guidelines in line with current science in 2013.

They have yet to do so, she continued, even when in 2016 the U.S. National Toxicology Program reported wireless radiation causes DNA damage, brain and heart tumors. It's important that we all become educated on this, and compel industry to make biologically safe mobile technology. (https://sites.google.com/site/understandingemfs/manufacturers)

She cites advice from wirelesseducation.org saying that government guidelines on wireless do not reflect current science with the result that manufacturers are allowed to sell products that emit toxic levels of microwave radiation.

The long-term concerns include DNA damage, cancers, infertility, Alzheimers, autism, chronic fatigue, learning disabilities and behavior issues, says wirelesseducation, whose motto is Safe Schools, Safe Working Places.

A little education can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your loved ones, says the site.

The product information pamphlets that come with wireless devices contain a passage about Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy, says Doucette. But some companies, she notes, have taken the passage out of the hard-copy materials, and imbedded it deeply within the device settings, usually under the Legal heading, where consumers are unlikely to see it.

Showthefineprint.org has compiled these passages so you can easily see what your device warns, she adds.

Although companies say they comply with FCC regulations, science has proven the regulations are hundreds to thousands of times too high to prevent the damage being done at the non-thermal level by mobile devices.

FCC Drags Feet on Health Issue

This was addressed in a 2008 congressional hearing where scientists presented findings of increased penetration of cell phone radiation in the brains of children:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_YhKblPtOo

Here is the FCC's response to the scientist's claims:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIEQdE-nO18

In 2012 the Government Accountability Office instructed the FCC to "formally reassess the current RF energy exposure limit, including its effects on human health" and as of this writing in 2017, it has not been done. Our FCC chairman is from the telecom industry so we may not see changes at the national level in the near-term.

On June 20, 2016 FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler indicated the priority with 5G is to be first to market, regardless of public health or safety. He states, "Unlike some countries, we do not believe we should spend the next couple of years studying what 5G should be, how it should operate, and how to allocate spectrum, based on those assumptions. Like the examples I gave earlier, the future has a way of inventing itself. Turning innovators loose is far preferable to expecting committees and regulators to define the future. We wont wait for the standards to be first developed in the sometimes arduous standards-setting process or in a government-led activity." See his six-page speech below:

https://www.fcc.gov/document/remarks-chairman-wheeler-future-wireless

This 2017 FCC press release indicates the goal is to remove 5G infrastructure barriers, despite public health hazards:

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db0420/DOC-344486A1.pdf

Israeli and New York lawyer Dafna Tachover has developed electrohypersensitivity from wireless technology and in September 2016 testified before the FCC's Disability Advisory Committee. See her five-minute testimony here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qg0H63GLkU&feature=youtu.be

Click here to hear the history from Dr. George Carlo of how industry was able to get this technology to market before it was properly tested and how research findings have been suppressed since. You may also wish to read his book, "Cell Phones: Invisible Hazards in a Wireless Age (Avalon, 2001)".

In 2015, Harvard University's Norm Alster published "Captured Agency: How the Federal Communications Commission is Dominated by the Industries it Presumably Regulates". This further details what has happened with the FCC since telecom industry leaders like Tom Wheeler took the helm, and how they have been able to establish laws that protect industry profits over public health.

Feel free to look up the product information that came with your cell phone and/or wi-fi devices. Attached at the bottom of this page are the guides for the iPad and the iPhone 4. Showthefineprint.org has compiled these passages so you can easily see what your device warns. You will discover:

There are multiple antennas in each device, aiming radiation from different angles at your head and body. The brochures state:

The iPhone cellular antennas are located at the top and bottom edges of iPhone. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna is located near the top of iPhone.

iPad contains radio transmitters and receivers. When on, iPad sends and receives radio frequency (RF) energy through its antenna. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas are located behind the screen to the left of the Home button, and behind the Apple logo.

The attached documents also tell us we shouldn't keep these devices near our bodies, or near other objects where the radiation bounces back into our bodies:

When carrying iPhone, keep it 1.5 cm (5/8 inch) or more away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the maximum levels. Avoid cases with metal parts.

The iPad brochure states: For optimal mobile device performance and to be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, IC, and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions and precautions: Orient the device in portrait mode with the Home button at the bottom of the display, or in landscape mode with the cellular antenna (located under the black edge at the top of the device) away from your body or other objects.

In other words, if you keep these devices on your body, the radiation you receive will exceed even the FCC's guidelines which we now know are already 100s to 1,000s of times too high. The manufacturers are only required to adhere to current government guidelines, so they continue to introduce more devices to earn more revenue.

The last line in this 2012 abstract from the NIH's PubMed database, on harm from laptops, is, "Laptop is paradoxically an improper site for the use of a LTC (laptop computer), which consequently should be renamed to not induce customers towards an improper use." So, that is what industry subsequently did. They renamed "laptops" to "tablets" but didn't inform the public that they are unsafe to use in the lap, and should be used on a table instead (and, might I add, best used in airplane mode and/or hard-wired).



http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22315933

Public Hotspots

In 2013, Comcast/Xfinity began installing public hotspots on private residential routers which broadcast the wi-i signal from your home out to the street, further blanketing your home and neighbors in electromagenetic radiation. As their three-minute promo indicates below, you can opt to shut off this signal by accessing your account on-line and turning off your wireless settings, or you can call Comcast and they'll do it for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kX1-KnRtNU
22/06/2017  The Czech Republic must strengthen its efforts to detect, investigate and prosecute foreign bribery. Seventeen years after ratifying the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, the Czech Republic has yet to prosecute a case involving the bribery of foreign public officials. This is a cause for concern, especially considering the export-oriented nature of the Czech economy, which includes high-risk sectors for bribery including machinery and defence materials. A new OECD report therefore focuses on identifying solutions to meet these challenges.

The Working Group on Bribery has just completed its Phase 4 evaluation on the Czech Republics implementation of the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions and related instruments. The report highlights the Czech Republics strong determination to improve its system for combating foreign bribery. It also identifies several law enforcement practices or tools employed by the Czech Republic that could potentially increase foreign bribery enforcement, including: detecting allegations through foreign requests for legal assistance, the use of non-financial forms of evidence, joint investigative teams with foreign authorities, and central registries for bank accounts and beneficial ownership information. The report also makes recommendations to:

Ensure the availability of adequate analytical resources for investigating foreign bribery cases;





Support efforts by non-financial obliged entities to detect and report suspicions of money laundering related to foreign bribery, such as those in the real-estate and gambling sectors, tax advisors, and legal professionals;





Clarify the new exemption from criminal liability for companies that have taken justly required efforts;





Adopt legislation to increase the independence of the prosecution authorities; and





Adopt appropriate whistleblower protections in the private sphere.





The report also recognises that the Czech Republic has successfully implemented recommendations from its Phase 3 evaluation in 2013 to raise awareness among various stakeholders about foreign bribery and related issues, such as the non-tax deductibility of bribe payments. It also developed more comprehensive statistics on sanctions for corruption applied in practice, which facilitated the Working Groups assessment of this area.

The Working Group, which is composed of 44 members, adopted the report on 15 June 2017, including recommendations made to the Czech Republic on pages 44-46. In accordance with standard procedures, the Czech Republic will be invited to submit a written report to the Working Group on the steps taken to implement these recommendations.

This report, available here, is part of the OECD Working Group on Briberys fourth phase of monitoring, which was launched in 2016. Phase 4 examines the evaluated countrys particular challenges and positive achievements. It also explores issues such as detection, enforcement, corporate liability, and international cooperation, as well as unresolved issues from prior Working Group evaluations.

For further information, journalists are invited to contact Daisy Pelham (+33 (0)1 45 24 90 81). For more information on the OECDs work to fight corruption, please visit www.oecd.org/corruption.

Related Documents
19/06/2017 - Global value chains (GVCs) have become a critical feature of the global economy, influencing unprecedented changes in trading patterns, regional integration and productivity. Public policy can play a critical role as countries seek to derive the potential productivity benefits from participation in GVCs and ensure that these gains are widely distributed across the economy, and to all citizens.

These issues will be central to discussions during the 2017 Conference of the Global Forum on Productivity, which will be organised by the OECD and the Government of Hungary on 26-27 June in Budapest. The Conference will bring together senior policy-makers, experts and academics to address some of the most pressing questions on the GVC-productivity theme, including:

 What are the actual productivity effects stemming from GVCs?

 What are the productivity consequences of the changing structure of GVCs?

 How can policy actions improve the productivity spill-overs to domestic firms?

 How do changes in globalisation, digitisation and regional integration impact supply chains, and how should policymakers react?

 What can be done to ensure that productivity gains from participation in global networks are widely distributed across the economy?

 How can productivity-enhancing institutions address the challenges raised by the expansion of GVCs?

Media are invited to participate in the morning session on 26 June, from 9 AM  1 PM.

The event launches with an Opening Ceremony featuring OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria and Mihaly Varga, Minister for National Economy of Hungary.

This will be followed by a public dialogue between OECD Chief Economist Catherine L. Mann and Karolina Ekholm, State Secretary to Swedens Minister for Finance, who will discuss in detail the links between trade, GVCs and productivity.

The morning will be concluded by a panel discussion on The Benefits from Openness and GVCs for All featuring: Manuel Caldeira Cabral, Minister of Economy, Portugal; Peter Kazimir, Minister of Finance, Slovak Republic; Mihaly Varga, Hungary; as well as representatives from the German Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, the European Commission and the European University Institute of Florence.

Further details, including the full agenda and information on conference registration, are available here.

For media accreditation, contact Ildiko Toth, press officer in the Hungarian Ministry of the Economy (+36 1 896 2368, +36 70 489 7356).

For further information, journalists may contact the OECD Media Division (+33 1 4524 9700).
Furthermore, as part of continuing efforts to boost transparency by multinational enterprises (MNEs), Belize, the Cayman Islands, Colombia, Haiti, Pakistan, Singapore and the Turks and Caicos Islands signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement for Country-by-Country Reporting (CbC MCAA), bringing the total number of signatories to 64.

22/06/2017 - Over 200 delegates from 83 countries and jurisdictions as well as 12 international and regional organisations met in Noordvijk, The Netherlands, on 21-22 June 2017 for the Third Meeting of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS). The meeting welcomed Viet Nam as its newest and 100th member and discussed and approved its first monitoring report, which will be submitted to G20 Leaders for their summit to be held on 7-8 July 2017 in Hamburg. The report highlights the progress that has been achieved since the Inclusive Framework first met in Kyoto in June 2016. The meeting also approved the release of discussion drafts on Attribution of Profits to Permanent Establishments and Transactional Profit Splits.
Agricultural News

Rancher Irv Petsch is Doing His Part to Keep US Beef on Both the Minds and Tables of the Japanese







Earlier this month, a group of Japanese magazine editors toured Wyoming, visiting ranches and speaking with producers; trying to get a hands-on look at the US cattle industry. One of their stops, Y6 Ranch near Meriden, Wyoming, owned by cattle feeder and Cattlemen's Beef Board member, Irv Petsch, whose family has welcomed international visitors since the 1980s.





"Basically, what we have tried to show them is how we produce cattle and how we produce a quality meat product," Petsch said. "I don't think they realize that you feed different cattle in different ways. That was kind of an 'ah-ha!' moment."





Seeing first-hand, the legendary American cowboys on horseback, was cause for great excitement to the tourists, Petsch says. But, pageantry aside, he says what he and his family tried to impress upon them, was that fact that their operation is family-owned and operated, and the tradition and care that has gone into building their herd. He insists that by forging relationships like this, is crucial to the health of our export business and he attributes a lot of that success, to the promotional efforts of the Cattlemen's Beef Board, paid for by the Beef Checkoff.





"I think the export market is one of the things that stabilize our market," Petsch contended. "It's an extremely important aspect to our marketing, to make sure we do as well as we can to make the Japanese people more comfortable with our product. I don't know where we'd be without our Checkoff."





Listen to Irv Petsch of Y6 Ranch, discuss the importance of forging international relationships for the health of our export business, and how the Beef Checkoff has worked to maintain those relationships, with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz.





The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.























Listen to Irv Petsch of Y6 Ranch, discuss the importance of forging international relationships, below

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Agricultural News

To Sell or Not to Sell? Kim Anderson Answers All Your Wheat Harvest Questions - This Week on SUNUP

This week on SUNUP OSU Grain Market Economist Dr. Kim Anderson joins host Lyndall Stout again this week, talking wheat harvest in Oklahoma and how it measured up to producer's expectations.

"I think we surpassed expectations this year," Anderson said. "And I think that's a good thing."





According to Anderson, wheat this year in Oklahoma is averaging about a 60lbs.+ per bushel test weight, a bit higher than most would have anticipated going into this season. Most farmers were not counting on protein levels to be very high this year, hoping at best they may reach up to 10.6% at least. However, on the average, Anderson says we're seeing closer to an 11% protein weight still not as high as the markets would like, but potentially the best it might have access to this harvest. The one area we did not perform in as well as we anticipated was yield, Anderson says wheat fields fell slightly below expectations in this regard.





For these reasons, overall, he says farmers should be proud of their harvest for 2017.





Since late April, though, wheat prices have been trending upwards of about a dollar, and now farmers are wondering if this trend will continue?





"I'd like to know that, too," Anderson said. "I think it's hit an upper limit. The market is evaluating the HRW in the US. It's a flip of the coin whether or not it's going to go up, until the market gets more information about this year's crop."





Anderson says the market is keeping an eye on several factors, but to put it simply, if production is lower both domestically or internationally, we'll continue to see those prices climb. In the meantime, Anderson advises producers not to get greedy. He says to ride the rallies and sell your grain off in thirds throughout the rest of the year. That way, you secure an average rather than trying to bet the odds.

You can watch their visit tomorrow or Sunday on SUNUP- but you can hear Kim's comments right now by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.







Beyond Dr. Anderson's weekly chat the SUNUP crew has a very full lineup for your viewing this weekend:





This week on SUNUP, as Oklahoma's 2017 wheat harvest winds down, David Marburger talks about yields, quality and where producers can find results from OSU's statewide variety trials. David also invites viewers to the upcoming Oklahoma Crops Conferences.







- Throughout the show, we take a look back at some of our favorite SUNUP wheat harvest stories from the past few years.







- In Cow-Calf Corner, Glenn Selk offers management advice for developing replacement heifers.







- After a recent increase in wheat prices, Kim Anderson lets us know whether it is better to sell or continue to store grain that's in the bin.







Join us for SUNUP:

Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

Sunday at 6 a.m. on OETA-TV

























You can watch their visit tomorrow or Sunday on SUNUP- but you can hear Kim's comments right now

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Top Agricultural News
WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans are in for a rough time passing their latest health care plan to replace President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act.

A draft carefully crafted in secret and designed to appeal to the GOPs conservative right and moderate wings managed to do neither when its details were unveiled Thursday.

Not long after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., revealed his proposals contents, Republican senators from the middle and the right quickly raised objections to key elements or offered tepid reactions.

It does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs, said a statement from four Republican senators.

The early objections raised the specter of a jarring rejection by the Republican-controlled body. But McConnell indicated that he was open to discussion and seemed determined to muscle the measure through his chamber next week.

Senate Republican leaders can afford to lose only three GOP votes for their plan. The chambers 46 Democrats and two independents are expected to vote no on any bill that does away with Obamacare. Vice President Mike Pence would break a 50-50 tie.

But to get to even 50, Republicans have a lot of persuading and rewriting to do on a host of concerns, including abortion policy and Medicaid expansion.

Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin issued a short, terse, joint statement that said we are not ready to vote for this bill while also stating that it does contain elements that represent an improvement to our current health care system.

Their main complaint: The GOP plan doesnt do enough to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

The bill would end Obamas tax penalties on people who dont buy insurance  effectively ending the so-called individual mandate  and on larger companies that dont offer coverage to their workers.

It would offer less generous subsidies for people than Obamas law but provide billions to states and insurance companies to buttress markets that in some areas have been abandoned by insurers.

An independent analysis of the Senate legislation from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is expected in the next several days.

The CBO said that under the House version, passed last month, 23 million fewer people would have coverage by 2026.

The Senate measure was negotiated in secret by 13 senators with little input from patient advocacy groups, hospitals and care providers.

It drew support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which said it would stabilize crumbling insurance markets and curb premium increases.

But the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association and AARP, representing older people, all criticized the measure.

The Senate bill largely uses peoples incomes as the yardstick for helping those without workplace coverage to buy private insurance. That would focus the aid more on people with lower incomes than the House legislation, which bases its subsidies on age.

Caroline Pearson, a senior vice president of the consulting firm Avalare Health, said the Senate subsidies would be smaller than Obamas because theyre keyed to the cost of a bare-bones plan and because additional help now provided for deductibles and copayments eventually would be discontinued.

The bill would let states get waivers to ignore some coverage requirements under Obamas law, such as specific health services insurers must now cover.

States could not get exemptions to Obamas prohibition against charging higher premiums for some people with pre-existing medical conditions, but the subsidies would be lower, making coverage less affordable, Pearson said.

States also would have to retain Obamas requirement that family insurance cover children up to age 26.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed reservations about the bill over provisions that defund Planned Parenthood for one year and limit the use of tax credits to purchase health care plans that provide abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is in danger.

If the language defunding Planned Parenthood for one year remains, Collins said, she and Murkowski will offer an amendment to remove it, and that could invite opposition from abortion foes.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said he has concerns about what the changes to Medicaid may mean to those with disabilities and to rural hospitals in his home state.

The proposal makes big cuts in Medicaid, the joint state-federal program that helps provide care to low-income adults and others.

I know that if it doesnt meet the needs of Kansans, it wont get my vote, he said.

Senate Republican leaders stressed that the release of the Republican health care bill was the beginning, not the end, of the process.

At the White House, Trump called Democrats obstructionists for opposing the measure and added, Well hopefully get something done and it will be something with heart and very meaningful.

Obama was more than skeptical.

If theres a chance you might get sick, get old or start a family, this bill will do you harm, he wrote. He said small tweaks during the upcoming debate cannot change the fundamental meanness at the core of this legislation.

This report includes material from the Associated Press and the Tribune Washington Bureau.

Whats next, step by step

A review from the Congressional Budget Office on the bills effects is expected early next week.

Senators then debate the bill and may amend it.

Republicans aim for a final vote next Thursday, before a weeklong recess.

The Senate and House versions of the bill need to be reconciled.

Both the House and Senate would have to vote again on a final version before sending it to President Donald Trump for a signature.  AP
The former Lincoln Pius X student who stabbed a classmate has been found not responsible by reason of insanity in a November arson fire.

Sarah Piccolo, 20, will undergo an evaluation at the Lincoln Regional Center to determine treatment, based on her mental health and the potential threat to public safety.

Piccolo was charged with first-degree arson in connection with starting a fire Nov. 5 at Metropolitan Community Colleges Elkhorn campus.

Prosecutors have said she took a gas can into a bathroom of a building, poured some gas on the floor and threw a match into the can.

The fire caused minimal damage.

Investigators searching her home found a note that she had written that said she wanted to send a message that society is faulty, prosecutors Eric Wells said at a hearing in January.

Douglas County Judge J Russell Derr ruled this week that Piccolo was not responsible for the arson because of her mental state.

A state psychiatrist testified that Piccolo was insane at the time of the arson.

She did this act, but she wasnt responsible for what she did because she was insane at the time, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said Thursday. All the doctors agreed that she was suffering from a mental illness.

The arson was her second run-in with the law.

In 2013, Piccolo attacked the first person who walked into a bathroom at Pius X High School in Lincoln. It turned out to be a student whom Piccolo didnt know. Piccolo struck her with a hammer and slashed her with a knife, cutting her hands, her mouth and her chin.

Piccolo, then 16, fled to Kansas in a car but turned herself in the next day. She received treatment at the Uta Halee Academy in Omaha. She was released in April 2016 and ordered to serve five years on probation.

Her attorney, James Martin Davis, said Piccolo had successfully completed her mental health treatment before the fire. She had been staying at a mental health facility but was allowed furloughs, Davis said.

Davis said Piccolo is doing better, and he hopes the mental health evaluation will allow her to return to the community.

Shes no longer a danger to herself or others, he said.
BETTENDORF, Iowa (AP)  Bettendorf officials are celebrating the completion of the citys last section of the Mississippi Riverfront Trail.

A ribbon-cutting was held in the eastern Iowa city on Tuesday to celebrate the trails completion, the Quad-City Times reported. Bettendorfs section of the trail cost about $670,000 and includes the construction of a new steel and concrete bridge over Crow Creek.

Mayor Bob Gallagher said the bike trail adds to the health of the Quad-Cities and will attract tourists. It also connects the city with communities along the Mississippi River, he said.

Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn, who also works with the Quad-City Health Initiative and Be Healthy Quad-Cities, said the project is a collaborative effort to promote overall health in the community.

The city now has 13 miles of separated trails, 2 miles of bike lanes along roadways, and 12 miles of recreational trails along greenways and the Mississippi River.

In some portions the trail is separated from U.S. Highway 67, while other sections have an added four-foot-wide shoulder to accommodate cyclists.

Denise Bulat, an avid bicyclist and executive director of the Bi-State Regional Commission, said the wide shoulders are a huge improvement to the route.

The Mississippi Riverfront Trail has more than 3,000 miles of on-road bike lanes as well as pedestrian and bicycle paths from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
IOWA CITY (AP)  Officials are blaming an idle electrical extension cord for an accidental fire that damaged the Bowen Science Building at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.

The university said in a press release Tuesday that the damage estimate from the June 11 fire has been raised to at least $1.5 million and doesnt include damage to lab equipment or supplies that may need repairing or replacing. The original estimate was $500,000.
ST. PAUL, Neb.  Wheels were spinning early Wednesday morning from the strength and willpower of nearly 500 cyclists participating in Tour de Nebraska.

This is the 30th year of the ride, which continues through Sunday.

The riders traveled from St. Paul to Loup City on Wednesday and will ride to Broken Bow Thursday. After spending the night in Broken Bow, they will go to Ord to spend Friday night. On Saturday, the riders will have their choice of various side trips and will spend the night in Ord again before riding back to St. Paul on Sunday.

In total, the cyclists will ride more than 200 miles.

Charlie Schilling of Lincoln is the special projects director for the event. Its his second year helping, and he said the 30th annual ride is exciting.

It showcases the best of Nebraska, Schilling said of the event, which was founded by Rich and Susan Rodenburg.

The tour has had a number of different routes in the past. He said this route shows the landscapes and beauty that Nebraska has to offer.

The route is unique this year and offers a variety of sights, Schilling said. On the five-day and four-night trip, cyclists will have opportunities to explore the area towns. They can even go tanking on the river while in Ord on Saturday.

Rest stops are organized about every 15 to 20 miles. On Wednesday, the Danish Baker in Dannebrog was the first rest stop of the journey. Others included Whitefoot Market and the Gold Nugget in Boelus.

Volunteers in towns along the way and the towns where the cyclists spend the night help organize food and lodging. Schilling and a handful of others organize the event more than a year in advance.

Cyclists traveled 46 miles on Wednesday and will go 65 miles today, 55 miles on Friday and 48 miles on Sunday. Saturdays ride can vary from 20 to 100 miles depending on whether cyclists choose to take a paved or gravel route.

Though its tough work biking for hours each day, its a thrill, Schilling said. Many people train in advance for the event by taking spin classes, though everyones training is different. After leaving at around 7:30 a.m., he said, cyclists usually arrive at the destination between noon and 4 p.m., which makes for a full day of riding.

He said some people go on the Tour de Nebraska for a vacation. Some riders said they took off work so they could participate.

Its a fun adventure, Schilling said.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said he doesn't have recordings of his conversations with then-FBI Director James Comey, capping weeks of speculation about whether such tapes exist.

"With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea whether there are 'tapes' or recordings of my conversations with James Comey," Trump said Thursday in a pair of statements on Twitter, "but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings."

Trump himself raised the question of whether he was taping his Oval Office conversations when, days after firing Comey on May 9, he blasted out a series of tweets suggesting the existence of tapes as a way to try to deter the ousted FBI chief from talking to reporters.

"James Comey better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!" Trump wrote. He concluded with a tweet calling the investigation into Russian interference in the election and his campaign's possible involvement a "witch hunt," asking, "when does it end?"

Trump raised the possibility of tapes in a strategic fashion to ensure that Comey told the truth, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The House Intelligence Committee investigating Russian meddling in the presidential election has sought information on whether the tapes exist. The panel sent a letter on June 9 to White House Counsel Don McGahn requesting information on whether recordings of Comey's conversations with Trump exist and, if they do, for copies to be turned over by Friday.

Representative Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned the White House Thursday that "time is running out" to meet the Friday deadline.

The president has promised to answer the question soon. He ended a news conference on June 9 with a cliff-hanger about the tapes: "I'll tell you about that over a very short period of time." He said in the same news conference that reporters would be disappointed with his answer  suggesting that there are no tapes.
#KEPCO KEPCO Q3 net losses deepen on higher fuel costs The state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. said Friday its net losses deepened in the third quarter from a year earlier on higher fuel costs and limited electricity rate hikes. Th...

#NZ murder suspect Court OKs extradition of 'suitcase' murder suspect to New Zealand A Seoul court on Friday approved the extradition of a woman believed to be the mother of two children whose bodies were found in suitcases in New Zealand in August. The Seoul H...
When a channel spoke with Dawood Ibrahim for the first time

1993 Mumbai serial blasts: Prosecution seeks maximum sentence to convicts

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The prosecution has commenced arguments on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to the convicts in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. The TADA court which had convicted extradited gangster, Abu Salem and others in the case began hearing on the quantum of sentence on Monday.

The prosecution while detailing the gravity of the crime said that 273 people had lost their lives while 713 were injured. The prosecution said that the maximum punishment must be awarded to the convicts.

Last week the court had 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 Dutt's 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

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 16:45 [IST]
What Modi told Jaitley

It was a busy schedule for both Modi and Jaitley this week. Both leaders met on Monday to discuss the issue on higher allowances and HRA. All aspects including the burden on the exchequer were discussed during the meeting that lasted for an hour. Modi indicated that the issue relating to the central government employees should be addressed. Both leaders were in agreement that HRA at the rate of 27, 18 and 9 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively must be given. The Pay Panel had recommended slashing the HRA from 30, 20 and 10 per cent to 24, 16 and 8 percent of the Basic Pay for Class X, Y and Z cities respectively.

Delay not advisable

During the Modi-Jaitley meet, the former was appraised about the growing unrest. It was said that employees had also started protesting on a small scale. Both leaders agreed that delaying the matter further would not be advisable. Moreover the advisors in the Finance Ministry also felt that the situation could go out of control if the matter was further delayed. Jaitley said that the agenda would be fixed for the next Cabinet meeting and the issued resolved once and for all. Futher the Intelligence Bureau had also said that any more delay in the matter could get the employees agitated. It had advised that pending issues must be resolved at the earliest.

Better pay better work

Meanwhile the feedback collected from central government employees suggests that almost all of them are a dejected lot. The PM and FM were appraised about the frustration that the employees were going through. They were also told that the employees have been waiting for some good news on allowances for over one year now. It was advised that if the employees get good allowances and higher HRA then their performance also would be better. Modi has always maintained that good governance is the key to success and in order to achieve this, the central government employees need to happy.

Don't worry says Cabinet secretary

The Cabinet secretary has told all central government employees that the issue would be resolved within this month itself. The Cabinet Secretary assured that, all the things are in the process and most probably would be placed in the next Cabinet meeting. Normally, Union Cabinet meets on every Wednesday, but this time 21st June, 2017 being "Yoga Day", this may defer for one or two days, so according to the assurance given by the Cabinet Secretary, we hope that the matter of the allowances would be settled within this month, the All Affiliated Unions has said.

We have also come to know from the reliable sources that the Committee on National Pension System(NPS) has also submitted its report and some serious discussion is on for its implementation.

The Cabinet Secretary also assured that he has discussed the issue of "Very Good" benchmark with the CRB as well as Secretary(DoP&T), where he has advised them that the benchmark should be the same as prevalent in the case of promotion; the same should be for MACP also.
7th Pay Commission: One year wait ends, benefits to roll out from July 1 in MP

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There is plenty of good news for government employees in Madhya Pradesh as they would start getting benefits of the 7th Pay Commission from July 1 2017 onwards.

The announcement was made by finance minister Jayant Malaiya after repeated demands by the government employees. Following a Cabinet meeting, the minister said that the proposal to provide the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission to the employees would come in the state cabinet by June end. However, the government has agreed to provide the benefits to its employees from July 1 this year", the minister also said.

All efforts will be made to implement the recommendations of the pay panel, he also said.

A hike in the dearness allowances and the implementation of the recommendations had been pending with the finance department of the state for long. The employees had expected that the government would implement them in the state budget for year 2017-18 but it did not happen.

The issue was further delayed due to the farmers' agitation. The union leaders then met with the government and found ways on how to resolve the issue. Employees also appraised the government that they were not completely happy as they wanted issues relating to the 5th and 6th Pay Commission to be resolved.

They pointed out that there were discrepancies in the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions as employees were given a hike in the salary as per the recommendations of the Brahmaswaroop Committee. The benefit was expected in 1996 but it was adjusted in the 6th Pay Commission. This had affected 1.13 lakh employees. Moreover 2 lakh employees were given a pay hike after 17 months in 2006, the employees also pointed out.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 7:30 [IST]
Ahead of Modi's visit to US, India to push for Predator drones

India

oi-Madhuri

Ahead of Narendra Modi's two-day visit in US, India is ensuring US approval of its request to buy surveillance drones which might imply revitalization of defence ties.

Earlier, the US has tuned down several time for request to buy missile-firing Predator Avenger during Obama administration concerning about the potential destabilization in the region, particularly of Indo-Pak ties.

India now hopes that during Trump administration they will be able to push the Predator drone deal. If New Delhi gets the drones, it would be the first such purchase by a non-NATO country.

On his visit, Modi is also expected to discuss the H-1B visa program, which was recently tightened by the Trump administration.

India, a big buyer of U.S. arms recently named by Washington as a major defence ally, wants to protect its 7,500 km coastline as Beijing expands its maritime trade routes and Chinese submarines increasingly lurk in regional waters.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 18:36 [IST]
Three down in three days: Congress loses yet another MLA to BJP in Gujarat

Congress, CPI-M demands Tripura Governor's resignation

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Agartala, June 22: The ruling CPI-M and the opposition Congress on Thursday demanded the removal of Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy for his controversial tweet on the Hindu-Muslim issue.

Roy tweeted a 1946 remark by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, that "the Hindu-Muslim problem won't be solved without a Civil War".

"The President must remove Tathagata Roy from the gubernatorial post of Tripura for his dangerous tweet. Courts also could suo-motu register a civil and criminal case against him," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state Secretary Bijan Dhar told the media.

The next day, Roy tweeted that a "couple of dozen dimwits" trolled him for "advocating a civil war" and that "I was quoting, not advocating (civil war)".

Tripura Congress Vice President Tapas Dey said that after such a dangerous tweet, Roy should be removed at once.

"It is now once again clear that Roy is acting as a RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) activist, not a Governor or a custodian of the Indian Constitution," Dey told reporters.

When contacted, Governor Roy, who is presently in Shillong, told IANS: "I have tweeted the quote of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. If people do not understand, what I would do. Anyone can demand my resignation, I have nothing to do in this regard."

This is not the first time Roy has made controversial remarks on Twitter.

In July 2015, he described people who had attended 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon's funeral as "potential terrorists" and said "they ought to be kept under surveillance".

In September that year, replying to a tweet, he said, "Whatever gave you the notion I am secular? I am a Hindu. My state, India, however is secular since 1976."

Roy took charge as the 16th Governor of Left-ruled Tripura on May 20, 2015.

IANS

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 15:13 [IST]
Cooperative banks can deposit with RBI old notes within 30 days

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Union Finance Ministry has allowed district central cooperative banks (DCCBs) to deposit old currency notes with the RBI within 30 days and receive credit for the same.

The old currency notes have been lying with the DCCBs since November 2016 when the announcement on demonetisation was made. The government had said that they were ineligible to exchange or receive demonetised currency.

The banks that worst affected were the ones in Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These banks are politically connected and hence the decision to declare them ineligible was taken.

With this decision in force, these banks said that they were finding it difficult to raise money and even advance crop loans to farmers. DCC banks in Maharashtra alone were holding on to demonetised currency to the tune of Rs 2,270 crore.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 7:44 [IST]
Husband along with 7 family members booked for harassing woman over birth of girl

Revenue official flees as ACB tries to nab him taking bribe

On camera: College student molested by auto driver doesn't let go off him

Farmers' protest in Maharashtra turns violent; 12 policemen injured

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

At least 12 policemen were injured and a police van was torched in a clash with farmers agitating against land acquisition on Thursday at Thane-Badlapur highway in Maharashtra. Farmers from 17 villages held protests at 10 locations along the highway.

Police has registered a case of attempt to murder against protesters. Four villagers were also injured in pellet gun attack by the police, the injured are being treated, said Police Commissioner, Thane.

The situation is normal now. Both curfew and Section 144 will not be imposed in the area, he added.

Additional forces were sent to the spot,including riot control vehicles, to contain the violence, reports ANI. Farmers were protesting against the acquisition of land by Ministry of Defence.

According to reports, the Navy is walling up an old British-period aerodrome in the area. The 12600-acre premises belongs to the Navy. But over the years, it had been encroached upon by the locals.

Maharashtra: Farmers protest turns violent on Thane-Badlapur highway, protesting farmers say their land is being acquired by MoD pic.twitter.com/b6VDUmhMmH  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

OneIndia News
Former Immigration head files case against Infosys in US

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Bengaluru, June 21: A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the US has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of "discrimination" against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury before the US District Court at Texas.

The lawsuit filed by Erin Green, before a US district Court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology, Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

Green, who joined the IT major in October 2011 at Plano in Texas, questioned his dismissal on June 28, 2016, while he was tasked to analyse and rectify all H-1B, L-1 and I-9 and other US immigration compliance-related issues.

"Plaintiff (Green) was subjected to discriminatory measures of increasing severity designed to undermine both his position and his professional credibility within the defendant (Infosys)," said the lawsuit, a copy of which has been accessed by a source in the know of the case.

During his five-year tenure with the company's American subsidiary, Green worked under global immigration head Vasudava and global talent head Binod in its Human Resources Department.

"My dismissal was a result of retaliation for reporting discriminatory treatment of self and other executives based on race and national origin," said Green in the complaint.

This is the second time the city-based outsourcing firm is facing discrimination charges after four former employees filed a similar lawsuit, alleging discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity.

However, a Infosys spokeperson declined to respond to the charges in the lawsuit, saying 'it is an ongoing litigation'.

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.

IANS
Always admired his zeal, energy: PM Modi greets VP Naidu on his birthday

Govt wants cities to raise funds locally: Venkaiah Naidu

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, June 22: Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that the municipal bodies should look at avenues to raise funds locally instead of expecting funds from the Central and state governments.

Naidu, who was in the city to attend the listing of the Rs. 200 crore bond by the Pune Municipal Corporation on the Bombay Stock Exchange , said that there is enough money in the system but the local bodies need to tap them efficiently through various modes of funding.

"The listing of the PMC bonds marks urban revival in the country. This event is going to have a wider impact on urban development. The time has come when cities start looking inward and raise money," he said.

PMC has raised Rs. 200 crore by selling 10-year bonds at a coupon of 7.59 per cent. The issue was oversubscribed six times. The proceeds will be used for a Rs. 2,300 crore water project.

The minister assured that the Centre will fund any developmental project undertaken by municipal local bodies but it is necessary that they should actively participate in raising resources for providing the necessary infrastructure and amenities to the citizens.

He, however, noted that the resources should be raised in the most transparent manner.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that at least 10 cities should issue municipal bonds within a year. Other cities should now follow Pune and Ahmedabad," Naidu said.

Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arjun Meghwal, who was also present at the listing, said the capital market's health is improving and cities should take the benefit of it and become self-sufficient in raising funds.

On the occasion, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said creating infrastructure should be perceived as a business model and local bodies should look at proper options with bankable proposition.

SEBI Chairman Ajay Tyagi said local bodies need to be more disciplined in maintaining their accounts and system to make the bonds issued by them trade-worthy.

"They should have a proper credit system in place to ensure investor confidence in repayment of bonds," the Sebi chief said.

SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya said such bonds will reduce the dependency of the municipal corporations and improve their fiscal position.

"SBI Capital is assisting many government agencies in raising funds through various instruments," she said.

The benchmark Sensex today rallied 211 points to hit an all-time high of 31,494 at 1200 hrs.

PTI
Greater Noida gangrape: All three accused in police net

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Greater Noida, June 22: The Police on Thursday arrested all three accused in the gang-rape case of a woman, who was thrown out of a moving car in Greater Noida. The car used for the crime has also been recovered.

The victim hails from Rajasthan and had come to Gurgaon in search of work over two weeks ago, the police said, adding that she was staying a with her relatives in Sohna.

On Tuesday, three men abducted a 35-year-old woman from near her house in Gurugram district, drove around in a Maruti Suzuki Swift and repeatedly raped the woman for hours.

The incident had highlited that apathy of police patrolling, particularly during the night in places like Gurgaon. A video broadcasted by a News Channel had shown cops, who were on investigation sleeping inside the police van.

OneIndia News
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GST: Power tariffs will not rise, says Piyush Goyal

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, June 22: Power tariffs will not rise after the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime gets implemented from July 1, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

"We don't foresee any upward impact on power tariffs from the GST," Goyal told the media here following a meeting with 75 industry associations.

"All the sectors had technical issues about the GST, which have been largely resolved across the table in this meeting, except two issues where more consultations are required."

Goyal said one of the unresolved issues concerns fly ash, which is an environmental friendly product, but the ministry was not in favour of a separate classification for it under the GST.

The other issue was a dual slab rate structure for cable industry products, which may require a re-look.

To a query whether the lower GST of 5 per cent on coal would help reduce power tariffs, Goyal said he would meet the forum of regulators on Friday to discuss ways to transmit the benefits of tax reduction to consumers.

He also said the industry was enthusiastic about the transition to a more transparent tax regime that would be the "biggest reform that ever happened in independent India". "Not a single participant at today's meeting requested deferment (of GST implementation)."

IANS
How Rahul Gandhi cornered the BJP in Karnataka with one 'surgical strike'

India

oi-Anusha

With one clean masterstroke under the garb of loan waiver, the Congress in Karnataka has rendered BJP in the state helpless. The partial loan waiver announced by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday was a result of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's strategy to corner the BJP ahead of the 2018 assembly elections.

Rahul Gandhi's 'surgical strike' against BJP

The discussion to waive off farmers loans is said to have taken place when Rahul Gandhi had visited Bengaluru to launch the commemorative publication of National Herald. While the vice president of the Congress did not press on Siddaramaiah to waive off loans, he had reiterated the need to win over the farmer community especially at a time when farmers were up in arms against the government in BJP-ruled states.

Siddaramaiah, who has presented the most number of budgets in the state was against the loan waiver considering its financial implications on the exchequer. With pressure building up on him to waive off loans to 'help the farming community' Siddaramaiah chalked out a middle path. Instead of waiving off loans completely, the Chief Minister chose to announce a partial loan waiver. Now small farm loans up to Rs 50,000 availed till June 20 have been waived off. This announcement, however, comes with a rider. Loans only from cooperative societies have been waived off.

How Congress snatched the BJP's poll agenda

The State President of the BJP, B S Yeddyurappa is unhappy about two things. With the loan waiver announcement his plans to capitalise on drought, farmer loans have been flushed. He had announced that he would go on a satyagraha in July demanding loan waiver. The Congress has skillfully rendered his efforts useless. Secondly, by partially waiving off loans in cooperative societies, the Congress has now put the onus on the BJP government in the Centre to waive off loans from nationalised and commercial banks. If Yeddyurappa sits on a Satyagraha, it now has to be against his own party that is in power at the centre.

Karnataka BJP is now in a fix

Despite the loan waiver being partial, the Congress has managed to win over the farming community that can breath easy for now. With the partial loan waiver, the government has successfully reduced the burden on the exchequer as well as sent out a message that it wants to help small farmers who are genuinely facing troubled times. The BJP's claim of the loan waiver being announced keeping elections in mind is true but so is the fact that the BJP was hoping to make loan waiver their election agenda.

The partial loan waiver at the cost of Rs 8,165 crores is expected to benefit 22 lakh farmers. However, the Siddaramaiah government under the guidance of Rahul Gandhi has put the onus of waiving loans of Rs 41,800 crore on the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre. With Finance Minister Arun Jaitley categorically stating that the centre would not waive off loans, the BJP in Karnataka is in a fix. Farm loan, the ammunition that the BJP was gearing up to use against the Congress during the election campaign has been turned against them.

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 11:10 [IST]
How the Modi-Shah masterstroke in selecting Kovind, broke the Opposition

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader made it clear on Wednesday that he would back Ram Nath Kovind, the BJP's candidate for the next President of India. The man who was one of the brains behind the Grand Alliance broke away from it when he made this announcement.

Kumar also said that he would not attend the Opposition meeting to be held today. The meeting is being held to decide on a candidate to be fielded against Kovind. Nitsh Kumar made it clear that the Mahadalits are a major support group. He also said that he did not want to block a candidate who was the Governor of Bihar with whom he also shared a very cordial relationship.

With Nitish out of the Opposition's hand, sources say that the likes of Mulayam Singh Yadav and Sharad Pawar may also back Kovind. Yadav has said that a final decision would be taken after hearing others out. However the indication is clear that he backs Kovind's candidature.

Kumar's decision is not just based on caste calculations. He has assessed the popularity ratings that Modi has got and felt that it would not be advisable to go against him. Nitish had also come out openly in support of the decision on demonetisation made by Modi on November 8 2016. Modi too had praised Nitish on the decision to ban alcohol in Bihar.

The presidential elections has seen the Opposition crumble. There was a lot of pomp and show when a united Opposition met recently during the birthday celebrations of former Tamil Nadu chief minister, Karunanidhi. That meeting was meant to be a show of strength.

However the presidential poll has thrown the Opposition completely out of gear. Political observers say that selecting Kovind was a masterstroke. Modi and Shah hit two birds with one stone, the experts would also point out. Not only has the decision on Kovind broken the Opposition, but has also increased the outreach of the party among the Dalits.

It would be interesting to see if the Opposition will announce a candidate today. While many in the Opposition want Kovind to be the consensus candidate, the Congress, Left and the TMC want to fight it out.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 8:18 [IST]
J&K: Two Army jawans killed in Poonch, intruders gunned down

India

oi-Madhuri

Two Army jawans were killed in an attack on patrolling party by Pakistan's Border Action Team along with the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir, according to an Army official.

This was the third time the Border Action Team formed specially to conduct strikes across the Line of Control has struck in Poonch this year. The attackers usually comprise members of the special forces of the Pakistan Army and some terrorists.

The deceased jawans are both from Maharashtra -- 34-year-old Jadhav Sandip Sarjerao and 24-year-old Mane Savan Balku.

Sarjerao is survived by his wife and Balku is survived by his mother Shobha.

Meanwhile, Indian Army on Thursday gunned down one armed intruder and injured another in retaliatory firing. The operations are in progress.

Earlier today, a militant was killed today as the Army foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Keran sector of north Kashmir s Kupwara district.

A group of militants tried to sneak in from Pakistan- occupied Kashmir but the bid was foiled by the alert troops, an Army official said.

The troops challenged them, triggering a gunbattle in which one militant was killed, he said.

OneIndia News
Farmer leaders involved in violence, no culprit will be spared: Delhi police chief

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Madhya Pradesh: Debt-ridden farmer commits suicide, toll rises to 19

India

oi-Madhuri

Debt-ridden farmer, named Shyam Kumar Yaduwanshi, allegedly committed suicide on Thursday by consuming pesticide in Chhindwara's Umreth area in Madhya Pradesh. The farmer was disturbed due to debt.

Madhya Pradesh: Debt-ridden farmer, named Shyam Kumar Yaduwanshi, allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide in Chhindwara's Umreth. pic.twitter.com/pD3Jl7idZH  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

Four farmers committed suicide in different parts of Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths since June 6 to 19, after farmers protest in Mandsaur turned violent.

Among the 4 farmers who committed suicide in the past 24 hours are 48-year-old Gulri Kurmi of Sagar, Mahesh Tiwari of Chhattarpur, Shatrughan Meena of Hoshangabad and Shyam Yadhuvanshi of Chindwara.

The state government, however, continues to stay in denial and has refused to attribute debt traps and distress as causes that are forcing farmers to take their own lives.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 21:04 [IST]
Manipur fights against terror by equipping former militants with skills

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Imphal, June 22: Militancy-hit Manipur has adopted a new mantra to fight against the scourge of violence and destruction. The Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state has decided to train surrendered militants with a set of skills to help them earn their livelihood.

Manipur is one of the worst militancy-hit states in the country. According to an estimate the state has over forty small and big militant groups. Most of the unemployed youth join militancy as an "alternative job".

By training the former militants in various livelihood skills, Manipur is not only encouraging them to join the mainstream, but also dissuading others from joining any militancy groups as it is ultimately futile to take up guns.

"The Manipur government will provide skill development programmes to the surrendered militants. It will enable them to find sustainable means of livelihood," Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said at the "homecoming" ceremony of a cadre of the KCP Lamphel held at CM Secretariat recently.

The various skill development programmes are all set to begin from June 30. The former militants will be provided training free of cost. The CM added that those who have surrendered four years ago will also be allowed to stay in their respective homes.

During the event, CM Singh took the opportunity to praise the policies of his government which are encouraging militants to shun violence by joining the mainstream.

The CM added that it would be good for the state's economic growth if more and more militants surrender and join the path of peace and prosperity.

While condemning the recent killings in Ukhrul district, he said that an FIR has been lodged and the entire area has been cordoned off by the combined team of State Police and Assam Rifles.

"Befitting punishments will be given to those perpetrators who are associated with such acts of terrorism," he added.

The surrendered militant was working as a self-styled commander of the KCP Lamphel faction. The arms and ammunition deposited by him included two 9mm pistols with magazines and 9 live rounds.

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 6:44 [IST]
Manufactured facts cannot alter the reality: India slams Pak over Jadhav's confessional video

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jun 22: The Ministry of External Affairs has responded to the latest video to come out of Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav. In a strong reaction, the External Affairs Ministry said India expects Pakistan to desist from attempting to influence the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case through false propaganda.

"The developments bring out once again the lack of transparency and farcical nature of proceedings against Jadhav on concocted charges, continued violation of his legal and consular rights and an attempt to introduce prejudice in the proceedings in the ICJ," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said. He was responding to the "confessional video" of Jadhav released by Pakistan today.

"Manufactured facts cannot alter the reality, and do not detract from the fact that Pakistan is in violation of its international obligation to India and Jadhav. We expect Pakistan to abide by the order of ICJ staying Jadhav's execution and desist from attempting to influence the ICJ proceedings through false propaganda," Baglay said.

The Pakistan military released a "second confessional video", in which purportedly Jadhav can be seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage". Baglay said Pakistan has not even disclosed to the ICJ Jadhav's purported appeal to a military tribunal in Pakistan.

The details and circumstances of the alleged mercy petition by Jadhav are not clear and even the fact of its existence is doubtful, shrouded as the proceedings against Jadhav have been in opacity, he said.

Baglay said earlier this week the government had once again demanded Consular Access to Jadhav and reiterated his family's request for visas. India is determined to pursue the matter in ICJ and is confident that justice will be done without being affected in any manner by these unwarranted and misleading steps taken by Pakistan, he added. The ICJ stayed Jadhav's execution in May.

PTI
Two of 8 cheetahs released in acclimatisation enclosure at MP's Kuno National Park: Official

'Mera Ghar Bhajpa ka Ghar' slogan surfaces on walls of Madhya Pradesh houses

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Bhopal, June 22: What would you do when workers of the ruling party come to you house and write pro-party slogans on walls? Would you protest or witness the defacing of your home in silence?

Definitely, it won't be easy to pick up a fight with people having close-ties with the ruling party. The residents of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh are facing a similar predicament as the supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are on a "mission" to write pro-saffron party slogan on walls of houses in the city.

The slogan, Mera Ghar Bhajpa ka Ghar (My house belongs to the BJP), was written on the exterior walls of several houses in Bhopal by BJP workers. The locals said BJP workers did not seek any permission before defacing their walls.

The "enthusiastic" workers did not even spare the houses of Congress leaders.

"This BJP slogan was written outside my house too. My family members protested, however, they went ahead and wrote the slogan on my wall too. I was not present at my home when the incident took place," Pyaare Khan, a Congress leader, told ANI.

Dismissing the entire "programme" of slogan writing on walls as a minor incident, BJP leader Rahul Kothari said there was nothing wrong in it.

"Workers do such things in enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong in writing pro-BJP slogan as there has been development in the area," added Kothari.

From neighbouring Rajasthan, reports came in that slogan--'I am poor, receive ration from National Food Security Act (NFSA)'--has been painted on houses in Dausa by the district administration. Strangely, Rajasthan is also ruled by the BJP.

Currently, the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state is facing severe criticism for the killing of five farmers in a police firing during farmers' protest in Mandsaur.

Since June 1, farmers are protesting to demand crop loan waiver and better prices for their produce. However, the BJP government has refused to relent to the farmers' demand.

The opposition Congress had demanded the resignation of CM Chouhan for neglecting the plight of farmers.

The idea of writing pro-BJP slogans on the houses of residents in the capital city seems to have germinated from fear after the saffron party and its CM faced the wrath of the farming community.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 10:53 [IST]
Modi's US visit: What Trump could learn from him

India

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

With each passing month, if not week, questions about Trump being able to continue in a way which does not harm his administration and the country are being raised by not only the opposition, but also the county's public, media and his own party.

The controversies include the relationship he and his close aides have had with a foreign power like Russia, which have already led to dismissals of senior officials, to allegations of Trump attempting at obstructing any investigation into such a matter.

It is under such circumstances that he is going to host India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leader of the largest democracy in the world later this month. And there is a thing or two that the US President could learn from looking at Modi's political journey, when it comes to not only handling the politics of a democracy but also in how to govern a country after being considered a hugely divisive figure.

[PM Modi's US visit set to Trump the new administration]

Why Trump should learn from Modi

For a leader like Trump who has acted and shown a behavior maybe of a level never seen by any democratic leader, at least not in the modern era and that too of the US. It could be easily said that he could learn something from most leaders in the world.

But the choice of Modi would be more apt than most other leaders, given the similar nature of not their countries or the diversity of the population in both, but also other personal similarities such as belonging to the Right of the politics and victory for both was thought to be impossible at a point of time, among other such points.

And a point which could be considered a difference between the two can also be seen as an important reason why Trump should look at Modi's style of leadership. The difference being that while the President has always been a businessman who has never before held elected office, the Indian prime minister is a career politician with huge experience in running a government.

So given Trump's track record there is no end to what he could learn from a leader like Modi, whose popularity seems to have grown since getting elected whereas Trump's has gone from bad to worse.

[What on earth is wrong with Donald Trump? Explained]

Difference between election campaigning and running a government

This point becomes important as both leaders ran an extremely aggressive election campaign, which could be related to the fact that they were fighting the tag of being outsiders to the conventional political world.

This makes the difference between political rhetoric used during campaigning and the actual art and policy of running a government, the first and single most important point Trump would notice if he took a look at Modi's political journey.

And while Modi was able to adapt smoothly from his avatar before elections to that more suited for the office of the prime minister, Trump seems to have been unable to do so. Though the transition includes features from the tone and tenor of the leader on all issues, especially in relation with political opponents, such a change is of utmost importance on the domestic policy front.

Modi, who was critical of schemes brought in by the previous government of his opponents before assuming office, he adopted them but has tried to improve and change them for better results. Schemes like National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) and Aadhaar can bee seen as examples of this.

Continuity along with improvement are an essential part of running a country and while Modi seems to have learnt that lesson since taking over, this seems to have been lost on Trump.

He seems hell-bent on throwing the 'baby out with the bath water,' as he is attempting to totally reverse and throw out, decisions and policies that were brought in by his predecessor, Barack Obama. The President had attacked Obama's schemes such as the popular insurance known as "Obamacare," during campaigning and has now tried to repeal and replace it with his own version, which is highly unpopular as compared to that of Obama's, as it will take away health benefits from many.

These are just a few examples proving such a point when it comes to domestic policy, but sadly for Trump plenty exist on the foreign policy as well.

Foreign Affairs depend on the leader

Even if foreign relations with other countries are not totally dependent on the approach of the leader, and include the geo-political realities of the world and the needs of the country, the reality that Trump presidency has proved so far is that the leader matters more than other considerations.

Foreign policy of the US, the most powerful country in the world, under Trump at present can be clearly be described as a chaos leading to a violent departure from that of Presidents before him, as his policies not only at home but foreign too have brought it close to a breaking of a harmonious relationship with countries considered US's long term allies. This, like changes on the domestic policy front, seems to have been brought about by Trump's agenda of reversing every step taken by Obama.

These include his statements on NATO and the role the US plays in it, to pulling out of the Paris agreement on climate change, which had brought all the countries together on fighting the menace, with the his country leading the way.

Other European powers such as Germany, France among others that had once not only looked at the US for leadership but had welcomed it too, are now looking at other avenues when it comes to international alliances. The idea that such a change has followed soon after his taking over does not bode well for Trump's leadership qualities. Especially as he has continued on the criticism that he unleashed against foreign leaders such as Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, among others.

Though Modi too has his critics on foreign policy, even they would find it difficult to fault his attempts to reach out to other nations and their leaders. Such an approach though clearly not the final step in cementing strong and meaningful relations can definitely be considered the first in the right direction.

While he has gone on to develop a personal relationship with leaders in order to develop better relations between countries, Trump has let his campaign rhetoric come in the way of his county's foreign policy and how he has dealt with the heads of other countries.

It would be beneficial for not only him as President, but also his country and the world that he adopts at least some aspects of Modi's approach of reaching out to other countries, which would be even more beneficial in the case of US given it's importance and standing in the world.

Social Media and the leader

The world has changed, and so have mediums by which leaders communicate with the people of their country and those around the globe. Social media platforms like Twitter play an increasingly important role in it.

Both Trump and Modi are the examples of leaders who have adapted to such a change. Modi, who was one of the first ones in the country to do it, has used it effectively to talk about important matters and stay directly in touch with the people, in particular the youth.

Trump's use of Twitter, on the other hand, has been one of the leading causes behind controversy's that have engulfed his administration. With the President time and again publishing tweets that his aides have found difficult to defend.

With early morning posting on it by him with gaffes like the recent "covfefe" tweets or those criticizing senior officials or commenting on policies have landed him in trouble time and again.

The old saying that "in politics, perception is reality" seems to matter little to him. As if he was not losing the real battle, he has almost certainly lost the battle of perception, which platforms like Twitter play a big a part in building, and even more so in a country like the US with an extremely high number of users of the platform.

The idea that social media is supposed to be a way for the benefit of the public and the leader, and Trump instead of reaping benefits from its usage has been able to convert it into another way for giving the media and the people to showcase the failures of and under his leadership.

And he would do well to learn from Modi's example of how the medium, can become a way of not only communication but also maintaining and increasing a following. As can be seen by his ability of changing his perception, from once being treated as a pariah post the 2002 Gujarat riots controversy, to now being seen as a mass leader among all ages of people including the internet savvy youth of the country.

A change in Trump's way of handling such platforms can still ensure a change on how he is perceived, as Modi's emergence as a leader has shown that such tools can be used effectively to emerge out of controversies instead of getting into them.

Though such a list could go on, it would be deemed fit to stop here as the reality is with Trump being Trump, it is hard to imagine him accepting a fault in his approach and willingly wanting to make a change. It would also be hard for those around him to argue for such a change with him given the success he has had in his career being who he is.

And his attempts at changing his image is even more difficult given that while Modi came to power on the back of a majority not seen in the country for decades, Trump won the presidency even though he lost the popular vote.

As the leaders of the most powerful and the largest democracy's in the world meet, while Modi would try to get what is best for India in terms of relations between the two countries, Trump would do well to take a sneak into the prime minister's playbook and steal a few steps from his game plan at tackling the situation that he seems to have found himself in.

OneIndia News
Next President of India: RJD fumes over Nitish supporting Kovind

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav may have chosen to remain quiet on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's support to Ram Nath Kovind as NDA's candidate for the upcoming presidential elections, but other leaders of the party have now begun to voice their displeasure.

Nitish's support to Kovind's candidature is being seen as a major snub to the Congress-led opposition which would be holding a meeting today to discuss on presidential candidate.

"On one hand Nitish ji takes initiative to form national 'Mahagatbandhan', while on the other he supports NDA President candidate," RJD's RP Singh told news agency ANI.

Although, Sharad Yadav had on Wedenesday said that maha-gathbandhan will not be affected, Nitish's decision is sure to leave the Grand Alliance shaken.

Nitish's decision is based on the fact he owes his political success to the support from the Dalits. Moreover, Nitish and Kovind shared a good relationship when the latter was Bihar Governor.

It must be recalled that the RJD has maximum number of seats in the coalition government in Bihar. Lalu's sons Tej Pratap and Tejashwi are Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively in the Bihar cabinet.

Lalu will attend the meeting of opposition leaders in Delhi on Thursday where a decision is likely to be made on whether they will field their own candidate for President.

[Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected]

Everything put together, Kovind's choice as the presidential candidate is turning out to be a masterstroke by the BJP as even Mayawati is wary of opposing a Dalit candidate.

Modi and Shah, in one single stroke, have not only fractured the oppostion but also consolidated their outreach to Dalits and lower castes.

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 12:49 [IST]
Next President of India: Divided Opposition meet today to decide on candidate

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Opposition is set to meet to decide on its candidate for the next President of India. The meet is being held a day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar endorsed his party's support for the BJP's Ram Nath Kovind.

While many in the Opposition said that they would back Kovind, it is the Congress, Left and the TMC which is keen on a contest. The Opposition has few takers and the likes of Nitish Kumar and Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik have already said that they would back Kovind. The BSP's Mayawati too has indicated her support for the BJP's candidate.

In a bid to keep the flock together and gather more support, the Congress even dialed JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda. While Gowda would not attend the meeting at Delhi today, he has decided to send the party's spokesperson, Danish Ali.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

While the support for the Opposition is dwindling as many say it would be difficult to oppose a Dalit candidate, there are many fence sitters as well. The INLD would take a call depending on the Opposition's candidate. The INLD would hold a meeting on Friday a day after the Opposition meet and take a final decision.

The BJP led NDA is in a comfortable position to win the Presidential poll. The AIADMK faction led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisami too had last night said that they would back Kovind.

Meanwhile the Opposition has been suggesting several names to take on Kovind. The names of Sushil Kumar Shinde, Prakash Ambedkar and Meira Kumar have been doing the rounds.

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 6:26 [IST]
Next President of India: OPS faction of AIADMK also extends support to Kovind

India

oi-Anusha

It is added strength for the NDA with Panneerselvam camp of the AIADMK also extending support to Ram Nath Kovind as the next president of India. With Panneerselvam camp's support, the NDA will get votes of 12 MLAs and 12 MPs from the AIADMK.

Despite being a divided house, the AIADMK has extended collective support to the BJP. The decision from Panneerselvam camp comes a day after he praised Narendra Modi. In an interview, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu had praised Modi for giving the people a corruption-free government. "BJP National President Amit Shah spoke to me and requested for our support. We have accepted his request and have decided to extend support to Ram Nath Kovind in the Presidential election," O Panneerselvam told reporters in Chennai on Thursday. On Wednesday, Edappadi Palanisamy camp said that they decided to extend support to Kovind's candidature after Prime Minister Modi spoke to Chief Minister Palanisamy.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

The AIADMK collectively has 5.36 percent vote share in the Presidential Electoral College. With both factions supporting Kovind, the NDA now has enough numbers to sail through the Presidential elections.

The AIADMK carries a vote share of 5.36 percent with 135 MLAs and 50 MPs. The vote of each AIADMK MP, similar to MPs from other states, is valued at 708 while each AIADMK MLA's vote is valued at 176. The AIADMK has 37 MPs in Lok Sabha and 13 in Rajya Sabha. Votes in Parliament will translate to 35,400 and stands at 23,760 from assembly with a total value pegged at 59,160 votes.

OneIndia News
Draupadi Murmu is India's first tribal and youngest President ever

Draupadi Murmu becomes 15th President of India with 64% votes against Yashwant Sinhas 36%

Next President Of India: Ram Nath Kovind meets Vajpayee

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The NDA presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind along with his wife met former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his family on Thursday at his residence.

Ram Nath Kovind has been calling on senior BJP leaders since his name was declared for President's post. On Wednesday, he met Murli Manohar Joshi at his residence in Delhi. The same day he met senior leader LK Advani.

Meeting senior leaders is a tradition followed by all party members during such nominations.There was talk about Advani and Joshi being considered by the BJP as its pick for the president's post.

Delhi: NDA presidential nominee #RamNathKovind along with his wife, met former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his family, at his residence pic.twitter.com/0C67bt6mQT  ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2017

Kovind is paying a courtesy visit to the leaders credited with playing a key role in the saffron party's growth.

Electoral College: Here is how the next President of India will be elected

Ram Nath Kovind is likely to file nomination on June 23, while the last date for the nomination is June 28. The presidential election is due on July 17.

(With agency reports)
Pro-Pak celebration: MP police drop sedition charges against 15

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Madhya Pradesh police on Thursday dropped sedition charges against 15 people who allegedly celebrated Pakistan's win in the final match against India in Champions Trophy.

The move came after the families approached the president as well as as human rights and minority commissions. The 15 arrested men in this particular case were said to be raising Pro-Pakistan slogans and bursting crackers on June 18 in Burhanpur. They were booked under 120B (punishment for criminal conspiracy ) and 124A (sedition) of IPC.

Relatives of the arrested men on Wednesday wrote to the President demanding a probe by an agency other than the local police. Also, they wrote to the national and state human rights commissions and other agencies, saying that the village never witnessed any communal incident in the past.

MP: 15 arrested in Burhanpur for raising Pro-Pak slogans & bursting crackers after Pakistan's win in final match against India on 18th June. pic.twitter.com/CRprlDQ256  ANI (@ANI_news) June 20, 2017

However, the 15 men have now been charged under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code for "disturbing communal harmony". "It's difficult to prove the sedition charge," said Burhanpur Superintendent of Police RR Parihar. "Moreover, none of them has a criminal background. After initial investigation, we found Section 153-A is more appropriate than Section 124-A."

The charge of conspiracy (Section 120-B) will remain.

Earlier, the Judicial Magistrate (first class) Poonam Domecha had rejected the bail applications of all the 15 persons and were sent to Khandwa district jail.

OneIndia News
Rajasthan govt paints 'I am poor' on houses of BPL families, Congress calls it a 'sick joke'

India

oi-Anusha

The BJP government in Rajasthan has come under severe fire for stamping houses of families below the poverty line as 'poor' and beneficiary of 'National Food Security Act'. More than 50,000 houses have been marked by the government as 'poor' humiliating those provided food under NFSA.

The Vasundhara Raje government has been criticised in the past for multiple incidents of lynchings carried out by cow vigilantes. The stamping of houses in Dausa district has only come as another embarrassment. District officials claim that they have been instructed to mark houses where beneficiaries of NFSA reside to stop misuse of public distribution system. Rs 750 is being paid to the families to mark their houses. All in yellow, the stamp bearing the name of the family members says, "I am poor and receive ration from National Food Security Act."

The move has been deemed insensitive by many. The Raje government has come under fire for humiliating the economically weaker section. While pictures of stamped houses have emerged from Sikrai and Bandikui tehsils the exercise is said to have been undertaken across Rajasthan. "We have to suffer this humiliation for 10 kg of wheat every month. It has become difficult to hold our head high," a villager was quoted by a channel as saying.

The Congress ahs lashed out at the BJP for humiliating the poor. "It's a sick joke. If the state government provides them ration under the Food Security Act, it's their legal right and not a charity from the government. It proves that the BJP governments at the Centre and in the states are anti-poor," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.

The National Food Security Act was undertaken by the UPA government and promised to give poor households 5 kgs of foodgrains per person per month at subsidised rates.

OneIndia News
Why an RTI on Subhas Chandra Bose may not be entertained

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Information relating to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose can be accessed on the official website set up by the government. This would ideally mean that the centre will not provide any more information on Bose under the Right to Information Act.

It may be recalled that the Union Home Ministry had said that it was willing to examine new facts in the case. The ministry had been criticised after it had said in an RTI reply that Netaji had died in a plane crash at Taiwan.

The Home Ministry says that the government had launched a website, netajipapers.gov.in which contains the de-classified files relating to Netaji. All information can be accessed there, the Home Ministry says. All files relating to Netaji have been de-classified and hence RTI applications filed in future would be directed to the website, ministry officials said.

There has been a raging debate over the issue of Netaji. Many still believe that he had not died in a plane crash. The official response from several governments has been that he had died in 1945 in a plane crash. The issue is an emotive one and many have said that Netaji had been sidelined to promote the Nehru-Gandhi family.

OneIndia News
Sikkim CM writes letter to Rajnath Singh; supports Gorkhaland demand

India

oi-PTI

Gangtok, Jun 22: In a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Thursday extended his support for a separate Gorkhaland state.

In the letter, he said, "The fulfilment of the constitutional demand of the people in the Darjeeling Hills... will provide long-awaited justice to their patriotism." He also said that creation of a Gorkhaland state will restore permanent peace and prosperity in the region and Sikkim will be hugely benefited by it.

The three decades of agitation has "claimed over 1000 lives and caused incalculable loss of property", he said. Besides, he said, Sikkim has been suffering "untold loss owing to the recurring blockage of its one and only lifeline NH-10, during the last 30 years of Gorkhaland agitation".

Chamling, also the president of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, wrote about the plight of students and patients who needed to take that "tension-ridden highway to travel to their destination". He said that a prolonged agitation in Darjeeling-Sikkim region would pose threat to national security also because of the tiny Himalayan state's strategic location. Sikkim lies within three international borders with China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan.

He cited the martyrdom of several Gorkha people during the freedom movement in his letter. Chamling wrote, "The martyrdom of the Gorkha freedom fighter, Major Durga Malla has been duly recognised by the installation of his statue outside the Indian parliament."

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 17:47 [IST]
Several Afghans on Germany's evacuation list have died

13th batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan delivered by India

Taliban bans women from parks and gyms in Afghanistan

24 killed in car bomb attack near a bank in Afghanistan

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

At least 24 people were killed and 60 others wounded in a car bomb attack outside a bank in Lashkargah, Afghanistan, on Thursday.

The bomb exploded around 12 noon local time at the entrance of New Kabul Bank in the capital of Helmand province.

It was earlier reported that some gunmen stormed the New Kabul Bank after which a gun battle between the bank's guards and gunmen ensued.

Reports say that causalities is large because a number of civilian and military government employees were present at the bank to withdraw their salaries.

Helmand province is a hub of insurgent activities as large parts of the province is controlled by insurgents. Helmland's capital Lashkargah is situated just over 550km from Afghanistan's capital Kabul.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack so far.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 14:32 [IST]
Xi Jinping tells Chinese army to prepare for war, fight and win it

China evades questions on funding Pakistan's dam in Gilgit-Baltistan

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Beijing, June 22: China on Thursday did not comment on reports of China's offer to help Pakistan build a mega dam project in Gilgit-Baltistan and bring it under the umbrella of the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Under the CPEC project China is building railway links, roads, power plants and ports in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

"For this specific project and including the construction of dam you mentioned, I am not aware of the details," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

The installed capacity of the proposed project over the Indus river will be over 4,000 mw.

India has been dead against any construction in the Indus Basin in the disputed region through which the China Pakistan Economic Corridor passes.

On Monday, Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Muzammil Hussain said China had offered Pakistan help in building the Diamer-Bhasha dam project and integrate it with the $50 billion CPEC.

The construction of the dam is pending for long as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank backed out of funding it, citing its location in disputed Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of Kashmir that is held by Pakistan and claimed by India.

"What I can say is that the CPEC is a new cooperation framework for the two countries to achieve long-term development. This corridor will not only promote bilateral development of two countries, but will also contribute to the development and prosperity in the region," Geng said.

"We know that there is some concern about the corridor but we keep stressing that this economic corridor is just an economic initiative for cooperation," he added.

"It targets no third country and is not connected to any sovereign dispute. We hope that the dispute between India and Pakistan could be resolved by consultation and negotiation."

In May, India boycotted China's Belt and Road summit, citing its objection to the CPEC.

The CPEC is a key artery of China's Belt and Road project. It links China's Kashgar in Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port in restive Balochistan.

Despite India's repeated objections to the project, China maintains that the the CPEC has nothing to do with the dispute between New Delhi and Islamabad.

IANS

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 18:25 [IST]
Fall of the Great Mosque: Why does the ISIS destroy historic structures

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri at Mosul has fallen and the Islamic State is engaged in a blame game with the US forces over who destroyed the ancient structure. The fact is that the region has lost yet another historic structure and there is no stopping this madness.

Destruction of such structures is nothing new for terrorist groups. The Taliban has done it and now it is the turn of the ISIS. It was a well known fact that the ISIS would go after such structures when the outfit had taken over Palmyra in Syria. It was one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The ISIS however had a different take on Palmyra and termed the criticism against them as the "Age of Ignorance."

Why the fall of the Great Mosque in Mosul is the defeat of the ISIS

Time and again the Islamic fundamentalists have proven that they hate anything that is beautiful, old and has a heritage.

Like the Taliban felt about the gigantic Buddha statues in Afghanistan, the ISIS feels that such heritage is bad as it indicated that Islam was being subdued at the hands of the Christians.

The ISIS had carried out a ghastly act when it destroyed artifacts at Nimrud in Iraq. While to the world it seemed that the only aim was destroying the artifacts a little known fact is that the more valuable items were stolen and smuggled to raise money.

Who blew the Nuri Mosque in which Bhagdadi declared himself 'Caliph'

The Taliban too has had a history of destroying heritage structures. The Buddha status in Afghanistan were brought down in a heartless display of aggression. The take over of Palmyra was aimed at destroying the ancient city.

Why ISIS took Palmyra:

There are ideological reasons for the take over of the city. The ISIS says that Palmyra symobolises an age of ignorance. When the outfit took over this city, there was a lot that they wanted to destroy.

The Temple of Baal which is a 1st century AD building represents the marriage of an ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman Architecture. The Great Colonnade a street measuring 1100 metres links the Temple of Baal to the West Gate and the Funerary Temple.

This was constructed in the 2nd and 3rd century in stages. The Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century hosts the annual festival at Palmyra. The Palmyra Museum which has several ancient artefacts which are several 1000 years old is also under the radar of the ISIS. Is it just about fundamentalism?

Not really the Age of Ignorance:

While the ISIS made it seem that they are only destroying everything that was created in the Age of Ignorance, the fact remains that smuggling of ancient artefacts is a major draw among terror groups and smugglers.

Mohammad Atta, one of the masterminds of the 9/11 attack had dashed off to Germany to sell artefacts that he had stolen from Afghanistan and the same was used to fund the attacks.

It is a well known fact that the ISIS when it destroys such great structures it shows videos very selectively. Most of the artefacts that they destroy and show on video are the less valuable ones. They however never destroy the valuables which fetch high prices in the market.

The high value artefacts are smuggled out and sold to international smugglers for a huge price. There are maniac antique collectors across the world who are willing to pay any price for such artefacts.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 13:44 [IST]
Why India as most populous nation may help get UN Security Council membership

Global Tiger population up by 40%, but they are still under threat

Gap between rich and poor has widened, needs to be bridged: Gadkari

India to overtake China's population by 2024: UN

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, Jun 22: India in 2024 will be the world's most populous country, finally overtaking China, with about 1.5 billion residents.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said that India's population could surpass that of China's around 2024, and is projected to touch 1.5 billion in 2030, according to a UN forecast.

The World Population Prospects:

The 2017 Revision,said that currently China with 1.41 billion inhabitants and India with 1.34 billion remain the two most populous countries, comprising 19 and 18 per cent of the total global population.

The 2017 Revision of World Population Prospects is the 25th round of official UN population estimates and projections.

In its 24th round of estimates released in 2015, it was projected that the population of India will surpass that of China's by 2022.

The new estimates released on Wednesday said that in 2024, India and China are expected to have roughly a population of 1.44 billion each. After that, India s population is projected to continue growing for several decades to around 1.5 billion in 2030 and approaching 1.66 billion in 2050, while the population of China is projected to remain stable until the 2030s, after which it may begin a slow decline.

India s population may eventually see a decline in the half century after 2050 to 1.51 billion by 2100 but it will still be the most populous country in the world.

In India, life expectancy at birth will be 71 years in 2025-2030, growing to 74.2 years in 2045-2050. The under-five mortality rate will decline from 32.3 deaths under age five per 1,000 live births in 2025-2030 to 18.6 in 2045-2050.

The report said that "the current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100."

"With roughly 83 million people being added to the world's population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline, it said.

Ten countries are expected to account collectively for more than half of the world s projected population increase over the period 2017-2050: India, Nigeria, Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the United States, Uganda, Indonesia and Egypt.

Among the ten largest countries worldwide, Nigeria is growing the most rapidly. Consequently, the population of Nigeria, currently the world s 7th largest, is projected to surpass that of the US and become the third largest country in the world shortly before 2050.

Further, large and persistent economic and demographic asymmetries between countries are likely to remain key drivers of international migration for the foreseeable future. Between 2015 and 2050, the top net receivers of international migrants more than 100,000 annually are projected to be the US, Germany, Canada, UK, Australia and Russia.

The countries projected to be net senders of more than 100,000 migrants annually include India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Indonesia.

The report said that in 2010-2015, around 46 per cent of the world s population lived in intermediate-fertility countries, where women have on average between 2.1 and 5 births over a lifetime.

Intermediate-fertility countries are found in many regions, with the largest being India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico and the Philippines.

In 2045-2050, it is expected that slightly less than a third of the world s population will live in countries with fertility in this range. By that time, most of the world's population will be living in countries with relatively low levels of fertility, where women bear fewer than 2.1 children on average.

The report highlights that a reduction in the fertility level results not only in a slower pace of population growth but also in an older population. Compared to 2017, the number of persons aged 60 or above is expected to more than double by 2050 and to more than triple by 2100, rising from 962 million globally in 2017 to 2.1 billion in 2050 and 3.1 billion in 2100.

"Population ageing is projected to have a profound effect on societies, underscoring the fiscal and political pressures that the health care, old-age pension and social protection systems of many countries are likely to face in the coming decades, it said.

Substantial improvements in life expectancy have occurred in recent years. Globally, life expectancy at birth has risen from 65 years for men and 69 years for women in 2000-2005 to 69 years for men and 73 years for women in 2010-2015.

PTI
So sorry, says US Ambassador to India on desecration of Mahatma Gandhis statue

Kenneth Juster to be next US ambassador to India

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Kenneth Juster, senior White House official will be the next US ambassador to India. The decision was made following a one month search which saw several India-Americans in the race.

"Ken Juster's move to Indian Ambassador is because he is extremely qualified for the position," White House deputy spokesperson Lindsay E Walters told PTI. Ken has a strong and positive relationship with everyone in the White House, including the president," Walters added.

A Washington Post report said while India had endorsed the appointment, sources in New Delhi pushed back, saying the formal stage of "agremont", a diplomatic process in which the host country's assent is sought before announcing the nomination of the envoy, had not been reached yet.

Juster is currently serving as a deputy assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and deputy director of the National Economic Council in the White House.

A lawyer from Harvard, he has experience in India related affairs. As deputy secretary of commerce in President George W Bush's administration he had launched the High Technology Cooperation Group to promote trade in sensitive dual-use goods and technology.

OneIndia News
Kulbhushan Jadhav seeks clemency from Pak army chief: military

International

pti-PTI

Pakistan Army chief over the death sentence handed down to him by a military court, the Army said on Thursday, weeks after the International Court of Justice stayed the Indian national's execution.

Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations, in a statement, claimed that in his plea, Jadhav has "admitted his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities" in Pakistan and "expressed remorse" at the resultant loss of lives and extensive damage to property.

"Seeking forgiveness for his actions he has requested the Chief of Army Staff (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) to spare his life on compassionate grounds," the ISPR said. The statement said that Jadhav, a 46-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, had earlier appealed to the Military Appellate Court which was rejected.

Under the law, he is eligible to appeal for clemency to the Chief of Army Staff and if rejected, subsequently to the Pakistan President. Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav 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 Indian Navy. The Pakistan military also released a "second confessional video", in which purportedly Jadhav can be seen "accepting his acts of terrorism and espionage".

In the video, Jadhav is shown to be detailing his alleged "subversive and terror activities" for which he has been convicted by a military court. "During my judicial proceedings which were held under the field General court martial, I was accorded a defence council by the officials here which were conducting the entire proceedings," he says in the video. He is also shown apologising for his acts and seeking pardon.

The Army said it released the video "so that the world should know what India has done and continues to do against Pakistan." Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav after his arrest.

Jadhav was in April sentenced to death by Pakistan's Field General Court Martial on charges of "involvement in espionage and sabotage activities" against the country. India moved the International Court of Justice against the death penalty handed down to Jadhav on May 8.

India has accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by repeatedly denying consular access to Jadhav. In a hearing of the case on May 18, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav. Earlier this month, Pakistan had said that the Indian national would not be executed until he has exhausted his mercy appeals.

PTI
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: When and where to watch Asia Cup 2022 Final Match live online?

Sri Lanka Navy arrests 17 Indian fishermen

International

pti-PTI

Colombo, Jun 22: At least 17 Indian fishermen were arrested today by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the country's territorial waters.

The Navy seized two trawlers and arrested the fishermen at around 2 pm (local time) in east of Jaffna's Nagarkovil coast.

The two steel hull trawlers were carrying eight and nine fishermen respectively, the Navy said. Meanwhile, a report from Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu said that four fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan navy for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters this morning.

Another five fishermen sustained injuries after the Navy personnel detained and beaten them up last night for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. The arrest came amid Sri Lanka's announcement last week that some 142 Indian fishing boats would be released in phases.

PTI
Ukraine grain deal: UN says shipments are still going out

UN appoints Russian diplomat to lead new counter-terror unit

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

United Nations, June 22: The United Nations has appointed veteran Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov to head a newly-established counter-terrorism division, despite growing tensions between the US and Russia.

UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq announced the appointment made by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, one week after the General Assembly voted to create the new coordinating body, The Independent reported on Wednesday.

The UN Counter-Terrorism office would oversee the counter-terrorism efforts of 36 UN-funded programmes currently housed under a variety of UN agencies, 12 inter-agency working groups, as well as Interpol, and the World Customs Organisation.

The existing Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force is under the political affairs division. There are also two related offices under the Security Council, which will remain in place.

If the appointment of a Russian official seems controversial at this time, Richard Gowan a UN expert with the European Council of Foreign Affairs previously told The Independent that it is "a pretty open secret" that the deal was actually made in 2016 when Guterres was campaigning for his position.

For its part, Russia had agreed to give up its regional turn to lead the world body so that the Portuguese Guterres could have a chance.

"It is not pretty, but that is how UN politics works," said Gowan. Guterres also met Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month at an economic forum in St. Petersburg.

Voronkov will have the rank of Under Secretary-General. He has spent more than 30 years in Russia's foreign service, serving in Vienna as an ambassador to UN organisations since 2011.

One of the world body's entities housed in Vienna includes the Office on Drugs and Crime, which often deals with counterterrorism issues.

Former Ambassador to Ukraine and Uzbekistan John Herbst, now Director of Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, told The Independent that Voronkov's appointment "makes sense" in terms of the UN having a senior official in a coordinating capacity because as a global body, the UN "needs to be able to address" the matter more effectively.

He also noted that counter-terrorism is a much easier issue to discuss with Russian officials than Ukraine, for example.

IANS
Decisions on Kashmir have no external ramifications: India's envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin

When Syed Akbaruddin walked up to Pakistani scribe and said "Let me begin by shaking your hand"

Waited for long to greet you: Syed Akbaruddin receives PM Modi in US

No takers for your malware: Indian envoy tears into Pakistan for 'peddling falsehood' on India

Who is supporting anti-govt elements in Afghanistan, asks Indian Envoy hinting at Pak

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Asserting that there should not be dual standards on tackling the mence of terrorism, Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, asked where are anti-government forces in Afghanistan getting weapons and training from?

Akbaruddin said that it is 'foremost duty' of every country to ensure that there are no 'safe havens' anywhere for the terrorist groups trying to gain a foot hold.

"Where are anti-Government elements in Afghanistan getting weapons, explosives,training and funding from?" news agency ANI quoted Akbaruddin as saying.

"Taliban,Haqqani Network, Al-Qaeda, Daesh, LeT, JeM are all terror organisations and should be treated like that without justification offered," he added.

Akbaruddin had even last year raised the issue of safe havens being given to terror groups by some countries.

He had on November 18, 2016, said at the UN General Assembly, "Inconsistent implementation of sanctions on some of these terrorist eats away at the UN's authority and needs to be addressed."

Akbaruddin had then said that new Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada - needs to be designated as a terrorist individual.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 9:44 [IST]
Why the fall of the Great Mosque in Mosul is the defeat of the ISIS

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri was destroyed in fighting between the Iraqi forces and the Islamic State. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said that the destruction of the Mosque where ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Bhagdadi declared himself the Caliph signaled the defeat of the outfit.

The ISIS has however denied destroying the Mosque and blamed it on the US forces, a charge that has been denied. There has been widespread condemnation after the 800 year old Mosque was destroyed. The Iraqi forces say that they were about 50 metres away from the Mosque when the IS committed another historic crime.

Who blew the Nuri Mosque in which Bhagdadi declared himself 'Caliph'

The Mosque was one of the most significant structures in Mosul. The Great Mosque was named after Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zangi, a Turkic ruler of Mosul and Aleppo. Two years after his death the construction of the Mosque was ordered in 1172. Nur al-Din is known for mobilising and unifying Muslim forces to wage Jihad against the Christian crusaders.

While this Mosque was a symbolic structure, it was back in the news after the ISIS took over Mosul in 2014. It was here that the launch of the ISIS was announced. Baghdadi also declared himself the Caliph at this Mosque which put the limelight back on it again.,

Experts are of the view that the destruction of the Mosque is a sign that the IS has been defeated. The ISIS went on to destroy the same Mosque where it launched itself. This in itself is a sign that the outfit has been defeated the experts say.

It was on July 4 2014 that Baghdadi delivered a Friday sermon from the pulpit at the Great Mosque. This was one of his first appearances in many years.

He was dressed in a black robe and turban and he appeared to give the picture that he was a descendant of the Quraysh tribe to which Prophet Muhammad belonged.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 13:21 [IST]
Why the Modi-Trump meet is giving Dawood sleepless nights

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Narendra Modi-Donald Trump meeting in the US is likely to give the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate and several other terrorist groups sleepless nights. Modi who would be leaving for the US this Saturday will keep the focus of the discussions on terrorism and funding.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is already working out the modalities of the visit. Home Ministry sources who have shared the data about the functioning of the terror groups and the funding by the D Syndicate said that at least one or more terror group or individuals would be designated.

The Indian delegation would seek the help of the US to fight against these groups and also brief the US about the D gang. The financing by this gang is what is leading the problem, India would explain.

Sources say that the US is in agreement about the financing by the D gang and would agree to play a bigger role to end the menace. India has repeatedly said that the money brought in by Dawood is the backbone for terrorist groups. He is expected to cough up 40 per cent of what he earns to fund terror, the Intelligence Bureau says.

During the visit, the US and India would issue a joint statement on the war against terror. There would be a commitment to strengthen cooperation against groups such as the Lashkar-Tayiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, al-Qaeda, Islamic State and also the D gang. Last June India had identified specific new areas of cooperation between the US and India.

India had pointed out that it would seek more cooperation from the US in the fight against cyber crime and terror. The funding and constant protection given to Dawood and his gang members was also identified by Indian officials. This would be presented before the US delegation, sources said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, June 22, 2017, 7:14 [IST]
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



Anyone who follows the biggest movements in TV scheduling will already know that we are around four weeks away from the premiere of the latest season of Game of Thrones, arguably one of the most controversial and most talked about TV series of recent years. The show has become staple viewing for HBO fans, cementing itself as the new standard for the fantasy genre  at least for an adult audience  with scurrilous scenes of scheming, murder, sex and more making up just a handful of the episodes from the first season alone!

Thrones has such a reputation for being on the grisly side of things  as well as seeing off swathes of memorable characters, fan favorites and otherwise  that a YouTuber has compiled a fantastic reel of all the deaths weve seen on-screen during the past six seasons. This includes all the major deaths (no spoilers!) and the more minor felling of soldiers and more besides  and its all thanks to Leon Andrew Razon, who has put together a 21-minute video to showcase it all.

The death toll  according to Razons video  rolls in at a stonking 137,679  arguably one of the largest body counts weve seen on television, period. Much of the total is accounted for by over 100,000 free folk falling to the shows resident winter zombies  the White Walkers  who, even six seasons on, continue to pose a colossal threat to the world of Westeros. Throw in thousands of soldiers and scores of well-loved characters and you have a total which will be hard to beat on-screen.

Game of Thrones 150,966 Deaths in 21 minutes Compilation (Leon Andrew Razon Compilations via YouTube)

Game of Thrones season 7 is set to premiere next month, with the first of seven episodes set to air on HBO at 9pm Eastern Time on Sunday, July 16th. The show returns having won accolades for extraordinary battle sequences and twists in the tale that left many long-standing fans gasping for more at season sixs climax. Quite where the story will go with only a handful of episodes left on the slate  its set to end next year  no one knows. However, watchers of Westeros wont be left adrift for long, with a number of spin-offs and potential prequels already early in the development stages. Its therefore likely that Game of Thrones will be a franchise that stands the test of time  but how it will all end, only one man knows for sure  George RR Martin.
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Moses Simon was in scintillating form as he bagged an assist which saw Nantes defeat Paris St-Germain 3-1 in the Ligue 1 on Saturday night.

PSG lost in the league for just the second time this season as Nantes profited from a superb opening 45 minutes to upset the leaders.

Simon was very influential in the first half with an assist, one shot, three chances created and 2/3 successful crosses.

Also Read: Dennis Ends Goal Drought As Struggling Watford Beat Villa Away; Liverpool Cut City Lead After Comeback Win

It is Nantes third consecutive win while for PSG it is a first loss since they were knocked out of the French Cup by Nice on penalties on January 31.

Mauricio Pochettinos side  unbeaten in Ligue 1 since October  fell behind to a smart Randal Kolo Muani finish on four minutes thanks to Simons assist.

In the 16th minute Nantes doubled their lead through Quentin Merlin before Ludovic Blas slammed in a penalty in six minutes of first half added time.

Just two minutes into the second half Neymar pulled a goal back for PSG off an assist from Lionel Messi.

PSG had another glorious chance to reduce the deficit after they were awarded a penalty but Neymar saw his effort saved on 59 minutes by Alban Lafont.

Mbappe missed another superb opportunity when a loose ball fell his way seven yards out and Nantes keeper Lafont was again on hand to turn away a late strike from Julian Draxler.

Nantes jump from 10th to fifth in Ligue 1, while Marseille can cut the gap to PSG at the top to 10 points if they beat Clermont at home on Sunday.

By James Agberebi

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The results of the gubernatorial election in Kaduna has started trickling in. At PU014, Government House, PDP recorded 109 votes while APC got 84.

El Rufai

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won the polling units at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna (Government House), defeating the incumbent governor, Nasir El-Rufai of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Meanwhile the governor recorded a landslide victory at his polling unit 024, Ungwar Sarki ward, Kaduna. Isa Ashiru of the PDP polled 145 votes against El-Rufais 114 at PU013, Government House.

At PU014, Government House, PDP recorded 109 votes while APC got 84. However, El-Rufai polled 367 votes at his polling unit, while PDP polled 59 votes.

Abdullahi Sadiq, the Presiding Officer of PU02 announced the results.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Devices Market will reach at a CAGR of 7.2% through 2020

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market in its upcoming outlook titled, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015  2020. In terms of value, the global hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period due to various factors. This FMI report offers vital and detailed insights regarding these factors.The market is segmented on the basis of product type, application type and region. On the basis of products, the overall market has been segmented into monoplace HBOT devices, multiplace HBOT devices and topical HBOT device On the basis of application type, the market has been segmented into wound healing, decompression sickness, infections, gas embolism and others. Monoplace HBOT devices is expected to remain the largest segment, registering highest CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period. Wound healing is expected to register a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period. Increasing incidence rate of acute and chronic wounds is expected to drive demand for wound healing application over the forecast period. On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW).Request For Sample@Growing prevalence of acute and chronic wounds is a major factor driving growth of the global hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market. Other trends driving growth include strategic alliances among key players in the market, manufacturers focusing on enhancing market shareand expansion of the healthcare sector in developing countries due to growing investments by major players. In addition, increasing incidence of wound sites infections and increasing popularity of leisure adventure activities is projected to result in increased usage and demand of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices. This in turn is expected to bolster hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market growth during the forecast period (20152020).High cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices and reimbursements coverage are key factors hampering growth of this market. Currently, hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices are expensive. In U.S., a single session of HBOT costs between US$ 80 and US$ 300 in private clinics and over US$ 1,000 in hospitals. Moreover, the course of a conventional HBOT treatment is time-consuming (an average of 60 hours totally in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber). Also, limited reimbursement coverage of HBOT is likely to hamper growth of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices and could restrict development and growth of the overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market.Send An Enquiry@This report assesses trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market in specific regions. North America is estimated to dominate the hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market with maximum market share by end of 2015. By 2020, Europe and Asia Pacific is expected to collectively contribute over 71.1% in terms of market share to the total global hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices market revenue. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing market, registering a CAGR of 9.2% in terms of value over the forecast period. The monoplace HBOT devices segment was valued at US$ 1,503.3 million and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.6% in terms of value during the forecast period.Some key companies covered in this report include ETC BioMedical Systems, Fink Engineering Pty, Ltd., Gulf Coast Hyperbarics, Inc., HAUX-LIFE-SUPPORT GmbH, Hearmec Co., Ltd., Hyperbaric SAC, IHC Hytech B.V., OxyHeal Health Group, Sechrist Industries, Inc., and SOS Medical Group, Ltd. These companies are primarily focused on enhancing their product portfolio through research and development, introduction of innovative and cost-effective medical devices in order to gain market share and strengthen their respective position in the global market.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:
U.S. Commercial Refrigeration Systems Market will reach at a CAGR of 5.5% through 2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the commercial refrigeration systems market in its latest report titled, Commercial Refrigeration System Market: U.S. Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2025. According to the report, the U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 3.2% in terms of value over the forecast period. Commercial refrigeration systems are refrigerators with remote or self-contained condensing units. These refrigerators are designed especially for commercial use with a wide range of temperature control (typically from -18C to +10C) options. Commercial refrigeration systems are mainly used in hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses and distribution centres, foodservice industry and food & beverage production units. Commercial refrigeration systems include products such as ice machines, vending machines, beverage refrigeration equipment, refrigerated display cases, trailers, trucks, containers and walk-in and reach-in refrigerators. Commercial refrigeration systems also include various components such as compressors and refrigerants. Refrigerants mainly used in commercial refrigeration systems include R507A, R417A and R422A. The selection of a refrigerant depends on various properties such as non-corrosiveness, global warming and ozone depletion potential, inflammability, toxicity, cost, erosional properties, leak-detection capability and thermodynamic properties.Request For Sample@Growing demand for frozen and chilled products, expansion of cold chain capacity, technological advancements in commercial refrigeration systems and rebates for energy-efficient products and practices are some of the major underlying factors anticipated to fuel growth of the U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market between 2016 and 2025. This is forecast to create unprecedented opportunities for commercial refrigeration systems manufacturers, distributors and HVAC contractors. The U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market is segmented on the basis of application and product type. By application, the market is segmented into foodservice, food & beverage distribution, food & beverage retail and food & beverage production. On the basis of product type, the market is classified into transportation & refrigeration systems, refrigerator & freezers, beverage refrigeration equipment, refrigerated display cases, ice machines and refrigerated vending machines.By application, foodservice segment accounted for the highest share of 30% in terms of value in the U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market in 2014. This segment is expected to remain dominant in the market over the forecast period. Ice machines segment and beer dispensing equipment sub-segment are projected to play an important role in the foodservice industry due to various factors such as increasing per capita food consumption and rising number of foodservice restaurants in the country. By product type, transportation refrigeration systems segment is projected to expand at the highest CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period due to expansion of cold chain capacity in the U.S. By region, Southeast region represents the largest market potential, followed by the Middle-east and Far West regions. California, Texas and Florida represent a huge potential for refrigerated systems due to high density of restaurants and convenience stores in these states. Other high-growth markets include Arizona, Georgia and Utah due to rapid growth in the restaurant industry in these states.Send An Enquiry@Key trends identified in the U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market include rapid adoption of Internet of Things (IoT), compatible commercial refrigeration systems for enhancing system output, government initiatives to support utilisation of eco-friendly refrigerants and continued advancements in energy-efficient products. However, declining replacement rate of commercial refrigeration equipment and stringent government regulations could pose major challenge for tier II & III players.The report analyses the U.S. commercial refrigeration systems market in terms of value (US$ Mn) and volume (000 units) by product type and end-use application, and provides insightful information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.It is observed that customisation holds the key for tier 2 and tier 3 players in order to further penetrate into the market, thus creating a competitive threat for tier 1 suppliers in the market. Meanwhile, key players are strengthening their market positions through both organic and inorganic growth. Also, acquisition of HVAC contractors is leading to the addition of a new customer base for commercial refrigeration systems manufacturers. Key market participants covered in the report include Daikin Industries, Ltd., Standex International Corporation, Whirlpool Corporation, United Technologies, Dover Corporation, Ingersoll-Rand Plc, Hussmann Corporation, Lennox International Inc., Manitowoc Company, Inc., Emerson Electric Co. and Illinois Tool Works Inc.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:
United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Market by Manufacturers, States, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Market ResearchReport Monitor Present's United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Market 2017 Industry Trend Enhances The Decision Making Capabilities And Helps To Create An Effective Counter Strategies To Gain Competitive Advantage.DescriptionThe United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Report Offers A Comprehensive Evaluation Of The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Industry. This Report Evaluates The United States Market For "United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)".The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Report Provides Complete Analysis Of The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) By Analysing All Round Market Dynamics Such As Regional Market Opportunities, Drivers, Challenges, Constraints, Threats, And Other Market Trends.The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Report Contains Latest Business Data Resulting From Various Research Sources That Helps Decision Makers To Deliver A Distinctive And Trustworthy Analysis For Companys Growth.The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Survey Starts With Industry Overview Of United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Covering Major Regions Status, Industry Chain Structure, Definitions And Specifications, With A Detailed Focus On Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis Including Raw Material Suppliers, Equipment Suppliers And Manufacturing Process.Get A Pdf Sample Of United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Market Report At:In Next Part, The Researchers Has Collected And Presented Information On Technical Data And Manufacturing Plants Analysis Which Comprises Of Capacity And Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status And Technology Source Of Major Manufacturers .In Following Segment, With Sales, Ex-Factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin, Business Region Distribution Analysis, Competition Between Various Company Profile Has Been Given Along With Product Pictures And Specifications In United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Industry Report.The Key Players Mentioned In United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Report Are: Baxter Grifols CSL Octapharma Biotest Kedrion Hualan Bio CNBG Shanghai RAAS CBPO LFB Group BPL Sichuan Yuanda ShuyangMarket Segment by States, covering California Texas New York Florida IllinoisMarket Segment by Type, covers IVIg Liquid IVIg PowderMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Immunodeficiency Autoimmune Disease Acute InfectionBrowse Complete Report:The United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Industry Report Is Also A Great Source Of Marketing Type Analysis Consisting:1.United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Regional Marketing Type Analysis2.United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) International Trade Type Analysis3.Traders Or Distributors With Contact Information Of United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) By Regions4.United States Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Supply Chain AnalysisLastly, The Report Provides Development Trend Analysis For 2017-2022 Years Which Will Forecast Market Size (Volume And Value), Sales Price, Consumption Forecast, Market Trend (Product Type) And Market Trend (Application). Also The List Of Major Consumers Is Analyzed And Contact Details Are Provided To Easy Communicating.Finally, The Report Is Concluded With Various Methodologies, Analyst Introduction And Data SourcesContact UsJay MathewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Follow Us:Google Plus | LinkedinReports Monitor Is A Platform For Companies Looking To Meet Their Market Research And Business Intelligence Requirements. Our Aim Is To Change The Dynamics Of The Market Research Industry By Providing Quality Intelligence Backed By Data. Your Requirement For Market Forecasting Is Fulfilled By Our Exclusive Quantitative And Analytics Driven Intelligence. We Have A Vast Collection Of Reports, Covering Maximum Industries Worldwide.pune
Air Curtain Market Analysis- Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Forecast, Application Analysis To 2022

Air Curtain Market

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Air Curtain is a device used to prevent air or contaminants from moving from one open space to another. The most common use is a downward-facing blower fan mounted over an entrance to a building, or an opening between two spaces conditioned at different temperatures.Request for Sample Copy Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Air Curtain 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 coversMars Air SystemsBernerPowered Aire Inc.PanasonicAlecoTPI CorporationSystemairToshibaMarket 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)Browse Full Report @Market Segment by Type, covers1000mm1000mm-1500mm1500mm-2000mm2000mmMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercial UseIndustrial UseOther UseThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Air Curtain market.Chapter 1, to describe Air Curtain Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Air Curtain, with sales, revenue, and price of Air Curtain, 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 Air Curtain, 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, Air Curtain market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Air Curtain sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for Discount @Some points from TOC:-1 Market Overview1.1 Air Curtain Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 2000mm1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Commercial Use1.3.2 Industrial Use1.3.3 Other Use1.4 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)..ContinuedEnquiry before Buying @About Global Info Reports:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.comWeb-Blogs-
2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey Launches

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The second edition of a national study to better understand attitudes of Australian craft beer drinkers has just been launched.Created by craft beer retailer Beer Cartel, the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey will aim to be the most comprehensive, publicly available research ever undertaken with Australian craft beer drinkers.The aim of the survey is to build upon the 2016 iteration of the same study, of which 6,500 craft beer drinkers took part, helping businesses throughout the craft beer industry; including breweries, bars and beer festivals.Richard Kelsey, Director of Beer Cartel said that while the study will seek to measure changes in craft beer habits over the past year it will also provide a gauge of consumer sentiment towards craft beer ownership and the issue of independence which has been highly topical of late.There has been significant coverage in the media of late about the role big breweries are playing in craft beer, with a number of buy-outs in Australia and overseas. Plus on top of this the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA) recently changed its constitution, voting to remove large brewers from its membership and changing its name to the Independent Brewers Association. Were taking an open view going in and will let beer drinkers decide on their opinion towards this. Is it a good thing, or a bad thing? Well soon know either way, said Mr Kelsey.The results of the research will be made public to support and help grow the industry. In addition, Beer Cartel will also offer businesses the opportunity to better understand their own customer base, helping to deliver on the wants and needs of their customers.For craft beer drinkers the survey will take just 5 minute to complete. And, as an incentive to encourage people to take the survey a prize of $500 to spend on craft beer is being offered up for grabs.To complete the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey go to:To learn more about the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey contact Richard Kelsey 0405 251 864.Beer Cartel is Australias leading craft beer retailer, stocking over 1,000 craft beers from Australia and overseas. Beer Cartel exists to share it's passion for craft beer with others. It aims to take people on a journey into the wonderful world of craft beer, showcasing the amazing flavours, aromas and stories behind each beer and the amazing people that make them.Beer Cartel9/87 Reserve RdArtatmonNSW 2064Contact:Richard Kelsey0405 251 864richard@beercartel.com.au
Parking Management Market Overview, Top Key Players and Growth Analysis by Forecast to 2023

Parking Management Market

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Market Highlights:In this rapidly changing world of technology, parking management market is projected to show major growth prospects during the forecast period. The continuous developments and increasing technological advancements are major factors leading to rapid adoption of parking management solutions and services.As compared to other regions, the parking management market in North America is expected to witness significant growth. North America is expected to hold the largest market share of the parking management market during the forecast period. U.S and Canada are anticipated to drive the growth of parking management market. This is owing to the early adoption of Parking Management Market in that region. In addition to this, the region also has a well-established infrastructure and allows high penetration of devices, while the increasing adoption of advanced technologies is another reason for the growth of parking management market.The parking management market is growing rapidly over 12% of CAGR and is expected to reach at approx. USD 7 billion by the end of forecast period.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Parking Management Market -Forecast to 2023.Major Key Players: XEROX Corporation (U.S.) Siemens AG (Germany) Kapsch TrafficCom AG (Austria) AMANO Corporation (Japan) Cubic Corporation (U.S.) SWARCO AG (Austria) INRIX, Inc. (U.S.) INDIGO (France) T2 Systems, Inc. (U.S.) SKIDATA AG (Austria)Request a Sample Report @Parking Management Market Segmentation:The parking management market has been segmented on the basis of component, parking site type, solution and vertical. The parking site type segment is classified into two types namely, off street parking and on street parking. As the name says, on street parking implies, parking of vehicles on the street. There are few streets where vehicles can always be parked. Off street parking implies both indoor and outdoor parking. It includes parking lots, garages and driveways. Off street parking holds the largest market share of parking management market owing to its efficient parking capabilities.Market Research Analysis:The global parking management market, by geography, has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Others. In the global parking management market, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the parking management market during the forecast period owing to the changing culture in organizations and increasing adoption of technological advancements. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness relatively faster adoption and hence is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Within Asia Pacific, parking management market is projected to contribute faster to the growth of revenue backed by increasing government initiatives 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 parking management 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 parking management market. Early adoption of parking management solutions across large number of verticals is another major factor driving the growth of parking management market. The developed economies in these regions is the main reason for the increase in number of vehicles and ultimately showing growth in parking management market.Segments:Parking management market can be segmented on the basis of following:By ComponentSoftware Parking Information Systems Parking Payment SystemsService Deployment & Customization Support & MaintenanceBy Parking Site Type Off Street Parking On Street ParkingBy Solution Access Control Security & Surveillance Parking Fee & Revenue Management Valet Parking Management Parking Fee & Revenue Management Parking Guidance & Slot Management OthersBy Vertical BFSI Recreation Healthcare Corporate & Commercial Parks Hospitality Academia Retail Transportation Government OthersRegional Analysis:The regional analysis of parking management market is being studied for regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. It has been observed that North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the market, whereas Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The major growth in parking management market in North America attributes to the technical advancements and early adoption of parking management in that region.Browse Full Report Details @Intended Audience: Technology investors Integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) Research/Consultancy firms Government agencies Software providers Cloud Service providers Professional Service providers Solution providers Integration service providersTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Parking Site Type2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinued.List of TablesTable 1 Parking Management Market, By ComponentTable 2 Parking Management Market, By Parking Site TypeTable 3 Parking Management Market, By SolutionContinued.List of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Parking Management Market, By Component (%)Figure 3 Parking Management Market, By Parking Site Type (%)Continued.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureMarket Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Food Coating Ingredients Market Trends, Regulations And Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025

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Overview:Coating is a major stage in food processing controlling a products development, arrangement, texture and taste structures. The procedure includes placing the product particles in motion and instantaneously applying the coating ingredient in a particular pattern to expose one to another. Thus, coated food ingredients are delivering unique possibilities for development of product, quality and processing enhancement. Escalating food processing industry will certainly drive the Global Food Coating Ingredients market in the coming few years.Global Food Coating Ingredients: Market SegmentationThe Global Food Coating Ingredient market is segmented on the basis of type such as fats and oil, cocoa and chocolates, spices, flours, starches, syrups and sugar, salts, hydrocolloids, and others. The Global Food Coating Ingredients Market can also be divided by application areas which includes confectionaries, ready-to-eat cereals, dairy products, bakery products, nutritional bars and snacks, meat and poultry products, vegetables and fruits and others.Request For Report Sample@Global Food Coating Ingredients: Growth DriversInclining demand for health foods, rising intake of confectionaries along with ready to eat fried food and bakery products especially in developed countries are strengthening the growth of food coating ingredients market across the globe. Apart from this, the requirement for anti-microbial coating is also compelling the food coating industry to introduce various coating ingredients for products related to foods.Global Food Coating Ingredients: Regional OutlookThe Global Food Coating ingredients industry is studied for the major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. It has been observed that North America captured the highest market share in the Global Food Coating Ingredients Market in 2015, this is majorly due to increasing confectionary market of the zone. The Global Food Coating Ingredients market is at budding stage in Asia-Pacific region with significant prospects for confectionary and dairy industries. Thus in the near future, robust demand for bakery and chocolate products along with significant agriculture growth in India and China is anticipated to have a progressive impact on Global Food Coating Ingredients industry in the next few years. Recently, the Indian government declared the initiation of several food parks which will boost the food and beverage segment in the country. These developments are anticipated to ease investments in food processing market and would bolster the Global food coating ingredients market growth in the coming few years.Visit For TOC@Global Food Coating Ingredients: PlayersSome of the key vendors capturing the substantial market share in the Global Food Coating Ingredients Market include Cargill foods (U.S.), Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.), Dohler Group (Germany), Agrana Group (Austria), Tate & Lyle Plc. (U.K.) and PGP International Inc. (U.S.).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:
Lithotripsy Devices Market 2015-2025 by Segmentation Based on Product, Application and Region

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Lithotripsy is a procedure that helps to break the process of urolithiasis. Urolithiasis is the process of forming stones in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones occur in 1 in 20 people at some time in their life.Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock wave to break up stones in the kidney, bladder, or ureter. After the procedure, the tiny pieces of stones pass out of rom the body by the help of urine.Many parts of the world are now suffering from the stones disease which poses a major health hazard affecting 20% of the general population worldwide. In the U.S alone, up to 12% of men and 6% of women will develop urolithiasis at some point of life. In Thailand, the highest prevalence rate of 16.9% was reported in the Northeast provinces, while in Middle Eastern countries, the lifetime prevalence of kidney stone is even high.Request For Report Sample@Lithotripsy Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, lithotripsy devices global market is driven by the aging population, technological advancement, increasing incidence of urolithiasis.Lithotripsy devices market is driven by geriatric population, technological advancement, increasing incidence of urolithiasis, and growing number of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedures being performed. However, adverse effect of lithotripsy shock waves which can often result in hypertension, diabetes, and in some cases permanent loss of functional renal volume act as major barrier for this market.Lithotripsy Devices Market: SegmentationLithotripsy devices global market is segmented into following types:Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy SystemIntracorporeal Lithotripsy SystemLaser LithotripsyElectrohydraulic LithotripsyMechanical LithotripsyUltrasonic LithotripsyLithotripsy Devices Market: OverviewWith the rapid technological advancement and increasing incidence of urolithiasis, the lithotripsy devices global market is expected to have healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2012-2025).Lithotripsy Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global orthopedic power tools market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.The European region is estimated as the largest regional market in the world, whereas, Asia-Pacific market is estimated to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. The growth of Asia-Pacific is likely to be supported by strong adoption potential for advanced technologies, due to rapidly growing awareness about technology and medical infrastructure, in this region.Visit For TOC@Lithotripsy Devices Market: Key playersSome of the key participating global players in this market are as Siemens AG, Medispec Inc., Olympus corp., Boston Scientific Corp., Direx Group and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Non-Vascular Stents Market To Make Great Impact In Near Future by 2025

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Stents are the tubes or other devices that placed in the body to generate a passage between hollow spaces. And stenting is process of placement of such stent in the body.Stents are used in both vascular as well as in non- vascular organ for various reasons such as palliation of transient and chronic obstructions of natural circulatory pathways that enable the transfer of air, bodily fluids, and other substances that are involved in systemic metabolic and energy exchange.Non-vascular stents are generally used to make a pathway in vessels of the body especially the arteries and veins that carry blood and lymph.Non-Vascular Stents Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, non-vascular stents global market drives by the technological advancement in healthcare global industry, rising disease prevalence of cancer and urolithiasis, increase in the aging population.Non-vascular stents global market drives by the rapid technological advancement in healthcare global industry, increase in the aging population, rising prevalence of cancer and urolithiasis, preference for minimally-invasive solutions, increased life expectancy. However, burden of rising regulation, proving long-term efficacy, pricing pressures, and medical devices excise taxes are some major barriers for this market.Request For Report Sample@Non-Vascular Stents Market: SegmentationNon-vascular stents global market is segmented into following types:1. Pancreatic and Biliary StentsBiliary StentsPlastic Biliary StentsMetal Biliary StentsMetal Non-Covered Biliary StentsMetal Partially Covered Biliary StentsMetal Fully Covered Biliary StentsPancreatic StentsPlastic Pancreatic StentsMetal Pancreatic StentsMetal Non-Covered Pancreatic StentsMetal Fully Covered Pancreatic Stents2. Gastrointestinal StentsFully Covered Gastrointestinal StentsPartially Covered Gastrointestinal StentsNon-Covered Gastrointestinal Stents3. Airway StentsSilicone Airway StentsMetallic Airway StentsFully Covered Metallic Airway StentsUncovered Metallic Airway Stents.4. Urinary Tract StentsUreteral StentsMetal Ureteral StentsPolymer Ureteral StentsBioabsorbable Ureteral Stents.Prostate StentsMetal Prostrate StentsPolymer Prostrate StentsBioabsorbable Prostate Stents.Urethral StentsMetal Urethral StentsPolymer Urethral StentsBioabsorbable Urethral Stents.Non-Vascular Stents Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the aging population, and rising prevalence of cancer and urolithiasis. The non-vascular stents global market is expected to have a healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2012-2025).Non-Vascular Stents Market: Region-wise outlookDepending on geographic region, global non-vascular stents market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America, Europe and Asia Pacific are the leading market regions for this market due to the rapid technological advancement and large aging population.Visit For TOC@Non-Vascular Stents Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in non-vascular stents global market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien plc. Cook Medical, Allium Medical Solutions Ltd., Novatech Health Care, ConMed, W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., C.R. Bard, Merit Endotek, Micro-Tech (Nanjing) Co., Ltd, and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Music Market and Streaming Services Market Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025

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Global Music market and streaming services are becoming more dynamic owing to increased inclination of consumers towards such services. The increasing up-gradation in the technology is anticipated to increase the demand of music streaming among the smartphone users over the forecasted period. Music market and streaming services market is expected to show significant growth due to the streaming of songs through audio and video platforms. However, market of physical album is expected to decline relatively. Global music market is consolidated market with various companies undergoing mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances in order to increase their market share.Music Market and Streaming Services SegmentationGlobal music market is segmented into digital downloads, physical, streaming, synchronization and ringtones. Digital download is the largest market segment in terms of revenue, followed by the streaming. Furthermore, streaming services are segmented into sound exchange distributions, on demand ad-supporting services and subscription services. Music market and streaming services are further segmented on the basis of region as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. In North America, U.S contributes the maximum revenue in terms of revenue contribution, Also, European region is expected to reflect a significant growth during the forecast period. However the global music market is expected to lose significant portion of its revenue due to the piracy in the near future. Accordingly government across various countries have taken several initiatives to curb piracy. For instance, U.S. possess copyright alert systems that keep check on piracy. In Europe service providers have blocked the access to the pirate bay.Request For Report Sample@Music Market and Streaming Services: Region-wise OutlookMusic market and streaming services market is expected to show tremendous growth in the coming years due to the rising number of high net worth individuals coupled with increasing number of consumers upgrading to smartphones. . Globally among all the regions, North America is expected to contribute the largest market share followed by European region in the forecast period. US is expected to be the dominant market for the music market and streaming services in the North American region. However, European region is expected to be the fastest growing market followed by Asia Pacific.Music market and streaming services: DriversIncreasing number of internet enabled mobile devices such as iPhone drives the growth of music market and streaming services. Rising disposable income leading to increasing purchase of smart phones and other devices, which offer specification support to music and streaming services are expected to fuel the music market and streaming services market growth. Other factors that fuel the growth of music market specifically includes increasing usage of subscription and streaming services by the consumers. Subscription streaming is the key driver for the streaming services market. In music streaming market there is increasing adoption of cloud services as it provides consumers to access music online and presently it is also being increasingly adopted by the various companies to increase the subscribed users to access the digital content stored in remote serversVisit For TOC@Music Market and Streaming Services: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Music market and streaming services includes Google Inc., Rhapsody International Inc. Apple Inc., Pandora Media Inc. Various companies operating in streaming services market are continuously launching various music streaming servicesABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Poultry Feed Market Trends and Segments 2015-2025

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Poultry feed market is a part of vast animal feed market and makes an important part of it as poultry is invariably consumed in most parts of the world. The concept of animal feed has been there in the market for several years especially in the developed markets. However, with the advent of globalization and rise in the standard of living of consumers, companies are expanding in the emerging markets of the world with improved products and wide range of options for each animal group. Poultry meat is the highest among others such as pork, beef and fish meat. Therefore, vast opportunity lies in the poultry feed segment.Poultry Feed Market: Drivers & RestraintsRising per capita income and widespread poultry diseases are the major driving factors of the poultry feed market globally. In addition, growth of domestic and international quick service restaurants in developing countries and demand for quality meat products by consumers has significantly contributed to the rising demand of poultry feed those regions. In 2014, Asia Pacific was the largest market in terms of poultry feed demand and revenue and would continue to dominate the market for several factors. The market growth is attributed to the higher standard of living among consumers coupled with shift towards away-from-home-eating. Manufacturers are closely working with the factory farmers to direct them towards higher yield of poultry thereby increasing their return on investment (ROI). For instance, Cargill Inc. were engaged closely with Malaysia based TD Poultry to deliver best poultry solution. As a result, TD Poultry could achieve remarkable results in broilers with 1.63 feed conversion rates. Also, 2.35 kg body weight was achieved in 35 days, down from previous 40 days.Request For Report Sample@Poultry Feed Market: SegmentationThe various type of poultry feed additives available in the market consists of antibiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, feed enzymes and feed acidifiers. Feed acidifiers are the largest among all other poultry additive segment across the world. The regional segmentation includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest market followed by North America. On the basis of type, the poultry feed market can be segmented as broilers, layers, turkey and others. The consumption of meat varies from region to region, for instance, in North America, broilers is the most preferred meat category and antibiotics falls under the largest category under the feed additives segment.Poultry Feed Market: Market OverviewPoultry feed is required to increase the feed conversion ratio by improving gut micro flora thereby enhancing animals health. It also maintains animal health by preventing diseases among them. The manufacturers are concentrating more on the developing markets to tap the under penetrated feed market in countries such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Lebanon and Turkey. These markets offer greater opportunities to increase revenue and sales with higher per capita expenditure on quality food. Moreover, it is a proven fact that with rise in per capita income, people tend to consume more meat and meat products. Therefore the poultry feed market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR through the forecast period (2015-2020).Poultry Feed Market: Recent DevelopmentPlayers such as Novus International, Inc. and Kemin group continue to deliver new products for poultry farmers. In November 2012, Novus International, Inc. launched AVIMATRIX- a feed solution for optimized broiler performance by acting over gut environment through targeted and controlled release of compounds in the broilers gut. There is an increasing demand of solution oriented customized products from the poultry farmers in the emerging markets. In May 2013, a South African firm AgriProtein Technologies bagged the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) for developing a commercial method to develop animal feed through maggots.Visit For TOC@Poultry Feed Market: Key PlayersKey global players of the poultry feed market include Alltech Inc., ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company), ABF Plc (Associated British Food), BASF (Badishce Anilin und Soda Fabrik), Charoen Popkhand Foods, Cargill Inc., Evonik Industries AG, CHR.Hansen Holdings A/S, Novus International Inc, Nutreco NV, Royal DSM N.V., DLG Group and InVivo NSA.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:
Refractive Surgery Devices Market Revenue and Value Chain 2015-2025

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Refractive Surgery is the process of correcting or improving your vision affected by refractive error such as Myopia, Hyperopia, and Astigmatism. The most common procedure for correcting the refractive error is LASIK.Myopia is the most common refractive error in the global population. This indication varies across populations of different regions and ethnicities. It is estimated that 1.45 billion people had myopia in 2010 and it is predicted this number will continue to increase as the worlds population grows. The prevalence of myopia is most common among young adults in South- East Asian countries which is around 80-90% of the population completing high school.Request For Report Sample@Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvancement in Refractive Surgery treatment have provided patient with a number of option to reduce and eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses and take corrective measures for refractive errors. With the rapid increase in procedure volumes since last few years, there is an increase adaptation of laser devices for refractive surgery in healthcare facilities. The technological improvements in LASIK surgery in last few years is acting as a key driver for ophthalmic laser market.Low patient awareness of procedures safety, a limited pool of qualified refractive surgeons, unpredictable regulations are acting as a barrier for this market.Refractive Surgery Devices Market: SegmentationGlobal vascular market is further segmented into following types:Ophthalmic LasersEximer LasersFemtosecond LasersYAG LasersMicrokeratomeRefractive Surgery Devices Market: OverviewWith the increase in patient population suffering from refractive errors and an increased awareness in the treatment options, the global market for refractive surgery devices is expected to witness and healthy growth in the forecast years (2015-2025)Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Region- wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global vascular stents market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America represent the largest market in ophthalmic lasers followed by Europe. In Asia Pacific, China dominates the refractive surgery devices market.Visit For TOC@Refractive Surgery Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global refractive surgery devices market are Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Carl Zeiss AG, Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Nidek Co., Ltd., Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH & Co. KG, Lumenis Ltd. and Ellex Medical Lasers Limited.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:
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2026

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Remote patient monitoring devices supports in monitoring of patients physical condition. Patient does not need to visit the medical practitioner. Digital technology is used in remote patient monitoring devices to gather health and other forms of medical data to securely pass on to healthcare providers situated at different location for clinical review. The accuracy of remote patient monitoring devices allows reliable diagnosis, leading to a more specific and efficient treatment. Remote patient monitoring devices helps to reduce costs of hospital stays by continuing to monitor patient condition, irrespective of patient location and also it helps to reduce overcrowding at clinics and diagnostic centers. Remote patient monitoring devices systems are used for continuously monitoring important physiological parameters like, heart activity, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and other clinical conditions. Remote patient monitoring devices is based on real time data sharing which helps physicians to take vital decisions to ensure better patient treatment. Physician and healthcare providers are extending the use ofremote patient monitoring devices to enhance the excellence of patient care and reduce expenses by prognosis.Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsRemote patient monitoring devices market is fueled by great technological advancements. The increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases like heart conditions and diabetes requires compulsory life-long monitoring will also contribute to remote patient monitoring devicesglobal market. Increase in geriatric population around the globe is leading to enhanced global market forremote patient monitoring devices. Awareness among the medical practitioners and improved private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices is supporting the global market for remote patient monitoring devices dwell in developing countries. Deficiency of trained and expert professionals are hampering the growth of remote patient monitoring devices.Request Report Sample@Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationGlobal remote patient monitoring devices market is segmented as following:By Product Type:Heart Rate MonitorsBlood Pressure MonitorsHeart MonitorsBreath MonitorsSleep Apnea MonitorsBlood Glucose MonitorsWeight MonitorsBody Temperature MonitorsInfusion PumpsBy End User:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHomecare settingsRemote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewIncreased technological improvement, rise in the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases along with increase in aging population, enhanced demand for remote monitoring, private sector and government involvement in remote patient monitoring devices, the global market for remote patient monitoring devices market is expected to have a healthy growth rate in the forecast period (2016-2026).Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketis segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading global remote patient monitoring devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high influence of healthcare to economy are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe is also a lucrative market for remote patient monitoring devices due to rapid technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China due the large population.Visit For TOC@Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global remote patient monitoring devicesmarketare Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Honeywell International Inc., Omron Healthcare, Smiths Medical, Medtronic, and 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:
Biologics Market Size, Analysis, and Forecast Report 2016-2026

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Biologics are drugs in the form of genetically engineered proteins, derived from human genes. As per the US FDA, biologics can be composed of sugars, proteins, or nucleic acids or complex combinations of these substances, or may be living entities such as cells and tissues. The biologic drugs are derived from a variety of natural sources such as humans, animals, or microorganisms and consist of products, such as vaccines, blood and blood components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and recombinant therapeutic proteins. Advanced biotechnology techniques and complex processes are used to manufacture biologics. They are at the forefront of biomedical research.Biologics Market: Drivers and RestraintsDrivers for the biologics market include big brand name drugs losing patent extensions, growing incidence of chronic diseases and their diagnoses across the globe, increased availability of advanced diagnostics, rising government initiatives in healthcare and growing technological advancements in research and development across the globe by big drug makers to sustain competition and invest in incremental innovation. Other factors increasing the demand for biologic drugs include rising regulatory convergence and better access to healthcare for all nations.Request Report Sample@Restraints for the market include difficulty in manufacturing, as the drugs are highly complex in nature. They must be processed under tightly controlled conditions/controls, maintained throughout the production process. This type of atmosphere and quality control procedures are not easily available in less developed nations. Environmental contamination needs to be eliminated from the manufacturing process. Further, biologics are extremely susceptible to light, heat conditions, and need extremely good refrigeration processes, which is not available uniformly throughout the world.Biologics Market: SegmentationBiologics Market can be segmented into these following ways:Segmentation by product typeVaccinesBlood and Blood ProductsAllergenic extractsHuman Cells and TissuesProteinsGene TherapiesCellular TherapiesXenotransplantation ProductsSegmentation by applicationRheumatoid arthritisAnemiaCancerDiabetesOthersSegmentation by source materialHumansAvian Cell CultureYeastBacteriaInsects Cell CultureTransgenicsBiologics Market: OverviewBiologics market is at risk over the forthcoming years due to leading biologic drugs expected to lose exclusivity over the next seven years. The patented biologic drugs are expected to be replaced by biosimilar drugs. Competition is expected to be limited in the market as the drugs are expected to be formed using various types of innovative technologies. Increasing geriatric population, early onset of ageing, increasing awareness for technologically advanced medical procedures and drugs, higher spending power, and rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. are expected to drive the market growth of biologic drugs.Biologics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, biologic drug market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, North America and Europe dominate the market, followed by Asia-Pacific. However, rising technological advancement in healthcare and systematic drug review process will drive the markets over North America, Japan and other regions. Europe currently dominates the biosimilars market driven by technically advanced healthcare infrastructure and high patient awareness & regulatory harmonization. Increasing funding for development of biologics available through public-private partnerships, availability of high-quality research infrastructure and innovative strategies developed by drug makers to restrict entry of new players are factors expected to contribute to market growth of biologics over the forecast period. Emerging markets include Eastern European countries followed by countries in Eastern Africa. Rising disease incidences in these countries is expected to prove favorable for the growth of the biologics market.Visit For TOC@Biologics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in biologics market are Unilife Corporation, Retractable Technologies, Inc., Smiths Medicals, Becton, Dickinson & Company, Smiths Medical, Terumo Corporation, Pfizer Inc. (AC. Hospira), Roche Diagnostics, AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Genzyme, GSK Biologicals, Lundbeck, Novartis AG, and Merck KGaA.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:
Tissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market Segments and Key Trends 2015-2025

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Tissue engineering is a technique that engage the practice of combining scaffolds, biologically active molecules and cells to develop functional tissues as an alternative to natural ones. The main objective of tissue engineering is to make use of functional construct that can ultimately restore, maintain and improve damaged tissues and organs through improving the recovery process and chances of survival.Tissue engineering substitute are of two types, acellular and cellular. Cellular products comprises living cells such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes enclosed within a matrix. Acellular products include matrix composed of materials such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and fibronectin.According to the American Burn Association (ABA), about 1 million burn injuries occur annually in the United States, burn injuries result in approximately 4500 deaths.Request For Report Sample@Tissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, tissue engineered skin substitute global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increasing research funding, inclination of researchers towards development of tissue engineered skin, increase in the incidence of burn injuries and other skin diseases. However, inability of reproducing skin appendages, and lack of capability to replace the lost tissue especially the dermis are some major barriers for this market.Tissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market: SegmentationTissue engineered skin substitute global market is segmented into following types:By Product TypeSynthetic Skin SubstituteBiosynthetic Skin SubstituteBiological Skin SubstituteAllograftCellular AllograftAcellular AllograftXenograftBy ApplicationsChronic WoundsBurns CasesTraumatic WoundsDiabetic Foot UlcersBy End UsersHospitalsOther Healthcare FacilitiesTissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increasing research funding, and increase in the incidence of burn injuries and other skin diseases, the tissue engineered skin substitute global market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR in the forecasted period (2015-2025).Tissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, tissue engineered skin substitute global market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe is expected to capture the largest market shares followed by Asia Pacific countries where the market is expected to grow due to rapid technological innovations, large consumer base, and high disposable income.Visit For TOC@Tissue Engineered Skin Substitute Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in tissue engineered skin substitute market are Organogenesis, Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc, BSN medical GmbH, Covidien Plc., Regenicin Inc., Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Shire Plc., Molnlycke Health Care AB and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
D-Connector Trucks Steal Spotlight at Iftar Cannon Ceremony in Burj Khalifa

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D-Connector's mobile LED trucks stole the attention of spectators at the iftar cannon ceremony in Burj Khalifa with a video showing a virtual tour to Dubai Police.A few months after their official launch, D-Connector's mobile LED trucks are continuously going a long way in the advertising industry with their wide exposure in Dubai and the rest of the emirates.On June 14, the trucks captured the attention of spectators in the iftar cannon ceremony outside Burj Khalifa with a video from Dubai Police Headquarters highlighting their dedication and diligent service to the city and its residents, as well as the recent promotion of Major General Abdullah Al Marri as Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.The company's presence at the ceremony marked another significant milestone as it added a touch of grandeur to an important tradition, where a single shot is fired at the time of iftar. Known as midfa al iftar, it is said to date back to the 15th century, when a Mumluk sultan of Egypt desired to test out a cannon he had recently acquired. He accidentally fired a ball at sunset and people assumed it was a thoughtful way of informing them that they can already break the fast.In Dubai, the practice was introduced sometime in the 20th century, during the reign of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum. It was in the 1960s when Dubai Police was entrusted with the task, which they are still responsible today.The D-Connector team was honored to be part of the event and is anticipating to be part of more significant advertising events in the region.###D-Connector is one of the leading OOH advertising companies in Dubai, which aims to help private companies and government sectors reach their goals through providing the most reliable and most advanced advertising solutions. To check out the complete services it offers, visitor call +971-4-266-3889!D-ConnectorD Connector, world firsts moving outdoor electronic advertisement. Moving your business advertisement on the next level! Mobile Digital LED Trucks Dubai, UAE.D-Connectord-connector.netinfo@d-connector.net043210121St. 4, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Robotic X-ray Scanner Market Expected to Expand at a Steady CAGR through 2026

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Robotic X-ray scanner is a medical imaging device which gives flexibility to the medical practitioner. It has got its name from its characteristic of moving according to commands given to it. This robotic X-ray scanner uses radiographic abilities and is used in fields of emergency care, critical care, orthopaedic and surgical and non-surgical processes. The X-ray source and X ray detector can move simultaneous without moving the patient. Robotic X-ray scanner comes in handy when patient is unconscious and is unable to move or respond.Robotic X-ray scanner has capability to produce real-time images during surgery process and enabling the medical practitioners to observe patients anatomy distinguishes changes during and after the surgery better than that of other diagnostic imaging devices such as MRI machines, traditional X-rays and ultrasounds.Robotic X-ray scanner adds supreme elasticity to surgical process. Robotic X-ray scanner reduces the time required during surgery procedures for scanning patient and helps to take critical decisions according to the situation. This all can be done without patient been carried from one room to another just for X-ray. Robotic X-ray empowers swifter, smoother and easy patient positioning and completion of procedures.Request Report Sample@Robotic X-ray ScannerMarket: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, Robotic X-ray scanner global market is driven by the technological development in healthcare industry, increase in geriatric population, and increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and other bone related disease. Robotic X-ray scannerglobal market is expected to grow by the factors such as rapid innovation in products,technological advancement in production and modelling technologies, increasing privatization in the healthcare sector, rising acceptance of refurbished medical imaging devices in emerging countries.Globally manufacturers have been modifying their product lines to attract more consumers and as a result, it assist them to stay forward of the competition.The major restraint faced by the market is the high cost of robotic X-ray scanner. Various end-users do not have the financial plan to capitalize on expensive robotic X-ray scanners.Robotic X-ray scannerMarket: SegmentationRobotic X-ray scanner global market is segmented into following types:Segmentation based on Application:TraumaSurgeryOrthopaedicsSegmentation based on End User:HospitalsLess than 200 Beds200500 BedsMore than 500 BedsAmbulatory Surgical CentresDiagnostic Imaging CentresRobotic X-ray ScannerMarket: OverviewThe global robotic X-ray scannermarket is expected to grow with a healthy CAGR over the forecast period (2016-2026) due to advancement in technology, approval of new products in different regions, increase in adoption rate of robotic X-ray scanner devices, and increase in healthcare expenditure across the globe.Robotic X-ray ScannerMarket: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, robotic X-ray scanner global market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is estimated to hold maximum share by revenue in global robotic X-ray scannermarket due to the increasing awareness about medical imaging equipment, financial stability to purchase exclusive medical imaging devices, adoption of technically-advanced products, and growing infrastructure investment to support medical and healthcare development. Whereas, Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the highest CAGR in diagnosis and interventional radiology procedures due to increase in disposable income and healthcare expenditure.Visit For TOC@Robotic X-ray Scanner Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating players in global robotic X-ray scanner market are Siemens AG, Philips Healthcare, GE Healthcare Inc.,Ziehm Imaging, Hologic corp., BMI Biomedical International s.r.l., Medonica Co. Ltd., DMS Health Technologies, Gemss Co. Ltd., Shimadzu Corp. and 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:
Research Report and Overview on Companion Diagnostics Market, 2016-2026

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Companion diagnostics are tests to understand which patient can be benefited from a certain drug or what dosage should be prescribed based upon patients clinical diagnosis, which provides evidence required for the successful and harmless use of an equivalent drug or biological product to treat the medical condition. These are medical instruments that support doctors to elect which treatment and dosage should be given to patients personalized to their necessity.Companion Diagnostics is utilized to ascertain who would benefit from treatment and it comes in handy to identify if someone cannot be cured, but also conversely can be harmed by use of specific drug used for their ailment. Technological advancements has brought a lot of changes in the method of disease treatment. Companion diagnostics is characterized by growing requirement for enhancedpersonalized patient treatment that gives healthcare providers and their patients an assurance about the treatment result in a positive way, contrary to traditional treatment procedure. Major impact of companion diagnostic will been on oncology therapy area.Request Report Sample@Companion Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, companion diagnostics global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increase in various treatment procedures. Number of companion diagnostics can be given approval for a single drug as scientific knowledge advances with practical application of treatment. Although, cost related with latest technology acts as a key barrier for the growth of global companion diagnostics market.Companion Diagnostics Market: SegmentationCompanion diagnostic global market is segmented into following segments:By ApplicationColorectal CancerBreast CancerLung CancerMelanomaUrologyGastric CancerBy TechnologyImmunohistochemistryMolecular DiagnosticsIn-situ HybridizationFISHCISHReal Time PCRGene SequencingBy RegionNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Companion Diagnostics Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the incidence of chronic disease, rise in aging population, increasing adoption rate of treatment of chronic disease, increase in number of prevalence of chronic disease around the globe are the factors expected to boost the companion diagnostics market over the forecast period.Companion Diagnostics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.North America is the leading market for companion diagnostics because of rapid technical inventions, huge investment on research and development in this region. Whereas, Asia-Pacificand Europeis projected to grow at a significant growth due to large consumer base, rising government initiatives for enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income.Visit For TOC@Companion Diagnostics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in companion diagnostics market global market are ARUP Laboratories, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Dako Inc., Qiagen Ltd., bioMerieux Inc.,Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc.,Biogenex Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH and 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:
Body Worn Camera Market Research, Market Share, Competitor Strategy and Trends by Forecast to 2023

Body Worn Camera Market

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Market Highlights:Body worn cameras are basically used to capture audio and video data digitally. It typically comprises of a camera, microphone, battery and data storage unit which is either on board or connected to a camera unit via a cable. Depending on the model, they can be head mounted or can be worn anywhere on the body. There are various types of body worn cameras which include the ability to record a video and play later or it can perform live streaming, depending on the system being used.Body Worn Camera Market is primarily used for surveillance purposes by police and special law enforcement agencies. It helps in capturing evidence and recording the real time data. The major driving factor for the growth of body worn camera market is increasing need for accountability and maintenance of a transparent approach during police conduct.Another major driving factor is that it can be used by military forces for training purposes and also can be used by special law enforcement agencies. Body worn cameras helps to provide evidence in cases of domestic violence. During accidents, it helps in improving evidence collection.The body worn camera market is expected to grow at approx. USD 990 Million by 2023, at 17% of CAGR between 2017 and 2023.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Pinnacle Response Ltd. (U.K.) PRO-VISION (U.S.) Shenzhen AEE Technology Co. Ltd. (China) Safety Vision LLC (U.S.) GoPro-Intrensic (U.S.) Transcend Information, Inc. (Taiwan) Wolfcom Enterprises (U.S.) Veho (MUVI) (U.K.) 10-8 Video Systems LLC (U.S.) Shenzhen Eeyelog Technology Co. Ltd. (China) Pannin Technologies (U.S.)Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Body Worn Camera Market -Forecast to 2023.Body Worn Camera Market Segmentation:The body worn camera market has been segmented on the basis of type, solutions and industry. The type segment comprises of recording type and recording and live streaming type.Major driving factor in this market is that it can be used by military forces for training purposes and can also be used by special law enforcement agencies.Market Research Analysis:The regional analysis of body worn camera market is being studied for regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World.It has been observed that, Europe region is growing at the fastest rate and will soon overtake the North America region which is leading the market presently. Asia-Pacific region is growing at a fast pace in the body worn camera market.Unlike other cameras, body worn cameras can provide accurate information of the crime scene as they are not fixed at one place. Due to this reason, the adoption of body worn cameras by the police officers in Europe region is growing. As this accounts to mass adoption by police officers and other governments, Europe region is soaring high in the body worn cameras market compared to other regions.Segments:Body worn camera market can be segmented on the basis of following:By Type Recording Type Recording and Live Streaming TypeBy Solutions Smart Redaction Smart Scene 360 Smart Shot 360By Industry Police Local Authorities And Council Special Industry Retail And Leisure Transportation Emergency ServicesRegional Analysis:The body worn camera market is basically focused globally. The regional analysis of body worn camera market is being studied for regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World.It has been observed that presently North America accounts for the largest share of the market, whereas Asia-Pacific is projected to show growth during the forecast period. Europe region is estimated to exhibit significant market share of body worn camera market which is estimated to overtake the North America region by the end of this year.Intended Audience Technology investors Consumer wearable manufacturers Integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) Wearable electronics technology platform developers Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) Smart grid integrators Surface mount component device distributors and providers Research/Consultancy firmsBrowse Full Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Type2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinuedList of TablesTable 1 Body Worn Camera Market, By TypeTable 2 Body Worn Camera Market, By SolutionsTable 3 Body Worn Camera Market, By IndustryContinuedList of FiguresFigure 1 Research TypeFigure 2 Body Worn Camera Market, By Type (%)Figure 3 Body Worn Camera Market, By Solutions (%)ContinuedAbout 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
Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor Market Technological Breakthroughs by 2025

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Ultrasonic Anti-collision sensors measure the echoes which are coming from the radio or the sound waves for the purpose of calculating the attributes of that particular subject. These sensors performs the action of sending and then receiving waves to detect the different distance rangeof the materials. Ultrasonic Anti-collision sensors are being used for varied applications like medical food & beverage and industrial applications. The continuous growth of these industries has got a direct correlation with the growth of ultrasonic sensor market. The application of these sensors is also increasing, particularly in the healthcare sector, wherethe real time visualization are required. These also include the tissue biopsy sampling and therapeutics while tracing the targeted organs. The demand of the ultrasonic anti-collision sensors is likely to be driven by the technological advancement and the organic growth in target market.For purpose of in depth analysis, the Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor market has been segmented on the basis of type, applications and geography. Based on the type, the market has been segmented into five types they are like ultrasonic proximity sensor, ultrasonic retro reflective sensors, ultrasonic 2 point proximity switch, ultrasonic through beam sensors and others. Various types of applications of Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor include measurement of the liquid levels, object detection, measurement of distances, pallet detection, anti collision detection and others. Moreover, this report also provide cross functional analysis of all above mentioned segment across different region such as Europe, Asia Pacific,North America, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Browse The Report :Increasing demand of the industrial automation and growing focus on the improvement of the production efficiency is expected to drive the market for Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor. Therefore, the continuously growing need for differentadvanced feature like automatic steering control, parking assistance system, detection of blind spots and adaptive cruise controlling is also expected to have a very strong positive impact on the demand for ultrasonic sensors globally during the forecasted period from 2017 to 2025. In addition to that ,ultrasonic sensors also gathers positional information of the carand the continuously growing concept of the wearable devices is also acting as a catalyst to the growth of the Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor market.Ultrasonic sensors can also be used for the purpose of visualizing the integral part of the human body without creating any sort of negative impact. In turn this is also projected to affect the market of ultrasonic anti-collision sensors in a positive manner during the forecasted period.Inspite of many driving factors, the Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensors market is expected to show fluctuation in growth rate because of the high degree of operating skills and integrity it requires to use these sensors effectively. Absence of the water resistant inspected items when used for water based couplants which does not contain rush inhibitors and irregular shape and non-homogeneity of the ultrasonic waves are restraining factors for the global Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensors market. Low accuracy and slow response speed of the ultrasonic sensors compared to the optical sensors is going to act as a restraint forUltrasonic Anti-collision Sensors in coming years.Apart from that heavy vapour,surface turmoil and ambient temperature and noise is also acting as a restraint for theUltrasonic Anti-collision Sensors market in the forecasted period from 2017-2025.By type, the ultrasonic proximity sensortype held the largest market share because of its growing usage to identify volumetric and crack type of defects. Proximity sensors can also help in detecting black sonars used to identify the rival ships and submarines. However, the ultrasonic through beam sensor segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecasted period. Continuously increasing demand forthe microprocessor controller and the ability of detecting the fast moving objects in a very short range will make it a very appropriate choice in the end user segment in near future.Geographically, the global Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensors market is mainly driven by Asia Pacific region. Rapid expansion of the production facilities and continuously falling prices of sensor components is driving the market of ultrasonic anti-collision sensors across Asia Pacific region. Rapidly growing demand of ultrasonic devices in healthcare sector is predicted to fasten the demand of ultrasonic sensors in this region, thereby expected to drive the Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensors market rapidly. This region is expected to maintain its dominance in the market during the forecasted period owingto the presence of huge number of semiconductor manufacturers.Some of the leading players operating in the Ultrasonic Anti-collision Sensor market includes Siemens AG (Germany), Pepperl+Fuchs (Germany),Cambridge Ultrasonics (U.K), HielscherInc (Germany), Baumer Ltd (The U.S.), Crest Ultrasonics (The U.S.), Rockwell Automation (The U.S.) and Murata Manufacturing (Japan) among others.Make an Enquiry @The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edgeUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Foam Trays Market Likely to be Shaped by Increasing Adoption of Environmental Regulations

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The global foam trays market is dominated by three leading players, namely Genpak LLC, Pactiv LLC, and Sealed Air Corporation. These three companies are likely to account for around 40% of the global foam trays market through till 2021. Apart from these three market leaders, though, the global foam trays market is extremely fragmented and features several smaller players who could potentially rise to an important position in the global market in the coming years.The competitive scenario in the foam trays market is especially complicated in regions where small regional players have established a strong operating base. As leading entities in the global foam trays market look to make inroads into emerging markets, collaboration activities such as mergers and acquisitions as well as research collaboration could become a vital strategy for both multinational and regional parties.Request a PDF Sample atAccording to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global foam trays market is likely to rise to a valuation of US$3 bn by 2021. By volume, the market is expected to reach close to 53 bn units by 2021.Polystyrene to Remain Leading Revenue Generator for Foam Trays MarketThe global foam trays market is segmented by polymer type into polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Of these, polystyrene is likely to retain its current position as the leading revenue generator in the coming years due to its sturdy nature, excellent thermal and electrical resistance, and versatility of form. The polystyrene segment is likely to account for a majority share in the global foam trays market through the forecast period, with the segment expected to be valued at close to US$2 bn by 2021. However, the rising use of biodegradable polymers could pose a threat to the dominance of polystyrene in the global foam trays market.By application, the global foam trays market is segmented into food packaging, the pharmaceuticals industry, industrial packaging, and others. The food and beverage industry has traditionally held a dominant share in the global foam trays market and is likely to exhibit strong growth in the coming years. Of the various segments of the food and beverage industry, food chains are likely to be a leading contributor due to the rising demand for food packaging materials.Rising Demand for Biodegradable Utensils could Alter Foam Trays MarketThe most influential factor affecting the growth trajectory of the global foam trays market is the rising awareness about the adverse environmental effects of plastic products and the growing availability of alternative materials. While conventional foam trays present immense convenience in their diverse range of applications, they remain nonbiodegradable due to the use of plastic polymers. Rising consumer awareness on this matter has led to growing government support for environmental movements in the last few years, making it a key factor for the foam trays market. The foam trays industry has thus been forced to adapt, under the threat of being overtaken by alternate packaging materials that are more environmentally viable.The booming demand for packaged food in developing Asia Pacific economies could play a vital role in the growth of the global foam trays market in the coming years. While takeaway food is not part of the conventional cuisine in Southeast Asia, its convenience in urban environments has led to its widespread adoption, leading to a corresponding rise in demand from the foam trays market. The rising use of recyclable foam trays is also important for the Asia Pacific foam trays market, as it means the industry could be less affected by environmental regulations than in developed countries.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:
Europe Mosquito Repellent Candles Market: France Most Lucrative Country

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The Europe mosquito repellent candles market is marked by intensive research and development of new products by leading companies that differentiates them from their rivals, according to a recent study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The report rates Yankee Candle Company, Gies-Kerzen GmbH, Diversam Comaral, Guangzhou Tiger Head Battery Group, Biosensory Inc., Bite Lite LLC, and Coghlans Ltd. as some of the leading companies operating in the European mosquito repellent candles market. Constant focus of these companies is on making products that are ecofriendly, made from natural substances, and are harmless to human beings.As per the projections provided by the TMR report, the demand in the mosquito repellent candles market in Europe will expand at a significant CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period of 2015 to 2021, reaching a valuation of US$2.0 bn by the end of 2021, significantly up from its estimated worth of US$1.3 bn. Although the competition is stiff, there is vast scope of new product development as well as marketing in order to gain ground over the competitors. While France is rated by the report as most lucrative country-wide market for mosquito repellent candles in Europe, reasonable pricing is another prominent factor that will define the scenario of the market in the near future.Request a PDF Sample:France Most Lucrative Country-wide MarketBased on raw material type, the TMR report segments the Europe mosquito repellent candles market into citronella oil, andiroba oil, basil oil, and eucalyptus oil. Out of these, citronella oil candles segment is projected to increment the demand at most prominent CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period of 2015 to 2021, gaining traction from reasonable pricing. Citronella, a natural mosquito repellent, is extracted from the leaves and stem of lemongrass. Owing to the widespread availability of lemon grass, the production of citronella oil is not expected to subsidize during the forecast period.Country-wise, the report takes stock of the potential of mosquito repellent candles market in France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and Rest of Europe. France, in particular, is expected to expand the demand at most significant CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. Spain and Italy are other two country-wide markets projected to add to the demand for mosquito repellent candles in the near future.Awareness Regarding Zika Virus and Tiger Mosquitoes Driving UptakeApart from the discomfort they cause, the prevalence of numerous mosquito-inflicted diseases was already the primary factor augmenting the demand for these mosquito repellent candles, but now the discovery of Zika virus has further fueled the need for this candles. Dengue fever, yellow fever, and bunyamwera fever are some of the common diseases caused by these mosquitoes. Specific oils in these candles ward off mosquitoes with the smoke they produce, and are available in the form of liquid, incense sticks, coils, and creams. In addition to that, these candles add to the decoration of the ambience as well as spread aroma. These candles release little dirt and smoke in comparison to other alternatives and hence are gaining consumer preference.Tiger mosquitoes, who are flourishing in increasing temperatures in European countries, increasing consumer awareness and establishment of strong distribution channel are some of the other factors driving the demand in the Europe mosquito repellent candles market. Conversely, soot produced by paraffin wax is severely harmful, if consumed or inhaled. This factor obstructs potential consumers to opt against mosquito repellent candles, and hinders the prosperity of the market for the same.The information presented in this review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Mosquito Repellent Candles (Citronella Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Andiroba Oil, Basil Oil) Market - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021.Key Segments of the Europe Mosquito Repellent Candles MarketEurope Mosquito Repellent Candles Market by Raw Material Type:Citronella OilEucalyptus OilAndiroba OilBasil OilOthersEurope Mosquito Repellent Candles Market by CountryFranceItalySpainPortugalHungaryRest of EuropeAbout 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:
United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The report on the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) is aimed at resourceful guidelines for its users with all necessary information on particular aspects of the industry. The information given in the report has been collated across multiple platforms that provide trustworthy sources of information. In this research report, the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market has been assessed on the basis of the services, product, application, and geographical outlook. It also assesses the market by carrying evaluation of the prevalent government norms, initiatives, and policies to fuel the demand of global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @This report on the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market aims to offer a comprehensive strategic market evaluation along with a statistical study on revenue growth in the market and its projection in the coming years. The impact of the driving forces, restraints, trends, opportunities, and challenges has been discussed extensively. It utilizes various analytical tools in order to determine the attractiveness of the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market. This report offer readers a better understanding of the key participants functioning in the market. In the scope of the market, the analysis of various segments, partitioned on the basis of type of product, application, geography, and end-user are included.Depend on the data procured from various systematic research, the market study offers clear estimates for the market participants and the readers. The report further analyzes thee regulatory framework of the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market, offering vendors better understanding of regulations, norms, policies, and future projects. This research report acts as a crucial source of guidance for readers gain a clear understanding of all aspects influencing the global Unified Communication as a Service (UcaaS) market.Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS)1.1 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Overview1.1.1 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) 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 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market by Type1.3.1 Telephony1.3.2 Unified messaging1.3.3 Conferencing1.3.4 Collaboration platforms and applications.1.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 BFSI1.4.2 Telecom and IT1.4.3 Consumer goods and retail1.4.4 Healthcare1.4.5 Public sector and utilities1.4.6 Logistics and transportation1.4.7 Travel and hospitality2 Global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureBrowse full table of contents and data tables of Report @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Cisco Systems (U.S.)3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 8x8 (U.S.)3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 West Corporation (U.S.)3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Microsoft Corporation (U.S.)3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Voss Solutions (U.S.)3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Star2star Communications (U.S.),3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Polycom (U.S.)3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Siemens Corporation (Germany)?3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Wipro Limited (India)3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Verizon Communication (U.S.)3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 BT Group (U.K.)3.12 Computer Science Corporation (U.S.)3.13 Corporation (Japan)3.14 Avaya, Inc. (U.S.)4 Global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size by Type and Application (2011-2016)4.1 Global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size by Type (2011-2016)4.2 Global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.3 Potential Application of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS)5 United States Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size (2011-2016)5.2 United States Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) Market Size and Market Share by Players (2015-2016)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Gastrointestinal Drugs Market Global Industry Volume By Region 2016 - 2024

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The global gastrointestinal drugs market demonstrates a consolidated landscape with top three players, namely, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Janssen Biotech Inc., holding the market with majority share, finds a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). These three players, collectively, accounted for a share of 61% in 2016. The market is moderately competitive as of now; however, the degree of competition within this market is likely to increase remarkably over the next few years, reports the study.As per the research report, the global market for gastrointestinal drugs presented an opportunity worth US$45.5 bn in 2015. Analysts estimate it to swell at a CAGR of 4.90% during the period from 2016 to 2024 and increase to US$61.1 bn by the end of the forecast period. Acid neutralizers have been registering a higher demand from consumers and are projected to remain doing so over the forthcoming years, thanks to the growing prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) across the world.Obtain Report Details @North America to Derive Growth from Increasing Geriatric PopulationLatin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa are the key regional markets for gastrointestinal drugs across the world. In this research report, a comparative analysis of these markets has been carried out in order to identify the leading and the most lucrative among these. According to this study, North America led the global market in 2016 with a share of 41%, thanks to the presence of favorable reimbursement policies concerning the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. With the significant increase in the number of elderly people, who are prone to gastrointestinal disorders, the North America market for gastrointestinal drugs is likely to maintain its lead over the forthcoming years.Europe, which also reported impressive growth over the past few years, is likely to witness continued progress during the forecast period. The introduction of biosimilars for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases by various patent-protected brands is projected to boost the market for gastrointestinal drugs in Europe over the next few years.Among others, Asia Pacific is likely to provide the most lucrative opportunities to for the growth of the gastrointestinal drugs market in the years to come. The infrastructural improvements in the medical and healthcare industry, significant increase in the investments and funding in life sciences research, and the technological advancements in the therapies for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in emerging countries, such as India and China, are anticipated to drive the gastrointestinal drugs market in Asia Pacific in the near future, states the research study.Increasing Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Diseases to Boost Demand for Gastrointestinal DrugsThe global market for gastrointestinal drugs derive much of its growth from the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases across the world, says an analyst at TMR. According to a report by the World Gastroenterology Organization, the gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), is having a worldwide prevalence of approximately 15% to 25% with a high pace of incidence. This, consequently, is reflecting greatly on the demand for gastrointestinal drugs greatly. Along with this, the augmenting level of awareness about the availability of the treatments and the rise in investments to increase research activities for the development of these drugs are also driving this market substantially.On the other hand, the unknown etiology of IBD and IBS and the dearth of a permanent cure for gastrointestinal drugs may restrict the growth of this market in the years to come. However, the continual technological advancements in the treatment therapies are expected to impact positively on this market in the long terms, notes the study.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Parking Management Market System Research Report Industry Company Solution, Size

Parking Management

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Report Overview @Proper parking management can resolve the problem of traffic congestion and other transportation-related problems. Therefore, the need for a well-organized and smart parking system is growing. Nowadays, the advanced parking management systems provide a high level of convenience to the drivers, which in turn helps in automating and simplifying the business operations and other functions at the parking site. The global parking management market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 10% from 2017 to 2025.Based on solution, the market is divided into security and investigation, access control & management solutions, parking controls, valet parking management, and parking slot management. Based on site type, the parking management market is sub-divided into on-street parking, and off-street parking.For further inquiries, about Global Parking Management Market enquire here >>>>Parking Management Market Drivers: Concern for safety, security, and connectivity boosts the use of parking management solutions Need for smooth flow of traffic Increased production of vehicles leading to parking concernParking Management Industry by Solution Security and Investigation Access Control & Management Solutions Parking Controls Valet Parking Management Parking Slot ManagementAccording to services, it is categorized into professional services and managed services. Based on application, the market is categorized into aerospace and defense, energy & utilities, oil & gas, retail and consumer goods, healthcare, financial & insurance, and others. Geographic breakdown and deep analysis of each of the aforesaid segments is included for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:Parking Management Market Restraints: High implementation cost Lack of system integrationKey Point from Table of content1. Executive summary1.1. Key findings1.2. Market attractiveness and trend analysis1.3. Competitive landscape and recent industry development analysis2. Introduction2.1. Report description2.2. Scope and definitions2.3. Research methodology3. Market landscape3.1. Growth drivers3.1.1. Impact analysis3.2. Restraints and challenges3.2.1. Impact analysisParking Management Industry by Application Aerospace & Defense Energy & Utilities Oil & Gas Retail & Consumer Goods Healthcare Financials & Insurance OthersRequest for Customization:About us:Progressive Markets is the answer to every possible business query. It is a market research and business consulting firm, headquartered in India with an aim to deliver up-to-date executive support to foster overall growth of an organization in its domain.Contact us:Antviews Global,Serve No. 721/1 Flat No 404,Sudhanshu co. op Housing Society,Shastri Road, Near Kalavati Devi Mandir,Fatak Baug, Pune 411 030.Email: help@progressivemarkets.comWebsite:
Remote Patient Monitoring Devices Market Size will Grow at 6.7% CAGR by 2024

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The global remote patient monitoring device market is segmented on the basis of Product Type (Cardiac Monitors, Respiratory Monitors, Hematological Monitors), Application (Cardiac Arrhythmia, Diabetes, Ischemic diseases, Hypertension, Sleep apnea, Chronic respiratory diseases, Hyperlipidemia), End User (Hospitals, Homecare Settings, Long-term Care Centers, Others), and Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, APEJ, and MEA).Browse Complete Report @By product type, the cardiac monitors segment is expected to remain the largest segment and is anticipated to reach US$ 765.4 Mn by the end of 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. By the end of 2024, the respiratory monitors segment is projected to reach US$ 435.0 Mn, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. By application, the cardiac arrhythmia segment is estimated to reach US$ 307.7 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. The diabetes segment is projected to reach US$ 196.8 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. By end user, the hospitals segment is anticipated to reach US$ 690.1 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period. The homecare settings segment is anticipated to reach US$ 347.3 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period.Among regions, North America is estimated to dominate the global remote patient monitoring device market with 31.4% revenue share of the overall market by the end of 2016. The Europe remote patient monitoring device market is anticipated to reach US$ 341.1 Mn by 2024. By 2024, North America and Europe markets are expected to account for over four-fifth share of the global remote patient monitoring device market revenue.According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled Remote Patient Monitoring Device Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 20162024, the global remote patient monitoring device market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% and is estimated to reach US$ 1,502.9 Mn by 2024, creating incremental opportunity of US$ 657.1 Mn between 2016 and 2024. Persistence Market Research analyzes the overall performance of the global remote patient monitoring device market and provides key insights on the factors and trends likely to influence the market during this eight-year period.Rising prevalence of cardio vascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and diabetes in the general population are major factors driving the growth of the global remote patient monitoring device market. Increasing healthcare expenditure and increasing availability of effective treatment solutions for chronic diseases is also projected to boost revenue growth of the global remote patient monitoring device market. Other factors boosting market growth include an increasing awareness among people to self-monitor before disease advancement and government reimbursement issued on homecare settings facilities.Request to view table of content @Lack of trained professionals to help with remote patient monitoring devices is expected to hinder market growth of the global remote patient monitoring device market. Insufficiency in maintaining the privacy and security of the stored data, lack of uniformity in device functionality, and lack of general awareness on patient monitoring devices are the key restraints challenging the market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some key companies covered in the report include Boston Scientific Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Abbott Laboratories, Nihon Kohden Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., LifeWatch AG, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical. These companies are primarily focused on enhancing their product portfolio through research and development initiatives and through the introduction of innovative technologies in order to gain higher market share and to strengthen their respective positions in the global 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:
Auto-Injectors Market: Rising Incidence of Anaphylaxis Attack Among the Adult Population Expected to Elevate the Demand for Auto-Injectors: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026

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The auto-injectors market is currently expected to present vast opportunities to investors due to enormous demand within biologics development together with the economic benefit of 95% reduction in primary health care costs. To look further into this potential, a new study has been added to the vast online repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE), with the title Auto-Injectors Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. The report contains the evaluation of the most useful factors such as key products, distribution channels as well as the study of the most favorable drivers and opportunities.Request For Sample Report:According to this report anaphylaxis segment is the most attractive segment with an expected CAGR of 15% by 2026 to acquire more than US$ 6,000 Million by 2026. The study also evaluates the anaphylaxis segment as the most attractive segment which is expected to reach a CAGR of 15% between 2016 and 2026, to gain a revenue more than US$ 6,000 Million in 2026.In the beginning, the report presents the executive summary together with the market introduction and market definition evaluation. The market taxonomy and the market analysis scenario enables the reader to build market-wise business modules. Similarly, the absolute opportunity, market dynamics, and macroeconomic factors are also introspected in this study. By focusing on the drivers, supply, and demand together with the restraints, opportunities, and trends the reader gets to take advantage of the present market.In the report, there are crucial sections evaluating the market and forecast with a clear introduction, basis point share (BPS) analysis considering the countries. The year-on-year or Y-o-Y growth projections and market size forecast in terms of the countries is also available. Some of the active countries analyzed in this report are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K., Benelux and the Rest of Western Europe. Similarly, in this section, the reader will find the market size forecast considering the product type and therapeutic area. The most popular products analyzed in this study are the prefilled auto-injectors and fillable auto-injectors; whereas the therapeutic areas include anaphylaxis, multiple sclerosis as well as rheumatoid arthritis.Browse Full Global Auto-Injectors Market Report with TOC :Within this study is the critical forecast of the market considering the active regions such as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excl. Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The distribution channels mentioned in the report are hospitals pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies and drug stores. Thus, the study encompasses all the useful market factors analysis to drive investors towards practical success in revenues.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 States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
M2M Network Security Market to Register Substantial Expansion by 2025

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Global M2M Network Security Market - OverviewAs the Internet of Things (IoT) rapidly transforms the way people communicate, live, and work, a number of new solutions are making their way in several industries, ranging from connected homes, connected cars, and connected workplaces. These connected solutions are all driven due to the vast advancements achieved in the field of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. The massive number of objects that are connected through these M2M networks have security management requirements similar to networked computing devices, consumer electronics, and mobile phones.The highly complex network architecture in which M2M devices operate their often inaccessible or unmanned nature present several challenges to their efficiency if an end-to-end M2M network security solution is not in place. This report on the global market for M2M network security market presents a detailed overview of the present growth dynamics and future growth prospects of the market over the period between 2017 and 2025.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global M2M Network Security Market - Trends and OpportunitiesThe soaring adoption of M2M communications in everyday devices in the consumer as well as enterprise sector is the key driver of the global M2M network security market. As the number of embedded sensors and data transmission points begin to grow out of proportion owing to the present IoT boom, the need for effective network security capabilities to shield M2M networks from unauthorized sources will be felt more intensely. The rising number of companies operating in the market, offering innovative solutions for the security needs of M2M networks will also help the market gain traction in the next few years.Global M2M Network Security Market - Market PotentialThe rapidly rising expanse of IoT technologies in the enterprise as well as the consumer sector and the rising set of applications across large number of industries is expected to bode well for the M2M network security market in the next few years. The market will especially benefit from these factors in developing economies across regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America, where digitization and industrial automation are witnessing increased focus from the enterprise sector as well as government bodies.Request TOC of the Report @Speaking of numbers, Vodafone has recently announced that its IoT mobile network has crossed the mark of 50 mn connections. Several other telecom companies are increasingly realizing the potential of the IoT sector and are focusing on innovations to grab a larger share in the rapidly expanding and dynamic IoT sector.Global M2M Network Security Market - Regional OverviewFrom a geographical viewpoint, the market for M2M network security has been covered in the report for regions such as Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Middle East and Africa. Of these, the markets across North America and Europe are presently the leading contributors of revenue to the global market. The high level of adoption of M2M connections in consumer electronics devices and across a number of industries and the presence of some of the worlds leading information technology firms in North America are chiefly attributable to the dominance of these regions in the global market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Global M2M Network Security Market - Competitive DynamicsThe presence of a large number of regional and international vendors has made the vendor landscape of the global M2M network security market highly fragmented and competitive. To outplay competitors, several leading companies are resorting to strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to expand their geographical reach and product portfolios. Development of products and services with innovative security features is also a popular growth strategy.Some of the leading vendors operating in the global M2M network security market are Gemalto, Cisco Systems, KORE Wireless, PTC, Numerex, SIMCom Wireless Solutions, Digi International, NetComm Wireless, EUROTECH, Systech, Netop, Ventus, Novatel Wireless, and Telit.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
Biobanks Market : Global Industry Size, Demand, Trends and Future Report 2025

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Global Biobanks Market: OverviewThe global biobanks market owes its conception to the rising need for replacement organs and the steady advancement in the replacement and transfusion technologies regarding a number of bodily substances. Though the technology and need to store organs and other bio-entities had been available for a long time, the global biobanks market took on a more important role in the healthcare sector following the increasing research in genomics. In the new millennium, the development of the personalized medicine field has been the vital driver for the global biobanks market. The likely advancement of the latter, thanks to helpful government regulations, is likely to make the crucial difference for the global biobanks market in the near future.The steady technological advancement in the healthcare sector in the last few decades has now led to a scenario where the full potential of biobanks can be harnessed. As a result, the global biobanks market is projected to exhibit steady growth over the coming years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Biobanks Market: Key TrendsThe rising interest in personalized medicine is the prime driver for the global biobanks market. Personalized medicine has only become a viable branch of modern medicine after steady research in genomics and the way various patients react to various medicines. The biobanks market has thus come into the spotlight thanks to their role as a steady supplier of human biomaterials for research as well as direct application. The increasing research in genomics following the findings of the Human Genome Project is thus likely to remain a key driver for the global biobanks market in the coming years.The utilization of biobanks in stem cell research has been hampered in several regions by ethical concerns regarding the origin of stem cells. Nevertheless, the potential of stem cells in the healthcare sector is immense, and is likely to have a decisive impact on the trajectory of the global biobanks market in the coming years. Many countries have, in recent years, adopted a supportive stance towards stem cell research, aiding the growth of the biobanks market. Continued government support is thus likely to remain vital for the global biobanks market in the coming years.Request TOC of the Report @Global Biobanks Market: Market PotentialThe leading role of the U.S. in the global biobanks market is unlikely to change in the coming years. The easy availability of government-supported healthcare infrastructure and the presence of several industry giants in the region has driven the biobanks market in the U.S.Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York State, earlier in 2017 initiated a new biobank aimed at creating precision therapies against various types of cancer. Launched in collaboration with Indivumed, the biobank will provide catalogued biomaterials for research into lung, colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer. This would enable targeted, gene-specific studies of a variety of cancer samples, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of cancer. Such well-funded collaboration efforts are crucial for the developing biobanks market.Global Biobanks Market: Geographical DynamicsLed by the fertile healthcare research scenario in the U.S., North America is likely to retain a dominant share in the global biobanks market in the coming years. Steady support from institutes such as the NIH is likely to be vital for the North America biobanks market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Emerging Asia Pacific economies such as India and China could emerge with a significant share in the global biobanks market in the coming years. The healthcare sector in both countries has received steady public or private funding in the last few years. India is also a global leader in medical tourism and is likely to receive an increasing number of patients in the coming years, leading to promising prospects for the global biobanks market in the region.Global Biobanks Market: Competitive DynamicsDue to the dynamic nature of the global biobanks market, with advancements in diagnostic fields often determining the direction of the market, the market is heavily fragmented. It is likely to retain a significant degree of fragmentation in the coming years thanks to the diversity in the application segments of the biobanks market. The leading players in the global biobanks market include BioCision, Tecan Group, VWR, Beckman Coulter Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific.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
3D Printing & Additive Market Outlook 2017- Stratasys, 3D Systems, Arcam Group, Renishaw, ExOne, Optomec, SLM Solutions, EnvisionTEC, VoxelJet AG, Sciaky Inc

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3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing is a layer-by-layer process of producing 3D objects directly from a digital model. 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing produce functional parts and discussed benefits that have been realized in the medical, aerospace & defense sectors, and aerospace & defence are mainly discussed in this report.Sample Copy of Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the 3D Printing & Additive 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 coversStratasys3D SystemsArcam GroupRenishawExOneOptomecSLM SolutionsEnvisionTECVoxelJet AGSciaky IncEOS e-Manufacturing SolutionsBrowse Report @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversPlastics MaterialCeramics MaterialMetals MaterialOther MaterialMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercial AerospaceDefenseSpaceOthersAbout Us:1MarkerResearch is a top provider and consulting services and leading marketIntelligence Company that sells reports of top publishers in the technologyindustry.Contact Us:1MarketResearch304, S. Jones Blvd, #3299,Las Vegas, NV - 89107USA : +1 702-425-8599Email : Sales@1MarketResearch.comWeb :
Connected Home Security System Market Analysis- Regional Outlook, Segments And Forecast To 2025

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Global Connected Home Security System Market: OverviewConnected home security systems are networks of integrated electronic devices that work together with a control panel that arms and disarms security systems to protect home against burglars and other potential intruders. The global market for connected home security systems will expand at a brisk pace, especially with internet service and cable TV providers introducing their own products. These systems consist of alarms, cameras, locks and sensors, monitoring devices, and detectors. The systems can be installed by professionals or self.Global Connected Home Security System Market: Key TrendsThe increasing incidents of theft and house robbery are translating into the greater demand for enhanced security and safety solutions with effective monitoring technology, thereby augmenting the global market for connected home security systems. The proliferation of smart devices is also working in favor of the market. Moreover, the market is largely benefitting from the emergence of cloud technology. Home cloud solutions offer ubiquitous and collaborative advantages, which are stirring up their demand. Furthermore, the presence of home insurance policies that cover installation of monitored security systems is stoking the growth of the market. However, the low awareness regarding these systems, especially in developing and less developed regions, is hampering the growth prospects of the market.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Connected Home Security System Market: Market PotentialConnected home security systems are networks of integrated electronic devices that work together with a control panel that arms and disarms security systems to protect home against burglars and other potential intruders. The global market for connected home security systems will expand at a brisk pace, especially with internet service and cable TV providers introducing their own products. These systems consist of alarms, cameras, locks and sensors, monitoring devices, and detectors. The systems can be installed by professionals or self.Home cloud solutions offer ubiquitous and collaborative advantages, which are stirring up their demand. Furthermore, the presence of home insurance policies that cover installation of monitored security systems is stoking the growth of the market. However, the low awareness regarding these systems, especially in developing and less developed regions, is hampering the growth prospects of the market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Connected Home Security System Market: Geographical SegmentationThe key segments analyzed in the report on the basis of geography are North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America will hold a prominent position in the global market throughout the forecast period, owing to the soaring need for energy management solutions. The availability of low-cost devices and the high adoption of wireless home security DIY installations are contributing to the growth of the region. Besides these factors, the large-scale adoption of cloud-based technologies for the effective monitoring of home security systems is also fuelling the North America market. The U.S. will be at the forefront of the region, due to high acceptance of technologically advanced products.Global Connected Home Security System Market: Competitive LandscapeThe global connected home security system market features a high degree of competition and concentration. The tremendous growth potential of the market is attracting new companies to venture into the market, which is likely to intensify the competition in the near future. New entrants are focusing towards capitalizing on DIY trend and therefore, introducing products in line with the trend. Large organizations and small companies are competing with each other in terms of pricing and product offerings. Some of the prominent players operating in the global connected home security system market are AT&T, Honeywell Total Connect, Comcast, ADT, Verizon, Cocoon, Lifeshield, Samsung, Panasonic, Petzi, Xfinity, Kuna, August, Kwikset, and Control4.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@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 Marketing Automation Software Market 2022 - An Enterprise tool to Manage Marketign Operations effeciently - Key Vendors (Act-On Software, Salesforce.com, Adobe Systems, Oracle, Infusionsoft, IBM)

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Latest Research Report titled " Global Marketing Automation Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 " features Key Market Players, Survey, Growth, Challenges and Forecast.This report studies the global Marketing Automation Software market, analyzes and researches the Marketing Automation 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, like- HubSpot- Marketo- Act-On Software- Salesforce.com- Adobe Systems- Oracle- Infusionsoft- IBM- Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS)- eTrigue- GreenRope- Hatchbuck- iContact..........Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers- United States- EU- Japan- China- India- Southeast AsiaMarket segment by Application, Marketing Automation Software can be split into- Application 1- Application 2Table of Contents:2 Global Marketing Automation Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Marketing Automation Software Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in FutureBrowse more details at:3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 HubSpot3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Marketing Automation Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Marketo3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Marketing Automation Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)............About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Plant-Based Waters Market Share Research by Applications and Regions for 2017-2024

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https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/plant-based-waters-market

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/red-and-white-grape-juice-concentrate-market

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/fermented-beverages-market

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Plant Based Waters Market size will surpass USD 10 billion by 2024 according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.Sedentary lifestyles and the rising appetite for natural and healthy drinks are the key factors spearheading the growth of plant-based waters market over the forecast timespan. The rising health issues due to the consumption of carbonated drinks have accelerated the growth of the market. Problems associated with the intake of carbonated drinks include heart diseases, obesity, diabetes, cancer, digestion issues, tooth decay, etc. The product is an alternative to artificially sweetened beverages which will upscale the demand for the product between 2017 and 2024.Trend of healthy hydration has gained momentum over the past few years. The nutritive contents of the alternative waters will broaden the prospects of the product market in future. Attractive packaging by manufacturers is also one of the major factors contributing to the popularity of the product. The manufacturers have leveraged the innovative technology and are continuously developing striking packaging solutions. The growing packaging industry will leave a positive impact on the product market as there are frequent innovations in this industry to preserve the waters for an extended period.Request for a sample of this research report @The factor which can hinder the market growth is the short consumption duration after opening of the packed product. Every product has different life span for which it can be consumed. The alternative waters require cold chains to refrigerate them so that their shelf life can be extended. Also, the lack of awareness among the consumers of the latest trends in beverage industry can impede the growth of the market.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @The market is experiencing increased sales of alternative waters such as cactus water, bamboo water, olive water, etc. Maple water and birch water are the new buzzwords in the beverage market. Maple water is projected to cross a revenue of USD 0.9 billion by 2024 and its market will continue to expand at a robust rate. Bottles constitute a significant part of packaging of plant-based waters and are expected to rise with a CAGR of 20.2 %.Cafes & fitness centers have become increasingly popular in todays era, which will drive the market for the product. The rising obese population in North America will bring profit to the manufacturers of the product due to the increased sales. There is an enormous potential to tap the coconut water market in Middle East and Africa, but the price and sourcing can obstruct the market in the region.Browse key industry insights spread across 225 pages with 256 market data tables & 12 figures & charts from the report, Plant-based Waters Market in detail along with the table of contents:The plant-based waters market structure is fragmented in nature with most of the players sprung up from U.S., U.K., Finland, Denmark, Russia and other European countries. Local companies are trying to establish footprints in the international markets. Some of the key companies include DRINKmaple, Sibberi, Caliwater LLC, Happy Tree Group, PepsiCo Inc., Harmless Harvest, World Waters, LLC, Steaz, ARTY Water Company, The Coca-Cola Company, All Market Inc., DrinkSEVA and Oviva Maple Water Company.Plant-based waters market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD million from 2017 to 2024, for the following segments:Plant-based Waters Market By Producto Coconut watero Maple watero Birch watero Artichoke watero Cactus watero OthersPlant-based Waters Market By Flavor Varianto Flavoredo OriginalPlant-based Waters Market By Pack Typeo Canso Bottleso Cartonso PouchesPlant-based Waters Market By Distribution Channelo Onlineo Retail storeso Cafes & fitness centersThe above information is provided for the following regions and countries: North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo Germanyo UKo Franceo Spaino Italy Asia Pacifico Chinao Indiao Japano Australiao Indonesiao Malaysia Latin Americao Brazilo Mexico MEAo South Africao GCCBrowse related reportsRed And White Grape Juice Concentrate Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024Fermented Beverages Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, China, Australia, India, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024About 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:Blog:
Global Combustion Turbine Services Market Analysis & Trends Forecasted till 2022

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The effective usage of combustion turbines in the oil & gas energy sector is surely boosting their market on the global level. To study further, Market Research Hub (MRH) has added a new report to its vast database titled Global Combustion Turbine Services Market Research Report 2017. The report presents details about the regional production, consumption, revenue and market share related to the combustion turbine sector. Moreover, the study also highlights growth statistics for the market which is anticipated to rise at a double-digit CAGR during 2017-2022.Request Free Sample Report @A combustion turbine is known as an internal combustion engine which possesses an upstream rotating compressor attached to a downstream turbine, with a combustion chamber, called a combustor placed in between. In a real gas turbine, the mechanical energy is transformed irreversibly into pressure and thermal energy once the gas is compressed. Presently, the market for combustion turbine is active in the regions such as North America, China, Europe, Japan, India and Southeast Asia. The market is occupied by players who have managed to gather a significant share. Some of the prominent players are General Electric, Sulzer Ltd., Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Siemens Ltd, MAN Diesel & Turbo, Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Combustion Turbine Services in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Combustion Turbine Services market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGeneral ElectricSulzer Ltd.Siemens LtdMitsubishi Hitachi Power SystemsMAN Diesel & TurboKawasaki Heavy IndustriesMechanical Dynamics & AnalysisEthosEnergyMJB International Limited LLCAnsaldo EnergiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into:MaintenanceRepairOverhaulBrowse Full Report with TOC @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 Combustion Turbine Services for each application, including:Application 1Application 2Table of Content:Global Combustion Turbine Services Market Research Report 20171 Combustion Turbine Services Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Combustion Turbine Services1.2 Combustion Turbine Services Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Combustion Turbine Services Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Combustion Turbine Services Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Maintenance1.2.4 Repair1.2.5 Overhaul1.3 Global Combustion Turbine Services Segment by Application1.3.1 Combustion Turbine Services Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.4 Global Combustion Turbine Services Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Combustion Turbine Services Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)Make an Enquiry @About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of Research Reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of machinery market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comRead More Industry News @
Green Tea Market Driven by Growing Focus of Consumers on Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

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Global Green Tea Market: OverviewThe green tea market is gaining immense popularity across the globe and is anticipated to witness robust growth throughout the forecast period. In addition, convenient and attractive packaging is expected to drive the demand and encourage the growth of the market. The increasing number of players entering the global green tea market is expected to strengthen the competitive scenario throughout the forecast period.Obtain Report Details @The research study offers a detailed analysis of the global green tea market, providing insights into the key growth factors and the recent developments in the market. On the basis of flavors, the global green tea market can be categorized into aloe vera, wild berry lemon, cinnamon, jasmin, vanilla, basil, and others. Furthermore, the market can be classified on the basis of product type and geography. To offer a strong understanding of the market, the estimated growth rate and share of each segment have been provided in the scope of the research study.Global Green Tea Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rising awareness concerning the health benefits and the growing focus of consumers on leading a healthy lifestyle are some of the vital factors that are estimated to encourage the growth of the market throughout the forecast period. In addition, the tremendously rising number of obesity cases and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases is estimated to boost the demand for green tea across the globe. As green tea is believed to reduce the effect of LDL cholesterol, cancer cells, and cures head and bodyaches. In addition, green tea also helps significantly in fat reduction. These factors are estimated to fuel the growth of the overall market in the next few years.For more information on this report, fill the form @On the other hand, the higher price of green tea in comparison with black tea and the lack of awareness, especially in developing economies are anticipated to restrict the growth of the global green tea market in the next few years. Nevertheless, the expansion of the product portfolio and the increasing marketing activities and advertising are projected to offer promising opportunities for the key players in the global green tea market.Global Green Tea Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global market for green tea can be classified in terms of geography into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World. Among these, China is considered as one of the leading producers and exporters of green tea and is expected to remain in the topmost position throughout the forecast period. In addition to this region, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan are anticipated to witness substantial growth in the near future, thus propelling the Asia Pacific green tea market.Furthermore, the growing awareness regarding the health benefits of consuming green tea and the easy availability are some of the key factors that are expected to encourage the growth of the Asia Pacific green tea market in the next few years. On the other hand, Europe is likely to witness robust growth, thanks to the rising health consciousness among consumers. The lucrative opportunities in this region are anticipated to attract a large number of players to invest and enhance their market presence across Europe in the near future.Key Players Mentioned in the Research Report are:The rising awareness regarding the benefits of green tea has resulted in a high demand across the globe. Some of the leading players operating in the global green tea market are Tetley GB Ltd, Nestle S.A., Tata Global Beverage, DSM Nutritional Products, Associated British Foods LLC, Unilever Group, Oregon Chai Inc, Northern tea Merchants Ltd., AMORE Pacific Corp, and Numi Organic Tea.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 Crude Tall Oil (CTO) Market Trends & Insights Forecasted till 2022

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The use of crude tall oil in the adhesives sector is boosting its market with significant figures. To understand the market further, a new report has been added to the vast database of Market Research Hub (MRH). This research study is titled as Global Crude Tall Oil (CTO) Market Research Report 2017, which presents details about the production, consumption as well as market share in the active regions on the worldwide level. Moreover, the report also encloses statistics about the anticipated growth at a positive CAGR during 2016-2022.Request Free Sample Report @Tall oil (tallol), is a sticky yellow-black odorous liquid which is obtained as a by-product wood pulp manufacture. The tall oil rosin is used as a component of rubbers, adhesives, inks, and as an emulsifier. Moreover, the pitch is used as a binder in cement, and an emulsifier for asphalt. Presently, the market for crude tall oil is active in regions like North America, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Japan and India. Manufacturers such as Pine Chemical Group, Foreverest Resources, Georgia-Pacific Chemicals, Segezha Group, Torgoviy Dom Lesokhimik and Weyerhaeuser.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Crude Tall Oil(CTO) in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Crude Tall Oil(CTO) market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingPine Chemical GroupGeorgia-Pacific ChemicalsForeverest ResourcesSegezha GroupWeyerhaeuserTorgoviy Dom LesokhimikArizona ChemicalMets? FibreInRun ChemOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoGeneral TypeModified TypeBrowse Full Report with TOC @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 Crude Tall Oil(CTO) for each application, includingAdhesivesAlkyde ResinsAsphalt RoofsOthersTable of Content:Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Market Research Report 20171 Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Crude Tall Oil(CTO)1.2 Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 General Type1.2.4 Modified Type1.3 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Segment by Application1.3.1 Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Adhesives1.3.3 Alkyde Resins1.3.4 Asphalt Roofs1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) 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 Crude Tall Oil(CTO) (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Crude Tall Oil(CTO) Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Make an Enquiry @About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of Research Reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of chemicals market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comRead More Industry News @
Global O-Cresol (CAS 95-48-7) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Global O-Cresol (CAS 95-48-7) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.O-Cresol (CAS 95-48-7) is an organic compound with the formula CH3C6H4(OH). It is widely used intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It is a derivative of phenol and is an isomer of p-cresol and m-cresol.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the O-Cresol (CAS 95-48-7) 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.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Sasol Atul LANXESS SABIC RuTGERS Group Deepak Novochem Technologies Nantong Xingchen Synthetic JFE Chemical Nippon Steel & Sumikin Chemical Juye Runjia Chemical Nanjing Datang Chemical Chengjiang Pharmaceutical Science and TechnologyMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers Extraction Process Synthesis ProcessMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Resin Herbicides Disinfectant OtherTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Demand for Solar Charge Controllers to Rise on Account of Need to Reduce Dependency on Fossil Fuels - Market Forecast 2017-2021

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Latest Research Report titled " Global Solar Charge Controllers Market 2017-2021 " features Key Market Players, Survey, Growth, Challenges and Forecast.A solar charge controller is an electronic device that regulates the rate of current flow to and from electric batteries to prevent overcharging and damage due to overvoltage. This not only enhances the operational efficiency of the batteries but also increases their lifespan. An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) generated by solar panels and wind turbines into alternate current (AC). This is then supplied to a central electric grid. Inverters are broadly classified into three types: Grid-tie, battery backup, and stand-alone. These inverters are integrated with different energy sources and allow connection with multiple parallel units.The global Solar Charge Controllers market to grow at a CAGR of 16.32% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global solar charge controllers market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations and exclude replacement/ aftermarket/ services market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Solar Charge Controllers Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Genasun- Luminous India- MICROTEK- Schneider Electric- Su-Kam Power SystemsOther prominent vendors- Arise India- BEIJING EPSOLAR TECHNOLOGY- Delta Electronics- Morningstar- Phocos- Samlex America- Shuori New Energy- Steca Elektronik- Studer Innotec- SUNGROW- Victron EnergyMarket driver- Rise in solar energy installations- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Intermittent nature of solar energy- For a full, detailed list, view our reportBrowse more details at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Global Ferro Alloys Market  Share, Size, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "World: Ferro Alloys - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025". (This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global ferro alloy market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term projections, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices. The report also includes a comparative analysis of the leading consuming countries, revealing opportunities opened for producers and exporters across the globe. The forecast outlines market prospects to 2025.Countries coverage: Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries (United States, China, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Italy, Russian Federation, India, Canada, Australia, Republic of Korea, Spain, Mexico, Indonesia, Netherlands, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Sweden, Nigeria, Poland, Belgium, Argentina, Norway, Austria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Denmark, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore, Egypt, Philippines, Finland, Chile, Ireland, Pakistan, Greece, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Czech Republic, Qatar, Peru, Romania, Vietnam) + the largest producing countries.Product coverage: Ferro alloys, unwroughtData coverage:- Ferro alloy market size and volume;- Ferro alloy market trends and prospects;- Global ferro alloy production and its dynamics;- Per capita consumption;- Breakdown of production by region and country;- Medium term outlook;- Ferro alloy trade (exports/imports);- Prices for ferro alloy;- Profiles of the main manufacturers.The report will help you:- Get a bigger picture of the market;- Rewire your business around market trends;- Devise your marketing strategy;- Operate with increased effectiveness.1. INTRODUCTION1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 KEY FINDINGS2.2 MARKET TRENDS3. MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 20254. PRODUCTION4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-20154.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY5. IMPORTS5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-20155.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY6. EXPORTS6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-20156.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY7. COUNTRY PROFILES8. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERSDownload a free sample of the report now!Browse Related Reports:World: Ferro-Chromium - Market Report. Analysis and Forecast to 2025EU: Ferro-Chromium - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025Germany: Ferro-Chromium - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2025IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world.You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.We collect this data from hundreds of highly reliable sources, verify it and carry out market analysis, uncovering new business opportunities and empowering you with actionable insights.The structure of our reports is intuitive and clear. We do our best to allow you to make strategic decisions and take immediate action. If you want to go further and be a step ahead of the market, just tell us your goals and we will tailor a report to your needs.With IndexBox, simply take the data from our Box and think outside it.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QWWebsite:
Global Cochlear Implant Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Cochlear Implant Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Cochlear Implant Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021), provides analysis of the global cochlear implant market, with detailed analysis of market size and growth of the industry.The report also includes a detailed analysis of the cochlear implant market of the US, including market by value, by segments, etc.Moreover, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global cochlear implant market has also been forecasted for the years 2017-2021, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @William Demant, Sonova Holding AG, Cochlear Ltd and MED-EL. are some of the key players operating in the global cochlear implant market, whose company profiling has been done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and business strategies of the companies are provided.Country CoverageThe USCompany CoverageWilliam DemantSonova Holding AGCochlear LimitedMED-ELExecutive SummaryThe global cochlear implant market can be divided into on the basis of the type of fitting and end user. On the basis of the type of fitting the market can be sub segmented into unilateral and bilateral implantation. On the basis of end use, the market can be divided into adults and pediatrics.The global cochlear implant market is expected to grow at a healthy rate during the forecast period 2017-2021. The global cochlear implant market is supported by various factors such as increasing aging population, rise in product customization and benefits of cochlear implants in comparison to conventional hearing aids. However, low adoption of cochlear implants in the US, high cost of cochlear implants and the technical issues associated with them are some of the challenges faced by the market.Expanding insurance coverage in the US, introduction of rechargeable sound processors and cochlear implants based on TEABM technology are some of the latest trends in the global cochlear implant market.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 @
Researchmoz: 2017 Global Diapers (Adult and Baby Diaper) Market Size, Trends and Forecasts to 2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Diaper (Adult and Baby Diaper) Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Diaper (Adult and Baby Diaper) Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021), provides analysis of the global diaper market, with detailed analysis of market size and growth, and segmentation of the industry. The analysis includes the market by value, by segments, per capita consumption and by region. The report also provides the analysis of the global baby diaper market of APAC, Europe, MEA, North America and Latin America regions.Moreover, the report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global diaper market has also been forecasted for the years 2017-2021, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Procter & Gamble (P&G), Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), Unicharm Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation are some of the key players operating in the global diaper market, whose company profiling has been done in the report. In this segment of the report, business overview, financial overview and business strategies of the companies are provided.Country CoverageAPACEuropeMEANorth AmericaLatin AmericaCompany CoverageProcter & Gamble (P&G)Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA)Unicharm CorporationKimberly-Clark CorporationExecutive SummaryDiaper is defined as a soft absorbent fabric or clothing worn by users that are not toilet trained yet and person suffering from incontinence problems. Diaper is the clothing that enable the user to urinate or secrete without the utilization of toilets. The diaper comes under the physical hygiene products. The diapers come in two categories depending on the wearing pattern of diaper as: Open diapers and Diaper Pants. Further, diapers can broadly classified into two section as: Baby Diapers and Adult Diapers.The baby diapers are worn by infants aged between 0-3 years that are not toilet trained. The baby diaper can be segmented on the basis of the utilization of diapers such as: Cloth Diapers (Flat Cloth Diapers, Fitted Cloth Diapers, Pre-Fold Cloth Diapers, All in one Cloth Diapers and All in Two Cloth Diaper), Disposable Diapers (Ultra Absorbent Disposable Diapers, Regular Disposable Diapers, Super Absorbent Disposable Diapers), Biodegradable Diapers, Swim Pants and Training Pants/Pull-Up Pants.An adult diaper is a diaper specially designed to worn by a person suffering from problems like incontinence, mobility impairment or severe diarrhea. Different types of adult diapers available in the market are: all in one cloth adult diaper, contour cloth adult diaper, prefold cloth adult diaper, waterproof pants, disposable adult diapers and adult swim diapers.The global diaper market is expected to increase at high growth rates during the forecasted period (2017-2021). The global diaper market is supported by various growth drivers, such as aging population, increasing disposable income, increase in urban population, delayed toilet training of children in developed countries, increasing literate female population, etc.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 @
Automotive Wiring Harness Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 6% by 2022

Automotive Wiring Harness Market

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Market Research Future published a half cooked research report on Global Automotive wiring harness market. The Automotive wiring harness market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 6% during the period 2016 to 2022.Market Highlights:The global automotive wiring harness market is majorly driven by the growth of the automotive industry and the increase in adoption of security systems in automobiles. The rapid increase in fuel prices all over the world, is leading to the rise in adoption of smart vehicles, which is further driving the automotive wiring harness market. The increase in demand for highly equipped electric components in automobiles, is leading to more standardized systems, which ensure safe wiring in automobiles. The increasing demand of connectivity in cars, to facilitate easy connection of components in a vehicle, is an emerging trend leading to the growth of the market.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Yazaki Corporation (Japan) Sumito Electric Industries Ltd. (Japan) Delphi Automotive PLC (U.K.) Leoni AG(Germany) Lear Corporation (U.S.) Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (Japan) Yura Co Ltd. (South Korea) Kyungship Corp (Korea) Kromberg & Schubert (Germany) Qingdao Yujin Electro-Circuit Systems Co.,Ltd. (China)Market Research Analysis:Among all types of automotive wiring harness, aluminum is expected to be the highest growing segment as it supports the overall weight reduction target. The reduction in vehicle weight by use of aluminum helps in reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions, thus delivering more fuel-efficiency.Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience a healthy growth during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific market is projected to be the fastest-growing market with the increasing population and rising income, which accelerates the per capita spending on the purchase of automotive. The increased use of speed sensors wiring harness with the increase in demand of high end-vehicles is also boosting the demand of the automotive wiring harness market in the Asia-Pacific region.Scope of the Report:This study provides an overview of the global automotive wiring harness market, tracking three 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. The scope of the study segments the global automotive wiring harness market by its type, vehicle type, application and region.By Type Copper Aluminum OthersBy vehicle type Passenger Car Light Commercial Vehicle Heavy Commercial VehicleBy Application Chassis Body Engine Speed sensor OthersBy Region North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldBrief TOC:1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope of the Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Automotive Wiring Harness Market, By Type4.1 Copper4.2 Aluminum4.3 Others5 Global Automotive Wiring Harness Market, By Vehicle-type5.1 Introduction5.2 Passenger Car5.3 Light Commercial Vehicle5.4 Heavy Commercial VehicleContinueAccess Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Latest Report on Master Data Management Market Global Analysis & 2020 Industry Growth Forecast Report

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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 Master Data Management market.2016 Global Master Data Management Market Report is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions of the Master Data Management industry, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia) and the main countries (United States, Germany, Japan and China).Request a Sample of this Report @The report firstly introduced the Master Data Management basics: definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview; industry policies and plans; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with: 1.) basic information; 2.) the Asia Master Data Management industry; 3.) the North American Master Data Management industry; 4.) the European Master Data Management industry; 5.) market entry and investment feasibility; and 6.) the report conclusion .Browse the Full Report @Some of the Points from Table of ContentsPart I Master Data Management Industry OverviewChapter One Master Data Management Industry Overview1.1 Master Data Management Definition1.2 Master Data Management Classification Analysis1.2.1 Master Data Management Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Master Data Management Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Master Data Management Application Analysis1.3.1 Master Data Management Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Master Data Management Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Master Data Management Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Master Data Management Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Master Data Management Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Master Data Management Product Market Development Overview1.6 Master Data Management Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Master Data Management Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Master Data Management Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Master Data Management Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Master Data Management Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Master Data Management Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Master Data Management Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Master Data Management Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Master Data Management Market Analysis3.1 Asia Master Data Management Product Development History3.2 Asia Master Data Management Process Development History3.3 Asia Master Data Management Industry Policy and Plan Analysis3.4 Asia Master Data Management Competitive Landscape Analysis3.5 Asia Master Data Management Market Development TrendChapter Four 2011-2016 Asia Master Data Management Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2011-2016 Master Data Management Capacity Production Overview4.2 2011-2016 Master Data Management Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2011-2016 Master Data Management Demand Overview4.4 2011-2016 Master Data Management Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2011-2016 Master Data Management Import Export Consumption4.6 2011-2016 Master Data Management Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginPurchase a Copy of this Report @For more information contact sales@orbisresearch.com .About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Medical Tapes Market Size will Grow at 5.8% CAGR by 2024

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The global medical tapes market is segmented based on product type, application, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of product type, the market has been segmented into adhesive tapes, elastic tapes, silicone tapes, paper tapes, and silk cloth tapes. The silk cloth medical tapes segment is expected to remain the largest segment, registering a CAGR of 5.0% in terms of value over the forecast period. The wider application of silk cloth medical tapes in various healthcare conditions and easier availability is expected to contribute to their growing popularity. The silicone tapes segment is expected to emerge as the most preferred product type for both patients and physicians globally over the forecast period, and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2016-2024.On the basis of application, the global medical tapes market has been segmented into wounds & injuries and surgeries & securement. The wounds & injuries segment dominated the global medical tapes market in revenue terms in 2015 and is projected to continue to do so throughout the forecast period. The hospitals segment is estimated to account for 44.6% revenue share of the global medical tapes market by 2016 end owing to increased number of hospitalizations.Browse Complete Report @On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. This report assesses trends driving each market segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of medical tapes in specific regions. Asia Pacific is estimated to dominate the global medical tapes market with maximum value share of the overall market by the end of 2016. By 2024, the North America and Asia Pacific markets are expected to account for over 60% revenue share of the global medical tapes market. In terms of value, Asia Pacific is estimated to be the dominant market, registering a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period.In a new report titled Medical Tapes Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016  2024, Persistence Market Research analyzes the performance of the global medical tapes market over an eight-year period and provides insights on the key factors and trends likely to influence the market during the forecast period (2016  2024). The global medical tapes market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 20162024. In this report, the global medical tapes market is tracked in terms of value and is calibrated to obtain market revenue estimates.Rising incidences of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs), product line extensions from manufacturers, increasing innovation, concern about patient safety among clinicians, and development of single patient use tapes are major factors driving the growth of the global medical tapes market currently. Other trends boosting market growth are increasing awareness regarding the use of medical tapes for securement among physicians and patients and rising incidence of wounds, burns, and injuries. In addition, medical tapes manufacturers in the global medical tapes market are focusing on introducing differential products with enhanced safety and applications to increase their market share.Request to view table of content @However, adoption of alternative treatment methods, increasing incidence of Medical Adhesive Related Skin Injuries (MARSI), and a lack of guidelines regarding proper selection and usage of medical tapes are expected to hamper the growth of the global medical tapes market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the key companies covered in the global medical tapes report include 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Paul Hartmann AG, Scapa Group PLC, Andover Healthcare Inc., Ad Tape & Label, and Medtronic Plc. These companies are primarily focused on enhancing their market share by entering new markets and by introducing innovative and cost-effective medical tapes in order to gain a higher market share and to strengthen their respective position in the global medical tapes 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:
Clomazone Market to Register a Robust Growth by 2022

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REPORT OBJECTIVESThe Clomazone: provides market intelligence on the different segments of the agrochemical, based on type of formulation, crop type, pest, and geography. Market size and forecast (2016-2021) has been provided in terms of both, Value (000 USD) and Volume (000 KG) in the report. A detailed qualitative analysis of the factors responsible for driving and restraining growth of the agrochemical and future market opportunities have also been discussed.Ask for sample copy @This report is a part of series of more than 900 agrochemicals product intelligence. This agrochemicals product intelligence report series, in total, covers more than 1,500 pests, 60 formulations, 150 crops and 60 countries.RESEARCH METHODOLOGYIn our market size and forecast determination efforts, an extensive secondary research was initially completed to gain a good perspective of the market in each region. Extensive primary research was also carried out by interviewing the key executives from the industry. These interviews helped us to fill-in the data gaps after secondary research. Several secondary sources such as encyclopedia, directories, and databases have been used to identify and collect information useful for this extensive techno-commercial study.Buy a copy of this report for single user price of $ 2250 @KEY AUDIENCEExecutives in marketing, strategic planning and new product development will find such discussions in our reports pertinent and useful. Management consultants, investment bankers, distributors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities are amongst our regular clientele served.KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT- Clomazone, an herbicide belonging to group Organophosphate, is used for controlling pest is Cleavers among others.- China, Brazil, Mexico, Ukraine, France are the leading country markets among others.- Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) & Capsule Suspensions (CS) were the leading formulations in 2015.- The Global Clomazone market to be expected more than USD 340 Million.Key elements for this report:1. Report Introduction1.1. Report Description1.1.1. Research Methodology1.1.2. Report Objectives1.1.3. Data Sources1.2. Acronyms / Abbreviations1.3. Assumptions1.4. Limitations2. Executive Summary3. Global Clomazone Market, By Formulation3.1. Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)3.2. Capsule Suspensions (CS)3.3. Liquid (LI)3.4. Suspo-emulsion (SE)3.5. Granules (GR)3.6. Others4. Global Clomazone Market, By Crop Type4.1. Cereals & Grains4.2. Fruits & Vegetables4.3. Others5. Global Clomazone Market, By Pest5.1. Cleavers5.2. OthersBrowse 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:
Railway Management System Market Perceive Robust Expansion by 2024

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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:
Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Segment by Application, Types and Industry Research Study 2017

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"The Latest Research Report Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Magnetic Resonance Imaging MarketIn this report, the Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaGet Sample Copy Of This Report @Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingGE HealthcareSiemens AGKoninklijke Philips N.V.Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.Toshiba CorporationAurora Imaging Technologies, IncEsaote SpASanrad Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd.On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLowMediumHighView Report @On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for each application, includinBrain & NeurologicalSpine & MusculoskeletalVascularAbdominal & PelvicCardiacBreastIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Report 20171 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)1.2 Classification of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Low1.2.4 Medium1.2.5 High1.3 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Brain & Neurological1.3.3 Spine & Musculoskeletal1.3.4 Vascular1.3.5 Abdominal & Pelvic1.3.6 Cardiac1.3.7 Breast1.4 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.8 Australia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size (Value and Volume) of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.3 Japan Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Measuring Glass Market 2017 Size By Types, And The Segment Markets By Applications (Laboratories, Schools, Research Institutes), Regions

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"The Latest Research Report Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Measuring Glass MarketIn this report, the Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Measuring Glass for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaGet Sample copy of this Report @Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Measuring Glass sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingThermo Fisher ScientificCorningDURAN GroupKarter Scientific Labware Manufacturing Co.Garg Process Glass India Private LimitedSICHUAN SHUBOGROUPCO,.LTDBeijing glass group company...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPlasticGlassView Report @On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Measuring Glass for each application, includinLaboratoriesSchoolsResearch InstitutesOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Report 20171 Measuring Glass Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Measuring Glass1.2 Classification of Measuring Glass by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Plastic1.2.4 Glass1.3 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Laboratories1.3.3 Schools1.3.4 Research Institutes1.3.5 Others1.4 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.8 Australia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size (Value and Volume) of Measuring Glass (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Measuring Glass Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Measuring Glass (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Measuring Glass Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Measuring Glass Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Measuring Glass Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Measuring Glass (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Measuring Glass Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Measuring Glass Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Measuring Glass Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 Japan Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.3 Japan Measuring Glass Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global DNA Forensic Market Professional Survey Report 2017 - Roche, Promega, QIAGEN, Illumina, Agilent Technologies

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The report studies DNA Forensic in Global market Professional Survey 2017 : Size, Share, Trends, Industry Growth, Opportunity, Application, Production, Segmentation, Cost Structure, Company Profile, Product Picture and Specifications during the Forecast period by 2022Download Sample Report @Scope of the Report:DNA Forensic Market Research Report 2017 Covers the following Manufacturers.RocheThermo Fisher ScientificIllumina?Agilent TechnologiesLaboratory CorporationPromegaGE HealthcareQIAGENLGC ForensicsMorpho (Safran)NECZyGEMApplied DNA Sciences IncGlobal DNA Forensic Market segment by Regions, DNA Forensic market report splits Global into several key Regions, with DNA Forensic production, DNA Forensic consumption, DNA Forensic revenue, DNA Forensic market share and growth rate of DNA Forensic in these regions, from 2012 to 2022. DNA Forensic Market report split by Product type and Application, with DNA Forensic production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, according to Application DNA Forensic Market report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of DNA Forensic in each application.DNA Forensic Market Research Report Split by TypeSTRSNPOthersDNA Forensic Market Research Report Split by ApplicationLaw EnforcementBiodefenseHealthcarePhysical SecurityAccess Full Report With TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal DNA Forensic Market Research Report 20171 DNA Forensic Market Overview2 Global DNA Forensic Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global DNA Forensic Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global DNA Forensic Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)5 Global DNA Forensic Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global DNA Forensic Market Analysis by Application7 Global DNA Forensic Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 DNA Forensic Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global DNA Forensic Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixMethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceRead related post:Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:Blog:
Polysorbate-80 Market Driven by Industries such as Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics

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Polysorbate-80 (PS80), which is also referred to as tween 80, is essentially a fatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan. PS80 is characterized, among other things, by its heterogeneous chemical structure distribution. The ingredient finds applications as a non-ionic surfactant, especially in bio therapeutic products. In the formulation of such products, it is used for preventing surface adsorption and also to stabilize any proteins present against aggregation. In proteins, aggregation may be induced by stress in the form shear or agitation. The demand for PS80 also stems from its use in different types of pharmaceuticals, food preparation, and products for personal care and beauty. In the beauty and personal care sector, it is an important ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, suntan lotions, and bath oils.Obtain Report Details @Furthermore, Polysorbate80s use is seen in the F&B industry, where it forms a part of ice cream preparation. When used in ice cream, it helps prevents the product from melting quickly. The pharmaceutical sector is yet another consumer of PS80, as the ingredient is used in influenza vaccine formulations.Global Polysorbate-80 Market: Drivers and RestraintsA steady rise in the demand for PS80 in end-use industries such as personal care and cosmetics, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals are helping the global polysorbate market. Today the market grow at a steady pace. With the growing popularity of bio based products, which make use of this ingredient, the market for PS80 has received a further shot in the arm. The other conducive factor is the growing awareness regarding the use of safe and high-quality products for skin care. This trend will help shape the future of the global PS80 market.Polysorbate-80 is typically extracted via different natural sources, including coconut oil and turkey-red oil. However, the gradual decline in the availability of these natural resources could act as a serious constraint on the growth of the market across the world. In light of reports that polysorbate-80 could potentially cause skin irritation and a few other minor skin disorders, end users may be compelled to look for alternatives. These could potentially restrain the global PS80 market in the future.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Currently, the market is adversely impacted by the availability of affordable and synthetically formulated substitutes. These substitutes include borax and sodium borate; they could pose a threat to the markets growth.Global Polysorbate-80 Market: SegmentationThe global market for polysorbate-80 can be segmented broadly based on two criteria: source and application. Basis source, the market is further segmented as animals source, plants source, and synthetic source. Furthermore, the segment of plant source is sub-segmented into olive, palm, and bay tree. Similarly, the segment of animal sources can be further segmented into sheep fat, cow fat, and pig fat.Basis application, the global market for polysorbate-80 is classified into the following segments: food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.Polysorbate-80 Market: Region-wise OutlookFrom the geographical standpoint, the global polysorbate-80 market is split into: Latin America, North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Japan, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ).Polysorbate-80 Market: Key PlayersAmong the top players in the market are: Croda International plc, Lotion crafter LLC, Huyze Bladelin, Mohini Organics Pvt. Ltd., Camden-grey Essential Oils, Solenis, M S Mehta & Co, Chimi Gostaran Saba (C.G.S.), Shine-Sarod Nigeria Limited, Guangzhou Runhua Food Additive Co., Ltd, Reachin Chemical Co., Ltd. and Mukasa Distributors Ltd.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:
Aluminum Chlorohydrate Market 2017- Chemtrade, Kemira, ALTIVIA, USALCO, Gulbrandsen Chemicals, GEO, Parchem, Summit Chemical, Holland Company, Grace, A.B.Enterprises

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the Aluminum Chlorohydrate Market across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of Aluminum Chlorohydrate 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 PP Pipe industry, and estimates the future trend of Aluminum Chlorohydrate on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares Aluminum Chlorohydrate performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportChemtradeKemiraALTIVIAUSALCOGulbrandsen ChemicalsGEOParchemSummit ChemicalHolland CompanyGraceA.B.EnterprisesThe market research report explores the Aluminum Chlorohydrate market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of Aluminum Chlorohydrate 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 Aluminum Chlorohydrate market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Aluminum Chlorohydrate. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Aluminum Chlorohydrate 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 Aluminum Chlorohydrate is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Aluminum Chlorohydrate markets production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Aluminum Chlorohydrate market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Aluminum Chlorohydrate market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Aluminum Chlorohydrate production volume, data pertaining to demand and Aluminum Chlorohydrate supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Aluminum Chlorohydrate 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 Aluminum Chlorohydrate 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
Mobile Payment Transaction Market : SMS segment to Cross US$ 678,117.1 Mn by 2020

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Persistence Market Research forecasts the global mobile payment transaction market to register a CAGR of 39.1% through 2020 and reach US$ 2.89 trillion in revenues.The mobile payment is an integrated system linked by various components of value chain which typically includes the merchant, the consumer, the financial institution involved and not to forget the payment gateway and the telecom network.In terms of revenue, the global mobile payment transaction market revenues valued at US$ 549,917.7 Mn in 2015 will possibly reach US$ 2,849,231.4 Mn in the year 2020.Mobile payment transaction volume will grow by a massive 41.7% during the forecast period 2015-2020. In terms of volume, the global mobile payment transaction market volume was 18,969.8 million transactions in the year 2015 and this is projected to increase by 106,001.5 million transactions by the year 2020.Browse Complete Report @Even though there will be tremendous growth in mobile payment transactions market, there are many challenges that are obstructing the growth of this market. A major challenge is the slow adoption of smartphone compatible POS systems by the retailers. If taken at face value, a 41.7% volume growth looks amazing, but there is something to be concerned about. One of the major concerns is that apart from few countries, consumers havent fully accepted the concept of mobile payments, even though the facility is much more secure. However, given the inherent nature of the product, it wouldnt be long before consumers all over the world use the facilities provided by mobile payments, as per the research report of Persistence Market Research.By technology, SMS and WAP/WEB will continue to account for most of the transactions conducted worldwide. Mobile payments conducted through SMS will witness a robust CAGR of 24.5% over the forecast period. In the year 2015, the revenue from the SMS segment was US$ 238,884.3 Mn and this is going to be at the value of US$ 678,117.1 Mn by 2020 end.Mobile payments conducted through WAP/WEB will witness a CAGR of 48.0% during the forecast period. In the year 2015, the revenue from the WAP/WEB segment was US$ 164,386.1 Mn and this is going to be valued at US$ 1,725,209.6 at the end of the forecast period in the year 2020.Money transfer and merchandise purchases account for over 90% revenue share of the global mobile payment transaction market on the basis of end-use purpose. Mobile payments made for merchandise purchases will be worth US$ 323.73 Bn in 2016, up from US$ 228.32 Bn in 2015. Money transfer, the largest end-use purpose in the mobile payment transaction market, will grow by over 38% to surpass US$ 381 Bn in revenues.A sample of this report is available upon request @The market for mobile payments will continue to be robust in APEJ and Africa, as majority of people there dont own a credit card, in contrast of the situation in Europe and United States. So, consumers in APEJ and Africa are making a direct shift from using cash to using mobile payments. Growth in the mobile payments market will be particularly strong in China. This is due to the entry of major market players like Apple and Samsung in the Chinese market, making the competition more fierce and interesting.Request to view table of content @Due to a strong showing in China, the market for mobile payment will continue to grow in the Asia Pacific region and this region will be the leading market in the world in terms of volume. However, in terms of value, it is Africa that will maintain its number one position in the mobile payment transaction market. This is due to the spectacular success of M-Pesa in Kenya and this has influenced consumers and businesses in other regions of Africa to adopt the technology of mobile payments. This has boosted the market of mobile payment transaction market in Africa. Currently, Africa has nearly 32% revenue share of the global mobile payment market, and boasts of a subscriber base of over 100 million. Other than Asia Pacific and Africa, Western Europe and United States are other lucrative regions for mobile payment transaction market the world over.Leading players operating in the global mobile payment transaction market are PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Alipay.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:
IoT in Process Manufacturing Market - Global Drivers, Opportunities, Trends & Will witness a CAGR of 46.3% Forecast upto 2022

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HTF Market Report released a new research document of 91 pages on industry titled as 'Global IoT in Process Manufacturing Market  Drivers, Opportunities, Trends, and Forecasts: 20162022' with detailed analysis, Competitive landscape, forecast and strategies.SummaryIoT in Process Manufacturing Market  Global Drivers, Opportunities, Trends, and Forecasts to 2022Brief:Globally, the increasing pressure to improve production activities and performance has led the process manufacturing industry players to adopt IoT in their business units. IoT in process manufacturing allows the companies to gather more data from the production operations by connecting smart devices to their networks.Understanding the various aspects of IoT in process manufacturing helps the manufacturers to address security issues, improves operation efficiency, reduces the operation costs, improves business operations & intelligent decision making, and helps to offer better customer service. It will enhance the smart features such as smart monitoring, production integration, remote diagnosis, and predictive maintenance. Globally, IoT players are coming up with new innovations to increase the IoT adoption rate in process manufacturing industries.Request a sample report @Market AnalysisAccording to Infoholic Research, the IoT in process manufacturing market will witness a CAGR of 46.3% during the forecast period 20162022.The market is segmented by types, applications, technology, verticals, and regions. The increasing demand for real-time monitoring applications and customized IoT solutions are the major drivers for the market growth. In addition, rising implementation of machine learning, big data, analytics, sensor technology, and cloud technology are supporting the IoT in process manufacturing market.Technology AnalysisTechnologies play a key role in implementing IoT in process manufacturing industry. The major technologies covered in this report are Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, Bluetooth & BLE, and Ethernet. These technologies assist the manufacturers in machine-to-machine communications (M2M), asset tracking & inventory management, logistics maintenance, and other processes in manufacturing plant. Wi-Fi is the major technology that is being implemented by process manufacturing players and has huge market share, growing at a CAGR of 47.7% during the forecast period 20162022.Services & Applications AnalysisThe services covered in the report are professional services, managed services, system integrations, and others. Professional services is dominating in the service segment and its market revenue is expected to reach $4,752.8 million by 2022.The professional service helps to adapt to changes in business process, provides operational effectiveness by combining CRM and ERP in the production process, provides real-time visibility into the operations, and also increases the profit of the companies.ApplicationsThe applications covered in this report are predictive maintenance, assets tracking & inventory management, supply chain & logistics, remote monitoring & control, process automation, and others.The process manufacturers are benefiting from the implementation of advanced IoT applications. Predictive maintenance applications are in demand as it reduces the downtime & maintenance cost, increases equipment efficiency by maximizing the equipment uptime, increases the quality of the production, and enhances the supply chain process.Verticals AnalysisMore than 40% of the manufacturers are using the data generated from the connected devices and more than 15% of the manufacturers are planning to use the data in the next 5 years. The verticals covered in this report are FMCG, life sciences, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, and others. The FMCG market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43.3% during the forecast period 20162022. Life sciences and oil & gas industries hold the business opportunities for the key stakeholders. The chemical industry will be the emerging market in the next 67 years.Regional AnalysisIn the Americas, North America is the fastest-growing region, where a lot of technologies are emerging and being implemented by various organizations. SMEs in the region are adopting and demanding for IoT technology when compared to other regions. The IT organizations in North America are investing in R&D to innovate IoT solutions in the process manufacturing industry. The Americas is expected to be the major contributor in the IoT in process manufacturing market followed by Europe due to increase in the demand for the connected devices and adoption of advanced technologies.Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a faster rate in the next 5 years due to increase in government initiatives for encouraging the deployment of IoT solutions, and MEA is an emerging market for key stakeholders specific to oil & gas industry.Buy this report @Key Players & Competitive Analysis:Some of the key players are PTC Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., IBM Corporation, GE, SAP SE, Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., and others. At present, big players are acquiring small and start-up players to increase their market share. Also, they are focusing on offering customized IoT solutions to the manufacturers at competitive price to improve the operation performance and flexibility in the production process.Benefits:The report provides an in-depth analysis of the demand and the adoption rate of technologies, applications, services, and software of IoT technology in the process manufacturing industry.The study covers and analyzes the Global IoT in Process Manufacturing market. Bringing out the complete key insights of the industry, the report aims to provide an opportunity for players to understand the latest trends, current market scenario, government initiatives, and technologies related to the market. In addition, helps the venture capitalist in understanding the companies better and take informed decisions.Get Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of Contents1 Industry Outlook 101.1 Industry Overview 101.2 Industry Trends 101.3 PEST Analysis 112 Report Outline 112.1 Report Scope 112.2 Report Summary 122.3 Research Methodology 122.4 Report Assumptions 133 Market Snapshot 133.1 Total Addressable Market (TAM) 133.2 Segmented Addressable Market (SAM) 143.3 Related Markets 143.3.1 IoT in Consumer Electronics 143.3.2 Smart Home Market 154 Market Outlook 154.1 Overview 154.2 Market Definition  Infoholic Research 154.3 Market Trends 164.4 Market Segmentation 164.5 Porter 5 (Five) Forces 175 Market Characteristics 175.1 Ecosystem 175.2 Market Dynamics 185.2.1 Drivers 195.2.1.1 Low operational costs 195.2.1.2 Improved optimization and control of operations 195.2.1.3 Better customer service and support 195.2.2 Restraints 195.2.2.1 Lack of standards and regulations 195.2.2.2 Supply chain concerns 195.2.2.3 Lack of unified data models 205.2.3 Opportunities 205.2.3.1 New business models 205.2.3.2 Diversification of revenue stream 205.2.3.3 Sustainable growth in IoT space 205.2.3.4 Rising demand for the automation solutions 205.2.4 DRO  Impact Analysis 215.2.5 Key Stakeholders 226 Types: Market Size and Analysis 226.1 Overview 226.1.1 Market Size and Analysis 226.2 Software 236.3 Services: Market Size and Analysis 246.3.1 Overview 246.3.2 Managed Services 246.3.3 Professional Services 246.3.4 System Integration 256.3.5 Others 26....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)
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2017-2022

http://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=501&flag=B

http://www.imarcgroup.com/hpmc-technical-material-market-report

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The global HPMC market has witnessed a positive growth in recent years. This can be attributed to the increasing applications of HPMC in industries such as construction, pharmaceutical, food, textile, cosmetics, etc.The latest report by IMARC Group titled, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2017-2022, finds that the global HPMC market reached a value of more than US$ 3.4 Billion in 2016, growing at a CAGR of around 7% during 2009-2016. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic and chemically inert synthetic modification of the natural polymer alkali cellulose, with the chemical formula C12H20O10. It is a white to slightly off-white powder without any distinct taste or odour. When HPMC is dissolved in water, it swells, thickens, emulsifies and forms protective colloids. HPMC is produced by treating cotton linter or wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution. It is most commonly used as an alternative to gelatin as it has a vegetarian source and is physically similar to gelatin. It also acts as a replacement for gluten in gluten-free food products. It is also used as a thickening agent, coating polymer, binder and bio-adhesive in pharmaceutical, food and industrial sectors.Get Sample of the Report:Highlights of the global HPMC market:Demand for low-fat food products is one of the major growth drivers for the market.The construction sector represents one of the largest end-use sectors of HPMC.China accounts for the majority of the production globally.Development in the construction sector is the major factor contributing to the market growth. In this sector, HPMC is used in tile adhesives, paints and coatings, cement renders, gypsum products, mortar, latex putty, etc. Apart from this, HPMC is also used in the food industry to improve the physical properties and as a fat replacer in low-fat food products. The increased demand for these food products, encouraged by rising health consciousness among consumers, has also influenced the market. Some of the other factors encouraging the market growth include increase in per capita incomes, rising population and changing consumer preferences. Owing to these factors, the global HPMC market is further expected to grow, reaching a value of more than US$ 4.5 Billion by 2022.On the basis of end-use, the construction industry represents the largest consumer of HPMC. This industry is followed by the pharmaceutical (including cosmetics) industry and food industry. On the basis of region, China accounts for the majority of the total global shares, representing the largest market for HPMC, followed by Western Europe. Other major regions include Other Asia, United States, Central/Eastern Europe, Middle East and South America. The market is highly concentrated in nature, dominated by a small number of global players. Some of the key players operating in the market are Shin Etsu Tylose, Ashland, Dow Chemicals, Shandong Head Co. Ltd. and Samsung Fine Chemicals.Browse full report with TOC @The report has examined the Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) market on the basis of:End-use:ConstructionPharmaceuticals (Including Cosmetics)Food IndustryOthersRegion:ChinaWestern EuropeOther AsiaUnited StatesCentral/Eastern EuropeMiddle EastSouth AmericaOthersKey Players:Shin Etsu TyloseAshlandDow ChemicalsShandong Head Co., LtdSamsung Fine ChemicalsBrowse Related Report:Laminated Veneer Lumber Market @Glue-Laminated Timber Market @IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.IMARCs information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the companys expertise.IMARC Group309 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USAWebsite:Email: sales@imarcgroup.comUSA: +1-631-791-1145Follow us on twitter: @imarcglobal
Tocopherol Acetate Market 2017-Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Lotioncrafter LLC, Kentucky Performance Products, Dormer Laboratories

Tocopherol Acetate Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Tocopherol Acetate Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Tocopherol Acetate 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 Tocopherol Acetate industry, and estimates the future trend of Tocopherol Acetate market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Tocopherol Acetate Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportSanta Cruz BiotechnologyLotioncrafter LLCKentucky Performance ProductsDormer LaboratoriesThe market research report explores the Tocopherol Acetate market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Tocopherol Acetate 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 Tocopherol Acetate market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Tocopherol Acetate. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Tocopherol Acetate 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 Tocopherol Acetate is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Tocopherol Acetate market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Tocopherol Acetate market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Tocopherol Acetate market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Tocopherol Acetate production volume, data pertaining to demand and Tocopherol Acetate supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Tocopherol Acetate 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 Tocopherol Acetate 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 Aqua Gym Equipments Market 2017 : Sprint Aquatics, Aqua-Fitness, Aquajogger, Texas Rec, BECO-Beermann

Aqua Gym Equipments

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QY Market Research published, Top Manufacturers Analysis Of Aqua Gym Equipments Research Report. A market study based on the "Aqua Gym Equipments Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Aqua Gym Equipments Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Aqua Gym Equipments industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Aqua Gym Equipments market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportAqua Lung InternationalSpeedo InternationalSprint AquaticsAqua-FitnessAquajoggerTexas RecBECO-BeermannBlack Lagoon ProductsFinisHydro-FitN-FOXThe report studies the industry for Aqua Gym Equipments across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Aqua Gym Equipments market & dynamics of demand and supply of Aqua Gym Equipments into consideration. The 'Aqua Gym Equipments' research study covers each and every aspect of the Aqua Gym Equipments market globally, which starts from the definition of the Aqua Gym Equipments industry and develops towards Aqua Gym Equipments market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Aqua Gym Equipments market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Aqua Gym Equipments market. The geographical segmentation of the Aqua Gym Equipments industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Aqua Gym Equipments is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Aqua Gym Equipments market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Aqua Gym Equipments market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Aqua Gym Equipments market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Aqua Gym Equipments production volume, data regarding demand and Aqua Gym Equipments supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Aqua Gym Equipments across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Business are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Business, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide BusinessUnited States
Travel Vaccines Market to Expand with Significant CAGR by -2021

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Health related complications are greater in developing countries and rural areas because of dissimilarities in sanitary conditions, available food and water bases. The immunization Practices Advisory Committee of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that travelers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, irrespective of travel plans. The target population for the travel vaccines market include outbound travelers.Get access to full summary @:The travel vaccines for the prevention of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, tetanus, poliomyelitis, meningococcal disease, typhoid fever are manufactured by leading market players namely Sanofi Pasteur, Merck, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. Among these aforementioned companies, Sanofi Pasteur and GSK are the notable players in the travel vaccines market that accounts for approximately 85% of total market. Recently in March 2014, Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines segment of Sanofi announced its long term strategic collaboration with SK Chemicals Company to develop pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV).A sample of this report is available upon request @The driving factors for the growth of this market include increase in awareness about vaccine preventable diseases and rise in global travel traffic. Moreover, innovation of novel vaccine technologies and technological advancements towards molecular genetics is further boosting the growth of market in coming years. However, requirement of expertise for the production of vaccines and unfavorable healthcare funding towards vaccination could pose a challenge for the growth this market.Geographically, North America will be the leading market for global travel vaccines market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The major contributing factors for North America to lead the market include involvement of large number of companies in the production of vaccines and introduction of superior range of vaccines in the market. However, Asia-Pacific market is forecast to grow at a significant growth rate in coming years.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The leading players of this market include GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur, Merck, Novartis, and Pfizer. Other key participants of this market include ALK  Abello A/S, Bavarian Nordic A/S, Crucell N.V., CSL Ltd. Medimmune Inc. and Vaxin 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:
United States Biogas Market Analysis 2017: Revealing Key Drivers and Latest Growth Trends

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The Market Research Hubs report offers majority of the latest and newest industry data that covers the overall market situation along with future prospects for United States Biogas Market. The research study includes significant data and also forecasts of the global market which makes the research report a helpful resource for marketing people, analysts, industry executives, consultants, sales and product managers, and other people who are in need of major industry data in a ready-to-access format along with clear presentation of graphs and tables.Request Free Sample Report: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 Biogas in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).United States Biogas market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Biogas sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingAir LiquideWartsilaEnviTech BiogasAsia BiogasSCANDINAVIAN BIOGAS FUELSSchmack BiogasSwedish BiogasPlanET BiogasS.P.Renewable Energy SourceAgrinz TechnologiesGreenlane BiogasOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAgriculture SourceMunicipal SourceIndustrial and Other SourceOn 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 Biogas for each application, includingElectricityHeatVehicle Fuel and OthersMake An Enquiry:Table of Contents1 Biogas Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Biogas1.2 Classification of Biogas by Product Category1.2.1 United States Biogas Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Biogas Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Agriculture Source1.2.4 Municipal Source1.2.5 Industrial and Other Source1.3 United States Biogas Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Biogas Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Electricity1.3.3 Heat.2 United States Biogas Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Biogas Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Biogas Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Biogas Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)..3 United States Biogas Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Biogas Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Biogas Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Continued..Browse Full Report With TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News At:
Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel Market 2017-ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel, Salzgitter AG, Nippon Steel, Essar Steel, OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron, ThyssenKrupp AG

Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel 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 Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel industry, and estimates the future trend of Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportArcelorMittalTata SteelSalzgitter AGNippon SteelEssar SteelOJSC Magnitogorsk IronThyssenKrupp AGSSAB ABUnited States SteelThe market research report explores the Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel 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 Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel 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 Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel production volume, data pertaining to demand and Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel 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 Siliconized Polyester Coated Steel 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
Automotive Crankcase Additives Market in United States Anticipated for Progressive CAGR Growth during 2017

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The report on Automotive Crankcase Additives Market is the latest addition to the huge database of Market Research Hub. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Automotive Crankcase Additives Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Automotive Crankcase Additives Market, manufacturers, and distributors are profiled in the report along with the latest Industry development current and future trends.Request Free Sample Report: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 Automotive Crankcase Additives in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).United States Automotive Crankcase Additives market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Automotive Crankcase Additives sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingABRO IndustriesChemtura CorporationAfton Chemical CorporationEvonik IndustriesThe Lubrizol CorporationChevronCroda InternationalThe Armor All/STP Products CompanyBrenntag HoldingRoyal Dutch ShellENIBRB InternationalVanderbilt ChemicalsPetroleum ChemicalsBASFOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAntioxidantsFriction ModifiersDetergent AdditivesRust InhibitorsPour Point DepressantsViscosity Index Improvers (VII)Anti-Foam AgentsAnti-Misting AgentsOthersOn 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 Automotive Crankcase Additives for each application, includingPetrol EnginesDiesel EnginesNatural Gas EnginesOthersMake An Enquiry:Table of Contents1 Automotive Crankcase Additives Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automotive Crankcase Additives1.2 Classification of Automotive Crankcase Additives by Product Category1.2.1 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Antioxidants1.2.4 Friction Modifiers1.2.5 Detergent Additives1.2.6 Rust Inhibitors1.2.7 Pour Point Depressants1.2.8 Viscosity Index Improvers (VII)1.2.9 Anti-Foam Agents1.2.10 Anti-Misting Agents1.2.11 Others1.3 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Petrol Engines1.3.3 Diesel Engines1.3.4 Natural Gas Engines1.3.5 Others1.4 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market by Region.2 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017).3 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Automotive Crankcase Additives Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Continued.Browse Full Report With TOC:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News At:
Silicone Airway Stent Market 2017-Boston Scientific Corporation, Covidien, Cook Medical, Novatech Health, W.L. Gore & Associates, C.R. Bard, Micro-Tech

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Silicone Airway Stent Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Silicone Airway Stent 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 Silicone Airway Stent industry, and estimates the future trend of Silicone Airway Stent market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Silicone Airway Stent Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportBoston Scientific CorporationCovidienCook MedicalNovatech HealthW.L. Gore & AssociatesC.R. BardMicro-TechThe market research report explores the Silicone Airway Stent market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Silicone Airway Stent 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 Silicone Airway Stent market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Silicone Airway Stent. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Silicone Airway Stent 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 Silicone Airway Stent is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Silicone Airway Stent market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Silicone Airway Stent market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Silicone Airway Stent market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Silicone Airway Stent production volume, data pertaining to demand and Silicone Airway Stent supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Silicone Airway Stent 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 Silicone Airway Stent 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
Rhizoma Imperatae Extract Market 2017-Hunan Xiaofu Biotechnology, Hubei Sanjiang Pharmaceutical Technology, Jiahui Biotechnology, Tiande Biological, Natural,, Herbal Malaysia

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Rhizoma Imperatae Extract Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Rhizoma Imperatae Extract 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 Rhizoma Imperatae Extract industry, and estimates the future trend of Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Rhizoma Imperatae Extract Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportHunan Xiaofu BiotechnologyHubei Sanjiang Pharmaceutical TechnologyJiahui BiotechnologyTiande BiologicalNatural Herbal MalaysiaBoliseNingBo Dekang BiochemThe market research report explores the Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Rhizoma Imperatae Extract 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 Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Rhizoma Imperatae Extract. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Rhizoma Imperatae Extract 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 Rhizoma Imperatae Extract is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Rhizoma Imperatae Extract market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Rhizoma Imperatae Extract production volume, data pertaining to demand and Rhizoma Imperatae Extract supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Rhizoma Imperatae Extract 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 Rhizoma Imperatae Extract 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 Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market 2017- Givaudan,Firmenich , International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF),Symrise, Takasago International

Global Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market 2017

http://bit.ly/2rUuzOo

https://market.biz/report/global-natural-fragrance-ingredients-market-2017/80432/

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The Global Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market 2017 examines the performance of the Natural Fragrance Ingredients market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the Natural Fragrance Ingredients market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Natural Fragrance Ingredients market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market 2017 report includes Natural Fragrance Ingredients industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Natural Fragrance Ingredients Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Natural Fragrance Ingredients Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market 2017:1 Givaudan2 Firmenich3 International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF)4 Symrise5 Takasago International6 Frutarom Industries7 Sensient Flavors and Fragrances8 Robertet9 Huabao10 ManeNatural Fragrance Ingredients Market Analysis: By ProductFlower BasedWood BasedMusk BasedFruit BasedSpice BasedOther (Grass)Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market Analysis: By ApplicationHousehold CareCosmeticsOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top Natural Fragrance Ingredients manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Natural Fragrance Ingredients report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Natural Fragrance Ingredients industry, Natural Fragrance Ingredients industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Natural Fragrance Ingredients Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Natural Fragrance Ingredients 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 Natural Fragrance Ingredients market revenue worldwide.Finally, Natural Fragrance Ingredients market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market 2017- MMC, Vacuumschmelze, Zhong Ke San Huan, TDK, Zhenghai Magnetic

Global NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market 2017

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https://market.biz/report/global-ndfeb-permanent-magnets-neodymium-iron-boron-market-2017/80433/

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The Global NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market 2017 examines the performance of the NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market 2017 report includes NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) industry volume, market Share, market Trends, NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market 2017:1 Hitachi Metals2 MMC3 Vacuumschmelze4 Zhong Ke San Huan5 TDK6 Zhenghai Magnetic7 Ningbo Yunsheng8 Tianhe Magnets9 Shougang Magnetic Material10 Jingci MagnetNdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market Analysis: By ProductSintered NdFeB MagnetBonded NdFeB MagnetNdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market Analysis: By ApplicationConsumer ElectronicsIndustrial MotorEnergy-saving AppliancesVehicleOtherAt the beginning, the report covers the top NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) industry, NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) 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 NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) market revenue worldwide.Finally, NdFeB Permanent Magnets (Neodymium-iron-boron) market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global Nylon12 Market 2017- Evonik, Arkema, UBE, EMS-Grivory, INVISTA , Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Global Nylon12 Market 2017

http://bit.ly/2rUyXgp

https://market.biz/report/global-nylon12-market-2017/80435/

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The Global Nylon12 Market 2017 examines the performance of the Nylon12 market. It encloses an in-depth judgment of the Nylon12 market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Nylon12 market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Nylon12 Market 2017 report includes Nylon12 industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Nylon12 Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Nylon12 Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Nylon12 Market 2017:1 Evonik2 Arkema3 UBE4 EMS-Grivory5 INVISTA6 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation7 Atotech8 Shandong Guangyin New Materials9 Zibo Guangtong ChemicalNylon12 Market Analysis: By ProductBlow Molding GradeInjection Molding GradeNylon12 Market Analysis: By ApplicationMedical Sterilization BagsFood Packaging BagsElectronicsAutomobile IndustriesOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Nylon12 manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Nylon12 report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Nylon12 industry, Nylon12 industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Nylon12 Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Nylon12 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 Nylon12 market revenue worldwide.Finally, Nylon12 market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Contact Us:James JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, PuneMaharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Web:Email: inquiry@market.bizBrowse Latest News-
Global Battery-less TPMS Market 2017 : Transense, VisiTyre, STE Engineering

Battery-less TPMS

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QY Market Research published, Top Manufacturers Analysis Of Battery-less TPMS Research Report. A market study based on the "Battery-less TPMS Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Battery-less TPMS Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Battery-less TPMS industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Battery-less TPMS market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportTransenseVisiTyreSTE EngineeringThe report studies the industry for Battery-less TPMS across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Battery-less TPMS market & dynamics of demand and supply of Battery-less TPMS into consideration. The 'Battery-less TPMS' research study covers each and every aspect of the Battery-less TPMS market globally, which starts from the definition of the Battery-less TPMS industry and develops towards Battery-less TPMS market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Battery-less TPMS market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Battery-less TPMS market. The geographical segmentation of the Battery-less TPMS industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Battery-less TPMS is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Battery-less TPMS market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Battery-less TPMS market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Battery-less TPMS market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Battery-less TPMS production volume, data regarding demand and Battery-less TPMS supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Battery-less TPMS across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Business are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Business, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide BusinessUnited States
Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales Market 2017 - Rexam, HCP Packing, Beautystar, Albea Group, Axilone, Amcor

https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/65667/request-sample

https://goo.gl/h5N1FT

www.fiormarkets.com

www.albaniantimes.com

The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whats more, the Cosmetics Boxes Sales industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales Industry is an in-depth report that offers a unique mix of specialist industry knowledge and the region-wise research expertise. The report delivers the market size and the trends for each sector.Request For Sample Report @The report on Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market begins with an overview of the market. The report details the historical data of the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market along with the current scenario. Then the report covers the trends shaping the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market. The drivers and restraints that will shape this industry during the forecast period have been evaluated in detail. Moving on, the report dwells on the market opportunities and their impact on the key players operating in the market. Moreover, the key threats the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market will experience during the forecast period are discussed.The next part of the report features an in-depth segmentation of the market. The report includes valuable information about the key segments in the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market along with their sub-sectors. Revenue share and size along with insightful forecasts of these key segments and other prominent sub-segments are available in this report. The report explores the trends that will impact the growth of the emerging regional sectors in the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market.Access Full Report With TOC @The recent findings along with the promise they hold for the future in the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market have also been analyzed. The report features contributions from several key industry participants along with scientists that are leading figures in their respective fields.Towards the end, the report scrutinizes the competitive landscape of the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market. Most prominent players with their business overview are featured in this research study. The key players market revenue, top strategies, innovations, collaborations, and other developments are mentioned in detail in the report. These insights about the top companies in the Global Cosmetics Boxes Sales market will let the user know about the market opportunities they can tap on to, with the best of tactical decisions.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice-108, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Cosmetics Jar Sales Market 2017 - Inoac, Baralan, Silgan Holding Inc., Uflex, World Wide Packing, Sabic

https://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/65668/request-sample

https://goo.gl/RXLJaa

www.fiormarkets.com

www.albaniantimes.com

The report titled Cosmetics Jar Sales is an in-depth and a professional document that provides a comprehensive overview of the global Cosmetics Jar Sales market.The report provides an executive-level blueprint of the Cosmetics Jar Sales market beginning with the definition of the market dynamics. The analysis classifies the Cosmetics Jar Sales market in terms of products, application, and key geographic regions. With focus on presenting a detailed value chain analysis, the study evaluates the set of region-specific approaches forged by the industry. To determine the market potential for Cosmetics Jar Sales in the international scenario, the study delves into the competitive landscape and development landscape exhibited by the key geographic regions.Request 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 Cosmetics Jar Sales 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.To provide a detailed analysis on the competitive landscape, the report profiles the key players in the Cosmetics Jar Sales industry. Information present in these chapters includes details of products manufactured by the leading companies, product specification and price, and production capacity. Using reliable analytical tools, the report evaluates the information sourced from both primary and secondary research. Results obtained through the detailed analysis helps in presenting refined forecasts regarding growth prospects of the Cosmetics Jar Sales market. Apart from this, the analysts have also conducted upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis to compile and present an exhaustive study on the Cosmetics Jar Sales market.Access Full Report With TOC @A detailed segmentation evaluation of the Cosmetics Jar Sales market has been provided in the report. Detailed information about the key segments of the market and their growth prospects are available in the report. The detailed analysis of their sub-segments is also available in the report. The revenue forecasts and volume shares along with market estimates are available in the report.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerOffice-108, Sanskriti AspirationsBaner Road, Pune,MH 411045IndiaPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
High Temperature Ceramics Market to Witness Steady Growth through 2020

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-179

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-179

www.futuremarketinsights.com

Ceramics are covalent compounds containing metal and non-metal atoms primarily held in covalent and ionic bonds. Generally, ceramics are made by taking mixtures of earth elements, powders, water and clay. This mixture is shaped into the desired form and is then fired in a high temperature oven. Ceramics are then painted with glazes which are waterproof and decorative. At elevated temperature, ceramics have high hardness, high melting points, excellent chemical corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. Some ceramics are good dielectrics or insulators, whereas others are good electrical or thermal conductors. Ceramics are widely used in our daily life. Glass, plates, bricks, tiles and sanitary ware are some examples of the ceramics we see every day. Ceramics can also be found in products like automobiles (sparkplug), phone lines and watches. They are even used in space shuttles and aircrafts. Ceramics can be broadly classified into two categories: traditional and advanced. Traditional ceramics include clay products such as cement and glass, whereas advanced ceramics consist of pure oxides, nitrides, carbides and many others.Advanced ceramics are widely used in industrial applications where the operating temperature is generally high or which require hard substances that can withstand great pressure. Ceramics offer various advantages compared to other materials. Ceramics are more corrosion and heat resistant than polymers or metals, stiffer and harder than steel, and have a lower density than most alloys and metals. Raw material for advance ceramics materials are plentiful, inexpensive and display wide range of properties. For automotive applications, they are used in various applications like airbag sensors, spark plugs, valves, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, thermistors, catalytic converters, ceramic rotors, ceramic filters piston rings and safety glass windshields.Request For Report Sample@The different types of high temperature ceramics include ceramic matrix composites and ultrahigh temperature ceramic coatings. Advanced high temperature materials are key components in the emerging material technologies, which are giving impetus to many industries. The global high temperature ceramics market is driven by several factors like replacement of materials for the sake of creating cost effective solutions, the growing demand for energy conservation across various industries, and government regulations to reduce greenhouse emissions.The global high temperature ceramics market is led by AsiaPacific (APAC) which accounts for over 40-45% of the total consumption by volume. The cost of high temperature ceramics in APAC is lesser than that in Europe, North America or Latin America. In terms of revenue, North America is the largest market followed by APAC and Europe. The cost of high temperature ceramics is expected to remain low for the next few years in the APAC region. Due to government regulations and incentives offered for sustainability and energy conservation, North America and Europe are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the high temperature ceramics market.On the basis of industry applications, the global high temperature ceramics market is segmented into automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, metallurgical, power generation and others. Some of the most common applications of high temperature ceramics are afterburners, boilers, castings, exhaust stacks, flanges, furnaces, headers, incinerators, manifolds, molds and dies, ovens, heat exchangers, pumps, blowers, pipingand ducting. In the aerospace industry, high temperature ceramics are used in cutting edge applications, which require structural and chemical stability at extremely high operating temperatures. On the basis of composition, the high temperature ceramics are segmented into oxides (alumina, zirconia), non-oxides (carbides, nitrides) and composites (combination of oxides and non-oxides).Request For TOC@There are many global and regional players operating in the high temperature ceramics market especially in APAC. Some of the key participants are Morgan Thermal Ceramics, ZIRCAR Ceramics, Inc., Skamol A/S, Promat International, IBIDEN Company Ltd., Rath Incorporated, General Insulation Europe Ltd., Unifrax Corporation, and Shandong Luyang Share Co. Ltd.In future, the understanding and controlling behavior of the microstructures and properties of high temperature ceramics are expected to be key elements in research activities. This research will further increase the operating temperature limits of existing high temperature ceramics.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:
Sperm Bank Market Set to Surge Significantly by 2021

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/sperm-bank-market.asp

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5330

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5330

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Sperm bank is a specialized organization, that collects and stores the sperms collected from human sperm donors for the provision to women who need such sperm to have a pregnancy. Sperm bank also known as cryobank or semen bank, and sperms donated in the bank are known as donor sperm, whereas the process of sperm insertion is known as artificial insemination. It is notable that the pregnancy achieved by using sperms in the sperm bank is similar to natural pregnancy, achieved by sexual intercourse.Get access to full summary @:The major mechanism involved in the operation of sperm bank underlies the provision of sperms, donated by sperm donors, to the needy women, who, due to various reasons, such as, physiological problems, widow, age and others, are not able to achieve pregnancy. Sperm bank forms the formal contract with sperm donors, usually for the period of 6-24 months, during which he has to produce sperms and donate to the bank. Usually, monetary compensation will be offered to sperm donors. Although, a donor can donate his sperms for more than two years, but, due to laws and regulations of various countries and a potential threat of consanguinity, a contract is made for maximum two years only.A donor produces his sperms in a specialized room, called mens production room. From this, the semen fluid is washed, in order to extract the sperms from other materials present in the semen. In case of frozen storage, a cryoprotectant semen extender is added in the sample. Usually, around 20 vials can be extracted from one sample of semen, collected from a sperm donor. These vials are stored in cryogenically preserved condition, in the liquid nitrogen (N2) tanks. Usually, sperms are stored for the period of around 6 months. However, it can be stored for a longer period of time.The services offered by sperm bank includes provision of sperms, donors selection, guiding recipient for selection of donor, sex selection of baby, and sales of sperms. Although, sperm banks play a major role in the women who are not able to achieve pregnancy, due to some controversial issues, such as, use of sperms by lesbian couples and others, government healthcare bodies of various countries imposed strict regulations on the sperm bank.A sample of this report is available upon request @In the U.S., sperm banks are regulated by FDA, and treated as Human Cell or Human Tissue or Human Cell and Tissue (HCT/Ps), in the European Union, it is been regulated by EU Tissue Directive, whereas, in the U.K., it is regulated by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority.The global market for sperm banks is expected to increase in steady manner in the forecast period, due to market growth propellers, such as, increased prevalence of women miscarriage, technological innovations in the sperm storage industry, and growing awareness towards this type of pregnancy. Increased miscarriage rate is one of the major drivers that fuels market growth. According to the study report published by HopeXchange, out of 4.4 million pregnancies carried every year in the U.S., around 1 million pregnancies result into miscarriage.Similarly, due to growing concerns towards such pregnancy that achieved without sexual intercourse is also an important market growth propeller. On the other hand, various governmental regulations, negative mindset towards sperm banks and donor, high cost associated with the operating of sperm bank and limited spread across the various regions of the world are some of the major hurdles in the market growth.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Major players operating in the market includes Cryos International Sperm Bank, FairFax Cryobank, Androcryos, New England Cryogenic Center, Inc. and others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer 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:
Toxicology Laboratories Market to Register Substantial Expansion by 2021

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http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5399

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/5399

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Toxicology in the field of biology, chemistry and medicines, deals with the study of adverse effects caused to living organisms due to certain chemicals. Toxicology testing involves detection, identification and also the measurement of approximate quantity of drugs and other foreign compounds in biological and related specimens to help in the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of poisoning. The importance for their evaluation lies with their potential to cause birth defects, cancer and other adverse health hazards. Toxicologists working in the toxicology laboratories are specialized scientists or medical persons with knowledge of symptoms, mechanisms, treatment and detection of toxins.Get access to full summary @:Advances in biotechnology, and molecular biology have paved the way for major improvements in evaluation of health risks due to potentially toxic chemicals. These advances are also reducing need for animal testing by developing more laboratory tests based on human cells. The toxicology laboratories may reside in hospitals or as a separate facility. Toxicity studies primarily conducted for new pharmaceutical applications to be submitted to FDA require human subjects, but under strict ethical considerations. Various regulatory agencies such as U.S. FDA in the U.S. and EMEA in Europe provide guidance documents for toxicology studies.The global toxicology laboratories market can be segmented based on test type and application. Test types majorly include blood testing and/or urine testing. Various applications include drugs of abuse, medicines, foods additives, industrial and agricultural chemicals and also forensic toxicology analysis. Drugs which can be detected by toxicology screening include alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, phencyclidine and methadone.A sample of this report is available upon request @Geographically, the global toxicology laboratories market can be segmented into four major regions namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. Additionally, there are various types of toxicity studies carried out using animals to evaluate acute, chronic, sub-chronic, carcinogenicity, reproductive, developmental, dermal, ocular, genetic and neurotoxicity. New high through put technologies developed by the pharmaceutical companies provide toxicology laboratories to use efficient automated methods for testing of effects of chemicals on biological activities.Bioinformatics and rapid assay technologies are helping researchers to better understand the cellular networks in the human body which is the key to maintaining health. Gene expression profiling is also being used to predict toxicity since gene expression is known to rapid change on toxin exposure. Toxicogenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics aim to investigate the adverse biological effects induced by toxic compounds. Toxicology laboratories make use of genomic information since it plays a n important role in determining toxicity response by a biological system.The prediction of toxicity based on non-invasive urine and blood samples is a promising achievement, since multiple sampling over a long time period allows the monitoring of chronic toxicity. Increasing number of drug developments and technological advancements such as computerized testing methods are expected to drive the global toxicology laboratories market in the near future.However, there are various factors which affect chemical toxicology and thus standardization of toxicity testing becomes difficult. These factors include drug dosage, route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin exposure) and other factors such as age, species, sex, health and individual characteristics.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The industry leaders such as Quest Diagnostics offer services such as general toxicology, metals testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and prescription drug monitoring. The laboratory is known to conduct approximately nine million drug tests per year. Some of the toxicology laboratories include Agilent Technologies, Alere Laboratories, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Pacific Toxicology Laboratoies AIT Laboratories, Cardiff Toxicology Services, Aeon clinical laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, Gene Logic, Inc., Molecular Toxicology, Inc., and Covance, 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:
Galvanic Isolation Market : Value Chain, Dynamics and Key Players (2015 - 2025)

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Global Galvanic Isolation Market: OverviewGalvanic isolation is a designing technique that isolates functional sections of electrical systems to eliminate stray current. Optical isolators and transformer are generally used for galvanic isolation, which ensure AC signals to pass through the circuit but not stray current. Various galvanic isolation components such as relays and capacitors are used in intrinsic safety isolators, and healthcare equipment and monitoring system. In addition, galvanic isolation can be used in medical imaging devices, UPS, and invertors etc.Global Galvanic Isolation Market: SegmentationGalvanic isolation market is segmented into vertical and region. On the basis of vertical the global galvanic isolation market is segmented into telecom sector, healthcare sector, public sector, industrial sector, manufacturing sector, energy and utility sector, and transportation sector. FMI forecasts, telecom sector is expected to create a huge market opportunity for key players operating in the galvanic isolation market. Region wise the global galvanic isolation market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East and Africa (MEA).Request For Report Sample@Global Galvanic Isolation Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global galvanic isolation market is expected to witness a considerable growth in CAGR during the forecast period from 2015 to 2025. North America held the lead in terms of relative market share consumption value of galvanic isolation market in 2014. As per FMI projection, the galvanic isolation market in APEJ region is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR during the forecast period.Global Galvanic Isolation Market: DriversGalvanic isolation device is easy to install, provides signal conversion options and is cheaper than other isolators. In addition, long-term performance of galvanic isolation device and application specific design are some of the major factors identified in the market that are driving the growth of galvanic isolation market across the globe.Global Galvanic Isolation Market: RestraintFailure of galvanic isolation devices without any notification, alert or symptoms can act as a restraint which is expected to hinder the growth of the galvanic isolation market.Global Galvanic Isolation Market: Competitive LandscapeMajor players in the global galvanic isolation market focus on investing on research and development activities in order to come up with advanced products. For example, Avago Technologies limited launched dual-channel R2Coupler optocoupler devices, the ACFL-621xT and ACFL-521xT in 2015. These optocoupler have especially been designed for automotive applications. Additionally, in the same year, Avago Technologies limited launched a wide range of latest industrial fiber optical products in Europe.Request For TOC@Global Galvanic Isolation Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in the global galvanic isolation market are Corrpro Companies Inc., Avago Technologies limited (AVGO), STMicroelectronics N.V., ROHM Semiconductor, Perle Systems Europe Ltd., Infineon Technologies AG, Professional Mariner LLC., Pepper+Fuchs GmbH and Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) 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:
Deployable Military Shelter Systems Market : Opportunities and Forecast Assessment, 2015 - 2025

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Advancements in military activities, tactics, exercises and joint operations necessitated the development of niche products used by army personnel. Furthermore, witnessing the opportunity, a handful of equipment, system and solution manufacturers engaged in niche product development suitable for military application, as a result competition intensified in niche products segment used for military applications. Deployable Military Shelter System is one of such product which is used in applications ranging from temporary medical support centres to incident commands and fatality management centres to emergency distribution centres. These systems are deployed in remote area for temporary period. These systems are totally mobile in nature and are made up of technical textiles. These systems are largely used by infantry, rescue team and medical support team but constant research and development in this niche product segment unfolded new opportunities. Nowadays, availability of shelter systems for military application has not limited to support and shelter to just soldiers but also vehicles and aircrafts. A few of the North American and European companies developed deployable shelter systems to be used as hanger for aircrafts.Request For Report Sample@Drivers & ChallengesMilitary shelter systems demand is directly influenced by increase in military expenditure across the globe. Annual increase in defence budget allocation has been observed in across countries, whereas the year on year increase is very high in countries with stronger economy. Global military expenditure in 2014 was estimated at over US $ 1.7 Trillion; and with growing political and military tensions in different geographies, it is projected to increase at 1.5% annually through 2025. Moreover, a substantial share of military expenditure is channelized for buying equipment and systems for on the field military support. Since, deployable shelter systems are used in field exercises, it is anticipated that the increased military expenditure across countries will bolster the demand for deployable shelter systems viz. a viz. global deployable military systems market.Regional LandscapeIn terms of geography, the global deployable military shelter systems is concentrated in few of the pockets. Usage of deployable military shelter systems is very high in developed countries of North America and Europe. However, the trend is gradually picking up the pace in developed markets. A majority of the deployable military shelter systems manufacturers are dependent on NATO member countries for sales. Meanwhile, in recent years they also registered orders from Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries. Currently, European market for deployable military shelter systems is growing at a higher growth rate than the global average, but industry experts indicate a shift in demand from Asian countries, particularly Middle East and South Asia. In order to capitalize the opportunity, global majors engaged in manufacturing deployable shelter systems have deployed sales representatives in these countries.Deployable Military Shelter Systems Market SegmentsDeployable shelter system is differentiated on the basis of size and application.Deployable Military Shelter Systems Sizes :SmallMediumLargeRequest For TOC@Key PlayersAlaska StructuresRoder HTS HockerReevesZeppelinHDTABOUT 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:
Thermal Energy Storage Market Deep Research Study with Forecast by 2025

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Global Thermal Energy Storage Market: OverviewThermal energy storage systems consist of an insulating medium or combination of media that can hold on to captured heat for long periods. Thus, thermal energy systems are essentially thermal batteries that store energy in terms of temperature difference instead of potential difference.The rising awareness regarding the adverse effects of the use of greenhouse gases for energy generation has been one of the key drivers for the global thermal energy storage market in the recent past. While the use of renewable sources of energy has picked up steam in recent years, the renewable energy sector faces a considerable problem in the lack of consistent energy production from renewable energy sources. Thermal energy storage has been mooted as a solution in this regard and is likely to become a key part of the global renewable energy market in the coming years.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Thermal Energy Storage Market: Key TrendsThe rising use of combined energy generation units, wherein energy is harnessed from two or more renewable sources simultaneously, is a prime driver for the global thermal energy storage market. Solar and wind energy generation can usually be conducted on the same site and often on the same device. However, both solar and wind energy suffer from the lack of a reliable energy storage mechanism, as both energy sources are available infrequently. A rising number of residential as well as commercial consumers, particularly in developed countries, have started to install combined energy generation systems on their own land, which is likely to drive the demand for thermal energy storage systems in the coming years.Utilities distributors are also playing an important role in the development of the global thermal energy storage market. While the use of smart grids will help distributors provide utilities uniformly, the installation of thermal energy storage can help further smoothen the process.Request for TOC of the Report @On the other hand, despite the steady rise in the demand from the thermal energy storage market, the high cost of thermal energy storage technology is likely to hamper the growth of the market to some extent. Despite the rising demand for thermal energy storage technologies from the utilities sector, the thermal energy storage industry needs to achieve parity with other non-storage options.Global Thermal Energy Storage Market: Market PotentialDue to the high costs of developing and installing thermal energy storage systems, the market needs government support to enable widespread adoption. Developed countries such as the U.S. are likely to be at the forefront, with Maryland becoming the first American state to incentivize the use of energy storage with tax credits. The bill was passed in April 2017 and could be the first step in establishing a well-maintained and efficient power storage and distribution infrastructure that takes into account the variety of energy sources used in a modern economy.Global Thermal Energy Storage Market: Geographical DynamicsThe global thermal energy storage market is expected to be dominated by the Middle East and Africa (MEA) in the coming years, as the region receives abundant solar power and is also home to a power-intensive industrial sector. Europe and Asia Pacific could also play key roles in the growth of the global thermal energy storage market in the coming years due to the rising emphasis on solar power in both regions.Read Complete Report @Global Thermal Energy Storage Market: Competitive DynamicsThe report also discusses the competitive landscape of the global thermal energy storage market in detail by profiling the leading players operating in it. The key companies examined in the report include Ice Energy, Calmac, SolarReserve LLC, and Abengoa Solar.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 Cyber Security Market Expected to Expand at a Steady CAGR through 2022

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http://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-cyber-security-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022/1112787

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This report studies the global Cyber Security market, analyzes and researches the Cyber Security development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCiscoIBMGarrettComSiemensCyberArkSymantecHoneywellCyberconMAVERICKCheck PointWaterfallParsons?WurldtechWeinute TechnologyTOFINOHUACONNSFOCUSVisit for Discount Enquiry of this report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Cyber Security can be split intoSoftware productHardware productMarket segment by Application, Cyber Security can be split intoBankGovernmentEnterpriseOtherBuy a Copy of this report for a single user price of $3300 @Key Chapter1 Industry Overview of Cyber Security1.1 Cyber Security Market Overview1.1.1 Cyber Security Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Cyber Security 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 Asia2 Global Cyber Security Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Cyber Security 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 Cisco3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Cyber Security Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent DevelopmentsTo View Full 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. The research encompasses information gathered and examined by subject-matter experts, laying down growth opportunities and developmental strategies for enterprises.Reach at us:Flat No.10, Wing C,S. No. 245/4/2+245/5/1,Baner, Pune-411045Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +91 7507349866Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb:
Global Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017

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http://qyresearcheurope.com

SummaryThe Global Tocopherol Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Tocopherol industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Tocopherol 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 Tocopherol 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):DSMBASF SECargillAdisseoB&D Nutritional IngredientsArcher Daniels Midlands CompanyCOFCO Tech Bio EngineeringNHUDavos Life ScienceEisai Food and ChemicalAdvance Organic MaterialZhejiang LangboKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of TocopherolChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of TocopherolChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of TocopherolChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Tocopherol by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Tocopherol by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Tocopherol by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of TocopherolChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of TocopherolChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of TocopherolChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of TocopherolChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of TocopherolChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of TocopherolChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Tocopherol Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017India Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017China Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Tocopherol Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Tocopherol 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)
Colon Cancer Market Projected to Garner Significant Revenues by 2021

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Colon cancer is the cancer of large intestine which form the lower part of the digestive system. The disease usually begins with a small, benign clusters of cells known as adenomatous polyps. If left untreated, these polyps may result into colon cancer. Therefore, regular screening for polyps through colonoscopy in order to prevent it transforming to colon cancer is recommended. Change in bowel habits or blood in stool are the major symptoms of colon cancer.Get access to full summary @:Attributable epidemiological factors can be precancerous growth in the colon or genetic mutation. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends patients affected with colon cancer, for testing of genetic mutation in the KRAS gene which accounts for about 30% to 40% of colon tumors.There are three primary recommended therapies for treating colon cancer  surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgical procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection, colectomy and laparoscopy are preferred in early-stage and invasive colon cancer treatment therapy. Besides, chemotherapy involves administration of drugs that destroy cancer cells, usually recommended after the surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.A sample of this report is available upon request @In addition, targeted drugs such as bevacizumab (Avastin), cetuximab (Erbitux), panitumumab (Vectibix) and regorafenib (Stivarga) are administered to patients with advanced colon cancer. Radiation therapy utilizes powerful X-ray radiations to kill the cancer cells left after surgery, shrink large tumors before the surgery or relieve symptoms of colon cancer. Usually combined with chemotherapy, radiation therapy aids in reducing the risk of recurrence.According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed and second leading cause of cancer in the U.S. Rising incidences of colon cancer and high pricing of products have attracted pharmaceutical companies to develop and market new products. Healthcare practitioners are now cautioned with the cost-benefit ratio of colon cancer drugs owing to large presence and high pricing of products in this market. Extensive research and development in this field is expected to provide better and more effective medications in the future.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the key players contributing to this market include Bedford Laboratories, Sanofi Aventis, Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.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:
IQ4I Research & Consultancy published a new report on Biochips Global MarketForecast To 2023

Biochips Global Market is estimated to be worth $17,851.1 million by 2023

Biochips are the miniaturized version of the lab tests that are organized on a compact substrate which allows hundreds or thousands of the biochemical reactions to be executed. Typical biochips surface area is no bigger than a fingernail but performs several of biological reactions. Biochips provide abundance of applications like Gene expression, genotyping, protein expression, and screening of new drugs, diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.Biochips technologies are majorly differentiated into two types Microarrays and Microfluidics. According to IQ4I estimation, the biochips global market is expected to reach $17,851.1 million by 2023 growing at a double digit CAGR.Increase in usage of biochips in cancer diagnostics, biochips preference in personalized medicine, Widening application market of biochips, increased government funding are contributing to the growth of biochips market. However, high cost of biochips, lack of standardization, limited skilled personnel to work on biochips, stringent regulations for the approval of biochip products are causing the market to slow down.The biochips market is segmented into technology, products, applications, end users and by geography. Among two technologies microfluidics occupies major share in the global technology market and is projected to grow at a high double digit CAGR during 2016-2023. The products market is dominated by Reagents and Consumables, this segment accounts for the major share and is estimated to grow at double digit CAGR.The global biochips application segment is classified into Genomics, Proteomics, Drug discovery, Diagnostics and other applications. Diagnostics segment is the largest and fastest growing segment among applications. In diagnostics, point of care diagnostics intended to use portable simple test strips near the patient which in turn justified by the usage of microfluidics. And also biochips especially microfluidics will play a major role in the treatment of various diseases and therapy monitoring with personalized drug.End-users of biochips market are classified into pharmaceutical & biotech companies, Academic & research laboratories, Diagnostic laboratories, CROs (Contract & research organizations) and others. Diagnostic laboratories commanded the largest share among the end-users. Geographically, North America commanded the largest share in the Biochips global market in 2016. Asia-Pacific with emerging countries representing huge growth opportunities for the biochips market to flourish, the biochips market in this region is estimated to grow at high double digit CAGR.Advancements and newer technologies like portable inkjet printed microfluidic chips, 3D printed organ-on-chips are revolutionizing biochips market. For instance, a biochip invented by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) research scientists in October 2016 helps to trap and identify metastatic cancer cells present in a small amount of blood from cancer patients. Wound healing biochip is one of the emerging applications in recent days, which is developed by Professor Peter Ertl at the TU WIEN University (Austria). This chip is simpler, less expensive and highly accurate. It has microfluidic channels wherein, necessary biological conditions including temperature, pressure and flow rates are being reproduced. Qiagen (Germany) manufactures Human wound healing RT Profiler PCR array which profiles the expression of 84 key genes.The Biochips market is dominated by major players namely Danaher Corporation (U.S), Abbott Laboratories (U.S), ThermoFisher Scientific (U.S), Illumina (U.S), Agilent Technologies (U.S), Becton Dickinson (U.S), Bio-Rad laboratories (U.S) in which Danaher occupies major shares. Further, the companies are acquiring other significant players in the market to retain their leadership position in the market. For instance, in November 2016, Danaher Corporation acquired Cepheid for approximately $4 billion and thus entered into microfluidics market.Major players in biochips market include Abbott laboratories (U.S), Agilent Technologies (U.S.), Becton-Dickinson Company (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Fluidigm Corporation (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.S), Illumina (U.S.), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.) and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.)IQ4I (Intelligence Quotient for Innovation) Research and Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. is a global strategy, consulting and a leading market research company. Our clients include leading businesses, investment banks, researchers and government agencies.We are a team of highly qualified consultants and market researchers, committed to help clients make strategic decisions by providing relevant and firmly reliable market intelligence support. We enable our clients to identify the market opportunities with best-in-class market intelligence reports.IQ4I Research & Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.No.11, Industrial Suburb, West of Chord Road,Rajajinagar, Bangalore-560010
Enterprise WLAN Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2017-2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/enterprise-wlan-market

Global Enterprise WLAN Market: OverviewWith a continuously rising adoption of mobility and the growing demand among people across the world to be connected to the internet regardless of their location, wireless networks are gaining popularity. A wireless LAN (WLAN) controller combines multiple access point protocols to manage them in large through network operations centers or network administrators. The controller has the ability to automatically handle the configuration of wireless access points. Enterprise WLAN helps maintain organizations seamless workflow and security. The different types of verticals where these networks are used, include telecom and IT, healthcare, banking, education, retail, hospitality, and logistics.Global Enterprise WLAN Market: Key TrendsThe emergence of cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is providing a fillip to the global enterprise WLAN market. IoT and cloud solutions provide an edge to enterprise wireless networks by improving their efficiency and reliability. Moreover, the growing trend of bring your own device (BYOD) is stoking the growth of the market. The proliferation of smartphones and devices is also augmenting the market.Request a Brochure of the Report @On the flip side, the lack of awareness and dearth of workforce with high technical acumen are keeping the market from realizing its utmost potential. However, technological advancements are estimated to increase WLAN applications across numerous industry sectors, which will work in favor of the market.Global Enterprise WLAN Market: Market PotentialRecent trends in the global enterprise WLAN market indicate that the market participants are focusing on mergers and acquisitions to improve their offerings. The introduction of advanced technologies is rendering the market highly lucrative. In September 2016, Extreme Networks announced the acquisition of Zebra Technologies Wireless LAN (WLAN) business unit. The deal was worth US$55 mn. With this acquisition, the company announced that the combination will work towards delivering superior Enterprise Asset Intelligence solutions, that will provide customers with real-time visibility into their operations. Similarly, Hewlett-Packard acquired Aruba Networks in May 2015 for US$3 bn in an attempt to enhance its role in the WLAN market.Request for TOC of the Report @Several players are also involved in expanding their outreach in emerging regions. They are pouring funds into research and development to introduce innovative and disruptive solutions for end to end networking requirements of enterprises. For instance, AXILSPOT, in December 2016, flagged off its operations in Indias enterprise wireless marketplace by launching Rscan range of products.Global Enterprise WLAN Market: Geographical SegmentationOn the basis of geography, the segments reviewed in the report are Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. North America will be a prominent market for enterprise WLAN. The high consumer awareness regarding the merits of these networks and early introduction of advanced technologies due to the presence of many key players are driving the growth of the region.Asia Pacific, on the other hand, will offer numerous promising prospects to global vendors. The widening pool of working population and emerging technology hubs is largely benefiting the market in the region. The escalating development and adoption of cloud-based services and growing investments in the IT and telecommunication sector are fuelling the growth of the region.Read Complete Report @Global Enterprise WLAN Market: Competitive LandscapeThe majority of players in the global WLAN enterprise market are focusing towards technological advancements and product innovation to enhance their visibility in the market. Key players are looking upon mergers and partnerships as viable growth strategies to stay ahead in the market. Some of the prominent vendors in the market are Cisco Systems, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprises, Extreme Network, Dell Inc., ZTE Corporation, Ruckus, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Huawei, and Juniper Networks.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 researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Snom reduces the price of IP phones by up to 15%

Gernot Sagl, CEO of Snom

www.snom.com

www.vtech.com

Berlin, 22 June 2017  Snom, the Berlin specialist in IP telephony opens the summer season with a strong price reduction of up to 15%. This price drop is possible mainly because the premium brand will now be manufactured completely by the parent company VTech, which acquired Snom at the end of 2016. The reduced price list will be effective from 6 July 2017.The updated Snom price list will be published at the beginning of July, and Snom partners and customers will be able to benefit from considerably lower prices. This price reduction is justified by the fact that Snom, recently acquired by VTech, the multinational with headquarters in Hong Kong, will move production of their phones to the factories of the new parent company. The savings obtained will from now on be passed onto Snom partners and their customers that will also benefit from a leaner price calculation system. This price reduction is part of a series of additional measures that Snom will implement in the following months in order to get even closer to existing and future partners and customers, while increasing their market share in a decisive way. In terms of quality, Snom will never make compromises: their products will continue to maintain their well known high quality level."As I have already stated several times, we believe the acquisition by VTech to be an excellent development for Snom and for our partners and customers", declared Gernot Sagl, CEO of Snom Technology GmbH. "The upcoming price reduction is clear confirmation of this fact and will help our premium brand to become more attractive to a wider share of the market."The price reductions will be effective when the new price list is published on 6 July 2017.About Snom:Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Berlin Germany, Snom is a German multinational corporation and the worlds first and leading brand of professional and enterprise VoIP telephones. Snom is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of VTech and Snom operates wholly owned subsidiaries and branches in the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Taiwan.Snoms German engineering is globally renowned for robust, high quality and feature-rich business telephones that are designed exclusively for the trained and certified professional IT and PBX installer. All of Snoms products are universally compatible with leading PBX platforms operating under the SIP standard with over 4 million end-point installations globally. Snom products are sold through distributors to over 25,000 Snom Value Added Resellers across the world.For more information about Snom, please visit. To learn more about VTech, please visitunited communications GmbHJason Green/Peter LinkRotherstr. 1910245 BerlinTel.: +49 30 78 90 76  0snom@united.deSnom Technology GmbHHeike CantzlerHead of MarketingWittestr. 30g13509 Berlinmarketing@snom.com
Food Packaging Global Market by Application, Scope, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019

Reportsweb

http://www.reportsweb.com/global-food-packaging-market-2015-2019

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About food packagingThe food industry is the largest industry worldwide and plays a key role in the economy of any country. Food products need to be packaged in a durable manner to avoid spoilage. Containers such as cups, cans, sachets, bottles, and tubs are used to package food products. Increased demand for packaged food has transformed the packaging industry. Vendors in the global food packaging market are continuously introducing packaging materials that can prevent the contamination of food products. Packaging designs also have a significant influence on the purchase decisions of customers.Publisher's analysts forecast the global food packaging market to grow at a CAGR of 4.01% over the period 2014-2019.For more informationCovered in this reportThis report covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global food packaging market for the period 2015-2019. It provides data on the different segments of the market based on the following criteria:- Packaging type- ApplicationTo calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated by sales of different food packaging products and solutions. Beverages and drink packaging products are not included in the scope of this research. In addition, the report discusses the major drivers that influence the growth of the market. It also outlines the challenges faced by the vendors and the market at large, and the key trends emerging in the marketThe report segments the global food packaging market by packaging type as follows:- Flexible packaging- Rigid plastic packaging- Glass packaging- Metal packagingSegmentation of global food packaging market by application:- Bakery, confectionery, pasta, and noodles- Convenience foods- Daily meals- Dairy products- Fruits and vegetables- Meat, fish, and poultry- Sauces, dressings, and condiments- Snacks and side dishesPublisher's report, Global Food Packaging Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, and EMEA; it also covers the landscape of the global food packaging market and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion on the five key vendors operating in this market.Key regions- Americas- APAC- EMEAKey vendors- Amcor- Crown Holdings- Owens-Illinois- Rexam- Tetra PakRequest Sample CopyOther prominent vendors- Anchor Packaging- Ball- Bellmark- Bemis- Bischof + Klein- Britton Group- Cellpack- CKS Packaging- CL&D Graphics- Clear Lam Packaging- Clondalkin Group- Constantia Flexibles- DS Smith- Exopack- Fabri-Kal- Flextrus- Fres-co System USA- Glenroy- Graham Packaging- Hood Packaging- HuhtamAki- JL Packaging- Linpac Packaging- Mondi Group- Nuconic Packaging- Oracle Packaging- Pactiv- Paharpur 3P- PERUPLAST- Phoenix Closures- Prolamina- Reynolds Group Holding- Rollprint Packaging Products- Safta- Schur Flexibles- Sealed Air- Sigma Plastics- Silgan Holdings- Stora Enso- SAdpack Verpackungen- Toyo Seikan Group Holdings- Verallia- WestRock- Winpak- Wipak GroupMarket driver- Rising demand for packaged food- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Fragmented marketplace- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Increased demand for dairy products from APAC- For a full, detailed list, view our reportCompanies Mentioned:AmcorCrown HoldingsOwens-IllinoisRexamTetra PakAnchor PackagingBallBellmarkBemisBischof + KleinBritton GroupCellpackCKS PackagingCL&D GraphicsClear Lam PackagingClondalkin GroupConstantia FlexiblesDS SmithExopackFabri-KalFlextrusFres-co System USAGlenroyGraham PackagingHood PackagingHuhtamAkiJL PackagingLinpac PackagingMondi GroupNuconic PackagingOracle PackagingPactivPaharpur 3PPERUPLASTPhoenix ClosuresProlaminaReynolds Group HoldingRollprint Packaging ProductsSaftaSchur FlexiblesSealed AirSigma PlasticsSilgan HoldingsStora EnsoSAdpack VerpackungenToyo Seikan Group HoldingsVeralliaWestRockWinpakWipak GroupMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Worldwide Heads-up Display Market by Region, Trends, Analysis and Forecasts to 2019

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HUDs display key flight information on a transparent screen positioned in the pilot's line of sight. Automotive and aviation are the major application sectors for HUDs because they increase situational awareness and enhance safety margins. The primary components of HUDs are:- Combiners- Projector units- Display panels- Video generatorsPublisher's analysts forecast the global HUD market to grow at a CAGR of 39.11% in terms of unit shipment over the period 2014-2019.For more informationThe report covers the current scenario and the growth prospects of the global HUD market for the period of 2015-2019. To calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated through sales of HUDs to key customer segments, which include:- Automotive manufacturers- Aircraft manufacturers- Helicopter manufacturersPublisher's report, Global HUD Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, Europe, and ROW; it also covers the global HUD market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion on the key vendors operating in this market.Key regions- Americas- APAC- Europe- ROWKey vendors- BAE Systems- Continental Automotive- Delphi Automotive- Denso- Elbit Systems- Esterline Technologies- Honeywell Aerospace- Nippon Seiki- Panasonic- Robert Bosch- Rockwell Collins- Saab Group- Thales Group- VisteonRequest Sample CopyMarket driver- Development of combiner HUDs- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Need for high-quality sensors- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Introduction of next-generation micro display technologies- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Electronic Paste Market Expected to Observe Major Growth by 2022

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This report studies Electronic Paste in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringDuPontESLFerroSumitomo Metal MiningHeraeusTanaka Precious MetalsMTCHitachi ChemicalShoeiChemicalIncDaejoo Electronic MaterialsDarfon MaterialsSino-PlatinumShenzhen Selectech ElectronicsHunan LEED Electronic InkAsk for sample copy @By types, the market can be split intoConductive PasteResistance PasteDielectric PasteBy Application, the market can be split intoElectronic Paste Thick Film CircuitElectronic Paste Electrode Resistance ElementElectronic Paste SensorBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaBuy a copy of this report for single user price of $ 4500 @Table of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Electronic Paste1.1 Definition and Specifications of Electronic Paste1.1.1 Definition of Electronic Paste1.1.2 Specifications of Electronic Paste1.2 Classification of Electronic Paste1.2.1 Conductive Paste1.2.2 Resistance Paste1.2.3 Dielectric Paste1.3 Applications of Electronic Paste1.3.1 Electronic Paste Thick Film Circuit1.3.2 Electronic Paste Electrode Resistance Element1.3.3 Electronic Paste Sensor1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electronic Paste2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electronic Paste2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Electronic Paste2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Electronic PasteView 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:
Signalling Device Market : Key Growth Factors and Industry Analysis 2015-2025

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Signalling device is a device which generate an alarm to indicate or warn something/somebody & this alarm can be audible or visible depending upon the requirement, application and surrounding of the place where it is needed. These devices are connected with control panel, installed at specific positions so that people can be aware of it & take corrective measures when needed. As for the last some years we have been witnessing drastically change in climate with the occurrence of natural disasters like volcanos, Tsunami, Hurricanes,Earthquakes, in order to minimize the losses from these dreadful unavoidable disasters precautionary measures can be taken by using these signalling devices. Hence the demand of these signalling devices has been increasing in global market.Signalling devices are very important aspect in safety and security management such as mining safety system, Earthquake warning system, Heavy rainfall warning system, Traffic signalling & Fire alarm system. Signalling device continuously observe the parameters and produced safety alarm when observe something undesirable. These devices are manufactured for specific applications so it has some additional features also like fire alarm is made up of fireproof material & continuously to work even in fire.Request For Report Sample@Signalling Device Market: DynamicsTechnological development of signalling devices is the key trend for this market. Market growth is driven by various growth drivers such as increase in the urbanization, growing demand for safety equipment and government focus on improving industrial safety by safety rules and regulations. On the other hand, lack of skilled professionals and high initial cost restraints the growth of this market.Signalling Device Market: SegmentationSegmentation of signalling device market is done on the basis of product types, area of application, end users & geography. On the basis of product type signalling device market is segmented as visual signalling devices, Audible signal devices & other control devices. Further visual signalling device segment is sub-segmented as Beacons & Stack light. Electronics sounder buzzer hooters and bells are the sub segments of audible signalling device while fire alarm, push buttons, stop switches & pilot light are the sub-segments of control devices.On the basis of application, the global market is broadly segmented as Hazardous area signalling, Fire and industrial signalling & wide area signalling. On the basis of end user verticals signalling device market is segmented as Warehouse & factories, Marine, Mining, Commercial & others (sporting, emergency and warning).Geographically, global signalling device market is segmented into seven region such as; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America and Asia Pacific are expected to be the dominating geographies for signalling devices market across the globe.Request For TOC@Signalling Device Market: Key PlayersKey players of signalling devices market are Honeywell International Inc., Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd, Thales Group, NHP Electrical Engineering Products, Cooper Industries, Koito Manufacturing Co., L3 Communications Holdings, Inc., Auer Signalgerate, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V & others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Luxury Doors Market Size, Industry Analysis & Forecast Report 2017

Reports Monitor

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https://www.reportsmonitor.com/global-luxury-doors-market-professional-survey-report-2017/

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Report Monitor Presents Luxury Doors Market 2017 Industry Trend that enhances the decision making capabilities and helps to create an effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Description:The Luxury Doors market report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Luxury Doors industry. This report evaluates the Global market for "Luxury Doors ".The Luxury Doors market report provides complete analysis of the Luxury Doors market by analysing all round market dynamics such as regional market opportunities, drivers, challenges, constraints, threats, and other market trends.The Luxury Doors Market report contains latest Business Data resulting from various Research sources that helps Decision Makers to deliver a Distinctive and Trustworthy Analysis for Companys Growth.The Luxury Doors Market Survey starts with Industry overview of Luxury Doors Market covering Major Regions Status, Industry Chain Structure, Definitions and Specifications, with a detailed focus on Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis including Raw Material Suppliers, Equipment Suppliers and Manufacturing Process.Get a PDF Sample of Luxury Doors Market report @In Next Part, the researchers has collected and presented information on Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis which comprises of Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source of Major Manufacturers.In following segment, with Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin, Business Region Distribution Analysis, Competition between various Company Profile has been given along with Product Pictures and Specifications in Luxury Doors Industry Report.The Key Players Mentioned in Luxury Doors Market Report are: Masonite Lemieux TruStile Doors Lynden Door Maiman Company Sierra Door Stallion Woodharbor Woodgrain Doors Arazzinni Jeld-Wen Simpson Door Company Appalachian Karona Buffelen GRAHAM Masonite RVD MohawkPlace a Purchase Order for this Report @The Luxury Doors Industry Report is also a Great Source of Marketing Type Analysis consisting:1.Luxury Doors Regional Marketing Type Analysis2.Luxury Doors International Trade Type Analysis3.Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Luxury Doors by Regions4.Luxury Doors Supply Chain AnalysisNo. of Report Pages: 118Got any Query? Feel free to ask us @Lastly, the Report provides Development Trend Analysis for 2017-2022 years which will forecast Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales Price, Consumption Forecast, Market Trend (Product Type) and Market Trend (Application). Also the List of Major Consumers is analyzed and Contact Details are provided to easy communicating.Finally, the Report is concluded with Various Methodology, Analyst Introduction and Data SourcesBrowse Similar Construction and Manufacturing Industry ReportsTable of Contents:Global Luxury Doors Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Luxury Doors1.1 Definition and Specifications of Luxury Doors1.1.1 Definition of Luxury Doors1.1.2 Specifications of Luxury Doors1.2 Classification of Luxury Doors1.2.1 Hinged Luxury Door1.2.2 Sliding Luxury Door1.2.3 Rotating Luxury Door1.2.4 High-speed Door1.2.5 Automatic Luxury Door1.2.6 Others1.3 Applications of Luxury Doors1.3.1 Residential1.3.2 Commercial1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India4 Global Luxury Doors Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Luxury Doors Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Luxury Doors Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)About Us:Reports Monitor is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. Prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact Us:008, Mihir Co-operative,Above Bharat Suzuki showroom,Fatima Nagar,Pune,Maharashtra,IndiaIndia: +91 2069535353Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Market Professional Survey Report 2016 - Avesta,Pelox,Afrox

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Market Professional Survey Report 2016 to its huge collection of research reports.This report presents an analytical study of the global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste market, evaluating its competitive framework. Using a number of effective assessment tools, such as porters five forces and value chain analysis, it performs in-depth analyses of the production, supply, and demand. The report also provides deep insights into the future prospects of this market in terms of market growth, popular trends, and market share. The study explores all the factors influencing the growth of the factors such as driving forces, restraints, challenges, and prevailing opportunities in the global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Pastemarket.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Focusing specifically on the key trends, it further evaluates the overall performance of this market during the assessment period. Readers will also benefit significantly from the important information regarding this market, provided in the forms of figures and tables in the research report. This report is a complete guide for new entrants as well as existing market players to understand the global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Pastemarket and design their business strategies accordingly. The total market has been examined and assessed to gain knowledge about different parameters and their effect on the global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Pastemarket.In addition to this, the information on the latest developments in this market, both, at the global as well as regional level, is expected to enhance the decision-making capability of the reader. Up-to-date information on various specifications, buyer analysis, their purchasing volume, prices, and price analysis, and deep insights on the leading suppliers have also been provided in this study for the readers. Overall, the report focuses on all the factors affecting the flow of the market and future prediction regarding the expansion of the global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Pastemarket.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.1 Definition and Specifications of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.1.1 Definition of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.1.2 Specifications of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.2 Classification of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.3 Applications of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.5.1 Industry Overview of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste1.7 Industry News Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation PasteBrowse Complete Report with TOC @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Major Manufacturers in 20154 Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Overall Market Overview4.1 2011-2016E Overall Market Analysis4.2.1 2011-2015 Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2015 Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2011-2015 Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2015 Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2011-2015 Global Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Sales Price4.4.2 2015 Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation Paste Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)4.5 Gross Margin AnalysisQYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. 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Building Automation System Market Size 2017, Forecast 2025 Production, Supply, Sales And Demand

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Global Building Automation System Market: OverviewWith escalating population and rapid urbanization across the world, the need to conserve energy is paramount. It is estimated that buildings consumer nearly 40% of the Worlds energy consumption. In this scenario, new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) has paved a way for building automation system, with which energy consuming facilities including heating, lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation can be efficiently managed. The concept of building automation system is application not only for the new constructions but for the existing residential buildings too, and promises to prove as a highly useful concept for commercial buildings as well as revolutionize the healthcare sector. Consequently, the demand in the global building automation system is anticipated to increment at a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Building Automation System Market: Key TrendsOne of the primary property of building automation system is that they can be customized according to the need of the end-user, which can be either cost-efficiency with minimal automation or premium automation with a long-term goal. This factor is expected to augment the demand in the global building automation system market. In addition to that, several governments in developed as well as developing economies are offering lucrative subsidies for processes that conserve energy, and thereby encouraging the residential and commercial building owners to choose for these system. For instance, with building automation system, residential buildings can monitor and control security, HVAC, and lighting. Conversely, high implementation cost, long duration of return of investment, and lack of awareness among the consumers are some of the key factors challenging the market for building automation system from achieving its full potential.Global Building Automation System Market: Market PotentialIncrease in the use of personnel assistant in residential buildings, growing use of the Internet of Things, rising popularity of LED lights, and increased reliance on wireless technologies are some of the key factors favoring the global market for building automation system. In addition to that, growing security concerns is escalating the need to add strength to security, control personnel access, and monitor activity. With IoT, building automation system can also provide real-time medical help, which is opening various new opportunities for the players in this market. On the other hand, commercial applications such as shopping complexes, public transport areas such as airports and railway stations, and corporate office buildings are other targetable avenues for the participants of the global building automation system market.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Building Automation System Market: Regional OutlookDeveloped countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, and Germany currently offer most of the demand for building automation system and makes North America and Europe as the most lucrative regions. However, Asia Pacific resides several emerging economies such as India, Japan, China, South Korea, and Malaysia. These countries are investing heavily towards improving their infrastructure and consequently, the construction industry is thriving. Increasing disposable income among the urban population in Asia Pacific region is adding to the demand for secure and efficient residential and commercial environment and hence is expected to expand the demand at most robust rate during the forecast period.Read Complete Report @Global Building Automation System Market: Competitive LandscapeDue to the presence a large number of players who operate at regional or international level, the global market for building automation system is fragmented in nature with high degree of competition. However, as the demand to conserve energy escalates across the world, there is enough fodder for everyone. Some of the leading players in the global building automation system market are Automated Logic, Honeywell, Johnson Controls International, and Schneider Electric, whereas other prominent vendors including Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH, Dwyer, Emerson Electric, Beckhoff Automation, ABB, DELTA CONTROLS, CONTROL4, Distech Controls, Evon Technologies, Itron, and Legrand.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 researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Emerging Health Consciousness for Brewed Beverages Supporting Demand for Global Tea Varieties

https://www.kenresearch.com/food-beverage-and-tobacco/non-alcoholic-beverages/global-tea-consumer-trends-converge-around-brewed-beverages/112218-11.html

The most consumed global beverages in terms of volume in tea. There is shift in consumers preference to healthier and natural beverages, which have led to adaptable tea, based brewed beverages through consumption occasion.It is said that in a global beverages tea is the most dynamic category. The largest beverages market and its versatility as a product is present everywhere. It can be consumed hot or cold and sweet & unsweetened. Tea is a low priced commodity as compared to coffee and soft drinks and it has entered and era of value creation.According to the market research report "Global Tea: Consumer Trends Converge Around Brewed Beverages", there is a rise in demand for tea and will continue because there is growth of chilled RTD tea, hot green tea and premium specialty black teas. For refreshment, hydration and functional benefits, RTD has become better option than soft drink. The area of major growth is US because of premium priced single served teas. The reason behind growth in China is the introduction of healthier RTD teas. NPD are targeting young consumers, after the introduction of flavored brewed RTD teas.In terms of global consumption, hot tea is the second most beverages consumed. Functional, healthier and flavorful tea blends has realized a potential in sales value. It is very important to build interest and loyalty among youngsters as they represent the future.Other than traditional forms, tea has also shown development in non- traditional form and channels outside the home as well. India, UAE, and other markets are finding increasing growth and success in the outside food service tea and alternative tea products like home tea appliances. US and European food services are finding mixed opinion in the market from coffee chain to fast food.Tea industry has come over with innovation, bold trends and funky fads. Health conscious consumers are preferring green tea and there is rise in health-oriented customers in India, Sri Lanka and Africa. In addition, there is increase in demand for tea bags. Tea is something that most of the population consumes every day. Tea bags are very handy, instant and easy to use. Because of high industrial farming and bulk machine processing the tea bags are cheap as it replaces skill labor and craft. There is one more trend in tea world, which has shown rise in demand among consumers is tea cocktails. The main ingredient of classic drinks was replaced with tea concentrates.In Europe, increasing popularity of specialty tea among tea consumers has led to increase in demand for high quality tea. This segment of market is rapidly growing. In the tea specialty segment, highly down-the-line consumers want to have the knowledge about the different tea varieties, proper brewing techniques and from where it has been originated.In special teashops or retailers, the high quality and specialty teas are paramountcy found in specialty teashops or retailers or in high-end restaurants, hotels or coffee cafes. Specialist retailers have been able to overcome the demand for these special teas very well. They have been able to appeal the younger consumers by providing a wide variety of tea flavors and origins, unusual variety of combinations and the ability to customize teas.For further reading click on the link below:Ken Research is a Global aggregator and publisher of Market intelligence research reports, equity reports, data base directories and economy reports. Our market research reports provides market sizing analysis, insights on promising industry segments, competition, future outlook and growth drivers in the space. The company is engaged in data analytics and aids clients in due-diligence, product expansion, plant setup, acquisition intelligence to all the other gamut of objectives through our research focus.27A, TOWER B-2, SPAZE I TECH BUSINESS PARK, SOHNA ROAD, SECTOR 49GURGAON, HARYANA - 122001, INDIA
Interconnects and Passive Components Market - Detailed Analysis and Forecast by 2025

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Global Interconnects and Passive Components Market: OverviewAn interconnect component refers to an optical or electric connection or cable connecting two or more devices. A broad range of interconnect parts such as board to board connectors, electronic cable connectors, and DIN connectors used in a broad range of applications are offered by a number of manufacturers. Cellular phones, hubs, HVAC equipment, routers, mp3 players, GPS devices, Ethernet and other high speed connectivity applications, digital cameras, and video connections are some of the key applications that deploy interconnects components. Passive components, on the other hand, are used in applications such as computers, wireless communication, security systems, 3D printers, medical instruments, power supply circuits, handheld devices, digital thermostats, and several household appliances.Request a Brochure of the Report @Global Interconnects and Passive Components Market: Key TrendsThe rising demand for interconnects and passive components in the thriving consumer electronics industry is a primary catalyst of the global market. Used in the production of devices and machines deployed in automobiles, healthcare, data processing, and telecommunication, these components are likely to witness greater adoption over the next few years. The market is also receiving a significant boost from the continual technological advancements in the consumer electronics industry. Moreover, the growth of the interconnect segment creates further scope of expansion for the market. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the preference for high speed bandwidth in data processing, emergence of robotics and automation across numerous sectors, and development of compact electronic components and devices.Global Interconnects and Passive Components Market: Market PotentialThe competitive scenario of the global interconnects and passive components market is marked by unceasing product launches. For instance, in March 2017, AVX Corporation announced the release of its new low pass integrated thin film SMD filter, which can be an ideal solution for various wireless applications such as global positioning systems (GPS), mobile communications systems, and wireless large area networks (LANs). The new FHC1 and FHC2 series feature low parasitics, low insertion loss, conducive heat dissipation properties, and a wide frequency range.Request for TOC of the Report @Partnerships, acquisitions, and collaborations are focused on by several companies. For example, in Ixia announced its partnership with Foxconn Interconnect technology (FIT) and Cisco for demonstrating 400 Gigabit Ethernet traffic at The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) 2017 in Los Angeles, USA.Global Interconnects and Passive Components Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, the global interconnects and passive components market is segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific exhibits colossal growth opportunities, springing from factors such as easy availability of cheap labor, raw material, along with low costs of production. The booming consumer electronics industry in the region, and particularly in China, is aiding steady growth of the market for interconnects and passive components. Moreover, with increasing per capita incomes of the middle class, the standard of living of the people has improved. This has resulted in more demand for smartphones, LED and LCD displays, and other electronic devices. North America and Europe are also slated for extensive growth, encouraged by beneficial policies of the government.Read Complete Report @Global Interconnects and Passive Components Market: Competitive AnalysisPanasonic Corporation, Guangzhou Copper Factory Co., Ltd., TT Electronics Plc., AVX Corporation, Celtic Chemicals Ltd, JST Mfg. Co. Ltd., E Connectivity Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., and Cisco Systems, Inc. are some of the prominent players operating in the global market for interconnects and passive components.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Student Information Systems (SIS) Market 2017 - Eduware, Unit4, EdBoard, Oracle, Skyward, Workday, OpenSIS, Berkeley

Student Information Systems (SIS) Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Student Information Systems (SIS) Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Student Information Systems (SIS) 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 Student Information Systems (SIS) industry, and estimates the future trend of Student Information Systems (SIS) market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Student Information Systems (SIS) Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportCampus ManagementEduwareEllucian CompanyESchoolPLUS (FIS)OpenSISPCR EducatorRediker SoftwareFocus School SoftwareEagle SoftwareForadian TechnologiesIlluminate EducationJenzabarOracleWorkdaySkywardUnit4EdBoardSchoolBrainsGradelinkAdministrators PlusTech LearningBerkeleyBlackbaudThe market research report explores the Student Information Systems (SIS) market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Student Information Systems (SIS) 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 Student Information Systems (SIS) market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Student Information Systems (SIS). Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Student Information Systems (SIS) 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 Student Information Systems (SIS) is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Student Information Systems (SIS) market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Student Information Systems (SIS) market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Student Information Systems (SIS) market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Student Information Systems (SIS) production volume, data pertaining to demand and Student Information Systems (SIS) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Student Information Systems (SIS) 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 Student Information Systems (SIS) 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
RFID Pallet Wrappers Market Expansion Projected to Gain an Uptick During 2017 - 2025

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/rfid-pallet-wrappers-market.asp

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15526

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Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market: OverviewRFID pallet wrappers are the machine that wraps a stretched film of plastic around a loaded pallet to provide primary function of extra support to products being transported, and with the new technological advancement of RFID labels embedded in the machine, the shipment can be tracked from several feet away. RFID pallet wrappers are the buzz in the packaging industry as it helps to improve the supply chain and thus improve quality. The mounted RFID refers to radio frequency identification refers to an electronic device which consists of chip and antenna. The inevitable process of manufacturing and distribution that involves the package to travel in a conveyor and since tracking product movement is the key aspect for RFID. Thus its an important function that the antenna should be able to track tagged packages. The RFID pallet wrappers help to provide distinctive ID to each product wrapped and with individual information such as date shipped, manufacturing location, lot number, etc. After the wrapping process, the labels is printed with the help of thermal-transfer printer that is human readable information and then is encoded with RFID. The application of RFID pallet wrappers has penetrated in improving the supply chain in retail, transportation, and automation.To view complete report @Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market: DynamicsWithstanding the soft economy RFID pallet wrappers deployment has gained tremendous traction in last year. The key driver to RFID pallet wrappers is its ability to track pallet and identify valuable commodities in the course of global commerce. Moreover, the asset tracking helps to maintain the whereabouts of the valuable asset that is fueling the growth of the RFID pallet wrappers. RFID pallet wrappers, especially with ultra-high frequency, is a potential factor for the growth of the market. Owing to its perfect match for tracking and asset management and getting a return on investment. Moreover, the tags can be encrypted to provide minimum information of the package thereby securing the details. Through RFID pallet wrappers faster delivery of the order and fill the order in a timely manner, and customer relationship is ensured, the potential factor adds advantage to the growth of RFID pallet wrappers. The companies driving RFID pallet wrappers market are Wal-Mart Stores Inc., The Home Decor Inc., ACE Hardware Corp, and Wegmans Food Market Inc. are some of the major companies that use RFID pallet wrappers for improvement of business process and overall supply chain operation. Enabling such infrastructure that is fully equipped with RFID pallet wrappers requires relatively higher investment as compared to traditional method of pallet wrapping which is a challenging factor to the growth of RFID pallet wrappers market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market: SegmentationBased on RFID: Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market is segmented intoUltra-High FrequencyHigh frequency and Near Field CommunicationLow FrequencyDual Frequency (NFC & UFH)Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global RFID pallet wrappers market is divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America holds the major share in the RFID pallet wrapper market due to rising demand for packaging in manufacturing and food & beverage industry. The market in APAC and Latin America is expected to be the prominent contributor to the growth of RFID pallet wrapper market owing to the proliferation of manufacturing industries in the region. The regions in Europe is anticipated to grow at moderate CAGR; this is due to the restrained manufacturing operation in the Western and Eastern Europe. The strong development in the region of MEA for pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and food & beverage industry is anticipated to attract demand for RFID pallet wrappers over the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global RFID Pallet Wrappers Market PlayersFew of the prominent players in the global RFID pallet wrappers market are as followsREO-PACKKalamazoo Packaging SystemsPallet Wrapz, Inc.AIDA Centre, S.L.Lantech, IncEAgile Inc.SATO America, LLC.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Medium Voltage Cable Market Analysis and Forecast to 2025

The Insight Partners

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Electricity conducting cables ranging from 2,000 V to 35,000 V is termed as medium voltage cables. These cables are generally used in mobile substation equipment for distribution of electricity to mining and industrial settings. The construction of medium voltage cables differs vastly from low voltage cables as most of the medium voltage cables offer extra round of protection which prevents the generation of build - up charges along the medium voltage cables.Complete report is available atThe report aims to provide an overview of Global Medium Voltage Cables Market along with detailed segmentation of market by installation type, end - users and five major geographical regions. Global Medium Voltage Cables market is expected to witness growth during the forecast period due to rapid urbanization and industrialization of major developing countries around the world.The objective of this report is as follows: To provide overview of the global Medium Voltage Cable market To analyze and forecast the global Medium Voltage Cable market on the basis of component, platform and solution To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Medium Voltage Cable market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Medium Voltage Cable players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesRequest sample is available atSome of the important players in Medium Voltage Cables market are ABB ltd, Nexans, Brugg Group, NKT Cables, Leoni AG and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. among others.Major Points from Table of ContentIntroductionKey TakeawaysMarket LandscapeMarket - Key Industry DynamicsMarket Analysis- GlobalMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Product TypesMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - ComponentsMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - End User IndustryMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Geographical Analysis (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America)Industry LandscapeCompetitive LandscapeKey Company ProfilesInquire before buying atAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Microelectromechanical Market Size, Trends and Forecast to 2025

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Microelectromechanical is the technology of microscopic devices with moving parts. They are basically used in automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and aerospace applications. With the concept of miniaturization of device, the MEMS technology has gained importance.Complete report is available atThe report aims to provide an overview of Global Microelectromechanical Market along with detailed segmentation of market by sensor type, application and five major geographical regions. Global Microelectromechanical market is expected to witness growth during the forecast period due to growing demand of wearable devices and smart consumer electronic devices.The objective of this report is as follows: To provide overview of the global Microelectromechanical (MEMS) market To analyze and forecast the global Microelectromechanical (MEMS) market on the basis of component, platform and solution To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Microelectromechanical (MEMS) market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries To evaluate market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend To provide exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions To profiles key Microelectromechanical (MEMS) players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesRequest sample is available atSome of the important players in Microelectromechanical market are Robert Bosch GmbH, Analog Devices, Inc., Texas Instruments Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Infineon Technologies AG among others.Major Points from Table of ContentIntroductionKey TakeawaysMarket LandscapeMarket - Key Industry DynamicsMarket Analysis- GlobalMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Product TypesMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - ComponentsMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - End User IndustryMarket Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Geographical Analysis (North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America)Industry LandscapeCompetitive LandscapeKey Company ProfilesInquire before buying atAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Brake Block Market Forecast 2017-2022: Bosch, Continental AG, Jurid, Ferodo, SAL-FER, Acdelco

Brake Block

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-brake-block-market-2017-insights-analysis-key-players-segment-and-forecast-to-2022/

Global Brake Block Market Research ReportA market study  Global Brake Block Market  examines the performance of the Brake Block market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Brake Block market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Brake Block market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:The Global Brake Block Market 2017 report includes Brake Block market Revenue, market Share, Brake Block industry volume, market Trends, Brake Block Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Brake Block Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Brake Block Market 2017:BoschContinental AGJuridFerodoSAL-FERAcdelcoBremboGalferEndlessHawkSang sinTRWAkebonoWagnerTMD FrictionHardronXinyiRaybestosFBKFirstly, the report covers the top Brake Block manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Brake Block report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Brake Block industry, Brake Block industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Brake Block Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Brake Block 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 Brake Block market revenue worldwide.Finally, Brake Block market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.United State
Global Electric Breast Pump Market Forecast 2017-2022: Philips Avent, Medela AG, Ameda AG, Lasinoh

Electric Breast Pump

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-electric-breast-pump-market-2017-insights-analysis-key-players-segment-and-forecast-to-2022/

Global Electric Breast Pump Market Research ReportA market study  Global Electric Breast Pump Market  examines the performance of the Electric Breast Pump market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Electric Breast Pump market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Electric Breast Pump market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:The Global Electric Breast Pump Market 2017 report includes Electric Breast Pump market Revenue, market Share, Electric Breast Pump industry volume, market Trends, Electric Breast Pump Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Electric Breast Pump Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Electric Breast Pump Market 2017:Philips AventMedela AGAmeda AGARDOLasinohEvenflo FeedingWhittlestone, IncHygeiaBailey MedicalFreiCare Swiss GmbHPigeonDr. BrownsNUKTommee TippeeAlbert InternationalSnow BearHorigenFirstly, the report covers the top Electric Breast Pump manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Electric Breast Pump report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Electric Breast Pump industry, Electric Breast Pump industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Electric Breast Pump Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Electric Breast 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 Electric Breast Pump market revenue worldwide.Finally, Electric Breast 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.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.United State
Xanthan Gum Market Future Trends and Scope Analysis By 2025

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Global Xanthan Gum Market: OverviewXanthan gum, refers to a polysaccharide made by fermenting corn sugar with a bacteria, xanthomonas campestris - the same bacteria that leads to the creation of black spots on vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. The strain of xanthomonas campestris used for obtaining xanthan gum is non-toxic and non-pathogenic for humans and animals. It is therefore preferred over several other emulsifiers in food products. Xanthan gum is actually one of the worlds 30 most used popular products used in the food industry.Global Xanthan Gum Market: Drivers and RestraintsDemand across the food and beverages industry is expected to continue to remain one of the key forces driving the global market for xanthan gum in the next few years. Of late, the increased global demand for packaged, ready-to-eat, and convenience foods has significantly increased the uptake of xanthan gum in the food and beverages industry. The food and beverages industry presently accounts for over half the global consumption of xanthan gum and the industry is expected to drive the market owing to high demand across food products such as salad dressings and sauces and dairy products such as ice creams.Request a Brochure of the Report @The inherent superiority of the product over other common hydrocolloids is also a key driver of the global xanthan gum market. However, the market is presently struggling to cope up with the reinforced policies regarding anti-dumping across a number of developed economies and restrictions on the import of xanthan gum from China and Austria. The rising mistrust regarding the quality of xanthan gum by suppliers in China, which is presently the leading producer of the product on the global front, is also expected to hamper the overall growth prospects of the market to a certain extent.Global Xanthan Gum Market: Market PotentialLooking at the significant rise in demand for xanthan gum from across the globe, key producers of the product are focusing on the expansion of their existing production sites, strengthening their distribution channels, and exploring new regional territories to add to their customer bases. In February 2013, CP Kelco, one of the worlds dominant producers of xanthan gum, announced the expansion of its production facility in San Diego by around 40% so as to meet the heightened demand owing to a clampdown by the U.S. government on imports by Chinese and Austrian companies owing to quality issues. The company announced its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in North America for the production of and specialty xanthan gum and gellan gum.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Xanthan Gum Market: Regional OverviewThe global market for xanthan gum has been predominantly led by Asia Pacific. The region accounts for a significant share of the global market for xanthan gum and is expected to show growth at a promising pace over the next few years as well. The massive demand for xanthan gum from China is expected to help the Asia Pacific market for xanthan gum remain dominant from a geographical perspective. The thriving market for food and beverages in China and other emerging economies in the region such as India is leading to the high demand for xanthan gum in the region.North America is another promising market for xanthan gum and is expected to become a matured market in the next few years owing to the increased use of the product for a number of industrial applications. The demand for xanthan gum is expected to witness rise at a slower pace in regions such as Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Read Complete Report @Global Xanthan Gum Market: Competitive DynamicsThe global market for xanthan gum features a largely consolidated competitive landscape, with the leading few companies accounting for a massive share in the global market. Some of the leading vendors operating in the global xanthan gum market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, MeiHua Holdings Group Co., Ltd, Fufeng Group Company Limited, Hebei Xinhe Biochemical Co., The Aurora Chemical, CP Kelco, The Zoranoc Oilfield Chemical, DuPont-Danisco, Deosen, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Ltd., Cargill, Inc., FMC BioPolymer, and Solvay S.A.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 researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact :Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market Report 2017: Size, Trends & Forecasts 2016-2020 with Profiles of Just Eat, GrubHub and Rocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero)  Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020), provides an in-depth analysis of the global online takeaway food delivery market by value and by penetration rate. The report also gives an insight of the global food services market and takeaway food delivery market.The report provides a regional analysis of the online takeaway food delivery market, including the following regions: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Spain and France.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global online takeaway food delivery market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The competition in the global online takeaway food delivery market is fragmented with several new players emerging in the industry. However, key players of the online takeaway food delivery market, Just Eat, GrubHub and Rocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero) are profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Country CoverageUSCanadaUKAustraliaDenmarkItalySpainFranceCompany CoverageJust EatGrubHubRocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero)Executive SummaryThe food services industry is experiencing a revolution. Even the food delivery market is undergoing a dynamic change. It is the online mode that is reaping attention in the current scenario. The food delivery market is both online and offline. The online food delivery market is also known as online takeaway food delivery market.Online takeaway food delivery market provides an online and mobile platform for food takeaway. The platform is essentially a marketplace where consumers are matched with restaurants. Consumers choose to order on takeaway restaurant (TR) webpage or an app rather than directly on restaurant websites because they can easily compare multiple cuisine options, and also pay safely. In online mode mobile apps are available for iOS and Android of either the restaurants or TR. Customers select restaurants that deliver to their locations, make selection from menus and prices, and make purchases using a mobile device or via the web without the need for phone calls.In recent years online food delivery market is gaining popularity because of the increased internet penetration across nations and increased smartphone dependence.The online food delivery market has three business models namely pure-media, fully integrated and on-demand delivery models.The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase at a significant CAGR during the years 2016-2020. The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase due to increase in urban population, increase in spending of global middle class population, increasing technological innovations, increase in smartphone usage, increase in internet penetration, etc. Yet, the market faces some challenges such as, fluctuations in profit earning, threat to aggregator business model, data server crash, etc.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 @
RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market Estimated to Record Highest CAGR by 2025

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Global RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market: OverviewThe term "RFID portal for doorways & corridors" is usually used to define a specific bottleneck through which "things" are moved, and which has RFID readers purposefully located to read RFID tags on the "things" moving through the bottleneck. In many industry tracking is of primary importance and care is taken to ensure that the tags are present and attached in such a way that they can be easily read. The RFID portal for doorways & corridors is ideal for tracking equipment, files, assets, document, and people in interior environments passing through corridors, doorways, and hallways. The key element in the RFID for doorways & corridors are the antenna, the reader, and the controlling software. RFID portals for doorways & corridors can read any RFID tags such as ultra-high frequency, high frequency, low frequency, but most RFID portals for doorways & corridors use ultra-high frequency tags, as the other tags have too short a read rangeTo view complete report @Global RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market: DynamicsThe key driver of the growth to the RFID portals for doorways & corridors is the tracking management provided by the technology of RFID tags. From manufacturing to hospital industry, tracking of tools & asset has been a major concern. Miss management by the user can lead to the loss of important equipment and incur a monetary loss for the organization. The potential for the growth of the RFID portals for doorways & corridor is the asset tracking which has improved with the adoption in the industries. Moreover, in the IT industries, the RFID portals for doorways & corridors has tracked impetus growth due to its ability to keep the data center and tangible files secure. Scan over RFID tags implanted on asset helps to prevent theft and ensures its moving detail such as time and person id. Use of RFID portals for doorways & corridors at the entry of event or exhibition enables automated logging of invitees attendance through RFID tagged cards without requiring the person to display the entry pass to security. Moreover, instant SMS to the host on invitees entry enables personal attention to the VIPs. These factors are considered to be the driving factor for RFID portals for doorways & corridors market.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market: SegmentationBased on application: Global RFID portals for doorways & corridors MarketRetail and Commercial Outlets ApplicationsOffices & Commercial BuildingsHospitals & HealthCareAssets and IT Equipment TrackingBanks & Financial InstitutionsGovernment Institutions and OrganizationsTelecommunications, Data CentersUniversities & Education InstitutionsFashion, Apparel & Textile OutletsBanks & Financial InstitutionsHotels and Hospitality SolutionsEvents, Exhibitions & Trade Show ManagementBased on RFID: Global RFID portals for doorways & corridors MarketUltra-High FrequencyHigh frequency and Near Field CommunicationLow FrequencyDual Frequency (NFC & UFH)Global RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global RFID portals for doorways & corridors market is divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). RFID portal for doorways is estimated to witness high market share over the forecast year due to its rising application in the major industry such as manufacturing and hospitality industry across the globe. In the above-stated region, North America holds relatively higher market share in the global RFID portals for doorways & corridors due to the IT industry and manufacturing industry which has enabled RFID portals for asset tracking and managing their tools in the area of business. Western Europe is estimated to witness a high growth rate in RFID portals for doorways & corridors market over the forecasted year due to growing application in the hospital, many of the equipment in the hospital are now being well managed and tracked and thus supporting the growth of the market. Global RFID portals for doorways & corridors market is estimated to witness a high CAGR in the Asia-Pacific region over the forecasted year, attributed to developed sector of manufacturing in countries such as China, India, and the Philippines. Japan is one of the high growing RFID portals for doorways & corridors market over the forecasted year due to high technologically advanced country across the globe.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global RFID Portals for Doorways & Corridors Market: Prominent PlayersFew of the prominent players in the RFID portals for doorways & corridors market are as followsJamison Door Company, Inc.Atlas RFID Solutions, Inc.Impinj, Inc.SageDataGAO Tek & GAO Group Inc.RFIDSupplyChainBarco, s.r.o.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Photo Printing Kiosk Market Forecast 2017-2022: Kodak, Mitsubishi, FUJIFILM, HiTi

Photo Printing Kiosk

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-photo-printing-kiosk-market-2017-insights-analysis-key-players-segment-and-forecast-to-2022/

Global Photo Printing Kiosk Market Research ReportA market study  Global Photo Printing Kiosk Market  examines the performance of the Photo Printing Kiosk market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Photo Printing Kiosk market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Photo Printing Kiosk market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:The Global Photo Printing Kiosk Market 2017 report includes Photo Printing Kiosk market Revenue, market Share, Photo Printing Kiosk industry volume, market Trends, Photo Printing Kiosk Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Photo Printing Kiosk Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Photo Printing Kiosk Market 2017:KodakMitsubishiDai Nippon Printing (DNP)FUJIFILMHiTiHPFirstly, the report covers the top Photo Printing Kiosk manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Photo Printing Kiosk report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Photo Printing Kiosk industry, Photo Printing Kiosk industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Photo Printing Kiosk Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Photo Printing Kiosk 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 Photo Printing Kiosk market revenue worldwide.Finally, Photo Printing Kiosk market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.United State
Global Nanobiotechnology Market Rising at $42 billion in 2020

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Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Nanobiotechnology Market for Drug Discovery, Drug Delivery, Diagnostics and Others: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015  2021 According to the report, the global nanobiotechnology market was valued at approximately USD 28 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach approximately USD 42 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of around 8.5% between 2016 and 2021.Nanobiotechnology is the convergence of engineering and molecular biology. Nanobiotechnology has the ability to create biological and biochemical materials and devices at molecular and atomic levels. It provides new class of multifunctional systems and devices for biological analysis with better sensitivity and specificity. Nanobiotechnology comprises the application of the tools and processes of nanotechnology to control biological systems. The nanobiotechnology comprises new techniques such as 3D imaging in live cells, real-time imaging, and single molecule imaging bioanalytical microarrays and microfluidic devices and biosensorsRequest For free Sample Report:The major driving factor for the global nanobiotechnology market is rising health awareness among the people and emerging technology. Government initiatives and funding has provided strong boost to nanobiotechnology market in North America and Asia Pacific. Advancement in technology to provide better health services expected to fuel the nanobiotechnology market over the forecast period. However, environmental concern is expected to hamper the growth of nanobiotechnology market. Lack of resources and high technological cost can be barrier for the growth of this industry in emerging and underdeveloped economies. Nonetheless, strong demand from pharmaceutical industry is projected to open up new growth opportunities within the forecast period.Based on application, the global nanobiotechnology market has been segmented into drug discovery, drug delivery, diagnostics and others. Diagnostics was accounted for major share of total nanobiotechnology market in 2015 and expected to exhibit significant share within the forecast period. This growth is mainly due to emerging technology in medical sector. Drug delivery is another key outlet of nanobiotechnology market and expected to show strong growth in this market in the near future. Drug discovery is expected to witness significant growth in the years to come.Request For Free Price Quotation:In terms of geography, North America was the largest market of nanobiotechnology I in the world due to the advancement in technology. Moreover, nanobiotechnology market has huge opportunity in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific due to increasing population coupled with health awareness among people in this region. Latin America is expected to experience significant growth in the near future.Browse the full report at:Some of the leading players includes in nanobiotechnology market such as Calando Pharmaceuticals Inc., Advanced Sensor Technologies, Affymetrix, Gilead Sciences, Applied Nanotech, Advectus Life Sciences, and Elan Pharmaceuticals and others.This report segments the global nanobiotechnology market as follows:Application Segment Analysis: Drug Discovery, Drug Delivery, Diagnostics, OthersRegional Segment Analysis: North America (US), Europe(Germany, France, UK), Asia Pacific(China, Japan, India), Latin America(Brazil), Middle East and AfricaVisit Our Blog: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:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWebsite:
Global Sorghum Seed Market Forecast 2017-2022: Advanta Seeds, Monsanto, KWS, Nufarm, Allied Seed

Sorghum Seed

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http://www.depthmarketresearch.com/global-sorghum-seed-market-2017-insights-analysis-key-players-segment-and-forecast-to-2022/

Global Sorghum Seed Market Research ReportA market study  Global Sorghum Seed Market  examines the performance of the Sorghum Seed market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Sorghum Seed market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Sorghum Seed market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:The Global Sorghum Seed Market 2017 report includes Sorghum Seed market Revenue, market Share, Sorghum Seed industry volume, market Trends, Sorghum Seed Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Sorghum Seed Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Sorghum Seed Market 2017:Advanta SeedsMonsantoKWSNufarmAllied SeedSustainable Seed CompanyBlue River HybridsSafal Seeds & BiotechDupont PioneerChromatinDyna-Gro SeedProlineHeritage SeedsSeed Co LimitedFirstly, the report covers the top Sorghum Seed manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Sorghum Seed report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Sorghum Seed industry, Sorghum Seed industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Sorghum Seed Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Sorghum Seed 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 Sorghum Seed market revenue worldwide.Finally, Sorghum Seed market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.United State
Global Polymeric Membrane Market Forecast 2017-2022: United States, China, Europe, Japan

Polymeric Membrane

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Global Polymeric Membrane Market Research ReportA market study  Global Polymeric Membrane Market  examines the performance of the Polymeric Membrane market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Polymeric Membrane market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Polymeric Membrane market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Inquiry For Sample Report, Click Here:The Global Polymeric Membrane Market 2017 report includes Polymeric Membrane market Revenue, market Share, Polymeric Membrane industry volume, market Trends, Polymeric Membrane Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Polymeric Membrane Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.Market Segment by Regions of Global Polymeric Membrane Market 2017:United StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaFirstly, the report covers the top Polymeric Membrane manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Polymeric Membrane report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Polymeric Membrane industry, Polymeric Membrane industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Polymeric Membrane Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Complete Report:The Polymeric Membrane 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 Polymeric Membrane market revenue worldwide.Finally, Polymeric Membrane market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Depth Market Research" is a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.United State
Male Hypogonadism Market estimated high revenue by 2016-2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled Male Hypogonadism Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024Global Male Hypogonadism Market: OverviewMale hypogonadism is a medical condition, wherein the testes fail to generate enough testosterone which leads to incomplete development or delayed puberty. The condition is related to the development of breast tissues, impaired development of muscle mass, lack of deepening of the voice, and impaired body hair growth.Request Free Sample Report @Global Male Hypogonadism Market: SegmentationThe male hypogonadism market is globally segmented into therapy, drug delivery, and type. On the basis of therapy, the market is segregated into testosterone replacement therapy and gonadotropin-releasing hormones therapy. The gonadotropin-releasing hormones therapy is further sub-divided into luteinizing hormone (LH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Based on the drug delivery, the market is categorized into injectables, topical gels, transdermal patches, and others. Depending on the type, the market is divided into Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelters syndrome, pituitary disorders, and others.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Male Hypogonadism Market: Growth FactorsThe key factor that is driving the male hypogonadism market includes increasing cases of testosterone deficiency among men, increasing awareness among people about hypogonadism treatment owing to awareness drives that are organized by several governments across the world, and increasing infertility rates. The high risk of hypogonadism among the aged population with obesity and diabetes and escalating cases of chronic disorders among the geriatrics are further boosting the markets growth. On the other hand, factors such as high side effects of testosterone products challenge the growth of the market. The market players are focusing on research and development activities to introduce newer products with less or negligible side effects and better results. Technological advancements are anticipated to extend new opportunities to the markets growth.Global Male Hypogonadism Market: Regional AnalysisThe male hypogonadism market can be segmented into regions such as North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the market owing to the increase in the number of individuals that are suffering from the primary and secondary conditions of hypogonadism, and the rising awareness among the people about treatment. Other factors that contribute to this growth are the presence of unconventional health care infrastructure and growing popularity of the technologically advanced products which will offer new opportunities to the top market players in this market. The region is strongly followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific region is expected to offer productive opportunities to this market owing to the modernization of the healthcare infrastructure in the developing economies of India and China and the growing awareness about the treatment for the condition. In Asia Pacific, there is a rise in the number of people that suffer from hypogonadism and infertility rates coupled with the rise in the geriatric population base having obesity and diabetes are triggering the growth of the market.Browse detail report @Global Male Hypogonadism Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key market players that are involved in the male hypogonadism market include Astrazeneca Plc., Merck & Co. Inc., Laboratories Genevrier, Allergan Plc., Endo International Plc., Ferring, AbbVie Inc., Eli Lilly and Company Ltd., Finox Biotech, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, and IBSA Institut Biochimque.Our 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:
Viral Disease Diagnosis Market predicts rise in demand by 2016-2024

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Global Viral Disease Diagnosis Market: OverviewViruses are tiny organisms that cause infection within the bodies of living organisms. They are made up of genetic materials. Viruses attack and attach themselves to the host cell, thus stopping the original functionality of that cell. Owing to this an infection occurs in the body of the organism. There are quite a lot of ways by which viruses can be transmitted within the body such as unsafe sex and contact with the infected person. The risk also increases due to poor personal hygiene. The diagnosis of the viral diseases is very important in order to decrease the danger of epidemics and to provide timely treatment. The spread of the viral diseases is a public concern across the communities in the world.Request Free Sample Report @Global Viral Disease Diagnosis Market: SegmentationThe viral disease diagnosis market is globally segmented into end users, diagnostic test, virus type, and geography. On the basis of end users, the global market is segregated into hospitals, physician clinics, nursing homes, and commercial laboratories. Based on the diagnostic test, the market is categorized into serodiagnostic tests, specimen examination, and viral isolation. Depending on the virus type, the market is divided into Dengue virus, Hepatitis virus, HIV-1, Human Metapneumovirus, Measles Virus, Rabies virus, Avian Influenza, Enterovirus, Coronavirus, Poliovirus, and others. Geographically, the viral disease diagnosis market is diversified into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Viral Disease Diagnosis Market: Growth FactorsThe increasing occurrences of the infections that are viral, the technological advancements in the molecular diagnostics, and the clinical research are some of the key factors that are driving the viral disease diagnosis market globally. Furthermore, the development of the precise rapid screening tests along with the improved detection time and the preference for the treatments that are effective are further boosting the growth of the market. However, the continuous variations in the viral genome and the diverse environmental conditions lead to numerous strains of viruses that challenge the consumption of existing viral disease diagnostic tests. Low awareness about diagnostic tests, lack of expertise, and the limited availability of the virological laboratories particularly in the emerging countries results in viral disease diagnostic tests that are not utilized completely by the clinicians.Global Viral Disease Diagnosis Market: Regional AnalysisThe regions such as North America, followed by Europe, have the major market for viral molecular diagnostics owing to the factors such as ease of access, economic affordability of diagnostic tests for viral diseases, and the developed healthcare infrastructure in this region. Asia Pacific expects to show the high rate of growth in the viral molecular diagnostics market in the coming years owing to soaring cases of viral infectious diseases and increase awareness about the disease diagnosis and treatments in the region. Mounting demographics and economies in the emergent countries such as India and China anticipate leading the expansion in the viral molecular diagnostics market.Browse detail report @Global Viral Disease Diagnosis Market: Competitive PlayersSome of the key market players that are involved in the viral disease diagnosis market include Cepheid, Thermo Fischer Scientific, Becton Dickinson and Company, Novartis Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, bioMerieux, Affymetrix, and Siemens AG.Our 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:
Global Flooring Market 2016 Industry Analysis & Forecast 2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled 'Flooring Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024'Global Flooring Market: OverviewThe flooring market is growing at a rapid rate. It is a buyer-oriented market. Flooring is a process of covering the floor by using the floor covering such as tiles, vinyl, carpet, laminate, and others. The flooring market faces critical issues such as the disposal or proper management of the waste. The most severe challenge that the flooring market deals with is the disposal of wastes.Request Free Sample Report @Global Flooring Market: Growth FactorsThe major demand for flooring in the various regions has increased the growth in the global flooring market. The rising infrastructure expenditure in the sectors such as hospitals, transportation, retail, and healthcare boost the global flooring market. The towering rise in the construction industry and escalating rise in the urbanized population has helped in the substantial global market growth in the developing countries. The rise in the use of flooring in the residential infrastructures influences the growth of the global flooring market.Global Flooring Market: SegmentationThe global flooring market is segmented on the basis of type, material, application, and region. The type segment is further segmented into resilient, non-resilient, soft covering and others. The material segment is bifurcated into woods, vinyl, tiles, carpets and rugs and others. The application segment is further categorized into residential and non-residential. The region segment is further divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Flooring Market: Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific dominates the global flooring market due to the rise in the number of construction projects in the developing regions. There is a high growth in the global market in North America and Europe. The UK, the U.S., Germany, India, China, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, and Brazil are investing a huge sum of money in the construction industry for the development of infrastructures such as hospitals, healthcare, and transportation in order to achieve rapid economic growth. The developing economies such as China and India play an important role in the global flooring market. The high growth rate in the construction industry due to increasing in urbanization and high residential application is further expected to boost the global market.Global Flooring Market: Competitive PlayersThe competition among the small and big companies is rising due to the increased demand for the flooring throughout the globe. The competitors adopt various strategies such manufacturing and launching of advanced product in the market in order to ensure their growth. The major players include Amcor Limited, Rexam Plc, Ardagh Group, CPMC, Alcoa Incorporated, Crown Holdings, Silgan Holdings, Ball Corporation, Greif Incorporated and Ton Yi Industrial. The other players in the market include Karndean, Interface Global, Anderson Hardwood Floors, Fired Earth, Asian Granito, Forbo, and Milliken.Browse detail report @Global Flooring Market by Regional Segment Analysis: North America (U.S.); Europe(UK, France, Germany); Asia-Pacific(China, Japan, India); Latin America(Brazil); The 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 a detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important 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:
Genome Engineering Market - Strategic Assessment and Forecast Till 2021

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Global Genome Engineering Market: SnapshotThe field of genome engineering, the process of artificially introducing modification to the genetic content of an organism by introducing an artificially constructed piece of DNA of a specific composition into a recipient cell, has witnessed a significant rise in research activities in the past few years. Undertaken with the view of gaining larger clarity about the outcome of genome engineering experiments and finding newer applications of carefully controlled genetic experiments, the number of such research activities is rising at an immense pace.Read the Upcoming Trends and Forecast of Genome Engineering Market:Some of the most easily recognizable and highly popular applications of genome engineering practices are the use of genetically engineered microorganisms to produce vaccines and genetically modified crops. A vast variety of other applications of genome engineering are also being increasingly analyzed and put to use to develop organisms or living species with an improved genetic makeup.Transparency Market Research estimates that the global genome engineering market will exhibit a remarkable 14.2% CAGR from 2015 through 2023, with markets opportunity rising from US$2.30 bn in 2015 to an estimated US$7.21 bn by 2023.Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Account for Massive Chunk in Market RevenuesGenome engineering practices find extensive usage across the academic field and industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. In 2014, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies contributed nearly 58% of the markets overall revenue. The significant rise in the use of genome engineering practices in therapeutics and drug discovery have contributed to the immense growth of this application segment. The trend is expected to remain strong over the reports forecast period as well, with the extensive use of genome engineering in the pharmaceutical industry expected to drive the market significantly.Applications of genome engineering in the academics sector emerged as the second largest contributor to the revenues of the global genome engineering market in 2014. Owing to the preliminary success achieved in a number of academic studies, the demand for genome engineering practices has significantly increased in the academic sector, chiefly for the production of mutants and treatment of genetic disorders. The vast global rise in prevalence of genetic disorders and a variety of cancers, the academic sector is expected to lead to stable demand for genome engineering practices in the next few years as well.Vast Rise in Genome Research Activities to Help North America Retain Leading PositionHome to some of the worlds largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, North America is one of the mist lucrative markets for genome engineering. The region has witnessed a significant rise in research and development activities in the field of genetics and its applications across these industries. The North America genome engineering market held a valuation of US$1.27 bn in 2015 and is expected to continue to rise at a healthy pace over the reports forecast period as well. The increasing demand for research dealing with the legal, ethical, and social implications of genome engineering will continue to lead to an increase in the number of genome engineering practices taking place in the region.Over the reports forecast period, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the most lucrative regional market for genome engineering. The regional market is expected to benefit from rising government incentives aimed at the development of the field in emerging economies and increased interest by companies in the region due to low research costs.Request for the Sample report:Some of the key vendors operating in the global genome engineering market profiled in the report are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Sangamo Biosciences, Lonza Group Ltd., and Horizon Discovery Group Plc.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:
Research Offers 10-Year Forecast on Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market

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Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: OverviewNonylphenol ethoxylates are group of chemicals belonging to the family of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. They are colourless or light orange coloured and in the form of waxy solid or oily liquids. Nonylphenol ethoxylates act as non-ionic surfactants and are unreactive and stable at normal temperature. It reduces the surface tension of liquids and helps The products containing nonylphenol ethoxylates are used in various applications such as paper and pulp manufacturing, textile processing, machine degreasers, fiber scouring etc. Dow Chemical Corporation, a leading chemicals manufacturer based in U.S. produces and distributed nonylphenol ethoxylates based surfactants by the brand name TERGITOL NP series. The nonylphenol ethoxylates in this series is in solid or liquid form depending on the temperature conditions in which it is used and its molecular weight. Clariant, the global chemicals manufacturer based in Switzerland, manufactures and distributes nonylphenol ethoxylate by the trade name Arkopal N series. The products available in this series varies by form and are used as wetting agents in coatings and paints, adhesives, emulsifiers, dispersing agents etc.Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Drivers and RestraintsNonylphenol ethoxylates are used in wide range of applications such as paints and coatings, detergent product formulations, pulp and paper manufacturing etc., which is the major driver for the growth of global nonylphenol ethoxylates market. This chemical acts as detergent, wetting agent, emulsifier and dispersing agent. They are also used in consumer products such as detergents and cosmetic products. There is a rise in consumer demand for personal care products with enhanced benefits, which is expected to drive the consumption of nonylphenol ethoxylates. In the surfactant market, the demand for synthetic surfactants is on the rise, as compared to natural surfactants.Request For Report Sample@The nonylphenol ethoxylates takes longer time for degradation as compared to other surfactants and also it is proven to be harmful to aquatic species. In many countries the use of nonyphenol ethoxlates in textile manufacturing and processing is banned due to its toxic properties. These facts are expected to hamper the growth of global nonylphenol ethoxylates market.Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application, the global nonylphenol ethoxylates market can be segmented as follows:-Institutional and Industrial CleaningDomestic CleaningLeather and Textile ProcessingPaper and Pulp ManufacturingCosmetic ProductsAgrochemicalsNonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global nonylphenol ethoxylates market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). APEJ holds major share in global nonyphenol ethoxylates market. The rising industrialisation and urbanisation is expected to propel the growth of nonylphenol ethoxylates market in the region. The rising disposable income and improved lifestyle boosted the growth of industries such as detergents and soaps and personal care, which are the end-use industries for nonylphenol ethoxylates. North America accounts for significant share in the nonylphenol ethoxylates market. The growing market of home care products in this region is anticipated to increase the consumption of nonylphenol ethoxylates. Western Europe is expected to project moderate CAGR over the forecast period due to the mature surfactant industry in the region. Latin America and MEA regions are expected to register high CAGR over the forecast period due to the growth of end-use industries in these regions.Request For TOC@Nonylphenol Ethoxylates Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global nonylphenol ethoxylates market are as follows:The Dow Chemical CompanyKH ChemicalsHuntsman International LLC.Stepan CompanyClariantDover Chemical CorporationIndia Glycols LimitedPCC SEIsfahan CopolymerABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
The Cards and Payments Industry in South Africa: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 Report provides Aanalysis, Information and Insights

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " The Cards and Payments Industry in South Africa: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020 " to it's Large Report database.SynopsisTimetrics 'The Cards and Payments Industry in South Africa: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the South African cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including direct debits, check payments, payment cards, cash transactions and credit transfers during the review period (20112015).The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (20162020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:SummaryTimetrics 'The Cards and Payments Industry in South Africa: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the South African cards and payments industry, including:Current and forecast values for each market in the South African cards and payments industry, including debit card, credit and charge cards.Detailed insights into payment instruments including direct debit, credit transfers, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.E-commerce market analysis.Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the South African cards and payments industry.Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit and charge cards.Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.The competitive landscape in the South African cards and payments industry.Read All Cards & Payments Market Research Reports @Table of Contents1 DEFINITIONS AND METHODOLOGY1.1 Definitions1.2 Methodology2 KEY FACTS AND HIGHLIGHTS3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY4 PAYMENT INSTRUMENTS5 E-COMMERCE AND ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS5.1 E-Commerce Market and Payment Methods5.2 Alternative Payment Solutions5.2.1 PayPal5.2.2 MasterPass5.2.3 Zapper5.2.4 SnapScan5.2.5 FlickPay5.2.6 Cell Pay Point5.2.7 Ukash5.2.8 VCpay5.2.9 InstantMoney6 REGULATIONS IN THE CARDS AND PAYMENTS INDUSTRY6.1 Regulatory Framework6.1.1 National Credit Act6.1.2 Interchange fee regulation6.2 Anti-Money Laundering (AML)6.3 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) RegulationsContact 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:About 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.
Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market 2016 Industry Analysis & Forecast 2024

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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled 'In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024'Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: OverviewIn-vitro diagnostics tests are the tests performed outside the body of a patient. It uses reagents, devices, calibrators, analytical instruments, and systems for examination, detection of diseases, and health condition.Request Free Sample Report @Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: Growth FactorsThe key factors contributing to the propelling of the in vitro diagnostics market include rising frequency of chronic and lifestyle disorders and increasing adoption of molecular diagnostics in personalized medicine. However, rising healthcare price and lack of compensation may hinder the growth of the market.Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: SegmentationThe global in vitro diagnostics market can be segmented based on technology, end-user, products & services, application, and geography. The technology segment of the market is divided into hematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, immunochemistry/immunoassay, coagulation & hemostasis, molecular diagnostics, and other technologies. The clinical chemistry segment of the market is diversified into lipid profile, electrolyte panel, thyroid function panel, basic metabolic panel, specialty chemical tests, liver panel, and renal profile. The immunochemistry/immunoassay segment of the market is classified into rapid tests, ELISPOT, radioimmunoassays, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay segment of the market is sub-segmented into fluorescence immunoassay, chemiluminescence immunoassay, and colorimetric immunoassay. The molecular diagnostics segment of the market is divided into microarrays, DNA sequencing & next-generation sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, hybridization, isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology, and other molecular diagnostics technologies. The end-user segment of the in vitro diagnostics market is classified into academic institutes, patient self-testing, hospitals, point-of-care testing, laboratories, and other end-users. The products & services segment of the market is diversified into instruments, data management software, reagents & kits, and services. The application segment of the market sub-segmented into nephrology, oncology/cancer, drug testing, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cardiology, HIV/AIDS, and other applications.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America is anticipated to be the dominating region in the global in vitro diagnostics market owing to the increasing aging population, easy convenience to technologically improved products, rising adoption of personalized medicine, increasing incidence of changing lifestyle and genetic disorders, and existence of a huge figure of important in vitro diagnostics manufacturers. Europe is also expected to grow at a higher rate in the near future. Even the Asia Pacific region is assumed to grow in the market at a significant rate in the coming period. The growth of this region can be attributed to the advancing healthcare framework and improving economies in India and China.Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market: Competitive PlayersThe key players in the global in the Vitro diagnostics market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Danaher Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Siemens Healthiness, and Roche Diagnostics. The other major players in the market include Sysmex Corporation, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., Johnson and Johnson, bioMerieux, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Qiagen N.V., and Diasorin S.P.A.Browse detail report @Global In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market by Regional Segment Analysis: North America (U.S.); Europe(UK, France, Germany); Asia-Pacific(China, Japan, India); Latin America(Brazil); The 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 a detailed overview on segmentation of this market. We managed to present as many important 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:
Classification Of Global Micro Irrigation Systems Sales Market: Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Classification Of Global Micro Irrigation Systems Sales Market: Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies sales (consumption) of Micro Irrigation Systems in Global market, especially in USA, China, Europe, Japan, India and Southeast Asia, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringEPC Irrigation (India)Jain Irrigation Systems Limited (India)NaanDanJain Irrigation Ltd. (Israel)Lindsay Corporation (US)Nelson Irrigation Corporation (US)Netafim Ltd. (Israel)Rain Bird Corporation (US)Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. (US)Rivulis Irrigation (Israel)T-L Irrigation Co (US)The Toro Company (US)Toro Micro Irrigation (US)Valmont Industries, Inc. (US)Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Micro Irrigation Systems in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUSAChinaEuropeJapanIndiaSoutheast AsiaSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IIType IIITo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Micro Irrigation Systems in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Table of ContentsGlobal Micro Irrigation Systems Sales Market Report 20161 Micro Irrigation Systems Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Micro Irrigation Systems1.2 Classification of Micro Irrigation Systems1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Micro Irrigation Systems1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Micro Irrigation Systems Market by Regions1.4.1 USA Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)2 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2 Global Micro Irrigation Systems (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Micro Irrigation Systems Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)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 Agriculture Solar Pumps Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Research Report 2017

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"Global Agriculture Solar Pumps 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 Agriculture Solar Pumps 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 Agriculture Solar Pumps in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGet Sample Report With TOC @Global Agriculture Solar Pumps market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingLorentzCRI GroupShakti Solar Pumping SystemStrategic InitiativesSunEdisonSolar Power & Pump Co., LLCRainbow Power Co., LtdWenling Jintai Pump FactoryAmerican West Windmill & Solar CompanyBright Solar Water PumpsUSLGrundfosOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoDC Surface SuctionAC SubmersibleDC Submersible And AC FloatingOtherOn 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 Agriculture Solar Pumps for each application, includingIrrigationOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Research Report 20171 Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Agriculture Solar Pumps1.2 Agriculture Solar Pumps Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 DC Surface Suction1.2.4 AC Submersible1.2.5 DC Submersible And AC Floating1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Segment by Application1.3.1 Agriculture Solar Pumps Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Irrigation1.3.3 Other1.4 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps 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 Agriculture Solar Pumps (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Agriculture Solar Pumps Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Agriculture Solar Pumps Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Agriculture Solar Pumps Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Lorentz7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Agriculture Solar Pumps Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product BResearchMoz 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
Global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry, 2017 Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Research Report

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"Global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry, 2017 Market Research Report" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-The 'Global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Photovoltaic (PV) Glass industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Photovoltaic (PV) Glass 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.Get Sample Report With TOC @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 Photovoltaic (PV) Glass 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 Photovoltaic (PV) Glass industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2012-2022 global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass industry covering all important parameters.Table of ContentsChapter One Introduction of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass1.2 Development of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry1.3 Status of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass2.1 Development of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass 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 Information............Chapter Four 2012-2017 Global and Chinese Market of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass4.1 2012-2017 Global Capacity, Production and Production Value of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry4.2 2012-2017 Global Cost and Profit of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry4.3 Market Comparison of Global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry4.4 2012-2017 Global and Chinese Supply and Consumption of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass4.5 2012-2017 Chinese Import and Export of Photovoltaic (PV) GlassChapter Five Market Status of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry5.1 Market Competition of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry by Company5.2 Market Competition of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry by Country (USA, EU, Japan, Chinese etc.)5.3 Market Analysis of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Consumption by Application/TypeChapter Six 2017-2022 Market Forecast of Global and Chinese Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry6.1 2017-2022 Global and Chinese Capacity, Production, and Production Value of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass6.2 2017-2022 Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry Cost and Profit Estimation6.3 2017-2022 Global and Chinese Market Share of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass6.4 2017-2022 Global and Chinese Supply and Consumption of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass6.5 2017-2022 Chinese Import and Export of Photovoltaic (PV) GlassChapter Seven Analysis of Photovoltaic (PV) Glass Industry Chain7.1 Industry Chain Structure7.2 Upstream Raw Materials7.3 Downstream IndustryResearchMoz 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
United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Report 2017

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"United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-In this report, the United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor 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 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).Get Sample Report With TOC @United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBaker HughesEcolabGE WaterHalliburtonSchlumbergerLubrizolSolenisAfton ChemicalAngus Chemical CompanyBASFChemTreatClariantICL Advanced AdditivesLANXESSArkemaLonzaKing IndustriesDaubert ChemicalOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoImidazolineQuaternary Ammonium saltInorganic Corrosion InhibitorOrganic phosphorusOthersOn 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 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor for each application, includingAcidification OperationSewage TreatmentPipeline Corrosion InhibitionOthersTable of ContentsUnited States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Report 20171 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor1.2 Classification of Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor by Product Category1.2.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Imidazoline1.2.4 Quaternary Ammonium salt1.2.5 Inorganic Corrosion Inhibitor1.2.6 Organic phosphorus1.2.7 Others1.3 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Acidification Operation1.3.3 Sewage Treatment1.3.4 Pipeline Corrosion Inhibition1.3.5 Others1.4 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market by Region1.4.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 The West Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Southwest Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 The Middle Atlantic Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 New England Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 The South Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 The Midwest Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor (2012-2022)1.5.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.4 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Suppliers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion in United States Market2.5 United States Players/Suppliers Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type3 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Price by Region (2012-2017)4 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales and Market Share by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6 United States Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data6.1 Baker Hughes6.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors6.1.2 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification6.1.2.1 Product A6.1.2.2 Product B6.1.3 Baker Hughes Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.2 Ecolab6.2.2 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification6.2.2.1 Product A6.2.2.2 Product B6.2.3 Ecolab Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.3 GE Water6.3.2 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification6.3.2.1 Product A6.3.2.2 Product B6.3.3 GE Water Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.4 Halliburton6.4.2 Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Product Category, Application and Specification6.4.2.1 Product A6.4.2.2 Product B6.4.3 Halliburton Oil Field Corrosion Inhibitor Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)6.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 SchlumbergerResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. 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One off Chopsticks Market: Global Industry Current Trends, Opportunities & Challenges For 2017

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Chopsticks are mainstream for serving a few capacities separated from being silverware. Chopsticks are known for showing the stylish and aesthetic sensibilities of individuals. This device is generally known for the utilization of various materials and hues as they delineate distinctive implications. They may delineate a client's position, fortune, good fortune, and different elements. It is a typical convention in Asian nations to blessing a couple of chopsticks to companions and relatives. Individuals redo these blessings and add enthusiastic viewpoints to them. Chopsticks are equivalent length sticks and utilized significantly by the Mongolian gathering of individuals in Asia. The utilization of chopsticks needs rehearse and is learnt by the Chinese since their introduction to the world. The lower chopstick is stationery and the other stick rests at the base of the thumb, between the ring finger and center finger. Chopsticks when are not being used, set either underneath the plate or on the right side in a Chinese table setting.Get Details Information on Industry Trends & Opportunities, Download Research Brochure@The one off chopsticks showcase has a few drivers that are pushing the make of the one off chopsticks on the planet. Despite the fact that the one-off chopsticks industry is exceedingly disorderly, few key players are embracing systems of extension to snatch an impressive piece of the overall industry sooner rather than later. Price rivalry is explicit, attributable to the nearness of a few nearby players, who offer an assortment of items. The central players are embraced mechanical headways and providing food the altered prerequisites of the end-clients. Producers are steadily moving their plants to North America and different locales, attributable to the surging government controls relating to deforestation.The one off chopsticks market is segmented into material type and distributional channel. On the basis of material type, the one off chopsticks market is further categorized into aspen, bamboo and birch. The bamboo segment is the most targeted segment and has the most rated market share during the forecast period. Additionally, the aspen wood category is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its good aspects. Aspen wood is one of the most popular material used to manufacture chopsticks. Besides aspen, birch, bamboo many other wood type are utilized in producing one-off chopsticks. Majority of the one off chopsticks are designed from different varieties of wood and then painted with paint, or lacquer. Other typical material woods used to make chopsticks are pine, cherry, cedar, and paulownia. Wood is prioritized as a strong raw material and needs further crafting to be hard and water-resistant. The distribution channel segment of one off chopsticks is categorized into departmental stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, online and other small retail chains.Geographically, the one off chopsticks market is sold globally in all the major regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America, Middle East and Africa (MEA). Amongst these, Asia is the frontrunner in the market followed by Europe and North America. China has been reported to be the highest producer of one off chopsticks in the world. Furthermore, another major driver is recyclability that is expected to boost their sales over the forecast period. There have been increasing government regulations that have pertained to deforestation, in major Asian countries for which the manufacturers are gradually shifting their focus toward the North America.Browse Report@The major players dominating the one off chopsticks market are Besta Bamboo Machine Co., Ltd., Pacific East Company, Ngoc Chau Enterprise Pte, Nanchang Sanyou Industrial Co., Ltd., Nine Zero Trade & Development Limited (Panda), Dom Agri Products, Bamboo Forever Co., Ltd are a few among other leading manufacturers of one off chopsticks in the world. These companies are constantly on the verge of experimenting with new product differentiations in different countries and their localized tastes and preferences.About Us:-Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Global Dental Extraction Forceps Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Professional Survey Report 2017

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"Global Dental Extraction Forceps Market Professional Survey Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This report studies Dental Extraction Forceps in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2015, and forecast to 2021.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringKarl SchumacheriM3Erbrich InstrumenteHu-FriedyKruuseOtto Leibinger GmbHDental USAGet Sample Report With TOC @Carl Martin GmbHHelmut Zepf Medizintechnik GmbHASA DENTAL S.p.A.J&J InstrumentsWittex GmbHCBIA. Titan InstrumentsHarlton's Equine SpecialtiesGuilin Woodpecker Medical InstrumentBy types, the market can be split intoEnglish typeAmerican typeOtherBy Application, the market can be split intoAdultChildrenAnimalBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Dental Extraction Forceps Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Dental Extraction Forceps1.1 Definition and Specifications of Dental Extraction Forceps1.1.1 Definition of Dental Extraction Forceps1.1.2 Specifications of Dental Extraction Forceps1.2 Classification of Dental Extraction Forceps1.2.1 English type1.2.2 American type1.2.3 Other1.3 Applications of Dental Extraction Forceps1.3.1 Adult1.3.2 Children1.3.3 Animal1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Dental Extraction Forceps2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Dental Extraction Forceps2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Dental Extraction Forceps2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Dental Extraction Forceps3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Dental Extraction Forceps3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Dental Extraction Forceps Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Dental Extraction Forceps Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Dental Extraction Forceps Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Dental Extraction Forceps Major Manufacturers in 20154 Global Dental Extraction Forceps Overall Market Overview4.1 2011-2016 Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2011-2016 Global Dental Extraction Forceps Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2011-2016 Global Dental Extraction Forceps Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2011-2016 Global Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price4.4.2 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Dental Extraction Forceps Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share Analysis5.2 China Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.2.1 China Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.2.2 China 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share Analysis5.6 India Dental Extraction Forceps Market Analysis5.6.1 India Dental Extraction Forceps Market Overview5.6.2 India 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India 2011-2016 Dental Extraction Forceps Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India 2015 Dental Extraction Forceps Market Share AnalysisResearchMoz 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
Global Anesthesia Endotracheal Tubes Market Industry Forecast by 2016 - 2024

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Introduction of advanced technology in the medical field, which enables easy performing of critical surgeries and usage of high-quality consumables in the field are the recent trends in the global anesthesia endotracheal tubes market. However, availability of an increased number of alternative disposable devices and upcoming better options may act as a barrier for the anesthesia endotracheal tubes market. The anesthesia endotracheal tubes market has been segregated into organized and unorganized as well as global and regional players. The unorganized local market in developing countries may give a tough competition to the global players by maintaining high quality standards at reasonable pricing. The dealers in the developed market are targeting back with product innovations.Obtain Report Details @Anesthesia endotracheal tube is a tube implanted in trachea to administer anesthesia, maintain the airway passage of lungs, prevent aspiration into the lungs, and allow mechanical ventilation. It also establishes the aspiration of secretions and anticipation of the pathway of extraneous material into the tracheobronchial tree. The endotracheal tube is of two types: orotracheal tube and nasotracheal tube. The orotracheal tube is rooted through the mouth, while the nasotracheal tube is rooted through the nose into the trachea. Both are used for anesthesia management.With the advancement of health care facilities and modern technologies, surgery of vital organs such as lungs has become easy. Anesthesia endotracheal tubes make it easy for the surgeons to sedate the patient and perform the surgical procedure. Also, these tubes are accepted and used by the patients of all age groups with breathing or lung problems. This is a major factor driving the market for anesthesia endotracheal tubes. Growing industrialization leading to rise in air pollution and habits such as smoking are responsible for increasing incidence of respiratory diseases. This can be considered as a factor propelling the anesthesia endotracheal tubes market. Rising incidence of other respiratory diseases, lung diseases, and breathing disorders also drives the market.Based on the product type, the global anesthesia endotracheal tubes market can be segmented into: orotracheal tubes and nasotracheal tubes. Orotracheal tubes are implanted in the patients trachea through the mouth. Nasotracheal tubes are implanted in the trachea through the nose. These tubes are employed in the cases wherein the patients mouth needs to be operated.Based on the end-user, the anesthesia endotracheal tubes market can be segmented into: hospitals & clinics and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).High demand for home-based therapy and modernization in video laryngoscopes also drive the global anesthesia endotracheal tubes market. However, complications in the anesthesia delivery system, availability of a small number of skilled medical practitioners to perform critical surgeries with perfection, and growing preference to laryngeal masks over anesthesia endotracheal tubes are likely be major factors restraining the growth of the market during the forecast period.Based on the geographical region, the anesthesia endotracheal tubes market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is a major market for anesthesia endotracheal tubes, due to respiratory disorder-prone lifestyle of people in the region and a large number of elderly population. Asia Pacific is an expanding market due to increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in the region.Some players operating in the global anesthesia endotracheal tubes market are Medline Industries, Medtronic, C. R. Bard, ConvaTec, GE Healthcare, Smiths Medical, KindWell Medical, ROYAX, Fuji Systems, Teleflex, Neurovision Medical, and Intersurgical.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Information and Analysis with Forecast Growth Professional Survey Report 2017

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"Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Professional Survey Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-This report studies Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2015, and forecast to 2021.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringMS WestfaliaStephanixVilla Sistemi MedicaliAllengers Medical Systems LimitedADANIKonica MinoltaIdetec Medical ImagingGet Sample Report With TOC @AMICO JSCCANON USAShimadzuPhilips HealthcareAGFA HealthcareCarestreamDelft DIDMS / ApelemResources Wandong Medical EquipmentJiangsu Yuyue MedicalBy types, the market can be split intoRadiation fluoroscopy systemFluoroscopy systemBy Application, the market can be split intoRadiographyFluorescence examinationBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.1 Definition and Specifications of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.1.1 Definition of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.1.2 Specifications of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.2 Classification of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.2.1 Radiation fluoroscopy system1.2.2 Fluoroscopy system1.3 Applications of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System1.3.1 Radiography1.3.2 Fluorescence examination1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Major Manufacturers in 20154 Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Overall Market Overview4.1 2011-2016 Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2011-2016 Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2011-2016 Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2011-2016 Global Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price4.4.2 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Share Analysis5.2 China Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Analysis5.2.1 China Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Overview5.2.2 China 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2015 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2011-2016 Diagnostic Fluoroscopy System Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption AnalysisResearchMoz 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
Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market to reach USD 1.3 Billion by 2022

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast 2017  2022 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The research report titled "Hawaii Meetings, Conventions, Incentives (MCI) Tourism Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast 2017  2022 provides detailed information on the Hawaii MCI Tourism Market. This report analyzes market data and provides a better understanding of MCI travelers flows and revenue to Hawaii. Market outlook in value terms for the forecasted period for Hawaii MCI tourism market has been detailed in the report. This report also entails a detailed description of market drivers and inhibitors of the Hawaii MCI tourism market.Japan, US West and US East MCI tourists play a significant role in contributing revenue to the Hawaii economy. Japan contributed more than 30% revenue followed by US East with more than 27% revenue in 2016. Japan is likely to maintain dominance in Hawaii MCI tourists revenue generator by the year end of 2022. US East and US West have shown its potential to become 2nd and 3rd major revenue generator countries by the year end of 2022. Other countries such as Other Asia, China and Canada emerge as the largest revenue generator in the Hawaii MCI Tourism Market.To view detailed description and Table of Contents of this report please visitThis 65 Pages report with 52 Figures and 4 Tables have been analyzed from 5 viewpoints: Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue & Forecast (2013  2022) Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue Share & Forecast (2013  2022) Hawaii MCI Travelers, Revenue & Forecast  Top 12 Country Analysis (2013  2022) Hawaii MCI Tourism Market  Market Drivers Hawaii MCI Tourism Market  InhibitorsHawaii MCI Tourism Market  12 Countries Covered US West US East Japan Canada Australia New Zealand Other Asia China Korea Taiwan Europe Latin AmericaTo Get Sample Copy of this report please visitAbout ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
The UK True Fleet continues to suffer negative growth in 2017

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While the rest of the EU-5 has swung back into positive growth for May the UK is still dealing with negative growth, perhaps fuelled in part by consumers with eyes on Junes snap election. The Total Market managed a little over 186,000 registrations in May but this was down 8.5% over last year. True Fleet struggled with a negative 4.5% but it was definitely the Private Market with -14.1% that was worse affected, with a 5-digit drop over May 2016.True Fleet manufacturers welcomed three new entries into this months Top-10 with some outstanding growth from Asian brands. Ford and Opel (2nd place) once again performed their sporadic dance routine, pirouetting around each other with Ford taking top spot and the highest growth rate inside the Top-5 of + 9.8%, almost solely driven by the Fiesta model performance. German brands took the next three spots, VW (3rd place), Mercedes (4th place) and Audi (5thplace) followed by Nissan (6th place) keeping BMW (7th place) from joining its home-grown rivals. Notably all these brands retained their places from last year rankings.It was however the sibling rivalry of Hyundai (8th place) and Kia (9th place) that scored highest in the monthly growth charts. Hyundai managed + 48.0% and Kia + 14.3% moving them into the Top 10 from 13th and 12th respectively. Highest volume for the OEMs was achieved from the sister SUVs, Hyundai with the Tucson and Kia with the Sportage but worthy mention should be made of the Kia Optima which managed an exceptional 350% growth.The Alternative Fuel segment in True Fleet had a prosperous month with an increase of 33.1% taking its year-to-date growth to 14.8%. In the Electric Top-5 models the BMW I3 took out 1st position followed by the Nissan Leaf but it was the Tesla Model X taking 3rd spot from the Model S (4th place)for the second month in a row and the Hyundai Ioniq in 5th spot which impressed most, with both of these vehicles not even on the market last June.DATAFORCE  Focus on FleetsDataforce is the leading provider of fleet market data and automotive intelligence solutions in Europe. In addition, the company also provides detailed information on sales opportunities for the automotive industry, together with a wide portfolio of information based on primary market research and consulting services. The company is based in Frankfurt, Germany.Contact: Richard WorrowDataforce Verlagsgesellschaft fur Business Informationen mbHHamburger Allee 1460486 Frankfurt am MainGermanyPhone: +49 69 95930-231Fax: +49 69 95930-333Email: richard.worrow@dataforce.de
United States Blood Glucose Meter Market to reach USD 650 Million by 2022.

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title United States Blood Glucose Meter Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast 2017  2022 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The research report titled United States Blood Glucose Meter Market Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Growth Potential & Forecast 2017  2022 examines the market, competitive landscape and trends of the United States Blood Glucose Meter Market. The study provides an indepth analysis of the type 1, type 2 and newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and overall diabetes population. Moreover, it also provides an essential insight on insulin users.The report provides a decisive view on the Blood Glucose Meter Users and Market. It also covers reimbursement pattern and offers a clear view of the regulatory landscape in the United States Blood Glucose Meter Market. Key trends in terms of collaboration, partnership, distribution and licensing agreement are analyzed with details.The report also explores detailed description of growth drivers and inhibitors of the United States Blood Glucose Meter Market. The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the United States Blood Glucose Meter Market. The key market players are evaluated on various parameters such as company overview, marketed products and latest development and trends of the Blood Glucose Meter Market.To view detailed description and Table of Contents of this report please visitKey Topics Covered in the Report United States Diabetes Population (2011  2022) Insulin Users (2011  2022) United States Blood Glucose Meter Users and Market Analysis (2011  2022) United States Blood Glucose Meter Market: Reimbursement & Regulation System United States Blood Glucose Meter Market  Major Deal Types Key Companies Analysis Key Drivers and Inhibitors of the United States Blood Glucose Meter MarketKey Companies Covered in the Report are as follows: Roche LifeScan Inc Abbott Diabetes Care Arkray Ascensia Diabetes Care Fora Care Entra Health Fifty50 Medical Infopia Genesis Health Technologies iHealth Labs Oak Tree Health Livongo Health Nova Diabetes Care Sanofi Diabetes Telcare Walgreens U.S. Diagnostics Prodigy Diabetes Care Omnis HealthTo Get Sample Copy of this report please visitAbout ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Augmented Reality Market | Industry Outlook Research Report 2016-2023 Added By DecisionDatabases

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DecisionDatabases.com offers Augmented Reality Market Research Report. This Report covers the complete Industry Outlook, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast Till 2023. The report on global augmented reality market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2016-2023. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).The major market drivers are increasing adoption of AR in automotive and gaming industry and advancements in technologies in healthcare and medical sector. The market growth might be restricted due to cost factor coupled with privacy issues under the study period.Get FREE Sample Report Copy @Furthermore, the report quantifies the market share held by the major players of the industry and provides an in-depth view of the competitive landscape. This market is classified into different segments with detailed analysis of each with respect to geography for the study period 2016-2023. The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as Acep TryLive, Blippar.Com Ltd., Daqri LLC, Google Inc., Infinity Augmented Reality Inc., Magic Leap, Inc., Microsoft Corp., Osterhout Design Group, Qualcomm Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Corp., Total Immersion and Wikitude GmbH. Geographically, this market has been segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The study details country-level aspects based on each segment and gives estimates in terms of market size.Table Of Contents- Overview1.Introduction2.Executive Summary3.Market Analysis4.Augmented Reality Market Analysis By Component5.Augmented Reality Market Analysis By Display7.Augmented Reality Market Analysis By Application8.Augmented Reality Market Analysis By Geography9.Competitive Landscape Of The Augmented Reality Companies10.Company Profiles Of The Augmented Reality IndustryView More About this Report @Purchase Complete Global Augmented Reality Market Research Report At @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor,Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane,Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web:
Face Makeup Market Trends in China: Share, Growth, Size, Trends and Forecast till 2026

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This study focuses on Chinas Face Makeup market trends. In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed Chinas society and economy. China is one of the worlds major producers for industrial and consumer products.Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the worlds fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market.Request For Free Sample @Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sectors economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products.This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2006, 2011 and 2016) and long-term forecasts through 2021 and 2026 are presented.The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases.Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets.Browse Full Report With TOC @TABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesMarket TrendsTechnology DevelopmentMarket DevelopmentMajor Industry DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentEnterprise DevelopmentLabor Market DevelopmentIII. FACE MAKEUP MARKET TRENDSFace Makeup Market TrendsCurrent Market AnalysesMarket Development TrendsMarket ChallengesMajor ProducersCurrent IssuesPackaging LegislationChinese Retail Market TrendsConsumer Income TrendsConsumer Spending Trends by RegionNortheastNorthSoutheastCentralSouthwestNorthwestContinue.Make an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read More Related News:
3D Printing & Additive Market Analysis- Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Forecast, Application Analysis To 2022

3D Printing & Additive Market

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3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing is a layer-by-layer process of producing 3D objects directly from a digital model. 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing produce functional parts and discussed benefits that have been realized in the medical, aerospace & defense sectors, and aerospace & defence are mainly discussed in this report.Request for Sample Copy Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the 3D Printing & Additive in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Stratasys 3D Systems Arcam Group Renishaw ExOne Optomec SLM Solutions EnvisionTEC VoxelJet AG Sciaky Inc EOS e-Manufacturing SolutionsMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Browse Full Report @Market Segment by Type, covers Plastics Material Ceramics Material Metals Material Other MaterialMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Commercial Aerospace Defense Space OthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the Global 3D Printing & Additive Market.Chapter 1, to describe 3D Printing & Additive Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of 3D Printing & Additive, with sales, revenue, and price of 3D Printing & Additive, 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 3D Printing & Additive, 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, 3D Printing & Additive market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe 3D Printing & Additive sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for Discount @Some points from TOC:-1 Market Overview1.1 3D Printing & Additive Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Plastics Material1.2.2 Ceramics Material1.2.3 Metals Material1.2.4 Other Material1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Commercial Aerospace1.3.2 Defense1.3.3 Space1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)..ContinuedEnquiry before Buying @About Global Info Reports:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.comWeb-Blogs-
North America Oxygen Therapy Devices Market Key Players in Latest Research Reports

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North America Oxygen Therapy Devices Market: SnapshotOxygen therapy devices are being largely acknowledged for the treatment of several respiratory diseases due to its supplementary, definitive, or palliative role. The growing prevalence of respiratory diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome, COPD, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea is by far the leading factor augmenting the oxygen therapy devices market in North America. Moreover, the rising preference for home healthcare coupled with the rapid advancements in technology is providing a significant boost to the growth of the market.Read the Upcoming Trends and Forecast of North America Oxygen Therapy Devices Market:However, the growing consumer inclination towards refurbished equipment and the high cost of oxygen therapy devices along with the lack of favorable reimbursement policies are adversely affecting the overall revenue generation of the market. Owing to these factors, the North America oxygen therapy devices market is poised to reach a valuation of US$1.58 bn by 2023, progressing at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2015 and 2023.Soaring Demand for Venturi Masks Fuels Growth of Oxygen Delivery Devices SegmentBased on product, the North America oxygen therapy devices market is classified into oxygen delivery devices and oxygen source equipment. The oxygen delivery devices market is further categorized into bag valve masks, nasal cannula, simple oxygen masks, non-rebreather masks, venturi masks, and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) masks. The venturi masks segment is estimated to register a CAGR of more than 7.0% during the same period. High accuracy along with minimum discomfort are stirring up the demand for these masks.Similarly, oxygen source equipment is further segmented into oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, and liquid oxygen devices. The oxygen concentrators segment dominates the market in terms of revenue. However, liquid oxygen devices will post a CAGR higher than any other segment during the forecast period. Low per unit cost, maximum mobility, and power saving nature of liquid oxygen systems are propelling their demand in the region. Moreover, features such as easy-to-use, easy-to-carry, and better storage capacity is leading to their greater preference to other oxygen source equipment.U.S. to Retain Dominance Owing to High Prevalence of COPDOn the basis of geography, the oxygen therapy devices market in North America is divided into the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. will continue to account for the lions share until 2023. The growing prevalence of COPD among the populace is one of the primary factors contributing to the dominance of the country. The American Lung Association ranks COPD third in the causes of death in the U.S., with 11 million people diagnosed with this disease in 2013. The rising awareness regarding the availability of treatment for several chronic respiratory disorders and increasing demand for technologically advanced devices are also fuelling the growth of the market in the U.S.Moreover, government initiatives play a vital role in the growth of the country. A case in point is the National Asthma Control Initiative (NACI), an initiative by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), aims to produce high-impact, reliable solutions in asthma control in the U.S.The oxygen therapy devices market in Canada is likely to exhibit a noteworthy CAGR during the review period. The widening base of geriatric population along with the rising incidence of respiratory disorders is supplementing the growth of the Canada market. As per the Statistics Canada, 16.1% or approximately 5,780,900 people in Canada, who are 65 years and older, are susceptible to respiratory diseases. The increasing adoption of premium-priced devices and the growing prevalence of COPD are providing a fillip to the growth of the country. COPD is predicted to become the third largest cause of death by 2020 from the fourth largest in 2013.Request for the Sample report:Some of the prominent players in the North America market for oxygen therapy devices are MAQUET Holding B.V. & Co. KG, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, Teleflex Incorporated, CareFusion Corporation, Smiths Medical, Philips Respironics Inc., DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC, Invacare Corporation, and AirSep Corporation.About TMRTransparency 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.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Find Out What Is The Growth Of Military Exoskeleton Market? And What Will Be The CAGR Value In Future?

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Market Size Forecasters released a new research report of 105 pages on title Global Military Exoskeleton Market Research Report 2017with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies.In this report, the global Military Exoskeleton market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Global Military Exoskeleton market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including:Lockheed Martin CorporationBAE Systems, Raytheon CompanyGeneral Dynamics CorporationBoeing, Honeywell AerospaceEkso Bionics HoldingsThis research, highlighting the current situation of the global Military Exoskeleton market, focuses on answering some of the important questions faced by stakeholders. By providing answers to these questions related to the key drivers and dominant companies, the reports authors also focus on different factors, which would create new growth opportunities in the global Military Exoskeleton market. Prepared by an expert team, the report on the global Military Exoskeleton market highlights recent developments, key trends, and new project developments in the market. As leading companies take efforts to maintain their dominance in the global Military Exoskeleton market, the right way to do so is by adopting new technologies and strategies.Get Sample Copy of This Report:The research on the global Military Exoskeleton market will be useful to investors, regularity authorities, and policy makers, state the analysts. Independent research institutions, commercial entities, and non-profit organization in this sector can also benefit from the report. Key companies operating in the global Military Exoskeleton market are profiled by considering factors such as capacity production, products/services, applications, cost, gross, and revenue.Ask for Discount on This Report at:Finally, the research directs its focus towards the possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that can affect the growth of the global Military Exoskeleton market. The feasibility of new projects is also measured in the report by the analysts.For More Details On this Report:About Us:MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Contact Us:Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:News:
Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022

Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment Market

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Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with Visual Impairment and also includes the process used in selecting, locating, and using them.Request for Sample Copy Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers TQM Papenmeier Freedom Scientific Humanware Amedia Nippon Telesoft BAUM RetecMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Browse Full Report @Market Segment by Type, covers Braille Displays Note Takers MagnifiersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Blind school Disabled persons Federation & Hospital Enterprises & Social Organizations OthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the Global Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment Market.Chapter 1, to describe Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment, with sales, revenue, and price of Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment, 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 Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment, 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, Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for Discount @Some points from TOC:-1 Market Overview1.1 Assistive Technologies for Visual Impairment Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Braille Displays1.2.2 Note Takers1.2.3 Magnifiers1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Blind school1.3.2 Disabled persons Federation & Hospital1.3.3 Enterprises & Social Organizations1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)..ContinuedEnquiry before Buying @About Global Info Reports:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.comWeb-Blogs-
Eye Makeup Market Trends in China: Share, Growth, Size, Trends and Forecast to 2021

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Report study focuses on Chinas Eye Makeup market trends. In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed Chinas society and economy. China is one of the worlds major producers for industrial and consumer products.Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the worlds fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market.Request For Free Sample @Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sectors economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products.This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2006, 2011 and 2016) and long-term forecasts through 2021 and 2026 are presented.The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases.Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets.Browse Full Report With TOC @TABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesMarket TrendsTechnology DevelopmentMarket DevelopmentMajor Industry DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentEnterprise DevelopmentLabor Market DevelopmentIII. EYE MAKEUP MARKET TRENDSEye Makeup Market TrendsCurrent Market AnalysesMarket Development TrendsMarket ChallengesMajor ProducersCurrent IssuesPackaging LegislationChinese Retail Market TrendsConsumer Income TrendsConsumer Spending Trends by RegionNortheastNorthSoutheastCentralSouthwestNorthwestContinue.Make an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read More Related News:
Facial Mask Market Trends in China : Share, Growth, Size, Trends and Forecast till 2026

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This study focuses on Chinas Facial Mask market trends. In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed Chinas society and economy. China is one of the worlds major producers for industrial and consumer products.Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the worlds fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market.Request For Free Sample @Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sectors economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products.This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2006, 2011 and 2016) and long-term forecasts through 2021 and 2026 are presented.The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases.Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets.Browse Full Report With TOC @TABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesMarket TrendsTechnology DevelopmentMarket DevelopmentMajor Industry DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentEnterprise DevelopmentLabor Market DevelopmentIII. FACIAL MASK MARKET TRENDSFacial Mask Market TrendsCurrent Market AnalysesMarket Development TrendsMarket ChallengesMajor ProducersCurrent IssuesPackaging LegislationChinese Retail Market TrendsConsumer Income TrendsConsumer Spending Trends by RegionNortheastNorthSoutheastCentralSouthwestNorthwestIV. MARKETING STRATEGIESChina Market Entry OverviewChinas Distribution SystemDistribution ChannelsTransportation and Freight InfrastructureCommunicationsChinas Market EntryExporting to ChinaLicenseFranchisingE-CommerceTrading Companies and Local AgentsRepresentative Offices and SubsidiariesJoint VenturesWholly Foreign-Owned EnterpriseContinue..Make an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read More Related News:
European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products expected to reach US$ 22.3 Mn in 2023

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Rapid and accurate diagnosis is a key factor for effective disease treatment. Increasing incidence of Streptococcus pyogenes infection in Europe, advancement of technology, and rising demand for point-of-care testing act as a high impact drivers of the market. Advancements in techniques such as isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests is likely to propel the market during the forecast period. The molecular diagnostic market for group A streptococcus (GAS) nucleic acid (NA) test in Europe has been segmented based on type of test technique, end-user, and region.Read the Upcoming Trends and Forecast of European Molecular Diagnostic Market:A study conducted by the American Society for Microbiology concluded that incidence rate of Streptococcus pyogenes is high in countries in Northern Europe. The incidence of the disease has increased at a steady rate in most of these countries of the market. The automated detection system offers a faster, more flexible, and cost-effective solution to clinicians. Advancement of technology is bringing testing services to point-of-care. Due to its high sensitivity and accuracy the tests are backs up all negative rapid antigen assays. The Advancements in nucleic acid testing technologies and their adoption in Europe would result in high growth adoption of the technology will primarily occur in the developed countries. Ineffectiveness and slow adoption are the major restraints of the market.The polymerase chain reaction segment held the largest share of the market in 2014, followed by the non-amplified tests segment. PCR is a traditional technology used for nucleic acid tests. However, the new, efficient, and user-friendly methods, such as isothermal nucleic acid amplification and non-amplified tests, are likely to capture higher market share in the near future. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology has been identified as the fastest growing segment during the forecast period due to its accuracy and rapid identification. Nucleic acid amplification techniques take tiny amounts of DNA or RNA, replicate them many times, and thus can detect minute traces of an organism in a specimen, avoiding the need for culture. Non-amplified technology using hybridization probe would capture a decent share in the market during the forecast period.The hospitals end-user segment accounted for over 58.2% share of the nucleic acid (NA) test products market in Europe in terms of revenue in 2014, followed by the public health laboratories segment. Moreover, the segment is expected to gain market share and emerge as the fastest growing segment during the forecast period.Western Europe was the largest market for nucleic acid (NA) test products in 2014, accounting for around 48.9% share. Western Europe dominated the market due to highly developed health care infrastructure and favorable reimbursement scenario. On the other hand, Northern Europe is expected to gain high market share during the forecast period owing to increase in incidence of Streptococcus pyogenes infection and high adoption rate.Request for the Sample report:Alere, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Hologic, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Nanosphere, Inc., and Quidel Corporation are the major players operating in European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products market.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.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Travelers Vaccines Market Analysis- Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Forecast, Application Analysis To 2022

Travelers Vaccines Market

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A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a particular disease. A vaccine typically contains an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism, and is often made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins or one of its surface proteins. The agent stimulates the body's immune system to recognize the agent as foreign, destroy it, and "remember" it, so that the immune system can more easily recognize and destroy any of these microorganisms that it later encounters.Request for Sample Copy Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Travelers Vaccines in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers GSK Sanofi Pasteur Merck Pfizer CNBG Sanofi Pasteur MSD Serum Institute of India BiokangtaiMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Browse Full Report @Market Segment by Type, covers Meningococcal Vaccine Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine Yellow Fever Vaccine Hepatitis Vaccine Cholera Vaccine OtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Tourists Students Workers OthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the Global Travelers Vaccines Market.Chapter 1, to describe Travelers Vaccines Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Travelers Vaccines, with sales, revenue, and price of Travelers Vaccines, 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 Travelers Vaccines, 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, Travelers Vaccines market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Travelers Vaccines sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for Discount @Some points from TOC:-1 Market Overview1.1 Travelers Vaccines Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Meningococcal Vaccine1.2.2 Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine1.2.3 Yellow Fever Vaccine1.2.4 Hepatitis Vaccine1.2.5 Cholera Vaccine1.2.6 Other1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Tourists1.3.2 Students1.3.3 Workers1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)..ContinuedEnquiry before Buying @About Global Info Reports:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.comWeb-Blogs-
Offline, Online, Everywhere  SumUp Launches Omnichannel Payment Suite

LONDON  JUNE 22, 2017  SumUp, the leading mobile point-of-sale provider, today announces a major extension of its offer with the launch of a number of new payment functionalities that allow businesses to accept payments online. Merchants can now process payments through a payment form that is sent via SMS to customers as well as via SumUps Virtual Terminal in the SumUp Merchant Dashboard on their computer. In addition, merchants can also accept online payments through an integration of SumUp as a payment tool in their web shop.While SumUp is mostly associated with card payments at the point-of-sale, the service now goes way beyond. With its contactless card reader, online payments and a set of APIs and SDKs for developers, SumUps Omnichannel Payment Suite now empowers businesses in 16 markets to accept payments in-store, in-app as well as online.Through this product expansion, businesses may create new opportunities for customer growth outside their regular business area. Since technological innovations have changed the way consumers consider shopping, it is essential to equip merchants with cross-channel payment acceptance technology that provides them with better customer knowledge and, ultimately, improves the customer experience.Marc-Alexander Christ, co-founder of SumUp comments: The ultimate challenge for businesses is to find a convenient solution for cross-channel payment acceptance. Traditional offerings focus either on online or offline payments - limited to one or few markets. Through our Omnichannel Payment Suite, we offer simple and secure access to all payment types under one roof to businesses in all markets incl. the U.S., Brazil and the whole of Europe. He adds: Whether a business sells in-store and thinks about an online shop or vice versa, SumUp offers the tools they need to succeed and further grow their business.The SMS Payment process allows to accept payments through a simple online form without the need of a card terminal - ideal for mobile professionals in the beauty industry or craftsmen. After entering the amount in the SumUp App, a unique link is created and sent to the customers mobile phone via a text message. By clicking the link in the SMS, the customer can pay on his own mobile device within seconds.With the Virtual Terminal, SumUp also released a feature that allows businesses to accept payments on their computer without the card holder being present, such as for example a bed and breakfast charging its customers prior to their arrival.Through SumUps API, any business is enabled to accept payments on their website or even include card-on-file functionality for recurring billing in their apps. The integration allows a secure checkout process for merchants and a seamless payment experience for customers.About SumUpSumUp is a leading financial technology company that is set to become the first ever global card acceptance brand. The company enables businesses to accept card payments at the Point-of-Sale or on the go in a simple, secure and cost-effective way. SumUp is the only company to offer an end-to-end EMV card acceptance solution built on proprietary hardware and mobile apps. This unique offering enabled SumUp to rapidly expand into 16 markets, including the U.S., Brazil and Germany, making it the mPOS company with the largest global footprint. The company has gone on to develop a full suite of SDKs and APIs for third parties to integrate card payments into their mobile apps. SumUp has been backed by renowned investors, including Groupon, BBVA, Holtzbrinck Ventures and American Express.Press Contact / Thomas Adamski / thomas.adamski@sumup.com / +49 30 30 80 64SumUp Services GmbHFriedrichstrae 12610117 Berlin
Medical Lifting Slings Market is set to Garner Staggering Revenues by 2024

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Given their applications in health care, the demand for medical lifting slings corresponds directly to the increasing geriatric population worldwide, since a large share of this demographic suffers from mobility-related disorders. The usability of medical lifting slings is therefore poised to surge in the health care industry. This, combined with the latest advancements introduced to improve designs of medical lifting slings, will boost their sales at a CAGR of 9.2%.Read the Upcoming Trends and Forecast of Medical Lifting Slings Market:Prospects in Europe for Medical Lifting Slings Market to be Most LucrativeRegionally, Europe accounted for the dominant share of 33.09% in the market in 2015. North America emerged as the second-largest regional market for medical lifting slings holding 28.90% of the global market in 2015. In Europe, the market for medical lifting slings is expected to gain considerably from favorable government policies.However during the forecast period, prospects exhibited for the market in Asia Pacific is expected to be the most lucrative. As per TMR, the Asia Pacific market for medical lifting slings is expected to surge at a CAGR of 9.7% between 2016 and 2024.Hospitals to Report Highest Demand for Medical Lifting SlingsHospitals majorly exhibit bulk purchase of medical lifting slings due to their limited product life. In Asia Pacific, the demand for cost-effective medical lifting slings is expected to rise in particular. However, the high cost of advanced medical lifting slings may hamper their sales in the hospital segment of developing economies. As per TMR, the hospitals segment is expected to report a CAGR of 8.9% between 2016 and 2024. In 2015, the segment was valued at US$186.3 mn.Besides this, home health care is also fast emerging as a lucrative segment for sale or rent of medical lifting slings.Favorable Policies by Governments to Ensure Highest Standards of Patient Care to Boost MarketBased on in-depth research, Transparency Market Research (TMR) projects the valuation of the global medical lifting slings market to reach US$910.6 mn by 2024 from US$391.8 mn in 2015. By sling shape, the demand for u-shape slings is likely to be the highest during the forecast period. Regionally, Europe will emerge as the most lucrative market for medical lifting slings globally. Among other factors, the rising willingness among consumers for spending on advanced healthcare has been crucial in bolstering the sales of medical lifting slings.Ensuring the highest standard of healthcare facilities is a priority for governments across developed as well as developing nations. Encouraged by favorable policies, leading manufacturers are keen on investing on better designs of medical lifting slings. The emerging rental provisions have been aiding the medical lifting slings market as well. This new trend facilitates patients who require slings for shorter duration.Lack of Technical Expertise Emerges as Major Challenge for CompaniesDespite opportunities in the market being high across the globe, the lack of technical expertise and inadequate training provisions are having an adverse impact on the market. For instance, lifts can prove dangerous if correct lifting slings are not selected. In order to avoid such incidents, TMR recommends hospitals and health care centers to focus on providing adequate training to care providers. Understanding the principles behind potential risks of various types of hoisting will help them in delivering improved patient care.Based on end users, hospitals hold the largest share in the market. TMR estimates the market share held by this segment to be around 47.54% in 2015. The segment is considerably gaining from the increase in obese population in developed nations such as the U.S. The increasing incidence of lifestyle impairments also has positively influenced the demand from this segment.Request for the Sample report:Some of the leading vendors operating in the global medical lifting slings market include Hill-Rom Holding, Inc., Prism Medical Ltd., ArjoHuntleigh, Inc., Invacare Corporation, Barrier Free Lifts, Inc., Joerns Healthcare, LLC, Silvalea, Vancare, Inc., Guldmann, Inc., MedCare, and others.About TMRTransparency 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.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market forecast to grow at 6.8% CAGR from 2016 to 2023

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The research report Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market Size By Product [Cranial Flap Fixation, CMF Distraction, Temporomandibular Joint Replacement, Thorasic Fixation, Bone Graft Substitute, MF Plate and Screw Fixation], By Material [Metal, Bioabsorbable Material, Ceramic], By Application [Neurosurgery & ENT, Orthognathic and Dental Surgery, Plastic Surgery], Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany UK, China, Japan, India, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trend, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2023, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Global Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market size is projected to reach USD 1.93 billion by 2023.Industry Insights:Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market size was evaluated at $1.15 billion for 2015 registering more than 6.81% of CAGR during forecast timeframe. Growing occurrence of facial fractures and sport injuries along with increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical operations like jaw replacement and facial reconstruction has contributed to industry growth.Minimally invasive surgical operations are more preferred as they provide minimal recovery period, less trauma, minimum incision in human system and less occurrence of risks & complications. Increasing old age population more prone to risks of facial fractures as well as physical injuries is also predicted to make substantial contribution towards industry growth.Launching of new techniques like utilization of robotic to help Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery and use of bioabsorbable implant for fixing cranial are few of the aspects promoting industry growth during forecast timeline.Request for a sample of this research report -Material Insights:The industry is segmented into various materials like ceramic materials, bioabsorbable materials and metals. Bioabsorbable materials utilized in CMF methods are copolymers and polymers which include biosorb PDX,biosorb FX and Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid(PLGA).Metals used in producing CMF implants are chromium, stainless steel, brass silver, vitalium and copper.Product Insights:Global industry is segmented into different products like temporomandibular joint, cranial flap fixation, MF (Metal Fixation) plate & screw fixation, CMF distraction and bone graft replacement.Cranial flap is used in skull replacement surgical operation and comprise superior & inferior disk and connecting rod. CMF distraction is utilized in methods like oncology, trauma reconstruction and orthagnathic surgical operation.MF plate & screw fixation segment led the global craniomaxillofacial devices market share for 2015 by contributing more than $831 million. Growing craniomaxillofacial surgical operations owing to rising old age population and increasing demand for technologically modernized minimally invasive instruments are the factors predicted to push the growth of the segment.Temporomandibular joint replacement segment is predicted to register 11.2% CAGR which is maximum across forecast timeline. The reason for the growth of the segment being growing amount of cosmetic surgical operations like jaw replacement and chin augmentation taking place globally.Browse key industry insights spread across 94 pages with 53 market data tables & 40 figures & charts from the report Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market in detail along with the table of contents:Application InsightsENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) and neurosurgery are the key application areas of the global industry. They are predicted to surpass $701 million mark by end of forecast timeframe. Growing amount of surgeries for treating trauma along with acceptance of deep brain stimulation methods are few of the aspects contributing to the growth of these applications.Launch of surgical technique of navigation for ENT methods is further predicted to propel craniomaxillofacial market growth during forecast period.Regional Insights:The industry is segmented into key geographical regions like Latin America, MEA, North America, APAC and Europe.North America craniomaxillofacial devices market has led the global industry and is predicted to surpass $1.1 billion mark by end of forecast timeframe. Growing occurrence of facial defects and fractures owing to rapid urbanization are key factors driving industry growth in the region during forecast timeframe.APAC industry is predicted to experience more than 8.81% revenue expansion during forecast timeframe. Countries like India, Japan and China are expected to contribute major revenue share of the industry. Further, presence of large old age population, high occurrence rate of orthopedic ailment and growing demand for minimally invasive surgical operation along with emerging healthcare infrastructure are few of the factors adding to the regional industry expansion.Latin American industry was evaluated at $ 25.31 million for 2015 and is predicted to register more than 7.61% CAGR during forecast timeframe.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Competitive Insights:Key industry participants profiled in the report include Stryker Corporation, W. L. Gore & Associates Incorporation, Integra LifeSciences, Medartis AG, Zimmer-Biomet Incorporation, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic Plc, TMJ Concepts, OsteoMed L.P., Kanghui Medical Innovation Company Limited, KLS Martin L.P. and Aesculap Implant Systems.These industry participants compete with each other to retain leading position in the industry and gain maximum industry share.Browse Related Reports:Cosmetic Implant Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2023About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2024

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The market for physician dispensed cosmeceuticals has been undergoing a sea change with skincare specialist, dermatologists, and trichologists venturing into the market as entrepreneurs. Consequently, the vendor landscape in the market is becoming highly fragmented due to the mushrooming skin and hair treatment centers and clinics. The market therefore exhibits an abundance of products. It is important for products to conform to consumer expectations to gain a stronghold in this market.Read the Upcoming Trends and Forecast of Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals Market:The ground level knowledge about the dynamic consumer preferences, adverse effects of a stressful lifestyle, damages caused to skin, eyes, and hair by UV rays, and the impact of pollution, are the primary factors fuelling the demand for quality physician dispensed cosmeceuticals. As per Transparency Market Research (TMR), these favorable factors will lead the global physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market to report a CAGR of 10.6% between 2016 and 2024. The market is expected to reach US$27.6 bn by the end of 2024, from a valuation of US$11.2 bn in 2015.Skincare Products Segment leads the Market, but Demand for Injectable Botox to Grow RapidlyBy product type, the skincare products segment held the lions share in 2015. The prominence of skincare products can be attributed to the increasing demand for effective cosmeceuticals to treat dermatological conditions. Hence, the increasing consciousness among the aging population about their looks and the changing attitude of the middle-aged and geriatric population in developing countries bode well for the demand for physician dispensed cosmeceuticals.The anti-aging products segment is therefore expected to continue its dominance in the market through the forecast period. However, according to TMR, the demand for injectable Botox is expected to increase at a higher pace in the near future.North America Emerges as Key Region in Global Physician Dispensed Cosmeceuticals MarketNorth America, being a mature market, makes a sizeable contribution to physician dispensed cosmeceuticals revenues worldwide. In 2015, the region also emerged dominant in the global market because it is technologically ahead of other geographical segments. As per TMR, the North America physician dispensed cosmeceuticals market stood at US$4.7 bn in 2015. Rising at a CAGR of 9.6%, the market is expected to reach US$10.52 bn by the end of 2024.However, TMR forecasts that the market in Asia Pacific will grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The increasing willingness among the aging and middle-income group population to pay for beauty and skincare products transcends into high demand for quality cosmeceuticals from this region. Furthermore, Asia Pacific boasts a high consumer base for skin whitening, acne treatment, and hyperpigmentation products due to its tropical climate and the higher ratio of teenage population. Bolstered by these factors, the market Asia Pacific is projected to rise at a CAGR of 12.3% between 2016 and 2024.Emerging Economies to Exhibit Impressive Opportunities for Increased SalesLikewise, the demand for physician dispensed cosmeceuticals across other emerging markets such as South Africa, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is expected to rise at a robust pace during the forecast period. On the flip side, high revenue generating cosmeceuticals products such as dermal fillers and Botox have a miniscule consumer base in developing and underdeveloped regions. This is mainly because of their high cost, apprehensions associated with using such products, and lack of sufficient knowledge regarding the use of these products. These factors have an adverse impact on the overall prospects of the market.Request for the Sample report:Some of the key players operating in the market include Johnson & Johnson, Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., Allergan plc, Procter & Gamble Co., L'Oreal S.A., Unilever plc, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Inc., and ZO Skin Health Inc. Among these enterprises L'Oreal S.A has emerged as the dominant player in the market.About TMRTransparency 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.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Republic of Korea Hydropower (Large, Small and Pumped Storage) Market Capacity, Generation, Regulations and Company Profiles Outlook to 2030

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Hydropower (Large, Small and Pumped Storage) in Republic of Korea, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Regulations and Company Profiles" to its huge collection of research reports."Hydropower (Large, Small and Pumped Storage) in Republic of Korea, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the hydropower market in Republic of Korea.The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global hydropower market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Republic of Korea (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 hydro, 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 Republic of Korea hydropower market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to hydropower 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 hydropower market, Republic of Korea power market, Republic of Korea renewable power market and Republic of Korea hydropower 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 2017-2030.- 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 hydropower 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 Republic of Korea 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 Republic of Korea 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 Republic of Korea hydropower market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming hydro projects.- Deal analysis of Republic of Korea hydropower 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 hydropower 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 Republic of Korea hydropower market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for hydropower 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.Table Of Content1.1 List of Tables 51.2 List of Figures 62 Executive Summary 72.1 Fall in OECD Countries Carbon Emission despite a Global Rise during 2010-2015 72.2 Technological Advancements and Government Support Driving Global Renewable Power Installations 72.3 Top 10 Countries Account for Over 70% of Hydropower Capacity 72.4 Growth in Korean Power Market Consistent with Burgeoning Economy 82.5 Excepting for Small Hydro, No Capacity Additions for Hydropower Expected In Republic of Korea 93 Introduction 103.1 Carbon Emissions, Global, 2001-2016 103.2 Primary Energy Consumption, Global, 2001-2025 123.3 Hydropower, Global, Technology Definition and Classification 143.4 Report Guidance 154 Renewable Power Market, Global, 2006 - 2030 164.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Overview 164.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 174.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 174.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 194.2.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Net Capacity Additions by Source Type, 2016-2030 214.2.4 Renewable Power Market, Global, Comparison by Cumulative Installed Capacity of Technology, 2016-2030 234.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 254.3.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation by Source Type, 2006-2030 254.3.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, Source Comparison Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 274.4 Renewable Power Market, Global, LCOE Comparison of Power Generating Sources, 2014-2014 295 Hydropower Market, Global, 2006-2030 335.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Overview 335.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 345.2.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 365.2.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 385.2.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Segment, 2016 and 2030 405.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 425.3.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 445.3.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 465.3.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Segment, 2016 and 2030 485.4 Hydropower Market, Global, Investment Trends, 2016-2020 506 Power Market, Republic of Korea, 2006-2030 526.1 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Overview 526.2 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 536.2.1 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 536.2.2 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Share in Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 566.2.3 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Net Capacity Additions by Fuel Type, 2016 and 2030 586.2.4 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Comparison of Technologies Based on Installed Capacity, 2016-2030 606.3 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Power Generation, 2006-2030 626.3.1 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Power Generation by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 626.3.2 Power Market, Republic of Korea, Comparison of Technologies Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 657 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, 2006-2030 677.1 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Overview 677.2 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 687.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 687.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 717.2.3 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Net Capacity Additions by Source Type, 2016-2030 737.2.4 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Comparison of Renewable Power Sources Based on Installed Capacity, 2016-2030 757.3 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Power Generation, 2006-2030 777.3.1 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Power Generation by Source Type, 2006-2030 777.3.2 Renewable Power Market, Republic of Korea, Comparison of Renewable Power Sources Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 808 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea 828.1 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Overview 828.2 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Installed Capacity, 2006 - 2030 838.2.1 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Cumulative Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 858.3 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Power Generation, 2006 - 2030 878.4 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Net Capacity Additions by Technology, 2006-2030 898.5 Hydro Power Market, Republic of Korea, Investment Trends, 2016-2020 908.6 Large Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Major Active Plants 928.6.1 Large Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Major Active Plants, 2002-2016 928.7 Small Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Major Active Plants 938.7.1 Small Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Major Active Plants, 2002-2016 938.7.2 Small Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Major Projects Under Construction (MW), 2016 938.8 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Deal Analysis, 2016 948.8.1 Hydropower Market, Republic of Korea, Deal Volume vs. Deal Value, 2006-2016 949 Renewable Energy Policy Framework, Republic of Korea 969.1 Overview 969.2 Major Policies 969.2.1 Green Growth Policy 969.2.2 Subsidy Program (Renewable Energy Demonstration and Deployment) 979.2.3 Research Funding for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources 979.2.4 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership 979.2.5 The Promotional Law of New and Renewable Energy Development, Use and Dissemination 989.2.6 Second and Third Basic Plan for New Renewable Energy Technology Development, Use and Deployment 989.2.7 Certification for New and Renewable Energy Facilities 989.2.8 Tax Audit Exemption 999.2.9 Second Energy Master Plan 2014-2035 999.2.10 Home Subsidy Program 999.2.11 Renewable Portfolio Standards 1009.2.12 Boost to Renewable Power Development in 2016 1029.2.13 Mandatory Use for Public Buildings 1029.2.14 Methane to Markets Partnership 1029.2.15 Memorandum of Understanding between Korean Wind Energy Association and RenewableUK 1039.2.16 SeaRoc and CDS Wind Sign Offshore Wind Joint Agreement 1039.2.17 US Department of Energy and South Korea Announce New Clean Energy Partnership 1039.2.18 South Korea and Cameroon Considering Development of Renewable Capacity 1039.2.19 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement 10310 Hydropower Power Market, Republic of Korea, Company Profiles 10410.1 Company Snapshot: Korea Water Resources Corporation 10410.1.1 Korea Water Resources Corporation - Company Overview 10410.1.2 Korea Water Resources Corporation - Business Description 10410.1.3 Korea Water Resources Corporation - Major Products and Services 10510.1.4 Korea Water Resources Corporation - Head Office 10510.2 Company Snapshot: Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. 10610.2.1 Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. - Company Overview 10610.2.2 Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. - Business Description 10610.2.3 Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. - SWOT Analysis 10610.2.4 Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. - Major Products and Services 10910.2.5 Korea South-East Power Co., Ltd. - Head Office 10910.3 Company Snapshot: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co, Ltd. 11010.3.1 Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co, Ltd. - Company Overview 11010.3.2 Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co, Ltd. - Major Products and Services 11010.3.3 Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co, Ltd. - Head Office 11010.4 Company Snapshot: Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. 11110.4.1 Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. - Company Overview 11110.4.2 Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. - Business Description 11110.4.3 Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. - SWOT Analysis 11110.4.4 Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. - Major Products and Services 11510.4.5 Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd. - Head Office 11511 Appendix 11611.1 Abbreviations 11611.2 Bibliography 11611.3 Market Definitions 11711.4 Methodology 11711.5 Coverage 11711.5.1 Secondary Research 11711.5.2 Primary Research 11811.5.3 Modeling and Forecasting 11811.6 Contact Us 11811.7 Disclaimer 119Make 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 @
Israel: Investments in Smart City Projects, IoT/M2M and Advanced Technologies Such as G.fast to Support Market Growth

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Israel: Investments in Smart City Projects, IoT/M2M and Advanced Technologies Such as G.fast to Support Market Growth" to its huge collection of research reports."Israel: Investments in Smart City Projects, IoT/M2M and Advanced Technologies Such as G.fast to Support Market Growth" is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Israel today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, and mobile, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.Telecom services revenue in Israel is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.1% during 2016-2021, primarily driven by growth in mobile data, fixed Internet and VoIP revenue. Mobile data will be the largest revenue-contributing segment until 2021. Going forward, operators will focus on data-centric services and invest in 4G and FTTH deployments to boost broadband penetration in the country. Operators push for digital solutions such as M2M/IoT, smart cities and businesses will create significant opportunities for vendors and investors in the coming years.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following -- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Israel compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Israel.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Israel's telecommunications markets.Scope- Overall telecom service revenue in Israel will grow at a CAGR of 1.1% during 2016-2021, mainly driven by growth in the mobile data, VoIP and fixed Internet segments.- Mobile revenue will account for 41.1% of total telecom revenue in 2021, with mobile data accounting for 72.0% of mobile revenue in 2021.- 3G will be the most adopted mobile technology through 2021. However, its share will decline during the forecast period as customers migrate to higher-speed LTE/LTE-A services.- The top two operators, Bezeq and HOT Telecom, accounted for 62.7% of overall service revenue in 2016. We expect competition to intensify as operators focus on fixed and mobile broadband expansions across Israel and services such as M2M/IoT and smart cities to drive additional revenue.- Operators will continue to focus on investments in 4G network expansion and fiber deployments to improve connectivity and cater to the rising data demand.Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Israels telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Israels mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Israels telecommunications markets.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Israel.Table of ContentsTable of contents 3Executive summary 4Market and competitor overviewRegional context 6Economic, demographic and political context 7Regulatory environment 8Demand profile 15Service evolution 17Competitive landscape 18Major market players 19Segment analysisMobile services 24Fixed services 28Pay-TV services 32Identifying opportunitiesOpportunities in the market 34About the authors 35Country Intelligence Report coverage 36Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. 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Report explores the renewable energy policy handbook of Asia Pacific's countries - Researchmoz

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017" to its huge collection of research reports."Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest region specific policy reports from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the region.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the region.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used in the Asia Pacific region to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in the Asia Pacific region both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the region.Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in the Asia Pacific region.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 62 Executive Summary 83 Introduction 103.1 Renewable Energy Policy 103.2 GlobalData Report Guidance 104 Renewable Energy Policy, Australia 114.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 114.2 Renewable Energy Policy Framework 114.3 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Solar Power, Australia, Federal Incentives 154.4 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Wind, Australia, Federal Incentives 154.5 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Geothermal, Australia, Federal Incentives 164.6 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Energy Efficiency, Australia, Federal Incentives 164.7 Renewable Energy Policy Framework, Australia, State Level Policies and Incentives 165 Renewable Energy Policy, China 205.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 205.2 Renewable Energy Law 205.3 International Science and Technology Co-operation Program for New and Renewable Energy 235.4 Shandong Province Village Renewable Energy Regulations 235.5 The 12th Five-Year Plan 245.6 The 13th Five-Year Plan 245.7 New Carbon Intensity Target 255.8 Renewable Energy Tariff Surcharge Grant Funds Management Approach 255.9 Carbon Tax and Carbon Pricing 255.10 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Solar Power, China 265.11 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Wind, China 315.12 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Hydropower, China 375.13 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Bioenergy, China 375.14 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Energy Efficiency, China 396 Renewable Energy Policy, India 406.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 406.2 Electricity Act of 2003 406.3 Renewable Energy Certificates 416.4 Support for Solar Power 436.5 Support for Wind Power 456.6 Support for Bio-power 476.7 Support for Small Hydropower 537 Renewable Energy Policy, Indonesia 557.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 557.2 Green Energy Policy 557.3 Small Distributed Power Generation Using Renewable Energy 567.4 Medium-Scale Power Generation Using Renewable Energy 567.5 Income Tax Reduction for Energy Development Projects 567.6 Electricity Purchase from Small- and Medium-Scale Renewable Energy 567.7 Clean Technology Fund 577.8 Ceiling Price for Geothermal 577.9 New Geothermal Law 587.10 Geothermal Fund 587.11 Power Purchase from Solar PV Plants 597.12 Feed-in Tariffs for Biomass 597.13 New Electricity Sector Regulations in 2017 598 Renewable Energy Policy, Japan 618.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 618.2 Japan Renewable Energy Policy Platform 618.3 Feed-in Tariffs for Renewable Energy 618.4 Green Investment Tax Credit 638.5 Strategic Energy Plan 638.6 Long-Term Energy Supply and Demand Outlook 648.7 Establishment of New Energy Development Organization 649 Renewable Energy Policy, Kazakhstan 659.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 659.2 Law on Electricity 669.3 Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources 669.4 Long-Term Development Strategy for the Period up to 2025 679.5 Long-Term Strategy for Renewable Energy Development 679.6 Law on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency 679.7 Renewable Energy Targets and Tariffs 689.8 New Financing Framework by EBRD for Renewables 6810 Renewable Energy Policy, Malaysia 6910.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 6910.2 Renewable Energy Act 2011 6910.3 Net-Metering in Malaysia 7110.4 National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan 7110.5 Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Act 2011 7110.6 Green Technology Development 7110.7 Small Renewable Energy Program 7210.8 Energy Efficiency 7211 Renewable Energy Policy, New Zealand 7311.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 7311.2 New Zealand Energy Strategy 7311.3 New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 7411.4 Climate Change and Sustainability Agenda 7511.5 National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 7511.6 Emissions Trading Scheme 7611.7 Solar and Heat Pump Water Heating 7611.8 Installations Grants for Public Buildings 7611.9 Commercial Project Grants 7711.10 Resource Management Act 1991 7811.11 Bioenergy Initiative 7811.12 Crown Loans Programme 7812 Renewable Energy Policy, Pakistan 7912.1 Overview 7912.2 Power Sector Reforms 7912.3 National Power Policy, 2015 8012.4 National Power Policy, 2013 8112.5 Renewable Energy Objectives 8212.6 Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy, 2011 8312.7 Feed-in Tariffs, Pakistan 8312.8 Challenges for Renewable Power in Pakistan 8513 Renewable Energy Policy, Philippines 8613.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 8613.2 Power Sector Reforms and Privatization 8613.3 National Renewable Energy Program 8713.4 Energy Plan 2012-2030 8713.5 Other Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policies 8813.6 Feed-in Tariffs 8814 Renewable Energy Policy, Singapore 9014.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 9014.2 Power Market, Electricity Act 9014.3 Energy Policy 9114.4 Nationally Determined contribution to the Paris Agreement 9215 Renewable Energy Policy, South Korea 9315.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 9315.2 Major Policies 9416 Renewable Energy Policy, Taiwan 10116.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 10116.2 Major Policies 10116.3 Other Initiatives 10116.4 Renewable Power Policy 10217 Renewable Energy Policy, Thailand 10717.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 10717.2 Power Development Plan 2015 10817.3 Alternative Energy Development Plan 2015-2036 11017.4 Feed-in-Tariffs for Wind, Hydropower, and Biopower 11017.5 Solar Power Feed-in-Tariffs 11117.6 Energy Efficiency Development Plan, 2015-2036 11217.7 Tax Incentives through Board of Investment 11217.8 Technical Assistance for Renewable Energy Projects 11317.9 Investment Grants 11317.10 Soft Loans - Revolving Fund 11317.11 Energy Service Company Fund 11317.12 Energy Conservation Program 11418 Renewable Energy Policy, Vietnam 11518.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 11518.2 Introduction of Competition in Power Market 11618.3 Power Master Plan VII 11618.4 Revised Power Development Plan VII 11718.5 Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2016-2030 with outlook until 2050 (REDS) 11918.6 Energy Efficiency 12018.7 Rural Electrification 12018.8 Renewable Energy Development 121Make 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 @
Moisturizers Market Trends in China : Industry Overview, Trends and Growth Opportunities Forecasted till 2026

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This study focuses on Chinas Moisturizers market trends . In the two past decades, the market has been growing at a fast pace. The dramatic expansions of the manufacturing capabilities and rising consumer consumptions in China have transformed Chinas society and economy. China is one of the worlds major producers for industrial and consumer products. Far outpacing other economies in the world, China is the worlds fastest growing market for the consumptions of goods and services.The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. Rapid consolidation between medium and large players is anticipated since the Chinese government has been encouraging industry consolidation with an effort to regulate the industry and to improve competitiveness in the world market.Request For Free Sample @Although China has enjoyed the benefits of an expanding market for production and distribution, the industry is suffering from minimal innovation and investment in R&D and new product development. The sectors economies of scale have yet to be achieved. Most domestic manufacturers lack the autonomic intellectual property and financial resources to develop their own brand name products.This new study focuses on market trends and forecasts with historical data (2006, 2011 and 2016) and long-term forecasts through 2021 and 2026 are presented.The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases.Asia Market Info & Dev Co. is one of the leading sources for up-to-date market information and research on the fastest-growing Chinese markets. We have published over 2,000 reports focusing on the Chinese markets, industry forecasts and company profiles. We provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Our publications are intended to help international marketers identify business opportunities and promote their product sales in the Chinese markets.Browse Full Report With TOC @TABLE OF CONTENTSI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesMarket TrendsTechnology DevelopmentMarket DevelopmentMajor Industry DevelopmentRegional DevelopmentEnterprise DevelopmentLabor Market DevelopmentIII. MOISTURIZERS MARKET TRENDSMoisturizers Market TrendsCurrent Market AnalysesMarket Development TrendsMarket ChallengesMajor ProducersCurrent IssuesPackaging LegislationChinese Retail Market TrendsConsumer Income TrendsConsumer Spending Trends by RegionNortheastNorthSoutheastCentralSouthwestNorthwestIV. MARKETING STRATEGIESChina Market Entry OverviewChinas Distribution SystemDistribution ChannelsTransportation and Freight InfrastructureCommunicationsChinas Market EntryExporting to ChinaLicenseFranchisingE-CommerceTrading Companies and Local AgentsRepresentative Offices and SubsidiariesJoint VenturesWholly Foreign-Owned EnterpriseContinue.Make an Enquiry:About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read More Related News:
Trend of Next-Generation Shopping Market in Global Industry : Market Overview, Size, Share and Research 2017

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1177508

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1177508

Albany, New York, June 22, 2017 : ResearchMoz presents professional and in-depth study of "TrendSights Analysis: Next-Generation Shopping - Creating next-generation retail experiences in the digital age"."TrendSights Analysis: Next-Generation Shopping" explores the new and emerging concept of next-generation shopping in the FMCG industry, explaining what it is and asking why it is important. The report also considers the various actors involved and the impact of the trend on consumers, retailers, and supply chains. The conclusions reached are underpinned by GlobalData's unique blend of proprietary consumer insight and innovation knowledge.The consumer desire for convenience has driven rapid technological change in the FMCG retail space, where self-service checkout systems and contactless payment technology provide consumers with a "seamless" shopping experience. The search for immersive consumption experiences, however, threatens to disrupt the primacy of convenience by challenging bricks-and-mortar retailers to create tangible in-store experiences for consumers to enjoy.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Scope- Digital lifestyles are leading consumers to seek tangible, physical experiences.- The next 10 years will be crucial for bricks-and-mortar retailers as they attempt to balance competing consumer demands for convenience and enhanced in-store consumption experiences.- Next-Generation Shoppers are likely to be digitally minded and experience-seekers.- Food is experience-driven, and consumers enjoy researching it - not only with digital devices but with their senses also - preparing it, and using it for social occasions and moments of indulgence. This explains why online retailers account for only 15% of food and grocery shopping.Reasons to buy- Understand which audiences are most affected by the Next-Generation Shopping trend and adjust core value proposition to suit.- Compare the presence of this trend in each industry across the FMCG space, and learn what the key opportunities are.- See the steps that key industry actors are taking to meet the demands of next-generation shoppers.Make an Enquiry of this report @Table of ContentsTrend snapshotWhat?Why?Who?How?What next?AppendixResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Middle East and Africa Renewable Energy Policy Handbook : Market Development, Analysis and Overview 2017

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1177514

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1177514

Albany, New York, June 22, 2017 : ResearchMoz presents professional and in-depth study of "Middle East and Africa Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017"."Middle East and Africa Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2017 is among the latest region specific policy reports from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in the region.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in the region.The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used in the Middle East and Africa region to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in the Middle East and Africa region both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the region.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in the Middle East and Africa region.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 72 Introduction 82.1 Renewable Energy Policy 82.2 GlobalData Report Guidance 83 Executive Summary 94 Renewable Energy Policy, Algeria 114.1 Overview 114.2 Power Sector Reforms 114.3 Key Electricity Policies 124.4 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development Plan 2015-2030 124.5 Feed in Tariffs for Wind and Solar 134.6 Renewable Energy National Fund 144.7 Foreign Investment Laws and Regulations 14Make an Enquiry of this report @5 Renewable Energy Policy, Angola 165.1 Overview 165.2 The General Electricity Act, 2014 165.3 Public Private Partnership (PPP) Law 165.4 2025 Angola Long Term Strategy 175.5 The National Energy Security Strategy and Policy 175.6 Sustainable Energy 4 All (SE4ALL) Goals 185.7 Regional Policy for Universal Access to Modern Energy 2014-2030 185.8 National Renewable Energy Strategy 19ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Precision Farming Software Market Worth US$ 1.1887 Billion by 2022

Precision Farming Software Market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/precision-farming-software-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

New York, June 22: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Precision Farming Software Market By Service Provider Analysis (System Integrators, Managed Services Providers, Assisted Professional Services Providers, Connectivity Services Providers, Maintenance, Software Upgradation, and Support Services Providers); By Delivery Model Analysis (Local/Web Based, Cloud Based); By Application Analysis (Yield Monitoring, Field Mapping, Crop Scouting, Weather Tracking and Forecasting, Inventory Management, Farm Labor Management, Financial Management) and By Regional Analysis  Global Forecast by 2016 - 2022How Big is the Global Precision Farming Software Market?The Precision Farming Software Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 1.1887 Billion by 2022 at a CAGR of 14.3% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:Precision farming programming is on a very basic level controlled by creating enthusiasm for steady data organization through dispersed registering, government's support to grasp show day rustic techniques, and fortifying of authorized development rights over agribusiness advancements. Exactness cultivating programming will be the present technique for cultivating that people over the world would get. Yield watching is the most for the most part used application in precision developing programming, as this application expect a crucial part in cognizance the field change and helps agriculturists in increasing their yields. Soil watching is the huge usage of yield checking. Soil checking is used to perceive soil parameters that are required for a capable yield generation. The central focuses offered by cloud-based precision developing writing computer programs are data sharing, ability to get to structures on a variety of contraptions from any range that has Internet advantage, propelled execution, and basic section.The major driving factors of Precision Farming Software Market are as follows: Integration versatile innovation and cultivating systems Growing interest for continuous information administration on cloud computing Strengthening of protected innovation rights over agriculture developments Government's support to receive latestcultivating systems Farming techniques will be used in combination with mobile technologyThe restraining factors of Precision Farming Software Market are as follows: High beginning capital speculation Dearth of specialized sharpness Absence of standardizations in Precision Farming segmentThe Precision Farming Software Market is segmented on the lines of its service provider, delivery model, application and regional. Based on service provider segmentation it covers system integrators, managed services providers, assisted professional services providers, connectivity services providers, maintenance, software upgradation, and support services providers. Based on delivery model segmentation it covers local/web based, cloud based. Based on application segmentation it covers yield monitoring, field mapping, crop scouting, weather tracking and forecasting, inventory management, farm labor management, financial management, others. The Precision Farming Software Market on geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for Precision Farming Software Market and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for Precision Farming Software Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets on Precision Farming Software Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include The precision farming software ecosystem includes software providers such as Trimble, Inc. (U.S.), iAgri (New Zealand), and Observant (Australia). Precision farming software market are Deere & Company (U.S.), Trimble, Inc. (U.S.), AgJunction, Inc. (U.S.), and Raven Industries (U.S.) among others.Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Precision Farming Software Market has been segmented as below:By Service Provider Analysis System Integrators Managed Services Providers Assisted Professional Services Providers Connectivity Services Providers Maintenance, Software Upgradation, and Support Services ProvidersBy Delivery Model Analysis: Local/Web Based Cloud Basedo Software as a service(SaaS)o Platform as a service(PaaS)By Application Analysis: Yield Monitoring Field Mapping Crop Scouting Weather Tracking and Forecasting Inventory Management Farm Labor Management Financial Management OthersBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:About 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: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Global Coal Tar Market Outlook 2017-2022 Koppers, RUTGERS, Nippon Steel & Sumikin Chemical, JFE, Himadri

Coal Tar Market

http://bit.ly/2rVUoZv

http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-coal-tar-market-outlook-2016-2021/

Coal tar is a brown or black liquid of extremely high viscosity. Coal tar is among the by-products when coal is carbonized to make coke or gasified to make coal gas. Coal tars are complex and variable mixtures of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.Ask For Sample Copy of Report :This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Coal Tar from 2011-2015 and provides extensive market forecasts 2017-2022 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Coal Tar market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Coal Tar, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.GCCs report, Global Coal Tar Market Outlook 2017-2022, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Coal Tar market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. The major players in the global Coal Tar market are Koppers, RUTGERS, Nippon Steel & Sumikin Chemical, JFE, Himadri, Shandong Baoshun, among others.Browse full Report here:The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of World. In this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of Coal Tar industry has been provided.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Worldwide Direct Laryngoscopes Market anticipated to develop at a CAGR of 4.9% by 2022 at USD 522 Million

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/2143

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/direct-laryngoscopes-market-2143

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/global-direct-laryngoscopes-market-2142

Market Research Future adds new report of Global Direct Laryngoscopes Market Value & Sales, 2013-2022 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentGlobal Direct Laryngoscopes Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecasted period at USD 522 Million. Among the various regions North America contributes the largest market share of 47.8% towards global direct laryngoscopes market.This large share is majorly attributed to growing patient base, rising number of endotracheal tube in U.S. for instance, every year on an average 20 million endotracheal tube are being performed in U.S. these factors helps the direct laryngoscopes market to grow in this region. The major threats including availability of new technologies such as video laryngoscopes, enhanced direct laryngoscopes, among others are expected to capture the maximum market share in near future and cannibalize the share of global direct laryngoscopes Market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @The global direct laryngoscopy market on the basis of types of techniques, includes direct and indirect techniques. Direct laryngoscopy has proven to be a standard method for tracheal intubation procedures commanding the shares of 40.2% while indirect methods commands the maximum shares of 59.8% in the various regions considered for study purposes.The global direct laryngoscopes market by region, market statistical report published by Market Research future contains a brief overview of global direct laryngoscopes market by region. The market has been segmented on the basis of regions as North- America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, Middle East and Africa region to provide a clear picture of direct laryngoscopes industry around the globe. The global direct laryngoscopes market has been significantly growing over a certain period of time concerning to the growing ageing population, increasing use of direct laryngoscopes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rising number of laryngoscopy procedures along with improving economic conditions of consumers. The report analysis the global direct laryngoscopes market and presents systematic data of market share by region and its growth rate for 2013 to 2015, along with forecast till 2022.Report Details @Through this report Market Research future aims to provide understanding of the global direct laryngoscopes market and assists identification of ongoing trends along with anticipated growth in the coming years. For this research extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market performance. Various industry experts and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) were contacted from both supply side and demand side of global direct laryngoscopes market. The supply side industry experts consisted of CEOs, Directors, Marketing Managers, Sales Mangers, R&D Specialists, Country Manager, and Regional Managers direct laryngoscopes companies, Retailers, and Distributors amongst others.Browse Related Report on Direct Laryngoscopes Market:Global Direct Laryngoscopes Market, By End-Users, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% and is expected to reach USD 522.7 Million by 2022. Among the major end users hospitals and surgery clinics command the major market share of 80.2% in 2015.This large share is primarily attributed to need of skilled professionals, improving healthcare infrastructure, and worldwide increase in number of surgeries along with increasing use of direct laryngoscopes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rising number of laryngoscopy procedures worldwide.Browse Related Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
China Automated Test Equipment Market is required to accomplish USD 661.89 Million by 2022 with a CAGR of 4.80%

China Automated Test Equipment Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/2717

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/china-automated-test-equipment-market-2717

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/japan-automated-test-equipment-market-2715

Market Research Future adds new report of China Automated Test Equipment Market Outlook Forecast to 2022 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentThe China Automated Test Equipment Market statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on the China automated test equipment market, forecast from 2016-2022. The various factors driving the ATE market are rising complexities in the design of consumer electronic devices, requirement of high efficiency of the ATEs for increasing the throughput, and rise in the number of applications in the automotive market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Europe is considered the biggest market for consumer electronics and the semiconductor industry and is making a comeback, due to growth in the usage of semiconductor automobile and growth in automotive sales. This rapid growth of the semiconductor industry will fuel the growth of automated test equipment. Due to a high degree of perfection and quality in their devices, semiconductor and electronic goods manufacturers have started investing in the automated test equipment to meet the customer demand. This market is further segmented into Western and Eastern Europe, where the major countries in Western Europe are: Germany, France, and UK.China Automated Test Equipment Market is expected to reach USD 661.89 Million by 2022 with a CAGR of 4.80%Table of Contents1. Info graphics Information1.1 China Automated Test Equipment Market, 2016 - 2022 (USD Million)2. Introduction3. China Automated Test Equipment Market, Market DataBrowse Report Details @List of TablesTable 1 China Automated Test Equipment Market, 2016-2022 (USD Million)List of FiguresFigure 1 China Automated Test Equipment Market, 2016-2022, (USD Million)Browse Related Report on Automated Test Equipment Market:The Japan Automated Test Equipment Market statistical report, published by Market Research Future contains succinct information on the Japan automated test equipment market, forecast from 2016-2022. The various factors driving the ATE market are rising complexities in the design of consumer electronic devices, requirement of high efficiency of the ATEs for increasing the throughput, and rise in the number of applications in the automotive market.Japan Automated Test Equipment Market is expected to reach USD 283.89 Million by 2022 with a CAGR of 4.10%Browse Related Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Market Research Report | Forecast up to 2025

Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Market

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cardiac-rhythm-disease-management-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=24455

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Many cardiac devices are developed to help control complexities in heart patients. Some of these are irregular heartbeats, problems with hearts electrical impulse system, slow rate of heart beats, etc. Cardiac rhythm disease management market is the established segment of cardiovascular devices market. These devices are primarily used in the treatment of patients suffering from symptoms of heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), bradycardia, and people suffering from irregular heartbeats, i.e. arrhythmias. Approximately, 35% of the total deaths worldwide are triggered by cardiovascular diseases, which accounts for major part of heart diseases. The high risk factors of the cardiovascular diseases are diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol levels. Other factors which also relate and vary to the above mentioned factors are sex ratio, ethnicity, and geography. For instance, a leading cause of heart disease is ischemic heart disease. According to a 2014 WHO report, ischemic heart disease accounts for 46% cardiovascular deaths in men and 38% in women.The global cardiac rhythm disease management market is expanding rapidly. This market is driven by key factors such as rise in cardiovascular and related diseases such as diabetes, change in lifestyle, eating and drink habits, and rise in geriatric population. Other important factors driving the expansion of this market are technological advancements in cardiac devices, higher disposable income, and increase in awareness amongst population about cardiac diseases. However, lack of awareness about new technological developments, lack of skilled expertise, high cost overall treatment and devices are some factors restraining the growth of this market.Global cardiac rhythm disease management market can be classified on the basis of devices, disease indication, and end-users. In terms of devices, the global cardiovascular rhythm disease management market can be segmented into cardiac rhythm pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and implantable loop recorder. Cardiac rhythm pacemakers can be further sub-segmented into single chamber pacemakers and dual chamber pacemakers. Cardiac resynchronization therapy can be further sub-segmented into cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators.View Report -Implantable cardioverter defibrillators can be again sub-segmented into transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (T-ICDs) and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs). In terms of disease indication, the cardiac rhythm disease management market can be segmented into arrhythmias, symptoms of heart failure, bradycardia, and others. In terms of end-users, the market can be segmented into hospitals, ambulatory and surgical centers, diagnostic centers, homecare settings, and others.In terms of geography, the global cardiac rhythm disease management market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America holds major share due to technological advancements & maturity of the market. It is projected in journal Scientific America in 2016, 1.7 million new cardiovascular disease cases were detected in the U.S and the number of cases are anticipated to increase rapidly. The cardiac rhythm disease management market in the region is also anticipated to increase due to high expenditure in the health care sector. Furthermore, the market in Europe is anticipated to expand due to rising cases of heart and related disease, and rise in geriatric population. The Asia Pacific cardiac rhythm disease management market is projected to expand rapidly in the near future. Factors driving the expansion of this market include rise in per capita income, technological advancements, and increase in investments in healthcare infrastructure. Manufacturers in the industry are eyeing an opportunity in developing countries such as China and India.Key players operating in the cardiac rhythm disease management market include Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Biotronik, St. Jude Medical, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, and Sorin Group.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request a brochure of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management Market during 2017- 2025About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market: Latest Trend, Size, Demand, Growth, Big Player and Worldwide Foresight to 2027

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/940

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/multiple-sclerosis-treatment-market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/940

Different sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating sickness which is an enduring disease that can influence a human brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves in your eyes. It can bring about issues with vision, balance, muscle control, and other essential body functions. The impacts are frequently diverse for everybody who has Multiple sclerosis. A few people have mild indications and needn't bother with treatment. Others will experience difficulty getting around and doing every day task.Get a Sample Report @Access the market data and market information presented through more than 110 numbers of pages of the project report Multiple Sclerosis Treatment MarketKey Players for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market: Biogen Idec, Teve pharmaceuticals, Novartis and Sanofi ,Study Objectives of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Global Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the world. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by treatment type, and by sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Multiple Sclerosis Treatment MarketBrowse Full Report Details @Segments:Global Multiple Sclerosis market has been segmented on the basis of treatment type which includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans, Simple electrical stimulation tests, Lumbar puncture. On the basis of treatment centers which consists of hospitals and clinicsGet a Good Discount @The report for Global Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Markets of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regionsContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Substance Abuse Treatment Market Research Report | Forecast up to 2024

Substance Abuse Treatment Market

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U.S. Substance Abuse Treatment Market: SnapshotIn the U.S. Substance abuse has become a major cause of concern. People in this country are increasingly getting addicted to a variety of drugs, affecting their health and their family life to a large extent. With prolonged drug and alcohol abuse, the prevalence of mental illness and various chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, have increased substantially among consumers, creating a high economic burden on the nation. To control this situation, the U.S. government is focusing on adopting the early intervention as well as prevention strategies, which is expected to drive significant demand for substance abuse treatments, reflecting impressively on the U.S. substance abuse treatment market.Currently, all medications used in the treatments of people struggling with substance abuse have been thoroughly examined by the FDA and found to be highly efficient when used properly, under the direction of the prescribing physician. The market is also anticipated to gain remarkably from this in the near future. In 2015, the market was worth US$4.42 bn. Estimated to expand at a CAGR of 12.40% between 2016 and 2024 and reach a value of US$12.43 bn by the end of 2024.This exhaustive report includes 5 data tables and 17 figures to give readers a 360 view of the Substance Abuse Treatment Market. Browse through this 74-page report to know what factors will shape the market during the period 2016-2024Drug Abuse Treatment Dominates U.S. Substance Abuse Treatment MarketAlcohol dependence, tobacco/nicotine addiction, and opioid addiction are the main types of substance addiction, a number of U.S. citizens have fallen prey to. With around 15% of the overall population in the U.S. addicted to smoking, the tobacco/nicotine addiction takes the lead among the types of substance abuse taking place in the U.S.The key treatments for substance abuse, applied in the U.S., are alcohol addiction treatment, tobacco or Nicotine addiction treatment and drug abuse treatment. Drug abuse treatment reports a higher demand from end users than other substance abuse treatments. Analysts expect this scenario to remain same over the next few years. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the main types of drug abuse treatments utilized in this country. Product innovation in buprenorphine pills and film, and the recent launch of buprenorphine implants is likely to boost the drug abuse treatment segment remarkably in the near future.Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are the most widely preferred drugs for the treatment of patients struggling with alcohol addiction. Acamprosate is expected to account for the most prominent share among these drugs over the forthcoming years. Nicotine replacement treatment and non-nicotine medications have emerged as the most effective treatments for tobacco or nicotine addiction.Thanks to Increasing Popularity of Outpatient Rehab, Outpatient Treatment Centers to Remain Lead among End UsersOutpatient treatment centers, residential treatment centers, and inpatient treatment centers have surfaced as the key end users of the substance abuse treatment in the U.S. Among these, the demand for these treatments is higher in outpatient treatment centers and is anticipated to remain so over the coming years, thanks to the rising popularity of outpatient rehab across the country.The U.S. substance abuse treatment market is highly fragmented with a large number of companies operating in it. The prominent ones in them are Mallinckrodt, Purdue Pharma L.P., Sanofi, Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Cipla Ltd., Allergan Plc, and Alkermes.Request a sample of this report to know what opportunities will emerge in the rapidly evolving Substance Abuse Treatment Market during 2016- 2024About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Perfluorocarbons Market - Industry Analysis Split By Size, Sales, Share, Growth And Forecast-2024

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Perfluorocarbons, also known as fluorocarbons or PFCs, are man-made organo-fluorine compounds that contain only carbon and fluorine. Compounds with prefix perfluoro- are hydrocarbons whose all C-H bonds have been replaced by C-F bonds. Perfluoro-alkanes are very stable because of the strength of the three C-F single bonds, one of the strongest in organic chemistry. Under normal environmental circumstances, they are typically, odorless, colorless, non-flammable, inert gases. PFCs are not found in nature. Fluorocarbons were prepared by reaction of fluorine with hydrocarbon, which is known as direct fluorination. Fluorine can easily break C-C bonds; smaller perfluorocarbons are typically formed by direct fluorination. The large scale production of fluorocarbons was brought about by introduction of the Fowler process. In this process, the source of fluorine used is cobalt trifluoride.Browse Perfluorocarbons Market Report:Mainly, PFCs are used in electronics sector (semi-conductors production) and as refrigerants. Occasionally, they are also used in fire extinguishers and some cosmetics. Moreover, PFCs physical properties gives them many diverse applications, such as perfluorocarbon tracer, Organic Rankine cycle, liquid breathing, blood substitute, anesthetics etc. Use of PFC Tracer in oil reservoirs is mapping by injecting a PFC down one bore hole and measuring the concentration at neighboring boreholes. This helps geologists to trace an image of the reservoir. Organic Rankine cycle works on the principle of using lower temperatures where heat is converted into useful work, which can itself be converted into electricity. Some such applications are biomass combustion, industrial waste heat, geothermal heat, solar ponds etc. PFC liquids have substantially varying properties; however, they all have high solubility for respiratory gases. In fact, these liquids transport more oxygen and carbon dioxide than blood, which justifies their use in liquid ventilation. Perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PFBOC) are used to mimic and fulfill some functions of biological blood. Its target is to provide a substitute to blood transfusion.Fluorocarbons, particularly chlorofluorocarbons, became commonplace in the 20th century, but they are being phased out because of their ozone depletion effects. When PFCs are released in the environment, they are not considered likely to cause harm in their vicinity. But, on a global scale, they are greenhouse gases adding to global warming. A major source of atmospheric perfluorocarbons has been PFCs produced as a by-product of the electrolysis process in the aluminium smelting industry. The OECD and UN Environment Program has run a new Global PFC Group whose chief functions are to raise awareness and share information about (1) scientific insight, (2) risks and hazards, (3) regulatory approaches being taken in different parts of the world.North America accounts for the largest market for artificial blood substitutes market followed by Europe. Discussions were held in 2009 International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM2). The resulting group consented, that in order to lower the levels of perfluorinated sulphonates and perfluorinated carboxylic acids, to think about regulatory tactics and management programs. In North America and Europe, new industrial releases of Perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has also fallen dramatically since numerous companies signed up to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program. It is expected that PFCs and its precursors will be eliminated from emissions and products in semiconductor industry in near future.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Perfluorocarbons market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Some of the key players in perfluorocarbon market in medical industry include Alliance Pharma, FluoroMed L.P., Exfluor Research Corporation, F2 Chemicals Ltd., Sanguine Biosciences, Tenax Therapeutics.Some of the key players in perfluorocarbon market in semiconductor industry that have signed up with EPA program are Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Conexant, HP Development Company L.P., IBM, Micron Technology Inc., Sony Corporation, etc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios. Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.The study is a source of reliable data on:Key market segments and sub-segmentsEvolving market trends and dynamicsChanging supply and demand scenariosQuantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecastingTracking current trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive insightsOpportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsThe 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, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, North Africa)TMR estimates the market size of various sectors using a combination of available data on the number and revenue of companies within each sub-sector and tiers of companies. The basic components used to determine market size and forecast for a specific product area are not only limited to supply-side data, but are also related to demand, industry trends, and the economic outlook. All the above data points are utilized to generate a statistical model targeting the sector marketplace. More than 300 TMR analysts across the world integrate these elements into a framework to determine the subsector market size for a base year and then forecast growth within each market.TMR regularly interviews technology and business professionals as an ongoing effort to track the latest developments within each sector. These continuous surveys are stratified by company size and industry segment and weighted to reflect the global market place. All data are collected on an ongoing effort through a structured questionnaire rolled over the web or conducted via telephones. This provides the TMR team opportunities to request for detailed question sets, complex skip patterns, and real-time calculations, which assists respondents in answering questions involving numbers and percentages. Respondents, who are interviewed as experts, are screened and qualified based on certain criteria in addition to their decision-making authority and the scope of activity within their organizations.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 Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog : http://cmfeglobalreports.blogspot.com/
Medical Oxygen Concentrators Market : Global Industry Size, Demand, Trends and Future Report 2024

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Medical Oxygen Concentrators Market: SnapshotThe global medical oxygen concentrators market is currently being driven by the rising number of COPD patients across the world. The number of patients suffering from lung cancer, asthma, smoking-related lung disorders, and other respiratory illnesses is also increasing at a swift rate, further boosting the overall demand for oxygen supply units and especially medical oxygen concentrators. These units are also considered more advantageous due to their portability and the fact that they can provide an uninterrupted supply of oxygen.View Report @Government reimbursement policies are also being increasingly favorable to the global medical oxygen concentrators market and the adoption rate of these units. The market also credits the increasing geriatric population as one of the leading demographics in need of constant oxygen supply. However, the global medical oxygen concentrators market is being restrained by the large number of oxygen concentrators with continuous flow technology, which essentially waste oxygen and electricity when not in use. The high cost of portable oxygen concentrators is also making it difficult for emerging economies to adopt them at a faster rate.The global medical oxygen concentrators market is projected to reach US$2.41 bn in 2024. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2016 to 2024, and was valued at US$1.25 bn in 2016.Consumers Show Greater Preference for Portable Medical Oxygen ConcentratorsIn terms of modality, the global medical oxygen concentrators market is segmented into portable and stationary oxygen concentrators. Portable oxygen concentrators were leading the market in terms of demand in 2015. Portable oxygen concentrators are easy to carry, light in weight, work on rechargeable lithium batteries, and are small in size. They are designed for an individual of any age being able to carry a unit along his/her daily activities while receiving a concentrated supply of oxygen. The technology used in portable oxygen concentrators is largely known as pulse technology. Stationary oxygen concentrators work on continuous flow technology and consequently require a continuous electricity supply. These are generally used by patients during the night or at their homes. Due to the several advantages posited by the use of portable oxygen concentrators, it is expected that they will continue to acquire the leading share in the global oxygen concentrators market during the forecast period.According to technology, pulse flow technology leads the global medical oxygen concentrators market in terms of growth rate currently. This technology releases concentrated oxygen only when the patient inhales. Thus it does not base itself on continuous working of the oxygen concentrators and reduces overall consumption of power, allowing units with pulse flow technology to work on rechargeable lithium batteries. Among the end users of the global medical oxygen concentrators market, the home care segment has so far been the leading revenue generator.Geriatric and COPD Population in North America Puts Region in LeadIn terms of geography, the global medical oxygen concentrators market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America contributed the leading volume of demand in the global oxygen concentrators market for 2015, owing to an increasing use of portable oxygen concentrators at home.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Medical Oxygen Concentrators. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.This region is likely to remain in the lead over the coming years. Europe places second in terms of demand in the global medical oxygen concentrators market, owing to an increasing level of awareness over use of oxygen concentrators over conventional oxygen supply units. Latin America and Asia Pacific collectively contributed to 31.4% of share in the global medical oxygen concentrators market for 2015 and are positioned as high potential locations in terms of untapped regions.Leading players in the global medical oxygen concentrators market so fat have been Chart Industries, Inc., Inogen, Inc., Invacare Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Resmed Inc., Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC., Precision Medical, Inc., Besco Medical Co. Ltd., O2 Concepts LLC, and GCE Group.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.ContactMr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Market 2022 Global: Detailed Analysis Covering Major Industry Factors

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Global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Market by Types (TCAS, RADAR, PCAS, GPWS, OCAS, FLARM and TAWS), by Technology (Radar-based system, Lidar-based system and Ultrasonic system), and by Geography- Forecast To 2021Market Synopsis of Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems MarketThe worldwide Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS) Market is relied upon to develop at a CAGR of around 5% amid 2016-2021. The key drivers behind the development are expanding interest for airborne impact evasion framework and control necessity of ACAS for military flying machine.According to the MRFR examination, Americas is presently driving the market with around 45% of piece of the overall industry taken after by EMEA and APAC. In any case, EMEA will outpace different locales as far as deals in the figure time frame and APAC will develop at a most elevated CAGR.The difficulties related with the market are the challenges to build up a hearty ACAS and high cost to retrofit impact shirking framework.Sample Report Available atStudy Objectives of Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Market To give nitty gritty examination of the market structure alongside conjecture for the following 5 years of the different sections and sub-fragments of the Global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Market To give bits of knowledge about variables influencing the market development To break down the Global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems Market in light of different elements value examination, inventory network investigation, doorman's five drive examination and so forth. To give recorded and estimate income of the market portions and sub-fragments regarding four fundamental topographies and their nations North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To give nation level examination of the market as for the present market size and future forthcoming To give nation level examination of the market for section by sorts and innovation To give key profiling of key players in the market, extensively breaking down their center abilities, and drawing an aggressive scene for the market To track and dissect focused advancements, for example, joint endeavors, key organizations together, mergers and acquisitions, new item improvements, and research and advancements in the Global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems MarketKey Findings of Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems MarketIn 2015, Americas is leading the global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems market followed by EMEA and Asia-PacificRadar-based ACAS is the most widely used system across all military aircraftKey Players of Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems MarketThe leading market players in the global Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems market primarily include Honeywell Aerospace L-3 Communications Rockwell Collins SAAB and ThalesThe other prominent vendors include Airbus Alenia Aermacchi Diehl Indra Sistemas Sagem Selex ES.Report also cover country level analysis:Americas (North & Latin)USCanadaBrazilOthersEuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainUKRest of EuropeAsia  PacificChinaIndiaJapanAustralia/New ZealandRest of Asia-PacificMiddle East & AfricaUAEKuwaitIsraelRest of Middle East & AfricaBrowse Full Report Details @The market report for Military Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Latest Survey on Global Benzyl Chloroformate Industry Outlook to 2023

Benzyl Chloroformate Market

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Market ScenarioBenzyl chloroformate also known as benzyloxycarbonyl chloride, benzyl chlorocarbonate, carbobenzoxy chloride, Carbonochloridic acid phenylmethyl ester, and z-chloride, and represent with the linear formula ClCO2CH2C6H5, which is a clear light oily liquid, and variants its color to yellow to colorless, although It is also known for its pungent odor. In addition, it is prepared by dropping benzyl alcohol into liquid phosgene at 20 C in the laboratory. Benzyl chloroformate is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals especially for some carbamates, which are used as herbicides, insecticides, sprout inhibitors, fungicides, biocides, and others. Also, they are extensively used as reagents in organic chemistry for instance, benzyl chloroformate is used in the production of carboxybenzyl (Cbz) protecting group. Moreover, they are also increasing application in the field of chromatography as multipurpose derivatization agents.Market SegmentsThe global benzyl chloroformate market is majorly segmented on the basis of application, end users and region.Based on application of benzyl chloroformate the market is segmented into as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, sprout inhibitors, biocides, and others.Based on the other hand, based on end user the market segmented into agricultural, pharmaceutical, plastic, and others industryBased on region market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, Middle East & Africa.To Get Sample Copy of Report Visit @Study Objective of Benzyl Chloroformate Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 7 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Benzyl Chloroformate Market To understand the supply and demand dynamics including supply and consumption concentration mapping To provide region level market analysis and future outlook for North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries To provide competitor positioning of the market To provide company profiling of major players in the market along with their production and capacity To provide regional trade analysis To evaluate historical market trends, patents and technologies, and current government regulatory requirements that are relevant to the marketRead the full report: @Key Players:Key players of the global benzyl chloroformate market are: Choice Organochem LLp (India) Paushak Limited (India) Nacalai Tesque (Japan) BASF SE (Germany) Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) Chemlin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd (China) MERYER CO., LTD (China) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US) Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. (Japan) J&K Scientific Ltd. (China)Intended Audience Benzyl Chloroformate manufacturers Traders and distributors of Benzyl Chloroformate Production Process industries Potential investors Raw material suppliers Nationalized laboratoryRegional Analysis of Benzyl Chloroformate Market:Asia Pacific is the largest market of benzyl chloroformate due to large consumption in agrochemical industry, in China region followed by India. Increasing demand for agrochemical industry in China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea has made Asia Pacific largest consumer of the global benzyl chloroformate market followed by increasing in the consumption of benzyl chloroformate market in North America region. In North America region, benzyl chloroformate market is drive by agricultural, pharmaceutical, plastic, and others industry. In addition, the third largest market of benzyl chloroformate is Europe region due to large consumption in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, Latin America and Middle East also observed in growth of benzyl chloroformate market due to various application such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, sprout inhibitors, biocides, and others.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Terrestrial Trunked Radio Market: Emergence of advanced technologies and global industry analysis

Terrestrial Trunked Radio Market

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Terrestrial trunked radio is a modern public access mobile radio technology and digital private mobile radiotechnology for transport, security services, medical and fire services among others. In short, terrestrial trunked radio is commonly known as TETRA digital radio.All communications over terrestrial trunked radio are reassuringly secure and private. The fully digital terrestrial trunked radio technology provides low noise and better consistence of voice quality.Across the globe, various terrestrial trunked radio manufacturers are focusing on building secure, reliable and efficient communications to meet the growing need of consumers. With the increasing penetration of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) organization, the demand of terrestrial trunked radio has increased significantly, leading to a significant rise during the forecast period. In addition, the rising uptake of TETRA network in defense and military applications and the rising demand of consumer electronics are also boosting Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) market extensively.However, Terrestrial Trunked Radio market is anticipated to witness a stable growth during the forecast period.On providing details overview, global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market has been segmented on the basis of frequency range, components, device, end use industry and geography. On the basis of frequency range, global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market has been fragmented into 385-389.9MHz and 395-397.9MHz, 410-420MHz and 420-430MHz, 450-460MHz and 460-470MHz, 870-876MHz, 915-921MHz and 921 MHz and above among others. This wider range of frequency are used to monitor and resolve radio frequency interference of various public mobile services, private land mobile and broadcasting among others. Increasing demand of simplex and duplex calls, group calls, pre-emptive emergency and priority calls among others owing to the increasing trend of digitalization is the major factor anticipated to increase the demand of terrestrial trunked radio at an exponential rate during the prediction period.Obtain Report Details @In addition, global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market is classified on the basis of components into hardware and software. The application of software for automatic position messaging solution, remote radio monitoringand data information and accessing voice is leading to increased demand of software component in the global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market. By device type the Terrestrial Trunked Radio market has been segmented into portable and Vehicular. On the basis of end use industry the market for Terrestrial Trunk Radio has been bifurcated into defense and military, mining, security and safety, medical and telecommunication among others. In addition, across the globe, demand of terrestrial trunked radio is increasing owing to higher level voice encryption to meet the security needs of public safety organizations. This in turn is anticipated to drive the demand of Terrestrial Trunked Radio Market in coming years.Furthermore, terrestrial trunked are also designed with the ability to transfer data at quicker rates than seen earlier in mobile communications.Moreover, increasing demand of mission critical communication and radio communication devices from analog to digital is also expected to rise the demand of installation of terrestrial trunked radio across the globe.This in turn is anticipated to drive the demand of global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market in the coming years. Additionally, terrestrial trunked radio is used to support for next generation public protection and disaster relief communications infrastructure. The growing need for efficient critical communications in home security, defense, fire department and emergency medical services is anticipated to drive the growth of Terrestrial Trunked Radio market.Access PDF Brochure atOn the flip side, high Infrastructure cost for installation of tetra networks and terrestrial trunked radio is likely to affect the installation of terrestrial trunked radio. Moreover, various terrestrial trunked radio constraints coupled with slower data transfer rate by modern standards are anticipated to affect the demand of the global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market in coming years.Geographically, global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle- East and Africa, Latin America. In 2015, Asia Pacific held the major market share in the global Terrestrial Trunked Radio market across various regions. Additionally, increasing population and huge acceptance of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) networks and cumulative focus on critical communications operations are driving the growth of this market in Asia Pacific region.North America is estimated to be the second largest market for Terrestrial Trunked Radio market currently, followed by Asia Pacific. In Europe, owing to significant economic development in Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) network, demand of various countries which includes Germany, Netherlands and France among others are expected to create better opportunity for the Terrestrial Trunked Radio market in coming years.The key players operating in the Terrestrial Trunked Radio market includes Simoco Group (U.K) Motorola Solutions, Inc. (The U.S), Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (The U.S), Bitea Limited (U.K), Airbus Defense and Space Corporation (France),Rohill Engineering B.V. (Netherlands), Cellular Systems A/S (Denmark) and Sepura PLC (UK) 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:
Banking professional Brian Rang has joined Capitol National Bank as vice president  senior commercial lender.

Rang will oversee commercial lending and credit for businesses throughout the region. During his career, he has served as an assistant finance professor at Northwood University, teaching real estate finance and financial institution classes.

I am thrilled to help businesses grow within our region and across Michigan, Rang said. I have spent my career educating and helping people understand the financial industry. I look forward to continuing Capitol Nationals tradition of trust and exceptional customer service.

For all business financing needs, contact Brian at 517-372-7495.
The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum will host an exhibition titled Folk Art from Oaxaca, Seven Artists, Seven Voices through Sept. 30. An opening reception for members and the public will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 23.

Located in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca is the countrys most artsy cultural state, where folk art is made and sold in numerous venues in Oaxaca City and in the surrounding valleys and villages. Marilyn Wheaton, Museum Director, said she was smitten both by Oaxacan folk art and by the artists, with their gentle ways, love of life, and intuitive, creative nature. After meeting the artists and seeing their work, I was confident that a sculpture exhibition of folk art by some of the artists I had met would be well received at Saginaw Valley State University and by Great Lakes Bay Region residents, Wheaton said. Visitors will not want to miss seeing these fifty works of art created by the artists described in the following paragraphs, Wheaton said.

Mario Castellanos and Reina Ramirez produce one of a kind alebrijes (hand carved and painted wood figures) in their hometown of Arrazola. Everyone in the family has a specific task, whether it is carving, painting, or sanding. The production of each piece is a family collaboration. Mario is a member of the EcoAlebrijes Sustainable Association, founded in 2003, which promotes the reforestation of the copal tree, the main material for carving these amazing images.

Giovanni Melchor is a solo (unusual) alebrije carver and an emerging young artist from San Martin Tilcajete. Like many Oaxacan artists, he learned how to carve from his father and how to paint from his mother. He is the grandchild of one of the founders of the alebrije movement in Oaxaca.

Tribus Mixes is a cooperative founded by the Martinez Villanueva brothers, Noel and Neftali. The project invites young girls and boys from different villages around the state of Oaxaca to do residencies and learn the art of woodcarving and painting, combined with the option to finish high school and go on to university. The residency takes place in the beautiful Martinez Villanueva home in Viguera. The Martinez brothers have supported the program for over twenty years with their beautiful woodcarvings.

Fernando Peguero and Leticia Blanco (his mother) share a love for clay and for telling stories. Fernando, a young emerging artist from Atzompa, has taken his art to another level, breaking away from his village tradition of making utilitarian pots. These ideas he originally learned from his mother, who is well known for her clay figure sculptures. Fernando has clearly taken it a step further and is constantly exploring diverse styles.

Manuel Reyes and Maricela Gomez also found their passion in clay and each with their unique styles share with us their personal stories. Santo Domingo Yanhuitlan is their inspiration and their homeland, and its amazing history and dramatic landscapes are represented in their work.

This exhibition is about the sharing of transcendence, death, seeds, color, earth, water, and personal stories. In the end, this art that communicates culture and history invites us to travel to beautiful lands as well as to understand the endurance of Oaxaca and its people through time.

Following a three-month stay at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Folk Art from Oaxaca: Eight Artists, Eight Voices will be on display in the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University in Detroit from Oct, 27-Dec.15.

All works of art in the exhibition are for sale.

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (989) 964-7125 or visit www.marshallfredericks.org
For the third year in a row, Midland Rotary Clubs will be serving patrons burgers, beer and wine inside the big Rotary tent during the Midland Riverdays Festival. All proceeds will benefit community charities.

On July 14, the first night of the event, drinks and burgers will be sold at the tent near The Tridge in Chippewassee Park. On July 15, only beer and wine will be sold.
Democratic parties from three counties will gather on Saturday in Beaverton.

The picnic will take place at the Ross Lake Park pavilion on M-18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as Gladwin, Arenac and Clare county Democrats gather for a picnic.

The family fun day picnic will include games and beach ball prizes for children before the potluck lunch, which begins at noon. Soda pop and hot dogs are free. Those attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to pass.

Around 1 p.m. speakers, including Michigan Democratic Party Chair Brandon Dillon and Michigan 5th District Congressional Rep. Dan Kildee, will give short, informative presentations.

The following people also will make remarks:

 Jerry Hilliard, candidate for U.S. Representative Michigan 4th District

 Abdul El Sayed, Michigan gubernatorial candidate

 Representative for Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan gubernatorial candidate

Three area action groups will be on hand to let mid-Michigan citizens know how they can get involved:

 Indivisible 4th

 Women of Michigan Action Network (WOMAN)

 Citizens Climate Lobby.
To the editor:

The Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network held a Mobile Food Pantry at the Midland Civic Arena located on Fast Ice Drive on Thursday, May 25. This food give-away was funded by Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland; the church also provided the food recipients with beverages and the volunteer workers with lunch. The location was changed from the church to the arena because of the adverse weather forecast.

Seventy-six volunteers served 218 families (624 individuals) with 12,584 pounds of food purchased from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The food included many fresh fruits and vegetables, boxed and canned foods, frozen meals, pastries and breads. First-time volunteers included eight employees from the Legal Systems Services department of The Dow Chemical Co.

The Network is also very grateful to the many donors of food, money and time throughout the year to the Networks mission of always food in every home. Midland County residents in (financial) need of food and personal care items during the year may call the Network number of 989-486-9393 to leave your name and phone number.

The sixth MFP in 2017 is scheduled for Thursday, June 29 at Blessed Sacrament Church, located on the corner of Swede and Ashman roads in Midland. Thanks again to the members of Trinity Lutheran Church and to the staff of the Midland Civic Arena for their partnering support!

SALLY ANN SUTTON

Midland County EFPN
NORMAL  The wind turbine at Heartland Community College has exceeded minimum expected production levels in its first five years of operation, generating more than 23,000 megawatts of electricity and meeting about 42 percent of the Normal campus's need for electricity, according to college officials.

The $5.2 million project was funded, in part, by a $950,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and a $512,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Debt certificates issued to cover the remaining cost will be paid off in 2026 through energy cost savings.

The Heartland board of trustees on Tuesday approved a five-year service contract with Vestas-American Wind Technology for maintenance and repair, including scheduled checkups at six- and 12-month intervals. The cost for the first year will be $54,900, and annual increases will be based on the Consumer Price Index.

The new contract also calls for installation of software to minimize bat fatalities.

The college uses about 75 percent of the power generated by the turbine. When it generates power in excess of the college's needs or when it is not needed, that power is sold back to Ameren and goes to local homes, college officials said.

Jim Hubbard, Heartland's executive director of facilities, said the turbine has performed well, other than some transformer issues early on and gear repairs.

At the time of its construction, engineers said it would generate about 4.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, but it has been averaging about 4.7 million kilowatt hours.

In addition to generating electricity, the turbine also is used for educational and training purposes, including wind tower rescue and climber training.

Hubbard told the board that the life cycle of the wind turbine is 20 years before the generator would need replacement. The tower itself would be good for at least another 20 years beyond that, he said.

In answer to a question from board member Don Gibb on what happens when the turbine is no longer used, Hubbard said about 80 percent of the turbine is salvageable  such as recyclable steel and copper.

In other action Tuesday, the board approved a universal access service agreement with Connect Transit with a 5 percent increase in what the college pays to the bus system for each rider. The one-year deal runs July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.

The increase brings the charge to 70 cents per rider. However, because of a large decrease in the number of students, staff and faculty using their ID cards to ride the bus, the overall cost of the service is expected to decrease $52,750  about 39.6 percent  for the year, said Doug Minter, vice president of business services.

Minter said ridership has dropped from about 200,000 a year to 115,000 annually.

Among reasons for the decline are a slight drop in enrollment, lower gasoline prices making driving more affordable, the growing popularity of Uber and changes in bus routes, which now require students to transfer in uptown Normal rather than having a direct route to downtown Bloomington, Minter said.
BLOOMINGTON  As Senate Republicans released details Thursday of their bill to replace Obamacare  which they said is failing the middle class  Illinois' Democratic senators and Central Illinois progressive activists involved in the health care debate countered that the bill would hurt millions of people.

"Now we know why Senate Republicans kept this bill a secret for so long  it will take health insurance away from millions of Americans and increase costs for Illinois seniors and families," U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a statement. "The deep cuts to Medicaid are a disaster for downstate and Chicagoland areas as well."

Durbin said the Senate bill is a repackaging of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal bill  called the American Health Care Act  that was passed by House Republicans, with support from Central Illinois' three GOP congressmen, in May.

"You can put a lace collar on a pit bull and it's still a mean dog," Durbin said.

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor that "Obamacare is a direct attack on the middle class and American families deserve better than its failing status quo."

The Senate GOP bill proposes to cut Medicaid for low-income Americans, erase tax hikes that Obamacare imposed on high earners and medical companies to finance the expansion coverage, provides less generous tax credits to help people buy insurance and allows states to get waivers to ignore some coverage standards that the ACA requires of insurers.

The bill would end tax penalties on people who don't buy insurance and on large companies that don't offer coverage to employees and would phase out extra federal money that Obamacare provides to states that have expanded Medicaid coverage.

The bill would fail if three of the Senate's 52 GOP senators oppose it.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office  which said the House bill would cause 23 million people to lose coverage by 2026  will complete its analysis of the Senate bill in a few days.

"I've always been willing to work with Republicans to improve our nation's health care system but this secretly-negotiated, partisan health care plan simply makes it worse," U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said in a statement.

"The Senate Republican plan gives massive tax cuts to Trump's billionaire friends while forcing millions of working Americans to pay more for less care," said Duckworth, adding it also guts Medicaid funding for new mothers, children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

Jodie Slothower of Normal, representing Voices of Reason, told The Pantagraph "The Senate bill goes the wrong way in assisting Americans to have decent health care. Instead, the tax cuts in the bill just help wealthy people.

"The Senate's health care bill is about protecting the interests of a few at the expense of hurting millions of people, particularly children, older folks and the disabled."

Susan Cortesi of Bloomington, representing Indivisible IL 18, said 1.5 million Illinoisans would lose health coverage under the Senate plan. "With even deeper cuts to Medicaid, our schools and children stand to lose critical services," she said.

Linda Unterman of Bloomington, representing Stand Up for Social Justice, said "Tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires are paid for by substandard health care for the American people."

"The Senate is trying to say that people with pre-existing conditions are protected, but lifetime and annual caps will again be allowed, meaning people with cancer might not get their chemo or a premature baby could run out of benefits before she leaves the hospital," Unterman said. "Once again, American families could be one illness or accident away from serious financial difficulty or bankruptcy."
100 years ago

June 22, 1917: Illinois grain elevator operators are warned to beware of men posing as inspectors. There have been impostors lately who have gotten inside the elevators and made up their own drawings of the facilities interior layouts. Ask for credentials, the state warns.

75 years ago

June 22, 1942: About 50 union milk truck drivers for Snow & Palmer Dairy went on strike in a wage dispute. But some union drivers still delivered milk to hospitals, orphanages and other public institutions. The teamsters said the walkout is not sanctioned because of the war.

50 years ago

June 22, 1967: Army Spc. 4 Michael Crutcher was wounded in Vietnam and has been evacuated to a military hospital in Japan, his father says. The younger Crutcher was driving a munitions truck in a battle zone convoy when it was fired upon by the enemy.

25 years ago

June 22, 1992: Farmers are already on edge over the lack of significant rainfall this year. But the Illinois Water Survey says it will take months before municipal water supplies are affected. However, residents are already being cautioned not to waste water.
Metsa Group Nearing Start-up of Aanekoski Bioproduct Mill in Finland The new mill's pulp production capacity is 1.3 million tonnes of pulp a year. In addition, the mill will produce other bioproducts, such as tall oil, turpentine, product gas and sulphuric acid. June 22, 2017 (Press Release) - Metsa Group made the decision concerning the largest investment in the history of Finnish forest industry in April 2015, and the large-scale project at Aanekoski has progressed as planned  on schedule and according to the budget  towards the mill's start-up. At the moment, the bioproduct mill project is in the departments' trial run and commissioning phase. The mill start-up will begin in mid-August 2017, and pulp deliveries from the new mill to customers will begin in early September 2017. The current pulp mill at Aanekoski will be shut down once the bioproduct mill starts up. The new wastewater treatment plant has already started up with wastewater from the Aanekoski integrated mill site. From now on, all of the mill site's wastewater and, following the start-up of the new mill, also the bioproduct mill's wastewater will be diverted to the treatment plant. Modern treatment technology enables the bioproduct mill to operate in line with the permit limits for the existing pulp mill, even though the bioproduct mill will produce nearly triple the amount of pulp. The trial production run of the bioproduct mill's new drying machine has begun with the pulp of the current pulp mill, and the new machine will be in productional use at the beginning of July. The measures completed before the start-up aim to ensure a good start-up curve for the bioproduct mill. Once the mill reaches full production, Metsa Group will be the world's biggest producer of softwood pulp, says Ilkka Hamala, CEO of Metsa Fibre. The bioproduct mill will achieve its nominal capacity approximately a year from the start-up. The mill's pulp production capacity is 1.3 million tonnes of pulp a year. In addition, the mill will produce other bioproducts, such as tall oil, turpentine, product gas and sulphuric acid. The next-generation bioproduct mill will not use any fossil fuels at all, since it will generate all of the energy that it needs from side streams. In terms of its energy efficiency, the mill is among the world's best within its industry. Its degree of self-sufficiency in electricity is 240 per cent. Metsa Group operations cover the entire value chain for wood. We focus on tissue and cooking papers, paperboard, pulp, wood products, and wood supply and forest services. To learn more, please visit: www.metsagroup.com . SOURCE: Metsa Group
The Justin Bieber remix of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's hit "Despacito" has been sitting pretty at the top of the Billboard charts for the last six weeks now, but Bieber himself has had a somewhat tortured relationship with the track. Specifically, he has proven himself completely incapable of performing it live, because doesn't know the words. Frustrations over Bieber's apparent disinterest in learning the 40-50 Spanish words required to perform HIS song reached a fever pitch when he refused to perform it in concert, and a fan threw a shoe at his head. To make matters worse, when he actually did perform the track at a club appearance at 1Oak, he sang "blah blah blah," and "I don't know the words, so I say poquito/ I don't know the words, so I say Dorito" over the Spanish-language chorus, which is obviously WAY worse than not knowing the words at all. It's all one big *rolls eyes in Spanish* moment, particularly because "Despacito" is the first Spanish-language song to reach the top of the Billboard charts since "The Macarena."

With all of this in mind, Spotify somehow decided it was a good idea to launch an Instagram ad referring to Justin, a white, Canadian artist as a "Latin King." OH REALLY?

The backlash on social media was swift and unequivocal:

It seems that word finally got back to Spotify about the less-than-overjoyed response people were having to their ad, and they removed it. In a statement to the New York Daily News, a Spotify spokesperson said:

"We made a creative decision to feature Justin Bieber in our ad because we wanted to celebrate 'Despacito' as key cultural moment when music genres crossover. We realized that this could be seen as culturally insensitive so we have pulled those ads."





Well, that definitely could have been avoided! To all parties involved: Do better, and maybe hire more Latinx decision makers on your marketing team?





Splash images via Getty


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Last week Patently Apple posted a report titled "Foxconn is closer to Announcing their new U.S. Plant Location and it just might be Wisconsin." Today we're learning that Foxconn's "Capital Intensive" investment will go far beyond a single display plant as we've been reporting on for months. Foxconn's Terry Gou noted back in April that "We are planning a number of investments in America. This project will include both capital-intensive and skilled labor-intensive and high-tech investment."

Today Bloomberg quotes Foxconn's Chairman stating that "Our investment in the U.S. will focus on these states because they are the heart of the country's manufacturing sector. We are bringing the entire industrial chain back to the traditional manufacturing region of the U.S. That may include display making, semiconductor packaging and cloud-related technologies," without elaborating."

Gou said the plant could be in one of six states without naming all of them. He later said Foxconn's U.S. investments could be in seven states, naming Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas. The company could end up creating "tens of thousands" of American jobs, Gou said without specifying a timeframe for the $10 billion in investment.

Gou promised to ramp up investment in the U.S., possibly helping with a rust-belt economic revival. Dubbed "Flying Eagle," Foxconn's plan to build a U.S. facility could create tens of thousands of American jobs during Trump's first year in office. The company is considering a joint investment with Sharp, but details have yet to be hammered out. For more, read the full Bloomberg report here.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Last week Patently Apple posted a report titled "LG's OLED Production is set to begin later this Month which is Likely to Open a Door for Apple's Future Business." It was reported yesterday by 'The Bell' in Korea that LG Display secured 2 more Canon Tokki OLED machines. LG Display recently purchased two additional units of Canon Tokki's vacuum machine, a key equipment for the display maker to beef up OLED production for the iPhone.

The report further noted that LG Display will install the two machines in December this year and February next year. The company has installed only one unit of the machine at its E6 plant, while Samsung Display, the No. 1 smartphone OLED producer with more than 95 percent market share, has almost monopolized the orders in a close partnership with the Japanese maker since 2015.

Canon Tokki used to produce three to four units of the machine and doubled the production to nine last year. Still, Samsung and some cash-abundant Chinese display makers such as BOE largely dominated the orders." We reported in May that Apple was in talks with BOE.

Yesterday's report added that "Due to the scarce supply and high price, LG Display recently teamed up with Korea's Sunic System to build the machine but the two firms that are producing the sixth-generation OLED for the first time are still struggling to raise the yield."

The sources for the report are convinced that the new machines are being brough it to secure orders from Apple. The report specifically noted that "Securing two more Canon Tokki machines is expected to speed up LG Display's OLED supply for the iPhone that is predicted to start as early as 2019. For now, Samsung is considered the sole OLED supplier to meet Apple's strict quality criteria."

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Virgin Mobile USA, a subsidiary of Sprint, has struck a deal with Apple as part of a broader revamp of its business that will see it ditch Android phones in the coming years and become what it claims is the first iPhone-only network. Branson, wearing an Apple Watch on his left wrist and traditional watch on the other, told Reuters in an interview that he sees similarities between the Apple and Virgin brands because both advocate for human rights and other social causes.

The Reuters report adds that " Apple Inc will soon start selling wireless plans from Virgin Mobile USA, the first new carrier offered by the iPhone maker's since 2013, the companies said on Wednesday. Virgin Mobile USA will first be offered in Apple's stores then online. Apple currently offers AT&T , Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, the last of which was added in 2013.

Under the deal with Apple, customers who buy a new or refurbished iPhone from Virgin or Apple will get up to one year of service for $1 a month, with service costing $50 per month after that. The refurbished phones will come with an Apple warranty." For more read the full report.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
Before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube made their entry in the media market, the PatnaDaily had already registered its presence in...
Iran's Khamenei Warns Iraq Against Relying On U.S., Weakening Shi'ite Militia

6/20/17

Source: RFE/RL

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Iraq's leader against weakening Shi'ite paramilitary groups and relying on the United States in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.. At a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi in Tehran, Khamenei said the Shi'ite militias were the main forces pushing back against the Sunni extremist group in Iraq, and Baghdad should not trust the United States, Iranian state media reported.



Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) meets Iraqi PM Haidar al-Abadi in Tehran on June 2015.

(photo by Mehr News Agency)



The Shi'ite militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, helped Baghdad defend the country against IS when Iraqi military and police divisions deserted en masse in 2014.



Since then, the Iran-backed militias, estimated to comprise more than 60,000 fighters, have been engaged in the battle to recapture swathes of northern and western Iraq from IS.



But Sunnis in areas freed from IS control have accused the Shi'ite militias of looting, abductions, and murder.



Some Arab leaders in northern Iraq have asked Baghdad to dissolve the Shi'ite militias or expel them from their Sunni-majority provinces -- moves that drew objections from Iran's leader.



"Daesh is retreating from Iraq and that is thanks to the government's trust in these young devoted forces," Khamenei said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.



"The Americans are against Popular Forces because they want Iraq to lose its main source of strength," he said.



Khamenei accused the United States and its ally Saudi Arabia of creating IS and said he opposed the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq.



"We should remain vigilant of the Americans and not trust them. The Americans and their followers are against Iraq's independence, unity, and identity," Khamenei said.



Iranian President Hassan Rohani, who also met with Abadi on June 20, joined Khamenei in claiming credit for recent gains by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces in recapturing IS's northern stronghold of Mosul.



"The liberation of Mosul is the symbol of the end of terrorism and a victory for Iran, Iraq, Syria, and all the countries of the region that are fighting against terrorism," Rohani said.



The Iranian leaders' comments highlight the balancing act faced by Abadi as he strives to hold together a coalition of forces fighting IS in Iraq, including the Iraqi government's own soldiers, the Shi'ite militias as well as Sunni tribal forces and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, all backed by U.S. trainers and special forces.



While Iran said its forces deserved credit for gains made against IS, the United States and its anti-IS coalition of Western forces have also claimed credit for helping Iraqi ground forces recapture Ramadi and other cities liberated from IS in the past two years, as well as for the recent gains in Mosul.





Abadi faces a balancing act not only at home but in the broader Persian Gulf region. His meeting with Iran's leaders came one day after a visit to Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival, in what he said was a tour aimed at promoting reconciliation between the region's Sunnis and Shi'a.



Iraq lies on the fault-line between Shi'ite Iran and the mostly Sunni Arab world.



Abadi belongs to the Dawa party, a Shi'ite group with close ties to Iran. But analysts say he has managed relations with Iraq's Sunni minority better than his predecessor, Nuri al-Maliki, and also improved Baghdad's ties with Saudi Arabia.



Khamenei told Abadi that Iran was opposed to the referendum on independence scheduled by leaders of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region for September, saying such a separatist move threatens Baghdad's sovereignty and territorial integrity.



Iran has its own Kurdish minority in the west of the country.



With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Is the Saudi Prince Up to His New Job?

06/22/17

By Thomas Lippman (source: LobeLog)



"Soft Coup"

Mohammed bin Salman on front page of Iranian daily Bahar



The audacious young prince of Saudi Arabia known as MbS owns it all now, for better or worse. As a wisecracking American might say, "Good luck with that."

With his elevation Wednesday to be crown prince, heir to the throne, and first deputy premier reporting only to his father the king, Prince Mohammed bin Salman will exercise nearly complete control over his country's future. He was already minister of defense and chairman of the committee that sets the kingdom's economic policy. His only rival for power, his older cousin Prince Mohammed bin Nayef (MbN), was dismissed as crown prince and removed from his position as interior minister, a post in which his own father served before him. MbN was widely admired in the kingdom and respected in Washington for his largely successful efforts to suppress al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, but he is now out of the government at the age of 56.

The official announcement of the long-expected shakeup said that 31 of the 34 princes who comprise the family council on succession voted in favor. It did not name the three dissenters, but it has been clear for some time that the ambitions of Mohammed bin Salman have rankled some members of the family, who have watched uneasily as power was increasingly concentrated in one branch of the ruling family.

Now MbS, 31, has what he has clearly wanted since he was appointed deputy crown prince and defense minister two years ago. His father, King Salman, 81, has steadily increased his favorite son's authority and responsibilities as MbN was eased into the background. King Salman still has all legal authority, but with the latest promotion of his son he has become a virtual figurehead. The only power center in Riyadh that does not report to the new crown prince is the National Guard, the principal domestic security force, which is commanded by another cousin, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, a son of the late King Abdullah. Miteb's opinion of the latest development is unknown and likely to remain so; he has no record of speaking out on royal family affairs.

Shouldering Many Burdens

MbS has an unobstructed path to the throne and because of his youth is in a position to run Saudi Arabia for decades. But with his power comes the responsibility for managing the kingdom's affairs at a troubled time. The economic, social, and security challenges facing Saudi Arabia would be daunting for any executive who had long experience and was willing to delegate authority to competent and trusted subordinates. Neither characteristic applies to MbS. He is widely regarded as energetic and creative, but too many things are happening at once for anyone to be on top of all of them.

Internationally, MbS remains responsible for the stalemated war in Yemen, into which he led the kingdom more than two years ago. Saudi military forces and allies from the United Arab Emirates have been battling Yemeni rebels known as Houthis, whom the Saudis see as agents of their arch-rival, Iran. The war has caused widespread devastation in what was already the poorest country in the Arab world, killed thousands of civilians, and exposed large numbers of people to disease and starvation. No end is in sight as neither side has gained a decisive advantage, and meanwhile the Saudis are spending millions of dollars on the war at a time when they are short of money because of the long slump in oil prices.

Saudi Arabia has also provoked an absurd conflict with Qatar. The Saudis imposed a boycott on its next-door neighbor, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt and other countries, based on accusations that the Qataris support extremist groups and are insufficiently hostile to Iran. The boycott has disrupted lives and businesses all across the Arab side of the Gulf-on Wednesday the Saudis reportedly expelled thousands of Qatari-owned camels who crossed the border to graze-just a few weeks after Qatar joined all the others in apparent harmony at President Trump's anti-terrorism summit in Riyadh.

Trump tweeted his support for the Saudis when the boycott was imposed, but Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has sought to bridge the differences between the Qataris and the others, and has made no secret of his annoyance at Saudi Arabia for a move that undermines longstanding U.S. policy in the region. Qatar is an important military partner of the United States, home to the largest U.S. military base in the region as well as the forward headquarters for the U.S. Central Command. In Washington, relations with the United States are now being managed by MbS's even younger brother, Prince Khaled bin Salman, a former fighter pilot with no diplomatic experience who became ambassador in April.

As defense minister, MbS also has the tasks of managing the region-wide effort to stave off Iranian influence and of finding an acceptable solution to the intractable conflict in Syria, where Saudi Arabia is committed to the ouster of President Bashar al-Asaad.

Managing the government as deputy prime minister-the king remains nominal prime minister-MbS also assumes the domestic challenge of limiting recruitment by the Islamic State, which Interior Ministry officials have said is making inroads among the millions of non-Saudi Muslims living in the kingdom as contract workers. Many of them have lost their jobs because of the economic slump brought on by the decline in oil prices; living in the kingdom without their families, they are ripe for recruitment by extremist groups. Until Wednesday, that security task was the responsibility of the experienced, trusted Mohammed bin Nayef. Now it is the job of another young and little known price, Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef. King Salman also removed MbN's deputy, Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Rubaian, from office.

Domestically, the kingdom faces all the same issues that have plagued it for years: over-dependence on oil revenue, a bloated government employment sector, reliance on foreign labor, a struggling education system that largely fails to prepare young Saudis for the modern job market, and social restrictions on women that inhibit economic development. In the past the kingdom could surmount those problems by throwing money at them, but the money has dwindled as the price of oil has dropped from more than $100 per barrel to about $45.

Vision 2030

MbS has taken on the task of re-structuring the economy through an ambitious plan known as Vision 2030, which calls for reducing government spending, cutting subsidies, diversifying the economy, and building up the private sector. A key component of the plan calls for selling a small portion of Saudi Aramco, the state oil company, and investing the proceeds for future development. If successful, which remains uncertain, it would be the largest initial public stock offering in history,

The jury is still out on this program. A "report card" on vision 2030 issued recently by the Arabia Foundation in Washington said, "In a short period of time, the Vision has meaningfully transformed the economy of Saudi Arabia, hastening the customary glacial pace of government decision-making that the Kingdom had become accustomed to. However, as is to be expected with a massive reform program, preliminary mistakes were made," a reference to cuts in salaries and bonuses that caused widespread disgruntlement and were later rescinded. "Although eventually rectified, these mistakes impeded the pace of progress and dented public sentiment,"the report card said.

Among the flurry of royal decrees published Wednesday by the official Saudi Press Agency, one that drew little immediate attention could have the greatest long-term implications for royal rule. It amended the law of succession to stipulate that, although the throne will always pass to a direct male descendant of the founding king, Abdul Aziz, "after the sons of the founder King shall not be a King and a Crown prince of one branch of the offspring of the founder King."That indicates that after the deaths of King Salman and the few remaining brothers of his generation, future kings-including Mohammed bin Salman-will not be able to appoint crown princes from their own branch of the family, as Salman just did. That could placate whatever princes of the other branches who may be resentful of the latest concentration of power by Salman and his sons.



About the author:



Thomas W. Lippman is a Washington-based author and journalist who has written about Middle Eastern affairs and American foreign policy for more than three decades, specializing in Saudi Arabian affairs, U.S.- Saudi relations, and relations between the West and Islam. He is a former Middle East bureau chief of the Washington Post, and also served as that newspaper's oil and energy reporter. Throughout the 1990s, he covered foreign policy and national security for the Post, traveling frequently to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. In 2003 he was the principal writer on the war in Iraq for Washingtonpost.com. Prior to his work in the Middle East, he covered the Vietnam war as the Washington Post's bureau chief in Saigon. Lippman has authored six books about the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy. He is also an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, where he serves as the principal media contact on Saudi Arabia and U.S. - Saudi relations.
Iran's Judiciary Chief Threatens Domestic Proponents of US-Instigated Regime Change With Death Penalty

06/22/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

The chief of Iran's judiciary has responded to recent comments by the US secretary of state describing the Trump administration's policy of regime change in Iran by threatening domestic proponents with the death penalty.



Judiciary Chief Sadegh Larijani (R) with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei



"Unfortunately, there are some people inside the country who are showing the green light to enemies and sending certain signals to entice them," said Sadegh Larijani on June 19, 2017.

"These people are either 'enemy combatants' or 'corrupt on earth,'" he added, citing charges that are punishable by death according to Iran's Islamic Penal Code.

The country's top judicial official was responding to comments made by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a televised hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 15, 2017.





Secretary of State Tillerson: U.S. Will Work To Bring Peaceful Transition In Iran



"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," said Tillerson.

"Those elements are there, certainly as we know," he added.

Larijani dismissed the US official's comments as "outside diplomatic norms and insulting."

"The security forces, especially the Intelligence Ministry and the Revolutionary Guard, should vigilantly pursue and uncover these activities," said Larijani, without providing any information about the alleged "activities" he cited.

"The judiciary will also deal with them without fearing all the hoopla on human rights," he added.

Larijani continued : "After recent events, the threat of enemy infiltration has increased and all the relevant agencies should monitor all aspects of the situation."

On June 7, terrorist attacks carried out by members of the group that calls itself the Islamic State, referred to as Daesh in Iran, killed at least 17 people and injured dozens in Tehran.

Iran's security forces responded by arresting dozens of people around the country with alleged ties to extremist Sunni groups.
The Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, has expressed governments determination to ensure transparency and accountability in the commercial exploration of oil and gas in the country.



Mr. Agyarko noted that government would put new policies in place and strengthen existing ones to address challenges relating to transparency and democratic accountability in the management of petroleum revenue and award of oil exploration bids.



The country has set up Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to deal with challenges relating to transparency and democratic accountability with respect to the use of Petroleum Revenue and has also extended the coverage of the EITI initiative to include oil and gas, he said.



The sector minister also indicated that the current open door policy for block award is being replaced by the provisions in Act 919 with a Licensing Round (competitive bidding), which is expected to commence in 2018 once the regulations on competitive tendering process is completed.



We intend to ensure more transparency in the award of contracts and licenses through competitive Licensing Rounds. Additionally, a Petroleum Register, which is under development, is expected to be ready within a year. The Register will serve as a compendium of important information for public and investors alike, he added.



This new system, Mr. Agyarko said, would not only promote transparency, fairness and competition, but also allow the State to award those bids that promise to maximize economic recovery of Ghanas oil and gas resources.



Mr. Agyarko disclosed this while speaking at the stakeholders forum on Ghanas 10 years experience as a commercial oil producer, themed, Ghanas upstream petroleum industry: a decade after commercial discovery.



The event, organized by Petroleum Commission Ghana, was attended by players in the oil and gas exploratory, management and regulatory industries, who discussed the successes and challenges of the industry.



Local Content



Mr. Agyarko indicated that government was determined to ensure that the country will not only be a recipient of direct revenues from petroleum operations, but ensure that the oil industry creates value through local content and local participation.



He said the current government will ensure that the Local Content and Local Participation Policy, which was approved by cabinet and subsequently the L.I 2204 was passed in 2013, fulfills its mandate of ensuring local participation in all aspects of the oil and gas value chain.



This would be made possible by promoting the optimization of value addition and job creation through the use of local expertise, goods and services, business and financing in the petroleum industry value chain and their retention in-country, he said.



The Petroleum Commission has made tremendous strides in the implementation of the Local Content Policy and Local Content Regulations. The government, with your support, will continue to implement policies that will ensure that this growth is not only sustained but further increased to levels that are unprecedented, he added.

Source: Daily Guide









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Ghanas Health Ministry has issued a health alert following a strange disease that has claimed eleven lives in West African country, Liberia.



According to the Ministry, it had received information that at least nine others have been infected by the disease, adding that all the victims reported similar symptoms.



The symptoms reported by the victims mainly are headache, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, mental confusion, abdominal pain and fever. The Ministry has been advised to increase surveillance at all levels to prevent importation of the strange disease, a letter from the Health Ministry and sighted by citifmonline.com stated.



Health authorities in Liberia were made aware of the unknown disease on April 25, 2017, when several people died in south-eastern Sinoe County.



Five Liberian communities have so far recorded the strange disease.



Strange disease not Ebola



Liberias Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, had said those infected with the strange disease showed symptoms of severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headaches, but added that initial test conducted showed that the disease was not Ebola.



Meanwhile, health professionals suspect that the strange disease is transmitted via body contact.



Blood samples have however been sent for analysis at the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.



The World Health Organization (WHO), has also sent rapid response teams to the area to assist Liberian health officials with technical and logistical support.



Hundreds of people died between 2013 and 2016 after the deadly Ebola struck in some African countries with Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone being the hardest hit countries.

Source: citifmonline.com









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A farmer at a small community in Eastern Ghana is likely to make it to the Guinness World Book of Records as arguably, the youngest man with 12 wives and over one hundred children, and still exploring for more women.

Eighty-year-old Togbui Kofi Asilenu lives in Amakrom in the Eastern Region and has for the past 40 years given birth to over 100 children with 12 women, all of who are married to him in a polygamous marriage.



On the occasion of 2017 Fathers Day, the children and the wives marched to Asilenus residence on Sunday, ostensibly with a simple message: more power to your elbow. Undoubtedly, if not for anything at all, Asilenu is living strictly by the Biblical words in Genesis 1:28 where God charged man to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it

Im not impotent

If I get a lady today, I will marry her and have more children. As for men, even in old age we can still father children. Im not impotent, Asilenu told TV3 who spent some time with the family on Fathers Day. Unfortunately, Asilenu has lost track of his family- Hes unable to mention the name of all his children. When asked to do a roll call, he got stuck along the line in mentioning their names.

And it was thus not surprising that he proposed marriage to one of her daughters who he met in town. But for the awareness of his daughter, Asilenu would have committed incest by having amorous relationship with her own daughter, unknowingly though.

One of his sons narrated how his father proposed to one of his sisters and the interesting excuse Mr Asilenu gave when it emerged that he is the father of the lady he had expressed love to. He [Asilenu] met the lady and said he loved her..and later on, the lady said she was his daughter, she told TV3, adding he [Asilenu] said his eyes were worrying him, that was why he didnt notice it was her own daughter and we laughed over it. The son also suspects they are more than 100 children: In fact were plenty, were almost 100 and something, added.

Just like their father, some of the children do not know their numerical placement in the family.

TV3 asked one of his daughters, Mary Asilenun, where she place in the family numerically and she simply laughed and responded, I cant remember.

United force

That notwithstanding, Asilenu, his wives and children get along with each other and have been living happily as one united family. One of Asilenus wives said the secret to their unity is respect for one another.

His first wife, Nayome Asilenu, said she initially was not happy with her husbands exploits with other women and complained about it but all to no avail  he went ahead to add more women. Asilenus youngest child is about a year old while the eldest is over 40 years. He currently engages some of his wives and children in his work - Processing of cassava into dough.

Regardless the huge size of his family, Asilenu has been a responsible father to the family all these years, at least from what his children said.

The children say Asilenu has been able to educate them to some extent. One of his children explained: He helped us from infancy up to SS level before I joined [the] Police service, so he tried a little bit for me.

And the words of one of Asilenus daughters summed up the gratitude of the children to him: Thank you for taking care of me and I wish you a happy Fathers day.

Video below-

Source: 3news.com









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Last year, Bishop Daniel Obinim of Gods Way International Ministries made headlines when he proudly flogged two church members who he said also stayed with himfor having engaged in s*xual intercourse and the woman getting pregnant.



While the law has not in anyway dealt with Angel Bishop Obinim for whipping the hell out of two youngsters in front of his church members GhanaCelebrities.Com has obtained a photo taken just this afternoon at Obinims church where the mother and father took their newborn to the man of God for his blessings.



We are told the mother and father also used the opportunity to thank God and Bishop Obinim for everything theyve done for them.



About 9 months ago, a video emerged online (below) showing the Angel of God whipping a church member for getting pregnant.



Obinims action became a mini national debateleading to the then Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection-Nana Oye Lithur filing a police report against Bishop Daniel Obinim, over the church flogging incident.



Nana Oye Lithur, a human rights lawyer announced on her Facebook page that her ministry had filed the report at the Accra Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) Office for investigations to be conducted into the incident.



She wrote: We have been informed; that the Police have commenced investigations into the matter and a complaint has also been filed against him at the Tema Regional Police. We will keep you posted on further developments.



Also, the director of Amnesty International in Ghana, Lawrence Amesu categorically condemned the actions of Bishop Daniel Obinim.







Source: ghanacelebrities









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Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), Koku Anyidoho says the Akufo-Addo-led administration is managing what he describes as a spineless government.



For him, the ruling party-NPP has only exacerbated the problems of Ghanaians, calling on the country to return to good governance by bringing in the NDC to power in the next polls.



Ghana has entered a period of worrying political era, he noted, adding theres no doubt a visionless, clueless and spineless NPP government makes life tough for Ghanaians.



Speaking on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM ,Anyidoho said its regrettable that Ghanaians are now pining over Mahama for sending him and the NDC to opposition in last years polls.



With just five months into office of the new administration, can anybody really say there is a spine? There is no spine, the President himself has turned himself into a visiting President and he barely stays for a month in the country.



In his absence Bawumia has taken over but hes also struggling to manage affairs. Its not my prayer that the NPP government will lose a grip on ruling the nation so that well come to power, but it is almost clear that the country is in a mess under the Akufo-Addo regime. I drive around town and they keep telling me that NDC should come and salvage Ghanaians.



In late President Mills first five months in government, President Mahamas first five months and even former President Kufuor, things were better than what we are seeing now. It wasnt that bad. Today I heard former President Kufuors voice and hes warning of an imminent security crisis, if government fails to seriously address the worsening youth unemployment challenge. I salute him for that, hes really a statesman. Akufo-Addo is sending Ghana into a ditch and Ghanaians must be awake and kick out the government in 2020. he said

Source: kasapafmonline









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Former Deputy Upper East Regional Cultural Officer at the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Patrick Azika, has advised party members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to forget bringing back John Mahama or face disaster in the 2020 elections.



Speaking at a constituency meeting on Wednesday, June 21, Mr. Azika cautioned members of the party to carve a new route if the party is ready to come back to power in 2020.



According to Mr. Azika, party executives should be cautious with who leads the party because it will be hell to witness another loss in the 2020 polls.



Mr. Azika also called on former President, John Dramani Mahama to rescind any decision to contest in the interest of the party and enjoy his emoluments as a former president.



Mr Azika is of the view that former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah is the affable candidate with the charisma of appealing to floating voters and party sympathisers.



The comment was made after the final submission of the Prof. Kwesi Botchwey committee report, which was to pave way for aspirants planning to contest the flagbearership of the NDC to begin lobbying for potential delegates across the constituencies.



Although there are equally qualified persons to lead the party, Azika thinks this is the time for the party to come together to assess individual skills, experience and the potential to capture power in 2020 elections.

Source: Ghanaweb.com









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Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has denied ever having sexual relations with his sister-in-law as reported several years ago.



No, its not true, he told Bola Ray on Accra-based Starr FM when the question was directly put to him.



The Weekend Crusading Guide first broke the story on September 17, 2004 but did not mention anybodys name. A follow-up done by Daily Guide, however, named Mr Bagbin.



According to the story, Mr Bagbin, while having issues with his wife as far back as 1989, resorted to having sex with his 17-year-old sister-in-law at the time, with whom they stayed in the same house. The story claimed Mr Bagbin impregnated the teenager and subsequently rented a separate apartment for her.



Mr Bagbin, however, said the allegation was aimed at smearing him. You know, we were getting into elections and my opponents came at me and that time I had some disagreement with my very good senior Freddie Blay and I think all worked [for] their paper, and so it was Daily Guide that published it. Its not true that, he told Bola Ray.



The Nadowli-Kaleo MP said even though he took the Daily Guide on at the time, I mean you dont stop and throw stones at any dog that barks at you when you are moving. If you do that you will never reach your destination. I was focused on winning my elections, so, I went to campaign.



He, however, explained that it is not a taboo within his tradition to have sexual relations with his sister-in-law.



In any case, in my area, its a norm, its accepted. Traditionally [it is accepted] because we are paternal. But no, I never did that, he emphasised.



He believed the confusion came about due to peoples interpretation of his response to certain aspects of the allegation during an interview with Accra-based Joy FM.



When I was asked a question on Joy FM about it, I told Joy FM that there was a time that we had to discuss the possibility of me marrying her and they asked whether we had intimacy and I tried to know what that meant. Then I said yes, so, because of that answer, people just read into it and said [I had slept with my sister-in-law]. This was in 1990, the veteran MP said.



Asked by Bola Ray to clarify his version of intimacy, Mr Bagbin said: No, I never impregnated her, I didnt have a child by her.  You know she actually grew up in our hands from a very tender age. My wife picked her up and then we brought her up, but when we left for Libya she was left in the hands of other people and then she dropped out of school and so on returning from Libya we had to go back and take her and try to educate her and salvage her, we worked hard at her, she is still in Accra working and taking care of herself. But that was politics for you and I told my class in GIMPA about this and they were all shocked because they all believed it 

Source: classfmonline.com









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A 7-member Supreme Court panel on Thursday ruled that it was illegal for two Guantanamo bay detainees to have been admitted into Ghana during the John Mahama administration without recourse to Parliament.



According to PeaceFM's Agya Kwabena, who was in court today, the panel, presided over by Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, in six to one (6 -1) majority decision, declared that it is unconstitutional for the two ex-detainees to be allowed into the country without Parliament's prior approval.



The court also directed that the issue of the two ex-detainees' admittance into Ghana, be brought before Parliament within the next three (3) months.



Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef, 36 and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby, 34, arrived in Ghana from the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay for a two-year stay as part of a deal reached between the United States of America and the Government of Ghana.



The two, who were in detention for 14 years after being linked with terrorist group Al-Qaeda, were brought to Ghana in 2016, to be reintegrated back into their home countries.



That decision by the then Mahama-led administration was met with massive public uproar, sparking unending and heated debate in the country, with many describing it as a threat to national security.



Parent Suit



It finally resulted in two Ghanaians  Magaret Bamful, an 86-year-old retired conference officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Henry Nana Boakye, a student of Ghana School of Law (now Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Secretariat) filing a suit against government asking the Supreme Court to declare that then President John Mahama acted unconstitutionally by accepting the former Al-Qaeda terrorists in Ghana.



The writ, with suit number J1/7/2016, was filed through their lawyer Nana Agyei Baffuor Awuah, an English and Ghanian trained Barrister, of DE MEDEIROS and Associates, an Accra based law firm.



The plaintiffs sought among other reliefs a declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President of the Republic of Ghana acted unconstitutionally by agreeing to the transfer of Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby.



And two, a declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 58(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the President of the Republic of Ghana who is under an obligation to execute and maintain laws of Ghana breached the Anti-terrorism Act of 2008 (Act 762) and the Immigration Act of 2000 (Act 573), both being laws passed under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.





More soon....







Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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After a year-long investigation, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions has launched legal action, under the Protection of the Sea Act, against Panamas Globex Shipping and shipmaster Kuk Hyun Jang, for an oil spill near the Great Barrier Reef in 2015.

The Queensland Government hopes that the action, especially the possibility of being fined $17 million schmakeroos under Commonwealth law, will act as a strong deterrent to polluters, hopefully leading to safer practices when dealing with fucking massive oil shipments such as these.

Kuk Hyun Jang and Globex Shipping are alleged to be responsible for an incident in July 2015, where 15 tonnes of oil washed up on shore near Cape Upstart, along the Queensland coast between Townsville and Mackay, at Forrest Beach on the Queensland mainland, Hinchinbrook Island and the Greater Palm group.

You wanna know how much 15 tonnes is? Apparently its two elephants, or four hippos. Two elephants worth of oil, out there, wreckin our reef.

And further to that: clean up of the beaches took two weeks, two sea birds died, and a bb flatback turtle needed to be rehabilitated over the course of six weeks. A poor defenceless turtle. Its an outrage.

Last year, when the allegedly responsible ship was first identified by Queensland authorities, Queensland Ports Minister Mark Bailey called the incident absolutely outrageous environmental vandalism.

The investigation by Maritime Safety Queensland, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Maritime Safety Authority checked on-board records, interviewed crews, and tested oil samples from the ships against samples from the spill, finding that 17 of Globex Shippings ships had been in the area in the three days before the spill. 17! Thats like a small gathering of ships, full o oil, while your parents are away for the weekend.

A hearing on the action is scheduled for Townsville Magistrates Court in August.

Photo: Arterra / Getty.

Source: Brisbane Times.
Police and romance.

The two dont usually dont go together.

But today, South Australian police shook off any preconceived ideas about being a stiff bunch by helping a bloke propose to his girlfriend.

The lovestruck dentist, Michael Yuan, had apparently seen a similar staged proposal online and after speaking to one of his colleagues with a brother at SA Police, decided to set one up himself.

The coppers staged a routine traffic stop and ask the couple to get out of the car. One of the officers then told the soon-to-be-proposee that her boyfriend was in for a lifetime of trouble as he got down on one knee behind her. (Classic gag, nice touch.)

Its cute and wholesome and will melt yr cold, savage heart:

.@SAPoliceNews pulled over a couple in a carand then she said YES??. Report in #7News at 6pm. pic.twitter.com/dltVxxOp1w  7 News Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) June 22, 2017

so dang cute ouch

7 News will be airing the proposal in full tonight at 6pm.

Source: 7 News / Twitter.

Photo: 7 News / Twitter.
Fluff your skirts and polish the silver: it looks like the Crawley family may live to see another scandalous day, with official word a Downton Abbey movie is in the works.

Michael Edelstein, president of NBC Universal International Studios, confirmed its been in the works for some time and that production could start as early as next bloody year.

We are working on getting the script right and then weve got to figure out how to get the [cast] together, he told Associated Press at the opening of Downton Abbey: The Exhibition in Singapore this week. Because as you know, people go on and do other things. But were hopeful to make a movie sometime next year.

Amazing news for fans who have been chomping at the bit for more drama since S6 wrapped two years ago.

But it appears to be *new* news for the actual cast, who told journos are the same event that no one from Universal had actually reached out to their agents about signing onto the movie.

Laura Carmichael, who of course played the typically insufferable Lady Edith (sorry, but she was), said:

Well, tell my agent, because were still waiting to know. Were hoping that will happen soon.

And Sophie McShera, who youll of course remember as QT cook Daisy, seemed equally as out of the loop.

In the words of dowager Countess of Grantham, pull yourselves together and make a movie, for goodness sake.

Source: EW.

Photo: ITV.
All-around legend Rebel Wilson has pledged to invest any damages she receives from her successful Bauer Media court case back into the Australian film industry.

Shes looking at one helluva payday, with her lawyers announcing yesterday that they were seeking $5.89 million in special damages and $1.2 million in general damages.

And re my defamation case win, any $s I receive will go to charity, scholarships or invested into the Aussie film industry to provide jobs, she tweeted early this morning. I take being a role model very seriously.



And re my defamation case win, any $s I receive will go to charity, scholarships or invested into the Aussie film industry to provide jobs  Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) June 21, 2017

I take being a role model very seriously x ????  Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) June 21, 2017

Rebel has always been a major supporter of the Australian film industry, having herself won one of 16 scholarships to study in America when she was a fledging comedy actor at the Australian Theatre for Young People. (She reimbursed Nicole Kidman for the scholarship money years later, donating it back to the school.)

She also joined Rose Byrne in pledging $15,000 per year for three years to support emerging artists at the school.

Last week she emerged victorious from her defamation case with Bauer Media, over a series of eight articles published in 2015 that painted her a serial liar. Rebels lawyers argued that these articles lost her roles in Kung Fu Panda 3 and Trolls. That total $7.09 million shes seeking in damages? Her lawyers are calling that figure conservative, saying that she could have earned $18 million were it not for Bauer shredding her reputation.

Its not yet known when Judge John Dixon will assess damages.



Photo: Darrian Traynor / Getty.
The Australian Federal Police today announced the rollout of Facebook AMBER alerts via a livestream on the social media website.

The AMBER system, which helps police find missing children, has been around in the US since 1996 and was named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was tragically abducted and murdered in the same year. 868 missing children were safely returned home since its launch.

While a version of the alert has been floating around Queensland since 2005, its the first time the life-saving feature will be implemented on social media in the country.

The feature is currently in use on Facebook in Canada, South Korea, Greece, Taiwan, the UK, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, the US and Luxembourg.

If a child is reported missing in your area, youll get an alert towards the top of your feed with a link to all of the details including a picture and relevant details of the abduction. These details are entered by the police only and contain contact details should you have any information that could help.

Youll be able to share the post to your own page, but comments are disabled to ensure all important info goes directly through to the authorities rather than sit on a post that is potentially unmonitored.



This is just another tool in the toolbox for law enforcement, but its a critically important one and it leads to kids coming home, Emily Vacher, Facebooks director of trust & safety told PEDESTRIAN.TV at a briefing earlier this week.

The sooner we can get this information out to the public, the better it is for the child.



Having previously worked for the FBI specialising in crimes against children, Emily knows all too well how powerful the community can be when it comes to returning children to their families.

Its not about the police, its not about us, its about the communities that care about these missing children and thats what makes this so important, she said.

Its a system were glad to have, but sincerely hope we never see.
It took months, but there is a measure of justice for 22-year-old Katrina Renee Seaburn, a Clarion University student whose body was found shot near a lake in Clarion County, Pa., on March 1.

As WJAC-TV reports, Pennsylvania State Police have charged a 22-year-old man identified as her boyfriend with criminal homicide in her shooting.

Damien Lawrence Ditz, 22, of Clarion, was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, in addition to the criminal homicide charge.

According to ExploreClarion.com, the charge of criminal homicide encompasses murder of the first, second and third degrees, as well as voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

"It is alleged that the evidence in the case indicates that Ditz intentionally killed Seaburn," Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron stated in a news release issued Wednesday.

According to ExploreClarion.com, Seaburn was shot in the chest while both she and Ditz were driving in a vehicle near Lake Lucy, Washington Township, with Ditz allegedly telling police this:

After initially claiming the shooting was an accident, Ditz explained that he and the victim were arguing about money as he was driving into the parking area of a trailer court.

According to the criminal complaint, Ditz told investigators that he was angry at the victim and "lost his temper."

The criminal complaint states Ditz disclosed to police that he pointed the Glock 37 handgun at Seaburn, knowing that it was loaded, and it discharged.

Ditz told police that he didn't intentionally pull the trigger, according to the criminal complaint, but officials now believe it was.

After the shooting, her body was left near the lake and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

At last report, Ditz was lodged at the Clarion County Jail without bail.

Meanwhile, Clarion University issued a posthumous degree to Seaburn at college commencement ceremonies in the spring.
As we head into summer and those trips to the beach, gas prices are in our favor.

Gas prices in central Pennsylvania, according to GasBuddy.com, have fallen 4 cents in the past week.

And, prices have fallen 8 cents in the past month in the Keystone State, making it one of the top ten largest declines nationally, according to AAA.

The average price today in the greater Harrisburg area is $2.35 a gallon - down 2 cents from Monday.

"Another week, another nearly country-wide decline in average gasoline prices as crude oil prices struggle near the lowest levels of the year," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "Motorists shouldn't expect too much more of the nice price declines we've seen in the last couple of weeks as hurricane season comes in to view, but we could see another week with a majority of states seeing prices move lower again, thanks to gasoline inventories that remain quite healthy, along with refiners that continue to push out product at rates that have been higher than demand, leading to crude oil prices that have struggled mightily to gain a footing. It looks like even OPEC's best move to thwart supply increases hasn't done much thanks to U.S. oil production which has charged back like a bull."

According to AAA, gas prices at less than the national average can be found in more than half of the United States.

"Across the country, gas prices dropped in all but four states on the week. Prices in South Carolina have fallen below $2/gallon, while California is on the cusp of dropping below $3/gallon. The national average gas price has dropped for 17 consecutive days making today's price five cents cheaper than both one week and one year ago, and six cents less than one month ago.

While gasoline demand saw new heights for Memorial Day, it has dropped for the first half of June. Meanwhile, high oil production rates in the U.S., coupled with news from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that Libya and Nigeria increased output last month, could lead to gas prices across the nation continuing to fall through the end of June," according to AAA.

According to the GasBuddy map of gas prices, the lowest today appears to be $2.18 at Friendly Food Mart in Boiling Springs.
Photo provided by Milton Hershey School.

Deb Kiner | dkiner@pennlive.com

Honey vanilla and malted memories are on the menu

Milton Hershey Schools Spartan Ice Cream Center will open at noon on Friday, June 23. As part of the schools Agricultural and Environmental Education program, student interns learn how to make ice cream and operate the campus ice cream shop.

Don't Edit

Photo provided by Milton Hershey School.

Where is the shop?

The ice cream shop is near the ice rink at 655 Brook Drive, Hershey. There are signs posted to direct customers.

Don't Edit

Photo provided by Milton Hershey School.

What are the hours?

The shop is open noon-2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday through Aug. 10.

Don't Edit

Photo provided by Milton Hershey School.

How much does it cost?

Cones are $2. Half-gallons are $4.49.

Students donate a portion of their tips to Penn State Childrens Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Don't Edit

Photo provided by Milton Hershey School.

How many flavors are there?

Students make 32 flavors that are available on a rotating basis throughout the summer.

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Peanut Butter Cup

One of the customer favorites is Peanut Butter Cup. It is made with Reese's peanut butter cups and vanilla ice cream.

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The fruits of their labor

Fruit flavors include the popular blueberry ripple, teaberry, peach and strawberry cheesecake. The fresh fruit used in the ice cream is grown on campus.

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Other flavors

Other popular flavors include Kit Kat, Heath bar crunch, cookies and cream, honey vanilla and 'Malted Memories.' The recipe for 'Malted Memories' is a secret but sources say 'it tastes like an old-fashioned malted milkshake.'

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Why they do it

According to Milton Hershey School, students are involved in every facet of the ice cream making operation including advertising, customer service and inventory control and management.

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The goal

Through the process students learn 'entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.'

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More information

For more information on the Milton Hershey School Ice Cream Center, click here.
The 142-page draft of the Senate Republicans' plan to repeal Obamacare was released Thursday morning.



In one of the more noteworthy provisions, it would remove the individual mandate and penalties that require most people to have health insurance. The mandate is considered necessary to compel young and healthy people to join the overall insurance poll, with their contributions offsetting costs of older and sicker people



Pennsylvania would be significantly impacted by a provision to phase out the Medicaid expansion between 2020 and 2023, according to an initial analysis from Reuters on Thursday morning.



Pennsylvania is one of the 32 states and the District of Columbia that expanded Medicaid to cover people with higher incomes than those who were covered in the past. More than 600,000 state residents are covered as a result of the expansion.



The Senate bill also caps Medicaid spending; it's currently an open-ended program with funding based on enrollment and the cost of medical care.



The changes to Medicaid are expected to be especially contentious because of the role the expansion has played in providing addiction treatment, including those addicted to painkillers and heroin.



Gov. Wolf administration officials plan to discuss the impact at 1 p.m. Thursday.



State officials had previously said about 63,000 people had accessed drug treatment through the expansion during its first year.



Cutting into those treatment funds is even a concern among some moderate Republicans in West Virginia and Ohio which, like Pennsylvania, are among the states hardest hit by the addiction crisis.



In Pennsylvania, about 4,800 people died of overdoses in 2016, a 37 percent increase from 2015. The majority of the overdoses are blamed on addiction to opioids.

Note: This post has been revised to reflect that Wolf administration officials but not Gov. Wolf were scheduled to speak to reporters at 1 p.m.
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The chairman of Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn said Thursday it may spend more than $10 billion to set up manufacturing in the United States, and will announce investment plans by early August for at least three states.

Terry Gou gave no new information about where Foxconn will locate a U.S. display panel factory he said in January would cost up to $7 billion to build. That announcement triggered a flurry of lobbying by state leaders hoping to attract the investment, which he said might generate as many as 50,000 jobs.

Gou mentioned Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas as manufacturing states with which Foxconn hopes to work but gave no indication whether any of them might be in the investment agreement. Gou said in January that Pennsylvania was the leading candidate for the panel factory, which would work with Sharp.

This is not the first time Foxconn promised a major investment in the commonwealth. In 2013, Foxconn's chairman sent a jolt through this state capital when he said his company - best known for making Apple iPhones in China - would invest $30 million and hire 500 workers for a new high-tech factory in central Pennsylvania.

The factory was never built.

Details for each state were not settled, but overall, "we will provide at least tens of thousands of job opportunities," said Gou at the news conference.

Foxconn is the biggest contract manufacturer of smartphones and other devices for Apple, Sony, Blackberry and other brands. Its success has made Gou Taiwan's richest businessman. The company raised its profile with its purchase in March 2016 of struggling Japanese electronics brand Sharp for $3.5 billion.

The company plans to develop operations in the U.S. that combine hardware manufacturing and software development in technologies including artificial intelligence and automation, Gou said at a meeting with shareholders. Asked later at a news conference how much Foxconn might invest during the five-year plan, he said it might exceed $10 billion.

Foxconn has been in touch with the White House and expects to conclude negotiations by the end of July or early August, Gou said. He said the first investment agreement should cover at least three states, with at least three others to be added later.

The display panel factory, if built, would be a political trophy for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has promised to revive American manufacturing in the Midwest.

Expansion into the United States would reduce Foxconn's reliance on China, where it has the bulk of its operations and employs about 1 million people.

Also Thursday, Gou said there is "still a chance" Foxconn might be able to buy Toshiba Corp.'s memory chip business despite the Japanese company's choice of another bidder as its preferred buyer.

Toshiba said Wednesday it picked a bid totaling about 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) by a U.S.-Japan consortium. Toshiba is selling the lucrative operation due to losses at its U.S. nuclear power unit, Westinghouse Electric Co.

"It is not a done deal yet. I believe there is still a chance for Foxconn," Gou said.

He noted that Toshiba's choice of the U.S.-Japanese consortium faced opposition, including from Japanese banks.

Western Digital of the United States also opposes the choice. It owns SanDisk chip operations that have a joint venture with Toshiba in Japan and says the company has no right to transfer that venture without the American partner's consent.

Western Digital said it filed a request for arbitration last week. Toshiba has accused Western Digital of interfering with its sales efforts.
Bill Cosby, according to a spokesman for the entertainer, wants to take his experiences and help young people avoid the situation he finds himself in - on trial in court and in the eyes of public opinion, accused of sexually assaulting a young woman more than a decade ago.

Spokespersons Andrew Wyatt and Ebonee Benson appeared on "Good Day Alabama" Wednesday to discuss the trial, which ended with a hung jury last week in Norristown. Toward the end of the nearly six-minute interview, dropped that Cosby wanted to appear at a series of "town halls" to help others, especially athletes, learn what they need to know - to "know what they're facing when they're hanging out and partying, when they're doing certain things they shouldn't be doing."

"This is bigger than Bill Cosby," Wyatt said of Cosby's motivation.

News of the interview was broken Thursday afternoon by website TMZ. You can listen to the full interview here. The comments being at the 4:48-minute mark.

Cosby is now facing a retrial on charges that he drugged and sexually assaulted former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.

Two jurors, whose names were released by the judge Wednesday, say they were evenly split before the mistrial was declared.

Most of the jurors contacted declined to discuss the case.
FILE - In this file photo taken Friday, March 17, 2017, a vendor takes stock of imported food at a mall in Beijing, China. Food exporters including the United States and Europe are stepping up pressure on China to scale back plans for intensive inspections of imports that they say will hamper access to its fast-growing market. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  An Alaska lawmaker made one last legal push Tuesday to put about $1,000 back in the hands of nearly every state resident for their share of Alaskas oil wealth.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski argued before the Alaska Supreme Court in Anchorage that Gov. Bill Walker last year exceeded his authority when he reduced the size of the yearly checks by about half.

Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat, hopes to reverse the governors action after losing in superior court in November. He was peppered with questions by justices during his arguments Tuesday.

The Supreme Court did no...
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The Alaska Legislature remains on pace for a statewide government shutdown as lawmakers renew discussions they hope will bridge the gap between the House and Senate.

Gov. Bill Walker said he is confident the Legislature can avert an economically catastrophic shutdown July 1.

Officials top priority during the special session is the state operating budget.

At this point, I must focus solely on one issue and one issue alone, and that is the operating budget so we do not have a shutdown in this state, said Walker, who sets the agenda for the session.

Walker said...
Pellston partners with WMU children's trauma specialist for trainings

Throughout the year, there will be learning opportunities for staff and community members, as well as 13 assessments of individuals.
Brent and WTI in a bear market amid U.S. production highest in almost two years

Brent joins U.S. crude in bear market amid oversupply anxiety

-

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 06 22 2017

Brent crude entered a bear market, plunging below $45 a barrel for the first time since November as skepticism that a supply glut will ease worsens.

A decline in U.S. stockpiles wasn't enough to dispel the pessimism that struck the market this month as American supplies remain stubbornly above their seasonal average and production keeps rising. The global benchmark closed more than 20 percent below the year's peak settlement, meeting the common definition of a bear market. The same happened with West Texas Intermediate on Tuesday.

"There's a sea of negativity," said Maxwell Gold, director of investment strategy at ETF Securities LLC. "This is much more a story of sentiment weighing on the markets."

Oil has returned to levels last seen before the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia decided in November to cut production to drain a global glut. Relentless drilling in U.S. shale fields and renewed output from Libya are putting that effort in jeopardy.

Brent for August delivery settled $1.20 lower at $44.82, down 22 percent from its January peak. WTI fell 98 cents to close at $42.53 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after dipping to the lowest since August.

American crude stockpiles fell by 2.45 million barrels last week and gasoline supplies slid by 577,999 barrels, according to an Energy Information Administration report Wednesday. Meanwhile, oil production rose to 9.35 million barrels a day, the highest level in almost two years.

"I don't think one report by itself is enough to dispel the fears," said Gene McGillian, manager for market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. "I would be surprised if this is the beginning of a turnaround."



Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects, talks about the factors pushing down prices. - Watch enlarge video



A joint OPEC, non-OPEC committee concluded on Tuesday that the market won't rebalance until the second quarter of 2018 , beyond the current expiration of the group's output agreement.

Potentially bullish factors failed to lift prices, including Tropical Storm Cindy halting service at a major oil terminal in the Gulf of Mexico, a shake-up in the Saudi royal family, and Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh saying on state radio that OPEC may decide to make deeper cuts .

There is no bullish catalyst for oil to be seen at the moment and thus it is drifting lower, said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB in Oslo. It will be hard for Saudi and Russia to keep cutting production in the face of a strong rise in U.S. crude production and output in Libya.






Gulf of Mexico Tropical Storm Cindy disrupts shipping, crude imports



Cindy could delay oil imports, exports through the week. Storm in Louisiana, Texas coastline Thursday

BOSTON

Petroleumworld 06 21 2017

Tropical Storm Cindy has halted service at a major oil terminal in the Gulf of Mexico, prompted some evacuations at rigs and platforms and put states from Texas to Florida on notice for life-threatening floods.

Cindy was 200 miles (322 kilometers) southeast of Galveston, Texas, with top winds of 60 miles an hour early Wednesday. Its center is forecast to move inland over southeastern Texas or southwestern Louisiana Thursday, according to a U.S. National Hurricane Center advisory issued at 7 a.m. New York time.

The storm has triggered watches and warnings along the Texas-Louisiana coast including Galveston Bay, the entrance to the Houston Ship Channel and Sabine Pass, the site of the only active liquefied natural gas export terminal in the lower 48 states. Pilots have stopped guiding ships into Sabine Pass, which also funnels traffic to the ports of Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas.

Storms in the Gulf can often roil energy markets because offshore rigs and platforms account for about 17 percent of U.S. crude oil output and 4.1 percent of gas production.

Vessel offloading at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port marine terminal was suspended. The rest of the company's operations, including deliveries from its Clovelly, Louisiana, hub, were expected to continue, according to the company's website.

While the storm may not be a whopper, it will influence shipping and may impact imports and exports of oil for next week, Phil Flynn, a senior market analyst at Price Futures Group Inc. in Chicago, wrote in a note.

Enbridge Inc. evacuated nonessential workers from some platforms in the Gulf. Royal Dutch Shell Plc suspended some well operations in the region, though production is unaffected, according to company spokesman Curtis Smith. BP Plc and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. also evacuated nonessential personnel. BHP Billiton Ltd suspended non-essential operations and demobilized non-essential workers.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc. declared a severe weather alert for the southern part of its electric grid, including Louisiana and Mississippi.

It's been a year since the U.S. Gulf Coast took a storm hit. Tropical Storm Colin and Hurricane Hermine struck Florida last year. The last storm to reach the western Gulf was Tropical Storm Bill in June 2015.

Power outages caused by the storm and subsequent flooding may have the largest market impact. Entergy Corp. said restoration workers in Louisiana and Texas are prepared to respond and that teams in Arkansas and Mississippi are ready to relocate if needed.

It's essentially a demand destroyer for the Deep South, said Matt Rogers, president of the Commodity Weather Group LLC in Bethesda, Maryland. No production concerns really.

Cindy could bring 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) of rain across parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, with some areas getting as much as 12 inches, the center said. Lesser amounts are forecast in Texas and are expected to spread across Arkansas.

Flood advisories, as well as tornado watches, spread across the Gulf states from Texas to Florida and north into parts of Georgia. Flash flooding could create life threatening situations, the National Weather Service said.

In addition, the weather service said there is a possibility for flooding later this week in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Indiana as rain from the remnants of Cindy drenches the area.






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Traffic on I-95 crawls in both northbound and southbound directions on an especially busy day, during Novembers Transport Workers Union Local 234 strike Read more

Philadelphia-based Hill International says PennDot has given it a $21.7 million contract to provide construction-management services on nine sections of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia over the next 10 years.

The state plans to rebuild and widen the highway, frequently subject to jams that delay truck and commuter traffic through the city, for example during rush hour in Northeast Philadelphia.

Hill says the work also will include replacing the "dynamic message signs" that warn of traffic back-ups with permanent installations, and upgrading PennDot's Regional Transportation Center.

A publicly traded company that works on projects in many countries in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Americas, Hill says it has worked on PennDot projects worth $1.7 billion on I-95 alone since 2000.

"We are proud to be continuing our role," Hill senior vice president and mid-Atlantic manager Michael V. Griffin said in a statement.

The company, run by members of the Richter family until CEO David Richter's recent departure under pressure from investors, also represented the state of Pennsylvania on its second-largest construction project ever, the $400 million State Correctional Institute Phoenix in Skippack Township, Montgomery County. The prison remains uncompleted 20 months after its revised target opening date.
Tammy Christiansen, center, a nurse at Delaware County Memorial Hospital, spoke as nurses, their supporters, and union members rallied outside the Delaware County courthouse in Media, Wednesday. Read more

Nurses from Delaware County Memorial Hospital said conditions at the Upper Darby Township hospital have declined since a new owner, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., took over last year.

"It's a totally different environment," said longtime nurse Tammy Christiansen, who spoke at a rally Wednesday on the front steps of the Delaware County Courthouse in Media by the nurses' union, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals. "The morale isn't what it used to be."

Inside the courthouse, lawyers argued over whether Prospect, a California company that specializes in buying hospitals in poor financial condition, had reneged on terms of its deal to buy the four-hospital Crozer-Keystone Health System.

The nurses said a colleague was attacked in May as she helped a patient off the toilet. The patient, they said, grabbed that nurse's hair, threw her down, and slammed her head against the floor, causing a concussion. She has just returned to work.

"In today's society, there is more of a threat than there used to be," said Angela Neopolitano, who heads the union at the hospital. There is minimal security, she said, with patients' visitors wandering the halls at 2 a.m., and there are more patients coming with mental-health and drug problems than in the past.

In the case of their colleague who was beaten, the nurses said, hospital managers had not assigned someone trained in handling mental-health issues to monitor the patient on a one-to-one basis.

In a statement, Prospect said: "The safety and security of employees, visitors, and patients is a priority at Crozer-Keystone Health System.

"In the last few years, we have made many proactive changes and put into place many processes to ensure safety and security at our facilities. We are aware of the incident referenced by the union and immediately launched an investigation when it happened," Prospect said. "Since the incident, we have introduced additional training for our security officers and created a new system-wide, multidisciplinary team that will be dedicated to preventing workplace violence within the system."

Christiansen said half the staff of the operating room at her hospital had left, with the remaining staff trying to orient personnel sent in from agencies.

Neopolitano said the hospital was not as clean as it used to be because there were fewer sanitation workers.

Prospect said it had not changed staffing levels.

In court Wednesday, County Orphans' Court President Judge Chad Kenney recused himself and was replaced by Judge Barry Dozor in the dispute between Crozer-Keystone and Prospect.

Last year, for-profit Prospect, backed by the private-equity firm Leonard Green & Partners LP, agreed to pay $300 million for the nonprofit health system, with most of the money going toward the system's debt. The balance, $53 million, would go to a new charity, the Crozer-Keystone Community Foundation, formed to improve community health.

So far, Prospect has paid about $33 million, with Prospect saying it doesn't owe any more because Crozer-Keystone changed the terms of the sale. The foundation and the health system are arguing that Prospect must pay the balance, plus interest, or about $21 million.

The case is to continue Thursday.
Sienna Ward loved dance and studied ballet, hip-hop, and jazz.

In photos taken almost a year ago at a dance recital at the Keswick Theatre, she has her hair pushed back into a dancer's bun. She looks so elegant as she stands there, all 5 feet, 6 inches of her, in a graceful ballet pose and a beautiful, fairylike costume. In another, she has on a white fringed top and sequined shorts, and looks like she's ready to cut loose. The photos are memories of a happier time, far from what Sienna is going through now.

On June 7, the 11-year-old was struck by a train that severed one leg and badly damaged the other. Authorities say around 2 p.m. that day, Sienna and three friends were near 56th Street and Grays Avenue after an early dismissal from Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School. The friends reportedly saw a slow-moving CSX freight train passing by, and began tossing rocks at it and trying to touch it. Somehow, Sienna lost her footing and tried to grab onto a pole on the train, police said. But her legs got tangled beneath it as it continued westbound, dragging her about 500 feet.

She was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in critical condition. There, she was able to wiggle her toes and lift her remaining leg, which gave her family hope. But she had been in and out of surgery as she battled a persistent infection. On Wednesday, doctors made the decision to remove Sienna's remaining leg just above the knee. Dear God in heaven.

"They had to do it to save her life," explained her aunt Tina Miller.

What a disturbing setback. Sienna had a decent day at the hospital Tuesday, even managing a smile for her aunt. The medical staff had gotten Sienna out of her hospital bed and wheeled her around in a special wheelchair. That gave family members who'd been keeping vigil in her room something to cling to.

And now this.

When I spoke with her aunt around 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sienna was still undergoing surgery.

I can't imagine what her mother and two siblings must be going through right now. When I spoke with her mother, Natasha Ward, on Tuesday evening, she was clearly tired, but hopeful.

"They're not talking prosthetics yet," Ward told me. "All her plans and things she wanted to do are on a back burner now."

Same thing with Ward herself. A widow, she sleeps on a couch every night in her daughter's hospital room. Ward hasn't been back to her job as a trolley car operator for SEPTA and there's no telling when she'll be able to work again. She's thinking about taking some extended time off from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act to care for her daughter, whom she had home-schooled until recently.

She was only starting to think about all of the adaptations they'll need in their rowhome: a wheelchair ramp, a wheelchair lift, a handicap-accessible bathroom, and who knows what else? To help with their considerable expenses, the family has established a GoFundMe page. They've raised over $15,000, but will need so much more than that. I hope that after reading about what this family is up against, people will be generous.

What happened to the Wards really could happen to anyone. One minute everything can be fine. But a split second later, your entire world can be turned upside down the way that theirs has been. Ward was home resting from a late night at work when her phone started ringing with calls from strangers informing her that her youngest child had been involved in a serious accident.

"She has a long journey ahead of her," said Paralympian April Holmes, a Cherry Hill native who after losing a leg in a 2001 train accident went on to win more medals for running 100- and 200- meter races than she can count, including three at the Paralympics.

She's been to visit Sienna at CHOP and plans to stay in touch with and hopefully encourage her.

"Dancing as an amputee is still possible," Holmes told me. "Anything that you want to do is still possible."

Let's hope. Sienna's going to need something positive to hang onto.
We think of judges, wearing robes and physically elevated above us in the courtroom, as being above the combat between litigants.

So it's highly unusual when a judge  Jeffrey Minehart  files suit against a couple of authors who criticized his alleged conduct in a trial that electrified the city and the nation.

The case was the nine-week trial of West Philadelphia abortionist Kermit Gosnell, who was adjudicated to be a grotesque serial killer, his victims fetuses and, in some cases, babies. He was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder.

The 38-page civil suit was filed Thursday in Common Pleas Court by attorney George Bochetto on behalf of Minehart. It alleges defamation in the book Gosnell: The Untold Story of America's Most Prolific Serial Killer. The book is co-authored by Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer, who are also working on a movie about the trial. Also named in the suit is the Salem Radio Group, which owns the book's publishing house and also conservative radio stations that gave the book a lot of free media, such as interviews with the authors. Salem wouldn't comment before deadline.

The suit cites four claims in the book that are said to be false, "acting in reckless disregard and purposeful disregard of the truth, and thus with actual malice."

The suit says the book describes Minehart as soft on crime, and states that he is a "drinking buddy" of Gosnell defense attorney Jack McMahon; that Minehart's selection as judge was random and worrisome to unnamed prosecutors; and that Minehart banned cameras from the court.

The complaint produced newspaper stories showing Minehart as being fair in his legal career. It alleges McMahon is known to have not had a drink in 20 years. It reports that when Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerner asked prosecution and defense lawyers to agree on the selection of Minehart as the trial judge, it was not random and there was no objection. Finally, it says a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling bans cameras from courtrooms, not individual judges.

The suit maintains Minehart's "impeccable reputation has been irreparably damaged," causing the judge to suffer emotional and psychological harm.

All that may be true, and a judge and jury will decide that. But how unusual is it that a judge seeks a judicial remedy?

"Extremely unusual," I'm told by M. Kelly Tillery, a partner with Pepper Hamilton, the prestigious Center City law firm. "You Google or do a Lexis-Nexis search and you will show a handful of cases where judges sue."

There are two reasons, says Tillery, who has been involved in trade libel and intellectual property litigation for 38 years.

The first is that judges are supposed to have thick skin and be above the fray. The second? "As public figures, the standard is very much higher.".

The landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in New York Times v. Sullivan ruled that the plaintiff would have to show actual malice, "meaning knowing the information was false," says Tillery, "or you have reckless disregard of the truth, and either of those is incredibly hard to reach."

That high standard explains "the dearth of cases out there," he says.

While rare, such suits are not unknown. In 1983, for example, state Supreme Court Justice James McDermott successfully sued the Inquirer for defamation.

In addition to cash, Bochetto is seeking an injunction to block the sale of the book and halt the release of the prospective movie unless the alleged false claims are omitted.

The authors clearly are anti-abortion, and make claims that the city and state could and should have known what was going on in Gosnell's Women's Medical Society, what the media called the House of Horrors. You might make a case for that, but how does that make Minehart, who is now 70, a "hack" part of Philadelphia's "liberal corrupt government"?

If he was sympathetic to Gosnell, Minehart had a strange way of showing it, handing Gosnell a life sentence without parole. Author McAleer declined to comment on the suit because he had not yet read it.

Minehart was "level-headed, fair and unbiased," says reporter Mensah M. Dean, who covered the trial for the Daily News. "No one complained, to my knowledge."

Reviewers and readers will have to determine if the authors' opinions hold up.

The court will determine if they acted recklessly and with malice.
Speaker of the state House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) was prime sponsor of a new law that will allow career and technical students to graduate high-school without the Keystone exam. Read more

HARRISBURG  As state law stands, Pennsylvania is scheduled to begin requiring students in two years to pass standardized Keystone examinations in order to graduate high school.

But with the signing of a new law Wednesday, students in career and technical education programs will be allowed to demonstrate their readiness for a diploma in other ways.

"There are so many career pathways that exist within the economy of Pennsylvania," said Rep. Mike Tobash, (R-Schuylkill), one of the bill's sponsors. "There should be more educational pathways, and this is just acknowledging that."

If students enrolled in career and technical education do not do well enough on the Keystone examinations in algebra 1, literature and biology, they will be permitted to graduate anyway if they meet school district requirements in those subjects.

That's so long as the student also attains an industry-based competency certification or shows they are likely to succeed on an industry-based competency test or are ready for "continued meaningful engagement" in their program of study.

The future of the Keystone exams more broadly has been a topic of discussion in the General Assembly. The graduation requirement had been scheduled to take effect for the class of 2017, but legislators postponed that until 2019. A bill in the Senate proposes eliminating the exams altogether.

Under current law, once it takes effect, students who fail to score "proficient" on a Keystone exam twice, or once during 12th grade, could graduate by completing a substitute known as a project-based assessment.

The legislation for students in career and technical education provoked none of the partisan rancor often on display at the Capitol. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill unanimously. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed it into law at a ceremony that included Republican House Speaker Mike Turzai, the legislation's prime sponsor.

"Our students in career and technical education will be able to use skills they've learned in career and job readiness programs to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, rather than an exam that does not reflect the education they've received or the career they're going into," Wolf said.

Kurt Kiefer, administrative director of the Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, said in an interview he had feared that students who did not pass the Keystone exams would have been pulled from their vocational studies in order to do remedial academic work.

The center offers programs in auto mechanics, carpentry, computer technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, health occupations and welding, among other fields.

In some of the fields, the workforce is aging, Kiefer said.

"If we're trying to create a new working class, or a skilled labor class, and 50 percent of them have to go back to take academic classes, it really wasn't a very good formula for success for the state," he said.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry supports alternative graduation requirements for career and technical students, said Alex Halper, director of government affairs.

"We do hope that once this law is implemented, it's not misused by school districts to allow any students to move on without attaining a level of proficiency that is necessary to succeed in career or higher education or whatever paths the student chooses," he said.

The change won praise from the president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the largest teachers union in the state.

"With passage of this law, Gov. Wolf and state lawmakers have recognized what teachers serving students in career and technical education programs have been saying for a long time," PSEA President Jerry Oleksiak said in a statement. "Graduation decisions should be based upon students' entire academic records, rather than the results of a single standardized test."
The path that brought Mary Beth Bidwell to the bed of a magnetic resonance imaging machine at Pennsylvania Hospital  her head shaved and topped with a plastic, water-filled cap and a huge helmet  began 12 years ago.

Bidwell, now a 52-year-old bookkeeper for PGA Magazine, was diagnosed with essential tremor, a condition that makes seven million Americans shake only when they try to do things. Bidwell had it worst in her dominant left hand, which made it hard for her to type and write, key components of her work. She felt conspicuous when she couldn't hold a spoon during a company chili cook-off. Essential tremor is not fatal, but it worsens over time and can be disabling.

Bidwell had not been doing well on propranolol, a medication often used for tremors. Her dose kept going up, but her hand still shook mightily when she tried to aim the TV remote or raise a glass of water. Plus, the drug causes fatigue, weight gain, and low blood pressure.

She had no interest in deep brain stimulation, the primary surgical intervention. It involves opening the skull, inserting wires into the brain, and stimulating a malfunctioning part of the thalamus with electricity to control the tremors. She was very interested, though, when she heard about a new noninvasive procedure that uses 1,024 converging beams of ultrasound to destroy the same part of the thalamus, the ventralis intermedius.

It can help only one arm, but, at best, she could emerge from the MRI with a newly steady dominant hand. Bidwell signed up for a clinical trial of MR-guided focused ultrasound treatment (MRgFUS) at Penn Medicine.

Bidwell's hairdresser cut off 16 inches of her hair in anticipation of the shaved head. The night before her procedure, Bidwell and her husband, Lon, waited nervously in their Glenside home. She got a massage to relax before spending hours in the cramped MRI.

Bidwell knew that the procedure wasn't perfect, and that she was only Penn's second patient. Her big question: "Is it going to work for me?"

Our Mission and Vision

The team that would treat Bidwell on June 8 was led by Gordon Baltuch, a tall neurosurgeon with wavy, graying hair who has done more than 1,100 deep brain stimulation procedures and is director of Penn's Center for Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery.

Focused ultrasound is just a new way of doing a thalamotomy, or removal of part of the thalamus, he said. That procedure has fallen out of favor because of its risks. It can still be done with radiation, but MRI-guided ultrasound is more precise, and surgeons get immediate feedback on the results. Deep brain stimulation has the huge advantage of being modifiable, but bleeding and infections can occur. Like Bidwell, some patients simply won't try it.

Baltuch was drawn to the ultrasound approach because it uses cutting-edge technology  just the pre-procedure brain mapping requires MRI, CT, and diffusion tensor imaging  and because he appreciates its "elegance" and potential to help older patients who might not fare well in surgery. The patient scheduled after Bidwell was 86.

Some surgeons question whether focused ultrasound is better than current options, but he thinks research institutions such as Penn must keep trying new things. "If you're not going to be the one who goes ahead and does this stuff, why be here?" he asked. "That's sort of our mission and vision."

A few blocks away, Jefferson Health neurosurgeon Chengyuan Wu, who specializes in brain stimulation for epilepsy, essential tremor, and Parkinson's disease, was skeptical. "I think it's interesting, but I don't think it's actually ready for prime time," he said of the ultrasound technique. He's worried about complications, including limb numbness and walking problems. It may seem safer not to open the skull, he said, but "ultimately, you're getting something burned in your brain, and that is irreversible."

Penn is the only place in the region doing this focused ultrasound treatment. The procedure was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for one type of MRI machine last July. The type Penn is using was added in May.

Approval was based on a study involving 76 patients that was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in August. Scores on a measure of hand tremor severity and function improved by 47 percent at three months and 40 percent at 12 months after the procedure. (The difference in those two scores could have been due to chance.) Complications were common, though. Thirty-six percent of the patients had gait disturbance initially, and 9 percent still had impairment at 12 months. Thirty-eight percent had tingling or numbness immediately after the surgery. Problems persisted in 14 percent after a year.

Richard Schallhorn, vice president of neurosurgery at InSightec, the Israeli company that makes equipment needed for the procedures, said that all of the complications were considered mild and that results should improve as centers gain experience.

InSightec is also testing whether the approach can be used for Parkinson's and epilepsy symptoms as well as to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to enhance treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Even though the procedure is now FDA-approved, Penn decided to continue its trial with a few patients who had already signed up. That was lucky for Bidwell, because insurance coverage is still iffy. FDA approval does not guarantee insurance payment. Some centers are charging $35,000 to $40,000, said Ramya Singh, an InSightec vice president. Penn has not yet set a price.

A Stanford study published in April found that focused ultrasound was cost effective for essential tremor when compared with a type of radiation treatment and deep-brain stimulation. It estimated that the ultrasound treatment would cost about the same as stereotactic radiosurgery: $20,600.

No eraser on the pencil

Mary Beth Bidwell arrived at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. It takes time to shave a head so closely that nary a follicle might deflect an ultrasonic beam. Then a circular frame was screwed tightly onto her skull in four places. The plastic cap filled with circulating cold water would fit over it to keep Bidwell's skull cool during the treatment and provide a medium for the waves, which travel better in water than air.

It was 9:45 when she arrived outside the chilly MRI room on a gurney, escorted by six Penn and InSightec employees, including Baltuch. Nine people helped transfer her to the MRI table and fit her into the helmet, attached to the table. Her head had to stay perfectly still during the procedure.

Next came the painstaking work of making sure the ultrasound beams were targeted properly, partly by repositioning the helmet. Baltuch would do the procedure itself from a computer keyboard in the control room as an InSightec employee helped him navigate the software.

Baltuch asked questions such as: "Where did you get the laterality of the corticospinal tract?" His target within the thalamus is not obvious on an MRI scan. It must be located using other brain landmarks. Baltuch's goal was to bring the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees Celsius (131 to 140 degrees F) to create a box-shaped 4x5x6-millimeter lesion (smaller than a dry black bean) near the intersection of the motor thalamus and the sensory thalamus. Too small and Bidwell's tremor would remain. Too big and there would be complications. His first patient, John Lukens, a construction project manager from Plymouth Meeting, had no side effects and thought his tremors were gone. Baltuch still detected slight shaking. Every brain is different.

With feedback from the MRI about position and temperature in the target area, Baltuch's team fired test "sonications," waves strong enough to warm the target, but too weak to damage cells. Periodically, the staff would slide out Bidwell's table and ask her to draw a spiral. Gradually, the lines became smoother. Repeatedly, they asked whether she felt any numbness. She never did.

In the control room, Baltuch said this felt like high-stakes surgery, even though he wasn't touching the patient.

"There's no eraser on the pencil here," he said. "  The art of this is knowing when to stop."

The fourth time Bidwell drew a spiral, the result looked normal. The staff smiled. Baltuch did one final sonication, the 15th, to bring the brain tissue to the target temperature. MRI images said the lesion was the right size. "We're done," Baltuch declared.

By about noon, it was time for Bidwell to come out of the machine. She said she would miss the water cap, which felt like a massage. It was weird to have surgeons using screwdrivers to take the frame off her skull. Then she discovered that she could hold a bottle without shaking. She smiled. She started thinking about clasping necklaces and buttoning blouses, little things that most women can take for granted.

"I'll be happy when I can pluck my eyebrows," she said.

Not so fast

Bidwell's enthusiasm dimmed a little by early evening. There were no tremors, but her left hand felt weak. It was still weak the next morning, and her upper lip drooped slightly on the left. There was still no numbness and all of her sensations felt normal, but there was a big problem when she stood up for Baltuch's nurse practitioner, Hanane Chaibainou. Bidwell's left knee buckled, and it took two occupational therapists to help her walk into the hall and back. Baltuch suspected she had some swelling, a normal response to any brain damage. "It looks like the lesion we made is a good lesion and it's where we want it to be," he told her. "I think it's going to get better with time."

Bidwell was realizing that, even though no one had cut open her skull, she had had brain surgery. It would take a while to recover.

Over the next week, her condition improved rapidly. She graduated from a walker to a cane and could walk, carefully, with neither in her house. Her hand still felt weak, but it didn't shake. "It's kind of cool," she said. She was able to to eat soup without spilling for the first time in 10 years and type accurately, though her hand tired easily.

She realized she should have considered side effects more carefully. "I feel naive because I feel like I didn't even give a thought to not having mobility in my hand to function," she said. She now knew it might take months to fully recover. She was optimistic that she would.

Two weeks out, walking felt normal to her and she had graduated from occupational therapy. She was still concerned about fine motor skills such as writing, but she was improving every day. She was looking forward to returning to work soon.

Baltuch, who had been poring over her case with InSightec leaders, said the lesion he made was 5x5x8 millimeters, not large enough to explain Bidwell's coordination problems. It was targeted properly. There was, however, more edema, or swelling, than expected, a repercussion that Baltuch hopes to minimize in the future. He said it is likely the cause of her symptoms and that it will be gone in one to three months.
William T. McKinlay, 56, of Philadelphia, was arrested June 21, 2017, at an ice cream shop in Ridley Township where, officials say, he planned to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex but was instead confronted by undercover police. Read more

A 56-year-old Philadelphia man with a long white beard calling himself "dirty old Santa" was arrested Wednesday at an ice cream shop in Ridley Township where he planned to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex but instead was confronted by undercover police, authorities said.

William T. McKinlay, of the 900 block of Marcella Street, the Summerdale section of the Northeast, was charged with attempted statutory sexual assault, attempted involuntary indecent sexual intercourse, and related offenses. He was being in held at the Delaware County Prison on $250,000 bail.

Investigators determined that McKinlay, who is active in the theater scene in Philadelphia, worked as a seasonal employee at Macy's in the city but could not confirm his exact position.

In December, McKinlay posted a photograph on his Facebook account of himself dressed as Santa at "Macy's Santaland" with the Center City street character known as Philly Jesus sitting on his knee.

On April 12, Officer Tim Kearney of the Ridley Township Police Department, responded to an online advertisement title "young uns  m4w (NE)" posing as 14-year-old "Stephanie" and McKinlay replied to her, police said.

McKinlay allegedly began to have sexually explicit conversations with who he believed to be an underage teen. Police said he explained to "Stephanie" how to masturbate and ordered her to do her "homework." He sent her a picture of himself with his tongue poking through his fingers and explained how he could perform oral sex on her. He referred to himself as "dirty old Santa," police said

McKinlay allegedly said he wanted to see her naked and teach her about sex. They made arrangements to meet at the ice cream shop. He told her to wear a sleeveless T-shirt, shorts, sneakers, and nothing else, police said.

When McKinlay arrived at the ice cream shop, he was met by Officer Kearney along with other law-enforcement officials. He was arrested without incident.

"The allegations against McKinlay are a reminder to parents of the need to be vigilant in protecting children from those who relentlessly prey upon them on the Internet," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan.

In January, McKinlay pleaded guilty in a Montgomery County Common Pleas court to harassment by lewd communication and unlawful dissemination of intimate images involving a married Upper Dublin woman that he had sex with. The explicit photos and video of her were taken without her permission. He was sentenced to probation.
The Rev. Joseph Xavier O'Connor, 89, of the St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, died Monday, June 19, of heart failure at Bryn Mawr Hospital after a life of service to the Augustinian Order.

"He was by nature humorous," said the Rev. Tom Dwyer, who served with Father O'Connor.

Father O'Connor, a native of Lawrence, Mass., was born May 26, 1928, to John E. and Elizabeth O'Connor. He attended St. Laurence O'Toole Parish School and Central Catholic High School in Lawrence. After high school, he was accepted as a postulant to the Augustinian Academy in Staten Island, N.Y., and was accepted into the order in September 1946. Father O'Connor professed his first vows of the Augustinian Order on Sept. 10, 1947.

After receiving a philosophy degree from Villanova College (now University), he attended Augustinian College in Washington, then received a master's degree in religious education from the Catholic University of America. He professed solemn vows on Sept. 10, 1950, officially committing himself to the order. Three years later he was ordained to priesthood at Augustinian College.

His vocation took him around the world. Father O'Connor was first assigned to the St. John of Sahagun Friary and Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, where he taught for four years. In 1958, he left for Japan to volunteer at a recently founded mission there. He spent two years at the Japanese Language School in Tokyo, then ministered to the Nagasaki parish for three years.

In 1963, Father O'Connor was assigned to the mission parish in Fukuoka, Japan, where he served as pastor and superior. Dwyer, who served for five years alongside Father O'Connor in Fukuoka, said he was the principal of the kindergarten and made efforts to engage with the community. Father O'Connor also ran a youth club for Japanese college students, hosting movies, meals, and discussions.

While in Japan, Father O'Connor was the novice master for the Rev. Minoru Joseph Akakura, the first Japanese man to become a priest in more than three centuries, ordained by Pope John Paul II in Nagasaki in 1981.

Father O'Connor left Japan in 1974. "He had done the work he wanted to do in Japan," Dwyer said. He returned to Lawrence, then was assigned to parishes in Florida, New York, and New Jersey before returning to Massachusetts.

Father O'Connor is survived by sisters Rita and Sister Elizabeth.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 23, at St. Mary's Church, 300 Haverhill St., Lawrence, preceded by visitation at 9:30.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Augustinian Fund, Care of Sick and Elderly, c/o Provincial Offices, 214 Ashwood Rd., Villanova, Pa.
Unlike the day before, no severe-thunderstorm watches had been posted by the time a potent storm roared through the region during the peak home-bound commuting period Wednesday.

A 70-plus mph gust rocked Pottstown about 4 p.m., based on the time estimate, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. And that would have coincided with the office's first "warning," issued at 4:02.

Earlier in the day, the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma advised that strong storms were a possibility in the region.

However, it held off on issuing a watch, since any storms likely would affect a relatively small geographic area, said Mitchell Gaines, a meteorologist at the Mount Holly office.

In its 1:47 p.m. discussion, the Mount Holly office mentioned a "marginal risk" of severe storms as an upper-level feature approached, with the Poconos and North and Central New Jersey as the likeliest targets.

As it turned out, the bullseye was farther south, and the storm was slow to reveal its intentions on radar, Gaines said.

After it formed, it did indeed target a relatively confined area, but it happened to barrel through quite a dense population corridor.

A gust of 65 mph was reported in Fishtown, and 50 mph winds were common as the storm plowed eastward, finally reaching the Shore about 6:15 p.m..

Some Jerseyites got to witness a spectacular, other-worldly cloud formation.

Gaines said the formation was the result of a strong downdraft from the approaching storm that generated a powerful burst of air ahead of it.

It is not coincidence that the storms Tuesday and Wednesday fired up around the peak afternoon commuting period.

Thunderstorms feed on warm, rising air, and in summer all that daytime heating makes the air rise and expand like yeast in pizza dough. Severe storms can pop up almost any time the moisture is available.

More storms are possible Friday and Saturday.
The collapse of newspaper advertising has weakened traditional sources of news. Read more

Three months ago, the Knight Foundation asked people to submit their ideas for ways to battle fake news and bolster factual journalism.

And boy, did they.

More than 800 responded.

On Thursday, the foundation and two partners announced 20 winners, each to receive a $50,000 grant to further their work.

They include Baltimore-based Veracity.ai, which wants to curb the financial incentive for creating fake news via automatically updated lists of misleading websites.

Another winner is Who Said What, based in San Francisco, which aims to help people more easily fact-check audio and video news clips through a search tool that annotates millions of those clips.

Several projects focus on developing ways to better reach diverse and politically disparate communities, and all, in one way or another, promote media literacy.

Each team will work to improve its project during the next nine months, then meet to share discoveries and prototypes.

"It is vitally important to our democracy that we battle misinformation and improve the flow of accurate news and information so the public can make informed decisions," said Jennifer Preston, the Knight Foundation vice president for journalism.

In March, the Knight Foundation, the Washington-based Democracy Fund, and the Rita Allen Foundation in Princeton launched an open call, seeking ideas from technologists, journalists, designers, teachers, researchers, and anyone else who thought they knew a way forward.

The grants come at a moment when President Trump has dismissed the reporting of major American news organizations as "fake news" and the internet spews endless false reports and theories. At the same time, traditional newspapers and TV news programs have been weakened by an erosion of advertising revenue and the migration of readers to free online news sites.

Some of the other winners include:

"Breaking Filter Bubbles in Science Journalism," by the University of California, Santa Cruz. The team wants to produce visually engaging science reporting around topics such as climate change and genetics.

"ChartCheck," by Periscopic in Portland, Ore., which addresses misinformation that's spread in charts and graphs by enabling the fact-checking of sources.

"Crosscheck," by Vanderbilt University in collaboration with First Draft, which will use design features to make factual news more memorable.

"Hoaxy Bot-o-Meter," by the Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research, which is developing a tool to uncover attempts to use internet bots to spread misinformation.

More information is at https://www.knightfoundation.org/
Proponents of right-to-try laws portray the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the obstacle to dying patients' access to experimental drugs, even though manufacturers are the key to access. Read more

Pennsylvania is a step closer to joining 37 other states that have passed laws purporting to entitle terminally ill patients to try unapproved drugs.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved the "right to try" bill on Wednesday. In March, the proposal unanimously passed in a House committee, then went on to unanimous passage in the House of Representatives in April  unusually rapid legislative progress. (Whether the full Senate and Gov. Wolf will follow suit is unclear.)

The bill says dying patients "have a fundamental right to attempt to pursue the preservation of their lives by accessing" experimental drugs that have passed preliminary safety tests, because they "do not have the luxury of waiting" for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Like other right-to-try measures, however, the bill would not require companies to provide "compassionate access" to experimental drugs upon request from a doctor and patient. The bill says a manufacturer "may make available, and an eligible patient may request, the investigational drug."

Critics of right-to-try  including physicians, bioethicists, legal scholars, and the pharmaceutical industry  say the laws are hollow and misleading. They imply that eliminating the FDA's oversight would guarantee access to a drug when companies are the real stumbling block. FDA officials say the agency almost never denies a compassionate-use application that a company has granted. The agency typically gives approval in a matter of days, granting an average of 1,200 a year over the last six years, and recently streamlined the necessary paperwork.

Despite the critiques, the right-to-try movement has caught on. Advocates point to patients who were saved by compassionate access to unapproved drugs and others who might have been.

"The committee gave a very warm reception to the concept," said Mike Cortez, executive director of the Senate Human Services Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R., Luzerne).

Senators were touched, Cortez said, by "the brave fight" of Frank Mongiello of Yardley, who is disabled by the fatal central nervous system disease ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He attended the hearing with his wife, Marilyn, and two of their six children. The family has been campaigning at the state and federal levels for right-to-try laws since his disease was diagnosed in 2015.

The model for right-to-try laws was developed by the Goldwater Institute, a Phoenix-based libertarian think tank that has been behind the legislative juggernaut over the last three years.

Like the model, Pennsylvania's bill says companies can charge for compassionate access to a therapy, insurance companies do not have to pay for it or any resulting complications, and the patient's doctor is not subject to liability.

Legal experts say state laws are not enforceable because they are pre-empted by the federal law that empowers the FDA, but that could change. In February, federal right-to-try legislation that would bolster state authority was introduced in the House and Senate. It is backed by President Trump and Vice President Pence, who as Indiana's governor signed that state's statute.
DA Seth Williams, center, waves on his way into the federal courthouse in Philadelphia, PA on June 22, 2017. Read more

A Bucks County businessman at the center of the bribery case against Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams testified Thursday that he showered the city's top prosecutor with pricey gifts, all-expenses-paid travel, and dinner at exclusive restaurants because he "wanted to get close to the DA."

And though the relationship outlined by Mohammad N. Ali during four hours on the witness stand sounded at times like a genuine friendship built over years of double dates and a 2012 couples' trip to a swanky Dominican resort, when asked directly by prosecutors what he got out of cozying up to the district attorney, Ali answered in purely transactional terms.

"It's good to know someone in power," he told jurors on the third day of Williams' federal bribery and corruption trial. "If you ever need anything, it's good to have someone make a phone call."

As Ali told it, he sought Williams' aid again and again for everything from bypassing secondary airport screening to throwing some muscle behind the citizenship application for Ali's wife, who was from Belarus. And when a friend found himself on the wrong side of a drug charge in 2011, Ali said, Williams offered to intervene.

But the friendship Ali described Thursday appeared to be entirely one-sided. He paid for everything, and Williams rarely came through on his promises  a point the district attorney's lawyers are sure to stress Friday when they get a chance to cross-examine the businessman.

In his opening statement to jurors this week, defense lawyer Thomas Burke argued that despite whatever help the district attorney might have promised Ali, Williams never took any action to help.

What's more, Burke argued, Ali cannot be trusted, as his testimony came as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors stemming from his own admission in court last month to bribery and tax evasion charges.

Still, the businessman's claims are central to prosecutors' case that Williams extorted bribes from wealthy benefactors to fund a jet-setting, luxury lifestyle he could not afford on his own.

Ali, 40, of Feasterville, emerged as a key figure in the case hours after Williams was charged this year with 29 counts, including bribery, extortion, and honest services fraud.

But until he strode into court Thursday, dressed in a slim-cut black suit with matching tie, much about the man  and his relationship with Williams  had remained an enigma.

A Bentley-driving Jordan native with a taste for the same high life that prosecutors have accused Williams of chasing, Ali said he made millions in the early 2010s peddling prepaid phone cards and energy drinks.

When the phone card market tanked with the rise of internet-based international calling services, he said, he downgraded his car to a more economical Lamborghini and bought a dental practice in Maryland.

"Did you know anything about dentistry?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Vineet Gauri asked.

"Not at all," Ali replied.

As Ali recounted his professional past, Williams sat at the defense table, fingers laced in his lap, glowering in the direction of his onetime friend. But even he cracked a smile when the man's testimony turned to the signs of their budding bromance.

Prosecutors showed photos of Ali and Williams cavorting beachside in T-shirts and floral-print swim trunks during a 2012 trip to the Caribbean, and played videos of the two parasailing together over crystal-blue waters.

And they projected for jurors years of text messages laced with smiley-faced emoticons and mutual claims of "I miss you."

"He always said I looked like Drake," Ali testified, eliciting chuckles from the jury box from the reference to the rapper.

When federal agents raided Ali's business in 2014, they found a framed photo of Williams prominent on the desk.

Asked Thursday why that photo was one of the only ones he had in his office, Ali explained: "Simple status. I was friends with the district attorney."

Federal agents discovered the relationship between the men almost by accident.

Ali first came to the attention of authorities in 2011 when he became the target of a long-running money-laundering investigation.

Testifying earlier Thursday, Homeland Security investigations agent Thomas Acerno said he began tracking nearly $98 million that Ali's company, United Telecard Alliance, deposited and quickly drained from its bank accounts over six years.

As the probe intensified, he said, he began having Ali stopped for additional screening each time he returned to Philadelphia International Airport from frequent trips, including to Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and China.

When Ali managed to evade those secondary checks in February 2012, thanks to a police escort that was waiting at the terminal for his arrival, Acerno told jurors, he grew suspicious.

"That was very abnormal for an investigation," he said. "It had me thinking Mr. Ali had some sort of connection."

Agents later confiscated Ali's phone and discovered the trove of text-message conversations between him and Williams  exchanges in which he frequently complained to the district attorney about what he described as his "airport problem."

Prosecutors say Williams requested that Philadelphia police officials and U.S. Rep. Robert Brady's office look into the matter on Ali's behalf.

Williams has maintained that he did so only because he believed his friend had become a victim of racial profiling.

Throughout his testimony Thursday, Ali appeared almost nervous, hesitating several times as he cataloged the gifts he gave the man he referred to as "Mr. Seth"  a list that included an $840 Burberry watch, a $200 Louis Vuitton tie, a $3,000 sofa, and a free trip for Williams and his girlfriend to a luxury, $1,000-a-night Dominican resort complete with private beach access and a personalized concierge service.

"To me, gifts are a way to get closer to people," Ali said. "It's another way of winning somebody's attention."

But with one question Thursday, Gauri sought to indicate the hollowness of that bond.

"Did Seth Williams ever buy you a gift?" the prosecutor asked.

Ali quietly responded: "No."

Staff writer Joseph A. Slobodzian contributed to this article.
Council President Clarke and members of City Council passed dozens of bills Thursday before breaking for the groups summer recess. Read more

Before its annual summer hiatus from hearings, City Council approved dozens of bills Thursday, including the lease for a new police headquarters, plans for West Philadelphia Schuylkill Yards development, and funding for Mayor Kenney's Rebuild initiative.

Kenney said he would sign Rebuild legislation as soon as it lands on his desk.

"I'm very excited about seeing the end result," Kenney said shortly after the vote. "I'm excited about seeing the number of young folks that will have a union card. I'm excited about the number of facilities that will be equitable and the communities where people will feel that the government cares about them and their children."

The program is anticipated to put $500 million into renovating the city's parks, recreation centers, and libraries over the next five or more years, and includes an agreement with the city's building trades aimed at ensuring a diverse workforce.

The bill to issue the first $100 million bond was approved by a 16-1 vote. David Oh said he voted against it because the legislation lacks the teeth to enforce the included diversity goals.

Council will reconvene for hearings in mid-September. Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez introduced affordable-housing legislation Thursday sure to elicit robust debate when it does. The proposal would require developers of residential projects with 10 or more units to make 10 percent affordable.

Quinones-Sanchez said that the hope was to have affordable homes built within market-rate developments but that a developer could also meet the 10 percent requirement by building an off-site affordable unit, paying the equivalent amount to the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund, or leasing or selling an affordable unit to the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

She said that in exchange for those commitments, developers would be given bonuses on the height and size of their projects.

"Government alone cannot create the level of affordable units that the city needs," Quinones-Sanchez said. "If there is a housing boom and there's all this private-sector capacity, how do they become part of the solution and helping us create these units in every part of the city?"

Council on Thursday also approved a plan to lease, and ultimately acquire, the former North Broad Street home of the Inquirer, the Daily News, and Philly.com for use as the Police Department's new headquarters.

The bill stipulates that the city's rent to developer Bart Blatstein for an initial nine-year period will cover debt service for renovations and repairs to the 400 N. Broad St. building, up to $15.6 million a year. After that initial term, the city has an option to acquire the building.

Council also approved the first phase of Schuylkill Yards, the 14-acre project in West Philadelphia planned by Drexel University and Brandywine Realty Trust.

When the legislation was passed by committee last week, the developers and surrounding neighborhood groups had yet to reach a Community Benefits Agreement. The sides were at odds over how much the developers should pay to provide affordable housing in the communities, with Brandywine offering $2.1 million and the neighborhood groups asking for more than four times that.

A spokeswoman for Brandywine declined Thursday to provide the final agreement but said that the developers had committed $3.1 million to a fund for affordable housing and that they could also fund programs related to workforce development and employee training, among other things.

Kenney also signed two bills into law Thursday.

The first bill, introduced by Councilman Derek Green, was sparked by incidents of racism in the city's Gayborhood. It gives the Commission on Human Relations the ability to order a business to close if it has multiple violations of the fair-practices ordinance and is not being cooperative in remedying the behavior.

The second bill, introduced by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, was sparked by the February vandalism at a Philadelphia Jewish cemetery. It increases the penalties for certain acts of ethnic intimidation and institutional vandalism, and allows for each act of vandalizing an individual headstone or grave marker to be charged as a separate violation.

Kenney said the laws were especially needed because the Trump administration has "empowered people to hate."

"We as cities need to continue to push back," he said. "We are the centers of diversity, we're the terms of inclusion. We will continue to be that."

Staff writer Jacob Adelman contributed to this article.
A BigBelly trash compactor at 12th and Locust with a broken door and trash piled beside it. Read more

City Council approved a pending deal Thursday to bring 275 new trash compactors to Center City, on the same day City Controller Alan Butkovitz issued a report calling the existing trash cans ill-maintained and a waste of money.

The new compactors, fitted with foot pedals, will be provided free to the city in exchange for advertising rights. Under the contract, which has not been finalized, 125 existing compactors would be refurbished.

The city has 975 solar-powered trash compactors, positioned mostly around Center City and in commercial corridors. The first 300 came to Philadelphia starting in 2009. City officials have paid $4.5 million for the compactors, funded through various grants.

The compactors cost $3,700 each, and can send electronic alerts to the Streets Department when nearing capacity. The compactors hold five times the waste of the previously used wire trash cans, which cost the city $100 each.

But over the last seven years, many have fallen into extreme disrepair. They overflow with trash, their doors hang open, and aluminum handles are often stolen to be sold as scrap metal, rendering the compactors useless.

Butkovitz, who released a report critical of the compactors in 2010, issued a follow-up Thursday. He said many of the same issues remain. Most alarmingly, a software system that monitors the cans has been down since January, leaving approximately eight out of 10 cans with no way to alert the Streets Department when full.

The compactors, which were under warranty for only four years, break down often enough to require a five-person city maintenance team to fix them. Butkovitz noted that when maintenance and parts costs are factored in, the city has paid $6.5 million for the compactors over the last seven years. He played a video of a city worker struggling to empty a packed can, set to ominous music.

Butkovitz called the new contract, which will outsource some maintenance work, an acknowledgment of some of the current program's flaws.

"I think this is an acknowledgment that the city was not able to handle the maintenance issues," Butkovitz said. "Basically it's an acknowledgment that the city's role for the last seven years hasn't worked."

Butkovitz said he was optimistic about the new deal but wants the city to do a better job of monitoring how much manpower goes into taking care of the high-tech trash cans.

"We know that what they're describing as their goal sounds hopeful, and it appears to address the issues we're raising here. Of course the whole thing is execution, so that will have to be determined in the future," he said.

While the city initially claimed the compactors could save $13 million in personnel costs over 10 years, the actual savings has been $6.4 million, according to Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams. "With regard to maintenance cost  that was one thing we didn't expect to be so high," Williams said. "We needed staff members to deal with vandalism and make sure they were serviced correctly."

On Thursday, City Council gave the green light to the city to enter into a new agreement with BigBelly  the lone bidder  and the advertising firm Green City Solutions LLC.

Under the agreement, Green City will pay for the 275 compactors and their maintenance and cleaning in exchange for advertising rights. The city will still empty the cans and receive 5 percent of advertising revenue to put toward the 975 older cans, which they will continue to maintain.

Williams called the agreement a "state-of-the-art deal for Philadelphia." He said the addition of new Center City trash compactors will allow the city to spread some of the existing compactors to neighborhoods and commercial corridors currently without them. The Streets Department is also looking into adding foot pedals to the old compactors.

Williams said the department had received several complaints about the handles:

"We heard our citizens saying, 'We don't want to touch that.'"
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R., Centre) remains optimistic that a budget can be enacted on time  or at least, close to the July 1 deadline. Read more

HARRISBURG  With less than 10 days to the deadline for a new state budget, there is talk but little action  and even less agreement  on how to close a steep budget deficit and fix the state's fiscal problems.

Gov. Wolf, a Democrat, on Wednesday strongly signaled skepticism over a plan being discussed by Republicans who control the state Senate to borrow money to ease the state's $1.5 billion shortfall.

Top Republicans in both chambers in turn have dismissed many of Wolf's proposals to generate new dollars, including a new tax on natural gas drilling and an expansion of the state sales tax to items that are currently exempt.

And no one involved in budget talks appeared to be anywhere near figuring out a plan to expand gambling  one of the proposals that until now all sides indicated would likely be part of any final budget plan.

Muddying the waters further Wednesday: top legislative leaders sent rank-and-file legislators home for the rest of the week, setting the stage for a hectic session next week when they return to the Capitol.

Still, top legislative Republicans said they remained optimistic a budget can be done  if not on time, then nearly so.

"I don't think we are very far off," Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R., Centre) said of reaching an agreement on the main budget bill. "I think we are making progress,"

Corman said negotiators are leaning toward spending about $31.8 billion in the fiscal year that begins July 1  a number that is close both to what Wolf proposed when he unveiled his budget in February as well as to a plan House Republicans approved in the spring.

The question of how to pay for it remains the sticking point, as it has in past years.

Corman confirmed Wednesday that his caucus has discussed borrowing against money that flows annually into a state fund set up as part of the landmark 1998 multi-state settlement with tobacco companies.

"We want to do as little as possible, obviously," Corman said, but would not put a ceiling on it.

For his part, Wolf said he wants a budget that doesn't rely on one-time fixes.

"I'm looking for some real solutions here," Wolf told reporters, adding: "And that's what I think I proposed, and I'm looking for a final budget that enshrines that philosophy."

Borrowing money to effectively pay the state's bills has long been controversial in the Capitol, and proposals involving borrowing have been rejected before by conservative Republicans.

Even so, House Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) would not say Wednesday whether he or other Republicans in his chamber supported the principle of borrowing, let alone the reality of its being used to close the budget shortfall.

"We haven't seen the details yet," Turzai said. But he noted that House Republicans have sent the Senate bills to raise new dollars through gambling expansion and further privatizing the sale of wine and liquor in Pennsylvania.

Corman signaled the gambling expansion push was on thin ice. He said he "pushed away from the table" this week because he was concerned about the scope of the House's gambling proposal, which would include legalizing online gambling as well as allowing establishments across the state that have liquor licenses to have video gaming terminals (VGTs), or slots-like machines.

"At some point we have to sit back and look at the public policies that surround all this  is this good for our communities?" Corman said. "Before we pop up more casino lights across the state or VGTs, shouldn't they have a say?

"So I just got a little nervous about the size and scope, so I pushed back," he said. "But like I said, nothing is ever dead around here."
Gary Morton, President of AFGE Local 3631, speaks to demonstrators at a rally at Independence Mall to protest budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Read more

To Gary Morton, there's a certain irony about the attention now focused on lead poisoning. Just as the public is becoming more aware of lead's dangers, the Trump administration is talking about cutting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's budget by 31 percent, and eliminating the jobs of 1,200 EPA employees.

"Lead poisoning and soil poisoning  these are the unseen sources of pollution," said Morton, president of Local 3631 of the American Federation of Government Employees, at a noon protest by federal workers at Independence Mall on Thursday. The Trump administration, he said, does not believe in environmental justice and does not "want your inner cities to be clean."

"We need clean water. We need air," he said. "We're here for a serious issue."

Morton, who has worked for the EPA since 1992 and reviews inspection records to make sure underground gasoline tanks don't leak, said the EPA gives grants to community organizations and local governments to inspect and monitor environmental conditions.

"There's a government vendetta against the EPA. I don't understand why they want to hurt the public by punishing the EPA," said Morton whose local represents 700 workers at the EPA.

In budget hearings last week, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt said he would be able to achieve most of the cuts through retirements and buyouts.

"I believe that we as an agency, and we as a nation, can be both pro-energy and jobs, and pro-environment." Pruitt said in his first address to agency employees. "That we don't have to choose between the two."

Morton and other AFGE organizers hoped hundreds of federal employees would pop out of nearby federal office buildings to support the rally. About 100 people showed up, looking for shade under nearby trees. Union leaders representing employees from the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the National Park Service spoke, as did Patrick Eiding, who heads the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO.

Meanwhile, around the park, a group of Japanese tourists, clearly uninterested, listened as a guide talked about Independence Hall. A psychiatrist, who worries about budget cuts, but also isn't sure he likes the idea of public employee unions, walked his dog. He declined to give his name, saying he had patients on both sides of this issue.

Tour guide Norm Danis, 70, of North Wales, in colonial garb, with his tri-corner hat and lunch on the bench beside him, rested from a morning spent talking to fifth graders from the Bronx about Independence Hall. "If I weren't in costume and working, I'd participate with them," he said about the demonstrators. Danis works for a private tour company.

"I'm very worried about the president and the direction he's taking. How can we not put more resources into people, into education, into the environment?"

Another union leader, David Fitzpatrick, also spoke at the rally.

Beside operating a plant that provides the cooling for all the buildings in Independence Park, Fitzpatrick leads Local 2058, which represents 180 Independence National Park employees, including interpreters, scientists, and maintenance people. He also leads Council 270, an umbrella group of 1,200 to 1,400 National Park Service employees from Maine to West Virginia, who staff the Statue of Liberty park, Shenandoah National Park, and the Cape Cod National Seashore, among others.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told Congress on Tuesday that he plans to cut 4,000 jobs from his department, which includes the National Park Service, by next year. He said the cuts were necessary to balance the budget.

"The president is calling for a 12 percent budget cut in the Department of the Interior," Fitzpatrick said. "We already have a $500 million backlog in deferred maintenance."

Fitzpatrick said the backlog is taking its toll at Independence National Historical Park. "We're sort of putting Band-Aids on everything."
HARRISBURG  Even as state officials rolled out the names of 12 companies awarded licenses to grow medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, they kept key details about the selection process behind a cloud of secrecy.

Health Department officials on Tuesday would not provide any information about the people who effectively decided who received the coveted and lucrative licenses. They said the smokescreen was necessary because they do not want lobbyists and others with a stake in the process to attempt to influence the decision-makers. Shielding the names of those involved in evaluating the applications, they argued, is the only surefire way to prevent that from happening.

But the decision was controversial, leading some critics to question whether the public could truly assess whether the selection process was fair and devoid of politics.

April Hutcheson, the Health Department's press secretary, defended the process, saying that while department regulations mandated that the decision-makers remain anonymous, the criteria for judging the applicants  for example, how they would comply with environmental and safety considerations  were publicly available.

Hutcheson did say that everyone who served on the committee that evaluated and scored applications was a state employee, drawn from various departments to "score" applicants in specific areas in which they have expertise.

"You'll see the scores," Hutcheson said. "The scoring rubric was included in the plan. There were no letters of support that were considered in this process. It truly was based on the best plan  and the highest scores."

The Health Department initially did not release the names of the principals behind the dozens of companies that applied for one of the licenses to grow medical marijuana, saying that information would be made public late next month.

But by late afternoon, it reversed course and published on its website the applications of at least the 12 companies that were awarded licenses Tuesday.

State officials said the more than 175 unsuccessful applications will be posted at a later date.
The question of whether Philadelphia politico Renee Tartaglione fleeced the Fairhill mental health clinic she led as president  and collected rent from as its landlord  is now in the hands of a federal court jury.

In her closing argument Thursday to a jury of six women and six men, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bea Witzleben urged them to find Tartaglione guilty on all 53 counts, charging her with conspiracy, theft, fraud, and tax evasion.

Witzleben said the evidence presented during 11 days of trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Tartaglione, 61, siphoned $1 million from the Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic between 2007 and 2012.

"This is all very uncomfortable," Witzleben told the jury. "The checks were to her, signed by her, and endorsed by her. This is more than uncomfortable."

Witzleben argued that Tartaglione, scion of a storied Philadelphia Democratic political family, tried to combine the tax advantages of directing a nonprofit with the personal gain of running a private for-profit company.

"When you're a nonprofit, you need to avoid self-dealing," Witzleben said. "You need to avoid even the appearance that they are shearing the sheep they're supposed to protect."

Witzleben said Tartaglione, as sole owner of Norris Hancock LLC, the company that owned the clinic's building at 2637 N. Fifth St., charged the clinic exorbitant rent, which the clinic agreed to pay through its often-absentee hand-picked board of directors.

The prosecutor cited one real estate expert who testified that the $75,000-a-month rent charged the Juniata clinic for 16,000 square feet spread over five of the six floors in the Fifth Street building was in poor, drug-plagued Fairhill. That was more than landlords charged for "A-class trophy buildings" in Center City, he said.

Defense attorney William A. DeStefano, however, told the jury that it was up to the tenant to decide if rent was too high, and that decision was highly subjective.

"It's no crime to raise the rent," DeStefano told the jury in his closing. "There's nothing wrong with telling the tenant that conditions changed and you're going to have to pay more rent."

DeStefano defended the clinic's board of directors, which Tartaglione led as president, saying it was not a hand-picked band of cronies.

"All the board members came from the community for one simple reason: It was their community. They lived there," DeStefano added, as did Tartaglione and husband Carlos Matos.

DeStefano spent much of his closing statement attacking the credibility of the two key government witnesses: Sandy Acosta, the clinic's administrator and co-founder, and her daughter, ex-State Rep. Leslie Acosta, a Democrat who represented the district in which the clinic was located and who worked there from 2007 to 2012 as a contract quality assurance analyst.

Both Acostas have pleaded guilty and testified as prosecution witnesses, describing a kickback scheme in which each received a supplemental check with their twice-a-month paycheck. They said they cashed the extra check but then gave Tartaglione the money so that she could avoid paying taxes on it.

DeStefano told the jury that the Acostas had simply forged the checks and stolen the money for themselves, saying there was no independent evidence corroborating the kickbacks to Tartaglione.

He called the Acostas' testimony ridiculous, saying it was "unworthy of your belief."

Tartaglione listened to the closings as she has the trial testimony: sitting back in her chair, composed, with no apparent reaction to what was being said. Matos, a Democratic ward leader with whom she founded the clinic in 2002, sat two rows back in the gallery.

Although the jury was supposed to have begun deliberations Thursday, the closing arguments and a rebuttal argument from Witzleben ran until 4:15 p.m. and Judge Joel H. Slomsky decided the jurors should start fresh on Friday morning.

DeStefano urged the jurors to recall the testimony by witnesses who described what Tartaglione and Matos invested in the Juniata clinic and its impact on the neighborhood. That impact went beyond providing mental health therapy to the poor; the clinic became a haven for the poor and a source of free food and clothing.

In her rebuttal, Witzleben too recalled that testimony, including the clinic's last business administrator, who wept when he described the clinic's 2016 closing: "It was tough. I feel that we let them down."

"I just want you to think for one minute," Witzleben said to the jury, "what that clinic could have done for the community if she didn't rob them blind."
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As many Republicans in the U.S. Senate move quickly and secretly to hold a vote next week on their disastrous legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, enough GOP senators are reportedly opposed to such a move, putting the bill at risk of being defeated in the Republican-controlled chamber.

According to The Hill, at least three GOP senators  enough to thwart the repeal legislation in the Senate  are opposed to holding a vote next week and are urging their Republican colleagues to give them more time.

Sen. Rand Paul, as the report notes, isnt just opposed to the hasty and closed-door process being used by Republicans, but hes introducing legislation requiring that any bills or amendments be filed for at least one day for every 20 pages before they can be brought up on the floor.

Legislation is too often shoved through Congress without proper hearings, amendments, or debate, as the secrecy surrounding the Senates health care bill and the pressure to vote for it with little time to fully evaluate the proposal once again remind us, the Kentucky senator said in a statement, the reported noted.

Other Republicans also spoke out against the fast-moving legislation:

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said on Wednesday that he cant imagine voting on a Republican ObamaCare repeal bill next week. What Ive told leadership very clearly is Im going to need time, and my constituents are going to need time to evaluate exactly how this is going to affect them, so I personally think that holding a vote on this next week would definitely be rushed, Johnson said on CNN. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Ky.) also posted a video to Facebook saying the GOP bill should have been released weeks ago if it was going to be voted on next week. Even though Ive been a member of this working group among Senate Republicans assigned to help narrow some of the focus of this, I havent seen the bill, Lee said on Tuesday.

The concern among members of the presidents own party come as the Senate prepares to publicly release the Senate legislation on Thursday, which White House spokesman Sean Spicer admitted on Wednesday the president hasnt even seen yet.

But ahead of the bills release and next weeks potential vote, its clear some GOP senators want nothing to do with it  and that spells big trouble for pro-repeal Republicans in the chamber.

With a slim margin for error and Republicans already backing away, Trumpcare may be on its deathbed before a single vote is cast in the U.S. Senate.
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Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is calling the Republican health care bill what it really is. Franken described the bill as a thinly disguised tax cut for billionaires.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Franken said:

After weeks spent in secret, behind closed doors, Senate Republicans have finally released their health care plan. As expected, the bill does not address the real health care issues that people are facing and would be a disaster for the economic stability and livelihood of Minnesota families. This is nothing more than a thinly disguised attempt to gift billions of dollars in tax breaks to the very richest few Americans by dismantling our health care system, fundamentally destroying Medicaid as we know it, and making life harder and more expensive for millions and millions of Americans.

Like its sibling in the House of Representatives, this is a horrible plan born of a dangerously partisan bill-making process. And now Senate Republicans want to pull one over on the American people by forcing a vote as quickly as possiblewithout meaningful debate, public input, or committee oversight. I will fight this plan with every ounce of strength that I have, because the livelihoods of Minnesotans are at stake. I believe we need to be directing our efforts towards working in a bipartisan way to address the actual problems that exist in our health care system, like the lack of competition in the insurance exchanges and skyrocketing prescription drug costs. We should be working to improve peoples lives, not make them more difficult.

Franken assumes that people will still be alive under Trumpcare, but estimates are that 30,000-40,000 Americans will die each year if the ACA is repealed. Sen. Franken went there and said what Republicans dont want the American people to know. The health care legislation isnt really about health care. This bill is designed to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans and pay for it by taking health insurance coverage away from the most vulnerable Americans.

The legislation is going to gut the health care sector of the economy, lead to an economic slowdown, and make life worse for millions of Americans just so a few billionaires can have more money in their pockets.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is using his Senate leadership position as head of Democratic outreach to call on millions of Americans to come together to fight against the Senate health care bill.

In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Sen. Sanders said:

For weeks, Republicans have been drafting their health care bill in secret, refusing to hold hearings or public debate. Now we know why. The bill Republicans announced today is even worse than expected and by far the most harmful piece of legislation I have seen in my lifetime. This bill has nothing to do with health care. It has everything to do with an enormous transfer of wealth from working people to the richest Americans.

Republicans want to throw millions of Americans off of health insurance  including thousands of Vermonters  slash Medicaid, defund Planned Parenthood and substantially increase premiums on older Americans. Meanwhile, their bill would provide over $200 billion in tax breaks to the top 2 percent and hundreds of billions more to the big drug and insurance companies that are ripping off the American people.

Our job now is to rally millions of Americans against this disastrous bill to make sure that it does not pass the Senate. Instead of throwing tens of millions of Americans off of health insurance, we must guarantee health care as a right to every American.

Bernie Sanders was put on the Senate leadership team to mobilize millions of Americans for situations just like this.

Sen. Sanders was correct. The American people must come together right now, and in one loud collective voice tell Senate Republicans no on this health care bill. If Senate Republicans choose to defy the will of the people, they must be made to understand that they will pay with their seats.

A vote for this healthcare bill is a vote for a Democratic Senate majority.

Sen. Sanders has issued the call, and it is time for every American to stand up and save healthcare as a basic right.
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While Republicans often resort to attacking the patriotism of Democrats, it turns out in action its actually Republicans whose patriotism is at issue in a rather frightening and appalling manner.

President Trump and Republicans are pretending Russia didnt attack the U.S. during the 2016 election and isnt continuing to attack it right now, Democrats are trying their best as the minority party to protect the country.

Thursday, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), and 21 other original co-sponsors introduced the Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017.

It is time for Congress to lead on this issue, especially given President Trumps unwillingness take the danger seriously. This bill adopts an intelligent and proactive approach to strengthening allied and partner defenses, increasing deterrence, and boosting our cohesion while requiring measures to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war, said Ranking Member Smith.

A summary of the bill:

The Russian Federation has pursued a deliberate campaign to undermine democracies around the world and weaken U.S. alliances and partnerships. The United States government has not developed a comprehensive response to this danger, including efforts to enhance military deterrence, respond to aggression, and punish Russian violations of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, while acting responsibly to reduce the risk of miscalculation and accidental nuclear war. The Fostering Unity Against Russian Aggression Act of 2017 would lay the groundwork for such a response.

 Comprehensive Strategy to Counter Russia:

o Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a comprehensive

Russia strategy, which would align U.S. and allied efforts to deter and respond, if necessary, to Russian aggression.

 Reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty

 Conventional Weapons in Europe:

o Mandates a plan to boost stocks and pre-positioning of forward-deployed

conventional precision-strike munitions in order to increase conventional deterrence against Russia.

 Reducing Risks of Miscalculation and Nuclear War:

o Supports the U.S. interest in strategic stability by requiring parallel planning to

reduce the risks of miscalculation and unintended consequences that could precipitate a nuclear war.

 Imposing Sanctions for INF Noncompliance:

o Requires a plan to impose sanctions on Russia to punish its violations of the

Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

 Forward Presence of Forces in Europe:

o Mandates an assessment of the impacts, logistical requirements, strategic need,

and cost of stationing additional permanent forces in Europe.

 Training for Forces in Europe:

o Mandates an assessment of training ranges and facilities in Europe, any capability

gaps and requirements for improvements in those facilities, and training requirements for additional permanent or rotational forces in Europe.

 Countering Russian Military Modernization:

o Mandates plans to counter Russias military capabilities, including unmanned

systems, electronic warfare, and long-range precision strike capabilities, as well as a plan to accelerate programs to improve U.S. military operability in GPS- denied environments.

 Countering Unconventional Warfare:

o Mandates delivery of a whole-of-government strategy to counter Russian

unconventional warfare efforts, as required by Section 1097 of the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (Pub. L. No. 114-92).

 Countering Russian Propaganda:

o Strengthens efforts to counter Russia propaganda aimed at undermining U.S. and

allied national security by prioritizing funding for the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, recognizing the Russian Information Group established by EUCOM, and encouraging greater leveraging of the U.S. Global Engagement Center.

 Strengthening Cyber Cooperation:

o Strengthens cyber cooperation with NATO partners and regional allies by

emphasizing bilateral training, and prioritizing funding and collaboration with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence.

 Maritime Response:

o Requires an assessment of Naval efforts as a component of the comprehensive

Russia strategy, and highlights the need for increased availability of fast-attack submarines as noted in the 2016 Force Structure Assessment (2016).

Russias aggressive actions make clear the need for a comprehensive U.S. deterrence strategy. By passing this bill, Congress can forcefully reaffirm Americas commitment to the NATO alliance and jumpstart needed improvements to our own and our allies readiness to counter unconventional modes of aggression, including propaganda and cyberattacks, said Shea-Porte.

If anyone had asked me even a year ago if I thought Republicans would ignore an attack on the U.S. by Russia, I never would have said yes.

But its come to this. The minority party is fighting to protect the country they swore to serve, while Republicans whistle Dixie to focus on leaks, reporters doing their jobs, and how they can most quickly take healthcare away from millions of Americans while undermining a huge sector in our economy.
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Donald Trump admitted that he has no tapes of James Comey, but in a twist that shows how crazy Trump is, the President didnt rule out someone else spying on him inside the White House.

Trump tweeted the truth about the Comey tapes and thinks someone is spying on him:

With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, I have no idea  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

whether there are "tapes" or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

The good news is that President Cray-Cray admitted that the James Comey tapes were a big fat lie. The bad news is that Trump thinks that someone may be spying on him in the White House. Of course, Trump is probably being spied on in the White House, because he hosted the Russians in the Oval Office.

These tweets are more written proof that the President Of The United States is clearly having some mental health issues, and is not well. If Obama or George W. Bush would have said, I am not secretly taping people in the White House, but I dont know if someone else is, the country would have thought they were insane, and in the case of Obama, Republicans would have impeached him.

This is not just another bizarre tweet from Trump. It is a sign that the mentally ill president is going further off the deep end.
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By Susan Cornwell

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  A healthcare bill being unveiled by U.S. Senate Republicans on Thursday is expected to roll back the Obamacare expansion of the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor and reshape subsidies to low-income people buying private insurance.

Those subsidies are expected to be linked to recipients income, a major improvement from a healthcare overhaul bill passed in the House of Representatives that tied them solely to age, Republican Senator Susan Collins said on Wednesday.

The Washington Post reported that the bill would also repeal most of the taxes that pay for the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, give states wider latitude to opt out of its regulations and eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, a healthcare provider that offers abortion services.

The healthcare bill will be released to the Republican Senate Conference on Thursday morning and posted online, senators said. A vote could come as soon as next week, several senators said.

Senate Republicans have been working behind closed doors for weeks on legislation aimed at repealing and replacing major portions of Obamacare, former Democratic President Barack Obamas signature healthcare law.

Obamacare extended insurance coverage to millions of Americans through both subsidized private insurance and an expansion of Medicaid.

There is an urgency to get this done because of the continued collapse of the Obama healthcare law, Senator John Barrasso, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, told CNN. People across the country are suffering pain and the pain is getting worse as insurance companies are pulling out.

Democrats accuse Republicans of sabotaging Obamacare, and say the Republican healthcare bill is aimed at cutting taxes for the wealthy.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington said in a statement that leaked details of the bill indicated it was every bit as devastating for families bank accounts and healthcare coverage as the disastrous bill that passed in the House.

President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans campaigned last year on a pledge to replace and repeal Obamacare, which they described as ineffective and government intrusion in a key sector of the economy.

REPUBLICAN CONCERN

Some Republican senators voiced concern on Wednesday about the rush to consider the major legislation as their partys leaders prepare to unveil it.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he wanted to read the bill and discuss it with constituents before he votes. Id find it hard to believe well have enough time, he said, adding that if he did not get enough information, I wont be voting yes.

Democrats hoping to block the healthcare measure in the Republican-led Senate need at least two Republicans to defect. The Democrats have criticized the behind-the-scenes meetings, and blocked Senate committees on Wednesday from meeting for over two hours in protest.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, defending the closed-door sessions, has said all Senate Republicans have had a chance to participate in meetings on the bill, and that Democrats are not interested in overhauling Obamacare.

Once the plan is unveiled, Senate Republicans will face a skeptical public that thinks the House version would be harmful for low-income Americans and people with pre-existing health conditions, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday.

Trump told a rally in Iowa on Wednesday night that he hoped the Senate would come up with a really good bill. Ive been talking about a plan with heart, Trump said. He had privately called the House legislation mean, according to congressional sources.

PARTY TENSIONS

Several weeks of negotiations over the bill have been plagued by tensions between moderates and conservatives. Much of the battle has been over how quickly to phase out the Medicaid expansion that took place under Obamacare. Moderates favored a seven-year phase-out, but the Senate leadership proposed three years starting in 2020.

There was also an argument over Medicaids growth rate going forward, with conservatives favoring lowering the growth rate in 2025. Thats what were told it might be, said Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.

Cassidy said senators had also been told the legislation would continue funding cost-sharing subsidies made available to help low-income Americans under Obamacare for a couple of years.

Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, said she wanted to read an assessment by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on its impact on cost and insurance coverage before making her decision.

The first concern is how many people will lose coverage and what do the demographics of that group look like, she said.

An estimated 23 million people could lose their healthcare under a similar plan narrowly passed last month by the Republican-controlled House, according to the CBO.

(Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Richard Cowan in Washington and Steve Holland in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney)
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NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd is reporting that a reliable source tells him that three Republican Senators are ready to publicly oppose Trumpcare today. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell can only afford to lose two Senators, so Senate Trumpcare is already on life support.

Todd tweeted:

Per solid source: at least 3 GOP sens (perhaps more) plan to announce public opposition to McConnell health bill later today. Developing  Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) June 22, 2017

Chuck Todds source could be wrong, but of the seven Senators who were thought to be no votes, Sens. Murkowski (AK) and Collins (ME) said that they would study the bill over the weekend and have a decision by early next week. One of the no votes was Sen. Rand Paul (KY) who is already complaining that there is too much of Obamacare left in the Senate bill, so an uneducated guess would be that the opposition that is most likely to publicly announce today would come from the group of Republicans who dont think the bill goes far enough (Sens. Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Mike Lee).

The dilemma for Mitch McConnell and the Senate GOP leadership is that if they appease the far right, they may end up losing Murkowski, Collins, and Capito of West Virginia. Two other wildcard Republican votes come from Senators whose Republican governors have already said that they dont want to see Medicaid cut (Sens. Portman of Ohio and Heller of Nevada).

If three Republican Senators oppose this bill today, it will be one of the fastest crash and burns in legislative history. It is not a given that Mitch McConnell is going to be able to thread the needle and get this bill through the Senate, but if he sticks to his guns and holds a vote before Senators leave for the Fourth of July recess, Trumpcare may be dead before it ever really got off the ground.
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In a statement on social media, Trump incriminated himself on Russia by strongly denied that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election but blaming Obama for Russian meddling that the President says never happened.

Trump tweeted:

By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2017

Donald Trump is a typical conspiracy theorist. Trump both denies any election interference from Russia but also looks to cast blame on a political opponent if there was election interference. His statement contradicts itself and doesnt make sense because Obama did do something about Russian election interference. The question of whether the Obama administration did enough is up for debate, but Trumps assertion that the Obama administration sat on their hands while Russia interfered in the election was false.

For some reason, Donald Trump is personally heavily invested in denying that Russia interfered with the 2016 election. If Russia interfered, but the Trump campaign wasnt involved the administration would cooperate with the investigation to get to the bottom of what happened and to make sure that it couldnt happen again.

Trumps constant Russia denial should raise the curiosity of investigators. The President isnt acting like an innocent man. His efforts to blame Obama for an event that he claims never happened reek of someone who is trying to muddy the waters to hide their own guilt.

With each tweet, Donald Trump is digging himself in deeper and providing a motive for his criminal obstruction of justice.
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Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers confirmed to special counsel Robert Mueller that Trump also asked them to deny that he was under federal investigation which Comeys account of the reason why he was fired by Donald Trump.

CNN reported, Two of the nations top intelligence officials told Special Counsel Robert Muellers team and Senate investigators, in separate meetings last week, that President Donald Trump suggested they say publicly there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians, according to multiple sources. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Adm. Mike Rogers described their interactions with the President about the Russia investigation as odd and uncomfortable, but said they did not believe the President gave them orders to interfere, according to multiple sources familiar with their accounts.

It doesnt matter for the obstruction of justice investigation related to Comey of Rogers and Coats believed that Trump was giving them an order or not because they were not running the federal investigation into the Russia scandal. The question at the heart of the Comey firing is, did Trump fire Comey because he would not drop the Russia investigation? What Coats and Rogers told the special counsel is evidence that the President was meddling in the investigation.

The statements by the DNI and NSA Director arent good news for Trump. They dont clear him. They strengthen the motive behind why James Comey was fired from his job as FBI Director. The evidence is growing that the President Of The United States obstructed justice, as the Russia scandal is slowly hunting down Donald Trump.
EU Court rules against Hungary in Unibet gambling case

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"The Hungarian legislation on the authorization of online games of chance is not compatible with the principle of the freedom to provide services," the Court of Justice of the European Union said in a press release on Thursday.

The legislation limited, first, in a discriminatory manner, and, second, by reason of its non-transparent nature, the opportunity for operators established in other Member States to organize such games in Hungary, the court ruled in a case filed by Unibet International Ltd against Hungarian tax authority NAV.



Unibet International is a company established in Malta whose business consists in particular in the organization of online games of chance and which, to that end, holds licenses issued by several Member States.



In 2014, the Hungarian authorities established that Unibet was providing, on Hungarian-language internet sites, services relating to games of chance even though it did not hold the license required in Hungary to carry on such an activity. Subsequently, those authorities first ordered on June 25, 2014 that access be temporarily blocked from Hungary to Unibets internet sites and, on August 29, 2014, imposed a fine on the company.



By its judgment delivered today, the Court of Justice states first of all that the national legislation at issue, which prohibits the organization of games of chance without prior licensing by the administrative authorities, constitutes a restriction of the principle of the freedom to provide services.



The Court then goes on to point out that, according to the national legislation on the basis of which the decision of June 2014 was adopted, operators of games of chance were required, in order to be deemed trustworthy, to demonstrate that they had, for a period of at least 10 years, carried out an activity involving the organization of games of chance in Hungary. The Court considers that such a requirement constitutes a difference in treatment because it places at a disadvantage operators of games of chance established in other Member States in comparison with national operators, who may more easily meet that condition. For that reason, the Court ruled that the legislation being challenged is discriminatory and, therefore, contrary to the principle of the freedom to provide services.



With regard to the national legislation on the basis of which the decision of August 2014 was adopted, the Court finds that the legislation does not satisfy the requirement of transparency in so far as neither the conditions governing the exercise by the national authorities of their powers during the procedures for awarding concessions to trustworthy operators of game of chance nor the technical conditions which operators must satisfy when submitting their tenders had been defined with sufficient precision.



In those circumstances, the Court of Justice concludes that the principle of the freedom to provide services also precludes that legislation.



Finally, the Court of Justice states that no penalties may be imposed on the basis of rules held to be contrary to the principle referred to above.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Windy with a mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by increasing clouds and periods of light rain this afternoon. High 77F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
ST. PAUL  The Minnesota Court of Appeals this week upheld the sentence of one of the men involved in a home invasion in July 2015 in Rochester.

Antonyo White, 26, had challenged his 93-month prison term, arguing that Olmsted County District Court abused its discretion by relying on "improper factors" when giving him the maximum sentence.

At his home on July 22, 2015, White, his two brothers: Walter and Dion Abrams, and Vondale Kincaide devised a plan to commit robbery. White suggested a man he knew, noting that the victim was an easy target, court paperwork says.

The plan was for Kincaide to commit the robbery, since the victim didn't know him.

Later that day, White, Walter Abrams and Abrams' girlfriend led the way to the victim's house on 14th Avenue Northwest. Dion Abrams, his girlfriend and Kincaide followed in a separate vehicle.

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Once there, Kincaide got out of the car, carrying a gun. White and his two occupants drove away, and weren't present during the robbery.

When the group reconvened later at White's house, he learned that Kincaide shot the victim in the knee during the crime.

In a plea agreement, White pleaded guilty in October 2015 to one count of aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery; in exchange, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss additional felony counts of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The plea agreement also called for a joint recommendation  by the defense and the prosecution  that White receive an executed 67-month prison term, which was the minimum sentence as it applied to the crime and White's criminal history.

He also agreed to testify against Dion Abrams and abide by the conditions of his release; White said he understood that if he violated any of the agreement's conditions, the sentence could change.

Judge Christina Stevens then placed him on electronic home monitoring and released him from custody, pending his December 2015 sentencing.

Though he was initially compliant, White was subsequently charged with giving a false name to a peace officer, a gross misdemeanor. He also admitted to using drugs while on EHM, removing his monitoring bracelet  then absconded before sentencing.

He was eventually arrested in Pennsylvania, where he faced a new criminal charge. Further, White didn't testify at his brother's trial because he gave conflicting information after his plea.

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At his sentencing in March 2016, Judge Dennis Murphy handed down the 93-month sentence  the maximum within sentencing guidelines  "because (White) did not comply with all of the plea agreement's conditions," the report says.

White appealed, claiming that the court relied only on his actions after the plea agreement, "not on his offense and criminal history score."

The appeals court panel of judges disagreed, ruling that the district court imposed a guideline sentence, "which was within the court's discretion even if (White) had complied with the plea agreement's conditions."

Walter Abrams was sentenced in March 2016 to 75 months in prison, with credit for 121 days served.

Dion Abrams, who took his case to a jury, was sentenced to concurrent prison terms of 195 months, 87 months and 60 months, with credit for 281 days served.

He'd been out of prison for 21 days before the shooting.

Kincaide, the trigger man, had been out of prison less than 24 hours before the crime. He was sentenced last month to 135 months in prison, with credit for 452 days already served.

The women weren't charged.
ST. PAUL  A Brownsdale man sentenced to 32 years in prison for sexually assaulting three girls received a fair trial, the Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled.

Joshua Steven Mittelsted, 35, challenged his convictions, arguing that he received ineffective counsel at trial and that the district court erred in its rulings. He also challenged his sentence.

In December 2014, Mittelsted was charged in Mower County District Court with nine counts of criminal sexual conduct for allegedly sexually abusing two sisters over a period of two years. In May 2015, the prosecution amended the complaint to add a tenth count of criminal sexual conduct, identifying a third sister.

The alleged abuse occurred at the girls' home, and was initially reported to the police by the girls' father.

The case was tried to a jury in September 2015. The three victims, their therapists and a child-sex-abuse expert all testified.

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Mittelsted, his daughter and the victims' mother testified on his behalf.

Mittelsted claimed the girls and their father fabricated the allegations; his daughter claimed one of the girls simply didn't like Mittelsted; the victims' mother testified that the three girls "adored" him.

She also said she believed the girls were lying; the woman eventually lost custody of her daughters.

The jury convicted Mittelsted of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Jurors acquitted him of a fourth count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, against the third sister.

He was sentenced in January 2016 to concurrent prison terms of 36 months, 110 months and 172 months, and a consecutive term of 216 months, with credit for 132 days already served.

Mittelsted filed an appeal in April 2016. Nine of the issues in his claim are based on arguments that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial.

Among the issues, he said, were his attorney's trial strategy; a failure to "fully flush out the bias" of the victims' father; failure to investigate key evidence; failure to make "appropriate and necessary objections before and during trial;" the excessive caseload of his attorney; that attorney's "close friendship and ongoing social relationship with the prosecutor and in fact a pending business relationship" between them; and a failure to use Mittelsted's mental health issues to support his request for a downward departure to sentencing.

In addition, he argued, the expert testimony had "scant value and was ... highly prejudicial" to his case. Mittelsted also contended that "inappropriate hearsay evidence was admitted at trial."

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The appellate court ruled Monday that he failed to satisfy those claims, as well as his assertion that his motion for sentencing departure wasn't considered.

Because Mittelsted maintained his innocence throughout, the ruling says, the judges supported the district court's decision not to "put somebody on probation who accepts no responsibility for what he has done and shows no remorse for it."
A Rochester nonprofit is teaching local Somali parents how to be more involved in their children's schooling.

Somalia Rebuild Organization holds weekend-long educational classes once every three months to familiarize Somali residents with local school systems and law enforcement. Thanks to a recent grant from the Rochester Area Foundation, more training could be in order.

Somalia Rebuild Organization, founded in 2014, began offering the classes to parents wanting to learn more about their children's education. The group also holds after-school programs to bridge educational gaps among immigrant children.

The parent education workshops are typically held at the Rochester Area Foundation or Rochester STEM Academy, and have hosted speakers from various organizations  including Rochester Public Schools, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and more. The next workshop will be held in July.

The program aims to help parents prime their kids for academic success, said Omar Nur, founder and executive director of Somalia Rebuild Organization.

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"We cannot help support the students without educating the parents," Nur said.

Parents must understand how local schools operate to better monitor their child's education, he said. The classes have taught parents how to track their kids' grades online and access resources for SAT test preparation.

Some parents have even passed on the knowledge to others, Nur said.

"We are the bridge between parents and public school," he said.

A $5,800 Rochester Area Foundation grant awarded to Somalia Rebuild Organization in April should bolster future training efforts.

More parents will be educated with the additional funding, Nur said, adding that classes will now be held up to six times per year and capacity will increase.

Increased access to education will further communication between Somali parents and local organizations, said Jeanine Gangeness, associate vice president for academic affairs at Winona State University's Rochester campus.

Through the workshops, Gangeness has taught Somali parents about paths to higher education for their children.

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Many of the parents want their kids to successfully transition into college, she said.

"We talked about  what programs are offered, how to begin, where do you sign up  and where are the programs offered," Gangeness said.

Another voice at the classes has been Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, who's informed parents on the inner-workings of local law enforcement.

Torgerson said he explained differences between city, county and state law enforcement agencies and fielded questions about the minority makeup of the sheriff's office.

The question-and-answer discussion was "really healthy," he said, adding that it's important to show Somali community members that "we're here to help them."

"Any of these kind of things is a great step in the right direction to helping these people live a life that maybe they have only dreamed of," Torgerson said.
In addition to a Golden Hill retail development, new plans show a fast food restaurant also is slated to be built on the corner of Rochester's South Broadway and Third Avenue Southeast.

Plans submitted to the city this week show a 7,000-square-foot "fast food restaurant with drive-through on Third Avenue Southeast at angle to South Broadway. It is proposed to stand in the southeast corner of a parking lot in front of a more than 63,000-square-foot retail center to be called Golden Hill Shops."

This is all part of the Twin Cities-based Ryan Cos.long-planned development on the site of the former Golden Hill School. Ryan Cos. has been working on buying the unused school building from Rochester Public Schools since 2015. Now the $1.7 million sale is expected to close soon.

It is unclear when work on the site will begin or what businesses will occupy the restaurant building or the Golden Hill Shops complex.

Mid-America Real Estate, working with Ryan Cos., now is marketing the 8.8-acre site online. A recently installed traffic light will feed cars from Broadway to the new Ryan/Mid-America development.

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The plan calls for four retail spaces within the Golden Hills Shops building. Marketing materials show national retail tenants, Marshalls and Ulta Beauty, as tenants. However, Mid-America says those deals are not finalized yet.

The school board decided to sell the unused Golden Hill building in 2014 and signed a purchase agreement with Ryan Cos. in 2015 for $1.8 million. That price later was reduced to $1.7 million. The agreement has been extended a few times as Ryan Cos. worked on plans for the site.

This isn't the only project the Twin Cities developer has planned for that busy corner. In August 2016, Ryan Cos. paid $580,000 for the nearby property at 2276 S. Broadway, where a former BP gas station is slated to be demolished. The land is directly across Third Avenue Southeast from the proposed retail center.

Ryan has filed plans to build a Starbuckscoffee shop on that site, which would complement the nearby businesses.
At the half-way point of the five-year project, the chair of Journey to Growth touted its progress as well as pointing out where it differs from DMC.

"This is not about a destination," said J2G Chairman John Wade in a not-so-veiled reference to Rochester-focused Destination Medical Center. "It is a journey. What we are committed to is growing and diversifying the regional economy."

Speaking at J2G's biannual meeting at the Rochester Art Center, he cited the progress that has been made so far, while acknowledging that the journey is ongoing.

"We know we have more to do," Wade said.

The J2G initiative started in early 2015. It was designed to be complementary to the 20-year Destination Medical Center plan, while reaching beyond its city limits of Rochester to include surrounding counties. The project is being spearheaded by the Rochester Area Economic Development Inc.

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DMC is built around Mayo Clinic and the health-care industry, as well as downtown Rochester, Journey To Growth is aimed at spurring the economy throughout the region and trying to bring more variety to local industries. About 40 percent of the economy is now based around Mayo Clinic and health care.

Many regional economic indicators, including the growth of the workforce and an increase in the number of development projects, show positive changes are happening. Wade pointed to more than 70 projects underway in 18 of the J2G communities, representing $324 million in investment.

However, area manufacturers are having trouble growing, because they are having trouble finding employees with the right skills. Wade pointed out that about 60 percent of the jobs predicted to be created in the region are not expected to require a bachelors of arts degree.

Unlike other local non-profit initiatives, J2G is led by its volunteers with its board of directors providing support as needed.

"We are focused on those actually doing the work," he said.

A total of 240 volunteers have worked thousands of hours on a variety of committees such as transportation, early childhood issues and entrepreneurship. Some of the committee chairs reported on their progress at the biannual meeting.

Transportation and communication

Dan Coyle of Kimley-Horn recently took on the role of co-chair of the committee.

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He reported that the committee had made strides with surveying the region's transportation needs and lobbying for "sustainable" funding for highway work and replacing bridges.

One goal is to push for the completion improvement of U.S. 14 from Dodge Center to Owatonna. The lengthy project has made a lot of headway toward expanding the highway, but the now the focus is on a 12 mile stretch between Owatonna and Dodge Center.

"We getting momentum for our priorities," he said.

SE MN Together

While the SE Minnesota Together network is not technically a J2G committee, organizer Sheila Kiscaden described it as "a parallel collaborative effort."

"It's important to learn how to work together to catalyze change," she said.

The network has organized community discussions about needs. It has also funded local projects with grants.

Kiscaden cited a number of examples of projects that the network has accomplished.

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They brought designers to small communities of Goodhue and Oronoco to offer their services for a day to benefit the town.

"I'm pleased to say that we've proven the concept we're pleased with our progress and we're excited about the future," she said.

Early childhood

Committee co-chairs Jerome Ferson of United Way of Olmsted County and Jon Losness of Families First of Minnesota reported that there is a great need for child care.

A recent study for a shortage of 1,855 child care slots in the region.

"That's an alarming number and it's of concern all of us looking for workers," Losness said.

He said a positive sign is that a number of child-care centers in the works in a variety of local communities and people are starting to see the shortage as a business opportunity.

However, the small family child-care operations in private households is on the decrease. The study found that there were 512 such family child-care sites in 2012. The current tally in 367.

"We've lost about two dozen this year," Losness said.

They cited new incentives being offered to help providers get started and make it through the difficult early years. Overall, the goal is to grow local child-care capacity.

Ferson also introduced a new Cradle to Career initiative to track the results of early childhood through high school graduation and entering high education.
State lawmakers have given Minnesota transportation officials an assignment: Study the feasibility of toll roads here and report back by January.

That doesn't mean general toll roads will arrive in Minnesota any time soon. But the study dovetails with President Donald Trump's push to tie federal transportation money to private investmen t.

Pay-to-use lanes do exist in Minnesota on a limited basis. Since 2005, the state gradually has been expanding its MnPASS program, which carves out lanes in high-traffic corridors for carpoolers and solo drivers willing to pay to get around quicker  from a quarter or two up to $8 a trip depending on traffic volume and time of day.

"It differs from a conventional tolling approach, which is everybody who wants to use a particular segment of the toll road has to pay a set price and it doesn't necessarily differ by time of day," said Scott Peterson, director of government affairs at the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The Legislature required his agency to do the study.

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It must touch on MnPASS, both the costs of the express lanes and the revenue they produce.

According to MnDOT, the MnPASS lanes on interstates 394, 35W and 35E generated about $3.5 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016. More lane miles were added late last year.

The study also seeks information on federal laws that hinder broader tolling, experiences in other states and analysis of toll road feasibility for various Minnesota corridors.

"As far as the department is concerned, it's a reasonable request and something that might better inform policymakers about what the options are relative to tolling since there appears to be widespread reluctance to raise money through more conventional approaches like taxes," Peterson said. "So we'll go ahead and do the study and see what it has to say."

MnDOT last examined tolling in 2011 as part of planning for the new St. Croix River bridge, which will open this summer without any tolling arrangement.

The latest directive was part of a transportation finance plan approved in May.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, pushed to put tolling to the test.

"I've paid for my share of use of toll roads in other states, and I see nothing wrong with taking a look at whether or not we will have people from out of the state of Minnesota that will help contribute to the maintenance and creation of new roads and new infrastructure in Minnesota," he said in an interview this month.

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Newman said there's a big difference between looking at the issue and giving the go-ahead for toll roads.

"It simply isn't going to hurt to have the conversation," he said. "Is it going to be a can of worms for me? I don't know why it should be."

The conversation is happening elsewhere, too. That's because Trump has indicated he'd like to ease restrictions on new toll lanes. It's an element of an infrastructure plan that would more closely link federal spending with private sources of money.

There are about 47,000 miles of interstate highways in the United States and only about 5,000 miles of tolled roads, said Northwestern University economics professor David Besanko.

Besanko, who keeps close tabs on the federal infrastructure debate, predicts a toll expansion will be a tough sell due to resistance from motorists and concerns over the effect on traffic. Drivers sometimes clog secondary roads to avoid having to pay.

"There is an interesting question of whether tolling as a device to manage traffic congestion will work as seamlessly as policymakers might sometimes hope," he said.

At the state Capitol, opposition to new toll lanes remains strong.

House Transportation Finance Committee Chairman Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, doesn't expect the discussion to move much beyond fact-finding.

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"I am not personally interested in adopting what would be looked at as a standard toll road approach in Minnesota," Torkelson said. "I don't think that's in our near future."

DFL Sen. Scott Dibble, of Minneapolis, another leading voice in transportation issues, doubts the entire exercise.

"The question just really becomes what is the culture and the general feeling among the public in terms of wanting infrastructure that's supported by tolling or not and what is the political will to make something like that happen. That's the threshold question," Dibble said. "Another study, I don't think, is going to move the ball appreciably."

The MnDOT study should be on lawmakers' desks well before they return for their 2018 session in mid-February.
Last August, Dominique Heaggan-Brown, an African-American police officer in Milwaukee, shot and killed Sylville Smith, an African-American suspect with a lengthy record who was armed and fleeing the police.

Anti-police rioting ensued. Four officers were injured.

It was clear from the beginning that the African-American policeman did not shoot Smith for reasons having anything to do with race. But this didnt matter to the local rioters or to Black Lives Matter activists. Nor did it matter that the facts surrounding the shooting had not yet emerged. As I wrote:

The locals are using the incident as an excuse to riot and attack police officers regardless of the merits. Similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement can be expected to use the incident to incite anti-police sentiment, just as they continue to use the justified killing of Michael Brown who also attacked a police officers (Brown was unarmed). BLM protesters will continue to chant that they want dead cops and want them now.

When the facts emerged, via the body camera Heaggan-Brown was wearing, they showed that the officer, who was chasing Smith, shot him once in the arm knocking him down. Smith rose from the ground, grabbed his gun, turned partly toward Heaggan-Brown and, in the process, threw the gun over the fence. Less than two seconds later, 1.69 seconds to be exact, Heaggan-Brown shot Smith in the chest.

On these facts, the Milwaukee prosecutor chose to charge Heaggan-Brown with homicide. The prosecution agreed that the first shot was justified self-defense, but deemed the second a felony.

Given the brief interval between the shots, this strikes me as cutting things too fine. Thats how the jury saw it too.

Jurors viewed the incident multiple times, at real speed, in slow motion, and frame-by-frame. Then, they heard from the only defense witness, an expert in police use of force, who happened to have written the use of force manual used by Milwaukee police officers.

He testified that the defendant acted in accordance with his training because officers are trained to assume that a suspect with one weapon may be carrying a second. He also emphasized that the defendant experienced these events in real time, not slow motion. In other words, this was a split second decision  one made in less than 1,69 seconds because the decision was made before the trigger was pulled the second time.

The jury included four African-Americans. It deliberated for about ten hours before acquitting Haeggan-Brown on all charges  first-degree reckless homicide, punishable by up to 40 years in prison, second-degree reckless homicide, and homicide by negligent operation of a firearm.

Why did the prosecution throw the book at the officer based on such a weak case? It may have thought the fact that Smith threw his gun away just before being killed gave it hope of obtaining a conviction. But I suspect that, as happened in Baltimore, the decision was an effort to appease the anti-police segment of the Milwaukees African-American population.

The prosecutor himself said:

Theres this sense of unease that the community has when they see these officer-involved deaths. And they want some accountability for it. This is one instance where they were able to get that public accountability.

But the purpose of the criminal justice system is not to try to satisfy demands for accountability. The purpose is to punish crime.

There was no crime here. As David French says:
Im currently undercover deep behind enemy lines in Marin County, CA, with what you might call Energy Seal Team Six (see photo at the bottom), though come to think of it, you can tell how bad California is by reflecting that by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, youve actually traveled into a jurisdiction that is less insane than the other side of the bridge.

Anyway, I was looking on the San Francisco Chronicles website looking for an online version of an unintentionally hilarious story I spotted in their print edition, when I stumbled across a different unintentionally hilarious story that is too good not to share with Power Lines friends and family:

Capitalism Museum Opens in Oakland You may not have heard, so under the radar have things been thus far, but the Bay Area got its newest museum this week. Situated in Oaklands Jack London Square, at the intersection of Politics and Art, the Museum of Capitalism opened Sunday, June 18.

The culmination of several years of planning, the startup cultural institution is a formidable effort. Featuring more than 80 artists and artist teams, the first exhibition at the 10,000-square-foot museum is supported by a $215,000 grant from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation. Organizers say the museum is the first of its kind in the United States. As a pop-up, its anybodys guess how long it might continue past the Aug. 20 closing of the first show. . .

So, will this museum feature exhibits about Adam Smith or Milton Friedman, or great entrepreneurs of the Bay Area like Levi Strauss or Steve Jobs perhaps? The news story nowhere gives many details beyond listing a bunch of no-name artists. So go to the Museums website, where you find this explanation:

The mission of the Museum of Capitalism is to educate this generation and future generations about the ideology, history, and legacy of capitalism. . . Our educational work is crucial for establishing justice for the victims of capitalism and preventing its resurgence.

Hand them this at least: this tacitly acknowledges that Oakland at least has just about stamped out capitalism. (Ill just skip over the fact that this museum was funded by a foundation grant made with money no doubt accumulated by some kind of capitalist enterprise.) Heres a prediction: this museum will fail the ultimate capitalist market test of getting foot traffic beyond sullen assistant professors of oppression studies from local community colleges and Black Lives Matter field trips.

Meanwhile:
Yesterdays big New York Times romp was the inflammatory hit piece Despite concerns about blackmail, Flynn heard CIA secrets. The story carried the byline of Matt Apuzzo, Matthew Rosenberg and Adam Goldman.

The thesis of the story was obviously spoonfed to the Times by Senator Ron Wyden (as is pointed out below). The story is based in part on public testimony, but in relevant part I believe it fails to cite a single on the record source. As usual, it seems to draw on classified information. Its apparent purpose is to kneecap CIA Director Mike Pompeo while finding yet another pretext to emit the fog of collusion.

Senator Tom Cotton addressed the Times story in a series of 10 tweets. He undermined the story in the first seven and returned with three more for good measure.

Senator Cotton persuades me that there is less to the Times story than meets the eye. And Senator Cottons last point  that certain Times reporters need time to explain to FBI investigators their revealing of highly classified info  well, thats where Senator Cotton came in.

Which raises a related point. A sickening hypocrisy lies at the heart of this particular New York Times story. The hypocrisy can be seen with a look back to the point that Senator Cotton, then serving in Iraq, made in his famous 2006 email to the Times.

With their story yesterday, Apuzzo, Rosenberg and Goldman seek to create a scandal out of then National Security Adviser Michael Flynns attendance at the presidents daily intelligence briefings. Flynn was supposedly compromised at the time and therefore a security risk. This is the entire premise of their story. Yet the Times continues routinely to act as a conduit of highly classified info (to borrow Senator Cottons phrase below) from our intelligence agencies to our enemies. Something is wrong with this picture.

Yet another @nytimes story that is "almost entirely wrong," to quote the former FBI Director about their past reporting 1/? https://t.co/yqu0SWE3Ut  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Implication is D/CIA Pompeo should've excluded Flynn from PDB because Flynn was "compromised." Let's consider that. 2/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Democratic partisan Sally Yates claimed Flynn was "compromised" because he misstated to VP the nature of talks with Russian ambassador. 3/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

But this @nytimes story refutes itself, saying Yates told WH of misstatement on Jan. 26, thus eliminating risk of "compromise"! 4/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Plus, Pompeo confirmed by Senate late on Jan. 23, so on own terms this @nytimes story talking AT MOST about two days! 5/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Putting aside Democrat Yates's breathless, overwrought theories of potential "compromise." 6/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Which probably were already undermined anyway by this @IgnatiusPost from Jan. 12:https://t.co/7zL4bcIBxQ  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

And, by the way, if Democrat Yates so worried about Flynn, did she ever try to rescind his security clearance? Did John Brennan? 8/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

@nytimes should spend more time on accurate, logical reporting than just regurgitating @RonWyden talking points. 9/?  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

Besides @AllMattNYT & @adamgoldmanNYT need time to explain to FBI investigators their revealing of highly classified info. 10/10  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 21, 2017

PAUL ADDS: This is great. Its the best use of Twitter to make an actual argument that Ive ever seen  almost enough to tempt me into getting an account.

I made a similar argument (less elegantly) about Flynns situation when I wrote:

Once Yates told the Trump administration [that Flynn was compromised], and assuming that someone in the Trump administration let Flynn know it had been so informed, the possibility of blackmail dissipated, it seems to me. The Russians could hardly get anywhere with Flynn by threatening to reveal what he figured the Trump administration already knew.

Even before Yates spoke up, Flynn may well have figured that the Trump administration knew of his conversations with the Russians. As a highly experienced intelligence guy, he probably knew that the U.S. had recorded the conversations.
Zenith Banks exposure in the $1.2 billion (about N377.4 billion) syndicated loan granted Etisalat Nigeria by a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks accounts for about 3.5 per cent of its total loan book, a sensitivity analysis report on the impact of the loan on the Nigerian economy has shown.

The report published Thursday by an independent investment banking services specialist firm, Exotix Capital Limited, showed that Zenith Bank accounted for about N80 billion of the total loan, which is the largest among the top eight banks that participated in the loan syndication.

An official of Exotic Partners, a subsidiary of Exotix Capital Limited, Jumai Mohammed, said about N42 billion contributed by Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, constitutes about 2.6 per cent of its total loan book value, while about N40 billion by Access Bank accounts for about 2.2 per cent of the banks total loan exposure.

Further details of the report showed that United Bank for Africa, UBAs contribution of N37 billion represents about 2.5 per cent of its loan book value, while First Banks N24billion takes about 1.2 per cent; Fidelity Bank (N17.5 billion) 2.4 per cent; Stanbic IBTC (N7.3 billion) 2.1 per cent, and First City Monument Bank, FCMB (N4.5 billion), 0.7 per cent.

Although the report estimated a modest impact of the loan on the affected banks, Ms. Mohammed said at a headline level, the facility to Etisalat Nigeria represented only 1.9 per cent of the aggregate bank loans in the country.

Also, a sensitivity analysis of the loan showed that the facility on the average would register a -12 per cent on net profit, -2 per cent on equity and -0.3 basis points on the capital adequacy ratios in the 2017 financial year of the banks.

We believe the banks should easily be able to absorb a shock of this magnitude, Ms. Mohammed said.

If this development is precursor to more general difficulties in the FCY loan exposure, which represents on average 47 per cent of the total loan book, then we may see more pronounced deterioration in the equity base of banks. Within our coverage, Diamond Bank is likely to be most impacted, while Wema Bank should be least impacted, the report said.

Out of the total loan package, about $600 million (about N115billion) was secured by assets by the company, which also pledged shares of the parent company, Etisalat Group of UAE to the tune of $235million.

Etisalat Nigeria Vice President, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Dikko, said on Thursday, the company had consistently and conscientiously repaid about 42 per cent (about N504 million) of the original loan package.

As at today, we can categorically state that the outstanding loan sum to the consortium stands at $227million and N113billion, a total of about $574million (if the Naira portion is converted to U.S. Dollars, Mr. Dikko said.

With last Tuesdays commencement of enforcement of the June 9 Default & Security Enforcement Notice, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat Group) has since announced its decision to quit the company.

In a filing with the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in Abu Dhabi, the UAE group requested Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, EMTS Holding BV, a special purpose vehicle established in Netherlands, to transfer the entire 70 per cent of its shareholding in Etisalat Nigeria to United Capital Trustees Limited, the legal trustees of the banks effective June 15, 2017.

But, with the warning by the telecoms sector regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, that the law forbids Etisalat Nigeria from transferring the operational license to a third party without written permission, the report said the banks were weighing available options open to them to move the process forward.

Although Globacom was said to have indicated interest to take over in the past, current reality, relating to the unresolved debt crisis, may have persuaded the company to abandon the idea.

Consequently, PREMIUM TIMES learnt Etisalat Nigeria was holding talks with a group of private equity investors to raise funds defray the loans.

Where the discussion fail to yield positive fruits, a source familiar with the transaction hinted the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which said to be very concerned about the impact of the crisis on the countrys unemployment situation, may be willing to come forward with a bailout.

Given the weak state of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, finances, the source, who requested that his name should not be revealed, as he was not authorized to speak on the issue, said he was not optimistic of the apex banks intervention.

But, Ms. Mohammed said the recent directive by the CBN to exposed banks to halt further action on the debt matter, there was an indication that some form of bridge funding could be under consideration to cover the period until a new investor emerges.

In 2013, Etisalat had obtained the syndicated loan from a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, First Bank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

The loan, which involved a foreign-backed guaranteed bond, was to help the tele-mobile firm finance a major network rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of its operational base in Nigeria.

However, its alleged failure to meet agreed debt servicing obligations with the banks since 2016 triggered a major crisis, culminating in the withdrawal of its major shareholder, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company from the company last week.

Etisalat Nigeria is currently left in the hands of EMTS promoted by the former Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Hakeem Bello-Osagie.

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A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered the remand of a Customs Officer, Ugwoke Emmanuel, who was arrested by the National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dealing in narcotic.

The court ordered he be remanded till September 28, when his bail application will be decided.

The judge, Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, ordered the remand of the Customs officer after he was arraigned on two counts charge of unlawful dealing and transporting of 394 kilograms of the banned Cannabis Sativa popularly called Marijuana.

The accused, a resident of 25, Bale-Oko in Badagry Local Government Area, Lagos, was alleged by the NDLEA to have on May 14 at Gbaji Customs check point, along Seme-Badagry road, knowingly possessed and transported the said prohibited item in a vehicle belonging to Nigeria Customs Services.

The accused, who is currently serving at the Seme Border Post of Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), was said to have conveyed the substance in a Toyota Hilux vehicle marked CSO 59 A1, belonging to the Services.

The offences according to the prosecutor, Aliyu Abubakar, are contrary to sections 19 and 20(1)(a) and punishable under section 20(2) of the National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30, law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, the prosecutor, Mr. Abubakar, urged the court for a trial date, while he also prayed the court to remand the accused in custody pending trial.

But Mr. Emmanuels Lawyers, Benson Ndakara and Viviane Ekwegh, pleaded with the court to admit bail to their client in liberal term.

The presiding judge, Ms. Rabiu-Shagari, adjourned the matter till September 28, and ordered that the accused be remanded in custody.

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Embattled mobile telephone operator, Etisalat Nigeria, said on Thursday about 42 per cent (about $504 million) of the original loan package of $1.2 billion (about N377.4 billion) from a consortium of Nigerian banks, which is at the core of the current crisis it is facing, has since been repaid.

Etisalat Nigeria Vice President, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Dikko, who said this in a statement, denied a news report that the company was being investigated by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following a petition by the consortium of banks requesting the Federal Government to look into how the funds from the syndicated loans were utilized.

Etisalat wishes to categorically affirm for the avoidance of doubt that the reports are patently false and most unfortunate considering the damage such misleading information can have not only on our business, but indeed on the telecommunications industry and the country as a whole, Mr. Dikko said.

Mr. Dikko also said the value of the loan was $1.2 billion, and not $1.7 billion.

He said Etisalat had consistently and conscientiously met up with its payment obligations.

As at today, we can categorically state that the outstanding loan sum to the consortium stands at $227million and N113 billion, a total of about $574million (if the Naira portion is converted to U.S. Dollars, he said.

This, in essence, means almost half of the original loan of $1.2 billion, has been repaid. Etisalat continued to service the loan up until February 2017, when discussions with the banks regarding the repayment restructuring commenced, he added.

On the alleged investigation by the EFCC, Mr. Dikko said considering that concerned parties have access to the companys financial books, it would not require a call for investigation into how the loan sum was utilized.

All of the infrastructure investment and services for which the loan was secured, were paid through our banks and these are verifiable, he said.

In 2013, Etisalat had obtained the syndicated loan from a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, First Bank Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

The loan, which involved a foreign-backed guaranteed bond, was to help the tele-mobile firm finance a major network rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of its operational base in Nigeria.

However, its alleged failure to meet agreed debt servicing obligations with the banks since 2016 triggered a major crisis, culminated in the withdrawal of its major shareholder, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company from the company last week.

The United Arab Emirates company announced to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday that it had decided to request Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, EMTS Holding BV, a special purpose vehicle established in Netherlands, to transfer the entire 70 per cent of its shareholding in Etisalat Nigeria to United Capital Trustees Limited, the legal trustees of the banks effective June 15, 2017.

Etisalat Nigeria is currently left in the hands of EMTS promoted by the former Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Hakeem Bello-Osagie.

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The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, on Wednesday, announced the review of the the bourses six sectoral indices.

The indices expected to be reviewed include NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Insurance, NSE Industrial, NSE Oil & Gas and the NSE Lotus Islamic Indices.

A statement by Joseph Kadiri, NSEs media officer, explained that the indices are normally reviewed bi-annually in June and December, except for NSE Pension index that is reviewed once in the year in December.

With the review, we will witness the entry/re-entry as well as exit of some major companies, the bourse said,

The composition of these indices after the review will be effective on July 1, it added.

According to the statement, the NSE-30 and NSE Industrial Indices are modified market capitalisation index with the numbers of included stocks fixed at 30 and 10, respectively, with the stocks selected based on their market capitalisation from the most liquid sectors.

The liquidity is based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters, and the stock must have traded for at least 70 per cent of the number of times the market opened for business in order to be included,

The Exchange is aware that the number of the stocks included in some of the indices may not be practically suitable for optimal portfolio diversification; however, the numbers would be reviewed as sector conditions change, it said.

Fidelity Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and the FCMB Group Plc are some of the likely companies to be included in the NSE 30 index.

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South Sudans media regulatory body has lifted the ban on foreign journalists to allow them operate in the country.

Alfred Taban, Head of Information, Steering Committee for National Dialogue, made the disclosure on Thursday in Juba during a meeting with diplomats and UN envoys.

He said the leadership of South Sudan Media Authority had pledged to allow unhindered media coverage of the war-torn country.

He added that the authorities had agreed to relax restrictions placed on foreign journalists to allow them cover the ongoing national dialogue, the humanitarian crisis and issues of concern to the public.

Taban, who also heads the association for Media Development in South Sudan, said the media authority had pledged to ease conditions for acquiring media accreditation permits.

I took up the issue of banning foreign journalists from the country with the Media Authority and they promised me that the (ban) has been suspended.

So now if somebody wants to come, there will be no question of the person being denied visa because that has been cleared.

The South Sudan Media Authority recently said it had banned at least 20 foreign journalists from media coverage in the country for what it termed unsubstantiated and unrealistic stories, Taban said.

He said the media regulatory body however did not name the journalists or media outlets affected by the ban.

The ban attracted condemnation from the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), the Foreign Correspondents Association of East Africa (FCAEA) and Reporters without Borders (RWB).

However, Elija Alier, Managing Director, SSMA denied imposing ban on foreign journalists entering South Sudan.

He said the body would continue to ease entry and work permit for foreign media in the East African nation.

We have never stopped foreign journalists from coming to South Sudan and they will continue coming.

As media authority, we will continue giving them permits, Alier said.

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Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said a team of NATO experts would help the Libyan government build defence and security institutions.

Mr. Stoltenberg made the remarks after meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

He said NATO was engaged in preparing a programme to help build defence institutions in Libya in 2011, but added that, the security situation made it impossible to continue.

Now we have agreed in a way to restart those efforts. An expert team from NATO met with experts from the government of national accord, in Tunisia, some weeks ago, he said.

The main purpose of the meeting today was to make sure our experts will sit down as soon as possible, Mr. Stoltenberg added.

He noted that NATO experts would address issues such as how to develop a modern ministry of defence, build joint chiefs of staff, and also to develop intelligence services in Libya.

NAN reports that Libya has been in a state of near anarchy since the 2011 uprising that toppled long-time dictator Moamer Gaddafi.

In March 2016, a UN-backed unity government led by Serraj took over in Tripoli amid international hopes it would re-establish stability in the country.

It has been unable to gain recognition from the elected parliament based in the eastern city of Tobruk, which supports army commander Khalifa Haftar, who is aligned with the Tobruk government in the east.

(Xinhua/NAN)

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An Israeli court ordered the countrys national air carrier, El Al, to stop asking female passengers to change seats when an ultra-Orthodox man objects sitting next to a woman.

Some ultra-Orthodox Jews observe a Jewish law that requires a strict separation between men and women.

Ultra-Orthodox men refusing to sit next to women in public places for fear of even unintentional touch that might be considered immodest have become a growing phenomenon over the past few years.

The recent court ruling was made after the Israel Religious Action Centre, a freedom of religion watchdog, filed a lawsuit on behalf of Renee Rabinowitz, a Holocaust survivor who is now 83.

In 2015, she boarded El Als flight from Newark to Israel. She was asked by a flight attendant to move her seat at the request of an ultra-Orthodox passenger sitting next to her.

The Religious Action Centre said in a statement that the deep humiliation Renee felt because of this request led her to turn for help.

The court ruled in favour of Rabinowitz, requiring the airline to define a procedure for such an occurrence and explain it to its staff through written directive and training.

It also ordered El Al to pay Rabinowitz about 1,700 dollars in damage.

Riki Shapira-Rosenberg, Rabinowitz lawyer, said that dozens of similar complaints were made by women who were asked on El Al flights to move their seat at the request of an ultra-Orthodox passenger.

The Religious Action Centre said the ruling was revolutionary and set a precedent for other cases.

(Xinhua/NAN)

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The National Assembly has said it would not set aside one percent of consolidated revenue for the health sector as statutorily required, until it is sure of judicious and transparent disbursement of the fund.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this on Thursday while explaining why the fund was not included in the 2017 budget.

The National Health Act, which was signed into law in 2014, stipulates that one per cent of the consolidated federal revenue be set aside for the health sector with effect from 2017.

But the fund, which this year would have been about N40 billion, was not included in the 2017 budget.

Mr. Shuaibu said the lawmakers want to ensure that the fund will be used judiciously before they start appropriating it.

Speaking at the inaugural quarterly media interactive forum #OpenNPHCDA in Abuja, he said the Ministry of Health was working very hard to institute transparency in the running of its affairs.

He assured that going by the steps already taken under this administration, the fund would be made available in the 2018 budget.

The health law took a long time, passed through several stages before people like you helped to make it a reality and I think one of the cornerstones of the health law is around how one percent of the consolidated revenue fund will be dedicated to primary health care and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

There have been a lot of advocacy to the National Assembly. Our understanding is that if we are able to provide a transparent means of disbursing this fund to the states, which is what we are piloting, then it is very likely that the fund will be made available in the 2018 budget, he said.

While agreeing with the concerns over misappropriation of health funds, Mr. Shuaib said we dont want the situation where funds are made available and they disappear into thin air.

Primary health care centres are not working very well, so what we are doing in collaboration with NHIS and the Federal Ministry of Health and the NPHCDA is to prioritize and see how these funds can be transferred from the national level to the health facilities.

We are working with the Bill and Melinda Gates and the the World Bank to see how this can be done in a very efficient manner, he said.

Mr. Shuaibu, who also lamented the state of immunization in the country, said the agency was setting up emergency centres for routine immunization as part of the efforts to address the gap.

We are setting up a national emergency centre to focus on routine immunization, he said.

The centre, he explained, will involve experts and government officials who will be studying data and analysing them to find out what the challenges are.

He also revealed that the agency was still awaiting the audit report from KPMG.

He acknowledged that the agency had challenges in recent past around accountability and on how to do a better job.

This, he said, necessitated the hiring of the auditing firm to look at the books of the agency as part of the efforts to restore donors confidence, as the country seeks for alternatives to fund immunization.

The firm is expected to turn in its report in the next few months, Mr. Shuaib said.

Meanwhile, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has called on the NHIS to extend its coverage to poor and unemployed Nigerians.

Mr. Dogara spoke on Wednesday while declaring open an investigative hearing by the House into alleged misuse of NHIS contributions and inhuman treatment of enrollers in the scheme.

The Speaker lamented that a huge number of Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of treatment even in public health facilities are left to their own devices.

Regrettably, there is no mechanism to protect vulnerable families from the catastrophic effects of the exorbitant cost of healthcare services in Nigeria.

Poor families, who constitute over 67% of our population, (well in excess of 100 million Nigerians), cannot afford to pay hospital bills even for treatment of malaria in public health facilities, nor for routine ante-natal services.

If we must achieve desired outcomes and changes, there is a compelling need to expand the coverage levels of NHIS, currently estimated to be about 4-5% of Nigerians, mostly in the formal sector.

A scenario where even this abysmally low coverage is attributable to those in paid employment and other types of formal sector creates suspicion of lack of creativity and innovation on the part of key actors in the Health insurance industry in Nigeria, especially Health Maintenance Organizations, HMOs. Mr. Dogara said.

He stressed the importance of the NHIS, which was established in 1999 to secure universal coverage and access to adequate and affordable health care for Nigerians, saying no nation can achieve a healthy milestone in the health sector without a health finance scheme mandated to check health emergency and reduce out-of-pocket spending for health services.

Calling for repositioning of the scheme, he noted that the NHIS and the delivery partners had faced criticisms, challenges and complaints ranging from untimely payment by healthcare providers from the HMOs to unsatisfactory health services to enrollers.

He said selection of adequate and efficient methods of financing, in addition to organisational delivery structure for health services, is essential to achieve the national health objective of providing health for all.

Health care in Nigeria is financed by tax revenue, out-of-pocket payments, donor funding, and health insurance (social and community), he said,

He called on relevant stakeholders to make contributions towards achieving the goal of the National Assembly to address the challenges, and proffer ideas towards resolving areas of concern so that drastic changes can be made for a better healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

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The Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, who was dismissed on Wednesday has been identified.

The Police Service Commission announced the dismissal of four senior officers on Wednesday, without mentioning their names.

Sources at the commission told PREMIUM TIMES that the dismissed ACP is Rasheed Ogungboye who was serving in Kano State.

He was dismissed for dereliction of duty following investigation into his activities by the PSC.

He displayed gross incompetence and also failed to even show up at work in many cases, the source stated under strict anonymity.

Mr. Ogungboye was among four officers, including three Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, that were fired on blanket allegations of indiscipline Wednesday afternoon.

But the commission, in line with its tradition, withheld the names and specific offences of the affected officers in a statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, its public relations head.

Identities of the remaining three officers will be released soon, our sources said.

The PSC said other officers were also retired, demoted or censured for various offences in the latest exercise.

Last September, the polices Complaints Response Unit said it had identified an Assistant Commissioner of Police who received N2.7 million in bribes while on duty, and recommended him for disciplinary actions. But it was not immediately clear if Mr. Ogungboye was the officer.

Until his dismissal, Mr. Ogungboye was said to have worked at different departments in the force, including directing traffic operations at one point.

The Nigeria Police Force and its independent regulatory body, the PSC, have discharged scores of officers in recent years in a bid to enforce acceptable ethical standards in law enforcement activities.

The latest disciplinary measures came six months after authorities discharged officers for various offences which arose from the re-run elections in Rivers State last December.

The procedure affected six police officers in total  one inspector and five sergeants.

They were all accused of misusing firearms and obstructing the Independent National Electoral Commission, NEC, while supporting the Peoples Democratic Party candidates during a collation exercise in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

But Mr. Wike condemned the action and accused the federal authorities of bias.

In recent years, many officers have been dismissed for offences which range from general misconduct to felony.

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There are about 5,000 Nigerians waiting to be rescued from Mali, the head of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Julie Donli, said on Thursday in Abuja.

Ms. Donli said this when she paid a visit to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma.

We have no fewer than 5,000 victims awaiting rescue from Mali alone; every day we get people coming from Libya, Spain, Italy; every day they come in their hundreds and we are at dilemma, she said.

She spoke on the challenges hindering the agency from performing its mandate effectively.

Our challenges are enormous; our funding is inadequate for this kind of job we are expected to do.

The envelope system cannot work for us. We need to be classified as a proper security agency because our job is similar to that of EFCC.

There is no absolute difference between the EFCC and NAPTIP in terms of operations and job description, she said.

According to her, NAPTIP has nine zonal commands in the 36 states of the federation and it requires a lot of funding.

She expressed worry over the state of the agencys operational vehicles, adding that they were donated to the agency by donor agencies over 10 years.

There was Presidential order in 2014 to sort it out and over N309 million was approved and it was supposed to spread over the 2015 and 2016 budget.

We have not really had our own vehicles, the ones we have are old and rickety and our officials are using their own vehicles to work.

Besides, the director-general decried lack of funds in rehabilitating and repatriation of victims as well as prosecuting those involved in the act.

There is need to provide special intervention funds for us to facilitate the rescue and repatriation of traffickers victims from various parts of the world, especially Africa.

We have no fewer than 5,000 victims awaiting rescue from Mali alone; every day we get people coming from Libya, Spain, Italy; every day they come in their hundreds and we are at dilemma.

Coming to prosecution, we ought to have more cases of conviction.

Right now, we can only boost of 323 cases, over the years, we have rescued 10,685 victims, we cannot prosecute them, she lamented.

She solicited the support of all stakeholders in achieving the mandate of NAPTIP.

Also, we encourage people to report cases of human trafficking just to help us trace assets of traffickers as well.

The law gives us the power to trace and seize the assets of traffickers through the court for the benefit of the victims of trafficking, Ms. Donli said.

In his response, Mr. Udoma, said the federal government is considering providing special intervention funds for victims of human trafficking in the 2018 budget.

The minister said the visit was timely as the ministry had begun the preparation for the 2018 budget and would consider the request of the agency in providing special intervention funds for it.

We can now reflect some of your requirements in the 2018 budget, but I think you should work closely with your supervising ministry (Ministry of Justice).

You need to work with your ministry to get your needs included in the budget when submitting to the Budget Office, he said.

Mr. Udoma, however, assured the agency of the ministrys support to address its challenges.

The minister said the priority of the administration was to invest in Nigerians, adding that it is the reason the government inaugurated the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Investing in our people is not just Nigerians here, it is for Nigerians everywhere because we have a responsibility for the welfare of every Nigerian.

He commended the agency for living up to its responsibility in addressing issues of trafficking in the country.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has urged GCE candidates to endeavour to collect their certificates within four years of writing the examination as any delay beyond that will attract custody fee.

Demianus Ojijeogu, the Head of Public Affairs Department, WAEC, Nigeria disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, commonly referred to as WAEC GCE, is usually taken in November/December every year.

Mr. Ojijeogu said:  the normal charge for the certificate is N3, 500 and only payable by those whose certificates were issued between zero and four years.

But from five to nine years is N8, 500; 10 to 14 years N13, 500; 15 to 19 years N18, 500 while 20 years and above will be charged N23, 500.

These charges are (for) custody fee; for keeping the certificates for so long because it occupies space in our office. It will also serve as a deterrent to others.

 I dont know the reason why people will sit for exams and their certificates are ready yet they will not come for collection. What was the essence of the certificate in the first place?

He also said that requirements for collection of the GCE certificates within Nigeria were an application letter, sworn affidavit from the High Court, online result print- out, one passport-size photograph, photo card and identity card.

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The members of the National Youth Service Corps, Medical and Health group, in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Otta, Ogun State, on Wednesday held a rally tagged Youth Corps Members For A Smoke-free Nigeria to raise awareness on the dangers of tobacco use.

The group, who had support from the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), marched from the Ado-Odo NYSC secretariat in Otta to Iganmode Grammar School sensitising the public as well as the pupils of Iganmode Grammar school of the dangers and health effects of smoking.

Abiodun Joshua, a member of the National Union if Road Transport Workers, said he quit cigarette smoking because it was bad for his health.

Smoking is not good for me and I used to tell those around me to stop smoking, it affects the heart, Mr. Joshua told PREMIUM TIMES.

Ill advise those that smoke to stop it because it is very dangerous to their health.

The corps members declined to speak to journalists because NYSC rules does not allow them to, but they addressed the pupils of Iganmode Grammar School on the dangerous effects of smoking tobacco.

Some of their messages include the fact that about 6 million people die from tobacco use every year; for every cigar a person smokes he loses six minutes off his lifespan; a single stick of cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals including nicotine which is addictive (found in insecticide), formalin (used for embalmment), coal tar (used in road making), sulfuric acid (found in car batteries) and other toxic chemicals which are harmful to the lungs, kidney, and heart.

They also warned the pupils about the dangers of exposure to second-hand smokes from cigarette smokers.

Emmanuel Isaac, the Senior Prefect of Iganmode Grammar School, said, I havent smoked before because I know smokers are liable to die young, most people that smoke are often influenced into it.

I appreciate the corpers for coming here to enlighten us about smoking and my advice to those that smoke is to stop smoking, its harmful to the body.

Ruth Adeyeye, Vice-Principal, Special Duties, at Iganmode Grammar School thanked the corps members for sensitizing the pupils of the school.

I am glad the corps members came around to enlighten our pupils because this issue of smoking is really a problem around here, we really appreciate it, she said.

My advice to those that smoke is that they should quit smoking because the end result is bad.

Philip Jakpor, Head of Media and Campaigns, ERA/FoEN, said the corps members sensitisation of the dangers of smoking to their peers and the younger generation was a laudable move because they are the targets of the tobacco industry.

Tobacco industry is targeting replacement smokers, an older generation is dying so they need to replace them and their target is these kids and the corpers themselves, Mr. Jakpor said.

So, bringing this message to the school you will not know the impact they have created, they have created a mammoth impact because these kids have been sensitized, they will go back and not smoke.

Smoking is a menace to the society, tobacco causes death in its millions, according to WHO about seven million die annually from tobacco smoke and this number is set to increase to eight million by 2030 if nothing is done about it.

Nigeria ramped up its action on the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 during this years World No Tobacco Day with the Health Minister, Isaac Adewole, announcing nine new regulations to limit tobacco use.

Mr. Adewole followed up his announcement with written requests to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Police, as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seeking their collaboration in the enforcement of the tobacco control law.

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Some former students have raised N5.8 million for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, nine days after they set up the #fundlautech Initiative with a target of raising N1 billion in 90 days for the beleaguered institution.

Areo Oyegoke, the president of the students union of the university for 2013/2014 academic session, made this disclosure in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.

He said the Alumni Association launched the initiative to help the university resolve a funding challenge that has crippled it for close to two years.

As at this moment (Day 9), I can confirm that we have N5.8 million, Mr. Oyegoke told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday evening.

Speaking in the same vein, Adebayo Adeyinka, an old student and one of the facilitators of the #fundlautech project, told PREMIUM TIMES that the initiative has received positive response from Nigerians, as a result of which he expects LAUTECH to reopen soon.

We are not asking people to bring millions, people donated N1000, N500 even N200 and it goes a long way. The big donations we got were from Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and (a former governor of Oyo State), Rasheed Ladoja.

According to Mr. Adeyinka, the Ooni of Ife pledged #500,000 but gave a cheque of #250,000, which will clear on June 27, while Mr. Ladoja gave a cheque of N 2 million. He said the former governor also pledged his pension for six months totalling N3,864,000.

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The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, is set to hold major rallies Friday, to commemorate the International Quds Day.

The group, led by Ibraheem Zakzaky, has been in the forefront of observing the Quds Day, which holds on the last Friday of Ramadan.

The IMN in a statement by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa, called on all people of conscience to join in commemorating this annual event by lending a voice to the oppressed people of Palestine, while condemning the Israeli atrocities on them.

In past years, processions by the group often resulted in clashes with Nigerian security forces.

The statement said the event is scheduled to take place in over 24 cities across the country.

The Day is commemorated based on conscience and not only on religious consideration as victims of Zionism and illegal occupation of Palestine include Muslims and Christians alike. Moreover pro-Palestinian protest marches such as this are organized in all parts of the world including Europe and America to mark the International Quds Day.

The third holiest mosque in Islam, Masjid al Aqsa is under the occupation of the Zionist Israeli regime following the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. The holy mosque of al-Aqsa is the place through which the holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad (SAW) undertook his night journey when he ascended to the heavens as mentioned in the holy Quran.

The illegal state of Israel had unleashed terror on the innocent but strong-hearted people of Palestine for the past 60 years, killing unarmed men, women and children, demolishing their houses and placing thousands in illegal detention and torture.

All these are taking place before the very eyes of the world but for reasons best known to them, the international community is simply looking the other way as this state terrorism is taking place with what could best be described as genocide against the people of Palestine, IMN said.

It also called on the Nigerian government to  immediately and unconditionally  release the leader of the IMN, Mr. El-Zakzaky.

Today is the 588 days he spent in detention despite a substantive court order for his release, the group said.

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The police command in Katsina State on Thursday said it had arrested a gang of notorious armed robbers and kidnappers on Jikamshi-Yashi road in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

The states Commissioner of Police, CP, Usman Abdullahi, made this known at a news conference in Katsina.

Mr. Abdullahi said three suspects were arrested on June 18 when the police went on a rescue mission following a road accident in Musawa area.

The commissioner said a passenger bus was involved in an accident with an articulated vehicle, adding that a driver died, while many passengers were injured.

He added that the injured were rushed to Musawa Hospital after midnight for treatment but the police became curious when one of the accident victims had gunshot wound.

The situation made the police to conduct thorough investigation in the area.

Our men went back to nearby village and asked villagers if there was any case of armed robbery or something relating to that.

And the villagers told the police that they heard a gunshot prior to the accident.

During investigations, a vehicle with three occupants came to the scene of the accident but on sighting the police, the occupants attempted to escape but they were arrested.

According to him, the suspects confessed to have been terrorising people in the area at gunpoint.

The commissioner said a laptop, 19 mobile phones, N350,000 and other foreign currencies were recovered from the suspects.

He added that further investigation revealed that one of mobile phones belonged to a House of Representative member.

Mr. Abdullahi said the House of Representative member told the police that he lost the phone about four months ago when he was kidnapped.

The commissioner said the suspects would be charged to court soon.

(NAN)

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The trial of a cyber cafe operator, Emeka Anuguo, who allegedly impersonated a JAMB official and defrauded 70 candidates of N210, 000, was stalled on Thursday in Lagos following the absence of two officials of the examination body in court.

Mr. Anuguo is facing a two-count charge of fraud and impersonation at an Igbosere Magistrates Court on Lagos Island.

When the case came up for hearing on Thursday, the two JAMB officials who reported the case  Sunday Aladegbaye and Badaru Jubril  were absent in court.

The Magistrate, O. G. Oghre, adjourned the case until July 27 for mention.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the accused first appeared before the magistrate on May 5 and was granted N100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Okete Ejime, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences between May 1 and 30 at No. 7, Ojora Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said the accused deceived and cheated 70 JAMB candidates by collecting N3,000 each from them to change of their age, courses, institutions and to generate Remitter Code for them.

The offences contravened Sections 323 and 376 (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

(NAN)

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Thirty-four Nigerians have been deported from six European countries, Switzerland, Germany, Iceland, Austria, Belgium and Hungary for allegedly committing immigration-related offences.

The deportees comprising 32 males and two females arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMlA) Lagos at about 6.30a.m in a chartered Airblue Panorama aircraft.

The spokesman of the Lagos Airport Police Command, Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development.

Mr. Alabi said, this morning, we received 34 Nigerians who were brought back from Europe.They were made up of 32 males and two females.

He said all the deportees were alleged to have committed immigration-related offences in their host countries.

He explained that the deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) , the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.

The deportees were profiled by immigration authorities and were allowed to depart to their various destinations.

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Taipei, June 22 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday urged Panama not to allow itself to become a tool used by China to isolate Taiwan internationally and said the president of the Central American country had misrepresented the reasons behind the severance of diplomatic links with Taiwan..
The Federal Government says it is targeting about $8 billion as annual foreign exchange from the exportation of yams to other countries if its yam export programme succeeds.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, said this when he received the Technical Committee on Nigeria Yam Export Programme in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr. Ogbeh said the programme to be flagged off on June 29, would enable the country earn foreign exchange from agricultural produce in order to substitute the oil and gas sector.

According to him, Ghana is exporting yams but Nigeria is not, yet Nigeria accounts for 61 per cent of the world yam production.

This programme has to succeed; we must sell whatever we produce to the world because we are buying too much. We allowed ourselves to be deceived.

I saw the figures of Ghanas earning from yam export and their targets for the future and it was quite impressive.

If Ghana can aim at a few billion dollars a year from yams, there is no reason why Nigeria cannot quadruple that.

I want this committee to begin to engage team of engineers anywhere in the world. Can we design a plough that can make the yam heap?

We have to mechanise heap making otherwise, in the next five years, because of our aging farmers, you will find out that we do not have yams again and we will get into fresh troubles, he said.

Simon Irtwange, the Chairman of the committee, said that the committee was working with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, to train farmers and also improve some yam varieties.

The chairman said the committee had prepared a four-year action plan for the yam value chain programme in the country.

He solicited for better funding for the committee, which was private sector led, to commence the programme.

We have standards that we are following and they have to do with pytho-sanitary requirements to meet international standards.

We have combined the standards of Ghana and Nigeria to make sure our yams are not rejected at the international markets, he said.

Elizabeth Nwankwo, a yam exporter, representing Oklan Best Limited, listed some challenges experienced by exporters to include inadequate transportation and lack of quality seedlings.

She explained that inadequate storage facilities also contributed to the rejection of the countrys agricultural produce at the international markets.

Ms. Nwankwo expressed optimism that there would be zero rejection of the countrys agricultural produce, if the challenges were tackled.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the committee was inaugurated in February to facilitate the acquisition of warehouses at the receiving destinations, address markets in Europe and Canada.

It will also sensitise farmers and exporters on required international standards of yam before exportation.

The committee is made up of representatives from the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others.

(NAN)

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A 19-member National Working Group has been launched to monitor and engage with various social formations in Nigeria towards peace and conflict prevention.

The group, comprising leaders of youth driven associations will work with leaders of indigenous communities, faith-based groups and civil society towards a people-driven mechanism for peaceful co-existence in the country.

Adewale Adeoye, the Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, JODER, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the group was formed after series of summits and conflict management trainings for youth-controlled organisations and other relevant association across the six geo-political zones in the country.

He said the programme, which was supported by the Ford Foundation, West Africa Regional Office, culminated in two events in Abuja and Kaduna both of which were declared open by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, represented by their aides.

It was also attended by representatives of the Interior Minister, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDCDC) and the National Assembly.

Mr. Adeoye explained that the NWG believed that for any peaceful resolution of conflict, the people must be involved.

It is their own future that is at stake, he said. They are more likely to be committed to peace when the conflict resolution processes involved them at the level of conception and implementation. Peace building cannot be a property of a third party or the authority alone, but an asset of the people themselves.

Mr. Adeoye said conflicts often festered when the people and authorities concerned failed to nip them in the bud through fair and open-minded platforms where the key actors constructively engage each other.

He said the governments efforts needed to be complemented by the people themselves especially when at times authority initiatives were viewed with doubts by conflict actors and peace beneficiaries.

He said some of the identified causes of conflict in Nigeria were economic exclusion leading to the lack of access to the essentials of life, religious intolerance which continues to spur violent conflict including suicide bombings, armed conflict in the Maghreb region which fuels migration of desperate people displaced by the conflict to Nigeria, climate change that has crept into most of the northern states with negative impact on food security, and stiff, often bitter confrontation for land and green resources.

He said this had also led to mass movement of people from the Sahel with most of them ending up in Nigeria, seen as the regional economic watershed.

Other sources of conflict identified, according to Mr. Adeoye, were environmental pollution, dislocation of human and natural resources in the Niger-Delta and in the Savannah, proliferation of small arms in the hands of non-state actors driving violent crimes, anger, public rage and imminent threat to food security.

He said people driven platform and initiative had been absent and that in recent times, bottled up disenchantment have taken the turn of avoidable violent confrontations leading to the loss of human lives, including women and children.

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The UK has deployed officers from the Royal Air Force, RAF, Force Protection (FP) Wing from RAF Lossiemouth to Nigeria to train the Nigerian Air Force Regiment for six weeks.

The Royal Air Force is the UKs aerial warfare force formed toward the end of the First World War on April 1, 1918. It is the oldest independent air force in the world.

A statement by the UK High Commission, Press Officer in Nigeria, Joe Abuku, said this on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Abuku said that the detachment was made up of a 66 persons Short Term Training Team (STTT) from No. 5 FP Wing of RAF.

The focus of the STTT is to deliver a training package which enables students to operate effectively in the Complex Air Ground Environment (CAGE) by understanding their role to provide security and Force Protection operations both inside and outside an Air base.

This forms a key part of a layered defence system; deterring and defeating an enemy away from the airfield whilst also assuring internal security of a base.

Additionally, Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers will be given the opportunity to enhance their tactical leadership and planning skills, whilst the Junior Air-officers will build on the skills they learned during basic training, he said.

He explained that the detachment, the third undertaken by 5 FP Wing in a five-year programme came after a request from Nigeria.

He said that the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, had requested UK to assist in capacity building for the Nigerian Air Force Regiment.

He quoted Mr. Abubakar, an air marshall, as saying, given the importance of bases in the airpower delivery matrix, it is not inconceivable to expect our adversaries to target our airbases.

As a matter of fact, we have had an attack on one of our airbases in the recent past, and current intelligence reports keep highlighting the possibility of attacks on our bases.

All these reinforce the need to emplace a robust base defence concept that is capable of providing guidance for responding to a wide range of situations that may threaten our bases.

He quoted Officer Commanding 5 FP Wing, Wing Commander John Rees as expressing delight that the detachment was in Nigeria and appreciated the warmth welcome given to them.

We are proud of our Royal Air Force heritage and the opportunity to represent our service in the Defence Engagement arena, Rees said.

The Wing Commander said that the detachment had already delivered Train the Trainer package to 50 Non-Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers.

He added that a further 250 students would now begin the Foundation Phase bringing a total of around 300 Nigerian personnel to be trained across a mixture of ranks.

The programme, according to him, will culminate with a demanding final exercise at a live airfield to validate the understanding of all skills taught in a realistic environment.

He said that this would be prior to the graduating students deploying to their first operational assignment in the Nigerian Air Force.

He said that the team would wrap up by mid-July.

(NAN)

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No fewer than 17 volunteers in the federal governments job creation scheme, N-Power, will no longer be paid stipends until they explain their truancy from the scheme since their deployment.

Afolabi Imoukhuede, Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President on Job Creation, made the statement on Thursday in Awka during a meeting between the states institutional partners and N-Power Monitoring and Evaluation team.

The stipend for 17 volunteers from different states have been on hold since May due to the inability of their supervisors to see them at work for months, he said

The presidential aide said that the federal government would not continue to shoulder the financial burden of those who failed to understand the scheme and treat it with the seriousness it deserved.

He said that a common trend that ran in some of the states already visited by the M&E team was that volunteers, especially those in N-Agro, failed to keep consistent attendance book.

He added that some of the volunteers logged-in and disappeared without permission.

Mr. Imoukhuede told the stakeholders who attended the meeting that log book was key and urged them to ensure effective monitoring of the volunteers under them.

He also urged them to file quarterly reports about the programme to the N-Power office and monthly report on the conduct of volunteers so that those found wanting would be delisted from payment.

He said that in spite of the six-month physical verification done by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Anambra, 21 volunteers do not have account records and might be demobilised.

The SSA called on the state to build strong institutional partners to strengthen the scheme to enable the volunteers become employable after two years.

He said: this is a development-oriented programme for two years per participant.

Whether the Federal Government wants to continue with it or not after two years, nothing stops the states and local governments from running their own N-power using the structures and resources developed by the federal government.

Mr. Imoukhuede thanked Governor Willie Obiano for embracing and supporting the scheme, adding that separation of politics from development would catalyse development in the country.

In his remarks, Mark Okoye, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, said the Obiano administration had taken ownership of the Social Investment Programmes for efficiency and effectiveness.

He said that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme had achieved 91 per cent success in the state.

He said that 22,000 vulnerable people were registered for the Conditional Cash Transfer and more than 4,000 volunteers deployed in N-Power.

For us we know what we wanted to do; it has been a rewarding experience.

We truly want to commend the federal government, specifically President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, for initiating the job-creation scheme for the youths, Mr. Okoye said.

(NAN)

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The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday evening met with state governors at the Villa in continuation with the ongoing engagement with the Northern and Southeast groups.

Earlier in the week, He met with a cross section of leaders from the north and south-eastern part of Nigeria where they reached a number of agreements.

Speaking at a meeting with the 36 state governors in Abuja, Mr. Osinbajo told the governors that they must ensure the security of lives and property in their states, adding Nigeria is indissoluble.

The meeting is part of a series of meetings the acting president is having with ethnic, religious and political leaders to douse tensions in the country.

Check Photos Below





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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has warned that elections will be boycotted in the South East states starting with the Anambra State gubernatorial elections scheduled for November 18 if the Federal Government fails to hold referendum for the realisation of the state of Biafra.

If the Federal Government does not agree with us on a date for referendum, there will be no elections in the southeast, we are starting with Anambra come November this year. There will be no governorship election in Anambra State, Mr. Kanu said while addressing a crowd of protesters in his fathers compound in Abia state.

It is not clear when the video was shot. If it happened after Mr. Kanus release from detention in April, then it would appear a violation of conditions set by Justice Binta Nyako when she granted Mr. Kanu bail in April.

Mr. Kanu, who is facing charges of treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been at the vanguard of the call for an independent Biafra Republic from the Nigerian state.

In granting him bail in April after more than a year in detention, Justice Nyako listed 12 conditions, including an order for Mr. Kanu to avoid being seen in a crowd of more than 10 people.

The court also instructed that Mr. Kanu desist from granting interviews or engaging in any form of rallies as part of his conditions for bail.

However, in the 16 minutes, 21 seconds video posted on Youtube, Tuesday, Mr. Kanu who is seen speaking to a congregation of Biafran supporters also said there would be no form of election in the Southeast during the 2019 general elections, stressing that he would not relent in his agitation for Biafra.

In 2019, the whole of Biafra land will not vote for any president. There will be no Senator, there will be no House of Reps, there will be no House of Assembly and there will be no Councilor-ship elections in Biafra land if they (federal government) fail to call for a referendum.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX1uCWH5eys&w=560&h=315]

Nigerian government should build as many prisons as possible to jail all Biafrans because there is no going back and we are ready to go there (prisons) unless the federal government gives us Biafra.

We are not like any other people. People like us dont come twice. Thats why I know that with the last breath in this very body that Biafra will be restored. Theres nothing anybody can do about it. Tell them thats what I said. Nobody on this earth can stop Biafra, the IPOB leader said.

Since the IPOB leader was freed, he has not only addressed hundreds of his supporters but has also granted media interviews.

Last month, while addressing the members of the Jewish Synagogue at his residence in Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia in Abia state, Southeast Nigeria , Mr. Kanu declared that the coming of the Republic of Biafra was imminent.

Similarly, Kanu had told Al Jazeera that he was not bothered about landing in trouble over his actions due to the bail conditions given to him Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Division of the High Court.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday arraigned a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide, before Justice J.O Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The former minister was arraigned alongside a man, Olanrewaju Otiti, on an amended 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N650 million.

While the duo are facing trial on counts one to 12 of the amended charge, the third accused person, Ayo Adeseun, a former senator, who failed to appear in court Thursday, is facing trial on counts one to 24.

The accused allegedly received the money from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the build- up to the 2015 general election.

The money was part of the $115 million allegedly disbursed by Mrs. Alison-Madueke to influence the outcome of the 2015 presidential election.

During Thursdays proceedings, Bolaji Ayorinde, counsel to Mrs. Akinjide; Michael F. Lana, counsel to the second defendant, as well as Adeniyi Ishola, counsel to the third defendant, filed four applications asking the court to strike out of the charges against the first defendant, while also challenging the validity of the amended charge brought by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo.

Counsels to the first and second defendants told the court that there was no charge before the court, arguing that there was no application by the prosecution counsel.

Mr. Ayorinde told the court that the amended charge brought by the prosecution did not have a seal of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

He therefore prayed the court not to take the pleas of the defendants.

However, Mr. Oyedepo objected to the applications, saying the amended charge before the court was duly filed and served on the defendants.

In a short ruling, Justice Abdul- Malik held that the original charge be substituted with the amended charge and ordered the first and third defendants to take their pleas.

Not satisfied, the two defence counsels withdrew their appearances for the defendants and angrily walked out of the court.

One of the charges reads: That you, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke (still at large), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Senator Ayo Ademola Adeseun and Chief Olarenwaju Otiti on or about the 26th day of March, 2015, in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to directly take possession of the N650, 000, 000.00 (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

Another charge reads: That you, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Senator Ayo Ademola Adeseun and Chief Olanrewaju Otiti on or about the 26th day of March, 2015 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: making cash payment of the sum of N650, 000, 000. 00 (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) which sum exceeded the amount authorized by Law without going through financial institution and you thereby committed an offence.

However, when the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.

However, the prosecution counsel informed the court that the first and third defendants had initiated a plea bargain discussion with the prosecution and asked for a short adjournment to enable the parties to perfect the negotiation.

He also pleaded with the court to remand the first and third defendants in the EFCC custody.

Counsel to the third defendant, Mr. Otiti, filed and served an application for bail and urged the court to grant his client bail on self-re cognizance.

Justice Abdul-Malik adjourned the matter to September 12, for hearing on the substantive matter and to July 6, for ruling on the bail application.

The defendants were ordered to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

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GOVERNOR AMINU BELLO MASARI DESPERATION TO DESTROY FORMER GOVERNOR IBRAHIM SHEHU SHEMA HAS NO BOUND, HE DIRECTS COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO REMOVE SOME NAMES, CHANGE THE FIGURES AT WILL AND RECEIVED THE REPORT ON SATURDAY JUNE 17TH, 2017 AT 11PM DESPITE THE PENDENCY OF THE COURT CASE.

Our attention has been drawn to the publications credited to the supposedly Chairman of Katsina State Commission of Inquiry in the June 19th, 2017, edition of Daily Trust, the Nation, Sun, and Leadership newspapers at the instance of Governor Aminu Bello Masari, and we are stating categorically that the so called final report of the Commission is devoid of truth, concocted, inaccurate, and fabricated product of malice to malign, denigrate and destroy the image of former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema and officials of his administration. The report is a charade, it is callous, scandalous and unlawful, we therefore reject it in its entirety.

The party noted the desperation of Governor Aminu Bello Masari to continue to act in illegal manner as regards the so called Commission of Inquiry which matter is ongoing before katsina state High Court 3, further confirmed the earlier assertion of a predetermined wicked agenda against Ibrahim Shehu Shema. This is evident in the fact that Governor Masari hurriedly in desperation made the Commission to submit the report to him on Saturday June 17, 2017, at night, having earlier directed the Commission through his officials to remove the names of those he earlier made allegations against, who subsequently joined his administration from the list of indicted persons in the so called final report.

From the facts available to us, Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema neither approved nor is aware of any 89 cheque withdrawals from Sure P account on May 28,2015, and days before the date, Ibrahim Shehu Shema has long gone out of Nigeria on vacation having rounded up his activities in government. That must have explained why Governor Masari is desperately trying to shield the operators of that Sure P account in pursuit of his one and only agenda in government to pull Shema down at all cost.

Although the party is aware Governor Masari has penchant for boasting to have influence on the anti graft agencies in the country being a Governor from the President state. However, we totally condemned Governor Masari unfortunate attempt to blame the head of a Superior Court in Nigeria for his bias choice of Justice Muhammad Suraj of Plateau State Judicial division as chairman of the Commission of Inquiry as contained in interview he granted in the Vanguard newspaper of Sunday, June 18th, 2017, at page 34 of the edition.

From the inception of Governor Aminu Bello Masari administration, it is clear that the sole agenda of his government is to witch hunt former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema and officials of his administration, despite using the Stadium built by Shema administration for his swearing in as Governor, and subsequently moved into the new Government House built by Shema. Also Governor Masari inherited a debt free state, with more than #14 billion in both the various state and local governments accounts, not to talk of numerous developmental projects executed across the state by Ibrahim Shehu Shema, some of which are building of more than 3000 housing units, First state Government owned Orthopaedic hospital in the whole of northern Nigeria, construction of more than 3000 km of roads.

Unfortunately, in the last two years of Governor Masari in office, having received over #300 billion including over #16 billion Paris Club refund, the party observed that nothing on ground in the state to justify the huge amount accrued to the state. Despite this Governor Masari administration has allegedly spent over #1 billion to pursue his sole agenda against Shema. It is pathetic and worrisome that the people of Katsina state are presently living in abject poverty as a result of mis placed priority of the Governor to witch hunt his predecessor at the expense of good governance.

We are iterating again that the Katsina State Commission of Inquiry is part of grand conspiracy to malign, denigrate and tarnish the image of Ibrahim Shehu Shema who served the state credibly well on the platform of People Democratic Party, and we therefore condemned the desperation of Governor Masari to destroy his predecessor. And we certainly not be surprised that Governor Masari will not relent in his using state and federal governments agencies including the state ministry of Justice to further his sole agenda to destroy Ibrahim Shehu Shema at the expense of good governance which he has been pursuing in the last two years of his administration.

Also for the avoidance of doubt, we urge the Nigerians and International communities to check on YOU TUBE using the link  KATSINA STATE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY SITTING, to see the charade Governor Masari set up as Commission of Inquiry, and they can judge by themselves what Governor Masari is up to with his bias, unjust and one day sitting Commission of Inquiry.

Signed

Hon Salisu Yusuf Majigiri

State Chairman

Peoples Democratic Party

Katsina state

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There is no doubt that the indices of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyis popularity and acceptance by the people of Enugu State are gathering momentum by the day, with gales of endorsements for his re-election in 2019 from different strata of the society.

For instance, while the members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu West and North Senatorial Districts of the state had unanimously endorsed him for second term because of his unprecedented achievements in just two years in office despite the severe economic challenges in the country, the states workers, during a one-day symposium organized by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Enugu State Council, passed a vote of confidence in the governor and asked him to carry go.

The most recent was the endorsement by the states traders under the auspices of Enugu State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ESAMATA). The traders at a solidarity rally they organised in appreciation of Governor Ugwuanyis entrenchment of good governance and initiation of a unique traders empowerment programme, also unanimously endorsed his re-election in 2019, saying that he has performed creditably in just two years in office despite the daunting economic challenges in the country.

The traders in an extreme display of their appreciation and support, on that fateful day, shut all the markets in the state and mobilised themselves en masse to the venue of the rally to honour the peoples governor. They were full of gratitude to him for good governance and his uncommon empowerment initiatives borne out of his desire to give traders in the state a sense of belonging and bring them closer to the government as the true heroes of democracy.

The outpouring endorsements, which are in recognition of the governors people-oriented programmes aimed at impacting positively on the lives of the people, have gone a long way to give credence to the overwhelming support and goodwill he enjoys from the people of the state.

Announcing the decision to shut the markets, the president general of the association, Temple Ude, in a statement issued earlier, stated that the plan to shut down the markets to celebrate Gov. Ugwuanyi was a unanimous decision of the traders in the state.

Mr. Ude added that the rally will be unprecedented in the history of the state as all the markets in the state will be shut down on Thursday, June 15, 2017 and all roads will lead to Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, where excited traders will converge en masse to appreciate and celebrate our traders-friendly Governor for his support and good governance.

He advised residents of the state to store foodstuffs and other needed items ahead of Thursday, saying that the rally will offer the traders a unique opportunity to interact with the governor and take far reaching decisions that would further improve their fortunes as well as sustain the progress of the state.

On the empowerment programme tagged Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme, which was the brain child of the governor flagged off on February 21, 2017, it is pertinent to note that the scheme was one of the policy thrusts of the present administration carefully designed to assist the traders to grow their various businesses for the socio-economic stimulation of the state. It has a package of N60 million annually to be won by 100 lucky winners monthly at N50,000 each through an open raffle draw.

Consequently, 1,200 genuine traders in the state will be empowered annually and as at the moment, 400 traders have so far benefited.

The governors vision has remained that winners of the lottery will invest the money into their various businesses to help promote all round economic growth in the state.

It would be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyis administration had organised a similar open lottery programme for civil servants in the state from grade levels 1-10, where 100 lucky winners won one unit of one-bedroom apartment each at Elim Estate, Enugu, with the state government paying over 50 per cent equity contribution  a landmark feat that saw 100 lucky civil servants become proud landlords in the state.

At the well-attended rally, the elated traders immediately Gov. Ugwuanyi arrived the venue, took to their dance steps praising and cheering him to a loud ovation as he walked round with other dignitaries to appreciate and acknowledge the cheers from them.

It was indeed an enduring encounter between a governor and his people, as the excitement that exuded from the jubilant crowd was a reality of the governors swelling popularity and acceptance.

The rally was also a demonstration of unwavering support, love, goodwill and solidarity as the traders could not hide their enthusiasm for the governors good works in the state and his kind thoughts for them, saying that his administration is most favourable to traders doing business in Enugu State.

In his address, Mr. Ude stated that the traders are very happy and at home with Governor Ugwuanyi for his visionary leadership and the empowerment programme initiated by his administration, adding that the idea was to stimulate the economy of the state as well as alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The president general applauded the cordial relationship existing between the governor and traders in the state, saying that it is equal to none when compared to other states in Nigeria, especially in the south-east states.

Expressing their desire for the governor to govern the state beyond 2023, Mr. Ude said: Your Excellency, no government in the past has ever attempted to establish the existing relationship between traders and government. Traders in Enugu State have resolved that if tenure elongation is democratic, they will sponsor a bill that Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi should be cleared for third term in office. Sir, we are committed to showing loyalty and sacrifice to your government, hence you have done much to traders in Enugu State.

On security and workers welfare, he noted that Mr. Ugwuanyi has created an enviable security outreach in the 17 local government areas with the establishment and equipping of the Neighbourhood watch associations in all the nooks and crannies of the state, and has equally remained regular in the payment of workers salaries, disclosing that such feat has gone a long way in encouraging traders to do business in the state.

We are convinced that even with the current economic hardship you still positively navigate the affairs of the state for the betterment of the people of Enugu State. We have unanimously endorsed your re-election come 2019, the president general declared with a loud ovation from the traders.

The traders equally commended the states Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, for his accessibility to them, disclosing that this is the first time since the inception of democracy in the state traders complaints are being treated promptly without any iota of nepotism.

Responding, Mr. Ugwuanyi thanked the visibly jubilant traders for the gesture, love, goodwill, solidarity, enthusiasm and support, adding that he feels highly honoured that they shut down the markets in the state to gather in their numbers to show appreciation for the empowerment scheme that we launched for traders in Enugu State last February.

He explained that the Traders Empowerment Scheme, carefully designed to boost economic activities in the state and improve the lives of the ordinary members of the society, was in line with our promise to deploy government resources and services to create fair and equal opportunity for every citizen to make a living, create wealth and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment.

He told the traders that the empowerment programme was only the beginning of his appreciation for the immense support and affection that they have continued to accord his administration since inception.

Reaffirming his administrations commitment to the welfare of the traders, the governor said: We have indeed resolved to do all that is necessary to better the lot of traders in Enugu State and in this regard, I promise that we will never allow anyone to harass, oppress or exploit you as you go about your legitimate businesses. Be assured that we will deal with any such case, promptly, decisively and comprehensively, as soon as it is brought to our notice.

We are discussing with financial institutions, international corporations and other relevant organisations on the ways and means of extending easier and more convenient lines of credit and other facilities to traders in Enugu State.

We are also working to upgrade the capacity of the Enugu State Marketing Company to arrange special import services for traders just as we are committed to the continuous development and equipment of markets in Enugu State as part of the efforts being made to create a more conducive environment for business and commercial activities to thrive in the state.

From the above narrative, it is glaring that Mr. Ugwuanyi is the man with the hearts of the people of Enugu State who have no regret in overwhelmingly electing him as their governor in 2015.

The onus is therefore, on the people to continue to support and encourage him to render more selfless service to build the Enugu State of the founding fathers dreams, because the state is securely in the hands of God.

Amoke writes from Enugu State.

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Academic and non-academic staff in five Kogi State government-owned tertiary institutions have suspended their five-month-old strike.

The institutions are the Kogi State University, Ayingba; Kogi Polytechnic, Lokoja; College of Education, Ankpa; College of Education (Technical), Kabba; and College of Nursing, Obangede.

Moses Balogun, Chairman, Joint Action Committee of the tertiary institutions, who announced this on Wednesday in Lokoja, after a meeting with officials of the state government, said the strike would be suspended for four weeks.

He directed the workers to resume work on Thursday, June 22.

The workers decided to suspend the strike in the interest of the students and out of respect for the members of the governing councils of the tertiary institutions.

The suspension is to allow government to pay arrears of workers salaries and implement tax relief packages approved by government since 2014, Mr. Balogun said.

While sympathising with students over the impact of the strike, Mr. Balogun appealed to government to meet the workers demands to prevent them from resuming the strike.

The workers have been on strike since Jan. 31.

Among the workers demands are the implementation of 65 years retirement age for non-academic staff, complete investigation into certificate status of some staff and payment of salaries.

The Commissioner for Education, Sunday Tolorunleke, in a reaction, thanked the workers for suspending the strike and promised that government would fulfill its side of the agreement within the next four weeks.

( NAN)

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The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Kogi has suspended its 18-day old strike to enable government meet up with her demands.

The Chairman of the association, Godwin Tijani, said this in a statement issued after its Ordinary General Meeting, OGM, in Lokoja on Thursday.

Mr. Tijani explained that members agreed to suspend the strike because the state government has met about 70 per cent of their demands and promised to address other outstanding issues before September.

As an understanding association, NMA deemed it fit to suspend the strike to give government the benefit of doubt.

We appreciate government for reinstating and payment of the salaries of our colleagues employed in 2015. We believe that the promise of reinstating some of our colleagues still on the uncleared list will also be fulfilled.

NMA has also been assured by government that the Relativity and corrected CONMESS will be implemented by September and we are looking forward to that.

The association is also impressed with the government decision to implement promotion and stepping for doctors to prevent the stagnation doctors have suffered for years.

Congress therefore suspend the strike action for three months and to reconvene in September to reappraise the suspended strike and resume if our demands are not met, Mr. Tijani said.

The association also appealed to the government for the regularisation of doctors salary and implementation of the revised CONMESS, promotions and annual stepping to avoid future strike in the health sector.

NAN recalls that the NMA on June 5 directed its members to resume the strike they suspended on May 13, citing the state governments failure to fulfil its promises to the doctors.

(NAN)

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FCT Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, has assured Abuja residents of tight security at all prayer grounds and recreational parks across the city during the forthcoming Eid-el-fitr celebration.

The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday next week as public holidays for the celebration.

Police gave the assurance on Wednesday in a statement signed by the FCT Commands spokesperson, Usen Omorodion.

According to the statement, Mr. Kimo has directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to deploy adequate security at the aforementioned points.

To complement the Area Commands and Divisions, the CP also ordered strategic deployment of plainclothes and uniformed Police personnel from the Command Headquarters to man all entry and exit points, and to embark on motorised, foot and static patrol across FCT.

While assuring FCT residents of adequate security during the Eid-el-fitr celebration, the Commissioner of Police FCT enjoins residents to support the Police with timely information on the movement of suspicious and strange persons around them, Mr. Kimo said.

The commissioner also on behalf of the command, officers and men felicitates with all Muslim faithfuls as they celebrate this years Eid-al-fitr.

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ATLANTIC CITY  Nurses, doctors and former patients gathered on the sixth floor of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center on Wednesday to celebrate the 25 years since the opening of the hospitals trauma center.

Atlantic City police Officer Joshlee Vadell was just one of the patients who came to the celebratory luncheon to visit with the trauma center staff.

I was close to death, and as a result, everyone worked hard and tirelessly to put me back together, Vadell said in thanking the staff for their efforts.

On Sept. 3, officers rushed him to the medical center after he was shot in the head breaking up a robbery about a block away. Trauma surgeons saved his life, although hes still recovering.

Every time I can, I come back, whenever I can, to show my appreciation to the staff for putting them through hell the 12 days I was here, Vadell said.

Im so thankful to the doctors and staff here. ... They saved my life.

Overlooking Atlantic City, the conference room where Wednesdays celebration was held was crowded with surgeons and members of the trauma team talking about the importance of having a local trauma center.

Past chairman of surgery Dr. William Aarons, who is now retired, said several hospitals were vying to become a certified trauma center in the 1990s, but AtlantiCare helped fund and meet requirements 25 years ago.

No one knew if it was going to make money or waste resources, said Aarons, but it was going to upgrade the quality of care at the hospital.

The trauma center opened June 1, 1992. In the first month, the center treated 100 patients, mostly suffering injuries from motor-vehicle accidents.

The following February, the trauma center expanded to include the Medivac helipad and a blood bank, as well as seven additional beds for patient care.

The most important thing is the incredible support, said Dr. Peter Thompson.

Thompson has been a part of the trauma team at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for 22 years and credits the maturity and teamwork of all the medical services for the ongoing success.

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Centers trauma center is one of only 10 in New Jersey. The hospital receives patients from South Toms River to Hammonton, according to Thompson.

When trauma happens, you have to go to the local center. We have around 1,700 admissions each year, and were busy all year round.

Currently, the trauma center has 12 beds in addition to treating patients in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2016, the center treated 1,758 patients.

For Roy and Katie Shone, the trauma center helped save two of their childrens lives.

A year after spending three weeks in the hospital when their daughter Kaylie was in a car accident in 2015, their son Joe was in a motorcycle accident. The Shones said they knew exactly where they wanted their son to be taken.

We had all our faith and confidence that hed get the best treatment here, Katie Shone said.

Dr. Bruce Folbaum was taken to the trauma unit in July 2015 after a head-on car crash in Somers Point. While Folbaum admitted to not remembering much of his stay in the ICU, his wife, Eileen, said she felt very taken care of by the staff.

It was unbelievable, Eileen Folbaum said Wednesday. They took care of me as well as my husband.

Folbaum said he most enjoyed being able to have his whole family visit during his five weeks in the hospital and was thankful he was able to celebrate another Fathers Day.

We have a big impact on our patients and their families, said lead trauma nurse Kathy McNulty.

McNulty, who was in the middle of her 12-hour shift Wednesday and had received a page that a truama patient was arriving in eight minutes, took a moment to say hello to the patients she helped care for.

I treated all of them here. I helped discharge Josh and Dr. Folbaum, said McNulty. We have become family.

Asked how it feels to see former patients out and about in town, McNulty said, Theres a lot of pride. Im proud to see them come back living their lives as they should. Its very rewarding.
After more than half a century, the remains of a U.S. sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor have been identified through DNA testing as Machinists Mate 1st Class Earl R. Melton of Ocean County.

Melton, of Lakewood, served aboard the USS Oklahoma, one of eight battleships moored in the harbor on Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941.

Melton will be accorded a burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday, according to a statement from the Ocean County freeholders Thursday morning.

The freeholders will hold a moment of silence at their public meeting July 5 in honor of Melton.

The remains were identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a federal agency charged with identifying dead and missing American servicemen and servicewomen from all wars.

Thanks to their hard work, the family of this brave sailor finally has closure, Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said. After all of these years, a hero has finally come home.

Hit by numerous torpedoes, the Oklahoma capsized, trapping much of its crew underwater.

The Oklahoma listed 429 men killed, second only to the USS Arizona, on which the lives of 1,177 sailors and officers were lost.

For days after the attack, rescue workers could hear men banging frantically inside the upside-down hull. Because of the difficulty of the salvage effort, the ship was not removed from the muck and righted until 1943.

Ocean County never forgets its veterans, Vicari said.

The county is home to more veterans than any other county in the state. More than 68,000 veterans live in the countys 33 towns.

Local cemeteries hold the remains of soldiers who fought as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Machinists Mate Melton is another example of the brave men and women of Ocean County who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, said Deputy Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau.

Meltons remains were originally interred at a cemetery in Hawaii, according to a press release issued by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

In 2015, the Department of Defense ordered the disinterment of unknown sailors from the USS Oklahoma in an effort to identify their remains.

DNA analysis matched Melton with samples given by a niece and four nephews. Dental records and circumstantial evidence helped confirm the findings.

More than 400,000 Americans died in the Second World War. More than 73,000 men and women from that war are still unaccounted for.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  Before he was a mayor, a freeholder, a state Assemblyman and a school superintendent, Fred Nickles was a volunteer fireman.

Nickles, 69, who died Saturday at home, will get a firefighters send off Saturday at the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, taking his last ride in a fire truck to the cemetery.

The community will have several chances to pay their respects to the longtime educator and politician.

Viewings will be held 2 to 4 p.m. and again 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, 301 Maple Ave., Egg Harbor Township.

Another viewing will be held 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the same location, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial will be at Palestine Cemetery next to the Scullville Bible Church, of which he was a longtime member.

According to his obituary, Nickles is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Casey) Nickles, his daughters Jessica Wardencki, Jenna Wardencki, Erin Nickles, Amy Boyer (Jeff); grandchildren Kaitlyn and Ryan; sister-in-law Vi Nickles and nephew Don (Becky) Nickles Jr. He is predeceased by his mother, Ruth (Thorn) Nickles, father Wesley Nickles brother Don Nickles.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company, 1708 Somers Point-Mays Landing Road, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234 or Farmington Volunteer Fire Company, 301 Maple Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234. Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left for his family at adams-perfect.com.
ATLANTIC CITY  Sister Jeans Kitchen, which for decades has served the homeless and those in need, will soon move to the closed St. Monicas Catholic Church.

The group is expected to make settlement on the property Aug. 15, officials said. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved up to $1 million in funding for the improvements to the church, which was closed two years ago as part of a consolidation by the Diocese of Camden.

The relocation of Sister Jeans Kitchen is the second phase of the Pacific Avenue Midtown Redevelopment Project, along with the relocation of the John Brooks Recovery Center already in progress, said Chris Howard, executive director of the authority. This relocation will be a significant upgrade from Sister Jeans current facility and will provide a cleaner and safer environment for its critical services.

The move takes the kitchen, now in the Presbyterian Church across from the closed Trump Taj Mahal, outside of the authoritys Tourism District. The district includes the entire Boardwalk, the Marina District, Gardners Basin and 10 roads that lead into the district, including several on the citys northern end. City zoning laws regulate development in the rest of the resort.

A retired casino chef, Sister Jean Webster started the kitchen in 1986 after she saw a homeless man searching for food in the garbage and invited him into her home for dinner. Sister Jean died in 2011, but the kitchen continues to operate, serving 300 to 400 people a day.

All of this is being done to make Atlantic City better, said Bob Mulcahy, chairman of the CRDAs board of directors. The future of their current building is bleak; the building is not structurally sound.

The improvements include kitchen updates and the demolition of a small building on the property, Mulcahy said.

The Presbyterian Church, located at Pennsylvania and Pacific avenues, has serious structural issues, said Wally Shields, construction official for the city.

It has had issues. How bad they are, I dont know, Shields said. It would be extremely costly to rehab it.

The move to St. Monicas will also make it safer for those waiting in line, said Lance Landgraf, director of planning for the authority, adding that people waiting to get a meal currently line up along Pacific Avenue. As part of the move, people will be allowed to line up indoors at the new facility.

Mayor Don Guardian, a member of the board, said the new location will be a better fit for the soup kitchen.

The new location, which is two blocks away, will be closer to where people live, Guardian said. There are no others looking at St. Monicas, and this is an excellent social-service use for it.
Authorities charged a Pleasantville man in the deadly August shootout on the Atlantic City Expressway, officials said Thursday.

Devan Leggette, 21, was charged Wednesday with four counts of attempted murder, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said in a statement. He also was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a handgun and one count of possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose.

Leggette made his first appearance in court Thursday.

The shootout occurred Aug. 29 in the eastbound lanes of the expressway near milepost 11.2. A witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing smoke coming from a black Dodge Ram pickup truck. Occupants of the truck and a white Ford Expedition exchanged gunfire, according to the statement.

The witness followed the pickup truck off Exit 5 in Pleasantville and provided a description of the driver. Leggette was later identified during a photographic lineup as the driver of the truck, the statement said.

Police said previously Wilbert Demosthenes, 25, of Pleasantville, was shot during the incident and drove himself to Philadelphia for hospital treatment of a gunshot wound.

Demosthenes, who detectives said was in the pickup truck associated with the shooting that was recovered in Pleasantville, was later arrested and charged in the incident, authorities said.

Demosthenes was one of five people injured in the shooting, which killed Rosemond Octavius, 22, of Egg Harbor Township. Octavius was in a third vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, that ended up on the shoulder of the Garden State Parkway near mile marker 40.

Authorities said the four others injured were in the Ford Expedition, which was struck by gunfire at least 21 times and drove on a bare rim to a parking lot at Wawa on the Airport Circle in Egg Harbor Township.

Leggette will have a detention hearing at 1:30 p.m. Monday before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Donna Taylor.

In April 2016, Leggette was arrested in Pleasantville and charged in connection with a May 2015 drive-by shooting, according to Press archives. Police said Leggette, a passenger in a vehicle, fired multiple rounds at Martin Harmon, who was attending a barbecue at his West Pleasant Avenue home. Harmon was shot in the leg and chest.

Anyone with information on the expressway shooting may call the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666.
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Taipei, June 22 (CNA) Police said on Thursday that they have arrested three Vietnamese men in connection with the killing of a Vietnamese migrant worker and the wounding of two others in a brawl that took place in New Taipei on June 18.
The Legislature and Gov. Chris Christie have eight days to settle and sign a balanced budget for the fiscal year starting July 1. As usual, the biggest challenge is how to pay for the generous (and unfunded) pension promises of the past.

Christie has proposed putting $2.5 billion into the pension fund for state workers, up from $1.9 billion. Thats still far short of enough to cover the states $49 billion fund shortfall, but as much progress as his administration thinks is possible for now. Public worker unions would prefer guaranteed full funding, no matter how much taxes must rise or state programs are cut to do it.

But this year Trenton is focused on a Christie proposal to give the state lottery and its revenues for the next 30 years to the pension fund. Legislators seem fascinated by the schemes instant reduction in unfunded pension liabilities, but are wary of being outfoxed (again) by the governor on pensions.

The plan would be revenue neutral, since the annual $1 billion in lottery revenue going to the pension fund would allow the state to reduce its budget payment to the fund by the same amount. Then the state would use that money for the programs the lottery currently funds.

Since the state constitution requires lottery proceeds to benefit state institutions and state aid for education, their use by the pension fund would go to benefits for teachers, state uniformed employees and general state workers.

The pension fund would get the same $1 billion from the lottery or state budget. But for accounting purposes, the money counts more if it is being produced by an asset of the pension fund. So  presto chango!  the states unfunded liability would drop by $13.5 billion, says the Treasury Department.

This would only matter if it prompted debt-rating agencies to upgrade New Jersey (after years of downgrades) and reduce its borrowing costs. The bond analysis firm Municipal Market Analytics told Observer New Jersey that is unlikely. Sen. Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth, sensibly prefers to hear from Moodys or S&P before voting on the lottery plan.

We dont think Christies lottery scheme would make the state more reliable financially. It would just move money around, changing how bills are paid.

Such an accounting change does nothing to address the basic problem of paying for unaffordable pension benefits promised to state employee unions. That requires some combination of raising taxes, reducing pension benefits and taking money from other state programs.

S&P Global already judges New Jerseys finances second-worst in the nation, behind only basket-case Illinois. The day of fiscal reckoning is coming.

State officials, citizens, taxpayers and program beneficiaries should prepare for the necessary hard choices instead of chasing a trick to make the hole look shallower.
City of Plattsmouth working on getting assistance for storm damages incurred June 16

City officials met with Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) representatives on Thursday to discuss Plattsmouths disaster declaration June 16 and the possibility of obtaining state and/or federal assistance.

NEMA AND Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs are primarily for public, governmental infrastructure recovery, said City Administrator Erv Portis. However, through NEMA, there may be sufficient storm damage or losses to submit a Small Business Administration (SBA) application o cover uninsured business losses.

If any Plattsmouth area businesses suffered loss from the June 16 super cell of thunderstorms, owners or managers should write a brief summary of the losses. Be sure to include the name of the business, business address, type of business loss such as structural, inventory and business interruptions.

These should be forwarded to Portis early in the week of June 26. I will provide it to NEMA, Portis said. There are no promises, but we can at least try to make a case.

In addition, a group of Plattsmouth Community Schools staff members and high school students has offered to help senior citizens and disabled individuals who need help cleaning up from the storm. The group has access to chain saws and trucks. If assistance is needed, contact Mike Holland, mholland@pcsd.org; mholland@opaafood.com; call his cell number 1-641-781-1266 or work number 420-296-3322 Ext. 2164.
MINSK, Belarus, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Beijing-Minsk Business Cooperation Promotion Fair was held in Minsk on June 21. Li Luxia, head of Beijing delegation and vice-chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-Council (CCPIT Beijing) said that Beijing is willing to constantly push the business cooperation communication and trade investment development with Minsk.

Li Luxia said that the friendly exchanges between China and Belarus have a long history. In September 2016, President Lukashenko paid a state visit to China and both sides announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual trust and mutual benefit.

By the end of 2016, China-Belarus trade volume had reached US $1.524 billion. China became the third largest trade partner and also the largest trade partner in Asia of Belarus with a bright prospect for cooperation. In the context of the continuously deepening of the strategic partnership and the continuous development of the Belt and Road Initiative construction, Beijing held the Business Cooperation Promotion Fair in Minsk, which is a concrete practice for mutual construction as sister cities and Beijing's emphasis on economic and trade cooperation with Minsk.

The Promotion Fair was held jointly by CCPIT Beijing and Minsk Branch of Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than 50 entrepreneurs from Minsk in the fields of food, art, clothing, pharmaceuticals, exhibitions, law, etc. and over 70 entrepreneurs from Beijing in the areas of energy, tourism, culture, agriculture, science and technology, economy and trade attended the Fair.

Image Attachments Links:

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SOURCE China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-Council (CCPIT Beijing)
PLATTSMOUTH  Plattsmouth parents and guardians will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the school districts High Ability Learners (HAL) program on Monday night.

Plattsmouth Community Schools will host the HAL informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 26, at Plattsmouth Community Middle School. District officials are providing a forum for patrons to participate in a discussion about the program.

Plattsmouth Board of Education members listened to initial feedback from parents at the boards regular meeting June 12. Approximately 15 parents and students attended the meeting and shared their views about potential changes to the HAL curriculum and operational strategy.

PCS Superintendent Dr. Richard Hasty shared possible options for the program during the boards June 12 meeting. A 30-minute discussion took place in the workshop and several parents spoke during a 20-minute public comment session. Board members did not take any action regarding the HAL program during their meeting.

Hasty told community members who attended the board meeting that the district would schedule a future informational session to allow additional voices to be heard. District officials chose June 26 as the date for the HAL meeting.
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, the leader in testing, inspection / audit, advisory and certification services announces the launch of its Industry Insight Series at upcoming Mobile World Congress Shanghai event during 28 - 30 June. Bureau Veritas' Specialists from all over the world will be presenting at Stand #W2.B01 in SNIEC Industry Hall our comprehensive service portfolio of Smartworld including Wireless, EMC/RF, OTA, SAR, Safety, Performance, Chemical, and Cybersecurity, all aspects that make the Internet of Things (IoT) become a working reality.

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Bureau Veritas' Industry Insight Series

During the event, we will be discussing with you the latest technical and commercial requirements such as new Radio Equipment Directive, Bluetooth 5, SigFox, etc. Especially, we will also be providing executive insights covering the latest industry and IoT / Smartworld challenges with practical guidelines in relation to regulatory, connectivity, performance and interoperability.

Bluetooth 5 Update - reviewing in details the key improvements on Bluetooth 5 adoption and their impact for IoT devices or battery powered connected devices

Regulatory Update - providing information on the latest test standards and methodology including new Radio Equipment Directive (RED)

Smart Home Solutions - overcoming wireless connectivity and interoperability challenges in the Smart Home

Global Smartworld Solutions - covering Wireless, EMC/RF, OTA, SAR, Safety, Chemical, Performance, and Cybersecurity

Register to our Industry Insight Series at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWCSH2017, and attend to get a chance to win a Xiaomi wristband (Health Tracker).

We look forward to welcoming you.

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world-leading provider in testing, inspection and certification. Founded in 1828, the group has more than 72,000 employees in 1,400 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients to improve their performances by offering innovative services and solutions in order to ensure that their products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environment protection and social responsibility. Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index (Compartment A, code ISIN FR 006174348, stock symbol: BVI) Website: www.bureauveritas.com

Bureau Veritas' Consumer Products Services division is a leading global quality assurance provider for the global consumer product and retail markets. It offers an array of specialized services including testing, inspections, audits and engineering services for a wide range of consumer products. These products include hard goods; toys and juvenile products; soft goods; premiums; electrical and electronic products including wireless and mobile devices; automotive equipment; food products as well as health, beauty, cosmetics, and household products.

Website: www.bureauveritas.com/cps

SOURCE Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services
DUBLIN, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Self Administered Injectable Drug Delivery: Products, Therapeutics, Markets, Players and Forecasts" report to their offering.

This is a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the technology, products and participants providing the driving force behind this evolving segment of the healthcare sector.



The study is designed to provide drug company decision makers, drug delivery developers, device designers, healthcare marketers, and supply chain participants with a detailed understanding of the economics, technologies, disease segments, and commercial opportunities for injectable drug delivery devices and systems that are designed for use by patients for self administration. Provider organization business managers, healthcare administrators and investors will also benefit from this study.



The correlation between chronic conditions and the benefits of patient self-administration continues to influence therapeutic product decisions, managed care initiatives and regulatory actions. Drug injection device designs are increasingly being based on the results of human engineering inputs and patient preference research. Branding and packaging choices are more frequently being driven by data sources historically employed by consumer product marketers. For drug developers and device suppliers, the implications of these trends are influencing product development methodology and changing supply chain relationships. Decisions regarding as-supplied packaging that were once considered boilerplate have moved to the early stages of the development process. The trend toward self administered injectable drug delivery systems will exert increasing influence on all aspects of the parenteral drug sector.



Self Administered Injectable Drug Delivery - What You Will Learn



- What are the dynamics of the shifting landscape for self-administered injectable drug delivery and the market impact of new and evolving syringes and injectors by therapeutic indication?

- What are the market drivers influencing syringes and injectors for patient self-administration - device designs, feature/functionality, product branding, competing technologies and commercial development?

- What are the key characteristics of the major self-administered injectable device market segments and what is the impact of market demographics, and competing business strategies?

- What is the current market demand for syringes and injectors developed for patient self-administration by indication and therapy and what will it be in 2024?

- Who are the leading injection device companies, and what are their product development activities, business strategies, and corporate alliances and affiliations?

- What is the impact of economic, technology, and regulatory factors on self administered injectable drug delivery demand?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Self Administered Injectables



- Market Dynamics

- Evolution in Drug Development

- Injectables Demand Drivers

- Diseases and Indications

- Population Demographics

- Competitive landscape

- Risks & Opportunities

- Technology Risks

- Market Risks

- Regulatory Risks



3. Self-Administration Device Design



- Device Selection Factors

- Market Segmentation

- Product Features & Ease of Use

- Supply Chain Factors

- Capabilities & Market Presence

- Regional Market Factors

- Design Requirements

- Design Ergonomics

- Ease-of-Use

- Patient Safety

- Dosing Frequency

- Drug Stability & Shelf Life

- Drug Reconstitution

- Fixed vs Variable Dose Devices



4. Competing Injection Device Classes



- Prefilled Syringes (PFS)

- Glass PFS

- Plastic PFS

- Autoinjectors

- Standard PFS Compatible

- Custom Design

- Reusable vs Disposable Designs

- Dual Chamber Syringes

- Needle-free Injectors (NFI)

- Prefilled NFI

- Reusable vs Disposable Designs

- Pen Injectors

- Branded Custom Pens

- OEM Devices

- Patch Pumps

- Mechanical vs Electronic

- Disposable vs Reusable

- Prefilled vs Patient Fillable

- Subcutaneous Infusion Devices

- Mechanical vs Electronic

- Disposable vs Reusable

- Volume/Viscosity Capabilities

- Patient Interface

- Injection Methodology

- Primary Container

- Duration Dependent Dosing

- Device Segmentation

- OEM Devices

- Captive Devices

- Product Specific Devices



5. Trending Specialty Injectable Device Capabilities



- Communication-enabled Devices

- High Viscosity Capable Devices

- Large Volume Wearable Devices



6. Drug Injection Device Market Segment Analysis & Forecasts



- Anticoagulants

- Antivirals

- Autoimmune Diseases

- Diabetes

- Emergency Medicine

- Hematopoietics

- Hormone Replacement

- Neurology

- Osteoporosis

- Reproductive Health

- Vaccines



7. Market Factors



- Regulatory Issues

- Device Branding

- Patient Compliance

- Healthcare Economics

- Partnerships and Alliances



8. Company Profiles



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rjhtlg/self_administered

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 28 and 29, more than 60 talk radio hosts from around the country will converge on Washington, D.C., for the 11th annual  and largest ever  Hold Their Feet to the Fire radio row event. Their intent is to make sure the President delivers on his immigration promises and that Congress acts. Sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the event features two days of live, continuous broadcasting with talk hosts debating and interviewing dozens of members of Congress, administration officials, policy experts, law enforcement professionals, and people whose lives have been forever changed by our failed and dangerous immigration policies. Topics discussed will include:

Enhancing border security and construction of a secure border fence.

Reversing reckless and unconstitutional Obama-era executive policies.

The need for mandatory E-Verify to discourage illegal immigration and protect American workers.

Ensuring proper vetting of immigrants and refugees from countries known to harbor or support terrorism.

Eliminating sanctuary policies that protect illegal aliens and endanger public safety.

Reforming our legal immigration policy to ensure that the people we admit can succeed and benefit the nation.

As always, credentialed media are invited to attend the event and may have unrestricted access to all hosts and the broad spectrum of guest interviewees on-site. Pre-registration is not required but media must check-in at the Event Desk and present credentials.

What: Hold Their Feet to the Fire Radio Row

When: Wednesday June 28 and Thursday June 29, 6 am to 9 pm

Where: Phoenix Park Hotel 520 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington D.C.

Who: 60 talk radio hosts, members of Congress, administration officials, policy experts, law enforcement professionals, and victims of illegal alien crime.

Contact: Cassie Williams, press secretary FAIR, (202)328-7004 or [email protected].

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


PHILADELPHIA, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) will focus on combating the opioid epidemic at its national conference, which kicks off this week in Philadelphia. AANP will offer several courses at the conference on the management and treatment of pain, including sessions on how clinicians can safely prescribe opioids and strategies to address opioid misuse in communities nationwide. Today more than two million adults suffer from opioid abuse. Last year, Philadelphia had a 30 percent increase in drug overdoses, and 80 percent of those were due to opioids.

"Our nation is struggling with opioid abuse, and nurse practitioners are an active part of the solution," said Dr. Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP, President-elect, AANP. "More than 4,500 nurse practitioners will have access to exceptional training at this conference that they can employ with their patients at home, and that is a huge step in the right direction in the fight against opioid abuse nationwide."

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), signed into law in July 2016, authorizes qualified NPs and PAs to prescribe medication-assisted treatments for patients with opioid use disorder, after completing 24 hours of required education. CARA designates AANP as one of the qualified organizations to provide the training. AANP collaborated with the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Academy of PAs to provide the education. To date, more than 1,900 NPs have completed the required education and nearly 1,400 nurse practitioners have received the waiver to prescribe these treatments.

Included in this year's conference will be Opioid Prescribing: Safe Practice, Saving Lives  a three-hour session focusing on pain management, all prescription opioids and Centers for Disease Control guidelines for treatment. To date, AANP has successfully provided this training to more than 19,000 nurse practitioners and the expected attendance for the activity this week should bring that number closer to 19,500. With the newly updated content, those that have taken the education in the past should consider repeating the session to learn more about safely treating pain.



"The opioid problem is getting worse by the day, and it's time for our nation to tap the potential of nurse practitioners working on the front lines," said Knestrick. "We're providing exceptional training and opportunities for certification to allow nurse practitioners to take on opioid abuse one community at a time."

There are more than 234,000 nurse practitioners licensed in the U.S., and nurse practitioners complete more than 1.04 billion patient visits annually. AANP is the largest professional organization representing nurse practitioners of all specialties.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties, represents the interests of the more than 234,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner, AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers. To locate a nurse practitioner, go to npfinder.com. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.

SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Related Links

http://www.aanp.org


WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement today in response to the Senate bill which imposes an "Age Tax" on older adultsincreasing health insurance premiums and reducing tax credits, makes cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid funding, and yet gives billions of dollars in tax breaks to drug and insurance companies. AARP calls on every Senator to vote 'NO' on this harmful bill.

"This new Senate bill was crafted in secrecy behind closed doors without a single hearing or open debateand it shows. The Senate bill would hit millions of Americans with higher costs and result in less coverage for them. AARP is adamantly opposed to the Age Tax, which would allow insurance companies to charge older Americans five times more for coverage than everyone else while reducing tax credits that help make insurance more affordable.

"AARP is also deeply concerned that the Senate bill cuts Medicaid funding that would strip health coverage from millions of low-income and vulnerable Americans who depend on the coverage, including 17 million poor seniors and children and adults with disabilities. The proposed Medicaid cuts would leave millions, including our most vulnerable seniors, at risk of losing the care they need and erode seniors' ability to live in their homes and communities.

"The Senate bill also cuts funding for Medicare which weakens the programs ability to pay benefits and leaves the door wide open to benefit cuts and Medicare vouchers. AARP has long opposed proposals that cut benefits or weaken Medicare.

"As we did with all 435 Members of the House of Representatives, AARP will also hold all 100 Senators accountable for their votes on this harmful health care bill. Our members care deeply about their health care and have told us repeatedly that they want to know where their elected officials stand. We strongly urge the Senate to reject this bill."

About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

SOURCE AARP

Related Links

http://www.aarp.org


SYDNEY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aduro Diamonds Pty Ltd ("Aduro Diamonds") is pleased to announce Mr. Ronald H. Winston has been appointed to its Board as an Independent Director.

Mr. Winston is the former Chairman and CEO of Harry Winston Inc. Mr. Winston, the son of the founder of Harry Winston, known as the "King of Diamonds", joined Harry Winston Inc. in 1965 and led the company's expansion from two stores into a global luxury jewelry and watch business. Mr. Winston has deep experience in mineral exploration, diamond mining, rough diamond trading, diamond manufacturing, and diamond sales and holds or has held executive and board roles in both large and development stage companies. Mr. Winston is also an accomplished inventor, holding a number of patents, including patents related to diamonds. Mr. Winston served on the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science under President Ronald Reagan.

Aduro Diamonds, a private Australian diamond exploration and mining company, has acquired control of almost all known historically producing diamond mines and significant diamond occurrences in the Copeton and Bingara regions of New South Wales, Australia. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Copeton Diamond Mines Pty Ltd, holds 100% title to six Mining Leases and seven Exploration Licenses, controlling over 850 km2. When the diamond mines at Copeton and Bingara were in commercial production in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, local miners reported high grades of gem quality diamonds, including a number of large colored gem quality stones. Aduro Diamond's objective is to return the Copeton and Bingara diamond deposits to production using modern mining technology.

James Passin, the Founder and Chairman of Aduro Diamonds, commented:

"It is a great honor to welcome Ronald H. Winston to our Board. With the addition of Mr. Winston, one of the world's most highly respected diamond entrepreneurs, Aduro Diamonds is positioned to bring the high grade deep lead diamond deposits of Copeton and Bingara back to commercial production, while continuing the exciting historical exploration work of our predecessors, including BHP Billiton, who did significant work on the ground between 1993 and 1996. Over the last several years, Aduro Diamonds' geological team has assembled all known geological and mining data from work conducted over the last 144 years, and the Company, with the application of the latest in technological advancements, is now poised to move our diamond project towards commerciality."

Ian Johns

+61251007296/+61418409800

[email protected]

SOURCE Aduro Diamonds
COLUMBUS, Ga., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States, announced today that CEO Daniel P. Amos will serve as a keynote speaker at the CTO Forum, a premier organization for senior technology and business leaders, at their eighth annual RETHINK STRATEGY executive education program. Amos will speak on July 30, 2017, during the program that runs from July 30 to Aug. 3 at Harvard Business School.

According to CTO Forum, the RETHINK STRATEGY program is a collaboration of CTO Forum and Harvard Business School. The program aims at identifying, examining, and overcoming the challenges that senior technology and business executives face in fostering a culture of smart innovation, corporate renewal and systemic growth in well-established organizations. Distinguished leaders who will present throughout the forum are selected by the organizers and are by invitation only. Submissions and pitches from organizations are not accepted. Invitations for attendees at the RETHINK STRATEGY program are reserved for chief information officers and chief technology officers of firms ranked by Fortune.

"It is an honor to be selected to provide a keynote address at such an important event held in conjunction with one of our nation's most prestigious institutes of higher learning," Amos said. "I look forward to sharing the Aflac story and highlighting our continued innovation in the insurance industry."

Amos has been CEO of Aflac since 1990, when annual revenues were $2.7 billion. Today, Aflac annual revenues exceed $22.5 billion and the company is listed at No. 126 on the Fortune 500. He is the second longest-serving CEO in the Fortune 200, eclipsed only by Warren Buffet. In 2015, Aflac introduced its transformative One Day PaySM program, which enables the company to receive, process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in only one business day.

About Aflac

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative, Aflac U.S. can receive, process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 11 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2017, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 19th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 16th time. In 2015, Aflac's contact centers were recognized by J.D. Power by providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" for the Live Phone Channel. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day PaySM, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Media contact  Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact  David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac

Related Links

http://www.aflac.com


GUATEMALA CITY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AgroAmerica, a sustainable agriculture corporation in Guatemala has been named a finalist for The Unilever Global Development Award: Recognising businesses that can demonstrate positive impact against one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AgroAmerica's program Living wage: the limits of social responsibility brings good jobs to the rural areas of Guatemala. Wages are complemented with benefits that are greater than those required by the law and give employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for their families. In this way AgroAmerica contributes to poverty reduction and benefits local development. According to the UN, eradication of poverty is only possible through stable and well-paid jobs.

The Living Wage program benefits 11,000 employees and around 55,000 people (family members) in rural areas of Guatemala.

"Since AgroAmerica was founded, people have always been the core of this business," said Fernando Bolanos, CEO of AgroAmerica. "Employment and good working conditions are needed to promote inclusive and sustainable local growth. In order for the business to be sustainable in the rural areas where we operate, we must provide benefits to our employees first, then their families and communities."

The company has redefined their social investment to align with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.

5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities,and equal pay for work of equal value.

Fairness is a core philosophy for the company, which has more than 20 internal policies ensuring responsible business across a range of areas.

Shortlisted companies:

http://awards.bitc.org.uk/new-blog-stream-10/the-unilever-global-development-award-shortlist

Finalist companies:

http://awards.bitc.org.uk/

For more information on the Awards www.bitc.org.uk/awards/responsible-business-awards

About AgroAmerica

AgroAmerica is a sustainable and socially responsible agriculture business that grows and delivers tropical fruits and vegetable oils. The company operates with development-orientated policies to tackle poverty and issues of gender equality. AgroAmerica was the first Guatemalan company to conduct research into a living wage for their workers. The family-owned company has operations in Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, United States and Europe.

For more information visit https://agroamerica.com/en

For further information about AgroAmerica contact [email protected]

SOURCE AgroAmerica

Related Links

http://www.agroamerica.com


AICM has held its "Responsible Care" awards ceremony since 2013. It is a way to show appreciation for the achievement of members in Responsible Care implementation, and encourage more enterprises to adopt Responsible Care. After a rigorous evaluation process, 23 companies won awards, including 14 "Chairman Awards" (AkzoNobel, BASF, Cabot, Celanese, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, Eastman, ExxonMobil, LANXESS', Lubrizol , PPG, SABIC, Wacker) and 9 "Merit Awards" (Air Liquide, Arkema, Evonik, Ingevity, Mitsubishi, Mitsui Chemicals, Methanex, Topsafe&Trinseo). Five Chairman Award-winning companies presented their achievements in implementing "Responsible Care" at the ceremony, sharing valuable experience for industry promotion and mutual learning.

During the Awards Ceremony, AICM also kicked off its 2017 "Open to Public Day" program. Community awareness and emergency response is one of the six Responsible Care codes, highlighting the importance and necessity of chemical companies to gain community public recognition and support. Therefore, since 2009, AICM has worked with member companies to hold "Open-to-public Days", which effectively promotes community and the stakeholders' awareness and understanding on chemicals science and chemical industry. In 2017, 30 AICM member companies will open their factories and offices, to publicize innovation in chemical science, enhance information transparency, and promote harmonious communication with the public and surrounding partners.

Following the AICM Responsible Care award ceremony, the 2017 China Responsible Care Conference was held together with CPCIF, to further promote the practice of Responsible Care in China, making the chemical industry safer, greener and more sustainable.

Responsible Care (RC) is implemented in more than 50 countries as a global voluntary initiative in the chemical industry, with commitment of many chemical companies. Responsible Care represents the determination of the chemical industry to improve health, safety and environmental performance. Its six codes cover community awareness and emergency response, distribution, pollution prevention, production process safety, employee health and safety and product regulation. Since 2008, AICM has promoted "Responsible Care" in China in conjunction with ICCA and was awarded observer status in the ICCA Responsible Care Leadership Group in 2010. Nearly two-thirds of AICM members have signed the ICCA "Responsible Care Global Charter".

Chairman Dr. Alasdair Jelfs said, "The role of AICM is to encourage members to bring their best practices of Responsible Care into China to implement them locally and to propagate those practices more broadly in our industry. As such, our members encourage the local industry to raise performance, particularly in the area of environment, health and safety. Our goal is to benefit all stakeholders in our industry, including customers, suppliers, the local community, employees and investors through the positive impact of Responsible Care and to achieve this, extensive technological and management expertise is applied in China."

"Besides running regular workshops, forums and conferences to promote Responsible Care, AICM also developed the 'Road Safety Quality Assessment System (RSQAS)' which provides a tool to assess quality, safety and environmental management systems of logistic service providers in a uniformed manner by independent assessors. AICM members have conducted RC self-assessment and submitted Key performance indicators as well as participating in a Responsible Care Peer Review (RCPR) program. Through information sharing and best practice development, indicators of performance and peer review procedures, it enables the industry to demonstrate its commitment and in doing so helps build trust with the public and credibility with its stakeholders," added Jeff Zhu, AICM vice Chairman, President of the Asia Pacific region, Cabot Corporation.

ABOUT AICM

The Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) was founded in 1988 and represents nearly 70 major multinational companies across China's chemical industry. Its member's businesses cover the manufacturing, sales, transportation, distribution and disposal of chemicals. AICM and its members share a common vision; to contribute to the sustainable development of a responsible chemical industry in China. AICM commits to promoting Responsible Care and other globally recognized chemical management principles among all stakeholders, by advocating cost-effective science and risk-based policies, to build up the chemical industry's contribution to the Chinese economy. (www.aicm.cn)

SOURCE AICM

Related Links

http://www.aicm.cn


LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Serial tech entrepreneur and former California Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner, working with a group of prominent tech, university, and research institute leaders, today announced the formation of the Alliance for Southern California Innovation (Alliance), a nonprofit established to nurture and accelerate the growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern California.

"Southern California has the right building blocks to become the next leading technology and innovation hub in the United States," said Steve Poizner, Founder of the Alliance. "Through a collaborative effort, the region has the potential to bring a trillion-dollar economic impact to the state and country."

As the challenges to starting and growing new companies in Silicon Valley continue to mount, the Southern California region, with its extensive wealth of engineering talent, world-class universities and ample space, is well positioned to become America's next hub for technology and life science startups. The Alliance will develop initiatives that encourage tech entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and top talent to locate to and stay in Southern California, complementing and extending the success of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area.

"Across machine learning, life sciences, cloud services, urban development and more, we're in the midst of an exciting era of technological advancement that will create new businesses, jobs and opportunities. Southern California has a thriving startup culture and group of entrepreneurs, as well as terrific researchers and institutions. It's perfectly placed to become a global hub," said Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Alphabet Inc., and Alliance Advisory Committee member. "I'm excited that the Alliance, working with Universities and experts across the region, will work to boost research and to connect local entrepreneurs with the capital and expertise they need to thrive."

The Alliance has entered into a collaboration agreement with Bill Maris, Founder and former CEO of Google Ventures, who just launched Section 32, a new venture fund located in Southern California. The Alliance will provide referrals of exciting startup opportunities, and expects to form similar collaborations with other top venture capitalists committed to strengthening their presence in Southern California.

"Southern California is not only my home, but a region with a long history of creating and advancing new industries. Innovation isn't confined to any one part of our state, and Southern California is ripe with top tier investment opportunities in various sectors. Section 32 is proud to be the first venture fund to partner with the Alliance," said Bill Maris.

The Board of Directors of the Alliance includes senior leaders from universities and a research consortium, including the University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, Santa Barbara; Caltech; University of California, Riverside; University of California, San Diego; University of Southern California; University of California, Irvine; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine; as well as distinguished community leaders from Southern California.

The Alliance has engaged on a pro bono basis the Boston Consulting Group, one of the world's leading management consulting firms, to conduct a comprehensive study of Southern California's innovation economy and to develop an action plan for making Southern California the next global tech center. BCG's findings are expected to be announced by Fall 2017.

For more information, please visit www.AllianceSoCal.org.

Media Contact:

Michelle Horn

Edelman

(323) 761-6541

[email protected]

SOURCE Alliance for Southern California Innovation

Related Links

http://www.alliancesocal.org


HOUSTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- alliantgroup, a leading tax consultancy, is proud to announce the promotion of Bridgette Brashear and Ryan Blackmon to Director and Associate Director respectively. Both individuals have helped grow alliantgroup into the premier specialty tax services consultancy that it is today. Braeshear joined the firm in 2012 while Blackmon joined in 2013.

Brashear began her career at alliantgroup after graduating from college and, in a few short years, rose from Associate to Director on the Business Development team. "Bridgette's ascension to Director has been nothing short of spectacular. She displays a drive, passion and intelligence that is second to none, and she has driven the Business Development team to unprecedented heights," said Dhaval Jadav, alliantgroup CEO.

Blackmon started at alliantgroup after earning his MBA from Baylor University. He was promoted from Senior Associate to Associate Director this month on alliantgroup's R&D Tax Credit implementation team. Blackmon has led his team to provide thorough, top-quality R&D studies and excellent client service. "Ryan is a great example of our high client retention rate and why our clients return to us each year. At alliantgroup, we pride ourselves on the value we bring to clients: our unparalleled tax and industry expertise and our dedication to serving our clients," said Jadav.

Brashear and Blackmon will continue in their new expanded leadership roles. They will help lead the career development of their peers and continue to ensure the firm's professional services are of the highest caliber. "At alliantgroup, we operate as a meritocracy. The people we promote to directors have worked at the highest level to become invaluable assets to the firm," said Jadav. "We have seen explosive growth at our firm in recent years, however, we continue to reward those among us who are the best of the best and produce excellent work."

alliantgroup is a premier tax consultancy for government incentives such as the R&D Tax Credit. Its mission is one of education and awareness. The firm assists U.S. businesses and the CPA firms that serve them identify and properly claim government-sponsored tax incentives. These incentive programs were created to help businesses compete in the U.S. and abroad. alliantgroup has offices nationwide and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The firm has helped over 20,000 American businesses claim over $5 billion in tax incentives. For more information, please follow alliantgroup on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

David Rosen

alliantgroup

713-350-3167

[email protected]

SOURCE alliantgroup
RICHMOND, Va., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- If the 'future were now,' travelers would feel safer on a rocket to space than being a passenger in a self-driving or autonomous vehicle, according to the annual Allianz Travel Insurance Vacation Confidence Index released today.

As the Future of Travel quickly approaches with experimental transport technology accelerating at a rapid pace, the vacation vehicle of tomorrow that is closest to reality today  the self-driving car  is among the most concerning for potential travelers worried about their safety.

If given the opportunity to use any of the current, experimental, or near-future methods of travel today, most Americans are at least somewhat interested in experiencing nearly all the new ways to explore the world, or even beyond it. But only 22 percent of travelers are very interested (and 32 percent "somewhat" interested) in self-driving vehicles being developed by all the major auto manufacturers and Silicon Valley companies like Google, Uber and Tesla, with 65 percent of those not interested citing worries over "safety concerns."

Self-driving/autonomous vehicles rate lowest for travelers "very interested" and highest for "safety concerns" among those not interested when compared to all other future travel methods surveyed, including space travel, supersonic travel, Hyperloop high-speed rail, and even so-called flying cars.

"While transportation technology is poised to change the way Americans travel, safety has emerged as a top concern," said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. "We expect consumers to be more hesitant in adopting new technologies like the artificial intelligence steering self-driving vehicles, than they might be with existing technologies such as space and supersonic travel that have been developed but are not yet available to the masses."

While the current outlook for traveler uptake of self-driving vehicles is uncertain, the future is brighter with 64 percent of travelers confident that this travel method will develop safely enough for them to consider using, which, along with Hyperloop high-speed rail (64 percent), is well above the confidence for the safety of supersonic travel (56 percent), space travel (51 percent) or flying cars (49 percent). In total, however, only a minority are "very confident" about the safety of any of these travel methods being safe enough for mainstream consumer use.



Self-driving/ Autonomous Vehicles: (Google, Uber, Tesla) Space Travel: (Orbital, Space Station, Moon, Mars) Supersonic Travel: (Flying faster than speed of sound) Flying Cars: Taxi Drones, VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing), etc. Hyperloop: (High-Speed magnetic levitation train) LEVELS OF INTEREST Very Interested 22% 22% 24% 25% 27% Somewhat Interested 32% 24% 30% 26% 34% Not Interested 47% 55% 46% 48% 39% REASONS FOR LACK OF INTEREST (Among those not interested) Safety Concerns 65% 48% 47% 61% 51% Cost/Budget 20% 41% 32% 24% 22% Lack of Familiarity 21% 20% 28% 26% 34% Don't want to be first/test subject 21% 27% 23% 22% 24% Bad Publicity 10% 4% 5% 4% 5% Other 10% 12% 10% 8% 7% CONFIDENCE IN SAFETY FOR FUTURE TRAVEL METHODS Very Confident 23% 15% 19% 16% 22% Somewhat Confident 41% 36% 37% 33% 42% Not Confident 36% 49% 44% 51% 36%

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

Methodology: These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted May 3rd to May 5th, 2017, on behalf of Allianz Global Assistance. For the survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,009 Americans aged 18+ from the Ipsos I-Say panel was interviewed online. With a sample of this size, the results are considered accurate within 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population of adults in the U.S. been polled. The margin of error will be larger within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population. These data were weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/gender composition reflects that of the actual U.S. population according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Allianz Global Assistance USA

Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company. We provide insurance to over 25 million customers annually and are best known for our Allianz Travel Insurance plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for property and casualty insurers and credit card companies.

To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on state of residence. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Non-insurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company.

SOURCE Allianz Global Assistance USA

Related Links

http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com


ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Student Assistance (ASA) recently published a study titled "Young Workers and Student Debt" that shows a disconnect between young workers and HR representatives regarding student loan debt. The resulting workplace offers traditional benefits but lacks the program that matters most to young workers. Alltech Financial helps companies fill that gap and offers their employees federal student loan repayment solutions that satisfy their workers' needs.

It's unreasonable to expect HR to read minds, but companies would benefit from more communication between their employees and HR regarding student loan debt. According to the ASA study, 26 percent of workers age 22 to 33 worry about student loan debt all the time. Comparatively, only 14 percent of HR reps think young workers worry about student loan debt all the time.

Companies often provide retirement savings plans, but why don't they offer other financial benefits? Knowing what their employees are struggling with is necessary before offering a benefit that will help. But that communication is still lacking, even for companies that offer student loan assistance benefits.

Of the 51 percent of young workers who say student loan benefits are important to them, only 16 percent say a student loan assistance benefit is available to them, and 9 percent are taking advantage of one. However, employees are often wrong about whether their company offers those benefits: 24 percent of employees say their company definitely offers student loan assistance, but only 14 percent of HR reps agree.

"Student loan benefits are still relatively new, so it's not a surprise that not all employees are aware they are available when they are," said Chuck Gangnath, Vice President at Alltech Financial. "Workers pay attention to traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, but they should pay more attention to student loan assistance."

Benefits not only help the employee in specific ways but they also help the company. Employees who feel appreciated, who feel like their employer cares about their needs, are more likely to stay with a company and produce high-quality work. However, the type of benefits a company offers is becoming important in this economy, which is overladen with student loan debt.

According to ASA's study, 59 percent of young workers say paying their student loans is a higher priority than putting money in a retirement plan. That negates one of the most common benefits offered by employers. Considering the weight student loans have on young workers (61 percent of young workers have considered getting a second job to pay off student loans), it follows that employers should offer student loan assistance as a prominent benefit. But only 22 percent of companies do.

Companies that have implemented a student loan assistance benefit program have experienced higher employee recruitment, engagement and retention. In fact, 86 percent of young workers would commit to 5 years with an employer if they helped with student loan debt.

"It's clear that young workers want help with their student loans," said Gangnath. "Who better to step in than their employer? Alltech Financial helps companies do that in a way that is beneficial to both parties. Our innovative approach allows workers and their families to potentially reduce their monthly student loan burden with the goal of total loan forgiveness. With that relief comes lower stress, which they bring to work in the form of dedication and determination. It's a win-win."

About Alltech Financial

Alltech Financial offers employers and corporate partners a solution to help employees and their families reduce their monthly student loan obligations and prepare them for total loan forgiveness.

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).

Contact

To learn more about Alltech Financial, please contact:

Alltech Financial

5789 State Farm Drive Ste. 265

Rohnert Park, CA 94928

1-800-540-1765

[email protected]

Related Links

Alltech Financial home page

SOURCE Alltech Financial

Related Links

http://alltechfinancial.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Media, Inc. (AMI), the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness magazines in the United States, today announced that it will acquire Men's Journal from Wenner Media LLC.

"With the acquisition of Men's Journal, AMI further establishes itself as a premium content producer by adding another respected media brand with a highly engaged, affluent audience," said AMI CEO and Chairman David J. Pecker. "We look forward to continuing its unique editorial perspective and quality to deliver a powerful resource for both readers and advertisers."

Launched in 1992 by Wenner Media, Men's Journal has become one of the most valued brands in the men's lifestyle category. With a total audience of nearly 5 million, it has seen more than 130% growth in unique visitors to mensjournal.com from December 2014 to December 2016. (Source: comScore).

"Men's Journal has captivated their passionate audience with distinctive content for the past 25 years, and it has been immensely gratifying to watch the brand's growth and success," said Gus Wenner, Head of Digital of Wenner Media. "We are confident that AMI will provide Men's Journal with exciting new opportunities and build on their strong expertise."

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. (AMI) owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and active lifestyle media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include National Enquirer, Star, OK!, Us Weekly, Globe, National Examiner, Soap Opera Digest, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex and Muscle & Fitness Hers. AMI also manages 11 different digital sites including RadarOnline.com, OKmagazine.com, Usmagazine.com, MensFitness.com and MuscleandFitness.com. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of 4.9+ million and reach more than 49 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach approximately 60 million unique visitors monthly.

About Wenner Media

Wenner Media LLC, a privately held company headquartered in New York City, publishes Rolling Stone, Men's Journal and Glixel. Rolling Stone, the number one brand in music publishing, and Men's Journal, the lifestyle brand for affluent, adventurous and active men, attract a total print and digital audience of nearly 35 million. Glixel, Wenner's first digital only brand centered on the world of video games, launched in late 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco. (Sources: MRI and comScore, April 2016-March 2017 v. April 2015-March 2016).

SOURCE American Media, Inc.
RESTON, Va., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AnaVation, a leading provider of intelligence collection and processing, analytical systems and big data infrastructure solutions to Federal Law Enforcement, Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Research and Development (R&D) organizations in the United States Federal Government, is pleased to announce it has been named one of the Washington Business Journal's Best Places to Work for the second straight year. AnaVation also recently announced it was honored as one of the 2017 50 Great Places to Work by Washingtonian Magazine.

The Washington Business Journal selected the winning organizations based on anonymous survey responses from employees regarding team dynamics, manager effectiveness, and trust in leadership, among other aspects of employee engagement. The rankings of the 85 winners will be announced on June 22 at a special awards event at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater.

Washingtonian Magazine chose winning companies based on their commitment to work/life balance, number of opportunities to learn and grow and levels of autonomy given to staff, and other benefits, with data acquired through a survey of a representative sampling of employees given the most weight.

"We take these awards as confirmation of the job we are doing as an employer," said Rena Barner, Director of Talent at AnaVation. "The satisfaction and fulfillment of our employees is critical to our success as a company and the validation of the work we are doing to continue building an employee-focused culture at AnaVation is greatly appreciated."

For more information on available career opportunities at AnaVation, visit

https://careers-anavationllc.icims.com/jobs

About AnaVation: AnaVation is a trusted partner delivering high-value, cost-effective solutions that solve the most complex technical and analytical problems of our customers. AnaVation provides enterprise-wide IT engineering services including intelligence collection and processing, analytical systems and big data solutions to Federal Law Enforcement, Intelligence Community (IC), Research and Development (R&D) organizations as well as Civilian Agency customers in the United States Federal Government. AnaVation is focused on delivering state-of-the-art engineering solutions to solve customers' most difficult technical problems.

Contact: Aimee Medonos

Principal, Strategic Capture

AnaVation

[email protected]

SOURCE AnaVation
CLEVELAND, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ancora Advisors LLC ("Ancora"), a 4% shareholder of Potbelly Corporation ("Company"), sent a letter this morning to the Board of Directors of Potbelly Corporation. Please find below a summary of and link to the full text of the letter.

Ancora Advisors LLC is a significant shareholder of Potbelly Corporation ("Potbelly" or "Company"), owning approximately 4% of the outstanding shares. We believe Potbelly has the potential to be a very attractive investment at the current valuation, underpinned by robust store level return on invested capital ("ROIC"), a strong balance sheet, a quality brand and product, and significant growth runway. However, while the Company targets 25%+ shop level ROIC, it has been unable to translate strong unit level returns to acceptable shareholder returns.

Since going public in October 2013, investors have experienced nothing but losses as owners of Potbelly. Over every measurable period, Potbelly has underperformed the market, dramatically for the most part. We believe management and the board's focus on growth at the expense of returns is the primary driver of the underperformance, and we outline some key areas where a change in strategy is needed to put the Company on a path that will reward rather than punish shareholders. If the board remains convinced that it now has the appropriate strategy in place, we would strongly urge it to immediately pursue a sale / going private transaction, as we do not believe the current strategy would be attractive for current or potential public/minority shareholders over any investable timeframe.

Since the IPO, we believe there has been a lack of accountability by this board with regards to driving value for shareholders. By slowing low or negative returning owned store growth and shifting to a franchise based model, the Company can produce meaningfully higher FCF / share than the current consensus projections, particularly should the proceeds from a re-franchising transaction be used to repurchase stock. Adopting the franchise strategy could realistically double the share price by 2020.

Considering the majority of this board has overseen the significant under-performance of Potbelly's shares, and has shown such a lack of conviction in the Company's operating plan (as evidenced by minimal purchases of stock), shareholders deserve representation on the board by professionals that actually have a real vested interest in maximizing shareholder value. We would be happy to assist the board in identifying acceptable board candidates, and we reserve the right to potentially pursue board representation at next year's annual meeting if necessary.

Please click the following link to access the full letter: ANCORA LETTER TO PBPB BOARD

About Ancora Advisors

Ancora Advisors LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. Ancora offers comprehensive investment solutions for institutions and individuals in the areas of fixed income, equities, global asset allocation, and alternative investments. A more detailed description of the company, its management and practices are contained in its "Firm Brochure" (Form ADV, Part 2A). A copy of this form may be received by contacting the company at: 6060 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 200 Cleveland, Ohio 44124, Phone: 216-825-4000, or by visiting the website, www.ancora.net/adv

SOURCE Ancora Advisors

Related Links

http://www.ancora.ws


WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ARES Security Corporation (ASC) has just released their new site familiarization software, BluTrain  Tour. BluTrain is an interactive, immersive, 3D model of a facility, either existing or planned. The software can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as training, testing response procedures, supporting table tops, training for operations in areas not easily accessible, or any requirement where high definition visualization is required.

BluTrain  Tour provides a virtual environment for users to get familiar with their facility from the comfort of their own desk, at a training center, or anywhere that can support a computer. With the ability to see any object within the site model, bookmark pre-defined areas for quick reviews, and even observe lines of sight, BluTrain gives watch standers a way to quickly learn the facility without physically going to locations. Users can also choose to take the tour in the form of a fly-over or overall orientation to get a general overview of the site, or a walk-through to get a more detailed look, including in areas that are typically inaccessible during operations.

BluTrain can be used in sync with the AVERT model, allowing users to leverage their existing site models built with AVERT, or new models that can be developed for users not yet on AVERT. Table Tops, force on force exercises and other training events or operational planning sessions all can use the same common model for a realistic view as seen by an actual person in that location. BluTrain users can save time and money typically spent on training and operations by using BluTrain-Tour to leverage their 3D models for any purpose where quality visualization of the site adds value.

About ARES Security Corporation

ARES Security Corporation protects the world's most critical assets. As the leading enterprise security risk management solutions company, we are able to safeguard the most complex security systems operated by the defense, nuclear, government, energy, utility, and transportation industries around the world. Our customers optimize their physical security environments by identifying and quantifying risks, and gain situational awareness by integrating information from a variety of sensors into one common operating platform. AVERT has received the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act certification and accreditation from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Contact:

Coleman Maness

Phone: (571) 351-1260

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ARES Security Corporation

Related Links

http://www.arescorporation.com


BOSTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Balter Liquid Alternatives LLC ("BLA"), one of the leading players in the growing liquid alternative business and subsidiary of Balter Capital Management ("BCM"), announced today the launch of the Balter Invenomic Fund (ticker: BIVIX), an all-cap long/short equity mutual fund, sub-advised by Invenomic Capital Management, based in Boston. Invenomic was founded by Ali Motamed, former Co-Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (BPLSX). He was Morningstar's Alternative Fund Manager of the year in 2014.

BLA has entered into a strategic partnership with Invenomic and will run operations and compliance for the firm. Motamed will utilize the same investment process that he developed during his time at Boston Partners.

Invenomic's investment process utilizes quantitative analysis on the front end coupled with fundamental analysis on the back end. The quantitative process is used to source potentially attractive long and short ideas that then go through fundamental analysis to determine whether they are appropriate for the portfolio. Motamed seeks to invest in companies that generate strong cash flows and deploy capital well on the long side and companies that are overvalued and destroy capital on the short side. The fund will have a variable net exposure that will be dictated by short opportunities. The fund's net exposure is expected to be low during overvalued markets and high during undervalued markets. The fund will invest in both large and small companies predominately in the United States.

Brad Balter, CEO of Balter Liquid Alternatives LLC says, "We are thrilled to be partnering with Invenomic on the launch of this fund. Our partnership with Invenomic further enhances our mission of bringing the highest quality alternative mutual funds in the industry to market. The Balter Invenomic Fund continues our tradition of launching capacity constrained strategies run by experienced investment managers. Ali is proven talent in managing liquid long/short equity portfolios and we couldn't be happier partnering with him and his firm."

Ali Motamed adds, "We are extremely excited to be partnering with Balter Liquid Alternatives to bring the Balter Invenomic Fund to investors. Brad and his team have a proven ability to deliver the highest levels of compliance and operational oversight, which will allow my team and I to dedicate ourselves to the investment process. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for us to offer mutual fund investors what we believe has historically been a successful strategy outside the inherent constraints of a multi-billion investment firm."

Unlike traditional hedge funds, many alternative mutual funds provide daily liquidity, lower investment minimums, and simplified tax reporting for shareholders, while offering quarterly full transparency of portfolio holdings and lower fees. BLA funds employ the investment approach, risk management and operational due diligence typically available only to institutional and high net worth investors through traditional hedge fund structures.

"Liquid Alternatives are going through a period of consolidation where investors are trying to separate the wheat from the chaff," said Balter. "The proliferation of new liquid alternative funds over the last three years have left investors seeking clarity on the numerous offerings available to the them. Our mission remains the same, provide investors with the highest quality liquid alternative offerings in the industry."

About Balter Liquid Alternatives

Balter Liquid Alternatives (BLA) is a subsidiary of Balter Capital Management, a boutique research firm focused on hedge fund research and investing. BLA was formed to create and manage daily liquidity alternative mutual funds. Balter Capital Management oversees approximately $1.3 Billion in hedge fund and alternative mutual fund assets. BLA constructs liquid investment products utilizing existing hedge fund managers. For more information, please visit our website at www.balterliquidalts.com.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Balter Funds. This and other important information about the Funds is contained in the prospectus, which can be obtained at www.balterliquidalts.com or by calling 844-322-8112. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Mutual funds involve risks including the possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the fund advisers will be effective in achieving the fund's investment objectives, delivering positive return or avoiding losses. Additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in each of the funds can be located in the fund's prospectus. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. Liquidity does not ensure profit or prevent losses.

The Balter Funds are distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Balter Liquid Alternatives is not affiliated with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC.

Long/short equity is an investing strategy of taking long positions in stocks that are expected to appreciate and short positions in stocks that are expected to decline. A long/short equity strategy seeks to minimize market exposure, while profiting from stock gains in the long positions and price declines in the short positions.

CONTACT: Bob Marx, 617-742-2210, [email protected]

6842-NLD-6/20/2017

SOURCE Balter Liquid Alternatives LLC

Related Links

http://www.balterliquidalts.com


ST. LOUIS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bandura, LLC, a trusted Missouri cybersecurity innovator and maker of the fast and automated PoliWall security shield, announced it has been endorsed by the Missouri Bankers Association. PoliWall deploys threat defenses with great effectiveness and scale as an inline appliance to simplify cybersecurity, reduce attack surfaces and mitigate cyber risk.



PoliWall enables organizations to control their exposure to the internet by leveraging vast threat intelligence repositories, precision geo-IP blocking and block-list automation to reduce risk ahead of the firewall by eliminating large amounts of threatening infrastructure from interaction with a client's environment.

"As Missouri natives, it is especially meaningful to the Bandura team to provide the PoliWall technology that far out scales other cyber products in the marketplace to take action against the rapidly growing number of cyber threats," said Suzanne Magee, CEO of Bandura, LLC. "Developed in part with the U.S. Department of Defense, PoliWall is an automated and affordable solution that is plug-and-play ahead of the firewall and keeps data secure and banks in compliance in a challenging regulatory environment. Products are invented, developed, patented and supported in Bandura labs located in Missouri. Bandura looks forward to keeping Missouri banks secure."

MBA partnerships save significant resources and time for banks that use products and services from companies endorsed by MBA Bankers Service Corporation. An MBA endorsement means bankers can trust the quality products and services of these businesses to enhance their banks' competitive standing.

"We are excited to welcome Bandura and its robust PoliWall



security technology," said Mike Noblett , director of MBA member services. "Conducting business with MBA endorsed partners reaps benefits for the bank and MBA. The bank directly benefits from discounts and product vetting done in advance of endorsement. In addition, support of MBA's endorsed partners provides resources to the association that support MBA's advocacy efforts to strengthen the banking industry in Missouri ."

These respected companies have strong relationships with many MBA-member banks and have proven records of success in the Missouri banking industry.

For more information on PoliWall, visit https://bandurasystems.com/products/poliwall/ .

For more information on MBA, visit mobankers.com.

About Bandura Systems

Bandura, LLC is a cybersecurity company, maker of the patented PoliWall, ProACT and PoliCloud security technologies  the Firewall's Firewall. PoliWall enables organizations to control their exposure to the internet by leveraging vast threat intelligence repositories, precision geo-IP blocking and block-list automation to reduce risk ahead of the firewall by eliminating large amounts of threatening infrastructure from interaction with a client's environment. PoliWall takes auto-action in real time on more than 100 million threat indicators ahead of the firewall. Bandura was established to commercialize security technology developed in part with the U.S. DoD and Bandura's parent company, TechGuard Security LLC. Visit us: bandurasystems.com . Follow us! @bandurasystems.

About Missouri Bankers Association

MBA is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of banks and savings and loans in Missouri. In addition, MBA provides educational opportunities, products and services that assist bankers with enhancing their banking operations. Visit us at mobankers.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@mobankers).

Contact:

Dee Baebler, Regional Director

[email protected]

Phone: 314-800-3613

SOURCE Bandura, LLC

Related Links

http://bandurasystems.com


SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West's Nandita Bakhshi, President and CEO of Bank of the West and Co-CEO of BNP Paribas USA, and Meghan Birmingham Leader, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, Commercial Banking, were honored with the San Francisco Business Times' 2017 "Most Influential Women in the Bay Area" Award at a gala in San Francisco last week. Bakhshi was also named the recipient of the publication's inaugural Inspire Award created to recognize three women each year who have demonstrated inspirational and exemplary progress to the top of their chosen fields.

"I am humbled to be among the first recipients of the San Francisco Business Times' Inspire Award," Bakhshi said. "Both the Inspire Award and the 'Most Influential Women in the Bay Area' award are raising awareness of the amazingly talented women in Northern California. All of us at Bank of the West are proud to be part of this dynamic community where we celebrate one another's success."

Bakhshi was joined on the list of honorees by Meghan Birmingham Leader, whose work with Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group has led to countless actions that have positively impacted the Bank's corporate clients both domestically and internationally, positioned the Bank ahead of the curve as it relates to regulatory compliance, as well as supported innovation programs such as BNP Paribas' annual International Hackathon and the group's partnership with BNP Paribas L'Atelier around FinLab.

"Meghan has been a keystone in the Commercial Banking Group since she joined the bank, leading impactful strategic initiatives, both internally and externally, that have contributed to our group's success," said Jean-Marc Torre, Senior Executive Vice President, Bank of the West Commercial Banking Group.

Bank of the West was also honored by the San Francisco Business Times this spring, with Jenny Flores, Head of Community Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility, being named to the publication's 40 Under 40 list for her work in elevating the Bank's engagement with customers and the communities within the Bank's geographic footprint.

Honorees of the San Francisco Business Times' "Most Influential Women in the Bay Area" list are top executives, C-suite leaders and entrepreneurs that exemplify creativity, passion, vision and perseverance. Honorees span a variety of industries including technology, real estate, finance, hospitality, non-profits, law, medicine, education and more.

In addition to the two honorees this year, Bank of the West has four executives on the San Francisco Business Times' "Forever Influential Honor Roll" of women who have been recognized consistently for their contributions: Vanessa Washington, Senior EVP, General Counsel & Secretary; Kirsten Garen, Senior EVP, Chief Information Officer; Michelle Di Gangi, EVP, Head of Small & Medium Enterprise Banking; and, Jenny Flores, SVP, Head of Community Affairs.

The complete rankings for the "Most Influential Women in the Bay Area" are available on the San Francisco Business Times website.

About San Francisco Business Times

The San Francisco Business Times is the No. 1 print and online source for Bay Area business news and information on the most successful people, companies and transactions in the region. Every Friday, the Business Times print edition arrives with an in-depth lineup of local news stories, business profiles and valuable industry rankings. From technology and sustainability to small business, biotech, hospitality, real estate and banking, the Business Times covers the most relevant and timely topics for the Bay Area business community. SanFranciscoBusinessTimes.com takes the Business Times brand known for its insight, analysis and high journalistic standards and extends it to the Internet. Thousands of established and up and coming executives visit SanFranciscoBusinessTimes.com every day looking for the information they need to do Business in the Bay Area.

About Bank of the West Commercial Banking Group

Bank of the West's Commercial Banking Group team meets the rapidly changing needs of growing businesses with annual revenues of $25 million and higher. With specialized sector expertise, the Group anticipates and tackles the challenges businesses face in industries including agriculture, healthcare, commercial real estate, manufacturing, religious institutions, and technology. The Commercial Banking Group offers clients personalized relationships and community ties of a local bank backed by the international capabilities of BNP Paribas.

About Bank of the West

Bank of the West is a regional financial services company headquartered in San Francisco with $83.8 billion in assets as of March 31, 2017. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 600 branches and offices in 23 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 74 countries with more than 190,000 employees. To learn more about Bank of the West, visit About Us via BankoftheWest.com.

Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.  2017 Bank of the West. Doing business in South Dakota as Bank of the West California.

Visit us on:

SOURCE Bank of the West

Related Links

http://www.bankofthewest.com


CHICAGO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlin Packaging, the world's leading supplier of plastic, glass, and metal containers and closures, today announced that its 99+ percent on-time product delivery performance streak has extended to an unprecedented 13 consecutive years. This reliable just-in-time performance allows customers to lower inventory levels of stock and custom packaging, freeing up cash and reducing expenses, and to tighten supply chains.

With the packaging industry's overall on-time delivery accuracy of 85-90 percent, Berlin Packaging is alone in performing at such a high level  156 consecutive months of 99-percent-or-better on-time delivery from its warehouses  and Berlin is also alone in publishing its performance on this important metric. Independent research has shown that on-time delivery of quality product is the #1 criteria that buyers of packaging look for.

Since first achieving the 99 percent benchmark in June of 2004, Berlin Packaging has delivered 27 billion packaging items in almost 1.9 million shipments on the agreed-to date. Over the last 12 months, Berlin Packaging achieved 99.9 percent on-time performance on more than 250,000 shipments from 102 different warehouses.

On-time delivery is measured as part of Berlin Packaging's ISO 9001 certification. The company also quantifies the percent of products that meet customer specification (also scoring at more than 99 percent) as well as the income customers earn as a unique benefit of working with Berlin Packaging (reaching more than $240 million over the last three years).

"Our unmatched track-record of 99 percent-or-better on-time delivery is just one tenet of our continued mission to increase our customers' bottom lines," stated Andrew Berlin, Chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging. "By following through on our commitment to operational excellence, our customers enjoy exceptional benefits in supply chain smoothness, cash flow, and bottom line profitability."

Nearly 90 percent of Berlin Packaging's customers benefit from the company's inventory stocking programs. With the true annual carrying cost of holding inventory reaching as high as 30 percent of the value of the ware, companies can benefit in many ways by working to streamline inventory levels. Reliable inventory-management programs help cut expenses, improve manufacturing productivity and reduce machine downtime, and boost cash flow through the reduction in inventory assets as well as the increase in profits.

The business advantages of Berlin Packaging's on-time delivery efforts have prompted positive feedback across its customer base. "Berlin Packaging is a great supply chain partner, and their inventory program lets us run a lean operation while avoiding downtime," said Tom Klukowski, Senior Manufacturing Manager at Cal-Tex Protective Coatings."We appreciate Berlin's flexibility with deliveries and pick-ups."

"Our business is one that requires adapting to change often, and Berlin Packaging's warehousing and consistent on-time delivery of our components is crucial to our production," said Carissa Clack, Vice President Global Supply Chain at Humco. "They are critical to us being able to adapt, and they've saved our schedule more than once."

"Having worked with Berlin Packaging's incredible team for over 15 years, we appreciate not only their consistent on-time delivery but also the real interest they take in our business and how Berlin is dedicated to helping us grow," said Sean McNaughton, Sales Promotion Manager at Fiesta Pacific Products.

For more details on Berlin Packaging and its commitment to 99+% on-time delivery, visit 99PercentOnTime.com.

About Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging is the only Hybrid Packaging Supplier of plastic, glass, and metal containers and closures. See HybridPackagingSupplier.com and GreaterFaster.com for more on how the company exists to help people and companies excel. With 40,000+ available SKUs, 200+ packaging consultants, and 100+ sales and warehouse locations across North America and Europe, the company has the right products, expertise, and geographic proximity to help customers increase their net income through packaging products and services. Berlin Packaging supplies billions of containers and closures annually as well as warehousing and logistics services for customers of all sizes in all industries. It is the only company in its sector to be ISO 9001 certified, to have Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification, and to achieve 99 percent on-time delivery of its shipments every month for more than 13 years. Related services and specialty product divisions include Studio One Eleven custom packaging and graphic design, Berlin Global sourcing solutions, E3 profit-oriented consulting, Berlin Financial financing for equipment and capital improvements, Berlin Quality advocacy, Dangerous Goods transport, Freund Container & Supply convenience, and Qorpak laboratory supplies. The company can be reached at 1.800.2.BERLIN or BerlinPackaging.com.

Media Contact:

Derek Serafin

[email protected]

(312) 670-8945

SOURCE Berlin Packaging

Related Links

https://www.berlinpackaging.com


MELBOURNE, Australia and LONDON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluechain, the next-gen payment platform for domestic payment schemes, announced it will preview its innovative technology during the Central Bank Payments Conference in Amsterdam June 2628, 2017. Bluechain, a lead corporate sponsor at the inaugural event, offers central payment networks, financial institutions and the broader payment ecosystem a secure, mobile, push-pull payment platform that streamlines all types of payment transactions across any open network.

The Bluechain payment platform enables central banks, in collaboration with their national payment switches and local banks, to create their own domestic payments scheme. Bluechain bypasses international schemes for domestic payments, while delivering major cost savings. Built on a completely new and innovative security paradigm, Bluechain leverages existing mobile technologies and banking infrastructure to create a powerful, low-cost and frictionless mobile payment solution.

"Central banks need solutions that allow them to regain control of domestic payments, tighten security and foster greater financial inclusion. The Bluechain platform shifts control of the domestic payments market away from international card schemes, and back to national regulators and the domestic payments industry," said Michael J. McAuley, CEO of Bluechain. "Freed from the restrictions of an expensive and fraud-prone card-based technology, Bluechain powered domestic payment platforms can deliver significant cost savings in every payment scenario; including merchant POS, mobile payments, unattended sales, in-app, e-commerce, bill payments, P2P and more."

The Bluechain payment platform is especially appealing to central banks because it fosters greater financial inclusion and fee transparency, while decreasing fraud and transaction costs. Unique features of the Bluechain solution include:

Secure across an open network: Bluechain is built on a new security paradigm that eliminates the need for exposing cardholder data or bank account details during a transaction. The transaction data can be safely transmitted across Bluetooth or any open network to create a more seamless payment experience.

Bluechain is built on a new security paradigm that eliminates the need for exposing cardholder data or bank account details during a transaction. The transaction data can be safely transmitted across Bluetooth or any open network to create a more seamless payment experience. Consistent user experience: Bluechain uses one app for every type of payment, giving users a consistent experience whether paying bills, shopping in-store, buying online or sending money peer-to-peer. The easy-to-use app develops familiarity and trust, driving user adoption across the platform.

Bluechain uses one app for every type of payment, giving users a consistent experience whether paying bills, shopping in-store, buying online or sending money peer-to-peer. The easy-to-use app develops familiarity and trust, driving user adoption across the platform. Low-cost merchant acquisition: Merchants can accept Bluechain transactions on their existing iOS, Android or Windows tablets or smartphones without the need for dedicated and expensive merchant hardware. With the addition of the optional card-reader, Bluechain merchants can also accept non-Bluechain (e.g. Visa/Mastercard) payments on the same device. The Bluechain GlobalCard allows Bluechain customers to purchase from non-Bluechain merchants, in-store, over the phone or on the Internet. Smaller businesses can automate and accept payments without a complicated and costly POS system.

Bluechain is currently available through a private program. Licensing is on a per-transaction basis, which enables member banks to deploy merchant and customer solutions with minimal upfront investment. The platform will be released in late 2017. Contact [email protected] for more information.

About Bluechain

Bluechain is a next-gen payment platform that offers central payment networks, financial institutions and the broader payment ecosystem a secure system to streamline all types of payment transactions. Bluechain leverages a new security paradigm across any open network that turns a mobile device into a vehicle for pulling or pushing payments. Bluechain technology reduces the major causes of account or card fraud and breaches, increases mobile payment adoption, and lowers fees and costs, while creating new opportunities for greater financial inclusion and transparency. Bluechain leverages existing infrastructure for greater interoperability and provides a consistent and single user experience across all payment types. For more on Bluechain visit www.bluechain.com.

Media Contact

Jessica Ann Morris, Public Relations Kurt Mueffelmann, EVP [email protected] [email protected] +1.781.608.0499 +1.603.568.4499

SOURCE Bluechain

Related Links

http://www.bluechain.com


KENNESAW, Ga., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainJocks, a leading marketing technology company, today announced strategic new hires and plans to move their U.S. headquarters to Alpharetta, GA, in the fall of 2017. Both are part of an ongoing growth strategy which has led to the company's doubling in size over the last three years and opening a European office.

Sue Klumpp, CFO of BrainJocks, said, "Alpharetta was attractive for a number of reasons, but the talent we will be able to draw from was a big factor. Our growth strategy depends on our ability to continue to attract and retain top tech talent. Alpharetta is home to over 600 technology companies and is a natural fit for BrainJocks."

In the face of dramatic growth, BrainJocks has focused on retaining their veteran team while attracting and hiring top tech talent. The latest strategic hires include Ryan Clark, Director of Sales, and Diego Moretto, Senior Sitecore Developer and Sitecore Most Valuable Professional (MVP).

Ryan Clark brings over 20 years of sales experience in the database and CMS technology space. He previously worked at Verndale, Ektron and CrownPeak CMS. Ryan's experience in growing sales teams, developing deep partner relationships and generating revenue is core to BrainJocks' strategic direction.

Diego Moretto joins the development team as BrainJocks' third Sitecore MVP. Diego's extensive Sitecore ecosystem and .NET platform experience strengthens the breadth of BrainJocks' development bench. Diego will also be a frequent contributor to Jocks to the Core, BrainJocks' Sitecore blog.

Lisa Hunter, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said, "Diego and Ryan are already proving to be great assets to BrainJocks. Both are active leaders in the Sitecore community. In fact, Ryan co-founded Chicago's Sitecore User Group, while Diego co-founded the Brazil chapter. Ryan brings tremendous industry experience to the table while Diego brings a technical skill set that is second to none. We are thrilled to welcome them to the BrainJocks team."

About BrainJocks:

BrainJocks helps enterprises achieve a comprehensive web presence that optimizes the customer experience. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, the company has spent more than a decade advancing web solutions and processes that drive digital results. BrainJocks SCORE, a Sitecore accelerator and component-based framework, simplifies Sitecore development and dramatically lowers total cost of ownership for our clients and partners. As a certified Sitecore Gold Implementation Partner, BrainJocks is passionate about empowering clients to personalize each customer's journey, every step of the way.

Media Contact:

Lisa Hunter

[email protected]

770-924-6444

SOURCE BrainJocks
PHOENIX, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- California Pools & Landscape recently ranked 2017 #1 in customer service for the state of Arizona. In honor of this recognition, California Pools & Landscape is holding a celebration event. This event will be in Chandler and Scottsdale on Saturday, June 24th 9am-5pm. Celebrate this one-day sale with Arizona's top outdoor living design experts!

California Pools & Landscape

California Pools & Landscape is holding a one-day sales event at both showrooms in Chandler and Scottsdale in honor of their recent recognition. They were named #1 in Arizona for customer service by Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. PSN Top 50 Builders have represented a consistent industry presence. This year, they honored their top 50 Pool Builders by revenue, staff, industry involvement, web presence, and community involvement. California Pools & Landscape demonstrated high residential revenue, remarkable employee tenure, exceptional training regimens, and notable leadership within the industry, user-friendly design, usability and educational value of their websites and focused an importance on Philanthropy and volunteerism. These actions led them to be recognized as the #1 customer service provider in Arizona.

California Pools & Landscape will be showcasing their deep discounts on Pool interiors, Spas, Decking, Landscape, Shade Structures, BBQ's, Waterfalls, and the most efficient cleaning systems. Enjoy project managers and designers on staff to assist in building homeowners' dreams. This will take place at 4320 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226 and 23271 North Scottsdale Road a105, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. The celebration event will be open to the public between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Visit this one day only sale and see why they are ranked #1 in Arizona!

"We're just so honored by this industry acknowledgment of our entire company's commitment to service that we wanted to celebrate and pass our gratitude on to our great customers."  Jeremy Smith, CEO & President.

California Pools & Landscape recently celebrated 30 years in business with zero ROC complaints, and BBB's Ethics Award Winners! California Pools & Landscape was built to inspire and create a state-of-the-art resort outdoor living, all in homeowners' backyards. They became industry leaders by first building relationships with exceptional outdoor exhibitors and vendors to create the most optimum experience provided to their customers. California Pools started out small, with one small location and has expanded to multiple locations within the valley. Due to being a family owned and operated company, they have captured and grown their visions to inspire. California Pools & Landscape pride themselves on creating a custom outdoor space with the newest technology and function in outdoor living.

About California Pools & Landscape - Arizona

California Pools & Landscape is family owned and operated for over 30 years. They are the only pool and landscape company to be awarded by the Council of Better Business Bureaus' International Torch Award. With over 26,000 pools build, they have had zero ROC complaints. They have been internationally recognized for outdoor design. For more information about California Pools & Landscape please visit our website www.calpool.com or call (480) 345-0005.

Media Contact:

Nichole Shoppach

Event Coordinator

California Pools & Landscape

(480) 345-0005

[email protected]

SOURCE California Pools & Landscape
MCLEAN, Va., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, July 20, 2017, at approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) will release its Second Quarter 2017 earnings results.

Additionally, the company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to review financial and operating performance for the quarter ending June 30, 2017.

The call will be webcast live and the earnings release will be available on the company's homepage at www.capitalone.com. A replay of the webcast will be available 24 hours a day, beginning two hours after the conference call, until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, August 3, 2017, through the company's homepage.

About Capital One

Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $241.2 billion in deposits and $348.5 billion in total assets as of March 31, 2017. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index.

Visit the Capital One newsroom for more Capital One news.

SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation

Related Links

http://www.capitalone.com


ORLANDO, Fla., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CardWorks Servicing, LLC ("CardWorks"), a leading provider of servicing, operational support, and portfolio management to credit card issuers and installment lenders, today announced the opening of its third operational center in Orlando, Florida. CardWorks expects to make a $4.2 million capital investment in the area, creating approximately 240 new jobs over the next two years.

Located at 100 Colonial Center Parkway in Lake Mary, the 24/7 facility will occupy 30,000 square feet of [prime] office space, housing back office financial service personnel. The company is actively seeking qualified applicants to fill these positions.

"Orlando, with its strong economy and diverse population, was the top choice for CardWorks when deciding where to open our new office, and we look forward to becoming a part of the community," said Harold Baldauf, Chief Operating Officer of CardWorks. "We are grateful to the Orlando Economic Partnership, Governor Scott and Seminole County for their support and guidance in making this a smooth process and pleasant experience."

The Orlando Economic Partnership assisted CardWorks in identifying and touring ideal locations and helped to coordinate labor discussions with local businesses in the region. The organization has also supported CardWorks' search for potential candidates by connecting the company with workforce and staffing agencies and higher education institutions, as well as assisted with the incentive application and approval process. The State of Florida, Enterprise Florida, and Seminole County were important partners on the project.

"We are proud CardWorks selected the Orlando region for its first expansion into the Southeast," said Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani. "Orlando's diverse, multi-lingual workforce and reputation for highly trained customer service professionals continues to provide a positive business climate for companies like CardWorks looking to grow in new markets."

CardWorks, which is headquartered in Woodbury, New York, has offices in Pittsburgh and Horsham, Pennsylvania in addition to its new Orlando facility. With anticipated hires in Orlando, the company will have more than 1,200 employees across all locations.

"Seminole County is proud to welcome a nationally-recognized, leading provider of consumer loan servicing in our County and the State of Florida," said Seminole County Chairman John Horan. "CardWorks Servicing selected this area over other national competitors because our region delivers a qualified workforce and a solid foundation for their newest site. By selecting Seminole County, CardWorks will enjoy our business-friendly climate while their new employees will enjoy our tremendous quality of life."

Don Berman, CEO and Founder of CardWorks, added: "For 30 years, we have remained passionate about our people and providing them with the resources they need to earn, learn, and have fun at work. We look forward to welcoming new talent from the Orlando area to the growing CardWorks family."

Interested candidates can learn more about CardWorks and how to apply for open positions by visiting www.cardworks.com.

About CardWorks Servicing, LLC.



Founded in 1987, CardWorks provides servicing, operational support, and portfolio management to bank and non-bank consumer and small business lenders. CardWorks is a leading servicer of nationally-branded MasterCard/Visa cards, private label cards, secured cards, and other unique products, as well as secured and unsecured installment loans. The company is headquartered in Woodbury, NY with offices in Orlando, Pittsburgh and Horsham, PA. Visit www.cardworks.com for more information.

About the Orlando Economic Partnership

The Central Florida Partnership and the Orlando Economic Development Commission merged effective January 31, 2017. The Orlando Economic Partnership is a not-for-profit, public/private partnership encompassing Central Florida's seven counties  Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia  as well as the City of Orlando. The organization's top priorities include creating high-wage, high value jobs, expanding Central Florida's global reach and competitiveness, supporting and enhancing educational/skills preparedness in the talent pipeline, strengthening advocacy for improved infrastructure and community resources, and creating an enviable quality of life that is broad-based and sustainable. For more information, visit www.Orlando.org.

Contacts:

Josette Robinson

Prosek Partners, on behalf of CardWorks

212.279.3115 ext. 212

[email protected]

Laureen Martinez, APR

Orlando Economic Partnership

407.902.2421

[email protected]

SOURCE CardWorks Servicing, LLC

Related Links

http://www.cardworks.com


MONROE, La., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) today is announcing the organizational structure and executive leaders who will report to Jeff Storey, recently named president and chief operating officer (COO) of CenturyLink upon the completion of the Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) acquisition. These executive leaders will report to Storey effective at the time of the close of the acquisition, which CenturyLink continues to anticipate will occur by the end of third quarter 2017.

The COO organizational structure will include five business units and several functional support groups. The business units and their leaders will be:

Strategic enterprise, federal government and state government  Edward Morche , who will rejoin Level 3 on July 5 , will be president  strategic enterprise, federal government and state government, and will have responsibility for large accounts, federal and state government, and large educational institutions and research networks.

Global accounts management (GAM) and international  Laurinda Pang will be president  GAM and international, and will have responsibility for the company's top global accounts and international teams.

Small and midsize business (SMB), local government and education  Vernon Irvin will be president  SMB, and will be responsible for small and midsize business (customers with 1-500 employees) as well as the local education and government teams.

Wholesale and indirect  Lisa Miller will be president  wholesale, indirect and alliances.

Consumer  Maxine Moreau will be president  consumer, and will be responsible for the company's local market consumer business in 37 states.

Supporting these business units and ongoing integration activities will be the following functional support groups:

Technology, product development and security operations - Aamir Hussain , executive vice president  product development, platforms and infrastructure, will be responsible for IT, testing and integration, architecture, infrastructure, security, as well as overall business enablement.

Transformation and integration  Clay Bailey , senior vice president  transformation and integration, will lead the integration of CenturyLink and Level 3.

North America operations - Richard Batelaan , executive vice president  North America operations, will be responsible for North America service delivery, service assurance, access management, and field operations.

Marketing  Storey plans to name an executive vice president  chief marketing officer at a later date.

"I appreciate Jeff's diligent work on designing and staffing his organization structure. I believe these decisions will position us well to compete in the marketplace and provide outstanding service to our customers," said CenturyLink CEO and President Glen F. Post, III. "I am confident in the future of the combined company and look forward to bringing together the talented teams from CenturyLink and Level 3."

"Our people have made these two great companies what they are today. I'm confident this leadership team will position the combined company for future success in delivering leading communications solutions, a world-class customer experience and profitable growth," Storey said.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications and IT services company focused on connecting its customers to the power of the digital world. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, big data analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud, and IT consulting services. The company provides broadband, voice, video, advanced data and managed network services over a robust 265,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 360,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this communication, including statements regarding the expected timing and benefits of the proposed transaction, such as efficiencies, cost savings, enhanced revenues, growth potential, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "will," "estimates," "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "projects," "plans," "intends," "may," "should," "could," "seeks" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements, and the assumptions upon which they are based, (i) are not guarantees of future results, (ii) are inherently speculative and (iii) are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied in those statements if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to timely and successfully receive the required approvals for the combination from regulatory agencies free of conditions materially adverse to the parties; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the proposed transaction cannot be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs, difficulties or disruptions related to the integration of Level 3's operations with those of CenturyLink will be greater than expected; the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel, including reaching or maintaining mutually acceptable employment arrangements with the executives named above; the effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers, including lower demand for CenturyLink's legacy offerings; the effects of new, emerging or competing technologies, including those that could make the combined company's products less desirable or obsolete; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry, including the outcome of regulatory or judicial proceedings relating to intercarrier compensation, interconnection obligations, access charges, universal service, broadband deployment, data protection and net neutrality; adverse changes in CenturyLink's or the combined company's access to credit markets on favorable terms, whether caused by changes in its financial position, lower debt credit ratings, unstable markets or otherwise; the combined company's ability to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry, and changes in the composition of its markets and product mix; possible changes in the demand for, or pricing of, the combined company's products and services, including the combined company's ability to effectively respond to increased demand for high-speed broadband service; changes in the operating plans, capital allocation plans or corporate strategies of the combined company, whether based on changes in market conditions, changes in the cash flows or financial position of the combined company, or otherwise; the combined company's ability to successfully maintain the quality and profitability of its existing product and service offerings and to introduce new offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; the adverse impact on the combined company's business and network from possible equipment failures, service outages, security breaches or similar events impacting its network; the combined company's ability to maintain favorable relations with key business partners, suppliers, vendors, landlords and financial institutions; the ability of the combined company to utilize net operating losses in amounts projected; changes in the future cash requirements of the combined company; and other risk factors and cautionary statements as detailed from time to time in each of CenturyLink's and Level 3's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Due to these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the proposed combination or any other transaction described above will in fact be completed in the manner described or at all. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the proposed combination or the combined company. You should not place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Unless legally required, CenturyLink and Level 3 undertake no obligation and each expressly disclaim any such obligation, to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed events or otherwise.

Additional Information

In connection with the proposed combination, CenturyLink filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC (Registration Statement No. 333-215121) which was declared effective by the SEC on February 13, 2017. CenturyLink and Level 3 have filed a joint proxy statement/prospectus and will file other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the SEC. CenturyLink and Level 3 began mailing the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus to their respective security holders on or about February 13, 2017. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, dated as of February 13, 2017, contains important information about CenturyLink, Level 3, the proposed combination and related matters. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED COMBINATION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE DEFINITIVE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and the filings that are incorporated by reference in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about CenturyLink and Level 3, free of charge, at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders may also obtain these documents free of charge by directing a request to CenturyLink, 100 CenturyLink Drive, Monroe, Louisiana 71203, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or to Level 3, 1025 Eldorado Boulevard, Broomfield, Colorado 80021, Attention: Investor Relations.

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.centurylink.com


MONROE, La., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, Cisco Live, Cisco's IT and communications conference, draws thousands of attendees who expect seamless connectivity and always-on network availability. CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) will help ensure this comes to fruition for more than 28,000 expected conference-goers on June 25-29 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

CenturyLink will support the Cisco Live Network Operations Center (NOC), delivering technology, monitoring, and control as well as expert on-site staff to enable high availability during the conference. CenturyLink has proudly supported the Cisco Live U.S. NOC since 2011.

This year's deployment will be one of the largest total transport capacities for a trade show, providing bandwidth totaling 557 gigabits of connectivity. Additionally, one event during Cisco Live will be held at the T-Mobile Arena, where CenturyLink has been delivering network connectivity since the venue opened last year.

"We have a strong track record for building high-capacity networks designed to handle very challenging scenarios," said Bill Hurley, chief marketing officer, CenturyLink. "Conference-goers expect to stay connected to the digital world, and CenturyLink understands what it takes to deliver dynamic networks that meet stringent demands. We are proud to deliver this service."

CenturyLink works closely with the Cisco Live program team to build highly resilient scalable solutions on-site that deliver on the goals of Cisco Live. Michael McAfee, lead product manager, CenturyLink, has been working with the Cisco Live NOCs since 2011. "We know what works and have developed a set of best practices that we follow," he said. "We're accustomed to adapting to constantly changing circumstances."

Additionally at Cisco Live, CenturyLink will demo its recently announced CenturyLink Managed Enterprise with Cisco Meraki solution at booth #2915. Attendees can see firsthand how this offering can simplify deployment and monitoring of Wi-Fi networks, security, wireless, phone, video surveillance and SD-WAN services through a single, cloud-based administrative dashboard. CenturyLink continues to be a committed partner in developing offerings that support Cisco solutions.

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a global communications and IT services company focused on connecting its customers to the power of the digital world. CenturyLink offers network and data systems management, big data analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud, and IT consulting services. The company provides broadband, voice, video, advanced data and managed network services over a robust 265,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 360,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit CenturyLink for more information.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.centurylink.com


OKLAHOMA CITY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) (the "Company") today announced that the Company is calling for redemption in full on July 24, 2017 (the "Redemption Date") all of its outstanding 2.75% Contingent Convertible Senior Notes due 2035 (the "Notes"), of which an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.0 million is outstanding. The Notes are called for redemption at a redemption price (the "Redemption Price"), in any integral multiple of $1,000, equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon, up to but not including the Redemption Date. The CUSIP number for the Notes is 165167BW6. The Redemption Price for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes is $1,000, together with accrued and unpaid interest of approximately $5.27 thereon payable with respect to each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes to the Redemption Date. Notes called for redemption may be converted at any time before the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Redemption Date. Holders who want to convert their Notes must satisfy the requirements set forth in the Notes and the Indenture dated as of November 8, 2005, as amended and supplemented, with respect to the Notes (the "Indenture"). As of the date hereof, the conversion rate for the Notes is 27.7683. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture.

On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each of the Notes and, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price or accrued interest, interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date and the only remaining right of the holders is to receive payment of the Redemption Price upon surrender to the Paying Agent. The Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent at the address specified below to collect the Redemption Price, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon. Payment of the Redemption Price and surrender of the Notes for redemption will be made through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company. The name and address of the Paying Agent and Conversion Agent is as follows:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

Global Corporate Trust

111 Sanders Creek Parkway

East Syracuse, New York 13057

Attn: Redemption Unit

This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or redeem, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, the Notes.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy Corporation's (NYSE:CHK) operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States. Chesapeake also owns oil and natural gas marketing and natural gas compression businesses.

SOURCE Chesapeake Energy Corporation
MINNEAPOLIS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is celebrating family road trips by highlighting the crazy, fun ways that families break the monotony of long trips. To help fuel fun road trip moments, Cinnamon Toast Crunch will be hosting a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Drive Thru this weekend Friday, June 23rd 10 a.m.  6 p.m. MST and Saturday, June 24th 9 a.m.  5 p.m. MST near a popular family road trip destination: The Grand Canyon! The Drive Thru will be located across from We Cook Pizza and Pasta restaurant near the South Rim entrance.

Celebrity Chef and Host of The Kitchen, Jeff Mauro, will be celebrating road trips with Cinnamon Toast Crunch this summer by creating an original recipe just for the drive thru along with other Cinnamon Toast Crunch inspired recipes.

From the unusual stops, the silly moments in the car, and the weird photos taken along the way, the Crazy Squares will celebrate the parents that let their kids be their crazy, fun selves, and the kids that inspire their parents to do the same.

The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Drive Thru is the ultimate crazy fun experience where families can be their true selves while creating an unforgettable family memory, and of course, enjoy the deliciousness of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Celebrity Chef and Host of The Kitchen, Jeff Mauro, will be celebrating road trips with Cinnamon Toast Crunch this summer by creating an original recipe just for the drive thru along with other Cinnamon Toast Crunch inspired recipes.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Road Mix

With smoked almonds, white chocolate chips, pretzels and cranberries, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch inspired trail mix is a sweet notch above the rest.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch-crusted fried PB&J

This over-the-top sandwich will take your staple PB&J to the next level and includes bread coated in ground Cinnamon Toast Crunch, stuffed with peanut butter, bananas, strawberry jam & pan-fried to a crisp.

Cinnamon French Toast Crunch

This recipe is perfect to get the whole family involved in the kitchen. Jeff takes classic French toast and stuffs it with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Bacon and Bananas giving it a little sweet, a little savory and a lot of crunch.

"General Mills is always working on bringing cereal lovers fun, new ways to enjoy their cereal," said Greta Hanson, marketing communication manager at General Mills. "Cinnamon Toast Crunch is fueling the fun that is family road trips by highlighting the ways that crazy, fun families break the monotony of long trips."

The tasty pit stop will encourage families to perform a crazy fun challenge in exchange for a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch along with sharing their road trip stories on social media tagging @CinnamonToastCrunch on Facebook and Instagram or @CTCSquares on Twitter using #CrazyCarCam.

To learn more about all the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Drive Thru or to view the exclusive recipes, visit http://cinnamontoastcrunch.tumblr.com/ and follow Cinnamon Toast Crunch on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2016 consolidated net sales of US $16.6 billion, as well as another US $1.0 billion from its proportionate share of joint-venture net sales.

SOURCE General Mills
"One of these new contracts involves the design and supply of a consignment of cutting-edge Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) & Catalytic Oxidation (CO) gas-turbine exhaust stack scrubbers with integrated silencing worth $13.5 million," Mr. Wong said. "These SCR/CO catalyst units incorporate our proprietary technology for reducing Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide and noise emissions, to meet stricter regulatory compliance targets now being enforced."

The US Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to set what are called New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) now being applied by many States to new and existing gas-turbine generators and compressors within the energy sector.

Mr. Wong said meeting these NSPS targets had become critical for the many gas-fired power generators as companies shifted to natural gas as a cleaner energy alternative to coal. Additionally, gas turbine compressors for major gas pipeline developments require INNOVA's CO/SCR catalyst and noise abatement technologies.

"This ever sharpening focus on emissions target compliance has driven demand for proven and more cost effective technology which INNOVA is prepared to back by providing our clients with a performance guarantee," Mr. Wong said.

Under another one of the larger new contracts, INNOVA has been engaged to supply a bank of inlet pulse filter houses for an 1100 MW combined-cycle power plant which will replace two coal-fired units with a natural gas-fired plant.

About INNOVA Global

INNOVA is a full-service engineering, manufacturing, procurement and installation company that develops and utilizes innovative technologies to provide solutions for air and noise emissions control, acoustic consulting, heat recovery, SAGD boilers, and equipment and infrastructure primarily for oil and gas and power generation customers. INNOVA's equipment designs focus on bringing the environment and cost-efficiency into balance, with technical expertise and an unparalleled performance guarantee. INNOVA has 170 engineers and support staff and over 200 production workers at fabrication facilities in Monterrey, Mexico and St. George, Utah, with offices in nine locations across North America including Calgary, Alberta; Cambridge, Ontario; Albany, New York; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Plymouth, Minnesota; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Scottsdale, Arizona; and, offices in Brisbane, Australia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For more information visit www.innova-gl.com or call us at 1-888-833-3939.

SOURCE Innova Global
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Intermedia, a leading cloud business applications provider to SMBs and the channel partners that serve them, today announced that more than 100,000 businesses trust the company to deliver and manage their critical IT services.

Intermedia has transformed from a business email and web hosting provider to a leading provider of a tightly integrated portfolio of 30+ IT applications delivered from the cloud. By continuing to build on top of its core technology platform to address customer and partner needs, Intermedia has more than tripled in size in just five years, driving annualized revenues beyond $200 million.

A number of products among the company's robust applications suite have contributed towards this latest company milestone. Intermedia's voice services business continues to grow faster than the market1. Additional areas of rapid growth include security and compliance (such as encryption, email continuity and archiving), Intermedia's file backup, sync & sharing application for collaboration and quick recovery from unexpected data loss, and add-on enhancements that deliver incremental value on top of Microsoft Office 365.

"While business needs continually change, the demand for productivity remains constant. Hundreds of competitors offer disparate point solutions  just voice, backup, security, or email  and that can threaten workplace efficiency as businesses deal with multiple unintegrated vendors, support organizations, user interfaces and bills. Intermedia continues to lead the way with a different and better approach  a robust suite of integrated solutions from a single provider," said Michael Gold, CEO at Intermedia. "Our 750+ employees have built a brand where more than 100,000 business customers trust us to deliver their most crucial communications services and keep their data secure. This milestone is indicative of the value companies of all sizes and industries put on our one-stop shop and J.D. Power-certified support, including customers such as TrueCar, Splunk, NFP, and Johnny Rockets."

Customer quotes

"We have deployed all of Intermedia's services. When procuring our services from multiple vendors in the past, we were paying a premium but weren't getting premium service. Consolidating our cloud services under Intermedia's one-stop shop is the biggest technology improvement and gain that we've made. From the solutions to the service, reliability, flexibility and total cost of ownership, I believe Intermedia to be the best solution for any company," said Kevin Finnegan, IT Manager at Stranded Oil.

"In our line of business, we deal with highly sensitive patient information all day long. Consolidating our business phone system with Intermedia has delivered us a massive savings of 85 percent over what we were paying disparate phone service companies. Now our offices spanning from Florida to California, along with many home workers, are all connected under one HIPAA-compliant system. Intermedia delivers us the same levels of reliability and privacy on the data side for email and archiving as it does for Cloud PBX, offering exponentially greater benefits. Intermedia is invaluable to the success of our business," said Wasanaa Smith, IT Security Officer at Health Check.

Partner quotes

"Being an Intermedia partner has enabled me to completely restructure my business to the cloud. I save time, make more money, and can easily provide a complete portfolio of premium cloud solutions to my customers. Further, Intermedia gives me all the resources I need to confidently enter fast-growing markets such as cloud voice. Due to the success of this relationship, I've doubled the size of my Intermedia business every single year since the start of our partnership back in 2009. Business has never been better, and I attribute this success to Intermedia and its partner support network," said George Ortiz, President at Crowne Hill Consulting Group.

"The prevalence of high-impact cyberattacks changed the way that organizations need to approach security. This presents MSPs with a security specialization the opportunity to help clients better prepare and safeguard against these threats, while scaling their own business. For instance, the surge in ransomware attacks is a significant driver of our new customer signups. Intermedia's SecuriSync backup and file sharing solution enables us to restore clients' access to impacted documents in just minutes following a range of scenarios, from stolen or damaged devices to ransomware attacks and other mass infections. Intermedia's security services suite gives us a huge market differentiator," said Koert Council, Partner at Kosh Solutions.

About Intermedia

Intermedia is a one-stop shop for cloud business applications. Its Office in the Cloud suite integrates the essential IT applications that companies need to do business, including email, voice, file backup and sharing, productivity, identity and access management, security and archiving  all delivered by a single provider and integrated into one control panel. Intermedia services offer enterprise-grade security, a 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement and award-winning 24/7 support, as certified by J.D. Power and TSIA.

Intermedia's 750+ employees serve more than 100,000 businesses and 6,000 active partners, including VARs, MSPs, distributors and telecoms. Its Partner Program lets partners sell under their own brand with control over billing, pricing and other elements of their customer relationships. Intermedia is the world's largest independent provider of Exchange email in the cloud and a leading cloud voice service provider. For more information, visit Intermedia.net or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Contacts

Melanie Lombardi

Intermedia

650.285.5857

[email protected]

Katie Halloran

LEWIS for Intermedia

619.308.5222

[email protected]

Office in the Cloud is a trademark of Intermedia.net, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft and Office 365 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

J.D. Power 2016 Certified Assisted Technical Program, developed in conjunction with TSIA. Based on successful completion of an audit and exceeding a customer satisfaction benchmark for assisted support operations. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com or www.tsia.com.



1 According to 2017 cloud telephony total growth rate data, as reported by leading analyst firms.

SOURCE Intermedia

Related Links

http://www.intermedia.net


FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Friday, June 23rd is a day known for bringing furry friends to work, and pets all over the country will be roaming the halls of many businesses. And for good reason too  according to the BANFIELD Pet Hospital's 2017 Pet-Friendly Workplace PAWrometer survey, nearly 90 percent of employees at pet-friendly workplaces said having pets at work improves sense of well-being. In a day where recruiting and retaining talent is highly competitive, the survey also adds that this unique perk increases company morale, loyalty and productivity.

Mars Petcare Associate Tim Wingard and his pup Sparky. Mars Petcare Associate Tiffany Bednorz and her furry friend Allie.

To help companies across the country who may not know where to start when allowing pets in the workplace, Mars Petcare is launching a new online resource, "Pets Work at Work", to help companies create a pet-friendly workplace. This is part of the company's recently-launched initiative, BETTER CITIES FOR PETS, which advocates for fewer pets in shelters, more pet-friendly places (including offices!), and happier, healthier lives for both people and pets.

The comprehensive suite of tools includes tips and tricks for how to successfully welcome pets at work. Some of the materials include:

A sample pet policy to help businesses and offices define what works for them;

Leadership and legal considerations to welcoming pets into businesses;

How to communicate a pet policy internally and externally; and

Engaging (and adorable!) signage to post within offices, including welcome posters and a pet-friendly space sign for businesses and offices to use.

"We see firsthand the benefits of having pets at work with our pet-friendly office year-round," said Casey Coke Murphy, Pet Behaviorist at Mars Petcare. "Pets lower our blood pressure, reduce social isolation, can contribute to lower stress levels and increase communication in the workplace which can ultimately make a job more satisfying for employees."

The BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program aims to help create more pet friendly cities in the U.S., and welcoming pets into more places is a key focus area. By making resources available for any and all employers to download to implement pet-friendly office policies, the company is applying best practices and learnings from years of welcoming pets into their corporate offices every day, combined with scientific findings around the benefits of pets in the workplace through the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Mars Petcare's research center.

For more information on how to create a pet-friendly workplace, to download the Pets Work at Work toolkit, and to learn more about BETTER CITIES FOR PETS, please 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, created to help communities become more pet-friendly by bringing the voice of pets and their owners to places of influence and advocating for fewer pets in shelters, more pet-friendly places, and happier, healthier lives for both people and pets. For more information about Mars Petcare and BETTER CITIES FOR PETS, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com.

About Mars Petcare US

Mars Petcare is the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business. Mars Petcare believes that pets make people's 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 40,000 Associates worldwide. For more information about Mars Petcare's purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com.

SOURCE Mars Petcare US
RESTON, Va., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore, Inc. recently released its monthly ranking of U.S. online activity at the top digital media properties for May 2017 based on data from comScore Media Metrix Multi-Platform.

comScore Top 50 Multi-Platform Properties (Desktop and Mobile)

May 2017 Total U.S.  Home and Work Locations

Source: comScore Media Metrix Multi-Platform Rank Property Unique

Visitors/Viewers

(000)

Rank Property Unique

Visitors/Viewers

(000)

Total Internet: Total Audience 252,357







1 Google Sites 241,486

26 Fox News Digital Network 85,572 2 Facebook 203,477

27 Wal-Mart 84,964 3 Yahoo Sites 190,626

28 Pandora.com 82,355 4 Microsoft Sites 183,735

29 TripAdvisor Inc. 81,475 5 Amazon Sites 181,883

30 WashingtonPost.com 80,742 6 Comcast NBCUniversal 164,443

31 BuzzFeed.com 80,130 7 AOL, Inc. 156,753

32 PayPal 77,379 8 CBS Interactive 154,089

33 Netflix Inc. 75,649 9 Apple Inc. 142,279

34 Meredith Digital 74,698 10 Time Inc. Network 128,242

35 WebMD Health 74,362 11 Turner Digital 125,197

36 ESPN 73,632 12 Weather Company, The 111,091

37 Cox Enterprises Inc. 68,269 13 USA TODAY Network 110,983

38 Vox Media 67,879 14 Hearst 108,554

39 VICE Media 66,812 15 Wikimedia Foundation Sites 105,015

40 Spotify 62,080 16 Linkedin 104,475

41 Mail Online / Daily Mail 62,061 17 Twitter 101,837

42 WordPress.com* 61,602 18 New York Times Digital 94,240

43 SheKnows Media 60,983 19 eBay 93,680

44 ABC-Freeform Media Group 60,568 20 CafeMedia 92,555

45 Dropbox Sites 59,681 21 Yelp 92,205

46 Expedia Inc 59,626 22 Snapchat, Inc 91,892

47 LittleThings, Inc. 59,181 23 Conde Nast Digital 91,134

48 Dotdash 56,974 24 Pinterest.com 90,834

49 Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. 56,696 25 Zillow Group 89,975

50 AccuWeather Sites 56,587

* Entity has assigned some portion of traffic to other syndicated entities.

For more market rankings from comScore, visit our Rankings page here.

About comScore

comScore is a leading cross-platform measurement company that measures audiences, brands and consumer behavior everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, our data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behavior at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetize their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and a global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com.

SOURCE comScore

Related Links

http://www.comscore.com


Web Site: www.CuMtn.com

TSX: CMMC

VANCOUVER, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CMMC) (the "Company" or "Copper Mountain") is to be featured on the TV program "BTV-Business Television visits undervalued small cap companies on analyst's radar." The program will air on BNN the Saturday June 24 & Sunday June 25, 2017.

BTV  Business Television, a half-hour weekly investment news program, profiles emerging companies across Canada and the US to bring investors information for their portfolio. With Host Taylor Thoen, BTV interviews experts, top analysts, plus features companies at their location for an insightful business perspective.

BTV BROADCAST TIMES:

CANADA: BNN  Saturday June 24 @ 8:00pm, Sunday June 25 @ 9:30pm EST

Bell Express Vu  Saturday June 24 @ 8:00pm, Sunday June 25 @ 9:30pm EST

Air Canada: TV seatback Business Channel

U.S. National: Biz Television Network  Sun July 2 @ 10:00pm & 4:30pm PST, Sat July 8 @ 9:00pm PST

This 4-minute segment will also be available on Copper Mountain's website at www.CuMtn.com.

About BNN:

Business News Network (BNN) is Canada's only all business specialty channel with real time coverage of global market activity from a Canadian perspective.

About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation:

Copper Mountain's flagship asset is the Copper Mountain mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Company has a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation who owns 25% of the mine. The Copper Mountain mine has a large resource of copper that remains open laterally and at depth. This significant exploration potential will be explored over the next few years in order to fully appreciate the property's full development potential. Additional information is available on the Company's web page at www.CuMtn.com.

On behalf of the Board of

COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION

"Rod Shier"

Rodney Shier, CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer

Note: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents, filed by the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

Related Links

http://www.CuMtn.com


AUSTIN, Texas, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The best hotel credit card is the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, according to CreditCards.com. Judges praised it for its generously priced Starpoints, which are worth at least two cents apiece (the average credit card rewards point is valued at just one cent). The panel also liked that the card offers an impressive number of Starpoints to frequent Starwood and Marriott guests. A 25,000-point sign-up bonus adds even more value, and the $95 annual fee is waived the first year. Click here for more information:

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/best-hotel-cards.php

The SPG card allows one-to-one transfers with more than 30 domestic and international airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, British Airways, Korean Air and many others. "Flexibility is so important in a rewards card, and that's what helps the Starwood card stand out from the other hotel cards," said CreditCards.com senior industry analyst Matt Schulz. "The large number of partnerships with airlines makes this card more than just a hotel card."

The Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature card earned second place, thanks in large part to its ample sign-up and loyalty bonuses. Cardholders are awarded up to 85,000 Gold points if they spend $2,500 in the first 90 days, 40,000 bonus points each year their card is renewed and an extra free night's stay when they spend at least $10,000 a year. Club Carlson points aren't worth as much as the average card rewards point, but the card's generous rewards rate helps make up for the lower value. The Carlson Rezidor network includes more than 1,400 hotels around the world; the Club Carlson card is a good choice for people who typically stay in mid-tier hotels and would like to use their points for higher priced stays.

A great choice for budget travelers, the Best Western Rewards Premium MasterCard ranked third. It isn't as flashy as some of its higher-priced competitors, but for those who care more about affordability and convenience than traveling in high style, this is one of the most valuable hotel cards you can get. It offers 10 points for every dollar spent at a Best Western. In addition, new cardholders are awarded 50,000 bonus points if they spend $1,000 in the card's first three months and an additional 20,000 bonus points each year they spend at least $5,000. That's significantly more valuable than most hotel cards' opening offers. The $59 annual fee is waived the first year.

CreditCards.com evaluated some of the top-rated cards in the hotel card category and asked a panel of judges to rate the CreditCards.com staff's top three picks. The judges were travel expert Johnny Jet (johnnyjet.com), personal finance expert Holly Johnson (clubthrifty.com), Money Magazine staff writer Taylor Tepper, CreditCards.com editor-in-chief Daniel P. Ray and CreditCards.com senior industry analyst Matt Schulz.

About CreditCards.com:

CreditCards.com is a leading online credit card marketplace, bringing consumers and credit card issuers together. At its free website, consumers can compare hundreds of credit card offers from America's leading issuers and banks and apply securely, online. CreditCards.com is also a destination site for consumers wanting to learn more about credit cards. Offering advice, news, features, statistics and tools, CreditCards.com helps consumers make smart choices about credit cards. In 2016, over 35 million unique visitors used CreditCards.com to find the right credit card to suit their needs.

For More Information:

Ted Rossman

Public Relations Director

[email protected]

917-368-8635

SOURCE CreditCards.com

Related Links

http://CreditCards.com


MIAMI, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is pleased to announce that Firm Partner John S. Hager has been selected for inclusion to the 2017 list of Florida Super Lawyers. Considered among the most prestigious achievements in the legal profession, distinction by Super Lawyers Magazine is earned by attorneys who have exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence, peer recognition, and client satisfaction. Fewer than 5% of all practicing lawyers in each state are named to the Magazine's annual list.

This year's inclusion marks the fourth consecutive year John has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine, a nationwide publication that has become a trusted resource for objective attorney rankings. Each year, Super Lawyers publishes a carefully curated list of the top attorneys in each state using a patented, multi-phase selection process.

Attorneys who are nominated by legal peers, managing partners at law firms across the state, or by the Super Lawyers research team are meticulously vetted using the publication's rigorous selection process. Selection begin with independent research that evaluates potential candidates based on a dozen indicators of achievement and recognition. This includes notable case results earned over an attorney's years in practice, their experience, honors and awards, special certifications or licenses, educational and employment background, statute in the local and legal communities, and more. Nominees earn points from researchers based on these indicators.

After being evaluated by the Super Lawyers research team, attorneys are then evaluated by a blue ribbon panel consisting of legal peers who practice in the same area of law. Peer-review panels also assign points to nominees based on various criteria and indicators of achievement. These point totals are tallied, and attorneys with the highest number of points earn final selection to the list of Super Lawyers, a distinction reserved for under 5% of all active lawyers in the state.

John is a graduate of the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. After being licensed to practice in the state of Florida in 1999, John accepted a position as a Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney's office. It was during this time that he gained extensive experience handling difficult matters and litigating in the state's criminal justice system. As a criminal defense attorney, he applies this invaluable insight when challenging the government's case against his clients. John is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, and has served two termed as a committee member for the Traffic Rules Committee in the State of Florida.

As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who has spent nearly 20 years handling tough cases, John has proven that his experience, background as a former prosecutor, and dedication to protecting the rights, freedoms, and futures of clients can make all the difference. Over the years, he has successfully defended clients charged with all types of crimes throughout South Florida, from misdemeanors to most serious felony and federal charges. His continued inclusion in Super Lawyers Magazine is a testament to his continued commitment to fighting on behalf of the accused.

John S. Hager is Partner at the South Florida law firm of Hager & Schwartz, P.A., which represents clients throughout Miami, Broward County, Volusia County, and beyond. Led by two former Florida prosecutors, the firm leverages insight into the "other side" to effectively defend clients against all types of criminal allegations. Learn more about the firm by visiting www.defendyourcase.com.

SOURCE Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

Related Links

http://www.defendyourcase.com


ROSEMONT, Ill., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Culligan named Fallon its agency of record, as part of a new investment to continue supporting the industry-leading brand. The Minneapolis-based agency will manage media planning and buying, strategy and creative for the business.

Fallon is tasked with bringing awareness to Culligan's world-class service in water softening and filtration. The new campaign will take the brand from a system consumers need to water consumers want in their homes for all occasions.

"We were immediately impressed by Fallon's branding chops and strong understanding of our franchise model. The cross-disciplinary team showed us a world of possibilities for the brand that can truly advance our brand position," said Larry Holzman, Senior Vice President, North American Franchise.

Fallon's bundled creative and media operations will provide Culligan with an integrated offering that infuses traditional and digital media planning into core ideas and better support for individual dealers across business markets.

"Culligan is a brand with a good story, a strong service culture, and great growth potential. We look forward to working closely with their marketing team and franchise partners to create a dynamic brand idea that gets people across generations to think differently about their water and connect with Culligan in a modern way," said Fallon CEO Mike Buchner.

The relationship officially begins in June, and the first work will launch in early 2018 across TV, digital and print. The win comes on the heels of Fallon's expanded relationship with H&R Block media and social strategy business.

Learn more about Culligan at http://www.culligan.com/ and Fallon at http://www.fallon.com/.

About Fallon

Fallon Worldwide is a Minneapolis-based advertising agency that's part of Publicis Communications, the hub of creative agencies within Paris-based Publicis Groupe S.A. Fallon clients include Arby's, Comedy Central, H&R Block, Loctite and Whitewave. Fallon Worldwide is one of the world's most critically acclaimed creativity companies, delivering breakthrough ideas for some of the world's leading brands. Additional information can be found at www.fallon.com.

About Culligan

Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of their customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration products. Culligan's products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business. Culligan's network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 800 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises. For more information, visit www.culligan.com.

Media Contact:

Alex Steinman

[email protected]

SOURCE Fallon

Related Links

http://www.fallon.com


"We're thrilled to finally evaluate a portable analytical machine that measures analytes based upon a reference standard rather than a reference database currently used by portable infrared technologies," says Dr. Robert Martin, CEO of CW Analytical. "This new machine has passed all of our testing trials with flying colors and is both reliable and affordable. We look forward to creating a new company to offer sales and user support for this exciting technology."

While alternative options for on-demand potency testing usually lack affordability, reliability, and consistency, LightLab stands alone as the ideal solution for expanding CW Analytical's already expansive potency and quality assurance testing options.

"Turnaround time is a huge pain point for our clients," says Emily Richardson, Vice President of Business Development at CW Analytical. "Whether it's an extractor making a purchasing decision on trim, or a grower refining a breeding program, LightLab offers an accurate and affordable way to measure Cannabinoid content on-site, without the time and logistics involved with getting a sample to our lab."

"We are pleased to work with CW Analytical. Their commitment to analytical excellence and exceptional customer service makes them a natural partner for Orange Photonics," says Stephanie McArdle, President of Orange Photonics. "Our customers will benefit from CW's deep understanding of cannabis business operations and the opportunity to boost efficiency by integrating real-time quality control data from LightLab."

About CW Analytical Laboratories Inc.:

A pioneer in Cannabis science, CW Analytical was one of the first laboratories of its kind to serve the Cannabis industry. The company was co-founded in 2009 by two scientists who noticed that the medical Cannabis industry in California was lacking the regulatory and quality assurance practices necessary to ensure the availability of clean, safe medicine. CW Analytical's team of scientists and industry experts has been providing stakeholders in California with important information about the safety, quality, and potency of medical Cannabis products long before any state mandate.

CW Analytical's commitment to continuous innovation and technical development has led to the achievement of ISO 17025 accreditation, collaborative research, and the procurement of state-of-the-art analytical instruments to keep CW and their clients at the forefront of regulatory compliance.

CW Analytical's continued success is due to our commitment to providing clients with accurate, affordable data paired with unrivaled customer service. The company's mission is to enable clients to better serve their patients and compete in the medical Cannabis marketplace with the safest, cleanest, and most consistent medicine in California.

CWAL social:

http://www.cwanalytical.com/

"Like" us on Facebook,

Follow us on Instagram,

Hear from us on Twitter

About Orange Photonics Inc.:

Orange Photonics, Inc. provides portable, onsite Cannabis potency analysis for growers, retailers and regulators. LightLab, Orange Photonics' flagship product, is a portable Cannabis analyzer that provides accurate potency data in under 10 minutes. The patent pending combination of liquid chromatography and spectroscopy includes technology used on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover. LightLab offers easy access to real-time potency data which means cultivators and concentrate producers can quickly modify manufacturing processes, fine-tune cultivation inputs, immediately value raw materials in their supply chain, and produce consistent, optimized end product.

SOURCE CW Analytical Laboratories, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cwanalytical.com


DALLAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas-area technology hiring is on the rise for the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-five percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams  that's up 9 points from the first half of the year. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Our city continues to attract new companies, and many local companies are expanding," said Nicole Sims, regional vice president for Robert Half Technology in Dallas. "This has created demand for technology professionals who can help support high-priority projects such as telecom and network upgrades and Windows administration. As projects shift and seasonal trends come into play, many companies will be looking to hire IT professionals on both a full-time and contract basis."

Hiring Plans and Challenges

In addition to the 25 percent of CIOs who expect to expand their teams, an additional 58 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 59 percent of Dallas hiring leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in Dallas

When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, 38 percent of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Dallas include:

Increased digital marketing initiatives (28 percent)

(28 percent) Increased big data initiatives (17 percent)

(17 percent) Increased mobile initiatives (14 percent)

Skills in Demand

According to respondents, the skills in greatest demand within their organizations include:

Telecommunications support (58 percent) Wireless network management (54 percent) Windows administration (53 percent) Network administration (52 percent) Business intelligence/reporting services (50 percent)

Top Concerns

When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 30 percent of Dallas CIOs said they will be focused on upgrading existing systems for business efficiency. Other priorities will include:

Staff retention (23 percent)

(23 percent) Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (16 percent)

(16 percent) Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (16 percent)

(16 percent) Innovation or helping grow the business (15 percent)

About Robert Half Technology

With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.com/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2017 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions.

Survey Methodology

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology
ATLANTA, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia, meet the new Pit Master in town: Robert Cross. A Georgia resident for the past 15 years, Cross recently took over as Owner/Operator of the Fayetteville Dickey's Barbecue Pit location and is beginning development on a new store in Atlanta.

Cross, a former multi-unit Subway franchisee, spent the last few years researching different brands for his next venture. He was looking for an enterprising, on-the-move brand and was drawn to Dickey's by their advancement in the industry. He sees it as the perfect concept to be successful in his state.

"There happened to be a Dickey's right across the street from me and ultimately, it was the food that sold me," said Cross. "Barbecue is such a staple food, especially here in the south."

With his sights set on future growth, Cross is eager to travel to Dallas to learn all about the business of barbecue at Barbecue University, Dickey's three-week training program.

"At Dickey's, we look for franchisees who share our passion and excitement for the barbecue and the business, like Robert," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "We welcome him to the family and look forward to a long, successful partnership."

To find the location nearest you, click here. Find Dickey's on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest barbecue chain was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers several slow-smoked meats and home style sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. The fast-casual concept has expanded to nearly 600 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey's won first place on Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers" list and in 2017 again won a top 10 on the list. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, and Nation's Restaurant News. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.

Media Contact:

Bryce Nayden

[email protected]

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue

Related Links

http://www.dickeys.com


CLEVELAND, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Opinions has announced it will be a sponsor at The Secret Service Summit (http://www.secretservicesummit.com), America's #1 Customer Service conference. Direct Opinions will be a part of helping leaders learn and implement their own customer service revolutions.

Angela Crawford, PhD, CMO for Direct Opinions (http://www.directopinions.com), and a Human Experience Strategist, will join an impressive lineup of speakers who turn research into ideas that help organizations grow. She will share "10 Steps to Igniting Passion within People," based on qualitative and quantitative research methods that demonstrate how leaders can go well beyond focusing on customer and employee engagement and move toward designing organizations and roles where people experience passion. Summit attendees will learn why our brand identity is no longer within our control and how we can fuel growth through people living out their passion.

Join Crawford and other expert speakers at the premier #cx #custserv event of 2017: www.secretservicesummit.com/register

"Direct Opinions is thrilled to once again be part of the Secret Service Summit. Delivering world class service starts with igniting the passion that is already within employees, and we're looking forward to giving attendees actionable insights that help them build their best possible team in 2017," said Crawford.

"Having a company like Direct Opinions be part of the Secret Service Summit is a critical piece to our goal of making the Secret Service Summit the customer service conference in the world," says John DiJulius, President of The DiJulius Group. "Many of our own consulting clients already use Direct Opinions and rave about their work and the difference they have made in organization. Direct Opinions provides two major benefits to Summit attendees: 1) A subject matter expert providing breakout sessions during the Summit on how to effectively measure customer and employee satisfaction and use that data to improve their overall customer experience, and 2) A resource for our clients to be able to tap into their expertise and tools to create a Return on Experience dashboard that will have a significant impact six, twelve and eighteen months from now."

About Direct Opinions: Direct Opinions is a market research firm that provides customers with insight to support complex business decisions. Specializing in satisfaction and loyalty measurements for both customer and employee experiences, Direct Opinions' survey solutions produce strategic value to help our customers identify their competitive advantage and drive profitable growth. Dedicated to delivering actionable insights, we leverage the power of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather the most impactful information that provides answers, not just data. We help our clients understand specifically what they need to do to grow their business using innovative techniques that connect key insights across organizational silos. For further information, please visit www.directopinions.com.

About The DiJulius Group

The DiJulius Group (http://www.thedijuliusgroup.com), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the leading authority on world-class customer experience. The DiJulius Group's relentless mission is to help your organization change the world by creating a customer service revolution.

For media inquiries, please contact David Wagner at 440-443-0022.

SOURCE The DiJulius Group

Related Links

http://www.thedijuliusgroup.com


NEW YORK, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman Real Estate ("Elliman") announced that yesterday, a jury in New York Supreme Court, Westchester County, returned a $2.25 million verdict, along with an additional $2.5 million in punitive damages, in its favor and against William Raveis Real Estate ("Raveis") and Lisa P. Theiss ("Theiss") in a lawsuit Elliman commenced against Raveis and Theiss, who until 2015 had been managing Elliman's Armonk branch office. After a four-week trial, the jury found that Raveis and Theiss schemed, in early 2015 while Theiss was still Elliman's manager, to unlawfully move a dozen sales agents, including Elliman's four top producers in Armonk, en masse to Raveis's newly opened branch office across the street. The jury found Theiss and Raveis liable for breach of fiduciary duty (Theiss), aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty (Raveis), and tortious interference with business relations (both defendants).

"I am extremely pleased that the jury saw fit to rectify the egregious and outrageous actions of William Raveis Real Estate," said Howard M. Lorber, Chairman of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC. "Such deception does not serve our industry and it is my hope that today's verdict will help deter others from similar practices."

Mark W. Lerner, head of Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP's Employment Litigation Group, said, "This verdict confirms what Elliman had claimed from the outset, that Raveis and Theiss had unlawfully schemed together in an attempt to harm Elliman in Westchester. We are pleased that the jury agreed that their acts were illegal and improper." The Elliman trial team included Kasowitz partners Mark W. Lerner and Jessica T. Rosenberg, assisted by associate Melissa Barahona.

About Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Established in 1911, Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the largest brokerage in the New York Metropolitan area and the fourth largest residential real estate company nationwide. With more than 6,500 agents, the company operates approximately 90 offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Long Island, the Hamptons & North Fork, Westchester, Greenwich, South Florida, Colorado and Beverly Hills. Moreover, Douglas Elliman has a strategic global alliance with London-based Knight Frank Residential for business in the worldwide luxury markets spanning 59 countries and six continents. The company also controls a portfolio of real estate services including Douglas Elliman Development Marketing; Manhattan's largest residential property manager, Douglas Elliman Property Management with over 250 buildings; and DE Commercial. For more information on Douglas Elliman as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, please visit www.elliman.com.

SOURCE Douglas Elliman

Related Links

http://www.elliman.com


PLANO, Texas, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (NYSE: DPS) today announced that Lain Hancock has been named chief executive officer for Bai Brands. He will take over leadership from Bai founder Ben Weiss, who has left the business.

Hancock had previously served as executive vice president, human resources for DPS. He has also held multiple senior leadership positions with the company's supply chain organization, including continuous improvement, manufacturing and procurement. He joined the company in 2007 after serving as a consultant at McKinsey & Co. and an aviation branch officer in the U.S. Army.

Hancock will work closely with Ken Kurtz, Bai's president of sales, to drive alignment and coordination between Bai and the DPS selling organization and deliver profitable growth over the long term for the brand.

"Lain knows how to inspire and lead winning teams and develop and execute business plans guided by data and insight," said Larry Young, DPS president and CEO. "As part of our executive leadership team for the past four years, he understands how to best bring Dr Pepper Snapple's full capabilities and resources to support Bai's sales, marketing and brand building efforts."

Young added that Weiss is leaving the business with strong momentum and in good hands.

"Ben created one of the beverage industry's most disruptive innovations in recent years. The team at Bai is well positioned to drive growth for the brand well into the future," said Young. "We appreciate all that he has done to build an amazing brand and a phenomenal team, and we wish him well."

Weiss, who started Bai in 2009 in the basement of his Princeton, N.J., home, said, "This is the culmination of an amazing journey for me and my family. What we created at Bai made history. I could not be prouder of the Unbelievers I worked side-by-side with growing Bai to be a disruptor and leader in the beverage industry. This extraordinary brand has been embraced by millions of consumers, and I am confident in its future."

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group

North America and the Caribbean . Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have seven of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and nine of our 10 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Bai, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, IBC, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Penafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and Plano, Texas -based company, please visit Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS ) is a leading producer of flavored beverages inand the. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have seven of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and nine of our 10 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Bai, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, IBC, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Penafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about our iconic brands and-based company, please visit www.DrPepperSnapple.com . For our latest news and updates, follow us at www.Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or

www.Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple

.

Contacts: Media Relations

Chris Barnes, (972) 673-5539





Investor Relations

Heather Catelotti, (972) 673-5869

SOURCE Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.drpeppersnapplegroup.com


Dr. Aftab oversees the new Fetal Care Center, which is dedicated to families expecting an infant with medical needs that require intervention at birth. The program offers comprehensive, coordinated care from prenatal diagnosis to delivery, postnatal care and the transition to infant care.

Prior to joining PSA and Miami Children's Health System, Dr. Aftab served as director of education in the Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine and assistant director of the STRATUS Center for medical simulation at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. She has held academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Dr. Aftab earned her medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. She then completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in neonatal perinatal medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. She is board certified in general pediatrics, neonatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org/fetalcare.

About Miami Children's Health System

Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, part of Miami Children's Health System, is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with more than 740 attending physicians and over 220 pediatric sub-specialists. The 289-bed nonprofit hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine and routinely has many programs ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. The organization has grown and evolved into the Miami Children's Health System (MCHS) which includes Miami Children's Health Foundation, the organization's 501c3 fundraising arm; a network of 10 nonprofit outpatient centers situated in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties; Pediatric Specialists of America, a nonprofit physician practice subsidiary; a management services organization, and an ambulatory surgery center, as well as an e-commerce line of children's wellness and safety products that support the hospital's mission of serving the region's pediatric population. MCHS is the region's only healthcare system exclusively for children.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Caminas

Miami Children's Health System

305-663-8476

[email protected]

SOURCE Miami Children's Health System

Related Links

http://www.mch.com


PORTLAND, Ore., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI), a producer of award-winning master-crafted spirits, today announced the Company will present at the Lytham Partners Virtual Investor Conference on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 2:00pm ET (11:00am PT). The conference is a virtual event that is available over the internet, and interested parties may participate by following either of the below links at the time of the conference.

Event: Lytham Partners Virtual Investor Conference Date: June 22, 2017 Time: 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT Webcast: http://www.eastsidedistilling.com/conferences or ESDI Presentation

Interested parties around the world may view the live investor presentation and ask the speakers questions in real-time. A replay of the presentation will be available on demand following the conclusion of the live event at http://www.eastsidedistilling.com/conferences or ESDI Presentation.

About Eastside Distilling

Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI) is located in Southeast Portland's Distillery Row and has been producing high-quality, master-crafted spirits since 2008. Makers of award-winning spirits, the Company is unique in the marketplace and distinguished by its highly decorated product line-up that includes Barrel Hitch American Whiskies, Burnside Bourbon, Below Deck Rums, Portland Potato Vodka and a distinctive line of infused whiskeys. All Eastside spirits are master crafted from natural ingredients for unparalleled quality and taste. The Company is publicly traded under the symbolOTCQB: ESDI. For more information, visit: www.eastsidedistilling.com

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in obtaining new customers; the Company's ability to obtain additional capital, the Company's success in product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; the Company's success in integrating acquired entities and assets, and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release may include statements related to our strategic focus, product verticals, anticipated revenue and profitability. Further, such forward looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to: that the Company's growth will continue on its current trajectory; the stage is set for significant growth and improved bottom line performance ahead and beyond; that the second half is traditionally our busiest of the year, when the Company typically generates close to 70% of its annual business. The Company assumes no obligation to update the cautionary information in this release.

Company Contact: Investor Relations Contact: Eastside Distilling Robert Blum, Joe Diaz or Joe Dorame (971) 888-4264 Lytham Partners, LLC [email protected] (602) 889-9700

[email protected]

SOURCE Eastside Distilling, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eastsidedistilling.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sisters Ellen Brown & Melanie DiCristino, of ellebellenyc.com, announce their ultra chic scarf collection designed to spread social awareness, empower women, and give back. Whether delicately draped around shoulders or even framed on walls, each piece contains a hidden story unique to the designer. In the U.S., Turkish artist Ebru Uygun's distinctive marbling patterns are solely available through ellebelle. The sisters are excited to have recently added the talented Italian artist, Rosella, to their collection.

100% Silk Twill Scarf Measures 34" x 34"

Designer and artist, Ebru Uygun, whose name ironically translates to paper marbling, describes her designs: "The harmonious dance of the colors reflects my wonderland! It's a world where evil has no place. It's pure and clear. When I'm marbling, I discover new worlds It's a joy." Ebru has been an advocate for children, and in 1994, founded a charity, TOCEV, which provides education for children with socio-economic challenges across Turkey. ellebelle donates a portion of their proceeds to TOCEV. On a recent trip to Como, Italy, Ellen was inspired by an art exhibit of Rosella's, and knew there would be great symmetry with ellebelle's already established line of scarves. The sisters asked to collaborate with her for their emerging collection. Each piece designed by Rosella has an interesting story like the "Geometrix" scarf which is interpreted as "street grid pattern" representing the symbolic nature of fast-paced New York and its organized streets and avenues. "Palline," Italian for little balls, represents the Times Square ball drop on New Year's Eve. Wearing the scarf brings the optimism of a fresh start. The "Up, Up, and Away" scarf with its hot-air balloons moored by heels, represents New York as the fashion capital of the world and the fabulous bubble of NYC in which we live.

Ellen Brown and Melanie DiCristino spent decades working in the financial industry while simultaneously searching for the right opportunity to combine their deep-seated love of textiles with their desire to work with non-profit human rights organizations.

Media Contact

Alexis Weinerman | Onpoint Media Group

610-812-3380

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.jpg

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image4.png

SOURCE ellebelle
AUSTIN, Texas, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, today congratulated Epicor enterprise resource planning (ERP) customer Humtown Products as a recipient of a 2017 SDCE 100 award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation.

We are honored to be named one of the Top 100 SDCE supply chain projects. I always say, if you dont move with the technology, youll be run over by it. Partnering with Epicor has helped us stay in front of technology and deliver the highest quality products and services to our clients, said Mark Lamoncha, President and CEO, Humtown Products.

Humtown Products, a family-owned company dedicated to serving the foundry industry, was recognized in the SDCE 100 for its "Headless Man" Project. In 2016, Humtown Products partnered with the Youngstown - Warren Regional Chamber, Freshmade 3D, and Youngstown State University, to create a larger-than-life-size bobble head figure of a candidate for US President to showcase the latest manufacturing technologies, innovation, and craftsmanship as well as the speed and cost-effectiveness of 3D printing for rapid prototyping.

The SDCE 100 is an annual list of 100 great supply chain projects. These projects can serve as a map for supply chain executives who are looking for new opportunities to drive improvement in their own operations. These projects show how supply chain solution and service providers help their customers and clients achieve supply chain excellence and prepare their supply chains for success.

"We are honored to be named one of the Top 100 SDCE supply chain projects," said Mark Lamoncha, president and CEO, Humtown Products. "I always say, if you don't move with the technology, you'll be run over by it. Partnering with Epicor has helped us stay in front of technology and deliver the highest quality products and services to our clients."

"Our goal with 2017's Top 100 is to shine the spotlight on successful and innovative transformation projects that deliver bottom-line value to small, medium, and large enterprises across the supply chain," says Ronnie Garrett, editor of Supply & Demand Chain Executive. "The selected projects can serve as a roadmap for supply chain executives looking for new opportunities to drive improvement in their own operations. We congratulate all of our winners for a job well done."

"Congratulations to Humtown Products for its win in the 2017 SDCE 100 awards," said, Terri Hiskey, vice president, manufacturing product marketing, Epicor Software. "The business has gained strong results through its use of Epicor ERP technology and has brought new visibility to the region's proud manufacturing heritage. This recognition is a display of a solid industry partnership and we look forward to working with Humtown Products as it continues to promote next-generation manufacturing techniques."

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. Visit us on the web at www.SDCExec.com.

About Epicor Software Corporation

Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed around the needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry customers. More than 40 years of experience with our customers' unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solutionin the cloud or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions manage complexity, increase efficiency, and free up resources so you can focus on growth. For more information, connect with Epicor or visit www.epicor.com.

Epicor and the Epicor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epicor Software Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The product and service offerings depicted in this document are produced by Epicor Software Corporation.

Contact: Lindsay Ortega

Senior Specialist, Public Relations

Epicor Software Corporation

+1 952 417 5022

[email protected]

SOURCE Epicor Software Corporation

Related Links

http://www.epicor.com


AMSTERDAM, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Expereo was recently honored by the GCCM Telecoms Carrier Community with 2017's 'Best Global Network' Award. Additionally, Expereo was short listed as a finalist for the 'Best Clouds' Innovative Operator' award.

In their comments on presenting the award, the Judges recognised the quality and true global reach of Expereo's Global Internet Connectivity, the "XCA" Cloud Acceleration Platform and SD-WAN managed services for Enterprise networks.

The Award Ceremony took place on 20th June at BESL Meistersaal Berlin, and were independently judged by a panel of seven telecoms analysts and industry experts.

GCCM awards are the official recognition of innovative achievements among the telecom wholesale operators community, both regionally and globally.

Irwin Fouwels, Expereo CEO, comments: "Recognition from our industry is a strong endorsement of the quality of our global network portfolio. In particular, this award highlights the respect our people have earned from their peers for the expertise and experience they bring to serving our partners and customers within the telecoms industry."

About Expereo

Expereo is the pioneer and forerunner in managed Internet network and cloud connectivity solutions. Expereo's ground-breaking XDN portfolio presents Global Internet Connectivity (GIaaS), Global Cloud Acceleration (XCA), SD-WAN Managed Services and Xpertise  global professional, managed and field services for Internet solutions. With an unmatched global reach, Expereo powers 10,000+ enterprise and government sites in 180+ countries, helping our customers improve productivity and empowering the network and cloud with the agility, flexibility and value of the internet, whilst securing optimal performance. www.expereo.com

About GCCM

The Global Carrier Community (GCCM) is a global telecom industry networking platform with 5000 members from 2200 companies based in 130 countries. The community is a user group for wholesale telecom service providers and remains independent from any vendors. It was founded as a central and transparent platform to enhance business opportunities across the telecom industry. They host member networking events throughout the year globally as Global Carrier Community Meetings (GCCM) in London, Singapore, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai and Berlin.

CONTACT: Hamish Haldane, +31 6 15 94 68 64, [email protected]

SOURCE Expereo

Related Links

http://www.expereo.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential misconduct at Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft" or the "Company") (MSFT).

The investigation focuses on whether the Company's Board of Directors and its officers committed mismanagement and/or breached their fiduciary duties by failing to timely take action to fix a security vulnerability discovered in Microsoft software. According to an article in Reuters, in or around July 2016, a consultant at a boutique security firm found a weakness in the way that Microsoft Word processes documents from another format. The Reuters article also stated that although the consultant informed Microsoft about the security vulnerability in October 2016, Microsoft failed to immediately fix the problem and instead, waited until April 2017 to patch the security flaw.

Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/MSFT. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Take Action

If you currently own Microsoft stock and would like to discuss your legal rights, please visit www.faruqilaw.com/MSFT. You can also contact us by calling Nina Varindani toll free at (212) 983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Microsoft's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP

685 3rd Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Nina Varindani

[email protected]

Telephone: (212) 983-9330

Attn: Stuart Guber

[email protected]

Telephone: (215) 277-5770

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Related Links

http://www.faruqilaw.com


WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox Sr. released the following statement in response to the Senate's draft legislation dismantling the Affordable Care Act:

"The Senate's bill follows the same failed approach as the House-passed bill. It would deny health care coverage to millions of Americans in order to lavish huge tax cuts on corporations and the wealthiest 1 percent.

"The Senate bill would cut Medicaid even deeper than the House bill, and both bills could leave millions of veterans unable to afford health insurance because they would no longer qualify for tax credits.

"The Senate may have written its health care bill behind closed doors, but the harmful effects this bill would have on millions of Americans could not be clearer. What Congressional leaders are doing is shameful and disgusting, and anyone with an ounce of compassion for their fellow humans should be outraged."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

Related Links

http://www.afge.org


HOD HASHARON, Israel, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Fieldbit, a leader in real-time augmented reality and knowledge capture solutions for field services, today announced it has been named as a 'winning startup' in ENGIE's international Innovation Week. This is the third consecutive year that ENGIE, Europe's leading energy company, has organized a week-long event dedicated to highlighting innovative projects in the energy sector.

Among hundreds of applicants and dozens of finalists worldwide, Fieldbit was recognized as a winner for its Fieldbit Hero augmented reality platform for field services.

Using augmented reality, Fieldbit Hero enables remote experts to superimpose precise instructions on top of the physical machine, guiding the technician step-by-step through complex machinery fixes. Particularly relevant for energy and other utility companies, Fieldbit Hero helps preserve the practical field services knowledge of aging workforces by organically capturing the knowledge created during the service process. This information is then stored in a knowledge base for search, sharing and reuse across the organization.

"It is an honor to be selected as a winning startup by ENGIE, one of the world's largest energy providers," said Evyatar Meiron, CEO of Fieldbit. "Fieldbit Hero harnesses innovative technologies to solve pressing problems facing today's utility companies, such as boosting field service productivity and replacing their aging workforces. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with ENGIE as their field engineers proceed with the evaluation of our augmented reality platform."

About ENGIE

ENGIE develops its businesses (power, natural gas, energy services) around a model based on responsible growth to take on the major challenges of energy's transition to a low-carbon economy: access to sustainable energy, climate-change mitigation and adaptation and the rational use of resources. The Group provides individuals, cities and businesses with highly efficient and innovative solutions largely based on its expertise in four key sectors: renewable energy, energy efficiency, liquefied natural gas and digital technology. ENGIE employs 153,090 people worldwide and achieved revenues of 66.6 billion in 2016. The Group is listed on the Paris and Brussels stock exchanges (ENGI) and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, CAC 40 Governance, BEL 20, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, DJSI World, DJSI Europe and Euronext Vigeo (World 120, Eurozone 120, Europe 120 and France 20). For more information, please visit http://www.engie.com .

About Fieldbit

Founded in 2014, Fieldbit is a leading developer of real-time augmented reality collaboration solutions. Its enterprise class, out-of-the-box, hands-free technology enables on-site service engineers to collaborate seamlessly with experts in the service center, and to receive all the know-how and guidance they need to solve issues quickly. Fieldbit increases remote resolution and first time fix rates, minimizing costly downtime and enhancing customer satisfaction. All actions and information exchanged in a repair session are recorded and documented, helping organizations preserve practical knowledge and address the challenges of an aging workforce. For more information, please visit http://www.fieldbit.net.



Media Inquiries:

Maya Gamzu

[email protected]

SOURCE Fieldbit
Even though nearly two-thirds of Americans acknowledge the importance of prearrangements, respondents cited several factors as preventing them from planning, namely that preplanning is not a priority, that they have not thought about it, or that prepaying is too costly.

Consumers are Not Shopping for their Funeral Homes

Key findings from the NFDA 2017 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study indicate that end-of-life services are becoming increasingly personal, with families wanting new, unique ways to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones.

Despite this, most are not inquiring at multiple funeral homes to compare costs and services offered. The percentage of respondents who contacted more than one funeral home was only 18.9 percent, and of those who visited/called more than one funeral home, 52.3 percent did so to compare prices.

Every funeral home offers unique services and pricing structure. To help families plan a meaningful tribute to their loved one, NFDA recommends calling  or better yet, visiting  several funeral homes to find one with licensed funeral directors who understand their emotional needs and will be sensitive to their budget.

According to NFDA's survey, the way families choose to honor and celebrate loved ones continues to evolve.

End-of-Life Services Outside of the Funeral Home

Indicating a shift away from the popularity of the funeral home setting, almost half of respondents have attended a funeral at a non-traditional location, such as a cemetery, an outdoor setting, a home, or a similar meaningful location that represents the life and interests of the deceased.

Indicating a shift away from the popularity of the funeral home setting, almost half of respondents have attended a funeral at a non-traditional location, such as a cemetery, an outdoor setting, a home, or a similar meaningful location that represents the life and interests of the deceased. Importance of Religious Components at All-Time Low

The percent of respondents who feel it is very important to have religion incorporated into a funeral service has decreased from 49.5 percent in 2012 to 39.5 percent in 2017, an all-time low. This mirrors a broader trend of Americans not identifying with a religion. As a result, families are turning to non-clergy celebrants, a specially trained officiant of an end-of-life service, to conduct ceremonies.

The percent of respondents who feel it is very important to have religion incorporated into a funeral service has decreased from 49.5 percent in 2012 to 39.5 percent in 2017, an all-time low. This mirrors a broader trend of Americans not identifying with a religion. As a result, families are turning to non-clergy celebrants, a specially trained officiant of an end-of-life service, to conduct ceremonies. Green Funerals Gaining Popularity

Just over half of respondents (53.8 percent) said they would be interested in exploring green memorialization options to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life rituals. Green services can include use of biodegradable caskets, a formaldehyde-free embalming process, recycled paper products and more.

Just over half of respondents (53.8 percent) said they would be interested in exploring green memorialization options to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life rituals. Green services can include use of biodegradable caskets, a formaldehyde-free embalming process, recycled paper products and more. Therapy Dogs Guide Funerals from Start to Finish

To bring comfort to families, both while planning a funeral and during the service itself, funeral homes are offering certified therapy dogs; 34.5 percent of respondents said they would be extremely interested or very interested in having a therapy dog present during a memorial or funeral service.

To bring comfort to families, both while planning a funeral and during the service itself, funeral homes are offering certified therapy dogs; 34.5 percent of respondents said they would be extremely interested or very interested in having a therapy dog present during a memorial or funeral service. Families Planning Memorial Services When Choosing Cremation

With the rate of cremation surpassing that of burial, more consumers want to have a memorial service when they choose cremation (40.4 percent in 2017 vs. 35.1 percent in 2015). Consumers are increasingly aware that they can view a prepared but not embalmed body as part of a service before cremation (47.8 percent in 2017 vs. 39.7 percent in 2015).

The Consumer Awareness and Preferences Study is conducted annually to measure consumer perceptions of funeral services. Invitations are emailed to a consumer panel consisting of Americans age 40 and older, with 1,013 individuals completing the study in 2017.

About National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA):

NFDA is the world's leading and largest funeral service association, serving 19,700 individual members who represent more than 10,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, please contact 800-228-6332 or visit www.nfda.org.

SOURCE National Funeral Directors Association

Related Links

http://www.nfda.org


MIAMI, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A newborn suddenly develops pneumonia, a teenager has an asthma attack and a woman complains of shortness of breath and sudden, increasing chest pain. These are three of the many new simulations that Gaumard Scientific Company and its nurse educators developed for Super Tory and for the debut of the new Susie S901 Nursing Simulator today through June 24 in Booth 310 at The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning's annual conference in Washington, DC.

New Susie S901 Nursing Simulator

The new Susie S901 Nursing Simulator includes 10 scenarios with accompanying educational guides developed to meet the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's NCLEX-RN test plans; the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Interprofessional Education Collaborative, Quality & Safety Education for Nurses; and Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing guidelines.

"The Susie S901 sets the bar as the most complete, nurse-focused solution available by offering educators not just an advanced patient simulator, but also the educational materials needed to achieve great educational results quickly," Gaumard executive vice president John Eggert said.

"The Susie S901 educational package was developed to deliver outcome-focused results while being easy to use and affordable. Susie S901 expands Gaumard's broad nursing simulator product offering, which includes the Susie S2000, S1001 and Super Chloe S222.100. We have solutions for every need and budget."

Training on the S901, for example, enables nurses to demonstrate care of a patient with an asthma attack. Learners can rehearse recognizing the signs and symptoms of today's most common complications and manage the patient using evidence-based protocols.

The S901 offers a comparable level of training for COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, new onset diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Super Tory

Super Tory is a newborn patient simulator so realistic that it accurately responds to real mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Respiratory problems are one of the leading causes for neonatal intensive care unit admissions, with nearly 10 percent of newborns needing some form of respiratory assistance. With Super Tory, NICU nurses and respiratory care teams can rehearse resuscitation and care protocols using real equipment to improve speed and efficiency.

Super Tory's lifelike limb and facial movements and programmable skin coloration simulate a wide range of visual cues seen in ill as well as healthy newborns. Starting with APGAR scoring, every visual assessment provides a wealth of health information.

John Eggert, Gaumard's executive vice president, said, "We designed Super Tory with unparalleled anatomical and physiological accuracy to ensure that nurses are prepared for high-risk, low-frequency emergencies."

"Super Tory provides lifelike realism to a degree never seen before in neonatal simulation."

Real-Time Monitoring

Nurses can monitor Super Tory with real medical equipment as they train to assess newborns for such conditions as early onset sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, and pneumonia with pneumothorax.

Critical metrics such as ECG-derived respiratory monitoring, pre- and post-ductal SpO2, NIBP and capillary refill time can be evaluated in real time. And Super Tory can be paced and defibrillated using real energy, just as in a live clinical situation. Her facial expressions, chest wall movement and programmable arm and leg movements provide valuable information for care givers.

Super Tory's lifelike lungs feature programmable levels of compliance, can achieve normal chest rise with as little as 15 cmH2O, and can illustrate the high recoil associated with stiff lungs. For the first time, students and professionals can simulate all stages of respiratory management, including diagnosis, treatment, weaning and rehabilitation, as they would in real situations.

Super Tory is wireless and tetherless to ensure continuity of care as she moves from the labor and delivery room to the NICU. She can be utilized in training scenarios anytime, anywhere and remains fully functional in transit due to an internal, rechargeable battery that provides up to eight hours of operation -- an unprecedented technological feat in a simulator that is just eight pounds and 21 inches.

This is the first neonatal simulator to offer heart and lung functionality as well as motion in a mobile platform -- capabilities that allow Super Tory to simulate complex pathologies and respond to interventions with unparalleled realism.

Super Tory includes ten scenarios and an accompanying guidebook that cover both common and rare clinical cases seen throughout the continuum of care of neonates.

Super Tory further expands the Gaumard neonatal high fidelity product line, which already includes Newborn Hal and Newborn Tory, for those who demand an even higher level of fidelity including physical movement and actual mechanical ventilation. These features enable learners to experience advanced-level scenarios as in actual clinical practice.

Watch Super Tory in this dramatic action video.

About The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning

INACSL advances the science of healthcare simulation and develops standards for simulation practice. In addition to its annual meeting, it publishes a journal, Clinical Simulation in Nursing, and sponsors webinars and fellowships.

About Gaumard Scientific

Gaumard Scientific Company has designed, manufactured and marketed simulators for health care education for more than 60 years. Users worldwide recognize Gaumard products for their innovation in simulation.

Gaumard customers include the military, emergency medical services, major teaching hospitals and nursing schools.

In 2000, Gaumard launched the revolutionary family of NOELLE maternal and neonatal care simulators that changed the way training is conducted. In 2004, Gaumard pioneered the use of fully tetherless technology with the introduction of the family of HAL simulators. In 2014, the company introduced Victoria, its most advanced, mobile maternal/fetal simulator as part of the NOELLE family.

Gaumard manufactures its products at its world headquarters in Miami. The company sells simulators through its own representatives in North America and through 200 distributors in 70 countries.

For more information, visit www.gaumard.com. Follow Gaumard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/GaumardInFocus ; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gaumardsimulators ; and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/gaumardmedsimulators.

View a video of Gaumard customer testimonials at http://bit.ly/1Oqhwcl. To view a video demonstration of Victoria, see http://bit.ly/1OSPBNd.

Click here to see a schedule of all upcoming events at which Gaumard will demonstrate its patient simulators.

Company Contacts:

Peter Eggert

Senior Vice President,

Vice President International Operations

(800) 882-6655

[email protected]

James Archetto

Vice President Corporate Planning

(800) 882-6655

(305) 484-3309 Mobile

[email protected]

Media Contacts:

Russo Partners

Amiad Finkelthal

(646) 942-5626

(917) 217-1838 Mobile

[email protected]

Scott Stachowiak

(646) 942-5630

(646) 300-3590

[email protected]

SOURCE Gaumard Scientific Company

Related Links

http://www.gaumard.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET.CN), (OTCQB: GLNNF) (CSE: GET.WT), (FKT: GJT) is pleased to announce that it has received the second payment for the $1,000,000 licence agreement with Cannapay Financial Inc.

"Cannapay Financial is building a mobile payment solution for the Cannabis industry designed to operate legally within multiple jurisdictions," says Penny Green, President and COO, Glance. "Glance Technologies intends to enable Cannapay to achieve its goal of becoming the leading provider of mobile payment solutions to the Cannabis industry worldwide."

Glance has granted to Cannapay a non-exclusive, worldwide licence to white label Glance's mobile payment processing platform and its proven anti-fraud technology, for legal business-to-business and business-to-consumer mobile payments in the marijuana industry, and a right to sub-license for a 50% royalty. Cannapay is currently negotiating with dispensaries in various U.S. states to provide a full payment solution through a mobile app with e-commerce abilities as well as developing and acquiring assets with high growth potential in the cannabis space.

Glance and Cannapay closed the second tranche of the Licence Agreement through the payment by Cannapay of $200,000 as part of the licensing fee, and the purchase by Glance of 4,000,000 common shares of Cannapay at a price of $0.05 per share. The transaction will be recorded as a related party transaction as Glance owns approximately 45% of Cannapay.

About Cannapay Financial Inc.

Cannapay combines traditional financial service with innovative technology to provide enhanced digital financial services to legally operating businesses in the marijuana industry. The Company is developing a mobile payment app that will allow users to order products from their smartphones, tablets or computer and have marijuana products delivered to their physical location in compliance with local rules and regulations. Cannapay also offers corporate and technology advisory services.

About Glance Technologies Inc.

Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to dine, order food and drink, settle bills, access digital receipts, earn great rewards and interact with merchants. Glance is building a valuable network of merchants and consumers, and offers targeted in-app marketing, social media marketing, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in iOS (Apple) and Android formats, a merchant manager apps, large-scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing.

For more information about Glance, please go to Glance Technologies' website.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements including the completion of the rights offering (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to Glance's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



For more information, contact:

Christina Rao

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1-(604)-723-7480

[email protected]



SOURCE Glance Technologies Inc.
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Summary



Free trade, as a method of economic development and as an ideal, is in a state of flux in 2017. The anti-globalization feeling among many was sufficient to allow one of the largest members of the European Union to leave. The USA has pulled out of a major free trade treaty and all but killed off another. Free trade deals are enormously complex mechanisms and have been blamed for animosity around the world; however, they can also be very useful methods of reducing trade barriers which previously hampered commerce. More could be done to make sure free trade deals are serve the interests of the people who are governed by them.



Key Findings



- Following the departure of the United States from TPP negotiations, the way was left open for the Chinese inspired RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) free trade deal. Few, if any, expect RCEP to decline as TPP did, but there are challenges ahead and the final shape of the agreement is by no means certain.

- The future of free trade in the European Union is under pressure. The United Kingdom is about to leave, several anti-EU parties have achieved substantial electoral success and there is discontent from some of the newest members. The EU must change to meet developing challenges.

- Statements from US President Trump that NAFTA is taking away US jobs are unfounded, yet there are legitimate concerns about how the trade treaty works for ordinary people amid accusations NAFTA only helps large companies.



Scope



- Examines how the US withdrawal from TPP has impacted negotiations regarding future trade treaties.

- Analyzes the challenges faced by the EU in the face of populism and the leaving of a major member.

- Looks at how trade talks in Asia will now progress without the influence of the US.

- Assesses the establishment of a new free-trade block in Africa and the likely impact on African economies it could have.

- Examines how a Chinese led free-trade deal will develop as negotiations continue to take place.



Reasons to buy



- How will the Trump version of trade impact NAFTA and the future of free trade in North America?

- Can the EU survive a major member leaving and the rise of anti-EU sentiment?

- What form will free trade take in Asia now the US has withdrawn from trade negotiations?

- Can a Chinese led free-trade deal achieve a genuine Asia wide deal?

- How will free-trade react to US retreat from TTIP and TPP?

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04920983/Global-Free-Trade-The-fundamental-lynchpin-of-economics-is-questioned-by-some-and-highly-desired-by-others.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


HOUSTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodrich Petroleum Corporation (NYSE MKT: GDP) (the "Company") today announced that it will hold a conference call on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 10:00 am central time to discuss second quarter 2017 financial results and an operational update.

To access the conference call, domestic participants should dial as follows:

PARTICIPANT DIAL IN (TOLL FREE): 1-888-317-6003 PARTICIPANT INTERNATIONAL DIAL IN: 1-412-317-6061 Canada Toll Free 1-866-284-3684 Participant Elite Entry Number: 6150529 Participants will need this Elite Entry number in order to join the conference. The Company encourages participants to dial in 10-15 minutes early to join the conference. The Company will also post a slide deck on its second quarter financial and operational results on its website at www.goodrichpetroleum.com. Participants may also access the live audio webcast of the conference call through the following web link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/937/21607 or by accessing the webcast through the investor relations section of the Company's website.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference call. Domestic participants accessing the telephonic replay should dial (877) 344-7529 and international participants should dial (412) 317-0088. The replay access code will be 10109459.

SOURCE Goodrich Petroleum Corporation

Related Links

http://www.goodrichpetroleum.com


"As we continue to grow the Hard Rock brand beyond our existing footprint, we look to Lucas, Hipsh and Caffery to lead the expansion process with exciting, new projects in the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos pipeline, such as Atlantic City, New York City, Shenzhen and London," said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International.

Under Jon Lucas' leadership, the brand acquired the Hard Rock casino and hotel-rights in the western U.S., as well as key international markets, spearheaded casino entry into Canada and entered the hotel management sector. With these accomplishments under his belt, his new role will involve the oversight of operations, marketing, legal, finance, design and construction  all instrumental in the ongoing operations of the brand.

Lucas originally joined Hard Rock in 2013 as the president of the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield Park, where he managed everything from site design and construction to the hiring and onboarding of key executives. During his tenure at the Rocksino, Lucas' efforts led to the venue quickly becoming a dominating market share leader in Ohio. Prior to joining Hard Rock, Lucas was the president and general manager of the IP Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi for six years.

As vice president of hotel operations development for Hard Rock International, Dale Hipsh opened twelve properties from conceptualization to completion in diverse areas across the world. His new role will include oversight of hotel operations, including managed and franchised properties. Hipsh first joined the Hard Rock brand to lead operations for the opening of both Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida. Hipsh's hospitality career began with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and has included assignments with many industry leaders, including Sun International and its massive Atlantis casino and resort complex in The Bahamas. He has also held various positions with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Sean Caffery joins the Hard Rock as a seasoned executive with years of industry experience. He will play a vital role in finding new development locations, countries and partners for the casino business focused on North- and South America. Prior to Hard Rock, Caffery was the chief executive officer and board member of Seneca Commission for Economic Development, LLC, where he served for three years managing the Seneca Nation of Indian's Development Corporation and Sovereign Wealth Fund. Caffery also spent four years at M&T Bank Corporation and two years at Osborne & Partners, LLP.

These appointments come as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino portfolio actively expands into China, Europe and key gateway cities around the world. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit hardrock.com.

Hard Rock International

With venues in 75 countries, including 176 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Cairo, Innsbruck, Andorra la Vella and Chengdu. New Hard Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Dubai, London, Los Cabos, New York City, Ottawa, and Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

For More Media Information:

Lauren Harrison/ Jill Trudeau

The Zimmerman Agency  850.668.2222

[email protected]

SOURCE Hard Rock International

Related Links

http://www.hardrock.com


ORLANDO, Fla., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International  owner of one of the world's most-recognizable and iconic brands  announces the appointment of Stephen K. Judge as President of Cafe Operations. In this new role, Judge will use his more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry to oversee daily operations for 176 corporate and franchise locations around the world, drive Hard Rock's world-famous branded retail merchandise business while growing and strengthening the Hard Rock Cafe portfolio. Judge will report directly to Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International Jim Allen.

Stephen K. Judge, President of Cafe Operations for Hard Rock International

"Stephen has an impressive record of exceptional leadership and in-depth experience in leading innovation and driving growth in the restaurant industry," says Jim Allen, chief executive officer for Hard Rock International. "We look forward to seeing Stephen lead the business and work to grow the Hard Rock Cafe brand."

Prior to joining Hard Rock, Judge was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Romacorp, overseeing 150 restaurants in 32 countries. Throughout his career, he has played key leadership roles in a number of academy/premier hospitality companies, including Bloomin' Brands, Darden Restaurants, MGM Mirage, Rosewood Hotels, in addition to working for several years in the cruise industry. For over 30 years, Judge has overseen the inception of new restaurant and bar concepts, directed multi-year food and beverage menu evolution and led food preparation and guest service efforts with uncompromising attention to detail.

Internationally recognized as a world-class restaurant and hospitality brand, Hard Rock operates cafes across the world that are visited by more than 79 million guests each year. Its first cafe opened in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo, and exotic settings such as Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Malta. Hard Rock Cafe offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a commitment to serving fresh, high-quality ingredients. To satisfy the consumer's ever-changing palate, Hard Rock continually updates its menu with limited-time offerings including burger pairings, innovative cocktails and more. For more information on Hard Rock Cafe, please visit www.hardrock.com/cafes.

About Hard Rock International

With venues in 75 countries, including 176 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Cairo, Innsbruck, Andorra la Vella and Chengdu. New Hard Rock hotel, casino or hotel-casino projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Berlin, Dubai, London, Los Cabos, New York City, Ottawa, and Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

SOURCE Hard Rock International

Related Links

http://www.hardrock.com/cafes


SAN ANTONIO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas-based John Eagle Dealerships proudly confirmed that they will open their first San Antonio Dealership.

Rene' Isip, Dealer Principal and the John Eagle Family of Dealerships will establish a Honda open point on the fast-growing west side of town near Culebra and the Charles W. Anderson Loop (Loop 1604).

Current plans call for more than 100 employees and an all-new $25 million facilitynext door to Cavender Buick GMC West. The facility will open in late 2017 and will reside on 16 expansive acres nestled into scenic views of the hill country.

As such, the name of the new dealership will be Hill Country Honda.

"Hill Country Honda is honored to be a part of the Honda community in San Antonio. From Gunn Honda to Fernandez Honda to Fiesta Honda and Gillman Honda, I know and respect them all. Hill Country Honda, like those before us, will continue to contribute to the well-being of the city," Isip said.

One of Texas' top dealer operators, Isip is largely credited with being one of the first dealers to embrace the internet age. He's noted for having some of the most technologically advanced, customer-focused stores in the nation. Among other interests, Isip presently owns Honda Dealerships in Houston (Honda Cars of Katy), Dallas (Honda Cars of Rockwall) and now San Antonio (Hill Country Honda).

Rene' Isip's partner in the new dealership, John Eagle, has an automotive legacy that dates back to 1949. In that year John's uncle and father, Johnnie and Bob, started a used car operation that's grown into today's enterprise. Yesteryear's foundation represents today's 11-store, 7-franchise powerhouse that's highly regarded as one of the largest privately held automotive groups in the nation.

Mr. Eagle said, "Our dealerships will stay connected via our Texas roots and we will continue our time-honored traditions of customer service, high-quality products and the integration of innovative technologies. I am thrilled that we are expanding into San Antonio."

A ground-breaking ceremony and informational website are in development. Additional details about the dealership can be found on their web page or on their social media pages.

About Hill Country Honda

Hill Country Honda is located on West Loop 1604 in San Antonio, Texas near the intersection of Culebra and 1604. Hill Country Honda is conveniently located to support San Antonio, Johnson City, Hondo, Helotes, Leon Valley, Lackland AFB, Castroville and all areas in the surrounding vicinity. The dealership services and sells one of the largest selections of new and used Honda cars and trucks in Texas.

Contact:

True Blue Media Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Hill Country Honda
Offered as a take on its "Classic Burger," the Impossible Burger at Hopdoddy will include the Impossible Foods patty, Tillamook cheddar, green leaf lettuce, white onion, tomatoes and its signature "Sassy Sauce" on a brioche bun for $14. The burger can also be customized with a whole wheat bun for an entirely plant-based option. In each location, Hopdoddy will partner with Saint Arnold Brewery to pair "The Impossible" with their 5 O'Clock Pils.

"We are proud to partner with a brand that aligns perfectly with the pillars that Hopdoddy was founded on: a unique and honest product made the right way, with the freshest and best available ingredients. These pillars allow us to serve the highest quality burger in terms of flavor, health and sustainability," said Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar. "Impossible Burger exceeds our highest standards and makes a great addition to our menu and our brand -- and we're excited to share it with Texas' Hopdoddy fanatics."

Hopdoddy: Hops, cows...and The Impossible

Highly respected for its pioneering role in accelerating the "better burger" trend, Hopdoddy was named one of the "Best Burgers in America" by both Food & Wine and Rachael Ray Every Day. Hopdoddy was created to express the perfect union of burgers and beer: handcrafted beer (Hop) and (Doddy), the nickname given to native angus cow in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Founded in 2010 by Guy Villavaso, Larry Foles, Chuck Smith and Larry Perdido, Hopdoddy stands out for its "from scratch" ethos and full bar. All burgers at Hopdoddy are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free beef. Every burger is ground in-house daily, and buns are baked on site. Hopdoddy uses Kennebec potatoes, hand-cut and blanched every morning, and sauces and dressings are made from scratch. Currently, Hopdoddy has 18 locations across Texas, Arizona, California and Colorado.

"We want to grow together with Hopdoddy," said Impossible Foods CEO and Founder Patrick O. Brown, M.D., Ph.D. "And it's fitting to start our relationship right here, in Texas, which has the most discerning burger experts on the planet. We encourage all of them to try The Impossible."

Big Taste, Small Footprint

The Impossible Burger is the world's only burger that looks, handles, smells, cooks and tastes like ground beef from cows -- but is made entirely from plants, with a much smaller environmental footprint than meat from animals.

Made entirely from plants, the Impossible Burger uses about 75% less water, generates about 87% fewer greenhouse gases and requires around 95% less land than conventional ground beef from cows. It's produced without hormones, antibiotics, cholesterol or artificial flavors.

In development since 2011, the Impossible Burger debuted in July 2016 in New York City at Chef David Chang's restaurant Momofuku Nishi. It's currently served in nearly two dozen additional restaurants in New York, California and Nevada. For more information about Impossible Foods, please visit www.impossiblefoods.com.

In addition to the Impossible Burger, the company is actively developing additional types of plant-based meats and dairy products.

About Impossible Foods:

Based in Redwood City, Calif., Impossible Foods makes delicious, nutritious meat and dairy products directly from plants -- with a much smaller environmental footprint than those produced from animals. The privately held company was founded in 2011 by Patrick O. Brown, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Investors include Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, Google Ventures, Horizons Ventures, UBS, Viking Global Investors, Open Philanthropy Project and Temasek.

About Hopdoddy Burger Bar:

Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a nationally-recognized Austin-born burger + beer joint. Hopdoddy grinds their meats in-house daily and offers a wide variety of the freshest available, all-natural proteins like Angus beef, Grass-fed Kobe beef, chicken and sushi-grade tuna that are stacked between baked-from-scratch buns. Alongside its burgers, Hopdoddy serves hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads, and handcrafted milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries an array of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle as well as a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices.

Founded in 2010, Hopdoddy now has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with additional locations opening in 2017. Hopdoddy has been named one of "The Best Burgers in America" by Food & Wine, garnered the #1 spot two years in a row on Business Insider's list of "The 50 best burger joints in America" and named one of the "10 Brands to Watch" by CNBC and MSN. For more information on Hopdoddy, visit www.hopdoddy.com and follow the company on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

More information on Impossible Foods:

impossiblefoods.com

www.twitter.com/impossiblefoods

www.facebook.com/impossiblefoods

Press Kit:

https://impossiblefoods.app.box.com/v/presskit



SOURCE Impossible Foods

Related Links

http://www.impossiblefoods.com/


"We selected HouseCanary HPIs to further enhance our industry-leading real estate data offerings, allowing our lender and servicer clients to more accurately assess and forecast risk in their portfolios," said Kevin Wall, president of First American Mortgage Solutions. "Mounting price dispersion within local markets and the ability of HouseCanary's advanced analytics to deliver insight into these markets at the ZIP Code level provides lenders and servicers with an opportunity to upgrade their risk management and forecasting capabilities."

HouseCanary's unique valuation models process hundreds of inputs from capital markets to local crime, and include views from individual properties. This allows the company to forecast home price appreciation or identify risk with unparalleled precision and local granularity.

"By leveraging HouseCanary's HPI forecasts as part of First American Mortgage Solution's suite of products and services, lenders and servicers can catch market moves early and manage risk with improved confidence," said Christopher Stroud, HouseCanary's chief of research.

HouseCanary HPIs are powered by modern machine learning algorithms that meticulously analyze historic, current, and future price trends yielding 40 years of history and the industry's most accountable 3-year forecast. The algorithms intelligently rebuild their data models every month to continuously look for new home value trends within thousands of analyzed data points to provide coverage for all 381 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and more than 18,000 residential ZIP Codes.

The result is 94.3 percent directional accuracy for a 1-year forecast, which translates into providing the most detailed minutiae for thousands of local markets. This is truly groundbreaking in real estate, where competing forecasts are virtually no better than a coin flip in predicting whether home prices would go up or down.

About First American Mortgage Solutions:

First American Mortgage Solutions, a part of the First American family of companies, provides comprehensive solutions for residential lenders and servicers covering the entire loan spectrum. First American Mortgage Solutions, together with First American's broader capabilities, serves as a single source for title and settlement, data and analytics, fraud and verification, regulatory compliance, valuation and collateral risk, quality control, fulfillment services, and default services. More information about First American Mortgage Solutions can be found at www.firstam.com/mortgagesolutions.

About First American:

First American Financial Corporation is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services. With revenues of $5.6 billion in 2016, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In both 2016 and 2017, First American was recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. More information about the company can be found at www.firstam.com.

About HouseCanary:

Founded in 2014, HouseCanary's mission is to help people make better real estate decisions. Built on a foundation of great data, powerful models, and predictive analytics, the HouseCanary platform aggregates millions of data elements, including more than four decades of property data and a rapidly expanding arsenal of proprietary calculations and analytics, to accurately define and forecast values and market influences. HouseCanary is financed by notable investors including Hillspire (Alphabet Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt's family office), Alpha Edison, ECA Ventures, Raven Ventures and others top Silicon Valley investors. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information about HouseCanary, please visit www.housecanary.com.

Please contact us with any questions or comments at [email protected] or 855-218-9597

SOURCE HouseCanary

Related Links

http://www.housecanary.com


WARRENVILLE, Ill., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 123-room Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville has completed a major renovation in its public areas. The property will host a ribbon cutting and grand re-opening event on July 20, with complimentary food and beverages from their new Sip+Savor menu.

The scope of the 100,000 dollar renovation includes the new H Bar, along with floor tile, paint, wall vinyl artwork and all new soft seating furniture.

"We feel our newly renovated public area and addition of the H Bar will offer our guests all the great amenities they have come to expect from the Hyatt House brand," General Manager Mark Schalla said. "We have also added some great new touches our guest can use to maximize their downtime."

Served at the H Bar, the new Sip+Savor menu features cocktails, premium beers and wines, along with grilled cheeses sandwiches, pizzas and shareable snacks.

The hotel has been managed by Commonwealth Hotels since it opened its doors in 2010. Other services the hotel offers include shuttle service to local area businesses and restaurants, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet with made to order omelets and convenient to-go offerings.

Located at 27554 Maecliff Drive, Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville is just off of I-88. Ideal for leisure and business travel, the property is around the corner from Cantera Commons as well as many companies including Bank of Montreal, RR Donnelley, BlueCross BlueShield, Fermilab, and Patterson Medical. To make reservations please visit https://chicagowarrenville.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html or call the hotel directly at 630-836-2960.

About Commonwealth Hotels LLC

Commonwealth Hotels LLC was founded in 1986 and is a proven partner in providing hotel management services with superior financial results. The company has extensive experience managing premium branded full service and select service hotels. Commonwealth Hotels currently manages 43 properties with 5,300 rooms. Additional information may be found at www.commonwealthhotels.com.

Contact:

Jennifer Schneider

Commonwealth Hotels, LLC

[email protected]

859.261.5522

SOURCE Commonwealth Hotels LLC

Related Links

http://commonwealthhotels.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Instinet Holdings Incorporated today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire State Street's BlockCross ATS, an industry leading alternative trading system (ATS).



Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 30-60 days, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.



"The addition of the BlockCross ATS to the Instinet product suite creates a unique liquidity offering helping our clients' pursuit of best execution," said Jonathan Kellner, CEO of Instinet Holdings Incorporated. "This acquisition is another milestone in Instinet's history of delivering industry leading technology and execution services to the global market place."



"This sale will allow us to focus on our core transition management and agency brokerage solutions and areas where we can add the most value for our clients, including continued support of brokerage clients that are also BlockCross subscribers," said Nick Bonn, Global Head of Portfolio Solutions for State Street Global Markets.



The deal is intended to give BlockCross clients continued access to State Street's unique liquidity while leveraging Instinet's capabilities to deploy trading solutions world-wide. Instinet will operate the ATS using the same BlockCross team, who will join Instinet's office in Boston.

About Instinet

As the equity execution services arm of the Nomura Group, Instinet Incorporated's subsidiaries provide independent, agency-model brokerage services to clients throughout the world. Through its advanced suite of electronic trading tools, experienced high-touch trading group and unparalleled access to insightful content and liquidity, Instinet helps institutions lower overall trading costs and ultimately improve investment performance. Over the course of its 45+ year history, Instinet has introduced a range of now industry-standard trading technologies as well as the world's first major electronic trading venue, one of the first U.S. ECNs and the Chi-X businesses. For more information, please visit instinet.com.

SOURCE Instinet
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Irregular Labs, a Gen Z run studio and think tank, today announced the launch of Arts Not Parts, a creative call to action in support of and solidarity with trans and gender fluid youth.

With the simple goal of using creativity to combat contempt, Irregular Labs asked over 45 artists and organizations, as well as its creative community, to create original Arts Not Parts posters that celebrate difference and the basic right to pee freely.

Arts Not Parts invites the public to download a poster (or make their own!), hang it in a bathroom (home, school, the White House, Chick-fil-A or wherever!), share it on Instagram and challenge friends to do the same. Through this collective creativity, Arts Not Parts hopes to transform spaces that might feel dangerous to gender fluid and trans youth into positive, supportive and affirming environments.

Supporters include: musician Sia, activist Jacob Tobia, NYLON, musician Trevor Moran, Dazed Digital, photographer Cass Bird, model Hunter Schafer, musician JD Samson, Trans Youth Equality Foundation, photographer Cass Bird, DoSomething.org, Visionaire and model Adwoa Aboah's Gurls Talk.

Arts Not Parts started as a small idea in response to some not so small plans by governments and corporations to perpetuate hatred and discrimination. Rather than adding to the negativity with more shouts and complaints, Arts Not Parts is tackling the terribles one creative high five at a time.

Genderqueer advocate and writer Jacob Tobia sums it up best, "Art is one of the most profound tools we have in our arsenal to combat bigotry and intolerance in the world. I'm thrilled to contribute my words to this project and to help support what I view as a very important initiative!"

Arts Not Parts hopes to serve as a reminder that we all have a choice to collectively say nope, nuh-uh, no way! to bigotry, hatred and intolerance. Neither parent, principal nor president can take that away from us. So, it's time to choose.

Online: artsnotparts.com

Instagram: @artsnotparts

SOURCE Irregular Labs

Related Links

http://artsnotparts.com


With a MBA degree from UC Berkeley, Valenzuela has more than two decades of experience in investments, asset management, and project management of real assets. His expertise comprises financial and technical advisory for the development, investment, and financing of public infrastructure and real estate projects, with particular proficiency in public-private partnerships.

At Arup, Valenzuela leads the Transaction Advice business for San Francisco and Latin America, and has directed engagements in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, as well as the United States. He has participated in more than 25 major mergers and acquisitions and project finance deals. He has been the project director for a range of consulting engagements including toll roads, airports, transmission lines, energy generation, and social infrastructure.

In all, Arup promoted six to principal in the Americas.

About Arup

Arup provides planning, engineering, design, and consulting services for the most prominent projects and sites in the built environment. Since its founding in 1946, the firm has consistently delivered technical excellence, innovation, and value to its clients, while maintaining its core mission of shaping a better world. Arup opened its first US office more than 30 years ago and now employs 1,400 people in the Americas. The firm's employee-ownership structure promotes ongoing investment in joint research to yield better outcomes that benefit its clients and partners. Visit Arup's website, www.arup.com, and the online magazine of Arup in the Americas, doggerel.arup.com, for more information.

Contact: Tami Hausman

[email protected]

646.742.1700

Contact: Rebecca Maloney

[email protected]

617.412.6632

SOURCE Arup

Related Links

http://www.arup.com


ROCKVILLE, Md., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalorama information, a leading publisher of market research reports in life sciences, has published an e-book detailing the 15 biotech companies the firm suggests should be of interest to those who follow biotechnology markets. The report focuses on innovative companies across many fields. Interested industry watchers can download the e-book at: https://www.kaloramainformation.com/Content/Kalorama-EBook-15-Biotech-Companies-to-Watch.

Biotechnology has long been of high interest with payors, investors and the healthcare system as it seeks to harness the discoveries made in academic laboratories for use in solving real clinical problems. This is sorely needed at the current time, since there are real challenges in healthcare, with diseases and the cost limitations of healthcare systems to handle challenges. For instance, a pending challenge is the replacement of traditional pharmaceutical drugs with lower cost "biosimilars." It's necessary because the cost of biodrugs have skyrocketed, but for an industry to survive and stay productive to fight other disease threats, they'll have to replace pipelines with new treatments. Thus there is a heightened effort now to discover new therapies, and the newer therapies are expected to involve biologics.

The firm says the e-book is a useful resource, for those who seek a fast uptake of what's happening in the biotechnology industry Drawing on research from Kalorama Information's reports in 2017, this new e-book highlights 15 biotech firms that are engaged in multiple areas of the market. Companies are featured for unique approaches or for their potential to upend market share.

"It's not a ranking of companies but they are innovators and disruptors that we've discussed in various market research studies that we've published this year," said Bruce Carlson, Publisher of Kalorama Information.

These include some of the largest biotech companies around the world, such as Illumina, Thermo Fisher and Agilent, but the list also includes small biotech companies that are not as well known. A variety of biotechnology companies are creating breakthrough technologies and products that have the potential to address some of our world's biggest health challenges  from cancer treatment to advanced wound healing to infectious disease control. The report contains emerging technologies and tools, novel products, M&As, research collaborations and joint ventures and other important information about the companies.

Kalorama Information's e-book is available for download at: https://www.kaloramainformation.com/Content/Kalorama-EBook-15-Biotech-Companies-to-Watch.

About Kalorama Information

Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog on our company website.

Please link any media or news references to our reports or data to http://www.kaloramainformation.com/.

Press Contact:

Bruce Carlson

212 807 2262

[email protected]

SOURCE Kalorama Information

Related Links

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"We are thrilled to have Kevin address this year's group of Kendall College graduates," said Paul Lussow, president of Kendall College. "Kevin knows how to build successful businesses. But more than that, he understands how to overcome adversity. Kevin is a role model, and our students will be inspired by his story."

Boehm and Katz won "Restaurateurs of the Year" awards from Time Out Chicago in 2010 and the Chicago Tribune in 2011. They were also named Empire Builders of the Year by Eater National in 2011. In addition, they were James Beard semi-finalists for "Best Restaurateur in America" in 2015 and finalists in 2016 and 2017.

"I am honored to speak to and connect with this year's Kendall College graduating class," said Boehm. "Several Kendall College students and graduates have worked in our restaurants. They are knowledgeable, hardworking and eager to learn. These are the key ingredients for success  whether for a career in culinary arts, hospitality or business."

During the commencement ceremony, Kendall College will honor students from across the globe that have earned associate and bachelor's degrees from the School of Culinary Arts, School of Hospitality Management, International School of Business and School of Early Childhood Education.

For more information about Kendall College and its degree programs, visit www.kendall.edu.

About Kendall College:

Kendall College, founded in 1934 and located in Chicago, offers undergraduate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, business and early childhood education that combine strong academics with practical experience and international opportunities. Kendall College was ranked the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of hiring managers at Chicago's leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (TNS Global - 2013 Survey). Kendall College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Kendall is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. For more information about Kendall visit www.kendall.edu.

SOURCE Kendall College
The Kepware grant will enable East Grand teachers to develop and implement curriculum based on HTC VIVE VR programs. With in-depth professional training on VR learning tools, East Grand teachers will be able to provide students with immersive educational experiences in history, biology, engineering, and more. The school plans to provide a dedicated space to house a VR system, 3D printing, and similar hands-on technology for students.

"Technology is key to enhancing student learning," said Tony Paine, CTO of Industrial Automation, PTC. "Access to technology enables students to develop a strong foundation of technical skills and inspires them to explore their talents. The Kepware School Grant Program continues to supply students in our home state with tools to succeed in STEM disciplines and overcome the technology gap facing many Maine schools."

East Grand School has approximately 150 students enrolled in their pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classes and is located in a rural, geographically isolated town. Jennifer Gillman, a Mathematics teacher at East Grand School, applied for the grant with the goal of exposing her students to more creative opportunities and marketable professional skills, which have traditionally been limited due to the school's size and location.

"The Danforth community is devoted to our children, and at East Grand School we are always looking to provide important opportunities for our students," said Gillman. "They have the ambition and the ability, but they don't always know what's out there in the world for them. This grant from Kepware will bring the world to our classrooms with invaluable hands-on learning for all students. The VR program will not only provide immersive and engaging educational experiences, but will teach students to be comfortable and confident when working with advanced technology."

Eighty-four schools, classrooms, school clubs, and other educational programs in Maine applied for Kepware's 2017 School Grant Program. Applicants were evaluated based on a one-page essay detailing how the $10,000 grant would improve STEM educational opportunities for students.

About Kepware

@Kepware is a software development business of PTC Inc. located in Portland, Maine. Kepware provides a portfolio of software solutions to help businesses connect diverse automation devices and software applications and enable the Industrial Internet of Things. From plant floor to wellsite to windfarm, Kepware serves a wide range of customers in a variety of vertical markets including Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Building Automation, Power & Utilities, and more. Established in 1995 and now distributed in more than 100 countries, Kepware's software solutions help thousands of businesses improve operations and decision making. Learn more at https://www.kepware.com/.



About PTC

PTC has the most robust Internet of Things technology in the world. In 1986 we revolutionized digital 3D design. Now our leading IoT and AR platform and field-proven solutions bring together the physical and digital worlds to reinvent the way you create, operate, and service products. With PTC, global manufacturers and an ecosystem of partners and developers can capitalize on the promise of the IoT today and drive the future of innovation.



PTC.com @PTC Blogs



PTC, the PTC logo, Kepware, and the Kepware logo are registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.



Media Contact

Torey Penrod-Cambra

Kepware

+1 (207) 775-1660

[email protected]

SOURCE Kepware Technologies

Related Links

http://www.kepware.com


TEL AVIV, Israel, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

ICL (NYSE & TASE:ICL), a leading global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, announced today, at an Investor Day held by the Company for the Israeli market at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, that it is exploring various opportunities to divest subsidiaries and/or assets that have a low synergy profile to ICL's mineral chain or portfolio for approximately $500 million or more as part of the Company's plan, among others, to create available sources of financing for further investments, inasmuch as such investments are decided upon, as well as to reduce the Company's current leverage level.

Leading the speakers at the Company's Investor Day was ICL Chairman, Johanan Locker, who revealed that its Board of Directors is currently formulating a new strategy to guide the future plans and operations of the company, as well as its leverage levels, growing the Company's Specialty Solutions division and further strengthening the competitiveness of the Company's commodity assets.

ICL's Acting CEO, Asher Grinbaum, discussed the strategic importance of ICL's Dead Sea operations as well as the Company's other competitive advantages, including its broad innovation capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of ICL's efforts to diversify its operations and achieve a proper balance between its commodities and specialties businesses, especially in light of current conditions in the commodities markets.

Among other management addressing the conference were Kobi Altman, ICL's CFO, who reviewed the Company's successful efficiency gains through operational excellence initiatives and cost-reduction efforts, resulting in a reduction in cost per tonne, as well as its strict Capex management and its strong free cash flow generation - necessary in order to remain competitive in a challenging business environment.

The investor presentation follows this announcement and can be also viewed on the Company's website at http://www.icl-group.com .

About ICL

ICL is a global manufacturer of products based on specialty minerals that fulfill humanity's essential needs primarily in three markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials. ICL shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs approximately 13,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2016 totaled US$5.4 billion. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.icl-group.com.

PRESS CONTACT

Maya Avishai

Head of Global External Communications

+972-3-684-4471

[email protected]

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Dudi Musler

Investor Relations Manager

+972-3-684-4448

[email protected]



SOURCE ICL
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kiwi Energy is excited to announce that it is partnering with FilterEasy, a subscription-based service that delivers HVAC air filters directly to homes and businesses. The service will be available as an added option for new and existing customers and complements Kiwi Energy's innovative energy solutions designed to help create a sustainable future.

Regular air filter replacement is an important energy saving, yet often-overlooked task. The new partnership will offer new and existing customers a special promotional offer to try the service risk-free. FilterEasy helps consumers "breathe easy" by automatically sending the exact filters needed, exactly when it's time to change them. Customers simply enter the quantity and sizes of filters needed, choose the filter grade desired, and set the filter delivery schedule. The filters are then delivered right to a customer's doorstep, and act as a physical reminder to make the change. Shipping is always free, and the cost of the quality USA-made filters is similar to or less than most big box retailers.

"Our partnership with FilterEasy will offer customers another solution in creating a sustainable future. Changing air filters regularly not only helps home and business owners maintain an efficient heating and cooling system; it also helps them save energy while reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, which is something that is at the core of our business," says Richard Booth, President of Retail Operations, Kiwi Energy.

Kiwi Energy is constantly looking for ways to add value and enhance the customer experience. With FilterEasy, customers will be reducing their carbon footprint while saving time and money, giving them one less thing to worry about.

FilterEasy's Chief Growth Officer, Adam Tury adds: "Kiwi Energy's innovative approach to customer experience aligns nicely with many of the core values of our business. We're excited to support the Kiwi Energy team in continuing to deliver exceptional customer value within the retail energy space."

About Kiwi Energy

Kiwi Energy is an energy retailer dedicated to providing innovative energy solutions for electricity and natural gas supply. We focus on environmentally conscious products backed by friendly and efficient customer service. As a company, Kiwi Energy always prides itself on transparency and its team is always happy to help with any questions about the energy industry or its services.

About FilterEasy

Launched in 2014, Raleigh, North Carolina-based FilterEasy offers consumers a subscription-based HVAC air filter fulfillment service using a proprietary web-based platform to provide a convenient solution to a common lingering problem  remembering when to change an HVAC air filter. FilterEasy's subscription model guarantees that correct size HVAC air filters are conveniently delivered to a home's doorstep so they may be changed on a regular basis, which can reduce monthly heating and cooling expenses by 5 percent to 15 percent. AAF Flanders, the nation's largest residential HVAC filter manufacturer and supplier to NASA and U.S. hospital systems, manufactures FilterEasy HVAC filters in the United States.

Media Contact:

Nikki Clark

Email: [email protected]

Related Files

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Kiwi Energy Enrollment

SOURCE Kiwi Energy

Related Links

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"We are extremely excited to partner with Kathy and her incredible team at kiWW," said Mr. Keller. "The design and marketing genius of Kathy and her team are second to none. Kathy Ireland is one of the most successful leaders in the branding and home industries. Since 1993, kathy ireland  Worldwide is responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales. This collaboration will help our company to attain its expansion goals and further help make LEI Home Enhancements by kathy ireland  Designs, a very exciting, trusted and valuable household brand with current customers and in newly expanded markets."

The West Chester, Ohio-based company's windows not only reduce fuel consumption needed to heat and cool homes, but also boast a long service life and achieve optimal material use and minimal waste in production. The siding, doors, gutters and other products are of superior quality.

"We are thrilled to launch in home renovation and home building with LEI Home Enhancements. Their success in custom made windows has placed LEI in the top 20 of residential replacement windows in America. In addition to these wonderful windows, our other products cause LEI to rank number 49 of the top 500 home remodelers in America. Mr. Keller and this great team have achieved their success through integrity, quality and a commitment to philanthropy, which makes this a great partnership for us," says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kiWW. "Since its inception, kiWW's mission has been to find solutions. Through this partnership, our new line of products will help our customers to conserve energy, decrease fuel consumption and bring beautiful windows, siding, doors, gutters and new products into the homes of families throughout our great country. We are very pleased to forge this agreement with LEI Home Enhancements, because we both share powerful commitments to honesty, integrity and intense passion for providing the best in customer service," concluded Ms. Ireland.

ABOUT LEI HOME ENHANCEMENTS

LEI Home Enhancements is ranked in the Top 20 in residential custom replacement windows and also ranked 49 out of the Top 500 Home Remodelers of 2016 by Qualified Remodeler Magazine. We currently serve 15 cities across the U.S. with plans of reaching 42 cities by 2019 and 200 by 2022.

ABOUT kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW)

kiWW is listed as one of the most powerful brands in the world by License Global Magazine. According to Fairchild Publications, Kathy Ireland is one of the 50 most influential people in fashion. Kathy graces the cover of Forbes Magazine twice (2012, 2016). kiWW is responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales. kiWW is the recipient of multiple awards including several Good Housekeeping Seals.

Kathy and kiWW support many non-profits including: YWCA Greater Los Angeles for which she is an Ambassador, Dream Foundation, Providence Educational Foundation, 911 for Kids/AEF, and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kathy is named an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE LEI Home Enhancements
"We are humbled to have won first place as "Hawaii's Best" coffee in 2017. This grassroots award is not ours alone, but it is because of the thousands of Lion Coffee fans that we can proudly and rightfully claim this award. We put a lot of aloha, energy and expertise into Lion Coffee, and this award renews our passion for coffee and commitment to our customers," said Hawaii Coffee Company president, Daniel Dinell.

One of America's oldest major coffee companies, Lion Coffee originated in 1864, in Toledo, Ohio, then moved to Hawaii in 1979. Today, hand-selected Arabica coffee beans are carefully roasted and freshly packed under the most meticulous and exacting standards. Every batch of Lion Coffee is cupped to deliver freshness and the finest taste. This care and quality control throughout the process sets Lion Coffee apart from the rest of the pack. Lion Coffee's offering includes tropical flavors such as the popular vanilla macadamia nut and toasted coconut, gourmet blends, antioxidant and decaffeinated coffees.

Lion Coffee is available online at www.lioncoffee.com, at Pavilions stores in Southern California and Safeway stores in Northern California. For store locations, please visit http://www.hawaiicoffeecompany.com/info/retailers

For travelers to Hawaii, the Lion Cafe at 1555 Kalani Street near the Honolulu International Airport, is a favorite local hangout. Freshly brewed coffees and coffee drinks, and a large selection of packaged Lion Coffee are available at the cafe. Free roastery tours are offered at the facility. The half-hour tour starts at 10:30 am and 12:30pm, Monday through Friday. Video at http://www.hawaiicoffeecompany.com/info/tours

About Hawaii Coffee Company

The largest roaster of Kona Coffee in the world and Hawaii's leading supplier of coffee to island hotels, restaurants and retail stores, Hawaii Coffee Company's leading brands are Lion Coffee, Royal Kona Coffee, Royal Hawaiian Coffee, and the Hawaiian Islands Tea Company.

SOURCE Hawaii Coffee Company

Related Links

http://www.hawaiicoffeecompany.com


MANCHESTER, U.K., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A significant milestone for the UK's first National Health Service high energy proton therapy center occurred today when Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) delivered the cyclotron to the new facility. The cyclotron is a particle accelerator which accelerates protons to two thirds the speed of light for clinical use and its installation is a key milestone for every new proton therapy center.

The cyclotron is a core piece of equipment of Varian's ProBeam system, which is equipping the four-room Christie Proton Therapy Center. Executives from the new center gathered with dignitaries including Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director for NHS England, to witness the cyclotron delivery. After a journey from Varian's proton therapy production facility in Troisdorf, near Cologne in Germany, the cyclotron was craned into position at the new purpose-built facility that is fully integrated with the main Christie Hospital.

"To be able to offer the world's most advanced form of radiotherapy through the NHS in the UK is a real step change for patients, ensuring they benefit from local access to proton treatments with potentially better outcomes and reduced chance of long-term side effects," said Roger Spencer, chief executive of the Christie. "The arrival of the cyclotron is a huge milestone for the proton beam therapy project and brings us closer to our goal of being able to offer this treatment to patients next year."

The Christie Proton Therapy Center is one of two major NHS proton therapy facilities being constructed in the UK, with the other located at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Treatments at the Christie Proton Therapy center are expected to commence in 2018.

Proton therapy makes it possible to treat certain types of cancer more precisely and with potentially fewer side effects than is possible with conventional radiation therapy. With proton therapy, the risk of damage to healthy tissues and potential side effects is reduced because the beam stops and deposits dose within the tumor site rather than passing all the way through the patient.

"We are very proud to be partnering with the Christie Proton Therapy Center on the development of this wonderful new facility," said Dr. Moataz Karmalawy, general manager of Varian's Particle Therapy division.

Varian's ProBeam system is the first to offer fully-integrated intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to enable more efficient adaptive proton therapy. The Varian's pencil beam scanning technology gives clinicians the ability to deliver the dose precisely in the tumor to minimize dose to healthy tissue. When combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), the ProBeam system enables advanced adaptive therapy during the course of treatment helping to make it a more precise form of proton therapy.

About Varian Medical Systems

Varian Medical Systems focuses energy on saving lives and is the world's leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating and managing cancer. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Varian employs approximately 6,400 people around the world. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com and follow @VarianMedSys on Twitter.

Press Contact

Neil Madle

Varian Medical Systems

+44 7786 526068

[email protected]

SOURCE Varian Medical Systems

Related Links

http://www.varian.com


WASHINGTON, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiant.Earth, a global leader in providing open Earth imagery about our changing planet, today announced that Margaret Sullivan, CEO of Sullivan Strategy, has been elected to its Board of Directors. She was formerly the chief operating officer and chief of staff at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Margie Sullivan, CEO of Sullivan Strategy

"Ms. Sullivan is an important addition to the Board. Her insights into international development are critical to our efforts to aggregate the world's open Earth imagery and provide education on its use to the global development community," says Anne Hale Miglarese, Radiant.Earth's CEO and board chair.

Known as a great strategist with public and private sector experience, Sullivan understands how to build public-private partnerships to advance sustainable development. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Sullivan served as director of political risk management at Farallon Capital Management in San Francisco, California. She also served as chief of staff for then Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo, the special assistant to then Defense Secretary William Perry, and chief of staff for the U.S. Trade Representative.

"I am excited to join the Board. Radiant.Earth is the only non-profit focused on delivering open Earth imagery and tools at scale to the global development community as a primary customer. We all know good decisions rely on good data. Making satellite imagery and data more accessible could truly transform our decision-making processes about the global challenges we face," says Sullivan.

Sullivan currently serves on the Jefferson Awards Foundation's Board, and the USAID's Private Capital Partners Forum. She joins Miglarese, Peter Rabley, venture partner at Omidyar Network, and Sanjay Kumar, CEO, Geospatial Media and Communications, on the Radiant.Earth Board.

About Radiant.Earth

Radiant.Earth is a non-profit organization, committed to aggregating the world's open Earth imagery and providing access and education on its use to the global development community. At the center of Radiant.Earth is an open technology platform that will help people discover and analyze the vast resources of Earth imagery, accelerating improved decision-making and fueling new solutions, discoveries and innovations. In support of this user-driven platform, Radiant.Earth offers an integrated and robust community development program to guide people in the use of Earth imagery, geospatial data sets and tools. This includes insights into the commercial market and related policies.

Contact

Louisa Nakanuku-Diggs

[email protected]

202-596-3603

SOURCE Radiant.Earth

Related Links

http://www.radiant.earth/


CHICAGO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sales enablement platform and technology company, Mediafly, is expanding in EMEA as part of the organization's strategy to penetrate into new markets. The company already has an extensive history working with brands that are based in the region, such as igus and Givaudan. This expansion will enable Mediafly to strengthen its position in EMEA, by increasing the number of clients and introducing Evolved Selling to local brands. Based out of Germany, Roland Bauer, VP of EMEA, will manage Mediafly's presence in the region.

"Our expansion into EMEA gives us the opportunity to empower brands in the region with Evolved Selling and put them ahead of the competition," says Roland. "Mediafly has had monumental success in the United States and our goal is to replicate that success in the EMEA region as well. We fully understand the challenges that sales and marketing organizations are facing in today's market. Mediafly provides solutions that bring valuable insights to sales conversations to shorten the sales cycle."

"Expanding our business in EMEA will help global brands in the region connect with today's buyer and realize their full sales and marketing potential," says Tony Kavadas, EVP of Global Alliances. "Our Evolved Selling platform together with our partnerships, are essential to the success we bring to brands in the US, such as PepsiCo, MillerCoors, and GE Healthcare. Partners such as Forrester Research, Nielsen, and SAP, have been an integral part of helping Mediafly bring Evolved Selling to life, and it's only fitting that we enter the EMEA market with these partners as well."

Mediafly has been ranked three consecutive years in Inc. Magazine's 5,000 fastest-growing companies, with 2016 being the most recent. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

About Mediafly

Mediafly is the Evolved Selling platform that gives brands the power to better engage with prospective buyers with relevant, real-time insights. Evolved Sellers are more flexible, dynamic, and interactive in their sales pitch, resulting in increased sales and stronger customer relationships. Mediafly works with Global 2000 companies, like PepsiCo, Disney, GE Healthcare, MillerCoors, and SC Johnson.

SOURCE Mediafly

Related Links

http://www.mediafly.com


SAN DIEGO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, today announced that it applauds Mexico President Pena Nieto for signing a bill into law June 19 that officially legalized the cultivation, production, and use of cannabis products with less than 1% THC for medical use in Mexico.

The new law, which was approved by Mexico lawmakers earlier this year by an overwhelming majority, will direct Mexico's ministry of Health to draft and implement policies to regulate the use, importation, and production of pharmaceutical products derived from cannabidiol (CBD)-dominant/low-THC cannabis.

"This historic change in policy for this critical Latin America nation is a momentous achievement for the over 120 million Mexican citizens who can now benefit from the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, plus for the medical cannabis advocates who have worked diligently for many years to make the therapeutic use of cannabinoids legal in the Country," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We are extremely proud to have been the first company to provide Mexico citizens with access to a medical product based on cannabis (THC-free hemp CBD) and applaud President Nieto and Mexico lawmakers for their commitment to cannabis reform. We look forward to continuing our support of Mexico as it moves forward with this new era of medical cannabis for those in need.

"With medical cannabis fully legal in Canada and now in Mexico, we wonder how long it will be before the United States joins the rest of North America in reforming laws at the national/federal level. With 30 U.S. States approving medical cannabis and 17 others with CBD-only laws, we feel the real crime in this matter is the lack of progressive leadership shown by our own federal government. The science 100% supports this, the people fully support this, and the opioid crisis is totally out of control. We, the people, demand answers from our leaders."

Medical Marijuana, Inc., started exporting to Mexico to help families gain access to THC-free CBD hemp oil RSHO-X after the Health Department of Mexico, COFEPRIS, issued the country's first-ever government permits on February 2, 2016, to two families, including the Maldonado family whose daughter suffered from a severe form of epilepsy.

Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s HempMeds Mexico furthered its efforts to encourage cannabis reform through its close ties with its nonprofit partner in Mexico, the Por Grace Foundation. Following a 2015 court ruling, eight-year-old Grace Elizalde became the first patient in Mexico to legally access and use CBD. Grace's father, Raul Elizalde, started the Por Grace Foundation to further access to CBD by advocating for patients, hosting public forums, and meeting with government officials. Raul joined President Pena Nieto on stage last April as the leader announced the country would pursue medical cannabis reform.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com .

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

About HempMeds

HempMeds is a corporate portfolio company of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC PINK: MJNA) and the Company's exclusive master distributor and contracted marketing company, handling sales and distribution.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties. The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

CONTACT:

Public Relations Contact:

Andrew Hard

Chief Executive Officer

CMW Media

P: 888-829- 0070

[email protected]

www.cmwmedia.com

SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com


The latest accelerator from Microsoft is Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai (MASH), which launched in January 2017. MASH hosted its first batch's graduation and demo day on June 22, showcasing 14 startups. Since joining MASH 4 months ago, the total valuation of the 14 startups has tripled. 10 out of the 14 startups have received new rounds of funding for a total of 6.6 billion RMB, and one startup has gone public. All startups have adopted Microsoft Azure for public cloud services. During incubation period, MASH delivered more than 200 hours of training and made more than 500 customer and VC connections for the startups.

"The digital transformation of China's economy presents a huge opportunity for both big companies and startups across all industries," said Alain Crozier, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Chairman and CEO of Greater China Region. "Microsoft Azure has supported the digital transformation of China since landing in China three years ago. With Microsoft Accelerator China, the company has nourished a thriving local ecosystem of startups to further transform China's digital landscape. MASH will further empower innovators on this journey."

Microsoft Accelerator China was founded in 2012 and has built up close relationship with more than 300 investment firms to bridge startups with top venture capitalists. The accelerator strategically teams up with industry leading companies to connect startups with potential long-term clients.

Now, Microsoft's accelerators in Beijing and Shanghai boast a combined 170 graduates, whose products and services reach 500 million individual users and more than 2 million enterprise accounts. More than 93% of alumni have raised next rounds of funding.

As of today, the total market valuation for Microsoft Accelerator China alumni has reached RMB 56.6 billion, which, post-incubation, grew by more than 600%. This success hasn't gone unnoticed; Microsoft Accelerator has been named "The Best Accelerator/Incubator in China" for five years straight by ChinaVenture Group, China's leading venture capital and private equity data service company.

During MASH's first demo day, the first batch graduates shared their strong cloud, artificial intelligence and big data capabilities:

SchoolPal Online is a startup using Microsoft .Net technology to develop their backend systems that support hyper-scale concurrency and secure data storage. Over 80 thousand schools in China are relying on SchoolPal's SaaS service every day.

is a startup using Microsoft .Net technology to develop their backend systems that support hyper-scale concurrency and secure data storage. Over 80 thousand schools in are relying on SchoolPal's SaaS service every day. Caicloud has released TensorFlow, a Service on Azure, which greatly reduces the effort and cost that an enterprise would have to spend to create a Deep Learning infrastructure. This service stands as a testimony to Microsoft's commitment to building an open ecosystem and democratizing AI.

has released TensorFlow, a Service on Azure, which greatly reduces the effort and cost that an enterprise would have to spend to create a Deep Learning infrastructure. This service stands as a testimony to Microsoft's commitment to building an open ecosystem and democratizing AI. MINIEYE is building its cutting-edge computer vision technology for autonomous driving on the Microsoft Azure platform, leveraging its hyper-scale intelligent cloud computing capabilities.

is building its cutting-edge computer vision technology for autonomous driving on the Microsoft Azure platform, leveraging its hyper-scale intelligent cloud computing capabilities. Kyligence is the Shanghai based company leading Apache Kylin, an Apache, top level open source project focusing on providing high performance business intelligence analytics solutions on top of Hadoop big data. Kyligence has integrated their solution seamlessly with Azure HDInsight and has made it conveniently available to users via the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

is the based company leading Apache Kylin, an Apache, top level open source project focusing on providing high performance business intelligence analytics solutions on top of Hadoop big data. Kyligence has integrated their solution seamlessly with Azure HDInsight and has made it conveniently available to users via the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. EasyRetailPro leverages the rich capabilities that Microsoft Azure offers on big data and artificial intelligence offer a social CRM solution for retail customers. With the help of Microsoft Azure, EasyRetailPro has seen significant progress on their capabilities for retail big data analysis, helping retail chains get deep insight on their customers based on transaction data, social media engagements, and more.

leverages the rich capabilities that Microsoft Azure offers on big data and artificial intelligence offer a social CRM solution for retail customers. With the help of Microsoft Azure, EasyRetailPro has seen significant progress on their capabilities for retail big data analysis, helping retail chains get deep insight on their customers based on transaction data, social media engagements, and more. Lavector's Brand Vision provides an AI-powered, real-time interactive digital marketing SaaS solution. Deeply integrated with Microsoft Azure's AI services and features, Lavector's transparent, intelligent, and agile digital marketing interface drives highly efficient interactions between customers and brands.

MASH launched with full, direct support from the Shanghai Xuhui District government, who has set itself a strategy of "Innovation Drives Development" in an effort to build more hubs of innovation, particularly in the Caohejing Hi-Tech Park. MASH was also made possible through a cooperation with INESA, a regional partner for ecosystem development. As a large state-owned enterprise group, INESA is comprised of 22 wholly-owned subsidiary companies, over 80 subsidiary companies with controlling shares, and 37 subsidiary companies with joint shares, across the globe. Committed as a total solution provider and operator for smart cities, INESA works with MASH to help technology startups achieve better growth with its large client base.

"In order to support a strategy of turning Shanghai into an international center for technology innovation, Xuhui is developing its technology service sector accordingly, especially with help from global incubators and accelerators within our District," said Mrs. Chen Shiyan, Vice Mayor of Xuhui District Government. "Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai has been made possible through a joint effort by the Xuhui government, Microsoft and INESA, integrating vast resources to support better growth for startups in Shanghai."

Elton Huang, PwC China Shanghai Senior Partner and James Chou, Managing Director and CEO in Residence of MASH announced a joint program called the Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai FinTech Camp Powered by PwC. The new program will focus on later-stage funded fintech startups, helping them to quickly accelerate and become enterprise-ready companies. PwC China will offer mentorship and customer access to its financial industry clients to the startups. Selected startups will also be able to use the co-working space in PwC's China Innovation Center in Shanghai.

"This is the first accelerator program resulting from a cooperation between PwC China and Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai," said Elton Huang. "By leveraging available resources from both companies, we hope to break barriers between large finance service companies and startups and push more tech innovations from ideas to end products."

"China is the only country where Microsoft has two accelerators," said James Chou. "With support from the Shanghai government, MASH will play an important role in Shanghai's digital transformation. Furthermore, the Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai FinTech Camp Powered by PwC program will empower entrepreneurs to create more innovative FinTech solutions, helping Shanghai on its journey to becoming one of the world's leading financial centers."

The Microsoft Cloud Incubation Program is another initiative by Microsoft China. It is an innovation incubation program targeting newly-founded cloud and mobile services startups in China. Microsoft Accelerator and the Microsoft Cloud Incubation program form an "innovation pyramid" in China. Through the Microsoft Cloud Incubation program launched in 2015, Microsoft, government, and selected partners work together to establish incubation centers across China serving startups who focus on innovation in cloud computing, IoT, big data, machine learning, AI, and mixed reality. With Microsoft Accelerator targeting at later stage startups, Microsoft now has a complete coverage of technology startup's lifecycle in China.

SOURCE Microsoft Accelerator Shanghai
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MidCap Advisors LLC ("MidCap"), a national mergers and acquisition firm based in New York, is pleased to announce that it advised both Rossmann Hurt Hoffman, Inc ("RHH") and Henry M. Murray Agency, Inc. ("HMM"), in connection with the sale of their businesses to Hub International Limited. The terms of the transactions, which closed on May 1st and June 1st, respectively, were not disclosed.

Based in Ellicott City, Maryland, RHH is a multi-lines insurance solutions provider that has been providing services to clients in the Mid-Atlantic region since 1871. Specializing in professional liability coverage and offering a full range of P&C and Employee Benefit products, RHH prides itself on delivering sound advice and knowledge to help their customers choose the appropriate coverage. Norman Breitenbach, Executive Vice President, RHH, will join Hub as President of Hub Mid-Atlantic and report to Charles Brophy, President of Hub New England, Regional President US East.

Based in Annapolis, Maryland, HMM is a multi-lines insurance solutions provider serving the Mid-Atlantic region since 1881. HMM specializes in a variety of marine insurance coverages for marinas, charterers, harbors, ship builders, and other marine businesses. HMM's reputation for quality, value, and innovation was built by their experienced staff and leadership, and solidifies their position as one of the most trusted agents in the region.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Hub International Limited is a leading global insurance brokerage that provides property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services from offices located throughout North America. RHH and HMM will be Hub's first offices in the region and provide a platform for continued growth into the future.

Frank Robertson, Managing Director at MidCap, said "This was an ideal transaction for all parties; Hub was able to expand its footprint and partner with two reputable and experienced agencies, and RHH and HMM were able to maximize their sale transaction through being viewed as a combined platform." He added "We are excited to see the Hub Mid-Atlantic team grow and succeed."

MidCap Advisors is a national middle market mergers and acquisitions firm that has extensive experience representing insurance and financial services firms. MidCap's Principals and Managing Directors have arranged over $2 billion in transactions for clients. For more information, please call Frank Robertson at (212) 722-6893 or see www.midcapadvisors.com.

Contacts:

MidCap Advisors LLC

Frank Robertson, Managing Director at (212) 722-6893

[email protected]

Ryan Sanford, Vice President at (212) 722-6714

[email protected]

SOURCE MidCap Advisors, LLC

Related Links

http://www.midcapadvisors.com


JACKSON, Mich., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MiraMed Global Services (MiraMed), a leader in healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) services and business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, announces it will be attending HFMA's 2017 National Institute. HFMA's ANI: The 2017 National Institute is being held June 25-28, 2017 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center. The theme for 2017 is "collaborating for the future." Per the ANI, "If you're looking for strategies centered in collaboration that lead to better outcomes for patients, shareholders and stakeholders, you need to be at ANI 2017."

MiraMed will be at booth #1641. MiraMed Global Services will be featuring its premier global RCM and BPO services which allow providers to maximize their return on revenue cycle activities, such as coding, risk adjustment solutions, accounts receivable management, self-pay solutions and BPO solutions.

Also presented will be its newest offering, MACRA MadeEasy. MACRA MadeEasy helps clinicians achieve compliance with the Quality Payment Program (QPP) from CMS. The co-sourced MACRA MadeEasy platform guides clients through governmental regulatory changes and provides a structured and practice-specific platform. Utilizing data analytics, as well as population health statistics and electronic health records, MACRA MadeEasy ensures that a practice is not only protected from penalties, but puts itself in line for incentive payments.

MiraMed partners with hospitals, health networks, physician practices, payers and related industry service organizations to provide customizable solutions, uncover and capitalize on hidden financial opportunities, improve productivity and ultimately increase profits.

Tony Mira, Chairman and CEO of MiraMed Global Services, says, "The HFMA ANI is a very important show for MiraMed. As the nation's leading association for healthcare finance, there is no better organization for us to support than the Healthcare Financial Management Association and their National Institute."

About MiraMed

Headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, MiraMed Global Services stands as the premier global provider of business process outsourcing solutions to healthcare organizations nationwide. MiraMed partners with hospitals, health networks, physician practices and related industry service organizations to provide a broad portfolio of customizable solutions, uncover and capitalize on hidden financial opportunities, improve productivity and ultimately increase profits. MiraMed has offices in Jackson, MI, Chicago, IL, Birmingham, AL, Thousand Oaks, CA, Walnut Creek, CA, Baton Rouge, LA, Boston, MA, Dearborn, MI, Santa Fe, NM, Portland, OR, Dallas, TX, Chennai, India and Manila, Philippines.

MiraMed pairs healthcare industry experts with world-class processes, infrastructure and technology to deliver meaningful and measurable results. This proprietary model enables sustainable change by delivering a complete, customizable enhanced revenue cycle solutions devised to meet a client's own unique financial and organizational needs.

If you would like more information about this topic, please go to www.miramedgs.com or email [email protected].

Twitter: https://twitter.com/miramedglobal

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/miramed-a-global-services-company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miramedgs

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+TonyMira

Contact: Lori Imboden

Tel: 517-787-7432

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE MiraMed Global Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.miramedgs.com


FAIRFIELD, N.J., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, MOD Media acquired New York Spaces, the home design magazine of metropolitan New York,from Davler Media Group, LLC. The shelter publication will add a new dimension to the media group's already dynamic portfolio of regional luxury lifestyle outlets.

New York Spaces

Shannon Steitz, president and publisher of MOD Media, commented on the merger: "We are thrilled to acquire New York Spaces, a magazine that has had a loyal readership in the New York metropolitan area. MOD Media has earned the reputation as the voice of modern luxury with premier titles such as HudsonMOD, ChicagoMOD and Highways. This new endeavor will further extend our reach into Manhattan, in addition to enhancing the portfolio with a niche high-design publication serving both consumers and the trade alike. I am eager to see this long-standing brand and publication continue to prosper under MOD Media's direction."

New York Spaces' demographic encompasses an average household income of $914,000* and a total readership of 200,000**. The publication's cutting-edge editorial celebrates the best of design in New York. As the third magazine to be added to MOD Media's portfolio in 2017, New York Spaces will contribute state-of-the-art design along with real estate and luxury living selections to the group's existing coverage of international travel destinations, premier culinary establishments, cutting-edge fashion trends, luxury goods, philanthropic initiatives and more aimed at a discerning, affluent audience.

"New York Spaces is metropolitan New York's premier luxury design magazine. After 10 years of publication, we are excited to join forces with MOD Media. We look forward to producing exciting and progressive editorial and to creating new ways to celebrate our partnerships with luxury brands and the top designers in the industry," said Jason Kontos, editorial director of New York Spaces.

Lisa Ben-Isvy, publisher of New York Spaces, added, "I am delighted that New York Spaces has found its home with MOD Media, given our unique ability to custom-tailor multimedia programs with our client needs at the forefront. I look forward to utilizing my combined experience and passions for luxury lifestyle and premier design to help propel the New York Spaces brand even further."

MOD Media will maintain and enhance New York Spaces' position as a bellwether of design that hosts iconic events throughout the year. The publication is best known for bringing together the industry's elite at Top 50 Designers, Spring Into Design, What's New? What's Next? and ongoing showroom grand openings. In addition, New York Spaces will continue to share the city's hidden treasures through coverage of prestigious showrooms, show homes, exclusive real estate, inspiring designers, the latest trends and the bi-annual "The Goods" issues.

About MOD Media, LLC

MOD Media, LLC provides customized content, marketing and branding solutions to a myriad of upscale and luxury lifestyle clients, as well as event planning and partnerships. Its luxury lifestyle magazines cover, deliver and define the best in world travel, cuisine, fashion, luxury auto, beauty, home & design, and leisure that drive the New York and Chicago metropolitan areas. Through our alluring pages, online access, social networks, exclusive events and media platforms, we connect people with their singular passion for a "Life Well Lived." Our sophisticated readership has proven buying power and a profound desire to experience luxury.

About Shannon Steitz

The founder of MOD Media, Shannon Steitz is the president and publisher of HudsonMOD, which launched in March 2012 as the first luxury lifestyle magazine to tap into the crossover appeal of northern New Jersey and Manhattan, and ChicagoMOD, which debuted in March 2017. HudsonMOD has established itself as a publication which builds strategic partnerships with clients that extend beyond the printed page. By incorporating custom marketing strategies, coast-to-coast events, public relations, and digital and social media, MOD Media connects local and national brands to their target consumers.

About New York Spaces

New York Spaces is wheredesigners, architects, upscale homeowners and home design enthusiasts find the latest trends, innovative products and in-the-know professionals. It is distributed to major design buildings, retail locations, professional offices, enthusiasts, homeowners, annual events and newsstands. Published eight times a year, the title includes the Annual Journal & Directory, a guidebook for New York's most discerning residents looking for design inspiration. Annual events include Top 50 Designers, Spring Into Design and What's New? What's Next? Learn more on newyorkspaces.com. Follow us on facebook, twitter and Instagram @nyspaces

* 2014 Proprietary readers survey executed online

** BPA Audited

Media Contacts:

Nubia DuVall Wilson

Cielo Consulting

646.357.0428

[email protected]

Kopal Pandey

MOD PR

973.249.6157

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

image2.gif

SOURCE MOD Media, LLC
DALLAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 20, the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 1393) was passed by a voice vote in the House of Representatives. The bill will now move to the Senate for review.

As the name implies, the Act would provide multistate employers with a simplified system for administering the patchwork of state income taxes by creating a uniform, national set of rules for income taxes and income tax withholding. For example, nonresident employees would not be subject to state income tax in a state where they work less than 30 or fewer days in a year. Instead, the employee would be subject to income tax in their state of residence during that time. As a result, their employers would not be required to withhold income tax until employees pass the 30-day threshold in a nonresident state. This simplification would reduce the administrative burden of the present system, in which each state creates its own rules for when a nonresident is subject to income tax, requiring employers to keep track of an assortment of guidelines on a state-by-state basis. In the modern, mobile economy, this new system could provide significant savings for employers.

The House has previously passed two other versions of the Act, once in 2012 (112th Session, H.R. 1864) and again in 2016 (114th Session, H.R. 2315), but neither gained much traction in the Senate. Currently, there are more than 300 multinational and diverse employers in the United States supporting the legislation, urging its passage in this legislative session.



About Ryan

Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Mindy Mayo

Principal

Ryan

408.850.4565

[email protected]

Aaron Babb

Manager

Ryan

216.685.9448

[email protected]

SOURCE Ryan

Related Links

http://www.ryan.com


LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPOTLITE (https://spotlite.me/) is the only free direct to fan singing app that caters to the artist. Our platform offers the opportunity for any kind of musical or vocal talent, independent or up-and-coming artists to sing their original music, cover and karaoke songs. Spotlite is the only singing app where artists can gain exposure, fans and win money.

We're a unique singing platform where fans can gift artists for their live-streamed or recorded performances. No other app allows fans to pay their favorite artists directly for their talent.

Artists can also win money for their performances by joining our singing contests. The minimum prize for each contest is $2,000 and winners are chosen bi-weekly. Each vote costs a quarter, which also goes into the prize money. The amount of money a winner can take home is endless.

Currently, we're hosting 3 singing contests for original, Country and karaoke songs. The winners are chosen by the number of votes they receive. Sign up now to join the hundreds of other contestants going after the substantial prize money. The deadline for these competitions is June 25th at 11 pm PDT.

The various functions of Spotlite include the ability to:

Choose from a large catalogue of songs to sing

Record or live-stream your performance

Earn money for your performances

Win money from joining our contests

Share your performances on Facebook and Twitter

About SPOTLITE

Spotlite is also a musical talent incubator. We look forward to working with publishers, labels and managers to help their artists to grow. We're also a type of angel investor interested in funding some of their recording costs associated with making a record.

Our development and tech teams are in Beijing, China, while our Marketing, A&R and Business Development teams are in Los Angeles, CA.

Our company consists of music industry executives from Google Music, Yahoo! Music, Microsoft, Atom Factory, and Warner/Chappell.

SPOTLITE IS AVAILABLE HERE

Download On The App Store

Get It On Google Play



Contact Info:

Business Opportunities - [email protected]

All other inquiries - [email protected]

SOURCE Spotlite

Related Links

https://www.spotlite.me


LEON, Nicaragua, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Surfing Turtle Lodge is proud to announce that in this latest sea turtle nesting season we have released over 5,500 baby sea turtles from our hatchery, the largest number in one season since its inception in 2009.

Surfing Turtle Lodge

Surfing Turtle Lodge is located close to Leon on the shores of a remote beach where sea turtles come to nest. Dedicated to sustainable tourism, the Lodge built a hatchery, worked with the community and utilized the skills of the poachers to benefit the island's sea turtle population. When the baby turtles are born, they are released with the help of guests and volunteers at the best possible time to make sure they all crawl safely into the ocean. The Lodge's turtle conservation initiative is entirely funded by guest's donations and profits from the Lodge.

Aldo Fernandez, co-owner of the Lodge, said "As the first privately funded turtle conservation project in the area, we have released tens of thousands of turtles over the years. When we began, there was very little being done to protect the sea turtles. However, since then we have seen the government start to give this important issue more attention and other businesses have started their own conservation projects. Although we are happy and proud of the early role we played in the area, we hope to continue to be in the forefront of this conservation project and other sustainable tourism initiatives."

About Us:

Surfing Turtle Lodge is a unique hostel that explores tourism with an off the grid approach; powered with solar panels, an onsite turtle hatchery, and growing some of our own food. We are located on a stretch of deserted beach along Nicaragua's northwest coast. The hostel provides all the necessary amenities including a bar, restaurant, yoga deck, activities and more. Surfing Turtle Lodge has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, and others.

For additional information contact Renzo Fernandez at [email protected]

Links:

Website

Turtle hatchery page

Turtle release video

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

image3.jpg

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKCzC5aU21g

SOURCE Surfing Turtle Lodge

Related Links

http://surfingturtlelodge.com


EAST HANOVER, N.J., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis today announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Tafinlar (dabrafenib) in combination with Mekinist (trametinib) to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express the BRAF V600E mutation. The FDA granted Tafinlar + Mekinist Breakthrough Therapy designation in July 2015 for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic BRAF V600E mutation-positive NSCLC who received previous treatment with chemotherapy.

"Patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC have responded less favorably to standard chemotherapy, suggesting that there is a critical need for a targeted therapy," said Bruno Strigini, CEO, Novartis Oncology. "Today's approval of the Tafinlar + Mekinist combination validates our expertise in tumor biology, which enabled us to develop the first targeted treatment for people with this rare mutation."

"The approval of Tafinlar + Mekinist makes BRAF V600E the fourth actionable genomic biomarker in metastatic NSCLC  along with EGFR, ALK and ROS-1," said Bruce Johnson, MD, Professor of Medicine, Chief Clinical Research Officer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "This is an important milestone for the lung cancer community as we are continuing to better understand the genomic drivers of cancer and develop effective treatments targeted for these biomarkers."

The FDA approval is based on safety and efficacy of Tafinlar in combination with Mekinist in a Phase II, three-cohort, multicenter, non-randomized, non-comparative and open-label study in which patients with stage IV BRAF V600E mutant NSCLC were enrolled (36 treatment-naive [previously untreated] and 57 previously treated with chemotherapy)1.

Among the 36 treatment-naive patients receiving 150 mg of Tafinlar twice daily and 2 mg of Mekinist once daily, the overall response rate (ORR) was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44%, 77%)1. In the previously treated population receiving the same dosage, patients demonstrated an ORR of 63% (95% CI: 49%, 76%)1. The ORR was assessed by independent review committee. The median duration of response in the treatment naive cohort was not estimable (95% CI: 6.9, not estimable) and in the previously treated patient cohort was 12.6 months (95% CI: 5.8, not estimable)1. An in-depth analysis of data from the treatment-naive cohort will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

The most common adverse events (incidence >20%) were pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, rash, chills, hemorrhage, cough and dyspnea.

BRAF mutations appear in approximately 1-3% of NSCLC cases worldwide3. There is an urgency to treat people with this mutation, as BRAF V600E mutation-positive tumors have been shown to be more aggressive and may lead to a poorer prognosis2.

The treatment combination was approved with Thermo Fisher Scientific's Oncomine Dx Target Test to identify a BRAF V600E mutation in eligible patients. This qualitative in vitro diagnostic test uses targeted high throughput, parallel-sequencing technology to detect sequence variations in select genes, including BRAF V600E, in DNA and RNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the Ion PGM Dx System.

Tafinlar + Mekinist was approved by the European Commission (EC) in March 2017 for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

Novartis Commitment to Lung Cancer

Worldwide, lung cancer causes more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, and an estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year4,5. Among patients with NSCLC, roughly 30% have an actionable mutation that may be targeted with available therapies6-9. To determine the most appropriate treatment, medical organizations recommend genomic testing for patients with lung cancer10.

Novartis Oncology's research in targeted therapies has helped transform treatment approaches for patients living with mutation-driven types of lung cancer. Patients with mutation-driven NSCLC may be candidates for treatment with targeted therapies6.

Novartis continues its commitment to the global lung cancer community through ongoing studies, as well as the exploration of investigational compounds that target genetic biomarkers in NSCLC.

About Tafinlar + Mekinist Combination

Combination use of Tafinlar + Mekinist in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have a BRAF V600E mutation is approved in the US, EU, Australia, Canada, and additional countries. The combination of Tafinlar and Mekinist is also approved for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF V600 mutation in Europe.

Tafinlar and Mekinist target different kinases within the serine/threonine kinase family  BRAF and MEK1/2, respectively  in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, which is implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma, among other cancers. When Tafinlar is used with Mekinist, the combination has been shown to slow tumor growth more than either drug alone. The combination of Tafinlar + Mekinist is currently being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial program across a range of tumor types conducted in study centers worldwide.

The safety and efficacy profile of the Tafinlar + Mekinist combination has not yet been established outside of the approved indications.

Tafinlar and Mekinist are also indicated in more than 50 countries worldwide, including the US and EU, as single agents to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E mutation.

INDICATIONS

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of skin cancer called melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery, and that has a certain type of abnormal "BRAF" gene.

MEKINIST should not be used to treat people who already have received a BRAF inhibitor for treatment of their melanoma, and it did not work or is no longer working.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, is a prescription medication used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic NSCLC), and that has a certain type of abnormal "BRAF V600E" gene.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for TAFINLAR (dabrafenib) capsules and

MEKINIST (trametinib) tablets

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, may cause serious side effects such as the risk of new cancers, including a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) and a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately for a new wart, skin sore, or bump that bleeds or does not heal, or a change in the size or color of a mole.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause serious bleeding problems, especially in the brain or stomach, and can lead to death. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider and get medical help right away if they have headaches, dizziness, or feel weak, cough up blood or blood clots, vomit blood or their vomit looks like "coffee grounds," or have red or black stools that look like tar.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause inflammation of the intestines, or tears in the stomach or intestines that can lead to death. Patients should tell their health care provider immediately if they have any of the following symptoms: bleeding (see bleeding problems below); diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness; fever, and nausea.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause blood clots in the arms or legs, which can travel to the lungs and can lead to death. Patients should be advised to get medical help right away if they have the following symptoms: chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing, pain in their legs with or without swelling, swelling in their arms or legs, or a cool or pale arm or leg.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause heart problems, including heart failure. A patient's heart function should be checked before and during treatment. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they have any of the following signs and symptoms of a heart problem: feeling like their heart is pounding or racing, shortness of breath, swelling of their ankles and feet, or feeling lightheaded.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause severe eye problems that can lead to blindness. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they get: blurred vision, loss of vision, or other vision changes, seeing color dots, halo (seeing blurred outline around objects), eye pain, swelling, or redness.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause lung or breathing problems. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have new or worsening symptoms of lung or breathing problems, including shortness of breath or cough.

Fever is common during treatment with TAFINLAR in combination with MEKINIST, but may also be more serious. Fever may happen often or may be severe. In some cases, chills or shaking chills, too much fluid loss (dehydration), low blood pressure, dizziness, or kidney problems may happen with the fever. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they get a fever.

Rash and other skin reactions are common serious side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST. In some cases these rashes and other skin reactions can be severe or serious and may need to be treated in a hospital. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider if they get any of the following symptoms: skin rash that bothers them or does not go away, acne, redness, swelling, peeling, or tenderness of hands or feet, or skin redness.

Some people may develop high blood sugar or worsening diabetes during treatment with TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST. For patients who are diabetic, their health care provider should check their blood sugar levels closely during treatment. Their diabetes medicine may need to be changed. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have increased thirst, urinate more often than normal, or produce an increased amount of urine.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, may cause healthy red blood cells to break down too early in people with G6PD deficiency. This may lead to a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia, where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have yellow skin (jaundice), weakness or dizziness, or shortness of breath.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause new or worsening high blood pressure (hypertension). A patient's blood pressure should be checked during treatment. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they develop high blood pressure, their blood pressure worsens, or if they have severe headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Common side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, in people with melanoma include: fever, nausea, chills, headache, joint aches, cough, diarrhea, rash, vomiting, high blood pressure (hypertension), and swelling of the face, arms, or legs.

Common side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, in people with NSCLC include: fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, rash, swelling of the face, arms and legs, diarrhea, chills, bleeding, cough, and shortness of breath.

Please see full prescribing information for TAFINLAR and MEKINIST at https://www.hcp.novartis.com/products/tafinlar-mekinist/.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "may," "Breakthrough Therapy designation," "suggesting," "continuing," "will," "upcoming," "commitment," "recommend," "continues," "ongoing," "exploration," "investigational," "being investigated," "yet," "contingent," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Tafinlar + Mekinist, or regarding potential future revenues from Tafinlar and Mekinist, both as single agents and in combination with the other. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Tafinlar + Mekinist will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that Tafinlar and Mekinist, either as single agents or in combination with the other will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding Tafinlar and Mekinist, both as single agents and in combination with the other could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing and reimbursement pressures; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis and @NovartisCancer at http://twitter.com/novartiscancer.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected]

Oncomine Dx Target Test and Ion PGM Dx System are registered trademarks of THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC.

References

Tafinlar + Mekinist Important Safety Information. Marchetti A, Felicioni L, Malatesta S, et al. Clinical Features and Outcome of Patients with NonSmall-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring BRAF Mutations. J Clin Oncol. 2011; 29:26, 3574-3579. Chen D, Zhang L, Huang J, et al. BRAF Mutations in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS One. 2014; 9:6, 1-7. World Health Organization. Estimated number of deaths, both sexes, worldwide in 2012. World Health Organization. http://gco.iarc.fr/today/online-analysis-pie?mode=cancer&mode_population=continents&population=900&sex=0&cancer=11&type=1&statistic=0&prevalence=0&color_palette=default. Accessed January 2017 . World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. Lung Cancer. Available at http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx?cancer=lung. Accessed February 2017 . Riess JW, Wakelee, HA. Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Management: Novel Targets and Recent Clinical Advances. Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology. 2012; 10: 226-224. Pao W, Girard N. New driver mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12:175-180. Paik PK, Arcila ME, Fara M, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Lung Adenocarcinomas Harboring BRAF Mutations. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2046-2051. Takeuchi, K, Soda M, Togashi Y, et al. RET, ROS1 and ALK fusions in lung cancer. Nature. 2012;378-381. Lindeman, N.I., et al. Molecular Testing Guideline for Selection of Lung Cancer Patients for EGFR and ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013; 137: 828-1174.

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line: +41 61 324 2200

E-mail: [email protected]

Eric Althoff Novartis Global Media Relations +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) [email protected] Kristen Klasey Novartis Oncology +1 862 778-4763 (direct) +1 862 754-1732 (mobile) [email protected]

SOURCE Novartis

Related Links

https://www.novartis.com


IRVINE, Calif., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolve Systems, the only enterprise-wide incident response and automation platform for Security, IT Operations and Network Operations, announces its sponsorship of two 2017 Incident Resolution Summits this Fall. One in Chicago on September 20, 2017, and another in London, UK on October 25, 2017.

The Incident Resolution Summits unify leaders from across Security Operations, IT Operations and Network Operations Centers to share industry trends and reveal best practices. Discussions focus on garnering the latest standards in selection, implementation and ROI of incident response and automation technologies.

The summits also demonstrate how to empower frontline agents and security experts to leverage end-to-end automation, human-guided automation and accelerate incident resolution.

The Incident Resolution Summits are inviting Security Operations, IT Operations and Network Operations thought leaders to join the dialogue center stage: Lending perspective to the integral future of incident response automation as well as his or her professional experiences relative to the subject.

Speaker narratives could include successes with leveraging human-guided automation and end-to-end automation for accelerating incident resolution, proving ROI for automation technologies, avoiding alert fatigue, overcoming reticence toward the future of automation and enterprise-wide gaps and opportunities in technology.

Participants will have the opportunity to extend their personal brand by speaking in front of 60+ colleagues with up to a 30 minute presentation. At the end of each talk, 10-15 minutes will be reserved for questions and answers.

If you are interested in speaking at either Incident Resolution SummitChicago or London please submit your proposal at resolutionsummit.com/speakers/ by July 30, 2017. If you are not interested in presenting but would still like to attend the event and discuss incident resolution and automation best practices, register here for Chicago and here for London.

To access highlights from previous Incident Resolution Summits, please visit https://resolutionsummit.com/.

About Resolve Systems

Resolve Systems is the firstand continues to be the most comprehensive frontrunnerin enterprise-wide incident response and automation solutions for IT Operations, Security Operations, Network Operations and service desk teams.

Resolve accelerates incident response and resolution by providing engineers with human-guided automations, real-time incident collaboration and the ability to partially and fully automate processes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California with Operations in EMEA, Resolve Systems supports Fortune 500 customers around the world. For details, please visit www.resolvesystems.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Resolve Systems

Related Links

http://www.resolvesystems.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("Oppenheimer"), a unit of Oppenheimer Holdings (NYSE: OPY), has concluded its 17th Annual Consumer Conference in Boston. The two-day conference featured over 40 leading companies in the consumer sector, including Lowe's Companies; Home Depot; Six Flags Theme Parks; and Yum! Brands.

The conference, which connects investors with private and publicly traded companies, provided attendees the opportunity to learn about emerging consumer trends, such as the increased importance of wellness and health. Investors were able to assess the prospect of consumer stocks for the second half of the year, which is a critically important time in retail.

Oppenheimer Senior Research Analyst attendees, who provided insights on many aspects of the consumer sector, included:

Anna Andreeva , Senior Analyst covering Specialty Retail

, Senior Analyst covering Specialty Retail Brian Bittner , Senior Analyst covering Restaurants

, Senior Analyst covering Restaurants Brian W. Nagel , Senior Analyst covering the Hardlines and Broadlines Retail sectors

, Senior Analyst covering the Hardlines and Broadlines Retail sectors Rupesh D. Parikh , Senior Analyst covering the Food, Grocery and Consumer Products sectors

Senior Analyst covering the Food, Grocery and Consumer Products sectors Scott Schneeberger , Senior Analyst covering Industrial and Business Services

Andrew Uerkwitz , Senior Analyst covering Emerging Services and Technology

Ian A. Zaffino , Senior Analyst covering event-driven special situations

"Unprecedented changes and opportunities in consumer preferences and buying behaviors make this year's conference an important benchmark as we head into critically important times for retail  including back-to-school shopping and the holiday season," said Erica L. Moffett, Managing Director and Associate Director of Research. "As we just saw with Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods, the opportunities for both private and public companies are endless. Our conference is designed to help investors stay ahead of the curve during this dynamic period by offering them both group and one-on-one meetings with the companies."

Oppenheimer's next conferences will be the 20th Annual Conference on Technology, Internet and Communications, which will be held August 8-9 in Boston; followed by the Midwest Corporate Access Day on August 16 in Chicago. Both events will provide opportunities for investors to meet a cross section of management teams representing a wide variety of business models.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a principal subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY on the New York Stock Exchange), and its affiliates provide a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high-net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, local governments, businesses and institutions.

SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Related Links

https://www.opco.com


NEWARK, N.J., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has achieved the world's leading output temperature coefficient1 for mass-produced silicon photovoltaic modules, at -0.258%/C2. This record-breaking innovation sets a new standard for the solar industry, improving on the previous temperature coefficient by 0.032 points at the mass production level, highlighting the positive temperature characteristics of heterojunction solar cells and further improving Panasonic's unique heterojunction technology3.

Output temperature coefficient is a vital metric in evaluating solar modules as a measurement of how quickly their conversion efficiency degrades as the temperature rises, thereby reducing the output. The standard silicon solar cell's output temperature coefficient is -0.50%4, which denotes a decline of 0.50% in the conversion efficiency as the module temperature rises by 1C. For instance, at the module temperature anticipated in the summer months (75C), the conversion efficiency will decrease by 25% in comparison to the environment at 25C. Panasonic HIT modules, which boast an improved output temperature coefficient, will nearly halve the decline in the conversion efficiency, significantly increasing performance in high temperature settings.

"This latest innovation, combined with our efforts in conversion efficiency, are living examples of Panasonic's relentless drive to provide customers with the very best in residential solar technology," said Mukesh Sethi, Group Manager, Solar Division, Panasonic Eco-Solutions North America. "The Panasonic HIT is proven to offer the very best value to consumers in the residential solar market, and this latest development will be a massive help in locations where extreme heat is a factor for consumers."

The combination of the high conversion efficiency with the new temperature characteristics, will increase the conversion efficiency at 75C by 46%5 in comparison to standard silicon products. When most solar panels are struggling with the increased temperatures during the summer months, Panasonic HIT modules reliably generate power and limit efficiency losses in the heat. Not only that, Panasonic modules come with a 25 year warranty vs the industry standard of 10 year warranty, and guarantees output of 90.76% at the end of the 25th year, which in itself is industry's best performance guarantee coming from a 100-year-old world leading electronics company.

Panasonic will continue to work on technology development and mass commercialization with the aim of achieving higher power generation, and improvements in efficiency and reliability. HIT is a registered trademark of the Panasonic Group.

Notes:

According to research by Panasonic as of May 18, 2017 , for non-concentrating silicon photovoltaic modules Mean value obtained by a third-party measurement institution based on measured values (in compliance with IEC 61853-1) Technology for junction formation required for solar cells that covers the crystalline silicon base surface with an amorphous silicon layer. This technology has the key feature of superior passivation to compensate for the many flaws around the silicon base surface area. Cited from "Reference value: (1) Crystalline silicon solar cells" defined in the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association's Indication Guidelines (FY2017) Calculated based on a conversion efficiency of 15.6% (output temperature coefficient of -0.50%/C) for general silicon solar cells and a conversion efficiency of 19.6% (output temperature coefficient of -0.258/C) for HIT

About Panasonic Eco Solutions North America

Based in Newark, NJ, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. The company provides a full range of energy-efficient building solutions, assembly tools, construction tools, heating & air conditioning, lighting controls and ventilation products for professional and industrial use. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to smart cities and the electric vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations: https://panasonicmovesus.com/blog

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America

Related Links

http://www.panasonic.com


BALA CYNWYD, Pa., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sleep Specialists, LLC, a medical device company specializing in sleep therapy, announced today that their FDA cleared Zzoma Positional Device was used in a clinical trial examining the influence of gender on the effectiveness of positional therapy in the treatment of patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The results were presented at the Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Boston Massachusetts.

The new study was conducted out of Temple University in Philadelphia and included patients previously diagnosed with positional sleep apnea. Following their baseline polysomnography (PSG), all patients underwent a treatment night PSG using the Zzoma Positional Device. There were three major findings. First, baseline characteristics and disease severity are similar in male as compared to female patients with positional OSA. Second, the use of Zzoma resulted in a similar relative change and normalization of AHI in males as compared to female patients. Third, sleep quality and nocturnal oxygenation remained stable in both male and female patients with Zzoma. The findings concluded that positional therapy, as treatment, appears to be equally effective at normalizing sleep disordered breathing in male as compared to female patients diagnosed with positional OSA.

Zzoma is a device worn around the upper torso that keeps patients asleep on their sides by preventing supine or "on-the-back" sleeping. Clinicians may prescribe Zzoma as a first line therapy or as an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate oral appliances or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

"For a very long time we questioned how our female patients sleep compared to our male," says Sila Yesilsoy, COO of Sleep Specialists, LLC. "The new study confirmed that Zzoma is an appropriate solution for both genders and we are happy to report that."

About Sleep Specialists, LLC

Sleep Specialists, LLC (www.ZzomaOsa.com) is a medical device company that specializes in sleep therapy. Our team of board-certified physicians designed the Zzoma, an FDA-cleared Class II (prescription only) medical device for the treatment of sleep apnea. The company is headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and works with various distributors.

SOURCE Sleep Specialists, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ZzomaOsa.com


DALLAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Puration, Inc. (OTC: PURA) today announced the Company has entered into a letter of intent agreement to acquire First Choice Nursery which has an existing twenty-five greenhouse facility. The company has the opportunity to expand to an additional 400 irrigated greenhouse pads ready for buildout. Puration has a U.S. Patented Cannabis Extraction process licensed from NCM Biotech. The license of the process to Puration is the first and only license NCM Biotech has executed. R&D with NCM Biotech's patented process has demonstrated a high potential for bringing FDA approved pharmaceutical products to market for the treatment of multiple neurological disorders and cancer. NCM Biotech's medical advisory team includes John N. Gaitanis, MD., Director of Child Neurology at Tufts Medical Center/Floating Hospital for Children; Lloyd R. Saberski, M.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Chronic Pain Management, Yale University, and John McMichael, Ph.D., President & CEO Beech Tree Labs.

Puration's NCM Biotech Extractions Compared to GW Pharmaceutical.

"I have received doctor feedback from more than one of our research initiatives that extracts coming from NCM Biotech's patented process are superior in purity and quality to any other available cannabis extracts," said Frederick Ferri, CEO and Founder of NCM Biotech. "Some feedback has specifically indicated that a number of our candidate pharmaceutical products under development have a greater efficacy potential than GW Pharmaceutical products and candidate products."

$1 Million Annual Revenue Operation With Initial Expansion Target to $16 Million

The pending acquisition of First Choice Nursery is taking over what was a family owned nursery operation. The projected $1 million in annual revenue from the operation of 25 greenhouses will come primarily from the sale of traditional greenhouse grown flowers for use in residential landscaping. The original nursery operation had a long history that includes contracts with Lowes and Home Depot. Puration and NCM Biotech plan to expand existing University Research relationships to include a portion of the greenhouse facility being utilized to develop a proprietary strain of CBD. Puration will use proceeds from the balance of the traditional nursery operation to expand the operation into its full 400 greenhouse potential. The operation is located in an regions of East Texas well known for nursery operations. Texas has recently legalized medical marijuana and is pending the issuance of its first licenses. Puration intends to transition to marijuana growing overtime in conjunction with the legalization process. In the meantime, Puration anticipates the traditional nursery operations have the potential to expand to as high as $16 million in annual sales. Medical Marijuana sales can be substantially higher.

Learn More About PURA:purationinc.com.

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Puration Contact:

Brian Shibley

CEO

[email protected]

+1-214-937-9097



SOURCE Puration, Inc.
LAS VEGAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a statement released today, Raelians will hold worldwide events on "Swastika Rehabilitation Day," June 24, to inform people about the ancient, peaceful meaning of the swastika.

"In the past 12 months, there have been at least three cases in the United States alone in which people in significant roles have associated the swastika with hate and misled the public," said Raelian Guide Upendra Singh, who heads the ProSwastika Alliance.

[The aforementioned three cases can be found at the following links: Politician Peter Jacob, Conal International Trading Inc. and Sarah Silverman.]

Singh pointed out that for many Westerners, the swastika is still a sacred symbol, despite its unfortunate association with Hitler and the Nazis.

"It's a symbol cherished not only by Raelians, for whom it represents infinity in time, but by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains," he said. "Banning this religious symbol is like banning a religion. It affronts both the members of that religion and a supposedly free society in general."

Singh said that while Raelians deplore the Nazi crimes against humanity, they also say that Hitler unfairly besmirched a revered symbol that has existed for thousands of years.

"Before the Nazis, the swastika had only positive connotations of good luck and well-being," he explained. "Continuing to associate it with the Nazis gives them credit for it, which is probably the last thing their victims would have wanted. Would you also ban the Christian cross? Remember, tens of millions were murdered under that symbol in the Americas, Africa and Europe, and the Klu Klux Klan also used it!"

Singh said the swastika was a Jewish symbol as well, and for a very long time.

"It's on old synagogues, including in Verona, Italy, and at many Israeli sites, including the Second Temple, one of the holiest places for Jews. Nobody has asked that those symbols be removed, so why is displaying swastikas more of an issue in the West? Education is the solution, not banning. That's what Swastika Rehabilitation Day is all about.

SOURCE Raelian Movement

Related Links

http://www.rael.org


"The event offers participants the opportunity to up their strategic and tactical game through storytelling, latest-generation social media, live streaming video and virtual reality," says Mark Ragan, CEO of Ragan Communications, which publishes the industry-leading PR Daily.

"It's rare that you'll see a conference this important to everything you do in PR," Ragan says. "You'll learn practical strategies and tactics while also digging into exclusive job trends that will advance your career."

The two-day conference features over a dozen mini-workshops that will help participants dominate platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Participants will also master videography skills and find out how to break into virtual reality on the cheap.

Writers and editors will learn techniques to get headlines to trend on Google in a session led by the director of SEO at tronc, formerly Tribune Publishing.

Ragan Communications is also inviting attendees to a free networking event: an improv show at The Second City TheaterAmerica's most celebrated comedy company.

The conference kicks off with a first-of-its-kind keynote from CareerBuilder's director of corporate communications, titled, "Take charge of your career: Exclusive hiring trends and career advice for communicators."

Later, the chief educator for the Brutally Honest Storytelling workshop series will explain how to keep audiences' attention riveted with great stories. Those with steely nerves can also brave a media pitch tank, proposing a story in just 10 seconds to journalists from the Chicago Tribune, The Kittchen, Chicago's ABC7 News and other outlets.

In addition, attendees will delve into augmented reality, chatbots and conversation marketing, and hear how to win the battle with advertising over tomorrow's dollars.

Those who procrastinate may regret not signing up earlier. "This is already selling out quickly, and the fire marshals let us admit just so many people," Ragan says.

ABOUT RAGAN COMMUNICATIONS:

Ragan Communications operates two of the top news and information sites for the PR and corporate communications industryRagan.com and PRDaily.com, which attract nearly 700,000 global visitors.

The Chicago company is also the leading provider of conferences and online training to PR, media relations and corporate communications professionals.

SOURCE Ragan Communications

Related Links

http://www.ragan.com


TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Rogers Communications Inc. plans to release its second quarter 2017 financial results on Thursday, July 20, 2017 before North American financial markets open. The results will be distributed by newswire and posted at rogers.com/investors. Rogers' management will host its quarterly teleconference with the investment community to discuss the results and outlook at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Those wishing to listen to the teleconference should access the live webcast on the Investor Relations section of Rogers' website at rogers.com/investors. A webcast of the teleconference will be available at this same website location following the teleconference.

Members of the financial community wishing to ask questions during the call should dial 647-793-2626 (1-800-817-8873 toll free for North America) at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time and request access to Rogers' second quarter 2017 results teleconference. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. In addition to the webcast archive, a telephonic re-broadcast will be available for two weeks following the teleconference by dialing 647-436-0148 and providing conference ID number 7981346.

About the Company:

Rogers is a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company that's working to deliver a great experience to our customers every day. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet, information technology, and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, sports, televised and online shopping, magazines, and digital media. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

SOURCE Rogers Communications Canada Inc. - English

Related Links

http://www.rogers.com


Ryan Roy joins Ankura with more than 15 years' experience in the global financial industry, where he focused on restructuring, turnaround and special situations, as well as structured products. He has held active roles across multiple creditor classes as a principal, leading and participating in bankruptcies and out-of-court restructurings related to a broad range of industries, including energy, industrials, retail, telecom and financial services. Additionally, his professional experience in turnaround includes board-level participation at reorganized companies across several industries where, active as a principal, he developed and implemented strategies that maximized value for stakeholders.

Before joining Ankura, Mr. Roy spent over nine years with Barclays Bank PLC, where he held leadership roles in both the Credit Restructuring and Advisory/Special Situations and the Global Financial Risk Management  Structured/Complex Products groups. As a Director in the Credit Restructuring and Advisory/Special Situations group, he managed over $1 billion of distressed and special situation principal positions, including several US-based oil and gas exploration and production companies, a multibillion-dollar international bankruptcy where Barclays was the chair of the official committee of unsecured creditors, and a 400 mm portfolio of loans to middle market European corporates. Mr. Roy was also involved in the development and execution of strategies for the purpose of optimizing and protecting Barclays balance sheet while managing related sales processes.

Kevin Lavin, Ankura Co-President, stated, "I feel very fortunate to have another senior professional with broad and deep restructuring experience, as a principal, join our team; Ryan joins our growing number of colleagues who excel in efficiently leading situations and solving our clients' most difficult challenges."

About Ankura Consulting

Ankura Consulting, an independent business advisory and expert services firm, is defined by a culture of collaboration and focused on delivering unrivaled depths of knowledge to clients addressing important opportunities and critical choices every day. Our Investigations & Accounting Advisory, Litigation & Disputes, Regulatory & Contractual Compliance, Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical, and Turnaround & Restructuring professionals are proven cross-disciplinary and cross-industry experts who create the diverse and dynamic solutions required to navigate today's complicated world. At Ankura, we know that collaboration drives results.

SOURCE Ankura Consulting

Related Links

http://www.ankuraconsulting.com


NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- S2K Financial Holdings -- the holding company for S2K Financial, an independent wholesale broker-dealer, and S2K Servicing, an operations platform supporting the needs of institutional managers -- today named Melissa A. Socci Chief Marketing Officer of S2K Servicing, effective immediately. In this newly-created position, Ms. Socci will report directly to Neil Cohen, President of S2K Servicing.

An executive with more than 25 years of financial services industry experience, Ms. Socci most recently served as SVP and Head of Marketing at LPL Financial, where she developed and implemented brand strategies to facilitate the growth of the Independent Broker-Dealer (IBD) Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and financial institutions businesses of LPL, the nation's largest independent broker-dealer.

Neil Cohen, President of S2K Servicing, said, "As the financial advice industry enters a new fiduciary era, the S2K organization is positioned to redefine financial product structuring and distribution with a priority placed on what best serves the retail investor. Melissa's addition to our team enhances our mission to connect the highest caliber product sponsors and solutions with retail investors across the country through IBDs and RIAs."

Ms. Socci said, "In this post-DOL environment, there is an unprecedented opportunity for a product agnostic, third party distributor such as S2K to act as a change agent in driving financial product innovation that is in the best interest of retail investors. IBDs and RIAs are hungry for investor-centric financial products, and I look forward to building out the firm's marketing capabilities and supporting its future growth as we meet this rising demand."

Prior to LPL Financial, Ms. Socci's roles included senior marketing positions at UBS Wealth Management, Ryan Beck, Gruntal & Co. as well as Prudential Securities.

Ms. Socci's hiring is part of an ongoing expansion at S2K, including the recent appointment of David Fred, formerly head of Due Diligence for Cetera Financial Group, as SVP of Due Diligence at S2K Servicing, as well as the addition of Brendan McLaughlin, Kurt Gunderson, Felix Vera and Michael Roman, to the S2K nationwide wholesaling group.

This expansion also includes the January, 2017 hiring of Megan Smith, who previously served as Executive Vice President and National Accounts Manager at KBS Capital Markets, as the S2K Director of National Accounts.

About S2K Financial Holdings

S2K Financial Holdings is a New York City-based financial services organization encompassing S2K Financial and S2K Servicing. The organization's S2K Servicing entity provides due diligence, operations, administrative and marketing services to institutional investment managers.

The organization's S2K Financial subsidiary is an independent wholesale broker-dealer focused on delivering retail investor-focused financial products through innovative third party distribution strategies that support IBDs and RIA firms across the country.

S2K Financial is committed to attracting top institutional product sponsors into the retail space, and is supported in this mission by its deep bench of senior leaders, who have experience with institutional capital markets, retail financial product manufacturing and retail financial advice. For more information, please visit http://s2kfinancial.com.

SOURCE S2K
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Corporation Limited ("Bezeq" or the "Company") (OTC: BZQIY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether Bezeq 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 June 20, 2017, the Israel Securities Authority ("ISA") raided the Company's offices on suspicion of securities law violations by Bezeq's chairmanand, through an arrangement of holding companies associated with Eurocom Group Ltd. ("Eurocom"), the Company's majority shareholderShaul Elovitch. Specifically, the ISA stated that it is investigating possible misconduct "with regards to transactions related to the controlling shareholder." An Israeli business publication reported that the ISA is investigating the merger of Bezeq's television unit with its parent company, as well as payments the unit made to Eurocom under pressure from Elovitch.

On this news, Bezeq's American Depositary Receipt price fell $0.37, or 4.12%, to close at $8.61 on June 20, 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

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

http://www.pomerantzlaw.com


N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, President and CEO, remarked, "It is still early days for us at Babicanora, and high-grade mineralization is open in all directions along strike and to depth of the Babicanora Vein. We believe there is strong potential for further high grade mineralization, as we systematically expand drilling along strike, down dip and subsequently intersect other associated veins. Originally, we assumed the Babicanora Vein had been historically mined out above the Babicanora adit; therefore, our initial target was at depth. It now appears that only the soft sheared rock has been partially mined, leaving significant hard rock mineralization in place. Soft rock mining is mentioned in historic Babicanora reports dating back to the 1800's describing excavation by axe with no blasting required. Our exploration work at Babicanora includes surface and underground drilling, which is easily accessible via the four metre high by four metre wide adit that is approximately 230 metres long and was constructed in the 1860's. With continued success, we will be diligently drill testing along the projected strike length of the Babicanora trend which is now over 4 kilometres long."

The most significant result for this release is an intercept in Hole UB17-09 of 7.6 metres grading 4.08 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold and 196.1 gpt silver, or 502 gpt silver equivalent ("AgEq"; based on a ratio of 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery) including 2.2 metres grading 10.8 gpt gold and 181 gpt silver, or 991 gpt AgEq. Also noteworthy is 6.6 metres grading 1.03 gpt gold and 328.5 gpt silver, or 406 gpt AgEq in Hole BA17-04. Both intercepts (UB17-09 and BA17-04) are 50 to 60 metres from the surface. The following table summarizes the most significant drill assay results (uncut, undiluted) in the Babicanora Vein only (excluding results already reported on March 2, 2017);

Hole No. ** From (m) To (m) Est. True

Thickness

(m) Au gpt Ag gpt AgEq*

gpt BA17-04 43.9 53.4 6.6 1.03 328.5 406 Includes 50.2 53.4 1.6 2.21 437.0 602 BA17-05 50.3 53.9 2.0 3.78 67.8 347 Includes 50.9 52.3 0.7 9.48 111.0 822 UB17-08 54.6 55.8 1.2 3.53 303.0 568 UB17-09 70.2 77.8 7.6 4.08 196.1 502 Includes 75.6 77.8 2.2 10.8 181.0 991

Note: all numbers are rounded. *AgEq based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery. **Babicanora surface holes begin with "BA" and underground holes begin with "UB".

All assays were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico, and North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

The Company is using a cut-off grade greater than 150 gpt AgEq* and a width of 1.5 metres when determining significant drill intercepts at the Babicanora Vein. To date, past and present Company significant intercepts, including BA17-04 to 05, UB17-01, UB17-03 to 05, and UB17-08 to 09, are averaging 4.5 metres in true thickness grading 521 gpt AgEq.

Babicanora holes BA17-01 to 03 intercepted low grade mineralization (halo) including 30 metres near surface of 33 gpt Ag (see attached Figures). Hole UB17-06 and 07 were specifically drilled in the opposite direction of the Babicanora Vein testing footwall mineralization. Hole UB17-07 intersected a high grade footwall vein with a true thickness of 0.7 metres grading 2.21 gpt Au and 401 gpt Ag or 566 gpt AgEq. Since this footwall vein appears to be mineralized in core, underground and on surface for a strike length of at least 400 metres, it has been named the "Babicanora FW Vein".

Initially, the Company outlined its Phase II exploration program to include an 8,000 to 10,000 metre underground and surface core drill program. Given the positive drill results to date and continued geological knowledge and understanding of the trends in the area, SilverCrest has expanded this program. To date, the Company has drilled 14,205 metres (62 holes) at both the Las Chispas and Babicanora areas. Thirty-seven (37) holes, totalling 10,085 metres, were drilled in the Las Chispas area, including Las Chispas Main, William Tell, Giovanni, Espiritu Santo and Varela veins. Twenty-five (25) holes, totalling 4,120 metres, were drilled from both surface and underground into the Babicanora area, including the Babicanora Main and Babicanora FW veins.

The Company plans to drill an additional 3,500 metres in Phase II by the end of July 2017, at which point the Company will proceed with a break from surface drilling and underground drilling at Babicanora while commencing underground drilling at Las Chispas Main Vein. This will allow SilverCrest to compile all Phase II information for review, announce further results, and plan work for the second half of 2017 ("H2 2017"). Besides core drilling, other ongoing exploration work at Las Chispas includes; finishing underground rehabilitation in H2 2017 (approximately 10 of 11.5 kilometres have been re-opened to date), underground channel sampling of the Las Chispas Main Vein, possible extension and rehabilitation of the Babicanora adit for another 150 to 250 metres, expanded surface mapping and sampling in the district, initial metallurgical work, and auger drilling to determine accurate volumetrics and grade of historic dumps. All ongoing work will be analyzed during H2 2017 for a possible resource estimation and bulk sample plan.

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and President and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.

ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC.

SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including the pioneering of a responsible "phased approach" business model taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production with subsequent increased value to shareholders.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration, rehabilitation and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Property, including initial extraction program for bulk sample testing and preparation of an initial resource estimate; information with respect to high grade areas and size of veins projected from underground sampling results and drilling results; and the accessibility of future mining at the Las Chispas Property. Such forwardlooking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng

President & CEO

SilverCrest Metals Inc.

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.

SOURCE SilverCrest Metals Inc.

Related Links

www.silvercrestmetals.com


"It's an exciting time for Las Vegas and the cannabis industry," said Demetri Kouretas, CEO of The Grove. "There's no other tourist destination like Las Vegas that offers recreational marijuana, which is going to allow us to take this industry to the next level."

The cannabis industry has come a long way in the last 10 years. Dispensaries like The Grove, which operates a cultivation and production facility and two dispensaries, are prime examples of how much the industry has evolved. Cultivation facilities are now multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art operations, and dispensaries are well thought out businesses educating consumers about the products they offer.

"We strive to provide a great customer experience and to offer curated, all-natural products," Kouretas said. "We're also aware of our environment and the need to be eco-friendly. We make sure that our products are produced in an environmentally sensitive manner by minimizing energy consumption and conserving water."

Las Vegas residents voted last fall to legalize recreational pot, and it is estimated the industry will give the Nevada economy a $224.2 million boost in 2018, creating thousands of jobs.

Visitors and residents planning to take part should be aware of the rules and regulations. To purchase or consume, customers must be at least 21 years of age and present a valid form of identification. Use of marijuana in public or in casinos will be prohibited.

ABOUT THE GROVE:

The Grove is a vertically integrated marijuana enterprise that has brought together a team of experts who bring an extensive depth of knowledge in myriad industries, such as medical and horticultural, as well as culinary and the cannabis oil industry, and is applying this experience to its operation. The Grove operates a state-of-the-art cultivation and production facility and two marijuana dispensaries in Nevada  one in Las Vegas located at 4647 Swenson Street just minutes from McCarran Airport and the famous Las Vegas Strip, and the only licensed dispensary in Nye County, at 1541 E. Basin Ave, Pahrump, Nev. The Grove is dedicated to curating its selection of strains so it can not only offer those that are most in demand by its clients, but also those that are difficult to find and highly sought after. For more information, visit www.thegrovenv.com

SOURCE The Grove

Related Links

http://www.thegrovenv.com/


EAST HANOVER, N.J., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SleepOvation LLC (the "Company" or "SleepOvation"), a hi-tech mattress manufacturer, announced the issuance of patent 9,661,932 for their invention by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The invention is a mattress comprising of hundreds of individually sealed proprietary cushions, attached independently to their own individual pocket spring. The result is 700 tiny mattresses that cradle every inch of your body, distribute airflow, and offer an unmatched degree of cleanliness.

The SleepOvation Mattress The "Cushion Pocket Spring"

"Our extensive tests have shown this invention to be a monumental breakthrough in sleep technology," says Richard Codos, inventor of the "Cushion Pocket Spring" who previously developed the multiple rate pocket spring system as well as many other mattress inventions currently used throughout the industry. "Current mattresses use layers of foam with multiple sub-layers of low quality filler foams and springs, marketed as 'support layers' that simply add height at the cost of comfort," Codos says. "Our sleep technology gives the sleeper the ultimate luxury and comfort of sleeping on 700 individual and responsive mattresses."

SleepOvation's independent cushion layer also facilitates steady airflow so you can sleep cool and awake refreshed, without the aches and disruptions of sleeping on layers of sheet foam present in other mattresses. Additionally, the mattress ensures the utmost level of hygiene by giving you access to vacuum in-between the individually sealed cushion pockets and avoid the dust mites, germs, and dead skin cells harbored in other mattresses.

The SleepOvation mattress is set to launch September 2017. Pre-order will begin via Kickstarter on August 1, 2017 for consumers who wish to become early-adopters at a considerable discount. Consumers can currently sign up for a pre-launch mattress giveaway by visiting: http://sleepovation.com/

About SleepOvation

SleepOvation is a hi-tech mattress manufacturer focused on innovating the industry with its patented "Cushion Pocket Spring" technology. Our mattress is the culmination of a development effort by a dedicated team of sleep scientists and engineers with decades of mattress experience. Our mission is to improve your sleeping-experience through unprecedented developments in sleep technology. For more information, visit: http://sleepovation.com/

Media Contact:

Bryan Majano

9083602200 ext. 102

[email protected]

SOURCE SleepOvation LLC

Related Links

http://sleepovation.com


SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Out of more than 5,000 submissions from 21 countries, Smack Happy Design is named a Silver winner in the 2017 Summit Creative Award competition for its creative work for their seasoned portfolio of website work.

"We are honored to accept this award," said Nicole Hanusek, owner of Smack Happy Design, "as it is a culmination of all of our hard work as a team. We have all worked so hard to help create such a wonderful portfolio. Go team!"

Smack Happy Design Places in Top International Award - 2017 Summit Creative Award

The Summit Creative Award (SCA) recognizes and celebrates the creative achievements of small and medium sized advertising agencies worldwide with annual billings under $30 million. Celebrating its 22nd year, the SCA has firmly established itself as the premier arbiter of creative excellence for firms of this size and has become a coveted honor.

This year's panel of international judges included:

David O'Connell, Founder, principal creative director, BANG! creative communications  Canada

David Bieloh, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Central Washington University  USA

Gautam Nath, Vice-President, Balmoral Marketing  Canada

Gavin Barrett, Chief Creative Officer, Barrett and Welsh  Canada

James Scully, Operations Director, Nevado Limited  England

Jeff Fisher, Engineer of Creative Identity, Jeff Fisher LogoMotives  United States

Lester Traband, Senior Applications Developer, ANNODYNE  USA

Louai Alasfahani, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Paragon Marketing Communications  Sultanate of Oman

Meng-Chih Chiang, Creative Director, HUSH  USA

Morgan Young, Principal, Young Ideas, LLC  USA

Olga Weiss, Chief Creative Office, IDM  USA

Reid Carr, President & CEO, Red Door Interactive  USA

Richard Taylor, Founder & COO, Politik Media Inc.  Canada

Stephane Jean, Creative Director, Bob  Canada

Timothy Yip, COO, VP Client Services, Maple Diversity Communications  Canada

Entries in 20 major categories are judged against a stringent set of standards. During its blind judging, the Board of Judges search for and identify innovative and creative concepts, strong executions and user experience, and the ability to communicate and persuade. Winners were selected in a wide-range of categories from print and broadcast to online advertising and social media.

"Winning a Summit Creative Award is a significant accomplishment in one's career. With vetted judges, tough judging criteria, two-phase blind judging processes, and strict bylaws limiting winners, only deserving entries receive recognition," said Jocelyn Luciano, Executive Director for the Summit International Awards (SIA). "The creative work this year was outstanding. Watching the judges debate the details of individual entries in the run-off for the tops spots was inspiring."

Smack Happy Design is a custom website design services company with over 19 years experience. Check out Smack Happy Design's Winning Portfolio

As a website marketing partner, Smack Happy helps take the online portion of your business to the next level. They get your new website up and running quickly, increase your website's traffic, get you more leads, enhance your customer experience, and make sure your website is running smooth and healthy 24/7 so that you never lose a potential client or customer.

Contact:

Danielle Iera

Smack Happy Design, LLC

[email protected]

(415) 814-5885

SOURCE SmackHappy.com

Related Links

https://smackhappy.com


MONTREAL, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Smartduvet Breeze is a new product that, in addition to making the bed for its owner, allows them to set the temperature individually for each side of the bed. Smartduvet launched an Indiegogo campaign, utilizing crowdfunding to help bring The Smartduvet Breeze to the world. The Breeze Indiegogo campaign reached 100 percent of their funding goal in just one day and is now about to reach 1000 percent after only seven days.

World's First Dual-Zone Climate-Controlled Self-Making Bed. (PRNewsfoto/Smartduvet)

Smartduvet technology makes use of a seamless, ultra light, inflatable sheet inserted between the duvet and duvet cover. The same sheet is used to both make the bed and deliver conditioned air to each side of the bed. When the bed making feature is activated, the device inflates the main air chamber lifting the duvet and top sheet back to their original position. A different network of smaller channels takes care of delivering the conditioned air without inflating the main air chamber.

The patent pending device is programmable using a phone application that allows the user to set the bed temperature and bed making-time to fit their daily routine.

''The dual zone climate control could help couples end arguments over room temperature,'' says Tina Cayouette, Founder of Smartduvet. ''This feature could also help people suffering from arthritis and other conditions affected by temperature and humidity.'' The creator also claims that the Breeze could significantly lower energy consumption by allowing its users to heat or cool their body directly instead of the whole house.

The product comes in various bed sizes and is now available on their Indiegogo campaign for $199. To learn more about Smartduvet technology or follow the campaign, please visit: https://igg.me/at/smartduvetbreeze

About the team:

Smartduvet's dedicated team is comprised of motivated entrepreneurs who are eager to create technologies that improve people's daily lives.

Contact Name: Tina Cayouette

Email: [email protected]

Location: Montreal, CA

Indiegogo Campaign: https://igg.me/at/smartduvetbreeze

Website: www.smartduvet.com

SOURCE Smartduvet
SAN ANTONIO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- South Texas Money Management is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2017 edition of the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers. The list recognizes top independent RIA firms from across the United States. This is the fourth consecutive time STMM has been named to the FT 300 list.

South Texas Money Management applied for consideration, having met a set of criteria. Applicants were then graded on six factors: assets under management (AUM); AUM growth rate; years in existence; advanced industry credentials of the firm's advisers; online accessibility; and compliance records. There are no fees or other considerations required of RIAs that apply for the FT 300.

Jeanie Wyatt, CFA, the firm's CEO & Chief Investment Officer stated, "We are honored to be part of this national recognition. Our 60 plus employees in our five offices across the state of Texas are absolutely dedicated to and work hard to assist our clients and adhere to our disciplined investment process, while operating with the highest standards of integrity."

The firms on the elite list have been in existence for an average of 24 years and manage $2.7 billion in assets. The FT 300 Top RIAs hail from 37 states and Washington, D.C.

About South Texas Money Management, Ltd. STMM was founded in 2000 by Jeanie Wyatt, CFA. As of March 31, 2017, STMM managed over $3 billion in assets including equity, fixed income, and balanced asset classes for individuals, trusts, retirement plans, charitable foundations and endowments, as well as for bank trust departments and other institutions. Based in San Antonio, STMM has additional offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Houston. For more information, see www.stmmltd.com.

CFA and Chartered Financial Analyst are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

Media Contact: Josie Dorris, Vice President and Director of Marketing (210) 824-8916 or [email protected]

SOURCE South Texas Money Management, Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.stmmltd.com


"We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Feed the Children, as we value the organization's endless commitment to breaking the poverty cycle by not only providing food, but also through finding long term solutions like education and backpack programs for children," said Andrew Choe, StarKist President and CEO. "Over the past 100 years, StarKist has evolved into a socially responsible company that provides trusted, healthy food for more people. One in six children goes to bed hungry in the U.S., and we are eager to do our part by providing nutritious and convenient seafood to those who need it."

The first partnership event will take place in StarKist's hometown of Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday, June 22. In collaboration with FOCUS + Pittsburgh charity, a community fair-style event will be held, where pre-registered attendees will enjoy truck-loads of food, reading materials for children and StarKist products. In addition to the Pittsburgh event, Feed the Children and StarKist are planning additional events in major U.S. cities including Los Angeles in July.

"We believe that no child should go to bed hungry in a land where there is plenty of food," said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "But the reality is, millions of boys and girls, right here in our own backyard, face this hardship every day. By combining efforts with our generous partner StarKist, we will have a greater impact on the lives of families who need us most."

Celebrate 100 Years With StarKist

In addition to the kick-off celebration with Feed the Children, the 100th anniversary celebration will continue with highlights including:

Later this summer, StarKist will be asking consumers to take a photo of their meal or StarKist product and share it using #ShareStarKistSweeps and #StarKist100. In return, the brand will donate to Feed the Children to support the organization's anti-hunger efforts nationwide. More details will be announced this summer.

This fall, the StarKist story will be on display at the Senator John Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum located in Pittsburgh , with a special "StarKist Celebrates 100 Years" pop-up exhibition. The exhibit will explore the 100-year history of the StarKist company and will feature the brand's beloved spokesfish, Charlie the Tuna.

To learn about these 100th Anniversary celebration events, be sure to become a StarKist fan at www.Facebook.com/StarKist, and follow us on Instagram StarKistCharlie, Twitter @StarKistCharlie and Pinterest www.Pinterest.com/StarKist.

About Feed the Children:

Established in 1979, Feed the Children exists to defeat hunger. It is one of the largest U.S.-based charities and serves those in need in the U.S. and in 10 countries around the world. It provides food, education, essentials and disaster response. Domestically, it operates five distribution centers (located in Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Tennessee and Pennsylvania). In fiscal year 2016, through its domestic and international programs, Feed the Children distributed 105 million pounds of food and essentials worldwide with a total value of $415 million, working with partner agencies to benefit 5.9 million people globally. It is accredited by GuideStar Exchange and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information.

About StarKist Co.:

StarKist Co. is a food company that provides trusted, healthy, and shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce StarKist single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations and Salmon Creations. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

Media Contact:

Michelle Faist

412-323-7457

[email protected]

SOURCE StarKist Co.

Related Links

http://starkist.com


DALLAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) announced today that Robert "Bob" W. Owens, president and chief executive officer has announced his intention to retire from the Partnership as of December 31, 2017, after more than 20 years with Sunoco and its predecessors. Owens, who joined Sunoco Inc. in 1997, has been serving as president and CEO since 2012.

Effective immediately, Joe Kim, who has been serving as executive vice president and chief development officer for Sunoco since 2015, has been appointed president and chief operating officer. Owens will continue as CEO until his retirement and will then serve as a consultant to the Partnership through 2019.

Sunoco executives Cynthia Archer, executive vice president and chief marketing officer and Boyd Foster, executive vice president manufacturing and distribution are also retiring from the Partnership effective December 31, 2017.

"We thank Bob for his many years of strategic leadership, which has resulted in an impressive list of accomplishments for both the employees and the unit holders of Sunoco and wish him and his family the best," said Kelcy Warren, Chairman of Energy Transfer Equity, the entity that owns the general partner of Sunoco. "While we are sad to see Bob go, we are excited for the next generation of leadership at Sunoco to take on larger roles. Joe is an exceptionally talented leader and he has played a significant role in the planned transformation of the Partnership from a retail-based business into a premier nationwide fuel supplier."

"Additionally, the appointment of Joe as president and COO and Bob continuing as CEO through year-end will ensure an orderly transition as we move through the divestment of our retail operations during the coming months," added Warren.

Owens joined Sunoco as senior vice president of marketing where he was responsible for Sunoco's retail network, wholesale marketing and transportation operations, and commercial supply and trading activities for crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals. Prior to joining Sunoco, he held executive positions with Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation, Amerada Hess Corporation and Mobil Oil Corporation. Owens is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Kim has been responsible for the Partnership's strategic development and planning overseeing both business development and Sunoco's real estate portfolio. Prior to joining Sunoco, he held various executive positions, including chief operating officer for Pizza Hut and senior vice president- retail strategy and growth for Valero Energy. Kim began his career with Arthur Andersen. He is a graduate of Trinity University with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership that operates 1,355 convenience stores and retail fuel sites and distributes motor fuel to 7,825 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in 30 states. SUN's general partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE). For more information visit sunocolp.com.

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE) is a master limited partnership that owns the general partner and 100% of the incentive distribution rights (IDRs) of Sunoco LP. For more information visit energytransfer.com.

Cautionary Statement Relevant to Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding future events. These forward-looking statements are based on SUN's current plans and expectations and involve a numbers of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to vary materially from the results and events anticipated or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of SUN's most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings made by SUN with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While Sunoco may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if new information becomes available.

Sunoco LP

Investors:

Scott Grischow, Senior Director  Investor Relations and Treasury

(214) 840-5660, [email protected]

Patrick Graham, Senior Analyst  Investor Relations and Finance

(214) 840-5678, [email protected]

Media:

Alyson Gomez, Director  Communications

(469) 646-1758, [email protected]

Energy Transfer

Investor Relations:

Helen Ryoo, Lyndsay Hannah, Brent Ratliff, 214-981-0795



Media Relations:

Vicki Granado, 214-840-5820

SOURCE Sunoco LP

Related Links

http://sunoco.com


"When you think of today's college student, do you picture a recent high school graduate? In reality he has a full-time job and a family. She's a returning military veteran seeking a new career," said Jenny Rickard, President & CEO of The Common Application. "The work of the Transfer Advisory Committee is pivotal in designing personalized pathways and delivering clear guidance to earning a college degree for this significant but under-recognized student group. During our initial committee discussions in Boston last week, we focused on creating an application process that addresses the current challenges for transfer students as well as the barriers institutions face in engaging and enrolling these applicants."

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "traditional" students, those who enroll in college immediately after high school and attend full-time, represent only 15 percent of current undergraduates. The remaining 85 percent include adult learners, veterans, and those applying from community colleges, among others.

"One of the best things we can do to increase educational attainmentespecially for underserved populationsis to ensure the transfer admissions process works well for everyone; we must make it a top priority," said Jon Boeckenstedt, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at DePaul University.

Through the new Common App for transfers, there will be one place for students to go to learn about and apply for transfer admission. The application will also be tailored to acknowledge their individual circumstances and experiences.

For example, a student transferring directly from a community college might need to provide different information as part of their application than a military veteran or a returning adult learner.

"Our first committee meeting was inspiring  brainstorming with admission leadership from other Massachusetts institutions as well as officers of influential colleges and universities from campuses across the country," said Kerry Boyd, Director of the Transfer Center at UMASS Boston. "As a Common App member, I'm proud we've ignited this effort and look forward to continuing the work on behalf of transfers."

By streamlining the application process and presenting a dynamic interface that will adjust to each student's background and academic goals, The Common App is working to remove many of the current roadblocks to transfer and enable more students to achieve their aspirations.

The response to The Common App's commitment in enhancing transfer enrollment has been enthusiastic, with more than 60 institutions requesting to participate in the Transfer Advisory Committee. Together, the colleges and universities that were ultimately selected represent the rich diversity of American higher education and come from various regions of the U.S. Additional institutions as well as community colleges and student focus groups will be engaged as a crucial part of the process.

"There is a natural alignment between the dynamic requirements of the Common App for transfer students and Liaison's current technology offerings," said said George Haddad, CEO and founder of Liaison. "Admission officers require more than an application but a platform of combined software and services that allow them to be responsive to the ever-changing needs in higher education."

The new Common App for transfers will be available in early 2018 for an early adopter group of 10 to 12 Common App member colleges and universities, with a full release to all members of The Common Application set for August 2018.

Transfer Advisory Committee

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)

Arizona State University (AZ)

Boston College (MA)

Boston University (MA)

Colorado State University (CO)

DePaul University (IL)

George Mason University (VA)

Mount Holyoke (MA)

National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS)

at University of North Georgia (GA)

New York University (NY)

Northeastern University (MA)

Spelman College (GA)

Stevenson University (MD)

The Aspen Institute (Washington, DC)

The George Washington University (Washington DC)

Trinity University (TX)

Tufts University (MA)

UMASS Amherst (MA)

UMASS Boston (MA)

UMASS Lowell (MA)

University of Richmond (VA)

University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)

USC (CA)

William & Mary (VA)

Williams College (MA)

Wilmington University (DE)

About The Common Application

The Common Application is a not-for-profit member organization of more than 700 influential colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. Since 1975, The Common Application has been committed to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process. Each year, one million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, use the Common App online system to submit four million applications. To learn more, visit commonapp.org and follow @CommonApp or #CommonApp.

About Liaison International

For over two decades, Liaison has streamlined the process by which higher education institutions identify, recruit and enroll best-fit students. More than 7,000 programs on over 800 campuses nationwide reach prospective students, outsource administrative tasks and create exceptional experiences for applicants across the full enrollment cycle  from first interest to first day on campus  through our admissions management and enrollment marketing solutions. For more information, please visit www.liaisonedu.com and follow the company on Twitter at @LiaisonEDU or #buildabetterclass

SOURCE The Common Application

Related Links

http://www.commonapp.org


PORTLAND, Ore., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Otoharmonics today announced that the Levo System has been awarded the top prize in the Digital Health Products and Mobile Medical Apps category of the 19th Annual Medical Design Excellence Awards competition. The 2017 winners were announced at the 2017 MDEA Ceremony on Tuesday, June 13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

The award-winning Levo System tinnitus therapy

Utilizing an FDA-cleared evidence-based approach, the Levo System offers a patented method to provide personalized sound therapy for tinnitus while sleeping. The Levo System is currently available throughout the United States, Canada and the UK.

"This achievement could not have been possible without the collective effort of everyone on the Otoharmonics team," said Brenda Edin, Chief Marketing Officer of Otoharmonics. "More than a win for our company, this is a win for the tinnitus patients we serve."

The 2017 MDEA Juror Panel selected the winning products based on design and engineering innovation; function and user-related innovation; patient benefits; business benefits; and overall benefit to the healthcare system. Unlike other design competitions that are merely styling contests, the MDEA jury is comprised of a balance of practicing doctors, nurses, and technicians alongside industrial designers, engineers, manufacturers, and human factors experts.

About Otoharmonics Corporation

Otoharmonics Corporation is a privately held company with headquarters in Portland, Oregon USA. An international team of worldclass neuroscientists, clinicians, business professionals and patients, Otoharmonics has developed the patented Levo System for the management of tinnitus symptoms. With a personal approach and a deep understanding of the impact tinnitus can have, Levo is designed to be user-friendly and capable of delivering custom sound therapy based on the specific needs of the individual.



Otoharmonics and Levo are registered trademarks of Otoharmonics Corporation.



About Medical Design Excellence Awards

The MDEA program is presented by UBM, the global advanced manufacturing and MedTech authority, and by Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), the industry's central source for late breaking news, information, and business intelligence. For more information about the Medical Design Excellence Awardsincluding additional details about the manufacturers and suppliers that created the 2017 MDEA-winning productsvisit the MDEA website at www.MDEAwards.com or e-mail: [email protected].

Contact:

Brenda Edin

503-336-9906

[email protected]

SOURCE Otoharmonics
ORANGE, Calif., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The makers of the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand announced today that the nation's first-ever guacamole-themed lounge, officially known as The Guac Stop, will be coming to Atlanta June 28  July 2 at Atlantic Station. With 79 percent of U.S. households consuming guacamole*, The Guac Stop will make avo-loving dreams come true, spreading guacamole love as well as the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand's mentality  Live Wholly.

"The Guac Stop is designed to give guacamole lovers and brand fans a fun way to enjoy WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products," said Terrill W. Bacon, senior brand manager of MegaMex Foods. "Sometimes we all need to slow down and appreciate life's special moments, and enjoying guacamole and chips with friends is a great way to do it!"

To showcase the versatility of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE foods, The Guac Stop will feature a customizable guacamole bar including all the fixings to create a limited-edition "Spicy Peach" style guacamole. Visitors will also have the chance to sample a variety of WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products, including newer innovations, like Layered Dips, and enjoy a hands-on experience that celebrates real food made with simple ingredients.

While guacamole is the main attraction, it's certainly not the only thing on the menu. In addition to customizing personal guac creations, people will be invited to participate in a series of ongoing "happenings" ranging from iPhone photography classes led by local photographer Marie Matthews; manicures and hand massages by Labella Mobile Nail Spa; a terrarium planting class with Terry Furuta Designs; barre fitness classes, the popular workout combining a mix of Pilates, dance and yoga; live music from local acoustic-pop duo Gibbs+Cash; a silent disco, giveaways and more. These daily "happenings" will spotlight five key WHOLLY GUACAMOLE brand values of Well Being, Connections, Real Food, Personal Style and Feeling Good.

All events (including the guacamole tastings) are free and open to the public, but space is limited, according to Bacon.

"And no, guacamole doesn't cost extra at The Guac Stop," he adds. "We just want to share the goodness."

To learn more about WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products or The Guac Stop, visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop.

About the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand

The WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand is a brand of MegaMex Foods, one of the largest manufacturers of pre-prepared Mexican food across the country. A global leader in food safety, quality and innovation, the WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Brand uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) to create Wholly products. In addition, each product is made with hand-scooped Hass avocados and is gluten free and kosher certified. All WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products are available nationwide in the produce or deli section of grocery stores. For more information, visit www.eatwholly.com/guac-stop.

* September 2015, MegaMex Internal Research

SOURCE WHOLLY GUACAMOLE

Related Links

http://www.eatwholly.com


(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523237/DivaNoor.jpg )



Through curated fashion and a premium online shopping experience, DivaNoor offers a variety of high-end brands in several categories including luxury leather goods, fine jewelry, beauty, accessories, fashion and lingerie. Shoppers can request their bespoke pieces directly from the designer's stores in Paris.

This platform is not only about fashion, but also about bringing two rich cultures into one shopping location. The new website is a crossroad between French know-how and Arabic culture.

Introducing this platform to the Arab World digital shoppers, a spokesperson for DivaNoor explains: "For centuries, the story of cultural relations between France and the Middle East has been one of mutual fascination. DivaNoor decided to cultivate these affinities by building a marketplace where French designers present their limited editions and On Demand products to stylish Arab women".

DivaNoor promotes the French art de vivre in the Middle East's digital sphere, spreading awareness and driving sales through an innovative mix of bilingual content, e-shopping and tailor-made marketing designed specifically for the e-world.



Contact:

Benoit Marie

+961-1-563-641

[email protected]

www.divanoor.com

SOURCE DivaNoor
SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy recently announced six awards to support talented young researchers in cancer immunotherapy. The three programs, the Parker Scholars, the Parker Bridge Scholars and the Parker Fellows, will provide up to $3.46 million for 2017 awardees, as well as mentorship and access to resources, to help these young researchers advance the field and translate their discoveries to benefit cancer patients.

"Supporting and training the rising stars in cancer immunotherapy directly connects to our mission of developing breakthrough immune therapies to turn cancer into a curable disease," said Jeffrey Bluestone, Ph.D., CEO and president of the Parker Institute. "We launched the programs to give these young researchers the opportunity to train with the top scientists in the field, and we encourage them to think outside the box, take risks and push the boundaries of their research."

This year's awardees include:

Zinaida Good , a Ph.D. candidate in computational and systems immunology at Stanford Medicine, Parker Scholar

, a Ph.D. candidate in computational and systems immunology at Stanford Medicine, Parker Scholar Alexander Huang , M.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania , Parker Bridge Scholar

, M.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the , Parker Bridge Scholar Scott James , M.D., Ph.D., an oncology fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Parker Bridge Scholar

, M.D., Ph.D., an oncology fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Parker Bridge Scholar Andrew Rech , Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania , Parker Scholar

, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the , Parker Scholar Ansuman Satpathy , M.D., Ph.D., a clinical pathology instructor and postdoctoral fellow at Stanford Medicine, Parker Bridge Scholar

, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical pathology instructor and postdoctoral fellow at Stanford Medicine, Parker Bridge Scholar Santosha Vardhana , M.D., Ph.D., a medical oncology/postdoctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Parker Fellow

The Parker Institute launched the three programs in spring of 2016. The Parker Scholars program supports graduate students and researchers entering their first postdoctoral appointment who are focused on high-impact, high-risk projects. The Parker Bridge Scholars program supports senior postdoctoral investigators as they transition to faculty positions. The Parker Fellows program supports senior-level researchers who have recently completed their M.D. or Ph.D. and are ready to establish a laboratory or independent program in cancer immunotherapy.

"Having this type of funding from the Parker Institute allows a remarkable amount of freedom because it gives you time and opportunity to develop novel ideas," said Santosha Vardhana, Parker Fellow. "If you're trying to achieve paradigm shifts in cancer immunotherapy, you need years to develop, test and prove ideas. There is immense value in having time to pursue high-risk, high-reward research."

Parker Scholars, Bridge Scholars and Fellows receive more than funding from the Parker Institute. They also benefit from a collaborative network of leading researchers in immunotherapy, access to key resources including cutting-edge tools and technologies, as well as early access to data from clinical trials and pre-published papers to guide their research. The Parker Institute model also removes barriers like grant writing, so investigators can focus on the science rather than administrative tasks.

"I am excited to join a community of some of the best cancer immunotherapy scientists and work with them toward a common goal," said Zinaida Good, Parker Scholar. "The level of support, not only financially, but also through sharing data, administrative help and feedback on ideas, gives me the opportunity to contribute more to cancer immunotherapy research."

For 2017, awardees were chosen from a pool of eligible candidates from the institute's partner research institutions. They were selected on the basis of their academic achievement, scientific approach, innovation, the significance of the proposed work to advance the field and the promise of their research to advance the mission and goals of the Parker Institute.

This new class of young researchers joins two current Parker Scholars, Roberta Zappasodi, Ph.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dagmar Gotthardt, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, and two current Parker Fellows, Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, and Matthew Spitzer, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco.

About the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy brings together the best scientists, clinicians and industry partners to build a smarter and more coordinated cancer immunotherapy research effort.

The Parker Institute is an unprecedented collaboration between the country's leading immunologists and cancer centers, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Stanford Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Parker Institute network also includes more than 40 industry and nonprofit partners, more than 60 labs and more than 300 of the nation's top researchers focused on treating the deadliest cancers.

The goal is to accelerate the development of breakthrough immune therapies capable of turning most cancers into curable diseases. The institute was created through a $250 million grant from The Parker Foundation.

SOURCE The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes brought together the biggest names in travel to compile their first top 10 influencers in travel list. Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil of ThePlanetD.com are the only Canadian travel influencers on that list.

"We are thrilled to be included in the Forbes Top 10 Travel Influencers List and to be representing Canada in the world of online travel media. To be recognized by a publication like Forbes that has the expertise to review a true audience and engagement is a significant milestone for The Planet D," said Dave.

Dave and Deb of The Planet D The Planet D are named one of the World's Top Travel Influencers by Forbes

Forbes measured reach, relevance and engagement related to each influencer's area of expertise by partnering with analytics firm Traackr. They also weighted potential earnings with the help of social insight platform, Captiv8 who provided snapshots of each influencer's audience. Forbes then reviewed endorsements and other offline business opportunities to compile this list of influencers who built their fame from the Internet up.

Starting their travel blog in 2008, Dave and Deb have travelled to 107 countries on all seven continents inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue a life of passion. Living by their motto adventure is for everyone, they've developed a loyal and engaged following around the world that come to them for travel tips, travel advice and information on how to start their own travel blog or get paid to travel.

Between their website and social media channels The Planet D has accumulated more than two million monthly followers showcasing award-winning photography, writing and video.

They have leveraged their audience into lucrative business earning a high six-figure annual income. As a result of their influence they have worked on campaigns and partnerships with the likes of American Express and Cathay Pacific.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the support of our readers and fans and look forward to sharing more travel inspiration over the course of the next few months and beyond," said Deb.

Dave and Deb are partnering for a second time with Go Ahead Tours to travel to Tanzania on Safari in August. They started working with Go Ahead in 2016 where Dave and Deb showcased their time traveling with them through Scandinavia. The Planet D is then off to Kyrgyzstan to share their adventures from yet another off the beaten path destination where they'll be traveling overland by horseback and attending a World Nomads Games event.

With speaking engagements and travels booked through 2017, Dave and Deb are excited for the future of The Planet D and look forward to sharing more projects and events with their readers throughout the year and beyond.

Contact Details:

Dave Bouskill

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1-519-290-4400

Twitter: @theplanetd

SOURCE The Planet D

Related Links

http://theplanetd.com


BELLEVUE, Wash., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The third report on the House Oversight Committee's investigation of the Operation Fast and Furious scandal strongly suggests that the Department of Justice under then-Attorney General Eric Holder engaged in obstruction of Congress, the Citizen's Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.

"We took our time examining the 262-page report," said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, "and we are appalled. It has taken six years since hearings were held in 2011 on that Obama administration scandal for this report to be released, and what this document shows is a pattern of deliberate stonewalling by an administration that claimed to be the most transparent in history.

"The report notes how Holder withheld thousands of documents and reached out to President Barack Obama to provide cover with executive privilege," he continued. "It took two years before a federal judge ordered the DOJ to produce some of those documents, and by then, public interest had waned, almost as if by design.

"Fast and Furious," Gottlieb observed, "had all the earmarks of a rogue operation that was best described by one federal agent as 'the perfect storm of idiocy.' The most disappointing thing of all is that nobody in any government agency was ever held accountable. While some people retired or resigned their positions or were reassigned, and Holder was held in contempt of Congress, that just doesn't seem like enough.

"Information was withheld from Congress," he added, "and from the family of slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. The report even acknowledges that officials closest to the operation thwarted efforts to provide complete and accurate responses to congressional inquiries. Who does that unless they have something to hide?

"If anything," Gottlieb concluded, "this report is a disturbing look at how government operated under Barack Obama and how the Obama-Holder Justice Department tried to keep Congress and the public in the dark about a scandal of monumental proportions. The Obama administration allowed guns to fall into the hands of criminals, and then the Justice Department lied about it just to further their anti-gun agenda."

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

Related Links

http://www.ccrkba.org


BOCA RATON, Fla., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is celebrating its 35th anniversary as the leading independent auto accessory and window tinting franchise.

Founded in 1982, Tint World grew to six locations in South Florida before the company's current CEO and president, Charles Bonfiglio, took over in September of 2006.

"I saw what Tint World could become with the right system in place, and I knew I had to develop it into a franchise," Bonfiglio said. "It was a challenge to convert six independently owned locations to an international franchise chain, but once all the pieces were in place, the owners really saw the benefit of what we were trying to build."

Tint World began franchising in 2007 to extend a variety of services, including mobile electronics and car stereo upgrades, vehicle customization, automotive, residential and commercial window film, as well as marine audio and styling, to more residents of Florida.

In the decade since Tint World began franchising, the company has grown to more than 50 locations in the United States and abroad.

"We're in nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States, plus we have locations in Canada and Saudi Arabia," Bonfiglio said. "We've grown big enough to go manufacturer direct with all of our brands, and we've forged great relationships with our vendor partners. We've been able to offer even more training and support for our franchisees, and for the past four years, we've seen a steady increase of new franchisees year over year. That type of growth is really a testament to our unique business model and commitment to our store owners' success. We really are a family, and we're looking forward to growing the Tint World family for another 35 years."

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers are leading providers of automotive, marine, residential and commercial window tinting and also offer sales and installation of mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, auto accessories, custom wheels and tire packages, detailing services, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World is also the leading provider of Residential, Commercial and Marine Computerized Window Tinting and Security Film Services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

About Tint World

Founded in 1982, Tint World has grown to become an award-winning franchised provider of automotive, residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security film services. With Automotive Styling Centers in the U.S. and abroad, each franchise location houses approximately 20 profit centers, ranging from in-store accessory installations, to off-site sales and installation of residential, commercial and marine window tinting and security films. To find out more, please visit www.tintworld.com and tintworldfranchise.com.

Tint World Contact:

Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO

(800) 767-8468

[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Tint World

Related Links

http://www.tintworld.com


PLANO, Texas, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Financial Services (TFS) continues its longstanding run as a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by being named one of the most community-minded companies in the nation by Points of Light Foundation. This is the third consecutive year that TFS earned a spot on the nonprofit's Civic 50 list, the latest recognition the company has received for its CSR initiatives and its dedication to supporting and empowering communities.

The Civic 50 sets the standard for corporate community engagement nationwide, and creates a roadmap for companies seeking to best use their time, talent, and resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business. Winners are selected based on four dimensions of their national community engagement programs: Integration, Investment, Impact, and Institutionalization.

TFS earned this recognition through its unwavering commitment to youth development and successful initiatives such as the Making Life Easier Financial Empowerment program, the Road to Success program (partnering with Scholarship America to fully fund college scholarships to underserved students, based on financial need and community), strong partnerships with Girl Scouts and Boys & Girls Clubs, and its Community Ambassador program, which promotes team member (employee) engagement within the community.

"This was a big year of growth and change for Toyota Financial Services, so I'm incredibly proud of our company and our team members for not only maintaining the same level of exceptional service to our customers during this transition, but also continuing to engage with and support their communities more than ever," said Mike Groff, President & CEO of Toyota Financial Services, who himself serves on Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Board of Trustees. "Partnering with exceptional organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, and Junior Achievement allows TFS to provide educational opportunities and tools to underserved youth  and now, as we settle into a new headquarters and a new community in Texas, we look forward to supporting even more youth in our own backyard. TFS is incredibly honored that Points of Light Foundation has again named us one of its Civic 50, and will continue to work hard to make life easier for our customers and communities across the country."

Much of TFS' philanthropic success can be attributed to its highly-engaged team members. The company supports and develops its team members with community involvement programs such as its Community Ambassador program, which empowers them to build strategic partnerships with local nonprofits and engages team members to participate in community activities. The program provides a robust training and support network, giving team members an opportunity to develop key workplace skills, including relationship-building, project management, and communication.

"2016 was a record year for us," said Karen Ideno, TFS Vice President of Product, Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications. "Our community involvement survey reported 42% of TFS team members participated in volunteer activities. Also, 65 of those team members received the prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award. We're very proud of the work they're doing in their communities."

Read more about TFS' community engagement work at: http://tfsinthecommunity.com

TFS is proudly recognized alongside companies such as AT&T, Comcast NBCUniversal, Dr. Pepper, and FedEx. For more information on The Civic 50 and the latest trends on community engagement, view the report at www.civic50.org. For more information about the range of TFS' community involvement and the partnerships the company supports, please visit: http://tfsinthecommunity.com

About Toyota Financial Services

TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust. TFS also offers extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). Lexus Financial Services is the brand for financial products for Lexus dealers and customers. TFS currently employs approximately 3,100 associates nationwide, and has assets totaling over $119 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. We announce material financial information using the investor relations section of our website (www.toyotafinancial.com) and SEC filings. We use these channels, press releases, and social media to communicate about our company, our services and other issues. While not all information we post on social media is of a material nature, some information could be material. Therefore, we encourage those interested in our company to review our posts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/toyotafinancial.

For the past three consecutive years, Points of Light has named TFS one of its Civic 50, the most community-minded companies in the nation. For more information about the company's support of financial empowerment, youth development programs, and other community initiatives, please visit www.tfsinthecommunity.com.

SOURCE Toyota Financial Services

Related Links

http://tfsinthecommunity.com


LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, June 22 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Trax, the world leader in computer vision for retail, and Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) announced today an alliance that will provide the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry with unprecedented shelf insights. This alliance, which will first service the U.S. market, is anticipated to grow to global markets in the future. Through this alliance, a new, joint-solution known as Shelf Intelligence Suite will be created. This suite includes a new syndicated offering from Trax and Nielsen that digitizes the shelf, allowing brands to have a more frequent and accurate measurement of how their products are represented in store and how this influences their sales.

The new Shelf Intelligence Suite is composed of two solutions:



Shelf Pulse, which provides FMCG companies with ongoing digitized measurement of in-store shelving conditions for their brands and competitors, shelf compliance vs plan and visual proof for store activation.



Shelf Blueprint which provide predictive analytics to help FMCG manufacturers set the best strategy for store merchandising (facings, adjacencies, shelf placement, flow, etc.)



At the core of the offering, a new category benchmark will also be introduced to the market called the Shelf Quality Index. This index enables brands to measure their own shelf performance relative to shelf share, observed promotions, observed shelf pricing and many other KPIs against a category. With this new retail currency, Trax and Nielsen are set to deliver market shaping change to the retail industry.

Trax's breakthrough computer vision and analytics platform turns photographs of a retail shelf into insights that can be used to improve in-store execution strategies. This enables companies to easily control performance gaps, identify category opportunities and maximize their sales velocity. Nielsen, a global leader in retail measurement and analytics services, holds the largest FMCG point of sale dataset in the industry. Nielsen's purchase data offers comprehensive information on market shares, competitive sales volumes and insights into distribution, pricing, merchandising and promotion. Together, Nielsen's Retail Measurement Services (RMS) and Trax's computer vision platform will help FMCG companies better understand how shelf performance directly impacts product sales.

"Combining the powerful data assets from both companies will be a game changer for the consumer goods industry," says Dror Feldheim, Trax Chief Commercial Officer. "The alliance with Nielsen, will not only see sales uplifts for FMCG companies, but will help drive continuous improvement and category growth between brands and retailers. Users will have access to a granular level of shelf measurement and analysis that has never been possible before."

"The powerful visualization of sales and detailed store conditions will enable faster activation that yields greater financial outcomes for manufacturer and retail clients," says Doug Bennett, Nielsen EVP U.S. Buy. "This alliance is a natural fit - we are thrilled to bring our clients a holistic solution with greater analytical depth and measurement frequency for local action."



The Shelf Intelligence Suite is available in the U.S. market and is expected to expand to other global markets in the near future. For additional information visit: go.nielsen.com/shelf-intelligence-suite-by-trax-and-nielsen

ABOUT NIELSEN

Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global performance management company that provides a comprehensive understanding of what consumers watch and buy. Nielsen's Watch segment provides media and advertising clients with Total Audience measurement services for all devices on which content  video, audio and text  is consumed. The Buy segment offers consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers the industry's only global view of retail performance measurement. By integrating information from its Watch and Buy segments and other data sources, Nielsen also provides its clients with analytics that help improve performance. Nielsen, an S&P 500 company, has operations in over 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world's population. For more information, visit http://www.nielsen.com.

ABOUT TRAX

Trax is the world leader in computer vision solutions for retail, ranking in the top 25 Fastest Growing Companies on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list. The company enables tighter execution controls in-store and the ability to leverage competitive insights through their in-store execution tools, market measurement services and data science to unlock revenue opportunities at all points of sale. Trax does this using smartphones and tablets to gain actionable shelf analytics in real-time. With over 175 clients, in over 50 countries, top brands such as Coca-Cola, AB InBev, Nestle, Henkel, PepsiCo and many more, leverage Trax globally to manage their in-store execution and increase revenues at the shelf. Trax is headquartered in Singapore with offices worldwide. To learn more about Trax, please visit www.traxretail.com.

SOURCE Nielsen

Related Links

http://www.Nielsen.com


SEATTLE, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Treehouse, a Seattle-based nonprofit which has dramatically increased graduation rates for youth in foster care, today announced five leadership appointments including two on the executive team. Angela Griffin, formerly Associate Director Education Program Services, is now Chief Program Officer. Dawn Rains transitions from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Policy and Strategy Officer.

Download Treehouse leadership photos: http://bit.ly/2sCifQa



The professionals promoted to director are: Shaunessy Jones, Associate Director Community Engagement, and Lindsay von Marbod, Associate Director Development. In addition, Trent Freeman, Associate Director Marketing and Communications, joins Treehouse after 12 years at Olmstead Williams Communications in Los Angeles.



"Our leaders at Treehouse focus on the highest impact initiatives for youth in foster care as we build a world-class infrastructure to support more kids," said Janis Avery, CEO at Treehouse. "These appointments are well deserved and position us for continued growth in Washington."



Through its Graduation Success program, Treehouse's goal is for foster youth to earn their diplomas at the same rate as their peers with a plan for the future. The organization operates across King County, and expanded into Tacoma and Spokane this past school year.



The extended five-year graduation rate is up more than 30 percentage points for students in the program. Statewide, fewer than half of all youth in foster care graduate from high school. Without a diploma and a plan for their future, they experience disproportionately high rates of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, early parenting and substance abuse.



About Treehouse

Founded in 1988, Treehouse is Washington's leading nonprofit organization addressing the academic and other essential support needs of kids in foster care. Treehouse helps 7,000 kids in foster care each year through programs that help them succeed in school, fulfill key material needs, and provide important childhood experiences every child deserves. Learn more at http://www.treehouseforkids.org.

Media Contact:

Trent Freeman

206-267-5128

[email protected]

SOURCE Treehouse

Related Links

http://www.treehouseforkids.org


TORONTO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - School's almost out, but the last bell doesn't mean putting the brakes on learning. Stop the summer brain drain before it starts with a visit to the Ontario Science Centre, your source for summertime science fun. With new hands-on experiences, larger-than-life IMAX films and engaging programs, the Science Centre has something to keep inquisitive minds of all ages sharp this summer from July 1 to September 4.

"Science extends far beyond biology, chemistry and physics classes. It underpins every aspect of our lives," said Catherine Paisley, Vice-President, Science Education and Science Experience, Ontario Science Centre. "This summer, take education beyond the classroom with fun, interactive, free-choice learning at the Science Centre. As we celebrate Canada and Ontario 150, and look ahead to the next 15 decades, this is the perfect time to encourage the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens to embrace scientific thinking  to ask questions, seek answers and stay curious  for a better future."

Top seven ways to turn summer brain drain into summer brain gain at the Ontario Science Centre from July 1 to September 4:

1. Play. Create. Connect.

Put your creativity to the test at Inventorium, a dynamic, curiosity-driven space that encourages ingenuity through engaging, interactive experiences for aspiring innovators of all ages. Build a kinetic sculpture, make a simple circuit, or create an insect. Let your imagination soar in our evolving, hands-on learning space and see where your curiosity takes you! Inventorium is supported by Ontario150 funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Here's a look at the making of Inventorium: bit.ly/2rGGStt

2. Take in Toronto's history by way of a tree trunk.

Marvel at The Maple Leaf Forever Tree, a sculpture created by the Ontario Wood Carvers Association from part of the silver maple tree that inspired Alexander Muir's 1867 song "Maple Leaf Forever." Featuring 35 hand-carved leaves, each depicting a historically-significant person, place or event in Toronto's history, the sculpture is the result of more than 10,000 volunteer carving hours. The finished artwork will be formally handed over to the Science Centre on July 19 in celebration of Ontario 150.

3. Put a human face on climate change.

Experience the human dimension of climate change with Portraits of Resilience. A compilation of photographs and texts from youth in regions most affected by climate change, including Nunavut, this installation gives a human face and personal stories to the consequences of climate change. Portraits of Resilience is a Many Strong Voices initiative to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on vulnerable regions among the general public and decision-makers.

4. Celebrate the power of human understanding and ingenuity  from quantum to cosmos.

Explore the incredible ability of the human mind to question, make and innovate when Power of Ideas stops at the Ontario Science Centre on its way across the country from August 18 - 31, 2017. Designed and developed by the Science Centre for the Perimeter Institute, this immersive travelling exhibition highlights cutting edge science, technology and engineering.

5. Feed a hungry baby California condor.

Step into the rescue and recovery efforts of people who dedicate their lives to saving animals at Wildlife Rescue. From seabirds to turtles and elephants to orangutans, this wildly interactive exhibition explores the innovative ways used to capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild.

6. Take pride in Canadian scientific achievements.

Celebrate Canadian ingenuity in science that spans from pre-Confederation to present day. What do the G-suit, the disposable garbage bag and snow goggles have in common? They're homegrown inventions! From the far reaches of space to common household items, learn about notable Canadian scientific discovery and achievement at Canada 150: Discovery Way.

7. Celebrate the human creativity behind engineering marvels.

Immerse yourself in engineering marvels big and small at IMAX film Dream Big: Engineering Our World. From the Great Wall of China and the world's tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, this larger-than-life film reveals the compassion and creativity that drive engineers to create better lives for people and a more sustainable future for us all.

From July 1, 2017, hours of operation will be extended from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information about the Centre's summer line-up and to purchase tickets, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

The Ontario Science Centre, a Centennial project, has welcomed more than 51 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is an international leader in free-choice science learning and a key contributor to Ontario's education and innovation ecosystems, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Related Links

https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca


SAO PAULO, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vindi, a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based provider of subscription/recurring billing and payment solutions, merged with Smartbill, a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based provider of a subscription management system.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the merger of the two companies aims to consolidate the market of payments focused on the service sector in Latin America.

Vindi

According to Gartner, by 2020, more than 80 percent of software vendors will change their business model from traditional license and maintenance to subscription. Latin America is also following the same trend, and represents an interesting opportunity for those who are able to overcome its specific challenges.

Companies like Thomson Reuters, Movile, B2W, Empiricus, Serasa Experian, Buscape, Smartfit, Editora Abril and the most important subscription businesses are using Vindi and Smartbill solutions.

In Brazil, process subscription billing was not an easy thing. The Brazilian financial environment has some particular rules. Banks are not opening their APIs, the regulations are very hard to comply with, taxes are not integrated with billing systems and recurring payments are very hard to provide, because of existing whole payment methods. Boletos (Brazilian invoice slips), fraud prevention, debit account and control delinquency are challenges to all type of companies.

As a comparison (and analogy), the agreement in terms of complementarity of solutions and strategies would be as if Zuora (USA) and Recurly (USA) merged.

About

Vindi is a platform (PCI Compliance) that provides subscription and recurring billing, payment solutions to Saas companies, e-commerces, financial services, gym clubs, education business, real state and all subscription based companies. Vindi had already acquired two other fintechs: Fast Notas (SaaS focused in tax billing) and Aceita Facil (a payment facilitator) in 2016.

Smartbill is a cloud-based subscription management system that allows companies of all sizes to join the subscription business model. The system covers all the subscription cycle: (a) Subscription  business rules, pricing, payment method, parameters, etc, (b) invoicing, (c) billing, (d) payment conciliation and (e) upgrades, downgrades, add-ons, renewals.

Related Images

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Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=180wCeVJreI

SOURCE Vindi

Related Links

https://vindi.com.br


SALT LAKE CITY, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- USANA would like to congratulate two of its leadership team members for being recognized by Utah Business Magazine. USANA's chief communications and marketing officer Dan Macuga was named to the CXO of the Year list, while its VP of marketing and PR, Ashley Collins was named one of Utah's 30 Women to Watch. The CXO list awards chief-level executives who are key to their organization's success and the 30 Women to Watch recognizes 30 female business leaders in Utah that stand out as role models in and out of the workplace.

To find out more about USANA and its leadership team, please visit USANA.com.

Mr. Macuga started as a VP of USANA's field development and PR and social media teams in 2008. He worked his way up to chief communications officer in 2011 and held that position until November 2016 when he was also given the title of chief marketing officer. Dan is not only in charge of the internal and external communications at USANA, but he also leads the vast marketing and customer service departments.

"Dan has been such an important piece in USANA's success over the past nine years. I am happy to see him receive significant recognition for his efforts," said Kevin Guest, USANA's chief executive officer. "He has taken on the role of both chief marketing and communications officer in stride, and has been able to thrive in a position that is usually a two-person job. Dan is a true leader in the workplace and has created such a positive culture in the company."

Ashley Collins has more than 15 years of experience working in PR, marketing, communications and advertising. In late 2016, Ashley was promoted to the role of VP of Marketing and Public Relationstaking on a huge responsibility that oversees many different areas of the company.

"I have worked with Ashley for more than 10 years, and have had the opportunity to watch her grow into an amazing leader and businesswoman," said Amy Haran, USANA's vice president of communications. "She leads by example and is respected by her peers and those she manages. But above all else, Ashley loves to have fun, and I think that's important when you're in such a high-level position."

About USANA

USANA, The Cellular Nutrition Company (NYSE: USNA), is a U.S.-based nutritional company founded in 1992 that manufactures high-quality supplements, personal care and healthy products in its state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City. Learn more about USANA by visiting our website http://www.usana.com or the official USANA blog http://whatsupusana.com.

Media Contact: Ashley Collins

Vice President of Marketing & PR

(801) 954-7629

media(at)us.usana(dot)com

SOURCE USANA

Related Links

http://www.usana.com


Anchorage residents and media attending the noon-3 p.m. festivities can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility while helping U-Haul celebrate 35 years of serving do-it-yourself movers in Alaska. There will be a complimentary catered lunch, children's plush toys and coloring books, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and other activities for those who attend. Admission is free.

"There simply has not been another truck and trailer sharing company that offers the state-of-the-art storage facilities we can," said John Norris, U-Haul Company of Alaska president. "U-Haul was in Alaska long before other large corporations. Most didn't start arriving until 10 or 12 years ago. We were some of the first kids on the block. With this being our 35th anniversary in Alaska, it adds a local touch to the July 1 ceremony."

U-Haul Moving & Storage of North Anchorage opened in a limited capacity in October 2013, offering trucks, trailers and moving supplies out of a temporary showroom in the existing E.A. Patson office once the five-acre property was acquired.

Then the real work began. Nearly a year of property cleanup involved the removal of 23 tons of metal and old equipment. Constructing the new self-storage building took part of 2014 and all of 2015. The first units were available for use by the start of 2016, but the facility wasn't completed and ready to be showcased until now.

The result is a striking 75,687-square-foot structure with 55,550 net rentable square feet. The facility has: U-Haul Remote 24/7 access; high-tech security features; heating to offset the cold winter months; elevators; covered, heated concrete pick-up/drop-off area; and a box sharing and green products reuse section. Plans call for covered RV, boat and vehicle storage spaces to be added in the near future.

"We outgrew our location at 4751 Old Seward Highway," said Norris, noting U-Haul Moving & Storage of Anchorage (opened 1982) is at near full capacity for its 434 self-storage rooms. "The Old Seward store is one of our busiest for transactions in the northwestern U.S. We expanded to meet public demand. It's convenient to have the Boundary Avenue store so customers don't have to spend their hard-earned dollars driving across town for U-Haul equipment and self-storage."

U-Haul Moving & Storage of North Anchorage is located by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

U-Haul, which was founded by a WWII Navy veteran in 1945, preserved several U.S. military relics and other 1940s memorabilia that are prominently displayed in the location's showroom. The items, which include a standard-issue WWII helmet and pieces of a Willys MB U.S. Army jeep, have direct ties to E.A. Patson's history of selling surplus military equipment, vehicles and parts.

In addition to competitively priced self-storage and an array of DIY moving products, U-Haul Moving & Storage of North Anchorage offers propane, professional hitch installation and U-Box portable moving and storage containers.

Contact the store at (907) 331-6233 or stop by to visit general manager Steve Womack and his team. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Reserve equipment at uhaul.com or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

The recent acquisition of the E.A. Patson property was driven by U-Haul Company's Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. Our adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-construction materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

To learn more about U-Haul in the news and in your community, visit myuhaulstory.com.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 150,000 trucks, 112,000 trailers and 40,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 581,000 rooms and more than 51 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge

Sebastien Reyes

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6981

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul
CLEVELAND, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- US demand for refined petroleum products is forecast to total 6.2 billion barrels in 2021, according to Refined Petroleum Products: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Demand for gasoline, the largest segment, is expected to continue a structural decline as motor vehicles in use become more fuel efficient. Additionally, the costs associated with vehicle ownership represent a major constraint for millennials and others considering a first-time purchase, limiting demand.

These and other key insights are featured in Refined Petroleum Products: United States. This report forecasts US refined petroleum product demand and production in barrels to 2021. Total demand and total production are segmented by type in terms of:

gasoline

distillate fuel

jet fuel

residual fuel

other products such as asphalt, petroleum coke, and still gas

To illustrate historical trends, total demand, total production, the various segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2006 to 2016.

More information about the report is available at

https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Refined-Petroleum-Products-United-States-FF45023/

About Freedonia Focus Reports

Each month, The Freedonia Group  a division of MarketResearch.com  publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Energy & Resources reports can be purchased at www.freedoniafocusreports.com or marketresearch.com.

Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including:

total historical market size and industry output

segmentation by products and markets

identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators

segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts

a survey of the supply base

suggested resources for further study

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.684.9600

[email protected]



SOURCE The Freedonia Group

Related Links

http://www.freedoniafocusreports.com


PITTSBURGH, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement as the U.S. Department of Commerce conducted a hearing in support of the Administration's Section 232 Investigation into unfairly traded aluminum imports. In April, the Administration initiated an investigation to examine the effect of these imports on the U.S. aluminum industry. At today's hearing, Robert Smith, president of USW Local 420-A in Massena, N.Y., testified.

"This action comes at a critical time," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "Chinese unfair and predatory trade practices have undermined global markets in aluminum. Just a few short years ago, the United States had 14 aluminum smelters in operation. Today, the number is five, with most operating at a reduced capacity.

"Aluminum is an essential material used throughout the defense sector and in critical infrastructure. From ballistic-resistant aluminum and missile skins to products used in electrical generation applications, aluminum is a vital commodity.

"Global aluminum markets operate somewhat differently than steel and other commodity markets. China's overcapacity and overproduction have suppressed world prices, threatening the operations of market-based companies in the United States, thereby endangering our nation's ability to provide aluminum for its national and economic security needs.

"The problem is unfair trade, and action must be directed at limiting those practices. Eliminating overcapacity and overproduction in China should be the focus of those efforts."

Robert Smith, said in his prepared testimony that "Swift governmental action is critical if the American aluminum industry is to survive and continue to provide good jobs for American workers, the highest quality products to the American military, and critical infrastructure."

In conjunction with the hearing today, the USW also released a formal statement for the record and a background paper identifying the underlying problems in the sector.

The USW has been actively working with the Administration as it continues its Section 232 investigation. As part of its submissions, the USW has called for Canada to be exempt from coverage under any relief measures that might be authorized. Canada has a unique national security relationship with the United States and supplies significant portions of U.S. needs in the aluminum sector.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: http://www.usw.org/.

CONTACT: Holly Hart (202) 778-4384

[email protected]

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org


PITTSBURGH, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that Administrative Law Judge Melissa M. Olivero of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a decision this week blistered management of Dura-Line Corporation and its parent company, Mexichem, for unfair labor practices that culminated in the closing of a Middlesboro, Ky., production facility in late 2015, resulting in the unlawful layoff of about 90 union members.

In the June 20, 2017, decision, Olivero ruled that Dura-Line broke the law to discourage members of USW Local 14300-12 from participating in union activities by repeatedly threatening them with discharge, plant closure and physical violence and by requiring them to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Other management violations included unilaterally reducing the 2015 Thanksgiving bonus from $25 to $16 per person and destroying the personal property of a union member. Ultimately, Olivero found that the company illegally closed the Middlesboro plant and transferred production to non-union facilities in Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio in retaliation for workers engaging in union activities.

The decision includes orders for the company to restore production to Middlesboro and offer the laid-off USW members full reinstatement to their jobs or substantially equivalent positions if those jobs no longer exist. Olivero further directs Dura-Line to compensate the workers for lost earnings with interest and any tax liabilities incurred as a result of the backpay award. Finally, the order includes a provision for the company to reimburse individuals who were illegally laid off for search-for-work and interim work-related expenses with interest.

Although the NLRB process so far has taken almost two years, the USW will continue the fight to ensure that Dura-Line management is held accountable and fulfills the obligations outlined in this week's decision.

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.

More information, contact: Tony Montana  (412) 562-2592; [email protected]

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, is excited to announce that Saturn Booksellers, an eclectic local bookstore in Gaylord, Mich., won the grand prize in Valpak's Shop Small Contest. The bookstore, in business for more than 25 years, was selected the winner from among 1,400 entries submitted by Valpak consumers.

Saturn Booksellers and owner Jill Miner will receive a $5,000 American Express Gift Card and a Valpak advertising package. The store was nominated for the top award by Darcie L., also of Gaylord, Mich., who said it's "my favorite place on earth!"

Darcie said in her contest entry that Saturn Booksellers has great customer service, a fine selection of books and the "coolest gifts and toys that you can't find anywhere." She also said Miner is community-minded and frequently participates in local fundraisers, gives discounts to libraries and teachers, and brings in best-selling authors. For submitting her winning entry, Darcie also receives a $5,000 American Express Gift Card.

Three other small businesses won secondary prizes in the contest:

The Columbus Idea Foundery in Columbus, Ohio , a center that provides workshop space for local hobbyists and budding entrepreneurs.

, a center that provides workshop space for local hobbyists and budding entrepreneurs. Baxter & Me in Corinth, Miss. , a neighborhood gift store that displays the work of local artists and features local products.

, a neighborhood gift store that displays the work of local artists and features local products. Club MMA, Cincinnati, Ohio , a mixed martial arts and fitness program for both kids and adults.

Each of these businesses will receive a $1,000 American Express Gift Card and a free 3-month Valpak advertising package.

The contest was a way to highlight the importance of local businesses across the U.S. and urge consumers to Shop Small, a nationwide movement to celebrate small businesses that help our communities thrive.

Other contest nominations ranged from favorite restaurants and boutiques to favorite salons and auto mechanics. Check out some of the video profiles of other small businesses at Shop Small Contest at valpak.com.

About Valpak

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Valpak is one of the leading direct marketing companies in the U.S. and Canada. We provide print and digital advertising through a network of 150 local franchises. From mailbox to mobile phone, Valpak brings exciting local business offers and opportunities to millions of consumers. Each month, our well-known Blue Envelope of savings is mailed to nearly 37 million demographically targeted households in 47 states and in three Canadian provinces. Our digital suite of products, including valpak.com, reaches more than 110 million users.

CONTACT:

Dave Williams

727-319-5443

[email protected]

SOURCE Valpak

Related Links

http://valpak.com


SEATTLE, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WatchGuard Technologies, a leader in advanced network security solutions, today announced that for the third consecutive year, it has been positioned as the only company in the Visionaries quadrant of Gartner's Magic Quadrant for the Unified Threat Management (SMB Multifunction Firewalls) market.

"We consider our consistent Visionary position within the UTM Magic Quadrant a reflection of WatchGuard's fundamental determination to understand, anticipate and address the network security challenges facing SMBs and distributed enterprises today," said Prakash Panjwani, CEO of WatchGuard Technologies. "With the addition of offerings like APT Blocker and Threat Detection and Response, we've accelerated key security services to market faster than competitors, which is vital as we work to continually expand the definition of unified threat management."

WatchGuard believes that placement as the only Visionary in the UTM Magic Quadrant for the past three years validates its mission to deliver a comprehensive set of enterprise-grade security solutions that are easily deployed and managed for mid-market customers. WatchGuard's security appliances run on the Fireware platform, which is designed to operate leading security engines in every category. Some of the company's most notable strengths include WatchGuard Total Security Suite, its all-in-one bundle of security services that offers protection for both the network and the endpoint, and WatchGuard Dimension's data analytics and reporting capabilities. WatchGuard can rapidly address customers' latest security challenges without being stalled by lengthy development cycles by quickly incorporating new security services into its existing products.

Download the full text of the June 2017 Magic Quadrant for the Unified Threat Management (SMB Multifunction Firewalls) market at: https://www.watchguard.com/gartnerutm

About the Magic Quadrant:

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in network security, secure Wi-Fi, and network intelligence products and services to more than 75,000 customers worldwide. The company's mission is to make enterprise-grade security accessible to companies of all types and sizes through simplicity, making WatchGuard an ideal solution for distributed enterprises and SMBs. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com.

For additional information, promotions and updates, follow WatchGuard on Twitter @WatchGuard on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them at www.secplicity.org.

Media Contacts:

Chris Warfield

WatchGuard Technologies

206.876.8380

[email protected]

Anthony Cogswell

Voxus PR

253.444.5980

[email protected]

SOURCE WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.watchguard.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wendell W. Young IV, President of UFCW Local 1776, today congratulated three successful applicants for medical marijuana licenses in Pennsylvania, all of whom have signed Labor Peace Agreements with UFCW.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health unveiled the names of 12 groups that won grower-processor permits for the medical marijuana program. Franklin Labs in Berks County, Ilera Healthcare in Fulton County, and Pennsylvania Medical Solutions in Lackawanna County have signed agreements ensuring that their workers have the right and the opportunity to organize.

"UFCW has taken the lead nationally in the effort to make sure that this new industry provides family-sustaining jobs and safe workplaces," said Young. "We're obviously very pleased for our three partners. Governor Wolf, along with Sen. Daylin Leach and other supporters, fought long and hard to push this law across the finish line because they recognized that the state has an opportunity to help tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who are suffering. Our members are ready to help."

Added Young, "We have a lot of work ahead of us in Pennsylvania and around the nation. We need to make sure that every single employer in this industry understands that they have an obligation not only to help our citizens who are suffering. They have an obligation to provide good paying jobs with strong benefits."

The UFCW in Pennsylvania has been working together with the Cannabis Workers Rising campaign of the UFCW International, whose affiliates represent tens of thousands of cannabis workers in growing and cultivating facilities, manufacturing and processing facilities, laboratories, and dispensaries. The UFCW believes that as a newly regulated market, the legal cannabis industry can offer local communities jobs with strong wages and benefits that can't be outsourced.

"As a socially responsible health care company, we believe that providing employees with fair wages and great benefits will not only help us help us recruit and retain top talent, but also enable us to provide our patients with high-quality products and compassionate care," said Kyle Kingsley, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Medical Solutions. "As we expand into other states, we will continue to work with UFCW affiliates. We know that we can't be a great company without great employees."

SOURCE UFCW Local 1776
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard attended the groundbreaking for the first project to be built in the new Foundation Park in Sioux Falls, SD. The 205,000 square foot cold storage facility was designed by Tippmann Innovation (TI) of Fort Wayne, IN. Sioux Falls local contractor Gil Haugan Construction, together with Tippmann Innovation, will build the 205,000 sq. ft. refrigerated warehouse. Win Chill, a development, transportation and logistics company, will own the new facility which will have the capacity to support food wholesalers, retailers, and food manufacturing customers in a four-state region.

Groundbreaking: Win Chill Storage: SIOUX FALLS, SD (June 22, 2017): Sam Tippmann and Rob Adams of Tippmann Innovation in attendance with Win Chill and Gil Haugan Executives as well as South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard and other elected officials.

The cutting-edge design features the latest refrigeration and freezing technology available in the cold storage industry. The new building will feature 205,000 square feet of public refrigerated warehouse space for a total of 7.7 million cubic feet of freezer and refrigerated capacity.

The advanced cold storage complex features a flexible, convertible design that is able to maintain temperatures ranging from 40F to -20F. Structural steel pallet racks will accommodate over 30,000 pallet positions. This includes 800 QF+ In-Rack Freezing System positions, which combines blast freezing technology and pallet racking. QF+, designed by Tippmann Innovation, freezes pallets up to four times faster than traditional blast freezers with the ability to reduce energy consumption by as much as 50%.

The high-tech cold storage complex will feature 50 foot ceilings and 16 modern truck loading docks to accommodate dozens of refrigerated truckloads every day. In addition, the new facility will house three rail dock doors with access to the BNSF railroad network. This revolutionary design makes it possible for the Win Chill facility to complement the transportation and logistic needs of the South Dakota region, providing refrigeration and blast freezing services for truckloads of products every day.

The project is slated for completion in early spring 2018.

About Tippmann Innovation. Tippmann Innovation is an award winning, specialty industrial cold storage builder that develops buildings around a business plan, ensuring that an investment becomes a profit center. TI utilizes time-honed expertise and advanced technology solutions to create efficient buildings that scale with a business, and are designed to maximize profitability through fully integrating operations and supply chain, by design. TI provides a full suite of cold storage construction services, including master site planning and operations guidance. TI's innovations include the Patented QF+ in-rack freezing and thawing system, coupled with the T2 spacer system that creates the fastest system available. TI has offices in Indiana, Illinois and Florida and operates internationally.

Learn more about this project as it progresses: https://www.ticold.com/Win-Chill

About Win Chill, LLS. Win Chill was created by investments from Legacy Developments; RLM, LLC; Alyce-Gil, LLC; Strongbox, LLC, and Freeze One, LLC.

For more information: Rob Adams, TI: 260-424-2222

Media inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE Tippmann Innovation
The CXO of the Year awards are given to senior executives for outstanding performance in their roles. The selected CXOs, who are from public and private organizations of all sizes, demonstrate the importance of providing strong financial leadership, visionary innovation, as well as social responsibility to Utah businesses.

"Sue is a vital member of our executive leadership team and is well-deserving of being included in this elite category of executives," said Alex Shootman, CEO of Workfront. "Since joining Workfront in 2015, Sue has taken the lead in creating a high-performing customer experience team. Her leadership has been instrumental in increasing our annual retention rate since she started. Sue is results-driven, thoughtful, and demonstrates high ethical standards when dealing with the business and her team members, and our customers love her. We are excited to have Sue on our team."

In addition to increasing customer retention and the creation and implementation of a high-performing customer success team, Sue has been vital in the evolution of the Workfront professional services organization. She developed new methodologies within the team to ensure customers receive quick wins after they have implemented Workfront. She also revamped the training and customer support teams, who also report in under her. The changes she has made within her organization have resulted in improved customer satisfaction scores, which continue to drive high renewal rates for Workfront's first-year customers.

To find out how you can join the Workfront team, visit https://www.workfront.com/careers/.

About Workfront

Workfront is a cloud-based Enterprise Work Management solution that helps marketing, IT, and other enterprise teams conquer the chaos of excessive email, redundant status meetings, and disconnected tools. Unlike other tools, Workfront is a centralized, easy-to-adopt solution for managing and collaborating on all types of work through the entire work lifecycle, which improves team productivity and executive visibility. Workfront is trusted by thousands of global enterprises, like Cars.com, Cisco Systems, Comcast, iProspect, Schneider Electric and Trek. To learn more, visit www.workfront.com or follow us on Twitter @Workfront_Inc.

Contact: Shelbi Gomez

[email protected]

801-477-9813

SOURCE Workfront

Related Links

https://www.workfront.com


In addition , Wyclef Jean has released two new tracks " What Happened To Love " produced by The Knocks via CNN and " Fela Kuti " produced by Supah Mario via XXL today. Listen to " What Happened To Love " and " Fela Kuti " and pre-order the album here .

Ahead of the Carnival III rollout, Wyclef partnered with Certified Classics, an extension of Legacy Recordings, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Carnival and the 10th anniversary of the Carnival II. Certified highlights the impact of key anniversaries of classic Hip Hip and R&B albums, all in an effort to preserve the culture. Learn more at: www.thisiscertified.com

"My Carnival albums have always been about celebrating music culture from all parts of the world and Carnival III is no different," says Wyclef. "It's outside the box. There's genre-bending. There's new talent on there. Carnival III is more than just an album. It's a celebration of what I love about music: discovery, diversity and artistry for art's sake... It's about putting music together that will outlive me and live on for generations to come that is full of emotion, vibration and fun. Get ready."

In 2016, Wyclef was back yet again with another hit, "Hendrix," the first single off of his EP, J'Ouvert. "Hendrix" garnered over 20 million streams worldwide. Wyclef's influence on the new generation is evident with the creative connection with Young Thug, who named a track on mixtape, JEFFERY, "Wyclef Jean." The two musicians teamed up to record the Caribbean-inspired "I Swear," the third single off of J'Ouvert.

As big a comeback as "Hendrix" and "I Swear" have proven to be, one should not count on Fall and Rise of a Refugee as being an entire album full of mid-tempo tracks. "Do I have anything for the clubs?" he asks. "You're talking to The Carnival Man! I've done the biggest dance records of all time! I plan to put them on the dancefloor more so than ever. I know people want that dancefloor bounce from me  that hip hop thing."

The music that Wyclef Jean has written, performed, and produced  both as a solo superstar and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees  has been a consistently powerful, pop cultural force for over two decades. In 1996, the Fugees released their monumental album The Score. As a solo artist, he has released six albums that have sold nearly nine million copies worldwide, including his 1997 debut The Carnival and 2000's aptly titled The Eclectic: 2 Sides II a Book.

Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee Tracklist:

1. Slums

2. Turn Me Good

3. Borrowed Time

4. Fela Kuti

5. Warrior

6. Shotta Boys

7. Double Dutch

8. What Happened To Love

9. Carry On

10. Concrete Rose

11. Trapicabana

12. Thank God For The Culture

Wyclef Jean Links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

SOURCE Legacy Recordings

Related Links

http://www.legacyrecordings.com


Turkish Airlines has expanded the scope of its Miniport service, which provides a special luggage transport opportunity to its passengers between Ataturk Airport and Taksim, a main tourist district of Istanbul.

According to this overextending, passengers can leave their baggage in some hotels, that having a contract with Turkish Airlines in this regard, and enjoy the seamless hub of the carrier, Istanbul, before and/or after their flights.

The Miniport service which initially started in May 2016, enables Turkish Airlines passengers to leave their baggage to Miniport office at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport when they arrive to Istanbul, or to Miniport Taksim office after their hotel check-out. Benefitting this comfort make them fully arrange their limited time as attending a fair, meeting, or some cultural and shopping tours. While they participate those programs, their baggage safely transported by Miniport.

Along with the new additions, the service is also available at the Marriott, the Ritz Carlton and the Pera Palace hotels.

Turkish Airlines passengers, who already able to leave their baggage to the Miniport offices, can also leave them now to the reception desks of given hotels if they choose those hotels for their stay in Istanbul, before/after their flights.

How Miniport Service Works?

 Passenger arrives to the Miniport Taksim office and give his/her details to the authorized staff,

 Leaves his/her baggage and takes a baggage check,

 Baggage will be carried between the Taksim Miniport Office, the mentioned hotels and the Miniport Office located on Metro station floor at Istanbul Ataturk Airport,

 Passenger picks up her/his baggage from Ataturk Airport Miniport Office, in order to deliver it to the check-in counter for taking the boarding pass.

 Miniport baggage handling service, which already carried out between Ataturk Airport and Taksim; is also available now between Ataturk Airport and given hotels.

For more information please visit the following official web site of Miniport service; https://miniport.istanbul/

Due to the special security measures, the Miniport service is not offered for flights to USA, England, Israel or Canada.
"Z CAM is very well positioned in the VR180 camera market. Our solution's precise synchronization coupled with excellent calibration of the footage delivers amazing immersive experience to viewers. I am very excited that the VR180 era has finally come and we are very committed to entering this market," says Jason Zhang, Founder & Chairman of Z CAM.

"We are glad to be part of the program and expand our cooperation with Google. VR180 will open up a lot of interesting content opportunities and Z CAM's excellent image quality and ease of use will accelerate market growth. Seeing is believing," added Kinson Loo, CEO of Z CAM.

Company Information:

Z CAM is a product line created by Shenzhen ImagineVision Technology Limited, a team of innovative and creative people dedicated to developing high performance imaging products and solutions.

Leveraging on complete end-to-end knowhow of VR and professional camera mass production experience, the team successfully developed and launched its first professional VR camera Z CAM S1 in late 2016, followed by cinematic VR camera Z CAM S1 Pro & Z CAM V1 Pro in 2017.

Z CAM is well-positioned to become a leader in the professional VR camera market.

SOURCE Z CAM
Tourists flying to the UK this summer appear so far to be relatively undaunted by recent terror attacks, according to ForwardKeys which predicts future travel patterns by analysing 16 million booking transactions a day.

Looking ahead, the latest data shows that, as of June 17th, forward bookings for international arrivals in London for the months of July and August are currently 12% ahead of what they were at the same point last year. This is a significantly more positive position than the European average, which is currently 7.8% ahead.

The positive outlook for travel to London in July and August could fall or rise in the weeks ahead, but so far it has held up well since the London Bridge attack, as prior to the attack, bookings for July and August were 16% ahead.

ForwardKeys research also found that after the London Bridge attack, there was no (repeat no) significant wave of cancellations for air travel to the UK; although there has been a slow-down in new bookings.

Looking at arrivals from the beginning of June and forward to bookings for the rest of June, ForwardKeys latest assessment is that June will still show double digit growth on last year, 11% ahead.

Looking back, bookings for international travel to London (which accounts for ~85% of the UK as a destination) had surged up 16.5% on last year prior to the Westminster attack on March 22. That strong surge abated somewhat after the Westminster incident, as the surge in bookings slowed to a very respectable +7.3% up on the previous year. After the Manchester bombing on May 22nd, enthusiasm for the UK appeared to wane further as the rate of bookings for London fell slightly, down 3.5% on last year.

One needs to treat the stall in bookings immediately after London Bridge with caution because it can also be explained by two other factors: June 5th was a national holiday (Whit Monday) in most major European countries, when fewer people book flights (that holiday fell a week earlier in 2016); and the dramatic impact of the Qatar travel blockade kicked in with a mass wave of cancellations by those flying through Doha on their way to the UK.

If one looks at the UK as a whole, rather than just London, the figures reflect a near-identical trend.

Commenting on this data, Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, said: One needs to bear in mind that even though we have seen something of a slowdown in bookings for the UK in recent weeks, the forward booking situation for July and August remains extremely healthy and there has been a sustained positive trend in bookings for the UK throughout the year so ForwardKeys remains bullish on the UKs tourism performance in summer 2017.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New Delhi, June 18 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed sadness over the loss of lives in a forest fire in Portugal.

"Sad to learn of tragic loss of lives in the forest fire in Portugal. Deepest condolences to the Portuguese people on this tragedy," tweeted Modi, who is slated to visit the European country on June 24.

An out-of-control forest fire in central Portugal has killed at least 58 people and injured 54, according to updated figures provided on Sunday by the Portuguese government.
United Nationa, June 19 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences to the Portuguese government and people after wildfires have claimed many lives.

"I am shocked and horrified by the many lives claimed by today's devastating fires that hit the Pedrogao Grande region of Portugal," Xinhua quoted Guterres as saying in a statement on Sunday .

A raging forest fire in central Portugal sent flames sweeping over roads, killing at least 62 persons, many of them trapped in their cars as they tried to flee, according to media reports.

"Earlier today, I spoke with the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and with the Prime Minister Antonio Costa, to express my deep sadness and condolences to the Portuguese government and people," he said.

"I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. At this time of loss, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims," he added.

The UN chief commended the government, firefighters, emergency responders and civil society organizations "who are sparing no efforts to battle the wildfire and help people in need".

"The United Nations stands ready to assist in any way possible," he said.

Portuguese Prime Minister Costa called it "the biggest tragedy" that Portugal has experienced in decades and declared three days of national mourning.
London, June 19 : Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer said he believed the flammable cladding used at a fire-ravaged tower block in west London was banned in the country.

Philip Hammond of the Conservative Party, said in a BBC interview on Sunday that he understood the cladding to be banned in Europe, the US and Britain, Efe news reported.

"My understanding is that the cladding in question, this flammable cladding which is banned in Europe and the US, is also banned here," said Hammond. "That's my understanding."

Asked why the cladding was used, Hammond replied: "There are two separate questions. One is, are our regulations correct? Do they permit the right kind of materials and ban the wrong kind of materials?"

"Second question is; were they correctly complied with? And obviously, that will be a subject that the inquiry will look at," he added. "It will also be a subject that the separate criminal investigation will be looking at."

The blaze that erupted Wednesday at Grenfell Tower -- a 24-floor highrise building in North Kensington hosting between 400-600 families -- resulted in at least 30 confirmed deaths.

According to the London Metropolitan Police, at least 28 residents were still missing and presumed dead, while 74 were injured, 24 of which still remained hospitalized (half of them in critical care).

An investigation by The Guardian found that the cladding covering Grenfell Tower was the cheaper and more flammable option, costing 2 pounds ($2.56) less per sq. m. than the fire-resistant version.
Washington, June 19 : US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner is travelling to the Middle East this week in pursuit of a peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians, a White House official has confirmed.

Kushner will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu in Jerusalem and with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah as a Trump envoy, along with Jason Greenblatt, an assistant to the President and special representative for international negotiations, the official told The Washington Post on Sunday night.

The visit comes a month after Trump's maiden trip to the region, during which he met with Israeli and Palestinian officials and committed to working to bring both sides together in a lasting peace agreement.

Greenblatt is scheduled to arrive in the Middle East on Monday, while Kushner will reach on Wednesday, according to the White House official, who detailed the trip on the condition of anonymity.

Kushner and Greenblatt are hoping to "continue conversations" with both sides but noting that an accord almost certainly would require ongoing discussions.

"It is important to remember that forging a historic peace agreement will take time and to the extent that there is progress, there are likely to be many visits by both Kushner and Greenblatt, sometimes together and sometimes separately, to the region and possibly many trips by Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to Washington, D.C.," the official told The Washington Post.
Mumbai, June 19 : Eighty-five per cent of diabetics see amputations in their lifetime due to lack of appropriate treatment, data released during a national conference on diabetics here has revealed.

Currently 15 per cent of of India's diabetic population suffers from ulcers in their lifetime, the conference attended by over 50 eminent surgeons here was told.

Pioneers in wound management such as Madhuri Gore and Dr Sitaram Prasad were among the delegates who attended the national conference held at Zen hospital on Sunday.

The doctors called for a better wound healing health care in the hospitals of the country.

"Around the globe, about 415 million people are diabetic. However, India has the world's second largest diabetic population at 69 million. Almost 15 per cent of diabetics develop an ulcer in their lifetime," said Roy Patankar, Director at Zen Hospital.

Stating that treatment of wounds is a challenge as the physicians or surgeons needs to assess wounds accurately, the doctors also urged hospitals for a better recognition of wound related problems and provide interventions such that morbidity reduces.

"With advanced technology, newer wound care products are helping surgeons to provide optimal benefits to patients. The wound update conference included wound classification and evaluation, wound healing and scar formation. Chronic wounds, infections and wound closure or therapy along with case studies were a part of the panel discussion and conference," said a joint statement issued by the surgeons at the conference.

As a part of the national faculty, Somprakash Basu and Sunil Kari discussed chronic wounds and wound therapy along with a few case studies. Seven other speakers were a part of the panel discussion.















New Delhi, June 19 : Veteran actor Gulshan Grover, whose web-film "Badman" has been invited for screening at the Moscow International Film Festival and London Indian Film Festival, says he never thought that something made for internet will be shown at international festivals.

"Badman" will be screened at the Moscow International Film Festival on Saturday and London Indian Film Festival on June 27.

"I never thought that what was made for internet will be shown in international festivals. It will be shown at Leicester square on June 24 and June 25 on Wembley, London, June 26 - Birmingham and June 27 in Stratford. Four different large cinemas are going to screen the film and at the biggest theatre in Moscow. Yes, it is something that excites me," Gulshan told IANS.

Talking about the achievements made by "Badman", Gulshan, who will be flying to Moscow on Tuesday, pointed out that the Soumik Sen directorial is India's first mockumentary feature film.

"All characters are real. Within these characters story is woven. Some of it is real, some is made up. The incidents and scenes are created, but the people are real. 'Badman' is also India's first original feature film for the digital audience.

"Because what is happening is companies are making a lot of content for the viewers on the digital platform, but most of it are in the form of series, no one has made an original feature film. They are giving viewers yesterday's films to watch on the digital," Gulshan said.

"It is also for the first time that an actor's iconic character that has gained popularity and the same actor has been chosen to play the hero of that film. So there are many firsts.

"It is a film that was meant for digital viewing in India, has broken boundaries and it is liked by the Russian film selection committee of the film festival who watched the film and put this up as the opening film of the Indian Panorama. It was also loved by the London film festival curator, who watched the film and simultaneously it will be shown at the London Indian Film Festival," he added.
Kolkata, June 19 : Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Atmasthanandaji Maharaj was on Monday cremated with full state honours as devotees and eminent personalities paid their last respects.

Police personnel reversed arms and gave a gun salute with the bugle sounding the Last Post as others monks lit the funeral pyre.

The pyre was set up beside the river Hooghly inside the Math complex. Ignoring the continuous downpour, hundreds of people congregated at the crematorium to bid a tearful adieu to the monk.

Since last night, thousands of devotees with wreaths, garlands, and flowers thronged the Math's headquarters at Belur in Howrah district to pay their last respect to the monk who died on Sunday after a prolonged illness.

The Howrah District Magistrate placed a wreath on the monk's body on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also paid her last respects.

Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, West Bengal ministers Arup Roy, Firhad Hakim, Rajib Banerjee Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, Trinamool Congress MP Prasun Banerjee and party's leader Mukul Roy, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee paid their last respect to the monk, who was President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission since December 3, 2007.
Los Angeles, June 20 : "Star Wars" actress Carrie Fisher had cocaine, methadone, heroin and ecstasy in her system when she died in December, according to an autopsy report.

The actress's autopsy report was released on Monday, reports variety.com.

The coroner's report listed sleep apnea as the primary cause of death, with drug intake as a contributing factor.

The report stated that Fisher's family objected to a full autopsy, and coroner's investigators had access to limited toxicology specimens. The conclusions were based on toxicology results and an external examination of Fisher's body.

Fisher died on December 27, four days after going into cardiac arrest on an airplane arriving at the airport here from London. Fisher's assistant was on the plane with her.

The assistant reported that she was awake and normal at the beginning of the flight, but had "multiple apneic episodes, which was her baseline" during the flight. At the end of the flight, she could not be awoken.

"Based on the available toxicological information, we cannot establish the significance of the multiple substances that were detected in Ms. Fisher's blood and tissue, with regard to the cause of death," the report states.

According to the report, Fisher may have ingested the cocaine as early as three days before the flight, adding to the uncertainty about the cause of death. The report also notes a likely exposure to heroin, which could have suppressed her breathing as she went into cardiac arrest.

In addition to the illegal drugs, Fisher was also taking Prozac, Abilify and Lamictal under prescription. She was also taking oxycodone without a prescription.

The report also notes that Fisher had a history of bipolar disorder and a long history of drug use.
Lisbon, June 21 : Emergency workers were forced to evacuate several settlements in central Portugal on Tuesday as a deadly wildfire that has already gutted swathes of forested landscape began to spread northwards, officials said.

Portugal's Civil Protection agency said the town of GAis, some 40 km from the forest fire's epicenter in the PedrAgAo Grande region was now the most dangerous zone in the area affected by the fire, Efe news reported.

Other areas affected by wildfire in the regions of Leiria and Coimbra had been largely brought under control, but the Coimbra-born minister of internal administration ConstanAa Urbano de Sousa warned the public not to "lower their guard".

"It is all very volatile, the fire may be brought under control but the winds can change," she said.

The advancing flames prompted authorities overnight to evacuate the rural village of Cadafez, home to some 200 inhabitants, as a precautionary measure.

At least 64 persons have been killed and over 150 have been injured since the blaze erupted in PedrAgAo Grande on Saturday, with many victims succumbing to the rapidly spreading flames as they attempted to escape in their cars.

Around 712 firefighters were battling the flames on the ground near GAis, according to figures provided by Civil Protection, but intense weather conditions, with strong winds and temperatures as high as 43 degree C, threatened to re-ignite other areas that had previously been brought under control.

Earlier reports suggested that firefighters, backed by water-dumping planes, had tamed 70 per cent of the blaze.

Analysts believe the fire was triggered when a bolt of lightning struck a tree.

Portugal declared three days official mourning on Monday after what is thought to be the deadliest forest fire in the nation's history.
Ramallah, June 22 : A delegation led by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor, held a meeting with the Palestinian President here shortly after meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The White House released a statement late Wednesday that achieving peace with the Israelis "will take time", reports Efe news.

The US delegation visiting the region was aiming to gain support from both parties in an attempt to revive the peace process under Trump's presidency.

Kushner was accompanied on his one-day visit by another of Trump's US Middle East envoys, Jason Greenblatt.

"Kushner and Greenblatt discussed with President Mahmoud Abbas priorities for the Palestinians and potential next steps, acknowledging the need for economic opportunities for Palestinians and major investments in the Palestinian economy," the White House statement said.

"The US officials and Israeli leadership underscored that forging peace will take time and stressed the importance of doing everything possible to create an environment conducive to peacemaking," it added.

The statement was very similar to the one issued earlier by the White House after the meeting with Netanyahu, which described both meetings as "productive".

At the beginning of his presidency, Trump adopted a hard line of unconditional support for Israel, and in February he distanced himself from the policy of his three predecessors in the White House by questioning if the peace process should include the creation of a Palestinian state, the so-called "two-state solution".

However, Trump's administration has since softened its stance, and the US President said after his meeting with Netanyahu and Abbas in May that they both were "ready to start negotiations", and pledged to support them, without specifying what form that support would take.
Mumbai, June 22 : Actor Jackky Bhagnani, who is marking his stage debut with actor Prateik Babbar in the play "Riddles", is a serious and committed actor, says the director of the play, Jeff Goldberg.

"We are thrilled to have Jackky debut on stage for the very first time. Theatre and cinema are two different worlds and it's quite natural to be nervous since there are two different audiences being catered to," Goldberg said in a statement.

"There can be no doubt about the fact that Jackky is a very thorough actor who is really committed to his craft. He's one of most hardworking actors out there. He's hungry to learn and challenge himself," Goldberg said.

The play is about love, loss and friendship and delves into the subject of homosexuality and how in the course of an evening they rediscover their profound love for one another and why they tragically can never be together.

It revolves around two former lovers who have not seen each other in a year, are thrust together once again in Mumbai after one is brutally attacked and raped in New Delhi.

Goldberg said that when he asked the actor to be the part of the play, Jackky was receptive.

"When I asked him to debut on stage he was so receptive to the idea. As a serious actor he fully understands the challenge and the importance of the stage. Directing him has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He's refreshing, wonderful and fun," he added.

"Riddles" is an adaptation of L.B. Hamilton's "A Midnight Clear", also written by Goldberg whose films have travelled to film festivals in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Busan.

The play will be showcased in Mumbai on June 23-25 and then from June 30 to July 2.
Beijing, June 22 : China on Thursday evaded responding to reports of Beijing's offer to help Islamabad build a mega dam project in Gilgit-Baltistan, part of disputed Kashmir, and bring it under the umbrella of the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"For this specific project and including the construction of dam you mentioned, I am not aware of the details," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

The installed capacity of the proposed project over the Indus river will be over 4,000 mw.

India has been dead against any construction in the Indus Basin in the disputed region through which the China Pakistan Economic Corridor passes.

On Monday, Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Muzammil Hussain said China had offered Pakistan help in building the Diamer-Bhasha dam project and integrate it with the $50 billion CPEC.

The construction of the dam is pending for long as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank backed out of funding it, citing its location in disputed Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of Kashmir that is held by Pakistan and claimed by India.

"What I can say is that the CPEC is a new cooperation framework for the two countries to achieve long-term development. This corridor will not only promote bilateral development of two countries, but will also contribute to the development and prosperity in the region," Geng said.

"We know that there is some concern about the corridor but we keep stressing that this economic corridor is just an economic initiative for cooperation," he added.

"It targets no third country and is not connected to any sovereign dispute. We hope that the dispute between India and Pakistan could be resolved by consultation and negotiation."

In May, India boycotted China's Belt and Road summit, citing its objection to the CPEC.

The CPEC is a key artery of China's Belt and Road project. It links China's Kashgar in Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port in restive Balochistan.

Under the CPEC, China is building railway links, roads, power plants and ports in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Despite India's repeated objections to the project, China maintains that the project has nothing to do with the dispute between New Delhi and Islamabad.

(Gaurav Sharma is the Beijing-based correspondent of IANS. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com and gauravians@yahoo.com)
Kolkata, June 22 : Indian Police Service PS officer S.M.H. Mirza, whom then CBI named in the FIR with a dozen senior leaders of Trinamool Congress in the Narada sting footage case, appeared before the agency officials at Nizam Palace here on Thursday afternoon, an official said.

Mirza, a former Superintendent of Police of West Bengal's Burdwan district, was purportedly seen receiving cash in the Narada sting operation footage and, according to the Narada news website, he described himself as a "key person who collects funds for the Trinamool Congress".

"Mirza has come to our office in Kolkata. He is being interrogated about his alleged involvement in the case," a senior Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official told IANS.

The investigation agency lodged an FIR on April 17 against 13 persons, including several state ministers, members of Parliament from the ruling Trinamool Congress, and Mirza, a month after the Calcutta High Court ordered a preliminary inquiry into the Narada sting footage case.

"CBI conducted the preliminary inquiry into the said allegations expeditiously. Inquiry revealed prima facie material for registration of a Regular Case (FIR) under the charges of criminal conspiracy to commit a crime (IPC 120B) and Section 7 and 13(2), 13(1)(a) and (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act," a CBI press release said.

The CBI sleuths have already questioned Trinamool Congress legislator Iqbal Ahmed in connection with the case earlier this month.

The controversy erupted in election-bound West Bengal in March last year when Narada News portal uploaded video footage purportedly showing the Trinamool leaders receiving money for extending favours to a fictitious company.

Three PILs were filed seeking a CBI probe, and the opposition went all guns blazing on the issue. But the Trinamool managed to retain power, and soon after Banerjee ordered a police probe to find out the "conspiracy" behind the sting.

However, the Calcutta High Court ordered an interim suspension of the police probe.
Chennai, June 22 : The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday expressed its opposition to the central government's plans to induct a private investor for Tiruchirappalli gun factory which comes under the Ordnance Factory Board.

Industries Minister M.C. Sampath said the gun factory management has been asked to look at the feasibility of inducting a private investor and operate the business on public-private-partnership (PPP) basis.

The PPP mode was suggested by the Niti Aayog and it is learnt that the workers of the gun factory were planning to strike work on Tuesday (June 27), opposing the move, Sampath told the state assembly.

The matter will be taken up by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and steps will be taken to prevent the privatisation of the Tiruchirappalli gun factory, Sampath said.
New Delhi, June 22 : Communications Minister Manoj Sinha said "corrective steps" would be taken by the government to ensure orderly growth of the telecom sector, after he met representatives of telcom companies here on Thursday.

"The necessary corrective steps will be taken by the government for ensuring orderly growth in the sector in terms of services to the common man, including in rural areas," the minister told reporters after the two-hour meeting.

He said an inter-ministerial group (IMG) is examining systematic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity in telecom sector and the panel would soon furnish its recommendations for resolution of stressed assets.

"The telecom service providers discussed the financial stress they are facing. They already had meeting with the IMG. The IMG has been formed to examine the systematic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity in telecom sector and furnish recommendations for resolution of stressed assets at the earliest. The report will come out soon," the minister said.

Apart from officials of Department of Telecommunication, representatives of the Department of Financial Services and State Bank of India were also present at the meeting.

Representatives of telecom companies Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Reliance Jio, Tata Teleservices, Telenor India and Reliance Communications met the minister and Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan besides other government officials in the ministry.

Among industrialists, Anil Ambani of Reliance Communications, Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel and Mahendra Nahata of Reliance Jio were present.

Initially, the company chiefs met Sinha separately. The government had set up the inter-ministerial group which has been holding hearings with all the stakeholders. The group members have already met the main telecom companies, including MTNL and BSNL.

The task of the inter-ministerial group is to examine systemic issues affecting viability and repayment capacity of the telecom sector and furnish recommendations for resolution of stressed assets. It is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

The group, comprising officials from the finance and telecom ministries, was set up after top banks expressed concern about financial stress in the industry.
New Delhi, June 22 : With 17 opposition parties on Thursday picking former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to take on NDA's Ram Nath Kovind, the stage is set for a Dalit-versus-Dalit contest for the country's top constitutional post.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, earlier in the day, announced the name of party leader Meira Kumar at a meeting of the 17 parties including the Left, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), DMK and the National Conference.

"We have unanimously chosen Meira Kumar, a former Union Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker, as presidential candidate," Gandhi announced after the meeting. She urged all political parties to support Meira Kumar.

RJD chief Lalu Yadav said he would talk to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reconsider his support to Kovind. Backing Kovind would be a "historic blunder", he said.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "There could not have been a better candidate than Meira Kumar for the post of President."

Meira Kumar is the daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister and iconic Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram. A lawyer and a former diplomat, she was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

According to informed sources, Gandhi, who chaired the meeting of the opposition parties, first asked Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar to speak.

Pawar proposed three names -- Meira Kumar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Bhalchandra Mungekar -- all Dalit leaders.

Pawar was keen on Shinde but the "sense of the gathering" ultimately went with Meira Kumar.

The sources said Gandhi as well as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati supported Meira Kumar's candidature on Wednesday.

The opposition on Wednesday suffered a blow as the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) announced support for National Democratic Alliance nominee Kovind.

Asked about Nitish Kumar's decision, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad said it was "not a fight of personalities, but that of ideology".

"Nitish Kumar said he has decided to back Kovind because he is a nice person and has been very good as Bihar Governor. But this is not a fight of personalities. We are not supporting or opposing a person.

"Our fight is of ideology and Lalu Prasad will never back out of this fight, come what may," he said.

But the JD-U decision won't have an impact on the RJD-JDU alliance in Bihar, he added.

"I will speak to Nitish Kumar and try to persuade him to reconsider this decision, to not make this historic blunder (of backing Kovind)."

Asked about Nitish Kumar's support for Kovind, Gandhi said: "I am not upset with anybody. I appeal to all political parties to support our candidate."

Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel brushed aside as "rumours" reports that his party may go with the NDA.

BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra said: "Mayawati-ji had said that if the opposition proposes a better Dalit candidate (than Kovind), we would support that candidate. Today she gave her consent for the name that came up."

The CPI-M proposed the name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, but he ruled himself out of the race after the BJP announced Kovind's name.

CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said: "From among Meira Kumar, Bhalchandra Mungekar, Prakash Ambedkar and Shinde, everyone agreed on Meira Kumar's name without any reservation whatsoever."

The NDA, including Shiv Sena and the Peoples Democratic Party of Jammu and Kashmir, which has extended support to Kovind, commands the support of 48.93 per cent in the electoral college made up of MPs and MLAs.

With the backing of non-NDA parties like TRS (2 per cent), AIADMK (5.39 per cent), YSR Congress (1.53 per cent) and BJD (2.99 per cent), the NDA's support will cross the half-way mark comfortably to reach nearly 63 per cent, with JD-U contributing 1.91 per cent.
New Delhi, June 22 : As RJD chief Lalu Prasad appealed to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision to support NDA Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind, the JD-U on Thursday ruled out any change in its stance.

The Janata Dal-United, which is in the ruling alliance in Bihar along with the Rashriya Janata Dal and the Congress, said it had arrived at the decision on Wednesday "after considering all aspects".

The decision to support Kovind was taken after looking into all aspects, JD-U spokesperson K.C. Tyagi told IANS.

"And political decisions are not changed all the time," Tyagi, a Rajya Sabha member, said.

Tyagi's remarks came soon after Lalu Prasad appealed to JD-U President Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision after 17 opposition parties announced former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as their presidential candidate.

Earlier, on June 19, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah announced Kovind as the National Democratic Alliance nominee for the July 17 presidential election.
The Hague (Netherlands), June 22 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday appealed to the Bengali community here to bring software industries.

"Our young generation is in the software industry which is an important sector. We have IT parks and land is also available. We will provide facilities within our capabilities. We have lot of scope for the industry," she said, adding that state had no man-days lost.

Banerjee, who is accompanied by a high powered official and business delegation, is in the Netherlands to participate in the United Nations Public Service Forum as a speaker.

"In order to bring Bengali community as well as Indians living across the countries in the world with one platform, the state can think of a portal or website," she said at the interactive session with Bengali diaspora.

Inviting the Bengali community here to participate in the next year's Bengal Business Summit, she said the state had introduced Biswa Bangla Sharad Samman with an objective to take Durga Puja to different parts of the world.

She also appealed to Dutch investors, along with Italian and German industrialists, to invest in the state.
Bengaluru, June 22 : Leading agrochemical firm Crystal Crop Protection Ltd is foraying into Karnataka to hardsell five types of pesticides, including insecticides and fungicides, to protect crops and boost productivity, said a company official on Thursday.

"We are introducing five types of pesticides, including insecticide, fungicide and miticide to Karnataka farmers for protecting their crops from pests, insects and other diseases and enhance productivity," Crystal Managing Director Ankur Agarwal told reporters at a pre-launch event here.

Insecticide controls caterpillars and mites, miticide minimises the menace of mites, azotrix to controls blast in paddy crop, toggle plus is a bio stimulant and a soil conditioner to unlock soil potential and ensure higher yield.

With the latest offerings, the Delhi-based company hopes to strengthen its presence in the southern state.

In 2016, the company introduced seven products that improved the farm landscape across the country.

"We are launching these products to help farmers sustain their crop growth and become prosperous," said Agarwal.

Miticide is a blue triangle product which will be extremely useful for farmers, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab, where mite infestation is a major problem.

"These new products are part of the integrated crop solutions being promoted by Crystal specialists and will certainly make our offerings to farmers more robust. They will enhance Crystal's brand value as an established agrochemical that believes in bringing farmers the best of innovations," Crystal's Senior Vice President (Marketing) M.C. Shukla said.
New Delhi, June 22 : The Indian proposal for inclusion of mandatory evaluation of Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) configuration for 5G technology has been approved by a global telecom organisation, COAI said on Thursday.

"At the ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union - Radiocommunications) terrestrial radio systems (WP5D) meeting held in Canada, the Indian delegation championed the mandatory evaluation of a configuration called LMLC," the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said in a release here.

The delegation comprised members of Telecom Engineering Center (TEC), research wing of Department of Telecom, COAI, Telecommunications Standards Development Society India, industry and academia.

"This will be an evaluation scenario which new radio systems will need to satisfy for qualifying as 5G. This configuration is specifically designed with rural India in mind, and is likely to become a game changer," it said.

"The COAI, with its members, will be working with the Indian administration and other stakeholders to pursue this further in the third-generation partnership project (3GPP), a telecom standard setting body, and ensure that the support for LMLC in the 5G specification is created," it added.

Noting that only 13 per cent of India's rural population has access to Internet, COAI said: "Connecting rural India with high-speed mobile broadband to become reality soon."

"It is becoming clear that by 2020, the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN), recently rechristened as BharatNet, would have reached all the 250,000 gram panchayats in the country."

In 2012, ITU-R embarked on a programme to develop "IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication) for 2020 and beyond", for catalysing 5G research activities around the world.
New Delhi, June 22 : The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved amendment to a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with Netherlands by incorporating the "country of residence" principle in the said agreement.

"The amended SSA between India and the Netherlands, when operational from the third month from the date of notifying the said amendment to the Netherlands by India, will strengthen bilateral ties and continue to favourably impact profitability and competitive position of Indian and Dutch companies with foreign operations in either country by reducing their cost of doing business abroad," an official statement issued here said.

The SSA, which has been in successful operation since June 2010 and has benefitted Indian expatriates in Netherlands, will also help promote more investment flows between the two countries, it added.

Under the new Social Security (Country of Residence) Act, the amount of benefit or allowance paid to a qualified beneficiary (read as Dutch national) is adjusted to the cost of living of the country where the beneficiary is currently residing.

India has signed and operationalised SSAs with 18 countries - Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and South Korea.
Bengaluru, June 22 : The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to extend Namma 100, a re-christened and upgraded emergency response service Dial 100 of Bengaluru police, to all 30 districts in the state.

"The emergency response service Dial 100 will be extended to all districts at an estimated cost of Rs 13.73 crore. The central government will contributed Rs 8.73 crore and the remaining by Karnataka," Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra told reporters here.

On June 10, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched Namma 100.

The state government spent Rs 30 crore to implement the upgraded emergency response service in Bengaluru.

It has 100 phone lines as against 20 of Dial 100. Around 275 employees have been attending to 8,000 calls every day as against around 3,000 calls received by Dial 100.

Namma 100 aims to be the go-to telephone number for emergency services, much like 911 in the US and 999 in Britain. It will also cater to people seeking help on social media.

The service aims to drastically reduce the time to address a complaint and rush police patrol cars to crime spots.

The Police Control Room staff will take just two minutes to note a complaint and a mere 30 seconds to alert the nearest police patrol car to reach the spot.

The staff will be able to identify the exact location of the caller with an enhanced Global Positioning System (GPS) and assisted real-time technology with the help of the Telecom Department.

Namma 100 has added features. One can dial 100 and press one for police, two for traffic, and three for enquiry and appointments.

"The Cabinet also decided to install closed-circuit television cameras at 774 police stations and 35 offices of Commissioner of Police and District Superintendent of Police," Jayachandra said.
The Manhattan West project involved erecting a massive precast concrete platform over the rail tracks leading into Penn Station without disrupting 55 rail lines that ran underneath. Due to the strength of precast concrete, no additional supports were needed. And because precast concrete is noncombustible, no fireproofing was necessary.

How does one build a plaza over the busiest set of railroad tracks in the busiest city in America  without bringing traffic to a screeching halt? Use a precast concrete design. Thats exactly what happened for the Manhattan West project, located over the tracks leading into Penn Station in Manhattan borough, New York City. Jersey Precast Corporation, a Mid-Atlantic Precast Association (MAPA) producer member, was a partner in the project, which received industry honors.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Manhattan West project involved erecting a massive platform over the rail tracks leading into Penn Station without disrupting the 55 rail lines that ran constantly underneath. The number of trains passing on these tracks is unbelievable, shared Amir Ulislam of Jersey Precast.

Along with not stopping traffic, a key component of the project was finding a way to span the 240 feet (73 m) without installing intermediate steel columns, which would be too close to the rails to be safe. The structure also needed to be highly fire resistant. The project designer achieved all these high-performance goals using massive precast concrete spans in a segmental box and lift design. Each span consists of between 36 and 37 segments that weigh 1100 tons (98 kN) in total.

Due to the strength of precast concrete, no additional supports were needed. And because precast concrete is noncombustible, no fireproofing was necessary. If we had gone with a steel design, we would have needed extra support columns, and a lot of fireproofing, shared Ulislam.

The project also included a 2400 ton (21,000 kN) launching gantry, which was designed by DEAL, a subsidiary of Rizzani de Eccher, USA, the general contractor for the project.

PRECAST SOLUTION

A total of 612 precast concrete pieces were manufactured at the Jersey Precast facility in Hamilton, NJ. Each piece weighed roughly 56 tons (500 kN). They were delivered into Manhattan by trucks over the course of five months, where the erection crew assembled them overnight when there is minimal train traffic. Getting the pieces to the site proved to be a challenge. Because of different state transportation laws regarding movement of oversized loads, each truck had to cover the first leg of the trip through New Jersey during the day, and then wait at the George Washington Bridge until dusk to finish the trip into Manhattan. It took a lot of planning and coordination to make it work, Ulislam shared.

In the end, the owner and all key stakeholders were thrilled that the project was successfully completed without interrupting rail service. The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) presented Jersey Precast with the 2015 Design Award for Best Custom Solution.

For video content and a project photo gallery, visit the Manhattan West Project Profile on the MAPA website.

PROJECT AT-A-GLANCE

Location: New York, NY

Precaster: Jersey Precast Corporation (Hamilton Twp, NJ)

Owner: Brookfield Office Properties (New York, NY)

Architect: Skidmore Owings & Merrill (New York, NY)

Engineer: Entuitive (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Specialty Precast Engineer: McNary, Bergeron and Associates (Broomfield, CO)

Contractor: Turner Construction Company (New York, NY)

Project Cost: $70 million

Size: 130,000 square feet (12,100 meters squared), including 612 pieces of precast concrete segments weighing approx. 56 tons each

Structural Precast Elements: Precast concrete segments span 240 feet (73 m) over 55 sets of rail tracks, eliminating the need to place steel columns on the railroad floor

ABOUT MID-ATLANTIC PRECAST ASSOCIATION

The Mid-Atlantic Precast Association (MAPA) is a professional marketing organization committed to the growth and greater profitability of the Precast Industry in the Mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 1978, MAPA is comprised of 13 prestressed/precast producer member firms located throughout the Mid-Atlantic States, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The organization is closely associated with the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) and has over 50 associate member companies that produce a variety of concrete industry related products. For more information, visit http://www.mapaprecast.org.
Roy Palk In the modern energy economy, bottlenecks are a false choice. We need an active FERC that will catalyze the growth and evolution of the U.S. energy sector.

Critics lambaste the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a rubberstamp for pipelines, but re-establishing a quorum on the commission is critical for the entire energy sectoralternative sources included, veteran energy industry attorney Roy M. Palk, Senior Energy Industry Advisor for LeClairRyan, asserts in a June 19 column at EnergyCentral.com.

In fact, FERCs mandate is quite broad, writes Palk, who is based in the national law firms Glen Allen, Va., office. It includes, not just the interstate movement of electricity and gas, but also many other issues related to big-picture integration, including grid security and cyber security.

In the column (Why Shutting Down FERC is No Option for Country), Palk notes that two FERC nominees largely received a positive reception during their Congressional hearings last month. They were Neil Chatterjee, an energy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Robert Powelson, former chair and current member of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission and also president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

However, the nominees treatment by anti-pipeline activists was another matter, Palk writes. Whether their concerns are climate change, water pollution or anything in between, environmental activists continue to protest what they see as FERCs predisposition to approve pipeline projects, he explains. . During the hearings by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, four chanting protesters were actually arrested for the disruptions they created.

But Palk believes the protestors chants to Shut FERC Down! are misguided.

I am a big fan of solar, wind, biogas and other forms of alternative energy, he notes in the column. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that a diverse energy portfolio is the best approach for the country, in terms of jobs, economic growth, affordability and grid-stability  even those states seeking to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible cannot do so without a well regulated and integrated system. We are all in this together.

FERC has been stalled since February when Chairman Norman Bay resigned with two existing vacancies on the 40-year-old panel. On top of that, another commissioner recently announced plans to depart FERC at the end of June.

For the energy sector, Palk notes, those vacancies have been a vexing problem. The lack of a quorum has put gas- and power-related projectsby some estimates worth a total of about $50 billionin limbo for months now, he writes. In the modern energy economy, bottlenecks are a false choice. We need an active FERC that will catalyze the growth and evolution of the U.S. energy sector. I, for one, am heartened that FERC appears to be headed toward wholeness.

The full article is available at http://www.energycentral.com/c/pip/why-%E2%80%98shutting-down-ferc%E2%80%99-no-option-country

About LeClairRyan

As a trusted advisor, LeClairRyan provides business counsel and client representation in corporate law and litigation. In this role, the firm applies its knowledge, insight and skill to help clients achieve their business objectives while managing and minimizing their legal risks, difficulties and expenses. With offices from coast to coast, the firm represents a wide variety of clients nationwide. For more information about LeClairRyan, visit http://www.leclairryan.com.

###

Press Contacts: At Parness & Associates Public Relations, Bill Parness, (732) 290-0121, bparness@parnesspr.com or Lisa Kreda, lkreda(at)parnesspr(dot)com
To ensure an excellent user experience, the redesigned BayRiverRealty.com has become easier to navigate, and includes a facility that lets users search by property type, size, location and price.

Real estate company Bay River Realty has launched a new and improved website with a more user-friendly design for those seeking comprehensive real estate information for Virginias Chesapeake Bay Region, primarily the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula

At BayRiverRealty.com, owner and principal broker Jason Patton highlights the properties and attractions in Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster, Westmoreland, and Essex Counties, with a special focus on Virginia waterfront homes and inland homes, northern neck land, and northern neck farms in these areas.

We already rank high in Google for real estate-related searches for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas of Virginia, says Patton. But we want to be the number one go-to website for users.

Technology has definitely changed the way we conduct real estate sales. When I first entered the business, the internet was just taking off with virtually no one using it to search for homes. Today, nearly all buyers begin their search online, he adds.

Whats on BayRiverRealty.com

To ensure an excellent user experience, the redesigned BayRiverRealty.com has become easier to navigate, and includes a facility that lets users search by property type, size, location and price.

It employs Internet Data Exchange (IDX) solutions, allowing BayRiverRealty.com to work with other brokers to present an even broader selection of properties within its coverage areas.

There are multimedia options such as virtual tours. In-depth information on Northern Neck and Essex County focuses on the recreational, educational, economic, and healthcare options within local communities.

BayRiverRealty.com also includes tools such as a mortgage calculator, an online referral directory, and a glossary of real estate terms, among a host of convenient features. Blog posts contain updated information thats useful to buyers and sellers.

About Jason Patton and Bay River Realty

Realtor Jason Patton has over 24 years of professional experience in real estate. He spent 15 years with United Country Real Estate, a national real estate franchise that provides training, technology, and marketing support to Realtors in rural communities.

During his time with the franchise, he was recognized as one of the nations top Realtors by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the 2003 issue of REALTOR magazine.

He also received top sales awards in his state, division, and in the country, ranking third within United Country Real Estate in 2005.

Patton became an independent broker in 2013.

More information on Jason Patton and the properties he represents can be viewed on BayRiverRealty.com. He entertains questions at telephone number 1-800-641-1263 or via email at JasonPatton(at)BayRiverRealty(dot)com.
The new shopping cart allows users to build a powerful e-commerce store, all in their website builder.

Dynadot LLC, the San Mateo based domain registrar, has announced the addition of shopping cart functionality to their Website Builder product. Customers who choose the upgraded Business plan will be able to build a fully functional e-commerce website with Dynadot tools.

It can be frustrating for a small shop to start selling their products online, said Luke Burgess, Lead Designer at Dynadot. Our fully featured website builder comes complete with robust, easy to use shopping cart functionality at a low price.

Shopping cart functionality is the latest update to the Website Builder following the addition of a code editor, advanced SEO settings and an email platform amongst other updates in 2015.

Dynadots Site Builder is available in three packages: Free, Pro ($5/mo) and Business ($15/mo). More information on Website Builder is available here. When paired with a domain extension such as .STORE, Dynadot users can now build the ideal e-commerce store, all in one place.

About Dynadot:

Dynadot is an ICANN accredited domain name registrar and web host. Founded in 2002 by a software engineer, our primary focus is engineering and design excellence. Our custom written, state-of-the-art domain and hosting software is stable, fast, and easy to use. In just a few clicks, our website builder allows you to create robust, stylish websites with intuitive tools that require no coding. From humble beginnings, we have grown steadily and now serve thousands of customers from 108 different countries around the world.
IMSTA FESTA is an annual celebration of music technology hosted by SAE Institute The panels are always insightful, and the presenters are engaging and possess an exceptional understanding of the industry.

In partnership with The International Music Software Trade Association (IMSTA), SAE Institute Chicago will host IMSTA FESTA, an annual celebration of music technology, on Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 11:00am  6:00pm.

IMSTA FESTA is a free educational, relationship-building, and networking event for the music-making community. Music producers and anyone interested in the art of making music are able to learn about new techniques in music production, discuss legal software use, and interact with highly-recognized music producers, audio engineers, and top music technology companies.

This exciting 1-day event featuring educational panel discussions, master classes, vendor demos, and prizes is set to include attendees from all facets of the music industry: professional, semi-professional, amateur musicians, songwriters, music producers, audio engineers, as well as music students and educators. IMSTA FESTA allows creative minds to learn from and meet one-on-one with the industrys premier music makers.

"We are honored to partner with IMSTA FESTA for the third year in a row, says James Thomas, Campus Director at SAE Institute Chicago. "The panels are always insightful, and the presenters are engaging and possess an exceptional understanding of the industry. IMSTA FESTA Chicago continues to allow attendees to learn about the industry, network with fellow professionals, and hone their craft."

Adding to the excitement of IMSTA FESTA Chicago 2017 is this years keynote and three-time multi-platinum music producer, Rob Lyrical. He is better known for producing A$AP Ferg's Work remix and Shanghai from Nicki Minaj's GRAMMY-nominated project, The Pinkprint.

Highlights of IMSTA FESTA Chicago will include:



Master Class Series where attendees can gain exclusive knowledge on the most coveted products currently on the market, and tips and tricks on how to maximize the efficiency of production tools.

2017 Songwriting Competition: enter your original song for a chance to win the grand prize to visit Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece.

Song reviews and critiques by a music industry expert between 2:00  5:00pm.

Educational Panel sessions featuring music industry experts who will share insights and fresh perspective on music production, and the state of the industry.

Live interactive product demonstrations of the latest studio gear, software, and equipment from a line-up of renowned manufacturers.

Networking with some of the biggest, brightest and best heavy hitters in the music industry, as well as music industry students and educators.

IMSTA FESTA Chicago will be held at the SAE Institute Chicago campus at 820 N. Orleans #125, Chicago, IL 60610 on Saturday July 22, 2017 from 11:00am  6:00pm. Admission is free and open to the public with online registration at imsta.org

About SAE Institute

SAE Institute provides aspiring creative media professionals with a foundation of practical theory and valuable hands-on training in their chosen areas of concentration. Under the guidance of industry-experienced faculty, students gain the essential experience they need for entry-level jobs in the creative media industry. Students are supported in their job searches by SAE Institutes international network of alumni, many of who are leaders in the music, film, game arts, and live performance arenas. SAE Institute offers accredited programs in Audio, Animation, Film, Games, and Music Business focused on preparing students for employment in the creative media industry upon graduation. SAE Institute Group, Inc. is a part of Navitas LTD. Learn more at usa.sae.edu.

About Navitas

Navitas is an Australian global education leader, providing pre-university and university programs, English language courses, migrant education and settlement services, creative media education, student recruitment, professional development, and corporate training services to more than 80,000 students across a network of over 120 colleges and campuses in 31 countries. Learn more at Navitas.com.
"Resilient Communities"

Sunbrella and Architizer announced the winners of the 2017 Future of Shade competition, a call on creative architects and designers from around the world to envision pioneering shade designs to meet the needs of the 21st century and beyond.

The 2017 competition received 348 submissions from more than 30 countries. The wide range of entries challenges conventional notions of how fabric can be used to make exciting, emotionally connected and functional spaces.

We are extremely proud to support innovative thinking around shade solutions, said Vince Hankins, industrial business manager for Sunbrella. This years winning entries are a testament to the impact shade can have on society. Were inspired by the ideas and forward thinking of each submission.

The Future of Shade competition offered three unique categories with distinct challenges where shade plays a critical role in the solution: Humanitarian, Well-Being and Building Shade.

The Grand Prize Winner in the Humanitarian category was Resilient Communities by Felipe Guerrero Castillo from Colombia. Resilient Communities is a system of architectural modules called Endure Module System designed to provide community, shelter, and cleanliness and hygiene via light, easily deployed living units, water/dew collection structures and portable toilet shelters made of fabric for people displaced by war and natural disasters. An Honorable Mention went to Tent-to-Farm by Vignesh Harikrishnan from India.

In the Well-Being category, the Grand Prize Winner was Reuse | Revive | Repopulate by Rafael Duailibe dos Santos from Brazil. It envisions repurposing old, dilapidated buildings, whose roofs have collapsed, into community spaces by adding a grid fabric shade structure in place of the roof, contoured landscaping and chair swings. An Honorable Mention went to Cooling Tower by Carlos Cuenca Solana from Ecuador. A Jurors Choice award went to Discover by Enrique Ramirez and Alessandra Farias of Peru.

The Grand Prize Winner in the Building Shade category was Light Skin by Arman Hadilou from Berkeley, California. Light Skin is a unique building facade system of fabric ribbons designed to improve the buildings energy efficiency through light control and a new skin that transforms a boring facade into something compelling. An Honorable Mention went to Cotton Hill by Sergii Borodenko and Aljona Kolesznikova from Milan, Italy. Jurors Choice awards went to Frames to Shams-Ol-Emareh, by Zahra Noori Jamshidi of Tehran, Iran, and Invertible Shade by Ehasn Fatehifar of Germany.

I was fascinated by where entrants allowed their imaginations to lead them in rethinking shade, said Jury Member Jim Miller, owner of J. Miller Canvas, a shade fabrication company in Southern California. As a fabricator of shade structures, I like to push the envelope, and its inspiring to see architects and designers push even further to create unique designs that solve problems, while also adding aesthetic value to a space.

The 2017 winners were selected by Sean Anderson, associate curator of architecture and design at the MoMA, Alicia Ajayi, design associate at MASS Design Group and Jim Miller of J. Miller Canvas. Architizer CEO Marc Kushner served as moderator. Each grand prize winner will receive $10,000, for a total of $30,000 in cash prizes.

ABOUT SUNBRELLA FABRICS

Sunbrella has revolutionized the way the world thinks about how beautiful fabrics look, feel and perform. With an inspired palette of colors, styles and textures, premium Sunbrella fabric gives consumers, designers and architects the material they need to create the extraordinary in marine, shade, indoor upholstery, outdoor upholstery, commercial and contract applications.

Versatile in style and function, Sunbrella fabrics create welcoming spaces indoors and out, offering durability, fade resistance and ease of cleaning. They also offer peace of mind; Sunbrella fabrics have achieved GREENGUARD GOLD certification as contributing to healthy indoor air quality.

Introduced in 1961, Sunbrella fabrics are manufactured and marketed by Glen Raven, Inc., a 135-year-old family-owned company based in North Carolina with operations worldwide. For more information on Sunbrella, including inspiration, fabric collections and where to buy, visit sunbrella.com.

High-res images are available in the Sunbrella Press Room.
Joining AssuredPartners will allow us to continue with our vision of transforming the industry one client at a time while we continue to have fun, stay innovative and stay strategically focused. said Alkali CEO Steven Neuner.

AssuredPartners, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Alkali Benefits and Insurance Services of Plano, Texas. Alkali is a full service insurance broker with a focus on Employee Benefits services. The staff of 18 will remain under the leadership of Founder and CEO Steven Neuner. The agency currently reports approximately $2.4 million in revenues.

Alkalis unique process, The Empowered AdvantageTM, helps businesses and individuals more effectively buy and manage their insurance, said Alkali CEO Steven Neuner. Joining AssuredPartners will allow us to continue with our vision of transforming the industry one client at a time while we continue to have fun, stay innovative and stay strategically focused.

President and Chief Operating Officer of AssuredPartners, Tom Riley, stated, Alkali is a Texas based independent insurance broker, outsourcing service provider, and consulting firm that leverages its innovative processes and unique team member abilities to educate businesses, employers, individuals, and families on insurance. We are pleased to have the employees and clients of Alkali join AssuredPartners.

For more information about Alkali, please visit: http://www.alkaliservices.com.

ABOUT ASSUREDPARTNERS, INC

Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida and led by Jim Henderson and Tom Riley, AssuredPartners, Inc. acquires and invests in insurance brokerage businesses (property and casualty, employee benefits, surety and MGUs) across the United States and in London. From its founding in March of 2011, AssuredPartners has grown to over $865 million in annualized revenue and continues to be one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage firms in the United States* with over 190 offices in 30 states, Canada and London. Since 2011, AssuredPartners has acquired more than 170 insurance agencies. For more information, please contact Dean Curtis, CFO, at 407.708.0031 or dcurtis(at)assuredptr.com, or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.

---

*As ranked by Business Insurance in the July 18, 2016 edition, featuring the 100 largest brokers of U.S. business.
SourceAmerica is pleased to welcome Rep. Joe P. Kennedy III, D-Mass., as the newest AbilityOne Congressional Champion who has pledged his support of the AbilityOne Program. He accepted the award at the SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference June 13 as he addressed the crowd that included people with disabilities, their families and representatives from the nonprofits that employ them.

The progress that has been made because of the dedication of your staff and leadership is extraordinary and at the heart of what so many of us are trying to emulate across the country, Kennedy said. Im thrilled to be here with you.

Conference attendees included 50 people with disabilities working for nonprofits in the SourceAmerica network, family members and staff of nonprofits. For 20 years, SourceAmerica has hosted the event, which includes training for the self-advocates on how to share their personal stories with legislators, meetings with members of Congress and opportunities to connect with their peers.

Kennedy praised the mission of SourceAmerica  creating employment opportunities and choices for people with disabilities  and encouraged the self-advocates to make their voices heard.

"So Im here today more than anything else to say thank you," he said. "But also to urge you over your time here in Washington to raise those voices. Have that meeting. Invite a member of Congress, a member of the Senate to your facility. Have them walk through and look at the incredible work of the staff, the incredible potential of the clients."

As an AbilityOne Champion, Kennedy is now one of more than 150 congressional representatives who has publicly shared their support of the program employing more than 45,000 people with disabilities. Kennedy has visited Work Inc., a Boston-area nonprofit employing people with disabilities in a variety of positions throughout the Boston area and Kennedys 4th Congressional District. Kennedy has also had numerous visits with the staff and leadership of the organization.

For more information, visit http://www.sourceamerica.org.

###

About SourceAmerica

Established in 1974, SourceAmerica creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce of people with significant disabilities. SourceAmerica is the vital link between the federal government and private sector organizations that procure the products and services provided by this exceptional workforce via a network of more than 700 community-based nonprofits. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, SourceAmerica provides its nonprofit agency network with business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful nonprofit management. SourceAmerica is an AbilityOne-authorized enterprise.
It is an honor to be recognized on such a list as the 2017 Solution Provider 500: Newcomers list. We pride ourselves in such rankings and are thrilled to be mentioned among the other respected companies, said Paul H. Griswold, President & CEO of FLTG.

Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. (FLTG), announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. to its 2017 Solution Provider 500 list. The Solution Provider 500 is CRNs annual ranking of the largest technology integrators, solution providers and IT consultants in North America by revenue.

The Solution Provider 500 is CRNs predominant channel partner award list, serving as the industry standard for recognition of the most successful solution provider companies in the channel since 1995. This year, for the first time since 2010, the complete list will be published on CRN.com, making it readily available to vendors seeking out top solution providers to partner with.

CRN has also released its 2017 Solution Provider 500: Newcomers list, recognizing 58 companies making their debut in the Solution Provider 500 ranking this year.

It is an honor to be recognized on such a list as the 2017 Solution Provider 500: Newcomers list. We pride ourselves in such rankings and are thrilled to be mentioned among the other respected companies, said Paul H. Griswold, President & CEO of FLTG.

CRNs Solution Provider 500 list spotlights the North American IT channel partner organizations that have earned the highest revenue over the past year, providing a valuable resource to vendors looking for top solution providers to partner with, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. The companies on this years list represent an incredible, combined revenue of over $318 billion, a sum that attests to their success in staying ahead of rapidly changing market demands. We extend our sincerest congratulations to each of these top-performing solution providers and look forward to their future pursuits and successes.

The complete 2017 Solution Provider 500 list will be available online at http://www.crn.com/sp500 and a sample from the list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine.

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

Tweet This:

@TheChannelCo names Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. to @CRN 2017 SP500 list #CRNSP500 http://www.crn.com/sp500

About Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc.

Finger Lakes Technologies Group Inc. (fltg.com) provides state-of-the-art voice, data and Internet solutions to business customers across New York State and Pennsylvania. The company is certified in all Cisco solutions and has built its own 2,500-mile, fiber-optic network to serve the Finger Lakes region. A subsidiary of Ontario and Trumansburg Telephone Companies, FLTG brings to its customers a more-than-100-year history in telecommunications. Headquartered in Victor, FLTG employs 140 people and has offices in Buffalo, Binghamton, Norwich, Phelps, Romulus and Trumansburg.

http://www.fltg.com/

Ashley Gustafson

Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc.

http://www.fltg.com/

ashleyg(at)fltg(dot)com

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com

Melanie Turpin

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1195

mturpin(at)thechannelco(dot)com

###
NuCurrent has spent over 8 years developing the worlds thinnest, highest performance, printed wireless power antennas so that wireless charging is possible for mass adoption by consumers. ~ Jacob Babcock, CEO, NuCurrent

NuCurrent, the world leader of thin, high quality (Q) factor, printed wireless power transfer antennas, electronic modules and solutions, announces that FlexTech has named NuCurrent a 2017 FLEXI Awards winner for the Product Innovation Award. The FLEXIs, now in their 8th year, recognize outstanding achievements of organizations and individuals in the flexible hybrid electronics sector in the categories of R&D, Innovation and Commercialization, Industry Leadership, and Education Leadership. Winners were announced at 2017FLEX on June 20 in Monterey, California.

The 2017 FLEXIs are sponsored and presented by Lockheed Martin and are open to any organization involved with the flexible and printed electronics industry. Nominations for the Product Innovation Award are evaluated on the product design and ingenuity, market adoption and revenue generation. The FLEXI nominations are reviewed and judged by an independent committee of industry and academic experts. Past award winners include Corning, Xerox, MC10 and HP.

Congratulations to NuCurrent for their Product Innovation Award at this year's FLEXI Awards, said Michael Ciesinski, President of FlexTech, a SEMI Strategic Association Partner. Their printed antennas for wireless power transfer are an excellent example of the innovative new ways to use and incorporate flexible and printed technology in our everyday lives."

We are honored to be recognized by FlexTech as this years Product Innovation Award winner, said Jacob Babcock, CEO, NuCurrent. We believe this is another validation of our high-efficiency antennas and the void we fill in the marketplace for wireless power capabilities in electronics  from mobile phones, wearables, IoT to cars  without sacrificing size, performance or charge times. NuCurrent has spent over 8 years developing the worlds thinnest, highest performance, printed wireless power antennas so that wireless charging is possible for mass adoption by consumers.

NuCurrent was recently named IoT Breakthrough Awards M2M Embedded Hardware Company of the Year and a finalist for two 2016 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards (Industry Disrupter and Technologist of the Year), which honors companies and individuals whose innovation and success drive growth in the technology industry and in Illinois. The company was also named a Chicago Inno 2016 50 on Fire Winner, which honor the years most groundbreaking individuals and organizations across industries in the Chicago area, and a winner of the 2015 Chicago Innovation Up-and-Comer Awards. NuCurrent was also named No. 1 on the 2015 Crains Chicago Business Eureka Index with the highest per-capita patent output of any company in Illinois. The company was also listed in the top 10 percent overall in patent quality score, which considers the uniqueness of the invention covered by a patent and other important factors.

To view the 2017 FLEXI Awards winners, visit http://www.semi.org/en/award-winners-announced-2017flex. To learn more about NuCurrent, please contact info(at)nucurrent(dot)com or visit http://nucurrent.com.

About NuCurrent

NuCurrent is a leading developer of high-efficiency antennas, electronic modules and systems for wireless power applications. Frequency independent and frequency compliant across Wireless Power Consortium (Qi) and AirFuel AllianceTM (formally PMA and A4WP standards), NuCurrent works closely with electronic device OEMs and integrators to custom-design, rapid-prototype and integrate high Quality (Q) Factor antennas, modules and systems for a broad range of applications. NuCurrents patented structures, proprietary tools and design techniques mitigate typical high frequency effects, offering higher efficiency, smaller sizes, higher durability and lower wireless power system cost development. Based in Chicago, NuCurrent has been defining the leading edge of wireless power design since 2009 and has over 50 patents granted or pending worldwide. For more information, visit http://nucurrent.com and follow us on Twitter at @NuCurrentTweets.

About FlexTech

FlexTech, a SEMI Strategic Association Partner, is focused on growth, profitability, and success throughout the manufacturing and distribution chain of flexible hybrid electronics, by developing solutions for advancing these technologies from R&D to commercialization. Visit FlexTech at http://www.flextech.org and follow FlexTech on LinkedIn and Twitter.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) announced today that Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) has signed on as its first ever NVTC Academic Partner. This new partnership reflects NVTC and NOVAs joint commitment to ensuring the Northern Virginia region has a robust pipeline of highly-skilled information technology workers.

Recognizing the tremendous impact of the information technology sector, both currently and in the future, it is critical for educational institutions and businesses to partner together to attract and retain a talented workforce. This innovative partnership will better align training and workforce needs within the Northern Virginia region, ultimately allowing businesses to remain economically competitive. In addition to positively impacting the business community, this partnership will better prepare students to enter the labor market, as NOVA will flex with changing employer demands to enhance and grow new programs to ensure individuals are equipped with the real-time skills needed on the job.

The regions universities and community colleges have been active participants and leaders in the NVTC community, said NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg. With this new partnership, Northern Virginia Community College is affirming its willingness to support the workforce needs of the regions technology community.

The Washington, D.C. metro area, with 161,000 information technology job advertisements over the last 12 months, is the second largest region in the country for employers seeking IT workers. Additionally, job growth in the information technology field is projected to increase by 1.7% annually over the next 10 years, adding 34,000 new IT jobs to the region's economy by 2027.

In addition to support for many of NVTCs year-round events and programs, NOVAs Academic Partnership includes sponsorship of NVTCs Tech Talent Initiative, which aims to address the workforce challenges of NVTC members and the Greater Washington technology community.

We are proud to be NVTCs inaugural Academic Partner, said Northern Virginia Community College President Dr. Scott Ralls. NOVA is committed to creating a workforce pipeline that meets both the capacity and the competency requirements that are driving our regional economy. Partnering more closely with NVTC and its members will allow us to develop programs, curriculum and content that align with the needs of the regions technology employers.

# # #

About NVTC

The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. As the largest technology council in the nation, NVTC serves about 1,000 companies from all sectors of the technology industry, as well as service providers, universities, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Through its member companies, NVTC represents about 300,000 employees in the region. NVTC is recognized as the nation's leader in providing its technology community with networking and educational events; specialized services and benefits; public policy advocacy; branding of its region as a major global technology center; initiatives in targeted business sectors and in the international, entrepreneurship, workforce and education arenas; and the NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that supports the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative and other priorities within Virginia's technology community. Visit NVTC at http://www.nvtc.org.

ABOUT NOVA

Northern Virginia Community College is the largest institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of Americas largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 75,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and through the Extended Learning Institute. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit the Colleges website, http://www.nvcc.edu.
Pariveda Solutions, a leading provider of strategic consulting services and technology solutions expertise, has been ranked 39th on The Dallas Business Journals 2016 Middle Market 50 list. This ranking represents the second year in a row for Pariveda to be honored as part of the Middle Market 50.

Each year, The Dallas Business Journal sets out to identify the fastest-growing middle market companies in North Texas. Known as the Middle Market 50, this list includes both public and private companies with annual revenue between $25 million and $750 million, based on revenue growth over a three-year period.

It is a great achievement for our Dallas office to make this list for the second year in a row, said Bruce Ballengee, Pariveda CEO. We are on an infinite journey, with each year presenting us with new opportunities to learn, grow and adapt in our quest to build a sustainable company with a mission of helping employees and clients achieve their fullest potential.

This accomplishment attests to Parivedas culture where our employees focus on behavior necessary to build a company for the long run, said Susan Paul, Office Managing Vice President of the Dallas office. We continue to innovate and grow, a result of our commitment to developing the talent of our people while consistently providing strategic solutions to our clients.

The official rankings were announced on Thursday, June 15, during a special event at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas.

About Dallas Business Journal

Founded in 1977, Dallas Business Journal is the leading source for local business news, research, and events in the DFW area.

In addition to our weekly print publication, we also offer a digital edition, the annual Book of Lists, free Daily Email Update and other industry specific newsletters, and networking and awards events including the Best Places to Work, 40 Under Forty, Best Real Estate Deals, and Women in Business.

We are a division of American City Business Journals, the country's largest publisher of business publications. It is owned by Advance Publications, a private publishing company that also owns Conde Nast magazines and Newhouse Newspapers.

About Pariveda Solutions

Pariveda Solutions, Inc. is a leading management consulting firm specializing in improving our clients performance. We are complex problem solvers who provide strategic consulting services and custom application development solutions for mobility, cloud computing, data, portals and collaboration, CRM, custom software, enterprise integration and user experience needs of our clients.

Pariveda Solutions and The Business of IT are trademarks of Pariveda Solutions, Inc., Dallas, Texas, USA.
"I was proud to once again represent the American Society of Retina Specialists as a delegate," Dr. Davis said. "It is my hope that my contributions lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and physicians alike."

Michael Davis, MD, with Acuity Eye Specialists and Retina Institute was honored to attend the annual American Medical Association (AMA) meeting in Chicago, Illinois, as a delegate for the American Society of Retina Specialists.

Dr. Davis, along with other medical professionals in a wide variety of fields discussed and established policy on medical, health, professional, and governance matters within AMA. "I was proud to once again represent the American Society of Retina Specialists as a delegate," Dr. Davis said. "It is my hope that my contributions lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and physicians alike."

The American Medical Association strives towards creating the best possible outcomes for patients in the sustainable physician practice arena. The event went on from Friday, June 9th to Wednesday, June 14th, 2017.

Issues discussed this year included:



Physicians role in social media and patient communication

The best way to respond to our nations opioid epidemic.

Ways of combating professional burnout, including harnessing mindfulness techniques

Health policy and intersectionality, including roles in minority and LGBTQ communities

Another major topic of discussion was the American Health Care Act, new legislation recently passed in the House that repeals and replaces key components of the Affordable Care Act. While its future is uncertain, its impact on patients, providers, and insurance companies would be significant.

About Acuity Eye Specialists and Retina Institute

At Acuity Eye Specialists, we are committed to helping ophthalmologists and optometrists realize their full potential while providing best-in-class patient care to all those in need. We are experts in the business of ophthalmology with years of experience in the industry, a world-class surgeon as our founder, and an unwavering commitment to helping both established practice owners and young professionals further their ophthalmic careers. To further our ability to care for our patients, Retina Institute is a member of Acuity Eye Specialists. This means that we have the unique ability to offer our patients access to an elite team of retina specialists who focus on retina diseases, surgery, ocular oncology and more. This rare partnership assures patients get the greatest comprehensive eye care with a single point of coordination. Headquartered in Pasadena, CA, the Company offers access to ophthalmology, optometry and retina services from Fresno to San Diego.
An advanced certification for comprehensive stroke signifies that our center is providing our patients with the best care thats given anywhere in the country.

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is the first Charlotte hospital to earn The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Associations Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal of Approval and the Heart-Check mark represents symbols of quality from their respective organizations.

With an advanced certification for comprehensive stroke, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center joins an elite group of health care organizations focused on highly specialized stroke care. To be eligible, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards as a Primary Stroke Center and meet additional stringent requirements, including those related to advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments and providing staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.

An advanced certification for comprehensive stroke signifies that our center is providing our patients with the best care thats given anywhere in the country. It means that we have the most advanced expertise and capabilities to treat the most complex stroke and brain bleed cases, including aneurysms, said Dr. Eric Eskioglu, senior vice president, neurosurgeon and service line leader of stroke and neurosciences at Novant Health. At Novant Health, the vision and commitment to one day cure every stroke and prevent every cause of stroke, led the efforts to be the first medical center in Charlotte with this designation.

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center underwent a rigorous on-site review in April 2017, when The Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements. In March 2017, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem was also re-evaluated by The Joint Commission for its Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke designation and successfully recertified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in May 2017. Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center first received this designation in 2012.

Novant Health also joins another elite group of health care systems, including Johns Hopkins, Kaiser Permanente and Mayo Clinic as one of four healthcare systems in the country that have two robust Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Centers.

By achieving this advanced certification, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center has thoroughly demonstrated the greatest level of commitment to the care of its patients with a complex stroke condition, says Dr. Mark R. Chassin, FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president and CEO of The Joint Commission. Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to evaluate the standard of its care for the community it serves.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association congratulates Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center on achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center certification, said Nancy Brown, CEO, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Meeting the standards for Comprehensive Stroke Center certification represents a commitment to deliver high quality care to all patients affected by stroke.

Novant Healths multidisciplinary comprehensive neurosciences team is comprised of neurologists and neurosurgeons that perform stroke interventions, neuro-hospitalists who manage acute neurologic illnesses and neuro-intensivists who care for patients in the intensive care unit. To learn more about Novant Healths neurosciences and stroke program visit NovantHealth.org/strokecenter.

About Novant Health

Novant Health is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient facilities and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Named in 2016 by Beckers Hospital Review as one of the nations 150 best places to work in healthcare, Novant Health network consists of more than 1,500 physicians and over 26,000 employees that provide care at over 470 locations, including 14 medical centers and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the health system serves more than 4.4 million patients annually and in 2016 provided more than $725.5 million in community benefit, including charity care and services. Diversity MBA has recognized the organization as one of the 50 best places for women and managers of diverse background to work and SK&A ranks Novant Health among the top 25 integrated health systems in the nation. Novant Health provides care in Virginia under the joint operating company, Novant Health UVA Health System.
...many of the programs that students take are not giving adequate time for a student to absorb and understand why they are doing a task...

Until now, technical schools have traditionally been behind some of the newer, leaner institutions when it comes to teaching the top skills one needs to succeed in the tech industry.

As long as we continue to wake up every morning to Alexas voice as our alarm, book a ride through Uber, and listen to our lifes soundtrack on Spotify, companies will continue to demand software engineers to build and maintain the apps that power our lives.

Weve spoken extensively with employers hiring coding boot camp graduates and found that their worry is that many of the programs that students take are not giving adequate time for a student to absorb and understand why they are doing a task, but typically are just memorizing a process, shares SCI CEO Jacob Mayhew. SCI-Tech Academy has developed a program that provides a deeper teaching around each topic and extends the learning time from 12 -18 weeks to 33 weeks.

The technology programs are powered by SCI-tech Academy and include Computer Support Specialist, Full-Stack JavaScript, and now their newest program, Software Developer. The course which is offered online, allows for maximum flexibility and allows the student to choose their own learning adventureeither pursuing the .NET or JavaScript pathway. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 13 skill-badges that demonstrate their proficiency in various technologies and programing languages along the way, including Front-End Foundations, and Web Security. Graduates of the program will emerge to excel in an entry-level full-stack software developer role.

And these jobs arent going away. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs are expected to grow at a much faster rate compared to other professions --17% from 2014 till 2024. (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-6)

Members of the media, and anyone interested in learning more about this new program, are welcome to attend the HackerNest Austin Tech Social Happy Hour sponsored by SCI-tech Academy on June 28, 2017 RSVP: http://bit.ly/HackerNest062817.

For more information on Southern Careers Institutes Software Developer program, please visit http://sci-techacademy.com.

About Southern Careers Institute

Southern Careers Institute was founded in 1960 in Austin, TX. Since opening its doors, SCI has expanded its facilities to include seven campuses located in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio (North Campus), and San Antonio (South Campus) plus virtual courses offered online. SCI has offered medical and business programs since 1992, and today, SCI offers a variety of programs in the fields of medical, pharmacy, business, technology and trades. In 2016, SCI launched SCI-tech Academy, a collection of career training programs focused on the technology sector which offers programs online as well as at several of SCIs campuses.

Southern Careers Institute has also developed a laser focus on making students more marketable with customized and employer tailored programs. We call our approach The SCI Edge, and it makes our students as competitive as those of any accredited colleges or technical schools in Texas.

For more information, contact:

Adrian De La Garza, Executive Director of Marketing and Analytics

Southern Careers Institute

512-437-7543

adrian.delagarza(at)scitexas.edu

http://www.scitexas.edu/
For the 5th consecutive year, Capterra has named Computer Resources MMS Student Information Platform to their Top 20 list.

Capterra recently updated the Top 20 Most Popular School Administration Software report, said Rachel Wille Senior Product Research Analyst at Capterra, a trusted resource for school management. The report uses a unique equation to determine the top 20 most popular school admin solutions on the market today. In the 2017 update, MMS jumped from 15th to 14th. This jump was due to a significant increase in users since the June 2016 version of the report.

According to Patrick Grace, Product Manager at Computer Resources, developers of the MMS Student Information Platform, Computer Resources supports the best learning environments. Our expertise in driving family engagement, displaying real-time data, and providing a better overall user experience, makes MMS the choice for school administrators. Best-in-breed for reliability, with a rock-solid infrastructure, its not surprising that MMS keeps growing in popularity.

Key features of the MMS OnLine service include:



CR Family Mobile App for Parents

Vision- Operational Data Store and Teacher Dashboards

A web-based 360 degree student view

Extensive Web Interface Expansion and Integration

Enhanced Parent Communication through the multi-lingual CR Family Portal

Superior data-quality for state and accreditation reporting

Capterra helps companies find the right software by offering the most comprehensive list of business software solutions on the web. Their advanced search capabilities enable users to get unbiased advice about the software that will best suit their companys needs.

About Computer Resources LLC

Computer Resources has been a trusted provider of technology infrastructures for K-12 schools since 1978. Their MMS Student Information Platform provides tools and services to create better learning environments where educators can stay focused on student performance. The modular system gives stakeholders access to the data they need to reach education goals and to maximize school funding that is vital to their success. The staff at Computer Resources understands school district needs and the goal of administrators to use data to support their students, their schools, and their community.
BookingPal, one of the leading global vacation rental distribution networks, announced a new partnership with MP-Concept. MP-Concept is a cloud based vacation rental software designer who created Helios, a property management system centered on simplicity and ease of use.

"MP-Concept keeps delivering solutions for vacation rental managers to save time and book more, says MP-Concept CEO and Founder Jean-Claude Poirel. By partnering with BookingPal, we are very glad to expand our distribution network to millions of travelers and add more services to help save precious time while providing a better service."

This new partnership will allow vacation rental and holiday letting managers that utilize Helios to have their inventory displayed on and distributed via BookingPals global network of online channel partners and offline travel agents that specialize in vacation rental properties. This expanded distribution capability enables the MP-Concept clients to increase their propertys exposure and drive more occupancy, bookings and revenue while reaching new guests.

We are excited to partner with MP-Concept, says BookingPals VP of Business Development Brian Brown. The partnership and integration between BookingPal and MP-Concept will leverage the power of the BookingPal distribution network on European and American consumer travel websites with the diverse and unique inventory on the MP-Concept software.

About MP-Concept

MP-Concept is a French startup and cloud-based vacation rental software designer. Their goal is to make the lives of vacation rental owners, managers and agencies easier. Whether its managing your booking, generating an invoice, accepting a payment, or issuing a contract, MP-Concept can handle it. Centered on simplicity and ease of use, they have developed an intuitive software that is a friend to owners and managers during each step of the vacation rental management process.

MP-Concept allows users to maintain a centralized calendar that automatically updates websites and supported portals like HomeAway. They have also built a developer API, and with it, a flexible and versatile product. Developers can easily add extra services on top of the software so that MP-Concept works best for you.

About BookingPal

BookingPal is a cloud-based travel technology company providing the vacation rental and holiday letting industry with a global distribution platform that features real-time connectivity between the leading property management software systems and top consumer travel websites in the world.

The BookingPal platform offers Vacation Rental Managers and Property Owners superior revenue opportunities by utilizing proprietary products to optimize distribution capabilities including myOptimize which calculates listing quality and provides key feedback to achieve optimal channel placement and conversion. BookingPal also offers myInquiry which provides a qualified team of reservation agents to handle guest reservation communications.

Website: http://www.mybookingpal.com
Upper Thompson Sanitation District joins the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System We now have information at our fingertips for each bid opportunity and award. The information is fully tracked and auditable.

Upper Thompson Sanitation District announced it has joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. BidNets Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System connects 193 participating agencies from across Colorado. The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System provides a transparent bid process through which the bid is available to all vendors at the same time.

Upper Thompson Sanitation District joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System in June 2017. Upper Thompson Sanitation District will utilize the system to streamline the purchasing process including bid management, bid distribution and vendor relations. The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides 193 Colorado local government agencies the tools needed to have a transparent bid process while minimizing costs and saving time.

The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System expands an agencys vendor pool and enhances vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, all vendors looking to do business with Upper Thompson Sanitation District can register online: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. Upper Thompson Sanitation District invites all interested bidders to register today.

Registered vendors can access open bids, related documents and files, additional addendum and award information from all participating agencies. In addition, the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts.

With one click, Upper Thompson Sanitation District can now see how many vendors match a specific opportunity, how many have downloaded documents, responded and more. Upper Thompson Sanitation District also has its own, branded page on the public side of the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System in which tax payers can view all closed bids and any awarded information.

We now have information at our fingertips for each bid opportunity and award. The information is fully tracked and auditable. Vendors can access documents and addenda right online. And we can see that the vendor has indeed seen the addendum. It is exciting to build on to the transparent office we strive to be by becoming a part of the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, stated Chris Bieker, District Manager, of Upper Thompson Sanitation District.

Vendors may register on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2.

Other local Colorado government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution.

About Upper Thompson Sanitation District:

The Upper Thompson Sanitation District was formed in 1971 to provide wastewater conveyance and treatment to the area surrounding Estes Park, Colorado. The Districts service area is located in Larimer County and completely surrounds the Estes Park Sanitation Districts (EPSDs) service area. The Districts 2.0 MGD wastewater treatment facility is located along the Big Thompson River, downstream of Lake Estes. The Upper Thompson Sanitation District is a governmental enterprise corporation funded primarily through user rates and system development fees.

The Districts wastewater service area includes approximately 90 miles of collection system piping and three lift stations. In addition to the Districts residential and commercial customers, the District provides wastewater service to the YMCA of the Rockies and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

About the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System:

Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a part of BidNets regional Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing Systems available at no cost to local government agencies. With years of input from Procurement Professionals, BidNet specifically developed the bid system to fill the need for a robust bid and supplier management solution for local government agencies. To learn more about the features and module available to government agencies, please visit http://www.SourceSuite.com
Nadine Mellies, PhD Application Specialist, Eppendorf AG

The first human cell line HeLa, established in 1951, has entered cell culture labs worldwide. It took 20 years until the first data on cross-contamination of human cell lines with HeLa cells were published. Until recently, cross-contamination and misidentification of various cell lines has been an increasing issue in cell culture labs and is associated with dramatic consequences for research.

In this educational webinar, which is sponsored by the team at Eppendorf, participants will receive an overview of cell misidentification and what it is. They will learn from discussions on the causes and consequences of cell misidentification. Different methods to check cell identity will also be discussed, as well as best practices in choosing a cell authentication method. Ultimately, attendees will be better able to identify and prevent cell misidentification by incorporating good cell culture practices into daily lab routines.

Eppendorf has arranged to have Dr. Nadine Mellies, an application specialist at Eppendorf AG, to present during this webinar.

Mellies studied biology at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, investigating visual signal processing in the carp retina before earning a doctorate in Biology with a focus on male reproductive biology working with mouse and human stem cells at the Institute of Human Genetics Goettingen, Germany. She currently serves as an application specialist focusing on cell handling at Eppendorf Headquarter.

LabRoots will host this event on June 29, 2017, beginning at 7:00 a.m. PDT, 10:00 a.m. EDT, 4:00 p.m. CEST. To learn more about this webinar, the continuing education credits offered, or to register for free, click here.

About Eppendorf AG

Eppendorf is a leading life science company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid handling, sample handling, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide. Its product range includes pipettes and automated pipetting systems, dispensers, centrifuges, mixers, spectrometers, and DNA amplification equipment as well as ultra-low temperature freezers, fermentors, bioreactors, CO2 incubators, shakers, and cell manipulation systems. Consumables such as pipette tips, cell culture consumables, test tubes, microliter plates, and single-use bioreactor vessels complement the range of highest-quality premium products.

Eppendorf products are most broadly used in academic and commercial research laboratories, e.g., in companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnological as well as the chemical and food industries. They are also aimed at clinical and environmental analysis laboratories, forensics, and at industrial laboratories performing process analysis, production, and quality assurance.

Eppendorf was founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1945 and has more than 3,000 employees worldwide. The company has subsidiaries in 26 countries and is represented in all other markets by distributors.

About LabRoots

LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website, which provides daily scientific trending news and science-themed apparel, as well as produces educational virtual events and webinars, on the latest discoveries and advancements in science. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community.
We are glad to help Yellow Brick Road serve the needs of suffering children and families with our gift, says Tom Stiles, the ISGs Executive Director.

For more than 10 years, the Identification Systems Group has collected donations from its member network to give to an annual charity of its choosing at its ISG Charity Event during their annual spring meeting. Having raised over $230,000 for a variety of non-profit organizations over that span, the ISG continually seeks out organizations primarily focused on providing beneficial services for disadvantaged children.

This year, ISG members set a new record for a single group donation of over $44,000 to be given to Yellow Brick Road, a foundation named after the late Holden Flynn, a child born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) known as Unbalanced Complete Atrioventricular Canal. Because Holden was born without a fully developed heart, he was nicknamed the Tin Man after the character from the Wizard of Oz, and appeared in a documentary by the same name.

The Holden Flynn Foundation is focused on increasing national awareness for CHDs, the most common type of birth defect, as well as raising funds to provide financial assistance to families with children suffering from CHDs in Central Florida who have been hospitalized or displaced while awaiting transplants or surgery. They also sponsor customized wagons with connections for IVs and medical equipment for children who are confined to the hospital as a fun way for them to move about the facilities. Yellow Brick Road is associated with the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, FL.

We are glad to help Yellow Brick Road serve the needs of suffering children and families with our gift, says Tom Stiles, the ISGs Executive Director. Our members were excited to offer this donation to assist the foundation with their goals to increase awareness of common birth defects and help families who are in the midst of such medical challenges.

About ISG

The Identification Systems Group (ISG) is a nationwide network of local identification card system integrators, providing high quality, cost-effective solutions backed by the local support and strength of its Professional Services Certification program. Each company works together to provide seamless nationwide support in the USA and Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.identificationsystemsgroup.com.

About The Holden Flynn Yellow Brick Road Foundation

The mission of the Holden Flynn Foundation is to commit its resources and efforts to increasing the exposure and awareness of congenital heart defects (CHDs), the worlds most common and deadly birth defect, while providing assistance and support to families of hospitalized children with CHDs. For more information, go to http://www.ybrf.org.

PR139
Mercy College has entered a memorandum of understanding with Northeast STEM Starter Academy (NSSA) in Mount Vernon, New York. The partnership between the two organizations means that NSSA students will benefit from Mercy faculty and volunteers who will teach STEM to the students. Additionally, the students will be exposed to STEM activities and have more informed options about the benefits of higher education.

The NSSA works in partnership with public school leadership in Mount Vernon to ensure at-risk students have access to state-of-the-art science and technology resources that prepare them for careers as teachers, scientists, computer technologists, doctors and engineers.

Mercy College Provost Jose Herrera said: Im excited about the opportunity to partner with an organization that, like Mercy College, is committed to driving meaningful change. I am excited about the mutual impact we can have in the lives of students from Mt. Vernon.

NSSA Executive Director Gerald D. Dennis said: As we strive to deliver at-risk, underserved students with access to enhanced STEM learning, our partnering with Mercy College adds significant value. In addition to supporting our mission to address the disparity associated with educational outcomes, the relationship will empower our public-school students with a host of experiences that will encourage college enrollment and securing their degrees.

Among the items settled on in the agreement are:



The Colleges professors and instructors will support NSSAs programmatic efforts for current students and educations

The two institutions will work together to create STEM centered programs for grades 2nd -12th

The two institutions will work together on grants

The NSSA student will be able to participate in various Mercy College STEM activities

About Mercy College

Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education.

Founded in 1950, Mercy offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College challenges its faculty and staff to make higher education work for anyone hungry enough to earn a better place in life. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.

Committed to supporting students throughout their education, Mercy College offers a personalized learning experience that includes the Colleges Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program. PACT is a nationally recognized mentoring program that serves as a model for student success. http://www.mercy.edu/ 877-MERCY-GO.
We are creating a new and better vacation rental experience where travelers have peace of mind that they will have a great stay and owners receive more value from their investment.

Red Herring has presented TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Inc., the third-largest national vacation rental management company, with its prestigious Top 100 North America award that recognizes the most exciting and innovative private technology companies.

We are honored to receive this award that recognizes companies having a positive impact  we believe we are creating a new and better vacation rental experience where travelers have peace of mind that they will have a great stay and owners receive more value from their investment, said TJ Clark, TurnKey co-founder and CEO.

For more than two decades, Red Herrings team has selected winning companies that have become industry benchmarks. Previous Top 100 winners have included Alibaba, Facebook, Google, Skype, Spotify, Twitter and YouTube.

North America has been techs beating heart for years, but never have I seen such an exciting, disruptive and innovative generation as we have in 2017, said Alex Vieux, publisher and chairman of Red Herring. TurnKeys innovative use of technologies and services to create a branded, consistent, hotel-like experience for travelers who rent vacation homes is setting a new hospitality benchmark in the fast-growing private accommodations travel segment.

TurnKey was among thousands of entrants, which are judged by industry experts, insiders and journalists on a wide variety of criteria including disruptive impact, financial performance, innovation, business strategy and market penetration.

In March, TurnKey announced $21 million in venture capital funding, bringing the companys total capital raised to $41 million since 2013. The funding supports the companys expansion into new markets and the continued development of its industry-leading mobile technology platform. Established in 2012 by vacation rental, travel and online company veterans, TurnKey employs more than 250 people.

For a complete list of 2017 Red Herring North America Top 100 winners, go here.

###

About TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Inc.

Austin, Texas-based TurnKey, the third-largest, full-service vacation rental property management company in the United States, markets and manages premier vacation rentals in 40 markets. Founded in 2012, TurnKey strives to make the experience of booking and staying at a short-term rental better than that of a hotel, providing a consistent, high-end experience for guests. By leveraging tech-enabled services and local support teams, the company provides superior service and more income at lower cost for homeowners. The company is led by Executive Chairman John Banczak (HomeAway, BedandBreakfast.com, Hotwire) and CEO T.J. Clark (Hotwire, IAC, Limos.com). One of the fastest-growing start-up companies in Austin, TurnKey has raised $41 million in funding and has experienced 100+ percent year-over-year growth since its launch.
Intrinsic ID An SRAM PUF-based password storage solution wont leak passwords and so is safe from malware and hackers." - Pim Tuyls, Intrinsic ID CEO

Intrinsic ID, the worlds leading provider of digital authentication technology for Internet of Things security and embedded applications, and Authentico Technologies, a developer of cybersecurity solutions, today announced the companies are collaborating to develop a next-generation database security system. By combining the key management technology of Intrinsic IDs BROADKEY with Authenticos patented system for secure password storage, the companies will develop a solution that vastly enhances the protection of passwords.

We will make the bulk theft of passwords essentially impossible, said Philip Lundin, chief executive officer of Authentico Technologies. Hashing and salting passwords  historically the best practice for password storage  is not sufficient because hackers can still recover passwords from stolen database records. Our new approach will make password databases malware and hacker proof.

Authentico and Intrinsic ID will develop a centralized hardware unit that can be installed on an enterprises servers. The device works as a plug-and-play product and, once running, it enhances security without any noticeable change in the user experience or login process.

An SRAM PUF-based password storage solution wont leak passwords and so is safe from malware and hackers, said Pim Tuyls, chief executive officer of Intrinsic ID. Authentico Technologies has taken an innovative approach to the very serious problem of password security, and through our joint collaboration we have conceived a product that should put an end to bulk thefts of passwords.

Potential threats stemming from password theft can be significant because email accounts or other cloud-based services are increasingly used to store sensitive information. In a LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey, 42 percent of respondents stored tax records and 40 percent stored bank records on email services or with cloud-based document storage services. Similarly, Verizons 2017 Data Breach Investigation Report asserted that weak or stolen passwords were behind 81 percent of hacking-related breaches.

"The risk from a lack of password security is alarming," Lundin said. "If password thieves have access to a user name and password they can access not only email  which of course can be very sensitive  but important information such as banking records, mortgage statements, student loan data and medical documents."

Combining Intrinsic IDs SRAM Physical Unclonable Function (SRAM PUF)-based technology with Authentico Technologies patented system for secure passwords and user profile data storage enables authentication that does not require storing keys, ensuring data security even if the database is hacked. Authenticos solution processes the user passwords, or the salted password hashes, and then stores the response. The validity of a user password is checked by processing the user password or its salted hash through the SRAM PUF and comparing the output with the corresponding stored value. This makes the database useless for hackers, as offline password recovery is not possible even if the database is stolen.

Were thrilled to be working with Intrinsic ID on the exciting technology which we see becoming an industry standard. The additional resources and competence of Intrinsic ID provide us with the necessary final ingredients to make this product a reality, Lundin said. Im convinced that our collaboration with Intrinsic ID will broaden our competence further. We aim to standardize our new product so we can, once and for all, put an end to massive bulk thefts of passwords.

The new database security system is expected to be available from Authentico during the fourth calendar quarter of 2017.

About Intrinsic ID

Intrinsic ID is the worlds leading digital authentication company for the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded applications. It is the inventor of SRAM Physical Unclonable Function, or SRAM PUF, leveraging manufacturing variations in semiconductors to create unique IDs and keys to authenticate chips, data, devices and systems. Through its flexibility, scalability and low implementation cost, Intrinsic ID products address the security needs of the fast-growing IoT market. Its solutions are used to validate payment systems, secure connectivity, authenticate sensors, and protect sensitive government and military data and systems. Intrinsic IDs award recognition includes the EU 2016 Innovation Radar Prize, which honors high-potential innovations and innovators in EU-funded research. Intrinsic IDs SRAM PUF technology has been proven in millions of devices and in products that have passed certification by Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL6+), EMVCo, Visa and multiple governments. Visit Intrinsic ID online at http://www.Intrinsic-ID.com.

About Authentico Technologies

Authentico Technologies develops cutting-edge innovative solutions focusing primarily on major threats within cybersecurity in relation to secure authentication, data management and storage solutions. The research behind the patented solutions is a result of collaboration with some of the most prominent minds within the scientific community. Authentico offers both software and hardware products that are robust and user friendly without compromising security. The company was founded in 2011 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Visit Authentico online at authentico.net.

Intrinsic ID, the Intrinsic ID logo and BROADKEY are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intrinsic ID, Inc., and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Media Contact for Intrinsic ID

Milan G. Lazich

+[1] (408) 933-9980

press(at)intrinsic-id(dot)com

Media Contact for Authentico Technologies

Philip Lundin

+[46] 733221040

philiplundin(at)authentico(dot)net
Jason McDonald - San Francisco Bay Area SEO Consultant Summer is an excellent time for small business owners and marketers to pursue Internet marketing.

Jason McDonald, a San Francisco Bay Area expert consultant in SEO and social media marketing at https://www.jasonmcdonald.org/, is proud to announce that he will be teaching the summer, 2017 edition of his popular, "Marketing without Money" course for small businesses at Stanford Continuing Studies beginning June 28, 2017. The course covers two important aspects of Internet marketing, namely SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SMM (Social Media Marketing). The five week course has one week devoted to SEO and four weeks devoted to SMM.

The San Francisco Bay Area, in general, and Stanford University, in particular, are hotbeds of innovation and entrepreneurship, explained Dr. McDonald, Director of the Jason McDonald SEO Consulting Agency. This summer course is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers to hone their skills on the no cost ways to market a business on the Internet.

Persons interested in learning more about the course, can visit Jason McDonalds website at https://www.jasonmcdonald.org/ or visit the Stanford Continuing Studies course landing page for the SEO course at http://stanford.io/2rMnHPw. The course is taught on campus at Stanford University, making it easy for people from San Francisco, San Jose, Mountain View and other nearby Bay Area communities.

Business 218  Marketing without Money  SEO and Social Media

Creating online publicity with little or no money is the holy grail of marketers today. SEO (search engine optimization) is the art and science of getting a company, product, or service to the top of Google or Bing search results. Social media marketing, in contrast, cultivates a positive brand image on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, and encourages customers to share a company's marketing message across social sites. The goal is obvious: Get free Internet publicity. The means is not.

Whether a small businessperson is an entrepreneur, a small-business owner, or a marketing manager at a large company or nonprofit, this course will help participants better understand the online marketing environment. Beginning with SEO, the course will discuss how to construct a Google-friendly website and build links, social mentions, and authority. Then, it dives into social media marketing, using the analogy of a party. How does a business throw a great Facebook party? A LinkedIn soiree? A YouTube meet-and- greet? And how does a business use Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and others to nurture a positive brand image and encourage customers to share the message? By the end of the course, participants will know how to take the theory of SEO and social media marketing and transform it into a systematic online marketing plan.

About Jason McDonald

Jason McDonald is director of The JM Internet Group, a leading online training company. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1992, and now both teaches and consults to San Francisco Bay Area businesses in SEO, Social Media Marketing, and AdWords. In addition to those services, he has been recognized as an expert witness on Internet marketing. He has several popular books on Amazon on the topic of Internet marketing. He is director of the JM Internet Group at https://www.jm-seo.org/.

Media Relations, Tel. 800-298-4065
The lack of focus is vividly seen in Chief Data Offices (CDOs) alike, and is now affecting how organizations are pursuing their data enabled goals. Very recently, this reduced focus is manifesting through delay in compliance programs like BCBS, GDPR, and MIFID II along with lack of ownership in disruptive IOT and machine learning programs. This translates to immediate and cumulative reputational and operational impacts to firms.

I asked Tejasvi, how can these challenges be overcome: he says that re-discovering and standardizing data management and governance as services is a major enabler to get past these barriers. By this standardization, as listed using multiple examples in the book, is helping such firms explore their capabilities further, to find efficiency, consistency and scalability in their data operations.

Along with that, the recent drivers such as managing data as a meaning, customer excellence and actively managing data risk is pushing the need for alignment of data quality and metadata management to risk management and corporate governance principles. This is resulting in an increased need for inter-operability between all data and risk functions. And thus, there is a need for operating models that consists of discrete functional modules that collaborate through service calls. While the book illustrates approaches to set up data quality and metadata management as standard services, it also spirals interest in business, and technology leaders, equally, through worldly approaches to formalize data governance, based on firms enabling culture.

As I reached Rancho Cordova, to work with the Chief Data Office of an asset management firm, Robin and I started discussing the approach to coming up with the data governance strategy, over some sushi. I was inspired by the sous chef's ownership of having to sculpt the fish to prepare my sushi plate. Later, I came to know that the restaurant showed best standards in sourcing the catch, cooking rice, cooling it, adding vinegar, and maintaining it at the perfect temperature while arranging the plate. I was rather amused by the communication amongst the head chef, the sous-chef and the rest of the restaurant kitchen staff. This got me thinking on the outcome the firm needs from the data governance strategy to overcome the challenge of having to build trust in data.

Most organizations are lacking an enabling governance structure while ownership of data office can still be with technology divisions. In the 1800s, horses were trained to pull carriages from London to Farringdon. The business here is responsible for establishing guideposts all along the way to monitor, and guide carts in scenarios of severe weather, and advise them on alternate routes.

Likewise, governance is akin to evaluating, and directing all the aspects of data management: planning and acquiring capabilities, setting up and implementing services.

The total costs are plummeting in maintaining redundant not-fit-for-purpose data and thereby improving its quality. How come we dont think of a cook you have employed as providing you with a service? The value of this service is just not to satisfy your hunger but also to provide you with rich nutrition, to deliver food on time, and to keep risk of food poisoning at bay. This is how data quality-as-a-service would assist in remediating bad data consistently over the entire landscape, with scalable and efficient operating models, as put forth in the book.

Tejasvi Addagada can be reached at tejasvichand(at)gmail(dot)com or through LinkedIn.

The book is now available for everyone to purchase, in the amazon kindle store "https://goo.gl/wHXN74" or in Dattamza book store.

Tejasvi Addagada is a data management leader with ten years of success in assisting clients, develop and optimize data solutions. Tejasvi has worked with the fortune 50 global banks, by providing a wide range of services including strategy analysis, data governance, service rationalization, digital transformation and process excellence while receiving several accolades for the success achieved.
The response by both corporations and government agencies in supporting the fair has exceeded our expectations.

Before the excitement of the Community College Cyber Summit (3CS) begins, students are encouraged to attend a pre-summit job fair on Wednesday, June 28, 9-11:30 a.m., at the Largo Student Center at Prince Georges Community College, featuring a number of industries and businesses.

Students enrolled in information security, computer science, and information technology degree programs will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from a range of IT and cybersecurity businesses and industries that have job openings. Students, as well as recent graduates, should have their resumes in hand to speak with these potential employers. To further educate their students, faculty attending 3CS are encouraged to attend the job fair to understand the jobs available and the skills required for a variety of positions.

Its normal for colleges to educate and mentor. This year, 3CS has taken our obligation to our students one step further by launching a job fair, where they are thrust into the reality of trying to convince a potential employer that they have what it takes in cybersecurity. The response by both corporations and government agencies in supporting the fair has exceeded our expectations. For that, we are very grateful, said Barbara Belon, chair of 3CS sponsorship.

Job fair sponsors include the CIA, CISCO, CompTIA, CyberSecJobs.com, DHS/Booz Allen Hamilton, EC-Council, EnergySec, FireEye, ISSA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nehemiah Security, Nteligen, Prince Georges Community College, Raytheon, SONY, Southern New Hampshire University, Tennessee Technological University (CEROC), U.S. Department of State, U.S. Secret Service, and Walden University.

As demand continues to grow for qualified cybersecurity employees, the 3CS continues to improve educating the educators and decision-makers at community colleges regarding cybersecurity education. The fourth annual 3CS is scheduled for June 28 to 30, in Washington, D.C. This years theme is Strengthening Our Cyber IQ and follows one of four tracks: new to cybersecurity, experienced in cybersecurity and CAE2Y aspirants, cybersecurity across the curriculum, and student track. The latter track works well for those who attended the job fair as it includes information on student competitions and associations, summer camps, and developing cyber competition teams.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.my3cs.org/pre-summit-job-fair.

About Community College Cyber Summit:

The Community College Cyber Summit (3CS) is organized and produced by the National CyberWatch Center, National Resource Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA), CyberWatch West (CWW), Cyber Security Education Consortium (CSEC), Broadening Advanced Technological Education Connections (BATEC), and Advanced Cyberforensics Education (ACE) Consortium, which are all funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The outcomes of 3CS will leverage community college cybersecurity programs across the nation by introducing the latest technologies, best practices, curricula, products, and more. To learn more, visit my3CS.org

About Prince Georges Community College

Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince Georges Community College (PGCC) provides high quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince Georges County. From new high school graduates and career seekers, to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving more than 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince Georges County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. PGCC is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2025. For more information, visit the college website at http://www.pgcc.edu.
Cherry Picking in Door County July marks the harvest of cherries throughout the peninsula.

With festivals and events every weekend, July is a great time to visit Door County, WI. July also marks the harvest of cherries throughout the peninsula. Visitors can plan their vacation today at DoorCounty.com or by calling the Door County Visitor Bureau toll free at 800-527-3529.

July Special Events



Celebrate Independence Day throughout Door County from July 1 to July 4. From seven firework displays across the county, picnics, and parades there is something for everyone.

Explore Door Countys Belgian heritage at Belgian Days, July 8-9. The Brussels area is the largest Belgian-American settlement in the United States.

Breathe in the enchanting aroma of lavender at the All Things Lavender Festival on Washington Island, July 21-23.

Fish the waters of Door and Kewaunee county during the 35th annual K/D Salmon Tournament, July 22-30. Daily cash and prizes awarded at each of the five weigh-in ports.

Enjoy a fun parade and activities at Carlsville Day, July 29.

For the most comprehensive list of events, visit http://www.DoorCounty.com/events.

State and County Park Activities

Door County offers 5 state parks and 19 county parks across the 70-mile-long peninsula. Each park offers a variety of recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.

Enjoy the stars and beauty of the night sky at Newport State Park. The park is the first in Wisconsin to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

Celebrate Whitefish Dunes 50th Anniversary with live music, programs, and a candlelight beach hike at dusk, July 14.

Learn astronomy at Universe in the Park at Potawatomi State Park, July 16.

Take a kayak tour and explore the caves at Cave Point County Park.

Spend an afternoon hiking at Forestville Dam Park.

Ongoing Summer Activities

Pick cherries across the peninsula starting mid-July. With 2,500 acres of cherries Door County is the fourth largest cherry producer in the country. For more information check out Door Countys cherry page.

Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars at Door Shakespeare. Featuring The Heart of Robin Hood and Twelfth Night.

Pack the scuba gear and explore some of the 275 shipwrecks in Door County.

Camp at one of four state parks or at one of the many campgrounds.

Board the Cherry Train or the Viking Train on Washington Island to learn more about the history of Door Countys largest island.

Swim, sun and play at one of Door Countys 53 public beaches.

Stay Connected at DoorCounty.com

Door County is a bucolic peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan in Wisconsins northeast corner. Named one of the Top 10 Vacation Destinations in North America by Money magazine, Door County features 300 miles of shoreline, 11 lighthouses, 5 state parks and 19 county parks. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic offerings and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
Our team has put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months to develop VitusVet into a digital pet care platform that disrupts the industry, advances veterinary technology and contributes to making pet wellness more accessible.

VitusVet announced today that it has been awarded the Maryland Incubator Company of the Year Award for Best Technology Company. The awards are held annually to recognize achievements from incubator startups around the state of Maryland.

"We're beyond excited to accept the Maryland Incubator Company of the Year award for Best Technology company, said Dr. Mark Olcott, CEO and co-founder of VitusVet. Our team has put in a lot of hard work over the last 12 months to develop VitusVet into a digital pet care platform that disrupts the industry, advances veterinary technology and contributes to making pet wellness more accessible."

VitusVet was one of eight companies awarded the Maryland Incubator Company of the Year out 21 finalists chosen from over 200 nominated companies. The award ceremony was held on Thursday evening, June 15, at the American Visionary Art Museum.

Receiving this award further validates that our product is making a difference, said Kalpesh Raval, CTO and co-founder of VitusVet. Knowing other companies across the state of Maryland believe in VitusVet by awarding us for what weve accomplished so far is huge. Its a driving force to continue to innovate in the veterinary industry with new products and ideas that provide a new standard of care.

The Maryland Incubator Company of the Year awards were founded in 2001 by Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), McGladrey and Saul Ewin LLP to honor success stories of local technology companies. The awards are chosen by a selection of committee regional industry leaders and early-stage investors. Past winners of the award include Airphoton LLC and SocialToaster.

About VitusVet

VitusVet was founded by Mark Olcott, DVM, MBA and Kalpesh Raval, MBA, in 2013 as a solution to better share medical information among general practitioners, emergency veterinarians, specialists and pet owners. VitusVet has grown into an all-in-one digital pet care platform for veterinary practices and pet parents. The VitusVet mobile app is free for pet parents and can be found in the Google Play store and the iTunes App store.

For more information about VitusVet please visit http://www.vitusvet.com, or contact kchurchill(at)vitusvet(dot)com. To download the free VitusVet app, please visit: http://vitusvet.com/download-the-free-app/.
Cornerstone Hall of Fame Award. Photo credit: Annie Card As a leader in your field, your commitment to promoting corporate social responsibility and setting a high standard of excellence for your peers and colleagues to follow is admirable

W.S. Badger Co. Inc., the maker of certified organic and truly natural skin care products, was recently inducted into the New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) Cornerstone Hall of Fame.

Badger, a 2013 winner of the NHBSR Cornerstone Award, was honored for its environmental practices, unique family-friendly benefits such as a babies-at-work program, subsidized near-site childcare, and free and daily organic lunches for every employee, and charitable contributions to the community. The companys commitment to the environment and social principles is deeply rooted and began twenty-two years ago when the founder and his family started hand filling the first tins of Badger Balm in their kitchen.

Badger was inducted into the hall of fame on May 3rd during NHBSRs annual conference at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, New Hampshire. As part of the ceremony, Badger received a plaque and letter of commendation from Governor Chris Sununu, which states, As a leader in your field, your commitment to promoting corporate social responsibility and setting a high standard of excellence for your peers and colleagues to follow is admirable.

NHBSR, a member-based non-profit organization that fosters socially and environmentally responsible businesses in New Hampshire, awards the hall of fame annually to an individual, organization, or company exemplifying the concepts of corporate responsibility within their organization and the greater business community in the state of New Hampshire. Inductees remain in the hall of fame for three years.

Service Credit Union sponsored the 2017 Awards Ceremony.

ABOUT BADGER

Badger is a family run and family-friendly company that has been making healthy products for people and the planet since 1995. Badger was born when Badger Bill, a carpenter at the time, created a recipe of natural ingredients strong enough to soothe his rough, dry, cracked hands. Now a team of over 100 employees, Badger produces almost all of its products in Gilsum, N.H. Inherent in Badgers DNA is its status as a B Corp, a certification earned through B Lab, a third party nonprofit that requires companies to meet rigorous standards of transparency as well as environmental and social performance. Badger has been a certified B Corp since 2011 and in 2015 became one of New Hampshires first businesses to register legally as a Benefit Corporation, a for-profit status that incorporates the pursuit of positive environmental and social impact in addition to profit. The company recently published its annual report for 2016. A downloadable PDF can be found here.

ABOUT NHSBR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility is a member-based non-profit organization that fosters socially and environmentally responsible business in New Hampshire, realizing that people, principles and profits must be linked. As sustainable business becomes mainstream, NHBSR's network of CSR-focused business leaders provides the support to encourage the growth of sustainability throughout the state with value-driven results. NHBSR is the business organization driving the social responsibility agenda in New Hampshire. For more information, visit http://www.nhbsr.org.
Smart Vision Lights (SmartVisionLights.com), a leading designer and manufacturer of high-brightness LED lights for industrial applications, has expanded its sales and support operations in the Eastern United States with the appointment of Paul Powers.



Powers, who will assume the position of Business Development Manager for the Eastern United States, brings more than 18 years of technical manufacturing and sales support to the company. Previously with Sentry Equipment and Erectors (Lynchburg, VA), a packaging equipment manufacturer and systems integrator, he has experience in the automotive, packaging, and tool-making industries. Powers has designed packaging lines for Fortune 500 companies and has an intimate knowledge of the challenges faced in designing automated systems for industrial inspection.

Powers holds a Bachelor of Science business from Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI), as well as a Business Solutions Professional certificate from Michigan State University.

A resident of Ludington, Michigan, Powers will be responsible for maintaining close relationships with Smart Vision Lights distributors and systems integrators.

Todays systems integrators demand a high-level of support from distributors and the companies that supply to them, says Powers. In the role of business development manager, I will be working closely with our distributors and their customers to improve their production efficiency and increase their bottom line. As the only machine vision company to offer a 10-year warranty on its products, on-board LED drivers, and custom LED illumination systems, Smart Vision Lights is in a unique position to address the industrial automation market, says Powers.



Paul Powers will be an exceptional addition to the staff of Smart Vision Lights in both developing and supporting new business ventures across the Eastern seaboard, says David Spaulding, Smart Vision Lights president. Pauls knowledge of machine vision systems and systems design will bring engineering, technical, and sales development knowledge to the companys ongoing commitment to the industrial automation market.



About Smart Vision Lights

Smart Vision Lights (Muskegon, MI, USA; SmartVisionLights.com) is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-brightness LED lights for industrial applications including machine vision. Smart Vision Lights products are supplied with universal internal current-control drivers, offering constant or strobed operation and a 10-year warranty. Smart Vision Lights in-house IEC 62741 light-testing laboratory guarantees the safety of these illumination systems, regardless of where they are installed. Learn more at SmartVisionLights.com or by calling (231) 722-1199.
Michael Zoltek, Woolpert

Michael Zoltek, a senior project manager in Woolperts Transportation market, was elected to serve as an at-large director on the board of directors for the Florida Region of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (FL-ASPRS).

The University of Florida (UF) graduate is scheduled to be sworn in today at the UF/FL-ASPRS Summer Lidar Workshop at the universitys Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Education Center in Apopka, Fla.

Zolteka licensed professional surveyor, certified photogrammetrist and geographic information systems (GIS) professional with more than 25 years of geospatial experienceholds active photogrammetry and surveying certifications in 24 states and is a Certified Federal Surveyor. At Woolpert, he coordinates projects across multiple disciplines, including mobile mapping, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aerial imagery and lidar.

Zoltek and Jeff Lovin, Woolpert senior vice president and director of Government Solutions, are both scheduled to present at todays workshop. Zoltek will discuss Extracting Data from Auto-correlated Point Clouds, while Lovin will speak about TopoBathymetric Lidar Applications and Sensors.

Lovin said he was very pleased to see Zoltek serve the FL-ASPRS in this capacity.

Woolpert has been a longtime supporter of ASPRS as the primary organization responsible for the education and advancement of remote sensing and its associated technologies to our profession, Lovin said. ASPRS has such an important legacy, with its 83 years of existence. I am proud anytime that I or one of our team members can be directly involved with the organization at the national or regional level.

Zoltek also is a member of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society (FSMS) and ASPRS, where he has served on the national board of directors, as director of the ASPRS Professional Practice Division and the ASPRS Evaluation for Certification Committee, where he continues to serve.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is a national architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm that delivers value to clients by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolperts mission is to help its clients progressand become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 26 offices across the United States, Woolpert serves the needs of federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the United States Armed Forces. The firm currently is doing business in all 50 states and in six countries. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.
TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for fire departments, and the International Association of Fire Chief's (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) announced today that Michael Accardo III of the Tammany Fire District 9 (STFD9) has been selected as the winner of the 2017 VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award.

Accardo, a chief of training and safety for the combination department located in Bush, La., never expected to receive this type of recognition for his work. After years of dedicating himself to the betterment of his department, he reacted with the sort of humility you would expect from a 20-year veteran of the fire service.

I dont think I do more than anyone else does. I enjoy what I do. I enjoy helping people, said Accardo, who is scheduled to accept the honor July 27 during the annual VCOS meeting at Fire-Rescue International in Charlotte, N.C.

Accardo was surprised to learn he would be receiving this prestigious recognition. But for Fire Chief Scott Brewer, the selection made perfect sense. Brewer lauded Accardo for his dedication and innovation after leading the charge to transform his departments training facility from run-of-the-mill into first-class.

He got the training building donated, moved it here, plumbed and powered it and then filled it with training aids from grants, donations or by buying it himself, Brewer wrote when nominating Accardo. He went out every night for a year and learned how to be an EMT instructor. He had STFD9 certified as an institute of higher learning so we could teach EMT and EMR to our members and those of local departments at no charge.

(Accardo) has worked harder than anyone Ive ever known to give our small rural combination department the very best training opportunity for its members (and those of our neighbors) at no charge  ever!

The VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award aims to honor exemplary conduct befitting of a training officer, which Accardo has demonstrated in spades. Nonetheless, hes quick to return whatever praise he receives back to his crew members.

I could not have completed the project without help from everyone at our department, said Accardo, who started as a volunteer firefighter in the 1990s, when firefighter training requirements were far different than they are today.

I try to make (training) educational and also entertaining, he said. Every Tuesday we have a training class and average 20 to 25 volunteers who show up. We just keep adding to it and I try to work around everybodys schedule. Nights, weekends, whenever.

Always trying to think of new ways to help his fellow firefighters, it seems the criterion for the VCOS Training Officer Recognition Award was written with Accardo in mind.

You do what you can with what you got, and if you dont have it, you try to build it, said Accardo, who also serves as coordinator for the St. Tammanys Youth Fire Corps (YFC) program.

This marks the fourth year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS teamed up to present the prestigious honor, which is designated each year for an individual who goes above and beyond to demonstrate innovation in firefighter training. Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township Fire Department (Mich.), Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius Fire Department (N.Y.) and Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.) won the award in previous years.

Accardo will receive a trip to Charlotte for FRI, which is scheduled July 26-29, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations, as well as a plaque commemorating the award.

About TargetSolutions

TargetSolutions, a Vector Solutions company, delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions innovative technology to solve their training challenges. For more information on TargetSolutions, check online at http://www.targetsolutions.com.

About IAFCs VCOS

VCOS provides chiefs and chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination fire, rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism. For more information, check online at http://www.vcos.org/.
The innovations with our shears all have to do with quality

Vampire Tools, the tool innovators best known for the VamPLIERSTM screw extracting pliers, have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on yet another of their industry-redefining tools: the line of super-versatile Kevlar shears. The tools have won a range of positive feedback, most notably from Bernard Juchli, from Jay Lenos Big Dog Garage in Burbank. These tools make any job that demands a precision cut go more smoothly. For hard-to-cut materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, Vectran, Technora thread and carbon fiber, though, these shears truly stand out from the competition.

Currently, Vampire Tools offers two shears at 8 and 6.25 inches in length, as well as a super-versatile 5.75-inch cutter, a Super Combo Scissors for a range of uses around the shop, and a specialized pair of all-in-one electricians scissors. Across the line, the tools share intuitive design features that set them apart from other cutters. These include one micro-serrated blade to insure a clean cut, and ergonomic design that maximizes grip and eases the strain of repetitive motion.

Founder of Vampire Tools Anita Qureshey further explained why their shears have generated such a buzz. The innovations with our shears all have to do with quality. At first glance, the tool just looks like another pair of scissors, but anyone who uses our shears knows immediately that there really isnt another pair like this on the market. Other cutters made from lower-quality material and craftsmanship just tear the material, leaving edges roughour shears cut precisely and quickly for a smooth edge. When the material is tough, and a precision cut matters, our Kevlar shears are the simply best option currently available.

About Vampire Tools

Vampire Tools International, Inc. started in 2012 with the vision to revolutionize seemingly straight-forward hand tools through simple, function-driven innovation. The innovative design of the flagship tool, the VamPLIERSTM put the company on the map as the most effective tool on the market for extracting stripped fasteners. Vampire Tools works to continually introduce new and unique products that are versatile, technologically intuitive, and time-saving.
Susan "Suz" Michel This is precisely what we need as we strengthen our high-performance teams and continue to make Crowley a great place to work.

Crowley Maritime Corp. announced today that company veteran Susan Suz Michel has been appointed vice president of human resources and learning in a strategic move that will bring all aspects of human capital management under her leadership  from talent acquisition to training and professional development to long-term employee retention.

Michel joined Crowley in 2004 and most recently served as vice president of organizational development and change leadership. She will remain based in Jacksonville and continue to report to Carl Fox, senior vice president of corporate services.

In her new role Michel will oversee all aspects of human resources including talent acquisition, employee onboarding, training and professional development, benefits, compensation, employee retention, oversee facilities, office services and travel. She will continue to lead people development and learning, organizational development and change leadership.

Suz will bring a holistic view and management style to human capital management, said Fox. This is precisely what we need as we strengthen our high-performance teams and continue to make Crowley a great place to work.

In 2004 Michel joined Crowley in a safety, security, quality and environmental stewardship (SSQE) role focused on regulatory safety training. In 2011, she was promoted to vice president of safety and learning. During her tenure with Crowley, Michel has been instrumental in shaping culture changing processes within the company and developing the performance suite of company culture and leadership training for employees.

Michel has an undergraduate degree in education and a master's degree in industrial psychology. She received the company's highest honor, the Thomas Crowley Trophy, in 2008.

About Crowley Maritime

Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 125-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides marine solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico Liner Services, International Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global; vessel management; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found at http://www.crowley.com .
The growth of Hodges-Mace in recent years is a testament to the talent and character of our team members, says Greg Hodges, Hodges-Mace Co-CEO. Our employees are compassionate and committed to collaborating and serving others," notes Co-CEO Peter Mace.

Benefits delivery innovator, Hodges-Mace, LLC, is moving its headquarters to a newly expanded facility in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The company has outgrown its existing office space and is relocating to 5775 Glenridge Drive, Building E, where it will occupy three floors totaling roughly 60,000 square feet. The space will be ready for occupancy January 2018.

Hodges-Mace was founded in 2004 by employee benefits veterans Greg Hodges and Peter Mace, who are Co-CEOs for the company. Since its inception, the Atlanta-based, privately-held company has experienced consistent revenue and employee growth, which is driving their upcoming move.

A major growth factor for Hodges-Mace was the 2014 acquisition of technology companies SmartBen and ContinuousHealth. Hodges-Mace has successfully assimilated both companies into the current business and has been on a fast trajectory ever since. Hodges-Mace currently has over 250 employees. The expanded headquarters will support Hodges-Maces growth over the next several years, as the company expects to add another 100  150 jobs.

The growth of Hodges-Mace in recent years is a testament to the talent and character of our team members, says Greg Hodges, Co-CEO at Hodges-Mace. One of our core values is Our people and our communities matter, and this philosophy sets the tone for everything we do.

Last year was an exceptional year for Hodges-Mace. In addition to being named One of the Best Companies to Work for in Georgia, the company experienced its most profitable year on record. 2017 has already had a successful start with the launch of the companys innovative new product, SmartBen NOW. Released in March, SmartBen NOW is a mobile app and centralized benefits dashboard that provides employees consolidated access to employer-provided benefit information. The solution has been well received by Hodges-Mace clients seeking to help employees appreciate and leverage their valuable benefits throughout the year, not just during annual enrollment.

Another major factor contributing to Hodges-Maces success is their commitment to serving the community. Last year, the company celebrated its inaugural Summer of Service. Employees donated over 500 hours of volunteer time to organizations such as Meals on Wheels in Atlanta, Camp Twin Lakes, Georgia Special Olympics and Atlanta Youth Academy. The celebration culminated with Hodges-Maces annual Bowling for Dollars event where they raised over $20K for eight Atlanta charities. Plans are already in progress for their 2017 Summer of Service initiatives.

The focus on serving others is vital to a strong corporate culture. According to Co-CEO Peter Mace, Hodges-Mace employees report over 95% job satisfaction, which transcends beyond the workplace. Our employees are compassionate and committed to collaborating and serving others both on the job and out in the world. We are humbled and proud to be part of a team that thinks beyond itself and gives back passionately to its community.

Bo Keatley, John Flack, David Rubenstein and Kevin Rodriguez of real estate services firm Savills Studley negotiated the terms of the expansion on behalf of Hodges-Mace, LLC and will also manage the interior construction of the new space.

We have enjoyed assisting Hodges-Mace expand over the years weve worked with them, says Bo Keatley, Executive Managing Director at Savills Studley. We are continually impressed by their ability to grow and innovate, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.

In addition to the Sandy Springs headquarters, Hodges-Mace also has a large office in Conyers, Georgia, where product development is centralized.

About Hodges-Mace

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Hodges-Mace, LLC is a leading provider of benefit management software and services. Their portfolio ranges from small-to-mid-size companies and Fortune 500 enterprises in a variety of industries, including education, energy, gaming, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Hodges-Mace is a respected leader in the employee benefits industry and is dedicated to helping employees and employers make smarter benefits decisions through a blend of innovative technologies and intelligent service solutions. The company is One of the Best Companies to Work for in Georgia in 2016. For additional information visit http://www.hodgesmace.com.
Roasted Blueberry Matcha Ice Cream by Modest Marce By sharing our best summertime recipes, we are allowing Matcha to stand out and shine as a healthy, versatile food and drink ingredient.

What says summer more than ice cream, iced tea, and smores? Aiya America, the worlds largest producer of premium Matcha green tea for 129 years, released its summer lineup of healthy and delicious Matcha recipes. This lineup features five fun and refreshing drink and dessert Matcha recipes  perfect for any summer adventure.

By sharing our best summertime recipes, we are allowing Matcha to stand out and shine as a healthy, versatile food and drink ingredient, says Fumi Sugita, Aiya Americas General Manager. This is an important part of Aiyas mission  sharing the overall goodness and versatility of Matcha as a superfood through global education.

The recipes from Aiyas summer lineup include:



Iced Matcha Latte by Aiya America

A classic latte recipe made with just three ingredients  Matcha, milk of choice, and ice! Simply shake, then take on-the-go for a natural energy boost throughout the day.



Matcha Mint Iced Tea by Love & Lemons

Take iced tea to the next level! This crisp and refreshing Matcha iced tea contains hints of mint and lime, perfect to sip on with friends and family on a sunny day.



Coconut Vanilla Matcha Smoothie by A Couple Cooks

Channel tropical vibes with this nutritious breakfast smoothie packed with tons of antioxidants and nutrients. For an extra treat, sprinkle shredded coconut on top.



Roasted Blueberry Matcha Ice Cream by Modest Marce

Bored with the typical green tea ice cream? Have the ultimate superfood ice cream party with the addition of freshly, roasted blueberries in earthy Matcha ice cream.



Matcha Shortbread Smores by The Pancake Princess

Skip the graham crackers and pre-bake these Matcha shortbread cookies for a beach bonfire. Bonus points for assembling the smores with Matcha marshmallows!

Shop for the Matcha used in these recipes at select Whole Foods Market locations or through The Vitamin Shoppes online store. For more information about Aiya Americas Matcha products in Whole Foods Market (Southern Pacific and Midwest regions) go to: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/04/prweb14263825.htm.

Aligned with their mission, Aiya is encouraging others to hashtag #SummerofMatcha and #AiyaMatcha to raise awareness of the many ways Matcha can be used in food and drinks. To find Matcha recipe success stories, simply look up the hashtags on social networking platforms.

For more recipes and product offerings, visit https://www.aiya-america.com.

About Aiya America

Aiya America is the U.S. branch of Aiya Co. Ltd., the worlds leading producer of Matcha, Japans most premium tea variety and a major ingredient for the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1888, Aiya is headquartered in Nishio city, Japans largest Matcha producing region. Aiya grows and manufacturers the purest and highest quality Matcha and supplies it to over 90%, 70% and 45% of the European, North American and Japanese markets, respectively. Known for its innovation, consistent quality and safety, Aiyas mission is to share the goodness of Matcha through global education of its tradition, history, and science for good spirit and health. More information is available at https://www.aiya-america.com/.

Media Contact:

Aiya America

Marketing Department

Tel: (310) 212-1395

marketing(at)aiya-america(dot)com
Our collaboration with Packet is the first step of a shared vision to provide an automated, unified experience that will enable users to access and develop directly on the Qualcomm Centriq 2400 chipset.

Packet, the leading bare metal cloud for developers, today announced collaboration with Qualcomm Datacenter Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, to introduce to developers the latest in server architecture innovation on the 48-core Qualcomm Centriq 2400 processor.

Through leading developer conferences, Packet will showcase a consumable cloud platform, providing access to a series of demonstrations leveraging open source tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Docker and Kubernetes, all running on Qualcomm Datacenter Technologies ARM architecture-based servers. The series of joint efforts begins today at Red Hats AnsibleFest conference in London, and continues with developer event participation at Hashiconf (Austin), Open Source Summit North America (Los Angeles), and AnsibleFest (San Francisco).

We believe that innovative hardware will be a major contributor to improving application performance over the next few years. Qualcomm Datacenter Technologies is at the bleeding edge of this innovation with the worlds first 10nm server processor, said Nathan Goulding, Packets SVP of Engineering. With blazing-fast innovation occurring at all levels of software, the simple act of giving developers direct access to hardware is a massive, and very timely, opportunity.

Our collaboration with Packet is the first step of a shared vision to provide an automated, unified experience that will enable users to access and develop directly on the Qualcomm Centriq 2400 chipset, noted Elsie Wahlig, director of product management at Qualcomm Datacenter Technologies, Inc. Were thrilled to work with Packet to engage with more aspects of the open source community.

Packets proprietary technology automates physical servers and networks to provide on-demand compute and connectivity, without the use of virtualization or multi-tenancy. The company, which supports both x86 and ARMv8 architectures, provides a global bare metal public cloud from locations in New York, Silicon Valley, Amsterdam, and Tokyo.

While an investment by SoftBank accelerated the companys access to developments in the ARM server ecosystem, Packet has been active in the developer community since its founding. Native support for Packets bare metal cloud in Terraform and Ansible (among other leading DevOps tools) has helped thousands of developers gain easy access to non-virtualized infrastructure.

About Packet

Founded in 2014, Packets proprietary technology automates physical servers and networks without the use of virtualization or multi-tenancy to provide on-demand compute and connectivity. Customers can either build on Packets public cloud service or leverage advanced automation software to enable their own private compute infrastructure.

The company is headquartered in New York City and maintains an advanced global IP network between its data center locations in New York Metro (Parsippany, NJ), Sunnyvale (CA), Amsterdam (NL) and Tokyo (JP). Packet is a member of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) and supports many open source projects, including Memcached.org, NixOS, and Kernel.org.

Qualcomm Centriq is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm Centriq is a product of Qualcomm Datacenter Technologies, Inc.
We began to look at the full StayNTouchs Rover PMS in detail and realized that it could not only run our hotels, but it would provide the mobility features coupled with high-touch service. Thats when we made the switch.

StayNTouch, an innovator in mobile technology and Property Management Systems (PMS) for hotels, announced the deployment of its Rover PMS solution to Valencia Groups portfolio of seven independent hotels.

Last year we discovered StayNTouch and decided that we wanted to take advantage of the platforms mobile capabilities, said James Watts, Vice President of IT at Valencia Group Inc. We wanted to put PMS-enabled tablets into the hands of our staff using the PMS Overlay product on top of our legacy PMS.

However, the terrific level of StayNTouch quickly underlined the support problems we were having with our old PMS provider, with whom we never had any responsiveness to our problems, James continued. We began to look at the full StayNTouchs Rover PMS in detail and realized that it could not only run our hotels, but it would provide the mobility features coupled with high-touch service. Thats when we made the switch.

The full StayNTouch Rover PMS is currently deployed at Valencia Groups Cavalry Court in College Station, Texas. The remaining six portfolio hotels, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Hotel Valencia Santana Row, Hotel Sorella City Centre, Lone Star Court, The George and Hotel Alessandra will roll out the PMS in the Fall.

StayNTouch offers hotels the opportunity to integrate multiple cloud-solutions on one platform:



Rover PMS: Next generation Hotel PMS, fully cloud, fits on every device, optimizes hotel operations from front desk, to groups, to housekeeping to revenue management. Simple monthly pricing that includes training, integrations and configuration.

Zest: Enables guest pre-engagement and guest services via mobile web. Guest-enabled mobile check-in & out via smart phone or desktop. Private labeled, PMS-integrated mobile check-in &/or checkout. Bill review, preference collection, upsell opportunities, and remote key fulfillment. Promote and monetize late checkouts.

We are very happy to be expanding our relationship with the team at Valencia Group, said Jos Schaap, CEO-Founder of StayNTouch, Like many of our customers, Valencia Group was attracted by the ability to bring mobility to their hotel operations, but then discovered the benefits of the all-inclusive service in our SaaS pricing model. We are looking forward working with them as they expand their portfolio of hotels.

About StayNTouch Inc.

StayNTouch is a Software as a Service hotel property management systems (PMS) company focused on developing solutions that help hotels raise service levels, drive revenues, reduce costs, and ultimately change the way hotels can captivate their guests. Developed with mobility in mind, the pioneering platform enables hotels to create long lasting relationships with their guests by delivering personalized service levels that todays guests require. StayNTouch operates on tablets and smartphones, empowering hotel employees to go above and beyond in exceeding guest expectations at every touch point.

Powering over 75,000 rooms globally, our game-changing solution frees hotels from the constraints of legacy or premise systems, dramatically streamlines operations, increases margins, and revolutionizes how front-line staff connect with guests. StayNTouch is a trusted partner to many of the most forward thinking hotels, resorts, casinos and chains in the industry, including Yotel, Zoku Amsterdam, Valencia Hotels, The Freehand Hotels, Modus hotels and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

To learn more watch our video "The New Way...To Hotel!"

Twitter: @StayNTouchInc

Facebook: facebook.com/stayntouch

LinkedIn: LinkedIn/stayntouch

About Valencia Group

Houston-based Valencia Group is a fully integrated hospitality company that provides management, development,branding and repositioning services for independent, full-service hotels owned by the company, in addition to third parties. Exceptional service, style and location have become brand trademarks. Earning both national and international recognition for their distinctive designs, amenities and settings, Valencia Group properties are destinations and gathering places within their respective communities, some further benefitting from and enriching their space within the cultural heart of a city. The company continues to forge a niche with hotels that anchor and add value to urban, mixed-use environments, which further support or enhance the guest experience with superior residential, restaurant, retail and office components. The Valencia Group portfolio currently includes the Valencia brands: Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, CA and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX. The Sorella brand includes Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE in Houston, TX by developer Midway. The court concept brands include Lone Star Court in Austin, TX and Midway and Valencia Groups Cavalry Court in College Station, TX. New openings in 2017 will include: Midway and Valencia Groups The George in College Station, TX and Midways Hotel Alessandra in Houston, TX. For more information, please visit http://www.valenciagroup.com
Dr. Peter DeGolia of DOHCS urges Ohio senator Portman to save ACA and Medicaid Expansion This is why twelve Cleveland doctors went to Washington to tell senator Portman they fear for their patients' lives.

Whos driving to Washington D.C. to try to save your healthcare? If you live in Ohio, it could be your doctor.



Since May, twelve practicing physicians from Doctors for Health Care Solutions, a Cleveland-based patient advocacy organization, have gone to Washington D.C..

They took time off from their practices to urge Ohio Senator Rob Portman to vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion. Ohios other Senator, Sherrod Brown, supports Improving the ACA.

The risks to Ohioans' healthcare and finances are significant. The ACA and Medicaid expansion cover 714,000 Ohioans including many of Ohio's children and nursing home residents. Loss of insurance could cost Ohio nearly 2,000 lives each year, including many receiving treatment for opioid addiction.

Loss of coverage through Obamacare could also increase hospital costs for all Ohioans. Emergency rooms can't turn away uninsured patients seeking medical care. These unpaid ER costs will be covered by the rest of us when we visit the hospital.



There is no currently plan to cover patients who lose their coverage under the healthcare bill released by congress. Senator Portman told physicians that federal funds for healthcare need to be diverted toward rebuilding our military and other programs. The U.S. currently spends more on defense than the next eight biggest defense spenders combined.



A Portman staffer said Medicaid creates incentives for people to not work, but provided no data to back that up. Another staffer listened to stories about the lives a physician saved because her patients sought care through the Medicaid expansion. The staffer admitted that statistics about Medicaid patients are hard to find.

On June 13, Senator Portman announced that he is for a complete end to the Medicaid expansion across the United States. Coverage would be phased out completely within seven years.

The Senate is foregoing public hearings to secretly craft its healthcare bill. They intend to rush to a vote on the bill by July 5.

This is why twelve doctors went to Washington to tell Senator Portman that they fear for their patients' lives.



Doctors Organized for Healthcare Solutions (DOHCS) is a Cleveland area -based group of 450 doctors who advocate on behalf of the health of their patients and the greater Cleveland community, not the well-being of physicians.

Formed in 2004 by Lana Moresky, DOHCS became a nexus for progressive doctors to support progressive policies. The group supports candidates who have demonstrated commitments to making Clevelands children and adults healthier.

Physician members represent every major medical center in Cleveland. They include specialists from surgery, anesthesiology, radiology, primary care, and other medical specialties. Together, DOHCS physicians serve over half a million patients in Cleveland.

DOHCS has forged a strong alliance with Doctors for America, a national organization of 17,000 doctors who promote progressive politics and policies. Dr. Lavin of DOHCS also serves as a co-director for Doctors for America for the State of Ohio.

DOHCS is open to all physicians in Greater Cleveland. Membership is free. Each physician is in charge of their level of participation, from simply receiving updates to participating in events to make the nation better. To join, email dohcsmd(at)gmail.com.
Citizens have formed a new organization, Broomfield Concerned, in an effort to band neighborhoods together and host neighborhood events that create greater awareness of large-scale oil and gas operations planned for Broomfield. Residents of Broomfield have been demanding answers as large-scale industrial operations find their way from rural areas into suburban communities, near backyards, schoolyards, open space and critical drinking water reservoirs.

According to organization leaders, the effort will include editorial and news material to keep residents informed on discussions between city leaders, residents and oil and gas operators. Additionally the group will spearhead the funding of awareness campaigns. The overall intention is to ensure no citizen of Broomfield is left unaware or unable to voice their concerns regarding oil and gas development in Broomfield.

Too few people are aware of what is happening and many are uncertain of how they can get involved in a meaningful way, said Jennifer Dulles, one of the cofounders and volunteers for the group. We aim to bridge that gap, deliver regular updates and provide action alerts that provide people with ways to show up, and to voice their concerns.

What the group will not do is force peoples hands on one particular approach. Instead, the organization is modeled on a format similar to the United Nations: bringing the many residents of Broomfield together while respecting the varied approaches and potentially divergent opinions on how best to contend with the issues. According to co-founder Ann Marie Byers, Where we can align, we will. And where we can connect people with like-minded neighbors, we will. But we will pledge to listen as much as we talk and to help the people in our community get involved in the ways that work best for them.

There are many groups of people working on very specific approaches; our aim is to bring those people who are still uncertain of what is happening into the fold, to help them understand the issues and ultimately, to help them get involved in any of the efforts that align with their beliefs, said Dulles.

To date, several dozen members have joined regular meetings and collaborated to ensure a presence at events. This includes attendance and reports back from the citys regularly scheduled Oil and Gas Comprehensive Plan Update Committee and subcommittee meetings, hearings held by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, events held by the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, and numerous presentations by elected officials, including a meeting with Representative Matt Gray and a lunch-hour discussion with Governor John Hickenlooper, among others.

According to Jean Lim, a member of the executive team who has worked to cover and report on dozens of events, We know the people of Broomfield, once they learn what is proposed, have questions. And we have yet to see all of those questions answered. We also know people are seeking avenues to get involved. Residents deserve regular information, as well as the opportunity to join with others, in whatever ways they are able. While some people have 50 hours a week to spend, others may only have only five minutes a week. I hope we can level the playing field and ensure working families can be a part of the discussion and remain involved in the effort to demand answers.

Added Dulles, At the end of the day we want Broomfield Concerned to be a go-to resource for anyone in Broomfield who has concerns. Frankly, I am not going to dictate how someone feels about this industry. But I certainly want to ensure my community knows what is planned and understands there are multiple efforts happening and many, many ways for them to get involved if they do have concerns.

About BCCN

Broomfield Concerned is a coalition of neighborhoods concerned about large-scale oil and

gas development and hydraulic fracturing in residential communities. The organizations

goals include:



Educating and creating awareness about Broomfield oil and gas development

Bringing Broomfield neighborhoods together in a cooperative atmosphere

Sharing what we learn and collaborating with communities outside of Broomfield

The group organizes under the banner, We are connected. We are concerned. Whether hosting home gatherings that allow people to ask questions in an informal setting, or inviting community members to join public events, Broomfield Concerned exists to help residents get connected to their neighbors on this issue.

Neighborhood representation currently includes residents from: Anthem Highlands, Anthem Ranch, the Broadlands, Eagle Trace, McKay Landing, Redleaf, Silverleaf, Wildgrass and others.

Those interested in being kept abreast of community involvement in proposed oil and gas developments in Broomfield, or in organizing in their neighborhood, can sign up for email updates and get more information at: http://www.broomfieldconcerned.org.

For editorial inquiries, interviews with local residents or additional information, contact

Jennifer Dulles.
Valletta, Malta In fact, a high-quality retirement in Europe can cost less than it would in North America. Look in the right places, and properties to rent can be found for less than $600 a month or to buy for under $110,000.

A retirement in Europe is a dream for lots of folksbut many assume its much more expensive than it actually is. In fact, a high-quality retirement in Europe can cost less than it would in North America.

Look in the right places, and properties to rent can be found for less than $600 a month or to buy for under $110,000. A filling three-course meal in a local restaurant can be had for $10, while a bag of fresh produce grown locally can cost under $6.

International Living editors and correspondents have identified the five countries where, at remarkable savings, expats can live by fabulous beaches, in idyllic rural retreats, or in cities where history is thickly layered with stunning architecture and grand museums.

For each country in the report, International Livings experts recommend an area worth particular consideration.

Number 5 - France

International Living France correspondent, Barbara Diggs, says that the country itself makes it easy to enjoy life. A land of immense geographic, climatic, and aesthetic diversity, it offers something to please everyone: snow-white Alpine ski slopes, golden beaches and bright blue skies, rows of vineyards rippling up and down hillsides, picture-perfect medieval stone villages, vibrant cities crammed with museums, galleries, and restaurants.

But theres another reason France makes life easy to enjoy. The country treats people as if they matter, Diggs says. France offers universal healthcare to its citizens and legal residents who qualify (it takes five years of permanent residence to become eligible). Whats more, pre-existing medical conditions are irrelevant to your ability to be covered, and out-of-pocket costs are extremely low.

Where you choose to enjoy life in France depends on your personality and finances, of course, says Diggs, who lives in Paris. But when its time for me to retire, Im putting the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south on my short list.

Warm and sunny, with stunning landscapes that range from rugged to rustic, the Languedoc is often described as the untouched version of Provence, its famous next-door neighbor. It offers the same kind of beaches, lavender fields, and relaxed vibebut its vastly more affordable.

General expenses in the Languedoc are very reasonable, according to Diggs. I know of an expat couple from the U.S. who lived in a small, beautiful village on just over $2,000 a month, she says. They rented large, furnished vacation homes during the off-season for $800 to $900 a month and lived simply and comfortably, mostly preparing their own meals with fresh, local products.

Monthly rent for an unfurnished place can be even lower. In the classic Languedoc town of Beziers, for example, large, sunny, unfurnished two-bedroom apartments can be found for about $600 to $650 a month.

For expats looking to buy, its possible to find attractive two- or three-bedroom homes on the market for $175,000 or less.

Number 4 - Malta

Ask any expat on Malta why he or she relocated to that tiny Mediterranean island nation, and the same three reasons keep cropping up: sea, sunshine, and the friendly and welcoming people.

In Malta, youll find abundant sunshine even at the height of winter, says American expat Gigi Griffis. Valletta, the nations scenic capital and adorned with historic buildings, is renowned as the warmest capital in Europeand with less than 7,000 inhabitants, a highly manageable one, at that. Even in January, youll still find temperatures in the 60s F, rising to the 80s F during the glorious summer months.

Monthly costs in Malta are affordable. Rents in the capital start from as low as $450 a month. The islands are also English-speakinga legacy of the British colonial eraso language certainly wont be a difficulty when adjusting to life here.

Malta has a number of different islands, only three of which are actually inhabited. Of these, my personal favoriteand the one Id recommend most as a retirement destinationis Gozo, Griffis reports. If, like me, you love to be surrounded by the sea, to enjoy quiet, cliffside walks, and to wake up to the smell of wild thyme wafting through your windows, this is the place for you.

This laidback way of life does not come at the expense of convenience. Victoria, Gozos largest town, is the place to go for shopping. There are two opera houses and expats can savor local organic produce in excellent restaurants.

All told, a couple could live well in Gozo for about $2,000 a month, including rent and healthcare.

Number 3 - Spain

Spain has long been one of the least-expensive countries in Europe. And today, with real estate prices at their lowest in decades and the euro weaker than its been in years, International Living editor Glynna Prentice says Spain is a downright bargain, whether youre looking to live here full- or part-time.

Along many of Spains coasts, you can find small, one-bedroom apartments selling for under $100,000, Prentice says.

More spacious one- and two-bedrooms (800 or 900 square feet) go for $150,000 or so. Comfortable, furnished, long-term apartment rentals run as little as $550 a month. Short-term rentals (up to three monthsperfect for part-timers) can start as low as $770.

My own favorite city for full- or part-time living is Valencia, Prentice says. For me, it combines the best of all worlds. Spains third-largest city, it has all the goodies of a metropolis: convenient air and rail connections, major hospitals, universities, and plenty of parks. You can walk in green spaces, under leafy trees, across much of the city, and music seems always in the air.

This city abounds in culture, with science and art museums, concert halls, and one of Europes largest historic centers. Yet its also a beach town, right on the Mediterranean. Best of all, its shockingly affordable, Prentice reports. Real estate prices in Valencia can be high, but rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments in some of Valencias best neighborhoods still start at only about $550 a month. If youre looking to buy, sale prices start at about $110,000. If youve ever dreamed of living affordably in Europewhether its for a few months at a time or for the rest of your lifetake a look at Spain now.

Number 2 - Italy

Many Americans regard Italy as expensive, but spend time outside tourist Italy and it can prove remarkably affordable.

Leaving aside hotspots like Capri and Sorrento, the farther south expats go, the more prices fall. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Milan will start around $800 to $1,000 and in Florence its $700 to $900, for example.

But in Lecce, a flamboyantly baroque city in the Puglia region of Italys deep south, something the same size can go for as low as $480 a month. Thanks to the Souths longer summers and milder winters, cost of living is drastically reduced, too.

Puglia is in the heel of Italys boot, a place of dazzling sunshine, sophisticated towns, and friendly people with a touch of natural theatrics in their veins. Its also rather overlooked, which means you can live well here for about $1,600 a month, including rent of as little as $369. The sea is part of Puglias draw. Brightly-painted boats bob in small harbors, fishermen untangle and mend nets on quaysides, and markets glisten with everything from swordfish to sea urchins.

Puglia is the kind of place that invites superlatives, says Valerie Fortney-Schneider, International Living Italy correspondent. The best food, the friendliest people, the cleanest beaches, and the most fascinating architecture are common compliments that visitors declare after encountering this sun-kissed region.

In towns like Brindisi and Lecce, $450 to $500 a month rents a decent-size apartment. Puglia is an Italy that many expats have fallen in love with and an Italy they can afford.

Number 1 - Portugal

Ask your average European to describe England, Italy, or France and they will have an answereven if they have never been, says International Living international executive editor Eoin Bassett. But beyond its southern beach towns and the elegant old capital of Lisbon, Portugal will have them stumped.

Portugal is the last true bastion of Old World living in Western Europe. Decades of rule by a conservative dictator named Salazar preserved a lifestyle thats disappearing elsewhere. Its a country where an Englishman or a German can find a reflection of how life used to be back home.

Thats not to say Portugal is backward. You can get free WiFi in public places, Bassett says. English is widely spoken, and you can travel around by train for much less than youll pay elsewhere in Europe, in comfort and with access to a dining car. Think of it as life with modern convenience and none of the hassles, stress and traffic.

Portugal is a value proposition. Expats can live well on $2,100 to $2,200 a month. That includes rent, which runs from as little as $375 a month for a centrally located apartment in a pleasant provincial city.

My favorite such place is Evora, at the heart of the Alentejo, Bassett says. Around an hour from Lisbon, Evora is encased in 14th-century walls but unlike many of Europes old UNESCO-protected towns, Evora is not just like a museum. Its a lively university town of mom-and-pop stores, fantastic eateries, and layers of history.

The complete International Living article on the five most affordable retirement havens in Europe can be found at: Europe's Top 5 Affordable Retirement Havens.

Editors Note: Members of the media have permission to reproduce the article linked above once credit is given to InternationalLiving.com. To learn more, please contact InternationalLiving.com Associate Editor, Carol Barron, tel. (772) 678  0287, e-mail: CBarron(at)internationalliving(dot)com

Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available.

For 37 years, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment.
Plastic Surgery Associates is proud to report that founding surgeon, Francisco Canales, MD, has been named as a Top Doctor for 2017. Each year, research and information firm, Castle Connolly, releases their list of the most notable and trusted physicians across the country. First winning the title in 2015, this marks the 3rd time that Dr. Canales has been recognized by Castle Connolly.

One of the most coveted physician recognitions, Castle Connollys Top Doctor award started in 1991 as a tool to help prospective patients. The process is open to all MDs and DOs across the United States. Doctors are nominated by their peers and fellow physicians throughout the year.

Winning doctors are chosen by Castle Connollys elite, physician-based team, which meticulously investigates each nominee's background, contribution to patient care, continuing education, performance ratings and any disciplinary actions. While thousands may be nominated, only about 5% of the doctors are selected as a Top Doctor winner.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.'s President and CEO John Connolly, MD, explains the theory behind the highly selective Top Doctor award, "Our goal is to make it easier for an average person to find the right doctor for them, in what can be an overwhelming process, at a difficult time in a person's life. Dr. Connolly then continues, (Therefore) only a small percent of physicians are selected to be Castle Connolly Top Doctors.

Dr. Canales unmatched background, extensive training and years of surgical experience all play a role in his fourth win as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors at Harvard College, Dr. Canales went on to complete his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Canales is a member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

In 1992, Dr. Canales co-founded Plastic Surgery Associates with his wife, Heather Furnas, MD, also a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Drs. Canales and Furnas share the practice philosophy of adding joy to our patients lives through genuine caring, generosity of spirit, and the quality of our work. During their time away from the office, both Dr. Canales and Dr. Furnas volunteer their skill and experience helping to repair cleft lips and birth defects in children across Nicaragua, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina and Kenya.

More information on the Top Doctor award process, as well as a complete list of Castle Connollys 2016 Top Doctors, can be found at http://www.castleconnolly.com. For additional details on the surgical and noninvasive procedures available from Dr. Canales, please contact Plastic Surgery Associates at 707.537.2111 or fill out the online Contact Us form.
United Benefit Advisors (UBA), the nations leading independent employee benefits advisory organization, is pleased to welcome Whipple & Company as its newest Partner Firm. Headquartered in Coconut Creek, Florida, Whipple & Company was founded on the clear purpose of balancing their clients risk while tailoring optimized benefit packages that strengthen the relationship between employer and employee.

We are very excited to be a UBA Partner Firm, says Melissa Whipple, GBA, President at Whipple & Company. The collaboration with elite agents and agencies across the country along with access to sophisticated tools and services is priceless. This partnership will allow us to continue to provide our clients with the high touch service of a boutique agency that they have become accustomed to, while having the breadth and depth of a large national firm. It is critical that we continue to better Whipple & Company, so we can in turn better our clients.

Beginning with outside the box thinking, Whipple & Company has the right aptitude, experience, and skill to be the perfect insurance partner. Their dedicated and knowledgeable group of effective negotiators and creative thinkers are always focused on their clients unique requirements.

Scott Deru, UBA Chairman of the Board says, Whipple & Company is an excellent addition to UBA and to our presence in the state of Florida. Their corporate philosophy of strengthening relationships perfectly matches the philosophies of UBAs other Partner Firms. I look forward to their collaboration and thought leadership with our Partners so that we can all grow in this ever-changing landscape of insurance.

As the newest Partner Firm of UBA, Whipple & Company joins a network of employee benefits advisory firms that serve employers of all sizes across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. As a combined group, UBAs annual employee benefit revenues rank it among the top five employee benefit advisory organizations in the U.S.

ABOUT Whipple & Company

Whipple & Company is based on the clear purpose of solving a significant problem every client faces  the need to reduce expenses while maintaining an optimal employee benefits package to recruit and retain top talent. We accomplish this by adhering to our core set of principles. You focus on what you do best, and let us do the same, supporting all of your employee benefits needs. For more information, visit http://www.whippleco.com.

ABOUT United Benefit Advisors

United Benefit Advisors (UBA) is the nations leading independent employee benefits advisory organization with more than 200 offices throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. UBA empowers more than 2,000 Partners to both maintain their individuality and pool their expertise, insight, and market presence to provide best-in-class services and solutions. Employers, advisors and industry-related organizations interested in obtaining powerful results from the shared wisdom of our Partners should visit http://www.UBAbenefits.com.

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Group enjoys dinner during Sound Royalties Advisory Board meeting Weve needed a good option like Sound Royalties. The companys flexible model works great for songwriters in a variety of situations...

Sound Royalties, LLC, an innovative company transforming the way that music professionals fund their creativity, held its quarterly advisory board meeting on June 8 and 9 at the Grand Beach Hotel in Miami Beach.

In attendance were Sound Royalties Founder and CEO Alex Heiche, Vice President of Writer-Publisher and Industry Relations at BMI Charlie Feldman, Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor at SESAC Pat Collins, industry-leading songwriter and former President of Nashville Songwriters Association International Steve Bogard, and respected music attorney and Co-Founder and Executive Director of BESLA Kendall Minter, among others.

Sound Royalties is a specialty finance company that offers royalty advances to songwriters, producers, and artists, looking at the music rather than the individual, to help them secure needed capital in order to advance their careers, and without ever seeking to buy or permanently own the rights to their music. The company has seen great success, helping hundreds of creative professionals, and becoming well-known in the music community as the go-to source for next-generation funding strategies that fit the artistic lifestyle.

At the quarterly advisory meeting, members evaluated the companys past achievements and outlined upcoming goals. The attendees also discussed current issues in the ever-evolving industry, and how Sound Royalties fills a funding void that has long left music professionals with few viable or attractive options.

Its good to see a company like Sound Royalties emerge, which understand the periodic financial needs of music professionals and genuinely wants to help them succeed, said Collins. Thanks to the companys innovative approach, songwriters and other creatives now have a funding alternative that does not require pledging their copyrights. I am excited to join the Sound Royalties Advisory Board, and look forward to being a part of their acceptance and growth as a financial solution for creators.

Fellow Advisory Board member, Steve Bogard added: Deep down, songwriters and artists dont want to sell their catalogues, especially writers shares, so borrowing from a company that might result in losing your copyrights is a dangerous last resort. Weve needed a good option like Sound Royalties. The companys flexible model works great for songwriters in a variety of situations  a young writer who hasnt established credit yet, an artist who wants to fund a new project, or an experienced songwriter managing multiple revenue streams.

Reflecting on the board meeting, Sound Royalties Founder and CEO Alex Heiche stated: Were fortunate to have assembled an incredible group of industry experts for the Sound Royalties Advisory Board. This months meeting featured a lively discussion about the current and future state of the music business, and allowed us to garner great insights that will empower Sound Royalties to help even more music professionals grow and advance their careers without money ever getting in the way of their creativity. Im excited to say that the future of Sound Royalties is incredibly bright.

Always in tune to the industrys latest news and events, Heiche also attended the National Music Publishers Associations annual membership meeting and the 48th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner last week following the successful board meeting.

For more information on Sound Royalties and to keep up with its latest news, visit https://soundroyalties.com/, or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Sound Royalties

Founded by CEO Alex Heiche, Sound Royalties, LLC is a privately-owned specialty finance firm that helps music industry professionals fund personal and professional projects while allowing them to retain the rights to their music and royalties. The companys core business is offering royalty financing of anywhere from $5,000 to $10 million, without having to deal with credit issues, while preserving all rights to the artists music. To date, Sound Royalties, LLC has worked with a wide range of leading music industry professionals, including Grammy Award winners, platinum recording artists and notable music industry executives in every genre. Learn more at http://www.soundroyalties.com.
Bernadette M. Rappold, Jerry Stouck, and Brent Allen, environmental shareholders in the Washington, D.C. office of international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, will present the CLE webinar, Exiting the Paris Climate Agreement: What it Means for You and the Future of Greenhouse Gas Regulation in the United States, June 22 for Lawline.

The course will examine the parameters of the Paris Agreement, discuss the process of withdrawal from the Agreement, recognize the ramifications for U.S. businesses, and suggest best practices for how businesses can stay informed of the changing regulatory and policy landscape. Registration for the course is available here.

Lawline is a platform for online continuing education. According to its website, Lawlines faculty represents many of the AmLaw 100 as well as faculty from nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies.

Rappold focuses her practice on federal and state regulatory issues related to energy and the environment and has substantial litigation experience. She advises clients on regulatory compliance as well as the environmental, safety, and health aspects of numerous business and real estate transactions, including water, air, and chemical hazards. Rappold offers clients perspective gained through years of service at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Stouck handles environmental and land use litigation, including related contract/commercial disputes, and has extensive experience with eminent domain and Fifth Amendment regulatory takings claims. He has a wide-ranging trial and appellate litigation practice and experience in complex business, regulatory, and environmental disputes with government agencies. He is chair of the firm's Federal Regulatory and Administrative Law Practice and regularly challenges federal agency action under various regulatory regimes.

Allen has more than 20 years of experience handling complex litigation matters, often involving several parties with competing interests and challenging fact patterns. Many of these cases focus on environmental contamination, mass torts, and products liability claims, although he also represents clients in a wide variety of other disputes as well. In most matters, the litigation is just one part of a broader strategy and is connected to other business considerations.

About Greenberg Traurigs Environmental Practice

Greenberg Traurigs Environmental Practice assists clients with issues under the environmental and natural resource laws that affect their businesses. The firms environmental attorneys assist with securing permits and approvals; negotiate and close transactions; defend clients in enforcement actions; handle a broad range of environmental and toxic tort litigation; ensure the understanding and satisfaction of regulatory requirements; prepare for and respond to emergencies; craft approaches for legacy cleanup issues; and develop solutions for product regulation, market access, and environmental policy challenges. The practice was named Law Firm of the Year for Environmental Law in the U.S. News  Best Lawyers 2016 edition of Best Law Firms.

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.
'Notch, the Rescued Dolphin' is a new children's book based on the viral video of an injured wild dolphin who sought help from a dive team in Hawaii in 2013. "Its very important that we promote positive messages to children about our responsibility to protect the Earth and wildlife. If we can use Notch's story to start those conversations, we will save much more than one dolphin"- Martina Wing, Author

Her incredible footage of an injured wild bottlenose dolphin approaching a Hawaiian dive team for help, then patiently waiting to be untangled from fishing line, has been shared by major news outlets worldwide and amassed over 30 million YouTube views. Now, Martina Wing, the underwater camerawoman responsible for filming the rescue, has designed a childrens book about the event. Shes hoping Notchs story will inspire kids (and their parents) to become environmental advocates.

My book, Notch, the Rescued Dolphin, has important messages for kids about animal intelligence, the value of compassion, and our collective responsibility to protect the environment we all share. This wild dolphin had a life threatening emergency caused entirely by careless human beings, yet he still came to us and trusted us to save him. Kids are fascinated by the courage and communication between this beautiful animal and the divers, especially because its a true story.

She continues, As a conservation activist, I knew Notchs rescue was going to inspire people. The story touches on some big concepts. I believe that its very important that we promote positive messages to children about our responsibility to protect the Earth and wildlife. Never before in human history have we faced an environmental crisis on this scale, and its going to be up to future generations to find solutions. If we can use Notchs story to start those conversations, we will save much more than one dolphin.

By some estimates, over a hundred million marine mammals die annually due to plastic pollution- like the fishing line Notch was tangled in. Add in fish, turtles, and birds, and the annual death toll is simply staggering. Some researchers believe that unless we change our approach to conservation now, in three decades 50% of Earths existing species will be extinct*. Educating children & parents about these and other environmental issues is a critical step in changing the mindsets and behaviors that contribute to the crisis.

Notch, the Rescued Dolphin is available for preorder via Kickstarter at http://www.notchdolphinbook.com. For a pledge of only $20 backers will receive a fully illustrated hardcover copy of the book.

The viral video of the original rescue can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCXx2bNk6UA



Racing Extinction. Dir. Louie Psihoyos. Discovery, 2015. Film.

Martina Wing, Author

PMB 410 Suite J

74-5576 Pawai Place

Kailua-Kona HI 96740

808-987-8660

http://www.MartinaWing.com - http://www.MantaAdvocatesHawaii.com

aloha(at)mantarayshawaii.com
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fast growing publication, and a community of amazing contributing author talent and subscribers and to take it to the next level." -Joe Beccalori

Relevance.com, named the world's fastest growing content promotion publication just two years ago, has tapped Interact Marketing CEO, and Forbes Contributor Joe Beccalori as Contributing Editor and Digital Marketing Expert effective this week. The 2015 Content Marketing Award winner for highest subscriber growth boasts over twenty marketing industry thought leaders as top tier contributors, 400 other marketing industry bloggers, and top tier digital marketing sponsors. Writers contribute relevant and timely materials on marketing topics including earned media and PR, traditional advertising and branding, and digital marketing on display, search engines, and social media. Relevance also offers consultative strategic marketing guidance to members.

The publication changed hands in a private transaction earlier this year, along with all the content, domain names, brand assets, marketing materials and methodologies of several legacy agencies - Digital Relevance and Slingshot SEO, two former Inc. 500 national agencies who were responsible for the initial launch of the publication in 2012.

We are proud to continue the success of the publication and the Relevance brand, and to be a top provider of content for our industry to add value and insights to marketing teams and agencies worldwide," said Asheesh Mani Jain, whose 200+ employee, multi-national web services company Creative Lipi is responsible for the acquisition. We are honored to have some of the best minds in the industry contributing to the site, and very pleased to have Joe join our team in this capacity.

The site attracts over 25,000 monthly visitors and has a B2B email subscriber list and social media following of approximately 75,000 middle market and enterprise marketing professionals. Relevance generates revenue through corporate sponsorships, display advertising, monetization of opt-in lead generation, and by offering downloadable white papers, eBooks, and other sought after strategic assets for marketers. Current plans are to focus on the continued popularity and growth of the publication.

"Marketing success in the digital realm is almost entirely based on developing key relationships, and partnerships both on and offline," said Joe Beccalori. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fast growing publication, and a community of amazing contributing author talent and subscribers and to take it to the next level. This is not the type of site or audience quality that is easy to build. We have a great responsibility to our audience here. This is the real deal."

Creative Lipi is a digital marketing and an IT solutions advisory, which helps organizations strengthen their online footprint and build sustainable competitive advantage. The company has grown from a one-room, five-person team in 2003, to a state-of-the-art, 200-member team with offices in Maryland (USA), Noida (India) and Faridabad (India).

Headquartered in New York, and founded in 2007, Interact Marketing is a full-service interactive agency that has utilized a broad spectrum of online marketing strategies to establish high awareness, web traffic, and conversions for over 200 clients worldwide. Interact has grown to over 23 team members including certified specialists in design, programming, search optimization, search engine marketing, social media, reputation management, and marketing technology, and is the fastest growing agency in New Yorks Hudson Valley region with 472% organic revenue growth in less than five years.

The Content Marketing Awards are presented and owned by the Content Marketing Institute to recognize and award the best content marketing projects, agencies and marketers in the industry each year. The awards include 92 categories recognizing all aspects of content marketing, from strategy to distribution, from design to editorial. The Content Marketing Awards program is the leading international awards program for corporate content creation and distribution.
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Polish PGNiG Stopped Receiving Russian Gas from Yamal Pipelien Due to Bad Quality

PGNiG said it believed the resons for this discontinuity to be technical and that it was awaiting an explanation by the Russian side

AUTHOR: publics.bg



 PGNiG



Polish gas grid operator PGNiG said sharp deterioration in the quality as the reason that led it to cut supply of Russian gas via the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline. Since then the operator used its limited gas reserves for the winter of 2017-2018 and began pumping its own underground gas storage stocks at Mogilno.

PGNiG said it believed the resons for this discontinuity to be technical and that it was awaiting an explanation by the Russian side.

Once again, we are faced with a situation in which supply continuity has been disturbed without prior warning from the supplier, i.e. Gazprom. However, there are no grounds for claiming that the causes of the situation are different from technical ones. We do not know how long this situation will last. We are waiting for a full explanation of the situation by the Russian side. We remain in constant contact with transmission system operators in Poland and Belarus, PGNiG said on its website.

Deliveries to gas consumers in Poland are not currently under threat, PGNiG stated.

The situation prevents the import of gas to Poland via the Yamal pipeline from both Russia and the virtual reverse side. This is due to the fact that the reverse gas delivery to Poland at Mallnow on the Polish-German border was stopped by both Polish and German operators, PGNiG said.

While PGNiG is pumping gas from the storage in Mogilno, it has decided to partially reduce the injection of gas into other warehouses. The supply of the country with natural gas will also be supplemented with supplies from the LNG terminal in Swinoujscie. The nearest spot delivery is expected at the terminal on July 4, 2017, PGNiG said.
Yes  but only up to a certain point.

That threshold, it turns out, can vary depending on where you live, according to a recent study from Gallup and Sharecare, a digital platform that provides personalized health profiles.

The average American adult living in Atlanta, for instance, reaches peak daily happiness earning around $42,000 a year, while someone living in Seattle or New York City doesn't reach that same level of happiness until they're earning $105,000 a year.

Happiness is defined in this case as the state of daily emotions, measured through questions like, "Did you experience enjoyment during a lot of the day yesterday?" and "Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?"

The researchers interviewed more than 450,000 American adults nationwide, and compared results across geographic regions, as well as 12 metro areas. They found that happiness plateaus at different income levels in different parts of the US.

That's in contrast to overall life satisfaction, which continues to increase alongside income regardless of where you live, according to the 2010 research of Gallup senior scientists and Nobel Laureates Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton, which inspired and served as the foundation for this study.

"With some regions, like West North Central and South Central  right in the middle of America  it takes a lot less money to maximize the chance that you'll have a really good day," lead Gallup researcher Dan Witters told TIME. In these areas, people tend to reach peak happiness around $54,000, right around the US household median income.

While some of the results can be attributed to cost of living variances  the higher the cost of living, the more money is needed for daily happiness  that wasn't always the case.

In fact, East North Central, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, required the highest income to reach peak happiness at $120,000, though its cost of living is comparatively lower than in the coastal areas or mountain regions.
He pitched Republican leaders on June 6 on a proposal to cover the wall with solar panels and use the electricity generated to cover the costs of construction and maintenance.

Trump mentioned the hypothetical solar wall during a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Wednesday night, saying "this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money," as his supporters applauded.

Thomas Gleason is the managing partner of Gleason Partners LLC, a Las Vegas-based architecture firm that submitted a proposal to the Department of Homeland Security that included solar panels. He told Business Insider earlier this month that he had been batting around the idea of building a solar-paneled wall along the US-Mexico border "for months."

Gleason, being in the construction business, said he knew a few people in contact with Trump, so he directed his firm to come up with a design and "get it in front" of the president after the DHS requested proposals.

The wall would generate enough power to pay for its construction in under 20 years, Gleason claimed. But he cautioned that numerous variables  the Mexican border is far from a straight line and light intensity changes from month-to-month  could complicate his calculations. He said his firm hasn't received the go-ahead from the federal government to conduct a full evaluation.

Gleason said his estimate is predicated on the cost of manufacturing solar panels decreasing over time. The price of installing solar panels has dropped from around $8 per watt in 2009 to $1.50 per watt in 2016, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Business leaders within the renewable-energy sector commended Trump's decision to seriously consider going solar.

"

Gleason said he believes that farmers on both sides of the border would appreciate the wall, as the energy output would create a "microgrid" that could provide cheap power to remote areas on the border underserved by energy utilities.

"We'd be our own utility," Gleason added, though he said third-party contractors would need to actively manage the wall, per the DHS's request. He said the cheap, renewable electricity produced by the wall should "mitigate" political resistance over time, and increase property values along the border.

Gleason also said the panels sourced by his firm would be manufactured in the US, whereas a concrete wall would entail shipping "truckloads" of concrete from Mexico, along with the higher maintenance costs.

"

Here are some renderings of what the wall could look like, which Gleason's firm provided to Business Insider:

The panels on the proposed wall would be offset to avoid casting shadows, as solar panels are usually installed on roofs, not walls. The panels on the roof would move to track the sun.

This is the proposed Mexico side of the wall. Solar panels in the US generally face south to maximize sunlight.

Another cross-section of the Mexico side of the wall. The panels would be set on a concrete foundation, with fencing above and below the panels.

The US side of the wall. Gleason says the wall would generate enough electricity to pay for sensors and border patrol stations along its length.
According to minister, the US$ 100 million capacity building programme tailored for unemployed youth would help acquire skills to create their own businesses.

"We believe this will curb unemployment and make Ghana number one business destination in the sub-region he said. Mr. Awal further revealed He also reiterated governmentas commitment to provide tax relieves for start-ups.

He asserted governments commitment to uplifting start-ups by providing tax relieves. Also, he said that 70 percent of all public funded projects would go to locally owned businesses, out of which 10 percent will also be directed to start-ups.

The meeting involved about 20 members of the UKGCC, from the telecoms, energy, logistics, finance, legal and business associations. It also created a platform to share their concerns and challenges with the minister.

The meeting was presented the minister an avenue to clarify issues concerning local and foreign businesses, and ways to improve the economy. Mr. Tony Burkson, Chief Executive Officer of the UKGCC said he was excited with the efforts that government to better conditions for businesses in the country.
An eye witness at the scene tells Pulse News that the police was called in to arrest.

He explains that the rubber bullet has injured someones eye and has been rushed to the hospital.

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The protest staged by the workers stem out of the fact that workers have been unfairly treated for many months.

How can you pay your workers less than GHC250.00 and expect them to survive and work well? The Chinese workers eat good meals whilst we eat bread an agitated worker told Adom FMs Isabella Gidiglo Ave in an interview.

The police were invited to move the workers from the site since they had refused to work, but they pelted the law officers with stones, compelling them to fire rubber bullets to contain the situation.
He was born in Accra, Ghana to Victoria Agbotui and James Ramsey John, a chemist from the United Kingdom.

Rawlings attended Achimota School.

READ ALSO: 5 adorable photos of Juliet Ibrahim and rapper boyfriend

Rawlings is married to Nana Konadu Agyeman and they have three daughters namely Ezanetor Rawlings, Yaa Asantewaa Rawlings, Amina Rawlings; and one son, Kimathi Rawlings.

As he celebrates his 70th birthday today, we have selected 7 of his quotes that we love.

READ ALSO: Yvonne Nelson wants to break the Internet with this topless photo

1. "I, Rawlings will not turn round and commit the very crime for which another man lost his life"- John Jerry Rawlings

2. "I would dare you to go and line up some of your finest policemen, some of your finest head of states, some of your finest, what you call it judges, make any allegations against me. You included. One of the questions you want to ask. Take me through a chemical interrogation, I will be the one who will pass. I wonder how many of you will pass" - John Jerry Rawlings

3. The test of religious belief is not in pious platitudes and cautious charity, but in positive and creative action" - John Jerry Rawlings

4. Food is a political weaponAfricas foremost defence is self-sufficiency in food. Until we attain a substantial measure of freedom from food dependency, we are vulnerable to manipulation by the wealthier nations"- John Jerry Rawlings

5. The most dangerous mistake of any political force is to forget its roots" - John Jerry Rawlings

6. Whatever form of government we adopt as a people to suit our peculiar circumstances, our basic tenet is our common yearning and concern for every individual; for politics, whatever its colour must be an avenue to serve our fellowmen" - John Jerry Rawlings
Recent photos of her surfing the Hawaii waves were shared on her Instagram on Tuesday drawing a lot of comments and likes from her follower on the photo-sharing app.

She succinctly wrote alongside the photos: Surfer girl

In the series of photos, she is seen drenched in a blue wetsuit and shorts with a helmet and her surfboard as she walks out of the water.

Sandr Ankobiah has not been in Ghana for the past few months after she was shortlisted for the Fortune-U.S. Department of State Global Womens Mentoring Program in the United States which pairs international businesswomen at the crossroads of their leadership paths, with top American female executives.

Sandra Ankobiah holds a Masters degree in Law from the Buckingham University and is the co-founder of SN Media Learning Tree, a media training school located in Accra
We went in to investigate, now we have lots of expired drugs in Tamale Teaching Hospital which we have arranged to dispose off. For now we have not finished taking the inventory we are hopeful by the end of the month well be able to finish the inventory and then well procdeed from there to go and have the disposal of the medicines which are expired at the hospital.There are a lot of administrative procedure that one will have to go through before being allowed to take an action or activity and these are some of the things that we have to endure, we couldnt just go straight foward to the hospital to take inventory. We had to write to the Chief Executive, he had to reply and later on we were given the access to take inventory of the medicines, he said.
The symptoms reported by the victims mainly are headache, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, mental confusion, abdominal pain and fever. The Ministry has been advised to increase surveillance at all levels to prevent importation of the strange disease, a letter from the Health Ministry has indicated.

The unexplained illness has since April 23 this year claimed the lives of several people, the World Health Organisation reported. About 28 people were taken ill, including an unknown number of children in Sinoe County.

The mystery began when an 11-year-old was admitted to a hospital April 23.
According to him, showing such content on free-to-air stations is offensive to the countrys moral sense we have carved for ourselves.

He believes that such adult materials should be accessed in private and should not be consumed publicly.

The Minister told TV3s Hot Issue last Saturday, that it is in our calendar to send the broadcasting law to parliament next year for passage.

"Hopefully, when we get to the broadcasting law and we succeed in getting it passed, we will have proper regulation for what it is that people can broadcast and what it is that people cannot broadcast. But as I said, until that time comes, we are sort of handicapped a bit.

He said that the government for now can only plead with the television stations involved not to broadcast such content.

Some ace broadcasters in Ghana earlier this month petitioned the National Media Commission to take action against television stations that telecast "pornographic materials" late evenings.

In the said petition, the two ace broadcasters, Tommy Annan-Forson and James Oberko said from May 26 to June 7, they monitored and realised that that stations like Ice TV, XYZ TV and Thunder TV were streaming pornographic content contrary to the broadcasting guidelines.

They expressed hopes that the NMC and National Communication Authority (NCA) and Parliament will deal with their concerns.
He was, however, not in the car when the accident happened.

The vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser, was being driven by Chief Inspector John Ankomah, when it crashed into a KIA Rhino truck at about 9:20 pm, at Nkawanda No. 2 near Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region.

The truck was also being driven by a 28-year-old man, identified as Alhassan Kipo, who was at the time carting fertiliser from Accra to Tamale.
One of the workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: They called in the police and they have arrested some of the workers. The rubber bullet has injured someones eye. He has been rushed to the hospital. So what is happening in this country?

How can you pay your workers less than GHC250.00 and expect them to survive and work well? The Chinese workers eat good meals whilst we eat bread one other worker told Accra-based Adom FM.

READ ALSO: GBC workers stage demo

The police had arrived at the scene to ensure that the workers resumed work. But the scene turned chaotic when the workers began pelting the police officers with stones.

The police were, therefore, forced to fire rubber bullets to restore order.
Zanetor took to Facebook to laud her father for his selflessness and longevity.

READ MORE: Rawlings to hold luncheon with veterans

She wrote: "Wow... Dad, I can't believe you're 70 already, yet you keep going so strong.

"Your selflessness and love for others always astounds me. Though sometimes I wish I could keep you all for myself, I take pride in the fact that the good Lord placed a special calling on your life - to touch the lives of multitudes across nations.

"Dad, I know that some day when the roll is being called, your name, J.J Rawlings will be inscribed in gold. I'm proud to be your daughter".

READ ALSO: Supreme Court declares Gitmo 2 in Ghana unconstitutional

Jerry John Rawlings celebrated the day with a party which had family and friends in attendance.
Boakye Agyarko was speaking at a stakeholders forum on Ghanas 10 years experience as a commercial oil producer in Accra organised by the Petroleum Commission.

He said a victory for Ghana will help attract more investors into the oil and gas sector.

With the final judgment by September 2017, the Ghana legal and technical team has put in their very best efforts, consequently we are very hopeful of securing a favourable decision, it is expected that the ruling will provide investors with the certainty they need to make long-term investment decisions in this country, Agyarko said.

Background

Ivory Coast is claiming ownership of the disputed TEN oil field, forcing Ghana to file a suit at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) to ward off Ivory Coast from disputed oilfields.

It filed its suit based on Article 287 Annex VII of the 1982 UNCLOS.

READ ALSO: Ghana ends first round of oral defence in maritime border disagreement

Cote dIvoire in February 2015 filed for preliminary measures and urged the tribunal to suspend all activities in the disputed area until the definitive determination of the case, dubbed: Dispute Concerning Delimitation of the Maritime Boundary between Ghana and Cote dIvoire in the Atlantic Ocean.
When asked whether he had sexual intercourse with his sister-in-law on Accra-based Starr FM, Mr Bagbin said: No! Its not true.

On September 17, 2004, the Weekend Crusading Guide broke the story that a top politician had an affair with his sister-in-law. Even though, the paper did not mention a name, a follow-up conducted by Daily Guide named Alban Bagbin.

The media accused Mr Bagbin of having sexual encounters with his 17-year-old sister-in-law at a time when he had issues with his wife. The story claimed Mr Bagbin impregnated the teenager and subsequently rented a separate apartment for her.

However, Mr Bagbin said the allegation was aimed at smearing him. You know, we were getting into elections and my opponents came at me and that time I had some disagreement with my very good senior Freddie Blay and I think all worked [for] their paper, and so it was Daily Guide that published it. Its not true that.

I mean you dont stop and throw stones at any dog that barks at you when you are moving. If you do that you will never reach your destination. I was focused on winning my elections, so, I went to campaign.

Mr Bagbin was quick to add that it is not a taboo within his tradition to have sexual relations with his sister-in-law.

In any case, in my area, its a norm, its accepted. Traditionally [it is accepted] because we are paternal. But no, I never did that.

He said the controversy came about after people heard his interview with Accra-based Joy FM on the allegation.

When I was asked a question on Joy FM about it, I told Joy FM that there was a time that we had to discuss the possibility of me marrying her and they asked whether we had intimacy and I tried to know what that meant. Then I said yes, so, because of that answer, people just read into it and said [I had slept with my sister-in-law]. This was in 1990, the veteran MP said.
She wrote: "Wow... Dad, I can't believe you're 70 already, yet you keep going so strong.

"Your selflessness and love for others always astounds me. Though sometimes I wish I could keep you all for myself, I take pride in the fact that the good Lord placed a special calling on your life - to touch the lives of multitudes across nations.

"Dad, I know that some day when the roll is being called, your name, J.J Rawlings will be inscribed in gold. I'm proud to be your daughter"

READ ALSO: JJ At 70

Born on June 1st, 1978 to J.J. Rawlings and Nana Konadu, Zanetor whose name means 'Let the night stop' in Ewe is a medical doctor who first rose to the political scene in 2015.

Her decision to run for the 2016 parliamentary elections on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress sparked a lot of controversies from several quarters in the party.

She managed to beat her fiercest contender, Nii Armah Ashitey who was also the incumbent MP with over 2,403 votes representing 62.22 per cent of the total votes cast. Nii Ashitey followed closely with 1,348 votes, representing 34.90 per cent of votes cast. A third contestant, John Coleman, polled only 100 votes, representing 2.5 per cent of the votes.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
I met at the age of 20 when I was in my second year in the university. He was still a struggling young man trying to find his feet in politics. He was a Personal Assistant to a top politician in out state and I fell in love madly with him.

He was one of my roommate's cousin and we met when he came to visit her. Within a short time, my life revolved around him as I saw in him the man of my dreams and the father of my children.

My friend often teased me, calling me her sister-in-law and I would smile shyly, hoping and praying that the wish could come true.

Alhaji too showed me he loved me so much and showered me with so much affection and gifts that I became the envy of my friends and other colleagues.

He was my first real love and before I knew it, he had introduced me to the world of sex. Sleeping with him was one thing that I always longed for as he had a way of making me want him more and more.

When the elections came around, he contested for a position in the state house of assembly and won with a landslide. My joy knew no bounds as I saw myself as the future wife of a top politician because he often dreamed of making it big in the career.

It was only when I became pregnant for him and told him that everything changed. I remember vividly how his countenance changed when I gave him the news.

I had expected that he would be very happy and come to meet my parents but when I told him, he became very angry and that was hen he told me he was married with three children and did not want to have a child out of wedlock.

I was shocked because he had never told me he was a married man. He confessed that he had been married for over seven years and did not want anything that would spoil his image and destroy his political career.

I was more petrified when he said I should go for an abortion, something I vehemently refused since a friend had lost her life while trying to terminate her baby and I told him I would never get an abortion.

He tried every means to convince me and even threatened me if I kept the baby but I stood my grounds and insisted on having his child.

That was when my once loving Alhaji became something else and started to avoid me. Anytime I called him, he would either refuse to pick the calls or when he picked, he would tell me he was very busy and would call me back, which he did not.

When the pregnancy became very obvious, I had to leave school and go back home only to face my parent's wrath. My father was so mad that he sent me out of the house. I had no option but to go and stay with an aunt till I gave birth.

Since I had my child six years ago, Alhaji who has become a top politician and is a member of the House of Representatives has not cared to take up his responsibility. The last time I reached out to him, he threatened to get me arrested for defamation of character.

I have slaved so much to take care of a child whose father is very rich and makes laws for Nigerians but he has not deemed it fit to take care of the child.

I am sending this as a warning to him as I will have not option but to expose him for what he is.

Amina."
Justice Kuewumi in his judgment found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.

Kuewumi said the imprisonment period would begin from the date of the convicts arrest.

The convict was charged with trafficking in drugs by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The NDLEA arraigned him before Justice Babs Kuewumi, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

After his plea, the prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, reviewed the facts of the case before the court.

Aernan tendered a statement written by the convict, a request for scientific aid form, and a drug analysis form.

He also tendered the remnant of the narcotic substances found on him before the court as evidence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the evidence were, accordingly, admitted by the court and marked as exhibits.

According to the charge sheet, the convict was said to have unlawfully engaged in trafficking of 700 g of Cannabis Sativa, also known as hemp.

He was said to have been arrested on May 17, 2017 at Orile Market in Orile-Iganmu, a suburb of Lagos, where he was trading in the narcotics.

According to the prosecution, the convict was, accordingly, arrested and charged.
Magistrate O.O.A. Fowowe-Erusiafe ruled that Chinonso, 24, should be remanded in the prison custody pending legal advice from the office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

The plea of the accused was, however, not taken in court.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Maria Dauda, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 20 at about 3.30 a.m at Tanza Nite Club in Ago-Okota area of Lagos.

Dauda said that the accused stabbed the deceased, Emeka Ojukwu, with a kitchen knife in the neck and bled to death.

The offence contravened Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).
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Castile was shot at six times by the police officer, Officer Jeronimo Yanez. In the clip which was released as a result of a Freedom Of Information request made by Mr Tony Webster, we can see Castile's fiancee Ms Reynolds in tears. She has been arrested and handcuffed. Her 4-year-old daughter was consoling her in the footage.

"Please don't scream because I don't want you to get shooted... I can keep you safe" her daughter said.

"They not going to shoot me ok... I'm already in handcuffs" replies Ms Reynolds.

Officer Yanez had told the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in an interview a day after the deadly incident that he stopped Castile initially because he matched the description of a gas station robber a week earlier.

The police officer said he could smell marijuana in the deceased's car when he pulled him over. After being pulled over, Castile told Yanez that he had a gun. He was a licensed gun owner. When he reached to get his driver license he was shot six times.
It was the story of the drug mule known as Gloria Okon. On April 22, 1985, Gloria Okon was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport with substances suspected to be heroin and narcotics.

She was on her way to England when she was caught with 56.70 grammes of the substances. Okon was also arrested with 301 dollars, 60 pounds sterling, N20,000 and 19,000 Italian lira on her.

According to Decree 20 of the General Buhari regime, drug trafficking attracted a death penalty. News of Gloria Okon's arrest was featured on both local and international media. Her story was sensational but it would be forever immortalised due to the events that followed her arrest. The story of Gloria Okon is a popular Nigerian conspiracy theory.

Six days after her arrest, April 28, 1985, Gloria Okon mysteriously died in custody. Medical records stated that she died as a result of food poisoning. The story of Gloria Okon turned into a classic narco drama overnight.

Okon's mysterious death raised a lot of eyebrows in the country. Before her death, Gloria Okon gave up just one name "". She didn't give further details about his surname and his whereabouts.

A day after her arrest Gloria Okon claimed she was ill. According to records, Okon ate rice and beans on the day of her arrest. Shortly afterwards she became ill. She was taken to the hospital on April 23 and April 24 to treat her illness. From April 25-28, there are no records of Gloria Okon. No one knows what happened during these days.

Interestingly, none of her family members came to claim her body. 39 days after her death, her body was deposited at the Murtala Muhammed Hospital Mortuary.

By August 1985 a judicial commission of inquiry was meant to investigate her death but by then Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida had come into power.

The late human rights activist and lawyer Gani Fawehinmi tried to investigate Gloria Okon's supposed mysterious death but he met a brick wall from the IBB administration.
The young man who goes by the name T-Shine Sisi Eko and claims to be an artiste according to his profile on Facebook, wrote that what the notorious kidnapper did was not different from the way politicians and leaders have been subjecting Nigerians to over the years and as such, Evans should be freed and even given an award for his exploits.

Going on to list out the wrong doings of past leaders like Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo, T-Shine said he would pick up where Evans left off if he is killed by the government because he does not see any difference in what he did.

Sharing a photo of the deadly Evans, T-Shine wrote on his wall:

"Nigeria is so useless. I don't know this man but I don't just want him dead. And if he mistakenly got killed by stupid Nigeria government, I swear that I, T-SHINE SISI EKO, will replace him and I must kill uncountable souls; Bet me."

Venting his anger further, T-Shine also posted:

"Is Evans more deadly than ? Or more of a criminal than , , and other politicians?

From all his confession, did anybody hear that he killed anyone? They should free him joor! Come to think of it, it's the useless one sided government of zoo that turned him into a criminal overnight by seizing his container."

Many people have however condemned the up and coming artiste by warning him to desist from making such statements as he is setting himself up for security agencies to pick him up as an accomplice to Evans.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rain, which fell last Friday, wreaked havoc on some neighbourhoods in the state, particularly Akure and its environs.

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday pledged to help the victims when he visited the areas that were ravaged by the storm in Akure.

The governor, who was represented by Mrs Margaret Atere, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Council, said that the government was aware of the plight of the affected people.

NAN reports that some of the toured areas include St Paul Primary School in Idiagba Funfun and Olorusogo/Gaga community in Oke-Aro, all in Akure South Local Government Area, and NTA Road in the Oba-Ile neighbourhood.

Mr Nicholas Adanri, Focal Officer, Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), during the visit, assured the victims of the rainstorm that they would soon get some relief.

He said that even though government was not an insurance agency, it would provide relief and succour for the affected victims.

He said that government would provide the relief as soon as possible.

Mr Kole Ibitoye, the Chairman of the Gaga Community in Oke-Aro, thanked the government for showing concern for the plight of the victims of the rainstorm in the area.

Mr Muyiwa Fayeye, the Chairman of Olorunsogo Community Association, said that his house was badly damaged by the rainstorm.

He urged the government to assist the victims in their efforts to repair their damaged houses.
Speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Calabar, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Tina Agbor, urged the striking workers to consider the interest of the state and return to work.

Agbor assured that no staff would be victimised for embarking on strike.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that on June 19, organised labour in the state embarked on indefinite strike to protest non-payment of gratuities, release of promotion letters, among others.

Agbor, who was accompanied during the briefing by the States Head of Service, Mr Ekpenyong Henshaw, described the strike as `unnecessary.

She said that in spite of dwindling monthly allocation accruing to the state from the federation account, the government had remained committed in making workers welfare a priority.

She said that the government, in a letter dated June 14, 2017, addressed to the state Civil Service Commission, conveyed the approval of the governor for the promotion of civil servants.

Even when for six years, there was no promotion, Agbor said.

She said that while other states were suffering from the syndrome of none payment of workers salaries, Gov. Ben Ayade had consistently ensured prompt payment of salaries to workers and sometimes even before the due date.

The governors unprecedented magnanimity in appointing 31 new permanent secretaries also created vacancies for Directors in the various Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Having shown such magnanimity and benevolence, it is expected that labour should reciprocate the governors goodwill and ensure that workers put in their best to work.

In a Memorandum of Understanding between the government and organised labour, on May 30, 2017, it was agreed that promotion of deserving civil/public servants shall resume forthwith.

After which letters would be released, while financial implications will be worked out by the Head of Service and Commissioner for Finance for the governors consideration, Agbor said.

ALSO READ: Cross River to complete Ogoja rice mill before December

The secretary expressed dismay that even after the governor had granted approval for the promotion of workers, organised labour still decided to call out workers on strike.

Also speaking, Henshaw said it was legally wrong for government establishments to be placed under lock and key by labour unions.

The head of service expressed concern why the relationship between the government and labour should go sour when the governor had always seen the welfare and salaries of civil servants as priority.
According to Punch, this is to enable Muslims mark Eid-el-Fitr.

The minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.) made the announcement on Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Abuja.

Dambazau also warned Nigerians to desist from promoting hate speeches, adding that every citizen has the right to live anywhere in the country.

The minister of Interior said the Federal Government has the capability to deploy security forces to quash any form of violence.

Dambazau also called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Industries, Commerce and Co-operatives, Mr Ismaila Jaiyeoba-Alagbada, gave the information in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo.

Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the free train would leave Iddo terminus in Lagos to Osogbo on Saturday June 24 by 10am and return to Lagos on Tuesday June 27 by 11am.

He said the train would also pick passengers along Ogun and Oyo corridor.

Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the service was in continuation of the commitment of Gov. Rauf Aregbesolas administration to making life more meaningful for the people of the state.

According to him, the free train service, which commenced in 2011 during festive periods , is also aimed at facilitating a stress-free homecoming for the people during the festival.

The commissioner urged indigenes of the state who wish to come home to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr to make use of the opportunity of the free train service.

We encourage holiday makers to use this opportunity to update themselves about the developments that are taking place in the state."

The Aregbesola administration, regardless of the negative hate campaigns of those that are threatened by its massive pro-people policies, has created an enduring legacy of service."

We have taken service to the people to a new height that will be impossible to reverse. We have opened up roads and we have built schools that many find hard to believe are possible in this part of the world."
The enforcement team of BIR comprising armed policemen and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) sealed off the companys premises located at Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that soldiers guarding the premises had initially prevented the enforcement team access until an official of the company intervened.

The Director of Compliance, BIR, Mr Robert Lokoson, who led the enforcement team, said the state government authorised the operation in order to recover a tax debt of N109.5 million owed it by the company since 2013.

Lokoson said the operation was in pursuant of Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Law 2011, and an ex parte order granted by the High Court of Bayelsa State.

This operation is part of Bayelsa State Governments efforts in improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state and pursuant to Section 104 of Personal Income Tax Law, 2011.

The debt has been owed since 2013, and we have written series of letters to them to pay but no response from them.

A few weeks back, we came here, though not with court orders with the intention of having them to see reasons to come and comply, but the company failed to respond.

So, we have to take this last resort of getting court orders.

Tax matter has laws binding it and as a law-abiding board, we have gone through the necessary processes to arrive at carrying out the sealing, the director said.

According to him, after 14 days, if there is no response from the company, the board will go back to court and institute a case against them.

He said the sealing off the company was an indication of the state governments determination to recover the money, adding it needs money to finance its projects.

If a company owe this much, we have to do everything possible to recover the money. It will go for one project or the other.

This action will send a strong message to other companies that we are not joking. Companies have been taking us for granted in this state.

Now, we want to enforce the law to the letter so that those other companies that are not complying will see reasons to comply, Lokoson added.

However, the official of the company, who had earlier allowed the enforcement team into the premises, declined to comment on the development.
This was confirmed in a statement by the South West Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Yakubu Suleiman.

Areas heavily affected by the rain include Olodo, Oki, Akobo, Onipepeye, Kute, Eleyele and Ariyo.

Suleiman also revealed that property worth millions of Naira were destroyed in the flood that got the attention of the state government.

The agency identified the major cause of the flood as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in rivers and erection of illegal structures on waterways and flood path.

It was also reported that during the heavy downpour, many houses including a Celestial Church of Christ, Orogun, along UI-Ojoo Road were submerged and property destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Oyo state government has promised to support affected residents and repair roads, culverts and drainages affected by the flood.

The State Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo made this known during an inspection of the flooded areas with the officials of National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, and the State Emergency Management Authority, SEMA.

He said: It is unfortunate this has happened despite numerous preventive measures put in place by the government which include dredging of rivers, urban renewals and plans and various sensitization programmes.

"Despite this, some of our people have not stopped the habit of dumping refuse indiscriminately. However, we will not rest on our oars and our government, being a responsible one will provide succor for the affected people and commence repairs of roads, culverts and drainages. We hope to complete the repairs before the end of this year, the deputy governor said.
The governors appeal is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa, his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Jalingo.

The statement said the governor described the fresh outbreak of crisis on the Plateau, where lives and properties were lost, as a sad development.

I hereby appeal to the people of the state, especially the people living on Mambilla Plateau to eschew violence and live in peace with one another.

Security agencies have already been charged to be on top of the situation in order to ensure peace return to the area as soon as possible, the statement quoted Ishaku as saying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that renewed crisis erupted on Mambilla Plateau on Monday due to disagreement between a Fulani man and a Mambilla man.

ALSO READ: Fulanis beg Osinbajo to save them from genocide

The disagreement escalated and led to killings and destruction of property.

NAN recalled that on Tuesday, Mr John Yep, Chairman, Sardauna local government council, imposed 24-hour curfew on Gembu, the headquarters of the council.

Mr David Misal, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told newsmen that the Police Commissioner, Mr Yakubu Babas, had temporarily relocated to Gembu to ensure restoration of peace.
Mr Gabriel Idoko, the Head, UNHCR in Yobe, presented the materials to the displaced persons at Kukareta IDP Camp in the state in commemoration of the World Refugees Day.

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, World Refugee Day is observed every June 20 to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.

On Dec. 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly in Resolution 55/76 decided that, from June 20, 2001, would be celebrated as World Refugee Day."

In this resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees."

African Refugees Day had been formally celebrated in several countries prior to 2000."

The UN said that the had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on June 20.

Idoko said: We all have a responsibility to build a safe and healthy environment for the displaced persons to live a normal life."

The children also have a right to continue their education under safe living condition, the UNHCR official said.

Idoko said that the society has a responsibility to provide the IDPs with opportunity to be reintegrated, rebuild their lives and recover their economic loss.

He urged the officials in charge of the IDPs to maintain clean environment to ensure healthy living.

The UNHCR is partnering with the states Ministry of Environment to improve the sanitary condition in the IDP camps."
The group made the appeal in Abuja at a news conference on the recent clash between the Nguroje community and herdsmen in the Mambilla Plateau neighbourhood in Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba.

Mr Saleh Momale, Acting Executive Director of the group, said that the crisis, which occurred between June 17 and June 21, was provoked by the arrest of a suspected criminal by the police in the area.

Rioters at Nguroje community, who were protesting the arrest of a suspected criminal by the police, decided to launch coordinated attacks on Fulani cattle breeders."

Statistics available to us show that over 17, 000 cows were confirmed dead; besides, the condition of the remaining cows is unknown, with thousands more possibly killed or rustled by the militiamen."

The attacks rapidly spread to most parts of the Mambilla Plateau, leading to mass killing of cattle, burning of houses and killing of persons in several villages around the area."

Indeed, what became most worrisome to us is the scale, extent and manner of the carnage, as people and animals were killed in the most barbaric nature by irate mobs claiming to be the indigenes of the Mambilla Plateau area, he said.

Momale said that many houses were burnt in the area while the peoples properties were looted by the hoodlums.

He said that the group, on its own, constituted an emergency rescue-and-support team to assist in efforts to rescue those who were trapped during the crisis.

Momale commended the Federal Government for its quick intervention in the crisis for deploying military personnel to the area.

He, nonetheless, underscored the need to deploy additional security personnel to the Sardauna LGA to restore law and order in the area.

We are also appealing to the Federal Government to initiate humanitarian response by directing the to provide relief materials to victims of the crisis in the affected areas."

We appeal to the Federal Government to urgently constitute a search-and-rescue team to save the lives of children, women and old people trapped in various villages across the local government area, he said.

He, however, urged the residents of the affected areas to remain calm, while promoting peace and peaceful coexistence with others.

Momale said that his organisation was established in 1998 to support food and livestock production, while promoting harmonious relations between the diverse rural agricultural and pastoral communities.
Imoukhuede made this known at a meeting with beneficiaries of the programme in Asaba.

He said that of the 8,241 slots allocated to Delta, 7,147 of them were engaged in 2016.

And out of the 7,147 beneficiaries, a total of 5,916 have been receiving their N30,000 monthly stipends since May, while an additional 857 beneficiaries have just been cleared.

He said that the programme was aimed at helping young Nigerians to acquire and develop lifelong skills to become solution providers in their communities as well as players in the domestic and global markets.

Imoukhuede also said that the programme, which was for young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35, was a paid volunteer programme of two-year duration.

He also said that the Federal Government had also approved additional N4,500 monthly to all the beneficiaries to purchase an electronic device which would be loaded with different applications to further enhance their skills.

ALSO READ:Unemployed Osun graduates encouraged to apply for tax liaison slots

He added that the first batch of the devices would soon be delivered to beneficiaries who were already getting their monthly stipends.
Mr Adi Hartadi, the Head of Investor Relations of the firm gave the indication at a business meeting with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru in Abuja.

In a statement Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, said the Federal Governments plan to attract investment in modular refineries as part of efforts to boost local refining capacity had started gaining momentum.

Hartadi stated that the firm had more than 50 years of experience in construction and engineering designed to diversify into downstream operations in Nigeria.

Responding, Baru, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Refineries and Petrochemicals, Mr Anibor Kragha, said that NNPC placed high premium on investment in the nations refining sector.

Baru said the Corporation had a Greenfield Refinery Department that specialized in new refinery projects and also provided professional support to potential investors in modular refinery in the country in line with the Federal Governments policy on modular refineries.

He explained that the countrys three refineries with a combined capacity of 445,000bpd could not function optimally over the years due to lack of investment, adding that NNPC would give necessary support to the Indonesian Company interest in the downstream sector.

On our end, we have embarked on ambitious plan to fast-track programmes to restore our capacity utilization from 30 per cent to a minimum of 90 per cent in the next 24 months.

To do that, we are working on securing financing from third parties, not just funding, but also technical expertise to help us increase our performance to world class levels that they should be, Baru said.

He explained that given Nigerias expected population, by 2025, more than 40 million litres of petrol would be required for local consumption, adding that the combined capacity of the nations refineries would only be able to satisfy just above 50 per cent of the projected local demand.

He expressed optimism that with this kind of investment coming steadily, Nigeria could serve as a regional hub of refined petroleum products for West Africa and beyond.

He called on the investors to be mindful of clean fuel policy across African countries and ensure that they produce fuels that met specification with regards to sulphur content.

The visit was a follow-up to a bilateral meeting between the Indonesian Trade Minister with his Nigerian counterpart as well as the visit of Indonesian Prime Minister to Nigeria.
A statement issued by Osinbajos spokesman, Laolu Akande reads: Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, condoles with the victims of the recent violent attacks in a number of communities in Taraba State, where deaths have been reported.

He outrightly condemns the acts of violence, adding that perpetrators of the attack would be brought to book.

While commiserating with the people of the affected communities, the entire government and people of Taraba State, the Acting President yesterday summoned and held an emergency meeting with top security officials of the Federal Government and Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku.

Acting President Osinbajo has therefore ordered the deployment of an extra military battalion, police reinforcements and also a deployment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to the areas affected.

Equally the Acting President has ordered the provision of relief materials to be delivered to the affected communities in Toffi, Mayo Daga, Mayo Sina, Tamiya, Kwara-Kwara, Tungan Lugere, Timjire, Nguroje and other villages in the hinterlands of Mambilla Plateau.

The Federal Government has also put in motion long time solutions including mediation between opposing groups in the communal conflict."
Osinbajo, who gave the directive at a consultative meeting with the governors at the Presidential Banquet, Abuja, said the directive had become imperative in view of the fact that Nigeria is indissoluble.

He said: We are a people that like to talk and we express ourselves loudly but it is expected for us to recognise that it is those same words that can cause conflagration that can unfortunately lead to calamity.

We must be careful of how we express ourselves.

What we have seen in recent times is that some of the languages used have tended to degenerate badly and I think that we must begin to speak up against some of these things and ensure that we protect our democracy and our nation from the hands of rhetorics that may just divide us.

The acting president revealed that from his previous consultative meetings with leaders of thought from the North and South East states of the federation the meetings had agreed that Nigerias unity should not be taken for granted.

According to him, no one wants to see Nigeria goes done the path of bloodshed or war, saying all the leaders including traditional leaders agreed on the permanency of the Nigerias constitution, is the basis for the nations unity.

It is the basis for the legal contract that exists between all of us.

Our meetings were frank and open as I hope this will be. We were able to agree on most of the critical issues that were discussed and in most cases changed perceptions that may have been long embedded in their minds.

We also agreed that under no circumstances should we condone hateful speeches and that government should take all steps necessary to bring to book all those who preach violence, in particular the kind of expressions of dissent that can cause violence.

He said the leaders also agreed on the need to do more to engage the youth productively by ways of creating more jobs and economic opportunities.

He stated that they all agreed on the need for leaders to speak out forcefully to counter divisive speech or any kind of woe mongering.

We agreed that leaders at all levels speak out forcefully against any kind of divisiveness or divisive speech.

And we expect that our political leaders will do so without waiting to be prompted.

All of those who spoke felt that sometimes when leaders do not speak up promptly it always results in degeneration no matter what the problem may be.

This applied to both the statement made by the young people in the South East as well as the youth in the Northern states.

We discovered there was a need for much greater resonance in the way that these things are done and for the leaders to speak up more forcefully.

We believe that if the leaders do not speak up forcefully enough if for any reason matters are allowed to degenerate, not only does leadership lose their legitimacy, they run the risk of things going completely out control, he added.

He commended the leaders from the North and South for their openness at the consultations, stating that they were extremely responsible even in their criticisms of what they felt were issues that should have been better handled.

I think that their criticisms were fair and balanced. I must commend them for their sense of responsibility and their leadership.

Osinbajo challenged the governors to find lasting solutions to the herdsmen and farmers crisis, especially the way that some of these have resulted in flashpoint across the country.

According to him, the problems are multidimensional but the states have a very important role to play especially because they are in control of land in their territories.

He also stressed the need for the governors to show greater unity of purpose and the determination to work together to resolve various challenges facing Nigeria as a geo-political entity.

The acting president said they must resist the temptation to play politics especially with matters of security, but to reach for simplistic narratives that might be originally expedient and satisfying.

Sometimes intentions are perceived on the account of the fact that they have wrong perception about a particular thing.

I think it is in our place to ensure that we dig down the fact and ensure that people are given the fact and ensure that we dont colour them with politics.

Twenty-three governors, four deputy governors, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris, National Security Adviser, Babagana Mungonu and some cabinet ministers attended the meeting.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Gov. Abiola Ajumobi of Oyo state said the meeting agreed to keep Nigeria united.

He said the governors also pledged to address problems causing unnecessary of agitations by Nigerians.

It has been unanimously agreed that the unity of this country is sacrosanct, is non-negotiable and we have all agreed to work together to educate people.

Anytime you have agitation, usually there will be poverty, there will be unemployment, there will be hardship, so we should address fundamentally these areas of poverty, unemployment and hardship.

Nigerians are by nature a united people, nobody cares whether you are from the north, south or the east.

Unity must be there and we cannot play with the unity of this country. The consensus has been that there must be unity.
The Federal Government filed an 11 grounds notice of appeal against the ruling of the Danladi Umar-led tribunal after it dismissed the government's 18-count false assets declaration charge against the former Kwara state Governor on June 14.

Sarakis counsel, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN), told Leadershiip, "We have no fear about the appeal. It is their right to appeal the judgement since they are not satisfied with it.

"When we are served with the appeal, we shall respond appropriately. We shall meet in court to argue the appeal."

After accusations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Saraki was charged to court in 2015 on false declarations of assets when he was Kwara state governor.

In defiance, the Senate President filed a no-case submission before the tribunal in May 2017, saying all evidence presented by the prosecution lacks merit.

In last week's ruling, Umarsaid the prosecution failed to prove the case against Saraki and acquitted him.

The government's notice of appeal considered the acquittal "unwarranted, unreasonable and against the weight of evidence".

The notice was signed by lead prosecuting counsel Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), and an Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Pius Akutah and said the tribunal's decision was wrong in its consideration of the case.
In a statement by the Senior Communications Officer at the World Bank office in Nigeria, Olufunke Olufon, the fund has been planned for two programme-for-results operations.

While one is the Better Education Service Delivery for All, which will receive $611m, the other programme will be the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Programme for Results, which will receive $350m credit.

On the educational programme, Olufon explained that the programme aims to bring out-of-school children into the classroom, improve literacy, and strengthen accountability for results in basic education.

It was gathered that in 2013, 13.2 million school-age children were out of school, the overwhelming majority of who were in the North where out-of-school children rates were also higher among girls, in rural areas and form poor families, the bank said.

For the Kaduna State Economic Transformation Programme for Results, the World Bank says it will focus on enhancing private sector investment in Kaduna State through improved business environment, effective budget planning and execution, and fiscal accountability.

ALSO READ: Nigeria's effort to get international loans hits deadlock

According to the bank, Kaduna State has taken a number of reform actions to improve its economic performance and social outcomes, and sustain the efforts.

Rachid Benmessaoud, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said: Investing in human capital and creating economic opportunities for all are key areas of focus to achieve more inclusive and private-sector led growth.

These two operations support the governments economic and growth recovery plan and will help Nigeria achieve sustainable and measurable results.
A generally gripping and entertaining movie, its story, themes and style is a true reflection of the most popular justice system in Nigeria - Jungle justice.

In 2012, four young men, Ugonna Obuzor, Toku Lloyd, Chiadika Biringa, and Tekena Elkanah, all students of the University of Port Harcourt, were lynched after they were falsely accused of theft in Aluu.

The ALUU 4 is just one of the many cases of Jungle Justice in Nigeria.

In "Issakaba," a group of men with diabolical powers made it their responsibility to eradicate corruption and purge their land of evil men.

The four-part movie came at a time when vigilantes served as the judiciary system's substitute, especially in the eastern part of Nigeria.

The movie was inspired by the popular vigilante group Bakassi Boys, who made their mark by combating crimes in cities like Onitsha and Aba, bymutilating and burning the bodies of their victims.

Despite the brutality of these vigilantes, their methods were welcomed by residents of these cities, who had lived with violent robbery for so long.

The cast of "Issakaba" was led by Sam Dede, whose screen presence, elegance and ferocity as the protagonist remains unparalleled in the action genre world.

The movie also starred Remmy Ohajianya, Mike Ogundu, Emeka Nwafor, Tom Njemanze, Uche Odoputa, Emeka Ani, Chiwetalu Agu, Pete Eneh, Amaechi Munagor, John Okafor among others.

Incredibly reminiscent, the films score and slang 'Odeshi ' are yet to be forgotten by viewers who saw the movie as far back as 2001, when it made its debut.

Of course, there had been classic Nollywood action movies like "Amadas" and "Hostages" before 2001, but the true crime stories genre kicked off with Lancelot Imasuen's "Issakaba."

Following "Issakaba" came the release of true crime movies like "Derico" and "Anini" - all based on the lives and times of Nigeria's notorious armed-robbers, Lawrence Anini and Derico Nwamama, who terrorized and killed many innocent Nigerians.
Speaking to Seun Okinbaloye, anchor of Politics Today on Channels Television, Melaye said: I continue to laugh at their efforts which I know is in futility. The whole exercise is a comedy of errors.

The Senator was further quoted to have said: Nobody should take it seriously the whole thing is shrouded in money politics and cannot stand.

We have discovered names of dead people on the list and a handwriting with similar signatures for several people on petition, the discrepancies are too much and its a total fraud. And I promise that many people will go to jail for forgery.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2017, constituents of the Kogi West Senatorial District submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding the recall of Dino Melaye from the Senate.

ALSO READ: INEC receives signatures for Dino Melayes recall

According to the electoral act, one-half of the number of registered voters in a constituency is required for the recall of a lawmaker.

There are 360,098 registered voters in Kogi west.
The governor said this when he hosted some lawmakers in his office on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

"In Rivers State, despite political differences, politics is played without bitterness and the interest of the people remains paramount to everybody, he said.

Wike gave the advice when the House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate the health implications of installing telecommunications masts near residential homes paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.

He advised telecommunications companies to obey laws on the installation of masts, to avoid causing health hazards to people.

He said that the location of masts near residential homes was dangerous to the health of the people and, therefore, advised companies involved to desist from the act.

The governor expressed dissatisfaction that some corporate organisations were fond of flouting lawful orders, thereby endangering the lives of the people.

ALSO READ: Wike threatens to sack traditional rulers in politics

The way these companies instal masts near homes will definitely create negative health implications; I support the investigation by the House to change the situation.

Wike expressed satisfaction that those representing the state at the National Assembly were cooperating with his administration in spite of their political affiliations.

He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to execute meaningful projects and prudently utilize the states resources for the general development of the state.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Iboro Ekanem, said that the mission of the committee was to ensure that all necessary technical measures were adopted to address the challenges posed by the act.

Ekanem said that the committee would work with the regulators and operators to ensure that the necessary procedures were adopted before presenting its report to the House.
The payment of this form of charity is enjoined on all Muslims irrespective of age or gender.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim relate from Ibn Umar that he said: The Prophet, upon whom be peace, enjoined the payment of one sa of dates or one sa of barley as Zakatul-fitr on every Muslim, young and old, male and female free and slave."

The charity, which became obligatory on Muslims in the second year of the prophet's journey from Makkah to Madina was introduced to purify the giver and to help the poor and the needy.

According to the Hadeeth reported by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and Ad-Daruqutny from Ibn Abbas, the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, enjoined Zakatul-fitr on the one who fasts to shield ones self from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy.

One major difference between this form of Zakat and the monetary zakat is that while Zakatul Fitr purifies the body of a Muslim who fasted in Ramadan, Zakatul mal or monetary Zakat purifies the wealth of the giver.

It is reported that The Messenger of Allah enjoined Zakat-ul-Fitr on the one who fasts (i.e. fasted during the month of Ramadan) to purify him from any indecent act or speech and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer and it is Sadaqah (i.e. voluntary charity) for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer. Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim graded it as Sahih. (Abu Dawud)

Who is expected to pay this charity?

As stated in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad, Zakatul Fitr is incumbent on all free Muslim, who possesses one sa of dates or barley which is needed as a basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. The head or caretaker of the family pays for every member of the family.

Who deserves Zakatul Fitr?

Basically, Zakatul Fitr is given to poor and needy Muslims who do not have enough to celebrate the eid festival with their families for the next 24 hours (of the eid day)

Scholars also believe this charity can be extended to non-muslims because Allah says: Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. (Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8)

When should Zakatul Fitr be paid?

Zakatul Fitr is meant to make the poor and the needy happy, thus it is expected to be paid to those who deserve it at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid prayer. Scholars differ on the exact time to pay it. some agree it should be paid on the night of Ramadan because that is when fasting ends while other said Zakatul Fitr is due at the start of Fajr on Eid day. In any case, it has to be paid before leaving home for Eid prayer.

It is important to pay it before Eid for the prophet said it would be accepted as Zakah for the person who pays it before the Eid prayer and it is Sadaqah (i.e. voluntary charity) for the person who pays it after the Eid prayer.

How is Zakatul Fitr paid?

Some scholars opine that the charity be given from food items the prophet mentioned in the hadith about Zakatul Fitr. The hadith as reported by Abu Said Al-Khudry states:

We used to give on behalf of every child, old person, freeman and slave during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, one sa of food, or one sa of dried cottage cheese, or one sa of barley, or one sa of dates, or one sa of raisins as Zakatul-fitr."

ALSO READ : Preparing for Eid and sharing happiness through Zakatul Fitr

Many other believe it should be given from the essential food of the people of the country.

In countries like Nigeria, Zakatul Fitr can be paid with staple foods that are common and consumable in the country. Rice, beans garri, millets etc can be used for Zakatul Fitr.

Contrary to the food-centric opinions on Zakatul Fitr, Imam Abu Hanifa opined that the charity can be given in substantial food as well as its equivalent in money.

The wisdom behind this is that when everybody is giving grains and other foods as charity, the poor receiver would also need money to buy ingredients, drinks, fruits and also use the money for other needs.

What exactly is the amount of Zakatul Fitr?

For substantial foods or grains such as rice, millets, wheat, cereals, a scoop from the scoop of prophet estimated to be 3kg is required for Zakatul Fitr. For instance, if you are giving rice for Zakatul Fitr, you'll have to give a 3kg of uncooked rice or its equivalence in money. And this should be the type of rice you and your family consume not the one you wish to give the recipients for charity.

Zakatul Fitr is an obligation enjoined on all Muslims. It is as important as Ramadan because it is meant to purify us. It takes faith to achieve this and as Muslims, we should be conscious enough to observe this obligation. However, don't forget to give the charity to whom it is due at the right time.
Others can relate to being too busy, not finding the time, or simply being too tired or lazy to go to church.

These two groups pf people share one thing in common, not going to church.

Does this mean that they are bad Christians who will go to hell for not attending church?

American pastor, Dr Timothy Keller, doesn't say so. However, he has stressed the importance of a church.

According to the Redeemer Presbyterian Church senior pastor, a church or a 'community', as he puts it, is needed in order to become a better Christian.

Speaking at The Parenting Teens Summit, Keller said that the church is important to Christianity, adding that "there is no lone ranger Christianity."

Citing John 17, the pastor said, "Jesus Christ left a Church behind. He left behind a community."

Keller went on to say, "I wouldn't be a Christian if I hadn't seen a communal embodiment of the truth that I was reading about. It just wouldn't have been enough for me. Besides we're social beings anyway. The only way you'll ever be massively redone is through being part of a Christian community."

ALSO READ: 7 reasons why young people love House on the Rock

His sentiments were echoed by Pastor Bob Russell, the co-author of 'When God Builds A Church.'

Russell said, The Bible refers to the Church as the Body of Christ. How can you love Christ and yet hate his Body?  To say, I dont need the church, is to completely miss the purpose of the church. You need the fellowship of other believers to grow and to be held accountable, and other Christians need you."

The pastor also cited 1 Cor. 12:21 saying, "Paul said, The eye cannot say to the hand, I dont need you! And the head cannot say to the feet, I dont need you! (1 Cor. 12:21). The Lord hasnt given you the option to say, I believe in Jesus, but I dont want anything to do with the church. When you attach yourself to the head, that makes you a part of the body. The body may have scars, blemishes, inadequacies, and maybe even paralysis. But you cant have a life apart from the body.

Hebrews 10: 24-25 says, And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Based on this, it is safe to say that the Bible does encourage going to church.

I don't think going to attending church is guaranteed to send anyone to hell. However, it is definitely preferable to attend church as it motivates us, feeds our souls and gives us the opportunity to mix with like-minded people.

Besides, being a Christian is not a solo thing as it means being a part of Gods family.

In extreme cases, Church-less people are advised to get together with other Christians to fellowship, read the bible and pray. This should be on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis has said that there is 'no point' going to church if you don't really believe in it.

In his words, If I say I am Catholic and go to mass, but then dont speak with my parents, help my grandparents or the poor, go and see those who are sick, this does not prove my faith, theres no point.

Christian faith is expressed with three things: words, the heart, and the hands. Those who do this are nothing but Christian parrots  words, words, words."
The Vice Principal was supposed to be making sure his student got the best quality education. But instead, he gave her a baby.

When he was first arraigned on the 4th of April, he pleaded not guilty to the charge and applied for bail. On Tuesday 19th of June, he was granted a bail of N1 million by a Magistrate Court in Minna.

Magistrate Fatima Auna, ruled on Mr. Mohammeds bail application, saying the bail was in line with Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 constitution, and Sections 341 and 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

But Mohammed Mohammed wasn't sober. He challenged the court's jurisdiction to even rule on the matter.

In her ruling, Mrs. Auna granted the bail application and also ordered the accused to produce one surety, who must be a civil servant on grade level 12 or above. And of course, she made it clear that the offence was well in her jurisdiction to entertain.

Mr. Mohammed is standing trial on a two-count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, and impregnating a female student.

The police prosecutor, Hussaini Paiko, had told the court that one Sokombo Danjuma reported the matter at the Child Rights Agency which, in turn, transferred it to the police.
The Union also denied accusations by the two states that the school unions were preventing the audit of the school's accounts. The audits, according to the report, are supposed to be carried out by KPMG.

All of the Union's grievances were laid in a statement signed by the ASUU chairman and secretary, Biodun Olaniran, and Secretary, Toyin Abegunrin. They said there was a deliberate misinformation by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Niyi Olowofela, on the financial status of the institution.

The statement read:

Our Union, ASUU, is aware of the persistent claim by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Niyi Olowofela, on the operation of alleged 97 bank accounts by the LAUTECH and the release of N13.63 billion by the owner states between 2011  2016.

Olowofela also claimed that members of staff unions were the ones preventing the audit firm, KPMG, from carrying out the forensic exercise, on which the owner states premised their decision not to release funds to the university.

Our union is disturbed but not surprised, about this deliberate misinformation and manipulation of facts about issues on ground. While ASUU is not a mouthpiece for the university administration, it is strange that the governments which put LAUTECH administration in place cannot demand accountability from the same appointees.

They prefer to confuse issues by putting blames on the doorstep of the workers of the university and putting the lives and careers of about 30,000 students in jeopardy.

The operation of the accounts solely lies with the university administration and it must be held responsible for any infractions thereof.

The numbers don't add up, the Union says.

The union argued that the wage bill of LAUTECH is about N365 million per month, which amounts to N4.38 billion per year.

Therefore for 2011-2016, the total wage bill expected as subvention from the owner governments stood at N26.28 billion.

This amount does not include allowances, gratuities and pensions that accrued. It is also necessary to note that the University administration used Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and reserves to offset salaries for 18 months.

The IGR is derived essentially from fees paid by different categories of students. Therefore, it is appalling that the Commissioner for Education who is also a University Professor will be peddling lies alleging that N13.63 billion will pay even salaries of members of staff for six years.

The union also pointed out that between 2011 and 2016, there was no release of capital grant and overheads to LAUTECH.

Regarding capital development, infrastructure, acquisition of equipment and staff training, LAUTECH has barely managed to be credible as a university through ASUU-inspired Federal Government intervention programmes such as TetFund and NEEDs Assessment.

It is particularly regrettable that the level of indebtedness of the owner states to the university succinctly captured by the Olanipekun Visitation Panel is being down-played by the commissioner just to pursue the shadow they call forensic audit.

There's more.

Our union, ASUU, should not be dragged into the encumbrances surrounding the financial auditing by KPMG and this should not be linked with non-payment of salaries.

Our union wants to point out the unexplained and unacceptable silence of the University administration on the claims highlighted above; a pointer to either the acceptance or connivance with the owner state governments to destroy LAUTECH.
MainOne, founded by Funke Opeke in 2009, runs a 14,000km submarine cable from Portugal to South Africa, with landings in 8 West African countries. This means it has the widest reach of any network provider in the region and provides the Internet which companies like MTN, Etisalat, SMILE, Spectranet and others, sell to you.

In a statement made available to Pulse, the company said: MainOne hereby advises its customers that early in the morning of Sunday June 18th, 2017, we experienced a fault on our submarine cable system, 3000km offshore Portugal. The outage, the first of its kind in 7 years since our cable system came into operations, has caused disruptions in service to our international connectivity customers in West Africa.

MainOne had initially told its customers (including Pulse) that it did not have a definite timeline for when the issue will be solved before committing to a 14-day timeline thanks to an Atlantic Cable Maintenance & Repair Agreement (ACMRA).

However, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that Temi Osunrinde, Marketing Communications Lead at MainOne, has said that timeline may be cut down to ten days.

Supported by our cable maintenance arrangement with the Atlantic Cable Maintenance & Repair Agreement (ACMA), we immediately mobilized a repair vessel from France early Monday morning to pick up the necessary spares and personnel to recover the affected sections of the submarine cable in the Atlantic Ocean and effect repairs. The current estimated time for the repairs may be up to 14 days.

We said 14 days because that the industry best practices, but full capacity could be restored within ten days. We are working round the clock to ensure customers get reprieve, said Osunrinde via telephone, according to the report.
The motorists, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also appealed to the Federal and State Governments to construct temporary wooden bridges across the collapsed bridges on the route following serial attacks by armed robbers on the alternative routes they ply.

NAN recalls that two bridges that link Western and Northern parts of the country collapsed on June 4 and June 11, respectively, as a result of flood at Tatabu and Bokani villages, both in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.Malam Jibrin Ibrahim, the Chairman of Lagos Line Kpakungu Motor Park, Minna, on Wednesday called on the federal and state governments to construct temporary wooden bridges for small vehicles to transport passengers.

He said that smaller vehicles were now using Bida/Patigi, Enagi/ Lafiyagi and Gbajebo/Tatabu roads as alternative route to Western and Northern parts of the country.

Vehicles using Bida/Patigi will have to park their cars for them to be transported across the river by a ferry to be able to continue with their journey while those using Gbajebo/Tatabu route have been lifting their vehicles through the bridge across."

The Enagi/Lafiagi road is a bush route and motorists following the route have being complaining to the transport authority that they are constantly being attacked by armed robbers especially at night, he said.

He called for governments immediate intervention, noting that the situation has led to increase in transport fare.

He said that transport fare from Minna to Lagos/Ibadan before the collapse of the bridge has risen to N6,000 from N5,500, while Minna to Ilorin now cost N3,500 from N3,000.

The chairman also decried the drastic reduction of patronage of the park, stressing that about 10 vehicles usually convey passengers to Western parts, but only three vehicles hardly got loaded now.

Malam Aliyu Isaka, a commercial driver who spoke to NAN, also solicited the assistance of government in rehabilitating the road to reduce suffering of road users and to sustain economic activities in the area.

In two occasions now, my vehicle had been attacked by robbers at night in Tatabu village when I stopped for the youths to lift the car across the collapsed bridge."

They took away valuable items from passengers and myself. It was a vigilance group that rescued us out of the situation that night and I have been robbed twice on that same spot."

Also any day it rained, I will have to wait for three to four hours for the volume of water to reduce before lifting my vehicle across the river."

We are still managing this route because Abuja/Lokoja is very difficult to follow due to the gridlock."

We are begging the federal government to help us because we dont have any other business aside this one to sustain our families, he said.

Another commercial driver, mr Akim Babatunde, decried the low activities at Lagos Line Kpakungu Motor Park, adding that majority of Lagos passengers now prefer Abuja/Lokoja route.

He said that Enagi/Lafiagi route that was being used as alternative route was a lonely and unsafe route.

Mrs Mary Okoli, a passenger, also appealed to the federal government for quick rehabilitation of the road to ease movement.

I am not aware that a bridge collapsed, if only I knew before now, I will have resorted to Abuja/Lokoja route."

But now that I am already inside the vehicle and I have paid my transport fare, I am begging the federal and state governments to do something urgently about the road."

I am now imagining the hardship I will go through today before reaching Lagos, she said.

Commenting on the development, Mr Bala Elkanah, the Police Public Relation Officer in Niger, told NAN that the command was yet to receive report on any armed robbery incident along Enagi/Lafiagi road and Tatabu village.

He advised motorists and commuters to always report cases of armed robbery to the appropriate authority.
Adeleye made the assertion during his second quarter inspection of the Anambra Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.

The zonal commander said the FRSC would carry out the tests to check offenders level of stability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that RS5, Benin comprises Anambra, Delta and Edo states.

Adeleye said the enforcement of the new traffic management policy would be comprehensive, adding that it had become expedient to check recklessness and enhance safety.

The zonal commander said that so many lives had been lost on the highways, noting that some of the offences that would attract tests include use of phones, route violation and speeding.

Adeleye, however, said that there was improvement on some of FRSCs activities in the second quarter of 2016, adding that the corps should not relent in its efforts.

The FRSC has come up with a project to address the anomalies in the behaviour of road users; people using phone while driving and people engaging in excessive speeding."

It will also address those who fail to install speed limiter in their vehicles and people who drive against traffic."

With the good roads and no gridlock, we observe that people still chose to drive against traffic, the zonal commander said.

Motorists caught committing these offences will be subjected to emotional and mental evaluation to check their level of stability and we are going to enforce that seriously."

I am using this opportunity to appeal to road users to be conscious of their safety and do everything possible to promote their safety."

Across the zone, there has been tremendous improvement over the first quarter in the areas of enforcement, public enlightenment and stakeholders engagement.

According to him, our response time to crash scenes has also improved to about five to six minutes.

Adeleye commended the Anambra Command of the FRSC, headed by Mr Sunday Ajayi, for a good job in keeping the corridor safe.

He also thanked the state government for donating three motorcycles to the command to enhance its operations.

The Anambra Government came to our aid with three motorcycles to enhance our patrol monitoring; and we intend to monitor the whole routes, he said.

Contributing, Ajayi said the visit of the zonal commander was re-energising and would motivate them to do more for the safety of the people.

We cannot assess ourselves. The important thing is that we have not lost track in our duty to reduce crash and death."

The zonal commander is here to evaluate the situation in Anambra and with his coming we have been directed again on what to do."
Here are a few heartbreaks you might have suffered or are currently suffering on campus.

1. When you applied for a Law degree but they gave you Adult education.

What will I do with my life?

2. When you rush to a 6am class only to discover it has been cancelled.

My sleep. My precious sleep.

3. When you take your time to dress really well for a lecture but you get to class and theres nobody there.

Wazzaldis?

4. So you just stroll round campus so that your cloth will not waste.

Haters gon hate. Wailers gon wail.

5. When your lecturer makes you pay for a handout then you discover it was just a copy and paste Wikipedia page.

Teacher dont teacher me wiki.

6. When everyone is talking about the questions at the back of the question paper but you completely forgot to turn yours over.

7. When your lecturer assures you that a topic wont come out in exams but there it is sitting at number 1.

Trust no one in this life.

8. When you crammed your entire existence for a test and the lecturer cancels it.

Where will I pour all the cramming now?

9. When the people you taught the in exam hall got an A but you got a D.

Why epp no epp me?

10. You attend lectures diligently but the day you miss one, attendance, test, fight, all in one day.

Is this how somebody will miss rapture?

11. When you and a lecturer like the same girl and you have to choose between love and a carry over.

Why do all good things come to an end?

12.When it is final year and a lecturer is saying he cant find your result.
Warning of the potential for a "failed state" if Assad were forcibly removed, 39-year-old Macron said the cooperation of the Syrian leader's key ally Russia was needed to "eradicate" the Islamic extremists fighting Damascus.

"The real change I've made on this question is that I haven't said the deposing of Bashar al-Assad is a prerequisite for everything," said Macron, who took office last month. "Because no one has introduced me to his legitimate successor."

He added: "My line is clear: one, a total fight against terrorist groups. They are our enemies... We need the cooperation of everyone to eradicate them, particularly Russia. Two: stability in Syria, because I don't want a failed state."

Macron's statements formalised a shift that had already begun in the wake of the November 2015 jihadist attacks in Paris, which were planned in Syria and executed from Belgium.

'Shame on France'

But Syrian opposition figures who have long looked to France as their leading supporter were outraged.

"Shame on France, whose leader Emmanuel Macron does not see Bashar as its enemy or an enemy to humanity," tweeted Ahmed Ramadan, a member of the Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella organisation of opposition groups.

Under Macron's predecessor, Francois Hollande, France was one of the most outspoken advocates of Assad's departure.

Successive Hollande foreign ministers asserted that Assad and the Islamic State group (IS) were "two sides of the same coin".

The policy began to shift after the Paris attacks, which were followed by several others for which IS claimed direct or indirect responsibility.

Hollande began to place more emphasis on fighting the jihadists in Syria, while still saying that Assad could not "represent the future" of the war-torn country.

Diplomatic impasse

In another shift, Macron implicitly criticised UN-backed peace talks that are at an impasse in Geneva.

In the interview, he said "we need a political and diplomatic roadmap" -- he notably did not mention the United Nations.

Macron has previously said he was in favour of "building an inclusive political solution in a much more collective way" -- while regretting that none of the G7 states is party to parallel Syria peace talks under way in the Kazakh capital Astana initiated by Russia, Iran and Turkey.

A diplomat who requested anonymity told AFP: "We've been saying Assad must go for years and that has produced no result... Geneva is of little use... We can't go on like this."

Now, only a few months after accusing Moscow of complicity in "war crimes" during the recapture of eastern Aleppo by Assad's forces, Paris is seeking rapprochement with Moscow.

While the tone was strained when Macron met his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late last month in Versailles outside Paris, the French leader was clear about wanting to step up cooperation in the fight against terror.

His foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, was in Moscow on Tuesday to consolidate the rapprochement in what was described as a "spirit of trust".

But Macron reiterated what he sees as non-negotiable "red lines" -- the use of chemical weapons and access for humanitarian aid.

He warned that France, which is part of the US-led coalition fighting jihadists with air strikes in Syria, would respond to the use of chemical weapons.

But he did not say how Paris would respond if any of the red lines was crossed, or whether any concrete demands were made to the Russians on that front.

"Macron is pragmatic, not given to soul-searching and manages his priorities," international relations expert Karim Bitar told AFP.
The two men were stopped in El Tarra, a region in the Norte de Santander district near the Venezuela border.

In May 2016, ELN rebels kidnapped in the same region a Colombian-Spanish journalist and two Colombian TV reporters. The reporters were handed over to intermediaries a few days later.

Norte de Santander Governor William Villamizar said a humanitarian commission was mediation the journalists' release, which could happen as early as Thursday.

"We are indeed launching a humanitarian operation to allow the Dutch journalists to be delivered by the ELN in Catatumbo department," he told Blu Radio.

"The release does not affect the dialogue being carried out with the ELN."

On Tuesday, the government's chief negotiator with the guerrillas, Juan Camilo Restrepo, had warned that the latest kidnapping complicated negotiations with the ELN that began in February.

Villamizar said the military and the ELN had been asked to reduced their operations in the area "so as not to endanger the lives of the Dutch journalists" and in order for them to be moved and released in safe conditions.

The Dutch journalists work for Spoorloos, a program on Kro-Ncrv TV regularly presented by Bolt that helps Dutch people trace their biological relatives around the world.

Since launching in 1990, the program says it has received more than 1,000 requests every year for help.
European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez is also set to resign, meaning all three MoDem ministers are leaving the cabinet after just over one month in office.

Defence Minister Sylvie Goulard stood down on Tuesday, saying she could not carry on while MoDem was facing an investigation into claims it broke European Parliament rules by using funds to pay assistants who are actually based in France.

MoDem entered an alliance with Macron's 14-month-old Republic on the Move (REM) movement for the presidential and legislative elections.

In exchange, the president rewarded the party for its support by giving them key jobs in his first cabinet -- a caretaker government between the two elections.

France's youngest ever president has pledged to usher in a new era of cleaner politics after a series of scandals involving ministers under his Socialist predecessor Francois Hollande.

Observers say that pledge makes it difficult for Macron to keep MoDem in his new government while it is facing a probe.

Richard Ferrand, a junior minister from Macron's party, has also left the government, this time at the president's request after he became embroiled in a conflict-of-interest scandal involving his wife.

Macron hopes to complete a reshuffle later Wednesday after his party won a commanding majority in the parliamentary elections at the weekend.

REM took 308 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly, meaning it does not need the support of MoDem, which won 42 seats, to push legislation through parliament.

But Bayrou's departure also deprives Macron of a centrist partner as he seeks to pull together a new government to push forward his pro-business agenda.

Key support in campaign

Bayrou, 66, was a key backer of Macron's 14-month-old party during the presidential campaign, and his support was crucial in lending legitimacy to the inexperienced candidate.

When Bayrou threw his weight behind Macron's fledging party, the future president hailed it as a "turning point" in his campaign.

Government spokesman Christophe Castaner said Bayrou's decision to quit was a "personal choice" which "simplifies the situation".

"He wanted to defend himself in this affair," Castaner told Europe 1 radio.

The opposition Republicans called the resignations a "political scandal" and a "major government crisis".

"A quarter of the government has gone," said Laurent Wauquiez, the conservative party's vice-president.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front who lost to Macron in the presidential election, said Bayrou had been discarded because he was no longer any use to the president.

"I think Macron used Bayrou during the presidential campaign and now that he has a majority without MoDem, he has tossed him away like an old rag," Le Pen said as she took up her seat in the National Assembly.

Le Pen's party has been investigated over similar accusations of misusing European Parliament funds to pay for staff in France.

Bayrou, who has run three times for president, has dismissed the allegations against his party.

Paris prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation this month after the claims first emerged in the Canard Enchaine investigative newspaper.

Bayrou himself had announced plans to ban lawmakers from hiring family members, one of a raft of proposals under Macron's bid to clean up politics.

The new president has said he wants to restore confidence in politicians which has been battered by a string of allegations of abuse.
"In a world in which so many people are selfishly closing their doors, closing their borders not allowing refugees to come (Uganda) deserves praise and admiration from the whole of the international community," he said.

He urged the international community to express solidarity with the refugees by offering financial support for humanitarian aid as well as schools, healthcare and infrastructure to help Uganda "cope with such an enormous challenge".

European Union aid commissioner Christos Stylianides and UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi also visited the Imvepi settlement earlier in the day, ahead of the summit.

"To help Uganda deal with this unprecedented situation and support the most vulnerable refugees, the European Commission has today announced 85 million euros in development assistance," said Stylianides.

However, the massive sum still falls far short of what is needed. While the stated goal of the summit is to raise $2 billion for the coming year, organisers say $8 billion is needed to deal with the crisis for the coming four years.

'We need more food'

According to the UN refugee agency more than 947,000 South Sudanese refugees are sheltering in Uganda, bringing the total number of refugees in the east African nation to more than 1.2 million.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, achieved independence in 2011.

Civil war broke out in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.

An August 2015 peace deal was left in tatters when fighting broke out in Juba in July last year, spreading violence across the country.

It was this outbreak of fighting that led to the biggest exodus, with some 743,000 South Sudanese arriving in Uganda since July 2016, about 2,000 a day.

More than 270,000 are housed in Bidibidi settlement, which overtook Kenya's Dadaab earlier this year as the biggest refugee camp in the world.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been hailed for a progressive refugee policy in which refugees are allowed to work and access public services.

However, the situation on the ground has been overwhelming for locals and aid workers, with not enough food and water to go around.

"We are facing hunger problems. We need more food for the refugees and the Ugandans," Sene Alex, 28, told Guterres.

'Treating the symptoms'

The UN estimates that another 500,000 South Sudanese will arrive in Uganda this year.

The summit will not include discussions on how to end the ongoing fighting, and there is no peace process in sight.

"We are treating the symptoms but the real root cause of this violence should be addressed. That is what is forcing people to run from their land," said Wadri Sam Nykua, the top government official in Arua, Uganda, welcoming the EU and UN officials to the refugee settlement.

Guterres recalled accompanying refugees back across the border to South Sudan around the time of independence, many filled with hope that their new country would be at peace.
"They came from Miami in containers along with a shipment of swimming pool heaters," Rio police said in a tweet.

Pictures of the haul showed the weapons still lying in foam packaging and later lined up neatly along with their magazines.

The illegal cargo was estimated to have a value of 4.8 million reais ($1.5 million), the noticias.UOL news website reported. Four people were arrested in connected with the discovery, it said.

Rio's security forces have been unable to keep a lid on the flow of powerful automatic weapons used by narcotics gangs and shadowy militia groups which control many of the city's favelas.

Just this May, 32 assault rifles were captured when police responded to a clash between two rival drug factions in the favela known as Cidade Alta.
The NPD received 1.3 million euros ($1.5 million) from public coffers in 2015, and 1.4 million euros in 2014.

But the lower house of parliament on Thursday voted 502-57 to end financing for "parties hostile to the constitution".

"Tax receipts for the NPD are a direct investment in far-right incitement," said Justice Minister Heiko Maas, stressing that "enemies of democracy must not be financed by the state".

Welcoming the move, the Central Council of Jews in Germany said: "It is intolerable that parties can use taxpayers' funds to spread propaganda that is hostile to democracy... or, in the case of the NPD, that is Nazi related.

"The law can finally put a stop to this."

The decision for the legal change came after Germany's upper house of parliament lost a court case seeking to ban the NPD.

The country's highest court threw out the case in January, ruling that the xenophobic fringe outfit was too insignificant to spell a real threat to the democratic order.

The drafters of Germany's post-war constitution set high hurdles for banning a party, mindful of the elimination of dissent in Hitler's Germany.

Only two political parties have been outlawed since 1945 -- the SRP, a Nazi successor party, in 1952, and the West German Communist Party (KPD) in 1956.

The NPD, founded in 1964 as a successor to the neo-fascist German Reich Party, calls for "the survival and continued existence of the German people in its ancestral central European living space" -- or as their slogan says, "Germany for the Germans".
Vicente, who was the president of Angolan national oil company Sonangol at the time of the alleged crimes, is accused of bribery, money laundering and document falsification, the public prosecutor's office said, according to Portugal's main news agency Lusa.

Lisbon's trial court has also ordered former Portugese prosecutor Orlando Figueira, who was arrested in 2016, to be tried on suspicion of receiving money from Vicente.

Vicente has denied any involvement in the affair, saying shortly after Figueira's arrest that he had "absolutely nothing to do with any payment".

Until news of the corruption scandal emerged last year, the 61-year-old had been strongly tipped as a potential successor to President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, who has ruled Angola since 1979.

He was informed of the indictment in February through a letter addressed to authorities in Angola, an oil and diamond rich former Portuguese colony in southwestern Africa.

According to Portuguese media reports, Figueira received 760,000 euros ($800,000) to bury cases involving the Angolan leader.

He is accused of accepting bribes, document falsification, money laundering and breaching the confidentiality of an official investigation.

One of the investigations which Figueira allegedly dropped in exchange for cash centred on the origin of funds which Vicente used to buy a luxury apartment in a Lisbon suburb.

In 2012, attempts to investigate alleged money laundering and tax evasion by several Angolan officials in Portugal chilled relations between the two countries, which have strong economic ties.

Portugal is Angola's main source of imports and Portuguese companies are active in banking and construction in the vast African country.
Not including the catering boss, whose name was not disclosed, 40 people have been detained over the food poisoning and their cases are now being heard in court, the Dogan news agency said.

A total of 731 soldiers the barracks in the western Manisa province required medical attention after eating a meal on Friday night.

Pictures on Twitter of soldiers slumped on benches in the hospital and others on a drip had caused intense public concern and media criticism.

The situation is all the more alarming for the army because less than a month ago, the same barracks was struck by food poisoning in which one soldier died.

The Manisa barracks has scrapped its contract with the catering firm and the provincial governorate has taken on responsibility for supplying food in the meantime.

None of the soldiers hit by the current bout of food poisoning are said to be in a serious condition.
"The Venezuelan people are starving while their government tramples their democracy," she said.

"The international community must act even if the UN Human Rights Council and the Organization of American States are blocked from doing so."

During the three-day OAS meeting, the US-backed proposal for regional mediation failed to overcome opposition from President Nicolas Maduro's regional allies and Caribbean countries that benefit from discounted Venezuelan oil.

Haley did not provide details on further action, but in May the United States called for a meeting of the UN Security Council on Venezuela, the first time that the top UN body addressed the crisis.

On Thursday, there was however no US request for a council meeting on Venezuela, where running street battles at anti-government protests have left 74 people dead since April.

Maduro's opponents are demanding elections as the country, pummeled by the plunge in oil prices since mid-2014, faces a crippling shortages of food, medicine and other basic essentials.

At the OAS meeting, a draft resolution on sending regional mediators to Venezuela fell three votes shy of the 23 it needed to be adopted by the 34-nation bloc.

"The 'contact group' you're proposing is completely useless and unnecessary," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez.
A hospital source said at least three student were injured in the blast.

Residents also reported exchanges of heavy fire between the army and militia fighters.

Local activist Teddy Kataliko said that the fighting in and around the city of Beni between Congos army and what is believed to be a new coalition of armed groups, the National Movement of Revolutionaries (MNR), erupted about 7:30 a.m. and kept residents trapped in their homes.

Gilbert Kambale, another local activist, said that the bodies of three militia fighters were lying on the street, not far from the mayors office.

An army spokesman in the zone said: The situation is not good, but declined to comment further.

The fighting followed a breakout by more than 900 inmates, many suspected militiamen, from Benis main prison, one of a series of mass jailbreaks that has underlined the security situation further since President Joseph Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate in December.

Kataliko and Kambale also said unidentified assailants set off an explosive device at a local secondary school, wounding several students sitting for exams.

Millions died there between 1996 and 2003 in a regional conflict from violence, hunger and disease.

NAN reports that the UN Security Council on Wednesday extended its arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 1 July 2018.

Council also expanded those sanctions to cover individuals and entities engaging in or providing support for

acts that included planning, directing, sponsoring or participating in attacks against the UN Organiaation

Stabiliaation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers, including members of the

Group of Experts.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2360 (2017) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council extended the

mandate of the Group of Experts assisting the Sanctions Committee through Aug. 1, 2018.

Members also decided to extend by two months, to Aug. 15, the deadline for the Groups final report, given the

extraordinary circumstances under which it was operating, including the killing of two of its members in the

Kasai region in March.

By the text, the Council requested that the Group of Experts gather, examine and analyse information regarding

perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law, and of human rights violations and abuses,

including those within the national security forces.

Members Strongly condemned all armed groups operating in the region and their violations of humanitarian and
Wearing shorts and a t-shirt, her smartphone strapped to her arm, the 30-year-old former reporter hands the supplies to emergency workers battling forest fires near Pampilhosa da Serra.

"I came here because I wanted to help the firefighters, they are true heroes," she says while unpacking the truck filled with donated goods, straining to speak as a helicopter flies above.

From the town of Vila Franca de Xira near Lisbon, she and the owners of a removal company who decided to use one of their trucks are driving from village to village distributing donated goods.

'Always scared'

Borges, with her blond hair and a fresh smile, cuts a different sight from the blaze-weary firefighters, soldiers and police in mountains full of winding roads where the flames are treacherous and unpredictable, appearing at the turn of a bend with little warning.

The fire started Saturday in the area of Pedrogao Grande some 20 kilometres away, so uncontrollable and rapid that it killed at least 64 people, many of them trapped on a road as they tried to escape.

"I saw this tragedy on television, and I thought I have to do something," Borges said.

She set up a Facebook page asking for donations for the victims and firefighters battling the blaze.

Within two days, she had collected enough to fill a truck.

Nilson Cabral and Luciane Silva, the owners of the MudaTudo removal company, agreed to loan one of their trucks and drive her to the zone for free.

The three of them, together with a man who accompanies them on a motorbike for safety, set off Wednesday and are driving around the mountain roads.

"I'm always scared," Borges says.

"When I see smoke, dark clouds, when I hear strange noises..."

Donation drive

From the mountaintop operations centre, where a convoy of forest firefighters from Spain has just passed through on its way to a blaze already being pounded by water dropped from planes, Borges, Cabral and Silva set off for Pessegueiro.

This remote village needs supplies, they have heard.

The large truck is driven carefully along the tiny, winding roads, slowing down as power lines hang low, damaged by the passage of the fire that has left the lush wood of eucalyptus trees and pines dark, smouldering and bare.

Once arrived in the sunny village through which runs an enticing river, villagers point further up to the firefighters' headquarters, where water is needed in the stifling heat.

After their delivery, Borges and her crew ask them which way to go to avoid the flames, and they set off again to Pampilhosa da Serra.

Locals in this central area of Portugal are no strangers to forest fires, but they say they have never seen a blaze of this magnitude.

The extent of the tragedy -- lives lost, homes destroyed, villages fighting the flames -- has prompted a rush of solidarity from Portugal and further afield.

The Aga Khan, for example, a globally renowned philanthropist, donated 500,000 euros for the fire victims.
The giant blaze broke out initially at Pedrogao Grande and spread to adjacent areas including Gois, Pampilhosa da Serra and Arganil.

The fire in Pedrogao Grande, which ravaged 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of forests, was doused only late Wednesday as fire fighters contended with searing heat as well as rapidly shifting winds.

"Higher humidity levels and lower temperatures allowed the firefighters to contain the fire and extinguish the remaining hotspots which had briefly broken out," Antonio Ribeiro, who led the Pedrogao operations, said Thursday.

The blaze in Gois, the second biggest after Pedrogao Grande, was brought "under control" on Thursday, said Carlos Tavares, the civil protection official leading the operations, though he cautioned that some fires could resume.

Tavares said the fire in Gois had affected 20,000 hectares. The firefighting effort involves nearly 2,400 firemen and water-bombing planes, including aircraft sent from Spain, France and Italy.

In both areas, temperatures were expected to fall after several days of intense heat, reaching 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit), while in the rest of Portugal temperatures were forecast to top out at 34 Celsius.

Over the weekend, Portugal had sweltered under temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius in several regions.

Grief and anger

An estimated 204 people were injured during the fires, and funerals began Wednesday for the 64 people killed.

Press reports have suggested that Portugal's fire plan had not been revised for four years and that the intense heat might have made some communication antennae malfunction.

But the president of the League of Firefighters, Jaime Marta Soares, said Wednesday that he believed arson had caused the fire, contradicting an earlier account by police.

On Sunday, police chief Almeida Rodrigues had ruled out arson, blaming dry thunderstorms for the blaze after saying they had found a tree hit by lightning.

But Marta Soares told local news media the fire had already been burning for two hours before the storm started Saturday.

"I believe, until there is evidence to the contrary... that the fire was of criminal origin," he said.

Reacting to the claims, the president of the parliament Eduardo Ferro said the country "needs clear answers to legitimate doubts."

Questions also remain over how so many people could have died, most of them perishing on a single road that locals say should have been sealed off by first responders.

"My nephew died, a fireman" said Joaquim Serra da Fonseca, 68, in Castanheira de Pera, which sits along the N236 national road that has since been dubbed the "road of death".

As news of the fire spread on Saturday, his 40-year-old nephew and several colleagues rushed down the road to help.

Faced with the fury of the fire, they turned back but in the thick smoke, they apparently crashed into a car full of people, Serra da Fonseca said, and were caught by the flames as they tried to help the passengers.
On Wednesday King Salman, 81, named his son Mohammed bin Salman crown prince and heir to the throne after firing Mohammed bin Nayef, whose counter-terrorism expertise had made him a favourite of previous American administrations.

Over the past two years Mohammed bin Salman accumulated vast powers at the expense of Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, a veteran law enforcer who served as both crown prince and interior minister.

Mohammed bin Salman chipped away at his authority but Mohammed bin Nayef's popularity with the previous US administration of Barack Obama had prevented his ouster, said Stephane Lacroix, associate professor at Sciences Po university in Paris.

"This all changed when Trump came to power," he said.

After assuming office in January, Trump made it clear that his Middle East partners are Mohammed bin Salman, Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Egyptian president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Lacroix said.

Riyadh welcomed Trump's more aggressive attitude towards its rival Iran, which Saudi Arabia accuses of interference throughout the region.

Mohammed bin Salman was an early visitor to Washington, where he met Trump in March before the president last month made the first overseas trip of his presidency to Saudi Arabia.

Trump received a royal welcome from Mohammed bin Salman and others.

In a speech, the president urged Muslim leaders assembled in Riyadh from around the world to "drive out" extremists and "terrorists".

He singled out Iran as a culprit.

Trump's approach emboldened Mohammed bin Salman and the Abu Dhabi crown prince who seized the chance this month to cut ties with their Gulf neighbour Qatar, analysts and diplomats said.

They accused Doha of supporting groups, including some backed by Iran, "that aim to destabilise the region".

Trump has made statements siding with Saudi Arabia on the Qatar crisis.

'Deep instability'

With his Trump connection established, Mohammed bin Salman "knew that the US wouldn't mind him sidelining MBN," Lacroix said, referring to the ex-crown prince by his initials.

"I think the Trump factor matters tremendously," he said.

On Wednesday Trump telephoned the new Saudi crown prince to congratulate him on his appointment.

Frederic Wehrey, of the Middle East Programme at Washington's Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said "a lot of signalling" from Washington -- including a more activist regional foreign policy -- influenced the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince.

"I think that matters," Wehrey said.

The Saudis were not "waiting for a nod from the (United) States" but the warming of relations played a role alongside domestic Saudi factors, he said.

By making Mohammed bin Salman "de facto ruler" heading the kingdom's most important portfolios, King Salman created "a solid foundation" for his son's policies, said Andreas Krieg of the Defence Studies Department at King's College London.

It signals to Washington that the kingdom is committed to reform "and is the most important partner for the Trump administration" against both Iran and Islamic State group jihadists, Krieg said.

His appointment "is purely about demonstrating a degree of certainty in times of uncertainty," Krieg added.

Mohammed bin Salman must also have "full support" from Saudi royals as pressure mounts from a series of challenges, he said.

These include the relations with Qatar, a military intervention that has continued for more than two years in Yemen, an economy adjusting to the loss of oil revenue, and attempts at social reform in a deeply conservative Islamic nation.

Lacroix said that among the thousands-strong royal family there does not seem to be much opposition to Mohammed bin Salman's appointment, which has concentrated power in one man.

"This is a very new thing... the Saudi regime was always built upon a balance of power between different actors, different factions," he said.

"This is the most autocratic version of the Saudi regime we've seen until now."
The Illinois General Assembly marked 722 days without a budget Wednesday by calling the roll on Day 1 of a 10-day special session aimed at ending Illinois self-inflicted crisis.

Sadly, if an unscientific Capitolfax.com poll is a remotely accurate barometer, the line among Springfield insiders is that yet another drop-dead budget deadline will pass without action. That would mean Illinois taxpayers, creditors, public school children, college students, and those who rely on state services will begin yet another fiscal year captive to gubernatorial politics and damaging political gamesmanship.

If our own readers are any guide, there is plenty of cynicism closer to home, though were struggling not to give into it. Why? After adding our share to the river of red ink that has been spilled by Illinois newspapers over Illinois epic dysfunction and increasing insolvency, we have little left but hope.

So we take heart in positive signs wherever we can find them.

Were happy to report that we found a few during our Tuesday editorial board session with Illinois state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. We had no way of knowing for certain when we set our meeting with the freshman lawmaker that the General Assembly would adjourn on May 31 without a budget. Perhaps, however, that failure will be a blessing in disguise.

Because as disappointing as that outcome was, he told us, the super-majority now required to pass a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 may be what sparks a real compromise because there now can be no deal without support from members of both parties. There are a lot of people on both sides who are ready to cooperate, he told us.

Adding to his cautious optimism is the groundwork which has been laid for reaching a deal.

It starts in the Senate where President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, worked to achieve his grand bargain. Rather then give up when it unraveled, he muscled through legislation that will serve as a starting point for the long overdue debate in Speaker Michael Madigans House. Senate Republicans added to the progress by introducing a budget plan of their own that carries the imprimatur of GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner. None of these things on their own can make warring leaders come to the table, but perhaps lawmakers grown tired of this mess can. The sentiment appears to be there.

Rep. Halpin reports that tension between party leaders isnt stopping rank-and-file members from searching for solutions. In fact, he believes the majority of lawmakers want to pass a smart deal sooner rather than later.

Many of those lawmakers, including Rep. Halpin, are willing to look for common ground on even the tough issues to deliver a budget and save our state.

After five months of being in Springfield, I am not willing to let the people of Illinois suffer any longer for non-budgetary items, he said. We are going to push our leadership to pass bills to find agreement with the governor.

If enough of them convince their leaders of that, the estimated $400,000 to $500,000 cost of a 10-day special session will have been worth every penny.

The biggest key to breaking through the political fog shrouding the capital city is for our leaders to declare a moratorium on politics, then stick to it, no matter the temptation to score political points.

Illinoisans have spoken often, both loudly and clearly:

We have enough politicians.

We need statesmen.
DAVENPORT  King's Harvest Pet Rescue rescued 24 cats and kittens from a hoarding situation Tuesday.

Terri Gleize, director of King's Harvest at 2504 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, said the group was contacted by the Scott County Health Department. Officials from the department had been involved with the house before, she said, and estimated at least 53 cats were living in a single car garage in Eldridge.

"It got to the point where the people were having breathing problems, I think," Ms. Gleize said.

She said the resident of the house  who brought the cats out of the garage  had to wear a mask when she went inside. There were so many cats in the garage they could hardly move, Ms. Gleize said.

"The poop looked like it was probably inches deep on the floor," Ms. Gleize said.

She said the homeowners were helpful and willing to give up the cats. She believed they knew they were in over their heads.

"One person cannot take care of that many animals," Ms. Gleize said.

Although some of the cats were in critical condition when they were rescued, Ms. Gleize said she was glad to see they all survived the night.

"The fleas were so thick on them you could hardly see the skin," she said. "All of them were infested with fleas, mites, parasites, upper respiratory infections, eye infections and underweight."

King's Harvest is caring for the cats to bring them back to health, using flea baths, kitten formula and other methods. She said the cats will all be dewormed, micro-chipped, vaccinated and spayed and neutered before becoming available for adoption.

"A lot of them have to be on antibiotics because they're sick," Ms. Gleize said.

Ms. Gleize said the shelter has several cats that are ready for new homes. Additionally, King's Harvest is looking for donations of Tidy Cat Clumping Litter and GNC kitten formula, as well as monetary donations for veterinary care.

King's Harvest Pet Rescue wasn't able to rescue all the cats from the hoarding situation, she said, but the group is hopeful they will be able to return to save more.

"If we're full, we can't take anymore," Ms. Gleize said.

She said the incident reinforces the need to spay and neuter pets. An average kitten litter is six to eight, she said, and one cat can have up to three litters in a year.

"Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized in the United States," Ms. Gleize said, largely because there just aren't enough homes for these pets.

The King's Harvest website also says spaying and neutering pets help them live longer, improve their behavior, decrease unwanted spraying and saves money. Spaying and neutering just one male and one female cat, according to the site, can prevent more than 2,000 unwanted kitten births over four years.

"It all just goes back to spay and neuter," Ms. Gleize said. "That's so important."

King's Harvest helps low-income families afford spaying and neutering, she said. Other local shelters  such as the Quad City Animal Welfare Center at 724 2nd Ave. W., Milan  also provide affordable pet care.

People can see which pets are available for adoption on the King's Harvest Pet Rescue Facebook page. The shelter is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday and Sunday. For more details, call 563-386-3117.
Today is Thursday, June 22, the 173rd day of 2017. There are 192 days left in the year.

1867  150 years ago: The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon the Rev. S.T. Wilson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Rock Island.

1892  125 years ago: William Jackson and Adair Pleasants, of Rock Island, will address the members of the Modern Woodmen of America at their annual picnic at Black Hawk Watch Tower.

1917  100 years ago: Sam Bowlby announced that the music business started in 1877 by his father will continue at 1623 2nd Ave.

1942  75 years ago: Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Petcher, of Rock Island, celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary at a family dinner.

1967  50 years ago: A tent roof over the new 40-by-40-foot dance pavilion at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds will keep dancers dry even during rain this year. Looking ahead to future expansion, the fair board recently announced that negotiations to purchase 20 acres of land from the Miller estate, bordering the Colona Avenue service road, are almost complete.

1992  25 years ago: Music, dancing and education  thats what people found at the Rock Island Arsenals Hispanic Day on Wednesday, part of RIAs annual American Heritage Week events. This week of activities provides a break in the workday while educating people on the nations diversity, organizers 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!
The five-car electro-diesel test train was built in Hitachis Kasado factory at Japan and arrived at the port of Southampton on June 17, with representatives of GWR, Hitachi and Eversholt Rail, which financed the fleet, present.

GWR will begin testing the train in the coming weeks, and the fleet, which will be used on services from London Paddington to Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance, will begin passenger operations in mid-2018.

The new fleet will provide more seats, better onboard facilities, real-time journey updates, seat reservation screens, and shorter journey times.
RATP Dev North America and McDonald Transit Associates, its North American subsidiary, have appointed veteran airline industry executive Mike Anderson as Vice President of Safety and Security. Based in Fort Worth, Tex., he will be leading all of RATP Dev North Americas rail and bus safety and security initiatives.

Anderson will be responsible for directing the safety and security protocols for all of RATP Dev North Americas operations, continuing to evolve our safety and security programs, the company said. Additionally, he will be exploring new safety and security protocols to help with the implementation of innovative, new technologies that are expected to enter the public transit industry in the near future.

Anderson comes to RATP Dev with extensive experience in the airline industry and aviation safety. He began his career at Mesaba Airlines (Minnesota), a regional carrier, as a line pilot. He then spent several years as Vice President Operations at two regionals, Yute Air Alaska and Harbor Airlines (Seattle). Returning to Mesaba, he was instrumental in the design and implementation of the carriers safety and security program. At Spirit Airlines, a national carrier, he was appointed Director of Safety and promoted to Senior Director of Safety. Prior to joining RATP Dev, Anderson was Vice President of Operations at Ameriflight LLC, a cargo airline based in Fort Worth.

Mike brings years of safety and security management experience from the airline industry, and we are excited to introduce his expertise into the world of public transit, said Blaine Rigler President of McDonald Transit and Vice President of Bus Services, RATP Dev North America. He is a successful leader with a strong background in technology and operations. Mike will use his extensive experience in designing, developing, and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) in the rail and bus industries that we proudly serve. Mike is uniquely suited to ensure RATP Dev continues to remain focused on keeping our riders, employees and the general public safe and secure as the transportation systems and technologies evolve.

I am honored to be joining RATP Dev and to help continue their long history of operational excellence, said Anderson. After working with the airlines for most of my career, I am truly excited to experience the overall transit industry, and to help guide the company during this age of innovation. RATP Dev understands the future of public transit, and will set the standards of the industry when it comes to safety and security.
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On June 16, 2017, the Russian military announced that it might have killed the reclusive chieftain of the Islamic State (ISIS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in an airstrike in Raqqa. It is working to provide further confirmation. There are many reasons to be skeptical of the claim, including reports that ISIS moved its remaining leadership from Raqqa to Deir Ezzor months ago. And this is far from the first time that Baghdadi has been pronounced dead. Yet even if the rumors prove false, it is still worth considering what his death would mean.

Born in Samarra, Iraq, Baghdadi spent most of 2004 in Camp Bucca, the U.S. military prison in southern Iraq. That turned out to be an opportunity to network with criminals, ex-Baathists, and jihadists, including Abu Muslim al-Turkmani, Abu Louay, and Abu Kassem. Upon their release, Baghdadi and those three formed the core of what evolved into ISIS after Baghdadi helped engineer the defection of al Qaeda in Iraq from the broader al Qaeda group. He has been the leader of ISIS ever since.

Baghdadi is thought to have obtained a doctorate in Quranic studies from Saddam University in Baghdad. His education allowed him to claim better religious credentials than other jihadist leaders, including al Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. That was one of several factorsalong with a familial lineage traced back to the Prophetthat cleared Baghdadi's way to declare himself Caliph, ruler of all Muslims, in an historic speech at the Grand Mosque in Mosul in June 2014.

Although news of the new Caliph's declaration was largely met with indifference in Western security and intelligence circles, it invited an unprecedented wave of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria from around the globe. Tens of thousands of Muslims flocked there to join ISIS as it sought to construct a modern-day caliphate while vanquishing all enemies in sight.

How big a blow would the death of Baghdadi be to the survival of ISIS? The academic scholarship on the effectiveness of the targeted killing of terrorist leaders is mixed. One study led by terrorism expert Peter Neumann found that the removal of a terrorist group's midlevel commanders is far more effective in preventing future attacks than merely removing the leader because eliminating the middle managers severs the link between the foot soliders and grass-roots supporters and those tasked with planning attacks and crafting overall strategy.

Other studies, including When Heads Roll: Assessing the Effectiveness of Leadership Decapitation, by Georgia Tech's Jenna Jordan, note that leadership decapitations can even be counterproductive. They can strengthen a group's resolve and encourage retaliatory attacks. In some cases, scholars such as Haroro J. Ingram and Craig Whiteside believe, precision strikes against terrorist leaders can result in the ascent of a more brutal and effective personality, as happened when Baghdadi ultimately supplanted former al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Killings of leaders can also increase sympathy for the organization beyond its core followers. ISIS would almost certainly use Baghdadi's death as a major propaganda opportunity, as it has with other important setbacks such as its retreat from Mosul, to attract new recruits and call for attacks in the West.

Other scholars, such as Patrick Johnston, find decapitation strikes to be an effective method of crippling an organization's capability to maintain cohesion. Johnston's research finds that terrorist campaigns are more likely to end quickly when counterinsurgents successfully target enemy leaders. Counterinsurgents who capture or kill insurgent leaders are significantly more likely to defeat insurgencies than those who fail to capture or kill such leaders. Moreover, his research suggests that the intensity of a conflict is likelier to decrease following the successful removal of an enemy leader than it is after a failed attempt, whereas insurgent attacks are more likely to decrease after successful leadership decapitations than after failed attempts.

Without Baghdadi at its helm, ISIS could very well suffer from something akin to an identity crisis.

Many of the perpetrators who kill in the name of ISIS go to great lengths to pledge bay'at, or allegiance first to Baghdadi as Caliph and second to ISIS as an organization or the fulfillment of the promise of a caliphate. Without Baghdadi at its helm, ISIS could very well suffer from something akin to an identity crisis. The resulting leadership vacuum could hasten the demise of ISIS or at least lead to significant splintering and fracturing of the current organization.

Whatever the case, the killing of the self-declared Caliph is at least a symbolic victory that demonstrates how vulnerable ISIS has become. Unable to protect its revered leader while facing a continuous onslaught from a diverse range of adversariesincluding the United Statesled anti-ISIS coalition, Russia, and myriad other non-state actorsthe death of Baghdadi could usher in a new phase of the insurgency in which ISIS's command and control is significantly degraded.

Still, the removal of Baghdadi will by no means lead ISIS to collapse overnight. The organization has already survived the death of high-ranking leaders such as Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, its former spokesman and external operations planner, and Tarkhan Batirashvili, a Georgian who went by the pseudonym Abu Omar al-Shishani, or Omar the Chechen. And, as documented in a RAND Corporation study, Rolling Back the Islamic State, and another by the United States Institute of Peace ( PDF ), even without its caliphate and the control of territory, ISIS is likely to survive underground as a clandestine terrorist group while retaining the ability to conduct spectacular attacks in the Middle East and further afield because the root causes of its resurgencethe civil war in Syria and Sunni disenfranchisement in Iraqwill likely remain unresolved for the foreseeable future. The center of gravity, especially for external operations planning, could shift to ISIS's affiliate in Libya, which has been connected to the December 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack and, more recently, the attack at a concert in Manchester, England.

ISIS could easily follow suit and use al Qaeda's actions as a blueprint to reemerge stronger than before.

Al Qaeda largely followed this path after bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May 2011. Instead of collapsing overnight, the group continued to adapt, evolve, and expand. It now boasts more fighters in Syria (through its affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham) than the group did at its peak. Even as it suffered from an aggressive drone campaign in the rugged tribal areas of Pakistan, al Qaeda's affiliates in Yemen, Syria, and North Africa continued to accrue political legitimacy by backing Sunnis in parochial conflicts. With its virulently sectarian agenda, ISIS could easily follow suit and use al Qaeda's actions as a blueprint to reemerge stronger than before.

As it does, the death of Baghdadi could even open the door to possible rapprochement between ISIS and al Qaeda. As Georgetown University professor Bruce Hoffman wrote in Foreign Affairs in March 2016, Baghdadi's elimination could throw ISIS into total disarray and give al Qaeda an ideal opportunity to effect a voluntary or enforced reunification.

If it turns out to be true that Russia has killed the Caliph, it will be a significant loss for ISIS. It would not signal the group's imminent death, but the symbolism would be critical, especially since Baghdadi built his organization around a cult of personality and there is no charismatic leader ready to take his place.

Colin P. Clarke is a political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and an associate fellow at the International Center for Counter Terrorism. He is the author of Terrorism, Inc.: The Financing of Terrorism, Insurgency, and Irregular Warfare.

This commentary originally appeared on Foreign Affairs on June 22, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Legal protections for intellectual property (IP), undergirded by the U.S. Constitution, are a major reason why our economy has led the world over the past century. But that historical legacy cannot be taken for granted. A high-profile lawsuit between leading U.S. and European life sciences companies illustrates some of the dangers.

A recent article by Stanford Universitys Stephen Haber, Patents and the Wealth of Nations, reviews a body of historical and statistical studies that show a causal relationship between the strength of patent rights and innovation. As Haber put it (surveying non-petro-states in 2010), there are no wealthy countries with weak patent rights, and there are no poor countries with strong patent rights. Hence, it is of some comfort that the U.S. Chamber of Commerces 2017 International IP Index ranks the United States first overall among 45 countries.

For a long time, the U.S. legal system has robustly protected intangible property rights. The Constitution expressly authorized Congress to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries. The first Congress promptly acted under this grant of power to enact a federal patent statute, which President Washington signed into law. Justice Story (author of the influential Commentaries on the Constitution and an early architect of U.S. patent law), writing for the Supreme Court in 1824, stressed the importance of the constitutional provision. He emphasized that during the term of the patent, the inventor has a property in his inventions  of which the law intended to give him the absolute enjoyment and possession.

American law protected patents as property secured by statute, guaranteeing that the rights of inventors would be strongly enforced. This went beyond the more limited protection that patents had received in Great Britain, where they were regarded as privileges granted by the Crown. On that theory, the British government could use the patented invention without the inventors permission. American law was different. As law professor Adam Mossoff showed in 2007, 19th-century U.S. courts enthusiastically applied the Fifth Amendments Takings Clause to patents, securing these intangible property rights as constitutional private property, which was to be protected even against government. That approach is consistent with the Supreme Courts opinion in Horne v. Department of Agriculture (2015), which tellingly notes that the Clause applies to patents.

The Supreme Court remains keenly interested in the constitutional status of patents as property. On June 12, the Court agreed to hear the case Oil States Energy Services LLC v. Greenes Energy Group, LLC. In its order agreeing to hear the case, the Court limited its review of the issues presented to just one question, which the petitioner framed as follows:

Whether inter partes review, an adversarial process used by the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to analyze the validity of existing patents, violates the Constitution by extinguishing private property rights through a non-Article III forum without a jury.

The current inter partes review system was established by Congress in the America Invents Act in 2011. The Courts forthcoming decision in the Oil States case could have very significant implications for the stability of U.S. patent rights and for innovation generally.

A fundamental attribute of property is the right to exclude others from its use (hence the Constitutions exclusive Right language). Like other property rights, patent rights are often enforceable by injunctions  court orders. Chief Justice Roberts pointed out in a 2006 case that from at least the early 19th century, courts have granted injunctive relief upon a finding of infringement in the vast majority of patent cases.

That leads us to Amgen, Inc. v. Sanofi. Amgen scientists invented antibodies that dramatically lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. That led to a new drug, Repatha. Sanofi and Regeneron (Sanofi for short) developed a competing drug, Praluent. After Amgen filed suit for patent infringement, Sanofi rushed to launch its drug on the market.

Admitting infringement, Sanofi contested the validity of Amgens patents. But a jury unanimously disagreed. The trial court decided that a permanent injunction should issue that would order Sanofi to stop selling Praluent. Sanofi appealed to the Federal Circuit. Oral argument was held on June 6.

Although it received little or no explicit attention at the oral argument, one of Sanofis legal theories poses a particularly acute risk to innovation. Sanofis counsel argued that the public interest  a factor that courts consider in weighing injunction requests  favors consumer choice between competing products. They say that affirming the injunction against Sanofi (which has been temporarily stayed pending appeal) would deprive patients of life-saving medicine, even though the FDA has approved Amgens product as safe and effective for all patients who are eligible to receive the Sanofi product.

Sanofis legal theory is inconsistent with very recent Federal Circuit precedent. In 2016, the court squarely held that the goal of having more manufacturers of a good in the market  even a life-saving good  is not a sufficient public-interest basis for denying an injunction. That holding is sound. If Sanofis counsel are correct, then IP rights  and, therefore, investment incentives  are weaker for valuable medical therapies than for other classes of products. On Sanofis theory, a company can sell infringing therapies for as long as it wishes, subject only to the risk of a damages award. In other words, medical innovators can be compelled to grant the equivalent of licenses to patent infringers, at prices set by courts.

That would have very undesirable consequences for medical innovation. As the Federal Circuit has said, a calculating infringer may decide to risk a delayed payment to obtain use of valuable property without prior negotiation or the owner's permission. Here and abroad, unscrupulous competitors will ramp up infringement  factoring expected damages into the cost of doing business  if they face no injunction risk. And if U.S. courts begin granting compulsory licenses to infringers, other countries will surely follow by imposing their own licensing and price control measures to curtail U.S. intellectual property rights. American jobs and innovation  and over the long run, the welfare of patients and consumers worldwide  will suffer.

The Supreme Court has observed that the federal guarantee of exclusive patent rights provides an incentive to inventors to risk  often enormous costs in terms of time, research, and development. Without the possibility of an injunction to enforce it, the guarantee of exclusivity becomes a guarantee in name only. The Federal Circuits decision in the Amgen-Sanofi dispute could send an important signal to our trade partners and competitors about the degree to which intellectual property rights and investment are truly supported by U.S. law.

C. Boyden Gray previously served as White House Counsel and U.S. ambassador to the European Union. Ambassador Grays law firm, Boyden Gray & Associates, represents a number of clients with interests in law and policy issues relevant to technology and innovation, including Amgen.
The Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce has preliminarily ruled in favor of the Ukrainian state-owned oil and gas firm Naftohaz Ukrainy over Russian Gazproms claims regarding its natural gas supply. The same court is yet to rule on another contract between Naftohaz and Gazpromon gas transportation via Ukrainian pipelines to the European Union. Both were signed for ten years in January 2009. Irrespective of the final ruling on the gas supply, expected later this year, Naftohaz has avoided bankruptcy. Naftohaz now might resume buying gas from Gazprom if prices are suitable, in spite of the Kremlins ongoing hybrid war against Ukraine.

In 2009, Gazprom blackmailed Kyiv into signing a gas supply contract with a take-or-pay clause, obliging Ukraine to purchase more gas than it could consume, while at the same time forbidding Ukraine from re-exporting gas bought from Russia. Ukraine also has been unhappy with the prices set by the contract. Naftohaz, in spite of buying less gas from Gazprom than prescribed by the take-or-pay clause, had not been punished by Gazprom until the anti-establishment (EuroMaidan) revolution in Kyiv and the subsequent annexation by Russia of Crimea (with the port city of Sevastopol) from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia canceled the discount from the contract price that Ukraine had been granted in exchange for agreeing, in 2010, that the Russian Black Sea Fleet would stay at the Sevastopol base until 2042, rather than 2017. As a result, the price for Naftohaz soared by 80 percent as of spring 2014. This prompted Naftohaz to sue Gazprom in Stockholm; and Gazprom sued Naftohaz for bills unpaid in 20132014, as well as for breaching the take-or-pay clause. Later on, Naftohaz sued Gazprom over the gas transportation contract, requesting higher gas transit fees and complaining that Russia pumped less gas to the European Union via Ukraines pipelines than agreed in 2009, although the contract did not specify penalties for that. Ukraine stopped buying gas according to the 2009 contract, although it bought some gas from Gazprom in line with the one-off deals mediated by the EU in 20142015. Since November 2015, Ukraine has not been buying any gas from Gazprom, relying on domestic production and imports from the EU (see EDM, February 11, 2016).

The Stockholm court forwarded its interim ruling on the gas supply contract to the litigating parties on May 31. The judges turned down Gazproms main claims over the take-or-pay clause, which exceeded $47 billion and could have bankrupted Naftohaz. Indeed, Ukraines annual GDP is only around $100 billion. The ruling also envisages Gazprom revising the 2009 contract price as of 2014, in line with EU gas hub prices, and allows Naftohaz to re-export gas (Naftogaz.com, May 31; Kommersant, June 1). With revised prices, which may turn out to be lower than those paid by Naftohaz to EU-based suppliers at present, Naftohaz might resume buying gas from Gazprom. Naftohaz head Andry Kobolev said he wanted to make Russias Gazprom one of the regular gas suppliers to Ukraine on par with others (5 Kanal TV, June 5). The Stockholm court is still expected to specify, in its final ruling, which of the EU hubs it had in mind because the final new gas price for Naftohaz will depend on that detail.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin hailed the interim arbitration ruling, writing on Twitter that it was a victory for Ukraine and European regulations over Russian aggression and Gazproms monopoly status. Russia has tried to play down the defeat, with Gazprom representatives saying that it would take time to analyze the court ruling which, they said, did not contain any concrete figures (Interfax, May 31). The Stockholm court has yet to rule on Naftohazs claims to Gazprom over the gas transportation contract, which exceeded $12 billion. In this case, Naftohaz does not stand to lose anything, but may win moneywise, while Gazprom has to build up defenses.

Gazprom recently also lost a multi-billion-dollar case in Ukrainian courts. Last year, the Ukrainian Anti-Monopoly Committee fined Gazprom the equivalent of $3 billion for pumping less gas via Ukraine than prescribed by the 2009 contract. Gazprom lost several appeals, and last March a court in Kyiv ruled that Gazprom owed Naftohaz the equivalent of $6.5 billion, including penalties. The Ukrainian authorities in May froze the shares of Gastransit, a small local company linked to Gazprom. Luckily for Gazprom, it does not have any other property in Ukraine, and it would be hard to enforce the Ukrainian courts verdict abroad (Vedomosti, June 1).

The victory over Gazprom may become a factor in Ukraines domestic politics ahead of the elections scheduled for 2019, when President Petro Poroshenko and his party are likely, according to opinion polls, to run head to head with the populist Fatherland party and its leader, Yulia Tymoshenko. She was the prime minister when the aforementioned gas contracts were signed in 2009. The leader of the Poroshenko Bloc faction in the parliament, Artur Herasimov, has urged the states anti-corruption bodies to look into Tymoshenkos role related to the contracts. Herasimov said his party suspected Tymoshenko of corruption and treason (Pravda.com.ua, June 6). Ironically, Poroshenkos predecessor, Viktor Yanukovych, had imprisoned Tymoshenko for her role in securing those same contracts several years ago. She was freed when Yanukovych fled Ukraine in February 2014; and the early elections that followed brought Poroshenko to power.
Earlier this month Panama established formal ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC) immediately after severing diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan is officially known. The question that is now being insistently, even fastidiously, asked is which state will be the next to switch from Taiwan to China?

Some analysts have envisioned a possible diplomatic chain reaction, prompted by Panama's crossing of the Taiwan Strait. According to this domino-effect scenario, after Panama's departure a good number of the 20 allies the ROC is left with (mostly small or minuscule developing states) would be convinced of the inevitability of changing over to China. Thus, they would abandon ship en masse within months.

Such a 'great escape' scenario is unlikely to happen for a number of reasons, its plausibility notwithstanding. First of all, Panama is a case in its own right. The Panama Canal bestows on the Central American state an importance and geopolitical weight transcending its actual size. Beijing can thus be expected to give special attention to Panama, even after the fanfare marking the establishment of relations subsides. By contrast, the other countries recognising Taiwan are not graced with a similarly strategic global trade artery. Nonetheless, in Taipei they are treated like diplomatic aristocracy. For them, Taiwan is a generous aid provider and attentive development partner, which is presumably going to try even harder to keep them from leaving the fold. The fewer allies Taiwan has, the more aid it can allocate to each.

Chinese investment in Panama has also increased sharply in the recent years, and Beijing's ships are the second-most frequent users of the Canal. This represented a strong incentive for Panama, which was reportedly long-ready to take the jump. By contrast, the circumstances of several microstates siding with Taiwan are markedly dissimilar. Their geopolitical and economic marginality makes them relatively indifferent to China's power and sufficiently content with the assistance that Taipei provides in exchange for recognition. Furthermore, the risk of finding themselves third-tier partners and 'diplomatic plebeians' soon after changing recognition to Beijing is substantial. Finally, letting China in could have destabilising consequences, such as increased pressure for Chinese immigration, economic colonialism and resource predation. Tellingly, back in 2010, when asked why his country should stick with the small fish (Taiwan) instead of going for the big one (China), Palau's House Speaker Noah Idechong suggested the big fish 'could sink' Palau's boat.

In addition, while Beijing is confident it can swiftly lure any diplomatic ally away from Taiwan through the promise of aid, loans or trade deals, it might not be anxious to cause an exodus of ambassadors from the other side. China's primary intent is putting heavy pressure and inflicting serious political damage on Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen for her continuing refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, a political formula postulating the existence of only one China, inclusive of the Mainland and Taiwan, with different interpretations. This purpose would be better served by plucking off Taiwan's allies one by one, and using the remaining ones as bargaining chips  a slow 'death by 20 cuts' and international asphyxiation, unless Tsai chooses her predecessor's path and accepts the Consensus.

In fact, there appears to be method and rhythm in China's punitiveness. After Panama's cross-Strait relocation, a pattern can be identified by which on the eve of each round of state visits by Tsai to diplomatic allies in a particular region, Beijing effects the defection of one of Taiwan's friends in another area, and immediately establishes ties with the breakaway country. It occurred in December 2016, when tiny Sao Tome and Principe broke ranks and recognised China less than one month before Tsai Ing-wen's second tour of Latin America, and in the aftermath of the famous telephone conversation between Tsai and US President Donald Trump. It has happened again this month, with Panama bidding adios a few weeks away from Tsai's announced visit to diplomatic allies in the South Pacific.

So, contrary to the opinion of Jorge Guajardo, the former Mexican ambassador to China, there will probably not be a 'cascade' of countries flowing from Taipei to Beijing any time soon. Nonetheless, the question remains on the table  who's next after Panama? In terms of likelihood, another Central American state such as Nicaragua, where China's economic leverage and influence are strong, or Caribbean countries like Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which already have trade representative offices in Beijing and are keenly eyeing Chinese investments.

Guajardo also pointed out that 'the big catch for Beijing would be the Vatican'. For China, repairing relations with the Vatican would undoubtedly be a resounding success delivering a severe diplomatic blow to Taiwan.

The Holy See, the supreme government of the Catholic Church with territorial residence in the Vatican City State, is the only European sovereign entity with diplomatic ties to the ROC. Holy See-China relations have been ongoing since 1942. However, recent developments in Vatican Sinopolitik could be read as signs that, for the Seat of Peter, Beijing might be 'well worth a mass'. Even though the two sides have strong incentives for normalising relations, such a historic achievement remained elusive until 2014, when Pope Francis inaugurated an unprecedented charm offensive toward China with the aim of setting the relationship with the Asian giant on a rapprochement course. As noted by Wang Yu-yuan, a former Chinese ambassador to the Vatican, relations between the Apostolic See and the China 'have never been better as now'. As a result, discussion of the issue is increasingly tempered with anxiety in Taiwan. Catholics all over the world are also closely watching. While the dialogue is said to be about the appointment of bishops, it might ultimately precipitate diplomatic change. Is the relocation of the Apostolic nunciature to China to Beijing imminent? Is Taiwan ineluctably bound to lose its key Roman ally in the near future?

Not really. The Holy See, and relations with it, are unlike those with other sovereign polities, which are often influenced by realpolitik, geostrategic or trade considerations. The Apostolic Palace is not interested in receiving foreign aid or signing trade agreements, but in securing religious freedom for the Catholic flock and upholding human rights. This can play in Taiwan's favour when it comes to preserving its formal relations with the Holy See. Beijing demands that the Vatican conforms to the One-China policy by severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan as a precondition for normalising relations. Yet, as long as there is no actual religious freedom for the Catholic Church in China, the Holy See will remain very reluctant to change recognition to the Mainland. Therein lie Taipei's hopes for maintaining its important ally.

Ending diplomatic ties with Taiwan before having secured religious freedom for the Church in China would leave the Holy See in a substantially weaker position. In particular, the Vatican could not continue to offer the severing of relations with Taipei as a bartering tool for the improvement of the condition of Chinese Catholics. Moreover, in the interval between the denouement of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and the exchange of ambassadors with Beijing, the Apostolic See would remain without any nunciature on Chinese (China and Taiwan) soil. This is a scenario that the Holy See cannot even contemplate, especially because negotiations with China might drag on (with few results) for years.

Holy See diplomacy is historically characterised by prudence and patience. The Vatican has most likely given due consideration to the possibility that Beijing might be showing 'flexibility' for the purpose of ensnaring the Holy See into breaking diplomatic ties with the ROC. Once that's accomplished, there is no further Vatican leverage in the talks and no further incentive for said flexibility. The Chinese will pocket the winnings and walk away from the table. The fact that, in 2016, the Apostolic nunciature in Taipei moved to the new elegant quarters it had commissioned to build may speak volumes about Vatican unrivalled perspicacity and assuage the concerns of the Taiwanese. Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin's assessment that normalising relations between the Vatican and Beijing 'is not easy' and 'needs a lot of patience and perseverance' (given at the January 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos) should be of further reassurance to Taipei. The Holy See will not be the next to walk across the Taiwan Strait. Probably, it will be the last to go.
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As the Commit to Georgia Campaigns fiscal year is coming to an end, Katie Degenova awaits not only the release of the total sum of money raised since the kickoff in November of 2016, but the number of people who will benefit from the donations the campaign has received.
The first night of AthFest was packed with Athens music fans, and though every show was exciting, it seemed the crowd in the Georgia Theatre had been waiting for Cindy Wilson to play all night.
Engage, don't entice, advises advertising guru Sandeep Goyal.

As an advertising professional of 30 years, I tend to believe that I am largely immune to the lures and promises of commercials.

Nevertheless, I succumbed to the charm of Cheeka, the Vodafone (then Hutch) pug (above), a good 12 years ago and brought home young Jambo, a two-week old puppy of the same breed.

Vodafone recreated advertising magic in 2008 with the famous ZooZoos.

These white creatures with ballooned bodies and egg heads, played by human actors in body suits, were visually unique and different.

While Vodafone created the ZooZoos to promote their value-added services, the characters became cult figures in no time.

IPL 10 has been a happy hunting ground for Vodafone's brand communicators.

Veteran Bharata Natyam dancers and Padma Bhushan awardees Shanta and Vannadil Pudiyaveettil Dhananjayan (above) have been cast as an uber-cool elderly couple (Asha and Bala).

From getting a tattoo to parasailing, the adorable duo is not just adventurous, but is also shown to be keeping pace with technology.

The six-ad campaign from Vodafone was competing against an assertive and aggressive Jio with its mouth-watering offers on data, and what have you.

Honestly, however, Jio's advertising is not much to write home about.

But the brand name is on everyone's lips because of repeated and multiple exposures.

Vodafone, I am sure spent a fraction of what Jio spent on the IPL, but given the number of mentions and conversations around it, the message seems to have registered better and is better recalled.

Which brings us to the essential question: To engage, or to entice?

Let us look at another gem from the past.

Airtel, in 2002, was a tiny telco from Delhi trying to burst on to the national scene. A three-part ad series, created by Rediffusion, with A R Rahman (above) catapulted Airtel into a pan-India player.

An engaging story of Rahman composing and correcting a musical score from London was simple, but eloquent.

The story line was interesting. The narrative was immersive. The music was more than memorable.

It was also Rahman's first-ever brand endorsement.

He was then the toast of Bollywood, especially after the spectacular success of Taal.

New entrant Reliance Jio has been a predator in the telecom market over the past few months with products and plans that have played havoc with competition.

Jio has smartly out priced incumbents Airtel, Vodafone and Idea in its march to a targeted 100 million subscribers in less than a year.

But while Jio has managed to create a wonderful product (and especially price) story, it still has a lot of work to do with its brand.

The initial launch ads with Shah Rukh Khan (below) were largely insipid and forgettable. Subsequent efforts have been equally lukewarm.

Jio associated with practically all the IPL teams as sponsor, besides dominating eventual champions Mumbai Indians, but much of that advertising seemed to be more like a promotion of the IPL rather than brand Jio.

Jio needs to learn a trick or two from Vodafone. Even Airtel.

Vodafone's advertising is all about engagement.

Jio seems not to have moved beyond freebies, price-cuts and enticement.

Enticement can be the honey to attract, but eventually engagement will be the cement to retain customers.

Sandeep Goyal is ex-group CEO of Zee Telefilms and former founder chairman of Dentsu India.
Job creation in India will be a key agenda when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets top American CEOs of global giants like Walmart, Apple and Caterpillar this Sunday during his visit to the US.

The discussions will also include efficiency in logistics arena, the post-demonetisation macroeconomic scenario and the potential gains through the GST rollout from next month, an official said.

Besides, the impact of new visa restrictions on the IT industry is expected to come up for discussion during talks with the technology CEOs.

"The discussions between the prime minister and nearly 20 top American CEOs in Washington would focus significantly on the employment front," said an industry leader who will be among those present for these meetings.

The government is expected to focus a lot of efforts on the employment front going forward, while expectations are that 30-40 per cent of the 12 million job created annually can be addressed by the retail sector alone.

New facilities to be set up by the American corporations are also expected to give a boost to job creation.

Modi is slated to visit the US on June 25-26.

American CEOs expected to meet Modi on Sunday include Apple's Tim Cook, Walmart's Doug McMillon, Caterpillar's Jim Umpleby, Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella.

Among others are Mariott International chief Arne Sorenson, Johnson & Johnson's Alex Gorsky, Mastercard's Ajay Banga, Warburg Pincus's Charles Kaye and Carlyle Group's David Rubenstein.

Modi will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26 for the first time. He will hold talks with Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules.

India has time and again raised the issue of H-1B with the US authorities and asked them to liberalise the visa regime as Indian companies contribute significantly to the American economy.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

Apart from ways to enhance trade and business cooperation, Modi and Trump are expected to discuss defence ties.

Regional security situation including Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and other international issues are expected to figure prominently during the meeting of the two leaders.

Modi's visit comes against the backdrop of Trump's announcement to withdraw the US from the historic Paris Climate Agreement signed by over 190 other countries.

Trump had blamed India and China for the US withdrawal. "India makes its participation contingent on receiving billions and billions of dollars from developed countries," he had said.

Strongly rejecting Trump's contention,India had asserted it signed theParis agreement not under duress or for lure of money but due to its commitment to protect the environment. ar-based bio-metric authentications were needed to be addressed before rolling out the system. Till the time issues were sorted out, they said, teachers and schools would be asked to maintain offline data as well.

Image: Apple CEO Tim Cook with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India in May 2016. Photograph: PIB.
A former head of immigration at IT major Infosys in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of 'discrimination' against non-South Asian employees, and demanded a trial by jury.

The lawsuit filed by Erin Green, before a US district court in the Eastern District of Texas on June 19, names two senior company officials, Head of Global Immigration Vasudeva Nayak and Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent and Technology Binod Hampapur, and makes serious charges against them.

Green's counsel Kilgore and Kilgore, PLLC has said, "Plaintiff was terminated because of defendant's obsessional preference for employees of South Asian race and national origin, usually Indian, and as retaliation for reporting Nayak and Hampapur's discriminatory treatment of himself and others on the basis of race and national origin."

"His termination was in violation of defendant's policy which requires progressive warnings or placement on a performance improvement plan prior to termination," he claimed.

"Plaintiff received no such warnings, and had no discussions with employee relations regarding any of the conduct related to the stated reason for his termination prior to his termination...Plaintiff had no disciplinary entries on his official work record during his four-and-a-half-year tenure," he said.

The 53-page lawsuit also pointed out that from October 2011 to June 28, 2016, the plaintiff was employed by the defendant in Plano, Texas and his experience with Infosys demonstrates the 'discriminatory nature of Infosys' employment practices'.

Responding to a query about the lawsuit, the company said, "Infosys does not comment on ongoing litigation."

The lawsuit has come at a time when Infosys has announced that it will hire 10,000 Americans in the next two years and open four centres in the US in a bid to woo the Trump administration, which has been critical of outsourcing firms for unfairly taking jobs away from US workers.

Infosys co-founder Mohandas Pai told PTI, "The filing of lawsuit by Green against Infosys alleging employee discrimination will not have any bearings on the company's intent to hire 10,000 Americans in next two years."

"It will not affect the recruitment because it is very difficult to hire 10,000 people in two years. It's a tall target, and one quarter is nearly over.. These are statements that one can make to please politicians," he said.

Earlier, Head Hunters India founder and MD K Lakshmikanth had said the move to hire 10,000 American workers in next two years 'can be seen as an act of Infosys to appease Trump's administration, which could file legal suites against IT companies, including Infosys for 'misuse' of H-1B work visas programme'.

Pai, a former director of Infosys, said, "Since Infosys is not an American company, it is very easy to level charges of discrimination, and nobody wants to go for trial."
The Al Qaeda, the Islamic State or Daesh, as it is also called, will continue to exploit the fault lines and the many contradictions in the approaches of different countries, says Hardeep Puri.

Two terror attacks in as many weeks in London, 80 killed in an attack in Kabul on May 31. The global fight against terror will clearly be a long haul.

In March 2002, I had just left London and joined as Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. A conversation with the head of the United Kingdom delegation over lunch merits recall.

The mainstream narrative then was that human rights violations are committed by the State; the individual is helpless and vulnerable against a strong and repressive State.

Having endured three years of this in London, it was now my turn to set the narrative. I pointed to the double standards involved. It is easy and even tempting to sermonise for someone who has not been at the receiving end of terrorism.

The conversation was less than pleasant. I mentioned to her that closing one's eyes to State sponsorship of terrorism by our western neighbour, providing a safe haven to different hues of militants that took advantage of democratic freedoms offered by the United Kingdom will come to haunt them. I recalled the assassination of Ravindra Mhatre, an Indian diplomat in Birmingham in 1984.

Fifteen years is a long time in the life of a nation and sufficient for changing the narrative.

Non-State military actors such as the Al Qaeda and the Islamic State could not have survived and flourished without the support provided by certain States.

Western governments encouraged and augmented the autonomous efforts of several Sunni states in the Persian Gulf to finance and arm terrorist outfits of different hues to militarily dislodge the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

The civil war that is raging in Syria is now at once both a proxy war with the Russians and Iranians actively engaged in propping up the Assad regime, a sectarian war with Iran, Iraq and Shia minorities elsewhere on the side of Assad and the Sunnis in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan and elsewhere pouring money and military material to oust Assad.

There are no innocents in this fight.

Assad is as guilty of war crimes as are the motley terror outfits reined against him and supported by the Sunni regimes in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

To suggest that Qatar is the only source of the problem, an inference that flows from United States President Donald Trumps ostensible endorsement of the Saudi line, amounts, at the very least, to being delusional.

Yes, Qatar has been financing the Muslim Brotherhood, which seeks to destabilise Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia is the fountainhead of Wahhabi Salafist ideology, which is the root cause of much of the radicalisation of moderate Islam, not only in the Arab world but in parts of Asia and Europe as well.

To try to form an alliance with the Saudis against Iran, apart from being short-sighted, involves taking sides in a sectarian civil war in Syria and a larger sectarian conflict in which the United States has little to gain.

That the Saudis have been successful in using their margin of persuasion with a less than settled Trump administration will enhance insecurity and not only make West Asia more dangerous but fuel the forces that feed the terror machine. The 110-billion dollar arms contracts signed during the President Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia sustain this kind of delusional thinking.

The fight against terror continues to be selective. Our western neighbour encourages groups that seek to cause mayhem in India and pretend to rein in the Haqqani network.

In the process, it has discovered, to use Hillary Clintons oft-quoted expression, You cannot raise vipers in your own backyard and then not expect them to bite you!

The Al Qaeda, the Islamic State or Daesh, as it is also called, will continue to exploit the fault lines and the many contradictions in the approaches of different countries. Turkey will target the Kurds even as the Kurds are used by others to fight the Islamic State.

All countries without exception need to end State sponsorship.

The cliche one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter is, in a sense, the essential core of the problem.

Tiny Qatar has a much smaller population than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but it has roughly the same scale of resources it can use for destabilisation of the countries in the region.

Iran is similarly well endowed in terms of resources, western sanctions notwithstanding.

Equally, an Israeli/Saudi hook to produce an alliance between the US, Israel and a new Sunni NATO led by Saudi Arabia appears both amateurish and somewhat fanciful.

It can only produce new fault lines and troubled waters in which others can apply for fishing licences. Should this hook be pursued, it will only compound the folly of delusional policies pursued in Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Hardeep Puri chaired the counter-terrorism committee of the UN Security Council in 2011-12.
'I have been in the Dalit movement for 27 years, I have not heard of R N Kovind's views on the Dalit agenda.'

'He is a BJP man among Dalits, not a Dalit man in the BJP.'

What does Ram Nath Kovind's selection as the National Democratic Alliance candidate for the Presidency mean to India's Dalits?

Rediff.com's Archana Masih spoke to Dalit thinker Chandrabhan Prasad to find out.

What do you think of Ram Nath Kovind's candidature for the Presidency?

The RSS (Rashtrriya Swayamsevak Sangh) will use Kovind's name to market Hindutva in the Dalit mind.

Till his name was announced, not many Dalits knew that he is a Dalit.

I have been in the Dalit movement for 27 years, I have not heard of his stand on Dalit issues or heard his views on the Dalit agenda or development.

He has no history of doing anything for the Dalits.

The limited number of people who know him say that he represents the BJP within a section of Dalits, not vice versa.

He is a BJP man in the community and not a Dalit man in the BJP.

We don't know his stand on Rohith Vemula, Una, Saharanpur -- on anything.

You may not have heard of him or his stand, but he could still come as a surprise for the Dalits for the better?

He has not done anything so far, so what can we expect after he becomes President?

K R Narayanan was an icon before he was nominated for the post. No one knew this man till yesterday (June 20).

You think this is just symbolism?

It is very poor symbolism.

But sometimes symbolism also serves a purpose. Don't you see this as a positive message to the Dalits?

No. The only message is that the RSS will use him as a poster boy of Hindutva.

He will say Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

This is no masterstroke by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi or (Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit) Shah as it is made out to be.

What impact did Mr Narayanan's Presidency have on the Dalit cause?

Narayanan was an iconic figure before he became President.

He topped the University of Travancore in MA, English Literature. He went to the London School of Economics.

Harold Laski liked him and sent a letter of recommendation to Jawaharlal Nehru that this boy is an asset to you.

He was appointed in the foreign office.

After the Indo-China war there was a deadlock of 14 years with no diplomatic relations between the two countries and when relations were restored in 1976, Indira Gandhi chose K R Narayanan to represent India in Beijing.

When Indo-US relations were at their worst, he was recalled from retirement to represent India in Washington, DC.

After that he also served as vice-chancellor of JNU. He later joined the Congress party and won three elections.

He was a minister in Rajiv Gandhi's Cabinet. It was only after that that he became vice- president and President.

He was a known face of the Dalits and an inspiration to them.

What is Ram Nath Kovind's contribution?

He has been a two-time Rajya Sabha MP and governor of Bihar.

Make a comparison and see what is Kovind's contribution and what was Narayanan's.

Do you think the anger of Dalits as seen in UP can spread to other parts of the country?

There is a feeling in north India or perhaps the whole of India that the upper castes think it is their time to rule India.

They were de-franchised by caste coalitions -- they were thrown out of Parliament and state assemblies and now they have come to power.

Now that they have come to power, they are recalling their past.

They were masters of society in the past. Dalits who used to be begging at their doorsteps have gone out of their hands.

The Dalit youth is unprepared. He has not seen their parents crawling before landlords and hence the Dalit youth is hitting back immediately.

IMAGE: Ram Nath Kovind. the National Democratic Alliance's Presidential candidate, at an International Yoga Day event in New Delhi, June 21, 2017. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
In a bizarre case, several houses in Rajasthan's Dausa district were found painted with 'I am poor, receive ration'.

Several houses in this region have been painted in yellow by administration with their names and a message on it saying, 'I am poor, receive ration from National Food Security Act (NFSA)'.

Around 70 per cent of the total population of this region takes benefit of this government scheme and have this humiliating message painted outside their houses.

As per the local administration, this initiative has been taken so that only the needy can avail the benefits of the governments' scheme.

"At the time of the Congress, many got themselves registered to avail the benefits of the government's scheme. But the one who deserve to get the right are still deprived of it. The ruling government has taken this initiative for the backward class," said a NFSA official.

Meanwhile, the villagers also claimed that they were told that they will be paid Rs. 750 if they allowed their homes to be marked.

"Even when we opposed, they painted our walls with this message. We feel very humiliated but what can we do. The government is just making fun of us by painting this," said a villager.

The NFSA was undertaken during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, as per which the people belonging to backward classes were given five kilograms of food grains per person per month at subsidised rates.

'My house, BJP's house' written outside homes in MP

'Mera ghar bhajpa ka ghar (my house, BJP's house)' was written by Bharatiya Janata Party workers outside houses in Bhopal, locals said, adding that 'no permission was sought from us'.

"This BJP slogan was written outside my house too, my family members refused as I wasn't present but still they did," Pyaare Khan from the Congress said.

Asked to comment, BJP's Rahul Kothari said, "Workers do such things in enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong in writing this as there has been development in the area."

Photographs: ANI
IMAGE: Al-Hadba minaret at the Grand Mosque in the old city of Mosul photographed on June 1, 2017. Photograph: Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters



Islamic State terrorists blew up Mosuls iconic 800-year-old leaning minaret and the adjacent mosque where their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014 declared himself a caliph, Iraqi officials said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the destruction of the sites was an official declaration of defeat from the jihadists in the battle for Mosul.

The terror group issued a statement via its Amaq propaganda agency, blaming a United States strike, but the US-led coalition condemned the destruction as a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq.

The destruction of two of Mosuls best-known landmarks comes on the fourth day of an Iraqi offensive backed by the US-led coalition to take the Old City.

IMAGE: A still image taken from video shows the destroyed Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul. Photograph: Iraqi Military Handout/via Reuters TV

Our forces were advancing toward their targets deep in the Old City and when they got to within 50 metres of the Nuri mosque, Daesh (IS) committed another historical crime by blowing up the Nuri mosque and the Hadba mosque, Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir Yarallah, the overall commander of the Mosul offensive, said in a statement.

The destruction adds to a long list of Iraqi heritage sites and monuments the jihadist organisation has destroyed in Iraq and Syria since Baghdadi created his caliphate straddling both countries three years ago.

IS proclaimed its self-styled 'caliphate' in June 2014, after sweeping across Iraq's Sunni Arab heartland, an unprecedented experiment in jihadist statehood.

In his last public appearance, Baghdadi appeared at the Nuri mosque in Mosul, Iraq's second city, days later to declare himself caliph and urge the world's Muslims to move in.
The ISRO is strengthening eye in the sky, which helped the Indian army carry out surgical strikes last year, with the launch. T E Narasimhan reports.

The Indian Space Research Organisation is gearing up to launch a satellite in its Cartosat-2 series, for earth observation, along with 30 co-passenger satellites.

All these will be carried into space by ISROs workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 40th flight -- this one titled PSLV-C38.

The rocket is scheduled to take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota (an island off the Andhra coast, about 100 km from Chennai) space port on Friday, at 9.29 am.

The rocket will carry the 712-kg Cartosat-2 series satellite and the other 30, the latter together weighing 243 kg, into a 505 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.

The images sent by the satellite will be useful for a number of applications.

The co-passenger ones comprise 29 nano satellites from 14 countries -- Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Britain and America, as well as one Nano satellite from India.

The 29 international ones are being launched in an arrangement with Antrix Corporation, commercial arm of the ISRO.

Remember the eye in the sky that helped Indian soldiers to successfully execute the strike against terrorist posts over the Kashmir border last September?

The ISRO is strengthening this eye with Fridays launch. The primary mission objective is to provide high-resolution spot imagery.

A sum of Rs 160 crore has been allocated for the project.

The Panchromatic camera which is loaded in will take pictures and videos, for help in both military and civil purposes.

Cartosat-1, the first in this series of earth observation satellites, was launched in May 2005, in the PSLV-C6 launch vehicle. Followed by Cartosat-2 in January 2007. A Cartosat-3 series is also planned.

IMAGE: Fully integrated core stage along with strap-ons of PSLV-C38 inside Mobile Service Tower. Photograph: Kind courtesy isro.gov.in
National Democratic Alliance's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind will file his nomination papers on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and most Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA chief ministers, besides the heads of some other parties supporting his candidature.

Besides the NDA's constituents, which comprise over 48.6 per cent of votes in the electoral college that will elect the next president, regional parties such as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Biju Janata Dal, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Janata Dal-United have announced their support to the Dalit leader, making his win an almost foregone conclusion.

BJP President Amit Shah will also be present when Kovind files his papers, as will the Telangana and Tamil Nadu chief ministers, two leaders from non-NDA parties supporting Kovind, sources in the southern parties said.

Kovind is guaranteed to get more than 61 per cent of the vote, and the finally tally may increase depending on how some still-undecided regional parties vote, BJP source said.

A group of opposition parties has announced that former Speaker Meira Kumar, also a Dalit leader, would be their joint candidate against Kovind.

The election is scheduled for July 17 and the counting of votes will take place on July 20.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends on July 24.

Once elected, Kovind will be the second Dalit to occupy the highest constitutional office. The first was K R Narayanan, who was in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1997-2002.

A low profile Dalit activist who held various organisational positions in the BJP, Kovind, 71, was made the Bihar Governor in 2015 after the NDA came to power in May 2014.

The name of the two-term Rajya Sabha member did not figure among the probables but his nomination by the BJP is now being seen as a "political masterstroke".

He enjoys a clean reputation and has steered clear of any controversy in his over 26-year-old political career. His Dalit background makes him a sound political choice for the saffron party working overtime to woo Dalits.

IMAGE: NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita after meeting former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence in New Delhi. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo
Prince Harry on Thursday said no one in the royal family wants to be the king or queen but asserted that they will carry out their duties at the right time.

Harry, 32, who is fifth-in-line to the throne said that several times he longed to be something other than 'Prince Harry' but noted that he is also conscious of the ability of his status to help him make a difference.

"Is there any one of the royal family who wants to be king or queen? I don't think so, but we will carry out our duties at the right time," Harry was quoted as saying by the Newsweek magazine.

"We are involved in modernising the British monarchy. We are not doing this for ourselves but for the greater good of the people. I feel there is just a smallish window when people are interested in me before [William's children Prince George and Princess Charlotte] take over, and I've got to make the most of it," he said.

Harry also spoke about walking behind his mother's coffin as a 12-year-old and said no child 'should be asked to do that under any circumstances'.

In 1997, he joined his father, the Prince of Wales, his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, 15-year-old brother Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, and uncle, Earl Spencer, in a funeral procession through the streets of London for Diana, Princess of Wales.

"My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television," he said.

"I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don't think it would happen today".

He praised his mother for helping to show him an 'ordinary life', adding that he did his own shopping.

"People would be amazed by the ordinary life William and I live," he said.
Pakistan has said it will review its visa policy for Chinese citizens to plug the loopholes in the current 'lenient' policy, weeks after the killing of two Chinese nationals who entered the country on business visa.

The conditions and requirements for issuance of business and work visas to the Chinese nationals will be reviewed, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The decision comes days after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had been informed that the murdered Chinese citizens were missionaries who were part of a group of Chinese nationals which obtained business visas and entered Pakistan.

Chinese nationals -- Lee Zing Yang, 24, and Meng Li Si, 26 -- had been kidnapped in the city of Quetta in Balochistan province on May 24 by unknown gunmen and later murdered.

"The decision has been taken to ensure transparency in the visa process and also to preclude misuse of visa-friendly regime that exists between the two countries," it said.

It was part of efforts to ensure maximum security of the Chinese nationals visiting Pakistan on various visa categories and to streamline and regulate the entire process of visa issuance to Chinese nationals, the statement said.

According to officials, the murdered Chinese nationals were 'misusing their business visas'.

Taking note of a few incidents of showing forged and fake documents of ghost companies, it was decided to regulate the process of granting extensions in business visas and the authority to extend such visas have been transferred from the regional passport offices to headquarters in Islamabad.

Pakistani missions abroad would issue a maximum of one year multiple entry work visa and further extensions in work visa would be granted by the Ministry of Interior only.

Khan said that a comprehensive mechanism should be put in place for sharing of information of not only $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor related workers but also of other Chinese nationals visiting the country.

Keeping in view various issues being faced by the foreign spouses who are married to Pakistani nationals, it was decided to re-introduce Pakistan Origin Cards to the foreign spouses after addressing certain issues that led to suspension of these cards.
As Narendra Modi prepares for his first meeting with United States President Donald Trump, we cant help but wonder. Will the prime minister go in for a hug or will The Donald opt for one his famous handshakes?

For those in the dark, both the world leaders have acquired a reputation for their greetings with other world leaders.

While Modi opts to go the informal and brotherly way with hugs, Trump seems quite intimidating with his weird handshakes.

Lets take a look at the two.

TRUMP

>> Trump & Abe: The handshake that just won't loosen!

Remember the time Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two shared a handshake for 19 seconds. After the handshake, it seemed Abe was more than happy to have been let go off and his reactions quickly went viral!

>> Trump & Macron: The handshake that went on forever!

Ahead of the NATO summit, Trump and newly-elected French president Emmanuel Macron sat down for a talk and a handshake. And what a handshake it was! They shook hands for an extended period of time. Each president gripped the others hand with considerable intensity, their knuckles turning white and their jaws clenching and faces tightening.

If that isnt awkward, we dont know what is.

>> No handshake for Merkel

But Trumps handshake with Macron wasnt his worst. The US president snubbed German Chancellor Angela Merkel when he seemed to either not hear or ignore her request for a handshake in front of press members at the White House.

MODI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is know for hugging it out. In his first two years of office, during his foreign travels, much was said about his hugs with various world leaders, including his 'BFF' Barack Obama.

>> The Titanic Hug!

Taking his cue from the James Cameron directed movie, Prime Minister Modi hugged then French President Francois Hollande from the back, much to the amusement of Twitterati.

>> Frenemies hug too!

In December 2015, PM Modi dropped in on Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif to wish him for his birthday. Can there be a better birthday gift than a bear hug from a neighbour!

>> The 'Bro' Hug

Former US president Barack Obama was his pal, his bro and Modi made that very clear! Modi just couldn't get enough of Obama and to be honest, we miss their hugs too.
Security forces dealt a severe blow to the terrorist group, Lashker-e-Tayyaba, when they killed three of its members early on Thursday after a six-hour encounter, which triggered protests that led to the death of a civilian the police described as a chronic stone-pelter.

The civilian, Tawseef Hassan Wani, 28, was killed when the forces tried to quell the protests directed against them after the encounter. A police official said he was leading a mob.

He was a chronic stone pelter and troublemaker with 10 cases registered against him. He had been detained under the Public Safety Act in 2010 and 2016, the official said.

He was known as Chhota Geelani in the area, in a reference to hardline Hurriyat leader S A S Geelani.

The police laid a cordon around a house in Kakapora area on Wednesday evening following intelligence information that three terrorists, including Majid Mir, an 'A++' category terrorist (key commander), were holed up inside.

Mir was allegedly involved in the killing of former sarpanch Fayaz Ahmad of Kakapora in March and the gunning down of district Peoples Democratic Party president Abdul Gani Dar in April.

Considered close to Abu Dujana, a Pakistani national who commands Lashker operations in the Kashmir Valley, Mir was said to be responsible for motivating the valley's youth into joining militancy.

The other two killed in the encounter, which started from 10 pm and ended at 4 am, were Shahid and Irshad Ahmed. The two had been recruited by Mir in 2016, the official said.

The house, in which they were holed up, caught fire during the gun fight and the three terrorists ran out of the building in a bid to escape the blaze.

The police asked them to surrender, and gunned them down when they didn't, sources said.

The security forces viewed the operation with great satisfaction as a large presence of local terrorists, aided by a strong network of overground workers, had prevented the forces from carrying out such activities in this district for a while.

The operation, the official said, was a big blow to the Lashker terror outfit which lost its self-styled commander Junaid Mattoo and two others in an encounter at Arwin village in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir on June 17.

After the encounter, the police had yet another battle to fight and that was with the protesters who had been throwing stones at them to hamper the operation, the official said.

The police used tear gas and other non-lethal weapons to quell the mob. Wani died of pellet injuries, the sources said.

Nearly 40 people were injured in the clashes that took place after the encounter.

Image for representation only.
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday that seeking farm loan waiver had become a "fashion", but later offered a clarification after drawing flak from several opposition parties.

Addressing an event in Mumbai, Naidu said seeking loan waivers had become a "fashion" now but it was not the final solution and should be considered in extreme situations.

As many opposition parties mounted attack on him, he later told reporters in Delhi that he was referring to the "fashion of political parties" competing with each other to ask for debt relief.

"Today, it is the fashion of political parties to ask for loan waiver. When I was talking in Mumbai (earlier today), I was referring to the approach of political parties which are competing with each other, asking for waiver of loans," he clarified.

His comments attracted criticism from the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Left and the Samajwadi Party.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "We condemn the comments in the strongest term. The plight of farmers is such that they are on the verge of committing suicide every day and such a senior leader is terming it as a fashion, it is a shame for the BJP."

He said it was "never expected" that the BJP would make "such a joke of farmers' suicide".

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said the comments shows the "attitude" of the BJP towards the plight of farmers. "The real face of BJP has come out in front of public. This (loan waive) is not a fashion but obligation of the nation to the farmers," he said.

While AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the comment exposed his bias towards the rich, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury asked if the government would now term farmer suicides "fashionable".

"Will this govt now say that Farmer suicides are also fashionable? We need to do more than loan waivers for our farmers, not mock at them. (sic)," Yechury tweeted.

Kejriwal said, "You don't see a fashion in it when you waive loans of the rich. But when it comes to waiving farmers' loans, you see it as a fashion.

"This is not right. You waive a particular individual's loan, but not that of crores of farmers. This shows the kind of politics you engage in."

CPI national secretary D Raja termed the comments as "insensitive" and that too coming from a senior minister in the government.

"If farm loan waiver was a fashion, then it was the fashion of none other then BJP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who announced loan waiver, which was followed by other BJP states," he said.

SP spokesperson Ghanshyam Tiwari termed the comments as "joke on the people of this country".

Naidu said the political parties should focus on "long-term solutions" such as improving infrastructure, rural roads, assured power supply, provisions of cold storage and godowns and providing affordable and timely cheap credit to farmers, besides providing market facilities for their produce.

"We have to take care for these measures. We have not done it in so many years after Independence," he said.

Naidu said political parties should focus on bringing in structural policy changes, instead of adopting short-term measures such as loan waiver.

Listing out various initiatives, he said the Modi government had taken a number of steps to improve the situation of farmers and referred to Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

Naidu said it was "surprising" that political parties which were in power for years and "did nothing" for farmers, are trying to blame this government for the farmers' plight.

IMAGE: Union minister Venkaiah Naidu speaks during the listing ceremony of the Pune Municipal Corporations bonds for its 247 water supply project at the Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai on Thursday. Photograph: Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI Photo
The United States has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India, governmental sources said on Thursday, a deal being termed as a "game changer" ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington for his maiden meeting with President Donald Trump.

The deal, estimated to be worth USD 2 to 3 billion, has been approved by the state department, the sources said.

The decision has been communicated to the Indian government and the manufacturer by the state department on Wednesday, according to the informed governmental sources.

"This is the first very significant sign of the Trump administration being more result oriented in its relationship with India compared to Obama administration," a source told PTI.

The sources, who requested anonymity as the deal has not been formally announced, said the sale of 22 predator drones being manufactured by General Atomics is "a game changer" for US-India relations as it perationalises the status of "major defence partner".

The designation of India being a "major defence partner" was decided by the previous Obama Administration, and formally approved by the Congress.

The state department and the White House did not immediately respond to the questions in this regard. An official announcement is expected soon.

Modi's first meeting with Trump has been scheduled to take place at the White House on June 26.

The Indian Navy had made the request for this intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform last year.

US Aerospace expert Dr Vivek Lall of General Atomics who was pivotal in India acquiring Boeing P8 ISR technology, is believed to have played a key role in fast tracking the decision-making process of the Trump administration.
If the US President is the master of awkward handshakes, the Indian Prime Minister has cornered the market on awkward hugs.

Which one will it be when the two meet?

Videos: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will meet on June 26.

Photograph: Charles Platiau/Reuters. Imaging: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com

A handshake is no longer a simple thing. At least not when Donald Trump is around.

The United States President has turned the most simple of diplomatic tools into what resembles a round of arm wrestling.

There is the grab, the squeeze, and the yank that is enough to unbalance a person should s/he be unfortunate enough to be standing.

The earliest iteration of the President Trump handshake -- and probably still the most awkward -- was the 19 interminable seconds he aggressively pumped and patted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's hand.

'During the 19 seconds that they were shaking hands, Trump managed to pat the Japanese prime minister's hand no less than six times,' The Guardian noted.

'Patting someone's hand in this way pretends to be an affectionate gesture of approval, but its real purpose is to remind the other person who's actually in charge. It's what psychologists call a "status reminder".'

'Note the grip he gave his supreme court nominee Neil Gorsuch,' The Guardian noted, 'yanking the judge towards him as if he were a pet dog on a leash.'

And world leaders are now giving it back in kind, providing much fodder to body language experts and much amusement to the rest of us.

When Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met Trump days after the Abe handshake fiasco, he came armed.

Trudeau stepped into Trump's space and grabbed his shoulder with his free hand, giving Trump no chance to execute the yank-shake.

Trudeau's dominance continued in the Oval Office when Trump extended his hand for another shake.

In a moment documented by many photographers, the young Canadian waited just a few beats -- with a side-eyed look that seemed to say he was wondering whether to take Trump's hand at all -- before shaking hands.

French President Emmanuel Macron wasn't giving any quarter either when he met Trump in Brussels last month for the NATO summit.

Macron and Trump grabbed each other's hands so tightly that their knuckles turned white; they looked at each other fixedly till Trump finally loosened his grip and attempted to extricate his hand.

Macron also made it a point to swerve away from Trump while meeting NATO partners and greet German Chancellor Angela Merkel first.

The newly minted French leader told the French media, 'My handshake with him was not innocent. We need to show that we won't make small concessions, not even symbolic ones, but also not overdo things'.

But Trump is not alone in the awkward greetings stakes.

The Indian prime minister seems to have cornered the market on awkward hugs, prompting memes and headlines like 'Narendra Modi won't stop hugging world leaders no matter how awkward it is'.

Modi also seems to be Trump's equal when it comes to power-play handshakes.

Just ask poor Prince William; he ended up with a well-documented hand imprint after a particularly firm handshake from Modi last year.

We can't wait to see how the greetings play out when Modi meets Trump come June 26.
CEDAR RAPIDS  President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will push for increased rural internet access in his proposed $1 trillion infrastructure plan.

His speech to a crowd of about 250 at Kirkwood Community College also served as a send off of sorts for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who will leave Iowa Friday to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.

Branstad loves the state and the people so much, and together we all join to express our deep gratitude to Terry for everything he has done for Iowa and for its people. Mr. Ambassador, thank you very much and have a good time in China, Trump said.

Branstad, in turn, thanked Trump for his leadership and congratulated him for a deal between the United States and China that will allow the exports of United States-made beef into the country.

The two countries reached an agreement last month that would allow for the sale. China had said last September it would look at re-allowing the entry of U.S.-produced beef.

In his address, Trump hailed American farmers and said his administration will work to eliminate the intrusive rules that undermine your ability to earn a living.

Im not a farmer, but Id be very happy to be one. Its a very beautiful world you live in, the Republican president said, flanked by a red combine and a green tractor.

Trumps visit to Kirkwood came as a part of Technology Week for the White House. Before his remarks, a Kirkwood student showed Trump a John Deere Combine Simulator, used to train students on how to use the equipment.

On our visit to Kirkwood Community College, President Trump and I saw the high-tech equipment used in the schools precision agriculture program, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement. Precision agriculture optimizes yields while conserving resources. Each advance made in technology is another step in the right direction for both farmers and the environment.

The president advocated that better infrastructure, including broadband, is needed to usher in a new era of prosperity for American agriculture.

That is why I will be including a provision in our infrastructure proposal  $1 trillion proposal that youll see very shortly  to enhance broadband access for rural America also, he said.

Bruce Rastetter, a Republican and agribusinessman, said he liked that Trump recognized the importance of U.S. agriculture and the need for improved broadband.

Rural broadband, weve seen in our farming operation, is critical for technology to be able to work out in the fields. When you have gaps in that, the software on that technology doesnt work , Rastetter told The Gazette.

A Federal Communications Commission report in 2016 found 37 percent of rural Iowans were without access to high-speed broadband, compared to just 4 percent of urban residents.
Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Vietnam: New Law Threatens Right to a Defense

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 June 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Vietnam: New Law Threatens Right to a Defense, 21 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bb6784.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.

Vietnam should immediately repeal a provision in its revised penal code that would hold lawyers criminally responsible for not reporting clients to the authorities for a number of crimes, Human Rights Watch said today. The revised code also contains a number of changes heightening criminal penalties against criticism of the government or Vietnam's one-party state.

"Requiring lawyers to violate lawyer-client confidentiality will mean that lawyers become agents of the state and clients won't have any reason to trust their lawyers," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "Vietnam considers any criticism or opposition to the government or Communist Party to be a 'national security' matter - this will undermine any possibility of real legal defense in such cases."

On June 20, 2017, the Vietnamese National Assembly passed a revised penal code that will come into effect on January 1, 2018. Article 19, section 3 of the revised penal code states that, "[When] the person who does not report [on people] is a defender, he/she is not held criminally accountable in accordance with clause 1 of this article, except for not reporting on national security crimes or other especially serious crimes which the person he/she is defending is preparing to carry out, is carrying out, or has carried out and the defender clearly knows about it while carrying out his/her defense duty."

Many Vietnamese lawyers publicly voiced their concerns about this new requirement. On June 12, the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association submitted a letter to the National Assembly urging it to drop the clause. According to the letter, the new clause conflicts with the revised Criminal Procedure Code and the Law on Lawyers, which requires legal defenders to keep information about their cases confidential. The letter states that this new clause is "a step back from the 1999 Penal Code."

"Vietnam's foreign investors and trading partners should be very concerned about laws that would require their lawyers to pass on confidential information to the authorities to avoid getting into trouble," Adams said.

Of particular concern is that article 19 targets people accused of vaguely defined national security crimes, including "activities aiming to overthrow the people's administration" (article 79), "undermining national unity policy" (article 87), "conducting propaganda against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" (article 88) and "disrupting security" (article 89). Instead of repealing such laws that are often used to punish the exercise of freedom of association, assembly and speech, the government has now added even harsher punishments for bloggers and rights activists.

Among these are new clauses in article 109 (previously article 79), and article 117 (previously article 88) to the effect that whoever "takes actions in preparation of committing this crime shall be subject to between one and five years of imprisonment." This means that one can be imprisoned up to five years for preparing to criticize the state or preparing to join an independent political group disapproved by the government. A number of vaguely-worded articles related to national security crimes are often used to prosecute people for exercising basic rights, and now they can be (mis)used in even more circumstances. Vietnam ought to have repealed and reformed these laws, not made them of wider application.

In most politically-motivated arrests and convictions in Vietnam, the authorities use article 79 to punish people for being affiliated with a particular group or organization disapproved by the ruling communist party. Article 87 is often used to punish people for participating in religious groups not sanctioned by the state. Article 88 is a tool to gag dissidents and bloggers critical of the party or the government. Article 89 is used to punish independent labor activists who help organize wildcat strikes.

"The revised penal code illustrates Vietnam's lack of commitment to improve its abysmal human rights record," said Adams. "If Vietnam sincerely wants to promote the rule of law, it should facilitate the work of lawyers instead of introducing new laws to make it impossible to do their jobs."

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Saudi Arabia: Leadership Change Should Improve Rights

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 22 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia: Leadership Change Should Improve Rights, 22 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bb82d4.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.

Newly appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should use his authority to end longstanding abuses against Saudi dissidents and rights activists and to make a public commitment for rights reforms, Human Rights Watch said today. The succession move follows a royal decree issued on June 17, 2017, that removed the country's notorious prosecution service from the Interior Ministry and turned it into an independent agency.

On June 21, King Salman removed Mohammed bin Nayef as interior minister and crown prince, and appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as the new crown prince. Under Mohammed Bin Nayef, who oversaw Saudi Arabia's counterterrorism response after 2003, the Interior Ministry waged a campaign of repression against peaceful Saudi dissidents and continued to impose burdensome travel restrictions on Saudi women. The new interior minister is Mohammed bin Nayef's 33-year-old nephew, Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef.

"Saudi Arabia should go beyond portfolio shuffling and ensure that leadership changes bring meaningful steps to end the repression so many Saudi men and women have suffered over the years," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "If the new crown prince wants to achieve his vision for economic progress, he should take immediate and concrete steps to improve human rights protections."

The new crown prince, who has been deputy crown prince since April 2015 and defense minister since January 2015, has not made a commitment to carry out rights reforms. His ambitious 2016 plan, Vision 2030, to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy, failed to incorporate important human rights reforms, like strengthening women's ability to participate in the labor market.

As defense minister, he initiated and is responsible for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. The coalition of eight countries taking part in the campaign has carried out scores of apparently unlawful attacks, including potential war crimes, and repeatedly hit schools, markets, homes, and hospitals. The war has also contributed to a humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where seven million people are on the brink of famine and thousands are suffering from cholera. In his new role as crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman should ensure that Saudi forces in Yemen comply with the laws of war, Human Rights Watch said.

The country's new interior minister will take the helm of a ministry that for years has taken the lead in violating basic rights in Saudi Arabia, like free expression, association, and assembly. The ministry is also responsible for imposing certain aspects of Saudi Arabia's male guardianship system, under which every woman must have a male guardian - a father, brother, husband, or even a son - who has the authority to make a range of critical decisions on her behalf. Interior Ministry regulations require a woman to obtain her male guardian's approval to get a passport or travel outside the country, and Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving is based on an Interior Ministry decree.

The new interior minister will lack the power to directly prosecute government critics, though. On June 17, King Salman ordered the removal of the Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution (BIP) from Interior Ministry jurisdiction and renamed the newly independent agency the Public Prosecution. The royal decree stated that the change was "in [accordance] with the rules and principles of many countries of the world," and based on "the necessity of separation between executive authority in the state and the bureau and its work since it is part of the judicial authority."

The new interior minister would apparently maintain his wide counterterrorism powers under the country's 2013 counterterrorism law. The law authorizes the minister to order arrests of terrorism suspects without going through the prosecutors, as well as to gain access to a suspect's private banking and communications information, all without judicial oversight.

Since 2011, the BIP has initiated criminal cases against at least 20 prominent activists and dissidents. Courts sentenced them to prison terms as long as 10 or 15 years on broad, catch-all charges that do not constitute recognizable crimes such as "breaking allegiance with the ruler" or "participating in protests." Prosecutors have also jailed and investigated women for driving and calling for an end to the male guardianship system.

Saudi authorities have arrested and prosecuted nearly all activists associated with the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), which a Saudi court formally dissolved and banned in March 2013. The members faced similar vague charges.

Saudi activists and dissidents currently serving long prison terms based solely on their peaceful activism include Waleed Abu al-Khair, Mohammed al-Qahtani, Abdullah al-Hamid, Fadhil al-Manasif, Sulaiman al-Rashoodi, Abdulkareem al-Khodr, Fowzan al-Harbi, Saleh al-Ashwan, Abdulrahman al-Hamid, Zuhair Kutbi, Nadhir al-Majid, and Alaa Brinji. Issa al-Nukheifi, arrested in December 2016, is currently on trial. Essam Koshak was detained in January and may face trial. Others, including Abdulaziz al-Shubaily and Issa al-Hamid, are free while appealing long sentences handed down by the Specialized Criminal Court in 2016. Mohammed al-Oteibi and Abdullah Attawi are on trial for forming a human rights organization in 2013.

Saudi Arabia's reshuffled prosecution service should immediately end prosecutions of human rights activists such as Koshak and al-Oteibi, and release those serving long jail terms, Human Rights Watch said.

"Saudi leaders should realize that they can't transform the country's economy and society without granting women rights on par with men and allowing Saudis to openly criticize government policies and call for human rights," Whitson said.

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Morocco: Protest Leader Alleges Police Beat Him

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 22 June 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Morocco: Protest Leader Alleges Police Beat Him, 22 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bb8de4.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.

Police arrested and severely beat the de facto leader of ongoing social protests in Morocco's Rif region, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said today, based on an account the protest leader gave his lawyer. Authorities are investigating Nasser Zefzafi, the protest leader, on grave charges, including one that carries the death penalty and some that appear political in nature.

Zefzafi, 38, is the best-known of at least 127 protesters and activists jailed during a police crackdown on the mostly peaceful demonstrations in northern Morocco that began in late May, 2017. Zefzafi requested a medical exam to document the abuse when he appeared before a prosecutor on June 5. But the request has yet to be fulfilled, said Abdelaziz Nouaydi, one of Zefzafi's lawyers, raising concerns about the court's compliance with its duty to investigate allegations of police violence.

"Moroccan authorities should investigate the credible allegations of police violence against Zefzafi and refrain from filing any charges that stem from peaceful speech or protest," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director of Human Rights Watch. "At this stage, the case looks like it's more about throwing the book at a protest leader than punishing criminal behavior."

Police arrested Zefzafi on May 29 in the village of Douar Lahrech, about 50 kilometers from al-Hoceima, the Rif's main city. His arrest came three days after he had interrupted the Friday sermon at a mosque in al-Hoceima to defend the Rif protest movement after the imam, a state employee, had criticized it in his sermon.

At about 6:30 a.m. on May 29, a dozen police from the National Brigade of the Judiciary Police (BNPJ) broke down the door of the house where Zefzafi and two other activists, Fahim Ghattas and Mohamed Haki, were staying, Zefzafi told Nouaydi, on June 12 in Casablanca's Oukacha prison. The police broke furniture and windows, and assaulted the three men even though they offered no resistance, Zefzafi said. He said he had a 1.5-centimeter cut on his scalp, another one below his left eye, and bruises on his back.

The police insulted the three men in vulgar terms, pressing them to shout "Long live the king!" and calling them "separatists," the account said. The police transported them to al-Hoceima and then flew them, hooded, and handcuffed, to Casablanca. There, the police took Zefzafi for medical care, including stitches to his scalp, and gave him clean clothes to replace his blood-stained ones.

Nouaydi told Human Rights Watch that he conducted a separate interview on June 12 with Ghattas, whose account of the arrest corroborated Zefzafi's.

Zefzafi remained in pre-charge detention from May 29 until June 5, when he and the others were taken before the crown prosecutor of the Casablanca Court of Appeals. The Code of Penal Procedure allows pretrial detention to be extended to a maximum of eight days in cases involving state security offenses. Nouaydi, who was among the lawyers representing the defendants at the hearing, said Zefzafi detailed to the prosecutor the police conduct during the arrest operation and demanded a medical examination.

Morocco's code of penal procedure obliges the prosecutor and the investigating judge, with narrow exceptions, to order a medical examination of a defendant who requests one, or if the prosecutor or judge observe signs of violence on the defendant.

The evening of the hearing, the crown prosecutor referred the defendants to the investigating judge. According to the prosecutor's written referral, dated June 14 and published on the news website badil.info, the charges he asked the judge to investigate include one that carries the death penalty: "participation in harming internal state security by carrying out an attack the goal of which is to cause destruction and killing and theft in more than one region."

The prosecutor also recommended charges of "participating in violence against state security forces that led to blood-letting;" "forming a plot to harm internal security;" "harming internal state security by receiving financial sums [] to finance activities and propaganda of a nature to harm the unity and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco and shake the faith of citizens in the Moroccan state and the institutions of the Moroccan people;" "organizing unauthorized demonstrations and holding public gatherings without permission and participating in an armed gathering;" "insulting state institutions and the public security agents;" and "publicly inciting against the Kingdom's territorial integrity."

While the recommended charges that include acts of violence are recognizably criminal, many of the other charges either violate by their very nature basic rights (such as "insulting state institutions") or are so broad and vague that authorities can easily use them to punish opponents for speaking or protesting peacefully. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Morocco ratified in 1979, and Morocco's 2011 constitution, guarantee the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The investigating judge sent Zefzafi, to pretrial detention. The evidence against him is not yet available. The government did not respond to requests from Human Rights Watch for information on the case.

The Rif has been rocked by protests since October 2016, after Mohsen Fikri, a fishmonger, was crushed to death in a garbage truck in which he had climbed to retrieve a valuable haul of swordfish that the authorities had confiscated from him on the grounds that it had been fished illegally. Zefzafi, an unemployed man, earned renown in the Rif for his fiery speeches about social justice, which were viewable on social media. He eventually became the main leader of street protests against the state's perceived marginalization of the Rif, and in favor of more jobs and better social services in the region.

Though the demonstrations were mostly peaceful, there were incidents in which people described by the police as protesters threw rocks and set police housing and vehicles afire. Police began arresting activists on May 26. Since then, at least 83 were prosecuted in al-Hoceima, of whom 32 were sentenced to prison for between 2 and 18 months. Another group of at least 45, including Zefzafi, was transferred to Casablanca and currently await trial, said Driss Ouaali of Rabat, another defense lawyer for the group. A few were released pending trial, while the others remain in custody.

Defense lawyers said that Zefzafi is to appear before an investigative judge for further questioning on July 10.

Nouaydi, the defense lawyer, is a member of the advisory committee of the Human Rights Watch Middle East and North Africa division.

"Besides Zefzafi and Ghattas, many other Rif protesters and activists have reported police brutality following arrest," said Heba Morayef, North Africa research director for Amnesty International. "To combat impunity and ensure fair trials, the courts in Casablanca and al- Hoceima should ensure prompt medical examinations of defendants and preserve all pertinent physical evidence."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Law-breaking court sentences journalist to two years

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Law-breaking court sentences journalist to two years, 22 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bbb534.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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the two-year jail term that a local radio station manager received this week in Moundou, the capital of the Logone Occidental region in southern Chad. The sentence violates Chad's media law.









Sylver Beinde Bessande, the manager of Moundou-based community radio Nada FM and correspondent of N'Djamena-based FM Liberte, was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 100,000 CFA francs (152 euros) on charges of contempt of court and undermining judicial authority. He is now detained in Moundou prison.





The charge was brought against Bessande on 9 June for broadcasting a municipal councillor's irate reaction outside the courthouse after receiving a suspended six-month jail sentence in a legal dispute between him and the head of the Moundou city hall administration. He accused the judges of "skulduggery."





Bessande's lawyer, Boniface Mouandilmadji, told RSF that the proceedings against his client were "riddled with irregularities" and that "the defence rights were flouted." He said Bessande was tried under the criminal code when he should have been tried under the media law (Law No. 17 of 2010), which does not provide for jail sentences.





Moreover, it was impossible to know who filed the complaint against Bessande (as the relevant document was missing from the case file) and the charges were changed at the last moment to include undermining judicial authority, which gave the defence no time to prepare a response. His lawyer intends to appeal.





"This journalist's prison sentence violates Chadian law and raised questions about the justice system's independence," RSF said. "We urge the judicial authorities to quash this sentence and free him at once. All the legal and regulatory instruments needed to guarantee the freedom to inform already exist in Chad. They just need to be used wisely."





Targeting Moundou's media





This is not the first time that Nada FM has been subjected to threats and intimidation by the local authorities because of its outspoken coverage.





On 23 January, Bessande and the representatives of two other privately-owned radio stations, Kar-Urba and Bonne Nouvelle, were summoned to police headquarters in Moundou, where they found themselves facing the heads of the police, gendarmerie, homeland security and intelligence services.





They accused the journalists of being too critical of the methods of the security services and local governance, and threated to close their media outlets. This intimidation attempt was criticized at the time by Logone Occidental's governor and the High Council for Communication (HCC), which has sole responsibility for regulating the media in Chad.





The HCC itself gave Nada FM a formal warning in April 2016 just because it had broadcast the comments of a parliamentary representative of an opposition party, the Chad Convention for Peace and Development (CTPD).
LINCOLN, Neb. | A Moville man will spend a year in jail for setting up a meeting to have sex with an underage girl in Lincoln, Nebraska, under a sentence handed down by a judge Wednesday.

Dennis Ragan, 63, had earlier pleaded guilty in Lancaster County District Court to one count of enticement by electronic communication device.

Iowa man pleads guilty to setting up sex with minor LINCOLN, Neb. | A Moville man has pleaded guilty to setting up a meeting to have sex with an

According to authorities, Ragan responded to an online ad he believed had been posted by a 15-year-old girl, but was actually posted by an undercover investigator.

Ragan exchanged 170 emails with the person he believed to be the girl.

According to court documents, Ragan traveled to Lincoln with the intent of having sexual contact with the girl and was arrested on Aug. 31 at a Lincoln laundromat where he had agreed to a meeting.

Investigators found condoms, lubrication, batteries and sex toys in Ragan's car.

Court documents filed Wednesday also say he will have 12 months of supervision after his sentence is served and he must be placed on the state sex offender registry.
Citizen-journalists increasingly spied on, hounded in Iran

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Citizen-journalists increasingly spied on, hounded in Iran, 22 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bbba14.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.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the increase in Internet censorship and harassment of citizen-journalists in Iran. According to RSF's tally, 94 Internet users, mainly users of the instant messaging service Telegram, have been arrested since the start of the year. More and more journalists are falling victim to the war between different government factions.

The latest victims include Assal Esmaeilzadeh, a journalist and photographer who was arrested without charge on 20 June. The Tehran prosecutor's office for culture and media arrested her after ordering her husband, Saed Seif, who runs the Dideban e Iran news website, to report for questioning. Seif later tweeted: "My wife was arrested to put pressure on me, because they are asking me to make a statement against President Hassan Rouhani and to publish false information against ministers in his government."





RSF has learned that, on 9 April, 12-year jail sentences were imposed on three citizen-journalists who were arrested in September 2016 in connections with content they had posted on Telegram.

The three - Mohammad Mohajer, Alireza Tavakoli and Mohammad Mehdi Zaman Zadeh - were convicted respectively of "insulting [Supreme Leader] Ali Khamenei and Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic's founder," "insulting what is most sacred in Islam" and anti-government propaganda.





Users of Telegram, which is very popular in Iran, are increasingly being targeted. Telegram creator Pavel Durov has said that "Telegram has not entered into any agreements with any government on this planet," and has "no plans to." But statements by Iranian officials seem to belie this claim.

Information and communications technology minister Mahmoud Vaezi told parliament on 7 June: "Rather than block Telegram, which would drive users to turn to another app, we have reach an agreement with those in charge of it to block content of a sexual or anti-religious nature and content condoning violence and terrorism."

A total of 173,000 Telegram accounts have so far been blocked. Vaezi said he had "launched an intelligent filtering that has enabled the verification of 400 million logos and images." He said his ministry did not monitor the content of posts but added that, "in the past three years, at least 7 million addresses and 121 software applications for bypassing filtering have been blocked."





The censorship and persecution, which is officially intended to protect the public from immoral content, has been extended to political and religious content and to websites dedicated to human rights and women's rights.





Abdolsamad Khoramabadi, who heads the committee in charge of identifying unauthorized websites, reported in March 2017 that "more than 18,000 volunteers monitor the Internet and report crimes committed on social networks to the prosecutor's office."

The families of five Telegram group administrators with links to reformist circles - Seid Mojtaba Bagheri, Sobhan Jafari Tash, Javad Jamshidi, Nima Keshvari and Said Naghdi - filed a complaint on 12 June about the judicial system's slowness in handling their case.

They have been held in Tehran's Evin prison ever since Revolutionary Guards arrested them on 16 March 2016. According to the information obtained by RSF, the five men and a fellow detainee, Ali Ahmadinia, began a hunger strike on 19 June in protest against their prolonged detention.





According to RSF's tally, at least 94 Internet users, mostly Telegram users, have been arrested since the start of 2017. In most cases, journalists and citizen-journalists arrested by the regime are charged with cyber-crimes or immoral acts.





Iran is ranked 165th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.
Iraq: Reporters sorely tested in battle for Mosul

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 22 June 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Iraq: Reporters sorely tested in battle for Mosul, 22 June 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/594bbed14.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 deaths on 19 June of two journalists who were doing a story about the last phase of the battle for Mosul have highlighted the increasingly difficult conditions in which hundreds of Iraqi and foreign reporters have been covering the fight to retake Iraq's second largest city since October 2016.





French video-reporter Stephan Villeneuve and Iraqi Kurdish fixer and reporter Bakhthiar Haddad were killed by an explosive device in Mosul's old town the day after the final assault was launched to complete the recapture of the city, still partially held by Islamic State fighters.





A handful of freelance reporters permanently based in Erbil, 85 km to the east, and several dozen Iraqi and foreign journalists continue to cover this decisive battle, adapting to an increasingly dangerous terrain.





Yesterday, one day after the explosion that killed Villeneuve and Haddad and also injured Swiss journalist Veronique Robert and her French colleague Samuel Forey, the authorities restricted access to the old town, which is located in the western part of the city and is the main focus of the current fighting.





Similar measures were taken in October 2016, in the wake of the deaths of two Iraqi journalists a few days after the launch of the military offensive that enabled the Iraqi government forces and its allies to retake control of the eastern part of the city.





Since the start of the land offensive to retake the western part, a total of 226 media crews, 84 of them foreign, have registered with the Joint Operations Command (JOC), according to its spokesman, Brig, Gen. Yahia Rasoul.





It is hard to know the exact number of journalists currently on the ground as they do not necessarily have to register with any central authority. However, so far as French journalists go, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had been able to establish that there are currently six in the Mosul area or in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan's capital, which is the rear base of the battle for Mosul. Four of them are visiting and two are permanently based.





They include Oriane Verdier, 25, an Erbil-based freelancer who works for RFI, Radio France, Liberation and RTS. She based herself there in 2014 "not to be war reporter but rather to explain the region's issues," she said. She received training in security from France Medias Monde, which helps her "to think twice, to stay in control and always weigh whether the risk is worth the information that could be obtained."





Verdier has had to take this kind of decision with increasing frequency as a result of the marked deterioration in the security conditions in the region in the past three years.

"The reporting conditions in Iraq are getting more and more difficult and complicated," said Pierre Barbancey, a staffer at L'Humanite who has been covering the country for the past 17 years.





In Mosul, which he visited in December 2016, "it is impossible to feel really safe because even when you think you are out of a combat zone, a car packed with explosives could appear out of nowhere or a mortar shell could land on you at any time."





Barbancey, who has covered wars in many other parts of the world, points out: "In Mosul, as elsewhere, we are not only targets to be killed but also kidnapped. This risk exists everywhere, but in Mosul's maze of alleys, the danger is even greater."





Mosul's old town, where Islamic State's remaining forces have dug in, is a labyrinth for both the government forces and reporters. They have to advance on foot along narrow curved streets that are heavily-mined. At the same time, they are exposed to mortar shelling and Islamic State snipers posted inside houses or on rooftops.





"Islamic State is past master at the art of targeting journalists (...) with bombs dropped from drones and with snipers at the front lines," said Ziad Al-Ajili, the head of the Baghdad-based Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO), shortly after Islamic State seized control of Mosul in June 2014.





Three years later, the figures compiled by Al-Ajili are sad. "Nine journalists have been killed in the battle for Mosul (...) and nearly 46 Iraqi and foreign journalists have been wounded," he said. This high toll is due not due solely to the ferocity of the fighting but also, in his view, to the lack of protective equipment for journalists, their lack of experience in covering this kind of war, and the lack of prior training.





Laurence Geai, a freelance photographer who has been covering the battle for Mosul for Le Monde and who is there right now, is conscious of all these dangers. "You have to watch out for the mortars, the snipers and the mines," she said. Covering the fighting in the old town in the coming weeks will be even tougher for journalists, "because that's where the heart of Islamic State is located," she added.





This is going to be "a terrible battle," said Frederic Lafargue, a freelance photographer who has worked often in Iraq since the First Gulf War in 1991 and who covered the start of the battle for Mosul for Paris Match.





"Neither side are novices, the level of commitment of both the Iraqi forces and Islamic State is very high and the nature of the terrain [the old town's maze of alleys] is unfavourable, so covering this kind of situation necessarily entails an enormous risk," he said.





Lafargue added: "The presence of civilians renders the equation even more difficult and then there's the fact the Islamic State fighters may feel that this is their Fort Alamo and they there to stay and cause as much damage as possible. All this makes you think twice about going there."





Islamic State has been holding ten Iraqi journalists and media workers captured in Mosul for nearly two years. The jihadi group seized all of the media outlets in Mosul in 2014, turning the city into a news and information black hole until the Iraqi army and its allies launched their offensive last October.





RSF and the JFO published a joint report in October 2015 about the media freedom situation in Mosul since Islamic State seized control of the city. Iraq is ranked 158th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index.





In partnership with UNESCO, RSF publishes a Safety Guide for Journalists that is available in French, English, Spanish and Arabic. Written for reporters going to dangerous regions, it offers practical advice designed to help mitigate the risks.
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
Not only has spring come and gone, but it's been nearly a year since Sgt. Brandon Ketchum succumbed to his PTSD.

The 33-year-old Davenport veteran, who served two tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan, shot himself hours after asking to be admitted to the psychiatric unit at the VA hospital in Iowa City. He was told there was no room for him.

Iowa's U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, and Rep. Dave Loebsack, a Democrat, demanded a review of Brandon's hospital visit by the VA's Office of Inspector General. That was in August.

In November, Inspector General Michael J. Missal told Ernst he expected the review to be completed by spring. It didn't happen.

Asked this week about the delayed report, Ernst replied via email:

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General said we should expect a final report on the investigation in July. While I am disappointed the VA OIG was not able to deliver the report in the spring, given the gravity of this situation, I want to ensure this investigation is as thorough as possible.

"I have written several letters to the VA and VA OIG, regarding the death of Brandon Ketchum. Its critical that we receive these reports as quickly as possible in order to move swiftly and correct any flaws to prevent future tragedies. I intend to continue closely monitoring Mr. Ketchums case and have requested to be briefed on the situation just as soon as the investigation concludes."

Herself a veteran, Ernst has done as promised, repeatedly reminding the Inspector General that Congress is waiting.

Loebsack has been in there swinging, too, and co-sponsored namesake legislation, "Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act." The bill seeks to require VA medical centers to provide in-patient psychiatric treatment to any veteran who asks for it.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Sgt. Ketchums tragic death, there are still more questions than answers," Loebsack wrote in an email this week. "While all due diligence must be made to get the facts correct, I am beyond frustrated with the amount of time this report has taken. Sgt. Ketchum's family, fellow soldiers and the community deserve closure. The public deserves to know the answers to exactly what happened that day, and it is beyond time that it be released.

Everybody knows the VA is swimming in crises. With an estimated 20 veterans committing suicide every single day, the agency most taxed with helping thousands of veterans deal with their PTSD obviously is struggling to do so. From the time Brandon died to the first anniversary of his death next month, an estimated 7,300 veterans will have killed themselves. That is thousands more veterans than soldiers who died in the War on Terror.

"OIGs work regarding this case is ongoing, and we are working diligently to complete our review and publish the final report," Missal spokesman Michael Nacincik wrote Tuesday in response to my questions about the review. "We expect the final report to be available later this summer."

We've established that the VA and its Office of Inspector General are exceedingly busy  perhaps even overwhelmed. We know members of Congress have been nipping at their heels, and we know Brandon's family has been waiting for nearly a year to find out what went wrong and why he was turned away at his most vulnerable moment.

But one thing left to consider that really only makes matters worse is this: The July 7 appointment with Dr. Anthony Miller at the VA hospital in Iowa City lasted mere minutes. Even though records clearly show the doctor knew about Brandon's calls to the suicide hotline, knew he was increasingly depressed, had PTSD and asked to be admitted, he was sent away.

How long can it possibly take to figure out that was wrong?
CHARLES CITY | The Charles City man whose third-degree sexual abuse conviction was overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court because the district court didnt adequately warn him about representing himself intends to do it again.

This time, however, he wants a court-appointed attorney to assist him at his retrial.

The defendant asks for the assistance of counsel in a second chair position until such time as the attorney has shown a mastery of the facts and law implicit in this matter, Lindaman wrote in his motion.

Former two-time candidate for local elected office and convicted felon Doug Lindaman, 61, filed a motion that included 11 issues on Friday. In it, he also requested a change of venue and sequestration of the jury.

Floyd County Attorney Rachel Ginbey answered in a motion filed Monday, June 19. She resisted all issues raised with the exception of change of venue and appointment of counsel.

Lindamans retrial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 1. That could change.

Lindaman is accused of sexually abusing a teenager that he hired as a farmhand. He claims that he was conducting therapy on the boy to release repressed homosexual urges. The boy has no such urges, he and his family have testified.

A Floyd County jury agreed with prosecution that Lindaman sexually abused the boy and convicted him on April 12, 2016, of third-degree sexual abuse. Lindaman was serving a 10-year prison sentence when the Supreme Court ruled he deserved a new trial.

He was returned to Floyd County on June 6 and posted the required 10 percent of his $10,000 bond to be released from jail.

Retrial scheduled for former Floyd County magistrate convicted of sex crime CHARLES CITY  A judge has scheduled a retrial of a former Floyd County magistrate convicted

The issues raised in his June 16 motion indicate that he will present the same kind of defense he did in his first trial. Although he admits touching the boy, he said it was non-sexual, so it didnt violate the law.

To that end, hes pushing for a jury instruction reflecting that contact of a non-sexual nature does not qualify as a sex act.

He also claims there is missing evidence that would benefit his case in the form of recorded statements from him. He claims the recordings were altered while in the states possession.

Near the end of presenting his case in 2016, Lindaman asked that the jurors be informed they can ask him questions directly. His motion was denied, and now he is revisiting that issue, requesting the new jury be informed of its inherent power to question witnesses so that the defendant has an impartial jury

Iowa AG: Doug Lindman's sex abuse conviction should be reversed CHARLES CITY | State prosecutors have asked the Iowa Supreme Court to reverse a Charles City

Lindaman is also asking that an expert witness from the first trial not be allowed in the second, that the state produce the devices used to record and store his statements from June 28-29 and July 30, 2011, and that he be allowed to depose people involved with the devices.

Hes asked for medical records of the alleged victim and wants to argue in court that Ginbey was vindictive and overreached in bringing the charge.
A complex network of companies, middlemen and clinics in mainland China and Hong Kong is carrying on a roaring trade in on-the-quiet prenatal testing to determine the gender of fetuses for Chinese couples, a practice that is banned on the mainland because of its association with sex-selective abortion, RFA has learned.



According to government figures for last year, China is home to 34 million more men than women, reflecting the longer-term effects of selective abortion, abandoned baby girls, and the country's family planning restrictions.



China's population stood at 1.38 billion at the end of last year, according to official statistics released last month, of whom 708 million are men and 674 million are women.



In 2014, officials described the gender imbalance as the "most serious" problem, outlawing gender testing of unborn babies in a bid to make sex-selective abortions less common.



But an employee surnamed Chan who answered the phone at a medical intermediary company in Hong Kong's Sheung Shui district confirmed that it supplies gender testing kits to mainland China which could enable parents-to-be to determine the sex of their unborn child.



The company also helps mainland testing firms by importing blood samples to Hong Kong for testing, circumventing Chinese regulations that forbid such tests, she said.



"I think it's the mainland Chinese intermediary that takes the money, if [the customer] can't come here [to Hong Kong]," Chan said. "All they have to do is go to the mainland middleman."



"If they want an ultrasound, then they need to find a doctor over in mainland China who will do it for them, then bring it with them [to Hong Kong]," she said.



An employee surnamed Huang, whose contact details were printed on a leaflet advertising the process and obtained by RFA from a Hong Kong-based intermediary company, said parents-to-be wanting gender testing often mail their own blood samples to Hong Kong, as formally importing the samples is also covered by the ban.



"It works like this: you take the blood sample yourself and mail it to me, and then I will help you to get it into Hong Kong," Huang said, adding that many pregnant women don't dare to make the trip to Hong Kong for fear of being caught.



"In the past three months, the border guards have been looking out for pregnant women," he said. "If you're not [obviously] pregnant, they'll let you through, but if you are, they turn you back [at the border]."



'Pretty big risk'



Huang said his company arranges for the blood samples to be taken to the Sheung Shui company for testing, at a cost of 3,000 yuan each, including transportation costs, testing equipment and results.



He said the middlemen run some risks in smuggling the blood samples across the border, however.



"If you take blood across the border, you can wind up with a fine, so there's a pretty big risk attached," Huang said. "But we're used to it; it's not too bad."



There are even more direct methods of getting around regulations banning gender-testing, however.



RFA learned from a fairly large medical clinic in Shenzhen's Baoan district, across the internal immigration border with Hong Kong, that people wanting such tests are charged 100 yuan for the taking of the blood sample in clinical conditions.



"If you want the blood test done over here, then it's 100 yuan per sample," an employee at the clinic said when visited by RFA.



"We have a friend on the Hong Kong side who brings over test tubes for the samples to go in when we take the blood for [the customer]," the employee said. "Then, as soon as the sample is taken, he takes them back to Hong Kong on the subway."



Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) subway system connects with the Shenzhen Metro at the border town of Lo Wu.



The Hong Kong clinic also offers ultrasound scans of babies as early as seven weeks, the employee said, while the Shenzhen clinic can't offer them before four months.



"We can carry out an ultrasound on this side of the border on the quiet at four months," the employee said.



"But that's not as good as doing it at two months, if you then decide to abort, if it isn't developing normally, or if you don't want it, or if it is going to harm your health."



PRC population controls

While the Hong Kong clinic promises an accuracy rate of more than 98 percent, a Hong Kong gynecologist told RFA that there are considerable risks to ultrasound scans as early as seven weeks.



She said first-trimester scans carry a greater risk of a miscarriage soon after the scan, and may result in errors when trying to determine the sex of the fetus.



Hong Kong Democratic Party lawmaker James To, who is also a lawyer, said such practices are the result of long-running population controls in mainland China, alongside traditional preferences for male offspring in China.



"I think that, regardless of the fact that they have relaxed the one-child policy now, there are still some traditional attitudes [in China], and some families might want to make sure they have at least one son," To told RFA. "They want to make sure they don't wind up with two daughters, which they would probably find unacceptable."



"So they get a blood sample and send it to Hong Kong for testing, and if they don't like the result, they'll get an abortion," he said. "Of course, this is very far from ideal."



He said part of the problem is caused by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's insistence on limiting the rights of its citizens to give birth, although the one-child policy has now become a two-child limit.



U.S.-based womens rights activist Reggie Littlejohn in February called for an end to Chinas coercive population control regime, saying it makes sex-selective abortions more, not less, likely.



"The Chinese government has been lauded by many for its supposed loosening of its one-child policy, yet the coercive nature of the program remains, and it continues to result in the selective abortion of countless girls," Littlejohn, who heads the Womens Rights Without Frontiers group, said.



"It is a travesty that most womens rights organizations remain silent in the face of this attack on women and girls."



Littlejohn was commenting in February on a January article posted on the state-backed ECNS news service titled "In pursuit of boy babies, families send samples to HK for sex tests, abort girls," which had been removed when the link was tested by RFA on .



"We predicted last year that the increasing availability of non-invasive pregnancy tests and the modified two-child policy would result in an increase, not a decrease, in sex-selective abortion," Littlejohn told the pro-life group National Right to Life.



"In fact, with the two child policy, odds are increased that girls will be selectively aborted. Couples whose first child is a girl will often abort the second child if she is also a girl. Second daughters remain endangered," she said.



Reported by Wo Miu and Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Yangjindolma, an ethnic Mongolian woman from China's northern region of Inner Mongolia, has lodged a complaint against the local government after she was tortured and held in manacles during a 15-day detention by Chinese police.



Yangjindolma said she was detained May 10 on suspicion of "inciting and planning an illegal gathering" the day before the sixth anniversary of the killing of fellow ethnic Mongolian herder Murgen in Bayanhuaa township, Xilingol League in 2011.



Murgen's death under a coal truck while protesting the destruction of grazing lands by a mining company sparked weeks of protests across the region by herders and students, and has become a symbol of ethnic Mongolian unrest and anger at the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



"I went to lodge a petition on June 20 in [the regional capital] Hohhot," Yangjindolma told RFA on Thursday. "It was in protest at my illegal detention [by police]."



She said she still wants an official response to her 15-day administrative detention, a type of punishment that can be handed down by police for up to 15 days to perceived troublemakers without trial.



"They kept me shackled to the tiger bench for 24 hours straight, while they interrogated me," she said. "They told me that I would wear manacles for the rest of the night if I didn't behave myself."



"When the interrogation was over, they released me, but I spent the entire first day after I was detained on the tiger bench," she said, referring to a device suspended off the ground while a detainee's hands are cuffed onto a wooden board and their feet are left hanging.



"After I was released, I told the policeman who detained me that I would be expecting an explanation from them," Yangjindolma said. "I still haven't had it, so I am taking this to the higher authorities, in the hope of winning some redress."



China ratified the Convention against Torture in 1988, but Chinese police have continued to torture rights activists to extract confessions and punish and humiliate them, the overseas-based Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network said in a statement on its website on Thursday.



"The government has not taken effective steps, changed incentives, or set up the mechanisms needed to eliminate torture," the group said, adding that Chinese officials refuse to provide comprehensive data on such practices, which include the "tiger bench."



"Victims of torture in China often have no other choice but to pursue justice through an ineffective petitioning system, which can lead to reprisals," CHRD said, adding that compensation for torture victims is rare, and rehabilitation services almost non-existent.



Grasslands protector



Yangjindolma said she was detained as she was planning an activity to mark the sixth anniversary of Murgen's death on May 11, which she is calling for to be designated "Protect the Grasslands Day." She also wanted to support herders of Honggor village in Siziwang Banner, an administrative district similar to a county, in their fight to prevent mining on their traditional grazing lands.



"There has been huge mining exploitation across Inner Mongolia in the last few years, and this has wreaked devastation on the grasslands," Yangjindolma said. "The destruction of the grasslands has led to a collapse in the traditional economics of herding life, which has rocked the whole basis of ethnic Mongolian culture and identity."



But she said the authorities won't tolerate even the smallest sounds of protest from herding communities.



"They detain people, demolish Mongolians' yurts, terrorize the local population and go after their friends and relatives," she said.



"I never expected a few events in support of environmental protection for herding communities would be completely shut down before they even started," she said.



Germany-based ethnic Mongolian rights activist Xi Haiming said he supports Yangjindolma's campaign.



"Murgen gave his life for the grasslands," Xi said on Thursday. "All of his fellow villagers in Xilingol League remember him, and the harsh repression he met with at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party; this is the face that they turn towards Mongolians."



"Their aim is to take away all of the land from ethnic Mongolians."



Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
A group of NGOs on Thursday reiterated demands that the Lao government delay construction of the controversial Pak Beng dam on the Mekong Rivers mainstream, days after an intergovernmental body called on Vientiane to address the projects potential transboundary impacts.



On June 19, the Mekong River Commission (MRC)an intergovernmental body made up of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam that supervises development along Southeast Asias main waterwayheld a special session of its Joint Committee on the Pak Beng dam in Laos Oudomxay province to mark the sixth month of the projects Prior Consultation process.



In a statement issued a day after the meeting in the Lao capital Vientiane, the Joint Committee said it had reviewed plans for the U.S. $2.4 billion-dam and called on the government of Laos to make all reasonable efforts to address potential adverse transboundary impacts of the Pak Beng project.



The committee suggested Laos consider addressing potential upstream and downstream impacts on hydrology and hydraulics, improving sediment transportation, refining upstream and downstream fish passage, and gaining a better understanding of potential socioeconomic transboundary impacts.



It also suggested that Laos put better measures in place to ensure freedom of navigation on the Mekong, establish a communication channel for providing input on the ongoing design and development of the project, and share improved designs and monitoring data for the dam.



On Thursday, executive director of the NGO Forum on Cambodia Tek Vannara went further and demanded that Laos halt construction on the 912-megawatt dam, which Vientiane notified the MRC of its intention to begin building in November last year.



He said that the Rivers Coalition in Cambodia (RCC), a group of Cambodian and international civil society groups representing communities affected by dams organized under the NGO Forum on Cambodia, remains firmly opposed to the Pak Beng, amid concerns the dam would harm the environment and lead to widespread relocation and loss of livelihoods.



The common stance of the Rivers Coalition in Cambodia, following our discussion on the issue, is to urge the halt of the Pak Beng hydropower dam construction, he told RFAs Khmer Service.



A map shows large-scale dams being developed along the Mekong River by the Lao government. Credit: RFA Additional data



The demand echoed a response to the MRC statement by environmental watchdog International Rivers, calling on the Lao government and the commission to require further studies on the Pak Beng before allowing the project to proceed.



Speaking to RFAs Lao Service following the MRC Joint Committee meeting, International Rivers Southeast Asia director Maureen Harris said data provided by the dams developer was out of date and incomplete.



The Lao government and the MRC should require the developer to go back and do further studies, including collecting baseline information on key issues around fisheries, sediment, and hydrology; updating the data theyve used in their studies which, in some cases, is nearly 10 years old; and conducting proper transboundary impact assessments, which includes consultations with affected communities in neighboring countries, she said.



The Lao government, as well as other regional governments, should request this from the project developer before any decision is made to go ahead with the project and before allowing any agreement to be signed between stakeholders involved in the project.



Earlier this month, representatives of Cambodias communities on the countrys Ton Le Sap lake and along the Mekong River, as well as from youth movement groups and civil society organizations, urged Phnom Penh to pressure Vientiane to shelf the Pak Beng project amid concerns over its potential impact on fish resources.



In response to calls for pressure on the government of Laos, Cambodias Ministry of Environment spokesperson Sao Sopheap told RFA that Phnom Penh has repeatedly requested that Vientiane ensure proper and comprehensive studies on environmental impact assessment.



But he stopped short of suggesting that Cambodias government would demand an end to the project and referred questions to the MRC about how Phnom Penh would react to any new findings on the dams potential impacts.



Te Navuth, secretary-general of the Cambodia National Mekong Committee, was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.



Dam-building spree



The Pak Beng dam is expected to cost around U.S. $2.4 billion to build and five years to complete. When finished, the dam will become the third large-scale project built by Laos on the Mekong, after the Xayaburi and Don Sahong dams.



International Rivers cites estimates that 6,700 people will have to be relocated to build the Pak Beng, with 25 villages in Laos and two in Thailand directly affected, while impacts to the flow of the Mekong could affect the livelihoods of millions of people living downstream from the project.



Lao officials have said that only 1,000 people in Laos will be impacted by the dam, promising to compensate them and build new infrastructure and services for the villages they are relocated to.



The Pak Beng is the northernmost in a proposed cascade of eleven dams on the Mekong Rivers mainstream. Laos and other Asian nations have been on a dam-building spree as they try to harness the power of the Mekong and other rivers.



While the Lao government sees power generation as a way to bootstrap the countrys economy, the projects are still controversial for their environmental impact and their financial arrangements.



Reported by Savi Khorn and Moniroth Morm for RFAs Khmer Service and by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Investors are calling for the director of an agricultural company running a pyramid scheme in Laos to step down after defaulting on repayment of millions of U.S. dollars, saying he no longer has the trust of the firms stakeholders.



The PS Agriculture and Industry Promotion Import-Export Company of Laos ceased providing promised interest payments in January this year and as investors sought to withdraw their capital, they were told it had been used to build infrastructure and attract new deposits through high rates of return, leaving them little recourse.



At a meeting on Wednesday, PS Agriculture director Por Her told investors that the company plans to repay the nearly 100 million kip (U.S. $12.14 million) it owes them, although not before a July 6 deadline ordered by the Bank of the Lao PDRthe countrys Central Bank.



Once the debts are repaid, he said, the company plans to list on the Lao Securities Exchange, adding that the roughly 50,000 investors who have kept their deposits with the firm will be invited to purchase the shares of those who withdrew them following a government warning last year.



When the company is registered on the stock market, I will try to kick out people who do not want to remain [with the company], Por Her said at the meeting.



Now we are opening up opportunities to others who would like to buy the shares of investors who do not want to stay [with us].



Por Her added that PS Agriculture will sell everything it owns to clear its debts.



PS Agricultures chairman Souknaly Thepsymueang, meanwhile, said investors who seek to withdraw their capital from the company will be given rice instead of cash, though they will have to wait, even to receive that.



And an investor who attended the meeting told RFAs Lao Service on condition of anonymity that PS Agriculture will not be paying stakeholders who invested between 2014 and 2015 because they have already received dividends, adding that the company will provide further details at a later date.



Following the meeting, an investor named Keovisian Xaiyasith slammed Por Her for misleading stakeholders and demanded that he step down as director of the company.



Por Her should stop saying things to promote his profile, because nobody trusts him anymore, he said.



The company cannot move forward because no one will join you. They do not listen to you, they do not trust you and they will not follow you. This fraud is the result of your management.



RFAs Lao Service attempted to contact Arkhom Pasert, the director general of the Financial Institution Supervision Department under the Bank of the Lao PDR, for additional details about PS Agricultures operations, but an official who answered the phone at the agency said he was in a meeting and unable to take the call.



Pyramid fraud



PS Agriculture and Industry Promotion Import-Export Company of Laos registered as an agricultural company in 2012 with 900 million kip (U.S. $109,240) of capital to produce purified drinking water, noodles, run a rice mill, and farm organic chickens and vegetables.



The company solicited deposits of between 500,000 and 5 million kip (U.S. $61 and $608) per person for an expansion fund, promising monthly interest payouts of at least four percent, and bonuses of 24 percent to those who maintained their deposits for a yearfar surpassing rates offered by Lao banks.



PS Agricultures fund grew to include more than 200,000 investors with deposits worth more than 900 billion kip (U.S. $109.3 million), but after the government issued a warning at the end of last year calling the investment scheme illegal because the company was not registered as a financial firm, stakeholders began to withdraw their money.



After the Bank of the Lao PDR earlier this month ordered PS Agriculture to repay its debts by July 6, the company requested an extension, saying it would be impossible to meet that deadline.



Sources have acknowledged that investors were at least partially to blame for pursuing what they saw as a get-rich-quick scheme, without fully researching how PS Agricultures expansion fund operated, and that many who decided to contribute to the fund based on the advice of friends or family didnt understand the contract behind their investment or even the basic procedures of the company.



But a Laos-based legal expert recently called PS Agriculture a scam that operates by taking money from one person and paying it as interest to another, with an elaborate network of brokers who hunt for innocent investors as victims in exchange for commissions.



In a meeting with the Bank of the Lao PDR last week, officials from PS Agriculture acknowledged that they had committed fraud by operating the firm as a financial institution after registering it as an agricultural company and pledged to undergo an audit to report its prior business dealings.



In a memo signed at the conclusion of the meeting, company officials promised to amend PS Agricultures business registration status, provide complete and accurate information on the firms operations to the government, repay their debts to investors, and hold a meeting with stakeholders to address their concerns.



Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Ounkeo Souksavanh. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Four ethnic armed groups belonging to an umbrella organization for non-state armies that have not signed a nationwide peace accord with the Myanmar government have split from the body over a disagreement about the pact and are solidifying their ties to the countrys largest rebel faction, sources with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.

Some members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) told RFAs Myanmar Service that the organization has decided to let the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) leave the group after they requested to do so.

The departing groups want the governments nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA), which some ethnic armies have signed and others have not, to include all rebel organizations.

The UNFCs central executive committee made the decision during a meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that convened on Tuesday and will run until June 29.

The three ethnic armies, which are still engaged in ongoing separatist conflicts with the Myanmar military, have not signed the NCA.

A fourth ethnic armed groupthe Wa National Organization (WNO), the political wing of the Wa National Army that operates in northern Shan state and near Myanmar's border with Thailandhas also left the UNFC, some of the organizations members said.

Representatives from other ethnic armies requested that the KIO not leave the UNFC, but KIO leaders said the militia will stand with the northern allies, or Pangkham Alliesa group of seven ethnic forces that have formed a coalition led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Myanmars largest non-state army.

The northern allies made several unsuccessful attempts to join the UNFC as a unified force, and have now formed an alliance with the China-backed UWSA, which has emerged as a key player in Myanmars peace process, a development seen as boosting Beijings influence over its violence-ridden neighbor.

The four ethnic armies that have left the UNFC have agreed to let La Jar, the KIOs secretary general, and the KIOs Colonel La Aung continue to communicate with the umbrella organization, the sources said.

The remaining members of the UNFC, which was formed with 12 armed groups in November 2010, are the New Mon State Party (NMSP), Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), Arakan National Council (ANC), and Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).

The UNFC declined an invitation from the Myanmar government to attend the second session of the 21st-Century Panglong Conference in May, an effort led by the countrys de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end decades of ethnic separatist civil war.

The Arakan Army, KIA, TNLA, and MNDAA were invited to the conference as observers rather than full participants, because they are involved in ongoing hostilities with the national army.

Reported by Aung Moe Myint for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Myanmar security forces killed three men while clearing a suspected Rohingya insurgent training camp in a mountain range in the Maungdaw-Buthidaung township area of the volatile northern part of Rakhine state, a government spokesman said Wednesday.

The armed forces discovered tunnels, weapons, huts, rations, and training materiel in camps in the townships Mayu mountain range during a two-day security clearance operation, according to a report by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar.

We found tunnels that are used for insurgent camps on the Mayu mountain range in Maungdaw township, Zaw Htay, director-general of the State Counselors Office, told a press conference, adding that terrorists, whom the soldiers killed in self-defense, were using the site to train recruits.

He went on to say that insurgents have trained Muslims from Maungdaw and neighboring Buthidaung townships.

We have been informed that they are trying to build a base camp in this area for terrorist attacks, he said. Thats why security forces went there and conducted the area clearance operation.

The security forces invaded the area after receiving a tip-off on Tuesday that terrorist training was being conducted in the area at night.

Two of the men were shot dead after they reportedly attacked security forces with machetes, while the third was killed after a soldier inadvertently stepped on his head, causing a struggle that ended in his death, the Global New Light of Myanmar report said.

It has been found that there are secret plots to carry out acts of terrorism by people who turn a blind eye to the states arrangements for the rule of law and peace and stability of Maungdaw and for the people of Maungdaw, said a statement released by the State Counselors Office.

Border guard attacks

After a shadowy militant group that claimed to represent the countrys Muslim Rohingya community carried out deadly attacks on border guard stations in October 2016 that killed nine officers, Myanmar soldiers swept into the northern Rakhine townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung, and Rathedaung for four months to hunt down others involved in the raids.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya residents fled the area, seeking shelter in camps across the border in neighboring Bangladesh, some accusing security forces of indiscriminate murder, arson, torture, and rape in their villages during the operation.

About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine state, about 120,000 of whom are in internally displaced persons camps where they were forced to reside following communal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists in 2012.

Myanmar considers the Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, and denies them citizenship and access to basic services and rights.

A United Nations fact-finding mission has been set up to probe crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the security forces, though the Myanmar government has denied the accusations and opposes the mission.

Though Myanmar officially ceased its major four-month clearance operation in February, security forces remain in northern Rakhine to conduct other sweeps.

Thirty-four civilians have been killed and 22 others have gone missing in in Maungdaw township since Oct. 9, 2016, when the attacks on three local border guard posts occurred.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Chinese authorities destroyed 4,725 monastic dwellings during the last year at Sichuans Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, with a total of over 7,000 demolished since efforts to reduce the number of monks and nuns living at the sprawling center began in 2001, a senior abbot at Larung Gar said this week.



In a June 20 address to Larung Gars remaining residents, the abbot said that more than 4,828 monks and nuns had also been expelled since 2016, with many forced back to their hometowns and deprived of opportunities to pursue religious studies.



We are discussing ways to help those who have had to leave Larung Gar in their studies and practice, the abbot said, while praising those who remained for their hard work and excellent performance following this years final exams.



Counting both Chinas initial campaign of destruction in 2001 and a second campaign begun last year, the abbot said these two stages of hardships faced by Larung Gar were unprecedented in the 40 years [since the centers founding].



We are hoping that Larung Gar will not face tough situations like these again for a very long time, he said.



Sources said in March that in response to appeals by the Larung Gar management committee, authorities had pledged to reduce the number of dwellings to be torn down in the current campaign, for a projected total of 4,320 houses finally targeted for destruction.



No explanation was given for the larger number now said to have been destroyed.



Many thousands of Tibetans and Han Chinese once studied at Serthar (in Chinese, Seda) countys Larung Gar Academy, which was founded in 1980 by the late religious teacher Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and is one of the worlds largest and most important centers for the study of Tibetan Buddhism.



The expulsions and demolitions at Larung Gar, along with restrictions at Yachen Gar, another large Buddhist center in Sichuan, are part of "an unfolding political strategy" aimed at controlling the influence and growth of these important centers for Tibetan Buddhist study and practice, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) said in a March 13 report, "Shadow of Dust Across the Sun."



"[Both centers] have drawn thousands of Chinese practitioners to study Buddhist ethics and receive spiritual teaching since their establishment, and have bridged Tibetan and Chinese communities," ICT said in its report.



Reported by Lhuboom for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.




Vo Van Thuong arrives to attend the last session of the outgoing parliament in Hanoi, March 21, 2016.

State-controlled media in Vietnam are looking more and more to private citizens postings on social media as sources of objective information and for leads to news stories, according to Central Propaganda Department chief Vo Van Thuong, speaking on June 20 at a press conference in Hanoi.

Dissident bloggers and independent journalists told RFA's Vietnamese Service that they welcomed the move, pointing to social medias capacity for publishing timely and updated information unslowed by mechanisms of government approval.

If someone knows something, they can post it immediately without running it through the censors, said freelance writer Vu Binh, who once served a seven-year prison term on charges of espionage for criticizing Vietnams human rights record in a letter sent to the U.S. Congress.

Also, most of the people who post have many followers, and they are known for being honest and objective [in what they write], Binh said.

These writers objectivity and fairness in analysis has attracted large numbers of readers, and this is what has now drawn the attention of Vietnams official media, he added.

State media know that if they simply keep to their role as a propaganda outlet, they will lose their readers, so they are now searching for new information on social networks, and for unbiased discussions that they can write about, he said.

Questions of truth

Speaking to reporters on June 20, propaganda chief Vo Van Thuong said that because news outlets managed by the state will sometimes post an item and then quickly take it down, readers often question the truthfulness of what they have read.

What is considered objective in state-run news depends on the guidance of the governments propaganda office, and more finally on the orders of Vietnams communist party, though, Binh said.

[Whatever is allowed] is what benefits the current regime, he said.

Vietnamese media have been locked in a cage for too long, said Da Nang-based independent journalist and blogger Truong Duy Nhat. Set them free!

State media really are being led now by social media, he said.

In spite of government controls, state media still have an important role to play in the modern digital age, said Nguyen Duc An, senior lecturer in journalism at Bournemouth University in the U.K.

Social media are working against tradition, An wrote in a recent article for Vietnams Tuoi Tre News.

State-run newspapers will often filter information before publication, whereas Facebook is a place where people have the right to publish first and filter afterward, he said.

People also have a herd-like habit which makes it easier for them to believe things that others believe, because it makes them feel safer ... They cannot, and sometimes do not want to, hear opposite opinions, he said.

Call for dialogue

Vietnam's ruling Communist Party has recently called for open dialogue with the people to hear "different opinions" on how to run the country, but observers have questioned whether the government is willing to listen to criticism and embrace change.

During a recent online conference, Thuong said his department is awaiting guidance from the Central Party Secretariat on how to organize public discussions, adding that the Communist Party "is not afraid" of dialogue and debate.

In the 63 years since assuming power in North Vietnam and 42 years since taking control of the entire country, the Communist Party has been the sole political party and only source of official ideology in Vietnam.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.
MASON CITY | Lightning sparked a fire at an apartment building Thursday morning, fire officials have confirmed.

Mason City Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin said the fire at Westside Manor Apartments, 2401 S. Taft Ave., was caused by a lightning strike earlier that morning.

We found a spot on the drip edge, a metal part under the shingles, Medlin said. There was some charring and melting there usually happens with a lightning strike.

The fire took a while to become noticeable, Medlin said, but noted it's not uncommon for a lightning-related fire to take awhile to start.

Janice Holley, who lives on the southeast side of the building, said a tenant was outside smoking when lightning struck.

"He thought it struck the tree, and he heard a big crack," Holley said. That happened around 8 a.m., according to Medlin.

Terry Perry, the complex's maintenance manager, said the man said he almost got struck by lightning.

Perry called 911 at 9:54 a.m., and he and another resident helped evacuate the building. No injuries were reported.

"You never know if its going to spread quickly," Perry said.

The fire was contained to the attic with only water damage on the second floor. Medlin said that there will be a few displaced residents.

The firefighters were able to salvage many belongings and moved some residents' property out of the way to avoid maximum damage, Medlin said.

Property manager Vicki Hearn said this is the third fire at the complex in the past year. The other two were oven fires.

"Tough day," Hearn said. She has managed the property for nine years.

In May, lightning strikes caused fires at two houses in Clear Lake and a business in Osage.

Osage business looking for temporary location after fire OSAGE | The president of an Osage egg processing equipment manufacturer says the company hop

Be aware of your surroundings, Medlin said. Keep an eye out on your building for several hours after a strike to make sure it doesnt catch fire.

The Mason City Police Department provided assistance at the scene.

Lincoln W. Jackson of Creston is listed as the general partner for the property, according to filings with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.
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A Virginia State Police trooper and a Richmond police officer were injured in a collision during the pursuit of a suspect Wednesday evening in South Richmond.

The trooper was taken to a hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The officer, who was riding with the trooper, was treated for minor, air bag-related injuries.

Police said two people from the other car involved, a Mercedes, were in custody and that charges were pending.

The crash occurred during a short pursuit on Hull Street, state police said. Richmond police said the vehicle caught their attention because it was blocking the entrance to a terminal.

Richmond police said the car sped off before officers took action, and Richmond alerted the Virginia State Police.
A Henrico County judge on Thursday certified a murder conspiracy charge against a man who police say helped plot a January slaying at the Dominion Townes Terrace community in the countys east end.

Henrico General District Court Judge Craig Dunkums order sends that felony charge against Santonio R. Brown to a grand jury. Brown, 24, of Atlanta, is charged in connection with the Jan. 18 shooting death of Lamont Cornelius Baldwin, 36, in the 1200 block of Dominion Townes Terrace.

Browns co-defendant in the case, Antonio Johnson, also 24 of Atlanta, is facing a first-degree murder charge in Baldwins killing in the town-house community off Creighton Road.

Police said in court papers that Johnson told investigators he was paid $4,000 by a DeKalb County, Ga., man to travel from Atlanta up to Henrico to kill Baldwin.

In a May affidavit filed with a search warrant in the case, Henrico detectives said Baldwin suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the shooting near the front door of his home. Police said witnesses told them the victim was killed after stepping outside his home to speak with a woman before shots rang out.

Police said they located an abandoned phone at the scene about 15 to 20 feet from Baldwins body. Almost all the phone numbers on the device appeared to be from the Atlanta area, police said.

Investigators said they called the only Richmond-area phone number in the cellphone and it rang through to a pizza business, which police said had made a delivery to a room at a Best Western Hotel in Henrico.

Police said that after visiting a room at the Best Western, investigators determined that room appeared to be the same one depicted in a photo on the phone where Johnson could be seen with cash and a gun.

Henrico detectives said they went to Atlanta and met with Johnson, who was arrested for violating his parole. At that point, Johnson told detectives that a man named Darrick Lawrence paid him to kill Baldwin and that Lawrence provided a gun and a photo of the victim, the police affidavit says.

The affidavit also says Johnson told investigators that Lawrence paid for Brown and Johnson to travel to Henrico by bus. Johnson also said he and Brown took about 2 kilograms of cocaine to Henrico at Lawrences request, police said.

Johnson said he went to Baldwins house with three other subjects and that he shot Baldwin, according to the affidavit. Upon returning to Atlanta, Johnson said he went to Lawrences house, where the murder weapon was burned, police said.

Based on that information, police said Lawrences home was searched. Federal court papers show that search found several firearms, including a semiautomatic assault rifle, along with a plastic baggie with cocaine floating in a toilet, according to a criminal complaint by a Lance Greer, a special agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A woman whom Henrico detectives described as a girlfriend of Lawrence told police that Lawrence had been selling large amounts of cocaine to Baldwin, according to the police affidavit.

Robert Kenner Jr., Lawrences attorney, said his client hotly disputes Johnsons allegation that Lawrence ordered Baldwins killing.

My client disputes any involvement in the victims death, Kenner said.

Kenner said his client had no reason to have Baldwin killed, adding that Lawrence was friends with the victim. Kenner also said his client was willing to waive extradition proceedings so he could come to Virginia and answer the charges against him, adding his client maintains his innocence.

In court papers on the federal charges facing his client, Kenner said Johnson is a convict who has suffered with mental issues. Lawrence has not been charged with taking part in Baldwins killing.

The investigation is ongoing with respect to Mr. Lawrences involvement, said Henrico Commonwealths Attorney Shannon Taylor.
School leaders in Henrico County are primed to vote on a redistricting plan Thursday, which would bring to a close a laborious, impassioned process bound to please some parents and disappoint others.

Since fall, the Henrico School Board has weighed several redistricting proposals that were crafted by school system staff members and consulting firm Cropper GIS. Those proposed plans were modified and, in one instance, eliminated entirely, as community members chimed in with feedback in emails, phone calls, an online survey and public sessions.

Four redistricting plans, one of which was introduced last month, will be voted on by the School Board at its 6:30 p.m. meeting. The vote will be preceded by a period for public comment, and the chosen plan will be implemented in fall 2018.

School Board Chairwoman Bev Cocke acknowledged that, ultimately, some parents will be left unhappy. She has grounded her thought process, she said, in the idea that the School Board should do what will benefit the greatest number of students while doing the least harm.

Everyone has their vested interest in their children. Youve got voices of communities as well as voices of individuals, said Cocke, who added Wednesday that she remained torn between two options. Its going to be a tough call.

The redistricting process, at times, pitted the wishes of some parents against those of others  at least four separate petitions were circulated, two of which were signed by more than 200 people. The process was also derided by community members, as well as County Manager John Vithoulkas as unnecessarily complicated.

Im the county manager and Im confused, Vithoulkas said in an interview this month.

Beyond the immediate redistricting, the process also gave rise to a parents group that has vowed to pursue lower class sizes and teacher-to-student ratios in western Henrico schools as well as spawned broader criticisms from residents about county planning.

Heres an overview of a few dynamics that have been at play as redistricting has unfolded.

Redistricting goals

Three objectives were identified by school division staff as part of the redistricting process, two of which community members said have detracted from the first stated goal of relieving overcrowding at Hungary Creek Middle School.

Some parents of current and future Hungary Creek students charged that the other goals  creating space at L. Douglas Wilder Middle School for a gifted academy and reducing the poverty concentration at some schools  convoluted what was initially pitched as a straightforward effort involving three middle schools into a scenario that involves seven.

According to September enrollment figures, 1,092 students were enrolled at Hungary Creek  106 students more than its capacity. For its part, the school division has maintained that remedying overcrowding at Hungary Creek is its foremost goal.

Addressing criticism that the process has been confusing, schools spokesman Andy Jenks said in an email that the school district has attempted to share information in a number of ways for people seeking either quick, easily digested summaries or comprehensive data.

We as a school division are responsible to the community we serve, and our community has high expectations for an open and transparent process, Jenks wrote. This means our community will always be provided with ample information throughout a redistricting process.

Echoing some parents, Vithoulkas said he viewed the school divisions attempt to reduce poverty at some schools as a means to improve results on state tests. The Henrico schools that struggle most with Standards of Learning tests are also among the schools with the highest numbers of students living in poverty.

County government officials have also spearheaded attempts to combat poverty, Vithoulkas said. He added that he was troubled that the School Board did not converse with the Board of Supervisors before adopting the goal.

Part of the effort I have seen is really more about improving SOLs than actually getting to the underlying causes of poverty and addressing those, he said.

Conflicting interests

Throughout the redistricting, School Board members heard repeatedly from parents in a number of neighborhoods who expressed a desire to keep groups of young friends together. At least two petitions were started on the matter.

One derived from more than 80 parents in the Hunton Park community, who pushed for children there to remain zoned for Hungary Creek instead of being shifted to Holman Middle School. Another was started by parents of students at Twin Hickory Elementary School that advocated against proposals that would divide students into different middle schools.

Cocke, the School Board chairwoman, said redistricting is often an emotional process for parents. This latest redistricting, she said, differed from others in that residents of the same neighborhoods are among those in disagreement.

Communities are sending mixed signals, she said.

River Mill

A planned community that could bring more than 1,000 homes to Henrico has also been a source of contention.

The community, called River Mill, was approved last year and zoned for Hungary Creek Middle and Glen Allen High School. Some Hungary Creek parents refused to support any plan that would send children from that community to those two schools, fearing that those students would further overcrowd them. All but one of the plans being considered maintain River Mills zoning.

In April, School Board member John Montgomery sent an email to his colleagues saying that a long-standing friend who works for HHHunt expressed a strong desire not to have students who live in HHHunts would-be development attend Hermitage High School or Brookland Middle School, which is where those children would attend school under the option that would change River Mills zoning.
Senate Republicans release of their health care proposal highlighted what is likely to be a key issue in the race for governor, especially if Congress and President Donald Trump sign off on legislation giving states more latitude to set their own approach.

Ed Gillespie, the GOP nominee for governor, said in a statement that he looks forward to thoroughly reviewing the proposals effect on Virginia.

Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, the Democratic nominee, denounced the Senate GOP bill and called on Gillespie to clarify his position.

Gillespie said in a statement: The Senate today took another important step forward in the effort to repeal the disaster that has been Obamacare.

Unfortunately Ralph Northam continues to proudly champion Obamacare, despite the indisputable facts that it has driven up premiums, caused Virginians to lose their choice in doctors, and forced major insurance carriers like Aetna out of the Virginia market.

I look forward to thoroughly reviewing the Senates proposal and determining its potential impact on Virginia. Virginians deserve access to quality, affordable health care, and this is a major issue facing our commonwealth.

Northam said in a statement: Senate Republicans have put a plan on the table to put the health care of thousands of Virginians at risk, and yet, Ed Gillespie has nothing to say. Thats pitiful.

Northam added: There are families in Virginia who are wondering whether they will have health insurance next year  they deserve to know whether Ed Gillespie is Donald Trumps silent partner in making their coverage cost more and cover less.

Northam said he has been clear about where I stand  as governor and as a doctor, I will keep fighting this irresponsible effort to undermine our health care system and to ensure that no family is one medical illness away from financial demise in this commonwealth.

Also Thursday, Gillespies campaign  which has called on Northam to take part in 10 debates  released a list of 10 invitations it has accepted from groups to sponsor the events. The Northam campaign said it is looking forward to multiple debates around Virginia.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday, a majority of Virginia voters oppose curbing federal funding for Medicaid  61 percent to 33 percent.

By 57 percent to 25 percent, Virginia voters disapprove of the GOP health care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to the survey. The question was based on the American Health Care Act, the House Republicans plan that passed last month.

The survey found that while 40 percent approve of Trumps job performance, 57 percent disapprove. His approval rating in Virginia has inched up since Quinnipiacs April survey, when 36 percent approved of his job performance and 57 percent disapproved.

Quinnipiac surveyed 1,145 Virginia voters from June 15 to 20. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
By John Fortier and Donald Palmer

Virginias voters are no strangers to long lines at the polls. In recent presidential cycles, they have experienced some of the nations longest wait times. As aggravating as those lines are for voters, they are equally vexing for the public officials tasked with administering our elections, in large part because  surprisingly  there have been almost no detailed studies of where, when, and why these lines occur.

But thanks to efforts by local election officials and new data from 2016, Virginia is leading the nation in making voting lines a thing of the past.

On election night in 2012, then-President Barack Obama raised the need for a concerted effort to reduce wait times at the polls. He established a bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Administration, which in 2014 called on state and local officials to take steps to ensure that no voter waits more than 30 minutes to cast a ballot.

Election officials from across the commonwealth are gathering in Richmond this week, working to improve the voting experience for millions of Virginians. They are admirably committed to understanding where and why these lines occur and taking steps to prevent them, using the PCEAs 30-minute wait time as a guiding principle.

We have the pleasure of presenting to these officials some preliminary results from our unique study on voting wait times at each and every precinct in participating jurisdictions. Our team at the Bipartisan Policy Center, in partnership with the MIT/CalTech Voting Technology Project, led a nationwide effort during the 2016 election to measure election day lines.

Seventeen Virginia jurisdictions, representing more than 2 million registered voters, or nearly 40 percent of all registered voters in the state, participated in the study  part of a diverse group of more than 80 jurisdictions across the country. As a result, our team now has key insights on the locations and root causes of lines, giving election officials powerful data to make improvements.

Our data shows that more than 80 percent of Election Day lines in Virginia occur before noon. Moreover, we found that steps taken by Virginia officials after the 2012 and 2014 elections to allocate resources more effectively did decrease the average wait times at the polls. In 2016, Virginia voters waited an average of less than nine minutes to vote  down dramatically from 24 minutes in 2012 and 28 minutes in 2008. This decrease is one of the largest in the country.

Why does this matter? Long waits at the polls may discourage voters.

Insights from Virginia and the other 10 states in our study will enable local election officials to provide evidence-based policy improvements.

American elections are unique in their decentralized structure. When equipped with the right data, local officials can make smart and informed choices about where and when to deploy resources on Election Day, designing a structure that works best for their unique situations. Until now, however, those officials were flying blind with little to no data to guide or back up decision-making.

While were enormously encouraged by the progress made so far, we believe our 2016 study data will lead to even greater steps toward the goal of minimizing wait times for all of Virginias voters.

Our program will be in effect this fall during the states gubernatorial election. We commend the commonwealths election officials for their dedication to that goal and we look forward to continued partnership in future elections.
UPDATE: The project's volunteers are set to gather temperature measurements all across the City of Richmond on Thursday.

Though the date for the project was arranged weeks in advance, this scorching weather pattern should make the city's hot spots readily observable.

The researchers leading the study expect to complete the computer analysis in the coming weeks. Look for another update to this story when the results are out.

Original story: June 22, 2017

A scorching summer day can feel several degrees hotter because of where you live, and a scientific project aims to map out the details of Richmonds hot spots this summer.

Local researchers and volunteers from Groundwork RVA will team up to create a neighborhood-by-neighborhood snapshot of temperatures across the city in July.

Jeremy Hoffman, a climate and earth scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia who holds a doctorate in geology, designed the project with the goal of making the city more resilient to extreme heat waves.

Some details were looking to figure out here in Richmond are just how much does the urban heat vary between and within city neighborhoods, Hoffman said. How do different types of land uses  such as city parks, tall buildings, or parking lots  affect the Richmond urban heat island?

Urban areas can be several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas, both at day and at night, but there are significant variations in temperature even within a citys borders.

Buildings and parking lots absorb the heat of the day and re-release it at night, but trees and vegetation can help to cool the air.

On an appropriately hot mid-July day, measurement teams will gather temperature readings along winding paths in every corner of the city.

Eight teams will head out with a specially designed temperature sensor mounted to their cars, which will log a reading every second and match it to a GPS location. Volunteers on bikes will be able to gather the temperature of places that cars cant go, like parks and trails.

To see how the heat island morphs during the course of a day, the teams will repeat their journeys at daybreak, midafternoon and early evening.

Then, a model developed by researchers at Portland State University in Oregon will be used to match the temperature patterns to the landscape features and predict where heat waves could be most dangerous.

Once we have an idea about those details, Hoffman said, we can answer important questions like: Are there places in the city that could benefit from heat mitigation strategies such as urban greening, reflective roofing or park development?

In addition to helping with the data collection, students and research teams from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond will continue the project by studying where changes in land use practices could make the most impact in the future.

The number of days per year with a high temperature above 95 is likely to increase all across Virginia over the next century because of climate change.

The findings could also guide the city of Richmonds public health efforts during extremely hot weather.

The added temperature of the urban heat island can make the elderly, children and people who work outside more likely to become ill during a heat wave.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, heat usually kills more Americans each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes.

That will help us better engage with our community members to design realistic solutions that work for them, said Alicia Zatcoff, the city of Richmonds sustainability manager. Thats particularly important for our residents that are most vulnerable to these impacts either due to their socioeconomic status, age or health condition.

This study follows the design of a research project that revealed the heat islands of Portland and several other cities.

The 2014 Portland study found that temperatures are strongly affected by vegetation and the variation of building heights in a neighborhood.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Iowans are trying to understand the deaths of two teenage girls adopted from foster care. This state may certainly need statutory, policy and funding changes to improve the long-term safety of adopted children. Sorting through that falls primarily to a handful of child welfare experts and lawmakers.

The harder work of providing good homes for abused and neglected children falls to the rest of us. It is up to the people of this state to step up and commit to being foster and adoptive parents. That is our job.

Iowa's child welfare system can only be as good as the families willing to open their homes to children. And Iowa does not have enough of these families.

There are now 750 children whose parents' rights were terminated by courts and have not been adopted. Though many live with relatives, many seek to be adopted by forever families.

These include 9-year-old Cassie, who is looking for a home with a dog or cat. They include 12-year-old Ryan, who loves Boy Scouts but needs parents who can provide support with academics and behaviors. They include 16-year-old Zion, who says she wants a fun, affectionate family who will be active in her therapy and hold her accountable without yelling.

In a state of 3 million people, there should not be a single child waiting for an adult to offer a permanent home. And in a state with many retirees, empty nesters, active churches and generous people, it also should not be so difficult for social workers to find good families to temporarily care for children removed from unsafe environments.

But these families can be hard to find, even among the more than 2,200 licensed foster homes in this state.

"It's really tough to get families, and it's really easy to get the wrong families," said Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines.

Many foster parents may welcome an infant or toddler, but not a teenager. Families must be willing and able to transport kids to visits with biological parents, doctor's appointments, therapists and court hearings. Ideally, homes would be located near a child's current school so that aspect of his or her life isn't also disrupted.

"We need foster families willing to take sibling groups, older teens, kids with special needs and mental health issues," said Kelli Malone, a child welfare staffer with Four Oaks, an organization contracted with the state to recruit and train foster families. Many of the families she has worked with said they felt a calling to volunteer.

Foster care is a calling. Though families receive a monthly stipend, taking on the responsibility of a child you have never met is a public service. It requires a willingness to be part of the solution in a sometimes ugly world. It means upending your daily routine for kids who may arrive with few possessions and many bad experiences. It means having your heart broken when a child returns home, but remembering the primary goal is to reunify biological families.

And even as the public's attention is captivated by recent tragedies in a few adoptive families, thousands of other families are success stories. They helped children make emotional, physical and academic gains. They provided stability and safety. They worked with birth parents so families could be reunited. They adopted the children no one else wanted.

Lisa Clapp and her husband were living in Des Moines and already had two young children when they decided to become foster parents. She said it was just something they always wanted to do. They filled out the application and went through the licensing process, which includes fingerprinting, background checks, interviews, a home study and 10 weeks of training. Iowa requires more hours of training than many other states, and Clapp said it prepared them well.

"The classes opened my eyes to how to deal with children who have been through traumatic issues," she said.

Months later, she was pregnant with their third child when a social worker called needing a foster home for an infant. The couple said yes. Then more and more calls came, including one from a worker seeking a home for a sibling group of nine. In the end, the Clapps adopted two children from foster care who are now 8 and 10 years old.

But where did the nine brothers and sisters end up? And where does a social worker turn when trying to keep children together? The worker needs as many options as possible to find the most appropriate home for each child.

That means Iowa needs as many good foster families as possible. This state can have them if more of us are willing to open our hearts and homes.

Foster parents provide care for a child while social workers work with the child's birth family to ensure the child can return to a safe environment.

Placement is frequently temporary. The goal is always and rightly to reunify families. In some cases, that's not possible and a judge terminates the biological parents' legal rights to a child. Then he or she is legally free to be adopted.

Foster and adoptive families can be single, married, homeowners or renters. They come from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and sexual orientations.

Iowans seeking a license to be foster parents are fingerprinted and subject to background checks (criminal, child abuse, sex offender charges, convictions or deferred judgments). If cleared to proceed, they attend 30 hours of training over 10 weeks and undergo a home study. They complete continuing education to maintain their license.

This editorial appeared in the June 15 edition of the Des Moines Register.
Christiansburg-based Aeroprobe is prepping for a growth spurt as the company launches two new products years in the making.

The 20-year-old business employs about 30 people today, but plans to hire 10 more in the coming months. CEO Nanci Hardwick says shes looking for salespeople, engineers of all varieties, scientists, computer scientists and machine technicians.

Aeroprobe will invest about $300,000 in the expansion. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, meanwhile, will provide a $7,750 incentive package as part of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The hiring is designed to fuel Aeroprobes next chapter, as it begins to market sensors for drones and a new type of 3D printer.

The drone sensors are similar to what the company has been making for wind turbines and airplanes for years  except small enough to be attached to unmanned aircraft.

Hardwick says it measures things like wind speed, temperature and GPS in real time, feeding data to an onboard computer. That way if a gust of wind overcomes the drone, its computers will be able to adjust steering accordingly so its not knocked off course.

At the end of the day, thats a safety thing, Hardwick said. It opens up the conditions in which vehicles can fly and increases the safety factor.

The other new product has been in the lab for about a decade, but will be officially unveiled for the first time later this year.

Aeroprobe calls the invention solid-state additive manufacturing machines. But Hardwick says its similar to a room-sized 3D printer for metals.

What makes the technology different is that it prints the metals as solids, instead of melting them down so they can be formed to the desired shape.

Hardwick says metals lose some of their properties when they enter liquid form  most notably strength.

So Aeroprobe has developed a technique to heat the metals just to the point theyre soft enough to be mixed and printed, but short of melting.

The companys scientists have been designing the machine for nearly a decade, and now Hardwick said she expects to send the first sale out toward the end of 2017.

She said that the product has already captured the attention of the automotive, trucking, aerospace and manufacturing industries.

With the release of the two new products, Hardwick said its an important time for the company.

Our team here is fantastic, but our workload has grown on both sides of the business such that we just need more help, need more support, Hardwick said.
Press Release

Joint venture formed by companies to design, deploy and operate GPON fiber-optic networks to serve more than 400 000 residences and 2 500 schools in 13 regions in central and northern Poland

Project is part of the Digital Poland 2014-2020 program, which is partly funded by the EU under its Digital Agenda 2020 initiative

Capital expenditure for the project is expected to be approximately 300 million

June 22 2017

Espoo, Finland - Nokia and Infracapital, the infrastructure arm of M&G Investments, have won a tender from the government of Poland to design, build and operate advanced fiber optic networks to deliver broadband service to residences and schools in 12 under-served regions mostly in the northern and central parts of the country. The companies expect to sign an agreement for a 13th region in July.

These networks, based on Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology, will deliver speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to more than 400 000 homes and approximately 2 500 schools in the largely rural voivodships (or provinces) of Lodzkie, Swietokrzyskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Warminsko-Mazurskie. Capital expenditure for the project is expected to be approximately 300 million.

The networks will be built and operated as wholesale open access networks, with services to be marketed and delivered by retail service providers. This transformational initiative has been driven by Poland's Ministry of Digitalization and subsidized in part by grants from the EU under its EU Digital Agenda 2020 program. This program targets the delivery of fast broadband services with download speeds of at least 30 Mbps to all EU citizens, and at least 100 Mbps to 50 percent of EU citizens, by 2020.

Beginning in 2018, these under-served regions of Poland will benefit from a high-speed, high-quality and resilient fiber network that can deliver ultra-broadband services that will help to better connect schools, provide e-health and digital services and deliver socio-economic benefits, as well as supporting residential triple-play services such as HD video streaming, 4K TV, and real-time gaming.

In addition to the broadband network infrastructure, Nokia will provide a variety of professional and maintenance services. Nokia is responsible for the project management, planning, design and deployment of both the broadband and passive fiber optic network. Nokia, with its experience and expertise with outside plant networks, will manage the overall delivery of the passive fiber network rollout up to connecting the schools and homes to the network.

This project builds on Nokia's strong track-record supporting government-driven broadband initiatives to both national and regional governments worldwide. It also highlights the progress of Nokia's strategy of expanding its customer base outside of the traditional telecommunications sphere, a key focus of the company.

Osvaldo di Campli, head of Global Enterprise & Public Sector at Nokia, said: "For many years, Nokia has been a partner to government organizations like Poland's Ministry of Digitalization that are looking to deliver broadband connectivity to citizens regardless of their location. This exciting project with our partner, Infracapital, will help to ensure that everyone in Poland who wants a high-speed internet connection has access to that service. We are proud to play an important role in bridging the digital gap."

Key Facts:

The networks will feature Nokia's market leading fiber access platform, the 7360 Intelligent Service Access Manager (ISAM) FX, the new Nokia 7362 ISAM DF small form factor fiber access platform, along with the 7368 ISAM ONT.

The Nokia ISAM family is the most widely deployed fixed access platform in the world.

The networks will also include the Nokia 5520 Access Management System for network management, and the Nokia Network Analyzer - Fiber operational support platform.

Resources:



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About Nokia

We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing.

From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. nokia.com

About Infracapital

Infracapital is a leading European infrastructure investor, managed by M&G Investment Management, the European investment management arm of Prudential plc. Infracapital has raised over 2.6 billion across four European infrastructure funds to date, and a team of over 30 professionals with investment, management and operational expertise. Infracapital's approach to investment offers long-term value through the acquisition and active management of a diversified portfolio of core European infrastructure assets in both the operating and greenfield space. Target sectors include utilities, essential transportation, renewables and ommunications infrastructure.

www.infracapital.co.uk

Media Enquiries:

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Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com
PRESS RELEASE

GLOBAL GRAPHICS: RESULT OF THE GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 22 JUNE 2017

Cambridge (UK) 22 June 2017: Global Graphics SE (Euronext: GLOG) announces the result of the General Meeting held on 22 June 2017.

The purpose of the meeting, as per the notice dated 23 May 2017, was to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution, which was proposed as a Special Resolution:

That the Company, being a Societas Europaea, be converted to a public limited company registered in England and Wales and that the draft terms of conversion (the "Draft Terms of Conversion"), the explanatory report (the "Explanatory Report") and the new articles of association (the "New Articles") as referred to in the Explanatory Notes enclosed with this Notice be and are hereby approved and that the New Articles be and are hereby adopted as the articles of association of the Company.

The shareholders present voted unanimously to pass the Special Resolution.

The necessary filings will now be made with the Registrar of Companies and the conversion to a public limited company registered in England and Wales will take effect once they have been processed.

About Global Graphics

Global Graphics SE (Euronext: GLOG) http://www.globalgraphics.com is a leading developer of platforms for digital printing, including the Harlequin RIP. Customers include HP, Canon, Delphax, Roland, Kodak and Agfa. The roots of the company go back to 1986 and to the iconic university town of Cambridge, and, today the majority of the R&D team is still based near here. The font foundry, URW++ Design and Development GmbH, and the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet, are subsidiary companies of Global Graphics SE. Global Graphics has offices in: Boston, US; Tokyo, Japan; and Hamburg, Germany.

Contacts
Lithuanian English

Elektrenai, Lithuania, 2017-06-22 11:12 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The national electricity producer Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba has assessed the possibilities for the developments of the Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant (Kruonis PSP), when installing the fifth hydro unit. The results of the analysis show that in today's market's conditions the existing 900 MW power is sufficient for the operation of the power plant, but its development is important for the assurance of future sufficient electricity capacity and competitive power engineering in Lithuania. The National Energy Independence Strategy project, which was presented yesterday, included the development of Kruonis PSP in the list of the main energy sectors works.

Expansion of Kruonis PSP production capacity is planned after the construction of the fifth asynchronous hydro unit of 225 MW power. Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba, evaluating the need of the fifth Kruonis PSP unit, analysed the assumptions and prospects of the electricity trading, reserve, regulation and balancing services. After the merger with Sweden and Poland, the electricity prices go down on the stock market, and the difference between peak and night prices decreases (in 2015, the average electricity price was 41.9 EUR/MWh, in 2016, 36.5 EUR/MWh (-13%), in 2015, peak and night prices differed by 1.9 time, and in 2016, by 1.6 time).

"Most of the forecasted changes in the commercial market do not provide significant additional opportunities for commercial trading of the electricity produced in Kruonis. At the same time, we clearly see that the construction of the fifth unit would be the optimal solution to solve the reliability and security of the Baltic electricity system in the shortest possible time. Such a universal unit would allow for a much more flexible real-time compensation of electricity shortages or surpluses on the market, which will be especially relevant when the Lithuanian electricity network will be synchronized with the continental Europe network," - said Egle Ciuzaite, Chairwoman and Director General of the Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba.

Recently announced joint analysis of the long-term adequacy of the Baltic electricity system, prepared by Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian electricity transmission system operators, has shown that in the Baltic region, new reliable and flexible capacities must be created within a short time, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of electricity systems and reliable electricity supply. Otherwise, the system will lack the 200 MW reserve.

The largest potential for the development of the Kruonis PSP consists namely of the possibility of the provision of the reserve and additional need for flexible production capacities in the Baltic region that can provide balancing services. This will be particularly relevant in the Baltic region, when expanding the capacity of renewable energy production, which is also among the key goals of the renewed power engineering strategy.

Lietuvos Energijos Gamyba is fully prepared to initiate and, prior to synchronization with the continental European electricity system, to implement the project of the Kruonis PSP additional unit, in order to ensure the provision of reservation and balancing services. We will do this, when the transmission system operator and other concerned parties will answer the relevant questions about how much power reserve need to be provided, when working on an isolated network, when preparing for the synchronization and after it, as well as what technical requirements will be imposed on the device ensuring such power reserve," - says the manager of the Kruonis PSP managing company.

At present, a considerable part of the preparatory work of the Kruonis PSP development project has already been carried out, and the estimated duration of its implementation is around four years. According to publicly available data, the fifth Kruonis PSP hydro unit would be constructed twice as fast and would cost twice less than abroad, for example, in Estonia, the investments in new hydro pump plants are planned. Such an advantage is provided by preparatory works and the available basic infrastructure.

We would like to remind that at present four hydro units are installed at Kruonis PSP, and the existing infrastructure of Kruonis PSP is fully adapted to the new hydro unit. In evaluating of the latest technological possibilities, the fifth Kruonis PSP hydro unit could be much more efficient and flexible than the four old ones, both in the functioning in the pump mode and in the production of electricity.
CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri has met in Bangkok with Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn, the Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Thailand, to discuss preparations for the 2017 CIBJO Congress, which will take place in the city in November, and also ways in which CIBJO and the congress can assist in enhancing the role of Thailand in the international jewellery and gemstone business.

The 2017 CIBJO Congress is being hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand, both of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Thai Ministry of Commerce.

During the meeting, Dr. Cavalieri expressed his wish that the congress will assist Thailand in reclaiming its position as a leading trade and manufacturing centre in the international gemstone and jewellery trade. Not only should the country serve as the epicentre of the business in the ASEAN block, which by itself is home to an increasingly affluent population of more than 600 million, but it should emphasize its specific Thai identity, skill and expertise, rather than operating predominantly as production service-provider for companies from other countries, he stated.

The 2017 CIBJO Congress will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, November 5-7, 2017, with pre-congress meetings beginning on November 2. The World Ruby Forum, which is being organised by GIT in conjunction with the congress, will take place November 4.

The CIBJO Congress will gather in Bangkok the members of national jewellery and gemstone associations from more than 40 countries and representatives of many of the industry's most important commercial bodies. The congress also serves as a forum for CIBJO's professional commissions, and is the venue at which its Diamond, Coloured Stones, Pearl, Coral, Precious Metals and Gemmological Blue Books are discussed and updated.



Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels




She died of cardiac arrest after the incident, despite medical attention. A whipped cream dispenser works by injecting gas into a metal container, keeping the entire dispenser under high pressure. This was a defective device. During time many accidents linked to cream dispensers were reported., from broken teeth and tinnitus to multiple fractures and, in one case, the loss of an eye.  I had six broken ribs, and my sternum was broken, a victim said in 2013.



Rebecca Burger

One French consumer group has warned readers for years about faulty connectors on the gas capsules, causing them to break. However, such devices were not banned or at least not special rules for security were issued. Rebecca was described herself as a fitness, travel, and fashion enthusiast. She was a beautiful woman who had some 55,000 Facebook fans and 154,000 followers on Instagram. The death of Burger was met with thousands of condolence messages. Terrible news as something that sells for use in kitchen can be so lethal! one of them added.
Two pieces of legislation, one introduced in California and the other in New York, aim to support transit funding for Caltrain and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

New York State Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) cites delays and historic failures on the MTA system as the reason for introducing his legislation, Better Trains, Better Cities, modeled after the Safe Streets, Safe City, program that resulted in reduced crime rates in the 1990s.

Sen. Gianaris bill would establish an emergency manager to oversee the maintenance and operation of MTA trains and create a temporary, dedicated revenue stream to fund urgent repairs. This funding would be created by a temporary three-year surcharge on personal income taxes for those in the MTA region earning more than $1 million annually, as well as on New York City hotel/motel taxes. The surcharge would increase for those earning between $5 million and $10 million, as well as those earning more than $10 million. Sen. Gianaris estimates the two surcharges will raise more than $2 billion annually, which would be dedicated exclusively to maintaining and upgrading the MTA system at the discretion of the emergency manager.

Across the country, a group of California state legislators, led by State Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), introduced legislation that would authorize the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, which oversees Caltrain, to put a one-eighth-cent sales tax measure before the voters of San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to fund the rail services capital and operating costs.

Sen. Hill says Senate Bill 797 lays the foundation to end fluctuating voluntary contributions with dedicated funding, but explains that several conditions would have to be met before such a measure is put on the ballot in the three counties, including:

A two-thirds vote of approval by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board

A majority vote of approval by the boards of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the San Mateo County Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

A vote of approval at the threshold necessary for a sales tax measure from the boards of supervisors for San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties

Our region is an economic powerhouse for our state, but its continued growth is jeopardized if our residents cannot get back and forth to work, school and their families because our main transportation corridor cannot accommodate them, said Sen. Hill. SB 797 would enable Caltrain, which is now operating at 125 percent capacity, to meet demands for increased service while easing traffic along the Highway 101 corridor.
Cable company Altice USA Inc. (ATUS) increased Wednesday the number of shares it will sell in its initial public offering by 37%, raising around $1.9 billion.

In the IPO, the company offered 63.94 million shares at a price of $30 per share, higher than the 46.6 million shares announced last month.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Altice USA raised more money in the IPO than any other U.S.-listed telecom since 2000. Altice USA was formed after the acquisition of Suddenlink Communications in 2015 and Cablevision/Optimum in 2016 by Altice N.V.

The increase in the shares comes entirely from selling shareholders, who are now selling 51.9 million shares, compared with last month's plan to sell 34.5 million shares.

The company noted that in the offering, 12.07 million shares were sold by Altice USA, 31.48 million shares by funds advised by BC Partners and 20.40 million shares by entities affiliated with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board or CPPIB.

BC Partners and CPPIB have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 7.78 million additional shares.

The stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "ATUS" and is expected to begin trading on June 22.

After completion of the offering, Altice N.V. will own 70.3% of Altice USA's stake, which will represent 98.3% of the voting power of Altice USA's outstanding common stock.

For the offering, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as joint book-running managers.

Altice USA, a broadband communications and video services provider, serves approximately 4.9 million residential and customers across 21 states with Optimum and Suddenlink-branded services.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Crude oil futures were slightly higher Thursday morning, but remained near yesterday's 10-month lows due to a global supply glut.

Analysts expect supply to outpace demand this year and next, particularly in light of sustained production from the U.S., where domestic drillers have added rigs for a record 22 weeks in a row.

U.S. output jumped to 9.35 million bpd last week, up 20,000 bpd from the previous week, the EIA said.

Meanwhile, OPEC is reportedly struggling to achieve compliance with its supply quota plan with Russia. Exempt nations Libya and Nigeria are pumping plenty of oil, while Iraq is also keeping the spigot wide open.

OPEC members are in talks about making further cuts in oil production, Iran's oil minister said, according to Bloomberg. However, he said, finding a consensus will be "difficult."

Crude oil for August was up 23 cents at $42.76 a barrel. Prices remain in bear market territory, having collapsed more than 20 percent from recent highs.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
English Latvian

Today, on 22 June 2017, Joint Stock Company Reverta has signed a loan portfolio sale agreement with Gelvora. In line with usual procedures and terms of the agreement, the transaction will enter into force after obtaining the consent of supervisory authorities.

Under the transaction, Reverta will gradually hand over to the investor 4.5 thousand credit files. This process will involve both parties of the deal, and it is expected that the completion of the work will take approximately three months.

According to the terms of the agreement, the amount of the transaction is restricted information.

T

he investor Gelvora is an international company which is part of a Swedish financial holding Marginalen AB. Scandinavian business traditions and longstanding experience gained on financial and loan recovery markets have placed Gelvora among Latvias TOP companies of similar profile.

The decision of the Management Board and Supervisory Board of Reverta regarding the selection of the potential investor was made based on such criteria as industry standards and a transparent sales process organised in line with the accepted practice in the world, as well as evaluation of the received best binding bids to identify risks related to financial issues and the structure of the transaction, as well as legal risks arising from the agreements. Reverta also evaluated good reputation and trustworthiness of the potential investor.

As a result of intensive work of almost seven years, Reverta has recovered EUR 754 m which is 67 % of all distressed assets that were allocated to Reverta after the takeover and split of Parex Bank. Currently, only most distressed assets with a long history of repayment and liquidity problems remain in Revertas portfolio  average number of delayed payment days under these loans exceeds 2500 days.



Additional information:

Revertas main competencies are loan restructuring, debt recovery and real estate management. According to the Restructuring Plan approved for Parex Bank by the European Commission, Revertas economic activities will be discontinued at the end of 2017.



To learn more about Reverta, please visit our web page: www.reverta.lv.



For more information contact:

Marita Ozolina

Head of Communication and Marketing Department

Tel.: 67779142 or 29287169

E-mail: marita.ozolina@reverta.lv
As Democrats continue to digest losing the closely watched special House election in Georgia, several lawmakers are pointing the finger at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

A small group of House Democrats have called for a change in leadership after Jon Ossoff lost in Georgia to cap a string of special election defeats.

Congressman Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, suggested in an interview with MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Thursday that Democrats will face difficulty retaking the House in 2018 if Pelosi remains the party's leader.

"It's going to be more challenging, certainly," Ryan said. "You see these commercials that tie these candidates to Leader Pelosi week in and week out in the last several months. That still moves the needle."

Ryan, who unsuccessfully challenged Pelosi for the top leadership position last fall, suggested that the Democratic Party has developed a "toxic" national brand.

"We're asking candidates in these deep red districts to battle the Republican party," Ryan said. "We've got a lot of energy in our base, which is very exciting for a lot of us to see that on the ground."

"But you've got to beat the Republican and you've got to carry this very toxic Democratic brand on your back, too," he added. "That's a tough thing to ask a candidate running for congress."

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y, has also suggested it is time for Pelosi and the entire House Democratic leadership to go.

"There comes a time when every leader has to say, 'For the good of the order and for the betterment of the party, it's time for me to step aside,'" Rice told Politico.

"And I wish that that would happen right now," she added. "This is not a personal thing. I want to get back in the majority."

Congressmen Seth Moulton, D-Mass., and Filemon Vela, D-Tex., have also raised questions about the party's leadership following the recent string election losses.

However, Pelosi shrugged off the calls for her to step down in a press conference on Thursday, describing herself as a master legislator and a politically astute leader.

"I think I'm worth the trouble," Pelosi told reporters. "I feel very confident in the support I have in the caucus."

President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue in a post on Twitter, suggesting that Pelosi stepping down would be bad for Republicans.

"I certainly hope the Democrats do not force Nancy P out. That would be very bad for the Republican Party - and please let Cryin' Chuck stay!" Trump tweeted, referring to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Editors Pick

Elon Musk, in his first meeting with Twitter staff following the acquisition, warned that the social media platform could file for bankruptcy next year, reports said. The news comes as more and more key employees are leaving Twitter following the recent mass layoff. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said its watching Twitter with deep concern after the company's top privacy and compliance officer

Deutsche Telekom AG reported Thursday significantly higher profit in its third quarter with improved revenues. Further, the German telecom major lifted its dividend, and also raised fiscal 2022 guidance for the third time in the current financial year. Meanwhile, the shares were losing around 3 percent in the morning trading in Germany.

Facebook parent Meta Platforms decided to lay off more than 11,000 employees, representing about 13 percent of its global workforce, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. The reductions are across both Family of Apps and Reality Labs segments. In a message to Meta employees, Zuckerberg said the company intends to become a leaner and more efficient company by cutting discretionary spending...
Canadian stocks rallied Thursday as the world's most famous investor threw a lifeline to Canada's most beleaguered lender.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway will provide a new C$2 billion ($1.5 billion) line of credit to Home Capital Group's (HCG.TO) Home Trust Co.

"Home Capital's strong assets, its ability to originate and underwrite well-performing mortgages, and its leading position in a growing market sector make this a very attractive investment," said Warren Buffett, Berkshire chairman and CEO.

Shares of HCG jumped 25 percent.

On the other hand, Sears Canada (SCC.TO) is seeking creditor protection and will close 59 stores. Shares plunged another 22 percent to C$0.62.

Enbridge (ENB.TO) Line 3 construction will start in August.

SNC-Lavalin Group (SNC.TO) has sold its Montreal head office and nextdoor lot for about $170 million.

All told, the S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 71.37 points, or 0.47 percent, to 15,219.90. Energy stocks trimmed recent losses as crude oil prices steadied above $42 a barrel following their recent collapse.

In economic news, Canadian retail sales rose 0.8% to $48.6 billion in April. Excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales climbed 1.5%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Latvian English

Joint Stock Company Reverta informs that Chairperson of the companys Management Board Solvita Deglava is leaving her appointment with effect from 30 June 2017. In line with the decision adopted by the Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, Reverta will continue with a one-member Management Board and Ruta Amtmane will assume the duties of the only Management Board member.

Solvita Deglava emphasises: I am proud of what we have achieved  together with employees of Reverta we have recovered EUR 754 m or 67 per cent of all 4500 distressed assets left to Reverta after the takeover and split of Parex Bank. These figures are well above initial expectations and above the world averages. Within the allocated period of seven years, we have also sold approximately 1800 real estate properties, we have repaid the state guaranteed syndicated loan in the amount of EUR 245 m, as well as term deposits and interest on subordinated loans in the amount of several tens of millions of euros. I can say with certainty that we have fulfilled our mandate on time and within a reasonable period and will soon be able to commence the liquidation of the company in line with the approved plan.

I would like to thank all employees together with whom we have fought for every cent to be repaid to the state, as well as those who have supported us during this complicated and difficult work: supervisory council of the company, shareholders, cooperation partners, supervisory authorities and journalists who have regularly informed the public on Revertas operations, says Solvita Deglava.

According to the Commercial Law of the Republic of Latvia, on 1 July 2017, when the planned liquidation of Reverta commences,

Management Board Member Ruta Amtmane will become Liquidator of the company and will assume all duties necessary to ensure that the operation of the company is ceased by the end of 2017.



Additional information:

Revertas main competencies are loan restructuring, debt recovery and real estate management. According to the Restructuring Plan approved for Parex banka by the European Commission, Revertas economic activities will be discontinued at the end of 2017.



To learn more about Reverta, please visit our web page: www.reverta.lv.



For more information contact:

Marita Ozolina

Head of Communication and Marketing Department

Tel.: 67779142 or 29287169

E-mail: marita.ozolina@reverta.lv


ALLENTOWN, Pa., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ambassador Financial Group, Inc. today announced the successful completion of a $10 million private placement of subordinated debt for Regal Bancorp, Inc. The security was issued as a ten year fixed to float structure maturing in 2027 with a five year redemption option.



Regal Bank, a subsidiary of Livingston, New Jersey based Regal Bancorp, Inc., is a full service community bank offering products and services designed to meet personal and business financial goals delivered in an efficient and friendly manner.

Ambassador Financial Group is a FINRA registered broker-dealer which offers a comprehensive suite of strategic, customized solutions to community banks and thrifts nationwide, including balance sheet management, investment banking, and capital markets services. Our recent successes include:

Riverview Financial Corp. (PA) $48.8 million proposed acquisition of CBT Financial Corp.

The Scottdale Bank & Trust Co. (PA) $59.1 million proposed sale to Mid-Penn Bancorp

Old Line Bancshares, Inc. (MD) $40.7 million acquisition of Damascus Bank (MD)

Riverview Financial Corp. (PA) $17.0 million private place of common and preferred equity

Manor Bank (PA) $2.3 million proposed sale to NexTier Bank

Revere Bank (MD) $31.0 million private placement of subordinated debt

Monona Bankshares, Inc. (WI)* proposed acquisition of MCB Bankshares, Inc. (WI)

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (MA) $111.7 million proposed acquisition of First Choice Bank* (NJ)

Revere Bank (MD)* $65.1 million proposed acquisition of Monument Bank (MD)

DNB Financial Corporation (PA) $49.0 million proposed acquisition of East River Bank (PA)

Eagle National Bancorp, Inc. (PA) $25.3 million acquisition by ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (PA)

Kinderhook Bank Corp. (NY) $10 million private placement of subordinated debt

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (WI) $12 million private placement of subordinated debt

*Ambassador provided a fairness opinion only.

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
The role of immigration on labour is the focus of a Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (P.I.F.S) workshop at this weeks Secretariat of the Pacific Immigration Directors Conference (P.I.D.C) in Samoa.

The conference theme is Our Waka: Advancing Approaches to Regional Migration Challenges for a Safe and Prosperous Pacific.

The workshop will be an information-sharing opportunity for both the Forum Secretariat and P.I.D.C delegates.

In 2016 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders called for greater coordination of regional efforts to improve the mobility of businesses and skilled personnel across the region.

Delegates will have the opportunity to share views on their respective roles on labour mobility, the proposed Forum-wide business travel card, and identify how they can work with other key facilitators of labour mobility in the region to streamline visa and permit applications and approval processes, to facilitate a seamless movement of skilled personnel for extended temporary stays across the region.

The conference, held at Taumeasina Island Resort, is being attended by heads of immigration departments of P.I.D.C member countries.

The workshop on Immigrations Role on Labour will address issues around supportive policies, regulations and procedures to facilitate the seamless movement of businesspersons and professionals across the region.

Experiences of participating immigration departments related to mobility for labour, particularly in terms of challenges and lessons learnt, will inform policy development processes and the development of regional-based solutions.

The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Man Group Plc (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):



N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:



Sandstorm Gold Ltd (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:



21st June 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?



YES / NO / N/A

If YES, specify which:





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



Common Shares NPV



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,758,701 1.1571 0 0 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



0 0 258,664 0.1702 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: 0 0 0 0



TOTAL: 1,758,701 1.1571 258,664 0.1702

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit Common Shares NPV Sale 588 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 663 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 56 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 149 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 153 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 52 4.9022 Common Shares NPV Sale 139 4.9022

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit

(GBP)

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? YES/ NO





Date of disclosure: 22nd June 2017 Contact name: Matthew Irwin Telephone number: 02071447255

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
Ulupano Folau, 27, from the village of Leauvaa and Faleula is not shy to admit it.

One of the biggest challenges in his life is the lack of money.

Unemployed because his former contract was not renewed, he is looking for a job.

Just last week I heard one of my neighbours got a job because of your newspaper sharing his story, he said.

I understand that the help is not from your newspaper but through good people all over the world who will come to know some of our simple requests.

It is also why I want to ask for anyone out there who is recruiting employees to please consider my humble request for a job.

Ulupano says unemployment in Samoa is increasing.

This includes men, single parents, young adults and mostly the people with less education.

There are opportunities but its only for those who graduated and have got degrees. I used to work for the Red Cross on a two month contract.

The contract ended two weeks ago and it is why Im staying home.

Its not like we have a huge land to plant a plantation as a second option. The only choice is to find a steady job.

He is the father of one child.

We have one child and hes young. I need a job to provide for him.

Ulupano promises to work hard and honestly.

He can be contacted on 7749170.
A 33-year-old Romanian man has been arrested for allegedly scheming money from one of the local banks.

The arrest was confirmed by the Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, yesterday. The mans name is withheld.

He has been charged already and he is in custody until his first mention at the District Court on 4th July, Fuiava said.

As you remember we had a similar incident where we arrested two Chinese nationals and they have been convicted and will be sentenced soon.

The Commissioner added these incidents are growing in the Pacific and warned members of the public to be alert about their account details.

I want to advise all the customers out there in the banking industry to please check your bank accounts to make sure that theres no illegal or unauthorized A.T.M. money that was taken out of your account, he said.

I wont say which bank it is but I will just say generally to check your A.T.M. cards and A.T.M. transactions to ensure that those A.T.M. transactions are yours.

If is not then please report the matter to your banking industry and institution and also bring it to the attention of law enforcement so we can stop this transnational crime.

Its not just happening in Samoa but all over the region. Again this is a Romanian national that came in to Samoa and did the A.T.M. Scheming here. He was caught and hes going to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The Commissioner could not disclose details about the transactions.

Right now Im not at liberty to say how many transactions or how much money was taken but the mere fact that weve been very proactive in this arena in stopping transnational crime from occurring not only in our country but throughout the region.

The P.T.C.N. which is housed in Samoa, we track and we coordinate and communicate with our partners all over the region like Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia to stop transnational crimes from occurring.

This is exactly whats happening right now and it is through the hard work of the women and men in blue in the T.C.U. thats bringing these criminals into justice. They are stopping them from victimizing not only the people from the Pacific, especially here in Samoa, and we will continue to do the best we can to keep our nation safe and sound.

The Commissioner acknowledged the help of the public and the bank.

We want to thank the public and also the banking industry for their cooperation and assistant to this matter in arresting and bringing these individuals into justice, said Fuiavailili.

Weve been working very intelligently with the Pacific Transnational Crimes Network (P.T.C.N) to stop these kinds of crimes transnational crime coming into to Samoa.

According to the law enforcement most of the crimes are reported by the public. So without the publics help and assistance not only in reporting it and also helping us with the prosecution.

We will make sure that we will stop these crimes and stop these people from victimising everyone.

I also want to send a message out there to those folks who want to come in Samoa and commit these types of crimes here that Samoa police will not tolerate these kinds of transnational crimes. We will find out and we will prosecute them.

We are not doing it alone but we are working together with Attorney General whose going to be doing all the prosecution in Samoa now.

Getting back to the Romanian national, Fuiava said: Well usually this is a ring that is occurs in the region and its not just one individual, its organized crime. Essentially thats what it is.

It travels in different island and victimizes people from different islands.

This is not the only crime that is transnational but it is a trend thats happening in the Pacific.

We are working together with other Pacific islands to bring this crime to a halt.
Nine agricultural experts from China are in Samoa to implement Phase four of the China-Samoa Intergovernmental Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project.

They consolidate on Chinese advanced planting and processing technologies of vegetables and fruits in the next three years.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Tilafono David Hunter, said the project is important for Samoa.

As you all know the Chinese government has accepted a request from our country with regards to the assistance for the development of our agricultural sector, particularly in vegetable production, Tilafono said.

Phase one was officially opened in 2010 on these ten acres here at Nuu, and this is where most of the phase one activities were implemented.

He said that phase one was a huge demonstration to showcase technologies that can be used by farmers.

They are not really high tech technology; they are low tech technology utilizing materials that are regularly available in the country.

Phase two was the building of ten advisory centers for both Upolu and Savaii.

Phase three we fixed up these buildings that were damaged by cyclone Evan in 2012. So phase four is the three-year project worth $7.5million tala.

The C.E.O added that the purpose of phase four is to extend the workable technologies for vegetable production studies untaken at Nuu.

Zhiwen Liu is leading the Chinese team in Samoa.

If the farmers have certain area of cultivated land, water source and the enthusiasm to plant watermelon, they can apply to Samoan M.A.F and Chinese embassy to Samoa for help, Mr. Zhiwen said.

In fact, the extension of watermelon cultivation technology is just one of the many activities will be carried out by the phase IV project, we will introduce many new improved varieties, such as tomato, lettuce, maize etc. which rely on import currently, and increase the substitution of import.

We will choose about 100 demonstration farm households or schools to build 110 tunnel houses or shade houses; carry out large-scale training activities which will train 6000 local technicians and farmers; provide a batch of agricultural machineries, including tractors and processing machines etc.; upgrade the China-aid Demonstration Farm into a centre of variety test, a window of Chinese agricultural technology demonstration, a platform of agricultural exchange and a base of agricultural technical training.

I believe, through the common effort of 3 years, we are sure to increase Samoan vegetable production, replace vegetable import gradually, promote the export of agricultural products, stabilize the food security and increase the farmers income.

They noticed Samoan people like watermelon very much but the watermelon in the market mainly relies on import.

If local farmers know the technology of watermelon cultivation, the price of watermelon will be greatly lowered in the market, which is benecial for both farmers and customers, and Samoa will save a lot of hard currency from the decreased import of watermelon.

The Chinese experts had produced high-quality and sweet watermelon on the China-aid Demonstration Farm at Nuu village during the last 6 years.

Therefore, they are very condent about the transferring of watermelon cultivation technology to Samoan farmers. They plan to choose a group of farmers with certain criteria as the demonstration fann households.

At the beginning, they invite the farmers to the demonstration farm for hand-on-hand technical transferring of watermelon cultivation, after that, they will help the farmers to build vegetable tunnel houses and provide technical service to them freely and make sure that the farmers can produce watermelon by their own.

They will also help these farmers contact the supermarket and increase their income from the watermelon. Liu hopes that Samoan people can eat watermelon produced in Samoa this time next year. Among them, ve experts will work in Upolu and four of them will be posted in Savaii island for agricultural technical extension.
A leading Samoan technology expert, Mike Baukes, has raised concerns about a data trove owned by the Americas Republican National Committee (R.N.C) containing personal details of nearly every registered voter in the United States which was left unsecured for nearly two weeks.

This was due to an improperly configured security setting, internet security firm UpGuard, the company which Mr. Baukes is the Chief Executive Officer, has revealed.

According to the Guardian, the data, which includes names, birth dates, addresses, voter registration details and social media posts, was available for download by anyone who knew to look for it from 1 June through 14 June when the oversight was corrected.

The roughly 1.1 terabytes of data was compiled by Republican data firm Deep Root Analytics on behalf of the RNC in their efforts to elect Donald Trump, as part of a data modernization project the party began after Mitt Romneys 2012 loss.

The RNC data repository would ultimately acquire roughly 9.5bn data points regarding three out of every five Americans, scoring 198 million potential US voters on their likely political preferences using advanced algorithmic modeling across forty-eight different categories, UpGuard explained in a post about the files.

The 198 million individuals captured in the data represent virtually the entire registered voter population. A security update left the information public on a server which should have been, and previously was, secure.

Theres a whole load of characteristics to this data thats quite shocking to see. Theyve been systematically compiling it for a long time. How they are collecting it, were not too sure, but the fact that it contained components from Reddit posts and a whole lot of other social media capabilities makes it quite different from other commercial or potentially free sources, said UpGuard CEO Mike Baukes.

Baukes said the issues the discovery presents are twofold. One is the fact that such comprehensive databases are being compiled and populated by private companies for political and commercial reasons, which Baukes describes as almost akin to mass surveillance. The second issue is the breach that made the information potentially available to anyone on the internet looking for it.

By investing in its database the GOP was mostly playing catch-up with Democrats who had a robust voter database behind their successful get out the vote efforts in 2008.

This is not the first time a data trove like this has been discovered, and in fact not the first time one has been discovered by Chris Vickery, the cybersecurity expert who uncovered it for UpGuard.

In 2015 Vickery found a similar mystery database of 191 million US voter registration records which also included names, home addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, party affiliations, and voting logs.

But Vickery said this trove is somewhat different. This one is magnitudes larger in terms of profiling and microtarget analysis, Vickery told the Guardian. Its more sensitive and more invasive.

Most of the data in the file is ultimately publicly available, including voter registrations and party affiliation. Anyone who has done political canvassing in recent years, for example, knows that campaigns usually have access to voter registration records with addresses and party affiliations- these records are the foundation that modern get out the vote efforts are built on.

In addition, a number of paid and free internet search sites can net a user name, address, phone numbers, social media postings and other aspects of a 21st century digital footprint.

The main thing Deep Root Analytics, along with a few other GOP-hired firms, added was the consolidation of all these records into one place, and predictive data from algorithms they had designed to interpret things like voters likely position on certain issues.

Nonetheless, said Baukes, the fact that they left this data on a misconfigured server for anyone on the internet to get access to is actually disturbing.

If the wrong type of group got ahold of that ... thats a list of names, addresses and, religious preferences. Thats a chilling outcome that could happen with the violence that were seeing at the moment.
If you have noticed that prices at the gas station seem a little bit lower this month, youre not imagining things.

The battle between OPEC and U.S. shale oil drillers has led to another slump in the price of crude and, as a result, the price of gasoline has been on the decline, even as Californias summer driving season goes into full swing.

Gas prices in the state have dropped for four consecutive weeks, according to numbers compiled by the U.S. Energy Information, and on Monday the average price of regular gasoline fell below $3 a gallon.

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Nationally, the price of regular has dropped nearly 10 cents a gallon in the last two weeks, to $2.32 on Monday.

And David Hackett, president of Stillwater Associates, a transportation energy consulting company in Irvine, thinks the chances are good that the low-price environment will stick around for the next couple of months.

Theres more room for gas prices to come down, Hackett said.

RELATED: How much youll REALLY pay in gasoline tax in California (Hint: Its probably more than you think)

Thats good news for California drivers, who as late as April 2014 paid an average of $4.25 a gallon for regular gas. Prices run higher in California than most states due to the states boutique fuel blend requirements, as well as taxes and environmental mandates.

Since gasoline comes from oil, the price of crude affects prices at the pump, and oil has been on a losing streak of late.

On Wednesday, the price of West Texas Intermediate  the benchmark price for crude in the U.S.  dropped 98 cents to $42.53 a barrel, the lowest level in 10 months and more than 20 percent lower from where it stood in February.

Thats not where the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cartel want prices. Less than a month ago, OPEC agreed to extend production restrictions in the hopes of boosting oil prices. But after a very fleeting rally, prices have nose-dived.

In what has developed into a familiar pattern, U.S. producers have more than made up for reductions in supply. Using techniques such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling, companies have ramped up production in shale oil formations such as the Permian Basin in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

Oil inventories have remained high and U.S. refineries averaged a record-high 17.7 million barrels per day last month, with utilization rates reaching 95 percent.

Were aflush with oil and gasoline right now, said Brian Youngberg, senior energy analyst for St. Louis-based Edward Jones. Not just here in the U.S. but globally.

Hackett said a power outage in early May at the Valero refinery in the Bay Area caused gasoline prices in California to tick up last month, but the problem has been cleared up, adding another factor for lower gasoline prices.

As a rule of thumb, changes in oil prices take about six weeks to be fully absorbed into the price of retail gasoline so, with the current slump continuing, Hackett thinks motorists can expect to see lower prices well into the rest of the summer.

I wouldnt be at all surprised if (the price of oil) goes back down and tests the recent lows of around $27 (a barrel), Hackett said. Thats entirely possible.

As recently as three years ago, the price of global crude exceeded $100 a barrel. But rapidly rising production in North America put downward pressure on prices and in November 2014 OPEC refused to cut production.

Though OPEC ministers denied it, the move was widely interpreted as a way to oust U.S. shale producers. Prices around the globe plummeted.

Although more than 200 U.S. producers and oilfield-service companies have filed for bankruptcy since the start of 2015, those who have survived had proven to be remarkably resilient, finding ways to reduce costs so that many of them can make money with oil at $50 a barrel.

Motorists have been the beneficiaries of this undeclared war between OPEC and the shale producers, Youngberg said.

But at the same time, industry analysts believe the glut will come to an end, inventories will flatten and oil prices will eventually move back up, although many think the days of $100 a barrel oil may be over.

Nationally, the price of regular has dropped nearly 10 cents a gallon in the last two weeks, to $2.32 on Monday.

We think oil will get back up toward $60 (a barrel), probably in the first half of 2018, Youngberg said. Originally we thought it would be more toward the end of this year but it will probably leak into next year.

Another indication of higher prices for consumers came earlier this week.

On Tuesday, a group that included physicist Stephen Hawking and Republican elder statesmen James Baker, George Shultz and Henry Paulson unveiled a plan to tax carbon emissions, starting at $40 per ton of carbon dioxide produced by industry, which is estimated to add 36 cents per gallon to the price of gasoline.

The plan is designed to dampen demand for fossil fuels and is being promoted as a free-market, limited government response to fight global warming while replacing government programs such as the Clean Power Plan and protect companies from climate change-related lawsuits.

Oil giants ExxonMobil, BP and Shell have come out in support of the plan.

A carbon tax is a difficult thing to get your hands around, Youngberg said. I will say, at the end of the day who pays for a carbon tax? Its the consumer and it will eventually flow into gasoline prices at the pump.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

Losing clout, OPEC tries to boost oil prices

The ripple effects of Californias gasoline tax increase

How much you REALLY pay in gasoline taxes
San Diego will get its only nonstop fight to Tampa, starting next year, Southwest Airlines announced Thursday.

Tampa represents San Diegos second largest domestic market without a nonstop route. The largest is Reagan National airport in the Washington, D.C. area, said Hampton Brown, director of air service planning for the San Diego International Airport.

The once-daily flight, which is scheduled to start Jan. 8, also comes with an introductory fare sale that will be available for booking starting Thursday and ending next Monday. The promotional fares, as low as $99 each way, will be available for travel between Jan. 8 and March 7, with some restrictions.

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Brown says close to 150 passengers fly daily between Tampa and San Diego in each direction. That volume, he said, is about the capacity of a Southwest Airlines aircraft.

Naturally, they think theyll be able to stimulate the market once they add service, Brown added. But its a good number to have to start a route.

There will also likely be some government interest in the new route, given the number of military installations in Tampa, Brown said.

We had talked to Southwest about this route because it was on our wish list, he said. We had asked others to look into Tampa but hadnt been approached by any other airlines besides Southwest.

Southwest, which is San Diegos dominant airline, confirmed that Tampas status as an unserved market fueled its interest in adding the flight.

Tampa is one of the top destinations from San Diego not currently served by another carrier and has both a business and leisure opportunity for Southwest, said Zach Mensen, manager of business development for Southwest. Our nonstop service between San Diego and Orlando is a popular route among our customers, and we believe offering Tampa nonstop will bring similar results, bringing our San Diego customers nonstop access to now 32 destinations across the U.S. and Mexico.

The latest announcement follows a flurry of new nonstop routes, both domestically and internationally, that have come to Lindbergh Field in recent years. Just a week ago, German airline Lufthansa announced that it will be flying nonstop between San Diego and Frankfurt five days a week, beginning next year.

This week, Lufthansa released its schedule for the San Diego-Frankfurt route, which will start March 25, Brown said. The nonstops will fly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Twenty-six years ago, Hollyce Phillips was at the top of her game as the host of a morning news show on Seattle television. Then one day she woke up and couldnt hear a sound.

Her profound deafness, caused by an auto-immune disease, ended her on-air career, but led to renewed purpose. Today, the 66-year-old Carlsbad resident is a full-time volunteer for several San Diego County charities and her tireless efforts have earned her multiple honors and awards.

Phillips credits her life-changing hearing loss as a turning point that may have closed one door in her life, but it opened another.

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You can miss opportunities, but that experience taught me to be centered and to be in the here and now, she said. Its been a wonderful, substantive journey. Ive met so many interesting people and I see what people are doing every day. It give me great joy and sustenance.

Phillips is a co-founder and board member for the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation and a member of the board of governors for the San Diego Foundation, as well as a volunteer for numerous other organizations. In 2013, the North County Philanthropy Council named her a Volunteer of the Year.

Yvonne Finocchiaro, a fellow co-founder of the Carlsbad foundation, said Phillips is a big asset to the organization, which has generated $1.3 million in charitable giving since its inception 10 years ago.

Hollyce is bubbly and fun and welcoming and thoughtful, Finocchiaro said. When shes doing her work in the community, shes very thorough and so smart.

Thoroughness and inquisitiveness are words that many in the philanthropic community use to describe Phillips. Those are qualities that served her well as a broadcast journalist, who dreamed in her early 20s of being the next Barbara Walters.

Phillips grew up in a large, church-going Minneapolis family where all six children were taught to give back. Her inspiration was an older sister with cerebral palsy who passed away last Christmas.

I was reminded every day how fortunate I was and how important it was to be aware of and helpful to those who had to struggle. It was a perspective and awareness that I try to keep front and center to this day, Phillips said. She was a great role model for her two sons, our family and her community. We all should leave such a legacy.

Phillips studied political science at Stanford University in Palo Alto, then returned home to earn a masters degree in journalism at the University of Minnesota. Finding she missed the California sunshine, she moved to L.A. in 1975 to pursue acting. Thats where she met her husband of 37 years, real estate investor Robert Phillips Jr.

The pair were both pursuing busy careers and spent the next decade moving around the country for work, sometimes living in different states. From 1983-1986, she was a roving TV reporter for Health Matters, a nationally syndicated medical affairs show in Philadelphia. From 1989 to 1991, she anchored television programs in St. Louis and Seattle.

In her early 20s, Phillips began noticing a progressive hearing loss and tinnitus in her right ear. She would disguise her problem on-air by sitting with her good ear closest to her co-hosts. But when her left ear went dead, so did her live television career.

To stop the progress of the disease, she spent months taking steroids and chemotherapy treatments to arrest the progression of the disease. With high-powered hearing aids and a skill for lip-reading, she put her experience to new use, producing education videos for grades K-12. In 1999, she and her husband moved to Carlsbad. Over the next four years she phased out her production company and began looking for an outlet for her free time.

The first beneficiary was Girl Scouts San Diego, where now-retired CEO Jo Dee Jacobs helped recruit Phillips to its board in 2004. Phillips earned the Girl Scouts highest honor, the Thanks Badge, for her work chairing the organizations Urban Campout charity galas for two years in a row.

We were simply astonished at her talents, commitment, dedication, and follow through, Jacobs said. Hollyce was always very popular with volunteers and staff because she took the hard jobs and carried each to completion. Her insights were often brilliant, but even better, she had a very kind and inclusive way of dealing with people. In my 25-plus years of friendship with Hollyce, I have never, ever heard a mean or gossipy word fall from her lips.

In 2007, Phillips joined the San Diego Womens Foundation and helped co-found the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, which is one of the San Diego Foundations eight regional affiliates.

Connie Matsui, chair of the San Diego Foundations board of governors, said Phillips is prized in the philanthropic community for her well-informed opinions.

When I need somebody to bounce ideas around with or get a deeper insight from, shes viewed as a thought leader, said Matsui, a retired executive vice president for Biogen Idec.

She listens to various viewpoints and she does research on her own, so that by the time she forms an opinion, its very on-target and constructive. Shes a real champion for innovative ideas and her conviction in why and how something should be done is usually irresistible, Matsui said.

Phillips is most proud of the work accomplished by the 80-member Carlsbad Charitable Foundation. Each year, members give $1,000. Half goes to annual grants for projects and organizations in Carlsbad and half goes toward an endowment for future years.

Since 2008, the CCF has given more than $700,000 to 44 programs, including projects to feed seniors, help for the homeless, refurbish stairs to the beach, and underwrite public murals and the Carlsbad Music Festival.

Some of her favorite grantees are a camp for fifth-graders at JA BizTown, a child-size town where kids can learn about business and finance, and the Science Olympiad for Carlsbad high school students. Shes also proud of Kids for Peace, an early grantee thats gone on to international success as a childrens leadership organization.

I am continually inspired by the commitment our members have made in coming together and working together for the benefit of Carlsbad, both today through our granting and forever through our endowment, she said.

Although her hearing aids allow her to have conversations and attend board meetings, she can no longer enjoy music, theater or noisy charity galas. Instead she relishes her time at home with her husband and she enjoys reading, painting canvases and scarves, and enjoying the wild birds and the ocean.

While shes always open to new possibilities, her commitment to the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation is unwavering.

The Carlsbad Charitable Foundation gave me a way to understand my community better and meet people, she said. And those Ive met  without exception  have been great people.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
A swarm of what authorities say were probably Africanized honey bees protecting a colony in the eaves of a Vista home went on the attack Sunday, killing at least one small dog and stinging three young women and a neighbor.

They were the most aggressive bees Ive ever encountered..., said exterminator Mike Amato, who was called in to remove the large hive  a job still under way three days later. I was stung underneath my suit multiple times, they were so aggressive.

The homeowners long-haired dachshund was killed in the attack and a second small dog is still missing.

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The incident began around 5 p.m. Sunday at the end of a cul-de-sac on Nancy Way, where neighbor Aaron Byzak was looking out his window and saw three young women park in the next-door driveway.

They pulled up in their car and they were carrying their purses and what looked like some food, and suddenly chaos just broke loose, Byzak said. The girls were running around and smacking themselves in the head.

He said he briefly wondered if they were tripping out on drugs, and went out on his balcony to ask if they were OK.

... They started yelling Bees! Bees! Byzak said.

He watched as the trio dropped their belongings and ran for cover  one into the house and two back to the car, where the bees continued their assault. Once all three women got into the home, the swarm turned its attention toward Byzak.

They came across the street to attack me, he said. One bee got in his hair and he knocked it to the floor, but it still kept coming. They were the most aggressive things Ive ever seen.

Quinn Rodgers, 19, left, points out the bee nest on their roof as she and her stepsister Madeline Marko-Martinez, 20, talk about the bee attack on them and their dogs this past Sunday in Vista. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Meanwhile, the three girls  stepsisters Quinn Rodgers, 19, and Madeline Marko-Martinez, 20, and their friend Blue Feeney, 19  were nursing bee stings to their faces, heads, back and arms.

It was a whirlwind of buzzing and pain, said Marko-Martinez.

They put their heads under the shower, they said, and watched nearly a dozen bees fall from their hair.

The trio immediately called Rodgers father, Mike, who was in Indianapolis attending a nephews wedding with Marko-Martinezs mother. By then, Byzak and another neighbor were also on the phone with Mike Rodgers, telling him about the scene that was unfolding.

At one point, the family realized their two small dogs  Toby, a long-haired dachshund, and Fauna, a chihuahua-terrier mix  had been left in the side yard, almost directly below the colony.

The girls covered themselves with long pants, boots, hoodies and masks and went back outside to try to rescue the animals, but couldnt find them. The trio was ultimately chased back into the house by the angry swarm.

It would be later Sunday night when exterminators found Tobys badly stung body in the backyard. Fauna has not been seen since the attack.

Tracy Ellis, an entomologist for the countys agriculture department, said its not uncommon for dogs to be stung by bees, but the attacks are only fatal in the county about once every two years.

She said roughly 70 percent of bees in Southern California are partially Africanized  making them more aggressive than European honey bees  and that hot weather can make the bees more volatile.

A number of bees eventually entered the Rodgers house through ceiling fans, windows and even up drain pipes. Mike Rodgers said when he returned home early in the week, there were hundreds of dead bees in one bathroom.

Along the side of the house Wednesday, thousands of bee carcasses were still on the ground and a few scattered bees still buzzed around the eaves and yard. Quinn Rodgers teared up as she talked about her familys dogs, saying she has gone to several shelters in hopes of finding Fauna but without success.

Shes kind of the same color as a lot of the rocks out here, so we keep thinking we see her, added Marko-Martinez.

Amato, who works for Hurst Exterminators of Vista, said the honeycombs he found in the homes eaves were so large that its possible the bees settled there years ago.

When bees have something to protect, thats when they get hostile and any little thing can set them off, he said. This time they went crazy.

Amato said hell be back at the home Saturday to remove whats left of the honeycombs so they dont attract new bees to the same area.

Sundays bee attack was the third such reported incident in the past 40 days in the county.

On May 11, two hikers were stung about 50 times by a bee swarm and rescued out of Mission Trails Regional Park, and on May 23 a Rancho Bernardo woman was hospitalized after being stung once by swarming bees and suffering an allergic reaction.

Ellis said she believes a beard of bees was hanging outside the Vista hive Sunday to lower the temperature of the colony, and that one of the dogs may have come into contact with them.

It takes just one bee to feel threatened to start a chemical reaction, which alerts other bees to a danger and puts them into full defensive mode.

Before putting dogs or children in a backyard, Ellis said, people should take stock of the area and listen for buzzing and make sure there are no wild bees setting up, because this is the time of year where bees are trying to (establish) nests.

As the summer goes on, the bees become more irritable because they are running out of nectar as flowers dry out.

Should someone find themselves under attack, they should either run away or get into a car. Even if bees have followed you inside the vehicle, she said, stay there and crank the air conditioning because bees calm as the temperature lowers.

Swatting at bees only makes things worse, as they become afraid and start messaging danger to others.

For more information, Ellis suggests calling 1-800-200 BEES or going to the countys bee website: sdcountybees.org.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
The Palomar College Police Academy has been temporarily suspended by the state agency that accredits such training facilities, leaving 19 students who were set to begin their course work Monday out of luck for now.

The school said efforts are under way to correct the administrative problems noted in a June 2 letter from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and that the academy should reopen this fall.

Dave Althausen, a spokesman for the commission, said in mid-June that he was unaware of the suspension, but the issues at the academy have absolutely nothing to do with the delivery of curriculum to students.

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Its just the administrative side of the house, he said, adding that the academy is working through it.

Palomar College Spokeswoman Laura Gropen also emphasized that the compliance issues arent related to instruction or training but are important to the certification of the program.

The suspension is unfortunate, but temporary, she said.

Its a big deal for those 19 students, but were addressing it, Gropen said.

The commissions action stems from a course certification review it completed 13 months ago that found several areas where the Palomar academy was out of compliance, according to the letter. At the time, the school said it would take steps to address the deficiencies.

A year later, not all those steps have been completed.

The June 2 letter, written by the commissions Assistant Executive Director Maria Sandoval, said two significant issues have yet to be resolved, but are actively being addressed by your staff.

Specifically, the remaining deficiencies concern the establishment of a full advisory board in compliance with the commissions regulations and the hiring of a coordinator to adequately supervise the academy students/instructors .

Gropen said the problem with the advisory board is nearing resolution and that only a couple more people need to be recruited to satisfy the requirement. She also said the college is close to hiring an administrator.

Escondido Police Chief Craig Carter, president of the San Diego County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association, said the suspension is a problem because agencies need to be confident that Palomar is providing the same high quality that we expect from the regional academy and other academies

He also said communication about why they have been suspended hasnt been as clear as we would like.

The police chiefs association and its members are concerned that an academy would be suspended, he said. We will be monitoring things as they progress.

Carter said its unlikely the suspension will affect the pool of officers available to police departments around the county as long as it is only temporary.

Most police departments in the county hire applicants first and then pay for their training  typically sending them to the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute at Miramar College, Carter said.

In contrast, the Palomar academy and another one at Southwestern College often cater to students who are hoping to become police officers, but are paying their own way and havent been tentatively hired by a law enforcement agency.

Many of Palomars students, Carter said, are current military personnel looking to bolster their resumes so that they can transition from the Marine Corps or Navy after their service is complete and become cops.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
BOSTON, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariMed Inc. (OTCQB:MRMD) an industry leader in the design, development, operation, funding, and optimization of medical cannabis cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities, announced today that their client, The Harvest Foundation, opened its medical cannabis cultivation facility in Clark County, Nevada.



MariMeds experienced team drafted the application to win this cannabis cultivation license, developed the facility and has been retained to manage all its operations. MariMed will provide and manage security, cultivation, harvesting, packaging, merchandising , and sales. MariMed will train and manage the staff and provide HR, payroll, compliance, and reporting.

MariMed has selected a unique variety of cannabis genetics that will provide the highest quality of medicine for the qualified licensed patients in the Nevada program. The growing systems implemented have been validated and tested at other MariMed managed facilities in other state-regulated compliant facilities. MariMed to date has developed five medical cannabis facilities in three states and has six facilities under development in two additional states.

The process of securing a medical cannabis license and seeing it through to fruition is very long and complex, with differences for every state, that make it very difficult for companies without prior experience to be successful, stated Mr. Robert Fireman, CEO of MariMed, Inc. The MariMed teams collective decades of experience helped tip the scales in Harvest Foundations favor for the license and permit process. Our proven best practices in cultivation will help ensure a bountiful crop and continued success and growth for Harvest as they seek to provide top quality medical cannabis to ease patients symptoms and provide a healthy and effective alternative to highly addictive opioids.

After receiving the permit to commence cultivation in June, The Harvest Foundation will begin to plant its first crop of multiple indica and sativa cannabis strains that are well known for easing nausea, pain, anxiety, spasms and other symptoms associated with conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTST, glaucoma, Crohns, fibromyalgia, severe arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and wasting syndrome. The first harvest will occur in approximately three months and the cannabis medicine will be sold to production and dispensary facilities throughout Nevada.

MariMeds depth of knowledge has been a valuable resource to us every step of the way and helped us avoid many costly pitfalls that weve seen with other cannabis facilities, noted Mr. Donnie Burton, President of The Harvest Foundation. Planting our first crop will be gratifying. By following MariMeds proven cultivation best practices we are confident we will provide the highest quality medicine for the largest number of patients.

About MariMed (formerly Worlds Online):

MariMed Inc., is an industry leader in the design, development, operation, funding, and optimization of medical cannabis cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities. MariMeds team has developed five state-of-the-art, regulatory-compliant facilities in three states, with six additional facilities currently under development in two other states. These facilities are models of excellence in horticultural principals, cannabis production, product development, and dispensary operations. MariMed is on the forefront of precision dosed products for the treatment of specific medical conditions. MariMed branded products are being distributed in three states with distribution being finalized in six additional states. For additional information about MariMed, visit www.MarimedAdvisors.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to MariMed Inc., that is based on the beliefs of MariMed Inc. management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this Release. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the economic environment and changes in technology. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as "hoped," "anticipated," "believed," "planned, "estimated," "preparing," "potential," "expected" or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. None of the content of any of the websites of any other party referred to herein (even if a link is provided for your convenience) is incorporated into this release and the Company assumes no responsibility for any of such content.
ENCINITAS

SDG&E helps out at districts Farm Lab

Hundreds of SDG&E employees and their families recently helped out at the Encinitas Union School Districts Farm Lab  a 10-acre organic working farm that grows produce for the districts nine campuses. They dug their hands in organic soil to plant fruit trees, built raised vegetable beds, and installed irrigation to help further cultivate the Farm Labs food forest. Volunteers also painted sheds, made signs and beautified the fence. The Farm Lab is among the largest operations of its kind in the nation and the first certified organic farm owned by a school district. It provides food for the school lunch program and also serves as a living classroom where students focus on nutrition, ecology, art and earth science.

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NORTH COUNTY

Area students graduate

Michelle Steelesmith of Escondido and Marcela Torres of Oceanside have graduated from the University of Saint Mary at Leavenworth, Kan., each with a masters degree in business administration.

Aleandra Aspen Borchers of Encinitas graduated from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Grantham University in Lenexa, Kan., announces these graduates:

Escondido: Mallory Mason, masters degree, performance improvement; Gary Vienna, associate and bachelors degrees, computer science, and masters degree, information management technology;

Oceanside: Jason Moore, masters in business administration, masters degree, health systems management; Michael Moore, bachelors degree, computer engineering technology; Jenny Ohearn, masters in business administration; Danielle Patterson, associate degree, bachelors degree, business administration, masters in business administration; Rudy Perez, bachelors degree, multidisciplinary studies; Andrew Schlett, bachelors degree, multidisciplinary studies; Sam Spade, associate degree, bachelors degree, engineering management, masters degree, information management-project management; LaQuita Sullivan, associate degree, business administration; Michelle Thrower, bachelors degree, business administration; Francisco Torres, associate degree, electronic and computer engineering;

San Marcos: Danielle Brink, associate degree, computer science, bachelors degree, business administration; Guido Cozzarelli, associate degree, criminal justice; Marvin Smith, associate degree, criminal justice, bachelors degree, criminal justice Homeland Security, masters degree, performance improvement, certification, human resources; Catherine Soteras, masters degree, nursing management and organizational leadership.

Local students honored

Mt. Carmel High School student Jake Danzer of Scripps Ranch has accepted an appointment to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. Fewer than 400 appointments are offered annually from a pool of more than 2,200 applicants. Cadets receive a full-tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a five-year service commitment to the Coast Guard upon graduation.

Logan McCloud of Vista made the spring Deans List at Mercy College in Toledo, Ohio.

Julie McCardell of Ramona made the spring Deans List at Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo.

iVIE film festival winners announced

The winners of the 16th annual iVIE Student Film Festival & Awards were announced recently. The iVIE program, which stands for Innovative Video in Education, featured more than 400 entries from about 30 schools across San Diego County. North County winners in elementary, middle and high school groups include:

Cross Curricular: My Voice, My American, Stuart Mesa Elementary; The Ranch House, Stuart Mesa School; La Fortezza, Canyon Crest Academy.

Documentary: Dear America, Rancho Minerva Middle School; Unmedicated, Rancho Bernardo High School. These films also won the Bill Simpson Grand Recognition Award.

Global Village: Why Is Sign Language So Cool? L.R. Green Elementary; The Aztec Dance, Mission Middle School; La Langue de la Vie, Canyon Crest Academy.

How-To: How to Play Capture the Flag, Juniper Elementary; How to Tie a Tie, Design39Campus.

News Program: The Burger Bench, Mission Middle School.

Zero Waste: El Camino Creeks Green Team, El Camino Creek Elementary; Wasting Away, Capri Elementary.

Students win at History Day competition

North County students recently won honors on the state level of the National History Day competition. Zoe Yamamoto of Mesa Verde Middle School won Junior Individual Website for Fred Korematsu: Standing Up For Civil Rights. Claire Kang and Vivian Ye of Solana Ranch Elementary were runners-up in Elementary Group Poster for Elizabeth Blackwell: Taking a Stand in Womens Educational Rights.

OCEANSIDE

AT&T contributes $20K to students

Interfaith Community Services Transitional Youth Academy recently held an event in Oceanside Harbor with students, staff and volunteers to celebrate the end of the school year, and the gift of a $20,000 contribution from AT&T. The TYA program supports youths in North San Diego County with academic help and mentoring, leadership development and workforce training. More than 600 at-risk Oceanside students have benefited from the academy. TYA provides mentoring directly on campus at Oceanside and El Camino high schools, connecting students to career and outdoor field trips, and summer internship positions.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Friends of RBHS Library award scholarship

The Friends of the Rancho Bernardo High School Library awarded their first RBHS Founders Scholarship to Hanae Sugiura, who will be attending Harvey Mudd College in the fall. The $500 scholarship is named for Shirley Black and Dick Mason, original members of The Friends of the Library. The money was donated by Keith and Linda Wilson, in honor of Black and Masons work on behalf of the RBHS Library.

RANCHO PENASQUITOS

Student receives prestigious scholarship

Joshua Kim, a junior at The Cambridge School in Rancho Penasquitos, has received the Coolidge Scholarship, a full-ride, non-partisan merit award that covers a students tuition, room and board for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. The Cambridge School is a classical Christian school whose first class will graduate in 2018.

SAN DIEGUITO

New principal for Earl Warren Middle School

Reno Medina has been appointed by the San Dieguito Union High School District as the next principal of Earl Warren Middle School. He comes to the post after being assistant principal at La Costa Canyon High School. He first served at Earl Warren as assistant principal and was involved in planning the new school, which is completing construction. He was also a founding faculty member of Canyon Crest Academy. He starts July 1.

SOLANA BEACH

Carmel Creek to host play date Saturday

Carmel Creek School is holding a play date for children who will be starting kindergarten in the fall. Meet some future schoolmates at 10:30 a.m. Saturday 6/24 at the Neighborhood Park at Carmel Center Road and Camarena Road. Siblings are welcome.

Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
Hungry for something to do this weekend? Heres why the Taste of Adams Avenue should be on your menu plan.

When it is: Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Why you should go: Like a scrumptious (not-annoying) visit to Its a Small World, follow the global flavors along San Diegos tastiest thoroughfare from Kensington to Normal Heights, and University Heights.

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Dont-miss bites: Walk, bike or take the free trolley to 45 gastro stops along Adams, including restaurants, coffee houses, brew pubs and wine bars. Where to begin? How about Pappaleco for gelato first (why eat it when youre full?) then head west to Village Vino, Cucina Sorella, The Haven Pizzeria, Tajima, San Diego Poke Company, Et Voila, El Zarape (both of them!), Blind Lady Ale House, Nozaru Ramen Bar, Grains Cafe, Circa and Viva Pops. (See the full list below.)

Details: Tickets $35 ($40 day of); will call at 3441 Adams Ave. (619) 282-7329. Buy tickets at tasteofadams.com.

Participating businesses

Heres the full list, according to the Adams Avenue Business Association:

Automatic Brewing Co.

Beerfish

Blackmarket Bakery

Blind Lady Ale House

Cafe 21 University Heights

Cafe Cabaret

Ceviche House

Chi Extraordinary Kitchen

Chris Ono Grinds Island Grill

Circa

Clems Tap House

Cucina SORELLA

Daofu Restaurant

Dimilles Italian Restaurant

Dos Palmas Cafe

El Zarape Mexican Eatery

El Zarape Restaurant

Et Voila French Bistro

Fall Brewing Company

Grains

Hawthorn Coffee

The Haven Pizzeria

The Incredible Cheesecake Company

Kensington Cafe

Lestats Coffee House

Liquid Eden Holistic Center

Little Miss Brewing

Living Tea

Moncai Vegan

Moosies Ice Cream

Nozaru Ramen Bar

Pappalecco

Ponces Mexican Restaurant

The Rabbit Hole

Rosie O Gradys

Sabuku Sushi

San Diego Poke Company

Senor Mangos

Soda & Swine

Stehly Farms Market Kensington

Subway

Tajima

Twiggs Bakery and Coffeehouse

Village Vino

Viva Pops

Food & Wine Videos

Twitter: @sdeditgirl

michele.parente@sduniontribune.com
Looking at the mural inside the La Jolla Post Office, which was completed in 1936, and any of the 16 murals that have popped up around downtown La Jolla since 2010, its hard to say which is more innovative.

Thats not to say that the latest cohort isnt eye-catching or alluring, but to suggest that the risks taken by the creator of the earlier, smaller mural are astounding.

It broke with traditional composition and perspective, engaging with a perturbing new current in art called cubism. And it was done by a woman, at a time when that half of the population was primarily responsible for making babies and banana bread (popularized, incidentally, in the 1930s).

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The artist was Belle Baranceanu, and two murals she created in La Jolla are the subject of an exhibition at the La Jolla Historical Society that opened June 10. One, Scenic View of the Village, is at the post office, and the other is a far larger, now demolished piece that used to hang at La Jolla High School, named The Seven Arts.

The show, which is free, includes both original full-scale preliminary drawings and digital copies of fragile, smaller studies.

Because that second mural ended up torn down along with its building  a casualty of code and seismic concerns  these artifacts offer glimpses of what was lost, said Heath Fox, executive director of the La Jolla Historical Society.

Both murals were commissions of the federal government, as part of massive New Deal efforts to hire thousands of artists  among them Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko  during the Great Depression.

Since the Great Recession, theres been a renewed interest in art from that earlier chapter of widespread financial ruin, said Jennifer Hernandez, the exhibitions curator and a Baranceanu expert. She will lecture on the New Deal and Baranceanus art at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the La Jolla Historical Societys Balmer Annex.

Baranceanu, who moved to San Diego from Chicago in 1933 and died in La Jolla in 1988, once said in an interview: In everything there is beauty. It may not be her most representative quote, but for a quick introduction to how she viewed the world, it is apt.

One source of beauty was San Diego, where she drew and painted multiple renderings of its past and present. Another was her own past: Her parents emigrated from Romania at the turn of the 20th century, and she said the colors of traditional rugs influenced her palette.

Its not that her life was a breeze. She had a fraught relationship with her dad, and her fiance died in a car crash. Later she was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.

But these themes  the pursuit of beauty, a love of her adoptive city  come through in the La Jolla murals.

The Seven Arts, completed in 1940, showed people performing dance, acting and five other kinds of art. It went around and above the schools auditorium stage.

It was dynamic, inviting the viewers eye to follow its arc from left to right, and all of its characters  people the artist knew or admired  seemed to be frozen in movement, Hernandez said.

Baranceanus family got a humble start in America, Hernandez said, but before leaving Europe they had been cultured. Her interest in the arts comes across in that mural, she said, as she wanted to teach and inspire students sitting in the auditorium.

The post office mural, begun five years earlier, in 1935, shows the local landscape of her time: La Jolla as a rural suburb sprinkled with homes and hillocks.

The La Jollans wanted La Jolla. So I climbed Mount Soledad with my sketchbook. I drew small bridges, houses, streets and hills that appeared to dissolve into eternity, into the infinity of the ocean, she said, in Romanian, in an interview broadcast on Radio Free Europe in 1986. The recording was provided by San Diegans Bram and Sandra Dijkstra, who knew Baranceanu and have collected her art.

In both murals, her preliminary studies reveal she was meticulous and deliberate about the content and composition, Fox said.

Baranceanu, born in 1902, was an outsider, again and again. She moved to California from Chicago as an adult. She explored her Jewish and Romanian roots through her art.

Another way she stood out: by being a she, said Hernandez.

Baranceanus status as a respected professional artist  who happened to be female  is one of the most beguiling and unusual things about her, in Hernandezs view.

Though she was briefly engaged, after her fiance died, she opted to remain unmarried. That probably gave her a measure of professional freedom, not only or not necessarily because a husband would be a career hindrance, but because New Deal employment guidelines made it harder for married women to get government commissions, Hernandez said.

Though theres a lot that sets her work apart from La Jollas new murals  the latter are privately commissioned, theyre outdoors, they have their own website and Instagram following (but of course)  Fox sees them as being on the same continuum. One can trace their history back to that era of federally funded art, he said.

Baranceanus art was also once new and fresh.

This was contemporary art at the time, Fox said.

Belle Baranceanu: The La Jolla Murals

When: June 10 to Sept. 3

Where: La Jolla Historical Society, Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla.

Admission: Free

Phone: (858) 459-5335

Online: lajollahistory.org

Popescu is a freelance writer.
Asserting that the Antelope Valley receives only $1 for every $10 in federal homeless funds sent to central Los Angeles, state Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) has called for an audit of the agency that distributes the money.

In a letter to the state Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Wilk asked for a review of how the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority doles out more than $100 million in federal funds for homeless programs.

The letter, sent to the homeless authority Thursday, is scheduled to be considered by the 14-member committee June 28. An audit, if ordered, would be conducted by the California State Auditor and could take up to a year.

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The homeless authority did not reply to a request for comment.

The letter requests an audit to determine whether the authority is distributing homelessness funds equitably, whether it has complied with all laws and regulations and whether its process for approving and denying applications for funds is transparent.

Wilks office released a document it said it obtained from the homeless authority breaking down 2016 homeless grants by region. Funds contributed by Los Angeles County were fairly evenly distributed, but those passed through from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development were not.

The records show that Service Planning Area 1, which is primarily the Antelope Valley, received about $1.2 million  $397 per homeless person  while Service Planning Area 4 in central Los Angeles received $47 million, or $3,966 per homeless person. The 2016 homeless count recorded just over 3,000 people in the Antelope Valley, about 6.7% of the county total, but the area received only 1.1% of the federal funds, the records show.

These inequities underscore a repetitive and troublesome pattern wherein the people of the Antelope Valley, despite paying equally in to L.A. County programs, do not receive their fair share of funds and services, the letter said.

We have a long history of being a donor area for other parts of the county, said Wilk, a Lancaster native who was elected in November to the district that includes the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.

He said he became aware of funding inadequacies for homeless services from constituents.

I was stunned at the extent of homelessness in the Antelope Valley, Wilk said. People were sharing with me they werent getting a fair share of resources.

doug.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATDoug
A 26-year-old man was arrested Sunday after a Mexican woman he picked up near the border died while hiding in his truck, authorities said.

Efren Jimenez was taken into custody late Sunday when a father and son saw him dragging the womans body off a remote canyon road in San Juan Capistrano, according to an affidavit filed this week in U.S. District Court.

Jimenez has been charged with transporting or moving a person who has illegally entered the U.S., according to federal authorities.

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Authorities are still seeking to notify the womans family of her death, said Lt. Lane Lagaret, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriffs Department. The 33-year-old womans name has not been released.

An autopsy was performed, but the cause of her death has not been determined, Lagaret said. Authorities are awaiting toxicology test results.

Jimenezs trip to the border Sunday was prompted by a phone call from a smuggler called Chorizo, according to court documents.

Jimenez told federal authorities that the smuggler called him and offered to pay him $380 to transport a man and woman to Los Angeles, Monica Abend, a special agent with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, wrote in the affidavit.

The smuggler instructed Jimenez to pick up the man and woman Sunday afternoon near Viejas Casino in Alpine, according to the agent. He told Jimenez the woman was slow, Abend wrote.

At 5:30 p.m., Jimenez met the man and the woman, who was limping, in Campo. They got in Jimenezs Nissan Titan pickup truck. She laid down on the back seat floor and the man laid flat on the back seat, according to the affidavit.

Jimenez said he gave them water, and then the male passenger told him the woman had asthma.

Before hitting the road, Jimenez met a friend at a gas station near Campo to pick up cash to buy gas. After refueling, he got onto the northbound 5 Freeway.

It was near Carlsbad when things took a turn for the worse, Jimenez told the agent.

The woman started shaking, Jimenez said. The male passenger told Jimenez she was dying, according to the affidavit.

Not long after, the woman was dead, Jimenez told authorities.

Jimenez said he called the smuggler, who instructed him to give her CPR, the agent wrote. He got off the freeway and shook the woman, Abend said.

Jimenez felt her skin and thought that she felt cool, the agent wrote.

He got back onto the 5 Freeway and called his brother to arrange a meeting at a Carls Jr. restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. On his way there, he stopped again to refuel. Jimenez later dropped off the male passenger at the fast food restaurant, according to the affidavit.

He called the smuggler again, Abend said.

Chorizo directed Jimenez to drop off the body behind a 7-11 store and call 911, she wrote.

He instead drove off the road at La Novia Avenue and Forster Canyon Road and removed the womans body, according to the affidavit.

Thats when the father and son saw him dragging the woman. They went over and tried to feel for the womans pulse, Abend wrote.

When they walked over to Jimenezs truck to call 911, he motioned at them to leave, according to court documents.

In response, the father took Jimenez to the ground and detained him while they called 911.

As the father and son waited for authorities, they allowed Jimenez to call his girlfriend in Tijuana.

They heard some of Jimenezs conservation, including the phrases went bad, got messed up and I love you.

Sheriffs detectives are investigating and could seek charges if they determine a crime was committed, authorities said.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
A judge threw out key parts of a defamation and wrongful termination lawsuit on Wednesday brought against the Los Angeles Times by freelance cartoonist Ted Rall.

The nationally syndicated cartoonist, whose work once appeared regularly in The Times, filed suit last year alleging that the newspaper defamed him by calling into question the veracity of his work.

Acting on a motion by The Times, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joseph R. Kalin dismissed Ralls claims of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress against three current Times journalists and former Publisher Austin Beutner.

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The case stemmed from a May 11, 2015, blog post written by Rall and published alongside one of his cartoons on The Times OpinionLA blog. In the piece, Rall criticized a Los Angeles Police Department crackdown on jaywalking and recounted his experience being ticketed for the offense in 2001.

This one is personal, Rall wrote, saying a police officer had pushed him against a wall and thrown his drivers license into the sewer during the encounter. Rall wrote that a couple of dozen passersby gathered to shout at the officer.

The LAPD disputed Ralls account.

In a July 28, 2015, note to readers, Nicholas Goldberg, editor of The Times editorial pages, said LAPD records, including Ralls written complaint from 2001 and the officers audiotape of the encounter, raise serious questions about the accuracy of Ralls post.

There was no evidence of shouting onlookers, Goldberg wrote, and the tape depicted a polite interaction.

Ralls future work will not appear in The Times, Goldberg wrote.

In his lawsuit, Rall challenged The Times account and questioned the authenticity of the audio recording.

In court Wednesday, Ralls attorney, Nare Avagyan, argued that after The Times published the editors note and a more detailed explanation to readers a month later, her client was shunned by his peers.

Avagyan maintained that Rall wasnt a well-known media figure, so it wasnt necessary for the newspaper to explain its concerns about his blog post.

That is not an issue of public interest, she said, calling Rall a behind-the-scenes cartoonist.

Kalin interjected with a question: Were his cartoons signed?

Yes, she responded. The judge nodded.

During the hearing, Kelli Sager, an attorney for The Times, cited Californias 1992 anti-SLAPP law, designed to protect free-speech rights and prevent frivolous lawsuits. SLAPP stands for strategic lawsuit against public participation.

Sager said the newspaper couldnt be held liable for defamation for reporting on official records  in this case, the police audiotape and documents released by the LAPD. She also argued that Rall had failed to prove The Times published anything false about him.

Rall can appeal Kalins ruling. The judge has yet to rule on other parts of the lawsuit  including allegations of wrongful termination and defamation against The Times current and former corporate owners.

Outside the courtroom, Rall said he hoped his case would catch the attention of the state Legislature, contending that The Times motion was an example of a big company using the SLAPP law against a $300-a-week cartoonist.

Obviously Im disappointed by the decision, Rall said.

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

marisa.gerber@latimes.com

For more news from the Los Angeles County courts, follow me on Twitter: @marisagerber

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Matthew Medinas doctors diagnosed him with a rare blood disease a few months ago and told him he would probably die without a bone marrow transplant.

With that prognosis came another: The 40-year-old Los Angeles police officer had a less than 50% chance of finding a donor because he is not white.

Most successful matches for bone marrow transplants involve a donor and patient of the same ethnicity. But the majority of the 25 million registered donors nationwide are white, and Medina is Filipino. So far, no match has been found.

Youre basically looking for a genetic twin, said Athena Mari Asklipiadis, who runs Mixed Marrow, an L.A.-based organization that is trying to increase diversity in the bone marrow donor registry. Its not like we have more of a chance we would get a disease, or that were harder to match, its just that theres not representation in the national registry.

Its a familiar problem for any nonwhite person who has needed a bone marrow transplant.

A white American of European descent has a 75% chance of finding a perfect match in the national donor registry, compared with a 40% chance for Filipinos. Few Filipinos in the U.S. have signed up as potential donors, and there is no registry in the Philippines.

Researchers are experimenting with ways to perform bone marrow transplants on people who cant find matches. But while those treatments are being perfected, thousands of people are diagnosed every year with leukemia, lymphomas and other blood diseases whose only hope for a cure is a marrow transplant. And for them, it can come down to ethnicity.

Medinas wife, Angelee, has watched dozens of people at sign-up events across Southern California, particularly in the Filipino community, volunteer to donate bone marrow with the hope of curing her husband. Were very thankful for that, she said. Were hoping something comes up.

For now, Medina is being kept alive with transfusions.

All you want is for that loved one to have a chance, said Officer Dante Pagulayan, Medinas partner at the LAPD and a childhood friend. Thats what were praying for.

An unexplained illness

Medina went to the doctor in March because he had a rash. His blood work revealed something far more dangerous.

Medina was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a disease in which the bone marrow stops working. Bone marrow is spongy material inside bones that produces the essential components of blood  white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

Between 600 and 900 Americans are diagnosed with aplastic anemia each year, according to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation. The disease can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals or a virus, but most cases, including Medinas, are unexplained.

One day he wakes up and the doctor tells him he has this. It could happen to anyone, said Pagulayan, who went to high school and Cal State Long Beach with Medina and now works alongside him in the gang unit in the LAPDs Harbor Division.

Blood transfusions can sustain Medina for now, but the only possible cure for aplastic anemia is a transplant, said Dr. Len Farol, a bone marrow transplant specialist at City of Hope National Medical Center and one of Medinas physicians.

Medina is quarantined at his home in Bellflower, where he lives with his wife and two young daughters. But he needs a transplant soon because his immune system is so weakened from his disease that exposure to a common virus could kill him, Farol said.

Officer Dante Pagulayan, who went to high school and college with Matthew Medina, is Medinas partner in the LAPDs Harbor Division. He is a loving father and friend, Pagulayan said. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

How ethnicity affects bone marrow matches

Doctors checked to see if Medinas sister could be a match, but she wasnt  siblings provide a match only about 25% of the time. They started combing through the registry, but trying to find a donor there can be like finding a needle in a haystack, Farol said.

Doctors look to see if the patient and potential donor share eight cell markers called human leukocyte antigens, or HLA. All eight have to match, but thats rare because there are thousands of possibilities for each marker, experts say.

There could be billions of combinations, said Stephen Spellman, director of immunobiology and observational research for the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Within any group, finding a match for HLA is difficult.

Spellman said that people whose ancestors are from the same place tend to have the same markers because they evolved over time in response to different pathogens and diseases that were present in their environment.

According to a 2014 report in the New England Journal of Medicine, a person of white European descent has the highest chance of finding a perfect match  eight out of eight HLA markers  in the national registry of any ethnic group.

What's your chance of finding a perfect match? If you're... African American: 19%

Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or Southeast Asian: 27%

South Asian: 33%

Hispanic South or Central American: 34%

Japanese or Mexican: 37%

Korean or Filipino: 40%

Chinese: 41%

Vietnamese: 42%

Middle Eastern: 46%

Native North American: 52%

White European: 75% Source: HLA Match Likelihoods for Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Grafts in the U.S. Registry, New England Journal of Medicine, 2014

Pagulayan, who is also Filipino, said neither he nor Medina knew ethnicity would affect his chances of being cured. Finding out that less than 1% of people in the registry were Filipino was very disheartening, he said.

There are international registries, but the vast majority of people worldwide whove signed up to donate bone marrow are from the U.S and Europe.

Plus, nonwhite populations in general tend to have more genetic diversity. African Americans, for example, have highly diverse genetics because of mixing with other groups since arriving in the United States, experts say. Filipinos are also very diverse because of the countrys long history of colonization.

Still, experts say that everyone who wants to help Medina should sign up for the registry, regardless of ethnicity.

Matches often break down along ethnic lines, but not always. Sometimes markers in one population also appear in another, or people dont know their lineage.

Maya Chamberlin, who is half Indian and half white, had two bone marrow transplants after she was diagnosed with a rare blood disease called HLH in 2009 when she was 4.

Mayas first donor was half Japanese and half Latino, and her second was half Japanese and half Filipino.

So you never know how this works until you get on the registry, said her mother, Mina Chamberlin, who lived in Torrance when Maya was diagnosed but has since relocated to Cincinnati to be closer to physicians who specialize in her daughters disease. You just never know.

Jacqueline Chilin swabs cells from her cheek that will be tested to determine if she is a match for LAPD Officer Matthew Medina, who needs a bone marrow transplant. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

Becoming a donor: How often do we have that kind of opportunity?

Angelee Medina canceled her familys vacation to Mexico scheduled for this summer. Shed been commuting to a job as a graphic designer 20 miles from home when Matt was diagnosed, but found a closer place to work so she could take care of the kids and be near her husband.

It was very, very overwhelming in the beginning, she said. With all the support were getting from everyone around us, it feels hopeful.

More than 1,000 people have signed up to donate bone marrow over the past few months through dozens of drives for Medina, said Chris Chen, a recruitment coordinator for Little Tokyo-based nonprofit A3M, which focuses on getting more Asians to sign up for the Be the Match registry to donate bone marrow.

Potential donors submit cell samples by having the inside of their cheek swabbed. The cells are then analyzed to determine their HLA markers.

About 70% of transplants employ a process called peripheral blood stem cell donation, which is similar to a blood donation but can take several hours. In the other 30% of cases, donors are admitted to the hospital and anesthetized so doctors can remove marrow from their pelvic bone with a needle.

Ayumi Nagata, recruitment manager for A3M, knows that asking people to volunteer for a medical procedure they dont need themselves can be a hard sell. But she tries to impress upon them how they could be the cure for someones cancer or other disease and save their life.

How often do we have that kind of opportunity? Nagata said.

The Medinas 8-year-old daughter, Cassiah, made a sticker thats distributed at donor drives that says, Keep calm and help our daddy fight! When Angelee picked up Cassiah from day care recently, she found out that her daughter had been asking the other kids parents: Did you get swabbed? Have you gotten swabbed yet?

Doctors are testing ways to perform transplants on patients who cant find a bone marrow match. Some are using umbilical cord blood, donated by mothers whove just given birth, which scientists say has a lower chance of rejection even if its not a complete match.

Haploidentical transplants, in which the donor and patient share only half of the eight markers, have also been successful in clinical trials, Spellman said.

Medinas doctors think his best shot is still a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant, his wife said.

Thats just what were waiting for, she said. I remind him one day soon, hopefully everything will be better.

Mouth swabs are collected at a donor drive for LAPD Officer Matthew Medina, who needs a bone marrow transplant. (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times) (Christian K. Lee / Los Angeles Times)

What to know about joining the bone marrow registry

Doctors prefer donors between 18 and 44, but anyone up to 60 can sign up.

Some medical conditions can make you ineligible to donate. Check them here.

People who sign up for the registry can back out of the donation process at any time, but are encouraged to only sign up if theyre sure they want to donate.

Approximately one out of 430 people who join the registry ends up donating their bone marrow.

You can sign up for the registry online or find a drive near you here.

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A former Mexican legislator who has been linked to notorious cartel leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was charged Thursday in San Diego federal court with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego said Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Lopez was detained about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Otay Mesa Cross Border Xpress, a bridge that connects Tijuanas A.L. Rodriguez International Airport with San Diego.

The complaint says wiretaps from 2013 and 2014 show Sanchez communicating with cartel operatives about laundering drug money and coordinating delivery of drug money proceeds.

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It also said she admitted being Guzmans girlfriend  and even was with him when he famously escaped arrest in 2014 by accessing a tunnel in his home in Sinaloa concealed under a bathtub and then fleeing through the citys sewer tunnels.

Sanchez is a former legislator in the state of Sinaloa, home base for Guzman and his powerful drug trafficking organization.

And while court documents said she was under investigation for her role in the cartel for several years, her lawyer said in an interview Thursday that she was apparently coming to the U.S. to seek asylum after receiving death threats in Mexico.

Sanchez left her two sons behind with family members on Wednesday when she flew to Tijuana with intentions to cross to the United States and investigate the possibility of obtaining protection for all three from the U.S. government, lawyer Francisco Verdugo said.

Neither she nor we had any idea that she was under investigation, in the U.S., Verdugo said. If she had, she wouldnt have gone there.

Sanchez has denied reports she was Guzmans girlfriend. However, in a probable cause affidavit supporting her arrest and attached to the federal criminal complaint, a cartel member who was secretly cooperating with U.S. investigators said he met in Mexico with a woman using the name Tere.

She told the informant she also is known as Maico  another alias that the complaint says Sanchez used.

Sanchez told the informant that she was Guzmans girlfriend, and told the informant of the tunnel escape from the grasp of Mexican officials on Feb. 16, 2014, from the cartel leaders home in Culiacan, Sinaloa.

 Joaquin El Chapo Guzman has complained about psychological torture inflicted on him in prison. Heres a look at his criminal past.

The complaint said that Sanchezs claim of being with Guzman when he fled was confirmed by Homeland Security Investigations agents in Nogales, Ariz., who had intercepted communications corroborating this.

The complaint goes on to say that she told the informant that after escaping the raid she advised Guzman to go to Cosala, Sinaloa, because she worked there as a deputy.

Sanchez, who was known in the Mexican media as the Chapodiputada or The Chapo legislator,  previously represented the Cosala district in the Sinaloa legislature.

At the hearing Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Major, Sanchez sat nervously, her facial muscles twitching. She was wearing a yellow jail jumpsuit and swallowed nervously, bit her lip often, and at one time wiped tears from her eyes.

She was ordered held without bail because she posed a flight risk. But the hearing took an unusual turn as Major went to appoint the Federal Defenders, which represents indigent defendants in federal court, to represent Sanchez.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Mellor objected, noting that the complaint lays out facts that show Sanchez has access to substantial amounts of money and should not get the free services of an appointed lawyer.

Major seemed to agree, noting that a financial affidavit that Sanchez signed attesting she did not have resources to hire her own lawyer, was signed under penalty of perjury. The judge told Sanchez that lying on such a form was a crime.

In the end, the judge ordered Federal Defenders to meet with Sanchez and gather more detailed information on her financial assets in preparation for a hearing on the issue on June 29.

According to the complaint, Sanchez was arrested when she tried to enter the U.S. at the port of entry known as CBX. A Customs and Border Protection officer checked her name in a database and found her visa had been canceled by the State Department.

Additional checks of law enforcement databases revealed she was suspected of being involved in illegal drug trafficking and money laundering activities.

The complaint detailed two separate series of communications  apparently text messages  captured under court-approved wiretaps of Sinaloa cartel members cellphones as part of the investigation of the organization by U.S. authorities.

The first from September 24, 2013, allegedly shows Sanchez  using the code name Piedra  coordinating with a top cartel lieutenant the payment of $500,000 to another cartel drug trafficker. At the time, she was a legislator-elect in Sinaloa, having won election to a three-year term in July. She was not officially sworn in until Dec. 1, 2013.

In a second transaction on Jan. 20, 2014, Sanchez  this time using the code name Maico  communicated with an unidentified Guzman lieutenant to coordinate delivery of $380,000 in laundered Mexican pesos that were the proceeds from drug trafficking.

Then, in September 2014, Mexican federal prosecutors said she used false identification documents to enter the Altiplano penitentiary to visit Guzman. He was there after having been arrested about a week after his escape through the hidden tunnel in his home.

In July 2015, Guzman escaped from the prison using an elaborately constructed tunnel that led from his cell. He was recaptured in January 2016 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Mexican officials said days before his arrest he had spent New Years with Sanchez.

After Guzmans recapture in January 2016, the Mexican Attorney Generals Office investigated Sanchez for using the false documents to visit Guzman in prison in 2014.

Verdugo, Sanchezs Mexican attorney, said his client was in the final stages of her federal trial on the false document usage outside Mexico City at the time of her arrest.

This is not the first time someone close to Guzman has been arrested in San Diego. In September 2012, his daughter, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was arrested for using a bogus visa to try to gain entry to the U.S.

She pleaded guilty just before Christmas and was immediately returned to Mexico.

Guzman was extradited to the U.S. in January and is awaiting trial in New York City under a sweeping indictment charging him with leading a continuing criminal enterprise.

Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com

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UPDATES:

6:45 p.m.: This article was updated with details from the federal court proceedings and reaction from a Mexican attorney for Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Lopez.

4 p.m.: This article was updated with details about the charges filed against Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Lopez.

This article was originally published at 2 p.m.
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) and 22 other Republican Congressmen are seeking a change to a federal policy they say penalizes homeless programs that refuse to stop drug-testing their clients.

This is one of the worst examples of Washingtons we-know-better-than-you mentality and is just the kind of top-down mandates we need to be rid of, Issa said about U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments support of the housing first model over programs such as Solutions for Change in Vista.

Under housing first, homeless people are not required to be sober or in treatment before receiving housing  an approach that advocates say creates the stability needed to overcome long-term problems such as addiction. The model has been widely embraced in San Diego and across the country as an effective tool for getting people off the street and ultimately sober and employed.

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HUDs push to expand it at the expense of other approaches, however, has been controversial.

In a June 13 letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, Issa and other Congressional leaders said nonprofits like Solutions for Change shouldnt be denied federal funding simply because they require sobriety and participation in job programs.

The group says it isnt seeking to end housing first, but wants funding restored to programs that dont follow its one-size-fits-all approach.

Solutions founder and Executive Director Chris Megison said his group will be out $600,000 annually because it wont stop drug testing and other practices that conflict with housing first. He said Solutions was forced to close a 40-bed emergency shelter for homeless families last year because of the funding cut.

Other programs across the nation have been similarly affected.

Opportunity House, the only sober homeless shelter in Northern Californias Solano County, has said it may close after 25 years because HUD is directing money to housing-first programs.

In Alaska, the 25-bed homeless program Homeward Bound closed last year because of the funding change. It had been opened since 1997.

And in Sacramento County, Saint Johns Program for Real Change  which serves homeless families led by single women  walked away from $100,000 a year because it refused to stop demanding accountability from their clients, from employment to drug testing, CEO Michele Steeb said.

The notion that there is one pill for everyone who is homeless to swallow and be cured is ridiculous, Steeb said. We dont want to see it (housing first) end. We just dont want it to be the only pill HUD is handing out.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represents the 1st Congressional District in Northern California, said the housing-first model hurts independent housing programs who operate on a basis of sobriety, work, and education, which should be common sense.

The letter signed by Issa, LaMalfa and other Congress members urged Carson to end HUD funding guidelines that punish programs that prioritize work, education and sobriety.

HUD spokesman Brian Sullivan said Wednesday agency officials will absolutely respond to the members of Congress who signed it, but declined to say what that response might be.

Some leaders in homeless programs in San Diego County said they understand the concerns of groups that are losing funding, but dont see a need for HUD to change its priorities.

I understand where Issa is coming from in advocating for local control, said Rick Gentry, president and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission. But I also understand that federal tax money shouldnt be handed out for people to do with what they want. Part of protecting the taxpayers interest is making sure the funding is well used to fit the homeless needs in San Diego.

Gentry also that different approaches for solving homelessness are necessary, but theres not funding for everything.

The problem is when you get to allocating scarce resources, who should get it? he said. Theres a great transition going on right now in how services get delivered, and some folks dont like the changes.

Father Joes Villages has housing-first programs that use HUD money, but also has sobriety programs funded with other sources.

Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joes Villages, said a broad approach to solving homelessness is needed, especially considering the lack of affordable housing in the county.

He is open to the idea of changing the federal funding priority so more programs are included, but cautious about how the move could affect small nonprofits that shifted to housing-first at HUDs urging.

Thats disruptive, obviously, he said. But I do recognize that there are shifts in approaches to everything, Were robust enough to be able to weather this and make an adjustment. Some organizations may not be able to.

Bob McElroy, president and CEO of the Alpha Project, said a variety of approaches are needed to address homelessness, but also said agencies should be ready for change and have different funding sources.

We dont put all our eggs in one basket because we dont know what the federal flavor of the month will be, he said.

Greg Anglea, executive director of Interfaith Community Services in Escondido, said housing first is effective, but different interventions are needed for different people.

He said he doesnt see HUD funding guidelines as too restrictive, but if changes were to happen, Anglea suggested a broad group work together to avoid agencies facing a back-and-forth direction about what approach they should be taking.

Solutions for Change client Amber Gann, 36, said she once lived in an apartment that followed the housing-first model, but found herself spending time with neighbors who drank. She said the place was sketchy, with graffiti on the walls and deputies raiding a nearby apartment her second night there. She quickly relapsed and, for a second time, lost custody of her kids.

If you hang out at the barbershop long enough, you are going to get your hair cut, Gann said.

Gann, who accompanied Megison on his most recent trip to D.C. to share her story with members of Congress, said accountability like Solutions demands is vital. She has been in the program for 20 months, and has regained custody of her children.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT

760-529-4945
Rosenda Perez-Pelcastre returned home to her four children in National City this week after being held in immigration detention since late May.

Perez was granted a bond by an immigration court judge on Friday and released after paying it. She was given an ankle bracelet to monitor her location while out on bond, according to Mark Lane, a spokesman for the family who works on its legal team. Perezs husband, who was arrested at the same time as Perez, was denied bond and remains in immigration detention.

Perez and her husband, Francisco Duarte-Tineo, are unauthorized immigrants. They were arrested by Border Patrol agents around 7:30 a.m. on May 23. The Border Patrol said agents targeted the couple because of suspected involvement as a stash house for human smuggling, according to a statement released at the time. The family has denied those claims, and no criminal charges have been filed.

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Lane said the legal team is appealing the judges ruling in Duartes bond hearing.

They both have the same exact situation, Lane said. It seems like they both should be in or they both should be out.

He said Duarte is having a tough time staying positive while he waits for the appeal to process. Lane said that could take two to four months.

Hes never had any interaction with the law, so hes never been in a jail cell, Lane said. Hes having a hard time with it. He just doesnt want to be in there.

Duartes family visited him in the detention facility on Fathers Day and talked via the facilitys video visit system.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman confirmed that Perez has been released and that Duarte remains in custody but offered no further comment on the cases. A spokesman for Border Patrol declined to provide any updates on the cases.

Shortly after the parents were arrested, the four Duarte children put together a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $72,000 to support them and pay their parents attorney fees. The children are U.S. citizens.

Many National City residents rallied around the Duartes to demand that the City Council pass a resolution to provide services to all residents, regardless of immigration status, and to support a bill that would make California a sanctuary state, not cooperating with federal immigration officials. The council resolution passed unanimously on Monday.

Some residents in other parts of San Diego County were less sympathetic to the familys situation.

Im tired of the people who have done something wrong expecting the general public of the United States to feel sorry for them, said Peter Nunez, a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, when he heard about the familys case. Nobody made them come here illegally. I think we all understand why people come here illegally, but nonetheless, it was their decision. If they get deported, thats the way it is.

Ernie Griffes of Imperial Beach said, No doubt they are a model family but when a citizen commits a serious crime just because they are not not caught right away and live a model life doesnt excuse the crime, and they are still subject to the legal consequences if they are caught even 20 years later.

The four Duarte children are out of school for the summer. The 12-year-old twin girls graduated from sixth grade last Thursday with multiple academic awards, Lane said.

The two boys, ages 17 and 19, are working to support the family, pushing paleta carts. That was their fathers business before he was arrested.

Francisco Duarte, the 19-year-old who is named after his father, is considering going into politics after seeing people take a stand for his family, Lane said.

Hes realizing that he can actually affect change, Lane said.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter
SARNIA, Ontario, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc. (OTC:LLLI) is introducing new products for the law enforcement and military marketplace, as announced on June 12th, that are unique and unmatched by any other manufacturer. Lamperd has completed its engineering and testing of the Aerial Burst Pepper Spray Grenade and it has passed all the tests with flying colors. Additionally, Lamperd has applied for a required separate application to make bulk shipments into the United States.

The Lamperd Aerial Burst Pepper Spray Grenade weighs only 1.5 ounces and can completely control everyone within a 200 square foot area for up to 20 minutes. These models explode in the air and have no harmful fallout on the target area. The Lamperd Aerial Burst Pepper Spray Grenade is now the best public order and crowd control device available on the market. Lamperd management is not aware of any other product like it anywhere in the world. This product is one-of-a-kind.

About the Company

Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc. (LLLI) is a developer, manufacturer and international sales company for advanced less lethal weapons, ammunition and other security products marketed to police, correctional, military and private security forces. The company sells over 300 different products including small & large caliber projectile guns, flash grenades, pepper spray grenades, 37mm & 40mm launching systems and interlocking riot shields. Lamperd also offers advisory services and hands-on training classes run by highly accredited instructors.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc. Lamperd Less Lethal, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes forward-looking statements. While these statements are made to convey to the public the company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. Whereas management believes such representations to be true and accurate based on information and data available to the company at this time, actual results may differ materially from those described. The company's operations and business prospects are always subject to risk and uncertainties. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ are and will be set forth in the company's periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


A killer was at large after attacking a 65-year-old man on the street in Ocean Beach early Thursday.

Witnesses reported one man stabbing another on Bacon Street, north of Newport Avenue, about 12:30 a.m., San Diego police said.

Officers found the victim lying on the sidewalk in front of Fashion Temptress, across the street from Winstons, a venue for live bands.

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They started CPR and he was taken to a trauma center with trauma to his torso, homicide Lt. Mike Holden said. He did not say how the wounds were inflicted.

The man died at the hospital. His name has not been released.

It appears to be unprovoked, Holden said. Witnesses told investigators that the two men had a brief conversation on the sidewalk, then the victim was attacked.

Holden told reporters the assailant ran south on Bacon, then onto Newport. He was described as white or Latino, wearing a white or gray hooded sweatshirt and baggy blue jeans.
A man was shot several times in the legs while sitting in the driveway of his Lincoln Park home Thursday, San Diego police said.

The shooter was a passenger in a blue car that pulled up to the residence on 49th Street near Solola Avenue about 11:55 a.m., police said. He got out, shot the victim and got back into the car, which sped away, heading east on nearby Reynolds Street.

The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that werent considered life-threatening, police said.

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Witnesses described the assailant as black, in his early 20s, about 6 feet tall with a large afro. He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie. The car was a sedan  possibly a Honda or Toyota.

Gang detectives were not initially called to investigate the incident.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
The San Diego Police Departments trouble in hiring and keeping officers has been documented and reported for years.

Their pay is the lowest among the countys nine cities and the Sheriffs Department. But are their hiring policies on tattoos and past marijuana use too strict? Are they causing too many applicants to be disqualified?

With recreational marijuana use now legal in California, police departments may need to think of adapting with the times. And tattoos now are common on the limbs and torsos of millennials, the current generation of police recruits. Many police agencies have long banned visible tattoos on their officers, or ordered them covered.

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San Diego has a rule that officer applicants cannot have used marijuana within three years. Every applicant has to fill out a personal history statement that includes the date any kind of drug was first and last used.

One Yes or No question reads, Have you ever used, attempted to use, thought you were using, smoked, inhaled or experimented in any fashion with marijuana.

SDPD spokesman Lt. Scott Wahl said that, while the department follows state police officer standards on drug use, recruiters also look at the totality of the applicant, what decisions they are making, what type of life they are living. If a person uses marijuana when it is illegal, that is different from using it when it has become legal.

By comparison, La Mesa bars marijuana use within two years of an application. Oceanside looks at the marijuana issue case-by-case. Among cities with a police force close to the size of San Diegos, Austin, Texas, Columbus, Ohio and Seattle set a one-year limit on recent marijuana use.

Police leaders say with pot legal in more states, it is important for them to warn young people that its recent use may ruin their chances of becoming a peace officer  at least until more time passes.

Chula Vista police Capt. Vern Sallee says his agency is still evaluating the effect legal recreational pot use may have on hiring policies. Now, applicants cant have used marijuana within three years.

Right now, our pool of candidates is sufficient. We dont see a need to change, Sallee said.

Regarding tattoos: San Diego and La Mesa dont allow them on an officers neck or face. Just 30 percent of any exposed skin, such as an arm, can be tattooed, and then the images or words cant be offensive or detract from a professional image. La Mesa police Capt. Matt Nicholass noted that theyve hired a few officers recently who had more extensive tattoos, and they have to cover them with either a long-sleeved uniform shirt or a slip-on, skin-colored sleeve.

Chula Vista has the same cover-up standards.

We have a few officers walking around in long-sleeved shirts on a nice summer day like today, Sallee said.
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.

It oversees 4 million acres of land beneath California waters: the states entire Pacific coast and its lakes, rivers and inlets, along with the harbors of San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco.

Shipping, fishing, oil and gas wells, waterfront real estate development  it all falls under the State Lands Commission.

State Treasurer John Chiang, campaigning for governor near the Golden Gate Bridge on June 7, has promoted his environmental record during his eight years on the State Lands Commission as state controller. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

By law, the commission is composed of two elected officials  the state controller and lieutenant governor  and the state finance director.

What does the commission do?

It oversees the land beneath the public waterways that California acquired when it became a state in 1850, including the ocean, up to three miles from shore.

The commission manages these sovereign lands as a public trust for the benefit of all Californians. Fishing, boating, commerce, recreation and ecological preservation are the main legal uses.

In places where landfill has extended the shoreline since 1850, such as San Franciscos Embarcadero, the State Lands Commission maintains control over the added land.

Why was it created?

In the 1930s, state Finance Department officials were accused of taking bribes in return for coastal oil leases.

That and other irregularities led California lawmakers to create the State Lands Commission in 1938.

The necessity of an independent commission that makes its decisions in public was made apparent by the behavior of these individuals, the commission says on its website.

Does it make its decisions in public now?

Not always. In a closed meeting in 2014, the commission voted to sue San Francisco to overturn a city ballot measure that restricted the height of waterfront buildings.

Once the suit was made public, the commissioners refused to say which of the three voted to authorize it, citing attorney-client privilege.

Its confidential information, because it was a vote taken in closed session, said Jennifer Lucchesi, the commissions executive officer.

The commissioners also do not disclose their private meetings with paid lobbyists who try to influence their votes.

On May 8, for instance, Newsom, the lieutenant governor, and Betty Yee, Chiangs successor as state controller, met separately with Barbara Boxer , who was representing Poseidon Water LLC, a water treatment company.

Boxer, a former U.S. senator, urged them to approve Poseidons plan to build a seawater desalination plant in Huntington Beach, a project that some environmentalists oppose.

Newsom and Yee, who are likely to vote on the project at the State Lands Commissions Aug. 17 meeting, disclosed their conversations with Boxer only in response to questions from The Times. Neither has met privately with opponents of the plant.

Sunrise on the Gaviota Coast north of Santa Barbara on Feb. 10, 2016. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

How does the State Lands Commission differ from the Coastal Commission?

Unlike the Coastal Commission, the State Lands Commission is in effect a giant landlord, issuing leases and contracts for use of its vast properties, from kayak piers on Lake Tahoe to oil tanker terminals in San Francisco Bay.

Its leases now generate about $100 million in state revenue each year, much of it from the leasing of oil and gas drilling rights. The State Lands Commission employs 202 people.

The two commissions do have overlapping regulatory powers  both will vote on the Huntington Beach desalination plant  but the Coastal Commission controls development on a much wider expanse of land, in some places stretching as far as five miles inland.

Are Chiang and Newsom the first to see political opportunity in the commission?

Not at all. Many lieutenant governors and state controllers aspire to higher office, and the State Lands Commission can spawn good publicity for the savvy ones.

Gray Davis, who served on the commission for 12 years before his 1998 election as governor, was among the most aggressive.

Our message to the oil companies is very simple: We arent going away, he declared in 1991, when four companies agreed to pay $220 million to settle a suit that accused them of conspiring to fix the price of oil pumped in Long Beach.

As California has turned increasingly Democratic in recent decades, the State Lands Commission has become a prime vehicle for candidates to take on Big Oil.

Offshore drilling in California is a no-no, and to be in a position of opposing it is a big deal, said U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove), a former lieutenant governor. In 2010, Garamendi joined Chiang in blocking then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger from allowing new oil wells off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Newsom faces backlash over San Francisco waterfront 

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a candidate for governor, has used his leadership of the State Lands Commission to promote his opposition to offshore oil drilling. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)

Most recently, Newsom vowed to use his chairmanship of the commission to block President Trump from expanding oil and gas drilling in federal waters beyond the states three-mile boundary.

Californias door is closed to President Trumps Pacific oil and gas drilling, Newsom said.

So is it always a source of good PR for the commissioners?

No. The commissions lawsuit against San Francisco has drawn fierce criticism of Newsom from the Sierra Club and Art Agnos, one of his predecessors as the citys mayor.

The suit seeks to nullify Proposition B, passed with the support of 59% of San Francisco voters in 2014. It requires voter approval for any waterfront project that exceeds the citys height limit.

The State Lands Commission says state law prohibits voters from having a direct say on the use of public waterfront, putting Newsom in the awkward spot of trying to thwart the will of the people of the city he once governed.

The lawsuit is the first item up for discussion in the closed portion of the commissions public meeting Thursday in Los Angeles. A final court ruling in the case could come as soon as next week.

michael.finnegan@latimes.com

@finneganLAT

ALSO

Billionaire Tom Steyer at a crossroad: Run for California governor or go after Trump?

The race to become Californias next governor is already awash in cash

Updates on California politics
A former teacher at the San Diego Junior Theatre will have to register as a sex offender and spend three years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, authorities said Wednesday.

Eric von Metzke, 35, was sentenced Tuesday at San Diego County Superior Court, roughly a month after he confessed to two counts of sex with a female under the age of 18, said Tanya Sierra, a spokeswoman for the San Diego County District Attorneys Office. She said prosecutors dropped a third charge of unlawful genital and anal penetration in light of von Metzkes guilty plea.

The crimes took place between Oct. 1 and Nov. 3 of last year, according to a complaint filed with the office in April. The 3-page charging document offers no further information on where the crime was committed or the identity of the victim. Sierra said those details did not come out in the court record.

A spokeswoman for the nonprofit Junior Theatre, billed as the oldest continuing childrens theater program in the country, said von Metzke hadnt taught there for at least six months. Carla Corder said his departure was amicable and declined further comment on his tenure at the theater or his arrest.

A biography posted on the theaters website lists von Metzke as an alumnus of the program. It says he was first hired as a teaching artist in 2014 and directed at least two productions  Disneys Alice in Wonderland and The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark  before leaving the theater.

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It goes on to note the San Diego State University graduates professional acting roles at such venues as Starlight, San Diego Musical Theatre and SeaWorld.

Matt Valenti, an attorney with a daughter who performed under von Metzkes direction in 2015, said von Metzke worked at the theater through January of this year, when he recalled a lawyer had paid a visit to the theaters administration.

We got to know him because my daughter was in his show, Valenti added. We thought he was a great guy and now, obviously, were pretty shocked.

A Monday message posted to von Metzkes Facebook page hinted at Tuesdays sentencing:

I am sorry for the vague post but am unable to provide any details here, the message said. Tomorrow June 20th, my Facebook account will no longer exist nor will my number, email, etc. Those of you who know me best, know whats going on. It will put my mind at ease if you all check in with my family from time to time. I truly love you all. Thank you and Ill see you when I can.

Domenic Lombardo, von Metzkes attorney, declined to comment.
A motorcyclist who kicked a car on a Los Angeles County freeway Wednesday morning caused a terrifying chain-reaction crash that left a truck overturned and a driver hospitalized.

The California Highway Patrol called the incident, which was reported at 5:50 a.m. on south state Route 14 in the Santa Clarita Valley, a case of road rage and they are looking for the rider, according to NBS Los Angeles.

The freeway-speed collision was recorded on the dash cam of another vehicle that was traveling several car lengths behind.

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The tape starts with the kick. The rider can be seen in the HOV lane reaching his right leg out and hitting the side of a small sedan that is in the same lane. The small car then swerves out of control to the right before taking a sharp turn back the other way where it slams into the center divider in a shower of sparks.

The car then wildly turns back to the right, crosses lanes and broadsides a white pickup truck which is knocked over on its side. The car continues to spin out until it ends up on the other side of the roadway with its engine smoking.

The motorcyclist, who managed to stay on the bike and kept going, was able to avoid the collision and the ensuing debris.

The CHP is looking for the rider who could face charges of hit-and-run.

Obviously it was a road-rage incident. He was seen kicking the vehicle, CHP Officer Josh Greengard told KNBC-TV. We got to get a statement from him and see whats going on.

Officials said the driver of the truck suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to the Los Angeles Times. No one else was hurt in the crash.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos touched off a ton of media speculation last week with his companys surprise announcement it would buy Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. It was just the latest big publicity splash for Bezos, following on his introduction of the Alexa home assistant, his purchase of The Washington Post and his schemes to build a colony on the moon and heavy industries in space.

So what does it mean? There is little consensus on the implications of the worlds premiere online retailer  which began modestly as an online book seller in 1994  buying Americas highest-profile purveyor of status-signifying luxury food.

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Some reporting focused nearly as much on the opportunities Amazon would enjoy because of the supermarket chains real estate as its niche position in a crowded industry. This is from USA Today:

In buying Whole Foods, Amazon suddenly comes into more than 450 physical stores in prime retail locations among upscale buyers, giving it tremendous options in terms of building out in a market its been eyeing for years.

The $750 billion grocery market is somewhere Amazon needs to be, both because it represents a tremendous growth opportunity and because its so high-touch. The average American family visits the grocery store twice a week, making supermarkets prime selling territory.

Some analysts quickly and confidently predicted that Amazon would slash Whole Foods often-high prices. But writing in The New York Times, tech columnist Farhad Manjoo disputed the idea that anyone could predict what Bezos would do with his new toy. Thats because ....

... he doesnt spend a lot of time predicting future possibilities. He is instead consumed with improving the present reality on the ground, especially as seen through a customers eyes. The other thing to know about Mr. Bezos is that he is a committed experimentalist. His main way of deciding what Amazon should do next is to try stuff out, see what works, and do more of that.

So the best way to think of this deal is to look at Whole Foods as a kind of guinea pig for Amazon  a pricey, organically sourced one, perhaps, but a guinea pig all the same.

As Manjoo notes, Bezos commitment to spend years meticulously analyzing and tinkering with how Whole Foods works to maximize its potential is characteristic of how Amazon operates across the board. Bezos devotion to giving customers what they want  combined with his boundless ambition  suggests that his most potentially planet-changing initiative isnt his bold ideas about space exploration but something downright mundane. Its employing the 19th-century maxim  build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door. Except Amazon could do so with potentially hundreds of thousands of consumer products, not just one product  and with a sales operation that already has a path to consumers doors.

Amazon sits on a staggering amount of marketing information about the millions of products it sells that are made by other companies. With customer reviews and insider knowledge of which products in certain categories sell better than others, Amazon can figure out what customers most want and at what price points. Then the company can make or hire a contractor to make a comparable version of the product thats as good or better but costs less  sometimes far less  keeping with Bezos long practice of not seeking profit, just ever-increasing market share. Beginning in 2009, such copycat retailing has become a priority for Amazon  with some huge successes.

Last month, Mary Meeker, a partner in the legendary Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, gave her annual update on internet trends at a resort in Rancho Palos Verde. (Her VC firm has particular insight into Amazon, having made 55,000 percent in just four years on its 1995 investment of $8 million in the company.) The Recode website summarized Meekers presentation about the potential for Amazon to launch a massive line of in-house brands, given its track record over the past eight years.

In batteries ... the AmazonBasics brand has become the most popular online, accounting for an estimated third of all digital sales in batteries as of last summer.

In the baby wipe category, the Amazon Elements brand, which is two-and-a-half years old, holds an estimated 15 percent-plus of online market share  behind only Huggies and Pampers.

Meeker said Amazon is pursuing selling affordable alternatives to big-name brands at just the right time  when potential customers are increasingly comfortable with well-made in-house brands. That bodes well for AmazonBasics. Its home page shows it sells more than 1,400 products, and in browsing through hundreds of listings, I saw only one item that got less than a four-star rating. For a company starting from scratch in crafting products in new area after new area, thats an exceptionally high success rate.

And as well as AmazonBasics and related Amazon initiatives have done, a USA Today analysis last year suggests the company has a clear path to grabbing market share in a much wider array of consumer goods than batteries, diapers and basic electronic goods like phone chargers and cords. USA Today wrote ...

The generation that has grown up with the Internet has shown more loyalty to distributors  say flight-and hotel-aggregator Kayak.com or delivery services Uber Eats  than the end brand that provides the good or service, says Phil Lempert, a Los Angeles-based consumer analyst ... .

In the case of an Amazon-branded coffee or detergent, Amazon already owns the customers loyalty and trust, which means its own name carries weight, Lempert says. The private label means the item is likely to be cheaper, a draw for Americas largest living generation, who are now in their 20s and early 30s.

Millennials care about quality and price and taste; theyre brand agnostic. Its a sweet spot for Amazon, he said. ...

The product expansion can help Amazon continue to be the go-to choice for the connected generation, as well as reshape consumer perception about where they can go to get the things they need every day, according to Market Track, a Chicago-based market analysis firm ... .

So Jeff Bezos has set up the worlds most successful online retailer, by far. Hes built enormous consumer loyalty. He started Amazon Prime, where for an annual fee subscribers get free shipping, free movies and TV and more  what he calls an all-you-can-eat, physical-digital hybrid that members love.

And younger people are going to grow up to become the planets heaviest spending consumers while being brand agnostic and eager to tell their Alexas to get two-day deliveries of inexpensive Amazon products of reasonable quality and remarkable variety  regardless of what their parents bought when they were growing up or the product ads they see on their phones, tablets, monitors or TVs.

No wonder media-digital tycoon Barry Diller said last year on Bloomberg TV that Bezos will be the richest person in the world before long. Considering Bezos reached third on the list last month with $73 billion in assets, that doesnt seem nearly grand enough.

This does: Bezos is going to be the worlds first trillionaire.

Reed, deputy editor of the editorial and opinion section, has coat hangers bought from Amazon but no shares of Amazon stock, alas. Email: chris.reed@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @chrisreed99

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

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ATHENS, Greece, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX) (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Phaethon International Company AG, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Clio. The gross charter rate is US$8,550 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum thirteen (13) months to maximum sixteen (16) months. The charter is expected to commence on July 3, 2017.



The Clio is a 73,691 dwt Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2005.

This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$3.33 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charter.

Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 51 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 23 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.9 million dwt with a weighted average age of 7.89 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes.

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, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending 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 managements 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 the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires 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.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers proposal to address the housing crisis embraces a wide range of smart ideas. It would provide regulatory relief to speed up construction, give developers incentives to build homes within reach of middle-class families, make it easier to add granny flats to existing housing and allow owners of some small businesses to live at their workplaces. While the plan does include conventional affordable housing policies that only help relatively few families, the mayor grasps a fact many state Democrats dont: The housing crisis can only truly be overcome by adding housing stock.

That Democratic Councilman Chris Ward appeared alongside Republicans Faulconer and Councilman Scott Sherman at the Wednesday event where the Housing SD proposal was unveiled suggests that the mayor has a good chance of winning council approval for his reforms, some of which have already advanced. Given the mayors frosty relationship with council Democrats, this is significant. Given how the citys high housing costs drive local poverty, all the reforms should be approved.

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One disappointment is the lack of a Boston-style approach to innovative housing. That city is exploring modular, inexpensive housing pods to increase stock. A Faulconer aide said such options werent considered this time  but may be looked at down the road. Good. That would be even smarter.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Georgians didnt fall for the liberal agenda

Regarding Republican wins Georgia election (June 21): The political insanity that infects California apparently cant be exported to Georgia. Despite the best efforts of California fat cats, southern sanity was maintained.

Make America great again is still working.

Audie Price

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Oceanside

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.

Democrats care about who won, not who lost

I am weary of the accusations by many readers/letters that Democrats are nothing but sore losers.

Comments such as They lost the election get over it and move on. Its inexplicable to me that Donald Trump supporters cannot or will not see that Democrats and Republicans alike lost so much more than an election.

Our nation and the world lost hope, dignity, equality, honesty, diplomacy, and respect for the highest office in the land. It matters not at this point that Democrats failed to put Hillary Clinton in office. What does matter is the loser that unfortunately resides there.

L. Marlene Evans

San Marcos

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Regarding Puppy wars (June 18): If one hasnt seen photos of these puppy mills and the conditions in which these dogs live, I suggest people Google puppy mills.

There are many reviews on Yelp of some of these stores in San Diego, complaining about dogs that have been bought there that have turned out to be very ill and even died. If someone is looking for a specific breed of dog, there are rescue groups that have them. There are puppies available for adoption as well through rescue groups.

Though many people may have their hearts set on a puppy, they are a lot of work, which should be taken into consideration. No puppy is worth the thousands of dollars these stores charge. Adopt dont shop.

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Melanie Ross

San Diego

Regarding Shelter pets bill is the wrong answer (June 15): As the purchaser of a Bichon Frise from a pet store supplied by a puppy mill and one from a highly reputable breeder in Solana Beach, I can attest to the extreme difference in how puppies are bred.

Rescue first (what we have subsequently done) or seek an established breeder. Muffin did not deserve the inbred issues she suffered.

Puppy mill puppies are rife with problems. Do not support this practically criminal practice.

Gayle Wise

University City

I found Mike Bobers opinion piece to be misleading. Responsible breeders dont sell their dogs to pet stores. Puppy mill retailers are ignorant about the history and nature of the animals they sell yet tell consumers that the animals come from reputable breeders, good environments, and humane conditions.

The public is being scammed into paying outrageous prices for inferior bred and unhealthy animals. A warranty is usually a replacement for a dead dog with another puppy mill dog. AB 485 will not affect reputable, local breeders. Retailers can continue doing business by selling adoptable dogs and merchandise.

Puppy mills are breeding livestock. Laws to protect these animals are minimal, at best. Lets protect our animals and stop the horror of commercial breeders who only care about making money and dont care who gets hurt in the process.

Ronnie Steinau

Encinitas

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Dont be mistaken by the name of one of Rancho Bernardos newest restaurants. Theres a lot more on the menu at IHOP than just pancakes.

The restaurant, which opened at the end of last year, is at 16759 Bernardo Center Drive in The Plaza.

The Rancho Bernardo location is the most recent IHOP opened by its owners Michael Szawielenko and Robert Rosenberg, who own a total of 33 IHOPs in California, including 23 in San Diego.

The restaurant includes the newest in IHOPs decor and architecture, including an outdoor patio eating area and a separate room than can be rented out for events and parties.

The Rancho Bernardo location is also part of a pilot program IHOP is testing out to allow online ordering. Want pancakes but dont have time to eat in the restaurant? Customers can now visit the Rancho Bernardo locations page on the IHOP website and order and pay for their food online, then pick it up and take it to go. To take advantage of this, visit ihop.com and search Rancho Bernardo.

Jack Flores, the operations, training and special events manager for this franchise of IHOP restaurants, said the Rancho Bernardo location, as well as all IHOP restaurants, focus on service excellence, which are standards that all locations and their employees must follow. There must be consistency, said Flores, who has worked for IHOP for 25 years. Every customer needs to have the same excellent experience.

IHOP is also dedicated to being involved with the community, Flores said. Every year, the restaurant chain supports Rady Childrens Hospital with International Pancake Day. That is very important to us, Flores said.

Flores said that for the Rancho Bernardo location, the breakfast sampler, which includes bacon, sausage, ham, eggs, hash browns and pancakes, is the most popular item on the menu.

Another big seller is the current limited edition offer, which is fresh strawberries or blueberries on brioche French toast or crepes. We do a new limited edition offer menu item every two months, which keeps things fresh and interesting, said Flores. (This one) has been a great seller. It tastes delicious and people like the idea of fresh fruit. It appeals greatly to our customers and its going over extremely well.

Flores said further expansion of the franchise is likely in the future, though no locations have been identified yet.

Rancho Bernardo IHOP is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Business

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
Moonlight Stage Productions 37th season has opened with Aida, a strong  but somber  musical based on an 1871 Giuseppe Verdi opera of the same name.

Elton John and Tim Rices modern rock opera is a tragic, star-crossed love story that is compelling due to the three leads who are all Moonlight veterans  Daebreon Poiema in the title role, Richard Bermudez as Radames and Bets Malone as Amneris.

The first three songs set the theme of the evening, with each of the leads strong voices giving just a hint at the equally strong performances in store. The chemistry between Poiema and Bermudez is particularly convincing and their beautiful voices bring their characters emotional attachment to greater heights.

The 25 actors and 14 musicians, led by director and choreographer John Vaughan and musical director/conductor Lyndon Pugeda, respectively, do a good job in the musical playing through July 1 in Vistas outdoor Moonlight Amphitheatre.

For the artistry, quality of performances and compelling nature of the show it is worth seeing. However, due to the complex and somber storyline plus thematic elements it is best-suited for mature audiences. Young viewers would likely get bored quickly, so a better show for them would be Moonlights next musical  Disneys The Little Mermaid (playing July 19 to Aug. 5).

Aida premiered on Broadway in 2000 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. Its 17 songs (plus several reprises) feature a mix of musical styles, ranging from pop to modern reggae, Motown to gospel and African. The most memorable is Written in the Stars  a heartbreaking duet in Act II between Aida and Radames that is just one example of the chemistry between the two actors playing the roles.

With the exception of its brief, present-day opening and closing scenes, the musical is set thousands of years ago in Egypt, where Radames, an Egyptian military captain, meets Aida, whom his soldiers just captured along with several other young women from the nearby country of Nubia. Unbeknownst to Radames, Aida is the princess of Nubia, which partially explains her confidence in standing up to him in an unsuccessful attempt to gain the womens freedom during their capture.

Though she is forced into slavery, Aidas bravery sparks Radames interest in her. As the days progress their feelings grow into love, which they initially try to deny  Aida because she is a slave and Radames because he is betrothed to Amneris, the Pharaohs daughter. The impending marriage means Radames will be the Pharaohs successor, something Radames father, Zoser (Bill Ledesma), has been making sure happens sooner rather than later by slowly poisoning the Pharaoh (Greg Nicholas), who is now near death.

While Amneris loves Radames, he does not feel the same. He has been reluctant to marry his childhood friend  their nine-year engagement is justified to her by his repeatedly going on military operations  and now his romantic feelings for Aida complicate the situation, creating a lovers triangle of which Amneris eventually becomes aware. Before the truth comes known to everyone, all three must individually decide if they will follow their hearts or do what is best for their countries, knowing the lives of many hang in the balance.

Aida can be seen at 8 p.m. through July 1 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. Gates open for picnicking at 6:30 p.m. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought into the venue. Food and beverages (including alcohol) may also be purchased on site.

Tickets are $23 to $55 for reserved seating and $17 to $22 for lawn seating (lawn chairs are provided). Discounts are available for children, seniors and military. Purchase at moonlightstage.com or 760-724-2110.

Parking and shuttle service are free. It is advisable to bring a jacket or blanket due to potentially chilly nights at the outdoor venue.

San Diego Theater  On Now Video: Bruce Springsteen's solo trip to Broadway On Now Video: Inside the rehearsal room of SDMT's Damn Yankees! 2:22 On Now Video: La Jolla Playhouse-bred shows earn key Tony nominations 3:05 On Now Video: Broadway moment has arrived for La Jolla Playhouse's 'Come From Away 0:33 On Now Video: Lamb's Players Presents "An American Christmas" 2016 1:21 On Now Old Globe's 'Grinch' ready to rumble again 0:52 On Now Little Miss Sunshine at La Jolla Playhouse On Now Working the Magic On Now San Diego Repertory Theatre presents "Federal Jazz Project" On Now An American Christmas

email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
Members of the City Council on Tuesday night gave glowing preliminary support to what could become a precedent-setting mixed-use development proposal along Poway Road.

Theres still a long approval road ahead for the developers, but the council provided mostly positive feedback during a non-voting workshop session on the idea of building two three-story structures and one two-story structure on 1.58 acres containing the former Poway News Chieftain and Poway Irrigation buildings.

Poway Property LP wants to build 40,000 square feet of commercial space with 53 residential units and two levels of underground parking. The development has been labeled The Trading Post. The limited partnership includes Marco DeDominicis of Poway and Trent Claughton of Alberta, Canada.

Building 1 would be a 30-foot-tall, two-story structure. There would be a 12,000-square-foot food hall on the first floor, 6,000 square feet of office-commercial space and a 6,000-square-foot patio on the second floor. Urge Gastropub has been identified as being interested in the food space.

Building 2 would be a three-story, 30-foot-tall residential building with four, three-bedroom live-work units and two, three-bedroom townhomes.

Building 3 would be a three-story, 40-foot-tall structure with a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, 33 two-bedroom apartments, 10 one-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom townhomes. The developers said they are working with Crunch Fitness on the gym space.

Building heights facing Poway Road would not exceed 36 feet, exceeding current city standards by one foot.

Parking for 348 vehicles would be provided, including 332 below ground and 16 at ground level. The underground garage would take up the entire project site. The proposed revised specific plan standards would require 292 spaces for a project of this scope, according to Joe Lim, the citys planning director.

While mixed uses are allowed under city codes, the proposal at 33.5 units per acre, exceeds the current 20-units-per-acre density levels but would be below the anticipated levels of between 30 and 40 units proposed to be incorporated into the revised Poway Road Specific Plan, Lim said. The same applies to building heights. The council will discuss changes to the specific plan at an Aug. 2 workshop.

Everything about this project sizzles, Mayor Steve Vaus remarked. I cant wait to see it take the next step.

This could be the springboard to everything along Poway Road that weve talked about, Councilman John Mullin agreed.

Councilman Barry Leonard also praised the conceptual plans, saying he liked that the wide pedestrian area between the buildings, called paseos, would draw neighbors to the new Poway Road businesses.

To Powegians who might think the project is out of character with how Poway Road looks now, Leonard said, Folks in Poway dont like change, but folks in Poway dont like driving by blight.

Councilman Dave Grosch said the project looks good on paper, but urged the developers to make sure this first attempt to upgrade the citys main thoroughfare is a home run.

Youre the guiding light. You set the tone, Grosch told them.

Councilmembers did tell the applicants they will be paying attention to make sure the project has enough on-site parking so not to create problems around the neighborhood and on the impact the new retail uses and homes would have on Poway Road traffic.

Several residents spoke during the workshop, all in support of the Trading Post concept.

Diane Foote, a member of a city panel that has been working on changes to the Poway Road Specific Plan, noted the development adds badly needed housing choices, including entry-level home ownership with the townhomes and market-rate apartment rentals. She noted there is a pressing need, in a city where 28 percent of the population is over 55 years in age, for places where homeowners can downsize and still live in the city.

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
Those of all ages are being encouraged by local libraries to be Reading by Design this summer.

The free annual summer reading programs  where everyone from infants to seniors can earn prizes  has returned to the San Diego Public Library and San Diego County Library systems.

This years theme focuses on inventors, builders, artists and writers who make the world a more engaging and creative place, according to SDPL officials. Several of the free events offered by local libraries often revolve around the summer reading programs theme. For a list of events for all ages, go to sandiego.gov/public-library (city branches) or sdcl.org (county branches).

The City of San Diegos program, available at its various SDPL branches including Rancho Bernardo, will start awarding prizes Thursday and conclude on Aug. 15. It is offering incentives to everyone for reading  or in the case of pre-readers, being read to by someone.

Babies and toddlers (ages 0 to 2 years), preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) and school age children (ages 6 to 11) can claim prizes after reading (or listening to) 10 books. Teens (ages 12-plus) and adults will be rewarded after reading for 10 hours. All age levels are to record their progress on reading logs available at sandiego.readingbydesign.org or their local city branch library.

Prizes vary at each age level. For youths they include meal vouchers to local restaurants; zoo and museum passes; bookmarks and water bottles. Adult prizes vary by branch. Announced prizes are given while supplies last and each branch reserved the right to substitute the prizes as needed.

According to city officials, last year there were 44,039 patrons who participated, with children under 12 years reading 306,673 books and those over age 12 logging 86,075 reading hours.

At the San Diego County Library branches  including 4S Ranch and Poway  the program runs through Aug. 31. Readers of all ages  divided among three divisions of children, teens and adults  may select their goal: reading 10 books or for 10 hours.

Upon achieving their goal, the reading logs are to be submitted and prizes awarded. The prizes are available now and include the participants choice of Play-Doh and cutter, a pencil pouch and keychain, neon cube or tote bag. While supplies last there will also be coupons to select restaurants, museums and theme parks.

The county system is also holding a summer reading social media contest. Entrants need to design the word READ in any way they like, including building blocks, books, pictures, 3-D printing, pixel post-its, cross stitch and drawing. They are then to follow SDCL on Instagram or Twitter (@sdcountylibrary) or Facebook (@ San Diego County Library) and on one of these platforms post a photo of their design plus tag it with #sdclsrc2017.

The weekly prize is a $10 Amazon gift card, with the grand prize being a $25 Amazon gift card. The contest concludes on Aug. 31. For complete contest rules, go to tinyurl.com/sdcl-read.

The county system is also offering youth groups the opportunity to participate if they start a summer reading club. It is for groups who cannot get into a library on a regular basis, but want to encourage kids and teens to read, according to its website. Examples of such groups include YWCA, summer and regular school, before/after school care summer programs, Boy and Girl Scout troops, tutoring teams and home schoolers. For details, go to tinyurl.com/sdcl-groups17.

email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
Disputes Roost, Elias

This is in response to the June 8 columns by Amy Roost and Thomas Elias.

Roost claims that our president has normalized hateful speech and behavior. Did she miss the leftist thugs rioting in the streets of Washington, D.C. and Berkeley? What about all the deranged late-night comedians and their horrific images? Did she shut her ears to the profoundly disturbing rants at the Womens March?

But, most importantly, Roost blames President Trump for fomenting Islamophobia. Actually, the fact is that if people hate Muslims, its because Muslims are driving trucks over civilians in the streets of world capitals, not because of something President Trump did or said.

Even less believable is Elias lickspittle tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, trying to make us believe that Feinstein is in fine shape at the age of 84. He mentions that a few other Democrats might try to unseat her in 2018. He doesnt mention candidates from other parties, since he assumes that none will be on the ballot. We, the voters, will be allowed to pick whichever Democrat we want for senator. Odd that we can see so clearly the hypocrisy of one-party elections in totalitarian regimes around the world and not see the same charade being played out here in California.

Joe Fiore

Rancho Bernardo

Gas pipeline questions

Thank you for the recentl front-page placement a story on the proposed SDG&E pipeline.

As stated, the comment period to the California Public Utilities Commission ended June 12, but that is not your last chance to voice your concerns. The CPUC is preparing the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and upon completion (summer 2018) it will be available for public review during a 45-day comment period.

Also, you may contact SDG&E about the project and ask some specific questions. For example, why will the gas pipeline be increased from 16 inches to 36 inches when the use of natural gas in San Diego County is decreasing? Moreover, upcoming changes in building and equipment codes will accelerate the reduction of natural gas consumption. (Natural gas use is increasing just across the border in Mexico and in Asia.) Did you know that ratepayers (you and me) pay for infrastructure improvements for SDG&E? That is appropriate when the improvement benefits us, but ratepayers should not shoulder the cost and risk if the gas is exported outside the county.

Another question is why the focus is on installing a new line instead of repairing the old line. There are technologies available that effectively repair pipes in place.

Last, why use the route that will impact people, businesses, schools, health care facilities, a hospital and is the evacuation route in case of fire or earthquake?

Pomerado Road should be taken off the table as a consideration. For more information, see tinyurl.com/y7flefnx.

Linda Giannelli Pratt

Rancho Bernardo

Free speech no longer free

I do not always agree with columnist Dick Lyles, but he hit a home run last week. The vicious hate demonstrated by the left, almost daily, is becoming very difficult to tolerate. College campuses are a great example, as students set fires and threaten structures, all in the name of demonstration.

Free speech is not free anymore. If one does not agree with a leftist point of view, one is to be shouted down, not listened to with a view towards understanding. We need look no farther than to our so-called town meetings, where attendees have only the goal of silencing the elected representative. Opposing everything is no solution to anything. Democrats, please take notice!

Ernest Price

Rancho Bernardo

Lyles gets a D+

Dick Lyles has a right to his opinion. However, would you be kind enough to limit his column to half the space and allow another writer to offer another viewpoint?

Mr. Lyles statements are not supported with concrete detail and he ignores other viewpoints. His writing does not help us to grow as a community. Each time I read his column I wonder - as a good writer/reader should - what is the purpose? Who is the audience? Is his RB/Poway audience made up of only ultraconservatives?

If his purpose is to be divisive and derisive, then Mr. Lyles has met his goals. Truly, it is like listening to my cranky grandfather go on a printed rant. This is not balanced journalism, nor good writing. I give Mr. Lyles a D+.

Holly Lecakes-Jones

Rancho Bernardo

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP)  Assault rifles at the ready, police in a speedboat scan the coastline as they slice through the slate-gray water, aware that the rocky shorelines and fishing villages that line parts of southern Jamaica are not always very sleepy these days.

Seizures of South American cocaine in Jamaica have doubled since last year, and that has prompted island authorities to step up their game, dispatching more patrols to locations that havent seen such sustained law enforcement activity in years.

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All these areas are constantly monitored for illegal contraband. We keep our ears close to the ground, said Det. Cpl. Orville Welsh, the lead officer in the patrol boat, after his team searched a fishermans canoe and a village of wooden shacks for drugs and guns.

Its not just Jamaica thats on alert. The central Caribbean as a whole seems to be coming back into favor with transnational drug cartels, with authorities reporting sharp increases in cocaine seizures and scrambling resources to contain the apparent surge.

Long a smugglers paradise, the Caribbean was eclipsed by Mexico as the prime drug route to the U.S. in the 1990s when Colombian cartels retreated amid stronger enforcement off Florida. In recent years, cocaine seized in the Caribbean dropped to around 5 percent of the total found by U.S. authorities.

Activity is picking up, possibly a result of the violent drug war in Mexico and Central America. The frequency and size of cocaine seizures in the Caribbean, particularly off the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, have been steadily climbing. In the first half of the year, Caribbean seizures accounted for 14 percent of U.S.-bound cocaine, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The DEA says 87 tons (79 metric tons) of cocaine were seized in the Caribbean corridor in 2012, nearly double the year-earlier total. The high pace is continuing, with 44 tons (40 metric tons) seized in the first half of this year.

I dont think its just a one- or two-year blip, said Vito Guarino, special agent in charge of the DEAs Caribbean division.

DEA officials and others say the Caribbean surge is partly a result of efforts such as the U.S.-led Central America Regional Security Initiative, launched in January 2012, which increased enforcement in Central America, often the first stop on the export route for South American cocaine. At the same time, there was a crackdown along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Whenever those two get squeezed, the movement is toward the Caribbean, said Ricardo Martinez, an associate police superintendent in Puerto Rico.

Islanders fear growing bloodshed and drug use. The violence is overwhelming and it has been increasing, said a man who would give his name only as Kike in La Perla, a slum perched above the sea in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan. Young kids who are coming up the ranks think theyre James Bond.

A similar anxiety is expressed by a few residents of the tiny fishing village of Forum, on Jamaicas southern coast, where the main road leads past rickety wooden shacks to a rocky shoreline lined with small boats.

If the drugs take over, this place will never be the same. It will be bad, bad, fisherman Oneal Burke said as he scaled fresh red snapper.

Police in Puerto Rico say about 75 percent of homicides  which hit a record of 1,135 in 2011  are tied to drug trafficking in the U.S. territory of 3.7 million people.

In recent years, smugglers often took off by plane from Venezuela en route to Honduras or elsewhere in Central America. U.S. officials say those clandestine flights have dropped by 33 percent since 2011. Some of that slack is being picked up by speedboats racing across the Caribbean.

Angel Melendez, a Puerto Rico-based special agent for Homeland Security Investigations of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, said cocaine is increasingly trafficked in larger amounts directly north from Venezuela on boats that refuel at sea during the roughly two-day voyage. Just last week, federal authorities seized more than 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds) of cocaine from a speedboat off St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, just east of Puerto Rico.

Its a bigger risk, but its a bigger profit, Melendez said.

The Dominican Republic is now the regions biggest transit point for drugs. A U.S. military assessment projected that 6 percent of the cocaine destined for the U.S. this year will pass through the Dominican Republic alone.

In Jamaica, seizures doubled to 354 kilograms (780 pounds) in the first half of the year, according to police statistics. Police Commissioner Owen Ellington said he fears transnational criminals are funneling resources into Jamaica because they see the country as a soft spot that can be exploited.

But Guarino and regional anti-drug agents say they are confident that island governments and law enforcement can effectively battle smugglers with assistance. DEA figures show Caribbean drug seizures doubling from 2009 to this year, and increased seizures are perceived as a sign of progress against traffickers.

Were here, were ready, were focused, Guarino said. We know how its coming and so I think were equipped to handle it.

___

Danica Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

David McFadden on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmcfadd
A Thai Cabinet member under U.S. sanctions for alleged business deals with Zimbabwe strongman Robert Mugabe is now in charge of promoting Thailands national image.

Nalinee Taveesin, previously Thailands trade representative, was named a Cabinet minister in the Prime Ministers Office during last weeks reshuffle of Yingluck Shinawatras government.

The opposition has expressed dismay, questioning whether the appointment violates the Thai constitutions ethics code for lawmakers.

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Undeterred, Yinglucks office announced Tuesday that Nalinees duties would include overseeing the National Identity Office, which according to the agencys website is responsible for promoting the unique and noble values that distinguish Thailand.

Nalinee has said she knows Mugabe and his wife socially but has no business dealings with them.

The government office aims to promote national values among Thais, such as the significance of the nation, religion and monarchy. It produces documentaries and music and pamphlets about Thailands king, as well as organizing events for Buddhism Week.

The U.S. Treasury Department in 2008 named Nalinee a crony of Mugabe and said she had facilitated a number of financial, real-estate and gem-related transactions on behalf of Mugabes wife and other figures in Zimbabwe.

Ironically, Nalinee Taveesin has participated in a number of initiatives on corruption ... in Africa and Southeast Asia while secretly supporting the kleptocratic practices of one of Africas most corrupt regimes, the department said at the time.

The sanctions freeze any potential U.S. assets and ban American citizens from doing business with her.

A former senator and advisor to the Commerce Ministry, Nalinee also holds a masters degree in public administration from Harvard University, according to her website. She also served on the board of directors for several Thai companies.

Seeking to calm the criticism, Nalinee called a news conference over the weekend and said that she met Mugabe and his wife during an official visit to Thailand in 2002. On subsequent visits, she had social relations with the couple but no business transactions at all.

I never thought a friendship could have had such a tremendous impact on my life, especially when I stepped into the political arena, she said.

Nalinee is a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which is led by Yingluck and closely allied to her brother, deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Critics say the current government is stacked with Thaksins political and business allies and call Yingluck a proxy for her brother.

Deputy government spokesman Anusorn Eiamsa-ard defended Nalinee as a person of great expertise and experience, saying she had been thoroughly vetted before being named to the Cabinet. He said she has tried to explain herself to U.S. authorities and dismissed the blacklisting as one-sided.
Halifax, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Halifax, June 22nd, 2017  CarShare Atlantic is proud to announce that Halifax residents can count on a new mobility service that is easy, flexible and sustainable: CarShare Atlantic FLEX, one-way carsharing.

Progressively during the next weeks, the first group of 20 FLEX cars (Hybrids) will be added to the current fleet of CarShare Atlantic. The new FLEX vehicles can be picked up and dropped off at any location on street within a set geographical area or in special parking locations downtown.

CarShare Atlantic members will be able to locate FLEX cars on the smartphone app or on the website, block it for free for 30 minutes to give them time to reach the vehicle, access with their key fob, use them and then leave them somewhere else, on street or in special parking depots in the operating zone.

The 6.3 km2 FLEX zone takes up most of the peninsula. Members will be able to travel in and out of the zone, as long the car is brought back and parked in the zone or at designated drop off parking locations downtown like at Scotia Square. The Flex zone includes the participating Waterfront Development parking lots.

All CarShare Atlantic members are automatically eligible to use this service. New members will be able to join the FLEX service without the need to pay for an annual or monthly membership (a one time fee of 35$ is payable at registration) and use FLEX cars at a price of 0.41$/minute or 12$/hour including 100 km for free.

We are proud to offer the best of two worlds: a station based carsharing service, perfect for planned trips and FLEX Carsharing: ideal for spontaneous one-way trips around town! says Pam Cooley, President of CarShare Atlantic.

The launch of this new service is significant. Halifax is joining the select club of cities worldwide that recognizes that the investment of station based and one way carsharing contributes to them achieving their multi modal mobility strategy and environmental goals.

Communauto, pioneer of carsharing services in North America, is the collaborative partner and mentor of CarShare Atlantic in this project. CEO Benoit Robert states, We are proud to accompany CarShare Atlantic, first in the Maritimes, in the implementation of this new mobility service. This service will make it even more compelling for residents to combine transit, active mobility, taxi and carsharing for their mobility needs. We believe that FLEX will become a very popular option and we count on being able to increase the fleet and operating zone soon.

Flex project is powered by technology provided by ETL Electronique, a Canadian Company specialized in telemetry for transportation.

About us

CarShare Atlantic, established in 2008, currently operates a fleet of 44 station based and 20 free-floating vehicles in the Halifax Peninsula and Downtown Dartmouth available to more than 1400 members. The companys mission is to partner with others to increase sustainable mobility options to reduce our dependency on individually or fleet owned vehicles. CarShare Atlantic is part of a network that offers sustainable mobility solutions to a nearly 50,000 in Quebec, Ontario and Paris (France).

-30-

Contact: Pam Cooley, President

CarShare Atlantic

902.403.8407

pmcooley@carshareatlantic.ca

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c93f7806-1ebb-400b-ac6e-755d19d73ce8

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2bf091a-d908-4ff8-aa51-769532eb0fb1
CANTON, Ohio, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Top Echelon Contracting (TEC) now offers recruiters an Express Contracting Option for contract placement of office professionals. With TEC Express, recruiters can earn more money and speed up the placement process.



Recruiters interested in seeing an estimated hourly profit they can make by offering contract staffing can use the Recruiter Profit Calculator on Top Echelon Contracting Express. And, recruiters can still make placements without handling all the back office details of a contract staffing placement. As with the Premium Contract Staffing option, Top Echelon handles all the legal and financial details, plus administers all of the W-2 employer of record back office duties.

Top Echelon Contracting has worked hard to make contract staffing easier for recruiters, said Debbie Fledderjohann, President of Top Echelon Contracting. Weve been listening to our customers, and are thrilled to give recruiters this new option that allows them to make more money. Contract placements can happen faster but recruiters can still take advantage of outsourcing the back office tasks.

Top Echelon continually strives to save recruiters time, increase their profits, and eliminate headaches. With TEC Express, users can place technical and professional candidates in contract positions that would be classified within the workers compensation code 8810 or equivalent.

Top Echelon Contracting handles the legal, financial, and administrative details of contract staffing so recruiters can make more placements. Users can get the same great contract staffing services recruiters know and trust from TEC Express.

Top Echelon Contracting, located in Canton, Ohio, helps recruiters make more placements. Top Echelon offers recruiting software, a recruiting network for split placements, and a back office contract staffing solution. For more information about Top Echelon, visit www.topechelon.com or call 888-627-3678. Top Echelon is a subsidiary of Patriot Software Company.
CHICAGO, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tempus, a technology company focused on helping doctors personalize cancer care by collecting, sorting and analyzing clinical and molecular data, and pancreatic cancer specialists at the University of Chicago Medicine, announce a new collaboration aimed at accelerating the pace of discovery and, over time, improving treatment of pancreatic cancer.



Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. It has a five-year survival rate of just nine percent. Lack of effective treatments and early detection methods contribute to this grim prognosis. Personalized approaches to match a patients genomic information to therapies have led to improvements in treatment of other cancer types. None of the genetic mutations commonly seen in pancreatic cancer, however, have druggable targets.

As part of the research collaboration, Tempus will work directly with a team of researchers and clinicians from the Chicago Pancreatic Cancer Initiative (CPCI), led by Ralph Weichselbaum, MD, professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Chicago. The CPCI has collected genomic data, biospecimens and clinical information from more than 300 patients with pancreatic cancer. Tempus will compile this data with their existing robust database to apply machine learning and advanced bioinformatics to analyze them. Tempus will also produce additional genomic data using their platform.

The goal is to help cancer specialists and research teams uncover novel patterns in clinical and molecular data, in order to better predict how patients will respond to treatment.

The University of Chicago and Tempus share a commitment to accelerate pancreatic cancer research and identify treatments that can improve the lives of those diagnosed, said Weichselbaum. We are optimistic that this collaboration can make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer.

A tremendous amount of work and effort across hospital systems, academic institutions and research consortia has been done to help improve the odds of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and yet the outlook is still grim for those battling the disease, said Eric Lefkofsky, Co-founder and CEO at Tempus. We are pleased to support the team at the University of Chicago by bringing technology and analytics to our common quest for improved patient outcomes.

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, which includes CPCI investigators, is one of only 48 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute.

In 2016, the University of Chicago Medicine was selected as a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) Precision Promise Consortium site. Under the leadership of oncologist and CPCI investigator, Hedy Kindler, MD, professor of medicine and medical director of the gastrointestinal oncology and the mesothelioma programs at the University, the program will advance clinical trial options for pancreatic cancer patients.

Tempus and the University of Chicago Medicine are currently involved in another research project focusing on improving outcomes for breast cancer patients.

About Tempus:

Tempus is a technology company that is building the worlds largest library of molecular and clinical data and an operating system to make that data accessible and useful. We enable physicians to deliver personalized cancer care for patients through our interactive analytical and machine learning platform. We provide genomic sequencing services and analyze molecular and therapeutic data to empower physicians to make real-time, data-driven decisions. Our goal is for each patient to benefit from the treatment of others who came before by providing physicians with tools that learn as we gather more data. For more information, visit tempus.com and follow us on Facebook (Tempus Labs) and Twitter (@TempusLabs). For more information on Eric Lefkofsky, visit lefkofsky.com.

About the University of Chicago Medicine:

The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences is one of the nations leading academic medical institutions. It comprises the Pritzker School of Medicine, a top U.S. medical school; the University of Chicago Biomedical Sciences Division; and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Twelve Nobel Prize winners in physiology or medicine have been affiliated with the University of Chicago Medicine.
While digital identity theft scams make headlines, the mailbox at the end of your driveway may be a bigger threat.

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Steve Weisman is a lawyer, college professor, author and one of the countrys leading experts in cybersecurity, identity theft and scams. See Steves other Con Watch articles.

Identity theft can be a high-tech, low-tech, or no-tech crime. While we tend to focus our attention on high-tech tactics  such as spear phishing emails  identity theft by way of old-fashioned snail mail is making a comeback.

How Thieves Steal Your Mail

Mail thieves may use no-tech tactics, such as covering a plastic bottle in glue and lowering it into blue public mailboxes, to snatch your sensitive mail. Just in the last year, police and postal inspectors in the Bronx made 150 arrests for this type of mail theft, according to Donna Harris of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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Your mail is not only vulnerable in public mailboxes, but also in your own home mailbox. Thieves look for checks, credit card bills, bank statements, and any other material that can be parlayed into an illegal profit through identity theft.

Some identity thieves take mail theft to the extreme. Juan Carlos Maldonado recently pleaded guilty to the armed robbery of a postal carrier for 800 pieces of mail, which he and his gang used for identity theft.

Most identity thieves are much more subtle. They merely submit a change of address form to the U.S. Postal Service in your name either in person or online. This results in your mail being sent directly to the identity thief.

One way the USPS tries to prevent this type of fraud is by sending a letter to your old address confirming that you have changed your address. However, this precaution has been circumvented by clever identity thieves who submit a form to the post office to hold your mail (as many people do when they go on vacation). This enables the identity thief to gain extra time before the scam is discovered.

What Thieves Do with Your Mail after They Steal It

Consider your mailed credit card payment. A thief will not only gain access to your credit card number, which he can use to make charges to your account, but can also alter the check you wrote to make it payable to the criminal.

Thieves can also fill in a change-of-address form on the back of your credit card bill and send it back to the credit card company to gain more time to illegally use your credit card. You may not notice anything is amiss until you realize that you havent received a bill recently.

More sophisticated criminals steal the bank account information from the check that you send with your paid bills, which includes not just your account number but also the routing number for the bank. With this information, they can buy stuff online and can even make counterfeit checks, which are easily created with readily available software. For example, in 2013, an identity theft ring in Denver stole checks sent to some Denver Broncos cheerleaders and used the information to create counterfeit checks.

Stolen checks can also be altered through an old-fashioned technique called washing, where common bleach is used to erase the name and amount on a legitimate check. Thieves then change the name and amount.

Protecting Yourself from Snail Mail Identity Theft

How many of us have put an envelope containing a bill and a payment check into our own home mailbox and lifted the red flag on the side? Unfortunately, this also alerts identity thieves driving through neighborhoods and makes their job much easier.
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/22/2017 -- Market Highlights

The growth of the drill pipe market is majorly driven by growing demand of oil & gas exploration activities for new onshore & offshore sites. The market is further driven by recent advancements in drilling technology. Recent decrease in crude oil price has generated demand for optimizing E&P from current oil fields and to operate at economical rates, Reduced E&P activities are resulting in reduced oil & gas supply in accordance to the oil & gas demand. Hence increase in oil & gas can be estimated after this downturn.



Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3154



Market Research Analysis

Currently, North-America is maintaining its highest position in drill pipe market share. However, Asia-Pacific market share is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period among other regions. This is mainly due to the flexible regulatory scenario in the region; government regulations and large scale E&P activity have been carried out in the region, specifically in India, China, Singapore and Indonesia. China, Argentina, Venezuela and Canada lead in current E&P onshore operations, whereas Angola, Norway, Tanzania and USA lead in current E&P offshore operations.



Key Players

The key players of Global Drill Pipe Market are DP Master Manufacturing Pvt Ltd. (Singapore), Drill Pipe International Llc. (USA), Hilong Group. (China), Interdril Asia Ltd. (India), Jiangyin Long Bright Drill Pipe Manufacture Co. Ltd.(China), National Oilwell Varco. (USA), Oil Country Tubular Limited. (India), R K Pipe & Supply LLC RK Pipe LLC. (USA), Superior Drill Pipe Manufacturing, Inc. (USA), Tejas Tubular Products Inc.(USA), Tenaris S.A.(Luxembourg), Texas Steel Conversion Inc.(USA), TMK Group. (Russia), TPS-Technitube Rohrenwerke and Vallourec S.A. (France) among others



Scope of the Report

This study provides an overview of the global drill pipe market, tracking two market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a six-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (ROW). The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next six years for each region. The scope of the study segments the Global Drill Pipe market by its Application, Grade, and by Region.



By Application

-Onshore

-Offshore



-By Grade

-API

-Premium



By Region

-North America

-Asia Pacific

-Europe

-Rest of the World



Full Report Drill-Pipe Market @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/drill-pipe-market-3154



Continuous growth in gas & oil sector with substantial demand in various industrial, transportation and domestic use, increasing E&P activities around the world in both onshore and offshore sites, are major factors driving the growing demand of drill pipe market in the oil & gas industry. The new upgraded drilling technologies, pad drilling and horizontal drilling, which reduce the drilling downtime while increasing drilling efficiency, are resulting in economical drilling operations. One of the restraints of the drill pipe market is the drop in crude oil price over past few years. Also, the reduced oil rig rental may diminish the drill pipe market in offshore applications.



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.
Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/22/2017 -- Fellerman & Ciarimboli is against HB 1213 and SB 586. It's not good for private citizens, it's not good for schools, and it's not good for children. The law firm urges everyone to reach out to their elected representatives and tell them to VOTE NO on HB 1213 and SB 586.



In a nutshell, the subject bills will enable significant property tax reductions for commercial properties. The bills will also remove a right that has existed in the Commonwealth since the 1930s which allows taxing authorities to appeal a tax assessment of a property suspected of being significantly under-assessed in the same manner as a property owner files an appeal seeking a reduction in assessment.



According to the firm, if the subject bills are signed into law, they will gut the property tax system in Pennsylvania. Estimates even place the potential aggregate loss in property tax revenue for municipalities, school districts, and counties to be in excess of $1 billion per year. Based upon the impact of certain provisions of this proposed legislation that have been evaluated in other states, the subject bills will result in teacher layoffs, massive cuts in educational programs, cuts in protective services, cuts in desperately needed services for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens, and much more.



The lawyers at Fellerman & Ciarimboli urge individuals throughout the Philadelphia area and the rest of Pennsylvania to contact their state representatives and urge them to oppose HB 1213 and SB 586 now. If the subject bills are defeated, not only will uniformity in taxation remain, but the equal application of the tax assessment appeal process will be maintained and homeowners will be protected against suffering from a destructive financial impact.



To learn more about Fellerman & Ciarimboli, HB 1213 and SB 586, or speak with a lawyer at the firm regarding any case, please give them a call at 888-570-HURT, or visit their website and fill out a contact form.



About Fellerman & Ciarimboli

Fellerman & Ciarimboli is a law firm with three offices located in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and Dunmore. They provide legal representation for personal injury victims and their loved ones. They handle car, truck, motorcycle, bus, medical malpractice, elder abuse, wrongful death, product liability, personal injury and workers' compensation cases.



To learn more about the law firm and the types of cases they handle, please visit http://fellermanlaw.com/.
A new study reveals that a mutation in a growth hormone receptor gene could increase the lifespan of men by 10 years. The discovery could also lead to the development of drugs to slow aging. However, the mutation did not have the impact on women.

The discovery was described in the journal Science Advances. It was led by a team of researchers from the United States, France and Israel. The study indicated the list of gene variants that have the influence on human longevity, according to the The Globe and Mail.

Scientists examined the mutation deletions in growth hormone receptor exon 3. They discovered that males who express it could live on average 10 years longer. They were found to also grow on average an inch taller.

In the study, the researchers examined about 567 people of Ashkenazi Jews over age 60 and their children. They have sequenced their genes for growth hormone receptors. They discovered that the mutation was visible in 12 percent of men with age over 100. This was about three times higher than in 70-year-old men.

The researchers found that men with mutation lived on average 10 years longer compared to those without the mutation. Meanwhile, the mutation was not present in women. The team also examined other groups and they found the same effect, according to Medical Xpress.

Ali Torkamani, who is not involved in the study and the director of genome informatics at the Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, described the results as convincing. He further said that this was the first to establish a link between growth hormone receptors and longevity.

The growth hormones are molecules that are attached to other molecules. They are located on the surface of a cell. This trigger signals the cell to speed up its growth or eject molecules called as growth factors. In some people, there is a visibility of genetic mutation that inhibits the development of particular growth hormone receptor.
A giant forest fire swept central Portugal last weekend and killed at least 62 people. It was in the national route N236, dubbed as the "road of hell" or "road of death," that people in their cars and firefighters were trapped by the raging fire.

On Monday, the firefighters numbering about 1,000 continued to put off the devastating fire, wherein some of them died, too. Portugal is now mourning after this deadliest disaster in its recent history, according to Pri.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa declared three days of mourning since Sunday. He stated that the fire has reached a level of human tragedy that they have never seen before.

Joaquim Serra da Fonseca, a commentator, said that most of the people who died at N236 had been spending the day at a well-known resort in Castanheira de Pera. They went home when they heard about the fire, yet they were caught by it on the said road, according to Phys.org.

Serra da Fonseca wondered why they took the road south to the main IC8 that led to that area, even though the police knew that the area was already on fire. "They should have told them to go the opposite way," he said.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Almeida Rodrigues blamed the dry thunderstorms that hit Pedrogao Grande on Saturday. He said that they discovered a tree hit by lightning. The fire spread fast because the eucalyptus trees planted in the area are very flammable.

People from Portugal are deeply saddened by the intense disaster. This brought them together. People whether rich or poor are donating and helping people who had lost their homes in the fire.

It is also reported that Portugal was hit by a severe heatwave last weekend with about 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Currently, the fires are still raging. Last year, Portugal had a series of fires that destroyed over 100,000 hectares of the mainland.
Scientists are looking into missions to the mysterious "Ice Giant" planets: Uranus and Neptune. In the NASA-led and NASA-sponsored study, the team was able to identify scientific questions that the future mission should address and even discussed various instruments, spacecrafts, flight-paths and technologies that could be used.

Mark Hofstadter of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, and co-chair of the study said, "This study argues the importance of exploring at least one of these planets and its entire environment, which includes surprisingly dynamic icy moons, rings and bizarre magnetic fields."

Uranus and Neptune remain to be among the most mysterious planets in the solar system. According to Phys.org, both have been visited only briefly by one spacecraft. The Voyager 2 went past Uranus in 1986, and flew by Neptune in 1989. This was made in part of grand tour of discovery that took the spacecraft to Jupiter and Saturn.

Amy Simon of the American space agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland noted that even until now, scientists still do not know how these planets were formed and why their moons looked the way they do. Simon also said that both planets could address a lot of questions regarding the formation and evolution of the solar system.

Although Uranus and Neptune are collectively known as the "Ice Giant" planets, scientists now believe that there is little solid ice in them today. However, they do believe that liquid ocean lies beneath their clouds, and this also accounts for most of their total mass. Because of the presence of liquids on these planets, they are fundamentally different from Jupiter and Saturn, which are known as the "Gas Giant" planets. They are also drastically different from the terrestrial planets like Earth and Mars, which are mostly rocks.

It is not yet clear how or where ice giant planets come from and why their magnetic fields are different in their orientations. However, these eccentricities make them all the more scientifically important. It is why there is a need to fund a mission to either or both of them in the future.
If people think the iceberg that drowned the RMS Titanic was massive, it would have had no bearing on the piece that is about to crack away from the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica. Considered as one of the largest icebergs on record, the Bali-sized iceberg is like a "niggling tooth" in the way its hinging on the ice continent.

According to The Australian, an area of the Larsen C ice shelf the size of the Indonesian island of Bali is almost ready to crack away from Antarctica. It is now connected to the continent by only 13 km (8 miles) of ice. Andrew Fleming from the British Antarctic Survey said that the piece of ice is keeping them "all on tenterhooks." He also described it as similar to a niggling tooth of a child coming loose.

Despite what it sounds, large icebergs actually break off Antarctica naturally, which means that the break is not necessarily linked to man-made climate change. However, the ice, which is part of the Antarctic peninsula, did warm fast in recent decades.

Adrian Luckman of the University of Swansea in Wales said that there is no evidence of change on the ice shelf. Therefore, the break could be a single event that could be followed with a regrowth.

Unfortunately, the ice, which is about 5,000 square kilometers in area, could put existing ships in danger as it breaks apart and starts melting. CBC News said that while the Antarctic peninsula is outside trade routes, it is part of the main destination for cruise ships that are visiting from South America.

Icebergs have had a history of being a nuisance to ships. Titanic aside, they also cause problems to more than 150 passengers and crew in 2009 when the MV Explorer sank after striking an iceberg of the Antarctic.
All this while humans have been enjoying, appreciating, not to mention utilizing, the photos of the Red Planet captured by NASAs Curiosity Mars rover. However, now there is a photo of the rover itself, as it makes its way through the rough Martian terrain, captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiters (MRO) camera.

If one looks carefully at the image, a spot of color in the barren terrain will be seen. It is a faint blue dot, and that is the rover on its undeterred journey. Against what looks like an intimidating background of dark sand, cliffs and rocks, Curiosity presents a vulnerable image, which it is far from, considering all the feats that it has achieved since landing on Mars.

According to NASA, the photo was captured on June 5, 2017, when the rover was making its journey uphill after the exploration of active sand dunes lower on Mount Sharp to reach the Vera Rubin Ridge. The ridge has been identified to have hematite outcrops, which the rover is going to investigate next. Curiosity, which is nearing its fifth year of operation, will check the area for samples to help look for proof of previous habitability on Mars.

The American space agency has also put up a post to show the exact location of Curiosity on the day the set of images were captured. The MRO takes many images of the lone rover each year. Incidentally, the color of the rover seems exaggerated because it is. The image was released with sharp contrasts to highlight the differences of the Martian surface, which in turn makes Curiosity look bluer than it really is.

The lower Mount Sharp region was chosen for the Curiosity mission because the mountains layers have rocks that have a record of the planets environmental conditions from various periods of its history. The rover has already found evidence that Mars once had a wet environment that was conducive for microbial life; however, it is still unknown if the Red Planet ever actually hosted life.
Greensboro, NC, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) has selected Monarch as its community partner of choice to provide support services to students enrolled in the Beyond Academics Comprehensive Transition Program. The Integrative Community Studies (ICS) program was the first post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in North Carolina, with its inaugural class graduating in 2007.

Created by UNCG Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Dr. Terri L. Shelton in 2007, Beyond Academics provides a post-secondary education option to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students enrolled in the Beyond Academics program at UNCG receive a four-year certificate of completion in Integrative Community Studies (ICS) from the Office of the Provost and job training that prepares them for 21st-century jobs, independent living, and engaging in civic and social activity  a comprehensive skill set that trains young adults and puts them in positions to become active contributors to the communities in which they live.

"As we enter into the next decade of accessible excellence in providing post-secondary education for individuals with I/DD, UNCG is pleased to begin this partnership with Monarch," said Dr. Terri Shelton. "The provision of support services for Beyond Academics is an essential part of the academic programming that provides a unique opportunity for students to apply the skills acquired in the certificate program. We can think of no better partner in moving this important initiative forward."

The partnership will allow Monarchs existing experience in support services around the state to help students in the ICS program advance their opportunities to live independently. Support services offered to students will include:

Community Living: teaching and assisting with daily living skills, community participation, interpersonal skills, personal health, wellness and safety

Student-life: navigating campus life, linking to campus activities and developing life profiles

Employment: pre-job training, coaching while on the job and determining a career path

Post-Graduation: continued guidance for life transitions related to community living, employment and self-determination

At Monarch, we are elated to be the chosen partner to offer support to students enrolled in the Beyond Academics program at UNCG. We will do whatever necessary to make this a smooth transition for students currently enrolled, said Monarch President and CEO Dr. Peggy Terhune, who is a UNCG graduate. As a long-time, statewide provider of services for people with disabilities, our staff is both qualified and dedicated to the continuation of this dynamic program. We will assist students with the pursuit of their academic achievements while we also help them to proactively explore their interests outside of the classroom. As we continue support for Beyond Academics in this more expansive role, we remain committed to the successful future of this important program.

About The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a high-research activity university as classified by the Carnegie Foundation. Founded in 1891 and one of the original three UNC system institutions, UNCG is one of the most diverse universities in the state with more than 20,000 students and 2,500 faculty and staff members representing more than 90 nationalities. With 86 undergraduate degrees in over 100 areas of study, as well as 52 masters and 28 doctoral programs, UNCG is consistently recognized nationally among the top universities for academic excellence and value, with noted strengths in education, health and wellness, the performing arts, business and the arts and sciences, among others. For additional information on UNCG, visit www.uncg.edu; for more on Beyond Academics, please visit beyondacademics.uncg.edu and follow UNCG on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Monarch

Established in 1958, Monarch is a not-for-profit organization that provides support statewide to approximately 32,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance use disorders. The company has earned Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation with Distinction by The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL)  and is among a small and elite group worldwide to receive this designation. Monarch is certified by The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services as a Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency (CABHA) and operates The Arc of Stanly County, which is a chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States. To learn more about how Monarch provides support, please call (866) 272-7826 or visit www.MonarchNC.org.

Media contact: Natasha A. Suber, (704) 986-1582 or natasha.suber@monarchnc.org

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fb75df8-8e6a-40f7-ab62-548b09c18672

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56a00d92-b0ce-4e07-bb34-9f78f499eff9
The AP reported this week that Hillary Clinton still has her secret security clearance, which normally expires when a person leaves office. When she was secretary of state, Clinton had over 600,000 classified emails on her personal server, open for Russia and the public to see. She used a hammer to destroy her phones and bleached the servers. This was done to cover up what she said was reckless on her part.

Clinton said she did not remember a security briefing with the FBI when she first became the secretary of state and did not know what the markings C and TS were for on her emails. Former FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that Attorney General Loretta Lynch told him to refer to the Clinton case as a matter and not an investigation. Lynch further told Comey that she would put the quabash on any Clinton prosecution. Of course, Lynchs boss was President Obama. If this is not corruption, I dont know what is.

Of course, Clinton blamed her loss on Comey, Russia, Fake news, Wiki-leaks, emails, the Democratic National Committee, Trump, feminism, The New York Times and the asssumption she would win. If she looked in the mirror, she would see the real reason.

Remember when Trump made the $500,000 speech in Russia? Whoa, wait a minute, that was Bill Clinton. Remember when Trump signed off on selling U.S. uranium to Russia? Whoa, that was Hillary Clinton. Then you remember when Trump received $145 million from Russia for his foundation. Whoa, that was the Clinton Foundation.

Hillary said she and Bill were broke when they left the White House and stole valuable rugs, paintings and furniture. It was recently reported that Chelsea Clinton paid $11,000 for her wedding cake. Not a dress but a cake. Chelsea has a net worth of $15 million and lives in a $10 million apartment. Her wedding cost $3 million and she gets $300,000 a year for a part-time job with Inter Active Corps.

Lest we forget, Hillary said they were broke a few years ago. Wouldnt it be nice to be broke like that?

JOE YOUNGINER

Florence
NEW YORK, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 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 basis at all relevant times. On May 19, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued an order of suspension of trading, halting trading of the Companys 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=3.

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.
French Italian English

PRESS RELEASE

Amundi announces the upcoming completion of the acquisition of Pioneer Investments and presents its future organisation

Paris, 22 June 2017

The Amundi Group has obtained all the necessary regulatory authorisations and has fulfilled all the conditions precedent required for the acquisition of Pioneer Investments. Accordingly, Amundi Group is pleased to announce that the acquisition will be finalised on the 3rd of July 2017, which is in line with expectations.

During the work carried out over the past six months, we have reaffirmed the growth strategies of the new Group, defined priorities for its business lines and set up the integration plan. These preparatory efforts have confirmed the strategic and industrial benefits of the acquisition of Pioneer Investments by Amundi and the resulting potential for value creation. The synergies enabled by this integration will be in line with what was announced in December of last year. The projections had pointed to 150 million in cost synergies and 30 million in revenue synergies over a full year, starting upon completion of the integration process, which will take place over the course of the next two years.

To capture this potential in growth and productivity, the Group will adapt its organisational governance in line with the same principles that have prevailed at Amundi since its inception.

The renewed organisational structure will be supported by the following pillars:

Two divisions focused on Amundi's two major client segments: a retail clients division and an institutional and corporate clients division.

The retail clients division offers savings solutions fitting the needs of individual clients through the networks of our preferred partners as well as third-party distributors in Europe, Asia and the Americas. It currently serves over 100 million individual clients around the world and represents more than 450 billion in assets under management. This division will be headed by Fathi Jerfel, assisted by Cinzia Tagliabue.

The institutional and corporate clients division develops investment solutions adapted to the various client segments it serves: corporates, insurers, institutional investors, central banks and sovereign wealth funds. It currently manages over 860 billion in assets. This division will be headed by Dominique Carrel-Billiard, assisted by Laurent Bertiau.

The investment management platforms, which provide the full range of investment solutions dedicated to each client segment. The contribution of Pioneer Investments will enhance asset class coverage and expand the solutions offered by Amundi. The management platforms will be headed by Pascal Blanque, Group CIO, assisted by Vincent Mortier, Deputy CIO.

The following individuals will be responsible for the alpha platforms:

Fixed income: Eric Brard;

Equities: jointly headed by Romain Boscher and Diego Franzin;

Emerging markets: Mauro Ratto;

Multi-Asset: Matteo Germano;

US Expertise: Ken Taubes.

These management platforms will be distributed across six primary investment hubs: Paris, Boston, Dublin, London, Tokyo and Milan. Milan will thus become one of Amundi's global investment hubs, particularly in multi-asset investments, and the Italy-based workforce will end up significantly reinforced.

With regard to the business lines, which are operated only by Amundi, the current Amundi heads will remain in their roles:

Real and Alternative Assets Division: Pedro Antonio Arias;

ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta: Fannie Wurtz;

Liquidity Solutions: jointly headed by Thierry Ancona and Thierry Darmon;

Structured: Jean-Philippe Bianquis;

Employee Savings and Retirement: Xavier Collot.

The Operations, Services and Technology Division, consisting primarily of the following functions: IT, Middle Office, Client Servicing, Trading desks and Amundi Services. This division will be headed by Guillaume Lesage, assisted by David Harte.

The Business Monitoring and Control Division, composed primarily of the following functions: HR, Communication, Risk Management, Audit, Legal and Compliance. It will operate under the responsibility of Bernard de Wit, who will also be in charge of steering the Amundi-Pioneer integration project.

The Finance and Strategy Division, which will fall under the responsibility of Nicolas Calcoen, Group CFO, assisted by Domenico Aiello.

Amundi Group's organisational structure will therefore be both global and local:

global in scope and methods with regard to investment management processes and the management of a shared operational and control infrastructure,

and local to ensure a close relationship with clients.

The new structure will be deployed in more than 30 countries. All of the country heads have been designated. The heads for the major regions will be:

Europe :

Italy: Cinzia Tagliabue;

Germany: Evi Vogl;

Central and Eastern Europe: Werner Kretschmer;

United Kingdom: Laurent Guillet;

Ireland: Robert Richardson.

USA / Canada and Latin America: Lisa Jones.

Asia:

Japan: Julien Fontaine;

North Asia: Xiaofeng Zhong;

South-East Asia: Jack Lin.

Middle East: Nesreen Srouji.

The company will be steered by an Executive Committee (see Appendix for the committee's composition). This highly experienced team will be composed of the existing key operational managers from both groups.

Giordano Lombardo, Group CEO and CIO of Pioneer Investments, has decided to explore new opportunities for the next stage of his career, and will be leaving the Group after the transaction is finalised. Giordano has made significant contributions to the development and growth of Pioneer Investments over the past 20 years, including helping to stabilise the company's assets over the past several years as the sale of Pioneer Investments was being worked out. He also played a leading role in the process of joining up with Amundi and actively contributed to overseeing the integration preparatory work. We thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

The designated heads will now be tasked with:

putting into effect the Group's new organisational structure in each country after consulting with staff representative bodies;

and carrying through the development plans and activities, as well as their associated synergies.

In the words of Yves Perrier, "The acquisition of Pioneer is a major step in the implementation of Amundi's strategy. It enables us to consolidate our position as European leader while enhancing the range of products and services offered to our clients. The management team and key heads are in place. Amundi is fully prepared to make the integration of Pioneer an opportunity to accelerate the growth of Amundi for the benefit of its clients, its employees and its shareholders".

Appendix 1: List of the future members of the Executive Committee of Amundi Group

Yves Perrier, Group CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee

Fathi Jerfel, Head of the Retail Clients Division

Dominique Carrel-Billiard, Head of the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division

Pascal Blanque, Group CIO

Guillaume Lesage, Head of the Operations, Services and Technology Division

Bernard de Wit, Head of the Business Monitoring and Control Division

Nicolas Calcoen, Group CFO

Valerie Baudson, CEO of CPR AM, Head of ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta

Isabelle Seneterre, Head of Human Resources

Domenico Aiello, Deputy CFO

Pedro Antonio Arias, Head of the Real and Alternative Assets Division

Jean-Jacques Barberis, Co-Head of Institutional Clients Coverage

Alain Berry, Head of Communication

Laurent Bertiau, Deputy Head of the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division

Eric Brard, Head of Fixed Income

Matteo Germano, Head of Multi-Asset, CIO for Italy

David Harte, Deputy Head of the Operations, Services and Technology Division

Lisa Jones, Head of the Americas

Werner Kretschmer, Head of Central and Eastern Europe

Vincent Mortier, Group Deputy CIO

Christian Pellis, Head of Third-Party Distributors

Cinzia Tagliabue, Deputy Head of the Retail Clients Division, CEO Italy

Eric Vandamme, Chief Risk Officer

Laurence Laplane, Executive Committee Secretary

Appendix 2: Biographies

Yves Perrier, Group CEO, Chairman of the Executive Committee

Yves Perrier is Chief Executive Officer of Amundi, Head of Asset Management, Insurance and Real estate at Credit Agricole S.A.

He is a member of Credit Agricole S.A.'s Executive Committee (since 2003) and Head of Asset Management, Insurance and Real estate since September 2015. As such, he is Chief Executive Officer of Amundi Asset Management - the leading European Asset Manager with more than 1,000 billion in assets under management - and also supervises Credit Agricole Insurance and Credit Agricole Immobilier (the real estate division of Credit Agricole). He was previously Head of Asset Management, Securities and Investor Services at Credit Agricole S.A. from September 2007 until August 2015.

Previously (2003-2007), he served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Calyon (CACIB today) with responsibility for structured finance, brokerage, risk, support functions and international network. He began his career in audit and consulting (1977-1987). He then joined Societe Generale where he held a number of positions between 1987 and 1999, namely Chief Financial Officer (1995-1999), before moving to Credit Lyonnais as a member of its Executive Committee with responsibility for finance, risk and audit functions (1999-2003). He was also Chairman of the AFG (Association Francaise de la Gestion financiere) from May 2015 to May 2017.

Yves Perrier is a graduate of the ESSEC business school and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Fathi Jerfel, Head of the Retail Clients Division

Fathi Jerfel is currently responsible for the Retail Clients Division and will keep this position in the new Group.

Since 2008, Fathi Jerfel has been a member of the General Management Committee of Credit Agricole Asset Management, heading up the specialist management division covering structured and guaranteed investment management, alternative investments, real estate management, multi-management and private equity.

In 2005, he became CEO of Credit Agricole Structured Asset Management, the subsidiary dedicated to structured asset management, guaranteed funds, alternative management account platform and Exchange Traded Funds. In 2003, he was appointed as member of CAAM's Executive Committee.

He joined CAAM in 1996 and assumed the role of Head of Structured and Convertible Management and Quantitative Research in 2002.

He started his career at Credit Lyonnais where he held various positions in financial engineering, fixed income management and trading.

Fathi holds an engineering degree from Ecole Polytechnique and a specialised engineering degree from the Institut Francais du Petrole. He also holds a post-graduate degree in Economics.

Dominique Carrel-Billiard, Head of the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division

Dominique Carrel-Billiard is currently responsible for coordinating the Amundi-Pioneer integration project, and will be responsible for the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division in the new Group. Prior to joining Amundi last December, Dominique Carrel-Billiard was CEO of La Financiere de l'Echiquier (2014-16). He served as CEO of AXA Investment Managers Group from 2006 to 2013, having worked as Senior Vice President Business Support and Development at the AXA Group between 2004 and 2006. Prior to working at AXA, Dominique Carrel-Billiard worked for 12 years at McKinsey & Company where he specialized in serving financial institutions. He started his career at Credit Commercial de France in Mergers and Acquisitions.

Dominique is a graduate from HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales - Paris) and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Pascal Blanque, Group CIO

Pascal Blanque has been Group Chief Investment Officer since 2005 and Global Head of Institutional Business since the creation of Amundi in 2010. He also led the third party distribution business up until 2016. He will take the position of Group CIO and Head of the investment management platforms in the new Group.

Pascal has been working in the investment industry since 1991 and has been with the Credit Agricole Group since 2000, where he was Chief Economist until 2005.

Prior to joining Credit Agricole, Pascal was Deputy Director of Economic Research at Paribas (1997-2000) following four years in the strategic asset allocation department of Paribas Asset Management in London (1992-1996). He began his career in institutional and private wealth management at Paribas in 1991.

Pascal was awarded European CIO of the Year 2013 by Funds Europe Magazine and received the Institutional Investor Manager Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Pascal studied at the Ecole Normale Superieure. He is a graduate of Institut d'Etudes Politiques and holds a PhD in Finance from Paris-Dauphine University.

Guillaume Lesage, Head of the Operations, Services and Technology Division

Guillaume Lesage is currently Head of Amundi's Operations, Services and Technology Division and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2016 and has been with the Group since 1992.

He will be responsible for support functions within Amundi, including IT, M/O, Clients servicing, Amundi Services, Trading and Operations.

After some years in the industry, in France and the United States, Guillaume held several positions in Finance, Risks, IT and operations at Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. Prior to joining Amundi, he was Deputy CEO of Credit Agricole's Consumer Finance Division.

Guillaume holds a Masters in Engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris and an MBA from INSEAD.

Bernard de Wit, Head of the Business Monitoring and Control Division

Bernard De Wit is currently Head of Amundi's Business Monitoring and Control Division (since February 2017) and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry for seven years. He joined Amundi in 2009, coming from the Credit Agricole Group. He worked initially on the CAAM/SGAM merger process which resulted in the birth of Amundi in 2010.

He will be responsible for all control and support functions (Risk, Compliance, Legal, Communication, Human Resources and Internal Audit). He is particularly involved in the Company's corporate governance and in relationship with the regulatory authorities.

Bernard started his career in banking and has worked in Belgium, Russia and Latin America. After participating in the merger process, he was appointed Chief Risk Officer of Amundi in 2010 before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2013.

Bernard holds a Master's degree in Economy and an MBA.

Nicolas Calcoen, Group CFO

Nicolas Calcoen is currently Amundi's Chief Financial Officer and is also responsible for Strategy and Public Affairs. He will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2010 and has been with the Group since 2010.

Before joining Amundi in 2010 as Head of Strategy, Nicolas held various positions in the French Ministry of Finance and at the International Monetary Fund (Washington, DC).

Nicolas graduated from the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) and the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Paris and holds a DEA post-graduate diploma in Economics and International Finance.

Valerie Baudson, CEO of CPR AM, Head of ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta

Valerie Baudson is currently CEO of CPR Asset Management and has also been in charge of Amundi's ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta business line since 2008. She will keep these positions in the new Group.

Valerie has been working in the finance industry since 1995 and has been with Amundi since 2008.

From 2004 to 2007, Valerie was Marketing Director and Member of the European Management Committee of Credit Agricole Cheuvreux, the European stockbroking subsidiary of Credit Agricole Group. From 2000 to 2004, she held the position of Corporate Secretary and was a Member of the Management Committee. She started her career at Banque Indosuez where she managed international audit missions from 1995 to 1999.

Valerie is a graduate of HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales - Paris) where she majored in Finance.

Isabelle Seneterre, Head of Human Resources

Isabelle Seneterre is currently Amundi's Head of Human Resources and will keep this position in the new Group.

She started her career at Credit Lyonnais in 1989, working in sales positions for the Corporate and Investment Banking Division both in New York and Paris. In the late 1990s, she spent three years in the Czech Republic, in charge of recruitment and multicultural audit missions for Carrefour.

Back in France, she worked in the HR department of CL / LCL, in charge of labour relations during the merger with CA and more recently Head of HR for the Ile de France region.

She joined Amundi in 2010 as Deputy and became Head of Human Resources in September 2011. Isabelle graduated from Institut Superieur du Commerce (Paris) and holds a Master's degree in Human Resources from ESSEC.

Domenico Aiello, Deputy CFO

Domenico Aiello is currently Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Pioneer Investments. He will take the position of deputy CFO in the new Group. He will also be the Responsible for Strategy, Planning, Finance Transformation.

Before joining Pioneer, he had worked for UniCredit since 2002, first as Director in Group M&A and Business Development, focusing on CEE and International Markets and, from 2008, as Head of the team.

Prior to that, Domenico worked for 6 years at investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein in London, focusing on Financial Institutions.

Domenico graduated at the European Business School in London with a First Class BA (Hons) in International Business Studies.

Pedro Antonio Arias, Head of the Real & Alternative Assets Division

Pedro Antonio Arias is currently Head of Real and Alternative Assets and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1993 and has been with the Group since 2013. Pedro Antonio joined Amundi in 2013 to create and oversee the business line encompassing private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure and private multi-management businesses.

He was previously Deputy CEO in charge of M&A and real estate at French retailing group Casino. He also served as board member of Casino's major subsidiaries in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Thailand, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

He started his career at the Jones Day law firm before moving to corporate and investment banking in various institutions. He was notably involved in mergers and acquisitions across Europe, Latin America and Asia, and worked as co-Head of the restructuring business at Rothschild & Cie for Europe.

Pedro Antonio is graduated in Law and from and holds a master in business from ESSEC business school.

Jean-Jacques Barberis, Co-Head of Institutional Clients Coverage

Jean-Jacques Barberis is Global Head of Central Banks and Sovereign Wealth Funds at Amundi and will take the position of co-Head of the Institutional Clients Coverage.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2016 and has been with the Group since June 2016. From 2013 to 2016, he served as Advisor for Economic and Financial affairs in the cabinet of the French President of the Republic. He started his career in the French Treasury Directorate General from 2008 to 2012. From 2012 to 2013, he was a member of the cabinet of Pierre Moscovici, Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of economy financing issues.

Jean-Jacques is an alumnus of Ecole Nationale Superieure des Lettres et Sciences Humaines, with an advanced degree in history. He is a graduate of Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Paris) and an alumnus of Ecole Nationale d'Administration.

Alain Berry, Head of Communication

Alain Berry is currently Head of Communication at Amundi and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2008 when he joined the Group.

He is responsible for press relations, social media, events, sponsoring, internal communication, advertising, corporate communication, graphic and video studio on a worldwide basis. He is also in charge of Amundi Group's purchasing centre for communication and marketing spending.

He spent more than 10 years at Credit Lyonnais in the Large Corporate Division and managed several portfolios of small, mid and large companies. He moved to Credit Agricole S.A. in 2002 to become Head of Press Relations.

Alain is a graduate of ESLSCA (Business School - Paris).

Laurent Bertiau, Deputy Head of the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division

Laurent Bertiau is currently Global Head of the Institutional Clients Division at Amundi and will take the position of deputy Head of the Institutional and Corporate Clients Division in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1986 and has been with the Group since 2010.

He previously worked at Societe Generale Group. From 1986 to 1993, he was a trader and fund manager in SGAM's Fixed Income department. From 1993 to 1996, he was the President of Societe Generale FIMAT Trading Management in Chicago. He then served as CEO of SGAM Singapore from 1997 to 2001, SGAM Japan from 2001 to 2004, and was CEO for Asia from

2005 to 2008. He was appointed as Global Sales and Marketing Director from 2008 to 2009 and Deputy CEO of SGAM from 2009 to 2010.

Laurent is a graduate of CESB (Centre d'Etudes Superieures de Banque) and holds a degree in economics from the University of Caen.

Eric Brard, Head of Fixed Income

Eric Brard is currently Head of Fixed Income at Amundi and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1985 and has been with the Group since 2010.

He is in charge of the Fixed Income business line and responsible for the Fixed Income and Treasury platforms.

Eric graduated in Economics and holds a postgraduate degree in Finance & Banking (Sorbonne University).

Matteo Germano, Head of Multi-Asset, CIO for Italy

Matteo Germano is currently the Global Head of Multi-Asset Investments at Pioneer Investments.

He will take the position of Head of Multi-Asset investment platforms for both Retail and Institutional and Corporates in the new Group.

He has been working in the investments industry since 1996.

He started his career with Eurispes and Furman Selz. He then joined UniCredit, holding different research roles. At Pioneer, he first led the Global Research teams before moving to Multi Asset.

He is a member of the Global Investment Committee and of several supervisory boards (Italy, Germany, Austria).

He is an Economics graduate of the University of Genoa, and completed a MSc in Finance at the University of London.

David Harte, Deputy Head of the Operations, Services and Technology Division

David Harte is currently the Global COO of Pioneer Investments andwill take the position of deputy Head of Operations, Services and Technology Division in the new Group.

He has been working in the Investments industry since 1989. Prior to Pioneer, he was COO at Bear Stearns Bank plc, Dublin. He has also worked at a number of financial institutions in London.

David holds a BA (Honours) Degree in Economics and Geography from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Lisa Jones, Head of the Americas

Lisa Jones is currently Head of the U.S., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Investment Management USA, Inc. She will take the position of Head of the Americas (Canada, USA, LatAm) in the new Group, in this role Lisa is Head of Group Operations in Americas.

Lisa has been working in the investments industry since 1988 and has been with the Group since August 2014. She has over 25 years of experience in global financial services developing and building asset management businesses. Prior to Pioneer, she was Global Head of Distribution at Morgan Stanley Investment Management and she has had similar positions at MFS and Eaton Vance.

Lisa has a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College.

Werner Kretschmer, Head of Central and Eastern Europe

Werner Kretschmer is currently Head of Austria & CEE, and CEO of Pioneer Austria. He will take the position of Head of Group operations in Central and Eastern Europe (Austria, Czech Republique, Poland, Hungary and other Eastern European countries) in the new Group.

He has been working in the industry for 25 years. Before joining Pioneer, he was a member of the board of Bank Austria responsible for Private Banking and Asset Management.

Werner holds a PHD in Law and Economics from the University of Graz, Austria. He has published articles and books on various Asset Management topics, and for many years was a lecturer on Investments.

He holds an Independent Financial Adviser licence.

Vincent Mortier, Group Deputy CIO

Vincent Mortier is currently Deputy Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Amundi Group. He will keep this position in the new Group. He is also currently Global Head of Multi-Asset.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1996 and has been with the Group since 2015.

Vincent started his career at Societe Generale in 1996. He held several senior positions within the Group, rising to the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Global Banking and Investor Solutions (GBIS) division in 2013. He was previously CFO of Societe Generale Corporate and Investment Banking (SG CIB), Co- Head of Equity Finance (SG CIB) and Head of Strategy and Development - Global Equities and Derivatives Solutions (SG CIB). He also sat on the SG GBIS Executive Committee.

Vincent holds an MBA from ESCP Europe Business School.

Christian Pellis, Head of Third-Party Distributors

Christian Pellis is currently the Head of Third-Party Distributors at Amundi and will keep this position in the new Group.

Christian has been working in the investment industry for 24 years, since 1993, and has been with the Group since 2013.

Christian has extensive experience in the global distribution segment and has worked in Luxembourg, Frankfurt, London and Switzerland, mostly in British and American asset management firms. He is responsible for the Global Distribution Segment at Amundi and is a member of the Executive board.

Christian studied business administration in the Netherlands.

Cinzia Tagliabue, Deputy Head of the Retail Clients Division, CEO Italy

Cinzia Tagliabue is currently CEO of Italy and Head of Western Europe & Latin America at Pioneer Investments. She will take the position of deputy of the Retail Clients Division in the new Group. She will also become CEO of Italy.

She has been working in the investments industry since 1980.

She has over 30 years of experience in financial services with UniCredit focusing both on the investments and the distribution sides. She has been a member of the Capital Italia SICAV Board and the Aviva Board.

Cinzia has attended various professional training courses including an Executive Management Course at the Boston University School of Management (Oct 2013 - Jan 2015).

Eric Vandamme, Chief Risk Officer

Eric Vandamme has been Amundi's Chief Risk Officer since July 2013 and will keep this position in the new Group.

He is responsible for the entire Risk function within Amundi, covering the risk expert teams, developing methodologies and risk systems to produce and disseminate reliable and appropriate risk indicators and reporting within Amundi's various locations, and the investment risk management teams, interacting closely with all Amundi's fund management teams as part of Amundi's global client protection approach. For the previous ten years, he was in charge of corporate development initiatives for Credit Agricole S.A. in the CASA Finance Division. Prior to 2003, he held various positions in the Finance Division, coordinating the preparation of the CASA IPO. He started his career in 1989 with Arthur Andersen, then moved on to the Risk Division of Banque Paribas for two years.

Eric holds a postgraduate degree from HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales - Paris).

Laurence Laplane, Executive Committee Secretary

Laurence Laplane-Rigal has been chief of staff to the CEO and Secretary of Amundi's Executive Committee since 2010 and will keep this position in the new Group.

She has been working in the investment industry since 2006 when she joined the Group Amundi as Head of the Organisation division. She is responsible for the coordination of Executive Management.

She has worked in investment banking for 20 years: six years as a trader, first at CIBC and then Indosuez (today CACIB), seven years as a senior market risk analyst and two as a senior analyst in securitisation. She then spent five years as General Secretary of the Investment Banking division of CAI (today CACIB).

Laurence holds a master's degree in accounting and international finance.

Thierry Ancona, Co-Head of Liquidity Solutions

Thierry Ancona is Head of Corporate and Corporate Pension Funds as well as co-Head of the Liquidity Solutions business line at Amundi. He will take the position of co-Head of the Liquidity Solutions in the new Group.

He has been working in the finance industry for 29 years and has been with Amundi since 2012. Thierry is in charge of the Corporate and Corporate Pension Funds segment worldwide as well as the development of Amundi's Treasury business line across all client segments and regions. His teams are spread across all the European countries in which Amundi operates.

He started his career as an intelligence officer in the French Navy. In 1989, he joined CA Cheuvreux, the European equity broker of CA Group, in the European equity sales department. He held several positions in sales and became Head of European equity sales in 2000. In 2011, he was appointed Deputy CEO in charge of Global Client Relationships. Thierry holds a business school degree from ESCP.

Jean-Philippe Bianquis, Head of Structured

Jean-Philippe Bianquis is the Head of Amundi's Structured Business Line at Amundi. He will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry for 12 years and has been with the Group for 25 years. The Structured Solutions Business Line has 50 billion in global assets under management. It includes retail solutions (formula products, including notes, protected funds, etc.) and institutional solutions (ESR, Solvency-friendly solutions, etc.).

He joined CACIB in 1992, where he was first Global Head of Structuring of the Equity and Fund Derivatives Business Line before joining the investment management business.

Jean-Philippe holds a post-graduate degree in actuarial science from the University of Paris.

Romain Boscher, Co-Head of Equities

Romain Boscher is currently Head of Equities at Amundi and will take the position of co-Head of Equities, responsible for Equity specialities, in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1994 and has been with the Group since 2011.

He started his career as a balanced portfolio manager at Financiere Meeschaert, then joined Banque Privee 1818 as Head of Equities before moving to Groupama AM where he was Global CIO and deputy CEO.

Romain is a graduate of Paris IX-Dauphine University, ESSEC and SFAF.

Xavier Collot, Head of Employee Savings and Retirement

Xavier Collot is Head of Employee Savings and Retirement at Amundi. He will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2000 and has been with the Group since 2004.

From 2004 to 2006, he was Head of Management Control before moving to his current position. From January 1998 to January 2000, Xavier was a Financial Functional Consultant with a presales role in Oracle France's Intelligence Business department. Previously, from 1994 to 1998, he was Management Controller at Schneider Electric's Commercial Department for France.

Xavier is a graduate of University of Lyon and holds a Master's degree in Economic Sciences and an MSc in Currencies-Finance-Banking.

Thierry Darmon, Co-Head of Liquidity Solutions

Thierry Darmon is co-Head of the Liquidity Solutions Business Line at Amundi. He will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 1989 and has been with the Group since 1993. He is in charge of defining and implementing the Treasury Business Line's strategy: portfolio management, products, revenue generation.

Thierry holds a Master's Degree in Economics and Statistics from ENSAE (Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Administration Economique, Paris) and a Master's Degree in Actuarial Science from the IAF (French Institute of Actuaries, Paris).

Julien Fontaine, CEO of Amundi Japan

Julien Fontaine is currently CEO of Amundi Japan and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2015 and has been with the Group since that date.

Previously, Julien was Head of Group Strategy at Credit Agricole SA and a member of CASA's executive committee. Before that, he was a partner at McKinsey where he served financial institutions for 11 years. He started his career as a diplomat in the French ministry of foreign affairs.

Julien is a graduate of ENA, ESSEC, and Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Paris).

Diego Franzin, Co-Head of Equities

Diego Franzin is currently EVP, Head of Equities - Europe at Pioneer Investments. He will take the position of co-Head of Equities, responsible for European Equities, in the new Group.

He has been working in the investments industry since 1998.

Diego graduated in Economics from the University of Pavia with specialisation in econometrics. He completed Harvard Business School PLD5 in 2008 as well as executive courses in warrants and convertibles, and risk measurement at London Business School.

Laurent Guillet, CEO of Amundi London Branch

Laurent Guillet has been the CEO of Amundi London Branch since 2013 and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2007.

He was appointed CEO of Amundi Alternative Investments in 2011, supervising alternative multi-management activities for Amundi Group in Paris, London, New York, and Chicago.

In 2007, he joined Amundi Investment Solutions as Deputy CEO, focusing on the development of the Managed Accounts platform & ETF business line and overseeing the newly acquired Amundi US Alternative subsidiary in New York.

He worked at CA CIB, CA Cheuvreux and the former CA Indosuez in capital markets for the first 20 years of his career.

Laurent graduated from HEC Paris. He is an approved Director of numerous mutual funds in various jurisdictions and a member of Amundi Group's Executive Committee.

Jack W. Lin, Head of South-East Asia

Jack W. Lin is currently Head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Pioneer Investments. He will take the position of Head of South-East Asia in the new Group.

He has over 22 years' experience in the investments industry and was based in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam at various times in his career. Prior to Pioneer, he was Co-CEO, International and MD, Asia Pacific for Janus. He also spent many years with Franklin Templeton, where he was a core Emerging Markets Investment Team member, set up their China JV and headed their institutional business in Asia.

Jack has a BA in Economics from Vanderbilt University and a JD and an MBA from UCLA.

Mauro Ratto, Head of Emerging Markets

Mauro Ratto is currently Head of Emerging Markets at Pioneer Investments. He will take the position of Head of Emerging Markets in the new Group.

He has been working in the investments industry since 1993. Prior to that, Mauro was Head of Investment Management Europe and Asia at Pioneer Investments.

Mauro is an Economics graduate of the University of Genoa. He is a guest lecturer at the same University.

Robert Richardson, CEO Ireland

Robert Richardson is currently CEO and Country Head for Pioneer Investments in Ireland. He will take the position of CEO Ireland in the new Group.

He has been working in the investments industry since 1986 and with the Group since 1994.

He is responsible for Pioneer's Irish entities and their foreign presences. Robert oversees governance, regulatory relationships and business activities centred out of Ireland.

Before joining Pioneer, he was a Vice President of The Boston Company where he was responsible for international operations management, systems development and business strategy for the Fund Administration Division.

He has a Bachelor of Art's degree in Economics from Middlebury College in Vermont, USA and a General Course Certificate from the London School of Economics.

Robert is on the Board / governing bodies of a number of industry associations across Europe.

Nesreen Srouji, CEO of Middle East

Nesreen Srouji is currently CEO of Middle East at Amundi and will keep this position in the new Group.

Nesreen has been in the industry for 20 year, starting as a lawyer, then an investment banker and a private equity investor. She started her career in 1997 as a Mergers & Acquisitions lawyer in Toronto and London at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. She moved into investment banking in 2002, joining Goldman Sachs in London. In 2006, she set up the first mezzanine fund in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region for the National Bank of Kuwait. In 2006, Nesreen moved to Standard Chartered Bank to set up their MENA private equity business, investing directly into mid-size companies. Most recently she was Head of Investors and Public Sector at Standard Chartered, covering Sovereign Wealth Funds and other institutional clients across the MENA region. Nesreen joined Amundi in May as CEO for the Middle East and is based in Amundi's Dubai office.

Nesreen holds an MBA from INSEAD and an LLB / JD degree from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Ken Taubes, CIO of US Investment Management

Ken Taubes is currently EVP, Chief Investment Officer, U.S. with Pioneer Investments. He is chairman of the U.S. Investment Committee, a member of the Global Investment Committee, and a member of the U.S. Management Committee. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pioneer Funds, which oversees Pioneer's U.S. registered portfolios. He will take the position of Head of US Expertise (Equity, Fixed Income, Research) in the new Group.

Ken has been working in the investments industry since 1983. Prior to joining Pioneer, Ken spent seven years with Putnam Investments in Boston, most recently as Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager.

Ken holds a B.S. in Accounting from Utica College and an M.B.A. from Suffolk University.

Evi Vogl, CEO of Germany

Evi Vogl is currently CEO of Pioneer Investments Germany. She will take the position of CEO of Germany in the new Group.

She has been working in the investments industry since 1981.

She started her career in the HVB group where she held various management positions in asset management. Subsequently Evi headed up the European institutional Sales and Distribution activities of a global asset manager.

Evi holds an MBA from Chicago Booth University.

Fannie Wurtz, Head of ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta

Fannie Wurtz has been Head of ETF, Indexing & Smart Beta at Amundi since April 2016. She will keep this position in the new Group.

Prior to joining Amundi in November 2011, she was responsible for ETF Institutional Sales and Amundi ETF business development at CA Cheuvreux since 2008. She has extensive experience in institutional sales, which she gained as Sales Associate Director at Fidelity Investments (2003-2008) and at Schroders Investment Management, where she managed institutional client relationships.

She started her career at State Street Bank and KPMG Audit.

Fannie holds a Masters from ESC Bordeaux.

Xiaofeng Zhong, CEO of North Asia

Xiaofeng Zhong is currently the CEO of North Asia at Amundi Hong Kong Limited and will keep this position in the new Group.

He has been working in the investment industry since 2011 and has been with the Group since 1996.

He is responsible for promoting Amundi Group's expertise to institutional clients and third-party distributors in North Asia as well as the management of Asian Equity and Asian Balanced expertise for all clients of the Amundi Group.

Prior to joining Amundi, he worked at CA Group from 1996, holding various positions in France and Greater China, mainly within the investment banking arm. His most recent role prior to joining Amundi was Managing Director of CA-CIB Beijing branch.

Xiaofeng has a PhD in Political Studies from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques, Paris, a postgraduate degree in Political Studies and International Relations from Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Paris) and an MA (French Language & Literature) from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China.

About Amundi

Publicly traded since November 2015, Amundi is the largest European Asset Manager in terms of AUM(*), with over 1,000 billion euros worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, France, Amundi has seven investment hubs located in the world's key financial centres, and offers a combination of research depth and market experience that has earned the confidence of its clients.

Amundi is the trusted partner of 100 million retail clients, 1,000 institutional clients and 1,000 distributors in more than 30 countries, and designs innovative, high-performing products and services for these types of clients tailored specifically to their needs and risk profile.

Go to amundi.com for more information or to find an Amundi office near you.

Amundi figures as of 31 March 2017. (*) No.1 European asset manager based on global assets under management (AUM) and the main headquarters being based in Continental Europe - Source IPE "Top 400 asset managers" published in June 2016 and based on AUM as at December 2015.

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Press contacts: Investor contacts: Natacha Andermahr Sharp Anthony Mellor Annabelle Wiriath Tel. +33 1 76 37 86 05 Tel. +33 1 76 32 17 16 Tel. +33 1 76 32 59 84 natacha.andermahr-sharp@amundi.com anthony.mellor@amundi.com annabelle.wiriath@amundi.com

Forward-looking statements

This press release includes information about the objectives of the Group and forward-looking statements. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future or conditional tense, as well as terms such as "estimate", "believe", "have the objective of", "intend to", "expect", "result in", "should" and other similar expressions. It should be noted that the realization of these objectives and forward-looking statements is dependent on the circumstances and facts that arise in the future. Forward-looking statements and information about objectives may be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may significantly alter the future results, performance and accomplishments planned or expected by the Company. These factors may include changes in the economic and commercial situation, regulations and the risk factors described in Amundi's Registration Document (section 5) registered with the AMF under number R.17-006 on March 13, 2017.
Boston, MA, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- John Boyce, President and CEO of Exosome Diagnostics Inc., a leader in the liquid biopsy space, presented a talk entitled The True Liquid Biopsy during the BIO International Conference being held this week in San Diego. The BIO conference is an assembly of the most influential biotech companies and industry thought leaders from around the world. Host to over 16,000 attendees, from more than 3,500 companies, the BIO 2017 conference provides an ideal forum to connect with biopharmas most respected business leaders and top innovators.

Mr. Boyces talk highlighted Exosome Diagnostics proprietary platforms and how such capabilities set the company apart from the current landscape. Exosome Diagnostics has the unique ability to translate their technology into a diagnostic development engine, fueling their ability to create meaningful partnerships with both the pharma and the clinical communities. Featured in Mr. Boyces presentation was a sampling of the companys technological capabilities, as well as their current diagnostic test menu.

About Exosome Diagnostics



Exosome Diagnostics is a privately held company focused on developing and commercializing revolutionary biofluid-based diagnostics to deliver personalized precision healthcare that improves lives. The companys novel exosome-based technology platform, ExoLution, and point of care instrument for protein capture and analysis, ShahkyTM, can yield comprehensive and dynamic molecular insights to transform how cancer and other serious diseases are diagnosed, treated and monitored. Visit www.exosomedx.com to learn more.

ExoDx is a registered trademark of Exosome Diagnostics, Inc. Exosome Diagnostics and ExoLution are unregistered trademarks of Exosome Diagnostics, Inc.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5702a2cb-054d-43e7-9223-8224b6958d65
English French

PR N C2824C

Not for publication or distribution directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa or in any other jurisdiction in which offers or sales would be prohibited by applicable law.

This announcement is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction.

STMicroelectronics prices a US$1.5 billion dual-tranche offering of New Convertible Bonds

AMSTERDAM, 22 June 2017 -- STMicroelectronics N.V. (the "Company" or "STMicroelectronics") announces today the pricing of a US$1.5 billion offering of senior unsecured bonds convertible into new or existing ordinary shares of STMicroelectronics (the "Shares") (the "New Convertible Bonds").

The New Convertible Bonds will be issued in two tranches, one of US$750 million with a maturity of 5 years and one of US$750 million with a maturity of 7 years. The terms of the New Convertible Bonds are expected to contain customary provisions which will allow the Company to satisfy conversion rights on the New Convertible Bonds with a combination of cash, new Shares and treasury Shares, or cash or Shares only including, unless the Company elects otherwise, by way of net share settlement. The offering proceeds, net of costs (including costs in respect of the share buy-back programme), will be used by STMicroelectronics for general corporate purposes, including the early redemption of the outstanding US$600 million Zero Coupon Convertible Bonds due 2019 (ISIN: XS1083956307, the "2019 Convertible Bonds") and the future redemption of the outstanding US$400 million 1.00 per cent. Convertible Bonds due 2021 (ISIN: XS1083957024).

The Company also announced today (i) the launch of a share buy-back programme of up to 19 million Shares for an amount up to US$297 million intended to meet obligations arising from debt financial instruments that are exchangeable into equity instruments and to meet obligations arising from share award programmes and (ii) the early redemption of the 2019 Convertible Bonds.

A net share settlement is the default settlement scenario under the New Convertible Bonds, and the Company's share buy-back programme is designed to equal or exceed the number of Shares required to be delivered on the exercise of conversion rights under the New Convertible Bonds, assuming a net share settlement.

Carlo Ferro, STMicroelectronics' Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Today we completed a transaction that further enhances ST's capital structure, supports growth and confirms the strength of both ST's equity story and credit profile, amid revenues growth and margin expansion. And we did it - once again - with a structure friendly to our equity holders. We raised US$1.5 billion at an overall zero yield and a 37.5% conversion premium. The yield in favor of the Company for the 2022 tranche is unique for a US dollar transaction in the European capital market. Finally, the combination of the net share settlement option and repurchase of the underlying shares implies substantially no dilution at conversion to shareholders".

Offering of New Convertible Bonds

The Company will issue the two tranches of New Convertible Bonds as follows:

The 5-year maturity New Convertible Bonds will not bear interest. The New Convertible Bonds will be issued at 101.265% of their principal amount and will be redeemed at 100% of their principal amount on 3 July 2022, unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled. This corresponds to an initial gross yield to maturity of (0.25)%;

 The 7-year maturity New Convertible Bonds will bear interest at an annual rate of 0.25%, payable semi-annually in arrear. The New Convertible Bonds will be issued at 100% of their principal amount and will be redeemed at 100% of their principal amount on 3 July 2024, unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled. This corresponds to an initial gross yield to maturity of 0.25%.

The initial conversion prices have been set, in relation to each of the 5-year maturity and 7-year maturity New Convertible Bonds, at US$20.54, representing a premium of 37.5% in each case over the volume-weighted average price of the Shares between opening of trading today and pricing of the offering on the Mercato Telematico Azionario organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A., converted into US dollars at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of pricing.

Settlement of the New Convertible Bonds is expected to take place on or about 3 July 2017.

Application will be made for the New Convertible Bonds to be admitted to trading on the Open Market (Freiverkehr) segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

In the context of this offering, the Company has committed to a lock-up of 90 days in respect to the Shares and related securities.

Morgan Stanley and Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking are acting as Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, J.P. Morgan and UniCredit are acting as Joint Bookrunners in respect of the offering and Banca IMI and Natixis are acting as Co-Managers.

The Company has appointed the broker to execute the share buy-back programme in accordance with all applicable regulations. The broker will make decisions relating to the purchase of Shares independently, including with respect to the timing of any purchases, and all purchases effected will be in compliance with applicable daily limits on prices and volumes.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. STMicroelectronics' products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, STMicroelectronics stands for life.augmented.

In 2016, the Company's net revenues were US$6.97 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

Inside information

This press release relates to the disclosure of information that qualified, or may have qualified, as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulations.

* * * * *

This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This announcement does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of any offer to subscribe for or otherwise buy any securities to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to in this announcement have not been and will not be registered in the United States under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or offered or sold in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan. There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or South Africa.

This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue, sale or purchase of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of the New Convertible Bonds in any Member State of the European Economic Area (the "EEA") will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities.

This announcement is addressed to, and directed in member states of the EEA at, persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (directive 2003/71/EC, as amended) ("qualified investors").

In addition, in France, this communication is only directed to (a) persons providing investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties (personnes fournissant le service d'investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers), and/or (b) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) acting for their own account, and/or (c) a restricted circle of investors (cercle restreint d'investisseurs) acting for their own account, all as defined in, and in accordance with, Articles L. 411-1, L. 411-2, D. 411-1 and D. 411-4 of the French Code monetaire et financier.

The offering of the New Convertible Bonds was not and will not be registered with the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") (the Italian Securities Exchange Commission) pursuant to Italian securities legislation and, accordingly, no New Convertible Bonds may be offered, sold or delivered in the republic of Italy, except: (i) to qualified investors (investitori qualificati), as defined pursuant to article 100 of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 34-ter, first paragraph, letter b) of CONSOB regulation no. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended ("Regulation no. 11971"); or (ii) in other circumstances which are exempted from the obligation to publish a prospectus, as provided for pursuant to Article 100 of the Financial Services Act and Article 34-ter of Regulation no. 11971.

Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the New Convertible Bonds. The value of the New Convertible Bonds can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the New Convertible Bonds for the person concerned.

Each of the Joint Global Coordinators, the Joint Bookrunners and the Co-Managers (together, the "Managers") is acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the offering and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of such Manager respectively or for providing advice in relation to the offering, the New Convertible Bonds or any other transaction, matter or arrangement referred to in this announcement.

Each of the Company, the Managers and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

In connection with the offering, the Managers and any of their affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase securities and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such securities and any other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the New Convertible Bonds, the Company or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the securities being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the Managers and any of their respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. The Managers do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

None of the Managers or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, affiliates, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility, duty or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its other subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

For further information, please contact:

STMicroelectronics N.V.

INVESTOR RELATIONS:Tait SorensenGroup VP, Investor RelationsTel: +1 602 485 2064tait.sorensen@st.comMEDIA RELATIONS:Nelly DimeyDirector, Corporate Media and Public RelationsTel: + 33 158 077 785
'I'm not sure we have the freedom to [invest] under current regulations,' Arnold Donald, president and ceo, Carnival Corp. & plc, said in response to an analyst's question during the company's second quarter earnings call Thursday.

'Cuba's going to refresh the Caribbean,' Donald added, and the Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line brands are looking forward to going there in the near future. (Carnival sailings start in July, HAL's in December.)

That said, Cuba represents just a 'teeny-tiny' sliver of the company's capacity.

'It will be awhile' before Carnival Corp. can invest in Cuba's port infrastructure to enable the island to handle more and bigger ships.

'That doesn't mean Cubans themselves won't do it,' Donald said.
The group said in a stock market announcement that it was suspending the provision of floating, production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) services to the Nigeria unit of Texas-based independent oil and gas company Erin Energy Corp.

Bumi Armada, through its units, has a bareboat charter contract and operation and maintenance (O&M) contract to provide services using its FPSO Armada Perdana. This was itself a new contract at the Oyo field offshore Nigeria when the previous operator Nigerian Agip Exploration gave up its contract at the end of 2013. Erin associate Oceanic Consultants Nigeria signed the contract taking over the FPSO in February 2014 and transferred it to Erin a month later.

The contracts worth $381m, were for seven years from 1 January 2014, with automatic extensions, amounting to a total of $108m, for two additional terms of 12 months each unless terminated by Erin Petroleum.

Bumi Armada said services are being suspended due to longstanding delays in the charterparty payments due to its unit Armada Oyo, for the bareboat charter of the vessel, as well as irregular payments for the O&M services provided by Bumi Armada (Singapore). It did not disclose in the announcement how long the problems had persisted or what was the amount due.

Bumi Armada said that after repeated attempts to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution, it had on 16 May issued notices of overdue payment and letters of demand to Erin Petroleum. They sought immediate payment of the undisputed outstanding sum.

To date, Erin Petroleum has not responded to their notices and letters of demand.

The suspension does not relieve Erin Petroleum of any of its own obligations under the contracts, Bumi Armada added.

The contracts were due to be suspended from 12pm Lagos time on 21 June except for the critical maintenance and other activities to mitigate occupational health and safety and environment risk.
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alberta Together welcomes all Albertans to join them on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Black Knight Inn, in Red Deer, AB. The not-for-profit organization is hosting a half-day event that will include interactive conversations about the current political landscape, growing the next generation of political leaders, and how to ensure a centrist political voice will be represented in the 2019 election.



By the end of the meeting, it is expected that a consensus on how to move forward, together, will be made.

Right now, we have a very polarized political system in our province and I think people are really hungry for something thats more moderate, modern and that speaks to them, said Katherine ONeill, Alberta Togethers Executive Director. Together, we can build a solid blueprint for Albertas future that fosters our provinces fierce entrepreneurial spirit while still being fiscally responsible and socially moderate.

Ms. ONeill added that less than 100,000 Albertans are currently card-carrying members of any provincial political party.

At the end of the day, we simply want a positive, honest, hard-working government that is fiscally prudent with our money and respects the diversity of this province, she said.

Work to bring together centrist political voices in Alberta began earlier this spring. Several meetings, both informal and formal, were held across the province, including a meeting in Red Deer on April 15, 2017.

Former and current members of all major political parties in Alberta will be in attendance on June 24. People who have no previous involvement in politics will also be in attendance.

Media is invited to attend the full meeting.

Speakers Include:

Pat Cochrane, President, Alberta Party

Greg Clark, Leader, Alberta Party

Kerry Cundal, Former Alberta Liberal Leadership Candidate

Stephen Mandel, Former Health Minister and Mayor of Edmonton

Emcees, Katherine ONeill and Harman Kandola

When:

Saturday, June 24, 2017

11am-3pm MDT

Location:

Black Knight Inn

2929 50 Avenue

Red Deer, AB T4R 1H1

Agenda:

9:30am-11am - Registration

11am-12:30pm - Welcome and Presentations

12:30pm-1:15pm - Lunch

1:15pm-3:00pm - Presentation and Open Discussion

All are welcome. Please invite a friend or neighbour.

$25 Tickets are available at the door or via Eventbrite.

Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-bring-alberta-together-tickets-34840404588?aff=ATSite

About Alberta Together

Alberta Together strives to shape and support a strong, positive and inclusive centrist political voice in our province that will be ready for the 2019 election. It is a not-for-profit organization that puts public service, pragmatic centrist principles and province building at the top of its agenda.

Formed in the spring of 2017, Alberta Together is dedicated to evidence-based political research, advocacy and training, particularly the next generation of our provinces leaders.

For more information about Alberta Together, please visit www.albertatogether.ca.

Media is welcome to attend the event on Saturday, June 24, 2017.
Each day, metro Detroits Latin American restaurants are serving up scrumptious, regionalized fare  often from unassuming, storefront locales that provide no indicators of the goodness within. But the true foodie knows you cant judge a book by its cover, or more aptly a tamale by its husk, and that authentic cuisine is often discovered in the most hard-to-spot, off-the-radar places.

So, weve pulled together a round up of five Latin American restaurants for the intrepid Metromode diner. Read on, especially if youre hungry.

Caution: If your normal modus operandi for south-of-the-border cuisine is dining on chimichangas with extra sour cream at the shopping mall food court, please close this story now. These places are not for your expectant, Mexican-Americanized pallet!

El Guanaco: Salvadoran cuisine

Troy

If youve driven by this seemingly innocuous restaurant on a regular basis, but have yet to taste the cuisine, nows the time to stop  pare! alto!  because you cannot live another day without eating El Guanacos pork, bean and cheese pupusas. The light, perfectly browned dough tenderly encloses the savory insides, and with a side of curtido (a spicy pickled cabbage), its the perfect Salvadoran lunch or dinner. (Note: Vegetarians try the loroco and cheese pupusa as a yummy alternative.)

But, alas, there is more to explore beyond pupusas. El Guanaco does a fabulous job with the fried cassava, generously portioned yucca that makes a fine dipping vessel for salsas, but is mild and delicious solo as well. (Note: Leftover cassava served with scrambled eggs and salsa makes a great breakfast the next morning.) A passion fruit agua fresca, fruit-flavored water, offers a foolproof accompaniment for all the Salvadoran menu items.

Seafood lovers should definitely dive into bowl of caldo de siete mares. This giant portion of soup is chocked full of little necks, mussels, shrimp, and squash. Youll likely take two-thirds of it home.

1710 Livernois, Troy, 248-526-0622

Hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun, 10:00 a.m-5:00 p.m.

Taqueria Alameda: Oaxacan cuisine

Westland

While Taqueria Alameda is famous for its huaraches (and yes, they are indeed shaped like the sole of a huarache sandal), covered with meat, cilantro, onions and cheese, its the fiery-red chile de arbol salsa that makes this fresh, simple dish pop. In fact, we recommend generously pouring the salsa over everything you order.

The sweet, hard-working Mexican couple who own and operate this modest Westland taqueria are Veronica Vargas from Mexico City, famous for its sopas and quesadillas and Marcelino Zuniga from a small village in Oaxaca known for sheep farming.

On the weekends, Taqueria Alameda celebrates this Oaxacan agricultural heritage with a number of lamb dishes, including a most delicious lamb stew, served with an accompaniment of chilis, lime slices, onions and cilantro. (Note: you can add barbequed lamb, barbacoa, to any dish, and we think you should.)

Grilled quesadillas are served up on homemade tortillas with Oaxacan cheese, lettuce and a choice of exotic fillings that include a sour-like flor de calabaz (pumpkin flower), chicharon prensado (pork skin) and huitlacoche, a corn truffle. Many choices of aquas frescas, fruit beverages, enhance the dining experience.

Dont let the modest storefront, in a small, depressed strip mall fool you. Inside, its part market and cafe, with a steady flow of hungry customers during meal hours. Friendly wait staff, including the owners daughter, Melissa Zuniga, and a cheery red and yellow decor add to the ambiance. The kitchen, which you must walk through to get to the bathroom, is spotless.

Worth the trip  no matter where you live!

906 S. Wayne Road, Westland, 734-727-0947

Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Sun, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Antojitos El Catracho: Honduran cuisine

Detroit

At El Catracho, Honduran cuisine is the specialty as attested by the blue and white Honduran flag hanging over the takeout counter. While this is the only festive decoration in this cavernous, sterile space, the food is nothing but plain.

The maduros, ripe plantains, are deep fried to perfection, as are the tajadas, green banana slices. If youve wrapped your arms and taste buds around eating the weight of your left buttocks in fried food, than you might as well dive in full force and go for another El Catracho specialty: pastelitos, deep fried tortillas stuffed with beef or chicken (go for the chicken, we say). The heaven behind this dish is the side of repollo, a lightly fermented cabbage salad with vinegar, garlic and oregano  a perfect accompaniment to the hearty, fried fare.

The pupusas  thick, stuffed tortillas popular in Central America  especially the loroco pupusas, are off-the-chart tasty  and are grilled, not fried. (Loroco is a vine flower bud that grows in the region.)

El Catracho is also known for its baleadas, a fresh simple flour tortilla folded in half and filled with beans, cheese and sour cream  a good choice for plain-palate young uns. The aquas frescas, both the sweet horchata, made with rice, nuts and cinnamon, and the mango, are apropos thirst quenchers for your Honduran feast.

4627 W. Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209, 313-784-9361

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Sun, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Taqueria Alma: Mexican cuisine

Center Line

This jumpin takeout-only joint in Center Line, offers fresh (not always fast) Mexican cuisine, with tacos taking the trophy as the crowd favorite. Served simply in double soft corn tortillas with pleasantly seasoned meat (the chicken is delish), chopped cilantro and onion, the tacos from Taqueria Alma regularly satiate droves of weekday lunch goers.

Taqueria Almas salsas champion whatever they accompany, the green being milder and the red packing a serious punch. The California burrito, another popular menu item, is huge  even the medium-sized option  stuffed to capacity with beans, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and your choice of meat. (The asada, beef, is a savory choice, marinated to tender perfection.)

Tasty, too, are Almas tortas (Mexican sandwiches) if youre looking for a major belly filler. Be sure to grab from the cooler a Jarritos, the popular south-of-the-border soda, which comes in a rainbow of flavors: mango, tamarind, fruit punch, pineapple, lime and more.

25343 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, 586-209-8429

Hours: Mon-Tue, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Wed 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Thurs & Fri, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat, 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Encuentro Latino: Guatemalan cuisine

Ypsilanti

Known for its Guatemalan cuisine, Encuentro Latino fits perfectly on this eclectic stretch of Michigan Avenue in downtown Ypsilanti. Breakfast seems to be the go-to choice for this sweet little eatery, with the Guatemalan breakfast receiving a gold star. Its a combination of two eggs topped with salsa and sides of fresh cheese with cream, fried plantains, black beans and tortillas. Beats a bowl of Wheaties any day.

For lunch or dinner, the tortilla de harina stuffed with beef, pickled cabbage, scallions and mayo is a great choice to share. Most dishes are served with a side of hot, pickled vegetables, a melange of tangy goodness using green beans, carrots, cauliflower and peppers. Be sure to try the fried plantains with cream sauce  great for sharing among friends, or enemies you want to be friends with.

Encuentro has many options for exploring Guatemalan cuisine. But keep in mind the food is not heavily seasoned; its more about plain, fresh and simple.

228 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, 734-483-1727

Hours: Mon, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Tue, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Wed & Thurs, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Fri, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Dearborn Heights resident Yasmin Mallah made a life-changing decision during her senior year of high school when she decided she didnt want to become a doctor after all.

She was able to gain insight through Dearborn Public Schools Michael Berry Career Center, where she shadowed health professionals and saw first hand what their jobs entailed. She also took early college courses at Henry Ford Community College as a high school junior along with advanced placement classes that transferred to the college.



Now the 2011 Dearborn High School graduate is on her way to earning a master's degree to be a nurse anesthetist.

According to district communications director David Mustonen, Mallahs experience is due to Dearborn Public School's emphasis on careers, something that begins in preschool and carries through 12th grade and into college. And, he says, that program is helping students gain insight into viable career paths at an early age.

I realized I didnt want to be a doctor because there were other options, says Mallah. I was able to understand what I wanted to do.

Ready, set, grow

Serving the city of Dearborn and a small northeast section of Dearborn Heights, Dearborn Public Schools is the third largest school district (after Detroit and Utica) in the state in enrollment. In the 2016-17 school year, there were 20,700 students. And despite many districts in the state suffering from declining enrollment, Dearborn schools is still growing.

This is our 28th consecutive year of growth for our district, Mustonen says.

Typically, the district grows annually by about 100 or so students, but this year there was a spike of more than 400 students additional pupils in the system. The district currently has an annual budget of over $200 million.

One reason for the growth is the constant influx of immigrants, many from the Middle East, into the city. Dearborn schools graduate approximately 1,100 students annually. As of last year, about 60 percent of the district's students were Arab American, ranging from being brand new to the country to fourth-generation Americans.

Mustonen says there have been some subtle changes in the way the district operates to accommodate the high percentage of Middle Eastern immigrants and Arab Americans. For instance, the school calendar is adjusted to allow students to observe Muslim holidays, and halal food items are offered in the cafeterias. The district offers Arabic-language programs, allows for consideration of prayer time and rules regarding modesty of females in physical education and sports.

A challenge we face is the high number of students who come to the district who are either economically disadvantaged or have not had an experience of any kind of a formal school background, Mustonen says. We might get a ninth grader from overseas, and they havent spent the last two years in school at all.

Despite some of the obstacles faced by some students, this year there was a 93 percent graduation rate in Dearborn, which is a five-year high and a significant jump from the 76 percent graduation rate in 2011. The dropout rate has also decreased by 72 percent from 113 drop-outs to 32 percent, according to Mustonen. The state average graduation rate for 2016 is 80 percent.

Students prosper in STEAM

At the middle-school level, Dearborn district students are offered a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) curriculum. The Henry Ford Early College program allows students to start in the ninth grade, and after five years earn their high school diplomas and two-year college degrees or certification in a medical field. The program is provided by a partnership between the school district, Henry Ford College, and Henry Ford Health System. Students take all their classes at Henry Ford College, and the curriculum is free.

A similar program that begins in the ninth grade offers students five years of instruction in manufacturing and technology in cooperation with the district, Henry Ford College, and Ford Motor Company.

Now in its fourth year, the Henry Ford Collegiate Academy allows students to enter during the 11th grade, continue in 12th grade and finish after another year. Students remain at their home high schools while attending this program.

They dont lose any of the high school experience, and in their 13th year theyre entirely at the college, says Mustonen. They save two years of tuition, and theyre still a year ahead of everyone else.

It takes a community

Mustonen points to other partnerships with the City of Dearborn, community organizations, parental involvement and unions, as the forces behind much of the districts success.

For instance, he said, a teacher evaluation system was developed with unions that were also used to improve classroom instruction. And learning intervention programs start young in Dearborn.

By identifying students at an early age we can get interventions, Mustonen says. If theyre falling behind or ahead of the curve we can provide instruction. We offer students a variety of programs for them to take part in, especially in the early grades.

And during a time when state aid cuts slashed art and music programs in districts across the state, Dearborns creative arts classes are flourishing, Mustonen says. One of its premier classes was developed in the early 1980s by Dearborn teacher Russ Gibb, who started the districts film and video program.

Students' work is featured annually in a film festival at the Ford Community and Performing Art Center. Alumni have won numerous local Emmy awards, gone on to prestigious film schools, landed jobs at agencies and cable television stations, and created feature films, according to Mustonen.

Teacher Kurt Doelle, an instructor of the Russ Gibb Digital Media program, said his goal is to give students a degree of freedom when pursuing their subject matter.

If they want to do something they are passionate about, Im all into letting them invest in their own ideas, Doelle says.

The Russ Gibb Digital Media classes were a perfect fit for senior Michael Alec Berry, program station manager and great nephew of Michael Berry, who was instrumental in financing the program decades ago.

Berry now wants to pursue film in story development, directing and discerning how scenes are shot. He plans to attend the University of MichiganDearborn and major in computer engineering.

This program helped me out of my shell and helped me find who I really am, Berry says. You build up connections with people, and its given me confidence in my work. This class teaches you a lot about life and dealing with people.
MILAN, Italy, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YOOX, the worlds leading store for fashion, design and art, announces an exclusive partnership with Lumyer, the augmented reality camera app that allows users to add AR effects to their photos and videos, bringing them to life.



The partnership is a fashion premiere: YOOX is in fact the first retailer to develop an exclusive set of filters enabling Lumyers over 16 million users on iOS and Android to virtually try, share and shop a selection of quirky designer accessories from YOOX. Lumyers augmented reality technology will allow users to see themselves trying on handbags, sunglasses and jewelry from YOOX, creating live fashion shoots. The images may then be shared on social media, and the accessories bought on YOOX, directly through the app with a swipe.

The partnership with Lumyer has been developed to engage Lumyers users and YOOXs customers worldwide in a more playful and personal way and is part of a wider brand focus on creating unexpected content to entertain and constantly surprise customers.

Mobile is at the heart of what we do and were delighted to be partnering with Lumyer, making us the first retailer on the platform. Through this partnership, we believe our customers will enjoy a more engaging and playful retail experience on mobile, commented Alessandra Rossi, President of YOOX

Its fantastic to partner with YOOX and welcome them as our exclusive retail partner. Lumyer offers users the chance to create visually stunning and unique photos and videos, and in partnering with YOOX and showcasing its range of accessories, this visual appeal is enhanced further, commented Diego Mortillaro, Chief Executive Officer at Lumyer

This new exciting feature will be available on Lumyer from June 22 to celebrate YOOXs seventeenth birthday.

YOOX

YOOX , established in 2000, is the worlds leading online lifestyle store for fashion, design & art, offering an extensive assortment of hard-to-find clothing and accessories for men and women from the worlds most prestigious designers, as well as a unique selection of home design objects, exclusive collaborations with internationally-renowned artists, socially and environmentally responsible brands and kidswear.
Koko bats for sustainable tourism

Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III declared his support for sustainable tourism that would improve quality of life for all, respect for the environment's regenerative capacities, and more inclusive decision-making processes along with the growth in the tourism sector.

Pimentel made his statement in a speech before the 6th United Nations World Tourism Organization International Conference on Tourism, a conference of tourism ministers and national statisticians from all over the world to discuss the development of a statistical framework to support the measurement of sustainable tourism.

"Tourism is a priority development area that deserves greater attention. Focus now should not be on how much money it can contribute to government coffers but rather on how it can improve the overall well-being of people", said Pimentel.

The Senate President shared to the delegates the policies of the government which would help boost the tourism industry, such as the administration's $23 billion infrastructure program, its independent foreign policy, and the shift to Federalism.

Pimentel added that he supports the policy of the Department of Tourism not to raise tourist arrival targets until there is sufficient infrastructure to support more visitors.

But Pimentel cautioned, "We do need the tourist dollars, but not at the expense of a polluted environment, denuded forests, or displaced indigenous groups."

For Pimentel, "Tourism is a vehicle for poverty reduction, a tool for environmental conservation, an impulse for cultural heritage preservation, and an avenue for strengthening people to people relationships."

Pimentel called for a healthy balance between tourism and the broader social and environmental context.

Tourism accounts for 8.6% of the Philippines' GDP.
Press Release

June 22, 2017 De Lima: PNA should be held accountable for its lapses Sen. Leila M. de Lima today said the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) should be held accountable for disseminating fake news that claim that 95 out of 105 nations agree there were no extrajudicial killings in the country. In filing Senate Resolution No. 405, De Lima urged the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to look into the agency's recent lapses and enable it to be a more independent and responsible state-run news agency. "The PNA must be responsible in ensuring that information it shares with the public is accurate and duly verified. Our people need to know why such lapses happened, and if these are mere errors, or if they were a part of a sinister strategy, if any, to mislead and deceive the public," she said. The PNA came under fire after it reported that 95 nations in the 27th Universal Periodic Review of the United Nations Human Rights Council were convinced that there were no extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. The said report was later on rebutted, forcing PNA to issue a public apology. The agency also drew flaks for reporting on the challenges of soldiers in the Marawi siege, using a photo taken in Vietnam from Wikimedia Commons, a free-for-all media repository of digital images. De Lima, a former justice secretary, said she believes that accountability must be exacted from the PNA, adding that her call for a Senate investigation s also to help them in improving their vetting process as a news agency. "While it regretted these mistakes that have created doubts on its integrity, PNA should be held accountable for its mistakes and lapses, and not allow itself to become a willing instrument in peddling misinformation," she said. "To be true to its mandate, PNA should be transformed into a shepherd of correct and accurate information to the public, and not be used for political propaganda," she added. De Lima said the PNA should not succumb to becoming another "fake news" machinery, but instead should be an independent news organization that is committed to becoming a reliable source of truth for the public. Last January, De Lima delivered a privilege speech to bewail the propagation of fake news allegedly propagated by supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte to harass her and malign her good reputation.
Press Release

June 22, 2017 Koko espouses Fujian economic development model for PH Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, outlined his vision for Philippine economic development on Thursday, calling on the country's economic managers to check on the development model of Fujian Province in China. Pimentel was in Fuzhou, Fujian, China for the BRICS Political Parties, Think-tanks, and Civil Society Organizations Forum 2017. "I am very impressed with Fujian. They are not at the center of the country politically or economically, but they still managed to do very well", Pimentel said. Fujian is a province of China, and most Filipinos of Chinese descent can trace their ancestry to this province. Pimentel said, "I think that we should look closely at how they were able to develop their economy despite their distance from the capital Beijing, while at the same remaining environment-friendly." The Senate President and Federalism advocate pointed out that not only does Fujian show a path towards sustainable development, it also demonstrates what the Philippines' regions can achieve under Federalism. Xiamen, a city in the province, was one of the first special economic zones in China, opened to foreign investors during the country's period of transition from a centrally planned economy to a free-market one. This transition saw the rise of China to become the second-largest economy in the world, sustaining an average annual growth rate of 10%, lifting 800 million out of poverty, reaching all its Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Fujian's GDP per capita in 2015 stood at US$9,999.43, higher than the average GDP per capita for the whole of China, which was at US$8,069.20, and much higher than the Philippines' GDP per capita of US$2,899.38. Preliminary computations show that the economy of Fujian would expand by 8.4% in 2016, compared to 6.7% for the whole of China, and Philippine growth of 6.8% in the same period. Pimentel was in China to represent the ruling party PDP Laban in the aforementioned forum. The forum, organized by BRICS, an association of the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is meant to institutionalize links among political parties, think-tanks, and civil society organizations from emerging economies to pool knowledge and efforts in addressing common problems. With the theme, "Pooling Wisdom and Efforts Towards Common Development and a Brighter Future", the forum brought PDP Laban in contact with leading organizations in emerging economies all over the world, including the Communist Party of China and United Russia.
Press Release

June 22, 2017 Villanueva formally files anti-fake news bill that gives stiffer penalties to erring public officials Senator Joel Villanueva has formally filed a bill that seeks to penalize any person or entity who maliciously offer, publish, distribute, circulate, and spread false news or information in print, broadcast or online media. Under Senate Bill No. 1492 or An Act Penalizing the Malicious Distribution of False News and Other Related Violations, false news or information are those which either intend to cause panic, division, chaos, violence, and hate, or those which exhibit a propaganda to blacken or discredit one's reputation. In light of the recent events where numerous fake social media accounts were created to spread false news, the bill seeks to punish violators with a hefty penalty depending on the nature of crime he or she committed. Public officials will be slapped with stiffer penalties. Any person who will be proven guilty of malicious creation and distribution of false news will face a fine ranging from P100,000 to P5,000,000 and imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years. If the offender is a public official, he or she will be made to pay twice the said amount of fine, and twice the period of imprisonment; and absolute disqualification from holding any public office. Meanwhile, if a violator was proven to have aided and encouraged the malicious creation and distribution of fake news, he or she will be slapped with a fine ranging from P50,000 to P3,000,000 and imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years. A public official guilty of the said act will be meted out with twice the amount of fine and will have to serve twice the said period of imprisonment; and absolute disqualification from holding any public office. In addition to that, any mass media enterprise or social media platform that fails, neglects, or refuses to remove false news will be penalized with a fine ranging from P10,000,000 to P20,000,000 and imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years. Senator Villanueva said it is high time for the legislative body to pass a bill that will curb the spread of fake news in the country. "The effect of fake news should not be taken lightly. Fake news creates impression and beliefs based on false premises leading to division, misunderstanding and further exacerbating otherwise strenuous relations," Villanueva said. The senator added that public officials must take the moral high ground instead of being the ones to spread false information coming from fake news sites. It can be noted that recently, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre made false claims wherein he implicated some opposition lawmakers in the conflict in Marawi City. Villanueva is one of the senators who expressed support in the call of his colleagues in the Senate for Aguirre to retract his statements and issue a public apology. Also in May 2017, General Eduardo Ano, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, ordered a probe on the complaint against soldiers who posted their comments following a fake news posted online. "The recent events involving our public officials who failed to validate information that resulted to the spread of false information make matters worse. The proliferation of fake news should not be tolerated especially when the public interest is at stake. This is why we want stiffer penalties for erring public officials," Villanueva explained. The senator further urged the immediate passage of the said measure that is also aimed at promoting responsible use of social media and other platforms. "The passage of this bill will encourage our citizens, especially public officers, to be more responsible and circumspect in creating, distributing and/or sharing news. Addressing national and global concerns should not be made more complicated by false news calculated to cause disunity, panic, chaos or violence," Villanueva said.
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Park Electrochemical Corp. (NYSE:PKE) announced the introduction of Meteorwave3350. Meteorwave 3350 is a copper-clad laminate designed specifically for Radio Frequency (RF) applications requiring a tightly controlled 3.5 Dk. Meteorwave 3350 exhibits the same thermal robustness, ease of processing and CAF resistance as all of the Meteorwave Family of materials, and is compatible with all Meteorwave prepreg styles. In addition, Meteorwave 3350 exhibits very stable Dk and Df over a wide range of frequencies and environmental conditions. Meteorwave 3350 is available globally in multiple laminate thicknesses from 0.002 and up. Meteorwave 3350 performs very well in cellular base station, automotive radar, power amplifier and microwave link applications.

Meteorwave 3350 is a member of the UL designated Meteorwave Family of materials. It has a UL 94V-0 designation and a 130C MOT Rating. Meteorwave 3350 meets IPC-4101/91 and /102 specifications and NASA outgassing requirements, and is RoHS compliant.

For information regarding Meteorwave 3350, in North and South America, contact Neltec, Inc. at +1-480-967-5600; for information in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, please contact Neltec SA at +33-562-985290; and for information in Asia and Australia, please contact Nelco Products Pte. Ltd. at +65-686-17117.

Certain portions of this news release may be deemed to constitute forward looking statements that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from Parks expectations. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general conditions in the electronics and aerospace industries, Parks competitive position, the status of Parks relationships with its customers, economic conditions in international markets, the cost and availability of raw materials, transportation and utilities, and the various factors set forth in Item 1A Risk Factors and under the caption Factors That May Affect Future Results after Item 7 of Parks Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2017.

Park Electrochemical Corp. is a global advanced materials company which develops and manufactures advanced composite materials, primary and secondary structures and assemblies and low-volume tooling for the aerospace markets and high-technology digital and RF/microwave printed circuit materials principally for the telecommunications and internet infrastructure, enterprise and military markets. The Companys manufacturing facilities are located in Kansas, Singapore, France, Arizona and California. The Company also maintains R & D facilities in Arizona, Kansas and Singapore.

Additional corporation information is available on the Companys web site at www.parkelectro.com.
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.

Democratic Party forum: A conversation on the rifts within the Democratic Party, hosted by Progressive Democrats for America. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Center, Fireside Room, 1187 Franklin St., San Francisco. For information: (415) 516-9625 or jlcowan@mindspring.com.

Climate change: Hosted by the Older Womens League of California, a discussion and session for postcard-writing to elected representatives to push for climate change action. 10 a.m.-noon at the Northern Police Station Community Room, 1125 Fillmore St. in San Francisco. For information:info@owlsf.org.

Diplomacy talk: A panel with foreign affairs experts, U.S., Iran, Saudi Arabia: A New Diplomatic Calculus? The discussion is from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the World Affairs Auditorium, 312 Sutter St., Suite 200 in San Francisco. Tickets cost $20. For information: http://bit.ly/2rRlx4H.

Impeachment march: Nationwide marches will call for President Trumps impeachment. The march in San Francisco begins at 1 p.m. along the Embarcadero and will head to Powell and Market streets. For information: http://bit.ly/2sYoEER.

Where money should go: A discussion on how to invest public and private dollars, and what questions are most pressing for policy-makers, investors and organization leaders. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. at the SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission St., San Francisco. For information: http://bit.ly/2sVj0pM.
Board members of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on Wednesday delayed voting on a plan to create the nations first greenhouse-gas limits for oil refineries, saying the proposal had changed so many times in recent weeks that they couldnt fairly evaluate it.

One member of the board of directors even complained that she hadnt seen the final revisions, issued Tuesday afternoon, until she showed up for Wednesdays meeting.

The move marks the latest delay for a rule that the district has spent years developing, and it left many of the directors visibly frustrated. But Director John Gioia, a Contra Costa County supervisor, said rushing a vote could leave the regulation more vulnerable to legal attack from the oil industry.

I think everybody here who wants to vote for this motion, its all for the same reason  we want enforceable caps, Gioia said. But the ends dont justify the means.

The proposal calls for establishing firm limits on the amount of greenhouse gases each of the Bay Areas five refineries can emit in a year. That basic principle won approval from the board in May.

But since then, the districts staff has added a substantial twist, proposing that the caps be raised to account for emissions from refinery expansion or upgrade projects that the district has already approved but that havent been built or havent fully come online.

That change angered environmentalists, who said it would allow greenhouse gas emissions from the refineries to rise as much as if the Bay Area added another refinery. District staff countered that the change was necessary to protect the rule from an expected legal challenge.

That wasnt the only change, and Gioia complained that he had seen four versions of the proposal in the last three weeks. Oil industry representatives as well as environmentalists speaking before the board on Wednesday criticized what they characterized as a rushed process.

Some directors pushed for a vote anyway, arguing against further delay on a rule they have long sought.

We dont need to be perfect  we do need to be bold and courageous politically, said Shirlee Zane, a Sonoma County supervisor. Striving for perfection is going to kill our attempt to do something wonderfully historic today, which is to say to these refineries, Youve got to cap your emissions.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
Evan Sernoffsky

A 27-year-old Oakley man accused of shooting to death a man outside a nightclub in Concord was charged Wednesday with murder, officials said.

Nicholas Jacobson was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm by the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office, authorities said.
The San Francisco police officer once known as the Hot Cop of the Castro was ordered to stand trial Wednesday in connection with a North Beach crash that left two men with serious injuries.

Christopher Kohrs, 39, faces two felony counts of hit and run for his alleged role in the Nov. 29, 2015 incident. He was originally charged with two counts of hit and run causing injury, but Superior Court Judge Robert Foley elevated one of the charges to hit and run causing serious permanent injury.
DEER PARK, Ill., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As a platinum sponsor and annual supporter of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest program, The Plexus Groupe LLC congratulates the 2017 award winners, who were honored at a gala at Chicagos Navy Pier on Wednesday night.



The 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Midwest award winners are:

Jordan Batt and Paul Chernawsky, Endurance, Northbrook, Illinois.

Gregory Caplan, Remote Year, Highland Park, Illinois.

Jake Crampton, MedSpeed, Elmhurst, Illinois.

Ilene Gordon, Ingredion Incorporated, Westchester, Illinois.

Alison Gutterman, Jelmar, LLC, Skokie, Illinois.

Andrew Limouris, Medix, Chicago.

Loretta Rosenmayer, INTREN LLC, Union, Illinois.

Patrick Vihtelic, Home Chef, Chicago.

We applaud the Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Midwest program finalists and winners for their persistence and innovation, said Brian F. Griffin, Plexus President and Chief Operating Officer. The entrepreneurial spirit is vital to our economy, as is the willingness to roll up your sleeves and transform a concept into a business. At Plexus, we relish partnering with companies who dare to dream and burn to succeed, and we salute EY for its strong support of entrepreneurship locally, nationally and globally.

ABOUT THE PLEXUS GROUPE

The Plexus Groupe (Plexus) is an insurance brokerage and risk management consultancy with offices in Deer Park, Ill. (headquarters), Chicago, Dallas and Oklahoma City. The firm offers expertise in employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement plans, personal insurance, HR administration and consulting, technology, and mergers and acquisitions.



Plexus has earned Best Places to Work in Insurance honors from Business Insurance magazine in each of the last seven years, and the firm was named a Best Practices Agency for 2016 by Reagan Consulting and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Inc.



For more information on Plexus, please contact the firm at 847-307-6100, or visit plexusgroupe.com.
Chief Bill Scott said Wednesday that he wants to train every sworn San Francisco police officer in his department to use the electric stun guns that they have been denied because of staunch public opposition for more than a decade.

While Scotts support of the tool is nothing new, his desire to have every officer trained in its use appeared to be a departure from previous chiefs more cautious efforts to appease the community by equipping just a portion of the department to start.

In our vision and our quest to have a tool or piece of equipment that allows us to prevent escalation and in the process deescalate force, we feel that this option (stun guns) accomplishes that, Scott said.

Scotts comments came as part of a working group presentation to the Police Commission. Several experts testified about not just the possible lethality of conductive energy weapons, which are colloquially referred to as Tasers, but also the effectiveness of the tools.

Youve got a what I consider a high failure rate with these weapons, said Michael Leonesio, a retired Oakland officer who oversaw the departments roll-out of stun guns.

Wednesday marked the citys latest effort to acquire the electric shock weapons, proposals for which have been repeatedly defeated over the past decade, making the San Francisco Police Department the last major city force in the country without them.

Former Chief Greg Suhr twice proposed equipping 5 percent of the force with Tasers. In his last push, he suggested that the devices could have averted the fatal, video-recorded shooting of Mario Woods in the Bayview neighborhood in December 2015.

Leonesio, who spoke to the commission Wednesday, said a Taser most likely would have failed with Woods because he had been wearing a thick jacket. He said he found that the weapons had a tendency to fail to incapacitate subjects because of mechanical failures or because one or both of the weapons two dart-like electrodes did not land, either because of thick clothing, a bad shot that missed or evasive maneuvers by the subject.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The presentation was part of the Police Commissions effort to implement a slate of recommendations made by the U.S. Justice Department in the wake of the Woods shooting. The Justice Department said the city should strongly consider deploying stun guns. The report also recommended that the department and the commission work with stakeholders and community members to make an informed decision.

While the experts who testified Wednesday presented research and cases that highlighted the possible abuse of Tasers and the deadly consequences of that abuse, several members of the public spoke in support of the devices.

It is quite a dangerous weapon that does have a chance of causing death, said Alan Beatts, founder of Borderland Books. On the other hand, it seems to me that if presented as an alternative to a firearm, we are going to be both saving the lives of people who need our care and saving our police officers from the horrible burden of having to shoot someone.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
Fireflies, ice cream, thunder at midnight, kids cannonballing into a pool. I have been in Iowa for a few days, and heres some catch-up:

Amazon bought Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, says Norm Goldblatt, and it all fit in one basket.

At 2 a.m. on June 10, Adam Michels and Yi-Kuan Lee, who live with their family in the Sunset District, were awakened by their 15-year-old daughter, who said someone had been ringing the doorbell repeatedly. Rushing to the door, they found a drunken man, saying he had rented a room, demanding to be let in and trying to use a key in the lock. Michels called the police, who arrived, talked to the man and related the explanation to the family: He was a Warriors fan so disappointed by their Friday night loss that hed gotten drunk and couldnt find the Airbnb room hed rented, which was actually in the Richmond District. The familys guard dog, a 13-year-old spaniel, slept through the incident, as did their 13-year-old son.

Woe is me for having missed the seventh Soy and Tofu Festival in the event space at St. Marys Cathedral on Saturday, June 17. This event, a fundraiser for the Nichi Bei Foundation, included a dessert contest, a tofu toss for kids and, according to Hoodline, a raffle for a Toto toilet.

Its been so hot out, wrote Joe Mac in the middle of the heat wave, that straight girls have been coming into the gay bars just for the cold stares.

And lets hope this mans daughter was able to pull off this feat: Combing Craigslist, Mark Sheff came upon a notice that read, Trying to be the good daughter I am, I would like to rent a monkey for my dad for Fathers Day. ... Price negotiable. Teacup pig will also suffice.

Also on Fathers Day, Nancy and Paul Pelosi, daughter Christine Pelosi and her husband Peter Kaufman and granddaughter Bella Kaufman, Phil Kaufman and Kelly Sultan had dinner at Tommasos in North Beach. Nancy Pelosi got a standing ovation from the other customers.

Tickets for members were available a few hours earlier, but public tickets for the July 5 San Francisco Jewish Community Center appearance of Al Franken  his new book is Al Franken, Giant of the Senate  went on sale at noon on June 15. By 12:08 p.m. that day, they were sold out, reported Elaine Molinari.

M.W. spotted Larry David, accompanied by a blond woman, at the June 15 performance of Hamilton.

In Washington, D.C., James Patterson attended a recent constituent breakfast with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who introduced her staff and summer interns. When staffers praised her to the crowd, said Patterson, she joked, Dont make this like President Trumps recent Cabinet meeting.

Dolphin Club member Firat Yener attended the Saturday, June 17, wedding of John Ingle and Renee Kaufman, in the cove at Aquatic Park. The venue was the opening, the name members give to the place where the Municipal Pier to the west and the easterly breakwater open to the bay.

The wedding was at 5 p.m., with 50 or so of us swimming to the opening to accompany our bride, who was on a board with Ken Coren, who officiated, reported Yener. Some guests rowed out, some paddled out on boards, others watched from the pier. The groom jumped in at Fort Mason and swam to meet the bride at the opening. When he arrived, she jumped into the water too. The water was rather textured, with some chop, says Yener, but nature cooperated, and the bride and groom exchanged rings: two life preservers.

P.S. Sounds romantic. On the other hand, Chris Morano spotted a Mercedes with a license plate that read WAS HIZ.

Cal Zamansky spotted the bumper sticker on a Prius in front of his: Read a f book.

Sign spotted by Kathleen Campbell in the window of PlumpJack Wine & Spirits: People who wonder whether the glass is  full or  empty are missing the point. ... The glass is refillable!

Terry Lesyk supplies a long-needed word for the crumbs created when you scratch off the latex coating on state lottery scratchers: dreamdebris.

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik

Public Eavesdropping

Dont you ever, ever, ever ask Mama for a pet snake. OK?

Mother to child, leaving the Sonoma Humane Society and overheard by Margo Morton
WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans on Thursday plan to release a health-care bill that would curtail federal Medicaid funding, repeal taxes on the wealthy and eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood as part of an effort to fulfill a years-long promise to undo Barack Obama's signature health-care law.

The bill is an attempt to strike a compromise between existing law and a bill passed by the House in May as Republicans struggle to advance their vision for the country's health-care system even though they now control both Congress and the White House.

The Senate proposal largely mirrors the House measure with some significant differences, according to a discussion draft circulating Wednesday among aides and lobbyists. While the House legislation pegged federal insurance subsidies to age, the Senate bill would link them to income as the Affordable Care Act does. The Senate proposal cuts off Medicaid expansion for states more gradually than the House bill but would enact deeper long-term cuts to the health-care program for low-income Americans. It also removes language restricting federally subsidized health plans from covering abortions, which may have run afoul of complex Senate budget rules.

But on the eve of the bill's release, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., faced the prospect of an open revolt from key conservative and moderate GOP senators, whose concerns he has struggled to balance in recent weeks. Republicans familiar with the effort said Senate leaders have more work to do to secure the 50 votes needed to pass the measure, with Vice President Mike Pence set to cast the tiebreaking vote, from the pool of 52 GOP senators. No Democrats are expected to support the bill.

Republican aides stressed that the plan is likely to undergo more changes to secure the votes needed for passage, but there were major concerns Wednesday from senators on opposite ends of the GOP spectrum.

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Melina Mara/The Washington Post Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Melina Mara/The Washington Post Show More Show Less



"My main concern is I promised voters that I would repeal - vote to repeal Obamacare. And everything I hear sounds like Obamacare-lite," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., whose state expanded Medicaid and has been pushing for a more gradual unwinding of that initiative than many conservatives prefer, said she is waiting to scrutinize what is released but has not seen anything yet that would make her drop her concerns with the proposal.

"Up to this point, I don't have any new news - tomorrow we will see it definitively - that would cause me to change that sentiment," she said.

Like the House bill, the Senate measure is expected to make big changes to Medicaid, the program that insures about 74 million elderly and lower-income Americans and was expanded in most states under the ACA. In effect, the revisions would reduce federal spending on the program.

The Senate measure would transform Medicaid from an open-ended entitlement to one in which federal funding would be distributed to states on a per capita basis. It would also seek to phase out the program's expansion - although at a more gradual rate than the House version.

Yet the Senate bill is expected go further than the House version in its approach to cutting Medicaid funding in the future. In 2025, the measure would tie federal spending on the program to an even slower growth index than the one used in the House bill. That move could prompt states to reduce the size of their Medicaid programs.

That provision, a nod to conservative lawmakers led by Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., risks alienating moderates, including Capito and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who also represents a state that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Some Republicans worry that such a move would force states to cut services or coverage, potentially leaving millions of low-income people without sufficient health care.

The growth rate that is applied to Medicaid spending going forward has major implications, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. "That inflater is critical, because it translates into billions of dollars over time," she said.

Portman and Capito have also been pushing for the inclusion of a $45 billion fund to treat and prevent opioid addiction. As of early Wednesday afternoon, the opioid money was not included in McConnell's proposal, according to a top GOP senator and Senate aide familiar with the discussions.

"I don't think there is right now," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, said when asked whether the legislation includes a distinct opioid fund. "It might have to be considered separately."

But Portman and Capito, like all senators, will have a chance to introduce amendments to the bill when it heads to the Senate floor, which McConnell said is likely to happen next week. This process will allow senators to draw attention to the causes they have championed and potentially change the final bill.

Moderates who are on the fence about whether to support the Obamacare overhaul are likely to be pleased at the bill's approach to insurance subsidies because they would be based on financial need, potentially preserving coverage for more people who got insurance under the ACA.

Subsidies are currently available to Americans earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Starting in 2020, that threshold would be lowered to 350 percent under the Senate bill - but anyone below that line could get the subsidies if they're not eligible for Medicaid.

That provision, said Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, would be "a real benefit to poor people in states that don't expand Medicaid."

In a move that will please the health-care industry, the draft also proposes repealing all of the ACA taxes except for its "Cadillac tax" on high-cost health plans in language similar to the House version. Senators had previously toyed with the idea of keeping some of the ACA's taxes.

It would also eliminate Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood for one year. Federal law already prevents taxpayer funding to pay for abortions except to save the life of the woman or in the case of rape or incest. But some Republicans want to ban all federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which also provides health services such as birth control, because their clinics provide abortion services.

Like the House measure, the Senate bill would eliminate two central requirements of the current health-care law: that individuals provide proof of insurance when filing their annual tax returns and that companies with 50 or more employees provide health coverage for their workers.

In a move that is critical to insurers, the Senate measure would continue to fund for two years cost-sharing subsidies that help 7 million Americans with ACA plans. House Republicans have challenged the legality of the $7 billion in subsidies - which help cover consumers' deductibles and copays - in court, and insurers have warned that they will have to hike premiums dramatically next year unless the federal government commits to continuing the payments.

McConnell has told Republican senators that he wants to maintain protections for people with preexisting conditions under the law. But it was not clear to some lawmakers Wednesday what that would entail.

"I haven't seen the draft yet. I like the idea of preexisting conditions being more firmly clarified," Portman said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Paul criticized GOP leaders for potentially keeping some of the ACA's "most expensive regulations," which he says are the primary drivers of higher premiums.

"It may well be that prices don't come down at all," he said.

But the Senate proposal may change rules for waivers that states can file with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that could allow them to potentially scale back some of these federal mandates.

While the details of McConnell's proposal are expected to be made public Thursday, much of focus in recent weeks has been on the process used to draft the bill.

Democrats and even some Republicans have been critical of Senate GOP leaders for crafting the proposal behind closed doors without hearings and consideration of the legislation by the relevant committees.

Several, GOP senators have expressed concern about moving quickly to a vote before they fully understand how it would impact health insurance markets and their constituents.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said that in addition to actually reading the bill, "I'll also want to get full input from constituencies in Wisconsin."

Given the fact that there may be just a week between the bill being posted and a final vote, he added, "I find it hard to believe we'll have enough time."

- - -

The Washington Post's Amy Goldstein and Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.

- - -

Video: Trump blames Democrats for health-care deadlock

President Trump held a rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 21 and discusses his plan for health-care. (The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2sXwYHG

Embed code: <iframe width="480" height="290" scrolling="no" src="//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/1135a2c6-56f2-11e7-840b-512026319da7" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
In September 2013, the U.S. Forest Service published an opinion that said logging eucalyptus trees would increase the risk of fire in the East Bay hills. Last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency rescinded its $5.7 million funding to UC Berkeley and the city of Oakland for logging eucalyptus, Monterey pine and Acacia trees in our hills after a pro-eucalyptus group sued. Yet the proponents of cutting down non-native trees like blue gum eucalyptus who claim they present an extreme fire hazard continue to try to implement logging projects in the Bay Area by joining local taxpayer-funded, vegetation management groups.

What they advocate will make our East Bay hills more fire prone, waste taxpayers dollars to implement fire mitigation plans that would turn our hills into the same grass-and-brush terrain that was swept over the last few years by wildland fires, such as the Rocky, Valley and Butte fires.

All trees, no matter their species, reduce the risk of fire because their leaves collect moisture from the air and drip on the ground beneath. They provide shade that slow the suns heat from drying this moisture. They act as windbreaks, which slow down wind-whipped fire.

Additionally, even though we had plenty of rain this year, we do not have the water resources to fight another major fire like the 1991 Tunnel Fire in the Oakland hills. During that conflagration, firefighters were pouring water on the fire at a rate of 40 million gallons per hour. More than 25 years later, Californias population has increased by almost 10 million people, all of them using water. If the rain-drought cycles continue in our state and a major wildland-urban interface fire like the Tunnel Fire occurs, it will severely tax our water resources.

Most wildland fires begin in grasses and brush in late spring, summer and fall before the rainy season begins. Grass fires easily travel to trees, regardless of their species. The higher the grass and the more dense the brush, the more chance a fire will occur. The 1970 and 1991 Oakland hills fires began in grass.

The most effective and most economical prevention fire prevention strategy is to have an ongoing maintenance program to cut the grasses and thin the brush during the fire season. This was one of the recommendations made by the task force (of which I was a member) that investigated the Oakland hills fire. Another important recommendation was do not target particular tree species such as the blue gum (eucalyptus) or Monterey pine for eradication. Both of these recommendations have been ignored.

The public has many opportunities to stop plans to deforest our hills. Learn the truth about how all trees prevent fire. Join a local vegetation management group, such as www.oaklandvegmanagement.org. Contact your citys mayor and council members. Talk to your neighbors, and if possible, form small groups to advocate for trees  even eucs.

David Maloney retired from the Oakland Fire Department and is the former chief of fire prevention at the Oakland Army Base. He was a member the 1991-92 committee that investigated the Tunnel Fire, a wildland fire that killed 25 people and destroyed more than 3,000 homes in the Oakland hills.
The small Leland Avenue commercial corridor in San Franciscos Visitacion Valley neighborhood has two nail salons, two dry cleaners, three convenience stores and a couple of Chinese bakeries.

Pretty soon it could have two medical marijuana dispensaries, as well.

In a trend that is fueling land-use fights in neighborhoods across the city, working-class Visitacion Valley has become the latest focus for cannabis entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the so-called green rush that gained momentum after California voters last year approved Proposition 64, which legalized the recreational use of marijuana.

While the city has set a Sept. 1 deadline to determine how recreational cannabis will be regulated, many investors are betting those regulations will include a mechanism to convert medical pot shops into recreational outlets.

In January, the Planning Commission approved a dispensary in the commercial corridor at 2442 Bayshore Blvd., despite a large number of residents speaking out against it. On Thursday, the commission will decide the fate of a second cannabis outlet at 5 Leland Ave., just 259 feet away and around the corner from the first.

The possible pairing of two dispensaries at the gateway to a low-income, largely immigrant community has prompted significant neighborhood opposition. Visitacion Valley residents say the dispensaries will take prime real estate at the entrance to the neighborhoods small retail district and will be incompatible with several youth-serving organizations nearby.

Marlene Tran, a retired public school teacher and neighborhood activist who has lived in Visitacion Valley since 1980, said, What the neighborhood needs is opportunities for our youth and businesses that benefit our youth. That the 5 Leland Ave. project would occupy two retail storefronts  a former 99-cent store and convenience store  is a waste of prime space, she said.

We have a lot of needs in this community  maybe a clothing store, a bookstore, stores for children, sporting goods, she said. Things that we can all patronize. Having a mini-mall (medical cannabis dispensary) at the entrance to our commercial district will not benefit most people.

San Francisco now has 36 such dispensaries, a number that is set to skyrocket: The Planning Department is processing applications for 25 more dispensaries. And for every would-be dispensary owner who applies, another is exploring sites.

Since the beginning of 2016, the Planning Departments zoning administrator has received requests from 24 property owners looking for letters of determination on whether a dispensary would be a legal use at a particular site. Of the 24 potential sites, the city determined that eight of them were suitable.

There is a green rush going on  people are staking their claim, Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards said. To have the number of (medical cannabis dispensaries) almost double is kind of insane.

The citys 2005 medical cannabis legislation created a green zone where outlets are allowed. Those regulations excluded many neighborhoods and precluded dispensaries from opening within 1,000 feet of youth-serving establishments such as recreation centers, schools and community centers. The 1,000-foot limit eliminates many neighborhoods from consideration. This year, four dispensary applicants have been turned away from proposed sites that would be with 1,000 feet of the Mission Pool and Playground on Valencia Street.

But Visitacion Valley residents say that the 1,000-foot rule is being applied unevenly. The city ruled that youth-serving organizations near 5 Leland Ave.  the Asian Pacific American Community Center and the Cross Cultural Family Center  did not qualify as primarily serving persons under 18 years of age. The Cross Cultural Family Center provides child care services.

Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Attorney Teresa Li, representing neighbors trying to stave off the dispensaries, pointed to the citys rejection of applications for several other spots, including 865 Post St., which is near a youth center and a preschool.

There is a double standard, Li said. Why is it OK to open a (dispensary) on Leland Avenue next to a child-care facility but not on Post Street? That is why we are seeing a concentration of (dispensaries) in low-income, minority neighborhoods. Our children dont seem to matter as much.

Quentin Platt, who is part of the group that wants to open the Leland Avenue dispensary, said poorer areas like Visitacion Valley deserve the same access to medical cannabis as wealthier parts of town like the Castro, Marina or Financial District neighborhoods.

Legalized cannabis is an opportunity to stop criminalizing people of color and start creating opportunities in a safe, exciting new industry, he said.

The store will create at least 15 jobs and plans to hire directly from the neighborhood as much as possible, he said. Having two dispensaries would translate into more choices and better prices for patients who depend on cannabis to help them treat diseases like HIV, glaucoma and cancer.

Medical cannabis advocates point to studies showing that medical dispensaries do not increase crime and that the increased foot traffic and security tend to have the opposite effect.

Medical cannabis patient and advocate David Goldman said Visitacion Valley should embrace the industry.

They should be thrilled. There is not much going on in that neighborhood, Goldman said. They could use a few more businesses. When I go to a new dispensary, I always plan something else in the neighborhood  I go to the stores, I eat in the restaurants.

Longtime resident Russel Morine, who used to own a cafe across the street from 5 Leland, said the high rent that dispensaries can pay is skewing the marketplace in a way that will lead to higher asking rents for other neighborhood properties.

There is a lot of irrational exuberance at work, he said. They see the cheap rents and that it is close to Brisbane and San Mateo County, where there are no dispensaries. And, they can pay whatever the landlord is asking.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pursuant to Section 11.3 of National Instrument 51-102, the following matters were put to vote at the Annual and Special Meeting of Shoal Point Energy Ltd. (the Issuer) (CSE:SHP) held on June 22, 2017.



The report on the voting results is as follows:

1. Number of Directors

By vote of proxy and in person (For: 200,364,618 Shares, Against: 2,425,234) the number of directors was set at three.

2. Election of Directors

By vote of proxy and in person, the following persons were elected as directors of the Issuer until their term of office expires:

For Withheld Mark Jarvis 198,760,618 4,029,234 Eric Schneider 200,108,618 2,681,234 Brian Usher-Jones 200,108,618 2,681,234

3. Appointment and Remuneration of Auditors



By vote of proxy (For: 207,656,647 Shares, Withheld: 3,379,234 Shares), Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP was appointed as auditor of the Issuer for the ensuing year and the directors are authorized to set the remuneration.

4. Financial Statements

By vote of proxy (For 200,457,618 Shares, Against 2,332,234 Shares), the financial statements of the Company, together with the auditors report thereon, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017 were received and approved.

5. Adopt Special Resolution

By vote of proxy (For 177,927,605 Shares, Against 33,108,276 Shares) a special resolution authorizing the Board to consolidate the issued and outstanding securities of the company on an up to 100:1 basis.

6. Stock Option Plan Approval

By vote of proxy (For 196,140,618 Shares, Against 6,649,234 Shares) the stock option plan was approved as described in the Companys Management Information Circular.

We want to thank shareholders for their support, said Mr. Jarvis. Adoption of the special resolution will give the Board the flexibility we need to respond to the financing needs of the Company during what we think will be a very interesting year.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
BART directors declared Thursday that their transit system is welcoming to all immigrants, riders and employees alike, but stopped short of calling it a sanctuary.

The new Safe Transit Policy, approved in an 8-1 vote, says that people of all immigration statuses, sexual orientations, races, religious affiliations and other identities will have their dignity protected on the trains and in stations.

The idea was to make sure that anyone whos paying for their ticket, regardless of their national origin or documentation status, has the right to a safe ride and doesnt need to feel intimated that our BART Police Department will ask them for documentation on where they live based on how they look, said Director Lateefah Simon, co-author of the policy.

It also says that  unless a court order, state law or federal law mandates it  BART employees and police officers wont cooperate with immigration investigations, ask for someones citizenship status or give federal agents access to suspects in custody. The policy says it does not confer any additional rights upon any party.

Director Debora Allen, the lone no vote, said the resolution doesnt protect immigrants beyond current practices. She said she opposed it because one section that bars the use of a federal verification program for job applicants went against her oath of office.

This started out to be a very bold sanctuary policy, Allen said at the meeting in Oakland. It turned out that to pass such a policy by BART would defy federal laws and regulations and would have put billions of dollars in federal funding at risk.

People living in the region without legal authorization and their advocates flooded the BART Board of Directors meeting Thursday to applaud the declaration, saying public transportation is vital for immigrants and their families to get to work and school. They said concerns about being detained and deported by law enforcement while in transit are prevalent in the community.

The fear has been really palpable, said Saira Hussain, an attorney with the Asian Law Caucus, which supported the policy. For immigrant, low-income communities and people of color, BART is a lifeline to get to city centers and essential for their daily lives.

She and other immigration attorneys said the policy is in line with jurisdictions that have declared themselves sanctuaries  even though this one shuns the term. And its many clauses that require transit employees to obey court orders and laws are common in sanctuary declarations, Hussain said.

Although the BART Police Department has a number of rules on the books about helping federal immigration agencies  such as notifying the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency for holds of suspects who may be here without legal permission  Carlos Rojas, the transit police chief, told The Chronicle those policies are not enforced in practice.

Rojas said that after reviewing records for recent years, he could only find one instance in which officers engaged in any kind of immigration action. It was an arrest based on an immigration-related warrant, and it happened more than five years ago.

Also Thursday, in a 5-4 vote, BART directors repealed an ordinance, instituted last year but never carried out, that prohibited riders from taking up more than one seat during rush hours. The agency will instead try a pilot version of the rule on a section of transit line in eastern Contra Costa County and may do a marketing campaign encouraging passengers to be courteous.

Some directors had voiced concerns that the rule could lead to discrimination and police use of force against homeless people sleeping on trains.

The board also approved BARTs nearly $2 billion budget  a process that took a small fraction of the time spent debating the immigration and seat-hog issues  and raised paper ticket fares by 50 cents, which will begin in 2018. A new 50 percent discount will be offered to riders ages 13 to 18 as well.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
A man shot and wounded on the Bay Bridge Sunday when he allegedly drove a car at California Highway Patrol officers and Caltrans workers clearing a vehicle crash has been arrested, officials said Wednesday.

The shooting shut down all eastbound lanes of the Bay Bridge for several hours, trapping motorists returning from a night out in San Francisco in a seemingly-endless traffic nightmare.

CHP officers and a Caltrans crew were clearing a car crash in the eastbound lanes west of the Toll Plaza when Jose L. Huitron allegedly navigated a red Cadillac sedan onto the right shoulder of the road and headed for the officers and the Caltrans workers, ignoring multiple commands to stop, according to CHP.

Huitron, a 27-year-old Fresno resident, was shot by a CHP officer and taken to Highland Hospital, officials said.

He was placed under arrest about 9:30 Sunday morning, but was not booked until just after 10 p.m. the following day because he was receiving medical treatment, according to CHP and county records.

Huitron was booked into Santa Rita Jail Monday night and charged with multiple counts of assault on a peace officer and driving under the influence, as well as parole violations, according to the CHP.

The officer who fired his weapon at Huitron was identified as J. Mendoza Jr., who has been a member of the CHP or about a year, according to CHP Officer Vu Williams.

Mendoza Jr. was placed on paid leave while shooting is being investigated.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
A 35-year-old man was battling for his life after getting stabbing in the Mission District of San Francisco early Thursday, officials said.

Callers reported a physical altercation near the corner of 16th and Mission streets and when police arrived at the scene just after 3 a.m., they found a crowd of people gathered around the victim, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The man, whose name was not immediately released, was on the ground, bleeding from a knife wound, police said.
Steven G. de Polo / Getty Image

A 70-year-old woman sustained life-threatening injuries when she was struck by a car on Nob Hill in San Francisco on Wednesday, officials said.

The injured woman, whose name was not released, was in a crosswalk on Clay and Powell streets about a block from the Fairmont hotel just before 11 a.m. when she was hit, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
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America's apparent love of the Cheesecake Factory is a known fact, but does that love extend toward its decor?

Because love it or hate it, San Francisco apparently helped inspire parts of the Cheesecake Factory's interior. Or as Jezebel described it, the "enormous and over-the-top" decor that is much like the dishes and cheesecakes served at the restaurant.

RELATED: Neil Gaiman will read Cheesecake Factory menu aloud now that charity has hit goal

Restaurant and hospitality designer Rich McCormack spoke to Eater this week about his time helping to design Cheesecake Factory restaurants. McCormack joined the Cheesecake Factory team early on, helping to evolve that "eclectic" decor inspired by ancient Egypt, France, and yes, San Francisco.

Acknowledging the restaurant's hodge-podge decor, McCormack joked, "If I try to describe to you what it looks like, you'd probably think it was one of the most horrible-looking places around."

Hmm.

As for San Francisco's role in all this, here's what McCormack had to say, per Eater (emphasis ours):

[Cheesecake Factory] had five under their belt and really the credit for that concept goes to the founder, David Overton. His inspiration was drawn from the time he spent living in San Francisco... I think that's where the Victorian beadboard dark-wood siding came from. [The design was] without a doubt influenced by restaurants in San Francisco in the mid to late '70s. Of course, it evolved over the years, but it was and still is a very interesting mix of design elements.

... We have these French limestone floors, then we throw in some Egyptian columns, Victorian beadboard wood paneling  a really eclectic mix  which most people wouldn't be brave enough to try, but, fortunately, the way we assembled them, it worked pretty well. You can't knock their success.

According to McCormack, the look of the restaurant in its own way helped future-proof its designs so that the decor would not "be out of favor in five years and have to be redone."

This all makes sense, since when was the last time you saw a Cheesecake Factory being renovated? Its decor is the constant amid the ever-changing and (perhaps sadly) modernizing chain restaurant, as Jezebel pointed out.

San Francisco has also influenced the chain in other ways; a dive into the restaurant's history with Overton led to crediting San Francisco's use of sourdough bread with sandwiches and burgers for leading Cheesecake Factory to its popular brown bread served before every meal.
SEATTLE, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transwestern today announces David Easton has joined the firm as Vice President in the firms Asset Services group. In this role, he will work with Transwestern to expand agency leasing and asset services throughout the Puget Sound market.



Davids broad range of experience and extensive contacts in the industry will allow us to continue to expand our full-service platform and add additional brokerage capacity to our operations in the Greater Puget Sound area, said Senior Vice President Mark Jackson, who leads operations for Transwestern in Seattle.



During his 25-year career, Easton has focused on property repositioning and leasing. Most recently, he served as partner at Madison Bay Commercial, where his team secured an IDIQ (Indefinite Duration, Indefinite Quantity) contract with the Port of Seattle to support the Port with all its real estate needs, including leasing, cost analysis, appraisals, sustainability and dispositions. Eastons primary agency assignment with the Port of Seattle was at Harbor Marina Corporate Center, a 127,000-square-foot office and industrial campus, where occupancy is now greater than 98 percent. While with Unico Properties, Easton was instrumental in the $48 million capital upgrade program throughout the University of Washingtons 1.6 million-square-foot Metropolitan Tract in downtown Seattle, strengthening the tracts competitiveness against the exploding Seattle market.



Transwesterns innovative service model, combined with its commitment to superior client service and unprecedented investment in technology, resources, training and people, make this a very exciting time to join the firm, said Easton. I look forward to utilizing my skills and relationships to serve our team and clients.



ABOUT TRANSWESTERN

Transwestern is a privately held real estate firm of collaborative entrepreneurs who deliver a higher level of personalized service  the Transwestern Experience. Specializing in Agency Leasing, Tenant Advisory, Capital Markets, Asset Services and Research, our fully integrated global enterprise adds value for investors, owners and occupiers of all commercial property types. We leverage market insights and operational expertise from members of the Transwestern family of companies specializing in development, real estate investment management and research. Based in Houston, Transwestern has 34 U.S. offices and assists clients through more than 180 offices in 37 countries as part of a strategic alliance with BNP Paribas Real Estate. Experience Extraordinary at transwestern.com and @Transwestern. For updates from the West, follow @TranswesternWST.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dec60a49-0e8b-4dd1-bcae-566acb8bea60

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21bb6c1e-a260-45a8-beae-7beb6c509ecd
It's a homecoming of sorts for Blue Bottle Coffee as the local chain opens a new cafe and "training lab" in Old Oakland (480 9th St.) on Friday, June 23. The new setup is on the ground floor of the Henry House, Oakland's 140-year-old hotel still accommodating guests on Ninth Street. The project as a whole hearkens back to the coffee outfit's roots in the Old Oakland Farmer's Market 15 years ago; since then, the coffee shop has expanded to more than a dozen Bay Area outposts, plus locations in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo.

In terms of the interior, the new Blue Bottle space will have a floor-to-ceiling glass wall separating the cafe from the training area where the chain's next generation of baristas learn the trade.
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With the Bay Area experiencing high temperatures this week, it's easy to relate to this story about a British worker disobeying his office dress code during a heat wave.

Joey Barge, 20, of Buckinghamshire, England was just one of many office workers dealing with the 93-degree heat on Monday, the Daily Mail reported. Heading to work at a call center, Barge decided to opt for shorts in order to function during the day.

He took a photo of his outfit  a tasteful black button up and blue shorts  and posted it to Twitter alongside the caption, "If women can wear skirts/dresses at work can I wear smart shorts like so?"

Fair question.

Turns out, Barge's work had a problem with the shorts, promptly sending him home to change his outfit... less than an hour after he arrived at his office.

"Answer: nope. Just been sent home from work," Barge tweeted in reply to his earlier question.

Barge went home and decided that his best line of defense against the Draconian dress code would be playing by his office's rules. Rather than wearing pants, he instead chose to follow the women's dress code and wore a pink and black number from his mother's closet.

Barge went on to document the dress in a series of photos he posted to his Twitter account.

"See you soon, twitter (sic). I'll be sent home soon," Barge wrote alongside another photo of him wearing the dress, while sitting in his car (echoing the earlier photo of his shorts).

Rather than a tweet confirming a second time being sent home for violating dress code, instead there was a screenshot of an email that seemed to concede that, perhaps, shorts might just be suitable for the workplace... with restrictions.

The email stated that "due to the extremely warm temperatures" the men of the office will be allowed to wear 3/4 length shorts, but "not bright colors  black, navy or beige only."

"Partial win?" Barge wondered.

Barge told the Daily Mail that despite the updated dress code, he opted to wrap up the day in the dress.

"They said it was a bit too colourful and asked if I wanted to go home and change because they were letting us wear shorts because of my 'protest'  but I said I was happy to stay," Barge said.
Not so long ago, commuting wasn't just a matter of adding a few bucks to your Clipper card. If you lived across the bay, you sailed to work.

For the better part of a century, legions of Bay Area city-dwellers relied on ferries to get where they needed to go. The first ferry service began in 1850, with just two little ships running twice-weekly trips from San Francisco to what's now the Oakland Estuary.

Over time, ferry companies popped up and their routes proliferated, altering the very landscape of the cities they served. Ever wondered what that huge, now-unused pier jutting out from West Berkeley was for? It was built and owned by the Golden Gate Ferry Company, according to the city, and was used to run ferries across the bay until 1936.

Smaller ferry firms were soon absorbed by the massive Southern Pacific Railroad corporation, which had a monopoly on transbay service until a plucky competitor began offering five-cent rides to Oakland. That forced down the price, and the 'nickel ferry' became the transit option of choice for the unwashed masses  or, as one San Francisco Call reporter in 1910 put it, "a mild and harmless form of slumming" for those who could afford a nicer ride.

Vince Maggiora/The Chronicle

It was not an especially quick trip, at least by modern ferryboat standards. The ships were still steam-powered until the advent of diesel engines in the 1920s. But many of the ferries served (quite good!) food, and some had bars, shoeshines and even barbers onboard  you had to kill time somehow.

Until the Bay Bridge came about, the ferries were a transbay commuter's only choice. After the bridge opened in 1936  followed by the Golden Gate Bridge, which opened the next year  ferry lines began to vanish and ridership plummeted. The final Southern Pacific ferry sailed in 1968, six years before the Transbay Tube opened. The Eureka, the last ship to run the San Francisco-Sausalito route in 1941, is still anchored at Hyde Street Pier. (The Chronicle accompanied her on her final voyage, calling it "one of the most memorable alcoholic mob scenes ever recorded in the Bay Area." Some sentimental riders tried to take pieces of the ferry with them.)

But ferry fans need not despair: In recent decades, the idea of getting to work by sea has made a bit of a comeback, particularly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake took the Bay Bridge temporarily out of commission. It remains to be seen if San Franciscans' mounting frustration with BART and parking-lot-esque bridge traffic will lure them back to the docks en masse, but private companies like Tideline Marine Group have begun offering smaller-scale transbay trips.

Back to the history: Older East Bay locals might remember the last gasps of the Key System, the sprawling transbay rail network that preceded BART.

Wikimedia Commons

The Key System, so named for the key-like shape of its routes, began in 1903 as a series of streetcar lines meant to carry bay-crossers from their Oakland homes to the docks. As it expanded across the East Bay, it evolved into an integrated rail and ferry system  only to ditch the ferries for transbay rail cars once the Bay Bridge opened. The cars were powered by electricity from above, not unlike today's Muni trains.

The Bay and Golden Gate bridges made a dent in the Key System's ridership, but in 1945, when gasoline was rationed during World War II, Key trains carried more than 26 million people across the Bay.

So what happened? The automobile fad turned out not to be a fad, and in 1960, Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC for short) and its behemoth bus lines succeeded the Key System. Ever since, it's been shipping commuters from the East Bay and back at all hours of the day and night. Construction began on the futuristic Bay Area Rapid Transit system four years later, but the Transbay Tube wasn't finished until late 1974, nearly $50 million over-budget.
We've already been warned against the ol' frying an egg on the sidewalk trick when temperatures rise  spoiler alert: it barely works, even in Death Valley at 120 degrees, so don't bother  but can that sidewalk cook other things?

Say, a frozen pizza?

The temperatures in Phoenix reached a scream-inducing 113 degrees on Tuesday, so inquisitive (and perhaps hungry) staffers at the Phoenix New Times decided to take action. They sought to answer the question of whether the stored up heat of a parking spot would cook a Signature Select frozen cheese pizza from Safeway.

Placing the sad pie on top of aluminum foil after noon, reporter Antonia Noori Farzan documented the cooking of said pizza on Twitter over the span of hours. The temperature reached 119 degrees by 3 p.m., by which time Farzan was reporting that the cheese was melted, "but the crust still looked doughy and felt soft to the touch."

Like true pros, the pizza was offered up to the newsroom with a few takers offering their on-the-spot reviews of the pizza.

The winner: "It's not as poisonous as I expected. I'm not tasting the pollution."

The news station also decided to host a Facebook Live video to see how quickly a bag of ice would melt. The surprise twist? Viewers never found out how much time it took: The smartphones overheated and shut down before all the ice melted.
PHILADELPHIA  In the three years since fatal police shootings of unarmed black people launched the Black Lives Matter movement, few officers have been charged and none has been convicted by juries in the highest-profile deaths that inspired protests across the country.

Experts cite a confluence of factors, including racial bias, attitudes toward law enforcement and the challenge of showing precisely what an officer was thinking in a high-pressure situation. In the end, many jurors are simply reluctant to reject the accounts provided by police.

They just dont want to second-guess officers in those life-or-death decisions, said Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. They think, What if that was me? What if that was my child who was the police officer?

A jury last week acquitted the Minnesota officer who fatally shot Philando Castile, whose girlfriend live-streamed the moments after the shooting on Facebook. Then on Wednesday, jurors acquitted a black police officer of first-degree reckless homicide in the killing of a black Milwaukee man who threw away the gun he was carrying during a brief foot chase after a traffic stop.

Meanwhile, a jury in Cincinnati will continue deliberations into a fifth day in a former University of Cincinnati police officers second trial, longer than the deadlocked jury did in his first trial. Ray Tensing, who is charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter, shot Sam DuBose, an unarmed black driver, during a 2015 traffic stop. The first trial in November ended with a hung jury.

A closer look at some factors that work against the prosecution or conviction of officers:

Racial bias: Studies have shown conscious and unconscious fear of African American men plays out in numerous ways, including in exchanges between police and blacks. That bias makes it much more reasonable to think that the black man posed a threat, said Georgetown University professor and former federal prosecutor Paul Butler.

Perceptions of law enforcement: Race also plays a role in how people view the role of police. A recent Pew survey found that fewer than half of blacks surveyed felt the police did an excellent or good job of protecting people from crime compared with nearly 80 percent of whites.

Proof versus intent: A conviction on charges of homicide or murder often requires prosecutors to establish the suspects intent, which can be difficult in the split-second exchanges between police and civilians. Many police shooting trials center on a self-defense strategy. Stinson found that almost 40 percent of cases in which officers were charged with murder or manslaughter since 2005 ended in mistrials or acquittals when officers testified they feared for their lives.

Errin Haines Whack and Dan Sewell are Associated Press writers.
WASHINGTON  President Trump acknowledged Thursday that he had not recorded his conversations with James Comey, the FBI director he fired amid the Justice Departments investigation into the Trump campaigns possible ties to Russia.

With all of the recently reported electronic surveillance, intercepts, unmasking and illegal leaking of information, Trump said in a pair of tweets, I have no idea whether there are tapes or recordings of my conversations with James Comey, but I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings.

Trumps statement brings to an end speculation that began shortly after accounts emerged about the presidents exchanges with Comey  speculation the president himself began with a post on Twitter that warned the former FBI director that there might have been tapes of their conversations.

Trump appeared at the time to be referring to an article in the New York Times reporting that he had asked Comey to pledge loyalty during a dinner at the White House shortly after the inauguration, only to be rebuffed by the FBI director, who considered the request inappropriate.

The presidents tweets on Thursday left open the possibility that the conversations may have been taped without his knowledge. But they largely confirmed the suspicions of outsiders that Trump had been leveling a baseless threat at Comey on May 12, when he wrote, James Comey better hope that there are no tapes of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!

Some legal experts have said that Trumps threat could be used in an obstruction of justice case against him, since it could be interpreted as putting pressure on Comey not to discuss their conversations about the FBIs Russia investigation.

This month, Comey testified in detail about those conversations, saying the president had appealed to him on multiple occasions not to pursue an investigation of his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and his alleged links to Russian officials.

Asked during the Senate hearing whether he worried about the existence of tapes, Comey replied, Lordy, I hope there are tapes.

Trumps announcement, however expected, distracted from the release on Thursday of the Republican health care legislation in the Senate.

The presidents statement via Twitter is extremely clear, said the deputy press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I dont have anything to add to the statement.

Sanders said that Trump had promised to deliver an answer on the existence of the tapes by the end of the week, and that he had delivered on that promise. She also said she did not believe his intention in his original Twitter post about tapes had been to intimidate Comey.

Mark Landler is a New York Times writer.
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A lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles City Attorney alleges that a man and his son kept 44 pounds of cocaine at an unlicensed day care in Highland Park, California.

A task force of over a dozen law enforcement agencies raided the location in May and arrested 48-year-old Felipe Talamante and his son Miguel on suspicion of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

The day care was home to children from ages two to seven, and children were present at the time of the raid according to CBS Los Angeles.

The "street value" of the cocaine was estimated by the City Attorney to be around $430,000, but investigators told Fox 11 that the cocaine may actually be worth closer to $2 million.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer stated that "the cocaine was allegedly found in a location and room next to a child's bed," and that the Talamantes were running a "large-scale cocaine den."

Felipe Talamante was arrested in 2015 for possession of cocaine, but the case was never prosecuted.

According to CBS News, the elder Talamante had bragged to an informant that the cocaine had come "straight from Mexico."

Feuer is now calling for the shutdown of the unlicensed day care.

"The home has been the center of rampant drug activity, while at the same time being an unlicensed day care center," he said. "Imagine if you dropped off your kids at a location where they ostensibly would be safe to play and so forth. And then you learn that drugs were being sold there."
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SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meltwater, a global leader in media intelligence, announces a definitive agreement with Canadian newsmedia company Postmedia Network Inc., to acquire its media monitoring division, Infomart. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain consents and the entering into of certain licenses and is expected to close on or about August 15, 2017.



This deal will further expand the companys presence and offering in North America. Having been named a Great Place to Work in Canada for two consecutive years, Meltwater considers its Canadian presence to be of significant importance. Following this acquisition, Infomart clients will benefit from an expanded suite of products and offerings while continuing to enjoy their favorite features and benefits from Infomarts services, and Meltwaters clients will enjoy access to an unparalleled level of local Canadian media intelligence.

We look forward to welcoming the Infomart team and client base to the Meltwater family upon closing of the transaction, and to providing clients with the Meltwater experience and insights needed to make critical business decisions, says Kaveh Rostampor, Head of Meltwater in Americas. Canada is a market where Meltwater can deliver significant value to clients, and this reaffirms our commitment to growing our footprint in North America as we continue to work toward creating the most innovative and dynamic media intelligence platform in the world.

Founded in 2001, Meltwaters CEO Jorn Lyseggen bootstrapped the company with $15,000 and now, with more than 1,500 employees globally, Meltwater services 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The company has 55 offices throughout six continents and its operations in Canada span offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

Were confident that Meltwater and Infomart are a great fit for each other, said Andrew MacLeod, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Postmedia. In the coming weeks we will work together to ensure a seamless transition for Infomarts employees and clients.

This news comes off the heels of Meltwaters acquisition of Wrapidity, an artificial intelligence-powered company building technology that automates data extraction from web content, in February 2017, and Klarity, a Hong Kong-based social media analytics platform that delivers highly-localized content for the Asian market, in June 2017.



Meltwater is actively seeking investment opportunities and partnerships to continue expanding its media intelligence services globally.

About Meltwater

Meltwater helps companies make better, more informed decisions based on insights from the outside. More than 25,000 companies use the Meltwater media intelligence platform to stay on top of billions of online conversations, extract relevant insights, and use them to strategically manage their brand and stay ahead of their competition. With over 60 offices on six continents, Meltwater is dedicated to personal, global service built on local expertise. Meltwater also operates the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST), a nonprofit organization devoted to nurturing future generations of entrepreneurs. For more information, follow Meltwater on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, or visit meltwater.com.

About Infomart

Infomart, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. and one of Canadas leading media consultancies, provides the most complete integrated solutions, including media monitoring and analytics, Research and Insights Reports, Executive Summaries and corporate data to major players in virtually every industry. Helping clients gain a deeper understanding of their brands media impact in the news and across social media, Infomart provides the tools and insights they need to manage, measure and improve their media strategies and campaigns. For more information, visit www.infomart.com.
Harold English of Oklahoma went to prison for sexually abusing his step-niece more than a decade ago. He is now out of jail and has apparently moved next door to his victim and her parents, according to reports.

"He's like right there, practically in my backyard and that kind of makes me nervous and not want to go home ever," 21-year-old Danyelle Dyer told KFOR of English, who was convicted of lewd molestation in 2015.

English is currently living with his mother, Betty Dyer, according to KOTV, with a fence and 100 yards of separation between his residence and that of his victim. Betty Dyer, who is also the victim's grandmother, told the station that the living situation is temporary and the sheriff's office had been notified of the arrangement.

"I didn't want to put him out on the street. Where would he stay?" she said.

Oklahoma law prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, public playgrounds and childcare centers, but it does not prevent convicts from living next door to their victims.

Danyelle Dyer hopes to change that.

"My parents and I are out to change Oklahoma law because surely he can find somewhere else to live," she wrote in a Facebook post Monday, accompanied by a screenshot of English's sex offender registration.

Dyer later shared an invitation to a "peaceful rally/protest" on Saturday to "change the sex offender law and send a clear message that change is needed now for the current situation."

Dyer told KFOR that she and her parents have been talking to lawmakers, but sharing her story in the meantime has been "very empowering."

In her Monday Facebook post she wrote, "I wish to save other woman and children from the pain that this man has put me through and is continuing to put my family through by living next door to my parents."

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.
Houston, TX; Plano, TX, June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 

RadioMedix Inc and AREVA Med announced today the completion of the exploratory clinical trial evaluating the biodistribution and safety of 203Pb-AR-RMX in patients with somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors in May of 2017.

A total of six patients were enrolled in the first-in-human open-label, single-dose, dosimetry and biodistribution of 203Pb-AR-RMX. All patients were evaluated and followed up for any evidence of renal, hepatic or hematologic toxicity. No significant acute toxicity was observed during or after the scans. As no statistically significant difference was observed between the 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 203Pb-AR-RMX SPECT/CT, 68Ga-DOTATATE could be used in lieu of 203Pb-SPECT/CT to evaluate the eligibility of patients for further targeted alpha therapy with 212Pb-AR-RMX (AlphaMedixTM).

We are pleased to announce the completion and favorable results of the eIND, said Dr. Ebrahim Delpassand CEO of RadioMedix Inc. We strongly believe that 212Pb-Targeted Alpha Therapy using AlphaMedixTM has the potential to expand the therapeutic treatment options available to patients with neuroendocrine cancers, added Dr. Delpassand.

The results of the pre-clinical efficacy and toxicity studies of 212Pb-AR-RMX (AlphaMedixTM), as well as the favorable outcome of current eIND study of this agent provide us guidance on the design of the first-in-human clinical studies of alpha-emitter-labeled AR-RMX said Dr. Izabela Tworowska, CSO of RadioMedix Inc. Both RadioMedix and AREVA Med are fully committed to initiate the Phase 1 clinical studies of AlphaMedixTM for targeted alpha emitter therapy of neuroendocrine tumors as soon as possible, added Dr. Tworowska.

With the completion of the exploratory 203Pb-AR-RMX clinical trial, we reached an important milestone in our efforts to bring new 212Pb-labeled compounds into clinical development. We are eager to start the Phase 1 clinical studies of 212Pb-AR-RMX (AlphaMedixTM) that could be a new option for patients affected by neuroendocrine tumors said Dr. Julien Torgue ,AREVA Meds Scientific Director.

About Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms that originate from neuroendocrine cells. These neoplasms occur mostly in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, but can also occur in other tissues including thymus, lung, and other uncommon sites such as ovaries, heart and prostate. Most NETs strongly express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), predominantly of the SSTR2 subtype, providing the basis of anti-secretory and antiproliferative therapy with somatostatin agonists (SSA), such as octreotide or lanreotide. Peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT), using therapeutically radiolabeled SSTR receptor ligands, directed against SSTRs has shown highly promising outcomes, even in patients with advanced disease.

More about RadioMedix Inc.

RadioMedix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company, based in Houston, Texas, focused on innovative targeted radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of cancer. The company is commercializing generator-produced radiopharmaceuticals based on Gallium-68 chemistry for PET imaging and therapeutic (Alpha and Beta) radiopharmaceuticals for targeted radionuclide therapy in cancer. RadioMedix has also established two service facilities for academic and industrial partners: cGMP Manufacturing Suite for human clinical trials and probe development and small animal Molecular Imaging Facility for evaluation of agents in animal models. More information at http://radiomedix.com.

More about AREVA Med

AREVA Med is a nuclear biotech company developing innovative therapies in oncology. AREVA Med has developed new processes for producing lead-212 (212Pb), a rare radioactive isotope used in Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), an innovative and promising approach of nuclear medicine allowing to recognize and destroy cancer cells while limiting the impact on nearby healthy cells. With its partners, AREVA Med pursues the development of effective therapies to address patients needs. AREVA Med is the subsidiary of the AREVA group. More information at http://arevamed.com. Follow @AREVAmed on Twitter.
HACKENSACK, N.J., June 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brainsway USA Inc., a subsidiary of Brainsway Ltd. (TASE:BRIN), a leader in the advanced non-invasive treatment of brain disorders, today announced that Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland acquired a Brainsway Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) system. Walter Reed is a world-renown military medical center with a reputation of providing the very highest standards of care to the men, women and families of the U.S. armed forces.



As the flagship center of the U.S. militarys health system, Walter Reeds mission is to provide innovative, patient-centered healthcare. Walter Reed continues to demonstrate the importance of utilizing cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes and continues its commitment to advancing mental health treatment within the military community. Deep TMS will be able to support Walter Reeds mission by providing advanced care to patients suffering from depression.

Brainsway is honored that Deep TMS was selected by Walter Reed to expand its mental health treatment program and looks forward to positively impacting the lives of the courageous men and women who have served their country with distinction, said Aron Tendler M.D., chief medical officer of Brainsway.

"Brainsway's partnership with Walter Reed will expand access to Deep TMS for patients who are seeking a non-invasive and non-drug treatment option for depression," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Brainsway. Brainsway fully intends to develop this site as a center of excellence among its growing list of treatment centers across the United States."

About Brainsway

Brainsway is a leader in noninvasive treatments for brain disorders utilizing Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS). Its unique, patented technology was developed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is both FDA-cleared and CE-marked to treat patients with depression who are not currently responding to medication. The treatment has been enthusiastically supported by many academic communities and is widely covered by most insurance payers. For more information, please visit www.brainsway.com.

Brainsway Deep TMS is indicated by the FDA for the treatment of depressive episodes in adults suffering from major depressive disorder, who failed to achieve satisfactory improvements from previous anti-depressant medication treatment in the current episode. FDA 510(k) No. K122288
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The barrage of storms that pounded the Sierra Nevada this winter and spring added up to a snowpack that's massive.

Amid a major heat wave all of that snow is now melting  and fast.

How fast?

One way to quantify the speed of the melt is by measuring the runoff, the rate at which water is flowing down the mountain, along rivers and into reservoirs.

In recent days, Dave Rizzardo of the California Department of Water Resources, says the runoff rate is heading unusually high, at 200 to 250 percent of average in many places.

One example: For the American River that flows through Sacramento, Thursday's runoff is around 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and averaging about 8,600 cfs for the month of June (199 percent of average). Normal June rates would be closer to 4,000 cfs. At this time last year, the river was around 2,200 cfs or 51 percent of average.

And another: For the Tuolumne River, running through Yosemite, today's runoff is about 19,000 cfs and the June average 14,000 cfs or 237 percent of average. Normally, June rates would be closer to 6,000 cfs. At this time in 2016, the Tuolumne was flowing around 5,000 cfs or 82 percent of average.

"The snow is inevitably going to melt and come down the mountain, but when you have a big snowpack like this, you expect higher than average runoff rates probably into August," says Rizzardo, chief of DWR's snow surveys section and water supply forecasting. "What the heat wave has done is accelerate this. It has compacted a lot of this runoff into this week."

The Sierra snowpack is one of California's most important water sources with its spring and summer runoff feeding rivers and reservoirs, watering crops, filling bathtubs and water glasses. State water managers and farmers are dependent upon knowing the amount of water the snowpack holds. Their plans for the year ahead are based on the results of a snowpack survey conducted around April 1, when snow levels usually peak.

This year's survey on March 30 found the snowpack's average statewide precipitation equivalent was 45.8 inches or 164 percent of average, a level that wasn't seen since 2011 when the snowpack was 165 percent of average.

The Sierra continued to receive snow through April and even into early June, and on June 1 the snowpack stood at 192 percent of normal. Its water content measured about 175 percent of normal last week, when temperatures remained relatively cool, and then this week a high-pressure system brought high temperatures to California, and the snow began to melt more rapidly.

On Tuesday, the snowpack was 150 percent of normal, on Tuesday 143 percent, and on Wednesday it dropped to 134 percent of normal. (You can see this melt in the NASA satellite images above.)

"Now with the heat wave fully engulfing us, we're dropping a couple percent a day," Rizzardo says. "It's a very rapid pace. It's hard for snow to melt more than three inches of water content a day. We're seeing that. We're at the max rate you'd expect given how hot it is."

As a result of the snowmelt the lakes and reservoirs are brimming and water managers are releasing water into rivers; Lake Tahoe is about a quarter-foot away from being full (the last time the lake filled was 11 years ago). As a result of all the releases and runoff, the rivers are flowing high with the state forecasting potential flooding on rivers such as the Walker and near-flooding on rivers like the Truckee and Carson this week.

"They're all running high and it's all pure snow melt," Rizzardo says.

The last time the Sierra saw a massive snowpack was 2011, and that year the melt was much slower. "In 2011, it was cooler and the runoff came off at this really mellow pace," Rizzardo says. "It never reached this fever pitch. The reservoirs had time to handle the runoff whereas it's all showing up at their doorsteps now.

According to the Associated Press, the snowmelt is already causing problems.

From the AP:

Authorities have ordered residents along a swelling river in Central California to head for higher ground.

Tony Botti of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday that the Kings River has begun to flood a mobile home park east of Fresno.

The rising water is raging with snow melting high in the Sierra Nevada from record storms this winter.

Botti says some residents of the Riverbend Mobile Home Park were ordered to leave; others have been put on warning. More than 55 people live in the community.

Botti says the river could continue to rise this week as summertime temperatures throughout the West soar.

Raging rivers throughout California charged with the massive snowmelt have caused several drownings.

Authorities encourage everybody to exercise extreme caution around the fast-moving, ice cold rivers.
Approval provides first targeted treatment in the US specifically for BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC



More than 60% of treatment-naive and previously treated patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic NSCLC responded to Tafinlar + Mekinist in a pivotal study[1]



BRAF V600E is an aggressive mutation that may be associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with NSCLC[2]

Basel, June 22, 2017 - Novartis today announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Tafinlar (dabrafenib) in combination with Mekinist (trametinib) to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express the BRAF V600E mutation. The FDA granted Tafinlar + Mekinist Breakthrough Therapy designation in July 2015 for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic BRAF V600E mutation-positive NSCLC who received previous treatment with chemotherapy.

"Patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC have responded less favorably to standard chemotherapy, suggesting that there is a critical need for a targeted therapy," said Bruno Strigini, CEO, Novartis Oncology. "Today's approval of the Tafinlar + Mekinist combination validates our expertise in tumor biology, which enabled us to develop the first targeted treatment for people with this rare mutation."

"The approval of Tafinlar + Mekinist makes BRAF V600E the fourth actionable genomic biomarker in metastatic NSCLC - along with EGFR, ALK and ROS-1," said Bruce Johnson, MD, Professor of Medicine, Chief Clinical Research Officer, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "This is an important milestone for the lung cancer community as we are continuing to better understand the genomic drivers of cancer and develop effective treatments targeted for these biomarkers."The FDA approval is based on safety and efficacy of Tafinlar in combination with Mekinist in a Phase II, three-cohort, multicenter, non-randomized, non-comparative and open-label study in which patients with stage IV BRAF V600E mutant NSCLC were enrolled (36 treatment-naive [previously untreated] and 57 previously treated with chemotherapy)[1].Among the 36 treatment-naive patients receiving 150 mg of Tafinlar twice daily and 2 mg of Mekinist once daily, the overall response rate (ORR) was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44%, 77%)[1]. In the previously treated population receiving the same dosage, patients demonstrated an ORR of 63% (95% CI: 49%, 76%)[1]. The ORR was assessed by independent review committee. The median duration of response in the treatment naive cohort was not estimable (95% CI: 6.9, not estimable) and in the previously treated patient cohort was 12.6 months (95% CI: 5.8, not estimable)[1]. An in-depth analysis of data from the treatment-naive cohort will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

The most common adverse events (incidence >20%) were pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, edema, rash, chills, hemorrhage, cough and dyspnea.

BRAF mutations appear in approximately 1-3% of NSCLC cases worldwide[3]. There is an urgency to treat people with this mutation, as BRAF V600E mutation-positive tumors have been shown to be more aggressive and may lead to a poorer prognosis[2].

The treatment combination was approved with Thermo Fisher Scientific's Oncomine(TM) Dx Target Test to identify a BRAF V600E mutation in eligible patients. This qualitative in vitro diagnostic test uses targeted high throughput, parallel-sequencing technology to detect sequence variations in select genes, including BRAF V600E, in DNA and RNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the Ion PGM(TM) Dx System.

Tafinlar + Mekinist was approved by the European Commission (EC) in March 2017 for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 advanced mutation-positive NSCLC.

Novartis Commitment to Lung Cancer

Worldwide, lung cancer causes more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, and an estimated 1.8 million new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year[4],[5]. Among patients with NSCLC, roughly 30% have an actionable mutation that may be targeted with available therapies[6]-[9]. To determine the most appropriate treatment, medical organizations recommend genomic testing for patients with lung cancer[10].

Novartis Oncology's research in targeted therapies has helped transform treatment approaches for patients living with mutation-driven types of lung cancer. Patients with mutation-driven NSCLC may be candidates for treatment with targeted therapies[6].

Novartis continues its commitment to the global lung cancer community through ongoing studies, as well as the exploration of investigational compounds that target genetic biomarkers in NSCLC.

About Tafinlar + Mekinist Combination

Combination use of Tafinlar + Mekinist in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have a BRAF V600E mutation is approved in the US, EU, Australia, Canada, and additional countries. The combination of Tafinlar and Mekinist is also approved for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with a BRAF V600 mutation in Europe.

Tafinlar and Mekinist target different kinases within the serine/threonine kinase family - BRAF and MEK1/2, respectively - in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, which is implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma, among other cancers. When Tafinlar is used with Mekinist, the combination has been shown to slow tumor growth more than either drug alone. The combination of Tafinlar + Mekinist is currently being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial program across a range of tumor types conducted in study centers worldwide.

The safety and efficacy profile of the Tafinlar + Mekinist combination has not yet been established outside of the approved indications.

Tafinlar and Mekinist are also indicated in more than 50 countries worldwide, including the US and EU, as single agents to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E mutation.

INDICATIONS

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of skin cancer called melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery, and that has a certain type of abnormal "BRAF" gene.

MEKINIST should not be used to treat people who already have received a BRAF inhibitor for treatment of their melanoma, and it did not work or is no longer working.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, is a prescription medication used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic NSCLC), and that has a certain type of abnormal "BRAF V600E" gene.TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, may cause serious side effects such as the risk of new cancers, including a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cuSCC) and a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately for a new wart, skin sore, or bump that bleeds or does not heal, or a change in the size or color of a mole.TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause serious bleeding problems, especially in the brain or stomach, and can lead to death. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider and get medical help right away if they have headaches, dizziness, or feel weak, cough up blood or blood clots, vomit blood or their vomit looks like "coffee grounds," or have red or black stools that look like tar.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause inflammation of the intestines, or tears in the stomach or intestines that can lead to death. Patients should tell their health care provider immediately if they have any of the following symptoms: bleeding (see bleeding problems below); diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual, stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness; fever, and nausea.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause blood clots in the arms or legs, which can travel to the lungs and can lead to death. Patients should be advised to get medical help right away if they have the following symptoms: chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing, pain in their legs with or without swelling, swelling in their arms or legs, or a cool or pale arm or leg.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause heart problems, including heart failure. A patient's heart function should be checked before and during treatment. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they have any of the following signs and symptoms of a heart problem: feeling like their heart is pounding or racing, shortness of breath, swelling of their ankles and feet, or feeling lightheaded.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause severe eye problems that can lead to blindness. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they get: blurred vision, loss of vision, or other vision changes, seeing color dots, halo (seeing blurred outline around objects), eye pain, swelling, or redness.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause lung or breathing problems. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have new or worsening symptoms of lung or breathing problems, including shortness of breath or cough.

Fever is common during treatment with TAFINLAR in combination with MEKINIST, but may also be more serious. Fever may happen often or may be severe. In some cases, chills or shaking chills, too much fluid loss (dehydration), low blood pressure, dizziness, or kidney problems may happen with the fever. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider right away if they get a fever.

Rash and other skin reactions are common serious side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST. In some cases these rashes and other skin reactions can be severe or serious and may need to be treated in a hospital. Patients should be advised to call their health care provider if they get any of the following symptoms: skin rash that bothers them or does not go away, acne, redness, swelling, peeling, or tenderness of hands or feet, or skin redness.

Some people may develop high blood sugar or worsening diabetes during treatment with TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST. For patients who are diabetic, their health care provider should check their blood sugar levels closely during treatment. Their diabetes medicine may need to be changed. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have increased thirst, urinate more often than normal, or produce an increased amount of urine.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, may cause healthy red blood cells to break down too early in people with G6PD deficiency. This may lead to a type of anemia called hemolytic anemia, where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they have yellow skin (jaundice), weakness or dizziness, or shortness of breath.

TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, can cause new or worsening high blood pressure (hypertension). A patient's blood pressure should be checked during treatment. Patients should be advised to tell their health care provider if they develop high blood pressure, their blood pressure worsens, or if they have severe headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Common side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, in people with melanoma include: fever, nausea, chills, headache, joint aches, cough, diarrhea, rash, vomiting, high blood pressure (hypertension), and swelling of the face, arms, or legs.

Common side effects of TAFINLAR, in combination with MEKINIST, in people with NSCLC include: fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, decreased appetite, rash, swelling of the face, arms and legs, diarrhea, chills, bleeding, cough, and shortness of breath.

Please see full prescribing information for TAFINLAR and MEKINIST at https://www.hcp.novartis.com/products/tafinlar-mekinist/.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "may," "Breakthrough Therapy designation," "suggesting," "continuing," "will," "upcoming," "commitment," "recommend," "continues," "ongoing," "exploration," "investigational," "being investigated," "yet," "contingent," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new indications or labeling for Tafinlar + Mekinist, or regarding potential future revenues from Tafinlar and Mekinist, both as single agents and in combination with the other. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Tafinlar + Mekinist will be submitted or approved for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that Tafinlar and Mekinist, either as single agents or in combination with the other will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding Tafinlar and Mekinist, both as single agents and in combination with the other could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing and reimbursement pressures; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis and @NovartisCancer at http://twitter.com/novartiscancer

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Oncomine(TM) Dx Target Test and Ion PGM(TM) Dx System are registered trademarks of THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC.

References

[1] Tafinlar + Mekinist Important Safety Information.

[2] Marchetti A, Felicioni L, Malatesta S, et al. Clinical Features and Outcome of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring BRAF Mutations. J Clin Oncol. 2011; 29:26, 3574-3579.

[3] Chen D, Zhang L, Huang J, et al. BRAF Mutations in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS One. 2014; 9:6, 1-7.

[4] World Health Organization. Estimated number of deaths, both sexes, worldwide in 2012. World Health Organization. http://gco.iarc.fr/today/online-analysis-pie?mode=cancer&mode_population=continents&population=900&sex=0&cancer=11&type=1&statistic=0&prevalence=0&color_palette=default. Accessed January 2017.

[5] World Health Organization. International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence Worldwide in 2012. Lung Cancer. Available at http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_cancer.aspx?cancer=lung. Accessed February 2017.

[6] Riess JW, Wakelee, HA. Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Management: Novel Targets and Recent Clinical Advances. Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology. 2012; 10: 226-224.

[7] Pao W, Girard N. New driver mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12:175-180.

[8] Paik PK, Arcila ME, Fara M, et al. Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Lung Adenocarcinomas Harboring BRAF Mutations. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:2046-2051.

[9] Takeuchi, K, Soda M, Togashi Y, et al. RET, ROS1 and ALK fusions in lung cancer. Nature. 2012;378-381.

[10] Lindeman, N.I., et al. Molecular Testing Guideline for Selection of Lung Cancer Patients for EGFR and ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013; 137: 828-1174.

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Meteorologist are throwing around the term "heat dome" this week to explain why temperatures around California are soaring into the high-90s and triple digits.

But just what is a heat dome?

It's a term used to describe a weather phenomenon that, in a nutshell, is a large bubble of hot air over a region.

The National Weather Service offers this more detailed explanation:

A heat dome occurs when high pressure in the upper atmosphere acts as a lid, preventing hot air from escaping. The air is forced to sink back to the surface, warming even further on the way.

Many times the dome will be fairly stationary and provide multiple days of hot weather to a region, and that's what's happening in California this week, according to Charles Bell a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in the Bay Area.

The Bay Area and much of the west has been under the dome since Sunday. As The Chronicle has previously reported, two people died in San Jose from heat-related issues since the blistering heat began. Cities throughout the Bay Area have opened cooling centers for those seeking refuge from the fiery weather.

The high pressure will likely break down on Friday, and temperatures will begin to drop, according to Bell.

"It will slowly dissipate and head off to the east," he says. "However, it will still be quite warm."

That means places like San Jose will be pushing 90 degrees instead of climbing toward 100 degrees. The forecast high for San Francisco is expected to be about ten degrees cooler than Thursday, topping out around 70 degrees.
Sure, part of the reason to get out of town and travel to a place far, far away is to give yourself a break from work. Food, however, follows as a close second reason for venturing to a new place.

About 75 percent of travelers surveyed by Booking.com told the travel site that they would be most likely to head somewhere known for great food and drinks when booking a vacation. Among those travelers, millennials were the most likely to travel somewhere specific based on their interest in food (particularly street food), especially when compared to travelers over the age of 55.
MUKALLA, Yemen  Hundreds of men swept up in the hunt for al Qaeda militants have disappeared into a secret network of prisons in southern Yemen where abuse is routine and torture extreme  including the grill, in which the victim is tied to a spit like a roast and spun in a circle of fire, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Senior American defense officials acknowledged Wednesday that U.S. forces have been involved in interrogations of detainees in Yemen but denied any participation in or knowledge of human rights abuses. Interrogating detainees who have been abused could violate international law, which prohibits complicity in torture.

The AP documented at least 18 clandestine lockups across southern Yemen run by the United Arab Emirates or by Yemeni forces created and trained by the gulf nation, drawing on accounts from former detainees, families of prisoners, civil rights lawyers and Yemeni military officials. All are either hidden or off limits to Yemens government, which has been getting Emirati help in its civil war with rebels over the last two years.

The secret prisons are inside military bases, ports, an airport, private villas and even a nightclub. Some detainees have been flown to an Emirati base across the Red Sea in Eritrea, according to Yemen Interior Minister Hussein Arab and others.

Several U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the topic, said American forces do participate in interrogations of detainees at locations in Yemen, provide questions for others to ask, and receive transcripts of interrogations from Emirati allies. They said U.S. senior military leaders were aware of allegations of torture at the prisons in Yemen, looked into them, but were satisfied that there had not been any abuse when U.S. forces were present.

We always adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, said chief Defense Department spokeswoman Dana White when presented the findings. We would not turn a blind eye, because we are obligated to report any violations of human rights.

The UAEs government denied the allegations in a statement.

There are no secret detention centers and no torture of prisoners is done during interrogations.

Inside war-torn Yemen, however, lawyers and families say nearly 2,000 men have disappeared into the clandestine prisons, a number so high that it has triggered near-weekly protests among families seeking information about missing sons, brothers and fathers.

None of the dozens of people interviewed by AP contended that American interrogators were involved in the actual abuses. Nevertheless, obtaining intelligence that may have been extracted by torture inflicted by another party would violate the International Convention Against Torture and could qualify as war crimes, said Ryan Goodman, a law professor at New York University who served as special counsel to the Defense Department until last year

Maggie Michael is an Associated Press writer.
1 Ukraine cease-fire: The Ukrainian government and Russia-backed separatists have agreed on a new cease-fire in the countrys war-torn east, a spokesman for the Ukrainian government said Wednesday. Fighting between government forces and rebels in Ukraines industrial heartland has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 1 million since it began in 2014. A cease-fire between the warring parties was first negotiated in 2015, but it has been repeatedly violated.

2 U.N. forces: The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday welcoming the deployment of a 5,000-strong force from five countries in Africas vast Sahel region to fight the growing threat from extremists. The resolution was watered down to meet demands from the United States, which is seeking to cut $1 billion from the U.N. peacekeeping budget and wanted to ensure that the measure didnt open the possibility of new demands for financing. Nonetheless, Frances U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre called it a landmark resolution providing strong and decisive support to Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger and Chad in fighting extremism.
No, you're unsafe

After the Center for Public Integrity published a report this week calling into question plutonium safety lapses as Los Alamos National Lab, higher-ups at LANL sent out a memo featuring this line: "While there will often be external organizations and individuals which advance a misleading narrative, it is not an accurate reflection of our work." The lab was banned from plutonium work (building replacement plutonium triggers for existing bombs) in 2013. Lab directors argue they are close to being fully operational.

Monumental remarks

US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke may not have moved mountains with his comments to Sen. Tom Udall during a subcommittee hearing, but he also didn't move boundaries. Zinke told Udall that he saw

of newly established national monuments if local residents didn't have a problem with them. The secretary said he'd visit New Mexico to hear about the Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks national monuments.

Railroaded

Imagine this: The year is 2035 and a retired-from-public service Susana Martinez has taken a job at an El Paso law firm. She, like thousands of others who live in Las Cruces, is not fond of the commute to work. So, on the days she has to go into the office, she hops aboard the Trail Runner commuter train between El Paso and Las Cruces. Okay, that scenario might never happen, but the

. Presumably with a better name.

Supreme Court decision lifts deadline for some lawsuits against police

The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion this week that the children of a man shot by Albuquerque police officer Kevin Sanchez can sue for damages despite missing the time limit for a wrongful death lawsuit. The children of Mickey Owens

against APD until after a Department of Justice report mentioned the killing of their father as unnecessary and indicative of a pattern of excessive force and unconstitutional policing. The case sets precedent for such suitscalled loss of consortium claimsacross the state.

Bodies of missing hikers found

Investigators think it's quite likely a Texas man and his son died from

after somehow getting lost in a hike around Carlsbad Caverns. The pair were used to hiking, but hadn't applied for an overnight permit.

Smokey skies

Yesterday was hot and smokey in Santa Fe. While there was a new fire that started Wednesday, it didn't spark until the afternoon and it was down south, near Golden. That's a relatively heavily populated part of the county, and

for their safety, though they've been since allowed to return. The smoke in Santa Fe all day was mostly a result of climatic conditions.

A break

It still looks like we'll get one this weekend, with

and maybe even lower by the start of next week. That's great news, because Santa Fe's airport topped out at 100 degrees yesterday.

Thanks for reading! The Word thinks it's funny how we imagine people we always see in uniform as always being in uniform. Like wouldn't a badge get really uncomfortable if you slept with it on? What if you dribbled ketchup on your medals?

Subscribe to the Morning Word at sfreporter.com/signup

Santa Fe Reporter
Hope

It's the end of June already ... yikes! Happy summer y'all.

Let's FORK!

TONIGHT! Head over to 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar (315 Old Santa Fe Trail, 986-9190) for a very special prix fixe fundraiser.

Alexa's Dinner for Hope is a meal in honor of Alexa, a young girl battling leukemia; 25 percent of all proceeds earned this evening will be donated to Alexa's family. A silent auction of a painting by David Santiago will also occur during the meal with those proceeds also going to Alexa's care.

Alexa is the daughter of Alfonso & Graciela Bojorqez, members of the 315 family for over a decade. She was diagnosed with leukemia in April, and her parents are doing everything they can to help her fight for her life.The hope is that the proceeds raised at this dinner will help Alexa return to her love of school, art, parks and being a wonderful big sister to her younger brother, Dylan.

WHEN: 5-9 pm tonight (Thursday, June 22)

WHERE: 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar

COST: $55

I finally stopped by El Callejon (208 Galisteo St., 983-8378). The new restaurant took over the spot occupied by El Paseo back in October of last year. I tried out the lechon torta ($9.50) and my companion had the carne asada tacos ($12). The food was great, the staff attentive, and the price is perfect.

We all miss El Paseo, but Raul Morales has evolved the space with love.

and

have teamed up for a unique event. Spirits and Cacao will both give short presentations about their crafting process and then you will get to eat some chocolate and drink some booze!

WHEN: 6-8 pm Thursday June 29

WHERE: Santa Fe Spirits Distillery (7505 Mallard Way, 467-8892)

COST: $30 (sign up HERE or on the phone)

I got some great responses to my question about your favorite late night spots in the last Fork. I'm putting it out there again before I put together a list. So ... late night? Where do we go?

See you next week,

Michael



What news do you want to see in this newsletter? We want to hear from you! Let us know! Email thefork@sfreporter.com

Santa Fe Reporter
The last time you visited us, you were a candidate for the presidency. Now, you're the commander in chief.



...Mr. President, the campaign is over. You won. Now is not the time to rally. Now is the time to sell your policies, listen to Americans with a stake in those efforts, and govern.



Iowans have questions and concerns about your plans. They can't be heard over the cheers of a rally.

That's a lot of ground to cover while you're on the ground in Iowa. But we think it's critical you understand the real world implications of these and many other policies your administration is proposing.



We concede it's not as much fun as hearing the cheers and chants of folks convinced you're making America great again. But it's what presidents do.



Again, welcome to Cedar Rapids, and safe travels. Mr. President.

Pres. Trump addresses Iowa rally: "It's always terrific to be able to leave that Washington swamp." https://t.co/pGpDz4O5LM pic.twitter.com/7QJ900hWXM  ABC News (@ABC) June 22, 2017

Thank you, everybody. It is great to be back in the incredible, beautiful, great state of...IOWA! [cheers and applause] Home of the greatest wrestlers in the world, including our friend Dan Gable. Some of the great, great wrestlers of the world. Right? We love those wrestlers. It's always terrific to be able to leave that Washington swamp [cheers] and spend time with the truly hardworking people. We call 'em American patriots. Amazing people.

And we're thinking of something that's unique. We're talking about [pauses and swishes his hand through the air] the Southern border. Lots of sun, lots of heat. We're thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy [applause] and pays for itself. And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money! And that's good. Right? Is that good? [cheers] You're the first group I've told that to! A solar wall. Makes sense. Let's see. We're working it out. We'll see. Solar wall. [swishes hand through air] Panels. Beautiful. I mean, actually, think of it. The higher it goes, the more valuable it is. [chuckles] It's like [audience laughter] Pretty good imagination, right? [he points at his head] Good? My idea. So we have a good shot. That's one of the places that solar really does work. The tremendous sun and heat. It really does work there. So we'll see what happens with that. That would be great. And I think we could make it look beautiful, too. It would really look beautiful. So that would be nice.

Trump: "We're making so much progress that the media is being driven crazy! They have phony witch hunts, but u know what? All we do is WIN!" pic.twitter.com/J62R0ak4dH  Alex  (@SoCal4Trump) June 22, 2017

And we are making such incredible progress. We are making progress like nobody can believe. These people [points at media] are being driven craaaaazy. Crazy. [applause] I mean, they have phony witch hunts going against me; they have everything going. And you know what? All we do is win, win, win. We won last night. They can't believe it. They say, "What is going on? WHAT IS GOING ON?!" [applause] We won last night. And even the worst of 'em said, "That was a big win for Trump. I couldn't believe it, actually." [points at media] Thank you very much, folks. I appreciate it. [audience laughter]

Last night, Donald Trump had another presidential rally in Iowa, because he is a vainglorious fascist who needs literal applause to survive. And lots of neat stuff happened there, obviously  but, before we get to that, first we need to talk about the open letter to Trump published by the editorial board of theahead of his arrival. Because it is amazing.The editors then go on to explain basic policy to Trump, on issues he consistently gets wrong, and repeatedly recommends he meet with the people of Iowa while he's there to learn what the impacts would be of his garbage proposals. The piece ends thus:DAMN. It's one of the best things I've read about Trump in some time, and you should definitely read the entire thing.So that was the backdrop against which his visit for a Make Clapsounds for Trump Again rally was to take place: Local grown-ups asking the baby king to try to behave like a president while he was in town.And here's how Trump came to the stage (with grinning white girls taking selfies as one of them throws a "zieg heil" behind him [edit: or maybe she was dabbing, but isn't it fun,that the U.S. president is so terrible either one seems possible?]):Everything about that is clearly incredible, but I especially like the part where he says no one works hard in Washington.Naturally, he isn't talking about himself, because he is working hard all the time to come up with tremendous ideas like the one he shared with the crowd later in his nearly hour-long rambling argle-bargle address.Sure.Among the other big league ideas Trump proposed last night was the creation of a law that has existed since 1996 : "Trump in a rally on Wednesday evening said immigrants who enter the United States should not be eligible for welfare benefits for five years, though such a law has already existed for 20 years. ...Known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), the legislation was passed during the administration of former President Bill Clinton and said that an immigrant is 'not eligible for any Federal means-tested public benefit' for 5 years, which starts on the date the immigrant enters the country."Having been through the immigration process with Iain, I can confirm that this law indeed already exists!Details. Minor details.The important thing is that Trump is winning. Winning so much. Just driving everyone crazy with all the win, win, winning.I'm not sure to what win he's referring. It must have been so big that my puny ears couldn't handle hearing about it.So, in sum: Trump believes he is nonstop winning. He's got loads of great ideas, including laws that have existed for two decades. And he continues to be an embarrassing wreck who is only happy when he is standing on a stage basking in the sound of applause from people who don't know anything.Everything is fine in America.
Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister's chief science adviser, says more funds should be poured into medical research, which accounts for less than 1 percent of the government's health budget.

The government today launched a new 2017-2027 health research strategy after last year's $97 million increase for the Health Research Council, staggered over five years. The funds mark the "largest increase in health research funding New Zealand has ever seen," Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith said during the launch of the report at the Clinical Trials Unit at Wellington Hospital. By 2020, annual investment in the HRC will increase to $120 million. The goal is to create a world-leading research and innovation system, he said.

Still, Gluckman said the Crown spends $15 billion on healthcare every year and even with the large increase in the Health Research Council funding "we are still spending less than 1 percent of our health budget" on research.

The onus is on the health sector to carry out the necessary operational research to be more effective and "do better by its patients," he said. "A business of $15 billion in any other sector would be spending at least 1 percent of its budget on operational research just to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its delivery," he added. That equates to about $150 million.

Goldsmith wouldn't comment on whether the health sector is spending enough, sheeting responsibility back to Health Minister Jonathan Coleman. However, he underscored the government has "significantly" boosted funding for health research.

"We are mindful of all the competing pressures and the overall science investment has been one of the largest areas of increased investment over the last few years by the government," he told BusinessDesk on the sidelines of the event.

The strategy was designed because "we knew we were making a big contribution so it was important to work out the priorities and some things we can focus on," Goldsmith said. The next steps involve setting up an external advisory group to advise on implementation. Progress will be evaluated by Goldsmith and Coleman every six months, who will provide regular reports to the Cabinet.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand annual net migration hit another record in May driven by foreign immigrants, with most coming from China, the UK and Australia.

Annual net migration reached 72,000 in the year to May 31 versus 68,400 in the same period a year earlier, Statistics New Zealand said. Three-quarters of the 130,400 migrant arrivals were non-New Zealand citizens, with New Zealanders leaving and returning to the country almost balancing each other out in the last year. There has been a net migration gain of 73,000 non-New Zealand citizens in the past year.

New Zealand has been experiencing record levels of net migration in recent years as economic growth outpaced Australia's, meaning fewer locals moved across the Tasman. Rising immigration is shaping up to be a key election issue as it strains the country's infrastructure and has been blamed for inflating property markets.

Chinese citizens accounted for 12 percent of migrant arrivals in the year, while 10 percent each came from the UK and Australia. Annual migrant arrivals from India dropped 31 percent to 9,200 in the year, with a 40 percent drop in annual student visas granted to Indian citizens, which was offset by gains from the UK and South Africa.

China continued to make up the biggest source of migrants on residence visas, rising 18 percent to 3,419 in the year to the end of May, ahead of the total residence visa gain of 11 percent to 16,700. There was a 14 percent increase in work visas granted in the year, to 44,500, while student visas dropped 14 percent to 23,700 and NZ and Australian citizen arrivals rose 4 percent to 38,300.

Short-term visitor arrivals, which include tourists, people visiting family and friends and people travelling for work, reached 3.6 million in the year ended May 31, up 10 percent from a year earlier and a new annual record, Stats NZ said. Most came on holiday or to visit family and friends, and 40 percent were from Australia while 11 percent were from China.

New Zealand residents took a record 2.7 million overseas trips in the May 2017 year, up 11 percent from the May 2016 year, with the biggest increases to Australia, the United States and China.

(BusinessDesk)

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Nimbys, carparks and the status quo under threat as govt tells big cities: grow up and out

Dairy manufacturers got better prices in June quarter

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RBNZ's Orr says investors need to put their money to work


The sale of New Zealand financial services supervisory business Complectus has fallen through after the Australian buyer didn't meet the agreed settlement date of May 31.

The deal was announced on May 18 with Overseas Investment Office approval and trumped a planned $150 million initial public offering. However, Auckland-based Complectus today said the company is still owned by Andrew Barnes' Bath Street Capital after Australia's Sargon Capital didn't meet the terms of the sale and purchase agreement.

Complectus operates the Perpetual Guardian supervisory business, the brainchild of Barnes who began buying trustee firms in 2013 with the acquisition of Perpetual Trust and later went on to buy Guardian Trust. Since then the group has purchased Covenant Trustee Services, Foundation Corporate Trust and New Zealand Trustee Services and now oversees more than $130 billion of assets. He had planned to raise $150 million in a public float of the company last December but put it off citing volatility in the markets.

Sargon is a unit of Australian corporate trustee firm Trustee Partners, and was set up by entrepreneurs Philip Kingston and Aron D'Souza last year with a goal to use different risk management techniques and new technology to provide a more client-friendly service than existing firms.

Complectus said its business is still tracking "positively and will maintain its usual operations to ensure that New Zealanders have access to affordable estate planning services".

Accounts filed with the Companies Office show Perpetual Trust reported a loss of $331,000 on revenue of $4.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, 2016, compared to a profit of $59,000 on sales of $6.4 million in the prior year. The unit paid a service fee to Guardian Trust of $5.3 million in 2016, compared to $5.6 million in 2015.

Separately, Guardian Trust's accounts show it generated a profit of $8.8 million on revenue of $43.6 million in the year ended June 30, largely unchanged from a profit of $8.8 million on sales of $44.2 million in 2015.

(BusinessDesk)

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In the battle of the burgers, McDonald's has come out ahead of Burger King in New Zealand, although both fast-food chains lifted revenue and profit over the course of 2016.

According to their financial statements, sales at McDonald's Restaurants New Zealand rose 6.5 percent to $259.7 million in calendar 2016 while Burger King's New Zealand revenue rose 4.2 percent to $191.5 million. McDonald's local profit rose 47 percent to $52.8 million in 2016, while Burger King turned to a profit of $3.8 million from a loss of $7.6 million in 2015.

The local unit of McDonald's introduced all-day breakfast in May 2016, a move which proved popular in the US when it was launched in October 2015, pushing sales there to the best quarter in nearly four years.

The Kiwi appetite for fast food is showing no signs of slowing, and the local fast food market is increasingly competitive, with NZX-listed Restaurant Brands, which operates KFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Carl's Jr, lifting annual sales 28 percent to $497.2 million in the latest year. BurgerFuel Worldwide, which listed on the NZAX in 2007, had a 7 percent gain in sales in its first half and narrowed its net loss.

The local McDonald's division paid $30 million to its US parent, unchanged from a year earlier.

The Burger King profit was its first under the ownership of US private equity firm Blackstone Group, although the holding company  Tango Holdings NZ  didn't declare any dividends and got a $92 million equity injection from the issue of 61.4 million new redeemable preference shares and the conversion to equity from debt of 22.7 million other redeemable preference shares.

That fast food chain's total equity was $74.6 million as at Dec. 31, and it had a net working capital deficit of $10 million at the balance date, leaving it dependent on having access to banking facilities. Still, Burger King's New Zealand directors adopted a going concern assumption with due to the positive earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $24.1 million in the year and operating cash flow of $31.2 million.

McDonald's NZ spent $54.8 million on its employees in 2016, up 1.2 percent from a year earlier, while Burger King NZ spent $55.1 million on salaries, up 5.3 percent. Both companies are currently under pressure from Unite Union, which represents fast food workers, over how they calculate annual leave for part-time workers.

Unite's national director Mike Treen said the two are sticking their heads in the sand on the issue and waiting for a report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), due soon, for guidance, although the union will push the fast-food chains in upcoming negotiations.

Burger King NZ's cash flow statement shows it paid no income tax in 2016, despite recognising a $1.17 million tax expense in the year. It paid $62,284 in tax in 2015, a year when it reported a tax benefit of $381,854. The company had $1.99 million in deferred tax benefits as at Dec. 31, 2016, with a further $378,466 benefit to be recognised in future. It paid its directors and other key personnel $1.41 million in the year.

McDonalds NZ paid $21.6 million in tax in 2016, while recognising a tax expense of $23.5 million. In 2015, it paid $19.7 million in tax, while recognising an expense of $17.8 million. McDonald's NZ held $14.96 million in deferred tax assets at the end of the year, up from $13.6 million a year earlier.

The directors of McDonald's NZ noted that the company is in economic uncertainty due to its net current asset deficit. The fast-food retailer had $35 million in current assets and $259.7 million in current liabilities, with the bulk of the liabilities interest-bearing loans. However, the directors have received assurance from the ultimate holding company, the US-incorporated McDonald's Corp, of continued support.

(BusinessDesk)

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Property For Industry's managers will reap a $42 million payday after the industrial property investor's shareholders voted to internalise its management contract.

At the company's annual meeting in Auckland this morning, 94.4 percent of votes cast were in favour of the motion to internalise. Management rights have been owned by PFIM Ltd since about 1994, with PFIM subcontracting its management role for Property for Industry. Former employees of the subcontractor, including Greg Reidy (managing director), Simon Woodhams (general manager) and Craig Peirce (chief financial officer), will continue in their roles.

The net cost of taking over the contract is expected to be around $30 million, after a binding ruling from the Inland Revenue Department that it is tax-deductible, with the deal now to settle on June 30.

PFI will expand its banking facilities to buy the contract and has established a $50 million institutional credit facility with ANZ Bank New Zealand, which expires on July 31, 2018, and ranks alongside PFI's existing syndicated bank loan facility. The arrangement will result in PFI's pro forma drawn debt being $364.7 million, and its gearing ratio 33.7 per cent.

Independent appraiser Northington Partners has assessed the fair market value of the contract between $48 million and $56 million, and the value to PFI at between $63 million and $78 million, deputy chairman Anthony Beverley said, according to notes on the NZX.

"Post internalisation, PFI will likely have the lowest management expense ratio in the listed property sector, of approximately 0.4 percent, compared to the sector average at 0.8 percent," Beverley said. "The proposed internalisation is estimated to provide earnings accretion of approximately 6 percent per annum on a pro forma basis, enhancing distributable profits for PFI which should allow for higher future dividends."

PFI reported a record $123 million profit for calendar 2016, including an $88 million fair value gain on investment properties. The company's 83 properties were valued at $1.08 billion as at December 31 and its weighted average lease term was 4.79 years.

Beverley was re-elected as a company director with 99.9 percent shareholder support at the meeting, with independent director Humphry Rolleston also re-elected.

PFI's shares last traded at $1.64, and have gained 3.8 percent this year.

(BusinessDesk)

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Sharp Corporation, through its Thailand subsidiary company Sharp Solar Solution Asia Co., Ltd. (SSSA), has signed an agreement to construct roof-top solar system for Big C*1, one of Thailands largest hypermarket retailers, through Impact Solar Limited (ISL)*2. The roof-top solar system will be built in 16 Big C superstores stores, starting with Omyai (Nakhon Pathom) and Suksawat (Samut Prakan) branches with a total capacity of 16MW. Construction will commence in July 2017, with the aim to successively start commercial operations from December 2017 until March 2019. Furthermore, Big C ISL and Sharp are in currently discussing to expand this project with additional installation of solar systems of up to 11MW in total to help save electricity in stores and warehouses.

This project has been approved by the Financing Program for JCM Model Projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism operated by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. Following the economic growth, the energy consumption has risen rapidly in Thailand, and it has become a challenge to diversify energy resources and reduce damage to the environment and to seek alternate sources other than the current fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas.

Also, the agreement will contribute to Japan's greenhouse gas emission reduction target through the Joint Crediting Mechanism. The installed capacity of PV modules for this roof-top solar will be 16MW and the annual power generation is expected to be 21,675 MWh, ultimately aiming to reduce approximately 6,913 tCO2/year of greenhouse gas emission.

Outline of the project Country Thailand Site 16 Stores, Big C Supercenter Planned installed capacity

(PV module capacity) 16MW Expected annual power generation Approximately 21,675 MWh /year Expected greenhouse gas emission reduction amount Approximately 6,913tCO2/year Expected Completion Date March 2019
Chelsea residents said they were insulted Wednesday when the NYPD declined to attend a Community Board 4 meeting following two cyclist deaths at the hands of bus drivers in less than a week. CB4's transportation committee had hoped to gain some clarity on the responsibility of various city agencies to penalize bus drivers for clogging residential side streets.

[Update 6/23: CB4 issued a statement Friday saying that the board did not extend an invitation to the NYPD to attend Wednesday's meeting, despite statements made to the contrary by transportation committee co-chairs. See below.]

"This is very offensive and insulting that they didn't show up when we had two people killed in our neighborhood," said Christine Berthet, co-chair of the transportation committee. CB4 has been raising the alarm about heavy bus traffic outside of truck routes since December 2016.

"If two people got killed by stray bullets or Legionnaires' disease, the whole city would descend on the area and something would get done," predicted Fred Gates, 53, a daily bike commuter from the Upper East Side to Chelsea. "The police not being here, that's not acceptable to me."

According to Berthet, the NYPD declined her invitation on the grounds that they can't discuss ongoing investigations into the deaths of Dan Hanegby on West 26th Street and Michael Mamoukakis at the corner of 7th Avenue and 29th Street. But board member David Solnick said investigation details are secondary to a broader discussion about how the NYPD and DOT might improve safety on streets that are popular for cyclists going to-and-from the West Side Greenway, as well as tour, interstate and charter buses.

"We'd be talking about enforcement of the law," Solnick said.

The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Colleen Chattergoon, DOT's community coordinator for Manhattan, told CB4 on Wednesday that while buses are encouraged to adhere to truck routes, the DOT does not have a clear protocol for enforcement. West 23rd through West 30th Streets are not truck routes.



Hanegby (via Facebook)

"A lot of these buses, they should follow the bus route, but some of the buses don't do so because they take local streets because they want to take the closest route to their destination," she said. "And it's unfortunate. And I know our legal team is looking at the rules carefully and we are working with NYPD legal to look at the rules and see what we can do."

City traffic rules empower the DOT to issue permits to intercity bus companies, and revoke them if a driver is involved in a fatal crash. The NYPD is obligated to enforce these permits, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500. But violations don't pertain to routes. Instead, interstate buses can be fined for dropping off and picking up outside of an official bus stop. And enforcement has been historically lax. Senator Daniel Squadron sponsored legislation requiring interstate bus permits in 2012. New rules went into effect in 2013, but weren't enforced at all until 2017, according a press release from his office.

Traffic rules also state that charter buses (which, unlike interstate buses, don't have specified routes) must adhere to truck routes, except for the "purpose of arriving at his/her destination" by "leaving a designated truck route or bus route at the intersection that is nearest to his/her destination."

"We don't generally prohibit trucks or buses on any given street," wrote former DOT Manhattan Commissioner Margaret Forgione in an email to a concerned resident in July 2014. "Buses are allowed on any street (although in this case we find that inter-city buses cooperate with our requests to stop using a given street)."

Gothamist sent questions to DOT this week, asking if Forgione's policy still stands, and whether DOT has made efforts to dissuade bus traffic on residential side streets in Manhattan, or plans to do so in the wake of two deaths. The agency responded that enforcement is the NYPD's jurisdiction, and that DOT is working closely with the NYPD and reviewing possible safety fixes.

CB4 voted Wednesday to send a letter to NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill asking for a meeting to discuss enforcement of bus routes in the neighborhood. The board also plans to renew its call for crosstown protected bike lanes, and, for the first time, send a letter directly to Mayor Bill de Blasio about bus traffic concerns.

The DOT and NYPD will participate in a closed-door meeting with representatives from bus companies, local councilman Corey Johnson's office, and some CB4 members to discuss both cyclist fatalities, according to Johnson's office. Both crashes will be addressed at today's Manhattan South precinct traffic statistics meeting with the NYPD, Chattergoon added. That meeting is also closed to the public.

The DOT will "have more information to share with the community board" next month, Chattergoon said.

Gates, the daily Chelsea bike commuter, criticized the DOT for what he called an "unnecessary handling of the NYPD with kid gloves."

"To me it sounds like corporate speak," he added. "It sounds like, 'We're considering your proposal and of course we'll get back to you soon.' I get that they are a bureaucracy, I get that they have a lot of balls in the air, but come on: two people just got killed and cops don't even come. That's messed up."

[Update 6/23]: CB4 District Manager Jesse Bodine said Friday that there was a miscommunication between the district office and transportation committee co-chairs Bokser and Berthet.

"Manhattan Community Board 4 did not invite the NYPD to present at Wednesday's Transportation Committee," Bodine stated. "The CB4 District Office did inquire as to the status of the investigation and awaits further details as they become known."

"What happened is we made a mistake," Berthet said via email. "We thought NYPD had been invited when in fact there were phone calls with them to get information but no invitation were made."

The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A 2017 spike in Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests in New York City courthouses is scaring immigrants who might otherwise attend a scheduled court appearance or seek legal assistance, according to a coalition of public defenders and advocates. While the NYPD's sanctuary city policy limits cooperation with ICE, the federal agency can appear unannounced in city courts, where vulnerable clients' names are clearly posted.

"They're coming in for convenience to identify people with or without a warrant," said Hamra Ahmad, director of legal services at Her Justice, which represents indigent women, including mothers seeking child support and victims of domestic abuse. "That's definitely been an increase since the Obama Administration."

This week, Ahmad said, a client whose abuser had violated an order of protection "did not think it was in her best interest" to go to family court to file an order of protection.

There have been 38 arrests and attempted arrests at courthouses in New York State since the beginning of 2017, according to the Legal Aid Society. Of those, 19 arrests and nine attempts have taken place in New York City. The Legal Aid Society could not immediately supply arrest statistics for previous years, though a spokesman said the last six months have seen "more reports of ICE arrests than we have for the past two years combined."

"People become sitting ducks," said Terry Lawson, director of the Family and Immigration Unit at NYC Legal Services's Bronx Office. In addition to defendants charged with a crime, she described tenants now hesitant to file actions against their landlords in housing court, and single parents unwilling to seek child support.

Leigh Latimer, a supervising attorney with the Legal Aid Society who represents clients charged with prostitution, was in human trafficking intervention court in Queens last Friday when ICE agents attempted to arrest a client. The incident quickly became a rallying cry for attorneys and immigration advocates, as the court was implemented to vacate charges and offer alternatives to incarceration.

"For ICE to come in and detain people who may be victims of trafficking, who may have immigration remedies available to them, without giving us notice or investigating what their status could be, it's very scary," Latimer said. "We were stunned."

The woman had overstayed a tourist visa, Latimer said, and was in court to have two misdemeanor charges vacated. When the attorney realized that ICE was present, she asked the judge to detain the client (since ICE officers can't remove an individual from court custody). By a feat of legal gymnastics, Latimer and her colleagues managed to shield the client until ICE agents had left the building.

This week, intervention court clients were buzzing about the incident at a know-your-rights session. "They spent the whole hour talking about, and worrying about, immigration," Latimer said.

An ICE spokeswoman said that three people were arrested outside of Queens Criminal Court on Friday June 16th, and that no arrests were made in trafficking court.





Queens Criminal Court, where ICE agents were spotted last Friday. (via Facebook)

Advocates are now putting pressure on the New York State Office of the Court Administrator, which sets guidelines for all state courts. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced at a Thursday rally that the Council has invited that office to a Courts & Legal Services Committee hearing next week to discuss reports of ICE overstepping in the courts.

The office of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore did not immediately respond to a request for comment on today's rally, though DiFiore told WNYC that she was "greatly concerned" about the Queens intervention court incident. "In a continuing dialogue, we have met with federal officials on a local and national level to convey our concerns and request that they treat courthouses as sensitive locations, similar to schools, hospitals and places of worship," she added.

ICE declined to comment on today's press conference directly, but outlined when ICE believes intervention in a courtroom is necessary. ICE guidelines currently direct agents to avoid certain "sensitive" locations, but not courts. The spokeswoman said that courthouse arrests are "generally" reserved for cases where other options have been exhausted.

DiFiore has not joined chief judges in New Jersey and California, who have written the federal government urging ICE to stay out of courthouses.

"This idea of having more conversations with ICE obviously isn't working," Mark-Viverito said Thursday. "She [DiFiore] needs to be more bold."

Attorneys have offered suggestions. "When ICE is in the courtroom, tell us so we can advise our clients," Tina Luongo, attorney-in-charge of the criminal practice at the Legal Aid Society, suggested. "At a minimum, just tell us."

She also suggested that DiFiore demand ICE agents possess judicial warrants to make arrests in courthouses. These are typically reserved for individuals actively evading a felony arrest.

Advocates for police reform argue that New York City could also protect vulnerable populations by cutting off the channels that feed the courts. In particular, ceasing arrests for low-level and quality-of-life offenses that disproportionately impact low income communities of color: marijuana possession, trespass, turnstile jumping, sex work. Recent reports show that the majority of arrestees for turnstile jumping and prostitution are people of color.

The NYPD recently pledged to focus its arrests on pimps and johns, rather than sex workers and victims of human trafficking. Arrests have persisted, though reports suggest they may be on the decline.

"We think that people in prostitution should not be arrested but buying sex and trafficking and selling sex should continue to be a crime," said Judy Kluger, director of Sanctuary for Families, a proponent of Queens intervention court.
Joe Lhota, who headed the MTA before resigning in 2013 to run for mayor against Bill de Blasio, is coming back to the agency. In a press release sent out after 11 p.m. on Wednesday night, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the appointment: "Joe Lhota is a tested and experienced leader with the proven track record needed to address the enormous challenges facing the nations largest mass transportation system."

The MTA faces a growing backlash from frustrated commuters, with the subways' poor service becoming the new norm and an upcoming "Summer of Hell" for LIRR riders. (Some LIRR riders, at least, will be getting discounts for avoiding the deepest ring of Hell, i.e. Penn Station.) On Tuesday, Cuomo asked for control of the MTA board, which he already effectively controls.

Here's how Lhota's return unfolded, according to the NY Times:

The surprise, after-hours announcement was approved late on Wednesday by the State Senate after its Finance Committee voiced its support at an impromptu meeting in the Capitol, during which Mr. Lhota  speaking over Skype  expressed his frustration with problems with the citys subways. I know the M.T.A. can do a lot better, he said.

Know what Albany couldn't get done? A deal for mayoral control of NYC schools.

Politico reports that Lhota told State Senators that "the MTA needs to start 'thinking outside the box' as it grapples with subway service delays caused by failing equipment and a coming 'summer of hell' for Long Island Railroad commuters."

He said more trains should be routed into the Atlantic Terminal, from which riders would have easy subway access to Lower Manhattan. He also said he wanted the MTA to control Penn Station, noting that its stewardship has turned Grand Central Terminal into a gem. And he said there should be more focused, overnight shutdowns of certain lines so that the authoritys workers could focus on repairs. One of the things were going to have to do is do it line by line.  Were going to have to look at scheduled shutdowns, Lhota said. I find it extremely inconvenient, but were going to have to do it.

Earlier on Wednesday, during an MTA board meeting, board member James Vitiello of Dutchess County said, "The governor does in all practical ways run the MTA. Generally things are passed unanimously by the board."

"What is not welcome is when we as a board are neutered from making decisions on behalf of the public, as a public benefit corporation. We have not been able to make some key decisions. We are not seeing the level of control we had before," board member Veronica Vanterpool added, criticizing Cuomo's reach. Vitiello was appointed by the Dutchess County Executive while Vanterpool was appointed by de Blasio.

State Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) issued a statement after Lhota's appointment, "The MTA is in full-on crisis and the appointment of a new MTA Chairman alone wont solve the problem."

Lhota, who is currently an executive at NYU Langone Medical Center and will remain one while steering the MTA, is credited for leading NYC mass transit back from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. He is also known for basically

wanting to kill adorable subway kittens:

Here's the full press release from the governor's office:
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NEW DELHI: Latest medical technologies in Indian hospitals at a lower cost is majorly contributing towards the country emerging as the premier medical tourism hub of the world, said health experts on Wednesday.

They said that treatment provided in India from accredited facilities at par with any developed country in the world but at a much cheaper cost, thus making giving medical tourism a competitive advantage over others.

According to experts, the digitisation in the health industry will also make the flow of foreign patients easier in the upcoming time.

"With the integration of surplus talent, technology, tourist attraction, trade and tradition, India is a potential place to promote itself as a Premier Global Healthcare destination and enable streamlined medical services," said Sanjay Agarwala, Medical Director of Hinduja Hospital.

Gowth in the medical tourism and healthcare delivery industry will enhance employment opportunities besides benefitting pharma and medical equipment industries.

According to experts, Indian medical tourism market is expected to more than double to reach $8 billion by 2020. Currently Bangladesh and Afghanistan dominate the Indian medical value travel with 34 per cent share.

A Confederation of Indian Industry report held that cost is a major driver for nearly 80 per cent of medical tourist across the globe.

"With the advent of online and e-commerce healthcare industry the legal formalities for the patients travelling will be made easy. A checklist along with relevant information will be available on the embassy website that includes the requirement of multiple visas for comfort of multiple entries, a column for high end treatment cases involving multiple legalities as in case of kidney and liver transplant to avoid clearance problems on arrival," said Ruchi Gupta, founder and Chief Executive Officer of 3hcare.in, a online platform promoting medical tourism.

She said one of the reason behind having more patients from Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan, and Nigeria was the visa-on-arrival scheme, easing treatment for such patients and their stay in India for 30 days.

"Earlier a visa would be issued after two months of the previous visit.. removing such restrictions has also allowed and attracted many medical tourists from the Gulf countries," said Gupta.

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BENGALURU: Bangaluru-based healthcare start-up Cardiotrack, which provides predictive diagnosis for cardiovascular diseases, on Wednesday said it has entered into an agreement with a Mexican state to set up operations and also invest in a unit to train people.

A Letter of Intent (LOI) to this effect was signed with the Governor of Nuevo Leon, Jaime Heliodoro Rodriguez, Cardiotrack said in a statement here.

"Cardiotrack will set up operations in Nuevo Leon's capital Monterrey and also invest in a unit to train people. This collaboration will create close to 200 jobs in Nuevo Leon," the statement added.

Cardiotrack is an innovative IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) healthcare diagnostics solution designed to fulfill the basic requirements of primary healthcare centres (PHC).

Deployed at PHCs in emerging markets, including rural India, Cardiotrack, in the absence of a cardiologist, diagnoses and captures heart health data for their patients.

The platform enables instantaneous cardiac monitoring and flow of information through Android-based smart devices between a physician and a cardiologist, thus providing primary healthcare physicians in non-urban areas a way to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease in their patients.

"We are pleased to have partnered with the Governor of Nuevo Leon for setting up operations in his state. Our focus is primary care and improving the quality of the diagnostics available at PHCs," said Ashim Roy, Co-founder, Cardiotrack.

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Ms Xia said students were told a move was inevitable due to the cost of maintaining the existing Fenner Hall. Agreeing to move to Union Court meant residents could have input on the interior of the final building, she said.

Residents Committee president Victoria Xia said moving to Union Court was a "compromise" following negotiations with the ANU centred on Fenner's unique identity and culture.

The Braddon residence, which has long prided itself on being situated off campus, will be Union Court's largest building and sit near a new teaching building and culture and events hub.

Fenner Hall residents will be moved to the Australian National University campus for the first time as part of the ambitious Union Court redevelopment.

"I think a core part of Fenner's identity will still be the fact we're not on Daley Road and we are a self-catered college, but as for other aspects, our current line that we're off campus, that we're so close to Dickson and Lonsdale Street, these are things that we're going to have to work on once we move," she said.

"I think it's disappointing that Fenner has to move on to campus, but hopefully this will be a new chapter in Fenner's future and the community can continue to thrive in its new location in a few years."

ANU chief operating officer Chris Grange said rent prices and the future of the existing Commonwealth-owned building were unknown.

"The poor condition of Fenner Hall and the cost of maintaining it was going to make [rent] just as expensive - no cheaper is probably a better expression - in order to maintain the facilities," he said.

"It's definitely historically been one of our cheaper residences and we're hoping to keep the cost of the new residence down as low as possible."
Why do women wear headscarfs? What is Sharia law? Why are all terrorists Muslim?

It's not always easy to field these questions on behalf of millions of Muslims worldwide, but a group in Canberra is doing just that - having frank discussions with the public in a bid to counter misconceptions that feed Islamophobia.

Dr Suhaila Kamrani, Saba Awan, and Zainab Farouk on the radio. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

Muslims for Progressive Values organiser Saba Awan has coordinated four 'Meet a Muslim' events where Canberrans can ask anything they'd been wondering about Islam.

The group is planning their fifth Meet a Muslim event on June 26 in Belconnen.
The ACT Opposition has accused the ACT Emergency Services Agency of building a "behemoth bureaucracy" after government figures showed a 464 per cent rise in "non-operational" staff over the past three years.

But ESA commissioner Dominic Lane dismissed the characterisation of his staff as "bureaucrats", saying all were classified as "operational" with the majority able to return to the frontline if required.

ACT Fire and Rescue firefighter Kari Harlovich drags a fire hose attached to a resistance cable today at the ACT Emergency Services Agency headquarters at Fairbairn. Credit:Darren Cutrupi

More than 90 per cent of the ESA's staff worked in "operational" areas of the agency - ACT Fire & Rescue, ACT Ambulance Services, the ACT Rural Fire Service and the ACT SES - at December 31 last year, figures provided to the ACT Legislative Assembly via a question on notice showed.

However analysis of those figures by the United Firefighters Union found while those frontline staff numbers either remained on balance or fell between the start of 2014 and the end of 2016, an extra 46.4 jobs in non-operational areas had been added to the 10 existing positions.
The older brother of a teen sent to juvenile detention for his role in an extortion ring that targeted men through the gay hook-up app Grindr will be sentenced for blackmail.

After planning to fight the charge, the man entered a guilty plea at the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

A man has pleaded guilty to blackmail in relation to a Grindr extortion scam that targeted gay men. Credit:Getty Images

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was one of four people charged with offences linked to the scam earlier this year.

Police charged him with making an unwarranted demand for money to obtain a gain in relation to the extortion scam, while his 17-year-old brother was sentenced in May to 19 months' detention, to be suspended from mid-August upon him entering a 12-month good behaviour order, for his role.
A woman acquitted of attempting to murder her mother failed to appear in court before her trial because she was struggling with grief, a court has heard.

Mary Ivanisevic, 45, was arranging her mother's funeral and in an "emotional state" when she missed a scheduled March court appearance, her defence counsel told the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Mary Ivanisevic was convicted for refusing a drug test, but handed a good behaviour order.

Ms Ivanisevic pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to appear after a bail undertaking, and a separate charge of refusing to give an oral fluid sample for a drug driving test in November last year.

The defence told the court Ms Ivanisevic had quit heroin and methadone after a 20-year addiction.
As BHP Billiton fends off the attention of Elliott Management, activist funds are targeting other Australian firms, shaking up a corporate culture that has long favoured quiet chats over splashy headlines.

Seeking new, less crowded markets, international activist investors are using Australia's shareholder-friendly laws to pressure corporate boards criticised as clubby and conservative in an effort to improve returns.

International activist investors are targeting Australia's clubby network of company directors, where many hold seats on multiple boards. Credit:Louie Douvis

"Whereas before it was quite normal for companies to address any potential shareholder activism in Australia behind closed doors, only now is there a real appetite to go public and to take the message direct to shareholders," said Michael Chandler, governance director at shareholder engagement firm Global Proxy Solicitation.

Activists publicly targeted 26 ASX-listed companies in the first five months of 2017, a quarter more than same period five years ago, according to data from research firm Activist Insight.
Attempts to impose major restrictions on an $11 billion merger of gaming giants Tabcorp and Tatts on the grounds it may diminish bidding for wagering licenses have been quashed by the competition tribunal.

During hearings into the proposed merger, the Australian Competition Tribunal rejected claims there would be less bidding for the next Victorian wagering licence in 2024.

Except for Racing Victoria, every racing state in Australia supported the merger. Credit:bradleyphotos.com.au

Three government authorities  Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria  sought to impose conditions including that Tabcorp "must submit a registration of interest" to bid for the licence, and use its "best endeavours" to ensure the bid was successful.

"The tribunal agrees with the submissions of Tabcorp that the ... conditions in relation to the bidding for the Victorian wagering and betting licence, which expires in 2024 or 2026, involve a degree of commercial and political unreality," said Justice John Middleton, in outlining the reasons for deciding to approve the merger bid.
They're revenge attacks, now? Perhaps this started with the leader of the South Wales National Front who, reacting to the latest London terrorist attack  this time targeting Muslims outside a mosque in Finsbury Park  declared confidently that "anyone with a right mind can see this is not a terrorist attack but a revenge attack". It was a theme more subtly picked up in reporting here, with The Australian's lead story speaking of an unattributed "fear" this was "a revenge attack for three Islamic State-inspired strikes in Britain over the past three months".

Funny, that's exactly how Osama bin Laden used to describe these things. "The United States and their allies are killing us in Palestine, Chechnya, Kashmir  and Iraq. That's why Muslims have the right to carry out revenge attacks on the US." That's bin Laden about two months after September 11, and it's not remotely an isolated theme. He said it constantly. "It is imperative to take revenge against the evil-doers and transgressors and criminals and terrorists who terrorise the true believers."

Addressing America: "Do not expect anything from us but jihad, resistance, and revenge." Just about every Islamist terrorist attacking the West since 2003 to have left a statement has described his violence as revenge for any number of Muslim civilian deaths, most commonly from the invasion of Iraq. Islamic State uses the same language, more often referencing air strikes on Syria. Hence its message on Telegram after Finsbury Park: "When your brothers took revenge on the crusader nations for the slaughter they are carrying out on the Muslims, they were shot on [sight] by the British police."

Honestly, it's hard to think of a recent terrorist attack that the terrorist hasn't considered to be revenge. And honestly, I can't imagine the outrage if September 11  or any Islamist attack for that matter  had been described in newsprint as a revenge attack.
Some have sought to "excuse" their poor standing by suggesting that they are not great at "communication"  a view that may have some credibility if either had some policy "substance" to communicate!

Neither has enunciated a broad national "vision", or overarching narrative, to define themselves and their policy priorities, preferring instead to rely on three-word slogans  "Jobs and Growth" and "Education and Health"  with virtually no policy detail or substance. They prefer to bicker, even though it offends voters.

Since the last election, both have focused almost exclusively on "winning" the next election by attempting to score short-term political points on each other, rather than deal effectively with major issues and deliver good government. It has become a very unsavoury race to the bottom.

Voters have stopped listening to both Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. In the latest Newspoll, both have a negative approval rating (voter satisfaction minus dissatisfaction) of 23. At the last election, one in three didn't vote for either of the major parties.

Turnbull has defined himself by not living up to any of what were, admittedly, considerable expectations when he seized the leadership from Tony Abbott. Voters now suspect that he never believed in much beyond Malcolm. That he just wanted to be prime minister, rather than to have seized the leadership to implement a specific policy agenda.

Voters also suspect that he can't manage his party or government  evidence the lack of party and Coalition discipline, and the multiplicity of often mixed messages on just about any issue. It is all very "untidy".

Just in the last week, we have seen Coalition members threaten to cross the floor on school funding, and one did, to support a Labor position on penalty rates. It doesn't cut with the electorate to try and justify such failures of discipline as a "virtue" of a Coalition that believes in the "supremacy of the individual".

Many had thought/hoped that the Finkel report on the National Electricity Market would provide a much-needed circuit-breaker in what had been a very divisive and grossly irresponsible "war" over climate policy. That Turnbull might have seized it as a basis to lead on such a significant policy challenge, forging the essential bipartisanship, and providing a clear transition path to a low-carbon future.

But NO. All we got was the "climate man for all seasons"  a "Yes" to renewables, gas, coal, hydro, storage, and "whatever"  something for each interest, and really nothing for us all, and certainly not linked to those Paris emissions reduction targets for 2030, nor designed to deliver the longer-term commitment, direction and stability essential for the business community to invest in an energy transition. Is he really going to "renationalise" our energy sector?
Senator Pauline Hanson in the Senate on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Gerard Aiken Aylmerton The sheer stupidity of Pauline Hanson's comments is yet more arrant nonsense spouted by politicians responsible for passing (or blocking) legislation that affects the nation. Illustration: Ron Tandberg What training or experience in education qualifies Hanson to speak on how kids best learn? Where are the degrees of those like Eric Abetz and Ian Macdonald who pontificate on climate science? What qualifies some, like Malcolm Roberts, to open their mouths at all?

Having an ideological stance is one thing. Speaking  and voting  from a position of total ignorance is an entirely different and greater danger. The more we hear from the Barmy Army of the upper house the harder it is to disagree with Keating's famous "unrepresentative swill" assessment. Kim Hatherly Gymea Lip service to fairness The defamation case Rebel Wilson brought against Bauer Media begs the question what will the magazine do now ("The price of defame: $7.093m for lost parts", June22)?

Comparisons can be made with the Roxanne Gay-Mia Freedman and Beverley Wang-Red Symons events of late. In each of these incidents the "guilty" were doing what they always did: Bauer Media  excessive gossip; Mia Freedman  individual-centric journalism; Red Symons  crude humour. Each of these players is a brand with their approach integral to their product. Like it or not, they add diversity to the media market. The win for Wilson is a token gesture towards fairness. Wilson is rich enough to bring a case against Bauer Media. For the majority of us, I suspect we never expected considerate journalism from the magazine. Jenny Stephenson Wollongong

Cycle of infractions Peter McNamara (Letters, June 22) reckons the police are harassing cyclists for "minute minor infractions" that are not safety related. What infractions? Running through red lights, riding on footpaths, no lights used after dark, and no helmet are the infractions I see the most. The last two may harm or kill only the cyclist, but the first two may harm or kill others. They are the ones that concern me the most. Jan Syme Newington Surplus should be used to supply affordable housing Harold Levien is correct to question Premier Gladys Berejiklian's priorities when she announced her so-called world-class budget (Letters, June 22). The surplus  if that is actually what it is  was funded by asset sales that reduce the government's income and revenue from the property market.

The Premier could  but won't  use that surplus to fund the extra affordable housing that is desperately needed in Sydney. The rise in prices takes the cost of renting with it, making it increasingly unaffordable even for many full-time workers, not to mention those like me on pensions that haven't risen in years and don't keep up with everyday living costs. Now that we are going to be slugged another 20 per cent to 25 per cent for power, we are going to fall further behind. The need for affordable rental accommodation won't be met by the market, and you can't make developers build property that is not profitable. Business doesn't work that way. Suggesting that new developments have a portion for affordable housing won't meet the need. Building "social housing" on the fringes of Sydney doesn't work either. Many of the tenants will have to travel long distances to work, which adds another cost burden to their low incomes that haven't risen to cover rising prices, which also means that child care and day care will be needed for those long hours away and that is often unaffordable even where it is attainable. Tired and stressed parents have less time and less of themselves to give to their children. Do I need to spell out the implications of such a mix? Building second-tier cities at Parramatta and Penrith might relieve some of the stresses, but only if care is taken to ensure that affordable housing is available. Creating such cities will inevitably push housing costs much further, so the government needs to create some balance. Those in the property market don't have the mindset to do so. Sydney is rapidly becoming unlivable, especially for those with less money. Wake up, Gladys, you're dreaming.

David Ashton Katoomba Most Australians would fail values test I would just like Mr Turnbull and Mr Dutton to explain what other criteria our new citizens are to be tested on to show they have Australian Values other than outstanding English ("Danger of overreach on citizenship changes", June 22). It cannot be any Christian or humanitarian values otherwise we wouldn't have people trapped on Manus and Nauru islands! Nor could it be community values otherwise we would have had same-sex marriage equality years ago!

It cannot be based on scientific values otherwise we would have had an emissions trading scheme in place and be leading the world on renewable energies! And certainly it cannot be environmental values otherwise we would not be giving a large chunk of Queensland to an Adani coal mine that could kill the Great Barrier Reef! Or is it simply that my values are un-Australian? Alan Rosendale Dulwich Hill Peter Dutton has a very short-term view of the benefits of immigration. In the past, immigrants came, worked hard, had children and did the best they could for those children without necessarily having a great command of English. The children, however, were educated here and grew up to make useful citizens loyal to Australia. Surely this is the benefit of immigration. Where would we be now if this rule had always been applied.

Elaine Taylor Potts Point The proposed changes to the citizenship requirements would exclude those whose knowledge of the English language is insufficient to gain undergraduate entry to most Australian universities. This means that Donald Trump, whose vocabulary has been estimated by speech analysts as that of a 12-year-old, would not be able to gain Australian citizenship. For this, we should be grateful. James Prior Sylvania Waters

Labor fails the faithful on Gonski II As a long-suffering Labor supporter I just despair at the stance the party has taken on Gonski II. Instead of triumphantly celebrating the fact that the government has essentially endorsed Labor's needs-based school education policy they have chosen to oppose it because they reckon there are some votes in it for them. I can't agree. In failing to support the government's less than perfect Gonski II, Labor has gone very close to equalling the Greens' infamous own-goal when they declined to support Kevin Rudd's less than perfect emissions trading scheme in 2009. Labor would have been much better served to recognise the merit of Gonski II while pointing out areas for improvement and incorporating them into an education policy to put to voters at the next election. Col Nicholson Hawks Nest

The central feature of the federal government's Gonski legislation is that it now mandates that 80 per cent of federal education funds must go to the non-government sector and 20 per cent to public schools, this is not sector-blind funding ("Turnbull gets a pass: Extra $5b for schools wins over crossbench", June 22). The states are now responsible for fully funding the public sector shortfall. Given that the states, and Tasmania and the Northern Territory in particular, lack the financial resources of the federal government, public school funding is precariously balanced and likely to go backwards; this is not needs-based funding. It was LNP opposition to Gonski that forced Julia Gillard to make deals that compromised the sector-blind, needs-based funding that the model was designed to deliver and it is continued LNP meddling that has further corrupted it. John Bailey Canterbury French sad, not happy

While I generally agree with the sentiments expressed by David Monaghan "London calling: bulldog spirit is sorely tested", June 22) there is one comment he makes which must be refuted. Having just returned from six weeks in France and two weeks in England, I can assure him that the French are not "gloating". The French have reacted to the terrorist acts on their soil by massively increasing security precautions, including having armed soldiers patrolling constantly, erecting bollards and barriers to protect public places, and implementing thorough bag checks for visiting every public building. With regard to Brexit, the French people are hurt, sad and upset, particularly the young. More than one young French person expressed their puzzlement to us, including by saying "but why are they leaving us, we are all Europeans?" So by all means Australians should travel to France where the mood is more cheerful than that of the UK, but to say that the French are gloating is very wrong and does them a great disservice. Pauline Croxon Earlwood

Ideology clouds are blocking out the sun What next? Burn cow manure in coal-fired power stations? The tortured gymnastics we are seeing from conservative politicians to keep coal on life support is breathtaking! ("Push for wood-fired power to replace coal", June 22.) In their defence, burning stuff for light, warmth and energy is hard wired in our evolutionary psyche. The discovery of the solar panel cuts out the middlemen of photosynthesis, plant growth and time and gives us instant energy from the sun. Plenty of world leaders have embraced this revolution. What's wrong with our mob? Jim Lavis Raglan Great, first of all we pollute our atmosphere with the gases given off from burning coal and now we want to burn the one thing that cleans the air. Could nuclear energy be that bad?

Peter Miniutti Ashbury Pull those socks up If the photo on the back page of whatever game was played on Wednesday night is any guide, I wonder if the blokes in blue might have won if they'd pulled their socks up (The empire strikes back as JT has final say again", June 22). Judith Campbell Drummoyne 'Look-at-us' mantra

Those unsubstantiated claims such as: "Australians are known for ... Australia is famous for ... NSW, the envy of the Western world" are cringe-worthy ("Envy of the Western world", June 21). To verify the "look-at-us" mantra, I casually mentioned the much-lauded NSW budget to my friends in Sweden, Russia and Germany during our Skype sessions. Alas, polite silence. Garrett Naumann Cammeray Watch out Whyalla Due to the reluctance of the Abbott and Turnbull government to encourage investment in energy other than coal, electricity prices will rise again by about 20 per cent on July 1 (Letters, June 21). I have great concerns that that's going to be enough to wipe Whyalla off the map. Peter Newberry Rose Bay
Imagine if each and every year, the Australian government discovered a hollow log containing $16.5 billion.

We could use that windfall to boost services or reduce government debt. Or we could return the money to the pockets of families and small businesses via tax cuts.

Opposition transport spokesman Anthony Albanese says traffic congestion is expected to cost the national economy $53 billion in lost productivity a year by 2031. Credit:Michelle Smith

Actual hollow logs are rare in Canberra.

But it is sobering to think that traffic congestion is costing the national economy $16.5 billion in lost productivity each year, according to the government's own bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.
The Turnbull government is considering a bounty-style reward worth millions of dollars for those who blow the whistle on corruption or unethical behaviour at the hands of multibillion-dollar corporations.

Finance Minister Kelly O'Dwyer will on Friday announce measures intended to tighten legislation to give compensation to whistleblowers to stop their "unacceptable treatment" following a series of damning Fairfax Media investigations into the banking and service sectors.

In the past two years, whistleblowers have led to the exposure of worker exploitation at 7-Eleven, lifted the lid on the financial planning practices of the Commonwealth Bank and its insurance arm CommInsure, helped investigate widespread tax evasion and exposed systemic financial misconduct at the NSW RSL.

Under the legislative proposal, corporations could be forced to pay compensation relative to the employee's salary or a lost promotional opportunity.
"The tribunal considers it important that remuneration for offices in its jurisdiction be maintained at appropriate levels over the longer term to attract and retain people of the calibre required for these important high level offices," it said in its statement announcing the decision.

In recent years, politicians have had fewer than usual pay rises. On July 1, 2013, they received a 2.4 per cent pay rise and they have received one other rise, of 2 per cent, on January 1 2016 - until today .

"The tribunal is conservative in its approach to annual increases and in this case is conscious of the government's policy of wage restraint for the Australian Public Service and non Australian Public Service government agencies."

The pay rise was announced as the Department of Finance also released the latest batch of MPs' expenses reports.



The reports show that our five former prime ministers - not including Tony Abbott - had taxpayers shell out for about $440,000 worth of expenses between June and December 2016.



John Howard was the biggest spender, racking up nearly $150,000 worth of travel and office costs.



As always, serving MPs claimed tens of millions from the taxpayer for domestic and overseas travel, allowances and office facilities.



Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spent more than $500,000 on overseas travel, followed by Trade Minister Steve Ciobo on $417,000 and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on $300,000.

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Government frontbencher Dan Tehan was responsible for the biggest phone and internet bill, spending nearly $12,000. Dumped frontbencher Stuart Robert was second, spending just under $10,000.



MPs also spent up big on charter flights, with government frontbencher from the NT Nigel Scullion spending $79,000. Barnaby Joyce and Bob Katter spent $61,000 apiece, and former health minister Sussan Ley spent just over $50,000.



Former MPs used the Life Gold Pass to rack up about $115,000 worth of domestic flights during the same six months.



Former Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss was one of the biggest users of the controversial perk, spending $11,400. He was behind only former Labor senator Nick Bolkus, who spent $14,100.



The normally prolific flyer Peter Slipper spent a relatively restrained $3884. Fellow former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop - who lost her job over taxpayer-funded flights - did not use the perk at all.



The Turnbull government abolished the Life Gold Pass for all former politicians, except former prime ministers, earlier this year.



Recently retired or dumped MPs spent a further $70,000 on post-Parliament flights under a separate entitlement that allows them to conclude their business after leaving office.



The Department of Finance also spent $2.1 million renovating and moving MPs' offices, the figures show.



This is the last time the department will report on expenses, with the responsibilities moving on July 1 to the government's new Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority.

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Malcolm Turnbull's attempt to "bring the school funding wars to an end" has been locked into law after the Gonski 2.0 school funding package finally passed through the Parliament in a marathon late-night session.

After nearly a week of frenzied dealmaking with Senate crossbenchers - and a healthy dose of internal dissent - the Turnbull government notched up the major legislative win in the early hours of Friday morning.

Education Minister Simon Birmingham celebrated with a 2am tweet, declaring it "a landmark reform ensuring students get the support they need to succeed".

It was "the most significant reform to school education in Australia's history", according to Leader of the House and former education minister Christopher Pyne.
The RAAF will start flying its advanced intelligence-gathering planes over the southern Philippines to help the country's military beat back an onslaught by Islamic State-affiliated insurgents.

Defence Minister Marise Payne has confirmed to Fairfax Media that Australia will operate two of its P-3 Orion aircraft over the southern region of Mindanao, where the Philippines military is locked in a furious battle with insurgents that has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands more people.

The decision by the Turnbull government underscores the seriousness with which it views the growing links between Islamists in the Philippines and the so-called Islamic State.

With the Islamic State losing territory in Iraq and Syria, there are concerns that it may disperse and set up in places such as the Philippines, from which it could threaten the rest of the region.
Hollywood is rather famously not kind to women. Especially when they dare to age. This is evident in examples like Susan Sarandon being cast as Melissa McCarthy's grandmother, despite being just 24 years older than her, or Julia Roberts saying that not getting a face lift in her 40s was a "big risk" to her career, or any of the unkind comments made about Renee Zellweger's face.

And the latest entrance into the canon of 'ways Hollywood perpetuates impossible standards for the women who work in the biz and the women who watch them' is former Friends star Courteney Cox.

Courteney Cox, centre, with her Friends castmates (L-R) David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc. Credit:Reuters.

In an interview with NewBeauty the 53-year-old TV star got candid about regretting the plastic surgeries that she felt pressured to have.

"I grew up thinking that appearance was the most important thing. That's kind of sad because it got me in trouble. I was trying so hard to keep up, and I actually made things worse," she said.
It was an emotional reunion for Oliver Curtis and his two children on his release from Cooma Correctional Centre this morning.

Pixie, 5, who has not seen their father since he was sentenced a year ago, and Hunter, 3, could be heard screaming "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" as he made his way onto a private jet at the nearby airport.

Thrilled to be reunited once more as a family of four, the children and Curtis' wife Roxy Jacenko, 37, ran to the door of the jet to greet him and the former investment banker, 31, took Pixie in his arms.

Curtis was released from the prison in southern NSW about 8.40am today. As the gate opened, he looked startled to be greeted by about 30 members of the media braving the snow in minus 2 degree temperatures.
When Cassie Sen saw children in her local area spending more time on screens than swings, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

She and her nine-year-old daughter Keira founded NSW ROCKS, a local chapter of an international movement which involves finding rocks, decorating them and then depositing them in local parks for others to discover.

Keira Sen, 9, and her mother Cassie started their own NSW ROCKS group after seeing other groups pop up around the country. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The only screen element involved is a Facebook group where members divulge where their coloured stones have been "rock dropped".

Part craft, part treasure hunt, the trend started in the US last year before spreading across the Pacific where Australian participants number more than 35,000.
The national pesticides authority failed to consider the risk staff would resign over its controversial move to Armidale and is unprepared to manage the problem, an audit report says.

In a report released on Thursday, the national auditor found the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is resorting to rolling recruitment campaigns to deal with staff resignations.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says an audit report into the pesticides authority reinforces the Coalition's decision to relocate it. Credit:Andrew Meares

The authority, where staff departures reached nearly 20 per cent in 2015-16, reported it was struggling to find regulatory scientists to replace those walking out the door since the Coalition government decision to move it from Canberra in November 2016, the auditor's report said.

By late 2016, the agency's chief executive warned the government it was experiencing a 'higher than normal rate of staff departures' and asked industry peak bodies how the APVMA could prioritise its assessment workload.
Australia's top public servants have been given annual payrises of up to $17,000-a-year, as most of the rank-and-file of the federal bureaucracy still wait for their first general wage increase in four years.

At the top of the pile, Martin Parkinson, boss of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will be taking home a pay packet worth $878,000 a year after July 1.

$880,000 man: Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Martin Parkinson. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Treasury Secretary John Fraser's remuneration package will rise to $856,000 while further down the food chain, Foreign Affairs boss Frances Adamson and the yet-to-appointed new Defence Secretary will now each be paid $830,000.

The Remuneration Tribunal which sets the wages for politicians, bureaucrats, judges and other Commonwealth officials, published its latest determination on Thursday evening, with good news for MPs ministers and Canberra mandarins.
Thousands of tonnes of crushed rock from twin tunnels dug for a new metro line under Sydney Harbour and the central city will be moved by barge instead of truck in an attempt to allay residents' concerns about construction.

Councils and planners had warned that transporting massive amounts of spoil on trucks through city streets from Blues Point, at the tip of McMahons Point north of the harbour, and from Barangaroo in the south, would worsen road congestion.

In awarding a $2.8 billion contract for the 15.5-kilometre rail tunnels from Chatswood to Sydenham, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the barging of spoil would reduce the number of truck movements in the city.

"Very pleasingly this is part of the arrangement that's been reached as part of this contract signing," he said.
Life-threatening fire safety deficiencies were found in the Northpoint Rise apartment complex. Credit:Louise Kennerley The fire in London's Grenfell Tower last week catapulted the issue of fire safety to the forefront of the Berejiklian government's agenda, prompting it to announce an inter-agency strike force to carry out fire safety inspections of high-rise apartment buildings across the state. It is also understood Minister for Better Regulation Matthew Kean is working on a building product safety scheme, which will likely include the power to prevent the use of unsafe building products, including dangerous cladding. However, one of the broadly acknowledged problems in the construction sector is the system where private businesses, or certifiers, are contracted to ensure buildings meet their legal requirements. Councils and industry experts have been warning non-compliant and unsafe buildings, including buildings with inadequate fire safety systems, are routinely signed off by private certifiers as ready to be occupied.

Inspection of Sydney building finds 'life-threatening' deficiencies Northpoint Rise was signed off in 2014 as compliant by private certifier, Terry West, and units have since sold for over $2 million. But an inspection of the Northpoint Rise by Fire and Rescue NSW in February, triggered after residents raised concerns with The Hills Council, found a fire hydrant system had been installed backwards, numerous fire hose reels not commissioned or poorly maintained, and door handles on fire escape doors were capable of falling off "which would prevent persons from evacuating the premise in the case of a fire". "How big is this problem in Sydney when you consider the scale of building out there," the general manager of The Hills Council, Michael Edgar, said. "Do we really have to wait for people to die in fires to find this out?"

Stephen Netting, manager of fire safety compliance at Fire and Rescue NSW, described the non-compliance issues at Northpoint Rise as "life-threatening", and something his team regularly encountered in other buildings. "We see a lot of buildings like this. We have in the order of about 350 fire safety concerns at the moment." The council wrote to Mr Kean and Planning Minister Anthony Roberts in April requesting an investigation into the role of private certifiers "given the numerous instances where council has had to act as a result of errors made by private certifiers." The council also expressed "serious concern" about the performance of the Building Professionals Board, which is responsible for investing complaints against certifiers. At the time he certified Northpoint Rise, Mr West had been the subject of six previous complaints to Building Professionals Board, including two involving fire safety breaches. He was fined $10,000 in May last year, in a complaint which took over two years to resolve, for approving a building which did not have key fire safety measures, including smoke detectors.

Lambert Report highlights well-documented issues The government has been acutely aware of these systemic problems in the construction industry since it was handed the Lambert Report in October 2015. The Lambert Report is the ninth review into the NSW building sector commissioned by NSW governments in the past 15 years. And as the report acknowledged, there is "fatigue and frustration at the number of reviews undertaken and the lack of progress in addressing the well-documented problems". The report identifies systemic problems in building regulation in NSW, including "a lack of clarity about the roles, responsibilities, functions and accountability of private certifiers", and an "inherent conflict" between the regulatory role of the certifier and their commercial relationship with developers. It also delivered a damning assessment of the Buildings Professionals Board, finding it had a "significant backlog" of complaints, often took 12 months or longer to investigate a matter, and undertook no proactive audits of certifiers.

After taking almost one year to formally respond to the report, the government announced in September it would proceed with a package of "priority reforms". Among them, it promised to overhaul the regulation of certifiers by early 2017 through the complete re-writing of the Building Professionals Act. However, the replacement legislation is still yet to be drafted, and the government is on track to miss its own deadline to introduce the final bill into Parliament by end of the year. A further 70 recommendations have gone without a response and no timetable for implementation. When asked about the delay, a spokeswoman for NSW Fair Trading said "work had commenced on the re-write" but other key planning reforms had taken priority, namely amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. She said work would "continue on the re-write of the Building Professional Act once the planning reforms are finalised" so as to ensure the reforms "work together cohesively", but declined to confirm an expected timeline.

A further package of fire safety regulations, announced in response to the Lambert Report, are still waiting to be signed off by the state government. However, some progress has been made to consolidate the confusing web of regulations through the creation of two new bodies: the Building and Construction Service, and the Building Regulators Committee. And work is underway to facilitate the real-time reporting of data by private certifiers and councils on the certification work they do. A better system, Professor Bailey said, would centralise responsibility for building laws under one government agency, ensuring consistent certification of standards throughout the construction process. "If certifiers are inspecting buildings which are defective, what is it that permits developers to construct substandard buildings in the first place?" "To proceed in this piecemeal way is not good government or responsible economic government and it is not in the interest of NSW."
Salim Mehajer, the embattled former deputy mayor of Auburn, has had two of his businesses placed under voluntary administration.

Documents lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reveal both companies - Sydney Project Group Pty Ltd and S.E.T. Services Pty Ltd - had administrators appointed by their board on June 16 over fears of insolvency.

The property developer appeared before the Supreme Court in Sydney on Thursday in a civil directions hearing relating to the appointment of administrators.

His sister Khadijeh Mehajer was listed as the second party in the case, which is due to return to court next week.
A man accused of holding down and raping a woman he had met through a dating site has been cleared of four counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

Parminder Singh Dhaliwal, who pleaded not guilty, had been on trial in Brisbane District Court over the attack on the then-25-year-old woman in January 2016.

The woman had a "love bite" bruise on her neck and three linear bruises on her upper arm, a medical expert told the court. Credit:Getty Images

He was discharged on Thursday morning after the jury found him not guilty of all charges.

During the trial, forensic medical expert Dr Catherine Lincoln told the court she had examined the woman at the Logan Hospital, south of Brisbane, hours after the alleged attack.
Police were called to remove a "demonstrably disrespectful" Brisbane councillor from City Hall on Thursday after a routine budget discussion escalated.

The council's only current independent councillor, Nicole Johnston (Tennyson), returned to the council chambers on Thursday following an eight-day suspension prompted by fiery debate in the council chamber on June 13.

Councillor Nicole Johnston was also removed from City Hall by police in 2011. Credit:Tony Moore

Cr Johnston's suspension meant she missed the handing down of the 2017-18 budget, but as the suspension lifted she arrived at the council chambers by 9am with her heavily noted budget book for the final day of budget debate.

By about 2pm, she had received another eight-day suspension from the chamber, but her failure to leave the chamber meant police were called.
The rules that once made Australia fair are "deeply broken", according to a union boss readying to flex her organisation's muscle in the lead up to the next state election.

Queensland unions will lobby on job creation and insecure employment in regional areas ahead of the poll - due by May 2018.

QCU general secretary Ros McLennan says support for union growth and workers' rights would be crucial for backing of candidates or parties. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

Union members will be quizzing all election candidates on their policies for investment in skills and training, support for regional communities and keeping assets in public hands.

The Queensland Council of Unions plans to develop a dedicated campaign to roll out in the lead up to the election - due by May 2018.
Humans are overdue for a return trip to the moon, Stephen Hawking has just opined.

Speaking this week at the Starmus Festival, a science-slash-musical gathering, the astrophysicist offered two parts doom cut with one part scientific optimism. He argued that we should prepare for a cosmic exodus to take place in the next 200 to 500 years.

"We are running out of space, and the only place we can go to are other worlds. It is time to explore other solar systems," he said via video link to the audience gathered in Trondheim, Norway. "Spreading out may be the only thing that saves us from ourselves. I am convinced that humans need to leave Earth."

Hawking's plan to boogie off this planet is ambitious: Countries should collaborate to construct a moon colony within 30 years. We can reach Mars "in the next 15 years," he said, with a base to follow a few decades later.
Travis Kalanick's spectacular rise and fall at Uber contains many lessons for the technology industry. But one lesson should rise above the others: This was not just Kalanick's failure. it was far bigger.

What happened at Uber is an indictment of everyone who enabled Kalanick's worst tendencies and practices, which is just about everyone in a position of power at the ride-hailing company and its funders.

In other words, this was systemic. Top to bottom, Uber was a failure of Silicon Valley's startup machine.

And if we want Silicon Valley to create better startups - which we should, for everyone's sake - it would be wise to examine Uber's entrails and find another way.
South Korea's EverYoung, a technology services firm based in downtown Seoul, is always looking for good employees. But sorry, millennials, you need not apply. You're not wanted.

Only people older than 55 are considered for employment.

South Korea, like the United States, is facing a dramatic rise in over-65s in the next 10 to 20 years. Credit:AP

"If seniors are working even after retirement, and being globally competitive, then it will be a good solution to our future social problems," the company's founder, Chung Eunsung, said in a London Telegraph report.

Eunsung started his company specifically to take on South Korea's business culture that favours the young. And I know what you're wondering: He's 56, OK?
It's one of the more striking and humorous sculptures to be found in Melbourne.if you can find it.

The problem for its creator is that Cow up a Tree, which once stood in splendid isolation on the foreshore at Docklands, has hunkered for three years behind a "temporary pop-up" cafe and is surrounded by concrete planter boxes, wooden seating, a tree in a pot and even an outdoor ping-pong table.

Sculptor John Kelly and his cow in a tree, which is now surrounded by a popup cafe, concrete planter boxes, wooden seating, a tree in a pot and even an outdoor ping-pong table. Credit:Jason South

"It's incredibly disappointing," said Melbourne-born sculptor and painter John Kelly during a visit this week from his home in West Cork, Ireland, where he's lived since 2003.

"What sort of attitude towards art leads a public authority to think 'Oh, good, everyone is coming here to see this sculpture, so let's put a cafe there'?" Mr Kelly pondered. "Art isn't something just for exploitation."
Thieves remain at large after breaking into a Melbourne high school, making off with $10,000 worth of computer equipment and causing major damage in the process.

Police allege a pair of hooded burglars broke into Cheltenham Secondary College in Melbourne's southeast between 6.15am and 6.30am on Sunday, June 11 and caused significant damage to the school property.

CCTV footage of the Cheltenham thieves.

Once inside the Bernard Street school, they stole valuable computer equipment.

Cheltenham Secondary College declined to comment. It is unclear what damage the school sustained.
About 50 Victorian speed and red-light cameras have been hit by a computer virus, but police say the cameras have not been compromised.

The Department of Justice and Regulation confirmed the "WannaCry" virus has hit private camera operator RedFlex, which operates most cameras in the state.

A virus has been detected, but police say speed cameras haven't been compromised. Credit:Adam McLean

It follows the WannaCry ransomware attack in May - believed to be the world's biggest online extortion attempt - which struck more than 100,000 organisations in 150 countries, including British hospitals, German rail operators and Chinese universities.

A Department of Justice and Regulation spokesman said 55 intersection and highway cameras were impacted by the virus which was mistakenly introduced by a contractor.



"There is no evidence that this was the result of a cyber attack," he said. "It occurred as a result of human error."
A Malaysian airline pilot who repeatedly raped a woman at knifepoint in her Perth home 21 years ago has been jailed for 13 years.

Alfred Gerard Eravelly, 50, broke into the victim's Scarborough home in the early hours of March 9, 1996, by cutting the fly screen on her en suite bathroom window.

Alfred Gerard Eravelly was jailed for 13 years.

Wearing a stocking over his head, he tied her up with rope, blindfolded her and sexually assaulted her, leaving behind DNA that was later analysed and led to his arrest.

For the first time, details of the "international DNA hit" were revealed in the WA District Court on Thursday during Eravelly's sentencing.
A female firefighter killed in a blaze in southern WA had bravely risked her life but flaws in how government agencies fought fires including inadequate training and trucks meant she was not well enough protected, an inquest has found.

Albany firefighter Wendy Bearfoot, 45, died in hospital in November 2012 after receiving burns to 80 per cent of her body when she and three colleagues became trapped in the Black Cat Creek Fire.

Western Australia had neglected to improve the safety of it's fire appliances. Credit:DFES

Mrs Bearfoot and fellow firefighters became trapped when the wind changed putting them in the fire's path in the "dead man zone", their truck engine cut out and could not be restarted and they could not drive out of the flames.

Coroner Sarah Linton concluded that flaws in how government agencies fought and managed fires generally and on the day arguably contributed to the events that led to Mrs Bearfoot's death, but conceded controlling fire was a dangerous activity.
Police have released horrific vision of a cowards punch attack on a seemingly unsuspecting man on a Claremont street in hopes to track down his attacker.

The vision shows two men approach the 17-year-old victim on St Quentin's Avenue at around 12.30am on Monday June 5.

The men speak for a short while, and the victim appears to be gesturing at the ground.

In a matter of seconds the attacker punches the unsuspecting victim hard in the face.
A 21-year-old man is in hospital after a fight broke out at the Raffles Hotel in Applecross on Wednesday evening.

WA Police said the brawl began on the dance floor at the popular nightspot occurred around 10.30pm.

The man was knocked unconscious during the fight, and suffered serious head injuries.

It is understood paramedics were called, and he was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital on priority.
A former Perth accounting firm director who pocketed nearly $2 million by secretly amending clients' tax returns has been jailed for eight years.

Peter Stamatopoulos was one of three directors at Claremont-based accounting firm Stirling Partners when he altered 112 tax returns between 2011 and 2015.

Peter Stamatopoulos was sentenced to jail for eight years.

During his sentencing in Perth District Court on Thursday, defence lawyer Sam Vandongen said the 51-year-old's greed, ego and desire to appear wealthy had fuelled his deception.

The court heard Stamatopoulos secretly amended clients' and eight of his family members' tax returns by fraudulently entering franking and dividend credits without their knowledge or consent.
Kabul: A car bomb exploded outside a bank in Lashkar Gah, capital of the southern Afghan province of Helmand on Thursday, killing and wounding dozens of civilians and members of the security forces waiting to collect their pay, officials said.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said at least 34 people had been killed and more than 60 wounded, including members of the police and army, civilians and staff of the New Kabul Bank branch where the suicide attack took place.

Afghans carry an injured man after the suicide car bombing in Helmand province. Credit:AP

The Taliban, on one of its Twitter accounts, claimed responsibility for the blast, which it said had killed 73 members of the security forces and wounded 44.

Security is worsening across Afghanistan almost three years after international troops ended their main combat mission, prompting a rethink in Washington which is expected to send another 3,000-5,000 troops to join a 8,400-strong US force already in the country.
Washington: The new heir to the Saudi throne has been cultivating ties to some of the most influential officials in Donald Trump's White House, already dining twice with the president's daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, then the deputy crown prince, was one of the first foreign officials to visit Trump as president, joining him and aides for a March 14 luncheon at the White House.

Trump called the new crown prince on Wednesday to offer congratulations on his elevation, the White House said in a statement. Trump and the prince "committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond," according to the statement.

During the 31-year-old prince's March visit, he also had dinner at the home of his generational contemporaries, the 36-year-old Kushner and his wife Ivanka. Kushner is one of the President's most trusted aides, and his many portfolios include the Middle East. Ivanka Trump also is an adviser to her father. The couple dined again with Prince Mohammed at his home during the President's visit to Saudi Arabia in May, a White House official said.
Demolition of historic Central School is slated to proceed after a district judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to prevent it Wednesday.

During Wednesday's hearing in the lawsuit filed by developer and historic preservation advocates Alan and Nancy Nicholson, Judge Michael McMahon ruled that the school district has "exclusive and sole authority" over its Central School property.

Before the judge issued his decision, the attorneys for the Nicholsons argued that the city commission failed to follow proper procedures when it approved the demolition permit. They contended both financial and intangible harm from the demolition of the school, which is considered a contributing building to Helenas designated historic district.

The lawsuit sought to enjoin the city and school district and invalidate the demolition permit with an injunction.

At issue was whether the city and school district properly followed Helenas historic preservation ordinance, and ultimately whether the school district was required by law to follow the city's procedures.

The reason they brought this suit was process, said Mark Mac Smith, attorney for the Nicholsons. They realize at the end of the day its not their decision whether this building gets renovated. Ideally that wouldve been great, but its not their decision to make.

The Nicholsons have been outspoken about their desire to see the current building renovated and classes restored. The building has been empty for years due to seismic concerns, and students in the neighborhood are bused to classes at Central-Linc Elementary.

The districts attorney Elizabeth OHalloran told McMahon that the district chose to enter into the public process with the city to further public involvement, and that involvement was very valuable. Both the district and city recognized the limitations of the citys authority, she added.

Deputy city attorney Iryna OConnor told McMahon that a public entity can always do more than the law allows for, and in this case the district chose to comply with requirements imposed by the city commission for the demolition permit.

An attorney representing a coalition of Central parents also spoke in favor of dismissing the lawsuit.

The hearing included testimony by Alan Nicolson, as well as the school district's Superintendent Jack Copps and Assistant Superintendent Greg Upham. The Nicholsons brought experts in historic preservation from the state and county, who spoke to the historic value of Central and the importance of preservation for cultural and economic reasons. The city and district brought experts in construction to speak to the costs and ramifications of waiting to start construction.

Nicholson detailed a decades-long career renovating historic buildings, particularly in Helenas downtown. He told the court he served as part of the advisory committee that helped develop the historic preservation ordinance in the 1980s.

What were asking in this case is not that we get some immediate financial benefit  the exact opposite is true, he said. Ive watched and Nancy watched the city commission and the city essentially eviscerate the historic preservation ordinance, which has ramifications for anyone wanting to demolish a historic structure.

Copps testified that the district had weighed renovation as an option, but the district has no intent to renovate, he said. Delaying the project with an injunction has the potential to upend the process of selling bonds. Another option of building a new school next to the existing building comes with its own share of problems, he added.

Upham testified that an injunction could cause the district to split its bond offerings and place an additional expense of up to $45,000. The current building is a safety concern, while a new school would offer increased space for a modern learning environment, he told the court.

McMahon was unswayed by the Nicholsons argument that the district or city had failed to abide by the proper demolition process, continuing to come back to the legal theory that the ordinance is unenforceable on the other public body. At one time calling the statute granting sole authority to school districts a mandate from the Legislature, he ruled that whether the district or city followed the procedures was a moot point.

This court concludes the Montana Constitution grants exclusive and sole authority to school boards of trustees to control and supervise schools and develop the full educational potential of each person, McMahon said in his oral ruling. Montana law expressly prohibits a local government, such as the city of Helena, from exercising any power that applies to or affects the local school system.

More than 74 percent of voters in May approved a $63 million bond, which calls for the demolition and replacement of historic Central School. New Bryant and Jim Darcy schools are also part of the bond package.

Alan Nicholson said afterward that he needed to process the ruling and has concerns about what it could mean for the future enforcement of the citys historic preservation ordinance. He was unsure about what the ruling meant for the future of the lawsuit.

Copps said he was pleased with the ruling and validation from the bond vote. The district will proceed with the demolition, he said.

City manager Ron Alles was also pleased with the outcome and believed it meant the city and school district could continue to work cooperatively.

Theyve been a pleasure to work with and very up-front with their plans to us, he said.

Alles said there has always been some question over whether the ordinance gave the city jurisdiction over the district property, but the district has been cooperative in terms of the commissions desires for historic preservation.

We erred on the side of public participation in this case, and I dont see any downsides to that, he said.

Alles acknowledged some ambiguities in the ordinance and says the city plans to review and potentially update it to make it clearer.
Washington: People connected to the Russian government tried to hack election-related computer systems in 21 states, a US Department of Homeland Security official testified on Wednesday.

Samuel Liles, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) acting director of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Cyber Division, said vote-tallying mechanisms in the US presidential election last year were unaffected and that the hackers appeared to be scanning for vulnerabilities - which Liles likened to walking down the street and looking at homes to see who might be inside.

But hackers successfully exploited a "small number" of networks, Liles said, likening the act to making it through a home's front door.

Liles was testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating Russia's efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election, and his remarks add some clarity to the breadth of the Kremlin's cyber mischief. Officials in Arizona and Illinois had previously confirmed that hackers targeted their voter registration system, though news reports suggested the Russian effort was much broader.
Los Angeles: Four people have died from heat-related illnesses in California, as the south-west US bakes in midsummer temperatures that have driven residents indoors and cancelled plane flights.

Temperatures reached 53 degrees in California's Death Valley on Tuesday afternoon, at the peak of the heat wave and it was hotter still at some airports.

Sweltering: Steve Smith wipes sweat from his face as temperatures climb to near-record highs in Phoenix. Credit:AP

Phoenix, Arizona, had record-setting heat for the second consecutive day, hitting a sizzling 47.2 degrees on Wednesday.

More than 20 flights were cancelled at Phoenix airport with temperatures on the tarmac passing 60 degrees, a life-threatening condition if workers are exposed to it too long.
Cogeco Peer 1s MPLS Technology Now Available Globally

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  06/22/17  Note to Editors: There is an infographic associated with this press release.

today announced the expansion of Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) connectivity services to customers in the United States and Europe, providing more businesses around the globe with a holistic solution that can help reduce IT complexity and enable digital transformation.

Cogeco Peer 1 MPLS enables businesses globally to leverage the best in cloud, hosting, colocation, managed IT, security and connectivity services together, through a single service provider, on one scalable, easy-to-manage network, said Bertrand Labelle, Vice President, Marketing and Innovation. In a digital age of data-hungry applications and cloud-based technologies, organizations now need powerful connectivity solutions that can keep up with the growing demand for seamless mobility solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and big data analytics capabilities.

According to Gartner, one of the worlds leading research and advisory companies, there will be more than 20 billion Internet-connected things worldwide by 2020, and more than half of major new business processes and systems will incorporate some element of the IoT. Flexible, cost-effective and easy to administer, MPLS core network technology is ideal for organizations in the midst of a digital transformation and looking to reduce costs, improve network security, optimize efficiency and become more agile.

technology enables Cogeco Peer 1s global customers to build a secure and private any-to-any network that connects multiple locations with the lowest latency routes. Thanks to its fully managed and diverse network with over 48,000 km of fiber routes, businesses with multiple locations in multiple countries can also leverage the power of MPLS.

With 16 data centers, our global FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe combined, our global customers can now do more with the power, reliability, and reach of the Cogeco Peer 1 network, added Labelle. MPLS is a customers first step towards true network convergence, offering design flexibility that lets you take advantage of converged data networks that deliver optimal network performance.

The Cogeco Peer 1 FastFiber Network uses MPLS to efficiently and securely transmit business applications and data over a single network access, giving businesses their choice of either Ethernet or IP VPN services. Delivering reliability, manageability and multiple service tiers, Cogeco Peer 1s Ethernet and IP VPN services can help businesses of all sizes customize their networks with the service levels they need to run more efficiently.

ABOUT COGECO PEER 1

Cogeco Peer 1 is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) and is a global provider of essential business-to-business products and services, such as colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services that allow customers across Canada, Mexico, the United States and Western Europe to focus on their core business. With 16 data centers, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe combined, Cogeco Peer 1 is a trusted partner to businesses small, medium and large, providing the ability to access, move, manage and store mission-critical data worldwide, backed by superior customer support. For more information, visit:

For the latest Cogeco Peer 1 news:

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To view the infographic associated with this press release, please visit the following link:

Contacts:

INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS:

Brodie Thompson

(416) 644 2277

Shawna Gee

(416) 903-2025
Altify Expands Executive Leadership Team and Opens New Headquarters in Silicon Valley

DUBLIN, IRELAND and SAN JOSE, CA  (Marketwired)  06/22/17  Altify, a, today announced it has expanded its sales and marketing executive leadership team and opened a new headquarters in San Jose, California  the heart of Silicon Valley. Patrick Morrissey joins Altify as the chief marketing officer and Mike Fenn joins as the vice president of sales, west. In their new positions, Morrissey and Fenn will be responsible for developing and executing sales and marketing strategies to support the next phase of the companys growth as it continues to transform the sales industry with its sales performance management platform.

Patrick Morrissey comes to Altify from Simpplr Inc., a social intranet company, funded by Norwest Ventures and Salesforce Ventures, where he served as chief revenue officer. Prior to Simpplr, Morrissey served as a vice president of both marketing and alliances at Salesforce, where he led the global industry marketing and ISV sales teams and drove strategic partner relationships. Morrisseys expertise in growth marketing and understanding enterprise sales will help him scale Altifys profile even further in the market.

Altify is a pioneer in sales transformation, with a platform built on Salesforce, said Patrick Morrissey, CMO, Altify. Im excited to join a company with a demonstrated track record of innovation and customer success, and I look forward to accelerating our growth and market leadership.

Mike Fenn joins Altify after five years serving as an area vice president at Salesforce and as vice president of sales, west region, at FAST Search and Transfer, a Microsoft subsidiary. Fenn brings experience building and retaining high-performing sales teams to his role as vice president of sales at Altify.

As Altify expands its business, it is imperative that we have the right talent and resources in place to allow us to build our company and continue to innovate, said Anthony Reynolds, CEO, Altify. Patrick and Mike bring a wealth of industry experience and management expertise that will ensure Altify continues to help companies win the opportunities that matter. Opening a new headquarters in Silicon Valley will help support the companys growth by enabling us to attract top sales, marketing, consulting, and customer success talent in a premium location.

Altify enters the newest phase in its growth trajectory as a Salesforce Platinum Partner. The company will use its new location to continue to support and grow its customer base  a priority for the coming year.

Find out more and connect with Altify:

For B2B sales organizations, Altify provides proven enterprise sales methodology that software sellers want to use. The Altify platform helps sales teams win the deals that matter and increase wallet share with existing customers. With Altify, salespeople, managers and executives achieve revenue growth consistently.

Customers include: Autodesk, BMC, Brocade, BT, GE, Honeywell, HP Enterprise, Johnson Controls, Optum, Salesforce, and Software AG.

Shauna Roberts

BOCA Communications
Signed agreement for POC with major North American Utility

Posted by Publisher Hardware

LAGUNA HILLS, CA  (Marketwired)  06/22/17  On the Move Systems (OTC PINK: OMVS) is pleased to announce that Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD  ) has entered into an agreement for a paid proof of concept (POC) with a major North American utility with over 5,000 employees. RAD will deploy a robot at the utility during the month of July. The POC is scheduled to last 20 days after which, if satisfied, the utility is expected to place orders with RAD for robots. We are very happy to have signed up our second major utility, said Steve Reinharz, President and CEO of RAD. We are currently working with several utilities that have demonstrated strong interest to undergo POCs, and we expect to enter into several other POC agreements with other utilities in the near future.

RAD also recently entered into an agreement for a paid proof of concept (POC) with a major green energy utility with over 50,000 employees worldwide. RAD will deploy a robot at the utility during the month of July. The POC is scheduled to last 90 days after which, if satisfied, the utility is expected to place orders with RAD for robots across their U.S. network of power plants.

RAD expects to deploy robots to end users in July. To date RAD has commitments for 15 robots for total contract values of approximately $1.5 million. OMVS is continuing its due diligence process on RAD as part of the binding LOI that was entered into last week for the purchase of 100% of RAD by OMVS. It is anticipated that the acquisition will close before August 10, 2017.

RAD currently has a sales pipeline of over 50 Fortune 500 companies and over 25 qualified dealers and distributors that have a combined customer base of more than 35,000 end user corporations.

For further information please refer to

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of On the Move Systems to provide for its obligations, to provide working capital needs from operating revenues, to obtain additional financing needed for any future acquisitions, to meet competitive challenges and technological changes, and other risks. On the Move Systems undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement(s) and/or to confirm the statement(s) to actual results or changes in On the Move Systems expectations.

Everest Corporate Advisors Inc.

Jack Thompson

702-902-2361
Powering Playbooks: Owler and InsideSales.com Partner to Make Sales More Efficient

SILICON SLOPES, UT  (Marketwired)  06/22/17  InsideSales.com, the industrys leading predictive sales acceleration platform powered by artificial intelligence, announced a collaboration with Owler, the worlds largest community-based business insights platform. Owler data will power key components of InsideSales.coms Playbooks sales acceleration platform.

Playbooks is built on Neuralytics: a predictive and prescriptive self-learning engine that drives revenue growth by delivering an optimized experience for both salesperson and buyer. Neuralytics in turn references four types of data when making predictive recommendations: demographic, geographic, histographic and firmographic.

Up-to-date firmographic information is a central advantage differentiating Playbooks from other sales enablement solutions. Owlers firmographic data is proven by over one-million business professionals to be the most reliable company information dataset available, providing Playbooks customers with information on target companies revenue estimates, employee size, industry vertical, website, logo, social profiles, and much more. Each of these factors informs the Neuralytics engine and produces ever smarter lead scoring and next-best-step recommendations.

Playbooks also leverages Owlers Competitive Relationship Graph to help reps close more deals.

InsideSales opted to partner with Owler given the companys leadership in accurate lead mapping, timely account and news updates, new company addition, clean data structure and new opportunity identification.

to see a demo of Playbooks and Owlers firmographic data in action.

InsideSales.com offers the industrys first AI-powered predictive sales acceleration platform. Built on Neuralytics, a predictive and prescriptive self-learning engine that drives revenue growth by delivering an optimized experience for both salesperson and buyer. The platform fuels sales rep performance and provides buyer personalization with breakthrough innovations in predictive sales communications, engagement tracking, forecasting and rep motivation. InsideSales.com has received numerous accolades for its technology, including being named to the CNBC Disruptor 50 and Forbes Cloud 100 lists, and earning recognition as one of the fastest growing companies, according to Inc. InsideSales.com enterprise customers include ADP, Microsoft and Groupon.

Owler is the worlds largest community-based business insights platform that business professionals use to outsmart their competition, gain competitive insights, and uncover the latest industry news and alerts. Owler is powered by an active community of 1 million business professionals who contribute unique business insights such as competitors, private company revenue, and CEO ratings. From startups all the way to large enterprises (including 96% of the Fortune 500), CEOs, salespeople, marketers, product managers, and all types of business professionals use Owler daily. Launched in 2014, and funded by Norwest Venture Partners and Trinity Ventures, Owler is headquartered in San Mateo, CA with offices in Spokane, WA, and Coimbatore, India.

Judd Bagley

Director of Corporate Communications

385.375.5362
Cohesive Networks Survey Confirms Cloud-Native Workloads on the Rise: Trust in Shared Environments Has Room to Grow

CHICAGO, IL  (Marketwired)  06/22/17 

57% of respondents verified that cloud-native workloads make up at least 20% of applications in IaaS

18% of organizations now have more than half of their workloads cloud-native

11% fully depend on providers built-in security to protect data, while 60% only somewhat trust IaaS providers

64% strategically use multiple cloud providers for development, testing, and production workloads

, a cloud-native security and network software company, today announced survey results that validate enterprises are increasing their use of hybrid cloud as a strategic business asset. The online poll, conducted with Virtual Strategy Magazine, collected responses from over 100 international IT professionals across industries. Key findings from the survey about network infrastructure, connectivity, and data security in cloud include:

1. Organizations are moving from on-premises and self-hosting toward shared environments. Hybrid cloud consists of distributing workloads across multiple providers, often Amazon AWS plus an alternative provider. Respondents spread their usage mainly across on-premises, AWS, and Azure; however, inertia is holding organizations back from building more cloud-native applications.

2. Cloud-native workloads are slowly gaining momentum. Today, 18% of organizations have more than half of workloads cloud-native. Large enterprises are waiting to adapt existing applications to cloud environments until the end of the useful life of existing data center equipment. Enterprises acknowledge the capital savings of cloud-based workloads, and use cloud IaaS for 64% of development, testing, and production.

3. Enterprises are taking IaaS security into their own hands. More than half use additional, independent tools to protect data in shared environments because data security is still an overarching priority for all industries. 60% of respondents only somewhat trust security to their IaaS providers.

4. The speed and lack of friction in cloud allows more experimentation and flexibility. Cloud IaaS increases accessibility to resources for application development, testing (dev/test), and production workloads. In fact over 83% of respondents use cloud for dev/test, production, and all 3 functions. With IaaS, cloud-based resources can quickly spin up or down to fit demand.

To have confidence in the security of data in transit, developers need to protect it from point to point and have reasonable confidence in the tools and protocols they use to secure it, said Patrick Kerpan, CEO and co-founder, Cohesive Networks.

Security services in the cloud environments operate under different conditions than on premise services. When an application moves to the cloud, it is separated from the large security devices that sit between the outside world and the corporate networks.

Cloud providers understand encryption at rest, and offer several tools for client-side encryption. Because of the availability and simplicity of this at-rest cloud encryption, 51% of respondents feel confident in their data security at-rest in cloud. Unlike encryption at-rest, cloud providers cannot guarantee end-to-end encryption when data passes between cloud regions and over the public internet.

The whole point of moving enterprise applications to the cloud is to slash capital expenses, increase agility, centralize information management, and scale businesses quickly Kerpan added. With our software-only virtual appliance, VNS3, IT teams have the option to build and control their own dynamic, cloud-based networks that can scale with their applications across any public or private cloud, while remaining secure.

More than 50% of respondents still manage their own data center networks. Managing individual data centers and networks is an artifact of legacy IT operations, and as resources reach the end of their life-cycles we will see a bigger shift in cloud adoption.

With network management growing more complex, automation has been the most important innovation for IT teams in the last decade. More than 48% acknowledged that configuring network endpoints, firewalls, and network devices burns up over 60% of their IT teams time.

The future will see a network simplicity movement, as more enterprises turn to cloud-native and software-defined devices.

Network configuration efficiency will be the next big advantage of cloud for the 72% stuck managing multiple network devices to for connectivity. Managing multiple devices and different software interfaces can add unnecessary complexity for organizations looking to streamline operations.

The full published results are available online at

Cohesive Networks commissioned Virtual Strategy Magazine to survey information technology professionals responsible for their organizations data security. The objectives of this survey were to gauge how organizations face network, security, and cloud challenges, and to capture information about Cloud Connectivity, Data Security, Risk Management. The survey was deployed through emails sent in April 2017.

Cohesive Networks provides cloud-class security and networking software for enterprises. Over 2,100 customers use VNS3 virtual appliances to secure products and services at the application layer. With VNS3, enterprises can extend networks into public, private and hybrid clouds to provide security, connectivity, and integration.

Cohesive is an Amazon Advanced APN Technology Partner, an Amazon Marketplace Seller, a member of the Microsoft Partner Network, Microsoft Azure certified, a Google Cloud Platform Authorized Technology Partner, a CenturyLink Cloud Marketplace Provider, certified HPE Helion Ready, a GovCloud provider, Cloud28+ Partner, and an IBM Business Partner. To find out more, visit

Media Contact:

Heidi Groshelle

Groshelle Communications

Tel +1 415.307.1380

@heidigro

Cohesive Networks Sales Contact:

Chris Purrington

19 Eastbourne Terrace

Paddington, London W2 1BA

Tel: +44 208 144 0156

@CohesiveNet
VIQ Solutions, Inc. partners with Pivot Technology Solutions, Inc.

TORONTO, ONTARIO  (Marketwired)  06/22/17  Pivot Technology Solutions, Inc. (TSX: PTG), (Pivot or the Company) a full-service information technology provider, today announced that Pivot has formed a strategic partnership with VIQ Solutions Inc. (TSX VENTURE: VQS), a global expert providing cybersecurity-protected technology and services.

Effective immediately, Pivot will offer VIQs innovative products  including its recently introduced next generation ultra-secure platform, VIQ CyberCrypt, as well as video capture devices and HD telepresence systems  together with Pivots end-to-end services to its broad customer base of public organizations and private enterprises.

Were delighted to become VIQs partner in Canada for a military-grade technology set that is in high demand worldwide because of its ability to capture digital media evidence in virtually any form  audio, video, photographic and log-based  and make it available to improve customer security, workflow and productivity, said John Conner, EVP Sales and GM for Canada. Based on our extensive due diligence, we believe our clients will find tremendous value in the combination of VIQs award-winning platform and Pivots end-to-end services.

VIQs solutions are in use in more than 20 countries with tens of thousands of users in over 200 government and private agencies including law enforcement, immigration, medical, legal, insurance, courts, transportation and transcription. Its SaaS-based platform incorporates powerful search and data analytics capabilities, built-in workflow and collaboration functionality. These include chain of custody, audit logs and redaction, integration with various case management platforms, LDAP and active directory databases, automated fixed/cloud centralized storage, granular user customization and unmatched cybersecurity that is certified military grade.

VIQs growth is a reflection of great technology but also great partnerships with companies like TeraMach that are able to provide customers with the insightful advice and support they need to extract full value from product ownership, said Peter Kostandenou, CMO of VIQ. We look forward to growing together in serving the Canadian market.

Said Kevin Shank, President and CEO of Pivot: One of our strategies is to build on our core business of selling the best IT solutions, both products and services. In VIQ, we have identified a very worthy partner that furthers our objective.

About VIQ Solutions Inc.

VIQ Solutions (TSX VENTURE: VQS) is the leading technology and service platform provider for digital evidence capture and content management for the worlds most security conscious organizations. Our secure modular software allows customers to onboard the VIQ platform at any stage of their organizations digitization, from the capture of digital content from video and audio devices through to online collaboration, mobility, data analytics and integration with sensors, facial recognition, speech recognition and case management or patient record systems. VIQs technology leads the industry in security, meeting the highest international standards for digital/cyber security and privacy, including military and medical regulations. For more information about VIQ Solutions, please visit .

About Pivot Technology Solutions

Pivot is a leading information technology infrastructure and services provider to approximately 2,000 customers, including many members of the Fortune 500. With offices throughout North America, Pivot uses its knowledge and local presence to help corporations, governments and educational institutions design, build, implement and maintain advanced computing and communication infrastructure. For more information, visit .

For more information about VIQ, please visit:

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:

Sebastien Pare

President and CEO

VIQ Solutions Inc.

(905) 948-8266 ext. 221
The family of a New Mexico airman who vanished in the mountains of Montana gained closure one day and 43 years after his disappearance.

On June 15, 1974, Rudy Redd Victor jumped out of a car heading through Wolf Creek Canyon. The 20-year-old was never seen again.

Friday, his sister received a letter from the Air Force saying his remains have been found and identified. Burial plans are in progress.

Victor was listed as a military deserter. With no signs of him, the FBI closed his case four years later.

A decade after he fled the car during a fight with his girlfriend, who Victor was traveling with on their way back to his familys home in Colorado, an unidentified skull was turned in to the Lewis and Clark County coroner.

The skull was discovered two years prior in the same canyon by a brand inspector, who kept it as a souvenir of sorts after locating it while wrangling cattle on the steep hillside in 1982.

Investigators visited the hillside and found more remains, including the lower jaw. They also found a cross with a turquoise center and remnants of a red T-shirt next to a pine tree.

Tests were conducted and anthropology students determined the skull belonged to a man in his 20s, who was likely of Native American descent. Although some identifiers that pointed to the missing airman were noted, the skull remained nameless.

The remains were cataloged and shelved.

Over the decades, a handful of potential matches were tested but none proved conclusive.

Last year, Air Force investigators with a cold case unit reviewed the file and loaded Victors information into the National Missing and Unidentified Person System.

Unfortunately, some cases go cold due to lack of investigative leads, so they remain unsolved for incredible lengths of time, said John Fine, a cold case investigator for the Air Force.

On June 8, Victors dental records were confirmed as a match for the skull found in Wolf Creek. The Montana medical examiner had entered the information for the unidentified skull in 2014.

Thats when bells started ringing, Lewis and Clark County Coroner Bryan Backeberg said.

Air Force investigators traveled to Wolf Creek to see the hillside where Victors remains were found. They, alongside the county coroner, a detective in the original case and others, climbed the steep terrain to the tree where it is believed Victor died. During the initial investigation into the case, officials found a wire noose hanging from the tree. Suicide is suspected.

Everything is leaning that way; 40 years later, we just dont know," Backeberg said.

The official death certificate lists the cause of death as undetermined.

Backeberg said no evidence of foul play was ever found. But, he added, sufficient artifacts have not developed a clear picture of what led to Victors death.

This is a case where the original investigation was conducted well, with technology available, and our coroners office was able to take advantage of this new technology to identify the unknown remains theyve been holding for quite some time now, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said. It is satisfying to see a mystery somewhat solved.

The county coroner concluded Victor likely died either the day he leapt from the car or shortly after.

The investigation determined Victor died while on leave, so he is no longer listed as absent without leave.

Victors military record has been corrected to remove his deserter status.
What has to happen? 5 keys to an Irish victory over Navy Saturday
Wildflower tour of Vipond Park

Vipond Park is known for its beautiful displays of wildflowers in the late spring and early summer. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Montana Native Plant Society are teaming up again to host a wildflower tour of Vipond Park on Saturday, June 24, starting at 9 a.m.

The free tour will ascend the Quartz Hill Road and pass through several historic mining sites before reaching Vipond Park. Vipond Park is a subalpine meadow that supports a diverse array of flowering plants, and also includes two rare plants that are local to the area. Several stops will be made along the way, where Forest Service botanists and Native Plant Society members will assist in plant identification.

For those who are traveling from the Dillon area, meet at the Forest Service office in Dillon located at 420 Barrett Street at 8 a.m. to carpool. Otherwise tour participants will meet at the Divide Fishing Access along Highway 43 approximately three miles west of the Divide Exit off I-15 at 9 a.m. Participants may drive their own vehicle, or can car pool with others at Divide. Attendees are advised to dress for inclement weather and bring a lunch, water, rain gear, bug deterrent, sunscreen and a camera.

For more information, contact the Forest Service in Dillon at 406-683-3900.

***

Upcoming Montana Wild programs

Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave., is offering a variety of free programs showcasing Montanas fish and wildlife and an array of recreational opportunities.

June 24 from 1-2 p.m., Art Center Program: Learn how to make beautiful mountain landscapes using simple chalk or pastels. Participants must be 8-12 years old and pre-registration is required.

June 28 from 7-8 p.m., After Dinner Program (Owls): Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a program outside on the Montana Wild lawn featuring live owls.

June 30, All About Bats: Explore a replica bat cave, make bat crafts, and youth 10 and older can pre-register to build their own bat house from 4-6 p.m. Listen to an informational bat program from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight and bug spray to go bat watching with local bat expert Matt Bell from 9:30-10:30 p.m.

To learn more online go to the Montana WILD Calendar at fwp.mt.gov/education/montanaWild/. To pre-register for programs call 444-9944.

***

Crystal Park temporarily closed for renovations

The Dillon Ranger District will be temporarily closing Crystal Park from June 26 through June 30 in order to conduct rehabilitation of the area and install a crystal washing station.

During this time heavy equipment will be blading spoil piles and filling hazardous open pits that have accumulated over time and use.

Crystal Park will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 1. For more information contact the Dillon Ranger District at 683-3900.

***

Kayaking at Spring Meadow Lake

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering kayaking classes for beginners at Spring Meadow Lake State Park on June 28, July 10 and July 12 starting at 6 p.m.

Participants will have an opportunity to try out stable recreational style kayaks and learn basic paddle strokes. Wear clothes that can get wet and water shoes or sandals.

The classes are open to adults and youth 10 years of age and older when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants must pre-register, call 444-9944. The Montana Wild Education Center is sponsoring the classes.

***

Float trip has two openings

Join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation on July 2-5, for a trip of a lifetime on one of the wildest rivers in America and help raise funds for sustained conservation in The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Two spots have just opened up for one of the best floating experiences in the area. This outfitted trip starts at Granite Creek and floats down the Middle Fork through Spruce Park Gorge and exits the Wilderness spectacularly at Essex.

To sign up and for more details call 406-387-3822.

***

Stand-up paddleboards safety requirements

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to remind persons using stand-up paddleboard (SUPs) that a life jacket is required to be on board. The use of SUPs has exploded in Montana over the past few years. The vessels are fun, easy-to-use and have equipment requirements, not unlike other vessels.

All SUPs need to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket on board, children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket.

With this increase in popularity more people than ever are participating in this recreational activity. In 2008 the U.S. Coast Guard determined that stand-up paddleboards are considered to be a vessel when used outside a marked swimming area, and that state law applies for safety equipment.

***

New boat validation decals required

Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2017-2020 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The blue decals expired Feb. 28.

Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats, or PWC must still obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; click Boat Validation Decals.

Owners who order validation decals on the FWP website will receive the decals in the mail. Information included on a current boat registration receipt issued by the County Treasurer is needed to obtain the decals in person or on FWP's website.

For new boat or PWC owners, the County Treasurer's office will provide the first set of validation decals when the watercraft is registered. Boat owners will obtain subsequent sets of validation decals at a FWP regional or area office, or online.

For more information, visit FWP's website or call FWP at 444-2535.

***

Firewood cutting allowed with permit

Free firewood cutting for personal use will be allowed by permit in designated areas on the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area south of Anaconda now through Nov. 30.

Anyone who wishes to gather firewood on Mount Haggin must first pickup a permit at the FWP Butte area office (1820 Meadowlark Lane) and abide by the following rules:

The designated area to cut firewood on Mt. Haggin WMA is along any roads that are open for motorized travel. If you are uncertain which roads are open for motorized travel, please refer to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Travel Map.

Only standing trees that are beetle-infested or dead can be cut down.

Removal of standing trees, live or dead, in all other areas of the WMA is prohibited.

Firewood gatherers must have a permit with them when cutting trees on the WMA.

Trees can be cut on either side of the road if: within one tree-length of the road; not within the stream or riparian area; there is no off-road driving.

Lop and scatter slash away from roads, ditches and streams.

There is no limit to the amount of firewood that can be gathered by the permit holder. However, firewood must be for personal use only. Commercial use of this firewood is prohibited.

***

Leafy Spurge Biological Control Insects Available

The Whitehall Project will again be collecting leafy spurge flea beetles (the best insect for spurge bio-control) next week. The small brown and/or black adult flea beetles are emerging now and feeding on the leaves. They will soon lay eggs on the soil surface. The minute larvae hatch they burrow into the soil to feed on the roots. It is the larvae that do the most damage to the plant. The larvae spend the winter safely in the soil, pupate in the spring and emerge in June and early July to do it all again.

If the weather is good (clear, hot and not too windy) we will be collecting on Tuesday, June 27th near Grassrange. So, please do not call on Tuesday. Feel free to call during normal business hours this week or Monday and Wednesday next week to reserve a release. You can call Colton at: 406-531-4834 or Ally at: 218-791-2629. The insects are free but we ask a voluntary donation to help meet our matching funds for our grant from the Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund. We also receive financial assistance from the Montana Department of Transportation, numerous agencies and groups, and many landowners like yourselves. Thanks to all!

Release sites should be located in dry, hot areas. We recommend a release every  mile or quarter section. If the ground is flooded or saturated at any time during the year it will drown the larvae and the insects will not work. Release the whole container of insects in one spot. To receive your insects, bring a lunch size cooler with an ice pack and some packing to separate the insects from the ice so they do not freeze. The insects can be stored for several days in a cooler or refrigerator but, the sooner they are released the better. You will be asked to fill out some paperwork and mail it to us for our records of the release. These and other bio-control insects can also be purchased from private companies.

The time to manage your weeds is today! Make a plan and stick to it! Good luck!
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A lawsuit filed with the Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday says Marsys Law, a so-called victims bill of rights passed by voters in November, is unconstitutional.

The ACLU of Montana, joined by the the Montana Association of Counties, Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a county attorney and a victims rights advocate, are asking the state's highest court to void the law about a week and a half before its July 1 implementation date.

Voters approved Marsys Law, also known as Constitutional Initiative 116, last November with 66 percent of the vote. It creates a new section of the state Constitution enumerating 18 rights for crime victims, including the right to refuse an interview or deposition and to receive notification for all steps of a criminal proceeding. Cities and counties around the state are concerned about the costs of complying with the new law, saying they dont have enough staff to do what will be required.

ACLU of Montana, in the lawsuit, argues that since the initiative amended multiple sections of the Montana Constitution, it required a separate vote for each amendment. The lawsuit asks the court to void the enactment of Marsy's Law, halt all enforcement and decertifiy its passage.

Alex Rate, ACLU of Montana's legal director, said the lawsuit was filed so close to the July implementation date because it took a significant amount of time to gather a diverse group of petitioners. It's also taken a chunk of time to understand all the unintended consequences of Marsy's Law, he said.

In a press release sent Tuesday, Caitlin Borgmann, executive director of the ACLU of Montana, said the ACLU supports rigorous enforcement of existing legal protections for victims, but CI-116s expansive redefinition of victim gives new rights to family, friends, corporations and other non-human entities at the expense of constitutionally enshrined rights.

Chuck Denowh, spokesperson for Marsy's Law for All, said Tuesday simply that "there will always be a handful of people that simply don't believe crime victims should have equal constitutional protections to their offenders."

Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher, a petitioner in the lawsuit, said in a release that he didnt think Montana voters understood the initiative amended multiple sections of the state Constitution and that the new law is expensive to enact, in some counties costing about $95,000.

Marsys law will force me to make the impossible choice between seeking justice for all Montanans and enforcing long-standing constitutional protections or serving the narrow, competing interests of Marsys Laws newly expanded pool of victims harmed or allegedly harmed by even the most petty of offenders, he said.

Adrian Miller, another petitioner in the suit, said the initiative was inaccurately promoted to voters as necessary to protect victims' rights. California millionaire Henry Nicholas, a founder of Broadcom, spent $2.4 million in support of Marsys Law last fall, promoting it as a victims bill of rights.

Rate said while the ACLU fully supports the rigorous enforcement of laws already on the books, voters didn't understand the unintended effects of Marsy's Law.

"From our prospective there was minimal discussion in the press or with various constituencies that are impacted about what the unintended results of the amendment would be. We don't believe local victims organizations or victims' rights groups were adequately consulted. I don't think the title of the constitutional amendment adequately described what the impact would be. I don't fault the voters for voting for something like this, but I do believe nobody quite understood exactly how this would fundamentally rearrange the Montana Constitution."

In December, the ACLU filed a suit with the Montana Supreme Court asking the law take effect in July and not immediately. That lawsuit came over confusion between the ballot, which called for an immediate start date, and the language of the initiative itself, which did not set a start date. In that case, the court sided with the ACLU on a 5-0 vote. That same month the state Board of Canvassers twice delayed validating the passage of the initiative over concerns about the ballot title language and counties not being able to comply with the law immediately.

The Legislature this spring passed a law that limits the applicability of Marsys Law to certain crimes, allowed victims to waive their rights and standardized what must be on a Marsys Law card handed out to victims.

The law also limited the types of crimes that fall under Marsys Law to those under a specific section of Montana code that includes homicides, assaults, sexual assaults, burglary, theft, robbery, arson and kidnapping, as well as certain discrimination laws, elder abuse, abuse of the developmentally disabled, child labor laws and securities fraud.

Notably, the new law removed any traffic crimes from falling under Marsys Law, something Denowh opposed.

The group who filed the lawsuit is represented by Kyle Gray and Brianne McClafferty with Holland and Hart, LLP, James Molloy with Gallick, Bremer and Molloy, P.C., and Rate.
Only one of the three men in Montana's congressional delegation had a strong opinion on the Senate version of a Republican health care bill that was debated and altered behind closed doors over the last few weeks.

Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, came out in strong opposition Thursday after Senate Republicans finally made the text of the bill public. A few members of the Senate had been working without input or hearings on altering the American Health Care Act, passed by the House in May.

After no public input, this bill emerged from the shadows, where it was written in secret, with a warning label for rural America," Tester said in a statement. "It will rip away Medicaid from thousands of Montanans, impose an age tax on folks in their 50s and 60s, make it harder to get coverage if you have a pre-existing condition like high blood pressure, all while cutting taxes for corporations and the extremely wealthy. We need to take steps to make health care more accessible and affordable for every Montanan, but this bill will leave thousands of Montanans without health care and doesnt address rising costs.

Republicans U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, who was sworn in yesterday, did not offer up opinions on the bill, instead saying they needed time to read through it and solicit opinions.

Daines released a statement saying: Im glad to see the draft text of the bill made public for everyone to see. I look forward to hearing directly from Montanans on this legislation.

Gianforte's statement said: "I look forward to studying this bill and receiving input from Montanans on its impact. I believe Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced but my support for any health care reform is based on protecting Montanans with pre-existing conditions, lowering premiums, and preserving rural access."

Tester has been a strong opponent of the bill, which is meant to replace the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's landmark health care legislation. The Democrat has advocated for fixing the ACA, while Daines and Gianforte have called for a repeal and replace, long a rallying cry of congressional Republicans.

Daines' statements have centered around saying he wants a bill that improves access to care and lowers costs for Montanans. Gianforte's relationship with the bill drove Montana into the national spotlight when, a day before his election, he assaulted a reporter who asked him about the Congressional Budget Office's assessment of the legislation.

Gianforte said repeatedly during the campaign that he would only vote for a bill that lowered premiums, increased access for Montanans and preserved coverage for those on Medicaid. After his election he said specifically he would not have voted for the House bill, which passed narrowly 217-213. Montana did not have a vote on that since Ryan Zinke had resigned his seat to become secretary of the interior and Gianforte was not elected until a few weeks after the vote.

On Saturday in Great Falls, Tester is holding a town hall to discuss the health care bill. The town hall is at Montana Electric Cooperatives Association, 501 Bay Drive, and starts at 6:30 p.m. Daines is also holding a town hall, though by telephone, not in person.

Daines has faced criticism for not holding an in-person town hall this year. Montanans can join his event by texting SenatorDaines to 828282 or by calling any of Daines offices to register.

On Thursday, groups that have been critical of what the Republican health care bill would mean for Montana said the Senate version makes no improvements to what they project to be devastating cuts to Medicaid.

After a preliminary review of the bill, Aaron Wernham, the CEO of Montana Health Care Foundation, said the two main concerns for Montana  the federal enhanced matching funds for Medicaid expansion and the per capita cap on how much the federal government will pay for Medicaid enrollees  are still in the Senate bill.

The Senate bill offers more of a step-down in an enhanced federal match for Medicaid expansion, but the program would still come to an end, Wernham said. Under the House bill, the enhanced match would end in 2020, while in the Senate bill it would be phased out by 2024.

The Senate bill also ties its cap on Medicaid spending to the overall Consumer Price Index, which is generally lower than the medical Consumer Price Index the House bill linked the cap on spending to. That means the cap would be lower, representing a drop in the amount of money coming into Montana for Medicaid.

The Montana Health Care Foundation has focused its analysis of the bill on Medicaid because it serves a vulnerable population, Wernham said.

In 2015 Montana became one of 32 states that chose to expand access to Medicaid to those earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level under the Affordable Care Act. More than 79,000 Montanans are covered under expansion.

The Montana Budget and Policy Center has also been an outspoken opponent of the bill.

"Make no mistake: the Senate bill is just as devastating as the widely unpopular House-passed bill and sends us back to a time when health care was out of reach for many in our state," said Heather OLoughlin, co-director of the nonprofit. "The bill will end Montanas Medicaid expansion plan and cut assistance for average Montanans trying to access affordable health insurance, all to pay for massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. This bill could be life or death for many Montanans, as lower-income, rural, older and sicker Montanans risk losing affordable coverage."

Compared to the House version, the Senate version of the bill expands tax credits to help offset the cost of buying insurance on marketplaces, but the credits are still below whats in the Affordable Care Act. The revised Senate bill also cuts off support at 350 percent of the federal poverty line, which hits older Montanans.

The Senate bill raises the amount middle-income people would pay for coverage. For example, a 60-year-old who makes $35,000, which is 300 percent of the federal poverty level, would have to pay 16.2 percent of their income in premiums under the Senate bill. Under the Affordable Care Act, that number was 9.69 percent.
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After three years of work, the German parliament committee of inquiry investigating NSA spying on Germany will release its final report next week. It will also contain a chapter drafted by the coalition on "findings about EU and NATO partners." The committee, the draft version of the report states, had no doubts about the statements made about the U.S.

But it should.

Documents that SPIEGEL has been able to review show that the BND, until a few years ago, actually had considerable interest in the United States as a target of espionage. The document states that just under 4,000 search terms, or selectors, were directed against American targets between 1998 and 2006. It is unknown whether they continued to be used after those dates.
The result has been a quarrel between relief organizations on the one hand, and politicians and border control agencies on the other, about how to deal with these people. One side wants to do all they can to prevent more from dying. The other wants to deter people from trying: They want the Libyans to intercept the boats and bring them back to the mainland. The African mainland.

To that end, the EU has provided 200 million euros to support the Libyan Coast Guard and Libya has recently requested armed ships and equipment from Brussels. Abujella Abdul-Bari has become Europe's man on Africa's shores: He does the Europeans' dirty work for them.

'A Taxi Service for Refugees'

The experienced sailor doesn't veer off course and the Kifah just misses the bow of the Sea Watch 2 as it reaches the refugees' boat, avoiding a catastrophe by just a few meters.

On the ship's bridge on this day in mid-May, Abdul-Bari complains about the aid workers from Germany and other countries who, in his opinion, do the traffickers' work for them. The migrants used to have to overcome the 160 nautical miles to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Today, they only need to get out of Libya's 12-mile territorial zone and into the 12-mile contiguous zone, where help is waiting. "Everyone who makes it to Italy will call their family and tell them that Sea Watch is only 12 miles away from the coast. You can come." It's a "taxi service for refugees," says Abdul-Bari.

An analysis for the EU border protection agency Frontex echoes these sentiments: The migrants will risk the dangerous crossing because they know they can rely on humanitarian assistance," the report concludes.

The captain is now driving parallel to the refugee vessel and orders them to shut off the engine. The Kifah then pulls up along side it.

The refugee boat appears relatively safe. The engine works and there is only a little water coming in at the propeller shaft, which is relatively normal for a set-up such as this one. The boat was technically not under duress but it could have capsized as it was clearly overloaded.

Migrant smugglers are less and less likely to make the effort to use old fishing boats like this one for the short journey. Instead, they are opting for large inflatable rafts made just for this purpose in China. Chinese companies deliver them for a few hundred euros in containers via the Freeport Malta to places like the Libyan port city of Misurata.

It is a well-established scheme, and the Chinese platform Alibaba.com acts as a sort of Amazon.com for migrant smugglers. On the site, for example, the company Weihai Dafang of Shandong advertises various versions of a product called, "inflatable boats for refugees" - up to nine meters long with enough space for 50-60 people. Last week, the boats were on sale, with a 30-day delivery.

No Legal Way to Stop Deliveries

Migrant smugglers often cram 150 people onto such boats, despite the PVC used in their construction being just about 1 millimeter thick. A single bit of chafing - which often happens where the tubing meets the floor - could mean death for everyone on board. According to an EU report, however, there is no legal way to stop these deliveries from China.

Captain Abdul-Bari commands most of the 497 migrants from the wooden fishing boat to board the Kifah. Among them are 277 Moroccans, but also Bangladeshis, many of whom fly to Libya before being placed on a boat by the migrant smugglers.

Most of the migrants don't understand what has just happened. One man from Bangladesh says he is "confused." The smugglers had told him that the Italians would pick them up, yet he can see the German ship only 150 meters away and the ship he has just boarded is flying the Libyan flag.

Slowly, word spreads that the Kifah is bringing everyone back to Libya. The men are stunned and explain in vain that they paid thousands of dollars to the smugglers for the passage to Italy. Some of the women begin to cry. An officer tries to calm everyone: "The smugglers cheated you," he tells them. Slowly, the Kifah begins the journey back to shore and the wooden boat follows.

Many of the refugees will likely be locked up in decrepit Libyan detention centers, many of which are repulsive facilities, and later deported to their homelands; others will try again.

It is also a disaster for the EU, says Ruben Neugebauer, the spokesman for Sea Watch and an adversary of Abdul-Bari. The Libyan captain's maneuver across the bow of Sea Watch 2 was extremely dangerous, he says - and the staff of the aid agency are not easily frightened. Neugebauer himself is actually a war photographer by trade and when SPIEGEL reaches him by phone, he is near the front in the Iraqi city of Mosul, with bombs audible in the background.

'I Will Continue'

"The EU is trying to seal off the Mediterranean route," says Neugebauer, unfazed by the detonations. They don't want witnesses to "the policy of letting people die." That is why, he goes on, aid organizations are being smeared with the absurd accusations that they are cooperating with smugglers. It's not the ships off the coast that are causing people to flee, Neugebauer says, rather it's the misery at home that drives them to flee.

Furthermore, he says, it is irresponsible to return migrants to Libya. There is a civil war raging, the government in Tripoli has little power, militants and warlords control large sections of the country, a Russian-backed general controls parts of the east and in the middle of all the chaos is Islamic State. In many refugee camps, men are abused and killed and women are raped.
The Federal Communications Commission is fining a Miami man $120 million, stating he generated 96 million robocalls spoofed to appear on caller ID screens as though they were coming from neighbors of those answering the phone.

Adrian Abramovich allegedly designed calls to get through caller ID, then play an automated message prompting recipients to press 1 to hear about travel deals from well-known companies like Marriott and TripAdvisor, then connecting those that did to unaffiliated overseas call centers that attempted to sell vacation packages.
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STAMFORD  The chief states attorneys office has opened a criminal investigation into an alleged identity-theft scheme involving absentee ballots during the 2015 municipal election, according to documents obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media.

Prosecutors are looking into the role of Democratic State Central Committee member John Mallozzi, who was the partys city committee chairman at the time, according to half a dozen sources with firsthand knowledge of the matter.

Mallozzi referred questions to his attorney, Stephan Seeger, who downplayed the nature of the investigation, saying its not anywhere near the criminal level. Its about oversight and a procedure that might not have been followed.

The sources asked not to be identified because of the ongoing nature of the investigation, which they characterized as an extensive absentee ballot scam.

Sources say that Mallozzi and his volunteers allegedly requested more than 30 absentee ballots under the names of unsuspecting voters and used them to cast votes for candidates for the boards of education, finance and representatives. Many of the victims of the alleged identity theft were immigrants who had obtained citizenship but had no prior voting history, including some from the citys Albanian-American community.

They had a big scheme, one of the sources, who has been interviewed by the states attorneys office, told Hearst.

Seeger attempted to shift scrutiny to the handling of absentee ballots by the office of longtime City Clerk, Republican Donna Loglisci. The special ballots are traditionally used by voters who will be out of town for the election, as well as homebound senior citizens. In some cases, voters request an absentee ballot if they dont want to wait in line at their polling place.

The person who hands in the ballots has to sign them; thats how they keep track of where the ballots come from, Seeger said. To my knowledge, my clients signature is on no absentee ballot envelope, so the allegations at this point are unsubstantiated.

Loglisci declined to comment about the process for handling absentee ballots.

Im aware of a complaint that was filed by the registrar of voters, Loglisci said.

Acting on a complaint from the citys two registrars of voters, filed in November 2015, the state Elections Enforcement Commission investigated the case until April of this year. Thats when it voted to refer the case to prosecutors for criminal investigation, according to the agencys minutes. As part of the agencys probe, it requested a trove of voter registration cards from city election officials to check signatures, including one for Mallozzi, Hearst has learned.

Richard Colangelo Jr., the states attorney for Stamford, declined to comment.

Mallozzi, the Democratic Party chairman from 2012 to early 2016, played a central role in the 2013 election victory of David Martin as mayor of Connecticuts third-largest city. Martin also declined to comment, citing the pending nature of the investigation.

Tight races

There is no indication that the scope of the criminal investigation extends beyond the 2015 municipal election. But in recent years, there have been several local elections decided by narrow margins, with absentee ballots playing a pivotal role.

In the 2013 Democratic mayoral primary, Martin edged state Rep. William Tong, who had been endorsed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the citys former mayor, by 197 votes. The margin was just 47 votes not counting absentee ballots, which was less than the 1 percent threshold for triggering an automatic recount.

In the general election that year, Martin defeated Republican Mike Fedele, the former lieutenant governor, by fewer than 600 votes.

In 2014, Tong turned away Republican challenger Dennis Mahoney by 154 votes in the 147th House District race.

Tong, who is co-chairman of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, declined to comment.

Reached on vacation in Italy Wednesday, Fedele said the alleged irregularities in the 2015 election raise serious concerns about the integrity of the process.

I would be very concerned that if we had an individual in our system in Stamford that was undermining our process, and hopefully, if theyre found guilty of violating that process, that theyre prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Fedele said.

Mismatched signatures

But the full scope of the alleged fraud may never be known, as absentee ballots are shredded after six months.

According to the original complaint filed with state election officials, the investigation was triggered when Shkodran Hoti showed up to vote 75 minutes before the polls closed Nov. 3, 2015, at the District 8 polling location in the Cove neighborhood. There was one problem, however. The registered Democrat was told by poll workers he had already voted by absentee ballot, which had been recorded earlier that day at the central absentee ballot counting location. Hoti disputed it and signed an affidavit that allowed him to cast a vote.

Sources say when poll workers later cross-checked Hotis signature on the affidavit with his supposed signature on the envelope of the absentee ballot, they were different. Hoti said he was at work Wednesday and was not immediately available for comment.

The discrepancy between signatures raised red flags and resulted in the complaint being filed by the citys two registrars of voters, Republican Lucy Corelli, Fedeles sister, and Democrat Ron Malloy, the governors older brother.

We didnt let any grass grow over the incident, Ron Malloy, who did not sign the complaint, told Hearst Wednesday.

Our job is to count absentee ballots. We have nothing to do with issuing them or creating them or collecting them. The town clerk is fully responsible for all absentee ballots until she turns them over to us on Election Day to count.

No updates

Malloy said voting irregularities have been rare during his four years as registrar.

We started the process because thats our job, he said of the complaint. And you dont know where the chips will fall.

Corelli said her knowledge was limited to the state elections enforcement probe, which was first brought to light last year by Mallozzis successor, current local Democratic Party chairman and former Tong campaign manager Josh Fedeli (no relation to Mike Fedele).

The Democratic City Committee provided all of the information requested by (the elections enforcement commission) and has had no other updates or communication from the (agency) on the status of the investigation, Fedeli said.

Absentee ballots can be mailed or handed out in-person to the applicant at the clerks office. State law allows party workers to help distribute absentee ballot applications, but they must sign them and keep a list of all those applicants to be submitted to the clerk.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, a Democrat who is the states top election official, declined to comment through a spokesman.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
The repugnant Republican US Senate process of rewriting our health care laws is a totally secretive effort behind closed doors that deliberately denies Montana citizens the ability to know what is being proposed before it is jammed down our throats. Montana Senator Steve Daines says it makes him frustrated.

The GOP plans to push this bill through without citizens having any chance to participate. They plan to radically change one-sixth of Americas economy by June 30 by dramatically changing health care for hundreds of thousands of Montanans and tens of millions of Americans without any openness and public participation. Their approach doesnt embrace the people who elected them, it fears the people. In a naked power move, the GOP Senate plans to deliberately jam it through before the people can even have a chance to tell them it is bad. But Senator Daines wants us to know he is frustrated.

No reflection time. No hearings. No discussion. No amendments. No openness. No participation. Not the Montana way. But Senator Daines really wants us to know how frustrated he is.

Challenging this process will take more than cheap words about frustration from our junior senator. Instead of spouting useless rhetoric, Daines needs cast a firm NO vote that reflects the public participation values Montanans cherish and expect.

Those values are not just floating in the Montana air. They are firmly implanted in the Montana Constitution ratified by the people 45 years ago this month.

Recently the 15 out of 100 Montana Constitutional Convention delegates who are still alive were recognized by Governor Bullock with a certificate and a proclamation. They, along with the families of the 85 deceased delegates, were cited for their outstanding service to the state as the Governor expressed undying admiration and appreciation to the citizen delegates who wrote Montanas magnificent 1972 Constitution.

In this landmark Constitution, often cited as the best state Constitution in the nation, are a declared right to know and right of participation for every Montana citizen, making our state one of the most open and participatory state governments in America.

Our Constitutional right-to-know says: no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe deliberations of all public bodies or agencies. Our Constitution also declares that the public has a right to expect government agencies to afford  reasonable opportunity for citizen participation.

Those Constitutional values stand in stark contrast to the power-based, highly-partisan secretive process going on today in the US Senate. While Montanas Constitutional requirements are not legally binding on our members of Congress, they are a standard of conduct to which we expect those in Congress to adhere. Yet Senator Daines can only express that he is frustrated.

Our Senator Daines apparently faces a dilemma. Does he bow to the GOP Senates repugnant process, trying to prove that he (Daines) can be a good and faithful servant to the DC swamp where might is right? Or will Daines stand with Montana values and both say and vote NO on any secret bill that seeks to radically change our countrys health care system to provide massive tax breaks to the wealthy without a thorough, open and participatory public process?

Its not enough for Daines to just say he is frustrated. That is a false front to cover what appears to be support for the process and the bill. He needs to totally reject this process and bill that is tainted beyond saving. The stench attached to that process will attach itself to any and all who support it, including our Senator Daines.

Because it only takes three GOP Senators to stop this secret process, if Daines refuses he will stop this thing in its tracks. Maybe knowing that is what makes him frustrated?

This dilemma for our Senator Daines should be easy to resolve. He can and should vote against anything that does not adhere to the public processes we constitutionally demand here in Montana every day, including this month when we honor the 45th Anniversary of the enactment of those very precious concepts.

If Daines sides with Montana, its people and its Constitution, the bill cannot pass. We are watching.

Evan Barrett, who lives in historic Uptown Butte, recently retired after 47 years at the top level of Montana economic development, government, politics and education. He is an award-winning producer of Montana history films who continues to write columns and record commentaries, and occasionally teach Montana history and contribute to community and economic development projects.
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STAMFORD  A mayoral rival and head of the Legislatures powerful Judiciary Committee is calling on prosecutors to expand the scope of a criminal investigation into potential voter fraud in the city.

State Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, said the probe of possible absentee ballot tampering during the 2015 municipal election  first reported by Hearst Connecticut Media  casts uncertainty over previous voting results.

Among the races he referred to was the 2013 Democratic mayoral primary that Tong lost to David Martin by 197 votes, with absentee ballots counting for 150 votes of that margin. Martin went on to win the general election by fewer than 600 votes over former GOP Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele.

This is a profound betrayal of the democratic process, and we have to clean it up now, Tong said Thursday. The investigation should be as broad as it can be because we have to understand the extent to which the electoral process was compromised here in Stamford. I think we need to look hard at the numbers and what occurred in recent elections.

Libby Carlson, Martins spokesman, said the decision for an election investigation rests with the State Elections Enforcement Commission and State's Attorney's office. This is a very important issue and whatever SEEC and the State's Attorney decide, is fine with the Mayor."

The chief states attorneys office is looking into the role of Democratic State Central Committee member John Mallozzi, who was local party chairman from 2012 to early 2016, according to half a dozen sources with firsthand knowledge of the investigation.

I do believe that anybody involved in this at all should step aside from their public duties immediately, Tong said Thursday of Mallozzis leadership status in the state party, without mentioning him by name.

Mallozzis lawyer, Stephan Seeger, said there was a political motivation behind criticism of his client, who he noted was not in charge of absentee ballots during the 2013 mayoral race.

One cant help but field step down comments directed at my client as conveniently timed, Seeger said. The call comes on the heels of an announcement that Martin will run again. Mr. Tong lost a close race election to Mr Martin not too long ago and some attribute absentee ballots to that loss.

Sources say Mallozzi and his volunteers allegedly requested more than 30 absentee ballots under the names of unsuspecting voters and used them to cast votes for candidates for the boards of education, finance and representatives in 2015. The special ballots are traditionally used by voters who will be out of town for the election, as well as homebound senior citizens. In some cases, voters request an absentee ballot if they dont want to wait in line at their polling place.

Many of the victims of the alleged identity theft were immigrants who had obtained citizenship but had no prior voting history, including some from the citys Albanian-American community.

Like most people, I believed that election tampering and voter disenfranchisement happened in other places, Tong said. To know that elections here in Stamford may have been manipulated is a real punch in the gut. As the son of immigrants, I am sickened that elected leaders here in Stamford, a community that prides itself on diversity and inclusion, may have used immigrants voting rights to perpetrate a fraud on our city.

Tong has been both the losing and winning ends of tight races, narrowly surviving a re-election race for the Legislature in 2014 by 154 votes over Republican Dennis Mahoney.

Acting on a complaint from the citys two registrars of voters, filed in December 2015, the elections enforcement body investigated the case until April of this year. Thats when it voted to refer the case to prosecutors for criminal investigation, according to the agencys minutes.

Seeger has disputed the nature of the investigation, saying it did not rise to criminality and was procedural.

So while my client clearly has the integrity to do what is right and just to serve the process, he doesn't intend to resign amidst these allegations based upon a politically motivated calling that is connected with my client having been declared a respondent in an (elections enforcement) investigation, Seeger said. If and when there is good reason to honor the process and step down, the decision will be based upon apolitical considerations.

Because the 72-member State Central Committee doesnt have a mechanism for removing members under investigation, any decision to leave the DCC rests with Mallozzi, who represents a large swath of Stamford and part of Darien on the committee.

Josh Fedeli, Mallozzis successor as local party chairman and Tongs 2013 campaign manager, stopped short of calling for Mallozzis stepping down Thursday.

The (Stamford Democratic City Committee) considers any issues related to absentee ballots and voter integrity to be extremely serious matters and considers any potential election violations a serious breach of the public trust, Fedeli said. The SDCC is committed to running clean elections and working to get Democrats elected at all levels of government. The SDCC will not comment on the allegations of misconduct against its former Chairman John Mallozzi other than to say there is no place in the Democratic Party for anyone who interferes with an individuals right to vote.

Dariens Democratic Town Committee Chairman David Bayne called the allegations concerning, but said it wouldnt be appropriate for him to comment further at this time.

A state Democratic Party spokesman also declined to comment.

State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano railed against Mallozzis unchanged status with the Connecticut Democrats and referred to a $325,000 fine meted out by the state Elections Enforcement Commission for election law violations in the 2014 governors race.

Its par for the course, Romano said.

According to the original 2015 Stamford complaint, the investigation was triggered when Shkodran Hoti showed up to vote 75 minutes before the polls closed Nov. 3, 2015, at the District 8 polling location in the Cove neighborhood. There was one problem, however.

The registered Democrat was told by poll workers he had already voted by absentee ballot, which had been recorded earlier that day at the central absentee ballot counting location. Hoti disputed it and signed an affidavit that allowed him to cast a vote.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
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STAMFORD  A homeless man charged with a hate crime for smearing a swastika with his feces outside the Rich Forum Media Center has been sent to the hospital for a mental health evaluation after an apparent similar incident in his holding cell.

Robin Spearman, 58, was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday morning, but Senior Assistant States Attorney Mitchell Rubin said he had been sent to Stamford Hospital.

Stamford desk Sgt. Carl Strate, who is in charge of sending prisoners to the courthouse for their arraignments, said Spearman went to the hospital for a psych evaluation.

Strate declined to say what caused Spearman to be taken to the hospital, but one court official said he smeared feces all over his cell Thursday morning.

Spearman, who was convicted of a 2007 armed robbery and sentenced to 11 years in jail, is being held on a $100,000 court appearance bond. He has been charged with intimidation based on bigotry or bias, creating a public disturbance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is expected to appear at the courthouse for his arraignment on Friday.

Lauren Steinberg, director of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Dariens Jewish Community Relations Council, praised the police for making a quick arrest.

We applaud the police for their work. We also applaud the work of the Connecticut Legislature for passing the strongest hate crimes legislation in the country earlier this month  legislation that clearly demonstrates that bigotry and hatred are not tolerated here, Steinberg said.

Rich Forum security officers provided police with blurry video footage of a man holding a coffee cup and drawing the swastika and a Star of David on a glass panel near the Atlantic Street entrance to the theater just before 1 p.m. Sunday, according to Spearmans arrest affidavit.

The cup, which was found the next morning and taken by police as evidence, contained human feces, the arrest warrant said.

According to the warrant, investigators Angel Gonzalez and Chris Friel used city traffic cameras to trace the movements of the suspect to Pacific Street, south of Dock Street in the citys South End.

Police also found a much clearer picture of the suspect down the street from the theater at Stamford News and Deli, where the man is seen walking into the store and picking up a cup and leaving, the affidavit said. The cup is the same type the police found with feces in it, the affidavit said.

Gonzalez and Friel canvassed the South End and found Spearman Wednesday afternoon standing at the corner of Atlantic and Henry streets.

Based on his own observations from the videos, Friel identified Spearman as the suspect and he was taken into custody.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com;
A lgy Cluff, one of the pioneers of the original oil discoveries in the North Sea a generation ago, received an OBE last weekend in the Queens Birthday honours list for his contributions to business, of course, but also to his substantial but unsung charity work.

Then, yesterday, he received a further present in the shape of a brokers report singing the praises of his venture, AIM-listed Cluff Natural Resources, which is at present trading at around 2.5p having been as high as 5.8p and as low as 1.07p in the past 12 months.

Remarkably, however, the broker Allenby Capital reckons that the shares could be worth 12.5p, five times as much as they are now, albeit the caveats which surround any mining and exploration venture.

This column does not tip shares for the good reason that it normally gets it wrong but Cluff deserves a break.

At an age when most people would long since have retired from the scene he has had the energy and nerve to assemble a small bundle of properties in the southern North Sea, at a time when with the collapse in energy prices scared off most of the competition.

In late April the petroleum engineering company Xodus released a report which said that if gas stayed within the price range predicted for it in the next few years then the Cluff properties had the potential to make significant money. It has been established that there is certainly gas there, but the question is whether Cluff can persuade someone else to come and drill it for him, in return for a slice of the profits, because he does not have the money to do it himself.

Obviously landing this kind of deal is harder than it might be because of the squeeze on energy prices has reduced the appetite in the industry for drilling yet more holes, even when the prospects are good. But Allenby is excited because BP is drilling nearby at the moment in similar geology, and if they get good results then clearly that will kickstart interest in Cluffs assets.

Nothing is ever certain but the brokers clearly think he has a good chance of finding a partner and, if he does, on the basis of what they think is down there, the shares could take off. And one has to say that if they do, it is no more than Cluff deserves.

Time for City to support the accused

It has taken the Serious Fraud office almost 10 years to bring charges against four men who were, in their day, among the most senior executives of Barclays Bank.

The allegations against them, which were made public on Tuesday, are in connection with the injections of funds the bank received from Qatar and other sources at the height of the banking crisis in 2008.

Even though the investigation has already taken an age it remains likely to be several more years before the cases come to trial, by which time each of the defendants are likely to be considerably less wealthy than they are today.

This is an unfortunate aspect of the British legal system, particularly in fraud cases, where the complexity is such that case preparation can take months and sometimes years.

Add this to the time which can be spent waiting for a court and suitably qualified judge to become available and many years can elapse between charges and the accused appearing. Meanwhile, they may have been denied the ability to earn a living because few organisations will touch them when they are under such a cloud of uncertainty.

An even bigger hit is that the defendants will probably be paying their own legal costs if, as usually happens, their erstwhile employer cuts them loose. Barclays is also a defendant in this case so it remains to be seen if this will happen this time but certainly the precedents are not good. Current managements usually like to distance themselves from things which may or may not have gone on in the past.

Insurance policies which can normally be relied upon to mitigate costs in civil cases are also of uncertain value in times like this. They often specifically exclude criminal prosecutions.

You have to question whether this is how the system is meant to work. Being charged must surely be bad without the massive additional financial burden. In several recent cases marriages have collapsed as the legal costs rise into the millions. The potential effect on other family members can weaken the resolve of even the toughest-minded defendant and some certainly have entered a guilty plea for this reason.

There is no easy answer but it does give more reason to consider proposals which have been circulating informally in the City to create a mutual defence fund for practitioners to provide at least some support in cases such as this.

The defendants in the Barclays case are unusual because they are high profile, but the financial burden bites whatever the status of the employee. The trend in regulation, where you do not even have to commit a crime but can be found guilty for failing to prevent one, suggests this is an idea whose time has come.
W ith just a week to go to the Evening Standard Business Awards, we turn our attention to the companies that are in the running for Business of the Year and have made their mark through outstanding performance, strategy or innovation.

We also take a look at the shortlisted business personalities of the year. The competition in this category is stiff, with four of the ablest chief executives in the UK competing for honours.

Business of the year

Melrose Industries: Melroses motto is Buy it, improve it, sell it, with struggling engineering businesses being its meat and drink. Since the start of 2012, Melrose shares have risen by nearly 250%, with an average annual return on investment of 26%.

Shareholder investment of 3.6 billion has been increased to 8.4 billion over the years, with about 4.3 billion in dividends and payments to shareholders along the way.

Melrose is now on the lookout for more deals and though its business model is not without risk, its track record of creating value is well-established. Melrose may not be a household name, but it has a winning formula.

Aviva: This firm is almost unrecognisable from the bedraggled insurer it was when Mark Wilson became chief executive in January 2013.

Since then, a textbook turnaround has been accomplished by the New Zealander, with underperforming businesses sold, the structure simplified and core businesses strengthened.

During the past 12 months, the results of that heavy lifting have started to emerge, with 2016 marking a fourth consecutive year of operating profits growth. Aviva is also looking to its future, investing heavily in all things digital because it believes big data could transform the way insurance is sold.

The insurer has a new spring in its step and looks set for further growth.

Facebook: Founder Mark Zuckerberg has changed perceptions entirely of what a media business is. The Californian giant, which also owns Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus VR, still calls itself a platform and not a publisher, but it is listening to voices that are calling for change and has helped users identify fake news.

On the business front, Facebook is the consummate innovation machine. With 1.9 billion users around the world, a market value of more than $400 billion and a commanding share of the digital advertising market, Facebook is now waging war on its younger, cooler rival Snap, ruthlessly copying ideas. It has also made London the centre of its European business with a new headquarters to house its rapidly growing British-based staff.

Legal & General: Nigel Wilson, the firms chief executive since 2012, is now a familiar voice to current affairs junkies. The head of the insurer and asset management firm is not shy of plain speaking, whether arguing for green-belt land to be released for homebuilding or keeping up pressure on executive pay.

Legal & General has a plan to solve the countrys housing crisis by investing some of its 900 billion of assets under management in a portfolio of projects to produce 70,000 homes over the next five to 10 years. So far, the push into housing is also paying off  operating profits at the direct investment division rising 10% last year.

Personality of the year

Stephen Kelly (Sage): Kelly has been on a mission to get his company talked about, and it is working. Sage is the accounting software behemoth from the North-East that had previously hidden its light under a bushel. However, since Kelly joined in 2014, he has wisely positioned himself as the voice of the small businessmen and women who are the backbone of the UK economy. With 14,000 Twitter followers, Kelly is also one of the UKs most watched chief executives.

Sage operates in 23 countries and employs 13,500 people. Last year, pre-tax profits rose 41% to 180 million.

He has also launched the Sage Foundation, a charity encouraging staff to pledge up to 2% of their working time to good causes, backed by donations of 2% free cashflow from the company.

Rupert Soames (Serco): Dubbed St Rupert in some quarters, Soames has been trying to turn around government outsourcer Serco since 2014, a feat some think miraculous.

Soames came to the company with a formidable reputation having propelled temporary power company Aggreko into the FTSE 100. But the challenge at Serco is even more daunting for Churchills grandson: the company was in both financial and reputational crisis, with too many contracts losing money. Soames is now just over halfway through a five-year turnaround plan.

However, this year some big contracts have been landed: first, a 600 million deal to clean Barts Hospital in London, and now its biggest contract win for five years  a 1.5 billion deal to build and operate an Australian prison.

Serco is not out of the woods yet, but if anyone can pull this off, it is Soames. What will his next rescue job be?

Alison Brittain (Whitbread): As one of just seven female chief executives in the FTSE 100, Brittain heads the UKs largest hospitality company, owning Costa Coffee, Premier Inn, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre.

Brittain was one of the UKs most powerful women in finance as head of retail banking at Lloyds Banking Group, but then left to take the helm at Whitbread, with its 50,000 employees.

Alison Brittain: winner of the Veuve Clicquot businesswoman of the year award / Dave Benett

Doubts about her ability to switch sectors were quickly laid to rest and she continues to make her mark. In particular, Brittain has championed the need for more women in executive-level positions and put time and effort into Whitbread initiatives designed to improve career development.

She has responded to a tougher consumer environment with a cost-cutting drive to ensure the chain succeeds.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia (Virgin Money): Boss of Sir Richard Bransons Virgin Money, Gadhia is one of the financial services industrys most senior women, and among the best-known. She first stuck her head above the parapet of this male-dominated world during the financial crisis and the collapse of Northern Rock, which she persuaded Branson to try to rescue.

Gadhia and Branson failed in that endeavour but did not let it go, finally buying its good parts in 2011 for a bargain price. Virgin Money is now one of the UKs main challenger banks, which she attributes to her sheer bloody-mindedness.

Two years ago, Gadhia led a government review of women in finance. This year, she lived up to her straight-talking reputation with her memoir The Virgin Banker. She wrote about her own mental health problems, her difficulties trying to conceive, and the old boys network at Royal Bank of Scotland under her former boss Fred Goodwin. Her candour has highlighted her achievements and brought her new fans.

The Evening Standard Business Awards, in association with HSBC and supported by Ballymore, will be held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, on June 29.

For more information visit: standard.co.uk/businessawards #ESBusinessAwards
A mid all the noise of Brexit, political turmoil, weaker oil prices, and central banks machinations, investors tuned into a small AIM company today.

EVR Holdings, which creates virtual reality content of gigs, wowed its big following of retail investors by signing a deal with tech giant Microsoft.

The start-ups MelodyVR platform will be launched by Microsoft across its mixed reality devices in return for funding and technical expertise from the computer heavyweight, which will also promote the MelodyVR app.

The details behind the funding were kept secret but investors made their feelings about the partnership clear as shares soared 1.25p, or 14.5%, to 9.98p.

They had drifted lower over the past few months after a stampede for the shares at the turn of the year on the back of agreements with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, whose artists include Blur frontman Damon Albarn.

The oil price continued to slide today, with Brent crude down 15 cents or 0.33% to $44.67 a barrel. The downturn, amid concerns about a global glut, looked set to punish the FTSE 100, which fell for a third day in a row, down 38.16 points to 7409.63.

Royal Dutch Shell, the biggest company on the London market by market value, sank 24p, or 1.1%, to 2073p.

Drugmaker Shire enjoyed a 94.5p rise to 4554.5p as the European Medicines Agency gave it the green light to market its Veyvondi, a treatment to prevent bleeding in adults suffering from Von Willebrand Disease. It follows FDA approval yesterday for its ADHD drug.

Spirits giant Diageo was 27p, or 1.1%, off at 2347.5p as investors reacted to its $1 billion (790 million) takeover of Casamigos, the tequila firm set up by George Clooney. Diageo said it would fund the deal with cash and debt.

Thomas Cook slipped 2.6p to 89.7p in reaction to news Chinas banking regulator is seeking information on overseas loans by its big conglomerates including Fosun, a shareholder of the tour operator.

Valve-maker Rotork spiked 9p to 242.8p as Morgan Stanley triggered a double upgrade to Overweight. It said the City did not appreciate the potential at its process controls division.
T he Prime Ministers statement today in the Commons on the Grenfell Tower fire confirms what many people feared: there are other tower blocks with combustible cladding. She says local authorities and the fire services are taking all possible steps to ensure that buildings are safe; that, presumably, will mean that the lethal cladding will be removed quickly. It may also mean that the people living in those buildings will have to be rehoused at public expense while their homes are dealt with. The one positive aspect of this grim and avoidable tragedy is that the residents of other tower blocks will soon be safer.

Theresa May also confirms that an immediate independent inquiry will take place, that the residents will be at the heart of it, and observes that any guilty parties will have nowhere to hide. What is useful is her insistence that an interim report will be published as soon as possible. All too often, public inquiries are a means by which matters of urgent concern are kicked into the long grass; it cannot happen here and she will be held to account for her promise of a quick report. Her announcement follows a call by the London Fire Brigade for a judicial inquiry given major concerns about safety regulations.

There are multiple areas of concern that an inquiry must deal with. We want to know who was responsible for the block having lethal, flammable cladding and we want to know that other buildings are going to be made safe; we also need to know what went wrong in the aftermath of the fire. Right now there is a very public spat between local and central government in assigning blame for the official response in the immediate aftermath of the fire.

Kensington and Chelseas chief clerk, Nicholas Holgate, has resigned but made it clear that he was being forced to step down, by, it seems, the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid. Mr Javid has denied interfering in the affairs of a local authority.

This should not distract anyone from the immediate and crucial task in hand, which is to house the survivors of the fire properly; 68 flats in the heart of Kensington will be made available for some of them and the Prime Minister insists that none of them should be rehoused against their wishes outside the area. A good, if belated, response.

The inquiry must not only focus on culpability for this tragedy; it should help prevent other people suffering as the residents of Grenfell Tower did.

Southern halts again

Talk to commuters who travel regularly on Southern trains (or as regularly as is possible on that benighted network) and you will find sympathy for striking train crews in short supply. Today a report into Southerns spate of strikes and stoppages by industry expert Chris Gibb reaches the unsurprising conclusion that it is union action that is primarily to blame.

The response of the unions has been entirely in character. Aslef has notified Southerns management that it is balloting members over new strike dates. Its disdain for commuters is matched only by disdain for the conclusions reached by Mr Gibb. The proposed strike could take place towards the end of July, hitting the summer holiday plans of countless families.

Union bosses maintain the intransigence of Southerns management is responsible for the appalling service that passengers have experienced over the course of the last year. But Mr Gibbs report, while acknowledging that there are various factors at play, gives the lie to this claim and points the finger firmly at the leadership of the RMT and Aslef. Union chiefs should face up to the fact that it is they who are ruining a vital service for thousands of ordinary passengers. In the circumstances, their plans for more unnecessary strikes are just insulting.
I live in the Midwest of the United States, in a small rural town. I have no political affiliation.

I was made aware of Mr. Greg Gianforte through the media events that were reported on him with his infamous assault on a reporter, he was later charged with assault. I find Mr. Gianfortes actions disgusting.

I dont know what I find more disgusting, his actions or the voters of Montana who elected him into office after this report of violence against someone. It doesnt say very much for the people of Montana to support someone who commits a violent act upon someone else. I really question your intelligence.

I would think you would expect more out of your leaders, not only did you elect someone into office who commits violence, but yet another wealthy, arrogant, incompetent person. I think the people who voted for him need to take a lesson on world history and look at the governments and countries who have fallen from leadership status.

Maybe it just goes to show you the moral corruption of the politicians today. American politicians might think they have the ultimate power in this world, well we will soon learn that they dont or wont. America will fall, and the people we put into power will trigger this.

Do you actually think these politicians, on both sides, really care about their country? They may make you think so, but just look at their actions. All the politicians care about now is trying to defeat each other. They only care about trying to make each one look bad. You have two parties fighting each other, trying to defeat the other. Does that show you they are about the American people and the country? It is nothing but a game for them, a power trip. Wake up!

Put your country before you party before you lose it!

Timothy Johnson

Mexico, Missouri
T he auction record for Kandinsky was smashed twice in a night, with one of his paintings going for 21 million - and a second selling minutes later for 33m.

Sothebys hailed a momentous evening at its New Bond Street auction house, with art worth more than 127m in total going under the hammer during the Impressionist and Modern Art Sale.

First to break the record for the Russian master was his 1909 work Murnau  landschaft mit grunem haus (Murnau - landscape with green house) which fetched 21 million - 2.5m more than the previous highest price.

Just six lots later, the record was broken again when Bild mit weissen Linien (Painting with white lines) 1913 went for 33m.

Wassily Kandsinsky - Bild mit weissen Linien (1913)

A spokesman for London firm Beaumont Nathan said they bought the 33 million Bild mit weissen Linien for a UK based client.

A round of applause broke out in the saleroom as the gavel came down. Both early works by Kandinsky were among the few left in private hands.

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

Helena Newman, Chairman of Sothebys Europe, Collectors were out in force, participating from a record number of locations around the globe, with the level of Asian buyers as numerous as those from the US, underscoring the enduring importance of London as a key driver of the global art market.

The sale also achieved a new auction record for Joan Miro in sterling with the artists Femme et oiseaux (Woman and birds) 1940 selling for 24 million. An Alberto Giacometti sculpture fetched 17 million.

Murnau  Landschaft mit grunem Haus was sold for 21 million / Getty Images for Sotheby's

Ms Newman added: To have three landmarks in the development of 20th Century art by Kandinsky, Miro and Giacometti come to the market in a single sale was momentous.

The modern art sale was preceded by an auction of small works, with a Lucian Freud painting of strawberries, measuring only 10.2cm by 12cm, going for 1.2 million.

Thomas Bompard, from Sothebys said: We were able to shine a light on the beauty of all things small, and at the same time were entrusted with some extraordinary jewels that might otherwise not have surfaced at auction.
T he fifteenth annual Zee London Mela is set to return to Gunnesbury Park this September, with an additional two dates at Croydon and Wembley Park.

A celebration of South Asian culture and creativity, the free festival will feature dance, music, comedy, cabaret, exhibitions and street theatre. There will also be highlights from Bollywood, circus acts and a Tastes of Asia food market. Throughout the day, British Asian urban acts will also feature.

Gunnesbury Park will host the first Mela  a Sanskrit word meaning to meet  on September 3, before it moves on to Wandle Park in Croydon on September 30 and Wembley Park on October 28. All three will begin at 1pm, winding down late in the evening. Though the Mela took place last year at Wembley Park, it will be the first time Croydon has hosted the event.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: This wonderful family event showcases the fantastic diversity of Asian arts and culture in the capital, and invites Londoners from all backgrounds to come together and get involved.

Over the last 15 years, the Mela has gone from strength to strength, with street theatre, dancing and delicious Asian cuisine. Im proud that weve helped to make ZEE London Mela even bigger and better this year  its events like this, taking place in all corners of the city, that showcase London at its diverse, lively and open best.

Bright lights, big city: circus acts will be among the entertainment

A blend of traditional and modern Asian culture, the festival promises a diverse line-up, which is set to be released in full shortly.

Ajay Chhabra, Artistic Director of ZEE London Mela said: 15 years of the Mela in outer London, proves the thirst audiences have for a free multi arts form outdoor event for all Londoners. Mela, at its heart is a cultural meeting point that binds us and our city together.

For more information, visit londonmela.org
Jeremy Corbyn

The Labour leader has a taste for the many in Islington North. Though he doesnt drink, his favourite pub is El Comandante near Arsenals Emirates Stadium. Its a South American bar in an old pub with plenty of Che Guevara memorabilia and an R&B soundtrack.

The lifelong vegetarian is also said to be a fan of Archway Kebab, where he orders falafel and never misses the Kebab Awards.

Theresa May

An Ottolenghi fan. When she does eat out, she goes for spice and has had a number of favourite Indian restaurants. Her latest favourite is a high-end Indian called Maliks in Cookham, Berkshire. The owner, Mr Khan, once said: Mrs May enjoys anything from medium to milk but nothing too spicy.

David Cameron

A regular at Kitty Fishers (run by his brother-in-law). He once told reporters he treated his wife Samantha to a weekly date night and they usually go out for dinner. They often enjoyed Sardinian food and wine at Mauro Sannas two restaurants, Olivomore and Olivocarne, in Belgravia.

He likes Indian food too and his favourite was said to be the award-winning Khas Tandoori in Islington.

Nick Clegg

The former Deputy Prime Minister is a fan of Mediterranean food, thanks to his Spanish wife Miriam. He once said his favourite restaurant was Brindisa in Borough Market, a bustling tapas shop serving a range of Spanish food. He also picked out Phoenix on Lower Richmond Road and Enoteca Turi on Putney High Street. Hell take his kids to Ole by Putney Bridge because you can get a big tray of paella to share.
M arianne Elliott, the award-garlanded National Theatre director behind bold hits such as War Horse (with Tom Morris), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the recent, extravagantly audacious revival of Tony Kushners eight-hour Angels in America, is explaining Heisenbergs Uncertainty Principle to me over a salad in Dean Street Townhouse. Its this idea in quantum physics that if you can gauge the position of a particle, you cant at the same time judge its momentum, says the Stockport-raised 50-year-old. So there is an element within the fabric of the universe that means certain things are unpredictable.

Happily, this idea is explored in a metaphorical rather than a literal way in Elliotts first show for her own theatre company. Under the banner of Elliott & Harper, she and producer Chris Harper venture forth this year into the commercial sector after 10 years working together at the National, albeit often on shows that went on to be commercial hits. Elliott is minimising the risk by working with known quantities.

Heisenberg: the Uncertainty Principle is written by Simon Stephens, with whom Elliott collaborated on Curious Incident and on his play Port, and who, they recently discovered, used to wait at the same bus stop as her on the way to school. What I relate to so much in Simons work, apart from the fact that he is really brilliant at writing for women, is an overwhelming yearning, a sense of desire and longing, she says.

The play is a two-hander starring Kenneth Cranham and Anne-Marie Duff (Elliott directed the latter in a stunning St Joan and the D H Lawrence adaptation Husbands and Sons) as two strangers who meet at a railway station.

He is a butcher in Islington in his seventies, at the end of his career, wanting to sell his shop, which isnt doing very well, says Elliott. Shes American, in her forties, and she feels a tremendous sense of loss for her son and her husband, who she no longer sees. She is quite energetic and vibrant and slightly crazed. He is quiet, considered, sage, grounded. It goes on for six scenes over six weeks when they are constantly surprised and changed by themselves and each other. They are very different people and in no circumstances should they end up together. But ultimately  maybe they do? She turns the statement into a question. Uncertainty rules.

Kenneth Cranham and Anne-Marie Duff will star in The Heisenberg Principle

A two-person sort-of love story sounds fairly conventional fare from a director more used to filling a stage with quadrupeds making the heroine of Tori Amoss musical The Light Princess swim through the air. Two people commanding a stage requires its own challenges, especially in the West End, she replies. It will require incredibly truthful acting to keep engaging the audience without amazing visual acrobatics. She praises Duffs warmth and rigour: She will turn to me in rehearsal and say that wasnt very good, was it? And Ill think, but it was brilliant!. Cranham, she says, also has a real warmth and sensuality and sexuality to him.

She is interested in acting first and foremost and her first engagement is always with the characters and ideas in a script: the visual pyrotechnics come later. She has not, and with the new company will not, set out to do anything, in inverted commas, commercial: rather, she chooses stuff that will challenge her, and if it turns out to be a hit, or to say something about the state of the world, that is incidental.

She hadnt seen Angels in America but fought hard to get the rights because she loved the writing. Assembling a gold-plated cast including Andrew Garfield, Nathan Lane and Denise Gough ratcheted up expectations. Only during rehearsals did parallels emerge between Kushners depiction of the Aids crisis in Reagans America and the populist surge that elected Donald Trump.

Aids itself began to feel like a metaphor for all sorts of erosion that we might feel now: as the world gets more Right-wing or shut down or fearful of the outsiders and others, he [Kushner] is saying, no, open the doors, let people in, start connecting. Angels was a bravura way to say goodbye to the South Bank.

Her other planned productions with the new company are intriguing. Yael Farber, the South African writer and director latterly adopted by the National, is working on Oedipus to Antigone, also planned for the West End. This adaptation of Greek myths aims to put Sophocles apparently intractable heroine in context so that you realise what she is standing up for are principles and morals and humanity against a state that is quite fascistic and narrow-minded and obsessed with rules. That feels like iit s very much for now.

Andrew Garfield as Prior and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Belize in Angels in America / Helen Maybanks

Further underscoring that Elliott does not want to direct all the companys shows, or concentrate solely on the capital, its Christmas production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe will be helmed by Sally Cookson in Leeds.

Before that, though, Elliott will direct a West End revival of Stephen Sondheims musical Company in which the promiscuous, commitment-phobic, thirtysomething male protagonist Bobbie will be reimagined as a woman by Rosalie Craig, who won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for her role in The Light Princess. This is not a political statement along the lines of recent gender-swap castings at the National and Donmar, Elliott says, but a way of making the play current. The way people fuss over Bobbies unmarried state in the original feels very Seventies whereas many women now find themselves in this position in their mid-thirties. Two other couples in the play also swap genders. Sondheim, now 87, was not initially keen on the idea but was persuaded.

Famously, the very persuasive Elliott only settled into directing in her late twenties. Shed been convinced it was the province of Oxbridge-educated men such as her director father Michael Elliott  shocking that I thought that  but ended up running Manchesters Royal Exchange, the theatre he had co-founded. Her father died after a failed kidney transplant in 1984; her mother is actress Rosalind Knight.

Elliott speaks fondly of both parents but says that growing up around famous actors, in a house where theatre was almost a religious experience could be crushing. She went on to become an associate at the Royal Court and then at the National, where some felt she rather than Rufus Norris should have taken over from Nicholas Hytner in 2015.

Arts picks of the week: 19th-25th June 1 /9 Arts picks of the week: 19th-25th June Sargent: The Watercolours The Dulwich Picture Gallery go where no one has gone for nearly 100 years: John Singer Sargents watercolours. Famed for his portraits, Sargent created many watercolour paintings while on expeditions around Europe. This rare exhibition brings together 80 of them.



June 21 - October 8, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Gloria You know that old saying, you wait ages for a Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play and then two come along at once? An Octoroon is currently getting great acclaim at the Orange Tree in Richmond, and now his Pulitzer-nominated play about cut-throat Manhattan office life will open at Hampstead Theatre this week. Colin Morgan heads up a pretty cool cast, with Michael Longhurst directing.



June 15 - July 22, Hampstead Theatre; hampsteadtheatre.com Hir The UK premiere of Taylor Macs play about making weapons out of gender ideas opens at the Bush this week, with a great reason to watch: its being directed by Nadia Fall, who has just been announced as the new artistic director of Theatre Royal Stratford East.



June 15 - July 22, Bush Theatre; bushtheatre.com Perfume: A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent Heres comes an exhibition so good you can almost smell it. No, wait, you actually can smell it. This multi-sensory exploration of how perfume has changed over the last two decades will allow visitors to sniff out radically changing perceptions of fragrance.



June 21 - September 17, Somerset House; somersethouse.org.uk A Museum of Modern Nature If youre lamenting how much time you spend inside, this new exhibition from the Wellcome Collection is the perfect excuse to get back in touch with nature. It will display objects from members of the public to explore how we all connect with the natural world, from park managers to dairy farmers.



June 22 - October 8, Wellcome Collection; wellcomecollection.org BP Portrait Award 2017 The BP Portrait Award famously turns out stunning entries every single year, and this years shortlist features three stunning, intimate portraits of women. The winner is announced on June 20, but visitors will be able to look at this years entries in an exhibition that will run until September.



June 22 - September 24, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Serpentine Pavilion Summer has truly arrived when the Serpentine Gallerys annual summer pavilion is unveiled. This years is designed by Francis Kere, with brilliant blue wave-like walls and a roof like a golden halo. It opens this week, on the same day as the Serpentine Gallerys annual summer party.



June 23 - October 8, Serpentine Gallery; serpentinegalleries.org Greenwich and Docklands International Festival There are three simple reasons to love this festival. 1) Its art. 2) Its all outside. 2) Its free! Highlights include a production of Arthur Millers A View From a Bridge, an acclaimed company who work without a director, a day of dance in Canary Wharf, and a stunning multicoloured finale in Woolwich.



23 June - July 8, various locations; festival.org Queer and Now Tate Britain marks the official launch of London Pride with a day of free festivities. Pop to see their Queer British Art 1861-1967 exhibition and then enjoy performances, talks, music, dance and film, all of which celebrate the UKs queer community. Expect DJ sets from Sink the Pink, lip syncing, voguing, and special films from the BFI archive.



June 24, Tate Britain; tate.org.uk

Actually, she says, she doesnt want to run a building again and worry about the toilets and the funding rather than the work (though never say never). Indeed, it is almost impossible to be a woman with children and run a theatre, or even to sustain a directing career.

She and her husband, actor Nick Sidi, have a daughter, Eve, now 12. For much of Eves childhood, Elliott chose to direct only two shows a year but was only able to do this because the West End success of War Horse and Curious Incident enabled me to pay my mortgage and because my husband over the years was the main carer for our daughter. Yes, she says, there should be more women directing and running theatres but the hours and low pay make it near-impossible for mothers.

She loved the resources and camaraderie of the National, and speaks warmly of Norris, but after 10 years I wanted to do something else, spread my wings, have a bit more control over how my work was produced, where it went to and how it was looked after.

She planned a sabbatical but agreed instead to form a company at Harpers suggestion. It will aim to produce work nationally and internationally, more along the lines of the former Donmar director Michael Grandages itinerant company than Hytners imminent venture at the new London Bridge Theatre. And it will champion female voices, though not exclusively.

It feels really new, scary, quite a big risk, Elliott says. But we knew the kind of work we wanted to do, the people we wanted to work with. I am excited about telling female stories, with female creatives. I think there is a niche for us and we might be able to get our voice heard. And when something feels like a big risk to me, I usually do it.

Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle is at Wyndhams, WC2 from Oct 3 to Jan 6; www.elliottandharper.com. An NT Live broadcast of Angels in America will be in cinemas across the country in July, with Part 1 on 20 July and Part 2 on 27 July; nationaltheatre.org.uk
T he summer of 2010 was a bad and bloody season for Johnny Mercer, now the re-elected Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor but then in command of a three-man fire control team deep in the heart of Taliban-infested Helmand.

He was on his third tour, and it turned out to be by far the grimmest. British and American troops had pushed into the district round Marjah, heart of the regional command of the Taliban. According to commanders and service chiefs in the field and at home in the UK and US, it was just a matter of mopping up. The enemy, whoever they might be, was on the back foot. Afghanistan was about to reach a new level of stability, said Mr Cameron and Mr Obama, and the boys could come home. The degree of self-deception by the brass and the politicians was egregious, as Mercer shows with ruthless precision.

The audit today is that the Taliban in its manifold forms is again rampant, and so too are Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliates. Much of Helmand is in Taliban hands, including the great drug junction of Sangin, where more than 100 British soldiers died and many more were injured. In Kabul politics remain crapulous and corrupt.

Though all the spin at HQ was that peace was about to break out that summer of 2010, the fighting on the ground was relentless, and frighteningly unpredictable. Mercers team was devastated when Lance Bombardier Mark Bing Chandler, his close aide or ack, was felled next to him by a single shot.

Later he found himself alone in a field under fire from several positions as the British and Afghan infantry soldiers of the patrol legged it. Even so, he managed to organise a rescue helicopter to come in under fire to rescue the injured, almost certainly saving their lives. His story of the intimacy and uncertainty of daily battle, dicing with friendly or hostile villagers, makes this one of the best accounts of Afghanistans latest war. It is one of the great British accounts of close combat, matching Orwell in Catalonia and McDonald Fraser in Burma.

It is the inner conflict, as much as closing with a shadowy enemy, that gives the book its edge. This stems from Mercers upbringing in a strict Baptist nonconformist household. The sense of guilt and sin, of inadequacy and failure, haunts him even when he is quite clearly in charge of events. His exploration of fear, and the dread of fear, is profound. His searching of self and soul makes a healthy antidote to the innate narcissism, the relentless march of the first-person singular, of so many journalists accounts of such conflicts.

Numbed in body and spirit after seven months of Helmand, Mercer decided to quit and go in to politics. In 2015 he was elected as Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor. The leap was not a natural one  he faces poverty as he pounds his constituency, knocking on every available door. Tory election guru Sir Lynton Crosby, the lord of misrule in Britains current parliamentary train crash, told him he hadnt a chance of getting elected. He has been, twice.

As an MP he has focused on the inadequacy of care for veterans and the very poor. But he has a lot more to offer. His book shows he understands as much as anyone what went wrong with the direction of the services in Iraq and Afghanistan, and therefore why they are in such a mess today.

Though understated, this is a remarkable book by a man remarkable in his humanity and courage  and clearly, with a lot more to offer.
H ome is

Bayswater, in a flat that used to be home to the Royal Society of Literature. I love the legacy of the Omega design workshops that were once based there and also the horses that people ride through Hyde Park  a bit of country life on our doorstep.

Best meal youve had?

The Typing Room (above) at Bethnal Green Town Hall for the locally foraged elderflower and raw almond dessert. Chef Lee Westcott was in Hong Kong when I lived there.

First thing you do when you arrive back in London?

I pick up a coffee from the 34 varieties at Markus Coffee (above) in Marble Arch, put on my Beats X and run through Hyde Park with Benji Bs latest on SoundCloud.

What are you up to right now?

Planning the Summer Party 2017 with Chanel and our creative collaborators. The annual gala raises essential funds keeping the Serpentine Galleries free and open to all. This year Francis Kere designed the pavilion, Karl Lagerfeld drew our invitations and Caius Pawson, Es Devlin and Elizabeth Saltzman are also involved.

Best piece of advice youve been given?

From Michael Bloomberg: If you cant measure it, you cant manage it. And from my parents: Do your best and have fun!

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

My husband, Stephen. My three best girlfriends. Jason Basmajian, Ben Evans and Amanda Levete, Francis Sultana, Fiona Leahy, Sara Sjolund, Ben Pawson. Oh, and Hans-Ulrich Obrist (right, with Peel), of course.

Best place for a nightcap?

Martinis at Dukes (right) or an old fashioned at The Cub Room at The Beaumont.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?

My 12-year-old son suggests making the buses free so no one would need cars. Super-speed electric car chargers will also be welcome, once they arrive for the new generation of black cabs.

What do you collect?

Serpentine editions, first copies of favoured Russian Literature, half-read New Yorkers, white trainers, Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, talented creative partners and Muji 0.5 pens.

Favourite shops?

Hatchards and Heywood Hill for books; Rough Trade for albums; Cos for beautifully cut basics; Bodas for ethical essentials; Flowerbx for the best thank-yous (above), fresh from the market.

Last play you saw?

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar. Ive followed Josie Rourke and Kate Pakenham since their Bush and Old Vic days.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion over the years - In pictures 1 /26 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion over the years - In pictures 2001: Daniel Libeskind with Cecil Balmond View Pictures/Rex 2002: Toyo Ito with Cecil Balmond RRaf Makda/View Pictures/Rex 2003: Oscar Niemeyer John Maclean/View Pictures/Rex 2005: Alvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura 2006: Rem Koolhaas Scott Barbour/Getty Images 2007: Olaffur Eliasson and Kjetil Thorsen Timothy Pike/View Pictures/Rex 2007: Olaffur Eliasson and Kjetil Thorsen Jeff Gilbert/Rex 2008: Frank Gehry Andrew Stuart/PA 2009: SANAA Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA 2009: SANAA View Pictures/Rex 2010: Jean Nouvel Glenn Copus 2011: Peter Zumthor Glenn Copus 2012: Ai WeiWei and Herzog & De Meuron Glenn Copus 2013: Sou Fujimoto Getty Images 2014: Smiljan Radic View Pictures/Rex Features 2015: SelgasCano PA 2016: Bjarke Ingels View Pictures/Rex Features 2017: Francis Kere Alex Lentati 2018: Frida Escobedo Alex Lentati 2019: Junya Ishigami Alex Lentati

Biggest extravagance?

Hailo (shamelessly)  now called Mytaxi  and Chanel (discerningly).

Earliest London memory?

Nights at Subterranea or Tramp when I was at LSE. Visiting Sensation at the RA, then seeing the Chapmans Great Deeds Against the Dead at Charles Saatchis house (plus the letter of complaint in his loo from an irate neighbour).

Who are your heroes?

My grandmothers. One survived the siege of Leningrad, the other was the first female student to be accepted at law school there. Their fighting spirit lives on in my daughter.

The Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Francis Kere, is open from 23 June to 8 October
 Many think Malbec originated in Argentina, says Yann Potet, maitre de maison of 13th-century Chateau de Mercues. But, since ancient Rome, the grape belonged to Cahors.

We meet amid newly coopered barrels below the cellars curvy ceiling, then climb to the battlements. Rather than barbarian hordes, Cahors 4,200 hectares of Malbec  paling in quantity, not quality, when compared with the 25,000 hectares sown in Mendoza  string below. In the chapel, diffused light illuminates names of a succession of 79 bishops who made this their summer palace.

It may be used as a conference room today, Potet notes, pragmatically. Toothsome paintings by local Marcel Benais feverishly peer from walls up to three metres thick.

From 1950 the warren-like hotel catered to a jazz-loving jet-set, later being snapped up by wine merchant Georges Vigouroux in 1983  the pinnacle of a plan to reinstate the reputation of Malbec from south-west France. Worth noting, says Potet, wines from Bordeaux, three hours drive west, foregrounded the variety until the catastrophic 1956 frost devastated most of the crop.

Vigourouxs other bastion in the Lot, a valley famed for truffles and saffron, is Chateau de Haute-Serre. Aided by dynamite and diggers, Vigouroux replanted abandoned vineyards here before buying Mercues. Jostling Malbec, I spy new Pinot Noir plantings and Chardonnay. Our guide shares a story of two nine-year-olds who stole away during a wedding, later discovered dozily clutching tannic straws by an open barrel.

All wines, including the fatty Chenin, impress. Of Malbec, 1988 Mercues, poured with pink duck at the Michelin-star dining room, is soulful while ultra-concentrated Icon WOW, made by both chateaux, is aptly titled (166, cmwines.com). Also seek perfumed Cuvee Geron Dadine de Haute-Serre 2010 (32) and Chateau de Mercues chiselled Grand Vin 2008 (21), both from Malbec lovers. (dulwichvintners.co.uk; chateaudemercues.com)
A Somali model has become the first woman ever to grace the cover of Amercian beauty magazine Allure, while wearing a hijab.

Halima Aden, who is only 19-years-old, is pictured wearing Nike's high-performance hijab on the cover of the July issue of the women's magazine, with a caption that says "This is American Beauty".

Aden has long been working to busy stereotypes of Muslim women in the media, having appeared in the bikini round of the 2016 Miss Minnesota USA beauty pageant while wearing a burkini and hijab.

Since then, she's also walked in the Yeezy season five show at New York Fashion Week and made headlines by being the first hijab-wearing woman to grace the cover of Vogue.

Mario Sorrenti, who photographed Halima for Paris-based CR Fashion Book told Vogue: The power really came from her eyes and her presenceI think theres a modern quality about her, being of her faith and expressing her femininity and beauty with confidence.

Aden told Allure that she first began wearing her hijab when she moved to America at the age of eight, from a Kenyan refugee camp where she was born in 1997.

She did this in imitation of her Mum. Every little girl looks up to her Mom so much  thats your first hero, she said.

Aden has also spoken out about how wearing the hijab was a choice she made, and that not all women choose to wear it.

Society puts so much pressure on girls to look a certain way she told Allure, I have much more to offer than my physical appearance, and a hijab protects me against Youre too skinny, Youre too thick, Look at her hips, Look at her thigh gap. I dont have to worry about that.

Canary Wharf catwalk - in pictures 1 /5 Canary Wharf catwalk - in pictures UKs highest catwalk A model poses on the roof of Canary Wharf's One Canada Square tower UKs highest catwalk A model poses on the roof of Canary Wharf's One Canada Square tower UKs highest catwalk A model poses on the roof of Canary Wharf's One Canada Square tower UKs highest catwalk A model poses on the roof of Canary Wharf's One Canada Square tower

In light of her successes, Aden has been praised for changing the stereotypes surrounding Muslim women, particularly in the fashion and beauty industries.

Speaking of modern standards of beauty, she told Vogue: I have a friend who wears the most revealing clothesand Im like, Girl if thats what makes you feel happy and beautiful  go aheadBut its ironic because people will slut-shame her, but then apparently they think Im oppressed because I choose to do the opposite and cover my body.
W hen you arrive in London as two fresh-faced graduates excited to get on with life but realise over time youre just two twentysomething nothings living in a brunch-crazed world, you know its time to shake things up. For us two yupsters, Dave and Max, quitting our jobs in head-hunting and branding and going to theatre school seemed like the most sensible thing to do #PlotTwist.

Ahead of our Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy show this August, were here to give you a taste of what its been like growing up (but mainly screwing up) in the Avocado Generation.

How to spend it

When it comes to consumption, we have a unique attitude to spending and put our hard-earned cash towards sensible things like almond milk, noise-cancelling headphones and tickets to Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone live at the Royal Albert Hall (exciting!). Even at the most creatively vacuous corporate day prisons, we feel the urge to invest in the most enviable lunches.

Where Dave should buy the 3.29 Boots meal deal he instead has to head to Whole Foods for ingredients that would be more familiar to a 13th-century Peruvian peasant, not a recruitment agent from Hammersmith. Heres to never being able to afford a deposit for a flat, he says on an extra-legroom seat on a flight to Barcelona. For we are the flat white-downing, quinoa-munching, triathlon-running Avo-Gens who dont see the point. Pay now, think later.

Alamy Stock Photo

Game of homes

The chances of us two chaps buying a house or flat are as likely as Theresa May skinny-dipping in the Serpentine. We are told to save but the only way we know how is to nestle into bed on Friday night instead of going out and smashing through unwatched episodes of Love Island while eating boiled rice.

Theres no doubt the main hope for anyone in our generation looking to buy is our parents, who are getting left behind in this age of technology yet still hold all the power. Maybe we could both bump off our parents quietly, but wed probably end up inheriting their mortgage. If we cant live in London, fear not! We can always snap up that canal boat in Staffordshire weve been looking at, Max reassures himself.

Love me Tinder

We both think were able to disconnect from the digital world. But then Max arrives at Devons remotest Airbnb to find the wi-fi doesnt work and spends hours rocking back and forth in a cold shower, praying that the pub across the valley will let him see if Lucy from Tinder has replied to his pathetic winky face.

Both of us are compelled to connect with love interests digitally and this affects our real-life behaviour. Dave was once on a train and saw a girl he fancied. He had to act. What is more likely to have happened? A) He approached her like the Matthew McConaughey youve seen in myriad rom-coms to deliver the line You are the most beautiful woman I ever seen, have dinner with me. B) He immediately went on Happn and prayed for a match.  I think you know the answer.

Were wondering what men did back in the day? Maybe all the chaps of the baby boomer generation approached women on their commute with the swashbuckling confidence of Justin Bieber after a few beers. Maybe even our dads had such swag. Surely not?

Datings a joy when you manage to get one in the diary. But you will inevitably be deemed a cheapskate or a sexist depending on what happens with the bill. To split or not to split, that is the question. Ultimately Dave concludes, that you just cant win. But after thumbing through Facebook posts and seeing another engagement announcement, he wants to flush himself down into the Thames.

Looking for a casual escape from the dating game and a spot of adventure somewhere in between Zones 1-6, Max joined a threesome app. But he got bamboozled after being presented with more options for defining ones sexuality than you could shake a turmeric bulb at. Now hes been forced to seriously question his sexuality. Do I qualify for pansexual? What about polysexual? Maybe Im heteroflexible during the week and homoflexible at the weekends. What is the difference between omnisexual or autosexual? Sexuality has become a Dulux colour palette of choice. When a group of Maxs friends started discussing how gay they might be as a percentage (as you do), he was forced to make a decision. Im 20 per cent gay, he declared, on a bus to Kennington.

Work it

Top grads (which we are not) are shunning the 27-floor behemoth corporates and choosing to join start-ups. Hello to in-house baristas and edible business cards. As a start-up foot soldier, Max can say that the best thing about working for a start-up is that you can say I work for a start-up to anyone. Excuse me, he inquires of a passer-by on Regent Street, did I mention I work at one of Londons leading start-ups?

For him, working in a shared work space felt like a version of The Crystal Maze, but with a lot less cash flying about. The only things flying around where he worked were ping-pong balls and the steady whiff of newly applied beard oil. At least now hes an expert at cleaning the office fish tank and chairing conference calls behind the marquee at family weddings.

When the hamster wheel of start-up life began to spin out of control, he gave Oscar-winning performances to family and friends to reassure them it was all going marvellously, before crying on the shoulder of the Deliveroo cyclist who had finally turned up outside the office.

Political animals

When it comes to politics, us two Avo-Gen falafel eaters know were both embarrassed and guilty about growing up in a middle-class Tory utopia. After being slapped wide awake by the Brexit-Trump 2016 there was only one thing to do: we voted Labour. For Dave, its also thanks to grime artists like JME getting involved in its campaign that swayed him. Max would have preferred Chris Martin.

Ironically, despite our proud salute to the left in the recent election, the next week we both found ourselves dodging an ambush from a charity collector outside Highbury and Islington station before buying a pint of cocktail saucissons at 8 a pop at our favourite gentrified pub.

In this jittery new world, were completely addicted to news. Its a rush. Max admits to collecting new news sites like he used to collect Pokemon cards. Dave is waking up at 4.30am desperately clucking for his news fix. Maybe we both need help. In this futile quest for truth, the reality is us two Brits have no idea what we believe and will change our allegiance depending on the last compelling article we read from anywhere on the political spectrum, from anywhere in the world.

With all of this going on its no surprise that we feel anxious. But what the hell. Lets keep listening to Stephen Fry narrating The Prisoner of Azkaban late at night. Heres to becoming a shaky, sweaty mess at ashtanga yoga on Thursday evenings. Hooray for doing meditation on the Central line, and spending most of it thinking about sex. Yes, dont worry at all. All we need to do in the post-Brexit Marxist apocalypse Britain that awaits is to splash our begged cash on organic, lactose-free asparagus sorbet.

Max and Daves comedy sketch show Avocado! is at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, August 2-27.

Book tickets at:tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/avocado
I f there ever was a city to visit in Asia, Hong Kong is the place to be. Asias World City is known for its vibrant atmosphere  it is the city that never sleeps in the East.

July 1 marks Hong Kong National Day - one of the most festive times to visit.

Merging together Eastern and Western cultures across 263 islands  the blend of seaside adventures, rural settings, mountains and endless skyscrapers make this one of the most sought after cities in the world.

It offers everything from the buzzing nightlife to rich cultural experiences proving to be a more than just a financial destination to stop off for a business trip.

Here are ten reasons why Hong Kong should be next on your travel bucket list.

1. Worlds highest bar

Ozone terrace in the daytime / Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

Hong Kong may be famous for having one of the most energetic nightlife scenes in the world  the party never stops. But when it isnt raining, theres nothing better than taking in a breath-taking view of Hong Kong Islands skyline. Up on 118th floor 1,608 ft above sea level is Ritz Carltons Ozone bar. You are guaranteed to get loads of Instagram likes, whether it is taking a photo of the view or of the futuristic decor.

2. Endless hiking trails

View from the Morning Trail / Disha Daswaney

Some of the most picturesque trails await, hiking is the best way to see the whole city for all its worth  the diverse landscape is just one of many highlights. A combination of mountains and vast green spaces are all the more reason to go out there  hiking is the best way to see forests, isolated beaches and lets not forget the panoramic city views. The Morning Trail is the best way to see skyline, but to truly be in touch with nature Dragons Back or Tai Long Wan offer a different experience.

3. Dim Sum

Dim sum at One Harbour Road, Grand Hyatt / Arjun Bains

This is the city that does dim sum best. Brunch may be everyones new favourite obsession, but dim sum elevates the brunch experience to the next level. Pan-fried rice rolls, juicy dumplings and fluffy steamed buns stuffed with vegetables, chicken or char siu severed with an array of condiments is just the way to start off any day. Restaurants like Yung Kee and Maxims City Hall keep it casual, but for a more up-market experience try One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt Hotel or Dragon-i.

4. Horse Racing

Happy Valley Racecourse at night / Arjun Bains

Carrying on a British tradition from 1846, horse racing on Wednesday and Sunday at both Happy Valley and Sha Tins racecourses are one of the most popular events in the city. Take in the roaring atmosphere with live music, food and drink. For a more exclusive viewing Jockey Clubs Moon Koon restaurant is the place to be.

5. Cruising on a junk

Aqua Luna on the harbour / Shutterstock / Sorbis

Everything is centred around the flashing city lights and theres no better place to see them than on a boat. Taking a trip down Victoria Harbour on an iconic red-sailed Chinese junk, Aqua Luna is a luxurious way of bar hopping from one rooftop bar to the next. The best part is now theres Aqua Luna II, which offers daytime cruises to add into the mix.

6. Tranquil getaways

Peaceful Chi Lin Nunnery / Disha Daswaney

Escape from the crowds and enter the cultural spots throughout the city. Although Hong Kong is known for its diverse population, the Buddhist hubs are the most peaceful in the city. Chi Lin Nunnery is one of the most beautiful places with lotus ponds, bonsai tea plants and traditional architecture from the Tang Dynasty. Take a cable car ride to see the Tian Tan Buddha in the Po Lin Monetary and walk across the Wisdom Path for the ultimate getaway.

7. Street art

Street art on Hollywood Road, SoHo / Disha Daswaney

One of the newer features in the thriving art scene is street art in Sheung Wan. Creative and whimsical street art takes you from Shoreditch to side streets in Hong Kong. All over the city there are walls, shutters and entire buildings, where portraiture and abstract shapes come to life.

8. Shopping, shopping and more shopping

Courtyard at PMQ / PMQ

Known for being a shopping mecca  it is impossible to leave Hong Kong without going to Temple Street Night Market or the Ladies Market with some trinkets. But a trip to Shanghai Tangs flagship store is where luxury meets modern Chinese fashion. In order to truly gage where local brands sit PMQ is the place to go  selling anything from stationery to activewear.

9. Outlying islands to explore

Silvermine Waterfall in Mui Wo, Lantau Island / Shutterstock / e X p o s e

There are so many cheap day trips less than an hour away  take a bike ride in Cheung Chau, eat the most delicious seafood along the shore and experience Cheung Chaus Bun Festival in the springtime. Check out Ma Dai Stream for its crystal blue waters and if youre feeling adventurous try rock-climbing in Tung Lung Chau or wakeboarding in Sai Kung.

10. The escalators

Mid Levels escalator in action / Shutterstock / Philip Lange

Passing through 800 metres of cafes, restaurants, antique shops, boutiques and historical landmarks is the worlds longest covered escalator. As one of the easiest ways to explore one of Hong Kongs trendiest areas, SoHo. The escalators run until midnight every day  it is time to get those walking shoes on.
P olice are hunting for a pervert accused of groping a woman as she entered Balham Tube station.

The 25-year-old woman was walking into the station with her friend at 11.15am on Saturday June 3 when she was approached by a man.

The suspect walked up to her and grabbed her inappropriately, leaving the victim very shaken.

He then left the station immediately.

Assault: The woman was 'grabbed inappropriately' as she entered the station / BTP

British Transport Police have now released an image of a man they wish to speak with in connection with the assault.

The image shows a white man with dark hair and wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference number 296.
P regnant women were today advised to limit their use of paracetamol after scientists found that mice given it in the womb became less masculine.

The international study, from well-regarded experts, is the first to show a connection between unborn male mice exposed to paracetamol and the programming of the adult brain.

It found the exposed mice were less aggressive and less prone to mate with females than mice not exposed. Exposure to the analgesic - regarded as a safe way to relieve pain and fever in pregnancy - was at levels comparable levels to the maximum safe doses for pregnant women.

This follows earlier research by the same scientists which found that paracetamol may affect the reproductive organs of humans and rodents, including malformations in newborn boys.

The research team - led by the University of Copenhagen and involving others in Brazil, the US, Sweden and France - said the findings were of particular concern as paracetamol is routinely recommended by physicians, including those in the NHS, as being safe while pregnant.

Normally, the genitals and nervous system of male mammals are masculinised during foetal development and childhood, due to the effect of testosterone on the brain.

Todays research, published in Reproduction, found that mice exposed in uterus to paracetamol had a less aggressive territorial display towards intruders of the same gender and fewer sexual interactions and ejaculations during mating.

The researchers said: These findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting the need to limit the widespread exposure and use of [paracetamol] by pregnant women.

However UK experts today urged caution, saying pregnant women rarely took paracetamol for more than 24-48 hours. The mice had been exposed to paracetamol on a daily basis for the last two-thirds of pregnancy.

Professor Ieuan Hughes, of Cambridge university, said: While the study provides interesting data and adds to the body of evidence that analgesics like paracetamol can affect the reproductive tract (and now brain) in rodents, it is my view that there is not sufficient evidence in humans to deter pregnant women taking the occasional paracetamol for symptomatic reasons.

Dr Rod Mitchell, of Edinburgh university, said: It has been shown that prolonged paracetamol exposure for seven days can reduce testosterone production by the human foetal testis, whereas, short-term exposure (24 hours) does not.

This new study reinforces the current recommendation from the Department of Health that pregnant women should only use paracetamol for the minimum period necessary to provide symptomatic relief of pain and fever.

Dr Ali Abbara, of Imperial College London, said: It would certainly be useful to have more studies assessing the safety of paracetamol use during human pregnancy. A useful principle is to use as few medications that are not essential for health for as short a duration of time as is possible during pregnancy.

Dr Channa Jayasena, also from Imperial, said: Mice are over 1,000 times lighter than humans, so it is tricky to compare doses between the species. When the paracetamol dose was corrected for body weight, no bad effects were seen in mice - only excessive paracetamol doses caused problems. We should always be vigilant to the safety of drugs, but we need more much evidence before saying paracetamol is unsafe.
T he Grenfell Tower charity single has become the fastest-selling single of the decade and has already rocketed to the top of the iTunes chart.

According to the Official Charts Company, the star-studded cover of Bridge Over Troubled Water racked up 120,000 downloads and streams on its first day of sale.

The number marks a 10-year record for sales on an opening day and makes it almost certain to debut at Number 1 on this week's Official Singles Chart.

The Simon & Garfunkel cover was recorded over the weekend at west London's Sarm studios, half a mile from the devastating Notting Hill tower block fire that killed at least 79 people.

Music artists unite with Simon Cowell for Grenfell Tower tribute song 1 /28 Music artists unite with Simon Cowell for Grenfell Tower tribute song Pixie Lott Rita Ora PA Matt Terry PA Leona Lewis PA Paloma Faith PA Louisa Johnson PA Stormzy PA Tulisa Contostavlos PA Emeli Sande PA Ella Eyre PA Kelly Jones PA Tokio Myers PA Pixie Lott PA Gareth Malone PA Raye PA John Newman PA Donae'o PA Mr Eazi PA Noel Clarke PA Shakka PA Jorja Smith PA

Organised by music mogul Simon Cowell, the song features Robbie Williams, Liam Payne and Jessie J, beginning with a powerful verse by grime artist Stormzy.

Rita Ora, who helped out during the recovery operation, also appears on the track.

The Official Charts Company said it quickly overtook rival Despacito, by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, which had enjoyed a six-week run at the top.

Sadiq Khan backs amnesty for Grenfell survivors

It made its debut across radio stations on Wednesday morning and the full tear-jerking video, including footage from the fire aftermath, was broadcast later in the evening.

Money raised by song sales and extra donations will go to support those affected by the disaster and will be distributed by the London Community Foundation.

Other artists who lent their support to the track include Nile Rogers, James Blunt, Carl Barat, RAYE, Bastille, Anne Marie and Ella Eyre.

Mr Cowell shared news of the single on Twitter, writing: Thank you to everyone for their help and support in making this happen.

Gareth Malone also organised a choir of local people to sing on the track.

He said afterwards: I said it has got to have local people involved, voices on the record. It is a fantastic song about helping other people.

We need something really positive at the moment. Theres a lot of anger, a lot of fear, a lot of pain.

The Standard revealed on Wednesday that 68 flats in the 2 billion Kensington Row scheme have been acquired to permanently house families from the nearby tower.
S adiq Khan has called for further resignations at the council responsible for Grenfell Tower after the devastating fire.

Council chief executive Nicholas Holgate has quit, but Mr Khan said the entire leadership of Kensington and Chelsea council should be considering their positions.

There was "not a chance in hell" that residents "will have the semblance of confidence in that council until they see a change in leadership", he said.

The Tory council's leader, Nicholas Paget-Brown, has been severely criticised over the authority's response to the tragedy.

Mr Khan, who also called for more transparency from Theresa May's government, said local politicians should take responsibility for what happened.

At least 79 people were killed in the horror blaze / AFP/Getty Images

At an event in Brixton, he said: "There's no confidence at all in the leadership of the council. I welcome the resignation of the chief executive. It's still not enough.

"Residents will not have confidence in those in positions of power locally until they see a change."

Asked if Mr Paget-Brown should consider his position, the mayor said: "That's a decision for him and others but I welcome the resignation of the chief executive.

"I think it's not sustainable for those in positions of power and influence in Kensington and Chelsea to stay there bearing in mind the lack of confidence from those residents."

Potentially combustible cladding has been identified on at least seven other tower blocks, with tests being conducted urgently to see if many more could have the same material, which is suspected of helping the Grenfell blaze spread.

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

Mr Khan said: "I have been calling for eight days now for maximum transparency.

"From the very first task force meeting I attended I said we have got to provide the reassurance that people need because, not unreasonably, if you live in a tower block you are worried, if you have got friends and family who live in a tower block you are worried."

The Department for Communities and Local Government is "finally getting a grip", with tests being carried out rapidly.

But Mr Khan said: "We need to make sure that even if they have got cladding that's safe, has it been properly installed?

"There are also other checks that need to be taking place - are the fire doors closed in those tower blocks, are there fire extinguishers, are there smoke alarms, is there access for fire engines?"

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He added: "My message to the Government is be as transparent as you can, you must be transparent but also you must provide the resources to make sure we make those tower blocks as safe as they can be."

Asked if ministers had been as transparent as possible, Mr Khan said: "So far, they haven't. I'm pleased there's been an improvement, they have definitely raised their game, but they have got to do even better.

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Paget-Brown apologised for "a failing in our collective response" to the fire.

"Council workers have been on duty around the clock since 1.30am on the day of the fire, helping local residents and the families of the victims. I have nothing but praise for their truly heroic efforts," he said.

"However, although individual council officers have worked so hard and delivered so much, it is clear that there has been a failing in our collective response.

"We could have done a better job at co-ordinating what happened on the ground and we weren't able to re-home people as fast as we would have liked. We are truly sorry for that.

"This is a tragedy of enormous proportions, and it has overwhelmed our normal capacity."

The statement said the council had found temporary accommodation for 250 households, adding: "No-one has been housed outside of London."

"Work is under way to assess the housing needs of all Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk families to identify suitable accommodation.

"All the identified properties are in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, or a neighbouring borough, and none will be in towers."

A centre specifically for the friends and families of victims and those still missing had been set up in addition to the community assistance centre at the Westway, Mr Paget-Brown said, adding that every household affected had been allocated a social worker to act as their main point of contact, if they wanted one.

"People rightly have many questions about this tragedy, and they will be answered."

"Lessons will be learned from the Grenfell Tower fire and the Government has launched a full public inquiry. We will cooperate in full with this and all other investigations."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.
I nternational travel to the capital is showing signs of resilience in light of the recent terror attacks, according to new data.

Travel companies were buffeted by the series of attacks on London and in Manchester, the figures show.

In the week following the London Bridge atrocity last month, flights to the capital were down 12 per cent compared to last year.

And data from the second week following the attack showed that bookings remained down by five per cent year-on-year.

Bookings to the capital also fell by 3.5 per cent in the week following the Manchester Arena bombing, travel data company ForwardKeys new figures revealed.

Shoppers returned to Borough Market after knife-wielding terrorist wreaked havoc / Reuters

But as of last week, the travel data shows advance bookings to London for July and August were up by 12 per cent compared to 2016.

This is more positive than the European average which the travel data company said stands currently at 7.8 per cent ahead.

The data was collated after two terror attacks on the capital, in London Bridge and Westminster, cast doubt over safety on Londons streets.

Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack 1 /73 Aftermath of London Bridge and Borough Market terrorist attack New Security barriers along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati Onlookers react near the scene of an attack close to London Bridge Reuters Floral tributes are laid near Borough Market in London following Saturday's terrorist attack PA Security barriers along Waterloo Bridge Alex Lentati Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn The scene where the terrorists van stopped at the southern end of London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn A woman places flowers on a floral tribute in the London Bridge area AP Police activity on Ripple Road in east London, where officers have conducted raids after Saturday's deadly terror attack PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Alex Lentati People look at flowers at a pedestrian crossing on the south side of London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Police at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Flowers at London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge Jeremy Selwyn Police on patrol London Bridge and Southwark Street Jeremy Selwyn Police activity on Ripple Road in east London PA New security barriers have been put up along Westminster Bridge Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn A person (right) is detained by police at Elizabeth Fry flats in Barking, east London, which officer raided following the terror attack on London Bridge Furqan Nabi/PA A female police officer carries flowers from a member of the public to the scene of last night's terrorist attack at London Bridge Getty Images The van used by three attackers which was driven onto London Bridge, striking pedestrian, before they went on a stabbing rampage in nearby Borough Market PA A person is detained by police in Barking, east London following the terror attack on London Bridge Splash News Forensic officers work on London Bridge after last night's a terrorist attack Getty Images Police officers outside a property in East Ham which has been raided by police Getty Images Police activity on Barking Road in East Ham, east London @JrKamrulJr/PA A crowd gathers behind a police cordon on Barking Road in East Ham, east London, where there was a heavy police presence following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Armed police descend an escalator at the foot of the Shard outside London Bridge station PA Police officers and emergency response vehicles are seen on the street outside Borough Market on the morning after a terror attack on London Bridge and the Borough area AFP/Getty Images A forensic officer walks over London Bridge after last night's terrorist attack Getty Images View of London Bridge following the terror attack Jeremy Selwyn A police officer escorts members of the public, wrapped in foil blankets, towards The Shard in London AFP/Getty Images A bouquet of flowers stands by the police cordon next to London Bridge in London AFP/Getty Images A police officer creates a cordon on Kings Road in Barking, as police continue their investigations following the June 3 terror attacks AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking Armed officers: Police raid flats in Barking 'over London Bridge terror attack' @ofrenium/Twitter Members of the public watch as police work on Kings Road in Barking AFP/Getty Images Police raid flats in Barking The Union flag is flown at half mast in Downing Street, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee following last night's terrorist incident in London PA A sign at Walthamstow tube station in east London following last night's terrorist incident at London Bridge PA Police outside a raided property in East Ham Getty Images Police officers stand outside a property which was raided by officers in Barking Road, east London Reuters Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Police officers patrol the River Thames by boat, close to London Bridge AFP/Getty Images Counter terrorism officers march near the scene of last night's London Bridge terrorist attack Getty Images Armed police Jeremy Selwyn Armed police and emergency services outside Borough Market, London, following last night's terrorist incidents PA Police forensic officers work on London Bridge in London, as police continue their investigations following the terror attack AFP/Getty Images Police on Southwark Bridge Road, London, near the scene of last night's terrorist incidents in London Bridge and Borough Market PA Police forensic officers on London Bridge following last night's terrorist incident PA The Union flag flies at half mast in Whitehall PA

It also came after terrorist Salman Abedi killed 23 people when he detonated an explosive in Manchester in May.

ForwardKeys boss Olivier Jager said that, despite the slowdown in bookings in the aftermath of the attacks, he remains bullish on the UKs tourism performance for this summer.

He said: One needs to bear in mind that even though we have seen something of a slowdown in bookings for the UK in recent weeks, the forward booking situation for July and August remains extremely healthy and there has been a sustained positive trend in bookings for the UK throughout the year so ForwardKeys remains bullish on the UKs tourism performance in summer 2017.
T he chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea council has been forced to quit his 187,000-a-year post after a flood of criticism over the handling of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Nicholas Holgate said Sajid Javid, the Communities and Local Government Secretary, had "required the leader of the council to seek my resignation" on Tuesday.

Cambridge-educated career civil servant Mr Holgate added in a statement that he would have been a "distraction" if he had stayed in his post after the "heart-breaking tragedy", which left at least 79 feared dead.

Mr Holgate said: "Serving the families so desperately affected by the heart-breaking tragedy at Grenfell Tower remains the highest priority of the council.

"Despite my wish to have continued, in very challenging circumstances, to lead on the executive responsibilities of the council, I have decided that it is better to step down from my role, once an appropriate successor has been appointed.

Success in our efforts requires leadership across London that sustains the confidence and support of central Government.

Grenfell Tower was destroyed and at least 79 people are presumed dead. / AFP/Getty Images

He said there is a "huge amount" still to do for the victims and added: "If I stayed in post, my presence would be a distraction."

Council leader Nicholas Paget-Brown, whose own offer to resign was rejected by members of his cabinet earlier this week, said he accepted the resignation "with great regret". He added that "the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward".

A council source said Mr Holgates departure will not prevent the next Grenfell.

Nick Paget Brown, leader of the council, with Police Commander Stuart Cundy in the wake of the fire. / Getty Images

They added: The Leader and the Cabinet set the tone, the strategy and the culture. Officers, including the chief executive, do very well what they are required to do.

This is a scapegoat strategy that will brush under the carpet the underlying problems. Getting rid of Mr Holgate will not help the problems to go away. The problem is the leadership and the complacency of monopoly.

Many survivors and victims families have been angry over the authorities response to the deadly blaze.

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Fury came to a head on Friday night as protests erupted across the capital as people stormed Kensington town hall and activists marched to Downing Street.

Theresa May has apologised for the failures by local and national government in reacting to the tragedy and will address the Commons on Thursday.

Mr Holgate began his career as an administration trainee at the Treasury in 1984 after graduating in economics from Trinity College.

He was director of welfare reform between 2001 and 2004 and then chief operating officer at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He joined Kensington and Chelsea in 2008 as executive director for finance, information systems and property before becoming chief executive in October 2014.

Labour councillor Mohammed Bakhtiar, who lives in the shadow of Grenfell Tower, said he was not surprised at Mr Holgates resignation.

He told the Standard: I would like to see many resignations. We have failed our residents.

Mr Paget-Brown said: It is with great regret that I have today accepted Nicholas Holgates resignation. Like everyone else, the council has been grief stricken by the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and has sought to provide the greatest level of support we can to victims.

That is a huge challenge and Nicholas has led from the front in seeking to do this. However, the council will now need to work in a new way with different partners to take this forward.

Nicholas has made a huge contribution to Kensington and Chelsea during his eight years with us and is greatly admired by staff and members. I am enormously grateful to him. 

It came as inquests were opened and adjourned at Westminster Coroner's Court into the deaths of five victims, with a married couple officially named as among the dead.

Omar Belkadi, 32, died from inhaling fire fumes, while his wife, Farah Hamdan, 31, was killed by smoke inhalation.

They lived on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower with their daughters Malek, seven, Tazmin, six, and Leena, just six months old.

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

The two eldest daughters were found in hospital by family members but the fate of their youngest girl remains unknown.

Abufars Ibrahim, 39, died of multiple injuries, while Anthony Disson, 65, and a 52-year-old woman, Khadija Khalloufi, both died from inhalation of fire fumes.

A highly toxic gas released by insulation on the outside of the building may have contributed to deaths.

The boards, fitted during a refurbishment of the tower, could have produced enough deadly hydrogen cyanide to fill every flat, it has been reported.

Richard Hull, professor of chemistry and fire science at the University of Central Lancashire, told Sky News: "The outside wall of the building had 150mm of PIR foam (fitted), and once the fire had spread to that every flat would have its own source of PIR foam, which would have produced enough hydrogen cyanide to kill all the people in that flat."

Manufacturer Celotex stated that the insulation would have released "toxic gases" if it caught fire.

King's College Hospital confirmed to Sky News that three of its 12 Grenfell patients were treated with the hydrogen cyanide antidote Cyanokit.

The renovation works were inspected 16 times by Kensington and Chelsea council, it has been reported.

Inspections were spread over almost two years during the 10 million project between 2014 and 2016, according to the Guardian.

Judith Blakeman, a Labour councillor who represents the Grenfell residents, told the paper: "This raises the question of whether the building regulations officers were sufficiently competent and did they know what they were looking at."

Earlier on Wednesday a funeral for 23-year-old Syrian refugee Mohammad Alhajali, the first victim to be identified, was attended by his family and London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Additional reporting by Press Association.
L ondon's population will top 10 million within 15 years as a soaring birth rate takes the number of people living in the capital to a record high, official figures showed today.

The Office for National Statistics said that the capitals population, which was last measured at 8.3 million, would rise by 13 per cent over the next decade to hit nearly 9.4 million by 2022.

That will add the equivalent of the whole of Birmingham to Londons population and send the total well past the previous record for the capital registered in 1951.

But as the rapid growth continues, Londons population will rise further to hit a new peak of just over 10 million in 2029.

The dramatic figures - which also show that Londons population will grow at a faster rate than any other part of the country - will fuel new concerns about the shortage of housing and school places.

The population boom will also place added pressure on public services and intensify demands for the government to give the go-ahead for major new transport projects such as Crossrail Two.

Unveiling todays figures, which project the population change in different regions of Britain between 2012 and 2037, the Office for National Statistics attributed the sharp increase to the capitals young population.

It said this meant that nearly half of London residents were aged 16 to 44, the main childbearing ages, and that the number of children in the capital would leap by 16 per cent by 2022 as a result.

Detailed projections show that the number of children aged under four will be more than 50,000 higher by 2022, while there will also be 101,000 more children in the five to nine age group.

The statisticians said that the high proportion of young people meant that death rates would also be lower in London than elsewhere. The result was that natural change - the balance between births and deaths - would account for nearly 90 per cent of the capitals population growth.

The report states: London has a relatively young age structure. Nearly half the population are estimated to be [in] the main childbearing ages. This drives the higher number of births being projected in London over the next ten years, leading to a projected 16 per cent increase between 2012 and 2022.

Migration, by contrast, is projected to account for only one tenth of Londons population increase. Todays report says that this is because although large numbers of migrants come to the capital, many people also move out of the capital, reducing the net influx.

Statistics for individual boroughs show that some parts of London are likely to face particular difficulty in coping with the population surge with Redbridge projected to have an 18.6 per cent increase in residents by 2022 and Islington, Kingston-upon-Thames and Barnet all registered 16 per cent growth.

Tower Hamlets, which has the largest percentage increase, will have an extra 58,100 residents by 2022 - equivalent to a quarter of those currently living in the whole of Islington borough.

Todays projections, which also show Londons population at 10.66 million by 2037, are based on the statisicians assessments of the impact of current government immigration policies and trends in births, deaths and migration.
S adiq Khan has backed calls for an amnesty on illegal immigrants who were living in Grenfell Tower at the time of the blaze.

The Mayor of London told LBC radio station that he supported a promise to protect undocumented migrants living in the tower which could urge more people to come forward and declare themselves as safe.

It comes as at least 79 people are now missing and presumed dead following last weeks devastating fire, but police said the toll could change.

Sadiq Khan told the station on Thursday morning: No action must be taken against anybody in Grenfell Tower who comes forward.

"There may be some people who are sub-letting, breaching their tenancy agreement.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan visits Kensington near to the scene of the fire. / REUTERS

"There may be people who have got friends and family visiting, who they are worried about if they report them because they haven't got immigration status.

"All of those people should feel confident that if they come forward and speak to the authorities, that no action will be taken."

Later on Thursday, Theresa May went on to pledge in the Commons that any illegal immigrants who were living in Grenfell Tower would not be reported to the Home Office.

It came after charities expressed concerns for illegal immigrants and subtenants in the block who may not be seeking state help because of fears of what might happen.

Last week some of Londons lawyers offered to help victims of the tragedy including immigrants who are in the process of applying for residency and may have lost important documents in the fire.

Commander Stuart Cundy previously urged anyone else who was in the 24-storey building but for whatever reason has not told us they are safe to contact the forces casualty bureau.

It does not matter why you have not told us, what is important is that we know you are safe, Mr Cundy added.

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According to LBC, the Mayor will now be asking the Government to consider the issue during meetings to deal with the disaster.
T he leader of Kensington and Chelsea council was today urged to follow its chief executive and resign over the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Labour MPs David Lammy and Andy Slaughter called on Nicholas Paget-Brown to stand down, following Nicholas Holgates departure.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also said political leaders needed to take responsibility for the tragedy in which at least 79 people are feared dead.

Tottenham MP Mr Lammy, whose friend Khadija Saye, 24, died in the blaze, said: This is a circumstance in which many people should consider their position and step aside.

Labour MP David Lammy has called on Nicholas Paget-Brown to stand down

The leader of the council should go. The political leadership has been poor. He has lost the faith of the people on the streets.

The Standard revealed earlier this week that Mr Paget-Brown had reportedly offered to resign following the criticism of the councils response to the tragedy but that its cabinet had unanimously backed him to stay on.

Council chief executive Nicholas Holgate handed in his resignation overnight

However, Mr Lammy added: They are out of touch with the community that they are meant to represent.

Hammersmith MP Mr Slaughter said: It looks bad if politicians let civil servants take the rap for things.

"Part of being elected is about accountability. My experience from having spent several days visiting Kensington is that there is no confidence in the political leadership of the council.

Sadiq Khan at the Grenfell Tower site in west London following the tragedy. / PA

Mr Paget-Brown should follow his chief executive and do the decent thing and resign.

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Announcing his departure last night, Mr Holgate said Sajid Javid, the Communities and Local Government Secretary, had required the leader of the council to seek my resignation.

The Grenfell Tower at the height of the fire / Jeremy Selwyn

Mr Holgate added in a statement that he would have been a distraction if he had stayed in his post after the heartbreaking tragedy. A communities department spokesman said: The appointment of chief executives is entirely the responsibility of the local authority.

Pressed on whether the Government had demanded that Mr Holgate go, Chancellor Philip Hammond said he was not privy to any conversations between the council and Mr Javid over the council bosss resignation.

Asked whether it was appropriate for the Government to intervene, the Chancellor told BBC Breakfast: I dont know that my colleagues in Government spoke to him  Ive not been privy to any conversation that may have occurred.

But I think what the Prime Minister was pointing to yesterday was that we have an excellent set of first responses to emergencies in this country  our fire, our police, our NHS.

Where we have seen during this terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower that we are less well organised is around the second line of response  how we support the victims, how we deal with people who are, for example, made homeless by a disaster like this.

Mr Lammy also demanded more information from Scotland Yard about the police-led investigation into the blaze. He said: Its not just about resignations. This is a crime. We need to live in a country where the police act.

We have heard nothing about this criminal investigation.
DECATUR  A 28-year-old Decatur man is facing a preliminary charge of attempted murder after police say he shot a victim in the leg during an attempted robbery.

Police said Malcolm J. Mathews was arrested Monday in the incident that took place April 1. Preliminary charges are subject to approval and change by the Macon County State's Attorney's office.

A sworn police affidavit said that the incident happened about 10:45 p.m. in the 1600 block of East Whitmer Street. Two males in masks approached a man as he was leaving his house.

One of the males pulled out a pistol and told the homeowner to "give it up," the affidavit said. The victim grabbed the barrel of the pistol, and as he struggled with the gunman, the other masked male fled the scene.

At one point during the struggle, the victim told police, the pistol fired and hit him in his upper right leg. He said he was able take the gunman's mask off and gain control of the pistol, according to the affidavit. The gunman then ran out of the house. The victim was taken to HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, treated for his injury and released.

On May 17, police showed the victim a photo lineup of potential suspects. He identified the photo of Mathews as the man who tried to rob him in April.

Mathews also faces a preliminary charge of aggravated discharge of a firearm, after police said he shot at a woman's house in an unrelated incident in May.

Mathews' next court date is set for Monday, June 26, and no bond has been set for him. He remained in Macon County Jail on Wednesday evening.
S adiq Khan is planning to close half of Londons remaining 73 police station front counters, it emerged on Thursday.

The Mayors officials are drawing up a blueprint to keep just one 24-hour police station open to the public in every borough.

Four additional front counters would be retained across central London  including a new one at Paddington Green  that would open during office hours.

The Met Police and Mayors Office for Policing and Crime have been looking at police station closures for more than six months.

Leaked emails seen by the Standard show that sites have already been identified.

The Mayors staff has even looked into conducting polling on how best to sell the idea of closing police stations to the public.

The Met has already made 600 million in government cuts since 2010 and faces finding another 400 million of savings by 2021.

When Boris Johnson cut police station front counters in 2013, Mr Khan criticised the move and suggested Londoners could be forced to report crime at police contact points in McDonalds restaurants.

Mr Khans plans include an increase in the locations where neighbourhood officers can meet residents in informal settings such as cafes, supermarkets and libraries.

But they will remain controversial as many experts feel that victims of crime should be able to report them, and seek advice, privately and locally.

Met Police chief Cressida Dick appeared to confirm the move to the London Assembly yesterday, saying: We will be reducing the number of police stations, yes.

Mr Khan confirmed the plans, which he blamed on central government cuts to the Metropolitan Police.

He said: The reality is this - if the Government proceeds with its cuts we will have to close half the police stations in London, which could lead to each borough having only one 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, police station open to the public. The busiest boroughs may have another one.



The revelation comes weeks after Mr Khan warned that if the Conservatives won the general election the Met would have no choice but to close up to half of local police stations. He added: Londoners safety is on the ballot paper at this general election.

Tory leader on the London Assembly, Gareth Bacon said: Sadiq Khan has attempted to profit politically from the publics security concerns in the wake of two major terrorist attacks. In reality, he and his team have been planning in secret to close half of Londons police stations and front counters for over six months.
T heresa May was today urged by a senior European official to soften her Brexit demands if she wants a successful deal for Britain.

Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit co-ordinator for the European Parliament, spoke out as the Prime Minister headed to her first European Union summit since she lost her Commons majority.

Mrs May came under pressure at home for a softer Brexit too, with Chancellor Philip Hammond suggesting that transitional arrangements would be needed for many years.

Mr Hammond, who has emerged as the chief spokesman for Cabinet ministers opposing a hard Brexit, would not deny that the arrangements could be needed for four years or longer.

Mrs May will tonight aim to win favour from the other 27 leaders at a summit dinner by making a bold and generous offer to 3.2 million EU citizens in the UK of continued rights to work and live in Britain.

But her own reduced status will be clear when she leaves the dinner early so that the other leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, the French president and Europhile rising star, can discuss Brexit without her.

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Verhofstadt said that holding out for a complex and bespoke Brexit deal was risky. Britain would do better, he advised, in the single market and the customs union. Any postelection softening of the UK approach in this direction would be in their interest, he said.

The more complex and bespoke the future agreement is, the longer it will take to agree and the greater the risk of further uncertainty.

One solution could be an association agreement, a template that already covers deals with 20 countries on trade and issues such as defence, counter-terrorism and cyber-security.

Mr Verhofstadt is influential because the European Parliament will have a vote on the outcome of negotiations.

Pointing to the clear split in the Tory party, he said Mrs Mays stance should also reflect the views of the whole population, not just the wishes of one wing of the Conservative Party.

Mr Hammond came out fighting against the danger of a cliff-edge Brexit. Asked on BBC Radio 4 if transitional deals to delay and smooth out the exit from the single market and customs union could remain in place for four years or even longer, he replied: All these things remain to be negotiated.

In a remark that was mocked online, he added: We are leaving the European Union but when you buy a house you dont necessarily move all your furniture in on the first day you buy it. Twitter users responded that only a person with two homes or more would not move furniture in immediately.

His comments also angered hardline Brexit backers who argue for a clean break in 2019. One claimed: Hammond is on manoeuvres for the leadership.
T he former mayor of Tower Hamlets who was barred from running for office after being found guilty of illegal practices is waiting to hear if he has won his latest appeal bid.

Lutfur Rahman, who was the directly-elected mayor of the east London borough, asked two senior High Court judges to consider his case in May.

Lord Justice Lloyd Jones and Mr Justice Supperstone are due to deliver a ruling on Thursday.

Lawyers representing Mr Rahman, who is banned from running for five years, told a judge that a new appeal bid had been launched because Mr Rahman had not been prosecuted.

They said prosecutors had told Mr Rahman that he would not face criminal charges because there was "insufficient evidence".

Lawyers suggested that it would be wrong to allow some of Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey's findings to stand in the light of that decision not to bring criminal charges.

Lutfur Rahman: The Mayor of Tower Hamlets in 2014.

Mr Rahman has already failed in one attempt to challenge rulings Mr Mawrey made two years ago, following an Election Court trial in London.

Two senior judges blocked a bid to mount an appeal following a High Court hearing in London last year.

A group of four voters, headed by writer and film-maker Andy Erlam, had taken legal action against Mr Rahman, under the provisions of the Representation of The People Act, in 2015.

Lawyers for the four voters had made a series of allegations, including "personation" in postal voting and at polling stations, and ballot paper tampering.

Mr Rahman had said there was "little, if any" evidence of wrongdoing against him.

His lawyers described the group of four's claims as invention, exaggeration and "in some cases downright deliberately false allegations".

But Mr Mawrey made a series of findings against Mr Rahman, who was born in Bangladesh in 1965.

Mr Mawrey said evidence aired at the Election Court trial had revealed an "alarming state of affairs" in Tower Hamlets.

He said his ruling meant that the 2014 Tower Hamlets mayoral election was void.

The election was re-run and won by Labour's John Biggs.
B oris Johnson struggled to explain Conservative Party plans laid out in the Queens Speech when he was grilled in an "embarrassing" car-crash radio interview.

The foreign secretary appeared on BBC Radio 4 to promote the partys legislative programme set out in Parliament on Wednesday, but floundered when asked about key policies.

Radio host Eddie Mair asked the cabinet minister about elements of the Queens Speech that tackled the burning injustices in society outlined by Prime Minister Theresa May.

But Mr Johnson struggled to answer what policies the Tories had put forward, appearing to rifle frantically through his notes while repeatedly sighing.

Boris Johnson struggled during the radio interview / Jeremy Selwyn

Former Labour MP John Prescott branded the exchange "the worst interview by a politician ever".

Mr Johnson was asked about what the Conservative Party plans to do to tackle discrimination against black people in the criminal justice system  an issue highlighted by Mrs May when she took office.

He replied: Well, there are measures, I believe, in the bill on the courts which I think is supposed to address some of those issues.

I think one thing in particular that we are looking at is measures to ... hang on a second ... there are all sorts of measures that we want to take to ensure that we do not discriminate against everybody.

Mr Mair soon turned to other key Tory policies such working class people attending university and mental health care.

As the foreign secretary continued to flounder, the radio host eventually declared: Its not a Two Ronnies sketch  you cant answer the question before last.

Mrs Mays pledge to slash immigration below 100,000 was left out of a stripped-down Queens Speech to Parliament.

Manifesto pledges and policies around grammar schools, means-testing winter fuel payments, and boosting fracking were also omitted in a speech that laid bare her loss of authority.

The Conservative Party lost its Commons majority in a disastrous General Election gamble by the Prime Minister.

When asked why so many manifesto pledges had been omitted from the Queens Speech, Mr Johnson replied: Im not going to hide it from you that the election did not turn out exactly as we would have hoped.

Its our job to form a government if we possibly can and to get on with what I think is a very progressive Queens speech.
T heresa May has pledged that no EU national currently living lawfully in the UK will be made to leave on the day of Brexit, provided British expats are given the same assurance..

The Prime Minister told a European Council summit in Brussels that she wanted to offer "certainty" to the estimated three million EU expats in the UK and ensure that families are not split up by Brexit.

But she made clear that the proposals would be adopted only if the same rights are granted to UK citizens living in the remaining 27 EU states in a reciprocal settlement.

And she set up a series of probable clashes with the European Union by suggesting she could set an early cut-off date for residency rights and rejecting a Brussels demand for the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to retain powers to enforce rights following Brexit.

Under Mrs May's plans, unveiled on the eve of the anniversary of the Brexit referendum, EU nationals who have lived in the UK for five years by a specific cut-off date will be given the chance to take up "settled status", granting them rights to stay in the country and receive healthcare, education, welfare and pensions as if they were British citizens.

Those resident for a shorter period will have the opportunity to stay on until they have reached the five-year threshold.

Those arriving after the cut-off date but before the date of Brexit will have a "grace period" - expected to be two years - within which to regularise their immigration status with a view to later seeking settled status.

The cut-off date is yet to be set, but will come between the day when Britain formally notified Brussels of its intention to quit on April 29 2017 and the day when it finally leaves, expected to be March 29 2019.

Mrs May also promised that the system will be streamlined, doing away with the 85-page permanent residency application form which has been the subject of loud complaints from EU expats.

It is thought that the UK is reserving the option of setting an early cut-off for residency rights in case there is a late surge of migrants arriving as Brexit approaches.

But the introduction of a "grace period" raises the possibility that large numbers arriving during withdrawal negotiations may be allowed to remain, at least for a few years.=

And the outline deal leaves questions unanswered over whether individuals with settled status will be permitted to bring in children or spouses and whether the new status will be subject to conditions other than length of residency.

Further details are expected to be revealed in a paper to be published by the UK Government on Monday.

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Speaking over dinner at the Brussels summit, Mrs May told leaders of the other 27 EU nations: "The UK's position represents a fair and serious offer and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives and contributing so much to our society."

She said the UK did not want anyone currently in Britain to be forced to leave.

But the proposals are likely to meet resistance in Brussels, which has already published its own formal proposals which would guarantee the rights enjoyed under EU law to any European expat resident in the UK on the date of Brexit.

Other than the different cut-off date, the key point of contention to be thrashed out in talks between Brexit Secretary David Davis and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is likely to be over the question of jurisdiction.

The EU proposals stipulate that the European Commission should have "full powers" to monitor and the ECJ "full jurisdiction" for as long as citizens' rights remain protected under the withdrawal agreement.

But Mrs May told her fellow leaders: "The commitment that we make to EU citizens will be enshrined in UK law and will be enforced through our highly respected courts."

And a senior British official added: "We have been clear on the ECJ that we are taking back control of our own laws."

It is understood that there was no discussion of Mrs May's proposal at the Brussels dinner, as leaders of the EU27 stuck to their position that all negotiations must be conducted through Mr Barnier, and not through individual national leaders.

Mrs May left the meeting shortly after delivering her statement, in order to allow the EU27 to receive a briefing from Mr Barnier on progress in the first round of negotiations which took place on Monday.

Her announcement came at the end of a day which saw EU leaders agree to pursue closer defence co-operation and threaten legislation to force internet companies to remove extremist material from websites.

And European Council president Donald Tusk spoke of his "dream" that there could still be a U-turn on the Brexit decision before the expected date of withdrawal in March 2019.

Quoting John Lennon, he said that when people asked him if he thought there was any possibility of the UK remaining a member, he replied: "The European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve.

"So, who knows. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."

But Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said that reopening the question of whether the UK will actually leave would only fuel uncertainty.

"I am not a dreamer. And I am not the only one," retorted Mr Michel.

"What we also need is certainty, for our companies in Belgium, in Europe. If we back this image that Brexit perhaps would not happen, it brings an uncertainty."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.
P rince Harry has opened up about how his time in Afghanistan was the trigger for him to get help dealing with his mother's death.

Harry, who served on two front line tours with the Army, was filmed in conversation with Paralympic medal winner and former Invictus Games captain Dave Henson for Forces TV.

The Prince, who spent 10 years in the military, admitted that he has "plenty of issues" and had felt helpless at times.

But he said Afghanistan was the moment he realised he had to deal with his problems and that the Invictus Games he set up for wounded service personnel had been "a sort of cure".

He revealed: "Going through Invictus and speaking to all the guys about their issues has really healed me and helped me.

"I've got plenty of issues but none of them really relate to Afghanistan, but Afghanistan was the thing that triggered everything else.

"Not to get too personal, if you lose your mum at the age of 12 then you've got to deal with it and the idea that .... 15, 17 years later I still hadn't dealt with it, Afghan was the moment. I was like "right - deal with it."

Harry was recently praised for revealing he sought counselling as he confessed it was not until his late 20s that he processed his grief for Diana, Princess of Wales who was killed in a car crash in 1997.

The Prince told Henson: "For me, Invictus has been a sort of cure for myself...There was many times in my early life and also many times in Afghan and coming back from Afghan when you actually feel helpless."

He added: "Once I plucked my head out of the sand, post-Afghan.

"It had a huge, life changing moment for me as well - 'Right, you are Prince Harry, you can do this, as long as you're not a complete tit, then you're gonna be able to get that support, because you've got the credibility of 10 years' service and therefore, you can really make a difference'."

Harry described how his own struggles had manifested themselves and said that recognising this meant he could help others.

"You can tell the signs in people.... in my case, suit and tie and every single time I was in any room with loads of people which is quite often, just pouring with sweat, heart beating bop, bop, bop, bop - literally like a washing machine - just like 'oh my god get me out of here now. Oh hang on I can't get out of here - I've got to just hide it'," he said.

"You go through all that stuff and then you meet other lads who've had a similar journey ... and you can help them and you can have a bit of banter....Once they realise 'Hang on I'm not the only person here - There are so many other people who have suffered and recovered - I'm going to go and sort this out and get help'."

He stressed the importance of service personnel speaking to each other about their struggles before mental health problems snowball.

Harry said: "You just need to be there for your mate and be a pair of ears and listen, and the most comforting thing to know is that person that you're talking to has shared similar experiences. You've worn the same uniform."

Describing his love of life in the forces, he added: "The military was the university of life. Afghanistan was the experience of your life.

"I've never met anyone now who can't speak positively of their time in the military. Of course we had bad days but the good days far outweigh that."

Harry, who is dating American actress Meghan Markle, spoke passionately about the servicemen and women taking part in the Invictus Games and described them as role models for his own future children.

"These guys ... are people who have literally sacrificed their lives and sacrificed body parts to serve their country and to be with their mates," he said.

"Those are the role models that I want my kids to follow."

Additional reporting PA
U S President Donald Trump has said he did not make recordings of his private conversations with fired FBI director James Comey, despite previously hinting otherwise.

He tweeted on Thursday: "I did not make, and do not have, any such recordings."

Mr Trump added he had "no idea" whether other tapes or recordings exist.

The president has disputed Mr Comey's assertion that he asked the former FBI director for a pledge of loyalty during a dinner meeting they had.

When news of Mr Comey's account broke, Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"

Under a post-Watergate law, presidential recordings belong to the people and eventually can be made public. Destroying them would be a crime.

The House committee investigating Russian meddling in the election set a Friday deadline for the White House to hand over any tapes.

When he was fired on May 9, Mr Comey was leading an FBI inquiry into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election and any links between Moscow and the Trump team.
H undreds of mourners gathered to remember an American college student who was detained in North Korea for over a year.

Otto Warmbier passed away on Monday shortly after being returned home to Ohio in a coma.

Relatives say the 22-year-old University of Virginia student went into a state of unresponsive wakefulness shortly after he was imprisoned in the secretive state last March.

The tourist had been accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting the country.

The casket of Mr Warmbier is carried out from his funeral / Getty Images

Mr Warmbiers brother, sister and friends were scheduled to speak at the funeral Thursday in his hometown of Wyoming, near Cincinnati.

Around 2,500 people lined the streets early on Thursday morning at Wyoming High School, where Mr Warmbier had been a student.

Mourners wait in line outside the centre / REUTERS

Speaking before the service, which was overseen by a rabbi, Senator Rob Portman told reporters: "We have also seen evil and that is how Otto Warmbier was treated.

He should have never been detained in the first place.

Otto Warmbier cries while speaking to reporters in Pyongyang last year / AP

"And once detained the treatment he received was appalling. The North Koreans need to be held to accountable for that."

A coroner is still trying to determine Mr Warmbier's cause of death.

Mourners arrive for the funeral of Otto Warmbier / AP

Mr Warmbier's father, Fred, told a news conference last week that his son had excelled at the high school.

"This is the place where Otto experienced some of the best moments of his young life, and he would be pleased to know that his return to the United States would be acknowledged on these grounds," he said.

People arrive at Wyoming High School / Getty Images

After graduating in 2013, he enrolled at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where he was studying at the school of commerce and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Mr Warmbier was scheduled to graduate this year.

At a memorial service on Tuesday night, students at the university remembered him as outgoing and energetic.

"Being with Otto made life all the more beautiful," Alex Vagonis, Mr Warmbier's girlfriend, said.

Mr Warmbier was traveling in North Korea with a tour group, and was arrested at Pyongyang airport as he was about to leave.

He was sentenced two months later to 15 years of hard labour for trying to steal an item bearing a propaganda slogan from his hotel, North Korea state media said.

Ria Westergaard Pedersen, 33, who was with Mr Warmbier in North Korea, told the Danish broadcaster TV2 that he had been nervous when taking pictures of soldiers, and said she doubted North Korea's explanation for his arrest.

"We went to buy propaganda posters together, so why in the world would he risk so much to steal a trivial poster? It makes no sense."
D onald Trump is considering building a wall along the Mexican border clad with beautiful solar panels that would create energy and pay for itself.

The president touted the plan at a raucous rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, boasting that he came up with it himself. Pretty good imagination, right? Good? My idea, he told supporters last night. However, one company has already proposed doing this.

He initially teased the partisan crowd, promising an idea nobody has heard about yet. He added: Were thinking of something thats unique, were talking about the southern border, lots of sun, lots of heat.

"

Were thinking about building the wall as a solar wall, so it creates energy and pays for itself.

And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money, and thats good, right? Solar wall, panels, beautiful. I mean actually think of it, the higher it goes the more valuable it is.

The wall, intended to keep illegal Mexican migrants out of the US, was a major election campaign promise by Mr Trump. He has claimed Mexico will pay for the wall even though it has dismissed the idea. More than 200 firms have submitted proposals to build the structure, including Las Vegass Gleason Partners, which proposes a wall of steel, cement and solar panels.

While promoting one use of renewable energy, Mr Trump defended his decision to pull the US out of the Paris climate accord, claiming it would have cost millions of lost jobs and billions of lost dollars.

He criticised Democrats and the media and highlighted this weeks Republican victories in elections in Georgia and South Carolina: They have a phony witch hunt going against me and you know what: all we do is win, win, win.

"The truth is, people love us. They havent figured it out yet.
P iers Morgans Killer Women is set to return to screens for a second series and once again the presenter is seeking out dangerous women in the world, this travelling to the US to meet five female murderers.

Each episode will focus on a different killer, as Morgan delves into their pasts in order to understand what drove them to commit such violent actions.

First up, is Rebecca Fenton who is imprisoned at Lowell Correctional Institution for the murder of her husband Larry, who was found dead in a pool of blood in their home.

Fenton still protests her innocence, claiming she had no reason to kill Larry, but unless she can clear her name she will remain in prison for the rest of her life.

On the surface Fenton is inscrutable, with an answer for everything, but as Morgan begins to learn more about her story, he discovers a compelling motive for murder  while divorce would have put an end to her extravagant lifestyle, murder means Fenton would become a rich woman.

Morgan even meets Rebeccas biological mother, who gave her up for adoption when she was small. She admits to the host that she believes her daughter committed the crime.

Many will question the wisdom of allowing a commentator whos known for his controversial views, particularly around issues like feminism tackle a program like this, and aspects of the show, like the meeting with Fentons mother may leave an unsavoury taste in some viewers mouths.

But whatever your opinions on Morgan, it cannot be denied that hes a skilful, if inflammatory, interviewer and over the series proves himself to be adept at prising intriguing insights from these complex characters.

Killer Women with Piers Morgan airs tonight at 9pm on ITV.
DECATUR  One person was airlifted from an accident Thursday on the exit ramp of Interstate 72 near Illinois 48 close to the Pilot truck stop.

Capt. Wade Watson of the Decatur Fire Department said firefighters responded shortly before 11 a.m. to a report of an RV going off the road. They found a male and female inside the vehicle, and the female was injured.

Firefighters made forced entry into the vehicle and removed debris. A medic from the fire department and paramedic from Decatur Ambulance Service secured the woman and she was airlifted from the scene.

Watson said the accident was caused by a tire blowout. More information was not available about the victims and their condition.

While firefighters were at the scene, Watson said another two-vehicle crash occurred, but no one was injured.

The Illinois State Police is handling the investigation but did not respond to requests for more information.
U krainian dancer Nadiya Bychova is one of three new dancers set to join BBC ballroom show Strictly Come Dancing, as professionals Joanne Clifton and Oksana Platero leave the show.

Alongside Bychova, the celebrity dancing competition will welcome Dianne Buswell, from Australia and Amy Dowden from Wales to fill the empty spots left by Clifton and Platero, as well as Natalie Lowe who announced her departure earlier this year.

New dancer Bychova spoke of her excitement at joining the show: "I'm extremely happy to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family this year. One of my biggest dreams is to be part of this great show and I can't wait to get started!"

The 28-year-old Ukrainian is a two-time World Champion and has previously taken part in the Bosnian version of Strictly.

Buswell, who is an Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist, said: "What an honour it is to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. Words can't describe how excited I am to take on this amazing challenge and give it my everything. See you on the dance floor!"

Welsh dancer Dowden, from Caerphilly, said: "Becoming a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has made my wildest dreams come true, it does not feel real! I have always been proud of my Welsh roots and feel so honoured to be the first Welsh professional dancer on the most loved show on TV."

New dancer: Diane Buswell has joined the Strictly team

Female pros wholl be returning to the show include Karen Clifton, Chloe Hewitt, Katya Jones, Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara.

The male dancers returning are Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Neil Jones, Pasha Kovalev, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, AJ Pritchard and Aljaz Skorjanec.

Louise Rainbow, executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, thanked the three departing dancers adding: "We're delighted with our line-up of pros for this year's series. They are all brilliant dancers and wonderful teachers and Strictly is so lucky to have them."

Eyes on the prize:Welsh dancer Amy Dowden will be one of the professional dancers competing for Strictly's Glitterball trophy

Strictly Come Dancing's current reigning champion, Joanne Clifton, said of her decision to leave:

"Being part of the Strictly experience has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I will miss the show so much. It's been a tough decision, but I am looking forward to facing new challenges and focusing on my musical theatre career."

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - dance partners 1 /20 Strictly Come Dancing 2016 - dance partners Daisy Lowe and Aljaz Skorjanec BBC Ed Balls and Katya Jones BBC Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice BBC Claudia Fragapane and AJ BBC Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse BBC Greg Rutherford and Natalie Lowe BBC Judge Rinder and Oksana Dmytrenko BBC Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton BBC Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara BBC Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton BBC Tameka Empson and Gorka Marquez BBC Will Young and Karen Clifton BBC Anastacia and Brendan Cole BBC Naga Munchetty and Pasha Kovalev BBC Lesley Joseph and Anton DuBeke BBC

Departing professional Oksana Platero, who partnered TV judge Robert Rinder in last year's series of Strictly said:

"I just want to say thank you to everyone involved with Strictly. Last year was my first season and I had an unforgettable time working alongside such amazing dancers and an even better time with Judge Rinder. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and I will never forget it. Thank you so much for the memories."

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.

With additional reporting from Press Association.
One of our most difficult adjustments is how our interpretation of words changes.

We often naturally turn defensive or angry as our language changes. Maybe we think it's a move toward the lazy (as when video became a stand-alone word and a noun), or an attempt to redefine an argument by using softer or more pointed language to make one point or another more or less palatable.

But while we ponder, pontificate and battle about the words, their meanings change. We can't stop it.

A number of cases in the news in the last week have made clear the ongoing discussion about a number of words and phrases.

A group of American Indians walked out of a performance of the 1960 musical The Fantasticks because of the subject and tone of one song, and because American Indians were mimicked and vilified.

My first thought was, Who could be offended by something so innocuous? But that's what happens when your first exposure to the musical was a lifetime ago. I remember my fellow high school cast members and I being uncomfortable in 1976 about the "rape" song and ballet. Our instructors explained the concept was rape in the literary sense of an abduction or kidnapping, and that seemed to quell it for us, except for a stray giggle when the phrase would come up again.

The song tied to the concept, "It Depends on What You Pay," was removed from a number of productions of the musical, and alternate lyrics were provided to keep the song in if wanted. In that case, the creators realized the language and attitudes toward the word had changed.

In retrospect, though, it's a little more horrifying to remember the American Indian cliches we performed without a second thought, from war drums to whoops to feathered headdresses. We certainly meant no harm. We were white teenagers in a white world in the 1970s.

We didn't know what we were doing was mockery and cultural appropriation. It wasn't intended as same. But could we have criticized any observers for taking offense? I remember wearing fringe to indicate my character was masquerading as an American Indian. I don't remember wearing a headdress, but someone did. I may have just buried any mental images of me doing so. I have vivid memories of a fellow cast member thrilled to be pounding a war drum rhythm.

Thank goodness video (noun) doesn't exist.

Looking back, the performance we gave as American Indians was as subtle as the Frito Bandito, a cartoon character advertising the snack in the late 1960s. The character was retired quickly after the National Mexican-American Anti-Defamation Committee protested, and reasonable people around the country realized, "Well, of course that was terribly offensive."

Bill Dana certainly did. Dana, who died earlier this week, was a hilarious personality and a fine comedy writer. His breakthrough creation was a heavily accented Bolivian character named Jose Jimenez. Jimenez's broken English was played for laughs, but in the early 1970s, Dana retired the character, sensitive to minority complaints.

When I was a kid in the 1960s, Dana's Jose Jimenez was hilarious. But the older we all got, and the more we understood the world and those with whom we were sharing it, Jimenez was less funny and more uncomfortable.

A change that seems to make plenty of people anxious is the use of they as a third-person personal pronoun. Seeing it makes the writer in me stumble. It's difficult for me to see they as a singular, in reference to one person.

But my reaction has been calm compared to some of the overreactions I've experienced and observed.

In all of these cases, there seems to be a pretty simple reaction. As a group, we are deciding what is acceptable and appropriate and what is not. When a person feels recognized as a person in the way they wish to be recognized, it's a path to better, further and more useful universal understanding.

You don't have to like it. You're definitely allowed to yearn for a time when things were simpler and you didn't have to watch every word you say. But if you're cognizant of others' feelings about what they're called, you're much more likely to be cut some slack when you inevitably slip and, even unawares, say something you might regret.
On June 23, 2017, in accordance with the arrangement reached with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh, the OSCE Mission will conduct a planned monitoring of the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, in the direction of Martakert region, to the north-west of Talish village.

From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring will be conducted by Field Assistants to the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ghenadie Petrica (Moldova), and Ognjen Jovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), as well as the representative of the OSCE High Level Planning Group Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Bosshard.

The authorities of the Republic of Artsakh have expressed their readiness to assist in conducting the monitoring and to ensure the security of the OSCE Mission members.
SCOTTSBLUFF  Officials from Pen Air, the official air carrier for western Nebraska, were in Scottsbluff June 21 to address several criticisms of their operation.

Flight cancellations and schedules that dont work for passengers were among the problems addressed at the Airport Authority of Scotts Bluff County meeting at Western Nebraska Regional Airport.

Board Chairman Don Overman said the revised Pen Air schedule has flights leaving Scottsbluff too late to make connections with other airlines in Denver. Return flights are scheduled so early passengers arriving in Denver after 2 p.m. are unable to catch the plane back to Scottsbluff.

Another problem is the number of flight cancellations, which run well above the number of other Pen Air routes in North Platte and Kearney.

Pen Air has served us well since they came here in 2016, Overman said. We were to have a plane based here, but thats been eliminated. Our number of flight cancellations is running well above Kearney and North Platte. And because theyre in the Central Time zone, their flights arrive in Denver about the same time they leave, so they can make connections more easily.

So far for 2017, Scottsbluff has had 120 flight cancellations, 50 more than either North Platte or Kearney.

Overman said the lack of flights makes it hard to meet the 100,000 boarding threshold for the $1 million subsidy through the federal Essential Air Service. None of the three Nebraska locations are close to meeting that number so far.

Dave Hall, Chief Operating Officer for Pen Air, said theyre well aware theyve fallen short of expectations.

We started flying last November, he told the board. By the end of the year we lost 14 pilots to other airlines. Thats devastating to an airline our size. The shortage of pilots has affected our entire schedule and were doing the best we can to make up lost ground.

Hall added that from now on, recruiting new pilots is going to be an ongoing way of life for smaller airlines.

Murphy Forner, Pen Airs Senior Vice President for Ground Operations, said the reason for moving the plane from Scottsbluff was because maintenance problems across the fleet caused them to fall short of the original schedule.

Our crew numbers were so limited that with flight times we had to adjust the schedule, he said. Were still looking for ways to solve the schedule problems as were down to three operating airplanes.

Forner added the larger numbers of cancellations werent just at Scottsbluff. Similar numbers are affecting their routes in Liberal and Dodge City, Kansas as well.

Board Co-Chairman Bob Unzicker was less sympathetic. Ive had numerous calls and personal contacts about Pen Airs undependability, he said. A personal friend said hed drive to Denver if you cant provide air service. If you cant fix your problems; we need to do something to fix our problems. I think Pen Air has failed us miserably.

Forner said they will address the problem. Since January 2017, Pen Air has invested an additional $1 million into their flight crews.

Well continue to work together to solve this problem, Overman said after the meeting. At least theyve explained to us the challenge theyre facing in providing flights.
SCOTTSBLUFF  The ACLU of Nebraska announces the 2017 Transgender Voices Tour. Ashley Swartz, a farmer and volunteer firefighter from Malmo, will join the ACLU of Nebraska on the Transgender Voices Tour. Through her own experiences as a Transgender Nebraskan, Swartz will provide her perspective on the experiences of Nebraskas transgender community.

I have actually been transitioned for 19 years now, Swartz said in an interview with the ACLU of Nebraska as part of the transgender voices video series. It was like a miracle given to me, which was one of the things I thought could be the worst thing for me. It actually was a very good thing for me.

Panhandle Equality, a local LGBTQ advocacy organization, has partnered with ACLU Nebraska to present the Transgender Voices Tour on Monday, June 26 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Univeristy of Nebraska Panhandle Research & Extension Center Auditorium, located at 4502 Ave I in Scottsbluff.

Panhandle Equality is exciting to partner with ACLU Nebraska, BOLD Nebraska and other statewide organizations to bring this informative tour to the Panhandle, said Panhandle Equality Chair Jeff Leanna. This event is an exceptional opportunity for citizens in our Panhandle communities to learn more about the experiences and perspective of transgender Nebraskans.

The Transgender Voices Tour local faith and business leaders will join ACLU staff to discuss important topics in our Transgender Voices Tour agenda such as policy on workplace protections, healthcare and education.

In addition to the Scottsbluff event, he Transgender Voices Tour will make stops in McCook on June 27th and in North Platte on June 28th. For more information on the Transgender Voices Tour and Panhandle Equality, visit www.aclunebraska.org. and www.panhandleequality.org.
Tigran Paskevichyan

Soviet Jews had the most problems related to state secrets. For many working in the sciences and technical sector, emigrating from the Soviet Union, or more correctly, repatriating to Israel, was a real dilemma. Despite their struggle to leave, replete with protests and petitions to various Western bodies, the Iron Curtain remained closed to them. These people were called refusniks.

We only know of one Armenian refusnik  Hrach Hovsepian. His family moved to Armenia from Lebanon in 1946. Hrach graduated university in Armenia and worked at the Yerevan Computer Research and Development Institute (YCRDI), more commonly called the Mergelian Institute. He was the chief engineer on the Nairi generation of computers and, along with his colleagues, won a USSR State Prize. But he had issues with institute management and relocated to Moscow, where he has given a suitable, but not, comparable position. Hovsepyans progress up the professional work ladder came to an end, and his life inexorably changed after his family (mother and brother) moved to the United States and sent him an invitation to resettle there as well, even though he warned them not to send. Hovsepyan couldnt refuse the offer. In such cases, people like him didnt only have to refuse the invitation, but they had to publicly disavow their relatives. But he couldnt emigrate. They were denying him the chance. From the end of the 1970s, Hovsepyan, with the status of a refusnik, was working as a coal stoker. At the same time, he struggled for freedom of movement and the right to reunite with his family. His struggle lasted ten years, ending in 1990 when the Soviet Union was in its final throes. Hovsepian finally left for the United States.

There weren't many Armenian repatriates who wanted to leave and found themselves in a similar situation, even though an Armenian academician was able to emigrate in the early 1970s. To stem the brain-drain, the Kremlin came up with a unique punishment. It primarily targeted the Jews, most of whom had received a free university education in the USSR. Soviet authorities would tell them  Look here. Youve received a free education. Please be so kind to pay us back before leaving. The minimum ransom was 5,000 rubles, an unimaginably large sum at the time considering that a master engineers annual salary just about reached 1,500.

None of the Armenian repatriates who allowed us to interview them (around 100, most of whom later left Soviet Armenia), ever confirmed this demand for a ransom. By studying the emigration of Jews, Germans and others, it seems that it was a special lever to be used, or not, based on the state of international relations or domestic convenience at the time.

Even though it was an evil design, many Soviet citizens who wanted to leave saw a silver lining. They thought that if the Soviet Union was demanding a repayment for their education, it was accepting, by default, the right of Soviet citizens to move about freely, to emigrate, and to reunite with their families, rights backed by the Helsinki Accords. In 1975, then Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed off on those rights and passed the burden of noncompliance to the bureaucracy of OVIR, to which he provided various tools.

The most ludicrous was the demand that those wishing to leave had to obtain a positive conduct letter from their place of employment. The question arose as to why someone wishing to leave the Soviet Union needed a positive conduct evaluation. Many who left jokingly recount that they took proof of having participated in various public and work-related events to OVIR as a sign of being upstanding citizens. To get such documents, potential emigrants had to convince management at the job site or the local Communist Party committee (existing at all plants and factories) that they really missed their auntie and that they harbored no ill-will towards the Soviet Union. After being denied once or twice, the applicant would repeat the process.

Applicants also had to get the consent of parents. Clearly, this demand was simply to complicate the process. It was unheard of to call the parents into account for the actions of their adult daughters or sons. Most repatriates had no issue with the demand. Oftentimes, children and parents filed joint requests to leave. But if the spouse of an applicant was a local, the bureaucratic machine started to work its magic. Throughout the 1960s, 70s and even 80s, in-laws of repatriates applying to leave, considering their ages, had to have lived throughout the entire reign of Stalinist terror. This accumulated experience, the fear of opposing the state in the slightest, was enough for them to deny such consent. There was also the concern of not threatening the career prospects of those left behind. Just having relatives overseas was a sign of disloyalty.

A man born in Armenia, who emigrated with his repatriate wife and settled in Los Angeles, told us the following in a private, off-camera conversation.

My father was diametrically opposed to my leaving. He even told me that if I went he would contact the police or use other methods to keep my kids. If the kids stayed, their mother wouldnt leave. I didnt know anything about America, nor did I know the language. But my wife was an only girl, and wanted to be with her parents. In a word, my father never gave that document. I went to OVIR without it. They said it wouldnt happen. I asked them if they required a parental note when somebody was accepted into the companty. They said, no. So I asked them, Why do you need one now? They said it was the law. And they refused my request. My father died. My mother had already passed away. My big brother got involved but what he had to say had no impact. In 79, we went to America.

They also demanded such a document in the case of a divorce. Ones former spouse had to agree. This is understandable and legal when there are minor children involved. If there are no children, such a demand is simply designed as an obstacle to prevent people leaving, given that divorced couples rarely are on good terms.

The modus operandi of OVIR, with all its bureaucratic baggage, had one aim in mind  to wear out the applicant and dissuade them of the idea of leaving. One important component of this approach was the cozy advice aspect - something outside the regulations (if, of course, any of this was regulated at all).

Many of the repatriates remember the advice given by OVIR employees. Antranig Pilibosian, who moved to Armenia in 1946 and now lives in Granada Hills, California, recounts: The guy (OVIR employee) said, Where are you taking those two girls?

Have you asked them what they want? I gave him a good answer. I said, You know what? When my father brought us here, he didnt ask us what we wanted. I came with him. Now I want to leave. When my girls grow up and they dont like America, let them return here. Understand? I got a bit irritated at the end because I went off on a tangent instead of getting my application moving forward.





To be continued

.

This article is prepared within the framework of Two Lives: The Cold War and the Emigration of Armenians project financed by National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
There is a huge divide in this country, but it is not along the lines we tend to believe. It is not liberal vs. conservative, Republican vs. Democrat. Instead, it is urban vs rural.

A recent poll from The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation examined the views of rural Americans vs. Americans living in urban and suburban areas. The results showed a large divide, more along social lines than economic and political.

The poll found in rural communities 68 percent of people believed there was a difference in values, 41 percent said it was a big difference. Among urban dwellers, there were 48 percent who said values were different and only 18 percent felt their values were very different from those in rural America.

I grew up in rural America and have spent the majority of my life out in the sticks, as some might describe western Nebraska. My dad and mom worked a farm and ranch operation about 12 miles northeast of Scottsbluff. It was the land my granddad Fish homesteaded back in the early 1900s.

Growing up, I wanted out. I wanted to be like city folk. Once there, it wasnt long before I missed the rural life.

For many of us, rural means gravel roads, a farm house where you are meet first by the family dog before you even get out of your pickup. But rural encompasses much more.

The United State Census Bureau defines rural as any population, housing, or territory not in an urban area. Good government definition.

So how does the Census Bureau define urban?

Urban areas are those Urbanized Areas (UAs) with densely developed territory, and encompass residential, commercial and other non-residential urban land uses. The Census Bureau breaks urban into two types of areas. Urbanized Areas are those with 50,000 or more people. Urban Clusters (UCs) consits of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people.

In western Nebraska, Scottsbluff/Gering, Alliance, Sidney and Chadron would fit into the classification of UCs.

The poll found those from rural America are much more skeptical that the federal government is fair or effective at improving peoples economic situations.

The poll found more than 60 percent of us believe federal efforts to improve living standards either make things worse or have little impact. A majority, 56 percent of rural residents, said the federal government does more to help people living in and around large cities, while 37 percent feel both urban and rural areas are treated equally.

We in rural America also saw Christian values under attack. Nearly six out of 10 of us felt this way, compared to just over half of suburbanites and fewer than half of urbanites.

So what does this mean?

In counties with fewer than 100,000 people  which make up 80 percent of counties in the country but contain only about 20 percent of the population  9 out of 10 voted more Republican than they did in 2004, according to a Washington Post story in Nov 17, 2016.

The urban areas voted for more Democrats.

This was also true for our last Presidential election. Hillary Clinton held the urban, highly populated areas while Donald Trump took the less populated rural areas. The election was won and lost in Americas medium-size counties, according to the Washington Post story.

Because of the divide between rural and urban, the likelihood of this happening again is high.

The way we elect our 9resident, through the electoral college instead of popular vote, gives power to rural and urban. It assures us in rural America we will always have a voice, but the new power brokers are those in medium-sized communities, the UCs of America.

The name calling, finger pointing, fighting like bullies on a playground and refusing to accept the results of an election will never narrow the divide. You may not like or agree with the results, nor do you have to walk in lockstep, but we must work together to move forward. If not, it is like throwing gasoline on the fire already burning in the divide.

We in rural America, may see things differently than those in urban America, and vice-versa but it doesnt make either group smarter or better. We all contribute, in one way or another, in making America great.

Hopefully, politicians and voters on both sides of the aisle begin to focus more on listening and respecting the views of rural and urban Americans. Together, America will succeed, divided, we will fail.
This set of statistics has been discontinued. New data are no longer produced from the statistics.

This page is archived.

Published: 22 June 2017

Net income from financial operations and operating profit of banks operating in Finland decreased in the first quarter of 2017

The net income from financial operations of credit institutions engaged in banking in Finland amounted to EUR 488 million in the first quarter of 2017 and operating profit was EUR 710 million. The net income from financial operations and operating profit contracted by 18 per cent from the respective quarter of the year before. These data derive from Statistics Finlands financial statement statistics on credit institutions.

Net income from financial operations and operating profit of banks operating in Finland, 1st quarter 2005 to 2017, EUR million

Interest income and expenses

The interest income of banks operating in Finland was EUR 1.1 billion in the first quarter, which was EUR 181 million less than the EUR 1.3 billion in the corresponding period in 2016. From the previous quarter, the drop amounted to EUR 52 million. Over the quarter, interest expenses amounted to EUR 586 million, which is EUR 76 million and 11.5 per cent less than one year previously. From the previous quarter, interest expenses grew by EUR 32 million.

Commission income

Commission income amounted to EUR 571 million in the first quarter, which is EUR 37 million more than one year earlier. Compared to the previous quarter, commission income went up by EUR 26 million.

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses is the single largest expenditure item of banks operating in Finland. They remained almost on level with the corresponding quarter in 2016 rising from EUR 703 million to EUR 707 million. The biggest sub-item among administrative expenses, wages and salaries, declined from EUR 363 million in 2016 to EUR 345 million. Compared to the previous quarter, administrative expenses decreased by EUR 95 million.

Operating profit

Operating profit, or profit from continuing operations before taxes, was EUR 710 million in the first quarter of the year. Compared to the previous quarter, operating profit went down by EUR 62 million and by EUR 158 million from one year ago. In addition to net income from financial operations, especially dividend income, gains on financial assets and liabilities held for trading, and other operating income decreased clearly compared to one year ago. The considerable drop in commission expenses helped level the decline in the operating profit.

Balance sheet

The aggregate value of the balance sheets was EUR 375 billion. The balance sheet was 33.4 per cent down from EUR 563 billion one year ago. The share of own equity in the total of the balance sheets was 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. Equity decreased by EUR 10 billion from the previous year, from EUR 26.6 billion to EUR 16.6 billion. In the previous quarter, equity amounted to EUR 27.1 billion.

A company restructuring made in the Finnish banking sector explains a majority of the unexceptionally large changes in the balance sheets and, in particular, in equity.

Source: Credit institutions' annual accounts, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Jarkko Kaunisto 029 551 3551, Pekka Tamminen 029 551 2460, rahoitusmarkkinat@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ville Vertanen

Publication in pdf-format (267.6 kB)

Updated 22.6.2017

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Financial statement statistics on credit institutions [e-publication].

ISSN=2342-5180. 1st quarter 2017. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 11.11.2022].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/llai/2017/01/llai_2017_01_2017-06-22_tie_001_en.html
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, in Belgium on a working visit, attended a summit of the European Peoples Party (EPP) in Brussels chaired by EPP President Joseph Daul.

Sargsyan delivered a speech at the summit about the recent parliamentary election in Armenia , Armenia-European Union cooperation, and regional stability.

Photo: Sargsyan is seen talking with President of the European Council Donald Tusk
Senator Traian Basescu of the People's Movement Party (PMP) says the head of the state "knows how to pull things together", given that the Government has been demoted through censure motion and he should give the mandate to the Liberals.

PSD-ALDE [Social Democratic Party-the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats] are going to the President immensely weakened as compared to how they were when Grindeanu's Gov't was invested after the elections. So, they are feeble and Iohannis certainly knows how to pull things together. He took note that the motion barely passed due to the presence of 15 minority MPs and he knows he no longer has in front of him that parliamentary vote force he had when Grindeanu was appointed," stated Traian Basescu on Wednesday night at private TV broadcaster B1TV.

The PMP leader states that PSD and ALDE should switch to being in the opposition and the current Opposition, headed by the Liberals should form the new government.

Asked who might now be able to form the majority in Parliament, Traian Basescu replied: "The Opposition. The mandate must be given to the next in line, vote-wise, to the Liberals and they should try to form a majority. So, in my opinion, President Iohannis has the obligation to pull that out as he has no guarantees that in three months' time, based on Dragnea's whims, we won't be in the same situation as today. These people are inapt to govern."

Traian Basescu specified that so far he has not discussed with the Liberals' leader, Ludovic Orban.

agerpres.
On June 1, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Certificate in Translation Program and the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation announced the launch of the Calouste Gulbenkian Translation Series Internship at AUA. The aim of the internship is to assist with the implementation of the Gulbenkian Foundations Translation Series project, which will make seminal texts in the humanities and the social sciences available in Armenian. (Click here to view the list of texts scheduled to be translated in the first phase of the project).

The internship is offered to a current student of the Certificate in Translation Program for a period of one year including the summer. It is an exceptional opportunity for students to apply themselves in the field of translation and publishing in Armenia, with an emphasis on academic rigor and practical experience.

The Gulbenkian Translation Series intern will coordinate the meetings of the advisory committee, communicate and follow-up with the selected translators, curate a digital platform that will serve the creation of new glossaries, work with publishers and assist with the publication and dissemination of the published texts in Armenia. The student nominated for the 2017-18 internship is Margo Gevorgyan.

Internship advisor and lecturer Shushan Avagyan emphasized that The internship builds on the foundation, knowledge, and skills students have acquired from the courses offered in the Certificate in Translation Program, and it will give them unique experience and invaluable professional training. Our program is the ideal place for such an initiative and we are incredibly excited about our collaboration with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
With President Donald Trump having yet to acknowledge June as national Pride Month, and construction barricades engulfing much of Soldiers Memorial downtown, there seems to be undue adversity around the 38th annual St. Louis PrideFest.

But the festivals organizers arent deterred. Instead, theyre optimistic that this years event will break last years record-setting attendance.

Organizers say 250,000 people attended PrideFest in 2016, braving the heat to show support after the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. This year, the weekend-long festival carries the theme Community Proud, intending to celebrate the St. Louis LGBT community despite whatever adversity surrounds it.

Live musicians, dozens of food and community vendors, and Sundays Grand Pride Parade will once again characterize a festival that has expanded every year. But Landon Brownfield, secretary of the Pride St. Louis board, says the organization wants to reconnect with its beginnings.

We started as a grass-roots organization, and were trying to make sure that we honor those roots and continue serving the community, Brownfield says. Thats ultimately why were here, thats why were doing what were doing  to support the community.

Sticking to the implicit motif of beginnings, Cleve Jones, founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, will be grand marshal for the parade. Jones, an LGBT rights activist, also worked with gay-rights leader Harvey Milk in the 1970s and published When We Rise, a book on his time as an activist. An ABC miniseries based on the book aired this year.

The Metro St. Louis chapter of the NAMES Project has been a constant participant in St. Louis PrideFest, often running a lemonade stand in order to bring the memorial quilt to St. Louis each year. According to Janet Utley, the chair of NAMES Project Metro St. Louis, the quilt is a big reminder especially to the younger crowd who has no collective memory of the AIDS epidemic.

Much of the younger crowd may also not remember the last time a sitting president hadnt declared June as national Pride Month, as President Barack Obama did in each of his eight years in office. (George W. Bush did not.) Obamas proclamation, while not the first, was an official acknowledgement of LGBT pride events being held in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots. The Stonewall Inn in New York City became a rallying point for gay rights when a police raid in 1969 sparked resistance from patrons and led to days of demonstrations.

But Utley, for one, isnt concerned that the nonproclamation will have an impact.

I suspect it wont have any bearing on it one way or another, Utley says. I think people will still party it up.

Festival organizers are similarly unfazed; in fact, Brownfield says the organization has received an uptick in support.

Its kind of galvanized people into being a part of our organization, of other organizations in the area, Brownfield says. People have cited that as a reason theyve wanted to get involved or volunteer  because well, now we need it more than ever.

The organization announced in May that a $5 entrance fee would help cover festival expenses, along with scholarships, outreach engagements and community events. But organizers soon reversed course, instead encouraging a $5 donation.

At its core, the pride movement is about protecting, empowering, and celebrating each and every member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a statement released by Pride St. Louis said. Our previous decision to charge a mandatory entry fee, though made with no intent to exclude, would have created another barrier for those who already face so many challenges.

To help offset costs, the price of alcohol wristbands increased, to $2 from last years $1.

The festivities begin Friday at 4:30 p.m., with a screening of La La Land at 8:30 p.m., but the headlining musicians wont begin taking the stage until Saturday night. Kat DeLuna (8:30 p.m.) caps off Saturdays slate of entertainers, while Laura Bell Bundy (6:30 p.m.) closes the festival Sunday.

The Grand Pride Parade steps off at noon Sunday, with remarks by Jones, the parade marshal, at 2 p.m.

And as has been the case for the past eight years, the colorful St. Louis Balloon Brigade will play a central role. Founders Terry Laupp and Chad Carroll, along with 63 other balloon-clad members, will dance and delight the crowd. Any donations the group receives will go directly to Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), an organization that helps people living with HIV/AIDS to support and care for their animal companions.

Carroll says that the pair feel the group has become the face of gay pride in St. Louis because of all the pictures they appear in, but that fame has never been the groups priority.

Weve been doing this since 2009, and every year we get not just one but several people who come up to us and say, You were the highlight of my Pride, Laupp says. This visual that we have created has become meaningful for people.

Even though PrideFest only lasts three days, Brownfield encourages attendees to remember that the LGBT community and Pride St. Louis dont disappear at the end of the festival.

Id like to see people understand and know that we arent here for three days out of a year, but that were working year-round, too, Brownfield says. If they want to get involved, theyre able to. Its a fun three days, but then theres 362 other days that we work on community-focused events.
ST. LOUIS  Jason Stockley, a former St. Louis police officer charged in a fatal shooting after a police chase in 2011, is seeking a change of venue for his trial next month because of pretrial media coverage and an undue influence of the state over the inhabitants of St. Louis.

Stockley, 36, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the December 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith.

Jurors will be selected from a pool of 150 people and will be sequestered at an undisclosed location for the trial, set for July 31 and expected to take up to two weeks in St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilsons courtroom.

Wilson made no decision during a hearing Thursday on Stockleys change of venue request or a dismissal motion, which claimed the murder investigation was tainted because of Garrity statements by a St. Louis police sergeants involvement in both the internal and criminal investigations into Smiths killing. Court records identify that sergeant as Kirk Deeken, now a lieutenant.

Statements to internal affairs are called Garrity statements because of Garrity v. New Jersey, a U.S. Supreme Court case that said officers could lose their jobs for refusing to answer in internal investigations, but their answers are protected against use in a criminal prosecution.

If theres anything thats an overlap, the presumption is that he learned it in the Garrity statements, defense lawyer Neil Bruntrager said in court Thursday.

Assistant Circuit Attorney Aaron Levinson has said in court filings that Deekens involvement in the criminal investigation ended when he began the internal probe, except for documenting Onstar recordings and speaking to someone about them.

Wilson last month issued a gag order in the case on parties, attorneys and witnesses to protect the due process rights of the defendant and particularly his right to an impartial jury.

Stockleys partner, Brian Bianchi, who was with Stockley during the shooting, has been ordered to turn over his statements to internal investigators. The judge said Bianchis statements cant be used in any prosecution against him.

Stockley resigned in August 2013. He was in court Thursday.
HAZELWOOD  Family, friends and fellow police officers surrounded police Officer Craig Tudor in his wheelchair as he was honored by officials Wednesday night at Hazelwood City Hall.

Its overwhelming, the support weve had, Tudor said after the ceremony, with his wife, Christine, by his side. Its been great. Im at a loss for words.

Tudor was given the citys Purple Heart award to laud him for his service. He has been paralyzed from the chest down since an on-duty car crash last summer.

He was responding to a call on Aug. 25 when his patrol car collided with a car that made a left turn in front of him on Dunn Road near Interstate 270.

Tudors car went off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. He was airlifted from the scene.

Paralyzed: Two St. Louis area officers embark together on recovery Michael Flamion and Craig Tudor have been on similar, yet separate, journeys to recovery from spinal cord injuries at Craig Hospital in Colorado.

He underwent several surgeries and spent about three months in rehabilitation at a hospital in Colorado.

The other driver was later ticketed.

Tudor had received a number of accolades since joining the department in 2005, Police Chief Gregg Hall said. But as courageous as he was day to day on the force, he has shown even more bravery during his long, difficult recovery, Hall said.

Hes displayed courage without reproach, Hall said. Hes more than earned this Purple Heart award.

Tudors fellow officers were by his side in the weeks he underwent surgery in St. Louis, said 911 dispatcher April Briscuso. She said she was glad to see him smiling Wednesday night.

Hes the same old Craig, back to cracking jokes and smiling all the time, said Briscuso, who started her job in Hazelwood around the same time Tudor joined the department. We didnt see that for a few months.

Briscuso said contributions can be made to a number of fundraisers for Tudors family in the coming months. She said she hopes the continued community support helps keep Tudors spirits up.

Everybodys happy to help, she said. Were trying to do as much as we can for him because hes our officer.

Christine Tudor said the family has been overwhelmed by the kindness Hazelwood has shown them.

We wouldnt be getting through without the support of our community, she said. Were very grateful.

Among those in the packed house Wednesday night were representatives from other area police departments and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

When youre in a police family, everyone pulls together to take care of their fellow officer, Craig Tudor said. Its incredibly reassuring to have that.

Tudor said police work is a career that is fulfilling like none other. He said hes happy to have come a long way on his road to recovery.

Were taking it one day at a time.
COLUMBIA, Mo.  In an effort to save students money on textbooks, the University of Missouri System is rolling out initiatives on all four campuses this fall that offers access to free course materials.

The so-called open-educational resources model will initially make free online textbooks available at 10 classes across the four campuses.

The new effort was announced Wednesday on the Columbia campus by university system President Mun Choi, who has discussed the idea since he arrived at the university system in March.

Choi called the cost of textbooks a high burden for students. He pointed to schools such as Rice University, which is considered a leader in the open-educational resource effort, as a model.

This University of Missouri effort builds on an ongoing textbook affordability push called AutoAccess that the four campuses adopted in 2014. That program, which happens with the help of campus bookstores, allows students to access textbook materials online for a fraction of the cost. It is projected to have saved students $7.2 million since it started in 2014.

What Choi announced Wednesday takes the concept a step further. Materials can be offered completely for free because the university will have circumvented the publisher. The plan would give students access to open-educational resource organizations such as OpenStax.

But it requires buy-in from faculty, who have the academic freedom to use whatever materials they see fit for the courses they teach.

Klaus Woelk, an associate professor of chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, said he plans to utilize the cost-saving initiative for his chemistry classes this fall. He projects each of his 1,200 students will save about $200 on their textbooks.

Some students dont purchase required textbooks because its too expensive, Nathan Willett, president of the Mizzou student government, said in a statement. It ends up hurting their academic success. Any time we can make textbooks or course materials more affordable, its a win for students, and the university is still able to provide the same high-quality education.

Critics have worried that the quality of course materials will suffer since publishers are not involved in the process. This isnt a concern for Choi.

Students, faculty members on all four campuses will develop a plan on how to implement more open-education material throughout the schools. At the announcement Wednesday, Choi said he plans to provide faculty anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 in professional development incentives to find ways to cut the cost of learning materials.

The goal, according to Choi, is ultimately to have all freshmen and dual enrollment courses use these free or reduced cost materials in the coming years.
Theres a reason why George Orwells 68-year-old novel, 1984, recently surged back onto The New York Times best-seller list. Were living in a world of doublespeak where words have strange new meanings. Truth is fake. Fake is truth.

On NBC Sunday, Megyn Kelly interviewed President Donald Trumps reverend of truth, Alex Jones, who made millions of dollars off Infowars, a thriving business he built by propagating lies as fact. Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway has publicly defended the use of such alternative facts as a substitute for the actual truth. No wonder the American public is turning to Orwell for an explanation.

Here in Missouri, Gov. Eric Greitens is the master of doublespeak. In his world, darkness is light. Transparency resides behind a black curtain of secret donors. Freedom of speech means you have the right to shut up if you dont want Greitens to send his attack dogs after you.

In Greitens doublespeak world, a spokesperson is someone who doesnt speak. Parker Briden currently occupies that role. Journalists can email or call him, but he doesnt respond, as weve found repeatedly. Missouri taxpayers are forking out $42,000 a year in hush money for Briden not to answer reporters queries.

Last week, a bipartisan group of state senators introduced a resolution seeking to investigate the governor for any misconduct, crimes, corruption in office, or any offense involving moral turpitude or oppression in office. The resolution noted a fine already levied against the governor for campaign ethics violations. It noted the apparently unlawful coordinating activities between a Greitens nonprofit, A New Missouri, and the governors office.

This compelled Briden to break radio silence. He issued an actual statement with words put together in complete sentences. Unfortunately, his statement skillfully avoided the actual charges leveled in the resolution.

Its just more evidence that Governor Greitens is an outsider who is doing what he said he would do: taking on politicians in both parties to get results. When career politicians are whining, Missourians are winning, Briden retorted.

When you cant actually deny the truth, deflect. When embarrassed by the fact that the people most loudly criticizing the governor are members of his own party, combine whining and winning in clever juxtaposition. Orwell would be impressed.

Interestingly, as the ink was still drying on the whining Senate resolution, Governor Outsider jumped on a plane to Washington to play the consummate insider, sitting one chair away from President Donald Trump at a June 15 White House meeting. He also photo-bombed the president, aligning himself just behind Trumps right shoulder as he remarked on the shootings the previous day in Alexandria, Va.

With all the winning Missourians are doing these days under Greitens leadership, I feel sorry for underperforming states like Texas and California. Its because were winning so much that he can afford to break away during the second of two special legislative sessions he called to take advantage of the Trump administrations generous photo opportunities. We soon should be able to follow the governors exploits on EricGreitensforPresident.com.

Winning, in true Orwellian doublespeak, actually means losing. St. Louisans know this kind of winning all too well as we try to govern ourselves without being big-footed by Jefferson City. Take, for example, the citys legal authority to regulate for-hire car services such as taxis, Uber and Lyft when they operate under the citys jurisdiction.

Uber openly flouted local law, and Greitens encouraged Uber and Lyft to do so. As the Legislature yanked St. Louis regulatory authority away, Greitens recorded a promotional video for Lyft as if to thumb his nose at St. Louis laws.

Even Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley found reason to be troubled by such defiance of existing law. Like it or not, he told us this week, In the absence of state law, then local law is the law.

We are winning because Greitens is fighting to bring us jobs. Weve won so much under his watch, St. Louis saw 13,900 jobs leave the city in April and March.

Greitens told Fox2 News that he is fighting to protect the First Amendment against liberal reporters who have lost their minds. How? Well, hes defending the right to keep his campaign donations secret. Secret donors are exercising free speech by donating money to him in the form of legal bribery (which might explain his support for Uber and Lyft). By resisting news media requests that he divulge the source of more than $4 million in dark money donations, Greitens explains, he is defending the First Amendment rights of his donors to be heard without being harassed.

Interestingly, when state Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, criticized the governor, Greitens fought like a Navy SEAL against Schaafs First Amendment rights. His nonprofit posted Schaafs cellphone number. Schaaf says a robocall voice closely resembling that of Greitens urged people to call the senator and effectively tell him to shut his mouth.

Orwell must be doing backflips of joy in his grave.
During the recent UN Oceans conference in New York on how to sustainably manage our oceans marine resources, the slogan was Our oceans, our future. You might forgive fishers from least developed countries from wondering if it should have been Their oceans, our future.

Research published just after the conference confirms the stark reality that fisheries from least developed countries and small island developing states are among the most vulnerable to climate change and possess little adaptive capacity to meet the coming challenges.



The article, published in the journal PLOS One, is the result of international cooperation to predict future ocean conditions. It includes contributions by centre researchers Robert Blasiak, Jessica Spijkers and Henrik Osterblom, as well as collaborators from the University of Tokyo and the University of Waterloo.



The research builds on the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which describes vulnerability as being related to how exposed and how sensitive systems are to climate change impacts, as well as their ability to adapt to such changes.

The authors develop a vulnerability index based on the most recent socio-economic data as well as projected future climate change impacts across different scenarios and timeframes.
Embarking on a new adventure is both exciting and terrifying. New people, new places, and new opportunities. Whether this is starting a dairy farm or purchasing a calf, these experiences can bring challenges and triumphs that shape us into the individuals we are today. For many students, summer internships allow them to learn and grow in the career field they desire. Most importantly, these internships create responsible individuals who are ready to tackle the agriculture industry upon graduation. This week I start my editorial internship at Hoards Dairyman!

Summer is the perfect time to go on an internship! With time off school and a period of three months of break, this a great chunk of time to pursue a new challenge. What a better way to spend your summer break traveling, learning, and working for a company.

The opportunity to network with others is optimal during internships. Students who have internships often attend a wide variety and number of events where industry professionals are present. Dont be afraid to introduce yourself to either get your name out or ask for advice.

However you are spending your summer, be sure to make the best out of every situation and always look for the opportunity of self-development. Also, dont forget to have fun!

Elise Regusci

Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci is the current Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and is the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern.
Daniel Watkins

A BIDFORD man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend by setting fire to her home hanged himself just a month after being handed a long prison term  an inquest has heard in Birmingham.

Daniel Watkins, aged 35, had told people that if he received a lengthy jail term, he would kill himself.

He was admitted to Birmingham Prison in June last year and hanged himself on a wing stairwell in December.

His mother, Theresa Jones, said although her son had been in prison before, this time was different because he was facing a lengthy sentence.

On 7th December Daniel Watkins rang her mobile and left a message saying: Thats it, Ive had enough, Im going to slit my wrists.

But Theresa said she wasnt concerned because he had made similar threats before. Daniel Watkins pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder following the blaze in Chapelhouse Lane, Cradley, on 3rd June.

The fire left a 34-year-old woman and a six-year-old girl in hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation. Daniel Watkins was sentenced to ten years in jail.

Prison officer Richard Taylor, who assessed Daniel Watkins when he was admitted on remand, told the inquest any inmate thought to be at risk of suicide or self-harm was assigned an ACCT status - Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork.

When he was first admitted to prison Daniel Watkins was allocated ACCT status because he had tried to kill himself by setting himself on fire.

He was facing charges of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life, said Mr Taylor.

He told me hed set fire to his ex-partners home and thought he had killed her so tried to set himself on fire.

The jails GP said Daniel Watkins had a 40-a-day heroin and crack habit, and was put on a methadone programme.

The Coroner asked Mr Taylor if it was possible for Mr Watkins to be selling his prescription medication to other inmates.

There is a problem with drugs in Birmingham Prison, Mr Taylor said. Sometimes medication is sold to pay off a debt, or to obtain other drugs.

The inquest continues and is expected to last until Thursday.
Joint Investigation Team (JIT), formed to probe Panama Leaks case, has finalised the third progress report and will submit it in the Supreme Court today (Thursday).

Federal Investigation Agencys (FIA) Additional Director General Wajid Zia, who is leading JIT, will appear before the three-member bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan today to submit third progress report.

Also read: JIT Photo leak issue: Supreme Court rejects Hussain Nawaz's plea

Earlier, the JIT finalised the third progress report in the Panama case on Wednesday in its meeting, which are being held daily, at the Federal Judicial Academy.

The third progress report is being prepared in the light of thorough interrogation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and PMs sons Hussain and Hassan Nawaz.

On the other hand, the JIT probing the Panama Papers case against the Sharif family has Wednesday rejected Captain (r) Safdars application of changing the date of his hearing.

Read more: Panama case: SC orders DG FIA to probe record tampering charges against SECP chief

According to sources, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharifs son-in-law had submitted an application before the JIT to change the hearing date as he planned to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah this week.

The JIT rejected Safdars request and directed him to appear on June 24 as per initial orders.
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has congratulated Mohammad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on appointment as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

In his felicitation message, he expressed great confidence that under the most dynamic and visionary leadership of the Crown Prince, brotherly country will attain even greater glory and the brotherly Saudi people will prosper even more.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound together by a common faith, shared values, and joint aspirations for the future of the Ummah.

He said the bonds that tie two countries will become even stronger, and the love between our people will grow even deeper, in the days to come.
Terrorist safe heavens are inside, not outside, Afghanistan, Pakistan told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday. "The resilience of the insurgency led by the Taliban cannot be explained away by convenient references to external 'safe heavens' or 'support centres'," Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, said during a debate on Afghanistan.

Relations between the two countries have turned sour since Afghan President Ashraf Ghani accused Pakistan of waging an 'undeclared war of aggression' against Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan have long accused each other of turning a blind eye to militants operating along their porous border.

Pakistan, Lodhi asserted at the UNSC, was committed not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against other countries. Pakistan's Zarb-i-Azb and subsequent Raddul Fasaad military operations had succeeded in eliminating all terrorist and militant groups from its tribal territory bordering Afghanistan, she said.

She told the 15-member Council that Pakistan is implementing border controls, including the fencing and monitoring of vulnerable sections of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Responding to critical remarks made by her Afghan counterpart during the debate, she said: As a country that continues to host over two million Afghan refugees, Pakistan expects gratitude and not hostility from the Afghan government.

The main thrust of Ambassdor Lodhi's arguments centred around the need for a negotiated end to the Afghan war. She said that it had been Pakistan's consistent position that peace could be restored only through a negotiated settlement between Kabul and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Afghanistan.

This, she pointed out, "has also long been the consensus of the international community, noting that a negotiated peace was also backed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who had recently visited Kabul.

The promotion of a political settlement and the pursuit of a military solution in Afghanistan are mutually incompatible, she said.

Continued reliance on a military option, or enhancing troop numbers without an accompanying political strategy, would only lead to more violence and bloodshed, Ambassador Lodhi told the Security Council.

It would not yield a political settlement, she added.

Stressing the need to find a negotiated solution, she said that Pakistan has done whatever it can to help facilitate such a negotiated settlement. She referred in this regard to the 2015 Murree talks and efforts under the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) framework. She also recalled Pakistan's engagement with the Heart of Asia conference, the International Contact Group, the Moscow Format, and, most recently, the Kabul process, among others.

However, she made it clear that while others could help by promoting a negotiated settlement, peace could only be negotiated when Afghan parties desired it and eschewed a military solution.

Today, there is every reason for the Afghan parties and their friends to pursue the path of a negotiated peace. All of them face a common threat from ISIS and the terrorist groups affiliated with it, Lodhi said.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar attack Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan, Lodhi alleged. Therefore, there is no other country [like Pakistan] which will gain more from peace in Afghanistan, Ambassador Lodhi added.

We are confident that, whatever our differences in the past, in the end, the deep bonds of religion, culture, history and geography between Pakistan and Afghanistan will assert themselves and produce an era of peaceful and mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations," Lodhi concluded.

Earlier, in a scathing report, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tadamichi Yamamoto had warned that the recent surge of violent attacks in Afghanistan could signal a much worse and more fragile period ahead.

He called for urgent action to strengthen stability, including through improving the government's credibility, and urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid violence.

The months since my last briefing have been unusually tense in Afghanistan, he said. Without enhanced efforts by the National Unity Government to increase political inclusiveness, strengthen accountability, and improve the government's credibility, particularly in the security sector, we are likely to face more crises in an increasingly fragile environment, Yamamoto added.

In his briefing to the Council, the senior UN official spoke of the emerging difference following the May 31 terrorist attack in Kabul and warned that violent extremist groups could try to exacerbate the divisions, especially along sectarian lines.

Urging all sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence, Yamamoto underscored the need to address the root cause of the issues and reminded national actors that efforts to build consensus and political stability are critical.

On his part, Afghan Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal said reversing the tide against terror was contingent on eliminating support centres beyond the country's borders that produced, nurtured and empowered terrorists operating in Afghanistan.
Senior politician Javed Hashmi on Wednesday said the Panama Papers case is not meant to probe the prime minister but could be a means to disqualify and oust him from power at the behest of someone else.

The former Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader also added that Nawaz and his son, Hussain Nawaz, should be held accountable but the Panama case was not accountability.

The veteran politician added that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Sharif family under orders from the apex court appears one-sided.

If the JIT becomes controversial, then it would be political revenge rather than accountability which would make Nawaz Sharif a victim, said Hashmi.

The former PTI stalwart also alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan had sold a party ticket to a Patwari (middleman) for Rs200 million.

He further claimed that the PTI chairman lost charity money, collected for Shaukat Khanum Hospital, in a failed investment in Thailand.

This is a more severe crime than one committed by Nawaz Sharif, said Hasmi.

Hashmi, while talking to the media at the Multan Press Club, demanded a commission to be formed on PTIs 2014 sit-in for investigating former army chief Raheel Sharif and the political leaderships involvement.

In a press conference earlier in November 2016, the veteran politican hinted at rejoining the PML-N.

I am a Muslim leaguer. I can go whenever I want and no one can stop me. I will make a decision pretty soon, Hashmi told reporters.

Hashmi also said all decision should not be made in Punjab, adding that it was fine if the province was divided but not Pakistan.

In 2011, Hashmi who was considered a PML-N loyalist had left the party to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, he left PTI in October 2014 after developing differences with party chairman Imran Khan over the Islamabad sit-in.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Saudi Arabias newly-appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom he discussed the thorny diplomatic row between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors, including Riyadh.

The president and the crown prince committed to close cooperation to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity across the Middle East and beyond, the White House said in a statement about their telephone talks.

The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar, the statement added.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has been tasked by Trump to oversee an end to the crisis, has been working the phones in recent days trying to defuse a standoff that has put key US allies at loggerheads with one another.

Tillerson said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia and its allies had prepared a list of demands to be presented to Qatar.

We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable, Tillerson said in a statement. We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort.

Meanwhile, Kuwaits ruler congratulated Saudi Arabias King Salman for choosing Mohammed bin Salman as his new crown prince, state news agency KUNA said on Wednesday.
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Two fire service tankers were among the contingent that responded to a fire near Baypark last night.

A fire service spokesperson says crews were called to the address on Mangatawa Lane at around 7.20pm.

Due to the remote and rural location, two water tankers attended as well.

He says the fire was well-involved by the time the fire service arrived, although no persons were reported inside the building.

The fire was out by 9.15pm, and a fire investigator was on the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.
Another bumper field will take to Hampton Downs Motorsport Park this weekend for round two of the ENEOS North Island Endurance Series, where nearly 70 of the best racing machines will battle for One and Three Hour honours.

Its set to be another hotly contested competition across all classes, with several GT3 racing machines returning to battle it out in the 28-car strong Three Hour feature.

Leading the GT A and outright series are round one winners Simon Evans and Gene Rollinson in the Smeg Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3.

After the wet and windy affair at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park in Taupo, series co-leader Rollinson is predicting another wet weekend, which he said will mix up the battles throughout the field.

We had a pretty good run down in Taupo, but at the end of three hours we only won by five seconds, says Rollinson.

Rollinson has only tested the Audi R8 once at Hampton Downs and that was curtailed by wet weather and teething issues.

Itll be a new track for us as well, so weve got to get used to the track and the car. Were pretty confident we can have a good run, but every time we go out there were trying to win the thing.

Its as much a team game as anything else, especially when it rains. Itll all come down to strategy and the calls those guys make.

Hampton Downs is similar to Taupo in many respects with fast and flowing corners with a mix of long straights.

Rollinson said the circuit is definitely one which suits the high downforce cars, but in the rain finding the balance to use the aero and not fall off the track is tough.

Youve got to drive the thing hard to make the aero work, but the margin for error is really small.

He and co-driver Evans will have some stiff competition come Saturday afternoon.

The second placed Trass Family Motorsport outfit with Tasman duo affectionately known by the team as Sam Ace Fillmore and Danny Superstar Stutterd will line up in their Ferrari 458 GT3.

Dan Gaunt powered through for second at the last round in treacherous conditions, but these two are proven winners in the series and will no doubt be throwing their weight around.

International Motorsports Jonny Reid and Neil Foster will be back in action in their first-generation Audi R8 LMS ultra GT3.

While they battle for GT A honours, GT B is set to be just as hotly contested with a gaggle of Holdens, Fords and Porsches.

The TFM Ferrari 458 GT3 leads Clarke Proctors Nissan GT-R GT3 through the hairpin.

Off the back of a tough weekend in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Andre Heimgartner returns to compete with NZ Touring Cars racer Lance Hughes in his Holden Commodore VE. Heimgartner has run with Hughes for several seasons and showed his pace late in the race in Taupo when he launched up to sixth.

James Huggi Urquhart and Richard Danger Moore have decided to take a break from the series, which no doubt will give Heimgartner and Hughes a look in at the top-five in the points.

Heimgartner and Hughes will be hard pressed by Nick Chester and Cameron Jones who return with their ex-V8 Supercars Holden Commodore. Since they bought the car over a decade ago the former Team Dynamik V8 Supercar has been transformed into a weapon.

While the Three Hour will be the feature piece of the weekend, the 39-car One Hour precursor will likely have some of the fiercest competition.

Of the five International Motorsport cars competing over the weekend, Matt Whittaker is leading the charge in his Porsche 991 GT3 Cup car. Whittaker comes into round two as the defending winner.

Last time he raced on the Hampton Downs circuit it poured down, causing havoc throughout the field. This weekend might bring similar scenes as rain looks odds on to hit the circuit.

If the rain stays away, however, NZ Touring Cars and Central Muscle Car racer John Midgely will be hot on his heels. The car hes piloting was formerly driven by Shane van Gisbergen briefly, but now the Aucklander is keen to make his mark in the same car.

Joining the V8 rivalry will be the giant killing V8-powered Toyota Corolla of Chris Henderson. Only the rain at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park could stop his charge to the front of the field. In the torquey Toyota, Henderson will be hoping for some dry running.

Round two of the ENEOS North Island Endurance Series takes place at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on June 24.

Action begin at 10am on Saturday morning with the first qualifying session, before the One Hour race kicks off at 11.15pm.

For more information visit the North Island Endurance Series Facebook page.
Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
A Paeroa man is on trial in the District Court at Tauranga, accused of dousing his partner in petrol and threatening to set her alight.

Posini Munu, 44, is facing trial on one charge each of acid throwing, wounding with intent to injure and threatening to kill.

The charges stem from two separate incidents at their Paeroa home last year.

During the first day of the trial on Wednesday, Crown prosecutor Sam Davidson said after dousing Fenton in petrol, Munu then allegedly produced a lighter and flicked it menacingly as if to threaten setting her ablaze.

Shielded by a screen, Fenton detailed that alleged attack and another, Stuff reports.

She said her relationship with Manu had become rockier and rockier.

In July he had accused her of sleeping around with a friend in order to borrow his car.

"I told him to grow up," she said.

"He started getting more violent and asked me to go outside. I didnt go outside because I knew it would get worse. Thats when he headbutted me."

Fenton said the injury caused her to bleed from her nose profusely. She tended to her wound, went to sleep and said she woke up to Munu beside her tending to her wound.

On August 20 the domestic violence allegedly escalated when another argument led to petrol being poured on her while she was in her kitchen.

"At first I thought it was water until it hit me," Fenton said.

"Petrol hit me in the face, it was thrown in front of me."

Davidson said other witnesses at the scene will reveal a lighter was used to make threats to Fenton.

Munu has pleaded not guilty to all charges and defence lawyer Kaye Davies said the attacks simply did not occur.

"He did not headbutt Ms Fenton between July 9-24 or at any time," she said.

Davies said Munu argued with Fenton in the kitchen and at the time he was carrying a 20 litre petrol can in his right hand.

The argument caused motions to be made with his hands which could have resulted in petrol ending up on Fenton.

Davies asked the jury to carefully listen to the testimonies of the witnesses as the details didnt match up.

"Fenton will not be able to tell you about any flicking of a lighter," she said.

"There was no threat made. Take the evidence and really listen to their version of events."

- Stuff
The Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust is celebrating 15 years of successful predator control this month.

Their achievements include the restoration of the 1200 hectare Otanewainuku forest in the Bay of Plenty, which now hosts a breeding population of North Island brown kiwi, as well as kokako.

Predator control expert Professor Carolyn King from the University of Waikato will be the guest speaker at a special event hosted by the Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust in Tauranga on Wednesday June 28.

Carolyn has studied introduced predators and their management and written several books, including The Drama of Conservation. She researches the ecology of small rodents and mustelids, especially stoats and weasels.

University of Waikato staff member and trust volunteer Kiri Diamond says Wednesdays event will let the public know what the trust has done over the past year, and what the plans are for next year.

Carolyn will talk for around an hour, and there will be a supper afterwards for people to mix and mingle and have some discussions with Carolyn.

Prior to this she will be meeting with the operations team to go over their proposed strategy for the coming year. It will be an informed outsiders view.

Kiri says the trust has gone from a little community group to a big organisation, with more than 500 people wanting to volunteer now.

For the university, its about engaging with the community. We have expertise within the university we can share with community groups like this. We know this will appeal to more than just trust volunteers. If anything, were a bit concerned we wont have enough seats!

The event is on Wednesday June 28 at 6.30pm in H110 (next to the Atrium) at Toi Ohomais Windermere Campus, located at 70 Windermere Drive, Tauranga.
The visionaries behind Dominator Yachts first Ilumen motor yacht to grace the water are American Owners Terry and Kalli Giles. Their aim: to design a vessel that could simply but surely power through the Mediterranean in style and comfort.

Embarking on its maiden voyage this week, the next 72 days will take Kalliente and her owners across the Riviera in search of unseen waters and the dazzling destinations associated with a long summer in the Med. Its the ultimate showcase of the first in a future force.

A shiny new addition to the global yacht fleet, Kalliente was designed for an advanced vision of life on the water, with a double-deck master stateroom, four guest cabins and the space of a much larger yacht on board. Inside its the direction of light that fuels the dramatic expanse of space found in this modestly sized package; no corner is stuffy and no area too small; Kalliente is generous yet minimalist, every inch a contemporary design feat yet more than fit for purpose.

Gathered at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the yachts send-off for sea trial was anything but a humble affair. Although on first impression, Kalliente appeared in the shadow of Dilbar and Monacos other resident superyachts, as she cruised on by, her speed (two V8 MANN engines give her a top speed of 21 knots) and agility on the water is a gentle nod to all yachts in this range and their ease and affinity to navigate the region.

In fact, the launch marks an important milestone in luxury yachting. Speaking to designer Alberto Mancini in Monaco, it was the point of space in a compact package that seemed to resonate; ''The design and the styling of the yacht is very important and I resume that in this 28-metre I get a megayacht feeling.''

Owner Terry Giles reitterated the feeling of something much larger; ''It has the draft that you would expect a 90 or 92 foot boat to have, which is what we wanted, but it has the volume of a 110, 120 footer!''

Some may ask how space could be obtained across only 28-metres; however, the engineering package, alongside design innovation, has made Dominator Yacht's latest a deception to admire.
Morning briefing: Just 5 out of more than 1,000 commenters fully back Walkers drug-test Medicaid plan
CICERO, N.Y. -- Construction on Central New York's first Chick-fil-A is set to start in August, according to Cicero Town Supervisor Mark Venesky.

The popular restaurant will be opening at 7932 Brewerton Road, in Cicero, in front of Home Depot. Plans were announced in March.

Chick-fil-A, well-known for its chicken sandwich, has more than 2,100 restaurants in 46 states, but its only New York locations are in the New York City area. Other Upstate restaurants are in the works.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August. Venesky said it will likely be held Aug. 9.

The story was first reported by Localsyr.com.
Syracuse, NY -- Longtime Syracuse lawyer Gordon Cuffy was appointed this week to a judgeship that will make him the fifth Onondaga County Court Judge.

Cuffy will join four other judges who preside over the county's most serious criminal cases, from homicides to drug trafficking. His addition will help relieve a backlog of cases with trials already pushed into 2018, according to the office of local top Judge James Tormey.

Cuffy, a Democrat, is a former prosecutor who rose to prominence as Onondaga County's top lawyer under Executive Joanie Mahoney.

In 2012, he ran for County Court judge -- the same position he is now appointed to -- against then-Fayetteville Justice Thomas J. Miller.

Cuffy lost to Miller, a Republican, by 2,500 votes. Miller has gone on to preside over some of the area's most notorious cases, including the murders by David Renz and Robert Neulander and this week's Armory Square murder trial.

Now, Cuffy will join Miller in the county's criminal courthouse. Cuffy will also become the first African-American to handle felony criminal cases in Onondaga County.

The area has seen other African-American judges, most notably former state Supreme Court Justice Sandra Townes (who handled civil cases) and former City Court Judge Langston McKinney (who handled misdemeanors and violations).

And two African-American judges currently preside over Syracuse City Court: Vanessa Bogan and Derrek Thomas.

But Cuffy will be the first black judge to preside over the county's felony court.

His appointment was made using a little-known mechanism that has allowed another well-known local judge, John Brunetti, to preside for decades on the bench without being elected.

The state allows a certain number of judges, nominally Court of Claims judges, to be appointed by the governor to fill in gaps in the system. These judges do not perform Court of Claims duties -- officially to handle lawsuits against certain state agencies -- but instead serve alongside locally elected judges.

Cuffy's appointment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes him a state Supreme Court justice, who can be assigned to any trial court statewide.

Tormey's office asked to have him added to Onondaga County Court. That will mean he will join Miller (elected), Brunetti (appointed) and two other elected judges, Stephen Dougherty and Matthew Doran, in hearing felony cases.

Tormey's office has been trying to find a way to ease the caseload on the four current judges: there are 30 homicides pending in Onondaga County, along with the thousands of other cases that come up each year.

At least one homicide trial -- from a summer 2016 death -- has already been pushed into January 2018.

So far this year, outside judges have been called in to relieve some of the backlog. Those judges have been called in from Oswego County and elsewhere to handle trials.

The backlog first came to light when a Baldwinsville man, later convicted of causing his baby a brain injury, complained in October 2016 about a 7-month waiting period for his trial.

Markese Smalls' case was later transferred to visiting Judge James McCarthy, from Oswego, who presided over his trial in January of this year -- months earlier than originally planned.

This may be the first time that Onondaga County will have a fifth felony court judge. But it may not last long: Brunetti will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 next year.

The fate of Brunetti's appointed judgeship remains up in the air. If no replacement is named, County Court could return to four judges.

Court of Claims judges must be reappointed every 10 years. Likewise, County Court judges face election every 10 years.

Cuffy is expected to begin hearing cases as soon as paperwork clears and he can wrap up his current assignment. Cuffy has worked as the Thruway Authority's top lawyer since leaving Onondaga County government in 2015.

Like Brunetti, Cuffy will officially be called a state Supreme Court Justice, though he will work in County Court. Elected state Supreme Court Justices, in contrast, are assigned to civil litigation.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A parolee who police said jumped to his death from the 11th floor of an apartment building Tuesday was a sex offender who had been been convicted of sexually assaulting a girl.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision issued a statement Wednesday night identifying the parolee as Jason A. Jock.

Syracuse police said around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday officers were called to the Skyline Apartments at 753 James St. to investigate a suicide. Officers met with state parole officers who were already there.

Parole officers had taken Jock -- who lived at the building, according to state records -- into custody late Tuesday for a parole violation, police said.

While he was in custody Jock used a phone to call a family member, police said, and then "broke free" from parole officers and ran toward an open window on the 11th story of the apartment building. He jumped from the window and fell to his death, police said.

The corrections department said Jock was being supervised by New York state for the sexual assault of a child in Colorado, but provided no other information other than to say it was working with Syracuse police.

According to state records Jock, 37, was a level 2 sex offender. He was convicted of sexual assault on a child in a case from 2000 involving a 13-year-old girl. He received 10 years in prison, according to records.

Police said they are continuing to investigate.
When fans attend concerts to see KISS, they keep their eyes on the guys in costume, right?

And if you're at a Billy Joel concert, it's the guy at the piano.

But there are talented musicians on the stage you never really see, the invisible support players who make the music happen - anonymously.

These are the characters explored in an upcoming documentary "Hired Gun," which shows the world of support musicians who are hired to back up the main acts on stage and debuts locally and at more than 400 theaters nationwide on June 29.

It's a story that almost went untold, until Tim Calandrello, a Syracuse University graduate with a long resume in the filmmaking industry, stepped in.

Tim Calandrello, writer/editor/producer of "Hired Gun"

Calandrello worked on musical documentaries before. He was an editor for the 2008 TV Movie documentary "New Kids on the Block: A Behind the Music Special Event " and the 2011 documentary "Foo Fighters: Back and Forth".

Calandrello began working on "Hired Gun" midway through the project as a consultant and producer to help steer the project into a different direction.

"I'll just try and be that person and give them an overview of where they can go and what they can do," Calandrello said.

As the project developed, his responsibilities changed. He became a writer, and an editor. This was no easy task.

"I was trying to figure out how to make these individual stories feel like one big, fluid through line. That's how I rewrote the film and recut the film, trying to find creative ways to intersect stories," Calandrello said.

Calandrello worked on the documentary for around seven months from Los Angeles, while Director Fran Strine and other members were located in San Francisco. This meant editing through 60 separate interviews and over five hundred hours of footage remotely.

Once the 90-minute documentary was finalized, it began making its first appearances. The film premiered at South by Southwest, a large festival and conference in Austin, Texas, in 2016. This experience was one of the most meaningful for Calandrello as it was the first time many members of the cast had seen the film.

"When you have a scene that has a feeling or vibe you're trying to convey and the subjects and audience react in a way you were hoping for, it's really gratifying," Calandrello said.

Calandrello hopes the audience feels the same way and understand the importance of backup musicians.

"I hope that people enjoy the film and I think it's a really fun and interesting film. It's nice finally seeing these guys getting credit," Calandrello said.

Calandrello will host a Facebook Q&A session on Twisted Pumpkins Inc.'s page on July 6. This will start at 1 p.m. ET.

Calandrello graduated from Syracuse's College of Visual and Performing Arts in 1997. When he first arrived on campus, he was impressed by what he saw.

Tim Calandrello while at Syracuse University.

"It felt like it was the right place for me," Calandrello said.

Reflecting on his time at Syracuse, one notable experience was the style of learning. He remembers the hands-on work assigned by professors, the foundation of the program and the level of academia compared to other schools.

"Professors threw us out there in the real world with equipment and made us make films," Calandrello said.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- When Karin Franklin heard Bonnie Nye had signed on to play a has-been show girl in a Syracuse production of "Follies," she needed no other convincing.

"I said, 'Stop right there,'" Franklin said. She was in.

Franklin, who is still active in the theater, and Nye, a retired music teacher from Jamesville-DeWitt who hasn't done a show in quite a while, met 40 years ago during a community production of "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

They've met already for a few rehearsals and it's been all laughs, both women said.

The show features several women who got their start in Syracuse regional theater when the Carrier Theater first opened in 1976, said Eugene Taddeo, a long-time costumer who is producing the show. (And doing the costumes).

"Follies," a TheaterFirst Production, will be at the Oncenter July 14-16.

Nye hadn't seen Franklin in about a year, but when they met up again onstage, it was as if no time had passed.

"She just makes me laugh," Nye said.

And both know how to laugh, a little, at themselves.

For Nye, it's the first time she's been on the stage in about a decade. At 76, she said the dance moves aren't the easiest thing anymore. But that's all part of the humor of the show, after all. "Follies" is about aging showgirls who get together for one last run.

Franklin laughed as described how life imitated art, and her knees. "I have knee issues that are just ridiculous," Franklin said. As soon as she gets home from dancing at rehearsal, her husband hands her an ice pack.

Nye and Franklin's friendship goes back so far that some of it is on a cassette tape. Franklin needed help improving her voice for a show that included challenging singing. She went to Nye, a vocal teacher, for help.

Nye recorded a warm up lesson for her on a cassette tape.

That was decades ago. Since then, Franklin had her husband put the lesson on her iphone and her computer so she can listen to it anywhere. And she still does, all these years later.

The two women, and all of the others involved in the show, are guaranteed to fill the Oncenter with a massive, wonderful sound, and laughs. The cast also includes local opera star Jean Loftus, who is on the music faculty at Onondaga Community College.

Ticket information is available at the Oncenter's website.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
In this May 3, 2017 photo, Dr. Matthew D'Onofrio of Walworth Medical Associates in Greensburg, Pa., examines Charles Wolfe, 81, who came in to see the doctor for his regular physical check-up and a booster for pneumonia. (Shane Dunlap /Pittsburgh Tribune-Review via AP)
nandita_bayan21 Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Delhi Posts: 273 Thanked: 3,581 Times

re: Needed some vitamin sea, so drove to Goa! Day 3



8:30am and we both were up for the day. Today we planned to visit and explore some of the beaches in South Goa like Benaulim, Agonda and Palolem beaches. The Activa was still with us and we would use it for today as well, for a distance of 100kms. We had some tea, biscuits, freshen up for the day and left from hotel at around 10:30am. It was a hot sunny day, much sultrier than the previous day. However, there were still some breeze to ease things out.



Benaulim beach is some 11kms away from Majorda village. It is not as commercialized as other related beaches, though it is a popular tourist destination with few shacks and restaurants around the beach. This is the reason the beach is famous amongst the foreign tourists. We reached here around 11:20am. It was quite sunny and walking along the beach wasnt possible. Clicked some pictures, relaxed in a shady place for a while and headed for Agonda at around 12.



















The route to Agonda via NH66 was simply heavenly. This stretch of 38kms was through thick dense vegetation on both sides of the highway, curvy roads and canopy of trees providing shade and relief from the scorching Sun. Agonda is known to be one of the only four beaches designated for turtle nesting sites under Coastal Regulation Zone. The beach is a gorgeous stretch of pristine sand, fairly unspoilt and provides a scenic view of the Arabian Sea. A plethora of yoga classes, colorful shops, beach huts and easy on pockets restaurants can be seen along the beach coastline. We also saw the famous St. Annes Church which has an exquisite beauty of its own. Spent some 30 mins exploring the small village and then started our ride to the last destination of our day, Palolem beach. Decided to spend the rest of our day here before heading towards hotel.

















9kms, around 1:45pm we reached Palolem beach. By now the afternoon sun started getting too harsh and both of us were starving. Walked down the shacks area through multiple shops and restaurant to finally settle down in a quiet, cozy, sea facing place. The restaurant was almost empty and we could relax here for some time. First thing we did was to order for some food  Goan style prawns curry, plain rice, chicken pizzas and nachos. While we had our food, the outside view of the waves coming in going out, the farfetched horizon and sparkling water of the sea  it was just so breathtaking.









Palolem beach is also known as paradise beach of south Goa and provides seclusion and idyllic scenery. With very less crowd, mostly foreign tourists getting their sun tan, this beach is definitely one of my favorite. It has a soothing aura to itself though it has lost its beauty, not able to escape from the eyes of tourists. A large area of the beach now accommodates a lot of small shacks that taper off as you move towards the south. Dolphin cruises and the fishing trips are the other popular attractions. We enjoyed this moment, ate, relaxed, clicked some pictures and when the sun started cooling off, went to the sea to play for a while. At around 6pm we decided to call it a day and head back, had plans to have dinner tonight at the famous Martins Corner.

















The return journey was pleasant, sun setting in the background and the hustling cool evening wind. Around 7:15pm we reached our hotel. We called the Activa guy to come and pick up his bike. We got fresh and headed for Martins Corner at around 8pm in our car, it was just some 2kms away from our hotel.



Martins is a paradise for authentic Goan delicacies, offering a wide array of cuisines which are traditional and exotic. This is an award winning local legend but now has become very upmarket. However, when in Goa, visiting Martins is like a tradition. Ample space for car parking, nicely done ambiance, well lit sitting space and live music performance, what more can one ask for. We quickly got a table for two, the set up was quite cozy and romantic with dim light candles. We ordered some drinks, mutton xacuti, plain rice, pork ribs, chicken lollipop and some prawns fry. Food was a bit disappointment as the standard has come down over the years. We ended the dinner with bebinca and ice cream. By 10pm we headed towards our hotel.















Once we reached hotel, did some quick packing for the next day as we were heading home. Called the day off, we both went to sleep by 11pm. 8:30am and we both were up for the day. Today we planned to visit and explore some of the beaches in South Goa like Benaulim, Agonda and Palolem beaches. The Activa was still with us and we would use it for today as well, for a distance of 100kms. We had some tea, biscuits, freshen up for the day and left from hotel at around 10:30am. It was a hot sunny day, much sultrier than the previous day. However, there were still some breeze to ease things out.Benaulim beach is some 11kms away from Majorda village. It is not as commercialized as other related beaches, though it is a popular tourist destination with few shacks and restaurants around the beach. This is the reason the beach is famous amongst the foreign tourists. We reached here around 11:20am. It was quite sunny and walking along the beach wasnt possible. Clicked some pictures, relaxed in a shady place for a while and headed for Agonda at around 12.The route to Agonda via NH66 was simply heavenly. This stretch of 38kms was through thick dense vegetation on both sides of the highway, curvy roads and canopy of trees providing shade and relief from the scorching Sun. Agonda is known to be one of the only four beaches designated for turtle nesting sites under Coastal Regulation Zone. The beach is a gorgeous stretch of pristine sand, fairly unspoilt and provides a scenic view of the Arabian Sea. A plethora of yoga classes, colorful shops, beach huts and easy on pockets restaurants can be seen along the beach coastline. We also saw the famous St. Annes Church which has an exquisite beauty of its own. Spent some 30 mins exploring the small village and then started our ride to the last destination of our day, Palolem beach. Decided to spend the rest of our day here before heading towards hotel.9kms, around 1:45pm we reached Palolem beach. By now the afternoon sun started getting too harsh and both of us were starving. Walked down the shacks area through multiple shops and restaurant to finally settle down in a quiet, cozy, sea facing place. The restaurant was almost empty and we could relax here for some time. First thing we did was to order for some food  Goan style prawns curry, plain rice, chicken pizzas and nachos. While we had our food, the outside view of the waves coming in going out, the farfetched horizon and sparkling water of the sea  it was just so breathtaking.Palolem beach is also known as paradise beach of south Goa and provides seclusion and idyllic scenery. With very less crowd, mostly foreign tourists getting their sun tan, this beach is definitely one of my favorite. It has a soothing aura to itself though it has lost its beauty, not able to escape from the eyes of tourists. A large area of the beach now accommodates a lot of small shacks that taper off as you move towards the south. Dolphin cruises and the fishing trips are the other popular attractions. We enjoyed this moment, ate, relaxed, clicked some pictures and when the sun started cooling off, went to the sea to play for a while. At around 6pm we decided to call it a day and head back, had plans to have dinner tonight at the famous Martins Corner.The return journey was pleasant, sun setting in the background and the hustling cool evening wind. Around 7:15pm we reached our hotel. We called the Activa guy to come and pick up his bike. We got fresh and headed for Martins Corner at around 8pm in our car, it was just some 2kms away from our hotel.Martins is a paradise for authentic Goan delicacies, offering a wide array of cuisines which are traditional and exotic. This is an award winning local legend but now has become very upmarket. However, when in Goa, visiting Martins is like a tradition. Ample space for car parking, nicely done ambiance, well lit sitting space and live music performance, what more can one ask for. We quickly got a table for two, the set up was quite cozy and romantic with dim light candles. We ordered some drinks, mutton xacuti, plain rice, pork ribs, chicken lollipop and some prawns fry. Food was a bit disappointment as the standard has come down over the years. We ended the dinner with bebinca and ice cream. By 10pm we headed towards our hotel.Once we reached hotel, did some quick packing for the next day as we were heading home. Called the day off, we both went to sleep by 11pm. Last edited by ampere : 21st June 2017 at 22:40 . Reason: Removed mention of alchohol
Microsoft has published a new Windows 10 Insider Build to the Fast Ring channel, bringing another round of new features and improvements to the operating system. Of special interest to PC enthusiasts will be a new GPU information panel within the Task Manager performance tab, sitting alongside the longstanding graphs showing real time utilization for CPU(s), RAM, disk, and network.

The Performance tab shows GPU utilization information for each separate GPU component, such as 3D and video encode/decode, as well as graphics memory-usage stats. Moreover, the Details tab shows you GPU utilization info for each process. Microsoft notes it used insiders' feedback to prioritize and design this feature, which is still under construction.

Microsoft may include FPS and GPU clock speed graphs to the charts available down the road as those are also mentioned in the Insider 'Feedback Collection'.

Another gaming-related improvement, Microsoft added a new "Xbox Networking" section under Settings > Gaming. Here, Windows will help you attempt to identify and resolve issues preventing you from using voice chatting and playing multiplayer games with other Xbox Live users.

There's more to check out in the Windows 10 Insider Preview build 16266, here's a quick rundown:

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft now allows users to migrate cookies and Settings from Google's browser to Edge in the hopes to make a transition easier. It also leaked browser tabs so that the 'x' is always displayed, even when the tab is displaying a dialog box, plus improvements to ePub support and favorite management.

OneDrive files On Demand

Microsoft recently made an early version of OneDrive Files on Demand available to Windows Insiders, which lets users access all your files in the cloud without having to download them and use storage space on your device. In this build the functionality has been updated to give you greater control by letting you cancel or block an app from downloading an online-only file.

Touch Keyboard and Pen input

The touch keyboard now has shape writing and text prediction support for more languages, including Russian, Persian and Vietnamese. You will need to download the corresponding language packs. The touch keyboard also supports simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Pen scrolling now supports Win32 desktop applications including File Explorer.

Windows Sonic spatial sound on PC

Microsoft is making it easier to enable Windows Sonic, a spatial sound feature it introduced in the Windows 10 Creators Update. Just plug in a pair of headphones, right-click the sound icon in the notification area, and select Spatial sound to choose your preferred format. You can also configure your 5.1, 7.1, or Dolby Atmos for home theater from this menu if it's your default endpoint.

And more

Microsoft made a lot of improvements and additions to Settings, and polished apps like My People and Calculator, which now has a currency conversion feature. Hyper-V's Virtual Machine Manager now supports virtual machine (VM) sharing, and all Home and Professional editions now have the SMB1 server component uninstalled by default, which comes in the wake of the recent WannaCry ransomware attack that exploited the Windows implementation of this networking protocol.

Microsoft also enabled the new Reveal Highlight behavior, an interaction visualization that helps guide users (shown at the top of this post), on ListView and other XAML collection controls.

You can check out Microsoft's blog post for a complete list of changes and improvements.
OnePlus has carved out a niche for itself by providing powerful yet affordable smartphones, and despite the increased price tag, that trend continues with the OnePlus 5.

Today, OnePlus officially unveiled the OnePlus 5. While OnePlus's next smartphone is more expensive than previous models, it is still more affordable than the Samsung S8 or the upcoming iPhone, which could cost as much as $1,000.

OnePlus 5 Specs And Price

Whatever one thinks of the OnePlus 5, there can be no doubt that it is a powerhouse. The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor and at least 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The more expensive model will feature 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.

The phone will be running Oxygen OS, which is based on Android 7.1.

The OnePlus 5 starts at $479 for the base model. A more expensive offering with increased RAM and storage space is available for $539.

One of the best features of the OnePlus 5 is its camera. Featuring two cameras at the back, the OnePlus 5 offers high-quality photos that, while not as good as some offerings, are still pretty nice. One of the cameras is a 16-megapixel camera, whereas the second, which features zoom capacity, is 20 megapixels.

Midrange Or Premium

OnePlus has built their brand around offering powerful phones for lower prices. The OnePlus 5 attempts to straddle the line between the price point of previous models and its more expensive competition. For the most part, it succeeds by offering one of the best phones under $500 on the market. A lot of smartphones under $500 feel like the manufacturers put no thought or effort into their production. Despite our issues with the OnePlus 5's design, it is clear that OnePlus put a lot of effort into creating a device that feels well worth its asking price.

If there is one area in which the OnePlus 5 disappoints, it's the design. The phone bears more than a passing resemblance to the iPhone 7, and it is a bit heavy on the bezels. Compared to the Galaxy S8's Infinity Display, the OnePlus 5 feels absolutely crowded.

Overall, the OnePlus 5 isn't the best smartphone on the market. Its design feels dated and too reminiscent of the iPhone 7, but for a phone under $500, it is one of the best options available. We'd recommend it to anyone looking for a smartphone below $500.

For more information, check out the reveal video below.

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Ford is shifting production of its next-generation Focus from Mexico to China, planning to import the small car to the United States.

While other U.S. companies such as Apple have been manufacturing products in China, Ford's decision to source the Focus from the country in East Asia is likely to draw more attention than the others. That's because this marks the first time that the carmaker will make a vehicle in China targeted at U.S. consumers.

Ford's Financial Step

According to Ford, this move entails $1 billion worth of savings compared with the original $1.8 billion arrangement to manufacture the Focus in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which was scrapped in January due to President Trump's repeated criticism.

The total figure includes the $500 million savings that was announced when the company canceled the Mexico plant.

"Finding a more cost-effective way to deliver the next Focus program in North America is a better plan, allowing us to redeploy the money we save into areas of growth for the company  especially sport utilities, commercial vehicles, performance vehicles as well as mobility, autonomous vehicles and electrified vehicles," Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of global operations of Ford, said.

Ford is expected to begin production sometime during the second half of 2019, and most of the new U.S. models of the Focus will initially come from China, while more variants from Europe are said to come later.

US Workers Won't Lose Jobs

Ford makes it clear that there won't be layoffs for U.S. workers in light of the new production plan for the Focus, saying that the Michigan Assembly Plant will continue manufacturing until mid-2018.

The company intends to outfit the plant to manufacture the midsized Ranger pickup truck in late 2018 and the midsized Bronco SUV in 2020.

Ford To Export Vehicles To China

Ford estimates that it will export 80,000 vehicles to China this 2017, including the new Lincoln Navigator SUV.

The company has made a $900 million investment to upgrade its Kentucky Truck Plant, which will manufacture the new Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, securing 1,000 jobs at the factory.

"Large SUVs are attracting a new generation around the world  and we're finding new ways to deliver the capability, versatility and technology that customers around the world really want with our all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator," Hinrichs said.

The Bottom Line

Consumers in the United States can expect to see more Chinese-made cars because of Ford's plans to shift the production of the new Focus from Mexico to China. However, whether or not Americans are ready for them is unclear.

It should be pointed out that this is the first big investment move of the company's CEO Jim Hackett, who replaced Mark Fields back in May.

Ford is currently the second largest carmaker in the United States, following behind General Motors. On that note, it's also worth mentioning that Tesla recently passed BMW as the fourth most valuable car company in the world.

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Uber has been sailing rough waters and its turmoil has now culminated with the resignation of its CEO, Travis Kalanick.

Amid mounting pressure from investors, Kalanick decided to step down from his position at the helm of the company he co-founded and drove into a global force on the ride-hailing scene.

Kalanick had already taken an indefinite leave of absence last week, partly from personal reasons after his mother died in a boating accident last month. At the same time, the move also aimed to quell a shareholder revolt over his leadership. As Kalanick took an indefinite leave, the daily management of the company fell in the hands of more than 10 executives.

Uber Troubles

Uber has been embroiled in a series of scandals and troubles ranging from a controversial workplace culture allegedly brimming with sexual harassment and discrimination to a legal dispute with Waymo, an executive exodus, and other issues.

Following the departure of several executives in recent months, Uber was also struggling to handle the sexual harassment allegations brought against it. To that extent, the company hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to assess the matter and advise on a course of action. Holder announced his recommendations last week and, among other things, he suggested boosting the independence of the board, increasing its oversight, and reassessing Kalanick's responsibilities.

Many argued that Uber's workplace culture and leadership style were a direct reflection of Kalanick, who is seen as an aggressive leader willing to do whatever it takes to push his company to the top.

Just back in March, after a video surfaced showing the CEO in a heated argument with an Uber driver, Kalanick said that he needs to grow up and seek "leadership help."

Five shareholders had been asking for Kalanick's resignation to change Uber's leadership, and it now looks like they got what they wanted. Although he will no longer be the CEO, Kalanick will remain on Uber's board of directors.

Travis Kalanick Resigns As Uber CEO

"I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight," Kalanick says in a statement, as cited by The New York Times.

Kalanick's resignation deepens Uber's crisis at a time when it's already struggling. The company already had several executive positions left vacant, including finance, operations, business, and marketing. Uber is essentially in a worrisome leadership crisis that accentuates now with the resignation of the CEO, and it will be interesting to see who will replace Kalanick.

What Next?

Uber's board said that Kalanick always prioritized the company, and his resignation as CEO will allow Uber to start a new chapter in its history. The company has reportedly been looking at several top veterans in the business to fill the CEO position, and Kalanick's resignation may make it easier to appoint a permanent chief executive.

In addition to Kalanick's resignation, however, the shareholders also requested enhanced oversight of Uber's board by hiring "truly independent directors" to fill two of the three empty seats on the board. The shareholders also demanded that Uber hire an experienced CFO immediately, and asked Kalanick to help the search committee find a suitable CEO.

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A researcher at Queen's University in Belfast has warned that Earth is in danger of an asteroid strike.

Asteroid Day

Alan Fitzsimmons has warned that it's only a matter of time before an asteroid strikes the Earth again. Fitzsimmons and other scientists are hoping to use Asteroid Day as a way of drawing attention to the possibility of a Near Earth Object striking the planet.

On Jun 30, 1908, an asteroid exploded over Siberia and affected 800 square miles. If a similar asteroid were to strike a major city, the consequences could be devastating. Fitzsimmons noted that we have gotten much better about detecting such events, but there is still a possibility that one could take us by surprise.

"Astronomers find Near-Earth Asteroids every day and most are harmless," said Fitzsimmons. "But it is still possible the next Tunguska would take us by surprise, and although we are much better at finding larger asteroids, that does us no good if we are not prepared to do something about them"

Near-Earth Objects

Thousands of small asteroids strike the Earth every year. Most of these near-Earth objects are small enough that they do no damage, and the threat of a large one hitting the Earth is relatively low. That being said, low is not the same as zero and the planet is not prepared to deal with such a threat. The problem is that the costs of protecting the Earth from larger NEOs are extremely high whereas the actual risk of getting hit by a large NEO are small.

The problem being is that, of course, if the Earth were to be hit by a large NEO the effects could be catastrophic. It might not mark the end of human civilization, but it could kill or displace millions. Again, the chances of this happening are very low, but it is within the realm of possibility.

In May, researchers discovered that the Taurid meteor stream could send a thousand foot asteroid crashing into the Earth. That isn't as large as the one that wiped out the dinosaurs Chicxulub is estimated to have been more than 9 miles long but it would still be large enough to devastate the planet.

The last recorded incident of a large NEO hitting the Earth was in 2013 when Chelyabinsk Asteroid, which was estimated to weigh over 10 tons, exploded above the Ural Mountains in Russia. The asteroid explosion carried the force of an atom bomb and more than a 1,000 people were injured by the shockwave that followed.

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A "deliberate campaign" of fraud and deception from three pharmaceutical companies has led to the current opioid crisis in Missouri, the state's attorney general accused on Wednesday, June 21.

The office of Attorney General Josh Hawley filed a lawsuit the very same day against Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma LP, and Endo International Plc for allegedly misrepresenting the dangerous risks of opioid painkillers, which has triggered an epidemic nationwide.

Missouri has become the third state in the United States to do so, along with Mississippi and Ohio.

Campaign Of Fraud, Deception

The attorney general said these three pharmaceutical companies knew the opioids they sell are highly addictive and "life-threatening" when misused, but their reportedly fraudulent marketing campaigns convince consumers and doctors in Missouri otherwise.

Hawley said the companies repeatedly lied about the risks of the drugs they sold by using bogus organizations as front and disseminating fake research.

"They used fraudulent advertising and deceptive trade practices," said Hawley.

The lawsuit filed by Missouri accuses the three companies of violating the state's consumer protection laws as well as its Medicaid statutes. In return, Missouri seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in civil penalties and damages.

"We come to hold these companies accountable," the attorney general said.

In Missouri, approximately 500 residents have died because of opioid overdose or complications, while 300 residents died because of heroin misuse in 2015, Hawley said.

National Opioid Epidemic

The crisis is far from over. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that every day, 91 people die from opioid overdose in the United States, and that the number may even be underestimated.

In fact, in 2015, opioids have killed more than 33,000 people, more than any year on record, the CDC said.

Furthermore, in 2012, doctors in the United States wrote nearly 259 million opioid prescriptions. The number is 10 million more than the number of adults living in the country, Hawley said.

Responding To The Allegations

The three pharmaceutical companies involved in the lawsuit have responded to allegations of fraud and deception.

Purdue Pharma has denied the claims and explained that they share the attorney general's concern over the current opioid crisis.

"We are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions," the company said in a statement.

Endo declined to comment on the current litigation, but the company also said it shared the goal of the Food and Drug Administration to prevent misuse of opioid products.

Lastly, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceuticals said it recognizes that the opioid epidemic is a serious public health issue and that the company has acted responsibly in the best interests of patients.

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La Crosses assistant police chief is calling on the countys justice system to hold accountable a high-ranking convicted drug dealer released from prison in March after officers arrested him Tuesday with drugs and a gun.

Police searched Raymond Lewis house at 2826 South Ave. about 10 p.m. and seized 34 grams of heroin, 27 grams of cocaine, 2 grams of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber handgun, according to the agency.

Lewis, 37, faces eight drug charges and felon in possession of a firearm when he appears Thursday in La Crosse County Circuit Court. Also arrested on five drug charges is his fiancee, 35-year-old Christina Joswick.

Assistant Police Chief Rob Abraham said Lewis, arrested in 2012 for trafficking narcotics to La Crosse from Illinois to distribute to other dealers, is a threat to the community who must be held accountable by the judicial system.

It is time we start putting the concerns of our communitys safety before the concerns of the offender, he said.

In 2012, Lewis while on parole for drug trafficking charges sold hundreds of dollars worth of crack cocaine to informants before police raided his Mormon Coulee Road mobile home and rental car, where they found about $7,000 worth of cocaine, as well as marijuana, ecstasy, prescription pills, $4,544 cash and four children.

Lewis ran nude into a back bedroom and dove to the floor, reaching under the bed. One officer laid on top of him and ordered him to show his hands. When Lewis resisted, another officer punched him in the neck, breaking his hand in the process. The injury required pins and rehab.

He pleaded guilty to two of the 13 crimes filed against him, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine and resisting an officer causing bodily harm.

Prosecutors and investigators at Lewis sentencing in July 2013 tried to convince the judge to imprison him for 15 years, arguing the community is tired of those who fuel the drug trade.

They want the criminal justice system to send a loud and clear message that drug dealers will pay a price if they choose La Crosse for their business, La Crosse police Capt. Dan Kloss testified at the hearing.

Circuit Judge Todd Bjerke sentenced Lewis to six years in prison and three on extended supervision for resisting an officer. The judge also placed him on 15 years of probation on the drug charge and threatened a lengthy prison term if he violated conditions of his supervision.

Youre a dangerous person, and you have to prove otherwise, Bjerke said. Mr. Lewis, this is your opportunity.

Lewis, who also has convictions in Minnesota and Illinois, has past ties to the Gangster Disciples. In a 2010 case dropped by prosecutors, police arrested Lewis and his ex-wife after finding 16 grams of crack cocaine, two loaded handguns, ammunition, $3,000 cash and drug paraphernalia at their Jackson Street house.

Lewis, who enrolled in jail programming to aid his recovery and rehabilitation, said at his sentencing that was a changed man ready to be a father.

Im a better person now and all I ask is one chance to prove to my family and to the community that I can be a productive member of society, he said.

Defense attorney Sean ONeill warned that Lewis would emerge from prison as an older drug dealer and argued against using the old model of imprisoning non-violent drug offenders.
WASHINGTON  Senate Republicans launched their plan for shriveling Barack Obamas health care law Thursday, edging a step closer to their dream of repeal with a bill that would slice and reshape Medicaid for the poor, relax rules on insurers and end tax increases on higher earners that have helped finance expanded coverage for millions.

Four conservative GOP senators, including Wisconsins Ron Johnson, quickly announced initial opposition to the measure and others were evasive, raising the specter of a jarring rejection by the Republican-controlled body. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., indicated he was open to discussion and seemed determined to muscle the measure through his chamber next week.

Release of the 142-page proposal ended the long wait for one of the most closely guarded bills in years. McConnell stitched it together behind closed doors, potentially moving President Donald Trump and the GOP toward achieving perhaps their fondest goal  repealing former President Obamas 2010 statute, his proudest domestic legacy.

At the White House, Trump spoke of a bill with heart. On Facebook, Obama said at the heart of the bill was fundamental meanness.

The bill would end Obamas tax penalties on people who dont buy insurance  effectively ending the so-called individual mandate  and on larger companies that dont offer coverage to their workers. It would offer less generous subsidies for people than Obamas law but provide billions to states and insurance companies to buttress markets that in some areas have been abandoned by insurers.

McConnell must navigate a narrow route in which defections by just three of the 52 Republican senators would doom the legislation. He and others said the measure would make health insurance more affordable and eliminate Obama coverage requirements that some people find onerous.

We have to act, McConnell said. Because Obamacare is a direct attack on the middle class, and American families deserve better than its failing status quo.

Democrats said the measure would result in skimpier policies and higher out-of-pocket costs for many and erode gains made under Obama that saw roughly 20 million additional Americans gain coverage.

We live in the wealthiest country on earth. Surely we can do better than what the Republican health care bill promises, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Four conservative senators expressed opposition but openness to talks: Ted Cruz of Texas, Kentuckys Rand Paul, Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson from Wisconsin. They said the measure falls short, missing the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs.

On the other hand, Sens. Dean Heller of Nevada, facing a competitive 2018 re-election battle, Ohios Rob Portman and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia expressed concerns about the bills cuts to Medicaid and drug addiction efforts. And Susan Collins of Maine reiterated her opposition to language blocking federal money for Planned Parenthood, which many Republicans oppose because it provides abortions.

At the White House, Trump called Democrats obstructionists for opposing the measure and added, Well hopefully get something done and it will be something with heart and very meaningful.

Obama was more than skeptical.

If theres a chance you might get sick, get old or start a family, this bill will do you harm, he wrote. He said small tweaks during the upcoming debate cannot change the fundamental meanness at the core of this legislation.

The House approved its version of the bill last month. Though Trump lauded its passage in a Rose Garden ceremony, he called the House measure mean last week.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said under the House bill, 23 million fewer people would have coverage by 2026. The budget office analysis of the Senate measure is expected early next week.

The Senate legislation drew support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which said it would stabilize crumbling insurance markets and curb premium increases. The American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association and AARP, representing older people, all criticized the measure.

The Senate bill would phase out extra money Obamas law provides to 31 states that agreed to expand coverage under the federal-state Medicaid program. Those additional funds would continue through 2020, then gradually fall and disappear entirely in 2024.

Ending Obamas expansion has caused major rifts among GOP senators. Some from states that have expanded have battled to delay the phase-out, while conservative Republicans have sought to halt the funds quickly.

Beginning in 2020, the Senate measure would also limit the federal funds states get each year for Medicaid. The program currently gives states all the money needed to cover eligible recipients and procedures.

The Senate bill largely uses peoples incomes as the yardstick for helping those without workplace coverage to buy private insurance. That would focus the aid more on people with lower incomes than the House legislation, which bases its subsidies on age.

Caroline Pearson, a senior vice president of the consulting firm Avalare Health, said the Senate subsidies would be smaller than Obamas because theyre keyed to the cost of a bare-bones plan and because additional help now provided for deductibles and copayments would eventually be discontinued.

The bill would let states get waivers to ignore some coverage requirements under Obamas law, such as specific health services insurers must now cover.

States could not get exemptions to Obamas prohibition against charging higher premiums for some people with pre-existing medical conditions, but the subsidies would be lower, making coverage less affordable, Pearson said. States would also have to retain Obamas requirement that family insurance cover children up to age 26.

Tax boosts Obama levied on upper income people and medical industry companies would be repealed, and another on costly employer-provided health insurance would be delayed.

The bill would bar using tax credits to buy coverage that includes abortions. That language could be forced out of the bill for procedural reasons, which would threaten support from conservatives, but Republicans would seek other ways to retain the restriction.

For the next two years, the Senate would also provide money that insurers use to help lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of lower income people. Trump has been threatening to discontinue those payments, and some insurance companies have cited uncertainty as a reason they are abandoning some markets and boosting premiums.
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
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Democratic state Rep. Jimmy Anderson said his bill to drug test leaders of companies that get state loans or other corporate welfare is a tongue-in-cheek effort to draw attention to Republican efforts to drug-test some people getting food stamps and other forms of human welfare.

I dont know why it has to be tongue-in-cheek. If the idea is to safeguard state tax dollars from people on drugs  either because drug users dont deserve tax dollars or because they dont use tax dollars wisely  then theres plenty of reason capitalist pigs should be treated the same as welfare cheats.

Since taking power in 2011, Republicans have made eliminating human-welfare fraud a priority. Among Scott Walkers first orders of business upon becoming governor was to create a Commission on Waste, Fraud and Abuse. In October 2011, he created the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health Services to consolidate and improve the departments public assistance program integrity and fraud prevention efforts.

In the Legislature, the Assembly has passed bills that would make some cases of unemployment fraud a felony; include the photos of those who get food stamps  known as FoodShare in Wisconsin  on benefit cards; and eliminate benefits left on cards if the cards havent been used in six months.

Republicans might say such a focus has paid off. Last year saw decreases in the number of cases of UI fraud and in the percentage of payments blamed on fraud  from 2.2 percent in 2015 to 1.7 percent. Overpayments in the Medicaid and FoodShare programs also dropped from 2015 to 2016.

DHS also said that out of a total of about 627,000 eligible adult FoodShare recipients, only 1,382 were dropped from the program because of fraud in 2016. And of nearly 3,000 Medicaid providers audited, only 30 were referred by the inspector general for fraud investigations.

Another initiative launched by Walker in 2011 isnt safeguarding taxpayers dollars quite as effectively.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has been plagued by poor record-keeping, delinquent loans and cases in which applicants lied on their applications for state economic development dollars.

According to a May Legislative Audit Bureau report, 14 percent of the value of WEDC loans, or about $11 million, was deemed potentially uncollectible at the end of 2016. Thats not only a higher percentage than of FoodShare recipients who committed fraud, its about $1 million more than the total of FoodShare overpayments last year.

If lawmakers were to drug test CEOs, it wouldnt be the first time theyd sought to treat corporate and human welfare similarly. Human-welfare cheats can be charged with crimes, as could corporate-welfare cheats under a bipartisan bill last session to make defrauding the WEDC a felony.

Walker doesnt see drug-testing human-welfare recipients as a punitive, back-door way to deny benefits to people already down on their luck. He sees it as a way to help them address and conquer their addictions and move toward self-sufficiency.

Its only fair to offer the same to CEOs on the corporate-welfare dole.

If the idea is to safeguard state tax dollars from people on drugs  either because drug users dont deserve tax dollars or because they wont use tax dollars wisely  then theres plenty of reason why capitalist pigs should be treated the same as welfare cheats.
MILWAUKEE  A Milwaukee jury needed less than two days of deliberations to acquit a former police officer in the on-duty shooting of a black man last year that sparked two nights of violence on the city's north side.

Jurors on Wednesday found that Dominique Heaggan-Brown, who is also black, was not guilty of first-degree reckless homicide when he shot 23-year-old Sylville Smith after a brief foot chase following a traffic stop Aug. 13. Smith had a gun when he ran, but the case hinged on whether he was a threat when Heaggan-Brown fired the shot that killed him.

Body-camera video showed Heaggan-Brown shooting Smith once in the arm as he appeared to be throwing the gun over a fence. The video showed the second shot  1.69 seconds later  hit Smith in the chest as he lay on the ground.

Prosecutors argued Smith was defenseless at the time of the second shot because he had thrown the gun over the fence. Defense attorneys argued Heaggan-Brown had to act quickly to defend himself.

Smiths family members reacted angrily to the verdict, swearing and storming from the courtroom. Outside, one man shouted obscenities at a sheriffs deputy as he was held back by other family members.

Later, his father, Patrick Smith, said the killing was in cold blood, but urged people not to react violently to the verdict.

I really dont want them to act irrationally toward the cops, because all cops aint bad, he said.

No protests were immediately evident. Mayor Tom Barrett said police would have a strong presence in the Sherman Park neighborhood hit by the previous unrest, and urged any demonstrations be peaceful.

Smiths family filed a civil lawsuit against Heaggan-Brown and the city, family attorney David Owens announced after the verdict. He said it had become clear since the shooting that Heaggan-Brown never should have been on the force.

Heaggan-Browns attorney, Jonathan Smith, said the former officer was thankful for the acquittal and believed he was justified in using deadly force.

There is not joy in a case like this. I think we must be mindful that a young man lost his life, said Steven Kohn, another of Heaggan-Browns attorneys.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, who made the decision to charge Heaggan-Brown, said he did not agree with the verdict but would respect it.

Heaggan-Brown was fired from the police force in October after being charged with sexual assault in an unrelated case. The sexual assault case was not mentioned during the trial because it is being handled separately and knowledge of it could prejudice the jury.

Smiths shooting was among a string of killings of blacks by police in recent years that have increased debate about race and policing. Heaggan-Browns acquittal came less than a week after Minnesota officer Jeronimo Yanez was acquitted in the shooting death of a black motorist seconds after the motorist informed him he had a gun. Yanez testified the driver, Philando Castile, disregarded his commands not to take out his gun and he feared for his life.

In Milwaukee, Smiths death brought to the surface long-simmering tensions between black residents and police, and demonstrators assembled near the site of the shooting in Sherman Park hours after it happened.

Two nights of riots followed, with protesters throwing rocks, bricks and bottles at police officers. The protesters burned eight businesses and a police car and when it was over, 40 demonstrators had been arrested and a handful of officers hurt.

In the encounter with Smith, Heaggan-Brown and two other officers had approached Smiths rental car because it was parked more than a foot from the curb and they believed a drug deal was about to take place.

In Heaggan-Browns bodycam video, he began chasing Smith immediately after stepping out of his patrol car.

Heaggan-Browns camera shows him briefly pointing the gun at Smith as he begins the pursuit. He put his gun back in his holster as Smith turned into a path between two houses.

Smith slipped and fell near a fence, dropping his gun. He started reaching for it as he stood up, with his left hand holding the fence.

When the video is slowed frame-by-frame, Smith is seen holding the gun by the barrel to throw it over the fence. Prosecutors argued that Smith no longer posed a threat.

The two shots by Heaggan-Brown came in quick succession, striking Smith once in his right arm and then the fatal shot to the chest.

The 12-member jury included four African-Americans.

The Milwaukee acquittal also came as jurors in Ohio concluded their third day of deliberations in the murder retrial of a white University of Cincinnati police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist. Ray Tensings first trial ended last November in a hung jury after some 25 hours of deliberations on the murder and voluntary manslaughter charges.

The Milwaukee verdict was in line with recent history.

Data show 82 officers nationwide have been charged with murder or manslaughter for on-duty fatal shootings since 2005, said Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Ohios Bowling Green State University. Thirty-four of those cases, or 41 percent, have ended in non-convictions. Twenty-nine officers, or 34 percent, have been convicted, often for a lesser offense. Other cases are pending.

Stinson said the race of the officer charged didnt appear to matter to judges or juries weighing these cases. Of the 12 black officers charged in the cases he tracked, three were convicted, five were acquitted, one had the case dismissed and three are pending.

I think that the police subculture trumps the race of the officer. Black officers act in the same ways as white officers do, Stinson said. A police officer is a police officer.

Amy Forliti of the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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A decade after a 22-year-old UW-Whitewater student disappeared from Downtown Madison and was found murdered 16 days later, police and family members are appealing for help to solve the homicide.

Kelly Nolan was last seen in the State Street area in the early morning hours of June 23, 2007, after a night out with friends. A pinged cell phone and police dog led law enforcement to find Nolans body on July 9 in a densely wooded property in the 4700 block of Schneider Drive just northeast of Oregon.

The passage of time in no way diminishes the heinousness of the crime, the guilt of the criminal(s), nor the need for accountability, family and friends of Nolan said in a statement. We and the authorities believe there are people in this community and elsewhere, reading this today, who can shed light on what happened to Kelly if they will only reach out and tell someone.

Nolans death was the first of three high-profile homicides in the Downtown area within 10 months, only one of which has been solved.

Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said Detectives Pat Green and Joel Peterson, the latest to be assigned to the Nolan case, have been working on it for about a year and a half. Over the past 10 years, a series of detectives have spoken with hundreds of people about the case, DeSpain said.

Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said the current detectives are looking through the enormous file to find any loose ends or things that need to be reconciled.

Sometimes (a case) becomes almost so familiar that you dont look at it from a nuanced standpoint that a fresh set of eyes may have, Koval said. Youre leaving nothing to chance or youre not relying on previous relied upon assumptions.

In the statement, Nolans family described Kelly as a very special and unique human being, and implored those who remember any information, no matter how small or insignificant, to contact the Madison Police Department.

The Waunakee native, who was a senior at UW-Whitewater studying communications, was living in Madison on Mifflin Street for the summer to work.

DeSpain said witness accounts have Nolan last being seen on the 500 block of State Street between 2:20 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on that Saturday. But a lot is unknown about her death, including the number of people involved, if the person or persons involved knew Nolan, and whether she left Downtown on her own accord or forcibly, DeSpain said.

Its never been a cold case for us, he said. Maybe there is someone out there whose conscience after this number of years is starting to bother them.

DeSpain said police believe Nolan went to the area off Schneider Drive in the town of Dunn after leaving Downtown.

Koval said forensics techniques, such as DNA processing, have improved since 2007, and investigators will look to take advantage of those advancements.

Since the initial investigation, little information has been released. But Nolans death certificate was amended in 2014 to note she died from homicidal violence including blunt force trauma of torso with fractures.

DeSpain said persons of interest have previously been investigated and eliminated from the case. Currently, no one has risen to the level of a person of interest or suspect, he said.

The annual Oregon Summer Fest, held about three miles from where Nolan was found, occurred the weekend of her disappearance. While it isnt believed she attended the festival, DeSpain said detectives have looked into anyone with connections to Downtown Madison and Summer Fest, people with connections to Downtown Madison and Schneider Drive, and anyone connected to UW-Whitewater and Schneider Drive.

Why did she end up on Schneider (Drive)? Was that just happenstance or did someone have some familiarity with that area? he questioned.

John Summers, a former Madison police detective who worked on the homicide, remains heavily invested in finding those responsible, DeSpain said.

He continues to work with the family and to provide us with any information he can come up with, DeSpain said.

Anyone with information can call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.

Nolans death was followed by the murder of Joel Marino during a robbery at his West Shore Drive home in January 2008 and the stabbing and strangulation death of UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann in her West Doty Street apartment in April 2008.

The Marino case is the only one of the three that resulted in a conviction.

An unresolved homicide is a crime against all of us, Koval said. We absolutely feel like we can still find the killer or killers of Kelly Nolan, and thats our intent.

We abolsutely feel like we can still find the killer or killers of Kelly Nolan, and thats our intent. Madison Police Chief Mike Koval
A former executive of a Johnson Creek produce company has been indicted on several tax-related charges in federal court, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Thomas G. Paine, 63, allegedly failed to file corporate tax returns from 2010 through 2012 while he was the vice president and treasurer at G.W. Paine Inc., which sold produce under the name Tree Ripe Citrus Co.

Paine also attempted to conceal the companys income by structuring cash deposits to avoid reports to the U.S. Treasury, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Banks are required to report cash deposits of $10,000 or more, along with who conducted the transaction.

Between 2012 to 2013, Paine structured more than $400,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Paine was charged Wednesday in the Western District of Wisconsin with tax evasion, failure to file a corporate tax return and structuring currency transactions.

Tax evasion carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, failure to file carries a one year maximum and structuring currency transactions carries a 10-year maximum prison sentence if con- victed.

Agents for the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation.
Until Thursday, the last time John Floyd enjoyed freedom was about 5 p.m. on a chilly Monday in January 1981.

He was 31 years old and perched on a stool inside the Louisiana Purchase Bar when a pair of New Orleans Police Department officers, suspecting him in a pair of grisly French Quarter slashing murders, walked in and bought him a beer.

Floyd, who turns 68 next week, stepped outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon, free and headed for a farm near Lafayette to work and live for the time being in a 2001 Winnebago Adventurer.

After a brief hearing, U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance ordered Floyd released from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, his home for 35 years, on a recognizance bond pending an appeal of her May order tossing out Floyd's conviction and life sentence in the 1980 stabbing death of Times-Picayune proofreader William Hines.

Vance found that police had withheld key evidence that supported Floyd's claim of innocence and a coerced confession.

+2 Federal judge: Evidence shows man was wrongly convicted in 1980 French Quarter fatal slashing A federal judge in New Orleans is poised to throw out the murder conviction of a 67-year-old

Floyd, who was driven to New Orleans in a prison van Thursday morning, changed out of his prison blues and into a black T-shirt with "Justice" printed on it in bold white letters before he walked out of the courthouse and head-on into a gaggle of news cameras.

"This is awesome. I never lost hope. I knew one day this day would come," Floyd said. "It'll take me a while to get used to it. It feels good."

While Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office appeals her ruling, Vance on Thursday endorsed an agreement for Floyd's release that his attorneys with the Innocence Project New Orleans reached with Cannizzaro's office.

Among the conditions are that Floyd can't leave the state without court permission, can't leave the farm for more than 18 hours at a time and must check in weekly with a federal probation office.

In exchange, Floyd's attorneys agreed to a suspension of Vance's earlier order calling for Cannizzaro's office to either retry him by September or cut him loose. Vance signed off on the agreement.

Floyd's is the latest conviction from the era of former District Attorney Harry Connick to fall to allegations that police or prosecutors failed to turn over exculpatory evidence to the defense.

According to the Innocence Project New Orleans, Floyd is the 10th life prisoner from the Connick era that the organization has helped free, through court rulings or deals with Cannizzaro's office, usually for clients to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for their immediate release.

A recent report by Laurie Levenson, a professor at the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, found at least two dozen cases from the Connick era with documented failures to turn over evidence favorable to a defendant.

In Floyd's case, Innocence Project New Orleans attorneys Emily Maw and Richard Davis placed the blame squarely on police, not prosecutors, for hiding the evidence that prompted Vance to scrap his murder conviction.

"This is police not turning over evidence," Maw said outside the courthouse. "Today's detectives would not have done this. Today's NOPD would not have investigated the case this way or treated John the way he was treated, or relied on an obviously false confession."

Retrying Floyd now would be a tall order for prosecutors. No physical evidence ties him to Hines' murder, and the only new evidence points away from Floyd.

That evidence, including fingerprint test results unearthed decades after his trial, persuaded Vance to rule last year that "no reasonable juror, after carefully and impartially considering all of the evidence, would find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

Floyd's release Thursday came 35 years after he stood trial before an Orleans Parish judge for two eerily similar murders that took place three days apart around Thanksgiving 1980 and sent shivers through the French Quarter gay community.

Floyd was accused of slashing Hines inside the latter's apartment on Gov. Nicholls Street and then of murdering Rodney Robinson, who was found fatally stabbed outside his blood-spattered room at the Fairmont Hotel.

Criminal District Court Judge Jerome Winsberg, who is now retired, convicted Floyd of murder in Hines' slashing but acquitted him in Robinson's killing.

Blood and hair evidence in Robinson's case pointed to a different killer, as did the statement of a hotel worker who saw a black man running from the scene. Floyd is white.

DNA testing since then has only strengthened Floyd's claim of innocence in Robinson's slashing.

At the time, Floyd admitted to both slayings in a dual confession that Vance argued was tainted throughout.

Among the illegally withheld evidence, Vance found, were the results of fingerprint tests from both killing scenes that did not point to Floyd. The prints came off whiskey glasses and a bottle in Hines' home. Some prints were neither Floyd's nor the victims'.

Floyd's attorneys said the hidden test results suggested a different killer in a pair of murders in which each victim apparently served their killer drinks before having sex and then suffering a brutal death by stabbing.

Along with the forensic evidence, Vance pointed to an affidavit from a witness who said he had told police that Hines favored black men  contradicting former NOPD homicide Detective John Dillmann's testimony at Floyd's trial.

Vance's ruling serves as an indictment of Dillmann, whom Floyd accuses of plying him with beer and then beating the confessions out of him.

Floyd, who has an IQ of 59, was known in the Quarter as "Crazy Johnny." He talked about mixing PCP and whiskey and had made threatening boasts about the high-profile killings, according to two witnesses.

Nearly two months after the murders, Dillmann and another officer, John Reilly, canvassed the gay bar scene in the French Quarter and found Floyd at the Louisiana Purchase.

A drifter who traded sex for a place to sleep, Floyd first denied his involvement in the murders but then confessed that he went "berserk" after each victim "told me that he wanted to (have sex with) me." In both cases, he said, he pulled a 6-inch buck knife from his boot, hacked away at the victim and ran.

Dillmann, now a Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office cold-case investigator, would later write a book about the investigation titled "Blood Warning: The True Story of a New Orleans Slasher."

In an interview last year, Dillmann called the allegations of a coerced confession "ludicrous."

He declined to comment Thursday on Floyd's release, though he maintained his view that Floyd was "guilty as sin."

While at Angola, Floyd became one of former Warden Burl Cain's most trusted hands, working for years at the warden's house and all the while professing his innocence, according to Cain.

Floyd last left Angola when he joined Cain and six other inmates to help in recovery efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

"If you said, 'How you doing, John?' he would talk about how he's innocent and how he couldn't understand why the courts just don't release him," said Calvin Duncan, a former lifer who served as an inmate legal adviser at Angola before his own release in 2011 after 28 years in prison.

"His day finally came," Duncan said.

Several of Floyd's immediate family have died since he went to prison, although a brother and a sister remain in the South and have pledged to look after him.

He will have a job on the farm of Charles Chatelain, a friend and former business partner of Cain, in the small town of Carencro.

Chatelain, a Lafayette-area businessman whose stepson is serving a life prison sentence for an execution-style double murder, was an investor with Cain in a real estate venture that The Advocate exposed in a 2015 investigative report, prompting the legendary Angola warden to retire.

Floyd, who has an affinity for animals, will be doing work similar to what he did at Angola while he stays on Chatelain's farm, Maw said.

Floyd said he's looking forward to seeing a doctor for high blood pressure and to eating well.

"Ain't had a real meal in 36 years," said Floyd, who is expected to reach the farm on Friday.

Before his release, Floyd asked supporters for Wrangler jeans, cowboy hats and other Western wear, as well as a cache of Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson movies.

Cannizzaro's office is working on an appeal of Vance's order to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It will argue that Vance overstepped the law when she found that evidence of Floyd's "actual innocence" warranted an exception to federal time limits on such post-conviction challenges.

Prosecutors also argue that, despite Vance's ruling, Floyd hasn't proved that the state's failure to turn over the evidence violated Brady v. Maryland, the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that requires the state to turn over all evidence favorable to a defendant.

Prosecutors argue that Vance "has erroneously substituted (her) judgment for that of the state courts," which rejected Floyd's bid for a new trial.

It's uncertain when the federal appeals court decision may come. Cannizzaro's office has until mid-July to file its appeal.
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A Waupun man was indicted on Thursday for conspiring with others to sell methamphetamine.

Justin Kohl, 30, was charged by a federal grand jury in Madison with conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and also was charged with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Christopher Dutton and Brandon Frank were indicted in March in the conspiracy, and they are set for trial in December.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said others known and unknown to the grand jury could also be involved in the conspiracy.

The indictment alleged the conspiracy lasted from November 2016 to March 2017.

If convicted, Kohl faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison on the conspiracy charge, and 20 years on each of the two possession charges.

The charges were made following an investigation that included the Dane County and Lafayette County Sheriff's Offices, the State Line Area Narcotics Team, the Richland-Iowa-Grant and Sauk County Drug Task Forces, the Rock County Special Investigations Unit, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Wisconsin Department of Justice' Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Madison and UW-Madison Police Departments.
Established in 2015, Pigeonhole Theatre is a theatre company dedicated to staging professional productions and providing opportunities for women to embody great roles on and off the stage.

It's inaugural production, Playhouse Creatures, which got rave reviews during its 2016 season at The Q, will be the only Australian representative at the Mondial Du Theatre in Monaco in August 2017.

Pigeonhole Theatre's Playhouse Creatures showcases the talents of Canberra women.

Mondial Du Theatre is an international showcase of theatre companies presented works held every four years in Monaco. The festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity through dramatic expression and to connect participating theatre companies on a global scale.

Playhouse Creatures is an important piece for showcasing the talents of women, but not just on the stage. Featuring an all-female cast with roles that challenge the actors, as well as the audience, this production is a contemporary avenue for feminist voices to be heard in a performance space.
Wisconsins 2009 texting-while-driving law may be as obsolete as a flip phone, so lawmakers are introducing a bill that would update it by banning browsing on a smartphone while driving.

The bill announced Thursday by Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and Reps. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, and Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, would prohibit drivers from using an electronic device to enter, transmit or access data while driving.

The bill would not prohibit drivers from talking into a cell phone. Currently 14 states, including Illinois, require drivers to use hands-free devices when talking on a cell phone.

The bill would allow drivers to use a smartphones navigation program.

The minimum penalty for using an electronic device while driving would increase from $20 to $100. The maximum penalty would still be $400.

The state passed a law in 2009 that banned texting while driving, but last year a federal court deemed a similar law in Indiana unenforceable because it narrowly applies only to texting.

The court ruled that police couldnt prove whether the driver was texting or using a smartphone to read driving directions, surf the Internet, play video games or watch a movie  none of which the current Indiana law specifically prohibits.

Inattentive driving in Wisconsin includes texting while driving, but also being engaged in an activity that interferes with a persons ability to drive a vehicle safely. Operating or viewing a device that provides visual entertainment while driving is also specifically banned.

Last year the state added all cell phone use in construction zones to the list of activities specifically banned under inattentive driving.

According to the state Department of Transportation, there were 25,596 crashes in Wisconsin in 2016 related to inattentive driving, resulting in 120 deaths and 11,311 injuries, both the most since 2007. There were 72 deaths and 9,704 injuries related to inattentive driving in 2014, the lowest of any year in the past decade. Its not know how many of those crashes involved smartphone use.

The bill authors also pointed to data showing 3 in 4 people owned smartphones last year, up from 1 in 3 in 2011.

Zimmerman said the issue has become as or even more serious than drunken driving because of its epidemic proportions.

More people are dealing with phones than driving with a can of beer, Zimmerman said. My three hour and forty-five minute drive to Madison reminds me of that every time I come down here to serve.

Wanggaard said he expects the bill to pass the Legislature with bipartisan support in the fall. He said it was mind-blowing how many injuries occur each year due to distracted driving.

We have to do something to bring attention to this, he said.

A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said he didnt have a chance to review the bill Thursday. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Gov. Scott Walker did not respond to requests for comment.

Dane County and Madison officials are considering letting law enforcement ride Metro Transit buses to crack down on distracted driving. Plain-clothes deputies would ride buses, using the higher vantage point to spot texting drivers, and relay information to officers in squad cars who would write tickets. Some officials have expressed reservations about using buses for such operations.
Jetstar says it will be flying non-stop between Australia and China under a new charter arrangement before the end of the year, as it positions itself to take a bigger slice of the booming Chinese market.

The Qantas-owned budget airline flies out of seven Chinese airports to other destinations in Asia but has no flights to Australia.

Chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka says Jetstar can play a "very special role" in connecting China to Australia. Credit:Paul Harris

That will change with plans for a new charter service bringing Chinese tourists to Australia on package tours within the next six months.

"We fly 35 services a week into China through the combination of our airlines and we have a comprehensive plan for the future that sees that continue to grow," Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka told Fairfax Media on Thursday.
Unlike the vaccination debate she sparked in March, Senator Hanson said she would not back down over her views. "What have I said that is offensive? No, that is wrong. You're taking it out of context. I'm not saying they do not belong in the mainstream, I am saying give them the special attention, if they need that special attention." Labor Senator Murray Watt, who launched into question time with an attack on the Education Minister's refusal to comment, accused the government of selling out its principles "just to suck up to Senator Hanson". "Senator Birmingham is known as a Liberal moderate," he told Fairfax Media. "His failure to condemn Senator Hanson can only be because Malcolm Turnbull has instructed him to not jeopardise the government's deal with Senator Hanson."

The Prime Minister's office called any suggestion ministers had been told not to criticise the Queensland senator "completely and utterly false". "The government completely rejects any suggestion children with disabilities should be segregated," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement. "Our policies, such as the needs-based schools funding and the NDIS, are based on the principles of inclusion and opportunity; the belief we should help those living with disabilities live full and productive lives." One Nation's four votes are crucial to the success of the education funding bill, which needs the majority of the crossbench's support, after Labor and the Greens announced they would not support it. Senator Hanson was announcing her party's decision to side with the government on Wednesday when she veered onto the topic of students with disabilities, including autism.

"I think that we have more autistic children, yet we are not providing the special classrooms or the schools for these autistic children," she said. "When they are available, they are at a huge expense to parents. "I think we need to take that into consideration. We need to look at this. It is no good saying that we have to allow these kids to feel good about themselves and that we do not want to upset them and make them feel hurt. I understand that, but we have to be realistic at times and consider the impact this is having on other children in the classroom." Senator Hanson said it was time for the education system to rid itself of "people who want everyone to feel good about themselves". Labor and the Greens immediately condemned the comments, with Labor MP Emma Husar, who's son Mitch has autism, expressing her anger and hurt on Thursday morning over the speech.

"Senator Hanson's comments yesterday are just like all the other comments that Senator Hanson makes," she said. "They call on people to be divided, and to segregate those people that are different. "They call on people who are ill-informed to make uneducated comments like those. "She owes an apology to every single autistic child in this country; to every one of the parents, like me, because we have got better things to be doing than defending our kids." Social Services Minister Christian Porter said Senator Hanson's comments were "very wrong".
A trio of Turnbull government ministers will make an abject apology to Victoria's highest court on Friday, a week after they refused to apologise for comments critical of the judiciary.

Fairfax Media has learned that Health Minister Greg Hunt, Human Services Minister Alan Tudge and Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Michael Sukkar have now decided to reverse course and make the special apology.

The hearing on Friday is going ahead at the request of the ministers and is designed to bring the matter to an end.
Pauline Hanson and I have something in common  and that's a fear of difference.

That was clear yesterday when she said autistic children shouldn't be in mainstream classrooms. She made the argument that they should be in special classrooms with special funding.

She said: "If it was one of my children I would love all the time given to them to give them those opportunities  but is it at the loss of our other kids?

"It's no good saying 'We've got to allow these kids to feel good about themselves and we don't want to upset them and make them feel hurt', and I understand that.
When Sally Castle woke up on her 40th birthday, she felt a little blue about being single and having no children. But not for long. She soon realised that her solo status gave her the freedom to live life differently.

Now instead of full-time work, she takes on fixed-term contracts and project-based work via her business Shore Strategic Consulting and is aiming to spend three months of the year sailing the high seas.

Connie Munoz of Maroubra works for a PR agency for seven months, saves all her money, and then takes unpaid leave and goes travelling. Credit:Sarah Keayes

"I was thinking I could work until I'm 65 and buy a yacht and sail the world when I'm older and not necessarily as fit," she says. But she also knows life can be short. "My mother passed away when she was 64 and it just got me thinking in a different way."

The 41-year-old Sydneysider recently spent seven weeks sailing from the Caribbean islands across the Panama Canal to the Galapagos Islands. To help make it happen she rents out her home while she's away and has a well-established pattern of dividing her pay into five "buckets" including a "rainy day" fund and an "adventure" fund to ensure all her regular expenses and contingencies are covered.
Leading English academics and former HSC chief examiners have warned that plans to make HSC English exams shorter and put word limits on answers will make it easier for students to game the system and will "further fuel the HSC tutoring industry".

From 2019, the NSW Education Standards Authority will change the way it tests HSC English, with plans for a reduction in the exam times, word limits and multiple-choice questions for English Studies, the lowest level course which will now count towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

An optional 90-minute test on logical reasoning and analytical reasoning skills will be introduced to year 11 students this year. Credit:Karleen Minney

In a scathing submission to NESA on the planned changes, a group of English academics, including two recent former chief HSC examiners, warn that HSC English will now be a "significantly less rigorous intellectual challenge" than the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Britain's General Certificate of Education (GCE) and the International Baccalaureate.

The submission warns of "diminishing the status, integrity and intellectual challenge of HSC English".
A man has come to the rescue of a couple with disabilities as a fire broke out in a home north of Brisbane.

Brian Protheroe said he woke up from his home in Crawford Street, Redcliffe to see his neighbours' house on fire just after midnight.

A fire ripped through the back of the Redcliffe property overnight. Credit:Nine News Brisbane

"Just a fair bit of noise and that and the wife woke me up and that. We came outside and seen the fire," he told Nine News.

"Rod, the owner next door, he was calling to his wife Robyn. They are both in wheelchairs.
One man has died in a horrifying fiery crash after his car veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with an LPG tanker on the Mornington Peninsula.

The black Mercedes sedan crashed into the petrol tanker on Dandenong-Hastings Road about 8.15pm on Thursday, with both vehicles bursting into flames.

The driver of the Mercedes, a 49-year-old Hastings man, died at the scene.

But the truck driver miraculously managed to escape his burning cab, with only minor cuts and grazes.
One man has died after a car collided with a tanker carrying flammable material on the Mornington Peninsula.

Police said the "major crash" occurred when a black Mercedes sedan collided with the tanker on Dandenong-Hastings Road about 8.15pm on Thursday.

The driver of the Mercedes, a 49-year-old Hasting man, died at the scene. Paramedics treated the driver of the tanker for minor injuries.

The crash caused a huge blaze that brought more than 30 fire trucks to the scene and initially prevented paramedics from getting close.
Justice Beale found there were exceptional circumstances in Mr Hammond's bail bid, and said it was appropriate he be released.

The court heard that Mr Hammond had been away in the days before the fatal injuries were inflicted, but he took over caring for Braxton when he got home and his then partner went out.

He told police that Braxton looked "white and floppy" when he took over caring for him, but he soon settled. The baby was found not breathing 45 minutes later and was taken to hospital. Braxton was later found to have suffered other injuries, including a fractured femur, before the fatal injuries were inflicted.

Ms Todd said there were "vulnerabilities" in the prosecution case over the timing of the injuries and doubts over who caused them.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Leigh Smyth said Braxton had been cared for by both parents, his grandmother, his uncle and his uncle's partner in the days before he suffered the fatal injuries. He confirmed Braxton's mother was investigated for drug use around the time.
How a registered shotgun found its way into the underworld and eventually into the hands of Brighton terrorist Yacqub Khayre will form a major part of internal investigation into the siege.

The shotgun had previously been legally owned before it was obtained by Khayre, but is understood to have not been registered at the time he bought it.

On June 5, he used the weapon to kill Kai Hao and wound three police, before he was shot dead.

As details about the cases of the four men allegedly involved in supplying guns to Khayre emerge, questions are being raised about the ability of authorities to keep track of about 700,000 registered firearms in Victoria.
A Shepparton man who died of a rare mosquito-borne virus initially thought he was coming down with a cold when he became unwell while on holiday in Thailand.

It started as a normal holiday for Ray Henderson and his wife Lorraine, with lots of swimming, eating and relaxing by the pool of a hotel resort.

Ray Henderson died of a rare mosquito-borne virus after visiting Thailand. Credit:Holly Curtis

The couple were visiting Mrs Henderson's brother, who teaches at an international school.

The couple stayed at a resort at Khao Lak, a beachside district on Thailand's west coast, popular with tourists.
Commuters are being greeted by an increasingly familiar sight around Melbourne's CBD: large concrete bollards to help prevent terrorism attacks.

More than 50 of the bollards, placed around Southern Cross Station's major entry points, sprang up at the station, and on Queens Bridge Street in Southbank, overnight.

They are part of a $10 million safety upgrade announced by Premier Dan Andrews earlier this month to prevent terrorism and hinder vehicle attacks.

The temporary concrete blocks have already been installed at Federation Square and Bourke Street.
Charges are likely to be upgraded for an 18-year-old Capel mother after her four-month-old baby died in May 2017 from a "catastrophic brain injury".

Cassandra Doohan faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with aggravated grievous bodily harm after her daughter, Anastasia Hand, died in Princess Margaret Hospital on May 28.

The four-month old girl, Anastasia Hand.

The baby had been found unresponsive by her father in their Capel home two days earlier and rushed to Bunbury Hospital.

The police prosecution said the baby had suffered a catastrophic brain injury and a post mortem found bleeding to the brain and suggestions of abuse.
Perth International Airport has recorded the highest number of biosecurity seizures across the nation, after it was revealed tourists have brought in more than 22.4 tonnes of undeclared meat, legumes, seafood and fungi in the last two years.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources found Perth was the only airport in Australia where passengers continued to attempt to smuggle various products into the city despite numerous biosecurity warnings.

Perth International Airport is the only airport in Australia where biosecurity seizure figures are rising. Credit:Phil Carrick

Department head of biosecurity operations Nico Padovan said the seizure rate at Perth International Airport was "staggering".

"Despite an increase in passenger numbers of only five per cent, Perth Airport has seen an increase in meat seized from international passengers of 20 per cent by weightand a staggering 81 per cent increase in seafood seizures by weight," he said.
When Michelle's two-year-old cat Astro went missing almost five years ago, she said she had "never expected to see him again".

He had gone for a walk around her Noranda home in December 2012, and when he failed to return in time for his dinner Michelle immediately began the frantic search for her beloved pet.

Astro the adventurer. Credit:Michelle

"I posted on Gumtree, the Lost Perth Pets [Facebook] page... I searched endlessly for him," she said.

Michelle said she had only recently given up hope  nearly five years after Astro had originally gone missing.
New York: A Canadian soldier in Iraq has killed an Islamic State militant from more than three kilometres away, shattering the world record for a confirmed sniper kill in military history.

According to Toronto's Globe and Mail newspaper, the gun specialist from the elite Joint Task Force 2 achieved the feat with a shot from a high-rise during an operation within the past 30 days.

"The shot in question actually disrupted a Daesh [Islamic State] attack on Iraqi security forces," a military source - who requested anonymity because the unit's operations are classified - told the paper.

"Instead of dropping a bomb that could potentially kill civilians in the area, it is a very precise application of force and because it was so far way, the bad guys didn't have a clue what was happening."
Nissan Foundation awards more than $700,000 in grants to promote cultural diversity in America







 Grants awarded to 29 nonprofit organizations that promote understanding and respect among cultural/ethnic groups

 Since 1992, the Nissan Foundation has awarded more than $10 million to more than 120 nonprofit organizations

 Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Nissan Foundation annually awards grants to nonprofits in California, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee and Texas

NASHVILLE, TN - June 22, 2017: The Nissan Foundation will award more than $700,000 in grants to 29 U.S. nonprofit organizations that work to further cultural awareness and understanding. The grant recipients are located in Southern California, North Central Texas, Middle Tennessee, Central Mississippi, Southeastern Michigan and the New York and Atlanta metro areas.

Nissan Foundation President Scott Becker is recognizing the 2017 grantees at the annual convention of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in Washington D.C.

"I am honored to announce the Nissan Foundation's 2017 grant recipients, all of which are committed to a world where racial, ethnic and cultural diversity is genuinely valued," said Becker, who also is senior vice president of Administration for Nissan North America, Inc.

2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Nissan Foundation, which was formed in response to the civil unrest that occurred near Nissan's then U.S. sales and marketing headquarters in Southern California following the Rodney King trial verdict. Since that time, the Foundation has annually awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations celebrating cultural diversity through arts, education and social and public programs.

"Our mission is to support local organizations offering educational programs that foster greater understanding and respect among the groups of people who live within that community," said Nissan Foundation Executive Director Vicki Smith.

How the grantee organizations meet that objective is as varied as the organizations themselves.

The Nashville Public Library Foundation, a 2016 Nissan Foundation grant recipient, has used its grant to fund its program titled, "Civil Rights and a Civil Society: Civil Rights Training for Nashville Enforcement Agencies and Beyond." Through archival images, oral histories and films, this civil rights program series connects history with today's prevailing issues affecting law enforcement and minority communities.

"With funding from the Nissan Foundation, we provided training sessions to more than 900 law enforcement officers around the state and to more than 1,500 members of the community, including students, senior citizens and civic group members," said Andrea Blackman, division head for Education Outreach and Special Collections at the Nashville Public Library.

Another Nissan Foundation grantee is the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) based in Los Angeles, which used its grant to help fund its School Visits program. The program centers around docent-led tours of the museum's permanent exhibition "Common Ground: The Heart of Community," with focus on the Japanese American experience during World War II. The program serves approximately 12,000 K-12 students from primarily Title I schools each year.

"The Japanese American National Museum has been able to serve thousands of ethnically diverse young people thanks to support from the Nissan Foundation," said Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of JANM. "When schoolchildren visit, they are given the opportunity to draw parallels, examine differences and explore intersections between the Japanese American experience and their own. Our tours and educational activities foster empathy and inspire students to value diversity, heritage, and history, which is at the very core of our institutional mission."

Over the past 25 years, the Nissan Foundation has awarded more than $10 million to more than 120 nonprofit organizations. The Nissan Foundation board reviewed 34 proposals from nonprofits in seven U.S. communities where Nissan operates before awarding its 2017 grants to the following organizations.

2017 Grant Recipients

California



Georgia

Michigan

Mississippi

New York

Tennessee

Texas

The Nissan Foundation will begin accepting Letters of Intent from 2018 grant applicants in October 2017.

A new look

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Nissan Foundation unveiled a new logo at the NNPA luncheon. The logo's geometric patterns, which represent inclusion and movement, are connected in the middle, creating a unified whole. The many colors represent the celebration of cultural diversity inherent in the foundation's mission.

"The new logo aligns well with the Nissan Foundation's mission," said Smith. "Its timeless design should hold up well over the next 25 years."

About the Nissan Foundation

Established in 1992, the mission of the Nissan Foundation is to build community through valuing cultural diversity. The Nissan Foundation is part of Nissan North America's commitment to "enrich people's lives" by helping to meet the needs of communities throughout the U.S. through philanthropic investments, corporate outreach sponsorships, in-kind donations and other charitable contributions. During its 25th anniversary year, the Nissan Foundation is sharing the powerful stories of the nonprofits it supports in a shared commitment to promoting cultural diversity. Follow along at #NissanCommunity.
NOTICE OF SALE Case No.: 3:21-cv-00770-SVH BY VIRTUE of that certain Decree of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina heretofore granted in the case of ...

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Store # ...

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A 27-year-old doctoral candidate originally from Rockdale is set to announce today that he will challenge U.S. Rep. Bill Flores for his congressional seat in 2018.

Dale Mantey, a doctoral candidate in epidemiology at the University of Texas School of Public Health, will make the announcement at 10 a.m. in Waco. Mantey will run as a Democrat and will place an emphasis on bringing jobs back to rural parts of the district hit hard by the decline of manufacturing.

Mantey said he will advocate for high-tech energy jobs to be brought to the district to put back to work those who lost their jobs in the shutting down of local manufacturing plants, such as the Alcoa aluminum smeltering operations in Rockdale that closed in 2008, putting hundreds out of work.

"They're gone now," Mantey said of those jobs. "We have to find out what's going to bring the next 50 years of jobs."

To Mantey, the answer lies in the solar and wind turbine industries. The congressional candidate said he wants to recruit high-tech energy companies to the district, bringing jobs and stimulating local economies.

According to the American Wind Energy Association, Texas is ranked first among U.S. states in wind capacity both installed and under construction, and the state supports more than 22,000 wind-related jobs. As for solar, Mantey said Texans don't need to be told how powerful the sun can be in their state.

"We know what the sun is capable of," he said.

Mantey said that to bring that work to the district requires three things: a strong-willed workforce, a network of highways for distribution, and bright minds in engineering and research fields at top universities such as Texas A&M University and Baylor.

The ideological implications of running as a Democrat aside, Mantey said the "D" next to his name on the ballot has little to do with the economic stimulation he's advocating for.

"There's not a Republican or a Democrat job," he said. "There are just jobs."

Mantey said he has traveled as a potential candidate to seven of the 12 counties that make up the 17th congressional district, and "we have every intention to getting to all 12 by the end of the summer."

Mantey said he is "running to get the Democratic Party back to its core values," representing the working class, farmers and ranchers and striving to make every person equal in the eyes of the law. He's in the midst of an in-person introductory tour, knocking on doors and shaking hands with people he said have told him they've "never voted for Democrats in their lives."

Mantey said he considers himself a "lifelong Democrat." His father and grandfather are "union guys," and he doesn't believe that slashing taxes and suppressing wages will lead to jobs and economic growth.

Flores won his seat in the 2010 midterm elections, defeating the two-decade incumbent, Democrat Chet Edwards, whom Mantey points to as one of the reasons he considers himself a lifelong Democrat.

Flores rode into office on a wave of anti-establishment and conservative sentiment reacting to, among other topics, then-President Obama's health care reforms. Though it's not unusual for a sitting president's party to lose seats in midterm elections, the 2010 midterms were a rout -- Republicans picked up 63 seats in the House, the most in such an election since 1938, and six seats in the Senate.

Though it's too early to project 2018's outcome, health care likely will be an issue in the 2018 elections, considering Republicans' current efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Mantey said his decision to run as a Democrat in these ideologically polarized times shouldn't take away from his aim of bringing back jobs.

"You don't become immune to economic problems because of what your political ideology is," he said.

Though he has no experience holding or running for elected office, Mantey said he felt compelled to run for Flores' seat because of the economic effects of those manufacturing jobs leaving the district, as well as his community's struggle to renovate its economy because "we don't have anyone fighting for us in D.C."

"I'm from this district. This is home to me," he said. "I know the issues that are going on here, because I've lived them."

In a response, Flores spokesman Andre Castro said the congressman is committed to helping create jobs for the local economy.

"Congressman Flores remains focused on the priorities that the people of the Brazos Valley and Central Texas have repeatedly elected him to help solve: Unleashing our economy to help create good-paying jobs for our hard-working families, strengthening the security of our nation to deal with an increasingly dangerous world, and limiting the growth of government so our families and businesses are free from the heavy hand of federal regulations," Castro wrote in an email to The Eagle.

The primary election is March 6, 2018. The general election is the following November.
With summer officially underway and temperatures heating up, local authorities remind residents it's against the law to leave young children and pets inside of a hot car.

In June, temperatures in the Brazos Valley have floated between the 80s and 90s, with the added intensity of frequently high humidity. Authorities say as hot as it may be outside, those sealed inside a car will feel even more uncomfortable.

"Even if the temperature outdoors is just 75 degrees Fahrenheit," said Bryan PD spokeswoman Officer Kelley McKethan, "it would only take 10 minutes for the interior of a car to reach 100 degrees."

While no deaths of children or pets from being in a hot car have been recorded in Bryan-College Station in recent history, it's not uncommon for police to respond to situations involving people or animals left in vehicles.

"We have had incidents where we had to break open the windows in the past," McKethan said.

By law, a person will be issued a Class C misdemeanor citation if a child under the age of 7 is left unattended for more than five minutes, though McKethan noted local police would not recommend leaving a child in a hot car for even one minute.

"We've had incidents in the past where the parent is distracted and forgotten their infant or kid in the car," McKethan said. "We took measures to get that child out."

Earlier this month a woman was arrested in San Antonio after she allegedly left her two children locked in a car for 15 hours. Despite the incident took place at night, the children died from being trapped in the vehicle.

"As hot as it is at night, it's still potentially dangerous," McKethan said, "Yes, the sun speeds up heating, but even at night you've got no air circulating in the vehicle, and the car will continue to heat up."

According to John Hopkins Medicine, overheating of the human body is evidenced in heat cramps, heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke. A child who becomes overheated in a car can start to feel pain and cramps in their muscles, as well as spasms, and can sweat so much that the body loses the water needed to cool itself. Ultimately heat stroke can occur, signified by dry skin, fever, vomiting, aches, fatigue, confusion and seizures. Heat stroke can lead to death.

Though leaving a child in a car would initially only garner a citation punishable by up to a $500 fine, if the child becomes sick or fatigued, their caretakers could face more serious endangerment charges.

"If a child dies in a vehicle, the charge would be increased to negligent homicide," McKethan said.

It is also a Class C misdemeanor to leave an animal locked in a car, based on city ordinances. In College Station, the ordinance states that the outdoor temperature cannot be over 85 degrees, while in Bryan it cannot be warmer than 75 degrees outside. Police and firefighters can also take action if an animal appears "distressed," meaning if it appears unresponsive, lethargic or is panting excessively.

"If we were to rescue an animal from a hot car, we'd soak a towel in water and try to bring that animal's body temperature down," said College Station PD Animal Control officer Slorent Delesque. "... This year so far we haven't had to rescue. Often it gets close for us to have to call the fire department to come and open the doors, but luckily the times [this year] the owner has come back to the vehicle just in time."

Delesque estimates CSPD has responded to between four and five calls this year about animals in hot cars. Citations have been issued to pet owners, he said, even though no animals have died.

"Cracking your window doesn't make a difference, because if the animal is left inside and the temperature goes up, it's still a violation," he added, "We had a case about two weeks ago where the owner had the window cracked. It was 92 degrees outside, and inside the car it measured at 105 degrees."

McKethan and Delesque both said that if anyone should see a child or an animal sitting in an unattended car to immediately call 911.

"If contacted directly, [first responders] could be on scene between four to five minutes," Delesque said.

McKethan explained that a person will have to decide for themselves if the situation is dire enough to break open a window.

"Always call 911 if a child seems distressed, and help will be on the way," McKethan said. "Evaluate the situation. If the child is responsive to you, maybe wait on emergency services. But if they appear to be in real distress, then you can take other steps needed. You are protected to take those measures."
Locals have been protesting and calling for environmental justice - the resistance, mostly non-violent, has ranged from road blockades to collaborating with environmental NGOs and signing an open letter calling on President Juan Manuel Santos to take action on particular issues, such as declaring a moratorium on fracking. However, none of these actions, top date, has been enough to convince the Government to reconsider its liberal and regulation-free economic policies, many of which are causing environmental injustices.

It is against this backdrop that one community recently won its battle against AGA. Cajamarca, an agricultural town in central Tolima, went to the ballot box and 6,165 out of 6,296 voters said "No" to all exploration and excavation activities. As a result, the municipality has legally banned all mining activities within its boundaries. Naturally the main concerns were over land and and water pollution, and over the irreversible destruction of lush forests that La Colosa' might cause.

"[The project will] disappear mountains, contaminate soils, water, air and put at risk collective rights for a clean environment for present and future generations, affect the food production of this region and to completely terminate the dynamics of the ecosystem." says Renzo Garcia, a biologist at the University of Tolima. On top of environmental concerns, locals also expressed their fear from cultural identity loss that is most likely to follow the environmental destruction. In the words of a local activist, Camila Mendez: "Dignity has no price; a farming culture won't be sold because of pressures by the Government and foreign companies."

In fact, popular vote is nothing new to the residents of Tolima. The same story happened before, in July 2013, when the first ever popular vote on a large-scale mining project was held in another town of Tolima. Then too, residents interrupted AGA's plans to build a processing plant. In the end, plans for the processing plant only changed location, to Cajamarca.

When the result of the popular vote was announced in Cajamarca, the central government backed the mining company, not its citizens with the Mining Minister, German Arce, stating: "The licenses have already been granted and referendum decisions do not apply retroactively. That's why exploration licenses retain their validity. Residents' referendum holds no legal weight and not legally binding."

The Minister even accused the locals of exaggerating the environmental impacts and risks of gold mining. At the end, the referendum result puts a clear end to the project. Remarkably, AGA then cancelled the whole project stating: "Diverse reasons which range from the institutional, the political and particularly the social, with the recent referendum, oblige us to take the unfortunate decision to stop all project activities and with it all employment and investment, until there's certainty about mining activity in the country and in Tolima."

That decision was the result of strong community opposition and legal wrangling over environmental regulations, which have now prompted the Environment Minister Arce to promise new legislation, (albeit half-heartedly), that will reconcile existing mining permits with judicial authorities and local bodies.

La Colosa' is a historic victory against transnational mining giants, since the Constitutional Court (for the very first time) overturned the central government's sole authority by allowing provincial governors and mayors to challenge exploration permits. In fact, the La Colosa' victory has already inspired Colombians in the same situation that will now be voting against mining interests on their lands.

In any case, this is a clear message to the powers-that-be - especially to the Central Government - signaling that Colombia will continue to embrace; call it a "butterfly effect", "ripple effect" or simply a "copycat effect" of a more peaceful but still effective way of implementing environmental action.

This Author

Burag Gurden is a postgraduate student at Lund University. He is also a freelance writer and contributor to the British International Development Journal', Turkish Dunya Gazetesi' and the international Words in the Bucket' community. Currently he is working at the EnvJustice project
This just in:

Chapman Law Review Symposium 2018: Special Jurisdictions Within and Outside the United States

Countries across the world have sought to encourage growth by creating Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that

operate under different rules from the surrounding area. In the United States, these take the form of Foreign

Trade Zones (FTZs)--secure areas located in or near its ports of entry, such as harbors or airports, but outside of

its customs or duties territory, legally speaking. Despite the growing popularity of such zones, however, and

their unusual features, they have largely escaped the attention of legal scholars.



How do SEZs fit within conventional models of state authority? Does the extra-territorial status of U.S. FTZs,

and their special tax statute, raise constitutional issues? Should the United States reconsider the growing

popularity of FTZs or leverage their success to create new and even more comprehensive special jurisdictions?



The Chapman Law Review will explore these and other related questions at our next symposium on January

26, 2018, to be held at the Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in Orange, California. We invite

interested scholars and practitioners to submit abstracts for articles to present at the symposium on the topic of

the special jurisdictions within and outside of the United States, Foreign Trade Zones, the impact on domestic

and international trade, and legal implications of these zones.



Submission Information



We are looking for papers between 10,000 and 15,000 words. If you would like to apply to participate in the Symposium, please submit an abstract of no more than 500 words by June 26 2017. The deadline for the completed paper will likely be in October 2017.



Selected papers will be published in a special issue of the Chapman Law Review in sometime in June 2018, and the authors will participate in the 2018 Chapman LawReview Symposium on Friday, January 26, 2018. If you have questions about the Symposium, please contactCindy Park, Senior Symposium Editor, at park312@mail.chapman.edu.
WACO gets a crack at the first state championship game in school history
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Entrepreneur Darrick Antell Jr. hopes to make the most of his apartment search woes.

Antell, a Greenwich native who earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and is heading to New York Universitys business school this fall, markets himself as an efficiency expert. After growing frustrated with his experiences renting in New York City, he founded Homer in 2015 to bring his expertise to the real estate industry.

The idea for Homer arose while Antell, 27, participated in a Stanford Ignite entrepreneurship program two years ago. Working as a senior analyst for Kroll Bond Rating Agency and American Express, Antell developed his concept, collected market research and ultimately launched Homer, which he hopes will soon rival Zillows StreetEasy.

Everyone is trying to create the Uber of real estate, but no one is succeeding yet, Antell said. I want to help people find their apartment in the most efficient way possible.

The founder markets Homer as superior to the likes of StreetEasy due to its transparency and additional information it provides for both renters and brokers. For renters, Homer allows them to browse reviews of apartments, brokerages, listing agents and landlords, as well as see how much others have paid to rent there.

Knowing how much others pay gives renters powerful leverage, Antell said, something he found out when his landlord threatened to evict him for leaving papers beneath peoples apartment doors asking about their rents.

At another apartment, Antell and his roommates found out too late their building had a roach problem. The issue was amplified by the thousands of dollars they had to cough up in broker fees and move-in costs. I was cleaning out my bank account just to move in, Antell said. Then (the landlord) raised the rent on us the next year by 15 percent.

Monetization

Like StreetEasy, Antell predicts Homers revenue stream will likely come from brokers who pay to use it to find clients. It will pay for itself if brokers close just one more deal per year, Antell said.

For brokers, the draw to Homer is the ability to see potential clients probability of closing, which is based on information renters input and Homer analyzes. This allows busy brokers to prioritize clients based on who is most likely to get them a commission, Antell said.

The future of Homer is largely dependent on Antells ability to convince investors to take a chance on his idea while he tries to build up a strong user base around New York City, where Homer currently operates.

Last month, Homers first outside investor, a friend and former classmate of Antell, agreed to back the startup with $20,000. His idea has so much merit, said Eric Velez, who works as a corporate derivatives associate at Goldman Sachs. Tech hasnt made its way into the real estate market, and Homer offers so much more relevant information than StreetEasy  things people want to know before they move in.

Antell and Velez have decided to launch a friends-and-family funding round during which they hope to raise $120,000 for 7 percent equity.

Velez has known Antell since boarding school and theyve kept in touch since they both also attended Cornell and began careers around New York City, Velez said. Knowing Antell for so long has convinced him of the young entrepreneurs capability, so in addition to believing in Homers viability, the investment represents faith in its founder, he said.

As Homer grows, Antell said he wants to guide its expansion hyperlocally.

Thats the tried and true way of doing it, he said.

Contact the writer at mbennett@greenwichtime.

com; Twitter @Macaela_
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NORWALK  Details have emerged in the plans for the citys two new public schools, as the Board of Education this week approved educational specifications for each.

Under the plans, Ponus Ridge Middle School will be transformed into a 1,050-student pre-K-8 STEM themed intra-district magnet school, equipped with semi-traditional lab classrooms, two engineering labs and a large learning commons comparable to a village green, in a total of 139,370 square feet of space.

This historic approval to construct a new K-8 STEM Magnet Program by constructing a new K-5 wing and altering and upgrading the existing building to accommodate a robust STEM program was the result of a lengthy and exhaustive planning effort to address Norwalks rising enrollment and provide Norwalks children and families with more educational choices, said Tom Hamilton, chief financial officer for the district, in a statement to the board.

A new 66,031-square-foot South Norwalk school will be constructed from the ground up on the approximately 17.4-acre city-owned site of the former Nathaniel Ely School. The new school will hold 480 students and feature a cafetorium, a state-of-the-art media center and its own version of a learning commons.

This historic approval to construct Norwalks first new school building in decades was the result of a lengthy and robust planning effort to address Norwalks rising enrollment and provide the children and families in South Norwalk with a much-needed school in their neighborhood, Hamilton said.

District officials needed to garner the Board of Educations approval of each schools Educational Specifications in order to file a state school building grant application by June 30 and make this years state priority list.

In total, the two school's will help bring an additional 900 seats to the growing district.

Upon completion of the $43.3 million Ponus Ridge expansion, that campus will be used as swing space for the overcrowded Jefferson Elementary School. Jefferson will then be renovated as new and its 10 portable classrooms removed to return it to an appropriately sized neighborhood school.

The envisioned student attendance preference for the transformed Ponus Ridge school will be from the immediately adjacent neighborhood as well as the Jefferson Elementary School neighborhood. To meet racial balance requirements, students will also be drawn from across the city by its intra-district magnet STEM component.

The school is intended to have three sections per grade in its Lower School, grades K-5, and three houses in the Upper School, grades 6-8. The Upper School will have nine section per grade. Lottery preference will be given to students in the Lower School, Kendall, Jefferson and Fox Run elementary schools.

Upon completion of the $41.9 million South Norwalk school, Columbus Magnet School will move into the building. The current Columbus building will then be renovated into a pre-K-5 neighborhood school,with a possible International Baccalaureate Early Years Programme magnet theme.

The envisioned student attendance preference for the South Norwalk School will be from the immediately adjacent neighborhood, including families residing in income-restricted housing. Students would also be drawn from across the city via the schools intra-district Bank Street magnet component in order to meet racial balance requirements.

There will be two sections per grade.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-842-2567; @kevinedschultz
WESTPORT  Democratic Town Committee chairwoman and Representative Town Meeting member Melissa Kane announced her candidacy for first selectman last week.

I think what Im really interested in doing is ensuring the towns economic vibrancy and maintaining the quality of life, Kane, 48, said.

The RTM member for District 3 for the past four years, Kane also leads the DTC and served as the co-chairwoman of the downtown implementation committee. Her campaign website, MelissaforWestport.org, recently launched.

Kane steps into the race for the four-year term as the only Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent First Selectman Jim Marpe. Many expected a challenge from state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-136, who formed an exploratory committee in March.

Earlier this month, Steinberg officially declared his intention not to seek the DTCs nomination, citing his obligations in the Connecticut General Assembly.

Until Steinberg dropped out of the race, Kane was not considering running for the towns highest office.

I wasnt going to run. We really all thought Jonathan was going to run, and I was completely behind him, Kane said. But after Steinberg announced his intention to end his exploratory committee, people  including Steinberg  urged Kane to run. After that went public, many, many people asked me to run, she said. I couldnt possibly guess (the number)  many people.

Before withdrawing his name from the race, Steinberg had raised just $100 for his campaign. Michael Rea, a Republican and member of the finance board, opened an exploratory committee in March and had raised $375 as of April 10. Marpe and his running mate, Jen Tooker, a Republican, have raised $13,930. The next filing date is July 1.

Mape, 70, said he welcomes the challenge from the Democrats.

From my standpoint, I think having an opponent always makes for a stronger campaign and helps focus. I enjoy the campaign process and it gives the ability to meet with our residents, often on a more formal basis and learn whats on their minds, Marpe said.

We face difficult challenges with the states financial crisis, so its important that were doing that with tested leadership and broad experience, which I believe my team continues to bring to the challenges that Westport faces, he said.

Marpe still needs to secure the nomination from the Republican Town Committee next month, as does Kane with the DTC, which votes on July 18.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a degree in international relations, Kane has been a publicist in the music industry and a freelance writer. In 2002, Kane left New York City to start a floral design business in Westport, where she lives with her husband, Jonathan, and her children, George and Lily.

She ran for the RTM in 2011, the same year she became a member of the DTC, and, two years later, unsuccessfully ran on a ticket with Selectman Helen Garten during Gartens bid for first selectman.

Garten, a Democrat, is not seeking another term, nor is Selectman Avi Kaner, a Republican.

For the time being, Kane said she would remain the DTCs chairwoman and if shes nominated, she will resign her post.

As of now, there is nobody lined up to fill Kanes position as the head of the DTC. If the DTC nominates Kane, she said in a text, We have a very strong executive committee who will cross that bridge when and if we come to it.

@chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com
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NORWALK  Norwalk may get help from Rutgers University on better balancing noise levels throughout the city.

The Common Councils Ordinance Committee this week recommended hiring Eric M. Zwerling, director of Rutgers University Noise Technical Assistance Center, to help rewrite Norwalks noise ordinance. The council will take up the matter next Tuesday.

We recommended Zwerling, said Councilwoman Eloisa Melendez, a District A Democrat who chairs committee. We have recommended it to the council to basically help us rewrite parts of our ordinance that need help. Some areas include mixed-used zones.

The committee voted 4-0 Tuesday evening to bring the acoustic engineer aboard as part of its ongoing review of the ordinance amid residents complaints about noise emanating from bars, nightclubs and industrial businesses in South Norwalk.

The Rutgers Noise Center has provided noise assistance for over 35 years, and is the only remaining Noise Technical Assistance Center originally contracted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Control.

The center has trained enforcement officers from across the United States in sound level measurement for the purposes of enforcing municipal noise laws, according to Rutgers University.

In my capacity as Director of the Rutgers University Noise Technical Assistance Center, in the past 26 years Ive trained maybe 8,000 noise enforcement investigators throughout the country from Alaska to Florida, as well as internationally, wrote Zwerling in a letter to the citys law department.

Zwerling has offered to provide Norwalk on-site consultation at a cost of $1,800 a day plus travel expenses. Brooks Acoustics Corporation of Vernon offered to provide acoustical engineering services at an approximate cost of $5,000 to $10,000.

Travis Simms, a District B Democrat on the Ordinance Committee, lent his support to hiring a consultant on an as-needed basis but wants all elected officials to experience first-hand residents concerns about noise. He said he took a walking tour of SoNo.

I didnt hear anything that disturbed the residents quality of life. Having said that, me hearing the music versus what theyre hearing in their rooms is totally different, Simms said. I would like us all to go down there with a decibel reader and listen to what these folks are dealing with.

In March, the council boosted the fine for violations of Norwalks noise ordinance from $99 to $250  the maximum allowable by state law  but stopped short of reducing the maximum nighttime volume from 65 to 45 decibels.

Melendez has promised to examine the entire noise ordinance to address concerns citywide.

Nightclubs are not the only sources of noise that have prompted residents to complain to City Hall. For years, Luigi DeMeglio has complained about odors and noise coming from Premier Firewood Co. next to his home on Lubrano Place.

Diane Lauricella, a resident who also has urged the city to amend its noise ordinance, said she is pleased that the committee has recommended hiring a consultant but she also wants city staff to become proficient with using decibel meters.

Im going to be advocating that more than just one department handles noise, Lauricella said. Im going to advocate that planning and zoning enforcement during the day helps police and the health department assist as well.
Senator Rand Paul, a former Republican presidential candidate, has teamed with other senators to propose a new law to block the federal government from interfering with state medical marijuana laws.

The move shows that of all issues, medical marijuana seems to have drawn together politicians on both sides of the political aisle. Democrats have joined Paul in sponsoring the bill.

The reason for the proposal is not complicated. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made his dislike of legalized marijuana well known, and even scoffs at mounting evidence cannabis has significant medical benefits. Marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 drug with no medical value and high potential for abuse. The Drug Enforcement Agency, which controls how drugs are classified, has refused to review the evidence of marijuana's medicial benefits.

President Donald Trump has remained silent on the matter since taking office in January, although his spokesman, Sean Spicer, has said people should expect more enforcement of federal law on marijuana.

While none of that is specific, it certainly doesnt seem to bode well for those who would like to see marijuana removed from the list of Schedule I illegal drugs at the federal level, along with other drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Related: The $5B Challenge Medical Marijuana Poses to Big Pharma

The CARERS Act

Known as the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect State Act (CARERS), the law takes a major step in U.S. policy. If passed, it would amend the Controlled Substance Act, the law that currently makes all marijuana illegal at the federal level.

The new act would allow for production, sale and use of medical marijuana in states where the law allows for it. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana.

The bill is sponsored by Paul and two Democrats, Corey Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. The act originally was introduced in 2015 and was reintroduced in June.

Don Murphy, director of conservative outreach for the Marijuana Policy Project, said the law is needed because the federal government should not be meddling in state laws that have made medical marijuana legal.

Reintroducing the act is the first of many steps we hope this Congress will take to end the federal prohibition of medical marijuana, Murphy said in a prepared statement.

Passage of the bill could alleviate the concerns of thousands of investors and entrepreneurs in the marijuana industry, not to mention the scores of employees who now make a living because of legalized medical marijuana.

Related: 4 Cannabis Business Ideas from the Frontier of the Legal Weed Industry

Federal Meddling

Debate over the bill should have a bit more urgency considering the recent actions of Sessions and Trump.

In a private letter obtained by the website Mass Roots, Sessions asked members of Congress to change the current prohibition that keeps the Justice Department from using federal funds to prosecute medical marijuana operations in states where it is legal.

The amendment, passed by Congress during the Obama Administration, essentially provides the protection many investors and business owners have counted on to operate legal marijuana operations without fear of federal reprisals.

But Sessions called the measure  the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment  unwise because it restricts the Justice Department from taking action particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime.

Additionally, Trump  in signing the fiscal appropriations bill into law in May  listed the amendment as one he might override, writing, I will treat this provision consistently with my constitutional responsibility to take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

Notably, Trump also didnt ask for an extension of the amendment in his initial budget request to Congress.

Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

Related:

Senators Press Legislation to End DEA 'Meddling' In States That Legalize Medical Marijuana

The $5B Challenge Medical Marijuana Poses to Big Pharma

Report Foresees $5B Legal Cannabis Industry for California



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Patricia Urbanovsky was sentenced to seven years to 11 years in Nebraska prison Wednesday for stealing from employees to prop up her air-travel Ponzi scheme, but will likely never serve a day once released from federal custody in about four years.

The former owner of Omaha event-planning firm Creative Creations was sentenced by Douglas County District Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf for two counts of theft by deception; Urbanovsky this year pleaded no contest to using employee credit cards to buy cut-rate airline tickets she had been promising buyers on her website. She repaid her workers with bum checks.

The court takes it very seriously that these people trusted her and worked for her, Retelsdorf said, as Urbanovsky looked on from the defense table, flanked by her lawyer, Steve Lefler. This clearly was theft.

Two employees were out about $51,000 combined. Retelsdorf laid down the Douglas County sentence to run at the same time as the federal one Urbanovsky is already serving  63 months at a Minnesota minimum-security lockup after pleading guilty to a $4.7 million fraud. She is scheduled to be released in August 2021.

Attorney Lefler said after the sentencing hearing that with time deducted for good behavior in the federal system of 54 days per year for each year served, it is likely that Urbanovsky, 32, will serve somewhere between three and a half years and four years in federal custody and then go free.

Urbanovsky declined a chance to address the court about the bad check scheme when offered by the judge. Her attorney, however, accepted, and he urged the judge to concentrate on the bad checks, not the Ponzi scheme that surrounded them. Prosecutors alleged that Urbanovsky was advertising $150 airfares on the Internet, pocketing the money and buying only enough tickets to keep some of the buyers at bay. Federal authorities have ordered Urbanovsky to repay $4.7 million to victims.

She has already been punished in federal court for that, Lefler said to Retelsdorf. Unfortunately, the business plan fell apart. Call it a Ponzi scheme if you want.

Douglas County prosecutors, however, also had their say and werent as quick to chalk it all up to some poor business decisions. Deputy Douglas County Attorney Sean Lavery said it was not a simple matter of some employees offering to help out the struggling business  he acknowledged that the credit cards were volunteered. But the workers, Lavery said, had no idea what they were volunteering for:

 The amounts the employees agreed to lend to get through a cash crunch were grossly and vastly exceeded.

 Fake emails from a fake contact at a vacation sales company  the purported source of the bargain-basement airfares  were circulated to lend credibility to the fraud.

 While employees were forking over their own money to help the company, Urbanovsky was living it up, with a nice house, nice cars, a boat and trips that were extravagant, including to Anaheim, California.

Urbanovsky might have faced 40 years in prison from the Douglas County charges of felony theft. The Better Business Bureau received 1,600 complaints about the scam that began in 2013 and unraveled in 2015 after disgruntled air-ticket buyers began besieging Creative Creations to no avail.

After the hearing, Lefler said Urbanovsky, who was brought to Douglas County District Court by federal marshals from the Waseca Prison Camp in Minnesota, declined to address the court because she was tired and wants to get on with life.

She did live in a nice house, Lefler acknowledged. But she isnt living in it anymore.
For many years now, the Essential Air Service program included in Federal Aviation Administration funding has made it possible for airports in small communities, including Grand Island, to continue to provide air service to rural areas.

At the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island, EAS funding encouraged American Airlines to begin providing air service between Grand Island and the Dallas/Fort Worth airport in 2011 and passenger numbers on those flights have continued to increase over the years.

Earlier this year, the airports executive director, Mike Olson, said the airport has either the second or third lowest per-passenger subsidy in the country. Hall County Airport Authority attorney Ron Depue called the airport a poster child for the EAS program because boardings continue to increase and the per-passenger subsidy therefore keeps dropping.

Olson has said the airports ultimate goal is to get off the subsidy. But right now, it is the impetus for American Airlines to be flying American Eagle jets out of the Grand Island airport, so the passenger numbers show it is still very important to CNRA.

Its even more important to the other Nebraska airports receiving subsidies, in Alliance, Chadron, McCook, North Platte, Kearney and Scottsbluff. Overall, EAS serves 173 airports in 46 states.

Yet, when the Trump administration released its fiscal year 2018 budget proposal earlier this year, it called for an end to EAS funding.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., and a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao this week emphasizing their concerns about the possibility of this program being cut.

This would significantly reduce support for rural communities in our states, the letter says. A reduction in support could lead to a reduction in services and ultimately in jobs for rural America.

When Fischer questioned Chao during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing earlier this month, the secretary assured our senator that she was working on a way to keep the subsidy program going. The senators letter urges her to follow through on this assurance and protect the EAS program.

The end of EAS could mean the end of air service in several rural Nebraska communities, as well as many other rural communities across the country.

The Trump budget proposal is far from being adopted. Its up to Congress to hammer out funding for a myriad of government programs. But its good to see that Fischer is standing up for our states rural residents, who need to see continued air service in nearby communities.

Trump is emphasizing the need to rein in spending and look for efficiencies throughout the national budget, but rural air service is not the place for our government to make spending cuts.
For The Intelligencer

Edwardsville, Ill., June 22, 2017  Gori Julian & Associates, P.C. today announced that attorney D. Todd Mathews has been named a member of the Plaintiff Steering Committee for the Mirena (PTC) Products Liability Litigation Multi District Litigation by the Honorable Judge Paul A. Engelmayer of the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

Judge Engelmayer appointed Mathews to serve on the Plaintiff Steering Committee to lead the litigation for all cases filed throughout the country in Federal Courts. Allegations have been made that Mirena, an intrauterine birth control device, causes a condition known as Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC) or Intracranial Hypertension (IH).
A 35-year-old man with apparent ties to Edwardsville was indicted Wednesday on charges of threatening President Donald Trump.

Joseph L. Pickett was arrested by federal authorities on June 15 and remains in federal custody, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in East St. Louis.

Guess what Trump? Im waiting for the right time . . . and I KNOW your Putins b****! Pickett wrote on his Facebook page, according to federal court documents. The secret service now has a heads up as to my plan as to assassinate Trump . . . lets see if they act!

The IP address used by Pickett on his Facebook page comes back to Edwardsville, but it was not clear whether he had lived in Edwardsville recently. In 2007 Pickett was found guilty of disorderly conduct at a time when he lived in Troy, Illinois.

According to Madison County Circuit Court documents, he was allegedly standing in the street in front of 400 Red Bud cursing and yelling in such an unreasonable manner as to alarm and provoke a breach of the peace.

He was given a years supervision.

Still waiting for Government action . . . honestly am I really going to have to kill trump before our fine Government (the jackbooted thugs they are) actually takes me into custody for threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump? Pickett wrote on his Facebook page, according to court documents. I mean, he sold our country to The Russians . . . 

Federal court records indicate that Pickett worked for Lowes in Granite City until six or eight months ago when he was fired for bragging about having weapons and making threats to co-workers.

Pickett taunted the Secret Service in several other Facebook posts, according to a sworn statement from Secret Service Special Agent Vincent Pescitelli.

I dont see any black SUVs pulling up my driveway and definitely no black helicopter, Pickett wrote, according to court documents. Also, Im still typing so Im not a victim of a drone strike . . . yet.

According to a sworn financial statement included in the criminal complaint, Pickett has been unemployed since February. He received food stamps and listed $150,000 in medical bills.
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Linkedin M. Harris Muhajir (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 11:08 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a649b85 3 Opinion Qatar-crisis,Qatar,foreign-direct-investment,economy Free

The current crisis in the Middle East following the cut in diplomatic relations between Qatar and Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Libya and even the Maldives have become the talks of the world leaders.

The nine countries accused Qatar of assisting terrorist organization and having too close relations with Iran.

The embargo imposed on Qatar has raised concerns about the country's economic condition and its impact on other countries. Qatar is a small but rich country, which according to IMF data, is the richest country in the world with per capita income of US$146,000, a quite high compared to Indonesias per capita income which is only $10,700.

As a wealthy country, Qatar has a large amount of investments abroad including Indonesia. How will the embargo affect its Indonesias investments if it lasts for a long time?

This article will discuss the impact on Qatar's investment and the financial system stability in Indonesia, such as in financial institutions and, corporations and Indonesias migrant workers.

Starting from a financial institution, especially in banking. Qatar through its state-owned Qatar National Bank (QNB) controls a 82.59 percent stake in Bank QNB Indonesia. The acquisition was made in 2011.

Based on the published 2016 Annual Report, through bank grouping based on core capital, (Commercial Bank Bussiness Group - BUKU), QNB Indonesia is in the BUKU 2 group. It means with such a capital category, QNB Indonesia is not allowed to have foreign capital participation exposure i.e. can only operate in Indonesia even though the bank can conduct business activities in rupiah and foreign currency.

The growth of QNB Indonesia's assets after being acquired by QNB was significant and even received an idAA rating with Stable" outlook from Pefindo. The share of credit owned by QNB Indonesia is still small at around 1 percent; this is also in line with its share of third party fund.

While regarding its interdependence with other banks, QNB Indonesia is quite active in the interbank money market and the majority of the role as the borrower. Although, the nominal is not too significant because the bank's capital is quite good.

Furthermore, from the corporate aspect, Qatar is investing in one of Indonesia's largest cellular providers. Qatar telecommunication company Ooredoo (formerly Qatar Telcom) is a majority shareholder of Indosat, with a 65 percent stake. The Indonesian government has a 14.3 percent stake and the public holding the remaining 20.7 percent). Based on the 2016 Financial Statements, Indosat, now called Indosat Ooredo, has short-term liabilities to banks around Rp 6 trillion, while long-term debt is around Rp 12.4 trillion. However, the ratio of debt to capital (DER) remains stable to 1.67 percent, meaning that so far the company has no problem in paying all its obligations.

Also, the ratio of capital returned to the owner of the parent is also small that is equal to 8.3 percent. So, this numbers means that the owner of the fund does want the sustainability of the company's business in the long run, not for short-term purposes only.

How the crisis will affect Indonesian migrant workers. According to the data of the Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI), in 2016 there are 1,355 Indonesian workers in Qatar. The number declined from 16,616 people in 2011. Remittances from migrant workers in Qatar in 2016 amounted to US$74.7 million. Compared to other Middle Eastern countries, the numbers is only below those in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan. Foreign exchanges earned by migrant workers in Qatar have contributed substantially to the Indonesian financial system.

Reflecting on the data and facts, the embargo experienced by Qatar may not be too significant in influencing the stability of Indonesia's financial system. However, it remains to be wary of considering that if the problems facing Qatar continues, Indonesia could lose the potential for greater investment in the future.

Furthermore, if tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate may cause countries with economic relations with Qatar to be ostracized by Saudi Arabia, and other colleague's countries and this absolutely will bring significant impact on Indonesian financial system stability. Let's hope it does not happen.

---------------

We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to academia@jakpost.com. For more information click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Thu, June 22, 2017 06:38 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a63f195 1 National drugs,BNN,narcotics,smuggling Free

An Indonesian migrant worker in Taiwan, identified only with the initial M, allegedly sent a package containing 11 grams of crystal methamphetamine to her husband, MDS, who lives in Pati, Central Java.

The narcotics were disguised inside a package of tea, said Agus Suyanto, the enforcement and prosecution head of the Central Java-Yogyakarta Customs office.

The package arrived at the Semarang Post Office [in Semarang, Central Java]. The detection dog sensed something suspicious. We opened it and tested the crystals found inside at laboratory, he said on Wednesday.

Read also: Slank 'sahur' with recovering addicts in anti-drug gesture

Thanks to cooperation with the post office and the Central Java Narcotics Agency (BNNP), the alleged recipient, MDS, who is a farmer from Bermi village in Gembong district, was arrested.

MDS was arrested on Tuesday. We have six days to investigate if he is part of an international drug ring or merely a user, Central Java BNNP Head Tri Agus Heru Prasetyo said, adding that it was the second time the agency had foiled the shipment of narcotics via mail this year.

He said the majority of smuggled narcotics to Central Java were from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Germany.

Also on Wednesday, the Semarang Metropolitan Police announced they had arrested drug dealer suspect Arvian Nova Prasetyo and seized 100 ecstasy pills and 1.5 grams of crystal meth.

He was arrested on June 12 after police officers became suspicious after seeing him digging near a tree. It turned out there were ecstasy pills in there, said Semarang Metropolitan Police chief Sr. Comr. Abiyoso Seno Aji. (bbs)

Topics : drugs BNN narcotics smuggling
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 17:32 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a65d4ea 1 City #AhokDetention,ahok,Cipinang-Penitentiary Free

The warden of Cipinang Penitentiary, Abdul Ghani, has revealed that, as former Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama might face threats in the East Jakarta prison, he decided on Wednesday to entrust Ahok to the polices Mobile Brigade Command detention center (Mako Brimob), Depok.

The reason is his safety. His life may be threatened, Abdul said, as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.

Abdul said the threats might come from other inmates. However, he declined to specify the potential threats against Ahok.

Earlier, prosecutors had planned to transfer Ahok from the Mako Brimob detention center to Cipinang prison on Wednesday, as Ahoks status had changed from defendant to convict after Ahok and his legal team withdrew their appeal against the North Jakarta District Courts blasphemy ruling.

However, the Cipinang warden sent a letter to prosecutors, saying he entrusted Ahok to Mako Brimob because of security concerns.

Previously, prosecutors had taken Ahok to Cipinang prison on May 9, immediately after the judges had read out the verdict and sentenced Ahok to two years in prison for blasphemy.

The sentence triggered protests from hundreds of Ahoks supporters, who flocked to the detention center to demand his release.

Less than 24 hours after being placed at Cipinang, Ahok was moved back to Mako Brimob on the basis of security and public order concerns.

Law and Human Rights minister Yasonna Laoly said at that time that Ahok's security was at risk at Cipinang prison, as someone had threatened to kill him. (cal)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jordan  Thu, June 22 2017

Feeling the spirit of generosity during Ramadhan, Indonesians in Palestine through various humanity programs have distributed billions in aid.

Acting Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan Nico Adam said on Wednesday that Muslim Indonesians in Palestine distributed Rp 2 billion (US$150,184) in aid this Ramadhan. He said that although they wanted to distribute foods for iftar (breaking-of-the-fast meal) to Palestinians at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem every year, the Israeli government had never given them permission to do so.

In the early days of this years Ramadhan, Nico said iftar was prohibited within the mosque complex. However, since the policy was revoked during the second week of the month, the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, with help from Abdillah Onim, an Indonesian living in Gaza, and Jerusalem resident Abeer Zeyad, started the aid distribution.

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Linkedin Linda Yulisman (The Jakarta Post) Yokohama  Thu, June 22, 2017 20:22 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a664815 1 National cooperation,urban-development,sustainable-development,yokohama,Batam Free

The administration of Yokohama, Japans second largest city, expects to soon kick off several collaborative projects with the Batam municipal administration to promote sustainable development in Indonesias key business hub.

Through the projects, Yokohama will provide technical assistance to address major issues in Batam, such as solid waste management, oil sludge treatment and energy preservation, according to Toru Hashimoto, the executive director of the development cooperation department at Yokohamas International Affairs Bureau.

Right now, that [the project] is under consideration by the [Japan's] minister of the environment, Hashimoto told The Jakarta Post. I think we are going to get the answer either this month or next month.

The Ministry of the Environment in Japan provided grants under Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) totaling US$100,000 to conduct feasibility studies on a number of Yokohama government projects as part of the countrys initiative to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia.

(Read also: Indonesia committed to promoting low-carbon growth: Minister)

The cooperation with Batam is among several initiatives under Yokohama Partnership of Resources and Technologies (Y-Port), through which Japans first harbor city discusses urban development issues based on its own experiences with cities in Asias emerging economies.

It is a follow up to a letter of intent signed by the former mayor of Batam, Ahmad Dahlan, on May 27, 2015 with Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi.

The Yokohama administration is also working on similar projects with Cebu City, the Philippines; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Bangkok, Thailand.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 16:36 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a659c0c 1 Business bri,Bank-Rakyat-Indonesia,remittance,fee-based-income Free

Suminten, a 42-year-old woman who has been working as a caregiver for about seven years in Taiwan, transfers part of her salary to her family in Ponorogo, East Java, twice a month through her account at state-owned lender Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI).

As a customer of BRI, I can now travel from Taiwan to my hometown under the arrangement of the bank, she told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Sumintens transfer of money is one of the many remittances made by Indonesians working as domestic helpers in other countries.

BRI corporate secretary Hari Siaga said money transfers involving migrant workers contributed a big portion to the remittance business of his bank, which controls a 15 percent share of the remittance market.

Most migrants sending money to their families in Indonesia through BRI accounts work in the informal sector in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Hari said that during the January-April period, BRI recorded 5.16 million remittance transactions with a total value of Rp 783 trillion (US$58.86 billion), giving the bank about Rp 100 billion in fee-based income. In the first quarter of 2017, the bank earned fee-based revenue worth Rp 2.5 trillion, 25 percent higher than the Rp 2 trillion in the same period of last year.

BRI president director Suprajarto said his bank was likely to achieve its double-digit growth target in its fee-based revenue in 2017.Our performance is on the right track to achieve the target. The biggest contribution still comes from deposit administration fees, he said. (rdi/ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 18:37 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a65fbf0 1 National PAL,PAL-Indonesia,KPK,graft,corruption,Philippines,Philippine-Navy,corruption-case,bribery,bribery-case Free

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators have extended the detention of three suspects in an alleged bribery case surrounding the sale of two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) from state-owned shipbuilder PAL Indonesia for the Philippine government.

The three suspects are PAL Indonesia president director M. Firmansyah Arifin and the companys treasury general manager Arief Cahyana and finance director Saiful Anwar.

Regarding the graft case involving PAL officials, investigators have today extended the detention of three suspects, MFA, AC and SA, for 30 days, KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said as quoted by tribunnews.com in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He further said that the detention of Firmansyah and Arief would be extended from June 29 to July 28 while Saifuls detention would be extended from June 30 to July 29.

On March 31, the KPK named the three PAL officials suspects for allegedly receiving bribes related to the export of the two warships to the Philippines.

As earlier reported, PAL Indonesia won a contract to build two warships for the Philippine Navy. The US$86.96 million procurement project was sealed in 2014, with the involvement of US-based brokerage company Ashanti Sales Inc.

It is suspected that PAL officials and the brokerage firm agreed on a cashback deal from the sale, which accounted for 4.75 percent of the project's profit. Around 1.25 percent of the cashback, or $1.09 million, was allegedly allocated for the PAL officials, while 3.5 percent was reportedly for the brokerage firm.

The KPK also named Agus Nugroho, an Ashanti Sales Inc. official, a suspect in the case. (kuk/ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 18:45 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a6602c9 1 City Davidson-Tantono,robbery,arrest Free

The Jakarta Police revealed on Wednesday that the armed group behind the fatal robbery and shooting of bank customer Davidson Tantono, 30, at a Daan Mogot filling station in West Jakarta, on June 9, was well managed with clear work distribution among the members.

Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Iriawan said the gang, which consisted of dozens of people, was divided into at least five teams.

The first team was called the "beret team," which was in charge of killing the victim in case he or she resisted or refused to hand over the cash, he said.

SFL took on this role, he was the one who shot the victim. SFL was the executor and the captain of this crime, Iriawan said on Wednesday. SFL has since been shot dead by the police in Banyuwangi, East Java.

The second group was called the "pilot team," which was in charge of transporting SFL to do his job.

The third group, called the "describing team", was in charge of describing potential victims and conveying the information to the fourth team.

That team, called the piercing team, was in charge of flattening the tires of the targets vehicle using a thumbtack.

The fifth team, called the blocking team, was in charge of preventing the police or members of the public from chasing the perpetrators.

The team was reportedly assisted by a woman with the initials RCL who rented an apartment room for the gang to prepare for their crime.

The police are still looking for four other perpetrators.

Police have arrested seven suspects, identified only as DTK, TP, M, RCL, NZR, IR and SFL. The last two were shot dead during the arrest operation.
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Linkedin Reuters (Fransiska Nangoy) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 19:09 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a6615c8 2 Business Freeport-Indonesia,strike Free

Thousands of mine workers at the Indonesian unit of Freeport-McMoRan Inc will extend their strike for another month to protest against layoffs, a union official said on Wednesday.

Up to 6,000 workers will remain on strike, Freeport Indonesia union industrial relations officer Tri Puspital told Reuters, putting Freeport's plan to ramp up output at risk.

Workers started a strike in May after Freeport laid off around 10 percent of its workforce, while the miner negotiates a new mining permit with the government. (ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 14:32 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a65133e 1 Business counterfeit,MIAP,trademark Free

The government must be more proactive and stop relying on citizens reports to tackle the distribution of counterfeit products in the country, Indonesian Anti-Counterfeiting Society (MIAP) secretary general Justisiari Kusumah has said.

This will not work if the government refers to the Trademark Law only, treating the case as a crime based on [formal] complaints, only waiting for reports from citizens. In fact, the government can use the Law on Health to stop the distribution of fake health products. We dont have to wait for another victim, Justisiari said on Tuesday.

He added that the increasing distribution of counterfeit and fake goods was worsened by poor public awareness of the material and immaterial losses caused by such products.

We see that this problem is not only caused by the producers, distributors and sellers of fake products, but also due to high demand. Based on the three studies that we have conducted, counterfeit products not only cause losses to consumers, but also to the countrys economy, Justisiari said.

The latest study, conducted by the MIAP and the University of Indonesias School of Economics in 2014, estimated that counterfeit goods caused the country Rp 65.1 trillion (US$4.89 billion) in losses, from unpaid taxes to fading job opportunities.

Recently, the MIAP and the West Java Police confiscated 22,000 knockoffs of branded sunglasses in Bandung, West Java. (rdi/ags)

Topics : counterfeit MIAP trademark
Tough times: Former senior tax officer and corruption defendant Handang Soekarno (right) receives a copy of his sentence demand from prosecutors at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday. Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison sentence for Handang, who stands accused of accepting bribes from a businessman who had attempted to avoid paying taxes. (Antara/Wahyu Putro A.)(right) receives a copy of his sentence demand from prosecutors at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday. Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison sentence for Handang, who stands accused of accepting bribes from a businessman who had attempted to avoid paying taxes. (Antara/Wahyu Putro A.)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 19:20 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a663a0a 1 City Jakarta-Anniversary,mentality Free

Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said the city administration still had quite a lot of work to do as the capital celebrated its 490th anniversary on Thursday.

There must be awareness because Jakarta belongs to everyone, Djarot said at the National Monument (Monas) park during a ceremony celebrating the anniversary as quoted by kompas.com.

He stressed that Jakartans still needed to improve their mentality about several issues including their dwellings, waste management, street vendors and traffic.

The citys anniversary this year has been met with little celebration, with Djarot not planning anything major.

He kicked off a fireworks display at the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday night.

Djarot reminded Jakarta residents to not always rely on the citys popular street cleaners, known as the orange troops, to deal with waste because each resident had a responsibility to help keep the environment clean.

On the illegal dwelling issue, Djarot said that, as the countrys capital city, Jakarta should have a good image, meaning that people should not establish semi-permanent houses under bridges, a problem that has recently resurfaced in areas where the administration has carried out revitalization works. (wnd)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 12:45 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a64bbb9 1 Business pgn,Gas,energy Free

State-owned gas company PGN plans to develop gas transmission and distribution pipelines worth US$140 million in Dumai, Riau, to meet growing demand for gas in the region.

The gas distribution networks will span 56 kilometers and connect to different customers, including households, commercial businesses and various industries.

Meanwhile for the transmission pipeline, PGN will work with state-owned energy company Pertamina. The Duri-Dumai transmission pipeline will span 67 kilometers and transport about 140 million metric standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd).

The gas distribution pipeline will be completed in conjunction with the transmission pipeline by the end of 2018, PGN president director Jobi Triananda Hasjim said on Tuesday in Jakarta.

The two firms signed a heads of agreement (HoA) document on June 9 over constructing and operating the transmission pipeline.

PGN said it had secured gas supplies for the two pipelines, including 37 billion British thermal units per day (bbtud) from ConocoPhillips Corridor field in South Sumatra for the period of 2018 to 2030.

The company would also get an additional supply of 2 bbtud from the Jambi Merang field, which is currently managed by a joint operating body of Pertamina subsidiary Pertamina Hulu Energi, Canadas Talisman Energy and Singapores Pacific Oil and Gas Ltd.

In addition to the Dumai projects, PGN is also developing a 6-kilometer gas transmission pipeline connecting the West Natuna Transmission System (WNTS) with Pemping Island, Riau. It will also develop a 42-kilometer gas network connecting Muara Karang in Jakarta and Muara Bekasi in West Java.

Topics : pgn Gas energy
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 15:42 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a657bd1 1 Business Piaggio-Indonesia,scooters,premium,Honda Free

PT Piaggio Indonesia, the principal and sole agent of Vespa and Piaggio in Indonesia, is not concerned by PT Astra Honda Motor's introduction in April of the Honda SH150i as a new premium scooter competitor.

Sales of the Vespa Medley, whose specifications are comparable with the Japanese counterpart, has not declined, even though they are in the same price bracket, said Piaggio Indonesia marketing director Andre Sanyoto.

The Medley is marketed at around Rp 44 million (US$3,320), while the Honda SH150i is priced at Rp 44.9 million. "If they [Honda] can sell five to 10 units a month, we are seeing at least double-digit sales and have seen positive growth since [the Medley's] launch in May 2016," he said.

Andre believes that Piaggio will not be affected by declining sales in the industry, as it relies on the premium scooter segment. It will introduce at least two more premium scooters this year, including the Vespa 946 (RED).

We are sticking to the premium segment, with an audience who considers not only the functionality of our product, but also their emotional attachment to it, he said. The 946 (RED) model will be marketed at a similar price as the Vespa Armani, at Rp 196 million, he said, adding that his company had already received orders for the new model from Vespa enthusiasts.

Piaggio Indonesias sales is mainly supported by the Primavera and Sprint model, which are marketed at Rp 32.8 million and Rp 34.8 million respectively, and contributed 70 percent of total Vespa sales in Indonesia. (dis/ags)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 15:10 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a655669 1 National Badung-Police,badung,Kerobokan-Penitentiary,Kerobokan-prison,bali,inmates,prison-escape Free

The Badung Police in Bali are examining 12 witnesses consisting of inmates and prison officers after four foreign prisoners escaped from the resort island's Kerobokan Penitentiary.

Ten witnesses being questioned are Kerobokan prison officers while two others are friends of the escapees, Adj. Comr. Mikael Hutabarat, chief of the Badung Polices criminal investigation unit, said as quoted by Antara on Wednesday.

He said proper security arrangements and procedures had been undertaken around the time the four foreign inmates escaped on Sunday evening or early on Monday. Prison guards found they were not in their cells on Monday morning.

During their investigation, prison officers found a tunnel had been dug under the prisons walls. It was believed the inmates had escaped through it.

We have checked the tunnel and found that it leads outside the prison, but we will check it again, said Mikael.

Security authorities are investigating further to determine who dug the tunnel. Preliminary investigation results showed it had likely been dug sometime before the escape.

Kerobokan Prison warden Tonny Nainggolan said earlier the tunnel had been covered with concrete and no excavated soil was found nearby. Officers were aware of the concrete but they were not suspicious of it as they thought it was just a septic tank.

The escapees were Shaun Edward Davidson of Australia, Dimitar Nikolov Iliev of Bulgaria, Sayed Mohammed Said of India and Tee Kok King Bin Tee Kim Sai of Malaysia. They had been detained over various charges, including immigration violations and drug trafficking. (saf/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 22:08 1967 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a665634 1 National KPK,graft,Home-Ministry,e-ID,#e-ID,corruption,corruption-case,Andi-Narogong Free

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors have demanded that the Jakarta Corruption Courts judge panel sentence two former Home Ministry officials to prison over their alleged involvement in the e-ID graft case.

The prosecutors sought seven years in prison for Irman, the former director general for population and civil registration at the ministry, and Rp 500 million (US$37,540) in fines or an additional six months in prison.

Meanwhile, the prosecutors demanded five years imprisonment for Sugiharto, the former population administration information management director at the ministrys Directorate General for Population and Civil Registration. They also sought Rp 400 million in fines, or an additional six months in prison, from the official.

The two defendants have been proven guilty of the graft accusations, the head of the team of KPK prosecutors, Irene Putrie, said.

The two men were named suspects for their alleged involvement in corruption surrounding the Rp 5.9 trillion e-ID project, which caused Rp 2.3 trillion in state losses. Businessman Andi Agustinus, alias Andi Narogong, was also named a suspect in the case.

The prosecutors also demanded that the judge panel order the two defendants to pay back the money they allegedly embezzled to the state.

They demanded that Irman return $273,700, Rp 2.4 billion and S$6,000, or face an additional two years in prison. Their demand for Sugiharto was that he return Rp 500 million in funds or receive an additional one year in prison.

The two defendants are scheduled to read out their defense statements on July 10. (yon/ebf)
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Sragen, Central Java  Thu, June 22, 2017 10:58 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a647dda 1 National Sragen,Central-Java,drugs,drugs-distribution,drug-abuse Free

Personnel of the Sragen Police, Central Java, confiscated more than 30,000 pills during a raid on a house in Karangmalang on Tuesday evening.

The police also arrested 24-year-old Prisyanto alias Kempros at the location on suspicion of dealing drugs.

We had long suspected him of being a drug dealer. All this time, he [allegedly] supplied pills to areas across Surakarta. The pills were sold either in secret or via couriers, claimed Sragen Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ari Wibowo.

He said the pills were found in two large cardboard boxes. The first box comprised 175 smaller boxes containing a total of 8,750 tramadol pills, a painkiller. Meanwhile, the other box consisted of 240 smaller boxes containing a total of 24,000 trihexyphenidyl pills, a medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease.

In total we confiscated 32,750 tramadol and trihexyphenidyl pills as evidence. We are investigating the suspect. It is likely three or four other people will be named suspects in the case, said Ari.

The house, raided by officers of the Karangmalang Polices criminal investigation unit, was located in Kampung Plempeng, Mojorejo village, Karangmalang, Sragen.

Karangmalang Police chief Adj. Comr. Agus Irianto, who led the operation, said the decision to conduct the raid was based on reports from the neighborhood head and several nearby residents.

The residents complained Prisyantos house was always crowded and had become a hangout for young people in the village.

Several residents reported they spotted transactions involving pills in the house. We later coordinated with the police to carry out an investigation. After confirming the illegal drug transactions, we raided the house, said Agus. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 16:40 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a65b48c 1 National bali,inmates,prison-escape,Dili,TimorLeste,Timor-Leste,Kerobokan-Penitentiary,Kerobokan-prison Free

Two foreign inmates who escaped from Kerobokan Penitentiary in Bali on Monday have been arrested in Dili, Timor Leste.

Bali Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Hengky Widjaja confirmed their arrests. "The two inmates have been apprehended. They are Sayed Muhammad Said, an Indian national, and Bulgarian citizen Dimitar Nikolov Iliev, he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Authorities are still pursuing two other inmates, Australian Shaun Edward Davidson and Malaysian Tee Kok King Bin Tee Kim Sai.

(Read also: Police question witnesses following Kerobokan prison escape)

Badung Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Yudith S. Hananta also confirmed the arrests. "We are coordinating on when they will be brought to Bali," he said separately.

Yudith said two other inmates who remained at large were still being hunted down.

As reported earlier, the four inmates escaped from Kerobokan Penitentiary on Monday. They escaped through a tunnel they dug. During the investigation, authorities found a 15-meter long tunnel with a diameter of 60 centimeters.

The Badung Police in Bali are questioning 12 inmates and prison guards as witnesses in relation to the jailbreak.

Ten witnesses being questioned are Kerobokan prison guards while two others are friends of the escapees, Adj.Comr. Mikael Hutabarat, chief of the Badung Polices criminal investigation unit, said as quoted by Antara on Wednesday. (ebf)
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Linkedin Winny Tang (The Jakarta Post) Bumi Serpong Damai, South Tangerang  Thu, June 22, 2017 15:07 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a654ee4 1 Business Unilever-Indonesia,consumer-goods Free

Consumer goods corporation PT Unilever Indonesia inaugurated its new headquarters on Wednesday in Bumi Serpong Damai in South Tangerang, Banten, which it claims signifies its commitment to invest in Indonesia.

The building, called Grha Unilever, was built on 30,000 square meters of land and required a total investment of Rp 1.34 trillion (US$100.61 million).

It is great that we made this investment, which symbolizes our long-term commitment to Indonesia, Unilever global CEO Paul Polman said on Wednesday.

(Read also: Unilever anchor store added to Blibli.com)

The new building was designed to consolidate four Unilever offices that were previously scattered across Jakarta.

Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong attended the inauguration.

Unilever Indonesia has reiterated its commitment to invest $500 million domestically over the next few years, primarily to expand its factories. It invested Rp 8.5 trillion from 2010 to 2015.

Unilever Indonesia has 39 brands, which it divides into four categories: namely personal care, home care, food and refreshments. (tas)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang, Banten  Thu, June 22, 2017 14:44 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a652885 1 Business Unilever-Indonesia,dividend,stand-by-loan,shareholders-meeting Free

Publicly listed consumer goods giant PT Unilever Indonesia (UNVR) has secured a standby loan worth Rp 3 trillion (US$225 million) from Unilever Finance International AG to expand its business in the country.

Unilever corporate secretary Sancoyo Antarikso said the loan facility could be disbursed anytime the firm needed it in the next five years, with a tenure of one to 12 months and at a 0.15 percent lower interest compared to bank loans.

The shareholders meeting has agreed to allow the firm to receive a standby loan within five years from now, so we can use it anytime we need it, Sancoyo told The Jakarta Post after the meeting at Unilever Indonesia headquarters in BSD City, Banten, on Tuesday.

The loan can be used to fund the companys plan to expand the capacities of its nine existing factories in West Java and East Java. The Indonesian unit of the Dutch-British transnational consumer goods company has announced plans to invest $500 million within the 2016-2020 period in Indonesia.

In 2016, Unilever Indonesia spent Rp 1.79 trillion (US$134.4 million) in capital expenditure toward capacity expansion, among other aims, while booking a 9.2 percent increase in its net profit to Rp 6.4 trillion and a 9.8 percent increase in net sales to Rp 40 trillion.

Almost all of its 2016 profit will be distributed as dividends worth Rp 835 per share. While Rp 2.9 trillion has been paid as an interim dividend last year, the company will distribute the remaining Rp 3.5 trillion this year. (ags)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Fri, June 23 2017

Indonesian Muslims will celebrate Idul Fitri, which marks the completion of the month-long fasting ritual of Ramadhan this weekend. As part of tradition, there will be prayers and rituals in praise of Allah, feasts, fireworks and, most importantly, a rare opportunity for people to catch up with extended family and friends. Also part of the tradition, many Indonesians will travel across the countrys archipelagic regions on the annual mudik (exodus) in order to be able to celebrate the festivity in their home villages.

There are several expressions that Muslims here commonly use to congratulate and pray for fellow Muslims completing the month-long ritual. Most people would say in Arabic Minal aidin wal faidzin (Pray to Allah that we are among those returned to purity and victory) or in simple Indonesian Maaf lahir batin (Forgive me physically and spiritually). There are also Muslims who say Taqobbalallahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept my and your deeds) as an expression of gratitude for completing the Ramadhan fast.

It is within the spirit of asking forgiveness for ones sins and simultaneously forgiving the sins of others that Idul Fitri is celebrated by Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Indonesia.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 14:36 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a65222f 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,East-Nusa-Tenggara,whales,whale-tourism,whale Free

People tend to associate East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province with Labuan Bajo or Komodo National Park.

What most of them dont know is that there are actually 18 different species of whales that swim through the seas around NTT and two of the them are classified as endangered: the blue whale and the sperm whale.

The Tourism Ministry, alongside Nature Conservancy Indonesia, is currently developing whale-watching as a tourist attraction that is to be launched in 2018. The locations to watch the whales would be in Lembata, East Flores, Alor and several more regencies on Flores Island.

Read also: Whale sharks draw tourists to Nabire

NTT Tourism Agency head Marius Ardu Jelamu said his team is currently distributing a draft of the development and business plan for whale- and dolphin-watching programs to stakeholders in NTT.

Jelamu emphasizes that whales are endangered animals so the whale-watching tourism initiative needs to be done in a very strict manner.

Without a clear guideline that all stakeholders, locals and tourists comply with, the activity will threaten the sustainability of the whales, Marius said. (kes)
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 12:07 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a64a5c1 1 Destinations wisata-rumah-ibadat,religious-places,jakarta,religion,tolerance,Diversity,travel Free

Amid the rising intolerance that continues to fill news headlines and social media, an activity is being held to remind people about the religious diversity that Indonesia enjoys and, at the same time, show that Jakarta does not only offer a plethora of malls and cafes.

Dubbed "Wisata Rumah Ibadat" (Places of Worship Tourism), the activity invites participants to visit several places of worship in Jakarta to learn about tolerance and religious diversity. Held for the second time on Tuesday, it was joined by teenagers and kicked off at GPIB (Synod of Protestant Churches in Western Indonesia) Immanuel and ended at Pura Aditya Jaya Ramawangun.

In each place of worship, the participants received explanations about its history, the way people pray and the meaning of symbols or philosophies used in the various religions.

Below are the destinations scattered across Jakarta that one can consider visiting to learn more about religion in Indonesia:

GPIB Immanuel

Participants explore the GPIB Immanuel, Central Jakarta. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Situated in Gambir, Central Jakarta, GPIB Immanuel is one of the oldest churches in the city. Built in the 1830s and designed by Dutch architect J. H. Horst, the church used to be named "Willem Kerk", but was later changed in 1948 to "Immanuel" (God with Us).

As part of Jakartas cultural heritage, the church is known for its dome, which is able to reflect sound and was used for sermons in the past. The dome was designed in such a way that it transfers an equal amount of sunlight to the inner parts of the church. GPIB Immanuel also has an historic pipe organ that was made by J. Datz in 1843. The organ can still be played today.

The services at GPIB Immanuel are divided depending on which language is used; Bahasa Indonesia (6 a.m., 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.), Dutch (10 a.m.) and English (5 p.m.).

Address : Jl. Merdeka Timur No. 10, RT 2/RW 1, Gambir, Central Jakarta.

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral

Teenagers and senior high school students explore the Jakarta Cathedral. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, popularly known as the Jakarta Cathedral, was officially established on April 21, 1901, but the original building was actually built in 1810. The church was designed in neo-gothic style and has three spires that are currently under renovation. Meanwhile, the ceiling is made from wood to anticipate earthquakes. On both sides of the church, people can view a series of paintings titled The Way of the Cross (Jalan Salib).

Jakarta Cathedral has daily and weekly mass schedules. It also has bells that are rung at 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. to remind people to pray. Those who decide to visit this church must not pass the batas suci (sacred line) in front of the altar. The church also has special praying space and facilities for people with disabilities.

One of the activity participants, 18-year-old Amanda Najla, who is a student of an Islamic boarding school in East Java, said that getting insights from various sources about religions in Indonesia and their development really opened her eyes. At school, we only learn about our religion, therefore we lack information about other religions. I will encourage other teenagers to join the activity; to see, learn and understand more about religious diversity in Indonesia, she said.

Address : Jl. Katedral No. 7B, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta.

Istiqlal Mosque

Participants take a picture together at Istiqlal Mosque. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Located right across from the Jakarta Cathedral, Istiqlal Mosque was built as a form of gratitude for Indonesias independence. Its name, which was derived from the Arabic language, literally means "Independence". At first the mosque was going to be built in the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle area, but at the suggestion of Indonesia's first president Soekarno, the mosque was constructed in its current location, which used to be known as Wilhelmina Park. In 1978, it was officially established by the country's second president Soeharto.

Known as the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Istiqlal can accommodate up to 300,000 jamaah (worshippers). The building only has one minaret, symbolizing the Muslim belief of one God. It also has a large dome up to 45 meters in diameter, while the smaller dome is 8 meters in diameter and the moon-star sculpture is 17 meters in height. When they are combined they form the date of Indonesias independence: Aug. 17, 1945.

Those who want to visit the mosque should wear appropriate clothes; do not wear shorts, tank tops or see-through clothing, although long kimonos are available to lend for foreign tourists. You also need to take off your shoes or sandals prior to entering the mosque.

Address : Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta.

Read also: Mandalika Grand Mosque to open before Idul Adha

Hoseiji Temple

The inside of Hoseiji Temple.(JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Hoseiji Temple (Kuil Hoseiji) was built in 2005. Its construction materials came from several provinces in Indonesia, included Bali and Central Java. The temple is the place of worship for Buddhists with Japan-based Nichiren Shoshu as its branch. Located in Manggarai, the Hoseiji Temple features a praying room, a classroom, reception and an office. The temple is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Those who want to visit Hoseiji Temple should take off their shoes and sandals, then keep them in cabinets near the entrance. It is prohibited to take a photo of the sacred altar, especially when it is in an open position. Those who have questions regarding Buddhism and the temple can ask the receptionist at the left side of the entrance. You can also talk to one of the Bhikkus but only after making an appointment.

Address : Jl. Padang No. 27, RT 05/08, Pasar Manggis, Setiabudi, South Jakarta.

Pura Aditya Jaya

Participants enjoy a Balinese dance performance at Pura Aditya Jaya, Rawamangun.(JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Located in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, Pura Aditya Jaya (Aditya Jaya Temple) was officially established in May 1972, but the construction itself took eight phases from 1972 to 2006. The temple can be reached via its main gate (Candi Bentar) on Jl. Jenderal Ahmad Yani, but when it is closed, you are advised to go to Jl. Daksinapati Raya instead.

Adopting the Tri Mandala (three realms) structure, the pura consists of three parts, namely Nista Mandala that covers the parking area, Madya Mandala or the middle area that hosts the kitchen and Balai Wantilan (place for meeting or preparing for a religious ceremony), and Uttama Mandala, which is the most sacred area, where Hindu believers pray.

Women who want to visit Pura Aditya Jaya should not enter the Uttama Mandala when they are on their period. Aside from wearing modest clothing, visitors should also wear a sarong and senteng (scarf) around their waist and take off their shoes or sandals.

Address : Jl. Daksinapati Raya No. 10, Rawamangun, East Jakarta

Wisata Rumah Ibadat was initiated by two non-profit organizations, Bhinneka Community and Sekar Nusa Community, who are mostly concerned about diversity and culture in Indonesia. The activity is designed for youths and high school students to help them learn more about the reality of religious diversity in this country. The first installment of the activity was held in Bandung in May and was joined by elementary students. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, June 22, 2017 12:33 1968 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a64acf2 1 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,pesona-lebaran,tourist-destination,Arief-Yahya,tourism,#tourism,mudik,#mudik Free

For this years Idul Fitri, the Tourism Ministry is encouraging homebound travelers and tourists alike to explore the vast array of tourist attractions in Indonesia with a program called Pesona Lebaran (The Wonder of Lebaran) 2017.

A guidebook is currently being prepared that will include historical and cultural sites, amusement parks and local culinary destinations across the country's major islands.

Read also: Yogyakarta: One day, eight destinations

The ministry also created a hashtag #WisataJalurMudik (Exodus Route Tourism) to encourage travelers to upload their holiday photos onto social media.

Every region must have 10 cool tourist sites; it would be a shame if you missed them, said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

Arief then went on to give an example from Aceh, which is home to 10 major destinations, namely the Kilometer No. 1 RI Monument in Sabang, Iboih Beach in Sabang, Anoi Itam Beach in Sabang, the Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh, Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, PLTD Apung in Banda Aceh, Lampuuk Beach in Aceh Besar, Laut Tawar Lake in Central Aceh, Pacu Kude in Gayo and the Samudera Pasai Kingdom housing complex in North Aceh.

According to the ministry, while in Surabaya in East Java, the places you should visit are the House of Sampoerna, the Sunan Ampel Arab Village and Suramadu Bridge and the activities you should try are a culinary tour and experiencing a Lebaran Ketupat (the seventh day after Idul Fitri) celebration.

Read also: Jenang Museum offers unique glimpse of Kudus regency

Arief also said that during the fasting month, the number of foreign and domestic tourists decreases, but during Idul Fitri the number of domestic tourists can reach 20 million people.

Jakarta is at low season during the fasting month and Lebaran; hotel occupancy can drop to 30 percent. This is the time to promote to non-Muslim majority countries, such as Singapore and Australia. Travel agents usually also offer discounts for airline tickets, accommodations and attractions, Arief said.
A 24-year-old man has been indicted in connection with a vicious attack on a 61-year-old woman near Sara D. Roosevelt Park last month.

Devin Brown was charged with attempted murder (2nd degree), assault (1st degree) and attempted robbery (1st degree) in the May 20 incident. In a statement, DA Cy Vance said, Devin Brown is accused of brutally attacked a 61-year-old woman while she was walking alone on the Lower East Side, without any apparent provocation The details of this senseless attack are truly shocking  the defendant is accused of continuing to assault the victim as she lay motionless on the ground.

According to court documents, Brown came up to the woman at around 6 a.m. as she walked on Forsyth Street, and punched her, knocking the victim to the ground. A press release from the D.A. adds, The defendant rifled through her pockets and then proceeded to stomp on her head and kick her. Brown only stopped attacking the woman when an eyewitness approached. That eyewitness called the police, who arrived on the scene and arrested the defendant in a nearby deli.

The Daily News reported yesterday that the woman may have permanent brain damage. She has been hospitalized since the morning of the attack. Brown allegedly claimed that he was provoked by the woman, telling cops, That bh robbed me first! Then he changed his story, according to the News, explaining to investigators that he was, drunk and on Xanax and had smoked marijuana before the incident. Brown allegedly said he did not remember anything, but added,(I) wouldnt put my hands on a female. At the arraignment, he pleaded not guilty.

In court, Assistant District Attorney Alissa Marque said of the victim, Her vocal cords were severely damaged so she could barely speak. She still cannot eat or drink without a tube.
Translation, while often misconstrued as neutral, is an inherently political act. It can amplify a voice, especially when its rendered into English, which is almost always the dominant language with the wider reach. While I like to point this out as a literary translator myself, the reality settles in when I speak with a novelist who, for the past year and a half, has been working as a legal interpreter.

Valeria Luiselli had never translated before working at an immigration court with Central American children seeking sanctuary in the U.S. There, she would discover that presenting the stories of these children accurately and convincingly to the court in English is their only chance of escape from violence or insecurity at home. But, unlike the literary translator, she found she had limited control over the narratives she was given. Between the childrens words always lurked a heavy silence, a much longer story that wasnt being told.

Luisellis book, Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions, out now from Coffee House Press, is an attempt to record, in English, what didnt get translated. For while she also writes books in Spanish, she had no trouble deciding which language to write the one distilling her experiences in court. The versions of these childrens stories that do already exist in English, in the media primarily, are incomplete and oversimplified, and the ones packaged for the courts are not much better.

It was in 2014 when she first learned that tens of thousands of children were turning themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol after arduous, perilous journeys from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other places. This would widely become known as an immigration crisis that to this day continues, where unaccompanied children have been fleeing escalating violence across Central America.

The numbers are staggering and the circumstances harrowing. To make these journeys, children travel on the backs of trains and cross deserts with limited water supply, where they also run the risk of being kidnapped and murdered. If you are a girl crossing the border from Mexico, there is an 80 percent chance that you will be raped; many take birth control as a precaution. Too many of these children, some as young as two years old, are sent back. Mexican children dont stand a chance, as they can be deported immediately under U.S. policy if Border Patrol determines they meet certain conditions.

At the time she realized this, Luiselli, who is Mexican, was in the process of applying for her green card after having lived in the U.S. for six years. Her own burdens in navigating the exceedingly confusing and expensive immigration system (which I, too, am familiar with) seemed trivial in comparison to these childrens. She reached out to her lawyer at the time and asked how she could volunteer in court. It was then that she ended up interpreting at an immigration court in New York City, and found she was badly needed: the federal government faced an overwhelming number of children80,000 between October 2013 and June 2014and shortened the time they had to find legal representation: 12 months to 21 days. Luisellis job was to interview and translate the childrens answers at an initial screening, which were then reviewed by volunteer organizations to determine whether there were viable claims against deportation. If not, no lawyer was assigned and the child was eventually deported.

Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions is at once a deft exposition on the injustices of immigration law, the long, bullying history of U.S.-Central American relations, and the obstacles and politics of translation. The book is structured around the questions she had to ask each child she interviewed. The first, Why did you come to the U.S.?, is already too complexone not even Luiselli can fully answer for herself. The answerspersecution and abuse at home or the hope to reunite with a family member in the U.S.come in pieces, not neat, linear narratives. Reticent children are often too embarrassed by their circumstances or worried about betraying their family to give complete answers. And no matter how many times Luiselli asks questions, [t]he childrens stories are always shuffled, stuttered, always shattered beyond repair of a narrative order. The problem with trying to tell their story is that it has no beginning, no middle, no end. Their stories, she suggests, are partly broken because their lives are.

But the children dont always know how to report their hardships. Luiselli notes that she must engage in a double translation: in addition to Spanish, she translates the language of children. In an interview with two young sisters, they evade questions, contradict themselves, and pretend to understand when they dont. When did you come to the United States? she asks. I dont know, they say.

And where did you cross the border?

I dont know.

Texas? Arizona?

Yes! Texas Arizona.

Following this exchange, Luiselli concludes in near defeat, For children of that age, telling a storya round and convincing story that successfully inserts them into legal proceedings working up to their defense, is practically impossible.

The cruel irony is that while these childrens predicaments are clear, they become less so when trying to fit them within the borders of the questions asked. In one of many imaginative attempts to translate the peculiar language of the courts, Luiselli likens the interview process, officially called a screening, to a movie projection: the child becomes a reel of footage, and the legal system a screen, itself too worn out, too filthy and tattered to allow any clarity, any attention to detail. The translator, then, is nothing more than an obsolete apparatus used to channel that footage. The stories become generalized, distorted, appear out of focus.

In court my dilemma is how to not cheat. That is, she said impishly when we met, in favor of the kid. She had to exercise restraint when those two young sisters, for instance, gave insufficient answers, saying, as a child is told to, that they never got into trouble at home, were never punished, and only played. What I needed to hear, though I didnt want to hear it, was that they had been doing hard laborthat they were being exploited, abused, Luiselli writes, visibly irked and ashamed that these are the realities that would grant the children asylum or special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) status.

As a legal interpreter, she feels powerless, hands and feet tied. She cannot control the words that flow from the childrens mouths, and she has to listen even when its too painful. Her job is exhausting and emotionally demanding. Particularly, she struggles to provide an answer to her curious daughter whose demand, Tell me how it ends, mamma, becomes a common refrain throughout the book, because most of the children slip from her reach after the screening.

There is one notable exception, however: the first child Luiselli ever interviewed, 16-year-old Manu, from Honduras, who Luiselli grows fond of and who we follow sporadically. His story enlightens the geopolitical context for these mass migrations; through him we learn more about MS-13 and Barrio 18, two gangs that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, and that despite the U.S. administrations effort to deport the members involved, have only grown in numbers across the country. Manu, exceptionally, brought with him across the border a physical piece of evidence that would earn him the attention of some of the finest pro-bono lawyers in the city: the copy of the police report he filed in Honduras complaining of MS-13 members who lurked outside his high school gates. But when Manu arrives in Long Island, he finds Hempstead is a shithole full of pandilleros, just like Tegucigalpa. In other words, his problems followed him. Even though the media, as Luiselli remarks with typical sense of humor, wouldnt put Hempstead, a city in New York, on the same plane as one in Honduras. What a scandal!

Through the media weve learned of these stories but also failed to understand them. Luiselli, in seeking to rethink the very language surrounding the problem, tries to translate the masked language of news sources, including The New York Times, pointing out their propensity to refer to children as illegal immigrants rather than refugees; of problems to be rid of rather than confronted.

She concludes that the only thing to do is tell [these stories] over and over againin many different words, but she wrote this before Donald Trump was elected president. Circulating these stories, particularly in English-language media, could have adverse consequences. With the so-called Dreamers, or undocumented immigrant youth in the U.S., flagged by the current administration, Luiselli wonders what more attention would mean for these Central American kids who have gone relatively unnoticed. Will this government target them more if they become more visible? she asked me.

The last impression Luiselli leaves us with is unexpected: three photographs where Manu poses for the camera, hanging by his arms from telephone wires, practicing the art of flight. In the image, his body is completely dark and silhouetted, preserving his anonymity, as lawyers had advisedManu is not his real name, even though he wanted Luiselli to use it. He personally wouldnt mind being seen; he might prefer it. But the pictures were offered of these children, just like their translated words, struggle to gain focus.
She has done for me at last, Rachel my torment. The last words of Ambrose Ashley, cousin and much-loved guardian of protagonist Philip, are at the heart of the compelling mystery of Daphne du Mauriers 1951 bestseller, My Cousin Rachel.

Rachel, Daphne du Mauriers enigmatic, modern heroine, played by Rachel Weisz. Fox Searchlight Pictures , Author provided

Having travelled to Italy to combat ill health, Ambrose falls in love and marries the bewitching widow Rachel. But before he can return to Cornwall with his bride, Ambrose is dead and Philip is left to wonder whether his cousins letters are the ravings of a man afflicted by a brain tumour or the desperate plea of a husband whose wife has poisoned him.

The new adaptation, released in cinemas on June 9, starring Rachel Weisz in the title role and Sam Claflin as Philip, opens by asking the audience: Did she? Didnt she? Whos to blame? And these questions remain as a persistent but delicious torment to the viewer long after the film has ended.

According to publicity material I was given when I attended a press screening of the film, when Weisz first read the script she immediately asked director Roger Michell , who also adapted the novel for the screen, whether or not Rachel was innocent. Michell replied that he didnt know and he didnt want to know  and this is the central ambiguity that drives the plot of My Cousin Rachel and makes Rachels character endlessly fascinating and seductive.

Daphne du Maurier herself could not have answered this question. The novel is written in the first person from the perspective of Philip Ashley, who is consumed by hatred for the woman who caused his cousins demise, until she arrives in Cornwall  when he slowly but surely becomes fascinated and fatally obsessed with the inscrutable Rachel. In a letter of 1951 , du Maurier admitted that while writing the novel she turned herself so completely into Philip that I was beguiled, and she could have poisoned the entire world, I would not have minded.

Weiszs portrayal of her namesake perfectly captures the ambiguity of the character. Beautiful, exotic, and mesmerising, Rachel turns Philips world upside down. When it comes to women, Philip is inexperienced and immature  and not only is Rachel not the wicked witch he has been expecting, she is a woman whose moods, passions, and motives cannot be easily pinned down.

Intense passions

The film is deft in its replication of Philips perspective but it also gives Rachel a powerful voice and presence of her own. This is striking in the scene when Philip lays eyes upon Rachel for the first time. Lingering on Philips face as he enters Rachels room, the unbearable tension is broken by shock at her exquisite beauty. But just as quickly we are reminded that Rachel is meeting her husbands heir for the first time. As Weisz clatters her teacup and saucer, gasping Ambrose, we realise that she has come face-to-face with a man who resembles her husband as he would have been, years before she knew him.

Philips naivety is accompanied by intense passions in the novel and Claflins performance adroitly combines a charming boyishness with a far more dangerous anger. The threat and menace in du Mauriers novel is not merely to be found in the tisanas (herbal infusions) that Rachel brews up  but in the misogyny that drives the Ashley mens views of Rachel.

Michell recognises that du Maurier is asking important questions about womens freedom in a mans world and comments that he wanted Rachel to feel in part like a woman from 2017 who parachuted into that world  the woman who fell from Earth. Michell pens lines for Rachel in which she asserts her desire for independence, powerfully demanding of Philip: Can you not let me be a woman in my own right?, Why can I not make a life of my own? As a bold and independent woman herself, du Maurier would have been delighted to see this fundamental theme of her work made explicit in the adaptation.

Fox Searchlight Pictures , Author provided

More disturbing, however, is the films depiction of the sexual relations between Philip and Rachel. The novel, true to its own essential ambiguity, leaves this to the readers imagination. In one scene, when Philip kisses Rachel in the woods, Philip remarks that he kissed the rest of her as I had wanted to do for long hours past, and once again she was without defence. The film seizes this hint and portrays the sex scene among the bluebells as uncomfortably close to rape.

Cousin Rachel is, indeed, without defence in both film and novel. Arriving in a foreign country to the house that could have been her own, she encounters a man who looks like her deceased husband and begins to act like him too. In a powerful scene at the end of the film, confronted by an enraged Philip, Rachel brandishes a poker and weeps that history is repeating itself. But Rachel herself may have had a hand in that repetition as she brews her sinister-looking tisanas and Philip appears to succumb to the same brain fever as Ambrose.
Amanda Knox has built up a reputation for privacy since her conviction for murder was overturned and she returned to the US.

The American was accused of killing Brit and fellow exchange student Meredith Kercher in 2007, and spent four years imprisoned in Italy.

But following her 2016 Netflix documentary series, Knox has taken another step into the public  this time by unlocking her formerly private Instagram account.

What's happening? Well, I made my Instagram public. No more hoarding all my amazing cat videos. Check them out at https://t.co/qyVKxaAgFR  Amanda Marie Knox (@amamaknox) June 21, 2017

The account reveals a love of travel and her boyfriend, and particularly cats.

Essentially, this could be any 20-somethings Instagram.

Knox and her then Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted of killing and sexually assaulting Kercher in 2009, having spent two years in prison after the first accusations in 2007.

They were both acquitted in 2011, had their convictions upheld in 2014 (by which time Knox was back in America), and had the convictions definitively acquitted in 2015 by the supreme court.

The case drew a lot of attention around the world, leading to the popular documentary released by Netflix in 2016.

Since her release the 29-year-old, who was 20 at the time Kercher was killed, has campaigned for wrongly incarcerated prisoners and the welfare of inmates.

The Seattle residents Instagram shows Knox in locations around the world, from Canada to Germany and beyond, and a particular fondness for cats.

Knoxs first post is from 2015, and shes a frequent poster  sharing a lot of her life on the social media site.

The account also shows Knox getting a tattoo.

Since returning to the US, Knox has released a book and is a freelance journalist.

The only person to be convicted for the murder of Kercher is Rudy Guede, a petty criminal from Perugia who is serving a 16-year prison sentence.
Ice cream company Ben & Jerrys is asking British fans to write to their MEP to encourage co-ordinated action to help resettle refugees in the EU.

blog On Tuesday, World Refugee Day, the company released alaunching its Together For Refugees campaign with the International Rescue Committee.

The campaign asks people to send letters and emails to their local MEP urging them to vote for the Union Resettlement Framework, a bill which would see the EU take a joint approach to helping refugees from outside the Union.

Were teaming up with the International Rescue Committee to call on our fans to support a historic piece of legislation that would help refugees resettle safely in Europe. Just ONE email from you could make all the difference, the company detailed in the blog.

The aim of the framework legislation is to standardise rules on admission, the application process and the status to be accorded to resettled people, thereby helping to reduce the need for refugees to make hazardous journeys across Europe, and alleviate the burden on nations hosting a disproportionate amount of people.

According to the European Commission, the number of persons seeking asylum from non-EU countries during the first quarter of 2017 reached 164,500.

Robert Goodwill In February, the UKs former Minister for Immigration,, said the country would not be opting into the framework, saying that dealing with immigration at the national level allows for greater control and flexibility over both the source countries to be resettled from and the resettlement process.

Ben & Jerrys is hoping to make a difference by helping UK voters pressure their MEPs to support the framework.

It said: Its simple: the more of us who ask our representatives in the European Parliament to support this law and ensure that it provides refugees with a real possibility of living in safety, the more likely it is to pass.
Theresa Mays pre-election policy to create new grammar schools has been officially dropped, as it was omitted from the Queens Speech yesterday.

The return of grammar schools was one of Mays flagship policies and was meant to be seen as part of her vision of a meritocratic Britain, where the school system works for everyone.

The fact that these plans have been dropped will also most probably mean that the extra education funding promised in the Conservatives election manifesto has also been scrapped.

The pledge to create new grammar schools is only one of several policies which May proposed in the run up to the election but has since abandoned.

Other proposals that were dropped include scrapping the winter fuel allowance for well-off pensioners, ending automatic 2.5% pension rises, and ending free school lunches for all infants.

Theresa May announced plans to lift the existing ban on new selective schools, including grammar schools, on September 9 last year. Even then, her proposal was met with a lukewarm response.

The first grammar school to be built in England in 50 years is a boys annexe to Weald of Kent Girls Grammar School in Sevenoaks, Kent. Construction is well underway due to a previous loophole that allows expansion of existing grammar school.
Dont overinterpret The Handmaids Tale, warned a recent piece in The Atlantic .

The Handmaids Tale.

Comparisons between the dystopian United States crafted by Margaret Atwood in her 1985 novel and Trumps America have abounded since the latest screen adaptation appeared on US screens this year. But Atlantic journalist Shadi Hami warns that it probably wont happen here  in part because it hasnt happened anywhere. Yet.

But Atwood herself wrote in the New York Times that the book wasnt so much a prediction as a gathering together of terrible things that have indeed happened in various societies over many centuries: group executions, sumptuary laws, book burnings, the Lebensborn program of the SS and the child-stealing of the Argentine generals, the history of slavery, the history of American polygamy.

And its hard to ignore the books many themes, which are oddly resonant with our post-Trump world view. Broadly feminist in scope and in argument, it offers the reader insights into how society may develop if particular ideologies and social structures are pursued to the extreme.

We might note how this fictional authoritarian regime presents nightmarish visions of governmental interference and the erasure of individuality as well as a pervasive sense of surveillance, control and manipulation of private life, anxiety about technology, terrorism and the environment. Atwood has confirmed that what seemed like a fiction at the time of writing is now a bitter reality.

Indeed, in a short interview with Time magazine, Atwood and Elisabeth Moss (who plays the lead character, Offred, in Hulus new adaptation of the novel) discuss the implications of Donald Trumps presidency and how convincingly fiction can become fact. What is the easiest way ordinary women can resist such control over their bodies and their minds? Atwood says simply, to vote would be a start.

But how does this parallel work? First of all, we might note the complacency of Offred and society in general  in Atwoods vision, initial restrictions of human rights are slowly eroded. Women are prevented from taking roles in the workplace, then their assets and bank accounts are seized. But few speak out.

Abortion

Atwood is fiercely critical of any form of essentialist discourse  basically, any that reduces people to a predetermined function such as childbearing. In the novel, Offred explains that: We are containers, its only the insides of our bodies that are important. Offreds role in this new society is to carry a child for The Commander, a senior officer in the new regime  a regime that is underpinned by religious fundamentalism centring on womens reproductive rights.

In a harrowing description of a public execution in the novel, Offred observes that the criminals are abortionists:

Article continues below...

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Review: Russell T Davies, Edinburgh TV Festival Each has a placard hung around his neck to show why he has been executed: a drawing of a human foetus. They were doctors, then, in the time before, when such things were legal  These men, weve been told, are like war criminals. Its no excuse that what they did was legal at the time: their crimes are retroactive. They have committed atrocities, and must be made into examples, for the rest. Though this is hardly needed. No woman in her right mind, these days, would seek to prevent a birth, should she be so lucky as to conceive.

Trumps order on abortion  which banned federal money from going to international groups that perform or provide information on abortions  draws uneasy parallels with such scenes from the novel. This is compounded by the novels anxieties about the environment and specifically, nuclear waste: a woman who is unable to conceive  often due to exposure to toxic waste  is designated an Unwoman, and her lack of reproductive productivity can mean deportation to the colonies.

Image courtesy of Channel 4

State control

Atwoods horrifically imagined future hinges on increased surveillance and censorship. Women are forbidden to read and write  and everywhere The Eyes (The Eyes of God  or secret police force) are positioned to inform on traitors to the regime. The media presents partial truths and identifies easy targets for blame. The populace, struck with fear, are paralysed with inaction:

It was after the catastrophe, when they shot the President and machine-gunned the Congress and the army declared a state of emergency. They blamed it on the Islamic fanatics, at the time. Keep calm, they said on television. Everything is under control. I was stunned. Everyone was, I know that. It was hard to believe. The entire government, just like that. How did they get in, how did it happen? That was when they suspended the Constitution. They said it would be temporary. There wasnt even any rioting in the streets. People stayed home at night, watching television, looking for some direction. There wasnt even an enemy you could put your finger on.

Atwoods chilling portrayal is critical of all forms of extremism. The novel notes that Offreds mother supported book burning in the time before: The woman handed me one of the magazines. It had a pretty woman on it, with no clothes on, hanging from the ceiling by a chain wound around her hands. I looked at it with interest.

This is clearly a satire on the Feminist Sex Wars of the 1980s  but it is also a timely warning about the ways in which governments are now proposing to control the information we send and receive on the internet. Ostensibly motivated by morality, it nonetheless establishes a disturbing precedent of state control.
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One of several sexual assault lawsuits filed against attorney Mike Morse will be resolved through private arbitration, a judge has ruled.

Oakland Circuit Judge Shalina Kumar on Wednesday said the $15 million lawsuit filed by Morses former receptionist, Samantha Lichon, will be argued privately before an arbitrator rather than in a public courtroom due to an employment agreement Lichon signed when she took the job. That agreement requires her to resolve disputes through arbitration.

Arbitration means a retired judge or lawyer would decide if damages should be awarded.

Morses attorney, Deborah Gordon, said Kumars decision was what she had expected since the law is settled on arbitration agreements.

If you sign an arbitration agreement with regards to employment relative to what occurs on the job, you are stuck with it, she said. I was pleased (by the ruling). I think its exactly what the law has said.

Lichon is one of five women, all represented by attorney Geoffrey Fieger, who filed lawsuits in May and June against Morse for alleged groping. One suit, filed anonymously, was voluntarily dismissed earlier this month after Oakland Circuit Judge Rae Lee Chabot ruled the plaintiff had to file under her legal name. Feiger said he plans to refile in Miami, Fla., where the alleged assault occurred.

Calling Morse a sexual predator, Fieger said Kumars ruling will never stand up on appeal.

That ruling was the first ruling in Michigan, in U.S. history, that said a sexual predator could compel his victim to arbitration.preventing a victim from having her day in court, Feiger said. Morse never even signed the agreement.

Gordon maintains that the lawsuits are an attempt by Fieger to get publicity.

He wants the light shining on him and his hyperbolic statements, she said. His whole motivation is attention and embarrassing Mike Morse.

That claim has no merit, Fieger said.

Im not (filing the lawsuits)  five women who dont know each other were assaulted by a sexual predator at various times, various places and in various states, he said. What does that have to do with Geoffrey Fieger?
Gabrielle Popp will still be doing the same thing that she does in Southgate, but for several months next year, shell be doing it on another continent.

Popp, a teacher at Southgates Beacon Day Treatment Center, was recently announced as the winner of a J. William Fulbright scholarship.

She is one of 35 people who were awarded a Fulbright scholarship and who will travel abroad to educate others as well as learn new teaching tools to bring back to the United States.

Beacon Day has a population of 160 students, serving 21 school districts in western Wayne County. All of the students attending Beacon have Individualized Educational Plans with social work services, in the category of emotional impairment.

While in New Zealand, Popp will continue to work with special needs students.

I had to come up with a plan of what Id be doing while I was there, she said.

Popps award, specifically a part of the Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program, was selected based on a candidates leadership potential, as well as academic and professional achievement.

Shell head to New Zealand in early 2018, and stay several months, returning just in time to see her seniors graduate.

That was very important to me, Pop said. Theyve all worked so hard I couldnt miss seeing them graduate.

Popp said her building principal, and the school district in general, has been nothing but supportive of her going, despite it meaning they would need a long-term substitute to fill in for her.

The Fulbright program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to build relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries that are needed to solve global challenges.

The program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the cause, which operates in over 160 countries.

Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in many fields, including 57 who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 82 who have received Pulitzer Prizes, and 37 who have served as a head of state or government.

The program launched in 1946.
Home >Police Enforcement > Taxes and Tolls > Virginia Activist Appeals Ruling Over Diversion Of Toll Road Money
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.
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 ...
Organization: DanChurchAid

(DCA)

Duty Station: Uganda

About US:

DanChurchAid (DCA) is a faith-based Danish INGO working closely with

church-based as well as secular NGOs in Uganda and in the Great Lakes region.

Their programmes cover two main areas: Active Citizenship with a strong focus

on good governance and democratization, and Food Security including

Humanitarian and Transitional Responses to conflict and natural disaster.

DanChurchAid has supported emergency relief and development programmes in

Uganda since 1979. DanChurchAid works through partners and with a gender-inclusive

rights-based approach, which is mainstreamed throughout all DanChurchAid

programme types as well as within the organization.

About EU Aid Volunteers:

EU Aid Volunteers brings together volunteers and organisations from

different countries, providing practical

support to humanitarian aid projects and contributing to strengthening the

local capacity and resilience of disaster-affected communities. The EU Aid

Volunteers programme offers:

Opportunities for European citizens to

become EU Aid Volunteers in humanitarian projects worldwide, showing

solidarity with those who most need it,

Professional support by trained and

well-prepared volunteers to communities affected by disaster,

Capacity building for local staff and

volunteers of organisations in countries hit by disasters,

Technical assistance for organisations

based in Europe to strengthen their capacity to participate in the EU Aid

Volunteers initiative.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:

Build the capacities of the Diocese staff

in the areas of DRR and Emergency response

Actively contribute to the strengthening

of the Diocese in planning and implementation of DRR activities

Work closely with the Diocesan planning

officer in the coordination of DRR programmes in the Diocese

Meet regularly with Diocesan staff to

advise on DRR strategies that may contribute to mitigating disasters in

Uganda

Document and disseminate disaster related

information to the relevant stakeholders

The volunteer shall present regular DRR

reports to the PDR Coordinator

Identify funding opportunities for DRR

programmes

Provide support the development of DRR

grant applications and submit them to the relevant development partners



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The applicant for the DanChurchAid (DCA)

Volunteer job opportunity should have three years experience in

humanitarian aid and disaster management topics.

Extensive knowledge of Disaster Risk

Reduction approaches and broader resilience building especially at

community level is an asset.

Proven ability in working with development

partners supporting communities efforts towards achieving self-reliance,

generating and building on their resources sustainably.

Proven experience of working abroad with

local partners in different cultural settings.

Proven experience and skills in guiding,

training and facilitation in multi-cultural group settings.

Proven knowledge and ability to apply

methods of and tools for assessing needs, in order to identify the areas

to be targeted in further capacity building.

Able to understand, describe, maintain and

analyse the various stages of a project cycle in humanitarian aid,

including the needs assessment, master proposal and budget development,

and the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of a project.

Capable of coping with stressful

situations and capable of overcoming difficulties.

Adapts calmly and reacts constructively to

changing situations and constraints. Is able to identify and prevents

risks during a project.

The candidate is able to adapt to living

conditions where resources are very limited and the level of comfort is

low.

Excellent communication and writing skills

in English are needed.

How to Apply:



fill in the following documents i.e.

You should upload the documents at the link below. All suitably qualified and interested candidates should download andfill in the following documents i.e. Application Form CV Form and EUAV Self Assessment Questionnaire You should upload the documents at the link below.

th July,

2017 Deadline: 13July,2017
Patnaik's close aides say that to understand him, one has to understand his empathy

By Pratul Sharma/Photos Sanjay Ahlawat
Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian national who was sentenced to death by a court in Pakistan, filed a mercy petition before Pakistan army chief.

Jadhav was tried by a military court in Pakistan in April and awarded death sentence on charges of spying and posing a threat to national security.

Pakistan had said that Jadhav will not be executed till he "exhausted all his mercy appeals", which includes one with the president of Pakistan.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty on May 8. The next day, the international court gave Jadhav, 46, a lease of life and stayed the death sentence as a provisional measure.

Pakistan claimed its security forces arrested Jadhav from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation trip on Saturday. He will begin with Portugal and reach the US on June 24. Apart from the much-anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, Modi will also address a CEOs' meet and interact with members of the Indian diaspora. The engagements will be on a much lower scale than his previous trips, where he addressed a massive audience.

Both countries are keen to take forward the last three years' progress. The Indo-US ties have been called the defining partnership of the 21st century. Although bilateral ties progress irrespective of the government in power, the personal initiative of the leaders provide direction, thrust as well as that much-vaunted intimate touch. Modi had developed a surprisingly warm relationship with Barack Obama.

Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar was recently in Washington DC to prepare for this important visit.

Modi will return to India via the Netherlands, where he will stop for a day-long visit.
During his visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss issues ranging from terrorism and regional security to economic cooperation with US President Donald Trump.

Modi would meet Trump on June 26 afternoon during which the focus would be on "further pushing and developing economic and commercial cooperation for mutual benefit of the two countries",

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay told reporters.

Baglay added that regional security and terrorism would also be on the agenda.

"Our concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Pakistan are well known. Terrorism that emanates from there has affected not only India but also many other countries. We do talk to all countries, our friends and partners on how to counter cross-border terrorism and international terrorism," Baglay said.

"So it is logical to assume that the issues of global and regional security and terrorism would figure in the discussions among the two leaders."

He added that all matters of bilateral interest would be on the table.

"When the two leaders meet, it is not our practice to constrain the agenda. The leaders have the entire gamut of relationship for them to talk. We can't say which matters would be taken up and which won't be," he added.

Baglay said the idea of the bilateral talks would be to give a thrust and direction to the "robust and expanding relationship often described as the defining partnership of the 21st century".

Modi is scheduled to leave India on Saturday (June 24) morning. He would first visit Portugal before reaching Washington DC.

The prime minister would meet the CEOs and senior representatives from the business community on June 25, Baglay said.

"On (June) 26 forenoon, there would be calls on the prime minister by senior officials and dignitaries of the US administration. And in the afternoon, we have the official engagement with President Trump," he added.

Asked if the government had prepared differently to deal with Trump, Baglay said the relationship between the two countries was institutional.

While it would be the first time Modi would be meeting the US President, the two have already had three "useful" conversations over telephone, the spokesman said.

"We have had foreign secretary travel to the US earlier. Their national security advisor has been here. We are in regular touch with the US government at very senior level preparing for the visit," he said.

However, he added that the government was aware that Trump had recently assumed office and hence there were certain areas where the two countries need to understand each other better.

"Therefore the dialogue is going on and that is the aim of the dialogue."
Nitish Kumar, the man behind the mahadalit idea, has got to be in a bind, though JD(U) leader and Rajya Sabha member Pavan Varma would have us believe otherwise.

"There will be no rethinking on supporting Ram Nath Kovind. It was a well thought out decision by Nitish Kumar" said Varma.

If Kumar decided to back NDA's presidential candidate because he was the governor of Bihar and a dalit, he may have to rethink. The nominee of opposition parties, Meira Kumar, hails from Bihar, represented the state in Lok Sabha, is a dalit and a woman.

However, if Kumar had thought about gradually letting go of his Bihar government coalition partners , the RJD and the Congress, and joining hands with former friend, the BJP, he is unlikely to change his decision to extend support to Kovind.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav told the media after the opposition meeting that Kumar had informed him about his decision to support Kovind before making it public. Lalu said he had cautioned the chief minister and suggested that he waits till the meeting, scheduled for Thursday, is over. "But he acted in a hurry. He should have waited".

Lalu refused to discuss the possible impact of Kumar's decision on the Bihar government.

For sometime now, there has been a gut feeling in the political circles in the national capital that Kumar, while acknowledged as an important mover in the plan to unite the non-BJP opposition, was moving away. He had recently skipped a luncheon appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhiironically, the subject was the presidential electionsbut arrived in Delhi the next day to meet and have lunch with the prime minister. And he had not paused to discuss the support to Kovind, "when there was no hurry", as a BSP leader put it.

While it is too soon to see any impact of Kumar decision on the government in Bihar, the JD(U) and the BJP together do not have the numbers to form government in Bihar. Kumar cannot afford to dump his partners while the latter cannot do anything about his support to Kovind.
Opposition parties will meet today afternoon to decide their choice of candidate for the July 17 presidential election.

The meeting will be chaired by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, a day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party Janata Dal-United (JD-U) decided to support NDA Presidential nominee Ram Nath Kovind.

"Today in the opposition parties meeting, which shall be chaired by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, these issues (presidential candidate) would be discussed," Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said here. "Let us see what comes out of the meeting."

Reacting on the JD-U's decision to support National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) presidential candidate Kovind, Kharge said: "Nitish Kumar's party JD-U's announcement to support Kovind is his decision."

"Earlier in the opposition parties' meeting, JD-U leader Sharad Yadav had advised not to decide on the presidential candidate in hurry," he added.

Sharad Yadav was also a member of the sub-committee formed by opposition parties to decide their presidential candidate.

Sonia Gandhi had taken the initiative to talk to opposition parties to evolve a consensus on a presidential poll candidate. Nitish Kumar was among the leaders who met her and JD-U leaders took part in all meetings of the grouping.

The Left parties are keen to put up a candidate against Kovind in what they call an "ideological battle".

While some parties have floated the name of former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as the combined opposition candidate, the other name doing the rounds is of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who too belongs to the Dalit community.
Two soldiers were killed on Thursday in an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Poonch sector of Jammu close to the Line of Control. One intruder was also shot dead by the Army in retaliation.

The attack happened 600metres inside the Indian side of the LoC at 2 pm when the Army was carrying out an area domination patrol.

The sudden attack happened merely 200 metres from the Army post. Despite being ambushed, the Army retaliated and killed an intruder and injured another.

Our area domination patrol was targeted by the armed intruders and an exchange of fire occurred. While the firefight was going on, the Pakistani posts engaged our posts by heavy fire,'' Army spokesman said. ''Our patrol killed one armed intruder. The body of one armed intruder is within visual reach. Another armed intruder was injured and covering fire by Pakistan posts facilitated his extrication.

The BAT is a mix of Pakistani Special Forces and Jihadis who are often used by Pakistan for stun attacks inside Indian territory.

This is the second BAT attack that has been foiled in the last one month along the LoC. Indian Army averted a major tragedy on May 26 when they foiled a Pakistani BAT attack on its patrol and killed two militants on the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of North Kashmirs Baramulla district.

Thursday's BAT action is the third in Poonch sector this year.

On May 1, BAT attacked an Army patrol and mutilated and killed two soldiershead constable Prem Sagar of Border Security Force and Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh of the Army at Krishna Ghati sub-sector of Poonch district in Jammu division.

The BAT attack was foiled on the day when Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tioba (LeT) suffered a major setback after security forces killed three top militants in an overnight operation at Kakpora village in South Kashmirs Pulwama district.

A stone pelter nicknamed Chota Geelani, who was jailed thrice under Public Safety Act (PSA), was killed and 40 others were injured after security forces fired pellets and bullets at the stone pelting mob protesting against the killing of militants.

The Lashkar militants, all locals, were killed after police received a specific input on the presence of militants in the Bank Mohalla Kakapora Wednesday evening. An Army major was also injured after militants opened fire on the advancing troops of Army, CRPF and police.

The fire was retaliated and in the ensuing encounter three LeT militants were killed. They have been identified as Majid Hameed Mir, Shakir Ahmad Jugjoo and Irshad Ahmad Dar. Two AK rifles and one pistol were recovered from the encounter site, said a police spokesman.

Police said Majid was involved in the killings of ruling PDP district president Abdul Gani, Janta Dal (U) district president Ajaz Ahmad, and two sarpanches.
Call it the overzealous efforts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists or the emphatic appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a Congress-mukt (free) Bharat that several houses in Bhopal were painted with slogans declaring the house to be a BJP House.

The houses of staunch Congressmen were painted as BJP House. During its campaign to enroll new voters as members of the BJP, the ruling party had launched a fortnight-long drive in the seven assembly segments of Bhopal.

The BJP workers reached the houses, where young people were getting voting rights after attaining the age of 18 years. The workers were given the task of writing graffiti on the walls of such houses. The graffiti, in a way, was proof of their visiting the house and convincing new voters about BJP. They also enrolled new members.

The whole exercise became controversial when the graffiti was made on the houses of hardcore Congress workers. Even the office bearers of Congress party were shown as members of BJP. When such people reported the matter to the local administration, they were asked to ignore it.

Vice president of the district Congress committee, Pyare Khan, said, They painted the graffiti on the walls of my house when I was away. My family tried to stop them, but they did not listen.

Similarly, the house of district Congress Ggeneral Secretary Ashok Sharma too faced this when he was away. Sharma said This is the height of dictatorship. They are just doing whatever they want.

Pyare Khan was disturbed with the slogan writing because he got a fresh coat of white-wash on his house recently. District Congress President P.C. Sharma said that he will soon register a case against BJP for defacing the private property and forcibly making people its members when they do not want to become one.

Ramkrishna Singh, a resident of Shahpura locality, said, Some BJP workers came and forcibly wrote these slogans. They think that we will give vote because they have written on our walls. They are wrong.

Other residents too echoed similar sentiments, but did not come on record to oppose the graffiti. We want development, we are fed up of these gimmicks, a woman said.

BJP however is defiant. Spokesperson of BJP, Rajneesh Agarwal, said This whole thing looks to be mischievous. Our party was definitely conducting 'house contact' campaign in these villages, but our activists will never do such a thing. It may be the handiwork of a section of the Congress party that may have wanted to defame its office bearers.

It is absolutely false that our workers have threatened people. We never indulge in such activities, Agarwal added.

Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said, This is an example of a fake membership drive of the BJP. This is how they claim that they have three crore members in Madhya Pradesh. He said it is shameful that houses of ordinary people are defaced and branded a BJP house.
Islamic State militants on Wednesday blew up the Grand al-Nuri Mosque of Mosul and its famous leaning minaret, an Iraqi military statement said, as Iraqi forces seeking to expel the group from the city closed in on the site.

It was from this medieval mosque three years ago that the militants' leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a self-styled "caliphate" spanning parts of Syria and Iraq.

Islamic State's Amaq news agency accused American aircraft of destroying the mosque, a claim swiftly denied by the US-led international coalition fighting the hardline Sunni group.

"We did not strike in that area," said coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian.

"The responsibility of this devastation is laid firmly at the doorstep of ISIS," said a statement from the commander of the coalition's ground component, US Army Major General Joseph Martin, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The Iraqi military's media office distributed a picture taken from the air that appeared to show the mosque and minaret flattened in the middle of the small houses of the Old City, the historic district where the militants are besieged.

"The Daesh (Islamic State) terror gangs committed another historical crime by blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and its historical al-Hadba minaret," the Iraqi military statement said.

The Iraqis lovingly call the minaret Al-Hadba, or "the hunchback."

A video seen on social media showed the minaret collapsing vertically in a vast billow of sand and dust, as a woman lamented in the background, saying "the minaret, the minaret, the minaret."

The explosions happened as Iraq's elite Counter Terrorism Service units, which have been battling their way through Mosul's Old City, got to within 50 meters (164 feet) of the mosque, the Iraqi military statement said.

"This is a crime against the people of Mosul and all of Iraq, and is an example of why this brutal organization must be annihilated," said US Major General Martin.

Iraqi forces said earlier on Wednesday they had started a push towards the mosque.

The forces on Tuesday had encircled the jihadist group's stronghold in the Old City, the last district under Islamic State control in Mosul.

Al-Baghdadi proclaimed himself "caliph"or ruler of all Muslimsfrom the mosque's pulpit on July 4, 2014, after the insurgents overran vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

His black flag had been flying over its 150-foot (45-metre) leaning minaret since June 2014.

Baghdadi's speech from the mosque was also the first time he revealed himself to the world, and the footage broadcast then is to this day the only video recording of him as "caliph."

Iraqi officials had privately expressed the hope that the mosque could be captured in time for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. The first day of the Eid falls this year on June 25 or 26 in Iraq.

"The battle for the liberation of Mosul is not yet complete, and we remain focused on supporting the Iraqi Security Forces with that objective in mind," said Martin.

The fall of Mosul would, in effect, mark the end of the Iraqi half of the "caliphate" even though Islamic State would continue to control territory west and south of the city, the largest they held sway over in both Iraq and Syria.

Baghdadi has left the fighting in Mosul to local commanders and is believed to be hiding in the border area between Iraq and Syria, according to US and Iraqi military sources.

The mosque is named after Nuruddin alZanki, a noble who fought the early crusaders from a fiefdom that covered territory in modern-day Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The mosque was built in 1172-73, shortly before his death, and housed an Islamic school.

By the time renowned medieval traveller Ibn Battuta visited two centuries later, the minaret was already leaning. Its tilt gave the landmark its popular name: the hunchback.

It was built with seven bands of decorative brickwork in complex geometric patterns ascending in levels towards the top in designs also found in Persia and Central Asia.

Nabeel Nouriddin, a historian and archaeologist specialising in Mosul and its Nineveh region, said the minaret has not been renovated since 1970, making it particularly vulnerable to blasts even if it was not directly hit.

The Mosque's destruction occurred during the holiest period of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, its final 10 days. The night of Laylat al-Qadr falls during this period, marking when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to prophet Mohammed.
Since September 11th, all the more we have asked,

Why is our planet in crisis in spite of all that we have amassed?

Almighty Lord, tell us, please tell us

The secret to happiness and peace within us.

Thus begins a poem titled A Journey into the Fragrant Mind: The Fragrant World, by Vandana Bapna, at the Chinmaya Missions Washington Regional Centre. Dedicated to the acharyas, it was part of the centenary celebrations of Swami Chinmayananda. Clearly, 9/11 shook people, and took many to Indian spirituality, for answers. Specifically to Vedanta, which is what the mission imparts lessons in.

Come August, a young Chinese girl will be among those pursuing Vedantic studies at the Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai. A few years ago, there was a Russian. There was a Nigerian in 2002-2004, when Swami Bodhatmananda, the present acharya of the Vedanta course, himself attended the rigorous two-year programme. Almost every batch has about ten foreigners who come in with just one goal, to study Vedanta, which is the gist of the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagawad Gita.

Marcia from Brazil had heard about the Gita from her mother and once while in Delhi, she saw a poster of a Gita discourse at the Chinmaya Mission. She went in and was blown away by Swami Nikhilanandas discourse. Marcia went back to Brazil, only to return to study Vedanta. Although she struggled to learn English and Sanskrit, she is now Brahmacharini Sita, wholly immersed in the activities of the Chinmaya Mission in South America.

Swamini Umananda, from Paris, is in charge of the missions activities there. She had visited India before she joined the mission in 1990-91. Swamini Shivapriyanka from Poland manages the missions activities in Toronto. Genny Ayers aka Arpita Ayers is now Swamini Radhikananda, and runs the centre in Florida.

When Swami Chinmayananda started his international tours, it attracted a large number of people who wanted to be part of his gyan yagnaa spiritual discourse to learn answers to questions like who am I and what is my identity and to learn through this understanding how one should deal with problems in life. People were mesmerised, and as word spread, study groups were formed, Bal Vihars were started to instil values in children and Yuva Kendras for the youth. People got immersed in discourses by acharyas who travelled from India to supplement teachings by resident acharyas abroad. Now there are over 300 centres worldwide.

Whether it is in New Jersey, Boston, London, Paris or Sydney, the Chinmaya Mission reaches out to communities in needbe it feeding the hungry or tending to the underprivileged. The mission conducts spiritual discourses, classes for children, music sessions, Vedic chanting, recitation of verses from the Gita and pujas and celebrations of everything that is part of Indian culture.

In a school in Trinidad, 700 children in unison recite the 15th chapter of the Gita, which is the essence of the Vedas. The Chinmaya Vidyalaya seems to bursting at the seams. And managing the mission is Swami Prakashananda, whose family from India landed there generations ago. In Durban, Swami Abhedananda conducts classes in Vedanta. Getting admitted to the course takes a lot of commitment and dedication. Yet, many young people make the effort.

At any time, about 50 acharyas are in these overseas centres, engaging with people in interactive sessions on Vedanta.
President Donald Trump is weighing in on a New Jersey school district where yearbooks were altered to remove three students references to him.

The Asbury Park Press reports Trump posted a letter to his Facebook page Monday, thanking Wall High School students Montana and Wyatt Dobrovich-Fago, who previously reported their entries were altered to remove references to Trump.

The letter itself was written by Michael Glassner, the executive director of Trumps campaign. He sent it to the siblings along with a care package of campaign memorabilia.

Superintendent Cheryl Dyer says the alteration of Wyatts photo was unintentional, and that its unclear if Montanas quotation of Trump was intentionally left out.

Dyer says another student had his Trump T-shirt digitally painted a nondescript black in an intentional alteration.

(AP)
The tight security around Trump Tower has eased up since Melania and Barron Trump left for the White House, and some area merchants are breathing a sigh of relief now that their customers dont have to go through a series of checkpoints.

Crossing Fifth Avenue initially when all this started was a bit of a hassle, Jonathan Colon, a salesman at the luxury shoe store Crockett & Jones, a block from Trump Tower, said Tuesday. So now that the police presence has calmed down a bit its just much easier to get around the whole area.

After Trump was elected president on Nov. 8, security around his namesake tower on Manhattans Fifth Avenue ramped up dramatically, even including a fleet of heavy sanitation department trucks filled with sand to wall off the front of the building. The trucks were gone after only a couple days, but what remained was a maze of barricades and checkpoints, manned by scores of uniformed police officer under the supervision of a mobile command center.

Tom Cusick, the president of the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, a merchants group, said the situation improved after Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration and improved further after Trumps wife and their young son moved out of the 58-story building this month.

We used to have a much heavier contingent of police officers and Secret Service, Cusick said.

Trump, a Republican, has not returned to Trump Tower since the inauguration, but the police estimated in February that they were spending more than $100,000 a day to protect Melania and Barron Trump.

Now that the presidents wife and youngest son have left, police spokesman J. Peter Donald said that some officers who were needed to move members of the immediate first family around town are no longer required. But he added that certain layers to protect the building and the people who live and work there as a potential target will remain in place and will be adjusted based on intelligence, events and visits by the first family.

Visible security measures at the Fifth Avenue entrance to Trump Tower on Tuesday included metal and concrete barricades and two New York Police Department officers armed with machine guns, but tourists moved freely in and out of the building.

It doesnt look like much to me, said Michael Murph, of Shreveport, Louisiana. Theres just a couple of cops with guns.

Olatounde Gbamassi, who delivers groceries to Trump Tower and nearby buildings, said the improved access has made his life easier.

It used to be hard, he said. They had to check everything. Check you first and check the package you have. Now its better.

Trump Tower resident Susetta Mion, who lives on the 32nd floor with her Maltese, Bella, also welcomed the dialing down of security.

Theres less people, less police, she said. Its easier now.

Mion said she believes Trump hasnt set foot in the building since taking office because he didnt want to give residents here more aggravation. I respect that.

Even with the scaled back security, she added, Theres no place thats more safe in the city.

(AP)
The Night of Power is one of the nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, beginning this year on Wednesday and through Thursday, 28 Sivan. Jerusalem police announced preparations for the event have been completed.

Police, border police, volunteer and specialized units will be patrolling the eastern areas of the capital including the alleyways of the Old City to permit tens of thousands of Muslim worshipers to reach Har Habayis without incident. Police announce there will be zero tolerance towards any efforts to disturb the peace.

Islamic worshipers arriving on buses will board the same buses following prayers. Police strongly advise private vehicles to remain far away from the Old City. There will be street closures in the eastern capital during the night including Sultan Suleiman, Wadi Joz, Derech Yericho and more.

There will be additional closures from 4:00AM to 5:00PM Thursday including Bar Lev Blvd. from National Police HQ Junction southbound. Traffic will be redirected to the Eshkol Tunnels. Derech Chevron will be closed from Miriam HaHashmonit northbound. Traffic will be directed to Derech Beit Lechem.

Residents of the Old City will use Shar Yaffo. Persons heading to the Kosel are directed to use public transportation. One may call 110 for real-time Israel Police traffic updates.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

An evening honoring the volunteers of the National Civil Service in the Ministry of Public Security.

Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan at a ceremony honoring the volunteers of the National Civil Service from the chareidi sector in the Ministry of Public Security said, The self-confidence of the chareidi tzibur is one of the main goals I have defined for the ministrys branches.

In the framework of an evening of appreciation or volunteers of National Civil Service held on Tuesday evening 26 Sivan in Mayan Tzvi, the minister presented certificates of appreciation to outstanding members of the civil service volunteers, members of the chareidi sector.

The volunteers are bachurei yeshiva and avreichim ages 21-to-28 who have completed their studies and are now working in their relative community around the country in which the program exists. In total, there are 700 such volunteers today with some assigned to programs including working with at-risk youths, working as counselors for youths and working with teams of parents seeking to achieve A city without violence. Others are assigned to Israel police, the Israel Prison Authority, Fire Service, and other agencies; all tailored to permit them to maintain their chareidi lifestyle.

The volunteers receive a program of training which combines relevant content for the performance of their duties and receive tools that will serve them in the continuation of their professional lives.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A police spokesman on Wednesday morning 27 Sivan reported a man was arrested in the capital on suspicion of assaulting an Arab male in a hate attack.

Police over the weekend received a call for a fight in a gas station in which one person was taken to a local hospital with light injuries and the other party fled the scene.

Police responded to the scene and began probing the incident. Police learned that shortly before the attack, a 25-year-old Arab male from the eastern capital was there with a 19-year-old female. Police learned a 25-year-old male passed in his vehicle and when he saw the Arab male with the Jerusalem woman, he asked the male are you Arab, to which he responded yes. Police believe the male in the vehicle then attacked the Arab male with a rod that he had in his hand.

As the investigation progressed, police learned the identity of the suspect, who was questioned and connected to the attack. He was arraigned and held without bail on Monday, 25 Sivan, until Thursday 28 Sivan, when he will be arraigned again.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita on Wednesday 27 Sivan responded to reports of three swastika attacks in Yerushalayim, including one shul.

Rabbi Lau expressed his deep shock at the desecration of the shul and said that We cannot accept or digest such grave events. I appeal to the enforcement authorities to use the tools available to them and to bring to justice the desecrators of the shul.

It is inconceivable for worshipers to come to the shul in the center of the Holy City and reveal such harsh scenes.

The Chief Rabbi also addressed clergy of various religions, asking them to issue a statement of condemnation and protest against the blasphemy caused by desecration of the shul as well.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
In an angry letter to the Health Ministry, the former Hadassah Ein Kerem pediatric oncologists announced that they are rejecting the possibility of arbitration of the burning issue because of what they call one big spin.

In the wake of all these events, there is no point in continuing direct contacts  you reject the proposals that the doctors offer, do not promote proposals that the doctors agree to, you do not offer concrete proposals for a solution, and all our contacts misrepresent the media in one big spin, the doctors complain.

There is nothing in these talks that can advance or contribute to any solution, so from now on any proposal for mediation or any other possible solution must be made under the auspices of the High Court of Justice.

The matter is scheduled to come before the High Court of Justice next week.

While Litzman is clearly backing Hadassah Director-General Prof. Zeev Rothstein, who he backed when the latter vied for the position at Hadassah, and speaks harshly about the physicians who resigned in protest and frustration over the situation after the oncology unit was merged with the adult unit.

The doctors however seem to have the support of the parents of the children, whom have seen their mesirus nefesh and success in treating the children. However, Litzman remains steadfast in his backing of Rothstein, according to many, to the detriment of the children.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Uber is enabling passengers to tip its U.S. drivers with a tap on its ride-hailing app for the first time, part of a push to recast itself as a company with a conscience and a heart.

Besides the built-in tipping announced Tuesday, Uber is giving drivers an opportunity to make more money in other ways too.

Riders will be charged by the minute if they keep an Uber car waiting for more than two minutes. Uber also is reducing the time riders have to cancel a ride to avoid being slapped with a $5 fee from five minutes to two minutes after summoning a driver.

Uber wont take any of the tip money. The San Francisco company will continue to collect part of ride-cancellation fees, as well as the waiting-time charges.

The tipping option, long available in the app of rival Lyft, will start Tuesday in Seattle, Houston and Minneapolis. Uber wants it to be in all U.S. cities by the end of July. The other features will roll out in August.

The attempt to smooth over its sometimes testy relationship with drivers is part of a broader effort to reverse damage done to Ubers reputation by revelations of sexual harassment in its offices, allegations of trade secrets theft and an investigation into efforts to mislead government regulators.

These drivers are our most important partners, but we havent done a very good job honoring that partnership, said Rachel Holt, regional general manager in the U.S. and Canada. She is on the leadership team running Uber while CEO Travis Kalanick is on leave.

The expanded earnings opportunities are the first step in what Uber is billing as 180 days of change for its U.S. drivers. Holt wouldnt reveal the rest of the campaign.

Drivers are happy about the tips but would like more from Uber in New York City, where costs are high and they have trouble making a living, said Luiny Tavares, a driver in Manhattan. He said drivers want Uber to pay a minimum of $250 per eight-hour shift.

Uber wouldnt budge in previous talks about tipping but relented when it appeared that poor driver relations were hurting its bottom line, said Tavares, a steward for the Independent Drivers Guild, which had pressed for tipping.

Its about time that they saw the error of their ways, Tavares said.

A proposed law in New York City could have forced Uber to enable in-app tipping in its largest U.S. market by the end of this summer, if it had been approved.

While building the worlds biggest ride-hailing service over the past eight years, Uber developed a reputation for cutthroat tactics that have occasionally outraged government regulators, drivers, riders and its employees.

The companys hard-charging style also has caused legal headaches. The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Ubers past usage of phony software designed to thwart regulators. Uber also is fighting allegations that its relying on a key piece of technology stolen from Google spin-off Waymo to build self-driving cars.

Drivers arent the only people Uber is trying to treat better. After an internal investigation uncovered sexual harassment, bullying and other boorish behavior, Uber fired more than 20 employees and pledged to create a more harmonious culture.

A more extensive report from the law firm of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder chastised Ubers leadership and recommended changes that Ubers board adopted. Uber also said Kalanick was taking an indefinite leave amid criticism of his management style and following the death of his mother in a boating accident.

As part of its penance, Uber emailed a letter to riders in New York City last week apologizing for its missteps.

Uber also has wrangled with drivers in the courts over its insistence on classifying them as contractors instead of employees to avoid paying benefits and overtime. The company so far has prevailed.

Holt said the company talked to thousands of drivers before adding tips to the app. Its also allowing more drivers to designate the routes that they want to travel to keep them closer to a destination.

Uber has business reasons to improve its image. Widespread publicity about its bad behavior threatens to turn off drivers and riders, giving them incentive to switch to Lyft.

Its difficult to determine whether Ubers misdeeds have cost ridership nationally. In New York City, ridership has grown, but Ubers growth rate is slowing when compared with Lyft.

In early January, Uber accounted for 56.8 percent of all rides in the city, while Lyft had 9.5 percent. By the end of April, Ubers share rose to 57.2 percent, but Lyft grew 2.2 percentage points to 11.7, according to data from the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

A rider boycott in late January knocked Uber ridership down to 52.7 percent, while Lyft grew to a 12.8 percent share. But Uber has since recovered.

A backlash could deepen Ubers losses, which totaled $2.8 billion last year. Uber was valued at nearly $70 billion the last time it raised money.

(AP)
The U.S. Justice Department says it has reached an agreement with New York state to settle a lawsuit over voter registration opportunities through state motor vehicle offices.

Federal investigators found applications for New York drivers licenses, permits and identification cards didnt consistently serve as applications for voter registration for federal elections as required by law.

Under a settlement agreement, New York will make sure a voter registration opportunity will be included with all applications for drivers licenses and renewals.

Change of address information submitted for drivers license purposes will also be used to update voter address information.

(AP)
The Kremlin voiced displeasure Wednesday about new United States sanctions against Russia and called off much-anticipated talks with a senior U.S administration official in response.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it had imposed sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and firms over Russian activities in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the penalties were designed to maintain pressure on Russia to work toward a diplomatic solution.

President Vladimir Putins spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Wednesday that the U.S. move wasnt constructive and warned of possible retaliation.

Later in the day, Russias deputy foreign minister said he had cancelled talks that were scheduled for Friday with the U.S. undersecretary of state.

The situation is not conducive to holding a round of this dialogue, the Russian Foreign Ministry quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.

Ryabkov also criticized the U.S. for not having offered and not offering anything specific to discuss at the upcoming talks.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the United States regretted Russias decision to turn away from a chance to discuss obstacles in the U.S.-Russia relationship, but added that the U.S. remains open to negotiations with Russia.

Nauert also said the sanctions that were expanded on Tuesday didnt come out of nowhere and would remain in place until Russia honors the peace deal for eastern Ukraine and stops occupying Crimea.

Russia-U.S. relations have remained tense even as the White House considers scheduling President Donald Trumps meeting with Putin on the sidelines of next months Group of 20 meeting.

Peskov on Wednesday reaffirmed the possibility of such a meeting, but said that no preparations had been made yet.

(AP)
President Donald Trump called Saudi Arabias new crown prince Wednesday as the U.S. stepped up efforts to mediate a crisis between Qatar and Americas closest regional allies.

The president called Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Saudi Arabias King Salman appointed his 31-year-old son as crown prince. The elevation places Mohammed bin Salman as first-in-line to the throne and removed the countrys counterterrorism czar and a figure well-known to Washington from the line of succession.

The White House said in a statement that the two leaders expressed their shared commitment to cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar.

Several members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, recently cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding extremism. Trump injected the U.S. into the volatile crisis among Americas Mideast allies, siding with Saudi Arabia and other countries against Qatar.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Wednesday that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have prepared a list of demands to submit to Qatar in an effort to defuse ongoing tensions.

We hope the list of demands will soon be presented to Qatar and will be reasonable and actionable, Tillerson said in a statement. We support the Kuwaiti mediation effort and look forward to this matter moving toward a resolution.

The dispute threatens to disrupt efforts to defeat the Islamic State group and counter Iran.

Earlier this month, Trump appeared to endorse the accusation that the small, gas-rich emirate funds terrorist groups, a serious allegation against a strategic U.S. partner that hosts a base with some 10,000 American troops.

He tweeted that hed told the kings, presidents and prime ministers he met in Saudi Arabia that funding Radical Ideology cant be tolerated, and Leaders pointed to Qatar  look!

Trump also sought to cast the anti-Qatar action led by the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates as the result of his trip last month to Riyadh, where he pressed leaders from dozens of Arab and Muslim governments, including Qatars emir, to combat extremism.

Trump and Salman also discussed efforts to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Trumps son-in-law and top adviser, Jared Kushner, was in Israel Wednesday for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in his attempt to revive long-dormant peace talks.

Trump has been working to thaw the U.S.-Saudi relationship, which had setbacks under the Obama administration over its nuclear deal with Iran, something Trump has staunchly condemned.

The kingdom was the first stop on Trumps maiden overseas trip as president, making him the first U.S. president to make a Muslim country the destination of his first official trip.

Mohammed bin Salman and Trump have already established a working rapport, the two men meeting in Washington earlier this year, and then again during Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia last month.

(AP)
Democrats on a House committee are pressuring the White House to release a wide array of documents about the security clearances granted to former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumps son-in-law and top aide.

In a letter Wednesday, 18 members of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee said they have serious concerns about how the White House is handling classified information and who is being allowed access to such sensitive material.

The letter, citing press reports, singles out Kushner for failing to disclose numerous contacts with foreign officials on his security clearance questionnaire. It also questions why the White House allowed Flynn to have access to classified information after learning that he had misled administration officials about the content of conversations with a Russian diplomat.

Asked by reporters whether the White House will suspend Kushners security clearance or hand over the documents Democrats have requested, White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters responded, Thats something Ill have to get back to you on.

Kushners attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said she hadnt seen the letter and was out of the country. Flynns attorney, Robert Kelner, declined to comment.

Flynn, who was later fired over the misleading statements, is currently the subject of congressional probes and the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates.

Kushner, who is currently in the Middle East attempting to broker a peace deal between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders, has said through his lawyers that he is willing to talk to federal and congressional investigators about his foreign contacts and his work on the Trump campaign.

Gorelick has previously acknowledged that Kushner failed to disclose some of his contacts with Russian government officials while he was filling out his security clearance questionnaire. Gorelick said in April that the omissions were an administrative error, adding that there was no intent to obscure any foreign meetings, including those with Russia.

Among those meetings that he omitted was a December meeting with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S., and another with the head of a Russian bank.

During the Kislyak meeting, which took place at Trump Tower in New York last December, Kushner proposed a secret back channel between the Kremlin and the Trump transition team, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

In his talks with Kislyak, Kushner broached the idea of a line of communication with Russia to promote sensitive discussions exploring the new administrations possible options in Syria. The goal, according to the person familiar with the meeting, was to connect Flynn, who was Trumps top national security aide at the time, with Russian military leaders. The Washington Post, which first reported the session, said Flynn also attended the meeting.

Kushner also separately met during the transition period with Sergey Gorkov, the top executive of Russias state-supported VEB bank. The White House said Kushner was acting in his capacity as a transition official at the time. The bank has said that the meeting was part of a new investment strategy that was being unveiled to leading world financial institutions as well as the head of the Kushner Companies.

In their letter, the Democrats on the oversight committee request that the White House provide any documents or communications regarding these meetings or other contacts Kushner had with Russian government officials and businesses as well as any documents or communications detailing the classified information that Kushner and Flynn had access to since December.

They also request documents related to any White House official who has been granted access to classified information while under investigation by law enforcement and any White House official who resigned or was terminated due to a criminal investigation or an inability to obtain a security clearance.

The Democrats letter was copied to the committees newly installed Republican chairman, Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina. But its unclear if the letter will have much success in prying loose documents from the White House. So far, the Trump administration has largely ignored requests for documents from Democratic lawmakers, only turning over documents when Republicans join in the request.

(AP)
A Canadian man from Tunisia shouted Allah Akbar in Arabic before stabbing a police officer in the neck at a Michigan airport, and made reference to people being killed overseas during the attack thats now being investigated as an act of terrorism, federal and court officials said.

Amor Ftouhi, 49, of Montreal, was immediately taken into custody. A criminal complaint charging him with committing violence at an airport says Ftouhi asked an officer who subdued him why the officer didnt kill him.

The attack Wednesday at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, is being investigated as an act of terrorism, but authorities have no indication at this time that the suspect was involved in a wider plot, said FBI Special Agent in Charge David Gelios.

At this time we view him as a lone-wolf attacker, Gelios said. We have no information to suggest any training.

The criminal complaint says Ftouhi stabbed airport police Lt. Jeff Neville with a large knife after yelling Allahu akbar, the Arabic phrase for God is great. According to the FBI, Ftouhi said something similar to you have killed people in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and we are all going to die.

More charges against Ftouhi could be filed as prosecutors take the case to a grand jury seeking an indictment, Gelios said. The Flint Journal, citing court officials, said that Ftouhi is a dual citizen of Canada and Tunisia.

Neville was in satisfactory condition after initially being in critical condition, airport police Chief Chris Miller said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference where the charge against Ftouhi was announced.

Ftouhi appeared in federal court in Flint to hear the charge and will get a court-appointed attorney. A court spokesman says Ftouhi will remain in custody until a bond hearing next Wednesday.

The attack occurred just before 10 a.m., prompting officials to evacuate and shut down the airport and add security elsewhere in the Michigan city about 50 miles (80.46 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump was briefed on the stabbing, and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he was proud of the swift response by authorities from both the U.S. and Canada.

Police in Canada were searching a Montreal apartment. Montreal police spokesman Benoit Boiselle said officers with their department were assisting the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the search on behalf of an FBI request.

Boiselle said three people staying at the residence had been taken in for questioning.

Luciano Piazza, the building landlord, said Ftouhi was not a difficult tenant and that he is married with children.

I never had any problems with him, Piazza said. Im really surprised. I would see him at least once a month, when he paid his rent.

Gelios said Ftouhi legally entered the U.S. at Champlain, New York, on June 16 and made his way to the Flint airport on Wednesday morning.

Ftouhi spent some time in public, unsecured areas of the airport before going to a restroom where he dropped two bags before attacking the officer with a 12-inch knife that had an 8-inch serrated blade, Gelios said.

Ftouhi never went through any security screening, Gelios said. He described Ftouhi as cooperative and talking to investigators.

Witnesses described seeing the suspect being led away as Neville was bleeding, a knife on the ground.

The cop was on his hands and knees bleeding from his neck, Ken Brown told The Flint Journal. I said they need to get him a towel.

Cherie Carpenter, who was awaiting a flight to Texas to see her new grandchild, told Flint TV station WJRT she saw the attacker being led away in handcuffs. She described the man in custody as appearing blank, just totally blank.

Miller, the airport chief, said Neville fought him to the end, managing to stop the stabbing and bring Ftouhi to the ground as Miller and other officers arrived to help.

After the stabbing, officials stationed police officers at Flint City Hall a few miles away. Mayor Karen Weaver said in a release the situation was under control but that officials sought to take extra precautions.

Genesee County Commissioner Mark Young, a friend of Nevilles who retired from the county sheriffs office in 1997, said Neville left that department two years after him. He said Neville served in various capacities with the sheriffs office including in the jail, on road patrol and as a court officer.

Neville retired from the sheriffs office as a lieutenant.

(AP)
UK chip maker Imagination Technologies has put itself up for sale just months after Apple said it will no longer use its products from next year.

The company, which has been making graphic chips for Apples iPhone since its launch ten years ago, said it has already received interest from a number of potential buyers.

It comes as Apple said in April it would no longer use the key components made by Imagination from next year and make its own graphic chips instead.

iPhone chip maker Imagination Technologies

Imagination responded by launching a formal dispute against the US tech giant, arguing that Apple could not develop its own chips without ripping off some or all of its designs.

However the news sent shares in the Hertfordshire-based company diving 60 per cent and knocking 500million off the firms value, as Apple accounts for about half of Imaginations total sales.

Today shares soared on news of a possible sale of the company, rising 15 per cent, or 18.5p, to 142p.

After knowing it would lose its biggest customer, Imagination put two divisions up for sale in a bid to free-up cash  its loss-making MIPS and Ensigma units.

Bosses said they wanted instead to concentrate on its PowerVR arm, which makes the technology for Apple, as it continues to address attractive growth markets.

Neil Wilson, market analyst at ETX Capital, described the news as a 'pretty ignominious end to what was a great British tech success story'.

Fall: IMG shares dipped 60% in April after Apple said it would no longer use the firm's products

He added: 'No wonder buyers are keen  shares in the group are down around 60% from where they were before the Hertfordshire stunned the market by saying Apple was pulling the plug on its chip supply deal in little over a years time.

'Apple accounts for about half its revenues and the drop in the share price on the day of the announcement was one of the biggest on record for a mid or large-cap company, wrecking its market cap and forcing it to do all it could to shore up cash.

'It was never going to be easy for Imagination Technologies when it lost its biggest customer and efforts to offload two of its three main businesses  MIPS and Ensigma - in a bid to strengthen the balance sheet clearly werent enough. These were both strong potential growth areas that could have delivered lasting revenue accretion to offset the loss of Apple.'
Britain's competition watchdog has given the green light to the 11billion merger of Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset Management.

The Competition and Markets Authority has decided not to refer the merger to an in-depth 'Phase 2 investigation', paving the way for the deal's completion in August.

A joint statement said: 'Standard Life and Aberdeen note the announcement today by the CMA that it has completed its review of their proposed merger and has cleared the transaction unconditionally.'

Britain's competition watchdog has given the green light to the 11billion merger of Standard Life and Aberdeen Asset Management

'The transaction is currently expected to complete on 14 August 2017, subject to remaining regulatory approvals.'

Both companies' shares were slightly down in morning trading but this was likely due to a wider negative opening after oil prices fell further overnight.

On Monday, shareholders overwhelmingly backed the merger, with more than 95 per cent of investors at Aberdeen and 98 per cent at Standard Life voting in favour of the deal during general meetings.

The enlarged company, to be called Standard Life Aberdeen, will be jointly headed up by Standard chief Keith Skeoch and Aberdeen boss Martin Gilbert.

The merger will create Europe's second-biggest fund manager, with 670billion under management.

It comes after reports that Standard Life, the larger of the two companies, is also in merger talks with Lloyds subsidiary Scottish Widows.

A memo to shareholders seen by This Is Money read: 'It is the intention that the Combined Group will explore ways in good faith to build a successful relationship with Lloyds for the benefit of their respective customers, businesses, shareholders and other stakeholders.'

But the company declined to comment on the 'speculation' of a merger.

Gerry Grimstone, chairman of Standard Life, said the deal was 'one of the most significant events' in the history of the company.

More than 95 per cent of investors at Aberdeen and 98 per cent at Standard Life voted in favour of the deal during general meetings. Pictured: Standard Life CEO Keith Skeoch

'There are still some approvals to be granted before the merger can complete and I know the teams in both companies are working through these diligently,' he added.

'We are still on track for a completion date of 14 August and will keep our shareholders informed of developments.'

Simon Troughton, chairman of Aberdeen Asset Management, said the result was a 'landmark' in the firm's history.

The deal, announced in March, is targeting cost savings of 200 million a year, with around 800 jobs expected to be lost over a three-year period from a global workforce of 9,000.
Shell is retreating from its key oil business in Nigeria amid long-running battles with thieves and racketeers. The blue chip giant lost around 5,660 barrels of oil per day last year  and far more in previous years  as criminals hacked into its vast network of pipes and sold the oil on local and international black markets.

Oil leaks caused by sabotage, as well as through its own operational problems such as cracked pipes and equipment breakdowns, have devastated local livelihoods and wildlife, triggering conflict and resentment.

Shell entered Nigeria in 1936 and the country's oil has helped the Anglo-Dutch firm become the 170billion mega-business it is today.

Hostile environment: A farmer tends to crops beside oil pipes in the Niger Delta

But bosses are now focusing on Nigeria's vast gas reserves instead, seeing it as a cleaner, more efficient resource.

The move could help finally reverse Nigeria's damning paradox of being awash with resources while at the same time struggling to supply power its 182m residents' homes.

Shell has sold around 13 of its 33 oil wells in the country to Nigerian companies since 2010, with more sales possible.

Over the past few years, Nigeria's small independent oil producers have spent billions buying assets from the big international players.

As Shell steps up its focus on gas, Osagie Okunbor, the boss of its operations in Nigeria, this week said it was about to make a final investment decision on a 300m cubic feet gas project in the south of the country. It would supply gas to a vast petrochemicals and fertiliser company.

That would add to Shell's vast gas assets in the country including a distribution company and share of a liquified natural gas plant.

Okunbor said: 'We have been revising our strategy in terms of our presence in Nigeria. We have essentially streamlined our footprint such that we pay a lot more emphasis on gas and reduce the oil part of our footprint.

'Even with this divestment we are probably the biggest international oil company operating onshore.

'So it's not like we have fled  what we have done is to focus on gas, which as energy we felt is a more efficient energy source.

'Also, frankly gas compared to oil is easier to manage in terms of some of the issues we face.'

This week, Shell took reporters on a helicopter ride over the Niger Delta to ram home the problem of illegal 'bunkering' where thieves siphon off oil.

Oil that has leaked out of local pipes clings to the shoreline, seeping up to houses and into the mangrove forests. Leaping up from the greenery are flames from refining stolen oil.

Yet also visible is the Bodo Creek area which was devastated by a spill of Shell's corroded pipes in 2008 and 2009, destroying waterways and fishing supplies.

Work has yet to start on cleaning up the area  two years after Shell was ordered to pay 55million compensation  with recrimination thick on all sides. Shell says local communities have been obstructing clean-up efforts in the hope of getting more compensation.

Inemo Samiama, who leads the clean-up's independent mediation programme, said: 'People got used to sharing money and they wanted the money for the clean-up to be shared as well.'

Many local residents say they have been angered by delays to the clean up and the way it has been handled including the choice of contractors. They have brought a case in London's High Court to keep alive their right to sue Shell if the clean-up is inadequate.

Even after the Bodo spills, around 200 tons of oil spilt last year from Shell's pipelines was unconnected to sabotage. It says 90pc of its leakages were due to theft.

But gas looks like the future Nigeria is thought to have the ninth-largest reserves in the world. Okunbor added: 'We have very big ambitions to grow a domestic gas base.

'There's no point building a business on gas that we don't get paid for or don't get the right price for it  so will be part of that debate in the wider Nigerian economy to ensure that the whole value chain for gas works.'
Most personal investors agree with Theresa May that no deal is better than a bad deal on Brexit, research suggests.

Some 55 per cent think the government should be prepared to walk away from the negotiating table, according to a survey of 1,000 customers of The Share Centre.

But confidence in Theresa May to deliver has plummeted since her disastrous general election, with 60 per cent of investors doubting her ability to strike a good exit deal with the European Union.

Most personal investors agree with Theresa May that no deal is better than a bad deal on Brexit, research suggests

Only 22 per cent think the Prime Minister can secure a good deal - down from 55 per cent before the General Election, with 18 per cent unsure.

The figures also showed personal investors are split on leaving the single market. Some 34 per cent want to leave it and seek a new trade deal, while 16 per cent want to leave and trade on World Trade Organisation terms.

Conversely, 17 per cent want to leave the EU but remain in the single market while 29 per cent want to stay in the EU and want Parliament to vote down any exit deal.

Notably, only 6 per cent of investors have 'Bregrets' about their original referendum vote, evenly split between changing their vote to leave and changing it to remain.

David Davis and Michel Barnier, pictured at a press conference in Brussels, both struck an optimistic tone and said they will work together to come up with a suitable deal

The Share Centre boss Richard Stone said: 'It is clear that personal investors' confidence in Theresa May to get a positive Brexit deal for the UK has been badly dented by the outcome of the General Election with less than one in four now believing she can achieve a positive outcome, as compared to a majority who believed that to be the case in April.'

'Personal investors seem to favour a clean Brexit, with a majority also in favour of walking away from negotiations rather than seeking a deal at any price.'

'It is important not to overlook the fact that a 'no deal' outcome may prevail, not due to a failure of the negotiations, but rather because any deal will require support from the national government, and in some cases regional governments, in each and every one of the 27 EU member states,' he added.

'That may yet prove a higher hurdle to jump than reaching an agreement with the European Commission.'

David Davis (pictured arriving in Brussels) said there is 'more than unites us than divides us' ahead of the first round of official Brexit talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier

Brexit Secretary David Davis began talks with the EU on Monday.

He declared the start of negotiations as 'positive' but rejected suggestions that  following Theresa May's surprisingly poor electoral performance  the UK might drop its hard-line Brexit plan.

He insisted 'the position hasn't changed', adding: 'We need back control of our borders, we will leave the single market and the customs union.'

Appearing in Brussels a year after the UK's decision to leave the bloc, the Brexit secretary echoed Winston Churchill by saying 'the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty'.
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By Bill Parry

The de Blasio administration deployed a half dozen city agencies to Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights Wednesday to calm an outraged immigrant community after undocumented residents of a Corona building were threatened with eviction and intimidated by their landlord.

City officials held a rally at the plaza before they fanned out to subway stations in Corona and Jackson Heights, distributing fliers on housing rights and answering questions on tenant harassment.

The NYC Human Rights Law makes it illegal to discriminate or harass anyone in New York City based on immigration status and national origin, said Hollis V. Phitsch, deputy commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Protecting our citys most vulnerable, especially immigrant communities affected by xenophobic rhetoric at the national level, is a priority of the commission. We encourage anyone in New York City who believes they are the victim of discrimination to contact the commission and report landlords who violate the law. We take all claims of discrimination very seriously, which can be lodged anonymously and are using every resource at our disposal to protect vulnerable New Yorkers from discrimination and harassment.

The so-called Day of Action was the citys response after receiving a tip from advocacy group Woodside on the Move last week that Jaideep Reddy, the landlord of a 23-unit building at 95-36 42nd Ave. in Corona, delivered letters to residents demanding proof of immigration status.

If you fail to comply, your lease will not be renewed, we may have to terminate your lease and may have to evict you from the apartment, the letter said ominously.

A resident brought the letter to the office of state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), who filed a complaint with the office of state Attorney General Eric Schneidermnan Monday.

Open season vs. immigrants

This is unreal, and sadly, it seems that its open season against immigrants since the election of Donald Trump, Peralta said. My district is the United Nations of all senatorial districts, and I am not going to tolerate this, or any other form of discrimination. This is a sanctuary city and no one should be asking for legal proof of residency, and much less threatening people if they dont comply. This is unthinkable in 2017 New York City. This is unthinkable in 2017 Queens, the most diverse borough in the City.

Schneidermans office acted quickly, ordering Reddy to cease and desist, and the landlord apologized. Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered a comprehensive statewide investigation of landlord policies and practices that may discriminate against individuals based on their immigration status, national origin, ethnicity or race.

These allegations of fear and intimidation are unacceptable, illegal, and run counter to everything New York represents, Cuomo said. We stand by the promise inscribed on the Statue of Liberty to protect the rights of all those seeking a better life as New Yorkers and will not stand idly by as people are threatened and harassed in their own homes.

City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) spoke during the Day of Action rally at Diversity Plaza.

Unscrupulous landlords

Unscrupulous landlords, beware! he said. We will not allow you to bully our immigrant neighbors out of their apartments. Tenants in New York City know that they have rights. It is sad, but not surprising, that President Trumps views on immigration have been used by some as an excuse to harass tenants.

State Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) urged the passing of the New York State Liberty Act so that a persons immigration status can never be asked for or used against them.

If tenant discrimination can happen in the heart of my district of Corona, it can happen anywhere in New York, Moya said. I applaud the city for taking to the streets and reassuring immigrants that they have just as much right to a home as anyone else.

The immigrant community borough-wide was outraged further when agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested three people outside the Queens Criminal Courthouse last Friday during a targeted enforcement action. The ICE agents were seeking a young woman in the Human Trafficking Intervention Courtroom, according to New York States Chief Judge Janet DiFiore.

ICE arrests

Trafficked sex workers are exploited victims, not criminals, Borough President Melinda Katz said. The double victimization of these women is extremely troubling and unacceptable. The presence of ICE agents at the courts severely disrupts and obstructs justice. Courthouses should be treated as sensitive locations, similar to schools, hospitals and places of worship.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) is urging ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reverse course on the deportation of Carlos Humberto Cardona, a Jackson Heights resident who was one of nearly 41,300 people who were taken into custody by ICE agents during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Cardona fled violence in Colombia nearly three decades ago and is seeking a state clemency bid against his deportation because of ongoing serious medical issues he has in relation to the cleanup work he did at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center.

The immigration and deportation policies that the Department of Homeland Security has undertaken since the beginning of the year have struck fear and dismay in the hearts of my constituents, and this is just the latest in a long line of troubling actions, Crowley wrote to DHS Secretary John Kelly Tuesday. Deporting Mr. Cardona would send a chilling message not just to the immigrants who call our country home, but to all who would help when their country calls on them. This is not what the United States represents.

9/11 worker

Crowley is drafting legislation to ensure that each and every 9/11 clean-up worker is able to continue living and receiving medical treatment in the United States free from the threat of deportation.

Last Saturday, Crowley stopped by an immigration and wellness fair at PS 69 in Jackson Heights as part of the National Citizenship Day of Action.

Its important for our leaders to stand against anti-immigrant policies and continue Americas proud tradition of welcoming individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, background or race, Crowley said. Across the country, we have seen an increased demand for citizenship applications. It was a pleasure to speak with those in my district who are working to fulfill their goals and the legal advocates who help them. I was also happy to discuss with attendees my strong support for comprehensive immigration reform  an issue Ive been fighting for in Congress for years.

Crowley does not see the atmosphere favoring immigration reform, especially while the Democrats are in the minority in both houses of Congress.

The first five-plus months of the presidency have been stressful in Washington and certainly here in my district where the stress is palpable, Crowley said.
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By Mark Hallum

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling on Amtrak to reimburse the Long Island Rail Road after announcing the acceleration of improvements to MTA bridges and tunnels to mitigate disruptions for commuters as Amtrak takes six weeks to complete major overhauls of Penn Station.

Some Queens elected officials, however, are not satisfied with Cuomo and the MTAs plan to mitigate transportation woes because buses and ferries employed to make up for train service disruptions skip the northeast portion of the borough altogether. In a letter to the LIRR president Patrick Nowakowski and New York City Transit President Veronique Hakim, Avella asked them to revise their plan to include his constituents.

As you are keenly aware, commuters in this area only have the option of LIRR service or the 7 train at Flushing Main Street to commute into Manhanan  and I do not feel the need to tell you yet again that the 7 train simply cannot accommodate more passengers at Flushing Main Street since it is 94 percent capacity, Avella said. Though some park and ride bus service will be added for commuters in Nassau County, the MTA is not providing these services to northeast Queens, which is already a transit desert. Having residents drive to Port Washington for a park and ride, Glen Cove for a ferry, or Flushing Main Street for the 7 train are not feasible options.

State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (D-Flushing) penned a similar request arguing that his constituents favor select bus service to Manhattan and this option is already overburdened.

Cuomo referred to the repairs scheduled between July 10 to Sept. 1 in which about 20 percent of the 21 tracks in Penn Station will be out of commission as the Summer of Hell in a letter addressed to President Donald Trump. He called on the president, a New York City resident, to help underwrite the repair work with federal funds. The governor is adding bus lanes to bridges and opening parts of the Manhattan-Queens Tunnel early while announcing the launch of 200 buses and ferries between Long Island and Manhattan in preparation for the emergency work period.

The resulting question is  who pays for all of this. Cuomo said. My answer is clear and simple  Amtrak must pay. The Long Island Railroad currently pays Amtrak approximately $50 million per year for rent of the tracks at Penn Station. As the tracks are not available due to Amtraks actions, they are liable for the resulting damages.

In April, Penn Station, the nations busiest rail hub, which is owned by Amtrak, was been besieged by two derailments, power outages in the East River and Hudson River tunnels, and scattered infrastructure failures, all of which have inconvenienced hundreds of thousands of commuters. Amtrak is responsible for maintaining the tracks.

According to Cuomo, the final cost has not been determined, but the LIRR will be offering a 25 percent fare reduction to LIRR passengers traveling to Hunterspoint Avenue in Long Island City, Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal, where they can get free transfers to the subway system. The discount applies to monthly, weekly and daily tickets and will be available through eTix July 1 and at all ticket windows and vending machines June 20.

We do not know at this time what the total cost of mitigation will be, but I believe as a matter of principle, whatever the ultimate cost, it should not be borne by the commuters or taxpayers of the state of New York. Cuomo said.

Compounding the expected chaos, the subway system has experienced frequent delays on many lines caused by heavy ridership using outdated equipment.

The governor also announced Tuesday he would be advancing legislation for the state to take over majority control of the MTA, which he said will address the current crisis facing infrastructure decline and other issues.

The legislation would add two additional seats appointed by governor to the MTA board, which would give him eight appointees and nine votes compared to the four appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Cuomos office said the MTAs current structure was created in the mid-Sixties and has little accountability requiring constant coalition building to accomplish things and make decisions.

When Mario Cuomo, Andrews father, was governor, he pushed for control of the MTA but failed.

Riders Alliance Executive Director John Raskin criticized Andrew Cuomos plan to push the legislation, arguing the governor already exerts dominant power over the MTA through his ability to appoint a chair and the largest number of board members while dictating how the agency spends its funds among other aspects. The MTA, however, is still without as permanent chairman.

The problem is not MTA board structure; the problem is the absence of leadership and the lack of a credible plan from Governor Cuomo for how he will fix the subway, Raskin said. Riders dont have the luxury of quibbling over MTA board governance when we know its not the real issue. We need a plan from the governor and a reliable source of funding that can fix our disastrous commutes.
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By Gina Martinez

Queensbridge rapper Prodigy, one half of the famous rap group Mobb Deep, died Tuesday after a brief hospitalization. He was 42.

The rapper, whose real name is Albert Johnson, battled sickle cell anemia for years. He was in Las Vegas for a Mobb Deep performance at the time of his death.

Prodigy rose to fame in the early 90s alongside rap partner Havoc. They released their first album Juvenile Hell in 1993, but reached success with their sophomore album The Infamous, which featured the hits Shook Ones Pt. 2 and Survival of the Fittest.

The group became part of the hip-hop elite and collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan, 50 Cent and fellow Queensbridge rapper Nas throughout the years.

Mobb Deep had continued success in the 90s. The group was involved in the infamous East Coast vs. West Coast beef, which began after L.A. rap group Tha Dogg Pound released the diss track New York, New York.

The video showed Snoop Dogg kicking down buildings in New York. Mobb Deep, along with Capone-N-Noreaga, responded with L.A, L.A. In the hook, Prodigy rapped L.A., L.A., big city of dreams, But everything in L.A. aint always what it seems. You might get fooled if you come from outta town, Cos we coming from Queens it gets down.

In 2007, Prodigy was sentenced to 3 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. He was released in 2011 from Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, N.Y. After a brief break-up, Mobb Deep reunited in 2014 to release their final album The Infamous Mobb Deep.

The group was on the The Art of Rap tour, alongside rappers Ice-T, Ghostface Killah, Onyx and KRS-One. Prodigy performed his last show at a Vegas stop earlier this week before his death.

Celebrities took to twitter to write their condolences.

Southeast Queens-born Russell Simmons tweeted Love and light to the family and friends of Prodigy. One of Queens finest. He will be greatly missed. Rapper Joe Budden tweeted Rest In Peace Prodigy  HipHop will miss you.
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By Gina Martinez

City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) has been joined by environmental advocacy groups to announce All Hands on Deck! a Flushing Waterways Community Visioning Workshop coming to Queens Museum this week.

The workshop seeks to create a cohesive community vision for the polluted Flushing Creek and Flushing Bay. New York state is currently considering a long-term control plan to manage combined sewage overflows and, according to Koo, now is an opportune time to engage stakeholders in imagining and designing a future that provides greater opportunities for restoration, remediation, resilience and recreation on Flushings waterways.

He asked that anyone invested in the future of Flushing attend the visioning workshop, saying that Flushing Creek and the bay are a part of the very foundation on which we live.

Flushings waterfronts store a world of potential, but that promise goes unrealized every time it rains, he said. Raw sewage overflows directly into the waterways, creating a toxicity that is bad for our environment and our quality of life. The city must take a stronger stance on cleaning up Flushings waterways, so were asking for our community to get involved. If the Flushing Creek and Flushing Bay are not healthy, then our community is not healthy. Our health, and our childrens health, depend on a clean environment.

Sean Dixon, staff Attorney at Riverkeeper, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of the Hudson River and its tributaries, said the workshop will be a great opportunity to decide the future of the waterway.

Flushing Bay and Flushing Creek are two of the most historic waterways of New York City, hosting two World Fairs and decades of commitment to providing open space to our communities, he said. Unfortunately, over time, the Flushing Waterways have fallen behind the times  with pollution and neglect  presenting our community with a vital opportunity to help shape the vision of how we want our waterways to be rebuilt and re-engaged in the decades to come.

Korin Tangtrakul, coordinator at Guardians of Flushing Bay, said the organization is thrilled to have this opportunity to bring its voices together to envision a clean and healthy Flushing Bay.

As active users of the waterway, weve been fighting for pollution reduction and remediation of Flushing Bay, and this visioning process brings our fight to the forefront, she said.

Anyone interested in attending can RSVP at allha ndson deckf lushi ngwat erway s.event brite.com , the event begins at 6 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the Queens Museum.
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By Bill Parry

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a pardon to a Jackson Heights man who was one of nearly 41,300 who were taken into custody by ICE agents during the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Carlos Humberto Cardona, 48, was detained in February and is awaiting deportation to his native Colombia in a New Jersey facility.

U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to stop deportation efforts against his constituent because he aided in the cleanup of the World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and has developed serious medical issues from his work on the pile.

Deporting Mr. Cardona would send a chilling message not just to the immigrants who call our country home, but to all who would help them when their country calls on them, Crowley wrote to DHS Secretary John Kelly Tuesday. This is not what the United States represents.

Cuomo called Cardona a civic-minded New Yorker who worked as a clean-up and hazmat recovery worker, removing hazardous material from the pile for four months and now suffers from acute respiratory issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Without receiving clemency, Cardonas health issues would not be adequately addressed in Colombia.

The governor granted a pardon to Cardona for his 1990 conviction of attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance as a 21-year-old in Queens. Now Cardona and his attorney Rajesh Barua will be able to reopen the Final Order of Removal showing that the grounds for deportation are no longer valid.

In the more than 30 years since Carlos Cardona has lived in this country, he has built a family and given back to his community, including in the aftermath of 9/11 when he assisted with Ground Zero recovery efforts at the expense of his own health, Cuomo said. It is my hope this action will not only reunite Mr. Cardona with his wife and daughter, but also send a message about the values of fairness and equality that New York was founded upon.

Cardona married an American citizen who was also a Ground Zero recovery worker. Cardonas 19-year-old daughter is currently in college working toward earning a degree to teach elementary students.

Meanwhile, Crowley is drafting legislation to ensure that each and every 9/11 cleanup worker is able to continue living and receiving medical treatment in the United States free from deportation.
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By Bill Parry

The NYPD is searching for a 1-year-old boy who was in the temporary care of his aunt who was supposed to turn him over to foster care. Neither has been seen in nearly a week, police announced Thursday.

Zayden Montero was last seen last Friday around 10 a.m. at his aunts home on Albert Road in Ozone Park. On Monday a court ordered the aunt, Darlene Melo, to bring the boy to the New York Foundling Foster Care agency. But when representatives of the agency arrived at the home on Wednesday, they discovered that Melo had fled the location without surrendering the child, according to the NYPD.

Officials said neither have been seen since. Police described Zayden Montero as 2-foot-4, 22 pounds, with a thin build and a light complexion.

Darlene Melo drives a red Chevrolet Impala with a Florida license plate, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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Albany

A provision that would require New York state to pick up the counties' share of Medicaid costs has been included in the U.S. Senate Republican health care bill, which was released Thursday morning.

The intent of the measure is to alleviate the Medicaid burden on counties so they can reduce property taxes. But state officials have estimated the plan would cost the state $2.3 billion in lost Medicaid funding beginning in 2020.

The provision, authored by GOP Congressmen John Faso of Kinderhook and Chris Collins of western New York, is a carryover form the House's American Health Care Act.

The bill language was not amended by the Senate. It gives the state the same ultimatum the House gave: Either the state picks up the county share of costs, or it will lose federal Medicaid funding worth the same amount.

"For decades, Albany's Medicaid mandate and resulting property taxes have burdened New Yorkers unlike in any other state," Faso said in a statement. "What we've got to show for this scheme is people fleeing our state in droves, businesses relocating, and crushing and often unpayable bills for those who stay behind."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in March threatened to sue the federal government if the cost-shifting measure becomes law. The governor said the provision is unconstitutional because it unfairly targets a sovereign state without a clear federal objective. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Cuomo said "anything is possible," when asked if that threat still stood.

As written, only New York would be subject to that piece of the bill.

In a statement on Thursday, Cuomo called the provision "reckless" and said it would lead to "devastating cuts to our hospitals, nursing homes and home care providers."

"The Senate Republican health care bill continues the ultra-conservative assault on New Yorkers and our values," Cuomo said. "Senate Republicans have broken their promise to protect the American people and are trying to pass an inhumane piece of legislation that hurts middle class New Yorkers, discriminates against women, defunds Planned Parenthood, and turns its back on the most vulnerable Americans."

But Faso and Collins have said the state can cut fat from its budget to make up for the cost shift.

Faso, a former longtime state assemblyman and 2006 candidate for governor, originally proposed such a shift during his bid for Congress last year. He has billed it as fixing "Nelson Rockefeller's 51-year-old mistake" to have the counties pick up a portion of Medicaid costs. He's noted most states split the cost with the federal government without pushing some burden onto counties.

Faso scoffed at the Cuomo administration's warning that it could have to take the local share of sales taxes to help pay for new costs to the state.

"Governor Cuomo's false and hysterical charges about this provision are unfortunate," Faso said. "Rather than false claims, Mr. Cuomo should start preparing to reform his Medicaid program and finally take full responsibility for the program, as governors in the other states are already doing."

Some county officials remain split on the plan.

"Given the apparent failure once again this year of our state Legislature to provide any meaningful mandate relief, this action by Congress becomes even more imperative if we are to finally be able to provide our residents with the tax relief they deserve," Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino said in a statement, referencing the end of the state legislative session on Wednesday.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said in March that his county is saddled with a $64 million "unfunded mandate."

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"Given the Governor's statements about the impact to upstate counties if the cost of Medicaid is shifted to the state, Albany County can't afford that," McCoy said.

On Thursday, McCoy said the "so-called reform legislation targets New York in a specific way and would prove to be disastrous for seniors, low income residents and veterans who depend on Medicaid for basic health care."

The battle over the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, has fueled significant political fire in New York. Cuomo accused Faso and other House Republicans from New York of violating their oaths of office earlier this month, a step toward his involvement in next year's mid-term races.

The state Democratic Committee sent out an email from Cuomo on Thursday warning that the Faso-Collins provision would lead to a 26 percent tax hike for the middle class. That email included a link to make donations to the state committee's federal account.

"And we are telling you those are not just words," Cuomo said at a Manhattan rally June 7 after promising to help oust the Republicans. "You can bet your political life that New Yorkers will do just that."

Faso countered at that time that he believes Cuomo could work with the congressional delegation on myriad issues.

"But it's hard to see when you observe the hysterical and over-the-top reactions from Mr. Cuomo that he has any serious interest in governing," Faso said. "He apparently only has interest in politics."

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
ALBANY -- The state is throttling back a controversial proposal to park dozens of oil barges on the Hudson River south of the Capital Region.

At the end of the legislative session Wednesday, lawmakers passed a law giving the state Department of Environmental Conservation the power to consider potential environmental and waterfront impacts of the project, which currently is being weighed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The plan would allow up to 43 barges  each of which could potentially contain enough oil to fill six Olympic-sized swimming pools  to anchor along 70 miles of the Hudson between Kingston and Yonkers.

Late last year, the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo came out against the plan, with a high-ranking State Department official calling it not "an acceptable solution" in a letter to Coast Guard officials.

Under changes to state Navigation Law passed with bi-partisan support in both the Senate and Assembly, DEC will consider potential environmental impacts of plans that call for vessels to carry petroleum on state waterways.

Other factors to be considered by the DEC include potential risks to community waterfronts. DEC can also designate so-called "tanker avoidance zones," where tankers would not be allowed.

"We don't need these anchorages and they pose unacceptable risks," said Paul Gallay, president of environmental advocacy group Riverkeeper. He said the new laws provide "new momentum in the fight against current attempts to expand the industrial use of the river, particularly for crude oil transport."

Environmental, civic groups and local government officials oppose the plan, saying millions of gallons of stored oil would be a threat to the river in the event of a spill. The plan calls for barges to be anchored in up to ten different places, with the largest located near Yonkers.

Industry groups say more anchorages are needed to deal with increased commercial trade on the Hudson, fueled in part by a potential surge in crude oil shipments resulting from the lifting of the U.S. export ban in late 2015.

Oil has been traveling down the Hudson from the Port of Albany, brought in by train from the Bakken fracking fields of North Dakota. A slump in global oil prices has stemmed the flow over the last year, but should prices again rise, such shipments through Albany would likely resume.

The anchorage plan is being requested by the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey, the American Waterways Operators and the Hudson River Pilots' Association.

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Environmental opponents have questioned whether long-term storage aspect of the plan would allow owners of oil barges to park them temporarily to prosper when prices start to rise.

While the new laws give DEC more tools to address petroleum shipments on state waterways, some such powers have existed under state Navigation Law since the 1980s. That law required the DEC commissioner to appoint a nine-member Petroleum-Bearing Vessel Advisory Commission, but the group apparently was never constituted.

The group was supposed to advise DEC on "plans, policies and programs" affecting petroleum-bearing vessels. It was legally required to meet at least once a year.

A DEC spokesman could not provide information on the status of the commission, or what role, if any, it might play on the Hudson anchorage project.
Troy

Interstate Commodities, the family-owned agriculture company with its headquarters on Madison Street in Troy, is being bought, joining a growing number of companies that have consolidated amid stagnating prices and market fluctuations in the agriculture sector.

Reuters reported Wednesday that the merger would give the two companies as much as a 7 percent share of the nation's annual 15 billion bushels of corn.

It was not immediately clear what that means for the company's local operations. Officials didn't immediately return a call for comment.

Interstate does about $2 billion in annual sales, and handles roughly 200 million bushels of grain. Details of the transaction weren't revealed.

"Both Lansing and Interstate believe the industry needs consolidation and want to be out at the forefront of a more efficient and customer-focused business model," Lansing President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Krueger said in a joint statement with Interstate on Tuesday.

"Lansing and Interstate have had a strong relationship for decades and believe now is the perfect time to combine our teams," Interstate CEO Greg Oberting said in a statement. "As a combined company, we will be able to grow both organically and through additional acquisitions."

Since its 1947 founding in Indiana, Interstate had been owned by the Oberting family, with Greg taking the helm from his father Victor in 2005.

Since that time Greg, with the help of two other third-generation Oberting men, had focused the company on commodity transportation and logistics.

"Over the course of time we've grown the company, but we've experienced the most significant growth over the last decade," he said last year. "However, what's always remained constant is our close, family ownership and value-added service. We're always looking to add value to the supply chain with each customer, while most peers in the agriculture industry focus purely on price. We see that as our strategic advantage."

"It's been great  we have had hard periods of growth before, but we have great momentum now," he said. "Our reputation is strong and being a third-generation, privately owned business pushing 70 years in age is very powerful. There is a formidable opportunity for us to be able to continue to push our growth forward, to leverage the strength of the foundation of the business we have."

The consolidation, which is expected finalized in the third quarter, is one of a growing number of mergers and acquisitions in recent decades. As cash-strapped, older farm operators continue to flee the industry at a faster rate than wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers, they leave behind an imbalance in the market that's spurred an increasing number of mergers.

Such moves are by no means cheap, requiring hundreds of millions of dollars in break-up fees. Nor are they outside the purview of anti-trust regulations.

Still, many worry the combined powers of, say, Dow Chemical and DuPont, which just got the OK from European officials for their merger, could lead to further imbalance or in some cases monopolies of the market. (Dow and Du Pont, for their part, have agreed to break their companies into three separate publicly-traded entities after they join in a $62 billion deal).

"The decrease in the number of sellers will be a challenge for farmers because it lessens choice" Todd Janzen of Indianapolis-based Janzen Agricultural Law, said last year. "I'm sure there will also be some synergies leading to new discoveries and new products, and farmers will benefit from those."

"But the question to ask is whether the same discoveries, products and benefits for the farmer could arise from licensing agreements between these companies, rather than through consolidation? M&A is not the only way to collaborate on technologies."
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Colonie

The Sears department store at Colonie Center, an original anchor when the mall opened a half century ago, will close by mid-September, a company spokesman confirmed Thursday.

Employees were told Thursday of the closings. In all, 20 Sears stores nationwide, including New York state stores in Johnson City and East Northport, will close, according to a report from Business Insider.

"We can confirm that we are making the difficult, but necessary decision to close the Sears store at 1425 Central Avenue in Albany," spokesman Howard Riefs told the Times Union Thursday afternoon. "The store will close to the public in mid-September. Until then, the store will remain open for customers.

"The store will begin its liquidation sale on June 30. We have been strategically and aggressively evaluating our store space and productivity, and have accelerated the closing of unprofitable stores as previously announced," Riefs added.

Sears, like other bricks and mortar retailers, has been battered by the growth of online sales. Riefs said customers could still use Sears' Shop Your Way websites and mobile apps.

It's not clear how many employees will be affected by the shutdown.

"The number of associates is not publicly available," Riefs said. "Those associates that are eligible will receive severance and have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Sears or Kmart stores."

A Colonie Center official referred questions about future plans for the space to Sears.

The 20 stores that will close are in addition to 245 other Sears closings announced so far this year, Business Insider said.

Sears at one time occupied as much as 272,000 square feet of space at the 1.3 million-square-foot Colonie Center, but leased 32,000 square feet of that space to Whole Foods, which opened its first Capital Region store there in June 2014.

Whole Foods last week was acquired by Amazon, which hasn't yet said what it plans to do with the nationwide grocer.

Sears, perhaps more than any other retailer, has deep ties to Colonie Center. It was a unit of Sears, Homart Development Corp., that built the mall.

The retailer has cut back operations through the years, closing its auto center last year and for awhile discontinuing its paint department. Early Thursday afternoon, few shoppers were in the store.

Filling the space may be complicated by the fact that Sears owns the section of mall occupied by its store and Whole Foods. The rest of Colonie Center is owned by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., in partnership with Colonie Pacific, which in turn is a partnership between Pacific Retail Capital Partners, Collarmele Partners and Peter Fair (Continuum Partners).

Actually, Sears Holdings in July 2015 sold the Sears store to Seritage SRC Finance LLC, which is controlled by Sears' owner Edward Lampert. Purchase price was $19,788,336.

Sears Holdings then leased the space from Seritage.

But Seritage has retained ownership in other vacant Sears stores, subdividing them and leasing space out to higher-end retailers including Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma, according to Business Insider.

In its most recent financial report for the period ending March 31, Seritage touted its success in more than quadrupling rents in former Sears stores.

Whether Seritage will seek to fill the empty Colonie Center Sears space with high-end retailers isn't clear, although their customers likely would be similar to those who shop at Whole Foods and L.L. Bean at that end of the mall.

Seritage pays about $417,432 annually in town, county and school taxes, said Town of Colonie spokeswoman Sara Wiest. Of that, $312,128 goes to the South Colonie School District.

At least one shopper took news of the closing in stride.

Ray Doll of Clifton Park said he goes to Sears "once in a while when I come to the mall. I'll pass through, but only occasionally really.

"If they replace it with another store, it's not really going to matter to me," Doll added. He said the only store that keeps him coming to the mall is Barnes & Noble. "So hopefully they keep the bookstore open."
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On a May vacation in Nicaragua, Alison Peters often visited several panaderias after dinner, sampling not one but many desserts. She spent days wearing the same bathing suit coverup. And near the town of Granada, she lingered at Masaya, snapping selfie after selfie with the active volcano.

During her two-week journey abroad, she never once had to defend her decisions or discuss her choices. Because what the solo traveler wants, the solo traveler gets.

"Traveling alone is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself," said the Washington-area law student. "You don't have to be rational when you're by yourself."

Call it the All About Me trip.

These days, more folks are venturing out into the world alone. According to the Visa Travel Intentions Study, which surveyed 13,603 adults in 25 countries, the number of people traveling solo doubled between 2013 and 2015. A BookYogaRetreats.com questionnaire discovered that more than half of the site's 300 respondents will embark on a party-of-one trip this year.

To serve the mushrooming community of independent voyagers, a new app called SoloTraveller offers planning resources as well as a platform for soloists to connect and become, for a short spell, a duo or triplet.

"I consider it a rite of passage," said Evelyn Hannon, founder of Journeywoman, an online publication for female adventurers. "Now, I am going to go out and test myself against the world."

Travelers initially set off alone for a kaleidoscope of reasons. A friend bails, for instance, or someone is recalibrating their life after a personal tragedy. Or maybe has unusual taste in travel.

"I really didn't think anyone would be interested in doing a five-day boat trip to St. Helena," said Gary Arndt, a travel photographer who created the Everything Everywhere blog.

Matt Kepnes had planned an Australian holiday with a friend in 2004 when his pal backed out at the last minute. Kepnes didn't want to waste his vacation time, so he sent himself to Costa Rica. The three-week trip altered his universe.

"It opened me up to the possibilities of the world," said the wanderer behind the Nomadic Matt blog, which he started in 2008. "I loved the fact that everything was different and unplanned. You could be the master of your own ship!"

Lee Abbamonte, who at 32 became the youngest American to visit every country in the world, couldn't convince any of his friends to take a month off to toodle around Asia in 1999. So he activated Plan B: Go alone. Since that solo trip, he has explored nearly 320 countries, including 100 by himself.

"You can do whatever you want, see whatever you want, eat whatever you want," Abbamonte, now 38, said. "You can do nothing or everything. I call it absolute freedom."

For Hannon, the boot that kicked her into the wider world was the end of her 23-year marriage, when she was 42. She rang up a travel agent and requested the cheapest ticket to wherever. She paid $200 and flew to Belgium for her inaugural solo jaunt.

"I was nervous, sad and recovering from a broken marriage," Hannon, now 77, said. "I had never been anywhere by myself, but I was determined."

Since that metamorphic trip, the Toronto resident has visited about 70 countries on seven continents. She also created Journeywoman in 1997, to provide tips and support for her solo sisters.

The modern-day Abeona  the goddess of journeys  dispenses wisdom like a vending machine. During our phone chat, she advised me on how to foil pickpockets (place several pills and a few bills in a vitamin C bottle and use the container as a covert wallet), blend in (carry a bag from a local grocery store) and fend off unwanted attention from men (mention that you are in town for a policewomen's convention).

"You learn tricks in order to be able to walk around and feel comfortable," she said.

Janice Waugh was caring for her ailing husband when she booked a restorative trip to Havana in 2006. She didn't have the smoothest experience in the beginning: She struggled to find her hotel in Old Havana and was disappointed with the windowless guest room. The next day, she lost her way. She contacted her travel agent about relocating to a more comforting all-inclusive resort. The agent agreed, but the reservation never materialized. The unfulfilled request was an unexpected blessing.

"I learned an important lesson about solo travel," said Waugh, who started the online resource Solo Traveler three years later. "Sit back and relax. Watch. Give yourself time to settle in and it will happen."

Soloists are a diverse bunch, ranging widely in age, occupation, nationality and even relationship status. But they seem to posses similar personality traits. Patience is essential, as are flexibility, resourcefulness, confidence and coolheadedness. And while selfishness in a group scenario is ill-advised, self-interest is a survival tool for singlets.

"When you're on your own, everything rests on you," Kepnes said. "You have to get from point A to B, navigate countries, interact with locals in languages you don't know and just survive."
COHOES  A city couple was returning from the airport early Thursday when they rounded the corner and saw their 124-year-old house ablaze.

Carol Rymanowski, 59, had just returned from a Florida vacation with her brother to celebrate five years of her being cancer-free. Rymanowski's husband Robert, 69, picked her up at the airport at midnight.

As the couple neared Hudson Avenue in Cohoes, they could see smoke rising above the neighborhood and fire crews blocking off the roads.

"I said, 'Oh my God, there's a house on fire,' and my husband said, 'I hope it's not ours,'" Rymanowski recalled.

But it was their house.

The Georgian-style two-family home at 103 Hudson Avenue was destroyed in an overnight fire that spread to two neighboring houses. Rymanowski said that while none of the buildings are currently habitable, their home is a total loss.

At least five pets died in the blaze.

The retired couple had three dogs and eight cats, who Rymanowski lovingly referred to as "my kids."

The bodies of two dogs and three cats have been recovered from inside the house, and one of the dogs has been found safe, she said. Mia, a yellow lab pit bull mix rescued in 2011, escaped the fire and ran away before being found nearby at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

The fate of five cats is still unknown, Rymanowski said. The couple has not been allowed back into the home and are unsure they'll be able to search or salvage anything before it is knocked down by city crews, she said.

Rymanowski said fire officials believe the blaze was started by an exterior light her husband left on to illuminate the house upon their return.

"I'm still shocked," she said Thursday morning.

The couple has lived in the wood-frame house since 1993, and Robert Rymanowski grew up on the block. His brother lives across the street and is sheltering the couple while they search for more permanent housing, Carol Rymanowski said.

They were the only residents living in their two-family home but neighbors were also run out of their houses, she said.

The Red Cross said two families in total were displaced by the fire, including three adults and four children  ages 1, 7, 9 and 17. Volunteers provided emotional support, comfort kits with personal care items and financial assistance for shelter, food and clothing.

Rymanowski said she and her husband had recently poured money into renovating the home  installing new siding and a new heating system, painting fences and contracting landscapers for the backyard.

"We were getting ready to enjoy it for the summer," she said.

The couple also lost their comic book and Barbie doll collections, as well as $2,000 worth of equipment and computers used for detecting paranormal activity, she said.

In 2009, the Rymanowskis founded the Cohoes Paranormal Society, which has recently investigated reports of ghosts at the Cohoes Music Hall and the Hoosac School, a boarding school in Hoosick.
Washington

As battered Democrats assess their loss in Tuesday's Georgia House race, they are finding the path out of the wilderness they had hoped had been carved by voter discontent with President Donald Trump is full of tricky obstacles.

The loss in Georgia was bitter, after Democrats, in the most expensive House race ever, invested tens of millions of dollars in a political newcomer and millennial, Jon Ossoff.

Finger-pointing was immediate. Blame fell on House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, on the neophyte candidate. The complaints about muddled strategy were exacerbated by results from the South Carolina special election on the same day, a race Washington had all but ignored. The Democrat there came closer to victory than Ossoff.

But even as Trump crowed about the failure of Democrats to win a single special election since he was elected, nonpartisan analysts said the returns in all those races should trouble him. Excitement and fervor are not on his side. In districts where Republicans have long been all but guaranteed victory, they have lost considerable ground. Their advantage at the polls in districts in Georgia, Kansas, Montana and South Carolina has shrunk in several cases by more than 20 points compared with races before Trump was elected.

The challenge for Democrats is that enthusiasm is sparking a counterreaction. Voters in the heavily Republican suburbs north of Atlanta who went to the polls this week are not wild about Trump but enough of them resented the move by national Democrats to make an example out of the region. If that trend continues, Democrats will have trouble picking up seats.

When Democrats had a wave of pickups in 2006, it was due in large part to their voters being motivated and Republicans staying home.

The party is straining to hit on a message that motivates voters without irritating disaffected Republicans to the point where they come to the polls just to vote against the Democrat.

The race did nothing to solve the debate raging among Democrats about how hard to go after Trump.

"He (Ossoff) tried to run as an independent, as a neutral, almost nonpartisan candidate, to de-emphasize the party label," said Kerwin Swint, a professor of political science at Kennesaw State University. But in doing so, Swint said, "you're going to turn off a lot of your base. That's the problem. You have to do it on a district-by-district basis. There's no magic blueprint or anything. What works for this district may be of limited help next year."

A stronger candidate than Ossoff might have been better positioned to thread that needle. Ossoff's resume was thin. He had no political accomplishments. He grew up in the area but spent much of his short career on Capitol Hill. He came off more Washingtonian than Georgian. He did not even live in the district, opting to keep the apartment he and his girlfriend shared in Atlanta.

All that made it easy for Republicans and outside conservative groups to persuade voters the candidate was a creation of Pelosi, who is reviled by voters in the district. This is the district that elected Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and GOP firebrand Newt Gingrich.

In next year's midterm elections, Democrats with much deeper experience and impressive resumes are already stepping forward to run in other districts held by Republicans where the erosion of GOP support has been more intense. In many of them, Trump lost in November.

There are 70 seats currently held by Republicans where the makeup of the electorate is more favorable to Democrats than it was for Ossoff, Democratic analyst Steve Schale pointed out in a blog post. The Georgia loss highlighted how Democrats need to redouble efforts to find top-tier candidates, he said. Those candidates will be battle-tested in a way Ossoff wasn't, as they will likely have to endure an extended primary campaign.

Still, the results in Georgia give Democrats much to worry about. Despite dismal favorability ratings overall, the Georgia election reinforced that Trump remains popular with Republicans. His approval rating within his party is staying steady in the mid-80s. There has been no sharp decline. The prospects for Democrats winning back the House are tougher as long as that does not change.
ALBANY  The man accused of killing a pedestrian in January and driving off pleaded not guilty to charges in the indictment on Wednesday, Albany County prosecutors said.

Brian Tromans, 33, of Colonie, was arraigned before the Judge Roger D. McDonough in Albany County Supreme Court where bail was set at $75,000. Tromans will be back in court June 30, District Attorney David Soares' office said.

A grand jury previously indicted Tromans on criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and tampering with evidence in the death of Rudolph E. Seabron, a New York National Guard master sergeant.

The indictment alleges that on Jan. 8 at about 4:40 a.m. Tromans was driving in the area of Watervliet Shaker Road in Colonie and collided with Seabron. Tromans also allegedly hid his car in an effort to hinder police investigation.

Police said in January they had video of Tromans leaving the same bar around the time of the collision.

Seabron's body was found on Watervliet Shaker Road, near the Northway Exit 5 overpass. Police soon suspected the driver who called them was likely not behind the collision but was the second person to come upon the scene.

Investigators made a list of some 900 CX-5 vehicles sold in Albany County between 2013 and 2016 and went to their homes to see if there was a car with significant front end damage. They found the vehicle and Tromans after watching surveillance video from businesses -- one of which allegedly caught Tromans on camera earlier in the evening. And police said three other grainy videos show a car that looks like a CX-5 traveling from the first business to the crash scene.

His attorney Lee Kindlon said in January that Tromans had no idea he may have hit a person and thus thought there was no crime scene to leave. "Like everybody else, like me, (Tromans) saw (later) that somebody had been hit on the side of the road and became worried that he was involved," Kindlon said.

"You had the Colonie police looking for these kinds of cars, and you had him realizing that, 'Oh no, maybe I was involved in something.' And so he reached out to the Colonie police just as they were reaching out to him," he said.
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Local Red Cross volunteers helped a total of 19 people displaced by three overnight fires that hit Albany, Cohoes and Schenectady homes.

In Albany, two families were displaced early Thursday morning by a fire on First Street. Red Cross volunteers provided three adults and three children  ages 5, 12 and 16  with emotional support and financial assistance for shelter, food and clothing.

In Cohoes, two families were displaced early Thursday morning by a blaze that damaged three Hudson Avenue homes. Red Cross volunteers provided three adults and four children  ages 1, 7, 9 and 17  with emotional support, comfort kits with personal care items and financial assistance for shelter, food and clothing.

READ MORE: 5 pets die, 3 houses damaged in Cohoes blaze

In Schenectady, six people were displaced Wednesday evening by a fire on North Brandywine Avenue. Red Cross volunteers provided five adults and one 14-year-old child with emotional support, health services and financial assistance for shelter, food and clothing.

Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to all 19 victims as they navigate the road to recovery.

In 2016, the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross  which covers 24 counties in eastern New York  assisted more than 2,000 local residents after more than 400 home fires and other disasters.
Right now, Capital Region high school juniors are most likely focused on finishing their New York State Regents exams. But once the tests are done and the grades are in, it will be time to start some serious thinking about college.

While it's an exciting time for students to begin researching academic programs and life on campus, for parents, the cost can seem downright frightening.
SARATOGA  An autopsy has determined the woman who died Tuesday night after her car was found in Fish Creek drowned, State Police said.

Troopers identified the woman as 66-year-old Ellen T. Steinberger of Saratoga Springs on Wednesday.
THE ISSUE:

U.S. Senate GOP works behind closed doors to overhaul the health care system.

THE STAKES:

Americans deserve to know the details of a bill that affects them so directly.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

Maybe Great Britain's raucous House of Commons would be a fitting legislature to hold the title of "The World's Most Deliberative Body." The U.S. Senate sure doesn't seem to have any interest in keeping it any more.

After all, who needs to be bothered with formalities like debate, transparency and analysis when you're running a one-party government? It's that much easier to ram through a health care bill that not even most senators, must less the American people, have been allowed to read.

Written behind closed doors by 13 senators  all men, among them Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.  it's the Senate's version of the American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives May 4. That's the bill that the House, in its myopic zeal to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act that created Obamacare, voted on without bothering to wait for an independent analysis of legislation that would affect one-sixth of the U.S. economy.

Little wonder, considering how bad the House bill turned out to be. A later review by the Congressional Budget Office found the AHCA would leave 14 million more Americans uninsured in just the first year, and 23 million within 10 years. Many of them would be working people who earn a little too much to qualify for subsidies. Americans in their 50s and 60s would be hit with skyrocketing premiums under a law that upends a central premise of affordable insurance: spreading costs across a broad population.

Even President Donald Trump, in a more reflective moment since hosting a celebratory gathering at the White House to cheer the House for passing the AHCA, has since called it "mean."

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter.

So this is not about deliberation or transparency merely for appearances' sake. Americans deserve to know if they will soon be unable to afford health insurance, largely to give the wealthy a tax cut estimated at $1 trillion. They deserve time to digest this bill and voice concerns to their senators. That's what representative government is all about.

Mr. McConnell, however, apparently will have none of that. In the rush to get this done before a recess that starts July 3, the AHCA is expected to be introduced Thursday and voted on within a week. It's being done through reconciliation, a process that allows passage with a simple majority, leaving Democrats unable to filibuster it.

That's a far cry from the 2010 handling of Obamacare. Like it or not, the ACA did undergo a far more democratic and deliberative process, publicly unveiled and discussed in committee hearings over six months. Almost 200 amendments were adopted, 161 of them from Republicans. The Senate debated it for 25 days.

Americans can still try to stop this abuse of power, and call senators, especially Republicans whose vote is essential. And most especially Mr. McConnell  his number is 202-224-2541  to voice their disapproval.

He probably won't be in a deliberative mood. But with enough calls, he just might get the message.
The search is on to find the best hairdresser from the Premier County and the Tipperary Star is calling on the public to get nominating their favourite stylist.

Let's face it, once you find a hairdresser that just gets you it's a bond for life. The fact they know exactly what you're looking for when you ask for something "choppy changey" is a magical thing that can't be ignored. They can be our confidant and our most honest friend, transforming our appearance in the process.

Simply nominate your favourite local hairdresser or salon from across the county by tagging them on Facebook, tweeting us @tippstar or email to news@tipperarystar.ie

The hairdressing salons with the most nominations will then be shortlisted for a public vote.

So show them how much you care and get nominating. And remember if you're not in, you can't win!
The death has occurred of former Fianna Fail Senator Des Hanafin.

Mr. Hanafin, who lived on the Dublin Road in Thurles, passed away earlier today.

He had served as a member of Seanad Eireann and on North Tipperary County Council for over 30 years.

The tributes have been led today by Fianna Fail Leader, Micheal Martin who expressed his sadness at Mr. Hanafin's passing, at the age of 86.

Des was a man steeped in politics and community who served as a member of Seanad Eireann and North Tipperary County Council for over 30 years having first being elected to the County Council in 1955 and Seanad Eireann in 1965.

His dedication to public service was passed onto both his children: John and Mary, who both went into public life serving as a Senator and as a Government Minister respectively. I know that seeing both his children achieve high office was a source of great pride to him.

I want to express my deepest sympathies to Des loving wife, Mona and to his children, at this sad time", said Mr. Martin.

He was elected a member of North Tipperary County Council in 1955 and was subsequently elected Chairman of the County Council in 1956, the youngest Chairman in the Council's history.

He was first elected to Seanad Eireann in 1965 and retained his seat until the 1993 Seanad election at which he lost his seat by one vote. He regained his seat at the 1997 Elections and retired from politics in 2002. He unsuccessfully contested the 1977 and 1981 Dail elections for the Tipperary North constituency. He was a chief fundraiser of the Fianna Fail party for many years.



Mr. Hanafin was one of the promoters of the constitutional amendment that enshrined the legal ban on abortion in the Constitution of Ireland. He also opposed the legalisation of divorce, which was introduced in 1995.

He is survived by his wife Mona, nee Brady of Clonmel, his daughter, former Minister Mary Hanafin, son former Senator John Hanafin, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as they come to hand.
The number of Tipperary women travelling to the UK for terminations has fallen for the third year in a row.

According to figures released by the UK Department of Health, 69 women gave Tipperary addresses while attending health clinics in the UK and Wales in 2016. This was a decline from the 2015 figure of 70 women and 2014 figure of 89 women who traveled overseas for terminations. However the true figure could be significantly higher as 520 women did not provide an address.

A total of 403 women with Tipperary addresses have traveled to the UK since 2011 for a termination.

According to the statistics a total of 99 women from Limerick, 241 from Cork, 28 from Offaly, 44 from Kilkenny, 42 from Laois traveled to the UK for terminations in 2016.

The UK Department of Health releases statistics each year on the number of women who present addresses from the Republic of Ireland at abortion clinics in England and Wales. However the true figure could be higher as women can choose not to state their address if they wish.

Records from UK health chiefs showed 3,265 women gave addresses in Ireland last year.

There are no records kept on women who travel from the Republic to abortion clinics in Northern Ireland to avail of a termination in limited circumstances.
[June 21, 2017] Vodien Accelerates Growth With Dreamscape Networks

PERTH, Australia, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dreamscape Networks Limited (ASX code: DN8) today announced its merger with Singapore's #1 web hosting company Vodien Internet Solutions Pte. Ltd (Vodien). The merger, which went for a total consideration of AUD 29.67 million (SGD 31.16 million), will combine the infrastructure and operations of the two companies, as well as their trading entities and parent businesses. Dreamscape Networks' Managing Director & CEO Mark Evans said: "This is a strategic merger for Dreamscape Networks. The leadership team at Vodien Group has substantial knowledge of the local industry, with a strong track record of growth, and will be a great addition to our senior executive team. The culture they have developed and led is a perfect fit for us." "By joining forces with this robust Asian hosting brand, we can leverage its current market position and strong customer awareness to immediately increase our footprint in the Southeast Asia region, without the need to establish our own Singapore hub infrastructure. "We have a great opportunity to introduce existing customers of both organisations to additional add-on value products and services. This is an exciting development for investors, employees and customers of both organisations, and is consistent with our plan to invest in strategic opportunities that enhance our offer and accelerate groth," added Evans.



Vodien Group CEO Alvin Poh said: "I am delighted that Vodien Group is becoming part of Dreamscape Networks. The two organisations have a very strong culture and business fit, and share a desire to become a leading internet domain and hosting business across Asia.

"I look forward to becoming part of the senior executive team of Dreamscape Networks and working with Mark and the team to deliver on the growth opportunities that we see." In December 2016, Dreamscape Networks debuted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) following a successful Prospectus offer that raised AUD 25 million. At that time, the company also announced its intent of growing the company through international and domestic expansion via acquisitions, new product development, and entry into new markets. The company has since announced the acquisition of Sydney-based internet hosting company, Net Logistics Pty Ltd for AUD 2.55 million. The merger with Vodien is being financed through existing cash reserves of Dreamscape Networks. About Dreamscape Networks Limited Dreamscape Networks Limited is a leading online solutions provider of domain names, hosting and solutions and owns Australia's #1 domain brand Crazy Domains. The Dreamscape Networks Group offers simple, innovative and affordable online solutions that help businesses build and manage their online presence. Our solutions are innovative, user-friendly and engineered across all platforms embracing intuitive design and backed by our focus on best in world service. Learn more at www.dreamscapenetworks.com and www.crazydomains.com. About Vodien Internet Solutions Pte. Ltd. Vodien Internet Solutions is a leading web hosting service provider in Asia, and offers premier access speeds to visitors in the region. It has clients from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.



Since its inception in 2002, it has serviced thousands of clients across different industries and consumer segments across the globe and have continually received accolades for our prompt, knowledgeable, and affordable service. Learn more at www.vodien.com. SOURCE Dreamscape Networks Limited

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[June 21, 2017] Nuctech serves the Expo Astana 2017

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2017 Astana Expo kicked off at Kazakhstan on 10th June, 2017. More than 100 countries and international organizations will join, and over 5 million visitors are coming for the Expo. The theme of the 2017 Astana Expo is "Energy of the Future", and it is the first Expo held in Central Asian countries. From June 10 to Sep 10, the exposition will last 93 days. Wherever there is bi international event, we can see Nuctech's security systems. To hold a successful Expo, security is always the first priority. For the Astana Expo, Nuctech provides over 130 sets of security systems including Cargo/Vehicle Inspection System, CT Baggage Inspection System, and X-Ray Inspection Systems. The installation and debugging started in April and finished in May, and the systems are going to be deployed in the logistics distribution centers, main channels, and conference centers of the Expo to check all the cargos, vehicles, and bags of visitors passing through.



The CT Baggage Inspection System used in this Expo is the next-generation CT Baggage Inspection System designed and manufactured by Nuctech. Equipped with several cutting-edge technologies, the product is able to get density, effective atomic number, and other information of the items being tested. Apart from colored HD 3D images, CT images, and DR images, the product can also detect EDS and narcotics automatically. The committee of the Expo spoke highly of Nuctech's products as well as services and invited local media to have a look, "These Nuctech systems provide high quality images and are easy to use, our inspection effectiveness have been largely enhanced since we started to use these systems, and this has helped the Expo a lot."

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170621/1881466-1 SOURCE Nuctech Company Limited

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[June 22, 2017] Leumi Card to Use Feedzai's Artificial Intelligence Platform to Fight Fraud

Leumi Card, one of Israel's leading consumer credit card service providers, will implement Feedzai's Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform to enhance its fraud detection and prevention capabilities, while continuing to provide a frictionless omnichannel experience for its customers. "Fraud mitigation tools have not kept pace with today's mobile-enabled, always-connected consumers," said Gilead Kehat EVP Human resources and staff of Leumi Card, "Our customers demand an omnichannel experience whether it's in person, online or via mobile devices. Feedzai's agile machine learning platform helps predict and prevent fraud before it impacts our customers. We are continuing to deliver on our promise to provide the best banking experience today and into the future, by investing in tomorrow's technology." Feedzai's technology utilizes machine learning that allows users like Leumi Card to create profiles of normal behavior, and flag instances of abnormal behavior, to detect and prevent criminal threats in real time with high accuracy. Feedzai is making artificial intelligence attainable by allowing banks to build, train, test and deploy their own models all on the same platform, helping clients t prepare for the unknown. With whitebox processing, Feedzai's artificial intelligence platform also provides a human-readable semantic layer onto the underlying machine logic, putting humans in charge of the machine.



"Feedzai is pioneering artificial intelligence that is attainable and accessible, AI like running water, a new utility for humans." said Nuno Sebastiao, CEO of Feedzai, "AI that is explainable and puts humans in control is transforming the financial industry, and we are excited to be working with Leumi Card to help provide experiences that are not only secure, but frictionless across any device." About Leumi Card

Leumi Card is one of Israel's largest credit card companies and is a leader and innovator in this field. The Company provides a full range of issuing and acquiring services, including both payment solutions and lines of credit. Leumi Card has issued 2.4 million active credit cards (Visa and MasterCard (News - Alert) brands) and provides acquiring services for more than 40,000 merchants. The Company offers a wide range of financial services including loans, credit solutions and flexible payment options and clearing. About Feedzai Feedzai is AI. We're coding the future of commerce with the most advanced risk management platform powered by big data and artificial intelligence. Founded and developed by data scientists and aerospace engineers, Feedzai has one critical mission: make commerce safe. The world's largest banks, payment providers and retailers use Feedzai's machine learning technology to manage risks associated with banking and shopping, whether it's in person, online or via mobile devices. Learn more about Feedzai at www.feedzai.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170621006453/en/

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[June 22, 2017] Epson Wins Telly Awards for Legacy Fibre Paper Video Featuring Photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America has been awarded Telly Awards for excellence in Videography and Cinematography. The award-winning video  "Epson Legacy Fibre Paper and Photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders"  features renowned photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders describing his work as a portrait photographer, the inspiration for his famous List Portraits, and why he chose Epson Legacy Fibre paper for his recent exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography1. The full video can be seen on Epson's Legacy Paper website  https://epson.com/pro-photo-legacy-papers. "This video captures Epson's dedication to the old world craftmanship of fine art papers married with the latest advances in technology for creative professionals like Timothy Greenfield-Sanders," said Dan (Dano) Steinhardt, marketing manager, Epson America. "It's an honor to receive additional Telly Awards for our work illustrating how professional photographers incorporate Epson products to tell their inspirational stories, and we want to thank the visual arts community for this recognition." With the world of online video rapidly evolving, the Telly Award is one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders  honoring the very best films, videos and commercials. On average, the Telly Awards receives 13,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents annually. The winners represent the finest work from the most distinguished advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments. In the Epson Legacy Fibre Paper video, photographer Greenfield-Sanders discusses his portrait photography and the relevance of the printed photograph as a way o step out of the world of digital imagery that is seen every day. Greenfield-Sanders finally found the D-max he was looking for in a matte fine art paper with the Epson Legacy Fibre paper, along with a beautiful way to showcase colors that are very natural and specific to the person he is photographing.



"We are extremely proud to once again recognize outstanding productions in the film and video industry," said Linda Day, executive director of the Telly Awards. "The quality of work submitted each season continues to exceed our expectations." More About Epson Legacy Papers

Epson Legacy Papers  Legacy Platine, Legacy Fibre, Legacy Baryta, Legacy Etching  represent the art of papermaking at its finest. As Epson's most advanced line of photographic papers to date, these unique papers were designed in collaboration with many of the world's greatest artists and revered European papermakers and galleries, and developed specifically for those who intend to exhibit and sell their prints, both to art collectors and investors. Producing outstanding black density and color fidelity, along with exceptional archival properties, the Epson Legacy Papers offer the properties required for high-end photographic fine art printing and collectible works of fine art.

For additional information about Epson's Legacy Papers, visit https://epson.com/pro-photo-legacy-papers.

More About the Telly Awards

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, videos and films. With the mission to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting and supporting creativity, a prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past winner of a Silver Telly and a member of The Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. For more information about the Telly Awards, visit www.tellyawards.com. About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 72,000 employees in 88 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts. Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). 1 Epson provided ink and paper to Nash Editions (http://www.nasheditions.com/) for the exhibition printing Note: EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epson-wins-telly-awards-for-legacy-fibre-paper-video-featuring-photographer-timothy-greenfield-sanders-300478001.html SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

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[June 22, 2017] Former President of American Academy of Sleep Medicine Joins SleepScore Labs' Board of Advisors

SleepScore Labs, the world's most advanced sleep improvement system and solutions company, today announced the appointment of Nathaniel Watson, MD, MS, Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington (UW), Director of the Harborview Medical Center Sleep Clinic and Co-director of the UW Medicine Sleep Center, to their Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Watson will contribute his expertise to SleepScore Labs to help the company accurately measure and improve America's sleep quality and advance sleep health. Dr. Watson has over 20 years of experience in academic research and clinical practice focused on sleep medicine and recently served as president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. SleepScore Labs has engaged Dr. Watson to provide scientific and clinical guidance related to SleepScore by ResMed technology as well as SleepScore Labs' product evaluation tools and services. "SleepScore Labs is committed to building and leveraging the strength of the most accurate, non-contact sleep monitoring technology with the greatest minds in the field," said Colin Lawlor, CEO, SleepScore Labs. "We are honored and pleased with the addition of Dr. Watson on our Board of Advisors to help us in our mission o help people sleep, feel and live better while advancing the science of sleep health."



Dr. Watson's research is heavily based on genetic aspects of habitual sleep duration and circadian rhythms in conjunction with the Washington State Twin (News - Alert) Registry. He is investigating the impact of habitual sleep curtailment on the transcriptome as well as the relationship between sleep disorders and cancer risk and outcomes. He is also a strong advocate for prioritizing sleep in society and has made numerous appearances in the media stressing the importance of sleep and fatigue in the workplace, specifically regarding transportation safety. Following SleepScore Labs' recent addition of Roy J.E.M. Raymann, PhD, as Vice President, Sleep Science and Scientific Affairs, Dr. Watson joins SleepScore Labs' all-star team of advisors, including Michael Breus, PhD., clinical psychologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and Steven W. Lockley, PhD., Neuroscientist in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

About SleepScore Labs SleepScore Labs advances the science and technologies around sleep and overall health. Together with the foremost medical, health, and scientific experts from around the world, the company utilizes SleepScore by ResMed technology to provide the most accurate and advanced sleep improvement system for consumers as well as data insights, product evaluation tools, and technology licensing opportunities for companies developing products and solutions in the sleep industry. Based in Carlsbad, California, SleepScore Labs was created in 2016 as a joint venture between ResMed, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Pegasus Capital Advisors L.P. to accurately measure sleep while connecting consumers to solutions that help people sleep, feel and live better. For more information on SleepScore Labs visit www.sleepscorelabs.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622005188/en/

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[June 22, 2017] The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Closes in on $50 Million Fundraising Goal

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC (News - Alert)), a global leader in art and design education, is closing in on a $50 million goal in its first-ever major public fundraising campaign, Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC. One year ago, SAIC President Elissa Tenny and Chancellor Walter Massey publicly announced the campaign. The effort has now raised $46.4 million, providing increased scholarship opportunities, faculty support and programming. "For more than 150 years, School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, faculty and alumni have made groundbreaking contributions to art, design, and scholarly pursuits, and the early success of the Beautiful/Work Campaign reaffirms our commitment to educating the cultural and creative leaders of tomorrow," said Elissa Tenny, SAIC's president. "Through the generous support of alumni, faculty, staff, parents and all members of the SAIC community, students and faculty will have increased access, opportunities and resources to help shape our world." The funds raised as part of Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC have contributed to an increase in scholarships. Since the start of the public phase of the campaign, more than 75 percent of current and incoming students have received scholarship support, and for the fiscal year 2015-16, the School awarded a record number of scholarships totaling approximately $40 million. More than 1,700 individual donors have ade contributions, and alumni have donated a record $10.5 million, a significant increase over alumni giving prior to the campaign.



Specifically, Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC has: Established more than 30 new endowment scholarship funds that support undergraduate and graduate students, including eight merit scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition for graduate students.

that support undergraduate and graduate students, including that cover the full cost of tuition for graduate students. Established seven faculty support endowments , including four full professorships, one directorship and two part-time faculty awards.

, including four full professorships, one directorship and two part-time faculty awards. Supported nearly 90 Chicago Public High School students through scholarships and financial assistance from the Walter and Shirley Massey Chicago Scholarship Fund, SAIC's College Arts Access Program and SAIC's Bank of America Scholars program. SAIC has 1,325 faculty and staff and more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Alumni have artwork in museum collections throughout the world; work in communities as organizers and advocates; have designed remarkable objects, images and systems; and are scientists, scholars, mentors and cultural workers.

Give the Gift of an SAIC Education "Alumni, faculty, parents, staff, friends, foundations, corporations and civic partners have played a critical role in making SAIC a world-class art and design school," said Cheryl Jessogne, SAIC's Vice President of Institutional Advancement. "Through their leadership, President Tenny and Chancellor Massey have paved the way for the School to reach its fundraising goal, and ultimately build a future where interdisciplinary opportunities for our students and faculty are fortified through philanthropy." For the latest news on the campaign, visit campaign.saic.edu and watch this video about the impact of giving. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622005252/en/

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[June 22, 2017] Open Call for Speakers: Fall 2017 Incident Resolution Summits--Chicago & London

IRVINE, Calif., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolve Systems, the only enterprise-wide incident response and automation platform for Security, IT Operations and Network Operations, announces its sponsorship of two 2017 Incident Resolution Summits this Fall. One in Chicago on September 20, 2017, and another in London, UK on October 25, 2017. The Incident Resolution Summits unify leaders from across Security Operations, IT Operations and Network Operations Centers to share industry trends and reveal best practices. Discussions focus on garnering the latest standards in selection, implementation and ROI of incident response and automation technologies. The summits also demonstrate how to empower frontline agents and security experts to leverage end-to-end automation, human-guided automation and accelerate incident resolution. The Incident Resolution Summits are inviting Security Operations, IT Operations and Network Operations thought leaders to join the dialogue center stage: Lending perspective to the integral futue of incident response automation as well as his or her professional experiences relative to the subject.



Speaker narratives could include successes with leveraging human-guided automation and end-to-end automation for accelerating incident resolution, proving ROI for automation technologies, avoiding alert fatigue, overcoming reticence toward the future of automation and enterprise-wide gaps and opportunities in technology. Participants will have the opportunity to extend their personal brand by speaking in front of 60+ colleagues with up to a 30 minute presentation. At the end of each talk, 10-15 minutes will be reserved for questions and answers.

If you are interested in speaking at either Incident Resolution SummitChicago or London please submit your proposal at resolutionsummit.com/speakers/ by July 30, 2017. If you are not interested in presenting but would still like to attend the event and discuss incident resolution and automation best practices, register here for Chicago and here for London. To access highlights from previous Incident Resolution Summits, please visit https://resolutionsummit.com/. About Resolve Systems Resolve Systems is the firstand continues to be the most comprehensive frontrunnerin enterprise-wide incident response and automation solutions for IT Operations, Security Operations, Network Operations and service desk teams. Resolve accelerates incident response and resolution by providing engineers with human-guided automations, real-time incident collaboration and the ability to partially and fully automate processes. Headquartered in Irvine, California with Operations in EMEA, Resolve Systems supports Fortune 500 customers around the world. For details, please visit www.resolvesystems.com. Contact: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/open-call-for-speakers-fall-2017-incident-resolution-summits--chicago--london-300478240.html SOURCE Resolve Systems

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[June 22, 2017] Government of Canada Invests in Nova Scotia Tidal Technology Research

HALIFAX, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Clean technology research and development creates good-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians, drives innovation and helps in the fight against climate change. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today announced a $1-million investment in a tidal energy project led by the Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA). The project, which aims to address knowledge gaps and challenges associated with tidal energy in Canada, received the funding from NRCan's Energy Innovation Program. The Province of Nova Scotia and OERA have each contributed $125,000 to the project. Accelerating clean technology development is a key component of the Government's approach to promoting sustainable economic growth and to supporting Canada's transition toward a low-carbon economy. Minister Carr made the announcement while visiting the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. The Government of Canada continues to take important steps to support the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and is committed to creating a cleaner environment for future generations by investing in clean technologies. OERA is an independent, not-for-profit organization that funds and facilitates collaborative offshore energy and environmental reseach and development including the examination of renewable energy resources and their interaction with the marine environment.



Quotes "Knowledge is power when it comes to growing Canada's clean technology sector. This project is a great example of how our government is looking for better and cleaner ways to bring electricity to Canadians. When it comes to clean technology, Canada has the opportunity to be a true global leader  creating good, well-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians while helping meet our climate change goals."

Jim Carr

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "Even as a developing industry, tidal energy has already launched new companies, created hundreds of jobs, and attracted hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to projects, research and development in Nova Scotia. Tidal energy has the potential to give us the clean, renewable energy we want while positioning our province as a technology and expertise leader in this field. Working with the Government of Canada on this project will only strengthen our international reputation. Geoff MacLellan

Nova Scotia's Minister of Energy "Understanding the challenges of creating a clean and renewable source of energy from the world's highest tides has been the focus of Nova Scotia's research community for many decades. The answers to fundamental questions around environmental impacts, how to reduce costs for technology and marine operations are critical to our collective success. By working collaboratively with academia, company and government partners we ensure the highest prospects for success, both here in the Bay of Fundy and ultimately in projects developed around the world with what we have learned." Stephen Dempsey,

Executive Director, OERA Related Links https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/science/programs-funding/19770 Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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[June 22, 2017] Governments of Canada and Manitoba join forces to launch BizPaL in Russell-Binscarth

Free online business permit and licence service saves time, cuts red tape and helps entrepreneurs RUSSELLBINSCARTH, MB, June 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Starting and running a business in the Municipality of RussellBinscarth, Manitoba, just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster. The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, and the Honourable Cliff Cullen, Manitoba's Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, are pleased to announce the implementation of BizPaL in the Municipality of RussellBinscarth, located in western Manitoba. BizPaL is a free online application that provides business owners with a directory of the permits and licences required to start or run a business. Entrepreneurs simply select the business activities they plan to undertake, and BizPaL then automatically generates a list of required permits and licences from all levels of government, along with basic information on each. The list also includes links to the various government websites where entrepreneurs can learn more and, in some cases, apply online. BizPaL is managed across the province through Entrepreneurship Manitoba as part of its mandate to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in urban, rural and northern Manitoba by supporting start-ups, developing entrepreneurial leadership capacity and ensuring programming that supports SME growth. Quotes "Small busineses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. Our government is committed to reducing red tape so that hardworking entrepreneurs and business owners can continue to innovate and create good middle-class jobs. We continue to work with all levels of government to support the success and growth of businesses across Canadabecause an economy that works for everyone is one that enables us all to succeed."





"BizPaL is a partnership between federal, provincial and local governments, This innovative online service provides users with access to information about business permits, licenses and other requirements to start or expand a business venture in the province."

 The Honourable Cliff Cullen, Manitoba Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade

"BizPal provides an excellent tool for entrepreneurs to access the pertinent information they need to open and operate a business in our community. The Municipality of RussellBinscarth Council is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba to offer this service to our residents."

 Len Derkach, Mayor of the Municipality of RussellBinscarth Quick facts BizPaL is a unique partnership between federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments.

Small businesses account for more than 99 percent of all businesses in Canada ; this translates to 1.2 million businesses.

; this translates to 1.2 million businesses. All provinces and territories are currently participating in BizPaL, with more than 900 municipalities offering the service, making it available to 74 percent of the Canadian population. Related products BizPaL simplifies access to information on permits and licences for Canadian businesses Associated links BizPaL

Manitoba BizPaL

Entrepreneurship Manitoba Follow Minister Chagger on social media.

Twitter: @MinofSBT

Instagram: minofsbt Follow Minister Cullen on Twitter: @Min_CliffCullen SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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[June 22, 2017] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Commences Investigation on Behalf of Bezeq The Israel Telecommunication Corporation Limited Investors

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces an investigation on behalf of Bezeq (News - Alert) The Israel Telecommunication Corporation Limited ("Bezeq" or the "Company") (OTC: BZQIY) concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. To obtain information or aid in the investigation, please visit the Bezeq investigation page on our website at www.glancylaw.com/case/bezeq. On June 20, 2017, the Israel Securities Authority ("ISA") raided and inspected the Company's ofices on suspicion of securities law violations by Bezeq's chairman and majority shareholder, Shaul Elovitch. The ISA noted that it is investigating possible misconduct "with regards to transactions related to [Shaul Elovitch]." And, an Israeli business publication reported that the ISA is investigating the merger of Bezeq's television unit with its parent company, as well as payments the unit made to Eurocom, a Elovitch controlled company, under pressure from Elovitch.



On this news, Bezeq's American Depositary Receipt price fell $0.37, or 4.12%, to close at $8.61 on June 20, 2017 Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert): twitter.com/GPM_LLP.

If you purchased Bezeq securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006183/en/

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[June 22, 2017] Revcontent Opens Canadian Office as Talent and Innovation Booms in Toronto

Revcontent, the world's largest content recommendation network, announces the opening of its Toronto, Canada office as the next phase of global expansion. This expansion allows Revcontent to better serve its Canadian partners and continue adapting to the needs of global markets. With headquarters in Sarasota, Florida as the main campus, over the last 2 years, Revcontent has built physical presences around the world in London; Mumbai, India; and numerous US locations like San Diego, San Francisco, and New York. To create personalized discovery experiences around the web, Revcontent's goal is to innovate alongside global trends on a local level. The Canadian headquarters will be managed by Kristina Finch, digital advertising veteran. Finch has spent over 10 years in the digital and advertising space, working for companies like Canpages (a Yellowpages company), AOL (News - Alert) and Canadian Publisher: VerticalScope. In each role, she has spent time leading sales teams, managing publisher relationships, developing direct and indirect revenue growth, and diving head first into technical development. "I couldn't be more excited to join the incredible team at Revcontent. The leadership, vision, culture and integrity of the company in Sarasota are what I look forward to replicatinghere in Toronto," said Kristina Finch, Canadian Managing Director. "Over the past few years, Toronto has seen a massive boom in tech companies, incredible talent, and extraordinary innovation. Pair that with the Agencies, entrepreneurs and general buzz, and this is an exciting place to be at a very pivotal time in Toronto's history!"



Finch will be attending the 2017 Digital Day event in Toronto on June 22, 2017; to set up a meeting, contact [email protected] About Revcontent:

Revcontent is the world's largest content recommendation network, powering 250 billion content recommendations per month. Revcontent partners with the largest media brands in the world such as Forbes, Newsweek, Reuters (News - Alert), and more. Founded by John Lemp, Revcontent's headquarters lies in Sarasota, Florida with global offices including London, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Mumbai, Toronto, and Canada. Revcontent reaches 97% of US households, according to Quantcast (News - Alert), and has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Fox News, and more. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170622006206/en/

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Election results: Check out results from various races across the state
Amgen stock hits high on earnings, prospects of obesity drug In one of the worst years for the stock market since the 2008 financial crisis, Thousand Oaksbased Amgen is showing no signs of weakness. As of Wednesdays market close, the...

Council approves rules to limit self-storage growth Future self-storage facilities in the city of Thousand Oaks will be excluded from prime commercial areas, according to a new ordinance adopted by the City Council this month. In a...

Dealership does Distinguished thing SPECIAL TRIPChildren from Boys & Girls clubs in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Moorpark, and Oxnard and Port Hueneme attended Misty Copelands Oct. 18 appearance in the Distinguished Speaker Series at...
AMD's re-entrance into the data center begins with its EPYC lineup, which pits the company against the dominant Intel. Not enough pressure? Part of AMD's strategy also includes attacking the burgeoning AI segment. That lines the company up against Nvidia, which by all rights has a dominating position in the machine learning segment.

However, AMD is the only company with both GPUs and CPUs under the same roof, which it feels hands it an advantage when it comes to complementary designs.

That's where EPYC comes in. It's no coincidence that EPYC, AMD's new line of data center processors, have a copious allotment of 128 PCIe lanes. AMD believes that makes the EPYC platform a great fit for incredibly dense AI platforms in single socket servers. We broke down AMD's latest EPYC processors in our AMD Unveils EPYC Server Processor Models And Pricing Guidelines Article, but the single-socket server is one of the most important aspects of AMD's two-pronged AI strategy.

The Single Sockets

Roughly 25% of today's server platforms, which are almost entirely powered by Intel, ship with only one socket populated. That means they have only one processor, so there are a number of redundant components on the motherboard and in the chassis that aren't needed. Eliminating these redundancies reduces costs on multiple axes, possibly making a dedicated single-socket server a data center architects' best friend.

Image 1 of 3

The data center is shifting en masse to AI-centric architectures, but these designs require beefy data throughput to feed the hungry GPUs. AMD's single-socket server leverages the platform's 2TB of memory capacity and 128 PCIe lanes to provide copious connectivity. As seen above in Inventec's system, cramming six GPUs into single-socket chassis is easy if you have enough connectivity and cores to push the workload. EPYC's 64 threads should suit those purposes nicely. The end result? Up to 100 TFLOPS in a single chassis. That's performance density at its finest.

AMD Trusts Its Instincts

AMD's got quite a bit of graphics IP laying around, so it employs a range of its architectures, including Vega, Polaris, and Fiji, to target various segments of the AI space. The Vega-powered MI25 slots in as the workhorse for the heavy compute-intensive training workloads, while the Polaris-based MI6 is more of an all-rounder that can handle a variety of training and inference workloads. The Fiji-based MI8 handles the low-power tasks, such as lightweight inference, at a lower price point.

Our resident GPU expert, Chris Angelini, did the heavy lifting when AMD announced these cards in December 2016. Head over to his article for more coverage of the high-level view. AMD also has the Vega Frontier Edition in the hopper and recently teased us with performance details.

AMD has its new Instinct solutions headed to market in Q3 and accordingly released more details. Let's take a quick trip through AMD's stable of Instinct cards.

Vega - Radeon Instinct MI25

Vega powers onto the scene with Global Foundries' 14nm FinFETs in tow. Well, arguably, it's Samsung's process. In either case, the MI25 bears down with a peak 24.6 TFLOPS of FP16 and 12.3 FP32 TFLOPS delivered by its 64 compute units, which equates to 4,096 stream processors. A complementary 16GB of ECC HBM2 provides up to 484 GB/s of memory bandwidth. The MI25 will eventually square up with Nvidia's beastly Voltas.

Image 1 of 3

Fiji - Radeon Instinct MI8

AMD geared the Fiji-powered card to address HPC and inference workloads in a small form factor. It wields a peak 8.2 TFLOPS of FP16/FP32 and sucks 175W. It also features 4GB of HBM. Power efficiency is the goal here; the M18 provides 47 GFLOPS per Watt.

Image 1 of 3

Polaris - Radeon Instinct M16

The MI6 leverages the Polaris architecture and sips a mere 150W to provide a peak FP16/FP32 5.7 TFLOPS. It steps down a notch from HBM to 16GB of GDDR5.

Image 1 of 3

ROCm Sock 'Em

The entire lineup is worthless without tools, so AMD has designed a set of open source software tools. Here's the breakdown, courtesy of AMD:

Planned for June 29th rollout, the ROCm 1.6 software platform with performance improvements and now support for MIOpen 1.0 is scalable and fully open source providing a flexible, powerful heterogeneous compute solution for a new class of hybrid Hyperscale and HPC-class system workloads. Comprised of an open-source Linux driver optimized for scalable multi-GPU computing, the ROCm software platform provides multiple programming models, the HIP CUDA conversion tool, and support for GPU acceleration using the Heterogeneous Computing Compiler (HCC). The open-source MIOpen GPU-accelerated library is now available with the ROCm platform and supports machine intelligence frameworks including planned support for Caffe, TensorFlow and Torch.

Image 1 of 5

Open The Things

The open source component is key. The industry is weary of proprietary solutions and vendor lock-in. AMD is investing heavily in developing open tools for both the EPYC and Instinct lineups, which is encouraging. AMD even has budding initiatives in more far-reaching climes, such as Gen-Z, OpenCAPI, and CCIX standards.

The industry awaits a wave of competitive x86 alternatives based on open architectures. AMD's EPYC has already landed, and the Instinct lineup isn't far behind. It ships in Q3 to AMD's partners, which include Boxx, Colfax, Exxact Corporation, Gigabyte, Inventec and Supermicro, among others.
Driving = 10 minutes





Bicycle = 12 minutes





Bus = 15 minutes





Streetcar = 20 minutes





Walking = 37 minutes

In fairness and just for a bit of objectivity, thanks to our blog community for this link that offers a quick look at toy train travel times according to the Internets.Here's the word:Awesome TKC Denizen: "It is faster to take the trolley than to walk."#########You decide . . .
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- University of Missouri System President Mun Choi wants the university to rescind an honorary degree given to Bill Cosby nearly 20 years ago. The system's Board of Curators will vote Friday on Choi's recommendation.
"This is just another another sign that County Executive Frank White has zero legislative ability. There have been budget constraints before but this display is a partnership with local business and we've always worked diligently to find the money. Canceling it two weeks before the event is an amateur move and shows how dire the situation is thanks to the mismanaged jail . . . A lot of constituents are going to be angered by this last minute announcement and the sloppy way it was handled."









Jackson County was forced to announce 4th Of July disappointment but the headlines didn't really capture the reality of the crisis behind the scenes.Sure, officials acknowledge that budget concerns were part of the problem but courthouse denizens suggest this is a symptom of something far worse.Insider word sent our way:The County fireworks display was a bragging point of the White Administration last year, so this time around this absence of the celebration is certain to come as a PR hit.We'll have more on the topic for the morning update . . . But for now, it's enough to report that insiders watching this disaster are starting to see tLINKS:Developing . . .
Based on provisional data by the Bank of Greece, the balance of travel services in April 2017 showed a surplus of 247 million, compared with a surplus of 263 million in April 2016. More specifically, travel receipts rose by 11.3% to 484 million in April 2017, from 435 million in the same month of 2016. Travel payments also increased, by 38.1% (April 2017: 237 million, April 2016: 171 million). The rise in travel receipts was due to a 12.0% increase in inbound traveller flows, as average expenditure per trip fell slightly, by 0.4%. Net receipts from travel services offset 20.9% of the goods deficit and accounted for 40.0% of total net receipts from services.

In January-April 2017, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 387 million, up 14.1% from a surplus of 340 million in the same period of 2016. This development was driven by both an increase in travel receipts (up 23 million or 2.4%) and a drop in travel payments (down 24 million or 3.8%). The rise in travel receipts is attributed to a 3.2% increase in inbound traveller flows, as average expenditure per trip fell slightly, by 0.8%. Net receipts from travel services offset 6.2% of the goods deficit and accounted for 23.1% of total net receipts from services.

Travel receipts

In April 2017, as mentioned previously, travel receipts rose by 11.3% year-on-year. In more detail, receipts from residents of the EU28 increased by 24.2% to 277 million, whereas receipts from outside the EU28 dropped by 3.6% (April 2017: 180 million, April 2016: 186 million). The rise in receipts from within the EU28 was due to a 54.9% increase in receipts from euro area residents (April 2017: 207 million, April 2016: 134 million), as receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries fell by 22.0%. Breaking down receipts by visitors country of origin, receipts from France rose by 147.5% to 67 million and those from Germany by 39.3% to 57 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom decreased by 33.5% to 36 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia dropped by 38.0% to 7 million and those from the United States by 55.9% to 25 million.

In January-April 2017, travel receipts increased by 2.4%, relative to the same period of 2016, to 997 million. This development is attributed to a 9.2% rise in receipts from within the EU28 to 545 million, as receipts from outside the EU28 fell by 5.6% to 412 million. In particular, receipts from euro area residents increased by 29.3% to 381 million and receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries dropped by 19.9% to 164 million. Specifically, receipts from France rose by 89.3% to 81 million and those from Germany by 20.6% to 112 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom decreased by 33.1% to 70 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia dropped by 1.4% to 23 million and those from the United States by 27.0% to 78 million.

Inbound traveller flows

The number of inbound visitors in April 2017 rose by 12.0% year-on-year to 1,010 thousand. Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 10.0%, while visitor flows through road border-crossing points also rose, by 12.4%. This development is attributed to higher visitor flows from within the EU28 (up 21.3%), as visitor flows from outside the EU28 remained stable. In greater detail, visitors from the euro area increased by 50.6% to 348 thousand, while visitors from the non-euro area EU28 countries decreased by 3.1% (April 2017: 270 thousand, April 2016: 279 thousand). Specifically, visitors from France increased by 108.9% to 91 thousand, while visitors from Germany also rose, by 52.4%, to 92 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom decreased by 18.3% to 81 thousand. Turning to non-EU28 countries, the number of visitors from Russia decreased by 33.2% to 14 thousand, as did the number of visitors from the United States, by 43.9%, to 36 thousand.

In January-April 2017, the number of inbound visitors increased by 3.2% to 2,602 thousand, from 2,523 thousand in the same period of 2016. Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 11.0%, while visitor flows through road border-crossing points declined by 7.9%. In the period under review, visitors from within the EU28 increased by 9.6% year-on-year to 1,574 thousand, whereas visitors from outside the EU28 decreased by 5.4% to 1,029 thousand. Visitors from the euro area rose by 33.8%, while visitors from the non-euro area EU28 countries decreased by 7.6%. Specifically, the number of visitors from France increased by 42.4% to 119 thousand, as did the number of visitors from Germany, by 38.7%, to 247 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom decreased by 16.6% to 172 thousand. Finally, turning to non-EU28 countries, the number of visitors from Russia decreased by 4.9% to 38 thousand, as did the number of visitors from the United States, by 6.4%, to 117 thousand.

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Pedro Szekely License: CC-BY-SA

Source: Bank of Greece
The cliffs at Lake Voulismeni, located directly in the centre of the city, are ideal

The city of Aghios Nikolaos in Crete will host on the first weekend of July the first cliff diving competition and a night show, organized by the municipality and the World High Diving Federation

The cliffs at Lake Voulismeni, located directly in the centre of the city, are ideal for the 18 international cliff divers who will be participating to show off their somersaults and twists, the organizers said.

The event includes dives from 16 meters height in different styles and levels of difficulty. They will be made from two points of the cliff which stands at the northern side of the Lake ? an area inspected and selected by the Federation for safety and water depth. Participants are both professional divers and amateurs from Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Denmark and Britain.

Speaking at a press conference on the event, Aghios Nikolaos mayor said the city is ready to welcome the visitors. A similar event in Aghios Nikolaos last year included divers who demonstrated their skill but didn?t compete.

The schedule is as follows:

Competition

Friday (June 30) - Free training

Saturday (July 1) - Qualification

Sunday (July 2) - Finals

Show

Sunday (July 2) - By night after the finals

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

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Marc Ryckaert License: CC-BY-SA

Source: ANA-MPA
Greece is among Protravel International's Top 10 international destinations that its best-in-class travel agents are booking for this summer. This summer, discerning Protravel clients are selecting: (1) Italy, (2) the U.K., (3) France, (4) Greece, (5) Spain, (6) Canada, (7) Ecuador (8) Germany, (9) Mexico, and (10) Iceland. With locations spanning the globe, a select group of Protravels seasoned luxury agents are sharing their insider tips, hidden gems and personal favorites in each of this years Top 10 countries.

Protavel comments on Greece as follows:

For first-time visitors, I recommend a 10-day Greek vacation, starting with two days in Athens to visit the Acropolis museum and take a city orientation tour. Then take a day trip to Cape Sounion before you fly to Santorini for a 5-night stay in Oia where you can scuba dive on a private catamaran tour and see incredible sunsets. In 2.5 hours, a high-speed ferry will bring you to Mykonos. Stay at a luxury resort by its beautiful beaches and enjoy the family-friendly, local atmosphere and local cuisine.  Konstantinos Bastas, Protravel (New York, NY)

About Protravel International LLC:

Protravel International LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. With annual sales reaching close to $1 billion, Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products  coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry  makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

Protravels diversity of products, size of annual sales and nationally recognized stature permits them to leverage these strengths to bring the most competitive pricing and aggressive negotiations for our highly diverse client base. It is a company-wide commitment to search for the best possible travel options for our customers. Travel arrangements are personally tailored to take optimum advantage of the most up to the minute changes in the industry.

For many years, a dedicated team has guided Protravel with innovative ideas and skills. By incorporating the latest technologies and carefully monitoring industry developments, the finest products and highest levels of service are maintained. The continued success of Protravel is a testament to our sound operation and well-planned development.

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

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Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been promoted to crown prince on Wednesday, replacing his cousin in an announcement that confirms King Salman's 31-year-old son as next ruler of the kingdom, reported Saudi state agency said SPA.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has been relieved of his post and replaced by Mohammed bin Salman who becomes deputy prime minister and retains his defence and other portfolios, stated the report citing a royal decree.
Three years since the intensification of violence in Iraq, children are trapped in an endless cycle of violence and increasing poverty and continue to witness sheer horror and unimaginable violence, according to a UN Children's Fund (Unicef) report.



Three years since the intensification of violence in Iraq, children are trapped in an endless cycle of violence and increasing poverty, according to a UN Children's Fund (Unicef) assessment, "Nowhere to Go."



Across Iraq, children continue to witness sheer horror and unimaginable violence, remarked Peter Hawkins, the Unicef Representative in Iraq. They have been killed, injured, abducted and forced to shoot and kill in one of the most brutal wars in recent history.



In west Mosul, children are being deliberately targeted and killed to punish families and deter them from fleeing the violence. In less than two months, at least 23 children have been killed and 123 have been injured in that part of the city alone.



Since 2014, in Iraq:



1,075 children have been killed, 152 in the first six months of 2017,

1,130 children have been maimed and injured, 255 in the first six months of 2017,

Over 4,650 children have become separated or unaccompanied by their families,

There have been 138 attacks on schools and 58 attacks on hospitals,

Over 3 million children dont attend school on a regular basis while 1.2 million children are out of school,

One in every four children comes from a poor household,

More than 5 million children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.



For nearly four decades, Iraq has faced violence, war, sanctions and instability. But in the last three years alone, conflict has displaced three million people - half of them children.



Many parts of the country were turned into war zones with civilian infrastructure severely damaged or destroyed. Half of all schools in Iraq are now in need of repairs.



As life opportunities for children dwindle, Unicef continues to respond to the growing needs of children and their families.



But with no end in sight to the ongoing violence in Iraq, Unicef is appealing for an immediate end to the conflict.



All warring parties owe it to the children of Iraq to put an end to the violence, it stated.



The UN body is also seeking safe access for all children affected by the crisis, wherever they are, to unimpeded and sustained humanitarian assistance and basic services.



It is also demanding an end to all grave violations against children, including killing, maiming and recruitment, and an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure.



The other major demands of the Unicef include:

Freedom of movement for all families who wish to flee to safety or return to their homes,

Access to legal protection and services for all children in detention and treatment in line with international standards of juvenile detention,

Increased investments to improve the quality of education, healthcare and protection services for all children,



The Unicef has also called for sustained contributions for humanitarian response as if faces a funding gap of $100 million for lifesaving emergency operations in Iraq and for support to children returning to their homes and resuming their lives.-TradeArabia News Service
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority focused on boosting cruise calls at the kingdom's ports at a recent Cruise Sector Committee meeting held at its office.



The meeting was held as a part of BTEAs efforts to develop this sector in line with the kingdoms tourism strategy.



The aim of such meetings is to strengthen the cooperation between all stakeholders and drive the growth of the tourism sector and national economy at large. Developing the cruise sector in Bahrain will boost tourism in Bahrain and further position the kingdom as a destination for yachts on a regional and international scale, said the chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa.



The meeting also included a high-level presentation discussing the 2016-2017 Cruise Season which was delivered by the director of Tourism Marketing and Promotions at BTEA, Yousif Al Khan. The presentation discussed the strategies and plans adopted by the BTEA to promote Bahrain such as participation in exhibitions and conferences specific to the cruise industry.



During our participation in regional and international events, we were able to attract MSC Cruises Netherlands and Tom San Cruises to the kingdom for the first time, he added.



The meeting also included a session by the vice president of Inchcape Shipping Services, Grant Holmes, in regards to the company's services and solutions aimed at assisting and supporting the cruise sector based on the latest global trends and needs.



The session was attended by various stakeholders including the Ministry of Interior, general directorate of Nationality Passports and Residence Affairs, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Customs Affairs, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.



Other participating stakeholders also include APM Terminals, Dnata Travel, Eagle Hills, Matias Travel & Tours, Southern Tourism Company, Visit Bahrain and At Bahrain. - TradeArabia News Service


Buyers are welcome to inspect all of our furniture prior to bidding.

Product Information

5 Drawers Chest/Tallboy Plus 2 Bedside Table / Cabinet

Made of New Zealand pine.

Stylish handles with a vinyl and metal finish.

All the panels including the back and drawer bottoms are made of timber with no MDF or particle board used.

Heavy duty metal runners on all the drawers ensure smoothness of operation and added strength

The runners extend the drawer fully out eliminating dead space at the back of the drawer.

The back panel is made of timber

Overall Tallboy Dimensions: Width: 1050mm Depth: 450mm Height: 1270mm

Cubic metres: 0.60m3

Overall Bedside Cabinet Dimensions (per cabinet): Width: 530mm Depth: 450mm Height: 660mm

Cubic metres: 0.15m3 (per cabinet)

Local or National delivery is no problem. We are happy to provide a quote for delivery to your particular area.

We can also provide delivery to Rural areas (additional fee is required), please let us know your address and we can provide a quote for you.

We can usually combine shipping on multiple purchases. Please ask us for details.

We can make delivery arrangements nationwide. This includes to rural areas although this may cost more. Please ask us for a quote to your area if it does not appear in our delivery options.

To see more photos and information, please Google "Mainland Furniture"

You are very welcome to come and inspect our items prior to bidding. We are open 10am-5pm Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. Everything is on display.

For more than 10 years we have been bringing quality furniture at great prices to our happy customers around New Zealand. All our sales are covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. Please review our positive feedback.
With the release of the FX Global Code for the wholesale foreign exchange market last month, the FX industry is counting on a single set of guidelines to prevent bad behavior in currency trading.

Launched by the Bank International Settlements on May 25 in London, the final release caps a two-year effort by central bankers in the FX Working Group (FXWG) and private sector Market Participants Group (MPG) from 16 jurisdictions around the globe.

The standards are seen as a reaction to several FX rate-rigging scandals in the London Interbank Offered Rate, which began in 2012 and resulted in multi-billion dollar bank fines. Around the same time, pension funds also began to file lawsuits against their custodians over the timing and price of the FX executions.

All of us recognize the need to restore the publics faith in the foreign exchange market. We share the view that the Global Code plays an important role in assisting that process and in helping improve market functioning, said Guy Debelle, Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor, who chaired the FXWG, in opening remarks.

While adherence to the 75-page document is voluntary, it seeks to establish a set of best practices that applies to wholesale market participants across all regions.

Dealers, asset managers and hedge funds, corporate treasury departments, benchmark execution providers, brokers, e-trading platforms, and affirmation and settlement providers fall within the scope of the global code.
For the fourth time since 2011, Qatar Airways has been proclaimed as the "Best Airline in the World". The prominent consumer aviation website, Skytrax gave the prestigious award on Tuesday.

Aside from being the best airline for 2017, Qatar Airways was also commended for its outstanding business offering. It is twice in a row that the said airline's business class has bagged the recognition.

Qatar Airways Group CEO His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, "I am proud to unveil the future of premium travel with our new QSuite Business Class". He added, "Our unique and patented design is a world first in many ways and challenges industry norms by offering passengers more privacy, more choice, and more personalization."

According to Business Insider, Qatar Airways decided a few years ago that besides having a convoy of seven Airbus A380 superjumbos, the airline shifted to a two-class layout for all of its aircraft. This, in turn, created a hefty invested on the business class as well as economy product offerings.

Qatar has made a comeback with airlines having a business class cabin which is more suitable. As compared to the present business class promotions, the QSuite does not merely focus on one's comfort and accommodation but to progress in group settings as well. Given that the individual sites might appear relatively traditional on the outside, it provides a new height of adaptability and collective ambiance for a private premium seating.

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is considering of acquiring at least 10 percent stake in American Airlines. A notice has been sent after talks of the CEO's from the two airline companies. Qatar Airways is interested in buying around $808 million worth of share from American Airlines

Aside from American Airlines, Qatar Airways is also eyeing other airline companies such as Italy's Meridiana and South America's LATAM Airlines Group. However, American Airlines denotes that there are laws regarding foreign ownership that regulate the overall percentage of foreign voting interest which is 24.9 percent.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS IN BAHRAIN WITH SIGNING OF SWISS-BELRESIDENCES JUFFAIR Industry: Hotels

Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has signed a management agreement with Hassan Lari Property Development & Management to operate Swiss-Belresidences Juffair in Bahrain.



(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - June 22nd, 2017 - Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has signed a management agreement with Hassan Lari Property Development & Management to operate Swiss-Belresidences Juffair in Bahrain. This latest announcement is not only testament to the groups growing footprint in the GCC but also marks the debut of Swiss-Belresidences brand in Bahrain.



Mr Mohamed Lari, General Manager of Hassan Lari Property Development & Management, said, We look forward to working with a reputed partner like Swiss-Belhotel International. Swiss-Belresidences Juffair has been designed keeping in mind the comfort and flexibility that todays modern travellers demand, and will offer guests an enriching experience.



Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said, GCC is a strategic growth market for us and we are delighted to announce this superb new property in Bahrain with Hassan Lari Property Development & Management. We are truly grateful to the owning company for having given us this fantastic opportunity and are confident Swiss-Belresidences Juffair will appeal to both leisure and business travellers.



Expected to open by the end of 2017, Swiss-Belresidences Juffair is an upper midscale hotel apartments complex featuring 129 well-appointed two and three bedroom serviced units each equipped with fabulous facilities including a full-fledged kitchen. Enjoying a prime location in the city, in close proximity to popular shopping and dining attractions, the hotel also boasts outstanding recreation and dining facilities such as a swimming pool, a large spa connected with the health club, a mini theatre, a kids club, an all-day-dining restaurant and a deli corner in the lobby.



The growing demand for quality hotels across the Middle East is helping to fuel the rapid expansion of Swiss-Belhotel International in the region. Mr Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, This new signing reinforces our commitment to the Middle East where we currently have more than 3500 rooms under development. We are excited to expand our presence in the region and offer our guests more choice in this evolving market where we have been operating with great success for over a decade.



The tourism sector is an essential pillar of Bahrains economy. The Kingdom recently unveiled its brand new tourism identity Ours. Yours. Bahrain as part of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) commitment towards reinvigorating the tourism industry. Bahrain showed strong growth in tourist numbers in 2016, witnessing a 6%



increase in tourist arrivals, receiving 12.2 million people. The Kingdom is a regional hub for tourism, with over 300 million people within two hours flight, of which the majority are regional visitors travelling from within the GCC. 81% of visitors who come to Bahrain are leisure seekers. The countrys tourism sector is expected to further grow at a CAGR of 4.8% reaching US$1 billion by 2020. In accordance the hotel capacity is expected to increase by 4,000 rooms in Bahrain by 2020. The upcoming hotels will add to the Kingdoms existing portfolio of over 190 hotels with most of the upcoming supply filling the gap in the mid-market and luxury sector.



For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com



For media contact:

Hina Bakht

Vice President

MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)

Mob: +971 50 697 5146

Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com

http://www.mpj-pr.com



About Swiss-Belhotel International

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than *145 hotels, resorts and projects located in China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia's Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world's fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, United Arab Emirates. swiss-behotel.com

*Numbers may fluctuate ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Hina Bakht Company: Marketing Pro Junction Phone: +971 50 6975146 Email: pressrelease@mpj-pr.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 22

The high GST on irrigation projects will be a big blow for the irrigation and drinking water supply projects across the country. Putting the irrigation projects under 18% tax slab in GST regime will have a negative effect and hurt the entire ecosystem of farmers, retailers, distributors and urban populace in India, say analysts.

The firms who have been allotted the tenders for laying of water pipelines for irrigation, canal and dams etc. will be charged 18% GST. This was earlier exempted under service tax laws, said Keshav R Garg, a chartered accountant and faculty member for GST: Indirect Tax Committee of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Since no such exemption has been given under the GST regime, the firms who have been allotted such tenders shall have to pay 18% extra from their pocket. This issue will have far- reaching impact. It will force such allottees to compromise on quality to recover the huge amount of GST levy. The government should exempt such services because these services fall under the sovereign functions of the state government, he added.

PS Kang, secretary, and SK Aggarwal, treasurer, North India Tubewell Drillers Association, said, The 18% GST would be a big blow to the irrigation projects across the country and we may be forced to surrender the projects under execution as it will increase the cost significantly. For example, one of our members bagged drinking water supply project for five cities of Punjab with a total project cost of Rs 2.5 crore. Earlier, we were subjected to only 5% VAT in Punjab but now we will have to shell out 13-14% more which will make the project unviable. The government must reconsider the decision and bring down the tax rate.

Earlier, concerned over high GST rates, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has also written a letter to Prime Minister and Finance Minister stating that the massive infrastructure programmes such as drinking water supply projects and other irrigation works taken up by the state government with huge investments will be hit by the proposed GST rates, as costs are likely to increase substantially.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 22

Two unidentified miscreants today looted Rs 68,000 and an iPhone from a businessman at knife-point at the Kali Bari light point near Sector 47.

Sources said the victim, Raman Nagpal, a resident of Sector 23, who owns Vishal Motors in Panchkula, had gone to the motor market in Sector 48 to collect a payment from his manager.

After collecting the payment, the victim left for his office in Panchkula.

The sources said a tyre of the victims car got deflated near the Kali Bari light point following which he got down to change it. Soon, two miscreants came near him and one of them threatened him with a knife while the second sat in the car and took away the cash and a mobile phone lying there.

The accused then fled from the spot. The victim informed his manager about the incident through another mobile phone.

After changing the car tyre, the victim approached the Sector 31 police. Acting on his complaint, the police registered a case against the unknown miscreants.
New York, June 22

India-born former top US federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, fired by President Donald Trump after he refused to quit, is writing a book in which he will talk about "integrity, leadership, decision making and moral reasoning".

The "as-yet-untitled" book by former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York will be published by Alfred A Knopf in early 2019, the leading publishing house said in a statement to PTI.

"This is not a book just about the law. It is a book about integrity, leadership, decision making and moral reasoning. It addresses what it means to do the right thing, how to avoid doing the wrong thing and the role of thoughtfulness in making the best choice," Bharara said in the statement.

Bharara said that the approach he will lay out in the book "applies not only to how federal laws are interpreted and enforced in courts around the country; it also informs how mature, thinking people make decisions in their communities, their workplaces and their homes".

The announcement was made by Sonny Mehta, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Alfred A Knopf, which acquired North American rights (including ebook and audio) from Elyse Cheney Associates, with Editor-at-Large Peter Gethers acting as the editor. The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

"The law is merely an instrument and without the involvement of human hands, it is as lifeless and uninspiring as a violin kept in its case.

"People will regard a result as just if they regard the process leading to it as fair and if they believe the people responsible for it are fair-minded. That is the process I want to illuminate in this book," said Bharara.

During Bharara's seven-and-a-half-year tenure as US Attorney, he oversaw the prosecution of significant public corruption cases against New York City and New York State government officials, securing convictions against the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Sheldon Silver, and the Majority Leader of the State Senate, Dean Skelos.

His office also prosecuted cases involving terrorism, narcotics, arms trafficking, health-care fraud, cybercrime, gang violence, organised crime, and civil rights violations.

They also brought charges against nearly one hundred Wall Street executives for insider trading and other offences; and recorded historic settlements and fines with the four largest banks in the US. Bharara was fired by Trump in March.

"Never has the fair administration of justice felt more urgent in America, and Preet Bharara is ideally suited to explain both what that means and how to achieve it," said Gethers.

"As the one who has spent his life in search of truth and justice, Preet possesses insight and wisdom that has been hard-won. His book, using case studies and analysis, will prove to be an essential compass for all Americans, with application beyond the law, from colleges to corporate boardrooms, for students and parents, and for citizens everywhere," Gethers added.

"Bharara's life experience, coupled with his standing as a US Attorney and the cases he tried as prosecutor, makes him uniquely qualified to write this book. He will be an essential primer on justice for all Americans," said Mehta.

Bharara's firing was met with shock and criticism since then president-elect Trump had asked him in November to stay on in his position during a meeting at the Trump Towers.

In a sudden move, the Trump administration had asked the 46 US Attorneys across the country, who had been appointed by former president Barack Obama, to submit their resignations with immediate effect. Bharara had refused to resign and was fired. In march, he announced he was joining the New York University Law School as a distinguished scholar.

Since his firing, Bharara has become very vocal in his criticism of Trump's positions on various issues and the administration's policies, including the firing of FBI director James Comey and investigations into alleged interference by Russia in the presidential elections.

Bharara is a regular presence on Twitter and uses the microblogging site to air his views about the Trump administration and its decisions.  PTI
DESTINATIONS were holy; however, the intent was not so holy and was steeped in vote-bank politics. Visiting places of religious significance has long been a part of Indian experience with individuals, families and groups marshalling resources to make a pilgrimage; there was no dependence on any largesse from a government. It became a political sop in Punjab as Parkash Singh Badal, who headed the previous government, launched the Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra scheme. Through this, individuals from Punjab were taken for pilgrimage to destinations like Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh; Salasar, Rajasthan; Mata Vaishnodevi, Jammu and Kashmir; Patna Sahib, Bihar; Nanded Sahib, Maharashtra; Varanasi, UP; and Ajmer Sharif, Rajasthan. Punjab was also not ignored, Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar too figured on the list.

Characteristically, there was no explanation about why there was a pressing need for the state to step into an essentially personal experience; nor was there any criterion on how this bounty was to be distributed. There were allegations that political affiliation played a role in the selection of beneficiaries, and in any case, it is unclear what, if any, gain came the way of the state that spent Rs 139 crore on the endeavour. The scheme went into hibernation after the imposition of the moral code of conduct prior to the Punjab Assembly elections, and now, it has been formally closed.

In an otherwise sop-laden atmosphere, the decision of Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal stands out. Even as he gave in to the demands of realpolitik while framing the Budget, he did dare to stop this populist measure. Perhaps he will also find a way to pay Rs 1.75 crore due to the cash-strapped Pepsu Road Transport Corporation on account of this scheme. Sops offer diminishing returns; good governance has a lasting impact on people and on politics. The present government will do well to remember that a large number of populist measures failed to translate into votes for the previous government. Performance is what really counts in the long run.
22 booked for blocking road

Our Correspondent

Kaithal, June 22

The police have booked 22 persons for allegedly blocking road near Simla village in the Kalayat area on Wednesday.

They were booked on a complaint lodged by SA Satyavan Sagar who said he was present on the Kainchi Chowk in Kalayat at about 9:30 am when he got information that BKU activists and farmers had resorted to road blockade near Simla village. He informed the Kalayat police station. A police team reached the spot and asked the protesters to lift the blockade. They did not budge and ultimately lifted the blockade after about an hour.

During the blockade many vehicles remained stranded. The farmers were to demanding remunerative price for their crops and implementation of the Swaminathan commission report.

The accused including BKU district president Ram Singh of Khurana, Sat Pal Dillonwali, Jia Lal and Jile Singh, The were booked under Sections 147, 149, 283 and 341of the IPC and Section 8 of the NH Act.
Tribune News Service

Ambala, June 22

Health Minister Anil Vij today demanded a high-level probe into the release of Pakistan nationals, who were accused of involvement in the Samjhauta Express blast case, soon after the incident.

Vij said, Pakistan nationals travelling without passport, in the presence of evidence of the blast against them, cant be released by any junior officer. This was a game plan of the Congress at the national level.

He said, I urge the Chief Minister of Haryana and the Central Government to hold a high-level probe into the matter. People should know who hatched the conspiracy to let off the real culprits from Pakistan within 15 days without conducting a lie detector test, brain mapping and collecting other evidence. On the other hand, other people have been lodged in jails for the last seven years. The Congress game plan has been exposed.

He added the Congress by coining the term Hindu terrorism was trying to defame the majority community. Terrorism in India mushroomed during the Congress rule and they have always been lukewarm in dealing with terrorists, he added.

Earlier, Vij inaugurated the ground floor of the newly constructed emergency block of the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantonment. He said, All blocks will be constructed by July end. A cath laboratory and a dialysis centre will come up soon.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 22

Security forces achieved a major success when they killed three local Lashkar-e-Toiba militants in an overnight gunfight in south Kashmirs volatile Pulwama district. An Army officer was also injured in the gunfight.

The killing of three militants sparked tension in Pulwama and adjoining areas and during the clashes that followed a protester was killed and nearly two dozen others were injured in the daylong clashes.

The gunfight erupted late Wednesday at Kakpora, nearly 25 km from Srinagar, when joint teams of the police, Army and the CRPF launched a cordon and search operation following inputs of the presence of militants.

As the searches were launched around the suspected houses, militants opened fire, which was retaliated, triggering a gunfight. In the exchange that continued for five hours, three local Lashkar militants were killed and a Major was injured, a police officer said. Despite getting injured, the Army officer remained part of the anti-militancy operation till the end.

The recoveries made from the site of the encounter included two rifles and a pistol. The house where the militants were hiding was razed to the ground during the gunfight.

The slain militants were identified as Majid Mir and Shakir Ahmed, both residents of Kakapora, and Irshad Ahmed of Awantipora. Mir was doing diploma in engineering at a private Srinagar college before he joined militancy last year.

Mir was involved in at least two bank robberies in Pulwama. Mir and Shakir were involved in the killings, including that of PDP district president of Pulwama, advocate Abdul Gani Dar and a civilian, Aijaz Ahmad, of Urbugh. Mir was also involved in the killings of sarpanch Fayaz Ahmad of Kandizal and sarpanch Fayaz Ahmad of Kakapora, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Pulwama, Mohammad Aslam.

During the anti-militancy operation last night, clashes broke out in the neighbouring villages and protesters tried to take out a march towards the encounter site. However, forces maintained a tight cordon around the village and did not allow militants to escape. After the encounter broke out, the authorities suspended the Internet services in Pulwama district late last evening.

As the news about the killing of three militants spread, massive clashes and protests broke out in the area this morning. In the daylong clashes, 22-year-old Tauseef Ahmed Wani, a resident of Tengpuna in Pulwama, was killed and many others were injured. Wani had been booked in 2010 and 2016 in stone-throwing cases under the Public Safety Act.

The police said Tauseef, alias Chota Geelani, was injured when a violent mob attacked Kakapora police post after the burial of militants. In order to save lives and government property, the security forces used riot-control measures in which Tauseef was injured, who later succumbed, a police spokesman said.

Pulwama district observed a shutdown after the killing of militants.

At least five militants have been killed since Wednesday morning. Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a district commander, were killed in an encounter with the police and security forces in the Pazalpora area of north Kashmirs Sopore sub-district on Wednesday.

Ultra killed as infiltration foiled in Kupwara

Srinagar: The Army on Thursday said it had foiled an attempt by militants to sneak into the Valley by killing an unidentified militant in a firefight near the Line of Control in north Kashmirs frontier Kupwara district. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said the bid was foiled in the Keran sector. The operation is in progress. One terrorist has been killed so far and one weapon recovered, the spokesman said. Defence sources said the Army noticed suspicious movement close to the LoC in the Keran sector during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday and the firefight broke out when the militants were challenged. The militants opened fire, triggering a gunfight which continued for some hours. During the searches, the body of an unidentified militant was recovered, the sources said, adding that searches in the dense forest area were continuing as they suspected that more militants might be hiding in the area. TNS

Separatists call for protests

Srinagar: The separatists have called for protests after the Friday prayers against the killing of a civilian and injuries to over two dozen others during clashes between the protesters and security forces in south Kashmir, where three militants were killed on Thursday in an encounter. In a joint statement, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik denounced the civilian killing by the forces, saying that the killing graph in restive Kashmir had escalated. TNS
Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Chamliyal, June 22

The shrine of Baba Chamliyal on the International Border (IB) here today brought together the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistani Rangers. Officers of both forces met for over one and a half hours near the Zero Line on the Indian side here and exchanged gifts.

A 31-member Pakistani delegation, including the Pakistan Rangers and civil administration officials, offered a chaddar at the shrine on behalf of people of Saidawali village and other villages on the Pakistani side. The delegation was led by sector commander Brigadier Amjad Hussain.

The Indian delegation was led by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the BSF PS Dhiman.

The Pakistani delegation was received at the Zero Line by a BSF Commandant as per the tradition of the force and a guard of honour was presented to Brigadier Amjad Hussain.

During the meeting, the delegates from both sides exchanged pleasantries and greetings. Brigadier Amjad Hussain handed over a beautifully decorated chaddar to DIG Dhiman to be offered at the shrine as a mark of reverence. In return, BSF officers gave shakkar and sharbat to the Pakistan Rangers for distribution to devotees in Pakistan.

During the meeting, both sides promised each other to maintain peace and tranquillity on the border.

The Pakistani delegation, which included Pakistan Rangers, civil administration officers, prominent civilians and mediapersons, clicked pictures and shared lighter moments with the BSF men.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and we confined it to the Baba Chamliyal mela only. We didnt discuss issues related to the ceasefire violation as today was not the occasion to do that, the BSF DIG told mediapersons after the meeting.

The Baba Chamliyal shrine is situated around 300 metres into the side on the International Border in Chamliyal village of the Ramgarh sector.

Hundreds of devotees offer prayers at the shrine on the fourth Thursday of June every year, which is celebrated as the Chamliyal mela. Devotees also gather on the other side of the border in Saidawali village to celebrate this day.

While a nine-member Pakistani media team was allowed to sit inside the tent where the delegations from both countries were seated, mediapersons from this side were given only five minutes to click photographs and asked to move out.

The mediapersons from this side were not allowed to interact with the Pakistani delegation. Till a few years ago, mediapersons were allowed to interact with the Pakistani delegation but the practice has been stopped.

Mark of respect

Respecting the holy month of Ramazan, the BSF, which hosted a Pakistan Rangers delegation on Thursday during the annual Baba Chamliyal mela, had not kept water or any food item on display during the meeting.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 22

With the state government believing that the security situation is not yet right, the panchayat elections are not likely to be held in the near-future.

The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, has not got any intimation regarding starting the election process as the governments priority remains bringing the situation back to normal. In fact, all election-related activities, which were started in the beginning of the year, have been put on hold.

We havent yet got any intimation from the government to start the process for holding the panchayat elections. When the byelection for the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat was cancelled, the government had cited security reasons. It may not announce panchayat elections anytime soon, said Raman Kumar Kesar, in-charge CEO, J&K.

If elections are to be held, we require two to three months to finalise our arrangements. But so far, there are no signals from the government in this regard, Kesar added.

Since July 8 last year when militant commander Burhan Wani was killed in south Kashmir, the situation in the Kashmir valley has turned from bad to worst. For over five months last year, the Valley remained locked down and no activity was possible. This year the situation improved but during the Srinagar parliamentary byelection, violence again erupted in the Valley, forcing the Election Commission of India to cancel the Anantnag bypoll.

The Omar Abdullah government had held the panchayat elections in the state in 2011. The elections, which came after the 2010 unrest, saw a huge participation of people. The elections were a major success and the grassroots-level democracy was put in place.

Special grants and funds for strengthening the panchayati raj institution are dependent on putting in place the grassroots-level representatives. In the absence of panchayat polls, J&K may not get the funds from the Centre for village-level institutions.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 22

In a major embarrassment for the ruling alliance partner, BJP, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu (JCCI) today shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah questioning the utter silence of the partys state unit on the GST implementation in J&K from July 1.

The JCCI made it clear that the traders and the business community were perplexed and utter confusion that being the ruling coalition partner in the state, the BJP unit of J&K was silent.

It is extremely unfortunate that the utter silence of state BJP unit on the implementation of the GST with effect from July 1 is proving disastrous for the business community on the whole in our state, Rakesh Gupta, JCCI president wrote in the communication.

Gupta, who chaired an urgent meeting of the office-bearers of JCCI today, added, We feel perplexed that being the coalition ruling partner of the J&K Government, your state unit is silent and not coming out in open support for the implementation of GST in line with the nation.

Gupta while expressing serious concern regarding non-serious attitude adopted by the government said: In the past as well, the silence of the state unit of the BJP had left no choice for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and rather forced us to go for Jammu bandh to press our genuine demands. We request them to intervene urgently and direct the state BJP unit to stand up to the occasion or else the chamber shall have no choice but to stand by the side of the nation and not the separatist forces in our state, the JCCI chief said.

Pertinently, the JCCI, during a meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and office-bearers of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Srinagar on June 14, had demanded that special powers with the government of J&K to tax or review should not be surrendered by the state government to the GST Council.

The Kashmir-based politicians and separatist groups have opposed the extension of the GST to J&K in its present form. They have virtually conspired to kill the GST regime, making it an issue as the countrys onslaught on Kashmirs autonomy. The new tax system cannot be implemented directly in J&K by virtue of its special status under Article 370. Traders and businessmen of Jammu have always associated themselves with the BJP.

Yesterday, the Chamber of Traders Federation (CTF) had backed the Centres move to implement the GST across the country from July 1. It had also threatened to launch an agitation if the ruling PDP-BJP failed to take a clear-cut decision on the implementation of the GST in the state.

The letter states

"It is extremely unfortunate that the utter silence of the state BJP unit on the implementation of the GST with effect from July 1 is proving disastrous for the business community on the whole in J&K." Rakesh Gupta, JCCI President
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 22

Three local Lashker-e-Toiba militants were killed and an Army officer was injured in an overnight gunfight in south Kashmirs Pulwama district.

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A protester was later killed and scores of others were injured in clashes that erupted in Pulwama following the killing of the militants.

The gunfight had erupted late Wednesday at Kakpora, nearly 30 km from Srinagar, when joint teams of the police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation following input on militants presence.

As the searches were launched in the area, militants opened fire, which was retaliated, triggering a gunfight. In the exchange that continued for many hours, three local Lashkar militants were killed and a Major was injured, a police officer in south Kashmir said. Two Rifles and ammunition were also seized from the site.

Sources identified the three slain militants as Majid Mir, Shakir Ahmed and Irshad, all residents of Pulwama.

Clashes also broke during the operation and youth pelted stones at the forces to disrupt the operation. The police had to fire teargas shells to disperse the protesters.

After the encounter broke, the authorities suspended the Internet service in Pulwama district late last evening. The situation was tense in the district.

As the news about the killing of three militants spread, clashes and protest erupted in the area. In the ongoing clashes, 22-year-old Touseef Ahmed Wani, a resident of Tengpuna Pulwama, was killed and many other were injured.

At least five militants have been killed since Wednesday morning. Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a district commander, were killed in an encounter with the police and security forces in Pazalpora area of north Kashmirs Sopore sub-district.
Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh), June 22

A man was lynched to death on Wednesday by locals after he allegedly raped and killed a six-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district.

The incident took place in Aligarh's Bheekamapur village.

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The accused, a resident of Badaun, worked at the snacks shop of the girl's father.

A month ago, the father of the girl fired him from work.

The man allegedly lured the girl and took her to the nearby farm where he raped and then killed her.

When the parents of the girl were unable to find her, they looking for her and later recovered her body from the farm. The accused was also found sitting beside the girl's body.

Angry over the incident, the locals thrashed the accused. When the police reached the spot, the villagers handed over the man.

He was taken to a hospital by the police where he was declared dead a few hours later.

The accused was nabbed by the locals. He was sitting near the body of the girl. He was drunk. He was thrashed by the people and later died at around 3 am, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Aligarh, Rajesh Kumar Pandey.

The police have filed a case. ANI
Kolkata, June 22

Arrested former Calcutta High Court judge CS Karnan was on Thursday admitted to a state-run hospital here after he complained of uneasiness.

Doctors at the SSKM hospital conducted medical tests on Karnan and advised that he gets admitted since some results were not normal, sources in the Presidency Correctional Home (jail) told PTI.

He (Karnan) was taken to the state-run SSKM hospital today after he complained of uneasiness and doctors conducted various tests on him. Going through their findings, the doctors advised that he must be hospitalised, an officer said.

ECG, echocardiography and other tests were again done on the former high court judge and results of which showed abnormalities, he said.

Karnan complained that he was uncomfortable and had very little breakfast today. We then took him for a check-up at the SSKM hospital, the officer said.

The former judge was taken to the SSKM hospital last night also after he complained of chest pain, but nothing abnormal was found in his medical report, he said.

Karnan, who had been evading arrest since May 9 after the Supreme Court awarded a six-month jail term, was arrested on the night of June 20 by a team of West Bengal CID from a private resort at Malumichampatti, about six km from Coimbatore, where he was hiding for the past few days.

He was brought from Chennai to Kolkata yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Presidency Correctional Home.

Karnan has earned the dubious distinction of being the first sitting high court judge to be awarded a jail term by the apex court. He retired from service on June 12 as a fugitive.  PTI
New Delhi, June 22

India is working with ASEAN to evolve regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific with the aim of finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

Discussing various aspects of Indias strategic partnership with the powerful bloc, Swaraj said ASEAN-India trade was back on track after two years of slow growth with an increase of 8 per cent in 2016-17.

In her address on India-ASEAN partnership at the Research and Information System, a think tank, the minister listed terror financing, arms smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and cyber crime as major challenges facing the region. India and ASEAN, she added, had been working to combat them.

India has been working with ASEAN towards evolving regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific that hinges on emphasising the peaceful settlement of disputes, finding collaborative solutions to emerging and non-traditional challenges, and support for the centrality of ASEAN. Enhancing maritime cooperation and security had been an area of focus for both ASEAN and India, she said.

Discussing economic ties, she said the bloc had become Indias fourth largest trading partner, accounting for 10 per cent of total trade.

According to Swaraj, India was actively engaged in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations involving ASEAN and its six FTA partners, which, when finalized, would be the largest regional trading arrangement, accounting for about 40 per cent of world trade.

After almost two years of slow growth, ASEAN-India trade is now back on track with an increase of 8 per cent in 2016-17 and with Indias exports to ASEAN having increased by almost 20 per cent in 2016-17, she said.

Connectivity, the minister felt, was a huge enabler for stimulating trade and investment as well as to ensure peace and stability.

We recognise that the single most important ingredient that can make a qualitative shift in our economic engagement with ASEAN is a major boost towards infrastructure and connectivity, both within India and in the North East in particular, and with ASEAN.

The external affairs minister said efforts were on to enhance connectivity by land, air and sea to transform the corridors of connectivity into corridors of economic cooperation.

For enhancing digital connectivity, specific proposals have been put forward, involving the setting up of a regional high-capacity fibre-optic network, supplemented by national rural broadband networks and digital villages in remote areas.

Highlighting Indias Act East policy, she said various communities of the North East share ties of blood and history with ASEAN countries.

The North East is a natural partner in Indias Act East Policy.

Swaraj also talked about Indias cultural links as well as the influence of Hinduism in some ASEAN nations.

Thailand incorporates significant elements from Hinduism in its architecture, arts, sculpture dance, drama and literature. The Cham temple complex of My Son Wat in Vietnam is dedicated to Bhadreshvara, an incarnation of the Lord Shiva.

The magnificent Angkor Vat in Cambodia was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu.

The Vat Phou temple in Lao PDR, Ananda temple in Bagan, Myanmar and the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia are examples of the influence of Hindu architectural principles, she said. PTI
New Delhi, June 22

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar of the Congress was today chosen as the opposition's joint candidate against NDA's Ram Nath Kovind in a 'Dalit vs Dalit' Presidential battle that saw Bihar's ruling alliance divided and the BSP getting out of a dilemma.

Though the numbers in the electoral college were stacked in favour of Kovind making his election as the 14th President a virtual certainty, the Congress-led opposition decided to put up a fight and also plumped for a Dalit face for the July 17 polls. Both Kovind and Kumar are aged 72.

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Kumar is a former diplomat and daughter of the late Dalit icon Jagjivan Ram.

With Kovind also being a Dalit, this makes it a Dalit vs Dalit presidential contest.

"We have decided to field the name of Meira Kumar for the presidential election... We do hope that other parties also join us," Sonia Gandhi said.

Her party colleague, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said Kumar was a unanimous choice.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar proposed three names -- Kumar, former union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Rajya Sabha MP Bhalchandra Mungekar, both Dalits from Maharashtra.

The decision to field Kumar was taken at a meeting of 17 non-NDA parties in Parliament House Library with the leaders unanimously endorsing the name of the diplomat-turned- politician.

"We have 17 opposition leaders present here and all of us have decided to jointly field Meira Kumar, former Union Minister and former Speaker of Lok Sabha, as a candidate for the forthcoming election for the President of India," Congress president Sonia Gandhi announced after the meeting.

Read more

Profile: Meira Kumar, a diplomat-turned-politician

Senior BJP leaders to accompany Kovind as he files papers tomorrow

BSP to back more capable, popular Meira Kumar: Mayawati

But the candidature of Kumar, who hails from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's home state of Bihar, appeared to put the JD(U) veteran in a spot after he broke ranks from the opposition and backed the candidature of Kovind, a Dalit leader from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Kovind was the Governor of Bihar before being nominated as the BJP nominee.

Asked to comment on the JD-U stand, Gandhi said, "We do hope that other opposition parties join us."

"We are also proud that she is the second dalit candidate for the post of President."

Asked whether she was upset with Nitish Kumar for supporting the NDA nominee, she said, "I am not upset with anybody. I appeal to every political party to support."

After the meeting, RJD chief and JD(U) ally Lalu Prasad said he will meet Nitish Kumar and will appeal to him again to rethink on his party's decision of supporting the NDA nominee, which he termed as a "historic blunder".

He, however, said there was no threat to the Bihar government, where the JD(U), the RJD and Congress are in an alliance.

But Prasad's hopes of any u-turn by Nitish Kumar were quickly dashed with the JD(U) rejecting his request to reconsider its support to Kovind, saying its stand is based on merit and it will stick with Kovind.

"Our decision to support Kovind remains unchanged. It was a decision taken on merit after due application of mind and full consultation within the party... We will stick with his choice," JD(U) spokesperson Pavan Kumar Varma said.

Shortly after Kumar's candidature was announced, BSP supremo Mayawati extended her party's support to the Congress leader, saying she was "more capable and popular" than Kovind.

"The Opposition's nominee for President's post Meira Kumar is more capable and popular than the NDA candidate.

"The BSP will support Meira Kumar in the presidential election," she said.

Mayawati had said on Monday that her party was positive about the NDA nominating Kovind but wished the ruling alliance had named a non-political Dalit candidate for the top post.

The brief meeting of the opposition parties started with an address by Gandhi where she talked about opposition unity and putting up a joint candidate.

She then handed over the proceedings to NCP's Sharad Pawar who said there are three main names that were doing the rounds and put out the names of three Dalit leaders -- Meira Kumar; Sushilkumar Shinde, a former union home minister, and Bhalchandra Mungekar, a former Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra.

Soon leaders of various parties proposed the name of Kumar as the best possible candidate and then Gandhi capped the discussions by selecting her name.

Earlier, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury put forward the name of Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of B R Ambedkar, but there were no takers.

He also informed that Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, who was earlier being considered as the opposition candidate, had himself called to say that it would be better if the opposition puts up a Dalit candidate after the NDA named a Dalit as its nominee.

Leaders of 17 opposition parties were present at the meeting, which included former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Ahmed Patel, besides Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad.

Left leaders Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and National Conference's Omar Abdullah also attended.

Though Trinamool Congress' Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, who were present at the last opposition meeting held on May 26, were not present their representatives were there. While Derek O' Brien represented the Trinamool, the SP sent Ramgopal Yadav and the BSP Satish Chandra Misra.

Other parties represented at the meeting included JD-S, RSP, JMM, Kerala Congress, IUML and the AIUDF of Assam.

JD-U, which has decided to back Kovind, skipped the meeting. But RLD chief Ajit Singh attended, making up for the numbers.

Most of these leaders were present during the May 26 luncheon meeting hosted by Gandhi at the same venue.

"The name of Kumar has been selected unanimously by one and all. All 17 political parties have unanimously proposed the name of Meira Kumar for the presidential election," Azad said.

He said Kumar is the illustrious daughter of former deputy prime minister and tall Dalit leader Jagjivan Ram. "There could not be a better candidate than her."

Yechury also said that "we are appealing to everybody" to support the candidature of Kumar.

The BJP said the Congress has made Kumar a "scapegoat" by fielding her and questioned why the party did not nominate her when it was in a position to get her elected to the highest office.  PTI
Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, June 22

The Maharashtra Police on Thursday used pellet guns to fire at farmers who were protesting the construction of a boundary wall around an abandoned World War II airport on the outskirts of Mumbai.



According to the state police, several hundred farmers who have been cultivating land inside an abandoned World War II airbase at Nevali near Kalyan on the outskirts of Mumbai resorted to violence this morning.

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At least 12 policemen received injuries as the farmers torched several vehicles on the Thane-Badlapur highway, police said.

With the local police unable to contain the crowd, the administration rushed in riot police who fired several rounds from pellet guns, similar to the ones used by security forces in Kashmir, at the protesting farmers.

At least four of the protesters received injuries on the upper bodies from the pellets, police said.

Thane Police Commissioner Parambir Singh later told reporters that cases of rioting would be registered against the villagers who received injuries from pellet guns.

According to sources, farmers who originally owned the land had cut the fencing around the property decades ago and resumed agriculture.

The Maharashtra Government had considered constructing a full-fledged airport where the air-strip once stood.

However this has been opposed by farmers for years and the matter is in the court.



Meanwhile a spokesman for the Defence Ministry said the land on which the abandoned air-strip stood belonged to the Indian Navy.

The naval authorities said the land records showed the property in the name of the Defence Estate Officer, Mumbai under the Ministry of Defence.

The land was acquired under Defence of India rules by the erstwhile British government in 1943.

However since the property was not fenced, the original owners of the 1600 acre land resumed agricultural activities several decades ago.

Heirs of the original farmers have now challenged the acquisition order before the Bombay High Court.

The petitions have challenged the validity of the requisition order.
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, June 22

The waterlogged streets in Guwahati city after a heavy downpour turn deathtraps and it has been proved once again on Thursday morning when a man was electrocuted to death while he was walking through a deluged city lane in Zoo Road area after the heavy shower. Another person was injured because of electrocution.

This happened close on the heels of death of two persons, including a Class VII student, due to electrocution in flooded Zoo Road on June 13 last when the city was deluged because of flash flood triggered by a heavy downpour.

Dulal Malakar, an employee of a KFC outlet in Zoo Road area was walking to his residence at Sugam Lane on Zoo Road on Thursday morning after doing night shift, when he stumbled upon a snapped high voltage electric wire lying concealed on the waterlogged lane. Another person was injured in the same place because of electrocution.

The agitated locals are protesting demanding immediate relief to the family of the deceased and that the Deputy Commissioner and Guwahati Development Department minister Dr Himanta Bishwa Sarma visit the area to take stock of the gravity of the situation as well as call on the family of the deceased.

A local alleged that the death was caused not because of the flash flood but because of the negligent attitude of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited whose staff did not properly repair a snapped high voltage overhead electric wire in the area and the wire got snapped once again on Thursday morning after the heavy downpour.

Meanwhile, the district administration has announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased who was staying in a rented house in the city with his family. He got married only six months back. The protesters demanded a job for his wife as compensation.

All schools in the city were declared closed in the morning as school buses were unable to ferry children through waterlogged streets. The attendance in government offices and financial institutes in the city was also thin.

Additional chief secretary MGVK Bhanu said the problem of waterlogging and flash flood had compounded this monsoon because of pouring in of rainwater to the city from the national highway bypass that skirts the city to the south. He said they were exploring options to divert the water pouring in from the highway bypass.
Chennai, June 22

One of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Robert Payas, a Sri Lankan national, has petitioned the Tamil Nadu Government seeking mercy killing.

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In an emotionally charged letter to Chief Minister K Palaniswami, he said he should be killed on grounds of mercy and his body should be handed over to his family.

"Payas has petitioned the government through the Puzhal prison authorities," a top prison official told PTI. Blaming the Centre, both the previous UPA Government and the incumbent NDA, for opposing the release of seven Rajiv Gandhi case convicts, including him, when former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa took the initiative, he said, "We do not know why our release has been put on hold."

He said Jayalalitaa's decision to release the convicts was reflective of the aspiration of Tamils not only in Tamil Nadu, but across the world, to see them free.

He said the Centre has "decided that our lives must end in prison".

Stressing that the "silence of the governments, (including Tamil Nadu) only tell us this (that their lives should end in jail)," he said he understood that the intention of the state and Centre was to confine them in prison.

"I have come to the conclusion that there is no use living when there is no scope for release," he said, adding that the very long prison sentence has punished not only him, but also his family.

On 11 June this year, he completed 26 years of incarceration and entered the 27th year, he said.

The thought of seeking euthanasia has now become deeply entrenched, an idea which did not surface in the past, he said.

"Also, for the past many years since none of my family members or relatives have visited me I do not think that there is any meaning in my life."

Claiming that Supreme Court Judge Justice Wadhwa had held him to be "not guilty," in 1999, he said still he continued to serve the prison sentence and it greatly anguished him. PTI
Washington/New Delhi, June 22

The US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India, sources said today, a deal being termed as a game changer ahead of PM Narendra Modis visit here for his maiden meeting with President Donald Trump.

The deal, estimated to be worth $2-3 billion, has been approved by the State Department, sources said. The decision has been communicated to the Indian government and the manufacturer by the State Department yesterday.

Sources, who requested anonymity as the deal has not been formally announced, said the sale of 22 predator drones being manufactured by General Atomics is "a game changer" for US-India relations as it operationalises the status of "major defence partner".

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The State Department and the White House did not immediately respond to the questions in this regard. An official announcement is expected soon.

PM to discuss jobs with CEOs

PM Narendra Modi is all set to leave for his three-nation tour starting June 24. After a stopover in Portugal, the PM will land in Washington DC on June 25.

He will attend a CEO Forum on June 25 where top American CEOs of companies such as Walmart, Apple and Caterpillar will be present. The economic aspect of the bilateral relationship is one area where India plans to push forward during the visit and the forum presents that ideal opportunity.

Apple's Tim Cook, Walmart's Doug McMillon, Caterpillar's Jim Umpleby, Google's Sundar Pichai, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, Pepsi's Indra Nooyi and MasterCard chief Ajay Banga are some of the heavyweights that are likely to attend the forum.  PTI/TNS
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 22

Amid continuing ruckus and disruptions by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday lashed out at the opposition for their atrocious behaviour which smacked of hooliganism.

Talking to the media after intervening in the Assembly to clarify on the farm debt waiver issue, the Chief Minister rapped the opposition for violating the sanctity of the House.

A visibly upset Amarinder, who has repeatedly made his anguish clear on the oppositions obstructionist behaviour in the House, said action should be taken against all MLAs who had been breaking the rules of the Assembly and throwing papers at the Speaker, besides creating unnecessary ruckus over non-issues.

Asked if the AAP and SAD were conspiring together to disrupt the proceedings of the House, the Chief Minister said it definitely appeared to be so, given their conduct over the past few days, in fact ever since the Budget session commenced.

The Chief Minister said he could give the AAP the benefit of doubt since they were novices and did not know how to function in the Assembly, but the Akalis were also behaving similarly, clearly indicating that it was a deliberate ploy to prevent the government from implementing its promises to the people.
Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 21

With educational institutions across the state struggling for funds, there will be no free pilgrimage. The Mukh Mantri Tirath Darshan Yatra Scheme stands scrapped, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal told the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today. He was replying to a query by Firozepur MLA Parminder Pinki during Question Hour.

He said a sum of Rs 139.38 crore was spent on providing free travel to pilgrims during 2016-2017 under former CM Parkash Singh Badals pet project, even as Panjab University was seeking funds and Baba Farid University of Medical Science and Health Care needed Rs 40 crore to overcome financial crisis. Also, Sainik School Kapurthala had not received funds for the past 10 years.

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Preferring religious tourism to promoting education, Manpreet said the previous SAD-BJP government had organised 484 bus trips to Chintpurni, 1,191 to Salasar (Rajasthan), 337 to Anandpur Sahib, 6,481 to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and 223 to Patna Sahib. Besides, special train trips were organised for Nanded Sahib (87), Varanasi (18) and Ajmer (3).

In response to a question by MLA Kulbir Singh Zira, Social Security and Women and Child Development Minister Razia Sultan suggested a time-bound inquiry into disbursal of old age pension to identify "fake" beneficiaries.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said his department would hold a Vigilance probe into encroachment of panchayat land in Mohali. Earlier, MLA Balbir Sidhu had hinted at SAD leaders aiding influential persons in grabbing land.

To a question by MLA Darshan Singh, the Finance Minister said a barbed wire fencing in the lower Shivaliks  from Pathankot to Laltu  to keep wild animals at bay would be completed within five years.

Akali MLA Pawan Tinu pointed to the incomplete sewage treatment plant (STP) in Adampur. In response, Minister for Local Government Navjot Singh Sidhu said not one of the 64 STPs were functional. "Not even 2 per cent of treated water is going to the fields. I assure the House that all STPs will be working within a year and a half," he announced, even as Akali MLAs stormed into the well of the House, raising slogans. They later staged a walkout.

Health Minister Brahm Mohindra, replying to a question by Sanaur MLA Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra, said: The earlier SAD-BJP government has left us with newly constructed buildings that are empty and state-of-the-art machines but none to operate these."
Tribune News Service

Faridkot, June 21

The 27-day-long strike by over 200 contractual and outsourced employees of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) turned violent today.

Some protesting employees barged into the OPD block of the medical college and hospital. The protesters vandalised the furniture in the doctors cabin and smashed the windowpanes.

The doctors and hundreds of panic-stricken patients ran helter-skelter to get away from the OPD ward.

For the past month, these contractual and outsourced employees are on strike, demanding regularisation of their services. The authorities in the medical university have expressed their helplessness in regularising the service of these employees as that decision is in the domain of the state government.

The protesting employees strike has paralysed the working of the medical college and hospital since May 23.

We have already offered 15 per cent increase in salary but they are adamant on regularisation which is not within our domain, said Dr Raj Bahadur, Vice-Chancellor, BFUHS.

For the past two days, the protesters have been blocking all entry and exit gates of BFUHS, causing inconvenience to visitors.

The protesters intensified their protest today after one of them consumed a toilet cleaner. Doctors in the hospital said the employee was out of danger.

On May 31, another employee had attempted suicide by consuming some poisonous substance.

After venting their ire in the OPD ward, some protesters blocked the way to Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot.

To pacify those protesters, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot, Rajiv Prashar rushed to the spot and prevailed upon them to end their protest. We are trying to sort out the issue, said the DC.

Dr Nanak Singh, SSP, Faridkot, said the police were identifying the persons who vandalised the hospital property.
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 21

With the denial of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to grant official permission to the SGPC for sending its delegation to Pakistan, enthusiasts have opted for other organisations to go across the border to commemorate the 178th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) maintained that there was no constraint on the visa facility for pilgrims from Pakistan. The ETPB with the help of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) has made elaborate arrangements of boarding and food for the devotees from India.

Ferozepur-based International Bhai Mardana Yadgari Kirtan Darbar Society is facilitating the trip of at least 240 Sikh pilgrims.

Society president Harpal Singh Bhullar said the jatha would leave on June 28 by a special train from the Attari railway station for the ceremony scheduled to be held at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 29.

We have procured visas for 240 pilgrims without any hitch. We were in touch with the ETPB who assured all assistance, he said.

The root cause appears to be the Nanakshahi Calendar row. The PSGPC observe gurpurbs as per the original Nanakshahi calendar, whereas the SGPC follows its amended version.

Incidentally, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi had even denied visas to another SGPC delegation that wished to visit Pakistan on the Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev on May 29, as it didnt match the calendar followed in Pakistan.

SGPCs chief secretary Harcharan Singh said the MEA was reluctant to give clearance. The MEA had specified that the SGPC should submit an undertaking that the jatha members will go to Pakistan at their own risk. Ultimately, we decided to cancel the trip. Those who still wish to go can do so at their own risk, he added.

Meanwhile, ETBP chairman Sadiq-ul-Fareek, in a press release, stated that Sikh devotees were being scared falsely in the name of deteriorated security concerns. Around 150 visas have already been issued and another lot of 65 visas and more will be granted in a day or two. The Sikh pilgrims are welcome in Pakistan, he said.
Mogadishu, June 22

At least three people are dead and several others wounded after a suicide car bomb blast at a police station in Somalias capital, police said on Thursday.

The bomber was trying to drive into the police stations gate but detonated against the wall instead, Captain Mohamed Hussein told The Associated Press.

Ambulance sirens echoed across Mogadishu, with dozens of soldiers at the scene.

The blast targeted Waberi districts police station on the busy Maka Almukarramah road, Colonel Ahmed Warsame said.

The Somalia-based al-Shabab extremist group often targets high-profile areas in Mogadishu.

On Tuesday, at least 15 people were killed when a suicide car bomber posing as a milk delivery van detonated at a district headquarters in Mogadishu.

Most of the victims were civilians. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility.

The extremist group has vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against it. The group also faces a new military push from the United States after President Donald Trump approved expanded operations, including airstrikes.

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.  AP
Kabul, June 22

At least 34 persons were killed today when a powerful car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistans Lashkar Gah city as people were queuing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dozens of wounded people were rushed to hospital on makeshift stretchers after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris, and sent a plume of smoke into the sky.

The attack comes as the Taliban ramp up their nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan and as the US appears set to boost its troop presence in the country.

The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan.

At least 34 people were killed and 58 others wounded in todays bombing, the provincial government said in a statement.

This was the third attack on this bank since 2014, with the Taliban claiming their target was Afghan soldiers and police on their way to draw salaries. But the government said most of the victims were civilians, including women and children.

For years Helmand province, of which Lashkar Gah is the capital, was the centre piece of the Western military intervention in Afghanistan, but it has recently slipped deeper into a quagmire of instability.  AFP
Sydney, June 22

Australia on Thursday lifted a suspension on military air missions over Syria imposed after the shooting down of a Syrian jet by US forces.

Canberra temporarily halted flights on Tuesday after a spike in tensions between the US and Russia, which warned it would track coalition aircraft in Syria as potential targets.

Moscow also halted a military hotline with Washington over the incident, intended to prevent confrontations in Syrias crowded air space.

Australia defence ministry said in a statement the suspension was a precautionary measure to allow the coalition to assess the operational risk.

The suspension has since been lifted, it added.

The United States moved quickly to contain an escalation of the situation after the jet was downed on Sunday evening when regime forces targeted the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters battling IS.

A top US general said the country would work to relaunch the deconfliction hotline established in 2015, after Russia said Washington had failed to use the linea vital incident-prevention toolbefore targeting the plane near Raqa.

Australia is part of the coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and in late 2015 extended air operations into Syria, with a total of 780 defence personnel based in the Middle East.

The staunch US ally in September said it would widen the scope of targets in the air war against IS by allowing its pilots to strike jihadist support and logistics resources in Iraq and Syria.

Australias Air Task Group consists of 300 personnel, six F/A-18 Hornets, an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, and a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker and Transport plane.  AFP
Tel Aviv, June 22

Hundreds of yoga enthusiasts stretched, pulled and lunged on coloured mats in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday to celebrate International Yoga Day.

Some 1,500 mats printed with artwork depicting Israels future were laid out for the event in Rabin Square.

This is the third International Yoga Day and we have basically an amalgam, a mix of all different yoga schools here in one place, said volunteer Yuav Yenen.

Other mass yoga sessions were held in China, Colombia, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, Italy, Singapore and atop Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca citadel in Peru.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined 50,000 people in an outdoor yoga session in Lucknow.

Modi has pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide, promoting a lifestyle industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline that is estimated to be worth around $80 billion. Reuters
Manila: The Philippine military said Islamist militants fled from a primary school in the south on Wednesday, leaving behind 31 hostages unharmed, including 12 children, after a day-long gunbattle with troops. There was no word of casualties in the incident at Pigcawayan town, which is about 190 km south of Marawi City, where fighting between government troops and pro-Islamic State militants has entered its fifth week. The enemy made a hasty withdrawal, leaving behind 31 hostages, among them 12 youngsters, Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said. Reuters

Macron allies quit French government

Paris: Two more ministers from the centrist party that helped bring French President Emmanuel Macron to power quit the government on Wednesday as he prepared to unveil a new cabinet. Justice Minister Francois Bayrou, leader of the small MoDem party and a key ally of Macrons in the presidential campaign, told AFP: I have taken a decision not to be part of the next government. European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez is also set to resign, meaning all three MoDem ministers are leaving the cabinet after just over one month in office. AFP

Russia regrets new US sanctions

Moscow: The Kremlin has voiced regret about the new US sanctions against Russia and warned of possible retaliation. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today that the US move wasn't constructive, adding that various options are being considered on expert level. The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it has imposed sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and firms over Russian activities in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the penalties are designed to maintain pressure on Russia to work toward a diplomatic solution. AP
Washington, June 22

The US has said that China has a responsibility to exert much greater pressure on North Korea to prevent escalating tensions with a government that ignores the law and provokes and provokes and provokes. US diplomatic and defence chiefs met their Chinese counterparts for security talks and pushed China to rein in companies that allegedly deal with its wayward ally North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.

Trump has been counting on China to use its economic leverage with the government of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as American concern grows over the Norths acceleration toward having a nuclear missile that can strike the US mainland.

Trump tweeted ahead of yesterdays talks that Beijings efforts to sway Pyongyang werent working. That comment came amid outrage in Washington over the death of Otto Warmbier days after the comatose American student was released from imprisonment in North Korea.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Trumps commentary represents the American peoples view of North Korea right now. We see a young man go over there healthy and with a minor act of mischief and come home on the verge of death.

What you are seeing I think is the American peoples frustration with the regime that provokes and provokes and provokes and basically plays outside rules, plays fast and loose with the truth, Mattis told a news conference.

At the talks, Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hosted Chinese foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi and Gen. Fang Fenghui, chief of the Peoples Liberation Armys joint staff department.

Their meeting took place against a backdrop of high tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula. On Tuesday, the US flew two supersonic B-1B bombers there in a show of force.

South Koreas Defence Ministry said the bombers engaged in routine exercises with its fighter jets aimed at deterring the North.

China understands that the US regards North Korea as our top security threat, Tillerson said. We reiterated to China that it has a diplomatic responsibility to exert much greater economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime if they want to prevent further escalation in the region.

Tillerson called for increased efforts to curtail the Norths illicit revenue streams of revenue that allegedly help fund its nuclear weapon and missile programs. He said the two sides agreed on the need for companies not to deal with North Korea in violation of UN sanctions, but did not specify any particular action China was promising to take.

Mattis said China continues to work these issues. North Korea conducts about 90 per cent of its trade through China, which maintains that it implements the UN sanctions properly.

Chinese officials were not immediately available for comment after the talks. Beforehand, China said it was hoping for positive outcomes from Wednesdays dialogue. It had long pushed for a resumption of US negotiations with North Korea, which currently appears a remote prospect.

The talks also covered the South China Sea, where Beijings island-building and construction of possible military facilities have rattled neighbours and caused tension with Washington. The officials also discussed US-Chinese military cooperation to reduce risk of conflict, as well as efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.

Divisive trade issues will be dealt with at a later date.

Like past presidents, Trump is finding the US has limited scope for punishing North Korea, particularly over the arrest of US citizens. Three Americans remain in detention in the reclusive country.

Trumps administration is considering a ban on Americans visiting North Korea. That would only slightly add to the Norths isolation and loss of revenue. The route to inflicting significant economic pain on Kims government remains through China.

Washington has one threat it can use with Beijing: the possibility of secondary sanctions that go after Chinese companies doing business in North Korea. Such a move risks fraying relations between the worlds two biggest economies.

The Chinese state-run Global Times warned in an editorial that if Washington imposes sanctions against Chinese enterprises it will lead to grave friction between China and the US.  AP
Brussels, June 22

British Prime Minister Theresa May said at the start of a European Union summit on Thursday that she would reassure fellow leaders that her government will protect the rights of their citizens living in Britain after its departure from the bloc.

But other leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, made clear that they did not want to get drawn into Brexit discussions

and instead preferred to focus on the future of the EU without Britain.

At her first EU summit since a June 8 election sapped her authority to set the terms of Brexit, May said: "I'm going to be setting out some of the UK's plans, particularly on how we propose to protect the rights of EU citizens and UK citizens as we leave the European Union."

She seemed keen to calm the mood with the continentals after weeks of sniping during her election campaign, describing the first formal meeting of Brexit negotiators on Monday as "very constructive" and stressing that London wanted a "special and deep partnership with our friends and allies in Europe".

Merkel also expressed a desire for constructive talks with Britain, but made clear that the EU's priority now was its own future. "I want to state clearly that the shaping of the future of the 27 has priority over the negotiations with Britain over its exit," Europe's leading power broker said on arrival. "We will conduct these talks in a good spirit," she added.

"But the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27." France's new President, Emmanuel Macron, spoke of working with Germany to revive European integration and did not refer at all to Britain during his remarks before talks got under way.

Over after-dinner coffee, May will outline her plan to provide early guarantees for some three million people living in Britain from other countries in the bloc, a British source said.

But her wings have been clipped - not only in Britain where voters denied her a majority in parliament, but also in Brussels where EU leaders will try to stop her from discussing Brexit beyond a quick briefing. One EU official said too much detail from May would be unhelpful, as it could provoke reactions.

Instead, once she has left the room, they will continue their own discussion of Britain's departure from the European Union, notably on which city gets to host two EU agencies being pulled out of London - a potentially divisive issue for the 27.

Weakened by an election she did not need to call, May has watered down her government's programme to try to get it through parliament and set a softer tone in her approach to Brexit.

Yet her aims have held - she wants a clean break from the bloc, leaving the lucrative single market and customs union and so reducing immigration and ending EU courts' jurisdiction.  Reuters

Tusk imagines UK staying

"The Brexit negotiations started 3 days ago. It is a most difficult process, for which the EU is well prepared. Some of my British friends have even asked me whether Brexit could be reversed, and whether I could imagine an outcome where the UK stays part of the EU. I told them that in fact the European Union was built on dreams that seemed impossible to achieve. So, who knows? You may say Im a dreamer, but I am not the only one." Donald Tusk, European Council president

"We propose to protect the rights of EU citizens and UK citizens as we leave the European Union". Theresa May, British Prime Minister

"Shaping of the future of the 27 is priority. We will conduct these talks in a good spirit. But the clear focus has to be on the future of the 27". Angela Merkel, German Chancellor
Mary Caroline Cole was all about eliminating barriers.

As a woman in a male-dominated profession, she faced her share of obstacles, like the architecture professor who banned her from his classroom because of her gender. She would have to sit in the hall, he told her.

So Cole spoke to the Oklahoma A&M College president and received permission to sit in the classroom. The professor groused that she could come in and sit, but she was forbidden to say a word. Cole smiled and kept her mouth shut.

Cole had become interested in architecture when her father, C.C. Cole, was chairman of the building committee for Boston Avenue Methodist Church and asked art teacher Adah Robinson to sketch a design.

Her mother, Audrey Cole, supported her career choice but complained that she couldnt see why Tot (as she was known to friends and family) couldnt be both an architect and a Junior League member.

After a year at A&M, Cole transferred to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, working as a waitress and earning scholarships to pay her way. Once again, she was the only woman in her classes.

It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it all, but it would have been awful if I couldnt have taken a lot of teasing, Cole recalled in a 1945 Tulsa World interview. One time the boys took the seats out of my car and hung them from the rafters in the classroom.

After graduating from Cornell in 1941, the young architect worked in Kansas City for a few years before returning to Tulsa. In 1945, she became the first woman granted an architecture license in Oklahoma.

At first she had trouble getting work.

Ladder of success

You have to prove that youre as good as the guy  much more so, she said in a 1969 interview. But now, they pay me as much for the job as they would a man.

She learned quickly not to climb a ladder while wearing a skirt. When she started up the ladder at a job site, all of the sawing and hammering stopped. She went home and changed into slacks. When she returned, work continued at its usual pace.

She found her calling in designing for the handicapped.

The second house I ever designed was for a family who had a son with brittle bones, she said in 1984. He was in a wheelchair. It was very special to me. Now I try to make all my buildings accessible.

Cole became known as an advocate for universal or barrier-free design. She served on the Governors Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals in 1976.

It was here first

Trees were another passion of Cole. On one job site, a cherry tree had to go. She dug it up and transplanted it to her own yard. She likewise rescued an apple tree. Other times, she reworked plans to spare trees.

To her, trees around a home were like jewelry on a dress.

Her own home at 15 E. 21st St. featured a large elm tree growing through the roof of her living room.

I didnt have the heart to cut it down. It was here first, she said.

She fashioned what she called turtleneck sweaters of clear plastic around the holes in the roof and used door springs to hold them in place. Later, after the tree had to be cut down, she had the stump carved into a statue of her beloved bulldog, Beauregard.

Her projects included homes, offices, churches and industrial plants. She also designed three Tulsa fire stations, incorporating her innovative ideas.

She designed Station No. 18 at 4802 S. Peoria Ave. with a drive-through feature, enabling trucks to enter without having to turn around in the street and back in. This became a standard design citywide.

The first northside fire station, which opened at Mohawk Boulevard and Peoria Avenue in 1956 and employed the citys first black firefighters, was one of Coles designs.

She also designed Station No. 21 at 4606 E. 31st St. with masonry interior walls and floors so that the inside can be washed out with a firehose, she said.

When designing a family home, she would first learn as much as possible about them, their preferences, hobbies and habits.

By knowing all this, you can make the house fit them. Sometimes, you can do things for them that they dont know they want themselves, she said.

Cole died at age 78 in 1991.

Read more Throwback Tulsa stories.
Image: www.boipagla.com

Kolkata, June 22 (IBNS): Eminent Bengali writer Shasthipada Chattopadhyay has been awarded Bal Sahitya Puraskar for his contribution to childrenas literature in Bengali for 2017 by the Sahitya Akademi.

The Executive Board of the Akademi met on Thursday at Guwahati under the chairmanship of its President Prof. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari to approve the selection of 24 writers for the award on behalf of Sahitya Akademi.

The Awards relate to books first published during five years immediately preceding the year of Award which required that the books are to be published between 2011 and 2015. However, the award may also be given to a writer based on his/her total contribution to Children Literature during the first 10 years of initiation of the award i.e. from 2010 to 2019.



The award include a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque and a cheque of Rs.50,000.



The Yuva Puraskar in 24 languages has also been announced today. According to Dr. K. Sreenivasrao, the Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, 16 books of poetry, 5 of short stories, 2 of biography and one of essay have won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2017.

Shamik Ghosh won the award for his collection of Bengali short stories while . Ms. Maina Tudu was awarded for her book of poetry in Santhali.



The award including a copper-plaque and a cheque of Rs.50,000 is given to an author of the age of 35 and below as on 1st January of the year of award.
A north Tulsa man was shot to death early Wednesday outside his home, and the suspected shooter is in the Tulsa Jail.

Police said John David Schmidt, 36, reportedly began shooting a gun around his neighborhood about 1 a.m. Officers responded and found damage to a residence in the 800 block of North New Haven Avenue occupied by three people, Sgt. Dave Walker said.

Neighbors reportedly had seen a man walking around the neighborhood, but no one actually saw him shooting. Police remained in the area due to the nature of the call, Walker said in a news release.

Police received another call about two hours later that a man had kicked in the door to a home and the homeowner returned fire, Walker said. The homeowner said the man fled on foot.

The man went one block west to Marion Avenue, where an officer saw him standing in the street near a car occupied by 33-year-old David Willis, who had just arrived home, a police affidavit says.

When an officer drove by Willis car, he heard three gunshots and believed the gunman was shooting at him, according to the news release.

The officer left his vehicle and commanded Schmidt to drop his weapon.

The suspect threw down his gun and surrendered, Walker said.

Three shots had gone into Willis car, striking him twice in the chest and once in the back, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Schmidt allegedly made a spontaneous utterance admitting to the slaying while in an officers patrol vehicle.

He was booked into the Tulsa Jail on complaints of first-degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and first-degree burglary.

Schmidt, reportedly a convicted felon from Kansas, is being held without bond.

The homicide is Tulsas 41st of the year.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Public schools reliance on under-qualified teachers shows no signs of letting up at the dawn of a new fiscal year.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education on Thursday morning approved 224 more emergency certificates for the month of July. Those are provisional licenses that allow individuals to be employed as classroom teachers before they complete the education or training requirements for regular or alternative certification.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said the states teacher shortage isnt going away  in fact, it is getting worse.

Of the 224 considered, 142 of those emergency certificates were renewals, because a change in state law last year allows teachers to teach over the course of two academic years with an emergency certificate.

Last year at this time, the board considered 77 emergency certifications, prompting Hofmeister to comment that does not bode well.

Local school superintendents have to first certify to the state that there were no certified candidates to qualify for a position they wish to fill with someone who needs an emergency certificate.

The districts are recruiting those individuals because they have not been able to fill those vacancies, said Deputy State Superintendent Robyn Miller.

Board member Bill Flanagan said it is important to keep the figure in context, which he said was that of Oklahomas 42,000 teachers, only about 2 percent to 3 percent are teaching without fulfilling all of the states requirements for traditional or alternative certification.

Board member Cathryn Franks pointed out that not all emergency certified teachers are necessarily unqualified.

Some could be certified in another state and emergency certified here, Franks said. It doesnt mean that we have 2 or 2 percent that are unqualified. Some are certified in another state  I have lived that moving from state to state.

Hofmeister also pointed out to the state board that even with the record numbers of positions being filled with emergency certified teachers, 800 to 1,000 teaching positions have remained unfilled in each of the last couple of academic years.

Scores of schools all over the state have grown increasingly reliant on filling classroom vacancies with emergency certified teachers amid a statewide shortage of applicants.

For fiscal year 2017, which ends June 30, the state board approved 1,160 emergency certificates, a new all-time record and a 9.1 percent increase over 2016s total of 1,063.

Just five years ago, only 32 such certificates were issued by the state in a single year.

Support services

take another hit

In adopting a new budget for fiscal year 2018, Hofmeister noted that for a second year in a row, state funding for support services for public school students will be down about $38 million over the level of funding provided just two years ago.

And the funding level in both FY 17 and FY 18 is $47.9 million below the state funding level of these supports five years ago.

She said the hit to the support of public school activities budget is important to remember amid claims by some politicians of maintaining flat funding for education.

The loss of $38 million for a second year is truly a staggering cut and we look forward to the year when these funds are restored, she said.

Last June, funding was eliminated for 11 programs, including state support for school professional development; bonuses for psychologists, speech pathologists and audiologists; parent education; financial literacy; and Ag in the Classroom programs.

Education officials elected to use about $117,000 in savings from the teacher retirement system to restore supports for early childhood education and remedial reading instruction to the levels provided three years ago.

Officials say those are critical needs with school implementing new academic standards.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Attorneys with four of Oklahomas largest DUI law firms joined forces Wednesday to file a Supreme Court lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Oklahomas new drunken-driving law.

This is a bad deal, said DUI attorney Charles Sifers. We did everything we could to try to get this not to go through.

State Rep. Scott Biggs, who served as the House author of Senate Bill 643, strongly disagreed.

That lawsuit has absolutely no merit, whatsoever, Biggs said. Its being filed by a group of defense attorneys who stand to lose a lot of money in attorneys fees because were doing the right thing in eliminating the administrative hearing process.
A proposed ordinance discussed by city councilors on Wednesday to protect people in roadways would effectively outlaw panhandling and put an end to fundraisers like the Tulsa Fire Departments Fill the Boot campaign.

The proposed ordinance adds detail to existing regulations under state statutes prohibiting solicitations in roadways, said Bob Garner, city prosecutor.

As the law currently stands, those soliciting donations can avoid breaking state and local law by simply reaching into the roadway  not entering it, Garner said.

The proposed city ordinance would specify that no body part may enter the roadway while soliciting, Garner said. It also would increase the preset fine amount.

Councilor Karen Gilbert, who sponsored the agenda item, said the purpose is to protect residents who unnecessarily put themselves in harms way.

Its not specifically going after panhandling, Gilbert said. Its a public-safety issue. We dont want anyone getting into the street.

But Gilbert and Garner both acknowledged the largest group of residents affected by the municipal ordinance would be panhandlers.

Mayor G.T. Bynum said the proposed ordinance hasnt yet had any input from his office, and any impact to the citys Better Way pilot program to put panhandlers to work is unknown.

Tulsa Fire officials did not return a request for comment on the ordinance.

Garner said firefighters doing the annual Fill the Boot fundraiser, churches and other groups would be encouraged to continue their efforts with private partners such as gas stations.

The roads are meant for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, he said.

In Garners presentation to councilors, he specified that the current ordinance endangers residents who may lose limbs by reaching into the street while soliciting donations.

After the presentation, Garner said he wasnt aware of any incident that resulted in loss of limb or any auto-pedestrian incident directly related to soliciting that influenced the writing of the ordinance.

Ive heard about things where someone almost got hit, Garner said.

The proposed ordinance adds details to an existing ordinance, specifying, No person shall step or stand in a roadway  or place any body part in or over a roadway, or extend into or over the roadway any device, container or sign for the purpose of soliciting a ride, donation, employment or business from the occupant of any vehicle.

The ordinance was up for first reading Wednesday night but with an emergency clause so that it can be enacted as soon as possible to protect residents, Gilbert said.
New Delhi, June 22 (IBNS): Rashtirya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad said on Thursday that he will appeal to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to support the Opposition nominated candidate Meira Kumar, for the presidential poll, once he returns to Patna.

Nitish has extended his support to BJP-led NDA candidate Ram Nath Kovind for the race to become the president.

Lalu stated this while he was speaking to media after the Opposition's meet.

The presence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad in the meeting seemed to be significant, as his ally in the Bihar government, Nitish Kumar's JD(U), has extended support to the NDA nominated candidate.

However, Lalu said the running of the Bihar government with JD(U) won't be affected over the issue.

The RJD chief even highlighted the ideological differences as the sole reason for opposing Kovind. "We fight for ideology and not for any person. Kovind is an RSS follower. Moreover, NDA did not consult before announcing the name" he said.

Taking a dig at Nitish, Lalu virtually accused the Bihar CM of changing the ship in the middle of the sea. He said: "Nitish ji (Nitish Kumar) was present in the first two meetings. He then said that the decision will be taken collectively. But on Wednesday, he suddenly supported Kovind. I would not have supported Kovind even if Congress did."

While several political parties were the front runner to create a unified Opposition ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha election, Nitish's position seemed to be ambiguous. While once he said a collective opposition is absolutely necessary to stop the Modi wave, he later skipped the lunch invitation of Congress president Sonia Gandhi but met PM Modi, the next day.

However, the Bihar CM acknowledged the meet with PM Modi as non-political.

In 2015, all opposition parties including Nitish-led JD(U), Lalu-led RJD and Congress formed a grand alliance and ultimately crushed BJP's Bihar dreams.

But of late, from demonetisation phase to presidential polls, JD(U) supported BJP-led NDA.

Countering the presidential nominee of BJP-led NDA, the Opposition selected former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar to contest the poll, on Thursday, giving it a Dalit vs Dalit twist.

Announcing the name of Kumar, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "The name of Meira Kumar has been selected unanimously by seventeen political parties for the presidential poll."

The meeting of the opposition parties had representatives from NCP, RLD, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, RJD along with the Congress vice president Sonia Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh.

Both candidates of the NDA and the Opposition are Dalits, which had raised the topic of playing caste card in the political field.

While Kovind comes from Uttar Pradesh, Kumar is of Bihar origin.

Pranab Mukherjee's term as the president will expire in the month of July.

Image: Official Facebook page of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The nation finally will get to see the details of the Senate Republican version of health-care reform on Thursday.

For weeks, 13 GOP senators have been meeting in secret on legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare, the clunky 2010 law, passed exclusively with Democratic votes.

Theres plenty wrong with Obamacare. The private-public mash-up was awkward from the beginning and very expensive. Its mandates and bureaucracy helped spark the Tea Party movement that flipped control of the House in 2011, and Donald Trumps promise to repeal and replace it helped carry him to the White House in 2016.

But theres a distance between seeing the Affordable Care Acts flaws and figuring out a politically viable way to fix them that results in a better situation for the nation.

Revising the ACAs mandates and eliminating its Medicaid funding would shrink the size of the coverage pool, which would drive up costs for insurance companies and hospitals, which would drive up premiums for patients, which would result in fewer people carrying insurance. Competing forces in the medical marketplace create a vicious cycle of shrinking coverage and rising costs, which complicate any solution  economically and politically.

The House version of health-care reform, passed last month with only Republican votes, was initially celebrated by Trump, but later he reportedly said it was too mean. After the House passed the measure, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that it would result in 23 million fewer people with health-care coverage by 2026.

When the bill arrived in the closely divided Senate, it was clear that it would be completely reworked, but that process  controlled by the Republican majority  has been conducted outside the publics view.

A change this monumental shouldnt be constructed in secret.

The health care of millions is in the balance. While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells decision to exclude the public was politically expedient, it is the wrong way to conduct public business.

McConnell promises that the public will have plenty of time to examine the bills after it is released Thursday, and, this time, no vote will be taken before the CBO analyzes the impact.

The whole nation will be watching Thursday to see if Senate Republicans have managed to force a political camel through the eye of a health-care needle.
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Another Community TV broadcaster has expressed disappointment at the Turnbull Govt decision to switch off its access to Free to Air spectrum.

With ever-increasing concerns about the lack of diversity and locally-produced content in Australian mainstream media, we simply cant understand why we are being switched off until a specific need is identified for the spectrum which we currently occupy, General Manager, Lauren Hillman told The Advertiser.

Channel 44, which has been broadcasting in Adelaide for 23 years, will be forced to operate online when the Australian Community Television networks signals are switched off nationally at 11:59pm on June 30.

As frustrating as this decision has been for all community TV stations across the country, Channel 44 has remained an important community voice in Adelaide since 1994, and will continue to do so, even after our free-to-air signal is switched off.
Ok this is pretty sad.

In the 10 years I have been running TV Tonight Ive never once had to publish a newspaper ad looking to sell a TV network.

But that is that state of play today, June 22nd 2017.

Administrators KordaMentha have placed a national advertisement seeking Expressions of Interest in a rare opportunity to recapitalise or acquire an iconic Australian free to air broadcaster.

It comes a day after the House of Reps voted (and passed) media reforms. Timing, people.! But it will still face stiff opposition in the Senate.

Edit: The ad notes TEN has key franchises including MasterChef, The Bachelor and the Big Bash League and operates in a market that generates a gross revenue of around $3billion.

Korda Mentha are throwing in a transformation strategy which renegotiates key agreements and cost initiatives, there are media reform and licence fee relief just a 10 minute drive away. Dont ask about how many crew are heading to South Africa, it might make your head spin.

If you have a few million in spare change down the back of your couch, you can reach Ryan Rabbitt or Lachlan Viney at [email protected]

Tell em TVT sent you.
Actor Rob Collins (pictured, left) is riding the crest of a wave right now.

He has leading roles in Cleverman, The Wrong Girl, an upcoming appearance in Glitch and a Logie Award as Best New Talent.

Not bad for 12 months work. Since graduating from NIDA in 2013 his performing roles, including his professional stage debut in The Lion King, have been anything other than an overnight success.

In TV when things come on air it can be a very compressed time. It looks like a steady row of work it has been steady but not as quick, he observes.

I like to see people who I would ordinarily see out on the street on telly.

The Darwin-born actor, who returns as Waruu in ABCs ambitious Cleverman, is a believer in Indigenous actors also being cast in non-Indigenous roles.

On a practical level it gives a more opportunities to wonderful Indigenous actors, a lot of whom who have been in the industry a long time.

At the end of the day there is a flow-on effect from seeing diverse faces on screen.

I like to see people who I would ordinarily see out on the street on telly. Theres a familiarity about it and it reinforces the way you live. Its not this sort other world. Even though we are creating an other world on screen, I think more needs to be done.

But its an encouraging time to be an Indigenous actor.

Indeed, Cleverman puts Aboriginal talent centrestage -both behind and in front of the camera. The six part series resumes its mix of ancient Aboriginal mythology and futuristic action heroes.

Collins plays Waruu, the estranged brother of Cleverman Koen (Hunter Page-Lochard), whose alignment with billionaire Slade (Iain Glen) puts him at odds with the Hairypeople.

He has a dubious relationship with Slade now

Its Waruu with resources, Collins explains. He has a dubious relationship with Slade now, but his quest to be top dog hasnt fallen by the way, in any respect. Hes still a determined character, as he was in the first series. But with Slade it offers up a whole world of possibilities, money, power all the things you need to make things happen.

There are shades of grey in Waruu, who regards himself as an altruistic leader who wants to lead his people out of the dark.

But I have to say having played it, its feeling a lot muddier now. The balance between doing good for the community, and good for himself, is tilted towards himself.

Its sharper in the second series.

Cleverman was conceived by Ryan Griffen for his son, as a tale that puts Indigenous characters into heroic roles. Nominated for a Peabody Award, its returning cast includes Frances OConnor, Deborah Mailman and Tasma Walton joined in series two by Rachael Blake, Clarence Ryan and Taylor Ferguson.

Its a look back on past atrocities on the homefront.

Yet for all its futuristic and dystopian settings, there are deeper themes at play.

If anything its a look back on past atrocities on the homefront. Outwardly its very simple to draw the parallels between asylum seekers, the current mindset (regarding) Muslims around the world. Fear of the other is acute, Collins suggests.

As much it is a futuristic look a dystopian world, its themes harken back to a darker days in our history.

Its subversive. Theres a lot you can get away with in sci-fi. You are looking through a lens, with new technology, looking into the future and to sneakily say something about the past and present.

Collins acknowledges the density of the first season attracted some criticism, but the co-production with Sundance TV has its US fans who engage through social media.

They keep chiming in about how much they love the show and how excited they are to see the second series.

So I assume its doing well over there, he says.

Its great that an Indigenous Australian story is resonating with folks in the US.

Its all about the brothers story. They are engaging with characters and the constant battle between Koen and Warru. But also Latanis (Rarriwuy Hick) story. I think she has a number of US followers.

Filming has taken place at Macquarie Park and Coogee, but there is a different feel from the Hairypeople scenes in the Zone, filmed at Redfern.

Carriageworks was an incredible space, with its disused trains, rusting corrugated iron, thick silt on the floor it was so industrial and dirty. It was fascinating how locations really marry to the tone of the story, Collins suggests.

This series is very clinical, straight-line, clean. Warru is a polished beast. Hes wearing MJ Bale suits, Armani ties, driving flash cars. Its the same world but very different as far as Warru is concerned.

I have two that are polar opposites

Playing roles in dystopian / sci-fi one month and romantic melodrama the next has to be the best of both worlds for any actor.

The ideal situation is to have a variety of roles and characters. Thankfully I have two that are polar opposites, Collins agrees.

Its good to be able to dip into a bit of a range. Im in a very lucky position.

But maybe I am having all my luck now and all the obscurity will happen next year!

Cleverman returns 9:30pm Thursday on ABC.
A new cohort of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences students were recently awarded dissertation completion fellowships. The dissertation completion fellowships were established to reward excellence, persistence and hard work by doctoral students and to provide them with financial support so they can spend their last semester or two concentrating on the completion work necessary to finish their dissertations.

Rikki Bettinger, History - Latin American History

Dissertation: Imperial Counterparts: North Atlantic Womens Travels in the Caribbean and Mexico, 1800-1860

In her dissertation, Bettinger examines the private writings of North Atlantic women who lived or traveled in the Caribbean and Mexico in the early nineteenth century.

This dissertation asks what can be learned when we survey the corpus of extant diaries of traveling North Atlantic women, considering them as a type of imperial writing. It privileges womens experiences and womens writing, and seeks to explore those experiences in an interconnected, comparative framework, says Bettinger. Women were traveling to these regions in far greater numbers than heretofore recognized. By centering these diaries, this project allows for a fuller understanding of interconnections in the Americas, the role of women as travelers and writers, and the degrees to which constructions of gender and race, in combination with class, sculpted the experiences of women under colonialism in the early nineteenth century.

In addition to published travelogues, Bettinger excavates the private writings of women including Margaret Curson, Mary Gardner Lowell, Margaret Morton Quincy Green, and Sophia Peabody who traveled to Spanish Cuba; Maria Nugent during her stay in British Jamaica; Francis Calderon de la Barca who visited Mexico; and Susan Shelby Magoffin and Anna Marie Jackson de Camp Morris who traveled through northern Mexico.

Eric McDonald, History

Dissertation: Violent Identities: Elite Masculinity and Slavery in Seventeenth-Century Barbados

McDonalds research focuses on the cultural and political relationship between early modern England and Barbados's colonization, especially the islands emergence as a slave society. He argues that political chaos and warfare fueled the ways in which the Barbadian elite approached establishing and governing a colony that turned on the enslavement of a black majority.

According to McDonald, violence structured life in seventeenth-century Barbados. The planter-elite defended the small island against invasions by the Dutch, French, and, in the shadow of the English Civil War, battled the Protectorate Navy when Oliver Cromwell sent a convoy to overthrow the island's leaders in 1652. Meanwhile, a staggering degree of everyday violence took place on plantations, haunting the lives of servants and slaves.

My research documents the development of a rich and distinct masculine identity among elites in seventeenth-century Barbados tied to ideals of violence. There is substantial, unappreciated evidence that this identity was an essential, guiding force in the creation of Barbados and the unprecedentedly violent system of racialized plantation slavery that developed there, says McDonald.

Christopher Murray, English/Creative Writing

Dissertation: The Specific Ocean

Murrays dissertation is a collection of poems titled, The Specific Ocean. As the manuscripts title suggests, it is concerned with specifics. The poems are filled with images, details, and the names of characters and places. This virtual ocean of specifics renders the world depicted as something often ominous and never easily knowable.

As the speaker of the poemsa sort of amateur private investigator inhabits a series of strange yet familiar landscapes (a motel in a desert, an abandoned campsite, a crime scene, an observatory), he wonders who inhabited these places before him, who will arrive next, what happened there, what is to be done now, how much time we have left, and whether we will be able to muster the resources needed to put things right, says Murray. In other words, the poems use specific locations as forums to investigate macrocosmic questions (political, personal, philosophical) in the microcosm of a specific environment.

He notes that other characteristics of his poems are playfulness, a sense of humor, an appreciation of the beauty of the natural world, and a desire to findamidst the chaos and confusion of contemporary lifesome kind of transcendence.

Adrienne Perry, English/Creative Writing

Dissertation: See Through Girls

See Through Girls is a novel that is focused on the lives of Aimee and Ginny, two multiracial Barnard College students living in New York in 2013. In the book, readers follow the characters exploits as they attempt to bring forth radical change in their peers relationship to race and gender. See Through Girls is conceived as an English-to-English translation of Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man. More than paraphrase or imitation, this translation is an extension of Ellisons novel.

Central to See Through Girls are themes of mixed-race identity, white supremacy, relationships among women, class, female relationships to power and male privilege, and the role between art and activism. Though it is a work of fiction, the novel connects these themes to contemporary movements, events, people, and locations.

See Through Girls is ambitious, says Perry. It joins an urgent conversation about race, gender, and privilege in America.

Bruno Rios Martinez de Castro, Hispanic Studies

Dissertation: Writing on ruins: Political Operations of Contemporary Mexican Poetry 1985-2015

Rioss dissertation focuses on contemporary Mexican poetry as a key tool to understanding the neoliberal era in Mexico, beginning with the presidency of Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado (1982-1988) and lasting until today.

Considering the historical and political context that produces them, the primary purpose of this dissertation is to examine the different aesthetic and thematic strategies with which this corpus of works can configure a discourse of resistance against neoliberalisms disarticulation of the political subject. I call these strategies political operations, says Rios.

Rios analyzes works that create a discourse in response to four specific moments of political tension, namely the devastating earthquake from 1985 in Mexico City and the AIDS epidemic; the political transition of the year 2000; the so-called "narco drug war" during Felipe Calderon's presidency, and the destruction of the environment in recent years beyond the Mexican border. He then argues that poetry functions as a privileged form of literary discourse, capable of creating a political response that resists the appropriation of capitalist markets. In addition, he takes an interdisciplinary approach to his research by also examining the way the photography of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide, and the cinematography of Latino director and writer Alex Rivera, can generate a dialogue with works of poetry in those specific moments.

Jonathan Solis, Political Science

Dissertation: "The Determinants of Government Perpetrated Attacks against Media."

According to Solis, many scholars recognize a free press importance to a healthy democracy and good governance. However, the factors that contribute to and determine press freedom levels remain surprisingly understudied in the political science literature.

My dissertation focuses on the institutional determinants of when governments are more likely to attack media. Attacks include jailing journalists, harassing media personnel, or closing news outlets to control information the information they air or publish says Solis.

He believes his completed dissertation will contribute to the media freedom literature in three ways  it will provide two new empirical datasets for researchers and finally it will introduce a new theory that includes the judiciary and regime type as determinants of attacks against media.

Kenicia Wright, Political Science

Dissertation: The Ties that Do Not Bind: Social Capital, Minority Female Representation, and Social Inequality in the United States

Wrights dissertation argues that despite the fact that America is one of the most racially diverse democracies, and that representation is a core element of democracy, minority women are still substantially underrepresented.

I address this shortcoming in my dissertation by linking the intersection of race and gender and social capital to policy representation of women of color, she says.

Wright believes her dissertation offers several major contributions. First, she integrates three key scholarly traditions  legislative representation, social capital, and intersectionality to study minority female representation and provide insight on the determinants of minority female representation. Second, she bridges legislative politics and the public policy literature by examining whether minority female legislators and bureaucrats substantively represent minority womens interests. And finally, she offers an innovative theory that links the political effects of social capital to multiple social identities and answers the call for more application of the intersectional framework in political science and public administration research.
Srinagar, June 22 (IBNS): The Army on Thursday repulsed attack from the Pakistan's Border Action Team in J&K's Poonch in which two Indian soldiers were martyred.

The Indian army also killed two out of the three intruders.

One however managed to escape.

The army said the operations are still on.

Both martyred jawans belong to the state of Maharashtra and has been identified as Jadhav Sandip Sarjerao and Savan Balku.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the decision by the Kingdom of Morocco to admit a group of Syrian refugees stranded in difficult circumstances at the countrys border with Algeria since 17 April.

The remaining 28 refugees from an original group of 41, including women and children, were collected on 20 June by the Moroccan police from the border and transported by bus to Bouarfa, from where they were transferred to the capital Rabat. UNHCR is working with the authorities of Morocco and other countries to find a durable solution to the plight of these vulnerable refugees.

The decision to admit the refugees was announced in a press release from the Royal cabinet on Tuesday. The press release said that, on the basis of humanitarian considerations and in the context of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, King Mohammed VI had instructed authorities to allow the refugees entry into Morocco.

UNHCR welcomes this humanitarian gesture, which is in keeping with the traditions of hospitality demonstrated by countries across the region.

Since 17 April, UNHCR has been working closely with the concerned authorities to find a solution for this group of Syrian refugees stranded at the border between the two countries.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits a coffee shop run by two South Sudanese refugees in Nguenyyie camp, Ethiopia.  UNHCR/Petterik Wiggers

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - African countries have shown great generosity in hosting the continents refugees, but member states must do more to address the root causes of regional displacement, the UN refugee chief told a meeting of regional leaders.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi made the appeal in an address to the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday (June 21).

Grandi stressed that humanitarian aid was not a solution for the more than 17 million displaced people in Sub-Saharan Africa. He said the region needed to develop better early warning systems and diplomacy to help prevent conflict before it caused displacement.

The AU plays a fundamental role in addressing the circumstances that drive displacement today, and I urge you to place the plight of the displaced at the centre of your engagement in situations affected by fragility and conflict, he said.

The search for solutions to these and other displacement crises is fundamentally linked to addressing the root causes that drive and accelerate division and violent conflict, he added.

The High Commissioner called on regional countries to address human rights violations and impunity in order to deepen democracy and good governance across the continent, he said.

Grandi highlighted the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, which is the fastest growing displacement crisis in the world. Nearly four million South Sudanese people have fled their homes, half to neighboring counties.

"Place the plight of the displaced at the centre of your engagement in situations affected by fragility and conflict.

It is almost as if the country is emptying itself, he said referring to a visit he made to South Sudan a few days earlier. The displaced people I spoke to had one strong common message: the need for peace, and for strong responsible political leadership to bring that about.

The High Commissioner was in Addis Ababa during a visit to Africa that began in South Sudan last week and culminates with a Solidarity Summit on Refugees in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Friday.

In South Sudan, the High Commissioner visited sites in Juba and Bentiu where some of the countrys nearly two million displaced people live. Besides conflict, millions of South Sudanese are fleeing drought and famine.

During a visit to Gambella, Ethiopia, on World Refugee Day on June 20, he highlighted the right for refugees to receive an education.

The country hosts nearly 850,000 refugees in total, the majority from South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. He praised the Ethiopian government and people for their long history and continuing tradition of welcoming refugees, even in the face of the ongoing emergency in South Sudan.

Ethiopias foreign minister said his country would continue to keep its borders, and its hearts, open to refugees.

As part of last years New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants, Ethiopia, along with Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti and Somalia have committed to developing programmes and policies that take a more comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of refugees and the communities hosting them.

Grandi said these countries, which have been hosting refugees for decades, have something to teach the rest of the world. However, he stressed that their generosity should not be taken for granted and needed more support so they could continue to flourish.

The High Commissioner plans to emphasize the need for greater sharing of responsibility for refugees worldwide when he addresses the Kampala summit on Friday.

About 500 delegates are expected to attend, including heads of government, UN and financial institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Image: Screen Grab from www.twitter.com

Toronto, June 22 (IBNS): Sunrise ceremony and the permanent installation of indigenous flags on Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall were part of The City of Toronto (which includes Toronto and its adjoining cities)as celebration of the 22nd annual National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday.



In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons.

During the month of June and on June 21 every year, many indigenous people and communities celebrate their culture and heritage to recognize the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Wednesday's ceremony, which started at 5:30 am on Nathan Phillips Square, was attended by approximately 200 people includingindigenous leaders and community members, members of City Council the public and City staff.

The Sunrise Ceremony was inaugurated by Steve Teekens, Executive Director of NaMeRes and his helper Oshkaabewis.

This was followed by a permanent commemorative installation of indigenous flags including Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Six Nations, Huron-Wendat, Metis and Inuit.

Today, Toronto joins cities across Canada in celebrating National Aboriginal Day, said Toronto Mayor John Tory. "As part of our recognition of the unique history, culture and significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples, we are proud to unfurl five permanent Indigenous flags here at Nathan Phillips Square."

During the breakfast reception following the ceremony, Andrea Chrisjohn, Executive Director of Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, delivered his presentation called Restoration of Identity, which is part of the Residential School Survivor Legacy Project.

The Restoration of Identity included an installation of a commemorative statue of a Turtle, as specified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action (Call to Action #82, available at http://bit.ly/1ETcJ8g).

Proclamation for National Aboriginal Day in Toronto was then read by Mayor John Tory and presented it to Chrisjohn.

It was followed by an addition of a stencilled chalk drawing to the Moccasin Identifier Project by the participants, on the podium roof ramp leading onto Nathan Phillips Square.

The moccasin markers are a reminder of Toronto City Halls pledge to follow traditional territory of indigenous people.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)


Lately, Uber has faced a lot of issues fueled by the resignation of its CEO. Now, the cab-summoning company hopes to win back its customers with a series of app changes.

To top it all, New York Times reported that Uber will soon allow drivers to get perks in the app instead of receiving cash from customers. In a recent email, the management assured the employees that improvements will be enacted in the next 180 days. On the other hand, the company also issued modifications in terms of payment.

New fees

For one, the tipping button mentioned earlier puts Uber in line with Lyft, its biggest rival. Customers will now have lesser time to cancel a ride before incurring a fee too. They have two minutes to finalize their order before Uber charges $5 to $10. Previously, riders are given five minutes for cancellations.

Moreover, the online taxi company can now charge riders for making drivers wait. Upon the arrival of the Uber cab, the customer must be ready to get in the car in two minutes. After that, the rider must pay for every additional minute. Note that rates will vary by city. (In Chicago, the per-minute charge is 20 cents)

Lastly, the management has acknowledged how annoying teenagers tend to be. Parents who registered their teens for accounts will have to pay an extra fee of $2 each. That amount is meant for each ride.

New features

Riders can now "easily" see how drivers rate them. Under their profile names, a star rating (out of five) is displayed. Clicking on the rating will also show pieces of advice on how to be better commuters.

Consequently, Uber introduces its ability to bookmark places that riders often visit. Lyft offers a similar feature. In it, riders need to tap "Add custom shortcut" to mark a favorite location.

In January, Uber allowed the synchronization of mobile calendars with the app. It makes the setting of destinations easier. For instance, if the rider had a meeting at a restaurant, the app would detect the calendar event and show the option to set the destination to that particular venue. On a different news, Click Orlando reported that Uber and Lyft will soon pick up passengers at the Orlando International Airport.
A typical two-year MBA program costs $200K, which is already boring holes in students' pockets. However, more and more schools are raising the cost of their MBA programs. In fact, nine schools are already part of this threshold with many more joining in the 'club.'

Here are the nine business schools whose MBAs are worth more than $200K:

Stanford - $225,594

New York University (Stern) - $220,948

Pennsylvania (Wharton) - $218,900

Harvard - $213,600

Columbia - $209,424

Dartmouth (Tuck) - $208,300

Chicago (Booth) - $207,518

MIT (Sloan) - $201,028

Northwester (Kellogg) - $200,434

Most of the most expensive MBA programs are private schools. But further down the list are public schools as well. In fact, the 10th spot for the list of MBAs worth $200K more belongs to UCLA's Anderson School, which is a public school. Although it is not more than $200K, it is getting to that threshold at $194,220.

Why did the cost of an MBA program balloon to such big heights?

Stanford was transparent enough to break down where the $225,594 is going. A whole lot of that, of course, goes to tuition which is $68,868. The next biggest slice goes to living allowance which is $34,653. The other slices include medical insurance, books, materials and program fee, and transportation.

With the rising cost, one can't help but wonder if pursuing an MBA program is really worth it. Will the return of investment pay for the cost that a person will spend for a two year masters program?

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the median salary of a recent MBA graduate is at $110,000. That's 83 percent more than someone with a bachelors degree who could expect a median salary of $60,000.

Those who finish their MBA programs from prime schools can even expect to receive more. Stanford, for example, said that their MBA graduates can expect a median salary of $140,553.
With cryptocurrencies becoming more and more popular, so is the need for more blockchain expertise. The University of Edinburgh acknowledges this need so it is opening the first-ever blockchain course in Europe.

Offering a course on blockchain technology has placed the University of Edinburgh in the forefront as an authority in the blockchain. This might come as a surprise but not for those who have been following the route where the university is going.

Last year, it established their own Blockchain Technology Laboratory, which focuses on blockchain research and development. Thus, the blockchain course is an expected move.

The course is called Blockchain and Distributed Ledgers which will give students an in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology as well as ledgers. It will also teach students how to build their own blockchain as the course progresses.

Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies have been the most popular use for the technology. However, more and more companies and organizations in different industries are beginning to see its importance and adopting the technology.

Recently, Microsoft announced that it is providing digital IDs to more than 1 billion undocumented people around the world using blockchain. As the technology spreads, there will be a strong demand for experts.

Although the technology is only a recent development, it is dynamic and growing fast. Aggelos Kiayias, a director of the universitys Blockchain Technology Laboratory, said that "there is a bit of a lag" and academia needs to catch up.

The University of Edinburgh and its alumni has always been in the forefront of research and development since it was established in 1582. Some of its notable alumni include Charles Darwin, surgeon Joseph Lister, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

It also made headlines in the 90s after creating Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell.
A lot of people become easily frustrated for being forgetful. But a recent research suggests that it is how the brain is supposed to work - forget unnecessary information instead of storing memory.

Two neuroscientists argued in their study that the brain is not designed to function like a video recorder that stores everything. Instead, it only stores important and relevant information that helps people make better decisions.

Blake Richards, the co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Toronto, said that the brain throws away those unimportant and irrelevant information to make way for new information. In short, the brain forgets so people can easily navigate this ever-changing world.

To test their theory, the researchers trained mice to locate a water maze, which the researchers changed the locations several times. One group of mice were injected with a drug that makes them forget everything. Turned out that those mice with 'erased' memories could locate the water maze easily than those who remembered.

With this discovery, they surmised that forgetting stops people from generalizing things that often lead to mistakes. Richards said that if the human brain remembers everything, it could suffer the same fate as the character in "Funes the Memorious," where he remembers everything. However, this also prevents him from understanding because he sees these memories as individual snapshots.

This also explains why the brain tends to forget episodic memories - those things that happened quickly., such as what the person ate for lunch three weeks ago. That's because these things are unimportant.

On the other hand, the brain easily remembers things that contribute to human survival. That is why people cannot forget the trauma they went through so that they will avoid it in the future.

Thus, no matter how much a person thinks that something is important but the brain deems it irrelevant for survival, it overwrites as time goes by and soon it is forgotten.